#but then i found one for mary and got so excited i had to raid the supplies

[harryspet]

his to claim | bucky barnes

[Warnings] dark!alpha!bucky barnes x omega!reader, a/b/o dynamics, werewolf au, fury!reader, monica is a fury too, sam wilson x monica, virgin!innocent!reader, hint of ddlg dynamic, noncon sex, noncon marking, soulmates au, oral sex (female recieving), kidnapping

A/N: enjoy this long (long for me at least) one-shot! 

In which you befriend a lonely Alpha.

taglist: @cherienymphe @lovelynerdytraveler @buckysbunny @hollandsdream @micki-smiles @buckybarnesplumwhore @arts-ismything​ @saharzek @what-is-your-wish @brattypeony @hermayone @buckysugar @mischiefmanaged011​ @visintaes​  @watercoolerpaint​ @disaster-rose​ @slutforsebstan

main masterlist

word count: 5.8k 

Sam knew Bucky was in one of his moods. One of his moods where he’d disappear for five days, not give a clue to where he was going, and return covered in blood. Although Bucky’s closest friend and Beta to his pack, Sam, was getting married this week, Bucky was stuck in his ways. Bucky knew that a wedding meant that another pack would be invading his land, filling the pack house with strangers, and two packs meant there would be two Alphas. Although he respected Alpha Fury, Bucky wasn’t the type to get along nicely with others, especially other Alphas. 

It was one in the morning when the white wolf passed through the tree line, the packhouse coming into view. The three-story cabin fit many of the high-ranking families and was the center of most pack activities. Meetings, gatherings, and celebrations for the Winter’s Shield pack were all held here. 

Bucky shifted, each one of his bones cracking roughly back into place as if they’d forgotten they were half-human. As he expected, there was a pair of shorts waiting for him on the porch. Nat always hated when he’d show up naked in the middle of the night. This is my house, he’d say. Save it for your mate, she’d say back. Bucky would always scoff at that. Not many Alphas make it to their thirties without a mate and Bucky was quite willing to keep his single streak going. 

The house was heated, comforting him after losing the warmth of his coat. Still, he was covered in elk blood and could use a shower along with a twelve-hour nap. He walked towards the winding stairs, only to hear rumbling in the kitchen, and deciding to investigate. He was the only night owl around here, or at least that’s what he thought. 

He could already smell that there were foreigners around and prayed this week would go by fast. Flicking on the kitchen light, he found you sitting on the island counter. You looked up from your carton of chocolate ice cream with wide eyes. He expected you to freak out at the sight of him but it seemed you were more embarrassed on your behalf rather than frightened. 

“Sorry … I was just gonna have one bowl and then that turned into two. And then  …” You emphasized the spoon that was sitting in the mostly eaten carton. Omega, his wolf said. There was a strange omega sitting on his kitchen counter in oversized pajamas and hair rollers. His eyes fell to something sitting behind her which she instantly pushed further behind her back in panic, “There’s a little left if you want some.”

“Who are you?” Bucky asked, a little more harshly than he intended. 

“Y/N,” You answered, a bit flustered, “I’m Monica’s sister … also her maid of honor. I know there isn’t usually a maid of honor in our wedding ceremonies but there’s always a maid of honor in the movies. I’m gonna throw her such a cool bachelorette party, Natasha said we could have it in the living room-”

Bucky felt suffocated by your excitement. Feeling overwhelmed by the bright lights and whatever his wolf was feeling for you, he said, “Stop,” He raised a hand, confused by your comfortableness with the situation. You talked to him, an Alpha, so casually and you didn’t seem at all frightened by his bloody appearance,  “Do you know who I am?”’

“Alpha Barnes,” You hopped down from the counter, making sure to keep whatever you were hiding behind your back, “Sam said you’d be back at some point. They made a bet on whether or not you’d get back before or after my dad left. Everyone said you’d skip the wedding.” 

Alpha Fury’s second daughter. An Omega. An annoying, little, ice-cream stealing Omega. 

“Well here I am,” Bucky stepped closer to you and was surprised when you didn’t even blink at that. An omega raised by an Alpha, you were something Bucky had never encountered, “Why are you raiding my kitchen so late at night, Omega.”

There was a flash of sadness in your eyes, “I had a nightmare … ice cream always makes me feel better. You ever get nightmares, Alpha Barnes?” Bucky’s brows furrowed. 

“No,” Bucky spoke coldy, confused about what was pulling him closer to you. 

“Nuh-uh, no way,” Bucky thought you were challenging him but there was an innocent smile on your face, “My Dad said you’ve fought in lots of battles, challenged a lot of other Alphas, you must see a lot of terrible stuff. You never even get a little bit scared?”

Bucky ignored your pressing question, the look on his face frustrated, “What’s behind your back?”

“Uhm … what’s behind yours?” You tried distracting him but Bucky knew there was nothing behind him. 

“Show me,” He commanded, knowing that Omega inside of you wouldn’t want to disobey him. 

You huffed. 

Stupid alphas, Bucky heard your voice but your lips didn’t move. 

You pulled an old, stuffed bear from behind your back, “It’s Mr. Cuddlebear …. he also helps with the nightmares,” In his eyes, you were definitely too old to have a stuffed animal but his wolf found it endearing. He hated that, “You never got scared even when you were a little? No monsters under the bed? Boogeyman in the closet?”

“It’s late,” Bucky changed the subject, “I’m sure we have a long week ahead of us. I’d take … that-”

“Mr. Cuddlebear,” You interrupted, reminding him of your teddy bear’s name. 

“Go to bed, little wolf.”

Stupid Alpha voice. 

You rolled your eyes as your feet began to move before your brain began to register, “Goodnight, Alpha Barnes,” You left the kitchen, carrying the teddy bear with you, “Sleep tight, don’t let the vampires bite.” He heard your little giggle as you climbed up the stairs. 

Bucky placed his hands on the counter, staring at the ice cream. Did he ever have nightmares? No one had ever asked him that before. 

Bucky cleaned up nice, you thought as you looked at him across the room. No one expected him to even come, let alone put on a nice suit jacket. The rehearsal dinner was loud with both Winter’s Shield and the Daystar pack mingling together for the first time. Sam seemed to be having the time of his life, your father was being much lighter than usual, and Monica was …. well, Monica. 

You were talking with a bunch of people, giving out the sugar cookies you’d made when you made eye contact with him. He drank from his glass of wine and you noticed he was standing with Sam and Monica. She was in the prettiest yellow dress and you could tell Sam was happy to find a mate so beautiful. 

You’d looked away, focusing on meeting everyone when Monica started to walk towards you. 

“Stay away from him, please,” She stepped in front of you.

“Stay away from who?”

“Alpha Barnes,” She spoke lowly. 

“He’ll be your Alpha soon, you know.”

“You don’t think I know that?”

“I already met him, Monica,” You smiled, “He was nice to me in like a weird, cold way.”

She shook her head, your words seeming to worry her more, “That’s what I’m worried about,” She grabbed your hand, leading you away to one of the tables in the corner. You had a plate of sugar cookies in your hands, some you’d made especially for the party to give out, “You have a tendency to make people like you but you don’t want him to like you, trust me. All that stuff Daddy taught us still stands, it doesn’t matter that we know him now. So just sit here, and do nothing, please.”

“But what about my cookies? I have to give them out!” You whined as she fenced you in, forcing you to sit down.

“I’ll do it,” She smiled, taking the plate from your hands, “You’ve socialized enough I think so just … relax.”

“But-” She was already walking away. You loved your sister, she was your best friend, but she was still a Beta. She had no idea what it was like to be you, surrounded by jerks who thought they were better than you. Maybe that’s why you liked talking with people so much, to prove that maybe you were more fragile than them but you weren’t invisible. Right now, you felt invisible. 

You could only watch everyone have fun without you for so long and you got out of the seat about ten minutes later. You left the large white tent, where it was much cooler, and you didn’t mind being alone as much. 

You told yourself to cheer up, trying not to frown. A week from now, you’ll be home, you’ll be on house arrest again but without Monica. You were going to savor this small vacation no matter the obstacles. 

Bucky found you outside sitting in the grass as you stared up at the moon. He got that feeling again, his wolf wanting to be closer to yours, and wished he felt differently. You looked back at him as you felt him approaching, and you heard Monica’s voice in your head telling you to stay away. 

“Did you try my cookies?” Your lips pulled into a smile that, like everything about you, confused him. 

“I didn’t … I watched Sam eat six of them though,” The tall Alpha responded, sticking his hands into his pants pocket. 

“Watching your perfect, Alpha-physique?”

Bucky actually felt the need to smile though he kept himself controlled, “Something of that nature, yes.”

“Awe, a few cookies won’t hurt,” You stood up from the ground, dusting off your dress. Bucky noticed your mary jane’s and the little butterfly clips in your curls, “Let me guess, you only prey on innocent animals.”

The Alpha smirked, “I’ll make sure to try your cookies next time, little wolf.”

“Sadly, there won’t be a next time,” You stepped past him and he followed after you, as you walked towards the tree line, “My father will probably find me a mate that lives across the country so he doesn’t have to deal with me.”

“Ah, that’s right,” Both Monica and Fury wanted to make it clear to him that you were practically claimed. You didn’t know yet but Peter Parker of the Stark pack was waiting for you. Fury was planning a quick, summer wedding, “I can’t imagine the poor fool who will have to deal with your kitchen raids and Mr. Cuddlebear.”

You grinned, “You remembered his name?” Bucky remembered and he’d been watching you ever since that late night, “I thought you might laugh at me, Monica does.”

Bucky was quiet for a long moment and, as you looked at him, it seemed that his mind was racing with thoughts, “I’ve had nightmares before,” He stated and you waited for him to elaborate. 

“What happened in them?” You prodded softly. 

Another long pause, “When was the last time you shifted?”

You figured that’s all you were going to get out of him. You thought for a moment, “I can’t even remember. Not since the winter solstice at least.”

“Let’s go on a run,” Bucky said, not waiting for you to agree. He picked up his pace, walking past the tree line and expecting you to follow. You hurried after him, your heart suddenly beginning to pound in your chest. 

“Alpha Bucky, Monica will kill me. Literally. She threw a hairdryer at me once,” You said, sounding panicked, though you got deeper and deeper into the woods, “And what about my dress?”

He turned around suddenly and you almost ran into his broad chest, “Take it off,” He ordered. Your hand instinctively reached up to the strap and you panicked, “Go behind a tree, I mean.”

“But Monica-”

“You’re an adult, right?”

You shrugged, “I try to be-”

“Then you can decide. Besides that, I’ll be Monica’s Alpha soon enough.”

You imagined her throwing a fit but you still conceded, walking to find a tree to hide behind, “It might take me a second, I think I’m a shy shifter.”

“Take your time, little wolf,” His words were more comforting than you expected. 

You stripped from your clothes behind the tree, trying not to imagine what Monica would think of you. An unmated female getting naked in the forest with an unmated male in the middle of the forest? There were all types of moral codes you had to be breaking. 

Standing in the cold, you shut your eyes tightly. Monica taught you the counting method when you were younger. You tried to tune out the rest of your thoughts, focusing on the nature around you, as you counted down from ten over and over again. It was instinct after that, the Moon Goddess taking over and unleashing your inner wolf. You didn’t feel the pain as your bones molded into their new positions and you became the second version of yourself. 

When you stepped from behind the tree, the white wolf was towering over your small, grey figure. 

His head tilted down towards you and you could already tell his wolf wanted to be more friendly with you than his human self. He smelled you, biting at your neck but you were even more playful in wolf form. You walked between his legs, confusing him, until you ran in the opposite direction. He chased after you and you didn’t expect to outrun him but you planned to give him a run for his money. 

He couldn’t sleep with you so close by. He tried going on another run to clear his head but his mind was full with you. He’d lived a long life yet this feeling in his soul was brand new. Never had Bucky desired anyone to be anything but a casual fling. His wolf wanted more than to just conquer you which was territory Bucky found hard to navigate. What would it say for his legacy if he took an Omega as his mate? How empty would he feel if he let you go tomorrow? What relationships would he throw away in order to claim you as his?

Covered in sweat, he pulled the sheets from his body, sitting up in his bed. 

Nightmare, his wolf echoed in his mind. Bucky rubbed his temples. That wasn’t a nightmare to him, he was just an overthinking mess. He was going to ignore that feeling until he sensed something was truly wrong. 

She dreams of pain and suffering.  

Go to her. 

Bucky stood up from his bed, filing out of his room, and down the long hallways of the packhouse. He pressed his ear to your door, his hand lightly touching the doorknob. He heard soft whimpers from the inside and, for a moment, he resisted you. He would turn around and try to go back to sleep. Instead, his wolf took control. 

Bucky opened the door, your whimpering continuing and you stirred although it wasn’t because of him. He closed the door gently, moving towards your bed, crossing a boundary that he was sure would be frowned upon. Your cheeks were stained with tears and you seemed to be grabbing Mr. Cuddlebear for dear life. 

He sat carefully at the edge of the bed, reaching out to touch you, “Y/N,” He whispered, trying to suppress the anger that he felt over the pain you were in. 

“No, no,” You whispered over and over again. 

“Little wolf,” He whispered again, his hand on your arm. The Alpha’s touch startled you out of your sleep and your eyes were wide with fear as you came back to consciousness. You weren’t sure why he was in your room or why your nightmares were getting so bad, “It’s just a bad dream-”

You sat up from your position and wrapped your arms around the Alpha. He seemed to freeze at your touch but you hugged him tighter for comfort. He wrapped his arms around you, his hand tentatively rubbing at your back and you heavily breathed against his chest. 

“I’m sorry, I just … you were crying.”

“I-I woke you up?”

“No,” Bucky lied, “I was just walking by and I heard you.”

“Alpha Bucky?”

“Yes?”

“Everything’s going to change tomorrow. My wolf, she senses something bad coming, and she’s scared.”

Bucky stiffened again, his wolf beginning to worry.  “Something bad? What do you mean?”

“I don’t know but the dreams are getting worse.”

“What do you see in your dreams?”

“I’m … I’m walking in his field, there’s so much sunshine and flowers a-and I’m walking towards the sun. I’m walking and walking and I’m happy and then I just start to sink into the ground. And I’m drowning and it feels like someone is holding me, pulling down further and further. I can’t breathe and there’s just this darkness a-and I-I-”

“Hey, hey,” He shushed you, sensing you were about to hyperventilate,  “It’s okay. Nothing is going to take you away. No one, do you understand?”

He felt you nodding and he grabbed you tighter, deciding he was going to hold you for as long as you needed him to. 

“I didn’t tell you because of this reason-”

The pen in Bucky’s hand snapped in half and his fists balled up tightly, “Sam, today is your wedding, I understand that but this is my territory. I decide who comes in and out of it. That’s final.”

“They’re already here-”

“Then send them away. Fury is trying to push me and this is the final straw.”

“He’s already married the first daughter off, he’s just trying to do the same with Y/N. And he knows that this is a chance for three alphas to sit down and discuss what we’re going to do about the rogue situation.”

Feeling that he was drawing blood from clenching his fist so hard, he moved them under his desk.  “I can handle problems that concern my own pack. Tony is even more arrogant than Fury, we’ll never agree.”

“You have to at least try, Alpha,” Sam sighed, “You haven’t found one woman you’d consider having little Buckys with. Maybe Stark will bring someone that will pique your interest?”

Bucky ignored him, “When Stark arrives-” Sam let out a triumphant cheer, “-Bring him and Fury to my office. I won’t need you here, I’m sure you’ll have much to prepare for this evening.”

“You won't regret this.”

Bucky followed Peter’s line of sight. There you were, standing in a beautiful periwinkle dress, waiting for your sister to walk down the aisle and join an anxious Sam. The birds were singing, a violin was being played, and everyone was collectively ready to celebrate the joyous moment. Everyone except Bucky.

Of course, Peter wanted to look at you, a beautiful creature, an unmated female, he'd be lucky to call you his mate. He was young like you, he'd be able to get all your references, keep up with your energetic ramblings, you'd get to go far away from your father and you'd be so happy. You'd forget all about Monica. You’d forget all about the week you spend in Winter’s Shield. 

The wedding went off without a hitch and Bucky watched you have the time of your life. Peter targeted you, of course, that was the entire reason was her, to woo you and it was working. You were dancing together, laughing when Peter made a silly misstep.

Bucky shooed away every Stark girl who tried to approach him, even denying a Beta, until he was standing alone in the corner. 

The festivities calmed down late into the night, you had to say goodbye to Peter, Monica was whisked away to a “private cabin” and everyone else returned to their rooms. Your father reminded you to pack your things as you’d be leaving early in the morning. 

Looking at Mr. Cuddlebear sitting on your bed, you were reminded of the events of last night. You didn’t expect so much kindness from the cold Alpha but, as Monica warned you, he seemed to like you. You still thought she was being dramatic with her warning and that she would grow to like her new Alpha. 

You never did really get to thank him and he also never tried your cookies. You had an amazing idea and late-night baking always led to amazing things. 

Bucky was pacing the length of his room when there was a knock at his door. His wolf knew instantly that it was with you like the Moon Goddess had answered his prayers. He was fighting every natural urge in his body and he planned to hide away until everyone was gone tomorrow. Now, he had no idea what he was going to do. 

When Bucky opened the door, you were standing with a plate of cookies and a glass of milk, and a kind smile on your face, “A thank you for last night,” You offered, “I figured you’d like a plain chocolate chip cookie. I’m not sure though-”

“Come in,” Bucky said quickly, closing the door behind you. You noted that he was still wearing his dress pants though he was only wearing a sleeveless undershirt at his top. Though you’d seen him shirtless before, this time felt more intimate. 

“Try one,” You insisted, “Please.”

Bucky was hesitant, his diet not usually including such human pleasures, but he was quite surprised with the first bite. You seemed nervous, expecting a good reaction which Bucky found adorable, “They’re good,” Bucky nodded, “I mean, they’re great. Here, come sit down.”

As you took a seat on the edge of the giant bed, Bucky grabbed the glass and plate from your hands, moving to set it on the nightstand, “Your room is … big.”

You grew a bit nervous as the bed dipped beside you and Bucky took a seat. You always felt his strong energy, even last night, but now it was a bit overpowering. You blamed it on the approaching full moon and tried to ignore it, “You don’t like it?”

“No, no, I like it. It’s … simple,” Bucky tried his best to register your mood. Were you nervous? That was the last feeling he expected to feel from you. You were always rambling or talking about something you were annoyingly passionate about. 

“What’s wrong?” Bucky asked, his head turned to you. 

You didn’t answer him, “What do you know about the Stark pack?”

Bucky’s hands folded together and his jaw clenched as reality set in, “I sense you know of your father’s plans.”

“I had a suspicion,” You sighed.

“And … you’re unhappy with his decision?” 

You were quiet for a moment, “What if it isn’t a good idea?”

“I’m sure … I’m sure your father wouldn’t lead you astray. The man infuriates me but he’s usually quite wise …”

“You’re right …” You said, staring back at the Alpha who seemed to be experiencing a whirlwind of emotions behind his eyes, “My nightmares, they just make me nervous for the future-”

“You could stay,” Bucky stated quickly, sure of himself. His hand touched your thigh and your eyes began to widen, “With me, I mean. And, of course, Monica would be here too.”

You swallowed the lump in your throat, “You don’t mean … I’m an Omega, Alpha Bucky.”

A thin smile pulled at his lips, “I’ve noticed that, yes. Believe me, my offer does not come from a place of ignorance. I’ve been thinking about this, I promise, and it could be good for both of us. You could stay near your sister and I could …”

It took everything in you to push away from that bed, “My Dad would be livid. Beyond livid, actually. And Peter. The treaty. It would throw everything off balance, Alpha Bucky.” He stood, his shadow draping over you as you took a hesitant step back. 

“Who needs balance if there is a connection here. My wolf feels yours, they’re drawn to each other, I know you can sense that.”

“Bucky-”

“Listen, little wolf, please,” He insisted, stepping closer, “I’ve never been sure before, not in my entire life. This, I am sure about.”

You shook your head, “Well, I am not,” Bucky’s eyes seemed to darken, “I like you and there’s a connection, yes, but as my father’s daughter, I have responsibilities. I respect him too much to go behind his back. You have to understand that.” 

“You came here tonight. That night in the forest. You didn’t know it but you called me to your room last night. What am I supposed to make of your advances-”

“Advances? I thought you were a friend-”

“Stop,” He commanded, leaving your body frigid from the power of his voice, “Don’t move.”

He took your face into his hands and you whimpered, “Bucky, I gave you the wrong impression.”

“No, you may not know it yet but this is what your wolf wants. We’re animals, underneath it all, and there’s only so much we can control our own desires,” You pushed against his chest when he smashed his lips on yours. You bit down on your bottom lip, wishing your feet would push you further away from him. When he pulled away, he was grinning, blood on his lips, “Biting, huh? I’m happy to play along with your game.”

You opened your mouth but he was too quick, “Don’t scream, little wolf. The screaming is the next part.”

His hands move to your waist, pulling you into his muscular body. He kissed you again, kissing the sides of your mouth and chin.  Your hands pulled into small fists as he held you, his touch sending foreign feelings through your body. You felt an overwhelming warmth, more than his body heat, but the warmth of the bond his own wolf felt for yours. His mouth met with your neck and that's when your lips parted and moans escaped your lips. 

“Please,” Was all you could manage. “Please stop.”

Your mouth was saying one thing but it was clear to him that you enjoyed his touch, “Don’t think of me like the bad guy, Omega. When I’m your Alpha, I won’t be like Fury. I’ll let you be who you are, you won’t be just an object to pawn off for power. You’ll be my Omega but you’ll stand beside me, not behind. You’ll be happy with me. I can take the nightmares aways, remember?”

“No, no,” You resisted, knowing deep down that he was that darkness in your dream. You were right to be scared but you hadn’t suspected that you should be scared of me, “M-My father will challenge you a-and you’ll lose any respect you once had.”

He grabbed you roughly by your chin, his forehead pressed against yours as he held your body, “I’ve never cared much for puritanical pack society … why should I care now, Omega?”

You sniffled, “Because you care about me?”

“You’re young, little wolf. I don’t expect you to fully understand but it's because I care that I have to do this. It will only hurt for a little while, okay?” He wasn’t asking for permission and as he pulled his face from yours, his eyes went black, and you were already screaming as his sharp canines protruded from his mouth. 

He pulled your head to the side, sinking his teeth into your shoulder. As you collapsed, he kept you in his arms, and you both went down to your knees. It was an indescribable pain, paralyzing, until it wasn’t. Your vision blurred as it felt like the strongest drug rushed through your body. It was not the way you imagined you’d be marked, you surely weren’t in love, and the man who’d claimed you was unhinged. 

As you slipped into the darkness, you heard someone screaming your name. You felt a little hope that you’d be saved but you couldn’t hold on longer. 

You grabbed your shoulder instantly as your eyes shot open, roughly pulling yourself from slumber. You winced, your hand running over the bandaged skin, as you realized the magnitude of the situation. Taking a moment to look around your surroundings, you found that you were somewhere that you didn’t recognize. 

It was a small, one-room cabin, the living room, kitchen and the bed you were on were all in the same room. A tear slipped down your face as you threw your legs over the side of the bed. Your legs were bare, your bridesmaid dress gone, and a large t-shirt was the only thing that you were wearing. He’d undressed you all the way and had no problem with it, probably due to the fact that he’d bonded you together for life. 

He’d even made sure to bring Mr. Cuddlebear along though you weren’t sure anything could calm you now. 

As you were about to push yourself off the bed, the cabin door opened, and a shirtless, freshly-shifted Bucky appeared. He took one look at you and his jaw clenched. 

“W-Where are we?”

“Couple miles off of my territory,” He stated, shutting the door and walking to the kitchen. As he turned his back, you got up from the bed, moving cautiously towards the fireplace which was closer to the door, “So no one can bother us.”

“My Father, where is he? How did you … without him knowing …” 

He reached into the cabinet, grabbing a glass to fill with tap water. You were eyeing the door, wondering if he was just pretending to be distracted by his task, “Oh, he knew,” Bucky chuckled, “He was livid, like you said, but he couldn’t do anything. He can’t touch you anymore now that you’re bitten. No one can.”

Your face fell, “But-” Bucky turned around and it hit you. The bite reshaped your chemistry and now any Alpha wouldn’t be able to get near you until you were fully mated. Alpha Fury wasn’t coming for you. 

But Monica-

“Monica isn’t coming either, little wolf. Remember, I’m her Alpha now too,” Bucky moved forward, the glass in hand, “You should drink, you lost a good amount of blood.”

You stepped to the side, moving away as he approached, “You knew you’d only hurt me, even when I thought you were my friend.”

His lips pressed into a thin line as he moved closer, “I know that’s how you feel now-” You climbed onto the couch and over it as he moved closer, “Y/N, come here. Now.” You eyed the door, now closer to it than he was. 

“You’re a monster.”

“Little mate, if you continue to not listen to me, I’m going to come over there, throw you over my shoulder, and tie you down to that bed for the next few days because that's just the type of mood I’m in right now.”

“I’ll never. Be. Your mate-”

 The sound of breaking glass made you jump and you watched the cup crumble in his grasp. Almost falling, you made a sprint for the door. As soon as you’d gotten it open, a hand was above you, slamming it closed. He grabbed you by the waist, pulling you back towards the bed. 

He pushed you down onto it, making sure not to put any pressure on your bite, before climbing on top of you. He pinned down your kicking legs, saying, “You’ll hurt yourself, little mate,” He tried to console you, shushing you as you began to whimper, “Please don’t fight it anymore…” But you panicked even more as he lifted your shirt. 

He gripped your thighs tightly, pulling your exposed sex to his mouth. One hand you could barely move because of the bite, the other gripped the comforter tightly, as he kissed between your thighs. Of course you’d never been touched so Bucky would be as gentle as he could manage. He also knew that your new bite would heighten every feeling he gave you and it wasn’t long before you’d be a mewling mess. 

You thought that maybe you’d gone into heat, that’s why his touch felt so good, but you were very wrong. You could only imagine what it would feel like when your body craved to be pregnant. He cooled your fire, and within thirty seconds you were already having your first orgasm. He kept his mouth on you as you rode out the pleasure, not letting you take any breaks as he began to kiss up your body, moving the shirt further and further up your body. 

He kissed over your mark which sent waves of pleasure through you, making him growl, “You’re mine, little mate,” Then he kissed your lips as you moaned against them. As he positioned himself between your legs, you knew what was coming. 

“Bucky, please. I-I’m scared.”

“It’ll hurt just for a little while,” He assured you, reaching above you to grab Mr. Cuddlebear, “Hold on to your bear, little wolf.”

You held the stuffed bear tightly against your chest as he positioned himself at your entrance. You could feel how big he was even as you tried to avoid eye contact with him. Looking away didn’t last long as he grabbed your chin, making sure he could see your face as he slid each inch inside of you. He stretched you open, taking the air from your lungs, as you tried to adjust to the feeling. 

“That’s it, I’ve got you,” He grunted, leaning down to kiss your chin. He’d slowly pull in and out of you, letting you get used to him. He kissed over your mark again, easing the pain, and turning your whimpers into moans, “Good girl, my good girl.”

“Please,” You started to wish for him to push you over the edge, to give you another orgasm, not for him to let you go. He kissed you, using his hand to rub your sensitive bulb as he pushed in and out of you, “Please, please - ah!”

Your back arched and your senses were delighted as an orgasm ripped through you. He didn’t slow, speeding up his pace, as he went back to kissing over your bite. He reached below you, pulling you further down onto his member. He was animalistic, every natural instinct in his body telling him to pleasure you until you couldn’t walk anymore and to round your belly. 

You came again, this time at the same time as him, your bodies melting together as he released within you. As he laid against you, catching his breath, you could see the setting sun shining through the window. He wasn’t anything like you feared and maybe that's why you trusted him so easily.

“You’ll be happy with me one day, I promise,” He kissed your wet cheeks. 

Part of you hoped you could trust him again because, after all, that mark was forever.

[funkwhistle]

Sunrise

Pairing: Sort of Dutch x GN!reader, sort of Micah x GN!reader

Warnings: None, not even fluff

Words: 2k

Notes: Micah and you go for a ride to Saint Denis, it’s just a bit of comfort tbh

Nothing had made you feel quite as alone as he did, even though behind the protection of canvas walls he could be the most doting partner. His constant doting on her, the fact he'd spent more time drinking with Hosea than speaking to you over the past month, it all just hurt. And you couldn't say anything, of course, he was the gang leader and whatever you had to say would be dismissed by whichever fanciful excuse he would concoct in retaliation. 'He always paid attention to you', 'People like him were always busy', all excuses he'd given you before, you didn't need to hear them again. Even if you could speak out, you'd be kicked from the camp, and with nowhere to go you'd end up selling yourself in the corner of the bar again, as you were when he rescued the first time. 

You watched them from across camp as Dutch spoke to Mary-Beth again, cracking jokes and covertly giving her a brooch he'd stolen. You couldn't bring yourself to hate her, she was too innocent to fall a victim to him, and you'd repeatedly tried to warn her. In her view, this was the fairytale she'd dreamed of, that she would be rescued by a handsome outlaw, who would woo her and they'd flee away together. And for a while, you'd hoped that would be the case with Dutch as well, but the whirlwind romance was over before it started.

Part of you wanted nothing more than to stay with the gang, bringing in money like Arthur did, but the other half of you wanted to run back to the comfort and certainty of a small-town job. Not one part of you wanted to continue like this, your only job was to sit and look pretty. Brushing your clothes down, you stood up, deciding to leave camp for a change of scenery; you'd love to visit Saint Denis, some others spoke of it as though it was magical, rumoured to be ten times the size of Emerald Ranch, where you'd grown up. But even a walk around some swamp of Shady Belle would be better than nothing, the peacefulness of being alone was something you envied. 

As you were leaving camp, you crossed paths with Micah, who was riding into camp with a satchel full of what looked like money. Micah wasn't bad, you spoke to him a lot while the pair of you would wait for Dutch. And even though he was not eloquent with his words in the way Dutch was, he still would manage to make you laugh, his sarcasm as self depreciating jokes reminding you of what you'd been like before you joined the gang. As he passed you, he made sure to flash the contents of the bag at you, winking and saying;

“See? I pay my rent,” he jabbed, knowing how you felt about your lack of job in camp. You didn't grace him with a reply, opting instead to flip him the bird. As he rode off, you heard him laugh at your reaction, going to give his take to Dutch. You continued out of camp, until you were far enough not to hear the constant noise from it, finding a tree to lean against as you watched the swamp move in the sun. The warmth from the summer had made everyone's temper's short and while it was better than the snow of Colter, you were sick of the bugs and lack of sleep. 

The sun passed through the sky as you sat there, watching an alligator lazily flick its tail on one of the islands in the centre of the swamp. If you strained your eyes, you could see the train when it had passed, but you could definitely hear it, and you yearned for nothing more than to jump on and ride into the city. Nobody had come to check on you, they were either too busy, and Dutch wouldn't care until he wanted you. So, here you sat, peacefully observing the evening as it drew in, breathing in the deliciously cool air.

“Thought I'd find ya here,” a familiar gruff voice said from behind you, shaking you from whatever you'd been thinking about. Craning your neck, you saw Micah, leaning against the same tree you were sat at the base of, smoking again. 

“What do you want? Is he looking for me?” you said, disgusted at the hope in your voice. Micah laughed at your question, dropping the cigarette on the floor and squashing it with his boot. 

“Dutch, looking for ya? That's a good one doll,” he looked down at you for a moment, before staring off in the same direction you were. Inside, you'd known the answer before he'd spoken, but for some reason unknown to you, you were still hopeful that he'd change.  

“You ever been to Saint Denis, Micah?”“Why doll? You plannin' on running away?”“I've never been, and people say it's a big place, that was all,” Regretting asking, you looked over the swamp again. Distantly, there were plumes of smoke which you could only assume was the city, although you didn't realize you were camped that close. 

“Wait here,” he said, moving away from the tree and back towards camp. You assumed he was leaving, to do something more interesting than sit with you; not like you had anything interesting to tell him anyway. Relaxing back into the tree, you wrapped your arms around yourself in a hope to keep you a little warmer. 

Micah didn't return for a while, but the sound of hooves approaching made you turn, suddenly alert, hoping it was just someone leaving camp and not some person coming for you. The hooves stopped a few feet away, the bushes too dense for you to see the mysterious rider. Anxiously, you moved to shelter behind the tree a little, wishing you had something to protect yourself a little.  “You still there darlin'?” It was Micah, thank heavens, and you poked your head out to see him, looking for you in one of the other bushes. 

“Micah,” you approached him, confused as to why he'd left earlier, but as soon as he saw you, his face lit up.

“Thought you'd left,” he said, the smile fading as his usual gruff facade returned. You shook your head, shivering a little at the cool evening wind. “I got this for ya,” 

He passed you a coat, not yours, but one you presumed was his, it smelt like him anyway. 

“Couldn't find your one without meeting Dutch. It's got a hole in the left arm though,” he said, watching you pull it on. Immediately, the chill of the wind was lessened, and you smiled gratefully at him, this coat, even with the hole, was better than any coat you'd ever owned. It was well-worn, and the tough leather was soft on your skin, and in one of the inside pockets you could feel a pack of something, most probably oil or smokes.

As you were pulling on the coat, Micah started back through the trees to where his horse was, beckoning you to follow him. Pushing through the bushes, you came to Micah's horse, Baylock, and Micah pulling on his riding gloves. 

“Get on then,” he said, jerking his head to the horse, as he pulled one of his stirrups and swung himself on. You looked up at him, confused, you'd only ever ridden a horse once, when Dutch took you from Emerald Ranch, and you didn't know why he was asking you to get on now. At your look of confusion, he offered a hand down to you, explaining;

“You wanted to go to Saint Denis?” In your mind, the last puzzle piece clicked into place, and you, albeit with a lot of scrambling, got up onto the horse behind Micah. For the first time in a while you were excited, not caring about what Dutch would have to say when you returned. You wrapped your arms around Micah, holding yourself on, as he kicked the horse into a fairly leisurely canter. 

The journey was longer than it looked, but you were comfortable on the back of Baylock, the steady rhythm of hooves on the ground providing comfort to you, and making you less nervous about riding. Micah's hands would brush against yours every few strides, as he directed the horse a different way or relaxed a little. Somehow he was a lot warmer than you were, and you found yourself resting your head on his shoulder as you went along, nearly falling asleep.

By the time you'd reached the city, the moon, and the street lights were the only source of light. Glad to have Micah's jacket, the pair of you rode through the town, your eyes boggling at the size of it. Occasionally, Micah would point out something interesting, like the tram, or an interesting looking alleyway. When you reached the stable, Micah hitched his horse outside, walking towards the docks. 

Micah stopped as he reached a tall looking building on one of the jetties, waiting for you to catch up; you were too busy taking in the bustle of the city, and the fact that even now, at night, it was busier than Emerald Ranch in daytime. Once you had reached him, he began to scale the side of the building deftly, hooking his feet into little gaps in the wood and metal cladding. 

“C'mon, don't tell me you ain't climbed a building before?” he asked once he was sat on the roof, looking down at you seriously. Sure, you used to scale the buildings in Emerald Ranch when you were younger, but that was a long time ago, and this seemed difficult now. Not wanting to disappoint him after he'd brought you this far, however, you began to climb, slower than Micah, but steadily getting higher. 

“That's it, just don't look down now,” he said as you reached the top, grabbing your arm as soon as he could to help pull you up. From here you could see much further, over Flat Iron Lake and the large ships which were docked in the harbour. Micah explained what some boats were for, and ones he didn't know he made up stupid jobs for.

The roof was corrugated, but it provided you wit some grip as you sat there, lisening to his stories. Neither of you had ever realy spoken about yourself before, and you enjoyed listening to Micah's wild tales that you weren't sure were completely truthful. But it didn't matter if they were all lies, listening to something other than Dutch's worries was welcome. And Micah seemed to be enjoying it, the fainest hint of a smile would cross his face when he remembered the events. 

“That one is perfect for raiding, they never lock the cabin. And that one looks like it goes fishing, but I nicked it before, and it had nothing on,” he smiled a little at the last statement, glancing over at you. While you were listening to him, you were looking down on the people working in the city, happy with the fact you'd seen the city everyone spoke about, even if it was dirtier than you'd imagined it to be.  

“Thanks Micah,” you said as he took a break from his stories of the place. He's just finished telling you about the time he evaded the law by running on people's roofs, and that an old woman had told him off for it.

“For what?” he asked, surprised.

“You didn't have to take me out, not like you was plannin to go out again,” 

“What else was I gonna do then doll? Sit and get hammered at the campfire again? I like this more,” he answered, pulling a can of beans from his satchel. “You hungry?” 

You nodded eagerly,  remembering you hadn't eaten since before you'd left camp yesterday. He passed you the open can, and the pair of you sat on the rooftop, you eating beans, watching the sun come up over the city. And sure, when you returned to camp, you'd have to face the repercussions of felling to the city overnight, but for now, you could push that to the back of your mind and enjoy the sunrise.

A/N: I’m not sure if I love or hate this, but here we go, it’s been in my head for quite a while. Also catch Micah being sweet for the first time, we love to see it.

[poptod]

The Breeding Kings, pt. 16

Description:

Notes: WC: 4.5k

+

The next day, you packed up and headed off on the road again. Ahk once again returned to periodically checking the map, as you had no guide except the river Euphrates and the lush greenery that bordered it. The trees and bushes allowed for a little more shade than the vacant valley did, something you made sure to appreciate, as well as the presence of drinkable water that flowed so near and readily. Yet even now you could see the river was at a relative low point––rings of water levels built up darkened sediment near the shore, and there were many visible rings descending down into the riverbed.

Only your strained breaths were audible from either of you despite the birds chirping overhead. A long night's sleep was nice, but it wasn't enough, and Ahk surmised that it would take a long while of resting till he'd be prepared to truly 'get going' again. Fortunately, he actually knew where you were going now––he found the map, pulled it out, and traced along the Euphrates down to the city of Babylon.

Ahkmen heard about Babylon in his classes, as well as from a few dinners his father hosted. He'd actually met some of the city officials, a fact he stewed over for a while, testing the bitterness of having to hide from people, and from his identity, once more.

As always, you were interested in what was to come; with what you could discover in a corner of the world you'd never been to. Ahk reminded you with a chuckle that you probably had been there before when you were first emigrating to Egypt. You responded that you didn't remember it.

"Let's see," Ahk hummed as he thought, staring at the ground attempting to remember what his teacher, Setet, taught him. "It's not actually called Babylon anymore, but the change is recent, so not everyone's been updated."

"So what is the name now?"

"Karanduniash. But it's interesting, how this came to be," he said with a grin he couldn't stop from spreading. You began to smile as well as you noted his fluster.

"Tell me about it, Aganu," you said, knowing you were allowing him to indulge in a little history.

"So... the original name was Babylon, in the Mesopotamian land at first. Then there was a King––Hammurabi, from the, uh.. Assyrian, or... no, Amorite land. Under his rule Babylon was built into a city that rivalled Nippur and eventually surpassed it in size and strength. Hammurabi was... an incredible King," he looked upwards, "and a bad man."

"I think that it is what you need, to be a good King. Not care for others," you said in a quieter tone.

"Perhaps so," he said, trying not to think about his father. "But nonetheless, under his rule, the whole of south Mesopotamia came under his rule."

"Where is the map?"

"Oh, here," he said as he pulled it from one of the side pockets, handing it to you. You jogged up the thin path to walk at his side, jostled slightly by your heavy bags as you stretched open the papyrus, displaying it for both you and him.

"So... here," you said, pointing to the southeastern land, separated from Africa by a strait.

"Yes. It's quite a lot of land, actually," he said before you rolled the map back up. "Anyway, Babylon has more recently come under rule of the Kassites. I've no idea where they're from so no need to ask. What I do know is that Babylon is still being fought over by the Kassites, Hittites, and Elamites, but all we really need to be worried about are the Elamites."

"Why? They are bad people?"

"Not inherently, but I don't trust their armies," he said, recalling several lessons about the sacking and raids of Mesopotamian cities by Elamites, and the torturous art that had come out of those tragedies.

"Ah, like Egypt," you then responded.

He wasn't sure why, but he detested your answer. Not that he could refute it very much––his father took rule over a vast amount of southern Canaan, and he didn't exactly do it politely.

"These lands have always been fought over," he said.

"It is dry and hot here," you said flatly, earning a chuckle from Ahk.

"Yes, and fertile, and beautiful. I have seen men lust over everything from women to... wine, and their cities, looking for those features," he said, carefully watching your thoughtful expression.

"I hate that," you said after a moment's silence.

"Understandable."

"I hate this world. I want to be... years and years from now, th.." you stopped for a moment, attempting to remember the word, ".. thousand! Thousand years, things will be good."

"I'd like to think that," he said, chuckling. "My father... lives in an old world. Sometimes I don't think he even knows other people aren't just empty vessels that relate to him. I think that's part of our problem, in this world. A lack of empathy."

"Many of the people we see are very kind," you said. He froze for a moment as he thought over his response.

"... I guess you're right," he said. "Maybe it's only rich people then."

You belted out a laugh, keeling over partway in a fashion that had Sephys meowing loudly at you in worry. She attempted to climb up onto your back only to fall off when you stood up straight. That only spurred you on more, till you were wheezing, and Ahk was laughing without even knowing it.

"She cares about you," he laughed as you trekked on.

"She put her claws in me!"

In the night you repeated your setup of camp, now settled into a routine that could pass by without words. You both gathered wood, and while you lit the fire, Ahk waded out into the river in hopes of finding fish. Once he caught one, you would cook it and he would set out the blankets and tarps to shelter you from any elements.

This particular evening was darker than usual, as the moon had disappeared and abandoned the stars. You gazed up, your neck kinked painfully but your eyes unable to tear away from the display spanning across the dome of the earth. Silence deafened the land with nothing but the steady, almost slow flow of the river near to you. Lightning bugs drifted about just as the stars did, but remained quiet and placid, only moving greatly when you disturbed them.

Distracted, you raised your hand upwards, waving it through a particularly large swarm of them that lazily drifted away as you moved. You giggled, catching Ahk's eye in time to see him slip in the water.

"I like this, here," you said as your hand fell into your lap.

"You want to stay here?" He asked, pulling himself out of the water with his makeshift spear in hand.

"Not for all time, you know that," you tutted.

"I do. I just want you to be closer to my home. It'll make it easier to see you."

You froze, but Ahk, involved in his fish-hunting, didn't notice your stunned silence.

"You are.. not staying with me?"

He looked up and his heart was instantly crushed by the weight of your worried brow. Freezing doom spread over him as he was overtaken with the thought, go back, go back, go back.

"Uh... well," he stuttered as he backpedalled, "I didn't... think you.. wanted me to?"

Nice cover, dumbass, he thought, bitter at his own lies. He despised lying to you, an ironic fact considering how much he always lied to you.

"Why do you think that??" You said in a voice that trembled, approaching him with the most heart-wrenching eyes he'd ever seen you bear. You took his hands and held them to your chest. "I want you near me. Always."

He stared at where your skin met, short-circuiting from your sudden earnestness. In truth he knew he needed to go back to Egypt. He longed too terribly for his home to never return, and that meant leaving you behind in wherever you decided to stay, a reality he had come to terms with after long days spent travelling. Staring into your eyes now, though, he knew abandoning you would be near impossible. Not just because his chest would ache in longing for you; you would hunt him down and beat an explanation out of him.

"Really?" He managed to choke out.

"Yes. I think you do know that," you said with a small, playful glare.

"Maybe," he mumbled.

"Get your fish, Aganu," you said, returning to the fire.

He nodded, wading back out into the river with his spear in hand. It took a little while, but by the time he caught a sizable enough fish, the fire was at a perfect point, the flames low but hotter than even bonfires. You roasted his catch slowly, once again tantalizing all three of you––you, Ahk, and the cat––back towards the fire.

You ate in silence, enjoying the crackling fire and the soft river that accompanied it. You finished first, and when you did, you cast the bones aside and reached for the wooden lute that got you through the Shamiyah desert. Soft notes joined the water and fire, matching the strange rhythm of the sizzling wood and ash. Ahk slowed his chewing to hear a little better, and eventually his food fell from his attention, which was becoming rapidly interested in you. It reflected an overall change in himself over the last several months––not that he noticed, since he thought he was always this smitten, but it was there with or without his acknowledgement.

The following day was filled with the monotonous footsteps sagging along the earth as you walked, heading towards the first signs of civilization since Mari. It was only in the day after that, and rather early in the morning, that you found the city towering above the flat landscape, Babylonian marvels of architecture jutting out into the clear sky. There were no walls surrounding the city itself, but a wall was visible surrounding what appeared to be either a palace or a temple, though you couldn't tell from your distance.

"That is Babylon?" You asked, sudden excitement speeding your gait.

"No, we haven't passed Rapiqum yet, so that must be Rapiqum," he said as he recalled a small, marked city on the map.

"Rapiqum?" You repeated. "You did not say on it."

"Not much to say. Invaded by Hammurabi a while ago and now it's part of Babylonia," he said, sighing.

As you got closer, the river got wider, and you both soon realized that Rapiqum was on the eastern bank––not the western, which was where you had been walking for the past couple days. You let out a long, exasperated sigh, your shoulders slouching as you paused in the middle of your step.

"How do we get it with this river?" You asked in a whine.

"... carefully?" He tried hesitantly, earning a small slap on his shoulder.

"We can not get boat in Rapiqum if we do not get boat to get TO Rapiqum," you said slowly, spinning around in slow circles as you searched for any huts or buildings on your side of the river.

"No shit," he muttered beneath his breath. "We can try and go back to a narrower part of the river and wade across."

"The water is too – too high," you said, motioning with your hand that the water level would come up to your chest.

"Right. Or, we could try and build a raft out of reeds and such," he suggested.

"We need more than what is here," you said, and you were also right on that, as there was only a small grove of reed plants in an outlet of the river.

Both of you stood for a moment, scratching your heads and tapping your chins in hopes of generating a better idea. There were few resources, most of them already culled by the nearby city's inhabitants, and most of them likely struggling from the apparent drought.

"Shit. I have an idea," he said, interrupting the silence. You looked up from staring at the ground.

"What is it?" You asked.

An hour and lots of reorganizing of your bags later, you were seated upon his shoulders, carrying one of your packs with Sephys inside. Her claws dug into your shoulder but you dare not move, too frightened of causing Ahk to slip in the water. It would do you no good to be bruised and for all of your belongings to be soaking wet. Even more precarious were the rocks he crossed––muddy, slippery, or overgrown with slick algae. The rocks shuffled around with the gentle current, so Ahk had to avoid tripping over those as well.

"Is this real as a good idea?" You asked, your voice wavering when he stumbled partway.

"I never said it was good, I just said it was an idea," he chuckled nervously.

Despite the rocks, the tide, and their waged war against Ahk's balance, he managed to get you to the other side and bowed his head to let you off. You nearly fell onto the ground, but you picked yourself up quickly as Sephys ran off.

"You are okay?" You asked, kneeling down as the shoreline was much higher than the water itself.

"Yes, I'm alright," he said with a dismissive hand. "Just need to get the other bags now."

He sighed, allowing himself a second's peaceful rest before he straightened again.

"Go Ahk!" You cheered him on, bringing a momentary laugh to him.

Three trips later and both of you were sitting on the dry, eastern bank, your legs held to your chest and Ahk's dangling so his toes just barely skimmed the water. He was still breathing heavily, surrounded by the bags he hauled across the river. Sweat formed on his brow, just enough of a sheen to cool him down in the noon sunshine beating down upon the land. He lay back, his hands behind his head, and his eyes closed in blissful rest.

Winds blew that carried the scent of flowers, twisting into and playing with the unruly curls upon his head. His hair hadn't grown an extraordinary amount, but it was certainly visible in matted, overgrown locks. Oh, well––just another piece of memory to connect to the blisters on his hands and feet.

"I am hungry," you stated, turning from the river to him. "We can go to the city now?"

"Alright," he said, but he didn't move. You waited for a minute before tiring of his game.

"Aganu!"

You kicked him in the shin––more of a push, really––and he let out an undignified yelp, scrambling to sit up.

"You are so mean," he gasped.

"Come, come," you said with a grin, tugging at his ankles.

He tried to shake his way out of your grasp, laughing when you pulled at him, crawling in between his legs and setting yourself on his hips, trapping him against the ground. It was then he halted his struggle, breath growing suddenly short as you smiled wickedly above him.

You fake-punched his chest, lightly pounding your fists onto either of his pecs.

"Get up, get up, get up," you said, and he shook his head against the grass.

"This is your method of getting me up? By pinning me to the ground?" He chuckled, turning away as he was unable to meet your eye any longer.

"You are a strong man," you said, still rapping your knuckles on his chest. "You can get up with me."

"Can I?"

He sat up, almost bonking his nose with yours in an act that burst both of you into giggles. Giddiness swarmed all round his head, blurring his racing heartbeat and the heat in his face.

"You are getting up now?" You asked when you both calmed down.

"If you get off me," he said.

You promptly did so, and the two of you threw your packs back over your shoulders, and marched off towards Rapiqum.

Since you had to go upstream in order to cross the river, you now had a good length of time before you would make it to the city. It was still visible in the flat, barren lands, acting as a beacon of hospitality the likes of which you hadn't seen since departing Jericho. Although, now it seemed less grand to you than it would've had you come out of the desert straight to see Rapiqum. You had water, you had a decent amount of food in your stomach, and neither of you had any outlying wounds.

"Now, we're in Babylonia, don't forget. Don't be surprised by the amount of people you see, and especially if they're racist," he noted, growing a little quieter as you reached the outskirts of the city, where the first distant homes were set up alongside soldier's barracks.

"Racist?" You repeated with a confused look.

"It's... confusing, but no one really likes each other. Babylonians don't like the Hittites, Kassites don't really like the Hittites, the Hittites hate the Babylonians, and.. you know. Everyone," he rambled on with vague hand gestures.

"And.. what do they think in Egyptians?" You asked slowly.

"I can't imagine they like us much either. I mean – me. I don't think they'd like me if they found out my ethnicity. Or you. Good thing we're wearing desert clothes," he said, looking you up in down in the scraps of cloth you wore to protect yourself from the heat and the sand. He was in a similar state.

"Yes," you said, but the look of worry remained, and didn't cease for a long while.

Streets formed in the rocky earth, leading into the city in convoluted pathways that whirled around homes and businesses. You and Ahk soon found yourselves amidst crowds that lined every street, most everyone standing as though they were in line––and, as you came to find out, they were.

Glancing to each other with questioning faces, you silently agreed to follow to wherever the people were lining up from, which led you first to the wall that encircled the largest building in the city. It must've been a temple that actually accepted the prayers of the commonfolk, or a palace home in which an overseer ruled the city from. The only gate in the wall was guarded by tall soldiers, beside whom stood a smaller man, bent over a large book enclosed with leather pages. He was muttering a recitation to the crowd piled into the gate opening.

"Come along," Ahk whispered, helping you pass in front of him with a hand on your back. He stared for a second longer before he followed after you.

The other side of the city was entirely empty. A couple stray dogs wandered around the abandoned streets, upon which empty carts and half-rotten bits of food lay on the sides, forgotten and left to rot. Several of the houses had sizable crates leaned against the other walls, most likely used by someone without a home.

Your pace slowed till you walked slowly down the streets, pressed into each other as your eyes flickered back and forth at the ruin. Ahkmen had never seen a city so quiet, and it struck a nerve in him, causing him to wring his hands.

Inside, some of the structures had bits of furniture and food––mostly dried fruits, some nuts, and every now and then part of a loaf of bread. You and Ahkmen both lit up at the sign of bread, but neither of you indulged. Something wasn't quite right, and there was some sort of answer within the long line of people streaming into the walled fortress. Ahk earned your confirmation before he set off back towards the other side of the city, your hand in his, and concentrated eyes searching the tops of roofs he passed.

When he found a building tall enough, he climbed the rungs of the shabby, wooden ladder, helping you up before he headed for the next ladder leading to the next highest roof. Long, wooden poles built into the building's roof aided in getting him up, and soon the both of you were peering over the encircling wall.

From your spot you could see the entrance from the other side, where the back of the scribe still recited verses to the citizens who watched on with blank, tired faces. The group in front of the listeners was walking forward, entering the large building where you could no longer see them.

"Should we try and get into the temple?" Ahk asked, gnawing on his bottom lip.

"It is if we want to know what is going here, or if we want to take their food and go," you said, turning your head from the walls to him.

"Yeah," he sighed. He waited a moment before he said, "do you want to know?"

You nodded almost sheepishly. A slow grin spread across his face and he chuckled, nodding as he moved from his knees to his feet.

"Very well then," he said, pulling you up, "let's get ourselves in, shall we?"

He gestured to the ladders and you giddily jumped your way down, landing on solid ground far faster than Ahkmen did. You both hurried over to the line, where you were promptly told by both guards and citizens that you had to go to the back, with no exceptions. Shrugging, you decided the wait couldn't be too bad, and two hours later, you were finally in the next group.

The sun had nearly set by then, and you could swear the bags on your shoulders were bruising you with their weight. You stepped towards the guards, preparing yourselves for the long spiel (that was apparently necessary), before the guards asked you a question that Ahkmen didn't quite hear correctly.

"I said, what sector do you live in," he said when Ahk asked him to repeat himself.

There was only one problem, Ahk realized, standing between him and understanding the guard. Ahkmen didn't speak the language the man was using.

"Uh..." Ahk cast a terrified glance to you, hoping that your tongue would work better than his numb one could. The guards were huge. He could hide him and his bags in one of their shadows.

"Um.. sector... 1..?" You tried, attempting your best at a casual expression that looked more like you were in immense pain.

"... you live in the temple?" The guard asked, raising a single brow.

Since when do they know Akkadian? Ahk thought, fear dripping like ice down his spine.

"Yes, we.. are here for cleaning," you said.

"Ah," the guard said, recognition in his eyes. "Go around the back. That's where the kitchens are."

You bowed and offered a small thanks, though you only half understood what he last said. While you might've known a passable amount of Akkadian to get by, you were by no means fluent, and had a hard time understanding people. Your heart thumped painfully in its' cavity as you wandered into the walled temple, scurrying around to the back like you weren't supposed to be there.

Well, technically you weren't supposed to be there, but you were assured that if they did put you to cleaning, you'd be able to get done whatever needed to be done. Ahkmen on the other hand was less confident in himself, and paled sickly when you came to the small door leading into the plain, sandstone temple, where remnants of paint coated the walls, bleached by the sun.

The inside was dark––dark enough that cleaners weren't especially necessary, since you could barely see the floor, much less the tiny specks of dirt and sand trailed in by visitors. Tall, thin poles led up to platforms that burnt tiny fires that illuminated, above all else, the ceiling, and the ornate paintings of the night sky that had yet to fade. Ahkmen stared up in awe, having to tear himself away when you moved quickly on. Rapiqum wasn't noted on most maps––it was a relatively small town, so the massive temple grew to greater suspicion in Ahk's mind, and he payed closer attention to the minute details he could see in the dim lighting.

Most of the paintings, while intricate, were shoddily made with lines that were almost never kept straight. It seemed more to be the work of a single man over many, many years, rather than the collective artworks a government could scrounge from its' more artistic citizens. The complicated halls which led to dead ends, small empty rooms, and occasionally right ways, eventually brought you to the center room where people from outside were filing in and out at an even pace.

While the hallways were lit by torches or bits of burning incense, this cathedral was lit by the light of sunset streaming through high-up windows. Beams of yellow and orange light streamed in, reflecting on the dust and smoke crowding the air, swirling round the rising curls of incense smoke.

You and Ahk hid behind the archway, watching someone obscured from view speaking to the citizens. His voice was low and frail, scratching against Ahk's ear as he rambled on in a similar fashion that the scribe at the gate did. The next group of people watched him in silence, and at the end of the long spiel––of course in Akkadian, which neither of you knew well enough to translate––the people formed another line that led up to the man. One by one they earned something and eagerly left, looking human for the first time. The old man must be handing something out, but from your nearby angle, you couldn't even see his face.

Ahkmen silently motioned for you to follow him. You did so, and he led you through the hallways encircling the center of the temple. Even the slowest drawn breaths sounded in echoes around you, an effect that left the old man's voice reverberating like ripples in water, repeating after itself in canon.

His face was slowly revealed the nearer you got to the temple's entrance, exposing first his raised hands, moving to a book not all unlike the one the scribe at the gates had, and eventually the the ashen face of an elder who looked already past death. Without even thinking, Ahk shot his hand up to cover your mouth when you began to breathe too heavily in the overwhelming shadows of the arches. He then pulled the both of you away from the arches, pressing your back against the furthest wall absorbed entirely in the dark.

Swallowing through a tight throat, he pressed his chest to yours, allowing his face to slot next to yours. He felt your breath catch, and felt how it released with nothing more than a warm shhh in your ear.

"What is he giving them," he whispered, barely audible even in his own head.

"Bowls... from a well," you breathed out. "Water."

His brow furrowed.

Water?

[hoodharlow]

Stand There and Look Pretty.

AN: The idea for this came at 1 am when I sent Idalis a thirsty message about Ash and nipple piercings lmao. This is unedited, so it’s trash. Anyways happy birthday Luke!

Summary:Just some good old fake date to show your ex, that everything’s a-okay! Some pining and feelings being shared. 

Warnings: smut lol

Word Count: 2.4k words

Aaliyah beamed, looking at her reflection in the mirror. She hadn’t been sure about the bridesmaid dress when Kira showed her a picture of it, but now that she was wearing it, she loved it. It had poppy red tulle layers and long sleeves. She ran her hand over the skirt of the dress. 

‘Holy shit, it has pockets!’ she thought to herself. She stuffed her hands in the pockets and twirled around in the room.

"You look beautiful, Aaliyah." Luke's voice startled her, stopping her mid twirl. Her eyes landed on Luke,  making her cheeks warm up.

She met Luke when she was interning for Ryan Tedder a few years back. They became best of friends after spending the whole night at the studio working on a song. Even though the song didn’t end up in 5SOS’s album, it was one of Luke’s favorite songs he’s ever written.

She had invited him to her cousin’s wedding. In hopes to avoid getting questioned by all her nosy aunts about when she was going to settle down and start popping out kids. 

Plus, her ex, Josh, was cousins with her cousin’s fiance and was part of the wedding party. She had to show him up because Josh had broken up with her the evening of the engagement party. That night she drove straight to Luke’s and cuddled with Petunia while she ranted about how Josh was a shady asshole.

Luke had been ecstatic when she invited him to her cousin's wedding. He was hoping it was a sign that she had feelings for him, but  his thoughts were soon thrown to the trash when she explained that she needed to show Josh that she didn’t need him. That she was all good now that she wasn't with him. 

At the time, Luke had feelings for her ever since they wrote that song together, but he didn't make a move because she was seeing Josh. When they broke up, he gave her space to get better. 

Luke was pretty sure he was in love with her. She's kind, intelligent, selfless, down to earth and an all around good person. Luke adored the way she was able to put all her vulnerabilities on paper and use all that pain and agony to make beautiful songs. He loved that she was always up for anything. Hiking at six in the morning followed by endless chicken and waffles as a reward? Sign her up. A chill night watching cringey lifetime channel movies? She's down.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Aaliyah asked him. She caught him staring at her through the vanity mirror.

"What? I can't stare at the most beautiful girl in the room?" He asked. His tone was light and flirty. 

"I'm the only girl here, you goof." Aaliyah giggled. She was used to his random flirting. Though he'd do it when a random girl would approach him at the club and wouldn't leave him alone. Aaliyah would come to the rescue and then they'd leave to go watch a movie at his place.

"Still true though." He smirked.

Before Aaliyah could make a sassy remark, frantic knocks came from their room. "Aaliyah! This is an emergency!"

***

"You don't have to do this. I'm sure they can find someone else to take that guy's place," Aaliyah said as she fixed the boutonniere on Luke's tux jacket. One of the groomsmen partied too hard at the bachelor party and was so hungover he couldn't move. The wedding planner, one of her other cousins, asked Luke if he could take his place so there'd be an even number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Luke kindly accepted. 

"It's fine, not the first wedding I've been part of. Remember my brother’s?" Luke said proudly. He fixed the red silk button up. 

"That was a shitshow. Cal wasn't paying attention and ended up at the wrong reception hall." She laughed. She was the one that found him nodding and looking confused as he talked to an elderly man at the buffet. She waved him over and brought him back to Jack wedding just in time for Luke to make his speech.

"That's beside the point. I know what I'm doing. All I have to do is walk and stand there looking pretty."

"But not too pretty, the bride is there too."

They both laughed. Aaliyah took another sip of her champagne and surveyed the hallway. Josh was coming down the stairs with the groom. His eyes zoned in on her. There was an indescribable gleam in his eyes that made her nervous. 

On queue a doe eyed redhead attached herself to him, and they made their way to Luke and Aaliyah. 

Luke had noticed him coming over  from the window's reflection since he had his back to them. He leaned forward to Aaliyah. "Show time." He whispered. He cupped her chin and pulled her lips to his. 

Aaliyah hesitated for two seconds, but then she melted on to him. She anchored herself with his jacket and kissed him back. A soft cough called for their attention. Luke pulled away, much to Aaliyah's dismay. 

"Oh my god! You're Luke Hemmings! I just love your music. Big fan. I can―Hey, that hurt!" The woman turned to look at Josh. She rubbed her arm where he had, not to discreetly, nudged her.

"Josh, hey!" Aaliyah greeted them. Luke draped his arm over her shoulders. Even in her heels, Luke had two or three inches on her. 

"Hey, Alley-Oop."  It was a stupid nickname he gave her and used when he wanted to annoy her. "This is Ginger, my fiancé, and the mother of my child." He placed a hand over her abdomen.

Aaliyah's stomach sank. In the three years they were dating, he had been very adamant about not having kids. Even at the beginning of their relationship, right off the bat, he said he didn't want any kids. He always gave her a million and one reasons why, and she just ran with them, so she wouldn't disappoint him.

"Congrats, children are always a blessing." Luke said. He glanced over to Aaliyah and then back at Josh and Ginger. "We're going to greet Jacob and Marie before the ceremony. Excuse us."

Luke gently nudged Aaliyah and guided her to her parents. He intertwined his fingers with hers, giving them a gentle squeeze before he leaned down to kiss her knuckles.

They sneaked in the reception hall and went straight to the bar.

"My parents aren't here." Aaliyah pointed out.

"You're right, but my good friend Don Julio is." He joked. He waved down the bartender and ordered two shots of tequila.

"Why'd you kiss me?" Aaliyah asked. "That wasn't necessary."

***

After the ceremony and everything in between, It was finally the reception. 

Luke made faces at Aaliyah's niece, Nina. She scrunched up her face and stuck her tongue out at him. He laughed and crossed his eyes earning a giggle from her. All while Aaliyah chatted  with her family. They sat with her parents and siblings. 

"Luke?" Marie called him. Aaliyah knocked her knuckle against the back of his hand. 

"Sorry, what was the question?" He asked. His cheeks reddened in embarrassment.

"We were discussing thanksgiving. Are you joining us again this year?" She asked him.  For the past few years, when he's not touring, he would spend Thanksgiving with Aaliyah's family.

"Not sure yet. I'm working out some things." He smiled and went back to making faces at Nina.

Aaliyah's heart warmed at the sight. She turned back to Josh. He was walking around showing off his fiance's pregnancy. She sighed and began picking at her food. 

She smiled as Luke raced Nina into eating all her greens before raiding the dessert bar. She cheered excitedly and stuck her tongue out.

"I win!" She beamed.

"Well, I was too busy enjoying my broccoli. I love broccoli." Luke said. He crossed his arms to accentuate his point.

"Mommy, can I get brownies now?" Nina turned to look at her mom.

"Fine," Aaliyah's sister turned to Luke. "Make sure she doesn't get too many sweets. She'll crash from the sugar overload."

"Of course." He nodded. He stood up and Nina raised her arms so he could carry her.

Aaliyah watched him place Nina on his shoulders as they made their way to the dessert bar. Her niece squealed in excitement when he pretended to fall backwards.

"He's a good guy." Her father said quietly to Aaliyah. "I hope you both realize the feelings you have for each other."

She choked into her champagne flute. "What?"

"I know you're both pretending and all, but it's obvious you both have feelings for each other."

"Dad, we're just friends. He's doing me a solid and―"

"Please," He laughed. "I bet you two months of your rent that he's going to bring you a slice of cheesecake or one of those mini tart thingies. Why? Because he knows you like them."

She scoffed and rolled her eyes at him. She took a sip from her drink and spotted Luke and Nina coming back. There was a slice of cheesecake in his hand.

"I know you like cheesecake, so I got you a slice." Luke said. He sat down and pulled out a bunch of candies from his pockets. Nina had her little purse out and filled it with the candies.

"Oi! Get your own." Luke told her. His giant hand claimed the candy, but Nina laid on top of it and rounded up the candy.

Jacob gave Aaliyah a knowing look before leaning over to Marie and asking her to dance. Aaliyah sighed and went for another drink. She sat back on a stool and nursed her drink. Soon she sensed someone come up next to her. 

"Ginger ale and scotch." Josh told the bartender. He turned to Aaliyah and smiled. "Hey."

"Hi," She nodded. 

"I'm glad you and Luke are finally together." He said.

"Hm?" she looked up at him. "What do you mean 'finally'?" She finger quoted.

"Alley-oop, you had to be blind to how you both look at each other. You never looked at me like that." He thanked the bartender and sipped his scotch. He nodded to the dance floor where Luke was dancing with her niece. "He fits in with your family. He's a good guy. Take it from a guy who thought he was going to marry you."

He patted her hand and walked away. Aaliyah sighed in defeat. Her brain was spinning with a million thoughts, and they all involved Luke.

***

Aaliyah held her heels as she walked barefoot back to her suite. Luke had gone with her sister because Nina had fallen asleep in his arms. Once in her room, she struggled with the zipper of her dress. It was the kind that had a hook on top of the actual zipper. Annoyed, she sat back on the bed and waited for Luke. 

He came in shortly after and went straight to the bathroom. Aaliyah got up and tiptoed there. She knocked softly and waited for him. 

He opened the door, revealing himself without a shirt on.

"Could you unzip my dress?" She asked him.

“Yeah,” He motioned her in front of the mirror. He quickly unhooked the hook and slowly dragged the zipper down. “All set.”

“Thanks.” She wrapped her hands around herself to hold the dress up. She shuffled her weight from one foot to the other, figuring out what to tell him. “I’m sorry for you… for reacting like . In all honesty I wouldn’t mind you kissing me again. I was just stunned and upset that Josh is having a kid. More so because I want to have kids on my own and have a family―And yeah.”

“You want me to kiss you again?” He smiled.

“Is that all you got from that?”

“Kinda stopped paying attention after. What was that about wanting to have kids with me?” He quirked.

“That’s not what I said at all.” She laughed.

Luke took a step forward and pulled her to him. The kiss was urgent and full of passion. He pushed her against the bathroom sink and pulled down the dress. He hoisted her up and carried her to their bed. Foreplay was out the window. They just wanted to be with each other.

Aaliyah sat up and fumbled with the belt buckle of Luke's pants. Luke pushed her off. Before she could protest. He dropped his pants and got back in bed. She climbed back onto his lap and pushed her panties to the side. Luke coated himself with her arousal before entering her. A satisfied moans escaped their lips.

Aaliyah sat like this for a bit, enjoying just having him inside her. She slowly rolled her hips back and forth. She pulled him closer her. She grabbed his face a pulled him to her lips. 

"Fuck, Al." He grunted against her lips.

She greedily rode at a slow, tortuous pace. Luke slid his hand inside her panties and roughly gripped her ass. He guided her along his length, loving how well she took him. He bucked his hips into her, meeting her thrusts. She let out a loud moan. Luke captured her lips, muffling her.

They both sped up their movements, wanting to get the other off. 

“Luke!” she moaned out, her orgasm catching her off guard. She rode him through her orgasm.

He let go of her ass and pushed her down on the bed. He slid back into her and took her in slow deep thrusts. He desperately rubbed her clit, egging her on as his thrusts sped up. Aaliyah pulled away from his lips and bit his shoulder as he brought her to another orgasm.

“I love you.” Aaliyah panted.

“I love you, too.” He said.

***

Six Months Later

“What do you mean you now want mac and cheese from Panera? I already picked up your noodles and satay.” Luke said to the phone feature of his car. He was parking his car in their driveway. 

“It’s the baby that wants them, not me.” She said through the phone. “Did you at least get the ice cream?”

He glanced down at the triple chocolate fudge brownie and the banana peanut butter chip ice cream pints. “Of course.”

“Okay.”

He grabbed her food and ice cream and went inside their house. Petunia lifted her head off Aaliyah’s growing stomach and when she saw it was Luke, she laid back. He stored the ice cream in the freezer and grabbed some plates for them. He set the food on the coffee table and fixed their plates. He gave Petunia a piece of chicken off his pad see-ew. 

Aaliyah bent down and reached for his boba tea and sipped it.

 “Oi!” Luke said when he caught her. 

“I wanted some.” she said softly. She leaned down and kissed him.

“You’re so spoiled.” He laughed, shaking his head.

“Blame my baby daddy.”  

.

Taglist: @youngbloodsos  @littledrummeraussie  @calumscalm @cherryxwildflower @sunshinebabycal @myloverboyash

@idontneedanyone @findingliam-o @sos-empty-wallets @sexgodashton @calumhoodaf @5-secondsofcolor @spicycal @rebelwith0utacause​ @akafeliznavidaddy​ @calumance​ 

[the-homicidediaries]

Mary Bell

The Tyneside Strangler

TW: child death, sexual abuse, genital mutilation

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Hello! So I’m back with another horrible story because people keep asking for them.

SO HERE WE GO

This is the story of Mary Bell, who is one of only a handful of the youngest murderers.. EVER.

Mary Bell was born to a 16 year old prostitute named Betty in Newcastle upon Tyne, England in May of 1957. (Yeah, this didn’t happen that long ago. Horrifying.)

Now, no one is entirely sure who Mary’s father is, but Betty made it very clear she wanted nothing to do with Mary from the very beginning, telling doctors, “Get that thing away from me.”

And the best thing the doctors could come up with was to continue to let Mary live with her mother.

Perfect. What could go wrong?

Well, a lot.

Things got way worse. Betty was away a lot in Glasgow for her “business trips”. When she wasn’t away, she subjected Mary to physical and mental abuse.

Betty’s sister testified that she once saw Betty try to give Mary away to a local woman who was unsuccessful in her adoption journey.

Betty’s sister also noted that Mary was very “accident prone”; i.e. “falling” down the stairs and “accidentally” overdosing sleeping pills.

After Mary’s “fall”, it was reported that Mary suffered horrible brain damage in her pre-frontal cortex, the part of the brain that deals with decision-making and voluntary movements.

(Richard Ramirez, John Wayne Gacy, Fred West, David Berkowitz, Ed Gein, Albert Fish, and several other serial killers also suffered brain injuries as they were growing up.)

(I want to mention here there is a bit of a debate amongst experts whether to Betty wanted to get rid of Mary because she wasn’t fit to be a mother OR Betty had Munchausen by Proxy, which should all know is my favorite mental illness. 😬

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) is a mental health problem in which a caregiver makes up or causes an illness or injury in a person under his or her care, such as a child, an elderly adult, or a person who has a disability. The most famous case was Clauddinea “Dee Dee” Blancharde abusing her daughter Gypsy Rose Blancharde.)

Back to Mary.

According to family members, Betty began prostituting Mary out by the time she was four years old. (That’s hideous. That’s a year younger than Shiloh, my baby baby. I hope it isn’t true.)

I also read that by the time Mary was five, she had already had a brush with death, watching her five year old friend being run over and killed by a bus.

By the time Mary was ten, she was quiet, manipulative, and isolated herself from everyone.

In May 11, 1968, just weeks before her first murder, Mary was playing with a three year old neighbor when he was horribly injured from a fall at the top of an air raid shelter.

His parents deemed it an accident.

After this, though, a few of the neighborhood mothers came forward to the police and said Mary had tried to choke their young daughters. No charges were filed, however.

On May 25, 1968, one day before Mary Bell turned 11 years old, Mary strangled four year old Martin Brown in an abandoned house. Mary fled the scene and returned back to the body with her friend Norma Bell, (no relation), but found they had been beaten by two local boys who had been playing in the abandoned house and stumbled upon the body.

Police were baffled by what they saw. Besides a little blood and saliva on Martin’s face, there were no obvious signs of violence. There was, however, an empty bottle of painkillers on the floor near the body. This led police to believe Martin had swallowed the pain pills and his death was deemed an accident.

Mary might have gotten away with this had she not gone to Martin’s family’s house and asked his mother to see Martin. She explained to Mary that Martin was dead, and Mary said she knew, she wanted to see the dead body in the coffin.

Martin’s mother slammed the door in her face.

Shortly after, Mary and her friend Norma broke into a nursery school and vandalized it with notes taking responsibility for Martin Brown’s death and promising to kill again. Police assumed the notes were a morbid prank.

The nursery school installed an alarm system shortly after and Mary and Norma were caught at the scene of the crime but were later seen as loitering and let off the hook.

Just.. YA KNOW!? All the signs are pointing to this girl.

Mary even told her classmates she had murdered Martin Brown.

It’s aggravating as hell.

BUT I DIGRESS

On June 31, 1968, Mary Bell, now 11, strangled three year old Brian Howe to death in the same area where she strangled Martin Brown.

She later went back to the body and carved an ‘M’ onto Brian’s chest with a razor and mutilated his thighs and penis with a pair of scissors.

In a sickening twist, Mary and Norma offered to help Brian’s sister look for him when his family realized he was missing. Mary even pointed out the cinder blocks where his body was, but since Norma said it wouldn’t be there, Brian’s sister dismissed it and looked elsewhere.

Y’all. I cannot.

When the coroner’s report came back on Brian, police were shocked to find the ‘M’ carved onto his chest and the coroner reporting this death was most likely caused by a child due to the lack of force used during the attack.

MORTIFYING

Mary and Norma were not conspicuous at all; they were interviewed by the police and excited to learn new news pertaining to the case.

Mary was spotted lurking outside of Brian’s house the day of his burial. She was laughing and rubbing her hands together when she saw the coffin.

The police called Mary in to be interviewed a second time and Mary made up a story about an eight year old boy she had seen hit Brian, (police knew she and Norma had seen him the day he died), in the head and that he had a pair of broken scissors with him.

The 👏🏼 police 👏🏼 hadn’t 👏🏼 disclosed 👏🏼 anything 👏🏼 publicly 👏🏼 about 👏🏼 the 👏🏼 scissors. 👏🏼

This is where Mary done goofed. Only investigators and the murderer would have known about this clue.

Upon further questioning, Mary and Norma broke down and began blaming each other for the murders.

During the trial, which took place in December, the jury agreed that Mary had committed the murders.

Did she receive a murder charge, you may ask?

Absolutely not.

While the jury did find Mary Bell guilty, a manslaughter charge was given because Mary’s lawyer and the court psychiatrists argued Mary suffered from psychopathy, and the court agreed she was not fully responsible of her actions.

😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐

Norma Bell, however, was regarded as an unwilling accomplice and was acquitted.

Let’s look at the difference between manslaughter and murder charges and why this is so important.

man·slaugh·ter

/ˈmanˌslôdər/

noun

1. the crime of killing a human being without malice aforethought, or otherwise in circumstances not amounting to murder.

mur·der

/ˈmərdər/

noun

1. the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.

I obviously haven’t gone to law school, but I would argue that the little neighbor boy’s “accidental fall” and the mothers coming forward about Mary choking their young daughters could be viewed as premeditated. She was trying to kill them, she just managed to kill two little boys instead.

Yes she had a brain injury, but giving her a manslaughter charge is offensive to me. Offensive for the families who lost their sons. If she has a brain injury and there were several cases documented where she was hurting other children, she should have been locked away forever. Just my opinion. I agree with medication and therapy, but anyone could relapse at any time and I don’t think that’s a risk anyone should take. Again, just my unprofessional as h*ck opinion.

(Ed Kemper went to a mental institute and tricked and lied his way into letting the psychiatrists let him leave after he had killed both of his grandparents at just 15 years old. They assumed he was rehabilitated; he just learned the right answers to their questions. He later killed eight more people, including his mother.

Just an example.)

(Another example, they medicated Richard Kuklinski after he was arrested and did not feel the need to release him even though he showed signs of improvement.)

Moving on.

The judge concluded that Mary was a dangerous person and a serious threat to other children. She was sentenced to be imprisoned “at Her Majesty’s pleasure,” a British term that basically means the powers that be would release her when they felt she had been properly rehabilitated.

Apparently, they were very impressed with Mary’s treatment and rehabilitation and felt like it was appropriate to let Mary Bell out in 1980, T W E L V E Y E A R S after Mary committed these murders.

She was put in very strict probation but was able to live amongst her community as a normal person.

The cherry on top?

Mary Bell was given a new identity to offer her a new chance at life and to be able to avoid the press.

She had to move several times because the press kept tracking her down, however.

Today, Mary Bell and her daughter are in protective custody at a secret address no one knows.

Norma Bell passed away in 1989.

Do I feel Mary Bell needs court ordered protection and should be able to hide her identity? No.

Do I think they released her far too early? Yes

Do I think Martin Brown and Brian Howe got justice? No.

Does this story anger me even though I’ve heard it and read about it fifteen million times? Yes.

Her mother should be responsible. She should be responsible instead of hiding. The victim’s families deserve better.

Below are pictures of Mary Bell aged 11, Martin Brown, Brian Howe, and Mary Bell aged 51.

[romaniassexdungeon]

Shattered Romanticism of a God - chapter 13

Pairings: SuFin, NedDen

Warnings: swearing,

Wow, six months without uploading, I update twice in one day.

Read on AO3

...

Tino was going to destroy everyone he loved and held dear and spit on their graves, for they meant nothing to him that day. He was going to laugh as they fell, one by one, to his superior sniper skills. The snow around them would be stained red. And green. And maybe purple too. They would all beg for mercy and receive none. Yes, even Berwald, if he crossed him. No one would stand in his way and succeed.

He half-listened to the instructor, knowing full well how to play paintball. He checked his outfit, his armour vest pinching underneath his uniform. His helmet was still on the bench, for now. Berwald was standing next to him, putting on his gloves.  There were a few rounds, throughout the day, with different objectives. Defending places, raiding places, all as a team. That was why everyone had planned this day out: team building. What he was most looking forward to was a hunger games where everyone was against everyone.

He was going to win that if it fucking killed him. There was no "I" in team, but there was one in sniper.

Eduard said he was too competitive, and that was why he never joined in with anything involving Tino. Especially Tino and guns and teams. He wasn’t even after the prizes, just the glory of winning. Maybe there was a darker, psychological element to it, about how his dad would constantly push him to be the best at “manly” things, but Tino didn’t like thinking about that. He preferred to call being so competitive it took the fun out of things for everyone just one of his “quirks”.

The first event was a simple two-person team game, with the last duo standing declared the winners. Of course, he and Berwald were going to be a team. And they were going to win.

He finished getting dressed, and the instructor finished explaining the safety procedures. The group were all led out of the tent and given directions to their starting positions. Soon enough, Tino and Berwald were alone, crouched behind a bush. Uncomfortably close. Or comfortably, as long as Tino didn’t pop a woody.

There were still a few minutes before the starting klaxon would sound, so he decided to familiarise himself with his surroundings. Every advantage counted here. The area looked fun, woodland made of tall, straight, evergreen trees and patches of grass. The forest floor was covered in pine needles, stretching as far as they could see. He’d have to be careful with that; the rustling of leaves could mask the sounds of approaching danger, or he and Berwald could give away their positions by constantly stepping on things. There were wooden cutouts, model castles and shallow trenches dotted about the place, thankfully creating cover for them. It looked like a fun place, all things considered. He’d have loved to have had a birthday party here as a child. Or an adult.

Nearby, there was a little dip in the ground, where a mud patch had pooled from the morning’s rain. Easy to miss, but vital.

“Perfect,” he muttered, discreetly pointing to it and winking at Berwald. He crawled over to the mud, scooped up a handful, and began smearing it over his face and helmet. Berwald gave him a strange look. “You want to get camouflaged, right?”

Berwald whined, shaking his head. “Messy.”

“Okay, but keep your pasty head down or the light will be bouncing off it into our enemies’ eyes.” He crawled back behind the bush.

“Enemies? Y’mean friends ‘n family?”

“Not here, not today.” Tino sighed and gently, but firmly, pulled Berwald down to eye level. "Okay, listen up. Do not blow this for me. No mercy, and no making yourself a target. I know that'll be hard, but just assume you're tall enough to be visible at all times and stay down."

Berwald nodded.

"I don't give a fuck that half these people are your family. If you show any hesitation in shooting them, you're dead to me. Understood?"

Another nod. "M'scared n' horny."

"Roger that. Make me proud out there, and there might be a treat for you." He winked. “I’ll roger you.”

Berwald shook his head. "M'not ready. Jus' horny."

"Reading you loud and clear, my man. Your treat is now a big, fat kiss in the privacy of my room."

"Thanks." He smiled and kissed his cheek.

"Hey, don't worry about it," said Tino, feeling suddenly very tender. "We're gonna be a great team, okay?"

The klaxon sounded, and Tino pulled away.

“Showt’me,” muttered Berwald.

“Showtime? You are truly the gayest man in history. This is war, Berwald, not theatre.” Tino blinked. “Wow. I sounded a lot like my dad there. Sorry.”

“S’okay. Kinda funny watching you get so inta this.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll probably ruin the mood soon enough. Now, let’s find Gunner before someone else gets to shoot him.”

Berwald nodded, very enthusiastically. “Let’s f’ck him up.”

...

Luca and Tolli, meanwhile, were busy hiding in a trench, huddled together and praying they wouldn’t be found. It wasn’t the first choice of activity for either of them, but everyone else had been super excited about it. Hopefully, they’d get to shoot someone at some point. At least they’d be going for a nice drink in a warm pub afterwards, and after there’d be a bath.

The two teamed up together, because Tolli didn’t want to be on a team with Vidar or Gunner, and Luca was closest to his own age. But they weren’t close enough to do anything but sit in awkward silence. There were probably things they had in common, but Tolli worried he looked like a little kid to Luca, or if Luca hated small talk. He had to try, though, or things would just get even more awkward. He could try a compliment, he supposed. They tended to go down well.

“I like your hair, by the way.” Tolli tried to rub some warmth into his fingers.

“Thanks,” said Luca, smiling sheepishly. “I like your eyeliner.”

“I like yours!”

He nodded, looking rather guilty. “Hey, can you keep a secret?”

“Sure.”

Luca lifted up his mess of hair to reveal the eyeliner on his right eye wasn’t as good as his left one. In fact, it was nothing short of a blotchy disaster.  “I can never get the other eye right.”

Tolli giggled. “I hear you. It’s a weird power I have; I have to do Vidar’s makeup before going out, maybe I can do yours too, if you want.”

“You can be the band’s official makeup artist, maybe.” Luca nudged him. “And you’d get to hang out with your cousins more.”

“Ew.”

“Aww, don’t be like that. They talk about you all the time. Gunner’s super proud of you.”

“Gunner has his own siblings.”

“Really? Oh, yeah, I forgot.”

A blast hit both men in the chest, Luca, then Tolli, with no time for them to react. Tolli tried to scream, winded, but all that came out was a whimper.

“Gotcha!” Tino allowed himself a small jump for joy, from the cover of the woods he’d been spying them from. He high-fived Berwald, then ran over to the trench, ducking down until he was safely inside.

“That hurt,” Luca whined.

“Yeah, they do,” said Tino, “that’s why you have to try not to lose. Have either of you moved since you got here?”

Tolli shrugged. “We were just having a nice chat.”

“You’re not here to chat, you’re here to play!” When Tino attempted to teabag them, Luca punched him in the balls. Tino doubled over with a grunt. “Yeah, I deserved that.”

A second pair of shots sounded, both hitting Luca in the arm. This time, they’d come from Berwald’s gun.

“What the fuck?”

“Aww, my man got all protective,” Tino smiled at him warmly. “Anyway, there’s gotta be some better targets round here. Ones that are more of a challenge.”

“Yeah? Why don’t you fuck off and find them, then.” Luca rubbed his arm. “Leave us alone.”

“Will do, you pair of noobs.” Tino hobbled off back to Berwald, leaving Luca and Tolli to lie in the dirt, nursing the sore spots where bruises would soon be.

...

“Dude, how many weeds would we have to smoke to hotbox this thing,” Gunner looked around the crumbling, little hut they'd chosen to shelter in.

Adriaan gave him a withering look. “Shut the fuck up.”

“I’m just saying,” he said, “we’d probably need like 30 weeds. Lotta jazz cigarettes. Some dank blunt kush.”

That got a laugh out of Adriaan. “You're adorable.”

“Am I even using hotbox in the right context?”

“Sorta, I guess. It needs to be an enclosed space, and this isn’t really enclosed.” He nodded over at the doorless doorway and holes for windows. “A car or small room would be better.”

“So all the weeds would escape here?”

He sighed. “Yes, Gunner, all the weeds would escape.”

“See? I know about the Mary Jane. How could I be surrounded by all these green trees and grass not know about the Devil’s Lettuce?”

Adriaan snorted. “The Devil’s Lettuce might be my favourite word for weed. My sister always used to call it that.”

“She know you’re a super mega pothead?”

“Yes. I do have other qualities, y’know?”

“Like what?”

“That’s enough personal questions for now.”

Gunner looked at him. “We’re dating.”

“You have to work to unlock my backstory.”

“We’ve been friends for years.”

“And in that time I have remained cool and mysterious. Now, we should get moving. I’m not hiding in here with you when there are people to make miserable out there.” Adriaan stepped outside, glancing around and peering through the trees. Then, without warning, his head snapped back as green paint splattered across his vision.  “Fuck!” He cried, ineffectively wiping the paint on his helmet.

“Who dare shoot Adriaan!?” Gunner ran outside, gun at the ready, only to get shot in the head. He stumbled, but the bullets kept coming, exploding across his chest and legs until he was knocked onto his back.

“Thanks. I feel very avenged.” Adriaan looked around for the source of the hellfire, and found Berwald peering out from behind a wooden wall, painted to look like cobblestone.

“Of course,” Gunner groaned, then lifted his gun to return fire.

Another paintball, fired from a different position, hit him in the shoulder.

“Don’t try it, cheater,” called Tino, “you’re out. No more shooting.”

“We didn’t get to shoot anyone!” Gunner cried back.

“Get better, and don’t just sit around making noise! We heard you, like, a mile away.” Tino peered around, then began crawling over to Berwald. “Nice shot, baby. Any ammo left?”

“Bit.”

“You think they’re taking this too seriously?” asked Adriaan. Gunner groaned and nodded. “Wanna go find some of the others and have a shootout instead?”

Gunner wiped dirt off his uniform, before groaning and lying back. “If you mean bullying Luca and Tolli, absolutely.”

...

It was just Gilbert and Vidar left, and they’d heard the others fall, one by one. They’d heard the screams, the gunshots. Neither knew who was next, and if it would be them. Probably them. And probably soon. They knew the Shite Death was on their tail. If they were being honest with themselves, they knew they didn’t have a chance of winning. Or escaping. They weren’t competing; they were being hunted. Despite all the cover of the forest, and despite the fact that both pairs of eyes hadn’t spotted anyone coming near them, the pair couldn’t help feeling like someone was following them.

“I don’t like this,” whispered Gilbert. Vidar shushed him.

They kept moving on, further into the map, and most likely towards danger. But the sooner the game ended, the sooner they could move on.

Gilbert slipped his hand into Vidar’s, and Vidar gave him a strange look. “Sorry,” he pulled away, “I’m tense.” He sure looked it.

Behind them, a twig snapped, followed by the rustling of leaves. Vidar picked up the pace, constantly glancing behind. The second he saw that little fucker, he was blasting paint like he was at a bukakke.

He almost shot a tree branch for moving too quickly.

Gilbert’s head was darting in every direction. This wasn’t supposed to be so scary, but even Vidar was on edge. He didn’t want his beautiful body bruised with bullets, paint or otherwise. It would hurt.

Another rustle, and they picked up the pace. There was nothing behind them, though. Vidar didn’t like this.

Another twig snapped, and Gilbert burst into a sprint. He lept over a trench, ducking past trees and firing wildly. Vidar cursed, and ran after him. The forest veered and swam in front of him, but he dared not stop. Just ahead, Gilbert threw himself over a hay bale, and immediately let out a scream. There was the sound of gunshots, and Vidar was helpless, unable to react as he watched Berwald jump up and start firing.

It was like being punched in the heart. Except he was shot in the heart from a metre away.

“Damn you, Berwald!”

Berwald gave him the smallest, but smuggest smile. Vidar walked around the bale to find Gilbert sprawled out across the floor, groaning and covered in paint. Tino was next to him.

“How the fuck did you manage to get ahead of us?” Vidar bent over, panting.

Tino frowned. “You ran right into us. It was a little ridiculous.”

“So it was Berwald stalking us through the forest?”

The pair shook their heads. “Nope. We were just sitting here, planning our next move,” said Tino.

Gilbert frowned. “So what was following us?”

Everyone turned to look behind them. There was nothing there. The forest was deadly silent, everyone frozen in place. Vidar smacked Gilbert’s arm.

“Idiot, there was nothing chasing us. We got freaked out over the wind.”

“Ow, sorry. I panicked.”

“Yeah, we all saw.”

...

Despite Tino doing everything in his power to kill the fun for the rest of the group, it had been a good day overall. The games where they were just allowed to let loose and shoot everyone were the best, since Tino tended to take out everyone. Even though he was a sore loser and worse winner, the rage and/or gloating tended to evaporate soon after each game ended.

But now it was the last event, the Hunger Games, and Tino was hunting, gun clutched to his chest. The klaxon had just sounded, and he was already on the move, peering through the trees for any sign of the enemy. He kept low, not the most difficult task for someone of his height. He felt like a wolf, moving in silence, looking for prey. He could hear very distant shouts, shrieks and gunshots, but no visuals just yet. Only trees and props.

But it wasn’t long before he found his first target. Oh, beloved Berwald, so blind. So oblivious. He was crouched behind a pile of logs, unfortunately, he had his back facing Tino, and that was his exposed side.

Tino shot him without hesitation.

Berwald made a strangled noise, turning around and giving Tino the most poisonous glare possible. He almost felt bad.

“Sorry, baby,” he tried. Was Berwald actually mad at him? Was this the end for them.

“Y’bastard,” Berwald joked, “y’cruel, backstabbin man.” He didn’t get up, instead lying in the dirt, pretending to choke on blood.

“I am, and you fell for it,” relieved, Tino crouched down next to Berwald, taking off his helmet and stroking his hair. “You fell for me, the homme fatale.” He kissed his nose.

“D’ya, regret it?”

“”No”, I lie.”

Something very hard, and very painful, hit Tino’s arm. He screamed, not from getting shot, but from the rage of losing so quickly. He threw his helmet on the floor.

“Ha!” cried Luca, “finally! Get rekt, noob!”

[sorceress-coffee]

Girls Night In

AO3 Link

Returning to school after we captured Killahead bridge was tense. I walked into Ms. Harper’s class to see Eemeli almost finished constructing the dragon framework for our group project. Honestly, I’m surprised he’s still hanging around, seeing as he no longer has to answer to Bular or Strickler. Eemeli was attaching the lower jaw when he caught sight of me. His shoulder went rigid as he paled slightly, unsure of how to interact with me now. To be fair, I didn’t know what to do either.

Ms. Harper bounced over to us with a large grin as she surveyed our project. “Oh! This is going to be amazing! The group art show is coming up this weekend, are you two excited?” She clasped her hands, leaning towards us.

Eemeli gave a short nod, zeroing his attention on the mechanics in the dragon’s mouth. I winced slightly as Ms. Harper drew closer, “Yeah, we’re almost done,” I spoke, watching as the excitement melted from her face, looking between Eemeli and me, unsure where our excitement from last week went. “It’s been a long weekend trying to work out the kinks in the mechanics,” I piped up, hoping she’d take our mood as being tired from overworking.

She nodded quickly, looking over the mechanics Eemeli was dealing with. “I can see why! I hope you two rest up, this is show helps the art committee chose whose works will be presented at the huge end of the year show!” She explained before running off to check on another group.

Eemeli and I exchanged a look before silently working on the dragon. As I was inserted the ‘fire’ spray cans, Eemeli accidentally hit the drop button while fixing the horns, causing the jaw to drop, covering me in red, orange, and yellow spray paint. Spluttering, my eyes screwed shut to keep paint from getting in them, I could hear what sounded like Eemeli choking. He quickly grabbed my face, using a cloth to wipe the paint away from my eyes. When I could open them safely, all I could see was Eemeli choking back laughter, cheeks puffing out as a wheeze escaped him.

I looked down over my self to see that my once all-black outfit was covered in so much paint that I looked like a walking Heartstone. I snickered before breaking down into a full-blown giggling fit. Eemeli and I spent the rest of the class trying to get the paint off of my face, one of us bursting into laughter as the other calmed down.

As soon as the bell rang however, I was pulled from the hilarious situation as Eemeli quickly sobered. He handed the cloth to me and quickly left for his next class. I headed off to Senor Uhl’s class quickly, trying to get some of the paint out of my hair. Walking in, I heard Mary break down in a fit of laughter.

“What happened to you?” She finally got out between gasps of laughter. Catching Jim and Toby’s attention quickly.

I shrugged walking to my desk in the back, “Accident in art class, Eemeli set off our project while fixing something and… well this happened.” I tried to laugh it off, though, from Mary’s wince, it didn’t seem to work.

Jim quickly came over to check on me quietly before class started. “Are you doing okay? Other than the paint, you seem upset,” he asked, worry etched over his face.

I sighed, sitting down quickly, “Honestly, I don’t know… It’s just been tense since this weekend. When this happened, we both couldn’t stop laughing at it felt normal again… but when the bell rang it went back to being tense.” I explained, tying my hair up to keep the painted portion from landing in my eyes again.

Jim frowned, heading to his desk quickly as Senor Uhl began class. During his opening lecture, he finally spotted my paint-covered self in the back, letting out a sigh before he continued. Not the first time I’ve made it out of Ms. Harper’s class covered in paint.

Toby, Jim, and I headed to our newly combined history class with Coach Lawrence. Since we no longer had assigned seats, we took up the back corner so we could talk during whatever movie coach decided to play today. As Eemeli entered, he glanced back at our group before taking a seat near the front, by Mary, Darci, and Claire.

Mary looked back at our group then at Eemeli before nudging Claire. They seemed to be discussing something before Claire got up and quickly headed back to us. “Whoa, what happened?” She had to pause, seeing my paint-covered form.

I sighed, letting my head fall on my desk. “Accident, Eemeli, art,” was all I could bring myself to say. Unsure how to feel about Eemeli staying away. We were friends, sort of, but I guess that was a lie, for his job. I let out a groan, trying to melt into my desk. “People stuff sucks.”

Claire glance back at Eemeli, turning to Jim quickly, “I’m missing something aren’t I?” She asked him.

Sighing, Jim patted my back before explaining, “Changeling, hired by Strickler to distract or kill River, also tried getting between River and Draal. It’s pretty complicated but I’m assuming since River doesn’t do the whole ‘friend’ thing, this is mentally exhausting.” Keeping my head covered, I let out a dismissive chuff.

Claire to the seat in front of me quickly, tapping on my head so I’d look up at her, “How about a girl’s night? We can do movies and I’ll make my family's famous guacamole?” She asked, with a hopeful grin.

My brow furrowed in confusion, “Girls night?” Toby and Jim snickered, since I didn’t have female friends, I’d never done a girls night, unless you count when I was little and mom and I would paint each other’s nails while watching cute movies and overloading on popcorn.

Claire sent a glare to the boys, before smiling at me again. “Yeah! I can even invite Darci and Mary and we can make it a big relaxing day, and maybe we can get that paint out of your hair.” She giggled, trying to make the event sound appealing.

I tilted my head for a moment. No boys, movies, snacks, and paint free hair? “Alright, I’m in.” I decided, my answer catching Jim and Toby off guard, Toby choking in shock.

Claire grinned, jumping from the seat, “I’ll let the girls know!” She quickly ran back to Mary and Darci while Coach was distracted by a newspaper. Mary and Darci split into grins as they waved back to me, at least they seemed excited about it.

“Wow… who knew it would take a Changeling being a jerk for River to make female friends,” Toby said in shock.

Jim shook his head, “There’s a lot more than Eemeli going on Tobes, besides, this could be good for River.” He joked, poking at my side, his hand covered in paint as he pulled away.

I snickered, smearing my paint covered hand on his sleeve, “That’s what you get for teasing.” I stuck my tongue out at them, “You’re next Tobes!” I reached over Jim’s desk, grabbing Toby’s face to leave paint handprints on his cheeks.

“Gah! River!” Toby whisper yelled, batting my hands away quickly. Laughing, I sat back in my seat, relaxing for the first time since I walked into Mr. Harper’s class today.

The rest of the school day went by in a blur, Eli checked up on me during Chemistry, Steve made the mistake of trying to pull my tied-back hair in trig and ended up covered in paint. During gym, Claire, Darci, and Mary filled me in on what exactly a girls' night entailed. They seemed excited enough as we headed into the locker room.

“Hey, Claire, I gotta talk to Jim, I’ll meet you in front!” I called out quickly as I left the locker room to find Jim and Toby by the bikes. “There you are!”

Jim laughed, seeing me running to them “Are you trying to escape girls night already?” He asked.

“Oh, haha,” I snarked back, flicking his forehead, “No, I was gonna ask if you could let Draal know I won’t be home. He doesn’t exactly have a phone.” I explained, pivoting quickly to run after the girls, “I’ll see you later!” I waved the boys off, catching up to Claire quickly.

As I reached the girls, Darci and Mary looped their arms with mine, practically dragging me to Claire’s house. “This is going to be so much fun! I can’t believe you’ve never done a girls night! We should order pizza!” Mary all but screamed in excitement.

Darci laughed, calling in to order an ‘extra meatza,’ whatever that meant. “Seriously, girl. You need to relax. I don’t think I ever seen you chill. You’re either stone-faced or tense. Today was so bad we thought you might actually snap.” She explained, actually sounding worried.

I blinked, confused, staring at the three girls. “You were worried?” I asked, other than Jim, Toby, and Draal, I wasn’t used to people stepping because they were worried for me.

“Of course!” Claire chimed in, letting us into her house quickly. “First off, we need to get that paint out of your hair asap.” She grinned, leading the girls up to her bathroom quickly. “Mary raid the pajamas! Darci, help me find something to loosen the pain up.

Mary squealed, running for Claire’s room to find pajamas for everyone. Darci and Claire had me sit in the shower, letting the water soak into my hair as they found some fruity smelling condition. As I reached for the bottle, Darci whacked my hand softly, laughing. “Don’t you even think about it, we’re going to get this off, you just try to relax River.” She smiled before dumping a ton of the product over my hair.

As the slowly got the paint out of my hair, Claire began to comb through it, making sure they got everything out. Mary ran back in carrying four sets of pajama tops and shorts. “Found them!” She grinned as she came over to inspect my hair. “Oh good! It looks like you got it out!”

Laughing at Mary’s excitement, Claire handed me a towel after shutting the water off. “We’ll step out so you can change out of the wet clothes. Just leave them in the shower and we’ll take care of them later.” She directed as Mary set a dark orange pajama top and black shorts on the counter.

“Yell if you need anything!” Darci called back as Claire ushered them out to change into their pajamas.

I smiled, quickly peeling off the soaked paint covered clothes, careful not to get my hair stuck in it again. As I dried off, I eyed the pajamas, snickering at the top, it was the same orange as the paint. I pulled the clothes on quickly before heading out. I could hear the girls down in the kitchen, laughing as Claire made guacamole. Darci was the first to spot me as I stepped off the stairs, squealing, she rushed over and pulled me to the counter quickly. “River! We’re debating on face masks! Do you think we should make an avocado mask or do a sheet mask?” She asked quickly.

Confused, I looked between the girls, “Like… costumes?” I asked, not entirely sure why someone would wear avocado as a mask.

Mary’s jaw dropped at my question this was not a response they were prepared for. “No no no!” She yelped out, pulling her phone out to show me examples of what they were talking about. “It’s a relaxing skincare process, you either make or buy the mask and let it set on your skin for a while, depending on the type of mask the effect on your skin will be different. Some are moisturizing, clarifying, some get rid of dead skin, help clear blemishes. Some are even just for relaxing, the smell and oils in them help to calm skin and mentally relax you.”

I looked through the pictures as she showed me the different masks, “Oh, um… I don’t think I should be the to choose that, also, why would you use avocado? I’d rather eat it.”

Clair snorted out a laugh, “Sheet masks and extra guacamole then!” She grinned, setting the bowl she was working on in the fridge. Heading back up to grab sheet masks and other girls' night items.

When the doorbell rang, Darci ran to get the pizza, leaving me alone with Mary for a few minutes. Mary quickly turned, intently watching me for a moment. “So… are you and Eemeli have a couple's spat? Was the paint a prank? If so, I swear” She began to rant.

I put my hands up quickly, trying to calm her, “Um, it’s nothing like that. The paint was an accident, Eemeli was fixing part of our project and accidentally set off the mechanism that controls the spray-paint.” I explained quickly, watching her visibly calm as she learned it wasn’t on purpose. “Also,” I continued, confused now, “what do you mean ‘couples spat’? Eemeli and I are friends… I think.” I mumbled out, really not wanting to dive into that train of thought.

Mary laughed, nudging my ribs with her elbow, “Good one River because the flirting wasn’t obvious. Not to mention that as soon as he showed up, he’s been glued to your side.”

I winced, actually, physically, winced at that. Staring at the counter, I frowned. “Not sure what you mean by flirting but Eemeli and I just got signed up as project partners and we just kind of became friends after that… though I guess we did fight. I’m not sure.” I tried to explain without, it was hard considering, other than Claire, the girls had no idea about Changelings and Trolls, or magic in general.

Mary let out a huff, as Darci and Claire returned she asked them, “You two saw the flirting, right? Eemeli totally likes her!” She pouted, my jaw tightening as my tension from earlier began to return.

Claire put her arms up in an ‘x,’ motioning for Mary to stop, though Darci decided to pop in, “Well, we don’t really know if he was flirting, maybe that’s just how people are in Finland? Plus, they’re partners on a project, they’d have to spend time together.”

I sighed, dropping my head on the counter, not liking where the conversation was going. I would try to stop it, but I’ve seen Mary go off before, there is no stopping it. “We aren’t a thing. That’s not even in the realm of possibilities…”

Claire nodded, setting the face masks, nail polish, and hair stuff on the counter. “Mary, even he did like her, River obviously doesn’t want that kind of relationship with him.” She tried to counter, hoping the conversation would end faster.

“Not liking the hot foreign student, the one that since he got here, has only been hanging out around River.” She began, confused on how someone would say no to the situation. “River, he’s total boyfriend material! Other than whatever you got in a fight over. Why wouldn’t you like him?”

I snapped my head up, wanting the conversation to stop, I blurted out the first thing that came to mind, “Other than the fact that I’m engaged?” I asked, watching as all three girls snapped their attention to me, Darci and Mary staring in shock.

“You’re engaged?!” Mary shrieked out. “Who? When? How?!” She asked, grabbing my arm and shaking it as if that would cause me to tell her everything.

Lost on how to explain, Claire quickly stepped in, “Oh Draal!” She grinned, “I met him when River and Jim were in the hospital, he’s a year older, went to the trade school across town.”

I nodded slowly, scratching at the back of my neck and feigning shyness as Mary looked from Clair to me. “Yeah, we didn’t say anything since he had to leave for college this year.” I calmed down, seeing the gears in Mary’s brain turn.

She broke out in a grin, hugging me tightly. “You have a college boo!” She yelled, bouncing in excitement. “We have to meet him! Does he have friends? Why didn’t you tell us?” She asked, shaking my shoulders in her excitement. “Wait, why aren’t you wearing a ring?” She paused, grabbing my hand to inspect it.

I shrugged, pulling my hand back. “Try explaining an engagement ring to our teachers, I may be eighteen but they can be invasive.” I tried to explain.

Darci laughed, hugging me, “No wonder you told ‘Tight Jeans’ Hank to piss off!” She recalled, back to last year when he tried flirting, and my dense brain thought he was just being rude.

As the ‘couples’ conversation finally calmed, we broke out the food and face masks. I flinched feeling how sticky the sheet mask was. “It’s so slimy. How is this relaxing?” I asked, situating it on my face carefully.

Taking a bite of her pizza through the mask, Darci grinned, “You get used to it, trust me. Also eating gets easier the more you do them.”

I nodded trying to eat my pizza, pouting as the mask kept slipping over my mouth. Claire, giggling, quickly helped me pull the mask up, pinned it with a headband so it wouldn’t slip. “There we go! Now try eating.” Quickly, I tried eating again, relaxing when the mask didn’t move.

Mary pulled up the movie list for the night, starting with Strange Magic. Seeing the title, I snickered, causing me to choke on my pizza. Claire quickly grabbed a glass of water handing it to me before looking at the movie title, trying not to laugh when she realized why I had started laughing.

“You two okay over there?” Darci asked, shaking her head with a smile. Out of the four of us, she seemed to be the most relaxed.

Mary was singing along, throwing a chip at the tv when Roland gets caught messing around. “Traitorous jerk! I mean really? After cheating on Marian, you’re going to turn around, and say it was a little mistake?” She yelled at the tv, “She deserves better than you!”

I started laughing, never seeing Mary like this, “I definitely prefer the Bog King, he was heartbroken, but at least he was honest, even with his dislike.” I said, ripping the face mask off when Darci declared it was time to.

Smiling, Darci passed over more guacamole and chips, “He’s a bit weird, but he truly loves her, and I think that’s all that matters,” she giggled out.

Mary grinned, turning on Claire and I, “Speaking of weird and loving someone, does Jim likes Claire, right?” She asked, getting in my face.

Claire’s face broke out into a dark blush, trying to pull Mary out of my face. I glance at her before shrugging to Mary, “Isn’t it obvious?” I asked, causing Claire to let go of Mary, falling on the couch.

“I knew it!” Mary yelled, jumping around at the news.

Clair sat up with a huff, glaring at Mary, “Oh, and what about you and ‘Tight Jeans’ Hank, you’ve been going out for a while now, right?” She asked, trying to deflect her embarrassment.

Mary shrugged, flopping back on the couch, “I guess, he’s kind of a jerk though. What about you Darci? Any boys you like?”

Darci blushed, glancing at me then back at Mary, “Nope! No one!” She squeaked out.

Mary groaned, “Don’t tell me you have a thing for Jim too!”

Quickly waving her hands in front of her, Darci shook her head, “It’s not him!”

“So, there is someone?” I asked, confused about why she would be flustered saying it around me.

“I…” She sighed, poking at her pizza, “there is, it’s just, I don’t want him to know yet, and you’re close with him.”

I tilted my head in thought, the only two people I’m close with that the girls know are Jim, Toby, and Eli. If it wasn’t Jim, that leaves Toby or Eli. I clasped Darci’s shoulder, giving her a small smile, “Don’t worry about it, I’m sure whoever it is will be happy, but I understand wanting to wait to tell them.” Darci smiled, relaxing now that we weren’t going to badger her for answers.

“Speaking of,” Mary grinned, “How did you and… Draal? How did you get engaged?” She asked as Darci and Claire perked up at the question we broke out the nail polish.

I snorted, recalling my ‘engagement,’ “It was a total accident.” I laughed out, watching as the girls became confused. “Draal has only been here a few years. He was raised with very different customs than we have.” I explained, smiling fondly as we worked on each other’s nails.

“So how was it an accident?” Darci asked, already engrossed in the story.

“Well, we were friends at the time, and I did something that ended up being a proposal in his culture. He knew that I wasn’t aware of what I was doing, but it caught him so off guard that he began to act differently, and his family took notice.” I giggled, painting cats on Mary’s nails. “They expressed their concerns to me about his behavior. So, I asked if something had happened or if I have done something to offend him. When he explained what had happened, I told him I didn’t see it happening.”

“What?!” Claire gasped out, “But you’re engaged now!”

I nodded, snorting at her reaction. “Yup. I took his reaction to my proposal as him being offended that I would entertain the idea. A while later, he finally asked me about it, and I explained what I had thought. After that, we began to date, and a while after that, he proposed.” I smiled as Mary began on my nails, painting them neon pink and black.

“So, you accidentally proposed, told him it would never happen, you then began dating, and then he proposed?” Darci asked, almost dropping the nail polish brush on Claire’s hand.

“Do you do anything normal?” Claire asked, giggling at the strange events that landed me with Draal as my mate.

“Depends on your definition of normal. According to Jim and Toby, that was perfectly normal for me.” I snickered, recalling Toby telling me I was so dense that it took a Troll to get my attention.

We talked late into the night about guys, dates, and what we wanted to do after school since I was due to graduate this coming summer. Darci and Mary crashed on the couch as Claire and I stayed up a while longer.

“So, how exactly did you propose to Draal?” She asked as I painted the Papa Skull logo on her nails.

I stifled a laugh, not wanting to wake the other girls. “Scenting, I hugged him and accidentally scented him. It’s how Trolls court.” I explained.

She giggled at how something so simple could make a huge change in my life. “His family, what were they worried about then? Why did you think he was offended?”

“Blinky, he’s Jim’s Trollhunter trainer, the one we had to save before the play. He asked me if anything had happened when Draal took me home. My scent was so distracting for him, everyone in Trollmarket took notice.” I explained, pausing to collect my thoughts for her second question. “I assumed him being distracted by it was unwelcome, and that he was upset because I’m not exactly a troll.”

“Was he upset? Is it that bad if you’re a human?” She asked, settling in with more chips.

“No, he was more confused, because I said I didn’t see a troll trying to court me anytime soon. Still didn’t think he was interested then. After we talked about it later, and explaining everything, he courted me… and I don’t know if there’s an issue with humans and trolls, I’m technically not a human so...” I smiled, knowing it was hard to remember that I’m more troll-like than human-like.

Claire nodded, letting out a yawn, “Sorry, still not used to the whole magic thing. Though NotEnrique has been explaining some things to me. Guess he feels like he owes me after the goblin fiasco.” She mumbled out as she finally crashed for the night.

I smiled softly, easing myself off the couch, careful not to disturb anyone. I made myself a cup of coffee, wondering how to wait out the night, seeing as I didn’t feel the urge to sleep. My body must finally be adjusting to the magic.

“Don’t you fleshbags sleep?” I heard a disgruntled voice come from the stairs. NotEnrique had decided to come out. He climbed up onto the counter next to me. “You’re… not injured anymore, right? I saw what Nomura did…” he trailed off, unsure of what to say.

I groaned, flicking his forehead, “Don’t you start that, I’ve had enough of Changelings avoiding me today.” I sipped at my coffee, trying to hide a pout.

“Eemeli not talking to ya?” He asked, before shrugging at his question. “Not surprising, he’s never had a job that’s made him question things.”

My brows furrowed, tilting my head towards him. “What does that mean?”

NotEnrique sighed, scratching at his scruff, “Look, he’s a witch hunter. From what I know, he tracks down problematic witches and gets rid of them. He’s never had to get to know a mark before.” He tried to explain. "He's never encountered a witch that cares about Changelings, much less one who was friends with them."

My gaze shifted to the mug in my hands, frowning as I processed what he had said. “I know he lied. I know he tried to get between Draal and I. I know he helped to kidnap Blinky. I even know he was ready to tear me apart at the beginning of our fight…”

“I’m sensing a ‘but’ in there, Moonlight.” NotEnrique teased, trying to lighten my mood.

I sighed, swirling the mug and watching as the coffee created a small whirlpool. “But… It was his job, and he chose to save me. From the scaffolding crushing me. From Nomura pulling me into the Darklands. Hell, he even helped me get out of the sewers when we were escaping!” Putting the mug down, I turned to face NotEnrique. “We’re friends, and I want to trust him again. I just… I don't know if he even wants to be friends.”

NotEnrique hummed in thought, tilting his head slightly, “You said he was avoiding you today, which meant he showed up to your fleshbag school. If he didn’t want to be here, he would’ve left. Gone back to a different assignment. Not subject himself to fleshy school.” He explained. “I think he wants to stay, but he… we’ve never been in a situation where we betrayed Bular, Gunmar, to help someone else. This is new territory.”

I smiled softly, patting NotEnrique’s head. “I know you’re staying so the Nunez’s don’t freak out about Enrique being gone… but I’m glad you’re here.”

NotEnrique laughed, whacking my hand away from his head, “Yeah, well… misfits stay together right? I mean, whoever heard of a sorceress who liked Changelings?” He asked, snickering.

Smiling fondly, thinking back to the story Vendel read about my mother, “Lady Ganieda… my mother. She helped Changelings escape from Gunmar’s army before the Battle of Killahead.”

NotEnrique tensed, scratching at the kitchen counter, “She was nice... and look where it got her..."

I sighed, finishing off my coffee, "Considering she had me almost 19 years ago, I'd say she survived her battle with the Eldritch Queen."

NotEnrique nodded, his mind being pulled back to the present. "True, don't know how, but true." He grinned.

We spent the rest of the night talking about different things. What irritates NotEnrique when he's stuck as a baby. Different projects I was working on for the end of the year art show. Even what Changelings were up to on this side of the fetch. We continued until dawn when NotEnrique had to scurry back up to his crib before the girls woke up for school. Overall, I had a lot to think about, especially when it came to Eemeli and Changelings in general.

[joseph--reed]

Here’s to surviving the apocalypse

03.05.2035 It has been roughly two years since the world went into lockdown due to a worldwide pandemic that swept the nation within a blink of an eye. The cause of all this mass hysteria is a virus which affects the tissues in the brain, permanently altering them to change the human body. Currently, there is no cure although the world health organization has tried countless times to manufacture a vaccine however each trial for a vaccine has so far been unsuccessful. Therefore a worldwide lockdown was imposed for the virus to be contained. Even with a lockdown, there have been many casualties due to this virus and the numbers of the infected only seem to be on the rise.

 It's a dark and dangerous world out there, every man or women for themselves. Many people formed pacts, groups they can rely on to survive others chose to go at this world alone. There is no right and wrong in this world, many people who went in groups have now become infected and the same can be said for those who went at alone. It's survival of the fittest and you've got to work with what you've got to make it because not everybody is built to survive this harsh pandemic. My wife and daughter being among the many who didn't make it. Not a day goes by that I don't long for their existence. It still haunts me that I had to leave them that way, in that house, the house we were all supposed to live in, grow in, die old in yet it seems fate had cruel intentions instead. 

I don't believe I am one of the lucky ones. Who would want this life but then again who would want that life either its all one big catch twenty-two and the "lucky" ones are stuck in the middle trying to survive on the bare minimum. The government are supposed to help but they hardly do shit. They'll hand out scraps to the common folk and keep anything worthwhile to the rich assholes. Yet they'll have their military parade about the streets vowing to "protect us" when we all know that's a facade. God, I hate people in the office. 

"Okay enough of that." Joseph mumbled to himself as he placed his pen back into the middle of his diary before carefully closing the black leather book and stowing it away in his bag. He knew if he continued to write he was going to go on a tangent about how he hates the oval office and that would just be a waste of paper. That diary is there to document any thoughts he has about the pandemic, not his political views. For that, he can get a spray can and deface a public building however he would rather not be thrown into any kind of government solitary. Just as he is pulling away from his bag his eyes catch a glimpse of the wooden photo frame that is beside his bed. A soft sigh escapes his lips as he leans over and carefully picks it up, his icy blue hues scanned the picture as his brain relived the memory. The photo consisted of him, his wife and newborn daughter at the beach together. Oh, how he longed for better days like those in the past. "I miss you both." The male whispered to himself before gently placing a kiss to the glass. He took another moment the gaze at the photo before setting it back in its rightful position. "Another day of this bullshit." The dark-haired male spoke to himself as he started to get geared up for the day ahead. He needed to find some new supplies, mostly he needed food but any other equipment he could find along his way that he could trade for food would also be a bonus. 

Joseph got himself dressed in his usual 'work' gear before he loaded up his bag with essential supplies for his trip. He took one good look around the room to make sure he hadn't forgotten to pack anything before he set off for his day out. It is still early hours of the morning, the sun only just rising but in this day and age you needed to start any essential travel very early otherwise all items of value will be gone. It's not the world we were all once used too, there are no self-checkouts, contactless payments, take-aways, click and collect. there is none of that, supermarkets seize to exist as we once knew them, you get rations — if you can even call them that. Most days you can't even get basics like bread because they are gone within an instance or the government 'forget' to restock your designated food area. Most folk try to survive on their own without having to wait on government hand me downs, it's a hard life but it sometimes works out more beneficial if you know how to play the game. 

"It's a beautiful day." Joseph murmured as he stepped outside his house, taking his first steps into the world as he set off in search of supplies. The sun beamed down on the dark-haired man, The male still had a slight twinge of blonde in his locks however his natural colour dominated. Joe took a slow walk through his town — town as if you could hardly call this place a town, it was just houses and a few rationed shops barricaded in by the military some life huh? "Out again Joseph?" Mary — one of his neighbours called out to him as he made his way to the gates which gave him access to other areas outside of his town. "You know me, can never stay still." A dry chuckle escaped his lips- Joseph wasn't one for small talk nor did he want anyone to pry into his life. "Do rememb—" Joseph quickly put his hand up to silence Mary. "Do remember there is still a curfew and anyone outside the gates after 9 pm will be locked out there. I remember. It's been the same message every day for the last two years." Joseph replied. "Now, if you'll excuse me I'm off to try and not get infected." With that, Joe closed the conversation and exited his town.

 Stepping outside the gated community you could tell the world is in an Apocolypse. Inside those gates, people were still desperately clinging onto normality however it's a whole different ballgame once you cross that line into the real world. Everything is falling apart, buildings being blown up, mother nature taking back her earth. Everything manmade seems to be crumbling, this city didn't even look like a city no more. There are no cars, no mass crowds, no architecture. It all just looks run down and out of place, it is not eye candy that's for sure but this is the new normal and it has been for the last two years. 

Roughly about 35 minutes into Josephs journey is where it started to get interesting. He knew from doing this routine every day that the first hour or so he would never find anything worthwhile. Maybe a scrap here and there but nothing worth any value. Finally, he has managed to stumble upon a small cottage, untouched. No forced entry, no broken windows and it is all perfectly intact. A rare yet exciting sighting. "Now now what do we have here.." The male mumbled to himself as he observed the cottage from a good distance. Although it seems untouched that doesn't mean it actually is. People have gotten craftier these days and this could easily be a trap therefore he knew he had to be cautious before entering the cottage. Just as he was about to move in closer that was when he heard the dreaded noise of an infected. "Fan-fucking-tastic." Joe grumbled as he pulled out a small pair of binoculars to scope the area to try and find the bastard. "Gotcha." Joe whispered as he locked sights on the infected who was currently lapping its way around the front of the cottage. "Time to deal with this." He ran his hand through his hair before carefully creeping behind a set of knee-high stones that were perched in the front garden, thus giving him enough cover so the infected doesn't seem him. 

Gingerly Joe peered up from over the set of stones to gauge what kind of method of attack he'd need for this infected. It only seemed to be a stage 1 infected given by the bite mark on their arm and the small lacerations down their neck and back. A very recent case, An hour or two give or take. Was this person trying to get into this cottage? Is this the place it all went pear-shaped for them? Either way, Joe couldn't fixate on the questions at hand, he needed to get rid of it and fast. He waited for the right moment before he tiptoed up behind the infected and grabbed it by the neck making sure to cut off any air supply. Of course the infected didn't go down without a fight as it wriggled its way around in Joe's grasp however it was unsuccessful and after a few moments of thrashing around it soon died. "And that's that." Joe concluded by dropping the lifeless body to the ground and stepping over it before walking up to the front door of the cottage. He placed his hand on the cool brass before giving it a turn, nothing. It's locked. "Pickin time." He muttered as he crouched down before grabbing his lock pick set from his bag. It was a tricky old bastard but he got there in the end. 

With the door now open Joe stepped foot into the cottage and to his surprise, it is actually untouched. "Holy shit." He said as he made his way into the kitchen as he started to raid the cupboards, taking any supplies he could before some other bastard stumbled upon this find. "Peaches, spaghetti, soup." With every item, he placed in his bag Joe was taking a mental note of what they were. Just as he was about to move into another room he heard the floorboards of the front room squeak. God damn it who the fuck has found this place already? Joe drew in a quick breath before he grabbed his 9mm from his holster, he carefully pulled back the hammer and took off the safety as he kept the gun to his side as he moved towards the door. The closer he got the door the higher he raised his gun, who the fuck was he going to find today?  @elsierenshaw

[chimpukampu]

Time Traveler’s Bug 02

Summary: It was summer when Adrien, an ex-superhero and a widower of three kids, found his wife’s unconscious-but-alive body near her grave. How did it happen? What is she doing there? And why does she still have the Ladybug Miraculous?

(or alternatively, Ladybug got hit by an Akuma and transported to the future)

Big shout out to @whimstories for beta-ing this!

"Maman!" wailed Hugo, reaching out for the unconscious heroine. But before he could touch her, his hand was grabbed immediately by Emma.

"No, Hugo…" she murmured as tears began to leak out from her bluebell eyes. She wasn't sure whether to let her younger brother go to hug Ladybug, or stop him before the reality could crush his hopes.

Emma knew about Hugo's sufferings when their Maman died, and now that she was back - not from the grave apparently - she wanted to make sure that her younger brother will not going to suffer from sleepless nights looking for their mother again.

"Maman!" the boy cried again, but this time he was flailing his arms wildly to escape from his sister's clutches. "Let me go, Em! That's Maman, right? Maman! Maman!"

"Hugo…please...please, stop..." Louis stepped in as he knelt down in front of his screaming brother then pulled him for a tight hug. "We...we don't…"

'We don't know if that's our Maman or not' were the words he wanted to say but not in front of his youngest sibling.

"Papa?" Emma glanced at their father who was dead silent while staring at Ladybug's sleeping face. "That's...that's Maman, right?"

Unfortunately, Adrien remained unresponsive as his mind was bombarded by several questions.

What is she doing here? How did she end up here? Was she hit by an Akuma?

Of course, he cursed mentally, that's why she's here as Ladybug.

He tried to recall all the Akuma names and powers that could possibly transport her to the future, but so far, none came up. The nearest that he could think of was Chronogirl, but he never time-traveled when he took the hit before. Though Numéric was able to trap him to a different dimension twice, his power didn't teleport him to the future. Besides, he was good at keeping tabs on his partner's well-being.

Unless she lied and kept the information all by herself.

But why? He asked himself again, rattling his memory bank for some news clips or Ladyblog posts he might've missed. We made an oath not to keep secrets to each other. We even made that promise before we got married.

Why are you here, Marinette?

"Papa?" Emma called his attention twice, and when she received no response, she decided to approach him. Her shoulder tap jolted him back to reality "Papa, are you okay?"

"Uh…" he sniffled, wiping his stray tears with the back of his hand. "I'm fine, munchkin."

Adrien's heart shattered at the sight of his kids, especially on Hugo who was mumbling 'Maman' repeatedly under his breath. But before he could say something, a familiar beep from Ladybug's earrings caught their attention.

"W-we have to move out," he told them mournfully, balancing Ladybug's weight on his arms as he stood up. He was relieved that his leg therapy paid off.

"Are we going to the hospital, Papa?" Louis asked.

"No, my kitten," his father answered. "We're going home."

But first, he thought to himself as he eyed the remaining spots on the superheroine's earrings, Ladybug must strip off her costume.

They didn't have a personal vehicle or a driver to call, and while he can hire an Uber or any service company with private cars, he didn't want to risk her detransforming in public. Not to mention some possible setbacks after she released her transformation.

He wasn't sure what caused her to travel to the future, and with the swollen bruise on her right temple and the noticeable burn marks that spattered on her skin, he knew from experience that her body absorbed the worst blow. Dropping her transformation by force might cause some undesirable reactions.

If she remained transformed, her Miraculous power can speed up her healing process.

That is if he knows how to extend her transformation.

Adrien led his children to an isolated part of the cemetery, just behind a big mausoleum surrounded by the bushes. With that loud explosion, he thought he might meet some bypassers or authorities along their way, but so far none of that happened.

They found a patio with a stone table and benches , which were luckily unoccupied, so he placed Ladybug gently on the table and used Louis' rolled overshirt to cushion her head.

Then the second beep sounded.

"Papa?"

"Hmm?"

Louis bit his quivering lips "Is...Is she okay?"

She.

Adrien might be oblivious as a person but not as a father towards his children. He had his fair share when he was raised by an indifferent father, and ever since then, he swore to himself not to be like Gabriel Agreste who decided to hide his wife behind his grieving son's knowledge.

That, as a son, he deserved to know his mother's state.

Adrien couldn't deny the heavy tension in the air, and after giving a second thought, he croaked "I - I'm not sure, my kittens, if...if Maman is okay or not."

His answer turned on their waterworks, and this time, the kids didn't hold themselves back from moving closer to Ladybug but careful enough not to touch her bruised body.

"Why is Maman so young?" Emma asked. "And why is she wounded?"

"That's Tikki in her earrings, right?" Louis added just in time with the third beep.

Adrien simply shook his head as he mustered all of his strength to keep his emotions at bay. "We'll know after the timer ends."

"Maman will be here forever right?" Hugo sniffed, his stubby hand caressing the tips of Ladybug's hair. "Maman is not gonna leave us again, right?"

That question alone drove a lance to Adrien's heart.

The last spot on Ladybug's earrings blinked, followed by a flash of pink lights that enveloped her body, dissolving her red spandex costume and replacing it with a familiar pink capri pants, a white shirt and a dark gray blazer, and when her spotted mask disappeared from her face, Adrien couldn't help himself but weep.

"Oh, Princess…" he choked, burying his head between the crook of her neck as fresh batches of tears welled on his green eyes. "My Lady…Mari..."

There was a faint electronic burnt smell on her skin mixed with a citrus perfume he remembered she always used when they were in lycée. Her clothes were not tattered, though there was a smear of chocolate on her sleeve, which told him that she was either eating something with chocolate fillings or having a bakery mishap before the akuma attack.

His kids were sobbing uncontrollably as they huddled near him, yet despite those loud cries, a familiar grunt made him sit bolt up straight.

There on his side was a red kwami squinting and trying to move around.

"Marinette…" the kwami moaned, "Are you al-"

"Tikki!" Hugo exclaimed as he scooped her hastily, which caught her off guard "I miss you!"

Her blue eyes blinked rapidly at the sudden change of scenery, only to round like saucers when she saw Adrien's adult state.

"Long time no see, Tikki," the blond greeted with a smile. "And welcome to the future."

.

.

.

There was nothing more awkward than riding a taxi with three sniffling kids, an undisclosed quantic god, and a battered time-traveler wife sleeping on her future husband's lap.

Adrien had to hide how he squirmed in his seat every time the driver checked his side mirror with an inquisitive gaze. He even caught him eyeing his communicator, which only increased his anxiety and fear that he might report an 'unusual passenger' without him knowing and either end them cornered by a police car or him being raided in his home for interrogations.

The blond might be able to justify their red blotched eyes since they came from a cemetery, but not the visible injuries from the girl without revealing her identity.

So he uttered, "She fell from a tree," off-handedly, believing that the driver would buy his lie.

Thankfully, he didn't pry further or engage in a conversation. He just remained silent yet apprehensive all throughout their ride until they reached their destination.

"You better have her checked for fractures," he told him cooly then left before the blond could give him an answer.

It was pretty late and beyond the bakery's operating hours, so Adrien wasn't surprised when his assistants left the premise with a Closed sign flipped on the glass door. He was relieved that no one was snooping around when they entered the house as he wasn't sure how to handle an onslaught of questions, especially his neighbors, about his dead wife's younger form.

His kids were milling around him as he deposited Marinette to the master's bed. He knew they wanted to be helpful, so he decided to give them a specific task - Emma on preparing the hot water and towels while Louis on looking for medicines and some burn ointments.

And Hugo?

"Why don't you look for delicious cookies for Tikki?"

"Even the super delicious ultra chocolate-y ones?" he asked with bluebell eyes brimming with excitement.

"Even the super delicious ultra chocolate-y ones," his father chuckled.

"Oui!" the boy answered, placing the red kwami gently on the duvet then patted her head much to her amusement "Be a good girl, Tikki, and don't move there until Papa says so!"

"He called me a good girl," Tikki commented as Hugo padded outside the room.

"You've always been a good girl, Tik."

"His enthusiasm reminds me of Marinette. He even looks like Marinette."

"Sometimes it blows my mind how similar they were," Adrien muttered then averted his gaze towards the kwami's blue orbs.

"I'm sorry, Adrien," the kwami bowed apologetically "I don't think I can even imagine the pain and hardships you've faced, not to mention raising your kids alone."

He shook his head. "It's okay, Tikki. We've survived and moved on."

"Your kids are wonderful, Adrien."

"They're a trooper, Tikki. They've been raised well. She raised them well."

"You both raised them well," she corrected, then pawed the golden surface of his wedding ring "You've sacrificed a lot - not only for your family but also for the people in Paris."

"What happened Tikki?" the blond asked, "Why did Marinette end up here?"

"I'm not really sure, Adrien. You know that kwamis are not aware of the happenings around our holders when they're transformed, right?" He nodded briskly at her words. "The last thing I remembered was Marinette calling her transformation after receiving an akuma alert. She had to excuse herself to use the bathroom - "

"Wait, what do you mean by 'excuse herself to use the bathroom'?" he interjected, "Was she at school during the attack?"

"Well, yeah. Few weeks after the start of the autumn term."

So that falls probably around October...and today's month is July. Adrien thought solemnly, Maybe the akuma that hit her has a different approach towards time traveling?

"Any idea about the akuma's powers? How about the name?"

Tikki simply shook her head.

"Do you think we can call Master Fu?" the kwami proposed. "I know this is the future, but I presume the Guardian is well, and I'm sure he can cure Marinette and...Adrien?"

"I'm sorry to tell you this, Tik," the blond sighed glumly. "But Master Fu is long gone."

She gasped. "Bu-but how about the Miraculous? W-who's taking care - "

"Master Fu took it," was his answer much to the red kwami's shock.

"Tha - that can't be…"

"A few years ago, a decade after we defeated Mayura and Papillion, Master Fu sacrificed his life to bring the Miracle Box to the Old Temple - including the ladybug and black cat Miraculous," said Adrien morosely. "To be destroyed there."

[jamesbarnesappreciationsociety]

Jessica Barnes: Jr. CEO (One Shot)

Summary: This is the cutest company takeover in history.

Pairing: CEO Daddy! Bucky Barnes x OC: Jessica Marie Barnes

Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Wanda Maximoff, Natasha Romanoff, Sam Wilson

Scott Lang and Peter Parker

Word Count: 1,879

Warnings: Angst; fluff

A/N: @stevieang, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to beta read for me. Your insight is greatly appreciated.

Exquisite Designs, a commercial architectural firm owned by longtime friends James Buchanan Barnes and Steven Grant Rogers, boasted some of New York’s wealthiest clients. For over 17 years, the firm built some of the most elegant office buildings dotting the skyline in New York City.

Their number one client is Stark and Wilson Land Development. The firm was currently working on the Howard and Maria Stark wing of Mt. Sinai hospital" It was a 24-7 project with big deadlines, big pressure, and big payoff. This project held a special place in Bucky’s heart. His wife, Lillian, died from a brain aneurysm, leaving behind an adorable daughter with rich brown hair like her father and hypnotic amber eyes identical to her late mother.

Her frail body lay in the lovely king size sleigh bed. Different hues of blues dotted the sheets, comforter and blanket. Blue is her favorite color. James Buchanan Barnes, held his wife Lillian’s dainty hand. He knew her time on Earth was drawing to an end. Sunken eyes turned towards her husband whispering, “Please promise me, you’ll live for Jess.”

“Don’t know how to do that without you, Doll.” Bucky wiped the steady stream of tears from his face. 

With a faint smile on her face, Lillian Marie Barnes closed her eyes. Shoulders shaking, Bucky sobbed openly, kissing her hand. “I love you, Lillian. I’ll do my best for Jess.”

Steve heard his best friend crying. He then realized, his “Lillie Bug” was gone. Trying to explain to a 3 year old that her mommy was gone, Steve put it this way. “Munchkin’, ya remember when your daddy told ya that mommy would go to sleep forever?” 

Jess nodded ‘yes.’ “Daddy said mommy was Sleeping Beauty, but the Prince couldn’t wake her up. So, she’ll be in Heaven watching out for us. Is she an Angel now, Uncle Stevie?”

“Yeah, Lillie Bug is an Angel.” Jess crawled in her uncle’s lap, “I’m sad.”

“Me too, sweetheart.” Burying her face in Steve’s massive chest, Jess cried herself to sleep. 

Following Lillian’s memorial service, Bucky spiralled into deep depression. No longer able to care for her, Jess mourned the loss of her mommy and daddy. Signing temporary control of Exquisite Designs to his best friend, Bucky sought the nurturing spirit of Lillian’s parents, Raymond and Bethany. They agreed to keep their granddaughter as long as needed. Unable to understand why she wasn’t with her daddy, Jess often cried, becoming clingy. 

Three months later, Steve kicked his friend in the ass, explaining Jess longed for her daddy. Losing her mother had taken a toll on her young life, now she needed him to get it together. 

Realizing Steve was right, Bucky planned a father/daughter vacation to Maui. As you would imagine, Jessica was delighted. Boarding his private jet, the duo made their way to crystal clear water, sugar white sandy beaches, for a chance to reconnect with his daughter. Tucked away in his luggage were photo albums, holding page after page of heartwarming memories.

Sitting in Bucky’s lap, Jess wiped the tears cascading down Bucky’s face. “Daddy, don’t be sad. Mommy is in Heaven. She can see us, just look up.” 

Turning her gaze towards a cloudless sky, Jess baby girl smiled and whispered,“Mommy told me to take care of you.” 

“Thank you Jess. I Iove you so much. Please forgive me for not spending time with you. Your momma was my world. Following her death, life just wasn’t the same. I neglected the one person who needed me the most; YOU!”

“Daddy, it’s okay.” Her face was sincere and her words showed the goodness deep within.

“No baby, it’s not. From now on, I’ll take more time off.” 

Her face lit up like a carnival in the night. “Really?? Yippee!”

Upon returning home, Bucky thought of a wonderful way to honor his wife’s memory. He approached Steve about plans for “The Lillian Marie Barnes Child Care Center.” A free center for all employees of the firm.  Parents could be there at the beginning, middle, and end of the day and didn’t have to worry about their little ones while at work. The age limits were: infants 6 months - 1 years old and children 2- 4 years old. Employees, as you could imagine, were ecstatic. 

Since “The Howard and Maria Stark Children’s Wing” was on schedule, Peter Parker, Director of Marketing, pitched an idea to Bucky. 

Gathered around the spacious cherrywood table were upper management and their executive assistants. Facilitating the meeting, Peter laid out his plans for “Kids Takeover the Firm Day.” “I thought it would be fun to take a day off and let the kids run the company. We’ve worked extremely hard to meet all our deadlines and it’s been accomplished.” Everyone listened attentively.

“Have you decided on a date?” Bucky leaned on the table.

“How about this Saturday? The phone lines won’t be operational just in case one of the kids decides to call out, and our answering service would alert us if they received calls that weren’t caught by one of us.”

Bucky added, “You might be onto something Peter. I’m sure they would love to dress up and  play Junior Executives for a day.”

Nat and Clint’s twins, Mason and Jason, would serve as Jr. Executive Assistants to the Jr. CEO.

Steve agreed, “Jessica should serve as Jr. CEO.” 

Bucky couldn’t believe his ears. “Are you sure? I don’t want any favoritism.”

“She’d make a great Junior CEO!” Wanda’s eyes sparkled.

With this in mind, Bucky suggested taking the remainder of the day off. “Alright, let’s get the ball rolling. I have a little CEO to shop for.”

Bucky made his way to Jessica’s preschool class. She immediately sprinted to his arms.“Hi sweetheart. How’s my girl?” 

“I’m fine daddy. We learned our ABC’s and numbers!” Jess’ smile mimicked that of her mommy’s.  

“What? My goodness you’re smart!”  Bucky kissed  her cheek, nose and forehead before dropping the big news on her.

“Guess what? On Saturday, all the kids of the moms and dads that work for Daddy and Uncle Steve’s company get to be in charge for the day. Uncle Steve has promoted you to Junior Chief Executive Officer - the Big Boss.”You’ve been deemed Jr. CEO.”

Unable to contain her enthusiasm, Jess sprung up on her toes. Pumping her fists in the air, she jumped around declaring, “I’M THE BOSS...I’M THE BOSS!!!”

“Peanut, there’s more to being CEO than just saying you’re the boss. Remember that it’s important to always treat your employees with respect.”

“Okay daddy. I’ll be good.” 

“How about a shopping trip? You’ll need new clothes, a briefcase, and shoes!”  There wasn’t much his girl loved more than going shopping.  She was all in now.

“Let’s go!!!”

TIME FOR WORK

At 8:00 on the dot, decked out in her navy blue “suit” and carrying her briefcase and phone, Jessica Marie Barnes, Jr. CEO, reported for work. 

Natasha’s twins Mason and Jason, donned brown two-piece suits, cream shirts, and brown striped ties. Malachi Rogers sported a gray 3 piece suit, powder blue shirt, and solid tie. Wanda, Scott and Sam’s kids also looked razor sharp, in pastel dress shirts, dark pants, and black patent leather shoes. 

Parents and kids gathered in the small conference room. The kids couldn’t sit still, they were hyped to get the show on the road.

“I must admit, this is the best dressed staff in all of New York.” Bucky beamed, “Jessica, you have the floor.”

“Thank you Mr. Barnes. Good morning. My name is Jessica Barnes but you can call me Jess. It’s time for our morning meeting. Follow me to the small room.” 

Their parents laughed quietly and smiled as they filed out of the room.  How much trouble could 3 and 4 year olds get into? Yikes!

Parents applauded as Jess led her friends to another conference room set-up with breakfast sandwiches, fruit, pastry and juice boxes.

Munching on a sausage and biscuit, Malachi announced, “Okay, folks. We have a lot of work to do. There’s a meeting with people who want something built.” 

One little lady asked, “Mr. Grant, who?”  

Malachi replied, “I dunno let’s make something up.”

One factor forgotten, in the midst of their excitement of the day, the cuteness of the kids, someone forgot what could happen if kids consume copious amounts of S.U.G.A.R.  

Jess, Malachi, Mason and Jason wandered away from the others and ended up in one of the copy rooms. Mason, with wide-eyed wonder, suggested making copies of their faces. How they turned the machine on is one of life’s biggest mysteries. They took turns copying faces, arms and legs. Jason, however, took it one step further. He sat on the machine and took a picture of his bottom. 

Next, a group of 3-year-olds snuck into a few offices with sticky hands, pressing on the keyboards. Yep, they made a mess. 

Not to be left out, Jessica and her gang visited the employee break room. The refrigerator and lower cabinets were raided. They devoured chips, Christmas candy, and cookies leftover from an office meeting. 

Smeared on the pristine white walls were tiny chocolate handprints, water and orange juice got spilled onto the floor, and a few kids ate too much. The room was an absolute MESS.

Mason and Jason tried to clean up the spilled juice throwing paper towels on the floor. Malachi retrieved a mop, attempting to clean up.

Instead, he slipped, face first, soiling his new suit. Jessica, completely flustered, plopped on the floor in tears.

Leave it to the Moms in the room to hear what wasn’t being said.  Natasha and Wanda suddenly looked at each other and sprinted out of the room towards the suddenly-silent children.  They knew that quiet kids equaled disaster and were nauseous at the thought of what they might find.  All the parents ran and converged on the breakroom, stopped cold by what they found.  As they surveyed the damage. Bucky murmured, “What the hell happened in here?”

While he shook his head, most of the parents pulled out their phones to capture the moment.

The state of the room was nothing compared to the tired, messy children who were in varying stages of sugar crashes. Bucky looked at Steve, “We’re going to have to give the cleaning company a major bonus after this weekend. They’re going to think we left a zoo loose in here!”

Understanding the need for parents, as well as kids to recuperate, Steve suggested everyone take an extended weekend. Everyone accepted the gracious offer.  

“Kids Takeover the Firm Day” was a complete success. Jessica Barnes’ reign as CEO had come to an end. Sleeping soundly on her daddy’s black leather office sofa, Jess was visibly exhausted. Kissing her chubby cheek, Bucky moved a strand of hair from her forehead. In that moment, he felt Lillian’s presence. Wiping a wayward tear from his face, Bucky knew his wife would live on through Jessica Marie Barnes, Junior CEO.

Tagging: @stevieang @loricameback @mrsgoodnight @suz-123 @pegasusdragontiger

[thewritewolf]

Nino’s Quest Chapter 3: Delving Deeper

The party meets up at Alya's house and explores the kobold den. What they find is a little more than they bargained for...

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 (Final)

Enjoy!

Read on Ao3. My ko-fi.

Nino yawned, the lingering effects of staying up all night working on his campaign. Plus a few breaks to get his homework done. He’d been hit by a sudden wave of inspiration and knew where he wanted to go with this campaign. Now that he had the plot mapped out, all he needed to do was keep them meeting consistently. There was room for missed days, but not a lot of it. If everything went according to plan then they would be done just before December.

One step into the classroom and he saw that he wasn’t the first of his friend group to arrive. Adrien and Marinette had beaten him there. To his immense surprise, the two of them were holding a conversation. By themselves. With neither him or Alya to supervise. Naturally, he went back around the corner to watch from afar. He’d done it without thinking and shook his head after he realized it - Alya was getting to him.

“That was a really cool plan you came up with, Marinette!”

“R-really? Oh! Th-thanks, I made it myself!”

Nino winced, but Adrien just laughed. “And you’re hilarious?! I wish we had done this way sooner.”

“Y-yeah! And you, um, you’re pretty too- I mean, pretty cool! You’re just so excited about everything. It’s… it’s really inspiring. Even when you don’t succeed.”

“Oh?” Adrien practically purred. “Did you wish I got better results with my first roll?”

“Wuh- I, um, that’s- well…”

“Don’t worry, I’m just kidding.” Adrien chuckled and Marinette joined him after a sigh of relief.

Nino took that as his opportunity to enter the room nonchalantly. “Hey, dudes. Were you talking about the session? We still on for this Saturday?”

Adrien shared a fistbump with him. “You know it! Hey, did you get today’s science homework done?”

Remembering the rushed work he did last night, he pulled out his scrawled notes. “Uh… sorta. Mind lending some help before class starts, bro?”

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

“Hey hey, little dudes!” Nino smiled as Etta and Ella ran towards him. “How’s it hangin’?”

After getting caught up with them, he set his backpack full of rulebooks on the living room table and walked into the kitchen. He leaned against the counter as he watched his girlfriend put the finishing touches on dinner.

“Right on time, babe. Tonight’s meal comes straight from my mom’s cookbook. You’d better get ready for a treat to remember.” Alya gave him a peck on the cheek as she passed him on the way to the dishes.

“Your mom’s recipe? And you cooking? That’s gotta be good, no doubt about it.”

“Sweet talk like that will get you everywhere, cappy.”

Nino stepped over to the pot of soup and took a deep breath. It was every bit as delicious smelling as he had hoped. Maybe it wasn’t the ideal food for a D&D session, but he wasn’t about to complain.

“So how long do we have the place to ourselves?” The twins started shouting from their room. “Well, uh, not exactly to ourselves, but, um… you know.”

Alya leaned against the counter and shrugged. “Who knows? Mom and Dad tend to get carried away on their dates, so we’ll at least have a few hours. Maybe they won’t show up until way late. Nora’s out of town, though, so at least there is that.”

“Right on. The less interruptions we have, the better.” He grinned. “And the less people I’ve got to share dinner with.”

“Any clue when the other two are supposed to arrive?”

“Dunno. My boy Adrien said he’d take a bit longer than he’d thought. What about Marinette?” Alya smiled and Nino pinched the bridge of his nose. “Babe… you didn’t.”

There was a knock at the door, which prompted Alya to flash another smirk at Nino before letting them in. Just as he’d suspected, Adrien entered and was followed by Marinette, her cheeks tinged pink by the time they’d spent alone together.

It didn’t take long for them to get settled in - at least, not after they found something to distract the twins with. A few minutes of set up and Nino was right back to where they had been last week.

“The caves are open for exploring. You can bet there are tons more enemies where those first few came from, but you guys haven’t even drawn a weapon yet or taken any hits. What do you do?”

“...What do you mean?” Adrien scrunched his eyebrows together. “We still need to clear out the rest of them. Do we have options besides leaving or fighting?”

“Well, um, I think what he means is we could, ah, scout?” Marinette replied. “My character should be stealthy enough to find out where there are more kobolds. Without running into more traps.”

“Ohhh!” Adrien’s eyes went wide. “Yeah, that might be a smart idea. I’ll give you my signal horn in case you run into trouble.”

“Th-thanks! I hope I won’t need it.”

A brief exploration later lead to other one sided battles as the party ambushed the kobolds in their own den.

“You’ve scoured this level of the cave, but can’t find any more raiders. What you did find was a tunnel leading deeper into the cave system. From what Marinette can tell, it looks like an old mine.”

Alya narrowed her eyes. “No way that was all the kobolds. We’ve only killed like twelve of them, which is still a ways off from the twenty that the villagers were so sure about. Something doesn’t add up, and I bet we’ll find our answers down there.”

“Well, maybe they are just down in the mine? Would that be so strange?” Adrien tapped a finger to his chin. “Or… they could be out on a raid.”

“No way, sunshine. The raids were barely big enough to kill cattle. Half their numbers just for a raid isn’t in their MO. Besides, you heard how Cappy described the entrance to the mine - ‘silent like a tomb.’”

“Actually,” Nino helpfully cut in, “now that you’re closer, you can hear something moving down there. Sounds a little bigger than a kobold though. Not by much, but still.”

The adventurers shared a look.

“I’m not about to leave a job half-finished,” Marinette said as she crossed her arms on the table. “And we’re still in pretty good shape.”

“Where you go, my song shall follow.”

“...Well, I guess someone has to keep you two safe,” Alya said.

“The tunnels wind deeper beneath the ground until you discover a grisly sight - the remaining kobolds, torn to shreds. Bones, nicked by the kobolds’ spears, lay scattered around them.”

Silence reigned over the party.

“Bones?” Marinette spoke first. “Are they carved with patterns or…?”

Nino shook his head. “Nope. It looks like random jabs and cuts from the spears. At least, as far as your untrained eye can tell.”

“Well… now I’m even more worried.” Marinette narrowed her eyes at her character sheet. “Something had to have killed these kobolds.”

“Yeah, girl. We don’t want to leave now, only for the village to get messed with by whatever did this.” Alya idly rolled her eight sided dice.

“So you’ll be pressing on then?” Nino looked between them, getting nods in return. “Sweet. You walk toward the other end of the room… and the bones reassemble into a band of dwarf sized skeletons. Roll for initiative.”

The battle ended up being longer than Nino had originally intended. None of the party members were equipped to deal with a skeletal enemy, excluding his cleric. They may have won the fight, but they were worse off for it. Maybe he should tone down the number of skeletons in the next few rooms.

Before he could make a decision, though, the twins burst from their room. Despite Alya’s best efforts, once released, they couldn’t be contained again. The session had been officially derailed and ended.

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

The following day, Nino opened discord to see how his party was handling their nearest brush with defeat.

Alya’ll Beware: Sorry it got cut short guys. Sometimes Etta and Ella are too much even for me :(

Marinoodles: Don’t worry! It was fine, I’m just glad we got them to fall asleep before we started on our sleepover.

Adrien Regreste: It wasn’t any trouble. Although I’m wondering if it usually takes this long to get through a dungeon, or if we just have super bad luck…

Lord DM: Fights always take forever it feels like, and dungeons are packed with them. I was assuming it’d take a few sessions to finish, but yeah, our luck hasn’t been awesome lately. We’re almost done tho.

Alya’ll Beware: Thx guys! Makes me feel a little better THo maybe we should stick to mari and adrien’s for a while I get the feeling we’ll just get interrupted again if we go 2 my place Ya know?

Adrien Regreste: yeah We should be able to hang out at my place next session After that is sort of a gamble though

Marinoodles: You’re always welcome at my place! All of you i mean Not just adrien But you definitely are welcome to visit too adrien! Whenever you want If you want to

Lord DM: Anyway. This coming session will be at Adrien’s place then. Sound good?

Alya’ll Beware: Yup

Marinoodles: Can’t wait! :D

Adrien Regreste: :3

[nadjaofstatenisland]

I need to hear more about parentdale and them taking care of the eggs babies

@fredheads went into Mary and Fred being partners a little bit here. They named their daughter Belinda. Their egg cracked one day when Mary put the basket down in Fred’s chair and he sat on it. She was entirely ready to scream at him but he was abut to burst into tears and honestly… she should have put the basket on the desk after all. Luckily the damage wasn’t too bad. They raided the art room after school and stuck some yarn and googly eyes on Belinda to cover the crack. It worked like a charm. They got an B.

Alice and Hiram wanted a boy but couldn’t decide on a name. Alice wanted William and Hiram wanted Sebastian. They finally settled on Miranda and just made her a girl. Then it came to the schedule. Alice said since Hiram had a car it only made sense that he took the egg home every night. Hiram said she was the girl so of course she should take it home. Alice wound up breaking Hiram’s locker open and leaving it in there overnight, causing them to lose a full letter grade when their teacher found out. Alice wanted to write out the whole baby book, but Hiram didn’t like how she kept making him out to be a bad dad in it so he kept taking it back and scribbling on it. She told him he could decorate the basket if he really wanted to be useful, so he went out and brought the most expensive stroller instead so they could use that instead. Alice wasn’t going to lie, she was impressed. In the end they ended up with a C.

Hal and Hermione actually wound up being a great team. They named their son Lucas Perry Cooper. (Hermione wanted to name him Luke Perry and this was the compromise they came up with.) Hermione made sure they had the nicest basket/bassinet in class that she entirely decorated herself. Hal was in charge of filling out their baby book and every day was honestly an argument over who got to keep the egg and take it home. They got an A+.

Penelope and FP were partners and neither were very happy about it. They named their daughter Christine because Penelope was smack dab in her Phantom of the Opera phase and she wasn’t about to let someone named Forsythe name her egg baby. FP actually offered up help. He was more than willing to take the baby around with him and bring it home every other night, but Penelope wasn’t having that. By the third day, she let him keep it for the lunch period where he proceeded to leave it on top of a stack of plastic trays. (it was sloppy joe day and he got really excited, it wasn’t his fault!) Penelope spotted her basket from a mile away, resulting in a tug of war between the two where little Christine fell out of her basket. She was unharmed! But you better believe the lunch monitor reported them to the teacher. When their grade slipped to a B, Penelope told FP she was completely taking over this project, she’d be a single mom. FP then muttered something under his breath about how he knew her love of egg salad, he hoped she wouldn’t eat Christine after. 

Tom and Sierra were still secretly dating. They volunteered to get twins, two girls that they named Denise and Patty. They got along great, obviously, and them being paired up gave them an excuse to hang out openly. Their parents couldn’t be upset with them if it was for school, right? They got an A+.

Hmmm… Gladys got paired up with Marty. He offered her $100 to do the project entirely on her own. $50 upfront and the other $50 when she got them a C or higher. She named their son Ricky, passed off the egg to Marty in class to keep up appearances and got them a solid B.

[dragoncat223]

Chapter One: Snow

A/N: so this is the thing I wa talking about yesterday, go ahead and read if you want!! I was kind of just blowing off steam, and this happened. Hope you like it.

When you looked at Snow, you would not think he was a spy. He was tall and well-muscled, and moved with the grace of a trained fighter. So, one may assume his occupation to a guard for royalty, a swordsman, or a mercenary, maybe. In another life possibly, but in this one, the teen was currently hidden in the shadows. He watched. He waited.

“Did you hear the Lake Base was raided last week?” one guard said.

“Oh yeah, I heard everyone drowned. They threw people into the lake with their hands and feet tied to stones, right? Bloodthirsty savages,” the other replied, shaking his head. Snow rolled his eyes and moved on, but it wasn’t their fault. They only repeated what they thought was true. Traveling from shadow to shadow, the boy caught snippets of conversation.

“Oh please, John is totally cheating on Aubrey with Kevin. I saw them making out in the hall by the dorms last week!”

“The captain said the shipment would come in two night’s time.”

“That one always jams. Here, let me.”

Finally he found what he was looking for. Snow slipped from a rafter to the top of a large bookshelf, making himself comfortable in the small space. There were only two men in the room. Between them was a large table, covered in maps. One man was young looking, in his late twenties perhaps? His dark, slicked back hair shown in the dim light. The other was in his late fifties, maybe early sixties. His hair was covered in an olive green hat, but you could still see his grey stubble. To Snow they’d be known as Steve and Bob, respectfully.

“We’ve checked here,” his boney fingers pointed to a spot on the worn out map, “and here, but found nothing,” Steve was saying. “Commander, we’ve scoured the area in a fifty mile radius. Either they are moving around or we have to widen our search area.”

Or they’re just smarter than you, Snow thought.

“Let’s not forget the those of which we are dealing with, Captain. They must be using some kind of magic to hide from us. No matter though, Princess Diane’s machine will be coming in two weeks time. Until then, we’ll keep searching on foot. Thank you, Captain Granite. You are dismissed,” Bob instructed.

Snow climbed back up to the rafters and made his way to the window he came through. His chose a long path tonight, risky and dangerous, but it let him hear more snippets of conversation.

“I hear it has spikes.”

“Laura told me she liked this!”

“Fuck! Okay, that hurt!”

“That tree looks weird. Has that tree always been there?”

Most of it wasn’t important, but still interesting to listen to. He liked to make up stories around what he heard. But that was for later.

These people thought they’d thought of everything, and yet missed one window. Well… several windows; and a spy, but we can keep that as our secret for now.

Exiting through the window, Snow dropped to the ground in front of a woman in full uniform, a gun strapped to her hip. “You get what you needed?” She asked.

Snow nodded. “Anyone suspect you?”

The woman smiled. “I’m up for a promotion.”

“Good. Now, I heard something about a device that Princess Diane made. You have anything on that?”

“There are only rumors, but I’ve heard something about it being able to suppress lay lines.” Snow grimaced and gave a curt nod.

“Thank you, Cam. Devin sent a letter with me.” Snow pulled the folded paper out of a pocket and handed to the dark skinned woman. “I know it wasn’t my place but some color caught my eye and I saw the picture Ein drew. It’s very cute.”

Cam smiled sadly at him. “Thank you Snow. Keep my boys safe, yeah?”

“Yes, ma’am. See you next week.” Cam nodded, pocketed the letter and walked back into the base. Snow slipped back into the darkness and made his way to the meeting spot. The others should be there already. The teen rounded a corner to see that yes, luckily his team was all there. Well everyone except… “Where’s Dahlia?”

“Told you,” some one hissed, and he swore he saw money change hands. “Sir, Dahlia took a small detour while scouting. She-“

“Is right here!” A voice said gleefully. A blessedly familiar voice. Snow spun around to see his sister standing there with a long, rolled up piece of paper in her hands.

“Gods damn, Dahlia, what the hell is that?”

“Oh you know,” the girl said, crossing one leg over the other and rolling her eyes to the side playfully. “Just the blueprints to the base.”

Snow sighed. “Just because you got that does not mean you are off the hook. I’m telling Blossom when we get back,” he turned to the rest of the group, “Let’s move out.”

They began walk back to the glider. Dahlia crossed her arms and muttered something about it being unfair. Snow rolled his eyes. She’d been fighting as long as he had, but gods did she act like a child sometimes. Though I guess you can’t really blame her; she was only fifteen after all.

The group found their glider and climbed onto the smooth surface. Snow a small amount of ice grow in his hand and shaped it into a key. There was a small hole in the vehicle and the ice mage inserted his new key and twisted. The engine purred to life as walls and windows formed around them. Seats fizzled into existence and the group sat. Snow discarded his creation to the hot ground below, where it would melt out of existence in a few minutes. A control panel formed last and Snow inputted the sequence that would take them home.

The glider began moving and Snow took his seat. They all faced in, towards each other. There were only five of them, six including Dahlia, though she was not a permanent fixture there. There was Zach, Robin, Rose, Calvin and Snow himself. “Report. There’s talk that Princess Diane has a new machine that suppress magic. We need more info on that. What did you find?”

“I was in the tech section this week, sir,” Rose began. “We got lucky and they were on a video call with princess herself.”

Snow leaned forwards in interest. Little was known about the girl. Just that she was young, brilliant, and the leading scientist in Powerless’ side.

“She looked about fifteen or sixteen, brown hair, blue eyes. I’m willing to bet she’s short, though it was hard to tell-“

“Rose.”

“Right. They were talking about the machine. She said that it would only be able to affect a one hundred mile radius. Currently it’s only a prototype, so only one exists. The princess is going to field test it and fine tune it here.” The woman paused, suddenly nervous.

Zach gestured for her to continue. “She will be here in two week’s time sir.”

“Blossom will be interested to hear that, thank you. Robin, go.”

“Section 7 is being transferring back to the capital. They’ll be gone within a week. I suspect they are sending troops home because they are beginning to become doubtful that we are even here.”

Snow nodded. The 7th section was the last and smallest of those that were located on the base.

“Good job. Zach, you were in the mess hall this evening. What did you find?”

Zach smiled mischievously as the rest of the squad leaned in. Was this really necessary? No. Was it entertaining? Hell yes. “Well sir, in section 3a Hudson cheated on Ben two weeks ago right? Well there’s this new guy who just transferred to the base, Arthur, who seems to have caught Ben’s attention. In section 4c Melissa and Mary broke up last week and now Melissa is dating Mary’s brother, Sam.”

He rambled on about the gossip he’d picked up for the next five minutes. Really, the shadow mage did his best work in the cafeteria. Seemed to enjoy it too. A little too much maybe, but Snow wouldn’t worry about that. For now he would listen and laugh with the others.

After a while, the vehicle slowed to a stop and the walls disappeared around them. The group stood and the chairs faded away. To any onlookers, it would look like they’d stopped in some abandoned spot on the arid plain. Snow nodded to Dahlia, who lit up. She always loved this part. The short haired girl leapt from the smooth surface of the glider to the hard dry ground below with excitement. “Stand back,” she instructed, not facing her comrades, ever the dramatic, “It’s about to get hot.”

She took a deep breath, and Snow knew she closed her eyes in concentration. She’d be fine, but on rare occasions, his sister didn’t have the best control over her power. Finally she threw her arm up, into the air in a long arc, palm outstretched. Brilliant flames followed the path of her hand, giving a moment of light to an otherwise dim evening. Snow allowed himself a small smile of pride. With the display of Dahlia’s power, the air shimmered, but not just with the heat of the flame. They had entered the shield that hid their camp from anyone without a mage with them.

They’d been here years, longer than Snow had been alive. Both his sisters and he himself had been born there. The rebel group had found these ancient ruins and made it their own. Buildings made from old, crumbling sandstone, repaired with new blocks and steel beams. Some prefered to keep the new products out of their homes and repaired holes with enchanted cloth, making them waterproof and unable to burn. Their camp was large, hundreds living here. Some were fighters, some just seeking shelter with their families.

There was a crowd to greet them. A little boy ran up to him, and jumped at him. Snow picked him up and let the child wrap his small legs around his waist and arms around his neck. “Snow! Snow! Did you see my momma? Did you give her my drawing? Did she like it?”

“Yes Ein, I saw your momma. I gave her your drawing and she loved it and says she misses you very, very much,” Snow responded, with a chuckle.

“Good to see you back safe Lieutenant,” said the boy’s father, stepping up to take the boy off his hands.

“Captain.”

“How is she?”

“Up for a promotion.” The subtext in the news was not subtle. She’s safe. Don’t worry.

“I have to go report report to the general. See you in the morning.” The man nodded and carried the little boy off. Dahlia was off talking to her own group of friends, all talking over one another.

Snow imagined them asking things like, “Where you scared?” Or “Did you see the armory?”. Dahlia had a wide smile on her face as she talked just as fast. It was times like this, that he hated to pull his sister back home. But it had to be done.

“Dahlia!” Snow called. His sister snapped to attention and turned toward him. He jerked his head in the direction of their house and she nodded.

“Coming!” The fire mage took a moment to say goodbye to her friends and rushed to catch up with her brother.

They left the crowd behind in favor of weaving through the maze of crumbling, half repaired buildings.

Next

[cianmars]

Accidentally in Love:

‘David and Mary had a one night stand when they were 18, 4 years later David bumps into Mary and finds out that he has a 3 year old daughter. They struggle with deciding on custody for Emma and both of their lives changing entirely as they go from strangers to friends... they don't want to confuse their daughter but certain feelings start to stir as they spend more time together.’

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Chapter 1:

David grinned as he stood in the empty apartment which he had just signed the papers for, it was officially his, and he couldn't wipe the smile off of his face. It was so much bigger and more modern than the one he had been renting in college, both he and his best friend had studied the same course, and when they had just graduated they both got jobs on the same force. And he finally allowed himself to use the money he had inherited from his father, he had spent his teenage years working hard, he looked around his apartment with pride knowing that he was finally starting to achieve his dream.

His phone started to ring and the name on it made him start for a moment but he shook his head and just answered it. “Hey mom, I just signed the papers, it’s officially mine.” He chuckled. “Mom I love your cooking, but I’m an adult, I’m living closer to you now but I need my own place. I’ll see you tomorrow, mom, I need to sort out furniture for here and I’ll pick up my stuff from home. Love you, bye.”

He shook his head, his mother was still protective despite him being an adult, he knew he wouldn’t be like that when he was a parent, in many many years time.

He glanced at his watch and was glad to see how early it was, there was plenty of time to do everything he needed to do.

David spent the day going around the large town he was now part of, ordering furniture to be delivered and buying different items he forgot he even needed. By the early afternoon the furniture was all delivered and he had the bare bones of his apartment sorted out. He collapsed on his new couch and took out his phone, he shot a quick text to his friend before pulling a clean plaid shirt heading out to grab dinner, content with his life just as it was.

He pulled out his phone again and dialed Ian’s number. “Hey Rogers, I’m heading to the diner now, I just need to stop at the store first… Yeah, see you in a few.”

Mary beamed as she walked into the playground, she took off the blazer she had been wearing for her final interview, she had just gotten a job she couldn’t believe her luck, she had just graduated from college and was officially going to be the fourth grade teacher at Storybrooke Elementary. She had worked so hard to juggle her life between college, work experience, and her life, and now she finally had the job she had been working so hard to get.

“Mommy!”

Mary heard the loud shout and looked around, she saw a tiny girl in shorts and a t-shirt barrelling towards her, her smile widened and she crouched down. Her little girl threw herself into her arms and she wrapped her arms around her hugging her close to her chest. “Hello baby!”  She kissed her forehead. “I’ve missed you so much! Did you have a lot of fun? Did you have a good day?”

“Mommy I was really, really, really good mommy!” Emma told her excitedly and hugging her tightly.

Mary stood up with Emma in her arms, she was finally starting to grow but she was still easily the smallest in her playschool, to Mary she was still the tiny baby in the NICU clinging onto her finger. She kissed her face again. “I missed you my little monkey.”

“Hey, Mary!”

Mary’s head turned and she looked at Emma’s preschool teacher, Ashley. “How did she do?” Mary tried not to wince too much.

Ashley smiled, she remembered how reserved and nervous both Emma and Mary were when Emma joined, she knew that Mary thought that she would be judged for being so young, but Ashley had been through the same. She had tried her best to help them and in doing so she had become friends with them. “Emma got a gold star today.” She told her with pride. “And absolutely no timeouts.”

“What!” Mary said ecstatically and squeezed her little girl making her giggle. “You didn’t get any timeouts, I am so, so proud of you!”

“Are you happy with me mommy?”

“I am so, so, happy with you! You’ve been so good pumpkin.” Mary knew that Emma always tried her best but behaviour wasn’t always her strong suit. “I think that deserves a special treat and how about we go out for our dinner tonight?”

“Yeah!”

Ashley smiled at the two of them. “How’d your interview go?” She asked quietly. “They better have hired you if not then they’re big… they’re silly.” Her eyes flickered Emma as she tried not to call them idiots.

Mary laughed. “They’re… pretty smart… I start in September!”

“Oh my god!” Ashley squealed. “Mary that’s amazing! You totally deserve this, you’ve worked so hard, I’m so proud of you.”

Mary smiled and quickly hugged her. “Thanks Ash.”

“What did you do mommy?” Emma asked intent to be kept in the loop.

“Mommy got a job, sweetie, I’m going to be a teacher.”

“A teacher for me?”

“No sweetie, a bit bigger than you, nine and ten like Rolo.” Mary explained gently.

“Oh…” Emma’s face fell but it immediately perked up. “When I’m a little bit bigger then mommy.”

“Sure, Ducky.” Mary giggled and kissed the top of her white blonde curls again.

“Well, you need to see if your stepmom can babysit and we are so going out on the town to celebrate, a girls night, we all need one.” Ashley promised. She gently stroked Emma’s cheek. “I’ll see you next week sweetie, we’re going to be doing lots of summer things out in the sun, so bring your sun cream and put loads on.” She handed Emma’s backpack to Mary. “There’s a letter in there about a field trip and some of our activity mornings, we’re always looking for volunteers.” She hinted batting her eyelids for comedic effect.

“I’ll take a look at it.” She laughed back. “Say bye bye to Ashley honey.”

“Bye Ash!” Emma said happily waving as her mom walked away. “Food now mommy?”

Mary tickled Emma’s sides. “You’re always hungry, my little love bug, you decide on what you want to eat and we’ll decide where we’re going, we just need to go to the store first, you’ve gotten all your stars on your chart so you get to choose a little toy.” She smiled as Emma cheered and decided to get herself a little treat too.

David was still getting used to being back in the large town instead of being in a city, one of the things he was having to get used to was stores having early closing times, bar the odd few late night ones so he was rushing to get all the things. His mom had moved back to Storybrooke when he had just started college, he took time off to help her move to her farm and settle in, but overall he had only spent a few months in the town in the past four years, most of that time he spent on his mom’s farm so he was still getting his orientation. Now that he had a new apartment and cooking utensils and kitchen equipment he suddenly remembered that he would be needing to buy food. He walked around the store collecting what he would need for the next few days. In the process he found himself turned around and in the kids aisle.

“Okay honey, you get to pick any of these, what do you want?” Mary asked crouching down beside Emma with her basket of shopping. “There’s kitties, bunnies, unicorns, monkeys, doggies, balls, Duplo building blocks-”

“- A doggie mommy!” Emma said with urgency.

Mary smiled gently, lately Emma had been obsessed with dogs, she figured it was because someone else at preschool had got a dog, plus Emma loved all animals anyway, but their apartment was much too small for one. Mary felt bad but she knew they just couldn’t at the moment. “Okay sweetie, there’s a few different ones, you take a look at them while mommy stands up okay?” She watched Emma nod before standing up, a little to her left there were stickers she knew they needed more for Emma’s sticker chart at home after Emma had decided to raid the rest the other day, just picking these made her excited to start being able to have her own class and put them in the kids books alongside her marking. She kept an eye on Emma as she started to put a few into her basket along with a new pack of crayons for Emma and pack of pens for herself.

Emma smiled as she finally settled upon a chocolate brown labrador puppy, she cuddled it close to chest as she stood up, she smiled down at her new toy as she walked over to her mom, bumping into someone as she did. She tore her eyes away from her toy and looked all the way up at the tall man towering over her she had just bumped into. The only thing that she could think was how tall he was and that he had a plaid shirt like the ones she often wore. Suddenly her mom was at her side and the man was suddenly not so scary. She reached her hand up and her mom immediately took hold of it and she cuddled into her side. “Who’s that mommy?”

Mary bit her lip to stop herself from laughing, Emma was pretty shy with everyone, but she couldn’t be completely shy, she was simply too inquisitive to actually be shy. “This is one of my old friends from when I was little, Emmy, I used to live in this town. His name is Hank.”

“Oh.” Emma said quietly, her curiosity was settled, and now she decided instead to cuddle against her mommy’s leg waiting for her to finish talking.

Mary managed to steer the conversation to an end. “I’m sorry it’s time for Emma and I to go have our dinner, isn’t it Ducky? It was nice catching up Hank.” She smiled politely and led Emma away, picking her up when she wanted to be held, kissing her blonde curls as Emma cuddled to her . “Mama just needs to pay for all of these and then we’ll go have some food, we need to pay for puppy too Emma, then what are we going to have for dinner?”

“Erm… Pizza Mama!” She cheered.

Mary laughed. “How come I’m not surprised? I like the sound of pizza too.” She admitted joining the queue.

Mary held onto Emma’s hand as she walked down the street with grocery bags in her other arm. “I think tomorrow we’ll have to have an art day.” Mary told her knowing that her daughter enjoyed that. “And we can make some yummy cupcakes.”

“Yeah! I love cupcakes. Mommy I love you too.”

Mary’s heart sang. “I love you too Emma, more than the moon and all of the stars in the sky.” She nuzzled her face against her daughter’s. “What did you do in preschool today?”

“Mommy, a bumblebee!” Emma shouted urgently, she spotted the bumblebee on the pavement and knew that her mom had to move to save the bee.

Mary knew that voice, and quickly took a step to the right, while keeping ahold of her toddlers hand, so she wouldn’t step on the bee. But by doing so she bumped into a man, nearly

“Oh, I’m sorry ma’am-” David stopped talking. His stomach was in his mouth. And his blood pounded in his ears. He knew that face, a memory from when he was eighteen played in his mind, blurred by time and alcohol. “M- Mary?” His eyebrows shot up as he looked at her in shock. “Mary Margaret, is that you?”

Mary took in a shaky breath, subconsciously pulling Emma closer to her, but a smile formed on her face anyway. “David.” She said quietly, suddenly she felt like a teenager again, not the mature adult she had quickly turned into. “You’re here-?” She was speaking as though she was in shock and by the looks of it he was shocked to see her there too.

“I, I moved back here, recently. I thought you were moving halfway across the country at college? The last time I saw you you were off.”

“I decided to stay close to home.” Mary was getting over her shock as she felt her daughter tugging at her leg, she knew Emma was nervous just as she had been when Mary had been talking to Hank, but now Mary was starting to feel just as nervous. She was struggling to think or even breathe.

“Mommy.” Emma whined starting to feel both hungry and tired. “Mommy, me an’ doggie are hungry.”

He hadn’t noticed the tiny little girl David looked down at the blonde curls of the toddler clinging to Mary’s leg, and did the mental arithmetic, he swallowed deeply. “Is… Is she mine?”

“David-.” Mary’s voice was barely above a whisper. She tugged Emma closer to her, scared about losing her, and wanting to keep her from hearing the oncoming storm.

“Mary.” David’s voice was stern but as he asked his question his voice cracked. “Mary. Is. She. Mine?”

Mary took a shaky deep breath in. “Yes.”