#and how she’s supposed to be her sister’s keeper

[herearedragons]

Okay, but… what if Secret Hawke wasn’t a mage.

What if her attention-drawing, humorous attitude was not a way to cope with the stressful reality of being an apostate, but a distraction tactic. That’s right, look at me, listen to me, laugh with me. Keep looking at me.

Don’t look at my sister.

[ellecdc]

Would you be willing write a Remus fic about that super blue moon that is supposed to be happening?? like maybe it’s so so bad for him and he takes it all out on reader and she’s really sensitive and you can go from there lol

that’d be great love but it’s okay if not, thanks!! <3

thanks for the request! decided to make this with our Black!sister reader since we've been having fun with her <3

Remus Lupin x Black!reader who he takes out his Super Blue Moon frustrations on [1.6k words]

CW: Remus was being mean/rude to reader but we don't really see the angst... just the consequences of the angst, hurt/comfort, big brother Sirius having absolutely NONE of the nonsense!

“Hey moons, have you seen my sister around lately?” Sirius asked nonchalantly as he entered their shared dorm room; noticing immediately the tension in Remus’ shoulders as he positioned his body away from the door. 

“How should I know?” Remus muttered darkly. “I’m not her keeper.”

And though Sirius had tried to be cool when he first realised his baby sister and best friend had less than platonic feelings for each other and vowed to stay out of their relationship, there were unfortunately some things that Sirius couldn’t let slide.

“Did she eat all of your chocolate?” He asked calmly, causing Remus to roll his shoulders in an attempt to pacify himself. 

“No?”

“M’kay.” Sirius agreed as he put his school books in his trunk. “Did she throw your books into the Black lake?” 

“Sirius.” Remus hissed warningly.

“Did she tell Snape to sneak out after curfew to the Whomping Willow one night so that he would come face to face with Moony, only for James to have to fight you off of him as Snape ran for his life? Oh, wait, that was me.”

“Fuck off, Sirius.”

“No thanks.” Sirius huffed as he closed his trunk with a thud. “Well, if she hasn’t done any of those things, why are you treating her like such an arse?” 

“I’m not treating her like anything, Pads. Stay out of it.” Remus nearly growled as he stood abruptly from his desk and moved towards his bed. 

“Shan’t.” Sirius refused, following his friend across the room. “You chose to date my sister, you have to deal with the consequences.” 

“Great bloody choice I made.” Remus muttered petulantly, yelping when a book hit him in the head.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” He hissed as he looked at Sirius who was staring him down defiantly. 

“If you know what’s good for you, Rem, you will never speak about my sister like that again, got it?” 

Remus seemed to relent as he laid back on his bed and pinched the bridge of his nose and tried to bring his boiling anger down to a simmer. 

“I’m the first to admit that Black’s are not often a good bunch, but if a Black could be perfect, she’s about as close as they would come. And I don’t like seeing her this terrified.”

Remus sat up at that, narrowing his eyes at his friend in confusion. “She’s not terrified of me.”

Sirius shrugged in disagreement. “She tenses every time you walk into the Great Hall and can’t seem to make eye contact with you, which usually only happens after a crucio or two from mummy dearest.”

Sirius watched the fight leave Remus almost immediately as he looked down at his lap in shame. “She’s…sensitive, Rem. We all are, we-” Sirius cut himself off as he stared unseeingly at the stone wall behind his mates head. “We can’t handle these kinds of moods as well as some other people can; tension and anger always led to pain and punishment growing up.”

“It’s not her, Pads.” Remus whispered. 

“I know it’s not. Somewhere deep down she might know that too but…”

“I know.” Remus offered, pressing the heels of his palms into his eyes. “It’s this…this fucking moon, I- it’s driving me barmy.” 

“I understand that, but you can’t take it out on her; it’s not her fault.” Sirius offered gently before retreating from the dorm to allow his friend to digest what he said; he may not like the fact that his best friend and sister found their way to each other, but he also knew that both of you deserved to be happy. If he could help you both achieve that by being supportive, well, supportive he would be. 

。.。:+* ﾟ ゜ﾟ *+:。.。:+* ﾟ ゜ﾟ *+:。.。.。:+*ﾟ ゜ﾟ *+:。.。:+*ﾟ

Remus felt shame course through his body as he walked through the library in search of you. 

Between his senses being heightened this close to the moon, the additional magic at play with the super blue moon, and the fact that he knew you were a creature of habit and had a table you often frequented, it didn’t take him long to find you. 

“Mind if I join you?” He asked quietly, feeling his heart crack painfully when you did, indeed, flinch at the sound of his voice and sat impossibly straighter in your chair.

“Okay.” You whispered in response, not looking away from your book as he moved to sit across the table from you, though he could tell you were no longer reading as your eyes remained glued to one spot. 

“I’m sorry that I’ve been such an arse, Dove.”

“It’s okay.” You said quickly, still not looking at him.

“No it’s not.” He argued softly.

He watched your jaw tighten as you repositioned yourself in your chair in obvious discomfort. 

“It’s this moon.” You explained breezily. 

“Which isn’t your fault, and I shouldn’t be taking it out on you- dove, can you look at me? Please?” 

He watched your throat constrict as you stole yourself and brought your eyes up to his. They were glossy, but not like you were about to cry - glossy like you were hiding, like you were occluding. 

He hated it; hated that you were hiding from him, hated that you felt like you had to hide from him, hated that he made you feel like you had to hide from him, hated that you even knew how to hide inside your own mind at all. 

“Dovey, look at me.” He repeated gently in hopes that you’d let the walls down, daring to reach a hand across the table in invitation. 

He watched as your eyes flit to his hand and back up again and he tried to keep his face neutral; no pressure or force as he let you decide if you were willing to trust him. 

You placed your hand in his, but kept your gaze pointed at your joined hands. 

“I know better than to let my moods affect you, sweetheart. I’m sorry.” He pressed sincerely.

You scoffed and moved your gaze to one of the rafters above you. “I’m not some delicate flower you need to tiptoe around, Remus; I can handle a bad mood.” You shot back defensively. 

“I know…” He whispered as he rubbed circles on the back of your hand with his thumb.

He knew you weren’t a delicate flower; on the contrary, you were one of the strongest people he’d ever met. 

You gave the entire Hufflepuff house a run for their money on who was the most loyal wix in the castle. You always looked out for your brothers, constantly playing referee, devils advocate, and a surrogate parent for the two young Black boys. You grew up making sure Sirius never acted too outlandishly or brought too much trouble onto himself, making sure Regulus wasn’t completely beaten down into nothing and grew up to be a semi-decent boy, and taking the blame when you were unable to do either of those things. 

And to top it all off, you put up with him; a foul-mouthed, poor, Welsh, anger-issue riddled boy who didn’t deserve you. 

“Baby, look at me, please.” He begged, reaching forward with his other hand so he was holding your one in between both of his.

You turned your gaze to him and it seemed to be taking everything in your power to hold his gaze.

“I’m so sorry, my love.” He whispered, bringing your hand to his lips to press a kiss to your fingers.

Your eyes tracked the movement before flitting back up to his.

You offered him a curt nod and chewed on your bottom lip. “I didn’t mean to upset you.” You whispered, eyes turning glossy for a whole new reason.

Remus made a pitiful sound from the back of his throat and stood to move to the chair beside you, never relinquishing his grasp on your hand. 

“You didn’t upset me, dove, I was just upset. And an arse; don’t forget the part about me being an arse.”

You offered him a wet chuckle at that as you sniffed, returning his hold of your hand and giving it a squeeze. 

“I hate not being able to…help, to take any of the burden off of you, to make it at all less painful for you.”

“You do, sweetheart, you do. By being here, and being with me, and being patient even when I’m an arse, okay?” He insisted, punctuating each reason he was grateful for you with a squeeze of your hand. “I don’t deserve it but I’m so lucky to have you.”

“You do deserve it.” You murmured, bringing your eyes back up to his.

And he couldn’t help himself, really; he had always been powerless against the pull you had on him and this time was no different as he closed the distance between the two of you to press a lingering kiss to your lips. 

“The point of all this,” Remus said as he broke away from you and bumped your nose with his, “is that you didn’t deserve to be treated the way that I treated you this week, and I won’t let it happen again, okay?”

You gave him a sad smile and gave his nose a bump in return.

“How mad was Sirius?”

“Fuming.” Remus admitted immediately.

“Did he throw a pillow at you?”

“A book.” He corrected solemnly, earning him an astonished look from you. 

“Oh…you crossed a line.”

Remus nodded abashedly. “Honestly? I think it might be harder to get him to forgive me than it was to get you to forgive me.”

Remus relished in the surprised laugh that bubbled out of you at that, and he vowed to never ever let another moon cause him to go this long without hearing it again.

[katiesyellowcardcollection]

If you could see 'em now, you'd be proud

williamson x teen!williamson

part of the ‘you’re gonna go far’ mini series

trigger warnings: mentions of a house fire and death.

this is quite short and it’s kind of just explaining how y/n ended up in leah’s care, send any reqs you’d like for another little hc.

you didn’t like speaking about your past often, not because you were embarrassed or ashamed but because you were guilty or at least you felt guilty.

ever since it happened it had been rammed into your head that it wasn’t your fault, that they would’ve died regardless, but in your eyes it was your fault, you were just as guilty as the people who started the fire.

maybe if you had just ran outside by yourself, your father would’ve been able to save your sisters too, maybe if you had went to that tournament like you were supposed to your father would have had one less child to worry about and they would’ve lived.

if you could do that day all over again, you would, you would re do it a thousand times if it meant their deaths could be prevented.

you remember that day like it was yesterday, every single detail of that summer evening was ingrained into your brain from what you had for dinner that evening to the screams of your sister, from what you were doing minutes before the fire started to seeing your house cave in and your entire family disappear right in front your eyes.

sometimes you can still feel the smoke burning your eyes, hear the glass shattering and feel your fathers arms wrapped around you, shoving your pyjama top into your mouth in an attempt to help you breathe clearer, you can still remember the feeling of being lifted up out of bed and pulled out of your house, the feeling of your body hitting the grass and your fathers words screaming at you to run for help.

That was the last time you heard your dad voice, the last thing you remember of him was him blowing you a kiss before running back into your burning home.

looking back now you think that kiss was like his final goodbye, it was his way of telling you that he loved you one final time because your fairly certain he knew he wasn’t coming out of the house alive, that was how you remembered him, always thinking of others.

your father was a family man, he loved his children more than anything in this world, his life revolved around you and your sisters , you’ll always remember him for that, his unselfishness, he sacrificed his life for you and your sisters.

you hope your making him proud, he always told you even when you were very little that you could do amazing things, that no matter what it was, weather you wanted to be pilot or shop keeper, he always said he’d support you in whatever you did and so when you got into football he promised you’d play for Arsenal one day and he’d be there watching, cheering you on in the stands.

it’s why being subbed on in the 80th minute of a cup game against villa was so bittersweet.

you were so proud to have made it this far, despite all the odds that went against you, you had done it but he wasn’t there, he should have been there, he should have been the first person you ran to when the whistle blew, but he wasn’t.

instead, you ran into leah’s arms, your sure she was crying although you couldn’t quite tell with your head buried into her shoulder but you knew for sure that you were crying.

you were crying happy tears but also sad tears, you were so happy, so incredibly happy and so proud that you had done it, every training session, every injury, every tackle, every goal and led you here, making your debut for Arsenal.

Arsenal was your fathers favourite team and coincidentally leahs, it why making your debut was such an enormous achievement , you’d grew up going to every single match at the Emirates every saturday, cheering on the boys playing in red and white and then the girls when your father took you to borehamwood and then eventually where you watched leah, your momma play in red and white, it had always been your dream and so the day it finally happened felt like a weight being lifted off your shoulders, like you’d actually achieved something.

but of course every achievement would be tainted by the fact he wasn’t here to see it happen, you didn’t really believe in an afterlife but you hoped he was watching from wherever he was with pride and that your older sisters were there with him.

“i’m so proud of you bubba.”

you heard leah whisper to you, it made you smile the love she had for you was clear in the way she spoke to you, the way she talked about you.

“i love you”

you whisper back to her before pulling out of the hug and placing your hand into hers before doing a lap around the pitch, thanking the fans.

it was maddening to you that these people knew your name, every corner of the stadium was cheering for you, congratulating you on your debut.

A lot of the fans had known you from when you were very young, before you’d even signed for Arsenal, you were often spotted in the background of media clips and were nick named “mystery girl” until leah had put something out explaining who you were.

“i cant believe all these people know my name mum.”

she smiled at you, her own eyes filled with the very same fondness your dad used to look at you with before bed or when you were showing him a new skill.

“one day you’ll have wembley chanting your name, i promise you, you’re gonna go so so far, im so proud of you and i know your dad and sisters are too.”

her words make your eyes fill with tears, your sure if you speak your tears will spill and you won’t be able to stop, so instead you squeeze her hand and smile up at her.

it was times like this that you realised just how grateful you were for Leah, she didn’t have to take you in, i mean who wants to take in a traumatised seven year old who watched her entire family burn to death? that’s not an easy task for anyone to take on, but she did it with grace, she did it so effortlessly as if she was your own mother, which she was now, at least.

growing up you didn’t have a motherly figure, your mum had left just after you were born, leaving your father alone to raise you and your two sisters and he had done one hell of a good job at it but you had never really known what motherly love felt like, it was only when leah came into your life that your first felt it.

Leah saved in more ways than one could ever imagine, she held you as you cried your little heart out, she read you bedtime stories every night, she’s the one you looked for in every room, the one who woke you up from your nightmares and told you it wasn’t real, the one who brought back your smile even when you never thought you’d smile again, every single time she’d bring it back. when you had your first kiss she’s the one you went to, when you went through your first breakup she’s the one you sobbed to, she was your momma and for that you were grateful.

you weren’t grateful about the fire but you were grateful it brought you to her.

you can still remember watching her walk through those hospital doors looking for the social worker who had been assigned to you.

she’d barely woken up when she got the call, an unknown voice on the other end telling her that one of her distance relatives had died in a house fire and had left behind a seven year old girl, that no one could take her in and if she didn’t the girl would end up in foster care, of course she said yes, i mean how could she not? that was the kind of person she was, always wanting to help, to try and make in a difference in someone’s life.

and so that was how you’d came into leah’s life, unexpected but leah still swears to this day it was the best decision she ever made.

[jungle-angel]

Chaos In The Kitchen (Bob Floyd x Reader)

Summary: Bob and his siblings should never be in the kitchen together, especially prepping for the big barbecue on the 4th

Warnings: Parenthood, Bob and his siblings being a chaotic mess, Meemaw having to control everybody etc.

Tagging: @floydsmuse @attapullman @sebsxphia

Bob pushed the door open with the toe of his shoe, his ears bombarded by the cacophony of noise coming from the kitchen. Pans and pots clattered to the floor along with utensils, loud curses and swears flew from the doorway along with some rather colorful insults.

"......You're a fucking idiot Michael! Why would you do that?!"

"How was I supposed to know it would do that, SEAN?!"

"You two dickheads almost lit the kitchen on fire!"

"Stay outta this Reagan!"

"No I'm not gonna stay out of it! You know why? Because I am the keeper of the one collective brain cell the four of you share!"

Bob made a face and set the grocery bags down at the threshold of the door. The kitchen was a mess, completely covered in flour and smatterings of vanilla. Something had burned in the cast iron pan while Bob's brothers and oldest sister continuously argued over who had almost burned down the kitchen.

"HOLY MOSES!" Meemaw exclaimed as she came through the storm door in the kitchen with a basket of elderberries.

Everyone froze, two of them swallowing nervously.

"Um........Meemaw......we can explain.........." Eugene said.

"Please do, I'd love to hear it," she said sarcastically.

No one spoke, too nervous to rouse the wrath of their grandmother.

"I trust ya'll knuckleheads to get one thing......one damn thing made......and ya'll nearly burn down the kitchen," Meemaw pointed out.

"It was Sean's idea," Michael said, yelping when Sean stamped his older brother's foot.

"That is IT!" Meemaw declared. "Out! Out! Git on outta my kitchen! Out! Go cause trouble somewhere else!"

The five disgruntled siblings, Liam, Reagan, Eugene, Sean and Michael, all filed out the storm door to go see what else needed doing.

"Sorry ya'll had to see that Bob," Meemaw apologized.

"Nothing I haven't seen before Meemaw," Bob answered, trying not to laugh.

Him and Meemaw set to work, trying to get the kitchen cleaned up before the barbecue commenced. "Hopefully none of'em lose a finger or a hand when they set the fireworks off tonight," Meemaw chuckled.

Bob laughed a little bit. "I dunno Meemaw, but we'll find out," Bob replied.

"In the meantime we're gonna need to get this place cleaned up and bakin," she said. "Not that I wanna have the ovens goin but I guess the mini-splits will help with that. Any idea where (y/n) went?"

"She went to go get Auggie's birthday cake from the grocery store," Bob answered. "I think Dad, Papa and Hawk all went to go get them meat."

"Well, if anything they'll be a while," Meemaw remarked. "In the meantime, you and me are gonna get this shit movin."

Meemaw pulled a bottle of wine from the fridge and two glasses from the hutch cabinet in the hallway. "Two for the chefs, one for the dish," she joked.

Bob and Meemaw set to work on the pies and other baked goods, hoping they would be ready in time for the picnic. Meemaw had pulled the Hoosier Pie from the fridge, the cream filling having set overnight and needing only a liberal sprinkling of cinnamon over the top.

"Was this your mom's recipe?" Bob asked.

"Nah that was my Meemaw's recipe," Meemaw laughed. "She used to make it every summer and maybe at Thanksgiving. I remember when we'd bring your dad, aunts and uncles up to their place in Indiana every year for Thanksgiving and she'd make it."

Bob laughed at the stories Meemaw had told about her time growing up on the farm in Indiana and how she had met Papa after he had tried to sneak a slice of her gram's pie from the window.

The cream and pudding pies were stuck in the fridge to set while the huckleberry pie was quickly pulled from the oven and the apple one stuck right in. The shoofly pie had been a recipe from Meemaw's friend, Ethel, a fiery little Mennonite woman from Pennsylvania and who had been very close with Meemaw while their husbands were serving in Korea.

Finally, everything was done. Bob had never seen so many pies in his entire life. "I don't think I can look at another pie for a long time," he laughed.

"You and me both Bobby," Meemaw chuckled.

The door opened and you stuck the red, white and blue cake on the counter. "I hate holiday grocery shopping," you groaned.

Bob coiled his arms around you and kissed your cheek. "It came out great though," he remarked.

You couldn't have agreed more. The red, white and blue cake was absolutely huge with an edible photo of Captain America on the front of it. "Has Auggie seen it yet?" Bob asked.

"I don't think so," you said. "We'll wait till after dinner tonight to show him."

You joined your husband and your grandmother-in-law in the kitchen to get everything else ready, enjoying yourselves as you smelled all the tantalizing scents of the meat being cooked outside. Of course there had been chaos, but you and Bob enjoyed yourselves nonetheless.

[daydreamsinrosie]

Competition: Draco Malfoy x HP’s sister! Reader headcanon, Part 1.

Hi everyone, I hope you enjoy this off the wall impulsive thought that I had to write out! Let me know if you would like a part 2 😊.

Themes: Harry is a distant brother, Draco bullying the reader a little, feeling isolated/unwanted, tension!!! (Not sexual).

Being the twin sister of the boy who lived doesn’t live up to the supposed title. In fact it means nothing when you were raised separately and behave simply as strangers towards each other.

Never mind being placed in a different house, finding yourself growing up in the walls of Ravenclaw tower with books and a couple of companions as friends.

However, one way you stand out is your intelligence. Smart is an understatement when you’re regularly competing for the top grades and have your praises sang by Professor McGonnagall, drawing the ire of Hermione and half of Gryffindor House.

“Exceptional. Some of you would be wise to follow Miss Y/N’s lead”. The statement wasn’t enough to hide Snape’s disdain of having to be nice for once, resulting in a small laugh from you and then you getting detention reorganising the potions stores for supposed “immaturity”.

Despite the accolades, you can say you fall under the radar and mainly prefer this. Five years in and you know your place at Hogwarts.

Draco Malfoy however, doesn’t.

Draco isn’t sure what kicked in during third year, but all of a sudden you became the subject of his greatest desire and the bane of his existence simultaneously.

Of course, he can’t admit that.

He can’t admit that the flush on your cheeks when you answer questions slightly nervously in class gives him a feeling of pride that he can’t explain.

Or that seeing you dance with a Hufflepuff keeper at the Yule Ball led him to almost throwing his drink on any Slytherin who dared tease him about it.

And he definitely can’t admit that watching you play quidditch as Ravenclaw’s star chaser heats his entire body up and he now struggles to look away from you whenever you were near each other.

So how has he gone about showing any feelings towards you all these years? Bullying, namely.

“Professor Snape! Y/N over here has brother dearest’s penchant for attention seeking, just look at what she’s tried to do with her Sleeping Draught!”

In reality, you had just followed the instructions but had attempted to also brew a remedy to repel any sluggishness from the potion.

“Five points from Ravenclaw for sheer cheek, you should know better than to think fame would work on me.”

Or the countless times he’s jinxed your legs in the hallways to where you simply cannot walk without tripping over yourself or someone else.

Or most painfully, the times he’s used Harry’s obvious disinterest in you as a talking point.

“At least brother Potter knows better than to associate with a teachers pet who eats lunch alone. You’re telling me even the ghosts don’t find you good enough company?”

You can say that you’ve been strong enough to handle most of this, but seeing a look in Harry’s eyes where he’s essentially admitting to agreeing with Malfoy was enough to bring you to tears several times.

Right now it’s the start of fifth year.

Draco’s prefect badge is glossy and reflects brightly on his green robes, and he’s ready to solidify his authority whilst waiting in the prefect’s carriage with Pansy gripping his arm for dear life.

What he doesn’t anticipate is seeing you walk through a few moments later, with a blue and bronze badge mirroring his and a small proud smile on your lips as you sit separately from the other prefects.

Truth is, it’s terrifying to be surrounded by people you know that don’t like you, but fake it till you make it right?

Not so easy to do when you get mainly the same patrolling times to Draco and he ruthlessly persues underclass men.

“Detention to you for liking the Weasley’s, and detention to you because a Hufflepuff staying in the greenhouse past curfew sounds lame.”

“Malfoy, they’re only first years.”

“Want me to give you detention for undermining your authority as prefect, Potter?”

You genuinely didn’t have a response to something so stupid, but sheer embarrassment doesn’t stop you from facing Malfoy directly and simply saying “I dare you.”

And from that evening forward, Draco does what he can to push you into confronting him as often as possible, only to turn the tables and create tension that neither of you can easily rid of.

Some evenings whilst checking classrooms, Draco has you pushed against a table wanting to see you push against him and see a familiar pink blush crawl across your cheeks.

Other evenings it’s flirting with you, only to turn it around and attempt to remind you (and possibly himself) that it means nothing and that he’d rather swallow bubotuber puss than be attracted to you.

And suddenly it’s later in term, post Ravenclaw and Slytherin match in which you contributed to the house’s 100 point lead before the snitch was caught, and now tasked with locating any rogue students switching between common rooms at late-night parties.

Despite assumptions otherwise, Ravenclaw and Slytherin students get along fairly well. Maybe a little too well because Filch and Umbridge seem to have problems with “endless snogging.”

It’s a phrase so daft it gets a laugh out of you and Draco, and suddenly he senses an opportunity.

“I wonder what they would think of the two prefects who also play quidditch snogging in the corridor.”

Thankfully you recognise it as bait.

“If only one of the prefects wasn’t an insufferable toad, that could work.”

“A Toad?”

“Worse than a ferret, I presume.”

And now you’re pushed against a wall with barely any air between you both with a glint in Draco’s eyes and his arms on either side of your head.

You’re not sure if it’s the forced proximity from being so close across this first term, but you recognise just how sharp his jaw has gotten.

And you also recognise how easily he can keep you close to him, his lips only an inch away.

Maybe having someone to snog isn’t such a bad thing really.

“I can promise you, you will regret those words.”

“Really? And how are you supposed to do that, Malfoy.”

Draco doesn’t know it’s the confidence in your voice or the look of determination, but he can’t help himself and before he can argue with himself his lips are on yours.

He’s rough, holding your face in his hands and making sure your lips follow his as you instantly melt.

Time doesn’t exist in the minutes between you two as you both focus on nothing but each other, moving your hands to feel the strength of his arms and wanting nothing more than bringing Draco closer to you.

A second passes and his lips briefly leaves yours, whispering “jump”.

You don’t need to be told twice, and now your legs are wrapped around his waist and his lips meet yours again.

Neither of you want to admit it, but you’re both dreading the moment this is going to end.

[autisticlancemcclain]

Lance knows he talks way too fucking much.

He started talking at seven months old. He never stopped. It was his older brother Marco, he thinks, who first called him Motormouth, but honestly he doesn’t remember. He’s been called that and Lancito Lorito longer than he can remember.

He loved the nickname, when he was little. His brothers or sisters or cousins or parents would groan, playfully, when they saw the look in his eyes, but always indulged his constant lectures and ideas and rambling. Motormouth meant you talk a lot but I like to listen. Motormouth meant I know you enough to have a trait I associate with you. Motormouth meant fondness and teasing and care. He loved that name.

When he was seven years old, one of his friends tugged her older sister over to where Lance was colouring with sidewalk chalk on the pavement.

“Look,” she’d said, gesturing to Lance but not talking to him. Lance had looked up from his chalk and smiled at her, opening his mouth to say hello but was interrupted by the subtle elbow she’s jammed into her sister’s side, and her muttered, “Watch this.”

“Hey, Motormouth,” she’d said, and Lance grinned, feeling something warm bloom in his stomach at her use of the nickname, oblivious to the choked-back laughter of the sister. “What was that thing you were talking about earlier? About the comet?”

If at all possible, Lance had brightened further, dropping the chalk and dusting off his hands as he’d launched into an explanation about the comet he’d been tracking with his dad. It was supposed to be visible for the first time in thousands of years that month, and he’d been buzzing with excitement about it. He talked about it to everyone who even appeared like they were maybe going to ask him about it. He’s rambled about it to the cashier at the grocery store the evening before.

“Just look at him,” his friend’s sister had said, something almost like awe in her voice, but not quite. Lance faltered, trailing off mid-sentence. “You were right. He’s like a wind-up toy.”

“Mo-tor-mouth,” his friend had said, in a distinct, sing-songy voice. “I told you I could make him do it on command.”

The girls burst into giggles. Lance had looked around, hesitantly, and found a number of his classmates giggling to themselves, at him or not he didn’t know, but he did know that he felt, distinctly, like he was in a zoo, and his friend was not his friend but a keeper who’d brought spectators to observe him and his freakish oddness.

Motormouth had felt, for the first time, like the insult he didn’t know it had always been. He felt trapped.

He’s grown since then. He’s no longer seven years old and oblivious to the fact that some people are quietly cruel. He knows the warning signs, now, of when someone is mocking him, of when he’s being treated like a pet, like an amusing little weirdo to cart around and show off. He knows the difference now between amusement and endearment.

But that feeling, that realization. The brick-to-the-face understanding that he was wrong about how other people cared about him the whole time he loved them.

He has never been able to un-know that.

———

He and Keith have a system. Lance starts work earlier, and is home earlier too, so he makes dinner for them. Keith cleans up after, crawling into bed next to a half-asleep Lance if they eat late enough. Sometimes, though, Keith gets home early, finished a repair faster than he’d anticipated, and decides he wants to make them supper for a change. Today Lance sits on the counter, kicking his legs and eating half the vegetables Keith has cut, grinning every time Keith lets him get away with it.

“…And there was this one woman who came on the trails today, babe, I swear to God, she’s the same nightmare lady you had to deal with a couple months ago. You remember that?”

Keith hums, hiking up one shoulder.

“The cooking oil lady. Who threw her baby’s rattle at your head because you told her you couldn’t put canola oil in her engine to make things cheaper.”

Keith snorts. “Oh, that nightmare.”

“Yeah!” Lance says, muffled by the four slices of bell pepper he’s shoved in his mouth at once. Keith stares flatly at him and smacks his hand, but the corner of his mouth twitches, and he walks over to the fridge to grab a new pepper without a word of admonishment. Loser.

Lance doesn’t say anything for a moment, following a new, bell-pepper related thought, and startled slightly when Keith clears his throat slightly and prompts, “You met cooking oil lady?”

“Oh yeah! On the trails today. We had to shut down one of them because Selena — remember the red wolf I told you about? The one who sings the loudest in her pack and has the reddest fur? I named her Selena after the singer, yeah, you remember — had her cubs the other day! So she’s super duper extra protective of the whole area, basically, and so is the rest of the pack, so humans going near their area is going to freak them out and that’s not fair to anybody. Hey, did you know red wolves are monogamous? Most wolf species are but red wolves especially show a really strong family unit. It’s really cute, actually, Selena her mate always go on wolf dates and stuff and terrorize the park-goers —”

“Trail,” Keith redirects gently, turning off the burner and scooping their food into two plates. He grabs them both, flicking Lance’s hand away, and sets them at the kitchen island, arranging the plates so they’re sat next to each other instead of across.

“Right, trail,” Lance says. As soon as he sits down and starts to eat, one of Keith’s hands comes to rest on his thigh, palm curving around the inner flesh and fingertips resting gently on the ankle tucked under it. He moves his thumb back and forth slowly, not to instigate, just to touch. Lance leans against him without even thinking about it.

“So. Trial closed. Not even that busy of a trail, honestly. One of the least popular ones. But this lady shows up, stroller in camo and packed to the nines like a fuckin, tactical mom, or something, and starts just hauling ass down the trail, breezing past the closed sign. And I’m like.” He points his fork in Keith’s direction, so he can Get The Vibe. His boyfriend smiles into his stir fry. “I mean, I didn’t want to be the one to handle her. But no one else did, either, and let me tell you she was hauling fucking ass down that trail, and I didn’t want her to actually disturb Selena or anything, so I had be like ma’am. Please. The sign very clearly says closed. And she ignored me, so I just stopped in front of her, and then she started screaming at me! All about how she has been to this trail all the time and she’s a loyal park-goer and it’s a public park, as if that means anything. I seriously thought she was never going to stop.”

He hears the irony as soon as he says it. I thought she was never going to stop. He’s like a wind-up toy. He manages to stop himself from tensing, barely, diverting into something like a twitch. He’s aware suddenly that he has been talking nonstop from essentially the second he walked in the front door and was delighted to find Keith’s boots already at the door, hear the quiet clanking of him in the kitchen. He can’t even remember if he’d bothered saying hello, or if he’d just launched right into whatever word salad was on his mind. God, did he even start with a full sentence? He does that sometimes, he just starts from the middle of his own thoughts like anyone would have any idea what he’s talking about, he’s honestly just kind of obsessed with the sound of his own voice, he thinks, he must be, because he just never stops, does he —

“I hope I die first.”

Lance blinks. He looks over at his boyfriend, wondering if he spaced out long enough that his brain just made something the fuck up to get him back on track (wouldn’t be the first time).

“…Pardon?”

Keith continues to eat, unbothered, casual. He’s not even feigning casualness, either — he tends to half-lid his eyes when he’s pretending something doesn’t bother him. He’s completely at ease, right now, hand still warm and heavy on Lance’s thigh.

“Sometimes I just think about how there’s a possibility that you’ll die before me, I guess.” He turns to Lance, finally, smiling sheepishly. “Sorry. That was emo. I just…you go silent, sometimes, and I’m worried I’ll have to miss every time you spoke.”

Lance doesn’t know what to say. For once, his revving engines are completely silent. He sits there, frozen, staring almost blankly at his plate. Keith is humming quietly to himself, something ridiculous and made-up. They’re still in each other’s spaces, the two of them, and so Lance knows Keith feels it when he shudders, slightly, as a lump grows in his throat, as he desperately blinks away the tears in his eyes.

Keith turns his head slightly to press a kiss to Lance’s hair. He holds his face there, lips pressed to Lance’s skin, soft exhales blowing strands of Lance’s curls.

“What’s wrong, Motormouth?” Keith murmurs. The concern is evident in his voice, and maybe some panic, too, like he’s worried he’s the reason Lance is upset.

Lance smiles. A tear escapes from the corner of his eye an burns a trail down his cheek. He wipes it, quickly, swiping a hand across his face before resting it on the hand that Keith still holds on his leg. Keith flips his hand palm-side up so he can interlock their fingers together. If he feels the wetness of the wiped tears, he doesn’t say anything, only their squeezes their hands together three times in quick succession.

There is no mistaking the fondness bleeding from Keith’s voice. There is no mistaking amusement for endearment, here.

Lance can be annoying. He knows he can. And he no doubt has moments where he annoys Keith, even. But he’s not seven, anymore. He knows to watch for the signs. And for whatever he can’t catch — he’ll just have to trust.

“Nothing,” he whispers, turning his head to catch Keith’s mouth against his. “It’s just nice to…know, I guess, that you love me.”

Keith hums, kissing back, reaching his free hand up to curl around Lance’s cheek, holding him gently. “Good. Don’t forget.”

———

based on this post

[12woso12]

Dorothy lands in North London - Part 4

Any requests of where you want to see this go? Or are you liking the story how it is? Let me know whatever you think :)

Part 3

You weren't banking on the park gates being locked. They stretched at least two metres high and seemed to expand around the entire perimeter until meeting the edge of a dark forest in the near distance.

You frown in confusion and glance around for any sign of Kyra, you were already on edge, it wasn't exactly a pleasant experience navigating yourself around a new town in the dead of night. But your excitement at meeting Kyra out weighed your fear of actually getting to her.

'Oy' You hear the accent before you see her. As if on queue, Kyra appears behind you with a timid smile on her face. She was dressed similarly to you except where you were wearing bright green crocs, she had opted for trainers. Kyra had a ball under her arm and you groaned inwardly at your choice of footwear.

'It's nice to meet ya' Kyra stuck out a free hand which you took eagerly and grinned back at her.

'Likewise'

Kyra dropped your hand and moved past you until she stood in front of the gate and haphazardly threw the ball over. She grasped at the gate bars and hoisted herself up with ease before dropping down the other side. She paused to look back you.

'Coming?' She winked cheekily and you couldn't resist following the girl over having thought that maybe you'd finally met your partner in mayhem. You struggled a little more so than she had done because of your questionable footwear but eventually you managed to hoist yourself over the bars to where Kyra was waiting with the ball.

'I thought you might fancy a kick about?'

You chuckled and snatched the ball from Kyra's foot. 'What size shoe are you?

'What ?' Kyra's eyes widened 'Why?"

'I can't play with crocs on both my feet!' you explained already removing a croc from your left foot and holding it out to Kyra. 'Trade me one shoe and then we'll be even'

Kyra scoffed and hesitantly removed her own shoe. 'Why'd you wear crocs anyway?...And why are they so green? It's like you've skinned Shrek for them'

'I haven't been bothered to unpack yet' You explained tugging on Kyra's shoe. 'And my crocs are cool, you're missing out not having a pair of your own'

'I really doubt that' She countered, grimacing down at her feet before whacking the ball from your hands and sprinting across the field with it towards the nearest goal. You were hot on her heels and just as she was gearing up the shoot you slipped the ball away from her and towards the opposing goal.

'Come on' you shouted over your shoulder 'Aren't you suppose to be Kim Little's prodigy daughter?' You line up the ball and launch it towards the goal, it bounces off the cross bar and you cover your face in embarrassment.

'I can tell you're no top striker' Kyra caught up to you and patted your shoulder sarcastically. 'Less doesn't need to worry about competition'

'You're close with Russo?' You question more than eager to get a head start on understanding team dynamics.

Kyra nodded and went to fetch the ball. 'She's a lot like my older sister over here. You won't find anyone nicer than Lessi...penalties?' she asked.

'Only if you want to get destroyed' You mock running over to the goal to act as stand-in keeper. 'Best of five?'

'You're on y/n'

Somehow playing football with Kyra felt familiar. The way the girl passed back to you or teased you for showing off, it all felt as though you'd played with her your entire life. It was a stupid thing to think, really. And yet here you were, kicking a ball about with Kyra Cooney-Cross until the sun began to rise and the birds rose from their nests. Lost in the game, neither you or Kyra noticed how muddy the two of you had become or how as the skies grew lighter, you were getting closer to needing to leave for the Emirates.

'You know what we should do?' Kyra says suddenly stopping in her tracks. 'Feed the fans'

You grinned mischievously, immediately catching onto what she was hinting at. 'Your phone or mine?'

'Yours' she said instantly making you raise an eyebrow suspiciously. 'I hid Leah's boots at training today so i'm in her bad books right now but she can't be mad at you, you're not even officially an Arsenal player yet!'

Sighing you pull out your phone slightly nervous at the possibility of pissing off one of your captains before you've even shook her hand. 'I'll post to instagram' you said all the same.

Y/n13 added to their story

[tonyboneysblog]

ACCIDENTAL NAB P2

paring: thief!hawks x princess!reader

word count: 2k

warnings: profanity

Notes: part two! I really love this series sm😭 hawks his mean also

Summary: thief!hawks steals you away and takes you far from your home! On accident…

Part one: ACCIDENTAL NAB P1

You feel warm. you’re soundly sleeping after you dosed off, still not trusting the three men who took you away from your home.. (obviously)

your dreams have never been nice ones but for once they feel warm, you can vividly see all of your sisters crammed together trying to guess all the words in your fathers books.

you can hear them laughing while you walk into the room, they see you and their eyes brighten.

They practically beg you to read the book aloud to the three of them, you walk over and cuddle into their warmth. They whisper soft comments about the story while slowing falling under sleeps spell.

It’s so warm in this dream, you want to be here for- flick!

you open your eyes to see yellow ones staring right into your very soul.

“Morning!” He loudly chirps.

“…mph” your mouth is still gagged by the cloth, of course it is.

“Well I’m assuming that’s a good response instead of an insult…”

You look around the carriage, it’s not terrible but it’s not as good as yours back at home…obviously.

Dabi speaks up, “listen here and listen good, princess, we don’t need you causing a..ruckus while we’re in this god forsaken place.”

“Hey I quite like this trading post” the blonde responds.

“Shut the hell up hawks.” Dabi says curtly.

Hawks raises his hands in the air as a surrender motion, while Tokoyami hustles towards you. Guiding you out of the carriage .

“Just follow close to us.” Tokoyami says in a whisper.

You glance around the bigger town, many are staring, many scoff…for some reason.

Your used to the stares, mostly because your the princess, but still your surprised no one has recognized you yet? Don’t you people love you, shouldn’t they immediately recognize someone they worship?!

You wish you could just run away but, these three men are huddled around you like your some…Someone to be bought! And you are in fact priceless.

The four of you pass by many shops, some more worn down than others…god you miss your kingdom.

“There’s the bar…” Dabi says.

Hawks scoffs, “please Dabi, we’re with royalty at the moment, maybe don’t think about getting wasted?”

Dabi sighs, slouching down slightly in defeat…”her damn fault for hiding in a box.”

Tokoyami snickers softly, until you send him a glare that could envy your fathers.

He clears his throat, “don’t question the future queens decisions…”

Dabi laughs, “if she’s the future queen then we’re all doomed, thank the gods we took-“

“Could you two maybe not speak so loudly of us having the princess..?” Hawks angrily whispers towards the two.

They all finally shut their traps. You’d rather listen to your sister rant about how ‘gorgeous the gardener is!’.

you just want to be with your family honestly.

Your father always bossed you around anyways, you should be glad for this small bit of freedom! But, he only did it because he loved you…or maybe because you looked so much like your mother.

No, no, no thinking about the past…these men don’t even deserve to see your tears roll down your face! They’d probably collect them and sell it to the night market anyway…

You finally reached the shop you were supposed to be at, you watch as some of your most luxurious items go towards the shop keeper, as his eyes widen with glee.

“Sorry about your stuff…” Tokoyami whispers softly into your ear, “we do what we have to.”

“Mmphph”

The four of you leave after making a deals, the men stashing the shined golden coins into their pouches. How has no one recognized you still? Can’t they see your their next Queen?!

no matter how many eyes you stare dead into, no one even makes a move to help. Maybe they’re just scared to butt in!

or maybe…they don’t even know who you are.

you shake your head, I mean you weren’t as popular as your sisters, with all their beauty and charm…but! You were the oldest. Maybe that’s why no prince asked for your hand in marriage.

No, y/n stop that, you are just as great as all your sisters! Someone will have to recognize you, right?

“Should we rest here for the night sir?” Tokoyami says to hawks.

Hawks looks glances at you, then towards Tokoyami, “you tired ‘Yami?”

Tokoyami nods, “only slightly, I’m just worried for the…our friend here.”

Three kidnappers worried about your sleep schedule is absolutely perplexing to you.

“Yknow my favorite thing about SableStome has always been their amazing inns.” Dabi says with dullness.

Hawks laughs, “Can’t tell if you’re being serious or sarcastic.”

Dabi sighs, “Their beds are nice.”

Hawks then confidently starts to stride to the inn, “I suppose we have to stay then, right?”

confident men are always your least favorite, I mean no man has actually spoken more than 10 words to you but still.

Honesty you feel a twinge of excitement that you’ll be sleeping in a nice soft bed instead of a small, stuffy carriage…or box.

Hawks swings open the door to the inn and walks over towards the front desk, “two beds please~” he coos out.

The woman at the front desk smiles softly, “it’s nice to see you again hawks, new friend coming with you?” She ushers towards you.

no, your not their new “traveling buddy”, your the very popular and very kidnapped princess!

“Yep! She’s not the talker though…” says hawks.

Of course you’re not a talker, you’re being gagged by some nasty hanker cheif.

“Alrighty, here’s your key!” She slides the key over towards hawks.

“Thank you sweetie..” he says.

The sun has almost finished setting, you can tell from the window you’re looking out of, it’s gorgeous…reminds you of when your mother would take you to the shoreline and spill wise words from her mouth.

it’s truly terrible that you no longer remember a single thing she’s said.

“Hey, snap out of it” Hawks comes into your peripherals, “we got a nice room for ya, princess, cmon…”

He walks away. It’d be nice to get some rest..at least you couldn’t think about the past in your sleep, or atleast not too in depth.

You walk up the stairs, following behind hawks closely, opening the door then looking around the room.

It’s about the size of your closet, not terrible, the beds are kinda big at-least, only two…wait two?

Who in gods name is trying to cuddle up to you in the middle of the night? No princess should be…even sleeping near someone of their status!

Hawks looks towards your distressed expression, “What?”

“Mphpmph!” You muffle out.

“Do you want the gag off..?”

Well it would be nice, but that wasn’t what you were trying to say!

“Mrmphphpm”

“I mean…promise you won’t yell?” He says softly.

Well there’s really no point in yelling, what’s the clerk gonna do against three men….

You nod eagerly, hawks shakes his head letting out a small chuckle, “fine, fine.”

He pulls down your hood, undoes your scarf, then unties your gag, pocketing it. Slightly gross but at least it’s off now.

“You must be out of your damned, trivial, insignificant mind if you think I’m even sharing a bed with you, you big boned avian.”

Hawks sighs, “I didn’t take it off so you could just be mean…”

“you heard me.” You say.

Hawks looks at you, “what do you want me to do, sleep on the floor?”

“That’s exactly what I was thinking! glad your meager brain could think the same as me.”

“Alright the gag is going back on-“ “w-wait hold on!”

Hawks stops, raising his eyebrow.

“I-I uhm…it is improper for someone of my status to sleep with...you.”

Hawks rolls his eyes, “look, you may think your reallll important but your sisters are way more admired than you are. We barely even recognized you as royalty.”

well ouch…

He continues, “Not to mention that not one single person has even tried to help you, so stop complaining about who you sleep next to.”

Tokoyami steps in, “no need to be so harsh to her, Hawks, I doubt you would want to sleep near people who accidentally kidnapped you..?”

“Well she wanted to be all sassy!” Hawks says agitated.

Dabi speaks from the bed, “I say she needed the wake-up call.”

“You’re not helping.” Tokoyami says.

You stomp over towards the vacant bed, slamming yourself down into it.

“Hm, guess she’s over it!” Hawks says cheerfully.

Tokoyami and Dabi sigh, hawks looks at both of them, “what?”

Their voices slowing fade as you push yourself farther and farther into your own head. You’re already having a terrible time, being kidnapped and all, but they just rub the salt deeper into the wound!

How would mother respond? never mind actually, she would have never fussed in the first place. Father most likely would have beat their head into a plup. Mother made him soft, made you soft, then she was gone.

Your sisters barely remember her, but you remember her smile, your father says she looks exactly like you.

You can feel the a second weight be put onto the bed, you don’t care who it is, hopefully it’s the nice bird headed one.

do your sisters miss you as much as you miss them? Who’ll read to them, who’ll will be there to check their dress or if they look presentable enough to see the man who wants their hand in marriage?

You open your eyes slightly, looking towards a window. It’s dark out, how long have you been stuck in your own head?

You rise from the bed quietly, you look at the door, it’s locked tight so you can run out. You make your way towards the windowsill, sitting down.

Your tired but not tired enough to fall asleep just yet, your heads to full of thoughts anyway, when have you ever been this sentimental?

The moon is beautiful tonight, bright and fully lit. You’re glad your father taught you how to read because then you’d never know how the moon changes.

You didn’t know which one you liked more, the sun or the moon? Then again the sun could shine by itself while the moon needed the sun to shine even half as bright.

“What’re you doing..?” Says a soft, sleepy voice.

You look over to where the voice could’ve been, locking eyes with yellow ones.

“Nothing.” You says curtly.

Hawks rubs his eyes, “your one weird princess, huh?”

“That’s rude.”

“You’re rude.”

There’s silence after hawks speaks.

“Well-“

He cuts you off, “Come back to bed.”

“Why do you care?”

“I don’t, I just don’t want a grumpy princess in the morning…”

You huff, “fine.” Then plop yourself onto the bed, “don’t suffocate me with your wings, I’m important.”

“Sure you are…” he says tiredly.

“I am.”

“I’m not disagreeing.”

“good.”

You close your eyes, the warmth he emits isn’t…terrible. In fact, it’s quite comforting.

“Hey” hawks whispers.

“what.” Your reply quietly.

“Why were you in that box, no judgement it’s just…weird?”

You sigh, “I was…playing hide and seek.”

He starts laughing, covering his mouth so he wouldn’t wake the others, “stupid…”

He flips around, facing you. “sorry that we took you…”

“yes, you should be..”

“You are so hard to be nice to..”

“My father-“

“I don’t wanna hear about your father, I already see his face in every town we go to.”

Well isn’t that insulting, your father is wonderful!…wait, do the people see your face too?

“Hmph.”

“What?”

“Do you see my face too?…in public?”

Hawks looks towards the ceiling, then back at you, “I see your sisters more.”

“Hm…”

That’s why no one recognized you, your barely even publicized.

“Don’t know why though, I personally think you’re prettier than your sisters” he says faintly.

“Really?”

“no.”

“Asshole.”

He starts giggles, his wings puffing up slightly.

“Such a way with words eh? I’ll leave you alone now”

“good, your terrible company.”

He snickers and turns to his side, facing away from you.

“Night, princess”

You only hum in agreement.

It’s not terrible here, but you oh so badly want out from this small freedom.

[cyberrgirlsblog]

lamb to a slaugther

“Jupiter was suppose to be a star but failed”

“To say it failed would be to assume it was ever possible”

Reaper ash x reader

tw: death, classism, elitism, cuss words, religion and religous imagery play a big role in this series. erm idk what else, not proof read by anyone else besides me.

word count: 7.1k

part 1

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a hot 4th of july, sweat ran down my brow as i held onto Dill as we walked to the reaping site, she shook in my arms

“y/n i'm scared what if i get picked.” 

She said her voice shaky and i could almost see tears about to fall out if her eyes

“Dill you wont get picked i know, i promised your parents no matter what you would be safe. There's only a few pieces of paper in there that have your name I promise.”

I said to her as I brought her closer to me, peacekeepers shoved people into neat lines. I shield her from any of the peace keepers arms.

“Hey dill after this reaping do you want to go to my house to play with my sister Hope, shes been wanting to go to pick flowers by the swamp” i said to dill as a way to calm her spirits, to let her know we would walk out of here fine. She smiled slightly and nodded her head,I was then pushed away by piece keepers to a different line. I was put next to alexa barnette. She was 15, a year younger than me, I knew her brother from school. On my left side was reaper Ash. He was 1 ½ years older than me,when we were younger we were friends but as we got older we just drifted apart both of us getting to busy to be able to hangout anymore. The only time i have gotten to talk to him was whenever he went to the infirmary for injuries he had sustained, he didn't go often but he also didn't go rarely, he went enough time to were i would find myself happy to see him so we could talk again. I turned my attention to the stage when I heard footsteps.

“Hello, hello, reaping day, a way for the districts to get forgiveness from the capital and for one of you to walk out a victor. I hope you're all excited, and may the odds ever be in your favor.”The mayor said his voice was filled with amusement and excitement, the exact opposite of what everyone else in the crowd was feeling.he was dressed in a nice suit that was only ever worn on reaping days, most likely to impress capital citizens. Everyone stayed silent, my eyes furrowed with an annoyed expression and I looked at Alexa who was looking forward at the stage, i then turned my head to reaper. When I looked at him I noticed his eyes were already looking at me but quickly turned to the stage once he noticed that I was looking at him.

“Hm, well ladies first” he stuck his hand in the reaping jar, i felt my hands start to shake as i clutched the cross necklaces in my pocket it was for my sister i was gonna give her after the reaping, my hand brushed some goz and ointment i had brought just incase i was called, from rumors i've heard from listening to peacekeepers from the capital, the capital does not provide the best medical assistance to the district tributes only a veterinarian. Another reason my grandma had been teaching me how to heal and take care of other people. I was wearing matching cross necklaces that were hidden under the layers of my clothes, silently praying that wouldn't be anyone I knew, I shut my eyes to try to pretend like all of this wasn't real.

There was a deafening silence, I could hear “the female tribute is…..Dill” my eyes shot open. I felt like everything around me had frozen, my heart was beating fast in my chest and my breathing became shallow. I tried to find dill with my eyes but they started to fill with tears making it hard to see. I saw movement in the crowd and saw her walk out of her line. My feet started to move before my brain could react

“Dill” i muttered i walked past reaper, he lightly grabbed my arm but I shook it out of his grasp.

“Dill” I said as I walked in the open area, I could see Dill look back at me but before i get get any closer, peacekeepers grabbed me. I struggled in the arms and punched one of them in the head even though it wasn't one of the strongest punches.

“No, Dill please, I'll go, I'll go '' I said i felt tears run down my face. I could see the mayor looking at me with an amused smirk from the corner of my eye.

“I volunteer as tribute, I will go in her place.” i said my voice was loud but shaky, the peacekeepers let me go and i ran towards dill pulling her into an embrace.

“y/n?” she asked if her voice was muffled and shaky as she clung to my form.

“I promised your parents, Dill please tell my sister I love her ok! Look after yourself ok!” I said crouching down slightly to whisper to her, I reached in the pocket of my dress and pulled out my cross necklaces and placed it in her hand.

“You're gonna be ok dill, i promise ok, give the necklaces to my little sister .ok, you promise.” I said to her, she weakly shook her head before she was taken back in line and I grabbed my peacekeepers and pushed up onto the stage. I felt tears well up in my eyes again this time because I realized that I had just signed myself up for a guaranteed death. 

“District 11 first ever volunteer, what is your name” the mayor said into the mic, i didnt answer for a second my head was spinning with adrenaline

“(y/n),..(y/n) Lamb” i said with a shaky voice, i stepped away from the mic and lifted my head up to the sky as the mayor picked a name out of the boys box, ‘Lord help me’ i thought, before looking back ahead at the crowd of people

“And the male tribute is…. Reaper ash.” The mayor said, my eyes slightly widened as I looked at Reaper, me and him made eye contact as the peacekeepers grabbed him harshly, they moved him up the stage and he shook them off with an annoyed and upset look on his face. The mayor continued to talk but i couldn't make out what he was saying anymore since in my ears were ringing, it wasn't until i felt reaper grab my hand with his and lift it in the air, i looked at him with a dazed but confused look but all he did was just force a smile. Soon the peacekeepers came and ripped us apart and ushered us to district 11 train station. 

They stood with us until the train came and pushed us into a train cart that smelt like animals were held in it at one point. The push from the peace Me and Reaper were silent until we heard the door shut and the whistle of the train once it started moving.

“Why would you do something like that, you've signed yourself up to be killed and you know made yourself a spectacle to the capitol.'' Reaper said his voice was filled with anger and annoyance. I looked down at the ground of the train car as I walked to one of the walls and slumped down and put my hands over my face.

“I know that, but I couldn't let her die. She's just a kid, she's too young to, innocent, she doesn't deserve to be put in these games, no one does.” I said, my voice was shaky but simultaneously confident.

Reaper stayed silent and walked over towards me and sat down besides me, i heard him sigh not out of annoyance but out of defeat.

“What about your sister, she needs you. Your grandma aint doing good either” i looked up from the ground and and looked at him with a confused look, i don't remember in any of the conversations ive had with him recently were i mentioned anything about my grandma’s health.

“How-” 

“Word gets around the district y/n.” he said, turning to look at me, he had took of his cap and placed it in his lap.

“well dill's family promised if i ever got reaped they would look after her and our grandma is doing ok right know but… anyways she's 8 so i don't think she fully understands what's happening. I'm not saying it's gonna be any easier for her or dill but.." I trailed off, my eyes wandered around the cart, It was old and decrepit, smelled like animal shit to. There were some holes in the cart that allowed some light in.

“I'm sorry reaper, Can't imagine how you feel, you were almost free from these games.” I said to him as I continued to scan the train cart.

“Yea” was all he said, i didn't push the topic any further, i let the moving train car lull me to sleep. A part of me hoped I would wake up from this nightmare, the other part knew I would most likely die in it.

—---------------- after the long train ride

After a day or so, I honestly couldn't tell but all I knew is that i was starving,the train jolleted to a halt, making me jump up a bit. The cart doors opened and a stream of light poured in. if i hadn't known any better I would have thought I had died and made it to heaven and at this point that's all I had to look forward to.

Reaper jumped out of the car and reached out and help lift me down out of the cart even though I was capable of getting out myself but I appreciated the gesture, I smiled at him and said thank you. I was able to catch myself with the help of a reaper.

“You okay?” he asked

“Yeah, you?” I asked him, and he nodded his head as confirmation. I looked around the train station, it was a lot nicer than district 11, there was marbil everywhere and the trains were a lot fancier than the ones we were put in. i notice other tributes as well, a girl with very short red hair standing protectively next to a boy who couldn't have been more that 12 years old. There was also a boy with one eye open and beside him was a girl with blonde hair and a cloth covering over the top part of her head,tanner and brandy were the tributes names. 

My eyes wandered over some of the other tributes that I could see until they stopped on one, from the looks of it he was staring at me before I realized it. When I looked in his directions he turned his eyes to the ground, he had short, dark, short cut hair and was wearing a blue shirt with vest along with some brown slacks, i think his names was marcus.

Before i could look around more peacekeepers started grabbing each of the tributes and placed them into a small car, one grabbed me harshly but was pushed of by reaper, i looked at reaper with eyes that said thank you as i got in the cart, i turned and reached out my hand for him to pull himself. I kept my hand in his as I moved to the back of the cart, I sat down next to a girl with a colorful dress her name was lucy grey, that name i was sure of. Her top had enterically sewn flowers and snakes? her skirt was a beautiful rainbow pattern. The train car doors closed but i noticed a flash of a bright vibrant red hop into the car. I looked at the new boy who clearly was a part of the district, he wore a bright red suit with a matching skirt. It was obnoxious. He had curly blonde hair and big bright blue eyes that nervously searched over the car. He was pretty, but something about him made me uneasy like he was a wolf in sheep's clothing. His looks only played more into the “innocent appearance” I glared at him.

“You in the wrong train, pretty boy?” I looked up at reaper after hearing him say that.

“No this car is lovely” the boy said, before i realized it i saw reaper storm towards him,

“Get him reaper” one of the other tributes said.

“Ill kill you right now” reaper said as he held the boy up giants the wall of the car.

“He’ll do it, he killed a peacekeeper back in 11, none knew it was him” i said looking at the boy.

“Shut up y/n” reaper said, i looked down then back up at the other tributes. 

“Why don't we all kill him?” the tribute with red short hair said,her name was coral. 

“We have nothing to lose now” said another as he started to get up and moved towards Reaper and the boy.

“You got any family back home, they'll kill them if you hurt Him. And besides he's my mentor ima need him to win.” the girl in the rainbow dress said.

Coral walked over to lucy and leaned down, her face inches away from the lucys. I watched with one eyebrow lifted in curiosity.

“And what makes you so special? Why do you get a mentor and we don't huh?”

Before the girl could answer the boy did

“Everyone gets a mentor to help you win.”

I laughed, turning everyone's attention to me.

“were yall like bribed to mentor us or some'” I said sarcastically and bitterly, there's no way in hell a capital citizen would want to help out the district. They saw us as scum, animals, not even animals, they would treat a rat better than they would treat us districts.

“Well there is a prize for the student.” he said sheepishly, i rolled my eyes and looked away from him and stared at the wall, i tuned out whatever else would be said by the others, that was until the train car stopped and tipped over, the doors opened and i felt myself tumble out of the car, the rocky wall of the zoo hitting me and bouncing me off the walls, i felt other tributes bodies hit me until i rolled on the ground and felt someone wrap their arms around my body protecting me from even more possible damage. When I opened my eyes and let out a groan and slowly propped myself up with my elbows as I felt the arms that protected me almost slither off of me. I turned my head over shoulder to see to my surprise I saw Marcus next to me, before I could thank him i felt someone grab me from under my shoulders and lift me up. I looked at Marcus one more time as he slowly got up, he made eye contact with me and I mouthed a thank you to him. I turned once my feet were  firmly planted on the ground and turned around to find a reaper standing in front of me. Out of instinct from taking care of people I grabbed his jaw and turned his face side to side to make sure he wasn't bleeding or had any significant imminent injuries. 

“Im fine y/n, don't worry about me ok” he said to try to reassure me, i let go of his jaw and looked down to wipe of any dirt from my dress, i felt my cheeks slightly warm. I slightly stepped back from reaper as i looked up and observed were we were. It was a caged in area with a rocky wall a tree and multiple rocks on the ground and pieces of wood. I noticed people starring at us and the other tributes from out side the cage.

“What the hell?” I said slightly as I shifted closer to reaper, not liking the eyes i could feel on me or on reaper.we stood 6ft away from the fence, a man with hair slick to the side of his hair wearing a grey suit came up to the other side of the cage talking into a microphone infront of a camera

“And here we have the volunteer from district 11” he announced, i looked at reaper confused and I felt him put a protective hand on my shoulder, i look at the man and he was staring at me, i pointed to myself in confusion since i was still in a daze.

“Yes you, not like there's any other volunteers here.” he said with a smirk.

“Who are you?” was all i could say my voice was laced with confusion. The man looked at me with an astonished and annoyed look on his face, the camera man laughed and he yelled at them to shut up, like a mother scolding her children. Instead of asking anymore questions he noticed lucy grey and the capital boy talking to some capital children through the fence and left to go interview them.

Me and Reaper quickly found a place to sit, it was a log next to one of the trees in the cage. My stomach grumbled, I almost forgot how hungry I was with all the chaos going on. I stared off into space as more people crowded to wear lucy was, soon enough capital guards came and took the boy out of the cage.

“I hate this.” i said, i dug my cross necklace out from under the shirt of my dress and fiddled with it, “you could've gotten out of this.” said reaper, he was right i didn't have to be hear unlike him my name wasn't drawn i chose to volunteer in place of dill, in the middle of some old abandoned zoo surrounded by capitalies gawking at me, at all of us like we're animal.

He noticed my necklace that I was fidgeting with, the chain was slightly rusted, it was a faded gold color and the ends of each side of the cross we pointed, in the middle there was a red gem. “How long have you had that?” Reaper ask, i looked down at my necklace,”I think since i was a kid, was my grandmas but she gave me it when i was young.” i said, slightly smiling at the memory, i looked back up at reaper my eyes traveling over him. I was scared, scared for me scared for him, scared for the other tributes, we were all paying for the “sins” that we didnt commit that we were to young to even understand

"You know it will be taken if they see it, right?" Reaper's voice carried a note of caution as he observed the religious symbol I clutched in my hand. My throat tightened, and I swallowed nervously.

"Yeah, I know," I replied, the words escaping in a hushed murmur. Religion in Panem had always been a source of controversy, especially to the Capitol. Remembering the stories my grandmother shared, I knew that after the rebellion against the Capitol, the ruling power took drastic measures to erase any trace of religious identity from the districts. In the wake of the uprising, the Capitol systematically targeted and destroyed religious places—churches, mosques, synagogues, Hindu temples, and other places of worship, it didn't matter what religion it was, if there was any physical symbol of it they destroyed it. Their campaign extended to burning holy books and eradicating religious symbols. While the Capitol didn't resort to killing individuals based on their religious beliefs, they forced practitioners into hiding. It was a subtle but effective method, a means to extinguish any flicker of hope that religion might offer. I always wondered about the Capitol's motives. It wasn't just about eradication; it was a calculated effort to control. By dismantling religious institutions and institutions out side of the capitol in general, the Capitol aimed to sever the ties that bound people together, denying them a source of collective strength. My grandmother had emphasized the Capitol's fear that if religion persisted or if some other form of hope came about, it could potentially unite the districts, fostering a shared sense of hope and unity between people and the district that would threaten loyalty to the Capitol. In the twisted logic of the Capitol, religion was a threat. While acknowledging the potential for radicalization, I couldn't ignore its power to bring people together, offering solace, guidance, and a sliver of hope outside the oppressive grasp of the Capitol. I believed the Capitol despised the notion that if religion prevailed, citizens might cease to see the Capitol and its citizens as godlike figures, and their “unquestioning” obedience could be disrupted.

(shout out to @luckyleftie on tiktok for making a whole vid on tiktok that ispired that inner dialogue.)

slowly people left and the day turned to night, my head started to fall from me drifting in and out of sleep. I looked at reaper who was still awake, slowly a moved off the log and laid down taking off my shall to use as a blanket. I patted the space next to me, under were reaper was sitting. He looked down at me

“You need to sleep. The last thing I want is you passing out on me.” I said with a worried look in my eyes. Slowly he got down on the ground and laid next to me. I decided to share my makeshift blanket with me, i had my skirt to warm myself with since i could curl my legs underneath it.

Morning

The next day came, I woke at sunrise, a habit I had picked up from working as a medic and having to do agricultural work early in the morning. I looked beside me and saw that reaper was still asleep, I studied his face. He looked at peace when he was asleep, his eyebrows weren't scrunched together and his face was softened. I understood why he was upset and standoffish, he never liked the capital, he didn't deserve to be stuck in a cage for people to gawk at. But right now in this moment it seemed that he didn't worry about that, he was in a peaceful sleep. I smiled knowing that he was at peace even if it was for a little. I decided to get up and walk around the zoo, being careful not to step on anyone who was sleeping.

“You an early bird to?” i heard someone say, i turned around and saw lucy gray siting on a rock close to her district companion jessup.

“Yea i guess so” i said lightly. I looked at Jessup and noticed how he seemed to almost shudder in his sleep.

“Is he ok?” I asked as I moved closer to them, her face dropped a bit. 

“He’s been like this since we got here, he was bit by a bat on the train hes been shivering all night..” she said, looking at him with worry. I belt down by him

“Do you know where he was bitten?” I asked her while trying to look him over. The fact that he was bit by an animal worried me a bit. My mind immediately went to times where people came into the care room acting wild, their mouths all foamy and they also hated water, they were afraid of water. It was scary to see, I remember one lady who was always so sweet was bitten and she completely lost herself after she was bit, it wasn't immediate but it wasn't slow either. Back in 11 we called it lytta because of the madness it seemed to ensue in people. I felt myself shudder thinking of the memories. I would have to keep jessup in my prayers in hopes its not nothing bad.

“By his ear” she said, her thick appalachian accent coming throught. I realized it was the ear he was sleeping on so i had no chance to look at it right know. I decided to switch to a different topic

“Your from 12 right?” i asked, it wasnt much of a question, i knew the answer but still asked. She smirked at me.

“Yes and you’r from 11, correct” she said more as a statement than anything.

“Yea, whats it like, there in 12?” i asked her curiously.

“Well it depends were you go, if your in the heart of it, were reapin takes place. Its stuffy filled with smoke, but if you go out of there its beautiful its so green and we have lakes and mountains me and my cousin go swimming there along with the rest of the covey.” she said, i tilted my head in confusion

“The covey?” i asked curiously, she smiled with excitement

“Were or we were a nomad group before panem wasd a thing but after the rebellion we got stuck in 12, we sing a lot, my cousin mod ivory has this talent were she can hear one song once and she'll remember it for the rest of her life.” she said, for the first time i could hear excitement in her voice, i wanted to ask her more.

“How old is your cousin?’

“She's 10, a sweet little thing.” she seemed to pause for a moment.

“Who was that girl, that you volunteered for?” she asked me, i looked down and clutched my necklace.

“Her name is Dill, she's sweet, but she has tuberculosis. If she went here I doubt she would live through the train ride. But she's sweet, she's like a little sister to me, and plus her family has always looked after me and my sister.” i said, a fondness taking over my voice as I reminisced about all the memories I had. Before I could say more I felt eyes on me, I turned and looked back to see Reaper up and staring at me, a curious look on his face. I turned back to Lucy and smiled. 

“Well i'll go now bye lucy” i said

“Bye y/n'' she said before turning to look through the bars of the zoo. I walked back to where Reaper was sitting and sat down by him. I rested my head on his shoulder, like I used to do when we were kids. Maybe it was a bold move since I felt his shoulder tense up before he relaxed. I closed my eyes and listened to his breathing. I tried to imagine I was a kid again, running through woodsies areas underneath the hot pulsing sun.  

“How have you been?” i asked him

“What do you mean?” he asked me in return

“Like after we grew apart, how have you been?” I said to him, he seemed to stay quiet for a second, His mind seemed to be somewhere else.

“It's been… complicated, so much shit has happened since we were kids y/n. I've done some shit that if it got out… well it doesn't matter anymore.” he said, his voice had a vulnerability in it. I understood what he was talking about, I wanted to know more.

“Reaper, ill be honest. You were the one person to whom I knew I could trust when we were kids. When it came to talking about stuff that would get us killed if anyone heard.” I said to him sincerely, I felt his body shift which made my head fall off his shoulder before I brought it back up. He looked at me, his eyes soft. There was so much I wanted to catch up with him about.I wished I could see his thoughts through his eyes, eyes that held so much mystery yet familiarity.

“never knew you thought that.” he said, his face was unreadable. 

“Hmm i guess i should make it known know rather than later, who knows how much longer I got.” i said looking at him, i slowly started to look around as i noticed more tributes were now up thought they were a bit dazed. He looked a bit confused by my statement but before he could say anything i continued to speak

“You know, we should try to make some alliances with some others, would be smart even if they lasted for a little bit” i said as i looked at the other tribute, i then looked at reaper a part was for approval the other part was to make sure he was still their and not just a figment of my imagination. He looked around then looked at me his face was hardened and thinking. He sighed for a moment.

“I don't think it would make a difference y/n, whether we made them or not.” he said to me.

“Well we should at least try to be on ok terms with the others, good enough for them to hesitate before they try anything you know.” i said to him, i think i was saying it more for myself rather than anything, reaper could handle himself if he needed to. I doubt anyone would go straight for him unless they were in a group. But I also doubt he would go straight for anyone either. He may have killed a peace keeper but reaper wasn't violent. people here would try to paint him as someone violent, but they don't know him. They don't know any of us.

—---------------------------- 2nd person

You stood up, reaper watched you as you did. Your yellowish cream dress had been dirtied from the dirt during the fall, it had embroidery of different flowers and herbs at the bottom of it, the colors were faded and faint due to how aged the dress was. Some of the embroidered plants were daisies, forget-me-nots, hyssop, pine and purple hyacinth. You turned and looked at Reaper, “what are you doing?” reaper asked, you looked at him and smiled slightly

“I don't know, i think ima walk around a bit, ill be back.” you said before walking away, he watched you intentionally, protectively. He didn't worry too much about the tributes here. But he did worry about the people of panem, he didn't like the way that man in front of the camera tried to make a spectitcal out of you, he didn't like how some of the boys when looking through the caged bars looked at you with eyes that held nothing good in them. He didn't like how Marcus had wrapped his arms around you during the fall. Reaper remembered how he would sometimes get into “accidents' ' when working so that would give him an excuse to go to the infirmary you would ‘work’ at just to see you, to see you worry about him like a lover would. 

He continued to watch your figure but noticed that you were talking to someone on the other side of the fence, it was hard to make out if it was a male or female but reaper noticed that the person had the same obnoxious uniform that the boy on the train cart had. He decided to get up and walk over to you, as he got closer he noticed it was a boy with a buzzcut, he had eyes that were sloped down, and he had a sly smile on his face. Reaper walked close to you and was almost right behind, just slightly to the right. It seemed like the boy had noticed reaper and his face had dropped from a seemingly pleasant look on his face to a more annoyed face.

1st person, 10 minutes before—---------

As I got up and walked around I heard someone calling my name. I looked back at Reaper but it didn't seem to be him calling my name, nor was it lucy since she was talking to her mentor by now.

“No, Over here. Behind the fence.” i heard a boy yell, his voice sounded a little impatient but it sounded like he was trying to dull it down a bit. I looked past the caged bars and saw him, he had a buzzcut, he had sad eyes, a seemingly ‘friendly’ smile and was wearing the same loud, bright red uniform that the mentor of lucy was wearing.

“Hello” I said cautiously as I walked closer to the gate, I still was a good distance from him though.

“You are my tribute.” he said bluntly, he smiled a little more and looked at me like he was expecting me to reply.

“Um… what?” i asked him, looking at him with a confused gaze, he rolled his eyes slightly before sighing

“Im your mentor my names Urban.” he this time a little more inpatientally

“Oh, sorry, I didn't know they didnt tell us who are mentors were or that we were having ones. I only found out because of lucy grays mentor” i said to him with a genuine expression on my face. He seemed somewhat surprised by what i said.

“They didn't tell you all that you had mentors?” he asked.

“No they didn't but lucys told us we all had mentors, anyways what are you supposed to do as my mentor.” 

“Im supposed to help you win, or at least make a good show. You winning would be the preferable option for both of us.” he said, his tone was undicerniable. I looked down and sighed before looking back up at him.

“Well I can't win if I'm fighting on an empty stomach and no water, Urban” I said looking at him, he seemed to understand what i was saying and smiled slightly. I hoped that he would bring enough food for me and reaper.

“I'll see what i can do-” he suddenly cut himself off and his face dropped to an annoyed look. I looked at him confused, I saw his eyes drift to behind me and I followed his gaze. As i turned i saw reaper standing behind me. Reaper was looking at him with suspicion.

“Hey Reaper this is Urban, he's my mentor. That means you got one too. Speaking of, where is his mentor? " I asked Urban. He sighed in frustration

“She got hospitalized, she should be better before we tour the arena.” he said, my face grew concerned, reaper raised a brow.

“How did she get hospitalized, what happened?” i asked

“I think she was bitten by some snakes, i'm not sure though.” he said, he sounded like he wanted to change the subject. 

“Well i have to go to the academy” he said to me before promptly turning his back and walking off. I watched his figure move, it was in a stiff yet relaxed way. I felt a hand on my shoulder a looked at reaper.

“Be careful with him, who knows what the mentors really think.” he said, his tone was warning. I smiled at him.

“I will reaper, don't worry. Out of anyone here i'll listen to you.'' I said, he smiled slightly. He never smiled a lot anymore. When we were kids he used to smile a lot. But as we got older those smiles I loved so much as a kid faded away. I couldn't blame him though, everyone in district eleven had lost something about themselves once they reached the age of ten. I always feared when my sister would turn ten she would lose her love for animals, her love for being her.

“Reaper, I have a question,” I said to him as I sat down on a rock he followed not long after.

“Yea?”

“How come you never tried to be a healer at the infirmary?” I asked him curiously.

“What do you mean” he asked

“I mean, like, you've always cared about people from what I can remember. You always helped people out, you know. I guess it's just that I always saw you as someone who would be a healer.” i said to him, I looked at him and he stared at me, his face was unreadable.

“I didn't really get a choice in what I was put in. even you still had to work outside of the infirmary” he said to me softly. I looked at him and smiled.

“Yea i know, sorry it was a stupid question, i've just always wondered that '' i said, i cringed inwardly at my dialogue. 

“Nah it's fine, we haven't gotten to talk much so i don't blame you for asking” he said calmly, he smiled again. We sat there in silence, a comfortable silence. I stared at him and smiled lightly, I didn't know how much time had passed nor did I care. For a moment I was content. 

“y/n, im back” i heard Urban yell in a boarded tone, i slowly got up. I felt reaper grab my hand but I carefully removed his hand from mine and sent him a reassuring smile. I walked down to the bars of the zoo and saw Urban holding a small purple napkin. He handed me it along with water in a glass bottle. I opened the napkin and saw a small sandwich with some berries and bread. I looked up at urban and smiled gratefully. 

“Thank you Urban, i swear me and Reaper were gonna die of starvation” i said, he seemed to get annoyed from my statement.

“I brought them for you not him.” he said, his eyebrows furrowed. I rolled my eyes and looked at him with a blank face. Instead of arguing with him i decided to play into the capitals game

“Urban, I need my district partner to be alive, you know, so I can win. So you can win that prize.'' I said, a part of me wanted to break the glass bottle the second I said that. Urban had nothing to lose if i lost, probably wouldn't even care if i died besides the fact he lost a cash prize or whatever it was. However Urban seemed to be pleased with my answer. 

“Fine, whatever will make you win.” he said with a slight huff. I couldn't help but laugh a little. He looked at me confused.

“Sorry you remind me of my sister, always so impatient.” I said as I caught my breath. This only seemed to annoy him though

“You should be lucky i even brought you anything, that someone like me is even speaking to the likes of you.” he said with a tone ripped with condescension. I stared at him blankly for a second my fist almost clenching around the food.

“I dont even know why your upset and second if you keep saying comments like that to me, i might just kill myself the second i step in the ring. Just to know you would face the embarrassment of your mentie dying first and you not getting any money." I didn't fully mean it of course, but I just wanted him to shut up and take me seriously. At least give me and the others basic respect. Knowing the capital though it would take a lot more than that to be treated with basic dignity. Maybe If they wouldn't treat me like I was human, I could at least teach Urban to treat me like I was human.

Urban just stared at me, he turned and started to walk away. “Urban wait” i said loudly, he stopped and turned around which surprised me. “Thank you for the food and water. I appreciate it, "I said a little begrudgingly. Maybe I was imagining it but I swore I could have seen a faint smile cross his mouth before he shook it away and continued to walk away. 

I turned and walked back to reaper who was eyeing me. I smiled and handed him a half of the sandwich. He refused it.

“Reaper you gotta eat, i'm not gonna eat that part so if you don't eat it. it's gonna go to waste. Plus I can hear your stomach rumbling and it worries me. So eat.” I said to him, he tried to protest but I forced the half into his hand. I also handed him the water bottle wich unlike the sandwich he accepted immediately. He took a few gulps of the water before handing it to me. I put the bottle to my lips and drank. I tried to preserve as much water as possible but it was hard. My thirst was almost unquenchable. Soon I put the water down and started to eat my half of the sandwich. 

A piece of glass could be herd shattering and before long i heard screams. I looked up and saw a tribute with a broken glass bottle in her hand shoving it into her mentors neck. Soon capital guards started firing into the zoo at the tribute. A bullet nearly grazed me before reaper pulled me and him behind a tree. His arms were wrapped around me protectively while I held on to him like it was my last moments. Soon the bullets stop, I heard reaper mutter into my ear “It's ok”. I didn't know if he was saying that to calm me or himself. But it didn't really matter. 

Soon we stepped out from the covering of the trees. The only thing i saw was brandy and her mentor lying on the ground. The people on the outside of the cage were huddled around the mentor. One boy had his hands on her neck as he screamed for help. Then there was brandy. Her body was riddled with bullets and one went straight through her head. Her body bled out on the ground. It took everything in me not to rush forward towards her body. But I was smarter than to risk my life right now. 

I felt Reaper grab my hand, I looked at him slowly, tears starting to stream down my face as the full reality of the games sunk in.

------------------------

Im so sorry it took so long, and ill be real second part will prob take long to espichally since i got exams coming up. but trust i will be working on this story and the other story.

[fierymiasma]

ʚ Keeping his promise ɞ | Sebastian Sallow x Reader

Request: Can I request HufflepuffMC x Sebastian, 10 years after Hogwarts? Like they see again in some kind of reunion (they have been writing to each other but not so much) and Seb is like taken back how lovely the MC become and all? If u would like Could u also do the same with Ominis? (Is thats alright with u ofc). I know Im asking much sorry -From omg-edzia-stuff

Summary: It's been a whole lifetime since she's seen Sebastian.  Ten years since she refused to speak to him, terrified of the person he was becoming.  Years of absolute silence from her, never once opening any of his letters.  Now, ten years later, with their class reunion coming up, he can't help but wonder if she had forgotten about their time together.

Sebastian certainly hasn't.

Words: 2.6k

My work: FieryMiasma

It was one of their rare moments of peaceful quiet.  The winter of their 5th year was fast approaching. The last few leaves of autumn were starting to fall.  Sebastian had invited her to the shores of the Black Lake to witness "the best sight of all of Hogwarts" and conjured up a soft blanket for them to sit together.  It was either good fortunate (or good planning) that the sun was setting right onto the Black Lake's surface.  His Hufflepuff was sitting next to him, bundled up in Slytherin robes that she'd borrowed from him to protect herself from the incoming night chill.  He couldn't help but admire how the dying light shone through her hair, giving her an almost golden glow.  

"You know after all of this is over, and Anne is back to her usual self, I would very much like to do this again, maybe at the Three Broomsticks, just the two of us, and…under a bit different circumstances."

"Sebastian Sallow."  There was a blush on her cheeks.  "Are you asking me out on a date?"

Sebastian couldn't screw the courage to look at her in the face.  "If you find it agreeable."  

Her shy hand found his.  "Yes, after finding a cure for Anne, defeating Ranrok, getting all this silly Keepers' nonsense out of the way, and of course, passing our OWLS,"  Sebastian chuckled.  "I would very much like to start seeing you."  

Sebastian grinned.  For the first time since his sister had been cursed, his heart truly felt light, free of its chains.  He was itching to kiss his Hufflepuff, to show her how wonderful she truly was, to suffocate her with his affection.  "It's a promise then.  A date after all this is over."

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊

Solomon.  Lodgok. Professor Fig.  Anne.  The unforgivable curses.  Ominis…

...A particularly nasty fight that changed the course of their friendship forever…

Sebastian sighed.  Sitting by himself once again in the corner of the Leaky Cauldron, he stared at his untouched drink in front of him.  They never did manage to go on that date did they?  Even after ten years had passed, Sebastian couldn't help but play the memory over and over in his head, like a pensieve on loop.

After…everything that happened, they drifted apart.  Her, consumed in her grief of her mentor, now burdened as the last living Keeper of ancient magic.  And Sebastian….a remorseful idiot, who lost everyone he loved with just one spell.  

He tried.  He yelled.  He begged.  He manipulated.  He cried.  He pleaded on his hands and knees, for her to give him a second chance.  For him to show her who he truly was.  He was lucky he supposed, that she didn't just throw him into Azkaban like Ominis and Anne had intended.

To this day, the fear reflected in her eyes still made him want to hurl.  How, the most powerful witch of this century, who didn't bat an eye at trolls, goblin generals, or a hoard of dark wizards, feared Sebastian.  She was terrified of him.

It was years, years of groveling for his best friend's forgiveness, years of caring for Anne at her bedside, and years of grieving at his family's graves, wondering where it all went wrong.  Sebastian hoped he'd changed in the 10 years since graduating Hogwarts.  At least, Anne told him he did, but she always had that way of saying things to make him feel better.  He hoped he'd change from that vengeful wrathless boy he once was to…at least someone worthy of a fraction of her time.

Finally picking up the goblet of firewhiskey, he tried to find the energy to drink it.  It wasn't the first time he got lost in thought thinking about her.  He'd become an avid reader of the Daily Prophet, every morning frantically combing through the pages, seeing what next great wizarding accomplishment she'd achieve.  What impossibilities she did with the smallest modicum of effort.  

Of course, he wrote to her obsessively.  His poor owl flying around the globe trying to find her.  It always seemed to come back exhausted, with Sebastian's unopened letters in its beak.

Speaking of letters…Sebastian dug Poppy Sweeting's invitation from the confines of his robes.  He had been sitting in the Leaky Cauldron for the better part of two hours, half debating on jumping into the floo fireplace and going back home to Anne.  Scanning the invitation, he reread the details he had already memorized.

A 10 year reunion of their Hogwarts classmates.  At Hogsmeade.  Tonight.  

He wondered if she would be there.

Mustering up the courage he didn't have as a lad, he threw back his shot of firewhiskey.  Slamming down two knuts on the table, he smoothed his dress robes, wondering why he even bothered up to dress up for this whole silly affair.  He made his way over to the fireplace.  Sebastian hoped he wouldn't regret his decision.  Climbing into the floo network, he turned around and declared:

"Three Broomsticks!"

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊

She worried at her bottom lip, wondering for the millionth time, if this whole thing was a mistake.  Merlin, she felt like a schoolgirl all over again.  Looking at herself in the butterbeer, she nervously touched at her make up that Natty helped apply on her, smudging it worse than before. She's gotten a fair amount of new scars since Hogwarts.  She was by no means that fussy over her own appearance, but…if Sebastian were coming….ugh.  Her make up was definitely fully smeared now.  The ugly scar on her face was peeking through.  Now, Natty was going to yell at her again.

"What if he isn't coming?"  She couldn't stop herself from asking her own reflection.

"Oh, he'll be here alright."  Imelda answered from behind the former Hufflepuff, throwing her now-long cascading hair back behind her shoulders.  "He's a simple man.  Any hint of the ‘greatest witch of our generation’ being here at Hogsmeade and Sebastian will apparate here faster than a diriclaw."

The former Hufflepuff blushed heavily.  "You know the Daily Prophet makes all it up right?  Half of that stuff is just utter rubbish."

Imelda laughed, adjusting the padding on her professional quidditch uniform.  "Yes, yes, humble as ever.  You haven't changed a bit since Hogwarts."

"Imelda," Natsai Onai, the up and coming auror, appeared at their side. "Help me with the decorations!  They're not going to hang themselves!"  

"Duty calls."  Imelda drawled as Natty swept the quidditch player away.

Alone, she sat next to the fireplace, with nothing but her worry.  She couldn't help but speculate if Sebastian had changed at all.  She wondered if she'd ever again see the charming, hot-tempered, loyal Slytherin she met at the first day of Hogwarts.  He'd all be disappeared by the end of their 5th year, replaced by a darker version of the boy she had fallen in love with.  Overcome with grief, she had left Hogwarts and London behind, traveling the world with Natty, far away of any new possible mentions of new Dark wizards in England with wild brown hair and gorgeous chocolate-eyes.  

"I’ve always said that travel broadens the mind."

Her head shot up, almost afraid to see who was going to step through the fireplace.

It was Sebastian Sallow.   The second the pair made eye contact, he couldn't help but smile.  "Well, there's my favorite Hufflepuff."

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊

She was dazed.  She could hardly believe that the man before her today was Sebastian.  He had filled in since she had last seen him in 7th year.  His shoulders now broad and strong, his arms thick, and bare forearms sun kissed.  His face was more defined and masculine, freckles now erupting all over his cheeks.  He had expensive well-tailored dress robes that showed off the hard lines of his figure.  The only thing that had stayed the same was his wildly untamed hair, looking as soft as the day she first met him.

The biggest change of all were his chocolate eyes.  They were no longer cold and harsh.  They looked so kind, a couple of soft creases around the edges, warm and inviting.

She stood up from her seat approaching him for a closer look.  She couldn't believe he was even real.

"S-Sebastian, hi!  Wow, you've….you've certainly changed a bit."

"And you've looked just as gorgeous as the day I lost you."

Sebastian was delighted at the way her skin turned pink.  Her blush traveling from her cheeks and spreading to her neck, just like how it used to.  It was a lie, in a way.  Somehow, the most beautiful girl in all of Hogwarts turned even more lovely.  Her body no longer hidden by baggy school robes.  She was now dressed in an Adventurer's outfit.  Dragonhide, leather straps, armor, and buckles adorned the skin tight clothing.  Her clothing gave Sebastian a nice view of her full and very nice curves.  Her eyes which used to be so soft and full of hesitancy were now sharp.  They were quick and bold, daring her enemies to challenge her.

Of course, the biggest difference was the new (or was it now old?) fading scar that was across her nose.  It figured that she of all people would have a scar that only made her look more powerful than ever before.  Sebastian couldn't help but want to duel her once again.  To have a girl as amazing as her knock Sebastian back on his ass with a few well-placed spells.  Their very first duel was still the most thrilling experience Sebastian has ever had.  

"How have you been?  How's Anne?" she asked.

"She's been well.  Wishes, she were here but…you know."  He shrugged.  "We take it day by day.  Some days are better some days are worse."

"Well," she bit her lip in worry, hesitant over what she was about to say.  "If you need any help, just say the word-"

"No," Sebastian gently stopped her.  "I'm through with asking you to give up everything for me.  I might have done it in my youth, but…no longer.  You have my word."  He chuckled darkly.  "Not that it means much given everything that has happened."

Her shoulders softened.  "Sebastian, we were both young and quite stupid.  Those days are behind us now.  I forgave you then, and I still forgive you now.  You did everything out of love.  I can see that now.  What can be a better reason than love to turn to the dark?"

Sebastian laughed, his voice now a deeper rich baritone.  "Well, it's nice to know that I still have one good friend by my side."

She hid her face behind her butterbeer.  Hoping to get away from touchy subjects, she shifted focus.  "What are you up to now?"  She asked.

Sebastian spread his arms out, allowing her to get a good look at the emerald green healer's dress robes he was currently wearing.  "I'm a healer now.  I'm the head of the Department of Irreversible Curses and Dark Maladies at St. Mungo's.  It's a new branch, just founded a year ago, by well, me I guess.  You, Anne, even Ominis, really inspired me to take a bit of a…different path than the one I was headed on."  

She blinked in surprise.  Sebastian?  A healer?  Well, she supposed it made sense.  He was always buried in books when they were in school together, constantly researching the next healing breakthrough for Anne.  It was no wonder that he managed to pick up a thing or two here and there.  "And…that's it I suppose?  No more, dark arts?"

"Now, hold on."  Sebastian teased.  "I didn't say that.  I'm the head researcher into the medical dark arts at St. Mungo's.  A new subject invented by yours truly of course.  There's so much untapped unexplored magic out there, that can be used for good, incorrectly mislabeled or misinterpreted as the dark arts.  It's the cutting edge, it can really help our patients with otherwise incurable diseases."  He laughed at the alarm on her face.  "Don't worry.  No more inferi.  No more unforgivable curses.  No following the advice of a clear lunatic like Salazar Slytherin. Anne is an associate healer on our team when she can make herself available.  Half of my projects would be nowhere without her.  She keeps me in check, making sure everything I do is by the books.  She'll wring my neck if she ever found me even toeing the line of something dangerous."  

She felt slightly bad, jumping to conclusions like that.  "Sebastian, that's…that's amazing to hear!  I'm so glad to know that you and Anne have done so well."

Sebastian took a bold step closer.  "Well, you might have been able to hear about it sooner, have you opened the letters I was sending you."

She winced.  How could she explain herself?  Would he even understand?  How broken her heart was after she left Hogwarts.  How that sly, cunning boy that she first met had turned into a wicked dark wizard who was a stranger to her.  How it tore her to pieces seeing what he became after using the Unforgivable curses.  How terrified of him she was looking into those unrecognizable cold eyes.  Lately, every time she saw his harried looking owl, she was sent into a panic.  All of her life she has only heard bad news.  Her parents.  Lodgok.  The curse of being a Keeper of ancient magic….Professor Figs.  She couldn't bring herself to read any of his letters.  If, Sebastian Sallow had turned into the new Victor Rookwood, who else but she, the Hero of Hogwarts, would be expected to put down the new threat?

"I'm sorry, Sebastian.  I'm a coward."  She admitted.  "I couldn't bring myself to read your letters.  The thought of learning of something awful happening to you.  To Anne."  She shook her head at the thought.  "I couldn't bear it."

Sebastian stepped close, their shoes practically touching.  "And I can't bear the thought of you being alone out there.  Traversing the world all by yourself, on all your dangerous adventures, without me watching your back."

She took step forward.  They were only a breath apart. She inhaled, smelling the rich oak scent and soft cologne that was unmistakably Sebastian.  "Things were a lot easier, when I had you fighting those nasty insects in the Dark Forest with me."

"Spiders."  Sebastian couldn't help but correct.  "Spiders aren't insects."

Her glare had no heat behind it.  "I suppose I deserved that one."  

Sebastian laughed, wanting more than anything in the world, to wrap her up in his arms.  To go all the way back to 5th year where they were sitting together by the lake, watching the sunset.

"You know," he drawled.  "I never did take you to that date to the Three Broomsticks that I promised you, did I?"

She blinked rapidly.  "I nearly forgot.  What, with everything that has happened, that you tried to pursue me during our 5th year."

Well, Sebastian, certainly hasn't forgotten even a second of that night.  "Well, what do you say?  We're here already.  With a lot more friends and a lot less privacy than I planned.  Want to make me a man of my words?"

Feeling bolder now that she was older, she stood on her tip toes, body mere inches from his, planting a soft chaste kiss on his cheek.  "I have a better idea.  Why don't use the very first spell I learned from you, disillusion ourselves, and sneak out of the party.  Let's go back to the lake again, just like back in 5th year. We can bring some butterbeer and some of Poppy's pastries."

He couldn't wipe the smile from his face.  "You do remember."  Wrapping her tightly in his arms, he held her close to his side, casting evanesco over the pair of them.  

"I'll follow your lead." He said, as if they were suddenly back in 5th year, about to fight another goblin camp.  

She laughed.  Her hand found his invisible one, lacing their fingers together.  

The bustle and laughter of the party was loud in the Three Broomsticks as friends and family alike reconnected.  No one noticed how the large oak front doors seemingly opened on their own to a twin pair of laughter disappearing into the moonlit night.

[golvio]

Since Echoes of Wisdom is a top-down Zelda game, I’m not expecting the game’s story to be super complex or involved, but I’ll admit I am curious about certain characters & implied background events.

In particular, I’m curious about who these three unique NPCs from the Gerudo Desert region are:

The woman with the golden trident is most likely the current Chief, given that I’ve seen screenshots of her standing up from a throne holding the trident aloft are circulating around. But who are those other two people?

I suspect the woman in white might be the chief’s sister, since her hair resembles the chief’s hair and the gemstones she’s wearing are the same color as the Chief’s. Also, Nintendo would not have the gonads to put an official confirmed lesbian couple in their kid-friendly game no matter how G-rated “This lady’s the queen and her wife is also the queen” is as a concept. However, the woman in white also seems to be a person of importance to the Gerudo given that the guards are answering to her. There was mention of an “Ancestral Cave” elsewhere in the trailer. Could she maybe be a high priestess or keeper of some sort of sacred site of worship or burial who acts as a spiritual leader to the community?

As for the figure in blue with the gloves and the hat—they’re definitely also Gerudo, but they’re dressed in a very unusual way that sets them apart. My first guess was that this was an older woman, maybe the chief’s mother, who’s acting as an advisor given that they were standing next to the throne in the aforementioned screenshot. However, they don’t look that old, given that we’ve seen old people with wrinkles in Zelda’s court in the form of Imoa and her brother, so I have another guess.

This person might actually be a boy, the current Gerudo prince, who’s either too young to take an active part in political life, or is maybe the younger brother or spouse of the chief who’s relegated to acting in a more supportive role because of his age and gender. Their style of dress is much more formal and masculine, being somewhere between the draped turban and robes you’d expect Indian royalty to wear and the iconic blue and gold khepresh crown that some Egyptian pharaohs wore.

It’d be really interesting to get some insight into Gerudo politics, particularly if a prince who isn’t Ganondorf is involved! Also, partly because it’d give us some insight into what “went wrong” with this particular version of Ganon if we have a baseline about what the role of prince in Gerudo culture is normally supposed to be like.

Speaking of Ganon, assuming he himself isn’t just an “echo” sent by some greater force, it looks like he himself might’ve been actively looking into whatever force Tri was connected to based on how the tablet behind Zelda in the room where she was being imprisoned resembled the waypoints Tri can use to warp you around.

Given that the Rifts seem to be “stealing” land tiles and making phantom echoes of monsters, and that the rift opening ability is tied to Ganon’s own “wand” that he uses to cast spells, could he have his own little helper buddy who’s given him the power to play Sim City in his own little pocket dimension? Is Ganon’s motive like the angry guy from the popup window in Sim City 2000, where he’s picking up his toys and starting a new Hyrule in the Dark World because Zelda’s dad cut back on transit funding for that year’s budget?

Seriously, though, it’d be really cool if Ganon functioned as a “dark mirror” to Zelda during what will presumably be his actual final boss fight. (Come on, do you really think he’d be fine with playing second fiddle to a new antagonist if he had even the tiniest glimmer of his original personality left instead of being a soulless shell like in ALBW? He’s absolutely gonna be the final boss.)

[lyraoftheevergreens]

In The Morning

Chapter 5

Professor!Snape x Female Student Reader

Summary: What happens when Snape falls in love with a 7th year student at hogwarts just 8 years after the death of his first love. What will happen when she discovers the darkest sides of him and brings up trauma from her own past. Will she stay with him despite what she learns? Reader is of age.

Warnings: she/her pronouns. Mentions of eating, torture and murder

Age 13+

Word count: 1,600

Tag list: Open 🖤

Authors note: thank you to those of you who have waited years for this chapter, and welcome to those of you who are new.

For the sake of the story line Sinistra is not the Astronomy professor.

It was now the end of spring break and y/n found her self dreading the start of class after her blissful week in Severus is arms. There was no other place she ever wanted to be, she could have died and she would have been content as long as her death was in his arms. One week of just him, never having to leave his arms. She learned everything about him, his child hood. As she laid in his arms he caressed her gently and told her stories of his child hood. His talented mother and muggle father. She told him of her childhood. How it was growing up in manor. The disappearance of her sister Eloise. He held her every night into the day. The night terrors continued through the break, they were tolerable in Severus is arms. She woke up one night screaming and crying.

“I remember when Eloise left, she left a note on my bed. Dear sister, I love you but I must go, I hope you can find in your heart to forgive me, love Eloise.”

“I’m so sorry my dear.”

“That’s the issue though Sev, I don’t think she left. They did something to her. She has to be kept on the grounds someplace. She would have never left such a generic note. Love Eloise. Thats just not like her.”

“Where would they keep her.”

“The grounds are so large, deep underground. All the underground passages are connected, so large.”

“I believe I remember seeing them. How far do they go?”

“Far, all the way to grounds keeper’s shack. It’s the length of the house and then some. It’s all concrete, she would freeze to death down there.”

“Are you sure she could have just escaped.”

“Id love to believe that, but I know it in my heart, shes not safe. And it doesn’t help that I’m such a coward. I can’t go back Severus, I’ll be forced to marry, or worse.”

“You’re not a coward, you endured so much at that house.”

That was over now, it was a new week, back to courses, first class of the morning, potions. She put on her necklace from Severus and didn’t tuck it under her shirt she wore it out and proud. The man who loves her gave this to her and she loves him to. While they haven’t said it out loud to each other she knows deep inside that he loves her. As she entered the potions room and helped gather supplies for that mornings lesson as she always did Severus appeared behind her. He leaned down, lips to her ear,” are you sure you should be wearing that for everyone to see.”

“Yes, I’m certain.”

“You’re not worried about what people will say, question. Where you got it from.”

“Family heirloom.”

“Hmm.” The vibrations of his ‘hmm’ on her neck tickled, his lips kissed and nipped. His tongue soothed. She was ready for him to take her right then and there and that room but nonetheless, he adjusted her shirt for her and they went into the potions class room, she took her seat and others began to enter, Edith took her seat next to. “Nice hickey you have going on.”

“What?” Y/n questioned.

“Your hickey, it’s like you had a leach on your neck.”

“Oh my bad.”

“So who is the lucky lad you shagged over break.”

“Oh nobody. Just a strange reaction to something.”

“Oh alright, I suppose. Touch yourself to Snape plenty?”

“Ms. Y/l/n, Ms.Carrington am I interrupting something important.?” He said

“No, sorry professor.” Y/n replied quickly

“Professors pet.” Edith mumbled.

Class went on as usual. Y/n stayed behind and waited for the first years to arrive in class. She sat and watched as Severus made two first years leave the class crying.

“You’re so harsh on them.”

“I don’t see how, I shouldn’t have stuffer do to there idiocracy. You were so bright as a first year.”

“Yes because my parents wanted to make sure I wasn’t a reflection of their failures the way they saw Eloise.”

“I suppose so.”

She sat in his lap at his desk and ran her fingers through his hair, she loved his long black hair so much.

“I have something to tell you,”Severus began, “we won’t be able to meet in my quarters before dinner. I have things to discuss with Dumbledore.”

“Oh okay, I understand.” She responded, her hand now gently on his chest.

“I promise I rather be with you than that old fool.” She gently kissed his lips and said, “I know, I trust you.”

She carried on her day, lunch with Severus, herbology, defense against the dark arts, she studied for her OWLS with Edith and a few other girls in her sleeping quarters and walked with them to the great hall for dinner. She couldn’t take her eyes off Severus, scowling at Dumbledore the whole meal. Something’s happened and she knows it. She doesn’t even finish her meal and she’s off to Severus is living quarters, Edith is yelling for her and she doesn’t flinch, simply carries on. Once she enters it’s not long that Severus arrives as well.

“Tell me the truth Severus, what happened in your meeting with headmaster. I’m not an idiot, you were sat there scowling at him and not touching your meal.”

“I told him.”

“You told him what.”

“That I love you.”

“That’s lovely, you told him before you’ve told me.”

“Y/n-“

“Why would you do such a thing. You could have gotten your self fired. or worse sent to azkaban.”

“you have nothing to worry about, no such thing will happen, there are no laws in place about teachers and students and besides your of age.”

“I dont understand though Severus, why.”

“I wanted to learn more about your father. I never learned much of him even though I was in his home nearly once a week for meetings. Other than the fact that he has two daughters and a wife.”

“We have two house elves. My mother and father are both the last living relatives of their respective bloodlines. Besides Eloise, Lucy and I. So what else did you learn by visiting the headmaster.”

“I learned that Eloise is not your full sister. That your father killed his first wife.”

“I know. That’s why he has no problem marrying me off to someone who killed his own wife as well. My father is 15 years older than my mother. She was 16 when her father arranged for her marriage. Frankly they are match made in hell. They’re both just as cold and thats why my mother never cared to protect Eloise from my father. She always used to say that it was Eloise is mums fault that she got her self killed.”

“I swore to my self the first day you cried in my arms I would protect you till the day I die.”

“Severus, you simply can’t, believe me, i wish it was that simple.”

“Move in with me, if you’re with me at all times I can at least try.”

“Oh Severus, of course I will, but hold on we’re not finished discussing what happened between you and Dumbledore.”

“I had to find some way to protect you, after the school year, after the summer. I cant leave you alone at home unprotected. So I went to Dumbledore. He remembers your father from when he attended Hogwarts. Your father has begun training Lucy.”

“No, he couldn’t be, she’s only 9.”

“Now that you’re not returning home he needs to prepare her for the return of the dark lord.”

“Severus I have to do something, I have to protect her.”

“We will figure something out, together. For now you will stay here at Hogwarts where you are safe.”

“Why else did you tell Dumbledore about us?”

“He’s prepared to offer you a job, you will no longer be my assistant, the astronomy professor wishes to retire, you will take over for her in the next school year, but you must study under her from now on in preparation for the fall.”

“Severus, thank you.”

“Of course, I love you.”

“I love you too.” But she didn’t know how much Severus truly loved her, he would die for her if thats what it took to protect her. For now he knew she could go no where near y/l/n manor, who knows what torture they would inflict upon her.

~Severus’ meeting with Dumbledore ~

“Albus.” Severus began, as he entered Dumbledore office.

“How can I help you severus?”

“It’s Y/f/n.”

“Ah yes, her family is sending for her to be retrieved directly from the school the last day of term.”

“We need to protect her.”

“Severus.”

“Albus, they will kill her. I can’t loose her the way I lost Lilly.”

“Severus I warned you to be careful.”

“They will kill her, she doesn’t know it yet but they’ve killed her older sister Eloise.”

“I know, it’s a shame what happened to that poor girl. Does y/n know?”

“No she does not, and no one shall tell her. She has night terrors from what she witnessed in that house.”

“Severus.”

“Please, keep her safe.”

“It appears you are capable of doing that on your own.”

“She’s coming back with me to Hogwarts in the next school year then.”

“She’ll no longer be a student Severus. She can’t return.”

“Offer her a position here.”

“I suppose i could offer her the astronomy position, but she would need to study under professor Alveston and not you Severus.”

“That’s fine, I’ll discuss it with her. I’m certain she will accept.”

“In that case she begins in the morning, no time to waste I suppose.”

“No, I suppose not.”

Tag list:

@layla2-49

[sea-owl]

Ok I've thought about which spouse came from what districts.

All notes come from the personal file of Victor Danbury when asked which victors could be trusted to bring into the rebellion.

Simon: Simon is a career tribute from District 1. He volunteered for his games at 18, thinking this was the only way his life was ever supposed to go due to his father demanding Simon bring honor to the Basset name. His mentor, even when he was still training, was Victor Agatha Danbury. He quickly became disillusioned during the games after his first kill but knew he had to kill or be killed, and he had unfinished businesses with his father. So he powered through, trying to make the other tributes deaths as quickly as possible. After he vowed to bring as many tributes back alive as he could and regularly joined Victor Danbury as a mentor.

Kate: Kate's from District 8. She volunteered for her games at 18, thinking either she'll get her family help by winning or they'll have one less mouth to feed if she didn't. Her weaving skills really helped in the arena with setting traps, and as the capitol liked to say, Kate was too stubborn to die. Kate was pissed when she learned the new set of rules she had to play lest she risk her family. For years, Kate played the perfect victor in public. It relaxed a little when Edwina turned 19 and no longer eligible for the games, but by then, Kate didn't really know how to act otherwise.

Sophie: Sophie is from District 6. Due to everything being transported through District 6, there is a high presence of peacekeepers there. Sophie's father was a high-ranking peace keeper and her mother from the districts. Her father did kind of take her in but would never dare to claim her. Any peace keepers would never say the words outloud when they have district kids. Her stepmother wanted to turn Sophie into an Avox but had to settle into forcing Sophie to take out so much tesserae it was only a matter of time before she was reaped at 17. Sophie actually got a lot of sponsors during her games because she looked so much like a Capitol child they couldn't bear to let her die in the games. This greatly helped her outlast the other tributes. One of the items she got, that she managed to sneak out had the initials PR on them and a note that said for my sister.

Penelope: Penelope is also a career from District 4, but you would never guess she was. In my personal headcanon, while District 4 is a career district, they don't actively try to volunteer for the games like Districts 1 and 2 with a few exceptions. Penelope is not one of those exceptions and was reaped at 16. She won her games by using her ability to go unnoticed to collect information on other tributes in the training center and in the arena. Using that information, she would leave messages that would leave alliances in shambles and other tributes paranoid while she hid. She's handy with a knife, particularly a diver's knife, and when she had to use it to off other tributes while she distracted them with the information she gathered.

Phillip: Phillip is from District 7 and repeaedat 16. He had actually lost his older brother, George, who died in the blood bath during Michael's games. The Capitol liked to say Phillip was George's ghost come back to finish business. As a boy, Phillip spent a lot of time in the woods to hide from his father, and he got to know the plants very well. He knew which were safe and which were poisoned. This played into his games when the gamemakers left a bunch of poisonous plants in the arena and never told any of the tributes. Phillip used these plants to poison other tributes water and coat his weapon with them.

Michael: Michael is a career from District 2. He was from one of the more well-off families in two, taken in by his uncle after his father's death. Realistically, he and his cousin John had the lowest chances of being reaped. But at 18, Michael volunteered for the games when his 17 year old cousin John was reaped. Michael played it off that it was his role as a spare relative, and it's not like this hasn't happened before among the wealthy families in the districts. Michael played into his charm during the games. Often charming other tributes into alliances and then killing them.

Gareth: Gareth is also a career from District 1 and at 17 he "volunteered" for his games. In reality he was forced and it was more of a punishment and a reminder towards Victor Danbury that even her precious grandson can be put into the arena. Simon was now Gareth's mentor. The Capitol ate up the legacy tribute bit Gareth played. Grandson to a beloved victor and the student to another, instant fan favorite.

Lucy: District 8 and repeaed at 16. Lucy is trying to make the best of her situation said well she either dies in that arena or she makes it out and is no longer under her uncles control. Kate is Lucy's mentor and came up with the strategy to have Lucy appear helpless and then secretly take down other tributes in the arena. It was an easy thing for Lucy to do, she's been playing helpless most of her life.

In the order the tributes won their games, Simon, Kate, Michael, Phillip, Sophie Penelope, Gareth, and Lucy. Simon won his games, and 5 years later, Kate won her's. Three years after Kate, Michael won his games. 4 years later Phillip, Sophie, and Penelope won back to back games. Eight years after Penelope's Gareth won his games followed by Lucy's games the next year.

[starryredpandawrites]

“Born From the Same Ink” Ch. 15 Sneak Peek

Every room the unlikely duo came across was thoroughly inspected. At some point, Sammy started preaching to her again but Audrey ignored him, holding herself back from shushing him because they hadn’t seen any Keepers yet. Maybe Bendy had killed them all. She could only hope. 

Just before the end of a long hallway, they found a side room with a gent pipe upgrade station. Thrilled, Audrey counted up all the parts she had and compared them to the ones she needed. The thrill was swiftly replaced with frustration and she let out a loud groan. 

“What ails you, sheep?” Sammy asked curiously, pausing his search of the room. 

The nickname didn’t help Audrey feel less annoyed, quite the opposite in fact so she let out an angry sigh. 

“I am this close,” she held her fingers together to the point they were almost but not quite touching, “to upgrading my weapon. I just need one more Gent toolkit but I can’t find one anywhere! I’ve been searching ever since I found these stupid blueprints but they all must have evaporated or something.” 

Tilting his head to the side in consideration, Sammy wondered, “Have you tried asking the Ink Demon for guidance?”

Audrey rolled her eyes. “No.”

“Well, my sister in ink,” he replied smoothly while cracking his knuckles together. “That is your problem. This is clearly a test of faith.” 

Before she could do more than scoff, the man spread his arms out and raised his mask to the ceiling in a supplicating gesture. 

“Hear us, Bendy!” he shouted in a voice so loud Audrey could've sworn it shook the room. 

“Shh, they’re going to hear you!” 

Deaf to her protests, he continued speaking as though he had never been interrupted. “Reveal the location of the final item we require to defeat your enemies on this quest to prove our devotion!”

Mortified, Audrey covered her face with her hands, certain they were about to be swarmed by Keepers.

There were some sounds of rummaging, opening and closing lockers, then silence. 

“Ahem.” Rather than coughing, he spoke the word aloud in a dry, unamused manner. 

When Audrey uncovered her face she was greeted by the sight of a Gent kit dangling from the musician’s fingertips. 

Baffled, she retrieved the kit, staring at it with wide eyes. 

“How did you-what-” she stammered, looking between it and Sammy in amazement. “Where?”

The man pointed to a drawer she swore she searched through when they first entered the room. 

When she told him that, Sammy gave her a disbelieving look, then nonchalantly suggested, “Perhaps a lack of faith wasn’t the problem.”

Narrowing her eyes at the snide undertone in his words, she asked, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“The Ink Demon blessed you with eyes. Use them.”

Oh, Sammy, you wonderful sassy dirtbag, please stop stealing the spotlight. This story is supposed to be about the siblinks.

Guys, I've been dying to share this scene ever since I first started outlining Audrey's side adventure with him. Seriously, I've had it written for months and almost turned it into a Bendy Bite but I knew it would be better if I held back. SO happy I'm finally at this point of the fic.

Anyway, thank you SO MUCH for reading and I'm hoping to have the next update ready by Saturday. Wish me luck!!!

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

Hiya!! What about the M6 with a Mc who comes out as Bi? 💙💜🩷 (love you)

The Arcana HCs: M6 when MC comes out as bi

~ I'm hoping this will heal me from the disaster that was my outing XD I'm keeping it really lighthearted because one of the original creators' goals was writing about a world where homophobia isn't a thing, and because all M6 are bi as well. Here you go anon, you are loved more than you know! - brainrot ~

Julian

He's very surprised

Not because he thought you only swung one way. He just assumed that you were bi. In Julian's world, everyone is by default bi unless determined otherwise

It's the part where you feel the need to confess it to him like it's news that catches him off guard

Slightly concerned at first that this might be your way of telling him that you're more attracted to his sister than him

Once he realizes that no, you're telling him because it was something you hadn't told many people before, he's determined to make an occasion out of it

Tonight's going to be a date night with his bi beloved. Rowdy Raven? Gondola ride? Romantic walk on the beach? You have so many options (wink wink)

If you still want to keep your orientation quiet, you'll have to tell him explicitly because he is not a natural secret keeper and will mention it to everyone he meets

Asra

They're not the type of person to label anything in the first place, so hearing your news means you sat down and thought about it and found something that describes you

And now you're sharing it with him. He's honored to have your trust like this and loves you very much (which he tells you right away with a big long hug)

Once you're down from your emotional high, they'll let go of you just enough for you to see the teasing grin spread across their face

"So you're really saying, is that with all the options in the world, you still chose me?"

So many bi puns

"Bi, MC! Bi!" all while repeatedly flicking his wrist up and down in the universal gay salute instead of waving normally

Won't confirm or deny your orientation to anyone unless you tell them it's fine

Will compare "types" with you of what you generally find attractive and point out candidates on the street

Nadia

Oh, she knew

Her whole arcana-given ability is insightfulness and everything about you (to her) is a big bi flag

She's wondering why you feel the need to state the obvious, so her reaction is a little flat. She's waiting for you to make your point

Oh, wait, wait, you're sharing something with her that you thought she didn't know!

Darling MC, she loves you, she thinks the most perfect thing you could ever be is yourself, thank you for trusting her with this, she's deeply honored and very touched

And slightly insulted that you thought she couldn't tell

Since this is supposed to be news, would you like a coming out event? Maybe a simple soiree so things don't feel too overwhelming? Of course if it's a grand announcement you want, it's a grand announcement you'll get

Wears bi colors for the rest of the week in support

Muriel

Him too. Did you want to bond over it?

Because he finds the chickens considerably more interesting than any attraction he experiences (besides his attraction to you)

He didn't already know or already suspect. He's just not very surprised or reactive because it's not a big deal to him

But if you want to talk about it, go ahead

He'll just chop this wood while he listens

Of course, this won't be his reaction if it's a very emotional moment for you. In that case, he's getting ready to comfort and sit with you before he even knows what this is about

Will ask you about your story. Did you realize recently or a long time ago? What was that moment like? How long were you in the closet? Is this going to stay a secret for you?

Would holding a chicken help?

Here, hold this baby chick while you talk

Nothing much changes. You're still you. He still loves you. He's still proud of you. Life goes on

Portia

Ohmygosh, SAME

Wait, you two never explicitly told each other what your orientations were!

Ok ok, you say it again when you're ready, and then she'll tell you properly too, and then you'll be officially out to each other

Tears up slightly afterwards because this feels really romantic and it's another wonderful thing to share in common with her exciting, attractive, perfect, BI partner-in-crime

She wants to commemorate this step in your relationship so she'll plan some bi-themed baking projects

But she wants to make a lot of them, which means she'll need more people to feed, and hey MC, how do you feel about a little celebration?

Impromptu pride barbecue in her garden with her palace friends and Nevivon family members

Frequently brings up your superpower as proof of your shared greatness

Lucio

Okay, and?

C'mon, it seemed like you had something exciting to tell him, is it a bi-themed party?

Did you get matching bi capes? Purple isn't his color but he'll wear them with you for the drama

You're really going to have to spell out what your news means to you before he has the slightest clue on how to respond

Slightly peeved because if it was such a big deal to you then he wishes that you felt safe enough with him to tell him sooner, but he's not going to get upset with you for that

Don't worry about whether or not he loves you. You're the best, who else would he fall in love with?

He really doesn't care what category of people you're okay with having in your pants as long as he falls into it

If he's bi, and you're bi, that means bi people must simply be the best, and he will introduce himself as "Lucio the bi" until you stop him

[theweeklydiscourse]

I think one of my biggest grievances with ACOTAR is how the family dynamics is written and how the author offers no explanation at all, just expects the readers to move on. Feyre's father not even acknowledging the existence of the youngest daughter who was keeping them all alive, nesta's general cold indifference to feyre's life and an obvious preference for elain (we honestly don't see any prove of that aside from some words, typical of sjm) should've been explained by now yet we still don't get an answer for any of it and if we do the books as well as the fandom gaslights you into thinking you're just "hating" "move on" or "feyre forgave so it's okay" like idc about forgiveness I just need answers! I think the readers totally deserve to know why the main freaking character was treated in such an abusive way as by her family when their treatment of her is what shapes her and her falling for the first man who took care of her, a direct consequence of their treatment. Your MC's backstory is too important to just brush off like that.

Nesta's strained relationship with Feyre was such a huge part of her character like she was almost defined by that so it absolutely boggles my mind that she and feyre don't have a single meaningful conversation that gives the readers some answers and of nothing else then a resolution (kind of what we got in book 1 before sjm destroyed it). I feel like it's the lack of resolution between the sisters Nesta & Feyre in particular, that has made the fandom so divided.

But their relationship isn't the only such thing, SJM has a habit of mentioning things that absolutely should matter and then forgetting about them just because wasn't feeling like it. For instance: the weird triangle between Cassian/Mor/Azriel, how Cassian was pissed that Mor never went back to him after one time and her telling him to not "be her keeper" in acomaf (or was it acowar?) none of it is ever explained. As soon as Cassian as a new shiny mate all is forgotten and we're all supposed to move on to without getting any proper answers. It's so frustrating to read a book like that yk. No wonder the fandom is ready to implode.

It’s not just a lack of resolutions because there are resolutions to the emotional conflicts between the Archerons, the issue is that Maas consistently rescinds the development that occurs throughout the story to instead write indulgent and gratuitous retreads of emotional beats that already happened.

But the true issue at hand here, is that it just doesn’t make any sense.

Sure, if we take the family dynamic in ACOTAR at face value then yes, it’s horrendous for Feyre who is essentially running herself ragged to support a family of spoiled and ungrateful individuals. Taking it at face value would mean accepting the plausibility of Feyre, a young illiterate amateur huntress, supporting 3 other adults for 5-8 years with her efforts alone. But I don’t believe that scenario to be plausible, and Maas does not do a good job of convincing me that the Archeron family dynamic is believable.

The family dynamic is manufactured for the deliberate purpose of serving ACOTAR's wish-fulfillment narrative. Feyre's suffering is supposed to be indulgent and gratuitous because it makes the eventual reward of luxury and power in Prythian that much sweeter. The problem though, is that Maas expands upon established characters later on in a manner that contradicts her initial characterizations of them. So, she doesn't consider that readers actually remember previously established concepts and characterizations and feel the friction of the story's retroactive continuity. So even when Feyre DOES forgive her sisters, readers feel frustrated because the conflict never stays buried for long (because Maas constantly retreads the same plot threads) It’s not surprising that many people cannot let go of Nesta’s previous mistakes when the narrative is still grasping onto it with a cold iron grip for NO REASON.

Also, Nesta’s obvious preference for Elain is not only nonsensical, but never truly explained. I could believe it if maybe Elain was sickly and Nesta took on the role of her protector, or if they had a degree of separation from Feyre like a significant age gap, were half-siblings or if Feyre was adopted, but there’s nothing like that in the text. I just find the idea that Nesta would treat her youngest sister like chopped liver while prioritizing the elder to be unrealistic and unnecessarily frustrating.

You’re right about this lack of resolution being a factor on the division of the fandom. People debate and argue over what information they’re supposed to take seriously and remember and what can be disregarded due to its inconsistency.