#ah yes - my sudden ability to communicate and have thoughts

[givemaycoffee]

Oh my god. I just wrote an essay in the comments of a fanfic and I was like Wow, I sure had a lot to say.

And then I remembered I actually took my adderall this morning XD

[unathorn]

"Akhila."

Una returns the name as it's offered with a small nod. Watching as the small flowers are deposited in the mug.

"Good. If you had no expectations then I've unwittingly managed to exceed them."

Was she flustered? Hard to tell. It's hard for Una to get a bead on the other. One moment cool calm and collected. The next a hesitation and computation as Una apparently - for the second time in their two encounters - manages to do something unexpected. Was she more disarmed by the small bunch of flowers than she was by the sudden emergence of a wolf? It certainly seemed that way.

There's the smallest of smiles as the good doctor says 'sit'. Rather than 'take a seat'. Something perhaps she might have said to the wolf, as though commanding an oversized hound. The phrasing causes a slight amusement as she pulls out a chair and does - sit.

"No, no thank you. I'm fine. Thank you for the offer though."

Ah - to business then. No small talk. Una has to wonder what might have been put upon the doctor since arriving on the Island. Seemingly she was the only person with education or training in actual medicine. Certainly Una's little herbal remedies wouldn't touch the skill of a surgeon when it came to assisting the people here. But to do so single-handedly... That must be quite the pressure.

"I am well. Have been well."

But after their previous discussion she's sure that 'Akhila the practical' would rather prefer specifics.

"The stitches held and didn't tear. Though when I returned to this form, they hung loose. I could pull them through to make them snug again, but then I may be back to square one. Changing from wolf to human makes me smaller, so it does seem sensible to take your approach and sew in wolf form. Its the other transition that's the issue. Small to large is trickier to resolve."

"But when I'm in human form I can use something else to hold the wound closed, leaving the loose stitches in tact - manual application is easier with... Hands. It would be helpful to have something disposable... Something that might break away and allow the stitches to remain and re-tighten on becoming larger."

Which is pretty much what she'd done. There's a small bandage over the wound right now. Loose stitches tucked inside a piece of cloth to stop them catching or snagging. The bandage itself tight enough to pinch skin together.

"As I have more than one form. Perhaps there is no single solution. But rather two."

Hopefully not... three. As the flash of remembrance kindly reminds her that those forms don't stop at two. That thought is shoved neatly aside. Not something to give the good doctor concern about. An issue yes, but one that she was... Hopefully... Dealing with.

"I am, however open to any suggestions you may have. Or questions. Again, easier to answer those when I have a functioning voice box. It's hard to communicate the detail without scaring the bejezus out of people when all one can do is growl."

There's a small snort at her own terrible joke. Sounding remarkably like the snort Akhila would have heard previously. Quieter but definitely the same mannerism there.

"So please, ask anything you like. I'll try to answer to the best of my ability."

What a marvel, and a horror. Akhila spent an entire evening making notes. Writing possible solutions. Thoughts. Theories. She paced up and down the corridors of the medicentre frenetic and imbued by a fresh desire to unpick this new radical world. One that evidently permitted a woman to shift to wolf and back again. She was overjoyed to have a purpose. Beyond playing nurse to Craig’s various ailments. Condensing down an entire retinue of staff down to just her had severe disadvantages. On the other hand, it was presenting fresh challenges that had her plunging into the depths of med school memories. Akhila ransacked the warehouse for any medical literature, there wasn’t much, and poured over what she could find.

She was exuberant. Renewed.

Now this felt like a holiday. One with purpose and a defined goal.

Unfortunately, as this new skill bloomed it came with repercussions that Akhila couldn’t have foreseen. Note-taking was increasingly, and frustratingly, becoming an arduous and illegible task. Akhila had found a practice pad for sutures stuffed into one of the cupboards. It became her morning religion to dutifully practice a skill that had been so effortlessly innate. Now, her hands slipped, fuzzing into a haphazard speed she couldn’t yet control with finesse. Akhila grunted. It appeared to be getting worse day by day. What would become of her? 

Akhila had never fathomed there might be a world where she couldn’t do what she so loved. The very nature of these tremors meant she was not, under any circumstances, perfect at sutures. Adequate she might just scrape, but her current judgement fell closer to poor. Though she supposed an inability to do the perfect graft of a hamstring wasn’t likely to be an immediate hindrance. It was seemingly only a matter of time before one of these buffoons broke bones.

“Hello?” Akhila called back. For shame, she quickly packed the practice kit away. It had neatly all come out of a hard plastic box and was returned to its proper place. “Ah––” Akhila stood, rather abruptly and smoothed out the dune-toned scrubs she’d borrowed. “Pleasure to meet you too Una, it’s Ms. Asthana, or well––Akhila.” She stared at the flowers a little disbelieving until Una offered them out.

“They’re very pretty, and they make excellent tea.” Akhila had run through, alone, what she might say when they’d met again. Regarding the sutures, of course. Had they taken. Would they withstand her transformations. Akhila was rather stumped, she retrieved the flowers and for now arranged them in her empty mug. Not quite a vase. “Apologies I will do them better justice.” She pointedly cleared her throat.

“And not turn them into tea, I really wasn’t expecting anything in return, but they’re lovely.”

“Right––do please sit. Can I fetch you a drink? I only have black tea I’m afraid though I think there might be instant coffee in the staff lounge somewhere.” Akhila found herself talking at a rate of noughts. She pulled her top lip between her teeth and inhaled deep. Slow down. “How have you been?” Start wide, and then she could drill down into the specifics.

[celestialarchon]

The Celestial Archon

Chapter Two: The Moonlight Phenomenon

Genshin Impact x F! Reader

Warnings: major Genshin Impact Spoilers! Possible grammar errors.

Tag list: To Be Added. (sorry it needed to be published!)

With the return of a mysterious archon, celebrations began! The night was filled with laughter, food, and memories being made. One person was amiss during the celebration, Mona still found herself unsettled and unable to be as excited as the others. An eerie feeling of unrest and anxiety has settled over our esteemed astrologist as our beloved heroes celebrate.

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“I’ve finally found you,” Mona’s intense astrology session was interrupted by a cheery high pitched voice.

“Hello, Seraphim.” Mona turned to greet the beautiful woman.

She nearly gasped as the woman walked in, her hair now styled and her eyes shining brighter than before, the mysterious tattoos seemed to have faded and though she was still striking she looked far more human than before. The Celestial Archon merely smiled at the woman’s surprise and stepped towards her, hand out.

“We should talk, my child. Fate had brought us together, an astrologist with a water vision instead of a celestial vision is strange enough.” The woman was calm but not cold as Mona took her hand.

Mona was warm as the gentle archon interlocked their fingers and led her to the corner of the room, sinking down into a comfy chair and pointing at the one next to her. Disappointment creeped up in the astrologist as her idol released her hand. It was quickly replaced with embarrassment and a soft flush across her cheeks. Mona was wholeheartedly captured by the mystery goddess.

“I’m sure you’re aware,” The bright eyes goddess sighed, “That my arrival in Teyvat has stirred up some trouble.”

Mona frowned slightly, “There was already trouble, your sudden appearance is not the cause of it.”

“That’s good, but I still feel that my presence is going to stir the pot a bit. I am connected to all the stars and spaces of this world, I can feel and see things so deeply and I am well aware that there are challenges coming. It’s annoying in some ways.” Her eyes were distant again.

Words were lost on Mona for a moment. She couldn’t begin to imagine how stressful it was to feel so deeply, to constantly be overwhelmed by information and one’s connection to the world. Every piece of text written about the Celestial Archon was very vague. Information on the god of stars was hard to find and many details had been lost, yet one thing seemed to stay the same in ever piece of information Mona had consumed.

Even when the world was teeming with elemental energy and gods were far more common, the goddess of the sky, Seraphim, was an oddity. Before the Archon war, Seraphim was a lone wolf being without many ties. The last god of stars kept to herself and had no desire to interfere with the other’s problems, despite knowing so much of them. It was incredibly lonely and sad.

“You said it’s strange that I have a water vision,” Mona finally spoke.

“Yes,” The archon clicked her tongue, “Had I been around, somebody like you would’ve received a vision from me. However, you did not receive one of my visions and ultimately that should’ve impacted your abilities over astrology but it did not. You are quite the gifted character, aren’t you Miss Mona?”

Mona’s face was tomato red at the words of the beloved celestial archon, “I am honored to be complimented by the goddess of stars.”

“You’re very formal,” The starry eyed goddess laughed.

“Excuse me,” the two were interrupted by none other than the acting grandmaster, “I would like a word with the Lady of the Stars.”

Mona was hesitant, not wanting her idol to slip away but nodded and escorted the woman to the door. She was a bit dissatisfied with the conversation they’d had, wanting to know more and more of her long awaited god. The woman turned back to Mona, eyes twinkling, and embraced her. The normally level headed and somewhat haughty astrologist stiffened in shock but returned the warm hug. A sigh escaped Mona’s mouth, but she didn’t mind. The goddess was warm and something about her affection put Mona at peace.

“I am so lucky that somebody as beautiful and gifted as you awaited my return, Mona Megistus. Until we meet again, my darling.” The woman’s grasp around Mona tightened as she whispered in her ear.

The water mage watched as the strange goddess gracefully glided away with Jean. She was ethereal with the moonlight filtering in from tall windows, her skin illuminated as she hung on to every word Jean said. Even the confident and ever busy acting grandmaster found butterflies swarming her abdomen at the sight of the goddess. Jean felt as if she could be swept away by the young woman.

A part of Jean felt guilty for several reasons. As acting grand master, it was her duty to know about the citizens of Mond, it was her duty to work without personal emotions interfering, and her duty to oversee the safety of all the wind borne citizens. The Celestial Archon was challenging all of these duties. It was only natural for an astrologist to be obsessed with a god of stars, and Jean had interrupted the conversation. The Dandelion Knight couldn’t help but feel an innocent sort of crush on the goddess, she was kind and beautiful and she really seemed to want to get to know everyone. Ultimately, Jean was also aware of the danger a new archon posed.

Even so, the beautiful knight couldn’t help but want to push all those thoughts aside and capture the attention of the goddess for hours. She shook off that thought, attempting to focus on her duty as Mondstat’s respected Grand Master. Jean explained the general politics of the city of freedom and the individual jobs of the knights of favonious. She even went as far as to explain the adventurer’s guild and the recent trouble with Storm Terror. The Celestial Archon hung on to every word, nodding and asking occasional questions.

Jean took the time to explain the place they were in, a place between Mondstat and Liyue, and the teleport points that marked both countries. She was diligent and had already prepared some documents for the 8th Archon, maps and other things needed in the world. Jean had even communicated with others to ensure each safe place for the archon was marked. The allied domain was the middle ground, but Mondstat welcomed the new Archon with a living place and much to do. Liyue had also prepared a small home in the city for her.

The archon stared in wonder at the map. The knights of Favonious had prepared a room for her in their own head quarters, even the esteemed Tycoon had set aside a room. Wangshuu Inn welcomed her and Liyue Harbor gave her quarters close to Rex Lapis. Small notes were written for her, both Xiao and Diluc noted the stars were best seen from where they were while the traveler and Paimon had starred their favorite places to eat.

“Ah, Master Jean.” The Goddess spoke slowly, bowing.

“Please, Seraphim, there’s no reason to be so formal!” Jean’s voice rose nervously, “You are an archon after all.”

“Yes, that’s true. You do not serve me though, please refer to me as my chosen name. Formalities aren’t my taste much.” The Archon remarked bashfully.

Jean nodded, rose dusting her cheeks.

“I,” The Archon sighed, “Really need an open space so I can, uh, deal with my weapon situation.”

“Oh, oh!” Realization hit Jean.

“Oh, I am so sorry,” Jean babbled nervously, “Here let us go out to the cliffs, it should be okay, right?”

“Mhm,” The goddess followed the knight to the exit.

Aether and Paimon were also by the exit, turning at the sound of approaching foot steps. Aether grinned and waved at the Celestial Archon, she waved back and beamed. Paimon immediately took off, throwing herself into the Archons arms as the woman giggled. Jean’s face was priceless, attempting to process how this small otherworldly creature could just tackle and archon without shame.

Aether and his companion followed the two women, curious about the weapon another archon would wield. The group made their way to the edge of the cliff, the stars seeming extra bright and the moon full. The goddess lowered herself, feet on the lush grass and put her hand forth, palm out. Swiftly, she struck the air in front of her with her pointer finger, an unfamiliar constellation connecting at each point.

“Return to your master, Destroyer of Divinity.” Her words were clear and calm.

The constellation burst into a ray of white light, Aether covered his eyes as Paimon whined. Darkness fell again and he opened his eyes, gasping at the sight in front of him. The goddess held a long weapon close to her body, above her shoulder was a large opalescent curved blade, below the hip on the opposite side, another shimmering curved blade could be seen. No weapon in Teyvat was even similar.

“I-Is is that a scythe?!” Jean sputtered.

“Aha, well yes,” The goddess blushed at their reactions, “Destroyer of Divinity is an unusual weapon, meant to slice through dimensional and spatial barriers. I didn’t mean to shock you.”

Aether stood, mouth agape, “Even its name is terrifying! What the hell?”

“Ahahaha,” the archon continued to laugh nervously, “Well, its existence is basically to bring judgement from the heavens upon those deserving so yeah it’s a bit intimidating.”

Aether nearly screamed. How could she say something so casually?

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The traveler was feeling a bit nervous, as anybody would if an Archon decided to tag along for their daily commissions. Paimon and the Celestial Archon chattered away as Aether spoke to the Katheryne in Liyue. It did not help that the three had left before the others awoke and the Celestial Archon had left a note declaring it as a “friendly date.”

The last thing Aether wanted was to piss off literally any of the adepti, the Geo Archon himself, and even Jean who had taken a very noticeable interest in the goddess. A cloud seemed to look over the blonde but Paimon didn’t notice. The eighth Archon gave the teenager a sympathetic smile and put her hand on his shoulder, attempting to ease his nerves. Only one thing could make the situation worse, and unfortunately that particular thing was heading straight towards Aether.

“Let’s run,” Aether grabbed the startled archon’s wrist and dragged her to the teleport point nearby, ignoring the calls of a certain troublesome individual.

The archon chuckled, “I didn’t know daily commissions would be so exciting!”

Aether smiled sheepishly and let go of her wrist, trying to focus on which commission to start with. He was distracted by a sudden commotion, people yelled out as a hooded figure darted past the trio. Liyue Harbor’s guards thundered after the thief, knocking the poor panicked goddess off her feet.

The eight archon shut her eyes and prepared for the impact of the fall, but was yanked back by a pair of strong arms.

“Hey, girlie. Hold still.” A charming voice said.

The goddess watched as the lanky ginger haired man moved forward and shot an arrow, narrowly missing all the guard and hitting the suspicious character in the back. Aether’s eyes were filled with shock and panic at the sight of the man. Immediately, the goddess side stepped away from her hero, on high alert.

“Now,” He turned to her beaming, “What exactly is such a beautiful young lady doing with this kiddo?”

Her starry eyes met his azure eyes, “I’m just a new adventurer from Mondstat, learning the ropes from the best.”

“Hmm?” His gaze was questioning, “Well then, I’m Childe. Number 11 of the Fatui Harbingers. We should definitely get to know each other.”

The goddess moved to Aether in a quick swift movement. Suddenly, she wanted very much to escape Liyue Harbor. The Fatui were trouble, the goddess was new to the era but even she knew that they were dangerous. It was one of the first matters addressed at her arrival. She no longer knew the Cryo Archon, and this Tsarita sounded troubling.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” an annoyed voice chimed in, averting the red head’s attention.

A shorter man with a large hat and ominous aura stood behind the tall harbinger. Aether tensed up and the goddess wrapped her arm around his shoulder. Slowly, the trio made their escape at the expense of Childe. The older harbinger was chewing the younger man out for flirting and wasting time, both harbingers bickered as the traveler and his companions fled.

“You shouldn’t be wasting time on trying to get laid you, fool.” Scaramouche scowled, still ripping into his subordinate. “Especially not that woman, even from a mile away I can tell she’s trouble. You’re a harbinger not a host, get your shit together, Tartaglia.”

Childe smirked, looking down on his superior, “So you noticed her, too. I wonder what someone like that is doing with my favorite traveler.”

“We should alert the Tsarita of that girl,” Scaramouche mumbled, avoiding the earlier comment.

“I actually agree,” Childe’s eyes narrowed, “I was hoping to see for myself what she is, but that kid stopped me of course. There’s something strange about her but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe I can charm it out of her?”

Scaramouche slapped his comrades back, “Let’s go you useless fucking playboy.”

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Wangshuu Inn looked beautiful and the aroma of food was far too enticing. Aether sighed as he watched his small, chubby companion chase after the eighth archon. The woman was supposed to be divine, yet in some ways he reminded her of a puppy or a kitten. She was somewhat moody with her affections and spacey like a kitten may be, and still somehow clingy and energetic like a puppy.

Luckily for the two, Aether had a commission from Verr Goldet. The blonde tried to maintain composure as he saw a familiar dark haired yaksha speaking with the Inn Keeper, not wanting to admit he’d accidentally led the Fatui straight to the Archon. The traveler watched in fascination and amusement as Verr’s face twisted from composed to horrified when Xiao was knocked over by the goddess. The conqueror of demons merely grunted and stood back up, clutching the ethereal woman to his chest.

Xiao’s eyes were cold as they met Aether’s, clearly annoyed with the boy, but his expression softened at the yawning goddess in his arms. Once again, the traveler was overcome with curiosity at her behavior. Only moments ago the woman was bubbly and hyper, now her eyes were fluttering and she was snuggling up to one of the most dangerous beings in Teyvat. Without a word, the tattooed man spun around and carried the goddess upstairs.

“I’m here for your com-“ Aether began.

“Who was that?!” Verr Goldet burst out, “I’ve never seen Adeptus Xiao so damn agreeable. What just happened? Is this a dream?”

Paimon giggled, “He loooooves her! That person is the one we told you about before! Even Xiao can’t be in a bad mood around her, it’s amazing!”

“Oh,” Verr blushed at Paimon’s words, “She’s that person? No wonder he’s been so restless.”

“Wait, restless?” Aether questioned.

Verr Sighed and beckoned the two to a guest free area. The two followed her into a small back room, exchanging glances. The boss lady pulled out an old book and brushed the dust away. Aether and Paimon peered down at the book, puzzled by its appearance. It was a dark leather with carvings of the moon and clouds on the front.

Carefully, Verr flipped the book open and turned it to the two. Paimon shot up, shrieking. The book looked like a book you’d find in a library but was strange. Instead of ongoing text, the pages had scraps and pieces stuck on the pages with various notes scribbled around. Verr turned to the first page, placing her middle finger at the beginning text and giving Aether and expectant look. The traveler leaned down and began to read the text.

“The moonlight phenomenon: Legend of Liyue.

It is said that there was once a ruler of the stars, one who ruled over the sky as the Gods rule over our land. When tides of war overcame Liyue, Rex Lapis sought out the monarch of the sky to form a contract.

Seraphim granted Rex Lapis the moonlight phenomenon. Liyue’s skies were never to dim even on the darkest of nights, the moon and stars would remain as guides for Liyue always. It is said that this contract assisted in bringing the evil gods to their doom, the sky illuminating the way to victory for Liyue and all of Teyvat.”

Verr flipped the page as Aether exhaled trying to wrap his mind around the strange passage.

“The Contract: Seraphim and Rex Lapis.

The circumstances of the moonlight phenomenon still remain unknown. It is an ancient mystery that many still attempt to solve, what exactly did the Geo Archon barter for his people?

Nobody knows, still. However, the most common theories are that the contract has not been fulfilled or that there was no contract to begin with. Many believe that Rex Lapis and Seraphim were secret lovers, and this was Seraphim’s gift to her beloved. Others hypothesize that Seraphim’s wish was never fulfilled, as her death sealed the victory for The Seven Archons.”

Aether shuddered. People in Liyue believe that The Celestial Archon died in the Archon war? Verr flipped to a page in the middle of the book.

“Liyue’s Priestess Seraphim

It is said that a woman with eyes vast like the galaxy beyond and mysterious astrological powers once enchanted all of Liyue.

Seraphim, the last Celestial wielder was Liyue’s last hope. Though she is not honored as an archon, she is known vaguely as a priestess. The woman who captured the attention of the archon’s themselves and was adored by the Adepti. Few remain, but Liyue’s legends claim that the priestess of the stars was the lover of Rex Lapis, the lover of the Vigilant Yaksha, or the lover another adepti.

Even fewer discuss the devastation that occurred when she fell from grace. Her death was the catalyst of the only known battle between Liyue’s very own Archon, The Anemo Archon and his people, and the Adepti. A lesser known battle that almost forced both Mondstat and Liyue into Civil Wars.

When the dust settled, all that stood was the full moon. Many Adepti still honor the priestess under the moonlight by fighting evil spirits and demons.”

Aether’s eyes widened at Verr. She solemnly shook her head as the traveler’s face fell. Xiao, Ganyu, Zhongli, Venti, all of them suffered so terribly. It was confusing to the boy that every text described the Celestial Archon as deceased. His head began to hurt from the information. Verr sighed and led him back out.

“Once you finish commissions, why don’t you two stay here? I’ll prepare a room for you,” The boss was sympathetic.

Aether grimaced but nodded, leading Paimon out to finish their duties.

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Somewhere in the shadows of Wangshuu Inn crept a Fatui agent, slipping away as the traveler set out. The shadowy figure grinned at the piece of paper in their hand.

“Protected by the traveler and the Adepti. Master Childe will be interested in this,” His eyes were dark as he approached his fellow Fatui agents, “She could be very useful to us, this (Y/N).”

The suspicious shadows began to slink away, overcome with desire to inform their boss of the new information. Only a few feet away, a strange creature ducked down to avoid being seen by the agents, fidgeting.

“The angel is here!” The creature shrieked as the cult like group left it’s sight, “(Y/N) will be ours.”

[tuiccim]

Terrigenisis (Part 10)

Pairing: Steve Rogers X Bucky Barnes X Inhuman!Reader

Words: 1669

Summary: After undergoing terrigenisis unwillingly your life is turned upside down when you are deemed too dangerous to return to life as a civilian. You are put with the Avengers team to train and rebuild. As you hone your powers and skills, you must also decide if you can find home and love again. Or is your curse to be a lonely wanderer forever?

Warnings: Fluff and SMUT (18+, NSFW)

Terrigenisis Series Masterlist       Divider by @firefly-graphics

As the months went by, the relationship between Steve, Bucky, and yourself became more and more solid. You talked about the future, made plans, and worked through the few issues that had arisen. There had been missions and you had become an integral part of the team. You were happy. You had a job you loved, two men you loved, a home, and a family in your team. It was idyllic. Which terrified you at times. When the fear began to overwhelm you, Bucky and Steve were there for you. They let you express your fears and helped you through them. 

You were gearing up for a mission to take out a large Hydra base that had been recently discovered. The intel on its existence was solid even though what was going on there was a mystery. Some information had been gleaned through surveillance but it was mostly pictures of  objects with an alien language. Thor and Loki were expected to arrive today to help and give some information on what these items could be. 

The team was awaiting their arrival in the conference room except Steve and Tony who were greeting them. You were going over mission details and making tactical plans with the available information.

“So, what are Thor and Loki like?” You ask the group in general. 

“Thor’s a good guy. Nice. A little terse at times. Intense.” Bruce replies.  

“What about Loki?” You look at Bruce. 

“He’s a bag of cats. He’s trying to be… different. Better, I guess. That’s why he’s coming. Thor is trusting him. I guess we’ll have to try, too.” Bruce shrugs as Natasha scoffs. 

“Be careful around Loki. There’s a reason he’s the god of mischief.” Natasha warns.

“Noted.” You say just as they walk in. You immediately smile when you catch Steve’s eye but turn your attention to the two Asgardians as they enter. Steve makes introductions as Tony pulls up the intel photos for the two gods. 

“This looks to be Kree.” Thor states. 

“It is.” Loki confirms as he swipes through the photos. 

“Kree?” You say bringing Thor’s attention to you.

“Yes. They-”

“Created Inhumans.” 

“Yes. You are familiar with the Inhumans?” Thor asks. 

“I am an Inhuman.” You watch the two for any reaction. 

“Ah, a fellow abomination.” Loki grins. “What are your powers?”

You stare Loki down for a moment. Interpreting no malice in his remarks, you reply, “Warging, understanding of all vocal communication, increased strength and stamina.”

“Interesting.” Loki narrows his eyes.

“Warging?” Thor asks and you give him a brief explanation. 

Going back to the available information, the team gleans all it can to formulate a plan. Afterwards, everyone moves to the common room to relax while Tony has a meal brought in. 

“Loki has been watching you the entire time we’ve been in here.” Natasha murmurs to you. 

“Novelty, I guess.” You shrug. 

“Maybe so. Are you okay?” 

“Just have a headache all of a sudden.” You say. 

“Want me to get you something?”

“No, I’ll-mmph! Ow. It feels like an icepick in my head.” You say. 

Natasha’s eyes widen and her head snaps up, “Loki, stop!”

You make eye contact with the god and feel another stab of pain. Realizing he is trying to get in your head, you push back at the feeling. 

“What are you doing, brother?” Thor grabs his arm. 

“I just wanted to see how far her capabilities went, brother. She began fighting me. Strong, this one.” Loki smirks. 

“Keep your mind games to yourself, Loki!” Steve growls. 

“No, it’s okay.” You say. “Try.”

“What?” Steve turns to you with a stern look. 

“I want to see if he can. I can’t know how far my abilities go if I don’t push them. Most of my powers have to do with my senses. I’m just curious.” You shrug.

“Doll, I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” Bucky warns. “It was obviously causing you pain.”

“It’s not a big deal. Will you try again, Loki?” You ask. 

“At your service, darling.” Loki grins and concentrates on you again. Your head aches almost immediately and the sharp stabbing pain returns but you fight back against it. Using the same thought process you use when warging you concentrate on Loki, pushing back against his mental invasion. The pain in your head increases the more you fight back but you aren’t willing to stop. You feel a surge from Loki and automatically push back at him with a mental force that suddenly turns your eyes green as the god’s and you realize you have entered his mind. Intense pain spikes through you bringing you to your knees as you grab the sides of your head. A scream tears from your throat before you black out. 

You wake in Bucky’s arms as he takes quick strides towards the elevator. 

“Bucky. I’m okay.” You say. 

“You passed out. You aren’t okay.” Bucky says firmly. 

“We’re just going to take you to get checked out, sweetheart.” Steve says from right beside you. 

“No, I’m fine. Put me down.” You squirm in Bucky’s arms. 

“Doll-” “Sweetheart-”

“Down! Now!” You all but shout. Bucky reluctantly lowers you to the floor and you stand, holding his shoulder for support. “Well, that was new.”

“What did Loki do to you?” Steve growls.

“I only did as she asked.” Loki defends himself. “She managed to fight my attempts. It was quite impressive. Not many can keep me out of their mind as she did. And then, she slipped into my mind. It probably overwhelmed her as she’s not used to such an exertion.”

“Agreed.” You say. “I’ve never been able to do that with a human before.”

“You were probably able to because I have to open my mind in order to reach out. That was admirable.” Loki says. 

“Uh, thanks?” You laugh lightly. 

“Did you see anything?” Loki asks with eyes narrowed.

“It was pretty jumbled.” You admit.

“That’s normal for a first timer. Come, let’s discuss our little experiment.” Loki wraps your hand around his arm and guides you away from your two supersoldiers who glare at Loki as the two of you sit on the loveseat. When dinner is ready, you sit at the table between Bucky and Steve. Loki is seated across from you with Thor next to him and the table is jovial as everyone enjoys the company and food. You notice that Loki retreats into himself during the meal. As soon as the meal is over, you approach Loki again to ask more questions about his abilities. Everyone drifts into the common room while you and Loki sit at one end of the table and talk. He has a great deal of knowledge regarding the Kree, Inhumans, and different abilities. You learn more in two hours than you had in the six months with your Inhuman team. 

“Hey Doll. We’re heading to the room.” Bucky approaches to say. 

“Okay, Love. I’ll be there shortly.” You smile up at him as he leans down to plant a quick kiss on your lips. 

Loki watches as Bucky leaves with a smirk, “So, you and Sergeant Bar-”

“Sweetheart, you coming to bed?” Steve interrupts. 

“Soon, Babe. Loki is giving me some history on the Kree.” 

Steve eyes Loki for a moment before leaning down to kiss you possessively “Don’t be too long.”

“I won’t.” You smile at him as he leaves. Turning back to Loki, it’s your turn to smirk, “Yes, Me and Bucky and Steve.”

“That was unexpected.” Loki raises an eyebrow. 

“I imagine not much surprises you.” You laugh.

“Very little.” Loki says. 

“You know, I was prepared to hate you but… you aren’t exactly what I was expecting.” 

“I was under the influence of other entities during the Battle of New York. It spoke to the basest part of me. I know I’ll never fully make up for it but I’m hopeful I can do some good to set it to rights.” 

“I’m sure you will. Do some good, that is. I should head to bed. Good night, Loki.”

“Good night.” Loki nods his head and joins his brother. 

You were impressed with him. Truthfully, you had planned on hating him. After all, he had killed Coulson but when you had slipped into his mind you had felt his remorse. You were honest when you told him that everything was jumbled. The memories and images that came through had been but his feelings had been loud and clear. Inferiority, remorse, contrition, fear, and hope had suffused you when your minds were joined. It had softened you towards him and you hoped that he could find some corner of redemption in all of this. 

When you get to the bedroom, you pause a minute to smile at Steve and Bucky cuddled up together in the bed. 

“Come join us, pretty girl.” Steve beckons. 

“What were you and Loki talking about that kept you so enthralled?” Bucky groused. 

“Careful, Buck. You almost sound jealous.” You laugh. “We were talking about the Kree and inhumans and different abilities. I learned a good bit from him. Loki offered to bring some information and writings when he comes again.”

“He doesn’t usually talk to any of us much when he’s around.” Steve says. 

“Yeah?” 

“Yeah. Usually all we get out of him is sly remarks.” Bucky says. 

“Huh. Probably a defense mechanism. He feels he has a lot to make up for and know no one really likes him.” You offer.

“How did you find that out?” Steve asks.

“When we did the Vulcan mindmeld. I could feel what he was feeling more than anything else. It told quite the story in and of itself.”

“Loki is a master manipulator.” Steve warns.

“I understand.” You reassure them. “And we leave for mission tomorrow for who knows how long. Is there anything you'd like to do before that happens?”

“Yeah.” “Definitely.” They speak at the same time. 

“What would that be?” You ask. 

“You.” They say in unison.

Part 11

Tuiccim’s Masterlist

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[hb-writes]

Ignored Advice

Summary: Part II of the Alphabetical Outcast Series. Sylvie (OC) is the eldest child of Hugo Bridgerton, a cousin raised alongside the infamous Bridgerton brood. Born in-between Daphne and Eloise, Sylvie has made it her mission to delay her season again and again. As her deadline to put a stop to her entering the marriage mart this year approaches, Benedict gives his cousin a little pep talk. 

Characters: Sylvie Bridgerton (OC) & Benedict Bridgerton

Bridgerton Appreciation Week Prompt: Do it, be bold.

Part I - The Firstborns - Sylvie Bridgerton & Anthony Bridgerton

Part II - Ignored Advice - Sylvie Bridgerton & Benedict Bridgerton

--

Benedict caught Sylvie’s approaching palm half a moment before it collided with his shoulder, her attempted slap and the groaning of his name an exaggerated response to his sudden presence in the garden she believed to be occupying all on her own, a rather silly assumption seeing as it was nearly impossible to singly inhabit a single space in Bridgerton House, not with ten children, if you could still refer to them that way, regularly milling about its halls and grounds. Even with several of them being married or having their own quarters, the house never seemed empty or quiet.

Suffice to say, Sylvie shouldn’t have been surprised that someone had come upon her in the middle of her endeavor to forge a dirt patch into the perfect lawn with her incessant pacing. 

“Don’t do that!” she shouted at Benedict’s playful grin, freeing her hand from his grip to swat at him again as her heartbeat slowed. “You’re always sneaking about.”

Despite being a large man and the tallest of the Bridgerton brothers, Benedict was quiet and he moved in ways that weren’t always noticed, blending in as the color green could do among certain shades of blue, or a pink among certain purples. Somewhere along the line, he had taken a certain liking to using his natural stealth to rile his siblings and cousins.

“I have just as much of a right to enjoy my mother’s lovely flowers as you have.” 

Some would argue that Benedict Bridgerton had more of a right to occupy the space, that as second in line to the title, it was nearly his garden, and the cousin whose thoughts he had interrupted had not a single claim on the flora, but Benedict had no interest in his claim. He’d happily settle for being second in line.

“What are you so worked up over this morning?” he asked when his comment received nothing but a return to pacing, the space over which she marched stunted by a few steps due to his presence. 

“Who says I’m worked up?”

Gregory and George and Hyacinth had told him so over his eggs, but Benedict had no plans to tell Sylvie that, and he had no need to seeing as she’d just swatted at him, supplying him with plenty of evidence to support his accusation. Benedict simply raised his eyebrows and gave her a gentle smile, something not quite as smug as a smirk gracing his lips. 

It took only a moment for Sylvie to give in, her shoulders heaving as she took a seat on the bench, hiding her face in her hands while Benedict moved to occupy the space beside her.

“I suppose I’m not so subtle.” 

Benedict snorted at that. Bridgertons weren’t very good with subtleties. They communicated more in grand gestures and loud declarations, even the passive aggressive moments were rambunctious and obvious in nature, with silent treatments emphasized by the blatant actions that accompanied them. 

“I shouted at the little ones over breakfast,” Sylvie offered. “They were being dreadfully vexatious. I couldn’t help myself.”

Benedict nodded. The kids towed a fine line between entertaining and exasperating. It had once been them getting chastised for their boisterous nature at the breakfast table, and some mornings it still was, but more often it was the youngest set with their endless source of energy primarily used for running about and arguing and shouting. He didn’t really fault her for a little outburst. 

“And my deadline is approaching,” she mumbled.

“Deadline?” 

Sylvie rolled her eyes.

“Now Ben, don’t pretend Anthony hasn’t already told you,” she answered, figuring that Anthony had pulled his brother into his office at the earliest opportunity after their last discussion. “I suppose he’s employed you to convince me to give this up and fall in line.”

Sylvie was surprised the whole lot of her elder cousins hadn’t descended upon her to bring her along to Anthony’s way of thinking. She had been expecting conversations with each of them, but the subject hadn’t been raised since she left Anthony’s office nearly two weeks before. 

Benedict leaned back as he set his ankle over his knee. “Well, I must admit you having your season would go a long way in helping my dear mother forget that she has a marriageable son.”

“But?” Sylvie prompted.

“But I understand your plight.” 

Society acted as if a woman’s life didn’t begin until one was married, until one was a wife and a mother, but to Sylvie marriage felt like an end, like the death of some part of her she hadn’t even gotten a proper grasp on yet, a part of her she felt certain was a part she rather liked. She wasn’t ready to let it go.

It didn’t make any difference to see that her married cousins were deeply in love, seemingly changed only for the better by the matches they’d made because Sylvie didn’t trust the odds of that sort of happiness for herself.

Of course, much of the married Ton kept up appearances, seemingly content in their hastily made matches, but Sylvie didn’t trust appearances either. 

Appearances showed a world of people happy, a world of people content with their station and society and their lot in life, but she knew well enough that most people weren’t happy. Most people didn’t receive a true love match. Most people didn’t have a life that showcased the things they truly loved. Most people had lives that showcased the things society expected, the majority of people more engrossed with impressions and opinions of society than anything else. 

The Ton smiled and danced and wed, but beneath all that was a layer of torment. 

Sylvie knew Benedict understood that, knew they had a bit of shared appreciation for that bit of truth because Sylvie knew of his art, had seen the remarkable portraits he’d done of each of them, and though Benedict hadn’t been able to take her complimentary words to heart, hadn’t been ready to really accept praise for his art, Sylvie knew they shared a certain understanding about the world.

Sylvie envied Benedict a bit for knowing what his passion was when she had neither knowledge nor the ability to act on such a thing, and furthermore, she begrudged her cousin just a bit for not acting on it, for keeping his talents and desires hidden, for keeping up the very appearances they knew were expected.

“So, you can speak with—” 

“Anthony? Oh, no. Definitely not,” Benedict said.

“But you—”

“I haven’t convinced Anthony of a single thing in my entire life. I can’t imagine I’ll have any luck where you haven’t.”

“You're his brother.”

“And you’re his favorite cousin.” 

“I believe George is everyone’s favorite.” 

“Well, George is a bit easier to manage, I suppose,” Benedict said, tilting his head back and forth as he considered it, his face scrunched a bit. “A more of a charming demean—”

The heel of Sylvie’s palm made contact with her cousin’s shoulder again, a barking laugh pouring from Benedict’s lips as he nudged her back. 

“You prove the point far more often than you’re aware.”  

“Yes, and that’s all the more reason for me to not enter society. I’m afraid I’m simply not ready, not well-behaved enough.” 

Benedict hummed. “Yes, Anthony did mention you were exploring that angle.”

“I’m not exploring any angles,” she answered. “It’s simply my natural charm, as you’ve just said.” 

“Maybe use some of that charm on my mother, then. Present your case? Prove your point? You know she’s the one who needs the convincing. If she agrees, Anthony has no choice.” 

Sylvie shook her head. “I’m not ready.” 

“To tell mother or to marry?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Both, I suppose.”

Benedict set a hand on her shoulder. “Do it at the weekend, then. Wait until she’s relaxed, away from everything reminding her of the impending season. Present your argument then. You may recall a rather wise Bridgerton once said ‘do it, be bold.’ I believe the same words apply here.” 

Sylvie snorted, unable to prevent herself from smiling at the memory of late summer nights passed on the swings with Benedict and Eloise, cigarettes passed between the three of them and a handful of secrets too. 

“If I recall, you ignored that wise Bridgerton’s perfectly splendid advice because you’re an absolute fool who refuses to see reason.”

Benedict’s eyebrows shot up, but an easy smile held on his face as he shook his head. 

“Ah, yes, and there we have your natural charm on display once again.” 

[mylifeisactuallyamess]

General Hux x Female Reader

A/N: Oh yeah this is still going 😄 (The poem is not mine! Credit to the person who did write it!) Follows TFA as a bit of a filler. Like I said I am working my way to Hux’s speech 😅

Warnings: Erm, fluff? Hux and Ren with their usual hatred. Not much in all honesty, at least I don’t think so. (Let me know if that needs changing!)

Word Count: 3973

Read Part 5 on AO3 here.

He was reading a report from one of the other ships when the door opened and he looked up in surprise. Phasma entered but she didn’t sit down like normal and Hux placed the pad down.

“We have a situation.” She stated.

“What situation?” He asked wearily, pulling his gloves back on before standing and leading the Captain to the bridge which was abuzz with activity.

“Sir! An unsanctioned departure has been reported from the main hangar, a Special Forces TIE is attempting the leave, communications have not been established with the pilot…” Hux felt anger flood his system. What was happening? Why all of a sudden was everything going wrong? He turned to Phasma, his posture stiff, his hands tightly gripping each other as he fought his rising temper and waited for her explanation.

“It was one of our own. Reports of a stormtrooper leading the prisoner to the hangar and entering a ship.” Hux felt a curse filling his mouth but stopped himself from spitting it out. A trooper? One of his own men was defecting. He felt momentarily rigid, the audacity of this trooper rendered him speechless.

“Who?” He spat, his eyes glaring into her helmet but he could tell by the line of her shoulders she was just as angry as he was.

“I shall run the register and find out,” she snarled. He looked out of the viewport to see the lone TIE fly out into space.

“Well don’t just stand there! Shoot them!” He commanded loudly.

“Sir, they’ve taken out our turbo lasers.” Hux did a quick mental check of his ship's weapons, deciding what would be the best to use.

“Use the ventral cannons.”

“Bringing them online,” reported Mitaka.

“General Hux.” Of course. “Is it the Resistance pilot?” Hux bit back the first thing that came to mind when he saw Ren, if the stupid oaf hadn’t brought him onboard none of this would be happening right now.

“Yes and he had help.” The words made his mouth dry out. He was still not accepting that one of his own men could betray him like this and he was determined to make an example of them. “From one of our own. We are checking the registers now to identify which Stormtrooper it was.”

“The one from the village, FN-2187.” Hux schooled his features to one of indifference, of course Ren should already know that information. It made him question though, if the Commander knew of the troopers mind why he didn’t mention this earlier? Was it to see how Hux would deal with this? Was it to try and undermine him? To shatter Leader Snoke's faith in his abilities? Whatever it was, he wasn’t going to let this slide.

“Sir, ventral cannons hot,” reported Mitaka.

“Fire!” Hux enunciated firmly, his wrath barely contained as more information came to light about what was transpiring.

“General,” he went to stand over with Phasma by the holoprojection where she had pulled up FN-2187’s records. His eyes travelled over the information not seeing anything out of the ordinary.

“FN-2187 reported to my division, was evaluated and sent to reconditioning.”

“No prior signs of non-conformity?” He asked curtly, wanting her personal opinion.

“This was his first offense,” she stated bitterly and Hux could tell she was smarting heavily under that armour.

“General, they’ve been hit.” He moved round to the screen.

“Destroyed?” He asked hopefully.

“Disabled. They were headed back to Jakku, the fighter’s projected to crash in the Goazon Badlands.” Hope flared in his gut.

“They were going back for the droid,” he thought out loud. “Send a squad to the wreckage and double the troops on the ground. Do not come back empty handed but destroy the droid if it cannot be captured.” His gaze slid to Phasma and she nodded in understanding before marching off the bridge to carry out his orders. Ren stepped before him and Hux had to stop himself from rolling his eyes in annoyance.

“Destroy the droid?” The dark presence questioned loudly.

“Leader Snoke was explicit.” Bristled Hux. “Capture the droid if we can but destroy it if we must.” He hated repeating the instructions that were said to both of them like he was talking to a child.

“How capable are your soldiers, General?” Hux didn’t miss the sneer emitting from the black mask.

“I won’t have you questioning my methods,” spat Hux, the venom in his voice evident. Kylo started to move and Hux stepped up beside him, not ready to let this conversation go.

“They’re obviously skilled at committing high treason. Perhaps Leader Snoke should consider using a clone army.” You absolutely pathetic individual! Hux could feel his lip curling as his mind fired off all the insults he could spew at the Commander. He stepped before Ren bringing the larger man to a sudden halt, his gaze staring fiercely into the ridiculous mask.

“My men are exceptionally trained, programmed from birth…”

“Then they should have no problem retrieving the droid. Unharmed.” Ah. So that’s what he was fishing for this whole time. Hux smirked coolly.

“Careful Ren, that your personal interests not interfere with orders from Leader Snoke.” Ren pointed a finger in Hux’s face emphasising his words.

“I want that map. For your sake, I suggest you get it.” He stalked off and Hux was left looking at the bridge of his ship almost vibrating with unmatched hatred. He didn’t miss the threat in Kylo’s words but he was the one who had screwed up here, not Hux. His feet were moving before he could process where he was going, taking him through the corridors of his ship right to your door. He didn’t knock this time, letting himself in and hoping you could forgive the intrusion.

You looked up from what you were reading on your datapad, at the sound of your door opening. It had been hours since you’d seen him but you didn’t think he’d be back any time soon. He strode in, his face impassive and ruddy as he paced the length of your quarters and back to the door. He was agitated, you could see his gloved hands behind his back clenching and releasing with every step he took. His hair was falling slightly loose and his green eyes blazed with annoyance. You weren’t sure what to do, he clearly thought of your quarters as a place he could come when he was this wound up and it made that ball of warmth expand in your chest.

You wanted to speak but you weren’t sure how well it would be received so you settled down and just took the time to admire this fine man strutting up and down your living area. He paused and looked like he was going to say something but thought better of it.

“Can I help in any way?” The sound of your voice made him inhale and his gaze finally alighted on you, his pacing slowing but not stopping.

“No, but being here is helping.” You were burning to ask what had happened, what had got him so worked up and you wondered if Kylo had done something to annoy your General.

“Would you like me to read to you?” You asked calmly, picking the datapad back up. “It’s just some poetry from the core worlds.” You looked up at him noticing the frown that marred his sharp features, but he nodded slightly and you took a breath in.

“Is all we do for nothing?

In the end, I mean.

Is any of it worth it?

Truly?

Don’t you know that only

A few of us reach the stars?” Your gaze drifted to him to see his pacing had stopped but the frown was still in place as he regarded his boots. You continued.

“The rest of us claw at the ground

Below our feet

Wondering why we

Could never quite grasp the moon

Or even touch the clouds.

Why do we continue?

If we cannot gain glory

Why bother attempting?

Why bother a chance with a

Flickering light when

You could gain certainty?

Because only legends get to carve their names in the sky….” You looked up to see he was looking at you now. An intense glower lit his gaze, his hands were fidgeting at chest level and you felt your heart flutter against your ribs. “That’s what you’re going to do,” you said softly. “When Starkiller is ready, your name is going to be carved into the history of the Galaxy.” He stepped forward, his fingers flexing as a heavy breath left his chest. The moment suspended around you both as you stared deeply into each other, the intensity of his expression made your insides quiver. His name fell unbidden from your lips hoping you could convey enough feeling into that single word. Your heart was pounding now, a dull ache inside you at the memory of his kiss from the other day. Your lips tingled and subconsciously you ran your tongue over them which drew his gaze to your mouth but to your disappointment he backed away and you couldn’t stop your heart falling into your stomach. The sound of your door closing after him splintered your heart and you curled your fist in defeat. You didn’t know how to get him to open up, to get him to see he was worthy of your attention.

Hux strode down the corridors, his body flooding with adrenaline, his heart galloping against his ribs accentuating the tight feeling in his chest. Every breath felt like a chore as he struggled to get air into his lungs. His mind could barely gather a worthy thought and the image of your open expression and gaze of pure admiration shook him to his core. He didn’t know what to do with it, this feeling that snaked around his insides whenever he thought of you, and now he had the image of you looking at him like that imprinted in his mind. He wrung his hands together, suddenly finding himself back on the bridge.

“Report!” He barked.

“S-sir….” He looked up at Mitaka noticing the nervous look all over his face and he just knew something had gone wrong.

“Well?” The poor man was shaking in his boots but Hux didn't have time to pussy foot around his Lieutenant today.

“The droid got away.”

“The pilot?”

“Not found.”

“FN-2187?” He asked abruptly, already fearing the answer.

“W-with the droid.” Mitaka licked his lips before continuing, his back almost bowing under the pressure of Hux’s intense glare. “They escaped on a YT model freighter.” Fury swept through Hux like nothing he’d ever felt before, his hands gripping each other tightly as he tried to rein himself in from doing something he’d regret. Is this how his father felt? Whenever Hux did something wrong? The difference was Brendol set his son up for failure, Hux had everything in place so these miscreants could not possibly fail.

“Report to Ren at once.” He ignored the way Dopheld blanched at the order and Hux tried not to think it could be the last time he’d see him. Giving news like this to Kylo Ren was usually a death sentence. But someone had to take the fall for this failure, this failure that had nothing to do with Hux at all. In fact if Kylo had exercised his special abilities on the surface of Jakku none of this would have happened. Hux stood stock still in his office, the urge to sweep everything off his desk was monumental but also a waste of effort, so he fought the urge. Automatically his strung out mind thought of you, the scent of your hair as it brushed past his cheek, the warmth of your body as you leaned into him, the taste of your lips on his mouth, and he realised he owed you a decent dinner. He opened the door to his office only to find the Captain on the other side.

“Yes Phasma?”

“Commander Ren has…destroyed a control panel.” This wasn’t news to Hux, he knew the man would exercise his temper and destroy something on his ship.

“Mitaka?”

“Alive, he’s in the medbay as they had to sedate him.”

“The man is….” He couldn't say what he wanted to say about the huge blundering fool that seemed to just destroy everything he looked at. He bit back the rest of the sentence slipping behind the mask that helped him cope. “Send out to our informants we are looking for this BB unit. Source a description from the troopers that saw it. Now I am off to have dinner. I don’t want to hear from you or Ren or anyone unless Mitaka dies. Also give the heading to go back to Starkiller. Understand?”

“Perfectly.” She smirked, standing aside to let him pass. He strode down the corridor feeling an odd sort of confidence knowing he was coming to spend time with you.

“Back so soon?” You asked when the door to your quarters slid open but when you looked up your blood ran cold. Commander Ren stood just inside your doorway, his entire body seemed to vibrate with a dark energy you could feel and it frightened you. Hux coming in here steaming was one thing, Kylo Ren was an entirely different animal. “Can I help you Commander?” You asked softly not wanting to startle him or show any signs of aggression in case it triggered him. His breath was heavy and ragged as it filtered through his mask. You found yourself wondering what was under the helmet, was he human? Did he wear the mask because races other than humans weren’t generally accepted in the First Order? You tried to keep your expression blank as his hands rose slowly, the hiss and click of his mask sounded loud in the quiet and he pulled it off his head revealing a human face. The first thing you noticed was his shock of dark hair, you weren’t sure why but you weren’t expecting it to be hidden under that helmet, and the length...it showed he had no regard for the First Order regulations. His eyes were bright, a rich honey colour and they were fixated on you, his lips were full and plush, freckles dotted his pale skin and you couldn’t help but trace them to his ears. The tips protruded from his hair giving him a boyish look, he looked so young. So this was Leader Snoke’s apprentice, the wielder of the darkside and wrecker of your husband's ship.

“I had nowhere else to go.” His voice was deep and rich, it’s tones pleasing on your ears but you didn’t believe him for a second. Goosebumps rose over your skin as he reached for you, the tendrils of his power licking up the side of your neck and you shook your head.

“I can feel you.” You almost snapped and he withdrew. Surprise marking his handsome features and you realised he must wear the mask all the time so he wouldn’t be any good at hiding his expressions. “Why do you do it?”

“I want to know more about you.”

“Then just ask?” You didn’t have time for this, you knew Hux could appear at any moment and you didn’t want anything upsetting the General anymore. “You shouldn’t be here.”

“You have a sense of calm about you. It’s appealing.”

“That may be, Commander. But you need to find somewhere else to go.” You saw his gaze turn to the door moments before it opened, a look flickered across his face and his hands tightened on his helmet. Your breath stuttered as Hux walked in, if he was an animal his hackles would have been raised. His shoulders were back pushing his chest out, his green eyes spitting fire at the Commander, their gazes locked in a silent battle. “The Commander was just leaving.” You said loudly leaving no doubt from your tone that he was an unwelcome guest. Hux moved behind Ren breaking the eye contact between them, the taller man looked at you and momentarily he looked lost. It was fleeting, a haunted shadow flying across his expression and it sowed that single seed of doubt in your mind. The mask was slipped back over his head and once again he was the faceless monster that terrorized the contents of the ship. He left without a word and you looked at Hux, one hand was behind his back, the other was clenched before his chest as he surveyed the rushing light of hyperspace out of your viewport. You got up and went to stand next to him, you wanted to reassure him but something told you not to speak at all. You noted the way his jaw clenched over and over again, his thumb flexing over his closed fingers, the way his nostrils flared slightly as he took a breath making his chest heave. The tension in the room was becoming unbearable and you desperately wanted to say something to break it, you wanted him to yell or tell you off, even just look at you. Anything was better than this gut wrenching silence. You toyed with the hem of your outfit trying to distract yourself from what was possibly going through your husband's mind. It was late and you were tired, so he must be utterly exhausted. You turned to him, your sudden movement making him flinch slightly.

“Are you hungry?” He barely shifted to acknowledge your question but you were already moving. “I have some Jogan fruit I can prepare.” You didn’t wait for a reply. Dragging a knife from the stand in your little kitchen area, grabbing a plate and you began to slice the fruit into slices. You pulled a bottle of wine from the cooler and laid it all on the table, but he didn’t move, his back still rigid with whatever feeling he was trying to contain within himself. You broke to seal and poured two glasses, slowly moving back to his side and offering him the glass. To your relief he took it, a soft nod dislodged some of his flaming red hair and it fell across his brow. You eyed it for a moment before commenting. “It looks long,” you said softly.

“Yes, I noticed that this morning.” His voice cracked slightly and you wanted nothing more than to take him into your arms and stroke his hair until he fell asleep but you knew he’d recoil if you did, so you settled for comforting him in the only way you knew he’d accept. Just standing in his presence and silently letting him know he wasn’t alone.

“Who normally cuts your hair?” His feet shifted and for the first time you watched as he ran a hand through it, ruffling more strands and a look of disgust crossed his features for a moment.

“I don’t know, I try not to look at them because…” he trailed off looking down at his glass and it dawned on you, they would have to touch him. You felt your heart expand, what had happened to make him so fearful of something as simple as touching?

“You know, I used to cut my fathers hair. I could give it a go.” He looked at you, both brows raised in surprise as he rolled his lips after a sip of wine, you couldn’t help but smile slightly now he looked like he was relaxing a little. “Only if you want me to….”

“Yes.” His answer seemed to shock him slightly and he took another gulp of wine, his gaze turning back out to the lights and you marvelled at how they reflected in his eyes and darted across his handsome face giving him an otherworldly appearance.

“Now?” You asked hopefully. His fingers fiddled on the glass, his gaze darting to the side and you saw his throat bob as he swallowed hard. “We don’t have to,” you suggested trying to backtrack.

“It needs doing.” He necked the rest of the wine and turned to pour some more.

“Ok well I’ll need it wet, luckily for you I have a comb and some decent scissors from Arkanis.” His face paled and he rocked on his heels slightly, his knuckles whiting out with his tight grip on the glass. You stepped into the refresher and laid a towel for him. “I’ll wait outside, I just need you to wet your hair,” you reassured him. Your entire body ached seeing him react this way and you made a note to question Phasma in more depth about his past. He strode past you without a glance and locked himself in the ‘fresher, you had no idea how long he’d be so you decided to sit and wait at the table. Picking up your datapad you’d barely read a page when the door reopened.

Your breath puffed out of you at the sight of him with wet hair, his tunic was undone at the top and you tried to keep your expression neutral as a rich flush threatened to engulf your body. He was the most handsome you’d seen him and he was letting you touch him. You couldn’t ruin this now. You gently tapped on the chair and he made his way over to you, sitting carefully down, his bare hands tugged on his top like he was uncomfortable, his back was dead straight and the first thing you did was put his glass back in his hand. You stepped behind him seeing the subtle shift in his shoulders as the tension gathered in his neck, the muscles corded and you could see his jaw clenching tightly.

“I’m going to brush your hair,” you stated softly. The comb was dark as it ran smoothly through his stunning hair, you’d never seen a colour like it, so bright and vibrant. The appropriate crowning glory for such a man. “Now I’m going to start cutting, please don’t move.” You bent down using the comb to create a straight line and you just trimmed and blended his hair in as much as possible. For the top you ran your hand through the silky firery strands, trying not to get carried away with the feel of them between your fingers. The dampness was cool on your skin and you bit your lip as you tried to concentrate. You wanted nothing more than to touch his hair all the time, this was the longest you’d been in close proximity to him, physically touching him and it made your heart thud loudly. When you came to the front you saw his eyes were closed, a little wrinkle appearing as he screwed up his nose at the sensation of stray strands landing on his face. You softly blew on his pale skin, close enough to see the gentle smattering of freckles across his nose and cheeks. He flinched but didn’t pull away even if his hands balled into fists. You murmured an apology, running the comb through once more before declaring he was done. You went to brush off his shoulders but he rose suddenly and you caught the way his hands shook as he dusted himself down. He swept them over his shoulders and down his arms before straightening his uniform, his hair freshly washed and cut meant it fell freely across his brow and he ran a hand through it, clearly irritated that it was in his face. His eyes met yours for a moment before he cleared his throat.

“I should be going.” He said firmly, picking up his gloves from the table and heading to the door.

“Goodnight, Armitage.” You turned to gaze at him over your shoulder and he dipped his gaze slightly.

“Goodnight.” He replied through stiff lips before leaving you alone, once again.

[storms-path]

Day 10 - Channel

Focus, draw the aether from inside, give it form and… release! A wild, uncontrollable bolt of lightning burst from the accelerator, nearly incinerating X’rhun. Thankfully the dashing tutor had the good sense to dart to one side before the bolt could strike him, gently adjusting his hat before turning to assess the damage. A formerly proud tree was now a smoking ruin, bits of bark falling to the ground all around them. “Well, there’s certainly no problem with your ability to draw aether! Control could use some work though.” Xrhun’s smile was gentle, encouraging, and just enough to completely devastate poor Stalwart.

With a telltale slump of her shoulders, the roegadyn looked mournfully at her rapier and accelerator. She just couldn’t understand what was going wrong. They’d gone through the basics again and again, X’rhun patiently explaining every step of the process. And yet when push came to shove, the bolts and blasts of lightning and wind aether Stalwart produced wound up turbo-charged and entirely uncontrollable. It just didn’t make sense. And soon the sun will be going down and I’ll have gotten nowhere all day.

Frustration was an increasingly common emotion these days (mostly thanks to Fareena), but rarely was Stalwart so annoyed at herself. I’m supposed to be better than this! So consumed with her thoughts was she that she failed to notice X’rhun until his hand was against her forearm, his weathered face creased into another smile. “Don’t worry about that tree. It was on its last legs anyway.” X’rhun turned his attention to her rapier, gently prising it from her grip to inspect it. “Hmm. No faults that I can see. Good, haven’t given you faulty training equipment. Still…” He frowned in concentration.

“It’s me that’s the problem. I know it, you know it, we might as well just admit it and move on.” Stalwart’s words came out harsher than she’d intended them, tinged with her own bitter disappointment. She had so hoped she would be able to master the arts of the Red Mage, but she couldn’t even grapple with the basics. X’rhun frowned, placing the rapier back in her hands.

“Now now, none of that. Even if the problem does lie with you, there’s nothing perseverance and practice can’t fix.” X’rhun fixed his gaze upon a nearby boulder. “That said, let’s move onto a sturdier target, shall we? Something that can take a few hits.” Stalwart nodded bleakly, reluctantly going along with X’rhun’s gentle insistence. She wasn’t looking forward to blasting a rock to dust with an errant spell, but she didn’t want to disappoint X’rhun even more.

“Now, let’s try one more time.” X’rhun placed himself behind Stalwart, hands placed to correct her posture as she once more began channelling aether. Stalwart tried to suppress her bleak mood as she closed her eyes, trying to focus on the act of drawing forth lightning again. Focus, draw the aether, give it-

“Ah, just a moment!” X’rhun’s sudden interruption cut through Stalwart’s focus, dispelling the aether in an instant. X’rhun was watching her rapier with intent, still glowing in the dying rays of Thanalan’s sun. “Tell me, have you acquired any other magical arts? Trained with the arcanists, perhaps, or the conjurers?”

Stalwart pulled out her soul crystal marking her as the only non-Padjal white mage still living. X’rhun’s eyes widened, then his face split into a grin. “There it is! There’s our problem!” If he were a less calm man he’d have been whooping for joy, Stalwart bet. “It’s second nature for you, isn’t it? To draw aether from your surroundings and commune with nature?”

“Well yes, but only when I need to draw upon the healing arts. I hardly see wh-”

“But that’s just it, don’t you see?” X’rhun was getting more animated now, starting to gesticulate. “Your own training is working against you. You can’t help but draw on the aether around you despite your best efforts. Oh, what a fool I’ve been! I should have asked you long before now. Please accept my apologies, my dear pupil.”

It was no effort at all to forgive him. But… “What can I do about that, then? If it’s so instinctual, how do I stop doing it?”

X’rhun was rummaging around in his pockets, apparently ignoring Stalwart entirely. “X’rhun, sir? What do I-?” X’rhun held up a hand to interrupt, then pulled out a dull silver bangle. He presented it to Stalwart with a knowing smile, but Stalwart could only return the smile with confusion.

“This should be the ticket, I believe. If you could hold out your arm…” Stalwart, still confused, nevertheless complied. The bracelet fit snugly around her wrist, locking into place with a soft click. Stalwart brought the bracelet to her face, examining it closely. Devoid of decoration or ornament, it looked like a shoddy product of a novice goldsmith. But it was surprisingly warm against her wrist, and something about it felt… off.

“Aether dampener,” X’rhun explained. “Should inhibit your ability to draw in latent aether. Obviously make sure you take it off once we’re done training. But here, try once more for me. Let’s see if that helps.” Stalwart nodded, this time with more conviction. Gripping her rapier tightly, she once more assumed the position.

Focus on your target. Draw aether from inside yourself. Mould the form you need of it… RELEASE! A bolt of pure, focused lightning slammed directly into the rock, drilling deep into it and throwing up a cloud of dust. Stalwart opened her eyes, not even realising she’d closed them. X’rhun said nothing, merely smiled at her. Stalwart, not quite believing, stepped forward to observe the damage. A clean, smoking hole stared back at her, unbelievable proof of her success. “I did it…” She whispered. Then, louder: “I DID IT!” Stalwart did whoop for joy, rushing over and yanking X’rhun into a whirling hug as she laughed. X’rhun merely smiled, enjoying the unbridled joy of his pupil. His intuition was never wrong about prospective students, and something told him Stalwart would be a shining star of a Red Mage.

[damnusillygoose]

Jerza fanfiction(fluff)

title: Periods

summary: Erza and Jellal spend an evening together in bed discussing the marvels of a female body aka periods!

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13787058/1/Periods

Disclaimer: These characters are owned by Hiro Mashima.

PERIODS

‘You okay, cupcake?’

‘yep’

‘Okay, there you go’, Jellal stepped in her bedroom completely and handled over the sweets she requested him to buy.

‘Thank you! ’Erza squealed, like a baby, at the sight of her favorite strawberry sponge cake.

‘I am sorry though, we had to cancel our date abruptly. I swear I don’t get cramps on my periods usually, I- ‘

‘it’s okay Erza. You really don’t have to apologize for that. I don’t mind staying in bed and snuggling with you. Its cold outside anyways.’

‘You are so sweet’, Erza replied bashfully and sincerely smiled at him. She proceeded to divert her attention towards the package in her hand, eyeing it ravenously. Jellal chuckled at her excitement and went to the kitchen counter to fetch her a plate and a fork.

‘There’, he said as he handed her the supplies and lifted the warm quilt to make some room for himself, settling beside her.

‘ah, Erza! Your feet are so cold!’, he exclaimed when she deliberately touched her cold feet with his warm ones.

‘Mhm, you really are warm Jellal’, she snorted unapologetically, tucking herself cheekily to his side.

‘How’s the pain?’, he asked curiously.

‘its fine now. Most of it has subdued. Just a slight pain remains in my lower back.’

‘Are period cramps always this hurtful? I remember seeing Meredy cry from them. She couldn’t get up for 3 days at least.  It was painful to watch her like that.’

‘Mhm, That’s pretty subjective actually. Some women have it worse. Some don’t. I, for example, don’t experience much pain except for my lower back. And sometimes in my lower abdomen as well. However, their occurrence is extremely intermittent.’

‘I see. If I remember correctly, Ultear didn’t experience much pain during her periods as well, she was mostly fine.’

Erza looked at him intently. Reminiscing about Ultear was a sensitive topic for him and Meredy. She knew he missed his friend, whom he spent seven years with, even if he wasn’t vocal about that. Ultear and Meredy were like his support unit in those years when she was absent. Erza would be eternally grateful to Ultear for that. However, she was pleased to know that Jellal felt comfortable enough to talk about Ultear in her presence.

‘She sure was a strong woman’, Erza remarked.

‘Indeed, she was.’ Jellal responded with a sad smile as he nuzzled his nose against her crown. ‘Though I am ashamed, I must admit.’

‘Why?’, she inquired as her eyebrows knitted themselves into a slight frown.

‘I am ashamed of the fact that I may have spent seven years in the accompany of two women, my knowledge regarding periods is extremely limited. Would… you tell me about it in detail, I mean I do have an idea about its mechanism but I just want to be sure, if you are okay with it?’, Jellal asked tentatively.

Erza was taken back from his proposition. She never expected him to ask her regarding periods. She was of the notion that boys generally strayed away from this topic altogether. Ah, but Jellal wasn’t exactly a boy, right? He was a man. A mature man. Who knew how to treat a woman with chivalry.

‘I don’t have a problem in telling you about periods but I am curious. Why do you want to know about them all of a sudden?’

‘So, I can treat you even better, I guess? I heard woman want to cuddle and eat chocolates during this time of the month. If you yearn for sweets, I’ll be happy to bring you some. If you experience cramps, I’ll help you apply some heat pads. Or bring you tampons if you run out of them. I mean… I just want to take care of you’, he replied timidly with a light blush on his face. She was his queen after all and he was determined to treat her like one.

Can this guy get any better? She pondered. She definitely found herself a keeper, she mused as her heart swelled with love. She leaned forward and gave him a passionate kiss exhibiting her gratefulness, cupping his face in her hands tenderly.

‘Alright but may I ask if you have any previous knowledge about periods?’, Erza asked, brimming with absolute affection for her beau.

‘mhmm, all I know is periods are painful for women.’, he answered as he curled the end of her scarlet locks within his fingers reverently.

‘uh-huh’

‘They occur once a month and are necessary for pregnancy. Women get cravings and want cuddles during this time, I guess?’

‘Well, who wouldn’t want snuggles when someone like you is offering them?’, Erza smirked as she laced her hand with his.

‘I’ll provide you all the snuggles you want’, he whispered, inclining towards her to gently touch his forehead with hers.

‘You’re so sappy’, She grinned.

She leaned back and thought pensively for a moment. She adjusted her peach-colored quilt ,adorned with some floral patterns ,around herself before replying, ‘You are correct actually, let me elaborate further.’

‘Please do’

‘Well, Every…. woman, basically experiences periods every month or every 21-35 days. Okay?’

‘Okay’

‘Woman have two ovaries and one of them releases an egg every month and this process is called ovulation.’ She explained slowly so that her words would imbibe in his mind easily. ‘Now listen closely. The uterus, in its preparation for pregnancy, forms a thickened lining, where the fertilized egg would further develop into a baby.’

‘that would be a womb, right?’, he asked.

‘Yes. That’s the womb.’ She continued, ‘When the egg fails to fertilize with sperm, the entire lining sheds, accompanied by bleeding, mucus, blood clots, etc., causing a period. That’s how this process would revolve in a female body.’

Jellal listened each of her word keenly. ‘I have a question’

‘Go ahead’

‘How long do they exactly last?’

‘Varies, it can range between 3-8 days for a normal healthy woman’

‘What about you?’

‘mhm, 4 days, I guess. 5 maximum,’

‘Do they occur at the same time in each month?’

‘No. They occur around the same date they happened during last month. They can occur a day or two before their previous date or a few days after. Timing can differ slightly.’

‘I see’

There was an imperturbable silence that followed. Neither of them spoke a word for a while as they snuggled next to each other under the warm quilt. The rain pellets that fell against her bedroom window roused her from her thoughts. Her eyes searched his. He appeared completely inscrutable. Did she creep him out with her meticulous narration?

‘Do you find it gross?’, she asked quietly.

‘What? No. Why would you say that?’

‘So, you don’t find periods gross?’

‘No. Why would someone find it gross in the first place?’

‘I heard some guys do’

‘Well, I don’t.’ he smiled in a reassuring manner. ‘You women basically harbor the ability to nurture a new life within yourself and bring them into this world, I think that’s beautiful.’

She paused for a moment to take his words in.

‘You know, women are exceptionally horny during this time, if you continue to spill such sweet words, I’ll have to jump upon you myself’

Jellal erupted into a hearty laugh as he swung his arm around her shoulders to bring her closer to his chest. He placed his chin carefully upon her fussy head and nuzzled his nose in her soft scarlet tresses. ‘I won’t mind if you do’, he whispered softly.

 A/N: I apologize if anyone from the readers found this unsettling but I think every healthy couple should have an open communication with each other and talking about periods shouldn’t be considered a taboo. Also, Jellal is a total gentleman which is thoroughly depicted in the manga. Do you want me to make a part 2 version of it? Constructive criticism is appreciated. Thank you for reading!

[seagreen-meets-grey]

The Last Slide: Ch. 4

here we go, @feeisamarshmallow, with the final part. come talk to me about it if you like! :)

Read on ao3

_______________

Chapters: 1 2 3 4

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Jake’s head is spinning from all these revelations.

He’s still at the old apartment.

He’s tied to a chair that isn’t theirs.

The door opening earlier must have been Mr. Davies coming back to lock up the place.

If it was Amy, he doesn’t dare to think his captor got to her.

His captor.

The smell of fresh paint tickles the inside of his nose.

He hopes he won’t have to sneeze because that would hurt. A lot.

His ribs ache with every breath he takes, the pain in his stomach makes cold sweat break out over his neck and back.

He was alone in the apartment, speed-reliving his favorite memories one last time, when… The large bump on the back of his head clues him in on the rest.

“I know you know what happened,” Darius hisses through clenched teeth. “How did he do it? What’s his fucking plan?”

Jake has so many questions himself. For a moment, he was shocked to see Erickson, the pool attendant, loom over him dangerously. But then it began to make sense, in this weird way. His detective gut felt it – along with another bolt of pain. What he misses now is the rest of the puzzle. But it seems like Darius is searching for it as well.

“Dude,” Jake starts, which is probably a mistake, but he can’t stop himself and continues. “Let’s calm down and review some facts. I don’t know what you know. And in order to tell you what I know, I have to know what it is exactly that you want to know. You know?”

Darius looks as if he’s unsure if Jake’s making fun of him. The shadows cast on his face by the lamp make his features appear eerie, his skin pale, eyes hard and almost black.

“So,” Jake continues, “I guess you want to know something about the case. Right?”

“Did I not make myself clear?!” Darius’ eyes glisten angrily in the light.

Jake bites his lip. Obviously, the communication here isn’t flowing. He’s talking to a wall.

“How. Did. Kirkwell. Do. It.” The other man spits with every word.

“Ah, see, now we’re getting somewhere. You want to know how your boss did… Did what, exactly?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, cop!”

Jake is almost surprised not to be called the animal version of the term. Kudos to the criminal? “Okay, Kirkwell did something.” If this madman isn’t helping him, he’ll have to live-solve the case, then. “Kirkwell did something… And it has something to do with the Pearson murder.”

Darius narrows his eyes. “Yes, Kirkwell did it.”

Eyeing the knife in Darius’ hands, Jake raises an eyebrow. “You seem to know more than I do. Do you want to talk about it–”

“SON OF A BITCH!”

Jake winces when Darius swings his knife and rams it into the chair, only inches from his hand. His heart does a loop. “Careful, now…”

The other man isn’t listening. He starts pacing through the empty former bedroom, hands clenched into fists. He kicks at the wall and hisses a pained scream.

The windows are dark. Some kind of foil has been carefully draped from corner to corner. No light from under the door, either. Jake can hear the traffic outside. If he screams loud enough, maybe…

He startles when the knife is pulled out of the chair and he instinctively flinches his fingers away.

Darius cackles. “You afraid, huh?”

Something about that laugh deeply worries Jake. He’s dealing with an unstable person. He doesn’t know if he’s Pearson’s killer or about to become his own.

“You know who killed Lars Pearson,” he reviews, carefully watching the man’s reaction.

The cackling dies down. “Yes.”

“And you say it was your boss, Sam Kirkwell.”

“That’s what I just told you!” Darius roars, and suddenly he’s right in front of Jake, pointing at his face with the tip of his knife. Jake goes cross-eyed watching it shake in Darius’ hand. He gulps. “I told you this afternoon that it wasn’t me! But you didn’t listen!”

“I’m listening,” Jake gets out, still eyeing the knife nervously, “I’m listening right now. Please tell me everything.” If only he had a recording device on hand…

“Ohohooo, no.” The knife wanders to his cheek, then down his face, underneath his chin, settling on his throat. The flat side of the blade sits cool and sharp against his skin. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you, you filthy little pig.” (Ah, there it is.)

An endless minute passes before the knife retreats when Darius stands upright. Jake releases the breath he’d been holding.

“You don’t believe me. You want me to tell you how I killed the motherfucker that stole my wife from me. Oh no, I have to disappoint you here. Because I didn’t do it. He just wants you to think I did.”

“He?” Jake asks. “Kirkwell?”

“Are you deaf and stupid?!” Darius snarls. “He messed up, though. He thinks he’s so smart. But he messed up.” He lets out a sudden loud laugh. “He messed up!”

“How so?”

Darius spreads his arms and yells, “I wasn’t there!” His arms sink. “I wasn’t there…”

“Yes, we know,” Jake says in an attempt to convince him he’s on his side. “We checked with your brother and the parking lot’s security footage. You have an alibi.”

“Exactly!” Darius leans forward again, so close to Jake’s face that he could count the bags under Darius’ eyes if he had the concentration for it. “Exactly, exactly! Which is why he’ll think of another way to pin it on me! And in order to figure out what, I need to know how he killed him. And you,” he jabs his finger into Jake’s aching chest, “have the information I need.”

“Um… If I tell you, what will you do then?”

Again, Darius looks at him as if he’s particularly slow-brained. “Figure out how he’s gonna frame me.”

“Yeah, I clearly understood that. I meant what you plan on doing after that.”

The man opens his mouth, closes it, huffs. “And why would I tell you that?”

“Because I want to make sure you don’t do anything you’ll regret. Murder means more years in prison than kidnapping and physical assault–”

Jake completely forgot about the knife, or the fists. One lands a hard punch in his middle and he gasps for air, hunched forward.

A loud knock prevents the second punch from flying. Simultaneously, Jake and his captor look up, one moving quite a bit more slowly than the other. Before he can open his mouth, the knife is back at his throat, but this time it’s not the flat side of the blade. He doesn’t dare move one inch.

“Not. A. Word.”

Another knock, more insistent than the first. Then, a voice. Jake’s heart leaps when it reaches his ears. “Hello? Anyone still here?” A pause. “Jake?” Another pause. Jake wants to scream, wants to dip his chair so he’ll fall over, wants to make any noise possible. But he can’t. “Mr. Davies?”

Darius’ breath is on his face. It’s hot and moist and uncomfortable and he makes a face.

It takes a few more minutes of silence until the knife and bad breath disappear.

Jake’s heart falls. She’s gone. Amy’s gone and she has no idea he’s here.

“Now talk.” The knife lightly taps his knuckles, leaving tiny scratches on his skin. “I looked you up, Detective Jake Peralta. I know who just knocked on the door. I know about your career, your knack for solving difficult cases. I also know about Amy Santiago’s talents. There’s no way either of you hasn’t already solved this one.”

“Well, you haven’t told me about your plans yet, so I won’t–”

“I know about little Mac, too.”

Jake’s fingers dig into the arms of the chair. Any shred of sympathy he might have had for this person evaporates. His lips are pressed into a thin line, his jaw clenches, and every ounce of good nature inside him turns inside out, flashing spikes and canons and the readiness to kill.

“Ah, I see, now I have your attention.”

Jake wants to get out of this chair and wipe that disgusting sneer from Darius’ face. And more.

“You have one hour. If you don’t talk then, we’ll invite our little friend Mac over. He’ll convince you.”

Darius turns and opens the door, ready to leave, taking the only light source with him. It shakes Jake out of his stunned silence.

“Don’t you dare touch him!” He waggles the chair, the zip ties digging into his skin as he tries to rip himself free. “Come back here! I’ll tell you everything you want to know! Don’t bring my son into this, you fucking monster!” His voice breaks as he screams, but Darius ignores him, closing the door behind him, leaving Jake in total darkness once again.

He’s panting heavily, tears gathering in his eyes. He can’t think clearly, which is bad, very bad… Mac… Not Mac!

It takes the better part of the next hour for him to calm down, because every time his breathing returns to normal, he becomes aware of the darkness again, of his impossible situation, of the danger his family is in, regardless of whether Darius is bluffing or not.

He screams for help until his throat hurts. The neighbors usually like to complain so much, why is nobody coming over now?!

The fear is all-encompassing. He loses all sense of time.

Eventually, he manages to regain his ability to think by using his old trick – repressing the hell out of bad thoughts and feelings.

He knows Darius wants information from him so he probably won’t kill him before he gets them. But the man is unpredictable in his state of unstable anger. Jake’s afraid he really will go after Mac or Amy if Jake doesn’t play along. Regardless of whether or not he tells Darius what he wants to know, he’s going to die tonight. He’d rather not. He’d really, really rather not.

The tears running down his face have long dried when Darius comes back. Jake’s eyes hurt in the glaring light of his headlamp.

“Time’s up, Peralta.” Darius stands in front of him, flicking his pocketknife open. “Talk.”

The fire inside Jake hasn’t gone out yet. As long as he lives, it will keep flickering. He will not let it extinguish after everything he’s ever gone through in his life, the good and the bad.

“A dart arrow in the neck, poisoned,” he starts, talking slowly, quietly. Any way to stall this without babbling too much that he risks a knife to the windpipe.

“Yes, yes, yes, yes, I know, I know!” Darius gesticulates impatiently while talking louder and faster with every word, the expression in his eyes bordering on the edge of truly insane. “He was shot with it in that awful slide with the funnel, dead within seconds, I’ve heard this already! I WAS THERE AFTER IT HAPPENED!”

Jake flinches at the drops of saliva landing on his face. Taking a deep breath, then another one, he continues. “The question was, of course, who hit him. But to get closer to that information without any evidence on camera, we needed to know how he was killed.”

“But you already knew–”

“Where would you have done it?” Jake interrupts the incoming yelling.

“What?”

“If you were the killer – which I know you’re not! Just making that clear – where would you have hit Pearson with the dart?”

Darius blinks a few times. “Inside the funnel.”

“But cameras didn’t show anyone there and there was no blind spot. And no one tinkered with the footage.”

He’s met with confused silence, but it doesn’t last long. As if he’s watching in slow-motion, Jake sees the confusion melt into a blank stare, then the anger returns, deepens the lines on the scrunched-up face, creases the brows; muscles clench, eyes flash up dangerously.

Darius’ hand moves, Jake flinches, and the horrible sting of a fresh cut spreads on his left arm. In his ire, Darius managed to slice through the hoodie and the underlying shirt (though Jake has to admit, these particular pieces haven’t been very expensive), plus several layers of skin, judging by the stinging sensation burning through his nerves. Blood seeps into the material.

“This isn’t some kind of guessing game!” Darius leans on the arms of the chair again, right in his personal space. Jake hates it when he does that. “Tell me how he did it. Or Mac and Amy will pay.”

“The vents,” it shoots out of Jake immediately. “The killer was sitting in the vents above the slide. When Pearson came out, the killer hit him. We didn’t find the murder weapon yet. Tomorrow, we’re going to inspect the vents and interview everyone who has access to them.”

A slimy smile spreads on the face in front of him. “Was that so hard?” Then something seems to catch up to Darius and wipes the smile away. “Oh, that cunt-licking…” He spins away, tugging at the bit of hair he still has on his head, growling in frustration.

Jake brings oxygen back into his lungs. He misses fresh air, even though NYC air doesn’t particularly qualify to be called fresh. But he’d take anything over the stuffed air in this dark prison of his.

“He knows I’m friends with Wesley from maintenance,” Darius mumbles to himself while pacing through the room. He doesn’t seem to be aware that Jake can hear him, or that he’s talking out loud in the first place. “He can claim I have access to the vents. And he had me volunteer to stay late last night, he can say I went up there and…” His head turns quickly, eyes boring into Jake. “Now you tell me where that motherfucker’s hiding so we can finish this up.”

Jake gulps. “How would I know where your boss is right now?” The pain in his arm flares up at the look he receives. “And if I may ask – why would your boss frame you for murder in the first place?”

Darius lets out a heavy sigh. “Because he wants to bone my wife.”

“He does?”

“He’s been leering at her for years and now that we’re split up, all he needs to do is get rid of me and her new lover!” He spits on the ground. “That fucking prick.”

Literally, Jake thinks. He also has an idea of where Kirkwell might be right now, if what Darius says is true and his boss really is after his ex-wife. Why that hasn’t occurred to Darius yet, he doesn’t know. It probably has to do with the whole coming undone that is happening inside that man’s mind. And Jake doesn’t want to be the one pointing it out for him.

A loud crashing sound alerts both men and Jake immediately recognizes it as the sound of a door breaking down.

It is followed by steps on the floor and a voice carrying through the apartment.

“NYPD! Come out with your hands up!” Jake’s heart stops. It’s her.

Darius curses and fumbles something out of his pocket – a piece of cloth that he gags Jake with before he can call out to Amy.

While Darius waits tensely in his hiding place, the handle of his knife clutched in his fist, Jake tries to scream around the gag. He’s too quiet, he has to scream louder–

The handle turns and the door swings open, and there she is, clad in her bulletproof vest, gun at the ready. When she spots him, her eyes widen. “Jake! Oh god…” She takes a step into the room, but he shakes his head violently, his pupils flitting back and forth between her and the door.

She gets the message too late. Darius jumps out, grabs her from behind and holds the knife to her throat.

“Drop the gun.”

Stiff in his iron grip, a million options scurry through her mind, Jake knows – the gun falls to the floor. Darius eyes it, but he knows he can’t pick it up without letting go of his hostage. Jake eyes it too, but there’s no way he can get to it, least of all use it.

“Drop the weapon and step back,” orders a harsh voice. Darius flings himself and Amy around and faces Rosa, her gun pointed right at him.

“Oh no, I won’t.” Darius’ voice quivers. His back is turned to Jake but even from behind, the tightening of muscles in the man’s arm is visible. He’s pressing the knife against Amy’s throat. The choked noise she makes breaks Jake’s heart. “Lieutenant Santiago and I are going to leave this apartment. Then we will say our goodbyes. I still have somewhere to be.”

With slow but deliberate steps, he shuffles past Rosa, Amy in his clutches. Rosa can’t do anything but further order him to drop the knife, to let her go, to give up. Jake telepathically tries to remind her of Palm Springs, Florida. Of how Amy shot the hostage’s leg and the hostage taker had to let go. His shin prickles at the memory.

Jake watches through the open door as Darius and Amy near the front door that’s lying there on the floor, broken out of its hinges.

Amy stumbles as they step around it.

Darius violently pulls her upright.

Then he stops.

A gun pokes into his back from behind. Someone is standing in the doorway to the apartment.

“You heard Detective Diaz,” Captain Holt says. “I would advise you to do as she says.”

Darius is surrounded.

His eyes frantically search for an escape.

There is none.

The knife clatters to the floor.

He pushes Amy away from him, turns and tries to do the same with Holt, but he has no chance.

As soon as he’s caught, Amy runs over to Jake. She removes the gag and the ties and crouches before him as he sags into himself in relief and exhaustion and pain. Her fingers card through his messy hair.

“God, Jake… Are you okay?”

He nods. Everything hurts and he’s starting to shake, but he’s okay. He’s safe. She’s safe. And Mac. (And Kirkwell.)

While Holt’s taking Darius away and Rosa calls an ambulance, Jake tells Amy what happened.

“We should interrogate Kirkwell,” he finishes. “And maybe ask our neighbors if they’re missing a chair, because I don’t know whose chair I’m sitting on right now.

“It’s the one from the hallway corner. Jake, it’s been there for years!”

“Oh, that one! You’re right.” He’s walked past it so many times, it became part of the environment for him. Why it was even there, he doesn’t know, either. “Sorry, I’m a little bit woozy.”

She takes out a handkerchief and dabs at the cut on his arm, but stops when he winces and hisses.

“Ames, how did you know I’m here?”

Amy tells him about Kirkwell in the bathrobe, about finding his car at the water park and driving back to talk to the guy.

“While I was trying to get something useful out of him, Terry called and said that a Richard Erickson had just come to the precinct to tell us about his brother’s intentions. They worked together to get revenge on Kirkwell. While Darius was here with you, Richard left your car and personal things at the water park and waited for his brother to call him. They wanted to find Kirkwell and, well…”

“Finish things up,” Jake concludes and she nods. “What about Kirkwell?”

“Charles picked him up. He says Rebecca Erickson followed them and told them everything before anyone could start interrogating Kirkwell. Apparently, he’d proudly confessed everything to her in the throws of passion not long before I came back.”

Jake softly shakes his head with a smile. “Idiots, these murderers. They never learn.”

“I know, right?” She grins back and he is once again struck by the beauty of her, not just her smile, but her, her everything. And he gets to spend his life with her. It’s so crazy.

“By the way,” he pulls himself out of his own musings, “I think I found a title for the case.”

“You want to name the case?”

“It’s our last case together, Ames! Of course it’s gonna have a name.”

She rolls her eyes but he can see her lips twitch.

“This fact, plus the circumstances of the victim’s death, made me come up with the perfect title.”

She looks at him expectantly and he grins.

“The Last Ride.”

[dubububbles]

SHINee scenario: idol s/o asks them to collaborate for their comeback song

(I want to request an idol gf scenario to you asking them to collaborate for your comeback song. Thanks a bunch! I love all your scenarios and they’ve picked me up when I had a rough day (same day i found your blog) so thank you so much!)

Requested by anon 

- you’re welcome! ❤️ & thank u for your sweet words! I’m really happy to hear that, it’s why I wanted to do this blog, to make myself and anyone else feel better or smile. I hope this one can also bring some joy to you~ ❤️

Onew: 

“Oh? Why are you here?” You blinked in confusion as Onew stepped inside your dorm uninvited and approached you with a grin. He seemed to be up to something, at least judging from his expression, and it made you feel even more lost. “Did something happen?” 

“I have something to tell you.” He said and grabbed your hand to pull you over to the couch. If he wouldn’t be smiling so much, you would’ve thought he was bringing you bad news. 

“Okay, now you are scaring me a bit… seriously, what’s going on Onew?” 

“It’s nothing bad. In fact, it’s something I think will make you very happy.” he said but you still had no clue what he was about to tell you. “Do you remember when you asked me if we could do a collaboration for a comeback sometime?” 

You quickly realized what he was hinting at and widened your eyes a bit. “No way… can we?” 

He nodded with a proud grin. “We can and we will. I pulled some strings and got us a comeback date schedule for November this year. It should give us enough time to-- ooof!” his words were cut short as you more or less knocked him over in a messy hug.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are seriously the best boyfriend ever!” 

Onew smiled at those words and hugged you back tightly. He then spent the rest of the day in your dorm as you both talked about possible ideas for your new comeback. 

Jonghyun: 

Jonghyun perked up with a grin when you entered the studio and instantly opened his arms for a hug, which you gave him, along with a kiss, and then sat down. 

“You said you had something to show me?” 

He nodded and turned to the computer screen. “I made a demo for our new song and thought you should hear it first.” 

“Oh? Our song?” you blinked a few times and then pointed back and forth between you, to clarify that he was really talking about the two of you, which made him laugh. 

“Yes, our song, y/n. You were the one who brought up the idea for us to have a collab and asked me about it. Remember?” 

You did remember but you didn’t imagine that he would actually make it possible and also have a song ready for you within such a short period of time. He was honestly amazing. 

“How did you compose a song this quickly?” 

“I was thinking about my beautiful girlfriend and it basically wrote itself. Now, do you want to listen to it or not?” 

He teased you with a playful grin and then played the song. While you were both listening to it he also wrapped his arms around you in a loose but comfortable embrace. 

The song had an upbeat feel and fit into the neo-soul genre, along with some of his other masterpieces, which you thought would suit both of you really well. You could already picture how your MV, comeback stage, style and more would look and it made you feel really excited.

Key: 

The idea of having a collab with your boyfriend appeared in your mind randomly one night as you were watching different performances on youtube, specifically some clips from Key’s musicals and his performance of ‘bang bang’ with Tiffany back in 2013. 

He really pulled off the musical theme well and you couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to perform that kind of song together with him. You continued to watch more performances like that and couldn’t let go off the thought, so you eventually reached for your phone and called him. 

“Why are you calling this late? Are you having trouble sleeping?”

“Yes, because of you.” you said along with a small huff. “I was watching some of your performances.” 

“Oh, really? Which one? Born to shine?” he questioned on purpose, since he knew how that particular performance affected you. 

“What? No! N-not that one…” you said and blushed at the mere thought of it. “I was actually watching some of your musical theatre stuff and it made me wonder if we could ever perform something like that together… like… for a comeback?” 

Key perked up at the suggestion and then smiled to himself, since he thought it was a good idea. He also found it cute how you brought the question to him in a shy manner. 

“Sounds good. Let’s do it~” 

“Oh? That was easier than I thought.”

“Why? You thought I would refuse?” He asked and chuckled a bit. “I would love to perform with you y/n. That shouldn’t come as a surprise.” 

You smiled but felt really happy with his words and spent the rest of the night talking about what type of performance you wanted to do.

Minho: 

“When are you going to have a solo album?” 

Minho perked up at the sudden question and then turned to you with a warm smile. “Why are you asking me that out of the blue?” 

“Because…” you trailed off and then frowned a bit to yourself. “I think some people don’t appreciate your vocals enough and you also didn’t have enough room to show it off. It’s not fair, since some people, like me, actually do appreciate it and want more of it. So, therefore, I think you should have a solo. That’s all...” 

Minho chuckled a bit at your words and how you delivered them in a stubborn manner. He also felt really grateful that you always found subtle ways to compliment or support him. 

“I appreciate that y/n but I don’t know if I would want to perform all by myself. It’d feel odd.” 

“Hm then, why don’t you have a collaboration?” 

“Oh? With you?”

“Ah well… yes?” you blushed a bit but also felt excited at the idea of it. Before he had even said anything about it, you already started thinking of what type of genre your song would have, what the lyrics would be about and where you would film the music video. 

“y/n?” 

Minho eventually had to wave a hand in front of your face to get your attention and when he did he smiled and told you that he was definitely on-board with the idea, which made you smile and then hug him tightly.

Taemin: 

“Taemin, do you think we could have a collab sometime? You know, just you and me?” 

Taemin perked up at the question, since he had actually been thinking about the same thing but just hadn’t gotten around to asking you yet. When you brought it up first, he felt really happy and didn’t hesitate to agree. 

“I’ve actually thought about that too. So, we should definitely do it when we have an opening between promotions.”

“Really?” you asked and then smiled in excitement. “Then, what type of concept do you think we should do?” 

“Hm, well… I think it would be interesting to do a dance performance. I mean, a performance where we would tell the story through our dance instead of the lyrics. What do you think?” 

You definitely liked the idea and also found it unique. Taemin had performed modern dance in his songs in the past, so you thought it would be cool to do something similar to that but as a duo. 

Both of you would often sing or dance together for practice or during your free time, so to do it as a comeback, on an actual stage and with an original song sounded very appealing to you and filled you with happiness. 

You were both the main dancer’s of your respective groups, so you definitely had the ability to pull off something amazing and you could hardly wait to do so and take the whole K-pop community by storm.

[cheiyunn]

Sweet Tea Party [1-3]

~~~~~~[1]~~~~~~

--Downtown--

Koharu: (Well. That was dangerous…)

Koharu: Feli’s cake… that goes beyond a plain ‘surprise’

Koharu: ...oops, is this the cake shop Feli recommended? It’s pretty damn crowded

Salesperson: Come on in~!

Koharu: Which one to choose… well I don’t really understand the types here..

Koharu: (Hm..? The person choosing the cake over there…)

???: What to choose… well I guess because I’m here I guess I’ll buy a little pricey one

Koharu: I knew it was Matoba !

Wataru: Eh..? Koharu-san?

Koharu: What a coincidence. Did you also come to buy a cake?

Wataru: Yeah. The cakes from here seem to be delicious

Koharu: To go as far as coming to Ikebukuro, you must really like it

Wataru: Haha...it’s kinda embarrassing to show this side of me

Koharu: It’s embarrassing ain’t it? Its not rare to spot a guy who likes sweets

Koharu: Brushing that aside… I’m saved!

Wataru: Eh?

Koharu: I don’t really eat that many sweets, so I don’t really know what kind of cake type to choose

Koharu: Can you help me choose?

--Moved to restaurant--

Koharu: Oh, that was so helpful! There were so many kinds of chocolate cakes

Koharu: I was about to randomly buy 5-6 of the pieces in the middle

Wataru: If you did that, it’ll be a tea party with too similar cakes

Koharu: Feli said that wouldn’t do. It was lucky that you knew alot about these cakes

Wataru: I never thought that being a cake lover would be useful like this

Wataru: Do you not eat that much cake?

Koharu: Well, rather than cake, I would say eating meat or sake was better

Wataru: Is that so. But then… why would you hold a tea party? Koharu: Well that is… rather than Fantome, its more like it’s HARU’s character image?

Koharu: Its important because the fans want to see that kind of stuff

Wataru: I see..

Koharu: As long as I post it on the blog, its apart of band activities. Well it may be individual to our band only though

Wataru: I feel a sense of professionalism. Our blog is a little bit more random

Koharu: Nono! Thats just Fantome’s way of doing stuff

Koharu: Isn’t it better for fans to see small daily-life stuff like Argo’s or Furai’s?

Wataru: Yes… what you say will be good study material!

Koharu: Studying… you’re diligent huh

~~~~~~[2]~~~~~~

Koharu: By the way, in the Fes, is there a bassist you’re particularly interested in?

Wataru: Eh? That's a pretty serious question all of a sudden

Koharu: Nah, I mean there was the first fes round last time right?

Koharu: If I stood there as a participant, I would look at it as a somewhat of a place of competition

Wataru: ...yes

Koharu: and then I’d get a feel of the other band’s performance and from perspective different from the ones previously-

Koharu: Simply speaking… It’d make me wanna get better and hone my skills on the bass because I thought they were really good.

Wataru: ….I understand

Koharu: To compare myself to other bassists, I’ve never thought of that before

Wataru: ...that would be Akebono-san

Koharu: eh?

Wataru: If I had to choose a bassist I’ve had my eyes set on… that would be Akebono-san

Wataru: Of course yours, and the other band’s bassists have their own flair, but-

Wataru: When they played at the Fes, I felt that Akebono-san bass skills were on a completely different level

Koharu: ...I agree. Thats right, his bass ability is kinda something out of this world per say…

Koharu: That level of skill yet he’s younger than me? What's with that guy? Is he really some kind of alien?

Wataru: Ahaha.. Even he’s always said that

Koharu: He’s always… aah, thats right. Argo and Gyro have been at it since the days in Hokkaido

Wataru: Rather it wasn’t that we were really close, but more like our history is extensive

Wataru: I’ve never really had a one-on-one talk with Akebono-san either

Koharu: Hm.. then, why don’t you call him now to talk?

Wataru: Eh- call Akebono-san? But aren’t you busy preparing for a tea party…

Koharu: Its fine since I still have time. Rather, this seems like a good opportunity anyway

Koharu: Regardless, just ask if he’s free right now!

Wataru: Well for now… I guess I’ll send a message

--Moved to park--

???: Ah, little brother-kun, over here-

Koharu: Oh there he is… wait, little brother-kun?

Wataru: Thats.. Gyro’s guitarist is my brother so Akebono-san occasionally calls me that

Koharu: Ah.. Satozuka right. Oh yeah I’ve heard he had a brother

Ryo: Hello Mitsurugi-san. This is like a meetup of the basses~

Koharu: Yo-! Wait I mean, why were you in Ikebukuro?

Ryo: The radio waves around here are good today. So I was communicating with the stars

Koharu: ...I- I see

Wataru: You don’t have to worry too much about that... 

Koharu: Well, I’m also in a vampire themed band, I don’t think I’d fret about an alien

Koharu: Regardless, since the 3 of us are together, Let's just discuss about the bass!

~~~~~~[3]~~~~~~

Ryo: The sound of the bass is similar to the universe’s

Ryo: Of course the universe itself it silent but the quiet beats of spaceships and the stars around fill it

Koharu: o-oh…

Ryo: Thats why when I first touched the base, it had a similar feel. By capturing the vibe of the universe, I was able to quickly sync with it

Wataru: ...I think what I  understood was that Akebono-san’s pace was in a completely different dimension..

Koharu: ...yeah. To put it in another way, that's the only thing I understand

Ryo: I like the both of your basses as well. Because its a sound that lies close to the world each band has created, and it supports it.

Ryo: I like the basses of Fuurai and Ipsi but I feel like the direction each sound is going in is a little off

Koharu: Oh, thanks. If you’re the one telling me that, I don’t feel any mal intent

Wataru: I agree. Thank you

Ryo: Can I ask something?

Koharu: What is it? But I can’t teach you anything if it’s in regards to technique

Ryo: How do you use the bass to get close to your band’s world?

Wataru: ...pardon?

Koharu: You.. you can do that much yet you can’t reach it?

Ryo: I’m just making the sound that Nayuta wants. By doing that, we can make alot of Earthlings happy

Ryo: Gyro’s sound is Nayuta. Thats why my bass is also Nayuta’s bass

Koharu: Well, everyone has their own ways of thinking but… is that personally alright with you?

Ryo: Yeah. I’m happy

Koharu: Then, I can’t really say anything more…

Ryo: But, the Argona who create a sound together, and the Fantome who create their world together, I also like them too

Ryo: So I wanted to ask how the both of them are so tightly knit to each other’s band worlds

Wataru: I just… try to be aware of each member’s thoughts and wishes, not only in the bass but also within the lyrics

Ryo: Ah I get that. The feelings conveyed through your lyrics and music are well received

Koharu: As for the form of my band.. I think it actually might be close to Gyro

Wataru: That means…?

Koharu: We’re shaping our world in Feli’s image. In a way, it’s similar to Gyro’s Asahi

Koharu: But.. after we have the image, we create a song by collaborating and gathering our individual thoughts and phrases

Koharu: The costumes and makeup are also apart of that process

Wataru: There are different forms of bands like this…

Ryo: How interesting.. Ah, thats right. On the topic of that, there was one more thing I wanted to ask Mitsurugi-san

Koharu: This time I’ll answer any question you have. What is it?

Ryo: Why are you dressed as a woman?

[nerv0usm3chanic]

CORRUPTION

Chapters: 1 || 2 || 3 || 4

--

((NOTE - This is an introduction to a new PERMANENT AU feature exclusive to nerv0usm3chanic. Please see further, generalized information regarding this AU here: X

Be advised that each of these chapters are VERY LONG. The full content will be tucked under a read more after a brief introduction segment.

DO NOT REBLOG.))

--

“Arthur...have you been feeling okay?” Vivi asked, taking a seat beside Arthur as he focused on the project before him. He’d been fiddling with robotics for a while just as a hobby, but given how long and hard he’d been working, it looked like Arthur was working on an even more vital project than any before. He was clumsy with his right hand as he set down a pair of tweezers and looked at Vivi with tired eyes and a weak smile.

“I’ve been better, Vivi.” Arthur sighed tiredly. He’d been back from the hospital for nearly a month now - two and a half months since he’d lost his arm - and the blond spent nearly every day working on an intense project. “It’s...not too easy adjusting to not having something...” Arthur admitted quietly, staring at the metal bones before him.

“Oh, jinx! I’m sorry, Artie, I-I didn’t mean-!” Vivi started, backpedaling in her sentence before Arthur reached out with his right hand and touched her shoulder. He smiled at her softly, assuring her that it was alright.

“N-no, it’s okay, Vivi. You know it’s not your fault.” Arthur said gently, reassuring Vivi that what had happened was in the past and really there wasn’t anything she could have done. Except maybe not make them go to the cave in the first place. But Arthur refused to entertain that dark train of thought...it might wake him up. “It was just...a lot of crazy coincidences.” That was something he told himself over and over, day in and day out. It helped him feel better about the absence on his left side.

“Hmmm...well...are-are things going better?” She asked, tucking her hair behind her ears, “Is it easier with your cousin and uncle taking care of things?”

“Hmm...uh, well...to a degree.” Arthur answered, turning back to his project and carefully picking up the tweezers. Even after weeks of practice, Arthur still found it hard to adjust to being right-handed...among other things. “Lucan takes care of the front of the shop and does some fixing and Uncle Lance still runs the shop as normal. I help out with checking numbers and making sure bills and such get paid. So, I’m still working. It keeps me busy when I’m not sleeping or working on this thing.”

“So this is...” the blue-hared woman started, looking at the complex assemblage of metal rods, hinges, and wires, along with a lot of other things Vivi didn’t know the particular names of.

“Yep.” Arthur nodded, using the tweezers to carefully arrange a pattern of wires to eventually lead to sensors in one of the digits. He still had a lot of work to do before he was finished with his prosthetic arm.

--

“Okay um, yeah, um hold it there, for just a second.” Arthur directed as his doctor carefully positioned the first rendition of the blond’s new left arm. Six months had passed and this was going to be the first attempt to connect the false appendage to the specialized port. In that time, Arthur had spent so much time studying and using the nearby university resources, he might as well have earned an honorary degree with what he was attempting. Arthur knew this was going to hurt and he needed his cousin and uncle for support. The pale fingers of his right hand were grasping tight to Lance’s rough gloved hand in worried anticipation.

“Just take yer time, lad.” Lance replied in the softest version of his gruff voice. He wasn’t the most comforting of individuals, but the short-statured Kingsmen was practically Arthur’s parent with how much time he’d put into raising the boy. Arthur wouldn’t have asked anyone else to be there for emotional support. “An’ don’ do anything ye don’ feel ready fer.”

“We ken always do this later if ye need ta iron out some wrinkles.” Lucan offered, giving Arthur a pat on his whole shoulder. As his cousin, it was expected that Lucan would be somewhat close to Arthur. But seeing as the two had bonded so much more closely since Lucan moved to Tempo, the younger Kingsmen might as well have been brothers. All three men looked to the doctor preparing to attach the false arm.

“I wish I could numb the pain for you, Arthur.” He murmured gently, “But this is a prototype and...we need to gauge how well the adaptor works to communicate between the wires and nerves...” The arm had been through so many tests and iterations with the help of the local university and waiting for more tests wasn’t going to work anymore.

The doctor needed results for his paper. The university needed results to keep funding the specialist and Arthur. Arthur needed results...in the form of a new left arm. The chance that there would even be any kind of re-use of his left arm again was enough to motivate Arthur for this improvement.

“I’m ready...just...be careful.” Arthur nodded, gripping his uncle’s hand tighter as the prosthetic’s port approached the adaptor his doctor had installed two months earlier. There was that ominous tingle in the back of his mind, a dark chuckle rising up from the depths as the separated parts got closer. Amber eyes widened in fear as he noticed a small flux of energy and a tiny zap between the ports now just millimeters apart.

“W-wai-!” But he was too late. A pained scream ripped free from him, lightning practically erupting around Arthur’s arm port as everyone was pushed from the blond. Arthur would wake sometime later in a hospital bed, his new arm heavy and limp. He would cry out in angered frustration, causing everyone to leave the room as he pitched anything within reach at those nearby.

He had failed...again! There was nothing this metal arm could do but sit there! It was an arm-shaped paperweight...it was just good for looking like an arm...until he made a metal finger twitch.

--

“Alright, you ready to test out that coordination, Artie?” Lewis called over the short distance between him and Arthur while Vivi and Mystery watched eagerly. Arthur was going to be practicing more refined movement with his arm, this time it was catching and throwing a ball. A simple task for many, but Arthur had been so focused on preparing his arm, working on it days and nights for months. Vivi was proud to see Arthur regaining himself; the use of his left arm being the most important thing she’s noticed.

“I’m ready!” Arthur called back, flexing his robotic hand to prepare it to catch the baseball. He’s been working on getting back to being left-handed, but had found tasks much easier to accomplish with developed skill in using both his hands. Forced ambidexrty was interesting to accomplish - and he was exceedingly proud of his abilities - but now the point was to get his false arm’s motions up to snuff.

“He’s improved so much!” Vivi says to Mystery as she watches Lewis pitch the ball gently. “I was really worried about him for a while.”

“Yeah...it was a little shaky for a while there, wasn’t it?” Mystery added, internally still angry at himself for using such drastic action. It’s been a solid 11 months since then and still-! Mystery nearly bolted and then forced himself to sit back down with a huff; he was doing his best to contain the canine urge to chase the ball. The first few volleys back and forth were fine, no trouble at all for Arthur. Mystery felt a sudden strange energy in the air as Arthur caught the ball again and perked up as he smelt a strange singe.

“That had some real pep!” Lewis laughed as he ran to catch the ball and prepared to throw it back. He was so glad to see Arthur seemingly back to himself once more. For a while, Arthur had become a near-complete hermit, forgoing any kind of social engagement to get his arm made.

Arthur himself felt almost too relieved to be able to use his arm so easily. Physical therapy with the doctors was tough and mechanical therapy with the robotic majors at the local university was a nightmare...but it was worth it to have a functional arm once again. And the grant money to develop the appendage further wasn’t half-bad either. It was exciting, thrilling even! He almost could feel the electric excitement as he-oh...oh no. Arthur caught the ball and paused his adrenaline rush as he sees electricity dance over his arm again and hears the sizzle of the tennis ball’s singing fibers in his hand. Quickly he passed the ball to his other hand.

“Ah- uh, I think th-that’s enough for now. I think the arm’s getting a little overworked. Ah, um, st-static and all that!” He gives an awkward grin to ease Vivi and Lewis’s sudden confusion. “I’m ah, g-gonna go inside and discharge.” Arthur gave an awkward laugh and scurried to get inside the mechanics shop again, his trio of friends were left worried and confused.

“Why won’t you leave me alone?” Arthur whispered in a hiss, glaring at his hand as a ribbon of green electricity coiled over the metal. The dark voice in his head merely chuckled as Arthur went to a specialized discharging station in his room.

‘I was bored. You live a very dull life, Kingsmen.’ The voice hummed idly, ‘If you would just allow me to take over-’

“Never! Just-just leave already!” Arthur murmured, sliding into his room and heading for the discharging rod. On the surface, it just let off static electricity. On the inside, there was a battery hooked up and storing the electricity Arthur would often unwillingly produce. He used the power to run a lamp attached to his desk.

‘If I could, I might...but at this moment, I can’t. So I will just bide my time, boy. I am very patient~. And when your friends inevitably abandon you for your behavior~.’ Arthur frowned, furious that he had to deal with this thing all the time. But what could he do? Exorcising a spirit was one thing, but he was sure this being wouldn’t let go after a few holy words, a splash of water, and some special tags.

Arthur might need to find someone who can offer more specialized help than a priest.

--

Chapters: 1 || 2 || 3 || 4

[crystalninjaphoenix]

Hold the Field

Switch AU

Back at it again with these boys. We last left off with some shocking turns of the plot that left everyone Less Than Alright™, and so how do you follow up from that? With this, apparently. See, I’ve decided to focus on one of the boys for the recent stories. You probably noticed that the last two were focused on Jackie and Anti, and now we’re turning that attention to JJ in this fairly long chapter. Don’t worry, the other two will have their turn ;) Anyway, in this story, JJ makes a very risky decision. Does it come to fruition? Who knows? Let’s find out!

More of this AU found here

We have to have a meeting about all this. In person. Tomorrow at five?

Jameson reread the message again, then glanced at the clock. “They’re all late,” he muttered.

“‘T is only ten minutes, Jems,” Marvin said from his usual chair in the corner of the living room. Looking down at the nearby table, he was concentrating on trying to stack playing cards into some sort of structure—a feat made more difficult while he had Mr. Fluffington asleep on his lap. “They’ll be here.”

“Yeah...you’re right,” JJ nodded, placing his phone down on a nearby table. Still, he couldn’t sit down. Sighing, he picked up a book sitting casually on the table surface, opening it and skimming through the contents. “Do you think I have time to get some practice in before they arrive?”

Marvin looked up, glancing down at the book JJ had picked up, taking in the purple cover edged with gold. He immediately frowned. “If t’at’s the book I think it is, no. No, you don’.”

JJ snapped the slim volume shut. “Well, you sound rather disapproving all of a sudden.”

“The last time you tried t’at sort of spell, you were coughing up feathers for a week,” Marvin reminded him.

“Yes, but if I practice, I’ll be able to actually turn into an animal.” The study of animal transformation was fascinating. It was a complicated magic that you had to be very precise with, lest something go wrong and you get stuck.

“And t’en you’ll get stuck,” Marvin said, placing another two cards on the structure to make a triangle. “And I’ll have t’tell ev’ryone why you’re a bird and feed you little birdseed. And keep Mister from huntin’ you down.”

JJ chuckled. “Mister doesn’t seem like the hunting type. He seems to prefer, you know, sleeping.”

“Hey, you’ve seen him with t’ose little feathered toys on string!” Marvin looked down at the cat on his lap and started petting, running his fingers through Fluffington’s long fur. Soon after, Fluffington opened his eyes and yawned widely. “Oh no, I’ve awoken him! Did I disturb ye, Mister? So sorry.”

Fluffington got to his feet, stretching his back. He turned in place, until his eyes landed on the house of cards Marvin had been making. “Hey, no,” Marvin said warningly. “Don’ you dare.” Of course Fluffington didn’t listen and hopped onto the table, batting at the cards with his front paw. “Mister! No!” Marvin picked up the cat and twisted away. “I trusted you!”

JJ outright laughed at this. “Ah, one of cat’s most primal instincts: smack the thing.”

Marvin sighed, and leaned over to set Fluffington on the ground, where he immediately began wandering. “Now I have t’pick up fifty-four cards.”

“I thought there were only fifty-two cards in a deck.”

“T’is one has two jokers. And a rules card, but t’at’s still in the box.” Marvin began sweeping the fallen cards into a pile. “Some decks have as many as six jokers, which, by the way, were orig’nally made to be the highest level card in the game Euchre.”

“Really?” JJ leaned back against the table. “Never heard of that one. How do you play it?”

Marvin looked up, about to answer, but then the doorbell rang. “Ah. Well, t’at’ll be the others. I’ll explain it t’you later. Can you get t’at?”

 “Sure. Be right back.”

Jameson walked over to the front hall, opening the door. The moment the entrance was wide enough, Anti shoved his way inside. “Okay, we’re all here? Good? Let’s go then, where’s Marvin?” he said. Anti looked a little bedraggled. His hair was a mess and his jacket and shirt rumpled, like he’d slept in them. He was holding a green backpack with a scene of cartoon dinosaurs printed on it.

“Living room,” JJ said, gesturing back towards it.

Anti nodded, hurrying over. JJ threw the door open the rest of the way for the other two.

“Sorry we are late,” Schneep said, walking inside. “We had the idea to pick Anti up, but he’d already gotten on the bus, so he got off and we had to find him—it was a whole thing.” Jackie entered behind him silently, the hood of his hoodie pulled up over his head. He seemed a bit pale.

“It’s fine, let’s just get started,” said JJ. The three of them entered the living room. Schneep and Jackie sat down next to each other on the sofa, while Anti remained standing, clutching the small backpack in his hands. JJ walked in, also still standing. He cleared his throat. “Right. So. We all know why we’re here. Why don’t we just...cut to the chase?”

“Do you guys remember those detectives?” Jackie suddenly asked.

“The ones who keep askin’ you for a lead?” Marvin asked, busying his hands with getting all the cards into a single stack.

Jackie nodded. “I mean, they stopped, but yeah. Anyway, you’re not gonna believe what they’re—”

“Oh my god, those two are the ones looking for the kids?!” Anti scowled. “Hmm, yes, I’m sure they’ll be fucking fantastic at that.”

“Well, for police, they seem to actually do their jobs,” Schneep mumbled.

“Not in a situation like this,” Anti said darkly. “You all saw the photos I sent. We know who’s behind this.”

The room fell silent. Jameson resisted the urge to pick up his phone and look at the group chat again. Anti had sent pictures of what happened to his apartment: the way it had been turned upside down and smiles had been scrawled on the walls. That had been...ominous. And more than that, it felt like a taunt.

Schneep cleared his throat. “Well. Michelle and Will disappeared the night before last. There has been nothing since then, not from normal kid-taking types or from the Distorter. We...have no leads,” he finished quietly.

Another silence. “Quite...grim, isn’t t’at?” Marvin asked tentatively.

“Okay, idea,” Anti said. “We talk about the other thing and come back to this.”

Everyone made various noises of agreement. “So, then...” Jameson coughed awkwardly. “Anti. About this weird...eyeball...thing.”

“Way ahead of you,” Anti said, unzipping the backpack. As soon as it was open, a ball of glowing green shot outward. Jackie and JJ made near-identical shrieks of surprise. The floating eyeball hovered in the middle of the room, twirling as it looked around. “Second item of business: this fucking thing!”

“Jesus,” Marvin breathed. “What...what is it?”

“It is clearly an eyeball,” Schneep pointed out.

“No, I mean—” Marvin sighed. “What...is it? Why is it like...t’is? Alive? And big? And glowing?”

“I’ve been doing some research,” Jameson said, picking up his phone and unlocking it. “There are some magician-run websites online that have been helpful. But I can’t find any references to a living, glowing green eye, so it’s not an established magical creature, and therefore probably unique. And if it’s unique, it’s called a ‘being.’” He shrugged. “Simple, broad term that can cover a lot of different things. Basically, it’s magic, and it’s intelligent, but it probably wasn’t ever human at some point.”

“Very helpful,” Anti remarked.

While the others were talking, the eyeball was flying about, seeming to examine the room. At one point, it crept up close to Mr. Fluffington, who was sitting on the floor by the couch. Fluffington leaned forward to sniff the eyeball, and seemed to accept it as not a threat. He did try to smack it, but the eyeball dodged just in time, flying back over to hover near Anti’s head.

JJ lowered his phone. “Well, look, all I’m saying is that we’ve never seen anything like this before. So to the rest of the world, it doesn’t exist.” He laughed bleakly. “Seems we attract that. Never before have we seen a time traveler, a vigilante with shock abilities, and a zombie-like thing that can hypnotize people.” The laughter died into a disappointed sigh. “Which means we...don’t have any outside help with this.”

Jackie kept watching the eye as it moved. “At least this thing seems friendly,” he pointed out.

Anti nodded in agreement. “Yeah. It can, uh, understand what we’re saying. Right, um...Mr. Eye?” The eyeball looked over at Anti and bounced.

“Why are you assuming it’s a guy eye?” Jackie asked.

“I was thinking it was a girl,” Schneep said. “Do not know why.”

“Okay, gender neutral eye,” Anti said. “Mx. Eye. Anyway, we can talk to them. They can’t talk back, though. Or can they?” He reached into the backpack again, and pulled out a folded board.

Marvin leaned over to get a better look at it. “Oh jesus, Anti...” he said. “Is t'at...a ouija board?”

“Yes, it is,” Anti said defensively. “I bought it for a Halloween video last year and immediately shelved it until now. Figured it could work to communicate with our eye friend, cause it has all the letters and shit. What, are you gonna scold me about summoning ghosts?”

Marvin rolled his eyes. “Ouija boards are toys an’ parlor tricks. I jus’ never thought you woul’ be one to buy one.”

“You mock ghost summoning, but we know magic is real,” Schneep argued. “Who is to say ghosts are not?”

“That’s debatable,” JJ said. “I mean, necromancers can summon spirits, but ghosts are a different thing. And also as far as I’m aware, ouija boards are bullshit.”

Anti made a strangled noise. “Jackson! You swore!”

“Yes, I can swear,” JJ said defensively. “It’s not like I”m incapable, I just don’t like to.”

Marvin chuckled. “Yet ouija boards got you worked up enough to allow it.”

“Alright, let’s move on,” Jackie said. “We have a ouija board. How’re we gonna use it?”

Anti slung the backpack over his shoulder and glanced around the living room. He then pulled one of the end tables over towards the center of the room. In the process, he nearly caused the lamp on said table to fall over. Jameson let out an alarmed, strangled noise, and rushed over to catch the lamp. “Why don’t you have a coffee table, Jackson?” Anti muttered. “That would be easy.”

JJ was too relieved that he’d caught the lamp to answer, so Marvin jumped in. “It doesn’ fit wit’ the style of the room,” he said.

“Fuck style, be practical. You need a central table for moments like this.” Anti put the ouija board down on the table surface. Schneep and Jackie scooted closer to get a better look of it, while Marvin leaned forward for the same purpose. JJ sent the rescued table lamp down on the floor and walked over. “Alright. Mx. Eye,” Anti looked over at the eyeball, hovering nearby. “You can use this to spell out words, okay?” The eyeball bounced. “Okay. That’s a yes. Now...what should we ask?”

“Do you have a name?” JJ asked.

The eyeball darted down, hovering over the ouija board and looking down at it. They landed on the YES square.

“Good. So, can you tell us what it is, then?” JJ prompted.

The eye flew back into the air, circling around the board for a moment. Then they darted about, pointing at letters with the end of their retinal nerve. They spelled out S-A-M.

“Sam?” Schneep repeated. “That is not the name I was expecting. Not very...magical-sounding.”

“Nice name, though,” Jackie muttered. “Gender neutral.”

“Sam,” JJ repeated. “Well, Sam. Is there anything you want? With us?”

Sam bounced, and spelled out H-E-L-P.

“Wait, does t’at mean you need help, or you want t’help us?” Marvin asked.

After a moment’s pause, Sam landed on YES again.

“So...both?” JJ asked.

Again, Sam bounced, landing on YES.

“Well, what do you need help with, then?” Anti asked, a bit impatient. “Cause all you’ve been doing is running around my apartment and sometimes staring at me creepily.”

Sam looked down, almost seeming embarrassed. They shot up and spelled out L-O-S-T.

“You’re lost?” JJ asked. Sam bounced a YES. “Well, I’m not sure how we can help you with that. I suppose we could take you back to where you’re from, but...we’re sort of in the middle of...a situation. Do you know that?” Sam glanced at Anti, then bounced YES again.

“Unless you t'ink you coul' help us with t'at?” Marvin asked.

Sam considered this, then spelled out I L-O-O-K.

“Okay, the flying eyeball’s offering to help us search,” Anti muttered. “Great. Fantastic. What the fuck are our lives?”

“Anti shut the fuck up,” Jackie suddenly snapped. “Our kids are missing and we’re gonna do every-fucking-thing we can to find them, and if the magic eyeball is offering to help we’re going to take it! Okay?”

Anti stared at Jackie, eyes wide. He took a step back. “I...didn’t mean to say that we weren’t going to,” he said slowly. “I just...it’s weird. I don’t know. Sorry.” He folded his arms around himself, shoving his hands underneath his armpits. “I mean, they can help. They managed to follow me all night, so they’re...capable. Never mind. Sorry.”

Jackie exhaled slowly, rubbing his eyes under his glasses. “No, I’m sorry,” he muttered. “Didn’t mean to yell. I’m just...freaking out.” Schneep scooted closer to him, reaching out as if to put an arm around him, but hesitated. Jackie leaned into his side, and Schneep pulled him closer.

“Alright, alright, so Sam’s offering to help look,” Jameson said, redirecting the conversation. “That’s good. We can look, too.”

“Eh...Jems...” Marvin said slowly. “You wouldn’ happen to have...a crystal ball or somet’ing?”

“What?” JJ looked over at him. “Well, there’s one that I use as a prop sometimes, but it’s in storage at Jewett. Why?”

“I was jus’ t’inkin’...” Marvin leaned back in his chair. “T’at...maybe there woul’ be some way to use t’at to look for the kids? Magically? I mean, isn’ t’at what crystal balls are used for in fairs and carnivals? True, it’s usually for seein’ the future, and I’m pretty sure fortune tellers are scams, but...somet’ing like t’at?”

Jameson blinked. “There is scrying. That’s a form of magic. We wouldn’t necessarily need a crystal ball, just something reflective. We could pour water in a bowl, and—oh my god, why hadn’t I thought of that sooner?” He hit his forehead with his hand.

“This is a whole mess, Jamie, we have all been distracted,” Schneep said. “Is not your fault.”

“Can we do that now?” Anti asked. “We’re all already here, might as well—shit!” Sam had flown up and tried to land on Anti’s shoulder, but at the slightest touch, he’d started and instinctively tried to smack them away. Luckily, they jumped off at the right moment. “Don’t...don’t do that,” Anti said to them. “Not from an angle where I can’t see you.” Sam bounced.

“Yes, we could do that now,” JJ said slowly. “I know one of my books have a scrying spell in it...we’d need something that belongs to one of the kids—”

“Got that,” Anti said shortly, clutching the strap of the small backpack he’d brought Sam in.

“Um...right. Then we’d just need a bowl of water, which we definitely have.” JJ headed towards the living room entrance. “Why don’t I find the book I had the spell in, and you guys all move to the dining room? I’ll meet you there.”

Okay a few minutes later, the group had gathered around the dining room table. JJ was sitting in one of the chairs, scanning the instructions for a scrying spell on page 239 of the spellbook he’d found. On the table in front of him were the backpack and a wide bowl full of water. “So I think I understand,” JJ said. “There’s no incantation, but not all magic needs one.” He looked over his shoulder. “It might be easier if you two would stop hovering.”

Anti and Schneep, leaning over his shoulders, immediately backed away in unison. 

“So how does this work?” Jackie asked, sitting in the chair to JJ’s right. 

“Well if this works, there will be an image in the water that’ll tell us where the kids are,” JJ explained, closing the book. “If it doesn’t...well, there won’t be, I guess.”

“Let’s jus’ hurry it up, t’en,” Marvin said, sitting on JJ’s left.

“Right, right.” Jameson exhaled deeply, placing his hands on either side of the bowl. It would just take a little magic push for this to work...

A pressure built up behind his eyes, and he soon felt his fingertips tingle with magic. The water in the bowl slowly turned blue, the color spreading through the water like dye. Then it started swirling on its own, a miniature whirlpool starting to grow in the ceramic bowl. JJ quickly broke one hand away from the bowl and touched two fingers to the edge of the backpack. Pulling them away, he left a trail of teal—not the usual color of his magic, interesting—in the air. He tapped his fingers on the side of the bowl, and a streak of teal found its way into the whirling blue liquid. That was what the instructions said should be happening. And now, he just had to concentrate on the kids.

At this point, Jameson couldn’t have looked away from the water if he tried. He couldn’t even blink, eyes fixed on the whirling water as it began glowing. The water swirled violently, picking up speed and throwing droplets high, yet it never spilled over the edge of the bowl.

And then suddenly, it all stopped. The water suddenly smoothed over into a glassy surface, the blue glow fading. Jameson saw his reflection, as well as the reflection of the others, leaning close. Then the reflections faded, turning into a vignette on a blue background. The scene shown in the water was blurry, oddly out of focus, and in colorless grayscale. It looked like the image was moving, traveling down a suburban street like someone out for a walk. The image picked up speed, homing in on a certain location. Then it stopped. The scene blurred, streaks of gray smearing. And when it cleared, it was rushing forward. The group watched as the scene flew out of the city and into the empty fields that bordered the town on one side. Then, abruptly, it faded away into gray fog. The water turned to solid ice in less than a second, cracking the rim of the bowl.

Silence filled the room. Jameson squeezed his eyes closed and opened them again several times, getting used to moving his eyes again. “What...was that?” Anti asked, a note of...was that fear in his voice?

“Was t’at what the spell was s’posed to do?” Marvin asked.

JJ turned to the scrying spell in the book again. “Well, not exactly. It says that sometimes if you’re trying to lock down something that’s somehow magically protected, the spell might ‘wander’ about looking for it for a while. And if it can’t find anything, it’s supposed to just...fade away? There’s nothing there that says anything about that...change of direction.”

“Maybe that was the wandering the book meant,” Schneep said, though he didn’t sound entirely convinced.

“Why’d it turn into ice?” Anti took a few steps backward. Sam, previously hovering nearby, flew over to him. “That doesn’t seem like something that’s supposed to happen.”

“No, I don’t think it was,” Jameson muttered.

“Do you t’ink...Distorter is outside the city?” Marvin asked hesitantly. “Maybe he took the kids away.”

“It’s a possibility.” JJ bit his thumbnail, anxiety working at his stomach. “I suppose, with his powers, he might be able to somehow interfere with the scrying. If we really wanted, we could find another magician to try again, but I don’t think anything will change.”

“Okay, so what do we do about it?” Anti asked. “Are we supposed to check out that field outside the city or something?”

Jackie, who’d been unusually quiet the whole time, frowned, and mumbled, “That’s not...”

Everyone looked at him. “Is...is there something you want to say, Jackie?” Schneep prompted gently.

Jackie folded his arms, grabbing the fabric of his hoodie and balling it in his fists. “I just...don’t recognize...that place,” he forced out. “I-I thought I...I would.”  He shook his head. “They...they might be somewhere else. Which is...is good, really. It’s good that they’re not...there.”

The air felt heavy. The other four all looked at each other with varying expressions of sympathy. “Right, it’s very good,” Jameson finally said. “So...perhaps if we check this field out, we may find a clue to where they actually are.”

“We might,” Schneep said. “Or it could be a trap.”

“Yeah, if Distorter somehow messed with the spell, I wouldn’t fucking put that past him,” Anti added.

“So what I’m hearin’ is we be more cautious t’an not,” Marvin summarized.

JJ frowned. “Well...I still think we should see if there’s anything there. We don’t know that Distorter was interfering with the scry. Obviously we be careful, but we shouldn’t avoid it altogether.”

Anti rubbed his temples like a headache was beginning to form. “Yeah, I get that, what we just need to do is make a plan for when we go there.”

Jackie laughed dully. “Right yeah. Let’s—can we do that tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow?!” Marvin repeated, straightening. “Time is of the essence here! We can’ just sit around—”

“I know we can’t!” Jackie snapped. “I’m not saying we do! I just—we’ve done a lot today—”

“And we shoul’ keep goin’ while we’re here!” Marvin insisted. “Might as well hit him tonight! If we’re lucky we can—”

“If we’re lucky,” Jackie repeated, leaning across the table. “We might not be lucky at all! This could be a trap, remember? We—we’re not losing anyone!”

“If we don’t hurry, who knows what’ll happen?!” Marvin emphasized, leaning forward as well. “They’re kids! Are we leavin’ kids t’ere?!”

“No, we are not doing that!” Jackie slammed his palms on the table surface. “I don’t want to wait, but I don’t want any of you to have to—any of you to be taken, either! It’s a risk, but we can’t afford it if anyone else ends up like—like that! With him!”

“Oh, well, you’re a bit feckin’ late if ye don’ want anyone else to be affected by him!” Marvin drawled. “By about a few years—or a few decades, depending on what actually happened t’ere, I don’ remember! They are children. Will we let them alone in t’is situation?!”

“That’ is not what we’re doing!” Jackie shot to his feet. “What, you can’t wait a day?! So impatient! We need a plan, Marvin! Otherwise everyone else will end up like us! Do you want that?!”

“I don’t want children to end up like t’at, either!” Marvin shouted, standing up and putting his face into Jackie’s.

“None of us here do! But we can’t just go rushing in!”

“We can’ wait, either!”

“Will the two of you just shut up?!” Anti yelled. “Fucking god! You’re wasting time fighting when we could be deciding what to do to save the fucking children in the hands of a nightmare!”

Marvin and Jackie glanced over at him, then back at each other. In almost comical unison, they both sat down.

Schneep sighed. “Well, we may need time to break just so you two can calm down. Anyway, we will take a vote. Who wants to go investigate this field today? Raise your hand.” Marvin’s hand shot in the air, and Jameson’s followed, more slowly. “Who wants to meet up tomorrow to plan and investigate then?” Jackie, Anti, and Schneep raised their hands. “Then it is decided,” Schneep said.

Marvin cried out, frustration evident. He stood up, violently pushing his chair back, and stormed out of the room.

Jackie looked after him. “I didn’t...mean to make him...”

“He’ll be fine,” Jameson said quietly. “I’ll talk to him.”

The remaining four quickly decided to meet again early tomorrow. Then Anti, Schneep, and Jackie left, with Sam following Anti. Jameson waved goodbye to them at the door. The minute they were out of sight, he closed the door and pressed his forehead against it. That...hadn’t ended well. He’d never seen Marvin and Jackie fight like that. Sure, they argued, but never about anything serious. Never did it devolve into shouting at each other.

Speaking of which...JJ took a deep breath, and turned around, heading down the hall towards Marvin’s room. The door was closed. If he listened carefully, he could hear muffled sounds from inside. He knocked. “Marvin? Are you alright? The others are gone.” There was no answer. He knocked again. “Marvin? Are you okay?” When there was still no answer, he said, “Marvin, I’m coming inside, alright?” and pushed the door open.

Marvin was lying on the bed, curled up with his back to the door and his face buried in his pillow. Now with the door open, Jameson realized the muffled sounds he’d been hearing were the sounds of sobs. “Are you okay?” he asked gently. “Do you need anything?”

After a moment, Marvin looked over his shoulder to stare at him with red-rimmed eyes. “No, don’ need anyt’ing,” he mumbled.

Jameson nodded slowly. “Do you...want to talk about it?”

Marvin paused. “It’s...I just don’ want...” He reached over to the nightstand and grabbed a handkerchief to wipe his eyes. “They’re jus’ kids, Jems. A-and after ev’ry...all of...ev’ryt’ing that I...” A shudder wracked his body. “I want them t’be alright, but...they might...”

Jameson waited for more, but soon realized it wouldn’t come. “They will be alright, Marvin,” he reassured. “We’ll be looking out for them. I’m sure one day won’t make too much of a difference.” But, though he said it confidently, he felt doubt in his heart. “Do you want me to stay, or...?”

Marvin shook his head silently.

“Alright, then. Just call me if you need anything.” He started to close the door, but then looked down as something brushed past his leg. “Oh, looks like you have a visitor.”

Mr. Fluffington walked inside the room, stopping next to the bed and looking up at Marvin. After a moment, he hopped up onto the surface and began sniffing at Marvin’s face. Marvin made a small laugh, and reached over to pet the cat. “Y’can leave the door open, Jems,” he said.

“Got it.” Jameson backed away, eventually turning and heading down the hall.

This whole thing was...terrible. Not only for Will and Michelle’s sakes, though that was awful enough on its own. But the group was falling apart because of it. Jameson couldn’t let that happen. He’d always fought so hard to keep them together, to keep everyone alright. Perhaps...perhaps there was something he could do. Something that would make everyone happy.

———————

Later that night, at midnight exactly, Jameson left the house, driving out of the city and following directions he’d looked up online. He’d do a quick scout of the location they’d seen in the scrying spell. It wouldn’t take too long; he just wanted to see if he could detect anything magical. Accordingly, he’d dressed in his stage outfit of a cape and his mask—not necessarily required for magic, but it got him in the right head space.

Empty fields bordered the town on the south side. There wasn’t really a distinct end to the city limits, just the suburbs in the south gradually spreading out, then stopping. The paved roads came to an abrupt end, but at different spots for each road. JJ drove as far as he could on the street, then parked his car and got out, staring out at the empty planes of rough, knee-high grass. It looked kind of...foreboding, in the dark. But he’d had to leave at night, so that Marvin wouldn’t know he was going to check it out. As much as Marvin had pushed for them going to the location immediately, JJ knew he’d be upset that he was going out on his own, without any backup.

Uneasy dread curled up in his stomach. Jameson hesitated. If this was a trap, it wouldn’t really be a good idea to be here...alone...without having told anyone where he’d gone. But no, he’d planned this out. He’d read up on several defensive spells in case he’d forgotten any, and even tried out a light illusion spell that would hide him from view. Besides, he didn’t want any of the others to worry. They were upset enough recently, the events of the last few days taking a toll on all of them. He could do this on his own—in fact, he had to.

Taking a deep breath, Jameson forced himself to step off the familiar asphalt of the dead-end street and into the tall grass. Okay, the scrying spell had gone fairly far into the fields before failing, so he had some way to go. And since there wasn’t a lot of cover out here, might as well try that illusion spell. “Kui me malí ab scomumbrae,” he whispered, hoping he’d remembered the incantation correctly. There was a gentle blue glow, and then he felt suddenly a bit chilly—more so than usual for a November night. When he looked down, he couldn’t see his own body. Seemed to have worked.

He kept walking. There wasn’t much to identify one spot in the fields from any other spot, except for turning around and seeing how far away the city lights were. Jameson tried to remember how far away the buildings had appeared in the scrying spell.

It felt like he’d been walking for a while when he decided to try and run a quick detection spell. If there was anything magical out here, he should be able to find it with that. No incantation for this one, just concentration and listening to your inner voice. And his inner voice said that there was something...something further away from the city.

Jameson glanced back over his shoulder. The city lights really were starting to fade into the background. He could make out the shapes of buildings, but he wouldn’t be able to walk back to them—or at least not quickly. For a moment, he thought that maybe he should turn around.

And then he heard...a voice.

Jameson stiffened, and turned back to look over the empty field. He could hardly see anything now, hardly any light from the city stretching far enough to light up the empty expanse of grass. But that voice...it sounded familiar. Was it crying?

Wrapping his cape around himself, he headed towards the noise. It sounded like it was getting closer, but he couldn’t see what was making it. He didn’t want to risk saying anything in case the wrong party overheard him. Maybe...if he cast a light, the illusion spell would conceal it?

Might as well try. He held up his hand, and a brief flash of blue light lit up the area. The sound of crying stopped. “H-hello?” The voice of a little girl called out. A familiar little girl, in fact.

Jameson’s heart stopped. So, Michelle and Will were out here. Or at least Michelle was. But...perhaps this was part of the trap they’d been worried about earlier? JJ silently cast another detection spell. There was magic here, much closer. It didn’t feel hostile...which was strange enough in itself.

“Who’s there?” Michelle’s voice asked, fear ringing in each word. “I-I’m—my name is Michelle Parker-Diaz, I...I came out here with my friend...I-I don’t know where he is...hello? Is anyone there?”

Jameson slowly walked closer. Unfortunately he’d neglected to pull up more light, and in the darkness, he tripped over something in the grass. “Oof—!” He stumbled, but managed to catch himself.

“Hello?!” Michelle’s voice cried. “I know you’re there! Can you help me find my friend? Th-there’s a monster out here, there’s...” She trailed off. “I-it’s close by...”

Something rustled in the grass nearby.

Jameson cast his eyes about again. By now, it was almost pitch black, only the slightest hint of light coming from the moon and stars above. He bit back a curse, then cast another flash of blue light.

The rustling increased. Michelle screamed. “It’s here! Help! Please, someone help!”

All caution was immediately abandoned. Jameson dropped the illusion spell and cast a more substantial light spell, crystallized bits of blue magic dancing around his fingers. The field lit up in a circle around him. He could see the grass rustling, in the same direction Michelle was screaming from. But it sounded like she was getting farther. “Michelle?!” He called. “Don’t worry, I’m coming!” He ran after the screams.

“Help! Please! It’s coming, it’s coming!” 

“Don’t worry! I’m—” Not looking where he was going, his shoe slammed into something hidden in the grass. There was no time to stop the fall. Jameson merely braced himself as he landed hard on the ground.

“No! No!” Michelle screamed again, the sound piercing Jameson’s ears.

And then the scream changed.

Into...laughter.

“You always seemed clever.” Michelle’s voice began warping, lowering and shifting into something that definitely wasn’t her, but wasn’t definitely anything else. “I guess the heart overrides the brain in your case, huh?”

“Shit,” Jameson whispered, climbing to his feet. So it had been a trap. And out on his own, he didn’t have anyone to stop him from falling for it. Well, only one thing to do now. He turned around and ran back towards the distant city lights.

“Going so soon? Aw, that sucks. It was just starting to get fun.”

The city buildings in the distance shimmered like a heat wave rising off the highway. Then they shifted position, now to Jameson’s right. Then to his left. Then in front again. Then behind. Jameson stopped running, turning in circles trying to catch up with where the city was. He raised his hand higher, the crystal blue lights illuminating a greater area. Though it helped him see, it didn’t stop the location of the city from shifting. And it was then that he remembered Distorter couldn’t actually change his surroundings. It was all an illusion. “What was the point of this?” He called out.

“What was the point of trying to find me?” Distorter snapped back. His voice seemed to be coming from all over, making it difficult to pin down his location behind the illusion. “You didn’t really think it would be that easy, did you? Well, maybe you did, considering you waltzed right out of the city. All on your lonesome, too. Nobody else volunteered to come? Wow. Bad parenting, sending someone else to get your kids.”

“Hey, you shut up,” Jameson snapped. “What do you know about parenting?” After a moment’s hesitation, he started walking in a direction that he thought was the way he’d come. The distant city lights were blurring and wavering, and occasionally disappearing altogether.

“Aw, I bet they’re worried,” Distorter said. “Worried about their little bitty babies. Well, don’t. I know enough to take care of them. They’ll be better off here, anyway, than with a violent asshole and a man who can’t even live in the same house as his daughter.”

“That second one is your fault, don’t deny it,” Jameson said. “And that first one is a wild exaggeration.”

Distorter laughed. “Spoken with the confidence of a man who’s never seen another’s thoughts! Oh by the way, you’re heading in the complete opposite direction.”

Jameson rolled his eyes. “And why should I believe you in that matter?” He kept walking solidly in the direction he was going. “You lured me out here, you pretended to be Michelle, you are not above misleading me.”

A pause. “I lured you out here?” Distorter repeated. “So...then you are on your own. No one else hiding in that invisibility spell? It’s just you?”

Icy fear suddenly splashed through Jameson’s veins. “Would I tell you if there was?” He asked, hiding the tremble in his voice. “Let’s just admit we both have reason to lie to the other and call it a day. Or, uh, night. You do realize we outnumber you, yes? It doesn’t matter how powerful you are, we can overwhelm you all together. So are you willing to risk that?”

“Wow, now you’re just rambling. Nervous, huh?” Distorter’s voice faded away.

Something flickered in the corner of Jameson’s vision. He stopped walking and spun around. His eyes darted around the vast, empty surroundings, all dark beyond his little bubble of light. Perhaps it was time to put those defensive spells to use. He muttered an incantation under his breath, and the blue light weaving around his fingers flared, shooting outward in a circle.

Distorter laughed. “You talk too much.”

Jameson spun back around, the blue light twirling away from his fingers and fading in surprise. There was a shuffling movement in the darkness.

And without any warning, Distorter was right in front of him, grinning and bleeding and tackling him to the ground. Jameson cried out in surprise, mind scrambling for a spell to help. But then something red splashed, and Jameson felt a sharp, sudden pain in his neck. He gasped, and choked as something tasting of copper ran down his throat.

Another laugh, and Distorter backed away, disappearing into the darkness. Jameson’s hands immediately flew for his neck, wincing as they made contact with a wound that instantly drenched his fingers in warm liquid. He pressed against it, choking more as the movement put pressure on his windpipe.

“Wow, that’s a lot of blood.” Distorter’s voice was right in Jameson’s ear. He jumped. Something grabbed his hair and wrenched his head backwards. “Yikes. I think you’re actually going to die, magic man. Way out of the city, nobody nearby to rush to your aid...yeah, you’re going to die tonight.” Distorter sounded delighted by that fact. “All these spells and enchantments you can do, and you’re going to die of blood loss. Not a very magical end. Are you starting to feel dizzy? Maybe your vision is going all out of whack. Eventually you’re going to pass out, though, so at least it’ll be like dying in your sleep. And hey, at least the pain will stop. God, what’ll Marvin think? I bet he’ll be devastated. Oh, well. I’ll give him your regards.”

Jameson tried to push Distorter away, but it was so dark, he couldn’t see where he was. Not the priority right now. He gathered his cape into a ball and pressed it against his neck. It was instantly soaked. He had to at least try to get away, didn’t he? It couldn’t...couldn’t end like this.

Was it always this cold? It didn’t matter. He had to stand up. But when he tried, he just stumbled and fell again. Okay, crawling, then. Pushing past the strands of tall grass and just...just heading forward. Just keep going. Keep...

The field was lit up by a golden yellow light.

“What the fuck?!” A female voice shouted.

Jameson caught movement out of the corner of his eye. And also movement right in front of him. The light was coming closer. Was this...?

“Oh my god, what happened here?! That thing—what—? You’re hurt! Wait a minute, don’t I know you?”

Jameson looked up at the light, and then his eyes rolled back and he passed out.

———————

He didn’t expect to open his eyes again. Or at least, not to something so ordinary as this. It looked almost like a hospital, with the rows of beds and white walls. But there was something more...casual about it. There was wooden paneling on the bottom third of the walls, the beds looking more like they’d belong in a bedroom than a hospital. The weird room was empty, except for him...and a red-headed woman sitting in a chair at the foot of the bed.

The woman looked up. “Oh good, you’re awake. How’re you feeling?”

Jameson frowned. His throat...really hurt. He tried to say something about that, but ended up just making a hoarse wheezing sound and coughing.

The woman winced. “I meant with the whiteboard.” She pointed to Jameson’s side. If he’d tilted his head just a little bit, he’d have seen a nightstand next to the bed, with a whiteboard and dry erase marker on it. But then again, tilting his head hurt.

JJ reached over and grabbed the board, scribbling out My throat hurts.

“Yeah...I expect it would.” The woman inhaled sharply. “There was some...serious damage there. That thing managed to carve deep enough to do damage to your vocal chords. Healers say you should be able to talk again...mostly. With some, um...it’s not good, okay?”

JJ blinked. This woman looked familiar. Who are you? he asked. How did I get here?

“Do you have ninety minutes?” The woman asked, then chuckled. “Sorry. Bad reference. Anyway, we’ve met before, a couple months ago. Your name’s Jameson Jackson, and mine is Aoife Kelley.”

That name did ring a bell. JJ cast his mind back, and then it hit him. You’re that ABIM magician who didn’t help us, he wrote, glaring at her.

“Look, I’m really sorry about that,” Aoife said sincerely. “But the regulations exist for a reason. And, uh...if what I saw last night was real, I am so, so sorry for not stepping in. That thing was...haunting.”

Wait, “last night”? JJ wrote. I have to get home! The others will be worried! He sat up straight, throwing away the blankets.

“Whoa, hey, be careful!” Aoife stood up and pushed him back down as he started to stand up. “You lost a lot of blood. The ABIM healers hooked you up with a replenishing potion, but you’re still not fully up and ready.”

JJ glared at her. I didn’t tell my friends where I was going. I have to let them know I’m okay.

“You didn’t...? Well, don’t you have a phone? Text them or something.” Aoife glanced at a clock on the wall. “It’s about eight. I can drive you to your house.” She paused. “And, uh...if you need help with this...whole...situation you’re in, I’m ready to help.”

You didn’t seem so ready to help when I asked for it a few months ago.

“I was! I just couldn’t.” Aoife sighed. “Look, my magical specialty is divination. Last night, I was woken up in the middle of the night, and just...strongly felt I had to go to that field. And when I saw you there, and that thing, I started wondering...maybe our fates are intertwined.”

JJ blinked. If you’re flirting with me, I must inform you that I am very gay.

Aoife laughed. “No, not like that! I meant just like—like I’m meant to help you.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, rectangular piece of wood, which she then handed to Jameson. “I think I’ve given you this before, but this is my cell phone number. If you need help, call or text me, okay?”

JJ sighed. Yes. Alright. I appreciate the offer. He paused, then added, Now can you please take me home?

———————

Jameson entered the house, slamming the door behind him. Immediately, there was a “Jems?!” from down the hall, followed by the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps. JJ looked over, and was hit by a sudden hug from a familiar figure. “What happened?!” Marvin asked. “Are you—whoa!” He started listing to the side, and Jameson hurried to help him back to a stable position. “Thanks,” Marvin breathed. “Now. Where have ye been?! When d’you leave?! What happened to your neck?! Are y’alright?”

JJ patiently waited for the onslaught of questions to fade, then he grabbed the whiteboard and marker Aoife had generously given to him, and wrote out, I made a very bad decision.

“Okay, what was t’at?”

I went to the field we saw in the scrying spell.

“On your own?!” Marvin grabbed Jameson by the shoulders. “What were ye t’inkin’?! I know I was all for actin’ quickly, but together! Not by yourself in the night!”

Jameson looked down at the floor, then up again. I just thought this would be the best way, he explained.

Marvin blinked. “Why?!”

It took a while to write out that response. Well, we do need to get the kids back, sooner better than later. But I didn’t want to trouble you or Jackie because you were upset after that fight. And Anti seemed a bit overwhelmed with that Sam eyeball and all the stress. And Henrik has his own plate full.

“Jems,” Marvin said, sounding absolutely stunned. “Okay, yes, t’is is all correct. But did ye really jus’—just t’row yourself into danger so as to not make anyone upset?!”

Jameson paused. Well it sounds bad when you put it like that.

“Oh my god, Jems.” Marvin buried his face in his hand. “Ye can’ look out for ev’ryone all the time and not yourself. You’ll get hurt.”

Figured that one out, Jameson pointed out, resisting the urge to touch the bandages wrapping around his throat.

“I mean you’ll get hurt in your head,” Marvin said. “It’ll run you dry. Look, I didn’ call any of the others yet, but we were s’posed to meet up later t’is mornin’, right? So we still meet up, we tell ev’ryone what happened, and then—then!—you are goin’ to rest up and not worry about anyone other t’an yourself. Alright?”

Well...I’ll probably need that rest, anyway, JJ wrote slowly. He hesitated. Marvin. There might have been some...permanent damage. It’s a long story, but...if I’m lucky, it’ll be difficult to speak. If I’m unlucky...He couldn’t bear to finish writing that sentence.

Marvin nodded. “Well. We’ll deal wit’ t’at when it comes. I’m sure we can tackle it. And for once, I will be the one making sure you are alright. And you are goin’ t’like it!”

Jameson let out a wheezing laugh that he cut off not long after it began. Thanks.

“You’re welcome. Now. Go lie down, I’ll call the others.”

Jameson headed into the living room and lied down on the sofa. Mr. Fluffington, previously towing with a bit of string on the floor, walked on over to see what the fuss was about, and hopped onto Jameson’s stomach. JJ smiled a bit. And despite passing out for about eight hours last night, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

[mymelodyheart]

A Passage In Time ~Halloween Short Story~

  A Passage in Time

 Claire parked into an empty slot at the foothills of Craigh na Dun, the street and open fields packed with cars of stone circles, and Celtic feast days enthusiasts. Jenny, her college friend, mentioned there was a possibility they'd be able to observe a group of local druids dancing to the feast of Samhain. If the ritual hadn't started yet, it could be the highlight of her trip to Inverness.

Bonfires blazed everywhere, their glow lending the atmosphere an air of mystery and something akin to otherwordly. Old fashion looking lanterns hung on wooden posts, and white canopies strung with fairy lights gave the hills a magical atmosphere at this time of night. The sound of bodhran drum beating in the distance and the rush of wind rustling through the trees sent a chill down her spine. There was an unusual, low vibratory hum in her ears, causing a nervous stir in her stomach. It reminded her of a time when she'd gone ghost hunting with Jenny in St Sepulchre's Cemetery in Oxford, frightened out of her wits and very jumpy.

She was so on edge she nearly screamed when the pocket of her coat buzzed.  Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ!  She quickly unbuckled her seat belt and fumbled for her phone, hoping it was Jenny. Her friend always came a little earlier than Claire and was usually impatiently and grumpily waiting for her in the wings.

"Claire! I'm so sorry I'm no' gonnae make it. I think I have food poisoning and my tummy isnae right, but I asked my brother to meet ye next to the biggest stone at Craigh na Dun. He's got ginger curls, and he's tall, and his name is Jamie. I ken ye didnae want to be alone. I hope ye dinnae mind my brother coming instead." Jenny's and her definition of tall differed. Whereas tall in Claire's books was above six foot, anyone that towered over her petite friend was considered massive to Jenny.

"Oh, Jen!" Claire wailed, hitting her steering wheel with the palm of her hand. Without her friend, she really didn't want to do this now, but it had taken her over an hour to drive up here. 

"So sorry hen. Please don't bail on my brother. He's going to be there soon. Ohhhh, God ...going to be sick ...bye."

Claire stared at her phone, and her stomach turned. Maybe, like Jen, she was coming down with food poisoning too. The way her insides was churning, it really was beginning to seem that way. "Fucking great," she mumbled miserably to herself. "I didn't even fix my hair, and I don't even have a smidgen of makeup. I just hope her brother is not that cute." 

She peered at the mirror and fluffed her chocolate curls. Her face was nice enough, she supposed, looking at her thoughtful amber eyes, full lips and arched eyebrows. As she found more faults in her face, she sighed wishing she had lipstick in her purse, but nought could be done and how she looked will have to do. 

She took deep cleansing breaths, mustered all the social courage she had, and stepped out of her car. The wind suddenly picked up and caressed her cheeks with cold breeze fingers. She was glad she wore sensible clothes, grateful for the warmth of the turtle-neck cable knit jumper, fitted jeans, hiking boots and down jacket.

Looking up towards the hill, she realised she wasn't far off and could see the tips of the stone circles and people milling about dressed in traditional garb and period costumes. She skipped over some shallow pools and trudged up the incline, pulling down her knitted hat to cover her ears. The hill was fairly steep, so she took a few stops to catch her breath as it wouldn't be a nice look to greet Jenny's brother panting like forge bellows. He would probably get the wrong idea if that ever happened.  Ugh!

She looked towards the top of the hill as she rested and realised she didn't have far to go and the standing stones looked, even more, impressive from where she stood. Her eyes landed on the biggest of them all, and her heart skipped a beat. Something had moved from behind the stone and disappeared through the cluster of trees! She held her breath and peered hard, to make sure she wasn't mistaken. Yes! There it is ...a tall shadow!

Claire's heart started to pound so hard, she thought it might burst out of her ribcage.  Was that a ghost?  The ritual hadn't begun yet, and she was already spooked out of her wits. But she immediately felt silly when the shadow stepped out from behind the tree and motioned to her. He was waving and smiling. It took a few heartbeats for her to register that he was tall, had ginger curls and was dressed in eighteenth-century Highland garb.  Ah, that must be Jamie!

She shyly waved back at the man, who grinned at her as if she was an old friend. When he beckoned to her again, her blood rushed between her ears, and she felt dampness under her arms.  What's the matter, Beauchamp? Watching too many horror films lately?   She swallowed down her nervousness, and she stared harder. He seemed friendly and didn't look surprised to see her. Actually, he looked eager to meet her. She scolded herself for letting her imagination run wild and continued her ascent, almost laughing out loud at her childish reaction.

When she finally reached the top, she looked around. There were quite a lot of people waiting for the Samhain ritual to start, but there were no signs of Jenny's brother. The balefires lit the standing stones in wavering lights, sending shadows scurrying across the grounds and making the whole setting looked like it jumped out of the Old World. She quickly scanned her surroundings, trying to imagine what it might look like under sunlight so as not to dwell too much on her nervousness.

Making her way around the stones, she weaved in and out of throngs of revellers while straining her eyes to look for a tall ginger-haired man. The drum continued to beat, and the cameras clicked nearby, the clash of old and new unsettling Claire further. In the middle of the circle, dressed in a druid costume, stood a gorgeous girl, her red hair wild and loose. She spoke to the crowd about extraordinary people that had a rare ability to hear the stones, seeking its passageway that led to another time.

Claire didn't stop and continued to walk, determined to find Jenny's brother as she listened to the druid girl's chanting. The people huddled closer as they listened to the solemn incantation, either seeking warmth from neighbouring bodies or straining to hear. Claire examined the faces, searching for someone that could be her friend's brother, but her skin crawled when she realised there was no tall red-head.  Who was the man in the shadow, then?

"We call upon the Old Ones known before the measure of time, some named and yet forgotten! Who would bless us with their energies of love and care! Harmonious to our nature, n' the energies of cosmic creation to cast this circle! We create and bind this Sacred Space with Sacred Love and Sacred Trust! To protect those we love and cherish within and without. N' to focus through our will in this space out of time, between worlds for the making of Majick! The Circle is now cast! So mote it be!"

The wind suddenly stilled, and Claire could tell the crowd also felt the sudden change in the air.

"We Summon You and Call you Forth! O' Ancient Ones, of Thought and Sound! Rising, moving in concentration, this seasons night in clear still air, vibrations felt, clear, resounding, in the sound of drums pounding, of Life's Breath and Heartfelt Love! Come be with us this Seasons Night. Join us in our Holy Rite, O' Ancient Ones of Power."

Suddenly, the lantern in the druid girl's hand flickered and puffed out, and the crowd drew in a sharp intake of breaths. 

"What was that?" somebody shouted out.

The druid girl holding the lantern shushed everyone patiently. "It's only the spirit of the ancient ones communicating with us. Dinnae be afraid. Playing with light is their way to make his or her presence known. Please remain calm. This spirit is benevolent. I have a good sense about these things."

Even though a part of her thought it was all for show, Claire couldn't help but feel the shift in the air, as a shiver crawled up her back, making every hair on her body rise.

A cold hand brushed her own, and she let out a blood-curdling scream. Even though she didn't want to look, her body had a mind of its own and turned around. She opened her eyes and swallowed hard, and was relieved and surprised to see a handsome ruddy face with intense blue eyes and ginger curls smiling down at her.

"I beg yer pardon, mistress. It was no' my intention to frighten ye. I only wanted to introduce myself' and see what all the fuss was about."

"J-Jamie?"

He bowed down, one arm swooping elegantly in a semi-circle. "James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser, at yer service. Please call me James."

She stifled a giggle knowing it was part of an act for the Samhain festivity.

The red-head girl in the circle glared at Claire. "Lass, yer screams will no' make the spirits want to speak. If ye're too frightened, go somewhere else, if ye please."

Heat crept up Claire's face as she jerked a thumb over her shoulder. "I'm so sorry I got carried away. I'll go now." She turned away from the circle and made her way down the hill.

"Wait, mistress, please! Dinnae let that druid priestess ruin yer evening," he said, grabbing her wrist and still speaking in his Old World accent. "There are other pleasing things to see than listen to her chant." 

Claire stopped on her tracks and smiled shyly, swiping a loose curl away from her face. "I bet there are. It was beginning to get too spooky for me. Maybe you could show me around?" she suggested.

James laughed out loud, his blue eyes twinkling mischievously as he offered her his arm. "Weel, mistress, ye are in luck. It is but my good fortune ye are in need of a person to accompany ye, for I am in need of a fair lass on my arm. Come, let us leave this over-crowded place, and I will give ye a personal and less embellished, account of Craigh na Dun ."

Claire blushed profusely as she wound her arm into his. She was grateful for the darkness of the night, concealing her scarlet face. Although his eighteenth-century Highland accent was spot on, she wished he would cut out the play-acting. He had a languid air about him that put her at ease, and the magical Victorian vibe got her in a romantic mood. Under her tentative hand, his Highland garb felt unusually coarse, and a little cold but his arm was firm and strong underneath the wool fabric of his tartan.

As they made their way down the hill, James turned his face to her, his eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "Ye never mentioned what I should call ye, and I think mistress will grow bothersome."

Odd that Jenny never mentioned my name to her brother. 

Claire stifled a girlish giggle. "Sorry. I'm not so good at socialising. I tend to forget to do polite things like introducing myself and refraining from screaming in people's faces. My name's Claire ...Claire Beauchamp."

James chuckled, the sound coming from him throaty and deep. "Ach, ye screaming was entirely my blunder. I shouldnae have snuck up on a lass in a dark of the night. It was highly improper of me. I like the name Claire by the way ... it's Sorcha in Gaelic. Both roll off the tongue easily."

The way he said her name made her shiver in pleasure, like speaking her first name was an act of foreplay. It sounded beautiful coming from his mouth, like a poet from the olden times reciting an ode. As awkward as Claire felt she was, Jamie didn't notice and seemed to enjoy her company immensely. She could swear from the bottom of her heart, he blushed like a boy. 

"Ye have an unusual way of speaking," James added, as they navigated the rocky hill. "But I like the sound of yer voice. But I must admit yer clothes are quite unusual too. I think I'm going to call ye, Sassenach."

"Oh!" she breathed. "What does that mean?"

"It simply means ye are an outlander, a stranger from a faraway place if ye will."

"Oh, that's alright then. As long as it doesn't mean anything bad."

"It's not bad at all, Sassenach, not bad at all."

James helped her down from a steep drop and led her towards a tent. There was a blazing bonfire, and an antique-looking lantern hanging from the post outside. Taking in her surroundings, she realised they were further away from the rest of the shelters and the crowd.

Once inside, she noticed the tent didn't look anything like she had seen before, but it looked strong and kept them warm from the outside elements. The floor was covered in the same material as the tent, and there were a couple of comfortable, high backed chairs covered in sheepskin and a small dark stained wood as the table. The oil lamp hung from above, illuminating the space in a soft glow. In the far end was a simple cot, covered in sheepskin as well, the sight of it making her blush.

He guided her towards the chair, pulling it in an invitation. Once she was seated, he took the chair facing her. "Ye must be parched and hungry. I'm begging yer pardon for presuming as I couldnae help but hear the grumble in yer belly."

Claire nodded and smiled. "In fact, I am, and there's no need to apologise. I haven't eaten all day, and if I'm entirely honest, I could eat a scabby dog."

He laughed out loud, and she noticed his eyes crinkling at the sides. His whole face lit up when he smiled, as though it was naturally part of his expression. "Ah, a lass after my own heart. I think I might have just the thing to soothe those hunger pangs." He looked at her with mischief in his eyes, and she bowed her head to hide the blush. "I hope ye like the Highland's fare. Not many travellers in this part of Scotland favour what we have to offer."

Claire grinned. "Don't worry. I can eat anything. Actually, this is not my first time here, and I do like the local food. They're so wholesome and delicious. When you've travelled to places like Egypt and the Middle Americas like me, you become accustomed to trying something new."

James's eyes widened. "Egypt and the Middle Americas? Ye've been to the New World! Ye must be a great adventurer. Unfortunately, I am not as seasoned-travelled as ye. I've been to France as a young lad, to study Latin, Greek and Philosophy."

"Oh! I've only been briefly in Paris. I've lived a semi-nomadic life with my uncle, you see, but I've settled down now in Oxford to study medicine."

James looked impressed. "Women in yer part of the world are very fortunate to be allowed to study, and from what I know, medicine is only meant for the sharpest mind. Here in Scotland, women stay at home and cook and care for the bairns."

She was about to admonish him for that remark, but she stopped. She reminded herself it was all part of the act, so she changed the subject. "Maybe, one day you'll visit Oxford, and I can show you my parents' hometown," she suggested, crossing her fingers under the table.

"Perhaps one day. As I said, I dinnae travel much, and this small sphere of the world comprises the extent of my life. I dinnae meet strangers often, so my manners might be slightly lacking. In fact, I believe I've forgotten all about the food I offered. Excuse my behaviour, it is a rarity I am in a company of a bonnie lass." He held her gaze and leaned in, propping his elbows on the table.

She tried not to gawk at the way his tartan hugged his body in just the right way. He was much too handsome and dashing to be flirting with her. 

He shook his head as if he had to clear it. Perhaps his thoughts were drifting, and he was seeing her in a different light. When he stared into Claire's eyes, he made her feel desirable and alluring for the very first time in her life. And the way he leaned towards her and stared at her lips, caused butterflies to flutter in her belly.

She'd never met anyone who carried themselves like him. She was starting to think his chivalrous and courteous manner wasn't an act. She believed deep down, he was a very charming man with unusual humour. Even though she knew he was acting to suit the mood with his period costume and accent, she was beginning to find it endearing and adorable.

Suddenly he stood up. "Pardon me, Sassenach. I will arrange something for us to eat. I shan't be long."

She nodded and smiled up at him, as she made a mental note, to ask Jenny more about her handsome brother. He was unusual, that's true but in a delightful kind of way. He was at ease with himself and had such an open and inviting manner, unlike most of the men she met, jaded and carrying a lot of hangups.

A few minutes later, a woman in an old fashioned white apron over a dark grey dress and a bonnet came through the opening followed by James. She had a grandmotherly air about her, kind and cuddly. "G' evening, mistress," she greeted, curtsying low and smiling broadly. "A fine All Hallows' Eve to ye. I will be bringing some food in no time, but for the meantime, I brought a flask of whisky to warm up yer cockles."

James took the flask and a couple of pewter from the elderly woman's hands. "Thank ye, Mistress Fitzgibbons. Very kind of ye."

The woman curtsied, and once again, they were alone.

"I hope ye like whisky, Sassenach. It will warm yer belly until the food comes," he said, pouring a whisky in each of the vessels.

"I like anything alcoholic when its this cold. Thank Christ for whisky in this part of the world." She took the pewter of whisky he handed her and took a whiff. It was very unlike any whisky she'd seen and smelled, but it was peaty, just how she liked it.

James sat back down. "I must admit I am overly delighted ye have decided to come with me instead of watching the rituals of Samhain. I've seen it loads of times and having ye as a company is indeed a refreshing change. After we've eaten, perhaps we can take a walk under the moonlight, and by then the people in Craigh na Dun would be long gone. Mistress Fitzgibbons will surely feed us well with rich food and ale, so our energy does not wane. If that's alright with ye ..."

Claire's breath hitched. She was surprised he wanted to spend more time with her. When she realised she hadn't answered him, she clapped a hand over her mouth. "Sorry. I'm... I'm just shocked. I hardly know you, but it seems you are determined to spend time with me. It's just that these things don't normally happen to me. I'd love to, of course, to take a walk under the moonlight."

James frowned. "Well, I must admit I was unusually forward, but I thought we had a connection. It's like I've known ye for many lifetimes, and I would like to understand more about this connection. But permitting me to treat ye to an All Hallows' walk around Craigh na Dun is not the main object of my attention. I guess I should be forthright about that, now, so ye can make an educated choice to leave or stay."

Oh sweet Mother of God, is he trying to seduce me?   She was not the type of person to jump into bed with anyone after the first meeting, no matter how handsome her date was. But the warmth of the tent, the sparkle reflected in James's eyes and the promise of adventure tugged at her heart. So she decided to do a little play-acting herself. "I hope you don't have any dishonourable intentions, kind sir. Perhaps it's high time I remind you that I am a lady."

His cheeks turned bright scarlet. "Oh, Sassenach, no. Ye have mistaken my intentions. I wasnae talking about…" he cleared his throat, tugging at his scarf, "about…" he leaned forward and whispered, "physical amusement."

This time it was her turn to be embarrassed. "Oh, dear, I'm reading this all wrong, aren't I?

He took a deep breath, obviously unhappy about giving her the idea she was a one night stand. He leaned forward, again, this time, he reached out for her hand, and she didn't pull away when she felt the warmth of his grasp. His muscles were strong underneath the skin, firm and calloused from manual work. She liked the fact that he had a worker's hands and a gentleman's manner.

"It isnae my intention to treat ye like anything other than a fine lady, Sassenach." He took a deep breath and brushed her hand with the tips of his fingers, making her heart do multiple cartwheels. Maybe she was affected because she'd never had a man look at her the way James was doing now. "My intention tonight is not to win yer very sumptuous person but to have a long conversation with ye under the moonlight. In hopes, by the end of the evening, ye will not wish to return to whence ye came from, and will, in the future, come back to me." 

Claire's logical, modern head was screaming warnings. Get a grip, Beauchamp, he's just acting like this for the night. In the morning, he will be himself again, and what if you don't like that person? 

She didn't have an answer and was thankful for the return of Mistress Fitzgibbons, balancing a huge tray filled with food in both hands. When the feast was laid out on the table, Claire's mouth watered as her stomach grumbled loudly enough to make the elderly woman grin.

James thanked Mistress Fitzgibbons before she turned around to go. His eyes were dancing playfully as the woman left them and sighed, "Ach to be young and in love…"

James grinned. "Let us eat, drink and be merry and not worry about later. Yer decision about agreeing to accompany an undeserving stranger can wait until after the victuals."

They had a pleasant meal of clootie dumpling, apple frushie, cranachan, scones, and almond cake, barely talking, only to compliment the fare. Instead of tea or coffee to wash down the sweet treats, they were served with warm ale. It was unusual, but it did not taste bad at all, probably too hungry to care.

When she groaned her pleasure, sampling all the food, he winked at her. "See, we are already making memories and connections."

She nodded her head playfully as she stuffed an almond cake into her mouth. Everything was so good, and nothing tasted pre-packaged or stale. It all had the homemade taste of ingredients measured by eye and mixed by hand.

By the end of the feast, they sat back in their seats, sated and glowing from the warmth in the tent. Claire sighed and downed the last of her ale from a beaker. "Okay, I guess I'll have to accompany you for a little bit longer if only to walk off everything I just ate."

He chuckled, his eyes lighting up boyishly. Damn! "I'm looking forward to it, Sassenach and I'm delighted ye accepted my invitation."

Claire had no fight left in her. James was so sweet, his blue eyes always playful, and his conversation light but entertaining. She wanted to spend the evening with him, even if it meant the play-acting was set aside, and the man of her dreams evaporated into thin air by tomorrow morning.

"Shall we go, Sassenach?" he asked quietly, interrupting her reverie and offering her his arm. 

She nodded and stood up, slipping her hand under the warmth of his arm. 

By the time they'd left the tent, the wind was calm, and the air didn't feel as cold. Claire put it down to the food, ale and whisky she'd consumed and her company. She noticed there weren't as many people compared to earlier, but the few that were left were scattered around campfires. They walked past a group of men in their Highland costumes, complete with dirks and swords. One was stood in the middle, preparing to tell a tale of the waterhorse of Loch Garve. Men and women gathered around, looking for the perfect spot. When Jamie gestured if she wanted to listen, she nodded.

They sat further away from the campfire as James took off his plaid and laid it on the ground for her to sit on. With the boulder behind them, they leaned back and sat side by side, his thigh touching hers.

Claire turned to Jamie. "There are few things I love more than waiting for a play or a story to begin," she whispered.

James' arched an eyebrow. "Is that so? Why?"

She shrugged. "I'm not quite sure. Look at everyone ...they are excited but quiet, hopeful but a little uncertain. It introduces a particular mood and air, you know? Like we're all preparing for an experience or adventure if you will. There's nothing else like it. Instead of reading a book, we get to be in it, but not so much a part of it we are not ourselves. We are away from risks and threats. We are safe but affected, and changed. The storytelling is part of that, but really, the mood a storyteller set is the most important part."

He stared at her intently, his body so intuned with hers, she forgot their surrounding. "Ah, Sassenach, ye are a poet. That is precisely accurate. That is how I feel right now, and every time I sit down to listen to stories of the old. And All Hallows' is particularly ripe for atmosphere, do ye not agree? The wind, the fire…"

"The feeling of someone watching you and ghosts just around the corner?" Claire added, getting caught up.

James chuckled. "Ach, Sassenach, what is a ghost really? I am no' frightened of spirits, and do ye want to know why?"

Claire had been terrified of evil spirits and ghosts ever since she watched The Exorcist. So she nodded, wanting to know how anyone could not be afraid of the possibility of a haunting.

"Weel, I am flesh and blood. I am my eyes, my smile and the work I do." He motioned to himself. "But I am also spirit, that immaterial element no one else can claim, and I am anything but frightening. All my ghost would be is me, without the shell. That which makes me me, but less substantially in the world, am I right?"

Claire smiled as she the digested his words, "Well, yes, but you are a wonderful soul. Not every person is. As a woman, I've met my fair share of men with truly terrible spirits. If they die, I wouldn't want them lurking about."

Jame's eyes twinkled. "You are very shrewd, Sassenach. My ma and pa are going to love ye. Maybe if ye are inclined, I'll introduce ye to them after our walk ... that's if my spirit has no' scared ye off, that is…" He waggled his brows and made a funny face.

She slapped his arm and laughed, but her laughter died when she caught him looking at her. For the first time, Claire really looked into Jamie's eyes instead of avoiding it shyly. The smile in them remained, even when his face took on a more serious look. They stared at each other, locked in an intense moment, before turning their attention back to the storyteller.  How could that one stare make me feel like I'm spiralling out of control and into love? Love? Where the hell did that come from? 

"Claire?"

Her heart started to beat as he inched closer and put an arm around her shoulder. "Yes?" she squeaked, unable to look, afraid she would not be able to resist him. But when a finger touched her chin, she was forced to look once more into his beautiful blue eyes.

"Do ye mind if I kiss ye? Because if I don't, I think I'll die, and I'll regret it for the rest of eternity."

Her heart and mind had been playing tug-of-war for the last couple of minutes, but the way he asked and stared at her lips became her undoing. "No, I don't mind at all," she whispered. "But do you think ..."

His lips swooped down upon hers, smothering her words with the sweetest kiss and extracting a soft moan from her mouth. One firm hand gripped her waist and the other moulded to the back of her head, pulling her gently against him. 

She hadn't expected to be kissed today nor to fall in love in the brief time they'd spent together. But his mouth was warm, soft, intoxicating, and all-consuming. She lost track of time and place as everything suddenly seemed to spin out of focus and control, only aware of the movement of his lips and his hands sliding up and down her back.

When they broke their kiss, she stared at him for the longest time, and it was as if she was looking through him for a moment like he was a malfunctioning hologram.

"James?" She gripped his arms in panic, but he felt solid enough, though ice cold.

"I'm here, Sassenach," he whispered.

Why does his voice sound distant?  She turned her head to take in her surroundings, and a chill shook her body. Everything looked odd, like a double-exposed photograph. On the misty surface was a more modern, brighter, lighter version of the hillside, and underneath sat the darker, dirtier, more romantic version of this place.

Suddenly, she felt nauseating fear, her eyes focusing and unfocusing like she was losing grip of reality. The twin pictures swam together in a confusing pattern before her eyes. She turned to James, and it was like she was looking at a ghost of the man she loved.

"James, please don't leave me!" She reached out to him at the same time he reached out to her, but she only grasped air.

"Sassenach!" he called out, his voice was the barest of a whisper, and then just like that, he was gone.

Her surrounding was one big whirlwind around her, images rushing and a loud buzzing sound echoing in her ears. Unable to cope anymore, her eyes closed and she fell to the ground.

..........

"Lass, are ye alright?" Claire felt a gentle hand on her cheek, and she sat up, abruptly.

"James!" She gasped, hoping for a sign of him. She was confused at the sight of unfamiliar faces peering down at her.

The red-headed girl looked worried. "Did ye come with a friend, lass? I thought I saw ye alone. Ye screamed and passed out, but everything is fine now, hen. There was a spirit, a benevolent one, but I think he's gone. I'm afraid ye might have scared him off. Do ye feel like ye can stand?"

Claire ran a hand at the back of her head, deeply confused. She stared around her and was shocked to find a few people encircling her. She shook her head vigorously, probably in an attempt to shake off the cobwebs in her brain. "Where's James?"

People around her muttered and murmured to each other, and the words "fainted," "hit her head," "concussion" reached her ears.

She was about to stand and tell them her head was fine when the pocket of her jacket vibrated. She pulled out her phone and was surprised to see it caked with mud. She swiped the screen to read the message from Jenny.

OMG. I'm so sorry, Claire. Jamie called and said he's on his way. He fell asleep and forgot the time. He said he'd be there soon. Please don't be mad at me. So sorry!

What the hell?   Could Jamie and James be the same person?  She didn't think so. It had to be coincident.

Claire leaned against the boulder to get a foothold and stood as the red-headed girl helped her up. "Do ye feel better now?"

She muttered she was fine and gave the girl a weak smile hoping, they would leave her alone. 

"If ye need anything, just ask for Geillis. That's my name. I'll be over there in the third tent selling some t-shirts," the girl offered, her face still looking worried.

"Thank you," Claire whispered hoarsely. "I'm alright now. I must have passed out because I haven't eaten anything all day. I'll go and get something to eat and drink."

To her relief, Geillis nodded and walked away, followed by the rest of the crowd. Claire stayed where she was, totally confounded by the recent event.  James had to be real, or I am going nuts. It had to have happened because I could still feel his lips against mine.

"James, where are you?" she whispered to the cold air, wiping away the tears that now streamed down her face.

She was about to go when a hand touched her elbow. "Excuse me miss, Are ye Claire Beauchamp?"

Her heart hammered against her ribs at the sound of the familiar voice. Slowly she turned around. "James?" she whispered.

The modern version of James grinned and extended a hand. Gone was his Highland garb and in its place were a sweatshirt under a leather jacket and jeans. "It's Jamie, everyone calls me Jamie," he greeted. "And I'm so sorry, I'm late. I fell asleep and had the strangest dream. But never mind that. Are ye hungry? Shall we go for something to eat? I havenae had anything to eat all day."

Her mouth opened, closed and opened again, unable to string words to form a sentence. When she finally was able to speak again, all she could do was give Jamie her best smile and take his offered hand. "Nice to meet you, Jamie. Ummm ...have we met before? You look someone I know."

He smiled, and his eyes twinkled. "Ah, I was gonnae asked the same thing. Ye look very familiar. How about we talk about it over a glass of ale?" 

Before she could answer, he offered his arms, and he looked delighted when she took it. "Sounds like a grand idea," she said, her heart beating a million miles per hour and she wondered if he could hear it. "Do you know by any chance where we can eat some clootie pudding?"

He laughed out loud. "I know just the place, Sassenach. I know just the place."

And he led her to the same spot where James had taken her, but this time, the tent was much bigger, filled with people drinking and eating. Taking her hand in his, he guided her inside. She was about to point an empty table when he leaned down to her ears and whispered, "By the way, Happy Halloween to ye, Sasssenach. I have a feeling this is going to be the best Halloween ever."

She smiled and off they went to celebrate her first Samhain festivity.

[gg-astrology]

so i dont know if you’re still doing detailed astrology analysis on kpop stars but i’ve started to develop the biggest crush on christian yu so i would like to know your thoughts on his chart because you’re the only astrology account i trust on this app. love u :)

Hey there!! 💓💗💞 I haven’t been doing it in a while huh but I just searched him up and he seems v interesting!! ;; 💓💗💞💓💗💞 Am sorry I literally know nothing about him BUT I just searched him up and he seems to be v popular on ig??? and he used to be in c-clown but that’s literally it?? so i’m coming in blind ;; 💓💗💞💓💗💞I’ll do my best!! 💓💗💞💓💗💞 Ps. I’m glad you!! like the account um!!! ;; 💓💗💞💓💗💞 I don’t go out on the tags so I have no idea what’s going on in the? astro social world on tumblr anymore but i’m sure they may be? great astro acc out there!! but thank u!! 💓💗💞💓💗💞

Christian Yu - Brief Look ⬇️

Sun/Moon opposition with Virgo/Pisces, talent triangles between his Scorpio Pluto/Capricorn Saturn (and outer planets)/Virgo Sun/Mercury - Gemini Mars AND Leo Venus that’s inconjunct to his Pisces Moon wow!! 💓💗💞💓💗💞

So I’ll walk you through, notice his Virgo Sun/Mercury and Gemini Mars? They’re squares but that also means he’s amazing at relaying his thoughts/personal opinions (esp. with combust mercury) even though it frustrates him sometimes. He probably does his best, or constantly try to strive for his best at self-expression even though it frustrates him to come back and think about it. At certain times, because it’s in opposition to his Pisces Moon (that seems to be a bucket handle/singleton) he may often process this emotionally. Virgo/Pisces can be quite hard on themselves, but with time (i’m sure he’s learnt) that self-management helps him work through his mental state better. More so than that, the re-occuring theme Virgo/Pisces (anyone else with this) has to look out for is the sudden anxiety of coming back online or feeling the need/obligation to do so for others. Dependability even when - like, when they were doing it, they think ‘hey this is nothing like what i was worried about lol it’s actually v relaxing/fun to do!’ - or just, y know meeting someone for the first time in a while can make them anxious because there’s expectations they set on themselves to do well. However, he DOES have a Leo Venus/Gemini Mars and Capricorn Saturn - so what this does is quell some of the anxiety a bit- like ‘ah fuck it! let’s just do it!’ tends to help a lot with cardinally getting shit done. I mentioned Leo Venus/Gemini Mars bc they’re squared- talking about action, the idea of just doing something and getting it done provided also by Capricorn Saturn - trusting in the security/stability of what was already established- tends to help with that mutable energy/anxiety once you’ve tuned in on how to use it! 💓💗💞

For those who may - also- suffer from mutable anxiety- literally just do something and keep an open-mind. Things will turn out for the better, tune into that flippable energy that allows you to be on your toes and handle a situation as it comes. There is less of a chance of a situation that you won’t know how to handle than there is one where you can work it out on the fly. AND it turning out better than over-thinking it! If you suffer from your mouth being loose and regretting it later - turn that emotional shame/embarrassment into a conscious goal - like a thought - ‘ok im NOT going to do that next time and be conscious of doing THIS instead, as it sets my foot on the right path and THEN i can run with it’ -- this can tend to help adopt a better habit/routine and ALSO make you utilize YOUR energy in an efficient way!! 

Ok so, back to him. Virgo/Pisces sun-moon. Let’s get it. I don’t think his Leo Venus would? allow him to think about these things consciously. Being true to himself is key (more about that later) but underlying everything/decisions -  there’s a core/stem of - Is he doing enough? Is it emotionally true? Is he being sincere/genuine or was it him striving for practicality/reality of the situation? Pisces Moon has a sensitive touch to self-expression, so these things ‘ringing true’ or somewhat ‘true’ gives him the emotional releases he needs. If it doesn’t - then occasionally it’ll drive the person up the wall with how ‘genuine’ (or calling themselves ‘disingenuous’) they’re being (or striving to be). They want to do their best, and with that Virgo in mind, he’s probably constantly trying to perform his best no matter if it’s in his daily life or something else.

Another cool thing to note is also Virgo/Leo in a person- they tend to be more ‘ah fuck it’ about certain things. A problem they can’t solve (on paper/text-book?) even with research? Take a break. It’ll come. There’s solutions to stuff, but with the practicality of Virgo and with the instinctive self-assessment of Leo - they can APPEAR to be something but is actually rather chill and laid-back about it. Certain things that people drive themselves up the wall over- they tend to learn life-lessons and in not over-stressing themselves, and trying to find the best/practical solution instead (think efficient not hard) - even if that Leo can be lazy but ALSO work hard when it FEELS like it wants to.  

That ties into Leo Venus now, with Leo Venus squaring Gemini Mars (even though it’s out of sign) - he may strive to be a person who walks the walk, not just talk the talk. This is more of a personal goal/attention in detail to keep in mind- from like, an internal point of view. This Leo Venus can talk about desire to be true to the self, and if it’s squaring Gemini Mars- sometimes it may feel like what he’s saying doesn’t completely align- unless he’s obstinate enough to think he believes in what he says and roll with the punch/oblivious to it anyways. And thus working on perfecting that, remedying or contributing to saying what it is he can back up is important. Not just this- but with Capricorn Saturn trine to his Sun/Mercury - he has his head set in building a sincere, concrete and reliable ‘realness’ in his personality and public respect. Self-expression IS key, especially with Leo/Pisces in his personal placement and luminary. Most likely, it’s about the intuition and does it ‘feel’ right part of himself that can drive him forward. As that Pisces is also his bucket handle, and thus everything he does - all of his placements, as assessed/have to pass through that Pisces Moon in order for it to express itself openly. 

Integrity is also a key thing for Leo Venus especially, considering Venus talks about relationships and other people. Seeing this in others is important, the idea of walking the walk and talking the talk. Certain people who only flaunts/talks about certain things, or are one-dimensional in their ideas/thinking can be frustrating to be around. Especially with someone who has Capricorn Saturn, Virgo Sun/Mercury, Scorpio Pluto aspected to those two and a Leo Venus. Show off your colors but care more about the things underneath, whats the idea underneath it and does it shine through in their self-expression? There’s genuinity that drives him forward, as well as intellectual property of something- it’s potential/what to do with it. These things are important, and it’s what ‘dazzles’ the Leo Venus to be attracted to these ideas/concept because it allows space for them to share these things with like-minded or people they can communicate with on a ‘real’ level. But these are - y know- people, so it’s hard to find and also very circumstantial!!! 

Anyways. More about him. Capricorn Saturn. Being treated and trusted as someone who is stable/credited as genuine or real to the best of his ability/what he perceive is lacking from others/the world is important. And often with Virgo Sun/Mercury - relaying it down into words/written can often help with that. It’s also a part of a talent triangle he has. It aspects his Capricorn Uranus/Neptune as well - but I’ll talk about Saturn since it’s? more of an impact/important. 

Capricorn Saturn/Virgo Sun-Mercury we talk about realness right? Reputable, doesn’t matter if it’s a slow start as long as it’s genuine and built by their own genuinity and sincerity. Scorpio Pluto adds to this with it’s sextile position to both of these placements - sometimes it’s about seeing/analyzing and observing what IS lacking from the ‘truth’ of the world and making sure the Capricorn/Virgo adds influence to that. The fire venus certainly adds to it’s flame- wanting to show it’s genuine desire to be ‘it self’ (and is itself, but more importantly to be accepted as itself) - whilst Gemini Mars is the outlet- keeps it on the toes, on his feet. Working on it. Say what’s need to be said, sometimes- unexpectedly or without realizing the consequences. BUT it’s sextile to Jupiter in Leo - thus, it probably often works out. When it’s said with the subtext of teaching someone how to be truer to themselves or self-expression. 

There’s a strive/desire to make changes happen coming from that talent triangle, Scorpio Pluto as the apex working with his Virgo Sun/Mercury’s natural talent and focus on those desires. If you can imagine- if Scorpio Pluto focuses and zooms into perspectives/pov at hand, analyzes and collects what needs to be done with it - then this sextile to the Virgo Sun/Mercury helps form a clearly analytically strong- and often opinionated/constructive thought/expression in order for it to be expressed out into the world. They’re often intelligent, but also tends to not - notice or realize this about themselves? Things closer to the Sun are often blinded by it’s light. The Ego can often make things personal without one realizing it’s tied to it. Changes happens, whether it’s in his expression or something else. Because it affects other people’s lives as well, perhaps those in need (Capricorn/Leo honestly) 

But.. yeah!  💓💗💞 That’s all I have for now.. here’s the chart I pulled up to use below, no birthtime ;; but yes! 💓💗💞 Sorry I don’t -- know him well so I can’t speak much specifically on what? he does or something. But I hope this is ok!! 💓💗💞 Thanks for asking! 💓💗💞

[titansandothersrp]

Road to Recovery

(This is a compiled roleplay between my Beast Boy muse and the Raven muse of @azarathian . This is a very old roleplay we wrote under different usernames, but I labeled our writing with our current usernames.)

titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Ooooogggg…” Beast Boy let out a groan as he slowly opened his eyes. “I feel like I got hit by a truck.” 

Cyborg’s face lit up at this, not because Beast Boy didn’t feel well, but because he was conscious after having been out for three hours. After chatting with his buddy a bit (and figuring out the issue of using the bathroom when attached to machines), Cyborg informed their leader that their teammate was conscious. Robin congratulated Beast Boy on his and Raven’s new move and wished him a speedy recovery. Starfire was next to visit him, offering more of the same (and some Tamaranean food that he politely declined.) After her visit with Beast Boy, Starfire made her way to Raven’s room, giving a knock. “Come, Raven! Our friend has awakened and wishes to partake in your company!”  azarathian (Raven):

“Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos… Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos…”  The words resonated round in her mind like clockwork. With each chant, her body grew lighter and lighter as she felt herself drift from the world and into a state of ease. It had taken the better part of the first two hours for her to become calm again, and now she was well into the third. When she’d started, having come straight to her room from the med bay, there was a torrent of questions and concerns spiralling within her.  He’ll be okay, she had told herself, over and over, until a fragment of the statement had begun to finally sink in. Breathe. In. Out. You’ve all gotten through worse than this. Much worse. It’s an injury, and we have the best medical facilities and health expert at hand. He’ll be okay. He has to be. Amidst her internal monologue, she remembered the conversation she’d had with the masked man who had stopped her in the corridor on her way from the bay to her room.“How is he?” he’d asked, a hand touching her arm. “He’s unconscious,” she returned. “But Cyborg says he’ll be okay. He has a collapsed lung.” She spoke matter-of-factly, but despite the placidity of her voice her leader could see the worry in her eyes.  “I’m on my way there now. Aren’t you gonna stay?”  “No. I need to meditate.” She had begun to walk away, when he stopped her again.  “Where were you two?” She stopped and turned with a curious look. “Before the battle, I mean. When the alarm went off, you weren’t in the tower, so I checked your communicators.” He spoke cautiously. “You were both located in the same spot, thirty feet from the first attack.” She eyed him for a moment, summoning the right words.  “… We… bumped into each other in the city. I’d been at my café, he’d been wherever he goes. I was on my way back and… yeah.”  “Ah. Right.” His response was slower than usual.  There was a pause.  “I’ll be in my room if you need me.”  And she was gone.  Dark brows furrowed at the memory. It got to her. The fact she felt she had to hide what had truly happened from Robin. Why? Couldn’t she just tell him she was having lunch at the bakery with Beast Boy? She’d have told him if it had been Cyborg, so why was this different? She should’ve just told him. But then… Of course, whether she cared to admit it or not, there was no need for these questions. She knew exactly why. Because if she’d told him – if she’d told any of them – conclusions would be made. Conclusions that… weren’t true. Of course. Her friends would suspect something was ‘going on’ between them. Because why else would Beast Boy and Raven go out together for the afternoon? Alone. Without telling anyone else. It couldn’t possibly be just a trip out between friends, no – there would have to be lines to read between. But if her friends looked, they’d find nothing between the lines. Because all it was was, in fact, a mere outing between friends. Which she didn’t want them to know about. Which she… enjoyed a lot. Which she looked forward to doing again…  The lines suddenly seemed more complex in her head than they had been before…  In her meditation, her forehead creased. Why was she even thinking so much on this? Why was she devoting so much time – meditation time, for that matter – with her mind on her green friend? Why—  KNOCK KNOCK Raven’s eyes opened, her thoughts shaken by the unexpected sound. When she uncrossed her legs and headed for the door, she was indeed met with the owner of the distinct and cheery voice.  “He’s awake?” she asked.  “Yes! We are all elated and have taken turns to speak with him since his revival, so as not to overwhelm him. Please, you must now journey to the bay of meds and bestow him with your own presence!”  It didn’t take much convincing for Raven to do as told, and before long she was knocking lightly on the infirmary door before stepping inside.  “Hey…”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Hey…” He smiled weakly at her. Though he was doing better than he was earlier, he was still in bad shape. He was sore and had some difficulty breathing, but was fighting through it. “Thanks for coming to see me… Just can’t get enough of me today, huh?” He attempted to chuckle, but it was more of a wheeze.  azarathian (Raven): Her weight leaning to one hip, she offered him a critical look. Just woken up from an almost fatal injury and already poking fun. What else should she expect?  Ignoring his comment, she walked towards his bed and looked down to him. “How are you feeling?”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “I feel like I was hit by a post box with enough force to collapse my lung.” He replied with a frown. He felt horrible.  “Let’s just say I feel so bad… I can’t be dramatic about it…”  azarathian (Raven): She mirrored his frown, sympathising with his suffering but also silently grateful for her healing abilities, without which he might still be out cold, and in much more pain once coming to.  She took a lone chair placed at the side of the room and pulled it to his bedside before promptly sitting. 

“You had us all worried.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “You were worried about me?” He gave a weak smile. “That’s cute~” He tried to laugh once more, only managing a wheeze. “Don’t worry though… I know I look bad… but I’m sure I’ll be okay.” He kept the smile on his face, despite the pain. “I guess you were right… about the team caring about me… They all looked so relieved that I was okay…” His eyes welled up with tears, but he was too weak to blink them away. “Thank you… for caring so much… I don’t know what I’d do without you.” azarathian (Raven): A light flutter ran through her chest at his opening response, though she quelled it quickly. The girl hadn’t been expecting such an emotional reaction from the changeling; though, she reminded herself, the wound could have been fatal had they not acted hastily and urgently. It truly was a close call, and though certain members of the team had had similar close calls before, it was the first time something so sudden and severe had happened to her friend right before her eyes.  She swallowed, hands limp in her lap as her eyes met his.  “C’mon,” she said gently. “Don’t start crying, what would Cy say?” Her gaze softened as she voiced the joke, a sense of positivity returning to her. She felt it somewhat wrong for him to be speaking so seriously, and so chose to take his part by lightening the atmosphere, a ghost of a smirk only just in sight.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “I can’t help it.” The tears trickled down his face. “I’m just so happy… Don’t tell Cy… even though he almost cried too.” He wheezed a short laugh. “He told me I’m not gonna be able to do much for a while… Would you mind hanging out with me while I’m stuck? …I could use the company… and the calm.”  azarathian (Raven): An understanding smile graced her complexion as she tilted her head a touch to the side. “What? You think we’re gonna leave you in here on your own? Don’t worry. We’ll all be spending time with you till you recover, or at least till you can move from bed to the couch and all those wires come off you,” she assured, eyes gesturing to the multiple machines his fragile body was hooked to.  “Did he say how long it might take?”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): The changeling wiped his eyes and smiled at her. “He thinks I’ll be hooked up for a few days… And all better in a few weeks… Call me crazy… but I think I’ll miss a few training sessions…”  azarathian (Raven): The girl snorted softly. “Yeah. You are crazy,” she said. “But that’s not as bad as I thought. The important thing is that you get plenty of rest. It’ll help with the healing.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Like a fox… and every other animal.” His eyelids began to droop, but he attempted to keep his eyes open. “I don’t think I have any choice but to rest.” azarathian (Raven):

“Mm. Clearly,” she murmured, dipping her chin and giving a slight smile. It was obvious he was exhausted, and with having already spoken to the rest of the team individually, she wasn’t surprised. What he needed was uninterrupted sleep, for as long as his body required. And being the sensible person she was, Raven wasn’t about to deny him of it.  “You’re tired. You should sleep…”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy):

“Mm… I’m fine.. Don’t put the… car in the apple… husumuffa…” He trailed off into nonsense and gibberish as his eyes closed and he fell asleep.  azarathian (Raven): THREE DAYS LATER One boot tapped impatiently against the tiled floor as she scanned the text in front of her, temples creased in concentration so as not to make a wrong move. Violet eyes flicked back and forth across the deck in her hands, turned tactfully away from the other’s range of view. 

Hmm… Which one… A few seconds of suspense lingered between them, then her lips pursed to the side before she finally settled on a decision.  “Stamina: fourty points,” she declared, placing the card down flat on the table between them.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy):

“C’mon, whatever animal deities that may be out there, give me something good.” He drew a card and looked at it before setting it down. “Cheetah. Speed: eighty points. At least double your stamina points! Cheetah catches up to you!”  azarathian (Raven): Damn. 

A dark brow twitched in annoyance at the move. This game was like 30% skill and 70% luck. Now, if they had been playing chess, however…  Raven exhaled through her nose, looking over her set once again but finding nothing that could overthrow her competitor’s cheetah. And so, she had no choice but to relinquish her dignity and reach for the excess pile of cards in the middle, taking the first lying on top.  Come on. As she turned it towards her, the scrunch of her face gave way to a sly smile.  “Surrender,” she said cockily as she threw the card down, which read the word she’d just spoke. “So I’ll be taking your highest ranking mammal, thank you.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Aw, c’mon…” He sulked, sliding the cheetah to her side of the playing field. 

“You may have my cheetah, but I’ve got an ace up my sleeve… Well, not really. That would be cheating and I’m not even wearing sleeves.” In order for him to heal more efficiently, Beast Boy went without his usual tight uniform shirt. azarathian (Raven): “Really?” she said, “You might wanna choose wisely. This cheetah could turn back on you any minute now.” The girl had the card held between her fingers, waving it back and forth like taunting a lion with a slab of meat.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were planning to lure my most powerful card out so you can take it.” 

“Like that’s gonna happen.”  azarathian (Raven):

“Just play the card.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy):

“Uh. No. I’m not that dumb. You’re just gonna have to deal with a terrain change.” He laid down a swamp card. “Let’s see how strong your cheetah is when surrounded by swamp.”  azarathian (Raven): His successes in the game so far were starting to get under her skin; she wasn’t used to losing, and certainly not to Beast Boy. She’d have to be prudent with how she continued from this point on. This was war, after all.  As he placed down the card she leaned over the table that sat between her chair and his hospital bed to get a better look. It was another good move. 

“Hm. Not bad,” she begrudgingly admitted. Scouring her deck, she tried to find a card that could thrive in swampy conditions. Her stare hooked onto the perfect thing. Hopefully he wouldn’t be able to trump this in the environment at hand.  “Alligator. Strength: 82. Nice try,” she said, leaning back in her seat, pleased.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “And it’s boosted by the swamp.” He sighed. “I guess I have to risk my most powerful card…” 

He placed down his card. “Megalodon. Strength: 1,000.” Assuming Raven didn’t have an extinction card or something along those lines, his card will be able to defeat just about any card.  azarathian (Raven): Her eyes swelled at the sight. It was just her luck that he’d have the only Megalodon card in his deck! It wasn’t just his most powerful card either, but the most powerful of all the cards. Nonetheless, there were two potential ways to defeat it; if the opposing player has either a dry terrain card (which would render the beast useless), or an extinction card (which made any extinct animal played irrelevant).  Unfortunately for Raven, she had none of these in her deck. She tried to veil the worry in her expression, for she knew she was very close to defeat. Her only chance now was to pick a card from the main deck and pray it was one of the two she needed. And so, with a reluctant hand, she reached for the pile and once again picked the first one on the top. 

Before lifting it to her face, she took a deep breath in, preparing herself for the worst. And in one swift, daring move, she looked at her fate.  … Bunny.  With a great sigh, Raven slumped in her chair, utterly defeated.  “I’m out.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “I won? I won! YE-” His celebrating was cut short by a hacking cough. “Shouting… bad idea…” He wheezed between coughs. He pounded his chest with his fist, yet another bad idea. “Ow… ow… ow…” 

azarathian (Raven):

“Are you okay?” she asked quickly, standing up from her seat and pushing the small table to one side. Simply coughing might’ve seemed like a menial thing, but with his injury being as bad as it was, not to mention only happening three days prior, he could’ve really hurt himself just now.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He held a hand to his chest and waved his other hand dismissively. He didn’t want her to worry. He just needed a moment, he figured. 

azarathian (Raven): Clearly he was in pain, and she felt awful for him. Having never been the victim of a collapsed lung before, she wouldn’t know what it felt like, but had certainly gathered enough research to know it was a terrible burden, especially early in the recovery process.  Looking on at him with solemn gaze as he winced and clutched his chest, she felt a pang of her own in her stomach. Perhaps she could try easing it off, for the moment; it was definitely worth a try.

“… Hold still.” The magus pulled her chair closer to his bedside, so there was no space between the two, and sat back down. Taking her time, she leaned forwards and took his hand from his ribs, lowering it to his side so that the area was exposed. “Don’t worry, it won’t hurt,” she almost whispered as she cautiously flattened her palm and let it rest against the flesh that he’d covered.  She breathed in, then let some of her energy seep into him in a familiar blue light. Lips still, eyes focused on the action, she softly let her mantra escape like a wisp from her mouth.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): As the pain subsided, Beast Boy fully realized what was going on. Raven, the girl he’d been pining after, had her hand on his chest. It may have been platonic and simply to heal him, but he couldn’t help the heat rushing to his cheeks or the fast pounding in his chest. She was so close to him… so beautiful. Her eyes were illuminated by the blue light, making them shine. And her hair had a beautiful purple sheen. He could even smell her, a mix of the soaps she used, incense, and a hint of tea leaves. Each titan had their own unique scent, but he found himself most drawn to Raven’s. He stayed silent, hands gripping the side of the bed, taking everything in.  azarathian (Raven): A few seconds passed between them, the room void of all noise but for their delicate breathing. She felt the vibrations of her power beneath the palm of her hand as the last remnants of refulgence flowed into his being. Once it had completely dispersed, she felt only flesh again, and the beating of his heart below the curve of his ribs.  It took a moment for her to catch herself after the process, but once she did she noticed how rapid the beating had become. Letting her hand lie there a little longer, she grew concerned her healing might’ve interfered with him internally. Why else would his heart be beating at such a pace? When she glanced up at him to address the matter, she was met with a flushed face and could practically feel the warmth radiating from it.  “You’re burning up,” she said, taking her hand away and letting it hang in the air, unsure of what to do. “What’s wrong? Do you feel sick?” The girl looked at him, concerned.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy):

“Uh… N-n-no. I think I’ll be okay. Must be a side effect of the magic… “ The changeling stuttered out. “Or the lighting. These med bay fluorescent bulbs can really burn you up, you know?” He fumbled for excuses, not wanting to reveal his feelings for her just yet. Oh God… the way she was looking at him… Calm down, Beast Boy… This is your friend. You’ve know her for years. Be cool.  azarathian (Raven): “Mm,” she hummed, not entirely convinced. She also couldn’t help the way her eyebrow quirked in confusion at his stuttering and tenseness. “Are you sure? I can get you some ice if you need it.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Uh… I suppose some ice couldn’t hurt…” Once Raven had left the room, he let out a sigh. “Idiot!” He scolded himself. “You can’t go all stutter-y when Raven gets close. You’re gonna scare her off!” He huffed as much as he could with his injury. “Just relax. Raven is your friend. She obviously cares for you and you don’t want to mess that up. Just be yourself and everything will be fine.”  azarathian (Raven): Curious as to her friend’s current condition and not yet having visited him that day, a particular red-head floated mirthfully down the opposite end of the corridor from where Raven had left. By the time she had approached the infirmary door, the cloaked figure heading down the hallway was much too far for her to engage with, though she had recognised her to be Raven. Starfire immediately assumed the sorceress had just departed from having visited their injured green friend.  Perfect! Now she would be able to fulfil the position of company for him. Smiling, she neared the door without a sound, considering her hovering form. It was as she reached the last few feet, however, that she heard the boy talking. Was someone still in there with him? She blinked, trying to make out who he was speaking to; she was sure she’d seen both Robin and Cyborg in the main ops room just before making her way to him…  “You can’t go all stutter-y when Raven gets close. You’re gonna scare her off! Just relax. Raven is your friend. She obviously cares for you and you don’t want to mess that up. Just be yourself and everything will be fine.” Beryl eyes shot open with intrigue. Despite her foreign nature, Starfire was far from naive when it came to certain affairs. And just now, as she waited round the corner of the door, suspicions instantly flourished in her head. Though she couldn’t be certain of the situation at hand, she knew she’d heard correctly. It wasn’t hard to put two and two together, after all - even for an alien. 

“Friend Beast Boy!” she proclaimed, entering the room. “I trust you are in well spirits, yes?”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy):

“Gah!” The changeling just about fell off the bed, but managed to catch himself. Holding his chest, he tried to calm down. “Jeez, Star. Are you trying to give me a heart attack on top of everything else?” He exhaled, managing a smile. “Yeah. I’m feeling a lot better now that I’m not hooked up to a bunch of machines. Cy says I’m not quite ready to walk around the Tower just yet though.” He blinked. “…You didn’t hear anything, did you?”  azarathian (Raven): In all honesty, she’d seen the flail coming considering he’d only just been talking ‘privately’ to himself. She probably should’ve coughed or knocked or something of the sort before entering, now she thought about it…  A small, nervous laugh filled the space between them. “Forgive me, I was eager to check on your wellbeing,” she began. “Oh, but that is joyous to hear!” the girl beamed at him, but when his question followed, though her smile remained, a certain… impishness seemed to play at her features.  “I did not mean to intrude upon your conversation with yourself. But I am afraid the door was left open.” Need she say more?  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Oh… well…” He wracked his brain for a good lie. “I was just worried about scaring Raven off by being so dependent on her and you guys, you know? We’ve been getting along pretty well lately and I don’t want to mess that up.” He forced a smile, trying to convince her. “…Also, if you could not tell anyone what I said, that’d be great.”  azarathian (Raven): “Ah, of course,” she replied, her smile growing wider. “I shall not tell, but I understand. You and friend Raven have been,” there was a brief break in her speech that one might have missed if not concentrating, “getting along very well.”  She wasn’t sure whether to let the knowing glint in her eye show, but at this point it was simply involuntary.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Aaaand the blush was back. She knew. She totally knew. “…Please tell me you can keep secrets.” He looked at the alien pitifully. 

“I really don’t want anyone finding out about this.”  azarathian (Raven):

“I am certain I have none of the clues for what you mean,” she returned tactically, resisting the urge to burst with delight. To be truthful, certain recent events had spurred her suspicions even before this whole ordeal. After all, the alien had seen Raven asleep on the sofa with her head resting upon the boy’s shoulders; she’d seen the way they’d been smiling more and more in each other’s direction; she’d caught the fleeting glances in combat practise; and only the other day Robin had leaked to her that the pair had been in the same spot, together, just before Plasmus’ attack. Perhaps the boys were slow, or perhaps the Tamaranean was simply observant. But for certain, she was not disloyal. And though nothing just now had actually been confirmed, it would all remain very much hush hush on her part.  “Tell me, when d–”  “Oh. Star,” came a voice from the door, where Raven stood. The sibyl walked into the room to join the two occupants, holding a bag of ice wrapped in a towel. “You stopping here for a bit?”  “No!” Starfire exclaimed, perhaps too quickly. “Not at all - in fact, I was merely doing the passing by and was just about to leave, so please, pay none of the attention to me, I shall be departing now!” As she was saying this, she was also gradually back-stepping out of the room. “Do continue to enjoy each other’s company without my intrusion. I shall see you in the while, friends, good bye!”  Gone. 

“… Weird.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy):

“Yeah. Totally weird. Don’t know what’s gotten into her.” He reached for the ice and, once handed to him, held the wrapped bag against his face. Even if he wasn’t sick, the ice felt nice against his heated cheeks. “Ahh~” He let out a relieved sigh. “Thanks.”  azarathian (Raven): “No problem,” she said, once again taking the nearby seat and placing it beside his bed. “What were you guys talking about?” The question wasn’t protruding or anything of the sort, more like just something to say to spark conversation; only a small part of her actually cared for the answer.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Oh, uh. Not much interesting. Just asked how I was feeling and all that. Still horrible, but better. A better horrible.”  azarathian (Raven): She gave a light, airy chuckle. “Give it time. I give it a week before you’re back to your old, annoying self,” she said, leaning back and crossing one leg over the other as she smirked at him. “I mean, you’re already halfway there.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He smirked right back. “Just for that, you’ll be the first one I annoy~” He finger gunned in her direction with a toothy smile.  “So, you up for another round of cards?”  azarathian (Raven): Her eye-roll was subtle, but she made sure he still noticed. At the offer, she grew more alert. 

“Only if you’re up for being beaten,” she smirked back, this time more confident in her luck as she gathered all the cards together and began to shuffle them in her hands.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): -Four Days Later- Another four days had passed, making it one week since his injury. Though recovering, he was not yet healed. He was, however, allowed to walk around and do small tasks. Exerting himself was not allowed and the second the changeling pushed his limits, a titan was somehow there to tell him to take it easy. Now, he couldn’t be taking it any easier, as he was sitting on Raven’s bed with headphones on. Next to him was Raven, also wearing headphones. The two had decided to listen to some music together on the changeling’s laptop. Beast Boy was currently bobbing his head slightly as Where Did the Party Go by Fall Out Boy played through the headphones. 

azarathian (Raven): Had someone told Raven three months ago that the current scene would be playing out, she wouldn’t have believed it. Nevertheless, there they were; Beast Boy leaning back into the pillows of her bed and the Azarathian herself sitting upright and cross-legged beside him. Though it had not been her proposal for this to transpire, it hadn’t taken much for her to agree to it. Beast Boy was still very fragile from the damage done to him despite Cyborg allowing him out of his hospital bed. However, there was only so much TV one could watch before becoming bored, and considering he’d spent five consecutive days in the med bay, unable to move, more boredom was the last thing he needed.  A change of scenery and a change of activity was very much called for, so when Beast Boy had offered to introduce Raven to some of his music (on the condition she could also do the same for him), she accepted. With the TV currently being occupied by Cyborg playing obnoxiously loud video games in main ops, she suggested relocating to her own quiet haven, where they could actually hear what they were trying to listen to.  They had both their headphones plugged into the one laptop so they could listen to the same song simultaneously. As Beast Boy’s most recent choice ended, the girl removed one earphone to speak to him. “That was all right,” she confessed. “Bit indie for me, but y’know. Still good.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Beast Boy removed one earphone to do the same. “Pretty much any Fall Out Boy song is good.” He gave a playful scoff. “Too indie, huh? And what would you recommend, oh Mistress of Music?” He gave her a smirk, challenging her to find a better song. 

azarathian (Raven):

“Hey, I didn’t say it was bad,” she returned, placing the loose earphone back in and proceeding to lean forward and claim the laptop. “I’m just saying this is better.” Her pride showed itself in her inflection as she fully accepted the challenge. After typing a few letters into the search bar she hit ‘enter’ and leaned back again whilst the song started playing: ‘Crying Lightning’ by the Arctic Monkeys.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy):

“Ooo~ Arctic Monkeys! Sweeeet~” He placed his earphone back on to listen. He kept quiet during the song, listening contently. “That was pretty good.” He started after the song ended. “But I wouldn’t say it beats any of my choices~” He gave her a smirk. In honesty, he liked the song. However, he didn’t want her to stop offering suggestions. “While we’re on the whole band named after primates thing, how about the Gorillaz? Ever heard of them?”  azarathian (Raven): “Of course you wouldn’t,” she mumbled, brows raised and eyes sliding off to the side. They soon darted back to him though. “Is there anyone who hasn’t heard of the Gorillaz?”  She had only heard a small handful of their songs, but was very familiar with the name all the same. And the songs she’d heard, for the most part, she’d liked (even if she only ever listened to them once every few months, perhaps less).  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “My bet would be on Starfire. She’s only been on the planet for so long… Come to think of it… You’ve only been in our dimension for so long… I’ve had my whole life to learn about stuff here. How did you learn so much in just a few years? I mean, I know you’re smart and can learn stuff, but, really. You must’ve cast a spell or something.” 

“If you can cast spells that make you learn more, I could use it.”  azarathian (Raven): Sometimes her teammates would say something, and it’d be quite the reminder that, despite being extremely close friends for over four years, there was still plenty they didn’t know about each other’s backgrounds.  “Actually,” she began, “my mother was from earth. That influenced me to learn from a young age.” She was sure she’d never told Beast Boy, nor any of the titans such a thing. Why would she? There had never been any call for her to talk about her mother, and she certainly felt no desire to bring up such subjects of her own accord. “That, and Azarath’s culture is already quite similar to earth’s. A lot more than Tamaran’s, anyway.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy):

“Aw… I was hoping for a smart spell… So, like Earth, huh? Does that mean I could figure out how to use the toilets there?” He chuckled slightly. “Half the furniture on Star’s planet seemed to be alive. Forget being afraid of being eaten by the monster under the bed; be afraid of being eaten by the bed!”  azarathian (Raven): A sharp breath left her nose in amusement. To be fair, he wasn’t even exaggerating - Tamaran was a scary place to foreigners like them. Truth be told, Raven didn’t particularly look forward to visiting their friend’s home planet, and not just because of the painfully long journey there.  “Trust me, it wasn’t like that there…” Her voice seemed to trail off, mouth falling a touch as she realised the need for her past tense. A welt hit her in the chest at the memory; indeed, if Azarath still existed, and if it was as easy to reach as Tamaran was, she imagined her friends would’ve enjoyed a brief visit.  Gaze drifting off to the mattress beneath her, she quickly swallowed and hurried to move past the memory. “Anyway, if I find a ‘smart spell’ strong enough for you, I’ll let you know,” she said, giving him a light nudge and weak smile.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Beast Boy picked up on her unhappiness. Raven’s demeanor may not have faltered much, but he knew her old home was gone and used common sense. She didn’t seem to want to talk about it though and he decided to try to just be generally cheery instead. He smiled at her joke, a little wider than he usually would. Perhaps a happy song would help her feel better? “Ever heard Ob-la-di Ob-la-da by The Beatles?” azarathian (Raven): “No, but I have a feeling I’m going to,” she replied, happy to oblige the request. Leaning forward again, she picked up the laptop and placed it gently into the lap of the boy beside her, granting him the freedom to search and play the song.  With legs still crossed, she rested one arm on her thigh as the other raised to adjust the loose earbud back into her ear, ready to listen to the song about to play.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): -Two Days Later- Another two days had passed and Beast Boy was gradually recovering from his injury. Despite this, he still needed his rest. It would seem he needed even more rest today, however, as the rest of the team had yet to see him leave his room. It was well into the afternoon at this point and he would usually be up by now. His sleep was less than restful, however, as he tossed and turned through a nightmare. In his nightmare, he felt a sense of dread as he wandered through a strangely cold swamp, sans water. The feeling faded as he realized Raven was walking next to him. He let out a sigh, feeling better now that Raven was there. The feeling of calm soon returned to dread when Raven let out a yelp. Whipping his head to the side, he saw that Raven was being engulfed by some sort of black sludge. The changeling immediately reached for her hands, trying to pull her out of the sludge, only for her to sink further and further. Soon enough, Beast Boy was on his knees, desperately trying to pull her back to safety. Despite his efforts, Raven was ultimately consumed by the ooze. As he frantically waved his hands through the cold sludge in an attempt to find his friend, the dark substance began to recede into the earth. Not giving up on her, he began to dig at the ground, removing great chunks of earth and revealing Raven once more. She was no longer engulfed in sludge, but was instead being dragged down by what looked like Trigon in sludge form. The cold from earlier became a great heat as an ominous orange glow came from below him. Realizing his friend was quite literally being dragged to Hell, he continued to dig. Though it seemed no matter how fast he dug, Raven was out of his reach. He refused to give up and continued to dig, even as his gloves, skin, and flesh tore from his hands and the heat became more and more intense.  azarathian (Raven): “Huh. Still no sign.”  “Hm?” 

At the sound from behind her, Raven pried her eyes from the pages of her book to look over her shoulder at the masked man, who appeared to be scanning the area of the main room.  “Beast Boy,” he continued, walking over to where she sat on the couch. “Haven’t seen him all morning. Just thought he’d be up by now.”  “Yeah, neither have I,” she returned almost nonchalantly, drawing her attention back to the novel in her hands. “He’s still weak. Probably sleeping.”  “Guess you’re right, poor guy,” Robin sighed, stretching a bit before making his way over to the kitchen. He took the kettle on the counter and brought it under the faucet to prepare some coffee. “Wish I had it that easy,” the Boy Wonder chuckled lightly to himself. “Got a mountain of case files to go over this afternoon. Should be fun.” It didn’t sound fun at all, and Raven internally groaned at the guilt she felt for her friend.  She didn’t want to say it. She really didn’t want to say it.  “You want some help?” Damn her generosity.  “Nah, s’alright,” he said, setting the kettle down and flicking the ‘on’ switch. “Already got some.” A small noise of knowing left her as she turned a page, but she didn’t look to him. The tease was present enough in her voice without her expression’s help. “Very generous of Star,” the empath poked, sensing how Robin’s shoulders grew stiff even from the distance between them. He turned round to her with a jolt.  “Who said it was—”  It was now that Raven chose to turn to face him again, chin dipped and a brow raised.  “… Fine,” he slumped, finishing off his coffee. “I gotta get back on it now, anyway. You mind checking on Beast Boy? Bring him some water or something, he might need it.”  “Sure,” she agreed with a nod, allowing her leader to exit the room without any further chiding, though she easily could’ve continued. It was a good thing she respected him.  Having saved her place in her book and prepared a glass of water with ice, Raven headed for the changeling’s room, knowing full well she’d just be met with a sprawled frame and drooling mouth. Why Robin insisted he needed a check-up and water, she’d never know. Still, as their leader it was fair for him to have the boy’s best interests in mind. He was, however, much better than he had been by this point though.  The girl gave a few knocks to the door she stood outside with her free hand, but got no answer in return. So she tried calling, not wanting to just walk in without warning. But still no answer. So next she let the door slide open and passed the threshold into his space. Messy beyond belief, as expected. But the room’s owner wasn’t quite as she’d expected him to be. As she approached the bed, she noted how Beast Boy squirmed on his bottom bunk; forehead adorning a dab of sweat, fingers twitching and face grimacing in his sleep. 

Is he having a nightmare? Cautiously, she swiped off the pile of clothes strewn upon the nearest chair and brought it to his bed, then proceeded to sit and set the glass of water down on the table next to her.  “Beast Boy?” She gave him a light shake, hoping to stir him from his sleep, or at least calm him.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): No matter how hard he dug, he just couldn’t get to Raven. What’s more, his arms were getting tired. It felt like his arms were made of lead and they were getting harder and harder to move. As his arms failed him, Raven was pulled further and further into Hell. Unable to do anything else, he cried her name, as if that would help. “Raven!” 

He bolted up in his bed. He whipped his head to the side and, upon seeing Raven, pulled her into his arms. “It’s okay! I got you!” He cried, not quite free from the fog of his dream yet.  azarathian (Raven): At the sudden movement and yelp, Raven only had enough time to blink before the boy’s arms were thrown around her. Only a moment passed, a gasp shooting into her, before she took action. Instinctively, both of Raven’s hands found the curve of his shoulders, pressing down and forcing his weight back. With a few inches’ space made between them, their faces could meet and she could more effectively anchor him down.  “It’s okay - it was a dream,” she quickly told him, steadying his form with her grip. “Look, I’m okay.” She spoke directly. Loudly. So he could hear her above his panic. And even once she’d made her point, her eyes pinned to his, assuring him that he was back in the real world - that he had nothing to fear.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Despite being pushed away slightly, Beast Boy still had a death grip on her, fearing she’d be taken away if he let go. He looked at her, eyes wide and chest heaving. “You’re… you’re okay…” His breathing slowed as reality set in. Raven was okay… and he was holding her. “Sorry.” He let her go, embarrassed. 

“I… You were really not okay… in the dream.” The changeling hoped she didn’t realize the implications of his dream; that he cared for Raven deeply and feared losing her.  azarathian (Raven): She sat back as he released his hold on her, relieved that he seemed to be calming a bit. Still, she wasn’t the one to be concerned about; what mattered was that he was okay. She met his gaze with slightly tense brows and let a moment pass between them.  “Here,” she said, passing him the iced water she’d placed on the table earlier. “What happened?”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He took the glass with a quiet “Thanks.” before drinking just about the whole glass in one go. After catching his breath, he paused to think. He supposed he owed her an explanation, given she told him her nightmare a while back. “…You were being dragged to Hell and I was trying to dig my way to you.” 

It sounded really stupid when he said it out loud.  azarathian (Raven): Well, of all the things he could’ve dreamt about, she certainly hadn’t been expecting that answer.  “That sounds… intense,” she returned, quite lost for what else to say. It at least explained why he’d awoken with such a start, but why would he have such a nightmare in the first place? She was fine; in fact, even with his injury, the two had been more fine in recent days than ever. Each other’s company was something they’d really been relishing, and she’d be lying if she said she didn’t wonder what had spurred on this train of thought from the boy’s subconscious. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Yeah… This weird black sludge sucked you down. I tried to pull you out, but it just kept sucking you in. Then the sludge was your dad dragging you to Hell somehow? It was weird… You don’t think it was a sign or anything, right?” 

azarathian (Raven): She saw the concern in his eyes, but felt no such need to feel it herself. Though the contents of the dream itself was foreboding, she was almost certain it held no message or warning within it, and was merely a result of his own imagination.  She believed this for a few reasons: one being that Trigon had been banished by her own power, and she sensed no disturbance in that banishment and was confident in its strength. Another was that, if her father was to contact anyone, it would be her. And so, though she returned his frown, she felt assured in the belief that all in the real world was well.  “No,” she said with conviction. “It was just a dream. Your mind’s probably been restless with the stress of recovering.” A comforting hand found its way to the top of his arm. “Don’t worry, okay? I’m fine.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He let out a small sigh. “Good.” He gave her a small smile when she placed a hand on his arm. He was reminded of how she had calmed him in his dream with her presence. Seems that translated to reality. “You’re probably right. Maybe it has to do with not being allowed to transform too. I’ve never gone so long without changing shape before. Doubt suppressing my animal instincts is good for me. Hope I remember how when I’m all better.” He chuckled slightly. Shape shifting was not exactly something he’d forget over a few weeks.  azarathian (Raven): “Something tells me you will,” she smiled faintly back, bringing her hand back to lie in her lap. “Don’t try before Cyborg gives the okay, though. It could do more harm.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Beast Boy let out a groan. “I knoooow. But it’s so hard! It’s like going without stretching!” He flopped back into his bed.  azarathian (Raven): The sight of him being so childish, for once, struck her as more amusing than off-putting. She imagined him being unable to shapeshift as normal would be like her suddenly being unable to lift her form from the floor at will. To pick up and book and read it. To sit on her bed and meditate.  … Actually.  “You should try meditation.” The words just tumbled out of her without much thought. Of course he wouldn’t try such a thing. Still, she’d said it now. She’d seem foolish to suddenly take it back. “It could help. Y’know, with taking your mind off it…”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Meditation?” He gave her a strange look. “I don’t think that’s really my thing; staying still and all that.” He thought for a moment. If she taught to him to meditate, they might get a little closer. It wasn’t like he had much better to do. “Then again, I guess I can only do so much like this. It might be good for me.” 

azarathian (Raven): “So… you’d wanna try it?” she asked, as if what he’d said hadn’t answered that already. She supposed she just needed confirmation that she’d actually just heard Beast Boy consider the idea of something as static and reflective as meditation. For a second she wondered whether she’d made a mistake; he’d probably be awful at it.  Still… titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Sure.” He gave a slight shrug. “It might be good for me and, if not, at least I tried something new. You’ll do it with me though, right?” It seemed like a dumb question, given she meditates all the time, but he wanted to make sure she didn’t just leave him alone to fail spectacularly at meditating.  azarathian (Raven):

“I think it’d be a pretty brief session without me there,” she said, a lull of amusement in her tone. “But I’ll only do it if you agree to do it properly. No messing around or talking.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy):

“Aw. You mean I can’t pull pranks and meditate at the same time?” He joked. “That’s fine. Your company should be enough to keep me from going insane.”  azarathian (Raven): Something behind her chest flitted a bit. It seemed stupid, but she believed it might’ve been because of what he’d said. ‘Her company.’ Why did that make her feel… special? She almost wanted to shake her head because of how stupid this was. A little, passing statement like that. And yet in her mind she asked herself whether he’d have said the same to any other member of the team.  This was extremely stupid.  “Oh?” Why was she expanding on this? Why was she making it into something? “Funny, I’d thought we usually drove each other to that,” she said, a playful glint in her eyes. What on earth was she doing?  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He smirked at her and leaned forward. “And would you still say that now?” 

Honestly, he was pretty sure he knew the answer. No, she wouldn’t. The two of them had really come to enjoy the other’s company, despite their differences. Still, he imagined it’d feel nice to hear her acknowledge it.  azarathian (Raven): For some reason, though she undoubtedly noticed the slight fall of his lids and lean of his frame, these gestures didn’t quite register in her as they probably should’ve. This is to say that, whilst the cloaked girl would typically recline, or perhaps not even react at all, this Raven found her gaze holding a fragment longer than it should, her breath shallowing in a silent approval as she hung on the boy’s words.  “Probably not,” came her reply, and as it left her lips it was apparent that her tone was softer, more dulcet than it had been moments before.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy):

Ahh, satisfaction~ He would have settled for a simple no, but the way she said it, just, he didn’t even know. He liked it. It felt like they just got that much closer with her acknowledging their more than tolerance for each other. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you li-” EEE-O EEE-O EEE-O The alarm blared throughout the tower, startling the changeling onto his back. At least he was on his bed. azarathian (Raven): Whatever the boy was going to say was abruptly lost to the sudden screech of a siren, setting the room alight in a flashing red glare. The sound broke Raven’s eyes from her teammate as her head shot up, alert. 

She could’ve groaned aloud at the desperately unwanted interruption. Of course, it was never a joy to have the tower’s alarm go off, but something about this particular time really felt like a punch to the gut. Dark brows knitted together, gaze growing hard as she sighed and stood quickly from the chair.  There was no time to waste. And yet her body begged her not to retreat from the room. There was just something that seemed to be weighing her will down. All the same, she forced her instincts to kick in and went to turn from the person in the bed without another word.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Before she could leave, Beast Boy quickly reached for her hand to get her attention. “Hey.” 

“Be careful, okay?” He wished he could join the fight to make sure nothing happened, but he was still to stay in the tower.  azarathian (Raven):

The sudden grip on her hand halted her mid-step, and she glanced back over her shoulder to see the concerned face looking up at her. The heroine knew he was only on edge because he wasn’t used to being at home, helpless whilst his friends fought in battle. But they did this every day - he had nothing to be worried about.  Still, she made a point to press her lips together and give him a last nod of assurance, before pulling out of his hold and letting her feet carry her hastily out of the room. As she made her way to join her teammates in main ops, her mind remained hooked to the thought of Beast Boy, restless in bed and worried for his friends whilst he could do nothing but hope all went well.  But it wouldn’t be this way for much longer. If Cyborg’s words were true, the changeling would be fully recovered, able to move about and exert himself as he pleased in just another five or so days. And honestly, it was safe to say that the entire team were eagerly anticipating that time to arrive.  [ FIN ]