#but it's fine she got Moonflowers

[soraavalon]

Moriarty (OOC/IC?): Just buy new horses. Tark (OOC): No! Hunt (OOC): His sister will kill him if we left the horses behind. Tark (OOC): I know, those poor horses. Nathaniel: [in chat] nathaniel bought a plant :) Moriarty (OOC): They're just horses. Hunt (OOC): Again, Edmund's sister will kill him if we come back without the horses. DM: That's fine. They can get horses on deck. It's getting the carriage on [something] that they're trying to figure out. Eudora (OOC): So we just disassemble the carriage. DM: Edmund's eyebrows are twitching. Moriarty (OOC): I mean, that job's already half-done. Marigold (OOC): 'Guys, I spent so long fixing it!' Nathaniel (OOC): I just fixed that thing. DM: While we were micromanaged. Nathaniel (OOC): Can I Dimension Door the carriage? Moriarty (OOC): Oh my fucking god. DM: Well... Nathaniel (OOC): *reads the spell* No, I can't. DM: No, I don't think you can. I was gonna let it go, but I literally don't think you can. It's more they're trying to find a spot for it on deck is the real issue. Marigold (OOC): If we take the door off Moriarty's room, we could fit it in there. Nathaniel (OOC): *laughing* Moriarty (OOC): No. DM: We could not, it's a closet. However. Hunt (OOC} [in chat] If there are color changing flowers, I think Hunt would get some. Eudora (OOC): We put it in the Bag of Holding. DM: Very slowly just like--- Moriarty (OOC): I don't think it would fit. Marigold (OOC): No, this is also how we end up with the Bag Man coming back again. -overlapping conversations- Hunt (OOC): Does the ship have a pulley system 'cause... DM: Yeah, it does have the pulley system to get up, so they can get it on deck. They're just trying to figure out Nathaniel (OOC): Getting it onto the ship isn't the problem. DM: put on deck where it's not gonna be running people over and into the rigging. Moriarty (OOC): Well unfortunately, there's nowhere it can be where it's, at least, not a little in the way. DM: [in chat] No but there are moonflowers that bloom at night Marigold: If we painted it yellow then at least you can see it very clearly. DM: *laughs* Put caution tape on it. They're also arguing about how to secure the wheels so it doesn't roll around if the ship gets turbulence, but they'll deal with that while the rest of you are able to turn in to your usual arrangements. Nathaniel We could take the wheels off. DM: We could take the wheels off. Nathaniel: We have the pulley system, We could pick it up, I mean that's not hard. DM: Yeah. Eudora: I think one way or the another we're figuring out the logistics. Hunt (OOC): [in chat] Hunt would get some moonflowers. DM: [in chat] 25 gold Eudora: We don't necessarily have to figure it out out of character. DM: Right. Nathaniel: Fair. Hunt (OOC): [in chat} *thumbs up emoji*

[moonflower-ifs]

✾ DEMO ⚘ FAQ ✾ CHARACTERS ⚘

The fresh air coming from the sea, the lull of the little crickets singing in the wind, and the smell of flowers growing closer the nearer you are to your uncle's house… Everything is as you remember from all the summers you spent here, in the woods, on the beach, in the nearby town. As if the time has never passed, as if stepped in directly in your memories.

Isn't it quite ironic this almost melancholic feeling, considering how much you didn't want to come here, isn't it? As soon as you got the invitation to his birthday party, you were ready to refuse, to say no. Even Maribel's attempts to convince you hadn't been enough to budge you, until one day you did change your mind… Alas, it doesn't matter the why or the hows: all that's important now is that you're almost there.

In the place where all of your friends await you, maybe this will be an opportunity to mend what has been broken, to restore the threads that have loosened… or to cut them for good. Still, you can almost taste blood on your tongue, or is it in the air?

Moonflower is strictly rated 18+ with horror nuances and mysteries. It will deal with and/or have explicit content and themes (language, sexual, drug/alcohol use, violence, and more).

― FEATURES & MC CUSTOMIZATION

Customize your MC! Choose the name, gender, sexuality, appearance, and more!

Navigate the relationships of your "group of friends" and rekindle old friendships or crushes! Or let them burn to the ground! Maybe you could even play as a matchmaker… who knows?

Romance 5 of the main characters of the game! But be careful: you never know what'll await you.

Investigate and discover mysteries and secrets around you, some more hidden than others.

Who said memories can't hurt you? Probably no one.

But the most important thing is for you to try to survive this party. Don't let the atmosphere get to you.

(With the development, things could be changed, added, or removed.)

― CHARACTERS & ROs

¬ Ashton Moon, the actor ✾ he/him, 30 [RO]

You've known him since middle school and have been friends since, or better: he was your best friend / long-lasting crush. Now he's an acquaintance at best, if not a stranger in your life.

¬ Lucrèce Wray, the heir ⚘ he/him, 32 [RO]

You've always seen him as the long-time boyfriend and then fiancé of your childhood friend, at least until recently. Now he's just the jaded and cynical heir that is threaded in your life, for better or worse.

¬ Hazel Elwyn, the pharmacist ✾ she/her, 33 [RO]

Your childhood friend, who has been with you since you could remember. The constant presence in your life, except that now she's not as present as it used to be…

¬ Zane Scott, the photographer ⚘ they/them, 32 [RO]

They've been friend with Ashton long before being yours, but Zee wormed themselves into your life just fine. As of now, their absence in yours is palpable.

¬ Marilyn Casey, the singer ✾ she/her, 31 [RO]

You've met during a party in your 20s, as a friend of your friends, it was natural for you to see her around. Strangely enough, now she's the one who's more friends with you than others.

¬ Maribel Castillo, the waitress ⚘ she/her, 28

You were the one to introduce her to your group of friends. She saw you as her best friend, and she still does. Even now, she keeps trying to reach out to you, no matter what you do or try to do.

¬ Umberto Coiro, the rich uncle ✾ he/him, 58

Your dear rich and mysterious uncle, from your mother's side, who likes to share his riches with family and friends alike. He's invited you and your friends, to his birthday party, a quite late party, to say the truth.

¬ Camilla Evans, the cousin ⚘ she/they, 35

Your dear cousin, from your mother's side. She's the only other family member your uncle invited to his late birthday party. She might not be his daughter, but Cami is as mysterious as your uncle and as, if not more, enlightening.

― LINKS & EXTRA INFO

Characters References;

Ashton / Lucrèce / Hazel / Zane / Marilyn / Maribel / Umberto / Camilla;

Moonflower's Updates;

Other Ifs;

Normal Asks / NSFW Asks;

If the title wasn't enough: yes, there'll be a lot of flowers on here.

[echo-goes-mmm]

Moonflower #17

Masterpost

Previous

Next

Warnings: implied domestic abuse

Iris woke up with a throbbing headache. She had been tucked into bed, which she didn’t remember doing.

The morning light filtered through her windows, and it made her head pound.

But in order to close the curtains, she’d have to get up.

Iris groaned and pulled her blanket over her head.

“Oh good,” said a quiet voice. “You’re awake.”

It took her a moment to recognize that it was Kit. “What time is it?” she mumbled. 

“Twelve after ten.”

Alarm ran through her, and she shot up. She winced.

“Take it easy,” said Kit. “It’s your day off.”

“Oh thank god.” Iris fell back against her pillows, vaguely nauseous. Kit stood next to her bed, amused. 

“Did you even go to bed?” she asked. 

“I slept.”

“In your room?”

“You were drunk. I wanted to keep an eye on you.”

“Thanks,” she said, closing her eyes. “Could you go get me some breakfast? With orange juice?”

Iris was aware she was whining, but she couldn’t bring herself to care at the moment. She could have asked Kit to magic away her hangover, but she deserved it for drinking so much. Served her right.

“Yes, Mistress.”

Kit left, and Iris lay in her bed, trying to will herself to shower. 

The need to use the bathroom eventually forced her out of bed.

Showering did make her feel better, and the floral soap lifted her mood.

By the time she had finished and gotten dressed, Kit had breakfast waiting for her.

“Have you eaten?” she asked, uncovering the french toast and pouring herself coffee.

“Yes,” he said.

“Good.”

Kit sat on the floor as she ate, and Iris could see a strong dark green coming in at his scalp.

“Your hair isn’t black, is it?”

He seemed startled by the question. “No,” he said simply.

“It’s changing color,” she continued, “You’ve got some green coming in. I take it that’s good?”

A faint smile twitched at the corners of his mouth. “Mhm.”

Slight disappointment coursed through her.

It seemed that for every day Kit had a conversation with her, he’d be nearly silent the next.

“Let’s get some sun after breakfast,” she suggested. “I’ve been inside all week, and you need to pick out where your garden will be.”

“I get to choose?”

“Why wouldn’t you?”

Kit shrugged halfheartedly. Getting words out of him would be difficult today; she could tell.

“I don’t know what you want me to say,” he had said that first evening. Maybe he just needed a topic.

“Have you thought about what you want to do with it?” she asked.

“A little.” Iris waited, taking a sip of her orange juice.

“I… I’d like it to look like home,” he explained, fiddling with the fabric of his shirt. “Just a bit.”

“Are you going to plant some wild roses?”

Kit nodded. “If I’m allowed.”

Iris stood from her chair. “You can plant whatever you want, Kit.”

“Even a tree? Ivy? Berry bushes?” he asked, following her out the door.

“I did say whatever you want.” Brennan greeted them with a nod, and they headed down the hall. “I’m not particularly interested in gardening, Kit. I don’t care what you plant; go wild.”

Kit brightened beside her, and Iris hid a smile. He was sweet, and he deserved a place that was his; that he could choose himself.

The late morning air was warm, slightly humid, and she assumed that was good for a plant fae like Kit.

He seemed to soak in the sun, and he truly looked much better than before.

Jeff was weeding a flower bed, wheelbarrow beside him and trowel in hand.

“Good morning, Jeff.”

Jeff looked up, and squinted in the bright sun.

“Morning, your majesty.” His eyes slid over to Kit, who winced. “Morning… you.”

“Hello,” said Kit. 

“I’ve offered Kit a spot on the grounds. Something just for him to look over.”

Jeff didn’t look pleased, but he knew better than to argue with her. “Fine with me,” he said tightly. 

“Great,” Iris gave him a sunny smile. “Thank you for understanding.”

Jeff softened a little before turning back to his work.

They wandered the gardens; Kit looking around for the perfect spot.

“Anything catch your eye yet?”

“Sorry,” he said.

“No, it’s fine,” she reassured him. “I don’t mind. I could use the exercise.”

They rounded a corner, and Kit stopped.

“What is it?”

“I, uh, I like that corner over there.”

Iris followed his gaze. The high garden wall met the castle, and the castle wall curved inwards, creating a small nook. It was empty, save for a tree that created a patch of shade against the sun.

“What do you like about it?” she asked lightly, curious.

Pink tinged Kit’s cheeks. “It’s quiet,” he said. “And out of the way. And, um, it looks nice for a nap,” he added quickly. “And the walls… I don’t have to worry about someone sneaking up on me.”

Iris recalled how James Harbor had boasted about catching Kit with an iron-laced net while he slept.

“Then it’s yours.”

___________________

Three days later, and Kit dozed under the oak. It was the perfect temperature; warm but not hot, and he curled into the protective roots of the tree.

A robin sang sweetly in the branches, and Kit hummed along.

Iris was busy in a meeting, and he had wanted a nap to pass the time.

He was right about how peaceful it was.

It seemed like this spot had been forgotten about, and he liked it that way. The perfect little oasis; where he could be left alone.

“Mr. Kit?”

Or not.

Kit yawned, stretching out. “Hm?”

“I- I need some help.”

Kit’s eyes flew open, and in front of him stood the red-haired maid from before. David.

He had a black eye, and he was holding a rucksack.

Kit sat up. “What happened?”

David sniffed, lip trembling, and Kit noticed his slight sway.

“Hey,” he said, softly. “Come here.”

David sank into the grass, and Kit scooted over to sit next to him.

“I’m not supposed to be here,” said David. “I- I should b-be at home. But I don’t want to go home anymore.”

His breath smelled like alcohol.

“Have you been drinking?”

David nodded, resting his chin on his legs. “I thought it would help,” he said. “It always helps Dad.”

“It doesn’t really work that way.”

David burst into tears.

“I don’t want to do this anymore,” he sobbed. “My face hurts and he takes all my money and now we don’t have anything for food because he spent it all and he gets mad at me for it and-”

David gasped for air, and Kit pulled him close. David wept into his shirt.

“I-” Kit worked his jaw, trying to sort out what he could and couldn’t say. “Are you hungry?” he settled on. Food never hurt anyone.

David nodded. “Y-yeah. We- we ran out of… I really tried. I really did.” His voice was so small, and anger bubbled in Kit’s chest.

“Let’s go get some lunch, and we’ll figure something out.”

David sniffled. “Okay.”

taglist: @paintedpigeon1 @cupcakes-and-pain @loserwithsyle @cepheusgalaxy @thingsthatgo-whump-inthenight @virtualbreadtale @bitchaknso @starfields08000 @honeycollectswhump @why-not-ask-me-a-better-question

[silent-raven13]

Let's get TATTOOS!

Miles happily went up to his boyfriend: Hobie! Hobie!

Hobie smiles: Yes, luv? -he stopped talking to Gwen and Pav having all his attention to cute bf-

Miles' face gleam with joy: I was thinking... since we been together for three years... I was wondering if we taken the next step of our relationship!

Gwen's and Pat's eyes widen, both thinking it's something sexual or marriage: What!

Hobie smiles holding Miles' hand: What is it, sunflower? -he turns pink seeing his partner looking so bright and his face glowing like the sun-

Miles happily smiles: Let's get TATTOOS!

Gwen faced palmed while Pav tilted his head: Is that what couples do in his world? -he looks at Gwen-

Gwen: Ugh, I dunno... I thought we were getting something juicy! -she was disappointed. The two are so private with their sex life if they even had one-

Miles pouts hearing Gwen: That's not funny!

Hobie chuckles having to hold his boyfriend's hands: Luv, we got tattoos of each other.

Miles cutely pouts: I know, but I want us to get a tattoo together. It doesn't have to match... just something that sort of match each other. -His large eyes gleamed at him- Don't you love me enough for another one!

Hobie felt his heart get stroked by a knife then he turns even more pink: I do! I DO, SUNFLOWER! -he kisses his boyfriend on the lips- We'll go get matching tattoos, but... how did your mum took it when you asked her?

Miles giggles: Ohh... I didn't tell her! -he took his boyfriend's hand- come on, let's go. Your friend's shop is still open! -opening a portal to go to Hobie's world to get their tattoos. Leaving Gwen and Pav behind-

Hobie's eyes widen: Wait, luv. You didn't tell your mum? She's gonna kill me! -being in shock by Miles' sneaky side-

Miles: No she won't! Besides, she didn't find out about my first tattoo until Billie's birthday!

Hobie: Luv, as much as i love this rebelliousness... don't you think you should ask? I don't want them to blame me-

Miles turns to his boyfriend: Hobie! I will tell them I'm the one that thought of it!

Hobie: Your dad don't already like me

Miles: So? No dads like their kid's partner.

Hobie: Right... -he got in front of Miles- But I really think you should ask Mrs. Morales...

Miles: Hobie, everything will be fine. Why are you so worried about her? Is it cause she's my mom- look I dealt with her all the time, she's my mom! -he passed Hobie to go inside the tattoo shop- Hey Dread! Me and Hobie want tattoos

Hobie's tattoo artist peak his head up: alright, what ya lovebirds want? Names? Broken hearts!

Hobie: Nuh, none of that. Those are curses.

Miles nodded: Yeah! I was thinking a Moonflower for Hobie! -Hobie felt his cheeks warm-

Hobie: Awe, luv. I'll get a sunflower then.

Miles: But you already have-

Hobie: There's never enough sunflowers tattoos, luv.

Miles hugs his boyfriend being super happy: Awe, bae!

The tattoo artist: Ok, are you guys ready? I'm free right now. I can whip up a quick sketch.

Hobie: Yeah, mate. We're ready!

Miles bounced: Yes!

-A couple of hours later the tattoo artist work on both of their tattoos. They gotten a decent size. Miles got the the Moonflower on his right upper back. Hobie's got the sunflower on hie upper left back that way when they hold hands their tattoos are along side by side.-

Dread: You know the rules, wait a few hours before taking off the layer, add some clear lotion to moisturize, and wash gently. Avoid sunlight, the basics.

Hobie: Geez, no deep detail?

Dread: Mate, this is like your tenth tattoo and that one... -Miles happily look at the mirror at his new tattoo- you're gonna take care of. Why do i even bother? Anyway, this is on the house for saving my place with those crazy nazis, mate!

Hobie: No problem, mate -he gave his friend a handshake-

Miles walks out being so happy: Now, i have to avoid people touching my back!

Hobie: And your parents!

Miles: That's right! -he smiles happily hugging his boyfriend's arm- ehh it'll be fine! -Hobie only rolled his eyes-

Later in Earth 1610

Rio shouted out loud: OTRO? OTRO TATUAJE! -she's fuming when Miles came home showing off his new tattoo just to rip off the band-aid-

Jeff holding Billie in his arms being in shock: NOW, I KNOW DAMN WELL YOU DIDN'T GO AGAINST OUR WISHES, MILES! -he glares at Hobie and pointed at him- YOU! You persuade him!

Billie nodded mimicking her dad: Ya! Yaya! Bah! -she wag her fingers with agreement. Yeah, let's get mad at Hobie-

Miles: Mamí! Dad! It's not like that! -he happily holds Hobie's hand- we took our relationship to the next level!

Rio rub the bridge on her nose: Aye, next level? NEXT LEVEL? Miles, what couple gets tattoos and relationship! Your 18! You barely got the first one! Dios ayúdame! Este niño quiere matarme! -Hobie stood being awkward by Miles' parents while his boyfriend being happy-

Jeff: No-no, I think this was Hobie's plot! Miles was never like this before! Now, my boy got tattoos like a street thug!

Billie wag her fingers: Yaya bla bababa!

Miles: Dad, I swear! Hobie wasn't the one. I did! I made him!

Rio put her hands on her hips: Jeff, he's right. Hobie wouldn't do that! He respect me too much! Oye, right Hobie? -she snaps her fingers at the tall young man-

Hobie: Yes, Mrs. Morales.

Miles happily smiles: Hobie would never force me to do anything!

Jeff: And that's the problem! Come on, man! Be a guy I could hate! -he cursed himself seeing how Hobie is always being a good man to his son- Geez, and where's your backbone? Aren't you supposed to be the man in the relationship?

Hobie: I don't believe in gender roles in relationships!

-Billie arched her eyebrows looking at her dad who did the same thing.-

Miles giggles: It's okay, guys! This tattoo is on my back!

Rio place both her hands in prayer form: Aye dios mio! Miles, I'm too upset with you. But not you, Hobie. I know you can't handle his stubbornness.

Miles: Isn't that great!

Rio: Miles, you are grounded!

Miles: Mamí, I'm 18-

Rio cut him off: NOT IN THIS HOUSE YOUR NOT! GROUND YOUNG MAN! 18? 18, vives bajo mi techo!

Jeff: Um... it's my roof, too- -his wife glares at him- It's yours, honey! Of course, you run this house!

-Miles pouts but hug his boyfriend's arm already expecting this. better now than later!-

Rio: Yeah, I do! -she turns to Hobie- Hobie, I'm sorry but Miles will be grounded for three weeks. Would it be okay you don't visit him?

Hobie: Yes, ma'am! -he didn't want to upset his partner's mom.- Is it find I can call him?

Rio: Yeah, but on certain hours! I swear, Miles gotten too spoiled!

Jeff snorts with him and Billie eyeing at Hobie: Gee, I wonder why!

Hobie: I love him, too much! -Miles happily snuggle against him-

Rio awed: And that's why you're a good man! -she pinches his cheeks-

Jeff and Billie rolled their eyes: Oh brother...

Miles: Please, can he stay over for dinner!

Rio sighs: Okay, but it's because he's already here!

Billie scowls: No!

Jeff: I agreed with Billie! -still upset Hobie didn't stop Miles from getting those tattoos-

Miles hugs Hobie's arm: Come on, bae. Let's go set up the table! -ignoring his dad's words-

[tallymonster]

Memories of Us chapter 8

So here we go!!!! First time cross posting AO3 and Tumblr! This is exciting 😏 anyway, I wanna give a giant thanks to my friends over at the Astarion Brainrot discord, you all have helped me out with figuring out AO3 and now both places I'm posting to are caught up! Only took the whole week 🥲😅

Well anyway, as always many thanks to my bestie @micropoe10 I appreciate everything you do for me babe 😘 many many maaaaany thanks to @cheesy-cryptid for their artwork ❤️ I literally look at it each time I have to think of something to write.

Chapter 8

Stay and watch me fall

 After the fundraiser, the museum had gotten into its busy season. The warmer months made it so that more people were coming in to get away from the heat.

 Which meant more reasons to finally solve this damn mystery that's been hanging over Octavia's head for the last few weeks. She's gotten as far as she can without having to go consult Astarion on the source of this book. There was only so much trying to convince Gale to use his magic to try to restore the book without him lecturing her about misuse of his studies, magic, and family line. 

 

Ever since they shared their secret and the fact that he woke up in her house with a nasty hangover and some embarrassing flashbacks, they've become much closer as friends.

Eventually he confides in her that her rejection of him was not unexpected. "To be perfectly honest, I see the way you look at him...it's fine, because I also see the way he looks at you. Just because you can't see his eyes, doesn't mean I have not. I know him, I know how he looks at you." 

 Gale kept his gaze in the book he was reading, "Besides, I can't resist it sometimes either. He's got this way of twisting things to his benefit. I can only imagine how he uses that to his advantage." Octavia looks up somewhat shocked, Gale is giving her a challenging glare, as if he's given her all the help he would give her in this particular situation. They smirk at each other and keep working.

—-------------------

Following the little routine she had gotten herself into, Octavia does her rounds surveying the first floor of the museum. She reaches into the pocket of her cardigan and plays with the silk handkerchief she never returned. She's been meaning to give it back to Astarion, but he was 'traveling for work' whatever the hells that meant.

 Octavia continues her stroll, going up to the office corridors. Out of the corner of her eye she sees something peculiar. The giant ornate dark wooden door that leads into Astarion's extremely off limits office is cracked open. She could knock and see if he's in there, but she takes the opportunity to give him a taste of his own nosey medicine. 

 She walks up, tiptoeing slowly to the door, she gives it a small push and it easily flows open. It's as of the room itself is inviting her in. She steps through and gently closes the door, leaving it unlocked. 

 As she turns she begins to take in the room. A full suit of armor is put together next to a massive bookshelf, candelabras stacked with melted wax and softly lit candles.

His desk is at least twice the length of hers and Gale's combined. There's books, papers, art, and all sorts of random things all around. Each square of wall is crammed with trinkets. Much to her advantage, the room is still fairly dark due to the heavy curtains covering the window behind his desk, a small slit of the last beams of sunlight peeking through them.

 A faint smell of gardenias, moonflowers, and primroses filled the room. Seems like he's close to their gardens, but as she looks towards the window, she notices a small bundle of them as if they've been recently cut. 

 She comes up to one of the dusty display cabinets and peers through. As she eyes some gemstones, she can hear faint footsteps coming towards the office. The only way out is to hide and wait, so she sprints over to the only alcove she can slip quietly into. There's a spot between the armor and the bookshelf, she takes her place as her heart travels up her throat. 

 Astarion opens the door, speaking to someone and trying to make his departure. "Yes yes, I'm very honored that you have donated sooo much money to our esteemed institution, but I really must get back to my research, you understand right?"

Octavia hears the door open and close, her breath shudders a bit and she regulates her breathing. She can still see what he's doing, thankfully shrouded in partial darkness. 

 Octavia watches as Astarion sauntered over to his desk, he sits with his arms dramatically thrown behind the headrest of the chair, his legs stretched out in front of him. Octavia never noticed how svelte he was, the suits paint a clear picture, but this was a new angle. 

 He lets out an exasperated groan and takes off the glasses on his face. Octavia takes another sharp inhale, was she about to see what he fully looks like after three godsdamned months? Astarion leans forward and has his face in his hands, he's clearly stressed out about something.

He turns the chair to face the window, takes one of the flowers into his hand and sniffs it deeply. He lets out a soft sigh and Octavia swears he said something behind it. 

 "I should have seen this all with you, my moonflower. I was so foolish to not accept your offer, I can't let our past get in the way, not this time." He speaks softly as he walks towards the window, pulling on the heavy fabric. Swinging open the window and looks out as the sun's final light turns to dusk. "To have planted all of these flowers for you, and I can never share them." 

 He sighs deeply, taking a long inhale."Fuck, I keep seeing her, now I'm smelling her too? It's like this ghost has come to haunt me yet again." He closes his hand on the small flower bud in his hand, crushing it. 

 It's become a little difficult for Octavia to see what he was doing. As she tries to get a closer look, she balances on the suit of armor, making it swing a little. She gasps and pulls away immediately.

The weight of her back hitting the wall causing a sound loud enough to alert Astarion, whom she can hear mutter a disguise spell. 

 He turns and she can see his eyes clearly at last. They're gorgeous, an orange hue with a reddish ring near the pupils. "I know you're there…" Astarion's voice sounds eager, threatening yet alluring, like a cat chasing a bird. 

 He stalked around the room slowly, Octavia's heart was thundering in her chest; her breathing quick and shallow. She pressed herself into the corner she was tucked in, shutting her eyes tight as he approaches her.

 "Come on, I really don't think you want to play this game with me..."

 She trembles as he stops in front of the bookshelf, her eyes open wide, they're practically face to face and somehow he doesn't react. He's just staring absentmindedly.

 Astarion takes a sharp inhale, and exhales in a shudder, his face warps into a mix of emotions. She watches as he goes through anger, confusion, fear?

 The way his whole body tensed as he glared at her, past her, it was startling. He takes another deep inhale, a wave of emotions passes through him. She watches as his chest rises and falls rapidly. His pupils are blown and he seems elsewhere. 

 The way his gaze is boring down on her makes her knees weak, all the choices she made up until this point shooting alarm bells into her limbs. "Little mouse, I've caught you." 

 Octavia gulps loudly, she feels his hand grab her arm, pulling her out of the shadows onto his chair. "Your turn now, speak." Astarion's voice was harsh and pointed. "Well?" He kept his gaze on her, his bright eyes seemed to change into a fiery hue, the orange quickly dissipating into a red shadow. 

 "I- I-" she reaches into her pocket and pulls out the silk square of fabric. "I've been meaning to return this to you, but you've been gone. I saw the door was slightly cracked open and I came in hoping to find you." Octavia glances up, the humiliation clearly on her face. "You came in so fast, I don't know what I was thinking. I didn't hear anything, I'll leave." 

 Octavia puts the handkerchief on his desk and tries to stand. Astarion puts his arm across her on the chair, pinning her to the chair. "We are not done here." He lifts her head with his hand, he's looking down at her as if he's reading her mind. "That's not all you want. Talk." She breaks away from him, the electricity from his eyes was far more intense when he was mad. 

 "I- I haven't seen you since the night of the opening, in my yard. You've been gone and you're so damn secretive when you're here. Why do you make it seem like you're so easy to talk to and trust when you're the most shut off person I have ever met?" She feels the heat from the embarrassment and annoyance growing into anger. Her body trembles with the adrenaline rushing throughout.

 "If that was all, you didn't need to be sticking your nose where it doesn't belong, and I certainly don't need you slinking around in my private office." He hisses the last words, releasing the grip on the desk he held.

 "Next time you desire to speak to me, come to me, don't decide for me. Is that clear?" His voice is grating and deep, vibrating through Octavia. She gulps and nods, her breaths hot and shallow.

 "Speak up. I'm having trouble hearing you." He calls mockingly back to their time in her garden, Octavia shakily replies "Yes." He lets out a dark chuckle "Good girl. Leave." 

 Octavia hesitates a little, she was breathing heavily, their eyes locking onto each other "Did I fucking stutter?" He glares daggers into her, she's finally able to see his whole face and gods, he's gorgeous.

 "You're- your eyes…they're beautiful. This is the first time I've seen you.." she trails off, his face starts to shift as the anger melts away. 

 Astarion and Octavia stare into each other's eyes for a few seconds, he slowly creeps closer, his fingers trailing up her neck turning her towards him again. He keeps his burning gaze on her, she's right here and he can smell the familiar perfume he picked up earlier.

 He shudders, the sweet scent is intoxicating and nostalgic. Octavia lets out a soft gasp, he's so close to her lips, their eyes stay locked on each other.

He leans in closer, ghosting his lips on hers. She takes a sharp inhale, thinking he'd close the distance. Instead, he rubs his nose on hers and whispers into her mouth,

 

"Get out before I do something we'll both regret." 

tag list:

@justporo

@satanicspinosaurus

@sleepy-timaeus

@tragedybunny

@davenswitcher

@wayward-hel

[gsstories]

Death is a Friend

I once was scared of what waited for me after death

A woman with long, messy brown hair with tired blue eyes can be seen walking through the forest during nighttime, her pace slow and careful, holding onto the trees at times. Her skin was pale, a scar decorating the lower part of her face from her lips to the top of her neck. She looked around before turning to the right, searching for something or someplace. It didn’t take long for her to find what she was looking for.

Once, long ago, I wished to never perish

It was a rather secluded place of the forest, the grass was short and the trees were tall, covering most of the forest in shadows except that one place. The woman, Joan, went and sat on the ground. She looked up at the starry sky, her tired eyes threatening to close. It was dark, quiet, calm. She sighed as she pulled her eyes away from the sky and took in the scenery around her. Moonflowers were everywhere, practically surrounding her. She sighed as tears filled her eyes. She was sick, she was dying, and she was scared. Why wouldn’t she be? She would not wake up once she finally went to rest. She knew she wouldn’t see her friends again. Friends who didn’t know she was sick in the first place…

To leave behind those who I cared for was torture

“I wonder if they got the letters…” Joan mumbled, her voice hoarse.

And yet, I still listen to others call for me…

Joan let out a deep breath as she wiped her tears before lying down on the soft grass. She was tired, so so tired… Her eyes were closing as her heart started slowing down by the second…

Death can be scary but…

“I am so sorry… But I didn’t want you to see me like this…” The woman in purple said as she spoke to no one but the visages of her friends.

She was never one to be cruel…

She couldn’t help but cry at the memory of her accidentally shrinking Ninja down to a rather miniature size as everything else starts to fade. Oh, how Kuno cried in laughter when she saw him, how Ninja got so mad at that but couldn’t do anything… What a day that was…

At least I can go with a smile…

Finally, her eyes closed and her heartbeat stopped as her now lifeless body laid there, surrounded by her favorite flowers…

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“Hey… Wake up…” A soft, unfamiliar voice spoke.

Death can be gentle, kind, loving

In front of Joan was a beautiful woman with skin so pale, it looked like snow, long, flowy dark hair that danced with the nonexistent wind and bright, yellow eyes holding nothing short of sympathy. She wore a dark mofuku, a funeral kimono. How fitting.

Death can be breathtaking, enchanting

“Wha…?” Joan awoke at the voice, and she sat up as she held her head. “Why does my head hurt…?”

It can be painful, there is no doubt

“Oh, that always happens to the freshly deceased, you’ll be fine in a minute or two!” The strange woman said.

But nonetheless, she is understanding

“Deceased?” Joan repeated before looking behind her, seeing her vessel lying on the ground, herself now being a mere spirit. “Oh… Right.”

Death is not a cloaked figure with a scythe

“I understand you are confused, or maybe not, you did see me for quite a while with that hat of yours.” The woman said. “Oh right, excuse my rudeness! I am Nephthys, Goddess of Death. Feel free to call me Neph though, if you so wish of course.”

Death is not who you flinch from but the one you embrace

“So you are True Death…” Joan said as she crossed her arms as she looked at the dark goddess.

She is nothing like how others said

“Yes, I am! To be truthful, it has been quite a while since I’ve taken someone to the afterlife personally. I usually have my Reapers do so but you… are quite the unique case.” Neph said as she smiled. “After all, you did defeat False Death and became a hero. Even if it did cost your loved ones’ lives…”

It is… relieving

“My sisters… Are they okay?” Joan asked.

I am calm…

“They are doing just fine, dear. They are actually waiting for you.” Neph said as her smiled softened. “They missed you quite a bit.”

I am safe…

A lump formed in Joan’s throat as she teared up at the thought of reuniting with her sisters after so long.

I am dead but I am no longer in pain 

“Did I… Did I really do good…?” Joan asked as she looked down.

Tell me, my friend, was I good?

This made the goddess chuckle softly.

Please, say I was good…

“Well, you did have quite a few mishaps but your good deeds outweigh the bad ones.” Neph said as she extended her hand towards Joan. “So… you ready to go?”

Death is kind but the thought still scares

Joan looked up at True Death’s hand, looking hesitant to take it. She was already dead but… she was still afraid. To leave the mortal realm at last was a terrifying concept but to actually experience that was just as bad, if not worse.

But now…

Then again… she wanted to see her family. She wanted to finally be at peace with her family. She wanted to enjoy the afterlife with her family.

I can be free…

She wanted to stop fighting at last.

“I am sorry Ninja, Kuno… I wish I had told you in person…” Joan thought. “I have to go but I pray that you both have a good life before your time comes… Until we meet again…”

Thank you, Death, for being kind…

She then looked up at the dark lady and gave her a slight nod…

Thank you for being my friend…

And so she took True Death’s hand…

——Heeeeey, thanks for reading this! Hope it made you cry! :3——

Tagging: @ikari-shinsei, @fernnshxj and @willowthearts, I feel like you would like this cause it does involve Miori, kinda, ish!

And a special thanks to @asexual-angsty-writer for helping me out with this angsty segment!

[snowleopardcrk]

Characters involved:

Marzipan Cookie, Cream Cheese Cookie and Meringue Cookie - belongs to @minecraftninjerkid

Moonflower Cookie - belongs to me!

Clotted Cream Cookie and Pure Vanilla Cookie are canonical cookies.

——

Marzipan Cookie pushed open the door to the library and Cream Cheese Cookie quickly darted inside whilst holding onto her hat and book.

“Yeah, I’m glad you accepted to help me hunt down some books.” Her back was turned to the main library as she spoke to Marzipan. The two paused as Marzipan seemed to raise an eyebrow while staring at something or someone behind Cream Cheese.

Following the gaze of her little sister, Cream Cheese turned her head. A child stood by the library chalkboard, barely being able to reach to the middle of the chalkboard. They seemed to be writing down strings of calculations, probably pertaining to something..

“Ehm.. Who is that?” Cream Cheese adjusted her hat while staring a little dumb founded at how a child managed to enter the library seemingly undetected.

“That’s Moonflower, she’s… Been here a few times, I think.” Marzipan quickly interjected before Cream Cheese could call out to Moonflower.

Cream Cheese Cookie shot a confused glance at her younger sister as she continued.

“I think, she doesn’t TRY to bother anyone when she’s here. But can never really escape mom.” The two fell silent as they observed Moonflower keep on writing on the chalkboard as if they didn’t exist.

“Actually, Cream Cheese, you’re good with math since you make potions.. Could you tell me what she’s writing about?” Marzipan turned fully to her elder sister who glanced away in thought for a moment before looking back at her.

“Yeah, I’m trying to figure that out… To me, it seems like magic and how it affects time and another variable that I’m not familiar with.” She was hesitant as she answered.

There was a pause between the two as Moonflower turned around, her exhausted gaze slowly scanning the two.

“Hm..?” Her voice sounded raspy and seemingly done with life.

“What do you girls need..?” Moonflower quickly continued, though she didn’t seem to mind their presence.

“We’d like to know what you’re doing. Like, what kind of magic are you trying to calculate? That’s like, university professor levels of magical math.” Cream Cheese immediately began running her mouth, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.

“…” Moonflower was taken back by the suddenness of Cream Cheese and pulled back slightly.

“You’re calculating some type of time magic with another variable that I’ve never seen! Nor can I tell what type of magic it is either.” She persisted, not being deterred by Moonflowers hesitance. Marzipan Cookie glanced at her elder sister for a moment before she turned fully to Moonflower.

“Pretty please tell us..!” Marzipan and Cream Cheese pleaded with Moonflower, their eyes almost sparkling like a young cake hounds pleading gaze.

“…! I-“ Moonflowers eyes widened for a moment as she sputtered, with a sigh she spoke up.

“Fine.. Sit down, we’re going to be here a while..” Moonflower sighed in defeat, her gaze falling to the floor. A moment later she peered up at the two who had taken a seat with papers and pens. She raised an eyebrow, pondering silently where on Earth Bread they got those supplies from.

“You’re correct, this has something to do with time magic.. The other variable is reality.” Her previous thoughts disappeared as she answered.

“Reality? I’ve never seen nor heard of that kind of variable before.” She was quickly scribbling down both what was on the chalkboard but of what Moonflower said too.

“Well, yeah.. Because I had to invent it myself…” She replied honestly, Cream Cheese’s pen stopped for a moment.

“You…What.” Marzipan raised an eyebrow, snapping out of her boredom slightly.

“Girls, did I stutter..?” Moonflower questioned, putting one of her hands on her hip.

“No..! How did you invent an entirely new variable to calculate reality? How would you define reality when it comes to magic?” Her eyes beamed immediately with even more curiosity, Marzipan shot a glance at Cream Cheese before looking back at Moonflower.

“Time and reality are interconnected, reality is like the fabric that keeps our perception of things like Marzipans sword.. Or your hat… If I were to mess with either items using reality bending magic, it would distort into something incomprehensible for average Cookies..” Moonflower kept on explaining with Cream Cheese furiously scribbling down every word.

“Wait, if you used your magic on my sword, it would turn into something that we cannot comprehend?” Marzipan leaned forward slightly.

“Pretty much..” She replied with a slight yawning.

“Can you show us an example of this phenomenon?” Cream Cheese perked up, Moonflower froze up for a moment her gaze switching between the two.

“Erm…Alright…” She replied after a moment with crossed arms, she snapped her fingers.

Seemingly random parts of her body suddenly dissolved into a constant moving mess of white squares, cubes and more with static between the cracks. Her icing seemed to move about randomly like it was windy. Yet her icing slowly turned from a light crème to a pitch black.

“What on Earthbread..! Are you okay?!” Both of them perked up, not expecting her to use herself as an example.

“Uh, yeah..? Exactly why you girls should never mess with reality nor time bending magic.. I am lucky, or unlucky to have the ability to ‘adjust’ myself to be able to use this kind of magic…” She began explaining. Moonflower snapped her fingers and she was back to normal, aside from her icing that was lagging behind.

There was silence between the three.

“How can you adjust yourself to be able to handle that kind of magic? Can you teach us?” Cream Cheese began questioning with anticipation.

“Are you crazy?!” Marzipan crossed her arms, seemingly a little confused about what just happened.

“Uh, no…It’s not magic and it cannot be taught…” Moonflower hesitantly explained.

“What makes you unique, then?” Cream Cheese raised an eyebrow.

Moonflower turned her back on the two after a moment of silence and remained silent.

The library door creaked open with a few voices chattering.

“I wonder if Cream Cheese can find the books she’s looking for, I’m fairly sure we have a copy.” Pure Vanilla explained as he was stepping through the door with Meringue Cookie and Clotted Cream Cookie right behind him.

All three came to a stop as they peered at the other three, including the silent Moonflower Cookie in front of the chalkboard.

“Hi everyone!” Cream Cheese greeted happily, Marzipan Cookie leaned back slightly and waved happily to the three as well.

“Well, this explains their absence.. Hello everyone.” Clotted Cream waved back.

“Moonflower Cookie? Why didn’t you stop by to say hi?” Meringue Cookie put one of her hands on her hip.

Moonflower slowly turned to the newcomers with a slightly confused grimace.

“I’m…Not social.” She spoke through her teeth and looked away.

Meringue Cookie covered her face slightly with one of her hands with a slight chuckle.

“You’re always welcome here.” She reassured, Clotted Cream and Pure Vanilla nodding along.

“She’s teaching us about how reality bending magic works! Even if we can’t use it..” Cream Cheese quickly chattered, with a slight disappointed sigh at the end.

“Reality bending magic..? I’ve never heard of that..” Pure Vanilla pondered out loud, Clotted Cream glanced away in thought for a moment before nodding in agreement.

“I would’ve preferred to kind of keep it that way, but whatever..” Moonflower leaned on the chalkboard as she spoke.

“I’m basically done here..” Moonflower continued, turning her head away.

“Aw, really? I wanna know more” Cream Cheese pleaded, Moonflower covered her face as Cream Cheese pleaded.

“Please..This is the second time you’ve puppy eyed me..” She mumbled while trying to hide her face.

Pure Vanilla and Clotted Cream couldn’t help but chuckle slightly. Meringue Cookie Cookie smiled slightly and sighed.

“Cream Cheese, I understand your curiosity but.. Moonflower has probably had enough for today.” Meringue explained softly, Moonflower Cookie shot a relieved glance at Meringue Cookie.

Silence befell the library, everyone not knowing what to do next.

“I suppose we’ll head out, it was nice talking for a bit.” Clotted Cream explained.

“I agree, it's always nice to have company from a familiar face.” Pure Vanilla chirped

Moonflower stared at the two for a moment before nodding in acknowledgement, the two began exiting the library, yet Meringue Cookie stayed.

“I’ll catch up! I just have a few questions.” Meringue hastily explained, Clotted Cream paused before nodding.

“Alright, we’ll see you in a few minutes.” Clotted Cream smiled softly, turning his head away and shutting the door behind him. Meringue stared at the door for a moment before turning back to Moonflower.

“Cream Cheese mentioned that you were explaining reality bending magic..” She paused.

“You’ve mentioned the white abyss before, is it the place beyond our known reality?” Meringue Cookie continued with a raised brow.

“…I mean, kind of..” Moonflower admitted quietly.

“There’s, a lot of layers behind the fabric wall..Just, it’s not…Good for any Cookie to be there for any extended period of time..” Moonflower hesitated to answer for a moment.

“I mean, that figures. Your other form didn’t look very… Stable.” Cream Cheese commented

“The, other form?” Meringue Cookie mumbled as she began pondering.

“It’s a by product, and it’s required to travel through…Unique parts of reality..” Moonflower continued after a moment.

“But, what ARE you even trying to calculate?” Marzipan Cookie spoke up after staying silent for most of the conversation. Moonflower paused and narrowed her gaze slightly.

“Why should I tell you three..? I believe I’ve answered everything that you guys should know..” Moonflower turned away with a frown, almost huffing defensively.

Marzipan was about to perk up with another question, but Meringue Cookie motioned for her to stay silent.

“We’ll respect that. You’re usually not this talkative, I’m glad you’re comfortable enough to be a bit more open.” Meringue Cookie explained before crossing her arms slightly. Moonflower looked back and forth at Meringue Cookie and the girls, she peered down at the floor.

“…Thanks. I’ll head out now.” Moonflower turned around and dissolved into a bunch of white squares, cubes and static before it vanished entirely.

——

Have an additional meme of Cream Cheese doing puppy dog eyes for information

[nescaveckwriter]

Moonflowers & Werewolves - Chapter Four💞🐺

Words: 1805

A/N: Hope you enjoy this chapter, y'all 💞 this one is something, let me know what you think 🐞

Warnings: Hospital, angst, swearing words(just two) abusive relationship, anything else let me know 💞🐞

Chapter Four🐺💞

"No! Tom No! Please Tom...! I... I'm sorry okay, I won't talk to him again" she whimpers

"Every single time you do this, talking to your male colleagues, would you rather want to be married to them?" He shouts

"I... It was about work I promise Tom" crying now, knowing what comes next.

"Your not even Beautiful Madison, I'm doing you a favor, being your husband" he grins

Before she could reply, his fist met her face, then her ribs hearing the crackling noise, he doesn't stop when she fell to the ground, just kicking her now, shouting about the pathetic, worthless human being she is, by the time he was done, she could hardly see through her black eyes, her delicate face was just a bloodied pulp, as for her she, just layed there, in a curled up ball, struggling to breathe, trying too silent the frantic sobs, not to make Tom even more mad.

Melissa stood next to this vulnerable looking women, listening to the words, that she whisper-screams in her sedated state "No! Tom No! Please Tom!" Noticing the spike on the heart rate monitor, its enough to send shivers down her spine, she's been a nurse for long enough to know how it sounds when a woman is afraid of getting beaten up again. "Whoever Tom was, was definitely abusive" thinking out loud.

Glancing over at the hallway where the other nurses and doctors runs towards the ER doors, wondering what is going on, striding closer, that's when she hears there's been an accident, multi persons getting rushed in, but her heart sunk when see saw Chris Argent her ex, with gunshots, ''wait what'', there's Eli, Malia, Jordan and even Peter, they all look pretty bad, but she's not worried about them knowing, that they can heal themselves, she's worried about Chris, as his just human, even if he thinks his invincible.

Melissa walks closer towards Madison's bed, its been a few days, since that dreadful evening, but Chris is going to be okay, he is resting, in ICU, as for the others there at least fine, all healed up and back at whatever there doing, this hospital, have stopped asking questions, as they all have an idea what's going on, except for this woman. 

Derek hasn't really left her side, every now and again, he'll hold her hand, of course he'll say its so that he can take away some of her pain, but she really knows, deep down he must feel a connection with her. ''Hey Derek'' her voice soft

He looks up towards her, ''Hey Melissa, why hasn't she woken up yet?''

''The doctor, wanted to keep her in a sedated state, she had some blood loss, and so he wanted to let her body heal a bit, but the sedation is lifted today'' she assured

He just nods his head, sitting back down in the chair next to the bed side, his eyes widens as he whispers underneath his breath ''how do I tell her, I'm a monster, I'm the reason she got hurt''

Feeling a hand on his shoulder, knowing its Melissa, he doesn't even look up, he hears her motherly voice ''Derek, she'll understand, and you saved her, remember''

Not a peep from him, as he just gently squeezes Melissa's hand, as a way to say thank you.

...

Eli walks through the doors of the hospital, knowing his father, is most probably at Miss's Wells bedside, why his not really sure, but all he knows in this short period of time, he has grown fond of her. ''Hey dad'' 

''Hello son, how was your day?'' a smile on his lips

''The usual'' he pouts 

''What happened son?''

Eli just shakes his head ''nothing just tons of homework''

''Let me see, with what I can help'' he gestures for him too come closer,  the two of them sit there busy figuring out math together.

As her eyes starts to open, the sight of the dark - haired man and his son, sitting in front of her, warmed her heart, but wait a minute, where is she exactly? Inspecting the room, realizing she's in a hospital room, then feeling the pain in her upper chest area, what the hell? What happened? Trying to recall what happened, but it's all so blurry, she's pretty sure, Derek got hurt as well? But he looks fine, as she hold her inner dialogue, trying to figure what exactly happened, a woman's sweet voice breaks her thought.

''Welcome back Madison'' Melissa smiled

Derek and Eli's heads swing towards her, ''Hello Miss Wells'' the boy's voice sounds soft and low

''Maddie, how do you feel, are you okay?'' concern in his smoky voice 

Her voice brittle ''w.. what happened?''

Derek was surprised to hear she doesn't remember a thing, but he is a little relieved to be honest. Its Melissa, who said she's been in accident, and after awhile Melissa send father and son, out of the room, closing the curtain, she went to sat at the end of the bed.  ''My name is Melissa McCall, I was your nurse, honey I'm going to ask you a question okay, I need you to tell me the truth''

Searching the older woman's face, with her beautiful curly hair, hanging on her shoulders, just nodding letting her know she can ask, but she weren't expecting the following.

Assuring, sweet smile tugging at the corners of her mouth ''Sweetie, who's Tom''

Shock and fear on her face ''Is, is he here'' her voice shaky

Shaking her head, ''No honey, its just I heard you talking during your sedation, and the way it sounded'' pausing for a second as she sees the woman, with her delicate face, is being replaced with fear and anger, clearing her throat, ''well it sounded as if he was abusive''

Shocked by what the nurse, just said, she sat right up, the anger and shame creeping up in her chest, ''how could you assume he was abusive, do I look like the kind of woman, who'd put up with that?''

Trying to calm her down, ''Okay, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you, please, I was just worried,''

Her eyes spitting fire, ''no need to worry, it's my life, leave me alone now''

''Listen I didn't..'' she couldn't even finish her sentence when the woman said ''I said leave me alone, you don't know me, LEAVE NOW! without a word Melissa stood up and leaves. 

Holding her shaky hand in front of her mouth, trying to silence the frantic sobs, escaping her body, her thoughts racing, ''why'd I have to talk in my sleep, no-one knows what he did, how he used me as his punching bag, of course I wanted to leave him, for a while, but I was too afraid, afraid he was going to kill me, but the day I walked in on him and that blonde, I knew it was my way out, as he would much rather want too hold his good man, image in front of the new woman, so as soon as the divorced papers where signed, I made the excuse I had too leave, I never told anyone what happened behind closed doors, though I tried to warn the new woman, saying he has a short temper, but she just made like I was making up stories, Tom had this posh image, that his a good man, helping the community but in all honesty he was a monster. I never even told my mom, and by asking , how does she ever trust again or how is she supposed too get over the heart break, wasn't because I loved him so, its was merely bout how do I stop feeling so ashamed, so heartbreaking of letting him beat me like I'm worthless, like I don't matter,'' lowering her head in shame, both hands covering her face,  ''I was good at covering up more than just the bruises, busted lips, or pain, I'm a expert in covering up really, how worthless I feel, how, unloved and how ugly, how useless, why did all this feelings, memories have to come too the surface again, and how the hell, did that women know, what she went through, without even knowing her, but her parents, her friends, no-one could notice anything''.  

In frustration she takes a pillow and throws it somewhere in the room, not even taking notice of the footsteps coming closer and the man slightly opening the curtain, to see if he can enter, he strides closer towards her. The man hovering over her, making her flinch a little, when she glanced at him. Her eyes bloodshot, her cheeks stained with tears and her body trembling, her breathing shaky, her voice brittle ''Derek, please leave''

His eyes locking with hers, ''you don't really need me too leave, you need someone, to tell you, its all going to be okay''

''I wish I could believe you'' her voice breaking

His not really sure, what is wrong, is it what happened or is it something else, but it feels like his heart are being shredded by the sadness of this beautiful woman. Without warning he places his arms around her trembling body, holding her close to his chest.

Surprised by the comforting hug, she closes her eyes, sort of savoring the moment, trying to still her breathing, she realizes the pain, she felt in her chest a few minutes ago, is almost gone now, as if its leaving her body, but how is that possible? Opening her eyes slightly, not saying a word, just peeping at the muscular arms, covering her body, but what catches her attention is the way his veins isn't the normal light blue color, no, its like his veins are this dark, liquid pulsing through, from where his hands is wrapped around her arm, till up, under his sleeve, she glances up at him, his eyes are closed, but his face is stricken with pain. 

Gasping for air, ''What the hell are you''

Leaving the embrace, he stood back, the veins in his arms turning back too normal, shock on his face, ''Maddie, I can explain''

Shaking her head, her eyes widened, ''This, this is crazy, how, how do you do that''

Sighing now ''I wished, you could knew me better, before I had too tell you''

''Tell me what'' she questioned 

Clearing his throat, his eyes searching hers, ''You got hurt, because I failed to protect you, because hunters came looking for me, how they knew where too look, I'm not sure, I'm sorry''

Confused '' Why would hunters come looking for you?''

Running his hands over his face, his voice low, his green-hazel eyes turning into a shocking blue.

Surprised ''How, did your eyes change color like that?''

''Maddie,'' he starts, ''I'm a good person, or at least I try to be'' letting out a nervous giggle ''I can't believe its so hard telling you this, I've never struggled like this before'' his eyes pleading now with hers. '' I'm a Werewolf...'' 

@cutedisneygrl

Chapter Five Here :)

[sealer-of-wenkamui]

I love just how much Danzou hates Limbo and is ready to kill him at any time, and it stands out when she’s otherwise a kind person that doesn’t even like using her own beheading technique because she finds it too cruel, and betrayed him in Shimousa in first place because she cared too much about her targets and felt especially bad about the children that got kidnapped… and everyone even KNEW she was working for the enemy but she was so kind that they’re like yeah she won’t do anything it’s fine. But when Limbo is involved? Used Moonflower on him (twice), sat around thinking about how he must pay for what he’s done, always describes how irredeemably evil he is, glares at him in Chaldea, and I love how the summer event too mentions that she and her son would just want to kill him

They hurt her so badly and continued to haunt her after Shimousa too that the Servant version of her that should have no memory of it still feared the dark sun… she’s the one opportunity he had with someone he was fixated on to have complete control over her body and mind, and uses it to hurt her as much as possible. She dies thinking herself a foolish puppet after being forced to attempt to kill her son…. As of her interlude it seems she hadn’t watched the records of Shimousa, but he then shows up to restore a memory all so she will truly suffer when he kills her son in front of her and tells her that’s exactly what he’ll do. By Heian-kyo she mentions having watched the records of Shimousa, so I wonder what that was like for her, to see just how deep their connection goes and what he did to her before all that. And Chaldea wouldn’t even have records of all the time where it was just the two of them, so I like to imagine Limbo telling her allll about the things he made her do as his little puppet. At least after he’s stopped the whole “I’m totally not Limbo” act…

[cryptidclaw]

9 and 22 for the salty ask game??

9. Most disliked character(s)? Why?

Brambleclaw- he's an abusive asshole, and his character is really annoying/ boring.

Millie.... She was super ablest to her daughter, and didn't give her other children enough attention during that time...

Thistleclaw!!! he suxks. I think he sucked in Bluestar's prophecy even before he was made a pedo. He told his apprentice to attack a child.

Stormtail- terrible father and an asshole. Also he's a child groomer to me. Im pretty sure Moonflower was a baby when he started interacting with her. Then he got with Dappletail who was also a very young cat.

there are other terrible ppl in the books that i hate too, just dont want to list them all lol

22. Popular character you hate?

Im going to say either Thistleclaw or Ashfur. I know some ppl still like Thistle and choose to ignore Spotted's book, but that is canon now AND he sucked before then, he's the one who tought Tigerclaw to be so bloodthirsty!!!

For Ashfur.... Him before the fire scene was fine except when he was a terrible mentor to Lionpaw (they fought and Ash actually drew blood from his apprentice!!). But! after the fire scene, he is proven to be an incel. He is the definition of an incel and he is not a sad misunderstood guy, he's an attempted murderer. He tried to kill his ex's kits and helped in Firestar's attempter murder. He is a very bad person. ( I can still enjoy him as a villain tho! he deserved what he got from Holly tho hehe)

[randomscropio]

Moonflower's Journey: part 8

Mr. Snake: Moon, you have to answer honestly, what is going on with you?

Moonflower: Nothing.

Mr. Snake: (sighs) Alright.

Webs: Moon, really what is going on?

Moonflower: could you please just go.

Webs walks out of the room the same way she came in and Moonflower is left alone.

Fade to:

Moonflower is out side and looking at the water when Mr. Wolf comes.

Moonflower: Oh great, you're still trying to make me say I have anxiety.

Moonflower's frill turns a little orange and red.

Mr. Wolf: No I'm not.

Moonflower raises her eyebrow

Moonflower: Really?

Mr. Wolf: Okay, okay fine! I am.

Moonflower: Well please just stop it! I don't have anxiety, nothing is wrong with me!

Mr. Wolf: Well then why do you get so defensive when I ask you? I'm not trying to hurt you! I'm...trying to help you...

He looks at his reflection in the water while sitting down and sighing

Mr. Wolf: I guess it isn't working though...

Moonflower: You think?

She launches herself into the air which makes a gust of wind smack Mr. Wolf in the face.

Moonflower: Why can't I be normal!? Why do I always have to worry so much!?

She glides down to the beach and lands on the sand looking at the ocean.

Moonflower: Why...why am I like this?

???: Because you're you!

Moonflower looks behind her and sees Professor Marmalade, she growls and her frill turns black with hate.

Moonflower (growling lowly): What do you want?

Marmalade: Oh nothing, I just want to help you, if you help me of course.

He gives her an evil smile.

Moonflower: Shouldn't you be in jail with a life sentence for attempting murder!?

Moonflower's pupils become slits and she growls while lashing her tail.

Marmalade: Well they freed me, because I was framed for being the Crimson paw! But, I guess I did try to kill Snake...

Moonflower (stepping closer to him and raising her head): Listen here buddy! If you think I'll join you I won't! And you better not put a single hair on my friends! Got it? If you do so much to breathe on them, it won't be fun for you!

Marmalade: Aww aren't you a protective one?

Moonflower: I know what you can do! And what you want to do, and it will not happen. Now go back to your little hiding place, and don't even look at my friends.

Marmalade (leaving): Oh well, I tried. But I can tell we will meet again!

Moonflower: If we do, it'll be your funeral!

The scene ends with Moonflower flying back to the hideout and sleeping.

[keysandopenmind]

I read What Once Was Mine and I have... Thoughts.

(link to the Etsy shop where I got the Rapunzel brooch and Pascal earrings)

Yeah, so, uh, this got long. 😂This review has all the spoilers.

General:

The Framing Device

So I've only read one other Twisted Tale and it didn't do this, and from a couple of reviews I read, I gather none of the other Twisted Tales do this.

It's trying to be The Princess Bride, with a brother re-writing the story of Tangled for his sixteen-year-old sister, who is undergoing chemotherapy. He's patiently sat through the movie with her multiple times and read the book of the movie to her twice, so he suggests this time, he put his own spin on the story and tell her a different version.

One which includes historical figures like Countess Bathory. I think the idea was “Brendan is a history nerd and he’s showing off in his reinterpretation of the story” but it just didn’t make much sense (see “The Setting”, below).

I guess this would be fine if it just bookended the book, but it doesn't. Every now and then there's a couple of pages where Daniella questions the direction the plot is taking, and Brendan justifies it, and tells her to just wait, he’s got it figured out.

Honestly, it felt like these scenes were a way for the author to say, “Yeah, I know this bit’s weird and maybe doesn’t work, but shhh, we’re rolling with it.”

When you read the author’s note, you learn that Liz Braswell’s sister had cancer and lost her hair and it was through that journey that she realised why Rapunzel’s hair is such a key thing and so symbolic for a lot of people and I’m just… you could have still had that in mind and just not actually put it in your book.

The Setting

So instead of being set in Ye Olde Fantasy Times in Ye Olde Fantasy Setting, this is set in Europe. Our Europe. Supposedly. During the late fifteenth century. And all I can think of, if we’re somewhere in the Hungary/Slovakia/Czech Republic region during that time period, how on Earth has Corona maintained its independence and not being taken over by the Hapsburgs?

The “Twist” // The Plot

This is a Twisted Tale after all, and I liked the idea of the Moondrop Flower instead of the Sundrop in general. I also liked the idea of Rapunzel’s magic being tied to the phases of the moon and mostly being different types of transformation.

It’s a very surface-level story, though? There’re no big themes about finding your dreams. She doesn’t even SEE THE LANTERNS in the end. THE LANTERNS. RAPUNZEL’S WHOLE THING. They just end up missing that entirely, and she’s totally cool with it.

It’s really just a thing happens and then that is followed by another thing, and then another. The cause and effect is limited, and there’s no foreshadowing anything.

There are people after her, but the stakes never really feel high. The showdown at the end is all done and dusted in a couple of pages. There is no real villain.

Also, it’s one thing in the original where Rapunzel is kidnapped and her parents have no idea where she’s been taken. Even though they don’t know exactly where she is in this one, they did give her up willingly because they were scared of the damage her hair could do… but you’re telling me they didn’t spend every waking hour researching the Moonflower and talking to every witch in the vicinity and finding out exactly how its powers work, all with the intention of bringing Rapunzel home asap?

It honestly feels like a teenager’s improvised fanfiction, and if that’s what they were going for with the whole Brendan and Daniella device, then… well done, I guess?

Characters:

Rapunzel

Her characterisation was pretty good. She’s still got that boundless enthusiasm for learning and for adventure. She’s resourceful. Gothel has her convinced that she killed her parents with her hair and that she’s a murderer, rather than “the outside world is dangerous”, which was an interesting change. She still loves to paint and when she learns how her power changes throughout the lunar cycle, she starts painting lunar charts to document it and that felt really in character. The whole “have to visit a magic circle of rocks and make an offering to the goddess to tap into your powers properly” felt out of place though. Canon Rapunzel isn’t called a witch for her magic, and I didn’t really see why this version had to be either (don’t get me wrong, I love me some witchcraft in my fantasy books, but just… not here).

Flynn/Eugene

Heh. He’s still working with the Stabbingtons and steals the crown and is apparently a totally accomplished thief and a rogue and all that but he just felt a lot younger and less swashbuckling. Also he got badly injured in the confrontation where Rapunzel is captured and taken to Bathory, and I think the author was going for a parallel with Gothel stabbing him in the movie, but there isn’t the same level of connection between him and Rapunzel here, so there’s no big sacrifice, and honestly, I found it kind of funny when he kept fainting from the pain during the final rescue. I’m pretty sure I was not supposed to find it funny.

Which brings me to the romance.

If this hadn’t been a Tangled retelling, I probably would have been okay with it. It wouldn’t have excited me but I would have accepted it. But because it is a Tangled retelling, it just feels like it’s missing so much. There’s no charm. Not much in the way of flirting. There’s no real evolution of Flynn’s feelings, just one second, he’s bringing Rapunzel flowers to apologise for the fact that they’re going to miss the lanterns because he how much she wanted to see them. And then he just randomly kisses her because apparently he ~cares~ about her now.

Admittedly, I did get a great deal of amusement out of this exchange:

Flynn: {attempts the Smoulder on Rapunzel} Rapunzel: {thinking} What is he doing with his face? {tries to mimic him} Flynn: Oh my god, what are you doing with your face? Rapunzel: I don’t know, what are you doing with yours?

Mother Gothel

… what was the point of her? She still had the Sundrop flower to keep her young. So I couldn’t work out why she wanted to raise Rapunzel. It seems her whole plan was spend nineteen years raising her and then live off the profits of selling her in marriage to the highest bidder. Hell of a long game. She wasn’t even selling the trinkets the royal family sent for Rapunzel. She is not the same kind of threat to Rapunzel that she is in the movie. She seems mildly annoyed that Rapunzel won’t come home with her, but then she sort of just flounces off. Rapunzel has the crown with her this whole time, so she can’t shove it in Rapunzel’s face or anything.

Maximus

Okay, if you are going to turn Max into a human, at least do it like @chaico did here. (ngl, still obsessed with that drawing of Max and Eugene together). He should be in the prime of his life, not an aging captain close to retirement!

And if you’re going to make him human, just… stick with that. DON’T FREAKING TURN HIM INTO A LITERAL HORSE AT THE END.

Gina

Whoops, I nearly forgot to include them, that's how memorable they were. I didn't mind Gina. Sometimes she gave me Cass vibes? But other times very much not.

Bathory

She’s supposedly the main villain? But she’s barely there, and when she is, she doesn’t seem all that threatening? I mean, she does threaten to kill Rapunzel if Rapunzel doesn’t do as she says, but again, it’s just so flat and superficial.  I had no reason to fear.

This is over 1300 words now. I feel like I should stop. 😭

[willowsborednow]

The Hunt

A needle in the haystack was an understatement. Finding the Aether had divided Willow from her friends, and brought her to this moment.

Giles sat down across the table from her and poured them some tea. "I may have found a way to locate the Reality Stone." It was a long shot, but he'd found vague references to it in old parchments he'd collected over the years. A bit of a pack rat, Giles had dug up a locator spell. With a bit of rephrasing, Giles believed he and Willow could find Loki and Rachel's infinity stone.

"If we can rephrase the section that calls the object to us, we might be able to bring you to it." He said.

"That's great!" Willow beamed and looked over the notes he'd made. "I'll get the supplies and let the other know."

"The spell is able to transport one person at a time." He said.

Willow pursed her lips and tapped her finger on the table. "So, who should go?" Buffy or Faith were the Slayers, but, she knew magic.

Giles reluctantly conceded Willow was the best choice. She was a powerful witch-- perhaps the strongest seen in centuries. Still, the thought of something happening to her...

"You should. After all, you know Raven better than the rest of us." He said.

Willow had always hoped she and Rachel could work things out. What she wanted back then, having a family and leaving Sunnydale, was changing now. She still wanted kids, but, accepted that it might never happen. She got up and grabbed her purse off the back of the chair. "Okay. When should we meet back?"

"Later tonight. The spell says that tools will need to be cleansed under the moonlight." He said.

"Alright, I'll bring what we need." She said.

Willow left, she grabbed her phone from her purse and called Buffy. "Hey! Giles thinks he's got it." She beamed. When Buffy said she'd get ready to go, Willow cut her off, "oh uh, that's the things, Giles and I, well we thought I should go." She sighed at Buffy's protest. Buffy was protective of her and Xander, it was always like that. She was grateful to have Buffy but she wasn't the dweeby Willow anymore.

"It's okay Buffy, I'll be fine. We've worked out most of the kinks." She said. She was able to calm Buffy down, but, all of Buffy's concerns planted seeds of doubt in her.

'What if you get trapped in the wrong reality, what if we can't get you back?' it was just some of many fears she now had about this mission. No, she promised Rachel she'd help her when it came to the Big Bads, personal feelings aside. Willow sucked in a breath and went to the nearby magic supply shop to buy what she needed.

Yggdrasil

She was running late. Red Moonflower seeds were impossible to find. Everywhere she went they were sold out or backordered. After searching the greater part of Sunnydale, she called shops in neighboring towns. Finally, jackpot! Willow drove off to the place that had it. It was an hour drive one way and she'd be cutting it close.

Sure she could be late, Giles and Buffy would understand but it was the principle.

Talon was an exotic herb shop that had just about anything a witch needed. As she walked through the isles of Moonstones crystals, Willow caught a glimpse of a familiar figure. Her brows furrowed and she caught up to the woman. "Faith?"

The Slayer stopped and turned to her and half smiled. "Hey Red."

Faith came back to town to pursue a lead in her case. Having gone from beat cop to homicide detective, her cases often brought her back to the Hellmouth-- usually some Supernatural case that required a Slayer and not a cop.

"What are you doing back in town?" Willow never thought they'd see Faith again, especially not after what happened between them. Willow had held a grudge for years, until she herself experienced similar events to Faith.

"A case. Couple of women were murdered and my lead brought me back here." She sighed, not sure if that was a good thing or not. Sunnydale had been her home away from the hell, but it was also the place that brought her the most pain she'd seen in years.

Looking at her bag of lotions and potions, Faith quirked a brow. "Monster hunting with B still?"

Willow nodded, then shook her head, "sorta. This is for an old friend. A powerful artifact of hers was stolen by Loki."

Faith tilted her head, "Loki? Is that a type of demon?"

"No, deity, well God from another realm. We're afraid he'll cause an end of the world type thing." She saw Faith's eyes glaze over from her babbling about who Loki was. "Anyway, I'm running late. It's great seeing you, good luck!" Willow walked off, then stopped and turned to Faith. "Hey, can I ask you something?"

Faith looked back and nodded, "shoot."

"Well, more like a favor." If something went wrong with this spell, she had to be sure her friends were safe from whatever might happen. Buffy was a one woman army, but Faith and Buffy? The two of them were unstoppable against the beasties. "I might be gone for a while, I was hoping while I perform this ritual you can help make sure nothing bad happens?"

"For how long?" She had a cases to work, ones that kept her up at all hours. Faith wasn't about to ignore her Slayer responsibilities, but they had Buffy to handle that, right? She shrugged, "I'll be in town for a couple of days. What time are you guys doing this thing?"

Looking at her wrist watch Willow pursed her lips in a thin line. "Ten minutes ago. I'm running behind." She gestured for Faith to follow her to the aisle with the herbs she needed.

Once then finished, Willow took Faith back to the meetup spot in the park. There, Buffy, Giles and Xander busily set up. Out of her peripheral vision, she saw Spike sitting under a nearby tree smoking a cigarette. So, the calvary was here. Willow felt confident. If something back happened, they'd be able to hold their own until she got back, if she got back.

As Giles and Willow started the ritual, the trees around them howled from strong winds ripping through the leaves. A branch broke off, tumbling toward Spike. He jumped out of the way and cursed at the fallen limb as if it had plotted against him.

The magic she and Giles invoked was the strongest she'd ever felt. her hair and eyes darkened, skin blanching as she felt the darkness within claw and tear its way to the surface. Willow seized with fear, trying to push the malice within her back. In doing so, she felt the spell wasn't working. She was holding back but she had to let go; if Dark Willow overtook her, she could hurt her friends again and this time she feared she'd never come back.

Faith and Spike walked closer to Buffy as they saw Willow change. Her features took on an eerie appearance. Faith and Spike heard of Willow's battle with magic addiction and how the death of her partner Tara had been the trigger of vengeance. Faith only hoped that if Willow did go nuts again, she wouldn't flay them alive like she did Tara's killer.

Electricity cracked and flew from her hands as the magic raged through her. Willow turned and glared at Buffy and raised her hand, she was grabbed by Faith then they vanished in a flash of light.

[darkmatter-nebula]

Someone tries to attack Terra and hurts her in front of Colli and he gets pissed.

Greetings! Thank you for the request!

Actually, Colli's heart is so pure that he doesn't get pissed. Shocked? Yep! Pissed? No!

Drabble: Shocked Little Moonflower

"Oh, no! Granny!" Colli was shocked as Terra got hurt by someone who had a bone to pick with her. "Don't worry, my sweet little Moonflower! I'm fine!" The Plant Coven Head, who was bleeding a bit, reassured Colli.

Colli turned to the jerk. "That was so mean! Go away!" The small starboy with otherworldly fluffy lavender hair and a heart of gold had tears in his eyes. The jerk laughed his ass off and walked away. Colli didn't hesitate to heal Terra.

"Thank you, Moonflower." Terra said softly as she wrapped her arms around Colli. The immortal and eternal child cuddled close to his grandmother figure. As for Terra, she planned to kill the jerk from earlier, for making the sweethearted celestial boy cry.

The End

[alizachan]

A perfect copy

 This is for my new au which is a reincarnation au and Xanza angst so heh :,)

@newdanganronpaanotherv3

5 months….

It’s been 5 months since Aliza sahpree died…

As her soul has been forced out of her completely but never returned thus making her dead

Her friends had regrets.. not being able to save her…but the one who regrets the most..

Is Xander matthews..her boyfriend 

He was with sora and the rest of the moonflower gang, they wanted to cheer him up and help him move on

“hey Xander..the necklace your wearing…” Sora look at the necklace xander had, he looked down on it”yea…it’s Ali’s..” a yellow heart shaped necklace that Ali since her 13th birthday a year ago(meaning she’s 14 when she died)

“umm excuse me?”a girl voice came from behind them confused they turned around and they gasp…xander froze…

A 14 year old girl was standing there..long dark brown hair with light blue highlights with white crescent moon hairpin with a light blue ribbon, her eyes were emerald, she was wearing a sort of hoodie, mostly white with long sleeves that go past her hands, a light blue skirt with a white bow on it, light blue high socks and white shoes….

And she’s looks just like Aliza sahpree

Sad and painful memories came back to xander…when carlos sahpree and Cardia succeeded their plan

*flashback*

“NO! ALI!” Something came out Aliza and flew off Cardia snikering and carlos smiling 

“you son of a..” togo pissed teleported behind carlos and started to fight him, Sora tackled Cardia to the ground right when aco, teruya, tsurugi and kouhei turned the power off

Xander ran to Aliza, “Ali! H-hey Wake up!” He picked her up and started to run out, fushi and piper arriving just in time to help them…

*flashback ends*

“is something wrong?” The girl tilted her head in confusion, “ah- no um well what’s your name?” The girl thought for a bit before speaking

“i don’t remember my name unfortunately but call me mirai or Ali!”

Xander fliched, more memories came back…when Aliza died

*flashback*

They only had a month to find Aliza’s soul but Carlos kept it hidden from them

Xander was sitting next to her hospital bed holding her hand, hoping she’ll wake up he was pretty much visiting every day, his heart aches every time she wasn’t awake. He was thinking when suddenly

*beep…beep…*

Xander look at the heart monitor realizing it was going slower then before…

*beeeeeeeep* flat line meaning her heart has stopped, Xander had a look of horror “w-what- no.. A-Ali!” He got and shook her a bit”H-hey Ali! Ali! C-come on wake up!!”

……

She never woke up….Aliza had died…

Cardia was right…he was weak…he couldn’t protect anyone…he couldn’t protect and save Aliza…

*Flashback ends*

“are…you ok?” The girl looked at xander with a worried look on her face

He couldn’t handle it..she looks just like her it’s unfair…like she’s a perfect copy of Ali “i-i’m fine im going to head home..” and with that he took off leaving the gang with the girl

His heart was aching again…hasn’t he gone though enough pain? Apparently no… he didn’t know what to do know

The girl look at him as he ran off as a single thought ran though her head

‘he looks familiar..’

imma go cry now :,>

[singledarkshade]

Curses

Part Three

“I can sense evil within these walls.”

Sophie, once again dressed in her Madame Zathustra costume, walked dramatically through the house with Moonflower watching her.

“It wants your energy,” Sophie continued, flouncing as she kept the other woman’s attention solely on her which allowed Breanna and Harry to get out of the house and back to the food truck.

“Can you stop it?” Moonflower asked.

“My dear child,” Sophie cooed, “I will do what I can. First, we need to connect you to the spirit of the house and find where this object is hiding.”

Moonflower frowned, “How do we do that?”

“We need to talk to the spirits within the house,” Sophie told her, “My assistant has brought the equipment necessary, and I have called an acquaintance to help me contact such a dangerous spirit, but we need at least one more person. Do you have any friends here in town? Someone close to you.”

“I just moved here but…” she paused for a moment, “I know someone I can ask.”

Sophie smiled, “They must be here before midnight.”

“He will be,” Moonflower replied, “I’ll call him now. Why don’t you take a seat and I’ll make us some tea while we wait for them?”

Sophie nodded, “That sounds wonderful, and I’ll have the peach blossom tea please,” she said as she walked out the room.

Heading back to the living room, Sophie murmured, “And she’s calling?”

“Her friend the judge,” Breanna told her, before letting out an ooh, “They seem to be more than friends. Something his wife does not know about.”

Sophie chuckled, “That’s good to know. Hardison, are you joining me?”

“I am looking forward to this one,” Hardison chuckled before asking, “How weird do you want me to be?”

“Go big,” Sophie told him.

She heard him laugh in her ear and could see in her mind the childish grin on his face.

“Parker,” Sophie asked, “Are you watching the judge?”

“Yep,” Parker said, “He may be evil but the air ducts over his office are very comfortable.”

“Don’t get too comfortable, babe,” Hardison reminded her, “We need what’s in his safe.”

Parker huffed, “Fine. Even if he’s got one of the easiest in the world to open. Harry could have opened it when we first met him.”

Harry sighed, “Why am I still the low bar?”

“Just get the information on the judge we need,” Sophie told Parker before anyone could say any more.

                         *********************************************

 “What did you find out?” John asked Rip as they walked the streets of New Orleans.

“The woman that Zathustra is after is called Moonflower Watson,” Rip told him.

John snorted, “Moonflower? Please tell me her parents didn’t call her that?”

“Birth name is Marge,” Rip replied, “Looks as though she changed it herself.”

“In some ways that’s even worse,” John rolled his eyes.

Ignoring his friend, Rip continued, “Something off about the information in the local database, Geoffrey is doing a deeper check but from the basic details he found she’s just inherited a house and an antique collection from her late estranged father. Although again, something doesn’t sit right with me in this.”

John grimaced, “Like what?”

“Geoffrey has found multiple calls between Miss Watson and the judge who ruled on her case against the niece of the deceased,” Rip explained, he frowned, “It’s possible she’s stolen this inheritance.”

Rolling his eyes, John sighed, “Doesn’t matter, still can’t let the witch go after her. What one do you want?”

“I’ll take the magic one,” Rip stated sarcastically, “Nothing can go wrong that way.”

“Smug bastard,” John muttered before sighing, “Give me the address and I’ll make sure that she hasn’t managed to manifest anything yet. You check into the judge.”

Rip tapped his courier, and the address was sent to John’s phone, “Keep in touch.”

“You too,” John said catching his friend’s shoulder, “If you need to…”

“I will,” Rip cut his friend off before he opened a portal and walked through.

When Rip disappeared, John called to the empty air, “Oh no, I’ll walk.”

 -

 Stepping out the portal into the alley just behind the building, Rip looked around checking his surroundings. He paused, feeling a few tremors through his body and took a few deep breaths. Gideon was going to lecture him for at least a day once she found out he’d left the base for a mission before he had recovered fully, but he did owe John. Not to mention he knew how dangerous Zathustra and the Jade Child could be. And to do this, Rip needed to be at his best. Meaning Gideon was not going to be pleased at all.

A man left the building and Rip recognised him as the judge who awarded the inheritance to Miss Watson, part of him wanted to follow the man but another part felt it was a better idea to find out all he could about this inheritance case.

Walking into the building, Rip frowned when his courier showed the security cameras were not actively recording, instead they had been looped remotely.

“Intriguing,” he murmured, “Geoffrey, scan the system. Can you find me who has looped the security cameras?”

“Not directly, Captain Hunter,” Geoffrey informed him, “The systems have been infiltrated by an experienced and talented hacker.”

“Well at least we’re up against someone who is good at their job,” Rip sighed, “Where is the Judge’s office?”

“End of the hall and turn left,” Geoffrey told him, “Third door on the right.”

Rip walked softly through the corridors making sure that he would not be caught on camera, even though they were currently not recording live. Reaching the corner, Geoffrey suddenly spoke again.

“There is someone in the office,” Geoffrey told him.

Rip frowned, “Who?”

“Unknown but she is currently rifling through the judge’s safe.”

“Interesting,” Rip murmured, he moved and slid a small drone to the door activating it so he could see inside the room.

Checking the feed on the courier, Rip frowned as he watched the blonde looking through the safe, she was talking to herself, tossing things out her way that she wasn’t interested in before taking an envelope. Rip grimaced, hoping that was not what he’d been looking for, but he was almost completely sure it was. Confirmed when he heard her let out a soft cry of triumph before saying, “Watson.”

Heading out the building he had the drone follow the woman so he could run into her and retrieve the information himself.

Holding out his hand, Rip saw the tiny tremors and knew he needed to stop them for a while at least.

“Captain, is that wise?” Geoffrey asked as Rip took out a small silver tube out of his pocket.

“Possibly not,” Rip replied pressing the end to his wrist and injecting himself, “But right now it’s my only option.”

Rip reached the car park and spotted the blonde practically skipping out the building.

“Oh good,” Rip waved to her acting like Phil, but with his own accent, “A person. Sorry to bother you but I’m here on holiday, went for a walk, I got turned around and I’m lost. To add to the fun my phone is dead. You wouldn’t happen to know how to get back to the Lillian hotel?”

The woman looked at him suspiciously, but Rip knew his accent and Phil’s physicality sold the tourist bit and choosing the name of one of the more boutique hotels helped.

“You’re not that far away,” she said, “Head back the way you came and turn right when you leave the carpark, walk six blocks and you’re there.”

Rip shook his head, “I’m so glad my wife isn’t here. You have no idea how mocked I will be if she finds out,” offering his hand, Rip smiled when she shook it, “Thank you for your help.”

Heading away he made sure it looked as though he was following her instructions before he opened the portal and headed back to his base with the envelope he’d lifted from the blonde woman in his pocket.

 -

 Parker watched the man walk away making sure he was gone before she headed for the car to return to the offices and check the information that she’d taken from Judge Green’s safe. Annoyance, and indignation filled her to discover that the man she’d given directions to had actually picked her pocket.

Eliot was never going to let her forget this.

She vowed revenge against whoever he was but also began to wonder why this man had wanted the information she had and what his connection was to their marks.

“Someone stole from you?” Hardison asked slowly, after Parker explained what had happened as she headed to the car.

She pursed her lips together, easily able to envision Hardison’s bemused face and her jaw clenched even more. She swung the car out of the carpark making several other cars honk at her.

“Do you have any idea where he went?” Sophie asked before anyone could make another comment to irritate Parker.

“He asked about the Lilian Hotel,” Parker said, “But that could have been just a ruse.”

“Still best to check it out,” Sophie mused, “Eliot, can you and Jonas take the food-truck and go have a look for this man, try to retrieve the documents we need them to get the judge. Jonas, stay in the van. Parker, I need you here at the house to help with the séance.”

Parker let out an annoyed huff before saying, “Fine. But if you do find him, then I want him kept somewhere I can take a piece of him. I also want to steal his coat.”

“Coat?” Jonas asked suddenly.

“Fine,” Sophie said, “Back to work everyone.”

 -

 Hardison was dressed all in black and after Parker had mentioned a coat, he found a long black one which would give him an impressive entrance. Reaching the door, he knocked and stood waiting, he held his hands in front of his face with his fingers and thumbs pressed together.

“I am here,” he intoned when Moonflower opened the door, “The spirits have called me.”

Sophie stepped forward, “My dear friend, Phantasma. It has been too long.”

Hardison dipped his head, “Zathustra, you are still as beautiful and bright as your aura.”

“This is Moonflower,” Sophie introduced, resting her hand on the younger woman’s shoulder, “She is the one I have called you here to help.”

Hardison looked at the other woman and giving a horrified gasp cried dramatically, “Your aura is dark, a shadow has covered it like oil. We must clean it.”

“Which is why I asked you here,” Sophie smiled at him before turning to Moonflower, “All we need now is your friend.”

“He’s on his way,” Moonflower told them.

Hardison nodded, “Excellent.”

                         *********************************************

 Rip sat on the couch gripping the arm as he waited for the painful tremors to stop.

“Captain Hunter,” Geoffrey said, “You should not have used the stabiliser, it has interfered with your treatment.”

“I get enough lecturing from Gideon,” Rip snapped through gritted teeth, “I knew what I was doing. We need this information.”

Geoffrey said nothing, the silence speaking volumes.

“I didn’t think any AI other than Gideon could do passive aggressive,” Rip muttered, sighing as the tremor finally subsided, “How long until I can get my next treatment?”

“Three hours is the best option,” Geoffrey told him, “But I can give you it within the next twenty minutes at the earliest although I advise against it.”

Rip nodded, “Prepare it while I look over what I have. Did you find any information on who looped the cameras and who the woman I lifted these from is?”

“I do, Captain,” Geoffrey told him, “The woman had multiple aliases, but I managed to find a record to confirm her true identity. The hacker is connected with her.”

“On screen,” Rip ordered, staring in amazement when he read the information. “Is this right?” he demanded.

Geoffrey’s hologram appeared before him, “Of course, Captain.”

“I stole something from Parker?” he laughed, “One of the greatest thieves of all time.” He paused as realisation sunk in, “This is Leverage, we’ve somehow ended up crossing paths with the main Leverage team.” He gave a laugh again as this was a group of people he’d never expected to meet before he grimaced, “Bollocks, John. Geoffrey, call him.” “Mr Constantine is not answering his phone.”

Rip sighed, “Of course he isn’t.”

“Captain, I have scanned the city for the communications web that the Leverage team used,” Geoffrey told him, “I have located two of their team at the Lilian hotel. I believe they are looking for you.”

Rip chewed his lip in thought, “Scan the documents, once I have my treatment then I’ll return the information. I have a feeling they need it to put away someone hurting people.”

“Yes, Captain.”

“And keep trying Constantine.”