#is the lady who did all but beat him with a stick the last time they met

[redcherrykook]

── ‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ delicate seashell - beach vibe, hotel sex req.

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content: friendgroup beach trip, hotel sex, penetrative sex, sweet loving, kind of body worship, established relationship, oral (fem), "gguk" bc its hawt

note from cherry: ignore the typos pls it's late 😭

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summer hit seoul like a ton of bricks, the usual rainy weather turnings into 40 degree Celsius heat, living without aircon? Impossible.

For the first week of vacation that your work has granted, your far less busy friends and boyfriend all gather up for a trip

Fuck it, let's fly to jeju and enjoy the seaside while the sun lasts

Although blaring and someone unbearable from sweat drenched clothes, noting beats a beach day with enough suncream and fruit to cool off

"Soojin, are you gonna be ready soon?" namjoon calls out, your best friends boyfriend being just as impatient as she is,

"Seriously? We just started getting ready!" She shouts back, rolling her eyes at the closed door,

Sully who's also your childhood bestie, and you share a giggle at Soojin's typical behavior

"Baby?" a soft voice calls out for you, sticking his head into the small gap of the huge hotel bathroom, three girls still in pj's that are busy with skincare and waterproof mascara or the perfect bun all inside

His eyes only land on you, if the other two didn't speak, you're sure he wouldn't even have noticed

"Kook? You okay?" You turn, caressing his head with your hand,

"Yeah, we're gonna ahead though, if that's cool with you? Like, set up the chairs and drink station" he says, now stepped fully inside the doorframe, his hands finding your tshirt covered waist immediately

"If you promise not to look at girls in bikinis?" you raise an eyebrow, cracking into a smile shortly after

And my god did he look irresistible, already in swim shorts with that white muscle shirt that did nothing but show off his ripped body, big arms fully on display and his abs peaking out from the side of the opening

He tsk's , kissing your forhead softly

"You're crazy ma, you know damn well i only care for you" his voice is delicate when he speaks,

"Ew gross get out already" sully yells, even though she's 3 meters away from him

"Grooooosss they boutta start fucking in here" Soojin adds, making a disgusted face for you to see in the mirror

Jungkook laughs, "Sure ladies, take your time" surrendering to the fight against two very protective best friends, he leaves the room

Leaving you to continue your grwm session, 30 mins later, all three off you leave in your bikinis, bags stuffed with change of clothes, hairbrushes and something to keep you distracted

"what the fuck" your boyfriend mutters when he spots you from afar,

Even while laying on a foldable chair, just being able to make out your silhouette in the distance is enough to make him drool, willing to drop to his knees for any taste of you he can get

The dirty thoughts only become louder urges when you stand in front of him, setting your bag down,

As if the tiny, red triangle- tie up bikini doesn't already reveal enough to him, the way you bend down right there, tits almost falling out of their hold, pushed together by the bikini throws him off even more

He's sweating, nervously thinking how he would be able to keep his dick soft for hours if you're gonna walk around like that

"Baby" he says sternly, the look in his eyes letting you know that you're playing with fire, but you don't seem to care, smiling at him when you lay down on the chair right beside his,

"Ahhh, the breeze is so nice" you hum, closing your eyes momentarily to take in the roaring waves and rays of sunlight

Unable to stop himself for devouring you with his eyes, he just allows it

Tracing over your collarbones, the way your waist dips in before the squishy roundness of your hips, how your thicker thighs press up against the chair, making the string bottom appear even smaller on your covered cunt

It cant get worse, right?

Unless you decide on what you're doing right now, letting your beautiful hair out of the bun's restraint, shiny stands flowing messily over your chest area

You notice his obvious staring, looking at his needy eyes and spotting the suspicious looking bulge inside his swimmers,

Jaehyun shoots Jungkook a look as if to say "you cannot be serious" once he also notices the effect your innocent swim attire has on the younger friend

You stand up from the chair abruptly, while looking at Jungkook's dick you noticed how muscular and comfortable his thighs look,

"Baby please" he whispers into your ear, your ass planted down right on his bulge, the tiny string doing nothing to create an extra barrier

His hands move to caress your thighs, his chest pressed up against your back while he's trying his best not to grind you down on him in front of your whole friend group

"Namjoon, you need to cover my back well" Soojin says to her boyfriend when turning around and jungkook is sure he will thank her for this to the end of time, something in his brain lights up,

"Oh shit, i totally forgot about sunscreen. Lets go grab it" his finger nudges your side, a clear clue for you to agree and get up with him,

Why would you ever deny him anyways?

Your friends watch you leave hand in hand, rushing back for... the sunscreen..

"They're gonna fuck aren't they" Sully says, looking over to the rest with an annoyed look,

"Yep" Soojin answers, popping the p at the end,

"Whatever i'm going in" jaehyun announces, dragging sully up with him to push the unsuspecting girl into the water

"Fuck baby this bikini is too sexy, i can't take it" Jungkook says against your skin, immediately attaching himself to your neck the second the door shuts

He's gentle but desperate in his kisses, moving along messily but not putting on too much pressure, kissing his way all along your jawline, down to your neck and collarbones where be begins to nibble,

"So pretty, this body of yours is driving me crazy" his soft moans make your skin react, goosebumps spreading fast while you run your fingers along the muscle of his shoulder

He unties your top in no time, kissing and licking at your nipple while his hand stimulates the other one, groping and tugging on the pink flesh ws gently as he can

"Feels so good gguk" your nails dig into his shoulders, chest arching into his mouth with loud whimpers of pleasure flowing from your lips,

He responds by moaning, biting down on your nipple softly before switching sides, teasing and kissing with so much love

"I love your tits so much, they are perfect so perfect" Jungkook stops, big doe eyes looking up at you with need, one hand moves down to cup your pussy,

"let me eat it please , i wanna taste you so bad baby, please let me eat that sweet little pussy out" the way his desperation becomes evident in his pleas instantly weakens your will to tease him, nodding to him with a small bite to your lip

He wastes no time carrying you to the soft silk of the hotel bed, spreading your legs with his hands and dragging the string down from your hips,

"Mnhmm baby you smell so good" his kisses trail down your abdomen until they halt on the outside of your pussy, moving to your inner thighs instead, his hands working to caress you in the meantime

"Gguk please" you whine, squirming under the soft touch of his hands running down the inside of your thigh,

He smiles, leaning his head down between your thighs, right in front of your glistening cunt,

Thumbing your clit side to side, he takes a second to admire you, back arched just for him

"Cute pussy, all mine"

"Mghmm yes!" your high voice cries out, fingers finding his small locks and engulfing them into you, tugging at them while simultaneously pushing his head further into your neediness

"Just like that" you continue rambling, grinding your heat against his skilled, warm tongue that's working hard to lapp up all your juices

His tongue is tireldessly pushing into your hole, fucking you until you can't help but shake,

"You taste so good pretty"

"Prettiest girl" he whispers, blowing some air on your swollen clit, his cock throbbing inside his swimshorts as much as your soaked entrance

"Want your cock please baby!"

He stops, pressing a kiss to your cunt before crashing his covered lips onto yours, your hands busying with his shorts, pulling his hard on out with a sigh

Then, you turn sideways to kiss his neck, licking over his sweet spots and making him moan until he can't wait anymore, gently lowering your back on the bed and aligning his stiff dick against your entrance

"God so tight" he whines, hands getting lost in the flesh on your hips, you moan from feeling so full,

His bicep flexes while he begins thrusting into you, as needy and hot as it is, he's slow and firm nonethelss, keeping his eye contact with you

"You're beautiful" he smiles, referring to so much more than your tits slapping against each other erotically, than your little cunt drenched in slick or your soft face in the sunlight, he means everything, every little detail on your skin, that mole on your neck, that sound from your lips, the way you touch him, the way you love him

"You feel so so good, so pretty too ggukie" your moans are genuine and long, not hasty or in a rush to release

He does feel himself get close when you begin touching his torso, abs flexing with the little touches and his cock becoming more and more desperate to paint your gummy walls white

Savoring the moment with a passionate kiss, he caresses your hips and listens carefully to your moans,

"Almost there pretty, cum for me" his encouragement drives you up the edge, the, getting pushed over it by his finger drawing small circles on your oversensitive clit

You cum blissfully, coating his cock in your essence while he paints you with his, smiling into ths open mouthed, messy kiss

"Mhm.. i love you" he breathes out, kissing your cheek repeated, his softer cock remaining inside you

"I love.. you too jungkook" you reciprocrate, pressings a tiny kiss to his nose

The romantic moment is disturbed by your phone buzzing,

Soojin: did u find the suncream or did he cream you instead?

Both of you giggle, sending a selfie that shows both of you are probably naked, happy and definitely naked.

── ‧ ୨୧ @luvismenu

[ponderingmoonlight]

Die With a Smile

Pairing: Suguru x fem!reader

Word Count: 1,8k

Synopsis: Despite the dark part he has chosen, Suguru finds himself drawn back to you. In a rain-soaked encounter, both of you face the heartbreaking reality that love can't save him from the path of destruction he's committed to.

Inspired by "die with a smile" by Lady Gaga + Bruno Mars

Warnings: omg guys this is more depressing than I thought lmao. What do you think about a part 2 with a little bit of spice + happy end? If this fic does well I might think about something 👀🤍

It’s raining like crazy when Suguru Geto steps out of the temple, the downpour a perfect reflection his mood. His hair sticks to his forehead, cold water soaking into his robes and bones.

But he couldn’t care less. Cursed spirits linger at his side, their whispers low and evil. He stopped caring about that a long time ago. They’re his companions now, the only ones who understand the path he’s chosen.

Even though it wasn’t always like this.

Back when everything made sense, you were there. Bright, like a flame in the middle of a dark room. He’d never admit it aloud, but you were a constant for him, an anchor in a world full of chaos. You, with that smile of yours that seemed to soothe the sharp edges of his mind, the one that made the world a little less bleak.

But that was before. Before the fall. Before everything between you broke apart, before he made his choice.

Now, all that’s left is this: the rain, the cursed spirits, and the heavy weight of his decision.

Still, you haunt him. You haunt him every single day since he left.

He doesn’t go looking for you. Not really. But somehow, his path leads him to the edge of the city where you live. It’s been months since you last saw each other and he knows he shouldn’t be here. Yet, there’s something magnetic about the thought of you, something that pulls him back, even if it’s just to catch a glimpse from afar.

Suguru stands across the street from your apartment, hidden under the cover of a dark alley. The rain is merciless, making everything look blurry and distorted. but he knows this place so well that he’d find it blind. You used to invite him over sometimes.

Before he left. Before he walked away from everything.

It’s late, and your window is dark. You’re probably asleep, unaware that he’s even here, lingering like a creep just outside the edge of your world. He feels something stir in his chest, something he doesn’t want to name, and yet it’s undeniable.

He shouldn’t be here. Fuck, he shouldn’t even think of you. Suguru never second-guessed his decision, never wished himself back into this cursed school, into the arms of all those unaware people.

And you? You still turn his world upside down, make him ponder about what could have been if he didn’t left.

Enough of this madness. He’s about to turn away, to disappear into the night as he always does, but the soft click of your door opening freezes him in place.

His breath gets stuck in his throat when he sees you step outside, dressed in nothing but a loose sweater and pajama pants. You’re holding an umbrella, but the rain splatters against your feet, soaking your slippers. You don’t seem to care, though. Your eyes are scanning the dark street, as if searching for something or someone. And you look so absolutely breathtaking gorgeous that Suguru can’t help but take in your sight like an alcoholic.

It’s then that you see him.

Suguru’s heart skips a beat when your eyes lock onto his. He stays still, waiting for the anger or fear to appear in your expression.

But instead, all he sees is sadness. The weight of the months apart, of the choices he made, is written clearly on your face. He feels a lump form in his throat, and for a moment, he thinks about running, disappearing into the night like a phantom, just like he did all those months.

However, something keeps him rooted to the spot.

You take a cautious step forward, then another. Suguru watches as you cross the street, the rain drumming against your umbrella in a steady rhythm. When you finally reach him, standing just a few feet away, the silence between you is deafening.

For a long moment, neither of you speak. The only sound is the rain and the occasional hiss of cursed spirits that hover in the background, though you can’t see them. Suguru doesn’t try to stop them. They’re part of him now, as much as his own heartbeat.

And you.

“What are you doing here?”

Your voice is soft, barely audible over the rain, but it cuts through the silence like a knife.

Suguru exhales, his breath visible in the cold night air. He doesn’t have an answer for you, let alone a logical one. Or maybe he just doesn’t want to say it out loud.

“I don’t know,” he finally replies, his voice rougher than he intended.

“I shouldn’t be here.”

You lower the umbrella slightly, the rain splashing onto your shoulders.

“But you are.”

He doesn’t respond. He can’t. The guilt that he’s buried for so long claws its way to the surface, threatening to swallow him whole.

He shouldn’t be here. He shouldn’t be anywhere near you. The life he’s chosen is one of darkness and destruction, and there’s no place for you in that. He made that more than clear when he left you that fateful day.

And yet…

“I thought I could forget,” Suguru admits, his eyes fixed on the ground.

“But I can’t.”

You don’t say anything, and he wonders if you’re waiting for him to explain. But what is there to say? That he left everything behind to chase after an ideal he no longer fully believes in when looking at you? That every day without you feels like a slow, suffocating death? He clenches his fists, nails biting into his palms as the rain keeps pouring.

You take another step closer, now just a breath away. He can feel your warmth despite the cold, the same warmth that used to hunt away the darkest parts of him. For a brief second, it feels like nothing has changed, like the world isn’t crumbling around him.

But that’s a lie and he knows it all too well.

“You chose this path, Suguru. You left” you breathe out, voice full of pain.

“I know.”

“And you hurt me.”

He flinches, the words hitting harder than any curse could. He did hurt you, more than he can ever admit, more than he’ll ever forgive himself for. You were the one good thing in his life, and he tore it apart with his own hands. But hearing it coming directly out of your mouth almost makes him lose his composure.

“I didn’t want to. But I couldn’t stay” he states quietly, his voice strained.

“Why?”

Your question hangs in the air and Suguru struggles to find the words. How can he explain the rage that consumed him, the burning desire to reshape the world in his own image? How can he tell you that the hatred he feels for humanity is stronger than any love he’s ever known? You wouldn’t understand. You couldn’t.

But you deserve the truth.

“Because the world is rotten,” he finally blurts out, his voice laced with bitterness.

“It’s full of people who don’t deserve to live, and I can’t stand by and let it continue.”

You stare at him, your eyes searching his face for something, anything, that will make this make sense. But there’s no logic in what he’s saying, no reason that can justify the path he’s taken, nothing that stops your heart from shattering into tiny little pieces all over again.

“So, you’re doing all of this… to save the world?” you question, disbelief coating your voice.

“No.”

He shakes his head vehemently.

“I’m doing it to destroy the world. The one that doesn’t deserve to exist.”

Your eyes widen, and for the first time, he sees fear in them while you take a step back. Fear of him. The realization cuts deep, sharper than any blade, and he hates himself for it. This is who he’s become: a monster. A monster that even you, the person who once loved him, can’t recognize anymore.

The rain seems to fall harder, as if the heavens themselves are weeping for what’s been lost between you. Suguru takes a step back as well, the distance between you widening like a rift he can never cross again.

“I should go,” he says, his voice low.

You don’t stop him. Even if it almost kills you inside, there is no reason to stop the man you love from walking away. All this time you imagined a future with him, the things ahead of you. Fuck, even a little family, a dog or a cat. And now? Your dreams wash away with the rain that pours, disappearing into the night without a single spark of hope that it’s left. You should let this man go.

But as he turns to leave, your voice breaks through the storm once more, soft and trembling.

“Suguru… if you walk away now, there’s no coming back.”

He knows that. He’s known that for a long time. There’s no redemption for someone like him, no salvation in the arms of the person he loves. He’s too far gone, too consumed by the darkness he’s embraced.

But for a fleeting second, he allows himself to imagine what it would be like to stay. To hold you close, to apologize for every wound he’s caused, to promise that he’ll change. He imagines the two of you together, somewhere far away from all this pain and destruction, living a life where the weight of his sins doesn’t hang over him like a curse.

And then he crushes that fantasy, burying it deep where it can never touch him again.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, barely loud enough for you to hear.

Before you can respond, he’s gone, disappearing into the rain-soaked streets, swallowed by the night. The cursed spirits follow him, their sinister whispers the only company he has left.

As he walks, the words of an old song echo in his mind—a song you once played for him, one quiet evening when things were simpler. The lyrics come unbidden, haunting him with their bittersweet truth.

I'd wanna hold you just for a while and die with a smile

But tonight, there’s no smile. He’ll never be able to hold you again.

And the weight of his choice feels heavier than ever.

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[theminecraftbee]

"You know, I kind of get it now," Gem says to Impulse.

"What?" Impulse says. He's nervously playing with a frozen shard in his hands. Come on, Impulse, head into the dungeon, don't be shy, you can do it. Keep hyping yourself up, you didn't die horribly last time. Ugh, he wishes he were a little less into the game, or maybe more uncomplicatedly addicted, like Gem; it would make everything easier if he thought he could either just leave or play.

"I get it now!" Gem says. "Oh, stop debating if you'll go in like that, either do it or don't."

"I'm trying, Gem!"

"Yeah, but if you aren't gonna do it, I want a go."

"You used all your shards."

"In principle!" Gem says. "It's the principle! You wouldn't get it. You don't hang out here nearly as much as I do. You don't understand, understand the vibes." She sticks out her tongue at him for good measure.

"Well, inform me of the vibes, and maybe I'll work up the nerve," Impulse says.

"It's like--I get it now," she says. "When you were complaining earlier this season about Tango not going outside, I was like, aw man, you redstoners and your caves. I'm a sunshine girl. I like trees. And bloodshed."

"Don't see how those things are related but continue," Impulse says.

"I thought you were complaining because Tango is equally lame as you are about stuff like 'going outside' and 'talking to people who don't drag him into it'," Gem clarifies.

"I go outside!" Impulse says. "I go outside all the time! I ran a rebellion! I pranked you and Pearl! I yelled at Grian! I helped cover the perimeter! I have a whole island and a giant shop! I got a job with Scar! I even went through the Rift! I don't know what you want from me, here. It's not like I'm Tango. I did things that weren't my base from time to time."

"The lady doth protest too much," Gem says.

Impulse sighs. Gem laughs and hops into the air and squeezes herself into a gap between the walls near the entrance to the dungeon. Impulse has seen her in there a lot recently; it's almost like she's a gargoyle, or an inlaid relief for the dungeon. Weird thing to think about his friends, but--

"Besides," Gem continues. "Besides. I just said I get it now."

And something about that makes the hairs on Impulse's arm stand on-end.

"You get why we have to work so hard on circuit design?" Impulse asks hopefully.

"No, I don't get the redstone stuff, that's all still stupid nerd stuff," Gem says cheerfully.

"Jock," Impulse says.

Gem smirks meanly. "Script kiddie."

"Ow, that hurts. And it's not even true. Where did you even learn that one, you just admitted you hate that stuff!"

"Lady never tells her secrets," Gem says.

"Well, if you don't understand the redstone, what do you understand?" Impulse asks.

"Just--you really could stay in here forever, couldn't you? It'd be fun while you did it! I even built a tree and everything. Not much I have to leave for anymore, is there?"

Impulse swallows. Ah.

"Except when you run out of shards," he says, after a painful long several seconds in which there's a rock in his throat and he can't breathe and he has to try very hard to find an excuse to refute that.

"Yeah, except for that. Why did Tango have to go and limit how many times we can go in, huh? If I didn't get bored halfway through the week I think I could just move in!"

And Impulse--

Impulse thinks of Tango.

"Yeah," he says. He plays with the frozen shard in his hands. It feels very cold. "I wonder why."

"So? Are you gonna run or not? I want to mock you when you die," Gem says.

"...I might as well spend them all sooner rather than later," Impulse says, and he puts the shard in the barrel. His heart skips a beat as the door opens. Gem cheers. He shakes his whole body to shake off the conversation as he goes inside. It never does, after all, to try to run the dungeon while distracted.

[sister-cna-reader]

DC x DP

“Do you know anyone willing to date a ghost-touched woman over 6ft tall?” 

Barbara Gordon blinked slowly at the lanky teenager who asked the question. His arms were full of astronomy books and he was leaning in close as if it was a serious question. 

“It depends? I’m a librarian, not a matchmaker.” she replied, holding her hands out for the books to scan. “Why are you asking? It’s an awfully specific criteria.” 

Daniel Nightingale was the name of the boy before her. Just registered in the library system a little under 3 months ago. 17 years old and with that black hair, sky blue eyes and scars on the hand partially covered by a fingerless glove- Wayne adoption bait. 

“My older sister is great and all.” he said, fidgeting with his sleeves, “But I think she needs to live a little you know? She’s so.. So….” he made a compressing motion with his hands, like packing a snowball. 

“Repressed?” Barbara suggested, scanning the book on the Hubble Telescope. 

With a snap of his fingers he grinned. “Exactly! Now if only I could find a guy for her that is ghost-touched…” he muttered under his breath.  

“What do you mean by ‘ghost- touched’?” 

“Oh you know,” he mimicked the paddles of a defibrillator, “Clear!” he chuckled. 

Did this lady have a heart attack? Heart problems? 

“I died but it didn’t stick, so someone who is like me would be good. Then we wouldn’t have to explain the whole thing.” 

“Oh, I see.” the redhead said, not understanding much at all. “Due date for the books is in one month. I’ll keep an eye out for your sister?” 

Danny nodded and gathered all the books into a beat up backpack. “You can’t miss her. Long red hair, super tall, looks like she’ll either have a nervous breakdown or murder someone if you bump into her.” 

Barbara could only nod in agreement to the boy as he seemed to float out of Gotham Public Library. 

~~

Jazz was ready to shove her little not-quite-dead brother into the Fenton Thermos. She was doing well at her counseling position at the University, but Danny had insisted that her newfound hours of free time should be used in romantic pursuits.

“If you had friends you hung out with I won’t pester you. But Jazz! You need to do something fun!” He had said from the kitchen counter, hair glowing and eyes like two green beacons. “Live a little! We’re already part dead! Let go!” 

So she trudged her way to the Public Library. If she had to get out of the house to shut her brother up, she’d at least be an introvert about it. 

Jazz put on her best pleasant face and made her way to the librarian’s desk to get registered. 

The woman behind the counter was like looking into a warped mirror. Glasses, hair just a shade brighter, and eyes the wrong color looked back at her in mirrored surprise. 

“Bad hair day?” the mirror image guessed, pointing at the slouchy hat and messy bun that contained the mass of copper hair that Jazz hadn’t cut in the last year. 

“Uh yeah. Little brother was pestering me about going out, so I’m here for a library card.” Jazz rambled, doing her best to not play with the strap of her purse. 

“I’m Barbara, and welcome to Gotham Public Library!” The woman smiled warmly. 

When Jazz handed over her ID for Barbara to input the required information in the database the lady smirked. “I met your brother a few days ago actually. Tall, scrawny, likes space?”

Jazz groaned. “I’m so sorry about him.” 

The librarian’s glasses were white from the monitor. “Oh don’t worry about it, I know how younger siblings are. They mean well, they’re just annoying about it.” 

Card squared away, Jazz went in search of a quiet corner to read a trashy romance novel in. 

~~ 

Jason took his rare day off to visit the Library. He was also going to drop off a coffee for Barbara, and maybe sweet talk some info out of her. 

He needed some blackmail to lord over some birds. 

“Jason! How good to see you in the daylight! Oh! Coffee! Gimmie,” his favorite tech person greeted. 

Coffee offering made, Jason and Barbara traded information. 

“You should take a load off.” She suggested, waving him away towards the adult fiction shelves as some patrons came to check out. “See you at dinner Sunday!” 

The building was warm today, rare sunlight coming through the skylights and windows, making his leather jacket too hot to wear indoors. And there was nothing else pressing on his schedule today, so why not read a bit? 

Austen novel in hand, Jason made his way to his favorite reading nook. Instead of the two empty armchairs he’d push together into a lounge, there was a woman already there, firmly in the ray of sun that made her red hair look like fire. 

Her long legs were stretched out, boots cluncking together in a slow rhythm as she read. 

“Oh,”  

Bright green eyes startled and looked at him dead in the eyes. He blinked, and they were no longer green but a calming ocean blue.  

“Sorry,” she said, folding her legs back to let him pass. 

“Nah, it’s okay, I kind of want to soak in some sun too. Mind sharing?” Jason offered, fully prepared to leave the tall amazon alone.  But deep down he felt something warm and grow fuzzy. 

“Sure,” she scooted her chair over and pulled the other closer so they both shared the spot of sun. “I’m Jazz.” 

He sat down next to her and the scent of her shampoo reminded him of the herby bread that Alfred made with soup. She stretched out again and he realized that her legs were much longer then his. 

“I’m Jason.”

Inside the pit barely rippled. 

Her phone beeped and she opened the beat-up thing to scoff. “Danny for Ancient’s sake,” she typed something out only for another beep to immediately reply.  

Jason frowned. “Danny your boyfriend?” 

Blue eyes met him in an exasperated roll. “No. He's just a little brother who can’t mind his own business. Now he wants a selfie to prove ‘I’m not alone being a cave troll.’ Just a sec.” 

She started to angle away to send a picture of her flipping off the phone, but Jason pulled her closer and let his arm be visible around her shoulders in the selfie. He hadn’t thought, just acted. 

There was a surprising amount of muscle under that sweater.

The pit purred in pleasure and Jason wanted to melt into the floor. 

Jazz giggled, her smile showing teeth that were just a little too sharp. “Oh he’ll be happy with this I think. Only thing that would be better is if you had a big black motorcycle. That’d send him through the roof.” 

His breath hitched. The sun must’ve been too hot, and he felt himself grow warm under that bright smile. 

“Would a black and red motorcycle do?”  Was this flirting? Was he flirting? Was it working? He hoped it was working.

Those eyes lit up again and she tossed the book onto the chair, towering over him. “That’s perfect. He hates the idea of me on a motorcycle with a biker boyfriend.” 

Jason stood up and tossed his jacket to Jazz with a feral smile. “Let’s get you some pictures riding a motorcycle my lady.” 

The pit crowed in happiness, a rare thing when not caused by blood or murder. He made sure to get a few pictures of her on his bike with his own phone before remembering it should really be on Jazz’s phone, to send to Jazz’s brother. 

Not wanting the fun time to end, he put his helmet in her hands. “I know a good burger joint. Want to stay out late? See some sights?”

He was so focused on the redhead woman in his leather jacket straddling his bike, he forgot about the other redhead with access to the security cameras.

[jennaispunk]

Like the Rain

Summary: Frankie has something to say....will you listen?

Pairing: Frankie Morales x f!reader

Word count:2.9k

Rating: M

Warnings/Tags: fluff, spice (I won't call it smut. I will leave the smut to all you wonderful people who write it so much better than I ever could), oral (f receiving), unprotected PIV (wrap it up), unresolved feelings, idiots in love, maybe a hint of angst. This is slightly AU: Frankie has a baby but the lady is long gone. Reader has hair long enough to stick to her face and is shorter than Frankie but no other physical description is given. Yes, I gave my darling Francisco a middle name (sorry not sorry). If I forgot anything please let me know.

A/N: This fic was supposed to be for @guiltyasdave 1.5k follower celebration but life (among other things) got in the way and it took me forever to finish this (I'm so sorry Jana!). My prompt was Frankie and kisses in the rain. This fic put me through the ringer and I hope y'all enjoy it.

Thank you: @fallingforthearch for listening to me scream and cry about this fic. @sawymredfox for being my sounding board and calming my fears about certain parts of this fic ILY bestie!!!. @pascalispretty for looking over the final product for me.

dividers by @saradika-graphics

Frankie drummed his fingers on the steering wheel of his truck, beating out an uneven rhythm matching his impatience. He’d been parked outside your house for the last thirty minutes, waiting for you to get home from work. He knew he shouldn’t be here; you’d all but asked him for space, but he couldn’t do that. The last three days had been torture, not being able to talk to you or touch you. He should have just gone straight home after work, showered, and thought this through. His heart had won out over his mind in the end, and now he waited.

The radio weather report droned on in the background, warning of the thunderstorms entering the area. The dark grey clouds looming in the distance matched his mood. He’d been so stupid. He should have just been honest about how he felt, and this wouldn’t be happening right now. Instead, he’d let his fear of not being good enough for you win out over how much he loved you.  

Thunder rolled softly in the distance, almost like a deep laughter mocking him.  Would you even talk to him? Would you even let him tell you how incredibly sorry he was for hurting you? His stomach flipped as your car finally pulled into your driveway. He closed his eyes for a moment, gathering the courage to face you and speak his truth. 

Today had been a long day for you and you didn’t even notice Frankie’s truck parked in the road in front of your house. Your eyes flicked skyward as the shadow of the clouds crossed over you. It had been hot and dry for weeks, with barely a cloud to mar the brilliant blue of the Florida skies. The precipitation was long overdue. Even with your diligent watering, the lawn was taking on the hue of a sickly Victorian child, and the sparse vegetation lining the front of your little home was left looking a little pitiful. You took a deep breath, taking the sweet, pungent aroma into your lungs. All you wanted was to shower, curl up on the couch, and lose yourself in wine and a good book while the storms washed away your pain.

You hadn’t meant to confess your love like you did. It wasn’t supposed to be blurted out in the heat of the moment. You’d wanted to wait for the perfect time, for the moment when everything was just right. But your mouth got ahead of your brain, and before you knew it, the words ‘I love you’ slipped from your lips, and everything changed. 

You couldn’t forget the look on his face when you uttered those three little words. It was like the entire world had stopped spinning on its axis. You couldn’t stop thinking about the way he looked at you, dumbfounded, mouth slightly agape like you were speaking Wookie. Your heart sank like a stone to the bottom of a lake.  Tears pricked at your eyes like a thousand tiny needles, and you ran from his apartment before he could see them fall. 

You thought he felt the same way about you, but he didn't say it back. It hurt worse than anything you’d ever felt, and you couldn’t get away fast enough. You’d spend the last few days wondering what you’d done wrong, how you’d misread everything.

“Hey!” Frankie called out as he jogged up the path.

You stopped in your tracks at the sound of his voice. It was the last one you expected to hear. You take a deep breath before turning around to face him. 

“What are you doing here, Frankie?” You ask flatly but the break in your voice gives you away.

He swallowed hard, his brown puppy dog eyes staring back at you. His lips twitch in that familiar way; the way they always do when he was working up the nerve to say something or when he was really concentrating, and your heart fluttered in your chest.

“I….I was hoping we could talk…. about the other night.”

 You scoffed lightly. That’s all you’ve thought about since it happened. That scene replayed in your head on an endless loop like a song stuck on repeat.

Your teeth ground together; the muscles of your jaw strained with the effort. “I’m not sure what else there is to say about it…. I told you that I loved you, and you couldn’t say it back. I think that says it all.”

Tears start to sting at your eyes, and you quickly turned away. The last thing you need right now is for him to see you cry. 

“Junebug, please.” 

He felt like he’d been kicked in the gut. Watching you hide your tears from him broke his heart. He’d sworn he would never make you cry, and here he was doing it once again.

“Say what you need to say, Frankie.”

 You kept your back to him. You couldn’t bear to look at him. Your teeth clamp down on the inside of your cheek.

“Can you at least look at me?” He pleaded. He needed you to listen, to let him tell you why he did what he did.

That moment was permanently seared into his brain. He would never forget the way your face fell when he didn’t respond to you. He wanted to say it back. God, he wanted to say it more than anything. He even practiced how he would say those words to you at the perfect moment in his bathroom mirror.

 You were the best thing that ever happened to him. He was at his lowest when you met. You were like a ray of sunshine when all he saw were dark clouds. You’d made him feel good again, like he wasn’t a failure. But he couldn’t make himself say it. He was shocked into silence because he didn’t think that you were there yet, and your sudden confession had caught him off guard. All those fears of being a failure had stolen his voice and he watched you run out of his life. He’d been a mess ever since. 

You hugged yourself tightly and reluctantly turned around. Your eyes glanced up at the sky, watching the mass of grey clouds inching ever closer.

Frankie lifted his hat and dragged his hand through his hair. His chest rose and fell in an uneven pattern, and he licked his lips. His fists clenched and unclenched at his sides. He had to get the words out.

“I’m sorry about what happened.” He told you. “I never meant to hurt you; I swear. That’s the last thing I ever wanted to do.”

“Well, you did!”

The tears you were trying so hard to hold inside were threatening to fall and you swallowed hard, clamping your eyes closed.

Frankie’s hand jutted out to grab yours, but he stopped just short of touching you. Maybe now wasn’t the best time. He sighed heavily and pushed his cap up, smoothing his hair before replacing it. The pained look in his eyes said it all. He knew he was an idiot. He just couldn’t say what you needed to hear.

“Babe…. I’m sorry I couldn’t say the words. I was scared.”

Your eyes snapped open. The crease between your brows deepening.

“Scared….” You asked softly. “Scared of what?”

The toe of his work boot scuffed the cement sidewalk as the thunder rumbled in the distance. His eyes darkened as his past mistakes ran through his mind….. South America….the drugs…Marisa and his little girl. He’d messed up so many things in his life.

“I’m not good enough for you.” He murmured. “You deserve so much better than me.”

Your eyes went wide. That’s what this was all about? You knew about his past but hadn’t realized how deeply it affected him.  Now you could see how much he’d kept it inside.

“Francisco José Morales! How can you even to think that?”

Your lips pressed into a thin line as you studied him.

“You are the best man I know. You’re sweet and kind. You treat me like a princess. How could I possibly do better than that?”

A crooked grin broke out on his face. Why was it that you always knew what to say? You always had a knack for bringing him out of his darkness.

Rain drops began falling, peppering the cement with little dark splotches. Goosebumps prickled your skin as the cool drops ran down your face.

“I love you….so damn much. I don’t want to fuck this up.”

 The ache in voice was palpable as the rain picked up steam, cold and wet as it soaked you both.

Without thinking, you closed the distance between you. Your body pressed against him, and you crushed your lips to his. You kissed him hard, with all the love you had. You needed him to understand that he was all you ever wanted…you couldn’t live your life without him.

He stood frozen for a moment.  That was the last thing he expected you to do. His shock was quickly forgotten as his body responded, and he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you even closer and kissing you back with equal intensity.

Your mouths mashed together, teeth clacking, both desperately trying to devour each other. His fingers tangled in your soaked hair, gripping it tightly and keeping your mouth pressed against his. 

You moaned into his mouth as his other hand grabbed a handful of your ass, pulling you tightly against the growing bulge in his khakis.

You were both oblivious to the rain pouring down on you, desperately groping and kissing each other like two horny teenagers in plain view of your neighbors.

The deafening crack of thunder combined with the bright flash of lightning was the only thing strong enough to separate you.

You both stared at each other, panting, the rain dripping off your lashes and the bill of Frankie’s ever present Standard Oil trucker hat.

“We…should go inside…” you murmured.

Frankie was on you once again when the door closed behind you. His soft tongue slid between your lips; his large hands worked at the buttons of your soaked blouse.

You grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him toward your bedroom. Your limbs tangled as you both fight to get the other’s wet clothing off, bumping into walls and bumping heads. 

Frankie tripped as he struggled to get his pants off. You giggled as he hopped on one leg and his shoulder banged into the hallway wall with a loud thud.

“You think that’s funny, Junebug? Just wait 'til I get you on that bed.”

You both fell into bed together, your wet hair soaking your sheets. Frankie descended on you, the weight of him pressing you firmly into the mattress.

He just stared down at you for a moment like he was trying to memorize your features. He smoothed the damp hair that had been stuck to your face as he lowered his face to yours, taking your lips in a slow, passionate kiss.

His mouth worked against yours slowly, his tongue parting your lips to let him in. His tongue filled your mouth with slow, languid thrusts.

His hands snaked down your naked body toward your panties and his mouth followed, leaving open mouthed kisses on your chin, down your neck and over the slope of your breasts. He stopped for a moment, taking a nipple into his mouth, sucking and rolling his tongue around the sensitive nub until it became a stiffened peak. You arched your back into him as he lavished the same attention to your other nipple. The ache between your legs grew stronger and you felt the desire pooling there, soaking your panties.

A low chuckle escaped Frankie’s lips as his mouth continued to move lower, hooking his fingers into your panties and tugging them down to bare you to him completely.

“Hermosa.” His voice was hushed, floating to your ears like the sweetest song.

God, you were the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. To him, there wasn’t a more perfect creature in this world. His heart hammered in his chest as he wondered what he ever did to deserve you. You’d been by his side through everything. You’d seen him at his best and at his worst.

 His eyes trailed down the curve of your breasts, down to the apex of your thighs, to the treasure that awaited him there that was reserved for only him. He dipped his head between your thighs, and he ate you like a man savoring his last meal. There was no time for teasing today, he had to show you just how much he loved you.

A breathy moan escaped your mouth. His lips and tongue moved in tandem, a rhythm he’d perfected that would always drive you insane. Your fingers tangled in his damp, brown curls as Frankie’s fingers dug into the soft flesh of your thighs. A hungry growl from his lips made you buck your hips into him. His tongue swirled around your sensitive bundle of nerves until you cried out his name like a prayer and came on his tongue.

Those gorgeous mocha eyes peered up at you, a satisfied smirk on his lush lips covered in your slick. A trail of sloppy kisses led him back to your mouth, his arm hooking your leg over his elbow; damn near pressing your knee to your chest. You could taste yourself on his tongue and you moaned softly into his mouth, hooking your other leg around his waist.

You would never get tired of hearing the way he groaned softly as he slid his cock inside you. Your walls stretched for him, enveloping him with your warmth. No one could split you open like him.

Frankie pressed his forehead against yours as he found his rhythm. He could live here, inside you. It felt like your body was made just for him, like a key finding its lock.

His hips began to move faster, his thrusts more urgent as you both panted against each others' mouths. He would never get enough of you. The way you felt was like heaven to him, a heaven he didn’t feel like he deserved but he would never let you go again.

No one could ever make you feel as good as Frankie. He knew your body almost better than you did. The tension began to build in your stomach and your legs began to tremble. Frankie’s large hands gripped your shoulders, pulling you down onto him even further, making you mewl loudly and arch your back into him.

He knew exactly what this meant. You were close, and he was going to get you there. His thrusts became sloppier, but I less powerful, still hitting the spot that only he could reach.

“Come on, querida.” He pants, almost desperately. The bed creaked as he pounded into you.

  “Dámelo….dámelo…..please…one more…I want to watch you come.” His eyes are fixed on you, his pupils blown, his brow furrowed in concentration.

Whatever invisible force holding you together suddenly vanished, and you saw white. Your mind is only filled with one thing…him.  You clung to him as your walls fluttered around him, whimpering his name.  He followed you a few thrusts later and spilled into you with a strangled grunt.

Your eyes finally regained focus as you both came down from your high. He looked just as wrecked as you felt…his brown curls were a mess, and his lips parted as he panted.

He pulled you close as he rolled onto his back, resting your head on his chest.

“You okay, sweetheart?”

His voice was rough and breathless. A satisfied hum left your lips as his fingers gently caressed your arm. You knew you would be a little sore in the morning, but it was worth it to have him in your bed again.

“Yeah. I’m okay, baby.”

A comfortable silence filled the room as you listened to the sounds of your breathing mixed with the patter of rain against your bedroom window. Your eyes closed as the gentle thrum of Frankie’s heart pulsed against your cheek. This is what you always wanted. This is where you were meant to be. You were content to lay here forever…until you saw his soaked khakis in a heap in your bedroom doorway.

“I’ll be right back.” You disentangled yourself from his arms, but his hand flew out to stop you.

“Where do you think you’re going?” his brow arched, and a hint of a smirk tugged at his lips.

Your head swiveled around to look at him with a crooked grin.

“Our clothes are soaked. I was going to throw them in the dryer.”

His eyes went wide. He couldn’t believe you were worried about the clothes. You weren’t going to need them any time soon, not if he could help it.

“Don’t worry about the clothes, Junebug. They can wait.”

Of course, the clothes could wait. They weren’t important, but it wasn’t in your nature to not worry about the little things.

His chest tightened as you crawled back into his arms. The feeling of completeness washed over him like the rain pouring outside.

Maybe it was an omen that it finally started to rain after all these weeks of drought. Maybe the rain was the universe’s way of washing away the hurt and past mistakes, making way for growth and a new beginning for you both. This was a chance to begin again, and he was going to spend every day making sure he didn’t blow it. He was going to give you the life you deserved.

[shenglingyuan]

title: summer night magic (ao3) pairing: togame jo/sakura haruka summary: togame and sakura's summer festival (first) date

Despite how fast paced and lively festivals could be, Togame enjoyed taking part-time jobs for whoever needs extra help. Most of them ends up being the old men he met in public baths and played shogi with, so assisting them like this was no trouble at all. The summer festivals would run over the course of a weekend, and Togame usually would commit to evening schedules.

But on this specific night of the summer festival, it’s a bit different. He took the mid-day shift so that he could leave early.

When the clock struck six, he promptly excused himself. “Uncle Yamada, I’ll be going ahead now.”

“Ah, sure, no worries about it,” the old man who owns the stall smiled at him, “Thank you for your help, Togame. Enjoy the festival with that lady friend of yours. It’s good to see you with other people other than those rowdy boys.”

“Right, ha ha,” Togame laughed the remark off. He already mentioned about leaving early today because he’s showing a friend named Sakura Haruka around. Understandably, Uncle Yamada thought that it was a girl’s name, but even after Togame had explained that it wasn’t the case, Uncle Yamada kept forgetting - he was hitting the eighties after all - he seemed to think he’s just hiding the fact that he’s seeing a girl. Anyway, he didn’t want to waste more time defending himself again, “I’ll see you around.”

The scent of food permeated the air as the festival lanterns swayed with the gentle night breeze. At the entrance, people came in steady trickles, even more than last year’s. Thankfully, Sakura was very easy to spot amidst the crowd. He stuck out like a sore thumb on one of the shrine pillars, a casually dressed Othello in the middle of flowing colorful yukatas.

“Sakura!” He called out the other boy who looked so uncomfortably out of place, waving a hand. “You made it.”

A few days ago, he and Sakura were talking over the phone when the topic veered into festivals. Sakura then mentioned that he hadn’t gone into one.

Well, I almost did, but I ended up in a fight before I got there, Sakura had clarified, In the end I just never went anymore. I do like beating up worthless guys but doing it even during festivals seems a bit too much. Won that fight, by the way.

There’s an upcoming festival this weekend. I could show you around, Togame had offered. No fighting this time, promise.

And here they were.

Sakura’s face finally relaxed at the sight of him, “Yeah, I just followed the people as you said.”

“There’s quite a lot, isn’t there? Just stick close to me so you don’t get lost.”

“What? You think I get lost so easily?”

“Of course not. But take it from a festival expert: you don’t want to underestimate the crowd. Especially when the fireworks are about to start.”

They might have first known each other in bad terms, but after all the misunderstanding had been cleared up, Togame realized that he and Sakura actually get along really well. It’s not just about the joy they get from fighting, but perhaps it’s the shared experience of independence at such an early age, and the similar journey of finding a place where they can belong.

Since this was Sakura’s first festival and all, Togame planned a bit of a rough schedule that they can follow so that Sakura could enjoy everything that the festival has to offer.

“Come on, let’s grab a quick bite first before we go to the other stalls.”

Togame has heard about Sakura’s appetite, but it’s the first time he saw it in action. They stopped and lined up for almost every food stall because at the mere suggestion of a certain food being a bestseller in one place, Sakura would immediately check them out, his eyes widening like a kid trying to peek at a newly announced toy – yakisoba, takoyaki, onigiri, karaage, taiyaki, there seemed to be no end to his appetite. He munched on one food and lined up on the next stall, ordering with his mouth still chewing the previous food. He’s not as energetic and jumpy as Choji, but the same level of excitement was contained in those unique eyes.

At one point, Sakura completely spent all his pocket money for the food. He hadn’t even had the chance to buy himself a drink. To save him from the dangers of choking, Togame got him a ramune.

“Haven’t forgotten how to open this, have you?” He teased as Sakura fumbled with the marble cover.

“’Course not.”

With Togame’s connection with the stall owners, they managed to play some games without a cost. After all, he didn’t want Sakura to miss out on playing just because he let his stomach decide over his brain. Games that required physical prowess were no challenge for Sakura, but when it came to the traditional ones like scooping fish and fishing out balloons, there was still a big room for improvement. Togame taught him some useful tricks though, and in the end, Sakura was able to win those games on his own, satisfaction evident on his face as he received the prizes he chose.

As the night deepened, more people came to the festival, reducing the space between people to almost nothing. At some point, Sakura heeded Togame’s advice and stuck closer to him in fear of getting lost, their elbows grazing each other as they continued to roam around.

The sensation wasn’t lost on Togame, and it brought a small smile to his lips, recalling the reason how this day came to be.

“Kame-chan, Kame-chan, I wanted to ask you something. Be honest with me, okay?”

It was one of Shishitoren’s slow days. The fight against Endo and Takiishi’s gang had just concluded. Though Shishitoren didn’t really receive significant damage from helping Bofurin, they still needed to recuperate. Fighting one strong guy versus fighting a horde of nobodies could be equally tiring.

As usual, he personally chose to relax on the rooftop of their headquarters where there’s enough shade to enjoy the bright summer day without getting roasted by the heat. Choji came to follow him after a while, then dropped that weird question out of nowhere. Togame didn’t have any idea why he would phrase a question that way either. He was his closest friend, and even with the fiasco from when Choji took over Shishitoren’s leadership, he had always been honest with him.

“Of course, what is it?”

“You like Sakura-chan, don’t you?”

Togame almost choked on air. Fortunately, they were out of anyone else’s earshot. “Ah? Why would you suddenly ask that?”

“I mean, well, I guess I first had my suspicions when he came to Shishitoren and asked for our help. But after that, you seemed to spend even more time on your phone. You don’t even answer our group chat but you’re always talking to someone. If it isn’t us, then who else can it be? Yeah? So! I conducted my own investigation, hehe.”

“Did you spy on my phone?” His hands reflexively clutched the phone inside his pocket.

“Kame-chan, I will not stoop as low as that,” Choji feigned feeling hurt, but easily perked up with a grin, “I just asked Ume-chan what’s Sakura-chan up to these days. He told me you two have been talking a lot! Ume-chan may be wise, but he’s not as clever as me. He thinks it’s just because you two kept in contact after the big fight last time, but I know better! You don’t see it, but whenever you’re on your phone, you smile sooo much. So, am I right?”

Choji finished his explanation with a puffed-up chest and a proud smile.

To be honest, Togame hadn’t really pondered on his feelings that much. He’s grateful to Sakura, if not for him and Umemiya, Choji wouldn’t have been pulled out from the darkness and the old Shishitoren he loved wouldn’t have returned to its previous state. Helping Bofurin at Sakura’s request was no big deal for him either, it was just a friend helping another friend in need. Besides, dealing with the emotional aftermath of what he had been doing and enduring the past year, he really didn’t have any space to entertain other feelings.

But even so, Togame would sometimes recall the sensation of joy in his fight with Sakura, or the rush of elation he felt when he saw him again, or the cold dread that covered his body when he saw Sakura being overpowered by that Endo. Even their casual conversations over the phone were things he started looking forward to. Perhaps, it’s because Sakura moved his heart that’s why he developed some sort of affection.

“Does it matter if you’re right or not?”

“Well, of course!” Choji plopped himself next to him, his face filled with some type of concern, “Look, Kame-chan, if I didn’t bring you here in Shishitoren, you wouldn’t even have a group of people to hang out with. But with Sakura-chan, he’s someone you connected with on your own. And you genuinely seem to like him. I think if you like someone, you should spend more time with them. Yeah?”

“Why do I feel like you already have something in mind?”

“That’s right!” Choji jumped up in excitement. Of course, he already had a plan. “So, I know you do part-time during the festivals, and there’s one coming up very soon. Isn’t it a great idea to invite him?”

If Choji had set his mind onto something, it would be difficult to dissuade him from it. There was no choice but to hear him out.

“You seem awfully excited about this.”

Choji had smiled so widely then, “I like seeing you happy, Kame-chan.”

And thus, this night was developed. Between the two of them, it was always Choji doing the planning anyway, and he the execution.

By some miracle, Togame and Sakura were able to drop by every single stall before the night ended. There were still a lot of people though, as everyone was waiting for the fireworks. Since they were just waiting for it as well, Togame suggested heading to a spot which would give them an unobstructed view of the sky.

As they were walking along a less crowded path, their senses were alerted with a familiar sound: a group of troublemakers cornering some defenseless festivalgoers.

“We’re really…uncomfortable right now,” they heard a girl say in a trembling voice.

“C’mon now, it’s fun to enjoy the festival with a bigger group, yeah?”

“Hey, they already said no.” Sakura called out, aggressively biting into the last dango he had. “You stupid or what?”

“Are these your friends?” The guy who seemed to be their leader sneered, “Mind your own business, boy.”

The rest of his group shifted their attention to the two of them, recognizing that they wouldn’t go without a fight. They bore the usual air of common rascals, nothing that Sakura have not handled before, for sure.

“You’re annoying me, and that’s certainly my business.”

Togame couldn’t help but smile at seeing once again how meddlesome Sakura could be when it comes to saving people he didn’t even know. That was how they first met, after all. Being on the receiving end of his ire was particularly annoying at the time, but now that they’re on the same side, he could admire his reckless heroism a bit.

“Now, don’t just forget me.” Togame carefully placed the bag of prizes they’ve collected throughout the night on the ground before getting into a fighting stance, “The firework’s starting soon, Sakura.”

“Heh, we’ll finish these bastards off before that.”

In no time at all, Sakura and Togame knocked down all the troublemakers. They were nothing more than light exercise. As the thugs scrambled off, the group of friends Sakura and Togame saved went up to them to thank them profusely. With a dismissive wave and a smile, Togame sent them off, “Enjoy the rest of your night.”

“Well, there goes your promise,” Sakura remarked as he patted his jacket clean.

“Ah…I did say there will be no fighting tonight,” Togame grinned sheepishly. Choji was the one who suggested making that disclaimer, saying it would pre-empt a peaceful atmosphere. So much for that. “I may have lied a bit. I do get into fights in these festivals a lot, too.”

“Same type of idiots?”

“Always.”

“No wonder they like hiring you here. You must be like a free security hire.”

Suddenly, there was a crackle in the air. Then the sky was illuminated by the first fireworks of the night. They didn’t have time to get a better view now, but the show was still decently visible from their spot. Since this was at the outer edge of the festival grounds, there were less people around to block their sight.

“Well, I guess we can watch here.” Togame turned to face the sky, standing close to Sakura. He’s aware of their distance by how he could feel Sakura’s warmth next to him.

A second set of fireworks shot up, filling the night sky with flower-like sparkles.

“Togame.”

“Hm?” He turned to face Sakura then. Instead, he was met with the back of his hair and a hand that was as red as his ears, scratching the back of his neck.

“Was this…was this night a date?” The last word was almost incomprehensible, as if he couldn’t believe he was saying it himself. If not for the fireworks fizzling out at the right time, Togame might not have heard it.

In fact, even Togame couldn’t believe he was hearing it from Sakura. Of course there was an intent from him, but Togame didn’t really know how Sakura perceives affection that was directed towards him.

“Do you want it to be?” He asked softly.

Togame didn’t know it was possible, but when Sakura whipped around at his answer, his face became even redder. In the middle of a fight, Sakura is beautifully captivating, but when he’s flustered like this…he could be so adorable.

“You don’t have to answer tha—”

“No. I mean, yes!” Sakura suddenly blurted out, cutting a surprised Togame off. “Yes, this…was a date. Tsubakino told me, if you spend time with someone you liked, and you enjoyed their company, then it’s a date.”

“That sounds reasonable.” A third set of fireworks lit up the sky, cloaking the surroundings in a warm glow, “I like you. I enjoyed your company. If anything, I’d like to do things like this some more.”

It’s a confession as far as confessions go, especially if directed for someone like Sakura. Togame knew what he wanted to confess, and he even wanted to say a lot of things, but he also knew that Sakura tends to get embarrassed so easily and he didn’t want to chase him away. So, for now, he settled for simple words, hoping to get the point across without overwhelming the other boy.

“Ah, I’m feeling it again,” Sakura placed a hand on his chest as if feeling for his heartbeat, “Back then on our one-on-one, when you returned to the stage, I felt that I wanted to know you better. They told me it’s because I grew to like you.”

“Did you?”

“Yeah, just how I liked my friends.” Sakura looked into his eyes then, and Togame felt what it’s like for one’s heart to skip a beat, “But I think it’s different now.”

For someone like Sakura, that in itself was a whole confession.

Another set of fireworks shot up in the air, and this time, they stood together with hands intertwined and watched the sky until the very last glitter faded into the night.

Right then, Togame came to realize, there was also warmth in taking comfort in the gentleness of spring.

[calliopesdiary]

“green, green dress”

a/n; i rewatched wonka last night and couldn’t get this dream out my head so i knew i needed to write it!! this is a filler story before 10 things i HATE about you part two comes out tonight!!!

pairings; willy wonka x reader, noodle x reader (platonic)

contents; willy is down bad ladies and gentlemen, reader has long enough hair to braid

warnings; tooth-rotting fluff, willy likes u a lot pookie bear

AFTER ESCAPING SCRUBBIT AND BLEACHERS, Willy moved on to bigger, brighter things.

Obviously he took you and Noodle with him, you two were the only ones who truly believed in him during his time in the hotels clutches.

You and Willy had grown especially close, come on- you can't resist the charms of a sweet chocolatier. (nobody can).

Willy was charming, sweet, silly, just absolutely adorable and perfect in your book.

He always saw the bright side of things, always believed in himself.

it was admirable.

so, you never knew exactly why he didn't seem to believe in himself when it came to you.

He was shy around you, nervous, he'd stumble over his words like a little boy trying to talk to his crush.

yet- that was exactly what he was doing, you just didn't know it yet.

Willy was so nervous when he confessed to you, he had been preparing all week.

he noted that whenever you talked about things you liked, you would get totally lost and ramble on and on about them. he adored that.

he adored you.

but he didn't know how to tell you that.

He went to Noodle for guidence.

"Noodle! You're a lady, what do ladies like?" He asked, a dopey smile painted on his face.

"Well... I know I like flowers, but everyone is different." She responded, before perking her head up to look at him.

"Who's this lady?" Noodle asked teasingly, leading Willy's smile to fade and be replaced with an embarrassed blush that tinted his cheeks pink.

"Um... nobody, It's for a chocolate." Willy was never amazing at lying, clearly.

"A... Chocolate?"

"Yep."

"You can cut the act, Willy. I know it's Y/N."

"Y/N? No... W-Why would it be her?" Noodle simply rolled her eyes and smiled.

“Her favorite flowers are Tulips, and she likes also likes strawberries.” Noodle noted, cupping her chin with her hand to think.

“…thank you.” Willy replied sheepishly.

“ah ha! so it is Y/n!” Noodle pointed her finger at him playfully.

“what? n-no—!”

“I’m glad, because i am done with being the matchmaker! ugh! she rambles on and on about little things about you— like how your hair looked that day, or how hot you looked covered in chocolate that one time—“

“she… she said that?” Willy blushed,

“haven’t i just said that she did? come on, Willy— you need to say something! cause’ before you know it she’ll be out of reach, and you will wish you said something!”

Noodles words stick to the boy— he did need to say something, and fast. but how exactly?

obviously he’s gonna make her a bouquet out of her favorite chocolates of his! what else?

~

He’d convince Noodle to tell you to meet him at the docks out looking the oceans at sundown, and to that you replied;

“sounds like a date!”

and his plan was in motion, he wore some simple clothes— he wanted so badly to impress you.

you on the other hand.. showed up in this beautiful velvety green mini dress, and some casual black boots.

but you looked so beautiful to him, so angelic.

“..wow..” he mused, his eyes locked helplessly onto your figure.

“it’s the only thing i could find.” you brushed his compliment off bashfully.

“no—no, you look perfect.” he stumbled over his words, much too distracted on your appearance to have any coherent thoughts. his poor brain.

“oh, th-thank you— Willy.”

you both sat on the dock, overlooking the blissful sunset as Willy tackled with the simple task of reaching for your hand.

but you beat him to it.

your touch was soft and gentle, he felt like he was meant to be held by you in every lifetime.

“i have something to show you, love.” he cooed, shakily brushing a piece of your hair out of your face as if it was made out of porcelain.

you watched intently as he pulled out a chocolate, placing it in your palm gingerly.

“is this a new kind?”

“yep, it’s very special. a… special edition you could say.”

“is it.. for me?” you asked shyly.

“of course it is!” he chuckled.

you took a bite of the chocolate, the flavors exploding softly in your mouth. you couldn’t quite place the right ones though.

“what flavor is this?”

“strawberry.”

“that’s my—“

“that’s your favorite, i know.”

you froze, taking small glances at him.

“how’d you know…?”

“Noodle told me, unromantic, i know.” Willy caressed your cheek.

“it’s amazing… thank you so much.” you smiled at him, his favorite smile.

“there’s something else…” Willy reached behind himself as you watched with anticipation. he pulled out a small bouquet of Tulips.

your favorites.

“tulips?” you took the flowers carefully taking in the whiff of their lovely scent.

“they’re so beautiful, just like you.”

you placed the tulips next to you, and leaned forward to crash your lips against his.

Willy let out a soft gasp at the gesture, but he quickly found your rhythm.

his pillowy lips tasted sweet, obviously from eating candy.

and you were certain that you could kiss them for eternity.

the end

[starrclownshazbinblog]

1. is husk openly trans or is it a secret? does anyone know?

2. is valerie physically unable to speak or does she have mutism?

3. why did nifty kill her husband? (this feels spoilery so no worries if you want to save this for later)

4. did angel's eye injury happen in life or in hell?

5. what are vox's and velvette's relationship like?

6. are vox and valentino dating in your rewrite? (in original hazbin, they date on and off)

7. does valentino die.

i'd also suggest reblogging information from your main blog onto here, like that big list of facts :]

(off topic but when you said angel and nifty were married i thought you meant to each other and i got so confused.)

Thank you for the questions! I like the variety you showed. (Some of these I can't show a doodle for because I don't have a concept design for. So sorry.)

(The idea of Nifty and Angel is a cursed ship I never wanna come across.)

Question 1:

In his human life he kept the fact he was transgender a secret considering how transphobic his time period was. In his demon life he doesn't give a shit anymore. He doesn't talk about that he's Trans but if you find out he doesn't panic anymore. If you say anything Transphobic he'll just beat you up.

The main cast knows but that's about it considering he doesn't talk to other people. (Angel was the last to know considering he's a romantic partner and Husk has some trauma with that. Angel could care less.)

(Fun fact: Alastor is the most supportive and least supportive. He'll accidently dead name Husk and call him a lady but if someone else does it he gets upset.)

Question 2:

She can't speak anymore. At all. If it's because of mutism or because she doesn't want to is something no one at the Hotel knows. (Exept Charlie.)

Question 3:

(I didn't know what to put as a visual for this.) I don't know if this is necessarily a spoiler but he did a bad thing. A bad bad thing.

Question 4:

(I don't have a human design for Angel so I didn't put anything here. Sorry.)

It happened in his human life. Somewhere after his daughter was born.

Question 5:

They have a great relationship. If they were strong enough they would push Valentino out of the Vees. They have a brother-sister type relationship. Vox is someone who wants to know more about modern technology while still sticking to a TV type format. Velvette, (dying sometime around when social media began to get popular), teaches him about modern technology. Those two genuinely like each other and would do anything for each other. (I want a healthy dynamic in Hazbin so bad y'all-)

Question 6:

It's... complicated. Vox doesn't like Valentino. Vox is someone who's done bad things but he has a moral code. He doesn't like how Valentino treats his workers and will do what he can to help them. (One of the reasons Angel likes him so much.) But Vox is a push over. He'll stand his ground when he has too but he just kinda bad at it. Valentino knows this very well. Valentino is very touchy with Vox. He doesn't take no for a answer and usually doesn't stop till Vox is upset. Thing about Valentino is that he's very good at his words. He can usually get to Vox after a little bit of prying.

It's a abusive situation all around.

Question 7:

No idea honestly. Valentino in my rewrite isn't a villain to all of the main cast, he's a villain to Angel, Vox, and Velvette. I genuinely don't know if he dies in my rewrite but if he were to die one of those three would kill him. (Most like Angel or Velvette.)

(This was fun!! :D)

(I need to start simplifying these sketches- like I need to stop fully coloring them. Or be sketcher. One of the two.)

- ⭐️StarClown⭐️

[iguessthisisanewobsession]

It takes a mob pt. 7

Previous

First

Ao3

Bill thought the kid’s first introduction went pretty well all things considered.

“Well aren’t you a littl’ dumpling? Yes, yes you are. Oh you’re going to be so distracting! I need to call in Gabe. Bill! Who’s his mother? Why is he here!?”

With a grunt he placed another bag on the rack,

“Why do you assume it’s mine?!”

“Well, he ain’t Marv’s, that’s dam for sure! And he better not be Kenny’s! I taught him better than that and I am too dam young to be a Great-granny!”

Bill smacked a snickering Marv as he exited the pantry.

Me-mah was gently swaying to an invisible beat as she worked around the baby on her hip. Danny giggled as he watched the old woman make a roux. Earning himself a peck on the head.

Contrary to what she claimed, Me-mah wasn’t hindered in the slightest, she may have been twirling around but she still held the kitchen with the same iron grip.

Even if said grip was one arm less than usual.

Bill sighed as wiped his brow,

“It ain’t like that Me-mah..”

“Oh did a saucy littl’ minx run out on you? Do in need my boomstick?”

“No No! Ain’t like that! No need for the stick!”

The lady huffed as she went to check on the stock.

“So, then what’s it like? Information is important sonny!”

Marv joined Bill on a stool before butting in,

“There ain’t a lot of information to go around mad’m.”

“Oh?”

Me-mah shifted Danny onto her other hip as she turned,

“How’s that?”

The two men shared an awkward glance as Marv continued on,

“Me-Mah I-, there’s really no easy way to put this. You see-“

“We found him in a garage can.”

Bill decided to take over,

“Had nothing on him but crusty cape.”

Me-mah stopped swaying, much to the displeasure of Danny, and with a gentle ease switched the heat to low.

“Me-mah?”

“Bill, do you mind taking back your son now?”

Bill hesitated for a second,

“He’s not really- “

“Now. William.”

Bill took back the kid.

With a deep breath Me-mah reached under her table,

“Woah Me-mah! There wasn’t shit in the alley way!”

Marv stated as he raised his hands in placating manner,

“They were long gone by the time we walked by and that was hours ago-“

“I’m well aware Marven.”

The lady loaded the auto shotgun in a precise manner,

“Like how I’m well ware I am not a bat. That being said-.”

She cocked the gun,

“If I do not work my frustrations out somewhere then I can’t exactly put my all into the cooking. The soup can simmer.The gun range will do.”

~~~~~~~~~

Ken made his way over to the other guys as they once again wrapped Danny back up in the corner. Marv stood in front of Bill, blocking sight.

“So how was every thing in the kitchen?”

“THAT GODDAM MOTHER FUCKIN’ FLOOZY!!”

Several goons flinched as buckshot could be heard making target.

A quiet muttering of Jesus Christ.. being came from the closest goon to the trio.

“WE’VE BEEN WORKING THESE STREETS FOR TO GODDAM LONG FOR DAT!!”

Bang

“WE AND THE WAYNES”

Bang

“HAVE NOT POURED OUR SWEAT AND TEARS INTO POLISHING UP THIS HELL HOLE!”

The sound of a heavy knife meeting its mark joined the fray,

“TO HAVE SUCH SHIT HAPPEN AGAIN!”

Another shot,

“Jesus fuckin’ crisis, what the fuck did you two do?!”

Ken hissed,

“What did you expect us to do? Hide something from her?”

“When it makes her this angry? Yes!”

“How could we know that she would react this way to the kid’s backstory? Marv isn’t psychic last time I checked.”

Bill finally zipped up the coat and stepped into the open.

“WE GOT BOXES FOR THIS SHIT! INSULATED!”

Bang

“BOXES!”

Bang

“WITH ALARMS!”

One last shot rang out as the old woman finally lost steam. The only thing that could be be heard was her exhausted breaths as she hobbled out of the range.

“As... interesting as that was to hear.”

A voice piped up,

“I didn’t expect such a welcome back.”

Eyes turned up to the warehouse window as the boss made his entrance.

“Everything alright Me-mah?”

The cook let out an embarrassed huff before calling back

“Nothing I can’t handle sonny. Sorry about that.”

“No problem granny, but whoever was the two idiots helping tonight, I expect you in to be in my office with a good reason.”

Fist wave of hoodlums:

@reinluna,@confused-moose-child,@mimilikey,@emeraudesfateandfandoms, @dolfay, @boredomfarie, @aconitewolfsbane, @withoutcontxt, @onyxlightdragon, @satanicrutialspecialist, @phoenixdemonqueen, @vixen-uchiha, @skulld3mort-1fan, @bytheoldwillowtree, @illusionwolfwriter24r8, @thewondersoflebanon, @vipower001, @autumnwulf, @alice-hazelwood, @fisticuffsatapplebees, @f4nd0m-fun, @markus209, @latheevening226, @dolfay, @basilf1res, @jotaroslooseeyebrowhair, @skirter01, @bun-fish, @ascetic-orange, @thegatorsgoose, @sunflowershine03, @ladythugs, @firegirl108, @glitchedchaos, @rangerhorsetug, @mimilikey, @booberrylizard, @lehana37, @dragongoblet, @flamey-comet, @mandyne-1001, @starscreamlover, @moonfirearc, @bae-graphomaniac, @mewzaque, @wolfeyedwitch, @idfk-man10, @demon-cat-goes-woof, @undead-essence, @jaguarthecat,

[that-one-anxious-mango]

lady in my life.

Summary: It’s official…your fave couple is are getting hitched’.

Contents: FLUFF TO DEATH. Clueless reader. Nervous Austin. Happy friends and family. Angst if you squint. Allusions to religion. 

Pairing: Austin Butler x Black Reader

Warnings: I am not responsible for any stray tears or sobbing!

A/N: Hello beautiful humans! It’s me. First, I’m so sorry this took so long! I know I said last weekend but I wanted to make this perfect and rewrote it over and over until I finally stopped the madness. So two, I ask that everyone please be kind! I did my best and I know it’s not the greatest, but honey I put my soul in this lol. As always thanks for reading and sticking with me.

P.S Everyone feel free to comment and send more prompts, asks, and noodles! Much love! *hugs*

---

" You're ridiculous." You grumbled out to the blonde haired man next to in the driver's seat who was laughing at your passionate outrage.

" Am not. " He shot back, " You're just too proud to admit that you might be wrong is all." He countered laughing at the scrunch in your eyebrows that you made as you glowered at him.

" Are too! I mean how could you say that! It's so..so s-o just..wrong! You're wrong, Butler." You concluded folding your arms across you chest in confidence.

" Nope I'm right. You can't beat the original, babe. It's a classic and that's my opinion. Deal with it." Austin cemented.

" Austin. Babe." You turned your head deadpanning him, " I can confidently say that me and about ninety-eight percent of the world will agree that Shrek 2 is absolutely better than Shrek 1. The end. So I don't care what you or any of the other pointy eared people of the world have to say about it because that's not a opinion, it's a fact. " You shrugged.

Smiling at how cute he thought you looked trying to be all serious Austin laughed, " Baby, is this what your going to do if we ever get married. Make fun of me to win a argument and look cute while doing it." He playfully squeezed your thigh with the hand resting on it.

You could feel your cheeks heat at the mention of the two of you married. It was something that you often pondered and had had some musings and conversations with Austin about. You already could see yourself being married but you wouldn’t lie. The thought seemed scary. 

Would you really be enough for him forever?

All of a sudden feeling shy you turned your head toward the window to try and hide the gooey smile on your face that complimented the butterflies fluttering in your stomach that had made a permanent home there since you'd met your man almost two years ago.

Responding you say trying to sound light hearted, " Absolutely. Even though you may be handsome, smart, talented, kind, and equipped with certain mouth skills. I have to keep you from getting a big head one way or another. Besides this one wasn't much of a argument because like I said the clear answer is two. And even though you're wrong, you're still cute."

Austin couldn't help that he kept chuckling at you, " Whatever you say goes then I guess. Just as long as we can both agree that Lilo and Stitch is one of the best movies ever, I think we'll be fine." Austin patted your thigh.

" Well duh. I think you can tell from the fifty thousand times I’ve had us watch it that I whole heartedly agree.” You reminded him. 

Nodding Austin glanced over at you with a smile on his face.

‘And I can’t wait to keep watching it with you over and over again for the rest of my life. He thought.

Eventually the two of you were exiting the car in a parking lot a block away from the Totem. Austin said there was construction being done in the surrounding area of the place so the usual parking lot and spaces were blocked.

Grabbing Austin's hand you sighed already feeling your feet begin to ache at the thought of walking the block in the new black converse shoes you'd just bought that weren't broken in yet. You were feeling cute today for some reason so when you thought of wearing them, you paired the shoes with some nice jeans and a cute blue low neck long sleeved top Austin suggested while you got ready. The two of you were stopping by The Totem for a second before heading over to a casual gathering Austin had been invited to. So you wanted to look your best.

 Your hair was unusually silk pressed and flowing down your back since a couple days ago Alex had asked you to be her test dummy for a new heat protectant she wanted to try, and at the stipulation she clipped your ends you obliged. 

Noticing a frown on your face he asked, “ What’s the matter? “ Shaking your hand to get your attention.

Looking up you shook your head quickly, “ Nothing.” 

He raised he eyebrows while stopping you both, “ Y/N..” He asked.

You already knew that he wasn’t going to let it go you sighed, “ It’s nothing babe, honest. It’s just that I wish I would have worn better shoes. These are about to be a pain to walk in.” You huffed.

“ Well then don’t.” He stated simply back. “ Hop on.” He turned to move so you could jump on his back.

Giggling at how silly he looked you asked, “ Are you serious? “

He laughed back, “ About my baby being comfortable? Fuck yeah. Now c’mon.” He repeated. 

Doing a quick look around you shrugged, “ Okay..then.” You agreed moving to grab at his shoulders.

" Alright, mama. On the count of three. One...two..THREE!" He coached.

Shrieking in glee you launched yourself onto his back where you secured your legs around his waist and arms around his neck. He made sure that you were attached to him good before he continued walking with a giddy you on his back.

You used a hand to cup the side of his cheek as you pressed a multitude of kisses to the side of his face and neck. Equally as happy he moved his head to the side to return the favor to a giggling you over and over again.

And before you knew the two of you had reached the door of the ever beloved totem, but once you seen the sign through the window your gleeful expression dropped.

Closed.

Immediately Austin could feel you begin to wiggle on his back in discontent, " No! No! No! Awe. I really wanted that cookie! " You pouted. " I could have sworn you said they were open when you checked."

Pressing another kiss to your cheek Austin wrapped you tighter around him, " I know, Mama. I did too." He offered." Maybe they just closed for a second for a cleaning or something." He tried reasoning. Just as you were about to suggest that the two of you pick up a box of insomnia cookies and go home to lounge in your underwear, Austin spotted your favorite barista through the door.

" Look it's Cameron. Maybe she can come to the door and we can ask." Austin suggests.

Your eyes grew in introverted horror, " No! No! Austin don't! " You protested trying to shift your body to get him to turn around.

But it was too late he'd already began knocking. " Hey Cam! Cameron! "

" Aus...." You whined feeling yourself involuntarily cringe.

But still that didn't stop him from continuing to knock on the door and call out like a mad person until Cameron finally came to the door cracking it open.

" Hey guys what's up? " She greeted looking chipper than usual. Probably because with the shop closing so her shift was shorter today.

" Nothing much. Sorry to bother you guys. I know you look to be closed and I really hate to ask truthfully. But is there any chance by the grace of God that you may have some oatmeal chocolate cookies and dark chocolate latte mix in there on stand by...maybe." He inquired squinting his eyes.

You turned your head cringing because you couldn't imagine ever feeling this confident to do something like this, and not to mention you felt bad bothering these poor people.

Turning her head to look back toward the café Cameron looked back to the two of you nodding, " I'm sure we could find some for the best of our two customers. Plus we're just closed for a couple hours for some deep cleaning so no big. C'mon in quick before anyone else sees you guys and thinks were open."           

   She ushered you in with a chorus of ‘thank yous’ coming from Austin and yourself.

Once you were inside Austin gently set you down pressing a kiss to your forehead while you made a puzzled face at him.

Even though he was a lot more social than you in most aspects due to his job, Austin was still just as much of a introvert as you at heart. So you were surprised he had knocked on the door like that.

Shrugging it off you glanced around at possibly your most favorite place on earth.

 It looked normal. None of the tables and chairs were put up, the bakery display was full, with treats and all the machines were still running. The only difference was that the store lights were slightly dimmed and that was really it.

They must have just closed. 

Grabbing your hand Austin walked you two over to the register so he could begin placing your usual orders.

For you, a medium light ice mango passion fruit tea with a oatmeal cookie chip cookie. As for him he always got, a extra cold oat milk latte with dark chocolate syrup and a shot of expresso that was usually paired with a cherry turnover of all things. And on days like these where the two of you hadn't eaten but still wanted to make dinner at home you split a harvarti grilled cheese (your favorite).

While Cameron rang it all up he turned to you, " You know what would go great with these, babe? " He questioned bringing out his wallet.

You stared up to him, " Hmm? "

" A poem from the poem machine to read. You mind going to get one while I take care of the rest of this." He questioned with a shiny quarter appearing in his hands to you.

You smiled, " No I don't mind. But first, put this in the tip jar for me, please." You asked handing him the five dollar bill, " And second keep you're quarter, babe I got my own." You shook your cute little googly eyed change purse at him.

The Totem had a really cool thing where they had a gumball machine full of poems from artists discovered and undiscovered throughout many periods of time. When the two of you started frequenting the place more often after your first encounter it'd become fun to get them to read. Plus all the money from the machine gets donated to minority charities which is a plus.

" I know you do. But I want you to use mine, please." He countered.

You frowned, " But you alrea-" . A kiss pressed to your lips cut you off and instead willed you to comply because when he pulled away and looked you dead in the eye, and without a word you took the quarter in your hand and ventured off to come back with a gumball poem.

Once you were around out of sight, Cameron clamped a hand over her mouth to hold in the excited scream that wanted to escape as Austin blew out a big breath of air watching you disappear a bit a ways.

He could hear quiet giggles and muffled laughs coming from the storage room where some of yours and Austin's closest friends were crammed into as they waited for their signal to pop out and start up the potential engagement party or crying session in the cafe's seating.

This whole thing had been two months of planning in advance. From both you and him conveniently both having the same day completely off which wasn't the norm, to all of a sudden earlier in the week Alex and Phoebe wanting to go to the nail salon for some girl time and the hair thing, yesterday night at a dinner hang Beatrice had out of no-where started bawling crying looking at you.                     

   And how The Totem wasn't actually closed for cleaning but rather booked out for the evening by Austin who'd instructed the close friends to get here a hour before the two of you and park sporadically in the area so you wouldn't get suspicious. The whole staff was in on it and had been in the kitchen working overtime to craft the menu Austin and the owner, Margo, had curated for later that consisted of all yours and his fave items from here. For the “casual gathering “ you were dressed for.

Earlier in your relationship during a random late night convo you’d lethargically told Austin your dream engagement scenario which included your future hubby to propose somewhere meaningful to the relationship with some kind of corny heartfelt action. You’d also joked that it’d be funny if there was like a surprise party after or something so you’d be able to skip the hassle of planning a engagement party. 

And even though the two of you sleepily had this conversation a year and a half ago, Austin never forgot.

Waiting until the coast was clear Phoebe walked out with tears in her eyes as she was overcome with excitement and anticipation silently coming around the counter and handing Austin the small black box she'd been entrusted with yesterday on the sly when she came to stop by really quick. Austin didn’t wanna risk you finding it at all. 

Riddled with he nerves shakily accepted it running his finger across the small black box.

Putting her hand over Austin's Phoebe whispered, " It's okay. Don't sweat it. You love her and she loves you. That's all that matters. Just remember to ease into and take your time." She encouraged. " And just keep loving my bestfriend." She advised.

Nodding Austin carefully wrapped her in a hug with a small chorus of thank yous tagged along.

When they pulled apart Phoebe motioned to the storage room door that was cracked as yours and Austin's friends stuck their heads out whisper yelling words of encouragement and thumbs up that stuck out from behind the heads. Including a Ashley who was bonding with her new-found friend Beatrice over a very hefty tissue they were both using. 

Nervously laughing and rubbing the back of his neck Austin cast them one last wave of  a thank you before the door closed and he moved over to bay-window table that had become you and Austin's staple spot. The food was already placed thanks to Cameron. Shooting her a thank you, clammy handed Austin rubbed them together blowing out air in nerves and anticipation while he waited for his future wife to come to the table.

Max, a staff member quietly made sure the camera hidden on a opposite table was rolling and the mic also hidden on your table was working well to feed to the speaker in the storage room so everyone could hear, then scampering back to the kitchen. 

---

When you made it to the poem machine you inserted the precious coin and turned the knob to produce the little plastic container. Although you did get distracted making your way back to the café by stopping to browse some books (which Austin had counted on), you'd picked up a new one by Kennedy Ryan titled Before I let go that you'd been hearing good things about.

Making your way back you found Austin at your table and took a seat.

Hearing your footsteps he quickly pulled himself together to put back on the confident and cool aura he'd been purposefully displaying today.

You can do this, just be cool.

Taking a seat you immediately thanked your man and then began to eat your delights. Austin grinned watching you moan in delight eating your goodies. 

" Good? " He asked watching you wiggle and sway around happily while munching.

You nodded throwing a thumbs up.

" Good. Now, what'd you find, honey? " Austin takes a sip of his latte.

Waiting a second to finish you answered, " Oh..Um. It's that book I told that I wanted to find by that new author I recently discovered Kennedy Ryan. It's the on about the couple who's still in-love with each other after they divorced after being married for years with kids."

At the mention of the D word Austin couldn't help the choke on his coffee that happened as he set down his drink trying to catch his breath.

 Immediately you reached across the table to pat his back in concern. Silently thanking you he motioned for you to sit back down much to your protest. He already felt nervous.

" I'm fine, baby. I'm alright just w-ent down the wrong pipe is all. " He reassured grabbing at your hand. Knowing you'd protest he spoke, "I'm okay really. Just while I catch my breath why don't you read the poem you got." He suggested biting the bullet as he knew he couldn't wait any longer. He knew he needed to ease into it, but he didn’t know if he’d be able to keep himself alive much longer. 

He'd waited two years already.

That was enough.

Still not totally convinced he was okay you still popped the little sucker open and unfolded the strip of square piece of paper.

Taking one more look at him as he offered you a somber smile and nod to the paper.

You smiled not knowing that the small prints on the paper were about to change your life,

" So, it says.." You started:

" To the love of my life,

Our love will be ever thine, ever mine, ever ours                                                    for each passing minute, second, and hour                                                       until the days of our love bleed together.

Because if you'll be my wife,                                                                                      and take me a fool in love as your husband you shall be always be my greatest inspiration and joy in life.

This may be corny, I admit but to you my heart, mind, soul, and essence I commit for forever, always, and beyond.

Written to you will all I am.

Your hopeful future husband,

Austin."

You finished glancing over the words.

" Awe that's so sweet that someone would write that." You said out loud still not fully processing what'd you read.

With extremely observant eyes Austin continued to watch you transform like a caterpillar of cluelessness from a cocoon, to a butterfly in disbelief as you slowly went through the phases of realization.

At first you felt warmth in your heart.

But as the reality set in you felt your heart sped up a little.

O-oh SHIT! 

Is this? Is he? 

For longer than a minute you couldn't stop your eyes from rapidly re-reading the poem over and over again until your vision got a little blurry and you could feel the paper become wet and slick up your fingertip.

Even though your brain was still working overtime to compute what the fuck you had just read. It wasn't fully sinking in until his voice pulled you from your racing thought.

" Baby..."

Like his voice controlled the room you could see out your peripheral that the main lights had been turned down even lower so that beautifully strung string lights that decorated the place brightly at night, popped on. And the sound of Michael Jackson’s Lady in my Life began to play over the store speakers. 

Slowly lifting your head while you felt the tears race each other down your face, you were met with Austin's face that was equally mixed with happiness, fear, and devotion wrapped all into one. He looked a bit flush and his cerulean eyes looked glossy with tears of his own. You watched him look to his own hand, training his view you let out a audible gasp.

And then you that's when you seen it, the small black box that he had in his hand.

 He cleared his throat before starting, " Two years ago today right here in this very spot I fell in love with you and had half the mind to ask you to marry me then. And each day since I’ve found a new reason to keep falling. Your the first thing I think about when I wake up, and the last person I wanna see when I go to bed. I love you. I mean every part of you. I love your kind heart, budding intelligence, fierce loyalty, those curls and coils that grow our of your head toward the sun, those delicious thighs decorated with beautiful handcrafted marks and strokes from god's paint brush." You began blushing at this part.

" I want our children to inherit that smile that has the power to brighten any room you enter. I wanna look you in those gorgeous eyes that sparkle when you talk about your goals and dreams that I'll use every ounce of my power to support and help make happen. I'll keep forcing you to take cold medicine even if it means physically holding you like infant again. And I’ll watch Twilight, Lilo and Stitch, Greys Anatomy and whatever the hell else to keep you as happy as possible. " He recalled his interesting introduction to your aversion to flu medicine.

" Since knowing you there isn't anyone else I could imagine wanting to spend the rest of my life with. Sharing good times and bad, awkward and more awkward. " He continued making you smile. " You came into my life and made me grow as a human being and then from a little seedling our relationship has grown too through the love we have. And I want it to continue to grow...only now I hope it will grow with us as husband and wife." He declares.

“ Baby, you are the lady in my life and I want you and only you to be my lady. Forever.“ He continues.

Wordlessly you watched as he got up to kneel down in front of where you sat opening up the little black box to reveal a absolutely gorgeous ring you were almost too certain was too nice for your hand.

Looking to you he inhaled before asking staring you straight into your soul,         

“ So..Y/N Y/M/N Y/N, will do this poor fool in love a mercy and please marry me? “ He finished.

Still stunned you were quiet feeling as if you were stuck.

You couldn’t believe this was happening.

This man who could have married probably any woman on the planet was asking YOU, of all people to marry him.

YOU!

You felt worry begin to creep in. Worry that you wouldn’t be enough for him, worry that he wouldn’t always feel the same, but mostly worry that you’d screw this up. 

Growing up you’d never really had a example of a healthy or stable loving marriage. So how good would you be at something you had no idea about? 

That worry wanted to push you to say no and bolt out the door to go into the nearest witness protection program.

But when you looked at this man. Really looked your man, who you’d spent every minute of two years loving, and wanted to love for the rest of your life. 

All the worry melted.

Because he was it. He was the man who made even your deepest fears melt, and that was the kind of man you’d always hoped and prayed to marry.

You didn’t hide the gooey and down right bright smile that formulated on your face.

Not wanting to keep an obviously sweating Austin in suspense any longer, or unknowingly a whole backroom, kitchen staff, and others on edge who were clutching their pearls while holding on to each other. You spoke. 

" Does this mean on the honeymoon we get to play accidentally in love in the background and have a montage like Shrek and Fiona ...or one like twilight." You goofed smiling through tears.

Blowing out air of relief as he was sure he was about to keel over he chuckled, " Woman what am I gonna go with you." He admired laughing at the power only you possessed to make him laugh while he was having heart palpitations. 

Your smile widen, " Well, first your going to put that ring on my finger, and then lift out this chair and desperately make out with me, and then we're going to plan a honeymoon montage sequence to rival all honeymoon montage sequences, because the answer is yes. A million times yes I will marry you Austin Robert Butler." You answered before jumping up and down in your chair.

Not stopping the tears from rolling down his face he says, "So bossy, “ He joked laughed.

“ Well I warned you this would happen, didn’t I.”

“ You did. And whatever you say goes.” He grinned “ That’s the rule now.”

Grabbing your hand to slid on the stunning jewelry. You didn't get too long to gaze at on your finger because like you requested Austin stood to his feet pulling you up to hoist your legs around his waist as the two of you locked yourselves in a all breath taking, passion filled, white searing kiss that you wish could have lasted forever.

But of course it didn't because you both were interrupted by the sounds of multiple cheers and woops coming from somewhere.

Confused you pulled away watching in amazement as yours and Austin's friends pooled in from the storage room as well as some entering the store through the door.

You playfully pouted at him realizing now all the things he’d done. He’d actually taken you serious and listened.

God! You loved this man!

Placing a big fat kiss to his lips. You wiggled out his embrace before you were practically tackled by sobbing friends.

For the rest of the night the party was set up before your eyes and you got to celebrate mingling with yours and Austin’s friends who some congratulated the two of you, and others started planning future baby showers and anniversary dinners.

After things got a bit overwhelming, Austin had found you and recused you to a small quiet place between bookshelves so you could make out and slow dance the night away with your...fiancée.  

[that-one-weeb-buts-its-the-main]

Blood Upon the Snow| Dagda (part 2)

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Readers: female

Notes: man I reached the block limit again, be excited for part 3 yay, lets thank @fangirlingatstuff again for infecting me with the Epic fandom once again, and @majestichugs for waiting so long

Warnings: weapons, fighting, murder (throat slitting by thy enemy), blood, blood drinking mentions (by thy enemy), cursing, bro people really got beat up here

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Y/n was awoken the next morning, Nod shaking her.

"y/n! hey!" He argued.

"Mhm,"

"Don't mhm, me!" Nod complained; "There's a shit show happening!"

Finally, he got her to open her eyes, and his face of concern woke her up fully, castle works at the end of the bed waiting with things in their arms, "Nod, what's the problem-"

"Royals are showing up!"

"What!?"

"Come on! Get up!"

Y/n was quick to get out of bed, Nod handing her a cup of tea, "How long do I have?"

And down the tea went, she leans her head back as she chugged,

"Fashionably late? Fifteen Minutes? If you take any more than thirty you better, look good."

Y/n swallowed the last bit, handing the cup to Nod, "Stall for me?'

"Always do, Finn will be ready for you when you're dressed." Nod informed, quickly taking the cup away.

"Thank you!" Y/n called to him as he left, "Love you!"

"I know!"

Y/n rolled her eyes with a chuckle as her attention was quickly stolen, "Which one Princess?"

"What is the Queen wearing?'

"the usual,"

Y/n looked at the two, displeased with the bright color, "Get me the one that's white and green like hers, but with the lily petals and the moss shawl please, don't forget the fern choker and arm bands."

The ladies dropped their dresses almost; "Princess...that is..."

"Bold."

Y/n looked at them; "Really?"

"We love it!" They answered, "We'd like to add something to it if you'd allow it."

Y/n nodded "Of course, I trust your judgement,"

They nodded to one another; almost as if they read each other's minds, and one dragged her to her vanity, while the other rushed off to grab the clothing.

"If I may be so rude-"

"I live for rude," Y/n joked as the woman laughed and held a smile.

"Is there someone we're dressing up for? I am surprised you did not go for a long coat and a pair of pants,"

Y/n looked at the woman in the mirror who was doing her hair as quickly as she could; "I'm not sure,"

The woman gave a small smile as she pulled half of Y/n's hair up into a bun, carefully sticking delicate glass-blown hair decorations, a combination of flowers and plants, and to her request little bugs, spiders, centipedes, and bees.

Soon in came the woman from before with the dress and jewelry; in a hand, she held a delicately crafted dagger.

"Oh, my princess I'm certain you'll love this!"

"If you are to accept, you must go today," Ayana spoke, "the Celebration is tomorrow,"

Mandrake sighed, his brain had racked all night and well into the day, "Am I just to walk into Moonhaven?"

"I'm sure Dagda would,"

"That is not much help,"

Ayana picked up a bowl, "What is that?"

"The future," She answered picking up a gourd, carefully funneling whatever it was into it from its bowl.

"If you know the future you know my answer," Mandrake spoke, "and you know my concerns."

Ayana was silent; "But your answer still remains."

Mandrake was silent this time, he watched his sister work, till he growled, and rose to his feet, quick to leave, "Where are you going!?" She shouted sarcastically.

"Shut up!" He shouted back as she chuckled, oh, what a loving thing it is to have a brother.

From his sister's place to his castle, he hopped off his bird, guards standing attention quickly with salutes and bows of the head.

"My son, where is he?" Mandrake asked a guard.

"The library my king,"

Mandrake made his way along the dark halls and ashy walls, Dagda was indeed in the library, the librarian's son with him, stacks of books and scrolls in his hand.

"yes but the history goes much farther back than that," he informed, "it also depends on what information of our history we are exactly looking for,"

The son set the books on the table; "that would interest a wander," Dagda commented.

"A wander? Well, my Prince maybe the Walkers would be the most interesting,"

"The Child's story about plants that go between the kingdoms?"

"Children's tales are often told by Wanders, they tell of our history within a lesson,"

The two turned their head at the sound of Mandrake's voice.

"King Mandrake," The boy bowed.

"I need to speak to my son,"

"Of course,"

The librarian's son bowed his head once again and left quickly; "I'm busy-"

"Sure you are," Mandrake commented, looking at the sets of scrolls Dagda had help pulling from the Shelves; "I have never seen you in here,"

Mandrake looked at his fingertips, a thin layer of dust covering the causing him to rub them together to get rid of such dust.

"It piqued my interest,"

"Piqued your interest?" Mandrake commented, "or did Princess Y/n mention history?"

Dagda was silent; "Maybe,"

Mandrake could only chuckle; he remembered this library all too well; there was a bookshelf that was fake, and in there was a back room; with a single window, it most likely now filled with cobwebs and whatever lurks in the deep dark. He and Winslet use to take from the library and read together.

"I have been thinking about Princess Y/n's proposal," Mandrake commented.

"You have?" Dagda asked excitedly.

"We will agree to it," Mandrake answered, and before Dagda could get excited; "We will be cautious, it is not only Moonhaven we will have to worry about, we ride for Moonhaven before the end of the hour."

Dagda nodded, "You will not regret this!"

Mandrake watched him rush off, "Ah the youth,"

Mandrake turned his head, an old Boggin; he had been the Librarian since Mandrake was little; "Bookkeeper Garel,"

"I remember when you use to run in here with your little girlfriend," Garel laughed, coming to the scrolls on the table and grabbing a few, and shuffling to put them back.

"I will make Dagda clean up his mess,"

"Eh," Garel waved off the man; "make's my day go by faster, not to mention Lilith likes him,"

"you're son?"

"Grandson, practically my son," Garel responded, "I can't keep up with the boy, not like your son can."

Mandrake was silent before grabbing a few of the thicker books; going to help the old Bookkeeper; "I don't wish him to end up like I," Mandrake admitted.

"You are not happy with who you have become?" Garel questioned.

Mandrake was silent putting a book on the shelf, "Silence is my answer I see," Garel answered, "It is quite often the loudest one,"

Garel walked away to get more scrolls; "What do I do?'

"What is it you wish to do?"

"I wish to not turn into my Mother," Mandrake answered.

"Then you know what you must do," Garel advised.

Mandrake kept silent as the put the books and scrolls back, and like he promised, he left with his sister, son, and a platoon of troops, as every other kingdom would arrive with.

Y/n was still rushing to get ready when she heard horns from her open windows, she and her workers peeked their heads outside.

"Damn it..." Y/n cursed, watching the Northern Woods Kingdom arrive; Queen Euthalia walked beside her husband King Costanine their Shaman and General behind them; Atticus' parents and kingdom, there flag raised high, and pristine. Moonhaven's own people surrounded them on both sides respectfully celebrating their arrival.

"Do we know who's here yet?"

"The People of the Glaze are here, and so is Kingdom Noxis." One of the women answered.

Y/n grew silent, as they watched the Queen and King vanish into the castle entrance below.

"Come now we must hurry!" A woman advised the two to rush off as Y/n watched the window for a moment long.

"Princess," they called for her.

"Right-" she turned to join them in finishing getting ready, yet a dark horn and bells sang, catching her attention as she turned back towards her window, and looked out.

There they were, Wraithwood. Witch Ayana was veiled with moss and held fisted praying hands, Mandrake walked at the head, standing strong, staff in hand, and Dagda. Dagda walked on the opposite side of Ayana next to his father.

Y/n ran out onto her balcony. Moonhavener's cowardly in fear rather than rejoiced, Y/n leaned over her balcony, watching them make their kingdom known. Their flag was raised high and with pride, it had seen battle shown by the rips and tears and the ends.

"Quickly!" Y/n called to the woman rushing inside, "I must be quick."

The long and decorated table was set for tea, with Moonhaven's finest harvest of its fruits and honey. Tara's thrown room was decorated as it always was, flowers in turned and shining light down in the room.

"My Queen," Queen Euthina bowed, her husband doing the same.

"Queen Euthina, King Constantine." Queen Tara bowed Ronin besides her, "it is an honor,"

"Oh, please Queen Tara, we go through this every year." Queen Euthina chuckled Tara chuckled back, "We are the honored ones,"

"We do hope the arrival was safe."

"Very much so," Euthina smiled, "And we hope our son Atticus has been making a good impression."

Atticus walked up beside his mother; "An honor again Queen Tara."

"He has been a delight."

"General Ronin." The Northern Woods general spoke a handout.

"General Acker," Ronin spoke, shaking the man's hand.

"Sit please, we have all arrived," Queen Tara spoke; the other royals already sat; their general and shaman at one side, and the other is where their eldest stood, their eldest daughter sat next to them.

They took their seats; "Where is that lovely girl of yours? Y/n, isn't it?" Queen Misti questioned; the Queen of the People of the Glaze and Mother to Aalto and one other son Edur, who was off doing second born things; like not being at the arrival's tea party, with his sister Bayou, his sister Coral on the other hand forced to be at such a party.

"Princess Y/n will be down soon," Tara informed castle workers, pouring the new arrivals tea.

"I hope my son Jael hasn't stolen her heart," Queen Aeulla spoke, her husband, King Rowan beside her. She was Mother to five children; Jael her oldest son, Ather and Anil her younger boys, Anil was twined to the oldest sister Imberg and Alizee was the baby girl she had someone else taking care of.

"I could never do such a thing, not to such a delicate thing," Jael interrupted.

Ronin almost laughed and rolled his eyes; Y/n? Delicate? Yeah Right.

"I do hope a wedding will be in the fall," Queen Auella commented, "Perhaps even sooner?"

"We like surprises here in Moonhaven," Tara objected; "And Y/n loves to give them,"

There were laughing amongst the queens, but Guards running in interrupted them.

"Slow down," Tara tried to slow them, they panting heavily; "Deep breathes, what has happened?"

"Wraithwood..." A guard spoke; "Wraithwood is here!"

"Wraithwood?"

"Why is Wraithood here-"

"I need to get my people out of here! We are not at war!"

"You-"

"Enough!" Tara called to silence, and she received it; "There is...explanation to this-"

It was too late; the bell chimes were heard and in walked Boggin's; generals of each kingdom ready to unsheathe their weapons and defend their rulers. With ease they parted and stopped; and in came Mandrake with his son and sister. Mandrake's staff's end seemingly shook the ground every time it came down; the royals growing anxious with each step.

Then he stopped.

It fell silent.

Y/n rushed out of her room, Finn waiting for her on the opposite wall, he slouched, but quickly stood attention.

"Woah..."

Y/n smiled small as she stood there; "Too much?"

"You look beautiful," Finn complimented, Y/n chuckling, he held his arm out; "Shall we?"

Y/n wrapped an arm around him as they started their way; "Nervous at all?"

"No," Y/n answered, looking up at him; then nodded; "Just a bit,"

"How is your wound doing?"

Y/n touched her face, the stitches were cut out and replaced with sap to close up the wound.

"Good," Y/n answered, "it'll scar, but I'll be fine."

They walked down the steps, and down the hall, "You did good," Finn spoke, "Guarding your friend like that,"

"Oh, We're not...I..." Y/n tried to lie.

"My sister in arms was like you, she was a big believer in peace," Finn added.

"I'll have to meet her then," Y/n spoke.

"She taught me and Ronin everything we know,"

Y/n smiled as they reached the doors, "Thank you."

Finn looked down at her; "Makes me feel a little less alone in my own head."

She received a small smile from him; "Thank you then,"

"For what?"

"Making me feel a little less alone in my own head,"

Y/n chuckled; "it's rough up there,"

"I know that." Finn answered, "Now, Princess. Shall we?"

"We shall, second in command,"

He knocked on the door letting the guards know who it is before it was opened for the two of them.

"You're not welcomed here-"

Too involved in demands to make Wraithwood leave to hear the knocking, the heavy creak of the doors was the only thing to interrupt the group of Kings and Queens.

"Ah! So, the Princess decides to joy us!" Mandrake cheered; the sarcasm laced within his words was strong.

Y/n walked forward; letting go of Finn's guiding arm and stopped in front of the trio of Wraithwood.

"King of Wraithwood," Y/n bowed, Mandrake bowing in response, "I am honored you accepted my invitation."

She turned towards the witch; "Witch of Wraithwood." she bowed.

"Princess of Moonhaven," She bowed.

Then she turned towards Dagda, "Prince of Wraithwood."

He was frozen in his spot; he had never thought of Y/n wearing a dress, it was made of lily petals, two small fern accents on her waist, and a matching fern choker. To anyone who had eyes; and he had never been so glad he did, there was a silver dagger held into place with another longer fern on her thigh, dressed in elegance and ready to kill? She couldn't get any better.

Mandrake nudged his son hard, "Uh, Princess of Moonhaven," he bowed.

Y/n rose up and Dagda followed; she smiled at the three, and looked around, "This way please,"

They followed her, and Y/n showed them to the last empty seats; "Please, sit, may I take your staff for you?"

The royals looked at each other; Wraithwood had been invited. Mandrake denied her of his staff, and she was quick to pour them all tea, before taking her own seat, which Ronin was quick to pull out for her.

"I apologize for my late appearance."

"That is quite alright Princess," Atticus commented, Y/n's gaze shifting his way.

"You look very beautiful today Princess Y/n," Coral complimented.

"Thank you," Y/n smiled.

"Shall we discuss the season's plans then?" Tara spoke up.

"The same as last are they not?" King Constantine spoke up; "They never change."

"Perhaps we can discuss an upcoming event?" Queen Aeulla questioned.

"We are discussing the summer solstice already?" Y/n inquired.

"No," Tara told, "that is too far in advance."

"We were hoping on attending a wedding Princess of Moonhaven," Queen Euthalia commented.

"Who is getting married?" Queen Misti asked.

"I was hoping to discuss the sudden involvement of Wraithwood," King Rowan asked, "We have never needed them to keep the balance and yet we invited them now?"

"Wraithwood has kept their balance," Y/n defended.

King Rowan laughed, and Y/n's glance hardened into a glare; "What balance? The destruction of our kingdoms?"

"Everything we grow must die," Y/n answered.

"All of it?" Queen Misti inquired.

"At some points, how do you expect to feed the new?" Y/n told she received a hum in response; would she get someone on her side? So quick?

"I agree," Queen Misti spoke up; "The involvement of decay goes hand in hand with the state of water, decay is how most of our islands are made, I approve of the involvement of Wraithwood."

"Oh please," Aalto rolled his eyes.

"Watch it boy," Queen Misti argued.

"Any further questions you can direct them towards me, I invited Wraithwood," Y/n spoke.

"Well certainly we aren't giving them weapons for the games," King Rowan argued.

"I agree with Wraithwood rejoining," Queen Misti agreed, "but war has been strong between Wraithwood and Moonhaven, they should not be in the games this year,"

"King of Wraithwood?" Y/n asked, "Your opinion?"

"I am a guest, by your rule, I follow," Mandrake answered.

"Then it's no," Queen Aeulla snapped.

"By my rule." Y/n corrected, "Yet the answer is clear, Wraithwood will not compete."

Damn it.

"Going back to the season's plans," Tara spoke back up.

Y/n stayed silent the whole time, Dagda catching the corner of her eye occasionally; it only caused her to look away and drink from her cup of tea.

Well into the day they finished, younger kids were returned to the royals, and they walked out for the people to shout in their praise one set at a time.

Y/n and Wraithwood stayed back, "King Mandrake, please, excuse their rudeness-"

"Enough."

Y/n grew to silence, "I commend you on your boldness, both yesterday and today."

Y/n bowed her head, "I almost must thank you; my son may not be here without you." Mandrake thanked.

"We knew how it'd be before we accepted your invitation, we knew how'd it be after." Mandrake finalized, Y/n nodding.

"Thank you for coming." Y/n thanked.

"Thank you for taking the initiative," Ayana told.

Y/n nodded, looking at Dagda finally, "Will you stay for the night celebrations?"

It was clear she was trying to be neutral, yet the small and hopeful smile Y/n gave Dagda said it all; Will you be with me for the night?

"i-"

"Wraithwood!" was announced.

"that's your call..." Y/n spoke.

"yeah..."

A moment of silence, before Mandrake had to drag his son away. The crowd of people was silent, yet the Boggins cheered and Y/n from inside only smiled.

"Moonhaven!"

Cheers were louder in Moonhaven's name, Y/n, and Tara walking out side by side.

"We welcome the Spring Equinox united! And together!" Tara called to the people who only grew louder; by this time; people had come from other kingdoms, ready to celebrate and dance the days away, united.

It went from royal celebration to party below; groups naturally separated themselves, and Mandrake almost called his people home. Yet the way his son looked at Y/n convinced him to say otherwise. Thrones were down for the royals despite Y/n not truly wanting to sit in one and mingle amongst the people instead.

It gave her time to think, at least, she hadn't done a lot of that as of recent, it was just go, go, go. She looked over at Tara and Ronin, Tara sat polite and pretty as ever. It was in her nature to be caring. Ronin simply wanted to protect, yet the distance between the young royal's section and the older royals section felt larger than it was truly. When all was just a few chairs with a gap between the two creating a singular row.

Maybe she had pushed her ideas too much, yet she had never really pushed anything in her life. She followed each and every rule.

"Princess Y/n-"

Her focus was broken, and she blinked back into reality, "Nod, hey."

Nod smiled. He was dressed nicer than their usual attire, "If you're not too busy you wanna ya know..."

He pointed with a thumb behind him, past the crowds of people there was a man selling sweets.

"I could use a sweet." Y/n answered getting up to quickly follow her, Finn who was at her back stayed still, "I'll be back Finn."

He sent a smile and nod.

"Are you not supposed to go with her?" Jael asked.

"Princess Y/n is capable of handling a small walk to grab a sweet. Nod will protect her if anything is to happen." Finn answered.

"What useless guards." Aalto laughed, elbowing his brother Edur who only ended up rubbing his arm, "It's not like she needs another sweet in her life."

Finn wished he could have said something: really, Princes were on his lists of icks for sure.

"Didn't your parents teach you basic manners?"

Heads shot towards Dagda, "Oh. The rat speaks." Alto chuckled.

"Brother." Edur complained.

"Don't be a baby." Alto argued.

Eudr grew quiet he hugged his previously hit arm.

"Don't pick on him!" Aether spoke up on his behalf.

"Aether." Jael snapped.

"No wonder you went to war with us." Coral leaned over to Dagda, "Boys are idiots dont let them get to you-"

"Shut it, Coral!" Her brother argued.

"Suck on a bag of nuts!" She snapped back then turned back to Dagda, "I'm Coral."

Coral was young: barely twelve-years-old, and her feet didn't reach the floor as she sat on the throne.

"Dagda." He introduced.

She smiled, "Mandrake's your Dad, right?"

Dagda nodded, "What's your Shamans name?"

"She goes by the Witch title. She's my Aunt Ayana."

"Ooo! Cool!" Coral cheered, "Edur is our Shaman in training he's my second oldest brother. Do you have siblings?"

"No." Dagda answered.

"Oh." Coral spoke, racking her brain for another question: she went silent.

Dagda let his attention be stolen past the crowd, Y/n laughing as she and her friend were given a chunk of honeycomb candy, wrapped in a leaf. She leaned down and away from his line of sight and returned shortly with a child on her hip, boggin in origin, and split the candy with the child, the little girl happy as she ate her half, she setting the child back down to run off back to her family, letting Y/n return back to talking with Nod.

Dagda figured he'd have to get on Nod's good side; from where he sat, he could see the sibling-by-choice bond, from Aalto's and Jael's side, they could only see red they could not act upon. A commoner? With a Princess?

"Atticus can you believe this?"

Atticus was silent as he watched Y/n, "Atticus!"

He looked to the side, Aalto sitting there, "who does he think he is,"

"The maid boy?" Atticus questioned; "he's just that, dirt has more value than him."

"They're friends," Dagda spoke up.

"You know...whatever you really are," Aalto commented towards Dagda, "You certainly have an eye for the Princess,"

"Or he just knows how to treat people," Aether spoke up in Dagda's defense, "I wouldn't be surprised if she beats you up and marries him,"

Aalto only looked at Jael, before bursting out in full-blown laughter; Jael chuckling as he rubbed the back of his neck," What do you know of women? Child?"

"Leave him alone!" Eudr argued.

"I told you to shut it," Aalto ordered.

"Here we go," Imberg finally spoke up.

"Such idiots," her twin Anil mumbled.

Y/n stood with Nod, talking as they ate their candy; "So... I was thinking."

"Oh?" Y/n asked, "Is that a good idea?"

"Just hear me out," Nod spoke; "And I know it'll sound weird- like really weird,"

Y/n raised a brow, "What if you... hypothetically, didn't marry Prince Atticus."

Y/n paused, before breaking out into full blown laughter; "You think- I? me- I'm sorry I-"

She couldn't contain her laughter as she glanced back at him; and his face was full of hurt; "I just don't think you should be with someone like him-"

Y/n paused, "Nod, what are you talking about?"

"Y/n be serious," Nod told, "The flowers...the looks, he was in your room."

"Flowers? Looks?" Y/n questioned, "You're in my room, we've slept in the same bed before, we're brother and sister, we were raised that way-"

"Y/n he's a Prince, just say it already."

"Say what Nod?"

"Come on!" Nod argued, "You love him, you're leaving with him!"

Y/n looked at him almost offended, "Nod I don't know who told you what-"

"It's quite obvious, I'm barely a guard, he knows what's best for you-"

"Who said that to you!? Was it, Prince Atticus-"

"If not him, who are you leaving Moonhaven for-"

"Why does it matter-"

"Because I care about you!" he shouted, the argument starting to catch the attention of people around them; "I'm your brother Y/n! You think Ronin or Tara are the only ones that care about you!? You think I wasn't terrified when you were lost! Or scared when you took that sword to the face!"

"Nod please-" Y/n tried to calm him down placing a hand on his shoulder, the crowd around them dying down; "I'm not leaving Moonhaven-"

"Then what's going on with you? Do you need help? Are you leaving?!" he asked desperately, their conversation had died down, "Y/n please."

Y/n looked at him and shook her head. What was she meant to say? She was in love? With the enemy's son no less?

"I." Y/n started, the hope in his eyes: "I should go back."

"y/n-" he called, grabbing her wrist and pulling her closer to beg in a quieter voice, his hands coming to wrap around her hand, "Y/n, please, I cannot lose another person I love- What happens when you go? Do I just lose you? never to see you again? I just- don't know- I'm scared, please. Just tell me what's happening,"

Nod never pleaded, never like this; she looked down at his hands; how had she dug herself into such a hole? She looked from his hands up back at him; her eyes mirrored his, heartbreak; the sadness of being alone.

"I'm in love..." She answered him finally holding eye contact with him, Nod could crumble right there; he was right; hearing it was almost like rubbing salt into a wound, "...I... know you wouldn't agree...I know Ronin or Tara wouldn't...I- Well I-."

"Who is it-"

"Nod-" Y/n started; "Please don't-"

"Tell me he'll at least take care of you when your sick- when you're in your own little world and need time to come out of it-" Nod continued; "he'll be there for you."

"Nod he can't be there for me," Y/n answered.

Nod held an offended look; "And you expect anyone to just be okay with you going off-"

She was growing angry; the tendency to snap seemed viable more than ever, "He can't be here because we're in war," Y/n argued.

"Y/n-"

"I'm in love with Prince Dagda," Y/n finally snapped, and he dropped her hand, his eyes widened in surprise and confusion.

"Y/n-"

"I have to get back." She told him.

"Y/n please- just wait-"

Yet she pulled away for a final time and weaved her way through people.

"Y/n-"

Yet she was gone and through the crowd. Making her way back to her spot beside the other royal children.

"He'll do nicely..." Atticus spoke, watching Y/n storm off, and Nod's failed attempt to follow her.

"What?" Jael questioned.

"Hm?" Atticus hummed, looking towards the older teen.

"What did you say?" Jael asked.

"Oh nothing, thinking about a book I read is all," Atticus answered with a lazily warm smile, watching Y/n return to her throne to take a seat.

"You look stunning Princess Y/n," Jael complimented her, "I was hoping perhaps, now that you've returned from the floor, we could dance,"

"No," Y/n answered, her tone flat, and her mind somewhere else, yet it quickly changed; "You know the rules, dear Prince Jael."

"Ah." Jael answered then laughed; "How could I forget,"

Jael raised from his feet, making his way down the steps to turn sharply and walk along the bottom one, re-walking them, he kneeled in front of Tara.

"He's asking the queen if Y/ns allowed to dance with him," Coral informed Dagda, "A prince has to ask her to dance before anyone else can,"

"Her friend took her," Dagda commented.

"Yeah, but that's to eat it's different," Coral told him, "Plus everyone knows that's practically her brother, see Tara's the easy one, it's Ronin Jael has to get past, even if he gets past Ronin- which I doubt, he'll have to get passed Finn as well, her guard,"

Dagda looked over and up at the man standing to the side and behind Y/n's throne, he leaned down and whispered to her, he had been there the whole time in silence.

"And even if he gets past Tara, Ronin, and Finn, Y/n still has to agree," Coral told him.

"Seems like a lot,"

"Well, if you're really in love with a girl it's a real beautiful thing; takes a lot of guts," Coral informed.

Dagda watched as young men started to line up behind Jael. Jael gave his introduction; the perfect bow, the respectable attitude, the sweet smile, and there it was he was through, and off to stand in front of Y/n on a knee, hand out ready for her to respond.

Yet Y/n only stared off into space, watching beyond the crowd.

"Are you alright Ms. Y/n?" Imbreg's questioned, it breaking Y/n's stare into space.

"hm?'

"Are you alright?" Imbreg repeated.

"Fine...I'm...fine." Y/n answered, unsure of the answer herself.

Y/n just left Jael sitting there, no response and not a glance his way. But she felt eyes on her and finally she looked down.

"Prince Jael. Apologies, but...I do not feel the best right now." Y/n answered him: "Please forgive me."

"Not even a small waltz-"

"She said No."

Heads shot just one seat down, Dagda was there: with small Coral to back him up.

"Back off." Dagda ordered.

"And what are you gonna do about it?" Jael spoke, rising to his feet.

Finn stepped between Jael and Y/n's seat: "Return to your seat. Immediately."

"I wouldn't be surprised if it was the Boggin boy that slashed your face in!" Jael snapped loudly.

It caught attention: King's and Queen's looking there way.

"I said return to your seat." Finn ordered again, "or I will put you there myself."

"Under what authority?" Jael argued back.

"Mine." Y/n deemed, standing up, she wasn't in the mood for this, not right now, she guiding Finn to the side.

"Take a seat and stop being such a fuckin cry baby!-" Y/n ordered, the music stopped and so did everyone mingling and dancing.

"Y/n-" Tara got up, quick to diffuse the situation.

"Get this straight! Royal or not! I am not some bitch you can fuck around with! I am not some whore you can dog on!!" Y/n's voice boomed. She walked towards Jael as he started to back up. He almost slipped on a step as she pushed more and more into his personal space: "My family- My people come first! I know how you talk to my guards! How you treat my castle workers! And I know how you talk about me! So get this straight fucker! I am Princess of Moonhaven! I will do anything to keep my people happy and healthy! And I will not have some foreign cock sucker disrespect my guest or my people! So get your head out your ass, get back in your seat, and learn some fucking manners!"

Jael finally slipped at the last step, falling back as Y/n glared down at him.

"y/n that is enough!" Tara ordered grabbing her arm.

Y/n looked back at Tara the glare still hard on her face; she scoffed and pulled her arm away before storming off. Finn was quick to follow her and Ronin was quick to join him.

"Princess Y/n!" Ronin shouted after her.

Tara looked towards other Leafmen; "Go help Ronin, don't lose sight of her please,"

The woman nodded and a few more Leaf Men followed her in support.

"What a great relationship you have with your daughter," Mandrake spoke up; Tara looked back to glare at him; "Have I struck a nerve?"

"Get my son up, would you?" King Rowan asked his personal guard, who only left in glaring at Prince Jael, "he owes Moonhaven an apology."

Dagda took the chance of confusion amongst the crowds and the disappointment of the royals slip away to follow Y/n. He followed far enough behind searching guards to not draw any attention; and was able to hide with the help of the darkening sky, the sun was setting, and the moon would rise soon. Yet what was his advantage ended up being his disadvantage; he didn't know Moonhaven like the back of his hand; he didn't know anything about Moonhaven, but he knew Y/n.

She had gone over the border by mistake; messing around with her friend, yet she returned to cross the border; trying to leave Moonhaven behind just for a moment to experience a new world. Dagda figured to get away from her own once again she'd run to his.

And she did.

She was quick to cross the border; slide in the mud down a hill and was quick to hide under the cliff, back against the rock wall.

"y/n!" Ronin called out for her, "Y/n please!"

Y/n stayed silent; Ronin was right above her; "Y/n!"

Yet another leaf man called his name; ushering him a different way; and he ran away quickly in hopes that they found her.

She waited a moment before moving. Dagda crossed the border; the mud from last night's rainstorm was still present. And in it, he spotted tracks and was quick to follow them. He found her easier than he assumed; her tracks were fresh after all, and the mud that covered her dress still could block out the bright against the dark that Wraithwood was.

He pushed past the bushes seeing her through the branches and ended up at the other end, yet she was gone.

"Y/n?" he called for her softly, yet he was taken to the ground, a dagger put to his throat.

"It's me!" Dagda surrendered, looking up at Y/n who had wide eyes, and a snarl on her face, her dagger once on her thigh high into the air, yet her expression dropped and with it her silver dagger, "It's just me..."

"I...I-" Y/n spoke quickly getting off him; he quick to sit up as she started pacing; "I'm such a fucking idiot!"

"Y/n-"

"I should of just said yes! Get it out of the way!-"

"You said no, it's as simple as that," Dagda defended her, her white dress ends dragging in the mud.

"I should have just sat there, and said nothing," Y/n told him, turning back around and walking the other way; "Ronin won't look at me! Nod's mad at me! Tara, Tara's so disappointed in me I might as well as of killed a man! The one time I push my views! Everything goes south!"

"Y/n," Dagda called, turning to look at him he grabbed her arms carefully; he worried for her and it truly showed; "You didn't do anything wrong- You got my father to stop fighting and come to Moonhaven in peace. You're stopping a war."

"I feel like I'm just hurting more and more people," Y/n told him; "No one will stand with me, I don't know what to do-"

"I stand with you," Dagda told. His grip on her arms tightened the slightest in reassurance, "Always."

"If I involve you, anybody- somebody- I won't let somebody get hurt-" Y/n told him,

"You are somebody," Dagda pleaded with her, "You're somebody to me."

There was a slight perk in Y/n's form; "I." He started.

Y/n's eyes widened the slightest, anticipation quickly building in her; I what? I hate you. I'll help you. I believe in you. I love-

"I care." He paused in the middle of his sentence, "About you... a lot...I don't know what to do about it..."

Y/n pulled her arms from his grasp, he letting go; he scared her off- yet she took his hands instead, her hands were cold.

"I care about you too," Y/n answered.

Dagda gave her a nervous smile that looked goofy more than anything else causing her to chuckle shortly and smile back. In his eyes and heart her smile could make snow melt, and could convince any person no matter age, or status. Not to mention she was strong, mentally and physically; she could take a beating and could keep her morals and her standards, and she wasn't afraid to speak her mind. His thoughts were shifted as a breeze picked up, and Y/n's grip on his hands tightened.

"You're cold," He spoke, pulling away from her hands to take his rat coat off to give to her.

"You'll be cold."

"I know where some are stuffed around here," Dagda answered, he taking her hand and leading her along the way.

Finn watched from his spot on the tree branch, bow in hand, arrow knocked, yet he was relaxed, an arrow pointing down in no ill matter.

He followed.

Tracking the couple from up high was easier than ground tracking them. He hopped from one branch to another, keeping close eyes on the two. Through the dark Dagda navigated them until they come upon a tree; it was half dead and partially knocked over leaning against another tree that stood strong.

Y/n followed him in willingly; they entered from the bottom of the tree; the entrance hidden by the roots. Dagda's own little hideout as Y/n presumed, a workstation, filled with half-made arrows, and the act of bracing left discarded halfway through, and bow silencers, little fluffy balls made from fur sat on his desk; it looks like he had made an abundance of them. Y/n plucked one from its spot on the wooden table; perhaps it was rats' fur? Maybe squirrel tail? -

Wood scrapped against the floor and crashed against each other; Y/n turned her head to see the source of the commotion; Dagda trying to set up a small little table; with two chairs.

"I-" Dagda was quick to make up an excuse.

"I was just getting tired thanks," Y/n quickly saved him, she smiling at him softly; "You'll sit with me?"

"Yeah! -" He answered quickly but toned it down, "... yeah...I will.."

Y/n walked her way over and took a careful seat, the fur end coming to wrap around her midsection and arms; she didn't want to sit on it. She crossed her legs; the slit showing her leg off as she hummed. There was a nice warmth to Dagda's little hiding spot.

"This your hide out?" Y/n asked.

"In a way." Dagda answered her, a new coat on him, a bit more worn than Y/n's but in good use.

They matched.

Y/n rubbed up and down her arm: "I'm sorry that...it didnt go as planned."

A cup was placed in front of her; she looked down at the cup, whatever Dagda said went over her head, not making it to her ears.

Had she seen this cup somewhere?

"Y/n?'

"Huh?" Y/n spoke up, looking his way, "sorry...I... just feel like I've seen this somewhere..."

Picking it up, she looked at the simple yet elegant pattern, and it was the pattern rather than the cup. She found it out that it was in a circle as well.

"You know it looks like it's meant to be on a fancy key almost." Y/n commented.

She paused.

Key....A key

"Where'd you get them?" Y/n changed the subject.

"Uh..." Dagda spoke, "This place use to be my dad's hole when he was younger. He never came back after my mother died. Must be from her."

"Sorry." Y/n was quick to apologize, "didn't mean to bring up bad memories..."

She set the cup down and as soon as she did Dagda was filling it carefully. It becoming quiet between the two.

"Don't worry about it," He finally spoke up; Y/n looked down at the steaming cup of tea and looked over to the cup being filled.

Dagda caught sight of it; she intently watched him as he filled his cup. His first thought was she wanted his instead and was quick to attempt to switch them.

"It's better the farther you go down," was his reasoning.

"Oh," Y/n spoke, she figured her staring had made him uncomfortable; "thanks... I haven't had any bundles from Wraithwood,"

Dagda nodded as Y/n was silent, it bothered the air around them, and it bother Dagda most of all, he didn't really know how to ask her either.

He sat down on a chair, just to the right of her, she looked down at the liquid. Maybe he should just do it? Ask what's wrong? He didn't want to bother her; she was the question asker after all; always has been it's how their relationship started. He had always been the answer; the one to inform her; and explain Wraithwood.

"You...okay?" He asked awkwardly as she looked his way shortly.

"Long day...sorry..." Y/n answered, tired.

"You can stay the night," Dagda offered.

"I-" Y/n started, her hands started to talk for her, and her eye's darted around; "Stay the night- I- I couldn't..."

Dagda cursed mentally; he made her nervous- she talking like she had when she handed him bread; he liked it sure; but he realized how frantic she had really become; "You don't have to-"

"I mean yes!" Y/n answered quickly; "Sorry- I mean- well I would like to wish you would be a dream- That sound's weird! I didn't mean it like that."

"Like what?" Dagda asked; "Sounds like you're being nice."

"Well- yes, but- I- Prince Atticus was in my room the other night- and Nod already thinks I'm- It wasn't like that I swear- I just-" Y/n finally groaned in annoyance, her own words against her and her head fell into her hands, she balling up in the chair, legs coming up to her chest, the two slits in the dress allowing so.

Dagda looked away, "He...sounds worried..."

"Nod?" Y/n asked muffled.

"Y.Yeah..." Dagda answered.

"I know he is..." Y/n told him, "I. Just never thought he'd..."

Y/n couldn't finish her sentence, "He'd?" Dagda asked.

"Have so much... anxiety about it." Y/n answered turning her head, so her cheek rested on her knee, and she looked Dagda's way; " I never thought he'd think I'd leave him like that either...it. just hurts."

She closed her eyes, "Maybe just take drink some tea, and take a rest before going back," Dagda recommended.

Y/n was still, eyes still closed in thought, and she ultimately nodded, agreeing with the idea.

Finn watched carefully through the open end, the uprooted roots helping him blend in. He was ready to shoot if needed; to swoop in and save Y/n. Yet he waited; watched her feet return to the floor and a cup of tea come into her hand for a sip.

Finn's verdict? She'd be safe here, respected, and heard. Something he believed she wouldn't be exactly if she went back to Moonhaven; even diamonds can crack under pressure, hit it enough times, and in the right spot it would crack and splinter like dried leaves you'd walk on in the fall.

Yet before he could turn around to retreat, he was gone; none of his personal belongings were left in his wake- yet a loud crack from a root he attempted to grab; and ultimately failed.

Y/n was quick to get up at the sound, Dagda following her; results of their training; never take anything lightly.

They looked at each other before Dagda grabbed his bow, and Y/n grabbed the knife Dagda had sitting on the counter. He kept her behind him; yet his hand held her wrist tightly in worried taste; she grasped for his hand which was opted for in the end.

"I've got your back," Y/n told him softly.

They were truly ready to jump anyone who was outside that doorway; yet when they turned the corner ready to strike no one was there.

They stood in silence; till Y/n's laughter was horribly hidden; she ended in a loud laughing fit. Dagda turned his head as Y/n tried to cover her mouth, yet the laughing continued.

"You-" Before he could even finish, she had her arms around him; her chin resting on his shoulder as she laughed happily; "You have a knife be careful-"

Yet her laughter filled his ears; "I would have loved to see our scared faces! Imagine how crazy we looked! All for a broken twig!"

He held onto her forearm as they rested near his collarbone, her laughter died down after some time- a laugh well needed; and she smiled.

"Thanks, Dagda." She cheered, hugging him tighter.

"Y.Yeah," He spoke, he turning to look at her smiling face: yet she froze just as well.

Too close, and sleeping over?

"Sorry! -" y/n quickly apologized, pulling away, "sorry-"

"No! No! You're... okay..." Dagda told her, she setting the knife back away.

"I... I should go..." Y/n spoke, setting the knife back down on the counter, "Thanks. Again- I really appreciate it."

"I can take you back," Dagda was quick to offer, "If you want,"

Y/n crossed her arms; bringing the rat skin cloak closer in on herself "Yeah, that'd be nice, thanks."

As promised; Dagda returned her home, A short ride seemed shorter as she wrapped her arms around his waist; and sat behind him on his bir, she comfortably pressed against him to even their weight. She was returned to the castle front; where the part had died; and the Queen had been; giving orders on where to search next; and given ear report on the findings: Nothing. The other Queens and Kings surrounded Tara in aid.

"Your child's missing!" King Rowan snapped; "He probably stole the princess after she ran off-"

"I have not been stolen," Y/n argued as Dagda landed the bird; he got off and helped Y/n off soon after, his hand catching Her's in assistance.

Oh, what he'd do to hold her hand for a moment longer.

"Thank you," Y/n spoke looking toward him.

He only nodded and let her hand leave his as she walked forward; he came to walk beside her.

"Y/n!" Tara shouted; quickly rushing down the set of steps with Ronin not too far behind.

Y/n's face was quickly grabbed; Tara inspected her face and neck; Are you alright? Did you get hurt!? Where did you run off to? -"

Tara paused and looked at what she was wearing; "What are you wearing?"

"Oh- I-" Y/n pulled away starting to pull it off; folding it over her arm; "Dagda- Prince Dagda found me cold...he was kind of enough to give me his cloak..."

She handed it back to him; "Thanks-"

"You keep it," Dagda told her; he could quickly feel eyes on him; "It's a cold spring this year..."

"Princess Y/n has plenty of-"

"Thanks," Y/n was quick to cut Ronin off, she pulled the folded cloak into her chest, "I appreciate it."

Dagda nodded before she was dragged off by Tara, Ronin following behind.

"Goodnight Moonhaven!" Dagda shouted towards Y/n's retreating form.

She turned around and stopped despite Tara and Ronin's protest.

"Goodnight, Wraithwood!" Y/n called back, finishing it off with a loving smile before she was dragged off once again.

Could Dagda fall in love anymore? Yes, and he did. Despite the side eyes, eyerolls, looks of disgust by the other royals: "does he really think she'd go for him", he only stared at where her retreating form once was, in his mind: she stood there still, smiling back at him, holding the cloak he handed her close.

"Dagda!"

"Huh?"

His father was already on the move and so what his aunt the other royals gone: "We are leaving."

Y/n stood in the window: watching the leaders of Wraithwood leave Moonhaven

"Y/n!" Tara snapped, "Are you even listening!"

"Yes, Queen Tara." Y/n answered softly.

"Then explain yourself!" Tara ordered.

Y/n stood in silence.

"Y/n!"

The silence grew heavy, and Tara grew in anger.

"Do you have no idea what you've just done!" Tara shouted, "You embarrassed everyone! You're people! Me! Ronin! You've embarrassed yourself."

Y/n was quiet; arms crossed; and mind somewhere else.

"Hello!?" Tara shouted, "Y/n!"

"I hear you." was her only answer, Tara could only walk off; worrying if she said anything further, she'd go off the rail in anger.

Ronin stayed behind, she had figured he followed Tara, try and clam her down. She wiped her face.

"Y/n-"

She looked back shortly, "yeah. yeah?" she tried to speak with a steady voice.

"I'm fine."

"I'll...go see how-" Yet before he could finish his sentence, Y/n sprinted into his chest, his body rocking with the impact, she hugging him tightly.

"I don't know what to do!" she cried into his armored chest, his arms hovered as she squeezed him tighter, finally them came to rest on her upper back with the other set above it, hugging her back; "I'm worried about Nod. and. And the kingdom! and-"

She couldn't finish her sentence before her heavy crying continued, he holding her the whole time; his hand moved into her hair, and he kissed her head. She quite literally cried herself to sleep, he holding her leaning body up before quickly putting an arm behind her knees and letting her upper half drop into his other arm and picking her up bridal style and bringing her over to the bed to sleep. He wiped her face the best he could before getting up to grab a change of clothes for her.

Ronin remembered it being easier when she was younger; and awake, when she used to dress in the cute pink gowns made from rose petals, either it be for night or day she always showed him; proud of her pretty dresses. Now it seemed Y/n owed just two dresses, the one Ronin had in hand, and an old coronation dress that she wouldn't even fit anymore; everything else a few pairs of pants, shirts, and coats, she was dressing like a leaf man now. He tucked her in; he hadn't done that in a while either. He ran a thumb over her cheek, her nose pointed towards him giving a full view of the scar he had put there, with his own two hands, it divided her face diagonally, an accident he could never forgive himself for. He leaned over; kissing her forehead where the new scar ended.

"I love you," Ronin whispered to her before placing a second kiss on the same spot, and getting up, he going to check on Nod, hoping it would give her some solace that someone heard her.

The barracks were full of the day shift. Solider and Guards slept, Nod had a hard time sleeping, he rolling from one side to another, he sighed, he told himself just close his eyes, burry them into the pillow in he has to. His back faced the open window that sat between him and another soldier's bunk.

Between the bunks stood Atticus, a sharp dagger in his hand. His eyes heavy and dark despite their unnatural fire color. He had the sweats, and at any moment he could start panting like a dog in need of water as drool came out the sides of his mouth and dribbled down his chin. His canines'-true fangs.

Then it started: his thirst for water grew and the panting grew to Nod's ears, his eyes opened yet his body didn't turn. His ears perhaps playing tricks on him? He shifted slightly to turn yet the sound of a bone snapping paused him, one after another: snap, pop and crunch.

If you're still enough, a monster under the best can't see you. Tara told the two children, Nod and Y/n wrapped up in a blanket together scared of the wind outside the room.

With his wide eyes, he slowly lifted a hand to cover his mouth of any sound.

Thump

Was it gone?

He heard a door open to the barracks and a soft call of his name.

"Nod? You in here?" Y/n called to him softly.

He was quick to shoot up and shout for her to run but his mouth was grabbed by a rough hand and a dagger to his throat. The door across the room was shut and Y/n wasn't there.

It's still in here with him.

His eyes turned towards the figure: it blocked out the moonlight, a woman, older, covered over the eyes and forehead with webbed fungus. Her eyes visible through the different sized webbed holes.

He took in a sharp breath as his eyes were filled with fear: even a sharp breath seemed too loud as nails were dug into his cheek causing his eyes to water.

The door to the barracks opened: another guard coming to rest perhaps.

A glass of water broke in the distance, the two guards looking over to where Nod's bed was; yet the window was open, and no one was there.

"Stop tryin' to scare me!" One of the men argued silently pushing his friend.

"I'm your boyfriend, not an asshole." The second argued, "We're just tired."

The door opened behind them, and one grabbed onto the other as they shot around.

"Ah...Commander, did the Princess get back safe?" They asked.

"She's in her room," Ronin informed.

"That's good, can we help you?"

"I'm looking for Nod."

They looked towards his bed across the way; "He's not in here sir," the second answered.

Ronin sighed; "Get some rest, we need to be on high alert tomorrow."

"Yes sir."

"Goodnight sir."

Ronin closed the door behind him as he left.

"You are pacing again." Mandrake sighed; he poured tea for his sister.

Dagda was silent, "Dagda!"

"What?" He asked not bothering to look over.

"You're pacing. Again." Mandrake spoke, watching his son go back and forth.

"He smells of her." His aunt spoke up.

"I do not!" Dagda argued.

"Sure, and you didn't invite her to stay the night?" Ayana questioned.

"You did what?" Mandrake argued.

"I didn't!"

"Liar," Ayana spoke.

Dagda growled at her; "She was in distress! I offered to help her!"

"Is that why you've been holding an oddly shiny dagger in your sheath?" Ayana questioned; "It's her's, clearly, it was on her thigh-"

"Would you shut up?" Mandrake asked, the spew of information irritating him.

"What if she's in danger?" Dagda asked.

"From what? Ronin? Please the queen would have his head on a pyke." Mandrake told.

"Getting in trouble is a child's duty to a parent," Ayana explained.

"And those. those-" Dagda started to argue; "Those princes! they have no respect for her!"

"Oh please, like they'll ever pull the stunt again," Ayana reassured; "Y/n made sure of that."

"I should go see her, make sure she's okay," Dagda tried to convince.

"That won't do anything but anger Ronin and Tara, and truth be told I'm more afraid of Tara than of Ronin," Mandrake spoke.

"What do I do?" Dagda asked, "Sit here? And what? let it happen?"

"That is exactly what you do," Mandrake answered.

"No," Ayana cut in; "You may have all the time in the world in your eyes till you see the Princess again; but in response, you must make something to woo her, trust the princes have already attempted to swoon her with lavish gifts. You have her yes it's quite telling; yet she has gifted you a few things, like today."

"Today?" Dagda asked.

Ayana sighed; "The dress nephew...it was stunning was it not?"

Dagda nodded; not even having to think; "The dress was both for you and her, she meant to catch your eye, and she did, especially with the dagger on her thigh."

"I-" Dagda started, "I didn't know-"

"Dagda we both have eyes." Ayana cut in, causing him to sigh.

"Yes. She was... beautiful."

"The dress in that aspect shows her interest in you; on the other hand, it signifies her power; she was open to showing her weapon without concealment and seeming willing to wield it as needed; she's showing off her elegance and power; as well as her honesty; only back stabbers and low ballers hide their weapons. She's fully open to you and to her people, with style, of course." Ayana explained, Dagda giving her a confused look, causing her to sigh.

"She's not a bitch and is actually liked." Mandrake simplified, his sister hitting him in the chest.

"Mandrake." She scolded, "men never appreciate the whole picture I swear. Return the favor. Get her something nice- something you know she enjoys."

"She likes bread, tea. Bows and arrows." Dagda started to list.

"Seriously?" Ayana scolded, "You're just like your father, never know anything."

Mandrake pushed his sister's shoulder, as they started to bicker back and forth.

What did Y/n like? Sure. She liked bread, she brought her favorite bread over, she liked bows and arrows, knew extensively about them too, she took pride in her bow last time he saw it, yet he had never seen her with it since she had lost the quiver to the water.

"I have to go." Dagda spoke up, cutting his aunt and father off, and before they could truly say anything, he left with haste.

After he sat, he couldn't be found in another spot besides his own space: ingrained in carving the small detailing of the wood below. He had hoped she'd like the gift. Carving, sharpening, wrapping, tying off, and sewing, he crafted his life away.

Sometime after he set most things into place, he fell asleep in the wooden shavings shaped like curled ferns.

Dagda hopped she had dreams as good as his. Simplistic, nothing large: yet a happy flight across open skies with Y/n by his side.

Yet Y/n was being awoken. She looking up through hazy eyes as the loose form came into shape.

"Y/n."

"Nod?"

"Hey-"

She was up quickly, hugging him tightly. He chuckling.

"Miss me?"

"Where did you go?!"

"Off-"

"You idiot you cant do that!" Y/n argued pulling to look at him, "You scared me!-"

"Ah...Y/n I'm-"

He watched the tears come down her face: "sorry..." Nod finished.

Y/n looked at him only to hug him again tightly, "what happened!?"

"Does it matter?" Nod joked, "Finn found me. Seems like I wasn't the only one lost."

"Is Finn okay?" Y/n asked.

"He's okay."

Y/n hugged him tighter, Nod could only freeze, hands coming to rest on her back: she smelt good, and he deepened the hug by burrying his nose into the crook of her neck. If he took a bite, she'd kill him, and no. Not Y/n, though Y/n would probably kill him too.

Y/n pulled away: "and I'm sorry." Y/n apologized.

"For?"

"For?" Y/n asked, "I hurt your feelings Nod. I'm suppose to be your friend. I should have told you about Dagda."

"It's....fine." he answered...has he ever been apologized too by a higher up?

Y/n smiled, holding his hands; "I'm glad you're okay,"

He looked down at his hands in hers and nodded, "that's why I'm telling you this."

"Telling me what?" Nod asked watching her hands squeeze. his.

"I'm going to try and shoot for Wraithwood."

"What?" Nod asked, looking up at her, "You're not Wraithwood,"

"I know."

"You'll be killed."

"Then so be it," Y/n answered with a smile.

"There not even your people-"

"And I'd do the same for them," y/n told him,: "I know you dont agree with me, I know you won't ever probably agree with me. I've hurt you enough by lying to you. I'll never be a good ruler. Wont even be a good person if I keep hurting the people I love,"

"No matter who they are? No matter what they do?"

Y/n nodded: "Everyone deserves the truth nod."

A knock came on the door, and two workers came in; the usual two women.

"Ah! You found him!" One cheered.

"Glad to see you safe Nod!"

Y/n's hand slipped from Nod's.

"Yeah." Nod answered.

"Everyone alright dears?" One asked.

"Yeah." Y/n smiled, Nod only answered with a nod of his head.

"Well. If thats the case was your special somewhere here yesteday?"

"Please tell us how it went!"

Just like that they were welcomed so easily on Y/n's bed, cups of fresh tea in everyones hand as they talked happily about Y/n's crush.

"He's...very lovely." Y/n answered.

"Ah! Im so excited! Wedding? When?"

"What?!" Y/n laughed, "Wedding? No...no."

"Im sure Nod would walk you down the aisle. Right babe?" The woman asked.

Such a sweet woman.

"Yeah."

"I rather you be my best man." Y/n answered with a smile, "Ronin....if he would..."

"Im sure he would sweety." The second agreed.

Y/n smiled, "but! I'm not getting married- todays too important to think of anything else."

"Of course."

"You'll be great."

"Thank you for the encouraging words...Im...nervous."

"Really?"

"The princess of Moonhaven nervous?"

There was laughter from the two women Y/n chuckling along.

"I...should get going." Nod spoke up.

Y/n nodded, "We all have lots to do."

Nod set the cup on the tray and made his way out. Outside the room Finn was there. Waiting for him.

"What the fuck is your problem Flint." Finn argued.

"Nothing Grunt, lay off." Nod argued back.

"Whats the report."

"Nothing new. She's in love with....you know as she suspected."

Finn huffed, "come on. If we don't do this right she'll kill us. You know the plan. Or do I have to go over it again?"

"I know it." Nod argued, "You'll grab Ronin. When the stampede happens, I get the queen and princess when she says we'll slit their throats."

"Good, now come on."

It was a busy day, filled with last mintue preperations and last minthe checks.

Y/n was dressed in a more elegant gown, it down to her legs and a cream color with gold embroidery of small flower batches and lining, a thick belt like peice of fabric under her bust decorated with golden lily flowers, to finsih it off, a shawl thrown over it to combat the the cold of the same cream color- yet she replaced it with the cloak give to her by Daga, she resting the fabric in her in-elbow as she would with a shawl. Yet she was hot, a whole archery suit below her clothing added a fan in her hand. She hadn't spoken to Tara the whole day. Maybe it was just the busyness going on. Maybe Tara was just upset with her still.

Y/n took to staying outside until royals started to acculmate: ready for the games introductions. Wraithwood arrived earlier than other royals that were even staying in the castle.

Y/n bowed to the three.

"King of Wraithwood. Witch of Wraithwood." Y/n spoke, she looking at Dagda, "Prince of Wraithwood."

"Princess of Moonhaven." Mandrake and Ayana bowed, "Dagda."

"Princess of Moonhaven." Dagda bowed his head quickly.

Y/n smiled, "Im glad you found us hospititable enough to join us again."

"My brother enjoys people being put in there place." Ayana told, "What you did yesterday amused him."

Y/n chuckled, "I'm glad we were able to entertain then as well."

"Trust me. It was more than amusing." Ayana assured, "I quiet enjoyed it myself. So few men in the world, only boys. I hope my nephew has been polite to you in that sense."

"He has, thank you." Y/n informed.

"You have a different...dress today." Ayana pointed out.

"Ah. Yes." Y/n informed, "The queen sent a request in quiet a while ago-"

"You're meant to match Commander Ronin. Are you not?"

Y/n nodded, "Yes Ma'm."

"Do you have a knife under there?"

"I-"

"That's enough." Mandrake pushed his sister out the way.

"Fashion is everything to a woman." His sister argued.

"Since when were you a woman." Mandrake told.

"Excuse me?" Ayana spoke offended, "I've always been a woman."

"Says who? You? Might wanna look in the mirror."

"Listen here you little shit-"

And they started to bicker back at forth. They were siblings, after all. Her shoulder was grabbed softly, she feeling the nails set on her skin she turned to look at Dagda.

"Hey." Y/n smiled.

"Hi." He smiled back, "You... like the cloak?"

Y/n nodded, the smile never faultering, "Reminds me of the good times we've had so far, plus it's cozy."

Noticing the fan in her hand, he had to comment: "If you're too warm. You don't have to wear it, you won't hurt my feelings."

"I'd wear it on the hottest days." Y/n answered, "because its from you."

Dagda grew silent, flustered even as Y/n still smiled at him: she never didn't smile at him, he was quick to change the subject.

"I have something for you." Dagda spoke quickly, "If. That is you'll take it."

"Dagda you didn't have to-"

One of his castle gaurds came over, box in hand.

"I..know you lost the quiver of your old set." Dagda commented, the gaurd opening it for him.

Y/n was frozen in her spot, "If you don't like it-"

Y/n looked down at the hand crafted bow a quiver beside it, sitting nicely in fresh picked cotton.

"Dagda...I...may I?"

Dagda could only nod in response as he watched her take out the bow.

"I know its not like your usual bow."

Y/n could only chuckle as she spotted two bow silencers on it, she remembered that conversation.

"Sets are always nicer..." Dagda tried to persuade her of liking it.

The carving was beautiful, one side carved of leaves and in the center a hummingbirds eye, the other of thorns and a crows eye.

"I tried to recreate your style-"

"Its perfect." Y/n spoke up, "Ah! It's beatiful!"

She cheered as she hugged him tightly, "Dagda its perfect! I couldn't ask for anything better! Thank you so much!"

He was so frozen in his spot that she pulled away before he could even hug her back.

"Y/n!" She was called.

"Its perfect." She repeated.

"Im...uh glad you like it-"

"Y/n!"

She pulled away, "I have to go- I'll see you out there-"

"Y/n!"

Y/n was too quick to rush off almost: "don't forget the quiver!"

She rushed back, her feet sliding to a stop to grab it from the box before thanking him again and giving him a rough kiss on the cheek in gratitude, and quickly rushing off.

He watched her running form, she running down the hall to Ronin.

"She kissed you-" Ayana spoke.

"Y... yeah..." he spoke, watching her slide to a stop at Ronin.

"I was what? Oh, right." Ayana told looking at her brother.

"Screw off." Mandrake grumbled.

Y/n was raced off quickly to meet with Queen Tara and Ronin. Something about game introductions or something, maybe it was about behavior. Yet Y/n was to invest in the feelings beneath her fingertips, her hands behind her back hiding the quiver and bow as she "listened" to Tara.

"I know I taught you different," Tara explained. She had been apologzing.

Tara contuined to talk, yet was receving no form of acknowledgement, "Y/n?"

"Mhm." Y/n nodded softly, her fingers running over the engraving of the crows eye, "I get it."

"You can tell me anything. Both of us, you know that." Tara told.

"Full honesty?" Y/n asked.

Tara nodded, "Please."

Y/n looked at Ronin and at Tara, "Wraithwood should be shooting in the games."

"That was a concil decision." Tara spoke, "I can not change that."

Y/n nodded, "Okay."

"Is...there anything else?" Tara asked.

Y/n shook her head no, "Come then. Let us be royals... again." Tara tried to joke but Y/n only nodded.

The spring games were always a festive time of friendly competition. Each kingdom out on there own leaf float carried by dragon flies showing there pride in there kingdoms flag.

Y/n sat besides a standing Ronin, on her other side Finn. The royals on each side of the Moonhaven royalty. Dagda had been watching her: bow and quiver he made her disappeared from her grasp, perhaps the queen had taken it from her.

"Exciting right!" Tara cheered.

"Mhm." Y/n hummed, causing Tara to frown.

It grew quiet between the two as each kingdom was introduced there people cheering, flags high.

Wraithwood's flag is nowhere to be seen, not in the parade, at least, she had remembered the raged ends that had seen combat marching it was towards the castle the other day.

"Sanchez is our hero this year." Ronin whispered to her, "I bet two dried honey combs we win."

Y/n looked at the woman that stood head of the Moonhaven float. She held her head proud with the post in hand: moonhavens flag flying. Her people cheered for her.

"I'll take that up." Y/n answered.

They were let into the water below, dragon flys let go and floats disbursed throughout the water.

Tara was soon to get up: ready to announce the beginning of the spring games in excitement the kingdoms together for fun and sportsmen ship. Ronin at her side just a step back.

"I'll be back." Y/n told Finn, she getting up and quickly leaving.

"What?-" Finn asked yet she had already left, he cursing under his breath, she'd have his head, "shit-"

And he rushed after her.

With the loud cheering the finishing of Tara's speech and her to return to her seat, she spotted Y/n's empty seat. She looking at Ronin, Finn was gone as well.

"Where did they go?" Tara asked.

Yet Ronin had no answer, yet an excuse, "water?"

Tara gave him a "really?" Look as he was quick to rush off to find the missing two.

The first game: archery: Moonhaven's opening game as it always had been. Moohaven given the luxury of the first shot.

Sanchez had always been a good shot, third in command. A married woman to a bakery woman somewhere in town, with two of her own kids.

Four targets, four shots.

One dead center, with two in the most inner ring and the last at the furthest outer ring.

Cheering clearly from Moon Haveners and clapping from the Royals.

"Not bad." Queen Misti commented.

"Sanchez is one of our top female archers." Tara informed.

"Mhm." Queen Misti hummed in acknowledgement, she watching the games intensely.

"And who is shooting for you Wraithwood?" King Rowan commented.

"Ignorance is not flattering." Ayana commented.

Yet before anyone from Noxis could argue back; they were up to shoot.

There second in command, a man with vitiligo, and with his family in the crowd: his newly pregnant wife and two twin daughters watching from the crowds.

"Its daddy!"

"I see. We gave him our luck today right we didnt forget?"

"Yes Mama!"

Two in the most inner ring, with the other two on the most outer rings.

Not truly know what was good besides hitting the target his daughters happily cheered from the side lines.

"Do all your women have this type of tounage?" King Rowan questioned.

"She will do as she pleases," Mandrake argued.

"Ah! My Son is up!" Queen Euthalia cheered standing up to clap for her child as he took position.

For everyones luck it killed the argument, and settled it for the moment.

Three centered and one in the inner ring, that would be a hard shot to beat.

"That's my boy!" She cheered, her husband trying to get her to sit back down with a light chuckle in his voice.

"He did so good!"

"Of course, he did dear, he's been practicing for a while now,"

She sat back down with a smile towards her husband.

Y/n watched from the crowd, she blending in easy with the people, after all her dress had been discarded, left in the stables uphill with the rat cloak over her shoulders and its opened mouth up top her head, the bow across her body and her quiver on her belt.

The commander of the People of the Glaze stood up to take her shots.

That's when Y/n started to move, people distracted by the flying arrows.

Unlike the other kingdoms, Wraithwoods tattered flag was back on land, all by its lonesome. Closing in on the lonesome flag crows perched on the treetops, hidden in their silence.

Nod had spotted her- finally, he couldn't do this, quickly he made his way through the people following her, he was able to catch her right before she even reached her hand out to grab the flag pole.

"Don't." Nod pleaded with her.

She turned her head, "Don't do it." He pleaded.

"Nod, I have to it's only fair,"

"Please just-" out the corner of his eye he spotted people walking his way; his people, "It's wrong- it isn't right-"

"Nod I-"

"Please!" he begged both his hands coming out to grab her hand, "You're a good person, I didn't believe it at first- but you changed my view, you do things out of love, genuine love! If you love Prince Dagda, you won't do it-"

He looked around, if he didn't leave now, he'd be killed, "Forgive me, please, I didn't want this, She-"

A round of applause cut him off, his mouth moving but she not hearing the words, and like that he looked around once more in worry and ran off as quick as he could. Leaving her to call his name and try and grab him back but he was too fast.

She looked back the flag post before grabbing the wooden pole and making her march.

"People of the United Kingdoms!" Tara announced to people, "I am proud to announce The Kingdom of the-"

Tara paused as she watched the Wraithwood's flag be walked; the singular entitiy by it's lonesome.

"A joke?" Prince Aalto commented with a chuckle, "I must say Queen Tara you have got me,"

Yet the calls of crows caught the ears of everyone, this was no joke.

"What is this? " King Constanine questioned, "Queen Tara-"

The person stopped, and Ronin ran out the stables doors, he high enough up on the hill to see what was happening below, that, and he had found Y/n's dressed discarded on the floor of an empty pen.

Y/n pulled down her hood, and the kingdom was full of gasp and murmurs of confusion.

She looking up at Tara's wide-eyed expression and tense shoulders.

What was Y/n doing?

"What is the world! Queen Tara what game is this!" King Rowan argued.

"People of the United Kingdoms!" Y/n announced to the crowd, "Moonhaven! The People of the Glaze! Kingdom Noxis! Northern Woods, Wraithwood! I am Princess Y/n of Moonhaven! And I will be shooting in Wraithwood's name!"

"Queen Tara!? This is insanity!"

"It's preposterous!"

"Your princess is filled with insanity!"

"Queen Tara you must do something about this!"

Standing in her shock she could only stare down at Y/n, what in the hell, what was her problem!? The look of shock started to drip with anger-

"You are not Wraithwood!" Mandrake stole the attention, "You cannot shoot for Wraithwood, every boggin knows the pride of there kill, this, is not there's if Moonhaven shoots."

A uproar from the boggins came; there pride clear, and loud.

"Then..." Y/n started with a soft voice, she taking in a deep breathe, before directing her sights on the boggins, she could spot Ronin on the move behind the crowds, "People of Wraithwood, I ask your permission!"

Looking back towards Mandrake and his sister, "King of Wraithwood! Witch of Wraithwood! I ask your permission!"

The grip on the flagpole tightened, as she looked over at Dagda, he had been watching her intently; and her foot slid back, and her body came down onto one knee, "Prince of Wraithwood, Prince Dagda I ask for your permission, and for you to give me the honor of not only allowing me to shoot for your kingdom..."

People stand on the edge of their seats; people holding there breathe, the wind standing still.

"...but to be part of it, by your hand in marriage!"

Another round of gasp and murmurs from the crowds.

"What!?"

"Queen tara!"

"Do something about this!"

"Please, Dagda!" Y/n announced, "I'd do anything for you, and I'd do anything for the people you love and the world you love!"

"Bold." Mandrake commented to his son, who was still stuck in shock, "I like her."

"Father!" Dagda scolded.

"You may. Attempt!" Mandrake told, "I am not so easily impressed as my son!"

"What?!" Tara snapped, looking back at Mandrake, "I understand the delusions of a child, but agreement to this!"

"You have raised her." Ayana defended her brother, "You should be proud of such a display,"

"This is insanity!" King Constantine argued, "Queen Tara please- You know this is wrong-"

Yet cheering stole the royals attention as Y/n took her first shot.

Dead center.

Forbidden love announced to the world took some guts, a good show of archery was an added bonus.

She walked up to Moonhaven's spot, Sanchez taking a step back with an approving nod.

"Not bad at all Princess."

"What was I supposed to do? Wait around for him to do it?" Y/n answered, causing Sanchez to chuckle, and Y/n quick to take stance once again.

Ronin went to shout for her; his plan to order to her to a hault. Yet a civilian came up beside him, another leafman on the other side and he was hit on the temple with the end of a sword, the two quickly dragging him off to hide.

Another shot to the center.

The Kingdom of Noix's commander was glad to step out for her, it angered king Rowan even more.

"Good luck, marriage, it's a... curse, but mostly a blessing," He told her in a playful tone, "I wish you the best Princess, may the light guide your arrow,"

Y/n bowed her head in response, he only doing the same as she took position, bow up, and arrow knocked, she pulled back and released.

Centered once again.

Cheers from the crowd, as she moved onto the final target, her fourth an final shot.

Yet Atticus wouldn't move, and he wore an expression of anger on his face, thing is he had seemed mad since Y/n went missing from the royal box, plans ruined.

"Watch what you do next Princess," Atticus snapped.

"Watch what you say to my people," Y/n spoke calmly, receiving a snarled expression in response from the Prince in front of her, "Sorry? Have I been unladylike my Prince? Perhaps you'd wish for me to drop on my knees in forgiveness?"

She shoved him out the way with a strong solider; he grabbing her arm, "Never send someone else to do your fucking work-"

Y/n froze in her spot, a foreign feeling in her stomach as she was shoved back by him.

"People of the Untied Kingdoms!" Prince Atticus announced, "This is who you look up too!? What pitty!"

She fell to her knees, holding her stomach as the blood pooled in her hands.

"Princess Y/n!"

Yet anyone that tried to make a move was held at sword and arrow point.

"A shame!" Prince Atticus spoke, "This is you're Princess Moonhaven!?

She was grabbed by her hair and turned towards the crowds.

"y/n!" Tara shouted for her, yet she was grabbed by her hair, and pulled back into the chair, a sword coming up to her neck.

Finn hand a grip on her hair, and tigght.

"Queen Tara!"

Yet a mix of the kingdom's soldiers dropped down, they forcing everyone back into their seats.

Atticus laughed, "Ah! Who am I kidding! I suppose I'm just a bit angry from not being invited! After all! My kingdom wasn't invited to the celebration- Last time I even brought a gift! You remember that! Don't you my son! King Mandrake of Wraithwood! What was her name? What was it...oh...that little whore from Moonhaven-"

"She's dead." Ayana commented, "There's no way-"

"Winslet!" Atticus commented with a smile, "Little old Winslet-"

It was sudden the arrow once on the ground; she had dropped it once Atticus had shoved her, was in Y/n's hand, and suddenly drug across Atticus face causing him to drop her hair and her to fall on her side.

What was once the face of a Prince was stripped away, Atticus replaced with a woman; a web of fungi across her eyes and down to her mouth that stretch as she groveled in pain for a moment. She ripped the arrow from her cheek; Fungi quick to weave its way over the injury, and Y/n was quickly swung at she swiped across the face with a slap so hard it sent her back to the floor.

"Now...Where was I?" She contuined, "ah. Right. To show no malintent towards your people. I brought...gifts."

Dragged from mainland to the front and center lily pads Nod, the real Nod, battered and brusied was tossed down.

"Nod?"

He groaned as he looked over at her.

"And...apologizes for my people. They can't help a gem when they find it,"

Finn was tossed down next, he looking worse than Nod, he filled with cuts and brusises, with a dried bloody nose.

"Finn..."

He looked over at her, but the expression he wore told her even glancing at her hurt.

"N/n..." he smiled weakly at her, just to be kicked in the stomach.

"No! Don't hurt him!" Y/n argued.

There was silence from the woman, "Hm...alright."

Y/n looked up at her in a confused matter, so easily deterred?

"Bring me...." she thought looking around, "ah...yes. that one."

Y/n looked up at Ayana, who was quickly grabbed from the royal box by the enemy gaurd, a growth of fungi and mold growing a path down towards the edge of the lily pads.

"Let her go!" Mandrake ordered.

"Get off me!" Ayana demanded but was grabbed by the back of her neck and dragged down the slanted path.

As she was dragged along the lily pads Y/n tried to get up, a soilder dropping her back into place with the kick of the back of her knees and the pulling of both her wrist together and above her head.

Ayana was forced to kneel infront of Y/n, and at her mother's whim.

"Give it here boy."

A sword was passed between the two, "No...No. No! Please, please don't - "

It was a quick movement, hair pulled back and Ayana was sliced across her throat.

Tears ran down Y/n's face, and as simple as that Ayana's lifeless body as kicked to the waters.

The screaming in the background was devastating to anyone that could hear it: Mandrake had just lost his sister to their own mother.

Y/n was picked up by her hair by the mother again, taken from the gaurd once holding her.

"I thought you had more bite. Shame."

The world froze, the distant call for pleads to stop and of her name faint to the ear, her throat had been slit, and she had been dropped to the lily pad below her feet.

If it wasn't blood curleding enough from Mandrake, Tara joined in: screaming for Y/n to come back: this was just a bad dream. Others were dazed, the scream from Tara the ringing in there ears as

"Take the royals inside. I want a tour of my new kingdom. Lock people in homes, Set them on fire if you wish, I don't care." The Mother ordered.

"Yes My Queen." A gaurd responded, he quick to give orders.

"Y/n..." Dagda could barely speak, shocked, what was once a marriage proposal was now a funeral, he dragged with the other royals back inside.

"You're a fucking Monster!" Nod shouted, "A monster!"

The Mother kicked Y/n into the water to let her sink, she walking up to a cursing Nod, a solider picking him up to his knees.

"You're a fucking monster!" Nod shouted.

"Drag him away," She ordered watching the boy be dragged away.

"Nothing to say? Hm? Or have I robbed you of your balls too-"

He spat at her, a mixture of blood and saliva hit her cheek - her reaction: the third victim to the throat slice and bottom of the pond.

"No backbone in these people." She sighed, "Guard."

"Yes, my queen."

"Grab the bodies from the pond. Drain them," she ordered, "I hate good wine to go to waste."

"Yes, My queen."

The mother walked off; off towards the Moonhaven castle as the crying of children being torn away from their parents, families being separated and forced in different directions.

Like music to her ears.

Flint walked around, avoiding groups of people and gaurds alike, he making his way towards the water: the facade of Nod gone, and replaced with a veil of mold and fungi over his eyes and some past his nose, his dim purple eyes scoured around carefully, before getting behind a rock and diving into the water.

Dagda was forced down the hallway, and he separated from his father, grouped with the other royal children.

Imbreg had started to cry, her arms around Dagda and face hidden in Dagda's side, most of the younger children had clung to him in fear.

"Its okay. It'll be okay." He told the kids, he carrying Imbreg and holding her close, "I've got you shh..."

They were forced and locked in Y/n's room. Well...what was Y/n's room.

"Dagda what do we do?" Imbreg asked looking up at him.

"Hey. We're gonna be alright." Dagda told her, he looking down at rhe younger children, "Right? We're gonna be okay? We're together. That...That's what makes us strong!"

"We're waiting to be drained of our Blood." Aalto answered he taking a seat against the wall, "Its what their people do. What your people do."

Dagda glared at him, "This isnt my fault-"

"Your right its mine I should have struck you down when I first saw you." Aalto argued, "Your head would have made a good stepping stool. We wouldn't have been in this mess if Wraithwood just died."

"Would you shut up!" Jaal argued.

"Me?" Aalto snapped standing up in his anger.

"Yes You! This whole time you just dont shut the fuck up!"

"Oh? And you did a real good job at that when Y/n shut you down did you!?"

"I was only rude to her to not have to marry her!" Jaal argued, "You know that!"

"What so you can go with that deaf whore!-"

Jaal was quick to move, and slap Aalto across the face.

"Call Maralin that again and I'll rip your head from your neck!" Jaal snarled, grabbing Aalto by his face roughly, "At least I ain't an artificial cuck! At least be real before you start runnin' your mouth."

Aalto could only glare at Jaal, who only held his eye contact, his gaze intense and deep, yet finally Jaal tossed Aalto's head to the side, releasing his grip.

"Fuck you." Aalto grumbled, rubbing his jaw.

Jaal turned towards Dagda, "I'll follow you."

Dagda nodded, "thank you."

What was he supposed to do? Children in hand and one other capable solider at hand? It would be wise to split up.

What would Y/n do?

"Aalto will take the children, sneak out-"

"I'm not listening to you," Aalto spoke.

"Then you'll be fresh wine." Jaal informed, "I'll sneak the kids out,"

"Get them into Wraithwood, hide them with the moles," Dagda ordered.

"I'll come back to help,"

"No- Get the people out, I can handle...whatever that lady is," Dagda told; "Y/n would put her people before her, she did the same for my people, it's right to return the favor-"

Dagda looked around, spotting the window, "Take the window,"

"How do we get them all down? It's too far to catch them,"

"Just...Let me think."

Flint pulled Y/n's limp body from the water's, her neck sliced, if she hadn't died from the blood loss she died from the drowing.

He dragged her from the water, and quickly up to dry land, he hovering over her deceased body, "no...no no..."

He was quick to pull a knife from his side, he lifting the knife to his face, pulling on the veil of fungi he took in a deep breathe, biting his lower lip before making a quick slice, he wincing as the fresh air hit the wound, little droplets of blood dripping onto Y/n's face and neck as he worked. He was quick to cut a thin vein from the fungus and slip it into the cut in Y/n's neck.

With a fresh source, the fungus took over quickly; the veins of her neck turned dark, and the thinnest vein was weaving her skin closed. With the wound closed it traveled up her neck, and all the way up to her cheek bone, it would spread more with time-

Y/n started to choke, Flint sighing in relief as she rolled over, coughing up water trapped in her lungs.

"Hey- Hey-"

she turned her head before pushing back at him, and his helping hand; "Look, we don't have much time-"

"Someone's over here!"

"Get em!"

"Come on!" Flint argued grabbing her arm and helping her to her feet before running off with her, back into the water, where they quickly hid low enough behind a large rock.

"This way!"

The soldiers continued there run after intruders as she peaked out; not Moon haven soldier's from the color pallet alone she could tell that.

Then it hit her, she turned back towards the young man, he gesturing for her to be quiet and follow him, she did. From the water and quickly up the path to the hummingbird stables.

Up in the stables where they were given a moment to breathe; she did so deeply; feeling a lump stuck in her neck she held it, and quickly rushed to a full trough of water, shocked by her complexation, shocked at what had grown across her neck. Just to look over at the young man who was breathing heavy still.

"You did this?" She asked him.

He just nodded quickly; "I did enough bad by you; and you did nothing but treated me with kindness...it'll spread; like all fungus does..."

"What is it?"

"Cordyceps...mostly." He responded, "Within the hour you'll be in moderate control to the Queen...she has to die before that."

"Why me" Y/n spoke.

"I may be her offspring; but I can't fight, not her." he started, "She has the kings and queens of the seasons in the throne room, kids locked up in your room...but you asked why..."

He was quiet, his lips once in a straight line frowned: "I set you up...I pulled you through this...I...it gets a hold on people. She gets a hold on people. It's not just the rot and fungus she infects you with... that...I...infected you with...its...bigger than just what she's made of..."

Y/n was silent, "Where's Ronin?"

"Dungeon, along with Nod" He answered, "And the other leafmen."

"Finn?"

He was quiet, "...I... he...and... Witch Ayana...are dead, by her hand...I'm sorry."

Y/n closed her eyes to gather her thoughts and forgive those who she had failed.

"Any civilians?'

"Dungeons and locked in homes; she's plan on burning them down givin' enough time. Injuries, but not casualties, not yet. She'll let them seep in fear."

Y/n was silent in thought.

"you're bow," He spoke, pulling them from there hiding spot; bows and arrows, her quiver still tied to her despite her previous state.

She grabbed the bow from him, and filled the quiver.

"And a sword." he spoke, handing her the weapon: Ronin's sword.

She took it, "thanks." And slipped it into her belt.

"I'll support you in any way I can." He told her.

Y/n looked at him; "Can you get Finn and Witch Ayana like me?"

Flint shook his head, "They were taken by the Queen...for wine..."

"If I stopped her,"

He nodded, "they'd have to have their head and attached to the spinal cord, it's the root of how the fungus will spread."

"Alright, listen to me, the kids are safe in my room, I'll storm the throne room-"

"You can't go head on she has guards-"

"Then from the back windows," Y/n adjusted her plan, "Get everyone from the dungeon, then get them to get civilians out,"

"Her forces haven't reached Wraithwood."

"Perfect. Get them there." Y/n ordered, "I'm trusting you..."

"Flint." He introduced himself.

"I'm trusting you Flint, do not fail me."

"Yes Ma'am."

He was quick to split ways with her, and she was quick to make her way out of the stables.

"I have to say Queen Tara," The Mother spoke, "I quiet like your changes to the place, last time I was here- the last queen, she was.... something else. And that is not a compliment."

Tara struggled against her confines, arms wrapped up and bound to the person next to her; rott and fungus slowly creeping up her arms.

"Ronin will kill you," Tara threatened.

"Ronin?" The Mother laughed, "The Lioheart!? Hah!"

She took a seat in Tara's throne, "To be honest queen Tara I was expecting you to be the challenge, or atleast my dear old son."

Mandrake growled at her, "That's what happens when you mate with a bitch I presume." She argued.

"My now dead husband was always a push over, I mean. I killed him as soon as I knew Mandrake was on the way, not my cleanest job. But that-"

She gestured towards the rot and fungus climbing up Tara's arm.

"That's something I'm proud of Cordyceps, took quiet a while to perfect, not only will you all be mine within the hour It's stopping- well, you. The challenge. "

"Then I'll kill you-" Mandrake threatened, which only caused her to laugh.

"You!? The cross breeding bitch?" She started laughing, getting up to make her way towards him, before kneeling; "But how can I blame you? At least your little whore has a spine- well, had, before I killed her and ripped it out,"

"I rip your spine out myself!-"

She slapped him across the face before she grabbed him by his ear, "Is that any way to talk to your mother, boy? I should drain you of what blood you have, but I don't drink cheap."

She tossed his face to the side roughly as he glared at her. Tara struggling against the restraints thats connected them.

"My queen."

She turned her head: four gaurds, two to a body dragging in the deceased Finn and Ayana.

"What perfect timing. I was just getting thirsty."

Flint walked passed gaurds and soilders, eyes gazed down, his goal the basement and then below that the dungeon. The trek down the long flight of spiral stairs was unbothered and was silent.

He opened the heavy door to the dungeon allowing the shouting and laughing to be heard.

"Let me go!"

"Aw! A pretty little thing like you? Why should I?"

Flint walked down the short hall, filled cells on each side, gaurds mostly and in the center of the room was his brother Grunt and some of his friends messing with a younger soilder, he most likely barely made rank.

"Whattya say boys? Im a single man-" Grunt laughed.

"Let him go."

"Oh here comes killjoy..." Grunt's friend grumbled.

The soilder turned around: the facade of Finn dropped and replaced with a half veiled face of web - just like the others built of rot and cordicypus. His skin slightly more rotted and infected than Flint's, after all he was the warrior of the two.

"I've got this. Don't worry." Grunt laughed to his friends pushing the young leafman into there arms where they held his arms, "Throw em back-"

"Let him go." Flint repeated.

"Got a spine finally Flint?" Grunt laughed, Flint gulping in response, as his brother started to approach, "I. I said let him go!"

"I. I. I-" Grunt mocked, the leafman being thrown back into one of the full cells, "What? You'll do what!? Tell Me Flint, what's a punny peice of shit like you gonna do?"

"I." Flint tried to muster, taking a step back, "I..."

Flint looked around for an answer, finding the dagger on his brothers belt, "I'll stab you!"

Grunt paused, then broke out laughing; "You. You'll stab me?! With what?! Hm? You're nails? Or those pens and scrolls you use all day?!"

Flint was quiet as Grunt could only continue to laugh at him; he turning back towards his friends, "Can you believe this? He thinks he's gonna do something-"

With quick movement Flint grabbed the dagger from his brother's belt, and Grunt grabbed his wrist quickly, "Wow, spines finally coming in?"

"Let go!" Flint argued trying to pull himself away from his brother's grasp, but with a failed attempt, he restored to the second best a kick to the gut.

It surprised Grunt, he losing his grip and quickly being jumped upon, "You fucking pyscho!-"

Stab in the neck, Grunt collapsed, Flint pulling the blade out to drive it in again. The other two watched in fear, when had the younger brother become so violent?

Finally, with a deep cut and slice, Grunt's head was removed, the sound of his spine splitting in two caused someone in the the stall to hurl into a corner.

Flint looked up from his mess and wiped what blood was on his face to his bloodied hands, they rushing from the dungeon and out to the stairs and looked along the men and women soilders. The boy he was once impersonating no where to be seen and neither was the man who had tried so hard to keep Moonhaven safe.

"Where's Nod," Flint asked looking around, "Where's Ronin?"

"They took em, both em." A woman replied, "Somethin' about wine."

Flint was quick to open up the cells, "Where!" He ordered.

"To you're queen,"

Y/n scaled the castle wall; the glass that faced and framed the throne Tara once sat in was dark and accompanied by the Mother.

She watched her get up; and following her footsteps she spotted the royals, Tara and Mandrake bound together by the same fungus that was growing rapidly across her neck and face, by now it had traveled down to her elbow.

A group of guards stole the woman's attention, and with them they dragged the corpses of Ayana and Finn.

"Bring me a glass, crack open the girls headfirst," She ordered, returning to her spot in front of Mandrake, who was eye wided, staring at his sister's body which laid eyes facing him, so carelessly discarded by their own mother.

"Don't do this-" Mandrake begged looking at his mother; "Please!"

She only looked down at him; "Please!"

"Bring my son a glass as well," She ordered returning to the throne.

She sat; and the stained glass that framed the throne from behind was broken, Y/n sword in hand, flew through open air, arms and hand cut by flying glass. She landed up top the throne, it knocked over as the woman had moved too quick. stepping back and creating distance between the two. Y/n was quick to step over the fallen chair and the circling began.

"Didn't I kill you?" The woman snapped, she grabbing a sword from one of the guard's sheaths as she passed, they started to pace a circle.

"Don't you know who I am?" Y/n argued back; "You think you could kill me?"

The woman growled at her, tip of the sword dragging along the shiny floor, that mark forever engrained in the stone.

"Then again, who did I think you were?" Y/n spoke, "You had to send someone else to do your bidding, didn't you?"

"When you're as powerful as me, it fun to watch people squabble in fear of getting things done," The woman argued.

"Sounds like your too pussy to even own up to it," Y/n answered.

It was a movement of impulse- full of anger and rage; she'd teach Y/n her truth strength; swords clashed as Y/n blocked the womans oncoming attack. Y/n was quick to push her off to the left, punching the woman clean across the face and off to the side.

The woman coughed and felt her mouth; fresh blood ran down her lips, and feeling the stream it came from her nose.

Y/n turned back on her; ready to attack, yet she was blocked, the woman swinging at her quickly and heavy, she having a hard time keeping up with the harsh attacks as metal clashed against each other hard. It forced Y/n back, back towards the throne, and back towards the small set of steps that lead up to them, she stepped back, slipping on the stone, sending her to the ground, a swords tip pointed towards her.

"What a shame," The woman argued, "I was having fun- maybe I'll let you live, controlling you will be fun,"

Y/n glared at her, the door opening off to the side as heads turned, "Ah! What perfect timing!" In they dragged Nod and Ronin, they battered and bruised, and barely managing to keep their eyes open, and in behind them, a Moon haven Castle Worker, shaking as he brought in classes on a fancy try; behind him a woman, screw tap in hand and a bucket. Y/n looked up at the woman, this woman wasn't actually- was she?

"Oh, please darling, don't give me that face," She spoke, smirking, "How about this, we'll crack open Tara's head! Fresh while she's alive! All in your name!"

[ceruleanwhore]

I was just listening to the OtGW soundtrack in the car and I realized that there’s stuff in the music that actually backs up my kinda crack theory that the Queen of the Clouds is actually the Beast, or at least is tied to the Beast somehow (if we’re going with the idea that the show is Dante’s Inferno, the Woodsman and Adelaide could represent two of the three beasts from the Dark Wood of Error while the cloud lady could be the third.) First, I just want to take a moment to introduce my theory since I haven’t posted about it before. Basically, a while ago, as I was thinking about the ending of the series and trying to figure out what Greg wished for and how he ended up going from the Queen of the Clouds to being in that daze under the Beast’s control, it occurred to me that maybe they were one and the same. Part of this comes from how information about the Beast is provided to the boys and, by extent, the audience. We start off with generic fear about a nameless, nondescript ‘beast’ but, in “Songs of the Dark Lantern”, we are told for the first time that the Beast tells lies and also that the main thing he does is turn children into trees that he harvests for oil to fuel his lamp. To me, this says that he can’t just sneak up behind a child and turn them into a tree but, rather, that he tells lies because he has to lure them in somehow and trick them into becoming the trees. Also, the Beast is known for his lies and we see the Cloud Queen showing Wirt to Greg and lying to him about how Wirt has already been claimed and is too far gone and there is no way for him to go home with Greg. The other main piece of evidence for my little theory here is what Greg is doing with the Beast at the end, how he’s acting, and what exactly he’s saying. He’s doing stuff like putting a teacup on a rock so the sun sets behind it, because he had been told to catch the sun in a cup, and the Beast praises him for this, using a soft tone of voice like a normal person would use with a child that really isn’t befitting of a ‘beast’ at all. And yet, after being shown to do a task that the Beast asked him to do and praised him for completing, Greg is still saying to Wirt that he “did it,” that he “beat the Beast.” Well, if he was even the tiniest bit grounded in reality, there would be no way in Hell he’d be saying that as he’s been going around serving the Beast himself while his physical condition gets significantly worse and he even starts coughing up leaves. This clearly indicates that Greg is out to lunch, mentally, and I think it strongly supports the idea that Greg does not know at all that it’s the Beast who’s having him do stuff like catch the sun in a cup or that it’s the Beast who’s praising him. What I think it is is that, in his head, this is all stuff he’s running around doing for the Cloud Queen in order to set up for or earn whatever his wish was and she’s the one he sees and hears and thinks he’s talking to. Now, as for how the soundtrack further supports this, I’d like to start with singing in the series. Most characters don’t sing at all and few have their own songs, but something that just became clear to me is that, like what Lin Manuel Miranda did in Hamilton, each character who really does sing their own songs gets their own signature style of music. For example, Jason Funderburker (the frog) gets that kind of bluesy sound like in the opening theme and the song “Over the Garden Wall”  while Greg has that really upbeat kids’ music, like with “Potatoes and Molasses” and “Adelaide Parade.” More importantly, though, the only two characters in the whole thing who ever sing opera are the Beast and the Queen of the Clouds. Other bits include the part where Greg is ‘Greg’ to literally everyone except the Cloud Queen and the Beast, who both call him ‘Gregory.’ Additionally, there’s the scene at the start of the last episode when the Beast is talking to Greg and he says “Anything is possible if you set your mind to it, right?” which sticks out because we’ve never seen Greg say that to the Beast or even just around him, but he did just say it to the Cloud Queen not that long ago. This one’s a bit of a stretch but there’s also how the light reflects in Greg’s eyes both as he enters the dream and when he’s talking to the Queen of the Clouds which reminded me of the “you have beautiful eyes” part of the first episode when those wild, glowing eyes of the corrupted dog reflect in Greg’s own eyes. Moreover, the lyrics of “Everything is Nice and Fine All the Time” and “Forward Oneiroi” have some bits that sound kind of sinister, which doesn’t make sense if the Cloud Kingdom and their queen are actually just good and nice. Specifically, “Everything is Nice and Fine” has a couple mentions of lies, which is something that throughout the series really only comes up in the Unknown when it comes to the Beast or fear of him, and there’s one line that really sticks out to me of “Our songs are filled with love, the sweetest lie/And we can send them down to you with a little shove.” The cherubs in this Cloud Kingdom are literally coming out and saying that love, or maybe just their love, is a lie so their songs, including the one they’re singing about how everything is nice and fine all the time, are “filled with” a lie. Not to mention the line of “Lasso a cloud and make the flowers grow,” which is eerily reminiscent of the task Greg is given later on of “lowering the sun out of the sky and into this china cup” in how it’s such a whimsical yet surreal and impossible action. I’m also just going to put the lyrics to “Forward Oneiroi” here real quick so you can see them:      Forward, cherubs, hear the song      A child's wishes call us on      Descend! Descend!      'Ere he 'scapes, for dreams      Our winged wind hath made      For only beneath the veil of sleep      Can we Oneiroi act on men. The first thing I want to talk about here is the actual Oneiroi. From what I found, Oneiroi were lesser deities of dreams in some forms and areas of Hellenic paganism who were led by Morpheus, who tended to take a human shape in the dreams he visited. If the welcome wagon is all the Oneiroi who are addressed in the Cloud Queen’s song, then that means that she, as their leader, is the Morpheus figure, as in a powerful being who isn’t actually human but takes a human shape in dreams. Also, that second part of “Descend! Descend!/'Ere he 'scapes” sounds genuinely threatening. If the dream is so good and “everything is nice and fine all the time,” why would Greg ‘escape’? And now I’ll  put in the lyrics to Beast’s part of Come Wayward Souls too because I want to compare these two songs:      Come, wayward souls      And wander through the darkness      There is a light for the lost and the meek      Sorrow and fear are easily forgotten      When you submit to the soil of the earth Okay so where I’m going with this is that these songs feel very similar to me, both in tone and musicality as well as lyrical content. If you took “Forward Oneiroi” and swapped out the words “cherubs” and “Oneiroi” for “children” or “souls” and then just put it in a darker sounding minor key, I think it would feel about the same as “Come Wayward Souls” and I definitely could see that song being one of the Beast’s. I would also point out how the lyrics of both the Beast’s songs have this weirdly encouraging, light, hopeful tone, which makes sense given that he waits for kids to get lost and give up and then he comes in and scoops them up. In “Wayward Souls,” he says “There is a light for the lost and the meek/Sorrow and fear are easily forgotten/When you submit to the soil of the earth,” which yes, sounds kinda ominous with the part about submitting to the earth but, really, is putting light and hope out there. It’s saying that, if you just go with him and submit to the earth, there is a light for you, some beacon of hope, and you can forget the sorrow and fear you’re currently feeling. He does the same in “The Jolly Woodsman,” too: “When the fog of life surrounds you/When you think you've lost your way/Come with me and join the forest/Come with me and join the play.” Lastly, I want to compare the kids’ choir part of “Wayward Souls” and “Potatus et Molassus” to “Everything is Nice and Fine.” For reference, the full choir part is “Grow, tiny seed/You are called to the trees/Rise 'til your leaves fill the sky/Until your sighs fill the air in the night/Lift your mighty limbs/And give praise to the fire.” The first thing that sticks out is how much this choir of children who we know to be the souls in the edelwood trees are talking about reaching up to the sky with the branches of their trees, which reminds me of lines like “So hitch a ride into the sky,” “The softest clouds and rainbow skies ain’t gonna lie,” and “Everyone is sittin' pretty on top of the weather,” from “Everything is Nice and Fine.” I thought I’d already said it but I just looked back and apparently I didn’t say that, with the idea that the Cloud Queen is the Beast, there is also the idea that everyone we see in Cloud City is just the not-yet-sacrificed souls of the children in the edelwoods, and stuff like this kinda goes with that. Another thing I noticed that makes sense to me, though idk if it’ll make sense to everyone, is that “Potatoes and Molasses” is to “Potatus et Molassus” as “Everything is Nice and Fine” is to the children’s choir part in the Beast’s song. I would even go so far as to claim that the whole point of the “Potatus et Molassus” reprise is to draw attention to “Everything is Nice and Fine” and then call into question everything from the Cloud City stuff. I say this because, as I said previously, each character who sings their own designated songs has their own designated style and Everything is Nice and Fine is in a similar style to Greg’s own style (it’s a bit different though, so it’s not like they just used Greg’s style because it’s his dream or something) while “Potatus et Molassus” is in the same exact style as the “grow tiny seed” stuff, to the extent that the children’s choir is even used in that song. So, when I look at Greg in episodes 8 and 10, I think that what’s going on is that the Beast doesn’t just come up and talk to you as this ominous, scary shadow guy with antlers and weird eyes but, rather, he can be subtle and manipulative and do shit like get inside of your head and manipulate you. After all, Satan’s a liar and a conjurer too and, with the Inferno view of OtGW, the Beast is Satan. My bet is that, at the start of episode 10, Greg is aware enough to know that he’s no longer in his dream but he sees the Queen of the Clouds rather than the Beast and imagines that she’s there to guide him through whatever tasks he needs to do to get Wirt back and go home or whatever. Once there’s the tree starting to grow around him, I believe that, in his head, he succeeded and then was back home or maybe some other nice, cute, safe space like Cloud City with all the other souls. When he sings “Potatus et Molassus,” in whatever is going on in his head, he’s just having a good time wherever he is, singing “Potatoes and Molasses,” like how he and all those other children heard a lilting soprano instead of an ominous bass when the Beast sings. (Sorry this was so long btw)

[ghosttalksalot]

after some time of patrolling, peter and wade are close. they've had their fair share of heart-to-hearts, and peter thinks wade knows him damn well by now.

after a particularly rough fight (some bad guys who didn't mind things getting ugly), and peter waiting with wade for a couple of hours as his legs go from gone to gross to almost-close-to-normal, peter thinks that wade has been pretty vulnerable with him too. he decides he may as well return the favor and do something for wade.

"look... i'm not too far from here, if you'd rather sleep the rest of this off." peter can feel the excitement radiating off wade as soon as he realizes what's being said.

"baby boy, i would love nothing more than to see your little spider-man-den!"

peter has half a mind to regret it, or even take it back, but he pushes through. after all, if deadpool of all people wanted to violate his privacy, he'd be able to find and know more than anyone needed to- far beyond just face, name, and home.

"promise not to peek? just for the first time." peter does regret that choice of words, though, and he realizes his slip-up just before he hears wade's delighted quip in return.

"baby boy, it's our first time, i'll do whatever you want!" a slightly super-strength-backed punch to the arm did not slow him down. "i will follow all your rules and make sure this is safe, half-sane, and consensual, every time!"

"alright, alright," peter sighed and kept the smile out of his voice. he shot a bit of webbing over the eyes of wade's mask. "no peeking, don't try to look until i say so. i mean it, wilson."

wade mimed zipping each of his eyes shut and throwing away the zippers. peter rolled his (unzipped) eyes, but smiled under his mask. he let deadpool grab onto his back and made sure he had a good grip.

"please stay seated and keep your seatbelts on, we are taking off." before deadpool could respond, spider-man was up, up, and away. webbing his way back home.

as he ignored wade's usual wooping and occasional screams of terror, his mind was at war. half was telling him badidea, badidea, badidea and the other half was telling him it'll be fine, he can trust wade, this is an excellent opportunity to get closer and maybe even get his chance. while he supposed he agreed mostly with the latter half, he needed to beat down that very last part with the nearest large stick.

deadpool does not actually want spider-man, even though peter might want that to be the case. the flirting was a part of his brand, and did not mean anything. and peter knew, even if deadpool did want spider-man, there's no way he'd want the plain and unimpressive man under the mask.

peter shook his head to clear his thoughts as he webbed his own building.

"ladies and gentlemen, please stay in your seats as we begin our descent." with that last notice, peter swung effortlessly down onto the wall next to his window, before opening it deftly and dropping in. he landed well on his feet, it was practically graceful after years of practice.

deadpool dropped off his back and landed on the ground with a thud and an "oof". decidedly less graceful.

now that wade actually was in his apartment, peter felt his nerves humming slightly. he quickly tidied up his few belongings and put all identifying objects (pictures of him, his degree, some mail etc.) into a drawer that he closed with a bit of webbing on the inside.

"alright, are you ready?" peter slipped his fingers under the edge of the webbing on deadpool's mask. he'd tried to keep the nerves out of his voice, but deadpool frowned noticeably under the mask and grabbed peter's wrist without force.

"baby boy... are you sure?" now it was peter's turn to frown. "'cuz you really don't... sound sure."

"what are you talking about? i brought you all the way back here, right into my apartment, why wouldn't i be sure? i could've just not, but i did, and you want this, and-"

"webs. you know i want to get to know you, and see your spider-home, but not if you don't want it. you're going on about not being nervous, but it's just sending me further towards the opposite impression." peter frowned more at that, and tried to ignore his fluttering heart at the considerate words. "you can take me right back to where we were and i won't bring it up again. i only want to do what you're comfortable with."

"look, d- wade. i do trust you, it's just a new thing. i'm nervous, but i do trust you and i want to show you that." deadpool's noticeable frown faded slightly, but he still seemed unsure.

"only if you're positive. this is a lot, and very personal, and i know you're very identity-careful." peter couldn't ignore his fluttering heart now, but he could ignore the voice telling him to change his mind, now muffled by the beating in his chest.

"here we go." peter tightened his grip on the very edge of the webbing and tore it off the mask, while trying to be careful not to tear the mask itself. wade noticeably lit up as he looked around the small apartment.

"ohhhh... i'm in your spider-man-pad!!" deadpool bounced in place a bit as he spoke. peter kept his eyes on wade as the larger man spun around and took in the... rather unimpressive apartment. then it was wade's torn to watch as peter took out a measly blanket and thin pillow. peter felt his face redden.

"sorry, i'm.... not exactly rolling in dough at the moment." he tossed wade the blanket and pillow and wade seemed for a moment as though he was planning to collapse on the couch as he usually did on benches, but had the bright idea that this couch might not take it well. he plopped down as carefully as deadpool was capable of.

"webs, you could live in a dumpster and i'd happily chill on a rat carcass pillow under a newspaper-covered-in-spoilt-milk blanket." peter pulled a face at that.

"that is disgusting." wade only cackled in response. peter opened his fridge and immediately closed it at the reminder that he hadn't bought food for a while. he was getting caught up on rent, and wade happily bought them food every night since it meant he got to pick the restaurant. peter didn't really have the funds to get sick of having mexican food over and over.

he settled to just plop down on his own bed, noticing wade's eyes were clearly on him, and he had not talked for a while, which was unusual.

"can i help you?"

"thanks for trusting me, spidey." wade spoke softly, his tone serious. although they'd exchanged serious words tonight already, the sincerity caught peter off guard this time.

"i mean... why wouldn't i? just... you know, don't go poking around."

"cross my heart!" wade was quickly back to usual wade, speaking in a delighted tone and miming a big X over his heart.

peter snickered and rolled over in his bed, facing the wall. he fell asleep quickly, feeling oddly safe knowing that wade was there.

...

peter woke up to a loud scratching sound, like a heavy object being dragged, a sound that was grinding on his enhanced hearing like nails on a chalkboard. he quickly lept out of bed and scaled the wall to the ceiling, ready to fight whatever made that noise. blinking the last bits of sleep from his eyes, he scanned the room and landed on a slightly sheepish wade and...

"wade. what is that?"

"webs, have you never seen a futon before? this is some of the finest furniture known to ma-"

"i know its a couch, wade. why is it here?"

"can't a man express gratitude for shelter and a place to sleep while he finishes growing back his legs?" wade put his hand over his heart and feigned heartbreak. peter sighed and stood, still on the ceiling, and walked over.

"did you... steal this?" wade gasped in false shock.

"spider-dash-man!" he spoke incredulously, as though peter truly had no reason to suggest that. "i cannot believe you could ever accuse little ol' me of such a thing!" peter eyed him suspiciously. deadpool isn't exactly known for his law following.

"then can you... return it to where you definitely-didnt-steal-it from? because i... i really can't accept this, wade"

"spidey. my web-slinging, crime-fighting, perfect-ass-equipped friend. that right there is the very best part! i thought of everything" wade tossed him a crumpled piece of paper and held up a fairly large bag that had been sitting on the futon. "it even comes with a comforter!"

peter uncrumpled the paper and scanned it. it was a receipt for the exact couch. at the very bottom, circled three times in red pen, were the words 'NO RETURNS, EXCHANGES, OR REFUNDS.' peter felt his heart swell as he looked between a smug deadpool and the receipt. he looked at the couch, which, if he was being honest with himself? looked nicer than his own bed.

wade had actually bought this for him, he knew peter needed it and wouldn't want something stolen. he did this out of consideration and the kindness of his heart, and peter just hadn't been taken care of like this in a very, very long time.

peter's heart moved his body before his mind started up again, and he felt his legs carry him across the ceiling to where wade was standing. he cupped wade's face in his hands and put his fingers under the red and black mask. the slight awkwardness of the angle brought his brain online. he backed up with a start.

"fuck, wade, i.... thank you. i wanted to thank you. i'm sorry, i didn't mean to... shit. thank you for the futon, i'm sorry i... oh goddamnit." wade just stared at him with the mask showing his wide eyes, and it seemed his mouth hung open. peter covered his face with his hands.

"baby boy, i... i feel like i just blew my own brains out and i'm still hallucinatin' while the right lobes grow back in the right places, did you just...?" peter backed up another step and hit the wall behind him.

"yeah, i'm sorry, fuck i... i just- i wanted to..." now he really felt like he could cry. he couldn't have ruined things worse than he just had, and he was cursing far more than he usually did. "i shouldn't have assumed you wanted... that you... shit. i shouldn't have assumed the pet names meant something, or that you wanted to... goddamnit. fuck. look, i'll just go, and you can head out when you're ready, and i will give you space for as long as you nee-"

"web! webs. just... stop thinking for a minute." wade stepped towards him hesitantly. peter felt his heart catch in his throat.

wade slipped his fingers under the bottom of the spider-man mask, and peter grasped his wrists gently.

"are you sure?" peter whispered.

"say the word, and i'll stop."

wade slowly slipped the mask up until it hit the base of peter's nose, then moved peter's hands to the bottom of his own, so peter could slide wade's own mask up just the same. he pressed his lips to peter's, gently at first, then paused to look at peter.

peter pushed his mask all the way off. deadpool stared at him wide eyed, like he was in awe of peter, who considered himself rather average other than a dusting of freckles. peter felt his blush deepen as he was stared at.

"it's peter. my name ispeter parker."

"you're... you're mighty pretty, peter."

peter wrapped one arm around wade's head and pulled him back to being close, kissing him harder than before. wade happily complied with that, following peter's nervous lead. peter pushed up gently, not insistently at wade's own mask. wade pulled back.

"sorry- was that too much?" peter asked, suddenly nervous he'd ruined things again.

"no, you did nothing wrong, but... i don't think you want to do that, webs. i'm far less pretty. in fact, i look more like gravel and an orange peel shat out an ugly love child." wade half-smiled, trying to joke. peter just frowned.

"no, no... not to me..." peter pushed at wade's mask again, and was met with no resistance, but a more than hesitant look.

peter smiled warmly as he saw wade's whole face, scars and all.

"i think you've got a plenty nice face..." wade searched peter's face for a moment, before diving back in to pepper about fifty kisses all over peter's giggling face.

"i don't deserve this, peter, you're just perfect. you're too perfect."

"i think you deserve it completely." it was peter's turn to dive in for another kiss, this time much deeper. he held wade's head close, and wade's fingers tangled in his messy hair. peter relished in the taste and smell of wade fucking wilson.

wade pulled back after a while, giving them both a few moments to breathe their own air.

"if i had known all i had to do for all this was buy a futon.. i would have done that ages ago." peter snickered and rested his head back against the wall. "do i need to buy more furniture to get another one of those? or is that not just a 'thank you'?"

"just... stop thinking for a minute, wade." wade grinned brightly and peter kissed the corner of his mouth.

"i'm still not positive i'm awake, webs. mind helping?"

"i'd bite you, but i think it'd be a little much with the fangs." peter was joking about the biting, but wade shuddered.

"oh, i'm alive, awake, AND alert now." wade grinned even bigger, if it was possible. "sure you can't bite me anyway?"

"i don't know..." peter tapped his chin and pretended to think about it. "might need more furniture for that one"

"baby boy, i'll buy you a furnished mansion for that." peter laughed and kissed him again.

"the furniture is far from the best part of this deal," peter mumbled against wade's scarred lips.

"oh? do tell, what is the best part?"

"help me off this wall and i'll show you."

deadpool was suddenly an excellent listener.

[fin.]

[extremelyblackandwhite]

please more chris and diane!!!!

pairing: bar owner destroyer!chris x reader

It had become something that calmed her down after work, going to see Chris at his bar. No matter how many times he said he didn’t want her there, he always had a pint of Coke waiting for her with a lemon slice and a cup full of ice. Just like every single Friday, she parked her car by the bikes, her hand pushing the door; yet, instead of hearing Chris mock her or call her Diane Chambers again, she found the bar was oddly quiet. 

     - Hey little bride. - Bill piped up. - How’s work? That case still giving you a headache? Need me to silence them?

     - Bill, you can’t tell me you’ll commit murder for me. That way I can’t defend you in a court of law. - she sat next to him. - Where’s the half bald version of Sam Malone? 

     - Ah ... - Bill took a sip of his beer. - He’s wallowing in self pity in the back. 

     - And the bar is still open?

     - Free beer, little bride. He can wallow in self pity as much as he’d like if that means I get as many pints as I can serve.   

Y/N looked around, grabbing her bag and making her way towards the back. She’d never been to his office before, heck, she’d only been to the upstairs bedroom because he didn’t want her to “die near his bar”. Chris was a private person, he didn’t really like sharing much about himself. He’d never told Y/N what he did before he was a bar owner, he didn’t tell her how old he was, he didn’t tell her his last name and he definitely never invited her into the back. However, perhaps the last one was solely reserved for whenever a pretty lady walked into the bar. She’d witness it one too many times before when a woman, either lost or intent into going in the bar would struck a conversation with Chris and soon enough she’d be invited in the back. Y/N guessed she was not part of the elite group of women who go to go there. She knocked on the door but heard no answer or Chris’ familiar grunting so she opened the door to find him smoking, his boots atop his desk right next to a glass of whiskey on the rocks, just like the one he used to have at the end of the day. 

   - Bill said you were wallowing in self-pity. - she closed the door behind her. - Just came to warn if you don’t go outside, they’re gonna drink all the ale they can find. 

    - Couldn’t give a shit about that. - he replied but not like he usually did. No, he sounded crude. - What? Can’t find the tap for Coke? 

   - Came to check in on you since you’re apparently chain smoking and drinking yourself to death. 

    - Don’t be dramatic, Diane. - he put out the end of his cigarette against the ashtray before grabbing another one and lightening. - You want one?

    - I don’t smoke. - she crossed her arms. He chuckled, letting out a cloud of smoke and a mumble of “of course not”. - Do you want to talk? 

    - My god, Diane, the last thing I need is you to pretend to be a shrink. 

    - You’re clearly acting like much more of an asshole than you usually do. 

    - Maybe I am an asshole, have you thought about that? - he replied as if her words had no effect on him and if he was being honest, today her words had little to no effect on him.  

    - God, I thought we were past this act of you pretending you hate me. 

    - I never pretended I hate you, I’ve always did hate you, you spoilt little princess. 

    - Really? I am the best thing that could’ve happened to you. At least I made the bar a bit brighter. 

    - Are you kidding me? You are the worse thing that has ever happened to me. Now I don’t know if you’re only sticking around here because you’re needy or horny since you escaped the lucky bastard that is your ex-fiancé, but I was the happiest man in the world before you stepped foot here. 

    - Does that make you feel better? Does it? 

    - Sure as hell beats having to actually be outside and pretend I give a fuck about what you have to say every Friday. 

    - You know what? Fuck you, Chris!

    - Isn’t that what you came here to do?

She turned around and slammed the door behind her, making enough of a noise that the whole bar had turned to see what was happening. However, at this moment she couldn’t give more of a damn about how many people were looking at her. Instead, she just forcefully grabbed her bag and made her way out of the bar and into her car. New York had enough bars for her to content herself with. 

(...)

Chris stared at the old clock he’d gotten when he first bought the place. The pointers kept moving, almost mocking him about how intent he was on knowing what time it was. 3:58, 2 minutes and how many seconds away from closing time. The only people in the bar were him and Bill who had happily been ranting about a new bike he was looking to buy and re-do. 

    - She’s not coming. - he said, drinking whatever was left of the beer in his glass. 

    - Don’t know who you’re talking about. 

    - Yes, you do. - he interrupted the bar owner before he could continue. - She hasn’t come back in two weeks. 

    - I couldn’t give any more fucks about where she is. Keeps my bar sane if she’s not around. 

    - Still think it was a dick move to unload on her like that. Kid was just trying to be nice. 

    - Last thing I need is a spoiled girl in my bar. - he cleaned the last glass, part of him still hoping she was gonna waltz in late like she used to do. 

    - You know what, Chris? It’s not her fault ‘ya ex-bride is popping out ‘ya best mate’s kid. Keep going with this bullshit and you’re gonna be alone.

    - What is this? Protect Diane Chambers time? If you like her so much, then fuck her for all I care. 

    - You watch how you talk about her. - he got up. - Don’t wanna have any problems with me, son.

Honestly, Chris felt tempted to start a fight. Between Y/N throwing a fit over nothing and his ex being pregnant, maybe getting punched and throwing a few punches would make him feel better. However, this was Bill and starting a fight with him would either end up with Chris in the ER or in the cemetery. Both seemed like great options but he was tired and all he wanted to do now was go upstairs and watch whatever shitty TV show was on. He threw the Coke glass in the sink and went upstairs. 

She didn’t come again for 4 weeks and he knew how ridiculous it was that he had started to count them, yet here he was now, 4 weeks in without a sight of her. Perhaps it was better she was not here on this particular Friday, the bar crowded with Bill’s old friends as he celebrated whatever birthday he was celebrating. Chris didn’t ask, it was not his business. He just stayed behind the bar, serving whatever it was they ordered. 

    - LITTLE BRIDE! - his attention finally turned towards the group as he saw her there. She had come back. - You came!

    - Couldn’t miss your birthday, Bill. You know you’re my favourite. 

    - Sit. - he gathered room for her. - You want anything? 

    - No, I just came to wish you happy birthday and drop by a little gift. - she put a black bag on the table. - I have to get back to New York, have a business trip next week. 

   - A very busy lady, aren’t ‘ya?

   - I keep busy. - she smiled. - I’ll see you around, Bill. Don’t get into too much trouble. 

   - Can’t promise anything.

How dare she? How dare she come into his bar after 4 weeks and not even direct a word to him? Heck, he’d let her sleep in one of the extra bedrooms upstairs and even if not, this was his bar and good manners dictated she said something, even if an annoyed “hi”. He threw the red rag he was using to clean the counter on the floor and went past the bar and outside, following her like a raged wolf. 

   - You gotta be fucking kidding me, Y/N. 

   - I don’t feel like engaging you in your petty little fights tonight, Chris. - she took her car keys from her bag. 

   - Oh really? You love to talk so much, actually, you never shut up but tonight you particularly chose to talk to everyone but me. 

   - I thought since you hate me so much, I’d save you the trouble of having to speak to me. 

   - Oh, real mature, Y/N. - he crossed his arms. 

   - Yes, real mature. I haven’t heard you apologise for being an absolute dickhead the last time we spoke. Actually, I’ve never heard you apologise for anything. 

   - What? You want me to apologise for hurting your feelings? Grow a backbone, Y/N. 

   - Maybe you should grow some manners. - she stepped towards him. 

   - You are the most fucking annoying person I have ever met. 

   - LIKEWISE! 

The two stared at each other with fire in their eyes and before Chris or Y/N could think about what would be the correct thing to do in this situation, he had wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her in for a kiss. The two pulled apart, her eyes looking into his with a mix of shock, innocence and shyness. 

   - I have to go back to New York.

   - You probably should.

   - Yes, I should. 

   - Drive safe.

   - I will. 

[whumpcloud]

Things End | People Change - Go For The Throat

taglist: @whumpsday @whumpycries @whumpwillow @why-not-ask-me-a-better-question @whumpshaped @suspicious-whumping-egg

content: lady whump, vampire whumper, kidnapping, begging, fear of death, defiant whumpee

He's always hated silence. Too many things creep into his mind when it's silent. He walks with heavier footsteps, trying to drown it out.

He hears them, hundreds of little heartbeats, from the windows, down the alleyways. There was a time where this wasn't the case, but it's so far away now that even the idea seems fanciful.

He was human, once.

Vincent Maddox was an Oxford student studying classics. Vincent Maddox was barely an adult, isolating himself in a foreign country, when he met someone who he felt respected him, who offered him the chance to feel that again. Vincent Maddox was naive and trusting.

Vincent Maddox died when he was twenty-two, and he's still walking around, trapped in his own corpse.

He breaks the fence he kicks and it doesn't lessen his frustration in the slightest. He was too polite, too demure to ever take his anger out like this when he was human, and there's zero release in it when he could rip almost anything apart with his bare hands without even trying.

When was the last time he cried? Perhaps it was on the ship back to England in 1846. 1844? Does it matter? It should, shouldn't it? Perhaps it was when he visited Henry's grave in… it must have been the 1910s, before he finally did. Long after Henry had died. Vincent remembers begging his brother's gravestone for forgiveness, but he isn't sure if he cried.

Vincent covers his mouth with his hand. The tight feeling in his chest is just that - a feeling, with nothing he can do to stop it.

It needs it to stop. He needs to make it stop. He wants it all to stop!

"Are you alright?"

Vincent's gaze snaps up towards the source of the voice. A young woman is staring at him, head tilted in concern. Human. Her heart thumps softly.

"Am I alright?" he whispers.

"That's what I asked," she smiles. Is she trying to make him feel better? Her smile is nice.

"It's late," he mumbles. "Dangerous."

"Here? What's gonna get me out here, huh?" She raises an eyebrow. "You? I could beat you up."

He finds himself lightly laughing at that. Not maliciously, not because she's wrong. It's just the way she says it. The confidence in her tone.

When was the last time he laughed and meant it?

She sticks out her hand. "I'm Clary. Anything I can do to help?"

Stay. He swallows. He is stronger than her. He could grab her hand and take her with him before she could even blink.

What is he thinking? He doesn't know her at all. He can't be so achingly lonely that this is all she needs to do for him to decide he needs her.

He needs someone. He isn't friends with any of the vampires around here. Sure, they'll tolerate his presence, but he hears second-hand about gatherings. Sometimes he thinks about searching for Lyfelde, being somebody's companion again, but then the scar under his eye itches and he remembers how terrifying it was to wake up like this, and he banishes the thought from his mind.

Clary waves her hand a little bit. "Hello?"

"S-Sorry," he mumbles. "Vincent."

He takes her hand, and he makes the decision almost on instinct. Hand over her mouth, arm around her torso, and he runs, dragging her with him, in no more than a second.

She starts to scream and kick, but holding her just a little tighter makes her stop. Did he crack her ribs? He hopes not, he hopes he can do this without injuring her, but he's never been able to control his strength. Lyfelde tried to teach him, but Vincent left, and lied, and it's so much effort to not damage things.

His place is close by, and he just breaks the lock on his front door instead of trying for the keys buried in his coat. There's an extra bedroom he never uses, the only room in the house with a window - he bought this place before the repeal of the window tax and never bothered to reinstall them - and he drags Clary into it and pins her to the floor.

She gasps. "Y-You fucking-!"

"Be quiet!" he hisses, trying to sound threatening. "Just be quiet, okay?"

"Make me!" she spits.

It takes a moment of wrestling with her, but he grabs both her wrists in one hand, pinning them above her head, and covers her mouth with the other.

"Shh," he says, softly, in that slightly menacing way that he's seen other vampires do, just in the hopes that it works. "Just shh. Everything will be fine. I won't hurt you."

He smiles, showing his fangs. Her heartbeat quickens, but she doesn't let it show on her face, not even a little. Brave. He knows that humans are aware of vampires, but their day-to-day life is, for the most part, unimpacted. It's one of those things that they always think happens to other people.

Clary swallows. He doesn't seem interested in killing her, that she can tell. She nods, and stays quiet. He removes his hand from her mouth.

"Okay, good," he says. He runs his fingers through his hair. "Clary. You're Clary."

"Mhm," is all she replies.

"This is going to be your room, okay?" Vincent says. "If you want anything else for it you can ask."

"Y-You can't-" She bites her tongue. Rephrase. She doesn't know if she can risk pissing him off. "You're keeping me here?"

"Yes," he responds. His voice seems to… tremble? "Keeping you. You're mine."

As soon as the word leaves his mouth, his smile returns.

"Mine." His fingers find their way to her chin, tilting it slightly. "I like the sound of that."

Clary glares and flinches away. "Fucking freak."

He digs his fingers into her skin. "Don't speak that way. I hate swearing."

"And how are you gonna stop me?" He's bruised her plenty, but she's already pushed, so she might as well keep going and see what else he'll do.

"Can't you be nice?" he snaps. "You were being nice."

Clary blinks at him. "What?"

"Is it so hard?" Vincent's grip on her wrists tightens. "All I'm asking is for you to keep me company, and let me have some of your blood. That's it."

Clary genuinely can't help it. She isn't a patient person, and she isn't easily scared, either, even though she knows what a vampire could do to her if they wanted to. Danger isn't real if it isn't happening, and really, what is he doing to her right now?

She snickers.

"What… what are you laughing for?" Vincent seems more confused than anything, and that's Clary's cue to go for the throat.

"You want company." She grins. "You couldn't get anyone else to hang out with you? You're so unlikeable that you had to kidnap some poor little human to get a friend?"

"Sh- Shut up!" Vincent grabs her by the hair, but she doesn't react, even though she swears she feels him pull a few strands out. "I said I wouldn't hurt you, so don't make me, okay?"

"What made you do it?" she asks, leaning up. "Because you were upset? I bet you were crying about something stupid and it just made you so happy that someone was finally nice to you. Fucking loser."

Vincent doesn't say anything. His eyes flash, and he pulls Clary's head up and to the side so he can sink his fangs into her neck. She gasps with the sudden pain, a sharp sting that only gets worse the longer it goes on. And he just keeps going.

She pulls at his shirt, kicks, scratches, and it doesn't do a thing. "S-Stop, stop it!"

Her hands are becoming clammy and cold, and she shakes. It's too much. He really is going to kill her, she went too far and Cai is going to have to identify her drained, dead body, and she doesn't want to die.

"P-Please!" she tries. "I'll be nice, if you want me to be nice! Stop, don't kill me, please don't kill me!"

Vincent's grip tightens for a moment, and he lingers, then lets go. Drops of blood trickle down her neck. She whimpers softly.

He wasn't going to kill her. He thought he would, for a minute there, but he never would have. It wasn't even the begging that stopped him.

He doesn't want to be alone again. Even if she's going to snap at him, he can… fix that. He's not the first vampire to take a human, and he certainly won't be the last. There's people he can ask, and they might smile and say he's done well, or even, at least, seem proud of him for something.

"Just… relax, okay?" he says softly. "I'm going to lay you down."

Clary lets herself be lifted up and placed down on the bed. It's clearly had no use for years, and that could be any number, depending on how old Vincent is. But it's a bed, in a windowed room, and frankly she could be worse off.

"Rest as much as you need," Vincent says, putting the blankets over her. "I want you to be okay."

"How could you think this was a good idea?" she mutters.

Because I'm alone. Because you were nice. Because I can't take being like this anymore. Because the consequences of my own actions are crushing me and I need someone to tell me it wasn't a mistake, even if they're lying, I just need to hear it, please.

"Because I can do what I want," is his reply. "Get some sleep."

He walks away and locks the door behind him. Clary supposes sleep would be nice, and turns away from it.

[blueberrypancakesworld]

I dare you - Corawani

warning : a kinda weird relationship, mention of blood, kissing,

masterlist

Info : So another wonderful sketch from @pocketwei with THIS so pretty sketch. Go check out her blog and the corawani nation rise please it's the dynamic

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There are couples that are different from other couples that are held together by something like money, love, duty or even honor. Couples who are put to the test and have to prove in difficult times that they stick together, fit together and will always do so.

But then there was the couple that stayed together out of hatred and sex. A couple that had a last spark of affection between them and it seemed to everyone that they would separate or end in murder. But this was the case with Corazon and his wife Lady Crocodile.

She was one of the seven lords of the sea and he himself a prince of the blood of the sky dragons. A couple that was known all over the sea and caused pain not only to the pirates but also to the navy. The couple constantly exploited the gray areas of the rules and laws to preserve their wealth. But the coming together of the two did not start with flowers and chocolate.

Instead, it began in a seedy bar where a drunken Corazon sat complaining about his brother and smoking his sixth cigarette, not even lit. A thing that upset the blond more than the new person who entered the bar. A Lady Crocodile who was holding her bloody hand stump after losing it in a fight against Whitebeard only a few minutes ago.

It was that night when they found each other at the bar, he offered her a drink, she accepted and he felt his heart beat faster when he saw her snapping at the baarkeeper to finally give her a first aid kit. The moment when she held her wound out to him, he said something and made her smile as she swallowed his drink and lit a cigar. She hardly seemed to feel the pain and the two seemed to have found love at first sight.

At least with the spilled blood at that time had entered into a relationship that still holds. He adored her and she loved to get compliments from him. But it was the cozy of the two who did not understand each other. Be it his flings and unhappiness or her impatience with the outbursts of rage.

Arguments that had two outcomes for the two of them. Either with a knife to the neck of the other or with hate sex much hate sex. But between these sides there were also the moments between them that they both loved. It was something like that time was the disgusting bar, the cheap alcohol and blood.

The two went back to the big city to get that feeling back. It was late afternoon when the couple walked side by side into the bar. The blonde had put his arm on her shoulder and the wide grin he had from his brother was visible.

He was grinning proudly knowing that his wife was sexy. While Crocodile had a rather annoyed look, leaving the ashes of her cigar on his suit. ,,You're like a clingy dog," she muttered, giving him a clingy look before slapping his hand away and settling into one of the padded corners.

The heavy fur coat practically threw him and the grin on his lips only widened. She didn't mind and continued to smoke, knowing that there was more than one way to set her partner on fire.

She concentrated on the map and ignored him, the grin only added to her nerves and she went straight for whiskey. ,,Did I tell you how beautiful you look today?" he asked, taking her free hand in his and kissing each finger, seeing her brief look of satisfaction.

So the dog does know how to behave she thought and allowed the physical discomfort before the two of them ordered their food shortly after. They knew they were being stared at, they knew that people and other pirates were afraid of them.

But it did not care about either of them. Not even that she almost framed the cigar in his eye when he wanted to give her a kiss on the lips and this was stopped by his palm. ,,What did I tell you?" she hissed and he knew that it irritated her and excited him. Her biting way like a crocodile and she was just waiting to be wooed by him again.

The meal between them was indeed silent and the bloody steak had the color of her lipstick, the dark wine at Corazon represented the spilled blood he had suffered through her. But in all this, there was a certain beauty between the two of them.

The way his grin widened the longer he looked at her, the flattered look she gave him and the knowing display of her body. Beautiful. So beautiful until she stood up and took out only one cigar and he knew that she would light another one. ,,I'm waiting for you my love," he purred to her and made a slight bow which she ignored but inwardly she smiled slightly.

He was so dependent on her and yet she on him because of him she was still alive. An act she would never forget as she stepped out of the etablismo and shone the last light on the square and the people.

She let her gaze pass lightly through the crowd, but there were too many for her to know if she recognized anyone. But just as she was about to light her cigar and enjoy the peace and quiet, it was taken away from her.

Annoyed, she opened her eyes and stared into the face with the blond hair, the wide grin and the sunglasses behind which there was a damaged eye. ,,Well, if it isn't the one-armed slut," said the taller but younger Doflamingo, towering over the woman.

She knew he was looking at her body, saw him licking his lips and his fingers almost touched her heel if her sand hadn't stopped him. ,,If it isn't the crazy uppity prince where is your toy or did Law finally kill himself...or break?" she replied and extended her hand to his face. She knew from the incident how Law, an innocent boy even younger than Doflamingo himself, had fought back. The prince lost his feather and wore sunglasses ever since.

Crocodile saw the older boy's face contort into an annoyed one before he chuckled and let his gaze wander. ,,Slutty whore but no...I thought I'd meet you here. Well you know you're not Law and he's not you he hasn't figured out the concept of playing yet" and suddenly he grabbed her hook she let him and yet she clenched her teeth.

Bastard. The golden hook was something that only her love could touch and even if it was true that she had a thing for Doflamingo, it was his brother she loved.

Corazon her dear Corazon. ,,Play somewhere else!" she hissed and was about to leave when a hiss went through the air and her body was covered by the threads. A brief pause as she dissolved into sand and reappeared. She was annoyed that he wouldn't leave her alone, she wanted to get rid of him and she didn't like that crazy grin.

She saw how he was about to disappear in a cloud of sand when she suddenly felt a hand on her hip. How she was gently pressed against someone and she immediately looked into the lovely grin. ,,My love said no, brother, I think you need to find your own fun," Corazon said, not taking his eyes off her.

He looked into her flattered gaze and saw in her bright eyes how she looked at him in love. She snuggled up to him and felt the weight of her coat on her shoulders again.

The tall blonde protected her even though she didn't need it, but it was precisely this flattery that made the older woman's heart beat faster. ,,You know how to flatter me my heart" she murmured and her lipstick found itself on his lips as he leaned down to receive her kiss.

They looked at each other for another moment before she hooked up with her love and said harshly to Doflamingo, ,,We're done here," before disappearing into the sand with Corazon and leaving the crazy prince alone.

She had all her own crazy love with Corazon and even if she wasn't perfect there were these little moments that they both knew existed. That there was love between them. Between Corazon and Lady Crocodile.

~~~~~~~~~~~