#and of course knew I hadn't yesterday save for breakfast

[anarcho-masochist]

It really is like my brain went, "Wow, those are powerful intrusive thoughts you've got there. You know what's more powerful? Your desire to see this guy traumatized. Have 1.5 days of maladaptive daydreaming about them."

[lucy90712]

request for jude plsss :) maybe jude taking reader to his training and make it fluffy

WC: 2.2k

Being in a long distance relationship is hard as you can't just spend time together whenever you want but it does mean that time spent together is extra special and always savoured. This is exactly what life is like for me and Jude. The two of us began dating when he was back in England one summer and before he left to go back to Germany we promised each other that we would really try to make long distance work and we have as two years later we are still together. Whenever we can we will see each other whether it's him coming over here when he has a few days off or me going to see him over breaks from uni. When I was applying to universities I looked at a few in Germany so that I could be closer to Jude but he told me not to move all the way out there just for him so I decided to stay in England to get my degree.

Now that my first year is officially over I have a good few months off and the first thing I did was book a plane ticket to go and see Jude. The idea is for us to spend the rest of the season in Germany and then head back home for the rest of the summer. My flight arrived late yesterday afternoon and since then Jude and I have done nothing but cuddle and enjoy each other's company. We talk at some point every day but we still spent hours catching up on things that had happened that we hadn't mentioned to each other. It was so nice to be alone together for once but sadly that can't last forever as Jude still has to go to training. 

In the many times I have been to visit Jude I have never been to one of his training sessions I have been to plenty of games but never to a training session. This morning Jude asked me if I wanted to go with him and before I could give him an answer he started begging me to go as he wanted to introduce me to his teammates properly for the first time. Of course I agreed to go but I can't lie I'm a bit nervous about it. I have met a few of Jude's teammates mostly the ones he is closest to but I have never had proper conversations with any of them so the thought of meeting all these people at once is a bit daunting. It's very obvious that Jude's teammates care for him which means they are going to judge me to see if they think I'm really right for Jude which is what's making me so nervous. 

Jude was so happy that I was coming to training with him that I decided to keep my nerves to myself and just get ready to go. By the time I was ready Jude had made breakfast for both of us which was only some porridge but honestly that's for the best otherwise he would've burnt the house down. After eating we had a bit of time until we needed to leave so Jude dragged me to the sofa and pulled me on top of him so that we could sit together. We watched some tiktoks together as he wanted to show me some funny tiktoks he'd see and then we ended up scrolling through his for you page which was so random as it had clips from tv shows, prank videos and then edits of him or other players. There was a few videos from one creator that he kept skipping through until I stopped him wanting to see what they were. Turns out they were all different date ideas some of which he'd saved for when we were finally together again which I thought was so cute.

The time we had disappeared in no time and before I knew it we needed to leave for training and I got all nervous again. I think Jude could tell I was nervous as he held my hand for the entire car journey and he even let me play my music which he always says he hates even though we like a few of the same songs. When we arrived there was fans waiting outside like there always is on game days hoping to see the players and get them to take pictures. I always hate this part as I don't like having people film me or take pictures of me as I like to keep myself off of social media as much as possible. As we arrived Jude drove in as quickly as he could and he told me to duck my head while he put his hand in front of my face to stop anyone getting pictures of me which I appreciated. 

By the time Jude had parked the car I was really starting to feel nervous especially when I saw a few of his teammates walking in as it dawned on me that I'd have to talk to all of them at once. Meeting new people always makes me anxious but I get worse when I have to meet a big group of people as it always just feels like there is so many eyes on me. I'm almost more nervous to meet Jude's teammates than I was to meet his parents as at least then I knew what I was getting myself into but now I have no idea what's going to happen. 

"You don't need to be so nervous babe I promise they will all love you" Jude said taking me out of the spiral I'd found myself in 

"Are you sure I mean we're so different what if they think we aren't right for each other" I said 

"They aren't going to think that remember opposites attract and I'm definitely very attracted to you" he said making me laugh 

After Jude's pep talk I felt a lot better so we went in together and he walked all the way to the pitch with me so I knew where to go before he went all the way back to change. I wasn't on my own for long as Jude came running back with a few of his teammates before beckoning me over. As I walked over more of the team came out and they all stood watching me walk towards them which made my cheeks heat up as it was really awkward having so many people stare at me. When I got close enough Jude put an arm around my waist and pulled me into his side to press a kiss on my cheek which made me blush more than I already was. 

"Guys this is my girlfriend y/n" Jude said 

"Hi it's nice to finally meet you guys" I said 

They all introduced themselves to me and gave me a hug which I wasn't expecting but it made me feel a lot more comfortable. They all asked some questions about me to get to know me better some of which I'm sure Jude will have told them but they still took an interest anyway. The more I spoke to them the more confident I was feeling so I let my guard down a little to show my real personality as I was holding back a bit to start with until I was feeling more comfortable. At some point I looked up at Jude who still had his arm around my waist and he had a big smile on his face which made me smile more too. As I turned back to continue talking to all the guys he leant down and kissed my head which made me blush like it does every time he kisses me in front of people. 

It wasn't long before the guys actually had to start training so I went and sat back down to watch them. As they trained I was thinking about how I'd never be able to do any of what they do I like to think I'm fit as I go to the gym when I can but I would never be able to train as hard as they do or run for 90 plus minutes in games. I also took the opportunity to watch Jude train and see the way his muscles flexed and how the sweat formed on his forehead making him look incredibly hot. Jude also took every chance he got to look over to me and smirk if he could tell I'd been staring or blow kisses my way. At one point we had a bit of a staring contest which I lost but it was because Jude was making me blush so much that I had to look away or else I think I would've died. 

Eventually all the guys were done with training so I made my way back over to Jude ready to go home and enjoy the rest of the day together. Completely out of nowhere he came running over and picked me up over his shoulder and brought me into the middle of the pitch where all the other guys were stood before putting me down. Despite putting me down he still had his arms tightly wrapped around my waist almost as if he was trying to stop me getting away from him. 

"You two do know we are stood right here right" Mats teased 

"You are so whipped man" Gio added 

"I am not" Jude defended 

"You definitely are we all saw the way you looked at y/n for the entirety of training and you can't keep your hands off her" Gio said 

"Ok fine maybe I am but at least I have the prettiest girlfriend" Jude said giving in knowing he wasn't going to win this argument 

The boys teased him for that even more before I managed to stop them by asking why we were stood in the middle of the pitch instead of going back in. Jude told me he wanted to put my football skills to the test which I absolutely didn't want to do but I couldn't get myself out of it as Jude wouldn't let me. The two of us have played with each other just in the garden a few times and I am yet to get more than a few meters before Jude gets the ball off of me so my skills are non existent. 

To begin with a few of the other guys stayed behind and we started simple by just passing the ball to each other which I got the hang of quickly. Jude then tried getting me to control the ball from in the air which was much harder but after a few tips I managed to do it a few times. The guys really put me through my paces in testing my dribbling, passing and footwork skills which were all mediocre at best but Jude was proud of me and cheering me on which made me feel good. Before allowing me to stop Jude wanted to see if I could score a penalty so of course he made the tallest player go into the goal and gave me the ball so I could set it up how I wanted. First he gave me some advice on how to hit the ball and the best places to aim for statically which didn't really help as I don't know if I can even kick the ball hard enough in the first place. 

Jude gave me one last good luck kiss before standing back to watch. For some reason I felt like I was actually in a penalty shootout and all of a sudden I wanted nothing more than to actually score despite knowing deep down the odds were stacked against me. I could hear Jude cheering my name as I took my run up and kicked the ball with my right foot thinking that was my better foot. Everything moved in slow motion as the ball headed towards the top corner of the goal and then hit the back of the net as it wasn't stopped on its way. In an instant Jude had ran over and started throwing me in the air before covering my face in kisses. 

"That was amazing she's better than you bro" Karim said 

"I don't know about that but thank you" I said 

"No I vote we get rid of Jude and have you join the team" Gio laughed 

"Hey don't disrespect your captain" Jude said 

"Maybe they have a point love I mean surely I can only get better with more practice right" I teased 

"Bringing you here was a mistake now you're on their side not mine" Jude joked 

"What can I say they believe in my abilities" I laughed not able to take myself seriously

We all joked a bit more until all the guys headed into the locker room to change although I could still hear them teasing Jude while I was stood outside. Eventually he came back out and took hold of my hand so we could walk back to the car together. Jude used the journey home to tell me that I had no need to be nervous and he was right all of his teammates were really nice and I fell like I could become good friends with some of them which I didn't expect when I got here this morning. Turns out going to training with Jude was a lot of fun and I might just have to do it again. 

[aphroditesmoon]

you want blood and i promise, im a bad liar (with a savior's complex)

akira x wick!reader

summary: you give up trying to change her mind that's set on killing caine.

warnings: reader is not john's biological kid, angst, grief, john/reader flashbacks. inspired by elliedina from tlou, afab reader.

a/n: italics mean flashbacks,  first jw fanfic, be nice pls<3

°°°°

Akira woke up in an unusual way compared to other days she did. For instance,  this morning she didn't wake up with a raging headache, nor did the darkneas of her motel room stared at her when she woke as it always did.

No, the walls and ceiling she's staring at now are painted in all white, and the sunlight she craved and hated both, shone timidly behind the cream coloured curtains. It would've all been perfect until she had spread her hand to her right side and found that you weren't next to her. And then she remembered where she was, and her daydream ended. 

Akira comfortably used the shower before putting on yesterday's shirt and stealing your polyester jacket that stays hung from the coat stand outside your room.

She couldn't find you anywhere as she walks towards the kitchen, an english breakfast lays on the table, she assumes its hers and eats it all. You were probably by the beach again, that's where you're always gone to these days.

The silence was torturous as she tries to finish her eggs. It forced her to look around the walls. The kitchen was clean and pale coloured in a way that was comforting instead of pretentious. 

It was always a drawing of him from his side profile, or him looking down at dog. It looked to her as if drawing him fully would mean you'd have to finally grieve him properly.

Her mind remembers the picture frames of drawings you've made hanging on the walls by the staircases. They were all sketches of Dog and John, but never a full faced John.

Since she reunited with you, Akira was careful not to speak of that man. And it was clear you appreciated that, you had pushed away almost every aspect of your father's old life away from you, save from Akira herself and Winston's men wandering in the streets, that you either hadn't noticed or purposely chose to ignore.

You looked fine, and that's what you told everyone, that you were fine.

You had no problem laughing at jokes, or making your usual coffee and sandwich, walking dog in the morning by the beach. Everything seemed back to normal with you. Of course, for Akira, it wasn't.  Her father had been her best friend, her umbrella in the worst of rainy days. And Caine had took him away from her like it was nothing.

"I know what it felt like." You had told her once in her apartment, a day after you two reunited at John's funeral.

"No, you don't.  John Wick wasn't your father, you can pretend he is all you want, but you'll never understand." She regretted those words as soon as it came out,  but even in guilt, her anger was stronger, she doesn't apologize as she watches your face fall, and your open lips closes shut, silence filling the tension.

Akira takes her empty plate to the sink, hurrying to wash them when she realized the clock almost striking 12. Walking out the door, she keeps going to a place she knew she'd find you.

°°°

You had a rocky chair placed on the steady sand in front of the waters. A table and canvas stand by your side, a hobby you've finally had time to indulge in after John's passing. You didn't draw anything yet today though, your eyes remained plastered on the crashing waves, Dog running around the sand, always returning by your side in the end.

You heard her before you saw her. Akira, and her short leather boots, a barely noticeable sound as she walks towards you on the sand. And then it finally stops, her footsteps goes quiet. Neither of you says anything until a minute or two passes by, you let out a low sigh.

"I'm leaving now." She says. You took a second before you nodded in understanding, feeling her move to stand by your left side. "That's it? What, after everything, you won't even look me in the eyes?"

You snorted in annoyance and finally turn your face to look at her. "You're the one insisting on leaving, and you want me to do the begging?" Akira is the one to look away this time. 

"-you'll find peace..." The two of you lock eyes. "Then go ahead, I wont try and stop you. I've given up searching for mine a while ago."

The two of you were hesitant to end the conversation so soon, knowing you might never cross eachothers path again, but you also knew that there was never escaping this end of the road.

"If you think by killing caine-," You started.

Akira winces at that, and you turned your sights on Dog. The only reminder of John to you that didn't hurt. "You don't understand." Akira's voice came out as whisper. "He was all I have."

"You have me." You snapped at her. She felt her breath cut short as she watches your face turns into an expression in between rage and sadness, dissapointment.

"But I guess I never had you." You resumed sarcastically, turning away from her again, all that you wanted to say to her, you've said them. And as you train your eyea on Dog's body, rolling on your feet at the sand. You hear her footsteps again, leaving you.

°°°

"You don't seem like a posh white house kind of guy anyways, you know." You told John once, after his house blew up. The two of walked to the speedrail station looking like living trash. John side eyes you before giving in. "What kind of guy do I look like then?"

"I don't know, dark dracula mansion type of guy?" You honestly replied. He snorted and shook his head slightly. "Yeah well, you look like raised in a barn type of person." The two of you argue until you finally found a seat in the speed rail. He fixes hisn back while keeping his eyes on you. Staying silent at first.

You stare back at him with a raised eyebrow until he speaks up. "That house was kind of snobby looking wasn't it?" Your face broke into a smile whilst you nodded at him. "Yeah, it looks like something Winston would buy."

John lets out a loud laugh that shocked the both of you, but you gave yourself credit for being funny enough and laughed with him.

When he finally died down on the laughing, you notice his small smile still remains. John leans back on his seat and sighs loudly. "Yeah well, maybe we'll find a better house after all this shit."

You'd liked that. "With a beach. So I can learn how to swim." You added. He frowned at you. "You can't swim?" You roll your eyes and gives him a light push. "And you can't cook, we all have flaws."

The small smile was back again and you felt your anxious heart relax atbthe sight of it, It'd all be okay in the end,  he's John Wick.  "A house with a beach you said? I think we have enough to afford that." You give him a smile of your own before deciding to rest your head on his shoulder,  telling him to wake you up when you're there.

°°°

"C'mon buddy." You whistled to Dog as you walk in your house, canvas by your arm, the sky outside starting to darken as evening reaches in.

Dog immediately ran to his plate, of course, and you immediately oblige him by pouring his kibbles for him.

The sound of him biting and chewing on his food fills the house before you turn to you vinyl player, restarting Amy Winehouse's Back to Black.

Picking up the used canvas, you walk over to the last step of the staircase to hang the finished sketch on the last hook. You back away from it after its hung, and your heart, as heavy as it is, had the littlest sense of peace in it as you stare at the drawing of your Akira.

[hils79]

Monday Fic Recs

Hei Xiazi/Xie Yuchen (DMBJ)

Everything For You by thedarksidecupcake

After Xie Yuchen disappears while on an expedition, Hei Xiazi is led to another abandoned ruin just like so many before. There the only trace left of Xie Yuchen's team, is a bloody jacket spelling out a single word:

Death.

Still going in, he is ready to follow in the steps of those before, determined to leave these ruins with one man more than entered.

Though whether Xie Yuchen has reached death or a fate worse than that, Hei Xiazi is about to find out.

This was so great. A fantastic and interesting tomb, mystery, the two idiots each trying to sacrifice themselves to save the other. Excellent stuff.

Thigmotropism by aequoria

He may be a climbing plant, meant to reach for the sky and choke every living thing in his path, but he does not know his destination save for up. He thinks, now, that perhaps he is also meant for this: curling his tendrils towards the pull of gravity, shaping himself into a gentle arch above Hei Xiazi’s precious head to protect him from the rain. He will catch and digest the insects that bother this man of his, so nothing can touch him save for the earth and the air and the soft brush of leaves.

If you love something well enough, it will always be returned, even if it’s in a form you don’t expect.

This is an absolutely unique and wonderfully written fic. So creative and yet so perfectly in character

Gen (DMBJ)

called your name til the fever broke by ravenditefairylights

“Xiaoge isn’t back yet,” Tianzhen says, and Pangzi can tell he’s frowning without looking at him.

“He’s not?” Pangzi says. “That’s weird, usually he’s—” The sound of the front door opening echoes across the house. “ —back just in time for lunch,” Pangzi finishes, a little unnecessarily. Tianzhen is already moving towards the sound.

“Xiaoge!” Pangzi hears him say, audibly pleased. “You’re back! Where did you—Xiaoge! You’re soaking wet! What happened? And—oh my god, are you bleeding?”

A lovely bit of hurt comfort that was like wrapping up in a cosy blanket

Wu Xie and Pangzi's Bed and Breakfast for Tired Tomb Robbers by daydreamorama

In an Alternative Timeline, Pangzi and Wu Xie didn't meet anyone else on their adventures and they retired early and moved to Rain Village, setting up a bed and breakfast and retreat, and quickly became known in the tomb-robbing world as a place to go if you needed to recover or rest.

After a debilitating accident, that was exactly what Liu Sang needed.

This was so sweet and sad and soft and lovely

A Long Way From Home by alxina and xantissa

All Pangzi wanted to do was sell some information to a broker for a nice sum of money. Or it was what Wu Xie wanted and Pangzi was doing it for him, as usual. He even agreed to go all the way to Siberia for the exchange. It was cold and remote and of course the deal went to shit the moment he arrived, landing him in a tiny cell and beaten black and blue. He wasn't worried. He knew rescue was coming.

When it arrived, it definitely wasn't what he expected.

I can't believe I hadn't read this before. One of my favourite series, featuring two of my favourite characters? Obviously I loved it.

Wang Pangzi/Wu Xie/Zhang Qiling (DMBJ)

trade all my yesterdays (for just one more tomorrow) by onyxsphinx

A snapshot in the life of the Iron Triangle in retirement.

I never get tired to reading domestic retired Iron Triangle. This was lovely.

Wang Pangzi/Zhang Qiling (DMBJ)

Once you called I'll be fallin' to your warm embrace by bimingjue

Xiaoge comes to Pangzi's rescue once again. Pangzi mentions for the millionth time that he needs to start keeping Xiaoge on his belt. Xiaoge makes it happen.

Absolutely adorable

[thera-daydreams]

PLUS ONE

》 A TRESE TWOSHOT 《

[Maliksi x Reader]

📝 Summary: In which your beloved best friend snatches you from your apartment at dawn asking you to be his plus one for his cousin's wedding. Unbeknownst to the clueless you, everything is just going according to Maliksi's ultimate masterplan. With the help of friends and family, the Prince of the Tikbalang finally gets the girl he's been longing for. And oh, Señor Armanaz gets his dream daughter-in-law and the promise of grandchildren within the year.

📌 Warning: May contain some slight NSFW for spicy suggestiveness and cussing. No smut or anything super SPG—this girl can't write that for her life—but just be prepared. It's Maliksi we're talking about. We've got friends-to-lovers, obliviousness, pining, fluff, and a tikbalang simp. Figure it out. 😃

(word count: 7,454) ♥︎ Part Two: ?

》 AUTHOR'S NOTE 《

Not an Inday spinoff, but a lengthy oneshot in celebration of this blog getting 90 followers. Just ten more to 100, yay! Thank you so much for the love and support, everyone. I also promised that I'll be making this brainrot that @binibiningbabaylan and I have fangirled over a few days ago (find the original post here) when I finished the latest chapter of Inday. Here it is! 🥰

Before I forget, I was also inspired by the cute fic made by @crispybasil titled "Sunshowers" and the "Trese Boys As Things My Guy Friends Do" made by the amazing @smolla-than-a-bug (I bow down to your wonderful works in the Trese fandom). I definitely see Maliksi to be the type to go on spontaneous roadtrips and be the boyfriend to drive you around eveeeerywhere (while also driving you crazy). 🚘

There are also some songs mentioned throughout this work. You should probably listen to them while reading for the full experience. Ending was somewhat rushed but eh, I'm too exhausted and I've rewritten it too many times. Also, if someone makes some actual tikbalang smut, tag me please. Anyways, enjoy! 💕

The way it all started was hilarious. Absolutely fucking hilarious. It happened like a blur. Literally. One second, you were snoozing in your bed. The next? You had a seatbelt on in the shotgun seat of a sophisticated-looking car. Your brain didn't even get to process it yet.

"... So let me get this straight," you grumbled, still half-asleep from your sleep marathon. You just finished a hugely successful project at work yesterday, got promoted, and wanted to make up for the restless nights you spent overtime in the office. Of course you were irritated from being disturbed. You were on vacation leave for two entire weeks, originally planning to go into temporary isolation by deactivating your social media accounts and reserving a beach cabana for yourself in Batangas.

Well, turns out, you weren't going to Batangas anytime soon. All because your unreasonably spontaneous bestfriend of ten hectic years stole you from your apartment at 2AM. Was this considered kidnapping? Was this him just being more in touch with his tikbalang side, taking unsuspecting women in their sleep and leading them to their inevitable death? (He was going over the speed limit, so it was a valid thought.) Will wearing your shirt inside-out save you today? Lord, masyado ka pang pagod para mag-isip ngayon.

"Go on."

"You abducted picked me up in the middle of the night because you want me to be your plus one at your cousin's wedding in Tagaytay?"

"Yup. And technically, the venue is right on the outskirts of Cavite going to Tagaytay," he corrected you as a matter-of-factly.

"Same thing, whatever," you huffed tiredly. "Your cousin's wedding is at 6AM today. In a few hours. In four hours."

"Uh-huh."

You groaned exasperatedly, "Mal naman, eh! You didn't even let me bring anything. Could've at least given me a heads-up a few hours ago. I'm practically emptyhanded right now save for my phone! Sinungaling ka, you said this was just a normal midnight drive—not a freaking wedding!"

The Prinsipe ng Mga Tikbalang, son of the Great Stallion, heir to the Armanaz herd, and the Top Drag Racer of C-5 Expressway—if that was even one of his Game of Thrones-like titles—grinned as he continued driving beside you. He let you continue ranting in the passenger seat while he mulled over his ultimate masterplan that would change his entire life later on. He was a spur-of-the-moment kind of guy, so all this wasn't his thing. But for you? He'll make plans, alright.

"Wala man lang akong dinalang masusuot o kahit konting makeup para maging presentable sa harapan ng buong pamilya mo," you exclaimed, in absolute despair. "Do you know how out of my league you are? Your rich-ass family might judge me—hell, your dad might see me as a hampaslupa if I show up there in my pambahay and tsinelas!"

"Psh, I'm not out of your league," Maliksi waved it off, smoothly turning a corner. "And calm down. We've known each other for a decade! My dad practically loves you as his own daughter. Heck, the entire family knows you and keeps telling me they want you adopted in already. Lolo Andres and Lola Perlita said they'd have the paperwork settled. You just need to sign them."

It would be even better (and easier) if you married into the family. To him, specifically (as if he'd let anyone else have you). God, he was already being so obvious in his advances, but you were just so damn oblivious whenever it came to romance. None of this needed to happen if you just got it through your thick skull that he was madly in love with you.

"That's not the point, idiot!" you slumped back into your seat, hopeless. "Do you think the bride and the groom will get offended? Shit, baka masumpaan ako kung magagalit sila, Mal. Mukha akong patay galing sa South Cemetery."

The long-haired tikbalang rolled his eyes, "Huwag kang mag-alala. Nothing's going to go wrong. Chill ka lang diyan. I've got everything under control, babe."

Babe. Yes, he even called you babe but you thought it was him being a himbo and a massive flirt. Now, it was his common term of endearment for you, but you still assumed it was him just being irksome to you and that you couldn't stop the man from saying it anymore. Thus, you let it be (the most obvious hint of his attraction to you, bestie).

"... Ugh, why didn't you ask Hannah or Amie to go with you?"

He just smiled knowingly, shrugging and making up an excuse, "Nagmamadali ako, eh. Hannah and Amie are also coming, but they already have the other tikbalang as dates."

"'Luh, ako pala ang backup choice mo?"

"Heh. Whatever you want to think."

Little did you know that you were always his first choice. Always. Even when he pursued Alexandra Trese many years ago, trying to convince himself you were just his best friend, it was always you. How did he come to that realization? Well, an international band he was a fan of released a song a couple years ago and he heard it being played in a club in BGC. The song title?

It Was Always You by Maroon 5.

Needless to say, after hearing the song and being unable to get it—get you—out of his mind at night, he stopped courting Alexandra. Unfortunately for him, that time, you'd started dating other men. Therefore, he was left on the sidelines... until your latest and most painful breakup, at least. That was five years ago. You still hadn't dated anyone since then, kind of traumatized from getting into another failed relationship like that.

In the present day, as if the fates were playing on you two, one of your favorite artists played on the radio. A very ironic song given the situation you two were in.

Best Friend by Rex Orange County.

Maliksi knew it was a favorite of yours. He knew it by the way your eyes lit up like a star brightening the twinkling night sky. Like the sun first rising in the morning at Apolaki's command. Like the moon extending its gentle rays from the magic of Mayari herself. If there was anything he wanted to ask of the old gods, it was you—everything else be damned.

"I wanna be the one that makes your day, the one you think about as you lie awake," you half-sang and half-screamed happily, somewhat out-of-tune. "I can't wait to be your number oooooone! I'll be your biggest fan and you'll be mine—"

Maliksi glanced at you, not minding that his eardrums were probably getting microscopic ruptures from your aggressive singing. As much as he wanted to stare at you all day, he had to keep his eyes on the road. But the lyrics you were singing were wrong; the Prince of the Tikbalang was already yours from day one.

"Babe, McDo drive-through tayo for breakfast. Let me make it up to you. Gusto mo ng caramel sundae for your promotion gift? Sige. Ako bahala. Chicken nuggets din? Mabubusog ka ba niyan? I don't think they serve those this early..."

》》》

"Sandali lang!" you shouted out from inside an empty room. You'd just arrived at the venue—the Alta Veranda de Tibig in Silang, Cavite (practically the gateway to Tagaytay)—an hour or so ago. The hired makeup artist just left so that you could privately change into the outfit that had been bought specifically for you. Curse Mal and his ability to buy anything (perhaps anyone) he wanted. "Bwiset, Mal, you didn't tell me we'd be part of the damn entourage. We have to be walking the aisle in thirty minutes, simbako! You just love rushing me, don't you!?"

If only you were the one walking down the aisle today towards him.

When you exited the room, Maliksi couldn't help but let his jaw drop as he skimmed your figure, clad in the luxurious, silky satin blush midi dress he bought in one of those fancy stores in Makati yesterday. He imagined that it would look great on you, but now, seeing it on you in person... you looked divine (and frankly, he wanted to see it off your body to see what was underneath—but don't get too ahead of yourself, Mal). It was a whole 'nother level from his imagination. The deep cowl neckline and thin spaghetti straps showed your lovely collarbones... as well as a peek of your cleavage. His favorite and the best part of it all? It was backless, allowing him to gaze at the tempting curve of your spine.

He hadn't realized he had grown silent until you smiled and closed his mouth, tapping his chin.

"Lalangawin ang bibig mo, Mal," you laughed softly. Never had you seen him so speechless. You then flicked your hair back, ridiculously posing for him like you were on the cover of Vogue magazine (haba ng hair mo, gurl!). "Do I look that good? Char lang."

"... You look absolutely ravishing—I mean, uh, stunning. Hot. Yeah." That was all he could say. He mentally punched himself for not showering you with more suave compliments.

Still, your face brightened up, not knowing that the man in front of you just fell for you a thousand times harder, "Wow! Really? Damn. Ang galing talaga ng MUA na kinuha mo, ginawa akong artista. Give me their contact number later! May work event pa naman ako in two months. I'm shocked, it's like they made me rise from the dead! Even my eyebags are gone, Mal! How'd they do that?" Heck yeah, your confidence was boosted. He offered his arm to you like a gentleman, making you half-heartedly roll your eyes (you took it anyway). From holding it alone, you could tell that your best friend was a sinewy man (well, you knew that already after seeing his tikbalang form before—the little shit didn't even wear a loincloth like all his clanmates; your poor eyes were eternally scarred).

You looked him up and down. You wouldn't lie—Maliksi is and always has been an attractive man. Now? With his hair in a ponytail (pun not intended), definitely one of the hunkiest men you've ever known. "You're not looking too bad yourself, horsey."

"Ako pa!" He puffed his chest out in pride. You chuckled at his reaction.

"By the way, how do you even know my dress size and my shoe size?"

"Babe, I've known you too long. You know almost everything about me, I know everything about you."

You snorted at his confident tone, "'Di nga? You don't know every single thing about me, Mal. Assuming ka masyado."

"Alam ko nga anong cup size mo. Wala lang 'yang shoe and dress size."

You slapped his shoulder, cheeks quickly flushing red, "Huy, umayos ka! Walang hiyang tikbalang na 'to." With this guy as your best friend? You heard dirty jokes at least once a day. "Don't be inappropriate here!"

"What? It's only fair I know!" He looked down on you suggestively, wiggling his eyebrows. "You already know I always go commando, so of course I know that your bra is a size—"

"Shhh! Baka marinig ka, 'nyeta."

"So? Let them hear. My best friend has a nice set of melons!" he shouted. You were grateful there was no one around. Hopefully.

"Oh my God..."

Your best friend chortled at how flustered you'd become. He led you to where some of his family was waiting, with a couple of his relatives already greeting you. You instantly and quite easily mingled with them, your worries of them not accepting you far from even true (they all knew how much their prince loved the innocent you).

"Kayo na talaga, pare?" one of his older tikbalang clanmates asked while you went away to be fawned over by his aunts.

Maliksi chuckled, crossing his arms as he watched you from afar, "Heh. Hindi pa."

Another one of his clanmates—a younger one—laughed, wrapping an arm around his shoulder, "Talaga? That's cap, bro. You two are like a married couple already and you guys still aren't a thing?"

"Ilang taon na ba kayong magkakaibigan?" the older one asked him.

"Almost ten years," Maliksi responded, a smile unconsciously pulling his lips up as he remembered your moments together. He watched you converse with his female relatives (who adored you the moment Maliksi brought you to a family event many moons ago).

The two tikbalang snickered as they saw the look on the Great Stallion's heir.

"You're down bad," the younger one said, snapping a photo of his lovestruck kuya. "You've got it so bad for her, dudeparechong!"

"Balak mong ligawan anytime soon?" the older tikbalang inquired.

"Heh. Balak ko na ngang pakasalan. Kung pwede, ngayon."

They looked at Maliksi as if he was crazy. He was very much serious, though, even if there was a huge, lopsided smile on his face. The Prince of the Tikbalang raised a brow at them.

"What? Don't give me that look. Our ten years of being best friends is practically the courting and the dating stage already."

"Eh... you're right. Don't waste anymore time. Go and marry her today, dude. Suporta kami sa'yo, basta groomsmen kami sa kasal niyo, ha!"

"Ge. Without question."

Meanwhile, on your end with the ladies of the family, they started pestering you on your love life (like all typical Filipino aunties). Chismis everywhere.

"O, iha, single ka pa ba?"

"Kailan ka magpapakasal? Malapit ka nang pumasok sa thirties mo."

"Do you want kids? How many?"

"Are you and Maliksi a couple? You look good together! Kayo na, 'di ba?"

"Will you be getting married next? Are you engaged? When's the wedding? Invite niyo kami!"

Before you could get overwhelmed by their questions, Maliksi swept you off your feet to lead you to the entourage that was lining up outside the chapel area. Again, it happened like a blur. He laughed at the partially nauseated look on your face.

"You okay there?" he asked, grinning.

"Your family thinks we're together," you muttered quietly, not meeting his eyes. You weren't sure why you felt... tingly about their statements.

He tilted his head at you curiously, gently setting you down on your feet and helping you stand.

"Do you hate the idea?" It hurt him to ask you the question, but he wanted your thoughts on it. Perhaps doing this was a bad idea. Maliksi was competitive in many things, including wanting you to be his, but if you were so opposed to it, he would never force you into something you didn't want. He let go of your hand; you didn't even notice he'd been holding it until he let go. "Am I making you uncomfortable?"

Your wide-eyed gaze snapped back to look up at him, "No! No, it's not that! And... it's not bad." Your hand felt strangely empty now that his was gone. Biting your lip, you disclosed, "You're not making me uncomfortable, Mal. Don't ever think that."

With that, you shyly interlocked your arm with his, tearing your eyes from his to mask the growing warmth you felt spreading in your veins. You two didn't say anything else when the ushers let you walk down the beautiful, petal-covered aisle together.

The man beside you was starstruck. Hopeful. Maybe both of you did have a chance. Maybe somewhere in the depths of your soul, his feelings for you were being reciprocated. For the rest of the sacred ceremony in the gorgeous main pavilion, both of you relished in short, comfortable, and low conversations. He even cracked jokes every once in a while—really funny ones that made it challenging for you to you stifle your laughter.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride."

Maliksi fervently prayed to Bathala that he'd experience the same opportunity he was seeing with you someday. One day.

Even while the sun was brightly out, the sky began showering down light rain onto the land. You were in awe as you looked out the window.

"Hala, totoo nga pala! Tignan mo!" you laughed, tugging Maliksi's suit sleeve, pointing at the window.

"Na ano?" he curiously inquired, not understanding what you were referring to.

"Na kapag may tikbalang na kinakasal, umuulan habang may araw pa," you replied, eyes filled with childlike mirth and wonder. A rainbow had even begun to form by the clouds. "Look, it's magical! Ang ganda pala ng view dito kasama ang old Spanish architecture. Timeless na timeless. It's so pretty, 'no? Picture tayo 'maya, Mal."

Unlike you, it wasn't the sky outside that the prince was looking at. Amidst the loud cheers for the newlywed couple and the bubbles the guests were blowing, his vision could only focus on how magnificent you looked while being amazed. You were his best view. (Ed from 90-Day Fiancé, kabahan ka na, may katapat ka sa pickup line mo.)

》》》

"Smile for the picture!"

You giggled as Maliksi was dragged into a photo-op with the bridesmaids and the important older wedding sponsors a few feet away (funnily, he looked a little constipated around them). All of a sudden, when he was heading back to your direction, you were roughly pushed into the said man's arms. When you turned around, there was nothing (except maybe a gust of wind that came out of nowhere).

"Ooh, gotcha. Careful," the tikbalang steadied you, strong hands holding your biceps. "Natapilok ka?"

"... Huh, hindi naman," you wondered suspiciously, looking around. "I think someone pushed me? Parang tinulak ako... but wala namang tao."

"Weird. Maybe it was just the wind."

It actually was. Really. Maliksi knew for a fact that it was those two taong hangin who were spying on you from the corner, trying to pair you up. He gave them a thumbs-up while your back was turned in the opposite direction. Hannah and Amie returned the thumbs-up before vanishing. Suddenly, the two wedding photographers had moved on from the bridesmaids and were right beside you.

"What a lovely couple you two are!" she praised. Before you could correct her, she held up the black contraption she held towards you two. "Pose for the camera, lovelies!"

And so you did, the photographer guiding you two on what to do. Maliksi wrapped his arm around your waist and you leaned on his side, looking sidewards to the camera with one leg cocked in front of the other. Her assistant, who was holding a polaroid camera, printed out two photos for you.

"Thank you," you told him, taking the photos from his hands then flicking them rapidly to make the images develop. You and Mal were about to walk to the reception area when the photographer stopped you, handing the male beside you a business card.

"If you two need a photographer or a videographer for your wedding, call me," she signaled to both of you before running to another guest, bringing her assistant with her.

You gawked, "Mal, did you just hear what she said?"

"Loud and clear." A grin was on his face. He seemed very pleased at what he heard.

"... How can she even tell if someone is married or not?"

Maliksi's free hand took your left hand, tapping the ring finger, "Nothing here."

"Ooooooh. I get it now." Your brows creased. "Huh. This is like the fifth time today the people here have mistaken us for a couple."

Maliksi shrugged, teasing you, "Who knows? Baka may potential tayo, babe."

Before you could ask him what he meant, he was hurriedly towing you to the reception venue. While he was doing that, you stared at the now-developed polaroid photos you were holding. Huh. Maybe you two did look like a couple.

"Come on, they're serving some snacks at the welcome reception area. Peach pie and mango float-flavored. Paborito mo, babe."

》》》

The rest of the night went by without a hitch. You were actually enjoying the event—the host was great, the food was great, the music was great. Everything was great... that was, until the games.

"Alright! Now that the bride's garter has been removed, let's have the bouquet and garter toss... starting with the females!" the host announced. "Dear bride, please stay here in front. And all single ladies—and by single I mean ready to mingle and are not married—please rise and stand here on the dance floor. Let's play matchmaker tonight, everyone!"

"Uy, single ladies daw," Maliksi nudged your side. "Sign mo na 'yan." You snorted like a pig.

"Nope, ayokong madamay sa bouquet toss," you whisper-yelled at your best friend. "Do you know how embarrassing that is?! Besides, they won't notice if I don't join! Special tactic ko 'yan sa weddings: pretending I'm not single. Katabi naman kita."

More women came to the front, making you feel assured that you didn't need to participate. The host was about to say something, when the bride interrupted to whisper something into his ear.

"Hala, halaaa! Sabi ko all single ladies, pero may isang single lady na nagtatago pa!" he announced, making you freeze. Please don't let it be you. "What's her name, beloved bride?"

"Y/N L/N." You nearly spat out your champagne. You? Did they just call out your name? How did they know?

"Oh fuck," you cursed quietly.

"'Di ka makakatakas dito, babe," Maliksi jabbed, making you stand up. "Tinatawag ka na."

"Baka may ibang Y/N L/N dito," you resisted, attempting to sit back down. "I can't do this, Mal."

"'Sus, ikaw pa. And it's just a symbolic ceremony!" he encouraged, as if he didn't have any underlying intentions. "I doubt the bouquet will go to you anyway."

Sheesh, what a big fat liar you are, tikbalang prince.

You expressed your dissatisfaction with the situation, "Bwiset, fine. I'll just... dodge it. Or evade it. God, I swear..." You calmed down, confident. "I'm not going to worry. I've never caught the bouquet at my own friends' weddings anyway."

When you were at the dance floor, Maliksi snickered, seeing the bride—his cousin—wink at him. After all, he had thoroughly bribed her earlier.

《《《

"It's about time you settled down with someone, Mal," the bride commented while he slipped her the newest Hermés designer bag filled with a bunch of jewelry (plus some bills) two hours ago, right before the reception began and while you were in the restroom freshening up. "Hehehe, this is why you're my favorite cousin."

"Do we have a deal?"

"Of course. I'll make sure she participates. I'll also try to throw it in her direction."

"Good. Thanks."

"You better invite me to your beach wedding. I can tell how much you love her."

"Not a problem. I'll even make you a sponsor."

The bride stared at her bouquet, already practicing how she was going to throw it, "Tito's going to thank me so much for ensuring that he's going to get grandkids soon, hihi."

》》》

Back to the present, on the other end of the room, Maliksi saw a familiar duo give him a sign that they were ready. Bingo. Time to execute the most important part of his plan.

《《《

"I don't care how you do it," he told the two wind elementals after he bribed the bride. "I've already instructed the bride on what she should do, pero siguraduhin niyo lang talagang lumipad sa kanya ang bouquet."

"Mmhmm," Amie flipped her hair, a hand on her cocked hip. "And what do we get in return, oh great Señorito Armanaz?"

"Sagot ko bar-hopping niyo for one month."

The two girls pretended to think about it, making Maliksi roll his eyes. He had to pull out the big guns, huh?

"Fine. Magbibigay ako ng cash deposit plus pwede niyong gamitin ang black card ko for a one-week shopping spree in Ortigas." There. Bullseye. That's what they liked.

"Deal!" they exclaimed excitedly.

Hannah let a cool gust of wind enter one of the nearby windows, testing out how they're going to do this. "Ano pa bang pinaplano mo for Y/N mamaya?"

Maliksi hummed, "Basta."

》》》

You tried your best to hide within the densest part of the group of women. The bride seemed to have her eyes on you, weirdly enough, and she looked almost feral wanting to throw her flowers into someone's face.

That someone being you. Most likely.

"Target locked on," you saw her mouth move. She positioned herself like she was about to throw a football at someone (ahem, you). Holy shit, was she talking to you? Miss ma'am, it was a bouquet toss not a bouquet throw. The bride seemed to notice this, and once more regained her elegant composure.

"3, 2, 1," the host counted down. "Go!"

Surprisingly, the bouquet flew very high into the air (it was a wonder it didn't get tangled in the ceiling decor), but quite a distance away from you. You grinned, knowing it was too far to even touch you. Squeezing through the crowd of women eagerly awaiting the bouquet, you went to return to your assigned table.

Ah, what a wonderful evening.

Sike!

Something painfully landed right into your face, leaves and flowers getting into your hair and mouth.

... Wait, leaves and flowers?

Before you could comprehend it, the bouquet dropped right into your arms. What kind of ungodly, inhuman force allowed this to even happen?

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have our lucky girl for the night!" Everyone clapped, with some—those guests you knew—even cheering your name unbelievably loud. The host approached you, a glint in his eye which you couldn't understand. "Miss Y/N, kindly sit here while we await the lucky guy who catches the garter from the groom."

What just happened?

"All single gentlemen, please proceed to the dance floor. Remember, the man who gets the garter gets to slip it onto the lucky lady's leg later!"

Oh, God. You pinched the bridge of your nose. What you'd give to be back at home or to be in that resort in Batangas you'd planned on going to for a solo vacation.

"To make this even more exciting," the host stated, handing you a black blindfold. "Our lucky lady has to keep her eyes closed until her lucky man for the night captures the bride's garter! When the music plays, only then can she uncover her eyes."

See? Humiliating, just as you expected. Still, you wrapped the blindfold around your head (albeit hesitantly). You attempted to guess who it might be, thinking of all the tikbalang friends Maliksi had introduced to you back then whenever he invited you to his clan reunions.

"Groom, are you ready?" the host asked, microphone loud and clear.

"Ready na ready!"

"Single gentlemen, are you ready?!"

"Ready na ready! Awoo, awoo!" they loudly chorused, exactly mimicking Spartans about to engage in battle. You sweatdropped in the seat you were in. This was actually kind of scary. Maybe you felt a bit objectified.

"3, 2, 1, go!"

There was a brief moment of silence, which made you concerned. Ba't ang tahimik? Then, everyone erupted into roars and bravoes much louder than when you caught the bouquet—perhaps even louder by tenfold. What the heck was happening?!

The music played. Very raunchy, spicy, babymaking music. You expected it to be the typical Careless Whisper by George Michael or Pony by Ginuwine (corny songs which you could probably laugh at, at least), but no. Nuh-uh, this was probably worse. The DJ must be pretty young, the song of their choosing being a slowed, bass-boosted, sexier remix of Earned It by the Weeknd.

Ano 'to, bold? Fifty Shades of Grey? The hell was this?

Alright. This was embarrassing. Thank the heavens there were no children at this party. From the music alone and its implications, this was strictly for adults.

You removed your blindfold (that was okay now, right?) as the guests whistled playfully. You peeked one eye open reluctantly, then inwardly groaned. Oh, no. You should've expected it to be him of all people from how loud the reactions were. And all those yells from the crowd were from his family.

Son of a—

"Well, this has proven to be a very interesting arrangement!" the host proclaimed. "Our lucky man for tonight is none other than our great clan leader's heir, Maliksi Armanaz! Congratulations, sir! You get to slip the lacey little garter on Miss Y/N!"

The said very smug tikbalang stood a few feet away from the chair you were sitting on, smirking at you. His hair was no longer in that mesmerizing ponytail—instead, he'd tied it into a more sinfully attractive man-bun, loose strands framing his face and accentuating that sharp, angled jaw of his (say yes and thank you to Manny Jacinto's jawline, besties).

"Let's cheer him on in his new mission, everybody!" the host pushed. Was this that glint in his eye earlier? And was that a one thousand peso bill sticking out of his pocket?

The groomsmen, Mal's cousins and uncles whom you've met before, hollered words of encouragement to the tall man (who was, oddly enough, not one bit fazed). In fact, Maliksi seemed like he was famished as he stared you down.

You swallowed, feeling like you were going to get eaten (heh, say that again). Maliksi had shrugged off his dark suit blazer to the beat of the song (holy fuck, he also unclasped the suspenders attached to his pants right before your eyes—asdfghjkl). Were you prepared for this? No. Will you ever be prepared? No!

"Mr. Armanaz, before you begin," the host interrupted. "We have an additional challenge for you in this mission. Kaya mo ba? It was a request of the newlywed couple."

"What is it?"

"Use your teeth!" the bride and the groom cheerfully shouted, clapping with the other guests. Whatdidtheysaaaaay???

The cocky bastard didn't even hesitate, his smirk at you growing wider; those pearly whites of his on full display. Was it just you or were his canines a little sharper than usual?

"Anything for the newlyweds. Challenge accepted," he dashingly replied, winking at you. You sputtered indignantly. Pisteng yawa. Putangina. Putek. Pakshet. You swore you thought of every swear word in the book at that moment. What did that YouTube parody song about Filipino mythological creatures say again? About the tikbalang? Ah, yes. Half-macho dancer and half-stallion. Maybe the joke was true, especially when you saw what Maliksi did next.

He bit the shred of lace, loosening his necktie (bestie, you good there?), unbuttoning some top buttons, and rolling up the sleeves of his collared white undershirt up to his elbows (consequently showing off his toned, veiny forearms—those lucky bridesmaids behind him nearly fainted). Honestly, you felt like you were about to lose your mind from embarrassment. With how tantalizing your guy best friend was being? Let our response be: San Pedro, kunin mo na ako. Was he doing all this to tease you? To rile you up?

Because damn it all, it was working. In your ten years of knowing Maliksi Armanaz, withstanding all his daily dirty jokes and flirtatious attempts, never had you seen him like this. So... wolfish. Ravenous. Like he was a man that hadn't been fed in years.

He stalked closer towards you, falling to his knees in front of your legs. Your gown had a long slit that extended up to an inch or two below where your left leg began—your best friend was eyeing his target already, knowing where to place the garter. Normally, you would never even wear something as revealing as this gown. It just wasn't your type, but Maliksi was the one who bought this for you for this specific occasion, so you had no choice. It was this or your pantulog he stole you in just hours ago. At first, you were confident in the gown. Now? You felt too... naked.

Somehow, in the heat of it all, you'd muted out the noise of the venue. Maliksi teasingly lifted your foot up, fingertips slyly grazing the thin shoe straps around your left foot—his calculated touch leaving fire in its trail. Once the garter had been successfuly inserted past your high-heeled stilettos, the man kneeling in front of you kept his hands to himself. Despite the fact that now there was absolutely zero skin-to-skin contact between you and this man, your body felt hotter than it ever was before as he expertly slid the lacy bit of cloth up your ankle at an agonizingly slow pace.

Maliksi's warm eyes had turned dark, his pupils blown, a tinge of red in them—of his true beast—while he maintained striking eye contact with you, pulling the garter up your calf with his teeth. Smoothly tugging... tugging... tugging. Tangina, it was like he was undressing you with his eyes alone; like he was telepathically telling you to keep your eyes open.

To keep your eyes on him, where he was knelt inbetween your legs, his hands intentionally locked on his back. Did you ever imagine this? Him between your legs? Maybe. Once or twice. But you never thought about it seriously; Maliksi dated girls left and right in the past.

His lips... his lips were so close... so close to your leg that you could feel the heat of his breath along with the lace. Were you about to die? Perhaps you already did. Maybe you were in heaven. Up... up... up... snap!

Suddenly, he stopped, grinning up at you mischievously and letting the elastic bounce back to the skin of your left knee.

"I'm not going any further, don't worry, babe," he whispered, noting that your eyes had become misty and glazed over. Internally, he grew worried. "That's enough." Did he think it was from discomfort? From you being uncomfortable? Bitch, no. It was the exact opposite. You had never been this turned on in your entire life.

You felt like your soul had left your body at that moment. Did you just have a heart attack? Was your blood pressure okay? Before you or Maliksi could stand, however, someone bellowed from the wedding sponsor tables.

"Higher! That's an order!"

Fucking hell, it was Maliksi's father who shouted. He wasn't in the huge tikbalang form you'd normally meet him in, but he was still very intimidating in his humanoid form, commanding attention and subservience wherever he went. You could tell where Maliksi got it from.

Instantly, the other guests—already half-drunk and wanting the spirit of partying to continue on—joined in.

"Higher! Higher!"

The host cheered, "You heard Señor Armanaz! Higher!"

Maliksi gave you a questioning look. Even if it was his father who spoke up, he still wouldn't do anything you didn't want. Well, you two made it this far; there was no point in getting embarrassed now. You bit the inside of your cheek, nodding. You probably couldn't erase the redness on your skin with how much you'd blushed from this night. It was as if the heat was tattooed onto your skin.

"Go on, Mal," you whispered to him, bending your torso down closer to his face, eyes half-lidded from want. "Finish what you started, babe."

With those sultry bedroom eyes he'd never once seen you show him before—plus you turning the tables with that familiar term of endearment, how could he refuse? Like a switch had been flipped inside him, he immediately complied, taking the frilly scrap of stretchy lace between his teeth once more, moving it further up to your thighs until where your high slit ended—centimeters below the warming juncture between your legs.

Your legs felt wobbly... boneless, as you stood up from the chair, the fabric of your gown cascading over where the lace sat securely on your upper left thigh. The party was still going strong even after you two finished the garter wearing tradition.

"'Atta boy! That's my son!" Señor Armanaz blazoned, standing up and raising his glass for a toast. "Cheers to the newlywed couple! May they last forever!"

You guys weren't the newlyweds, but it did sure feel like it. If the clan leader was hyped up, everyone was hyped up. Heck, the groom and the bride didn't mind one bit what had just transpired on their dance floor. In all the chaos, Maliksi took you out of the reception area and somewhere quieter. More private.

You would need to have a serious, urgent talk with your boy best friend.

》》》

You two silently sat on a stone bench in a gazebo somewhere in the reserved venue for the wedding, trying to cool down and get yourselves back together (at this point, you needed ice from that steamy, half-scandalous event you just went through). Here, there was no one else except for the chirping of crickets, the lush trees surrounding the area, and the golden fairy lights strewn all over the roof. Awkwardness was something you'd expected after what just happened, but somehow, you still felt comfort in this man's presence. For the past thirty minutes, both of you just stayed still, lost in your thoughts and reflecting.

"Mal?" you finally spoke up.

"... Hmm?"

"Ano tayo?"

"Whatever you want us to be."

Your fingers instinctively reached out for his, just like they always did when you were anxious. Sensing this, he grasped your hand and squeezed it reassuringly. Soothingly. He massaged the skin of your fingers, distracting you from your nervousness. It seemed like both nothing and everything changed between both of you. The gesture was the same, but so different at the same time.

"Mahal mo ako." It was not a question. It was a statement. A truth—one that you'd been too blind to see before. One that you only discovered while you stared into each other's eyes in that party not as best friends. You realized with a jolt in your heart what he really felt for you, and now, what you really felt for him. In those thirty minutes of silence, you knew. You just knew.

"Yes. I do."

"... Just as a best friend?" you probed.

"..."

Finally, you gazed into his eyes, previously so dark and full of hunger. Now? Just reluctant. Vulnerable. Open. Unsure of what to do next.

Seems like you had to be the one to take initiative tonight. Taking out your phone, you opened your music app and pressed play on a certain song. Ikaw at Ako by Johnoy Danao. You removed your heels (which were starting to blister your ankles and toes), then pulled him up to stand.

"Dance with me," you murmured, grabbing his arms to wrap them around your waist. He was stiff. Tense. What was he to do when the woman he's been pining after for so long let him hold her? All his gallantry and ability to romance disappeared out the window the moment you let him touch you so intimately.

You two weren't even waltzing. Just swaying. Slowly, you leaned your head on his broad chest, listening to the steady thump of his heart.

"... I love you," Maliksi admitted in the middle of it all, feeling like he was dreaming. Your head on his chest kept him grounded to reality, however. "More than anything in the universe. I fell for you ever since you patched me up when you were nineteen and I was a reckless drag racer who didn't have a purpose in life. 'Nung dinala mo ako pabalik sa Armanaz Tower on the verge of death. Simula noon, ikaw lang."

"I realized that," you smiled, reminiscing the old memory. You were just a broke college student that time, coming back to your dorm from making your group thesis at a classmate's house. Imagine your panic when you found a half-man, half-horse bleeding out by some bushes on the way home at night. Despite your fear and your little money (only enough to feed you for the week), you went out of your way to buy a first-aid kit at the nearest 7/11. It was scary, but you managed to mend the creature's wounds by the side of the road. When he was finally able to speak, turning fully human (which you admit, freaked you out initially), you arduously carried him back to his address—to his father and his clan, even if you had classes the very next morning. Because of your heroic deed of saving their precious heir, the tikbalang clan had become indebted to you: a teenage girl on the verge of a mental academic breakdown, just making her way through the cruel adult world. How old of a memory that was, you thought, yet you still recalled it in perfect detail. "Just a while ago."

"Ah." He swayed you gently.

"Lahat ng ito, plano mo?"

"... Yes," Maliksi fessed up. "Except for this part where we're here dancing in this belvedere. Wala sa plano ko. Gusto ko sanang magconfess doon sa may fountain para sweet, pero..."

You lifted your head off his chest, smiling at him with one brow raised, "You know, between both of us, you're supposed to be the spontaneous one. Planning isn't usually your thing."

"I know. It's a failure, huh?" Maliksi sighed.

"Nah." You shook your head, then suddenly locked lips with him. It was so fast and surprising he didn't even get the chance to return your first kiss. For once, you caught him off guard. You pecked him on the lips again. "It's not a failure."

"Wha—"

"I'm sorry for making you wait, Maliksi. Ten years. We're twenty-nine now, and only tonight do I realize how blind I've been. We've been going around in circles, wasting so much time. Ayoko nang mag-aksaya ng oras," you whispered guiltily against his lips. How could you have been so blind? Andaming nasayang na taon. Making up your mind, you told him, "Yes. Sige, I accept. I'll be your plus one."

The tikbalang was flustered and baffled from the kiss, as well as your revelation, "... But, you already are?"

"No, silly. I meant that I'll be your plus one for life. For as long as you'll have me," you laughed, now processing that you were currently dancing barefoot with your boy best friend and had just kissed him in a wedding you didn't even plan on going to. The universe had a mysterious way of doing things. "Guess I'm the spontaneous one now, huh?"

Maliksi was tongue-tied. "Seryoso ka ba? Is... Is this a marriage proposal?"

"Whatever you want it to be," you echoed his words back to him. "Best friend, plus one, girlfriend, wife—mmpf!"

He kissed you so hard your lips bruised. After an impromptu makeout session which was definitely more in character for Maliksi, you both pulled away, panting heavily in search for air, still desperate for passion. He cupped your cheeks, giving you a sweet, featherlight Eskimo kiss.

"You're missing one more title."

"Hm? What do you mean, Mal?"

"Love of my life." He kissed you again, this time lifting you off your feet and spinning you around (his sneaky right hand was resting on your bum, too, giving it a tight squeeze). You know in the Princess Diaries where the main character's foot just... pops whenever the prince charming kissed her? Yeah, that happened to you on that humid summer night. This was right. You two were meant to be together. Everything was falling into place.

The bungalow you reserved for your Batangas vacation leave ended up being the site of your very eventful honeymoon with the Prince of the Tikbalang (with his libido, it wasn't that difficult to continue where you'd left off in the garter toss; that scrap of lace came off your leg the same way it went on). Actually, nauna pa ang honeymoon sa actual wedding (it was definitely spontaneous). Right after your confession in that alcove, you two went to Maliksi's father to ask for his blessing (which he gladly gave, cackling and saying that it took you long enough) before you guys went driving off to Batangas that night. You and Mal indeed had lots and lots of fun in that resort (I'll let you imagine the rest). More beautiful memories were made from that point on—this time, not just as best friends.

All that and your small, intimate wedding occurred in early April. Just when you thought that it'd be impossible to fulfill Maliksi's life goal of having a baby within the year (nine months of pregnancy meant that the earliest you'd give birth would be January next year), the impossible happened.

Exactly thirty-two weeks later, on New Year's Eve, the Armanaz herd welcomed one prince and two new princesses into the world. Triplets who were instantly adored by everyone in the clan.

Señor Armanaz had never been happier, and so were you and your husband. Your best friend. The love of your life. Your forever plus one.

Maybe being spontaneous wasn't so bad after all.

Taglist: @belladaises @binibiningbabaylan @4kodzuk3n @sparklingmallow @severuslovebot @holyshxtangel @marinac15 @space-flamingo @pippethealien @kashasenpai @disappointmentpastry @hornehlittleweeblet2 @seijohoe @monimiin @ibelievein2dmensupremacy @tinybonksharkcop @methehipster @banisuoh @genshin-idiot @lemonnie-kimmie

[nashibirne]

DESPERADO - 2

Today I've got the next chapter of Desperado for anyone who liked part 1 and wants to know how things are going with August and Helen. I hope you like my take on August and my story in general. If so, it would be very kind if you let me know and leave a comment, like or reblog.

Part 1 and my other stories can be found here: Nashi's Masterlist.

Pairing: Augut Walker x OFC (Helen Nichols)

Summary: August has survived the fight with Ethan Hunt and the fall from the cliff. A few lucky coincidences saved his life. Some trees and bushes cushioned the fall and he found himself on a hidden platform/cliff out of Hunt's sight. He managed to climb down the mountain and is alive but he's severly wounded and ends up with a woman that saves him and gives him shelter in her little hermit hut. He is at a turning point in his life. What is he going to do?

Word count: ~ 3.8k

Warnings: Severe injuries, description of wounds, medical treatment

NO BETA! English is not my mother tongue, so expect bad grammar and wrong spelling. All mistakes are mine...

Taglist (please let me know if you want to be added or removed)

@lunedelorient @inlovewithhisblueeyes @willkatfanfromasia @hell1129-blog @mis-lil-red @agniavateira @kebabgirl67 @omgkatinka @legendarywizarddetective @summersong69 @taebfada @xxxkatxo @artandotherdelights @notabronte @littlefreya @luclittlepond @eldarwen333 @meowpurrbooks @marantha @liliumdream @enchantedbytomandhenry @greensleeves888 @witcherfan @margauxmargaux07 @radaofrivia @m07belzen @a-little-counter-esperanto

Here we go...

🔸🔸🔸🔸

Don't you draw the queen of diamonds, boy

She'll beat you if she's able

You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet

Now it seems to me some fine things

Have been laid upon your table

But you only want the ones that you can't get

From Desperado by The Eagles, Lyrics: Don Henley, Glenn Frey

***

Three hours later Helen sat in her pick-up truck and all the pressure and tension that had built up since finding Austin in the woods yesterday vanished and were replaced by relief. She rested her forehead against the leather of the steering wheel and took a deep breath fighting the tears that were welling up in her eyes. Besides all the dark memories this situation stirred up deep inside of her, she had been afraid that it would be a problem to get all the meds and stuff. 

Luckily the pharmacist had sold her the tons of dressing material, band aids, painkillers, ointments, medical bath essences and even some antibiotics she'd asked for without blinking an eye. Sometimes Helen forgot how anonymous life in a city as big as Srinagar was and that people didn't really care about the life of others. Even though a pharmacist actually should, but today Helen was just happy that the woman hadn't asked what she was going to do with all this stuff that was far beyond what was needed for her own personal use. 

The stop at the grocery shop had been a delight in comparison to the med shopping. The place was crowded but Helen got all she needed and besides the usual things she put some terribly expensive american products for Austin in her cart, hoping some Reese's, Oreos, Lay's and Kellogg's would brighten his sour mood. She also bought bacon for breakfast and a frozen chicken for a good, healthy broth. She wasn't much of a cook but she knew the basics and a broth should be doable, even for her.

Helen shook her head to get rid of those disturbing thoughts. Lust and desire weren't part of her life. She had needs, of course, but she was perfectly capable of taking care of these needs herself. She didn't need a man and even more importantly, she didn't want one. Not since things with Naseer went south in that dreadful year after...He was the last man who'd touched her - physically and emotionally- and she didn't intend to change that.

So after running all the errands she was ready now to go home and face Austin again. Helen cocked her head to the left and to the right to relax her tight neck muscles, inhaled deeply, started the engine and drove off. After leaving Srinagar behind the streets were mostly deserted and Helen felt she could breathe easy again. Every time she went to the big city she couldn't wait to get back to her little hermitage. Back to the peaceful silence of her hut where no one was bothering her. Well, no one besides Austin Peters.

What a strange man, she thought. She still couldn't believe how calm he had been. He should have been in awful pain, confused and terrified, but instead he was cool as a cucumber. Maybe he was in a state of shock and the breakdown was going to follow after processing what had happened to him, but it was hard to imagine that he would get emotional. He seemed to be strangely detached to the whole situation, untouched somehow, distant. His deep blue eyes were showing no human emotion, they were cold and clear, like a glacier. Beautiful and threatening at the same time.

And so was the rest of him - extremely attractive, despite the face injury. It wasn't the kind of attractiveness that was a result of physical beauty, he sure was very good-looking but his appeal was based on his attitude, his demeanor, his presence and a special aura. He was a walking mystery, a silent promise, a sexy, handsome hunk, exuding danger and thrills from every pore. 

She couldn't help but wonder if the universe was mocking her, when Naseer of all people was standing beside the dusty main road of Mulanar when she drove through the little village half an hour later. He waved with both hands, indicating to her to come to a halt. She slowed down and turned off the engine before she opened the window.

"Hi Naseer. What's up?" It was unusual that he stopped her. Usually he would just greet and walk on. Not that they didn't get along, they both were long over their break-up seven years ago, but he knew she wasn't much of a talker and so the only conversations they had usually took place when he delivered her goods from his farm once a month.

"Hi Helen." He greeted her with a smile on his handsome face. "Good to see you. I was about to visit you later but now that you're here... " 

"Has something happened?"

"Nothing to worry about. I just wanted to give you a little warning."

"A warning?" Helen knitted her brows.

"Yeah. This morning an American came to the village, suit, sunglasses...looked like some kind of official. He was snooping around, scaring the kids. When I asked him what was going on, he said that there had been a crash with two helicopters in the mountains and an explosion yesterday."

"Oh, I thought it was a blasting when I heard the explosion."

"Well, obviously it wasn't and I wondered what he was looking for in our village because he mentioned that there were no survivors. So I invited him to my house, served him some tea to get him to talk, because honestly Helen, he was fucking suspicious." Naseer gave her a conspiratorial look.

"And?" Helen was on the edge of her seat now, her hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.

A cold shiver ran down her spine. This was bad, very bad. His name wasn't Austin and for sure he wasn't dead.

"He didn't say much. Just that they were looking for the remains of the freight and that we should keep an eye out and don't touch anything we'd possibly find. He gave me his card, telling me to call him in case we find something. When he used the toilet before he left I looked through his briefcase and I found a file. I didn't have the time to read it, I just took a picture." He pulled out his phone from the back pocket of his jeans and searched for the photo. "Here it is." Helen took the phone from his hand and stared at the pic.

She felt the color draining from her face. Most of the text in the file was covered by two pictures. One showed a middle aged, average looking man. 'Ethan Hunt' was printed over his chest 'Status: alive'. What shook her to the core was the second picture that showed Austin. He was wearing a brown suit and his face was intact of course but it was him, without a doubt. 'August Walker' she read. 'Status: deceased'

"Oh", was all she was able to say.

"Yeah...strange, isn't it? Well, I just wanted to show you. Just be carefull. Maybe Ethan Hunt is still out there. When they have a file about him, it's maybe better to stay away from him."

"Sure." Helen gave him a smile. "Thanks for the warning."

"Are you okay?" Naseer looked at her with a worried frown. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"No, I'm fine. Just not feeling too well today, better get going."

***

August Walker had no idea that his real identity had been revealed to Helen already at this point. He was busy doing what he wasn't supposed to do. Trying to get up. He needed to pee and he for sure wasn't going to piss into the rusty bucket beside his bed. Helen's bed. He sat on the edge of the mattress and his head was spinning. Just get your shit together, he told himself and after a few seconds he started the first attempt to stand up and failed miserably. The dizziness was too strong, he knew he would fall if he tried to walk.

He sat back down and started to concentrate on his breathing, inhaling deep into his belly, exhaling long and slow. He did this for a few minutes before he started to move his arms and legs to get his circulation running and to put up his blood pressure. He emptied the glass of water on the bedside table and started his next attempt. This time it went much better, he was able to stand and to walk, holding on to everything in reach but he felt weak and shaky. He knew his blood sugar level was too low. He should have listened to Helen and have breakfast but his stubbornness had gotten in his way, as usual.

He managed to reach the bathroom and to relieve himself but he had to sit down on the toilet seat afterwards to do another round of breathing exercises until he was able to walk back into the main room of the house that was bedroom, living room and kitchen all in one. He grabbed a bathrobe from a hook at the door and put it on. It was much too small for him but it still was better than running around half naked.

He got some cheese from the fridge and took the naan bread that was lying on the kitchen counter. He placed it on the dining table together with another glass of water and sat down to eat. It tasted heavenly and he realized only then how hungry he actually was. Isn't it ironic, he asked himself. The regional products, the water, Helen...they saved his life, prevented him from starving and dehydrating and just 36 hours ago he'd wanted to contaminate the reservoir that made all this possible. He wanted to eliminate all of this and a part of him was still furious that Hunt spoiled the plan but a bigger part was glad that he was still alive, even though he depended on this strange little woman now, at least for the moment.

He came to the conclusion that his will to survive, his basic instincts, were stronger than his will to change the world, to follow the words in his great manifesto and he was deeply disappointed in himself for being such an utter failure, a woeful big-time loser. The Hammer. He let out a snort and looked out of the window but instead of the beautiful nature that surrounded the hut he saw his own reflection staring back at him. Yeah, come on, have a good laugh about me, he internally yelled at his mirror image. He knitted his brows when he took a closer look at himself. He wasn't sure how bad the face injury was, how big the scars were going to be but he was quite convinced he would have to say goodbye to his good looks. He wasn't much of a charmer or a natural flirt but he had always been able to rely on his handsome face and his sex appeal when it came to women, when he used them for his advantage or just for a casual fuck. Maybe these days were over and he couldn't help but wonder if Helen found him attractive. Probably not regarding the fact that he looked like somebody put him through the mill, not to forget that he had behaved like a bossy asshole.

***

August bent his head back and closed his eyes with a moan. The pain that tortured him was getting stronger again, he needed these fucking painkillers. A look at the clock on the wall above the fireplace told him that Helen should be back soon. In 30 minutes maybe. He took a deep breath and got up again. His sprained ankle hurt like hell but he wanted to use the chance to have a look around in Helen's home. At first sight there wasn't much to see but many, many books and magazines. No photos, no real personal touch and though the place was cosy it was strangely stark. There was a desk placed in the corner with some notebooks and a laptop on it. He opened it but it was secured with a password.

He stared at the lock screen. It showed a picture of Helen and another woman. They wore hiking outfits and large backpacks and they were standing arm in arm in front of a large mosque, smiling into the camera. Could be the Hazrat-Bal-Mosque in Srinagar, August thought. Helen looked younger in the picture, in her early twenties maybe but just as pretty as now. The woman beside her wasn't less pretty and around the same age, maybe her sister or a friend. When he heard a car drive up he quickly closed the laptop and limped back to the dining table, sitting down, taking another bite of the delicious naan bread.

"You're up." Helen stated the obvious when she entered the room. She had racked her brain all the way from Mulanar to her house trying to figure out how to deal with the fact that he had been lying to her - what to say to him about his fake name and his 'hiking accident'. But now that she saw him sitting there at her table, looking like shit, she decided to say nothing at all, not yet. He was a temporary house guest and in need of help. That was all that counted and maybe he had good reasons to lie and it was possibly better if she didn't know the truth, especially if the FBI or CIA or whatever US authorities were involved. She just wanted to be left alone with any kind of trouble and go on with her peaceful life. "How are you feeling?"

"Better." August said. "But I'm still in pain."

"Oh, yeah. I've got the meds." Helen placed the two large paper bags she was carrying on the table and dug a pack of painkillers from one of them. She gave it to him with a smile and a wink to ease the tense atmosphere. "Those are on me." He took them with a frown and a nod that probably was supposed to be a kind of 'thank you'. 

While he swallowed his pills Helen got the rest of the groceries from the car and started to unpack the bags. 

"I got you some stuff I thought you might like." She placed the sweets, the cereals and the chips in front of him, grinning sheepishly, feeling embarrassed all of the sudden for buying all these things for him. August felt strangely touched when he saw what she had bought. He hadn't had cereals for breakfast in ages and Oreos, Lay's and Reese's were nothing more than a dim reminiscence of his childhood, admittedly one of the better memories of times he avoided thinking about usually. He stared at her and she was relieved when he gave her a sincere and almost warm smile. 

"You really shouldn't have..."

"It was no bother. I just want you to feel better." Helen shrugged it off, suddenly feeling uncomfortable in his presence. When she felt the heat creep up her cheeks she turned around to fill the fridge with the vegetables she had bought. "The sooner you recover the sooner you can leave."

"Sure." August nodded behind her back, fumbling with the Oreos, feeling a strange kind of disappointment. She can't wait to get rid of me.

"I got you a bath essence with herbs and oils, it relaxes the muscles and soothes the wounds. Why don't you take a bath and I make chicken broth?" She presented the now only half-frozen chicken to him like some kind of precious trophy. "I'd like to have a bath but there's no need to cook for me." He sounded grumpy and his expression was blank again.

"Well, I bought the chicken so I gotta cook the broth anyway. We'll see, okay?"

"I'm going to remove the dressing from your head first, okay? It may be good for your skin to breathe a little and after the bath we renew  it" 

"Yeah." August got up with a grunt holding on to the edge of the table. "I'm sorry, but I guess I'm gonna need help with getting into the tub. Undressing and such." Helen raised her eyebrows. She hadn't seen that coming and it amused him that she felt uncomfortable about it so obviously.

My face may be deformed but my body's still gonna impress you, little wild kitten. August grinned with inner contentment at the thought unaware that Helen was more cougar than kitten. "Of course." She stuffed the little sachet with the bath salt in her pocket and grabbed him by his elbow, guiding him slowly to the bathroom.

"My bathrobe suits you." Helen said grinning. "Lavender seems to be your color."

"I know, it highlights the color of my eyes." He grinned back at her and for the first time his quick-witted, funny side was shining through. Helen laughed out loud and gave him a wink. "Well, at least the one that's not swollen." She looked at him and was once more amazed by his lapis lazuli eyes. 

"Okay." August sat down on the edge of the bathtub and Helen turned on the water before she started to unwrap his face. She wrapped up the bandage thoroughly afterwards but avoided looking at him. He turned his head and looked at his face in the mirror opposite of the tub. It was bad, much worse than he could have imagined. He averted his eyes with a groan. "Fuck."

"It's not that bad. Really. The wounds just have to heal and it will look much better in a few days, Austin." Helen almost choked on the name.

"Are you kidding me? Half of my face looks like Freddy Kruger." August growled, obviously frustrated. She lifted one eyebrow, smiling with surprise.

"You know 'Nightmare on Elm Street'? Seems you're more into horror than into comedy."

"That's my dark side." He tried a smirk that turned out to be less cool and more grotesque but it made Helen laugh anyway. Looking at his reflection in the mirror again he sighed. "Guess I'm not going to be sexiest man alive with my new look."

"I wouldn't bet on it. It's unfair but scars make handsome men look even hotter, so…" Helen didn't finish the sentence. She didn't want to give him the idea that she was flirting with him, it would be inappropriate and untrue. Well, definitely inappropriate. She wasn't completely sure about the 'untrue' part.

"Yes ma'am." He stood up, his legs shaking a little.

"So let's get you naked?" She bit her lip and decided it was better to stop talking now. "That's a little straightforward for my taste but why not." He grinned and she made a face at him, rolling her eyes.

"It's nothing to write home about. I'm forced to lend you a hand." She helped him to take off the robe and turned off the water before adding the bath essence. "Get up."

"You're not going to pass out, huh?" Helen said with a frown.

"No. I'm fine." He turned around to face the tub and Helen tugged at the hem of his undershirt. August lifted his arms and she managed to strip the tight piece of cotton off his body with one smooth motion. His broad back was bruised and covered with scratches but his toned form was still impressive.

"Do you need help with these too?" She touched his briefs lightly. August shook his head.

"I'm good." He pulled his underpants down and grabbed Helen's arm to step out of them. She couldn't help but glance at his ass and damn it was a fine ass. Round and crisp and muscular.

"Now get in. I hold you." Helen held him by his arm and by his waist from  behind and August climbed into the bathtub slowly. He sat down with a sigh and Helen forced her eyes on his face not wanting to explore if his front side was just as awesome as his back. She turned around quickly and left murmuring something about dinner and broth and August closed his eyes with a smile.

August pursed his lips. "Peters. It's Austin Peters." 

An hour later they were sitting together having dinner. August felt pretty good now, relaxed and refreshed and thanks to the meds almost without any pain. Helen was feeling good too, happy to finally be in a harmless situation again with August fully dressed and in a much better mood.

Getting him out of the bath had been even more awkward than getting him in because it was absolutely unavoidable to see that he was impressively packed. The image of his glorious naked body was living rent free in her mind now and Helen considered this her compensation for letting him stay with her. After renewing his bandages she helped him with putting on his clothes and now they were enjoying the soup that was surprisingly tasty.

"So, Austin Powers, international man of mystery, tell me something about yourself. Where are you from? What are you doing in Kashmir?"

"Really?" Helen gave him a funny look. "So? Mr. Peters?"

"What can I say? I'm from the US obviously. Vermont. I'm here for hiking but yeah...that did not go so well." He scratched his head pretending embarrassment. 

"So where is your stuff? Your backpack? Your tent?" Helen dipped a piece of bread in her broth before eating it. 

"I lost it."

"Where? I could go back and look for it tomorrow." 

"I don't know." August said tight-lipped.

"You don't know? Did you still have it after you fell from the cliff?"

"I don't know. I don't fucking remember." He snapped, staring daggers at Helen.

"Okay. I see." She rolled her eyes and they continued to eat in tense silence. 

"Where are you from?" August asked after a while, his voice soft now. "Originally, I mean." Helen cocked her head and looked at him, thinking about how much she was willing to tell him about her past. "Actually not far from Vermont. Portland, Maine." 

"And how long have you been living here?" He gestured at their surroundings.

"Eight years." 

"Eight years?" August repeated stunned. "That's a long time. And you came here all alone?"

Helen took a deep breath. "I came here with my best friend Allison for a backpack tour through Jammu and Kashmir and I stayed."

Allison. The lock screen girl, August thought.

"You stayed and she left? Just like that? Did you fall out?"

"She didn't leave." Helen's facial expression was serious now, her lips pressed together, eyes fixed on the table.

"So where is she?"

"She's dead."

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

tbc

[clairecrive]

“Burn” - Bane x reader [Requested]

A/N: this is for this anon. Thanks again for requesting! I missed writing for Bane.

Warnings: angst

Word count: 2.5K

Taglist: @mollybegger-blog, @evelynshelby, @br0ck-eddie, @sopxhiea, @shadow-of-wonder, @fandom--0verdose, @fuseburner, @kind-wolf, @innerpaperexpertcloud (let me know if you wanna be added or removed)

The vastity of the night sky had always helped y/n ease her worries. Surely, whatever was bothering her couldn’t be as big and impossible to solve as she was making it out to be. Because, would you look at that? The universe is so big and we’re so small, so insignificant. and that applied to her problems too. 

At least that was what she always told herself whenever she’d feel lost and hopeless. Thinking this way helped her put things into perspective. And sure, not everything was as easily solved but, even in that case, it helped a bit.

And so here they were, she and Bane were laying down staring up at the starry sky. Sometimes, they would spend it in silence, just enjoying the warmth and comfort the other’s body would bring. Others, like this one, they would easily fall into conversations about everything and nothing.

“Was there someone special in your life? Someone you wish to get back to?”

“You mean, romantically?”

He nodded.

“No. Single for life.” She did a peace sign to lighten up her embarrassment but Bane was curious and did not pay it any mind.

“You mean to tell me that you’ve never given your heart to anyone?”

“Well, if you put it that way I have to change my answer to yes. Being in a relationship with someone and giving someone your heart are two wholly different things.”

“Let me rephrase then. Have you ever been in love?”

She really thought about the answer, her mind going back to any romantic involvement she might have had during her life. Even if she scouted her memories, she found that it wasn’t a yes or no question.

“I guess,” not only was the word she chose explicative of her indecision but the tentative tone of her voice left no doubts as to where she was standing. But Bane was confused, to say the least.

“I’ve always been under the impression that love was one of those things where absolute certainty was involved when it came to its presence or absence.”

“I don’t know what to tell you. I have had mostly one-sided crushes, you know?” she started but Bane could see the faraway look in her eyes and knew that she had more to tell but was lacking the right words. So he waited.

“I said ‘I guess’ because I don’t really know what love is. I mean, everyone has a different take on it depending on their experiences but I don’t think I’ve ever felt it,” she paused turning to meet his eyes, “once there was a guy I strongly had feelings for. Even that was one-sided though and it took me a long time to recover from that because he was my best friend at the time. Looking back to it, I guess it was love or the closest thing to it that I’ve ever felt for someone. It hasn’t happened again though so I don’t have anything to compare it to.”

“Maybe it wasn’t love, just deep infatuation. Or maybe I just confused my love for him as a friend for something more. I don’t know. I guess I’ll figure it out when I fall in love with someone else. “ She concluded and refrained from correcting that when with if. she couldn’t see herself being as lucky as to have someone that cared about her and that loved her in the future. But Bane didn’t need to know that.

Turns out that those unspoken words had become a sort of oracle, ‘cause here they were now, years after they had that conversation. Just when she thought that she had found that one person to share her life with, to give her heart to, life quickly come into play letting her know that that wasn’t the case.

Because the man that had saved her from a destiny worse than death, who had given her hope and made her trust him to the point where she had felt safe enough to open up to him and allow him close to her heart, had now shattered whatever remained of it.

"So let me get this straight, first you save my life than you decide to keep me with you so you basically kidnap me, get me to fall in love with you, put me through an insanely difficult training so that I could stay with you but it was all done in vain because now you’re  sending me away?"

"I'm not sending you away but you cannot stay here anymore. I’m doing this for you."

"And why is that? What changed?" and when Bane stayed silent she added, "what happened to 'I want you always' ?"

"I did not lie to you." His words were in striking contrast to the ones he had said before but y/n had learned to read him and could tell that this time he was not lying. But then the question naturally arises, what's really going on?

Nothing out of order had happened in the last few days. Bane and she had been the same as always, even his work had proceeded as usual. So what was it? What was she not thinking about? What was she not seeing?

Letting her mind go back through the last day to fat check that nothing happened, she went through their actions. Light breakfast together followed by a not so light tête à tête then they trained together until he had to deal with something for his work and she had occupied herself otherwise. She had called him to see when she could get dinner started and he said that he had a meeting with Talia first but had come right after. They had dinner and while they consumed their healthy and perfectly balanced meal she shared with him whatever came to her mind while he ate in silence. See, nothing out of order.

Wait a minute...

He went to meet Talia.

"It's her, isn't it?" Suddenly, everything was clear. She knew what had happened, what had changed. And she sneered at the pull Talia had on him. Suddenly, she understood but at the same time, the last year lost its meaning.

"I just wish I realized earlier that you didn't care about me as much as you said you did," turning she went to her cabinet to get her stuff, "I wouldn't have put myself through so much otherwise." 

Nodding, she knew what she had to do. She had to leave. There was no reason to stay. Resolute and defeated she put everything her eyes fell on that was hers in a little bag. Clothes, lingerie, cosmetics, books. But when her eyes landed on the little box where she kept everything connected to him, her heart broke further and her anger was fueled. 

In there, there was every present Bane ever gave her. Every little thing that made her think of him in some way. The letters he wrote her whenever spoken words failed him. She knew that going through its content would equal to a chronology of their relationship. If it was possible her heart broke even more. Everything she did to stay with him, everything he did to keep her now was all vain. She gave up so much for him, for a man. Her former self would be ashamed of her and knew that her heartbreak was contributing to making her feel something akin to that. 

"Here," she said walking where he was standing, "take this. I don't want it anymore," and she threw it at his feet. The only acknowledgement on his part was a tilt of his head but it wasn't needed. He knew what it was and what she kept inside of it. He felt a pang in his heart but kept his face void of any emotion. 

"I'll want you always," she said mocking his voice, still stuffing stuff in her bag and chuckled with mirth, "what a load of bullshit." 

"Actually," stilling for a second, with a shirt cramped in her fist she faced him, "I am the biggest clown between us because I believed you." retrying her stuffing, shaking her head she added in a whisper, "I should have known better," but Bane heard. 

As soon as he decided on this course of action, he had also prepared for her reaction. He knew her well and so far she hadn't done anything that he hadn't expected. And while he had been ready, he couldn't help but feel hurt by her words. He knew how she was looking at this situation, knew that his words had led her to believe it to be so. At the same time, a little part of him wished for her to oppose to his words, to see right through them and see that he was lying. That he had been honest when he had told her those things, he had opened up to her and meant everything. But knew that she was too lost to rage and hurt to think clearly. And it was also the reason why she was acting up and had thrown the box on the floor. He knew that she deeply cared about it and what it meant to her. He almost thought of offering some kind of comfort, to give her some hint about what was really going on. But knew that it would be unfair to her. After all, he was doing for the sake of her safety.

“You know,” her voice brought him back and his eyes were immediately drawn to her, “isn’t it funny how you man always pride yourselves to be strong and all that bullshit when even someone like you, who’s the epitome of masculinity and strength, at the end is totally subjected to a woman?” 

They would always have this kind of conversation. Bane, being a leader of a huge army, had the tendency to be bossy. Even in situations when it wasn’t needed. It was just who he was and he felt the need to remind her of his alfa status an unnecessary lot of times. While she could enjoy this inclination of his when they were in bed, she definitely couldn’t stand it in their everyday life. And now, it made her feel stupid that she had to put with it and learn how to deal with it but when it came to Talia, he just did whatever she told him to. Also, this changed her consideration of him. What a clown. She had tried to warn him about his rather toxic relationship with Talia but he’d always get angry and dismiss the conversation either by leaving or shouting at her. She could remember their last fight about it like it was yesterday. It was also the first time that she had ever doubted her relationship with him. The first time that she had thought that maybe she had made a mistake by staying with him, by falling in love with him. Maybe she should have left as soon as she had rescued her. It wasn’t for the motive of their fight, neither her jealousy and worry about his relationship with Talia, but it had all to do with what he shouted her in rage that made her blood run cold and her heart shatter. For it was said that angry and drunk people were the more honest ones. And since that moment she couldn’t help but wonder if he really thought what he said to her or if it was just an impulse propelled by anger as he had explained.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have saved you.” 

And then, as if that wasn’t enough, he decided to twist the knife further.

“I told you not to fall in love with me.”

As if one could choose who they fell for, she remembers thinking.

Those words still haunted her to this day. It happened a while ago and Bane had made it up to her, mostly. But it was in situations like this that they would come back and mock her for even forgiving him and thinking that he loved her as she loved him. To think that even a small part of him thought that it was best that he had left her to suffer in the hands of a sex abuser until he would have eventually tired of her and killed made her sick. How could anyone say something like that to another human being? One they presumedly loved? She couldn’t wrap her head around it. Bane had then explained that by that he didn’t mean leaving her with her captor but simply bring her with him and keeping her with him. Despite the fact that his explanation made sense, y/n still didn’t think it made things better.

And as for his second statement, it went mostly unmentioned. 

Sure, that had been something he had told her in the beginning. It was after her training required them to spend most of their days together since he wanted to attend to it personally. Y/n knew that being in the military and with his past, it wasn’t easy for Bane to show emotions let alone let someone close enough to him to allow himself to love them. She understood that. She had a few things she was dealing with that made it difficult for her to entertain the idea of something more between them.

But that was almost a year ago. So much had happened in their life and between them that even though the words were not spoken aloud, she felt the shift in both their behaviours when it came to them. Hell, they even started dating. 

Not that any of them labelled it that way. But that was beside the point.

They slept together, they ate together every meal, they lived together. If there was a band on both their left ring fingers and it was a more conventional setting, people would assume they were married. 

While y/n didn’t like thinking about what they had in that way, she surely considered the commitment they had made to each other equivalent to a marriage. 

She hadn’t considered Talia though. 

Or at least, she had hoped that if she ever would try and come between them, Bane would stand up for her. 

Turns out that she really was foolish.

“Whatever, I guess it’s not my problem anymore.” Giving him her back again, she closed the almost full bag and went to put on some shoes and coat. 

“I don’t have any use for it, you should take it with you.”

“Neither have I. Burn it, see if I care.” 

And with that, y/n turned around and walked out of their shared apartment at last.

It hurt to say the words, it hurt that things had ended to abruptly, it hurt that even after all this time he didn’t care about her, it hurt like hell but y/n was resolute in leaving all of this behind her. Yes, it wasn’t going to be easy and maybe it would be like leaving a hot fire trail behind her but at one point the fire would burn out, wouldn’t t? 

It may take a while but she would be okay,

[ficsnooneaskedfor]

Call the Twi'lek Midwife

Chapter 40: Storytelling

Word count: 6.5k

Chapter summary: Citali and Ahsoka continue their lessons, sharing stories and knowledge with each other. Citali has another moment of connection to the Force.

Notes: There is some birth and medical stuff in this chapter because it's been a while since I've written in detail about that kind of stuff and I'm a nerd and missed writing about it lol. Nothing graphic.

TW: birth and death mention.

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"Do you want help bringing that inside?" Ahsoka asked, pointing to the large crate of supplies on Citali's speeder-bike from her appointments with patients this morning. A small excavator sat on a trailer tethered to the back of the speeder and Citali was trying to untie the knots before pulling her knife out.

"It's coming with us. We're gonna use some of it during your lesson today. But thank you," Citali said as she cut the rope easily with the razor-sharp blade before sheathing her knife and taking her bag off her shoulder. "Would you like a snack before we leave? It's gonna be a bit of a ride," Citali asked as she opened her bag.

"Thank you," Ahsoka said. It wasn't quite lunchtime yet and though Echo and Melita had made a huge breakfast, Ahsoka's stomach was rumbling with hunger. In the past few days, she had gotten used to having consistent meals again. Her body was going to have to adjust to eating the occasional ration bar again when she departed this planet. Citali handed her a container of spiced meat, salted fish, and a boiled egg that Echo had packed for her. She took out her snack as well which included a piece of bread, a wedge of cheese, and some berries from her garden. It was still early in the growing season so the berries were quite tart but Citali didn't mind. She actually liked them like this and Echo knew that. Ahsoka leaned against the speeder and watched Citali for a few moments as she ate. The bags under her eyes were less noticeable today and there was a sparkle in her eyes that Ahsoka hadn't yet seen. "You seem more rested than yesterday."

"I am. Crosshair has made a lot of improvements over the past day or so, the others are able to help more now. Wrecker stayed with us for the first half of the night, then Echo helped me till morning. I got more sleep than I have in days."

"I'm glad to hear he's doing better," Ahsoka said genuinely. She was hoping to ask Crosshair some questions by now about his time serving the Empire but when she asked Citali about it, she told her of his memory issues. It was unlikely there was much Crosshair could share with her but Ahsoka wasn't disappointed. Saving Wolffe and Crosshair's lives was the main objective of their mission, any information he could provide was simply an added bonus. "And I'm glad you were able to get more sleep, I know you needed it. How did your talk with Echo go?"

"He...didn't seem as surprised about it as I thought he'd be, to be honest," she said. Echo had been mostly silent as Citali told him everything about the dream, the visions, how Ahsoka had felt Citali connecting to her through the Force when they hadn't even met. Echo of course knew the Force existed from seeing the incredible feats of the Jedi and that it resided in all living things, even if they couldn't wield its power. What he didn't know was that a connection to the Force like the one Citali had existed but once he did, so many things about her made sense. Especially her uncanny ability to connect to others that earned her the trust of patients and almost everyone she met. Echo had always wondered why he, his brothers, and Omega had been so quick to trust her, thinking it was simply longing for warmth and kindness after all they had been through, and infatuation on his part. As happy as he was that she now knew of this connection and could utilize it to be a better midwife and healer, he feared for her. Citali thought she could actually sense it within him as she held his hand and tried to put his mind at ease.

"He was very worried about my safety at first," she said. "But after I explained that this connection was unlikely to draw attention, he seemed to feel better about it. He said he supports me exploring this," though he was quick to say that Citali didn't need his approval. It was her choice, one only she had the right to make. "If he has reservations about you teaching me about the Force, he's hiding them well. He's not very good at concealing his feelings from me," Citali said before giggling, remembering how nervous he used to get around her. How an endearing, shy smile still graced his face often, particularly when she whispered sweet, loving words to him. "Nor I from him but I don't see that as a bad thing."

Once they finished eating Citali climbed on the speeder-bike and Ahsoka sat behind her, holding onto her waist. With most of the household at the hospital making repairs, Citali thought it would be best to take Ahsoka somewhere else for their lessons and she knew just the place. It was a few hundred miles away but riding her speeder-bike at full speed, it wouldn't take long to get there. The semi-arid foothills near Citali's home gradually transitioned to plains and grasslands, then to slightly greener vegetation and small forests. The ever-present mountain chains that littered the surface of Ord Mantell continued to surround them where ever they went and Ahsoka could see snow on the tallest of the peaks. There were no cities within sight nor any farms. Ahsoka found it curious that this green land wasn't utilized for growing crops but when she asked her about it, Citali explained that the soil was too rocky and lacked the nutrients for most crops to thrive. The sun disappeared behind pink-tinted clouds but its warmth did not and as they neared their destination, Ahsoka could smell the scent of the ocean. A minute or two later they entered a thick blanket of fog and soon they pulled up to a beautiful, rocky beach, the minerals in the pitch-black pebbles causing them to sparkle brilliantly even with the sun hidden. The beach was protected by an alcove causing the waves to lap against the rocks gently and rhythmically. It was an eery yet peaceful place.

"We'll be safe here," Citali said as Ahsoka dismounted the speeder and took a look around. "There are no settlements within a hundred miles and the water is too cold for the off-world tourists to seek it out."

"It's beautiful," Ahsoka said with a smile on her face. "How ever did you find this place?" Ahsoka asked as she sat down and crossed her legs, feeling the smooth pebbles with her fingertips. She had a suspicion what the answer was.

"My parents used to bring me here as a child," Citali said as she sat down beside her. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, the scent of saltwater causing her mind to flood with memories. "I'm sure Mom was the one who found it. She loved Ord Mantell City but she often felt called to nature. At least once a month she got on her speeder-bike and explored. She liked to bring me and Father to the places she found."

Ahsoka saw Citali's mother in her mind, recalling Citali's memories of her death. Ahsoka had dreamed of her last night, the baby as well. She tried to imagine her young, beautiful, and full of life in this place. "Your mother...what was her name?" Ahsoka asked, hoping such a question did not offend Citali but she longed to know it.

"Shi'ari. Her name is Shi'ari" Citali said and Ahsoka was glad to sense there was no despair in her voice when speaking of her today, only love. "And my brother we named Alik." She picked up a flat stone and while seated, threw it at the water causing it to skip into the mist. "Had things been different, his naming ceremony would have been here just as mine was. This was a very special place to my parents and some of the happiest moments of my life happened here. Mom taught me how to swim in these waters, how to fish, ride a canoe...I think it reminded her of home."

"I was reading some of your books this morning and came across one of the Twi'leks of Ord Mantell," Ahsoka said. Citali's books about the Jedi and the Force didn't reveal anything Ahsoka didn't already know so instead, she chose to read as much about Citali's work and cultures as she could, hoping it would aid in these lessons. Many of Citali's books were written in a sort of hybrid language that Ahsoka was unfamiliar with apart from hearing her speak it to Echo and the baby. It was a mix of Twi'leki, Basic, and other languages and though she knew some Twi'leki, Ahsoka still had a hard time comprehending the language. She had managed to learn a few things from the books anyways. "I believe it said that many settled on the northern coastline of the planet. Is that where your mother was from?"

"Yes. Her village is the oldest continually-inhabited Twi'lek settlement on this planet," Citali said as she picked up another stone and skipped it across the water. "I used to love hearing the story of how her village came to be. I asked her to tell me the story almost every night before bed."

"Can...you tell me the story?" Ahsoka asked and Citali nodded her head.

"The story goes that over a thousand years ago, three orphaned sisters were kidnapped from Ryloth and sold into slavery. The eldest was a grown woman but her sisters were little more than children and she cared for them as a mother would. They were brought to Ord Mantell to be auctioned off at a slave market but the eldest sister loved her younger sisters so much, she couldn't bear the thought of them being slaves. She was willing to die if it meant their freedom so she killed a slaver, her courage inspiring others to rebel and follow suit. In the chaos that followed, she yelled at her sisters to 'run to freedom' before she was struck down. The sisters were in agony but ran to honor her wish. They made their way north with other children who had escaped and along the way, more Twi'leks joined them. Men, women, children...all searching for a new life. The youngest sister had visions granted to her by what she called 'the Light' and they lead her to where she, her new family, and their descendants could live free. It took months but they eventually reached the northern shores. They built homes, fished, hunted, sowed crops, and learned to live in harmony with the land. The middle sister despite her youth was very wise, becoming their leader and a great warrior, defending her people from those who would harm them. To commemorate the eldest sister's memory and sacrifice, she named their community 'Jemalau'."

"Freedom."

"Yes," Citali said. "Now it is called Jemala, the word for freedom in Mante'leki."

"Mante'leki?

"That is what we call our language," Citali explained. "With my father being from Ryloth, I speak both Twi'leki and Mante'leki comfortably but most Mantellian Twi'leks prefer Mante'leki for everyday conversations. Twi'leki is typically only spoken during ceremonies. Those outside of our culture think it's just half Twi'leki, half Basic and even I describe it that way sometimes but it's more complex than that. There are a lot of Twi'leki words in it obviously but we pronounce some a little differently. Jemalau is Jemala, 'woman' is delo rather than deleo. The Twi'leks that joined the sisters on their journey spoke other languages after years of living in slavery: Basic, Huttese...and over time as the community grew, other prominent languages of the planet influenced it as well. The Twi'leks of Ord Mantell have been here for so long, our culture developed into something unique. Our language, dances, customs, beliefs, even our features are very different from the Twi'leks of Ryloth."

"Wow," Ahsoka said amazed. Learning about new cultures was one of the few positives of fighting in the Clone War but Ahsoka found the evolution of diaspora cultures particularly fascinating. "You know, I've been to so many planets but the sheer number of cultures within our galaxy still astounds me sometimes. Had I never come here, I might never have known yours even existed," Ahsoka said before remembering the sister who had visions. That part of the story had especially piqued her interest. "And what of the youngest sister? What became of her?"

"It is said that before being sold into slavery, she was the apprentice of a great midwife and healer on Ryloth. After Jemalau was established, she became the first wisewoman of the community. Her visions continued her teachings...what plants treated infections, stopped bleeding, relieved pain, how to make salves that aided breathing. She passed on her knowledge to her apprentices and children, each generation adding to the knowledge that came before them."

"And now it's your turn to do the same," Ahsoka said.

"Indeed, it is," Citali said, thinking of her own apprentice and how far she had come in the past few months. "But the youngest sister had abilities I can only dream of possessing," she said as she tried to push the envy out of her heart. "People said she performed miracles, learning how to manipulate the Light in others to heal their bodies and minds, even if they were a breath away from death."

"That...sounds very similar to a Jedi Healer," Ahsoka remarked intrigued.

"I know. I've often thought that if the story is true, she must have been a Force-user. The things she could do...should have been impossible and though her gifts made her people worship her as almost a living goddess, it was her kind, gentle heart that made them love and respect her. Even now, midwives and healers in most Twi'lek cultures are revered because we 'walk in between the lines of life and death' but it's different with my mother's people. We're called to perform ceremonies and rituals because the youngest sister used them to connect to the Light. She saught its guidance to learn its will, prepare warriors for battle. She even married people and spoke blessings at funerals, guiding their spirits to the next life just as she guided them to their new life in Jemalau. We still perform these ceremonies today."

"Have you ever performed one?" Ahsoka asked curiously.

"Only once," Citali said as she recalled the experience. "It was the night the boys left for Wayland. I had seen it before when my father and other Twi'leks from Ord Mantell were leaving for Ryloth. Mantellian Twi'leks feel little connection to the planet we originate from but we still consider the Twi'leks of Ryloth our kin. When they were suffering during the war, we wanted to help. The night Father left, the wisewomen of Jemala performed a ritual to ask the Mother Goddess who controls the Light and Darkness for our warriors' safe return. To give them courage in battle and guide them to the next life if they perished. When Echo, Hunter, and Wrecker left I performed the ritual myself and..." Citali paused as the realization hit her, her brow furrowing as she pondered.

"What is it?"

"When I performed the ritual something strange happened. I sang prayers, spoke their names, and as I did...I felt something stir inside me. Like something woke up inside my heart. I thought it was just that I felt truly connected to my culture in a way I never had and was emotional about them leaving but...it wasn't long after that I had my dream about the mountain. And just before Morai appeared to me the first time, when I was making the medicine for Crosshair...I thanked the Light and all its creations for providing me with what I needed to heal him."

Maybe that is the key to all of this Ahsoka thought. Citali's had a stronger connection to the Force when Ahsoka explained it in a way that Citali was familiar with. It made sense that such practices would be the catalyst for all that had happened to her recently. "Would you be willing to perform one of these rituals for me to see? I'll understand if that is not appropriate. I'm just curious how these rituals might strengthen your connection to the Force."

Citali was curious now as well. "I can. Tech actually recorded the ritual I did the other day, I can show it to you. And there was another I wanted to do tomorrow. It's...a special day." Citali had known for weeks that her family had something planned for her despite their attempts at secrecy. She was tempted to tell Ahsoka about it so she had a heads up if she wanted to opt-out of the celebration but the smile on Ahsoka's face told her she already knew all about it.

"I look forward to being a part of it," Ahsoka said, both of the ritual and her birthday celebration.

"As do I," Citali said. Whatever her family had planned for her, she was just happy to spend time with them and her new friends. "Well, we should probably get started with your lesson for today. There's a lot I want to teach you." Citali said as she stood up, casting one more stone into the water.

She went to her speeder and grabbed her crate of supplies and brought it over to Ahsoka, laying out a large blanket for them to sit on. She opened up a book to the section on the stages of labor and while Ahsoka already had a basic understanding of the labor process from her readings, Citali explained it much more concisely and clearly than the books did. She went over the common danger signs to look out for in labor like excessive bleeding, discolored amniotic fluid, severe headaches, and others. They practiced some comfort measures like squeezing the birthing person's hips, pressure on the lower back, and lifting the abdomen. As interesting as the physical aspects of childbirth were fascinating to her, Ahsoka loved hearing about the emotional and spiritual components the most. Citali explained to Ahsoka how feeling in control of their mind and body often helped birthing people cope with the toll of childbirth. That emotional support was just as important as keeping the person comfortable. When it was time to discuss the pushing phase Citali pulled out her model pelvis and a handsewn doll with a detachable umbilical cord and placenta. As Ahsoka pushed the doll through the outlet of the pelvis, Citali showed her where to place her hands when catching the baby.

"Gravity helps bring the baby down so if given the option, most birthing people choose to give birth in an upright position. Standing up, squatting, reclining...but some give birth laying on their side or even on their back, though laying flat like that can sometimes make pushing more difficult. Whatever position they choose, trust that they know what is best for them. Childbirth has a way of making one more in tune with their body and some people even enter a meditative or trance-like state. When assisting someone giving birth, do what you can to facilitate that. Once the baby is born, it's vital to leave the cord intact whenever possible," Citali explained as she held the doll in her hands. "Even after they are born, the newborn is still receiving blood from the placenta. Delaying cutting the cord can increase a newborn's blood volume by up to a third. Not only that but if the baby is having a difficult transition to breathing, they're still receiving oxygen from the placenta. Some providers wait until the cord stops pulsating to clamp and cut it, others wait until the placenta is born. That's what I usually do. Personally, I would recommend that if you ever needed to assist someone giving birth that you wait for the placenta to be born before doing anything to the cord."

"Interesting," Ahsoka said. "Now, you said to keep it intact whenever possible. Are there situations when cutting the cord before it stops pulsating would be necessary?"

"Yes. So up to a third of infants are born with a 'nuchal cord', meaning the cord is around the baby's neck. The vast majority of the time it doesn't cause an issue but if the cord is tight around the neck and short, it can actually prevent the baby from being born. When this happens, I usually do something called the 'somersault maneuver'." Citali wrapped the cord around the neck of the doll and put it back into the model of the humanoid pelvis. "So baby is coming out, you can see and feel that the cord is tight. Some providers, particularly those in hospitals, will immediately clamp and cut the cord in this situation but what you can do instead is....flex the baby's head towards the parent's thigh," she said as she did so with her model. "The baby's body is delivered, then you somersault the baby through the cord." Citali flipped the doll through the cord and it unraveled from its neck. "Pretty cool huh?"

"That is very cool," Ahsoka said, smiling at Citali's infectious enthusiasm.

"The wisewomen of Jemala taught me this trick," Citali said. "I always attempt this first if the cord is preventing descent but there are times when the cord is too short to even try this maneuver. When that occurs, this would be a situation where cutting the cord early would be appropriate. In which case you would clamp and cut the cord around the neck very, very carefully and prepare for the possibility of needing to perform resuscitation. Especially if it takes more than a push or two for the baby to come out. Time is of the essence once the cord is cut but as I've said before, most of the time delivery goes smoothly. I just...have a particular interest in managing complications and like to share the things I've learned."

"As always, I'm very much enjoying learning from you, Citali. You're a good teacher and I know Omega thinks so too," Ahsoka said putting a hand on her shoulder. "So once the baby is born, what are some important things to keep in mind?"

"Once baby is out, I immediately put them on their parent's chest. Skin-to-skin is best if possible as it helps the newborn regulate their body temperature, breathing, heart rate. It also facilitates bonding and nursing. While the baby is on the parent, dry them off with a clean towel or blanket. If the baby is having difficulty breathing, rubbing them vigorously while drying them off can help stimulate breathing. It's very important to dry the baby well so they don't get cold as it's surprisingly easy for newborns to develop hypothermia. Even a baby Wookie can get too cold if their fur is wet. When baby is dry, if they are crying and their color is good you can leave them be. After the placenta is born, if everything looks good I try to leave the baby and their parents as undisturbed as possible so the baby and parents can bond. One of the most common complications with newborns is breathing issues so if they seem like they're struggling to breathe or not really crying, check their respiratory and heart rate. Newborns in most humanoid species have a range of about 40 to 60 respirations per minute and a heart rate of 100 to 160 beats per minute, but there is some variation. This is just a guideline."

Ahsoka looked up to the sky searching for the sun that was barely visible through the clouds and realized Citali had been teaching her for a long time. "As much as I'm enjoying this, we should probably take a little break with my lesson and get started on yours."

Citali hadn't even realized how much time had passed she was having so much fun teaching her. "Okay. We'll pick back up with postpartum bleeding and newborn resuscitation tomorrow."

They sat for a time just talking and having another snack. Ahsoka shared a few stories of growing up in the Jedi Temple, constructing her first lightsabers, and lessons with her master. Because it was relevant to what she was trying to teach her, Ahsoka told Citali about the Circle of Jedi Healers, the Halls of Healing, and their history within the Jedi Order. Citali had heard stories of how the healers used crystals or amulets to channel the Force, healing ill and injured Jedi. Long before having aspirations of becoming a midwife, Citali was a Jedi Knight and Healer in her childhood fantasies. Roaming the galaxy protecting people from evil with a lightsaber and healing anyone in need of help. But her imagination and books didn't come close to actually hearing about such things from Ahsoka's mouth. Just as she felt envy of the youngest sister of Jemalau, Citali felt it again longing to possess the powers to heal the way a Jedi Healer could. It mattered not that such a gift came at the cost of one's own vitality when used. Citali would give every bit of life within her if it meant keeping her patients alive.

"I know you said that your own knowledge of healing and the Force was limited," Citali said. "But have you ever healed someone using the Force?"

"Not exactly," Ahsoka said. "Younglings and Padawans all learn the basics of healing with the Force but it was never my strong suit. During the rescue as Echo treated him, I placed my hands on Crosshair and attempted to connect to him through the Force. To let him know he wasn't alone and try to give him some of my own life essence but I wasn't successful. Even the most gifted Jedi Healers usually needed something like the Healing Crystals of Fire to direct the Force in order to heal someone. Similar to how the kyber crystals in a lightsaber amplify and channel energy, these crystals do the same to heal. A great deal of meditation and rest was still required after using such objects."

Citali heard the call of a convor and suddenly Morai was sitting on some large rocks at the edge of the water. There was a time when Citali would have been shocked such a creature could travel hundreds of miles in such a short amount of time, but she was beginning to understand that there were things in the universe far more strange and unexplainable than she ever imagined. Ahsoka and Citali then meditated for a while, Ahsoka telling her not to fight so hard to clear her mind and just be open to whatever the Force showed her. Citali listened to the crashing of the waves, focusing on the sound and breathing in sync with it. Ahsoka paused her own meditation and watched her drift deeper into relaxation, her shoulders drooping and her head leaning down further with each breath. She instructed Citali to place her hands on the ground to connect to the land around them, telling her that places and objects could contain Force Energy. Morai hopped her way over to them, laying her head against one of Citali's hands. Citali wasn't sure if it was what she wanted to see or what the Force was trying to show her but her mind transported her back in time to her seventh birthday when her parents brought her to this beach to spend some time with her before her party in the afternoon.

"I want to share something with you," Citali said in a monotone voice, holding out her hand for Ahsoka to take. "Like I did when you saw my mother's death. I want you to see her as I try to remember her."

Ahsoka looked at Morai still resting against Citali, took her hand in hers, and cleared her mind. Immediately Ahsoka could tell that Citali's connection to the Force was more focused than yesterday. She'd obviously been practicing meditation during her free moments since yesterday's lesson. Ahsoka closed her eyes and strengthened the connection between them, hearing a little girl's laughter as she did.

"Mommy! Father! Look!" she heard a young Citali say, holding a long string in one hand and a small crab in the other, running out of the water to where her mother and father sat on a blanket. A proud smile was on her mother's face and her father chuckled quietly with amusement. "I finally caught one all on my own!"

"I see, that's wonderful sweetheart," the petite, blue-skinned woman said. "But do you remember what I told you about the size of the crabs we catch?"

"Oh yeah," Citali said dropping the string and holding her hand up near the crab, careful not to get too close for it to pinch her. "It's too small," she said sadly. "I'll put it back," and she walked back into the water, placing the crab gently back in and it scurried away.

"I know you're disappointed Citali but now you know that you can do it," her mother said as the little girl sat between her parents, her father putting his arm around her. "We have to release the little ones so they can grow up and have babies of their own. If we catch them all before they can grow up well...we wouldn't have any crabs to eat, would we?"

"I know...I just wanted to bring one back for the party for my friends to eat," Citali said.

"There will be plenty of food daughter, don't you worry about that," her father said. "Your aunt Cid had all kinds of things catered for the party." Citali picked up a stone and skipped it across the water.

"I know...but I like doing nice things for my friends. It makes me happy."

Citali's parents shared a smile before her mother also put an arm around her. "That is very sweet of you," her mother said. "But your friends aren't coming because they want anything from you. They love you and want to celebrate this day with you. Kindness isn't always about giving people material things. Sometimes it's listening to their story, spending time with them, telling them that they are loved." Her mother caressed her cheek gently. "You have a kind heart, my love. As you grow, remember to be as loving and forgiving to yourself as you are to others."

"I'll try my best mommy," Citali said and her mother smiled, giving her a kiss.

"You always do," she said before embracing her tightly, kissing all over her face making her giggle uncontrollably. Her father opened a bag and pulled out a box wrapped in shiny, pink paper.

"I wanted to give this to you before the party," he said as he handed her the box. "Your mother and I discussed it and we both feel you are ready."

Citali looked at the box for a moment, giving it a shake before unwrapping it. Inside was a knife, sheathed in brown leather. Ahsoka recognized it as the knife Citali kept on her at most times. The hilt was wooden with carved flowers and the blade was iridescent, catching the light of the sun. Young Citali's eyes went wide as she held it carefully in her hands.

"This knife was made for you by the craftsmen of Jemala," her father said. "You will begin training with it tomorrow. Until you are proficient with it, keep it in your room."

"I will Father," she said happily. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. But remember Citali," he said seriously. "This is not a toy, it is a tool to protect yourself. The galaxy is a dangerous place for Twi'leks, Twi'lek women and girls especially. You don't have a cruel bone in your body but that will not stop others from trying to hurt you. You already know that, unfortunately. There may come a time when another being's life is in your hands as you wield this knife and you will have to make a decision: to use it to disarm them or to take their life. Do not be hasty to kill but also be mindful not to show mercy to those who don't deserve it." A vacant expression came over his face, a look Ahsoka had seen many times on the faces of soldiers lost in thought from memories of battle. He blinked and shook his head before speaking. "Sometimes...taking a life is the only way we can survive."

Citali held their connection for as long as she could but was drained of energy and she couldn't hold it any longer. She was breathing hard when she opened her eyes and could hear the sound of waves again, feeling Morai's soft feathers against her hand. She hadn't even noticed she made her way over to her and she stroked under the bird's chin. "That was incredible Citali," Ahsoka finally said as she gathered her thoughts. "You were much more focused that time, I sensed that immediately. And your memory wasn't as fragmented, I was able to see and hear everything much more clearly than yesterday."

"Well, I don't know if I deserve much credit," Citali said honestly. "Every time I've made a connection like that it was with your help or Morai's, and I have a feeling part of it was being here."

"The connection wouldn't be possible without your gift or willingness to be vulnerable. Or the practice I know you've done. You absolutely deserve credit, Citali."

"But once you leave..." Citali started saying, feeling her heart break at the thought of saying goodbye to Ahsoka and her new friends. "I don't know if I'll be able to do these things when you do. I tried sensing Crosshair's emotions through the Force last night when I took care of him but I couldn't do it. When I told Echo about everything, I thought I sensed his fear but that might have just been because I know him well."

"You still did what most beings can not," Ahsoka assured her. "You allowed yourself to be open to what the Force wanted to show you. There is a reason that out of all the memories you have of this place, that was the one that came to you. You will have to discern what that is on your own," Ahsoka said, almost fearing what might be in store for Citali after witnessing the conversation with her father but she cleared it from her mind. Citali was more than capable of protecting herself from most foes she would encounter and her family included some of the best soldiers the galaxy had ever seen. She had to trust that it was the will of the Force that Citali would live to grow old, helping countless beings along the way.

"You will improve the more you practice. You already are," Ahsoka said. "In time, I believe you will learn to do things you can't imagine. This is all very new to me, this type of connection you have. The Order studied how the Force worked through beings like me but I don't believe it is known what someone like you is capable of. I am walking the first few steps of this journey with you but when I leave, you will have to continue on without me. It might do you good to seek out the wisdom of your people. Perhaps the wisewomen of Jemala can guide you better than me." Ahsoka scooted closer to her and put an arm around her. "I hope our paths cross again someday so I can see all that you have learned with my own eyes."

I hope so too, Citali thought before laughing. "Perhaps you'll have caught a baby or two yourself by then."

As midnight approached, Echo watched the seconds on the clock tick by as he sat at Citali's desk, writing in a journal she had gifted him after receiving his cybernetic arm. She hoped the process of writing might help him learn to move the fingers with more precision and indeed it had. He always enjoyed reading Citali's books but writing his own stories and thoughts brought him a sense of accomplishment fighting in the war never gave him. Much like learning to cook, writing gave him a way to create, rather than destroy and he never would have even thought to give it a try if Citali wasn't in his life.

Crosshair was sleeping peacefully which Echo was happy to see. Echo recalled how sleep eluded him after his rescue, making it difficult to recover from his time in captivity. But Crosshair was slowly adjusting to a normal sleep schedule again, another positive sign of his mind and body healing itself. Citali and AZI only woke him to administer medicine before he fell right back to sleep. Echo was astounded at the progress he had made in such as short time. Crosshair no longer needed oxygen or continuous monitoring of his vital signs, he could move his fingers more and even his toes slightly now.

Citali gave Crosshair her spare datapad that Iirde had installed a program on to help him communicate and use during speech therapy. Though he was speaking more clearly with every passing day having the option of the datapad to speak for him seemed to bridge a gap, allowing Crosshair to have an actual conversation with Citali. She knew Crosshair was curious about everything in his brothers' lives he'd missed out on the past year so after watching a light-hearted holo with him, she began filling him in. The story of their meeting, how Omega immediately showed an interest in midwifery, how she and Echo fell in love with each other (without going into too much detail to avoid embarrassing Echo), and that when it became apparent Omega would soon ask to become her apprentice, Citali gave them the option of moving in so Omega would have a stable home that allowed her to focus on her studies. She didn't tell him about Melita and Wrecker, figuring that was a story for them to share once they were ready and figured out what they wanted for the future. Crosshair seemed genuinely interested about all he'd been absent to see, asking Citali questions with his voice or the datapad when he struggled to find the words and the conversation probably would have continued if he hadn't fallen asleep. It wasn't lost on Echo how quickly Crosshair had grown to trust and care for Citali, and he wondered how much of that was Citali's personality or this newfound connection to the Force. Whatever the reason, Echo was just glad to see Crosshair smile.

Citali had fallen asleep in the soft chair, clad in her nightgown and robe, her feet propped up on Crosshair's bed and a book lying open in her hands. He was surprised she had stayed awake as long as she had. It was a long day for her between seeing patients and her lessons. Echo put down his pen and got up from the desk, walking over to her and taking the book. He covered her with a blanket and the clock on the wall beeped signaling that it was midnight. He smiled, kissed her gently on the forehead and she continued sleeping, blissfully unaware of his presence.

"Happy birthday, my love."

Taglist: @darkangel4121 @arcee-1995 @gjrain20-starwars @thecoffeelorian

For anyone that is curious about the maneuver I described, here's a little youtube video if you want to see what I was talking about. I think it's really cool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaJ6sZ4nfnQ

[morimakesfanart]

Sindria's Prophet #14

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]

[AO3]

~POV Mori~

I woke up when it was still dark out. Only the faintest light came in my windows.

I hadn't done anything yesterday. Just laid down and rested for the first time in a long time. The doctor's were convinced I needed one more day of rest, but I knew I was already better. When was the last time I had just let my body rest like that when I wasn't sick? I couldn't remember. This peace was nice.

The quiet of sunrise was only broken by the faint sound of bird calls in the distance. I sat up and closed my eyes. I focused everything on my other senses. I couldn't hear the ocean easily from here. I had wanted to use the sounds of the waves to meditate, but I would just have to do without.

It had been a few days since I last checked in with myself and really focused inward. I could still feel them, all of the Black Rukh that had merged with me back in Balbadd. They were much calmer than before. And they felt like a part of me now, like I might be incomplete if they were suddenly gone. I knew each one from the dreams too. Their lives were mine and each also now knew my life as their own.

Going through all of their lives on the ship would have been painful even without being sick. These were angry souls and they did not welcome the inner peace I was offering easily, but a person's Rukh doesn't lie. After reading this world's truth through my memories they all calmed.

All of us lived lives of loss and poverty and trauma. That must have been another part of why we were able to fully merge in such a short time.

As Black Rukh they couldn't return to the Great Flow where the rest of their loved ones were, but they at least had each other within me.

It was a very strange feeling.

And along with their lives and Rukh, their magoi was also now mine. What had felt like a small pool now felt like a large lake. I had a lot more magoi at my disposal now that they were fully integrated with me.

The Great Bell range and I grounded myself in the present.

Only then did it occur to me that I was probably sick, and suffering from the influx of Rukh separately at the same time. It had been both all along. Whatever illness I had was worsened by my situation with the Rukh. I hadn't lost my magoi manipulation during it, but it was probably learning it ahead of time that had saved me. There's no way such a large amount of Rukh entering me wouldn't have made my body unstable.

Would the doctors understand if I explained it to them? I should ask Sinbad before saying something unnecessary.

The dim light from my windows called to me. I got out of my bed, put on my glasses, and sat on the sill of one them at the encouragement of the waves.

Like this, I could look down and see the Palace court yard. On the other side of the court yard were the Silver Scorpio (martial arts training), and Black Libra (libraries & schools) Towers, behind them to the left was the Red Cancer Tower (military) and fully to the left was the Purple Leo Tower where Sinbad lived. Since I was on a high floor I could easily see all of the towers of the Palace from my windows -all except the White Capricorn Tower where Ja'far does most of his work since that building was on the other side of this one.

It was so strange. Looking at all this made it real that I was really here. How many times had I reread or rewatched scenes wondering what it would feel like to be here?

I rested my head on the window frame as I watched the growing light from the sunrise.

The guards changed.

The sun was fully risen. Ja'far would be waking up Sinbad soon if he hadn't already.

Two people walked out of the Purple Leo Tower -a guard and a woman. She wasn't wearing a uniform. In fact she was wearing less than the citizens I saw the other day.

"Oh, right."

Sinbad has a call girl see to him after Ja'far wakes him up.

I had the 3rd fan book for the anime which contains a day-in-the-life for a bunch of the main characters. It was only in Japanese, but I had learned enough (and could look up what I didn't know) to at least read his schedule.

The direct translation was for a "temporary woman" which from what I've found is the Japanese term for a fem sex worker. I've seen some translations for Magi's extra material refer to them as "call girls" so that was the term I chose to use.

The franchise used the word "harem" in a bunch of places, but purposely didn't use it here. That combined with an omake of Sinbad having a nightmare about being married and having a harem made it clear that Sinbad did not have a harem; he had the whole red-light district of his country to choose from.

Hold on... That book wasn't supposed to reach my house until after I had Isekaied so how did I know it's contents? There were barely any scans or photos of pages online-

*Knock knock*

My thoughts

were cut off when breakfast arrived -with more medicine of course.

---

~POV Sinbad~

Nearly a week had passed since King Sinbad had arrived home. There was a lot to catch up on. As much as he wanted to finally relax after everything that happened in Balbadd he didn't really have the time for it. Even after catching up he would still have to prepare for his trip to the Kou Empire. And Ja'far wasn't letting him forget either responsibility.

None of this stopped him from having his slow mornings. He at least gave himself that little slice of heaven.

This was business as usual -at least it was supposed to be- but Sinbad couldn't shake a growing feeling that he couldn't name. It was making him unsettled. The waves didn't give him any answers and drinking hadn't made it go away. It felt similar to missing important.

He wasn't missing any paperwork. There had been an issue with one of their supply ships going missing, and another being delayed, but he had already decided how to proceed. He was definitely interested in the progress the Black Libra Tower was making with testing Mori's theories, but the experiments would take time and they had already scheduled a meeting for an update. The new guests were still settling in. Alibaba was a mess and Aladdin was only marginally better the last time he had visited, but Morgiana was fine and already training with Masrur regularly. According to the doctors reports, Mori would be better in another day or so, and the reports he got from the maids said she was resting every day after giving that partial scroll.

Maybe this was impatience. Aside from his paperwork, everything interesting was either done or waiting for the next step.

Sinbad often walked his country in the evening, but there was no reason he couldn't check on things now. He didn't have time to go for a walk at that moment, but he could spare the magoi needed to use Zepar and fly around the country using the bird he had possessed with the Djinn's power. This wouldn't be the first time he'd done this while working on paperwork.

The bird was sitting on a railing in the city center when Sinbad took over. From this spot he could make some quick rounds in the city and then maybe make a stop in the Black Libra Tower to get a sneak peak at what they had found out so far.

The same old gossip filled most of the streets. Some price complaints, who just had a child, how work was going...

"You're serious? A prophet?”

"My husband saw the scrolls she made from her visions with his own two eyes."

Now that was new gossip.

Sinbad had the bird land near by the two women.

"Oh? What was in them?"

"He said it was like reading secrets of the world."

"Really???"

"Mhmm." She nodded. "Not everyone believes it though so they are all working to test her writing."

"Didn't you just say she was brought in by our King? Do they really think he'd be fooled by some false prophet?"

"I said the same thing! And you know what my husband said? He said that they need to find proof even if they believe the Prophet because otherwise we won't be able to prove it to our allied countries."

"I guess that makes sense..."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Oh! I think I might know what she looks like!”

"What? How? You only learned about her just now."

"When King Sinbad came home, there was a girl on some magical flying cloth, remember? That has to have been the Prophet!"

"I think you're right!"

To two moved on to some other gossip and King had the bird fly towards the Palace. Listening to talk about his Beautiful Prophet reminded him of his mission to peek at what was happening in the Black Libra Tower. Being able to bypass the stairs and the gates made the journey much faster.

The Sun was already in the western side of the sky. Shadows were cast onto the court yard from the Black Libra Tower. The stone of the Green Sagittarius Tower was nearly blinding white from the direct light. Color flashed in the corner of his eye as the bird flew past the upper levels of the guest tower. Before his thoughts had fully registered the familiar shade of nearly black indigo, Sinbad was guiding the bird to investigate. He landed on the railing of one of the windows and looked at the young woman resting against that same window's frame.

Mori looked just as surprised to see a bird land right in front of her as he was to be there. Sinbad had purposely been avoiding using Zepar to spy on Mori since she somehow knew that he had eavesdropped on her before. It had been days since he last saw her, so when she was suddenly an option-

"Heh hehe"

Mori's chuckle and smile took his full attention. He didn't know what had made her laugh, but he hoped she'd do it again.

"Sir, are you aware you are a bird?” After the words passed her lips she was struck by a giggle fit.

Sinbad had no idea what she was thinking or why she had said that to a bird, but he was hearing her voice for the first time in nearly a week so he'd worry about figuring it out later.

When Mori finished laughing at her own joke she leaned her head to the side and watched him. Her hair shifted and another lock spilled over her shoulder. The sight brought attention to the low neckline of the dress she was wearing. If Sinbad was there in person he would have brushed her hair out of the way just to have an excuse to touch her.

"Did you miss me that much?" Her voice was soft and a bit playful. "You didn't have to use Zepar to visit me."

Mori knew it was him! Sinbad jolted and his head hit the back of his chair in his office. How could she tell? Only magicians could see magoi and Rukh to see the spell active on the bird.

"Sin, is something wrong?-” Ja'far had just entered the room to give his afternoon report.

King Sinbad raised a hand for him to be quiet and tapped Zepar's ring to explain the situation. He didn't want to talk and miss something Mori said or did.

The General's expression turned serious and nodded as he went quiet.

When Mori didn't get a response from the bird she added, "Are you surprised that I knew it was you?" Her smile was warm as the sun. "I have read your Fate many times, so I will always recognize you, my King."

Normally, the idea that someone could see through Zepar's magic would concern him, but this didn't. It strengthened his belief that Fate had guided Mori to him.

And the affectionate way she said "my King" at the end made him smile. The waves had moved like this a few times like the last time he had seen her in person, and when he learned she could also feel the waves. The Great Flow of the Rukh was guiding them to the Fate he could see, the one where she lived the rest of her life by his side.

Ja'far sighed. "Just let me know when I can give you my report."

Mori whipped her head towards the door to her room. "They're here early."

There were the sounds of people walking in the hallway, but no voices to denounce who, or their destination. All the same, Mori got up and walked to the door. She opened it before the doctors had a chance to knock.

"How did you...?" One of the doctors asked.

"I recognized the sound of your footsteps," was her answer.

"I see.... And how are you feeling today?"

Mori walked into her room, and spared a glance at the bird still watching her from the window. "I feel fine. Just like yesterday." She turned back towards the door and sat on the edge of her bed. "So can I finally leave this room?"

The doctors were understanding but they still were going to do a full check up first.

Even without the waves it was obvious that Mori was going to be marked as full health. Sinbad would prefer to go see her immediately and give her a tour of the Palace personally, but he was still a King with responsibilities. "Ja'far, Mori has just been declared healthy. What do you think of everyone having dinner together to get everyone better aquatinted?"

"I didn't hear anything about-” Ja'far started and then cut himself when he realized. "Were you just using Zepar to spy on her??"

"Of course not." Sinbad said with all of the confidence of the King he was. "I flew directly to her and she recognized me instantly. I wasn't spying at all."

"She recognized you??" Of course he'd be shocked.

King Sinbad laughed. "She did. Though she was surprised to see me."

"I bet she was surprised to suddenly see a bird in her room. What made you think to use Zepar instead of visiting her in person? You're already getting regular reports on her condition." Ja'far always acted as a buzz kill.

It didn't stop Sinbad from laughing at the situation before finally asking for that report he postponed earlier -conveniently avoiding answering Ja'far's question.

The magician in Mori's room was talking. "Would you be interested in visiting the Black Libra Tower with us? We can show you how the experiments are going. And if possible, would you be willing to answer some questions?"

That was an understandable request, but it could wear her out.

The Prophet was facing away from the windows so Sinbad couldn't see her expression. "I'd really like that actually." But he could hear the excitement growing in her voice.

"Let me get changed real quick." Mori disappeared behind her folding wall and emerged in the outfit he met her in.

Sinbad did not drop control of the bird, but he also didn't follow Mori out of her room. Instead he waited in the window sill until he saw her enter the courtyard and then had the bird fly to the Black Libra Tower.

---

As soon as he finished whatever last minute things Ja'far was about to add to his pile, Sinbad would go to the Black Libra Tower and surprise his Beautiful Prophet in person.

~POV Mori~

In the manga and in the anime the only areas shown of the Black Libra Tower were Yamuraiha's office/lab and one of the libraries. I was more than curious about the rest of the facilities.

The first room seemed to be a reception area and had a map of the tower. I only got to glance at the separations between the libraries, offices and class rooms before a tall and lanky magician walked up to us.

"Is this her??” Her short ponytail bounced as she looked between me and my guides.

Isa, the magician who had been taking care of me the past few days, introduced me. "This is Lady Mori, the Prophet!” He acted like he was showing off the coolest toy on the playground.

The tall woman got right up in my face. "I knew she had to be the Prophet! The Rukh don't normally move this way around people."

Before I got to respond she started rambling comments and questions that covered everything in maroon and peacock blue getting sponged across a cream canvas. I stepped back and Isa cut her off. "Lady Mori will be answering everyone's questions in time. We were just on our way to see Yamuraiha so I can show her how everything has been coming along. You are welcome to join us."

She definitely joined us. As did many others who spotted us or were called over by others in our procession.

We walked through a few library areas, and up a few flights of stairs. As we passed various rooms and areas I was told what or who would be inside, but I wouldn't remember any of the specifics until I had a chance to use the space and explore on my own. What did stick was that most of the classrooms were next to the libraries and the labs were near the offices.

Yamuraiha must have heard our group from down the hall because her head popped out from one of the rooms ahead of us. "What is going on out here??” Then she made eye contact with me. "It's you!!"

That made me smile. I fought back responding 'it's me!' like I would with my friends. "I'm Mori. I'm glad I'm finally getting the chance to meet you, Yamuraiha!” I stopped walking when I got 3 yards/meters away.

She immediately pulled her staff against her chest with both hands. Her shoulders tensed but she had an enthusiastic smile. "The pleasure is all mine!"

Yamuraiha was amazing, smart, and endearing. I really wanted to be friends with her.

I out stretched my hand to shake hers. "I'm really excited to work with you, and learn more about magic even though I'm not a magician."

"The feeling is mutual!” She took my hand more than matching my excitement. And when she released it said, "Since you're here, would you like to see what we've been working on from the scrolls you gave us?"

"Yes please!”

---

The lab she lead us to was a little down the hall. All of my scrolls were spread out on one table and a bunch of notes and different materials were on an other.

Yamuraiha pulled out parchment that had a complicated magic circle written on it. "We can't do much yet, and it still takes a catalyst and many magicians at once to control the amount of magoi safely but our alchemy magic has made a breakthrough from your writing."

She asked a few of the magicians that came with me to join her. They pointed their staffs and wands at the magic cycle. A large crystal in the room started glowing, and the Rukh lit up the space from within the circle. Specks were pulled out of the pile of ingredients nearby -dirt, scraps paper, a small potted plant- and gathered at the center of the circle. The light got too bright for me to look straight at it and when it faded there was a small dark grey cube in the middle of the circle. It looked like a die with no markings.

Yam explained. "After reading about 'atoms' and 'bonds' in your scrolls it was like finding the missing piece. It will still be a long time before we can perfect the process, and we still can't make anything bigger than this yet, but soon we will be able to make anything we want!"

((In the future I intend to: reference more old memes, describe more of my experience with synesthesia, and explain more basic history and science. SO you all have been warned lol))

I had to respond; I couldn't just continue staring in awe. When I tried to answer I ended up gasping since had forgotten to breathe. I chuckled at my own shock as well as the situation. I looked up at them. "You're all amazing to be able to develop this already from the little I wrote!" I looked back at the stone. "I knew I wrote the keys to Yunan's signature alchemy magic in those scrolls, but to think you've already gotten this far with it -its amazing."

With this -when developed farther- we could make certain materials without having to worry about the pollution, and break things down easily so we won't have to worry about garbage piling up everywhere.

"Did you say Yunan? The Magi, Yunan?" Yamuraiha looked at me with wide eyes.

"Yes." It was my turn to explain. "Yunan is able to use alchemy magic like this on a grand scale. In the Fates I read he will have reason to visit Sindria in about 2 years. He creates a cabin and food in the middle of the Palace court yard so he has somewhere comfortable to stay."

The bird in the window ruffled it's feathers.

"Yunan explains the basic concept of how that magic works when asked, and since I know the science of the physical world I know the details to what he was talking about." My smile widened. "I hope my notes were easy to understand. Please let me know if you have any questions."

[strongsassysexysloane]

Sixth Day of Twelve - A Scrumptious Mystery

The mystery of the secret surprise gifts continue.

Previously

Gif by Regal Roni

. . . .

You were unsure how people who didn't like coffee survived with little to no sleep in their system because coffee was keeping you alive until lunch time today. Sunday at work after a long case was exhausting but the condition on getting the reports done was to be out of there by early afternoon and have Monday/Tuesday off unless a high priority case came up.

You hadn't got much sleep the night before because Jack was texting you until 2am your time which was 1am her time. She shared all the food she'd eaten and the sights she'd seen on her car rides around town with Dwayne. The tiredness made filling out reports that much harder but you didn't want to end the conversation until Jack did the night before. Ok, you had it bad and it being the holiday season only made that feeling worse especially with the current secret gift giver.

Vance may regret letting her finally got to NOLA for a case, she was raving about it over text so much that.yoy were slightly worried she wouldn't board her return flight home in a few days. She'd been begging for ages and you just know she wont shut up about it when she gets back which would mean the next time Dwayne requests her assistance her badgering will be even more relentless.

Poor Vance, you chuckled to yourself.

You never wanted Dwayne on your back, Jack on the other hand... You smirked at your thought and ran it out of your mind.

Back to work, you only had a few reports to finish because Gibbs had finally cracked the neighbour in interrogation before you'd ce in this morning. He didn't actually kill the victim but admitted to hiring someone to do it for him, it was almost a perfect murder, the only thing connecting the two was his Instagram account which Jack had found yesterday before she left.

You were all busy typing away for the last two hours, furiously getting this work done so you could enjoy some quiet time. Gibbs had just gone for a coffee run, his trash can was already full of cups. It made you wonder if he actually went home last night. He was just walking back in when you stretched in your chair, cracking your back from being hunched over your keyboard for so long.

"Your order." Gibbs placed a bag on your desk next to the photo frame and phone.

"What?" You spoke before you thought. Ripping the plastic bag closer to you and peering inside to see a styrofoam box that smelled Devine.

"Elaine said you ordered lunch." He shrugged walking over to his desk.

All eyes were on Gibbs then back to you. "But i-? Did someone put you up to this?" His flat glare answered that stupid question.

Of course, Gibbs wouldn't be apart of the rouse. Or...?

Could Jack have called from NOLA?

Anyone could've made that call but he said, Elaine said you ordered. Someone was most certainly lying.

You squinted at Gibbs but he didn't flinch, move or grunt.

Some might think that was his tell when he did nothing but right now you were too hungry and confused to figure him out.

You picked out the box and opened it to reveal your favourite, cheeseburger and fries, perfect. The grumbling in your stomach demanded to be satisfied even though.yoy felt slightly guilty that no one else had lunch. That guilt lasted all of ten seconds until you took your first bite and you were on heaven. Whoever this gift giver was, you wanted to kiss them right about now. This was perfect.

Just as you took your last mouthful of food you felt your cell vibrate in your pocket. You'd switched it to vibrate after Jack's texting last.

I bet my lunch is yummier than yours!

You couldn't help the wide spread grin on your face at the picture that was attached to the few words. Nevermind the possible clue about your gift. No, the picture was amazing. You clicked save and made a mental not to add it as your wallpaper later.

Jacqueline Sloane surrounded by assortments of various dishes, food on both sides of her cheeks, hands covered in whatever she was eating with a massive grin on her face. You could make out the side of Tammy's head and you guessed Dwayne was taking the picture.

Ellie was curious at your laughter and had walked over while you were staring at your phone. "Oh my god. I hate her." She groaned, "I'm going to get ten packets of things from the break room now." She stomped out of the bullpen and you could've sworn you heard her stomach growl.

It's a close call. I got my favourite meal and I didn't even order it. You look very much in your element, Bishop is jealous, as am I.

Send.

Before Bishop was even back, there was a reply.

That's hard to beat. The Diner's cheeseburgers are to die for. Don't tell E about dessert.

Was sent with a picture of various pies and something else you didn't recognise. There mustve been a party or something because the spread was something you'd only seen on Christmas Day.

You read the message again and again. She knew your favourite meal and where it came from. It wasn't like no one knew about it, hell every time you met up with the team at the dinner that was your order unless it was breakfast time. Not that you couldn't order it for breakfast. You and Jack had been there several times for a sneaky lunch break when it wasn't busy at work. She knew, the whole office probably knew. You groaned and put your phone down. It wasn't helping getting your work done and you needed to go home to over think this over a bottle of wine and chocolate.

. . . .

Apologies if this is shorter than the rest, hard to keep up with the lengths. Thank you to everyone that's liked and commented and reblogged!! Means a lot and helps me keep writing them :)

[eryiss]

Summary: Freed and Gajeel were total opposites in every way, only connected by the guild. When they were forced to train together under Makarov's orders, they expected antagonism and mistrust. Instead, they were given a lesson in how quickly opposition can turn to attraction. The issue: let the budding relationship simmer away, or let it explode. [Freed x Gajeel Multi-chapter]

Notes: Hope you all enjoyed the last chapter, and thanks for sticking with this. It’s quite fun to write for this ship, and I hope you’re all ready for homoerotic exercise and another argument between men who don’t know how to communicate :)

Links: FFN, Ao3, Chapter List

Chapter Three - Proving a Point

Day Two: Tuesday

Gajeel woke in a pissy mood. This wasn't going like it was supposed to.

Freed was meant to be a smug, self important man with no practical skills, no world-hardened experiences, and no way of keeping up with what Gajeel was demanding of him. His three day plan had focused around humbling Freed, telling him that he wasn't hot-shit like he clearly thought, and making him realise that his cushioned life didn't mean he was Gajeel's equal.

What was not meant to happen was for Freed to be competent! He wasn't meant to make a shelter, he wasn't meant to be able to make a fire without a match, and he wasn't meant to be able to cook the damn fish and make them taste good! Even Gajeel couldn't do that.

Worse, the fucker knew. Oh he knew what Gajeel wanted but wasn't getting.

He hadn't been so smug when he'd lost though, had he? He hasn't been running his mouth when he'd been in the stream, gurgling his pathetic little surrender. Nah, he'd looked exactly how Gajeel wanted him; weak, embarrassed and unable to deal with the fact he was out of his league.

Sure, it hadn't taken long for Freed to recover and spout some bullshit about Gajeel being intimidated by his magic, or whatever the hell it was he said. He was trying to save face and Gajeel wouldn't let him; he had lost their fight because he couldn't live without his spells. That was impractical, short sighted and the way a spoiled brat of a man worked. No doubt if he had to rely on his fists more, he would have seen the stream as something to take advantage of and used it, rather than falling into Gajeel's trap.

Hah. At least one thing had gone Gajeel's way.

Mostly.

Kind of.

Look, Gajeel might hate the man and the things he seemed to stand for, but Freed wasn't bad looking. And Gajeel was just a man, who had been stripped to the waist with Freed in the same state of undress, wrestling one another. He was bound to get distracted for a moment. Thankfully, Freed's nasty kick to the balls and the ensuing tantrum after had quickly quelled any growing interest.

Gajeel knew what he had to do today, though. Because if he was going to fight with Freed at the end of the week, he needed to respect the man. He wasn't going to respect Freed if he couldn't take a defeat, and if he couldn't handle himself without his magic. So today, Freed was going to prove he had the ability to back up his words.

Okay, it was a tenuous reason for what he had planned, but fuck it. Fuck Freed too.

It was tempting to wake the prick up by dumping some of the water Gajeel had gathered over his sleeping face - a nice little reminder of how the fight had ended - but he decided against it. He needed to have everything prepared before he woke up, so it would be better to check that everything was in place. That, and Freed apparently snored a little when he was sleeping, and Gajeel certainly didn't want to interrupt the possible blackmail that could come from it.

And perhaps it was nice to have something cut through the silence of the forest.

Gajeel had trained in this forest many times, and as such had come to know how to utilise it's assets. He wandered slowly, blinking away the sleep in his eyes, and eventually found what he was looking for. A large tree that had fallen down years ago, and stumbled down a hill. What remained was a leafless trunk at the bottom of a steep incline, perfect for strength training.

Next, he walked to the largest upstanding tree within reasonable walking distance. Gajeel had often climbed this tree to push his agility and upper body strength, and it was the perfect way to test Freed's practical skills. The tree was still standing tall, the branches Gajeel used to climb still attached. Perfect, no excuses for when Freed fucked up.

When he got to the lake, Gajeel grinned a little. The morning was cold and the water would be freezing, the worst temperature to take a swim in. Normally Gajeel would have hated to swim in weather like this, but it would certainly be a nice wake-up call for the spoiled little Prince.

Yeah, this was gonna be fun. For Gajeel anyway.

——

"I think yesterday proved pretty damp conclusively that you're out of luck if you don't have your magic," Gajeel said with crossed arms, looking down at Freed. "So, today I'm gonna teach you a couple techniques that'll come in handy when you're in a situation where you can't spell yourself out of trouble."

Freed clearly wanted to make a comment, but held his tongue. He was learning, huh.

When Gajeel had returned from his check of the forest, Freed had woken up, set up a new fire and was using the rest of the fish (and a few berries that he had picked) to make them both a breakfast. Gajeel had wanted to reject it out of hand, but it had smelt great and if it was anywhere near as good as his meal the day before, refusing it would be a mistake. It had tasted amazing, so Gajeel had huffed out a thanks and gave a short nod of thanks.

Soon after that, Gajeel had motioned for Freed to follow him. Freed had done so without complaint - Gajeel couldn't prove it, but liked to think it was because the asshole was too embarrassed after his loss - and allowed himself to be led down the stream, towards the lake.

"You've got wings right, when you use yer magic?" Gajeel asked. "So yer probably gonna use 'em to get over every little thing, right?"

"Like you do with your little cat friend, I expect," Freed commented, and Gajeel stiffened slightly. Freed noticed and smirked a little. "My apologies, I interrupted you. Please, go on."

"Don't need yer permission," Gajeel grunted, more to himself than to the man standing before him. "But if yer using yer wings as much as I think you are, you ain't ready to deal with terrain that ain't easy to walk through. So, if this week's about improving then this is gonna help you get over that flaw. We run from here towards the lake, taking us through forested ground which ain't even and ain't safe, and then we swim from one side of the lake to the other."

"So it's a race then?" Freed asked, annoyingly not intimidated by the proposition.

"If you want," Gajeel shrugged. "But I ain't got a prize or anythin'. Definitely not one for participation, like yer probably used to."

Freed rolled his eyes at that, but didn't ride to the bait. Instead, he said, "Perhaps when I win, you'll cook for once."

"You ain't gonna win," Gajeel claimed.

"We'll see," Freed hummed a little, far too smug for his own good.

"Stretch up," Gajeel muttered, even though he wanted to push the man further, maybe even see if he could add an actual forfeit for losing, something to really make the fucker squirm. But, well, Gajeel didn't know for sure he would win, so couldn't risk things just in case.

Just as Gajeel went to start stretching his calves, he heard the sound of ruffling fabric and frowned. He ignored it for a moment as he felt the gentle burn of his muscles working, but caught sight of Freed's white - now dirt stained and crumpled - shirt now hanging over the branch of a nearby tree. With slightly furrowed brows, he turned towards Freed to demand an explanation, only to see him kicking off his pants and placing them right next to his shirt, leaving him only in his boxer-briefs. His tight and eye-catching boxer-briefs.

Before the thoughts could even form about how Freed was wearing his underwear to perfection, Gajeel forced his memory back to the night before. About how he'd acted and how he had tried to make Gajeel feel like crap just to feed his own ego.

Freed had lost a wrestling match, and had thrown a fit about it. Gajeel couldn't respect a man like that, and he couldn't find a guy hot if he didn't respect him.

"The hell are you doing?" Gajeel demanded.

"If we're going to swim, then I'd rather not get my only set of clothes wet when it could be avoided," Freed explained, and Gajeel was momentarily thankful that he didn't look ready to remove his boxers. He couldn't think like that, so spoke again.

"Cause you can't stand a bit of discomfort, right?" Gajeel grumbled.

"No, I just don't see the point of making things worse for myself to prove a point," Freed looked pointedly towards Gajeel when he said that. "The water is clearly going to be cold and the weather doesn't look like it'll improve, meaning it'll be a struggle to dry ourselves already. The fire can only do so much, and we'll either have to lounge around in wet clothes out of stubbornness, or remove them and wait for them to dry while we ourselves get dry. That extends the time we'll be cold, making us both uncomfortable and wasting time before whatever inane task you've got next. That, coupled with the fact that this is flu season, seems like good enough justification for avoiding a stupid problem."

Gajeel could hardly argue the point, so instead he mumbled, "We ain't gonna be lounging around."

"What an astute and well thought out argument," Freed deadpanned, and Gajeel wanted to punch him again. He didn't, instead averting his eyes as Freed started to stretch his arms. "Nobody is forcing you to do the same if you're shy, Mister Redbox. To me it just feels like the reasonable course of actions."

Rather than speaking, Gajeel turned his back. He also removed his shirt and boots; but he wasn't getting half naked like the pervert next to him.

Calling him a pervert was maybe a stretch.

He pushed back that thought, as well as the thoughts of how damn good Freed's ass looked in those boxers - Gajeel was only a man, and he couldn't deny what he saw - and instead got himself into line with Freed. The race is what he should have been focusing on, not the fact that Freed didn't look half bad when he was taken away from his pampered and luxurious sheen. Tangled hair and the odd spec of dirt really did wonders for the pretty-boy.

The race. Focus on the race. And the fact the guy couldn't deal with a loss.

"Ready?" Gajeel asked, but didn't wait for an answer. "Go."

He lurched forward before he could think, sprinting through the undergrowth of the the forest as he ran towards the lake. Years of guild work in places like this had allowed for the perfection of running through the forest; you kept alternating your gaze between the ground and on the trees.

Usually he would have turned his skin to iron so he wouldn't have to focus on the branches in his way, but he was trying to prove a point. He winced a little as a sharp end to a twig scraped against his cheek, far too close to his eye, but didn't let it stop his pace. He could hear Freed's breathing very close behind him, so evidently Freed knew how to run through a forest as well as Gajeel did, so he couldn't let up for a moment.

When they were out of the forest, there was a short run towards the lake with more space than there had been in the forest. Gajeel forced himself to run as fast as he could, not wanting to let Freed overtake him now he had the width to do so. And not having a view of the man's body might-

The race. The way he'd acted the night before. Focus dammit!

If telling himself wasn't enough to cut off his libido, the face first plunge into freezing, dirty water certainly did. He let out a shuddering gasp when his head broke the surface, but couldn't allow the ice-cold water to stop him. He quickly started to swim, smirking a little when he realised he still had the lead.

The smirk died when Freed overtook him pretty damn quickly.

Gajeel saw nothing but ripples of water ahead of him, and gritted his teeth as he tried to speed up. He was a man built to brute force his way through a problem, while Freed was apparently more agile. He should have expected that, but he had wanted to leave Freed in the dust during the run so it wouldn't be an issue.

All he could do now was swim to the other shore of the lake, pissed off.

When he reached the end of the lake, he saw Freed resting on one of the large boulders that made up the shoreline. He was panting, soaking wet and still wearing those fuckimg boxers. When he saw Gajeel haul himself up from the water, he looked towards him and smirked.

"That didn't end up how you wanted, did it?"

"Shut up," Gajeel snarled. "Get yer clothes, we've got a busy day."

When Freed laughed, Gajeel nearly pushed him into the lake again.

——

"So, you think ya can beat that?"

Gajeel had more than got his confidence back now, and he was smirking at Freed with his arms flexed intentionally.

Both he and Freed were stood at the bottom of a steep hill, where the dead tree-truck sat. Gajeel had explained this challenge; they would both have to push the tree-truck up the hill as far as they could. The justification for this exercise was that Freed might one day find himself in a situation where he was trapped without his magic and needed to force his way out with his strength alone, and the exercise was meant to simulate that. Freed clearly saw that Gajeel just wanted to push his limits, but he didn't say anything.

This was the last task of the day. They'd already attempted the tree climbing that Gajeel had planned, and Freed had been obnoxiously good at it. Gajeel had been faster, but they both knew that he had a natural advantage because he'd had practice. Gajeel could hardly boast about being slightly better then Freed at something he had done many times and Freed was new to.

Gajeel had just finished his attempt at pushing the trunk, and was fucking delighted when he saw he'd beaten his own personal record. This was how he would regain his control over things.

Freed didn't stand a chance.

"I'm sure I'll be a worthy contender," Freed stated, walking towards the tree-trunk. "Which is a feat, I expect, given that you've clearly been setting me up for failure from the beginning."

"Maybe if you weren't so predictable then I wouldn't have been able to plan things out so well," Gajeel grunted.

"So you predicted that, in everything other than tasks that relied solely on physical strength, I have exceeded your expectations and beaten you in completion, I suppose?" Freed taunted quietly as he positioned himself against the tree-trunk. "I expect you did all of this simply to prove your inferiority."

"Inferiority?" Gajeel scoffed. "You ain't done anything but bitch about this because it's not going yer way."

"Not going my way?" Freed laughed, turning from the log and looking at Gajeel again. "You are joking, aren't you?"

"All you've done is make yer little comments about how you don't think it's fair," Gajeel challenged, taking a step forward and glaring the other man down. "And when ya lose, you throw a tantrum."

"I throw tantrums," Freed demanded, sounding equal parts exasperated and annoyed. "As opposed to you, who has been acting perfectly rational throughout this? It hasn't escaped my attention that you clearly see Makarov's initiative as some sort of personal affront to you, and you have apparently seen it fair to force all of these grievances onto me. So for you, a man who has been as close to stomping his feet and wailing as his pride allows, to complain about me throwing a tantrum is practically laughable."

"You think that's what I'm doing?" Gajeel took another step forward. "I'm doing this because yer clearly a spoiled little city-boy and I ain't associating myself with something who can't-"

"Can't what?" Freed snapped. "Can't make a shelter? Can't start a fire? Can't swim across a lake faster than you? Because I've done all of this despite your clear hopes otherwise. Or would you rather judge my worth as a mage by seeing me push a dead tree up a hillside, or to wrestle you without the weapon I use nor the magic I wield? Because, Mr Redfox, if you need to force such strict parameters to best me and you consistently lose, then perhaps your plan isn't a good one."

Fuck, he wanted to punch the guy. Fully encase his fists in iron and beat the shit out of the guy. It would be damn satisfying to see the guy knocked out, while the smugness straight out of him.

"Nothing to say?" Freed continued, a patronising look on his face.

"Fuck off," Gajeel growler, turning around and going to walk away. Before he could take a step, a wall of glowing runes shot up in front of him, blocking his exit. He turned to Freed with an expression of fury. "What the hell is your problem?"

"You," Freed snapped, and magic seemed to emanate from him.

He looked feral in that moment, with all the shields of fancy clothes and smart ass words replaced by anger and magic. His shirt was billowing in the magic induced winds, and the glare on his face was accentuated by the purple swirling in his eye. Fuck, he looked like a man on the edge and it shot straight to Gajeel's dick. Freed was a gentleman gone wild, and if that wasn't one of Gajeel's most well-buried fantasies then he didn't know what was.

The expression was gone as quickly as it came, and the magic swarming Freed's eye fell away. For a moment, Freed looked worried, but he was talking again before Gajeel could understand why he looked like that.

"Neither of us are happy about this, but at the end of the week we have to fight side by side, and the biggest issue we have right now is that we can't stand one another," Freed seemed more calm now, as if the bubble of anger had burst. What the hell had caused that? "So, either you plan something that might make us work together, or at least respect one another, or we both stop trying and say to hell with the consequences."

Gajeel didn't say anything. It felt like the rug had been pulled from under him.

Suddenly, a wave of shitty realisation hit him. Freed had a point when he said he was taking his anger out on him, when he really just didn't want to do the damn training thing at all. He wasn't being fair.

"I think that's enough," Freed sighed. "I'll gather my things and go home. You needn't contact me again."

Freed was walking away before Gajeel could react, and the walls of runes fell around them both. A horrid feeling of regret filled Gajeel, and he quickly jogged to catch up with Freed, who was clearly ignoring him. He kinda deserved it.

"Shit, Freed, wait," He placed a hand on the man's chest, and Freed glared at him. "Yer right, I ain't been fair," It wasn't a fun thing to admit. "I had some ideas about who you were, and didn't wanna let ya prove me wrong, even when you were kicking my ass," He sighed. "And yer right about me wanting to fuck you over, that's why I did this shit, and it wasn't right. That was shitty of me."

"Well, I can hardly blame you for judging me. We were both guilty of that," Freed admitted. "And thank you for admitting that. But I don't see how we could suddenly become a cohesive, effective team, we're hardly compatible."

Gajeel sighed, Freed had a point.

But if a Fairy Tail mage was good at anything, they were good at being stubborn.

"What if we have a fight?" Gajeel proposed, and Freed frowned at him. "Talking like this ain't gonna get rid of the attitude we have for each other, right? You're still pissed at me, and you said some things that made me wanna sock a punch in yer jaw. Maybe having the chance to beat the shit outta each other might break through the attitude problems we have."

"That's not too bad an idea," Freed admitted, glancing at the evening sky for a moment. "It would be cathartic to make you scream."

"Buy me dinner first, city-boy," Gajeel teased before he could think. Freed all but gaped at him, and Gajeel was speaking to fill the silence before he could stop himself. "Y'know, I ain't ever seen you fight before. Don't know how you work."

"Then I have the advantage," Freed grinned slightly. "And you're voluntarily giving it to me. Perhaps you really are repentant."

"Nah, just wanna kick yer ass without you having an excuse."

"We'll see," Freed smirked, and Gajeel found himself grinning back.

[girlpornparadise]

Atop the Office

Pairing: Horacio Carrillo/f!Reader (Narcos)

Word Count: ~3000

Warnings: It gets smutty. Of course it gets smutty. It’s why you’re here. It’s why I’m here. It’s my raison d’etre. But it got softer. I can’t stop this man from being soft. 

Personal ramble: I didn’t intend to write a second chapter. I don’t intend to write a third. But this man got under my skin so who knows what will happen. 

You can read Part 1: At Your Doorstep. It’ll make a lot more sense that way.

You awaken later than intended to find yourself alone. You reach across the bed, but there's no warm body to touch or even residual warmth to feel. He's long gone.

You look around the room and there's no trace that he'd been there. Maybe it was just a dream. 

You look at the clock and realize you're running late for work, and in a panic start to get ready.

When you go to brush your teeth, you see the 2 towels strewn across the floor. You pick them up and they're both still damp. It reminds you it had been real, which somehow feels worse. You had opened yourself to him, wide and raw and vulnerable and he had abandoned you without a second thought.

You rush through your morning routine and leave for work.

You arrive a little late, but no one seems to notice. You decide you'll stay a bit late to make up the work. You find the notes from yesterday and begin to compile your report.

Halfway down the page you find it and it hits you like a bus. "Colonel Carrillo…" His name doesn't elicit the usual reaction of lip tapping smiles. This time it cuts like a knife. What felt like your deepest, most intimate encounter was merely a one night stand.

After you devour lunch, having skipped breakfast entirely, you return to your desk. The deflation you felt has made you exhausted, but the report can't wait. You write accurately and factually, but your hero feels like a villain to you now, and it takes the 3 dimensionality out of the work.

While you're typing away, you hear them coming. The commanding footsteps. You know the sound of those boots. Involuntarily your fingers feel the memory of unlacing them the night before. Your mind flashes to those soft eyes watching you do it and you feel sick.

Instead of your usual beaming, you are flushing with embarrassment. You're humiliated and you duck your head down pretending to concentrate on your work. Out of the corner of your eye, the green uniform passes and you picture it on your floor. No. You push away the memory with force. 

After half an hour of sighing into your papers and choking down the lump in your throat that precedes tears, you hear the footsteps again. They are approaching from the direction you are facing this time and you duck your head again, unable to face him. 

The footsteps pause at your desk and you feel him hovering over you. You try to steel yourself before looking up, but you can't conceal the pain and anger in your expression.

He stands tall and stone-faced, but something flickers in his eyes as he registers your expression.

He leans down slightly and drops a manilla folder in front of you. 

"Your boss wants this dealt with asap." He states and walks away.

You're confused. Why on earth would he be delivering a report to your desk. He doesn't even work here.

Looking around to see if anyone noticed this anomaly, you open the folder carefully, like it contains something confidential, suspecting it's for your eyes only.

In it you don't find a report, but instead there's a single piece of paper with neat handwriting in black ink.

"I'm sorry." Your heart sinks. You knew he thought you were a mistake. That this perfect man used you and regrets it. But you push on.

"I couldn't bring myself to wake a sleeping ángel." You gasp slightly and your heart jumps into your throat. 

"Let me make it up to you. Dinner tomorrow. Meet me at the same restaurant at 7pm.

Horacio" 

You silently whisper his name to yourself and the deep seeded intimacy of speaking it the night before floods you with longing.

You look behind you, but he once again is long gone.

You fold the paper and put it in your purse to protect it from prying eyes. But you also know you're saving it for later, so you can run your eyes over the words and linger on the word "ángel" like an enamoured school girl who had been passed a note in study hall.

***

The next day arrives and you show up to work glowing. You can't sit still all day and by the time the clock strikes 5 you're practically vibrating with anticipation.

You go home and change this time into a sundress that flatters your figure without giving too much away.

You make your way to the restaurant a bit earlier than you normally would. This man works on military time, you remind yourself, and punctuality isn't your strong suit.

You sit down and shortly after order yourself a drink. You should treat yourself. Feeling special will give you confidence, and after your first lukewarm date, you feel like you'll need it.

The drink disappears and the bowl of peanuts slowly empties.

8 o'clock rolls around and you realize you've been stood up. As you reach into your purse to get your wallet, your hand brushes by the folded paper with his name neatly scrawled across the bottom.

No.

No, you were not going to accept this. 

You go to the counter and order 2 meals and have them packed up to go.

You hail a cab. "Carlos Holguin School." The driver considers it an odd request at this hour, but takes you there all the same.

It's quiet as you walk to the gate. You pull out your embassy badge and flash it at the surprised guard. He notices you are carrying a large brown paper bag, but your tone is sharp when you tell him the files you're delivering are urgent. Unable to find a reason to deny someone so harmless looking entry, he lets you pass.

You approach the office and take a deep breath before you enter, unsure of what's on the other side. Unsure if your intrusion will be welcome.

You enter the dimly lit room to see Colonel Carrillo leaning over his desk, leaning on his elbow with his forehead pressing on his hand.

He stands abruptly, startled by your presence.

The office is otherwise empty and all of a sudden you feel very aware of how inappropriate it was for you to come here at this hour, or at all really.

"How did you get in here?" He asks with a tone you assume he uses for interrogation.

"The, uh, guard let me in." You stammer. "I told him I was delivering files from the embassy." 

You've misread the situation. This was a mistake.

He sighs. His posture and expression soften simultaneously as he realizes he put you on the spot.

"I'll have to have a talk with him." He says exasperated and a bit amused. "I'm sorry, it's been a long day." 

"Too long for a dinner date apparently." You say coldly.

His expression hardens, but is quickly replaced by regret.

"I owe you an apology, an important lead crossed my desk and I couldn't get away. I didn't even realize it was so late until you came in."

You arched your eyebrow at him.

"And I owe you another apology. I'm sorry I left your home so abruptly. I got a call that required my urgent attention and I had to practically run out of your apartment."

"You could have left a note." You were clearly angry and hurt.

"I didn't have time. I…" he trailed off. "There's no excuse."

"You could have called." You should have called your mind corrected you.

He smiles slightly. "I don't have your number."

Your eyes go wide at your own stupidity. You never gave it to him. His smile widens a little at the look on your face.

You glance around the office at the scads of surveillance equipment.

"You can track the phone calls of criminals on an international scale but you can't get a hold of my phone number?" You counter with a tinge of frustration overshadowed by your amusement.

He chuckles. "Fair point."

"So what's in the bag?" He asks, changing the subject. 

"As I told your guard, important files from the embassy." You smirk.

He lets out a laugh. You've never heard him laugh before and it makes your heart smile.

"Your files smell a lot like empanadas."

"I figured you hadn't had a chance to eat." You scan across his desk to the bottle next to the smoke curling from an ashtray. "And you can't subsist on alcohol and cigarettes alone."

"It does smell good." He concedes.

"You need to take better care of yourself." Your tone is more serious and laced with concern than you meant it to be.

"Then I'm lucky I have a guardian ángel looking out for me." 

When he hits the world "ángel" you smile. The wide, beaming, embarrassing smile you give him when he passes your desk.

He smiles back at you, realizing he's been forgiven.

You walk over to his desk and he grabs a chair from another part of the room. You sit down next to him and tuck into your meals.

You say very little to each other, but it's far better than the awkward first date the other night.

He's relaxed around you.

You finish the meal and clean up. He leans back in his chair a little and looking regretfully at you says "I should get back to work." 

Leaning on his desk you lay your hand gently over his. "Must you?" You ask softly.

Your hushed tone reminds him of last night. How tender you were when he needed you most. How you let him fall asleep in your embrace. How you are his ángel.

He stands up and you stand to meet him. He puts his hands on your waist and sits you down on the edge of his desk. His firm but gentle grip positioning you to his liking. He runs his hands up to your back and moves closer.

He kisses you softly, and you lean into his kiss. You spread your legs so he can move closer and you feel the warmth of him against your body.

You place your hands against his chest, feeling the scratchy fabric of his uniform. 

"Oh Horacio." You sigh.

That name is so seldom spoken in this place that it melts the room away. And it is only the two if you, two bodies and two heartbeats.

He runs his hand over your hair from your crown to the nape of your neck.

His lips ghost over yours, playfully teasing and a shudder runs through you. You can feel his breath hot against your face.

Your eyes closed, he presses his lips to yours and you murmur into his mouth. You feel him smile against you as your lips part, allowing his tongue to slip past and gently massage yours.

Your hand finds the nape of his neck and your fingers start swirling circles into the base of his hair.

You go to unbutton his shirt, when his hands move to stop you. The reality around him suddenly crashes against the desire welling inside. 

He looks at you, torn. He can't do this here, in his office, at his desk. But he can't bear to disappoint you again. He considers for a moment.

"I need you." You whisper.

Though he doesn't say it, he needs you just as much.

"Desperately." You whisper, almost a hiss.

The urgency settles in his chest and his resistance fades.

Your eyes pleading for his touch, you caress his face. "Please, let me take care of you, Horacio."

"No ángel, tonight I take care of you." His voice soft but still authoritative.

He unbuttons and removes the top of his uniform to reveal the green shirt underneath. You paw at it, much softer to your touch, tighter so it grants you a better feel of his muscular chest as you run your hands across it. It's slightly damp with his musky sweat.

His fingers run up the inside of your thigh to your panties and he feels you through the thin cotton. You moan.

"You're soaking wet." He muses.

"I've been thinking about you all day." You say breathily.

His eyes darken as he slides his fingers beneath the fabric and between your folds. Your hips roll at his touch.

He slides his fingers into you, pressing your walls with just enough force to make you tremble around him. You let him finger you with strong deliberate strokes and he watches your face as your lips tremble while you breathe heavily.

He cruelly pulls his fingers away. He then wipes them down his top lip, and into his mouth, smelling you, tasting you, imbibing your essence.

"Please Horacio." You whine.

Your desperation settling between your legs, you tighten your thighs to his hips and wrap your legs around him, which hikes up the hem of your dress.

He presses his erection against your practically dripping panties, and you feel the bulge rub against your clit. You moan at the contact.

He's becoming more frenzied now and stands you up by gripping your butt and pulling you forward. He reaches under your dress and hooks the waistband of your underwear. He swiftly jerks them down to the floor, and you step out of them. He pushes you lightly and you perch back stop the desk, legs wide.

He unbuckles his belt and leaves it hanging open at the front. After unbuttoning and unzipping his fly, he pushes his pants down to his knees. And his boxers quickly follow.

His erection is exposed and you lick your lips at its reveal. He grabs it firmly and directs his head through your slick folds, pressing harder at your clit. The pressure makes you moan.

His girth finds your opening and he glides it into you with more force than before. Your hips roll as he fills you fully and you cry out.

"Oh Horacio."

You are addicted to saying his Christian name. So few have the privilege and you let it tumble from your lips again and again. With each exclamation, he thrusts a bit harder, tries to feel you more deeply. 

You grip him tightly, his shirt bunching in your fists, your legs around his barely exposed ass.

As you squeeze your walls tightly around him and your pleasure crests, you throw your head back and let out a strained and broken cry. 

He buries his head in your neck and continues his rhythm. You feel him panting heavily on your collarbone and can hear him losing control.

The rhythm breaks, and with a few quick and uneven thrusts he spills into you, crying out. As he does, you push your hand into his hair and press his head into your neck. 

As he pulls back from and out of you, you shudder and sigh. He grabs a box of tissues from his desk and gently wipes up between your legs, wiping himself clean shortly after. 

You're surprised about how gentle he is, and he seems to read your mind. 

"I told you I'd take care of you." He says, kissing your forehead. 

He retrieves your panties from the floor and as he stands up, sniffs them. You smile at this quirk.

You both straighten your clothes so you're dressed but a bit dishevelled.

He takes your hands in his and looks at them once again like they could absolve him of his sins. He's so gentle despite how much larger his hands are than yours.

He pulls you towards him slightly and his eyes brighten indicating the spark of a new idea.

"Come, I want to show you something."

He disappears into a storage closet momentarily and he comes back holding a dark wool blanket.

He leads you out of the back of the small building and to a ladder on the side that leads to the rooftop. He indicates you should climb up and though you're not the most sure-footed person, you do so, with him following behind in case you slip.

As you reach the roof you look around. You're not very high up, but there's a gentle night breeze that takes your mind  out of the crowded city.

He spreads the scratchy blanket across the roof as if preparing for a picnic. Taking your hand in his, he sits you down on the blanket.

He sits beside you and putting your hand on his cheek, you gaze into his eyes. Soft, brown eyes, framed by perfect lashes and slight creases at the corners when he smiles.

He gazes back and puts his hand atop yours, holding it to his face. You sit like this for some time, hoping to better understand each other through this act of silent communication.

He runs your hand down to his jaw and swipes it across his lips, kissing your palm.

Still holding your hand, he lays you down on the blanket and lays down next to you. The wide open view of the sky lets you see the almost full moon and the few stronger stars that punctuate the city's haze.

You gaze at the sky, while he gazes at you, equally entranced.

"My ángel deserves the heavens." He whispers in your ear and you melt. You certainly did not expect to find a warrior poet beneath his khaki green armour.

You turn on your side and put your hand on his chest, over his heart. He wraps his muscular arm around your shoulder and pulls you tight to him. You close your eyes and breathe him in. You can't help but feel safe next to this man. This leader of armies and hunter of evil. A hard man who has grown soft for you.

You close your eyes.

The next thing you're aware of is the sun peeking over the skyline. Horacio is awake and helps you sit up to admire it.

"Good morning." He says quietly, his lips barely moving.

"It certainly is." You say, resting your head on his shoulder. 

He wraps his arm around you and you bask in each other's steady breathing.  

Suddenly it hits you, you have to get to work.

He goes to drop you at your apartment, but it's too late in the morning, so he lets you out a few blocks from the embassy. He squeezes your hand as you leave the car and you scurry to work.

He drives you off the base. As you pass the guard shack, Horacio - no, Colonel Carrillo, shoots the guard a stern look that says if you ask any questions you'll be doing pushups until you collapse. You're both waved through quickly.

[nothingbutfangirlsmut]

The Maze Trials: A Gally Fanfiction

Pairing: Gally x Emi(OC)

Background: Emi, first girl the Glade has seen. Tougher than she looks and more than ready to prove it. Since day one her and Gally have been at each other's throats. Fighting constantly and not just with their words.

(Gally fanfiction which will include smut. It also has an actual story line. Think of it as an AU to the original Maze Runner. It'll mostly follow the main story line with some changes. Mostly focusing on Emi and Gally and their relationship.)

Chapter Six

This morning I'm with Newt trying out the job of a farmer. We are in the middle of the gardens. He's showing me the difference between all the plants.

"Can I ask you something?" He asked suddenly standing up and facing me.

"Sure" I said.

"What happened between you and Minho? I saw the two of you walking into the woods together then this morning at breakfast he was uncharacteristically quiet." Newt stared at me awaiting my answer.

"Well, he kissed me and the kiss progressed and got pretty heated but I stopped it. I told him I wouldn't let him go any farther than that kiss. Then I walked back to the homestead." I explained kicking at the dirt.

"I knew he had a thing for you. Pretty much everyone knew. The guy can't be subtle at all." Newt chuckled.

"You think he's mad?" I asked him.

"Nah, he will be over it before you know it and he will be right back to hitting on you again. Minho is not one to give up." Newt smiled.

"Do you like him?" Newt asked me taking a step closer.

I shrugged.

"I don't really know. I only remembered my name yesterday. I've only been here a few days. I'm still trying to fill everything out. I don't think I'm ready to like anyone yet."

"Well warn me before you get there cause I have a feeling most of the guys are going to attempt to get with you." Newt laughed as he bent back down.

"What about you?" I asked curiously.

He seemed to freeze for a moment. Then he started picking at the weeds in the dirt.

"I think you're wonderful Emi but not really my type." He said slowly and quietly.

I bent down to help him with the weeds.

"What is that suppose to mean?" I questioned quietly.

Newt chuckled. He popped his head up to look around him before turning back to me.

"It means you're not a guy so you're not my type." He gave me a small shy smile.

I couldn't help the large grin that spread across my face.

"No way!" I shouted earning me a slap on the arm from the blonde.

"Sorry" I whispered.

I laughed but made sure Newt knew his secret was safe with me. I think I just found my best friend. It'll be nice to have someone to talk to about these ridiculous boys.

"Anyone you have an eye on?" I asked quietly as we walked towards one of the tree stumps.

"I use to have a crush on Minho for awhile but that went away awhile back. Now I'm not really into anyone. Maybe one of these days a boy will come out of that box and change that." He smiled hopefully.

"I swear I will get you hooked up with someone one of these days." I grinned at him.

He laughed then started wacking away at the stump. The day went by quickly thanks to Newt and I chatting each other up. I couldn't remember the last time I laughed this much. Before we knew it the bell for lunch sounded.

"I figure after lunch I'm gonna throw you with the builders if that's alright. Speed up the process a little bit." Newt said as we walked towards the hut.

"Yes!" I exclaimed happily.

Newt laughed shaking his head. I think he already knew I was interested in being a builder. I just feel like I'll like that the best. Like I'll be the best at that. Plus I want to out do Gally in any way I can. Not sure why I have a need to do that but I do.

I got my food and found my seat. Newt took a minute to let Gally know the plan. I watched the blonde boy inform the angry one. He nodded once then glanced over to me. When he saw I was already looking at him he quickly looked away.

"I told Gally you were very eager to try being a builder." Newt laughed as he sat next to me.

"Why would you want to be a builder?" Clint asked scrunching up his nose.

"They're all idiots." Jeff whispered.

I just laughed and shook my head. They wouldn't understand if I told them why. I don't fully understand why. I just have this feeling and I think I should follow my gut. After lunch Gally came over and got me so I could follow him to work.

I was practically skipping as I walked with Gally. I was so excited to get my hands dirty. Of course Gally didn't trust me with a big job so he told the other builders what to do then made me go with him to gather more wood and other materials.

Gally took us to the edge of the woods to work on cutting out some wood to use. He handed me an axe then started chopping. I followed his lead chopping on the opposite side of him.

"Don't cut any of your fingers off. I'm not dealing with it." He grumbled as he continued to swing his axe.

"I won't cut off any of my fingers." I snapped at him.

He slammed his axe into the tree and left it there. He stepped closer to me his chest out like he was ready for a fight.

"Do you have a problem princess?" He asked harshly as he glared at me.

I swung my axe hard sticking it in the tree just as he did. Then I stepped away from the tree and towards Gally. I stood toe to toe with him. I wanted to make sure he knew he didn't scare me. Not even a little.

"Yea, I have a problem with the way you talk to me. You think because I'm a girl I can't do the same things you can? You think I won't make my corners as tight as you, I'll cut my fingers off, or I can't beat your ass. Don't you get tired of being proved wrong over and over?" I spat at him stepping even closer.

He growled grabbing my arms and shoving me against the tree our axes were in. His face was so close to mine I could feel his hot breath on my skin. I hadn't noticed the boys in the Glade that could see and hear us stop what they were doing. I was too distracted by the one holding me against a tree.

"You are either very brave or very stupid." He growled in my face.

"How about a little of both. I'd say I tip more to the brave side while you overload into the stupid." I said harshly as I stared him down.

His hold on my arms tightened. His face was getting redder by the minute. I was enjoying this way too much. I think pissing him off would be my new past time.

"I'm very close to beating the klunk out of you." He growled inching his face even closer to mine.

"I mean you can try but I can almost guarantee It'll go about the same as the bonfire." I smiled wickedly at him.

With a very loud growl he let go of my arms. I knew what was coming next. His big fist pulled back and went straight for my face. I let out a howl of a laugh when Gally punched the tree I was just against. He hissed turning around when he heard my laugh. I had moved out of the way at the last second. I could hear the shouts of the other gladers coming our way.

"You better get your swings in now big boy looks like the cavalry is coming to save you." I smiled wide as I did a little side to side dance.

"To save me?" He growled out in disbelief.

I nodded still doing my little dance.

"Gally! What the hell are you doing?" I heard Alby's booming voice.

I did the stupidest thing and glanced towards the leader's voice. Next thing I know I was tackled to the ground with a steaming Gally on top of me. He went for my face but it was easy enough for me to block him. I had to struggle a little to fix myself enough to roll us. 

Once I got myself in just the right angle while blocking Gally's random throws I pushed him off me. His hands held tightly on my shirt pulling me with him. We hit a slight slope perfectly causing us to roll a few times. I made sure that when we stopped I was on top. Gally groaned when his head roughly hit the ground.

"What the shuck are you two doing?" Newt asked in bewilderment.

I grabbed Gally's shirt and pulled lifting his shoulders and head a few inches of the ground.

"Gally here keeps looking for a fight. I think it's time I gave him a proper one." I stated while glaring at the boy below me.

"Enough you two!" Alby shouted.

My head snapped over to him. Those words threw my mind back into the dream I had. I glanced back at Gally who was laying very still. His hands tightly holding my wrists. I let him go and quickly stood.

What the hell is going on? My mind kept bouncing between reality and my dream. The similarities were seriously giving me a headache.

"Take both of them to the pit. Make sure they are next to each other. And no one is aloud to visit them. Make them talk to each other or not at all." Alby ordered angrily.

"The pit?" I questioned looking at Newt who was grabbing my arm.

Two boys went for Gally but he just growled, shoved them off, then stomped around Newt and I to where ever the pits are. Gally knew not to argue with Alby. I could tell just from the look on Alby's face he wasn't the person to cross.

Newt pulled me over to some horrible looking makeshift cells. They were built into the ground. He opened one of them up and gestured for me to get in.

"You've got to be kinding?" I asked staring at the hole in the ground.

"You two broke a big rule. I don't know what your issues are with each other but Alby wants them worked out. So, yes, get inside." Newt said sternly.

I huffed but did as he said jumping inside the small dirt hole. Newt quickly locked me in somehow then opened the one right next to me for Gally.

"Have fun you two." Newt said as he walked away.

—

[igotshinee21]

Dear Jonghyun,

A year. That's what it's been. I still can't believe it. You have everyone around the world missing you and crying and praying that you're ok. It seems like just yesterday I was 5 sitting in front of the TV in my grandmother's house watching SHINee's debut stage. All I could focus on was you. It took my grandmother having to pull the Korean news channel up on her computer for me to go eat breakfast and get ready for the day.

I couldn't stop watching you. I knew you were singing for your Noona but I. I felt like you were singing for me. You were smiling but looked so focused on the dance that you just radiated 'LOOK AT ME IM THE BLING!' and I just remember asking my grandma who you were and she reads the Hangul going across tbe screen and says 'Kim Jonghyun' and that's when I fell in love.

That whole day I went through Kindergarten class singing Replay and all the kids around me called me names cause they spoke English they didn't understand who you were or how powerful you were. You made a 5 year old have standards for guys that I shouldn't have had.

I went home that day still humming it and went inside. I went on the computer and just searched you and then I saw you. The next few years went by. I fell more in love with you by the day. But after you debuted and became my center the worse took place.

My step dad the person who I was to go to for comfort and feel protected by began to abuse me. Every night I would lay in bed crying and wondering why a now 6 year old had to go through this. I started sobbing and the only thing that calmed me down was you. The smile that your face brought and the twinkle your eyes shown. I laid in bed everynight thinking of you begging you to come get me from the life I was living.

The abuse got worse. I was 7 with depression and having to steal my mom's makeup to cover up bruises. That's when I started having panic attacks and hyperventilating. The one night I couldn't breathe and had to go to the hospital but the doctor asked me if I had a way to calm down and I said yes. Music. And more specifically SHINee, you. He played like 3 of your songs and watched as I went from on the brink of passing out to dancing to replay.

He told me that it was because of you I was breathing and hadn't died of oxygen lack. So I left happy. But the abuse didn't let up. If anything it got worse. He used you guys against me, told me I was getting punished cause you guys saw me as a disappointment. But I knew it was a lie. You guys brought a smile to my face every time I thought of you. But when I turned 10, that's when I turned to you for the late nights in the bathroom. When the only relief was self harm. After a while of sitting there you talked me into putting the blade down and cleaning up and that I could make it cause your voice gave me hope it gave me a safe place. Weeks later I was in the same spot though. Except this time I wanted to end my life. I sat there crying and didn't move. No one was home. But my iPod started playing randomly and the first thing I hear is you. Your voice came through the headphones clear as day. I fell asleep on the bathroom floor feeling like I was gonna be okay because I felt like you weren't gonna let anything happen to me. But of course he had other plans. He took most of my innocence and told me if I told a soul I'd get in so much trouble. So I kept my mouth shut. Now 2014 comes and I'm turning 11. I'm in the 6th grade and it's November. Thanksgiving time. next week and a half is hell for me. my grandma dies and you know who helps me cope??? You.. you let me cry myself to sleep thinking I was gonna be okay.

YOU WERE MY HOPE

YOU WERE MY SAVIOR

YOU WERE THE ONE WHO SAVED ME

But of course let's rewind some of 2014. You became 'Blue Night's radio host and every day it never failed I'd listen. Even though I didnt understand much your voice got me through the everyday life.

Now 2015. By this time I had tried ending my life a total of 4 times. I self harmed more than what I wish I did and I became so wrapped up with my pain and the fear of people seeing me weak I was diagnosed with Smiling depression. The same thing you had. But you held me through all the pain and suffering. My mom leaves my step dad. And actually right now in 2018 shes in the process of divorcing him.

We move down south from New York to Georgia (USA). I was afraid of people making fun of me that I barley listened to kpop. I was so absorbed with not getting put an outcast I almost lost you. But you still were there. The nights I cried. The nights I have like tonight where i just hurt and don't know how to fix it.

2016 rolls around and I lose it! You release you're she is album on my birthday and I felt like the luckiest girl ever. I called my grandma and told her how you wrote she is for me. And yes at the age 13 i swore we were soul mates. I had ever since I was 5 so why stop?

And then 2017... I lost sight of you. I barley kept in touch with what SHINee and you were doing. I knew you stopped hosting. And y'all dropped a Japanese song (GET THE TREASURE IS A BOP! But so is every SHINee song) i was so focused with school and sports I lost sight of you. Then I moved to where I am now. And face more shit. I was sexually harrased the first 3 months I moved here, I stared self harming again and pulled all nigher just so I wouldn't have nightmares. Then December 18th comes. I wake up to my friend blowing up my emails and feed with the news. I was lost deviated shocked numb. I couldnt feel anything. You were my everything. My rock. The reason I kept fighting. And I couldn't help you from the thing you helped me from.

I didn't do anything for the next two weeks. I was of course numb. I did the bareminimun. I barley ate. I didn't sleep. Then I cried non stop in my room. I couldn't let everyone know I was hurting. My family didn't even think there was something wrong with me cause I hid the pain so well. I mean I became so good at looking okay people just assumed I had the best of everything.

January 1st came and I didnt want to do this. I didn't want anymore tomorrows. But as I sat in my room crying over you I heard it. The same thing I heard every time I cried like that. You told me id be okay and that you'd always be there. Then for some reason I couldn't stop wanting to see you. Every SHINee video I watched. Every video of you I watched.

I haven't read your letter or watched the funeral. I refuse. I guess I'm afraid it'll make it like official official that you're gone and that I have no choice but to say goodbye. But I don't wanna say goodbye you became my reason for fighting. The reason I rolled out of bed. The hope that life was gonna get better

I wish I could have helped you. I'm so sorry. I just hope you're okay and happy and not hurting.

You did well bling bling. I'll post more later today. It's just gonna be my favorite moments of you. You and SHINee. Always and forever.

I hope the words I could never say reach you. 'THANK YOU'

(just some people on insta paying tribute)

[i-found-your-shoe]

Where My Demons Hide - Part 3

[Sam, Dean, Reader]

In the month and a half since you had joined the boys, Dean's attitude towards you had changed. You weren't lying when you said you lived on whiskey and cheeseburgers, which impressed him. You shot better than he thought you would, though you could use better technique. And you didn't complain about the music he played in the car, singing along at times, and even agreeing that Bon Jovi rocks - on occasion.

He taught you defensive maneuvers and better shooting techniques, Sam taught you lore and how they do research, and in return, you taught them Krav Maga.

And currently, you were teaching them to not underestimate you at the pool table. You were bent over the table, lining up your shot and pretending to not see Sam staring at your ass. You bit your lip, hit the cue ball, and sank your shot in one try. Sam cheered. For once, he bet against his brother, much to Dean's chagrin. You winked at Dean, who sat his beer down a little too hard, and lined up his shot. You leaned back against the wall and lit a cigarette. This was the only room you were allowed to smoke in and you took advantage of it.

You took a sip of your beer as Dean took his shot and remembered your news. “Oh! Guess what?”

“Fuck!” Dean exclaimed as he missed. “What?”

“After this last batch of paperwork clears, guess who will be a fabulous millionaire?”

Sam choked on his drink. “Wha-? MILLIONAIRE?”

“Multi.” you laughed. “And it'll stay that way as long as the stock market stays up.”

“You play the stocks?” Dean asked, setting his pool stick down.

“My father didn't raise a fool. He taught me a few things. My current account is sitting at over a million and a half at the moment. Some from a trust fund, some from stocks.. Most hard earned, though.” Both men looked at you, bewildered. “What? You thought the two of you were paying for the nicer hotel rooms?”

“How - uh, how much exactly are you getting?” Sam asked, genuinely curious.

“Five or six from my parents accounts. Four from insurance. As long as I'm around, no more shitty motels.”

Dean raised an eyebrow. “Maybe we should keep her.”

“You're just spoiled by the continental breakfasts.” you laughed.

“Unlimited bacon, (y/n). Unlimited freakin’ bacon.” he shrugged.

“Nothing is final yet. But it should go smoothly. And then, you boys don't have to commit credit card fraud anymore. Just think of me as your Sugar Momma.” You bent over the pool table again, tongue poking out of the side of your mouth, and lined up your next shot. “Sam, you got winner?”

“Huh?” he replied; your question snapping him out of his trance.

You laughed again. “I've almost won. Am I kicking your arse next? Or are we done?”

Sam watched as you took your shot, sinking again on the first try, and victoriously picked your cigarette up from the ashtray. He knew you thought it was a horrible habit, but he was mesmerized by the way you tucked your bottom lip in to lick it before you raised your fingers to your lips. And the tiny, perfect little O shape you made when you exhaled. And the way you glanced at him, subconsciously licking your lip again.

“You won't kick my ass.” Sam smirked.

“We'll see about that.” you replied, raising an eyebrow at his cockiness.

After thoroughly wiping the floor with both Winchesters, you took your winnings and headed back to your room and settled into bed.

A few minutes later, Sam pointed his head in the door. “Hey, you, uh, planning on keeping your ass in bed tonight? Or creeping into my room again?”

Your eyes widened and you played dumb. “I…don't know what you're talking about.”

Sam opened the door all the way and threw your pillow at your face. “This was in my floor, liar.”

You sighed. “Sorry… I, uh… Couldn't sleep. So, when I can't… I've been camping on your floor. Just…once or twice a week, maybe.”

“Nightmares, still?”

You nodded and he walked in, sitting in your desk chair. “I didn't want to say anything. I, um, I've been working so hard to prove that I can do this. I didn't want Dean, or you, to see it as weakness or something…”

“(y/n), believe me. Dean and I? We're…professionals at the nightmare thing. Sometimes it comes with the territory. Nightmares are a no judgment zone. You've been doing great. You even took down that vampire like a pro.”

You chuckled. “One vampire out of, like, fifteen.”

“You saved me, didn't you?”

“Purely selfish reasoning, of course. If you died, Dean would have to teach me how to research.” You faked a grimace.

It was Sam's turn to laugh. “That would be pretty horrible. He can barely Google.”

“But he does know how to find beautiful, busty Asians.” You groaned, remembering when you accidentally came across his porn stash while researching the vamp nest.

“Get some sleep, (y/n). And if you find yourself having any more nightmares, my bed is open. You know.. So you aren't sleeping on the floor.” Sam cleared his throat as his cheeks turned pink.

“Are you asking me to sleep with you? Most men offer me dinner first.” You grinned, causing him to blush harder.

“I-”

“I'm kidding. Drinks will do.” you winked. “Goodnight, Sam.”

“Goodnight, (y/n).”

The next morning, you trudged into the kitchen to see Sam making breakfast and Dean struggling with the new coffee maker you had bought.

You let out a yawn as Dean grinned. “Mornin’, Stitch.”

“Oi, fuck off.” You groaned. He hadn't mentioned what happened the day before and you were hoping he had forgotten, but obviously he hadn't.

“Am I missing something?” Sam asked, raising an eyebrow.

“(Y/n) has a tattoo.” Dean grinned wider.

“Yeah. I know. We've seen them.” He rolled his eyes.

“Oh ho, not this one.” Dean chuckled, finally getting his cup of coffee to begin brewing.

“Dean….walked in on me changing while you were out yesterday.” You grimaced.

“It's on her butt.”

“On your b-” Sam began to ask.

“YES, ON MY BUTT. STRAIGHT ON THE ARSECHEEK.” You groaned again. “I got it when I was 16 with my best friend. It's Stitch and it says Ohana.”

“On your ass cheek.” Sam stifled a laugh.

“The left one.” Dean chimed in.

“Fuck you guys. I'm going back to bed.”

“Oh, come on, (y/n). Don't be a spoilsport. I'm just messing with you.” Dean stuck out his bottom lip.

Sam chuckled as he made himself a cup of coffee. “So when do I get to see it?” he asked, cheekily.

“That's why I don't tell people about it. Everyone always asks me to see it.” you replied, taking the fresh cup of coffee out of his hands and taking a sip.

“Hey!”

“That's what you get, Sammy.” you winked.

Dean curled his lip. “Get a room, you two.”

You stuck out your tongue and began adding sugar to the coffee. “So, now that we've addressed my arse, when are you going to let me kick some more monster butt?”

“Don't get cocky. You've killed one vampire.” Dean stated. “And you shouldn't have even been there for that one.”

“But I was there. And I was awesome.” You shrugged.

“Cocky gets you killed, (y/n).” Dean raised an eyebrow.

“And yet, here you stand. The cockiest of us all.” You challenged.

“Yeah, and I've been to Hell and back more times than you can count. How many times do you think I've died, Sammy?”

“Are we counting the Tuesday? Because if we count the Tuesday…. Roughly, 120.”

You raised your eyebrows and your eyes widened in shock. “120? As in twenty more than a hundred?”

“To be fair, The Tuesday was a time loop. But I died a lot. Sammy still can't watch Groundhog Day. Or listen to Heat of the Moment.”

Sam rolled his eyes. “Yeah, well, it was kinda traumatic.”

“Fine. Cocky gets you killed. I get it.” you crossed your arms over your chest. “I'll wait then. Ignoring the fact that I'm more of a hands-on learner and everything. I'll just read books and look at websites and do nothing completely productive.”

“(y/n)....” Sam began.

“Look, Stitch..” Dean started at the same time.

“Oh, is that my nickname now?”

“Of course. Look, I'd rather you be safe than dead. This is still a trial run. If you die, you will bet know if you'd have made it or not.”

“Research is just as important as the hunt. You can't hunt if you don't know how to kill what you're hunting.”

“I said I get it.”

“You're no good to us dead, (y/n).” Sam gave you a small smile.

“I know.” you returned a very unenthusiastic smile.