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pwarkluv · 4 years

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❝ you’re the one i want ❞ - yji

yang jeongin x reader | fluff | 1.8k words

WARNINGS | lowercase is intended, high school au, established relationship au (if that’s a thing lol), non-idol au, just your good old going on a date kinda fanfic where you two realize just how in love y’all are, whipped!jeongin, really fluffy, did i mention fluff?

SUMMARY | when your date ends with a giant promise.

AUTHOR’S NOTE | another fluff fanfic because that’s my forte and i haven’t written any skz things yet :P hehe the pic is my pfp. anyways jeongin is one of my ults and my bias in skz so this is gonna be fun to write! also i’m doing this right, right? it’s yji? yang jeong in? idk why but for some reason it doesn’t look right to me. also the ending’s trash i’m sorry-

“baby please stay still.” your boyfriend softly scolded as he carefully fixed the bunny hat on your head, one hand keeping the hair out of your face and the other placed carefully on the back of your neck to keep you still.

it was the last couple of days before the start of your guys’s senior year, before things get complicated academically. the august heat burns but you didn’t think twice about it, more excited about the fact that you and jeongin were at seoul land.

your tiny frame bounced up and down, slightly frustrating your boyfriend. he didn’t mind though because you were absolutely adorable in the bunny hat he bought for you. jeongin smiled softly at your excited face reminding him of a kid opening christmas presents.

his hands then went up to fix the froggy headband you chose for him, making sure he didn’t look completely stupid. when you first pointed out the headband, jeongin had a protest at the tip of his tongue. but dang, the way you looked at him had him nodding his head in approval before he said a word.

“are you done yet innie?” you whined, holding onto his arm as he chuckled. jeongin’s free hand goes up to squeeze the paw of your hat, one of the ears going up. his heart never failed to race whenever you two made eye contact. he wholeheartedly believes you are the most beautiful thing he has ever seen in jeongin’s eighteen years of life.

jeongin smiles at your blushing face before grabbing your hand.

“let’s go loser.” and he drags you to the viking ship on your left.

❝ i like shiny things, but i’d marry you with paper rings ❞

you couldn’t help but smile at your boyfriend’s focused gaze. you guys were taking a little break from rides and instead going around the games and food stands. his tongue poked out as jeongin focused on the target in front of him, fire behind his eyes.

you two were sharing a funnel cake when he noticed your eyes staring at the cute cow stuffed animal. jeongin immediately recognizes it from a kdrama you two watched on your first movie night as a couple. and that’s how you found yourselves standing in front of a water gun stand watching your boyfriend try and win you that stuffed animal.

the man at the running stand laughed quietly at your dumb and in love expression before the ding rang, indicating jeongin won. your boy jumped a little in victory before turning to you with the biggest smile ever.

and that’s when you felt it. that warm and fuzzy in your tummy, the racing in your heart, the automatic smile you gave him back. you and jeongin have been together since the summer before your second year of high school. you watched as he grew from the shy and timid boy to the (slightly more) confident man he is now. you couldn’t believe how you’re already gonna start your senior year with the love of your life.

love.

in that moment when jeongin stuffed the plushie into your hands and gave you a hug, you knew you were completely in love with him. you wanted to marry him someday.

you didn’t care if you two were in your pajamas or dinosaur suits, you just wanted to be his.

❝ uh huh, that’s right, darling you’re the one i want ❞

jeongin’s palms felt sweaty and clamp as you dragged him towards the carousel. your carefree and euphoric expression made his heart double in size as he blinked at you. suddenly the ring in his pocket felt heavy, weighing him down with every step he took.

the start of summer while jeongin was at the mall with his hyungs, a pretty ring caught his eye. it wasn’t anything too big or expensive (which he was thankful for as a broke high school student), but absolutely stunning. the ring had a thin silver band with one medium sized diamond in the middle, tinier ones surrounding the big one.

and before he knew it, jeongin was at the shop paying for a promise ring he was hoping to give to you before school started. there was a matching one he bought on a whim, leaving him more broker than before.

jeongin knew he was in love with you in the middle of your third year in high school when you two had a burping contest to see who could burp the loudest. you won (only because he let you) and from then he only had heart eyes for you.

he’s never felt that comfortable and safe with anyone. being so carefree and home. he was at home with you. so buying you that promise ring was his way of saying he wants to be with you forever.

❝ i hate accidents except when we went from friends to this ❞

you two met at the start of your freshman year when jeongin spilled milk all over your shirt. he was a shy boy so whenever the lunch bell rang, he ran out of the cafeteria like his life depended on it. but one day he wasn’t aware of where he was going and ran right into your timid frame.

suddenly you were met with a cold feeling running down your chest.

the poor boy freaked and apologized faster than you could register what had happened. you were a bubbly kid, though not very social so you didn’t mind what had happened. but for some reason you let yourself be dragged by the stuttered stranger, offering you his hoodie he had in his locker.

his hoodie felt foreign and warm on your body. although he was a stick at fourteen, jeongin was tall. the cloth looked big on your short frame, hands disappeared from the long sleeves. the boy was beyond red looking at you in his clothes. his eyes widened, malfunctioning on why he felt this way.

“i’m really sorry.” he muttered in embarrassment before turning around to leave.

“wait!” you called out, tugging on his wrist. if jeongin didn’t resemble a tomato then, he definitely did now. your hand felt warm around his wrist and the sudden source of heat was all his mind could think about.

“thank you.” you shyly said taking back your hand. you don’t know what has possessed you but suddenly you’re asking what his name was.

“what’s your name? i’m y/n!” you said with a small smile. jeongin’s heart felt like it was about to explode.

❝ uh huh, that’s right darling, you’re the one i want ❞

“come one baby it’s almost dawn let’s go~” you whined a bit, pulling his tall frame towards the line. it was almost sunset and you wanted to go on the ferris wheel as the last thing you two would do for the day before studies filled up your date nights.

well actually, jeongin was the one who suggested going on the ferris wheel to you before you stuck with it in excitement. it was all a part of his master plan to give you that promise ring. he was pretty confident you’d take it, after being together for so long, though of course there’s that small inkling of doubt that you’d reject it and him.

but now that it was almost time, jeongin couldn’t move his legs. he was really about to give you a promise ring.

jeongin laughed to mask his nerves but you knew better.

“awe is my baby afraid of heights?” you joked, no longer pulling his arm but putting your hand in his. “don’t worry, y/nnie is here to protect.” you broke out into a fighting pose which immediately made him laugh at your silliness.

❝ in paper rings, in picture frames, in dirty dreams ❞

here you guys were at the top on the ride, the sunset warm on your face. jeongin’s leg was bouncing in nervousness causing the box you were in to shake. you were about to reach out to the boy before he spoke up.

“y/n?” he asked in a small yet serious voice. you couldn’t help but worry.

“yes my love?” you responded back, turning your body to face him on the seats you guys were on. “what’s wrong? you’ve been acting weird ever since you got on the ferris wheel.”

your mind was racing with possibilities, the worst one sounding the most obvious with the way jeongin seemed so serious. he wasn’t breaking up with you, right?

jeongin took a deep breath before looking into your eyes, the color more beautiful than the sunset behind you.

“i love you so much.” he continued before reaching into his pocket, fumbling a bit with the box the ring came in.

“and i know we’re young and have so much ahead of us. ah you know how much i’m bad with words but, there’s so much we’re unsure of like what’s 25 - 8 or what college we’re going to. but if there’s one thing i’m sure of, it’s that you’re my everything.” the boy said, trying not to stumble over his words. his heart was at an unmeasurable rate, one hand on the ring and the other on your own hand. suddenly he took out the ring, a red velvety box which made you gasp in shock.

at this point you were tearing up. so he wasn’t breaking up with you?

“this isn’t anything too big so don’t freak out.” jeongin joked making you chuckle a bit. “but i know that i want to spend the rest of my life with you.” his grip on your hand tightened before letting go, opening the box.

“it’s nothing too big but hopefully this could show you how much you mean to me, y/n. here’s a promise ring because i really want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

the ring was beautiful in your eyes. tears fell on onto your cheeks as you looked to your boyfriend. all you could see was genuine love and care.

you caught him in a hug, causing the box to shake again, sobbing into his chest.

“i love you, i love you, i love you.” you chanted into his chest making him laugh.

“don’t cry my love. i still need to put it on you.” jeongin chuckled. you wiped off the salty water before holding out your hand. jeongin slowly took your hand as if it was made of glass before slipping on the ring. it fit perfectly.

❝ oh, you’re the one i want ❞

you put his ring on as well before the box moved indicating that you guys were going back down. before the sight of the pretty sunset escaped your view, you quickly grabbed jeongin’s face to meet yours in a kiss. a kiss to promise that you’d guys would be forever. because yang jeongin is everything you’ve ever wanted.

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bluesylveon2 · 4 years

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Levihan Mamma Mia! AU Side Story 2: Mission (Not)Impossible

Author’s Note: This is my gift to everyone reading my story because Feb 22 is my bday! Aruani is the first couple in Sasha’s friend group, so this is before SS1. I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is a Levihan Mamma Mia au. This fanfic is inspired by Mamma Mia which is directed by Phyllida Loyd, written by Catherine Johnson, and uses music from the pop group ABBA. Attack on Titan is a manga/anime series written by Hajime Isayama and published by Kondasha

Characters: Armin, Annie, Hange, Sasha, Eren, Mikasa, Hitch, Marco, Connie, and Ymir

Main Story Here!

“I’m tired of this!” Ymir yells

Mikasa looks up from her book and looks at what movie Ymir was watching. The movie started with a couple who loved each other since childhood but never told the other person. The scene currently playing was when the couple finally confessed after many years.

Mikasa looks at Ymir questioningly “what’s the problem this time, Ymir?”

It was the afternoon on a weekend in Kalokairi. Ymir, Mikasa, and Hitch were having a lazy day, so they decided to hang out in Mikasa and Historia’s house while the other girls were out shopping. The trio was laying around Mikasa’s bed while the sun shines on them. Mikasa was reading a book, Ymir was watching TV, and Hitch was painting her nails.

Ymir pointed to the couple on the TV. “That couple here reminds me of Annie’s not so subtle crush on Armin. Heck, even Armin’s crush is not that subtle either!” Ymir raised her arms in annoyance

Hitch closes the cap on her nail polish and lightly blows on her fingers to speed up the drying process. “Those two will never confess.” She shakes her head disapprovingly “The world could end, and the two will still stay silent.”

Ymir cracks her knuckles “if only there was someone there to knock some sense into them…” She looks over to Hitch and Mikasa glaring at her. Ymir raises her hands up innocently “just kidding” she laughs.

Mikasa closes her book and sets it down on her lap “Those two will confess when the time comes. Hopefully, they don’t run out of time if the world were to suddenly come to an end.”

She looks up to find Ymir staring out the window with a mischievous grin on her face. Mikasa frowns. Ymir grinning like that does not scream good to Mikasa. “What are you planning Ymir?” Mikasa asks suspiciously

“It’s nothing bad, Mikasa. I just want to give Annie and Armin a nudge in the right direction.”

This perks up Hitch’s interest. Hitch claims herself as Annie’s best friend (a title that took a lot of dedication to achieve), and she wants the best for Annie. Hitch noticed how happy Annie was around Armin. She knew Annie would never tell her out loud, but it was obvious how Annie would react if Armin started dating another girl. It took Hitch many tries (plus kicking down a door) to convince Annie to admit how jealous and depressed she was when Armin went on a date with that one girl. Besides, Hitch noticed how Armin would stay behind after school to watch Annie during her MMA practice.

Hitch looks at Ymir. “I’m interested in what you have to say, Ymir.” Hitch smiles “I care about Annie and Armin. I want them to be happy.”

Mikasa was shocked. From the outside, Hitch looks like a selfish person. Mikasa sees Armin is like a brother to her, and here she is witnessing Hitch say she wants to help him get with Annie. Yes, Mikasa also noticed the pining looks they give each other.

Hitch noticed how shocked Mikasa looked. “Don’t give me that look, Mikasa. I can care about my friends too.” Hitch pretends to look offended and rolls her eyes

Mikasa’s face turns red from embarrassment “I didn’t mean it in a bad way! What I was trying to say was-” Mikasa stopped when Hitch raised a hand up in front of her body.

“I know what you were trying to say. I’m not offended” Hitch smirks then laughs. Mikasa is still red from embarrassment.

“Anyways” Ymir stands up in front of Hitch and Mikasa. She spoke to get back to the main topic. “Do you want to hear my brilliant plan? It is 100% foul proof” Ymir puts her hand in fists and puts it on her hip. She has a triumphant look on her face meaning that she is confident with whatever she has planned.

Mikasa and Hitch look at one another and then back at Ymir. They had an unspoken agreement with one another before nodding to Ymir.

“Ok” Hitch moves to make herself comfortable on Mikasa’s bed “What’s your plan?”

---

The plan was simple, and Ymir and Hitch designed it themselves. 1. Ymir and Eren kidnap Armin 2. Send Annie on a goose chase around the island (with the help from Mikasa) 3. Lead the two into the old goat house and have them confess (Connie and Hitch had to close the door)

---

“You’re a really good baker, Annie,” Sasha says as she devours the piece of pie Annie baked. Annie swiped the pan before the last slice was taken. She sets it aside on the counter on the other side of the kitchen out of Sasha’s reach.

Sasha and Annie were in Hotel Hange eating some pie Annie baked. Annie asked Hange if she could use her kitchen, and Hange gave her permission. Annie wanted to bake in peace, but the smell must have attracted Sasha out of her room. This confused Annie because Sasha is usually out, but most of their friends in their group were mysteriously busy today. The only ones who weren’t on the island are Historia, Jean, Hanami, and Marlow. They went to the mainland to run some errands for Hange.

“Hey, I was gonna eat that!” Sasha exclaims and raises her hands trying to reach for the last slice of pie.

“It’s not for you Sasha.” Annie reprimands and moves the pie out of the way when Sasha attempted to grab it. Sasha eventually stops.

“So you’re saving it for someone then? Is it one of the girls?” Sasha asks and tilts her head. She looks at Annie who is still quiet and unmoving. Sasha had a feeling who it could be for and smirks

“Unless you’re saving it for Armin? I’m sure he will love your baking” Sasha smiles, and Annie turns red.

“I never specified who it was for! I could be saving this for Eren!” Annie exclaims. Her face is still red.

Sasha laughs “Eren is not a big fan of sweets. You could always give it to me. I’ll make sure Armin gets it.”

“Not a chance!’ Annie sets the pie down in a small box she had out “Go find and marry another guy who is willing to make you a pie.”

Sasha laughs again “So you thought about marrying Armin now, huh?” she says teasingly.

Now Annie was short-circuiting “That’s not what I meant! I-”

“Annie!”

Annie was interrupted by Mikasa who barged through the door. Luckily, she didn’t use too much force, or she would have broken the door off its hinges.

“Mikasa! What brings you here?” Sasha walks away from Annie and goes towards Mikasa

Mikasa ignores Sasha and looks at Annie “I need your help. Armin’s been kidnapped!”

A silence fills the room as Annie processes what Mikasa said. Armin should have been heading back to Eren’s house (as he usually does on his free days) so Annie could give him the pie. Now he got kidnapped? On this tiny island!

“What?!”

---

30 minutes earlier

Armin was reading one of his favorite books alone near the beach. It was a free day for him, and he likes to spend it reading near the ocean. Armin cannot explain it, but he finds the ocean comforting. Sometimes, he likes to bring back seashells he finds and gives them to his friends.

Armin puts his hand in the pocket of his shorts. He found a conch shell earlier that he wanted to give to Annie. It had a bluish tint and it is roughly the size of his palm. Armin smiled and lightly blushed after touching the shell. He’s sure Annie would love it. She is his crush after all.

Armin goes back to reading until his vision goes dark. He dropped the book as he felt the perpetrator tie something in the back of his head.

Someone blindfolded him Armin suspected.

Armin drops his book and was ready to fight back, but he felt someone grab his arms and tie them behind his back. Meanwhile, another person tied his legs together on his calves. Armin was ready to yell for help, but someone put a cloth between his teeth so he couldn’t talk.

So the perpetrator has a partner Armin suspected with how fast they were able to tie him up.

Armin was ready to thrash around until he felt one of his kidnappers go near him. He could feel their breath near his ear.

“Don’t worry Armin” Eren says near Armin’s ear “Ymir and I are not gonna hurt you. This is all according to plan. You can thank Ymir later.”

Eren?!?!

---

And that’s how Armin found himself in a sack being carried (most likely by Eren) across the island. He suspected Ymir and Eren put him in the sack to avoid suspension with the locals. Who wouldn’t be alarmed by two people running around the island carrying someone who is tied up?

Definitely just another day in Kalokairi.

Armin was ready to throw up with all the movement. This is not how he wanted this day to go. Luckily, he managed to keep Annie’s shell safe in his pocket.

Armin decided to focus on his hearing since his vision is temporarily impaired. He might as well using his hearing to an advantage. All of his other senses are heightened after the loss of one. He focused on the wind, Eren’s panting, and the sound of their running. Armin focused again to hear another sound. It sounded more like a shout, and it was getting louder the closer it got.

“Armin!” Annie yelled

Great Armin thought. If only his day could get any more embarrassing than he already has

---

Annie, Marco, and Mikasa were running across the island chasing after Armin’s kidnappers. Annie could tell from looking one was a male and the other was a female. She couldn’t identify who they were since they both wore shades to cover their eyes and hats on their heads.

They have been running in a full circle around the island, but Annie was not ready to give up. She felt confident that she, Mikasa, and Marco could get Armin back together. However, Annie had a suspicion something was not adding up. It felt as if Mikasa was not running as fast as she usually would.

“Annie, Let’s split up!” Mikasa yells as they run. Annie could only turn to her and give her are you serious look.

“Look, if we separate then we can get Armin faster. Divide and conquer!” Marco yells, He had a point there Annie thought before nodding her head. The kidnappers plus Armin were not heading towards Hotel Hange. There’s a chance someone would catch Armin assuming Sasha, Hange, or Moblit are there.

The group split off, and Annie felt a surge of adrenaline run through her body. She was determined to save Armin no matter what.

---

“Shit, she’s catching up,” Eren says after turning around and finding Annie on their trail. They were almost at the goat house. Ymir and Eren just had to climb up the steps near the cliff first.

“Speed up! We’re almost there!” Ymir calls back as they start heading up the steps.

The two were almost there, but luck was not on their side.

It was like slow motion for everyone watching. Eren stumbled and fell backward on the steps. Ymir looked back in horror as Eren fell and dropped Armin with him. Eren was lucky because he could stop himself from hurting himself more. Armin was not as lucky since he was unaware of what was going on. Annie, who finally made it, ran up the steps to catch Armin, but Armin still managed to hurt himself. Luckily, he didn’t fall off the cliff, and Eren fell from the first few steps. Instead. Armin only hurt his legs.

---

Hange was nice enough to give Armin a free room to recover. She reprimanded the others for endangering Armin. To be honest, she thought the sack was unnecessary. Armin was resting in a vacant hotel room while Hange sat next to Armin to tend to him.

Hange placed the Ice pack on Armin’s bandaged legs and turned to Annie, who was leaning against a wall watching her “Thank goodness you were there to catch Armin, Annie. He would have injured himself if you weren’t there.”

She chuckles “I’m surprised Armin broke his legs though. Must have been from the way he fell” Hange added.

“Well, I have a hotel to run now. I’ll leave the rest to you, Annie, unless you have to go? I can get Moblit or Sasha to replace you.”

Annie shook her head. “I got it. Thank you Hange.”

Hange smiled and stood up to leave the room. Annie left her spot against the wall and walked towards Hange’s previous spot. She sat down and leaned forward to move some of Armin’s hair away from his forehead. Annie then places the back of her palm on Armin’s forehead. No fever she thought and leaned back against the chair. She watches Armin quietly.

“I feel like I’m tending to my husband,” Annie says absentmindedly. It’s not like Armin would hear her anyway.

So you thought about marrying Armin now, huh? Sasha’s voice plays in Annie’s mind.

Annie froze. Her, marrying Armin? Changing her last name to Arlet? Annie scoffs and crosses her arms.

‘Only in her dreams,’ she thought bitterly.

Annie looks at Armin’s figure. Someday, Armin would leave Kalokairi to see more of the ocean. Probably study to become a marine biologist or something ocean-related. Armin is most likely to meet a girl who is more fun and cheerful than her.

“Maybe that’s why Ymir and Hitch came up with this ridiculous plan? Use it as motivation for me to confess to him.”

Annie laughs quietly to herself “Look at how that turned out.”

Annie moves to get Sasha or Moblit to help out before she heads home. She can confess tomorrow.

As Annie stood, a gentle hand grasped Annie’s wrist causing Annie to stop. She knew it can only be one person: Armin.

Armin catches Annie off guard when he gently pulls Annie towards his side of the bed. Annie was fast enough to land without hitting Armin’s injured legs. Armin wraps his other arm around Annie and hugs her. She looks up at his red face, and Armin starts blushing too. He must have been awake to hear Annie talking to herself.

Now Annie wants to bang her head against the wall. Not once but multiple times.

“When did you wake up?” Annie asks shocked

“After Hange closed the door. I heard what you said Annie, and I know about your feelings for me.”

Annie turns red, and she stays quiet. She just had to say some of her thought out loud.

Armin took her quietness as a sign to continue. He looks into her ice-blue eyes “I actually had a crush on you since you came on the island. I remember thinking about how cool and talented you were after I saw you toss Eren in high school. I know despite your cold exterior, I know you are actually a good person.”

Armin smiles “I know how much you care about people like Hitch, Sasha, and even Connie. To be honest, I always stayed behind to watch your practice because I want to see you. I like spending time with you. I like you, Annie. Even after that one time, I walked in on you eating a whole pie by yourself.”

Annie stays quiet. She was not expecting a whole confession out of this.

Armin starts freaking out and lets go of Annie. He raises his hands up in surrender “Please don’t beat me up and ship me to Russia.”

Annie stays quiet again to process what Armin just said. She laughs and puts her arms around Armin this time. She puts her forehead against his

“Thank you, Armin. For sticking around.” She looks into his ocean blue eyes “You already know I like you. I like how you care about your friends and your intelligence. I also like your fascination with the ocean. Someday-”

Annie stops for a bit before continuing “-I want to see the ocean with you. What I’m trying to say is, do you want to be my boyfriend?”

Armin couldn’t stop grinning like an idiot. His crush is confessing to him although this was not how he wanted it to go. Oh well. Life is unpredictable.

“Of course, Annie” Armin leans back from Annie and takes an arm away from her. He reaches into his pocket to pull out the shell. He got lucky the shell did not break. He grabs Annie’s hand, opens her palm, and places the shell in her hand.

“This is for you, Annie. I meant to give it to you earlier, but then I got kidnapped” Armin chuckles.

“You can use this shell as my promise to you. I promise to bring you with me when I explore the ocean.”

Annie’s heart fluttered. ‘Why is Armin so cute’ she thought and had an idea.

Annie pulls her right hand towards her. She uses her left hand to take out the ring on her index finger. She grabs Armin’s hand and places her ring in his palm.

“Is that?” Armin asks

“Yes,” Annie states. “This is my promise to you. I’ll go with you to see the ocean one day.”

Armin puts the ring on his right ring finger and looks down at Annie. He places a hand on her cheek and doesn’t move just in case Annie decides to back out.

“Can I kiss you?” He asks. Annie nods

Armin leans forward to kiss Annie on the lips. Both of them wanted to stay in their little bubble kissing and cuddling (without injuring Armin more). Sadly they were interrupted.

“Finally!” Annie’s girl friends squeal simultaneously behind the door

At least Ymir and Hitch’s plan somehow worked. Not in the way they intended, but it worked.

#Aruani #armin x annie #levihan mamma mia!

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ihopuhopwehop · 4 years

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HELLO! This is my first ever fanfic I have written and it is JILY:) with a lil bit from Sirius and mentions of Snape! sorry if the format is a lil weird I copied and pasted from my notes!

One life-saving thank you kiss

The seventh year girls dormitory was engulfed in darkness. All the women asleep in their beds with the hangings drawn around them, all except Lily Evans. Lily lay in bed with her eyes towards the ceiling, her thoughts drifting to what James has told her the previous day. Animagi. James was an animagus. An illegal unregistered one. A stag. Prongs. He wouldn’t tell her why he had become an animagus but given the fact that she’d known Remus was a werewolf since third year, she figured it has something to do with that. Maybe he helped him? No that’s way too dangerous, even for bloody James Potter there’s no way he’s that reckless. Unless Remus was locked up and James was able to keep a safe distance, maybe the werewolf and stag could converse? She wasn’t sure if that would work either since deer bleated and wolves howled or barked. She wondered if Sirius knew James was an animagus...maybe Sirius is one too? After all the things James had told her she wouldn’t be surprised if Sirius followed in his footsteps. Lily looked melancholically towards the window by her bed and saw the full moon. She sent a prayer for Remus, hoping he wasn’t in too much pain. Her eyes casually glanced towards her muggle alarm clock, it read 2:37 am. Ugh. I need some sleep. She decided to think about James later and turned on her side to get more comfortable.

...

A few minutes passed and Lily decided if sleep evaded her she may as well think about James now. James and her had become good friends during sixth year and only got closer when they were both head students. She wondered if he still had a crush on her or if he outgrew it. He certainly outgrew most of his immature qualities, although sometimes his arrogance still shined through, but nobody’s perfect and he had come a long way from the prideful boy that had levicorpused Severus in 5th year. She almost wished that James and Sev would have been able to work out their differences or at least perceive the other as they ought to be perceived. But Severus and her had even grown apart so she figured it wouldn’t be possible for James and Severus to become unlikely acquaintances, especially if Severus was as into the dark arts as he seemed to be since that unforgettable day under the beech tree. Nonetheless, Lily supposed her and James got along quite well, even flirted from time to time but she still wasn’t sure if James was just charming or if he actually held romantic feelings for her. She wouldn’t mind going on a date or two with him just to see what would happen. She knew they were at least physically attracted to each other, the tension between them was evidence of that, but she wasn’t sure if it was just her feeling the attraction or if it was truly mutual. Even though she is a Gryffindor, there was no way she would ask him out without at least an inkling of how he felt towards her. Lily checked her clock again and saw that it was almost 3 am. She forced her eyes closed and tried to deepen her breathing. CREEK. CREEK. CREEK. CREEK. What was that?? It sounded like someone running up the stairs!?Lily snatched her wand off of the beside table and whipped it towards her closed hangings just as James burst through those hangings.

“Lily!” He whispered urgently, “please come quickly I need your help! Sirius is hurt and I don’t know how to fix it! He’s outside by the beech tree please hurry“ he begged desperately

Lily began to slide her slippers on and follow James out of her dormitory when she finally got a word out to him.

“James why are you guys outside past curfew, not to mention when it’s a full moon?” She cast him a look that showed how stupid she thought this was.

“ look Lily, I told you yesterday I was an animagus and I am, but so are Sirius and Peter. We use it to help Remus through his transformations because animals will not be changed into a werewolf if they are bitten or scratched. But this doesn’t mean that we won’t get injured if we aren’t careful. Tonight was one of those nights but my healing charms aren’t working like they normally do and I can’t figure out why or how to help Sirius!” He had his hands fisted in his hair as he spewed out his explanation getting more anxious and desperate as he finished.

They continued frantically racing through the main doors and towards the beech tree. And while Lily was shocked that James and the others actually did become animagi to help Remus, she knew the time to scold him about the consequences of his actions was not right now. Instead she said “ James I will help you but I’m not sure I’ll be able to do much more than you. Which healing spells have you tried and how did this happen? I need to know what I’m dealing with.” Lily spoke with newfound authority and determination now that she knew just how bad her friend could be hurt.

At this point they had reached Sirius, who was unconscious and sat up against the beech tree with his shirt torn from the neck hole and down his abdomen. This revealed several healed cuts still bright red and what looked to be unhealed bite marks that were unhealthily deep and went from his right ear and down his neck. oh no. Lily thought. It crossed one of his major arteries...

“I used Episkey for the ones here” he motioned toward the ones still trying to completely heal themselves, even though the cuts themselves were cinched together it still was red and inflamed. “And I tried Episkey and Reparifors [a charm that reverts magically induced injuries I think] on the bitemark on his neck but it hasn’t done any good. Him and Moony were just having fun and then next thing we know the wolf inside took it too far and bit him. Moony has never actually bitten any of us before” He looked at Lily with a furrowed brow and a deep frown etched on his face. “Please Lily try anything I just need my friend”

Lily immediately bent down to get a closer look at the bite mark, chewing on her lip thoughtfully and going through all of the healing charms she knew. For some reason, her mind flashed back to an afternoon with Severus.

“Look Lily! I created a healing charm!” Severus showed her the incantation written in his potions book.

“What? You created one?! How did you do that? Have you tried it on anything”

Severus paused, knowing full well he had created the incantation to heal sectumsempra, the dark magic spell he also happen to create. He chose to leave that part out of his conversation with Lily and instead said,” yes, ive tried it! You have to say it a few times but it works with major cuts and I believe it may even help with internal bleeding but I haven’t tried it on that yet.”

“Wow sev! That’s really advanced...especially for a fifth year. I’m glad you were able to create an incredibly useful spell...that should help when you have to go home over the summers...” Lily looked at him somberly and promised,” you know you’re always welcomed at my place, you don’t have to stay there-“ Severus cut her off saying, “ no, no don’t worry about it, a few...acquaintances from Slytherin said I could join them when needed and mom has been really helpful...”

the memory faded as Lily was brought back to the present. “James I’m going to try a spell that I’ve never tried before, so I don’t know how well it will work but...” Lily looked at him for permission to try the unknown spell on his brother and when James gave an imperceptible nod she slowly lifted her wand. Lily then started to whisper the incantation, hoping she said it right. “Vulnera Sanentur” she paused for a second to she if anything occurred. When nothing happened she figured she may as well try saying it multiple times. “Vulnera Sanentur...Vulnera Sanentur” After the second whispered incantation a few of the smaller bite marks had started to close while James looked on in awe and Lily prayed it continued to work. After the third whispered incantation, the larger holes slowly, but surely stuck themselves together. Lily stood there for a moment, also in awe of the spell work and how it had actually worked when James yanked her to him in a tight hug. “Thank you Lily” James breathed into her hair. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if...” He didn’t finished his sentence and instead tightened his hold on her. Lily slowly returned the gesture and then broke away to glance at the wounds and the still passed out Sirius. “James have you given him a blood replenishing potion yet?”

“I gave him one right after it happened but I supposed he lost that blood as well.” He reached into the pocket of his robes to reveal a small vial labeled in a messy scrawl “blood replenish”. He opened the vial and pressed his palm on Sirius’s forehead to press the top of his head back towards the tree and have his mouth pop open enough to pour the potion into. Sirius awoke with a deep shuddering breath and then frantically sat up, swiveling his head while trying to figure out his surroundings. Once he saw James and Lily he sank back down onto the tree. “Scared me there Padfoot, thought you were puppy chow” James spoke to him, trying to make a joke to hide how worried he had truly been. “Pfft as if Moony would take me out, I’m the only one that truly knows what he’s saying” Sirius replied while his eyes drooped from having lost so much blood and it being almost 4 am. Lily wondered if Sirius realized that she knew about their monthly escapades but she assumed he wouldn’t care so long as she had saved him. James then moved beside Sirius hoisting him up and setting Sirius’s left arm above his shoulders. “Hey Lil, could you grab his other arm, I think we should help him get back to the dorm. Pete’s already there, I sent him back once this happened and told him to keep an eye on the map and distract professors if needed.” Lily nodded her head and cautiously made her way over to Sirius and made sure to gently set his right arm over her shoulders. As she did this Sirius smirked at her,” thank you for saving me lilykins” Lily met his gaze and quirked her lips into a half smile “you’re welcome Sirius, without you I wouldn’t be able to control ole prongs over there” Sirius tilted his head down towards her his smirk growing as he said“ oh I’m sure you could have found sooomme way to control James” . Lily shook her head at him with a smile playing on her lips, “Only you would make an innuendo at a time like this Black” James looked at them affectionately before beginning to walk towards the castle.

—

They finally made it to the portrait hole at about 4:25 am, Sirius looking much better as his face regained color and he was able to walk a little bit better, but Lily still thought she ought to help them up the stairs to their dormitory. James spoke the password as Lily said “Okay Black, once we get you upstairs you need to go to sleep and make sure to get plenty of rest, you need to give your body time to recover even if it is healed with magic.” Sirius saluted her as his response. James and Lily guided him into the common room and started their trek up the stairs, only pausing once for Sirius to take a breather. They made it to the Marauder’s dormitory where Peter asked how Sirius was and opened the door for them to bring Sirius through. James lead them over to Sirius’s bed and Lily and James gently deposited him on his bed. Sirius immediately closed his eyes and started breathing deeply, worn out from the traumatic event he’d been through. Peter looked at James looking at Lily. Lily smiled at them both and headed towards their door to leave when James decided to follow her out. James left the door cracked while he and Lily stood facing each other on the landing right outside his dorm. Lily could feel the tension building around them and hoped she wasn’t just imagining it. James looked at the incredible woman in front of him with burning hazel eyes and a crooked smile on his face. He took a step towards her and placed one hand on her cheek, still gazing at her warmly. Lily brought her hands to rest on his neck while her breathing sped up and she wondered what would happen next. She thought about taking control and kissing him first, but thought it might be a little inconsiderate for her to instigate it when James’ night had been stressful enough without throwing their first kiss into the mix. While Lily had been pondering this, James had brought his other hand to her waist and lent his forehead down to meet hers. He slowly brought his nose down to gently touch hers as he whispered, “ thank you. You have no idea what this means to me.” Lily smiled at him and was about to reply when he finally closed the small space between their lips and kissed her. Lily’s heart pounded erratically with joy as she kissed him back, leaning her head back to allow them to deepen the kiss. James hand wound itself into Lily’s curly hair while his tongue gently prodded her bottom lip. she parted her lips to let his tongue meet hers. They both explored each other’s mouth with tenderness and the slight hesitation all first kisses bring. And while she had never imagined their first kiss would be after such a trying night, the kiss itself was spectacular and made her weak in the knees.

—

After they broke apart, they both stayed close to each other, their noses touching, trying to catch their breath. James’ lips stretched into a huge grin while Lily’s cheeks heated up, but she too grinned very wide.

“Was that a good “thank you for saving my best friend” kiss?”

“mmmh” Lily hummed contently “the verbal thank you would have sufficed but I definitely appreciated that thank you” Lily paused as she considered what she was about to ask and then summoned her Gryffindor courage to say “James, would you like to go to Hogsmeade with me next weekend, as my date?” James face, incredibly enough, broke out into an even larger grin and whispered “why Evans, I thought you’d never ask”

The end!!! Enjoy my first ever fanfic:) ps. Spencer Stewart (the guy pictured below) could be Sirius Black jus sayin;)

#jily fanfiction #jily #jily fandom #james potter #lily potter #lily evans #sirius black

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hysterialevi · 4 years

Text

Red Dead Rising | Chapter 4

Fanfic summary: 12 YEARS BEFORE RDR2 - Greed, money, and larceny. These are the only things Arthur has ever known; the only things he’s ever been taught. But when Dutch decides to hit a town called Harlow, what started out as nothing more than a plan to rob the local bank ends up igniting the events that lead to RDR2, and a 24 year-old Arthur is forced to confront his morality while the gang faces a terrifying enemy of their own making.

Point of view: third-person

Author’s note: Omg guys I’m sorry this chapter took so long to get out. I hit a writer’s block for a while (and also ran into a few technical difficulties), but I’m finally happy with it. Hope you enjoy and thanks for being so patient.

This story is also on AO3 and Wattpad

Previous chapter

ABOUT AN HOUR LATER

GILLIS FARM

Trotting underneath the golden sun, Arthur rode through the lush grass and rolling hills as he made his way to Gillis Farm, eager to see his fiancée again.

It had been quite some time since the young man last got a chance to visit Mary. For the past couple of months, Arthur had been so busy running around with the gang and planning robberies with them, that he barely had any time to write to the woman, let alone see her in person.

It made him feel guilty, leaving her hanging for so long. They were going to be married soon, after all... and as a husband, he couldn’t afford to leave his wife alone. If Arthur wanted this marriage to work, he’d have to be there for Mary and support her in their new life together. As a couple.

What truly worried Arthur, though... was his recent conversation with Benjamin.

Up until this point, the young outlaw had been convinced that he was more than ready to go through with the marriage. Arthur loved Mary more than anyone else in his life, and he knew the feeling was mutual. They were practically soulmates by now. How could anything go wrong?

But when Benjamin expressed his doubts pertaining to Mary’s commitment, Arthur couldn’t deny that he shared some of the man’s concerns.

Robert had been such an obstacle in their relationship for these past few years that it was impossible to guarantee he wouldn’t have any influence on Mary in the days to come.

...What if Benjamin and Susan were right? What if Mary didn’t love him as much as he thought? Would she really pick her father’s opinion over a new life with him? It shook the young man to the core to even think about it.

If Arthur lost Mary... he didn’t know what he’d do.

He had put so much time and effort into their relationship that if she simply walked away after all this... he’d feel like she was taking a part of him with her.

There was no way Arthur would be able to just “move on” if Mary decided to drop him, and the mere thought of her leaving him put the man in a state of panic.

But... then again, Mary had yet to actually do anything to solidify his doubts. She had been nothing if not compassionate to him so far, and Arthur knew for a fact that their love was mutual.

These thoughts were probably nothing more than temporary anxiety due to their upcoming wedding. This was most-likely what a lot of people went through before their marriage, and Arthur had to remind himself to calm down.

Everything would be okay. He just had to trust Mary.

Finally arriving at Gillis Farm, Arthur steadily slowed Abitha down to a halt and took in the quaint view, admiring the natural beauty surrounding it.

The farm was located on a flat plot of land that seemed to have nothing but open fields stretching out in front of it, and off to the side, Arthur could see a lively collection of farm animals lazing about inside the fenced area.

There were cows, chickens, pigs, goats, and even some horses, too. A few of the creatures lifted their heads in curiosity at the sight of the young man visiting their farm, but the rest of them seemed to be unbothered and simply carried on with their day.

Hopefully, the same would apply to Mary’s family.

Approaching the hitching posts, the outlaw hopped off his mount and left her near the other horses that were also gathered there, giving her a small treat to thank her for the lengthy ride.

The farm wasn’t a long distance from Indigo Peak necessarily, but Arthur would’ve been lying if he said he had no problems navigating the steep hills and rocky rivers dotting the region. It took a good chunk of effort to not slip in a few places, and he definitely didn’t look forward to backtracking through that mess once this visit was over.

Oh, well. He supposed it was worth it if it meant he got to see Mary.

“Good job, girl...” Arthur said softly, feeding Abitha an oatcake. His companion wiggled her pointy ears in gratitude.

“Arthur!” A woman’s voice suddenly called out to him, getting his attention.

Turning around at the sound of his name, Arthur spotted an elated Mary waving to him from the front porch, trying not to trip over her dress as she walked down the steps to greet him.

At the moment, Mary was wearing a simple yellow blouse paired with a navy blue skirt, and her hair had been tied into a stylish bun. A few annoying strands danced around her face due to the light breeze in the area, but that only gave Arthur the chance to tuck them behind her ear before pulling her into a loving embrace.

“Hello, Mary,” he said softly. “It’s good to see you again.”

Mary smiled, hugging him back. “You too, Arthur. You too. I’m so glad you came. How’ve you been?”

Arthur separated the hug and returned the smile. “Good. Busy, but good.” His expression dimmed a bit. “I’m sorry I didn’t visit you more often. I wanted to, but... things have been hectic lately.”

The woman didn’t appear to be bothered. “Well, you’re here now, Arthur. That’s what matters.”

She fell silent for a moment, changing the subject.

“Are you, um... still with Dutch and Hosea?”

Arthur nodded, although not proudly. He was well aware of what his fiancée thought about the gang.

“Yes. But don’t worry, Mary. I’m gonna leave ‘em soon. We just have one more job to take care of, and then I’ll be gone once the wedding’s here.”

Mary wasn’t entirely convinced. “Are you sure? You may be willin’ to leave, but... do you really think Dutch and Hosea will let you go that easily?”

“...I don’t know,” he conceded. “Maybe not. But I’m an adult now. Even if they don’t like my decision to leave, I’m sure they’ll respect it.”

That seemed to comfort the woman somewhat.

“That’s good to hear. I just... I don’t want there to be any trouble with gangs once we’re married, Arthur. Things’ll be busy enough as is.”

“There won’t be.” He reassured. “Dutch and Hosea may be outlaws, but they’re good men. They wouldn’t put us in harm’s way.”

Mary paused for a second. “...I was talkin’ about the O’Driscolls.”

Arthur raised a brow. “The O’Driscolls? What about them?”

She lowered her voice, pulling the young man closer to her. “It ain’t no secret that they’re not fond of Dutch’s boys, Arthur. Even if you leave the gang, they’ll still see you as one of them. Are you sure we’ll be safe? That... Colm won’t come after us?”

The outlaw shrugged. “What reason would he have? Colm’s main beef is with Dutch. Not me.”

“I know...” Mary said anxiously. “I just... I worry about you. You’re always out there, runnin’ around and getting shot at. It’s impossible to not fear for your safety.”

Arthur gently placed a hand on the side of Mary’s face. “Everything’ll be alright, Mary. I promise.”

The young woman decided to let go of her worries for now and simply let out a sigh, realizing that it was pointless to repeat the same fears over and over again.

Mary may not have liked Arthur’s involvement with crime, but she was also aware that he couldn’t just drop everything and leave. Despite being an outlaw, Arthur also had his own responsibilities to take care of, and for now... she was just going to have to accept that.

But before she could think anymore on the subject, an intrusive voice suddenly joined the scene and called out to the woman, interrupting the affectionate moment she was sharing with her fiancé.

“Mary!” They exclaimed in a gravelly tone.

She let out an uneasy breath, knowing exactly who it was before even seeing them.

“...Daddy.”

Robert Gillis stomped in their direction, pointing an accusatory finger at Arthur.

“What the hell is he doin’ here? Didn’t I tell you to stay away from this boy?”

Mary tried to defuse the situation. “This ‘boy’ is my fiancé, father. I told you already. I’m gonna marry him. Now, please... just calm down.”

The drunken man scoffed. “Calm down? How do you expect me to calm down when my daughter’s marrying some lying, cheating, piece-of-shit outlaw? Bastard probably came here to rob us!”

“Father!” She scolded. “You know he’s not like that. And besides, I invited Arthur here.”

Robert’s eyes narrowed in disapproval. “...Did you, now?”

Mary nodded staunchly. “Yes. He’s our guest. He just wanted to pay me a visit... and he’s also going to join us for dinner.”

Arthur snapped his head towards her.

“Wait, what?”

Mary stood by her decision. “If this marriage is gonna work out, then you two need to get along... and you can start by sharin’ a meal together. Like a family.”

Robert refused. “...That man ain’t no family of mine.”

The young woman remained persistent. “Well, he’s going be. So please... just for one night, don’t start anything. Both of you. Let’s just... have some dinner in peace. Can you do that? For me?”

Arthur sighed in frustration, suddenly regretting having come here in the first place. What the hell was Mary thinking?

Dealing with Robert was bad enough, but sitting down for an entire meal with him? And for the whole evening? He may as well have just shot himself in the foot and saved Robert the trouble.

But... Arthur did care about Mary. And regardless of how much he may have wanted to strangle Robert sometimes, the man was still her father. If Arthur was going to become part of Mary’s family, he’d have to accept his company eventually, whether he liked it or not.

So, against his better judgement, Arthur figured that if this was what she wanted from him, then... he would do his best to make her happy.

“...Alright.” He agreed, albeit reluctantly. “For you.”

Mary smiled warmly at him. “Really? You mean it? Thank you, Arthur.” She turned to Robert. “...And you, Daddy?”

Robert nailed his stern gaze onto Arthur, not even daring to blink as he gave his daughter an answer.

“...Fine. But he ain’t settin’ one foot in this house with that gun on his waist.”

Mary glanced down at Arthur’s holster. “Why not? You’ve got a gun too, father.”

The older man laughed at that. “Yeah, but mine’s for protection. As for him, his type are always unpredictable. They make a living shootin’ people in the wilderness, and takin’ everything they got. There ain’t no way I’m trusting him to enter my house with a goddamn six-shooter hangin’ off his belt. He wants to sit down at my table? With my daughter? Then he’s gotta follow my rules.”

The young woman shook her head in embarrassment. “...Father, please--”

“--It’s alright, Mary.” Arthur reassured, returning Robert’s glare. “...I’ll put my guns away.”

Keeping his eyes glued on Robert, Arthur reached down to undo his gun belt as the other man watched his every move, monitoring him like a hawk. The last thing Arthur wanted was to do anything Robert asked of him, but at the same time, he also didn’t want to start any trouble when Mary was around.

He knew the woman was just doing her best to have them get along. They were both her family, after all, and if Mary was putting in the effort to make this marriage work, then... Arthur supposed he should, too.

It was something much easier said than done, of course, but Mary mattered to him.

Slipping the accessory off, Arthur turned on his heel and trudged back to Abitha, slinging the loose belt over her saddle as Mary and Robert waited for him.

It was humiliating for Arthur to follow Robert’s commands like this, but he knew the fighting would never end if he didn’t comply. He had to be the bigger man in situations like this, and perhaps that was part of what it meant to be a good husband. Didn’t mean he had to like it, though.

“There.” Arthur said, patting his empty waist. “No guns.”

Robert wasn’t finished interrogating him just yet. “...Any knives?”

The outlaw had to hold back his annoyance. “...No, sir. Just guns.”

The other man crossed his arms and fell silent for a moment, clenching his jaw in irritation as he stared Arthur down.

“Alright then.” He finally accepted. “You can come in... but if you try anything funny, just remember that I’ve still got my gun on me. And I won’t hesitate to use it. Got it?”

Arthur bit his tongue. “...I got it.”

“Good. Then let’s head inside.” Robert held up a cautionary finger. “And don’t start nothing.”

~~~~~~~~~~

INDIGO PEAK

THAT EVENING

Meandering around camp, Dutch casually sauntered through the scattered trees and tents as he watched his fellow gang members prepare for the upcoming robbery, all of them eager to get things rolling.

It wasn’t too long ago that he informed them of Benjamin’s long awaited update, and even though the robbery was still a week away, the fact that they were finally going to make their move after two whole months had the entire gang on their toes.

Dutch couldn’t deny that he wasn’t without worry, though. This was the first time they’d ever be hitting a bank, and if he was being honest, Dutch had no idea if his men were ready for this. Hosea and Arthur were some of the best outlaws he’d ever met, sure, but neither of them had experience with a heist of this level.

He supposed he’d just have to trust that his people knew what they were doing. Everyone wanted things to go according to plan, after all, and if he learned anything from his time with them, it was that they wouldn’t do anything to botch this robbery.

At least... not on purpose.

Approaching Hosea’s tent, a soft smile crept onto Dutch’s face as he came across a heartwarming scene, causing him to stop in his tracks so he could watch it unfold.

It wasn’t very often that their gang got the opportunity to be at peace like this. Normally, they were always running away from the law or fighting against their enemies... and as anxious as everyone was to rob Harlow’s bank, Dutch knew it’d be a trigger for chaos once it happened.

And so, with a few moments to spare, Dutch simply leaned against a tree and kept his gaze on Hosea, watching as the man carried on with this serene evening.

“...Your reading’s getting much better, Marston.” Hosea praised as the boy examined the book’s text. At the moment, the two of them were sitting side by side on a log just next to the man’s tent.

“Go on,” Hosea urged. “Keep reading.”

John furrowed his brows in confusion, doing his best to concentrate as he mouthed out the words. “...The Indian chief and his son... p-parleed--”

“--Parleyed.” Hosea corrected.

“...parleyed with the... American... ‘ker-nel?” John turned to him for clarification.

“That’s correct. Keep going.”

The boy paused. “Wait, why does ‘colonel’ have an ‘R’ in it? There’s no ‘R’ in the word.”

Hosea shrugged. “I don’t know, John. That’s just the way it is.”

John was quiet for a moment. “...That’s stupid.”

The other man chuckled in amusement. “Perhaps, but that’s how the English language works.”

The boy sighed wearily. “...I’m bored. Can we read the rest tomorrow? I wanna go play with Arthur.”

Hosea glanced up at the darkening sky and shut the book closed, placing it on his lap.

“Yes, I think now’s a good time to stop. It’s getting late. Though... I’m not sure where Arthur is.” His gaze traveled to the man watching them from a distance. “You have any ideas, old friend?”

Dutch pushed himself off the tree, afterwards strolling in their direction. “I believe he’s still with Mary. I know he went to visit her earlier after our talk with Ben.”

A curious expression spread across John’s face. “Are they still gettin’ married?”

Hosea put the book away and stood up from the log. “Yes, I believe so.”

The boy frowned in response. “...Does that mean he’s gonna leave the gang once they’re together?”

Dutch and Hosea fell silent at that, exchanging looks.

“I...” Hosea trailed off, admittedly somewhat sad to think about it, “...I suppose so. He’s got no choice, though. He’ll have a family to take care of.”

John gestured at the three of them. “But we’re his family.”

“True, but everyone grows up eventually, John. Even you will someday. And who knows? You might find a wife of your own when you reach Arthur’s age. You’ll have to be there for her too when that happens.”

The kid rejected the idea. “Then I don’t wanna do that. Not if it means I gotta leave other people behind. That wouldn’t be fair.”

Hosea put a comforting hand on John’s shoulder, urging the boy to get some rest. “Well, there’s still plenty of time before Arthur and Mary... marry. You’ll get to see him again soon enough. Have no fear. Now, go on. Get some sleep. We can continue reading tomorrow.”

John didn’t appear satisfied with the response, but followed Hosea’s instructions nonetheless. “...Okay. I’ll see you in the morning, then. I guess.”

Hopping off the short log, the boy removed himself from the tent’s vicinity and returned to his own corner of the camp, leaving Dutch and Hosea alone as the two men contemplated everything the kid just brought up.

“...He’s got a point, you know.” Hosea said once the silence settled.

Dutch sat next to the other man, plopping himself down on the log.

“About what?”

“About Arthur. He’s gonna be a husband soon, Dutch. He can’t stay with the gang forever. You know that.”

Dutch shrugged in denial. “I dunno. You and Bessie have been married for a few years now and you’re still with us. You don’t think Arthur could do the same?”

“Oh, I’m sure he could. That boy’s capable of practically anything.” Hosea leaned forward, linking his hands together. “But that doesn’t matter. What truly matters... is whether he wants to. And I don’t believe he does.”

The other man stretched his legs out, getting more comfortable on the log. “What makes you say that?”

“Our situation grows more volatile with every second, Dutch. We have lawmen hunting us from the west, rival gangs coming from the north, and God knows what else lurking in the shadows. Not to mention we’ll be robbing a goddamn bank soon. If Arthur wants a stable life with Mary, he’ll have no choice but to leave this one behind. It’s just not possible to juggle the two at the same time.”

Dutch knew Hosea was right, but still remained reluctant to admit it. He saw Arthur as a son, after all. The last thing he wanted was to see the boy leave.

“...It wouldn’t be the same without that little rascal.” Dutch said despondently. “You, me, and Arthur -- it was the three of us that started this whole thing. That boy ain’t just part of our gang, Hosea. He’s part o’ the foundation. If he leaves...”

Hosea rested a hand on Dutch’s shoulder, trying to help him come to terms with reality.

“I’ll miss him too, old friend. But Arthur’s his own man now. To be honest, I feel like he always has been. If he wants to start a new life with Mary, then perhaps that’s what’s best for him. Better than the life of crime we’ve given him, anyhow.”

Dutch let out a heavy breath, slouching his shoulders. “...I suppose we’ve done all we can for him, haven’t we? Sometimes I forget he’s all grown up now.”

Hosea chuckled. “You and me both. But time moves on, and we have to move with it, Dutch. The most we can do now is wish Arthur luck in his marriage.”

With that said, Hosea stood up from the log with a soft grunt and picked up the storybook he was reading with John earlier, leaving Dutch to his thoughts.

“Well, anyway... I think Bessie’s gonna start cookin’ dinner soon. I should go help. See if she needs anything. In the meantime, try not to think too much about it. Arthur loves us too, y’know, and I’m sure he wouldn’t want us to worry about him.” A quiet laugh escaped him. “...If only that were possible.”

Dutch returned the laugh, returning to his own activities. “Indeed. Stay safe out there, Hosea. I have a feelin’ this week’s gonna go out with a bang.”

“Oh yes, old friend.” The other man agreed. “If there’s one thing I don’t doubt -- it’s that.”

~~~~~~~~~~

GILLIS FARM

A WHILE LATER

Tick. Tock.

That was the only thing Arthur could hear as he picked aimlessly at his food, sitting awkwardly at the dining table and waiting for this torturous evening to come to an end.

For the whole meal so far, the rest of Mary’s insufferable family had been discussing nothing but politics and religion as if they lived and breathed the two subjects -- and every once in a while, one of them would turn to Arthur and ask the outlaw for his input.

It was probably the most pretentious conversation he’d ever been a part of. It was evident to the young man that none of these people truly had any interest in politics, and merely brought up the topic because they knew Arthur despised discussing these sort of things. Not to mention the fact that they also assumed him to be highly uneducated, and therefore saw his presence as an opportunity to make themselves feel more intelligent.

The only person at this table who wasn’t irritating the living hell out of Arthur at the moment was Mary herself, but even she had caused him some level of annoyance due to her forcing the man to go through this in the first place.

Arthur just wanted this night to end. He was already well aware of how Mary’s family felt about him, and he doubted that sharing one meal with them would change anything. Hell, Robert already threatened to shoot him before he even set foot in the goddamned house. It was unlikely that a simple chicken dinner would be enough to bring the two men together.

“...Did you hear?” Mary’s aunt Loretta asked as she buttered some bread. “Apparently Reuben Walsh has been at Margaret Whitaker’s throat ever since his father passed. They just can’t see eye to eye.”

Loretta’s husband Wilfred scoffed. “Those two fools will tear Mercy apart with their political war before anything gets solved. They’ve got gangs coming at them from every direction, and yet they’re more concerned about whose crown shines brighter? Abraham Walsh may’ve been old, but at least he knew how to keep the peace.”

Robert laughed at the statement, deciding to throw his own two cents in. “Keep the peace? The only thing that miserable old coot did was swipe all of Mercy’s problems under the carpet. Some people call Reuben reckless, but he’s the only person who’s got the balls to do something about the crime in that town. After all, nothing’s pretty when you’re dealing with that sorta lot. It’s about time Whitaker learned that.”

Mary’s grandmother Helga offered her thoughts. “Well, there are rumors suggesting that the reason Miss Whitaker has been so much of a pacifist is because she’s working with the gangs. It sounds like they’re the only ones keeping her in power.”

“Well, of course they are,” Robert replied. “You don’t get to that high of a position with that amount of ease unless you got someone in your pocket.”

Loretta set her knife down, glancing in Arthur’s direction. “What do you think, Mr. Morgan? I understand that you’re, um... familiar with that sort of lifestyle. Who do you think is in the right?”

Arthur paused for a moment, admittedly unsure of what to say.

“Um...” he said sheepishly, “...I-I’m afraid I don’t know enough about Mercy’s situation to really give an opinion, ma’am.”

“Well then, let me run it down for you.” Loretta offered. Arthur wished she hadn’t.

“The Whitakers and the Walshes are the two most powerful families in Mercy,” she explained. “They both carry an extravagant amount of wealth and influence, but recently, have butted heads with each other. You see, Mercy has always had quite a persistent problem with local gangs in the area, and both of these families want to deal with them. They just disagree on how.”

Arthur tried to pretend he was interested. “What do they wanna do?”

“Margaret Whitaker believes that their town is too small to stand up to such a large amount of outlaws, and thinks that the safest solution is to negotiate a deal with them in order to keep the peace in Mercy. As for Reuben Walsh, he would prefer to take on a more direct approach. He thinks that Margaret’s plan to negotiate with them will only lead to more trouble, and wants to wipe out the criminals entirely. But by doing so, he would risk an open war with Lord knows how many gangs.”

Wilfred jumped in. “Not to mention that the man himself is also a cripple. Apparently, the boy’s half blind and moves around in a wheelchair. A wheelchair, for heaven’s sake! How can a man like that fight against anyone?”

Robert boomeranged the subject back to Arthur. “Well? Any thoughts?”

The young man let out a sigh, thinking deeply about the argument.

What did they expect him to say? They all knew he was an outlaw himself, and there was no question that they dragged him into this God-awful conversation purely to put him on the spot.

Still, Arthur knew he’d have to give them some kind of answer if he wanted to keep them satisfied. Yeah, they might’ve been doing this just to humiliate him, but if it meant being one step closer to finishing this nightmare of an evening, he’d do anything.

“...Whitaker, I guess.” Arthur replied. “Why risk more peoples’ lives when you’ve already got a solution standin’ in front of you?”

Surprisingly, Loretta seemed to approve of the response. “Well said. It’s never pleasant to deal with these sorts of people, but when there’s that many of them crying out for blood on the horizon, sometimes you’ve got no choice but to comply.”

Robert, on the other hand, only appeared to dislike Arthur even more. “Yeah, of course he would agree with that.”

“What do you mean by that?” Arthur asked, sounding more irritated than he intended. The young man couldn’t deny that his ability to hold back was deteriorating by the minute.

“...You know damn well what I mean.” Robert fired back. Mary shot a disappointed look at him.

“Daddy, please. Not now.”

“If not now, then when? You know what kind of a man he is, Mary! He may say he’s prepared to commit to a marriage with you, but we all know he’s always gonna be an outlaw at heart. That boy’s gonna get you killed someday, and you’re gonna wish you listened to me!”

Arthur decided to bite his tongue and reached for his drink, only to find himself gripping the glass harder and harder the more Robert prattled on about him.

“Nothin’ to say, Mr. Morgan?” The man challenged. “Oh, you’re big and bad when you’ve got a gun in your hand, alright, but face a real man for once, and suddenly you’ve gone mute!”

“Daddy!” Mary reiterated. “Please! That’s enough. I didn’t bring Arthur here just so you two could start an argument! I brought him here because I wanted you two to start gettin’ along! Is that so hard?”

“He’s got no place in this family, Mary!” Robert exclaimed. “In fact, he’s got no business being on this farm at all. I only let him in because you asked me to. But look at the man! He hasn’t got a single, goddamn clue what any of us are talkin’ about. He’s got no education, no real job, and no real family! The closest thing he’s got to family is a group of dirty, filthy, worthless inbreds!”

Arthur suddenly sprang straight up from his chair and glared at Robert, unable to restrain himself anymore.

Mary jumped at the abrupt motion and held an arm in front of Arthur, desperately attempting to diffuse the situation.

“Arthur! Please, sit down!”

“See?!” Robert accused, pointing a finger at him. “What’d I tell you? The man’s an animal!”

Arthur firmly placed his hands on the table, leaning towards the other man.

“You got somethin’ to say, you say it to my face when you ain’t cowering behind your own daughter. The only reason I agreed to share a meal with you is ‘cause I wanted to smooth things over, but that doesn’t mean I’m just gonna sit here and take this nonsense!”

Robert glowered at Arthur. “...Excuse me?”

The young man tore the napkin from his lap and tossed it down on the table. “No, I’ve excused you enough for one night. I’m done.”

Storming out of the farm at the speed of light, Arthur made a swift exit and left the rest of Mary’s family in a state of shock as the woman herself chased after him, following her fiancé into the cool weather of the night.

“Arthur!” She called out. “Wait!”

But the young man ignored her and simply carried on with his escape, heading towards the hitching posts.

“Arthur!” Mary repeated, desperate to get his attention. “Please! Just... hold on a moment!”

The outlaw stopped in his tracks, letting out a frustrated breath. “What, Mary? What more do you want from me? Look, I tried, okay? I really did. But I can’t go back in there. There’s nothing in this world that could please that sorry excuse of a man.”

The young woman frowned. “That’s my father you’re talkin’ about, Arthur.”

Arthur unhitched Abitha from the post and retrieved his gun belt. “Well, what else d’you want me to say, Mary? That he’s a nice man? That... he’s kind and compassionate?”

Mary sighed. “Whatever you may think of him, he’s still my father. I just want you two to get along. Is that too much to ask?”

The man shook his head. “Listen... I love you, Mary, but your father is never going to accept me. It’s clear that he’s already made up his mind, and there’s nothin’ we can do to change it.”

“Well, your outburst certainly didn’t help things, Arthur.”

The outlaw was perplexed. “What did you expect me to do? Just sit there and take it? You heard the way he was talkin’ about Dutch and Hosea. About these people I consider to be my family. How can you expect me to respect him when he doesn’t respect me?”

Mary crossed her arms. “I’m sorry, Arthur. I know my father did wrong tonight, but all I wanted this evening was for the both of you to put your differences aside. Can you not even do that?”

Arthur mounted his horse, gesturing back to the farm. “Maybe you should ask him that question.”

Falling into silence, the couple took a minute to gather themselves as Mary’s family started cleaning up inside, causing the distant sound of clattering plates to reach their ears.

It had been a long night for the both of them, but Arthur was especially worried about what sort of impact this incident was going to have on their marriage. He couldn’t help but repeat what Benjamin said to him over and over again in his head, and the more he thought about the man’s words, the more he started to think he may’ve had a point.

Perhaps Mary was going to choose Robert over him. It was evident that she still loved the man despite his drunken behavior, and no matter what Arthur did, it always felt like the other man had the upper hand when it came to influencing Mary’s decisions.

Jesus Christ... what kind of hole had Arthur dug himself into this time?

“...Look, Mary,” Arthur said softly, breaking the silence, “I’m sorry for what happened tonight. I didn’t mean for things to turn out like this, but... I just can’t deal with that man anymore. I can’t go back in.”

Mary nodded in an understanding manner and watched sorrowfully as Arthur led Abitha away from the posts, preparing to go home.

“I... I understand, Arthur. Thank you for trying, at least. I know you didn’t want this. I just wish things could’ve gone better.”

Arthur hung his head low. “...Yeah. Me too.”

She walked up to him. “Well... anyways, it’s gettin’ late. You should probably head back to camp now. I reckon Dutch and Hosea might be wondering where you are. Try to stay safe, okay?”

The outlaw gave her a reassuring look. “I will. You take care of yourself too, Mary.”

The woman returned the remark with a caring smile, bidding her fiancé farewell as he disappeared into the night. “I will.”

#red dead redemption 2 #red dead redemption #rdr2 #arthur morgan #dutch van der linde #hosea matthews #rdr2 fanfic #rdr2 story

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wingsporkhalo · 5 years

Text

He’s Mine: A BakuDeku Fic Spork- Chapter 4

WOW I can’t believe this story only ran for 4 chapters! Or no, wait, I can absolutely believe that.

For those of you who are new, I read a terrible BakuDeku fanfiction and made funny commentary on it with the help of some good buddies!! Thanks again @kittykatz009, @the-wizard-l, @satsuneade, and Phos!!

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3

Support me on Patreon! I am poor!! https://www.patreon.com/WingSongHalo And check out my YouTube channel, where you can see video sporks!! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgTMFf7W6SyWoZdpqY9ZdPw/

Last time, Shoto made terrible jokes and lied to Izuku’s mother, Izuku and Shoto went on a date, and our helpless damsel protagonist got attacked by a villain!! Also, I provided several of my own takes on the pairing! When we left off, Izuku had received a note from Katsuki that had a love confession on it! In today’s installment, we see the fight between Lord Explosion Murder and Ice Ice Flamey from the beginning! Also, they stalk Izuku and hang around him creepily all night at his house!

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Me: Izuku would stare at that letter for ages and find a hidden message in it. Izuku, reading the note: "Hey, damn nerd... Even though I didn't get to tell you yesterday, I was trying to say that I'm in Love with you. I want to go out with you. Let me know what you think. PS- Tell anyone else and you're dead." [long pause] "...............oh my god... the first letter of each line... HE'S IN TROUBLE!! I HAVE TO SAVE HIM"

Wiz: 🦢 Me: First off, I think it's kind of telling that within the universe of this story, I'm kind of rooting for Bakugou over Todoroki. I mean, at least Bakugou beat a girl unconscious to save him. Todoroki just kidnapped him while he was dressed like a girl and then took him to a park for no reason and left him there. I like how this chapter is formatted like the shittiest poem I've ever seen. and yes THE DOOR SWAN OPEN Phos: I need to record myself reading bad fanfic like ee Cummings poetry Me: absolutely YOU COULDN'T SEE IZUKU ANYWHERE IN THE WHAT???? WHY WOULD HE--I--WHAT??? THE FUCK???? Jaz: did that say catheter?? Me: IT SAYS CATHETER Wiz: hvgjhgjhRTDYFYGIU Me: IM DYING OH MY GODDDDDD Jaz: that doesnt sound very sanitary Me: MAYBE LOOK IN SOME BETTER HIDING PLACES, TODOROKI

intill: It's all inside

Okay but where is Izuku sitting?? Jaz: he’s levitating Me: "About What?" "Right, about Western Heroes' Acting Theater. They're putting on a show and I want to know if I can make it" "............" And then it’s like "Gee, I have no idea if i should go out with this dangerous person who has always asserted his unquestionable dominance over me with violence if necessary!!" "[internally] oh my god, is Izuku... is the guy I like... dumb??" Jaz: afudshgoudshuigdsh

Me: Of course he doesn't know. Izuku isn't allowed to have a thought in his head in this story Suddenly, Bakugou just fucking Apparates there Jaz: What’s the dose? Me: I dunno, but if it's a Bakugou dose, I'm assuming it'll be -hard to handle -a little too spicy for comfort -really bad for my health Jaz: mhmmm spicy Me:

He must of herd

Surely you mean a Herd of Must? Majestic animals also who is Bakagou and when did he get here? At least we know one thing about him: He's an idiot (...because baka.) WAIT, maybe Bakagou was the author's idea of a pun?? Because he is now Todoroki's rival in love?? ...nah, that's giving the author way too much credit... Jaz: im just picturing Bakugou's head on a horse's body running through a pasture Me: LKAJF;LKSDJLK

Or--hot take, but hear me out--mayyyybe Izuku belongs to no one but himself?? DID YA EVER THINK OF THAT, AUTHOR??? Who is Intill allmight and why is only the first word of his name capitalized Where the fuck did he come from, anyway? Doesn't this take place after the school festival? If so, how is All Might in muscle form? Or did he just appear here in his Smol Might form?? Then he just... fucks the hell off with both of them in tow, I guess IZUKU, HON, GUESS WHAT: YOU DON'T HAVE TO CHOOSE EITHER OF THEM! THEY'RE BOTH BLAND PIECES OF DRYWALL Wiz: RIGHT Me: also I like how they both just stalk Izuku until he makes up his mind. Except NO I DON'T, THAT'S SUPER FUCKING WEIRD AND DISTURBING Wiz: IT REALLY IS Jaz: this is so painful

Wiz: this poor kid Me: Stay over to night? Does that mean they're going to leave at nightfall? sounds a'ight Jaz: the coach Me: "Eh yeah" WHAT THE FUCK. WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK. THIS IS SO STUPID I'M 😂 "Oh remember Izuku" "Yes mom I remember Izuku because that is me" "Oh, okay, just checking. I forget sometimes"

that poor coach

Izuku might as well be a stupid princess doll for all the agency he has in this fic

So the three of them just... sat there in uncomfortable silence while they slowly smushed Izuku between them? And then Izuku just gets up when he's done watching TV? DIDN'T ANYONE WANT TO TALK? THIS IS SO UNSETTLING INKO, COME BACK! WE NEED AN ADULT Wiz: PLEASE COME BACK Jaz: hfdsihgdsiugh

Me: "Don't ask me what vegetables. Just... nameless vegetables. Honestly I'm not convinced they were even vegetables, but that's what the large blue letters on them said, so I thought I'd take their word for it." Wiz: That last line is so creepy for some reason Jaz: it IS creepy Me: "Your going it wrong" They should have said that to Inko when she was leaving. "Your going and leaving us alone with your son? It wrong."

"I never knew that you were good with at cuting!"

I mean, yeah, he could definitely use a refresher course on cute-ing. He has forgotten how to cute.

So like, Shoto's just sitting in there staring brainlessly at the TV while Bakugou impresses his supposed love interest by being a culinary genius? Weak, Shoto. Step up your game.

I haven't spend this much with kacchan

Good lord, I wasn't aware you were spending anything!! How much did those "vegetables" cost??

I went through

WENT THROUGH WHAT?? IS IZUKU SO TWO-DIMENSIONAL NOW THAT HE CAN PASS THROUGH WALLS??

"You were cute when you were a kid weren't you"

Bitch!!! HE'S STILL CUTE AS FUCK!!! Wiz: It's paper mario :O kjwbejhbewfj Me: PFFFFFF Jaz: let this fic die plz

Me: His checks went red??? GOOD LORD, THOSE "VEGETABLES" HAVE BANKRUPTED HIS FAMILY Wiz: oH NOOOOO Me: I can only assume the dinning room is where his mother goes to cause a din by screaming MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Wiz: That’s it Me:

After dinner because author-chan is lazy

You only admit it after all this? You despicable coward. Wiz: gvhbjkhgjkuhilk mood Me: Should we be letting this expressionless cardboard cutout just silently look through all of Izuku's childhood photographs? Definitely not. Is anyone going to stop him? Definitely not!! Jaz: Izuku telling him to back off? GOOD Me: Why is this author writing both of them as these silent onlookers, hovering over Izuku's shoulder like the inevitability of death?? Also, jesus, why on EARTH would Bakugou just be like "welp I'm gonna shower with him derpdedoo!!" Okay Izuku doesn't feel safe in his own home now. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU, AUTHOR. Wiz: THAT’S SO CREEPY JHB Me: so... you're writing one of his love interests as a silent but loyal protector who diligently waits for him and follows him everywhere like a dog? Author, are you... was your first crush a dog or something??? I'm???

(except with “man”) I mean his other choice was to fucking leave, but everyone forgets about that I guess

Jaz: god, i hope they were wearing gloves Me: Author, when you don't put A/N before your stupid pointless interruptions, HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO SEPARATE IT FROM ALL YOUR CHARACTERS' STUPID POINTLESS THOUGHTS Jaz: his waste Me: "You still cute Izuku!" the Southern Accent returns, this time with Shoto Okay Bakugou's growling when someone's getting close to his beloved now. It's official. Bakugou has become an actual dog Jaz: a smol doggie Me: WHAT SO IZUKU JUST GOES TO BED WITH TWO SUPERPOWERED STALKERS STILL IN HIS HOME?? I???

WHY ARE THEY INVADING HIS SPAAAACE OH MY GODDDD IZUKU HAS GIVEN ZERO INDICATION THAT THEM EVEN BEING IN THE HOUSE IS OKAY HHHHHH

Also yeah apparently someone pooped the bed Wiz: fdghjkhgjkl

Me: THE END??? And then it was never updated because nobody wanted any of that shit for poor Izuku Wiz: THE END WOW Jaz: the end jesus thank god Me: look... I don't usually say this, because it might seem hypocritical coming from someone who hoards fanart and writes character analyses and... does what I'm doing right now, but…

please get a life Jaz: maybe they are also sporking and want an update Me: I mean, fair? Wiz: What a journey Me: ANYWAY YEAH THAT WAS "HE'S MINE!" THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING ME, Y'ALL

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Hope you all enjoyed that!! Please let me know if you’ve found any terrible fanfictions you’d like me to spork! Right now I’m working on a Sailor Moon one that was submitted to the blog earlier, so I definitely take your suggestions! Thanks for reading <333

#my hero academia #mha #bad fanfiction #badfic #fanfiction spork #hes mine #bakudeku #tododeku

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boy-blu3 · 5 years

Text

Fallen Cupid ~ Part One

Author: nerdymoose

A/N: I decided to just make it it's own story. I liked it too much to make it a fanfic. Feedback is always welcome and so are reblogs. Please do not repost my work! I hope you enjoy.❤

Summary: A fallen Cupid, also known as an anti-cupid, damages her wings which causes her to stumble across someone who changes her life.

Warnings: Angst, Fluff.

"Madi, I really don't think you should be going out tonight. The winds are picking up, it's going to storm tonight." Madison's sister, Amara pleaded.

"I'll be fine, I'll be back before the storm." Madison sighed as she put on her shoes.

"You promise?" She held out her pinky, the action her seven-year-old self would have done.

Madison rolled her eyes at her sisters childish demeanor, but couldn't help the small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Madison locked her pinky with her sister's, "promise."

Madison walked out the door, her wings flared. "Be safe." Her sister said one last time as she flew away.

•• •• •• •• •• ••

She should have listened. She thought she had more time, at least she was told she had more time.

Soon the sky was filled with dark, angry clouds. But even with the rumble of thunder and flash of lightning, she still kept going.

The downpour was starting to affect her wings, making them heavy. It was getting harder for her to stay in the air.

'Almost there' she said in her head over and over every time she got tired. She would have stopped somewhere to rest or wait until the storm died down. But she was on a schedule, she had to get to this couple before the timer went off. The timer which always was on her wrist, it restarted with a different time every time she was done with a couple.

She let out a relieved sigh when she found the house she was scheduled at. Through the rain and darkness all she could make out is two people standing close and arms flaring in the air.

She raised her arms as if she was holding a bow and arrow, then appearing in mid air were two arrows. They glowed a deep dark red. She shot them and the both landed on their targets.

She was thankful that the rain had stopped, but the clouds had yet to go away. Lightning still lighting up the sky, following faint growls of thunder.

She didn't see it coming, maybe she was flying too high. But a bolt of lightning struck her while she was in mid air. She crashed down on an empty lot, being as though that where she was wasn't exactly a high populated area.

She saw a dark figure walking up to her, she didn't really care to hide her wings. "Holy shit." She heard said figure whisper. "What are you?" He asked as she was getting up from the ground. His eyes were red and swollen from crying.

She dusted herself off, rolled her neck and straightened her back. "I'm a Cupid. Well anti-cupid."

"Cupids' are real?" His eyes widened, not believing it.

She sighed, rolling her eyes. "Yeah and so are a bunch of other things. " She finally looked up at him. She frowned, noticing his puffy eyes. "What the hell happened to you?"

"Heartbreak." He answered plainly.

She winced, "so you're the one I recently shot at." She mumbled, but he still heard her.

"What?"

"Like I said, I'm an anti-cupid. You know how Cupid are known for getting people together, I'm known for breaking people apart. I had shot at you recently, I could tell you weren't happy anymore."

"Wait really?"

She hummed. "Well see you later." She spread out her wings, and began to fly away but soon fell. She groaned, "what the-" She looked at her wings. "My wings were damaged in the fall."

"What does that mean?" He walked closer to her.

"It means that, I can't fly anywhere. I can't even go home. I just have to wait until they heal." She got up.

"Hey, if you want you can crash at my house until you get back up on your feet. Take it as a thank you for breaking up my horrible relationship."

"That's funny, usually people hate me for breaking up their relationships." She thought for a moment. "What the hell. I'll take you up on that offer, and besides it shouldn't take long for my wings to heal, so I'll be out of your hair as soon as I can." They walked in the direction towards his house. "Thanks, by the way." She smiled, for the first time in a long time.

"No problem." He returned the smile.

She noticed that he was still questioning everything by the way he looked at her. She chuckled, "what's on your mind, stranger? I can tell you have a lot of questions."

He let out a breathy chuckle, "well first, what other things are real?"

"Most of the things you humans call myths. Just because you've never seen them doesn't mean they're aren't there."

"Okay. Where do you guys live? Like is there a hidden island that mythical creatures live on?" He questioned.

"No there isn't. We actually live, pretty much, in plain sight. We live in the woods, mountains, oceans, and lakes." She smiled at his confused expression. "Every creature has the ability to disappear from the human eye. Some creatures never turn that ability off. While some creatures like to walk amongst humans."

"Is there like a consequence to revealing your true self to humans?"

"No, but we choose not to. We've seen how humans handle things, most of us are afraid that you'll hunt us down like you do to those poor animals."

"You have a point, but that's not everyone. I'm not trying to kill you." He said matter of factly.

"I mean, I am going to your house without even knowing your name yet, at the dead of midnight. So you have a very good chance of killing me. If you knew how." She said mimicking his tone.

"My names Anthony." He said as he walked in front of her, holding his hand out.

"Madison." She smiled shaking his hand.

"You know I expected some unique mythical name. Being as though you're an anti-cupid and all." He shrugged.

She chuckled, "no, just Madison." She couldn't figure out how it was so easy to speak to him, she never felt this comfortable around a human.

"I have one more question. For now." He stuffed his hands in his pockets. "How do you become an anti-cupid? How does that work?"

Her heart stopped for a moment, referring back to when she became one. "Um" She cleared her throat trying to swallow the lump forming in it. "Every Cupid is born to create love, no matter what. Some fall in love themselves, but if a Cupid gets their heart broken they become the opposite of what they are. Instead of creating love they break it. But only when it's needed, only when they see that the couple is happy anymore."

She looked up at him and was met with a sympathetic expression. "Is that what happened to you?"

All she did was nod, not trusting her voice at the moment. "But Cupid have the ability to fall back into love, but only if it's real love." She explained further.

Anthony decided to change the subject, seeing as though it was upsetting her. "Have you ever seen Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings?" She shook her head. A large smile appeared on his face, "movie night! What better way for us to get to know each other. Anyways we're here." He said pointing to his house. "Also don't mind my dog he gets excited when he meets new people."

He walked up his porch and unlocked his door. They were soon both met by a excited husky. The dog passed by his owner and went straight to Madison.

"Traitor." Anthony mumbled under his breath. "His name is Rosco." He said as he's closing his front door.

She pet the dog and rubbed behind his ear. "He says he prefers to be called Max"

His eyes widened. "You can talk to dogs?"

She stood up from her crouched position, "I can talk to all animals." She stated. She looked back at the dog, "he also said he needs to be let out or you're going to find an unpleasant surprise on your bed." She smirked tweaking the dogs statement a little.

He glared at the dog and reopened his front door, watching the dog run out into the yard.

They both walked out side and admired the stars appearing from behind the dark clouds. They sat in comfortable silence waiting for the dog.

The rest of the night was just like Anthony said, a movie night and just getting to know each other. The best night of Madison's life was spent with a total stranger.

#writing #fantasy #fanfic #supernatural #teen wolf #dean and sam #lovers #relationship #superwhopotterlock #superwholock #harry potter #not lotr #lord of the rings

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just-a-dot · 7 years

Text

Oceans - A Zutara Fanfic

Zuko and Katara enjoy a conversation by the Turtleduck Pond. The friends discuss various topics, including the events of The Last Agni Kai. A canon fitting one-shot.

Author’s Notes:

I wrote most of this wanting to submit it for @zutara-month, but I didn’t finish it in time. I was motivated by @zutaraweek to complete and post it. It doesn’t really fit any of the prompts, but of it had to, Underwater would be the closest.

This is my first time posting fanfiction! I am excited and petrified! I will also publish this on my FF.net and AO3.

Additional notes are at the bottom. Thank you and enjoy!

OCEANS

The garden looked terrible.

Zuko figured he was the only person to have visited the pond in the last three years. From the decrepit state of the garden, he had to assume even the palace gardeners had avoided the alcove. Memories of a formerly lush and busy garden still haunted its pitiful remains.

Cracks crawled across the pavement like a spiderfly’s legs. Pebbles from the path were scattered in the overgrown grass. The trees leaned over the ground with a pitiful pale green color. Although, after such neglect it was a miracle they were any shade of green.

The small pond seemed to be the only spot time had been kind to. The water had remained clear and cast a perfect reflection of the cloudy sky. The water gurgled across the water where a trio of turtleducks paddled close to the edge of the pond. The only other sound was the gentle rustle of the leaves above him.

After sitting in his bed fretting over his coronation, this was the only place he could relax. The water had a peacefulness he couldn’t find anywhere else in the palace. Sure, there were hundreds of magnificent fountains scattered across the grounds, but the rushing movement was unnerving. The quiet helped him to breathe without any pained gasps or exasperated sighs.

Plus, the company wasn’t half bad.

Zuko pressed his fingers into the dried out loaf of bread and tore away a piece of the crust. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the morsel into the water. The instant the bread touched the water, the turtleducks swarmed where the piece of bread had fallen.

He was so focused on how quickly they devoured the bread, he almost didn’t notice something move in the corner of his eye. Zuko instinctively turned, prepared to jump to his feet if need be.

Katara stood a few feet away, facing him with her arms folded. Her long brown hair flapped in the breeze in time with her blue dress. The pensive look on her face deepened into a frown as she stepped toward the water’s edge. No doubt she was there to scold him for being out of bed when he was meant to be in recovery.

“Feeding the turtle-ducks?” She asked, her voice light and casual.

“Yeah,” Zuko admitted and paused to give her time to reprimand him. To his surprise, she only nodded and studied the water. Perhaps she wasn’t frustrated with him. He shouldn’t have been surprised; he had never been good at reading people.

Zuko tried to shrug the disappointing thought away. “Would you like to join me?” He held the bread out in his hands to offer her.

“Sure,” Katara smiled, a look Zuko suddenly wished he saw more often. She walked over to sit down in the shade beside him.

Zuko tore the loaf of bread in half and handed her the larger of the two pieces. “I spent a lot of time here as a kid,” he remembered and tossed out another piece. “My mother used to sit here with me and we would feed the turtleducks like this.”

Katara tossed a large chuck of bread into the water. It made an unusually loud plunk and sent ripples to the tiny shore. “We used to feed the otter-penguins outside our village,” Katara recalled. “Of course, it was mostly so we could ride them down the hill.”

“What?” Zuko raised an eyebrow at her and wondered if he had misheard.

“We used to ride the otter-penguins as sleds as kids. They would side across the snow on their bellies and you glide down the hill on top of them.”

“How did you manage that?”

“Simple really.” Katara smirked and motioned with her hands as she spoke. “You bait them with a fish and then tackle them. They don’t mind it as long as you feed them.”

“Whose crazy idea was it to catch an animal to use it as a sled?” Zuko baffled. He was fairly confident if he tried to catch any creature, it would attack him to get the bait.

Katara leaned over and playfully nudged him with her shoulder. “At least I played as a kid.”

“I played games!” Zuko quickly defended and started counting on his fingers. “I played Tag and Hide and Explode...”

“Yeah,” Katara rolled her eyes. “Hide and shriek must have been loads fun.”

“Ugh!” Zuko groaned and threw his hands in the air in mild exasperation. “That was one time! Why won’t you guys let it go?”

A strong and loud laugh erupted from Katara, clearly amused by his reaction. Zuko tried to stay upset, but her smile was contagious. It wasn’t very often they had time for such friendly banter and Zuko never had much talent when it came to humor. The fact that he was able to get her to laugh was surprising. He stopped fighting back a genuine smile and let out a chuckle.

They were friends. It was a miracle; he might as well enjoy it.

So, of course, the pleasant moment couldn’t last.

A sudden jolt of agony flashed through Zuko’s body. The white hot sensation burst from inside his chest. His hand flew instinctively toward the source of the pain. His fingers pressed against the fabric of the bandage with a futile hope to relieve some of the throbbing.

The shaking from his laugh had irritated his injury. How could he have forgotten about the severe wound he had received only a day before?

“Are you okay?” Katara’s hand appeared on his shoulder. “I could give you another healing session if---”

“No, I’m fine,” He moaned and lifted his eyes to look at her. Her eyes were like mirrors; they held just as much pain than he felt burning through his chest. Zuko forced himself to sit up straighter and tried give her a smile to ease her worry. “I’m okay, thanks.”

Katara ripped her eyes away, withdrew her hand from his shoulder, and leaned back. “Well, if you change your mind, just tell me.”

Zuko nodded. The Agni Kai with Azula had been an intense battle. If Katara hadn’t been there, things would have played out very differently. She hadn’t just healed him either. She had needed to step in and fight Azula, and did so without taking his sister’s life. For that, he would always be grateful.

“You shouldn’t have jumped in front of that lightning,” Katara whispered as she stared intently at the chunk of bread in her hands.

Zuko’s jaw dropped and felt his eyes widen. “What?”

“During the duel, when you jumped in front of Azula’s lightning...” Katara paused before stating, “It could have killed you.”

“It was going to hit you. I couldn’t let that happen.” Zuko declared and threw a piece of bread into the water in an attempt to look as nonchalant as possible.

“But…” Katara’s voice started to get louder as she lifted her head. Her fingers dug into the bread in frustration, “Didn’t you think---?”

“No,” Zuko interrupted her before she could go on. “I didn’t think at all.”

He lifted his head to find Katara already gaping at him.

“I didn’t think about what would happen if I jumped. All I thought about was that you were in danger and I could do something about it.”

Katara blinked and water started to gather in her giant blue eyes.

Zuko took a deep breath, surprised he had the courage to say what he thought. “For once, I was able to protect you instead of hurting you. I was able to keep you safe and I didn’t care if I died or not.”

Zuko’s heart pounded so loud he could hear the blood pulsing through his ears. He fought the overwhelming urge to look away from the oceans in her eyes. His courage was fading in her silence, but he refused to be ashamed of… whatever this was.

Katara’s eyes held for a short moment, long enough for the tears to build and spill out her eyelids. Once the droplets reached her cheeks, her gaze dropped to stare at her hands.

“My mother…” Her voice was muted, as if something was caught in her throat. “She died because she was protecting me. It was traumatizing. It’s been years and I still have nightmares about it. I’ve finally started to heal, but…”

She wiped the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand. Then, she gripped her hand into a fist and met his eyes again. “I can’t go through that again! I can’t lose you, too.”

Katara’s eyes practically glowed with that fierceness in he always admired about her. She knew what she wanted him to stay alive and refused to accept anything less. He was that important to her.

Katara stood up on her knees, leaned over, and tackled Zuko with a hug. He winced and held in a gasp as she leaned against him.

Zuko was stunned in confusion. What had happened between them just now? He must have done something right because she was hugging him so tightly. Her hair smelled like the ocean, which wasn’t much of a surprise, and her arms wrapped around his neck in a way that felt more familiar than it should have. Zuko breathed a heavy sigh and returned the hug.

There was a pleasant stillness as Katara held him steadily without being too harsh or tight. His breaths steadied and he felt more relaxed than he had been in years.

“Promise me you won’t do it again,” she sniffled.

Katara wanted him to promise not to die protecting her. She didn’t want to lose him. But that was exactly the same reason Zuko couldn’t make that promise. He would do anything to make sure she stayed alive and well. If Katara was safe, what happened to him didn’t matter.

They were at an impasse. They both cared too much.

Zuko rested his head gently on her shoulder. At least she couldn’t see the pained look on his face. He hated lying to her; he had done it too many times. If it meant sparing her feelings, if it meant keeping her safe, he would do it again and again. If anything like that happened again, he wouldn’t be able do anything different.

Zuko tried to ignore the dull pain in his chest, and wondered if it was from his injury.

“Yeah,” Zuko replied just above a whisper. “I promise.”

Author’s Notes:

I do not own Avatar or any of its characters, obviously.

This story takes place during Sozin’s Comet Part 4: Avatar Aang, more specifically after The Last Agni Kai with Azula and before Zuko’s coronation.

There are a few references to canon throughout this. If you’ve watched the show, you probably caught most them, so I won’t go into unnecessary detail. However, a few of them are a little more obscure:

1. Spiderflys are referenced in Sozin’s Comet Part 2: The Old Masters. I assume they have the long spindly legs a normal spider does.

2. Tag and Explode is the game Aang plays with the Fire Nation kids during the episode The Headband.

3. Hide and Shriek is a reference to the comic Game Time. Poor Zuko grew up playing games with Azula :(

It is cheesy and has probably been done countless times before, but this one is mine. This wasn’t easy, but I worked really hard on it and had a lot of fun. Thank you for reading!

#zutara #zutara week #fanfiction #fanfic #my fanfic #my posts #oh my gosh #i did it #i posted it #i think i'm gonna faint

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hysterialevi · 5 years

Text

When the Devil Cries pt. 28

Fanfic summary: (NO SPOILERS IN THIS STORY) After arriving in Saint Denis, Arthur ends up falling in love with a seemingly innocent pianist, only to find himself in a battle with one of the most notorious outlaws to ever emerge from America. Now, between working for Dutch and robbing money for the gang, Arthur has to also protect the man he loves as the two of them try to find their freedom.

Pairing: Arthur Morgan/Male OC

Author’s note: Sorry about the longer wait for this chapter, guys. I hit a bit of a writer’s block with this one, but I hope you enjoy it now that it’s done! Also, real quick, I wanted to thank you all for the support you’ve been showing me on this story. I’m still getting messages from you saying how much you’re liking the fic and I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate it. It really makes this worthwhile :)

Previous chapter

This story is also on AO3

From Arthur’s POV

ONE WEEK LATER

BEAVER HOLLOW

Finishing my drawing of this camp, I flipped to the next page and began writing a few words on it, hopin’ to scribble down some of my thoughts while I had the opportunity to relax for a moment.

The new camp wasn’t as bad as I was expecting it to be -- considerin’ Micah picked it -- but despite all of his assurances, something still felt...off...about the area.

I couldn’t quite place it, but when the caravan arrived at Beaver Hollow, one o’ the first things I noticed was the multiple bloodstains decorating our new home. Micah insisted it weren’t nothing to worry about -- and Dutch seemed more than okay with settling down here -- but it was still pretty obvious that someone else had been livin’ here before we moved in.

The dried bloodstains, the ominous cave, the random crates of weapons and dynamite that were left behind by the previous owners...it was clear that this wasn’t exactly a “sanctuary.” And there was also the fact that most of the locals avoided Beaver Hollow like the goddamned plague.

I had no idea what made this place so portentous, but regardless of whatever dangers we was gonna have to deal with out here, Beaver Hollow was still a helluva lot better than Shady Belle. It may not’ve had a big manor for us to sleep in, but it also weren’t riddled with old bullet holes, gators, marshlands, and for the first time in a while, we actually had some fresh air to breathe.

Perhaps we’d make a home of this place yet. I just hoped it wouldn’t be for very long.

Putting my pencil down, I shut the journal closed and slipped it back into my satchel, only to be stopped mid-action when I overheard some commotion goin’ on at Pearson’s wagon.

It didn’t look like Pearson himself was involved with whatever was happening, but Eddie had just brought in a deer carcass and was now arguing with Micah at the moment. Things were still civil, and I doubted Eddie would let it escalate too much, but I listened in anyways, hopin’ to at least hear something that would give me a good enough reason to strangle Micah if need be.

“--and Dutch said you was gonna be useful,” Micah retorted, gesturing to the deer. “Look at this thing. It’s almost as skinny as you. Who the hell’s this gonna feed? Jack?”

Eddie sighed in annoyance, stabbing his knife into a wooden table. “Well, I don’t see you feeding anyone. When was the last time you went out hunting in the woods?”

The other man chuckled in a condescending tone, pointing to his head. “I’m too busy helpin’ Dutch come up with plans. Someone’s gotta help the old man, after all, now that Hosea’s gone. He just needs a little...guidance. But we all have to pull our weight, Ryan. We all have to earn our keep. At least...” Micah glanced over at Uncle, “...that was the idea.”

Yanking his knife out the table, Eddie took hold of the deer and started skinnin’ it, doing his absolute best to ignore Micah.

“If you think you can do better, be my guest. Now, shut up and go bother someone else. I have to get this thing ready for Pearson.”

Micah laughed at that and began sauntering in Dutch’s direction, wavin’ a casual goodbye to Eddie as he took his leave.

“Whatever you say, Ryan.”

Waiting for the man to disappear from sight, Tilly suddenly joined the conversation once Micah was outta earshot and tried to reassure Eddie, holdin’ her book close to her chest as she spoke.

“Don’t listen to him, Eddie,” she encouraged. “We all see the work you’re doin’ for this gang. I know Arthur certainly does.”

The pianist softened his voice slightly and wiped some sweat off his brow, taking a break from the skinning.

“Thanks, Tilly...but Micah’s right. This deer hardly has any meat on it. In fact, most of the animals in this region don’t. It’s rare to see a healthy buck in these parts.”

The woman let out a concerned breath. “I hope not. We got a lotta mouths to feed. Anyway...I’ll let you get back to work. And I probably should too, before Grimshaw threatens to tan my hide again.”

“Sure.”

Returnin’ to their chores, Tilly wandered to a different part of the camp while Eddie stayed behind and continued slicing at the deer, causing me to walk over to him now that he was by himself.

I didn’t know what the hell Micah’s problem was with Eddie, but it seemed as if things had grown more tense between ‘em over the past few days. I mean, nobody in the gang was particularly fond of Micah anyways, but it felt especially uncomfortable when those two were near each other.

Fortunately however, I was around camp most of the time, so Micah usually left Eddie alone. Though I still couldn’t help but wonder where this sudden hatred was comin’ from. Was it ‘cause Eddie was the youngest? Was it because he was close with me? I really didn’t know. Maybe the boy would have some answers.

Walkin’ up behind the pianist, I peeked over his shoulder and displayed a small smile, hoping to cheer him up a little.

“You okay, Eddie?” I asked. “What was that all about?”

Turning around to face me, Eddie stood up from the ground and squinted as the sun hit his eyes, makin’ him look even more annoyed than before.

“Oh, it’s nothing...” he brushed off. “It’s just -- the camp was running low on food so, I went to go hunting earlier, but...” Eddie glanced at the deer, “I dunno, Arthur. This place is strange. All the animals...they look sick. They’re so...weak and fragile.”

I nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I know what you mean. I was fishin’ at the Elysian Pool the other day. Caught a nice pike...but the bastard looked like it had been dead for a week already.”

Eddie cleaned his hands with a rag. “That’s what I’m talking about. Everything looks diseased here. Even the people. Have you been to Butcher Creek yet? The residents there are even worse than the deer.” The pianist let out an uneasy sigh. “You don’t...you don’t suppose there could be some illness going around Roanoke Ridge?”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “I certainly hope not. Our people are hungry already. Last thing we need’s for them to be sick, too.”

“Then we should stop eating the animals here altogether. We’d be safer sticking to the canned foods, but that stuff costs money. Which is another thing we’re low on.”

I paused out of confusion. “What? What happened to the money we just robbed from the riverboat?”

Eddie shrugged. “I don’t know. Apparently, Dutch has stashed most of it away somewhere...in a...secret box, or something.”

A scoff escaped me. “Ah, o’ course. He does that with every camp. Just to make sure our money’s safe. But...hey, tell you what. Why don’t you keep skinnin’ that deer, and I’ll head into town? Buy some more provisions. Also see if I can’t find another place to hit in Annesburg.”

The boy quickly put a hand on my chest, stoppin’ me in my tracks.

“Wait, don’t go alone. I’d feel better knowing you were with someone.”

I briefly scanned the camp with my eyes, choosing a partner to come with me.

“Alright,” I agreed. “What about Sadie?”

Eddie chuckled. “Well, she might start another shootout if there are any O’Driscolls in town, but at least I know you’ll be in good hands. Just...be careful, okay? Both of you.”

“Of course.”

Sayin’ goodbye, the pianist pecked a short kiss on my cheek and playfully patted my face, making me turn a bit red since most of the gang could see us here.

“Eddie--!” I mumbled awkwardly. The other man did nothing but laugh.

“Sorry. Couldn’t resist. Anyways,” he gestured outta the camp, “I’ll let you go. Stay safe.”

Nodding at Eddie in response, I began headin’ to the camp’s entrance and called for Sadie along the way, urging her to join me.

“Mrs. Adler!” I exclaimed. “You free? Could use a hand.”

The woman happily accompanied me and followed along at a brisk pace, clearly eager to get outta this dreary forest.

“Sure. What we doing?”

“Nothin’ fancy. Just picking up some supplies in town, lookin’ for tips to investigate. You know the drill.”

Sadie smirked. “Didn’t think you’d ever go shoppin’ with me again after what happened in Rhodes.”

I climbed onto one of the gang’s wagons and helped her onto the seat, taking hold of the reins as a chortle escaped me.

“Oh, you know me, Mrs. Adler. Chaos has a habit o’ finding me anyway. May as well have a friend along when it comes.”

A LITTLE LATER

ANNESBURG

Ridin’ into the gloomy town, Sadie and I already started to see gigantic clouds of smoke blanketing the factories in the distance as they blocked out the white sun and darkened the settlement below, shrouding everything in shadows.

It felt like the entire place was covered in coal dust, and all around me, I could hear folk coughin’ up a storm as they breathed in the toxic air, powerless to prevent the damage they was causing to their lungs.

And if they weren’t workin’ for the mines, most of the people here preferred to stay inside their drab lil’ houses as a way to escape from all the crime littering the streets.

As for the ones who were outside though, they all looked lifeless and completely devoid of any vigor. It was like no one here had seen the sun in decades, and judgin’ by the condition of most of Annesburg’s residents, I doubted there was gonna be any money for us to steal.

Well...I still hoped we’d at least find something.

The gang had been struggling even more ever since that incident with Rodrick, and if we didn’t find a decent score to take soon...we weren’t gonna last for very much longer. It was now or never. We’d have to rob someone eventually...or die off.

“So...” Sadie said, observin’ the dead town, “...any ideas on where to start in a god-awful place like this, Mister Morgan?”

I scoffed, bringing the wagon to a stop. “The exit, probably. Still worth a look though. I imagine these factories require a whole lotta money to stay up and running. Someone’s gotta be funding them.”

She climbed down from the wagon. “True. Well, why don’t you get to searching? In the meantime, I’ll head to the general store and buy some provisions for the camp.”

“Sounds good. I’ll meet you back here in a while. Oh, and Mrs. Adler?”

The woman quirked a brow at me. “Yeah?”

I sighed. “...Keep that gun holstered, will you?”

Sadie snickered playfully. “What kind of a woman do you think I am?”

I chuckled, waving her goodbye. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never met another like you.”

Wanderin’ around Annesburg’s muddy streets, I carefully investigated the different establishments in this place and listened closely to every group of strangers I passed, hoping to overhear any sorta tip or lead.

So far, it sounded as if the only building worth checkin’ out in this hellhole was the gunsmith. Apparently, the people in this town took better care of their firearms than they did themselves. Spent all their money stockin’ up on weapons and ammo, and didn’t have much need for anything else.

I supposed it only made sense with the ridiculous amount of crime in Annesburg, but at the same time, I wasn’t too fond of the idea of robbin’ the only guy in this town who had an entire shop full of guns. There had to be something else.

Hugging a corner, I found myself roamin’ towards the harbor as the smell of salt water hit my nose, and an impressive display of boats came into view. I could hear seagulls cawing, boat engines humming, waves splashing against the pier, and most importantly, an interesting discussion seemed to be taking place among the people there.

I took a step back and concealed myself behind a wall, eavesdropping on the conversation.

“I believe I’ve made myself more than clear, Mister Rose. I have no intentions on getting involved with yet another gang. I have enough problems with outlaws as is.”

I froze. Did that man just say Mister Rose? As in Atticus Rose?

I couldn’t goddamned believe it. What the hell was that bastard doing here?

Peeking around the corner, I squinted through the sunlight and caught a glimpse of the two men participatin’ in this meeting, only to find -- not one -- but two familiar faces talking near one of the boats.

Atticus was here, alright.

And so was Leviticus Cornwall.

“I would encourage you to reconsider, Mister Cornwall,” Atticus said lowly, his tone drenched in venom. “We may stand on opposite sides of the law, but we share the same goal.”

Leviticus let out an amused scoff and addressed one of his employees, hardly listenin’ to Atticus as he ordered his workers around.

“What, money? Well, I can assure you, Mister Rose, that everyone in America shares that goal. Janson! Send a telegram to Goldberg in New York. Tell him I won’t borrow at more than three point two percent...”

“Yes, sir.”

“...And double the security on the stagecoach coming in from West Elizabeth! It’ll be two days before it arrives, and I don’t want anyone laying a single finger on it before it reaches Annesburg!”

“Right away, sir!”

Atticus stood by patiently and thoroughly observed the businessman, his expression barely changing as Cornwall brought his attention back to him.

“Like I said,” Leviticus continued, “outlaws are already making a mockery of me, and I’ve spent a considerable fortune trying to help those...useless Pinkertons find them! The last thing I need is to cross paths with another criminal. Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mister Rose...” the man straightened his tie and began walking away, “I have many things to attend to. Good day.”

But Atticus wasn’t done yet. He simply stayed put and carried on with the discussion, bringin’ up a topic he knew Leviticus wouldn’t be able to ignore.

“Things more important than Dutch van der Linde?”

Cornwall paused at that and glanced over his shoulder, suddenly interested in what Atticus had to say.

“...Van der Linde?” He repeated. “Why? You know something about him?”

Atticus linked his hands together behind his back. “I know he’s in this area. And I also know that now is the perfect time to strike. Dutch is weaker than he’s ever been, Mister Cornwall, but it seems that even now, the law fails to apprehend him. Why not let someone outside the law take him down?”

Leviticus slowly found himself slinkin’ back into the conversation due to Atticus’ persistence and eyed the man up-and-down, his curiosity now piqued.

“Alright, Mister Rose...” he granted, “you have my attention.”

Atticus stepped closer to Cornwall, almost unable to hide the victorious smirk creepin’ onto his face as he proposed an idea.

Before I could listen to anymore of what they were sayin’ however, someone else suddenly snuck up behind me, causin’ me to instantly reach for my gun.

“Relax!” They whispered in an alarmed tone. “It’s just me. Sadie.”

I sighed out of relief. “Jesus, Sadie. I coulda killed you. What’re you doin’ here?”

She smirked. “I was gonna ask you the same thing. What you listenin’ to?”

Tilting my head in Cornwall’s direction, I averted Sadie’s focus to the pier.

“Both Rose and Cornwall are in town.”

Her eyes widened at the news. “The hell? Ah, shit.”

“Yeah,” I replied. “It sounds like they’re teamin’ up against Dutch. They both want him dead.

Sadie shook her head, muttering to herself. “...Son-of-a-bitch. Why is that we can’t take one step without Atticus or his gang showin’ up?”

“I don’t know, but we gotta let Dutch know what’s goin’ on. C’mon, we should head back to camp...before either of them figures out we’re here.”

Mrs. Adler followed me. “I’m right behind you.”

BEAVER HOLLOW

Storming back into camp, Sadie got to work on delivering the provisions to Pearson while I hurried over to Dutch and Micah, admittedly a bit shaken now that I knew Atticus was nearby.

At first, I dismissed Micah’s idea of there bein’ a rat in the gang, but after seeing how quickly Rose seemed to move -- especially when it came to interfering with our plans -- I couldn’t help but concede that he might’ve had a point.

Who would sell us out like that? I mean, sure, not everyone in the gang always saw eye-to-eye with Dutch, but I highly doubted any of them would go as far as to betrayin’ us.

It couldn’t be Marston. Dutch was like a father to him, same as me. It couldn’t be Williamson either. He practically worshipped the man. And it sure as hell weren’t Eddie. This gang was the closest thing to a family he had left. He wouldn’t risk our lives like that.

I supposed that’d be another question for another time. Right now, I just needed to inform Dutch on what the hell was happening between Atticus and Cornwall, and hopefully, convince him to lay low.

“Dutch!” I called out, approaching his tent.

The man stepped out from the shade and walked up to me, eager to see if I had learned anything as Micah tagged along.

“Arthur! There you are. Eddie said you was lookin’ for a tip in Annesburg. You find anything useful?”

I hesitated. “...Well, yes, but--”

“--Let’s hear it, then!”

I breezed through the subject, wantin’ to get straight to the point. “...There’s gonna be a stagecoach comin’ from West Elizabeth in two days. I dunno what’s in it, but apparently it’s gonna be under heavy guard. Must be something valuable.”

Dutch picked up on my anxious tone. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

I stuttered for a moment, unsure of how to deliver the news. “...This stagecoach belongs to Leviticus Cornwall, Dutch. He’s in town. And so is Atticus. They’re both here.”

The spark in the other man’s gaze instantly vanished at that and I could see his brow crinkling in anger, leadin’ me to worry about how he was gonna react.

“...Is that so?” He questioned darkly, his jaw clenching.

“Unfortunately.” I confirmed. “I saw ‘em with my own two eyes. They wanna kill you, Dutch. It’s what they said.”

Glancing at Micah for a second as he processed the situation, Dutch nodded in an assured manner before turnin’ back to me, clearly not taking this as seriously as I expected him to.

“Then I guess we’re gonna be visiting an old friend,” he said with a grin. “You said the coach arrives in two days?”

An irritated sigh escaped me. “We can’t be robbin’ no Leviticus Cornwall stagecoach, Dutch!”

“Why not?”

I spread my arms out, gesturing to the entire camp. “We have enough attention on us already! We rob someone as big as Leviticus, and all we’ll be doing is signing our death warrant. If we wanna leave this country, we gotta do it as quietly as possible.”

Micah hopped into the conversation, pointing an accusatory finger at me. “Oh, what’s happened to you, Morgan? I thought you was a tough boy. Not one of those...gentlemen...trying to protect his ridin’ clothes. But now look at you. You’ve turned yella.”

He chuckled, lookin’ at Dutch. “It’s like I said, boss. That Ryan boy is makin’ him soft.”

I gritted my teeth in annoyance. “All I know is that we’ve lost three of our men in no less than a few weeks. Hosea, Lenny, Strauss -- we keep goin’ on like this and I guarantee we’re gonna lose more.”

Micah put a hand on Dutch’s shoulder. “No, no, no, no. If we wanna leave this country, see, we gotta make a whole lotta noise, Dutch. Think of it as a smoke bomb. While everyone else is all confused and distracted by this mayhem, we’ll just slip away as if nothing happened! Easy as that.”

I glowered at him. “You’re a fool if you think that, Bell. Dutch?”

Staring at the ground in concentration, Dutch considered his options while the two of us waited for a decision, already somewhat suspicious of whose advice he was gonna go with.

I knew Dutch and Leviticus had a bad history with each other -- and truth be told, I wasn’t fond of the man neither -- but I never thought he’d be so reckless as to consider Micah’s plan of robbing the stagecoach.

Lord only knew how many men would be guardin’ it. And on top of that, we didn’t even know what the coach was goddamned carrying in the first place! The cargo might’ve been valuable to Cornwall, but was it valuable to us? As far as I was concerned, it could’ve been worth shit. But clearly, that didn’t matter to Dutch. All he cared about right now was takin’ revenge on those he hated, and part of me feared I was slowly makin’ my way onto that list.

I just prayed he would come to his senses soon. For all our sakes.

“Get ready, boys...” Dutch announced, causin’ me to tilt my head in disappointment as he smiled deviously.

“...We’re gonna be rich.”

#red dead redemption #red dead redemption 2 #rdr2 #arthur morgan #eddie ryan #arthur morgan x male oc #rdr2 fanfic #rdr2 story

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