rueartys

[blueskittlesart]

Please what do yoy mean another I'm shaking rn you can't just say things ₩PLSASE

see where it says "layer 37?" that 37 refers to the number of pages. which i want to be in full color. you're gonna have to be patient with this one babes

[cyi-can-you-imagine]

The (last) First Time

My take on what happened when they met on that bridge in heaven. Mentions of Eileen, but this is very much wincest.

Hope you enjoy!

Dean knows it the moment he arrives, can absolutely sense it, and that’s what solidifies it for him. And he’s just as he remembered him.

Beautiful.

But standing on the bridge with his brother, Sam feels ashamed when he pulls away from the embrace he doesn’t want to let go of. 

“You know I married Eileen?” Sam looks down, putting his hands in his pockets.

“Yeah.” Dean smiles softly. He can’t take his eyes off of Sam.

“I loved her.” Sam’s not sure why he’s saying it, but he just knows somehow he has to. Has to tell Dean. Has to - 

“I know you did, Sammy.” Dean still doesn’t look away.

“You know about Dean Jr, then?” Sam looks up, startled. Dean chuckles. His green eyes squint and crinkle when he smiles, Sam remembers. He holds back tears.

“I know everything, Sam. I never left you, remember?” His hand goes up and strokes Sam’s cheek, and Sam closes his eyes. 

“Eighty four years, Dean. Fifty-two without you. Fifty fucking two. I missed you every fucking day.” He doesn’t open his eyes.

Dean’s smile fades as Sam starts to sob. 

“I did it Dean, I lived for you. I got out. I lived the best life I could. I just missed you so  -” Sam’s chest heaves and he sucks in air, choking on it. He can’t go on.

Dean tucks his fingers softly under Sam’s chin, raising it so their eyes meet. But Sam doesn’t want to look. 

“Hey. Look at me, yeah?”

It’s a monumental effort, but he manages it.

“It’s okay that you loved her. Eileen was amazing. She was right for you, she’s what you needed. She’s here, too, you know. You can see her anytime.”

Sam’s eyes sparkle for a moment, and then the tears fall, twin streaks down the sides of his face. Dean smiles softly and brushes them both away with his thumbs.

Sam forces a smile and nods. “I did love her - I do - but you...it’s always been…” his voice trails off again and he looks down again.

Dean remembers his first week, or whatever it was, in Heaven. How time passed, what he could see and feel. How odd it was at first. He knows it takes some adjusting (it’s not like being on earth at all), and knows he’s going to be able show Sam how to do the same. His big brother instincts take over, and he uses the voice that always helped to calm Sam down. 

“Sammy. Here, we are eternal. It’s all just - “ He sweeps his hand across the landscape and Sam follows the motion. “I’ll show you, you’ll see. Trust me, yeah?”

Sam relaxes at the familiar tone and nods, but a few more tears fall.

Dean continues,  “Time is different here. I’m so sorry you had to wait so long. For me, it was only a short time before you showed up. But you know - I was still able to watch and love every single moment of your life. All of it. You’ll understand very soon, I promise, okay? I - I’m so fucking proud of you. You did it.”

“But you didn’t get to - “ Sam tries, but Dean stops him.

“Get to what? Grow old? No, I didn’t. But I’m at peace, ok? I am. None of it matters anymore, I promise. Once you adjust, it will all make sense. And you’re here now and Sammy...it’s always going to be ok now. Always. Forever, for reals forever. And Sam? It’s always been you and me. You know that.”

“It’s been forever, Dean,” Sam says softly, finally looking up.

“I know Sammy. But I promise, it won’t be long now, ok baby brother? I fucking promise that”

“Even after -”

“Especially after. I love you so fucking much. Watching you happy with her filled my soul with pure love Sam. Happy. You. Fulfilled and a dad. A DAD, Sam! And a really good one, too! It’s...not complicated up here, ok? It just is. It will all makes sense. It will.”

Sam shakes his head no. He’s slightly afraid and Dean can sense it. He pulls Sam close. There’s a millisecond of hesitation, but when he feels Dean’s arms hold him close and gently kiss his neck, just under his ear, with his warm breath falling over his skin again - too fucking long, Sam thinks - he melts into the arms of the one soul he knows he belongs with forever.

Dean’s hands find Sam’s hair. He slowly runs his fingers through them, tugging gently. Their eyes finally lock.

“Dean,” Sam chokes out another sob. More tears fall, but Dean knows it’s for a whole other reason. Sam’s hands reach up and grab his brother, pulling him closer.

“I’ve missed you so much,” the words hover in the air, and it doesn’t matter who says them. It envelops them, the love growing into something neither brother has ever felt before. Nothing on earth ever felt like this.

Sam sighs and they both press against each other. 

Dean runs his fingers through his brother’s hair. soft, slow, and tender, with the occasional teasing pull. He gives light kisses on Sam’s head all the way down his neck. Sam feels Dean’s tongue delicately running all along the tendons that strain as he arches his neck  to give his brother more access.

So soft and tender, it sends shivers down Sam’s spine. He’s already on the edge and Dean hasn’t even really touched him yet.

.“Dean,” he groans softly. Fifty-two years since his brother had touched him like this. He thought he’d forgotten.

“Shh, I got you.” Dean says in Sam’s ear.  

Their lips meet. But it’s not what Dean expected at all. There’s no desperation, no furious grabbing. No, they seem to melt into each other, their movements as graceful as a beautiful dance. It’s soft, gentle and he feels Sam become part of him. They become one and it’s overwhelming.

They don’t stop kissing when Dean’s hands trail down Sam’s arm, fingers touching whisper lightly. Goosebumps prickle up all over Sam’s arms as his brother’s lips press warm and wet against his. 

Dean pulls away to send kisses trailing down Sam’s neck to his chest. Their hands find each other’s and their fingers intertwine, grasping tightly. Dean raises up again, pressing his lips back to Sam’s. He pushes his tongue forward and Sam opens up for him, savoring the taste.

“Dean,” Sam says as he swallows his brother’s tongue. This comes out as a low moan, and Dean smiles into Sam’s mouth.

“Looks like I can still get to you, eh, baby boy?”

“Yeah. You can.” Sam can’t even open his eyes, he’s so taken away by his brother’s touch. Dean’s touch tingles his skin, his lips, in a way he’s never flt. It feels so different here, he thinks, and is startled his whole body is washed over like a wave with...something...he can’t describe it.

“Don’t try to make sense of it Sammy.”

Sam’s dick twitches as the kiss deepens.

Dean’s hand slides down over Sam’s stomach, to the button on Sam’s jeans, popping it open slowly, never breaking away from the kiss. It’s slow and sweet and heavy, and neither of them can break away. His hand slips into Sam’s jeans, and Sam moans again.

“Sammy, you are so fucking beautiful,” Dean says, finally pulling away and looking into his brother’s eyes.

Sam lets go of Dean’s lips with a whimper. He looks into those beautiful green eyes until he’s overcome, and his eyes roll into the back of his head.

”That’s my boy,” Dean breathes as Sam squirms under his brother’s touch.

“You wanna? Like before?” Dean asks. He’s breathless, practically panting in Sam’s ear.

“Fuck yeah, I wanna,” says Sam, his voice low and desperate. He grabs Dean by his collar.

It’s Dean who pushes Sam against the impala behind them

But it’s Sam who makes the next move.

 His hands tremble as he unbuttons Dean’s shirt. It’s exactly like the first time touching his brother like this, and he’s suddenly ashamed again. He pauses. Just stands there, hands still on Dean’s flannel..

“It’s ok, Sammy,” whispers Dean. “I want you to.”

Sam takes a breath, continuing slowly. He’s still trembling, though. Their foreheads touch, just as they did in the last moments of Dean’s... Sam feels his brother’s warm breath on his neck again and pulls himself back to the moment. Dean’s hands reach up to join Sam’s, and helps him finish unbuttoning his shirt.

He pushes Dean’s shirt off his shoulders and lets it drop.

 Sam’s heart is pounding. He’s nervous but excited. It almost feels like the first time, it’s been so long, so achingly long. Dean’s strong hands wrap around him and pull him closer. Sam feels safe again. He exhales, and feels like it’s the first time he’s ever actually just let go. 

Dean pushes his hand down Sam’s unzipped pants, grabbing gently, moving slowly up and down. Sam moans loudly. He tilts his head back against the hood of the car.

“Finally,” Sam whispers. “Dean…”.

“Fuck yeah, Sammy…” Dean whispers back.

Every stroke is passionate and tender. So much that Sam starts to cry. It’s so good. It’s so very good. And it’s too much. 

Slowly, the bridge disappears. The landscape grows fuzzy around them. 

Time is different here. They’ve been kissing for years, it seems. 

The world around them slowly comes back into focus and they are back in the motel in Scranton, where they first kissed each other.

Dean lowers Sam onto the mattress and Sam lets him. Lets Dean take complete control.

 He takes his time with Sam. 

 Once they are both finally skin on skin again, Sam gets it. He understands now. He completely gives in. And Dean feels it. He senses the change, the acceptance in his little brother.

It’s time.

Dean moves slowly, taking his time. He pushes gently, letting Sam open to him as he inches his way inside.

“God, Dean,” gasps Sam.

“Uhhh,” is all Dean could reply.

“Fucking hell, little brother,” Dean whispers as he presses fully into Sam. He stays there, for a minute. They both breathe deeply, grabbing each other and holding on for dear life as they slide against each other.

Neither want to let go.

And now, they never have to.

[fangirlshrewt97]

Epiphanies and a Roof Over Their Heads

Fandom: The Old Guard (Movie 2020)

Pairing: Nile Freeman & Nicolo di Genova

Read on AO3

                                                           ///

Nicky hummed as he sipped his hot chocolate, the warmth seeping into his bones, making him melt further into the armchair. A crash of thunder startled him upright, eyes blinking at the subsequent flash of lightning. Sighing, Nicky shifted until he was once again comfortably reclining in the arm chair, one foot on the broad window sill. Closing his eyes again, Nicky allowed his other senses to take over. The taste of warm chocolate still stinging his tongue, the faint strums of music from the spare bedroom Nile had converted into a temporary studio, the plushness of the armchair molding to his body. The nearly overwhelming scent of petrichor and wet trees wafting in from the open window.

They had arrived at the safehouse in Indonesia a few days before, and were waiting for the rest of the team to join them. Andy and Quynh had said they would stop by Vietnam, so it would likely be a week before they showed up. Joe and Booker had said they were en route and would try to be there in a couple days. Given that it was monsoon season, and a cyclone had been spotted, Nicky thought they would probably arrive with Andy and Quynh.

Lifting his other leg to cross his ankles on the window sill, Nicky sipped away at the drink in his hand, just enjoying the rain pouring outside their house, enveloping them in this phantom bubble of isolation from the rest of the world. He had always found peace in the rain, felt like the water washed away all the troubles of the world, at least temporarily. If, of course, they were not forced to trek through treacherous jungles or muddy hills during the downpour.

After some time he heard the faint music cut off, a door opening softly. He took another sip of drink. He tilted his head in Nile’s direction when she finally peaked over the head of the large chair, smiling softly at her sheepish expression.

“Sorry,” she said, “I wasn’t sure if you had fallen asleep.”

“It’s ok sorellina. I was not sleeping.”

Nile came around the armchair, an eyebrow raised as she saw him sprawled comfortably in his perch. “So, what are you doing?”

“Watching the rain.” Nicky replied, one corner of his lips raising in a faint smirk, as Nile let out annoyed groan.

“I thought we said no more dad jokes Nicky!” Nile said petulantly.

Nicky chuckled. “Si, Si, sorry. Would you like some hot chocolate?”

At that Nile brightened. “Yes!”

“There is some in the kitchen, pour yourself some and come join me.” Nicky said, gesturing in the direction of the other armchair.

Nile nodded before disappearing from sight.

Nicky took another sip of the hot chocolate, letting it rest on his tongue for a moment, until the sweetness became too much, and swallowed. Nile was humming happily as she made her way over to him, one hand clutching a mug, the other maneuvering the armchair beside Nicky’s. Nicky placed his mug on the windowsill before helping Nile with the chair. Once she was comfortably settled, he retook his position. Nile opted to curl up in her chair, letting out a small groan of satisfaction as she first tasted the chocolate.

“Swear to god Nicky, I have no idea how you do it, but you make the best stuff.” Nile said, voice slightly fair away.

Nicky beamed at her, a different warmth blossoming in his chest as his dear friend enjoyed one of his creations. “Grazie Nile, we got lucky I still had some of the chocolate I had bought in Belgium. I was planning on making hot chocolate for all of us, but then the call came in.”

“And it’s difficult to make hot chocolate when you are sneaking around the warehouse district of Nice?” Nile asked wryly.

Nicky winked at her, making her snort. Nile leaned her head against the side of the armchair. “You know, I think out of all the different weathers, rain is the strangest to me?”

Nicky tilted his head. “What do you mean?”

“We have all kinds of weather in Chicago, but we don’t get that much rain. And then Afghanistan, I mean. It’s Afghanistan, I got used to the heat. But rain like this?” Nile gestured at the window, where the rain was still falling in such strength they could barely see their compound’s wall. “I’ve never really seen it before.”

Nicky made a noise of agreement. “Genoa got a lot of rain. I always liked the rainy days best.”

“Yeah?” Nile asked, that curious wonder still in her voice. She still relished any opportunity to hear about their early years. None of the team had a problem indulging her.

“Si. I always found it very peaceful.”

As if to contradict him, a flash of lightning whited out the world before a rumble of thunder roared overhead.

“Yes, very peaceful.” Nile mumbled into her cup.

“Of course that rain was not quite like this. We had our bad storms, I remember the fishermen were always tense when they expected bad weather.  But for me rain offered me a kind of escape.”

“Escape how?”

Nicky shrugged, taking another sip as he sorted out the words in his head. “Escape like freedom. Like there was no one else except me when it was raining. Rain meant mud and extra chores, laundry that took twice as long to dry. But it also left the earth smelling of life, the flowers seemed to blossom brighter in the aftermath.”

“I can see that.” Nile said after a minute. “So. Did you ever have a epic romantic kiss in the rain?”

Nicky choked slightly on his drink as Nile giggled next to him. “Epic kiss?”

“Yeah, you know how in the movies, one of the romantic scenes is if the two people find each other after having had a fight or something, and then share this huge  kiss while like the music swells around them?”

Nicky chuckled as he shook his head. “I can’t recall anything quite like that.”

Nile pouted at him, making him snort.

“There was one instance though…” he trailed, enjoying how Nile scooted forward in her chair. Nicky closed his eyes, trying to bring the memory to the forefront.

“I must have been around 100, 110? Joe and I had only recently met up with Andy and Quynh, and had been travelling through Europe when Quynh said she wanted to introduce us to her homeland. So, we headed towards Vietnam. It was my first time so far East, and the sights felt like a different world. I had read and heard the stories from the three of them, but nothing quite compares to seeing the lands in person. We got stuck near Bangladesh? Or maybe Assam?

Anyways, we had to stop because the monsoon season hit, and both Andy and Quynh insisted the trip would be more enjoyable when we weren’t soaked to the bone. We found an abandoned house to camp out in for the season, and went about getting it ready. But still, nothing could have prepared me for the ways the skies opened, the way all the water in heaven seemed to fall out at once.”

“Must have been quite the sight.” Nile said softly.

Nicky nodded. “I don’t have the words to describe it. I used to stand by the door for a long time, just watching how the rain seemed to literally fall to the earth, crashing against the soft ground. Finally, maybe three or four days later? I decided I wanted to feel the rain.”

“Feel? Like walk in the rain?”

Nicky nodded once. “I had done it sometimes in Genoa, when I was a little boy. Stood alone in the rain, felt the water wash over me. It left me clean, like it didn’t just wash over my body, but my soul itself. I hadn’t done it in years, but the urge was so strong. When I saw the clouds darken, I stepped out of the house, walking just a few feet away.”

Nicky opened his eyes, training them on Nile, who was staring at him with an intense focus. She made a noise, encouraging him to continue.

“Standing under that monsoon rain. If the Genoan rain seemed to wash my soul, this one seemed to remake me. Each drop hurt as it fell on me, but it felt…like a benediction. I had caused so much death I could still see the blood on my hands. I had finally accepted I loved Joe, and was beginning to accept he mattered more to me than my faith’s claim that loving him was signing my soul for an eternity of damnation. But standing in that rain. None of that mattered. The world didn’t matter. I didn’t matter. And it was ok.

I’m not sure how long I was there, I had fallen to me knees at some point. I was brought back to myself when Joe touched me though. He was shouting something, I couldn’t hear what, but I remember the look in his eyes. I think he thought I had finally lost my mind. I just started laughing, harder than I ever had. It didn’t help ease his concern, but the rain, it had washed me of all the guilt I had been carrying. I pulled him down with me and kissed him. It felt like I was doing it in front of God. It felt like He was telling me it was ok. That I was allowed to live, allowed to love this perfect man I did not feel I deserved but would fight the world to keep by my side.”

The only noise in the room for some minutes after Nicky finished his story was the drumming of the rain.

“Wow.” Nile said finally.

Nicky huffed. “Does that qualify?”

Nile nodded, laughing brightly. “Definitely. Although, for most of the characters the epiphany comes before or after the kiss, not during.”

Nicky shrugged. “Maybe that’s because you can’t see the character’s thoughts as they are kissing.”

Nile nodded her head. “Fair enough.”

Nicky tilted his empty mug towards her. “Care for a refill?”

Nile nodded, getting up and taking his mug. “I’ll fill yours, you look far to cozy to disturb.”

Nicky grinned. “Thank you Nile.”

Nile returned with two full mugs. Nicky grabbed his own, only to pause when Nile held out her own. “To epiphanies in the rain.”

Nicky laughed. “And what epiphany have you had?”

“That I do not want to be a poor sap who has to walk in these conditions. Ever.” Nile said firmly, bobbing her head.

Nicky laughed harder, his mug shaking slightly. “To epiphanies and a roof over our head.”

Nile beamed. “To epiphanies and a roof over our head.”

After they toasted their mugs, they each took a long drink, letting out identical sighs of satisfaction. Giggling, Nile waved her mug. “Thanks for the story Nicky, between that, my art, and this wonderful hot chocolate, I am ready for a nap, and Mother Nature has a great soundtrack on. I’ll see you in a bit.”

“Sogno di oro, habibti.” Nicky told her as Nile walked away.

Once she was out of sight, Nicky lifted both his feet onto the windowsill, and leaned back on the armchair. Setting the empty mug on the floor, he carefully spread the blanket he had curled beneath his back over his legs. A nap sounded quite nice indeed. And if he could not fall asleep next to Joe, at least he would fall asleep to the sound of rain.

[crystalgirl259]

Guilty Pleasures Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Noah’s Ark

It would be over three thousand years before Zane met the strange demon known as Kai again. In those years the human race had grown at a rapid rate and had taken over pretty much the entire planet. Zane couldn't help but wonder if the human's sudden growth was always part of the plan or if the weapons he and Kai had gifted Adam and Eve had had a hand with it and aided in their expansion. Zane shuddered as he thought about the weapons from Heaven and Hell.

After he had sealed the Garden of Eden, the Almighty had only asked him once where the shurikens were and thankfully he managed to convince them that they were in the garden somewhere.

He had tried to find the two weapons in later years but it seemed that they had been lost to time. The angel was standing among a large crowd, watching as Noah finished building his ark. Noah's family had begun to lead the pairs of animals on board. While most of the crowd laughed and jeered at the man, Zane was just barely managing to keep the bile down, knowing what was coming. He wanted so desperately to warn the people, to tell them Noah was telling the truth and that they needed to find boats.

But at the same time, he knew that they wouldn't listen and that it was too late anyway.

Before they finished even a small boat the flood would come and wash them all away. As the angel wrestled with his thoughts, he suddenly felt someone tap him on the shoulder. He turned to see Kai standing beside him with a big grin on his face. The demon hadn't changed at all since Zane had last seen him. The only different thing was the brunette's missing wings that had been hidden, much like Zane's own wings.

"Hello, Zane." Kai greeted warmly and Zane wondered what had drawn the demon here.

"Kai," Zane replied awkwardly. He still didn't know how to properly interact with a demon, even if this one didn't come off as a threat right away.

"So, giving the mortals a flaming sword and icy shurikens, how do you think that worked out for us?" Kai asked with what Zane could swear was a mischievous purr.

"The Almighty has never actually mentioned it again." He replied, trying to keep his attention on the boat.

"Probably a good thing." He shrugged as he looked around at the crowd and back at the boat. "So what's all this about? Build a big boat and fill it with a traveling zoo?" He asked and Zane had took swallow the lump in his throat as he thought of a response.

"From what I hear, God's a bit tetchy and is wiping out the human race... with a big storm." He stammered, catching the demon off-guard.

"All of them?"

"Just the locals." Zane tried to smile, but it was so strained even Kai could see through it. "I don't believe the Almighty's upset with the Chinese, or the Native Americans, or the Australians."

"Yet."

"And God's not going to wipe out all the locals; I mean, Noah, up there, his family, and his sons, their wives, they're all going to be fine." He tried to reassure, but it had little to no effect on the brunette.

"But they're drowning everybody else?" He scoffed as he looked around at the crowd who were ignorant to their impending doom. His eyes widened when he saw a small group of kids running and playing in the crowd. "You can't kill children." He gasped in horror when Zane reluctantly nodded, snake eyes wide open. Not even a demon would kill a child. Why kill something when they wouldn't go to hell, anyway? Something that couldn't defend itself.

It wasn't logical.

It wasn't fair either, he thought. But only very quietly to himself. Zane had looked so helpless, but he hadn't agreed with the demon. At least he hadn't said it out loud. Although something had been in the angels' beautiful eyes. Kai liked to imagine that it was doubt. Still, he knew that having exactly that could be extremely dangerous. One doesn't simply doubt the great plan. Kai wanted to save the children. He did. The reason why he wanted to do that was far apart from any comprehension.

It couldn't be that wrong or right or whatever.

Only that way the children could grow old and be bad and ultimately go to hell, and that should be hells' only concern, anyway. He observed the Ark from every side. It was huge. Much bigger than a house, and much bigger than a dune, and much bigger than any animal climbing aboard. There should be more than enough space for everything and more. Also, the other unicorn was still missing. Kai wasn't too concerned, they still had the other one.

An idea started to form, as he observed the Ark.

There were a lot of animals and no one was paying as much attention to them as they should. A unicorn had already gotten away, anyway. Maybe, just maybe, this could also work the other way around. There should be enough space...

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

Zane felt bad. He felt as bad as he never did before. He felt even too bad to listen to his conscience, which tried to tell him something. It couldn't be that important, though. The fresh air didn't make it better. The angel was the first one to discover seasickness. On the third evening, Zane sat outside between a flamingo and a gazelle and tried to keep the contents of his dinner where they belonged.

"Snowflake, are you ok?" Kai asked, suddenly standing between him and the flamingo. The flamingo watched him suspiciously with his head tilted.

"Oh, I'm fine," Zane answered bravely.

"Are you sure? The light makes you look a bit greenish." He said and the angel tried not to stare at the demon's long and probably soft hair in the wind and falling into his eyes.

"Maybe a bit tired." He said, clinging onto the railing.

"Tired?"

"Tired." He repeated. Kai had never seen an angel getting sick before. Maybe it was Gods' anger that made it that way. Maybe it was something entirely different. Either way, the demon was worried. It was a huge ark. There were near to no waves at all. Which meant, the floor was practically not shaking any bit. Zane glanced at him, help to seek. The angel sighed dramatically once more.

"I'll make you some ginger tea." The demon finally said.

"I'll feel miserable till the end of-"

"You'll be fine in two or three days, trust me." The demon assured him. Zane took a step forward, then let himself fall against the railing again and got even greener if possible. "What did you eat?" Kai asked as he took the angel carefully by the arm.

"Some tuna I think," Zane admitted reluctantly.

"Bad idea." He sighed as he shook his head. Zane flinched at the word bad. "Let's go inside, ok?" The demon suggested as he half carried him inside. His hands felt hot, but also his touch was strangely calming, and maybe just a little bit nice. "What do you usually do to calm yourself down, angel?" He asked reluctantly. This made the angel jump a bit. Then he looked to the ceiling with a pinch of guilt, as they slowly walked down the stairs and deeper into the Ark.

"I read or write something."

"You should stop that."

"I will do no such thing!" Zane cried as he ripped his arm away and a moment later he grabbed for Kai again because he almost fell over a big rat.

"I mean you should stop that as long as you feel bad." Kai chuckled lightly as he brought the angel back to his cabin which he shared with different breeds of pigeon and two friendly brown chickens.

"Will you read something for me? Please?" Zane asked as he snuggled into a blanket. Kai hesitated for a moment, but then he grabbed a scroll that was lying next to Zane's bed. How could he say no? The angel looked at him expectantly. The scroll was made of dried leaves and the tiny symbols looked like they were written with blood. Since the demon couldn't read, he had to improvise. He sat down next to the angel, not too close but not too far, opened the scroll from the wrong side, and began to tell a story.

Zane closed his eyes and smiled so sweetly that it made Kai almost forget how words work.

But he took a deep breath and continued his story bravely. Kai kept talking quietly over the singing of some budgies, the yawning tiger, the cheeping degu until Zane calmed down enough to not sleep but dream. After he had made sure that Zane was feeling better, the demon left him alone, although he desperately wanted to stay. But he had other things to do...

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

Zane had rested for hours and was now refreshed. The angel felt much stronger, although still shaky. But now he was bored and he had been thinking about Kai for a while now. For some reason he couldn't explain, he just wanted to see him again. Preferably sooner than later.

"Kai? Where are you? Could you... Could you read me another story, please?" He shouted as loud as he dared, which wasn't very loud, as he approached the section where there were zebras, some apes, and a few butterflies. It was quite dark. Only a few candles lit this section. There he found Kai, but the demon didn't look pleased to see him.

"Wait a moment, Snowflake; don't come here." He said, sounding nervous.

"Is something wrong, my dear?" Zane asked and went there, anyway. Just then, a young girl that had been hiding in the shadows and he had almost walked into ran and hid behind Kai. He stared at a terrifying demon surrounded by small children, mouth agape. Two were holding his hands and one was sitting on his shoulders, badly braiding his long hair with tiny and probably not very clean fingers. In the background, they heard a hog making some unhappy sounds.

"What did you do?!" Zane almost hissed.

"I don't know what you are talking about," Kai said, trying to act innocent.

"I'm talking about the children! Where do they come from?"

"Oh.. hey... I haven't even noticed them."

"Kai." Zane scowled as he crossed his arms. He uncrossed them again, however, because he needed them for stability. He felt himself getting sick again. Was the floor getting shakier?

"You can't kill children." The demon finally said softly.

"WE CAN'T- can't keep them here." He insisted, trying to keep his tone down as the small girl sitting on Kai's shoulders started crying.

"What do you intend to do? Throw them overboard? Does the ineffable plan tell you to do that?" Kai snarled and for a moment their eyes were locked. Zane then sighed and fixed his gaze on the floorboards as the demon glared at him.

"What now, angel?"

"No, I don't –Do you even know how to take care of children?"

"Do you?" Kai asked sarcastically.

"No, I don't…"

"Me neither." The demon sighed. Zane watched the kids held Kai's hands and hid behind him. He quickly realized that they were afraid of the angel. After a moment of careful consideration, ha decided that he didn't want them to fear an angel. He was supposed to be the good one. "Do you think about snitching?" Kai asked, his voice sounded somehow hurt.

"No, I- I thought, that we both don't know how to take care of children, but maybe we could learn it together." He offered awkwardly. At first, the demon felt like he was petrified, but then he sighed.

"If you want to, yeah, whatever; you look for something to feed them and maybe a bit of clean water and Ava over there wants to see the unicorn so I'll go with her and show her if you keep an eye on the others for a while because I can't take all of them there because Amon over there is scared of horses and I don't know how he will react to a unicorn." He shrugged and Zane nodded. They had never taken care of living beings, before. Okay, not really.

But they learned quickly and all the children survived.

Kai in his snake form would curl around the children to keep them warm. Zane would cook something nutritious for them to eat. He would eat most of it, but they're also would be more than enough for the children. After that, they would talk. Tell stories on a stormy night to calm everyone down. Mostly the angel, because the shaking of the ark didn't make him feel good. Still, his stomach would get upset from time to time.

"I'm glad, you were there," Zane said one night quietly, as they watched over the children sleeping. Kai didn't answer. He picked up a beautiful feather of a parakeet and gently put it in Zane's hair.

"I gave the Mammoths' ration to the children; I mean... it's a huge animal, so it should be fine without one dinner." He said casually after a while. Then the angel wondered, when the last time was, that he fed the mammoths. It couldn't be this long ago. The Ark would have a little fewer passengers when it arrived than when it started sailing. But the children would all survive and grow to be adults. Raised by an angel and a demon, all of them got to be fundamentally human.

Lurking between the goats, there was a second demon which none of the other beings noticed.

Even then he had smelled bad, but to be completely honest, everywhere on the Ark it smelled pretty bad. Between lurking sessions, he enjoyed scaring the birds. There were a few penguins that he didn't like. One had bitten his hand when he tried to pet it. Therefore Morro made the penguin stop flying. All the other birds hated him for that. Sometimes he also scared some children. But weren't there more than there were supposed to be? One time he saw the demon Kai holding the hand of a small girl as she cried.

After a while, she stopped crying as he talked to her calmingly and fell asleep in Kai's arms.

This confused Morro. Why would he do that? This was the first time when Morro suspected something. He didn't like it. Something was going on, something fishy, and it wasn't the fish. He couldn't prove it though, not just yet. He didn't know how to yet. But he was lurking in the shadows, ready to strike. Still, he was new to the job, but he gave his best and already could do an impressive amount of lurking in a day or preferably at night...

[elai-okonma]

Ch.1 With A Broken Heart

Word count: 2,125 Fem!MC

Here’s the first chapter of my very first Obey Me! fanfic!! I really hope you all enjoy it! I posted the link to my AO3, but I wanted to share it here, too! ^.^

WARNINGS: Violence, Death, Betrayal, Angst, Heartbreak, etc.    SUMMARY: [Belphie kills MC and her soul goes up to the Celestial Realm, a few months later she pays the brothers a visit.]

 ...my mind is starting to go blank... Belphegor is on top of you with his hands squeezing your neck hard, body sore from all the abuse it was going through.

  "You humans really are foolish, idiotic, weak creatures, aren't you?"

Your writhing underneath him only fuels his fire as he picks you up by your neck and slams you into the attic door, causing you to tumble down the stairs. Once you reach the bottom, Belphegor picks you up by your hair and drags you to the main area of the house. Just then, the brothers walk in and what they see shakes them to their core. A bloody and bruised human, in a daze as your head bobbles around in Belphegor's grasp, your neck of no use to you anymore.

  "MC!" You hear Mammon scream,  his eyes wide at the sight of you.

  Before Lucifer and the others could do anything, Belphegor's hand shoots up to your neck and with one final squeeze he crushes your windpipe with a sickening crunch. Everything goes black as you let out a gargling sound, before Belphie lets his grip of your hair go. You rag doll to the ground, neck crumpled like a paper cup.

  "NO!! MC!!"...

_____________________________________________________

"MC?""MC can you hear me??"

Your eyes fly open, heart threatening to burst out of your chest as you gasp for air.

"Hey there, it's ok, you're ok." 

Such a beautiful voice, you think to yourself. You look around, afraid to move your head. Everything is so bright. It takes a moment to adjust your eyes, but when they finally focus you glance to your right and notice what looks like an Angel sitting besides you. Your eyes go wide as he comes into your view.

  "Hello, MC."

It was an Angel! His halo a soft white, and his wings bigger than you'd expected, fully outspread to embrace you. So soft.

"What's going on??" You question with a shaky voice.

"My dear, you have passed. You're in the Celestial Realm." He says with a small smile. 

"I don't understand?? Why did I come here?? 

"Why because your soul is pure, of course! All pure souls come up here."  The Angel says, pleased by his answer. 

[Memories from right before your death come flooding back to you.] 

"Belphie! He-! HE BETRAYED ME! HE KILLED ME!!!!" You scream, tears coming to your eyes. 

"He is a Demon after all. It is in their nature." The Angel states matter of factly.

  You shake your head at this, "No, but- I trusted him.. I just wanted to help him. He was so sad being stuck in the attic.." Your tears come full force now. The Angel takes you in his arms and you cry out. 

"Lucifer, Mammon, Asmo, Levi, Satan, Beel.. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for leaving you. I-.. I should have listened. I wasn't ready to die!  There was so much more I wanted to experience with all of you!" You cry. 

"So pure...this is why you're here." The Angel whispers into your hair.

  After a few minutes you stop crying and look up at the Angel full on for the first time. He was breathtaking, to say the least. He had on similar clothing to Simeon, and had green eyes--the kind of green that reminded you of a jade bracelet. His skin was like porcelain, and he had long black hair that went down to his hips. All you could do was stare in awe. I mean, the Demon brothers were stunningly handsome, and drop dead sexy but this Angel was, how should you put it...heavenly?? [Pun intended] 

"Is there a way I can go back??" You blurt out. Embarrassed and confused by your own words. I mean, you were literally in Heaven and you were asking to back to the Devildom?? 

The Angel chuckles at this. Of course you'd want to go back, even after everything that happened. You loved the Demon brothers, it was no secret even up here in the Celestial Realm. 

"It is possible. But not for some time. You have to realize that you have passed, which means that your physical body is no more. You are an Angel now..." The Angel trails off. 

"An Angel?? But-"

The Angel interjects "...You need to understand that it's no easy thing, being an Angel. Humans don't usually get this opportunity, but this is what Father wanted, so this is what's to happen... With that being said, if you still wish to go back to the Devildom then sacrifices will have to be made." 

You stare at him, taking in his words. Then your eyes go wide with excitement and fear. He said Father, as in God?? God said himself that you were to be an Angel?! Your mind is still trying to process this information when the Angel speaks up again. 

"I'm Elai, by the way. I realize that I hadn't yet introduced myself. I apologize. Now, if you don't have anymore questions then we should be on our way. We have a lot to cover." 

With that, he takes your hand and you both teleport to a room that looked like one of those suites you'd get at the Palms in Vegas.  Everything was white and gold marble. 

"This will be your room, MC. Feel free to get comfortable, there's a change of clothes in the closet. When you're done, come downstairs and I shall meet you."

"Thank you, Elai. I'll be down shortly." You thank him and he takes his leave. You close the door and breathe in deeply. After locating where your closet is you open in and step inside--It's a walk-in!--All on the hangars are Celestial robes, along with other types of clothing and accessories, on the bottom shelves were shoes. The clothing is gorgeous but ugh why is everything white??

  "I know I shouldn't expect anything other than white here but, really??" You say out loud to yourself. 

You reach out to touch one of the robes and, just as if it can feel your distaste to the color, it changes to black. Your eyes almost pop out of your skull.

  "OH FUCK YES, NOW THIS IS WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!"

You go through the rest of the closet--touching shoes, hats, scarves, gloves and everything else that could be turned black. With a satisfied smile you start piecing together your outfit: a black, full length turtleneck dress with the shoulders cut out--similar to Simeon's. It's also cut out in a crisscross pattern down the middle of your torso to expose your chest, cleavage, and stomach. It has slits up the sides that stop at your hips, and you pair the dress with some thigh high stilettos and some gold jewelry. You brush your hair out and head for the door. 

Downstairs, Elai is patiently waiting your arrival. As soon as he sees you he's laughing. He's not at all surprised by your outfit--he's heard enough about you from others to know your a little child of darkness--You come clacking up to him and he takes you outside. 

"First we'll establish your wings. It'll take you a little while to get used to having them. You'll also need to learn how to use them. They're used for more than just flying, you know." Elai's wings come out to demonstrate. "See, your wings are gonna be your best friend. They can be used for flying, feathers as weightless as air-" He flaps his wings once and he floats off the ground. "-or..they can be used to protect you." In an instant his wings wrap around him, the feathers hardening something akin to metal, as he comes back down to the ground with a weighted clanking sound. 

Your mouth is wide open, you never knew Angel wings could do THAT.

"Shall we start with bringing your wings out?? The easiest way to do that would be to simply imagine them coming out of your back, from in between your shoulder blades. Shall we try??" 

You swallow, then look at him with determined eyes. Nodding, you look down to the ground. You close your eyes and imagine a set of wings coming out of your back just how Elai explained. Just then, your back haunches over and your shoulder blades protrude out. You feel this immense pain like a burning and pinching sensation and it makes you let out a shrill scream. You drop to your hands and knees and then after a moment you hear a flapping sound--your wings are out! They come around to the front when you reach out to touch them, and it's the softest thing you've ever felt in your life. You stand back up and look over to Elai. 

"On your first try?! I'm impressed, MC!" The Angel beams. "Oh and by the way, the pain of you felt is only for the first time you bring them out, you'll feel it again when they retreat. And then afterwards it won't hurt. You'll be able to summon them with no issue!" 

You give him a small smile, after all the pain you endured before your death, this was minor in comparison. (It did still hurt though). 

"I want to fly!" You shout in excitement, eyes lighting up.

 Elai smiles and shakes his head. So eager. His wings flap a few times and then he's off the ground. 

"C'mon then." He says.

You give your wings a couple of small test flaps, getting the feel for them. Then, with a couple of big flaps you feel yourself lift off of the ground. The feeling makes you so giddy you actually let out a shriek. With a few more hard pushes of your wings you get higher and higher.

'It feels like I'm deep sea diving, except without the water pressure. The way, when you're under the water, you just float still. Time seemingly stopped. Suspended and weightless. That's what it feels like flying, and the sensation is so overwhelming--' Your thoughts interrupted when Elai asks:

"How about a race, MC??" 

"You're on!" Feeling your competitive nature coming out. 

With that, Elai is gone. All that's left is the wind trail from his wings. You laugh and follow the trail, observing the pressure change in the air from where he's been. When you catch up to him, you stick out your tongue in a teasing manner, then speed past him. He's surprised but not totally caught off guard. ______________________________________________________________

~~Later on that night, after you've finished your shower, you head down to get some dinner. When you walk into the kitchen, for a split second you thought you saw Beel. Your heart sunk when you realize that it was just a ghost of a memory you were having. Beel was always in the kitchen, always in the fridge or cabinets looking for something to eat. You wondered how he was doing. How all of the brothers were doing. Did they know you were up here in the Celestial Realm?? You feel tears welling in your eyes when Elai walks in. 

"Oh, MC! What's wrong??" 

You wipe your eyes and clear your throat. "I was just thinking about Beelzebub, and the others...Do they know I'm here??" 

"They do not. They have no knowledge of your spirit coming here. They think that when Belphegor killed you, he killed your soul as well." 

Even more tears start welling up in your eyes. You just couldn't understand why Belphie did what he did. Of course he hated humans but you loved him. Even if it was for a short while, you loved him and all of the brothers. More than you loved yourself. 

"I loved them, you know?? I loved them and in the end I was the one who payed the price for it. And still, even after all that happened, I still want nothing more than to see them. ...Including Belphie..." 

The Angel looks at you with a soft expression. "Well, I did tell you that it was possible to go back. You're an Angel now, after all. Patience. In time you'll be able to see them. I promise." 

You hug him, then head back to your room hungry, too depressed to eat. ________________________________________________________

~~In your room, as you're laying in bed crying, you summon your wings out to cocoon you. You imagine them being Lucifer's wings, and the thought calms you down a bit. 

"I'll be seeing you guys real soon...Please be ok..." And with that, you slip into a restless sleep, filled with night terrors. In the morning, you'll find that you have been summoned by none other than God himself.

[mrsalwayswrite]

Say You’ll Stay - Chapter 5

Fury/Band of Brothers Crossover Fic

To those of you wondering when our beloved Easy boys are coming into play... this chapter gives a hint and as to where they are in their journey. 

Also, italics means character is speaking in French. 

Tag List: @happyveday​ @alwaysindecemberfeels​ @god-of-dramatic-death-scenes​ @saritanotserena​

Series Masterlist // Next Chapter

----------------------------------------------------------------

Anna woke before the sun and slipped out of the cottage before anyone else was awake. Even through the lingering exhaustion that had taken up permanency in her bones, her mind was used to field hospital hours and Nurse Falk's timeliness. So in the still quiet hours, she hurried towards the church. 

 Although she would like to say she was surprised, she really was not to see Medic Hunter awake and checking on the few patients they had. 

 "Did you sleep at all, Joe?" She whispered, not wishing to disturb those still sleeping. 

 "Some." He shrugged, keeping his own voice low. "Figured I could get caught up once you came back. Everything alright? They treat you well."

 "Yes. I even got to sleep in a real bed."

 He gave a low whistle as they moved towards the back and away from the patients. "Lucky duck."

 "How are they? Do we know when they will be evacuated?"

 "Not yet. I'll talk to Captain Evans today. Private Harris has a low fever now, I'm worried about infection."

 "I'll watch him today. Go sleep, I can handle this."

 "Thanks, wake up Arthur if you need anything. The other medics are staying in the building next door." Joe said, squeezing her shoulder. Quietly, he walked towards a side door which led to a private room that they had taken over from the local priest.

 With a sigh, she let down her hair and ran her fingers through it, attempting to get all the knots and tangles out. What she would give for a glorious bath. Quickly, she twisted the long strands and pulled it back into her usual bun on the back of her head. 

 "Nurse…" a voice croaked out in the gloom. 

 And with that, she went back to work. 

 That day flew by as she and the other medics worked tirelessly on helping their patients, especially as throughout the day, Private Harris' fever worsened. At one point she was called away to help translate for Captain Evans, conversing with the local priest once again. As night fell, her movements were weary-laden and mind sluggish but she persevered. 

 She knelt by Private Harris, dabbing a cool, wet cloth on his forehead when the main door opened to the church. At the moment, her patient began coughing so she paid no mind to the newcomer and focused on soothing the young man before her. She could hear quiet talking and knew one of the other medics was dealing with the newcomer. 

 "Nurse Cooper?"

 She looked behind her. "Norman?" Standing up, her eyes scanned him with worry as he slowly approached. "Are you alright? Are you injured?"

 "No, no. Um, Boyd sent me… and well Don too. They are finishing up and said to meet them back at the house." 

 "Oh? Well, let me… do you mind waiting a couple minutes? I need to tell Joe, see if there is anything else I need to do first."

 He smiled that endearing boyish grin, so full of sweet innocence even amidst a bloody war. "I'll wait by the door."

 "Thank you." She watched him walk away and then headed to where Joe sipped some water, leaning against a table covered in medical supplies. 

 "Heading out?" 

 She nodded, hands fiddling with her uniform. "Anything else I can do first?"

 He shook his head. "No, get outta here. An aid truck is coming tomorrow to pick up the wounded. Rumor is we're heading out early tomorrow for the next town."

 She sighed. She should not be surprised but for some reason it still caught her off guard how quickly they would just up and move, leave the wounded and killed and move on. Only to repeat the process all over again. This was war. Something she had to frequently remind herself. She still hated it. 

 "Ok, I'll be here to help load the wounded." She started towards the main door but turned on her heel to look at Joe again. "And don't forget to write to your wife. You can send the letter with the medics. Nurse Falk would forward it." 

 "Yeah, yeah. Don't you forget to write too."

 She smiled and met Norman at the door. Together they headed out, down the steps of the church and towards the cottage they had stayed at the night before. 

 After a couple of minutes, she broke the silence between them. The question had been dwelling in the back of her mind. He looked so much younger than the others. "How old are you, Norman?"

 "Eighteen."

 "And how did you end up on Fury? Did you go to tank school?"

 He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "No. I was supposed to be a clerk, a typist. That's what I went to school for."

 "Oh! How did…."

 "They lost their bow gunner. The army pulled me off the bus and told me to report to Don."

 "I'm sorry. I'm guessing it wasn't easy."

 "No, no it wasn't. At first I hated them, especially Don. He made me sh… well, it doesn't matter now."

 "What?" Curiosity tugged at her as she glanced at the young soldier by her side. 

 He inhaled sharply then the words poured out like water, begging to be released. "He forced me to shoot a Nazi in the back. Wrapped my hand around the gun and forced me to pull the trigger. Said he was teaching me to do my job. I never wanted this. I didn't want to kill people. I was drafted. I just…" he seemed to suddenly realize all he confessed and slammed his mouth shut. 

 She stopped walking on the side of the street, ignoring the other soldiers and locals. Her heart broke for this young man who had been thrust into a situation he never wanted to be in, who was forced to do things he had never imagined for himself. How true was that for most of the other soldiers she interacted with daily. 

 "Norman, my mother always said that a hug can't take away the pain but it can help remind you that you're not alone. So, can I give you a hug?"

 That seemed to startle him. His eyes widened, mouth opened slightly as he froze, standing next to her.  Hesitantly he looked around before finally meeting her eyes. She could see it behind the surprise in his gaze, that raw vulnerability, the desperate need for physical contact that was more than a slap on the back from a crew member. 

 "Oh, come here." She took the initiative, not waiting for a verbal response, and wrapped her arms around him. After an awkward second, he put his arms around her, returning the hug. She was only a couple inches shorter than him, but the way he clung to her, it felt like a child clinging to an older sibling for comfort. The feeling brought tears to her eyes. It had been some time since she gave or received a hug like this and she may have selfishly held him longer than necessary. A couple moments later, they released one another. Norman took a step back and rubbed the back of his neck once again. 

 "See, that wasn't bad."

 His cheeks turned pink at her comment but he nodded his head, a small smile on his face. 

 They finished walking to the cottage in companionable silence. She wrapped her arms around herself, the night's air sleeping through her few layers to bring a chill to her bones. The worst of winter might be over but it was by no means warm yet. Or at least warm enough for her taste. 

 On the street, it was obvious a war was going on. Between the soldiers and tanks, the random splattering of blood from dead men that waited to be washed away with the next rain, it could not be mistaken for anything else. Inside the cottage, it felt like the eye of a hurricane or an oasis in the desert. Everything was still pristine, clean and orderly. Black and white photos on the walls, cushioned chairs, a basket for knitting in the corner of the room, a small stack of books on a side table. It was odd walking into such a domestic scene after seeing the evidence of war just outside. 

 "Odette!" She called out in French after she and Norman walked into the cottage and headed towards the kitchen. "It smells like heaven in here!" 

 "Anna, dear, you are too good to this old woman." The elderly woman chuckled, stirring a large pot over the stove. Even though her hair was gray, wrinkles around her eyes and mouth and she shuffled when she walked, her mind and tongue were sharp as a tack still. "The cassoulet is all done, just keeping it warm for the young men."

 "They should be here soon I believe."

 "Why don't you go sit down until then? Mmm, you must be exhausted, I tell you nurses never are able to put up their feet for a minute. Was the same with the last war and now this one."

 "Yes ma'am, you let me know if there is something I can do." Anna let her hair down, massaging the back of her neck, hoping to relieve the tension slowly building up there. She could hear the door open and headed back out to the common room to let them know dinner was ready. 

 When she came around the corner, Norman was sitting down near the fireplace with a book in his lap. Instead of the rest of the crew it was just Gordo and Grady making their way in. Gordo dropped down onto a different chair, immediately putting his feet up on an adjacent chair, uncaring of the mud his boots trekked in. 

 Grady's eyes landed on her, the weight of them making her freeze. "Looky whose still here, boys!" He barked a rough laugh that made her wince. 

 "Leave her alone." Norman said. 

 "Leave her alone." Grady mimicked at Norman before sweeping his eyes back to her. "You sucking his cock too, just like Boyd's?" 

 "Wha… what?" She stuttered out but he did not seem to really expect an answer. 

 He prowled towards her, each footstep landing loudly in the cottage. "Not gonna share with the rest of us? Huh? Just them pretty boys?"

 The way his eyes raked over her made her shiver but not in a good way. She backed up a few steps but found herself bumping into the edge of the doorway. 

 "Grady!" Norman rose to his feet, book still in hand. Gordo just sat there watching the drama unfold before him, fiddling with the gold chain necklace he wore.

 Grady turned to face the younger man, pointing a finger. "You stay outta this."

 When his back was turned, Anna reached under her uniform dress and pulled out the combat knife Don had given her back at the field hospital, what felt like ages ago. She had hoped she would never have to use it… especially against one of his own crew. She held the knife just in front of her at chest level. Surprisingly her hand was steady, even if the rest of her felt like she was trembling. 

 "Ohhh, better watch out. Kitty's got claws." Gordo teased, still making no move to get involved. 

 Grady turned back to her and seeing the knife, his smile grew. "What you gonna do, little girl? Gonna stab me? Huh? That's it?"

 She said nothing, just watched and waited. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Odette watching, frail hands gripping her apron until her knuckles were white. 

 Grady took one more step closer, almost as if waiting to see what she would do; like a predator toying with its prey one last time before pouncing. 

 The front door opened; boots sounded on the hard floor. Anna and Grady's eyes remained locked even as the tension in the room increased with the new occupants witnessing the scene before them. 

 "Someone want to explain what the fuck is going on?" Sergeant Collier stated, anger bubbling just under the surface of his cool tone. 

 Grady retreated back a step, turning to face his commanding officer. "Nothin', Don. Just having some fun." 

 "Fun, huh? Then why's she got a goddamn knife out?" 

 "Anna…" Boyd started to walk towards her. 

 Before he could reach her, Odette shuffled in and wrapped an arm around Anna's shoulders, glaring at the men in the room. "Come on, dear."

 Without a word, she tore her eyes away from Grady and followed their hostess down the short hallway to the guest bedroom she had stayed in the previous night. The whole time she kept the knife in hand. Soon as they walked away, she could hear the raised voices coming from the common room. 

 "What's the problem?! She's just some girl." Grady spoke first, an almost laugh to his voice as if this was all some joke. 

 "She's not some girl. She's a goddamn nurse! Show some respect."

 "Oh? She sucking your cock too, huh, Don?"

 "Get out!" Don yelled. "If you're gonna act like a dog then I'll treat you like one and you can sleep outside."

 "You're gonna choose that bitch over your own crew?" 

 "Get the fuck out or so help me God I will shoot you right now and sleep like a baby tonight!" 

 Silence… then the front door opened and slammed shut, rattling even the painting on the wall in the far back guest room. 

 Anna dropped the knife on the ground and placed the hand over her mouth, the first hot tear rolling down her cheek. It had been a mistake coming here. She should have stayed at the church with Joe. Even then, she knew she was not fully safe. She should have stayed back at the field hospital, back with the other nurses who looked out for each other. She should have stayed home and never signed up for the Nurse Corps. 

 A knock on the bedroom door jolted her, making her flinch. Odette looked at her, arm still around her shoulders. 

 "Anna?"

 The elderly lady made no move towards the door. Silently she continued to stare at Anna but raised an eyebrow in question. The nurse nodded, not looking up from her hands laying limply in her lap. As Odette walked the couple steps to the closed bedroom door, Anna tried to brush away the evidence of her tears on her dirty sleeves, wondering when all those tears escaped. 

 Boyd stood in the doorway, hands in his pockets. "May I come in?"

 She looked up, holding his gaze for a moment, then nodded and glanced at Odette. "Thank you."

 "If you need me, I am just a call away." She shuffled back down the hallway, giving Boyd a long look before disappearing. 

 "I'm so sorry, Anna." He finally said, sounding far more weary than she had ever heard from him. He had only stepped into the room but made no further movement. "I told you you'd be safe here and then Grady…"

 "It's not your fault, Boyd." She said after his words drifted off. Her eyes dropped back to her lap, hands picking at her fingernails. 

 "Feels like it. I should have come get you instead of Norman. Shit. I reckon you want to head back to the church instead of staying here? Can't really blame you there if you do."

 "I don't know honestly. Nowhere is safe for me."

 "Well if it helps, Don kicked Grady out, though I assume you heard that. So, if you stay, you'll be safe here tonight. Don won't let nothing happen to you. Me neither. I suspect Norman feels the same way. He looked like he was ready to take a swing at Grady himself." When she did not respond, he finally moved to sit next to her on the bed. "Grady, he… war changes folks in ways they'd never guess."

 "I know." 

 They sat in silence for several moments. 

 Boyd reached down and picked the knife off the floor near her feet where she had dropped it. "Did Don give you this?"

 "Mmm? Yeah." She gingerly took it back from him then narrowed her eyes at his smug look. "Why?"

 He shrugged, looking like the cat that caught the canary. "Nothin'."

 Her eyes drifted to his hands again and noticed the bandage wrapped around his hand. Guilt flooded her at the sight. Her day felt so chaotic, she had completely forgotten to check his laceration. "I'm sorry, I haven't checked your hand today."

 "S'fine. Gordo rebandaged it for me this mornin'. You can look at it tomorrow. Sides, ain't that bad no more. You got worse patients I reckon back at the church."

 "Still… I want to make sure you're alright."

 "Thank you, Anna. Tomorrow, you can." He stood up and turned sideways to look down at her. "You wanna come out and eat?"

 "No… I'm not hungry. I'm… I'm just going to go to sleep."

 "Alright. Good night, Anna. You make sure to eat in the mornin' then. You need to eat regularly."

 "I will. Good night, Boyd."

 Soon as he shut the door behind him, she curled up on the bed. She laid there for some time, allowing the stray tears to finally fall, no longer strong enough to keep containing them. She was thankful no one interrupted and they just allowed her peace. The stillness in the room felt like a haven. She could hear the others occasionally but there was no longer shouting. 

 Normally she would fall asleep but right now her emotions were rolling, keeping her from relaxing. Carefully she slid to the side of the bed and grabbed her personal bag. After a minute she pulled out her worn copy of Pride and Prejudice. She smiled faintly thinking about the many nights her mother would read it to her before tucking her in for bed. Then when she got older, it became her favorite book to read over and over to herself. It was one of only a few possessions she still had that traveled with her from home. She cracked it open to where her bookmark was. For a second, she traced her finger over the beloved words, pretending she was home in her bedroom and the only things she had to worry about were her university applications. She lay curled on her side, allowing the words to drift over her skin and mind, a soothing balm for her nerves. 

 Once it became too dark to make out the words, she closed the book and replaced it in her bag. Slowly she sat up, rubbing her eyes. The house had been quiet for some time now. She guessed by this point everyone was asleep. Slipping off the bed, she headed out of the bedroom door. Although she was still not hungry, her throat felt parched. Between the crying and many hours of reading, it had been far too long since she had a drink. Carefully she moved towards the kitchen. She could make out the forms of Norman sleeping on the floor and Gordo on a chair, head tilted back and snoring. 

 Using the pitcher left on the counter, she filled a cup up with the water and drank it. It immediately soothed her throat and she sipped more slowly on a second glass. She stared outside the window above the sink, a full moon shone through. Suddenly the strong urge to bask in its light filled her and she acted on instinct. She set the cup down and swiftly moved towards the back door, opening it as quietly as she could as to not wake the cottage's sleeping occupants. 

 The full moon shone brightly in the cloudless sky, the stars twinkling alongside it like thousands of diamonds in the sky. War could ravage the earth until all that remained was smoke and barren ground, but it could never touch the heavens. There was something comforting about that fact. The beauty and majesty of the heavens could never be tainted by human hands. 

 She stood there, arms crossed over her chest in an attempt to ward off the chill of the night air as she looked upward. A gentle breeze made her hair, still unbound, sway around her. 

 It was not until the smell of cigarette smoke hit her, did she pay any attention to her surroundings. With a gasp, she scanned the immediate area and finally noticed a tall form standing just a few feet away, the burning end of a cigarette almost a beacon in the surrounding darkness. 

 "Oh! I didn't think anyone else would be out here. I'm so sorry to interrupt." 

 "S'alright." Sergeant Collier said, still more of a hidden shadow than recognizable form. "Didn't mean to startle you."

 "It's my own fault. I should have paid better attention." She looked back up skyward, lamenting the fact she should head back in and try to get some sleep before tomorrow. 

 "I'm sorry about earlier." He stated bluntly. "It won't happen again. I swear." 

 "Thank you." She whispered, twisting her fingers together, trying to force back the wave of nervousness. "Um, can I …" she gestured towards him. 

 Somehow, he understood her vague gesture. He pushed off the wood pile he had been leaning against and came to stand next to her. Silently, he handed his cigarette over. She could feel his eyes on her as she put it to her lips and inhaled. Immediately she began coughing, eyes watering, as the smoke stung her lungs. 

 He chuckled as she handed the cigarette back. "Not a smoker?"

 "No." She coughed out. "No, I've tried but I can never get used to it."

 "Probably better for you." He exhaled, the smoke drifting away and into the sky. 

 They stood there silently, side by side. Anna could not help but notice how much taller he was than her. He had to be around six feet tall with her only coming up to him mid-chest. In the moonlight, his strong features appeared softer, less intimidating. 

 Though the memory of Norman's story from earlier came to mind. How this man next to her forced his newest crew member, someone who was still practically a child, to kill a Nazi point-blank in the back. That fact alone should scare her. The inhumanity of it. But then she was reminded of how he defended her earlier from someone else in his crew. Even how he looked out for her by giving her a knife when he barely knew her. It made no sense. Why was he looking out for her? She was no one to him. Her mind struggled to put the two facets of the man together in her mind. 

 "You going to be out here much longer?" He broke the silence, still staring forward.

 "Um, maybe a few more minutes."

 He nodded, tossing his spent cigarette to the ground. To her surprise, he slipped his leather jacket off and dropped it over her shoulders. 

 "What? Oh no, it’s-"

 "Doll, I can see you shivering. You can give it back in the morning."

 She huffed but could not suppress the small smile on her face, almost amused how easily he saw through her blatant lie. It was chilly out here but peaceful, and she needed some more of the quiet tranquility before going back inside. "Thank you, Sergeant Collier."

 "You can call me Don."

 "Then you have to call me Anna."

 His lips twitched in what she thought was a smile, but she was unsure with the shadows. "Alright. Night, Anna." He turned and stepped inside, the door shutting with a soft click. 

 It was a long moment before she turned back around to stare up at the sky. She slipped her arms in the sleeves, hugging the jacket closer to her, surprised by how warm it was. It smelled strongly of cigarettes, sweat and something distinctly male. The stench should offend her, she doubted it had been washed anytime recently, but instead she found herself burying her nose into it. It was huge on her shorter form, but it brought a feeling of comfort, like when a child wears something of their parent's clothing, pretending to be grown up. 

 He was an enigma to her. Someone she knew was dangerous but protectively loyal. What scared her the most though was when he called her the pet name, it woke up a swarm of butterflies in her belly. 

 *****

 The sunrise just peeked over the wooded horizon. Another day of war. Another day to try and survive. Another day to hope your crew survived. Another day to wonder why the Nazis did not just give up. 

 Fuck 'em all. 

 Don brushed past the infantry soldiers running around, trying to find their platoons or looking last minute for one of their guys probably off sleeping somewhere. He headed towards where the tanks were waiting on the edge of the little town. 

 "What's the news, boss?" Binkowski asked, as Don approached the other three tank commanders. They stood several paces away from the tanks, clearly having been waiting for him to return with orders. 

 "Right. We're heading out…"

 "No shit." The big blond deadpanned. The others glared at him. "What?"

 "One of these days, I'm going to shoot you." Don stated, only half-serious. He found he enjoyed the blond's dry humor. Binkowski was also the man to jump first into a fight, which either made him quite brave or incredibly stupid. Don had not determined which quality it was yet. 

 "Nah, you'd miss me too much."

 "Like a hole in the head." Davis muttered, a frown on his ever-stoic face. 

 They all chuckled but then grew serious again when Don started speaking. 

 "Right. Intel says Krauts are drawing back into Germany. We've been requested by a battalion of paratroops to help them hold the area near Haguenau, so that's where we are headed, boys. Captain Evans and his boys will continue on past and link up with another company set to push into Germany."

 "Paratroopers?" Peterson questioned, dropping his cigarette on the ground. 

 "Yeah, those idiots that decided to jump out of plans, go behind enemy lines, all that shit." Binkowski explained, with a short bark of sarcastic laughter. "Must think they're something special."

 "Why don't you ask them when we get there?" 

 "Alright, here's the lineup- Fury, Murder Inc, Lucy Sue and Old Phyliss. Evans wants us in the front so we can peel off when we reach the main road to Haguenau. Should take a couple of days to get there." Don said. 

 The other three nodded or grunted their affirmative. 

 "Good, mount up!" 

 Everyone headed to their tanks, crew jumping into their positions and turning on their comms. Don headed to Fury but slowed his steps when he saw Grady standing in front of the tank with Boyd by his side. Gordo and Norman had their heads popped out of their holes watching. 

 With a sigh, he moved closer. He knew Boyd would not let this go. In all honesty, it was probably better to get this dealt with now instead of letting it fester like an infected wound. His crew did not need bad blood between one another. They would never survive if they did not trust each other. Grady refused to meet his gaze as Don stood in front of his gunner and mechanic.

 "She's not some whore you can rough up. She's a good girl."

 Grady rubbed his nose with the back of his hand. "I know, Don. I didn't mean nothin' by it."

 "You still scared her good." Boyd said quietly, hands in his pockets. "Should apologize to her."

 Grady nodded, staring at his feet. 

 "You better or I'll kick your ass."

 The mechanic looked up at the gunner, a smirk on his face. "Kick my ass, huh? You sweet on her or something?"

 Boyd rolled his eyes. "No, I ain't, and you know it. She reminds me of my little sister."

 Gordo chirped up, chuckling in his seat. "She's too pretty to look like your little sister, if your sister looks anything like you."

 "Shut up, Gordo."

 The crew clambered up into their positions, the tension dispelled. 

 Don stood on his seat, surveying around. The slight shifting of movement brought a fresh wave of scent that was not his own. Somehow underneath the grime, there was the faintest hint of something that reminded him of lilacs. Turning his head, he sniffed at the collar of his jacket and was hit by the scent once again. It had been the most pleasurable torture since he put the jacket on that morning. He had found it resting on the back of one of the chairs in the common room when he stumbled out of the second guest bedroom. 

 The scent brought him back to the prior night and watching the little, redheaded nurse staring at the night sky with a soft smile on her face. Bathed in the moonlight she looked like an angel to him. After he had gone inside, he had stood at the sink, looking out the window above it for a couple minutes watching her. Alone, he allowed a smile on his face when he noticed her burying herself in his jacket. It had been a spur of the moment decision to give her his jacket and now he was wondering if he regretted the action or loved it. Her scent lingered with him, just like her. 

 He looked around once more, most of the men in position. He could not help but look towards the back of the company where the medic truck was located. Where she was. 

[pixie88]

Delilah

Chapter 1 - Alone - Third A&E Series.

A/N: I originally posted this on a side blog but I was having trouble switching between the two and I also didn’t want to start again. As I said there this A&E series is a lot more darker, hitting RL subjects I have been through myself please don’t judge me as you can’t make me feel an worse than I have made myself in the past. The stigma around these subjects are real and so many people don’t speak out about them. Friends and family don’t even know the secrets I will reveal in these chapters as I am ashamed and worry about what they will think. I hope this helps even just one person realise they aren’t alone. I hope you like it 😘

I’m not going to annoy people with re-tags, so I’m not tagging in these first two chapters as most my usual tags have read it.

Find previous chapters HERE under Together - Adam & Ellie.

Word count: 1905

WARNINGS: ⚠️ Angst & adult language.

Pairings: Adam x Ellie.

Enjoy!

A Year and a half after the last chapter of A&E Together.

"She's beautiful, Ellie! A girl! We have a little girl," she looks over to him feeding their daughter. All the panic and worry was worth it! She thought to herself as she's getting stitched up.

16 week's earlier.

This pregnancy had been harder on her than Charlie's, her morning sickness had carried on until 24 weeks, she was in pain with her hips and back. Adam made her give up work at 32 weeks. She was reluctant, but knew he was right, plus at home, she could do more research on shops for sale in London.

By the time she had hit 36 weeks she had found the perfect shop, they had a cheeky weekend away in London to view the property while Ellie's mum had Charlie for them. Being heavily pregnant they didn't do much sight seeing, but they did spent a lot of time tangled beneath the sheets in the hotel room. This would probably be the last time in a long time they would have time alone, so they wanted to make the most of it. 

When they arrived back home Ellie had to sort out the internal and external work. She had put in an offer and was in the proceeds of owning the new shop being, so close to the end of her pregnancy Adam took over all the dealings of the new shop not wanting his wife stressed. 40 weeks Ellie woke on her due date irritated and fed up with being pregnant their little lady showed no signs of wanting to come out.

That afternoon Ellie was in the bathroom when she thought her water had broken, looking down at the floor, she was expecting to see clear waters but instead she saw crimson red puddles of blood. She calls out to Adam who was downstairs soon rushed up to his panicked wife. Shock grew on his face as he saw what had her so panicky. He quickly regained his composure, trying not to worry his heavily pregnant wife.

Adam quickly called her midwife who told them to head to the hospital after dropping Charlie at Elaine's door. He helped an hysterical Ellie into the car. On the way her contractions started they were very close together so when they arrived, he practically had to bridal carry her out to the car with her bag to the labour ward where they handed him a wheel chair. Once in the delivery suite and after a few puffs of gas and air Ellie start to calm down she was so mellow that she wasn't even bothered when the doctor took a sample of her blood, she usually hated blood tests but the gas and air had worked its magic.

When the doctor came in Ellie was completely out of it. Between contractions, she was drifting, those few seconds between each one felt like heaven "Sorry, did you say your name is Doctor Curry? I bet you had the korma taken out of you at school!" she laughs at her own joke, then apologizes when she realised what she had said "Don't worry, I know it's the gas and air talking believe me, I've had worse. We are just going to listen to baby and see how they are! OK?" She nods.

After 10 minutes whooshing the doctor and midwife didn't look very happy with the result "What's wrong?" She asked him. He had that look all doctor have when they're about to tell you bad news "You baby's heart beat keeps dipping" tears started forming in her eyes "Dipping? What do you mean?" He hands her a tissue "Mrs Barlow, we want to deliver your baby as safely as possible and with the fluctuations of their heart beat you have an hour to deliver this baby, or we will have to take you down to theatre for an emergency c-section" her heart sank "But how am I going to have a baby in less than an hour? She just said I'm only 3 centimetres" She looks up at Adam, he's calm which soothe her.

"Well, we need to first break your waters, hopefully that should speed things along a bit. So, I'm going to leave Charlotte here to do that and I will be back in half an hour to see how you are doing" DR. Curry makes his way for the door. "Ellie, after your next contraction I'm going try and break your waters. So, I need you to tell me when it's over, OK?" Ellie nods the next contraction comes and goes. Charlotte successful breaks her waters "That feels so warm!" Ellie laughs just as the next contraction starts to build.

"Oh my god! I feel like I need to push!" She screams as the contraction takes hold. "Ellie if you need to push, then push, but little pushes!" Scared her body is tricking her, she refuses "I can't! You said I was only 3 centimetres. I'm not ready!" She hisses at Charlotte "Hey Ellie, listen to me if that's what your body wants to do then do it. I will keep an eye if nothing happens we will stop! OK? You need to trust what your body is telling you to do!"

The next contraction build she begins to push... crashing Adam's hand in the process until it fades again "You're doing brilliant, beautiful" Adam kisses her forehead "Anything?" She asks her midwife "Well, I can see the top of baby's head..." She's cut off by the next contractions "There's the head" Charlotte tells her "With the next contraction she'll be here" another starts and Ellie pushes again "And here she is 7:43PM welcome to the world little one!" Charlotte says as she cleans her up.

"Ellie, you did it again! She's here!" Adam cups her face and kisses her lips "Skin to skin?" Charlotte asks, Ellie nods "I'll just get Daddy to cut the cord" she looks over to Adam and hands him the scissors. He proudly cuts through the cord before Charlotte moves her to Ellie's chest "Does she have a name?" Charlotte looks at both of them "We're still haven't decid..." she cuts Adam off "Delilah!" Ellie looks up at Adam as the brightest smile appears on his face "Aww that's lovely! Where did you get that from?" She asks the pair.

"It was my Nan's name" Adam says not quite believing she finally had a name and a name that means something to him. "That's sweet! Ellie do you want to give Delilah to Daddy while we get this afterbirth delivered?" Charlotte places Delilah in a towel passes her to Adam as DR. Curry walks in "How are we do...oh baby is here! Wow how long did that take?" He looks over to Charlotte "15 minutes after I broke her water. She had the urge to push right away!" He looks at her stunned "Whoa! That's amazing have you requested her IV drip yet?"

Ellie looks confused "IV drip?" He looks over to her "We estimated you probably lost just over a pint of blood. This will just stop anymore bleeding" Charlotte smiles at a worried Ellie "Nothing to worry about its just because you've lost more than usually. It's routine"

"I'll go and get what we need. While you finish up in here" DR. Curry says as he leave the room.

Later, Charlotte has shift had ended and a new midwife had taken over "When can I go for a shower?" Ellie asks her new midwife Demi she wanders over checks the IV drip monitor "You have another 45 minutes on this then you should be OK" another midwife walks in and calls Demi out of the room a few minutes later she comes back in "We are going to have to move you up to postnatal ward now" Ellie looked shocked with Charlie's Labour she was allowed to have a shower before heading up.

Her legs were still covered in blood as well as her hospital gown. She got off the bed with her IV drip and into a wheelchair, Adam close behind with Delilah. She gets into her cubicle and take a seat in the chair after the midwife leave, she bursts into tears Adam puts Delilah down in her cot and rushes over to his wife "Hey, what's up beautiful?"

She looks up at him "Everything I'm covered in blood, I'm still in this awful thing. I want get into bed, but I can't sit on there like this! I want to cuddle my baby, but my arms are cover in blood. I feel dirty like I'm a cast member of the walking dead! And from what it sounds like we have a snorer the other side of this stupid curtain" He lifts up his wife's chin "Watch Delilah I'll be back in a minute" he gets up and leaves the cubicle through the curtain.

10 minutes later he comes back with a wheel chair and a midwife "You help her into the chair and grab her bag I'll grab baby" the midwife tells Adam. Wiping her tears she looks up at him "What's going on?" He smiles at her "You'll see now come on!" He lifts her out of her chair and into the wheel chair. They walk down the hall and through a door. Once inside she spots another bed and a bathroom "Adam?"

She looks up at him "This was the last one they had!" She looks at him still confused, he laughs, "£90 a night for a private room with a bath in the bathroom and this lovely lady has said if you've had over 80 percent of that drip she'll take it off you, so you can go for a soak" her eyes well up and she starts to cry again.

"It suppose to make you happy not sad!" He laughs, "Happy tears!" The midwife smiles at them both as she catches sight of Ellie, she shook her head "Oh dear, look at the state of you! They let you come up here like that! You poor thing, let me put her next to the bed and get you off this. Even if I have to put you back on after you can't sit like that!" She puts Delilah next the bed and takes Ellie off the drip before helping her to the bathroom.

20 minutes later all fresh from her shower, she emerges from the bathroom in her own comfortable clothes. Adam is changing Delilahs nappy. He looks up "Feeling better?" She smiles as she nods at him before she gets onto the bed next him. She places a kiss on his cheek, "Thank you!" He looks over to her "Why are you thanking me? You did all the hard work!" He places Delilah back in her cot "You were calm while I was losing it! I crashed your hand and you spent money on a hospital room just to make me happy!"

He laughs, "I did have my own motives! No one, not even me was going to sleep with a motorbike snoring next door!" he pulls her to his chest and pulls over the blanket over the both of them "We better sleep while she does. So, night beautiful!" She kisses his cheek "Night! I love you!" She feels him chuckle "I love you more"

Continue reading this story here - Chapter 2.

[blukrown]

Not Meant To Be - Chapter 6

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5

Also available on AO3

WARNING! This fic contains: blood/violence, torture & implied/reference sexual assault

If any of these upset you, please do not read!

Conflicting Notions

Blood covered Faris' hands and his chest heaved. He could feel his body shaking from adrenaline as he looked transfixed at the mess that covered his hands. Even with the cheers of the Colosseum crowd, his heartbeat was deafening in his ears. Thumping as he looked down to the ground before him.

A man lay limp at his feet. Curled up with both hands clutching onto the sword that still stuck out from his side.

Dead.

"No . . ." Faris gasped, taking a step back in the sand. "I'm not supposed to be here. N-No I don't-"

Turning around to run, he felt chains hold him still. The echoes of the dungeons in the colosseum filled with wails, pleas and moans of the innocent slaves.

Faris' nose stung of piss and blood making him want to hurl. He was stopped from gagging when a sting so harsh he fell to his knees whipped his back.

Laughter resonated in his ears as the crack and sting of whipping soon left his back warm with his own blood.

"P-Please," Faris moaned, his body shaking in fear. "I d-don't belong here." Shutting his eyes as tight as he could, he prayed to any god, goddess or deity to free him.

The pain stopped but when Faris opened his eyes he wasn't in heaven. But in hell.

Dark and tinted orange by candlelight, floor covered in pillows while the walls were draped with curtains. And a stench of smoke and alcohol made his nose wrinkle. The whorehouse brought a look of sheer horror to Faris' features.

A hand touched his shoulder, roving down his chest and caressing his pectorals. Another followed, combing through his dreads and tugging harshly on the strands.

"S-Stop it!" Faris objected, turning to look at his assailant but only saw dark walls.

Another disembodied hand touched the small of his back, eagerly travelling to touch his rear and-

"Fuck!" Faris swore as he tried to move his arms but felt two strong hands clench his wrists to restrain him. "Don't touch me! Don't you dare!" Faris belowed, fear coating his words.

The hand in his hair pulled harder, making Faris' head sting. What felt like claws grazed along his scalp as fingers tucked under the waistband of his trousers.

"I don't belong here!" Faris declared, trying to look around. But all he saw were the whorehouse walls, seeming to enclose him in the already claustrophobic space.

"T-Teb," Faris whimpered, losing much of his will to fight. "Where are you?!"

He was scared. Horrified. He was like a little deer, shaking in the cold winter with no doe of a mother to care for him. He was a shell of a man. Numb to the whips, the hands and the blood.

"P-please," Faris implored, as he closed his eyes as tight as he could. "T-Tebanam."

"FARIS!" Tebanam shouted, hands clutching at the other man's arms to shake him from his disturbing dream. "WAKE UP, DAMMIT!"

Faris' eyes flashed open as he bolted upright. His lungs gasping for air as he darted his head to look at his surroundings. His skin was cool with cold sweat while his bones felt as jittery as a leaf.

Tebanam, only a shadow in the darkroom took him into a hug. Squeezing Faris as close to him as he could.

"Shhh," Tebanam hushed him. One hand holding the back of Faris' head. "It's ok. It's ok. You're not there anymore. You're here with me."

"N-No," Faris' voice shook as his eyes still tried to look at his surroundings. As if, at any second, they could change back to the whorehouse or colosseum dungeon. "I-I'm not I was . . . I was w-with them and-"

"It was a nightmare, Faris." Tebanam persisted, rocking the horrified man in his arms. "You are far, far away from Al-Daida."

"Y-You're wrong," Faris objected, shaking his head. "I'm a b-brute, a monster, a who-"

"Shut up," Tebanam ordered, squeezing tighter - if that were possible-. "No you're not. You're Faris. You're my love." His voice was shaky, clearly off put by seeing Faris so fear-stricken. "You are none of those things. You are a kind and loving man. W-Who is safe and l-loved." The prince's voice shook on the last words, as his resolution choked at the sight of Faris continuing fright.

Faris didn't try to protest anymore. Shivering in his partner's arms until soon, his stiffened body softened. Letting the warmth of Tebanam's embrace consume him, he felt tears well up in his eyes. For the first time in over a year, Faris cried.

Tebanam didn't say a word, only held him close and kissed him until the sorrowful man soon nodded off to sleep.

"Prince Tebanam!" A loud knock echoed past the bedroom door as a servant's voice called for Tebanam's attention.

"Yes?" The man called in a groan.

"Your highness and . . . Faris have been asked to visit Princess Kanisa for lunch." The voice said, pausing as if to ponder just what to call Tebanam's lover. "She asked for you both to be by her quarters in an hour."

"Thank you." Tebanam responded, waiting for the footsteps to grow faint before looking down to where Faris still lay.

Faris had his eyes shut tightly, as if trying to hold onto the ever so slight chance he could return to sleep. He had managed one proper hour but otherwise, the rest of the night passed in a sort of half-unconscious sleep, where he would faintly feel his mind doze off before a flash of a crowded coliseum, crack of a whip, or the sinister smell of the incense lord Siek had liked before snapping back into dream-riddled reality.

When the bodyguard finally went to open his eyes, he looked up to Tebanam. Faris only needed to give him a glance to know the prince had had even worse luck with sleeping than him. Dark shadows hung under his eyes, clearly visible through the bright light emitting from the curtained window.

The prince was sitting up, book in his lap and back resting on the bed's headboard. When Faris looked to the paperback in his lover's fingers, he noticed he was already three-fourths through the rather thickly paged novel. If he recalled correctly, Tebanam had only just started the book the night before, only finishing a few chapters before having abandoned it for sleep. Clearly, he had been reading all night.

"I'm sorry," Faris muttered, scooting over to rest his head in Tebanam's lap.

"What for, dear?" Tebanam asked, tenderly stroking the side of Faris' face.

"For keeping you awake. You didn't sleep at all after my . . . nightmare, did you?"

Tebanam was silent, whether thinking or still concentrating on his book, Faris couldn't tell. "No need to apologise. I've never been good at falling back asleep anyway."

But still, Faris thought, guilt still weighing in his chest.

"Anyhow, I can just go to sleep early tonight to make up for it." Tebanam said, trying to cheer Faris up. "Besides, we have to get ready to see Kanni."

"What do you think she wants to talk about?" Faris asked, sitting up to allow the prince to get out of bed.

Tebanam let out a chuckle. "She doesn't need a reason, Faris. She's my sister. It's honestly about time we sat down and talked properly. Hopefully, we'll get to see the kids too."

Faris supposed he was right, one didn't need a reason to want to see family. But it wasn't like he knew better. The term family was something that was still very foreign to the man. Especially considering where Faris had come from.

The bodyguard could not help but think of Tebanam's family, how warm and considerate they all were. The Dragmire family was also a tight unit and would very clearly tear the world apart for each other. Faris felt hopeful when he found himself watching Tebanam get ready. His mind wondered if he and Tebanam, if all went well, could create something like that. Create a family. Maybe even with a kid or two. Even with how raw his chest stung from recent events - not to mention the horror of that dream - the concept of Tebanam and him growing old together, happy and content, eased Faris like not many things could.

"Faris?" Tebanam called out, dragging his partner out of his still sleep-ridden stupor. "What's the matter?"

"What?" Faris mumbled, suddenly alert, blinking as he realised that Tebanam was now fully dressed and waiting for Faris to follow suit. "Oh . . . Sorry."

Getting up, Faris caught the look of worry that flashed in the prince's eyes as he watched him get ready.

"You know we could say 'no' to Kanni's invite," Tebanam said firmly, watching Faris pull on a white tunic.

Faris could not help but smile. Even if he dreaded leaving the safety and quiet of their quarters, he knew it was the best for both of them. Even if there was discomfort in the thought of talking to people so important yet so unfamiliar.

"I'll be fine, Tebanam," Faris said, resting a hand on his partner's shoulder as if he was the one that needed comforting. "Besides, I'm sure you miss her. You only managed to talk to her a little bit yesterday, right?"

"I suppose . . ." Tebanam muttered, giving Faris a hand as he climbed into the rather tight-fitting trousers. "But if you want to come back here at any moment, just say. It's practically all I can do for you while we hunt down the bastard who let word spread."

"Thank you, Tebanam," Faris said, turning to wrap his arms around his prince's neck and giving him a quick kiss. Now more than ever, he had to make sure Tebanam knew just how thankful he was to be here with him.

Even with the mere twenty paces from their bedchamber door, Faris was grateful this part of Hyrule castle was deserted apart from the skittering of a single servant moving from a distant royal chamber. At the very least, he would not have to deal with hearing the horrible remarks of the other occupants of the castle. He only just had to deal with Tebanam's sister. Easy right?

Well, at first, it was indeed easy.

Kanisa had welcomed the couple into her quarters like they were entering her very own home. Offering them tea and a snack from the assorted platter of baked sweets surely brought up to satiate the growing hunger of her two children.

Kanisa's bedroom quarters was like a mirror image of Tebanam's. Except while the younger brother's windows faced the morning sun, Kanisa's faced the beautiful garden of the castle two floors below. Without even going to see through the glass, Faris could see the tops of high hedges, well-trimmed vines and flower beds full of colourful petals. The only other difference was that there was two doors that connected to the bedroom, one to a bathroom and  - from Faris' guess - the children's room.

The sister Kanisa was beautiful, Faris knew that much. Although taller, tanner and carrying much of her Gerudo father in her, the princess's true beauty came from her mother. She had the queen's fine features and kind smile that would have surely been the splitting image of her mother when she was her age. She also had the grace of the queen. She glided more than she walked, spoke kindly but not frivolously and knew the perfect amount of strictness and praise to keep the children from harassing their guests too much. Although that did soon backfire.

Kanisa had clearly invited Tebanam and Faris for the purpose of properly catching up with her brother in addition to acquainting herself with her brother's lover. But no less than ten minutes after first entering, Tebanam had been dragged into a game of knights and dragons with Kanisa's children, Kerugan and Audlin.

Both too young to comprehend or pronounce their uncle's full first name, Audlin called him Teddy, while Kerugan - only a year or two older than Audlin by the looks - felt too dignified to call him by such a baby-like name, as he proudly pointed out, and called him Uncle Teb instead.

Faris, who had worried that since he had never really talked to a child before, had been struck with the horrible realisation that, if the children did not like him, then Kanisa would surely follow? But, thankfully, those fears were soon dashed away. As, after only a few minutes of ogling and invasive yet innocent questions, the two kids were grinning at Faris as much as they did their uncle.

Audlin, who still could not quite enunciate 's' excitedly called him Fairy, with delighted giggles. While the mature acting Kerugan went with Uncle Faris. Although the gesture was small, Faris felt a faint smile warming his face at the nicknames they had given him. The children were so adorable, in fact, that Faris was almost completely fine with Tebanam obeying his niece and nephews demands to play with them. The sight of which made Faris' chest wriggle with a deep sense of love for the man as the prince made the children guffaw with laughter. The only negative to this being now Faris was stuck alone with Kanisa and her surly looking husband, Vidar.

Kanisa, well-trained in the matters of polite conversation, had asked about how Faris was and how he was managing living in the castle - as if this question had not been asked by everyone since he arrived.

Tebanam had let out a playful rawr as his designated role of the dragon and Kerugan foolishly jumped to protect his little sister only to be swiped up in his uncle's strong arms in an act of kidnap. The Fairy Princess Warrior Emperess Audlin had a small thin wooden sword in her hand and she ordered the nasty monster to let go of her big brother or else.

Kanisa was just starting to ask Faris if they had considered traveling towards Uskar when the 'or else' revealed itself to be Audlin whaking Tebanam's shines with her mock sword until Tebanam fell to his knees.

"Kanni! Fairy Princess - ouch - Warrior - Ow! - Audlin is so - oow - cruel!" Tebanam fake sobbed, still holding the wriggling Kerugan above his head so as the child would not be hit by his sister's furious swipes.

Kanisa had given Faris an apologetic look before getting to her feet to help her brother. The mother scolded her daughter for playing too rough, her son for laughing at it and then at her brother for encouraging them. But this did not spoil the fun, as a matter of fact, since Kanisa soon became the new damsel in distress as Audlin said Tebanam was too powerful even for her, so she needed her brother's help.

In spite of how greatly bemusing it was to see Tebanam laughing hedonistically as he buried Kanisa in a pile of the children's soft toys, Faris soon realised he was not alone. Vidar, who had been silent while Kanisa had talked to Faris, still sat in his chair. And, although for a moment, the two men had quietly smiled over their respective partners, Vidar broke his stoic silence.

"I heard those rumours." Vidar said curtly, a hint of an accent in his voice.

Faris stiffened immediately. Taking his eyes away from the heartwarming scene at the other side of the room. And, for the first time, Faris properly looked at Vidar.

With blue-ish skin, dark thick hair in a braid, he most definitely looked like a man from a world very far from the room he sat in. He, like Faris, was covered with scars of a life of fighting. But the bodyguard noted how they were different from his. Mainly of wild animals and other horrible beasts of the northern world, Faris had heard, unlike the man-made swords and knives that marked Faris' forearms and whip slashes in his back. Even so, the man was clearly a warrior, with the heavy muscles that bulge in his Hyrulian tunic and worn, callous covered hands. Although intimidating, Faris had to admit that Vidar was also a good-looking man, even with the slight frown furrowing his brow and prettily embroidered eyepatch - surely made by his wife - covering his right eye.

Faris did not reply to Vidar's words, too shocked to speak but also feeling cautious. He had learned in these past few days to be wary, especially now that there was someone who was spreading his secrets.

Vidar did not seem to need Faris to speak. The sentence appeared to be more of a way to get his full attention rather than to insult or tease him. As he then furthered, "I know it is not anything like what is said about you but I went through very much the same."

Vidar paused to scratch as his well kept beard, and Faris' slight frown was all he gave him. So the Uskarian continued.

"I met Kanisa on the first diplomatic visit of Uskar to Hyrule. We kept our . . . relationship a secret at first. But when I returned and soon took their dear princess away to Uskar, the people of Hyrule made up all kinds of rumours. I was called a rapist, a barbarian, a beast. They believed I had seduced, stole or even kidnapped Kanisa and held her for ransom."

Vidar's body did not betray his anger apart from the deep set frown that adorned his face. "My first time returning back to Hyrule after marrying Kanni and having Kerugan . . . It was awful. I did not fear them but I definitely watched my back at each turn, as if I might do something wrong, more horrible accusations would be made. I can only be thankful those same whispers weren't about Kerugan. They just believed him to be an innocent baby born of . . ." Vidar paused as his lips clenched together in disgust.

Faris, hoping to not force the man into saying anything he didn't want to, spoke. "Then . . . How did they change? I've only heard great things about you."

Vidar smiled for the first time, it suited him much better than the curt look he had shown since they arrived. "Time, mostly. But it helped to have Zarazu."

Faris recalled that Zarazu, Covarog's wife and the future queen of Hyrule, was born outside of the Hyrule realm too. Once an island full of magic, calamity had struck and had forced the already small population of Lorleidians into refuge in Hyrule. A bunch of magic users and dragon tamers, now that Faris thought about it, would have surely been a horrifying sight for the dignified council members of Hyrule.

"As the future queen and mother of Coverog's children, she fought for the first few years to ensure the refuges, both Lorleidians and others were welcomed and treated as fairly as any Hyrulian."

"Just like that?" Faris asked confusedly.

Vidar let out a huff of a laugh, "No, nothing that simple. Although having the queen and Ralnor is a huge help, most of it comes from proving doubters wrong."

Faris did not seem satisfied with this explanation. In fact, the bodyguard frowned. This very same notion had been offered up by Queen Zelda but . . .

"How can I prove I'm not a slave . . . When they are right?" Faris asked. It was the first time he had asked the question that had been poisoning his mind for hours.

Vidar frowned at this. "Are you saying you're still a barbarian then?" "What?" "And a murderer? And a slave? And a whore? Are you still those things?"

Hearing the words from a near-to-almost stranger made Faris extremely uncomfortable but he understood Vidar's point.

No, he wasn't anymore. He was a free man. Not just that but a bodyguard to a prince and a lover to that very same man. He was someone who had become a better and a more whole person since those days before Tebanam had freed him.

"N-No," Faris admitted. Looking to the teacups that sat abandoned in their saucers on the table they sat at. The dregs cold yet still making small waves in the cups from the trundling of children's feet nearby.

"Then how are they true?" Vidar asked. Looking right into Faris' eyes when he braved a look at the man. "If you're not any of those things, then prove it."

Faris opened his mouth to question Vidar's logic only to be reminded that, out of all the people who had told him this fact, the Uskarian man was the only one who had actually experienced it.

"How . . . ?" Faris asked hollowly.

How could one prove a negative? When for all tense and purposes, they were true. Faris was disheartened to realise that Vidar had lowered his spirits more than he had raised them.

"It is . . . A grueling task, I have to admit. If it was a fight, I, or you, or Zarazu could easily win it but . . . Living and being with royalty is a fight very different from anything else. Although us partners don't carry the weight of the realm on our shoulders, they do."

Vidar let his eyes drift to look at his wife. Mouth clenched shut and eyes closed, the princess was shaking with repressed laughter as she pretended to be in a deep sleep. Audlin, now the evil witch, had made the pretty damsel fall into a deep sleep and only the brave Kerugan could save her. Tebanam, meanwhile watched, clearly a prisoner that the witch would deal with later.

"Anything we do, whether good or bad reflects back on the family. And endangers or aids them. Whether big or small. It is a reality we have to accept if we want to be with a princess or prince."

Faris was silent. Unsure what to say.

Looking to Tebanam, who cheered for Kerugan as the child defied the evil witch of a sister, he found himself torn.

Faris was in love with the man. The kind, energetic adventurer he had met that hot day in the colosseum dungeons in Al-Daida. The man who had freed him from his masters and promised food, clothing and shelter for only his sword and knowledge of the local culture. The man who had treated him as an equal, a companion and later a lover.

Faris realised that he was not exactly sure if he was in love with the prince. And the thought made him uneasy.

The fact that Tebanam was a prince was, indeed, shocking at first but, Faris might not have completely comprehended what that meant. He had an image of a bright gold crown and matching throne, with mountains of the finest of fabrics, shiniest of treasures and sweetest of delicacies. He had never much wondered or asked about what that life may actually entail.

"What I'm trying to say," Vidar said, his voice calling Faris to look back at him. "Is that . . . Although it's bad now, it will get better. If you are a good and free man, who loves Tebanam, then those rumours will die down. Keep being the man you know you are and people will realise they were wrong . . . or at least not talk against you. It is hard, and . . . tolling at times but," Vidar's eyes flickered again to Kanisa and his two children. "But it is worth it. Every second of it."

Tebanam's laughter was then loud, sounding like the sweetest of music to Faris' ears.

"So don't give up."

Tebanam landed on the ground flat on his ass for the second time that afternoon. Yelping as his tailbone hit the ungiving earth of the training grounds.

The sky was a faint orange, the sun a few hours from vanishing over the castle walls. The area for knights and guardsmen had been vacated as most were still on shift or busy eating dinner. Leaving the sound of two men huffing and puffing to be the only noise apart from the whistling of summer wind through the single tree in the area.

Tebanam, rubbing his backside, was soon covered by shadow as Jazoh stood above him.

Sweat glistened on the nobleman's forehead yet he did not show any sign of being out of breath.

Tebanam let out a sigh. "I'm sorry I'm not much of a challenge for you." A wry smile playing at his lips.

"Not at all," Jazoh smiled back, "I'm just happy you volunteered."

Tebanam snorted, "I volunteered to vent out my anger. Not get my ass handed to me."

"Then why didn't you ask your bodyguard to spar with you then?" Jazoh offered, extending his hand to pull his companion up.

Tebanam ignored the odd choice of word as he took his friend's hand to get to his feet. "Speaking of which, I really should've invited Faris along. At least then you would've had a worthy opponent."

Jazoh frowned slightly as he let go of the prince's hand. "Then why didn't you?" His voice was cold as he turned around to pick up Tebanam's sword, a falchion.

"Well . . . He's been going through a lot at the moment." The Gerudo prince remarked as he took the sword from Jazoh's hand. "He was pretty tired from playing with Kanisa's kids and I don't think he likes the idea of leaving our area of the castle. You know . . . With all the rumours and secrets flying around." There was then Faris' face when Tebanam had come over to him and Vidar at the table, how confused and troubled his eyes were when he looked at him. But he would not tell Jazoh that.

"But that's it, Tebanam." Jazoh said flatly, his eyes not on him but looking at his wooden sword. "They're just rumours. It's the only thing the servants have to do really. Gossip and make up stories."

"But still," Tebanam muttered, frowning as he warily watched his friend. "Those things really hurt him. It's been so long since I've seen him that upset . . . It's honestly taking all my strength not to punch the next person I hear talking about him." The prince squeezed his hands around the handle of his sword, remembering just how shaken his love had been that very morning. It scared him a little, to think a man so strong could become so scared.

Jazoh let out a huff, "Punching is for stableboys and knights who drop their swords." He brandished his mock weapon aloft. "You are a prince. Just say the word and you could get rid of all of them."

Tebanam should be surprised by Jazoh's threatening words but he knew better. He did not mean kill them, just punish or confront. A younger Tebanam might even agree with him. Yet, he felt uncomfortable with his friend's idea of stopping the whispers. Enough so for him to end the conversation.

"Another round, then?" Tebanam asked as he eyed the sword the nobleman clutched in his hand. "Go easy on me?"

Jazoh gave a handsome smile that wrinkled the beauty spot under his eye. "Oh my dear Tebanam, you told me to never go easy on you, why should I start now?"

"Because my ass hurts and I've already been brutalized by my niece."

Jazoh let out an airy chuckle, "Audlin?"

Tebanam let out a laugh too, "Yeah, how about you teach her a few tricks?"

"Tempting," Jazoh remarked with a look of consideration, "Then again, I'd have to get past that father of hers."

"True," The prince agreed, "Although, I have a feeling Vidar would happily have his kids taught by you."

"In any case," Jazoh said, breaking conversation. "Shall we begin?"

"Lets."

Just as the words left Tebanam's mouth, the shorter man striked. His thin rapier blade jumped out to hit Tebanam in the chest to only, by the last second, be blocked by the back of Tebanam's sword. The clunk was loud in the empty grounds as Tebanam used his strength to parry the frail sword away. Sadly, his reflexes were nothing like Faris'. Who would be in for the attack as soon as the Hyrulians' guard was down. Instead, Tebanam had taken too long to move, giving the expert swordsman time to find his balance and fix his stance.

"Not bad . . ." Jazoh muttered, looking over Tebanam's form. "I can tell you've had practice. You're definitely stronger." The Hyrulian then rolled his right shoulder, the one that had felt the full blow of Tebanam's parry.

The Gerudo grinned, proud to hear Jazoh's hint of surprise. "I have travelling to thank for that. Carrying all my things on my back every day turns out to be a really good way to gain muscles. Well . . . That and fighting off thieves and monsters and so on."

"Don't get too cocky, Tebanam." The nobleman said sternly. "I don't want to go wounding this new pride of yours."

"Oh please," The prince laughed, "I've still got a few tricks up my-"

His opponent was suddenly gone.

Taking a stride much bigger than one for his size, the man moved to Tebanam's left.

"Shit!"

With his sword not in position to block - as he had stupidly let down his guard to quip at him - Tebanam had no way to stop the sword from slicing him half open. So all he could do was dodge the surely painful swipe from the would-be blade. Feeling the faint whoosh as the sword cut through the air where Tebanam had previously been.

Jazoh, expecting a definite hit, had not been ready for the unexpected swerve out of reach and followed through. His sword going past his front to swing around to his side.

This was his chance.

Taking the needed two strides to reach him, Tebanam took it in one. Pulling back the wide-bladed wooden sword to cut at Jazoh's weak point.

But just when Tebanam's first win against his ex-sword teacher flashed before his eyes, it was gone.

His blade had been stopped.

Not by the expected clothed side of the nobleman but rather the slender blade of the Hyrulian's rapier. The sleeves of his freshly pressed tunic rolled up neatly to his elbow, Jazoh's thin yet defined pale arms jittered slightly under the impact of the larger man's cut. But he held steady.

Tebanam knew, then, that winning by brains was impossible. He had never outsmarted the man, both in sword and in wit, ever since they were boys. But Tebanam had something he didn't have last time.

The muscles of the prince's arms ached from the previous fights but he demanded them to hold. Pushing his fake falchion against the rapier, the thin sword shook under the newfound strength. Tebanam could see the man sweating, gritting his teeth as he tried to hold his ground. But Jazoh's grip on the blade was weakening. By the second, both hilts shook as the smaller man strained to keep the prince's blade from going any closer to his yet unhit body.

Tebanam, perhaps too hopeful at attaining his first win at last, forgot a simple lesson.

When it came down to strength, committing to pushing the opponent down to submission only worked when done quickly. At this rate, Jazoh would find a way to escape-

Just as the thought came to mind, the force that had once been pushing back against his falchion was gone.

Jazoh had released the weakened block and as quick as ever, moved out of Tebanam's way. What with the prince's weight and stance leaning heavily forward, the Gerudo found himself falling forwards.

Quickly, he ducked his head and Tebanam had just enough time to tuck his body down and roll on the ground. Nonetheless, he only had a moment to get back on his feet before Jazoh was onto him once more.

The nobleman knew that anymore moves that challenged Tebanam's sheer strength would result in his loss. For that reason, Jazoh went with a barrage.

Leading with the blunt end of his slender sword, the Hyrulian swordsman tried to poke right past Tebanam's guard to hit him in the chest. And the prince's only saving grace was that the width of the side of his blade was enough to hinder the individual jabs. The falchion, however, did not stop the opponent from nearing and forcing Tebanam to retreat with each painful looking thrust.

While Tebanam was focused on blocking each of the well intentioned hits, Jazoh was taking it all in his stride. Even beginning to talk to the prince as the air still filled the clunking, whacking and thumping of the two swords clashing.

"Sometimes I wonder what would've happened if I wasn't sent away." Even with the din of the barrage, Jazoh's voice was clear.

It took all of Tebanam's effort to listen to the man while still keeping his focus. But even with his brain frantically instructing his arms and legs to react to each trying jab, his mind still questioned why Jazoh was talking about such a topic so suddenly. The prince could only think that this was one of his friend's backhanded tactics, just like the swipe at Faris' legs and the kick of sand he had seen just two days prior.

Hoping to use this same trick against him, Tebanam indulged in the conversation. Even as his feet still took cautious steps backwards.

"No, I haven't really thought about it," Tebanam said gruffly, blocking a particularly energetic cut near his shoulder.

"Would it be rude for me to say I did?"

"No . . . Especially from how hard your life would've been on that farm, I wouldn't blame you for wondering."

"Well, if you don't mind me saying, I believed-" Jazoh paused.

Tebanam had taken a lucky chance to parry when he caught sight of a weaker strike. This had turned out to be a faint and the prince had played right into the nobleman's hands. Jazoh let the parry miss his blade to leave Tebanam unguarded and the wooden rapier's edge at his throat. It looked like only a twig up close but the Gerudo had a feeling that even a needle would be deadly in the experienced hands of Jazoh Spegeil.

"- that we would still be together." Jazoh continued calmly. As if Tebanam had merely interrupted him with a sneeze rather than a try to win the losing spar. "And by that, I mean still in love."

The game had been won. Why Jazoh continued on with this conversation, Tebanam did not know. But he had a feeling that this was his friend's way of finding where they stood.

It worried him to think this may cause Jazoh to feel hurt or upset. But the prince knew it was best to speak clearly and honestly now, or he may as well never speak at all.

"You think so?" Tebanam asked. Letting his sword hang at his side. Indicating that he would yield. "I honestly wouldn't know."

The prince fanned himself, the overexertion of the fight soon leading to a loud thumping of his heart and for the heat of his racing blood to catch up and starting to heaten his skin.

"Why?" Jazo inquired with the slightest of frowns.

"Well," Tebanam began, looking down to his attire.

With most of his clothes having been disposed of when his mother caught sight of the pile of worn and staining clothes he called his closet, the only remnants of the collection he had left were on his person. A worn old pair of shoes that Tebanam had implored his queen mother to leave only after explaining how new shoes would bring blisters and calluses before fitting, and thick heartily-sewn trousers a brown so dark the queen looked over them as new. The tunic he wore was new, however. The fabric so soft and new that Tebanam sweated right through it. The prince had also worn a vest which lay under the shade of the single tree after being abandoned after only a few minutes into sparring.

Walking to the lonely shade of the tree, Jazoh following beside him, Tebanam continued.

"Well, I still wanted to leave. To travel, you know." When under the refuge of the leaf-heavy tree from the hot setting sun, Tebanam pulled the tunic over his head to free his clammy chest to the occasional wind that blessed the grounds. "I always wanted to go. Eventually. You leaving was a catalyst for it. It gave me an excuse to leave and chase my dreams."

Tebanam did not look at his companion. Busying himself with folding the found vest and sweaty tunic into a pile in his lap. He took his time with it, too guilty to look his old friend in the eyes.

Even without looking to Jazoh, he could hear his hurt. Or maybe it was anger? The prince could not tell, as he could only note the flicker in his voice because his words did not indicate much. "And you believe you would leave me here?"

"Well . . . Not for long. I would've visited like I do now. Besides," The Gerudo braved a look at Jazoh, hoping this would give him some sort of comfort. "I would've let you come with me, if you like."

There it was, that furrowed brow again. And the dark, almost cold look in his eyes as he looked at him.

"I don't quite understand." The Spegeil said, raising his head to the castle walls that surrounded all sides. No, he was looking past that. To the world outside of Hyrule castle. Maybe even outside Hyrule itself. "I don't understand what you like about leaving here. I mean . . . What's worth leaving all of this?"

"That's where you're getting confused, Jazoh." Tebanam said, keeping in mind to sound kind as he spoke. "It's nothing about leaving or losing. I'm free out there. With a hood and modest clothing, I'm just a tall stranger in the crowd. A man with just a little more gold in his pocket and just a little more knowledge. And in any case, I gain so much from going out there." Tebanam could not help showing the excitement, remembering just how much of the world he had not yet explored. "There are whole worlds full of history, culture and stories. Although I search to recover the histories of my people, the lands and people I meet along the way teach me so much more than any of the books in the castle's library could ever offer."

The prince had let his eyes trail off. Looking, just like Jazoh had done, over the wall. To the cities, towns, shrines, caves and crypts he had yet to explore. The thought of Faris being there beside him. Protecting him when his idiocy got the better of him, telling him off when his eyes wondered on either men or a useless expensive item, laughing at his jokes and his foolishness, blushing at his compliments and kissing him back when Tebanam kissed him.

When Tebanam looked around, Jazoh was so much closer than before. Or at least he thought he was. A man could surely sit in the middle of them earlier, in the space Jazoh had left between them, now Tebanam could see very well the details of his once lover's face.

He was very good looking, the prince was reminded. With the obvious beauty spot under his eye standing out on his pale, yet faintly freckled face.

A younger Tebanam may have almost swooned at the sight of the mature and cool looking nobleman before him. Now, well, when he saw how close the Hyrulian was he almost jumped out of the way. And by the manner those dark eyes darted between his own to his lips, made uncomfortable goosebumps wriggle up the skin of his arms and neck.

Turning his head, he quickly got to his feet.

"Welp, we uh better get cleaned up then if we don't want to miss dinner." The prince said, trying to feign an air of indifference. As if he didn't notice Jazoh moving in for a kiss. "Will you be joining me in the bath house then?" Tebanam did not look at his companion, not wanting to see whether disappointment or annoyance lingered in those handsome eyes.

Jazoh only needed a moment before replying. "Yes, I suppose we shall. You go on ahead, I'll clean up."

Tebanam had the thought of offering to help or just wait for the Hyrulian to finish but the concept of staying any longer with Jazoh alone made him apprehensive. Especially when he thought about Faris, alone in their quarters. So Tebanam only nodded and made his way out of the training grounds.

Not once looking back.

Jazoh's prince left his shirt and vest behind. Surely so desperate to leave that the striped clothes had slipped his mind. The Spegeil did not mind, however.

He waited until the footsteps of Tebanam were gone before picking up the two pieces of clothing. The vest was a dark blue with gold embroidery around each hole and button. It had suited him very well. With his white tunic and dark pants, short red hair and brandishing his sword in their first of multiple bouts, he looked like the prince he should rightfully be.

Then again, the same design had been worn by that barbarian warrior Tebanam saw fit to call his love. The thought of that man dancing in a blue this shade, with the Hyrule prince in his arms made Jazoh want to rip the very cloth apart. But he knew better.

Tebanam was not stupid enough to forget his clothing.

Laying the vest on his lap, Jazoh took up the tunic.

It was a common nobleman style tunic, of a fine enough fabric it could only be owned by the higher class. The strings that had been untied dangled over the fabric as the nobleman remembered just how handsome the prince looked for the few moments without his shirt on.

Once again, the thought of Faris, getting to see Tebanam in such a way caused a venomous fury to bubble in his chest. And once again, he did not let his hands tear the fabric in his frustration.

Instead, he lifted the sweat infused top to his face and breathed in the scent of it.

Jazoh could not quite explain the scent but whatever it was, it smelled like Tebanam. Not of some musk or perfume or the reek that surely emintated from Faris' diritied pores. No, it smelled just as he remembered.

It was the same as the last time he had detected it. The last time they had embraced.

Foolish teens thrilled with the idea of being heard but never caught, suspected but never seen. Kissing and fondling even as footsteps approached. Adventurous hands and gifted soft moans as a door flew open.

The recollection made him both sad and angry. How foolish he had been.

If he had only tamed his own daring and convinced the prince to not take the risk. Tebanam's bedchamber would have been the headquarters of years of such activity. And yet, they had been caught. And Jazoh was sent away. The last thing of Hyrule he saw was the peak he could see through the carriage window before his father had hit him. It had been of the sun rising on the intimidating build of wood and stone that he would not return to for over five years.

Jazoh could easily recollect what he had thought then.

I'll be back. I'll be back for you.

Even after finding himself back in the mirrored halls and tall walls, Jazoh still had not achieved what he had sworn all those years ago. But not long now. It was only a matter of time.

This fic is based on the Zelgan au by @figmentforms

The Zelgan babies & granbabies, as well as Faris and Jozah, are created by @s-kinnaly​ and @ridersoftheapocalypse

And special thanks to @ridersoftheapocalypse  for writing the main fanfic about Tebanam and Faris, which inspired this fic

As well as @quietpastelcolours for their writings on Vulkar and Kanisa

I highly recommend you look at their content on this to have a better understanding of the story

[jimmyflemion]

Hi everyone. The Spiritual album is here. Damaged Goods  / Sinned in Reverse. Out now! Finally. Our album that has been talked about in interviews & the works for the last 30 years. Today digitally available everywhere. Always had it in mind for this to come out as an album in album form (who knows, maybe someday?) but now that it has been finished this seemed the perfect time for its release. Over the last 9 years all the song versions were listened to meticulously, chosen, vocals & instruments added & recorded, the theme of the story & running order placed in a schematic theme, mixed, mastered & the artwork went through several renovations until today as it stands in its completed form. Whenever it seemed like it was finished & patience had given out, there was that voice saying that when the time was right it would be ready. Why are any of us here? Our spirits, our souls, the learning, the forgetting, the remembering. What is my purpose? Is it something other than what I think it is? Am I supposed to be helping in some other way? I often ask myself these questions. Music always has given me hope to figure out these things & be good with myself & my choices, helping me to make sense. I often think of my sins & sins of omission words I feel I should have said or shouldn’t have said. The life I’ve led, previous lives. Being honest with myself & others & communicating my feelings freely & openly. Reflecting how my life would have changed dramatically. Often pointing the finger & not owning up to my own part in things. We all play a part in the communion. I’ve judged so much in my life. Through my own faults perceived through my own judgement, I become more & more conscientious & conscious & not so much on autopilot. For those I’ve hurt through my own neglect, I offer my sincere apologies. To be good with yourself & your pure refection brings peace. Myself & my brother were The Frogs. We grew up together, played & wrote songs entwining a world revered & a world despised & quickly scribed them with quill, in the end giving you the listeners your own choice in choosing where your heart aligns. From seeing both sides of characters as well as taking an honest look at ourselves, there began an introspection as to who we are as humans & it made its’ way into the work. We uncovered a society of depravity we had no intention of joining. Although given somewhat of a view of the music biz here & there from a ringside seat, in fact we were never invited to the party for we posed a threat in seeing through your false idol’s bullshit. We were different, we didn’t fit in & in retrospect a very good thing to be, working in our favor. But alas however cool or punk or whatever someone might think that might feel it took on an aura of loneliness. We were outsiders, who still in a way wanted for our ego’s sake (remember this is show biz, it takes some sort of ego to continue on, year after year) to be appreciated or make some sort of a living at this game. However, looking at things now, there really was never anything we missed out on, knowing how proud he was of me & I of him & what we set out to do through our creativity. I am reminded by a beautiful princess who once upon a time told me, we are all frogs. We are God’s children that keep getting turned into frogs & under the spell of the witches. The Frogs, the band represents all the frogs of the world. The Frogs, the band are the narrator, the storyteller as in the fairytale. The Frogs have their sweet revenge by flipping, showing the people thru song their own judgements of what beauty, evil, cruelty & perception of what is truth or not. You are the judge. It’s always been up to the listener of the message what they were to receive from it to learn or unlearn. Like a lot of music itself, it’s multilayered, multidimensional, the listener gets to decide what it means. We are all frogs, right & wrong, good & bad, ugly & beautiful, loving & hateful, mean & kind. We have a choice. Thru our own experience, we can heal & help to shine our light or to stay in the darkness & continue to judge all of it or accept & return to all that is within us which is love. & somewhere within all that we must not forget what they do to frogs in school’s biology class, cutting them open, dissecting removing parts showing children that it is ok in the name of science & men who eat & destroy the lives of children. Becoming comfortable with these ideas as if it’s cool or gross, not really understanding what they are doing. That which was once life, God’s creation lie there on the table, it represents us thru the fairytales. Being manipulated, being blinded from the day of our birth that we should be okay with all this and yet that is the great big lie too. The world you, we know/knew & the people of it that revel & cling to darkness remain at that vibration until they subscribe to the light. The light is for all yet some have an allergic reaction to it due to their disposition & judgement of the collective creation. The Frogs, myself and my brother spoke the truth about everything the 3rd dimensional world holds & ascending dimensions above. Together we were not puppets, poseurs, plagiarists or frauds, follow the long lost line of money, our trail is short. Those who hijack the heart will find & attract those of like. There remains nothing to be taught or learned for the kingdom of heaven is within, pretty simple. It’s easy to innerstand, if one makes a concerted conscious effort to spread love as opposed to their fascination with fear & pornographic obsession with death, which spoiler alert walks hand in hand with life. The music we created has nothing to do with “satire”, in fact at times there is no rhyme & reason & in times needed there is rhyme & reason. A fool auditions for a song, a wise man dresses up in costume, the world’s zoo comes to life & appears & disappears in illusion or what some call magic or a critic appears on notice to define art. There is a floodgate of material & songs to peruse & at times it makes the most sense to corral them conceptually. I used to be so concerned on being comprehended correctly to my liking but matters not. If I must spell it out, see how the Phoenicians, use their created language & words in plain sight, with the word spell to cast spells. In conclusion, the words with respect to the music are laced with wisdom. There is no other way. The goal, the direction, the soul purpose being co-creating beautiful sounds, energy & vibrations with the maker. In appreciation of creation. The heart beats, the world turns, the divine nature of the soul is changeless, without wavering, it answers the call of protecting & nurturing the mutual life force. Love avoids competition as it stands in its own sovereignty. ‘Tis the very common ground we all share & vibrate to. No one else can control our destiny, that which we were put on this plane, planet earth to fulfill. There was a shared mission only Dennis & I shared. The understanding & meaning that music in the right hands transforms the soul. Caging people, labeling, putting them in boxes, thinking these monsters own you is the absolute antithesis of love. The angels provide the roadmap, speak to them, I’ve spoken in song about freedom, having loved the show “Born Free” growing up under the Leo sign. I pray someday people that are real will find like minded humans & the fake actors satisfied with their empty empathy will have a true awakening. Judge much, yes but ‘tis a lonely world full of ghosts. So on a lighter note, as we float higher, what have I learned in all these years later 9 since Dennis has passed. What I’ve always known that I am so beyond blessed & grateful to have had him as my brother, how much love, care & detail he put into every moment of his life, how much he gave & how everything was a gift, how much he cherished life & being in everyone’s presence. His heart was always in the right place. An angel. Finally this album is the final Frogs album (the spiritual album that has been promised for years) 32 tracks, (number 5) Dennis & I were both number 5’s in our life paths. “damaged GOoDS / sinneD in Reverse” Damaged Goods / Dennis in Reverse In reality this album could not have been completed without the help of our dear friend Bjorn Thorsrud (additional production, mastering & editing) Dennis always wanted to have Bjorn work on this album & when he offered to help it was a GODsend. I devoted my heart & soul into this record & when I finally completed it on the final playback, I broke into tears, my only wish was for Dennis to be proud & happy with this record as a testament to The Frogs legacy. This album is in 432 hertz, the highest energy that governs the universe, vibrates with the earth’s heartbeat, the golden ratio, divine proportion. We made music because it brought us joy & made life such a wonderful experience. The telepathic musical communication Dennis & I shared is innerstood, felt inside. With regards to words they would have you say understood, but none of us is beneath or under where any other human soul stands, we are all equal & equally divine. I love Dennis with all my heart, always have & always will. I am so happy & thank creation so much that I was able to be here on this day to fulfill Dennis & my dream for you to hear this our final Frogs album. This album is for you all the fans who drove all over the country to come to our shows, stood in line, supported us at our merch booths. We started out having fun playing music together in the garage, writing songs in our bedrooms, had absolutely no idea any & all of this would have happened, well it couldn’t have happened without you our fans, we love each & every one of you for showering us with your love all of these years. This album is dedicated to the fans. Love,         Jimmy

[thefanficmonster]

Listener

John (The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope) x Reader (Male)

Warnings: SPOILERS FOR THE GAME LITTLE HOPE

Genre: Angst, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort

Summary: He wishes to be fine, he wants to be ok. He only wants to get over that night, bury it in the past and push forward. But you can’t bury what you can’t see or touch - the scars on your psyche, the trauma, the nightmares. He’s not able to battle it...not on his own at least.

Requested by @dark-pictures-until-dawn Hello dear! Sorry to be posting your request so late. I really hope you have stayed patient enough to still want to read the fic because I’m really looking forward to hearing your feedback, especially since it’s my first time writing a male reader. Please enjoy the read! Love, Vy ❤

I can’t go home. I feel unsafe and lonely there. I feel how shallow is the meaningfulness of my existence and am constantly reminded of how quickly and gruesomely it was almost taken from me back in that ghost town. How I was prepared to do anything to shield my life as well as the lives of those I was responsible of from the horrors Little Hope provided for us. Speaking of my companions at the time, I think they’re doing far better than I am. Angela is, well, Angela - unbothered by the real problem, rather focusing on herself, mostly appearance-wise. Taylor and Daniel are each other’s support and have finally made their relationship public and I’m really happy for them. They deserve nothing but the best and I hope they get through this soon. Andrew left for home for a week or two to be with his family until the concussion and the trauma wore off at least a small bit. I was really worried for him and still am, but I’m at ease knowing he’s surrounded by people who’ll take care of him.

I, however, am left to my own devices. Devices I’m not sure I have. I can hear the weak side of me whispering to me whenever I get home, telling me it’s ok to break the streak at a time like this, even encouraging me to do so. Telling me it’ll be alright, that I’ll be able to pick myself back up, but for now, I can turn to my old friend for comfort. I can allow the liquor to pick me up like it did then.  But then, thank the heavens, my rational side kicks in right on time - one second before it can be too late. It makes me ask myself if alcohol ever did anything for me except dig me a grave for my own dignity. Did it ever pick me up, or was it always the illusion behind which was the defeat and demise it truly gave me?

This rational side has helped me put down the bottle just as I was about to unscrew its cap, and I’ll forever be in its debt. Lord knows I’d be back in the same awful spot I was in before I started by journey of getting clean. I can’t go through the hellish first months of recovery another time. But the escape is a little too hard to resist sometimes.

Tonight it’s especially bad. This afternoon I had a meetup with the principle of the college during which I had to tell him all that happened that night, all the while enduring his ‘you’ve gone mad’ stare mixed with pity. He doesn’t believe any of us, how could he? I wouldn’t believe it either if I were in his shoes. Still, I’m the one who he bothers the most about it, given the others are students and I’m basically an employee of his and I am not allowed to show any sort of disrespect, no matter how much I’d like to put him in his place, if I want to keep my job.  Having to reach to the dark side of my mind for the memories of that night took a toll on me like it hasn’t been able to in the past three days. I sometimes experience rather decent days during which my mind is too occupied to crack under the weight of the trauma. But then come the nights when I avoid sleeping just to unintentionally sink in deep slumber which is interrupted by a nightmare that sends me in a state of absolute terror.

Those are the instances in which I need metal chains to tie my wrists and feet so I don’t go back to old habits. 

Why I still have alcohol in my house is beyond me. It’s like I’m taunting myself to fail what I’ve worked so hard for. Like dangling a piece of meat in front of a lion. The problem is - I’m both the person dangling the meat and the lion. I end up hurting myself by seeking comfort. It’d be a straight up lie if I tell myself I’m strong enough to resist temptation. The only reason why I do so is to avoid those first few months of the new attempted recovery. If I even attempt it, that is.

Because of the deteriorated state my mind is in right now and my weakened defenses, I have made the only move I can think of - sleeping in the school tonight. I’m lucky to have a couch in my office which I share with another professor, so sleeping here will at least be comfortable. The weather has been holding up well, so I won’t even need to bring out the heater. Just as long as no one...

“John? You’re still here?“

…sees me.

The familiar voice scares me half to death, bringing me out of my spiraling thoughts. I’ve become really jumpy and easily terrified which I consider to be reasonable. Other people are rather cautious around me and when approaching me, which I appreciate. 

The person standing in the doorway with one hand on the handle and a startled expression on his face is my colleague Y/N. He’s the professor I’m sharing this office with. Him and I started working at this college at the same time and we quickly bonded over our first-day-on-the-job anxiety. He is pretty swell guy, about my age and height. He is the laid back professor, you don’t see many of his kind, especially since he is an ECON professor. Some of my students are in his class too, and they have nothing but kind words to say about him and his teaching. While the other professors, myself included, sport suits to work, he shows up in a polo shirt and jeans. He hasn’t missed a single day of work and his class flaunts the highest score in the whole college. That should tell you enough about how professional and well-put-together of a person Y/N is. 

“Um, yeah...I just have some things to finish up.“ I wave my hand dismissively, hoping he’d leave it at that. But we’ve been colleagues and friends too long for him to let that slide so easily. He knows me well, people are an open book to him in general. He has told me he wanted to pursue psychology but his parents talked him out of it which explains his ability to tap into a person’s psyche like a literal mind reader. God knows I need a psychologist right now.

Y/N steps inside, closing the door behind him. “I can wait for you. We could get some dinner if you want.“ He suggests casually, shrugging his shoulders a tiny bit.

My eyes go wide, “No!” I answer a little too quickly and too loudly, causing him to frown in confusion, “I mean...don’t wait for me. There’s no need. It’s already late. We could get dinner another time.”

Y/N narrows his eyes slightly as if attempting to read a sign in the distance. I know he’s reading me. I bet he doesn’t even have to try so hard. I’m an open book that has suffered too much damage recently. And I’m not only talking the events back in that God forsaken town.

I try avoiding his gaze but when he says my name I can look nowhere but his eyes, “John, I know you’re still rattled and traumatized. Who wouldn’t be? Just know that you can talk to me anytime, about anything.“ His hand rests on my shoulder, “I’m one of those people who believes you. I believe you 100%” He chuckles, shaking his head, “I’ve researched that stuff probably more than I should’ve when I was a teenager. And it still intrigues me. Though I’m really sorry you had to go through such horrible events. You know you can take a paid leave for a month or two, right? No one will hold it against you. I’d be more than happy to cover for you if you’d like.” 

I find myself smiling at Y/N’s words, “I really appreciate that, Y/N, but I’m afraid that if I don’t come to work I’ll end up losing my mind. Hell...“ I motion around the office, “I don’t even wanna leave. ‘Home’ doesn’t seem so homey at the moment.“ I force a melancholic chuckle, deprived of almost all emotion.

“Hey, now that offends me.“ He frowns, showing off just how much I’ve hurt his feelings, “You’d rather crash here than come over to my place? Come on, John, you should know better than that.“ He pauses for a second, eyeing me suspiciously before a smirk appears on his face, “You’re just afraid I’ll bring out the chess board, aren’t you?“

I can’t help but laugh, “Not at all. We both know I’m the better chess player.“

A mock offended expression makes its way onto Y/N’s face as his eyes widen, “Oh, you’re so on now.” He quickly open the door, one foot already out in the hall.

I hurriedly grab my jacket and briefcase from where I left them this morning, “Not before dinner, though. My treat.” I call after him, my arm automatically reaching out for him, taking gentle hold of his wrist, “And, thank you, Y/N. This means a lot to me. Your support, your company, your friendship...everything.”

Y/N turns around, sending me one of his bright, dazzling smiles, “I was on board with you till you said friendship.” He snorts, moving his hand so it can hold mine and give it a gentle squeeze, “Jokes aside, John, I really want to help you and be there for you. So, please, I’m begging you, don’t push me away. At least try not to, ok?”

The warmth seeping from his eyes comforts me, helps me forget what’s been bothering me, at least momentarily. He always understands, he’s always prepared to help, to comfort, prepared to give advice and receive criticism. He’s human, obviously, but a human who understands what it’s like to be let down, brought down and forced to pick yourself back up, I haven’t found many who understand that in my life. He was my support when I decided to get clean, my biggest stability pillar, why couldn’t he help me now too? Why don’t I allow him to make me at least half the person he is?

“I’ll try, Y/N. I promise.“

And this is a promise I’ll keep, starting by discarding all the alcohol bottles in my house.

[callmethehunter]

New Robert Fan Fic: Maggie and Robert Part 3

Well, the time has come! My first posting of NSFW Robert Fanfic.  Thank you once again to @firethatgrewsolow​  for help with edits and sanity checks. :)     

 As a recap, Maggie and Robert are talking and getting to know each other... Previously in Part 2:

[As he sings her a song….]

“She knew she was done for.  His voice was ...she could not put words to it… his voice did things to her.  How he climbed octaves effortlessly, sang with such feeling and passion.  He was simply irresistible.  Steve was but a distant memory as she adjusted her body to be closer to him, purposely grinding her ass closer to his obviously growing erection.   Suddenly a wave pounded on the rocks below, drenching them in an instant and interrupting their moment.  

They yelped in unison, jumped up and quickly but carefully made their way off the slippery rocks onto the sandy beach below.  Dripping wet, they scampered toward the boardwalk slowing as they spotted a lifeguard tower not too far ahead. They both looked at each other.

“Robert!  Let’s go there. We can sit on the ramp while we dry off, and you can serenade me.” she teased him as she led him by the hand in the direction of the  tower...

Part 3:

 In her hyperawareness, Maggie  registered his doubts and added “Robert, you have a beautiful voice, and all I want is for you to remember me so I can get backstage when you’re rich and famous OK?  So remember this face, “ she said as she pointed to herself.  With that, she twirled like a ballerina, nailing a perfect pirouette in the air, and landed gracefully on the sand, before running towards the tower, her long wavy hair trailing behind her.

 She looked so wild and carefree, he wanted to capture her and keep her to himself, -this gem of a girl, this diamond in the rough.  He took off in chase, his long legs bridging the gap between them until he had caught up with her.  Both of them were still laughing as they reached the tall wooden structure where lifeguards stood watch during daylight hours.  Out of breath, they settled on the ramp looking out toward the ocean.  

She draped her tanned legs across his, as he looked on approvingly, sweeping his eyes over them and back to her face.  Her cheeks were rosy from the exertion and her brown amber eyes sparkled at him. 

He’d somehow managed to salvage the joint and took a hit. He gently pulled her onto his lap, to resume the seating arrangement that had been cut short by the wave.  He adjusted her body so that her ass was resting squarely on his thick thighs.  They sat in this manner, their breathing getting back to normal from the run.  The silence seemed natural and neither one of them made any move to fill the moment with words.  She felt the warmth of his body transferring to hers, the breeze on her wet skin and hair.  Each of her senses was in full alert.

Heat rippled through her as she felt an arousal so intense that she would forever remember that moment as encompassing the essence of what it meant to be alive and in line with the desires and intent of one’s heart.  Waves of emotion overflowed, threatening to drown her and she was struck dumb, once again, unable to form words, staring down at his hand which had come to rest on her bare thigh.  

His large, strong hand, with thick veins, the dirt under the nails and calluses on the palms spoke of hard manual labor which would explain Robert’s toned and muscular physique.  She took that translucent hand into her own, kissed it reverently, and placed it against her cheek. 

Studying it, she whispered, “Your hand is telling me your life,” vivid sensations, rapid psychedelic thoughts crowded her perception, and she heard herself saying, “Your hand is so big and strong.  Like you.” She turned it over and saw his love line was deeply etched. 

“Your love line goes on and on, it’s so thick and long.” she said as she traced it with her finger.

"Are you sure you’re talking about my love line, dear,  and not… umm, something else?” he asked her with a barely contained smirk that accentuated his dimple.

“Robert!” She giggled as he tickled her in the ribs in jest. “Your mind is in the gutter.”

Robert took his other hand and glided it slowly up and down her thigh, marveling at its velvety smoothness, wanting nothing more than to continue the journey up to her warm, wet center, to gain entrance into her secret places.  He would explore then taste her essence on his lips.  His cock throbbed with anticipation, his fingers betraying his self control as they continued their gradual climb on her thigh.  She is irresistible, he thought.

In her heightened state of perception, the ceaseless roar of the ocean filled her ears and seemed to mingle with the beating of her heart. Surely, this wasn’t real?   The thought briefly crossed her mind that maybe she was tripping so hard that the scene existed entirely in her head. That she would suddenly blink and realize this was only a figment of her overactive imagination.  But instead, as she opened her eyes, she saw Robert peering right back at her, his wet curls brushing against her cheek, his eyes full of an almost predatory and possessive quality that had not been there before, the alpha male with his intended mate, or the hunter with his prey in the sights of his gun. 

Maggie, feeling a bit predatory herself, leaned hard into him and kissed him deeply, her tongue exploring his mouth.  Their lips were locked tight, their tongues intertwined as she felt his hand moving up her leg.  She pushed on his chest until he was laying flat on his back on the ramp. 

As she straddled him, she took in the scene, the moment would forever be engraved in her memory. The vision of Robert laying back on his elbows and then supine; a cascade of golden curls falling all around him, watching her as she discarded her shirt.  He fondled her breasts, given them a good squeeze. 

 Maggie trailed kisses across his chest, stopping to tease his nipples.  When she reached his tummy she nuzzled the fuzz and began to kiss the contours of his V on either side. Painstakingly slow, enjoying every second.

Robert gave in to the sensations, running his hands through her dark, wavy hair.  He grasped a lock and gently twirled it between his fingers, sighed deeply and let out a long breath; the alpha male finally subdued and in repose.  The lioness crouched over him, suckling and nipping here and there on the trek down to his engorged member. 

He thrust his hips, urging her on, and helped her undo the heavy silver buckle while she pushed his jeans down slowly, her goal almost in sight.  As he wiggled a bit to allow for the fabric to stretch over his bulge, his cock sprang out as if in silent salute.  Good heavens, he was well endowed! And so thick...Probably 10 inches of beautiful, hard cock. She felt herself ache at the very core of her being.

She finished nibbling his inner thighs and wrapped her full lips around his sensitive tip, sucking gently as she swirled her tongue around and around.  Slowly bringing more of him into her mouth, she fondled his balls and lavished them with her attention as well.  They were big, round, and heavy.  She placed her tongue flat at his base and firmly licked the thick vein all the way up to the head. She flicked the foreskin, stretching it. Taking him in deeper and deeper each time, she held the shaft while she rubbed the tip on the inside of her cheek and repeated, until he moaned loudly.  

She loved the feel of his hardness when she pumped her hand up and down his length, once in a while squeezing him...He was hard as a rock,  glistening in the moonlight… and she liked it.

“Oh...mmmm-  little girl,” he moaned with eyes closed, “this feels so good,” he murmured as he gently thrust his hips up and down, his cock hot and responsive.  They were in sync, embroiled in the ancient mating dance that was as old as time.  

“Maggie... mmm,.. I...I can’t take too much of that,” the words tumbled out, punctuated by his heavy breathing. 

She slowed down, but did not stop, for she loved having him in her mouth, feeling in control and giving him pleasure.  Even so, she did not protest as he groped and fondled her breasts, motioning her up to meet his hungry mouth.  

While locked in a passionate kiss, Robert rolled her so Maggie was now the one lying on her back.  He hovered over her, his flexed arms on either side of her, his long hair hanging low, as he began to plant a flurry of kisses down her neck, nuzzling and nipping at her until she felt delirious with desire. 

Look at this hispanic fox, he thought as he watched her...her amber eyes half closed, lost in sensual pleasure.  He attended to each nipple, bringing them to life until they were almost as stiff as his cock.  Standing at attention, just the way he liked.  His large hands enveloped them, squeezing as his mouth sucked.  Her tummy trembled as his lips traveled downward. 

She felt his hot breath even before his velvety tongue began exploring her folds, his long fingers at her entrance.  He sucked on her clit as she bucked.  He used his arm to pin her hips down and continued his sweet torture.  She was beside herself.

Robert let her catch her breath.  He took a firm hold of his cock and rubbed it against her opening, spreading her lips with it and thrusting just an inch or two into her core.

Good God, she wasn’t going to last much longer.  Not at this rate.  She pushed against him, grinding her hips; urging him to go deeper, but he continued to tease her with shallow thrusts, in and out repeatedly… until he paused.

“Don’t stop, please, don’t...stop!” she cried, as he hovered inches above her face, his blue eyes dark and stormy with lust.  He did not respond but began to kiss her neck and rub and grind his manhood all over her pelvis and stomach.  She could feel every inch of his formidable length, rigid and ready.

That just would not do, she frowned and he smiled decadently...She dug her fingernails into his ass, trying to push herself onto him.  She needed to feel him, to feel every inch of his love, way down inside. 

“So this is what you want, huh?.” He teased her a few times by going halfway deep.  “C’mon then, little girl, push...Push me darlin..,” he breathed hot in her ear as she arched her back and felt his thickness and length completely fill her.  

She moaned, “Ahh, yes, that’s it, Robert...just like that,” as she squeezed his ass and met his deep, measured thrusts with her hips.  She brought her legs up and wrapped them around his torso, but the wooden ramp was too rough on her tailbone and she winced in pain.

“Oh Baby, are you OK?” his eyebrows furrowed with concern as he stopped. He was almost shaking with the effort and self control that it took him not to plunge into her one more time.  But the last thing he ever wanted was to hurt her in any way.  So, trembling with restraint, and breathing heavily, he paused.

Maggie opened her eyes, desperate for him to continue. “Pick me up, Robert, hold me,” she coaxed as she wrapped not only her legs but now her arms around his neck. He instinctively held the back of her thighs, hoisting her as his strong legs stood both of them up.  His rigid cock bounced as he took the few steps with Maggie in tow. Shuffling as one, they reached the wall just a few feet away.

After he had her up against it,  Maggie placed her hands on his shoulders for leverage while he tightly encircled her with his arms and entered her. No teasing, this time it was his whole length.  She experienced once again the incredible feeling of fullness and depth.

“Oh my god, Maggie, you’re so tight,” he groaned as he rocked her upward and downward with each long stroke, her body against the wall of the tower, which was shaking to their rhythm.  

She could feel the muscles in his chest and arms as he held her, and she rubbed her breasts all over him.  She threw her head back, her breasts bouncing.  He took the opportunity to suck on her exposed neck and lavish attention on her nipples, swirling and sucking until she thought she would burst.

“Squeeze me, Maggie” he panted into her ear as his pace became more urgent.  His heavy breaths fanned the flames hotter and higher inside of her. 

She felt the tremors of pleasure mounting within her, her breathing became erratic and she lost herself in an explosive orgasm that made her contract over and over again in ecstasy.

“That’s it, baby, Oh- Squeeze me ...hard,” he repeated with urgency as he sped up the pace.  She did as she was told, clamping her walls down on his fat cock with each wave of release.  Her body trembled as she rode him, his moans growing louder.

Robert was lost in the rhythm of their hips, smashing against one another, his manhood straining, pushing into her, he felt her walls constricting...he gasped and moaned finally giving in…”Oh..Maggie..Oh, I’m cumming baby.”

They were covered in sweat, their energy spent, and their desires fulfilled. For now.  Robert rested  his head on Maggie who was still wrapped like a koala bear around him. She found herself looking into Robert’s eyes, marveling at how they had been strangers a few hours ago but were now on this beach, intimately acquainted, their bodies entwined as one…

“One with cosmic energy!!” she whispered, smiling. Robert’s eyes widened, and he chuckled, “Oh yea? So you felt it too?” 

 He didn’t want to let her go, she felt so right in his arms, but he gently set her down on the ramp `and held her face tenderly in his hands, “This was a total bash, my love...and I hope it’s just the first of many…”, he paused then added “In fact, tonight might just be your lucky night my lady” he playfully curtsied and bowed as if to a queen, “for once I’m not sharing a room with my bandmate…” he trailed off, “you’re welcome to come and hang out, we could have a night-cap...” 

She did not answer immediately, She turned away and looked back in the direction they had traveled; seeing the waves incessantly breaking on the Jetties, then further down towards the Bahia Mar, where Steve was regaling his captive, spaced-out audience with tales about himself.  

“Robert, I wish I could go.  I want to,.. but I can’t.  I’m gonna be completely honest...Tonight was so special to me….But I’ve got my old man, Steve, back there” she faltered, then continued, “He and I are living together” she averted her eyes, “I can’t just disappear..I wish it were different, believe me.”Her answer took him by surprise.  

It was unsettling to Robert, who was quite used to getting his way with the ladies, to be turned down...He felt almost rejected which was not a familiar emotion, as well as possessive. He pictured her with Steve and had to quelch his jealous streak.  So that’s how it’s gonna be, huh? He thought to himself. 

“If I can still take you up on your invitation to Tugboat Annies, I‘d love to go to your show,” she said hesitantly, hoping this would prove to him she intended to see him again, Steve or no Steve.

 But the magic of the moments spent together seemed to dissipate, as Robert answered rather flippantly, “Sure thing, yea, stop by anytime. It should be a good crowd.” He started to pull away.

She caught a flash of ….something in his eyes before she replied, “Robert, listen, I am so into you, you are amazing and I want more than anything to see you again…”, she reached for his hand.  

“Maggie, you’re amazing too, but you’re in a relationship. I don’t want to get in the middle of that,” he embraced her, holding her tight and said “maybe if it was a different time, different place...but” he trailed off, took her face in his hands and kissed her deeply. 

The fire of desire rekindled deep in Maggie’s heart and her eyes welled up with tears of longing.  But Robert pulled away from their embrace.He appeared to steel himself and just like that, his jovial demeanor resurfaced, the happy-go- lucky mask was back in place, as if emotionally detaching himself from the situation. 

 “Well, I guess this is it…”  he looked into her eyes, bent down and gave her a final and quick peck on the cheek. “You better hurry back, Maggie, we wouldn’t want Steve to worry, would we?”

WIth that, he smiled, turned, and walked away towards his hotel.  She watched him slowly fading  back into the shadows, his golden mane of curls catching the first rays of dawn, his wide shoulders set.  She felt an emptiness and sudden disillusionment. She knew it wasn’t just because she was coming down from the euphoria of the acid or the afterglow of their incredible time together…it was more than that. 

As Robert’s silhouette grew smaller in the distance, she knew that she needed to see him again. She simply HAD to see him before he left for the UK on Saturday.  He was magical.  The passion and connection that she had felt with him during their brief encounter was exactly what was absent with Steve and what she deeply craved.

 When she lost all sight of Robert, her eyes swept over the skies.  The sun was beginning to rise, dispersing the quiet darkness of the night...a night she would treasure always.   She sighed wearily, turning her back to that golden sunrise as she headed back home to a man she did not truly love or even respect.  

To be continued…

[storytimefromthecreed]

A Friend in Need

Greencoat kissed both her cheeks and she threw her arms around each of them, holding them tightly. When Demetrí had written that there was an emergency, she thought the worst. “Thank God you’re ok.” 

“Not all of us.” Ghost kissed both her cheeks and offered to take her coat.

Axeman, Gérard to those closest to him, hugged her so tightly her feet rose off the ground. “Mentor.” She complained, but she loved it. When he set her down, she looked around. Arno was missing. “Where’s Arno?”

“That’s the problem.” Demetrí unraveled a map that they huddled around while Phillíp gently explained to her what had occurred. Arno’s removal from the Brotherhood, the death of his Elise. (Y/N) gulped.

“I’ve been here, here, and there. Cafe is empty, as is the Dorian estate.” Demetrí pointed to each location.

“Del le Serre’s is empty too.” Ghost frowned. “Checked the Bureau as well, but no one has seen him.” Axeman growled a curse, and they all leaned in as Ghost explained. “Two nights ago I broke up a bar brawl on my way home and found Arno at it’s center. I should’ve walked him home, should’ve talked to him.”

Axeman put a hand on the Assassin’s shoulder. “Arno is a grown man, Phillíp.” Gérard gruffed, “If he thinks drinking his life away will bury his sorrow, then we can’t help him anymore than we have.” They sat silently.

Ghost shrugged, “Still should’ve stayed with him. He was gone with drink, and I should’ve escorted him home.”

“Gérard,” She asked, “You’re not proposing we give up on him?”

“Heavens no!” Axeman boomed. “But we spend half our time getting him out of trouble and returning him home only for him to stumble into it again. Arno said he doesn’t want our help and that we should respect his wishes. So we should. To a point. If he wants to get into trouble, let him get it out of his system. He gets any worse then we’re kidnapping him and taking him to the Bureau.”

“But before we get to that plan,” Demetrí leaned in, removing his green hood. (Y/N) found herself entranced in his grey eyes. “Can you talk to him? He’ll listen to you.”

“Where did you tell him to go?” (Y/N) asked, shouldering Ghost. The Frenchmen had trained her, became her friends, and it was no secret she had a soft spot for Arno. Protecting his reputation from the other Assassins when he was exiled and running around with his Templar girlfriend landed her in many a fight which the Frenchmen kept pulling her from. To be fair, she would have done the same for any of them.

“I told him to go home.” Phillíp’s frustrations were easy to hear in his tone and his eyes scanned over the map. “But we’ve checked ever place.” They put their heads together, and (Y/N) thought fondly that home where was the heart was and that her heart felt most fill around these men. No matter how far she would travel, they would always be her home. Home.

The realization hit her like a smack, and she kissed Phillíp on both cheeks. “There’s a reason you’re the brains of the Frenchmen! He’s at Versailles!” Before they could answer, she was running out the door.

This she heard, “Why there?” Phillíp pondered aloud.

“He’s the brains?” She could almost imagine Demetrí pouting.

When she finally scaled the wall and ran throughout the whole, broken, palace, she found Arno in the main bedroom. How he’d gotten in was beyond her as she had to break down the door, but there he was. Head tucked to his chest, his eyelids fluttered at the sound of her enterance, and his head shot up. “Um- I...” Then he grabbed his head and groaned. Beside him were barrels of wine.

“How the hell-?” Then she shook her head, thought better of it, and approached. Sinking to her haunches before him, she gave him her best smile and most teasing tone. “Good morning, sleep well I take it?”

But Arno was not in a joking mood as his bloodshot eyes glare up at her. “They sent you in after me, have they? Well, I’m going to have to give them a piece of my mind.” Arno growled and tried to raise before the blood rushed to his head and he groaned again. “Later.” Resting his head to hit the back of wall, he kept his eyes closed and frowned. 

The scruff of his neck was ragged as his beard almost grew in, and his shirt was dirty with sweat and, was that blood? (Y/N) took a seat beside him, keeping her arm against his and resting her head on his shoulder. “I’m disgusting, (Y/N). Don’t do that.” Arno growled. but didn’t push her away.

“What would you do to them, hm? Our friends? Because that’s what they are, Arno, your friends.”

“I don’t need help. Give me time-”

“Do drink yourself to death? Or fight to death? Because you could turn to us for either.” She looked up at him, and he finally opened his eyes and looked down at her. There was a time when that look would’ve stopped her heart, now it just ached for her friend. 

The expression in his eyes softed, as did his eyes and set jaw. “They didn’t have to send for you.” Arno breathed, “I just need time.”

“From what I’ve heard, you’ve had plenty. Besides, what friend would I be if I didn’t come when my friend needed me?”

“They shouldn’t have bothered you.” Arno sighed and looked away before his eyes darted back to hers. “I’m just not...doing well right now.” (Y/N) tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and offered it. For the first time in a long time, Arno laughed. Tears now brimmed his eyes when they returned to hers, and his crushed heart inflated slightly. Arno’s head rested on hers, and he leaned against her. “Don’t know how you’re standing me right now. Trust me, I’m worse than I look.”

“Remember that time you helped me through that break up?”

“You mean when that arse cheated and broke your heart?” He scoffed, “Yes, I remember.”

“I cried so much, was all snotty and gross, and so angry that the guys were too scared to enter the clocktower.”

“And you ate all of the chocolate in Paris?” Arno remembered fondly and gave a soft laugh as their eyes met. He knew where she was going with the story, but allowed her to finish.

“What did you do? After you threatened to murder him?”

“After I had my talk with him?”

(Y/N) pulled away. “You had a talk?”

Arno’s eyes went wide and he placed her head back on his shoulder with a pat. “Uh, what were you saying?” 

Deciding that was a conversation better had later, she gave him a knowing look. “After you threatened to murder him,” she repeated, softening at the memory. “You bought more chocolate.”

A small smile twitched at his lips, and Arno relaxed fully. Playing with his fingers, he lost himself in better days. “I bought more chocolate.” He nodded, then rose a brow. “You remembered that?” With Demetri giving her flowers, Phillip there to talk, and Gerard being there for fighting matches, Arno felt his part was barely noteable.

Taking his hand firmly and opening it to reveal his palm, she placed his watch in it, and held his fingers closed under hers. “Arno, I am so sorry.” Arno’s forehead hit hers, and he closed his eyes to control his breathing. (Y/N) pulled back, forcing him to open them and look at her. The corners of his mouth were pulled down into a frown, but he kept his eyes on her. “This is where we are now, not you, we, because we’re friends. Let’s go through hell, together.”

“I... I don’t want to be a bother. I’m feel so lost, (Y/N). Like I’m not even worth it.” 

She took his hand and looked him firmly in the eye. “Arno Victor Dorian,” he waited, his breath caught as he suddenly felt very small to the person he’d helped trained. “Let’s get you found.” Tears sprang into his eyes and rolled down his cheeks and off his chin as sobs shook his entire being. Clutching her hand for dear life, Arno covered his face with the other and hung his head. (Y/N) pulled him to her chest where he cried until he had nothing left to give.

[ayanna-wild]

Heartbeat

Word Count: 1686

Pairings: Lucifer Morningstar x Reader

Warnings: angst, mentions of death,

A/N: I haven't been on tumblr in a while I apologize for that, so here is some angst, and ai promise to be on more!

Masterlist

Summary: Cursed by God, loved by the Devil, and destined to die.

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

"Lucifer!"

Lucifer stopped walking, looking around for a moment until he saw you on the other side of the street. You waited patiently for the light to change before jogging across the street.

"I'm beginning to think you may be stalking me darling." He teased.

"Of course I am, someone has to keep an eye on you." You joked.

Lucifer smiled until he saw the hospital bracelet on your wrist. You noticed his smile fall and followed his gaze.

"Just a doctor's appointment." You assured him.

Your smile didn't falter and he nodded slowly.

"Did you just finish that case with Chloe?"

He knew you were trying to change the subject but chose to ignore that.

"Yes, the butler did it, rather mundane and cliche if you ask me. I believe your sister figured it out before me though." Lucifer waved a hand dismissively.

Chloe was your older sister, by only a few years, but was still viciously protective of you. You had always been...less than healthy, for a lack of better wording, and as such Chloe tended to be a little overbearing at times. You loved her regardless and it never bothered you much. You and Lucifer walked side by side, you weren't really sure where you going, just following him.

"Isn't it always the butler? I'm sure you've seen a lot of things during your centuries roaming earth." You laughed.

When Lucifer first told you he was the devil, it wasn't like he was keeping it a secret, your reaction hadn't been exactly what he expected. You didn't laugh and roll your eyes, you didn't call him crazy or brush him off. You simply said 'ok' and left it at that. You didn't disagree and you didn't try to disprove it, you merely accepted it as truth. After that Lucifer had grown very close to you and you to him.

"How did the appointment go then my dear? Good news?"

Lucifer watched your reaction carefully, noting the subtle way your shoulders sagged a little. If he blinked he would have missed it, you were back to smiling within a few seconds.

"Yeah, like I said just a routine check up is all." You shrugged.

"Trying to lie to the devil? You even thought it might work, honesty darling, the audacity!" Lucifer feigned shock and you rolled your eyes playfully shoving him.

Your phone chimed, and you glanced down at it. Your fingers tapped at the screen for a few moments before you looked back up at Lucifer.

"Chloe just invited me over for dinner, but I'll see you tomorrow Luc." You said.

He was about to reply when you suddenly tugged on his shirt. He stood there in stunned silence when you gave him a quick peck on the lips and started walking away. Lucifer was still processing what just happened when he heard your voice again.

"I got tired of waiting for you to do it you idiot!" You called over your shoulder.

~

"Lucifer!"

There was your voice again, saying his name in a way that made him want to smile. He turned to face you as you walk down the stairs of Lux. Your smile faltered when you saw Lucifer's disheveled appearance.

"Are you drunk?"

He laughed and lifted his empty glass in the air slightly.

"No, that pesky supernatural metabolism of mine tends to get in the way. Doesn't stop me for trying though, care to join me my dear?"

You pulled the bottle away from him, and he sighed walking around the bar to grab another one. You grabbed that one from his hands as well, flashing him a cheeky smile when he glared at you.

"Are you going to do that every time?" He growled in what he hoped was a menacing manner.

You didn't blink, your smile remained.

"Yes."

Lucifer sighed and walked out from behind the bar.

"Now isn't a good time love, maybe come back next week?"

Your eyes followed him as he stumbled over to the piano.

"It's been a week, Lucifer you haven't responded to Chloe's calls, haven't talked to me. Did I make things weird?"

He turned his head to look at you, staring at you in disbelief.

"No, of course not."

You leaned on the piano crossing your arms.

"But?"

Lucifer scoffed mindlessly playing a few keys.

"I didn't realize there was a but, to that response."

"I could tell by how your voice sounded Luci, so out with it."

He was silent, and you had almost begun to think he wouldn't answer you.

"But, you don't want to be with me, not really, I'm a monster Y/N."

It wasn't often that you got angry or even upset with him but that comment struck a nerve with you for some reason.

"I don't think you're a monster Lucifer I never have."

Lucifer stood, walking over to the bar, grabbing a bottle yet again, this time, however you didn't stop him.

"I'm the devil, darling, it comes with the title, the man responsible for humanity's sins and troubles."

His back was to you and you slammed a hand down on the bar, making him turn to face you with surprise.

"Fuck them, you aren't responsible for shit, that's on them, you aren't a monster Lucifer, so what if you're the devil, it doesn't make you evil!"

You didn't tend to raise your voice at him, and the fact that you did just now stunned him. That didn't last long though, he glared at you and your eyes widened when his face contorted into something terrifying. You stood there, unable to form any words.

"I told you I was the devil, did you not truly believe me? Perhaps you're seeing me for the monsters I am now?"

His voice was cold and you stared at him with an unreadable expression. He wasn't expecting you to grab his shirt to pull him into a kiss. You didn't hesitate, didn't hold back, there was no disgust when you kissed him. You pulled back to look at him, smiling as you fixed his shirt.

"I always believed you were the devil Luc, I just didn't care."

When your eyes met his, he saw nothing but that usual warmness in them. You looked at him with the same love and fascination you always had.

~

It hadn't been long after that night that he had finally asked you out properly. No one had been surprised, Dan had even lost a bet to Maze over it. Everything had been going good, your life was perfect to you, but nothing lasted forever. Your heart got worse, and your hospital visits became more frequent. Lucifer fussed over you constantly, which normally ended with you playfully scolding him about smothering you. Today was no different.

"I'm fine Lucifer! I haven't had any chest pain in weeks." You laughed as he ushered you to the couch.

He gave you a look that said he didn't believe you.

"Humor me darling." He insisted.

You sighed, but picked up your phone to schedule a doctor's appointment for tomorrow. Lucifer smiled victoriously and walked into his study while you dialed the number. People often say when everything is going good, life throws you a curve ball.

'Now? Really?'

Your chest had started to hurt, and so, you sat, breathing heavily as you waited for the pain to pass, like it normally did. Except this time, it didn't, it only grew worse. You wanted to call out to Lucifer, but you couldn't seem to get your voice to work. Your vision started to fade to black, and your head spun. You collapsed to the ground, your body slowly relaxing as you felt your heartbeat slowing. Then you felt nothing.

You never felt Lucifer, checking you for a pulse. Never felt the EMT trying to shock your heart into beating again. Never felt yourself laying in the coffin. Didn't hear the people mourning for you, or Lucifer kissing your forehead with tears in his eyes. You didn't feel it when they lowered you into the ground, and filled the hole.

~

Lucifer walked through the brimstone pillars of hell. Occasionally he'd stop for a moment and stare at new doors that weren't there before. One door in particular however caught his attention, it certainly wasn't there five years ago. He couldn't help himself, and walked through the door. He was surprised to find no one there but even more surprised to find it looked exactly like his penthouse.

"Lucifer."

His heart felt as though it stopped, and he stood frozen for a moment. That was your voice, saying his name just like you use to, as if you hadn't been dead for a year. He slowly turned around, to find you leaning against the bar, two glasses in front of you.

"You're late." You smiled.

He couldn't think of anything to say, couldn't understand what you were doing in Hell or why you weren't in a hell loop. You seemed to catch on to what he was thinking and held the drink out for him to take. He slowly walked over to you, accepting it.

"Heaven didn't want me, I think your dad frowned upon on our relationship." You shrugged.

Lucifer seemed to find his voice, and he stared at you as if you would disappear if he looked away.

"And Hell?"

"Well there was only one place left for me to go, but hell can't punish me because I wasn't really guilty, so it's kinda like purgatory in a way."

Lucifer smirked, and you raised an eyebrow.

"And your personal little room in hell happens to be my penthouse?"

You only smiled and walked around the bar to stand in front of him.

"I can't explain that one, but I'm not complaining."

Lucifer moved closer to you.

"You do realize this means you are stuck with me for eternity now my dear, I do hope you don't tire of me, forever is an awfully long time."

You held your glass out, clinking it against his own.

"To eternity then."

Lucifer pulled you to him making you laugh a little. You had waited so long for him to hold you in his arms again.

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

Tag List: @we-are-all-alittle-strange-here @adira-secrets @beththedemonhunter @shywriting @emiwrites3reads @gingernarwal @cuddly-cat-in-a-trench-coat @im-just-along-for-the-ride @lifeshortbro @sallyp-53 @officalfangirl @cptgryps @mizzezm

[thebutterflyestate]

movement 2

A month after the encounter with the mysterious swordsman, (Name) has forgotten about him as she doesn't see him anymore. (Name) has resumed on to her life, selling fruits from her family or hard and helping out in her father's trading business. (Name) is a good natured girl, with her friends and colleagues dubbing her as a baby or a lily because she is too pure and good.

"Let me do it mother. You should take a rest! I' ll handle this!"  (Name) gently took the woven basket bag from her mother's hands, "I'll do it!"

"Dear, you should be resting, you know! Who knows when's the next time you'll  get sick again!" Her mother nagged while taking the basket from her daughter, "Besides, I'll just be delivering these peaches and oranges to our clients."

"Mother," She snatched the basket from her, "It's the only job I can do perfectly! Because it doesn't involve talking, I just leave the package by the door...so please let me do it!"

"Oh, you timid girl..." Her mother sighed in defeat and put her hands on her waist, "Alright, alright. The deliveries are in the kitchen, they're already labeled to whom you'll give them to. Also, take a map with you, ok? There's bound to be deliveries outside town."

(Name) beamed, "Yes, mother!"

"Don't linger too much outside, okay? It's still rainy season and the dark is dangerous." She said and her daughter nodded. She had been told that multiple times whenever she went to do deliveries but that was alright. It showed how much they cared for her," You father will panic if he sees that you're not back before dawn. "

With that, (Name) gathered the fruit deliveries into her woven basket and carried it on her back. She shrugged off her red and white checkered haori and put it over the top as a cover. Afterward, she went off to deliver the fruits.

The sun was already setting by the time (Name) finished her deliveries. She was two villages away from home and she was quite exhausted with all the walking she had done so she took a break in a tea house and she noticed that, as soon as the sun was closing down into the horizon, they, as well, the shops, houses began to start cluttering down their stores and homes to close off for the end of the day. She blinked in surprise and the shopkeeper went up to her while she was finishing her tea.

"Girl, you better be on your way home, you don't want the dark to eat you." He said and she fumbled with the tea cup, nodding to him and finishing her tea before she went on her way back. The shopkeeper also started to clean up and close his store. She wondered why they behaved like this.

In her village, no one closes until midnight because her village was a trading area but she was told that the insence that burned close outside their town was protecting them from evil spirits. We there evil spirits in this town she was on?

She briskly walked down the sunset lit street. Shadows slowly became taller and she asked for a spare lantern from a stranger, despite her shyness, so she could trek into the path back home. The stranger took pity on her and gave one to her while saying to be careful. It quite made her nervous and sacred but she didn't know what she should be afraid of.

(Name)'s legs were aching with every stride she took. Her legs were starting to grow stiff from all the walking but she knew she shouldn' t stop because her home was still a long was back. As if the gods were cursing her, the skies began to cry. It rained but it wasn't that hard, it was only sprinkling but she still took her haori to cover her head.

It was slowly growing dark and her only source of light was the lantern give to her. The dark rainclouds made everything extra dim and she was getting drenched by the rain. On her way past the next village close to her home, the sun had already set and  she spotted a shadowy figure approaching from the opposite direction. She blinked, curiously as to why someone would be walking in the dark and in the rain.

However, she noticed them walking side to side, swaying. She grew concerned and went to their side when they fell to the ground. He was a man wearing a ragged kimono and his eyes ad dark circles underneath, "Sir, are you alright...?"

He shook his head and sat up, looking at her when she kneeled next to him, "I'm OK, I'm OK. Thank you for your concern. I only need a bite."

"A- a bite of what? I have extra food here..." She rummaged through her pockets. Suddenly, he grinned, he had unnaturally sharp fangs and his pupils turned into a snake's.

"I only need a bite outta you, that's enough."

He lunged and sunk his teeth into her left forearm. (Name) let out a scream, dropping the lantern on to the ground and the haori over her head fell off on to the muddy path. The man didn't let go even when she kicked and punched him. She was too weak.

He let go when she stabbed his eyes with her fingers. She stumbled back and scrambled to her feet, her legs shook in fear as she ran but her clothes and her physique restricted her. She was quickly tackled to the ground, the basket on her back breaking apart. Crimson blood seeped her clothes as the unknown creature known once as a man towered over her, crawling into her bleeding injury. His eyes seemed so focus into eating her.

"P-please! Stop, let g-go of me!" She cried out in pain, tears were falling out of her eyes and it blended with her blood and the rain that fell from the heavens. Panic overwhelmed her so much. She thought she'd never see her family again after this, she won't ever be growing up, she won't be alive.

"What makes you think I'll have pity?" The creature asked. His thoughts were so into eating her that he didn't notice the flash of a blade that ran across his neck.

The next second, his head dropped to the ground and he looked in shock himself. (Name) was also shocked when she saw the figure standing behind her as she sat up. She couldn't see their face in the dark but she saw a long red blade, glinting in the dark. She looked back at the monster but it was already gone. Only his clothes remained on her lap, she quickly flicked the clothes away in fear.

The person who saved her, sheathed their sword, picked up her lantern from the ground, and kneeled on one knee before her while using a sleeve to cover her from the rain. She finally saw her saviour's face.

"You're safe now." He said, hazy eyes boring into her. His was a bit close to hers so her face turned pink yet she recognized who he was, he was the mysterious samurai from before. He still looked the same the last time she saw him.

"I-I-I-I-I-- thank y-uou so much." (Name) lowered her head into a bow and he hummed. She didn't lift her head until she felt her left forearm being held. She flinched at his touch. She had completely forgotten the injury. She go distracted..

"I'll treat this for you." He said, putting the lantern down, removing his black haori and putting it over her head. She was speechless as he used an extra strip of cloth from his pocket as a makeshift bandage on the gash on her arm. She thought he was kind, it made her blush.

" D...do you remember me?" She blurted out, she covered her mouth with her right hand when he looked at her. He only stared and that made her quite embarrassed, her face was layered with dirt and blood after all. But why would he even remember her. All she did was give him food and they barely interacted when they first met. (Name) laughed inwardly to herself for her stupidity. He wouldn't remember her at all even if she does remember him. It was only because he was the only man she met with a weird mark on his forehead and hanafuda earrings, it was her impression of him.

"You're the girl who gave me mochi at the mountain shrine on a rainy day." He finally replied. Her eyes widen and her cheeks turned a shade darker, "Thank you."

"W-w-w-what for?" She asked flustered. He stood up and helped her to her feet, she took off the broken basket on her back. He picked up her now muddy haori and lantern from the ground.

"For sharing the food with me." He said and she couldn't help but feel touched. After that, he offered to walk her back home because she might run into demons. She questioned what demons were and he answered her politely. Now (Name) understood what he meant about being a samurai not against humans, but against demons.

"(Name)! Oh, my poor child, look at you!" (Name)'s mother was the one who came running to the door with her father following suit. The older woman hugged her daughter and she hugged back laughing,' "I told you you should come back home early!"

"Sorry, mother..." She replied and her father noticed the injury and then the mysterious man standing behind her with a poker face on his, well, face.

"D-did you run into t-those vile monsters?! And who' s this boy?! Is he holding you hostage?!" He shouted and (Name) tried to calm him down, blocking his path toward the swordsman. Her father was ready to hit him with his crane.

"Y-yes, I ran into those 'demons'..." She replied. Her father had only one leg, using only a stick as a subsitute leg, "And n-no, he actually saved my life!"

"Oh. You should have said so." Her father quickly turned from a fuming monster to a calm cloud. He beamed and patted the swordsman's back, 'Well, come in, come in! Why don' t you take a break here for a while and get back out there in the day? "

(Name) watched her father prod him in, the swordsman looked awkward and tried to resist going in while her mother laughed next to her," F-Father! I don't think he wants to... !"

" I still have to do my job and slay demons.." He replied and (Name)'s father huffed.

"Okay, fine." He rolled his eyes, trotting off back into the house while muttering under his breath about a wasted opportunity. The mother chuckled and left her daughter to see the man off.

(Name) smiled shyly at the swordsman and picked up a parasol at the side and a small packaged food, handing them to him, "H-Here, thank you so much for saving me. I owe you my life."

"It's ok. You do not have to owe your life to me to show gratitude. This is enough." He said, bowing and taking the items. His voice was quiet and light. She blushed when their hands touched for a second.

She gave him a smile and bowed, "Have a safe journey, mister...?"

"Yoriichi. Tsugikuni, Yoriichi." He replied.

"Thank you and have a safe journey, Tsugikuni-san." She said bowing. She felt proud that she didn't stutter this time. However, when she lifted her head, he was just standing there, staring at her. She blinked. Did she say something wrong? "U-uhm?"

His face has always been relaxed and she admits that he is handsome, his hair looked well taken care of too. So him staring at her, herself whom she do not appreciate, she felt embarrassed.

He pointed at her and she blinked. She looked own and realized she was still wearing his haori, sha gasped and clumsily took it off and handed it to him, face growing red.

"Thank you." He said, nodding then he shook his head, "But I did not mean the haori... I was asking for your name."

"Ah!" By this time, her face felt completely hot, "M-my name is (Surname) (Name)... !"

They both bowed. One frantic, the other calm. Yoriichi then turned to the door and she watched him go. However, she blurted out, 'Tsugikuni-san!"

He opened the parasol as he stepped out and he turned to her. She pursed her lips.

"W-when can we possibly see each other again?"  She asked innocently and he stood there for while, pondering as she figet on her spot.

"When destiny tells us to."

[thisbitchinthecorner]

2013 (roughly 6 years before the End of the World part 2) Day 19- Wish

This chapter almost broke me. For @drawlight

Seated on a fine tartan print blanket, Brother Francis, Nanny and Warlock enjoy a fine lunch in the sunshine. Warlock, of course, only nibbles at the fruit and eats most of the cookies, while the angel dines of the thoughtfully prepared snacks.

“Nanny,” Warlock yawned. “Can you sing me a lullaby?”

“Now, my dear?” She replied with apprehension.

“Please, I’m not tired, I just want to rest my eyes.” The boy said as he settled his small body between where Nanny and Brother Francis were seated.

Singing for the child was one thing, singing in front of an angel was something else entirely. Warlock, unaware of the gravity of his request, reached for her hand and settled it upon his own.

She closed her eyes, and began:

Sleep my child and peace attend thee,

All through the night

Guardian angels God will send thee,

All through the night

Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,

Hill and dale in slumber sleeping

I my loved ones' watch am keeping,

All through the night

She paused to take a breath, it was in that moment, it happened. A voice, soft at first, tentative and guarded began the second verse.

Angels watching, e'er around thee,

All through the night

Midnight slumber close surround thee,

All through the night

Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,

Hill and dale in slumber sleeping

I my loved ones' watch am keeping,

All through the night

More glorious than any sound he had ever heard, and he had heard the sound of Jophiel herself sing, could even come close the glorious singing that filled his heart.

Then, two voices never meant to join in song did.

While the moon her watch is keeping

All through the night

While the weary world is sleeping

All through the night

O'er thy spirit gently stealing

Visions of delight revealing

Breathes a pure and holy feeling

All through the night

A miraculous symphony. Impossible harmonies. Two opposite entities resonating as one.

Warlock lay fast asleep between them, unaware that he was now nestled between Crowley and Aziraphale.

Crowley listened as the angel sang the final verse, listened and watched. Everything they had been through together had led to this moment in time, and he refused to relinquish a single second.

Aziraphale finished his song, a blush filled his cheeks as he realized the demon had been staring at him, staring without the shield of his glasses. Those raw, intense golden eyes full of wonder, full of awe, full of love. He could not help himself, he leaned in as did the demon, closer and closer. Scarcely a breath between them.

“We can’t.” Aziraphale whispered, breaking the silence.

“We can.” Crowley whispers back, edging his lips closer, until their foreheads rested against the other’s.

“If you kiss me, I won’t be able to stop myself. I won’t be able to resist you any longer. I won’t want to resist you. We can’t.”

“Aziraphale, I don’t want to pretend anymore. I need you to know that I lov...”

The angel drew his finger to the demon’s lips as he struggled in vain against tears.

“Shhh, please. Please, you cannot say it now. Not yet. If you say it now, then it becomes real, and I will not be able to go back to the way things were, I will not be able to conceal my feelings from them, and that will be a disaster. They will use it, they will use us against each other, and while I know most certainly that I can endure whatever punishment Heaven will give, what Hell will do to you, that I cannot endure.” Tears flowed down the angel’s face as he spoke.

“Can’t you see, how difficult it has been for me to resist you? I’m afraid that if you say it, I will not be able to hold back.” Aziraphale touched Crowley’s hair, brushed his fingers along the demon’s cheek before placing them against his lips again.

“I need to keep you safe, and that means it must remain unsaid. I cannot lose you, I cannot go on without you. Everything we are trying to do would be meaningless if I didn’t have you beside me, if I didn’t have you to fight for.” Aziraphale’s voice broke as he choked back a sob.

“Do you want it to be real?” Crowley asked gently.

“Look at me, please, look in my eyes; you must know, after all this time, you have to know by now, it has always been real for me.” The angel’s voice softened, as he gazed at the demon.

Crowley nodded, as tears spilled from his eyes. “Is it always to be this way then?”

“I have to believe that it will not. I have faith that things will be different one day, and I have faith that day is coming soon. Crowley, we are so close to that happening, please...I need to keep you safe, even if that means sacrificing my heart’s desire.”

“Alright, angel. I can wait.” Crowley once more rested his forehead against the angel’s as the tears continued to come. “Please sing for me again?”

Aziraphale began the finest love song he’d heard in centuries. They were still close, so very close. The demon placed his head upon the angel’s shoulder, their fingers entwined.

When the rain is blowing in your face

And the whole world is on your case

I could offer a warm embrace

To make you feel my love

When evening shadows and the stars appear

And there is no one there to dry your tears

I could hold you for a million years

To make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet

But I would never do you wrong

I've known it from the moment that we met

No doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue

I'd go crawling down the avenue

And oh, there's nothing that I wouldn't do

To make you feel my love

The storms are raging on the rolling sea

And on the highway of regret

The winds of change are blowing wild and free

You ain't seen nothing like me yet

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true

Nothing that I wouldn't do

Go to the ends of the earth for you

To make you feel my love

“Nanny?” Little Warlock’s sleepy voice asked, and in an instant, all was restored to how the child knew his world to be.

“I’m here, my darling. I’m right here.” Nanny cooed, separating her finger’s from Brother Francis’s and running them through the boy’s hair.

“Is there still time for us to picnic? I didn’t even get to fly my kite!” The boy protested.

“We have time for that, Young Master.” Brother Francis helped the child to his feet, and the three of them made their best attempt to raise the kite.

The sky turned a hazy orange, signaling that night would soon be upon them. Warlock reached for Nanny’s hand and then for Brother Francis’s; they walked home, periodically lifting the boy over patches of dirt and wayward sticks, much to his delight.

Their arrival at the country estate was quiet, as neither Mr. nor Mrs. Downing were home. Nanny helped the boy bathe and ready himself for bed. As she read to him, he colored on a leaf of paper.

“I made this for you!” Warlock said with pride.

“It’s lovely my dear.” Nanny said as she looked at the picture.

“See, that’s me jumping over that big rock! Remember? And that’s you and Brother Francis.” The boy said as he pointed to two figures clearly holding hands in the drawing.

“But why are we holding hands?” Nanny asked as she raised her eyebrow.

“Nanny!” Warlock sighed. “It’s ok, I won’t tell anyone that you love each other. I don’t want you to get in trouble.”

“My darling, such an imaginative of yours.” Nanny said as she pulled the covers over the child.

“Nanny, I wish every day could be like today.” The innocent child murmured.

“So do I, my dear boy, so do I.” Nanny kissed Warlock atop his head and turned out the lights. She held the drawing in her hands as she left the room; it would be placed among her many treasures that she has kept over the years. But few would ever be this precious.

[starrywonn]

cafe latte

not requested

a/n: a purely self indulgent barista jisung au bc i was STRESSED and i was watching re-feel and a LOT of cafe videos

pairing: barista! han jisung x baker! reader

genre: fluff

scenario type: bulletpoint

word count: 1.9k

warnings: none

jisung was a barista at the nineteen cafe

honestly speaking, he didn’t even plan on working here

he helped his friend, chan, once because he was bored of waiting for him and somehow, he got dragged into working at the cafe

he wasn’t complaining though

i mean he got some pretty amazing coffee, unlike the acrid, watered down liquid the uni cafeteria served

and he got to hang out with his friends who also worked there

so jisung was a real winner here

until the cafe’s main baker, woojin leaves the shop

jisung was almost bawling when he announced it

jisung: does this mean i’ll never get to eat any of your chocolate croissants anymore??? T^T

woojin: if you keep this up, i’ll bring chocolate croissants for everyone but u

jisung: nOOOOO i’m sorry :“”“”“” i love u please…. not my croissants…..

honestly, at that point, woojin wasn’t even sure if jisung loved him or his pastries more

but woojin still had to leave and they had to find a replacement asap

recruitment posters were put up all over the campus

baker needed! nineteen cafe @ jyp university. walk-in interview

so when you, a broke university student, see it, you thank the heavens

you baked pretty often and your creations weren’t too bad if you said so yourself :]]

plus the cafe was on campus grounds so it’s definitely worth a shot

you stand outside the cafe and your legs turn to jelly

“come on y/n!! it’s just an interview!! you have to do this or you’ll spend the rest of your life broke!!!!!” you whisper scream to yourself

you finally make your way in and look around the cafe

soft acoustic music is accompanied by the chatter of patrons and the clinking of cups on ceramic saucers

a well-built man dressed in a white button up and black pants tends to the cash register

there’s no one ordering anything so you scutter up to the counter

“hi, uh, i’m here for the interview?”

“ok hold on,” the man turns around, “channnn, there’s someone here for the interviewww”

a blond walks out of the kitchen, covered in flour

“hey, i’m chan. the manager here. i’m gonna make this quick since i have to continue to try and make brownies,” he dusts his hands on his apron and gestures to an empty table in the cafe

“what’s your name?”

you stutter out your name and he scribbles it in a notebook he takes out from his pocket

“alright, y/n, how long have you been baking for?”

“about six years”

he scribbles again

after that, the interview is a blur from your sheer nervousness

“ok, this is the last bit. can you make a batch of brownies? we have to gauge your abilities”

you follow him to the kitchen

“wait, weren’t you trying to make them just now?”

chan ignores your question

“if you need anything, just call me!!”

and with that, he strides out of the kitchen

oh, wow, okay, so this was happening now

you put on the apron on the counter and pull out all the ingredients and utensils

it’s like something takes over you

your hands move on their own and it truly is a beautiful sight :“))))

jisung walks into the back to get ready for his shift but to get there, he has to get past the kitchen

the smell of chocolate wafts into his nose

he pauses

this was the best thing he’s ever smelt

"god? is that you?” jisung whispers

you snort, “yeah but you can call me y/n”

jisung freezes up and his eyes widen

“holy shit. cool. gotta go. uh, bye.”

jisung runs out and almost slams into chan

“woah woah woah, what’s got you so jittery??” chan asks

“nothing BYE”

jisung bolts for the cashier, “ changbin, i’m here!!!! you can go nOw”

changbin, although very confused, leaves

it’s about a little into jisung’s shift when you come out to call chan

in your hands are a tray of the freshly baked brownies

you offer one to chan and he almost cries from joy

“this …. is absolutely amazing….”

he passes one to jisung who is still shaking on the inside

jisung bites a corner off the chocolatey treat

he almost swears that his soul leaves his body because it was THAT good

he gives you a thumbs up and a big smile

chan offers your brownies to a few others who all give great responses, making your confidence shoot up

“okay, y/n, we’ll send you an email if you’re accepted,” chan says

“ok, thanks”

you leave the store and celebrate

that went way better than you had expected

all you have to do now is to wait

that can’t be that hard right?

oh but it was

every notification from your phone and laptop made you leap from your chair

it’s two days later when you get the email

dear y/n, we are pleased to announce that you have been hired as nineteen cafe’s new baker. please come to the cafe tomorrow for your first day. thank you.

*cue celebration pt.2*

the next morning, you bust into the bakery, ready to kick some butt

the cafe is empty, save for chan and changbin setting up

the early morning light pours into the cafe through its ceiling-to-floor windows

chan notices you and hands you a slip of paper with all the stuff to be made

“there’s a file of recipes in the kitchen. it’s on the shelf above the bowls”

you thank him and look through the list

strawberry shortcake, coconut cake, chcoolate chip cookies, brownies, blueberry muffins, raspberry cheesecake

and there was a second page….

the list was so much longer than you expected

one thing at a time

you took out the bowls and ingredients

following the recipe, you managed to whip up a pretty decent cake

the rest of the baked goods you made were also pretty good

you place them in the display fridge

you heaved a sigh of relief

you didn’t screw up on your first day!!!!

go you!!!

second day of work

good news: chan gives you free reign to experiment and come up with new stuff

bad news: the stand mixer breaks

worse news: the stand mixer can only be fixed a week later

kind of good news??: you’re gonna get buff

so you have to ask for help from the rest of the nineteen staff

working with all of them, BUT jisung, is great

but you have to get help from him since you don’t always wanna bother everyone too often

search chaos in the dictionary and you’ll get a photo of you and jisung baking

you’ll make a bowl of batter and having that half that bowl gone after 5 minutes

“HOW AREN’T YOU DEAD FROM SALMONELLA YET??¿?¿¿??”

or when you bake anything with chocolate

oh my GOD

you’ll go to grab a baking pan

and when you come back, the packet is suddenly so light

you: did you eat the chocolate again

jisung, chocolate covering his mouth:

you:

jisung, chocolate still covering his mouth: …no

he’d pop into the kitchen even when you don’t need his help just to screw with you

“oooOOOoo, is this a new recipe”

“nope. also don’t eat the chocolate chip cookies,” you say, still focused on making frosting

jisung just lets out a roar of laughter

“ok i won’t”

“but i’ll eat the muffins”

“jisUNG NO”

but all that eating of RAW batter and other stuff finally gets to him

jisung calls in sick

as much as you want to laugh at him, you’re kind of concerned,,,,

like he ate,,,, so much,,,,

you ask chan for jisung’s address so you can visit him

he gives you a face but gives you the address anyways

while carrying some porridge and medicine, you knock on his door

a very pale and dishevelled jisung opens the door but he gives you his usual goofy smile

“can’t get enough of me huh?” he chuckles weakly

“yea, sure whatever you want to think. anyways, i brought some stuff”

“come on in. it’s a little bit of a mess though”

his coffee table is covered in papers and his laptop is playing an episode of brooklyn nine-nine

cushions are strewn on the couch, a blanket draped over them

“i’ll leave the medicine on your kitchen counter but you should eat the porridge now before it gets cold”

jisung nods and you hand him the tupperware box

he gladly opens it and eats a spoonful

“this is so good,” jisung says

“thanks”

you sit next to him quietly as you watch the show

“how are you feeling??” you muster up

“i literally have not seen the light of day in 5 YEARS, my stomach has not known pain like this” he says between mouthfuls of porridge

“that’s what you get for eating so much RAW batter”

“i know but it was so GOOD!! it was totallly worth it”

you shoot a glare at him and he returns a cheeky smile

you try your best to keep a straight face but you can’t help laughing at him

the buzzing of your phone calls for your attention

you grab it and look at the caller id

“oh shit. sorry ‘sung, i gotta go. uni calls! bye!!”

you scurry out of jisung’s apartment and sprint to campus for your project

a few days pass and jisung returns to work

he’s back to almost bouncing off the walls

but when he comes into the kitchen with your tupperware box and a cup of coffee in his hands, he’s flushed red

jisung leaves them on the counter and zooms out of the kitchen

you finish kneading the bread and pick up the cup of coffee

a heart sits on top of the foamy milk

you take a few sips before realising the small piece of paper on the saucer

your cheeks feel a slight warmth as you read the note

“thanks for the food and stuff!! let’s get dinner some time soon ok?? - jisung”

you kind of want to scream but you probably shouldn’t

what do you do????

do you text him??? tell him in real life??? give him another note???? maybe you should just burn the note and pretend he never gave anything to you???? 

all that fills your mind for the rest of the day is the note

soon, it’s the end of both yours and jisung’s shift

you grab your stuff from the lockers in the back

as you try to leave, jisung tries to enter the narrow doorway

you shuffle left and jisung shuffles right

“sorry,” you say as you go in the opposite direction

and so does jisung

HHHHHH

you stay put as jisung moves past you

turning around, you call out, “hey 'sung! are you free right now? i know a good sushi place around here”

jisung almost jumps from his skin and you can see the crimson creeping up his ears under the fluorescent lighting

“yea- yea i am!! just give me a minute to grab my stuff,” he replies

he comes out with his backpack soon after

jisung grabs your hand and brings you out of the cafe

“lead the way!!”