#but maybe i’ll be less of an ice queen this winter and try something warm and inviting. maybe…

[wateryrealm]

i had no idea perfumes could be better suited for certain seasons like winter or summer so now i’m learning words like gourmand lactonic sillage etc from pretty and sophisticated people hehe

[prettywordsyouleft]

Stuck On You

Pairing: Park Sungjin x female reader

Genre: domestic au / fluff

Warnings: it gets a little spicy but nothing detailed

Word count: 1671

You woke up in the middle of the night, throwing the blankets aside so you could hook one of your legs out from under them.

God, it was so hot.

Your singlet was damp with sweat, and the blankets underneath you also felt clammy. The problem wasn’t just the summer heat, though that didn’t make it any easier either. Glancing at the sleeping man beside you, you sighed. It wasn’t Sungjin’s fault there was no room in this bed too.

It was the bed.

You’d had this bed for ten years now. Although it had seen you through your young adult years well, it was now outdated. You had travelled with it from your childhood bedroom to your first rental that you shared with some friends during university, and then from there to the apartment you moved into after graduation. You had every intention of upgrading at some point, but when you were single, it was spacious enough for one.

You hadn’t expected to fall in love with Sungjin as fast as you had. Nor had you imagined being married to him – or anyone – after only a year of dating. Whilst you were certain you would love him for the rest of your life, the early nuptials meant your savings went to a dress and a venue, not a new bed.

So here you were, sharing your double-sized bed with your husband.

Over winter, it had its perks. You definitely weren’t cold back then. But you still were limited on how much space you each had. And that was what played into your restless sleep now. You couldn’t get away from the heat of Sungjin’s body no matter how close to the edge of the bed you slept.

Calculating your combined income, you wondered if you could splurge on a new bed any time soon. You were both at the lower end of the ladder in your careers. Sungjin’s band hadn’t quite hit the big time yet, though he made a steady enough income to make ends meet. You were waiting for a promotion to increase your hourly pay.

Then you would be able to afford the bed.

Groaning, you sat up and yanked the singlet over your head. You knew it wouldn’t help with much, but one less obstruction in getting some sleep was worth it. You wrestled with your pillow until it felt as if you were in a good position and closed your eyes, wishing for sleep to come and knock you out completely.

You were awake an hour later. And this time, so was Sungjin. Your husband looked over at you miserably. “If it wouldn’t cost so much to run the air conditioning right now, I’d turn it on.”

“It doesn’t even reach our bedroom,” you lamented, and Sungjin shrugged.

“Still, maybe it would flow in here since the door is open.”

“We need a bigger bed.”

“And a new refrigerator.”

“The dryer stopped working yesterday. I’m hoping it was just because of the heat,” you added on, and both of you sighed heavily.

“Life’s hard, isn’t it?”

“It can be.”

Sungjin turned onto his side and stared at you lovingly. “It would be worse without you, Mrs Park.”

“Absolutely unbearable, Mr Park,” you agreed, leaning in to nuzzle his nose with yours.

And somehow, despite the heat and the stickiness of your bodies, you managed to fall asleep in each other’s arms, sharing your combined misery and happiness as one.

However, you weren’t entirely well-rested the following morning, and your best friend Sarah picked up on it. “What kept you awake last night? Wait. Is the honeymoon period not over yet?”

“Har-har,” you replied dryly, gulping down more of your iced coffee. “It’s so hot.”

“This heatwave is something else,” Sarah mentioned and took a bite of her muffin. She then slumped in her chair. “How did you do it by the way?”

“Do what?”

“When you and Sungjin moved in together, did you struggle at all? I have too much stuff to fit in the flat Wonpil and I have rented.”

You grinned at her. “Ah, young love.”

“Don’t young love me, we’re all around the same age. Just because you and Sungjin are acting like an old married couple.”

“We’re a struggling married couple,” you admitted with a wistful smile. “Marriage is great, but I totally get why some people save up for their lives together first. We can’t even afford a new bed any time soon, and we need it. Ours is way too small for the two of us.”

“I think I can help you guys out,” Sarah announced and you dismissed it instantly. “I know your mind instantly went to financially and that’s not what I meant. Wonpil and I are moving in together.”

“I know that much, you’ve been proclaiming about this step in your relationship for over a month now.”

“Y/N, we both have two queen-sized beds. We’re only going to need one.”

You perked up immediately, leaning over the table towards Sarah. “You know how much I adore you, right?!”

“If you and Sungjin can help us move this weekend, I’ll give you the bed, and anything else you want that I can’t fit in at the flat.”

Sliding your blouse’s sleeves up your forearms for emphasis, you beamed at your friend. “Name a time, and we’ll be there with our muscles at the ready!”

You were exhausted again, but this time was from helping Wonpil and Sarah move house. Once they were both settled in at their new flat, you used the band’s van to transport the second bed and Wonpil’s dryer back to your own home. Dinner was ordered in, and you spent most of the evening relaxing on the couch with Sungjin until you decided it was finally time for bed.

Despite the lack of energy you had, you skipped down to the bedroom, eyeing the new addition to the room. You had discarded your old bed into your spare room for now and all that was left was to make the bed.

Sungjin slipped his arms around your waist and rested his head upon your shoulder. “You’re too happy.”

“Of course! We’re going to have so much space. And this bed is almost new too. Sarah only got it at the start of the year.”

“I love seeing you this happy.”

“And you’re not? I bet you’ll be glad to wake up tomorrow and not have to lift my legs off of yours.”

“You do that to be close to me, not because the bed naturally rolls us together,” Sungjin teased, going around his side of the bed and laying on the bare mattress. He glanced over at you and patted the empty side for you to join him. “I’m too tired to even make this bed. Can’t we do that tomorrow?”

Once sprawled out on the mattress, you giggled. “It’s like a new beginning now. We finally have a bed big enough for newlyweds.”

“Then you know what happens with a new beginning,” he suggested, his gaze warming you up. “I think we’ll have to christen this.”

“Do you even have any energy left? You just mentioned how tired you were.”

Sungjin grinned wickedly, scooping you up in his strong embrace. “I always have energy when it comes to loving you.”

You groaned, feeling how sweaty you were again. Opening your eyes, you glanced around the darkened bedroom, washing your eyes over Sungjin. You couldn’t see all of his face due to how it was buried into your shoulder. His legs were entangled with yours, and an arm was over your waist.

You couldn’t help but grin at the irony.

Even with all the space in the world, your husband was basically on top of you once again. You’d been sharing this queen-sized bed for a month now, and in the beginning, you rejoiced by having so much extra room. However, your bodies always migrated to one another in the middle of the night, and you’d wake up in the morning snuggled into his side.

You silently apologised to your last faithful bed for all the times you had cursed it out.

You managed to get a little more sleep until you felt Sungjin stir beside you, trying to unwind himself away from you. However, you blindly moved along the bed with him.

“And you complained about how little space we had,” he whispered, thinking you were still asleep.

“I guess old habits are hard to break,” you responded and opened your eyes, Sungjin instantly smiling when your gaze connected with his. You moved your hand up to cup his jaw fondly. “I woke up earlier sweating. I think we need to splurge on a fan or something. Then we might be able to keep cool.”

“Or we could get a body pillow and stick it between us as a line not to cross.”

You giggled. “You and I both know we’d discard that. Let’s face it. We can’t bear to be apart from one another.”

“Stuck on you,” Sungjin mused, nodding softly. “I should write a song about it.”

“Lyrics about the realities of married life? Will you write about us fighting over who was meant to empty the dishwasher last night too?”

“Domestic life isn’t one that we’ve sung about enough in the band. Maybe the guys will humour me over it,” Sungjin suggested with a chuckle, and you snuggled into his chest, enjoying the remaining vibration of his humour.

“Wonpil and Jae both live with their girlfriends now, I’m sure they’d be down for it.”

“You know, even if we got the biggest bed size possible, I don’t think I could ever sleep on a side away from you.”

“You can’t get enough of me, huh?” you teased, and Sungjin captured your lips in a lazy kiss.

“Babe, like you said before old habits are hard to break. And maybe I don’t want to try and break them either.”

“You’re worth losing sleep over,” you agreed, pecking his lips again.

_________________

All rights reserved © prettywordsyouleft

[DAY6 Masterlist] | [Main Masterlist] | [Request Guidelines]

[theseerasures]

They try to smooth over things after everything melts, but explaining to the (mostly indifferent) subjects that their new queen has magical powers and had run away and now come back and that Arendelle was opening its borders after almost fifteen years of isolation is difficult work. Anna looks tired and the boy with her (Kristoff, Elsa remembers vaguely) looks tired, and Elsa feels tiredness clinging to her bones, so after a while she motions for Kai to take over and make their exit. (3)

As usual, Sven only gets a few steps up onto the crystalline staircase before his hooves slide him right back down.

“A few more weeks, buddy,” Kristoff says consolingly as he eases the grumbling reindeer back down to less slippery territory, “You’ll get your winter feet in no time.”

“I told you we should have packed his snowshoes,” Anna grouses, already halfway up herself, “But nooooo, it was all we don’t have time, Anna and it’s not even cold yet, Anna, and we’re going to the Forest and not the North Mountain, what are the odds–whoa!”

Elsa grabs her hand as she threatens to fall backward. “You don’t have to go up.”

“You don’t have to go up,” Anna fires back immediately, and then flushes a little at Elsa’s raised eyebrow. “I mean–obviously you have to go up, that’s the whole point of coming here. I only–”

“It’s okay,” Elsa reassures hastily, not bothering to let go and continuing to steady Anna as they make their way up to the Ice Palace’s main doors. “I know what you meant.”

It’s true; they could have gone back to Arendelle first and rested up before coming back here. But she needs to make this right, and she can, so why put it off? The sooner everyone’s restored and and back to normal, the better.

Olaf’s waiting for them when they finally get to the top. He looks uncharacteristically serious, but Elsa can understand why.

No sounds emerge from within the palace walls; everything is eerily silent.

“Should we…knock?” Olaf asks hesitantly.

“No need,” Elsa says, but she falters suddenly when she moves to push the doors open. When was the last time they were all here together? Kristoff makes pretty regular visits on the way to and from ice harvesting. She and Anna try to drop by when they have time, and of course Olaf tags along with any and all of them whenever he wants. But the last time they were all here at the same time might have been…

We were so close. We can be like that again.

Elsa brushes it aside. A memory from the ice, nothing more. It’s silly to dwell on all that now, when they’re coming back from another successful adventure. They won. They won again, and what they lost, she can easily bring back.

She’s here for a reason, and the sooner she finishes, the sooner everything can be finished. They can go back to their normal lives.

The door opens noiselessly at her push, and inside–

Anna gasps as Kristoff simultaneously bites out an explosive curse. Elsa barely registers either, too busy staring horrified at the countless piles of snow littered on the palace floor. It had been one thing to know what must have happened, or even feel it from the sudden hollow in her mind when she’d come back, but to see it all, here…

She always forgets how many of them there are, when she’s away. She always forgets how many she made, the number of lives tethered to hers.

“Elsa?” Anna’s concerned face looks blurry. “You don’t have to do this right now. We can–”

“I’m fine,” Elsa replies immediately, blinking hard so that her vision clears.

“You don’t look fine.” This time, Anna’s jaw sets when Elsa raises her eyebrow. “Well, you don’t! You’re all pale and your arm is busted and you have bruises everywhere and you have to be exhausted because I’m exhausted, and I didn’t even–”

She turns away abruptly, but not before Elsa catches that her eyes are suddenly wet.

Die. That’s what Anna had been about to say. Experimentally, Elsa brushes her fingertips with the pad of her thumb, feeling the sensation of soft flesh instead of slippery, hardening rime. She had died. Anna’s right to be upset–she has every right.

But she’s back now; that’s the important thing. Elsa reaches out to her sister, tipping Anna’s face gently upward so they can make eye contact. “I can do this,” she says firmly.

Anna sucks in a loud, noisy breath, and then nods. “Just don’t wear yourself out. Take breaks, or–or something.”

Kristoff clears his throat. “Can we…um. Help, in some way? I mean, some of them–” He winces. “Some of the piles kind of. Spilled into each other? What if we separate them, make it easier for you to…”

“No, it’s okay,” Elsa says, when it’s clear he’s not going to finish. There’s no confusing the snowgies for her. They might have been made accidentally, but her magic knows every flake that makes up their being. “I got it.”

She closes her eyes and concentrates. Feels the magic coursing through her, lifting the snow piles up from the floor. Feels their lives return and coalesce with the memory of all that had happened on the day they were born: the ecstasy of eating ice cream cake, the playful mischief of running across town, the dizzying joy of spending a day with Anna…

“Slush!” Elsa hears Olaf exclaim. “Oh, welcome back! And Sludge and Slide and Ansel and Flurry and Fridge and Powder and…”

Everyone back to normal. Not a snowflake out of place.

Elsa smiles. She opens her eyes–

And the world immediately tilts on its axis.

“Elsa?” she hears Anna say as her knees buckle and she sinks ungracefully to the floor, “Elsa!”

She’s never going to let me live this down, Elsa thinks, and then she passes out.

Heh, she thinks as she comes to again. Live this down. Live. See, because she–

“I’m sorry, is this funny?” A shrill voice demands from above.

Elsa opens her eyes to meet Anna’s outraged glare. “It’s not,” she says hastily. “Sorry. Are they all back? Is everyone okay?”

Anna stares blankly at her for a second, then crosses her arms. “Nope. Ansel has two heads now.”

“What?” She bolts upright, just barely avoiding a headlong collision with Kristoff, who’d also been peering down at her in concern. “How–”

Ansel grins up at her, very much still one-headed and bouncing on his little feet. “Oh, ha ha,” Elsa says sarcastically before moving to stand. “Okay. I think Marshmallow is–”

“Nope,” Anna says again as Kristoff firmly pushes Elsa right back down to the ice floor. “You’re gonna sit and rest for at least fifteen more minutes, then you can go fix Marshmallow.”

“Anna, I’m–”

“If you say you’re fine again I’m gonna clobber you with a stalactite. And I’ll make you replace it,” The mulish expression on Anna’s face falters, just a little. “Can you just–for me. Please?”

There’s no way to say no. “Alright,” Elsa says. “Okay. Fifteen minutes.”

Another hard, searching look, and then Anna nods. “I’m gonna go see what Olaf’s up to. Kristoff, you can keep an eye on her, right?”

“Sure thing.”

“I’m not a child,” Elsa protests at the same time.

Her sister doesn’t even bother with a response, so she just slumps back into a more comfortable sitting position, grumbling.

“There, there,” Kristoff says perfunctorily. “Is the whole hair-in-your-eyes thing a required part of being a spirit?”

“I was trying to make it dry faster,” Elsa grouses, passing him a hair tie. She feels him getting to work immediately; first combing through the tangles, then moving into the braid. He doesn’t seem inclined to chat, so she stays silent too, trying to relax.

It’s been a while since she’s had time to stop and think. Even after all the excitement of the dam’s fall, racing back to Arendelle, racing back to the Forest, there had been news to bring, plans to discuss, apologies to make: a nonstop whirlwind of discussion and movement. This is the first time she’s been still in hours, the first time the world has been quiet, just the sound of breathing and the cold all around, everything in sight an icy blue…

“Elsa?” Kristoff’s hands have stilled.

She flinches, feeling sick all of a sudden–something about the blue hurts her eyes. That hadn’t always been true, had it? She’d built this place, but now she can barely stand to look; something about the color reminds her of–

Dive down deep into her sound…

“Here.” Something heavy falls across her shoulders.

Elsa blinks. It’s Kristoff’s big coat–the one he takes in case he gets caught outside in a storm. “I’m not cold.” She knows what cold feels like, now.

“It’s good to have pockets. And here…” He sticks his hand into one of the pockets. “You should eat something.”

“I can’t eat that,” Elsa protests. He’s offering her one of his emergency ration bars, and she’s heard him complain enough about Oaken’s extortionate prices for them. “Don’t they cost a fortune?”

“I’ll put it on the bill.” He rolls his eyes when she continues to hesitate. “Elsa. Just eat it, okay?”

The thought of food makes her queasier, so she plans to just take a few bites for the sake of politeness–but then the whole thing disappears down her stomach, embarrassingly quickly. “I…guess it has been a while. Thanks, Kristoff–I needed that.”

“You need a vacation,” Kristoff says, “Or at least a nap.”

She doesn’t want to think about sleeping right now, if just staying still makes her stomach plummet off a cliff. “Has it been fifteen minutes?”

“Maybe? Look, Elsa–”

“Thanks for the food,” Elsa repeats, getting up. She keeps the coat on; it does feel nice, even if it can’t make her warm. “I’m okay to go now.”

“Elsa…”

“I’ll nap when I’m done, I promise.” Promise me we do this together. She climbs out the staircase alone. Leans a little against the railing; everything feels spindly, like she’s on marionette strings.

The sight at the top of the steps brings her up short. Marshmallow is an enormous mound of ice and snow near the balcony doors. Had he climbed up to bellow for help in his last moments? Or had he just wanted to return, because here is where…here is…

I know we can figure this out together!

Stop. She slams that memory shut. Get it together.

Still, Elsa finds herself moving slowly, as if taking in the room for the first time. She’d done her best to fix it up after the Thaw, but it’s never been quite the same. If she looks carefully she can still see some faint scoring on the walls from the ice blasts and fired crossbow bolts, and the chandelier…

She’d never had the heart to replace it. It had been a needless extravagance in the first place; she should have known better.

Don’t be the monster they fear you are!

Enough philosophizing. Elsa closes her eyes and gets to work. She sinks into the emotions she’d felt that day: the exhilaration of the build, of cutting loose, letting herself be free for the first time…but there’s an odd resistance to the snow here, like her magic is reluctant against itself. Then again: Marshmallow is her largest creation to date, so perhaps that’s only natural; she pulls a little harder, sensing the snow rise and converge as she lets the memories wash over her–

I’m not leaving without you, Elsa!

The icy pit in her stomach explodes outward. She’s freezing again. No; she’s frozen everything. Arendelle is suffocating under her magic, under her–why had she run–stay away–get back–get back in the cage–

Something thuds onto the ground. Elsa’s eyes fly open of their own accord and blue is the only thing she sees. She’s trapped down here–there’s no way out; she’d thought she had mastered the ice and now she’s paying for it. Something roars in her ears–Grandfather’s sword cleaving bloodily down–why can’t I move–why can’t I stop–

me? The dome is lined with ice and the world is endless blue–spikes rising out of the ground–monster–she’d thought it was just magic but it’s her, it’s in her blood–blue like Anna’s eyes on the fjord, wide and blank and frozen solid–right after Elsa had struck her–right through the heart–right through the heart–ANNA–

“What’s going on up there? Marshmallow, stop yelling! Let me–Elsa?”

No. Nonononono. Anna’s here. She can’t–

“Please,” Elsa manages to push out. Stayawayhelpme she doesn’t remember the rest. Her teeth are chattering and she can’t breathe. “Please. Please.”

“Okay, I’m–I’m at the doorway, Elsa. See?” Anna waves. “And I won’t come any closer until you’re sure it’s fine. Right? We’ve done this before. We’ve got this. You’ve got this. It’s not even cold right now. Kristoff, can you–”

“Yeah,” he says immediately, appearing at Anna’s shoulder. “It’s, um. It’s a little chillier here than the rest of palace. I can feel it here, but–” he takes a few paces back, “–not here, and it’s not spreading or getting colder. The ice isn’t looking any different, so I’d say it can’t be more than a five degree dip, at most.”

“You heard it straight from the ice expert,” Anna says, “And it’s not snowing, even a little–you’re okay, Elsa. You’re not losing control. Everyone’s safe. You made them safe. You made this room, and–” her voice wobbles, but rights itself again, “–and sure, some bad stuff happened in it once, but it’s not happening now. And it won’t happen again. We won’t let it. All you have to do now is focus on calming down, okay?”

Elsa takes one sharp, tight breath, then another. Her vision is still marred by wavy lines, so she reaches out, tries to steady herself–

And hits something soft and cold. Marshmallow is looking down at her, his brows furrowed in concern. “Elsa?” he rumbles.

She sags into him, a wet, wounded sound tearing out of her mouth. “Marshmallow.”

“Good,” Anna says as Marshmallow picks her up carefully and sets her on his shoulder. “That’s–thanks, Marshmallow. We’ll count that as your first thing, Elsa. You got four more? What else can you see?”

Elsa opens her mouth, but the word freezes in her throat, because the only thing she can see–

“I got this!” Olaf sings, bouncing in with the snowgies trailing after him. “Hey, big little brother! Welcome back.”

“Olaf,” Elsa exhales, feeling the corners of her lips flick up minutely. The tightness in her chest relents, a little.

“That’s two,” he replies, nodding encouragingly. “And now you have all these guys, and I know you only have to do three more, but I read in a book that it’s damaging to the family structure to pick favorites, soooo…”

The snowgies beam at her in unison.

Elsa lets out a soft huff; not quite a laugh, not yet. Then she begins.

–

“AH-ah-AH-ah!”

Her hands jump involuntarily. Sven grunts at her–half concerned, half irritated as the carrot she’d been feeding him suddenly gets coated in a layer of frost.

“Show yourself! Right now!”

It’s Olaf. It’s just Olaf, still in the Ice Palace regaling his brothers about their latest adventure while the rest of them get ready to go.

Well. While Kristoff and Anna get them ready to go.

Elsa lets out an embarrassed chuckle, resisting the urge to fling the frozen carrot off the side of the mountain so no one can see it. “Sorry, Sven.”

“No apologizing for another hour!” Anna calls out from behind the stack of blankets they now have to pile back onto the sled. “Kristoff, we’re starting the clock again.”

“I was saying sorry to Sven,” she protests, watching her sister huff and puff over the repacking process. “Are you sure I can’t–”

“Nope,” Kristoff says at the same time Anna says “Nothing productive for you for another day. Another week, maybe.”

Even Sven’s gentle headbutt feels rather pointed. “That’s absurd. I can–”

“Someone still wants to be smothered in blankets,” Anna singsongs.

“Anna–”

“Elsa! We did it. We won. We saved like, a ton of people, and you did maybe eighty percent of it by yourself, so will you just stay still for one whole second and appreciate that–”

“We live!” Marshmallow’s roar rings out of the Ice Palace and takes them all by surprise. “We live!” He shouts again joyously, the being she’d made out of misery and fear.

“Yeah.” Anna’s voice sounds small in its wake. “That.”

Elsa lets out a slow, deep sigh, and lets herself slump down against Sven. “It wasn’t eighty percent,” she mumbles into his flank.

A rumbling laugh, coming from the Ice Palace. Marshmallow again: “Good story! Good story, Olaf.”

“It wasn’t,” she repeats, not sure why she’s insisting the point when no one’s even arguing with her. She’d been trying to sound flippant, but now…now she just feels wrung out. Some Fifth Spirit. “You freed the forest, Anna. I didn’t–I just–it didn’t feel good. I don’t…”

She’s so tired.

Anna’s arms wrap around her. “That’s okay,” she says, pressing a firm kiss on the top of Elsa’s head. “You’re okay, Elsa. We’ve got you.”

Kristoff’s hand touches her waist a moment later, carefully enough that she doesn’t startle, gently guiding her to a position where she can be nestled in between all of them.

She doesn’t need to do anything but let herself be moved. Elsa closes her eyes, and leans into their embrace.

–

“Okay,” she says fifteen minutes later, “Just one more thing–”

“Absolutely not,” Anna orders as Kristoff says, “Sven, sit on her.”

[timeforelfnonsense]

Lost and Found

Astarion x Dafni 

Rating: T

Hurt/Comfort

TW for depression mention 

Ao3

I’ve been working on this bad boy for a month and it’s done at last!

 An important note: There is some reference to the Lolth Sworn drow in this and I feel the need to clear the air and state that I have some issues with the way WotC characterizes the drow as inherently evil. My house rules are that none of the races are inherently evil because the broad strokes in the source material as problematic af. So while the followers of Lolth might be evil I want to make it clear that doesn't equal all drow are bad. Dafni holds all varieties of elves in tender regard. As an eladrin of the fey wilds and a follower of Corellon she understands that fluid and changing nature of all living things. Life is messy and people do not fit into boxes, very few folks are all bad or all god. Not every elf worships the Seldarine and that’s ok. A fundamental part of Corellon is freedom and choice therefore it would be foolish to insist her path is the only right one. Her issue is with Lolth not the drow as a whole.

The Underdark was a horrid and forsaken place. A shudder ran down Dafni’s spine as she rubbed away the gooseflesh cropping up across her arms. Lolth’s influence hung heavy in the stale air. She would have to step lightly. A cleric of Corellon would be a great prize to the followers of the Spider Queen. She missed the warm sun on her face, the feeling of grass beneath her bare feet. She could feel herself wilting under the oppressive darkness that surrounded them.

Anxiety was a strange and forging feeling. The majority of her 160 years had been spent embodying the playful delight of spring. Perhaps it was on account of her relative youth. Or, maybe it was the influence of Corellon Larethian, whose wild and wonderful influence she had felt all her life. He had looked out for her. Cared for her as a father would his child. Truly, Corellon felt as much a parent to her as her mother, Thesmia did. A meek half-smile tugged at the corner of her lips. He had given her a reason to leave home when the wanderlust became far too much for her to contain. If she was to flourish as both an elf and a divine servant, Dafni would need to truly know herself beyond being Thesmia’s shadow. Absentmindedly her fingers reached for the familiar crescent moon that hung from her neck.

Her feet skidded to a halt, her trembling hand pulled away empty. Her blood turned to ice. An agonizing dagger of guilt pierced her heart and she felt as though the ground beneath her would open up and swallow her whole. Part of her wished that it would. She had carried the holy symbol since she was a young girl. Though she knew in her soul it had been her’s even before that. It had served as her connection not just to her god, but her heritage and primal spirit- The very essence of her being. 

“I lost it.” Her voice was less than a whisper, stunned and distant. Tears began to well up in her eyes. The world around her was growing colder by the second. “My amulet is gone.” Her breath began to come out in heaves and she began to sob in earnest. “It- It must have gotten lost when the minotaur tossed me!” 

 Her sharp cry stopped her traveling companions in their tracks. Each of their faces dressed in varying degrees of confusion and concern. Gale began to speak but his words were drowned out but the low ringing in her ears. A dizzy, sickening feeling bloomed in her gut and the edges of her vision began to blur as the darkness she had so feared gripped her soul.

They had doubled back to the old Selûnite fort. The others were still there setting up a temporary camp. Shadowheart hadn’t been able to find anything physically wrong with her aside from the normal bumps and scrapes that were to be expected on an active adventurer. 

Astarion felt truly helpless for the first time since he’d escaped Cazador’s clutches. It had been an hour and Dafni had yet to wake. He clasped her hand in his. A soft blue had slowly been spreading over her sage-green skin, creeping its way from the tips of her fingers to the crown of her head. Her locks were shifting at the root from rosy pink to a frosty teal. The flowers that wove through her loose ponytail had all weathered into dust. 

He squeezed her hand, “Come on Daffodil…”

Gale had been fairly positive that this was, to some extent normal for the eladrin of the Feywilds. Something about a book he’d read by some notable wizard? Truth be told Astarion hadn’t been paying much attention. He was too busy staring down Lae’zel, who’s paranoia filled gaze had been locked on Dafni’s sleeping form from the moment they’d returned. 

He should have been annoyed at her. The loss of some silly costume jewelry had caused her to swoon like a high born lady. He knew she was made of stronger stuff than that. Her little spell had put them all behind and left them without a healer the whole trek back to the fort. Yet, try as he might Astarion couldn’t seem to conjure up the ire he held for those too weak to survive hardship on their own.

 He groaned, letting his head hit the wall behind him with a soft thunk. There it was again- That damn sentimentality! By the Hells, he was a vampire, not a nursemaid! What had gotten into him? 

“You should rest.” Wyll placed a hand on his shoulder, “I’ll keep an eye on her for a bit.” 

His eyes went narrow, a low growl rumbling in his chest. The idea of leaving her while she was vulnerable made his blood boil. 

I’ll watch your back and you watch mine…

Her promise echoed through his thoughts. Dafni had held her end of the bargain with unwavering resolve. If he left now it would feel too much like betraying the one person he’d allowed even a fragment of trust in the past two centuries.

“I’m sorry. That wasn’t an appropriate reaction.” He muttered while he whisked away an icy tear from her cheek. “I’m just a bit... Out of sorts.” 

Wyll nodded, taking a seat on the dusty floor beside him, “Hey, she’s tough. She’ll pull through, whatever this is.” The warlock gave him an almost smug look, “You really care for her don’t you?” 

“I hardly see how that’s any of your concern.” He sneered with a wave of his hand, “Besides, my concern is simply a matter of pragmatism. Our little band of misfits can’t afford to lose our best healer-” Astarion hesitated for a moment before adding, “Don’t tell Shadowheart I said that. We need not add my body to the pile- Should things go poorly.” 

“If I promise not to sell you out will you take a break?” 

For the first time since she had fainted, he noticed the scratchy dryness in his throat. Astarion scowled, there was little in the way of appetizing food that he had seen but he would just have to make due. He was loathed to leave her side but Wyll was a good man, a better one than him in truth. He would keep her safe. 

“What’s this? The legendary Blade of the Frontiers, stooping to common blackmail.” He tried to keep his tone flat but he couldn’t help the smile that formed on his lips, “Fine, I’ll take a break. I’m a bit parched anyway. I suppose I’ll try to track something palatable down here. Unless…”

 He arched an eyebrow towards Wyll who moved away with an overstated scoot. 

“Not a chance, now go!” 

Cold. 

A crushing, all-consuming chill wrapped its arms around her spirit. Spring had left her. Now she stood alone in the isolating melancholy of winter. She reached out for the familiar warmth of The Protector but here- In this cursed place his influence felt far and foreign. If only she had her holy amulet. It could have served as a compass leading her back to Corellon’s embrace. She would simply have to press on. She had put them behind already and there was no time for sentiment. She wouldn’t be able to cast spells until she found a replacement and the chances of a spare symbol of her god in the Underdark were laughable. Dafni tried to sniff back the tears pricking at the edges of her eyes but it was no use. They rolled down her baby blue cheeks freezing before they could fall to the ground. She glanced up at Astarion, who walked a few paces ahead. While Gale and Wyll had spent the better part of a day coddling her, he had remained distant. 

Maybe he didn’t want her like this? Her sadness threatened to consume anyone near her and he had enough grief of his own. He had admitted once that he enjoyed having her near. Whispered in her ear that she was sunlight and happiness made flesh as he took her in a flower patch of her own creation. 

The feeling of a gentle hand pulled her from her thoughts. Gale offered her a small smile before speaking, “Are you all right?” 

“Oh-” She sniffed, whipping away another frozen tear, “I’ll be alright. I just don’t feel much like myself right now.” 

Gale nodded in response, “Yes, I can see that. Perhaps we shouldn’t have brought you here. The Underdark does seem quite at conflict with the very core of your being.”

A mournful laugh escaped her aching chest, “I don’t think we’d have had any better luck with that shadow curse above ground. No, my sorrow isn’t a good enough reason to risk the rest of the group’s safety.” She brought an icy hand to Gale's cheek, causing him to shiver, “I appreciate your concern but really I’ll be alright. We eladrin are ruled by our emotions, a shift of season was inevitable at some point or another. It’s unfortunate for the rest of you it had to be winter. Things are dire enough without my sorrowful presence bringing you all down with me. Perhaps it would be best for all of you to keep your distance.”

 She sighed, her eyes falling on Astarion, who lingered just on the edge of the bitter cold her sadness created. While it pained her to say it, she knew he was right to keep away. The others should do the same if they were wise. Gale gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. 

“He’s a funny one, Astarion.” Gale mused, “Wyll told me he had to resort to extortion to pry him from your side while you were out. Yet, today he acts as if you have the plague.”

A small snort of laughter broke past her tears, “Extortion?” 

“I believe comments were made comparing Shadowheart’s healing abilities to your own. Wyll offended his silence in exchange for Astarion taking a break.”

“That’s not fair to her.” Dafni sniffed, “She’s not a life cleric, she does her best.” 

“You have a good heart, Dafni.” Gale said giving her arm a squeeze, “My point is I think he cares about you, in his own odd way. At the very least he’s far more pleasant when you are around”

“You really think so?” 

“I do,” Gale assured, “he’d have to be the biggest fool in Faerûn not to see how wonderful you are.” 

Dafni felt a bit of warmth return to her heart. Not enough to thaw her sorrows but it was a start. Gale’s words helped her sort through the chaos of her mind as they had so many times before. He was a loyal and kind friend, as was Wyll. Shadowheart too despite her evasive and secretive nature. Even Lae’zel had warmed to her as best she was able despite their differences. There was a solace to be found in the support of her peers. She wasn’t so alone after all.

The sound of her laugh hit Astartion like a battering ram. She seemed to be in slightly better spirits since arriving in the Myconid Circle. She floated about the fungus folk with an easy familiarity. It seemed being among the vibrant plants and creatures of grotto had offered her some sense of normalcy. He looked over his shoulder to see what had coaxed a giggle from her (no matter how pitiful and melancholy it sounded). A sharp twinge of jealousy ran down his spine as he watched Dafni stroke Gale’s cheek with a somber smile. 

He bit the feeling back. It was better for them both if he kept his distance. Gentle kindness was hardly his strong suit. Gods, he was a disaster. How many times had she offered him comfort even when he spurned her? She had given so freely to him, her kindness, the warmth of her bed, the very blood in her veins. And there he was relying on someone else to comfort his lover.   

 Dafni was a resilient little thing. So optimistic and sweet it made his teeth hurt. It was disorienting to see her so morose. He had learned the boundaries of her emotional aura rather quickly. He had noticed an unfamiliar warm feeling that first night at camp. He found himself lingering near her as often as he could after that. Savoring the tender happiness that radiated from off of her. She had told him it was simply part of her nature. A charming quirk he’d grown to enjoy a great deal. But now he could feel her heavy sorrow as if it were his own and he longed to make her hurt go away.  

Damn sentimentality.

He had his own worries. He didn’t need to take on hers as well. She didn’t need him to coddle her. And more importantly, he most certainly was not beholden to her contentment for his own survival despite his halfwit heart’s insistence to the contrary. She was making him soft. It was ridiculous! He was far too old to be fretting over her like a lovelorn sprat. 

It must be the tadpole. Her compassion must have wormed its way into his brain somehow. That was the only logical explanation.

He needed to clear his head and get some distance between them so he could feel more himself. He wandered aimlessly about the grotto as he attempted to show away any feelings of softhearted sympathy but it was no use. He rubbed his temples and let out a frustrated huff. He should never have taken that first taste of her. She’d become an irresistible craving from that moment on. It wasn’t just her blood, but every aspect of her that called to him. Inviting him to take refuge in her affections. He could feel himself lowering his guard a little bit more each day despite his efforts to keep her at arm's length. She’d flash him that beguiling little grin, her topaz eyes brimming over with admiration and he would find himself tempted to let her just another inch closer. He’d known she was dangerous from the moment he clapped eyes on her in the wreckage of the crash. He’d prepared himself for a stake to the heart but the infatuation she had inspired in him was infinitely more frightening and possible just as deadly.

He made his way to the alcove where the Society of Brilliance had set up shop. The strange hobgoblin had mentioned something to the party about being a collector of magical items and oddities. Walking had failed to rid him of his frustrations perhaps shopping would. 

A glimmer caught his eye as he approached the cluttered stall. There, on the table was a familiar silver amulet. He was going to get it back for her and pray the gesture was enough to curb his need to see her happy. He could swipe it easily enough but he didn’t want to draw trouble to Dafni if she was spotted wearing it. No, charm and a dash of intimidation would be his best shot.

“Excuse me,” He smiled wide allowing for a slight flash of his fangs, “I was hoping you would be willing to part with that necklace.”

“A vampire interested in the acquisition of a holy symbol?” 

“Yes, it’s very ironic.” Astarion rolled his eyes. “Now, how much do you want for the damn thing?”

“Well, first time for everything.” the hobgoblin shrugged, “You have a good eye, this is very unique. It’s forged from mithral and inlaId with sylvan moonstones. The holy symbol of Corellon is more commonly depicted as an eight-pointed star these days rather than the crescent moon. Meaning this item is very old indeed! It was brought in just yesterday. I would be hesitant to sell it but my research does require more funding. How does 900 gold sound?”

“I hate to be the one to tell you but ‘very old’ is a relative term when it comes to items of elvish origin.” He kept his tone flat and unimpressed, “Long-lived people do tend to hold onto things.” 

“Ah, but you’ll find this is more than your average antique! Judging by the craftsmanship I would say it dates back to the time of the primal elves.”

Shit. 

Of course, her necklace had much more than sentimental value. He had hoped for a quick haggle but it seemed he was going to have to work for it. He really didn’t have that much coin on him, nor was he inclined to spend it on something that was not rightfully the hobgoblin’s to sell. He raffled through his mind searching for a thinly veiled threat or convincing argument to lower the price until the perfect mixture of the two dawned on him.

Astarion let out a droll hum as he checked his nails with casual disinterest. He spoke in a low, blasé voice, “You said before you weren’t much for combat? Don’t you think it’s risky, carrying around a holy item of Corellon in the den of the Spider Queen? It would be such a shame if something were to happen to you at the hands of a zealot. Really I’m doing you a favor by purchasing it. I’ve crossed swords with the Lolth sworn before they are merciless and skilled fighters almost as dangerous and bloodthirsty as vampires.”

He let a wicked bark of laughter. A bemused expression flickering across his face. He could smell the fear stirring in the timid merchant. It would seem he hadn’t lost his edge after all.  

Blurg swallowed hard before mustering a response, “ Ah- I hadn’t thought about that...”

Dafni sat cross-legged on the ramparts of the fort fletching a new batch of arrows. She’d need more to compensate for her lack of magic for the time being. She’d spent the whole trek back to their camp scanning the ground for her necklace but it had all been for not. She’d just have to accept the fact it was gone no matter how much it broke her heart. 

“There you are, darling. I’ve been looking all over for you.”

 The sound of Astarion’s voice caused her to jump, tossing her arrow down with a start. Dafni clutched her chest shooting him a sharp look. He only laughed, his infuriating gorgeous face fixed in a grin that reminded her of a satyr who stumbled upon a river of bathing nymphs. He dipped to his knees placing a hungry kiss on her scowling lips. He couldn’t be serious. All-day she had been desperate for his attention and he was completely uninterested but now that he had an itch to scratch he was searching up and down for her. Unbelievable! She shouldn't have been surprised. It wasn’t as if he’d ever promised her his undying love and devotion. Still, she had thought him tactful enough not to proposition her after the hell she’d been through that day. 

“I’m not really in the mood right now.” She scolded, “You’ll just have to entertain yourself tonight, you egotistical lecher!”

“That- Isn’t why I sought you out. But, if you truly don’t want my company I’ll leave you be.” He shrugged his tone flippant despite the flash of vulnerability in his ruby eyes.

“I- I’m sorry that was really mean and uncalled for. Please stay.”

Stupid impulsive girl.

She slumped forwards, hiding her face in her knees. She could feel the icy tears threatening to spill over for the hundredth time that day. He’d come to check on her and she’d cut him down because of her own insecurity. The bitterness had gotten the better of her and she had unwittingly discouraged his attempt at compassion. 

“If you think the accusation of being a rake is the most heinous insult that’s been hurled at me I’m afraid you’ve missed the mark by quite a lot.” 

He sat down beside her, placing a hesitant hand on her back. She could sense his uncertainty. He was nervous and clearly out of his depth but he was trying. His cautious fingertips moved slowly across the expanse of her back, tracing nebulas shapes and patterns as she drew short, shallow breaths. She couldn’t bear to look at him. She just knew he was staring at her with the same wide, gentle eyes he had when she’d offered her neck to him that night in the woods. If she saw him like that the dam would break and she’d be an utter mess. 

“I still shouldn’t have said it.” Her voice came out shaky and quiet as she peeked over the top of her knees at him. 

“I think I’ll find it in my heart to forgive you.” He leaned in close, whispering in her ear. “I have something for you. Now, stand up and close your eyes.”

She arched a questioning brow but compiled, hopping to her feet. He pushed her ponytail to one side. His touch lingered on her jumping pulse causing a shiver to run down her spine. A warm chuckle falling from his lips in response. The cool feeling of metal draped across her throat, an otherworldly comfort hummed all around her as the delicate weight of a pendant fell against her chest. 

“Where did you find it!!” Dafni gasped, “I thought I had lost it forever! You can’t fathom how much this means to me.”

“It’s a gift, to repay you for all the ones you’ve given me.”  

It probably seemed a small thing to him but he’d returned a missing piece of herself. Words felt woefully inadequate to express her gratitude. She threw her arms around his neck, sending him staggering back a bit. She hardly noticed. She stood on her tiptoes placing gentle kisses all over him. First over the bridge of his nose and then his cheeks and down his neck. Her fingers laced through his soft curls tugging him close, her lips brushed against his. Astarion’s hands fell to her soft waist, his mouth ever so slightly parting for hers. Dafni sighed, running her tongue along the warm seam of his lip earning her a satisfied purr. His hand ventured to the small of her back gently coaxing her closer. She took in a deep breath, the dizzying blend of leather and patchouli making her weak at the knee. She could have stayed like that forever, pressed safe and content against his solid chest. The feeling was big and terrifying but magical and perfect all at once. 

Drat...

She was falling in love with him.

[hyungbean]

Falling | Jasper Hale x Reader

Summary: The reader befriends the Cullens only to face a dilemma when Jasper seems to go out of his way to ignore her, unknowingly to the reader he’s just having a hard time controlling his hunger.

Genre: Fluff 

A/N: Went on a small hiatus but now I’m back :) I’ll try to get started on a few of your requests! This one is dedicated to someone who gave me the inspiration to come out of my hiatus. 

Being friends with the ice queen, Rosalie Hale was anything but dreadful. She was actually a really gentle and considerate person, not to mention she never hesitated when it came to lending clothes. 

Everyone was so intimidated by the Cullens without even taking the time to have a conversation with them that didn’t involve offensive accusations or questions. That’s why the family was thoroughly surprised when the new girl in town decided to strike up a conversation with the beautiful blonde in biology.

After a month or so the blonde had taken you under her wing and everyone’s jaws had been unscrewed at the sight of a random girl sitting at their lunch table. Although this meant that you were also friends with her siblings because the Cullens were a packaged deal.

Emmett was like the funny older brother you never had, while Edward was the more reserved but attentive brother.

You found yourself always laughing and enjoying the happiness high when you were around them, appreciating their weird humor and often, how naive they could be.

Alice was the quirky friend who would always try to make you feel less awkward around Jasper. 

Jasper Hale.

It wasn’t that you didn’t like Jasper, far from it actually, you thought he was a god and found your cheeks warming at the sight of him. But he seemed to be repulsed by your existence, he would never look you in the eyes or even face you when you tried to talk to him. Not to mention he would beeline in the opposite direction of the hall when you would approach the siblings.

Rosalie assured you that he liked you but he was struggling with his own personal problems.

And it seemed that the siblings all knew something you didn’t, like they were hiding an inside joke and you were the clueless friend.

You remember the exact moment you fell hard for the blonde boy. It was a cold winter day and he was laughing about something with Emmett at the Cullen residence. You were over to hang out with Rosalie and the sight of the usual stoic boy enjoying himself stirred up something in your stomach.

Smiling unconsciously, you leaned further back into the couch, not hearing anything your best friend was saying to you.

‘God he’s ethereal.’

You hummed to yourself, looking around the room only to see Edward smirking slightly from the kitchen, watching you with wide eyes. Raising your eyebrows you silently questioned what he was amused about, only for him to shake his head and walk out of the room.

That’s when you had an idea that he had somehow found out about your little crush on Jasper. The news became widespread among the family, Jasper being the only one unaware of the revelation. You realized your affection for the boy was discovered when Rosalie had invited you over only to be completely missing from the house; the whole family gone with the exception of Jasper.

Which is what led you to this moment. You were sat in the living room of the house, across from a nervous Jasper who was fiddling endlessly with his pale fingers.

The only noise was the repetitive ticking of the clock, the echoing bouncing around the room.

It had been a few minutes now and neither of you had said a word to the each other, awkwardly looking around the room. Finally, you had gotten tired of the tension, setting your warm hands on top of Jasper’s cold ones.

This seemed to completely shock him as he went rigid and slowly brought his eyes to yours. You smiled warmly, leaning closer to the boy.

“So it’s quite obvious that this was a set up.. and it seems that you know why Rosalie set this up. So.. what’s up Jas?”

He smiles slightly at the nickname, leaning forwards too gaining an inkling of confidence.

“Just to tell you something important.. something that will change everything. You might see me- my family differently after today.”

You shift nervously, clutching his fingers tighter.

“Oh okay, well go on.” 

Hesitating, he looks around the room in thought before directing his gaze back to your hands, “My family.. we’re vampires. Like actual vampires.” 

He looks up at your face to gauge your reaction only to be surprised when you nod and laugh lightly. 

“Don’t worry J, I already had an feeling that you guys were. I did a little research the week I met you guys. I know you live off of animal blood and stuff. I mean at first I thought maybe you guys were into cosplay or something and all just wore golden contacts, but then I met your parents and I knew something was up. Besides.. you guys are practically walking popsicles, and don’t even get me started on how you’re all just randomly gone on warm days.”

You shrug casually, taking one of your shaky hands and moving your hair behind your ear. Jasper was a little confused but he knew you were smart but he never thought you would figure it out so quickly. 

He only felt the usual happiness and warmth that emitted from you which reassured him that you were comfortable with the subject.

“Although I’ve been meaning to ask..do you not like me Jasper?” His head snaps up so fast he could have sworn he heard a faint cracking, locking eyes with your concerned expression. 

“What of course I like you darling. What makes you say that?” He tried to recount the last few weeks to try and formulate an explanation as to why you would draw to that conclusion. 

“Well when I first started hanging out with you guys, you would always ignore me and it was obvious that you couldn’t even look me in the face.” 

Jasper would slap himself in the face at how idiotic he was being, although that would be a little inappropriate given the situation at hand. 

“Well this may sound dumb but.. I don’t know what it was, your blood just smelled really delicious and I had a hard time adjusting, I still do quite honestly. But I’m trying to get better.” His voice grew smaller and smaller as his speech progressed, rubbing your fingers nervously. 

He expected you to recoil and bolt out of the house in fear or disgust but he only heard you sigh. 

Looking up, he sees that you were staring intently at him. 

“Is there any way I can help you? You know to make it less painful for you when I’m around?” 

His eyes widen and he feels his stomach warm up, his lips curling up in a small grin. You were truly something else and if he didn’t know it before, he sure as hell knew it now.

He was falling for you. 

You with your gentle smiles and tight hugs. 

You with your loud laugh and blinding grin. 

“There is one thing you could do for me.” 

“Yeah?”

“Just be here. I like it when you talk to me.”

“Good, because I like talking to you too.” 

He was falling, and he would gladly continue.

[vinatintasupernovita]

Sitting here thinking abt Baby Persephone and Ben so y’all get to hear it too here’s a lil fic abt them meeting:

It was routine at that point. Whenever Demeter would go pick her up from the Isle, Persephone would always cry and beg to stay for just a day more, but spring couldn’t wait. Her mother needed her home, just as much as the world did. And so, a final goodbye to winter was met with the tears of the young goddess of spring.

The two would come back to Auradon Castle, to make sure King Adam and Queen Belle would be aware the trip was safe. They were always so nervous about the barrier opening being spotted- what if someone got out? Then what would they do? They needed to make sure everything was still in order.

“Go and play in the garden, darling.” Demeter said as she set down her sniffling daughter. “The snow’s already begun to melt.”

“Yes mom..” Persephone muttered as she tugged on the skirt of her chiton. Demeter would always plant a kiss on her forehead before being led by palace staff to meet with the royal couple, leaving Persephone to turn on her heel, huff frustratedly, and wander the palace halls by herself.

By then she knew the grounds well enough to make it to the rose gardens alone. It was the same routine she had for almost seven springs at that point- a very short time in the eyes of a god nearly as old as the season itself, but when you spent most of that time looking at the world through the eyes of a child, it still felt needlessly long.

The rose gardens that Queen Belle had planted on the west side of the palace were very pretty when in full bloom, but Persephone only ever visited on the first of spring and last day of summer, so she rarely saw them in all their glory. It was ok, because she saw enough flowers in her mother’s home for the entirety of the warm months. Something about the bare bushes covered in the thinnest layer of snow that still survived despite the coming season was almost comforting.

Normally, Persephone would just sit on one of the stone benches and twiddle her thumbs or dig small mounds for worms or even try to make slushy snowballs to toss at the castle wall. It was lonely, but it wasn’t like she could do much about it.

She pouted as she kicked away rocks covered in melting ice. Hadie had just started to learn to talk and walk better, and Hades had told her that when he was old enough she could take him out to play in the snow- as long as Pain and Panic went with them. Persephone had been so excited, but then spring came quicker than she remembered.

She missed her brother, her dad, and Pain and Panic- she couldn’t wait until fall came back. Auradon didn’t have anything for her there. All of her cousins were too old for her to play with, and her little cousin Herkie was annoying. She’d rather be on the isle than alone in Auradon..

“Excuse me.” A soft voice pulled her out of her thoughts and she started looking around. That’s when she caught sight of a little boy who couldn’t be older than 5. He was a couple of inches shorter than her. He had big bright eyes, chestnut brown hair, and he was carrying a soccer ball in hand. He was dressed to the nines in this shiny blue outfit that looked like the kind fancy dolls would wear. “Are you ok?”

“Im- Yeah.” She nodded slowly.

“You look like you’ve been crying..?”

“It’s nothin.” Persephone tried to wipe her purple cheeks as if it would make them any less puffy and discolored. “Who are you?”

“I’m Ben, this is my house.” He said. He did look like the King and Queen, only sweeter. “What’s your name?”

“Persephone.”

“Purs- Pursuh- Pur-“ He tried to repeat after her, but she put up a hand to stop him.

“You can call me Seph. It’s what my dad calls me.” She said.

“Ohhh.. Ok!” He smiled. He then extended the soccer ball out from his person. “Do you wanna play ball with me?”

Persephone thought it over. She hadn’t really played with anyone in a long time.. It could be fun.

“Ok,” She agreed.

And the two started to run together, chasing after the ball and laughing as they kicked it between the two of them. The two played for so long the last of the snow melted away and all that was left was a thin layer of mud splashing below their feet as they ran through the wet grass. It’s drippy sounds meshed well with the sounds of their laughs.

“Persephone!” Demeter called out from the gate to the garden. Persephone turned for a moment to see the king and queen along with her mother waving her over. “It’s time to go home, darling. Say goodbye to the prince now.”

“Aww, but Mom! We’re having so much fun!” She protested.

“Now, young lady!”

Persephone huffed as she caught the ball under her foot and stopped it. Ben ran up to her, his tiny body completely out of breath.

“I gotta go now, Ben.” She said as she picked up the ball and handed it to him.

“Do you know when you’ll come back?” He asked. “Maybe we can play again!”

“Mm.. You ask your mom and dad, i’ll ask my mom.” Ben nodded as the two ran over to the adults.

“Mom!”

“Mom! Dad!”

“Can we play together again soon?” Both of them asked at once.

“Well..” Belle said as she turned to Adam, a slight look of concern in her eyes. She hadn’t forgotten what happened last time the goddess of spring didn’t get what she wanted while on their palace grounds. She nearly toppled their newly built castle. “As long as you two behave, it’s alright with me. Adam? Lady Demeter?”

King Adam looked between the Goddess of the Harvest and his wife before looking at the children. They had the biggest puppy dog eyes as they pleaded, and perhaps it was the fact Ben was an angel, but Adam couldn’t say no to his son.

“It’s alright with me too.” He said.

“I think it’s a great idea.” Demeter smiled as she picked Persephone up. “My baby girl needs more friends her own age- or rather, same physical age. You know what I mean.”

“Yes, of course.” Belle said. “We’ll arrange a play date. I’m sure it’ll be good for them.”

“Right. Well, we best be off. Thank you again for your lovely hospitality and cooperation, your highnesses.” Demeter smiled. Both Adam and Belle bowed in respect, as though it may be their palace grounds, but it was Demeter’s land. They’d best be careful to not offend her.

Persephone waved goodbye to Ben as she and her mother left. Something told her they were going to be very good friends.

[of-muppets-and-men]

A Rose and Her Thorns

A piece I finally found the time to finish.

Spring.

Arguably Raven’s least favourite season. Summer was always warm and inviting; never sullied by the rain. Autumn was cool, its winds delicate and gentle; not to mention the breathtaking beauty of the forest. Winter, while bitter and unforgiving, at least gave her a reason to hunker down in her tent; warmed by fresh tea and heavy blankets. But Spring?

Spring was what it always was: Groggy and Wet.

The near constant rain seeped into everything it could; her clothes, her tent, and more annoyingly, the earth. The ground became a thick field of mud, making setting up camp a pain. Trees and foliage damp to the touch, making campfires all the more difficult to light. Raven had been through this time and time again, and with every passing year, she hated it even more.

And so, Raven sat quietly, trying to enjoy a cup of jasmine tea. A steady beat of raindrops pelted the roof of her tent, causing the bandit queen to seethe. With a deep sigh, she took a slow sip from her porcelain cup. The tea brought warmth to her numb fingers as she relished in her favorite tea. But her bliss was rudely interrupted when she heard the loud stomping of boots headed towards her tent.

The Bandit Queen nearly dropped her cup as Vernal and two of her scouts came fumbling in, trodding mud with every step. Raven was surprised to see her scouts so badly beaten. They may not have been her, but they definitely knew how to handle themselves. One of them was basically being carried by Vernal while the other stumbled inside, clutching his ribcage. Raven half-heartedly walked over to inspect the damage of her comrades; Vernal dressed the injuries best she could.

“Who did this to you?” Raven asked abrasively “C’mon. Speak up.”

“No idea.” Her scout spoke “This chick just ambushed us out of nowhere. Didn’t even have time to fight bac-”

The well built man winced in pain as Vernal bandaged his broken ribs. His partner was nursing her concussion with a bag of ice. Raven scoffed in disappointment, but led onto the more pressing question.

“This woman… Was she a huntress?”

“Maybe.” The other scout piped up.

“What did she look like?” Raven questioned again.

“Short. Couldn’t see her face under her cloak though.” The scout explained.

“Cloak?” Raven spat, eyebrow cocked.

“Yeah… big white and red cloak surrounded by flower petals.”

The Bandit Queen’s eyes grew wide in realisation. She stood back up, fists clenched and body tense. A deep sigh followed as her subordinates looked on in bewilderment. Raven had long dreaded this would happen. The day she left her family, her team; she knew one day they’d come looking for her.

“You okay, Boss?” Her scouts asked in unison.

“Vernal. Get these two patched up in the medical tent. I’ll tend to this myself.” Raven declared.

Her lieutenant attempted to protest “Raven, Are you sur-”

“Yes, I am. Now go.”

A tone of voice Vernal knew well and she knew it wasn’t wise to stick around. The lieutenant ushered the scouts of the tent, hoping not to exacerbate their injuries. Raven ambled toward Omen, clutching her weapon’s scabbard intently. She fastened it to her hip, unsheathing the crimson blade. The red glint comforted her in its own strange way, a poignant reminder of her own strength. The Leader of the Branwen tribe resheathed her blade, donned her mask, and set out in search of the trespasser.

In a moment’s notice, she flew above the treeline.  As much disdain as she held for Ozpin, this was far and away the best thing he’d ever done for her. Raven glided through the air, relishing in the freedom of flight. There she gazed upon the earth for a sign, any sign of human life.

And sure enough, a plume of smoke protruded from the canopy; an obvious signal to lure her in. The smoke was too thick to be just logs. No, someone had intentionally let it billow. A clever ploy at the very least. Raven dived back into the forest to better trace the source, noticing hints of flame through the damp thicket.

With a surge of magic, Raven returned to her human form and hid within the treeline. A move she’d learned as a child and perfected as a huntress; She laid an eye onto the clearing. And the lack of… anything, worried her. Other than the fire, there was nothing; no bedroll, no provisions, nobody. Every bit of this reeked of a trap. Raven gripped Omen tight; the mechanism swirled and locked in a blade. Hesitant to expose herself, the bandit queen waited for the perpetrator to act…

*Swish*

Three dust bolts flew past her head, embedding themselves into an adjacent tree six inches above her. Her cover blown, Raven blitzed out of the treeline. Her gaze zeroed in on the direction the bolts came from; a large oak tree. The closer she got, the silhouette of woman became more apparent within the branches. Another volley wisped past the brush. Raven sidestepped them before lunging at the trespasser. But before Omen could connect, the mystery woman exploded into flower petals. Raven’s eye widened in disbelief, only to sharpen once more as she turned around.

The edge of Omen’s blade nearly an inch from the woman’s throat; countered by the fact a blade hovered over Raven’s heart. A smirk formed on the Bandit Queen’s face as she breathed the woman’s name.

“Summer. Long time no see.”

“Likewise Raven. Do you… want to continue?” Summer inquired.

The old friends chuckled before resheathing their weapons. Their eyes remained locked on one another; hostility not entirely off the table. Raven could see her former leader’s eye glimmering in the shade; a sight that made her nervous.

“Let’s talk over there.” The smaller woman said, gesturing over to the clearing.

Raven nodded and followed Summer back into the dim light of the afternoon. With a couple cleaves, Raven had made a tree into something relatively comfortable to sit on. They awkwardly sat at opposite ends, facing away from each other to avoid eye contact. Silence enveloped them as they both pondered on what to say. After all, in the grand scheme, Raven had only departed one and a half years ago. Such a long time and yet equally not. But ever abrasive, the bandit queen started her inquiry.

“What the hell are you doing here, Summer?”

“A girl can’t catch up with an old friend?” the smaller woman answered coyly.

“You could… But I highly doubt you roughed up my men just for a chat.”

“Hmph… I missed your skepticism.”

Summer let out a deep sigh, her hands trembling as she did so. A thing Raven found odd to say the least. Summer, as far as she knew, was the most cheerful beacon of hope she’d ever had the displeasure of meeting. So seeing her former leader downtrodden was alarming to say the least.

“I really am here to talk, Rae. I have a thing I need to vent about. I can’t tell Tai and I sure as hell can’t tell Qrow, so if you could bear with it without bitching at me; That’d be great.”

It took a moment for Summer to realize she had begun to cry. She half-heartedly wiped the tears away with her sleeves, only for more to take their place.

A sight profoundly alien to Raven. In the many years she’d known her, she’d never seen Summer with anything less than a grin. And now to see her former leader falling apart at the seams, it… scared her. In ways she hadn’t felt for a long time.

Raven shuffled closer to her old friend, rubbing her back to calm her down.

“Summer. What’s wrong?”

A still teary Summer looked up at her old friend and managed to whimper out an answer: “I’m pregnant, Rae.”

Her answer lingered in the air for a spell; Raven’s shock telegraphed by her eyes. She didn’t know how to feel about it. Should she be happy? After all, despite her current position, this was still a momentous occasion. Or should she be angry? Considering Summer and Tai had been living together. A fact she knew as a result of her snooping. The latter would have to do…

“That’s… incredible, Summer.” A stale attempt at enthusiasm.

The soon-to-be mother didn’t respond. She only continued to lazily wipe away her tears.

“It’s no wonder you haven’t told Tai. The blond idiot couldn’t stop celebrating when I told him. Couldn’t imagine it happening all over again.” Again, Summer remained silent.

“Y’know Sum? I’m almost proud. Snatching up Tai as soon as I was out of the picture. Didn’t think you had it in you if i’m being honest…”

“Raven, stop…”

“No, I’m serious Sum. I didn’t think you had an assertive bone in your body, yet here you are carrying my ex’s ba-”

“IT’S NOT TAI’S!!!!” Summer snapped, standing now with her fists clenched.

Once more, Raven sat dumbfounded, “Not Tai’s? Then who’s?”

With her hood pulled over her head, Summer spoke: “Qrow’s”

Silver eyes shone through the shadow of her hood, fear and uncertainty shrouding their beauty. The mirror-like gaze matched by deep scarlet. Raven was at a loss for words. Today was turning out to be far more eventful than she had thought. She hadn’t seen anyone from STRQ in well over a year. Now, in a matter of a few fleeting minutes, her former best friend drops back into her life and tells her she's going to be an aunt.

But Qrow? Qrow?

Her pissant little brother was going to be a father. The cursed brat of the Branwen tribe. She could barely believe her ears. Raven stood in stunned silence while Summer gave that annoying look of hers.

“See my problem, now?”

It took a moment for Raven to find the words. Where should she start? Her entire perception of life as a student was just uprooted. Summer and Qrow. The thought of them together made her stomach churn. But how long had they been this way? And how did she never pick up on it? Too deep in thought, Summer piped up to give the answers she required.

“Second year.” Summer voiced.

“What?”

“We’ve been together since second year.” the little woman clarified.

“You’ve been keeping this secret for 3 years?” Raven fumed, nearly impressed by the resolve. “Does Tai know?”

“No. And It wasn’t our intention for it to be this way. We were going to tell you two when we graduated, but then you left… Tai was in a bad place and I chose to help him. We both decided it wasn’t the time or the place, which is why I’m here now.”

The Bandit Queen scoffed, her fists clenched with frustration, “So that’s why he stayed...”

Raven shot up from her makeshift seat, Summer puzzled at her sudden change in temperament. The Bandit that was once her friend started to make her way back to the tribe she’d left them for. The smaller woman followed close behind, intent to change her mind. Their boots sloshed in the mud as Summer grabbed her wrist.

“Where are you going?” Summer badgered.

“Home. I’m done with our little talk.” Raven snarled in response.

“Then you’re going the wrong way.”

Scarlet eyes whipped back, clearly laced with insult. Summer looked back defiantly, unfazed by Raven’s temper.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You have a home, but it’s not here. It’s back on Patch where your husband, daughter, brother, myself and now your niece are waiting for you.” Summer lectured, clutching her abdomen. “Your FAMILY.”

Raven said nothing in return. Only rolling her eyes as she pulled her wrist from Summer’s grasp. Family? What a joke. The wilds were the only place for her now, as much as Summer begged to differ. It was Qrow’s too, but he was a fool, just like Oz and the rest. Raven would have no part in it. She stormed away, back through the thicket and loose earth.

It stung. Watching her friend choose a group of lowlifes over the family they made. A low scoff wisped passed her lips.

“You were a lot of things, Rae. Strong, Stubborn, Proud. But I never took you for a coward.”

Coward. The word struck Raven like a punch. In a flash of rage, she lunged at her former best friend. Omen’s blade sliced through the air, narrowly missing Summer’s head. The Tiny Huntress flowed around the weapon’s edge, sidestepping it entirely. With a solemn look, Summer then kicked Raven clean in the jaw, sending her tumbling into the mud. In her anguish, she’d forgotten to engage her aura.

Raven rubbed her aching chin, looking up at the woman who beat her. Summer gazed back, her expression dripping with disappointment. And with a shake of her head, she left, dissipating into a shroud of flower petals, leaving Raven alone. The bandit picked herself up and made the walk back to camp.

Vernal stood waiting for her, pacing by the gate. As soon as her leader appeared from the treeline, she rushed over to assess what had transpired.

“Raven? Gods, what happened out there?” The lieutenant questioned.

“NOTHING.” Raven barked as she trotted back to her tent.

Vernal watched her leader vanish behind the vestibule. Raven tossed Omen aside in a pile of cloth. She angrily poured herself more tea, recounting the day she’d had. Gods above, she hated spring, but summer was becoming a close second.

[let-it-show]

All The Love I Found In You 9/?

Ahh, I’m sorry for the wait everyone. I still see activity on this story so thank you so much for reading it ;; You can find part 8 here! Poor Anna isn’t feeling super well and having some issues. But what else is wrong? Elsa is full of confusion and guilt, she’s not sure what to do. Ah, the troubles that come with love... Click HERE for part 10! tag for @hellodemoiselle !!

Despite being exhausted from the day, Elsa could not fall asleep.

It wasn't an isolated event. When her mind was overtaken with her worries she would stay up and just think, usually watching the sky when she stayed away from everyone. It was always better in the winter when she could watch the snow. In Ahtohallan she watched certain memories throughout the night - often they involved Anna. Between her years of isolation and leaving Arendelle, she spent time with Anna if her mind would not let her sleep. Even if she didn't tell Anna exactly what was on her mind all the time, her presence helped.

Elsa found herself gazing down on her sister's sleeping form, lying on her side by then with Anna on her back. Her shoulder had become a dull aache but still unpleasant. She was looking at her own form but it was Anna's soul in there, every movement was hers. The smile on her face, that was Anna's, and so was the hand Elsa held in her own.

"What could it be, Anna?" she whispered into the silence of the night. She had a small wish that Anna would manifest her dreams and that she could learn something from those. However, Anna's dreams could be off the wall. Elsa supposed she didn't need Anna to create scenes of reindeers in slippers racing each other in the bedroom.

Anna offered no answer, just a sleepy little sigh.

"I'm not going to leave you." Elsa had waves of strong regret flooding through her off and on as the hours went by.

If only in the past she had at least tried to connect with Anna, tried to sneak out to see her sometimes or at the very least, offered words through the door when her parents died. Her parents, who she listened to and thought the world of even as they did irreparable amounts of damage to both women. They had tried hard. What options did they even have? What they did made sense.

No. No, that was wrong. They didn't have to do exactly what the trolls said. They didn't have to keep them apart so many years. When they were a few years older than when the accident happened, why couldn't they have figured out a way for the sisters to connect? Why? It was her fault-no, she had been a little kid when she hurt Anna! She hurt Anna...

"Stop!" she growled to herself and then froze. She'd done that louder than she meant to. "Stop," she whispered again.

How to silence her mind from the thoughts that plagued her? She didn't know that they would ever quite go away. Even if they came far less often than they used to, they still happened.

Part of her wanted to walk, maybe go to the library and try to seek out an answer - both for her thoughts, and get ideas for Anna. However, she had been all over the library for the former and found no magic cure. And if she got up and left, waking up alone would surely hit Anna's panic button like a giant's rock.

She didn't want to leave her anyway, especially as Anna snuggled in closer. Elsa squeezed her hand and lowered herself back down in the bed so her face snuggled against Anna. Maybe another hour passed and Elsa finally fell asleep.

"Ooooh no, oh no..."

Elsa's eyes shot open to the sounds of moaning and groaning next to her on the bed. She sat up in alarm and looked to Anna, who had rolled on her side with her back to Elsa. The first bits of morning light fell in through the window with curtains they had forgotten to close and for a moment Elsa thought the complaint was due to being woken up..

When she heard another painful groan, she knew otherwise. "Anna...?" Her fingers gently brushed her shoulder.

"Ooooh Elsa, oh Elsa it's baaaad..."

"What's bad?" Elsa asked, her entire being nearly in panic mode at any slight bit of discomfort from her sister. She had an idea, just a little inkling...

"Oh Elsa I had some strong stuff last night and so much cheese, I'm going to be sick! My head hurts too, whyyyyy why did I do that," Anna moaned out and started inching toward the edge of the bed. "I gotta throw up."

"Woah let's get you to the washroom, throw up there and-"

"Noooope." As soon as the word was out, Anna propped herself up and leaned over to throw up. "Ohgaw!" she made a strangled noise of surprise as she did so. Elsa cringed and tried to pet her back and arm in what she hoped was a soothing gesture.

She felt a spike of cold in the air, and wasn't terribly surprised. When she was sick she made snowmen with a sneeze and one time when she was terribly nauseous she made a blizzard in the washroom. With Anna she guessed she shot some snowballs out her nose.

Her hand continued to rub Anna's arm as she felt her body shake from exertion. It took a few minutes for the poor girl to recover. Even when she seemed she had she laid her head on the pillow again and groaned.

Elsa steeled herself for the sight on the floor; she was going to take care of it right away from Anna and she started to get up. "No, please," Anna begged weakly when Elsa began to peel away from her. "Can you stay a little longer? It's still early."

"It's very early, but I need to clean up and get you some water and a bucket," Elsa told her. Then I'll lay back down with you for a little while," she told her.

Surprisingly, Anna giggled. "Oh there's nothing to worry about for cleaning." Anna turned her head a little. "I turned it into snow on the way out."

"You..." Elsa blinked. She couldn't remember ever doing that herself.

"I didn't want to be gross and I didn't want to taste it so...I sort of froze it but not entirely and anyway I puked snow." She giggled again and then groaned. "Ow..."

"I'm impressed," Elsa admitted. "You got a handle on those powers quick to turn vomit into snow in the process of, uh, yea."

"It was kinda easy for me," Anna admitted in a small voice. "But control with emotions is...it works for me I guess, when I'm happy mostly."    

"Your love has always been there, always been a powerful part of you and you flourish with it," Elsa said, lowering herself to kiss Anna's cheek. "I should have expected it." She wondered if, even with Anna being in her body only a couple of days, if she already handled her powers better...

If so, she was proud. She couldn't be jealous. She had concealed too long and too hard and Anna hadn't.

"I'm going to get you water." Elsa still had to take care of her.

"Nonono, please please," Anna begged weakly. "Can you stay, I don't feel good so can you stay?"

"Anna," Elsa sighed in frustration. "I'm going to come right back! You need to drink something and if you cuddle up to me I'll fall right back asleep before getting you anything."

"I don't see the problem," Anna whined.

"I do." Elsa finally managed to slip away from Anna and the blankets, shivering in the cool air. It may have been cold anyway, but the chill born from Anna's sickness only piled onto it all. She wished she had slippers near the bed or something, but last night she hadn't exactly been thinking about a wake-up routine. "I'm going to get the fireplace going again, too."

"But I can keep you warm," Anna told her as Elsa sought out a robe by the door to throw over herself.

"I know. But you need not focus on my well being, and if you get too warm or your head hurts too much-"

"I can do it. I can do whatever you need me to, Elsa."

Elsa's hand had been on the doorknob when Anna's words made her hesitate. She noticed her voice seemed small, too. "Anna?" She peered at her and Anna was sitting halfway up in the bed peering at her with wide, begging eyes.

"Don't go, I can um, I can take care of you so stay."

"..." Elsa studied her. Surely Anna wasn't drunk, still, though a mean hangover could be messing with her mind. As a result it was bringing yet more to the surface. Elsa needed to learn it and hear it, but she didn't like it coming forth as she was trying to help her. "I know you can take care of me, but you shouldn't have to do that right now. Let me take care of you. Please? I'll be right back."

Her words seemed to do the trick, for the time being. "Oh...okay..."

Elsa smiled at her and then hurried out the door, the cool floor making her feet feel like, well, ice. It was uncomfortable at best and she hurried toward the kitchen for a fresh pitcher of water. They still had glasses in the bedroom. The cooks might be starting breakfast preparation. Elsa hoped she could easily duck in and out.

Luck was on her side. A couple of the servers were in and cleaning the counters down while the head cook had his head in the pantry. The servers saw her and opened their mouths to say hello, but Elsa just gave them a tiny wave, trying to signal she didn't have time to stop and chat. They appeared a little thrown off but that seemed about right. Anna usually chatted and was a beaming ray of sunshine to all the staff. Elsa didn't have the time or the energy to do so.

It was upon leaving the kitchen with the pitcher that she was vaguely aware she had Anna's bedhead going on for her and she never let staff see her like that. Oops.

She was making her way for the stairs when she heard a greeting called her way. "Queen Anna! My, I didn't expect to catch you this morning!"

Menander. Of course it was Menander, so early catching her leaving the kitchen when she was in a hurry. And yet, she couldn't pretend she didn't hear him so she stopped and turned. "Hello Menander!" she said with a smile. "You're...you're up early."

"As are you!" Menander was dressed in an excessively large robe. It was a deep red with lines embroidered around the bottom to resemble lighter red flames. On the chest of his rob was the runic letter Wyn in black. It looked brand new, and Elsa couldn't shake the feeling he had chosen that morning to show it off for some reason.

That man was very odd. "Sort of. I woke up thirsty and I won't be able to get the rest of the sleep I need if I don't take care of that," she said lamely.

"Ah, I think a portion of your staff and people could stand to do the same," he said with a chuckle. "I've hardly seen anyone else awake, which means the party was enjoyed."

"Something like that." She didn't want everyone out of it for the day when the world kept going and there were still discussions to be had and papers to be signed. But perhaps it could buy her and Anna more time to get going. Elsa felt fine, but...

"Are you taking water to your sister?"

"Huh? Oh.." she had started to space out. Maybe she was a little hungover.

He motioned to the pitcher. "Lots of water for one person."

"Yes." Elsa nodded. Would it matter much if she mentioned they shared the bed? They had many times before, so...

"I will let you get back to her as I ask the kitchen about a special breakfast," Menander said, bowing his head. "Please tell Elsa I said hello."

Elsa had been worked up to defend Anna passing out in her room, but Menander didn't even question it. As a result she remembered his words from the night before and suddenly felt the need to ask him a question. She called out as he started to turn. "Wait, Menander! Can I ask you something?"

He whirled right back around to regard her with a wide grin. "Of course, fair queen! What would you ask of me?"

Why was he so dramatic? "Well, it's a little strange but you see I...Olaf found this book and I couldn't quite answer him, and all your talk of twin flames yesterday morning..." She took a deep breath as she rambled much like Anna. "True love is the most powerful force in the world, right?"

"Powerful doesn't do it justice!" Menander expressively waved his hand. "It is the most beautiful force, the most awe-inspiring, sometimes the most painful and the most terrifying! It is a limitless power!"

"Okay...but what if...what if true love doesn't break a spell? What if love is definitely the key, but somehow it isn't working?"

"The answer still lies in true love, dear queen!"

Elsa tried to hide her irritation at that response. "But the true love, it's there, it's expressed, but it isn't working. The power of the spell still remains. The love is strong, but could it possibly not be strong enough?" Her heart ached at those last few words.

"Nonsense." Menander shook his head. "It is plenty strong, it just begs for a secret to come forth, or for a hurt to be understood. It calls for a balance."

At those words her mind was already working. When Anna learned of her powers and Elsa ran away, love still persisted as Anna reached out to find her pain, to try and soothe it, and to eventually save her. Elsa loved her then strongly too, but it was Anna who settled it all with her persistance and actions.

Was she as capable as her loving Anna?

"Huh. So something needs to be...learned, and done, or..."

"Perhaps simply understood, since some things cannot be changed." Menander shrugged. "Ah but that is merely what I have come to learn. Maybe this book that you - ah, Olaf - has an answer hidden deep in it. You just need to take your time reading."

"Hmm." Elsa stared at him, and then sighed. "Thank you, Menander. I-I better get back up with this pitcher," she said.

"Of course," he said, nodding his head to her again. "I hope to see you later this morning as we prepare to travel home!" he told her, turning away slowly, smiling at her as he did. "But if you so desire to spend every moment with your true love, I more than understand." And with that, he walked away.

Elsa turned his words over in her head, wishing she could get a firm grasp on them. There was something yet to be understood and balanced, but she had no clue what. Elsa was smart enough to know there was pain of the past to overcome. But as she recognized that and would be stepping up to the issues, why did the swap persist?

Her mind was working hard even as she entered the bedroom. Anna was laying down on her back, her eyes half closed. "Anna?" Elsa asked quietly as she approached the bed.

"Mmm I started falling back asleep...but head is throbbing..." Anna said weakly.

"I bet it is." Elsa rounded the bed to the nightstand, watching her step around Anna's snowpuke. It had some discoloration near the bottom and she had to look away quickly. "Sit up and have some water," she said as she poured a glass. She held it to Anna who groaned as she sat up.

"How long were you gone? It felt like a long time!"

Elsa laughed. "Not long at all. I happened across Menander and didn't want to be rude so I greeted him."

"Oh." Anna gulped down half her glass at once. "Did he look as bad as me?"

"You look fine."

"You have to say that, it's your face," Anna said with a little grin, followed by a cringe. "Ow, head."

"You always look beautiful to me, Anna, you know this," Elsa told her as she studied her own hungover features. That didn't even look like her! Surely she didn't look that dopey. "He looked fine."

Anna blushed. "Oh...I guess he didn't drink much."

"Maybe." Elsa had poured her own glass, drinking it slowly. "Anna if you're not well when I have to get up, please stay here. I know you want to stick next to me but I don't want you feeling even sicker."

Anna stopped in the middle of gulping more water and looked at her with wide eyes. "But..but Elsa!"

Elsa stepped closer to stroke her head. "I won't be going anywhere. I'll just be doing your queenly duties, you know that. And I'll check on you." She didn't want Anna to end up taking herself out harder by forcing herself to tag along.

"..." Anna looked at her glass instead. "As soon as I feel better I'm tagging along!" she declared.

"Of course." Elsa watched Anna finish her water and set her own glass down too, nearly done with it. She crawled onto the bed and over Anna very carefully. The bruise on her hip had begun to hurt. She lowered herself to the bed she could already feel Anna's hands on her arm and side, bringing her closer. It was adorable. Elsa smiled at Anna, letting her sister roll on her side and pull her closer. She draped herself over her and Elsa looked at her face. It was maybe an inch away. "You feel okay laying like that?"

"It helps, actually," Anna said as she wiggled closer. She closed her eyes and let out a happy sigh.  If it worked, it worked, and Elsa wasn't going to stop her.

While Anna fell asleep, Elsa still didn't. She was so troubled! How was she supposed to figure anything out...Anna had been pretty honest with her the night before but that was under the influence of alcohol and she wasn't into getting her drunk just to talk to her. That didn't seem right.

She laid there for a while before the light poured in generously and she knew it was time to wake for her duties. Anna was still out. "Anna..." Elsa said her name quietly and gently shook her shoulder. "Anna I need to get up."

"None for me, thanks, just the flowers" Anna muttered in her sleep and didn't budge.

Elsa quieted a chuckle and stroked her face. "Anna, I'm going to move, okay?"

When there was nothing but a little sound, Elsa carefully moved herself away. The loss of Anna's touch was rough and her bruises throbbed, but she got herself going. Anna settled into the bed with a light groan and a frown but she didn't wake up.

She was adorable.

Elsa smiled at her and brought the blankets back up over her before she quietly moved on to select a dress. She chose a light and gorgeous dress similar to what Anna had worn when they had searched for a tradition on that holiday a couple years prior. The dress she chose had splashes of a nice pink along the sleeves and on the torso, narrowly escaping being an eyesore. Elsa combed out her hair and tied it back in a braid again. She wanted to leave it down but thought better of it.

When she was ready for the day, she crept up to Anna and leaned down. She kissed her on the cheek and nuzzled her. "I will see you later, my darling," she whispered in her ear.

Then the day started. It was miserable.

Elsa could not focus one bit.

The whole day and night before was a whirlwind for her and she found herself going over all of it, from the happy parts to the worried parts. She'd decided to stay, and on that she wasn't wavering. How would the other spirits react? Would the Northuldra see it as an insult? In her heart she did feel everyone would understand. It was time for her to depart from Ahtohallan as her home. However the anxious part of her buzzed loudly in her skull.

If only Anna were right there with her, as she signed papers. If only Anna were with her as she went over a trade route with her council. If only Anna were there as she finally sat down to a late breakfast by herself and poked idly at the waffles served to her.

All she had to do was look into her eyes and she knew her decision was solid and true.

But Anna wasn't there, so Elsa sipped her hot tea while hoping her beloved would wake up soon to join her.

Just then she heard the door to the dining room and looked up hopefully. In about half a second she realized the footsteps didn't match at all and she spied Olaf running in to join her. "Oh, good morning Olaf!" she greeted him.

"Hi!" He waved a stick hand and kept going to the table. He pulled himself into a chair right across from Elsa so he could face her. "Where's Anna?" he asked her.

"In bed. She was not feeling too well," Elsa told him, wondering how she felt now.

"Oh! ...Oooh." Olaf frowned. "Sorry. I should have stopped bringing her drinks, but she was having fun," he said, giving Elsa a guilty look.

"She also could have stopped herself from drinking them at any time. Besides, it wasn't just the drinks, it was-"

"-the cheese?" Olaf finished and laughed when Elsa nodded. "Kristoff had to start reminding her not to have wine and cheese because it didn't combine well for her."

"I didn't know that." She really didn't! It alarmed Elsa and puzzled her to realize she didn't know something about her sister. She thought she knew everything. Then again, before she left for the forest, she could imagine Anna didn't really want to be seen when sick off alcohol and cheese.

"It...oh I did it again! Too late now. It embarrassed her so she hid it from everyone until Kai caught her throwing up one morning. Wait." Olaf squinted. "She's in your body, do you get sick from it?"

"Sometimes...if I eat a lot of one and drink a lot of the other," Elsa said and sighed. Either body was going to have trouble with all that she guessed but not knowing still bothered her. "I hope she feels better soon."

Olaf was still studying her. "Are you okay?"

"Yes...?" she lied.

"No you're not. I can tell because you aren't eating at all! What's wrong?" he prodded.

"Uh, well..." Elsa hesitated, but she knew she could trust Olaf. He said a lot of strange things, sometimes too much, but he still didn't share her secrets. "I'm very worried about her. Olaf, something is keeping us from changing back, and I think it's Anna's sadness, but I don't...I don't know how to get to the bottom of that. You felt yesterdays happiness."

Olaf laughed and closed his eyes for a long second. "Yes, I did," he finally answered as he reopened them. "It was wonderful!"

Elsa smiled back at him, glancing down at the tabletop before she continued. "That in mind, I don't understand what's going on. Anna was so happy you could feel it in you. I could feel it. We talked last night and-and stuff." Olaf didn't need to hear the details of their kissing. "I've never felt quite this happy, even when I've ridden Nokk across a quiet frozen ocean. Anna is my world and why I was able to-to grow." Anna was her key to everything.

"I think this is the happiest Anna has ever been, too. I mean I only knew her after you freaked out and made me, but she's even happier than she was for those three years!"

"Those three years..." A small portion of both their lives. "And...after that? Kristoff has already told me some, and Anna did herself last night. I thought she got out what she needed to."

"Did she talk about the cave?" Olaf asked abruptly.

"Huh? Oh, you mean when...well, we did talk about it at one point months ago. I apologized. I felt awful, I still feel awful." Her heart ached for the time Anna had spent in the cave she spoke of. It sounded cold, wet, and terrible. She felt like a monster for what she had put her through...

"But how much did she say?" Olaf tilted his head a little. "Anna was destroyed...I mean I was, um, well I wasn't there. But I still know that."

Elsa nodded slowly. Her stomach hurt and she couldn't even touch her tea. "Yes..."

Olaf just looked at her for a minute. He seemed to be internalizing, trying to make his thoughts into words. "Anna told me a few weeks ago. She wanted to give up in the cave. She still wanted to give up after the forest was free, before she saw you again."

"Give up..." Elsa's blood suddenly felt ice cold.

"I don't know exactly what she meant," Olaf told her with concerned eyes. "Maybe she didn't mean what you think she did. But if you hadn't returned alive, she would never be okay again. I know that."

"But Anna is so strong. She doesn't need me to be able to continue forward with her life." Even as she said it, she knew it wasn't true. Anna was indeed strong, she persevered and she pushed on every day! At the same time, Anna's energy was wrapped forever in her own. With their souls brutally ripped apart Anna would have no hope. No future. Though Elsa came back that day she damaged Anna forever.

She wanted to throw up.

"Without you she's been so sad."

"I know," Elsa said as her head spun. She would never leave Anna, but she could never repair what she had done. What if she did hurt her again? She felt like a copy of herself. Elsa was unable to focus on anything, almost unable to breath when a stick hand touched her own.

Olaf waited until she looked up at him. "Hey. You can't change what happened. The past is in the past."

"But it still hurts. It still hurts Anna...I hurt Anna."

"Not anymore?" It was a question and a hopeful one, but so naive it made her even more anxious.

Elsa could only shrug. "I hope not. I don't want to. I want to make sure the rest of her life is beautiful and that she we always feel loved." She wanted to spend all her time giving Anna the dedication she deserved, make up for everything. "I want to beg her forgiveness for all I've put her through..."

"You know she'll give you that." Olaf stated it simply as he gave her a bright look.

"I know." She didn't deserve it. But she would do what she could to earn it. Starting with...oh no! "The fire!"

Olaf jumped and his eye widened. "Fire!? Where? What fire? I'll get the guards!"

"No, no Olaf." Elsa got to her feet quickly. "I meant to start a fire for her in the room and forgot. I know she doesn't feel the cold but it's still peaceful, it's...I forgot! How could I do that," she was annoyed at herself. All that talk of making Anna feel good, and she had forgotten to do that. While she knew Anna would not be bothered about it, she didn't like how she felt about forgetting.

"Oh, oooh go do that!" Olaf said, waving her off. "I'll take care of the dishes!"

"Okay!" Elsa said, smoothing her dress down. "I'm going to- I'm going to do that. And Olaf, thank you," she said honestly. She owed him. "Thank you so much..."

"The fire!"

"Right!" Elsa smiled and rushed off, not even thinking about whatever she had to do next. Take care to put out royal documents she needed delivered, maybe? She'd get to it. For the time being she needed to take care of Anna and see if she could get her talking, see what more she could dig into.

When she arrived at the room she got an unfortunate sight. All of her energy dropped out of her and she sagged in the doorway.

Anna wasn't in bed and the room was empty.

[razorblade180]

Twin Snowflakes pt6: A slow morning

Summer:.......

Shiva:*smiling* Aren’t you going to invite me in?

Summer:How is this happening?

Shiva:Come on, your are weak but not stupid. I’m sure you already have a few ideas. *skipping to the bed*

Summer:.....I’m still sleeping aren’t I?

Shiva:Bingoooo!!! *flops on bed* Gods I forgot how soft this bed was! It’s been ages since I layed here; reminds me of the real deal. Can’t wait to lay in it again.

Summer:*glares* Fat chance....

Shiva:Oh wipe that ridiculous look off your face and take a breather. No way I’m fighting you in this place. I just wanna talk.

The young woman layed back up and crossed her legs elegantly as she stared down Summer who was still in the door way. The smug smile that she wore was nothing new to her condescending attitude but it held a certain light hearted feature to it. Summer could tell that Shiva was telling the truth, so why did that only make her more anxious?

Shiva:There’s enough room in this bed for two you know?

Summer:I’m perfectly fine standing here. *tensing up*

Shiva:Whatever makes you less scared. Just when I thought you were getting more assertive. I guess it’s just desperation that made you steal those vials.

Summer:How....I was warm with that happened.

Shiva:Yeah but you’ve been thinking about it nonstop and obviously you’re cold enough for all this to happen. It’s only natural I find out; does natural even apply to us. Huh, something to ponder for later. Right now I’m way more interested in what exactly do you hope to accomplish. I tried digging deeper in that pretty head of yours but I can only get so deep, or maybe you’re winging it. *stands up*

Summer:Like I’d tell you. Just know your days are numbered.

Shiva:Funny, took the words right out my mouth. If anyone knows just how big the difference is from creating plan and executing it properly, it’s you. How many times has it been I wonder, since I left you freezing to death in your own mind? By now your friends and family have to be really tired of dealing with you.

Summer: Their problem is with you, not me!

Shiva:Now now Summer, do you really want to yell at me?

A chill ripped through her suddenly as her feet were frozen in place. The air itself started to get cooler to her discomfort. Despite her efforts, Summer started to shiver a little as Shiva walked closer. A piece of Summer really wanted to scream but refused to. The urge slowly growing though as her captors hand reached out to her. Nimble fingers on her left cheek caused the poor girl to nearly jump out her skin. Something told her that speaking wasn’t a good idea at the moment.

Shiva:That’s better, I really like this room the way it is. As I was saying, you’re nothing but a burden. The one’s you love wouldn’t be tired of me if you were strong enough to get rid of my from the start. Maybe then mommy dearest wouldn’t have a cute little scar that runs across the first one at the bottom. Man can she dodge like nobodies business. I wanted to leave a much bigger reminder of our meeting. If memory serves me well then it was diamond dust that caused the reaction and the whole apartment. History re-

Summer:*grabs wrist* That’s never happening again. You’re not catching anyone off gaurd by a long shot. We’ve learned many things in six years and you’ll feel like nothing but a bad dream in six more. My family will be just fine.

Shiva:Ah, there’s that little fire in your eyes. Always ready to come out whenever someone threatens mommy, daddy, or big brother. It’s the only time you are actually interesting. I wonder if it’ll keep you warm against me, or you’ll burn yourself by clinging to it?

..............

Shiva:Hmph, well I think I’ve had enough fun for the moment. I suppose I should let you rest while you still can; it’s only fair.

Summer:*lets go* Gee how thoughtful....

Shiva:Goodbye little one. I’m gonna enjoy this bed. *puts cover on the floor*

Summer:What are you-

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Her body jolts violently as her eyes open. The right side of her body aches and feels like it’s on something way less soft than she is used to. Slowly her senses come back and notices that she’s currently on floor next to a knocked over heater. Shiva’s surprise appearance started to make sense; just another precaution to add to the list. The dim light hit Summer’s face from the bedroom window told her it was still early. As much as she wanted to move back to her bed, all the strength she had was put into placing the heater back up right. Then she pulled the cover down to the floor with her and went back sleep.

xxx

Year round, Atlas always looked like a work out art at a museum in Nicholas eyes. Freshly fallen snow in the beginning of Winter though, that’s when Atlas becomes the center piece of it all. Crisp air tickles his nose as he walks down the quiet streets with two coffees in hand. Behind him the sound of snow crunching in his previous foot steps gets louder. He raises the coffee in his left hand for it to be promptly grabbed.

Valerie:Five sugars!?

Nick:With a small amount of cream for good measure.

Valerie:Man if there’s one thing I miss about school mornings, it’s this baby right here.

Nick:*chuckles* You do realize you could’ve gotten one of those at anytime you wanted right?

Valerie:Nah, they’re reserved for this moment every time or it feels less special. Coffee on the way to school is our thing; don’t want to abuse that.

Nick:If you say so. What happens when we eventually graduate then.

Valerie:I’ll get it once in a blue moon and remember all the good times of combat school.

Nick:Do good times and combat school even fit together like that?

Valerie:Now you sound like your sister. Speaking of which......

Nick:Doubt she’ll show up today.

Valerie:Such a shame. One of these days a teacher is gonna blow a fuse. I don’t even think the Prince of Atlas could stop them from expelling her.

Nick:They will as long as I make the school look good and please don’t call me that. “A prince is nothing compared to knight that chooses to defend him.”’ I’d rather be the knight.

Valerie:I don’t see why you can’t be both. Your parents might as well be kickass King and Queen but I digress. Can’t really blame Summer for wanting to skip the P.E. physical.

Nick:*eyes widened* Gods I’m stupid,m. Of course that’s why she’s not here. It skipped my mind the two of you have that today.

Valerie:Not surprising, you don’t wittiness the crap that goes down. One of these days I might just fight half the girls in that locker room.

Nick:That bad huh?

Valerie:It’s not like they’re even saying much either, but the way all of them stare. Silently judging and forming opinions about her scars makes me wanna drop kick all of them. *aggressively sips coffee*

He couldn’t help but smile at his oldest friend’s remark. Valerie definitely was never one to put someone in their place. She was typically open and blunt just like her mother. Frankly it was hard to tell if any of Ren’s mannerisms or genes; especially with her hair being short. He sort of missed seeing it long if he was honest with himself. She’s kept it short since the day she decided to start “exploring.” Nicholas took a long sip of his drink to avoid making a frown. Both of them would do anything for Summer; that’s his sister and Valerie is her closest friend as well, but he knows that friendship probably isn’t what compels her to help. He’d have to be naive to believe it was.

Valerie:Hmmm? What’s wrong Nicholas?

Nicholas:Nothing, just thinking about the test is all.

Valerie:Nice try, that’s not a “I’m afraid of a test look.” You’re way to smart and study hard. I bet that expression doesn’t even exist. Something else is up.

Nick:Well maybe this is the first time I’m worried about a test so you finally see the expression? *sips loudly*

Valerie:*pouts* I hope you know that you can tell me anything right? We’re best friends remember. *nudges him*

Nick:Yeah I know?(That’s the problem....)

Valerie:*smiles* So be straight with me instead of giving me the run around.

Nick:I just really want you to lo.........

Valerie:To....?

Nick:To....keep an extra good eye on Summer for the upcoming weeks. Classes are starting again, tournament preparation, the usual bullies, etc. It be a bit overwhelming for her in the beginning. Look after her if she needs any help.

Valerie:Of course! I’ll always be there for Summer!

Nick:Trust me, I know you will.

Valerie:That goes the same for y-

Nick:VAL!!!!. *grabs her arm*

He yanks her left arm to pull her in close to him The sudden movement causes her tense up as they see a car swerve onto the sidewalk at high speed before taking off moments from where she just stood. Her head is still processing the events that unfolded as her body is being held tightly against Nicholas’s shorter and slightly smaller frame. His body shaking with adrenaline. He began shouting at the car angrily.

Nick:LEARN HOW TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW DUMB ASS!!!!

Valerie:Wow, that was.....close.

Nick:*lets her go* Are you okay!? Nothing clipped you?

Valerie:......

Nick:Valerie!?

Valerie:*shakes head* Sorry, I’m alright. That was just ummmm, wow that was close. Lucky you were here. I guess it’s officially that time of the year again.

Nick:The only down side of all the ice and snow. Tsk, I gotta a deal with a whole season of this again. You sure you’re okay?

Valerie:*rotating shoulder* Yeah I’m good. Wasn’t expecting that yank but it’s better than a tire on my chest.

Nick:Oh, sorry about that. Guess I went full force.

A bluish bruise was left where he grabbed her arm. While he frowned at it, Valerie was actually a bit surprised and a bit impressed. Seeing Nicholas that serious outside of a match is a rare sight. Forever he’s cool, collected, and isn’t one to show up that much. She could count the number of times that he’s actually caught an attitude with somebody. Soon her aura kicked in and erased the bruise all together.

Valerie:Look, all better in no time at all. Also no need to apologize for saving my skin. *smirking* Been awhile since I’ve seen that level of pissed off from you.

Nick:*red* Well can you blame me!? Almost had a tragedy today.

Valerie:Oh but we still do...*points to the snow*

Both of them watch the white snow become dyed brown and melting from their spilled morning brew. Sadly they pick up the trash and continue to walk.

Valerie:Better the drinks than me but still a shame.

Nick:Sigh, Maybe I should’ve stayed in bed today too. Tomorrow let’s just ride the bus.

Valerie:*giggles* You’re the boss!

The two of them walked twice as fast to school until they ended up in front of the school. Nothing amazing about the building really. Just the regular combat/high school. Half the size of Beacon or Atlas maybe which makes since considering there’s no dorms. Just plenty of class rooms, a huge cafeteria, and a massive space in the back filled with multiple area’s designed for different sports. All in all the back had to be a least a couple of acres give or take but it’s mostly for the track and plenty of open space. They’ve arrived before most students even though they walked. Winter break must be making everyone a bit sluggish. Thes shiny white and gray hallways should have tons of people struggling to remember their locker combinations right now.

Valerie:Looks like most people are following your sister’s lead about school. Oh well, that just means science might be quiet for a change. Only one way to find out. *walking away* If I see you in between classes I’ll give you the inside scoop on the test.

Nick:I’d rather you just make sure you pass so all that studying wasn’t for nothing.

Valerie:Deal! Consider it my way of thanking you from earlier.

Nick:......

Nick:I don’t wanna be that guy but that gift doesn’t sound worth it.

Valerie:Hehehe, I guess you’re right. Give me some time to think about it. Love ya! *runs off*

Nick:.....Sigh, not the way I wish you would.

Valerie:(Hmmm for second I thought he had something in mind. Oh what to do? Maybe Summer can give me a couple ideas later; possibly even make a whole day out of it!) *grinning* Pfft wouldn’t that be nice?

Nick:*opening Locker* (Okay, Take notes in history for two, Ace a science test, lunch, free period, and then help organize the tournament. Should be a calm day.)

P.A. System:Would all members of the student council please meet in the auditorium during first period? Thank you...”

Nick:Okay, no notes I guess. I can always use free period. Still a calm day. *closes locker*

He turns around to see a middle aged black man dressed in a stylish black suit with a cyan tie and a black fedora with a ribbon around it that matches the tie. The man smiles at Nicholas who displays a neutral face that slowly turns into one of exhaustion, even though the day just started.

Nick:Hello Mr. Coal.

Flynt:Hello Nicholas, shall we talk in the courtyard or my office.

Nick:The principal’s office always has candy so I think you know my answer.

Flynt:Let’s mosy on then.

Nick:Sigh, I wish I still had my coffee.

Part 5

[smolbeandrabbles]

Glow - Danny Rayburn x Reader (Bloodline)

☃❄!Holiday Fic 2!☃❄

I STG every time I see GIFs of him I’m like “Let me write for you some more...”

Author’s Note: Hello! Welcome to the second Holiday fic! So, spoilers, Danny is getting two... Because I realise that whenever I write him I always automatically go back to the familiarity of my 10 part series. Rather than, y’know, giving him another reader.

So whilst my friend and I called me out on it, we came up with this plot! Glow ~ Brett Eldredge  I’m officially pulling out all the original songs rather than Holiday classics... I’m sorry! 🤣🤣 Disclaimer: Lyrics not mine / Bloodline characters not mine / So - This is basically made up of throwing random questions at Midwesterner’s and some stuff I did when I spent Christmas with family in Chicago...! Premise: On a trip back to your parents, and the Christmas alcohol run, you figure Danny needs to learn about Midwest weather the hard way... Words: 2524 Warnings: Swearing / Drinking

This fire is nice But so are your eyes They twinkle when you smile Ain't felt this warm in a while That northern star Shines straight from your heart Pour on the bourbon it's gettin' late Let's melt all the frost on the window pane Let's never let this moment slip away Just stay, just stay You look good in the light of my Christmas tree You and the mistletoe and me You are my sunshine over a field of snow And I love to watch you glow Come on, just glow Come on and glow, just glow

---

The initial idea wasn’t really to have it pan out like this. You and Danny were going to have a fairly quiet Christmas - at least, that’s what you’d talked about. Maybe see Nolan, maybe go out to his restaurant... but you knew you weren’t going to see his family. Only, a few weeks before Christmas that plan went up in smoke, because when your parents invited you back home, and you said you wanted to stay with your boyfriend, they had simply said bring him too!

Your first thought was you might still get away with not going (not that you didn’t want to see your family of course. But you knew Danny needed you as much here), was that Danny wouldn’t warm to the idea at all and would rather stay home. Not the case. “Oh? Really!” “Yeah that’s what they said...” “That’d be nice-! I mean; you’re from all the way Midwest - I’ve obviously done a little moving from the Keys to here... but... I’ve never been out of State..! This will be nice!” You raised an eyebrow at him; “...You do realise that it’s gonna be freezing. Right? Snow, ice... you name it. You sure you can handle it?! Being a Florida native!!?” “I can handle it.” Danny gave a not of assurance “You ever seen snow and ice!?” He laughed; “Yeah-! You know we get freak weather down here.” “Storms and hurricanes are not blizzards and below freezing.” But Danny insisted; “I got this!” “Geeez... you better have a winter coat, and a good scarf and gloves!! And I still think you should be prepared to eat your words!!”

 ***

 And so he did. Although Danny was prepared to put on a brave face about it when it was cold but dry, not a speck of white in sight, and refused to complain even though it was obvious he wasn’t exactly enjoying it. “Missing your Florida heat-!?” You couldn’t help but tease him “Nah-! It’s just Winter Sun!!” You let that one go. Fairly certainly that Midwesterners would call a trip to Florida ‘Winter Sun’… wait, was that the joke?

 He got on with your parents and siblings just fine, which is exactly what you wanted, thinking on his family - but Danny never made himself hard to get on with. Just hard to get to know... There was a lot deep within that he carried everywhere he went; and Danny liked to hide this with a (mostly) positive outlook. Although, that fared better in his usual sunshine. Of course, once he’d volunteered his services for cooking, the more culinary skilled in your family jumped on that; and you knew Danny was going to spend the majority of Christmas Day showing off. Ah, I’m just a chef – He tried to play it down, with a beaming smile, but you obviously weren’t falling for it. Yes, try head of one of the best restaurants in Miami. And that wasn’t just your opinion.

 But then it snowed. And whilst he could look at it with a kind of childish wonder falling outside your window, and the way the sun sparkled upon it - when your mom asked you to walk down the road and stock up on alcohol, that was when reality set in. Because half way down the road - as if he wasn’t already complaining - the snow started falling again. It was light and not too bad for you; you were comfortable in a light jacket, you did have a scarf; but it was cotton instead of wool and looked like something you might be able to accessorise with in summer. Danny wasn’t. “How are you anywhere NEAR warm!” “I told you it was going to be freezing!” He jabbed a finger at you, pulling his hat down further over his ears, “You clearly don’t count this as freezing!” You wound your arms around his and put up your umbrella to catch the snow, and stop it falling on your already moody and cold Florida Boy. “I just think you run a little hotter down there.” That at least picked up his smirk and he nudged you; “Damn right.” You nudged him back; “Manners! Or I’ll shove you in it! Then you’ll know what cold really is…” “If you f**king dare-!” Danny had you laughing again; at how red his cheeks were, and his nose. “You look cold.” “Thanks! I am!!!” He buried his face in his scarf and huddled his body, in order to make best of his own warmth, putting his hands into his pockets. “Poor baby...” “It’s not funny! I’m suffering!” “Just seems like someone didn’t listen!” “I listened! I’m prepared! We don’t have to walk this!”

True enough, you could have had a warm cozy 5 minute car ride... “Well, now you can tell all your friends you’ve had the authentic Midwestern winter experience, including being outside on a walk in snow... you may exaggerate in depth... and didn’t die!” He grumbled again, “I could well die by the time we’ve finished!” You tsk’d him “Don’t be such a drama queen!” “And you’re expecting me to carry liquor back-!” “Would be helpful - will also warm you up...” you turned back to him with a grin “and we can’t very well drink and drive...”

You kept walking, but he slowed down, dragging his feet and trudging on purpose to really hit home with you how “difficult” this was for him. “...That’s not getting you there any faster!” “Well, where the f**k is this place!!?” You pointed ahead of you, “Just on that corner! Hey! You could run! That would warm you up!” Instead of saying a variant, and probably much less polite version, of screw you Danny opted to shove you instead. To his own peril, because it was a little too hard, and you ended up on the ground, in the snow.

He was laughing hard right away, which you supposed stopped him from grumbling but it also distorted his apology somewhat; “Sh-shit! I’m sorry!!!” You took about 5 full seconds to look up at him and react - “—oh! You are so dead!!!” “No! No! No!” He shrunk back - but too late as you grasped at the snow around you and threw it - “Stop!!” No way in hell you were about to stop though; as you scrambled to your feet and shook the snow from your clothing “Danny!!!” It was a whine. “Well I told you-!” You threw another lump of snow at him, he didn’t tell you anything, if he’d quit being such a drama queen you’d be there and back by now - “Stop! Dammit!!” “Oh no-! You full on deserve it-!”

And so, even though he was bitterly cold. The two of you wound up in a snow ball fight. The actual purpose of this walk soon forgotten. You were lucky no one else was around with the amount of yelling and laughing that was going on. Volume button clearly on max. Eventually your cold - and getting colder - boyfriend bent forward with his hands on his knees, exhausted. He took deep breaths after nearly every word, “That’s enough... I’m done... oh god...” You folded your arms, and teased him, ready to proclaim your victory; “Thought it might warm you up!” Danny held up his hand, “Maybe, a little. But, you’ve worn me out.” “Ahhh-! This must be the second most fun way to do that...” You couldn’t help your grin He ended up bending lower as he laughed “oh... god! Don’t! It hurts!” You approached him slowly, with a triumphant swagger to your step; “Do you give, Florida boy? Do I win?” “I didn’t say that.” “Do I win!?” You’d give him one more chance to give the right answer. He straightened “No.”

That was also his mistake, because the next thing Danny knew you’d wrestled him to another bent position and ice was sliding nicely down the back of his shirt. “No! NO!!” He almost shrieked, “F**k! Y/N!! Oh god!” “There. That ought to perk you up!” “Oh GOD!! Get it out!!” “Tell me I win and I’ll consider it!” “AH!!!!” It was certainly amusing to watch him twist his body to shake it out of his shirt quickly, to no avail. “Danny.” “I give, I give!!!” He flailed around trying to remove the ice himself - and by the time you’d got him to hold still to find it, it had pretty much melted.

“I hate you.” He was once again huddled up, looking sorry for himself, as you both continued your walk. You were still smiling, replaying his helpless shrieks in your head; “I love you too. It’ll be warm inside you’ll dry off in no time!” “Then we gotta go back!” “At which point the alcohol will warm us-!” You patted his chest; “Danny we got this covered!!”

**

In fact you spent a good hour perusing the shelves of the store, and he seemed to perk up a bit. Danny wasn’t a wine connoisseur himself, but you knew he knew how to pair dishes and wines. And as he selected them, equally enjoyed telling you how all the flavours were going to work. Then got to laugh at you going a little mad with the mixers. “Whiskey-!” “I knew you’d drag me down here!” “Hush...” He traced his fingers over the shelves, musing over the bottles “What, are you gonna top shelf me?” “If they have it...” “This better be the one you rave about.” He stopped with a smirk, and turned back to you, fingers on the bottle; “It’s gonna blow your mind.”

 Funnier still was the cashiers face when he saw all the alcohol, and you had to swear it was for your whole family to last all of Christmas and New Year. And to top that, when he politely asked for your ID and turned to Danny; Your partners face was a picture; “You’re KIDDING-!?” You eyed him; “Tell me you have it.” The look he gave you was murder, “Have you seen my face-!?” The cashier laughed; “If you have it, it wouldn’t go amiss sir...” Danny scoffed and handed it over, “I know you’re gonna try to make me feel good about looking under 21. I’m still insulted...” “That seems to be in order!” He grinned and handed it back to Danny who was still grumbling.

You were staring intently at his face as you left the store; “Fancy getting ID’d in your 40s...” “Clearly my youthful good looks-!” “Amen.”  He nudged you at your sarcasm; “Hey! We don’t need a repeat of earlier with all these bottles!” “Oh, I think we do! This time ice is going down your shirt!” “Oh I have no doubt you’ll get revenge..!” You smirked gently “Damn f**kin’ right!”

** By the time you got back the sky has cleared up. But Danny once again looked cold and worse for wear - so you set the fire going and bundled him in blankets on the sofa with a scarf. (After changing his shirt, of course). “Too early to pour whiskey?” “I wouldn’t say so...” You snuggled up with him but he was still grumbling away; “If I get a cold cuz of you-!” “Oh-! It’s just woe and suffering always with you, ain’t it Danny Rayburn.” “Yes. Actually. Especially with you...”  You fell silent as to the mock seriousness of his tone. “Geez I’m kidding-!” He wound his arms around you and kissed you gently “.... I love you. I wouldn’t change this for anything.” You pretended to huff; “Just checking!” Danny pulled you further to him and placed his head to yours, “You never should need to check though... should you? I would hope you knew.” “Danny...” Your voice was tender, because the last thing you wanted to do was lead him down that road, especially at this time of year; “I do... I do know.”

You shared a gentle, sweet kiss, before you were interrupted. By a sneeze. “Oh shit!” You hoped you hadn’t spoken too soon. “If this is a cold! It’s on you!” “At least whiskey is medicinal!” You grinned, but he didn’t find it all that funny.   “A cold for Christmas! Perfect!” “I think you’re overreacting to one sneeze Daniel Rayburn; I was way less dressed than you.” “You didn’t have ice stuck down your shirt!!” “Okay fair, I take the blame for that.” He huddled further into the blankets and you really did hope that it wasn’t a proper cold setting in. Or you would never hear the end of it. You sat and cuddled and continued to talk quietly, you running your hands through his hair and giving him soft kisses every so often.

 The next interruption was on behalf of your parents. Looking from you, not really all that bothered with the fire or blanket, to Danny, blankets and pillows and still wrapped in a scarf and as close to the fire as he could get himself on the couch, and sighed. Typical all they had asked for was an alcohol run. “What have you done to him!” Both of you looked up and you held up your hands defensively - “Nothing!” “Ha!! Nothing!!” He laughed “Sounds like something!” “It was a snow ball fight, no big.” “She fights dirty!” You gasped and nudged him hard; “I was raised right!” “Ah, well you’re a fighter, I knew that one already...” Your parents both gasped in mock horror at the attitude of their daughter; “Y/N!” “Oh come on! He needs to get used to the Midwest!” “Gently!” “What-!? No! Throw him out in the snow and leave him there for a few hours!” You laughed, “Then he’ll be a natural! That’s the only way you learn!” Danny narrowed his eyes as you, folding his arms; “Learned that the Miami hard way, did you?” You turned back to him, “You should ask the past me and her sunburn that.” He sucked his breath between his teeth; “Ow! Yeah I feel ya!”

Your parents brought you back to the real conversation; “How’s the alcohol looking!” “Good! Think we cleared the store!” Danny raised his glass “Thank you! Both of you-! And Danny, you don’t have to put up with her..!” “Oh!” He smiled “I rather believe she puts up with me... she’s no trouble.” He grinned, with a little wink; “Well... maybe a bit of trouble!”

 Your parents left you to it after that, and eventually his warmth and being cuddled here with him and blankets and the fire got the better of both of you. So when they returned a little bit later to call you both for dinner, you were both lying tangled in each other’s arms on the couch. Danny’s around you; protective, and yours arms around him; comforting... “Do we wake them?” “No... leave them to it...” “They’re good together don’t you think?” “Good for each other. I would say. It’s nice to see!” “Maybe she could have introduced him to the snow a little nicer.” “Ah... I think... if we know anything... Danny didn’t mind one bit!”

---

🌨 2 down, 4 to go! 🌨 But still happy to take on any requests! 😊

[mollymauk-teafleak]

the one who blooms in the bitter snow (final part)

Oh my god have I dragged this out. Sincerest apologies on how long this happy ending took to get here

--------

Caduceus often talked to things that couldn’t talk back. He talked to his plants, encouraging them through the winter and complimenting them on their leaves and shoots. He talked to the army of mismatched mugs he used in his cafe, admonishing any who spilled things or who strayed from their intended arrangement on the shelves that made sense only to Caduceus. He talked to the clouds in the sky, thanking them for much needed rain. He talked to the insects that visited his cemetery, any worms found on the path that he would gently pick up and promise to see safely back to the soil, any bees that roamed the flowering plants, even any lizards he found sunning themselves in the rockery.

He didn’t say anything wrong with talking to things that could give no reply. It wasn’t as if such a minor detail meant such things couldn’t listen. Often, in fact, he thought it made them much better listeners than anything with a voice box.

However, one thing he hadn’t ever really found himself doing was talking to the dead.

It would have made sense, as much as talking to rotting corpses beneath the ground could ever make sense. Caduceus was surrounded by them every day, after all, a patchwork family of people all united only by the fact that the Blooming Grove had become their final resting place. He tended them, wreathed them in wilderness, watched over their loved ones in his cafe whenever they would come to visit them. Keeping them safe was the calling he’d chosen. But he never spoke to them.

Perhaps he’d just come to the quiet conclusion that the dead were past caring about his words. They’d left the cares of the living world behind them and nattering on to them about it would spoil the reverence they deserved, interrupt the sleep they’d earned.

They were the Wildmother’s now, after all.

But now Caduceus found himself with a pressing need to cross that line he’d set for himself. He needed to talk to one of his residents, whether they replied or not.

And he got the feeling they would want to hear from him just as desperately.

Caduceus had to smile weakly at the surname, however nervous he was.

Tealeaf. How appropriate.

He cleared his throat awkwardly and sat cross legged at the foot of the grave. It had been there long enough for the grass to grow back over the turned earth, as lush and tall as everything that surrounded it but it was still clearly one of the newer ones. The stone wasn’t yet weathered by time, perfectly readable, still cool grey marble that shone faintly in the morning light.

Mollymauk Tealeaf. Beloved husband and father.

No date. That was passing strange. Though maybe seeing the scant handful of decades Molly had been allowed when he should have had so much more time to be a father, time to be a husband, would just be too painful.

The insignia of the Moonweaver was artfully carved below the short epitaph, a sign that was rarely seen in the graveyard. Of course, godly symbols were on nearly every headstone but it was always the more common, more acceptable gods. The All Hammer, the Raven Queen, the Dawnfather; dependable, parental gods that people wanted to guard them through their lives and walk with their loved ones into the next realm.

The Moonweaver was light, love, laughter, frivolity. Did she feel lost in a place like this?

Caduceus cleared his throat, unsure how to start. He had the depressing realisation that even in a conversation with a dead man, he was still on the back foot in terms of social skills.

“I...I’m not sure how you feel about me, Mr Tealeaf,” he eventually sighed, “I don’t think I could blame you for hating me. Resenting me, at least. You know the kind of thoughts I’ve had about Caleb.”  

Habit made him pause, though he knew he’d get no reply. So he just sat silently with his guilt for a heartbeat.

“But...I think you’d agree he wasn’t coping well before I met him. I know that must break your heart. Same as it breaks mine.”

The wind picked up a little, a mournful sound through the trees up above.

“I can’t lie and say I don’t have feelings for him. But the last thing I want to do is hurt him more or… or push him into something he isn’t ready for. And… if I thought my loving him would do that, I would have stopped immediately. But something tells me he...he could...I mean we could…” Caduceus spluttered to a stop, giving up with a heavy sigh, “But after last night… I don’t know anymore. Maybe I’m just sitting here talking to the wind, telling myself what I want to hear.”

He felt tears sting his eyes and blinked quickly to try and clear them, “I don’t want to feel wrong for loving someone. He’s yours, Molly, he will always be yours but couldn’t I just… look after him? Until he goes to join you? Just a turn…”

His voice choked off and he had to swallow hard to get the next words out.

“Am I wrong to want that?”

The wind died down and Caduceus was left with next to silence. He felt a tiredness crash over him, so deep and heavy, that for a long moment he felt certain he was just going to curl up on the ground and cry for a little while.

What distracted him was a bird call. It was shrill and sudden, like nothing normally heard in the gardens and Caduceus knew the names of every bird who visited the Blooming Grove throughout the year. He tried to place it but it only rang out the once. There was something almost exotic about it, something unusual. Caduceus thought for a moment, considering all the birds he knew. It was almost like a cockatiel or a parrot or maybe even a peacock.

He frowned. What on earth would a peacock be doing in his graveyard?

He stood up, brushing himself off. He knew he should do a round, just in case someone’s exotic pet bird had escaped and needed to be brought back home.

Anyway, it was clear Mollymauk Tealeaf had nothing to say to him.

Caduceus rarely wore any kind of coat, his fur kept him plenty warm, but the weather had grown so cold recently that he’d dug out the fleece lined, faded, patched coat he kept in reserve for the days when the city froze solid and there was ice on the pavements.

Despite the closed sign on the door, it was warm inside the cafe. Caduceus felt ever so slightly better once the cold leached out of the tips of his ears and the very end of his nose, replaced by the gentle music, the warmth, the scents of caffeine and sugar that he knew so well. It wouldn’t fix things, he knew that, but it gave him the sense that he’d entered somewhere safe.

Sighing softly, Caduceus shrugged out of his coat and made to hang it on the hooks by the door, all of them charmingly mismatched as everything was in here. The hooks that should be empty, seeing as he’d had no customers since the day before yesterday.

But it wasn’t.

Caleb’s scarf was hanging on the furthermost hook, looking sad and bedraggled after being soaked through in yesterday afternoon’s rain and drying out in the air.

It must have been hung up there as Caleb had stripped down, set aside from the rest of his clothes, forgotten in his hurried flight from the cafe.

Caduceus let out a long, tired exhale, trying to accept this new information without bitterness or resentment, without exasperation or anger at something he couldn’t change.

But gods above, it was hard.

He was nowhere near ready to face him again. Since everything that had happened, less than twenty four hours ago, he wasn’t even sure Caleb would want to see him ever again, he certainly didn’t look the type to face up to an awkward situation, more the bolting and hiding like a frightened animal type. And he had no clue what he himself wanted.

All he knew right now was that the thought of Caleb without his scarf, without the thing he clung onto tightly when he couldn’t cling onto the person he’d lost, broke his heart. And he had to fix it.

Above all else, Caduceus was a fixer. Even when it meant risking his own feelings.

“Are we gonna go to the cafe today?”

Caleb looked up from stroking his neck sadly, feeling the horrible, gnawing absence of his scarf, and tried to focus on his son, sat on the carpet with a picture book.

“No, liebling, I don’t think so. It’s...it’s so cold out,” he said awkwardly, tripping over the lie.

Trinket frowned, plucking at the pages of his book, “But we go on Fridays. We go after school.”

His little boy was fiercely attached to patterns and routine, just like Caleb himself.

“I know, Trinket,” Caleb struggled to muster the energy to mollify him, curled up tightly on the sofa, feeling lost and disconnected, “Papa’s just not really feeling it today, okay?”

Trinket paused at that, looking at him with familiar, wide red eyes that would never fail to shake his papa to the core when he saw them. Leaving his picture book behind, he pattered up and hugged Caleb’s leg tightly, the one that was dangling listlessly over the edge of the sofa.

“It’s okay, papa,” he said, voice muffled by Caleb’s pant leg, “Its okay to have a sad day.”

Caleb often thought his son was magic. Not in the way his papa was- not yet- but magic in his own way where he could make the world seem like it wasn’t ending.

Trying not to cry because then the floodgates would open and he’d truly be in trouble, Caleb ruffled those purple curls and smiled shakily, “I love you, Trinket. You know that, right?”

He smiled brightly, “Sure! I know! I’m gonna go play with my legos, papa, okay?”

Caleb nodded fondly, his son had been obsessed with building things and quickly destroying them for a good few weeks now, “Sure. Call me when you’re done and I’ll help you clear them away.”

Happy with that, Trinket scampered off, probably already imagining himself crashing through newly constructed towers like a lavender godzilla. Caleb watched him go, a tender smile on his face until he disappeared from view, when it slid off his face.

He felt like all he did these days was wait for 3pm. Like as soon as he waved goodbye to Trinket at the school gate everything froze and went into stasis, everything straining towards that hour where he could go back and have Trinket by his side again. He knew he adored school, he knew he was safe there.

He knew he was crazy to feel this way.

But it didn’t stop the feelings.

Caleb told himself every morning at a quarter to nine that he shouldn’t be doing this. It was far too much to put onto his young son, it was unhealthy, it was unfair. He deserved a life of his own, Trinket needed him to have it too.

But every time Caleb thought it, he thought it in Caduceus’ voice. And, since he’d messed up so badly yesterday, that was a problem.

He had messed up. He’d messed up more spectacularly than he’d ever messed up before which was really saying something for Caleb. He’d hurt the first person in years who’d made him even begin to think that he could be loved again in that kind of way.

He’d always suspected that Molly was a chance in a million, some high level miracle. Actually finding someone so wonderful, someone who could see some good in him. But then it had actually happened again, when he needed it most.

And both times he’d completely ruined it.

He’d lost Molly. He’d lost Caduceus. He’d lost his scarf which, he knew was silly, but it felt like the first loss all over again. Though maybe it was a fitting sacrifice for what he’d done.

How many precious things could he lose before he was just deemed too careless to live? How long until whatever curse he had infected Trinket?

Caleb could almost feel all the progress he’d made in the last few weeks unravelling like a trailing thread he’d worried far too much falling into nothing. He sat there and rocked gently, trying to take in deep breaths and stay in the room but it was getting increasingly difficult.

Especially when a knock came at the door.

Trinket didn’t hear it, he was behind his bedroom door, singing loudly to himself, a happy little nonsense song he’d clearly just made up to amuse himself. So Caleb forced himself to stand and go to the door, mentally slapping himself, telling himself to get a grip.

All that went out of the window when he opened the door and saw Caduceus.

“You’re...you’re here,” Caleb said dumbly, throat feeling numb like he’d just swallowed a mouthful of ice water.

“I’m here,” Caduceus returned awkwardly, shifting from foot to foot.

There were snowflakes melting in his hair. When had it started to snow?

“I didn’t think…I mean, I didn’t expect you to ever…” the starts of sentences crowded in Caleb’s mouth, none of them accompanied by ends. He didn’t want to sound whiney, he didn’t want to sound like Caduceus was wrong to be mad at him.

“You didn’t think I’d want to see you again?” Caduceus finished it for him, tilting his head to one side.

“Yeah,” Caleb bit his lip, feeling his cheeks burn despite the cold air sweeping into the apartment alongside Cad.

“Of course you did,” the firbolg said quietly, “You’re you.”

Caleb didn’t know what to say to that, he just kind of took hold of it like a present he hadn’t been expecting.

“I brought your scarf back,” he produced it from one pocket, carefully folded and clearly having just come through the dryer, back to full fluffiness, “You must have left it yesterday.”

Caleb felt a rush of relief, a compulsion to gather it into his arms and clutch it to his chest, inhale the scent of vanilla and anise that wasn’t there anymore but he could imagine it was.

And then he felt guilty.

Was he going to spend the rest of his life chasing after things he could only half remember rather than seeing what was in front of him?

“Thank you, Caduceus,” he murmured, “I really, really appreciate it.”

That brought a smile from the firbolg, even if it was a little strained at the edges, “Yeah… I guess I also came over because I was hoping we could talk?”

Caleb nodded, thinking anxiously of Trinket but he could explain to him that Caduceus was here for a visit. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t been here before, dropping off homemade baked goods or little gifts like the scent bags that had soothed his anxiety so well and helped Trinket with his bad dreams. Trinket had always been happy to see him before, showing him whatever he’d built that day, showing him the art project he’d made at school from the leaves they’d gathered together at the Blooming Grove.

Caduceus was always so soft and gentle with Trinket. He always seemed to know just what to say, to answer his million a minute questions, to soothe him when he stumbled into some uncertainty, to make him giggle so hard he had to sit down. Caduceus was exactly the kind of caregiver Caleb wanted to be. He was exactly who Trinket deserved.

“Can I get you a drink?” Caleb asked as Caduceus sat on the sofa, holding himself a little stiffly like he wasn’t sure where to put his gangly limbs.

“Um…sure?”

Caleb let himself sink into a kind of automation as he got cups, boiled water, found teabags from the collection that had been growing ever since Caduceus had come into his life. But then there were soft billows of scented steam to breathe in and he woke up again, reminding himself to be present. Caduceus deserved better than that. And maybe he did too.

“Here,” he passed one mug to Caduceus, slightly regretting that it was patterned with badly faded cartoon characters but their selection wasn’t great, “I, um, I used the cinnamon tea you gave me yesterday. You were just out in the snow and I don’t want you to get sick.”

The smile was more genuine this time, warmer, like the starting embers of a fire, “Thank you, Caleb. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

He nodded, sitting down beside him, hands curled around his own cup to stop them shaking. There was a long moment of silence, as they both sat and remembered another evening much like this one. Eventually Caleb opened his mouth but Caduceus got there first, spilling his words out like he couldn’t bear to hold them inside himself any more.

“Caleb, I…if I made you feel pressured yesterday or…or I pushed you into kissing me in any way, I’m so sorry…”

Caleb blinked for a second and then found himself laughing, “And you were so sure I’d be torturing myself…”

Caduceus’ ears flattened and he chuckled uncertainly which Caleb took to be the fur covered individual’s way of blushing, “Well, we can both be as bad as each other.”

“I kissed you, Caduceus,” Caleb shook his head, “It was my choice. And… I know how it ended and I wouldn’t blame you for not trusting me but it really was you I wanted to kiss. I promise.”

“Really?” Caduceus fixed him with dark, wet eyes. The doubt stung a little but of course, he knew he deserved it.

“Really,” he nodded firmly, “You’ve been so good to me, to Trinket. You’ve made one of the hardest times in my life feel… bearable.”

Caduceus only nodded, a crease of concern appearing between his eyes. He simply waited for Caleb to say more.

Caleb looked down into his drink, “I thought time was supposed to heal me, I thought it was supposed to make it easier. But the further away I get from losing him, the more part of me holds on. It’s like I don’t want the pain to go because then… then I really will have nothing left of him.”

“When you’ve felt a certain way for so long, it’s hard to let go of it,” Caduceus said slowly, thoughtfully, “Because then you don’t know what would be left if you took that part of yourself away.”

Caleb nodded, “Exactly. And… and it was the same when I started having feelings for you. That would mean letting go of at least some of my grief and stepping into uncertainty. And the idea terrifies me.”

Caduceus gave a soft sigh, “I would never ask you to abandon your grief, Caleb. It’s important that you always mourn Mollymauk. All I want is for you to have something happy alongside that.”

Caleb felt his lower lip wobbling dangerously, “I want that. I really want that, Cad.”

The words made an old, angry guilt twist inside him but it was a relief as well. And as the seconds went by, as he realised the truth of what he’d just said, the guilt lost its fury. It lost its anger. It shrank a little, the slightest, smallest amount into something that couldn’t be ignored but could at least be carried.

“We can go as slow as you need to, Caleb,” Caduceus’ voice was tender and he leant forward, looking like he was itching to hold him and press him close.

But he didn’t close the gap between them. And he never would, not until he knew Caleb was completely okay. Years could and would pass between them and Caduceus would never lose that respect for him.

So Caleb took the front of his moss green shirt and pulled him in for a kiss. And he would, time and time again.

Though, a hair’s breadth after their lips met there came the sound of a muffled but still loud crash from Trinket’s bedroom, followed by a loud excited whooping from the young boy.

“Oh dear…” Caleb murmured anxiously, eyes on the door. Though whether he meant the crash and the inevitable mess it had led to or the realisation that he would have to explain to Trinket why Caduceus was here and why he was kissing him, he wasn’t sure.

Caduceus seemed to read his mind, those dark eyes always seeing more than what was in front of them, “Caleb, if you’re happy, I’m sure he won’t mind. He’s a smart kid. After all, he’s yours.”

Caleb had to laugh softly at that, blushing a little. It was true, he could compliment his son to the stars and often miss the fact that most of the things he was praising were inherited from him. But the depths of kindness he almost couldn’t fathom, the understanding and gentleness that was going to make him delighted that his papa had found someone new to love, that was all Mollymauk.

And as long as Caleb had Trinket, Molly would never be gone.

[haledamage]

Character Interview: Kira

@queen-scribbles, @rannadylin, and @thewildmother all said I should do more and I didn’t need much encouragement at all, so here we are :D I’m tagging all three of you back because you have great OCs and I want to know more about them! (borrowed the extra questions from @risualto because they’re good questions and it bugged me that the numbers weren’t matching up. consider yourself tagged again too, darling <3)

I went with Kira this time, since Cait asked for her specifically, and I’ll have Cait’s up soon! (naming a character after my friend (sort of) definitely didn’t make that sentence confusing oops)

name ➔ Detective Kira Grace Kingston. I’d prefer if you just call me Kira, but some of my friends prefer to refer to me by title instead, so you can do that too if you’d like.

are you single ➔ yes. Have been for a long time, in fact.

are you happy ➔ yes, for the most part. Life can get a bit… hectic, sometimes, especially in my line of work, but I have good friends, a good relationship with my mum, a job I’m proud of, and enough money to keep my car running… mostly. Can’t ask for much more.

are you angry ➔ Sometimes. I don’t get angry easily, except… well, except when Adam’s involved. Just between you and me, I think he does it on purpose.

are your parents still married ➔  I… no. My father died when I was little. I don’t really remember him. But Mum took it really hard. She’s never really moved on from it.

NINE FACTS

birth place ➔ I was born in Wayhaven. I’ve lived here my whole life.

hair colour ➔ dark brown

eye colour ➔ also brown. Nothing fancy, I’m afraid.

birthday ➔ 28 April

mood ➔ an interesting combination of content and overwhelmed. There’s a lot of big changes happening in my life right now, but they mostly herald good things. I hope. I’m optimistic about the direction my life is headed.

color scheme ➔ black, mostly. I know it’s boring, but I like it, okay? I also like wintergreen, dark blue, and ice blue... but still mostly black

gender ➔ Female.

summer or winter ➔ summer. My favorite season is actually autumn, but I like summer better than winter. I don’t care much for snow.

morning or afternoon ➔ hmm… afternoon. Mornings can be kind of hectic.

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE

are you in love ➔ no. but I… let’s just say that I'm open to the possibility and that there’s... potential for it. I guess we’ll see.

do you believe in love at first sight ➔ no, but I think you can connect to someone at first sight and that connection can lead to love. Sometimes you just meet someone and you… you just know. That they’ll be an important part of your life in some way. I don’t think it’s the same as love at first sight, but it’s something.

who ended your last relationship ➔ I did. Should’ve done it sooner. Fuck him.

have you ever broken someone’s heart ➔ I don’t think so. I can only think of one situation where I could have, and well… I don’t think he has one.

are you afraid of commitments ➔ no. I’m… cautious, but not afraid of them.

have you hugged someone within the last week? ➔ yes. My mum, at the very least.

have you ever had a secret admirer ➔ I think I have one right now, actually. He isn’t very good at secrets. (she looks out toward the main room of the police department, where you see a young man will light blond hair playing games on his phone) I’m still trying to figure out how to let him down easy.

have you ever broken your own heart? ➔ like wanting something you couldn’t have? I... maybe. that’s a very loaded question, I think. I’ll just say... not broken, exactly, but it hurts sometimes

SIX CHOICES

love or lust ➔ love. Lust is great, loads of fun, but love is… it’s a warm fire when the whole world is cold.

lemonade or iced tea ➔ iced tea. Tea in any capacity.

cats or dogs ➔ I wish I had time for a pet. I would love to have a cat.

a few best friends or many regular friends ➔ a few best friends. I’ve never had very many friends, and the ones I do have I hold very dear.

wild night out or romantic night in ➔ romantic night in. I’m not much for going out. I don’t have much of an eye for romance though, either.

day or night ➔ night. My closest friends are… well, let’s just say they’re night owls. I’ve been learning to be as well.

FIVE HAVE YOU EVERS

been caught sneaking out ➔ nope. I’ve never snuck out. If I want to go out, I just go. As long as I tell Mum where I am, she doesn’t mind.

fallen down/up the stairs ➔ fallen down a fire escape once. Only a few steps, but I think it counts. Banged my shin on one of the ladder rungs, that hurt for days after.

wanted something/someone so badly it hurt? ➔ No. Yes. I… does it count if you don’t know what it is you’re wanting? Like you’ve got an empty space in your soul and you don’t know how to fill it up? Because I feel like that sometimes.

wanted to disappear ➔ no. sometimes I wish I could be a little less observed, but never so much so that I’d like to disappear

been involved in a fight you thought you couldn’t win ➔ yes. Some days I’m still surprised we won. We got lucky. (she rubs at her neck, fingers tracing along a pale scar there) Very lucky.

FOUR PREFERENCES

smile or eyes ➔ eyes. Window to the soul, innit?

shorter or taller ➔ taller. Not that shorter is a deal-breaker or anything, but… yeah, I like tall.

intelligence or attraction ➔ intelligence. Though I feel like that doesn’t just mean book smarts. Emotional intelligence, or tactical or social intelligence are also very good things. And all very attractive, since we’re on the subject.

hook-up or relationship ➔ relationship. Nothing wrong with hook-ups. I just tend to prefer something longer term, if I go for either at all.

FAMILY

do you and your family get along ➔ My mother and I have always been very close. Closer now that we’re working together, even if she is kind of my boss now. I don’t really have any other family. It’s always just been Mum and me.

would you say you have a “messed up life” ➔ I don’t think I do, actually. It probably looks like it from the outside, what with the… Agency business, but in my mind that just keeps things from getting boring.

have you ever ran away from home ➔ no. Why would I need to? And for that matter, where would I go?

have you ever gotten kicked out ➔ no, again. On the rare--very rare--occasion that Mum and I have fought, we talk it out. We’re sensible women and not really prone to dramatics

FRIENDS

do you secretly hate one of your friends ➔ no. I don’t have the patience to pretend to be friends with someone I hate

do you consider all of your friends good friends ➔ yes. Some of them are kind of assholes sometimes, but that’s part of their charm, innit? It doesn’t affect how good of friends they are

who is your best friend ➔ Tina, probably. She’s certainly my oldest friend, and we’ve been through a lot together. Sometimes she’s the only thing sane and normal in my life. But also… (she glances around, as if to make sure you don’t have an audience) Felix. Sometimes I feel like I’ve known him forever. It was just… instant, you know what I mean? Don’t tell him I said that. He’s got enough of an ego without my help.

who knows everything about you ➔ Mum. She knows what it’s like to be stuck between two worlds like I am. She’s the only one that really does, I think. Six months ago, I would have said Tina, too, but… there’s things these days that I can’t tell her. I wish I could. I hope someday I can.

[i-write-fanfics-to-procrastinate]

Qrowin Week Day 2: Moonlight

Where are you? Where are you? Qrow’s thoughts were going a mile a minute as he ducked in and out of shadows, slipped in and out of bird form. His heart was pounding hard in his chest, his lungs were gulping for air and it still wasn’t enough. With Harbinger clasped tightly in his hands, despite sweat making his grip slick, he had only one task at hand. Winter. Where are you?

          The mission had taken a terrible turn for the worse and Qrow knew, deep down inside, that it was his goddamn semblance. He had told her, even warned her, after their first couple of missions together. Everything I touch…

          He stumbled over a tree root, and couldn’t catch himself in time, crashing face-first into the muddy ground—with his foot still caught in the roots. His ankle twisted, and then let out a sickening crack. “Shit!” He scrambled to free himself, his foot and ankle tingling like they were numb. He was covered in mud now… wet, and… the tingling in his ankle slowly faded into a sharp, agonizing pain. Just my goddam luck. He hissed, using Harbinger to help get back up on his feet. His aura had been depleted already when he and Winter had faced the grimm only moments before. This is bad. This is very bad. He tested his ankle but putting weight on it sent shots of agony through his foot. “Dammit!” He had known, he had known all along that making Winter his partner was a bad… no, a terrible idea. Now, because of him, she would die. While he was sitting here uselessly with a broken ankle and a miserable semblance, she was being dragged off by those goddam grimm. He could still see her pale frame in his mind’s eye, limp against the ground.

          No. Qrow gripped his weapon. Screw this. I’m coming for you, Ice Queen. Slipping back into bird-form, he fluttered through the shadows. At least in this form he could see better among the trees. He made out some movement to his left—10 o’clock. Twisting in that direction, through dark branches he caught sight of her—awake. Alive. He tucked in his wings and dove towards the ground, through thick branches and leaves wet from dew. He shuddered back into human form, landing with a thud—excruciating pain in his ankle knocking the breath from his lungs.

          “Finally,” Winter huffed. She was surrounded by the ursai. Her clothes torn, her hair a mess, her breath ragged. “Took you long enough.”

          “You’re welcome, princess,” Qrow winced, trying to keep weight off his right foot.

          “I told you not to call me that, Branwen!” Winter snapped, leaping towards one of the ursai with a wild look in her eyes. Great, here we go again. The other two ursai let out terrible roars that shook the trees around them, turning towards Qrow.

With this ankle…

          “Less thinking, more moving, Branwen!” Winter snapped, “We don’t have time for this.”

          “Now you’re talking my language,” Qrow grinned. This ankle. He leaped forward, fluttering into bird form, and the switching back to human above the beasts. Take this you mangy bastard. With his full weight he dropped down, slamming Harbinger into the back of the grimm’s skull. The ursa shuddered and then its legs gave out underneath it. Qrow was launched off the grimm’s back and he landed with a thud on the forest floor, his ankle taking a hit. He bit his lip hard to keep from yelling in pain. Two ursai down, one to go. We can do this.

          The final ursa was sent into a frenzy. With its two friends gone it knew it was outnumbered. Its eyes were wild—its roar almost panicked. Qrow tried to pull himself to his feet, but his ankle wasn’t having it anymore. Even moving it made him feel sick to his stomach. The ursa bore down on him, drool dripping from its stark white teeth.

          “Don’t touch him,” Winter stepped in front of him. Her hair loose and wild, her hands gripping her swords so tight, her knuckles were white.

          “Let me—”

          “Shut up, Branwen,” Winter said. He could see a small smile touch her lips, just barely. “I’ve got this.”

          What happened next, Qrow couldn’t exactly describe. Maybe he was delirious from the pain and exhaustion. Winter seemed faster than ever, though Qrow knew her aura was almost depleted as well. Her swords swung in flashes around the ursa. Her body moved like she was dancing, spinning, leaping. It was a style he was now intimately familiar with.

          When the ursa finally collapsed she froze, ending her ballet in a beam of moonlight. Her eyes closed, her breath still ragged, her hair still wild. But gods, she was beautiful. The ursai shattered into dust, drifting away on the wind. They were left alone in the moonlit clearing. Qrow sitting limply, Winter catching her breath.

          “We’re alive.” Qrow whispered, and then choked on a laugh, “Hah! We’re alive.” Then he blinked, his eyes finding hers, “You’re alive.”

          Her expression softened, her lips turning up in a small smile, “No thanks to you.”

          “Heh… sorry…” the sharp throbbing in his ankle made him grimace, and the swords slipped from Winter’s hands. She was at his side in an instant.

          “Qrow,” she frowned, carefully leaning over his ankle. “Were you fighting on this? You idiot,” she struggled with his boot, trying to gently remove it, her hands shaking. “You’ve probably made it ten times worse. What were you thinking?”

          “Hey, stop,” Qrow gently cupped her chin, turning her gaze towards his face. “You’re alive… Gods, I thought…” And then he kissed her, telling himself that maybe it was just to make sure she was real—that they were both safe. But, he was more relieved than anything. Winter leaned into it until Qrow was practically pressed back against the ground. He was hungry for her, hungry for her taste—for her touch. When she finally pulled away, once again out of breath, he only wanted more.

          She looked like an angel, framed by moonlight, and he couldn’t contain himself, “I love you.”

          Winter’s eyes widened, and she sat up quickly, her shoulders tense. “Wha-What?!”

          “I mean… uh… Gods, the pain! I must be delirious. We need to… do something… Are you smiling?”

          “You’re an idiot,” Winter laughed.

          “I’ll give you that one,” Qrow frowned, “But—”

          “But you’re my idiot,” she whispered, “Don’t worry, Qrow. I love you too.” He felt warm, and the warmth spread from his face, to his chest, to his goddamned ankle. Or maybe that was just another sensation from the pain.

          “Hey, maybe we could stay here… just for a minute.”

          “Maybe you are delirious,” Winter crossed her arms. “We need to get you some medical attention immediately.”

          “Heh. Guess you’re probably right.”

          “I’m always right,” Winter smirked. Then she leaned in close, her lips brushing against his once more. “Especially when it comes to my completely irrational desire to keep you around.”

          Qrow grinned, cupping her cheek and stealing another quick kiss. “Hmm.. Irrational. Right.” Isn’t that just another word for ‘love’? He chuckled to himself. Irrational.

[aleenaandersen]

The snow steadily fell throughout the late afternoon in Arendelle, blanketing the cobblestone path leading towards the castle, where Lena sat on a nook she had deemed her own, the whole kingdom vast and outstretched before her in the window’s view. She exhaled a breath, tucking her legs close to her chest and resting her head against her knees. With her arms wrapped around her legs, she held herself close, fingers idly twiddling with the snowflake charm on her bracelet she never once took off. From afar, Aleena appeared every bit entranced with the scenic winter wonderland that Arendelle became during its colder seasons, though just under the surface loomed more pressing thoughts, ones that she did her best to push deep into the recesses of her mind so that she could deal with them at a later time. 

However, there was only so much pushing she could do when it stared her so directly in the face as it did now. 

Arendelle was where she was born and raised; she should have felt every bit at home as any other Arendellian, and, perhaps to an extent, she did. When around her mother, her aunt and uncle, her cousins, she was home. When she and Olaf would lay across a picnic blanket to soak up the fleeting summer sun, she was home. But when behind castle walls, with the realization that the kingdom’s prosperity laid solely in her hands in only some years, any semblance of home was gone. It was merely an impending and overwhelming responsibility, one she had not asked for, one she did not want. The elusive uncertainty of the future was no more, with her entire life laid before her -- graduate Auradon University, become queen of Arendelle, rule until she had an heir or until she kicked it and it passed onto the next in line. 

With the mystery gone, what more did she have to look forward to but endless meetings with dignitaries, painstakingly polite small talk with royals from other kingdoms, and the upholding of traditions so entirely antiquated? It was so far gone from what Aleena stood for; and one would be incorrect to presume that it all was rooted in her dislike for Arendelle, because the truth was, she had never met people as kind and as open and as accepting as the people of their kingdom. But that was the problem: it wasn’t her kingdom. The more her mother tried to push her onto the throne, the less like home Arendelle became. And what was the worst of all was that... Lena didn’t quite know where home was. 

So gone into her thoughts, she hadn’t noticed when her mother had come into the room, not until a gentle hand rested on her shoulder and brought her back to where she was. “What are you thinking about?” Elsa asked, softly pulling the scrunchie that kept Lena’s messy updo together, weaving her fingers through her daughter’s light hair before getting to work to do a braid to try her best to tame the mess it had become overnight. 

“If I want to build a snowman,” was her half-assed response, shrugging nonchalantly in a way she would hope her mother wouldn’t press too much on. Aleena had inherited many things from her mother, and one of them was her knack for keeping deep inside the things she couldn’t bear to put into words; Elsa knew this too well. Still, a wistful smile crept up to her mother’s face and she entertained the idea for a moment, saying, “You think Olaf would enjoy the company?”

“Even snowmen get lonely, I think,” Lena said, and for a moment, a bout of silence overtook them as Elsa worked on Lena’s braid, and Lena kept her gaze out the window and towards the castle’s courtyard. “You know, Aleena, you can talk to me,” Elsa started quietly as she tried to find the right words as she went, “I know I don’t have the best track record with... “ She paused and took a breath, sheepishly continuing, “...well, with talking so openly about things. But it feels like every year you’re pulling more and more away. And I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did.”

“What sort of mistakes?” Lena asked, though she knew quite well of the dark period in her mother’s life. It wasn’t something Elsa liked to talk about, especially not when around her Aunt Anna, but it was just the two of them. Lena wanted to hear her say it. “Shutting people out. Thinking you have to bear all this weight on your shoulders, by yourself. That you don’t have anyone to turn to when you’re afraid,” her mother said, tying the end of her daughter’s braid before she tucked her fingers under Lena’s chin to bring her gaze towards her. 

“It’s not that I’m afraid,” she said under her breath, leaning back from Elsa’s touch. “It’s that I’m not sure what I’m even meant to do. Every time I’m here, it’s like I’m reminded that I’m farther from where I’m meant to be.” Elsa took a breath, knowing where this was going before she said, “And where are you meant to be?” Exasperatedly, Lena stood from her spot, saying, “I don’t know, Mom! I don’t know. But the last place I’ll find out is if I’m here.”

Still, trying to keep their conversation level, Elsa calmly responded, “Is that not why you’re in Auradon?” Lena retorted with, “I’m in Auradon because it was the only way you’d let me go.” Her mother scoffed, brows furrowing, “Go? Aleena, I’ve given you nothing but freedom.” She shook her head, Lena insisting, “Freedom isn’t deciding my life for me. Freedom isn’t taking away my choice.” 

Well, so much for a peaceful family holiday.

“You know as well as I do that some things are just as they are. My father, King Agnarr, ruled before me, and his father ruled before him, and they always had Arendelle’s best interest at heart. The people of Arendelle entrust our family to lead them. I trust you to lead them, more than anyone else,” Elsa said, so sincerely Aleena almost believed her. Almost, but not quite. “This is home,” her mother said. “You’re intelligent and driven and always want to do what’s right for everyone. Why can’t you start here?”

Because if she did, she knew she’d be stuck there. And as far as kingdoms went, Arendelle was certainly no place to scoff at, but it didn’t feel... right. None of it felt right, and her chest tightened painfully at the thought, leaving her almost breathless as she told Elsa, “I can’t be what they need me to be.” She hardly knew what to be for herself half the time. “I can’t be what you want me to be, Mom. I’m not you. I wasn’t... I’m not meant for this--”

“But you are,” Elsa cut her off, reaching out to hold Lena’s hands. Her and her mother’s hands ran cold, colder than most, but under each other’s touch, they seemed to warm. Usually, it’d bring about a wave of comfort, but it fell drastically short in this instance. “You were born for this, Aleena. You’re meant to do great things, and under your reign, Arendelle would only prosper, I'm sure of it.” Lena bit the inside of her cheek, ice forming on the tips of her fingers, so she quickly balled her hands and forced them to her side. The last thing she needed was to lose control right now. 

“How can you be so sure?” How could anyone entrust a princess whose control of her powers was so out of reach, sometimes they frightened even her? “Because I know who I raised,” Elsa said matter-of-factly, “and-- and because there’s just no other way.” She left no room for a rebuttal. Lena wasn’t so sure she could bear to say, to her face, that she didn’t know her as well as she thought. Maybe she didn’t know her at all. Tears pinched the corners of her eyes, and she bit back the words she wanted to say. Knowing there was nowhere left to go with the conversation, Elsa punctuated her point with a kiss to her daughter’s cheek before murmuring something about going for a walk. 

Lena stood still in her spot long after her mother left, her heart racing and her breath shallow. Her hands, still at her sides, trembled with the power she tried her hardest to suppress in that moment, but ice was as much of a foe to her as it was a friend to her mother, crystallized ice forming from her spot and spreading, spreading towards the walls, creeping up past portraits and freezing the window pane until the glass of the window cracked with the tiniest twitch of her fingers. 

Fuck. 

[madamebaggio]

Notes: I hope you’re enjoying it.

Chapters one and two can be found here.

Chapter 3

The woman guarding them –Brienne, Lucy had found out –asked someone to bring other two blankets for them and Susan was immensely relieved by it. She was dreading the moment they’d be called in front of the king –or whatever his title was –to explain themselves, for how could they explain they were from a different world?

They’d be lucky if these people didn’t think they were assassins sent for their King.

The older man that had searched Edmund and Peter for weapons came in and gave them all a look. “Gentle Queen?” He called.

Susan answered on a reflex born of years hearing the title. “Yes, my Lord?” 

The man himself looked surprised upon hearing her reply. “The King wishes to speak to you, my Lady.”

Peter stood. “How does your King know her name?” He demanded to know.

“Peter, don’t be rude.” Susan chided getting up. She passed her blanket to Lucy. “I’ll talk to your King.” She informed the man.

“Not alone!” Peter protested immediately.

“Anyway he wants.” Susan almost hissed at her brother. “He has proven himself a man of his word, and we do own him an explanation.”

Susan’s voice as gentle and calm, but her eyes told Peter that if he didn’t shut up she’d kill him. After many years, Peter was smart enough to understand it and be quiet.

The man opened the cell door and Susan nodded at him as she passed. He gave a stiff nod to Brienne and so they left.

The man walked ahead of her and two guards were right behind Susan. They walked silently until they stopped by a door.

He opened the door for Susan and she stepped into the room. Behind a desk was the man she’d seen before, the King. He had a serious face and a frown, but he was quite handsome. He was young, but the scars on his face showed he was a warrior. He made quite the imposing figure.

To his right there was a beautiful red-headed woman –his queen, perhaps? –and to his left there was a brunette who wore breeches and a very unfriendly face. On a corner of the room, almost like they were hiding, there was a boy sitting and a girl with wild hair by his side.

“Your Majesty.” Susan curtsied prettily and saw the man frown at the title -maybe they used something different here? –but he didn’t correct her.

“I am Jon Targaryen, King of the North.” He informed her. “Who are you and where have you come from?”

“My King…” She started carefully. “I will gladly answer to that, but I am afraid you’ll think me deranged if I do so.”

The two women close to King arched their browns in such a similar way that Susan was convinced they were sisters, or at least closely related. The King’s frown deepened. “I’d hear your answer anyway.”

She nodded, her posture perfect, because image was essential right now. “I am Queen Susan, the Gentle, ruler of Narnia, Duchess of Silvershore, Chief of the Narnian Archers and Dame of the Most Noble Order of the Lion.”

Everybody just stared at her.

“I am sorry, we’re overly fond of titles. You should hear Peter’s.” She offered.

“Lion?” The brunette repeated. “She serves the Lannisters!” She accused.

Susan controlled her impulse of arching a brow. “I know nothing of Lannisters and I am a Queen. I serve no one.”

The King’s eyebrows went up, but the redheaded woman grinned a bit. “You said Narnia?”

“Yes, my Lady. That’s my country.”

“Never heard of it.” The brunette said, and once again it came out as an accusation.

They all traded looks, and one by one shook their heads, concluding no one had ever heard of it. Susan, however, wasn’t surprised, she’d been expecting this.

“Is it beyond Westeros?” The King asked.

“I believe it is actually beyond your world, Your Majesty.” She replied honestly.

In face of her words, the other red head took a step forward, clearly interested.

“Beyond our world?” The brunette inquired. “What does that mean?”

“I told you I would sound crazy.” Susan reminded them.

“You certainly do.” The woman accused –again.

“Arya.” The King admonished quietly, but his eyes never left Susan. “Is that the world you brought Spring to?” He wanted to know.

Susan couldn’t hide her surprise. “How do you know that?” She asked, forgetting for a second he was the King and should be addressed as so.

“So it’s true?” The redhead beside the King wanted to know.

“Well, yes, but not because my siblings and I have any kind of magical power.” She hurried to explain. “It was part of a prophecy. Our arrival at Narnia ended the 100-year-old Winter.’

“Arrival from where?” The King asked.

Oh Aslan, this would get worse. “From our original world.”

“So you’re telling us that there are two worlds beside ours?” Arya asked dryly.

“More like a thousand, my Lady.” Susan replied. “Infinite possibilities.”

“This is ridiculous.” Arya declared to the King. “She’s mad.”

“Your Majesty.” Susan did her best to hide the worry in her voice. She had to be strong, she had to convince him they weren’t a problem. “We mean you and your people no harm. We don’t even know how we ended up here, surrounded by your men.”

The King was looking at her, but didn’t say a word, so she took this as an encouragement to keep going. ���Let us go and we’ll leave your Kingdom. You have my word.”

The other two women were looking at the King, waiting for him.

“The four of you are siblings?” He questioned. 

“Yes, my King.”

“And you’re the Queen?”

“We rule Narnia together.” She explained. “The four of us are Kings and Queens of Narnia.”

He traded a look with the redhead. “So you’re married.” He concluded.

Whatever Susan had been expecting it wasn’t that conclusion. “I… I just said we’re siblings.”

“So?” He insisted.

What kind of place was this? How could he think this kind of question was even remotely appropriated? “We are not married, Your Majesty.”

“Why do you keep calling him ‘Majesty’?” The redhead asked curiously.

“Is it not the appropriate title?” Susan asked bemused.

“No, lass.” It was the older man who replied. “It’d be ‘Your Grace’.”

“Oh, I do beg your pardon, Your Grace. I meant no disrespect.”

“It’s of no consequence.” He dismissed her concern as if he couldn’t care less about it. “We have a problem here, you see? I can’t just let you and your family go, because I don’t know for a fact that you won’t hurt my people. However, I also can’t keep you as prisoners, since you’ve done nothing.”

“If I may, Your Grace.” Susan called respectfully. “Perhaps we could stay and serve you as your subjects. That way you will be able to keep your eyes on us and we’d still be useful.”

“I thought you served no one.” He reminded her of her own words.

“I am no Queen here.” She indicated.

“And how would you serve me?” He wondered.

She had no idea if he’d intended for the question to sound so suggestive, but based on the look of confusion of the other women they were also surprised by his choice of phrasing.

Susan chose to ignore it. “We’re all trained warriors, so we can help train your people.”

“You’re a warrior?” Arya didn’t even try to hide her disbelief.

“I don’t carry a bow and a quiver as accessories because they match my dresses.” She told the other woman sweetly.

“What else?” The redhead asked.

“Peter and Edmund became quite good with constructions and repairs and I saw you need it.” The way from the cells to this room had showed that the castle was in bad shape. They’d probably faced some kind of battle recently. “Lucy and I are decent seamstresses. Besides that we’ve become quiet efficient at running a kingdom, since we’ve been doing it for some time now.”

This time the King himself looked a bit incredulous. “How long would that be?”

“Ten years. How about you?” Her smile was still sweet, but the King was not fooled.

“Careful there, my Lady.” His voice had a reminder.

“I apologize, my King. I was just asking.” Her face gave nothing. “We can also teach the children their letters and numbers.”

This apparently was way too shocking for everybody present and the King seemed positively baffled by the offer. “Teach the children?”

“Yes, Your Grace. All the children in Narnia know how to read and basic Math.” She informed him. She chose not to say that those “children” were actually talking animals, since she didn’t know if they had those here.

“Why?” The redhead asked.

“Why not?” Susan offered back. “Educated children become more efficient adults. It is a better form of making sure that news and messages get everywhere and places are run more efficiently.”

The King still didn’t seem convinced by her argument. “Anything else?”

Susan knew she shouldn’t, but she was tired of being accused of absolutely nothing, but still treated like some kind of criminal. “Unless you wish to order me to warm your bed, Your Grace, no, nothing else.” She didn’t exactly snap at him, but it was a close call.

The King became perfectly still for a minute, and all the others seemed to hold their breath. Susan knew she had said smoothing beyond stupid and thoughtless but now it was too late. “You are lucky, my Lady…” He started slowly, his voice as cold as ice. “That I am not the kind of man that would hold you to that offer.”

Susan took a deep breath and bowed gracefully. “I am truly sorry, Your Grace, my words were beyond inappropriate.” Her apology was sincere, mostly because she had to fix the mess she herself had made. “But as much as I understand your worry as a King responsible for the welfare of so many people, I ask that you understand my frustration and worry as my family and I are facing judgement, even though we’ve done nothing.”

He stared at her for a long minute in complete silence. Susan looked back, unflinching.

“Ser Davos.” He called, without taking his eyes off her.

“Your Grace?” The older man took a step forward.

“Bring the others.” He ordered, finally breaking his gaze. “Ask Brienne and Tormund to accompany you.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” The man left and Susan had to stand there in silence with all of them staring at her.

But if this brute was thinking it would affect her, he was out of his mind. She would show him the true meaning of being a royal.

So she just straightened her back and waited.

Notes: So... There we go.

Oh, by the way, this work is also on my AO3 account, and it has more chapters there. So if you are interested in more, come visit me here. 

Cheers!

[mindingmyownbusiness]

Duet

Pairing - Bucky Barnes x Reader Prompt - “I love it when you sing.” Summary - You’ve just figured out that the mysterious voice you hear singing through the vents is none other than the Winter Soldier himself. Now the only question is, what do you do with this newfound information? Warnings - n/a, just adorable fluff, it’s sorta my thang Word Count - 3026 Notes - Written for @true-queen-of-mischief and her 600 follower writing challenge, congratulations! I know this is hella late, it’s 100% my fault, thank you for being patient, I hope it’s worth it! Song lyrics pulled from “Wanted Dead Or Alive” by Bon Jovi, “Death of a Bachelor” by Panic! At The Disco, “Baby it’s Cold Outside” by Frank Loesser, and Dirty Dancing’s “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”.

My Masterlist

Stripping off the last of your combat gear with an exaggerated groan you tossed it in the corner of your bathroom on top of an embarrassingly large pile of dirty clothes. Guess I know how I’ll be spending my weekend. You started the shower, setting it as hot as you could stand and spent several minutes just letting the heat and the steam relax your tired muscles. Note to self: thank Tony for the endless supply of hot water in this place. You grudgingly went through the motions of washing the last remnants of the mission from your skin and hair, more eager than ever to collapse into the comfort of your bed.

Shutting off the water you reached for your towel, the details of the mission swimming through your mind. You started absentmindedly humming along with the singing coming from… wait, singing..? I didn’t… where is that coming from…?

It's all the same, only the names will change Everyday, it seems we're wastin' away... Another place, where the faces are so cold, I drive all night, just to get back home

I'm a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride I'm wanted, dead or alive Wanted.. dead or alive

Looking around for the source of the sound you quickly realized it was coming from the vents. Wow, whoever that is they are really good. You smiled to yourself, listening until the voice gradually faded away. Looks like someone on the team has a hidden talent. But who…?

It didn’t take long to figure out, especially with FRIDAY’s helpful assistance. With your room being at the far end of the floor your bathroom and the bathroom for the person across the hall were positioned right next to each other, much closer in proximity than anyone else’s. It had to be him. Freaking Bucky Barnes. You felt your cheeks warm just at the thought of him. There was no denying you harbored an attraction for the supersoldier. Strong, protective, a gentleman, and now I find out the man can sing? Is there anything he can’t do? Sighing you flopped down across your bed, Bucky’s crooning voice filling your thoughts as exhaustion finally claimed you and you fell fast asleep.

Training had been super intense that morning. You appreciated the new moves Nat was teaching you but that didn’t make your muscles hurt any less. Desperate for a shower you decided to skip breakfast and just grab a snack instead before heading to your room. As you entered the kitchen you saw Bucky rummaging around in the fridge, humming quietly to himself.

“Hey Barnes, toss me a bottle of water?” Grabbing an energy bar from the pantry you turned and saw that Bucky hadn’t moved. “Buck?” Still nothing. You raised your voice slightly. “Bucky!” Is he ignoring me or what? After a moment of hesitation you stepped close enough to poke him in his ribs causing him to jump and hit his head against the fridge door.

“Dammit! What the hell..?” He gingerly rubbed the back of his head with his flesh hand and yanked out his earbuds with the other. “You know (Y/N), it’s never a good idea to sneak up on an assassin. Not if you value life and limb.” He was trying his best to hold a serious face but you could see just a hint of a smirk edging in.

“And here I thought it was impossible to sneak up on you. I would say my skills are improving but that would be a lie.” You smiled apologetically, gesturing towards his earbuds which were still pumping out the faint strains of something. “Sounds like maybe you were really into whatever you were listening to…?”

“Huh? Oh, right…” He pulled his phone from his pocket and paused the music. “Yeah, Shuri set me up with this music app and Steve and Sam have been making some suggestions. Just trying to get caught up ya know.” He shrugged his shoulders, scrolling through his playlists.

“Hey, um I have that app too... If you want I could share some playlists with you?” You bit your lip feeling shy all of a sudden.

“Ah.. yeah, yeah I’d like that.” Bucky handed you his phone with a small smile and you made sure the two of you were connected through the app.

“I’ll see what I can put together for you then.” You grabbed your stuff and headed for the door, smiling like crazy once you rounded the corner on your way to your room and a much needed hot shower.

A few minutes and several gallons of water later you heard it again, the beautiful baritone of a certain handsome brunette floating out of the vents...

Do I look lonely? I see the shadows on my face, People have told me I don't look the same... Maybe I lost weight, I'm playing hooky with the best of the best, Put my heart on my chest so that you can see it, too

A girl could get used to this. You grinned, taking your time drying off so you could enjoy every single note.

I shouldn’t feel weird, right? Just because I’m actively trying to figure out when Bucky is going to be showering so I can eavesdrop on him singing? Hahaha, that’s not creepy at ALL. You groaned and buried your face in your hands at the breakfast table. This was an argument you’ve been having with yourself for weeks. It was almost as if you’d become addicted to his voice, the more you listened the more you wanted and if you were being honest with yourself, the more you listened the more you wished he was singing to you.. for you. And it had only gotten worse when he started singing songs from the playlists you’d been sending him. I swear if he sings Shawn Mendes again I’m gonna need a cold shower to follow my regular shower.

“Hey (Y/N), you ready for our run?” Thankful that your mental conflict was interrupted by the Captain you nodded your head and hopped up to do a few stretches. For once you were looking forward to a good run. The days had finally started to turn cooler and there was just something about fall transitioning into winter that excited you and made you want to get out in it. Way more motivating than running in hundred degree heat for sure, not that Steve noticed with all the supersoldier benefits he ended up with. “Good. Bucky and Sam are gonna meet us downstairs.”

Cool weather and a rear view of the Winter Soldier? Now that’s something I can get behind. You giggled quietly to yourself, earning a curious glance from Steve as you entered the elevator. “Just um, something funny Nat told me earlier. You know her, so funny…” You smiled weakly and cringed inwardly but fortunately Steve was distracted by your arrival at the ground floor. The four of you exchanged brief good mornings, not wasting any time before you literally hit the ground running. You and Sam paired off behind Steve and Bucky, soon finding your groove, laughing together every time you got lapped by Steve on Sam’s left and Bucky on your right. After about an hour of this you and Sam headed back to the tower to hit the showers. As you stepped into your bathroom you couldn’t help but smile thinking of how by the time you were done Bucky would surely be starting his own shower and you couldn’t wait to hear his song choice today.

Wrapping your towel around you, you paused, sure you had heard something... but no. Great, now my mind has decided to play tricks on me. Shaking your head you turned to head back into your room but you just couldn’t stop yourself from gravitating back towards the vent, leaning against the wall just under the opening. You closed your eyes, letting your head fall back against the smooth surface. What are you doing (Y/N)… just go get ready already, he’s probably not even in… there…? Your face slowly morphed from a mask of frustration into one of absolute awe as the first strains of one of your favorite songs of all time floated through the vent and into your ears.

Hmm-mm-mm-mm... Baby it's cold outside, Hmm-mm-mm-mm... But baby it's cold outside, Hmm-mm-mm-mm-mm... Been hoping you'd drop in, Hmm-mm-mm-mm... I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice…

You slowly slid down the wall, sitting on the floor and smiling wider than you had in quite awhile, humming along at first but slowly slipping into the lyrics with practiced ease:

(My mother will start to worry) Beautiful, what’s your hurry, (My father will be pacing the floor) Listen to the fireplace roar, (So really I'd better scurry) Beautiful please don't hurry, (Well maybe just a half a drink more) Put some records on while I pour…

Getting lost in the music you imagined what it would be like for you to be singing with Bucky for real, in person. You could see it so clearly, you and Bucky, bundled up together in a nest of blankets and pillows in front of a roaring fire while snow fell outside. What I wouldn’t give… You smiled at how easily your voices fit together, your volume gradually increasing as you got more and more into the song:

(The neighbors might think) Baby it's bad out there, (Say what's in this drink) No cabs to be had out there, (I wish I knew how) Your eyes are like starlight now, (To break this spell) I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell, (I ought to say no no) Mind if I move in closer, (At least I'm going to say I tried) What's the sense of hurting my pride, (I really can't stay) Baby don't hold out, Baby it's cold outside!

Your eyes flew open and you froze, suddenly realizing that your voice was the only one singing that last line. Oh no no no no… Scrambling to your feet you held your breath, listening for any sound that might reassure you that Bucky didn’t hear you but you were only met with silence. You cursed inwardly, wringing your hands and pacing around your room. Maybe… maybe he doesn’t know it’s me? You groaned out loud. Oh who am I kidding he’s totally gonna figure it out. Okay, okay... let’s not get hysterical now, I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? You took a deep breath only to release another defeated groan. Well he could be super pissed and never speak to me again. Okay, yeah that pretty much sucks.

Completely wrapped up in your thoughts you barely registered the persistent knocking at your door, absently crossing the room to open it. “Alright, alright I’m coming! Seriously can’t a girl go through a crisis in peace…?” That last word died on your lips and was followed by what could only be described as a very undignified squeak as your eyes took in the sight of one James Buchanan Barnes, slightly out of breath and standing in your doorway. He was shirtless and wearing Jesus take the wheel only a towel wrapped around his waist, his hair still wet, wet enough that drops were randomly falling onto his very muscular and did I already mention this well let me say it again very naked chest, lazily travelling the length of his torso down past his abs to… SNAP OUT OF IT WOMAN! Quit being a perv and look at his face!

Meeting his eyes you felt the butterflies in your tummy start to churn. “B-Bucky..? Hey, um what are you--?”

“That was you, wasn’t it?” His words rushed out at you, tinged with just enough of a sense of urgency to kick those butterflies in your stomach into a frenzy.

“I, um, what do you, I-I mean what are you talking about?” Your efforts at keeping the nervousness out of your voice were failing and you couldn’t stop your fingers from fidgeting.

Bucky took a second to look down the hallway then stepped into your room, lowering his voice. “Just now?” Your attempt at a clueless face only made him roll his eyes. “Singing, in the shower? That was you, right?”

You swallowed nervously, looking away as you realized it was pointless to keep trying to deny it. You nodded slightly, your worry bleeding into your voice now. “Are.. are you mad at me? I-I haven’t told anyone I swear!”

He shook his head slightly, rubbing his hand over his face with a sigh, “Geez doll, no... I’m not mad, I’m not... I don’t know what I am…”

Now that the truth was out your word vomit just kept coming. “I just.. I love it when you sing. You sound so good and you know the words to like everything and---”

“Wait…” Bucky narrowed his eyes. “ Exactly how long have you been listening to me sing in the shower?”

You cringed but it was too late now. “Um… a few months?” Bucky just stared at you with his mouth hanging open. “I know, I know, I should have said something and now that it’s all coming out I realize I totally invaded your privacy but.. ugh what was I supposed to do? Barge over there and tell you to stop? Now that, that would be the real crime.”

Bucky rolled his eyes, “Whatever you say doll, nobody was ever supposed to hear me anyway.”

“Are you kidding? Bucky you are amazing, like super talented. Four chair turn on The Voice good, I swear!” Before you could talk yourself out of it you reached up to cup his jaw, gently turning his head so his eyes met yours. “Hey, music is obviously a part of you. I get that you’re not ready to share it with everyone and I respect that. But… I’m not gonna apologize for not saying something. I meant what I said, I love it when you sing.”

“Well.. thanks, doll.” Smiling down at you Bucky leaned in for a hug but immediately jumped back, looking you up and down as if just now realizing that both of you were barely covered. “Holy hell doll you, you’re just in a… and I’m only… I, uh..” He was getting more and more flustered by the second and it was all you could do to suppress your giggles.

“Wow... I didn’t know a blush could go that far Barnes. Eyes up here, soldier.” Bucky’s eyes shot back up to yours, wide as saucers and his body super tense like he might dart any second. “Relax Buck, it’s fine, promise. Listen, how about we both put more clothes on and you let me take you out to lunch as my way of making amends. We can even go to that diner you’ve been dying to try. Deal?”

It took him a second but to your relief he relaxed, that lopsided smile that you loved finally making an appearance. “Deal, but I’m driving.”

“So karaoke night, huh? What brought this on (Y/N)?” Natasha slid into the seat next to you as the crowd erupted in cheers for Tony’s rendition of The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go”.

“Come on, do I really need a reason to plan a night out with my friends?” You bumped Nat’s shoulder and she smiled at you over her drink. “Plus, who doesn’t love karaoke? I mean, you can’t let a little thing like total humiliation get in the way of having a good time.”

“I’m all in,” Sam shouted from across the table. “It’s been way too long since we all got together outside of a world ending event. Heck, you even got Barnes to leave the tower for once. Where is he anyway? Don’t tell me he’s skipped out early.”

Before you can answer the music for the next singer starts. Everyone’s attention is turned back toward the stage where a tall, muscular man is sitting on a stool. A curtain of hair is obscuring most of his face and a distinctive metal arm is glinting in the spotlight.

Now I've, had the time of my life, No I’ve never felt like this before. Yes I swear, it's the truth, And I owe it all to you--

“Holy sh--” Sam looks at you, then back to the stage, then back to you, his mouth trying to form words but failing.

“Pick your jaw up off the floor, birdman.” Grinning like the cat that got the cream you patted him on the cheek. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I believe that’s my cue.”

'Cause I've, had the time of my life, And I owe it all to you...

Bucky takes your hand, helping you onstage then kissing your knuckles with a wink and a smile.

I've been waiting for so long, Now I've finally found someone to stand by me.

We saw the writing on the wall, As we felt this magical fantasy.

Now with passion in our eyes, There's no way we could disguise it secretly. So we take each other's hand, 'Cause we seem to understand the urgency

Being up there with Bucky, singing your heart out, you swore you’d never been happier. And you were so glad you finally convinced him that this was the perfect way to tell everyone that you were officially together.

Just remember You're the one thing, I can't get enough of So I'll tell you something, This could be love Because I've, had the time of my life, No I never felt this way before. Yes I swear, it's the truth, and I owe it all to you…

As the song ended Bucky pulled you into his arms, kissing you breathless until the whoops and hollering from your friends and teammates had you both laughing too hard to continue. “I love you, doll,” Bucky pressed his forehead to yours, grinning from ear to ear.

“I love you too, partner,” you kissed him once more before dragging him off the stage and over to where everyone was impatiently waiting to congratulate you both.

Taggy tag tags: @dianelogan @bucky-plums-barnes @buckyywiththegoodhair @cate-lynne @avengerofyourheart @sebspocketsquare @sgtbxckybxrnes @bionic-buckyb  @plumfondler @imaginingbucky @sexonastickstan @angryschnauzer @witchymarvelspacecase @palaiasaurus64 @eyecandybarnes @promarvelfangirl @the-observant-fangirl @ballyhoobarnes @trinityjadec @kjs-s @sebbytrash @idreaminpaint @true-queen-of-mischief @buckthegrump @moondancewrites @thisisjamesbarnes @beccaanne814 @oneshot-shit