#let her break quick and fast for my sake

[dirtytransmasc]

I hope we get a scene of Alicent with Aegon's body. If her son is damned to die, if she is damned to spiral into insanity, if she is to lose her life too the grief, let me see her with his body.

let her hold her baby in her arms one more time. let her wipe the blood that poured from his mouth and nose as he died. let her run her fingers over the viscous burns that adorn his skin. let her fix his hair. let her bathe him with a cloth as she had when he was a babe. let her kiss his cheek, his forehead, his hair, his hands. let her lay her head against him, hugging him like she had failed to do for years.

he was her firstborn and yet, her heart was still beating and his was not, she was not yet cold in her grave, no, no her son was cold, her flesh was warm, too warm. he was her baby, her son, the boy she tried so hard to protect, who had loved even when it hurt, who she had stood in front of a dragon for. she loved him, the very bones of him, and now he was dead.

let her lose her mind right there, in that room, still clinging to her body, one that's too cold, too still, too quiet. let her scream out to the gods, damning them, cursing them for taking her eldest son, amongst everything else in her life.

I want her to drive away anyone who tries to take him from her, forcing the silent sisters or whoever would be left to deal with his body at that point. let her curse and spit and claw at anyone who comes too close.

she would stay there for hours, reflecting on her memories of him. maybe she talks to him or hums a lullaby until she finally loses her battle with what remains of her consciousness and sanity, falling still against the table.

she dreams of Aegon, she dreams of the life she wish she could have provided, the life she had tried so hard to give him. a life where he was safe, a life where she had been a better mother, a life where she didn't need to live in and impose fear up on her children. maybe if she had tried hard enough he would still be alive, she'll think as she floats in the space between consciousness and unconsciousness.

she'll wake in plain chambers she only partly recognizes, she'll learn of her sons lackluster and sparsly accompanied burning, she'll learn her son was gone and she was alone. there won't be much of her left to care. she just continues dreaming, dreaming of her dead children and spiraling to madness until her broken heart finally gives out.

[my previous post inspired this, cause all I can think about now is Alicent mourning her son and its gonna put me in an early grave]

[ellabsweet]

[*ੈ✩] 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑’𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃 • 𝐄.𝐖

synopsis: ellie williams was a firm follower of the bro code, having loyalty as her all time specialty despite being constantly tempted by the devil, or how others called her: her best friend’s sister.

pairing: bbf!ellie williams x reader

warning: sexual content and jealousy, a little bit of short ellie erasure for the sake of one scene but i am pretty sure that’s all there is to it! i love bbf!ellie i wish my brother had a best friend like her unfortunately life isn’t fair-

She’s enthralled by the videogame, tongue peaking out the side of her lips and eyebrows furrowed in pure concentration, the only things to break her out of trance being your brother’s eventual shit talking and elbow hitting that only made a smirk plaster her face, knowing to be winning, fingers steady on the controls.

“What the fuck” Your brother suddenly exclaims, and though ready to brag on about her streak something in his tone indicates it is not the game he was gagged about. Ellie follows his gaze straight onto a half naked blonde attempting to clothe herself by the kitchen on her way out. She recognized her, as lesbians did, Abby Anderson was on the hockey team of their community college and she wondered how in the world she were to know this house. It took you walking up behind her in somehow even littler clothes for it to dawn on her with a teeth clench.

“Abs, you forgot this” You point out handing her a sweatshirt which the girl accepted in flushed cheeks Ellie had never seen before from someone so infamous for sleeping around.

You weren’t a thing, Ellie knew that, fuck, she was the one who made sure of it, turning down your advances at every opportunity, but there was always something in the back of her mind that assumed you were waiting for her, a stupid thought, now that she thought it over. Her brain went red at the mental images her imagination refused to let go of, your moaning and desperation under somebody else’s touch, your taste in fuckgirl’s Abby Anderson’s tongue. If she were to clutch the videogame controller an ounce harder the metal would crush under her grasp. When you pecked her lips she was done for, distracted, on her way to losing for the next couple of hours while her best friend cursed on and on about how Abigail had been there basically every day that week.

She can practically hear you moaning Abby’s name in her head and it drives her insane. Ever since the first day your brother welcomed Ellie into his home and she set her sights on you it was as though all the breath had been sucked out of her lungs in one quick glance. The most beautiful girl she had ever seen, she concluded after seeing you smile. The most amazing girl she had ever met, she confirmed from all your late night conversations that became a habit from your shared insomnia and your brother’s heavy sleeping, there had been a time she’d ask to sleep over only anticipating your gossip and laughter, perfecting the cheesy dad jokes that were your favorite, attempting to convince herself it would be enough to be the girl that entertained you even if her chest ached in yearning for your lips pressed against hers. You had been distant the last couple of weeks, she felt it, but didn’t know why and you stalled every time when asked. Now she knew. And she hated it way more than anticipated. Like a rock heaving against her chest making it hard to breathe.

It was nighttime now and she shifted uncomfortably on the mattress by the floor, tossing and turning and holding in laughter from her best friend’s loud snores fast asleep in deep slumber. She played with the thought of going to your room as she usually would, but hesitated. It was still playing by her memories, your body in nothing but underwear when you had followed Abby out, every corner and crevasse of your skin looking so soft it made her ache. Her hands twitched as though wanting to reach out to you and only found her clothed pussy. She shook off the idea and stood up. Water, she thought, I’m only gonna go drink some water. But of course you were there too. Oversized t-shirt hiking up your body as you reached towards a tall shelf for a cup. Ellie reached in behind you and helped, settling the glass in your hands.

“Hi, Els” You said softly, shaking yourself loose of her overbearing stance behind you so you could walk towards the fridge for some chocolate milk, pouring it on.

“So, you and Abby. Are you like, a thing now?”

“Don’t start, Ellie. For someone who doesn’t fucking want me you sure are acting like a jealous girlfriend right now”

“For someone who doesn’t want you?” She scoffs in disbelief “Are you fucking stupid or something? Do you seriously not realize? I can’t fucking breathe when I’m around you, no actually screw that, it’s like I can’t fucking breathe when I’m not around you, like every time I make you laugh I’ve been drowning and can finally come up for air thanks to your stupid fucking smile and your stupid fucking sparkling eyes in your stupid fucking gorgeous face and then you parade around the house with stupid fucking Abigail Anderson and there’s a fucking bruise on your neck that I know she left there and I just want to sink my teeth in like a goddamn vampire and make one bigger to hide her claim on you and make it mine and-“

You crashed your lips against hers before she could continue. Her hands moving up to grab your hair, thumb caressing your cheeks and holding your face into place as though any gust of wind would make you fly away and loose her grip, she’s so mesmerized by you and your tongue inside her she moans into your mouth with barely any tension for it. It lasts a few more seconds before she pushes you away against all instincts.

“Stop, stop stop. I can’t. I can’t do this to your brother.”

“Fuck him”

“Baby…”

“Fuck me” You say and that’s enough to cloud all her judgment again. Ellie pushes you up against the kitchen cabinets and kisses you hungrier this time, hands coming up to stroke your exposed thighs before she latches onto them to push you up onto the counter, open mouthed kisses trailing down your neck until it reaches and Abby’s previous hickey and she bites down, a moan echoing from you and stopped by her hand over your mouth as she sucks down the sensitive skin and marks it darker.

“You’re going to be the death of me, fuck” She mumbles against your body, eyes darkening at the sight of the ever growing wet patch in the center of your underwear, she wastes no time to stroke it, harder and faster until she feels the liquid coating her fingers even against the fabric and sets your panties aside, looking up at you for reassurance you give with an enthusiastic nod before she dives her fingers in, moaning herself as she does so, feeling you clench around her hand “Fuck, you’re so pretty, I knew you’d feel so good, so fucking good around my fingers”

“Ellie, please” You beg with your head thrown backwards, eyes pressing shut from the pleasure she gave off circling your clit with her fingers in a way that ached your core “Please I want your mouth, I need it, I’m so fucking close-“

“What the fuck is going on here?” Ellie jumps away from you. She’s suddenly conscious and so are you, at the sight of your brother covering his eyes in disgust by the door.

[andreafmn]

Speak | Chapter 13

Word Count: 3.1K

Summary: Bella Swan was a disaster when Edward had left. Deciding she needed a little help, Charlie Swan receives with open arms his younger daughter (Y/N) Swan. She helps Bella during her depression and becomes inseparable from her long-lost friend Jacob. What she didn’t expect was falling for a hotheaded short-tempered silver wolf.

A/N: I know I didn't post anything last week, but I wasn't feeling the best or very inspired. But I am posting this long awaited chapter early 😬😬 and y'all should know, we are getting closer to the long awaited truth reveal 🫣🫣 TAGLIST CLOSED check notes below as to why

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Paul didn’t know what his plan was. Storming into the Black house and wolfing out would not have been the most ideal situation, but he needed to do something. Jacob had done an unforgivable thing, and Paul would make sure he knew he had.

But anger was running through him too fast to be contained. As much control as he had mustered with (Y/N), Paul could feel it running out. And he knew the worse thing he could do was reveal the long-kept secret of the reservation to Jacob before his time. As much as he wanted the wolf inside him to rip the other boy to shreds, he knew better now than to let that kind of anger control him.

Still, he found himself putting his car in park on the long dirt road that led to the red cabin, his body shaking as he tried to keep the wolf at bay. He knocked on the front door harder than he had anticipated. The sound reverberated deep inside his ears, echoing the quick beat of his heart. If Jacob was the one to open the door, it was more than likely that his fist would collide with the boy’s jaw.

“Mr. Lahote,” Billy smiled, opening the door wide. “What a surprise to see you here. To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“Is Jacob around?”

“He is not,” the man responded. “He is most likely with his friend Quil still. But if there is anything I could help you with, please let me know.”

“I don’t think this is something you should know,” Paul struggled. “It’s… I don’t know. I don’t think you want to hear this.”

“Try me, Paul.”

The boy kept quiet for a second, mulling over whether telling Billy was the right thing to do. It was stupid and juvenile to speak of the problems between two people that –technically—had no business with him. It was not his place to air their quarrels out. “I think you need to talk to your son, Billy,” he sighed. “I don’t know what’s going on in his head, but he can’t keep doing what he’s doing.”

“What has he done, Paul?” Billy asked sternly, his fist gripping at the sides of his chair. “Something tells me this has to do with (Y/N) Swan. And I know my boy has not been the kind of person I raised him to be. So, please, do not sugarcoat things for my sake.”

“I really wish I could say that it is not my place to speak about this, but I can’t just stand by and let him hurt her.” Paul took a steadying breath, the coldness in the air stinging his lungs as it filled them. “Jacob went by to see her today, to get her to find a way to get Embry back into his group. But we both know why he has felt the need to take a break when it comes to their friendship. Now, I don’t know how he came to the conclusion that (Y/N) would be able to do anything, but he basically told her that if Embry didn’t come back, that he would break up with her. For good. And maybe it was an accident like she says, or maybe he knew exactly what he was doing. But he either pushed her, or he let her go, and she got hurt, Billy. The skin on the palms of her hands is completely broken, and she has a massive bruise that covers her entire hip. So, I am hoping that it was an accident and he didn’t see her. Because if I find out that he drove away after she got hurt and left her there, I might just take matters into my own hands.”

Something like a mix of anger and disappointment flashed across Billy’s face. A gaze that chilled even Paul. “I can’t believe this,” Billy scoffed. “That boy has truly lost his mind. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Paul. Believe me when I tell you that the wrath of the gods will rain down on him. But I do want to ask you one thing, and I hope you answer truthfully.”

“Uh, sure. Anything.”

“Did you imprint on the girl?”

Paul felt his throat tighten at the mention of the bond. He had managed to get the pack to stop pestering him over telling her, and in two weeks, they had yet to mention the supernatural link that tied him to (Y/N). But, for some reason, he didn’t think that he was that easy to read.

He could have lied to the man. Tell him that (Y/N) was nothing more than a friend. That he didn’t want anything more than to make sure she was safe.  “I did,” he confessed. “But I haven’t told her about it.”

“I gathered as much,” he chuckled. “Would you care to indulge this old man for a quick chat?”

“I should be heading back,” Paul said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Patrol and everything.”

“Sam will excuse you for being late just this once,” the man smiled. “Please?”

“Uh, sure. I guess I can spare a few minutes. I'm already late as it is.”

He followed Billy inside, his steps tentative behind him. The elder pointed at his couch, inviting the boy to sit and listen. Something he was not good at. Listening to things he didn’t want to hear.

“First thing’s first, why haven’t you told (Y/N) about the bond? I figure it would make it a lot easier on everyone if she did.”

“I just…” Paul stammered, running his hands up and down his thighs to calm himself down. I don’t want her to be in the middle of this screwed-up world. I couldn’t live with myself if she ever got hurt because of our secrets. Much less because of me.”

“Doesn’t it hurt her more to keep her shielded from things that involve her?” Billy retorted. “(Y/N) is a special girl, and she has been stuck in the shadow of her sister for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately an afterthought to the Swans. I thought that my son would be the one to help her see her worth. That he would care for her in a way I don’t think she believes she deserves.” He took a second to sigh deeply, calming the anger that was bubbling inside him. “I will admit that I had hope that those two would work out because –between you and me—I’ve always had a soft spot for the girl. Having her be a part of my family in a more permanent way would have been great. But I can see that I was wrong about that. Now I understand that the affinity I thought she held for this land was because of you.”

“Getting closer to her will only hurt her in the end,” Paul said, his gaze dropping to the hands on his lap. “She needs someone that can be good for her. Good to her. I don’t think I am that person.”

“And yet the universe believes you are,” he offered. “I can’t say I felt the effects of the imprint bond. I didn’t even shift. But I’ve known love. And when things are meant to be, the universe finds a way to make it rightfully so. (Y/N) deserves to know there is someone out there that is on her side. Someone that will care for her unconditionally. Someone that only wants the best for her, even if it hurts them. She has a right to know about the things happening around her. Because at the end of the day, she is already in this world. Her sister ran with the Cullens and is friends with my son, who –given his behavior—might be getting closer to his shift; she is your imprint; she is still my Jacob’s girlfriend. This world is already happening to her. She just doesn’t know it yet.”

“What if that just pushes her away?” Paul worried. “It has been hard enough to build a friendship with her. I can’t lose that. I won’t lose her.”

“And what if it doesn’t? What if it brings her closer? She deserves the truth, Paul. And you know it can only come from you. I wouldn’t like to see what would happen if she was made aware by anyone else.”

“I… I’ll think about it,” he said, trying to convince himself that he would. Because everything Billy had said was true. She deserved everything and more, and maybe he could be the one to give it to her. At least a fraction. “But I do have to go now. Sam will probably have my head if I am another minute late.”

“I’ll give that boy a call,” Billy chuckled. “But I do hope you decide to tell (Y/N) the truth. It might open roads neither of you thought to walk down.”

Paul felt his head buzz with the words Billy spoke. As they joined the endless talks given to him by Jared and Sam, he knew avoiding the topic could only hurt them both in the long run. But the demons that breathed down his neck were too close for his liking. They held him in their grasp, their claws sinking into his skin every day that passed. He wasn’t sure if he could keep them at bay or even fight them out before they could make their way to (Y/N).

When he got to the Young cabin, he felt exhausted. Definitely not in the best shape to run around the woods in search of nothing. All he wanted to do was lay down and be done for the day. Or better yet, to run back to Forks and hold (Y/N) once again. For the first time since he had shifted, he wanted to avoid his responsibilities and put someone else first.

“Paul,” Sam’s voice broke through the silence of the night, surprisingly startling him. “I just received a call from Billy Black. Seems like you two had a talk.” 

The alpha joined Paul on the bench he sat on, not a single drop of anger in his demeanor. “I’m sorry for being so late tonight,” he sighed. “I’ll go on watch now.” 

“No need for that. Embry took your shift,” he said. “You should thank him for his beginner’s can-do attitude.” 

“I will,” he sighed. “Thanks.” 

“So, what happened?”

“(Y/N) got hurt, and she called me,” he shrugged. “We actually… well, we were together when you called. And then my anger took me to the Black residence.”

“I already knew all of that, Paul,” Sam reminded him. “I’m asking about all the things that happened that I don’t know about.”

“I don’t…”

“So, you’re all talked out for tonight? Or do you think you’ve heard enough?” 

Paul’s gaze fell onto the night sky, staring at the twinkling stars above. “I don’t think there is anything else to say about the matter,” he sighed. “It’s just me and my messed-up head to work through.”

“Well, I know a thing or two about messed-up heads,” Sam chuckled softly. “And there’s always something more to talk about, Pauly-boy. But only if you’re ready to confront those things that you fear so much.”

“I… I don’t think I am, Sam. Not right now.”

“Well then, can I ask the same question I have been for almost two months?”

“I haven’t decided yet on telling (Y/N) the truth. I just need a bit more time to think. To make the best decision for her. At the end of the day, all I want is the best for her. Even if it doesn't include me, Sam.”

Jacob walked into the house late that night, as carefree and nonchalant as ever. He was ready to shower off the day and lay down to rest, hoping that when he woke up the next morning, everything that had gone wrong would resolve itself. But he wasn’t expecting to find his enraged father waiting for him in the living room.

“Dad?”

“Sit down, Jacob,” he said sternly, his tone sharp and pointed. “Now.”

“What’s going on, dad? Why are you so mad?”

“I think you can guess, son. But I won’t make it too hard on you. This is in regard to (Y/N). The girl you claim is your girlfriend.”

“What about her, dad?”

“Acting dumb is not a good look on you, Jacob,” Billy said through gritted teeth, his cheeks growing red in anger. “But since that is how you want to play this. I’ll let you know that it had come to my attention that you have physically hurt her.”

“Look, I don't know what you think you know, but I didn’t do anything to her, dad. All I did was talk.” 

“Let’s say it was an accident, then. That she did slip on the ice, and you didn’t notice that she was hurt –which is a very unlikely scenario, boy. But you dangled your relationship in front of her like it meant nothing. You wavered it like a bargaining chip over something she had no control over. I don’t know who this is sat before me, but I can say this is not the son I raised.”

“And you’re gonna believe her over me, dad? I didn’t do anything like that,” Jacob whined. “All I did was go over to my girlfriend’s house to rant about my best friend avoiding me. Anything else is a complete fabrication. I…” 

“Enough!” Billy exclaimed. The man rubbed at his temples, his anger settling into his head, creating a pounding headache. “(Y/N) didn’t tell me anything. But I know a lie when I hear it, son. And I know that you have been dragging that poor girl along in hopes that something might happen with Bella. I turned a blind eye because I hoped you would fall for her in the same way she had fallen for you. But you have done nothing but break her down. That girl loves you, boy. And you don’t deserve that.”

“How can you say that? I’m your son.”

“My son would have never treated her that way. My son would have stayed to make sure she was okay when she fell. My son would not have used that poor girl’s feelings against her,” he reprimanded. “I told you to let her go if this was what you were planning. You have hurt (Y/N) enough, and I will need you to man up and tell the truth.”

Jake was at a loss for words. He was sure he had never seen his father with so much anger running through his eyes. But he couldn’t admit the mess he had made of everything. How things had gotten out of hand and had blown up in a way that he never expected them to. He couldn’t admit that everything he had done was wrong.

“I didn’t hurt anyone, dad,” he said instead of the truth. “Why don’t you believe me?” 

“I think it’s best if you head to bed now, son. I’ve heard all that I needed to hear.”

“Dad?”

“I need some time to cool down, Jacob. So, whenever you feel the urge, to tell the truth, you know where to find me,” his father said. “I’ll see you in the morning.” 

Back in the Swan residence, (Y/N) was finding it hard to fall asleep. Her hip felt like it was on fire, and her hands pulsed in pain. But it was the warmth that had been rushing inside her since Paul had been there that kept her up. She decided to tire herself with the TV, but it was the images in her head that she had been paying attention to. Her fingers were on her lips, trying to imagine just what would have happened if that call hadn’t come in.

She was back in the bathroom. Paul’s hands were still warm on her skin, her heart hammering on her chest. He’s right there. Only centimeters away from her. She can almost feel his lips on hers. She could already feel the warmness of his breath. Only this time, she does kiss him, and it makes sense. Kissing him feels right.

“(Y/N)?” Her father’s voice startles her out of her dreaming. A live representation of how much time had already passed. “What’re you doing still up?” 

“I couldn’t seem to find sleep,” she shrugged. “Figured the TV would fry my eyes into slumber as it seems to do for you but no such luck.”

“Very funny, kid,” he chuckled. Until his laughter died when he saw his daughter’s bandaged hands. “(Y/N), what happened?”

“I lost my balance on the driveway after Jake left and crashed onto the pavement,” she said. “I tried to catch myself with my hands, but I forgot I have Swan blood running through my veins, and clumsiness is in our genes. I scratched them up good, so I covered them up.” 

“Why didn’t you call me, kid? Are you hurt anywhere else? Do we need to go to the hospital?”

“God, dad, no,” she chuckled awkwardly. “I’m okay now. It’s all taken care of.”

“Are you sure? You know the hospital is open twenty-four hours.”

“I am sure, dad. I’m okay. Just a little banged up.”

Charlie slumped onto the armchair in defeat, exhaustion taking over his body. “Sometimes I feel like I am failing you girls,” he sighed. “I’m so over my head with this whole parenting thing, and you two are the ones paying the price.”

“No, dad…”

“You don’t have to guard my feelings, (Y/N). I know I’m not father of the year. I’m sure there are so many things I’ve missed since the time you’ve been here, just like there were so many things that I missed with Bella. And I can’t help but wonder if it would have been better if you had gone back home with your mom like it was originally planned.”

“As much as I love and miss mom, I don’t regret for a second coming here, dad. In the short time I’ve been here, Forks became home. It’s not perfect, much like no place could ever be, but it is home. And I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

(Y/N) didn’t understand her feelings. She didn’t understand wanting Paul to kiss her. The complexity of liking to people at once hadn’t even crossed her mind because she didn’t think it was possible. Not in its entirety. And for the first time, she felt an ounce of relief at the prospect of Jacob leaving her. Maybe then she wouldn’t have to confront these confusing feelings and she could follow what felt right.

But it was only an ounce.

Next ->

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[nashusglasses]

note: just had a brief, dizzying spell thinking about subtly flirting with suguru in your jujutsu high years. listen. LISTEN. *shaking your shoulders violently, tears lining my eyes* he'll take care of you. here's my take on the forever-famous perilla leaf debate

.

.

.

Suguru takes it upon himself to be grill master for the night. Satoru's too busy stuffing the little tofu bowls down his throat, and Shoko's already in a sake-induced stupor of laziness.

You try taking some pickled radish. Satoru swipes at it in 0.2 seconds and swallows it down before your chopsticks even reach the bowl.

"There's a bowl closer to you," you complain.

Satoru brightens at your suggestion, grabbing the cold ceramic and tipping the radish past his tongue. "The one you were going for looked juicier," he chews through his words.

Whatever. You could always order more. Suguru says nothing, diligently flipping the beef in the pan. Shoko asks you to move out the booth seat because she needs to piss.

When you sit back down, Satoru is already writing to get 5 more orders of pickled bean sprouts and spicy tofu. "How about rice? Six more bowls?"

Suguru sneers. "You're a pig."

"I'm a growing boy. Okay, six–" Satoru hums to himself, frowning– "and maybe some more potatoes. Do you think Shoko wants mushrooms? Because I want more mushrooms."

While Satoru contemplates Shoko's dietary concerns, Suguru drops a heap of perfectly-browned beef on your plate. "Oh. Thank you," you say, and he nods with a gentle smile.

"Let me know if you want more."

Your heart pangs a quiet beat. You nod, too, picking at the meat, convincing yourself that the heat in your face is from the sizzling plate in front of you, and not from Suguru's rolled up sleeves, or the way he carefully adds more to the pan to cook for Satoru's seemingly-bottomless appetite.

You're almost wary when you make a grab for the perilla leaves. Satoru's too good at guessing your next move. You try to prepare yourself, his quick ha!, all the leaves suddenly stuck in his chopsticks, leaving none to spare.

He's too busy chiding Suguru for burning his beef, though. Good. No sudden movements from the manchild with ten stomachs.

You try to grab a leaf. They stick together, folded over in the slick of sauce, and suddenly you miss Shoko because she's always the first to offer help. Her and her stupid small bladder.

You try again. The bottom chopstick manages to slip under one leaf, but a waitress comes by with the five hundred sides Satoru ordered, and the table rattles when he slams his hands down in excitement, bellowing thank you very much!, and your attempt is thwarted when the leaves curl again.

Satoru scarfs down three radish bowls. You try one more time.

You're almost vibrating with frustration. Did God like seeing his subjects suffer through the pain of repetition? You suppose all good things come with tribulations.

You look up. Suguru's watching you with a blank face.

"Good lord." Satoru groans through a mouthful of rice. "You've been trying to get that for–here–"

–clink.

Satoru's chopsticks, intercepted by Suguru's chopsticks. The poor perilla leaf stretches under the weight of their interruption. Suguru is still watching you.

"Oh," you say.

"Suguru," Satoru whines. "First my burnt beef, now this! You broke them all!"

It's true. The leaves are ripped straight down the middle, and all your meat is cold. But he keeps his eyes on you, chopsticks still a threat to Satoru's, and you don't think you've ever seen him move so fast.

Suguru's mold breaks, then. He laughs, scratching the back of his head in sheepish apology. "Sorry. Why don't you just ask for my help next time?"

"Okay," you murmur, and you grab the desecrated leaf. Suguru hums when he watches you chew. You have the distinct feeling that he's somewhat satisfied.

(Satoru yanks his hand back, grumbling something about god you're helpless in Suguru's direction. You hear the brief stomp of someone's foot. Satoru yelps.)

.

.

.

When Suguru lies down in bed later that night, he thinks of the way you thoughtfully chew your food. He dreams of perilla leaves, and what it must feel like to feel the warmth of your face with his hands.

[honeylations]

CHANELLE MOON x FEM!READER

Prompt: You break up with your boyfriend because you fell in love with your bestfriend. And she’s very much in love with you too.

Warnings/Notes: Soccer player/captain Chanelle, high school au, violence, bestfriends to lovers YEEEHEEEE

A/N: Because we love Chanelle <3

BRO HER SMILE???

Got me fucked up fr.

OKIE TO THE STORY✨

———

You stared at your reflection in the school bathroom mirror, reassuring yourself that everything was going to be okay, that you’re only following what your heart wanted. But not matter how many breaths you took, your heart was still beating painfully fast from the anxiety.

“I knew I’d find you here, loser” Jiwoo spoke.

You didn’t even hear her come in.

“Sorry, was fixing my lipstick” you lied and Jiwoo could see it.

“It’s okay to feel nervous, Y/n. This is for the sake of your heart”

You looked at her and slowly nodded. “You’re right”

“Come on, let’s get this over with”

Once you reached the soccer field, you saw Chanelle waving at you happily from afar, already sweaty from the drills she went through with the team. You waved back before walking over to where the boys soccer team were training.

Soobin ran towards you, about to wrap his arms around your waist but you were quick enough to stop him. “Everything alright, babe?”

The name made you cringe.

“Soobin, I wanna talk privately” You said while fiddling with your fingers.

“I’m in the middle of practice” He frowned.

“Just for a few minutes, please?”

The rest of his team appeared behind him, Yeonjun juggling the ball between his hands when he smiled at you.

“Hey sis”

“Hi Yeon. Can I speak with Soobin please?” You asked your older brother.

“Yeah of course-“

“Y/n, I don’t have time for this. If you have something to say, then my boys can hear it too” He scoffed and crossed his arms.

Jiwoo rolled her eyes and raised her brows at you to just say it. “Alright then. I want to break up”

The smirk he had died down immediately, arrogance turning into confusion, then turning into anger.

“What?”

“You heard me Soobin. These past weeks of being with you, I noticed you don’t even treat me right as your girlfriend. Everything always had to be your way no matter how inconvenient yet they were. Oh and to mention that you openly flirt with other girls but get mad at me when I ask Huening Kai for his study notes?”

“I-I…”

“Don’t even try to defend your actions because you knew what you did was wrong but it sadly hurts your ego to man up and own up to your mistakes and that’s what my brother and friends warned me about”

Soobin looked at Yeonjun who death stared him.

“And also I’m in love with someone else” You finally confessed. “Someone who actually cared about me and took my feelings into consideration when you never did”

The taller boy’s jaw clenched as he stepped closer. “You can’t break up with me”

“Oh? And why’s that?”

He abruptly held your wrist tightly. “Because I said so, you’re gonna be my girlfriend whether you like it or not”

Yeonjun dropped the ball and approached Soobin out of anger only to get shoved away. “Fuck off Yeonjun”

“Don’t fucking touch my sister, you worthless piece of shit!” He yelled, trying to escape Taehyun’s hold.

“Chanelle…isn’t that Y/n?” Moa pointed.

The said girl looked behind her, seeing your pained and scared expression when Soobin forcefully grabbed you and pushing your brother.

“Fuck” Chanelle grabbed the soccer ball and ran towards you with Moa and Iroha following.

She ditched the ball hard into Soobin’s face who fell backwards. “AH!”

Chanelle was quick to look at your wrist, blood boiling at the bruise the boy left behind. “Are you okay?”

You didn’t get time to answer when Soobin stood back up and harshly shoved Chanelle into you that you both fell over, your head hitting the ground quite hard.

“Piece of shit!” Chanelle got back up and threw her fist into Soobin’s face, a gross crack heard by the entire crowd.

“Y/n!” Jiwoo and Iroha helped you sit up, gasping at the blood that started to drip from your nose.

On the other hand, Chanelle was completely on top of the boy, swinging at his face and ignoring the pain she was feeling in her knuckles. Yeonjun pushed in and yanked Chanelle away from the bleeding Soobin.

“I fucking hated you from the start, Choi Soobin. I’ll kill you next time” The taller girl growled, shrugging away Yeonjun’s hands.

“And next time, I’ll help” Yeonjun added to the threat.

“Chanelle, take care of my sister please. I’ll deal with this idiot first”

The female soccer captain nodded and kneeled in front of you, cupping your face. “Y/n?”

“I don’t think I can stand. My head hurts so much” You whined, accepting the tissue Moa was shoving in your face.

Chanelle hooked one arm under your back and the other under your knees, carrying you bridal style. “I’ll carry you to the nurse’s office then”

“This is so kdrama coded” Iroha whispered to Jiwoo who laughed.

“T-Thank you” You mumbled shyly, hiding your red face into her neck.

“Moa, can you take charge of training?”

Moa saluted cutely. “Yes boss!”

Finally being treated by the nurse, your blood nose stopped and Chanelle held an ice pack on your wrist, her own knuckles being kindly wrapped up by the nurse.

“I need to send papers to the principal about this so I’ll leave you two here. Just close the door properly before you go” The nurse said, you and Chanelle nodding in response.

“Are your hands okay?” You whispered.

“Why are you whispering?” Chanelle whispered back that made you chuckle.

“I’m still shaken up about what happened. I didn’t expect Soobin to react like that”

Chanelle placed the ice pack on the table beside her and held your hands out of comfort. “What happened anyways?”

“I dumped him, that’s what happened” You looked away.

The soccer captain couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over her body. “Why?”

Looking back into her charming eyes, you smiled. “Because I’m in love with someone else”

Chanelle felt her hope jump out the window. “Oh…May I ask who?”

You noticed the slight disappointment in her tone which got you giggling. She looked so cute trying to hide her jealousy. “Well she’s on your soccer team”

“Eh? Is it Moa? She is quite smart isnt she”

You cupped her face and squished her cheeks together. “You’re so dumb”

“Hey! Don’t be mean, I’m trying to be supportive here”

“Ugh you idiot, it’s not Moa! It’s you! I love youuuu~” You cooed.

Chanelle’s eyes sparkled. “Huhhhhhhhh? You love me? Me??? As in Choi Y/n loves Chanelle Moon?!!”

You laughed as Chanelle moved closer. “Say it again so I know I’m not dreaming”

“I love you, loser!”

Chanelle punched the air to show her victory. “I love you too, Y/n. I always have” she held your waist lovingly.

Without thinking, you leaned in and pressed your lips against her’s, clearly catching her off guard but she returned the gesture anyways. Your arms moved around her neck, letting her tower over your sitting position on the bed. She pulled away and leaned her forehead against your’s.

“I’m so happy, Y/n. You make me so happy”

“Good. I’d be worried if I didn’t”

“Don’t make me take back what I said” She frowned.

“You’re such a baby~” You looked at her lips.

“I’m your baby”

“Yes. Yes you are” You smiled and this time Chanelle made the move to kiss you.

A/N: ok so I wrote this before I found out our baby girl got eliminated T^T

I’ll remain delusional :p

[ghost-with-a-teacup]

Impulsive Decisions ~ Alcina Dimitrescu x Reader

Summary: Everyone has intrusive thoughts. Those impulses that you probably shouldn't indulge, and yet sometimes...its just too difficult to resist. Especially when it comes in the form of your lovers ass right in front of your face and an uncontrollable hand of yours. Don't think you won't pay the consequences though.

Pairing: Alcina Dimitrescu x Reader with special appearances from the Dimitrescu daughters...Dimidaughters?

Warnings: Some (slightly!) suggestive language. Otherwise just some lighthearted goofing around.

Came up with this fic on the last few days of the roadtrip. I think it was a 3AM epiphany that I had to wake up for and note down before I forgot, lol. Took a while to finish but dentist induced inspiration is wonderful. Happy reading my lovelies~

You don't know why you did it. Actually, that's a lie. You know exactly why you did it.

Everyone knew of your lover's...traits, you especially. Knew them quite well really, you were her love for God's sake! So could you really be blamed for wanting to do SOMETHING when she bent over just so, exposing her ass for you to see? NO!

So you did what any good lover would do; you smacked it. It was no pathetic smack either, it was one that let out a resounding crack that echoed for a few moments before tapering off into silence. She had to feel it after all. If weapons couldn't hurt her then a weak little slap would feel like less than a mosquito bite and we couldn't have that, now could we?

Alcina had immediately stiffened at the action, pausing at the library door before backing out slowly, turning to look at you as she did. Her eyes were bewildered for a moment before she levelled you with a glare.

"What-" she started but you didn't let her get any further than that, starting a mad dash away from her as fast as you possibly could.

"WHATEVER HAPPENS ALCI, JUST KNOW I LOVE YOU!" you shouted behind you as you ran, leaving Alcina wide-eyed behind you.

She can only stand there confused before she bellows out a laugh, completely amused as she watches you scamper away.

"Oh you're going to get it now, little mouse," she says, more to herself than anything before she begins a quick pace through the castle.

Meanwhile, you're huffing up a storm as your pace slows to a jog after a few minutes of running. This damned opulent Castle was too big for its own good. Granted of course it provided way more hiding spots, but travelling from the west wing to the east wing alone practically tore a stitch in your side.

You take a break for a moment, holding on to a wall and hiding behind a vase for at least some coverage.

Looking up, you survey your surroundings. In an instant, a cloud of white rounds the corner, speeding toward you at inhumane speeds.

Your heart practically leaps out of your throat and you let out a screech before sprinting down the corridor, feet pounding down on the ground.

"Oh~ Admirable effort darling, but not quite enough," Alcina snickers, her voice closer than before. Too close.

She reaches out a hand to snatch you up but you twist away just in time. Skidding to a stop you turn sharply down the next hallway, throwing a vase in the process. You hear Alcina gasp at the action, but your daughters broke more vases than you could count on the daily, what was one more?

Daughters...in an instant, your mind conjures up an idea. Oh, you were going to play dirty. Who could blame you though? You were no superhuman, but you knew a few that were.

You could hear Alcina catching up behind you again, the corner only a small hindrance in her chase. Well, it was now or never.

"GIRLS! TO ME!!" you shout, not that you had to, they would hear you regardless. But hey! Dramatic effect for the win.

Almost in an instant, the three girls materialize next to you as you run. Varying expressions on their faces.

"Carry me away from your Mother please?" you ask, heaving for breath as footsteps thunder behind you, gaining speed.

"What on Earth did you do?" Bela asks but grabs your arm anyway.

"Did you ask Mother to hunt you? Kinky." Cassandra says, snickering and grabbing your other arm and they carry you quickly out of the area.

"Can we join? That sounds so fun~" Daniela twirls in the air, excitement palpable.

"That hardly sounds like a fair fight, Dani," you laugh. "I can barely get away from your Mother alone. With you three I'd be caught in an instant. Less than one even." Knowing them, you would barely make it half a step before you were caught. Even that was pushing it really.

They carry you through the air, hallways and rooms a blur as you all rush past.

All of a sudden Alcina's voice booms through the air, her position as matriarch unquestionable.

"I WILL FIND YOU, DARLING," she shouts threateningly, but the humoured undertone is evident. "YOU CAN'T RUN FOREVER."

Even knowing it was all just a game you still shuddered at her tone, her power undeniable.

"Here! Leave me here," you say to your daughters. They come to a screeching halt and your body jostles, physics and all.

"Mother's study?" Daniela asks confusedly, "why would you stop here?"

"Well, where else does she spend most of her time?" you ask. "Here her scent is the most concentrated. And it will cover mine, at least for the time being," you state proudly, a grin stretching across your face.

Each of the girls sniffs the air for a moment, checking the validity of your words.

"That's actually...a pretty smart tactic. Good thinking mama," Cassandra says, looking at you as if reconsidering her opinion of you.

"Well, it won't mean much if you don't get inside!" Bela says impatiently, ushering you in. "Mother is already on her way here, I can hear her."

Hustling in, you throw your daughters a playful wink before shutting the door. You hear their laughter echo off the walls as they fly off.

Finally, you have the chance to catch your breath, your heartbeat slowing considerably as the adrenaline ebbs away the tiniest bit. Safety, at least for a little while.

Looking around, you take in your surroundings, Alcina's desk was neat (as usual), a place for everything and everything in its place.

All of a sudden you heard footsteps and your heart rate spikes immediately. Had you been thinking logically you would have realized Alcina would never purposely make her footsteps audible. That this was just a game to her and she already knew where you were.

Too bad you didn't. Instead, you were scoping out all possible exits. The issue with hiding in a room meant there were no quick escapes you could make outside of the doorway and the balcony.

...the balcony!

Practically bursting out the balcony doors the humid Romanian summer heat immediately warms your body. Glancing left to right you spot a precarious-looking walkway two stories off of the ground. But this walkway led to the terrace right in front of Alcina's chambers. If you made it there you could escape into the hallway with her none the wiser.

Walking towards the makeshift bridge you studied the integrity. It was merely made up of a few pieces of wood, precarious indeed. You hardly knew if it could support your weight.

...whatever! You started this game and you were going to finish it, victorious.

Stepping out with one foot you tested the stability, leaning your weight on it with enough remaining balance to be able to pull back in the case it breaks.

The wood audibly creaked and you gulped nervously, yet somehow it still held. Putting more weight on it, somehow it still stayed intact. So as quickly as you could you practically leaped across, taking as few steps as possible.

Good timing indeed, because you heard Alcina's study doors opening right as you climbed over the terrace handrail.

Sneaking on your hands and knees you crawled across to the doorway and breathed a sigh of relief when you reentered the castle's cool interior.

Standing up you brushed off your clothing and grinned smugly before letting out a loud shriek, eyes widening in fright.

At a mannequin. You practically jumped out of your skin at a mannequin. Granted it was an Alcina-sized mannequin, fully dressed with a hat and everything but regardless you almost cried at the ridiculousness of the situation.

This hunt must have affected you more than you thought if you were scared of things like this. Shaking your head with a snort you walk into the connected bathroom, the doorway furthest from the study. You just hoped Alcina hadn't heard you mucking about.

The moment you reach for the doorknob though Alcina comes sweeping in, and this time you let out a genuine scream of fright.

In a blink you're caught in her embrace, arms encircling you tightly and pressing you against the wall. Alcina's shoulders shake as she holds you, but she's looking down to avoid meeting your gaze. Then she throws her head back in a full-bodied laugh, tears gathering at the corner of her eyes as she does.

"Am I," she chuckles, eyes shining with amusement, "am I really that terrifying darling? I've heard you shrieking like a scared little kitten ever since you entered the chambers." You only pout at her ridicule.

"Well, I'm sorry you have a life-sized mannequin that looks eerily similar to you Alcina. Why do you even have that?? Closets exist you know," you huff.

"It"s excellent at preventing wrinkles dearest," she laughs before her eyes darken.

"I've caught you now," she says, her voice thick with lust and your body can only shiver in response. "Whatever shall I do with you, my love?" she wonders out loud.

"Whatever you'd like...mistress," you say, eagerness creeping into your voice as you smirk.

In a blink, she captures your lips in hers with a ferocity that could only be described as hunger, intense and all-consuming.

The kiss paired alongside her touch fills your brain and replaces any thoughts with her, and only her.

Pulling away she begins walking, you wrapped in her arms tightly and safely.

"Oh~ Be careful what you wish for, darling," she says lowly, a smirk pulling across her face.

[nejiverse]

just red your Aki fics with the family and omg.

but then my head goes to thinking about Y/n finding out about Aki’s death.

and it just breaks my heart as like an AU.

if possible can you write that but not cannon to what you’ve written just as an alternate thing

ONE MORE TIME

Aki Hayakawa

writing this kinda pinched my heart a little 🥲

cw: hyperventilation, angst

919 words

Y/n paced around the office nervously. Biting down on her nails wouldn’t be enough to contain her anxiousness at the current moment.

This feeling was of course normal and natural. It was part of the system that evolved to keep people safe and well. It was an alarm system of sorts, one you should heed.

One you should always heed.

Unfortunately this time, she chose to ignore it because of her lover’s persistence and eagerness.

News was received that there was more information on the gun devil’s whereabouts and Aki was so quick to accept the mission.

Y/n knew the reasons as to why he wanted to pursue the Gun devil but she also worried for his safety.

She tried, she really did.

She tried to talk him out of it because of the feeling that was welling deep inside her chest, a feeling of uneasiness.

He managed to calm her down by promising to come back alive and well.

“I’ll never forgive him if he breaks his promise”, she said with bated breath.

“All that worrying won’t do you any good Y/n. Try to calm down”, Himeno tapped her shoulder with her cigarette, offering it to her but she shrugged her off.

She never smoked, she didn’t like when Aki did it either, but old habits die hard as they say.

These next few hours of her life would either pass as a blip or they would be the final trauma that breaks her. Soon enough, she would find it to be the latter.

The next sound that was heard was the hinges of the door squeaking open, alerting the two women that someone was stepping in.

It was a man Y/n remembered to have accompanied Aki on his mission.

She looked up to him with hopeful eyes, she figured no words had to be said from her. Her pupils and facial expressions clearly displayed what she wanted to know.

“The mission was a success..”, he started.

Y/n let out a sigh from deep down in her chest, a small smile making way to her lips. That meant Aki was alive and breathing, or so she concluded.

“I’m glad to hear that”, she gently clasped her hands together against her chest. “Where’s Aki right now?”, she asked happily.

When she saw the man’s features dulling, her smiled faded as fast as her hands unclasped. She frantically looked from the man to Himeno in disbelief.

“H-he’s fine, right?”.

No response.

But the silence spoke louder than any words could. In fact, the silence laughed at her. It mocked her as if to brag of its undeserving feat.

Terror overtook her face and sadness clouded her heart.

“Don’t tell me…”, her voice was barely audible. “I l-lost him?”.

She lost him.

“I’m sorry”, the man clenched his fists in a useless attempt to stop tears from threatening his eyes. He quickly exited the room so he wouldn’t have to hear her weeps. It was futile though.

Y/n found that she couldn't draw in her usual lung-full, as if concrete had been poured into her airways. She clutched her shirt tightly into her fist.

The panic drove her to start gasping, breathing as if the oxygen had been sucked from the air around her. Y/n doubled over and fell to her knees, one weak hand on the ground to support her weight.

Already her thoughts were becoming jumbled, like she was in a nightmare rather than the simplistic office.

Himeno quickly rushed to her side and embraced her tightly.

“Let it all out. You can cry, it’s okay”, Himeno rubbed her back and squeezed her eyes shut as to ensure no tears slip down her cheeks.

Y/n knew how things would go from here. They would all act as if it were a noble sacrifice for their sake, that by loving his memory, the mourning would become a wholesome and wonderful thing. But the truth was they were cowards, every last one of them in this dammed association.

“So…cruel”, she murmured through her tears. It was cruel that none of them were willing to see the difference between honourable self sacrifice and murder. She hoped guilt will one day destroy them from the inside out.

Y/n let out a scream as tears came out of her eyes in pools and her nails dug into Himeno’s arm.

Aki didn’t deserve an early death.

“Please Himeno..”, she wailed, almost like a child as she averted her half-lidded and heavily red eyes to the woman who was embracing her. “Bring him b-back, Aki”, she stuttered through her quick huffs, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably.

Himeno pursed her lips. She didn’t know what to say. She didn’t think there were any words to console her at this moment in time. She could only offer her presence.

All she ever prayed for was to be in his arms forever. His love was everything to her. He made her feel so good about herself, he was kind to her, so very kind.

She would do absolutely anything to just hold him one more time.

But that was a wish that could only be granted in her dreams,

For these hours were only the start of the longest and darkest night there ever was.

Masterlist :)

a/n: I love writing angst, also no manga spoilers please

[mermaidgirl30]

Look for the Light Chapter 8

- Summary: Aly finds herself trying to escape the Boston QZ. What Aly doesn’t know is Tess is pairing her up with Joel to go on a dangerous mission to find Tommy. Will Aly survive the brooding, moody Joel or will she find herself falling hard for him? (This was one of my favorite chapters to write for the enemies to lovers 😍)

You awoke abruptly as beams of sunlight carried their way through the slightly ajar front door of the little house. You looked over and Joel was still passed out on the couch, his arm hanging off the side of it. He looked to be in a deep sleep, his breaths slow and steady.

You hopped up from the bed and made your way to the door, cracking it slightly and letting sunlight through the room. The door creaked, and you looked over to see Joel turn over to his left side. He was still fast asleep thankfully. You didn’t really want to wake him up and let all hell break loose. He wasn’t really a morning person, always cranky and hateful. You figured he was a coffee person. He had to be. Maybe if he had a cup he’d be a little nicer in the mornings. Instead he was like a viper, ready to strike at anything he could.

You heard a loud snap outside of the house. It sounded like something had stepped on a branch and snapped it in half. A few seconds later you heard another crack outside. You wanted to go check it out, but maybe you should wake up Joel first. Just in case it was an ambush of some sort. You rolled your eyes and groaned at the thought of waking him up. You sighed to yourself. Here goes nothing.

You took quick steps over to him and shook him, jolting him awake. “What?!” he groaned at you as he blocked his vision from being blinded by the sunlight.

“Joel, get up. I heard some noises outside,” you said as you stood over him.

He sat up slowly, murmuring something under his breath. You just stood there waiting for him to get up. He looked over at you annoyed. “What are you looking at, don’t just stand there! Get your gun out. Let me get my shoes on for God’s sake. I just woke up, no thanks to you,” he pestered.

“I have my gun right here,” you said as you held it up in your right hand, shoving it back in your pocket. “Just waiting on you.” You crossed your arms over your chest, looking annoyed you had to deal with him today.

Joel tied his boots and stood up from the couch, securing his rifle in his hands. “Then quit standing around and head outside,” he roared as his eyes turned to slits.

“Gladly,” you remarked back with a huff. You could feel Joel’s eyes rolling behind you, you didn’t even have to turn and look. He would be the bane of your existence, if you didn’t kill him one of these days.

You exited through the front door and entered the cold, autumn morning of late October. The trees were all sorts of colors as red and yellow leaves fell to the ground. Joel followed you out, his displeasure hitting the air. He was about to grumble something else when you heard another snap come from a few yards away.

“Come on,” you whispered as you trailed behind the sound.

“Aly, wait. It could be a trap.”

You ignored him as you kept walking towards the sound. The noises becoming clearer and more crisp the closer you got.

“Aly, did you hear me?” Joel reached out and caught your arm. You yanked it away and hard, staring back at him. Your eyes narrowing.

“I heard you just fine, Joel,” you clamored.

“What did I tell you yesterday about following orders?” he barked. You rolled your eyes and kept treading towards the noise. You heard him growl and curse under his breath. You had clearly pissed him off. Good. You didn’t need him.

You turned the corner and came across an American Paint Horse. It had a brown saddle on its back, but no one was around to claim the horse. You looked around and saw nothing. The horse was just standing there grazing on the lush grass.

You started to walk towards it, but Joel held you back. “Wait a second, there could be anyone around here. We need to make sure that horse is truly alone. I don’t want the owners coming back when we’re around.” He dropped his grip on your arm as you moved away.

“Fine. You go and patrol the area then. I’m not letting this horse out of my sight. This is exactly what we need.” Joel tried to give you a warning look, but you ignored him and walked ever so slowly up to the horse, being careful not to scare it. Joel didn’t leave. He just stood and watched you.

“Be careful,” he warned. “You should let me take the lead on this one. I’m pretty good with horses.”

“So am I! Just watch,” you snapped. He crossed his arms and raised his eyebrows, waiting for you to fail. You laughed under your breath. He really didn’t think you could do anything yourself did he?

You took a couple more steps toward the horse. The horse looked up and took a step back, cautious to the unknown person in front of it. You took two more steps closer, holding your hand out. “It’s alright, I’m not gonna hurt you,” you said calmly.

You used to ride horses all the time in Washington. Your grandpa had a ranch, and you grew up riding with him. He taught you everything you wanted to know about horses. You used to have a stallion who was shiny and all black. You had named him Midnight. God you missed your horse and your grandpa. They were both long gone now. You had to stop looking to the past, no one you loved was coming back. Your face dropped and the horse seemed to notice your mood shift.

The horse took a small step towards you, neighing softly. You took a good look at the horse. It was a female. She had a beautiful brown coat with white patches all over her body. White coated her muzzle, light brown surrounding her face. She was a gorgeous horse.

You took another step forward, your hand inches from her face. She closed in the distance and let you stroke her mane. She was so soft, close to a velvet feeling. She was well taken care. You wondered what happened to her owner. All you knew was she was yours now. You’d take care of her.

She nuzzled against your face and you let out a small laugh, enjoying the warm moment. You adored animals, this was probably the whole highlight of your journey into the unknown. You continued stroking her, taking in all the serotonin you could get. You could feel Joel watching you from the corner of your eye. You turned your head and caught a glimpse of him. You couldn’t tell what he was thinking, but it looked like he had a little admiration in his eyes. He looked surprised actually.

“What? You thought I didn’t know how to handle a horse?” you asked with a laugh in your voice.

“Not exactly,” he said quietly. He ran a hand through his dark locks with streaks of grey glistening in the sun.

“Well surprise, I’ve been riding horses since I was little. I’m a pro. Maybe you’d know that if you actually talked to me,” you scowled. He shook his head at the comment.

“I know a thing or two about horses myself,” he said as he walked over to the horse and gently grazed his fingers over her back. “She’s a beauty. Should make for a good travel companion. Unlike someone else I know.”

You pushed his shoulder at the insult and rolled your eyes. “You’re such an asshole.”

“I know,” he smirked. “What should her name be?” he asked as he looked over the horse.

You gave her a good look and a name popped up in your mind. “Shimmer. Her name’s Shimmer.”

He gave her another glance and nodded his head. “Alright. Shimmer it is.”

“You’re not gonna fight me on the name?” you asked surprised.

“Why would I do that?” he asked, lines on his forehead creasing with confusion.

“Because you usually fight me on everything,” you mumbled under your breath.

“What’d you say?” he asked with a thick accent.

“Nothing,” you breathed out.

He looked at you for a few seconds with his hands on his hips and finally dropped them. “Fine. Grab your bag, we’re leaving in five,” he ordered.

“Fine.” You walked back to the house and grabbed up your backpack. Joel walked Shimmer towards the house and grabbed his bag as well. When you walked through the front door, he snatched your bag out of your hands and hung it on the right side of the saddle.

“You could’ve at least asked me nicely to hand you my bag,” you complained.

He grunted in response as he pulled himself up on Shimmer, situating himself on the leather saddle. He offered you his hand as you placed your foot in the stirrup. You didn’t want to take his hand, you wanted to do it yourself, but Shimmer was too high off the ground and Joel was in your way.

“Well, hurry up. We don’t have all day,” he grumbled, still offering his hand. You rolled your eyes and grabbed his hand as you hoisted yourself up. His hand was rough but warm. It burned like you had just placed your hand in a boiling pan of water. As soon as you were up on Shimmer, you yanked your hand away from him like it was on fire. The less contact you two had, the better off you were.

Joel took hold of the reins and Shimmer started galloping forward. It felt so nice to be riding again. You wished it would have been under better circumstances though. Not with Joel. Anyone but him would’ve been better.

Shimmer sped up as the ride became bumpy. She galloped down a long, rocky trail full of ruts and slopes. You tried to keep a grip behind you, but you were unsteady. There was no way you were putting your arms around Joel. You’d rather fall to your death than do that.

She galloped hard around a sharp corner, avoiding a gigantic oak tree. You began falling to the left of Shimmer, a towering rock sitting at the bottom of the ground. Before you could go overboard you grabbed on to Joel hard, avoiding a contusion to your skull.

Your arms wrapped around his waist. As soon as you did, Shimmer decided to slow her pace down. Thanks, Shimmer. Just great. You could feel just how muscular he was through his plaid shirt. Joel’s body tightened up the moment you made contact with your arms. The fleece plaid shirt was so warm, so comfortable. Mixed feelings flew through you and then Joel cleared his throat.

You quickly let go of him and dropped your arms, breaking contact. “Sorry,” you stammered as you felt your cheeks turn red. Fantastic. Joel didn’t say anything. He just kept his hands on the reins and continued riding on. His body didn’t relax though. You noticed that much. It’s like your touch had scorched him, and he didn’t want to be burned again. You tried your hardest to keep your hands from making contact with him again.

The rest of the ride was more smooth, more relaxing. The autumn air was cool, and the air smelled of fall. You loved fall. It was your favorite time of year. At least that was one good thing that was happening in the world right now.

-

The morning flew by fast. You’d been on the road for a few hours now, just trotting along. Trying to soak up the views of large landscapes and open fields. Thunder cracked in the sky a few miles north of you. You saw lightning fill the sky, lighting it up like Christmas lights. The sky was so dark, it was almost pitch black. Big thunderheads formed in the sky.

“Damn it, we need to find some shelter and quick. That storm’s gonna be a nasty one. One we shouldn’t be caught in,” Joel said with a sigh.

There was a large building about a mile away. You couldn’t quite make out what it was, but it kind of looked like a barn. Oh good, Shimmer might like that. “Right over there,” you pointed to the building.

“It’s the best shot we’ve got right now,” he said as he hit the reins and made Shimmer go running towards it. You grabbed onto the back of Joel’s shirt trying to stay put in your seat. He tensed up again, but this time less. It was like your touch electrocuted him.

By the time Shimmer made it under the awning, rain started pouring. The ground became soaked with puddles and mud in just a short time. You sighed and jumped off Shimmer, landing feet first on the ground. Joel jumped down next.

It was exactly what you thought it was from the distance. It was a large barn. The doors were open on both sides of the building. Empty stalls were scattered against the left wall as hay covered the ground in them. The walls were painted red and hay bales laid around the edges of the barn, along with some straw. It looked like it had been abandoned for a while, but it was still looking pretty clean and sturdy. You felt really lucky to have found it. Otherwise you would’ve got pounded by the storm.

Shimmer went and laid down in one of the middle stalls, seeking shelter from the storm and resting her legs. That’s exactly what she needed to do. She had to rest because we had a long trip ahead of us.

“Now what?” you asked Joel.

“We’re just gonna have to wait out the storm. No other options that I see,” he said as he sat down on a hay bale.

You paced the room, anxious for the storm to pass. Thunder boomed outside as lightning lit up the sky seconds after. You used to love the rain back in Washington, but not anymore. This storm had you on edge. Just ever so slightly. Maybe it’s because you were stuck in the barn with Joel. You just had to toughen it out. You could do this.

“Aren’t you going to sit down?” he asked casually.

“I don’t think so,” you said quickly.

“What’s the matter, you don’t like storms or something?”

“Or something,” you said as you looked out at the dark, stormy sky. The rain used to soothe you, but ever since that one cold night in Seattle you couldn’t look at storms the same. The night your parents died. The night your heart was shattered into a million tiny pieces. Chills tingled up your spine just thinking about it. You let the thoughts leave your mind fast before your emotions could get the best of you.

“Alright then,” he answered back as he placed his head up against the hay, relaxing into the bundle of warmth.

You slowly paced the barn, kicking up strands of hay as you went. The storm was nowhere near letting up. You sighed and decided to try to relax. You stopped pacing and leaned up against one of the sturdy walls, looking over at Joel. He was just sitting there comfortably watching the rain come down, his hands behind his head as he leaned against the hay.

You watched him for about a minute and decided you wanted to pry. What all was Joel hiding from you? Why was he a closed up box that didn’t want to be opened? You wanted to know and now was your chance. You were both unoccupied, nothing to keep him from talking. Alright, here goes nothing.

“So, are you going to tell me about your brother and why he wasn’t at the Boston QZ with you?” You lifted your head from the wall and crossed your arms, waiting for an answer.

“I don’t think so,” he said somberly.

“Why not?” you asked annoyed.

“Because.” He sat up from the hay bale and looked you hard in the face. “I don’t have to and I don’t want to talk about him.”

“Of course you don’t want to. You never want to talk,” you spat.

“Listen,” he said as he stood up, dusting hay off his blue jeans. “I’m not here to talk about my personal life. You can keep asking me, but I’m just going to get more annoyed. So, if you’d be so kind as to stop asking me about family matters and kindly shut the fuck up, I’d appreciate it,” he said coldly as he took a couple of steps closer to you.

“Fine, I won't ask you anymore!” you yelled at him, your face hot from anger.

“Good!” he yelled back.

You took a few steps toward him. “What’s your problem, huh? Why are you always being so defensive?” Your voice raised louder, carrying through the pounding rain.

“Because that’s who I am!” he snapped.

“I noticed!” you snapped right back. “You know what, Joel? Forget I even asked. Just drop it. You’re not worth it.” You held your hand up, surrendering the fight.

Joel glared at you, and it looked like he was about to say something else. Before you could hear what he said, a runner came barreling out of a hay bale. Eyes blood red and appetite famished. It was running straight at you.

Before your body could respond, Joel reached in your pocket and took out the hunting knife that was made of steel. Without even looking at the runner, Joel plunged the blade into its skull. It’s like he had cat-like reflexes. The strike instantly killed the runner. A red puddle pooled under its skull as it crashed to the ground dead. Joel quickly cleaned the knife on the runner’s shirt, wiping the blood from the blade.

“Holy shit, where’d that thing come from?” you asked, shock in your voice and eyes wide.

“Apparently it heard us yelling at each other,” he said mockingly.

You made an obnoxious face at him and rolled your eyes. “Smooth one, now give me back my knife,” you said as you held out your hand, waiting for him to give it up.

“Come take it from me,” he challenged as he held it up.

You swiped at him, and he took a step back. The knife out of your reach. “Alright, give it,” you said in a serious tone.

“I’ll give it to you. You just have to take it from me first,” he smirked.

You crossed your arms and threw daggers at him with your stare. “Are you challenging me?”

“Looks like it. Now are you going to stand there and talk or are you going to come get your knife?” he asked as he tossed the knife between his hands.

“Bring it on,” you said with a playful smile. He laughed as you walked up to him, reaching for the knife. He held it high above his head.

“Give it here,” you said as you jumped to try and grab the blade from him. He looped his arm around your back and tossed the knife to his right hand. You tried to grab it, but he whisked it away again in an instant. You huffed in frustration.

You swiped at him again, missing the knife by a few inches. “Not so fast,” he said as he spun around you, ending up on the opposite side of you. You charged and jumped at him, trying to take the knife. He ended up catching you, an arm circling around your waist as he spun you around and backed you up against the wall.

Your back hit the wall as his arms pinned you against it, leaving you with nowhere to go. He was standing so close to you, his eyes going dark as he stared down into yours. Your heart was pounding so loud that you swear he could’ve heard it over the pouring rain outside.

His biceps flexed as he leaned in even closer to you, inches from your face. You were breathing hard. You were out of breath from trying to get the knife from him, but it was also partly because he was standing so close. Heat radiating off his body, mixing with your own. You gulped as he looked from your eyes, down to your lips and back up.

“So close, but looks like I won this round,” he whispered, his voice melting like honey on the last word. You could’ve come undone right then and there, but you didn’t. He smirked as flames danced in his eyes. You wanted to feel the flames against your skin that you saw in his eyes.

Heat rushed through your body, and you were having a hard time concentrating. You could’ve sworn he was about to kiss you, but he pushed off the wall leaving you with your burning thoughts. “Try again,” he said with darkness ringing in his tone.

You pushed yourself off the wall and went for his legs. You tried to take him out as you kicked one leg, aiming for his knee. He quickly surpassed you, missing your target. Before you could say anything, he caught you off guard. He circled you and tripped you with his leg, making you tumble to the ground. You landed on your back with a thud, the hay breaking your fall.

He came down on top of you pinning one of your hands to the ground, one leg pinned under his knee. Joel was good, you couldn’t deny that. He was an experienced fighter. There was no way you could beat him. You tried to budge, but you couldn’t. He was too strong.

“Nice try, but you’re too slow,” he said with a small smile playing on the corners of his mouth. You both were breathing fast now, out of breath. You sat there for a few seconds listening to him breathe in and out, desire filling the pit of your stomach. His eyes were the color of honeysuckle, warm and inviting. You wanted to melt into those pretty eyes of his.

Before you could react, he lifted his weight off you and got to his knees. “Here, let me help you up,” he said as he offered you his hand. You contemplated taking it, but you saw the knife in his other hand.

You disregarded his hand that was offered to you and lunged for the knife. Before you could grab it, he moved and pushed you to the floor. This time you landed on your stomach. “Uhhh!” you yelled with agitation filling your body.

“Like I said, too slow,” he said laughing.

You pushed yourself up to a standing position and faced Joel. He was holding out the knife, this time offering it to you. You reached for it and snatched it out of his hands. You stuffed it deep in your front pocket making sure he didn’t take it again. Then you shoved him as hard as you could. He barely moved though. You glared at him, angry that you couldn’t successfully get the knife from him before. You were slow and weak. And he just showed you how much you were lacking.

“That wasn’t funny, Joel,” you said in a serious tone. Your eyes squinting as you tried to look intimidating.

“I thought it was pretty funny,” he said laughing with an amused expression on his face.

“No, it’s not!” you yelled back. Tears on the brink of shedding. You were so frustrated it was hard to focus.

“Hey, calm down. I’m only trying to help you,” he said calmly, trying not to raise his tone.

“Then try harder,” you said, choking on your words.

“I think that’s enough lessons for today,” he said as he backed away. “Maybe we can do more another day. I think you need to cool off a minute.”

“Right, okay,” you said back in a sarcastic tone. You didn’t know why you were getting all worked up over that. Maybe your emotions were running high from all the adrenaline and angst Joel was sending you. You weren’t just frustrated with losing the fight, you were frustrated with the mixed signals he was giving you. You were so sick and tired of him shutting you down all the time. And now he was being hot and cold and twisting your mind in different directions. Fuck he was frustrating!

You saw him stretch his right arm out, leaning against the wall. He was watching the rain come down calm and steady outside. The storm was far from over. Your eyes landed on his watch again with the faded green band. The watch hands weren’t ticking because the glass was broken. You still wondered why he wore it if it didn’t even work. What was he hiding behind it? What did it mean to him?

You knew he said not to pry, but you couldn’t help it. You wanted to pry. You needed to. You’d reap the consequences as they came, but you had to break into his shell. He needed to let you in for your own sanity. You sighed. Here goes nothing. You took a deep breath before you spoke.

“That watch you’re wearing, I noticed it was broken. Did someone give it to you?” you asked curiously as you reached out to touch it. You barely grazed it with your palm until Joel swatted your hand away.

“Don’t,” he glared at you.

You backed up a couple of steps and raised your hands. “Alright, alright. I was just curious why you wore it.” His stare could’ve cut daggers into you. He was mad, flames burning in his eyes. You weren’t going to keep putting up with his shit though. “Hey, why won’t you let me in? Why can’t you talk to me like a normal person?” You raised your voice so he’d know how upset you were with him.

“I don’t have to tell you a damn thing about anything,” he growled back. You swear you could’ve seen a flash of red glow across his eyes with how angry he was getting. Good, you wanted to break his shell. Make him talk to you. So you would. Fuck the consequences.

“No, you really don’t, but it’d sure be nice if you did!” you screamed back.

“What do you want from me, Aly?”

“I want you to stop acting like you hate the world! Why do you hate me so much?”

Joel laughed and shook his head. “I don’t hate you,” he said as he looked back up at you.

“Oh, really? Because it sure seems like it when you shut me down and refuse to talk to me. Why won’t you just let your walls down a little with me? We’ve been traveling together for a few weeks now. I think you owe it to me,” you said, crossing your arms and daring him to challenge you.

“I don’t owe you a goddamn thing!” he shouted back. Ouch, that really hurt actually. As if you didn’t think this man could break you anymore. You felt as if you were standing on a high ledge awaiting death, and Joel was about to push you over the edge.

“Stop acting like you’re the only one hurt! I know you must’ve lost someone you really cared about. Trust me, I know exactly how you feel,” you said sympathetically, hoping he’d soften up a bit.

He gave you the meanest look he’d ever given you before. His eyes were daggers and he snarled up at you like a hunting dog about to pounce on their prey. “You don’t know a damn thing about loss,” he ripped into you. That pushed you over the edge. You felt your heart shatter into a million pieces right then and there. You didn’t know if you wanted to burst into tears or break something over Joel’s head. That was low even for him to say.

All you did was take a deep breath and turn the opposite way. “Okay,” is all you said. You started walking towards the opposite side of the barn. Straw crunched under your boots as you walked, and your foot smashed a broken bottle, glass shattering underneath you. You were about to step out into the freezing rain, just a couple more steps and you’d be there. You didn’t even care at this point. You’d rather be struck by lightning than be in the same room as Joel right now. You needed a way out and fast.

Before you could exit the barn, Joel reached out for you. “Aly, wait!” he shouted as he ran towards you.

“Why!” you screamed as you turned to look at him, rage flowing through your veins. You quickly turned back to the direction you were headed.

“Just stop, please,” he begged as he grabbed your wrist. His hand was warm, but you yanked your arm away from his grasp.

“No!” you screamed. You turned back towards him with pain in your eyes. “You don’t get to tell me I don’t know what loss feels like. You don’t get to tell me that when you won’t even talk to me!” You pushed him hard, and this made him stop in his tracks. He looked at you, waiting to hear what you’d say next.

You caught your breath and held back tears before you continued to yell at him. “I’ve lost everyone I’ve ever loved and cared about! They’re all gone, dead!” Joel’s eyes softened and concern devoured his face.

“I’m done trying to hold it together anymore. I’ve lost everything! And I don’t need you to make me feel worse about myself. I had to watch my mom and dad get attacked by the infected. First a runner took out my dad, and the next day he turned my mom. They were both gone so fast, and I had to watch it happen!” Tears started flowing down your eyes. Joel was listening intently, not making a sound. Concern grew on his face as he continued to listen. He took a step towards you and you took a step back.

“And then me and my brother were trying to escape Seattle. That’s where a massive outbreak happened. People were dying all around me, shops were being overrun, people were getting attacked in their own cars. It was a cold night, and the city was in chaos. Cars were burning up and down the streets, houses were being overrun with clickers, and people were dropping left and right. The infection spread so fast through the city. Me and my brother both ran as far as we could. We took the car and tried to skip town.” You caught your breath before you had to tell the worst part of all.

“Before we got out of town, I noticed something was wrong with my brother, Jason. His forehead was burning up and he was having trouble breathing, so we pulled the car over and got out. He started hyperventilating and making these weird noises. He sounded just like the infected that were overrunning the city. Not long after that his eyes turned blood red and he couldn’t talk. I watched him turn into one of those things before my eyes. I froze, I didn’t know what to do. I looked over for just one second, he knocked me on my back before I could react, and he was trying to get to my throat. I panicked and didn’t know what to do. I had a small handgun in my pocket and I forced the gun to his head.” Tears escaped your eyes as you struggled to finish the story.

“I… I had to shoot him before he killed me too. I should’ve just let him bite me because I died the day I lost my entire family. I..I,” you struggled to keep your train of thought as you started having a panic attack.

“I’m a murderer. I feel so guilty about it. He should’ve been here with me today. We both should’ve survived. Instead I’m left with the pain of that day that happened so many years ago. There’s not a day I don’t think about it.” Joel’s eyes looked so sad in that moment. It was almost like he was trying to reach for you. You ignored it and kept going.

“Do you know how hard it is to keep going day after day just to survive in this shitty world? I am tormented by that day every single day I have to keep living! Do you know how hard it is to get close to someone after that, after losing everything you ever cared about? And then you go and make me feel ten times worse about everything. What did I do to deserve that? You don’t even care...”

Tears took over as you broke down. You collapsed to the ground as you felt your heart shatter into shards of glass. Your vision blurred as the tears crashed around you. Your body started to shake, and you were so cold you just wanted to go lie down for a few days and forget you ever existed.

Suddenly strong arms were around you in an instant. You wanted to push Joel away, but you didn’t have the strength in you. He wrapped his arms around you tightly, embracing you firmly. He was so warm, especially with his thick, green plaid shirt soft against your arms.

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. It’s gonna be okay,” he said soothingly as he took one of his hands and ran it up and down your back, trying to comfort you.

You sobbed even more as he held you in his arms. He had a gentle side, and you didn’t even know until now. You wanted to punch him or slap him hard in the face for every single mean thing he said to you, but you couldn’t. You had no more energy to fight back. You felt like you had just ran a marathon and got the wind knocked out of you, your breath shallow.

“But…but you said,” you started but Joel shushed you softly.

“Shhh. Forget what I said. I know I can be a real asshole. I don’t hate you though. I never did. I’m so sorry,” he said as he apologized into your ear. His breath was so warm, it felt as if a fire had started in you. He smelt like fresh firewood and mahogany. You could get intoxicated from the smell. His strong hold on you had you melting inside. If you weren’t falling for him before, you were now.

His chin rested gently on the top of your head as he ran a hand through your thick waves of hair. You felt as if you were laying on a beach, and a strong wave just crashed into you. Except this wave was refreshing and calm. It was like floating in the middle of the sea with nothing but peace and tranquility.

You don’t know how long you sat there. Maybe it was only a few minutes, or maybe it was half an hour. You couldn’t break away from Joel even if you tried. You wanted to stay wrapped in his embrace for as long as he’d let you.

“It’s okay, I got you” he breathed. Every fiber of your being was latching onto Joel. All you could do in response was hold onto him tighter. You’d hold onto him for as long as you could. The only thing you feared now was losing him too.

Chapter 9

Series Masterlist

[huffle-dork]

Swap into the CrystalVerse Chapter 17: Fantasy Masks

Co-written with @crystalninjaphoenix 

Read Swapboys | Read Fantasy Masks | AO3 Link

Prologue | Switch | Stitched | PNPT | Septicheroes | Fantasy Masks

Taglist: @brokentimewatch @di-diwata  

True enough, at first light Bro and Alt hear a voice outside their tent "Alt? Other me--Bro? It's time to get up." It's Chase.

Alt glitches outside of the tent pretty much immediately, his bag of stuff prepared and slung over his shoulder. He looks like he barely slept at all.

Bro stumbles out a few beats later, blinking sleepily and pulling on his tunic and grabbing his own stuff. “Mhm ‘morning-“ He yawns.

“Whoa!” Chase jumps a little when Alt appears in front of him. “Elders, I forgot… You were really fast there.” He laughs. “Hi you two. We’re going to grab a quick breakfast at the fire and then head out, okay?”

Alt flushes a bit, "ah sorry... been trying not to glitch as much..." He mutters. He nods and starts heading towards the fire.

Bro shakes his head, "If it makes you feel better I live with him and I'm still not quite used to it." He laughs, readjusting his stuff and making sure Alt and him didn't leave anything in their tent.

“Well don’t hold yourself back for our sake. Then we’ll never get used to it.” Chase looks through the tent opening. “Have everything? Alright. Let’s go.”

Alt probably only half heard Chase as he stumbles towards the fire. Bro sighs a bit in worry.

The camp is less busy this early, but it’s never entirely quiet. People are already up and walking around, and breakfast is already being made. As they approach the fire, they see the other four already there.

Henrik is busying himself with packing food into a bag, but he looks up when the others approach. “Ah, good to see you. Chase and Chase and Alt, do you have anything you think we should take? In terms of food supplies, I mean.”

Alt waves a little and stifles a yawn, pixelating a bit. “Um- anything we can eat quick… my magic can be a drain but I can bounce back with some good fuel- like… jerky probably.” He shrugs.

“Good! We have lots of that already.” Henrik closes the bag, buckling the flap.

“Are you okay, Alt?” Jackie asks. “You look really tired and… your form is breaking. Did worry keep you up?”

“M’fine,” Alt mutters, rubbing at his eyes. He’s definitely lying. “We just gotta keep moving… I’ll wake up.”

Chase gives Alt an odd look, clearly not buying that he’s fine, but it’s not worth the trouble.

“I could have provided a sleeping tonic, if you asked,” Henrik says. “Oh! But here is the opposite of that.” He reaches into one of his belt pouches and withdraws a small cloth bag. Inside are a handful of brown beans. “I asked Nemet about your ‘kohfi,’ and she says these are the beans that makes it. This is all she had but she insisted we take them anyway. How kind of her. I am not sure how to make the drink but she says they are fine to eat, if bitter, and provide the same effect.”

Alt’s eyes do brighten a bit at the coffee beans. He laughs and smiles some then grabs a couple to eat. They are bitter but he takes his coffee black. “Mm- that’ll help. Thanks dude.”

“Ah yeah! We eat chocolate covered coffee beans at home all the time!” Bro grins. “Sometimes I like it better than actually coffee- it’s like a fun pick me up!”

Henrik grins. “I’m glad this is not so strange, then.” The beans are a bit different than the ones back home, a bit softer but still with a good crunch. Henrik pops a couple in his mouth too.

“You sure that won’t conflict with your medicine, Schneep?” Jackie asks.

“Is alright, I asked Nemet about that.”

“We’d better hurry,” Marvin says. “The days are only getting shorter.”

Alt nods, gaining a serious expression that sharpens up his features. He double checks he has all his modern things- his headphones, his old pants, the TRVLR. Huh- he actually hasn’t checked the TRVLR since they got here… but he’s sure it’ll work… right?

Bro sneaks some beans too and makes a face, “mhm- could use chocolate.” He chuckles. Then he stands up at attention. “Alright team! Let’s get this show on the road!”

When Alt checks the TRVLR, its screen is at first only that low battery sign. When Alt gives it a jolt, it powers on like usual, but there is now a fourth circle in the middle of the usual three. This one is red, and marked with an exclamation point.

Alt’s eyes widen slightly and he checks on the new circle.

A message in red text pops up, with an X in the upper right corner to close out of it

WARNING Latency Detected

This unit is having difficulty connecting to the universal database. This is for one or more of the following reasons:

-A Ripple is happening

-Current location is too far from unit's home universe

-Current location does not have the technical capabilities of helping connection

Please take this into account when jumping.

Jameson leans over Alt's shoulder to look at the TRVLR screen. What strange symbols, he says.

Bro looks over Alt’s shoulder to read and Alt’s face pales. “…it- it might not work…” he whispers with slight horror. “We-We’re somewhere without technology- I-I didn’t even think…!”

“C-Calm down Alt! I’m sure the fancy Iris guys accounted for something like this! Besides… we can’t leave without Mag… let’s focus on one thing at a time, okay?”

Alt shakily nods and puts the TRVLR away, trying not to panic again. “Right.. right- w-we gotta focus…”

Marvin watches the two of them with concern. "Your talisman for getting home is having trouble? Is there anything we can do?"

“I’m not sure…” Alt mutters, “It says it’s having trouble connecting… cuz we’re lacking some- modern things. Things I dunno how to get here… my- lightning might not be enough…” He squeezes his arm and tries to take a deep breath. “B-But Bro’s right we’ll… have to worry about that later.”

“If it does work I’m sure there’s some other way,” Marvin says, a bit awkward in his reassurances but clearly genuine. “I’ve heard of other worlds so there must be a way to get there.”

“We’ll do everything we can,” Jackie says. “I swear it.”

Alt tries to smile and nods, “Thanks.”

After a quick breakfast, and a brief stop where Jackie, Henrik, and Marvin discuss things with the second in commands, it’s time to go.

Alt is anxious all throughout breakfast and Bro watches him in worry. Usually Alt gets a lot of his anxious energy out through glitching but he’s being unnaturally still. Bro doesn’t see him suppress his glitching much…

Once it’s time to go Alt anxiously bounces on his feet. Bro stands next to him and tries to put a hand on his shoulder but Alt glitches out of his reach. “…it’s gonna be okay Alt- we got this!” He tries to reassure.

The group heads out of camp, passing the Phantoms on perimeter part roll and heading into the woods. Things quickly start looking similar to Bro and Alt, but everyone else seems fairly confident. Chase and Jackie are leading the way.

“Yes, we have this,” Henrik says, overhearing the two of them. “I know it is intimidating, but we are all practiced at this by this point.”

“Ha! I’d believe it! With all the training and you all being so prepared, I feel confident!” Bro smiles.

Alt picks at his shirt, glancing at the woods like something could come out of them at any second and grab them.

Chase glances back and notices Alt looking around. "Hah... worried about animals?" he guesses, grinning. "Don't worry. Predators won't attack a group of humans this big unless they're desperate. Trust me, I grew up in these woods. And as for other people... well, no one comes up here. It's a hard climb and there's nothing nearby." He faces forward again. "Although... I wonder if a storm is coming..."

Alt slowly nods. He gets like this sometimes, thinking about Mag. Like he can constantly hear his laughter in his head. See the slinking of catlike shadows in his peripheral vision. He tries to shake off that feeling, clutching the bow he borrowed from the Phantoms close.

-----------

"Magnificent."

The palace is surprisingly dark right now. But not because it's night. No, looking out the windows shows a gloomy sky overhead, crowded with heavy black clouds. The King is standing by one of said windows. "Are you awake?" he presses.

It takes a second for the magician to stir but soon enough he opens his eyes and sits up right quickly, rubbing at his face and putting back on his mask, “ah yes. Forgive me- didn’t mean to oversleep.” He pushes himself off the bed and dusts himself off before approaching the King. “Hm- looks like it could be a storm…”

“Exactly.” The King nods. “And we don’t want to travel in weather like that. It’s a sure way to catch the shivering. Do they have that where you’re from?”

It certainly looks bad out there. And in this strange land {he should probably trust the judgment of someone who lives here.}

“…I don’t know if we call it the shivering but I’m assuming we do.” Mag comments. He huddles his cloak around himself and thinks. Then he shrugs, “Weather can’t be helped. I certainly don’t want to get soaked- mayhaps I can find more books about the magic here…”

“Oh, you know… fatigue, confusion, shivers, difficulty breathing.” The King lists off the symptoms in rapid succession. “Caused by the cold. And walking in wet clothes will definitely leave you cold enough to catch it.”

“Sounds like a bad cold or the flu-“ Mag muttered with a shrug.

“But enough of that. I’m assuming you checked the library. They may have a secret section there, if I remember correctly.”

Mag flares out his cape dramatically to head towards the library, “Well then- if we’re stuck here I shall spend the day in there.”

"Very well." The King reaches out to the candle sconce on the wall. A spark leaps from his fingertip to the wick, lighting it with an electric hsss. "Let me see if I remember where the secret section is..."

As they walk down the hallways towards the library in the center of the palace, the King continues lighting the candles in a similar matter. It doesn't do much to help penetrate the darkness, but it's better than nothing.

Mag blinks at the king doing this and every so often he’ll light a candle before he does with a twitch of his head- lighting it with green fire. Mhm- a castle would look so pretty covered in such a lovely color. The thought makes Mag smirk to himself.

"Best be careful in there," he says, more to himself than Mag. "Dry paper. Best hope they have candle shields in there."

The library is not as grand as it probably should be for a palace. It's small, and probably would have been cozy if it hadn't been so dusty. The King walks back behind a desk, brushing aside some cobwebs to open a drawer. "Oh good. They do." He pulls out a candle holder with a single candle, a glass bowl attached to the base, high enough to shield the flame. He reaches in and lights it. "Now... where is it...?"

Mag coughs at the dust and uses some of his magic to sweep it and more cobwebs away. “Eugh.”

The King chuckles. "Not a fan of dust? Me neither." {That's something else they have in common.}

“I deal with it enough at home,” Mag grumbles.

The King begins searching the shelves. "If memory serves me... There's something we can pull or slide that opens an alcove on this wall. Here, search with me. Or on your own, if you wish."

Mag nods and starts to look across the shelves, looking for anything out of the ordinary. He lights a flame in his hand but flickers a shield around it like the king’s candle.

It takes a long while--maybe frustratingly long--but eventually the King shouts "Aha!" One of the shelves on a bookcase slides back into the wall when pushed. Next to it, a section of the stone wall swings open with a grinding noise. "After you, then," the King says, {ever gracious.}

Mag startles a bit at the sudden noise but then smirks at the king, taking advantage of going first. “thank you Aodhan~”

The King nods and steps aside.

The room beyond is small and windowless, but packed with things. Scrolls and old, crudely-bound books line the walls, dried herbs hang from the ceiling, and various crystals, powders, and pressed flowers fill bowls and jars on shelves. Surprisingly well-preserved pumpkins sit on the floor. A large cauldron takes up an alcove on the opposite wall, hanging off the ground by about a foot. A staff hangs on the wall, a red-speckled green stone embedded in the top. Candles sconces hang off the walls, holding blue candles.

"Ah, I see, this is for both witchcraft and wizardry," the King says from the entrance.

Magnificent’s eyes light up at the sight. He seems to actually smile as he looks at the witchy things. He tries to carefully clean off the dust as he looks at the trinkets. “Ha… this reminds me of playing witch as a boy…” He muses.

The King smiles, looking {almost fond.} "You studied magic as a child as well? I suppose that makes sense."

Magnificent laughs quietly, running a finger across some of the crystals, “My family were sorcerers. Prestigious… we had a family name to uphold. My birth was mainly just to keep the family name in tact for my father. He was very strict in what magic I could and could not learn. Very strict with my studies. So much so I did not interact or go out much as a child.” He laughs and then touches around the caldron, “then.., I met my best friend. Jackie. He got me out of my house… and together we learned things together. He showed me forms of witchcraft his family knew- though he didn’t practice. But it was fun… to rebel and learn things that would enrage my father.” He then becomes more aware of himself and flushes some, coughing and turning back around to look further into the room. “But uh- of course that’s all irrelevant. Apologizes.”

The King tilts his head, {softening a bit.} "It does... help me understand you more. Do you think the child of a monarch is ever born with anything other than 'the family name' in mind? The royal line is especially honored in Glasúil, in a way that isn't often found in other lands. And it is because of the legend of legacy. Something I've already told you I never cared for." He pauses. "My powers were weak, once. Limited, as magic here has always been limited. I spent ages studying, strengthening them. And my family never approved of it." Another pause. "But that's all irrelevant. Apologies."

Magnificent looks at the king and shares with him a wry smile. “…we have even more in common then, Aodhan. Never thought I’d have much in common with a Royal-“ he snorts.

"I never thought I would have so much in common with anyone." The King pauses. Then he turns and heads off. "I'll leave you to explore here. If the weather lets up I'll let you know." And he disappears. {Perhaps he wasn't as bad as their first impression led Mag to think.}

Magnificent watches the King go- expecting to narrow his eyes as he back when he left. But… he had been… decent today. Even… pleasant? Perhaps it was the weather.., Nevertheless, he was here to see if could better understand that magic here. There had to be some way to get the upper hand on the king.., and now- he had the whole day to search. And so he began.

It slowly starts to rain, accompanied by distant rumbling thunder. {It's strangely calming.}

Magnificent always did like the sound of rain, what a soothing soundtrack to his research…

-----------

It is not raining in the mountains as the group finally leaves the Greatwoods, finding themselves on a sloping field, grass pushing up between rocks and boulders.

"Aaaand this is officially where my knowledge ends," Chase says.

Marvin shields his eyes from the sun and looks into the distance. Next to him, Draco hops onto a rock, tail swishing as he hunts down some bug or something. "It does look like there's a storm out there."

I think that would be good, Jameson says. If it's in the direction we're heading, it means they'll be forced to stay in one place because of the weather.

Alt seems to brighten at this, “Oh- that’s… that’s good! Maybe we can catch up!”

"It also means we'd have to walk in the rain," Marvin grumbles.

Bro laughs a bit and lightly nudges Marvin, gesturing at his mask. “Afraid of getting wet, kitty?” He lightly teases.

"Yes," Marvin answers plainly.

"Don't you have some sort of water repelling spell or something?" Jackie recalls.

"Yea, but it can't cover all of you, just me. I'm not going to be responsible for all of you getting the shivering."

Chase shudders. "True, that's not pleasant."

"But Alt is right, we will catch up," Henrik says.

"Maybe it'll be clearer by the time we reach that area," Marvin hopes.

“Oh- well, guess that makes sense.” Bro says, messing with the back of his hair and grinning sheepishly.

Alt hums, “The shivering- that must be hypothermia… I’ve gotten that before- s’not fun… so best to avoid the rain if we can.”

“…you’ve gotten hypothermia before?!” Bro asks alt in alarm.

Alt gives him a steady look, “I was on and off the streets for almost a decade, Chase. Lots of stuff happens there.” He moves to keep going, adjusting his mask.

“Ah.. right…” Bro replies quietly.

"Hmm." Chase glances at Alt. "I got the shivering once. It's actually how I found the Phantoms, I was wandering in the woods sick and they decided to take me to Wyvernlair."

Is that what happened? Jameson asks, surprised.

"Oh, right, you and Marvin weren't there. Well, yea, that's what happened, basically." The group is now slowly walking down the rocky field.

Alt has a faraway look in his eyes, "... I had a really bad night... once. It was storming so hard and I was low on magic... and food. I couldn't find a good place to hide and just- had to stay in the rain. in the cold. I thought maybe that might be the night I would die." Bro listens with wide eyes. He hasn't heard this story. "I'm really lucky... someone found me. A group of magicians, noticing I was low on magic and sick. Called themselves the Chaos Circle." He smiles to himself, faintly, "... found some good people there. They saved me from dying out in the cold." He smiles a bit more at Chase, "Kinda like the Phantoms finding you, huh?"

Chase smiles back. "Yeah. Sounds pretty similar. I'm glad you had those guys."

"Sounds like a rebellious coven of sorts." Marvin grins. "Covens here are mostly sorcerers and witchcraft practicers but sometimes others will join. I was always interested in the idea of those, but I wasn't very sociable."

Alt laughs quietly, "Yeah... It was. We thought of ourselves as punks. We didn't wanna conform to the actual circle's practices."

"I guess Henrik and I were your coven, then, Marvin," Jackie says, half-jokingly.

Bro is staring at Alt with wide eyes, "...you don't-... you never really talked about all of that with us..."

Alt's expression darkens. "...it was another... hard part of my life, Chase. I lost... people I cared about from there. I did... bad things. I didn't fit in. I ran away eventually- when the actual magic circle had enough of us. ... I dunno if they're even still around."

The others are silent for a minute. This feels like a somber moment. "You're in good company, at least, then," Marvin says quietly. "I was on my own for a while. Ran away from these guys. Did some... stuff. So... it probably wasn't the same, but I can understand."

Alt looks at Marvin and shares a look with him before smiling softly, "Yeah..."

"At least... now you have your brother, Alt," Jackie says slowly, nodding at Bro. "Didn't you guys also mention you had other friends? I'm sure they're there for you."

Bro smiles and nods, "Yeah! You won't ever have to worry about that happening ever again."

Alt chuckles and shoulder-checks Bro slightly, "Yeah... you're right." Alt looks back at Jackie and smiles, "Yeah- we got.. other versions of you all actually. We have our Jackie... he's a dad- 3 kids. Sweetest things in the world. And our Jameson... he's a doctor. But a doctor of the mind. And our Henrik- he's... he's a performer. He can't hear well but he's just- a ray of sunshine. ...they're good lads." He shakes his head, "They're not gonna believe all of this when we see them again."

"They all sound so nice!" Jackie grins. "I couldn't picture myself as a parent. I'll leave that to you, Chase."

"Heh." Chase gives him a small smile.

"Would you want to be a doctor, Jameson?" Henrik asks. "Because I cannot see myself as a performer."

Jameson thinks about that. I'm not sure I'd be cut out for doctoring. Of the mind or the body. If anything, I'd prefer the performance. I could be a musician. Perhaps the violin!

"A traveling minstrel?" Marvin laughs. "I can see that. Maybe in another world."

Alt smiles, "I like music- m'not very good at it but I can least put stuff together for a show. I like... drawing more. Painting." He flushes.

Bro laughs, "Maybe once the king is defeated you can travel around Jameson! I think being a traveling musician suits you!"

Jameson smiles sadly. Maybe eventually. I'd have to go home first. Sort out the mess the King made up there. Marvin leans closer to him, bumping their shoulders together.

"Maybe you two can return to this world one day," Chase says. "And you can show us some of your art. Or bring your other friends. I think it would be... interesting. For both of us, since our worlds are so different."

Bro beams, "Dude, the others would love it! Jackie is just as much a nerd as I am- he'd love to try sword fighting. We spar all the time." He laughs, "And i bet Henny would love not feeling like the most out of time anymore."

"I'd love to teach another me how to sword fight!" Jackie exclaims. "I wonder if we'll learn the same way. Well, I'm sure it'll be different. I learned when I was a child."

Alt blinks at Jameson and wants to ask more but.... sounds like its a loaded situation. He anxiously starts to chew on a few more coffee beans.

"Ah, be careful, Alt, we do not have many of these," Henrik says.

"oh- right." Alt blushes and hands the bag back to Henrik, "You should hold onto these then..." He hides in his hood.

"Do not worry about it," Henrik reassures him, putting the beans in his pouch.

"He knows... how to fight! But with his fists, and with fancy moves!" Bro laughs, "Me and Him know more of how to fight with our bodies then with weapons. Cuz- they're illegal in our world- or at least the UK."

"Wait--weapons are outlawed?!" Chase repeats, wide-eyed. "What?!"

"Wait, what?" Marvin snaps back to the conversation. "All of them? Entirely?"

Jackie and Jameson seem equally shocked.

"Do not be so surprised," Henrik says to the rest of them. "Your cultural obsession with weaponry and warriors is a strange thing. In Alterde only the knights and performers may carry weapons."

"You don't know that we're out alone," Jackie says defensively. "I hear that Yuko's home nation is similar."

Bro blinks then laughs, "Well in our world... weapons are more... dangerous now. We have weapons that can... they can kill you in an instant. Faster than a sword could- and easier to carry. And we have a bit more of a structure- there's less to fight for. So, to try to make sure less people get hurt, only certain people can have weapons. But even our... guards for cities- they don't even carry dangerous weapons anymore. It's completely different in other countries though. Our country isn't perfect but- we definitely don't need weapons every day anymore."

"...huh." Jackie blinks. "I can't imagine that. I..." he laughs. "I genuinely can't imagine that. It's easier to think about using lightning as money."

"Something you must understand about this kingdom is that fighting is not just a necessity here," Henrik says. "It is, but it is also a form of... glory, I suppose? And entertainment. And a hobby that you can indulge in. I found it just as strange when I arrived here, but you get used to it. I will remind you that Jackie started training to use a sword as a twelve-year-old."

"Which has made me strong," Jackie says confidently. "Strong enough to handle almost anything."

I hope you're right, Jameson says.

"I get it! That's how our Jackie feels about his fighting- and his job. He can like- travel really fast and do these cool moves. He's really passionate about it. Makes him feel like a hero- like me!" Bro replies. "But yeah... I'd bet you guys would find it strange... how- i want to say peaceful our world is but... that's not true. We just... don't really carry weaponry around and do cool battles anymore."

Alt grips at his knife he has in his bag- Chase always had it a little more easy than he did. He never had to spill blood with a knife. ...sometimes he wonders if that made them too different.

[ladyelissarose]

‘A Heart With Wings’

Warnings: FLUFF!! Ahhhh!! Ladies and Gents it’s finally over!! What a ride! Thank you for your love and support. I’m very proud of this journey, and I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it for y’all!! Thank you!!! 

Epilogue..

‘6 months later...’

 Aviators POV

“Ghosty! Give us a chance for Christ’s sake!! You keep shooting us down and making the number of our pushups increase!!!” 

  Fanboy whined to Ghosty as she replied with a cheeky smile,

 “Hey Fanboy, it’s not my fault that you and Payback made a bet on me that was way out of your league! You know I’m a Striker kiddo!”

 “Ahhh Ghosty!! Just one break please, let us win just one time!”

Throwing her head back in laughter at Payback begging her to give them a chance she finally agreed,

 “Fiiiine... just one time ok!?”

 Rooster’s voice then came through as he was flying under Ghosty with Bob and Phoenix next to him, 

“Ok so we’re starting the game all over then? Cause if we are, you gotta give us a head start this time to fly away and get some good distance at least.”

 Bob agreed with Rooster as he kindly asked,

 “Will you do that for us Ghosty? Please?”

 Another of Ghosty’s weak spots was hearing Bob be so sweet and polite. So of course she said yes,

 “Alrighty then, you all get a good five minute head start, let’s see if y’all are fast enough to get a good distance.”

 Hangman fist pumped the air as he flew above Ghosty while saying,

 “Thank you!! Though you only said yes because it’s Little Robert, the baby of the team-“

Phoenix was quick to defend Bob as she came for Hangman,

  “Hey hey Bagman, leave my Bob alone, he’s just sweeter and so cute, very polite too.”

 Bob blushed happily in the back of his seat as he heard Phoenix come to his rescue. Ghosty awed in appreciation of Phoenix’s words for Bob as she played along,

  “Phoenix is right Hangs... only because he’s sweeter I say yes to only him all the time.”

 Giggling Hangman bit back with a snarky comment,

 “Oh is that so? Cause that’s not what you said the other night-“

 Coyote was immediately fake gagging as he nearly screamed,

 “NUH UH! Not here Hangman!! You do that stuff in your guys’ room!! HELL NO!!”

 Everyone around either laughed or fake gagged, and Ghosty knew Hangman was going to pull such a comment at some point, though he was right in the end, but she cut him to the chase as she threatened,

  “Alright Hangs you asked for it, just know that you’re going to be the first one down!!!”

 “Wanna bet?! Ha! Come and get me sweet cheeks!! On three we all go!! Count with me fellas!!”

  “”1... 2... 3!!!””

Mavericks POV 

 Maverick stood outside basking in the San Diego sun as he looked around, listening to the radio as he heard his aviators play along in the skies like kids. Though as always, Cyclone came trying to ruin the fun as he approached Maverick while asking,

 “Captain Mitchell, What is this?”

Not sparing Cyclone a glance, Maverick simply replied,

  “They’re playing a game, sir.”

Looking around at the empty field of Jets Cyclone questioned,

  “I don’t see them here playing.. dogfight football? Is that what you called it?”

 Nodding Maverick replied

 “Yeah, it’s called dogfight football, but no. That’s not what they’re playing today, their playing dogfight tag, but in their jets in the sky, sir.”

  Forgetting the fact that the aviators were playing a game with the jets, Cyclone was more curious about ‘dogfight tag’ as he asked,

  “Dogfight tag? What the hell is that?”

Explaining simply Maverick put forth,

 “So basically, they all kinda like the fact of Ghosty being a Striker, so they play tag, though Ghosty is always ‘it’. They fly around each other using their Need For Speed or Danger Zone skills to try and get away from their Striker, and I’ve seen an improvement sense they’ve been playing. They’ll use special skills and ways to get away from her, I made up the game and now they won’t stop playing it during flight maneuvers.”

 Huffing a short laugh of approval, which was super weird coming from Cyclone, he then questioned,

  “And what’s happens to the loser, how do they lose?”

 “First one caught loses, and the last one to be caught picks a number of pushups they loser has to do, along with the loser has a shorter time to have a head start the next time they play.”

  “Seems fair to me... oh! looks like they’re making their way back now.”

 It the distance you could see them all coming in for a landing, so Maverick and Cyclone moved out of the way as they began to watch them all come in one by one. The wind brushed hard against them as they came by in quick speed, but they were in perfect formation and sync, as their wheels touched the ground. Maverick smiled proudly at the team he had, they were all like his family, special and unique in their own ways, he had aviators to call his own. Cyclone patted Maverick on the shoulders before walking away saying,

  “You got a great team Maverick... Iceman would be proud of you.”

 Maverick sent him a nod of appreciation as he watched Cyclone walk away. He was grateful that over time he had gotten on Cyclones good side. Soon his attention was turned towards his aviators that came walking towards him with goofy smiles and laughing amongst one another,  Phoenix had her arm thrown over Rooster’s and Bob’s shoulders, Fanboy and Payback were next to each other almost tripping over one another as they nudge each other’s ribs quite harshly but over all playfully, Coyote looked like the only drained one as he barely moved his feet acting like if he had ran a 300 meter race, and lastly, the lovebirds, Hangman had Ghosty on his back as he gave her a piggy back ride, he had a toothy grin on his face as she subtly gave him sweet kisses on his neck and head. Maverick embraced the moment as he closed the gap between them all as he asked,

  “So who’s doing push-ups today?”

Coyote took a deep breath before breathing out,

  “No one is sir, Ghosty’s time to catch us ran out, meaning we all won, she couldn’t get us.”

 Maverick’s jaw dropped at that new record as he saw Ghosty jump off of Hangman’s back as she wink at him admitting,

  “I only did that because if any one had to do pushups, we’d be here all afternoon, and I want drinks. Who’s up for Hard Deck?”

 Letting out whines and sighs of happiness and agreement they all said,

  “”I’m in!!!!””

Though Rooster didn’t let Ghosty slip up as he said,

  “Hey hey so you mean you actually let us win? Just so we can get drinks?”

 Pointing her finger on his chest Ghosty put forth,

  “Rooster if I had played fairly, you’d all be doing pushups. Now let’s go shower before we go. And don’t get used to this, next time I’ll beat you all.”

 Hangman laughed at Rooster who was rolling his eyes and pouting, he then wrapped his arm around Ghosty while giving her head a kiss,

  “Oh you setting us up for a big challenge huh?”

 Holding onto his hand that rested on her hip Ghosty smirked,

  “Indeed I am Hangs..”

Penny’s POV

Especially today the Hard Deck seemed pretty quiet, very few customers here and there, and Penny kinda missed Maverick and his wing buddies today. They usually lit up the place with their loud laughters and teasing, they all kept her on her toes, and she liked that more than anything. She even thought of closing it early, sense no one else seemed to be coming around anytime soon, that was u to she heard the door swing open and a loud voice holler out,

  “The Calvary has arrived!!! Rooster go sit your ass down and play us some music, I feel like dancin’!!”

 Of course, the one and only Hangman who sported an orange Henley with dark jeans and cowboy boots would be the crazy one shouting such just upon walking into Hard Deck. Penny’s face lit up as she came around the other side of the bar and received the hugs that were given to her by every aviator. And lastly she hugged Maverick and squeezed him extra tight as she said in his ear,

  “I really missed you guys, I’m happy you came.”

 Giving her a kiss on the cheek Maverick smiled back,

 “I missed you too Penny.”

She then saw how most of the aviators had taken a seat and ran back to her favorite spot as she shouted happily,

  “Alright let’s start serving some drinks! What are we having today, cause it’s on the house!”

 They all dropped their jaws in surprise before cheering like kids at a pizza party, they then one by one politely asked for their drinks and soon were happy drinking away while chit-chatting and playing their favorite hobby, 9-ball.

  Hangman’s POV 

 Hangman had left the pool table to go get a new drink for himself and Ghosty, he insisted that he’d get it for her, so she can stay seated prettily while talking with Phoenix were his words. What made Hangman call her pretty this time was Ghosty who wore his button down shirt as a coat over her white tank top that was tucked into her Jean shorts, so wearing that just made Hangman’s heart soar even higher for her. Upon arriving at the bar he sent Penny some dreamy eyes as he asked sweetly,

  “Penny my dear, can we get a refill please?”

 Happy to tend to one of her favorite customers Penny replied cheekily while handing him two new beers,

  “Of course sweetie, here you go.”

“Thank you ma’am, much appreciated.”

Hangman happily walked back to Ghosty who was now sitting by herself as Phoenix had gone to be with Rooster who was playing the piano with soft tunes. He placed a kiss on her cheek as he sat down next her while handing her her drink,

  “Here you go gorgeous, cheers?”

Hangman waited for Ghosty to reply but it never came, her eyes and mind were on someone else, and soon his eyes found who, it was Catherine Jeffries who was standing in the distance. Hangman looked back at Ghosty who was now tense and cowering into her seat, and he understood how Ghosty felt, Jeffries had hurt him too. But instead of shying away, Hangman brought out his usual boosted ego and pride, and grabbed her hand to get her attention on him, which she did when her eyes found his as she realized he had caught her, but before she could say anything Hangman said,

  “Don’t do that... don’t hide. You be happy and be here, present, no matter who’s around ok? You’re mine, and I’m yours.. and there’s no shame in that.”

 Ghosty nodded as she mirrored Hangman’s cute smile, then Hangman pulled her up as he said,

  “C’mere baby girl, sit here.”

Pulling her onto his lap and making her rest her back against his chest, Hangman cuddled Ghosty and began to tickle her neck with kisses, wanting to hear her laughter that he had grown addicted to. He was successful when it came out so freely and beautifully, as Ghosty held onto the arms that wrapped around her so securely. 

  Ghosty’s POV

 Ghosty sunk into Hangman’s arms as he held her tightly, and could only feel so happy to have him in her life, because together they had both learned to love one another more and cherish life, embrace their differences and grow. And the moment she knew that she had to spend the rest of her life with him, was when Hangman whispered in her ear lovingly,

  “I’ll always keep you safe, and be your wings for you so you can soar high, above everything that wants to hurt you ok? I love you so much, and I’m grateful that you’ve saved me, loved me.. and taken a chance on me.”

  Moving her head to give him a warm kiss on the lips, Ghosty then replied,

  Hangman’s POV 

Hangman didn’t realize that the next words Ghosty said, was going to be one of the main reasons of why he was sure, that he was going to spend the rest of his life with her,

  “And I love you too Jake...so much. And I’ll mend your wings and help you hold them up forever as we fly together. As much as you’re the wings to my heart, I will be for yours... forever. Because you saved me too.”

[tzuyubit]

ups and downs

note: this was originally a request from a different fandom that i wrote for that i changed up a bit. i’m sorry if this ooc, this is my first time writing for tzuyu. please be nice and keep in mind i mean no harm at all.

sorry for any spelling or grammar mistakes.

warnings: deals with the topic of eds.

. . .

: tzuyu?

: i'm sorry, i know it's late but

: i know you said to message you whenever i feel this way. so i am. but i feel so bad, i'm so sorry.

: i just didn't know what else to do.

if you had been in a rational state of mind, you would've opted out of texting tzuyu. you hated feeling like you were bothering her, but somehow she always managed to reassure you that nothing was ever too much for her to handle.

so in your frantic mindset, your thumbs raced out to reach her.

it's okay, you told yourself. she would want you to do this.

it was currently 2:36 in the morning and you were losing your grip on reality all because of the simple fact that you'd forgotten to log your food intake all day.

you'd gotten so carried away between lively things that it unintentionally slipped your mind.

how could you forget? it was such a habitual thing for you to do.

but between your panicked, rushed out breaths, you didn't hear the sound of your phone buzzing. the sound of tzuyu.

it had been twenty minutes since you sent her those texts, twenty minutes of you sitting on your bedroom floor, scribbled notebook in hand with tears rolling down your face.

meanwhile, tzuyu drove to your place of stay as fast as she could, not caring if she was breaking any laws. she knew you felt like a burden most of the time, so with that information she knew you wouldn't text her unless something was truly wrong.

the blonde woman didn't miss a beat rushing to your door. she fumbled with the key, cursing at how much of an inconvenience locked doors could be in such a moment of desperation.

tzuyu didn't have to think twice before making her way to your room, already hearing the sound of your cries the second she walked through the door. 

seconds later she was kneeling in front of you. "y/n? can i sit next to you?" you nodded, instantly bringing your shaky body into hers.

sh tensed at first, but put aside her distain for physical touch for the sake of your comfort.

"what happened?" she questioned, mechanically rubbing her hand up and down your back.

"it's stupid, so stupid." you sniffled, bringing your head into your knees. "i can't believe i forgot. it's not possible, i never forget!"

tzuyu took the time to scan your surroundings, finding torn pages from your notebook with scribbles covering lines with various amounts of numbers underneath them. it didn't take long for her to connect the dots, making you worry even more about what she was thinking of you.

"i'm sorry, i know you've never seen me in this state. it must be awkward for you." tzuyu frowned, her hand stopping all movement at once. "there's nothing for you to be sorry for. you know i prefer it when you text me. i'd rather be here with you than have you go through this alone." 

your breaths were still heavy and quick paced, but as you leaned into your girlfriend they seemed to lighten. tzuyu kicked your food diary out of view, hoping that maybe if you didn't see the "crime" you'd committed, you wouldn't feel so guilty.

"are you willing to talk about it?"

wiping your eyes, you attempted to speak through your labored breathing.

"i log my food, it's what i do. i have to do it. you know why." speaking was hard do to, tzuyu understood that. so she let you take as long as you needed, listening to each and every word you fumbled over. "i must've forgotten because i was so busy with everything today. i didn't even realize it until i noticed my journal laying on my nightstand untouched."

tzuyu nodded, taking in the information you so carefully passed to her and came to her own conclusions.

"so it's apart of your routine, right? one missed day will not hurt you, no matter what your brain is telling you. and even though i don't exactly support your habit of logging your food, mostly because from what i've read it's not enough fuel for your body, if it helps you and you need it, i'm here to support you. i know i'm not the best at physical comfort, but i'll still always be here for you. i hope you know that."

the blonde took your hand and moved you to your bed, sitting next to you as you laid down. she then placed her hand on your chest, "remember that it's just one day." 

you nodded, and for the next seven minutes or so watched tzuyu's chest rise and fall, eventually returning back to your own regulated state of breathing.

"mistakes happen, but they don't always make you a bad person, especially not something like this. i'm glad you reached out to me though, i just hope that one day you won't feel the need to rely on such a small thing for so much of your worth." 

you squeezed her hand, suddenly feeling exhausted from the extreme reaction. tzuyu stayed with you throughout the night, checking your every needs, never leaving your side until you felt safe.

[bangtan-yn]

For Your Love

Taehyung x Fem Reader

fluff, angst, jealousy, romance, 18+, smut

"Y/n it's been three weeks you are throwing tantrums and I am bearing that You know the reason." Taehyung spat while throwing the pile of shirts on the bed.

"Hmmm...!" Y/n just went to his walk-in-closet and brought out his warm clothes. Taehyung sighed seeing her ignoring him and followed her behind.

"Y/n! Please stop this silent treatment. It's killing me now." He spoke being sad but Y/n moved from there and came back to the bed where his clothes were scattered, helping him pack his stuff for travel.

"I am putting these warm clothes here. And yeah, I have put all your accessories in the white bag. Still if you don't find anything rather than messing things up call me. I forgot your shoes... Let me get tha..." She turned to see Taehyung's tall figure hovering over her.

"What are you doing Taehyung step aside.. Let me get your...." She ignored him and tried to pass through but he was quick enough to pull her waist and back hug her while she stood still.

"Don't do this to me Y/n. You know that I love you." Y/n chuckled sarcastically and tried to break through his embrace but he held her tight and kissed her earlobe making her body shiver under his touch.

"You don't trust me Y/n now.? You don't think that I love you??"

"Kim Taehyung let's not talk about the things you yourself are not sure of."

He hugged her tightly nuzzling his nose in her neck. "This is the only thing in my entire life that I have been so sure of. That's you."

"Oh really, A moment ago I heard you were just bearing me.." She tilted her head in the other direction so that she wouldn't have to look at him...

He broke the hug and turned her around with the painful expressions. "Why do you only focus on the words. You don't even know how you are making me feel right now."

Y/n lifted her head slightly to look into his shiny dark orbs with her teary hazel eyes, "That's right Taehyung. You don't even know how you are making me feel." Seeing tears brimming in her eyes Taehyung's eyes became wide. He never wanted to see her in pain, in tears. Let alone he was the reason behind this. She was on the verge of crying because of him. He tried to speak but Y/n was fast enough to dodge any questions coming her way.

She moved towards the closet again. "See you would have forgotten your ties as well." She extended her hands to reach for the ties when he held her hands and turned her around towards himself and cupped her face. "Is it about Lisa?"

Hearing that name Y/n got agitated. She never wanted to talk about her. She never wanted him to know how her jealousy was eating her inside out.

"Taehyung, just leave me. I am not done with the packing." She was looking everywhere in the room but his eyes...

He held her face tightly. "Look me in the eye and say it's not about Lisa."

"Taehyung, I need to leave for work after your packing, leave me..." She said with a stern voice trying to sound tougher that she wasn't ...

"So it is about Lisa." He smiled lightly and grabbed her from her waist with one hand while the other flicked her nose cutely. "You know it's just work, Babe. It's a business trip. Nothing else. You know that I love yo..."

"For Fuck Sake! STOP LYING TO ME KIM TAEHYUNG..." saying that she pushed him a bit and Taehyung was taken aback. He has never ever experienced this side of Y/n.

He stood stern while she let out everything that she's been keeping for three weeks. She was distancing herself from him rather than telling him the exact reason.

"You could have taken your own Private Plane or booked a Business Class ticket. But you came up to me telling me that you were invited by her for this Business trip. What do you expect me to do... Huh..??? SPEAK NOW ...."

She was literally yelling at the top of her vocal cords. He slowly came forward to grab her hand. But she backed away and he said,

"Baby, that's what the company wanted me to do. Lisa was oblivious of this as well... That's how companies work, Love try to understand."

"Don't you Fucking Dare put this on Company... Why is it you always? Why not any other member...? I let the incident with Olivia slide but not every time... You always have a chance to say no... You could have said no... And who are you trying to protect?? Lisa??? She's more important for you now?" She said while showing her index finger infront of him pointing out everything.

He sighed fully frustrated now. "I just don't understand, that why are you exaggerating this whole scenario...?"

Y/n looked at him in disbelief for a second and then said, "You are right I am exaggerating." She went near the bed where her handbag was placed. After pulling it on her shoulder she rushed towards the door of the bedroom.

"It's over Kim Taehyung. Hope you find someone better and worthy."

His eyes widened at these words. He could see his whole world upside down. He hastily reached her hand before she could even step out of the door he pulled her hand towards himself and pinned her to the wall aggressively looking in her eyes.

"Don't you dare, turn your back on me ever again." He threw her bag on the floor and claimed her lips harshly. With his right hand he lifted her left leg and wrapped it around his own waist bringing her so closer to himself. He wanted her to know how impatient he is for her with his other hand, he was supporting her head because she was not giving in.

He kissed her passionately tugging and nibbling her lower lip making her weak. She was vigorously shaking and sobbing, not getting over the argument they had just a few minutes ago... Soon she stopped struggling.

It's not like she didn't trust him much or she thought that he was cheating her but just the mere idea of him being with someone else scared her. She was possessive.. so was he... They both had been possessive for each other from the start.... "Taeh..yung.. Taehyung.. I... I don't.. Taeh..." she didn't even know what she wanted to say so desperately even when she herself knew words were not coming out...

He attached his forehead with her and reached for her other leg to tangle it around his waist in order to lift her above the ground. "shhh!!! sShhh baby I am still here with you.. I am not gonna leave..."

"I am so-rry. I am sorr-y for letting out m-y anger lik-e this..." She started to hiccup in between...

"I am sorry too Princess for hurting you... I can't see tears in your eyes... Please don't cry." Rather than stopping she wrapped her arms around his neck and cried loudly while hugging him. He kissed the side of her head and brought her to his bed.

While balancing himself and her in his arms he threw his luggage off the bed and then placed them both on it... They both felt each other's touch after so long. They both had been craving for each other without them knowing. He brought his face above hers to look into her eyes shining with love and so many emotions for him. He kissed her head multiple times and then her teary eyes. "Silly Girl" she smiled hearing this... He kissed her cheeks and her nose. He again attached his forehead with hers.

"What am I gonna do without you."

"Maybe enjoy your trip with Lisa." She said sulking making a pout. He giggled at her statement and kissed her pout.

"I have a better idea. That is to pack you in my suitcase and take your everywhere I go." Taehyung said in between the pecks he was giving her on her lips

"I don't even know why did they ever invite you for Celine. I mean you are not even good at modeling." She said that to tease him, giving him a fake attitude.

"Oh really.?? Really you think like that???" He smiled seeing her acting way too cute under him.. "Then let me just do something I am very good at." He started kissing her passionately while she was giggling and he pulled the duvet from underneath to cover them both.

After making love to her as much as his heart desired, he laid down beside her placing his arm beneath her head and she kept kissing his face. His moles were always something tempting for her so she couldn't let this chance slide knowing that they are going to be away for some time...

"So do you trust me now.?" He leaned his head towards her while she kept kissing him.

"No..! Never ever. I will not trust you again. Kim Taehyung." He made a pout and switched his position hovering her again.

"Oh really. Then you deserve punishment for not trusting me." He said that dropping his voice to several octaves and started kissing her earlobes.

"No. Fuck! Not again...! Yahhh!! Leave me..!!!!"

[bonesandquills]

Little Star

Chapter Three: Blade and Bane of Avernus

The heat of Avernus was nearly unbearable as you stepped through the portal as you stepped through the portal, which closed up behind you. 

        No turning back now. 

        Astarion wrinkled his nose at the smell of sulfur and brimstone, brushing ash off his embroidered leather armor. "Gods. what a mess. Let's make this quick." 

        Wyll laughed slightly, appreciating the chance to lighten the mood. He knew Karlach's metaphorical heart was breaking all over again, having to come back to this place she'd fought so hard to escape. This time, though, with a few friends, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. 

        "'Fast' may be a tad hopeful, my friend," he said, grinning over at the pouting vampire. "But I agree with the sentiment. Let's get moving." 

        Shadowheart sighed and brushed away the beads of sweat that had already started to form on her forehead. You'd managed to convince her to join you on your little adventure, reasoning that a cleric would be helpful in the literal Hells. She hadn't quite agreed with you, but she'd decided to tag along anyway. You knew she cared about Karlach as much as you did, and this chance to help the one-horned tiefling was worth whatever discomfort, or downright agony, Avernus was going to inflict on you all. 

         Karlach hadn't been exaggerating about the sheer number of forces Zariel sent her way. It seemed almost endless... waves of imps and abishai and other devils sent to kill you and bring Karlach back to the Archdevil. 

        "On your left!" You shouted to Wyll, who quickly rolled to the side and out of the way of a ball of fire hurled by one of the imps. The waves had finally lessened, somewhat, and you hoped that if you managed to live through this last one, maybe you'd get a chance to rest and make camp. 

        Hopefully. 

        You threw every last bit of energy you had into your weapon and magic, watching as the ground became progressively more covered with sticky black ichor as more and more devils fell.

        Shadowheart darted through the battlefield, sending healing spells and guiding rays as fast as she could mutter the incantations as she struggled to keep you all alive. It seemed just as soon as the healing touched you, sparked life back into your body, another imp would slash at you and open the wounds over again. 

        After what seemed like hours, maybe days, of the endless, stalemated fight, it finally seemed like things were turning in your favor. Less and less imps were flying in, and most of the cambions lay still on the ground, their ember-red eyes now blank and empty as the last vestiges of lifeblood left them. 

        Finally, with a deft upward slash of his simple black daggers, Astarion stepped back to let the final devil crumple to the ground and gasp weakly for air before stilling entirely. His nose was wrinkled in disgust, and some of the demon's black blood had gotten into his hair, dripping from the silvery curls onto his embroidered armor. 

        "Oh for Gods' sakes... I'm never going to get this out." 

        You wanted to laugh, but you were too tired. Karlach slowly lowered her battleax to the ground, though she kept her eyes on the fiery red horizon, making sure that was truly the last of them. 

        "I think that's it for this wave, soldiers," she said, glancing over at you. "It'll take a while for her to get another wave gathered. I think it's time to make camp." 

        None of you protested. Every one of your muscles ached, and you were struggling to keep yourself on your own two feet. Wyll, Astarion, and Shadowheart didn't look much better.

        As you all followed Karlach to what she deemed a safe place to rest, you couldn't help but admit that it felt nice for someone else to be in charge, for once. You'd spent the entirety of the journey to remove the tadpoles as the unofficial appointed leader, and most of the decisions and actions regarding your quest had fallen to you. Not that you had really minded, but it did feel nice for you to not bear the responsibility of the party. 

        Wyll looked over at you with a thoughtful glance. "When do you think we'll bump into Mizora?" 

        "Hmm," you hummed thoughtfully. "I'm not sure. Probably not for as long as she can get away with. I don't think she's too happy with us." 

        "Good," Wyll remarked with a furrowed brow and venom in his tone. "I hope she's shaking in her boots." 

        "I don't know if that's something Mizora does," I said with a slight smile. "But I'll agree with you." 

        There was no lost love between Wyll and his former patron. Though Wyll no longer had his warlock powers due to his shattered contract with the cambion, he'd much rather take the loss of most of his magic over being bound to her for the rest of his life. You'd even helped him save his father, despite what the agreement with her had been, and for that he was eternally grateful. Being able to explain to the Duke why he'd made a deal with the devil, why he'd been eventually become one, did more to heal his soul than anything ever had. 

        He'd sworn his loyalty to you then, both as a friend and the Blade of Avernus, though he knew that it could never truly repay all that you'd done for him. 

        Finally, you came to a secluded spot, a cave set deep in the recess of some of the jagged cliffs and hills of volcanic rock that made up Avernus' landscape. It offered a good view of the skies, which would be helpful when you were inevitably attacked again. 

        The walk along the charred and hellish ground was tedious, at best. Sharp obsidian and crystal jutted up from the ground, nearly slicing through your boots as you walked. Fire seemed to rain from the sky, crashing into the ground with grand, wanton destruction. Still, the cave would hopefully keep you safe from the most unsavory parts of Avernus' unique weather, though you couldn't help but wonder the whole time you were setting up your bedroll if the entire place was about to collapse down onto you. 

        Finally, you managed to settle into a companionable silence as the others finished setting up their own bedrolls. If not for the obvious lack of Lae'zel and Gale... You might have felt you were still back on your old adventure, this ragtag band of outcasts and unlikely companions that had been brought together by a common goal. 

        It was nice... Not that you missed the tadpole that squirmed ceaselessly in your brain, of course, but the thought that, if things had gone differently, you might not have met any of them... 

        Might not have met Astarion. 

        You glanced over at the roguish elf, thinking about what might have been. Would he have managed to kill Cazador on his own, or would he have been recaptured, sacrificed in the profane ritual that would have ascended his cruel master to something nigh unstoppable? 

        ... What if you hadn't managed to talk him out of going through the ritual himself? What if he had sacrificed those thousands of spawn, become something so similar to Cazador that you would've never been sure if it was the same man you'd fallen in love with? 

        You tried to shake the thought away and rummaged in your traveling pack, finding the book you were looking for and pulling it out onto your lap. The title was embossed in elvish and the cover was a dull leather brown, rather unassuming and plain. Yet it was the most valuable thing you had as far as researching possible cures to Astarion's condition. 

        Wish spells were a solid option, but the scarcity of their scrolls or wizards who were powerful enough to cast them made it very unlikely the two of you would ever stumble across one. So you'd turned to other options, leading you to find the book while browsing in the city. 

        It held a history of Elven High Magic, ancient rituals and rites that held some of the most powerful spells in all of history, considered nearly a myth now among commonfolk. One of them, found in an extensive list titled the "Rituals of Complement," was one that caught your eye. Suyoll, the Revival. 

        High Mages were said  to be nearly extinct now, with only a few remaining scattered about the realms. Finding them and convincing them to perform the ritual might be more difficult than finding a Wish Spell, you mused as you turned the pages of the book, but the idea had its appeal and intrigue.

        You glanced at Astarion, curious. He had told you one night that he had been turned very young, when he was only about thirty. For a high elf, who could live to about 750, he'd barely begun his life when it had been taken from him. Not even old enough to gain his adult name, he'd admitted bitterly. What other parts of his culture had he missed out on, you wondered, and did it matter to him that he had? 

        He must have felt your eyes on him, because he suddenly straightened and turned to you, a questioning expression on his face. You paused for a moment before looking back down at the book, not sure you could put your thoughts into words should he ask. 

         Not one to be ignored, however, he came over to you anyway. 

        "Tell me, are you regretting your choice now?" he said with a slight smile, sitting next to you on your bedroll and leaning back slightly. "Or is that insufferable moral compass of yours still pointing steadfastly on the straight and narrow?"  

        "My moral compass is fine, thank you," you murmured, not looking back up from the book. "How's yours?" 

        "You don't want to know," he replied, leaning over to see the book you were reading. "What's this?" 

        "Something on Elven High Magic," you said, sighing slightly. "Something that might help us." 

        "The Revival," he read the title of the chapter, and gave a bitter laugh. "Good luck. High Mages are a pretentious and stubborn lot, not likely to help an outsider. That's even if we could even find a group that still practices."

       You raised an eyebrow and looked at him. "Pretentious and stubborn. Sounds like an elf I know." 

        He gave you a look. "I am charming and witty. Not to mention beautiful." 

        "You can be all those things and still be pretentious and stubborn." 

        He huffed but didn't have a good answer, so he settled for a pained, dramatic sigh. 

        "Anyway, I know it's a long shot, but so are most of the other things we've come across. It's just something worth considering." You closed the book and set it aside, turning your gaze instead to the fiery sky outside. 

        His expression softened and he looked at you for a moment. "Thank you, anyway. I... appreciate it." 

        "You'd better," you teased him. "I paid way too much for that book." 

        "If only you knew a dashingly clever and skilled rogue who could have helped steal it for you," he said dryly. "All you had to do was ask." 

        "I wasn't going to steal it, Astarion." 

        He pouted slightly. "Well that's no fun now, is it?" 

        You laughed slightly and looked back at him, and though his tone was slightly patronizing you could see he was looking at you fondly, a smile playing at his mouth. Typical Astarion. 

        "Was there something you needed, or did you just come to disturb my peace?" 

        "Well, darling, you know I can't stay away from you for long," he replied with a subtle lilt in his voice. "I thought perhaps you might want to join me tonight." 

        You usually didn't automatically join Astarion for bed unless he asked, which was most of the time. There were nights, however, where the lingering self-revulsion at what Cazador had made of him was too strong, the tainted feel of being so close to someone too painful, and he didn't feel quite comfortable sharing a bed with you. You didn't mind. 

        "Everyone heals in different ways," you had said to him the first night he had asked you to stay alone. "I'm always here if you need me." 

        And that had been it. No persuading, no bargaining, no guilt-tripping. 

        He had appreciated it more than you knew. He had struggled that night to muster the courage to ask you if he could be left alone for a while, worried you might take it the wrong way. That you might have thought he didn't love you, or that he was just using you again. 

        To his immense surprise and relief, you hadn't done any of that. You had nodded, not pressed, and asked if there was anything else he needed. He had paused, not sure where to go from that point. 

        "It's not you, my sweet, I promise," He told you, gently taking your hands and holding them to his chest. "I... just would rather be alone tonight."

        "I know, Astarion," You had comforted him, smiling quietly at his worried expression. "I'll be right here when you feel ready to come back." 

        He perhaps hadn't shown you enough how much that little gesture made to him. That you hadn't prodded him with questions, hadn't tried to convince him to join you for bed, hadn't been offended. 

        He loved you for that. 

        He snapped out of his thoughts as you gently nudged your shoulder against his. "Hey, you still there?" 

        He shook his head slightly and looked at you with an easy smile. "Sorry, darling, what did you say?" 

        "I said I would love to," you said, rolling your eyes. "But if you can't be bothered to listen to the answer..." 

        He grinned and shook his head. "We both know you couldn't resist an offer like that. I'm too alluring." 

        "Sure," you said, laughing. "But it might be too hot for cuddling." 

        He looked at you incredulously. He was, by nature, devoid of body heat and warmth. You often found yourself shivering while you lay curled up next to him, often to his dismay and distress. He wanted desperately to keep you warm and comfortable in his embrace, like any other living lover could, but that one thing was beyond his abilities.  The best he could do was pull the blankets closer around you, and hope that your body heat would eventually warm up his cold body enough that you wouldn't feel so uncomfortable. 

        And yet, when he was comfortable with it, you still clung to him every night, braving the chill and shivering, simply for the sake of loving him. 

        He got to his feet and held out his hand to you. "Come on," he said with a charming smile. "I can't tell if it's day or night in this gods-forsaken place, and who knows how much time we have left to sleep." 

        You nodded and took his hand, grabbing one end of your bedroll and dragging it over to lay next to his. He glanced over at the others, but they paid you no attention as you settled into the soft leather and fur of the bedroll. He spared you one last loving look before he laid down himself, closing his eyes and preparing to enter his trance. Before he slipped into the meditation, he felt your arm reach over and entwine one hand with his, your way of keeping close to him even as the two of you rested. 

        He didn't have any trouble focusing on his trance after that. 

        Karlach roused you all after what felt like only a few hours rest. You wearily sat up and started gathering your pack, and she gave you an apologetic look. 

        "Sorry, soldier, but we can't stay in one place for too long, or they'll find us," Karlach said as she hoisted her own pack and battleax onto her shoulder. 

        "Somehow," you sighed, looking over at Astarion, who was, rather reluctantly, packing away his bedroll. You sighed and looked back at Karlach, who lacked her usual upbeat energy. You didn't blame her... being back in this place when you'd had just a breath of fresh air, a small bit of home, was likely to drive anyone mad. You gently placed your hand on her shoulder, feeling the heat radiating off her skin even in a place as hot as Avernus. It wasn't intolerable, though, so you kept it there.

        "Hey," you said with a small smile. "We're getting closer." 

        "That's right," Shadowheart quipped as she finished gathering her things. "We have the blueprint, the map, and Mizora on our side, even if she's a bit... unwilling. This is the closest we've ever been to getting your engine fixed." 

        Karlach seemed to brighten a little at that. "Thanks... that helps. I'm just so damned tired of this place." 

        "I know," you said, trying to instill as much comfort as you could. "But we're going to get you out of here. We’ve done harder things than just breaking into a forge." You gave her a half smile. "Remember Raphael?" 

        She grinned widely at you. "Nothing like killing a devil in their own house, huh? The bastard didn't see it coming." 

        “That’s right. It’s just another fiend… and we don’t even have to kill this one.” 

        Karlach smiled but sighed. “Good, because I don’t think we could if we had to.”

        “Hey, don’t sell us short,” you said with a tired smile. “We took out a godsdamned Netherbrain. That wasn’t easy.”

        The tiefling shook her head and lightly bumped her shoulder against yours. “Yes, but this is Zariel. And Archduke. If we killed her, the Blood War could take some scary turns.” 

        The Blood War. And ancient and long-living war that raged between the devils of the Hells and the demons of the Abyss, one that often dragged mortal innocents like Karlach or Zevlor into its bloody butchery. The killing of someone so deeply involved, like Zariel, could turn the tides in unimaginable ways, ones that might not be so favorable for the mortals of Faerûn. There were enough souls being lost as it was with the use of Soul Coins to power the infernal machines of the Hells, you didn’t need to be responsible for any more of that. You’d heard stories of a group of travelers that had descended into the Hells, gone after Zariel’s Sword, but nothing after that. 

        You knew only from Zevlor that Elturel had just managed to release itself from the Hells, but you hadn’t pressed him much further. The details didn‘t really matter, anyhow. The only goal you had now was to get into the forge, and get Karlach an engine that wasn’t so keen to blow itself up. 

         Karlach seemed a little more cheerful after your little chat, as you traveled along. The burning hot air of Avernus and the fires that poured off smoke and sulfur made it hard to talk and walk at the same time, so you remained mostly in companionable silence. That is, you were silent until you were met with a sudden form materializing in front of you. Whether welcome or not remained to be seen. 

        There was no need for flashy, fiery portals when you were already in the Hells, but Mizora seemed to enjoy making a grand entrance anyway. She appeared in front of your group with a flash of red light, unfurling her wings and stretching out with a sigh. 

        “Ah, my dear friends,” she said with a devilish smile. “I’m so glad that I ran into you.” 

        Karlach scowled and moved a little closer to Wyll, who took her hand reassuringly. Astarion wrinkled his nose and moved a little closer, putting himself between you and the cambion. You couldn’t help but smile and shake your head slightly. He knew you could take care of yourself, but it felt nice sometimes to be a little protective. Shadowheart, not very discretely, summoned a glowing white flame in her hands and held it, ready to launch at Mizora should she try something unexpected. 

        “Tsk tsk,” Mizora clicked her tongue. “Not exactly the warm welcome I’d expect from such… renown heroes.” 

        “I’d hope you’re here to help,” you said sternly. “And not just here to worm your way out of things.”

        ”Such little faith!” She said with mock indignation. “I made a deal and I intend to keep it.”

        You doubted that, but she was your best bet right now, so you nodded and stepped away from Astarion’s protective presence. “Fine. Tell us what we need to do.”

        “First,” Mizora said aridly. “We have to get you a new look. You’d never even get through the doors looking like that.”

        Astarion looked a tad offended, and Shadowheart narrowed her eyes. “What exactly does she mean by that…?” 

        “Of course, Wyll, you can stay the delightful fiend you are, but your friends will need a little help,” she said with a grand gesture to all of you. “They look oh so painfully mortal.

        You stared at the cambion for a moment before it clicked. “You really don’t mean-“ 

        “Devils, dear,” Mizora said with a gleam in her eye. “And you’ll blend right in.” 

        “You can’t seriously expect me to let you turn us into devils,” you said incredulously. “We all saw what you did to Wyll!”

        ”Wyll broke a term of his contract, naughty thing,” Mizora pouted, flipping her hair back over her shoulder. “This will only be temporary.” 

        You looked off thoughtfully, glancing at the others to see what they thought. Astarion gave a pained sigh and looked at you. 

        “I’ll do it, but if I end up looking like a bloody infernal forever, I swear to the Gods I’ll hunt down the harlot myself. I’m far too gorgeous to end up looking like Wyll.”

        ”Hey!” 

        Astarion ignored the warlock’s indignation. You looked at Shadowheart and Karlach, both who nodded. 

        “Thank you, soldier,” Karlach nodded slightly. “Let’s do it.”

To be continued…

[zablife]

Mara

Summary: When the Irish mob orders Alfie Solomons' death, Jack Nelson carries out the execution. Afterwards, Jack realizes Alfie’s daughter is now an orphan. In a moment of humanity he decides to adopt her.

Author’s Note: This is based off a request made by @blossomedintoeternity who asked for Jack Nelson to take in a child and it makes Gina jealous. I have added my own spin to the beginning to explain why Jack looks after her. 

Warnings: mention of blood, death, orphaned child, language

Alfie lay bleeding out on the floor of his rum house. His secrets and lies had finally intertwined into a web that held him fast, limiting his choices for escape. Having double crossed the Irish mob in Boston in favor of aligning with the Italians, his death had been ordered immediately.

Jack Nelson stood over Alfie watching the life drain from his eyes. He would stay until he had confirmation that the Jewish kingpin was dead. As Alfie gasped for breath, he knew he should have resisted his overwhelming ambition if only for the sake of his daughter, Mara, who would be alone now in a harsh world she knew nothing about. He thought of her now, hiding in his office where he had left her when he heard Jack’s men breaking in.

——————————————————————————————-

As the henchmen searched through Alfie’s documents upstairs, they heard a rustling noise coming from the cabinet in the corner which caused them to cease their activity. Stalking to the cabinet quietly, they opened the heavy doors and found a little girl of roughly six years of age crouching inside. She was a slight child with two long braids and big green eyes that held a look of fear.

Despite her innocent appearance, she was brave and clever, knowing instantly that she was in danger. Without warning she began kicking and biting until she had freed herself and began running for the steps outside the office. Running after her and catching her arm deftly with a large hand, the man asked, “Who are you, huh?”

“Mara and my daddy will kill you for touching me!” She spat, struggling under his grip.

Exchanging a quick glance, one of the men said to the other, “Go tell Mr. Nelson we’ve got a problem.”

—————————————————————————————————

“Mara…” Alfie whispered as his eyes closed for the last time and his breathing ceased. Jack looked on with a sense of satisfaction, knowing his work here was done. As he turned to leave the body, one of his men approached calling out, “Mr. Nelson, there’s a kid here. Nobody said anything about a kid!”

“S probably just a street kid. If he didn’t see anything, toss him out and let’s go,” Jack said lighting a cigar without concern. 

“But it’s a little girl….says her name’s Mara.” 

Jack looked back at Alfie’s body, realizing the gangster was calling out for his child when he died. He cleared his throat uncomfortably. Jack’s work never bothered him much. He wasn’t the type to have sleepless nights. However, today he felt an unusual sense of empathy. He was thinking of his own children at home. “Bring her to the car out back. I don’t want her to see this,” he said sternly.

—————————————————————————————

On the car ride to the docks, Mara eyed Jack suspiciously. He had explained in a funny accent that her father was gone, although he hadn’t said where, and he was to look after her. That didn’t necessarily surprise Mara. Her father had employed lots of unusual babysitters in the past and they all turned out to be decent people. The harsh language and the guns didn’t bother her much either. The only thing that weighed on her young mind was the notion of leaving for a new country. America sounded big and scary. She wondered if her father was already headed there himself and the notion of being reunited with him soothed her. 

Sensing the child’s hesitation and fear, Jack did what he would have done for his own daughter. He had his driver stop at a sweet shop they were passing. He watched her eyes grow big with excitement when he returned to the car with a sack of boiled sweets. Mara cautiously took them from him, waiting for permission to open the bag.

“Go on, sweetheart.  Don’t you like candy?” he asked with a kind smile. Mara nodded and dug into the bag with her tiny hand grabbing a fistful of the colorful sweets. She stuffed her mouth with several pieces before Jack chuckled, “Woah, slow down, there. You’ll choke.” 

Mara stopped suddenly looking at him with her enormous green eyes. He wondered if she might cry.

“Sorry, just hungry…” she mumbled with stuffed cheeks. Jack realized his men probably hadn’t given her breakfast and now it was late afternoon. They stopped once more and Jack made sure Mara ate her fill of fish and chips before they traveled on. 

——————————————————————————

When they arrived at the docks Jack told the child to wait in the car. He exited to greet his niece, Gina, who looked somehow bored and angry at the same time. Mara scrunched her nose at the fancy lady who was scowling back at her. Although Mara tried to listen, the outside noise from the port covered the muffled sounds of the adult discussion going on in front of the car. 

“You’re an hour late, Jack! I’ve been waiting, you know,” Gina said pointing her cigarette accusingly at her uncle.

“Gina, please, I had business to take care of,” he said looking through the windshield, noticing how tiny Mara looked sitting in the back seat.

“I still don’t understand why we have to take this little brat with us?” Gina said crushing her cigarette below her high heeled shoe. 

“What the fuck is it to you? The kid needs a home. It's the right thing to do,” Jack replied annoyed that she was questioning him.

Gina smirked, “Well, I hope you’re ready to hear an ear full when we get back. If Margaret doesn’t divorce you after this—“

“Alright, that’s enough, Gina. Can we board now, please?” he said cutting off her hateful tirade and ushering her toward the ship.

“Fine, but I’m not going to play nursemaid on the boat if that’s what you’re thinking,” Gina said haughtily, pulling her fur around shoulders. She thought for a moment sighing heavily, “But I suppose Laurence’s nanny could take on one more. God knows I pay her enough for it,” Gina said looking toward her car and an eager, bouncing Laurence playing beside the trunks. 

“Agreed,” Jack said. “Let’s go.” Then the unlikely group of mob men, ladies and children boarded their ship to America.

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

Tag list:

@peakyswritings, @evita-shelby, @tommydoesntpayforsuits, @shelbydelrey, @alanadetigy, @wandawiccan60, @easilyobessedbutflighty, @severewobblerlightdragon, @lovemissyhoneybee, @theshelbyslimited, @kittycatcait219, @peakyrogers, @christinasyellowflowers, @retromafia, @theshelbyclan, @peaky-cillian, @celticmelody, @violaobanion, @kpopgirlbtssvt

[istumpysk]

Operation Stumpy Re-Read

AFFC: The Captain of Guards (Areo I) [Chapter 2]

"The blood oranges are well past ripe," the prince observed in a weary voice, when the captain rolled him onto the terrace.

After that he did not speak again for hours.

It was true about the oranges. A few had fallen to burst open on the pale pink marble. The sharp sweet smell of them filled Hotah's nostrils each time he took a breath. 

Oh god, not fruit symbolism again.

+.+.+

For a long while the only sounds were the children splashing in the pools and fountains, and once a soft plop as another orange dropped onto the terrace to burst. 

I hate it.

+.+.+

Obara Sand always walked too fast. She is chasing after something she can never catch, the prince had told his daughter once, in the captain's hearing.

Like Darkstar?

+.+.+

She had left her spear outside. For that, Areo Hotah gave thanks. Quick and strong as she was, the woman was no match for him, he knew . . . but she did not, and he had no wish to see her blood upon the pale pink marble.

Okay. . .

. . .

. . .

+.+.+

Death had come to Dorne on raven wings, writ small and sealed with a blob of hard red wax. Caleotte must have sensed what was in that letter, for he'd given it Hotah to deliver. The prince thanked him, but for the longest time he would not break the seal. All afternoon he'd sat with the parchment in his lap, watching the children at their play. He watched until the sun went down and the evening air grew cool enough to drive them inside; then he watched the starlight on the water. It was moonrise before he sent Hotah to fetch a candle, so he might read his letter beneath the orange trees in the dark of night.

+.+.+

Silence is a prince's friend, the captain had heard him tell his daughter once. Words are like arrows, Arianne. Once loosed, you cannot call them back.

Look, it's Dornish Ned!

+.+.+

"You would have me go to war."

"I know better. You need not even leave your chair. Let me avenge my father. You have a host in the Prince's Pass. Lord Yronwood has another in the Boneway. Grant me the one and Nym the other. Let her ride the kingsroad, whilst I turn the marcher lords out of their castles and hook round to march on Oldtown."

"And how could you hope to hold Oldtown?"

"It will be enough to sack it. The wealth of Hightower—"

"Is it gold you want?"

"It is blood I want."

I don't remember Leyton Hightower or any Oldtown commoner killing Oberyn Martell.

Please go talk to a friend or family member about your pain.

+.+.+

Grant me the one and Nym the other. Let her ride the kingsroad, whilst I turn the marcher lords out of their castles and hook round to march on Oldtown

For the record, Lady Nym will end up riding the kingsroad.

And I believe Obara is in the mountains near Oldtown.

+.+.+

"Lord Tywin shall deliver us the Mountain's head."

"And who will deliver us Lord Tywin's head? The Mountain has always been his pet."

The prince gestured toward the pools. "Obara, look at the children, if it please you."

"It does not please me. I'd get more pleasure from driving my spear into Lord Tywin's belly. I'll make him sing 'The Rains of Castamere' as I pull his bowels out and look for gold."

"Look," the prince repeated. "I command you."

"Aye," the prince said. "I told the story to Ser Balon, but not all of it. As the children splashed in the pools, Daenerys [daughter of Aegon IV Targaryen] watched from amongst the orange trees, and a realization came to her. She could not tell the highborn from the low. Naked, they were only children. All innocent, all vulnerable, all deserving of long life, love, protection. 'There is your realm,' she told her son and heir, 'remember them, in everything you do.' My own mother said those same words to me when I was old enough to leave the pools. It is an easy thing for a prince to call the spears, but in the end the children pay the price. For their sake, the wise prince will wage no war without good cause, nor any war he cannot hope to win. - The Watcher, ADWD

<3

+.+.+

"I did not come to you for comfort." Her voice was full of scorn. "The day my father came to claim me, my mother did not wish for me to go. 'She is a girl,' she said, 'and I do not think that she is yours. I had a thousand other men.' He tossed his spear at my feet and gave my mother the back of his hand across the face, so she began to weep. 'Girl or boy, we fight our battles,' he said, 'but the gods let us choose our weapons.' He pointed to the spear, then to my mother's tears, and I picked up the spear. 'I told you she was mine,' my father said, and took me. My mother drank herself to death within the year. They say that she was weeping as she died." Obara edged closer to the prince in his chair. "Let me use the spear; I ask no more."

That's not a very happy story.

+.+.+

"If you return to Sunspear, you will need to give audience to Princess Myrcella," Caleotte said. "Her white knight will be with her . . . and you know he sends letters to his queen."

[...]

Hotah had felt a certain sadness whenever he saw the man in the long snowy cloak, the times the prince had sent him down to Sunspear. One day, he sensed, the two of them would fight; on that day Oakheart would die, with the captain's longaxe crashing through his skull. He slid his hand along the smooth ashen shaft of his axe and wondered if that day was drawing nigh.

✨ foreshadowing ✨

(Not ideal he was also assessing Obara.)

+.+.+

"I was the oldest," the prince said, "and yet I am the last. After Mors and Olyvar died in their cradles, I gave up hope of brothers. I was nine when Elia came, a squire in service at Salt Shore. When the raven arrived with word that my mother had been brought to bed a month too soon, I was old enough to understand that meant the child would not live. Even when Lord Gargalen told me that I had a sister, I assured him that she must shortly die. Yet she lived, by the Mother's mercy. And a year later Oberyn arrived, squalling and kicking. I was a man grown when they were playing in these pools. Yet here I sit, and they are gone."

[...]

He was still groping for some words to say when another orange fell with a heavy splat, no more than a foot from where the prince was seated. Doran winced at the sound, as if somehow it had hurt him.

+.+.+

A serving man brought him a bowl of purple olives, with flatbread, cheese, and chickpea paste. He ate a bit of it, and drank a cup of the sweet, heavy strongwine that he loved. When it was empty, he filled it once again. 

It seems the maesters don't know what increases the risk of a gout flare up.

+.+.+

I should have gathered up the oranges that fell, he thought, and went to sleep dreaming of the tart sweet taste of them, and the sticky feel of the red juice on his fingers.

No, stop!

+.+.+

"The gout I cannot help," she [Nymeria Sand] said, "but my father had no use for grief. Vengeance was more to his taste. Is it true that Gregor Clegane admitted slaying Elia and her children?"

"He roared out his guilt for all the court to hear," the prince admitted. "Lord Tywin has promised us his head."

"And a Lannister always pays his debts," said Lady Nym, "yet it seems to me that Lord Tywin means to pay us with our own coin. I had a bird from our sweet Ser Daemon, who swears my father tickled that monster more than once as they fought. If so, Ser Gregor is as good as dead, and no thanks to Tywin Lannister."

What do you mean nobody is buying Tywin Lannister's bullshit? That can't be!

+.+.+

"You know the Fowler words? Let Me Soar! That is all I ask of you. Let me soar, Uncle. I need no mighty host, only one sweet sister."

"Obara?"

"Tyene. Obara is too loud. Tyene is so sweet and gentle that no man will suspect her. Obara would make Oldtown our father's funeral pyre, but I am not so greedy. Four lives will suffice for me. Lord Tywin's golden twins, as payment for Elia's children. The old lion, for Elia herself. And last of all the little king, for my father."

"The boy has never wronged us."

"The boy is a bastard born of treason, incest, and adultery, if Lord Stannis can be believed."

[...]

"Only royal blood can wash out my father's murder."

Tsk, tsk. Maybe let's leave the 8-year-old boy out of it.

When a character speaks of killing children, I immediately start their death countdown timer in my head.

+.+.+

The shadows of the afternoon were long and dark and the sun was as red and swollen as the prince's joints before they glimpsed the towers of Sunspear to the east. First the slender Spear Tower, a hundred-and-a-half feet tall and crowned with a spear of gilded steel that added another thirty feet to its height; then the mighty Tower of the Sun, with its dome of gold and leaded glass; last the dun-colored Sandship, looking like some monstrous dromond that had washed ashore and turned to stone.

Is he doing penis and scrotum jokes again?

Have you ever noticed George R. R. Martin is 10?

+.+.+

Where the Sand Snakes were tall, Arianne took after her mother, who stood but five foot two. 

Short queens unite!

+.+.+

There were two seats on the dais, near twin to one another, save that one had the Martell spear inlaid in gold upon its back, whilst the other bore the blazing Rhoynish sun that had flown from the masts of Nymeria's ships when first they came to Dorne. 

It's always ships. Only ships. If you never read anything other than the main series, you would only associate Nymeria with ships.

+.+.+

Lady Tyene's voice was gentle, and she looked as sweet as summer strawberries. Her mother had been a septa, and Tyene had an air of almost otherworldy innocence about her. 

Beware of the preacher's daughter.

+.+.+

"When I finish, it is yours, to help you remember him."

"I am not like to forget your father."

"That is good to know. Many have wondered."

Come on, unnecessary.

+.+.+

Prince Doran sighed. "Obara cries to me for war. Nym will be content with murder. And you?"

"War," said Tyene, "though not my sister's war. Dornishmen fight best at home, so I say let us hone our spears and wait. When the Lannisters and the Tyrells come down on us, we shall bleed them in the passes and bury them beneath the blowing sands, as we have a hundred times before."

I can get down with that.

+.+.+

"If they should come down on us."

"Oh, but they must, or see the realm riven once more, as it was before we wed the dragons. Father told me so. He said we had the Imp to thank, for sending us Princess Myrcella. She is so pretty, don't you think? I wish that I had curls like hers. She was made to be a queen, just like her mother." Dimples bloomed in Tyene's cheeks.

Wait, no. Wrong turn. Don't drag the kid into your war.

+.+.+

"I would be honored to arrange the wedding, and to see to the making of the crowns as well. Trystane and Myrcella are so innocent, I thought perhaps white gold . . . with emeralds, to match Myrcella's eyes. Oh, diamonds and pearls would serve as well, so long as the children are wed and crowned. Then we need only hail Myrcella as the First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, and lawful heir to the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, and wait for the lions to come."

Dot, dot, dot. With emeralds.

That feels ominous?

I'd have to go back to confirm, but I remember emeralds never having a positive association in AGOT.

+.+.+

His tone was grudging. "Let me think on it."

Tyene grew cross. "You think too much, Uncle."

"Do I?"

"Father said so."

"Oberyn thought too little."

Haa, he's not wrong.

+.+.+

"There is a difference between fear and caution."

"Oh, I must pray that I never see you frightened, Uncle. You might forget to breathe." She raised a hand . . .

The captain brought the butt of his longaxe down upon the marble with a thump. "My lady, you presume. Step from the dais, if it please you."

"I meant no harm, Captain. I love my uncle, as I know he loved my father." Tyene went to one knee before the prince. "I have said all I came to say, Uncle. Forgive me if I gave offense; my heart is broken all to pieces. Do I still have your love?"

"Always."

"Give me your blessing, then, and I shall go."

Doran hesitated half a heartbeat before placing his hand on his niece's head. "Be brave, child."

"Oh, how not? I am his daughter."

No sooner had she taken her leave than Maester Caleotte hurried to the dais. "My prince, she did not . . . here, let me see your hand." He examined the palm first, then gently turned it upside down to sniff at the back of the prince's fingers. "No, good. That is good. There are no scratches, so . . ."

Maester Caleotte and Areo Hotah are intelligent men, who are good at their jobs. This is a startling reaction from both of them.

Even worse, Doran's brief hesitation.

+.+.+

"You will find my brother's daughters, take them into custody, and confine them in the cells atop the Spear Tower."

"The Sand Snakes?" The captain's throat was dry. "All . . . all eight, my prince? The little ones, also?"

The prince considered. "Ellaria's girls are too young to be a danger, but there are those who might seek to use them against me. It would be best to keep them safe in hand. Yes, the little ones as well . . . but first secure Tyene, Nymeria, and Obara."

Didn't need to think too long about that one, lol.

+.+.+

"All Dorne will howl," said Doran Martell in a tired voice. "I only pray Lord Tywin hears them in King's Landing, so he might know what a loyal friend he has in Sunspear."

Sneaky, sneaky.

Final thoughts:

I love Doran Martell. Such a gem.

-> return to menu <-

[kidge-planet]

A friendly night, right... (Part 1/? )

A kidge fanfic!

TW for this chapter:

-Language

Canon universe, episode 1 season 8.

A/N: I tried to correct my mistakes but, if you see some, tell me!! ( English is not my first language, btw🥲)

-plans

The last day on earth. It was the last day on earth and Keith was still alone, on the top of the black lion.

It wasn’t bothering him that much, he liked to be alone… But, now that he had friends, he would have prefered to spend his time with them, maybe…

And everyone Had something to do tonight… I mean, that’s what he thought...

Keith POV:

I was sat on the top of the black lion, and I had already planned my evening:

watch the sunset, go back home,eat, sleep. Big plans. And I was ok with it, totally...

As the sun was almost gone, I heard gruntings and a voice comming closer to me: It was Lance…

I sighed. Didn’t he had plans for tonight? Other than breaking my OWN plan?

«Man! You can be a very hard guy to find when you want to!»

You know what happened next… Let me just skip this to tell you the part that you don’t know:

Lance and I were still sat on the top of the black lion, silent. He then turned towards me:

«Enough about my date, now! Tell me more about your sentimental life! And don’t lie to me, I can tell when you lie. So, do you have a girl on your mind lately? A guy?»

I blushed «What?! NO!»

«You’re LYYYINNNG! Just tell me already! I don’t see why you would be ashamed, Im Lancey! A pro!»

«A pro» I questionned, raising an eyebrow.

«Yeah! Just trust me!»

« You can be the pro of whatever you want, I’ll never tell you, lance»

«HO! So you’re admitting that you DO have someone in mind!»

I blushed harder « What?! No I-

«Yes you do! Tell me about that person!»

«I… It’s stupid, really, can we change the subject?»

«NOPE, You’re not getting rid of me that easily! Now speek, mullet!»

« I told you, It’s stupid...»

« Take that back! Love is not stupid!»

«In that case, It is, really, just let it go Lance.»

« Why would it be so stupid! Look Keith, I think you are overthinking it… Is is it like, the first time that you like someone?»

I looked back at the sunset, «Pretty much, yes. This is the worse feeling ever and I want to end this as fast as I can...»

Lance gasped at my words «YOU.TAKE. THAT.BACK. I get that you feel overwelmed but I don’t get why you feel like it is SOOOO bad!»

I frowned and clunched my fists, «BECAUSE. She’ll never like me back, that’s why.»

Lance stayed silent.

Then he spoke:

«How can you be so sure?..»

«She is perfect. She is smart, pretty, fun, coreageous and SO DAMN charismatic… I could go on for houres about what is perfect about her, really. Why would she even want me?...»

Lance frowned at me « I can’t let you say that! You are the black paladin, and that for a reason! And I hate to admit that but, I heard that some girls were thinking you were looking good… ( after me, of course).»

«Doesn’t matter what other girls think! She is one of a kind, really… And trust me, she might never give a shit about the fact that im the black paladin.»

Lance looked pissed; «What kind of girl would redject a PALADIN of Voltron! Wait, is it Acxa?! I saw the way you looked at her the other day!»

« Acxa?! NO!» I yelled as I was saking my head quick allong with my hands. Im not saying that Acxa is not nice looking or anything, She is just not the one that caught my eyes… And not my type.

Lance noded, surprisingly, he trusted me. Wait, can he really tell when I lie?…

Lance spoke again: «Ok, so… If it’s not Acxa… why would that girl not care that you are a paladin… The only way I see is that she is herself a- WAIT.»

I turned my gaze away as I blushed. I knew he had guessed by now.

« We have two girls in the team and even tho im pretty sure you are going to answer no ( you better), Is it Allura?»

«Are you fucking serious, Lance?» I slaped my forehead.

«OK, OK, get it! So… Pidge, right?»

I remained silent for a while before to speak again: «I told you it was stupid… Just, forget that, I don’t need you to tell me things I already know.»

«So you’re just… Giving up? That’s weird from you… Well actually, not, you like running away from your feelings, right?»

I raised an eyebrow, «What do you mean?»

« You ALWAYS try to keep your feelings away… The only emotion you have is anger, man. I mean, you sure grew and started to accept your feelings but huh, Im not sure that just… Runing away from your feelings for her will work forever. Love is a strong feeling that you can’t just wippe away. Trust me, many gyals redjected me and even if I was telling people that I was not feeling anything for them anymore, it wasn’t true. Well, It wasn’t true before I met Allura. Now, these girls doesn’t worth anything next to Allura. The fact is, Man, stop hurting yourself like that… AND STOP THINKING YOU DON’T WORTH ANYTHING! It’s not true and im sure Pidge knows that. She really likes you, I can tell. Now, get your ass out of here and fucking go get her!»

I sighed «Thanks but no. I have many reasons to not go.»

Lance raised an eyebrow: « Liiiiike?»

I blinked twice before to think of an answer, « Well… I don’t want to break our friendship...»

«WOW, that’s true, you do have a lot of reasons to NOT tell her...» Lance sarcastically said.

«Shut up. It’s still a good reason. As I said, she deserves better.»

«Better then the black paladin? Who even are you to decide what she deserves? I really don’t think she cares.»

«Sure, ok. But I know that she is better than me in every way. She should have a man that can be good enough, don’t you get it?»

«Are you done saying shit? Good, then no more talking and you take her out tonight. Before you start arguing, No, she doesn’t have anything planed tonight. She had her last family dinner on earth yesterday because her parents are working on the Atlas tonight and Yes, she is at the garrison right now. I won't let you give up on your first love when she is as amazing as Pidge.»

I panicked, «BUT-

«TSSSSSSS, No buts. Doesn’t need to be a date or something that brings you as a couple at the end of the day! Just, play it friendly for now, that’s how it alll starts. More you’ll spend time with her and make her feel confortable around you, more she’d want to be aroud and THEN, something can be possible.»

I stayed silent, increduly staring at him. «Just a friendly night?»

«Yeah, I know you want to spend time with her… just go ahead and stop running away! And who knows, maybe she likes your mullet!»

Maybe, for once, Lance was right…. Well, I don't know for the mullet part. I guess I hope she likes it but anyways... «But, what am I even supposed to do during a friendly night?...»

«… Friendly stuffs?»

«Like?»

Lance sighed, «Just Invite her to hang out and huh, I don’t know… eat? She is pretty simple, she hates fancy stuffs… Just take the black lion in the desert and order pizzas...»

«I guess I can do that… But, huh… I don’t really know how to ask, I’ve never done that before.»

Lance stared at me with a desperate gaze: «You know, you just ask?...»

«… But how?...»

«FINE, I’ll go with you! But then I’ve got to go get ready for my own plans, so we’re going now.»

«Wait- NOW?» I said as the anxiety started to grow.

«Yes, Come now, I know where she is, last time I saw her, She was with the girls in the comon room.» Lance got up.

I froze, «Girls?.. Wait who?! Are you telling me that I’ll have to ask her in front of OTHER PEOPLE?! Im not doing that!»

«HO PLEASE, what if there are some people?! At least that’ll give Nadia some new gosips...»

«Im repeating myself here but: IM NOT DOING THAT!»

«You really are getting on my nerves but ok, fine, just come and we’ll ask her for a private talk. Does that sound good to you or are you still going to play the baby here?»

« LET’S JUST GO.» I got up to join Lance.

We went back inside the Garrison and at every steps, I felt the anxiety grow,

Hell, what am I even doing! I thought I wanted to move on…

My thoughts got cut by Lance stopping in front of me and some laughings comming from a nearby room. I heard Romelle, Allura, Nadia, Ina and P-… Katie. I don’t even know, HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO CALL HER NOW?! Guess I’ll stick with Pidge for now…

Lance turned toward me with a serious look, I could tell that I was getting on his nerves but He is the one wanting me to do that so he is obviously getting himself mad on his own here…

«Ok, We’re walking in there, we take Pidge to the side and you ask her, alright?»

«I Guess...» I looked to the side.

«Good, let’s go»

We both walked in, getting all of our eyes on us. That got me very unconfortable, especialy when I saw her eyes on me. Damn. I forgot how these eyes could kill me just at the sight of it… I shivered as we waked towards the girls.

«Hello laydies, how is your evening going?» Lance said in a flirty tone as he gazed at Allura.

Lance talked to the girls for a while before he came to the main topic: «SO! I’d like to tchat with you longer but I’ve got things to do… Anyways, My bro Keith and I did came here for a reason! Pidge, Keith here wanted to talk to you, in private.»

Great… Now, everyone had their eyes on me and I bet they all knew what I was planing…

At this moment, I wanted to kill Lance for saying «Keith wanted to talk to you» and nor m«We wanted to talk to you» This feels SO suspect!

«HO, huh, sure» Pidge said with a slight blush. I think it was mostly because everyone was now staring at her.

«Then let’s go!» Lance started to walk out and we both followed him.

Once we were out of the room, the three of us faced each other:

«Ok then, Keith, go ahead!»

I took a deep breath and spoke up :

«So, huh, I… Do you have some plans for tonight? Because, I don’t know, I have nothing to do tonight and I thought we could hang out? NOT A DATE, It’s a friendly night! You know, a night between friends in which we do friend’s things! But if you don’t want to it’s o-

Lance placed his hand in front of my mouth.

(Lance, if you read this, thank you for stopping me, I panicked)

«What this handsome guy is trying to tell you, Pidge, is that he wants to spend his last night on earth with you if you don’t have anything planed. You know, order something and talk together on the top of the black lion?»

Pidge was now a blushing mess, just like I was.

«I have nothing planed tonight… So yes, sounds fun. I’d love to, Keith.»

I was about to answer shits again but Lance saved the day, AGAIN:

«Great! Well, you’ll exuse us, we have things to do! He’ll come and get you in that same room at 6pm, sounds good to you, Pidgey?»

«Sure, yeah, Ok.»

«GREAT, GREAT, GREAT! Then bye now»

I took a last glance at her before Lance pulled me away, letting her standing alone, in the hallway. I saw how she was questionning me with her azel eyes, without saying a word…

Lance grabed my shoulders and looked at me, firmely :

«WHAT WAS THAT?!» He screemed in a whisper.

«I panicked, ok?! Now it’s done, can we move on?!»

He sighed, «Ok, how are going to get dressed tonight? And are you planing to be so awkward the rest of the night? Also, take a shower and wear some perfume, I can sens that you trained today...»

«One question at the time!»

«Ok, dress however you want, but not too much, It’s supposed to be a chill and nice night… For the awkward part, just relax now… It’s going to be fine, you know her for long now, Im sure it’s going to be ok. Be yourself... AND TAKE A SHOWER. I’ve got to go get ready for my date, so, make her laugh, be sweet to her, compliment her. Got it? And if you hurt her, im destroying you. Really. Bye!»

Lance said as he walked away. Ok, Im on my own now…

…

…

WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?!