#like five times for all of them. and gave up her son several times. and continued to protect the town even tho she shoulda let them all die.

[morgana-pendragon]

What are the five dumbest OUAT plotlines in your opinion?

well now you’ve done it. how can i even pick. gosh

in no particular order:

zelena. i love her but her plot line was stupid stupid stupid how are you angry at a woman who didn’t even know you existed for something her mother did years before she was born and who in fact got the worse end of the deal AND you’re making it her problem. girl be serious

all of season 5. it was gross and dumb and ruined almost every single character . the only good thing that came out of that was greg germann as hades

the season ?? one plot?? like i get what they were trying to do and it worked i guess but it would have been much better executed the good place style imo simply because i 1. hate nonlinear storytelling and 2. hate when the audience knows something is true that most/all but one of the characters does not

the black fairy . still NO answers on how she was so formidable or like. anything. there was 0 exposition on her motives and the ‘final battle’ was incredibly underwhelming . yeah she kidnapped kids but she didn’t ?? do anything to them?? why did she take them. why did she abandon rumple. why did she still hate him. where is the logic in any of this

the whole peter pan thing. they kept talking about how evil he was and how dangerous he was when he .. barely did Anything .. like at all. he was just annoying

[daisyblog]

First Date

Unexpected Love Masterlist Summary: Harry and YN are set up on a date.

2019

Jonny had separately nagged YN and Harry to let him set them up on a date. Harry’s argument was that he was in the middle of writing his second album, and wanted to be on his own after his last break up. YN’s protest was that she was a single working Mum who didn’t have the time, and added “nobody wants to date a single mum”. 

After what felt like months of constant begging, Harry and YN both gave in to their friend and agreed to go on a date. Jonny had arranged for them to meet at a small quiet restaurant on the outskirts of London, knowing Harry would want to stay under the radar. 

YN had been nervous all day. She had messaged Jonny several times to try and cancel but he insisted that it was just nerves and she should give it a chance. Harry felt mixed emotions, part of him was nervous, he was meeting someone new but the other part of him was excited because he knew Jonny wouldn’t set him up with just anyone. 

Harry arrived at the restaurant first, being fifteen minutes early. He was shown to their table which he was grateful was tucked into a corner away from other tables. He knew that was down to Jonny’s request. Wanting to calm his nervous, Harry ordered a bottle of wine for them, hoping YN liked it too. 

He had just taken a small sip from his glass, when he saw the waiter walking towards him with a woman following behind. Harry stood from his chair, ready to greet her. “Hi, it’s nice to finally meet you”. Harry spoke first, bringing YN in for a hug. 

“Jonny and his persuasive ways huh?”. YN joked, causing Harry to smile knowing Jonny must have nagged YN as much as he had nagged him. 

Harry pulled YN’s chair out for her to sit before taking his place back in her own. “I ordered wine, I can get you something else if you’d prefer”. 

“No…wine is perfect, thank you”. YN smiled with appreciation, showing her little dimples. “I like your tattoos”. She complimented as she noticed them on his arm, that was exposed due to his short sleeved shirt. 

Harry glanced down as he looked at his arm, smiling slightly at the mixture of ink that covered his skin. “Uh thanks…I have too many to count”. He giggled. “Do you have any?”. He gestured to his tattoos. 

YN hesitated before explaining. “I have one…on my wrist”. She turned her hand over to reveal the delicate ink on her right wrist. “It’s my son’s name”. YN watched for a change in Harry’s response or how he may end the date now. 

But what surprised YN was Harry’s genuine grin as he looked down at her wrist. “What’s his name?”. His question was genuine, YN could tell by how he looked at her directly in the eye which a soft look. 

“Jacob”. YN smiled as she thought about her favourite person. The little boy who saved her in more ways than he would ever know. “He’s five and a real sweetheart.”. Harry noticed how YN’s whole face lit up as she spoke about him. “Does me having a son not bother you?”. YN couldn’t help but ask.

Harry frowned at her question before shaking his head. “Of course not…I don’t date people based on if they’re a parent, or if they have a certain job or x amount of money in the bank…I date people for them.”. 

“I’m sorry…I couldn’t help but ask, I’m not used to people being so understanding when it comes to Jacob”. YN apologised, hoping she hadn’t ruined the date before it had started properly. 

“Hey…it’s fine, you can be yourself tonight…there’s no judgement from me.” Harry reassured her, knowing how it felt for someone not to get to know you and having a false opinion. 

“Thank you…that really means a lot”. YN smiled before taking a sip from her glass, needing to treat her dry throat. 

“So tell me about you and Jacob…I can see he’s your life and I want to know more”. The sentence caused a spark in YN’s chest at how interested Harry was in not only her but the one person who mattered the most. 

Harry and YN had talked, laughed and smiled all evening. YN couldn’t remember the last time she felt like herself and was able to be just YN and not just a Mum. Harry wondered how he hadn’t met YN sooner because for once someone didn’t want to speak to him because he was Harry Styles, he could see that YN was genuinely interested in getting to know him as just Harry. 

Harry had learnt that YN was in university studying business when she fell pregnant but had to drop out before graduating. But now owned her own florist in London. He noticed that she hasn’t mentioned her family apart from Jacob, but decided it was best to leave it that way for now. She didn’t ask one question related to the band or his music, she asked questions about his family, where he grew up, his childhood memories and all the little things that built up who he is today. 

After they had finished their meals and nicely argued about how the bill was going to be paid, they found themselves walking through a quieter part of town, still chatting and giggling like two teenagers. They wanted to blame the wine but deep down they both knew it was from the excitement of each other. 

Harry had arranged for a taxi to drop them both back home. They were both supposed to realise that YN didn’t live far from Harry’s Hampstead house. He walked YN up to her door to make sure she was home safe. They both stood staring at each other, waiting for the other to break the silence. Smirks covering their smiles. 

“I had a really nice time tonight”. Harry broke first, meaning what he had said. 

“Me too!”. YN felt shy for the first time all evening. 

“Can I see you again?”. Harry was bold, he hadn’t felt like this after a date before and he wasn’t willing to lose his chance. 

YN smiled, she felt special and chosen for once and inside she was screaming with happiness. Harry really wanted to see her again. “I’d love that”.

They quickly swapped numbers and Harry was eager to arrange to see YN again. Before making his way back to the taxi that was waiting patiently, he leaned in to hug YN goodbye. It was like neither of them wanted to let go but the feeling of Harry’s lips leaving a peck on her cheek is what caused YN to jump around in happiness once she closed the door behind her that night.

Taglist:

@ell0ra-br3kk3r

[starkwlkr]

how bout a teenage Ruby fix where she starts dating, or maybe even a baby Ruby fix where she has like a fake wedding with one of her classmates and of course the absolute meltdown of Charles

here comes the bride | charles leclerc

i have several request for teenage ruby dating so i went with the fake wedding <3 and here we have the return of ben iykyk (he’s a classmate of ruby that appears in another fic) thanks for requesting!!

It was a sunny Friday afternoon when Charles received a piece of paper with crayon scribbled all over it from Ruby. He had just come back from his run and all he wanted was to take a shower and sleep so when he read the paper, he didn’t pay attention to it thinking it was just something Ruby wanted him to put on the refrigerator door with magnets so he did exactly that.

After taking a shower, he walked to his bedroom where his wife was waiting. As he passed by Ruby’s room, he saw her wearing her princess dress and heels, posing infront of her mirror.

“Ruby Jules, it’s time to sleep. You can dress up tomorrow. Put away your toys, okay?” Charles told her.

“Okay. I have a big day tomorrow, papa!” She smiled then proceeded to put away her Barbies in their designated spot.

Charles didn’t think much of it. Again, he thought that maybe she had a playdate the next day so he kissed her cheek and tucked her into bed. Then walked to Mathéo’s room and did the same.

The following morning, Charles was making himself a cup of tea when he heard the doorbell ring. He wasn’t expecting company, but he opened the door anyways. Once he did, he saw several of the neighborhood kids and Ben, a classmate of Ruby, with toys in their hands. They often came over to play with Ruby.

“Hi Ruby’s papa, is Ruby here?” A boy asked.

“She’s in the backyard playing.” He let the group of five kids in. They knew their way around the house so they ran towards the backyard to play with Ruby.

“Isn’t it a little early for them? It’s eight thirty.” Y/n checked her watch as she made her way into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

“Ruby got up early too. Look at her, she’s already in her princess outfit. She was wearing it yesterday night.” Charles said.

“She’s been wearing it all week I think. And those plastic princess heels with Snow White on them. Last time she stepped on my foot with those I thought I was going to die. They fucking hurt. I want to punch whoever invented them.” Y/n said as she opened the refrigerator door to get milk for Mathéo’s bowl of cereal. That’s when she noticed the paper that Ruby had given Charles last night. In pink and blue crayon it read:

‘Ruby and Ben wedding

Where? Outside

When? Morning

bring toys for the bride and Ben’

In a matter of seconds, Y/n pieced it all together. So that’s why Ruby wanted her dress to be washed and for her toy chairs to be lined up in the backyard. As Charles watched the kids play outside, Y/n took the paper from the refrigerator. She then joined Charles by the glass sliding door that led to the backyard to watch the kids.

“Why does she need all of her stuffed animals outside? They’re going to get dirty! See? Floppy just fell to the ground and Snoopy’s fur is starting to be a different color! What if I go out there and tell her to put away her toys? The other kids brought toys, she could play with those.” Charles said then sipped on his tea.

“Well you can’t crash your daughters wedding. You’re going to look like an asshole.”

Then Charles spat out his tea getting all on the glass door. “What? Wedding? Nobody is getting married!”

“Oh my dear sweet husband.” Y/n laughed. “I’m guessing she gave this to you. I just saw it on the refrigerator door.” She handed the paper to Charles.

As he read it, Mathéo ran down the stairs with his own stuffed animal in hand. “Come on! We’re going to miss the wedding!”

“He knew about the wedding too?!” Charles was pushed outside by his son, Y/n following her boys to the backyard.

“Maman! Papa! Théo! You made it!” Ruby gasped as she saw her family walking towards her and Ben, who was dressed in a simple white shirt and black shorts.

“Yeah, I live here.” Charles stated. “Ruby Jules—” he was about to tell her the wedding was off when Y/n stopped him.

“It’s fake, Charles. Just let them play.” She reminded him. “Come on, let’s sit with the rest of the bride’s family.” She saw three empty seats next to Floppy and the rest of Ruby’s stuffed animals.

“Fine, but I’m just saying. . . No boy will ever be good enough for my precious girl.” He was about to sit down next to Floppy but Ruby stopped him.

“Papa, you have to walk me down the aisle. Please?” Ruby asked.

Charles couldn’t resist. Ruby was his little girl, of course he would do anything for her. So he grabbed her hand and took her to the end of the ‘aisle’ and while baby shark played, Charles and Ruby walked towards Ben.

When they reached Ben, Charles crouched down and look at the boy. “Don’t make my little girl cry or be sad, okay? If you do, all of Italy, Monaco and her uncles will hate you—”

“Charles, babe, don’t threaten the kid.” Y/n warned as Charles got up and placed a kiss on Ruby’s temple.

Charles then joined his wife and son and sat on the uncomfortable tiny plastic chair. “I thought I wouldn’t have to do this until she was older.”

“You’re okay, you’ll live. And I thought I would be the one crying when Ruby got married.” Y/n teased.

[wingedhallows]

i got my eye on you; marauders

pairing: marauders (sirius black x reader) | 3.3k words plot: albus reaches out to you to keep the marauders save, to not have them die, so you join them in their seventh year. authors note: this is by far the longest fic i ever wrote and it'll have several parts. I hope you like it :) have a good weekend, y'all <3

navigation | part one ; part two

“For some of you, this will be the last- '' The doors to the great hall opened with a loud squeak and all heads whipped to who had entered. It was uncomfortably quiet as a young woman, looking no older than twenty five, entered the hall.

Her appearance was unusual, to say the least. Students stared as they took in her appearance, the long hair, the loose jeans and the many many tattoos. Her face was adorned with make up, some jewelry graced her neck as well as her fingers and and her feet were plucked into beat up sneakers.

The students didn’t miss the pack of cigarettes which she had just shoved into the pocket of her pants or how her made-up eyes looked over the mass of teenagers. 

The way she walked was confident, relaxed. Her arms swung by her side in a comfortable manner, something the students hadn’t seen in the halls of Hogwarts ever. As she reached the podium where Dumbledore stood, he embraced her in a hug. 

“I’m late, sorry for that.” You said, Dumbledore swatted his hand and rubbed your upper arm. “No problem at all, Y/N. Life as a young Auror gets busy, does it not?” You gave him a small smile and turned around to walk up to the teachers, hand held out for them to take. As you came back to Albus, he had a hand on your shoulder. “They’re right there, just sit down with them.” He pointed his bony finger at the Gryffindor table, you couldn’t make out who he meant but followed suit.

Albus had contacted you a few weeks ago to give him a helping hand. A group of students, infamously titled the marauders were in grave danger, something about a prophecy and Voldemort. You didn’t need to know more when Albus had sounded so desperate.

You stepped off the podium and walked down the Gryffindor table, the gazes of students burning into your form. Just as you slowed down at a boy you had seen before, the older Black son, Sirius Orion Black, you stopped.

You looked back at Dumbledore and pointed at the bench. With a small nod you walked up to them. “Excuse me.” You spoke and within seconds the boys parted like Moses had the sea. You sat down and avoided their eyes when Albus started to talk again.

The teens looked at you, examining you. “As I was saying-” You weren’t listening as you looked at them. The boy on your right across the table had dark hair, not as long as the Black’s but it was neatly styled. His tie sat untidy in the center of his uniform and he looked your way a few times, too shy to actually keep eye contact. T

he one next to him looked tidier, his tie was neatly pulled together, his hand rested on a book which you couldn’t make the title out of. His face was graced with faint reddish scars and his eyes were glued to Dumbledore.

The table stayed faintly quiet as Albus stopped talking and breakfast was announced. “Relax.” You said, eyes now glued to your face. With a tap to the plate it vanished and a steaming cup of coffee emerged in its place. You fished the pack of cigarettes from your pocket and pushed one between your lips. Black, who was seated to your right, grabbed your arm, biscuit in his other hand.

“No smoking on grounds.” The tidy boy spoke, as Black retreated his hand. “Rules.” Sirius spoke, he shook his head, obviously thinking those to be absurd. You gave them a small smile before you lit the cigarette with a tip of your finger.

“The rules don’t count for me.” The dark haired boy furrowed his eyebrows and huffed before he spoke. “But-”I’m not a student.” You took a sip from your coffee and spoke again.

“I’d be a bit too old for that.” You took a drag from your cigarette, enjoying the way the smoke filled your lungs. You huffed the smoke over their heads and took another sip. “No fair.” Sirius crumbled next to you.

You looked to your right and held the cigarette out for him. With wide eyes he watched you, without a word you nodded your head at him. He hesitated but embraced the stick between his lips and took a drag. Without as much as a cough he blew out the smoke and gave you a small smile. “Thanks.” You didn’t answer before you took another drag.

“My name’s Y/N and I’m here to look out for you-”Look out for us?” You eyed him through your lashes with a glare. “James.” The boy next to him nudged his shoulder and he retreated with a quick sorry.

“You goin’ to interrupt me again, James?” James shook his head “No ma’am.” Your lips twisted into a grin “Good.”

You propped your arms onto the table and started to talk again. “I can’t tell you why, orders from way up.” You paused as you saw them frown.

“I wanna make one thing clear, I’m not here to keep you in check.” You paused “I’m simply here to not have you die, I couldn’t care less about what you do in school.” The boy to your left shuffled to look at you. “Look at me like a friend, you can come to me for help and whatever else you want, I kinda have a free pass here.” You pointed at the pack of cigarettes.

“So, you’re just here to keep us safe?” The boy next to James spoke and you nodded. “Exactly.” James wasn’t convinced, eyebrows still knitted together. “But that doesn’t make sense, we’re good at taking care of ourselves. Sirius has a mean right hook and I’m the best quidditch player in our school. We can take-”No you can’t.” You broke him off.

“Not during these times.” He eyed you some more before he returned to his breakfast.

Just as James opened his mouth again you caught Albus in the corner of your eyes. He had his hand raised, asking you to meet him up in his office. You understood and spoke after you had shoved the cigarettes back into your pocket.

“Excuse me.” You said, Sirius wanted to keep a hold on you, to not let you go but within a second the space next to him was empty. You had apparated away, on school grounds. Maybe you were right after all, you did have a free pass.

Albus only wanted to remind you of your mission, keep them safe. He handed you their schedule and sent you on your merry way. You apparated into Minerva's classroom, startling two girls in the process. The lesson hadn’t started yet and the room was buzzing with voices.

James and Sirius were seated together, Remus sat with Peter. Albus had shown you pictures, pointed them out to you. There was a bench behind the four which was vacant, so you decided to place yourself there.

You had no business here, you knew. You had finished your school years at Mahoutokoro in Japan about three years ago, you were no longer a student and you didn’t desire to be one ever again but this mission, this task, which Albus put in your hands felt too important to act upon your dislikement of school.

“Oh, Y/N.” Remus said with a small smile on his face as he noticed you.

You gave him a small wave of your fingers and leaned back in your chair, Sirius and James now sat facing you. “You’ll join the lessons too?” You nodded and lit yourself a cigarette, they didn’t question it this time.

“Albus told me to feel free to join in if I wanted to.” Sirius brought a hand through his brown locks and gave you a flirty smile. “Should’ve sat behind you then, Snivellus’ an eyesore.” You gave him a grin and eyed the fellow student. He was hunched over his desk, gaze locked on his workbook.

“So, you’ll join-”You’re in my seat.” A blonde boy interrupted James, he stood right in front of you, his blonde hair framed his face like a helmet.

“I don’t see a name.” You smiled, taking a drag from your cigarette. “This seat is mine.” He said again, nose held high. You raised from your chair and placed yourself in front of the nuisance of a boy. His jaw was clenched and his eyebrows furrowed in anger.

“Well now it’s mine.” You almost whispered, the classroom had gotten awfully quiet, eager to catch a glimpse of your quarrel.

“I’ll say it one more time, this seat is mine, you mud-”I wouldn’t if I were you. I’m the furthest thing from a mudblood, not that I like the sound of that insult.” Your face contorted into a frown before you took another drag of your cigarette and blew the smoke right in his face. The blonde coughed violently as you looked down on him.

“Get away from me.” You said before you sat down and crossed your legs over each other. The boy took a step forward, fists clenched and face flushed.

Sirius and James were fast to stand up, square their shoulders and stare him down. You felt like there were two guard dogs standing right behind you.

“This isn’t finished.” He spat before he turned around and found himself and his buddy a seat. His eyes found yours again before you raised your hand to flip him off.

Sirius burst into laughter as he reached over the desk and patted you on the shoulder. “You’re growing on me, love.”

“Malfoy’s an arse, don’t fret it.” James laughed before you waved him off. “I think I can handle him just fine, James.”

Just as Minerva stepped into the room you had any evidence of a cigarette vanishing. McGonagall wrinkled her nose in displeasure as she placed her bag down.

“Who smoked in my classroom?” The boys didn’t move, you just raised your eyebrows, you’d get him for good. “No one?” You wiped the smirk off your face as you raised your hand.

“Minerva, can I call you that?” The woman faced you, her face didn’t change as she simply nodded.

“I’m not normally one to tell, but I believe that school rules are of utmost importance for students, it was like that for me when I visited Mahoutokoro.” You paused to flash her a small smile, a smile that said, I’m on your side, I’m here to support, not side with students.

“I believe I saw Mr. Malfoy over there enjoying a cigarette just a few moments ago. I’m not one to disdain smoking, as I enjoy it myself but as we all know, I’m no longer a student, but Mr. Malfoy is one and I believe that this should be addressed.”

You were amazed by yourself, you hadn’t been a two faced bitch since school. The boys turned around, faces painted with disbelief. Sirius had to hide the grin on his face. Peter stared at you in horror, how could you be so absolutely stellar at lying, without a stutter or a twitch of guiltiness. 

“Very well, Y/N. Do you have proof to reinforce those accusations?” She stepped a row closer to you, hands clasped together. Malfoy shot to his feet, face bright red with anger as he tried to speak.

“Professor, you couldn’t possibly believe-”I believe a quick whiff should be enough, cigarettes leave a rather strong smell on people who smoke.” 

Minerva gave you a nod and proceeded to where the blonde boy sat, his eyes widened in horror. You had blown the smoke at him, it would still linger. The teacher reached her head forward and smelled the boy's uniform, with a gasp she retreated.

“Mr. Malfoy, I’m truly disappointed, smoking on school grounds is bad enough but in my classroom of all places. 10 points from Slytherin and detention.” You sat down and gave the boys a smirk, they turned around with an amused expression on their faces.

“Thank you, Y/N. It’s nice to see someone acting their age.” You didn’t respond and just gave her a smile.

-

“I can’t believe you got Malfoy detention.” James laughed. “Not to mention the house points off Slytherin!” Sirius laughed before he threw an arm over your shoulder. You just shook your head and took the cigarette he had snatched from you back. His fingers played with your hair as you occupied your free hand with your lighter.

“So, you’re just going to spend your free period with me here?” You tried and Peter hummed, his arms snaked around his school bag. You’d told them that you’d like to go for a smoke, to get some peace but that apparently doesn’t exist without those four.

“So, how old are you actually?” James spoke, your eyes found his. Remus jabbed him in the side and you chuckled, taking another drag of the cigarette before Sirius grabbed your arm to take a drag himself.

“Not cool, man.” Sirius commented. You were so close, so intimate. It didn’t feel weird though, it didn’t bother you. Being with him felt so easy, so comfortable. Was that a bad thing? You felt as if you were letting your guard down, what if you were too distracted to keep them safe? All those thoughts disappeared when Sirius’ hand rested on your shoulder.

“24.” You simply answered. Remus finally sat down in front of you, his shoulders seemed less tense. “You went to school in Japan, why that?” You shifted your legs and put the cigarette out letting it once again disappear in the palm of your hand.

“I was originally going to spend my school years here at Hogwarts but when my parents saw my potential they decided to send me to a school which took more pride in their students power and skill than anything else.” You paused and lit yourself another cigarette.

“My parents insisted on my transfer to Mahoutokoro when I was barely twelve years old, I haven’t seen them since I was transferred.” Sirius retreated his arm to fully face you.

“What do you mean?” James spoke, eyebrows furrowed. “I never forgave them for ripping me away from everything I knew, my friends, my family, my mother tongue. Everything.” 

“So you never spoke to them again?” Peter leaned forward, intrigued by the conversation. You nodded your head, eyes on the ground you sat on. “Not one word.”

“What’s Maktokoro-”Mahoutokoro.” You interrupted Sirius, who just swatted your attempt of correcting him away. “Yes, that.”

You caught the boy looking at your hand and without a word you raised the cigarette to his mouth, his warm hand grasped yours gently and he clasped the stick in between his lips. The way he looked, the way he felt, did something to you. Heat spreads from your chest over your shoulder.

“I-It’s very disciplined, hence why I look how I look.” You paused to catch your breath and to rip your gaze from the delicious looking man next to you.

“No tattoos, no dying your hair, no casual clothes, no nothing. The only nice thing is the scenery.” Sirius held a drink for you to take and with a thankful smile you took it.

“Mahoutokoro is big in Qidditch, it wasn’t my cup of tea but the matches were a sight to see.” James leaned back with a smirk on his face.

“Well, Quidditch’s our expertise.” You raised your eyebrows at him. “I’m a seeker myself, Sirius’ a beater.” You smiled at him and nodded your head. “I guess I have to watch you play, then?” 

Sirius let out a chuckle and threw his arm over your shoulder once again. “Of course, love. I need something worth winning for.” You had to laugh yourself before you intertwined your fingers with his before he placed the cigarette in front of your mouth again. You took a drag and blew the smoke past him.

“You don’t play?” You addressed the other two boys.

“No, Peter and I are not so skilled regarding Quidditch.” Remus laughed, his book wandering to his other hand.

“Moony’s the one with the best grades though, Quidditch only gets you so far.” James threw in and Remus gave him a small smile. “Oh, so you’re the smartest?” Remus had to chuckle and shook his head.

“He’s only being modest.” Sirius whispered in your ear and you nodded before Sirius dropped the done cigarette into your palm and it vanished.

Seated all the way in the back you were surprised to see one of your former teachers teach Defense Against Dark Arts here at Hogwarts. Hayato Fujimoto was one of your favorite teachers when you went to school, to see him here now fills you with comfort. 

He broke into a bright smile as he welcomed the students. “We have a guest here, as it seems.” He paused to lean on his desk. You waved at him before he waved you to the front of the class.

“Miss Y/N here was one of my most talented students, with excellent skills in wandless magic and dueling. I’m happy to have you here, so far from home. I hope you’re willing to show your skills to my students sometime.” You gave him a smile and tilted your head towards him.

“Of course, Professor.” He waved you off “Please, you’re no longer one of my students, call me Hayato.” You couldn’t do that, you knew and he knew as well.

“Alright students, get in line, find yourself a partner.” Fujimoto waved his hands to rush them along, his white hair jumped with the effort. You stayed behind, to stay out of their way.

These lessons, learning how to defend themselves, were important. Even if the professor was eager to show you off, you wanted them to train, to be able to wield those defensive spells, especially Sirius, James, Remus and Peter.

You made your way to them, watching them. James trained with Peter, Sirius with Remus. Spell after spell jumped between them, but you noticed right away, they were going easy on each other. They didn’t take it seriously.

Without a word you stepped in front of Remus, who retreated with wide eyes. “What?” He mumbled as Sirius lowered his wand with an unreadable expression on his face.

“Raise that wand, Black.” You paused before he stepped forward, following suit and raised his wand again.

“Hit me with the best you got.” He hesitated but nodded, wielding his wand.

“Stupefy!” He yelled and with a flick of your hand it dispersed, you looked bored. “Don’t go easy on me now, Sirius.” He took a breath and raised his wand again.

“Rictusempra!” He tried again, but you waved it off once again. With a nameless spell you sent him off his feet, he flew a feet meters and landed on his ass.

You frowned and walked over to him. Your hand reached to his head and your other one held his shoulder. His hair was fluffy, softer than you expected it to be. “You okay?” He huffed and sent you a pained grin, trying to play off the aching in his buttocks. 

“Fine.” He mumbled before he got to his feet again. You brushed his shirt off and rubbed his upper arm. He nodded and took his wand from your hand.

“I didn’t want to knock you off your feet, sorry about that.” You said before he grabbed your arm, warm hand grasping your flesh.

“That’s twice now, you owe me.” He said with a smirk on his face.

For once, you were speechless. You expected him to be mad, to dislike you but he flirted. Your cheeks felt hot and your heartbeat sped up. This wasn’t good, not good at all.

[luneengene2]

Hidden Love

You never thought your parents would push you to a stage you didn't want to go to. Arranged marriage. Your parents betrothed you to the first son of the Han family, Taesan, in order to save your family's big business which was about to collapse. You married him at the age of nineteen, three months before your graduation. Taesan openly shows his dislike for you, he doesn't even touch you, in the early days of marriage he often shouted at you harshly. While at school, he was always close to several girls which of course made you very jealous. After all, he is your husband. But you don't know, behind his dislike for you, his feelings of love are clashing with the denial inside him, the denial that he loves you. Until finally, his feeling of denial was 'defeated' by something he saw.

• Pairings : Taesan x fem!readers

• Warnings : Early-age marriage, Taesan is a bit toxic, smut content inc : fingering, french kissing, marking, squirting, ETC... Zerobaseone RICKY; BTS Jungkook appearance, grammatical errors

You ran fast after getting off the public bus that took you to a bus stop not far from your school. You woke up late today, and Taesan didn't wake you up. He even left you at the house where you two lived. In your house, apart from you living with Taesan, you also live with three female maids, one male gardener, two male security guards, and one male driver. Your parents and Taesan's parents only gave you one car for your needs, because for them one car was enough because you didn't have children yet.

Taesan didn't use the driver provided, he preferred to drive himself. That's why he underestimates you, especially when you wake up late. He will really leave you.

This is the fifth time during your marriage that he has left you at home just because you woke up late, as a result you had to take public transportation.

You never complained about this to your parents or your in-laws, because if the four of them knew what Taesan did to you, then Taesan could be more rude to you. As a result, you just keep silent about what Taesan has been doing to you all this time.

"Sir, sorry I'm late!" You barged into your class which was currently having a math lesson. Mathematics teacher, Mr. Jeon looks at you with a sharp gaze, he never tolerates tardiness. "Where have you been?" He asked as, you gulped in genuine fear of him.

"I'm sorry, sir. I woke up late," You bit your lower lip in fear, then you glanced at Taesan who just looked at you with a mocking look. A grin appeared on his lips. "You know, I never tolerate late hours, whatever the reason. Now get out of my classroom, and stand in the field until recess!" You stared in shock when Mr Jeon gave you that punishment.

If you 'fight' him, the punishment will be even more severe, so you decide to immediately obey him. You bowed then immediately left your class to serve your punishment. Mr Jeon walked towards the classroom window to make sure you served your punishment in the field. He nodded when you were confirmed to be standing in the field.

"Why did you have the heart to do that to her?" Leehan whispered to Taesan, he couldn't bear to see you being punished by Mr. Jeon for the first time. "She deserved it, who told her to wake up late? I don't like undisciplined girls," Taesan said casually which made Leehan annoyed too. "She's your wife, Taesan! You shouldn't have acted like that to her." Hearing Leehan's sentence, Taesan just gave him a mocking look. "Wife on paper, I don't love her," Leehan restrained himself from punching his friend. He really didn't like looking at the kind Taesan.

In Taesan's core circle of friends, only five people knew that Taesan was married. They are Jaehyun, Sungho, Riwoo, Leehan and Woonhak. And the five friends supported and protected Taesan's marriage, but Taesan was not what they expected.

"Stop being stupid before you regret it, you bastard," Leehan cursed harshly at Taesan in a low tone of voice, Taesan, who was used to this, just laughed a little. He was IMMUNE to the sharp insults of his five main friends that he was a bad husband. He didn't care about that.

But sometimes, he feels strange feelings that he considers stupid. The feeling that he actually cares and really loves you. He always denied these feelings by approaching other girls to distract his thoughts.

Leehan looked pitifully at his classroom window, he saw you standing helpless in the hot morning weather. You should study with them, not be punished like this.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The morning sun is indeed healthy for the body, but not for people who haven't had breakfast like you. You've been standing there for an hour with your stomach rumbling. Of course you haven't had breakfast, because you're late for school. You don't have time just to eat a piece of bread or drink milk to fill your stomach.

The break time is still very long, and every second your head hurts more and more because of the effects of hunger that you are experiencing. As time goes on, your vision becomes increasingly blurry and distorted. You're sure you'll faint soon.

"S-sir! I think Y/N is going to pass out!" Leehan shrieked a bit at Mr Jeon when he saw you starting to lose your balance. All attention is immediately focused on you who are on the field. Including Taesan who is now approaching the window to make sure.

Gradually, your eyes begin to close and your body seems to be blown away by the wind. Until finally you lose consciousness completely. However, before your body hit the ground, a blonde man caught your body quickly.

"FUCK!" Taesan cursed and ran out of the classroom, not caring that he was being shouted at by Mr. Jeon for leaving the classroom like that.

The blonde man wearing a sports uniform immediately took you to the infirmary along with the sports teacher who also happened to be teaching there. The blonde man looked worried because you looked pale, especially as your lips were also very dry, like you were seriously dehydrated.

When you were in the infirmary, the blonde man immediately put you on the bed provided there and the school doctor immediately moved quickly to treat you. "Ricky, call her homeroom teacher! She's Y/N from class 3-3," The sports teacher immediately ordered the blonde man named Ricky to call your homeroom teacher.

Not long after Ricky went out to call your homeroom teacher, Taesan entered the infirmary with a panicked face, followed by Leehan. "What happened?" Taesan asked with a flat expression, but his heart was also beating fast because he saw you lying unconscious.

"What are you doing here?" The sports teacher immediately turned to ask Taesan and Leehan because suddenly they were here, even though it was still class time. "None of your business, old man!" Taesan answered sharply, which was immediately rewarded with a piercing gaze from the sports teacher. Leehan panicked because Taesan actually shouted harshly at their sports teacher.

Taesan approaches you who is being examined by the doctor who is also trying to revive you. He without hesitation checked your body temperature by touching your forehead. Feels hot.

Not long after, your homeroom teacher arrived followed by Ricky behind her. Taesan immediately looked at Ricky cynically, as if he was his enemy. He crumpled the white shirt he was wearing while looking at Ricky.

"What actually happened?" Your homeroom teacher asked worriedly when he saw your really weak condition. "I saw that she was dizzy. When I ran to her, she immediately fainted," Ricky answered in a worried tone too, making Taesan glare at him even more sarcastically. He indirectly shows that he hates you being touched by other people. "Mr. Jeon punished him for coming late too, ma'am. "I think she didn't have breakfast, that's why she fainted," Leehan added to Ricky's words as well.

Your homeroom teacher nods in understanding, he now understands why you are like this. You were punished under the hot sun and didn't have breakfast, as a result you fainted.

"Fuck you, Mr Jeon!" Taesan cursed in his heart, these two people, Ricky and Mr. Jeon really seemed to light his true fire of anger. He was not aware when he experienced this.

He stroked your hand for less than five seconds then walked over to Ricky, whispering sharply to him. "Get away from her or you'll end up in my hands, Shen!" Taesan lightly hit Ricky's stomach, making Ricky shocked because he was 'attacked' secretly by Taesan. Taesan roughly bumped Ricky's shoulder and then immediately left the infirmary.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

School hours have finished. You walked limply to your class because of Taesan's orders. He asks you to meet him in class, but at school it's really very quiet, meaning students aren't passing by anymore at school.

You pushed open the door to your classroom, seeing Taesan standing near the window, looking at the view outside the classroom. When he heard the sound of the classroom door opening, he immediately looked at you. Your face is still pale, but it's getting better.

"What is it? We should be going home, not here," you asked weakly, but instead got Taesan's sarcastic laugh. "Have you finished your drama, princess? Or do you want to make a new drama tomorrow?" Taesan's question made you confused. "Drama? What are you saying? I don't understand," you looked at him strangely.

Taesan squeezed the coffee cup in his hand then looked at you sharply. "You ask? Today you've done drama, looking for Shen's attention by fainting in front of him, eh?" You looked at Taesan in disbelief, because he had the heart to say that you did a drama. "I don't do drama, Taesan. I'm really sick, I don't even know who helped me before, I'm really dizzy and hungry," You try to remain calm when defending yourself in front of someone who you might actually punch for speaking out of turn.

"You'd never fainted before, and Shen happened to be having sport class. I know he's among the richest students here, that's why you're trying to get close to him, right? Do you want to use him like your parents used my family to help your family's failing business?" You glared angrily when Taesan even discussed your parents which had nothing to do with the case of you fainting at school.

"Don't bring up my parents—"

"Gosh, I shouldn't be surprised if you want to cheat on me with another man. Because you are just like your parents, hungry for money and power just to save their failing business," Taesan cut you off sharply, you squeezed your school vest tightly, trying your best not to slap this person who has the status of your husband. "Cheating on you? I never intended to ruin my own marriage, because after all this is part of my life. "Aren't you the one who often cheats on me with several girls at this school even though you pretend to only be friends with them," You twist Taesan's words which makes him even more annoyed.

His hand immediately grabbed your neck which made you jump in surprise because of the sudden attack he made. "Disgusting girl! How dare you slander me!" Taesan shouted loudly, his dominant aura began to radiate sharply like a werewolf which immediately made you shrink.

He pushed you against the whiteboard which made you groan in pain from hitting your shoulder and head. The look in his eyes really seemed to pierce your eyes, you were panting and weak. Tried to take his hand off you, but you didn't have the strength to do that.

Taesan saw your gaze that was begging for forgiveness, because your mouth was too tight to speak. He seemed to be possessed by a demon who was more inclined towards malice. Not malice towards you, but towards Ricky. He hated that he touched you before him. A defeat of his FAKE feelings began to emerge, and his TRUE feelings began to dominate him.

With jealousy welling up in his body, Taesan roughly kissed your lips like a hungry lion. You were shocked when Taesan gave you a kiss for the first time even though it was rough. His tongue forced its way in to explore your sweet mouth.

Being carried away by the game, you returned Taesan's kiss no less hungry. You moaned in between your kisses with Taesan, awakening something inside Taesan.

Heat began to spread into both of your bodies, moans full of desire interlocked even though you and Taesan were just making out hotly.

Taesan's kisses went down to your smooth neck which made you immediately hold onto his shoulders tightly because you were maintaining your balance which had weakened because of what he was doing. "Taesan-ah," You whined as Taesan started licking your neck wildly. You could feel his wet tongue as if it was painting your neck.

Taesan's hand which was originally on your neck went down to your thigh, he groped your thigh passionately. You shuddered when you felt his large hand grope your thigh.

Until finally he lowers your safety shorts slowly. His palm touched your wet panties, he knew you were turned on by what he was doing. "T-Taesan—"

"Why? Am I not allowed to touch my wife intimately?" He looked into your eyes looking shocked at what he was doing right now. There was no answer, Taesan inserted two fingers into your pussy in one fell swoop. You felt how his finger could enter your pussy quite deep, making you whine like a baby.

His hand began to move pumping your pussy at a moderate pace. Making you moan louder because of the great movements of his fingers. Taesan felt how wet you were for him, and it filled him with great pride.

"Ta-Taesan, so good, it's so good," You were looking up with your mouth wide open, really giving him a slut look. "Yeah, you like that, doll? You like me fingering your wet pussy, eh?” Taesan bit his lip at how sexy you are when you are helpless in his grasp. His thumb was now playing with your swollen clit which was also begging for attention. Your eyes rolled upwards with the heaven you were experiencing.

"Fuck! I should have touched you from the start! You are so fucking pretty! My fucking pretty wife!" Taesan said with a low growl, making you clench around his fingers at the praise he gave you. Especially when he added the word 'wife'. "Taesan, I want to cum, please," you whined feeling like a wave was going to explode inside you.

"Wanna cum? Tell me who you belong to, doll! Tell me who Owns you before I allow you to cum," Taesan demands you say the thing he really wants right now.

"Oh Taesan, I'm yours! I am yours! Please make me cum!” You whine because you don't have the strength to release the cum you're holding in. Taesan smiles with satisfaction and then sucks on your neck until it causes quite big red spots.

"Cum, doll. Cum on my fingers," Taesan whispered in his deep voice. You clenched tightly around his two digits then a liquid squirted out of your pussy. Taesan felt like his finger was being splashed with something, he knew you were squirting, not just cum.

Your breath is out of breath as this is the first time in your life that you are squirting profusely and the person doing this is your husband. Your head is dizzy because your height is completely out of your control. Taesan pulls his finger out then licks it without a trace, you clench around nothing seeing him clean your juices on his finger.

Taesan tidied you up after he sprayed hand sanitizer on his hands. Your face still looks shocked by what just happened. When you didn't dare look at his face, his hand immediately stroked your hair, as if you were his precious diamond. "Leehan was right, I was really stupid for not caring about a pretty diamond like you," He spoke softly which made you immediately look at him with an even more shocked gaze, and at the same time you didn't understand why he had suddenly changed like this.

"My love is so hidden that you can't feel it, I was really beaten to death by the feeling of denial that I experienced, even though in fact I really love you," He said softly which now made you even more shocked, his hand touched your cheek. "Mine, you are mine. I am your husband forever, be a complete Mrs. Han for me," You looked at him in disbelief, not believing that he now sincerely loves you, even claiming that you are only his.

"You are mine too, don't take your eyes off me again, Taesan. I hate it," You looked at Taesan with a sad look, Taesan smiled faintly, he kissed your lips briefly then took you into his arms. "I won't do that again, you are completely my princess, doll," Taesan said softly then kissed your head repeatedly.

His love for you is now no longer hidden, he has overcome his stupid feelings that said he wouldn't or couldn't love you forever.

[holdmytesseract]

moodboard by @chennqingg <3

Rules To Break

Jotun!Prince!Loki Laufeyson x fem!Æsir!Princess!Reader

Summary: Prince Loki of Jotunheim - son of King Laufey and heir to the throne is assigned to train a bunch of Asgardian men, in order to turn them into warriors. What happens when Odin's daughter, Princess Y/N crosses his paths in ways he would've never expected? While the Prince is completely unaware, the Princess struggles to keep up her several masquerades...

Warnings for this Chapter: fluff, bit of suggestive smut... I think that was it! Let me know if I forgot something!

Word Count: 2k

a/n: This is it, guys! The grand finale! 😁 I hope you all like it! ☺️

Divider by the lovely @fictive-sl0th 💚

Tagging: (in the comments!)

Ice Flower Masterlist ❄ Masterlist

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

You would've expected a lot of people to step inside your chambers. Estrid, your father, brother, guards - but you would've never expected to see the tall, bulky and handsome frame of the man who haunted your dreams and occupied your mind on no end - Loki. You couldn't believe your eyes at first, blinking heavily and literally staring holes into him. "L-Loki?" You asked in disbelief; quite shocked. You didn't know how to feel about this. Feeling the urge to yell at him on one side. To tell him to go away and never come back. You wanted to let him know how much you hated him. Spit it right into his face. Though, on the other side, you couldn't deny the way your heart skipped more than just one beat, when you laid your eyes upon him; or when he gave you that smile.

"Hello, princess Y/N." Loki started, taking a bow. "I am sorry for disturbing you and being so rude to just barge in - and I'm certain you wish to know why I am here at all." The moment his deep, yet soft voice urged to your ears, your memory immediately took you back to the lake all those weeks ago. Especially to that one night, where he kissed you. A tingly feeling spread all throughout your belly at that thought. "I-I... Yes." More words weren't able to leave your lips. You were way too overwhelmed by all those feelings and thoughts coursing through your system - and by his sudden appearance.

"Well, first of all, I... I would like to apologise. I am the reason you are trapped inside your chambers. I regret informing your father. I really do, but I-I had no other choice. You must understand this. I had my duties and obligations, unfortunately. So, I beg of you... Please forgive me, my princess." His kind and gentle words touched you. There was, without a doubt, honesty swinging within his voice, telling you that he really meant what he said. This wasn't one of his macho shows, no... That was him, showing you his probably most vulnerable side. You could feel that he was truly sorry, but... Could you forgive him? It was a difficult question, but then you remembered, how you actually lied to him. You didn't tell him who you were. You kissed Loki, without him even knowing that you were the princess. Hence, you almost slept with him. You put on a mask and more or less fooled him. So... Was it fair to be still angry at him, when he wasn't angry at you anymore? Both, you and him made mistakes.

You looked up to meet his ruby eyes, nodding. "I understand you, prince Loki. I forgive you - and I-I hope you can forgive me, too." The prince's lips twitched into a smile; visibly relieved. "I forgave you already a long time ago, Y/N." You couldn't help the blush, which spread over your cheeks; his charming smile causing your heart to skip another beat. But the look in his eyes told you, that this wasn't the only reason why he was here today.

"You, uh... You didn't just come all the way from Jotunheim to apologise, did you?" Loki chuckled, shaking his head. "No, I didn't. You are right," he said, stepping closer. Blinking, you frowned, as the prince reached for your hand and gently - almost cautiously; afraid to make a mistake - took yours into his big one, swallowing it whole. You were confused and yet you felt those butterflies within your belly again, as he touched you; never wanting him to let go, because it felt so good. So right. As if your hand belonged right there. You saw that he was quite a bit nervous - something very unusual for the usually so confident and sassy prince, you thought. You could've sworn you saw his heart beating against his bare chest, as his stunning eyes met yours once more. "Y/N, I... I just couldn't stop thinking about you the past weeks. I tried to occupy my mind; take my thoughts elsewhere, but... I couldn't. I think about you day and night. In fact, I find myself thinking about you even at the most inopportune moments of the day. I was blind at first, didn't know what was going on, but then I realised... I... I love you, Y/N. Ever since those nights we spent together at the lake. I fell in love - hopelessly, and... And for some reason I feel as if a link exists between your heart and mine, and should that link be broken, either by distance or by time, then my heart would cease to beat and I would die."*

His words echoed in your head, repeating themselves over and over again. Loki is in love with you. Loki loves you. He is in love with you. Hearing this, caused your heart to almost beat out of your chest. He loves you. You never anticipated, that he would ever feel the same. That you could be more to him than just an 'adventure'. Another fling. Nothing more. But now... Now he told you that he loved you - and the feeling was mutual. You didn't want to admit to yourself and neither to Estrid, but it was true. You knew that now. You loved him, too.

"I-I really hope that my heart didn't betray me and that you are feeling the sa-" You didn't let Loki finish his sentence. Enough talking, you thought and freed your hand from his gentle grasp, wrapping both your hands around his neck. Standing on your tiptoes, you pulled him down and silenced him with a kiss. The second your lips collided with his, fireworks exploded within you. It felt so good to finally kiss him again. So right. Like home... It felt like home.

Loki sighed into the kiss, relieved. That was all he needed to know, in order to ask you the important question, which was still lingering on his mind. But first, he enjoyed the kiss; unable to resist the urge to pull you closer. So, the prince did just that, wrapping his strong arms around you. "I take that as a yes then." Loki chuckled breathlessly, after letting go of your alluring lips. "You better will." He smiled; couldn't help but to kiss you again. It was more than clear, that you loved the prince truly and wholeheartedly - and yet, there was still nervosity running through his veins, given the fact that he still had to ask you the probably most important question of both, yours and his life. "There's... There's something else, darling..." Loki started, tracing the clothed skin of your hips with his thumbs. You looked at him expectantly; waiting patiently for him to continue to speak. "A question I have to ask you..." "You may ask, my prince. Whatever it is." He took a breath, eyes never leaving yours. "I really hope this isn't too bold to ask, but... Would you like to marry me, princess Y/N?"

You blinked, couldn't quite believe the words which had just left Loki's lips. "M-Marry you?" He nodded. "I know this is quite rushed, but yes. I really wish to marry you." "I-I..." "If you need more time or don't want to marry me, it's completely fine." You shook your head. "N-No! I... I do want to marry you! It's just so... surprising. I'm a bit overwhelmed." Loki's brows furrowed in compassion. "I'm so sorry, my love, for catching you off-guard." You squeezed his shoulders, giving him a soft smile. "It's the best surprise since years. I always wished to marry out of love - not because I had to. I just hope my father agrees to this..." "He does, my princess. I already talked to him; asked for your hand in marriage." Your eyes widened. "Y-You did?" "Yes. We have his blessing - and my father's blessing." A light-hearted giggle left your lips, as you felt happiness flooding your veins. Was this really just happening? Or were you dreaming? "So, we are going to get married?" "We are, darling. I'm never letting you go again. I don't want another prince to have you. It's time for me to make you mine."

"And that's how I met your father." You finished telling the love story of you and Loki to your eight-year-old twins, Áki and Váli. The boys were sitting on the fur, criss-crossed in front of you and the fireplace with wide eyes, hanging on your every word. Of course, you told the story more 'romantically' and left out the juicy, 'dirty' and 'dangerous' details, of course. They weren't meant for children's ears. "Wow..." Váli gasped. "So you are actually a warrior, mommy?" Asked Áki. You chuckled, running your hands through both boy's curls. "If you wish to call it that, yes." "Is that why daddy fell in love with you?" You had to suppress a giggle at your son's sweet, innocent question. "Perhaps, sweetheart, but I'm afraid you have to ask your father." "Ask me what?" You flinched as Loki's voice was suddenly echoing through your chambers. He had been away on royal duty for three days and had just come home.

"Daddy!" Both boys jumped up; excited to see their father again. "Hello, little princes." Loki smiled and squatted down, opening his arms for them to run into - what they did, of course. Your husband lifted them up easily, cradling each son in one arm. "I missed you." "I missed you, too, daddy," Váli whispered, cuddling closer to Loki.

Both boys didn't leave Loki's side from then on; clinging to him. He spent some quality time with his sons, of course, before he sent them to play outside a bit. He had missed his own flesh and blood, without a doubt - but he had also missed you.

"What was it Áki should ask me?" The king asked, wrapping both his arms around you, as you stood in front of the mirror, getting ready for the festive dinner tonight. You smiled at the mention of what you had told the twins. "Well, I was telling them our love story, because they asked me how I met you; being all curious about this and Áki was very enthralled by the fact that I was a 'warrior'. He asked me if you fell in love with me because of that... I told him to ask you." Loki chuckled. "So, you told them our fairytale-like love story?" "I did - but of course I left out certain... details." "Certain details?" "Yes... Certain details, which are not meant for children's ears." Your husband spun you quickly around in his arms; a cheeky smile spreading over his lips. He knew of course exactly what you were talking about.

"I should've devoured you back then." You looked up at Loki, giving him a playful frown. "I beg your pardon, my king?" Another low chuckle left his lips; hands dipping to skim the clothed skin of your hips. "Back at the lake. I should've ravished you. It wouldn't have been wrong, given the fact that I became your husband anyway." A loud giggle rumbled through your chest, causing Loki's heart to skip a beat. Oh how much he loved you. "Good point, my love, but we didn't know that back then. And we both know that we shouldn't have risked it. I did what was right." "I know, my sweetness, I know." "Besides, you didn't even know who I was." Your husband nodded. "That is true, but it wouldn't have mattered. Even if you had just been a maiden, working on a farm, I would've made you my princess. My wife. The mother of my children. My queen, you are the only woman I truly ever wanted. You being the princess of Asgard just played into our cards. Nothing more, nothing less." You wrapped both your arms around his neck, smiling and blushing. "I love you, my king. More than words can say."

* Disclaimer: The last line is actually a quote from Guillermo del Toro's 'Crimson Peak' and therefore isn't my writing. It belongs to Mr. del Toro. ☺️ I just found it very fitting.

[narrans]

My Borrowed Son | 10 | Unwrapped Questions

Chapter Ten | Unwrapped Questions

“Happy birthday Parker! Smile!” Amanda held up her phone and snapped several pictures over and over, not wanting to miss a single moment. The click of the digital shudder seemed to flick the memories from the past six years before Amanda’s eyes. She replayed them in her mind.

She could remember all of it as if it were yesterday.

Finding Parker under the bench abandoned and alone.

His first words.

His trust building as he grew and began to question the world around him.

It seemed like yesterday that she celebrated his first birthday with her where he turned a whopping five years old; at least, that’s where she thought he was age wise. Now he was officially ten years old.

Double digits.

It took everything in her not to break out in a sob as she reminisced. The years had certainly aged him. The minuscule boy no bigger than her thumb was growing up. There was a sense of pride that she had managed to keep him alive and safe all of this time, but also a sense of wonder and fear.

Parker wasn’t two inches tall anymore. He was getting closer to three and a quarter inches, and he would only keep growing from there. He was developing a sense of style and taste in the things he liked. The clothes he wore, which he was beginning to make himself, were more free flowing and flexible while tight in others.

His mind constantly wanted more knowledge. By now, he had read through nearly every book in Amanda’s home and she was renting stacks of books weekly for him from the local library. Parker had also gotten into experimenting recently, which was a huge scare for Amanda.

She had walked by his room one day to find one of the push lights completely disassembled and Parker messing with the wires, connecting them to different elements of the electronic device to figure out how it worked.

That ended up being a discussion about safety which Parker did not enjoy.

The rambunctious boy was also getting into climbing and inventing, which set Amanda completely on edge. Not only was Parker balancing precariously on whatever he could, but he was testing the strength of different items around the house. Once, Amanda found him with a piece of yarn attached to a paper clip which was wrapped around one of the knobs on the bathroom counter.

When she asked him why, he said he didn’t know.

It just felt right.

He had an unexplainable urge to climb and jump and tumble over anything and everything. Try as she might, Amanda couldn’t get him to stop completely. The compromise was that she had an area specifically set up for him to run drills and “play.” It was like a complicated playground with tunnels made from the cardboard tubes from toilet paper or paper towels as well as yarn, toys, and boxes.

Despite his rambunctiousness, Parker also found time for his “quiet” activities, reading and writing in the notebooks Amanda gave him. He was a thoughtful, intuitive child and it really showed in his writing when he dared to share it with his mom.

Now, he was a whole ten years old.

Amanda nearly choked up again as she stared at her son’s face and the little plume of smoke where the candle once stood lit. It was the first candle he had ever been able to blow out by himself.

“Did you get it, mom?” asked Parker as he leaned around his cupcake birthday cake and stood as tall as he could. Amanda had to quickly wipe her eyes with the back of her hand as she nodded.

“Of course I did, sweetie,” she said affectionately. “Now, cake or presents first?”

“Presents please!” Parker cheered as he stepped off of his makeshift stool that he stood on top of to blow out his candle. He darted over to the small, wrapped boxes Amanda had prepared. It was excruciating work, but it was well spent. Parker deserved to have wrapped presents just like any other child after all.

The child bounced on the balls of his feet as he examined the five different packages in front of him. Two of them were about as big as him while the other three were much smaller.

He decided to go with the big ones.

It took him a minute to undo the wrapping as his little fingers fumbled with the paper, but he eventually pulled it back to reveal an MP3 player. It was a very simple model that took AAA batteries, but it held loads of music, which was something Parker frequently enjoyed.

“Oh, thank you momma… but… what is it?” asked Parker. He remembered his manners even when he was confused, which made Amanda chuckle.

“It’s a music player. Now you can play music in your room without asking me. You just flick this right here to turn it on and this is how you switch songs,” Amanda explained as she demonstrated how to use Parker’s new toy.

She knew it was old fashioned technology, but he was still a bit too young in her opinion to have a phone or complete access to the internet. What little access he did have was to watch movies at the end of the night, which was always with Amanda.

“Ohhh! Thank you momma!” Parker said eagerly as he pressed the play button and began listening to the “Happy” song. He moved onto the small packages, which were some more books and new colored pencils, the “world’s smallest video game, and a new board game - chess. It was part of a multipack which Amanda had been rationing out when he achieved something like reading a big book. Now felt like a good time to give him a more complicated game which he could learn over time.

“These are great! Thank you,” smiled Parker as he excitedly went from present to present.

He finally moved onto the last big one, but opening it brought a face of confusion when he found something that looked like a metal rod.

“Momma? What’s this?” Parker asked. He lifted it with a heave and observed the metal ends that clicked together like Legos. Amanda’s smile broadened as her eyes gleamed with excitement.

“Okay, your last big present is… a little bigger than the others. Here,” said Amanda as she got up from the table, making sure she had her camera set to record, as she hurried out of the room and into the back bedroom and emerged with a package that was massive, even for her.

Parker’s eyes widened as he stepped over to the edge of the table and watched as his mom unveiled the final gift. The front of the box read “Snap Circuits,” which already made Parker’s eyes gleam. He enjoyed electronics and figuring out how things worked, and this seemed to be right up his alley.

“Okay, so this right here is an experiment kit. You take pieces, like the one you have over there, and hook them up to a board to understand how electricity and batteries work. If you’re going to be curious, do it safely first,” said Amanda as she slid the box just under Parker. He wasted no time in jumping down into the box to examine all of the parts and pieces.

“Woah! Mom! This is incredible!” Parker said, jaw slackened in awe.

“I thought you’d like it. Now, let’s get it unpacked and get playing with it,” smiled Amanda.

For the next three hours, the two of them clicked and set up different experiments. Amanda did make Parker read most of the instructions out loud, which was frustrating from time to time, but the end result of getting lightbulbs to glow or fans to rocket into the air was absolutely worth it.

It was a great celebration - perfect even.

Still…

There was something deep down that Parker wanted that wasn’t - couldn’t - be wrapped in paper.

~~~^*^*^~~~

Parker, for as long as he could remember, knew he was a little different. He knew he was small for his age, but there was a good reason for it.

Parvi Homunculi Syndrome.

He had it ever since he was a baby. Evidently, it was a rare condition that made him a perfectly sized human, but just significantly smaller than any other human. The condition was so rare that very few people knew about it and, therefore, not a lot of research had been done. Not even the greatest scientists in the world had answers.

There was no cure.

There was no treatment.

Not even online resources had anything significant to say about the condition except that the origin words were from Latin and that it meant “little human.”

It was final.

Parker was always going to be tiny.

He was alright with his size. In fact, he never felt like anything about him was entirely off. The child felt completely normal, but he was told by his mother that his condition kept him fragile, making the outside world a bit more dangerous for him than any other human.

It was like the people who were allergic to sunlight.

Normal, and yet not.

Parker didn’t resent that fact. He enjoyed his time with his mother and loved the time he had to explore, read, and do mostly whatever he wanted.

It was the simple fact that there was no one else like him that made him feel… lonely… from time to time.

The child knew there were kids his age, but he also knew he could never play with them because they wouldn’t know about his condition and not be careful with him. It was a precaution. It was a necessary precaution.

Still…

It didn’t stop him from feeling a bit out of place.

It was a sensation he could never quite get rid of. Everything just felt so big and some of his impulses and thoughts just felt right despite how dangerous they seemed. He remembered an instance with a paper clip and yarn he attached to one another. Parker was tired of asking his mother to lift him to the sink anytime he wanted to play in the sink or if he needed to go to the bathroom. So, he found a solution. He attached a paper clip to some yarn and threw it upward until it caught the knob on the sink drawer.

Was it dangerous to climb it?

Yes. Absolutely.

Did he do it?

Mostly - if his mom hadn’t stopped him.

Parker couldn’t explain how he knew how to climb the rope or why that seemed like the best solution, but he did it anyway.

Another time he was balancing on the edge of the nightstand drawer at the very bottom. His mom told him to be careful, but he still lost his balance and fell toward the ground. Inside of him, something told him how to twist in the air and land safely on his feet - and so he did. His mom fussed and worried over him for a week, but Parker emerged completely unscathed from the incident. He and his mother both were astounded he was alright considering the fall was the equivalent of falling from the roof of a two story building.

There were a million instances just like this, and none of them could be explained.

Nothing stopped Parker from asking questions, but all of them were explained with the condition he had; so, ultimately, he started attributing all of these odd quirks to his genetic condition.

Every once in a while, he felt like he just wanted to be like his mom - normal. But he suspected that others with this condition had the same thoughts and feelings too. Anyone who was deemed a little different probably wanted to feel normal every once in a while, whatever “normal” actually was.

Now that he was ten, Parker felt he had more questions than answers, but not all of them pertained to his instincts. Some of them were about life. There were things he knew, and there were things he didn’t know. And, for the things he didn’t know, sometimes he was afraid to ask. Whether it was natural apprehension for delving into the unknown or because he was afraid to hear the answer, Parker didn’t know.

But, what he did know was that his mom always had a hard time saying “no” to him when it was his birthday.

Now was his one day out of the year where he felt like he could summon the courage to ask some really tough questions.

And this time he was going to do it.

So, after a healthy helping of cake and a movie of his choosing, Parker played with his plate of mostly icing and crumbs as he cleared his throat. His heart was pounding hollowly, but he wouldn’t shy away from his questions today. He had already done so far too many times.

“Um… momma?” asked Parker, gaining his mother’s attention.

“Yes, sweetie?” Amanda asked as she turned off the television and flicked on the nearby lamp.

“Could… um… could I ask you a question? And you not get mad?” Parker asked. Amanda’s body position changed immediately as she faced him, which made his mouth dry.

“Parker, when have I gotten mad when you’ve asked a question? You can always ask me anything and I’ll answer as best as I can. Is something wrong?” His mom’s concern was evident in her signature “mom” tone. It made Parker smile as he heard it. He knew the question came off a bit wrong by asking her not to get mad, but it just sort of slipped out.

“I… I know. I’m okay. You don’t get mad. I just… I just know some questions you… don’t like,” said Parker. His mom’s body stiffened ever so slightly as if she knew the question to come, but she nodded with conviction.

“Parker, you can always ask me anything,” said his mom.

It was enough to get the ball rolling.

“Well… with my… condition… will I get a chance to invite friends over for my birthday?” Parker asked. He knew what the answer would be, but he wanted to ask anyway.

“Parker, I wish I knew the answer to that question. I would love it if you could go out and make some friends like any other kid, but you’re special. Everything here is to help and protect you, sweetie, which I know is hard,” said his mom.

“But, maybe, if we could go to the park together, you can help explain everything and…”

“And kids your age aren’t always as careful as you. They don’t listen as well as you, Parker,” said his mom. Parker drew his legs up to his chest and picked at the lump of icing on his plate.

“Then… could I maybe call friends one day?” he asked. “Like… if you find someone who has a kid who will be careful, and we can play games online or call on the phone and stuff?”

At this suggestion, Amanda perked up.

“Yes, I think I can figure something out. I want you to have friends to play games with. I’ll see what we can do. Yeah? For your birthday, I’ll do this,” suggested Amanda. Parker smiled and nodded vigorously.

“Yeah, yeah! I mean… yes, please,” said Parker. Already, his heart was feeling lighter with the answers he was given.

“Anything else?” asked his mom, her eyes luring out more questions that had been lingering in the corners of the child’s mind.

“Um… I… guess… could… I mean… I love reading, but…” Parker’s next request was a bold one, but it tied into his first desire of meeting other people. He gulped and spat out his desire before he lost his nerve. “I want to go to school.”

His request lingered there for a moment before he saw his mom nodding.

“I know. I’ve seen it for a while now. I know I can only teach you so much, and you probably want to make friends with your classmates too, huh?” asked his mom. Parker nodded sheepishly.

“Yes momma,” he replied.

Amanda sighed, knowing this day would come.

“Alright. I’ll see what I can do. I don’t know about this season, but I’m sure I can get some tests done and have you placed in the fall. Okay? Mind you, it will probably have to be virtual, like how I go to work sometimes. You’ll be able to see and talk to others, but going physically to school might be tricky. Okay?”

It didn’t matter that he had to stay at home. He would get to interact virtually, which was a start.

“Well then, birthday boy, any other questions and requests?”

There was one other thing…

It weighed on Parker, and he wasn’t even sure if he could articulate what he needed or wanted. It was more of the curiosity and the unknown that captured his focus.

“Um… there was… one other thing.”

“Okay. I’m all ears,” said his mom.

“I… well… I was just… wondering… about dad.”

The word left the air feeling charged and static. It took a good thirty seconds for his mom to respond.

“What were you wondering about?”

It was a legitimate question, and Parker honestly didn’t know if he would get this far.

“Um… just… I don’t know. I guess… why he missed my birthday? Why he’s not here? I… see in the shows and movies and stuff that there’s a mom and a dad, and he’s not here,” said Parker. His questions were earnest and meant in innocence and sincerity, which made it all the more bitter for Amanda.

She often left her ex-husband out of all conversation and discussion. Parker had absently asked a few times in the past about him, but now there was a deliberate question about his existence and presence - or lack thereof. Amanda had to take a few deep breaths as she formulated the right words.

She had already thought about these words a while ago, and while she knew Parker would ask her one day about the truth of his size and origin, she didn’t want to shatter his reality here and now.

Not on his birthday.

Maybe not ever.

Everything she said was the truth - but the bitter lying by omission burned her tongue and made her squirm.

“My… husband… he would have been your dad… he left when you were just a baby. He and I… we didn’t get along. We had our arguments and decided it would be best to split - divorce,” explained Amanda as carefully as she could. “I know he would have loved you if he got to know you, Parker, but at the time we made decisions that we thought were best for us, even though that might feel wrong now.”

Parker listened to his mother’s explanation intently. She had never given him so much information all at once.

It still left questions.

Did his dad not love him? Did he not want to try and get to know him?

What did he do wrong?

“Is… is it because of me?” asked Parker. He had asked the question before he had a chance to second guess himself.

Immediately, Amanda leaned over and rested her fingers beside him. Parker wasn’t sure why, but a momentary instinct told him to flinch away at the approaching fingers that he knew and loved. He stood his ground, but the impulse was an odd one. As fast as it came, it went, leaving Parker feeling confused. His mom’s voice brought him back to their conversation.

“Parker, you listen to me. It is not because of you. Do not even think that for a second. We made the best decisions we could in the moment. They may feel wrong now, but we didn’t know that at the time,” said Amanda reassuringly. “You are so loved, Parker. Don’t you forget that.”

Parker looked up into his mother’s features and saw there were tears in her eyes. His eyes started to burn seeing the conviction and passion in his mother’s gaze. He wanted nothing more than to take back his last question.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you sad,” said Parker as he leaned over and hugged his mother’s fingers, practically wrapping his whole body around them.

“No, Parker. You didn’t make me sad. I’m just sorry I can’t give you everything you want and need. I hope you know none of that is because of you,” said Amanda.

“I know. I know. Don’t cry momma,” said Parker over and over again. Ever so carefully, Amanda rotated her hand and scooped up the small child to hold him to her chest. His little fingers grasped at the fibers on her shirt as he turned and faced her. She could hear his little voice apologizing, but she reassured him that there was nothing to apologize for.

In fact, she was surprised things were going as well as this. She always feared these questions when Parker asked. She feared the day if and when he would question who she was to him.

She was his mom.

But not his mother.

She didn’t carry him or birth him, but she was there to nurture and teach him as if she did.

The difference didn’t matter to Amanda because Parker was her son. She would protect him and love him with everything she was. It was sad she didn’t have all of the answers he wanted. He deserved the truth; but how could she tell him what she didn’t know?

All she could do is tell him the truth as best as she could, even as the difficult questions sat poised on the edge ready to strike at any moment. It made her feel anxious and sick, dreading what might not ever come to pass.

Perhaps that day will never come, Amanda prayed as she held Parker closer.

When the two of them had taken a few deep breaths and felt the air clear, Parker asked to go back to playing with his toys. It was still his birthday so, despite it being his bedtime, Amanda allowed him to stay awake and to play with his toys for just a little longer.

It was his birthday after all.

Parker proceeded to build three more constructions from his book before his eyes could no longer be held open. He needed sleep, and his mom knew it. She took him to the bathroom to brush his teeth and a quick bath before the two of them went to sleep.

As Parker drifted off in his bed in his room, he stared up at the edge of his mom’s massive bed and called, “I love you, momma.”

“I love you, Parker. I love you so very much.”

Parker curled into his bed and smiled.

What a fun birthday….

~~~~~^*^*^*^*^~~~~~

Continue

Previous

Beginning

[brooooswriting]

93 and 94 with Sam Carpenter please 🙏

93. “Get behind me”

94. “Touch her one more time and I’m gonna kill you”

“You killed him Sam, you took him from me. So I’m gonna take someone you love from you” Wayne said, his hand clutching your wrist tightly as he grinned manically. Sams face was full of anger, her brows furrowed. This man’s son tried to kill her sister and her and he killed several of their friends, and now he had the audacity to touch you. The only person, except for Tara, that was really really important to her.

She gave a quick nod to Tara who then made two steps to the left while she made two to the right. It distracted Wayne enough for you to break free and step away from the man. “Get behind me” Sam screamed, pushing you so she was covering your body with hers. The brick in her hand raised as if it was a deadly weapon. Well, truth be told in her hands it probably was one.

“Oh Sam, you really think you could save her? Like you could save Mindy? Or Chad? Or poor Wes and his mother?” The older man laughed while Ethan tried to grab you from behind Sam. Luckily, the woman reacted quick enough turning you away from the attacker and smashing the brick into his head. He stumbled backwards into his sister.

“Touch her one more time and I’m going to kill you” she threatened all of them, one of her arms wrapped around you as kept close to her back. Tara on the other side, sandwiching you between them.

“That’s cute. You can’t kill me or any of us Sam, you’re useless. I’ll kill her first and I’ll make you watch as I painfully and slowly slit her throat” it was stupid, really. He was fueling the woman who killed his son as if she wasn’t dangerous at all. But it turned out, not only his words were stupid. Not even a second later he tried to grab you again, distracting Sam by acting as if he was going to grab Tara.

In that moment Sam didn’t see past his trick and went to defend her sister, giving him the perfect opportunity to grab you. You yelped as he pulled you towards him again. This time the older woman only saw red, she gave you a small sign to duck using that opportunity to throw the brick she found into his face, making him let go of you. During that moment Kirby came in, distracting the siblings Enough for Tara and Sam to disarm them.

Not even five minutes later Sam stood over a bleeding out Wayne, who had multiple injuries. “I told you not to touch her again” was the only thing she said before turning away and walking to you.

“Let’s go get you checked and cleaned up” her arms wrapped around your waist protectively while you cuddled into her side. Tara walking on your other side, sending you a soft and comforting smile.

“We’re gonna be okay” she smiled at you, “Sam will make you go to therapy too. Maybe we’ll get a discount then” she grinned up at you two. You guys couldn’t stop yourselves from laughing.

“Yeah maybe” her sister said before Tara ran off to hug Mindy.

“Thank you” you mumbled into her neck before pressing a soft kiss to the underside of her jaw.

She’d never forgive herself for putting you in such danger but you’d never let her forget how she was the one who saved you without a second thought.

[calaisreno]

Rise

621 words / Prompt: Family

Today’s mini-fic is a little bit that didn’t make it into The Last Envoy. After the war, Sherlock returns and visits Mummy. 

1946

Mycroft told me that Mummy was failing a bit, but that was not what I saw when I looked through the garden door and saw her snipping flowers to put in a vase. She looked like the woman I’d last seen four years ago, before I went to Oxford, still tall and straight, graceful and beautiful.

Four years seemed a lifetime. Years filled with separation and waiting, spent in places only war can create. 

“Happy Birthday, Mummy,” I said, smiling. 

She turned then, and I could see that her hair was whiter, her movements slower. She lay down the scissors and put her arms around me, still holding two roses. I felt her hands tremble against my back.

“My boy,” she whispered. “My dearest darling.”

She knew me, but in her mind I was always the son she’d lost, so many years ago. A bright little boy she’d called Sherlock, as well as the man Mycroft had named after that child. 

“How are you?” I could see a brightness in her eyes and was glad that her mind was still active. 

“I’m fine,” she replied, holding me at arm’s length now and examining me with that sharp gaze. “You look surprisingly well. Doctor Watson has been taking good care of you.”

“He has. Switzerland is a very healthy place to live. Up in the mountains, the air is crystal clear. I’m sure I’ll miss it and will need to visit again some day, but for now I’m happy to be back.”

We sat, and Rose brought us tea. 

“Mycroft told me about your experiences. I’m so sorry you had to go through that. It’s heart-breaking that people can do such things.”

I did not speak; a question should not be answered until it is asked.  

“How is John?” she asked.

“He’s fine. He would have come with me, but he had to be at the hospital today.”

“He’s a good man. I’m glad you have him.” 

“I’m very lucky.” 

We sipped our tea in silence. I could hear the bees humming in her flowers. Closing my eyes, I recalled the first time I saw bees travelling between the flowers in Mycroft’s garden. I imagined a day when I could no longer sit in Mummy’s garden, watching the bees and talking to her.  

As if she could hear my thoughts, she smiled and spoke to me. 

“I’m seventy-five years old today, Sherlock. With luck, I may have several more birthdays.”

“I hope so, Mummy.” 

She gave me that familiar look, the one that means she wants to share something personal, words for my ears alone. “You once described to me how the Beta view time as an arrow, always travelling up, leaving the past behind. It’s a good way to look at ageing, which often feels like loss. I’ve decided that as the years pile up, I will rise above them, into the future.”

In my mind I sometimes felt myself looking back as my ship moved up and away from Beta, my home planet, until it sparkled, a tiny point of light in the trackless black universe. I remembered everything about my home, every one of the people who loved me. They were moving quickly into the past, growing smaller as I looked back. I was flying away from them, but still too far away from my destination to see the life I would have on a planet that couldn’t be seen from Beta. In my memories, they were always looking up, watching me leave them.

That is how it would be for this woman who had become my second mother. In my memories, she would always live. 

One day, I would be a Memory too.

I smiled. “We all rise.” 

—

For a bit of context, an excerpt from The Last Envoy, Chapter 2:

1938

“How old are you?” I asked.

She raised her chin, a sign of pride. “I am sixty-seven years old.” She leaned forward and patted my knee. I wasn’t sure what this meant. “You’re a lovely boy, Sherlock. I want to teach you something important.”

I smiled. “Thank you.”

“Women don’t like being asked their age,” she said. “I don’t mind because I’m an old woman and you are a lovely young man. You don’t know all of the social nuances, but you’re a quick learner.”

“Why do women not like to be asked their age?” It seemed to me that any human ought to be proud of living so long. 

She sighed. “It’s a bit complicated. Men don’t mind saying their age. You must understand that the role of women in our society is to produce children and raise them. For that, we have to project youth and good heredity, as evidenced by our beauty. A woman hates to think that she is no longer useful, so we continue to foster the illusion that we are still young and beautiful, even when it is a ridiculous fantasy.”

“Why do you think you are not useful?” I asked. “Women are not just breeding machines; they have brains. You had an important job; you’re obviously an intelligent woman who would do a better job running the country than most men.”

She sighed and leaned back in her chair. “I do not disagree. But these are the roles that nature has given us and society requires. Perhaps one day, we will rise above nature and society.” 

@totallysilvergirl @keirgreeneyes

[asa-do-your-thing]

The rainbow trout

Robb Stark x Frey Reader 18 + MINORS DNI WC: 5,1k Warnings: forced marriage, mentions death, alcohol, dubcon, angst

You knew you weren't his first choice. You also knew what would happen, should Robb Stark, the Young Wolf, not accept your hand, so you did everything in your power to convince him to marry anyone of your female relatives. You sent him coded messages, diguised yourself and warned his pregnant lady... You did everything in your might to persuade him.

That was why it hurt you even more that when he came to the Twins and told you all to stand in a big semi circle ordered by your ages - you stood almost at the farthest end, having only just flowered - and he walked over to your aunts and older cousins, all past the ages of five and twenty. Everything within you itched to call out to him - King of the North, 'tis I who saved you!

But Robb Stark, the Young Wolf, was a man known for his honor and duty. He gave each woman a polite nod, exchanged pleasantries and, with a hint of discomfort in his eyes, moved along the line. You watched him as he went from your eldest aunt, Lady Amarei, a stout woman with greying hair and a face that had lost the battle with age long ago; to your cousin Alyx, then onto Waldene and Wylda - all older than you by several years and already mothers to their own broods, though you supposed it was pleasing for him to see their fertility.

The air in the Great Hall was thick with expectation as the Young Wolf made his way down the line of eligible Frey women. The flickering light from the hundreds of candles gave an ethereal glow to the scene, casting dancing shadows along stone walls adorned with the ancient heraldry of House Frey. The wheels of your father's great wooden chair creaked as he shifted his weight, watching his potential son-in-law examine his flock.

As Robb Stark drew closer to you, your heart pounded in your chest. Despite your best efforts to maintain decorum, your hands were clammy against the lush fabric of your dress. When he finally stood before you, his azure eyes met yours with an intensity that stole your breath away. His face was unreadable; he made no comments about your youth or offered any compliments as he had done for some of your relatives.

He nodded once before moving on to your younger sister - a girl who barely even knew how to keep her hair out of her soup bowl - and then carried on down the line. You could feel the disappointment welling up and looked up in amazement when he went back up to his previous spot. He... knew what would happen should he not accept any one of them? What was he doing?

Robb Stark, the Young Wolf, turned back to look you in the eyes. His gaze caught yours in a strange dance, akin to two foxes circling one another before withdrawing. He thanked your father, Lord Walder, for his hospitality and the introduction to his lovely daughters and nieces. His voice echoed along the stone hall, each word punctuated by silence from the gathered Freys.

"Before I proceed," he announced, raising an eyebrow as if he had just been struck by a sudden thought, "I would like to ask a question about a small rainbow trout." The hall fell silent.

Your heart leapt into your throat. The 'rainbow trout'. The code you had used so many times in your letters to him. You had used it as a symbol of danger, warning him of impending peril. And now he was using it back at you.

The question Robb asked was incredibly mundane in its nature for anyone else. Yet behind those words, there lay a hidden realm of understanding known only to Robb and yourself; its context spread across a plethora of secret letters exchanged between you two under various pseudonyms over the years. The audience stared at him blankly while your mind raced to pick up the hidden message in his query.

Just then, your innocent little sister nudged you and whispered in your ear right below a breath. "Has King Robb gone coo-coo?" You could hardly suppress the laughter that bubbled within you at her naive words. She didn’t understand what was passing between Robb and yourself and for that, you were both relieved and eternally grateful.

"No dear one," you whispered back, patting her small hand. " he's simply curious about our streams."

A hushed murmur passed through the crowd as they tried to comprehend the Young Wolf’s peculiar question. Lord Walder, from his high seat, let out a puff of irritation. "Is this a jest, Stark?" he asked gruffly.

The Young Wolf looked at him, his eyes hardening. "Not at all," he replied sternly. "In fact, it is rather important."

You noticed the subtle change in his demeanor and felt your heart flutter with anticipation. Robb turned his gaze back to you, the hardness softening once more into a look filled with intent and secret understanding.

"Your rainbow trout seems quite interesting." The Young Wolf finally spoke in his clear voice, echoing through the hall, carrying a message for you alone amongst the throng of confused onlookers. His words were enigmatic and carried an underlying layer of significance that no one but you could decipher.

The corners of your lips curled into an involuntary smile as you met his gaze and nodded subtly. You understood what he was trying to say, what he had so bravely alluded to in front of all your family members.

"And what would such a trout want?" asked Lord Walder impatiently. His sharp gaze pierced through Robb Stark who merely smirked and shrugged lightly.

"That’s for the trout to know," replied the Young Wolf cryptically. Before anyone could question further, he bowed courteously towards Lord Walder and then swept an arm towards you in an elegant gesture. "Perhaps your young lady there can provide me an answer?"

"Walderette?", your father croaked out and raised an eyebrow.

A big rumble went through the hall and you blushed up to your roots, not used to being stared at. This was pressure and you needed to handle it quickly and well - so well that your old, disgusting flea of a father would forget about this instance.

"Yes, Father?" You responded, managing to keep your voice steady, despite the thudding of your heart. Your eyes slipped towards Robb who looked at you encouragingly.

Your father huffed, "You'll entertain The Young Wolf's humor about our trout?"

"Of course, Father," you replied softly, your gaze locked with Robb's. An understanding passed between you two, an assurance that somehow he would make things right.

You then cleared your throat and addressed the hall in a voice far more confident than you felt. "Rainbow trout," you began, glancing at Robb who nodded subtly as if urging you to go on. "Is a delicacy in our rivers. It’s versatile and can thrive in different environments. It can be elusive yet it can be caught if one is patient and diligent."

The room was quiet as everyone watched you curiously. Your father squinted his eyes at you while your younger sister nervously bobbed up and down on her feet. He didn't dare suspect anything, or else your fate would be just the same - being slit open by your family.

"It is very good when smoked and lasts long, and it is easy to transport. It goes well with pickles-"

Lord Walder raised his hand and shrugged. "Yes, Wald... Walderette your name was, right? Rainbow trout is good." He looked at Robb, who gave him a relatively neutral look. "And you are sure you want... her? I have girls with prettier faces, bigger tits and that talk less nonesense."

Robb didn’t flinch under Lord Walder’s crude remarks. Instead, his gaze seemed only to harden, a touch of steel flashing in his eyes as he coolly met the old lord's gaze. "Aye," he said, holding your gaze again with a softness that contrasted sharply with the icy tone he had used for Walder.

"I'm sure." His blue eyes glittered with certainty and warmth. Your heart fluttered, nearly missing a beat at his declaration. To have him, Robb Stark, The Young Wolf, choose you in front of everyone felt as surreal as it was exciting.

Lord Walder grumbled something incoherent under his breath, shifting uncomfortably in his high seat. His gaze oscillated between you and Robb before finally settling on the young king with a grudging acceptance. He sighed heavily and grunted out a curt, “Very well.”

A murmur rippled through the hall, turning into excited whispers that echoed around the stone walls. This was unprecedented; a Frey girl chosen to be betrothed to the King in the North!

Your sisters looked at you with wide eyes, surprise and envy coloring their expressions. You could almost feel their piercing stares burrowing into your back, but you didn’t care. Robb had chosen you. And even though this was part of a grand scheme that remained secret from most, an indescribable joy surged within you at being chosen by him.

Robb then leaned slightly towards you, his voice barely audible above the hushed chatter. "I hope I picked the right trout," he murmured to you, a glint of worry in his eyes.

"There is only the one, my King," you reassured him with a small smile and breathed out once everyone went back to their seats - even the women, which gave you the greatest hope of there not being a massacre tonight. "Though if I find out anything that will hurt you or your... uh, friend, I will give you a signal and lots of likeminded trouts will help."

Robb nodded, his gaze fixed on yours. His eyes were the color of a stormy sky - deep, chilling, and deadly if challenged. Without breaking the eye contact, he whispered back, "I am looking forward to seeing what a school of like-minded trouts can do, thoug I hope I shall never feel the need to see them."

A hush fell over the room as Lord Walder straightened in his chair and clapped his hands together sharply. "Enough of these fish conversations," he barked, his voice echoing throughout the hall. "It's time to sit down for the feast. You're to be wed! My grandson shall be a King!"

As the guests began to shuffle towards their seats, you took Robb's arm and led him to the high table alongside Lord Walder and his newest wife. The woman, who was no more than a year older than you, was beautiful in a fragile kind of way. Her honey-coloured hair was bound up intricately with tiny pearls gleaming in between her locks. She shot you an encouraging smile as you both took your seats.

Throughout the feast that ensued, she would lean towards you from time to time, whispering coded words in your ear between bites of her meal or sips of her wine. "Remember," she once whispered casually as she spread some butter on her bread, "the pickles are of a dangerously spicy sort."

"Just the pickles?" You asked just as casually, keeping your gaze focused on your own plate.

She nodded subtly in response before turning her attention back to her own meal.

The night wore on with laughter and merriment filling the air beneath the vaulted ceilings of the hall. Everyone seemed at ease - even Robb appeared more relaxed now. However, underneath the surface, you were still fully ready to run. Your father was everything, but a honest man and nothing could fully guarantee your safety.

As the feast came to a close, Lord Walder rose to his feet with all the grace of a prowling cat despite his advanced years. "May I have your attention!" he bellowed, effectively silencing the chatter throughout the hall. He nodded his approval at the sudden quiet before turning his steely gaze towards you and Robb.

"It seems to me," he began, his voice carrying an uncanny edge that made the hair on your neck stand up. "That we're forgetting one important detail of this evening."

His gaze intensified as he continued, "These two lovebirds are yet to be wed!"

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. You felt Robb stiffen beside you, but your father's newest wife pressed a reassuring hand on your arm. It was, after all, part of their ploy.

A frail old septon shuffled forward from among the crowd. The wrinkles on his face gathered into deep crevices as he smiled warmly at you and Robb. He held out a red silken ribbon - your symbol of unity in this farce of a marriage.

You found yourself whispering vows under his quiet instruction, your voice choked by anticipation and fear while Robb's steady and firm words only added another layer to your pounding heart.

"And now," Walder announced gleefully once you'd both spoken your vows. "Seal it with a kiss."

Robb hesitated for a moment before leaning in, his warm lips brushing against yours in a chaste but lingering kiss. The hall erupted in cheers, and for a fleeting moment, it felt real - like true love had finally found your side, yet you knew that this'd be a farce. But then again, what would a loveless marriage be against dozens of dead innocents?

"Take the lovers away! Undress them!", croaked Walder and grinned implishly as a mass of Frey girls came and picked Robb up. Silencing his prostest with the smallest of nods, you, in turn let yourself be carried by some Stark men.

The crowd of Stark men was like a sea of shadows, each figure blurred into the next by the dim candlelight. The soft murmur of their voices was punctuated by the occasional chuckle or whisper as they carried you away through a labyrinth of stone corridors. The cold, rough-hewn stones beneath your feet were a stark contrast to the warmth and merriment of the feasting hall. The ancient walls echoed with tales of grandeur and battle, each echo ringing in your ears as an ominous forewarning.

With each step, you felt your heart drumming wildly in your chest - this was unchartered territory, a dance with danger and uncertainty. You stole a glance at the jumbled mass of Frey girls disappearing with Robb into another corridor, his eyes locked onto yours for an infinitesimal second before he was swallowed by the throng.

You were ushered up a winding staircase, its spiralling steps leading you to a chamber high above the ground. The door creaked open to reveal a room bathed in soft moonlight. It wasn't chained and barred like the dungeons you'd feared, but rather adorned with silken tapestries depicting intricate hunting scenes.

A sigh of relief escaped your lips as you entered. The room felt strangely comforting with its high vaulted ceiling and large canopy bed draped in furs. A lone window overlooked rolling meadows bathed in silver moonlight, their serene beauty belying the uncertainty that lay ahead.

The Stark men began to undress you, their roughened hands deft yet respectful on your garments. Your heart pounded in your chest like a wild bird trapped in a cage and only stopped once Robb came into the room, dressed only in a sheet that was held up by your giggling sisters. He quickly excused his men and gave the girls the same, stern look.

"Good night, little fish!", "Have fun!" and "Make sure that you'll make a king tonight!" were their parting words as the filed out, giggling.

The heavy door shut behind them with a reverberating thud that echoed in the silence of the chamber. The echo faded, leaving only your heartbeat to fill the quiet space. You turned to face Robb, his striking blue eyes filled with an uncertainty that mirrored your own. The bronze-toned light of the hearth danced across his features and played in his hair, casting him somewhat divine in your sight.

His broad shoulders lifted and fell in a heavy sigh that seemed to shake the very air around you both. The silence hung between you two like a tangible veil as he slowly approached you.

"We needn't…" he began, his voice gravelly and low – softer than you'd ever heard it. Suddenly, all of his kingly stature seemed to melt away, leaving behind only a boy burdened by expectations.

"I know," you quickly cut in, eager to relieve him of his discomfort. "I could just…" You trailed off, suddenly aware of the crude absurdity of your plan. But you pressed on, forcing out the words as your cheeks burned with embarrassment. "... just scratch myself open…"

Robb's gaze flickered downward before snapping back up to meet yours, a horrified look crossing his face.

"I mean... people just want some proof… or else... or else there will be talk... we could pretend…” You stumbled over your words, unable to keep eye contact with him anymore.

A moment passed where only the crackling flames dared break the silence. Then Robb let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head slightly before he met your gaze again.

"You remind me why I chose you for this alliance," he said with a warmth in his voice that took you by surprise, his hand reaching out to gently cup your face. "You're willing to hurt yourself just to protect our farce, and the people we're sworn to protect."

His thumb swept across your cheekbone, drawing a shiver from you. There was honesty in his eyes - a rarity in this world of duplicity and deceit - and it was startling.

"You don't need to do that," Robb continued, the corners of his mouth curling up into a small smile. "We'll find another way. A better way." He let his hand drop, but the warmth lingered on your skin, spreading like wildfire through your body.

"Robb…" You began, but he cut you off with a shake of his head.

"No need for formalities," he said with a small grin, trying to lighten the mood. "We're married now, remember?"

He was attempting light-hearted banter – an attempt to alleviate the tension hanging thick between you two, and it was surprisingly endearing. Still though, unease crept back into your heart. After all, what other way could there be?

"But they will expect…" You started again.

"We'll be careful," he interrupted once more. "And we'll be smart. Let them think what they will."

A knock resounded at the door then – a single, harsh rap that echoed in the chamber and made both of you jump.

"Shall I pour the wine?" A thin voice floated in through the heavy oak door, belonging to an old servant woman probably sent by Lord Walder himself to see their progress.

"Yes," Robb called back after sharing an understanding glance with you.

The Lady came in and hobbled her way towards a small table, filling two cups with a cheap red wine, one that smelled more like a tincture than a lovely Dornish Red. To add to that, she set down a small dish of pickles. "If you do not manage to do your duties tonight, your Lady sends this dish to bring you back to your senses.

You began to panic slightly and nodded at her, doing your best to mime an innocent. Walking over to the small table, you dismissed her and quickly gave Robb his glass. As soon as the Lady went away again, you stripped and gulped down the beastly drink, positioning yourself on the bed like a bitch in heat.

Robb, for his part, wore a look of sheer surprise as he followed your unceremonious actions with wide eyes. He took a deep breath, setting his own glass down on the table beside him before he turned back to you. His cheeks were flushed a delicate pink - a stark contrast to his usual pale complexion - and he looked almost boyish under the soft candlelight.

"Please," he started, his voice rough in the quiet of the room, "You don't need to do this. Not like this." His gaze was steady and honest as it met yours, and his words tugged at your heartstrings.

But your mind was filled with vivid images of Lady Catelyn's tear-stained face and Rob's pregnant girlfriend - their lives hanging by the thinnest of threads because of you. You swallowed hard, pushing away the comforting warmth of his words. "We can't risk it Robb," you insisted. Your voice wavered despite your best efforts to keep it steady.

He sighed heavily, running a hand through his mop of auburn hair. But he made no move to stop you from lying back against the bed – your back cold against the rough fabric beneath you. He looked at you then – really looked at you – taking in your determined expression and your trembling hands.

For a moment, all was silent in the room - save for the crackling flames.

Then, without another word, he began to disrobe himself with an air of solemnity that felt too heavy for the occasion. He moved carefully, meticulously even, stopping momentarily to kick away his modesty sheet before he joined you on the bed.

"Lie on your back, Walderette. I needn't take you like an animal," he whispered solemnly as he made sure to keep his eyes on your face.

His voice was low and gentle, a tender lullaby whispered in the quiet of the night. It was an unexpected sweetness that only made your heart hurt with more force, your guilt gnawing away at you like a starved beast. But you nodded, complying with his request and shifting position, your heart pounding in your chest like a war drum.

A silence descended upon the room as he settled down beside you, his broad form dwarfing yours. His muscled arms propped him up as he leaned over you, his gaze never wavering from your face. You closed your eyes, your breath hitching as you felt the cool touch of his hands against the bare skin of your sides.

He stayed silent as his hands began to wander, their slow and deliberate movements adding an excruciating tension to the silence. He explored without hurry; his fingers ghosting over every rise and fall of your body as if committing it to memory.

You could feel the heat radiating off him – a feverish warmth that made goosebumps rise on your skin. Any other night, under any other circumstances, the feeling would've sent pleasing shivers down your spine.

"I…" you choked out, opening your eyes to find Robb hovering over you. His body pressed against yours in an almost comforting manner but it did nothing to dampen the guilt-ridden fear gnawing at your insides. "I… don't know what I'm doing," you admitted softly.

Robb's eyes darkened slightly at your confession but he gave you a small smile nonetheless. "It's alright," he whispered back reassuringly. "Neither do I, really. I've never... had to... take someone."

You blushed and gave him a shy smile. "I am not completely against it. Just... do whatever needs to be done and if we will not manage to create an heir, I am sure we will be able to do this... everything, under better circumtances."

“Are you sure about this?” he asked again, his voice barely more than a whisper. His eyes met yours, the steady gaze filled with an equal measure of fear and determination.

"Yes," you answered just as softly, your heart pounding in your chest. Despite your fear and uncertainty, you knew there was no other option. The lives of those you cared for were at stake. This was a small price to pay for their safety.

Robb nodded, his face a solemn mask. His eyes held yours, a lingering connection in the quiet room. He moved closer, laying his body against yours in a slow, deliberate manner. You could feel the warmth radiating from him, the rapid beats of his heart echoing your own.

"Close your eyes," he whispered, and you complied without question. His lips found yours then, a tender kiss that tasted of wine and apprehension. His lips moved against yours gently, coaxing you into a rhythm that was as haunting as it was comforting.

His hands moved up your sides, skimming past the sensitive skin of your torso to rest at the sides of your face. He pulled back slightly from the kiss, his breath warm against your cheek as he began to whisper words meant only for you. They were soft promises of safety and care; sweet nothings that melted your worries away like morning fog under the sun's rays.

In spite of the circumstances, the tension in the room dissipated at his gentle ministrations. Your body relaxed under his touch, fear and uncertainty replaced with a sense of security.

Then he was moving again, inch by agonizing inch. The heat of him was all-encompassing now; a comforting weight pressing down on you with each passing moment. You let out a gasp when he finally pushed forward – a soft sound drowned out by the crackling fire and rustle of fabric.

It was not painful nor pleasurable - merely an odd discomfort that became more bearable as Robb began to move with slow rhythm, whispering soothing words into your ear. His hands never left your body – one rested on the small of your back, the other cradling your face. His thumb stroked your cheekbone in small circles, drawing out a soothing pattern that almost lulled you into a trance.

The room had become warmer, or maybe it was just the heat radiating from Robb — every inch of his bare skin touching yours, filling your senses with his presence. You clung to him, hands clenched on his broad shoulders, fingers digging into his flesh as he moved with quiet determination. You kept your eyes closed, taking in every sensation, every small sound he made as time stretched thin between each heartbeat.

He smelled of wood smoke and winter air. A hint of the strong drink you both had shared still lingered on his breath mixed with the warm scent of his skin. Each breath he drew was a low sigh against your ear, a soft symphony playing under the rustle of linen and crackle of fire.

His movements remained slow and deliberate — no rush, no urgency. He was careful with you, maintaining a rhythm that was mindful and tender. His touch was gentle but firm, holding you close yet giving you space to breathe. His lips found your forehead once more, pressing a soft kiss there.

"Are you all right?" he asked softly once again, pulling back slightly to look at you. His voice was barely audible over the slow rhythm of his body and your combined breaths.

You opened your eyes to meet his gaze. His eyes held an intense mixture of concern and uncertainty, but also a strange form of peace, as if in this moment he had found some sense of purpose.

"I... am," you answered truthfully – Your body was tingling from the strange experience but there was no pain or discomfort anymore - only an odd sense of warmth... and maybe even something akin to contentment.

His gaze held yours, his expression softening at your words. A sigh of relief escaped him as he lowered his lips to meet yours again. His kiss was languid, unhurried, a complete contradiction to the rapid beating of your hearts.

He whispered your name between soft kisses and gentle touches, turning it into a sweet lullaby that danced with the crackling flames in the hearth.

Gradually, your world shrunk until it was made up of Robb alone—the rhythm of his breaths matching your own, his fingers tracing patterns on your skin, and his whispered words filling the silence. Time seemed to stretch on endlessly; seconds turning into minutes and minutes into hours as you lost yourself in him.

When he finally pulled back after depositing his hot spend in you, it was slow and deliberate. You felt a pang of loss as the warmth of his body disappeared only to be replaced by the cool air of the room. His fingers lingered on your skin for a moment longer before he moved them away too. He didn’t look at you as he rolled onto his side, putting some distance between you two.

It was understandable, you thought to yourself. His true love was outside, in th tents, worrying about her lover, the father of her babe.

For a long while, there was only silence in the room. You could still hear the faint sounds of Robb's steady breathing and feel his warmth beside you, but there was a sense of melancholy in the air that you couldn’t ignore.

The embers from the fire were slowly dying out and you knew that dawn was approaching; still, neither of you made any attempt to speak or move.

Eventually, Robb broke the silence, "I'm sorry..." His voice was barely audible over the dying embers. He turned towards you again, worry etched on his face, quickly wrapping the towel around himself.

"I don't know why I did that... I shouldn't have..."

His words hung in the air, heavy with regret. You turned your gaze to him, seeing the anguish painted across his face. The light from the dying fire cast a soft glow on his features, emphasizing the shadows of guilt etched deep within his eyes.

"It's okay..." you whispered, laying a hand gently on his arm. "It was necessary."

But even as the words left your lips, you couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. You were both trapped in a situation neither of you wanted to be in. Each decision made out of obligation, not desire. It was a cruel reality, one that seemed determined to tear you both apart.

He looked at you then, his eyes searching yours for any sign of resentment or pain. When he found none, he let out a sigh, heavy with relief.

"I wish things were different," he said after a long silence, his voice barely audible over the crackling embers. "I wish we could choose our own paths."

You chewed your lower lip, contemplating his words. You knew what he meant. Your lives were dictated by forces beyond your control-- duty, responsibility and a looming war that threatened everything you held dear.

"We can't change what's already happened," you said quietly, meeting his gaze. "All we can do is move forward and make the best of what we have."

He nodded at your words although his expression remained pained. He reached out to take your hand into his own larger one and gave it a comforting squeeze.

"Thank you," he murmured softly, getting up and handing you your dress.

"No, thank you, my King," you said with a small smile. "Let us leave this horrid place."

[homuraakemis]

One thing that amazes me about Dark is how it managed to portray Jonas and Martha as the darkest of villains (both committing mass murder by causing the Apocalypse, ordering several murders, kidnappings, lying and manipulating people) while at the same time portraying them as such selfless heroes.

Because when you think about it, Jonas and Martha are actually incredibly selfless and heroic. When they are told that they need to go to the origin world to save it and end the knot, and that by doing so, not only would they cease to exist but their entire worlds and the people they loved would also cease to exist, they both agree to sacrifice themselves immediately (Jonas agrees on the spot, and Martha only needs five seconds to compose herself and agree). And this moment is a very selfless moment for both of them.

I've seen so many people argue that Martha/Eva is selfish, that she only does the things she does so that her son and the people she loves would exist, and yet this moment at the end pretty much disproves this. She is faced with the choice of either continuing the loop of suffering to let her loved ones exist, or saving the original world, and she chooses to save the original world and end the time loop, knowing full well she and everyone she loved would cease to exist. This just goes to show that Eva's goal was never truly just about her family and loved ones, but about preserving life, and when she learns that there's a way to end the knot and preserve life in the origin world, she readily sacrifices herself.

This moment is also an incredibly selfless moment for Jonas as well. One could try to argue that Jonas ending his own existence was something he always wanted, so his sacrifice in the end isn't really all that selfless. But I don't think that's true for the Jonas at this point in time. This Jonas isn't suicidal yet. This is the Jonas that a year ago cried before Elisabeth hung him, because he didn't want to die. This is the Jonas who gave Martha a goodbye kiss when he thought he would cease to exist and was devastated as he walked away from her. Sure, Jonas at this point in time was already seeking a way to erase his own existence, but it wasn't because he wanted to die: it was because he believed that by erasing his own existence, he would save the people he loved (Michael, Martha and everyone else). And sacrificing himself to save the origin world doesn't give him anything he wanted: not only he didn't want to die, but he definitely didn't want to erase the existence of Martha, Mikkel and everyone else. But he still chooses to make this sacrifice, because he believes that it's the right thing to do. At the end, he is not relieved to fade out of existence: he and Martha are both clearly terribly sad and devastated about the sacrifice they've made.

Which is why I believe that both Adam and Eva were never truly selfish: Eva truly believed that she needed to keep the loop to preserve everyone's lives, and Adam truly believed that the only salvation for humanity would be to not exist. We can question their beliefs, of course, but I truly do think they were both selfless and idealistic about what they were doing. And they both moved mountains to do what they believed was right.

I also think it's incredibly fascinating to think about how such selfless heroes could go down such villainous paths all due to the time loop. They are both good people at their core, so really, if it weren't for the time loop, none of them would have ever been capable of committing the atrocities they committed. Jonas only starts to become Adam after trying to change things and realizing that things would always happen no matter what he tries, and after believing that he needed to ensure his own past in order to finally end things. Martha only agrees to follow Eva and gives up on fixing things (like she promised Jonas she would do) because she learns what will happen to the version of her who does try to change things (she will get murdered by Adam) and because she believes she needs to keep the loop to ensure everyone's lives. Jonas and Martha would never do all the things they do (murders, kidnappings, causing the apocalypse, lies and manipulations, traumatizing their younger selves) if it weren't for the time loop that pretty much forces them to do these things.

Which is why their stories are such amazing tragedies and why they're such complex characters. It's a story that shows how two selfless heroes who would willingly sacrifice themselves to save the world can still be forced by circumstances outside of their control to do such terrible things.

[primofate]

The Ruthless Prince (Part 19) Scaramouche x fem!reader [Genshin Royal AU]

Summary: When Prince Scaramouche picks you out of a random group of commoners to marry, your life is turned upside down. He’s mean, snarky, condescending and he doesn’t act like a proper husband or prince at all. However, when Prince Tartaglia from the neighbouring kingdom takes an interest in you, Prince Scaramouche finds himself even more annoyed than usual. This is the story of him and you navigating this roller coaster of a relationship.

Warnings: heavy angst on Scaramouche’s part, severely injured reader with heavy thoughts of death

Word Count: 4.9k

Summary and a recap on the Royal AU plots are here.

Read other parts: (Ruthless Prince Masterlist)

“You did well, son,”

Two days after the incident, the king and queen, Scaramouche’s mother and father, arrived back from their long tour and journey of traversing other kingdoms and building alliances. It was a necessary thing to do, if they wanted their own kingdom to thrive. 

Already, as soon as the king arrived he had made several arrangements for repair work. It looked as if their tour was successful, as he noted that several other countries and kingdoms were willing to supply them with some resources that they lacked. 

To Scaramouche, though, that help came all too late, but he said nothing about it. Nothing he said now would change anything of the past.

“Scaramouche,” his mother, while his father had gone off to take care of the mess, embraced her son and mumbled. “The messenger told us everything, you must be exhausted,” 

He was a grown man, but in front of his mother, he was just a boy. She pulls away to give him a sympathetic gaze, one that he didn’t meet as he just looked at the ground. Defeated.

The words you did well meant nothing to him. With Kuni dead and Y/N gone, the gnosis missing, casualties within the knights left and right “You did well” seemed hardly the right assessment of things. 

Mother, with hair that reached to her mid-back, wavy in the right places yet not overly so, reached out for her son’s hand and walked with him. Her orchid-coloured hair swayed with her, she was graceful in a lot of ways, but the crinkles in her eyes showed her age. Despite that, she was beautiful, and one could hardly call her ‘old’ since her beauty trumped it. “I’ll run some tea, and have them make a lavender melon pie for old time’s sake and we can talk, alright, dear?”

His father, Scaramouche respected, but his mother… He didn’t mean to pick favourites, but it was inevitable when his father was so busy and his mother was so doting. Scaramouche was powerless in front of his mother, she was comfort when everything else fell apart around him. He only nodded in response. That, and she had a hidden talent of being intimidating when she wanted to, just as all mothers did, even more so than his father.

Mother opted to walk with him to his study and Scaramouche only realized it when they were already in front of his study door. He stops, his hand pulling back almost automatically, and he winces, like he didn’t mean for that kind of reaction. His mother turns back, questioning gaze in her eyes as she was just about to open his study door. “...Do you not prefer to sit and talk in your study, son?” 

Scaramouche felt a lump in his throat, but he swallowed it down hard, the memories of the past two days haunting him. 

When he got back to the castle on horseback it had already been morning. He hadn’t slept, trekking that river up and down three, four, five times before he finally gave up and told himself he’ll look for you again tomorrow. No matter how many times he looked at the ring on his finger, it was just a cold silver metal pressed on his skin now, there was no colour that indicated that you were still alive. 

He still remembered he had other duties to attend to back in the castle, mainly Kuni and the other casualties. So without any sleep in his veins he proceeded to oversee the clean up of the castle, the captain of the knights had reported back to him, telling him how many men had fallen. He moved to the infirmary at some point and asked the head healer how everything looked, and she gave him numbers. 

There was a certain procedure when someone died fighting for the kingdom, there were special rewards for their immediate family as well as a special resting place for them. None of that could ever cover up for the grief of losing a beloved, of course, but it was how things were, working for the royal family. 

A team was dispatched to tell the bereaved, and Scaramouche wanted to be in charge of Kuni’s procedures…mostly because Kuni didn’t have any family. He had literally spent all his life serving the royal family, and had no connections whatsoever to the outside world. Scaramouche didn’t know how to feel about that fact, as he watched their funeral director go over Kuni’s body, cleaning it up for the next step. Kuni may not have had family outside of the castle, but Scaramouche realizes now that everyone inside the castle had probably treated him as some type of guide and mentor, a father figure. That included Scaramouche himself. 

He closed his eyes and took a deep, slow breath. In his mind he had said thank you and farewell to the old man already, in reality he just couldn’t take another second of looking at the mistake he could have avoided. He took one last look at Kuni’s body before leaving the funeral director to do his job. Perhaps he would have more courage to say the actual words of thanks out loud at Kuni’s funeral…but at that moment all Scaramouche could think about was how he wished you were here.

You would understand. You would be just as angry and just as downcast as him, and you wouldn’t judge him for it. You probably would have blamed yourself the same way he was doing now. At least he wished there was someone he could share this agony with, but there was no one except more agony waiting for him in his bedroom, seeing as it was empty, and it would be for a long time until he found you. 

As much as he wanted to collapse in bed, his attire was still dirty and bloody, so he proceeded to the shower instead. He stripped off all his clothes, but it wasn’t enough to lift the overbearing weight on his shoulders, he still felt as if he had his armor on him, still felt as if he was on horseback, still felt as if he was brushing Kuni’s eyelids close. 

The shower turned on and the pitter patter of it against the tiles soothed him in some way. He stood there bare and unable to even understand what he had to do now. Showering seemed like such a difficult task all of a sudden. Not wanting to think or do anything for the time being, he let himself shuffle forward, his forehead lightly hitting the shower wall as he let the water rain down on him. Hoping that it would wash away dirt, but also hoping that regret would be washed away with it. 

He didn’t know how long he spent in there, but it was noon when he emerged in his sleep attire, though he was dripping wet and didn’t even bother to dry himself off completely. He fell face first into the bed, and he immediately knew sleep wouldn’t visit him anytime soon. 

It was so… large. This bed. He could spread both arms out and every part of him still fit in it. 

He hated it. 

When you were here, he had to keep his arms to himself for months, mostly because the two of you were not comfortable with skinship but also because he hadn’t felt anything for you those first few weeks. 

You were just an insufferable pretend wife that he needed. 

And now? 

He grits his teeth remembering the first time he really kissed you. Not the wedding, that was not even comparable to the first night, the only night the two of you spent wrapped up in each other’s arms. 

That was just yesterday…what happened…? 

He thought to himself. Closing his eyes didn’t help with trying to block out all the times he saw you smile, or all the times you looked so pissed at him–he honestly thought that was your best facial expression–or all the times you bantered back with him. 

That was another problem. 

It was quiet. 

Yet his mind was full of noises, your voice hovering over each other, your incredulous scoff when he said something unbelievable, things that you’ve said that he just suddenly remembered.

“…You didn’t have to punch him, you know,” in response to that time he had punched Tartaglia in public.

“I just don’t want to spin out of control or…or something,” the first time you practice a dance with him, and him, replying with all the confidence in the world, hand around your waist,  “You won’t,”

“I vow to always be by your side…” he remembers how cold your hands were when you restate your wedding vows during his birthday, was that out of nervousness? “…To be your shelter, your strength…and your bride,” 

He jolts up from the bed, swinging his legs over the edge and planting his elbows on his knees, palms yet again covering and digging into the dips of his eyes, willing himself to stop thinking about it, but it doesn’t help one bit. 

He stands and almost runs away from the room, he can’t stay there right now. The pillows smell like you but it doesn’t give him any comfort. He opts to go to his study, maybe do some reading or paperwork and just…fall asleep on the table. You hadn’t spent a lot of time in his study, there would be no trace of you there, maybe that would help. 

Perhaps it was all the happenings of the past two days that makes him forget your painting is hanging up on his study wall. He entered his study with a little bit of ease in his mind, but when he sat on his chair he came face to face with the serene painting of him hanging next to the door. 

Scaramouche froze on his seat, back tense and arms stiff at the sight of the watercolours melding into a perfect–yet not so perfect with that grey blotch on the side–painting of him drinking tea. It’s just as he saw it the first time. A side profile of him, lifting a teacup to his lips in his prince garb, eyes looking off to somewhere far away, plate of biscuits on the coffee table in front of him.

It was night and day, the difference between him in that painting and the him sitting in his study right now. The tones of purple and yellow on the painting were bright, you could tell that light was pouring through from the window in your rendition of him, but now he sat here in the dark and he was sure that his expression was nothing like it was in the painting. 

The sound of his chair scraping on the floor woke him to the fact that he was walking towards the painting without thinking. 

This was the only piece of you that he had left. 

The only proof that you were not just some type of dream or illusion that graced his life for a few months. 

This was proof that you were real, and you were right there with him. That you accepted him despite his fucked up past and the assholish things that he had done. It was then that he realized how much you really had to go through to enter the royal family, to be betrothed to him, and yet, you were stronger than what he had anticipated.

His hand lifted and touched the words on the bottom of the painting: Happy Birthday. From: Y/N

A soft scoff escaped from his lips at the memory of him forcing you to write your name on it. You were upset that he had ruined the painting, and in classic Scaramouche-Y/N manner the two of you had still quarreled and argued over it despite it being his birthday present. He never did apologize out loud for ruining it. 

It’s strange, the sudden tremble he feels on his lips when he remembers bits of annoying yet tender memories of you. Maybe this was his chance to say “...Sorry, Y/N,” he breathes it out like a secret, lays his forehead on the painted version of him that he knew was happy, simply indulging in the tea you brewed and the biscuits you picked out. 

He pictured in his mind what kind of reaction you would have, if you heard him utter a real apology to you. The pretend conversation in his mind plays out, with your wide awestruck gaze on him “You’re saying sorry to me?” and him probably just glaring in response, but there’s still amusement in your eyes when you smile and laugh a little. “The world must be ending,” 

That doesn’t help. That made the lump in his throat bigger and made the tremble in his lips stronger. He tethered himself to reality by holding onto the frame of the painting. It hurt more because it was all just in his mind now, it was not real, he was making conversations up, just to keep a bigger piece of you, and when that hit him his legs grew weak and he fell to his knees in front of the painting, head dipped down and angry, frustrated tears threatening to spill over.

His throat was burning, trying his hardest not to cry because he didn’t do that. That was not him at all yet it was so, so difficult in this cold world all by himself. “It feels like that, Y/N,” he whispers to himself, in his mind still continuing the pretend conversation in his own world with you still in it, “It feels like the world is ending,” 

And the first few tears fell. The amount of failure that he had accumulated in one day manifesting in salty droplets running down his cheeks: Kuni, the gnosis, his kingdom, his knights, and the unexpected biggest share of his grief, came from the fact that he would go through every day without your presence anymore. 

“Scaramouche, dear?” His mother’s voice pulls him back to the current reality, and he felt like he had been gone for a while. Scaramouche’s face hardens, eyes darting over to the study door, knowing that the painting was there, waiting for him. He pulls his hand away from his mother’s and shook his head. “...There’s…a better place…” 

Scaramouche turns without asking his mother to follow, he still had his gruff attitude even around her, but he looked back to check if she was following, and indeed she was. He doesn’t know what compels him to travel towards your Art room. There were too many memories of you in there and yet for some reason he wanted to see it. Perhaps because that room was also another piece of you to remember by, and he had just wanted to stamp it in his memory. 

When he arrives, he’s a little nervous at the door, but he pushes it open and steps in. The smell of paint, oil pastel and tea attacks his nose. It’s such a strange combination, but it was comforting to him. 

His mother stepped in behind him and instinctively took a walk around the room. She saw the papers strewn around on the large table, an easel standing near the window, shelves of paint and art materials lined up. Her eyes drag over to the other side. A coffee table and comfy chairs, instead of art materials, cans of tea lined the shelves on the other side. A peculiar combination, his mother thought.

“...This is a new room, have you picked up a new hobby dear?” His mother asked, smiling lightly and looking at his son who was absentmindedly staring at the easel near the large windows. He looked to be in his own world again, seeing a ghost of someone painting, wrist moving up and down in strokes and head tilting to inspect if she had done her illustration properly.

Scaramouche once again pried his eyes off the illusion of you, eyes darting towards his mother. “Uh… No,” he finally answered. “It’s just… Y/N’s Art room,” He turned away and walked towards the shelf of tea leaves, not knowing what he was looking for, just browsing for a distraction, but he had missed the astonished look on his mother’s face. 

“...You had a room constructed for her?” Mother asked and Scaramouche lifted a hand up over a high shelf, fingers brushing over a tin can that said “Chamomile Tea Leaves”. He read that it helped with sleep, and he hadn’t had a good wink ever since the war. 

“...The room was already constructed…It was just a sitting room back then, I just… had it renovated,” Scaramouche explained, moving the tin can forward so that it landed safely in his hand, grasping it carefully and walking over to the coffee table in the room. He sat on the chair that he was sitting on in the painting, but stopped himself from thinking of it too much before he spiraled down another hole of regret.

His mother approached him, an ever present smile on her face and putting a hand out for the tin can. Scaramouche passed it over to her. “...You seem to have grown a lot more attached to her since the last time I checked, dear,” and he could say nothing to his mother’s observation. 

“Attached” wasn’t quite the word for it. He didn’t know what word to describe this lost feeling in his chest, nor the nights that tortured him cause every time he looked at your side of the bed, he thought you would be there, but you weren’t. “Attached” was a little of an understatement. 

“Mm,” He could only let out, eyes wandering away from her, landing on the ring on his finger once again. He would look at it every so often, hoping that there would be some inkling of a colour, some sort of clue, some direction in this pathless chase after you. 

“...Scaramouche,” his mother’s voice had a sense of firmness in it for the first time, his face automatically obeys and turns to finally meet his mother’s eyes for the first time that day. Her gaze was serious. “It’s not time to give up yet, don’t you think so?”

He sighed, his thumb was absentmindedly touching the ring, just feeling the metal of it. “...The ring hasn’t given me any clue that she’s still alive… I’ve looked for her. I don’t know where she is. I’ve asked Kokomi to help, along with her subordinates and yet…” His mother’s soft chuckle threw him off, he looked back at her with a questioning gaze, wondering what exactly she found funny.

“Your father and I have long abandoned those rings, do you know that?” She went around her son, over to the nearest armchair next to him. “Well, of course, when we were younger it was like a guide, but the older we got the more we realized it was better to trust our instincts instead of what the ring showed us,” She reached over to place a hand on Scaramouche’s shoulder. “There are a lot of things that could have happened, son. It could have been damaged, lost while she fled, malfunctioned…The ring is just a tool, not a prophecy,” There was a scolding tone to her voice, and yet a gentle look on her face. “What truly matters is what YOU think in your heart, my dear. Do you think she’s still out there somewhere?”

Scaramouche let his mother’s word sink in, though they were sinking slowly, he addressed her last question and let it weave in and out of his mind. With a small huff, and a hint of hope in his demeanor he answered begrudgingly, “I think she’s too damn stubborn to die so easily,”

Mother laughed, and patted her son’s shoulder. She’s amused at the slight resemblance to his father, but also relieved that Scaramouche had found something worth fighting for. 

“Well then, hold on to that tightly and we’ll keep looking,”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Is she alright?” 

In a rather large bungalow out in the outskirts of Higi Village, Finnian crouched over your limp body, assessing the way your face flushed a dangerous shade of pink, breathing heavy, damp cloth on your forehead.

Finnian was a real village man, large and burly, face covered with a coffee coloured beard and hands calloused with work. In the large bungalow, he lived with his wife Serena: the picture of hardworking. Her ash toned braided hair fraying at places because of the work she had to do for the day. She used to be a doctor back when they still lived inside the main city. Out here, she was but a humble owner of an apple orchard. Together with her husband, they did quite well for themselves, supplying apples to markets and different merchants. 

“I’m not sure, her fever isn’t breaking,” Serena mumbled while covering her mouth in worry. “She’s been out for four days on and off… I… I don’t think she’ll make it at this rate,” Serena was distraught over the thought that someone was about to die under her watch. Her hand instinctively goes towards her belly, thinking that this stress was definitely not good for her pregnancy, but they couldn’t just leave the young lady dying out there in the banks of the river. 

Finnian plants a hand on his wife’s shoulder, and brings her in for a tender kiss on the forehead. “We’ll see, love. You’ve done what you can, alright? It’s all just up to her now…” On the side of the room were the belongings that managed to survive on the rough ride down the river with you, neatly piled atop each other already. 

The day that they found you, they were sure that all they had to do was bury you in a quiet resting place. They had no idea who you were, there was not a lot of clues as to what your identity was. To their surprise, despite the severely broken arm and various bruises on your body, you had held on with a very faint pulse, and that was all it took for the couple to bring you back to their orchard home. Monitoring you as much as they could.

The days passed, and though your body started to repair itself, cuts healing and bruises clearing, mentally, it seemed that you were not ready to awaken yet. There were occasional times where Serena would find you awake, and yet you were so out of it that you had passed out again in the next few seconds. There was not a time where she found you really, consciously awake. 

Serena actually thought that your episodes of waking and staring into nothingness was your way of coming to terms with death, that it was trying to take you, and that you were silently accepting it. But you seemed to keep running away from death, living yet again into another day. 

It was exactly six days after, when your eyes opened and your brain started to connect the dots. You were alone in the room when it happened and your whole being ached. It ached like never before, and you could feel the trauma creep up all around you. 

The first thing you did was cry. 

You cried because everything hurt, cried because dying might have been easier than this, cried because you remembered spots of your memory and how scared you had been. Cried because you could not move a single inch of your muscle without it tearing you into pieces. 

Your sniffling was answered by a loud gasp as Serena entered the room, the shock on her face didn’t disappear as she tried to soothe you. “Shhh… It’s okay, you’re fine,” 

You only cried harder. Being told that everything was fine when it felt like it wasn’t was a sort of crippling relief. You weren’t alone and left for dead, at least, and you knew that you would be forever grateful to whoever this woman was. 

You couldn’t speak, but your sniffles dwindled down and she waited for your tears to lessen before attempting to pull away–you hadn’t noticed that she was rubbing circles on the back of your hand–and when she tried to release your hand, you held on to her tightly instead, fear communicated in your eyes, your head shaking as best as it could from left to right.

She understood immediately.

“It’s okay, I’m just getting you some water, I’ll be back quick,” she promised and you had no choice but to let her go. She came back just as she said, and had a cup in her hands. Serena stared at you for a moment, wondering how she might ask you to sit up and drink some water in your state. Your broken arm was already in a proper sling, but she remembered the bruises on your back and how much those might ache the moment you so much as twitched. 

“Can…Can you sit up?” She held your elbow to support you but you were too scared to even try. Breathing was already hard enough, your chest was tight and the rise and fall of it stung but you had no idea why. You shook your head lightly, your eyelids suddenly getting droopy once again. It dawns on Serena then that you had already exerted all the effort you had for today, and sure enough your eyes close, bringing you back into a peaceful slumber within seconds. 

Serena sighs, a hand on her heart trying to calm the rush of pitter patters against her chest. She didn’t know why, but she had been so panicked to see you awake and coherent. It was a good thing, but your tears were heartbreaking, because she knew that it must have hurt, looking at your condition. 

She gently patted your hand. Even though she didn’t know you, it must have been her new, maternal instincts kicking in. With a baby in her belly, she would’ve hated to think what would happen if her own son or daughter was in the same state, and no one bothered to help.

She was only doing what she hoped other people would do, from the goodness of her heart. 

Seeing that you had no way to drink water, Serena had been dripping it into your mouth by lightly tapping a damp cloth on your lips and occasionally squeezing water into your mouth, if Finnian was around. She settled on sitting down next to the bed and doing the same thing today. The body could survive without food for weeks, but water was another thing. 

Serena was not a particularly religious person, but the state you were in could probably make even the devil kneel in prayer for your recovery. The physical damage was worrying, but Serena was now more worried about the brief desperation in your eyes as you cried:

It’s as if you had wanted it to end instead of fighting it. 

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[runnning-outof-time]

We’ll Still Love You | Tommy Shelby x Reader

Request: yes by @obsessed19

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x reader

Summary: Tommy and (Y/N)'s youngest child has a hard time accepting the fact that she won't be the baby in the family anymore.

Warnings: none…just some family fluff and a moody three year old

Word Count: 2740

A/N: alright so this one may be a tad ooc, but I loved the idea and ran with it — and plus, we can all see Tommy being a sap when it comes to his wife and kids, right? Enjoy! :)

Let me know if you’d like to be tagged in future stories similar to this one!

———

"Love, are you going to get up today?" the voice of (Y/N) Shelby's husband roused her from her sleep.

"I'm tired, Tommy...please let me be," she grumbled, feeling like she didn't even have the energy to lift her head from the pillow.

"The children are wondering where you are," Tommy continued, his voice coming closer to the bed.

"Have Marcy occupy them," (Y/N) brushed him off, mentioning the live-in nanny that the family had.

"She is...they're still asking for you." With a groan, (Y/N) finally mustered the energy to scoot up against the headboard. She looked over to Tommy, who had a slightly worried look on his features. "Are you alright?" he asked the question she already knew was on his mind.

"I'm fine," she brushed him off again, "do I look otherwise?"

"You rarely sleep past noon, (Y/N)," he pointed out, making (Y/N) turn and squint her eyes as she tried to read the time on the clock that was hanging on the far wall of their bedroom.

"It's past noon?" she asked, a slight bit of shock laced into her voice. Tommy nodded his head, prompting her to continue, "I just don't have any energy, Tommy," she sighed, looking down at her lap then.

"Anything else bothering you?" he inquired.

She paused for a moment before answering, wondering if she should disclose the fact that it felt like her stomach was doing constant somersaults. "Not really, no," she said, shaking her head for added effect. Tommy gave her a look then...one of his signature 'I know that there's more to this story, but I'm not gonna be the one to pull it out of you' looks. "Can you tell the kids that I'll be down in a few minutes?" she asked him, sending a hopeful look in his direction.

He nodded in response to her question, still holding his previous look for a few moments before it dissolved into a soft smile. "I'll tell them," he then verbally assured her before he turned to go back to the door of their bedroom.

(Y/N) stayed in her spot for a few moments before she let out a sound that was a mixture between a sigh and a groan. She tried to ignore the feeling of her upset stomach as she moved over to her wardrobe to get ready for the day.

About twenty minutes, several muttered curse words, and one dumped out bathroom drawer later, (Y/N) was finally walking through the archway to the front sitting room.

She first saw her two children. Five year old Oliver was off in the corner, playing with his favorite wooden train set. Three year old Anna was, of course, sitting right at her father's feet as she held two dolls in her hands and made it so they were talking with each other. Anna always had to be near Tommy. From just about the moment that she was born, the only solace she found was in the presence of her father. She was undoubtedly a daddy's girl.

"Mumma!" Oliver exclaimed when he noticed she'd entered the room, standing from the ground to run over and greet her physically. (Y/N) finally pulled her eyes off of Tommy and Anna to focus on her son, a smile on her face as he reached out to hug her.

Her smile fell when his arms wrapped tightly around her hips, and she let out a hiss at the contact. "Not too tight, Oli...mum's hips are sore today," she told him in a soft voice, not wanting to scold him for simply giving her a hug, but at the same time wanting him to know that he couldn't squeeze her with all of his might.

"Sorry, mum," Oliver responded, easing up his grip but still holding onto her waist.

"It's alright, love," (Y/N) brushed his apology off, running her hands through his hair before she hugged him back. She then glanced up to see Tommy looking at her with the same look he'd given her before leaving the bedroom. She shot him a look that asked 'what?' before her eyes dropped to Anna, who was also looking at her mother now. "What are we doing down here?" she asked the trio then, wanting to be filled in on what she'd missed.

"Just playing," Oliver answered as he let go of her waist so that he could return to his train set. "Dad came in to sit with us so we wouldn't be lonely," he added as he sat on the floor again.

"You guys weren't enjoying your time with Marcy?" (Y/N) asked with furrowed eyebrows as she sat down on one of the empty chairs next to the couch.

"We were, but Anna didn't want dad to leave after he came in the room with us," Oliver responded, making (Y/N) look over at the little girl with a soft smile...yep, she was a daddy's girl, alright.

"Oh, I see," (Y/N) nodded her head before her eyes fell onto Tommy. "Did you move the washrag that I use for my face every morning?" she asked him.

"I didn't, no," Tommy shook his head.

"Are you sure?" (Y/N) didn't drop the topic after hearing his answer.

"Why would I say that I didn't if I'd actually done it?" Tommy posed a question of his own, his brows furrowing.

"Because I heard you moving things around in there earlier this morning," she accused him.

"I wasn't moving things this morning," he disagreed with her.

"Yes, you were. I heard you," she insisted.

"You must've been dreaming, love."

"Please don't put this on me, Tommy," (Y/N) said with wide eyes, her annoyance for the entire situation growing by the second.

"Don't put it on me either, because I've not done anything," he didn't allow her to make him take the role of the bad guy in the situation. Feeling frustrated, (Y/N) tipped her head back with an exasperated groan. "Are you sure you're feeling ok, love?" he asked her, noticing some more slight nuances in the way she was behaving.

“Yes, Tommy, I’m fine…please stop asking,” she insisted, trying so hard to control her annoyance in front of their kids. She didn’t quite know why she was getting so aggravated at him over such simple things, but it was almost like she couldn’t control it.

Tommy didn’t respond, but instead gave her one last look that asked the question ‘are you sure?’ before Anna stood up and took the two adults’ full attention. “Why are you mad at daddy, mummy?” she asked, her head tilted to the side in an inquisitive manner.

(Y/N) sighed and pursed her lips as she heard what her daughter asked. Before she could say anything, Tommy was answering for the both of them, “mum’s just not feeling so well today is all, darling. Nothing to worry about,” he assured Anna, who nodded with a smile before dropping to the ground to continue with her dolls.

Tommy and (Y/N) shared another glance after Anna was dealt with. She wanted so badly to refute what he’d just said, but she bit her tongue. It’s not a big deal, she kept telling herself, taking a deep breath before she focused her attention on Oliver, who’d been asking her to watch him drive his train.

—

Later that night, (Y/N) returned to her room after kissing her kids goodnight. She was surprised to find Tommy standing by his wardrobe; getting ready for bed. “Finished with your work early tonight?” she asked him, quite surprised that he’d retired for the night already.

Tommy shook his head slightly before he began undoing his tie, “no…I’m just neglecting it because I need to talk to you,” he answered her honestly, his eyes meeting hers through the floor length mirror.

“To me?” (Y/N) asked him with some disbelief in her voice.

“Yes, to you,” Tommy responded, setting his tie in the wardrobe before he turned around to face her again. He glanced briefly in her direction before he began unbuttoning his shirt. “I think something’s going on with you, (Y/N),” he started off. (Y/N) opened her mouth to refute his statement, but he kept talking before she could get a word out, “you’ve not been acting like yourself for these past few weeks…I’ve noticed. You’re tired, easily irritated, your hips are sensitive, and I’ve asked Frances…your aversions to certain foods has increased,” he listed off all of the changes he’s noticed with her.

(Y/N) stared at him for a moment, blinking a few times before she said anything. “So I’m just doing everything wrong then, yeah?” she finally asked, her bottom lip close to wavering.

“No,” Tommy shook his head, “you’ve just been acting like you did the last time.”

“What last time?” she asked.

“Anna,” was all Tommy said.

(Y/N)’s eyes widened as what he was trying to convey finally clicked in her mind. ���No…” she trailed off, disbelief now back in her voice.

“I think so,” Tommy nodded, his brows raised slightly.

She was flabbergasted. Could she be pregnant again? What Tommy brought up made sense. She was doing everything she did just before she found out she was expecting their daughter.

“It wouldn’t be such a surprise now, would it?” Tommy broke her from her thoughts as he moved over to her side, “it’s not like we haven’t been trying,” he added as he pressed a kiss to her temple. (Y/N) only snorted at his statement and glanced over at him before he left her side to go to the en suite.

The idea still sounded so foreign…pregnant.

——

“Your blood tests have returned, Mrs. Shelby,” (Y/N)’s doctor announced as he entered the exam room she’d been sitting in. (Y/N) perked up as she waited to hear the results. “You are with child,” he broke the news to her. It didn’t hit her as much of a surprise though…her conversation with Tommy became more real when she didn’t get her normal menses the following week. Now these results only confirmed what she had an inkling of.

“Ok,” she nodded her head as she digested the news. Even though she expected it, she still felt a little overwhelmed by it. Her family was growing…they’d have to adjust; going from two kids to three would surely be hard.

“Do you have any questions?” her doctor asked after giving her a few moments for the news to set in.

“I don’t. Thank you,” (Y/N) answered with a smile.

“That’s good to hear. I’ll have the nurse set up your check-ins and you’re free to go,” he informed her with a smile. (Y/N) agreed with his words before she followed him out of the exam room.

Now she’d have to tell her family this news.

—

“I don’t want a new baby!” Anna exclaimed with a rather angry expression on her face. Oliver, on the other hand, was at (Y/N)’s side the second after he’d been told the news. He had a wide smile on his face as he wrapped his arms around his mother’s waist.

(Y/N) expected her children to react to this news in the way that they did. Oliver was always the happy-go-lucky child, taking whatever news he was given with a nod and a soft smile. It made sense that this announcement would make him happy. Anna, on the other hand, was a mixed bag when it came to reactions. Sometimes she was elated, others she acted like this. (Y/N) suspected that she responded this way for two reasons: one, because she was the youngest and hadn’t been told anything like it before. Two, and (Y/N) felt that this reason was more important than the first, because Tommy wasn’t the one to tell her the news.

With a slight sigh, (Y/N) tried to think of a way to get through to her daughter. “It’s not quite something that I can take back now, hun,” she said, hoping to get it through to her that this baby was going to be a permanent member of their family.

“I’m the baby though! If you have another, I won’t be the baby anymore. I’m only three,” she said, her eyes filling with tears, her lip quivering.

“Anna,” (Y/N) sighed, her heart breaking to see her daughter like this.

“And…and, you and daddy won’t love me anymore because I won’t be the baby!” the floodgates broke as she said this sentence, and she quickly stood from the floor to run over to the chair in the corner of the sitting room. Once there, she flung herself onto the chair before crying loudly into the fabric.

(Y/N) looked at Tommy with a frown. It hurt her heart to see her child upset like this, and it made it even worse that she was the one who brought these emotions on. Tommy sent his wife a look of sympathy before he focused his attention on his crying daughter. He then slowly stood from the couch and made his way over to where she was.

“Anna,” he started as he crouched down to be at her level. “Anna, can you look at me, love?” he asked softly, placing his hand on her back.

She pulled her face out of the chair and swiped the tears off of her cheeks as she turned to look at him. “You’re not gonna love me anymore because I’m not the baby,” she said through her hiccups, a deep frown on her face.

Tommy sent her the same sympathetic look he gave his wife. Not many things got to his heart, but seeing his children in this state broke him. “No one ever said that, Anna,” he started, speaking in a soft voice as he kept his eyes locked onto hers, “mummy having another baby isn’t going to change the amount of love we have for you. You’ll still be my little girl, yeah?”

“But what if this new baby is a girl too?” she still wasn’t convinced.

Tommy couldn’t help but chuckle at her inquisitive statement. “Dad’s got enough room in his heart to share with each of you,” he assured her before he looked over to (Y/N), “you can ask your mum…she’s had space in there the longest.”

“Does dad still love you, mum?” Anna asked (Y/N), not missing a beat after Tommy finished speaking.

(Y/N) laughed slightly as a smile formed on her face. “Yes, hun. He loves me very much,” she assured the little girl.

“See? We’ll still love you, Anna. We’ll still love you to the moon and back down…”

“…and a hundred times around,” Anna finished the rest of the saying with her father as a smile grew on her face. She then reached over and wrapped her arms around Tommy’s shoulders, hugging him tightly.

Tommy returned the hug and held it for a few moments before they pulled back. “Why don’t you give your mum a hug too?” he suggested, his eyebrows raised slightly.

“Ok,” Anna nodded before she left Tommy’s side to go hug (Y/N). (Y/N) smiled and accepted the hug, squeezing her daughter tightly against her chest. “Our baby’s in here?” she asked after pulling away, glancing down at (Y/N)’s stomach.

“Yes, love. Our baby’s right in here,” (Y/N) answered with a slight nod as she rested her hand on her stomach. Her heart was swelling from the amount of love she was feeling at the moment.

“I’ll make sure not to squeeze you super hard because that’ll hurt the baby,” Anna said then, a serious look on her face.

(Y/N) nodded at her daughter’s statement, a wide smile on her face. She then looked over at Tommy, who was also smiling at the interaction that was happening. Anna then left her mother’s side to go back to her father, practically jumping into his arms for another hug. Seeing this made (Y/N)’s heart want to burst. She knew for sure now that Anna would be fine with the new baby. The little girl knew that her parents still loved her and that, of course, she was still daddy’s little girl.

———

Tagged: @mgcllovdrms @the-anxious-youth @cloudofdisney @look-at-the-soul @golden-hoax @elenavampire21 @peaky-cillian @mrsalwayswrite @julkaamazing @evita-shelby @lilyrachelcassidy @notyour-valentine @easilyobessedbutflighty @shelbydelrey @december16-1991 @onlydeadcells @peakyswritings @just-a-blackhole @watercolorskyy @strayrockette @peakyduchesss @alexxavicry @captivatedbycillianmurphy @yummycastiel @dark-academia-slut @tommystargirl @stevie75 @lyarr24 @signorellisantichrist @zablife @anotherblinder @midnightmagpiemama @cillmequick

MASTERLIST

[dreamymoonpearl]

What we do for love

I

Jason Lannister was dead.

A tragic accident for an alpha in his 40's and a sad loss for his alpha-wife Aemma Targaryen, they had only been married for four years and to the sadness of the Lannisters along with the Hightowers there were no children, many murmured that it was the punishment of the mother for forcing the she-alpha Aemma to marry a man who was not even compatible with her.

The poor woman only followed the orders of her mother (grandfather) to please the beta and leave her “deviant” preferences that kept her from continuing the good path of the seven, so she kept quiet and did her duty for four years. Is this how the gods paid Aemma?

Alicent was pinching her cuticles, the funeral is beautiful and everyone is there, especially many noble families and their alpha son´s, her daughter was sitting in the front line beautifully dressed and with a poker face expression, the veil marked her thin face without a trace of tears and just accepting everyone's condolences with a nod, she looked away at his father, Otto Hightower speaking discreetly with Vaemon Velaryon...he was doing it again.

His daughter's husband had only been dead for four days and from the second day her father was already looking for a new husband/ally for Aemma (him), but why wasn't Alicent surprised? He was just waiting for Viserys Targaryen to die, so Aegon would take full command of the company and all his assets, it didn't matter that he had to use his own grandchildren, he had already done it with his only daughter.

 What difference did it make to use her children as exchangeable currencies?

At least she hopes that Aemma could enjoy her freedom for a whole year in her mourning, breathe easily unlike her, who seemed that Viserys would not die soon, if Alicent died before the alpha she did not care anymore, it would make no difference.

But at the same time the female beta wanted to make sure that she left her children happy and in good marriages, at least with Aemma and Daeron, she had already ruined the lives of Aegon and Helaena by forcing them to marry. Having to force her first little girl to give birth to babies...quickly all that happened to background when the brown hair omega, Lucerys Velaryon, approached the alpha who seemed to light up and even shared more than five words with him.

He was holding her hands and Aemma was stroking her white hand with her thumb, she looked calm and radiant with him in front of her.

“Aemma”, she called calmly, as if she had not almost run to separate them, “we must continue, let's go, the hearse is waiting for us… Lucerys”, greeted politely to the omega who gave her a soft smile and a nod with a low Mrs. Alicent.

"Yes, thank you Lucerys, I hope...", Aemma looked at her nephew and left the words hanging in the air, the beta raised an eyebrow, were they secreting talking in front of her?

“I will do it aunt, thank you, I will leave you both alone and I won't take any more of your time.”

Quickly Lucerys turned around and went to his family who were in a group talking among themselves and several nobles who supported Rhaenyra as heir, Alicent frowned. She didn’t like that at all.

“What did that omega say to you?”, with the hearse in front of the dark limousine that mother and daughter boarded to have privacy and finally talk alone, the beta expressed her confusion.

“Jason wanted to invest with the Velaryons, but they always rejected him, Corlys Velaryon told him it wasn't worth it, I'm doing this for the sake of my family..." the silver hair woman replied calmly, looking out the tinted window, “if it's still my family for the next month…”

"Dear"

"It´s fine mother, I understand, I'll have to accept what he's going to do", she still didn't look at her and Alicent felt like she was dying, her daughter knew what her grandfather was up to and knew that her mother wouldn't protect her again, “only if he can”.

Before Alicent could ask what she meant the hearse stopped, it was time, they had to give Jason Lannister a proper burial and her daughter had to do something that no wife should do, that no wife should see or feel, losing her husband in such a short time and be left alone, unprotected in that horrible world.

The funeral was beautiful, great words of consolation from the Lannister family, twin brother and widow, there were many truly crying and others hypocritically, the farewells were prolonged by each guest, and she found herself searching for her daughter in the large crowd without success, ten minutes had passed, and she couldn't see her tall daughter's hair adorned by the veil anywhere.

“Maybe she left”, Aegon say drunken, a glass of wine in his hand and he was swaying a little, “or she must be hidden so that no one sees her, you know how Aemma is, she doesn't like to be seen crying”.

"She wouldn't leave. It's her husband's funeral and it would be disrespectful!" she yelled at her son as she walked away from the crowd, desperate to find her, "you're right, she must be devastated and doesn’t want anyone to see her like that, help me find her”.

With a snort, her eldest son followed her to find the alpha widow that only the seven would know where she was hidden so that they would not see her in such a terrible state.

-

Muffled moans and the lascivious sound of two mouths colliding with each other were the only things that could be heard in the limousine, gloved hands caressing the naked body in front of her in desperation, after all they didn't have much time and at any moment they would be interrupted, it would be a great scandal that the she-alpha no longer cared about, in that moment.

“Auntie, please”, with a string of saliva joining their tongues, big brown eyes looked at her, “I'm so wet”.

“You are, I can smell you”.

“Aemma, please”, pushing her a little to raise his legs on the seat and show in all his splendor his pussy that was dripping slick, all red from the torture that the alpha gave him with her fingers minutes before, “I need your cock”.

“Aren't you a needy slut spreading your legs for a widow at her husband's funeral?, bad Lucy”, slapping the pussy in front of her and making the omega squeal with pleasure, Aemma crouched down and knelt on the ground upholstery of the limousine, "we can't, not now at least, but I can eat this delicious cunt, will you explain to your mother, our family and all the guests what an omega does by offering himself to a poor alpha devastated by the death of her alpha?"

“Yes, yes, yes I will”, he spoke desperately pushing his hips, Aemma smiled and kissed his swollen clit superficially, “AEMMA!”

“Shhh…they will hear us”, with one hand she opened his lips and felt her dick begin to grow in her dress as the entrance opened and closed, desperate to feel full, “don't grab me by my hair, I won't be able to fix it, and everyone will know what we did”.

She didn't give him time to respond and stuck out her tongue to lick his pussy from bottom to top, stopping at the clit to pull it gently with her teeth. Lucerys moaned loudly and clung to the seat following her aunt's orders, quick with her soft hand his aunt covered his mouth, a muffled scream came from the omega's throat as he felt the she-alpha suck hard on his red bud.

"I told you to be quiet, understand?", using her alpha voice, she made Lucerys become self-conscious and nod slowly, she withdrew her hand, spitting at his entrance inserting two fingers and the brunette quickly covered his mouth, moving his hips looking for more contact, offering himself before her, opening his legs impossibly wider, “good omega, tomorrow you can have my knot and mark, would you like that?”

Crystal-clear eyes with tears of pleasure answered what the omega wanted to say, his eyes shouting a clear yes, fuck me alpha made her return to her task of torturing her nephew's sweet cunny, her inner alpha howled with happiness for finally having her omega at her side and savoring his delicious slick, her tongue melted into his inner walls and her nose collided with his clitoris, caressing it, she felt the omega's body tremble from the pleasure he felt.

She also felt her erection throb desperately, four years of sexual frustration of having to tolerate the kisses, caresses, and knot of an alpha like Jason Lannister took their toll, she felt like she would come at any moment, she squeezed her legs trying to please herself. She couldn't fuck her nephew, she wouldn't stop until she destroyed Lucerys' tight pussy, she wouldn't stop until she was satisfied with the sexual frustration that she had carried throughout her marriage, she wished so much that she didn't care what everyone thinks of her and she didn't plan on risk Lucerys, now that she finally had him where she wanted him.

This time her grandfather would not interfere in her plans, not with a soon pregnant omega, when the funeral was over and both went to her home she would fuck him in the mouth, in his tight pussy and ass until dawn, she would knot him as much as she wanted, would make him fat with her pup and mark him, but for now, she would be happy with just using her mouth to please Lucerys.

-

“AEMMA! Where you been?!”, the beta woman strode over to her daughter, looked her up and down, “Are you okay?”

The alpha had her hair perfectly combed, but her dress was wrinkled, and her face was a mess, her eye makeup was smeared, and she wasn't wearing her red lipstick, her eyes were even a little red.

“No, my husband is dead, how am I going to be okay?”, she licked her lips, avoiding looking at her, “is done, I'm going home, please say goodbye to everyone for me, I feel bad”.

“I'm going with you, Aegon go to your grand-”

“I want to be alone, mother”, she interrupted her dryly, Alicent looked at her daughter in surprise, “before I have to get married again”.

“Aemma…”, trying to hug her and being cruelly rejected again, her hands were trembled, “tomorrow I'll go see you, I'll bring you something to eat”.

“I think you know what I trying to say, mother, I want to be alone for a few days”, she murmured annoyed, her older brother opened his eyes surprised by the attitude of the apple of his mother's eye, “I'll call you if I need anything or if I feel alone, thank you”.

Still without looking at her, she called the driver and headed to the parking lot that was far from the chapel and the pantheon, alpha and beta watched the silver hair widow walk away and get in limo when the man opened the door for her, the older woman knew that this was what she deserved, she let her father use her children like her, she let them be victims of Otto Hightower and she never lifted a finger, if her daughter did not want to see her for now, she would understand, she would give her daughter the peace she couldn't have a single minute of her life when she was 16 and pregnant.

She can only pray for her daughter and secretly hope that she will run away, like her young self-had planned so many times when Aegon was born, taking her baby, and fleeing away from the clutches of her husband and father. Now it was just an old dream, and she hoped her daughter could forgive her, like she still tried to do with her father.

English is not my first language, RESPECTFUL comments are accepted

[jimblejamblewritings]

snow falls hot | part 1.

Summary: (Y/N) Snow isn’t a Snow at all. She’s a Targaryen— Rhaegar’s child. Taken in by the Starks, she leads her life as another on of Ned’s bastards. Will she be able to live in Westeros comfortably? More importantly, does she have any ambition to see herself one day on the Iron Throne?

Warnings: in this part none but this is game of thrones so… specific parts will get specific warnings though

Pairing: robb stark x reader

Word Count: 5k

(Series Masterlist)

“Lady Stark, your son is—”

A very young Robb Stark ran into the bed chamber before the maid could finish her sentence.

“Mother—” Robb stopped as he watched you and Catelyn Stark scramble to hide what you were doing.

“(Y/N)?”

Catelyn Stark grabbed a young five year old Robb. “You must swear to not tell anyone what you saw, Robb. On (Y/N)’s life it is important you never say a word.”

That was the day Robb Stark learned (Y/N) Snow was not a Snow, not his father’s second bastard child along with his brother Jon. That the honorable Ned Stark didn’t sleep with the two whores at a brothel one night when they had one a major battle and ended up getting them both pregnant like he said he did— one of the women having darker skin than they were used to seeing in Westeros.

That was the day Robb learned the two bastards didn’t share the same name day, you were born several months— almost an entire year before Jon. You weren’t even a Northerner. You were a Targaryen. The last surviving Targaryen, only living daughter of Rhaegar Targaryen and a woman that no one knew if she was still alive. Rhaegar knew his fate was sealed when the rebellion of Robert Baratheon started over Lyanna Stark. He could do nothing for Elia and his other children but he went back for you. You were hidden away in the Tower of Joy where Rhaegar was keeping Lyanna Stark.

At his dying sister’s command, Ned didn’t harm the child but took her with him. A raven was sent to Rhaegar’s last known relative, Maester Aemon at the Wall. The Wall was no place for a child. Castle Black couldn’t take care of a baby. So it was agreed between him, his wife, and Master Aemon that since a babe was not responsible for the acts of her father— Rhaegar never even earned a chance to rule the Seven Kingdoms, you would be raised as Ned’s second bastard.

No one could understand how Catelyn had love for one bastard but couldn’t bring herself to love Jon. Winterfell assumed it was because until Sansa, you were the only girl. The only problem the Starks ever had was the blonde hair, undeniably Targaryen. It was fine when you were a toddler, but as you reached true childhood questions would be asked. Maester Luwin scoured the books of Winterfell, any knowledge he had from the Citadel to find a solution. The strong dyes for their cloths, the only thing that could stain the Targaryen hair and keep it stained for good.

“What are you doing to her hair?” Robb asked. He watched as your blonde hair turned into the famous Stark black color.

~~

Septa Mordane smiled at your finished needlepoint. You were dismissed leaving a happy Sansa and very annoyed Aria to continue their work. You walked through the courtyard of Winterfell until you found the Stark boys. Robb gave you a smile as you approached. The two of you were practically twins, two sides of the same coin. The only person Robb could never beat was Jon— you and Robb might have shared your secret but you and Jon had the bond of bastard children. Especially with how Catelyn treated him, Jon needed someone growing up that was always on his side whether he was right or not. You sat on top of a barrel, letting little Rickon sit on your lap, as you watched Bran practice archery. Jon and Robb laughed when Bran missed; you tried to hide your snickering behind Rickon.

“Go on, Bran. Father’s watching,” Jon encouraged. “And your mother.”

This time you didn’t laugh when Bran missed, you could see how he was becoming increasingly frustrated. Robb and Jon made no attempts to hide their amusement. You reached over Jon to hit Robb for laughing— an indignant look crossed his face as he realized you didn’t scold Jon for laughing.

“And which one of you was a marksman at ten?” Ned shouted down to his children from where he and Catelyn were watching up above. “Try once more Bran.”

“Loosen up your bow arm,” Robb offered up the advice.

You cheered when an arrow zipped past you and landed on the bullseye until you noticed Bran’s arrow was still notched in his bow. You looked behind him to see Arya. She smiled in surprise that she had actually made it. You laughed as Bran threw down his bow angrily and started to chase Arya. The mood of the courtyard was cheerful until a messenger ran in.

“Lord Stark! They’ve caught the deserter.”

You scooped up Rickon. The rest of the boys would go with Ned; but, an execution was no place for a six year old. You released Rickon to his mother and went to saddle your horse. Ned walked over to you with a raised brow.

“I’m going with you and the boys, and don’t say I can’t because I’m a woman or lie that I’m too young. I’m almost Robb’s age, almost an adult. Jon just turned my age and you let him go. Even Bran is going and he is ten, Papa.”

Ned smiled— a glint in his eyes. You only called him Papa when you wanted something, usually opting for Father or Lord Stark. You pulled your shoulders back to try and appear larger. The defiance of a Targaryen was plain as day to him. Ned grabbed your saddle from your arms and strapped it around the horse without another word. With excitement, you raced out of the stables to where the boys were— Bran on a pony instead of a large horse like the rest of you.

The deserter was brought out to a field far away from the castle grounds of Winterfell. You all hopped off of your horses. The deserter began spewing what you could only describe as nonsense as he talked of white walkers and dead things coming back to life. While you heard Jon tell Bran not to look away because Ned was watching, you quickly realized an execution was not a place for you despite wanting to prove your place in Winterfell.

The large, almost too large, sword in Ned’s hand started its downward path. You tucked your face into the boy closest to you, Theon. He gently rubbed your back at your sharp intake of breath and patted you twice when it was over. You made a point not to gasp as you saw the head separated from his body. It was over. There was nothing more for you all in the field and it was time to head back.

“What is that?”

The others squinted at what you were pointing to so far away from them. You always had the keenest eyes and could spot something from a mile away. The object in the road you had been pointing to was a dead stag upon closer inspection. Everyone got off their horses, following Ned’s lead because he wanted to see what had killed the creature. It didn’t take too long. Theon called everyone over to a large and very dead direwolf. There was part of the stag’s antler and it was apparent both creatures ended up not surviving their encounter with each other.

Barking drew everyone’s attention and Theon held up a pup. Without much thought, you held out your arms. Theon obliged and dropped the pup into your arms. The older men were debating what to do— wanting to end the pups now. Give them a mercy kill instead of them dying from the cold and starvation. You looked at Robb and Jon with large, sad eyes as you bounced the pup in your arms. Jon looked at the wolf pup in your arms and then at the others he could see.

“Lord Stark,” he spoke up. “There seem to be five wolves. You have five children, trueborn.”

Jon quickly added the last part after seeing Bran and Robb’s faces. They didn’t like when you and Jon separated yourselves from the rest of them. You thought it was pointless, especially with the way you looked. At least Jon closer resembled them— and actually was Ned’s son.

“A direwolf is not a pet,” one of the men said.

Ned and the other men thought about Jon’s words more and debated. You brought them all to your attention as you yelped when the direwolf bit your hand. You assured them that you were okay and they laughed a bit at Theon’s comment about the irony of a direwolf not taking to a Stark.

“It’s because I’m a Snow. I think this one wants you instead.”

You dropped the direwolf in Robb’s arms where it seemed to calm down greatly. Ned conceded that the wolf pups could come back with you all. The pups were scooped up, a smaller sixth one found underneath the others and given to Jon. He tried to hand you the pup but you shook your head.

“Are you sure? I don’t hav—”

“It’s fine Jon. The direwolf is yours.”

Ned smiled as he watched the two of you and patted your shoulder. His hand guiding you through the forest. You broke from his grasp and before the others could open their mouths, your skirts were in your hands as you ran a little bit. With a grin you turned back to face them. The men gasped in a sort of disbelief. There was another pup in your arms, jet black that it blended with the shadows of the forest floor.

“Mine.”

That was the only word you muttered not that there were any protests. The other Stark children were overjoyed when you returned with the direwolves. Each claimed one for their own, each wolf with a unique name.

“What will you name yours?” Sansa asked as Lady sat at her feet.

“I don’t know. How about you name her?”

If her smile could grow larger, it would. Sansa felt special whenever you asked for her advice. It made her feel good that her older sister needed her. Sansa thought deeply about a name that would fit both you and your direwolf. She decided on Godswood after the place that you were most often found in Winterfell.

~~

“Godswood, let’s go.”

The pup, already quickly growing, followed behind you. The king was coming and everyone was getting ready. You were going to give Godswood a bath so she was presentable. This was your least favorite day as you stood next to Jon and Theon in the line behind the trueborn Starks. Every time you were near Robert Baratheon, you were worried that something would give you away. Nothing should have set him or anyone else off but it still made you nervous. Robb moved to stand as much in front of you as he could without it looking like he was hiding you on purpose. Catelyn nodded proudly at her eldest son.

It was better when the formalities had ended. A large feast was the perfect time to let loose without any qualms. A drunk Robert wouldn’t look twice your way. The Starks sat at the high table at the end of the hall with Robert and Cersei watching the party in front of them.

You weren’t at the same table as your siblings, being a bastard, but you were seated fairly close. Despite the separation, you weren’t lonely at all— switching between laughing with the family at your table and exchanging faces with your siblings. The music picked up and you and Theon were the first up. The whole of Winterfell cheered as the two of you wildly spun around the room and, before you knew it, everyone was up on their feet.

“That child is loved by all of the North,” King Robert said as he watched Robb tap Theon on the shoulder to switch places. “Have you found her a suitor?”

“She’s a Snow,” Ned started. “It isn’t exactly easy.”

Robert thought. “We should strengthen our houses nonetheless. Sansa and Joffrey, Arya and Tommen, Bran and Myrcella. (Y/N) should have a place too.”

“Her place is in Winterfell.”

“Robb and Rickon have Winterfell. Is she to be in her brothers’ keep forever? She’s a Stark to you in everything but name… there’s our answer.”

Ned, Catelyn, and Cersei’s eyes wandered to where Robert had stared. In place of Robb was Jaime Lannister, his hand momentarily leaving your waist as he spun you under his arm. The two women almost choked on their drink.

“Absolutely not. You want her to be with the Kingslayer?” Ned asked.

“Is she not young, Robert?” Cersei asked, Catelyn nodding frantically in response.

“You were younger than her when betrothed to me. Your brother hasn’t taken up a wife, he’s too married to his title to care about the title of another. A Snow is a Snow but that one is a Stark and it’ll do him good to be attached to one. Besides, now the Lannisters have a tie here as well under your own banner. Be grateful.”

There was no point arguing more. Robert was now annoyed with Cersei that anything Ned and Catelyn said would not make a difference. Instead the couple shared worried looks before returning back to the scene in front of them. You were smiling largely as Jaime attempted to keep up with the fast pace dancing of the North.

“I think you’re doing a wonderful job, Sir Jaime.”

“I think you flatter me Lady Snow.”

You thanked him for the dance and left to find the one Stark you hadn’t seen the whole night. The night was cold and the slight wind bit at your face as you searched for Jon. Your Uncle Benjen rode off on his horse as you rounded the corner. You could hear the voices of Jon and Tyrion as you got closer. For once, Jon didn’t look happy to see you.

“Lady Stark thinks it inappropriate for one bastard to attend but has no problem letting another.”

You didn’t say anything back, instead choosing to sit on the fence next to where Tyrion had been standing. Jon was angry and he needed to vent. Even against you, you were always on his side. Tyrion eyed you, noting your choice to let Jon be upset. You didn’t appear sad one bit and he found himself wanting to defend. The two of them continued to talk and you continued to sit quietly.

“It doesn’t matter, anyway. None of it matters when I take the Black.”

You jumped up from your spot on the fence to approach him.

“You’re doing what? You can’t. You and I are children of Winterfell forever. I won’t let you leave me, I command that you don’t.”

Jon looked at you with sad eyes. He pulled you in for a hug, a quick kiss pressed to your hairline. He had made up his mind and nothing you could say would change it. You tried not to seem angry as you left Jon’s arms. Even in the morning, you were still upset as you and Godswood took a walk around the grounds.

“He’s an idiot, Godswood. A death wish. That’s all Jon has been after since we were seven, I swear. Summer?”

Bran’s direwolf ran up to you, barking madly. You and Godswood followed at Summer’s heels. Your screams echoed as you saw Bran lying there in the dirt, not moving. You scooped him up and ran into the castle shouting for Ned or Maester Luwin or anyone that was close enough to listen. It took them hours to pull you from Bran’s side even after Maester Luwin assured you that he would live. It wasn’t until you were reminded that you had to pack for your own journey with the other girls to King’s Landing that you left Bran’s room.

“Father?” You greeted Ned who had knocked on your door.

He entered with a small chest. Locking the door behind him, Ned set down the chest on the bed and unlocked it. He pulled back the layer of fabric and furs to reveal two large round stones. Carefully picking one up, Ned placed it in your hands.

“Lyanna said this was left for you and for… that you would know what to do when the time came.”

“What are they?”

“Fossils of dragon’s eggs. Your father left them for you.”

You stroked the stony egg and placed it back in the trunk before locking it. Giving Ned a hug, you whispered a thank you. It was hard for him to say anything about Rhaegar— you assumed it was because of what he did to Lyanna. In a last minute decision, when Ned had left the room, you took the egg fossils from the trunk and placed the fur they were wrapped in inside of your saddle bag.

Morning came and you spent it eating breakfast in Robb’s room— Catelyn would have had a fit if she knew you all had taken to eating in Robb’s room. Of course Sansa was eating in the hall, like a proper person. And Arya was nowhere to be found but neither was Jon so it was easily assumed they were together. So it was just you, Robb, Theon, and little Rickon eating the dry, plain, and hot breakfast of the North.

“I can’t believe you’re going with them,” Theon commented.

You shrugged.

“Father won’t tell me why. I suppose they want to make me a lady in waiting, Sansa will be married to Joffrey after all. It would do her well to have me with her.”

Robb made a gruff of disapproval. “I don’t like you or Sansa anywhere near that prince.”

Theon nodded in agreement. You all finished breakfast and left to where the traveling party had gathered outside. Reluctantly, Rickon allowed you to set him down on the ground. Theon hugged you tightly and let go with a nod of his head. Robb removed his large fur cloak and wrapped it around you.

“If you find King’s Landing too warm, send a raven. I’ll personally ride down and come get you myself, just say the word. I promise I’ll be there.”

Robb let go of you after you nodded in promise you would write to him. Years ago, after seeing the two of you as close as two people could possibly be, Ned considered telling the truth. Not that you were a Targaryen but that you weren’t his. Even Catelyn agreed, the two of them considered revealing you had no relation in order to promise you to Robb. He couldn’t remember what had caused them to delay and decide not to say anything but now he regretted it. Because you would be in Winterfell with a boy that knew your secret and could protect you instead of headed to King’s Landing to be with a man that was responsible for the death of more than one of your family members.

Instead of taking the carriage with Cersei, her children, Sansa, and Arya, you rode outside with the others. Robb lifted you onto your horse. Ned watched his eldest son squeeze your hand before letting go and stepping back. The ride felt too short as you already approached the fork in the road— one path to King’s Landing, the other to the Wall and Castle Black.

It was too soon to say goodbye to Uncle Benjen and Jon but you found that you had to. Quick goodbyes were given to Tyrion and Benjen while Ned talked to Jon. Even though it was best to stick to the schedule, none of the party dared to interrupt you and Jon’s moment.

“You aren’t allowed to die out there,” you said causing Jon to huff out a laugh.

“I will try not to.”

“I’m serious. The only thing allowed to kill you is time. I’ll kill you myself if I’ve found out you died. You come back to me Jon Snow, okay?”

Jon nodded and grabbed your arm— the best he could do for a hug when you both were on top of horses. You brought your horses closer. Fishing into your saddle bag, you took out the small bundle of fur holding one of the egg fossils and placed it in Jon’s saddle bag.

“What is it?”

“I wrote you a letter… you must promise to burn it after you read it.”

“What is—”

“Promise me, Jon.”

“I promise.”

Jon lifted the fur a little to see the egg in his bag and the letter right under it. He looked at it in confusion and then up at you.

“Thank you for the rock?”

“I just felt like you should have it. Father gave me two of them, there are only two of them in the world. I don’t know, I just wanted you to have the other. It feels like it belongs to you.”

“And you have the other?”

You nodded and patted your own bag. “It’s our gift only we have, no one else.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t give it to Robb then.”

“Us bastards have to stick together.”

That earned laughter from Jon. “This isn’t farewell, just goodbye. I promise you will see me again. Goodbye, Lady Snow.”

“Goodbye, Lord Snow.”

You watched Jon and Benjen’s horses stalk down the path headed towards Castle Black— his direwolf, Ghost, keeping pace next to him. You led your horse back to the group. With a smile to the others inside the carriage, you moved forward in front of everyone else.

“Do you know where you’re going girl?” Robert called out.

“Is the path to the South not just this straight line, Your Majesty?”

Robert’s hearty laugh at your response sent the others into laughter. Four of the knights pushed in front of you to lead the way. You stared out at the lands of the North until a horse and its rider, Jaime Lannister, started to walk next to you.

He reached out a hand and you almost pulled back when his fingers seemed to get closer— the Kingslayer was well known to you. But instead of pulling back, you let him brush his fingers against your face— more in shock at the action to begin with. Robert watched in satisfaction at what seemed to be the start of a connection, Ned watched with a frown on his face.

“You’ve been crying. Is that why you’ve pulled so far ahead?���

“I was hoping no one would notice.”

“They wanted me to bring you back closer to the carriage where it’s safer Lady Snow… if you aren’t done crying I guess I could stay up here with you. Robert can’t protest much to your safety.”

“I don’t know whether to thank you Sir Jaime or wonder if that was an insult.”

“What are the tears for? Most are excited to escape the North.”

“The only family I know is up here.”

“You seem dull up here in the cold. I heard your mother was from Dorne, isn’t the South more your speed?”

“The cold keeps me aware. I get too comfortable in the heat.”

“What is wrong with comfort?”

“Nothing. I just find it’s not something I seem to be afforded at the moment.”

“I don’t suppose you’re going to give me anything more?”

You stopped looking at Jaime and returned to looking at the North that you were slowly leaving behind. It was the same routine for days, much to Ned’s dismay. You would ride right behind the four knights, next to Jaime and then return to Ned and the other Starks when it was time to rest. The camp had approached the most prominent stop on the way to King’s Landing, the Crossroads Inn.

Everyone broke off to do their own thing. You watched Arya run off with the butcher’s boy whose name you were sure you heard that morning but couldn’t remember now— both of them carrying large wooden swords. Out of the corner of your eye, Joffrey took Sansa’s hand and the two of them started off. You scoffed at the sight.

“You could try to hide your disgust.”

Jaime laughed as you jumped from where you were sitting on a large rock. The egg fossil dropped from your hand and rolled to his feet. Godswood lifted his head from the piece of meat he had been chewing on, settling once again when he saw it was only the knight. Jaime handed you the egg back. You continued to rub the wet fabric back and forth over it, occasionally dipping the fabric in cups of water and vinegar.

“What is that?” Jaime asked.

“An egg fossil. A dragon’s egg, Father won it when he killed Rhaegar Targaryen.”

“A stone of a dragon’s egg…”

“It’s a shame, isn’t it? It’ll never be a dragon… Dragons in Westeros isn’t that a funny idea.”

Jaime laughed with you. He watched you dip the fabric in vinegar and go back to rubbing the egg.

“What exactly are you doing?”

“Well, some of the dirt chipped off the other day and you can see a bout of color peeking out. I’m trying to clean it. Maybe I’ll put it on my dresser or save it for Sansa as her wedding present.”

“I thought you didn’t approve of Sansa and Joffrey.”

“I don’t particularly care for your nephew but he makes my sister happy. So, that makes me happy… Sir Jaime?”

“Lady Snow?”

“If I were to ask you to teach me to defend myself with a sword, would you agree or think it unbecoming of a woman?”

“I would first ask what reason a lady wants to learn?”

“Arya went off with the butcher’s boy to learn. She seems to enjoy it, I want to know if it really brings someone that much happiness.”

Jaime walked off and for a moment you thought he would just leave or even worse tell Ned. Not that you thought Ned would disapprove but he would worry. When it concerned you, Ned always worried. But Jaime came back with two swords in hand. You smiled and set down the egg by Godswood who watched it like his life depended on it. Jaime stood straight and extended his arm holding the sword, you mimicked.

“Happiness is from whatever you deem to give you such a feeling.”

“Is this what makes you happy? Being a knight?” You mimicked every one of his moves.

“It was until that dreaded nickname… what about you?”

“Me?”

“Is happiness also something you aren’t afforded at the moment?”

“I’ve never really thought about it before. Family makes me happy. Taking care of little Rickon, keeping Sansa level headed. Being the little Lady of Winterfell.”

“I’m surprised. Wouldn’t a bastard revel in the little expectations of them?”

“I like ruling, the responsibility. Besides, Robb would lose his head without me to keep it on.”

“And what about Lord Stark now?”

“He has his mother still… and Theon, not as good as me but good enough.”

Conversation died and turned into merely instructions as Jaime showed you the most basic way to fight with a sword.

“I’ve heard of your keen eyes. You know arrows would probably fare you better.”

“I’ll consider it.”

Jaime was about to say something else when Sana ran past him and into you.

“Careful, sister! You could’ve run into the blade… what’s wrong?”

Ned came over to where you were, ignoring the Lannister’s presence and focusing only on you and his daughter. With a nod from Ned, you guided Sansa back to the inn. Godswood following behind you, carrying the egg gently in his mouth. Arguing was all that filled your ears as you entered the inn. Arya was about to lunge at Joffrey, barely held back by Ned. You listened to the argument of what happened between Joffrey who had apparently been bit by Arya’s wolf. Joffrey turned to a flustered Sansa who in turn looked at you.

You rubbed her back in comfort, knowing she had to choose between her sister and her intended. After giving her answer, Sansa looked to you again. You nodded at her— her answer was the most neutral she could possibly make it. Arya, however, was not satisfied at all and once again had to be pulled from lunging at her sister.

“Where’s the wolf?” Cersei asked.

“Ran off.”

“A punishment must be in suit, there is another wolf here.”

Sansa gasped. “Lady didn’t do anything! It isn’t her fault.”

“The one behind your sister.”

It was your turn to gasp. Shaking your head, you tried to say something. It wasn’t fair. Joffrey got himself in the situation and Nymeria wasn’t even there anymore. Why did your wolf or Sansa’s have to die in its place? Your eyes flitted to Ned. Jaime stepped up.

“Her wolf has been with us all day.”

“You’ve been with Lady Snow all day?”

“Just keeping her company. Her wolf shouldn’t have to pay when it was nowhere near the crime in question.”

“A wolf must die to serve out the punishment of the crime in question,” Cersei said through gritted teeth. “Would you rather it be the one of a trueborn Stark or a Snow?”

“Enough!” Robert yelled. “This is madness. The young girl was there, the wolf at the scene gets punished. Snow, take your sisters and your wolf and go rest.”

You grabbed Arya and led a struggling Sansa out of the dining hall. Godswood stayed very close to your body as you bounded out of the hall. Sansa cried in your arms. She denied your offer to give her Godswood and you suddenly felt bad. You weren’t a Stark by any name. The direwolf was not yours to claim and you still chose to sacrifice her wolf over your own. Arya quietly sat next to the two of you, her own silent way of apologizing for what she viewed as her fault.

(Part 2)...

[npcemi]

The long road of how starting a fight with superman over clone parenting eventually lead to Danny Phantom become God Chapter 8-10 Kidnapings and Plane rides

Link to master post

AO3

Dani, Sam, Tucker, Vlad, and Dani sat in the back section of one of Bruce's larger private jets. In his seat, the eldest halfa sat grumbling to himself, “What was that Vlad?” Danny asked...

“I said I could have at least flown in my own private jet!” Vlad nearly shouted.

“Do you have any idea how much fossil fuels that use, Do you have any Idea what that does to the earth, I can hear the green actively dying, I can hear the anguished cries from the spirits of dead flora, you’re lucky we’re using even one jet!” Sam said, signs of obsession starting to filter into her personality.

“Yes mom!” Vlad drawled being as sarcastic as possible. Dani went up to Tucker, “Father I’m tired can you make a bed.” Tucker used the scarab scepter to turn a group of seats into two California king mattresses pushed together.

“Okay, you all know the drill,” Tucker said.

“Yeah no for sure, one sec, Sam?”Danny said as Sam got up from her seat and grabbed some blankets from one of her carry-on suitcases.

“Danielle really,” Vlad asked only for Dani to look at him with supernaturally large puppy dog eyes.

“Fine.”

“Yay you’re the best.” She said as she dragged the last of her family to the bed when three flashes of light filled the room.

_____________________________________________________________________

“Babs, how many is it this time? Five, I don't think any of us.… Don’t get me wrong, I love Cass and Duke, but…” Jason turned to look Bruce directly in the eye, “I think there is a legal limit to how many kids you can adopt.”

“In my defense, I am not adopting any of them.” He replied,

“So they belong to the other billionaire we for some reason have to bring to Gotham.” Jason snarked, Jazz took the moment to mention that technically Vlad was Danny’s ‘son’. The crime lord looked like he was about to say something, stopped, tried to start again, and gave up. Barb began giggling that same harmonious laughter Jazz was beginning to enjoy greatly.

“Look, I gotta piss,” Jason said getting up to use the bathroom which was on the other end of the plane, just past the now-sleeping phantoms. He went to open the door and fell back screaming, “What in the HP Lovecraft is that?”

Jazz and Barb went over to help and saw what frightened the large man. There was a bed with several of the sleeping phantom family. The bed itself was guarded by what appeared to be green-glowing ghost jackals. The bed was lined with roses, and circling around the bed were two gyroscopic wheels covered in half-lidded eyes. In the bed were Sam, Tucker, Some kind of blue vampire, a small cat-like Lamia with white fur, and curling around all of the beings protectively was a lamia, a man thing with a giant flaming hole in its chest with massive wings that also had half-lidded eyes. If one listened closely they could hear three distinct pitches of cat-like purrs.

“Aww, they look so cute.” Jazz cooed softly before shutting

“Wha…what…cute…what... Just who are we flying into Gotham?” Jason stuttered, the eldest Fenton sister turned to look at Jason sympathetically, eyes soft.

“My brother, his partners, and children. Sorry, when they do Danielle asks for the cuddle pile they all like to be in their ghost forms, it’s a security thing.”

“You expect me to believe those are the same kids, the same Wayne adoption bait we picked up in Illinois?” He asked, still breathing heavily from the previous scare.

“Yes,” Barb and Bruce said.

“Yeah, The vampire-looking one is Plasmius or Vlad Masters as you know him aka Danny’s second child (he’s adopted), The big one is Danny, you know Sam and Tucker, and the little one doing her best to imitate her daddy is Danielle. The wheels are actually an extension of her core. She’s a spirit of safe travels and a patroness for the mirror born. Why do you think this flight has gone so smoothly?” Jazz said with a smile on her face which Barb found contagious and mirrored her smile.

“So we aren’t in a plane with biblically accurate angels?” Jason joked feeling a bit calmer now.

“Well that’s a little racist, Vlad is best described as an Upiór, and Danny and Danielle are now more classed as primordial spirits being more embodiments of a concept rather than something as mundane as those lesser spirits in a myth called angels, which are really no different than gods like Zeus. If you have to-- you can call them completely different species.” Jazz attempted to tease but she got caught up in an info dump. She went red at the embarrassment but Barb rubbed her hand reassuringly.

“I’m guessing I won’t be able to go to the bathroom then?” Jason said, peering through the doorway at the multitude of half-lidded eyes daring him to interrupt the family’s sleep.

“Probably not….”

“It’s fine, I can sneak a leak after we land, it's a bit of a drive from the airport to the mansion.”

It was in fact, not fine. As soon as they landed a bunch of goons dressed and were on the runway getting ready to board the plane. Danny, Dani, and Vlad were about to jump into action and phase through when Danny spotted a green stick note on the back of one of the goons that went unnoticed by the rest of the crew.

“Oh, you gotta be fucking kidding me!” He said as Vlad, who was cracking his neck getting ready for the fight, asked him what the issue could be. Danny pointed out the plane window at the note.

“Butter biscuits, Clockwork better have a point to all of this…” Vlad muttered as the Phantoms detransformed. Danny had his sister and partners hide. The goons were rather efficient having somehow caught Jason mid bathroom break and locked him in there; barb wasn’t much of a threat at that moment. The goons, thinking Dani and Danny were Wayne children took them, Bruce, and got a bonus billionaire in Vlad as hostages. They had sacks thrown over their heads and drove off.

About fifteen minutes later they were all tied to chairs and the sacks on their heads ripped off to reveal the Riddler and Joker. Riddler with his cane and Joker with a crowbar. Danny was about to go after the clown, it was a clown and it was his right.

“Daniel!” Vlad reminded him of what Clockwork had said in his note. Danny relaxed against his ropes and muttered, "it wouldn’t be worth it anyway."

“What was that?” Joker asked irritated.

“He said that it wouldn't be worth it to beat your butt, I mean where did you two get your costumes spirit Halloween?” Dani laughed

“Dani question mark guy's outfit is clearly self-made, no self-respecting clothes designer would make an outfit covered in question marks. Everyone knows the rule about one tasteful symbol.” Vlad snorted.

“Well, Joker’s outfit is so clearly off the rack,” Danny said as the two supervillains were getting more irritated. Joker took the time to hit Danny with the crowbar causing Bruce to flinch.

“Clearly the only thing funny about you is your outfit.” Danny spat back.

“Maybe I can recommend you two a better tailor,” Vlad smirked.

“No helping supervillains remember you’re reformed.” Danny chided, Vlad rolled his eyes and replied, “They don’t even have powers, I’d hardly call them super anything.”

One of the goons having enough and trying to impress his bosses picked Dani up in an aggressive manner, “Yea well what if I harm the little princess over here!” He growled. He went to look at Dani, whom he was expecting to see a frightened little girl. He in fact was looking into pitch-black eyes and a literal shark tooth grin.

“Hi,” The Goon stumbled back dropping her chair, dropping back to the ground.

“Oof!”

“D…De…Dem...Demon!” He sputtered out crawling away. Dani tilted her head to the side, her eyes the normal blue for everyone to see.

“That’s a little racist.” She said in a sweet innocent voice.

“Yeah man, just because you see something spooky doesn’t mean it’s a demon,” Danny said,

“Yeah, it could be a ghost.” Dani snickered,

“Or a vampire!” Danny nudged Vlad who scowled,

“Bruce, help, we’re surrounded by juvenile morons,” Vlad complained only for Bruce to say he understood his pain. Joker scowled, “Where are the bats, they should be by now right?”

“I don’t know, do I look like the master of time?” Riddler snarked back,

“No,” Dani, Danny, and Vlad all said automatically.

“You know the master of time?” Bruce asked only for Danny to look at him with a raised eyebrow.

“Right.”

“He doesn’t even have the staff!” Dani said,

“Or the Scar.” Danny nodded,

“Or speak in inane cryptic riddles.” Vlad also nodded.

“Hey, I speak riddles!” The riddler interjected as Danny laughed,

“Your riddles come from the first five search results on Google!” Riddler stormed out of the room.

“Unless you all want to end up in a shallow grave.” Joker threatened, however, he did not get the response he expected.

“Really, I get a grave!?” Dani grinned, Danny raised his hand not realizing he just phased it out of the ropes, “While you’re handing out graves.”

“I, too, would not be opposed…” Vlad said surprisingly sheepishly. The Joker looked directly at Bruce giving him a ‘what the fuck’ look. This is not how this normally goes,

“Any clue on when the bats or birds will get here?” The clown said, still looking directly at Bruce.

“I’m not sure what’s holding them up,” Bruce said as Joker stormed out of the room.

“I guess that’s a no on the graves,” Vlad said trying not to sound disappointed.

“I don’t get a grave?” Danielle started tearing up, so Danny phased through the ropes and gave her a hug. Vlad also Phases out of his bindings and puts a reassuring hand on Danielle's back and gently rubs. Bruce silently was wondering what his life became.

____________________________________________________________________________________

“What do you mean all of the bat vehicles, planes, and boats are out of gas!?” Jason screamed.

“It's like I said, Todd!” The voice from off-screen on Jason’s phone replied.

“And the EVs?”

“No charge, We just got gas, we’re on our way with your gear,” Tim said,

“Just hurry up.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Danielle was still crying when Danny had an Idea.

“Hey Dani, since it looks like this is a self-rescue, how about you fight the bad guys.” Dani looked at her father skeptically.

“You and Vlad won't interfere?”

“You remember how to seal souls into the ghost ice right?” Dani nodded at his question.

“Then yep, this will be one hundred percent on your own, just remember to grab the clown’s soul.” He said forming a crystal of ghost ice.

“Yep, I remember what Papa wrote in the note, we need it as a gift for the revenant.” She nodded and transformed.

_______________________________________________________________________________

That same night on a rooftop in Metropolis Superman flew down to find a bunch of men in white suits by a big “S” signal light.

“A signal is more Batman’s thing.” He said,

“Well, this was the best way to get a hold of you.”

“What do you want?” The man of steel asked, The agents went on to say they knew about his fight against a phantom and were offering to help develop weapons so he could fight the ghost menace better. It would take some time but they could do it. That made sense so he agreed. Especially after they told him phantom attacked a random family in Illinois and rendered the parents believe they were three years old and kidnaped or killed their two kids and two of their son’s friends. Just as he was about to fly off, they mentioned one more thing,

“We were working with the Fentons at the time, and they managed to capture Phantom for a bit, however, according to them he is now taking the form of a small girl with white hair. “ They pulled out a tablet and showed a video of a small girl with white hair, green eyes, and the Phantom symbol on a black hazmat suit. Superman thanked them for the info and went patrol Metropolis.

Jason, Barb, Sam, Tucker, Tim, and Damian were all gearing up getting ready to look for where the rest of the Phantoms and Bruce were located. Barb was using a laptop to go over possible locations. However, Tim noticed Sam, Tucker, and Jazz were a little too calm.

“Danny get kidnaped often?” he asked.

“Why do you ask?’ Sam snapped.

“You all seem awfully calm…” Tim accused. Jason put a hand on his shoulder and told him to let it go, “No, Bruce said these kids and one of the scummiest billionaires alive were the highest priority and I don’t get why!?”

“Wow, and I thought Dash had anger issues.” They all turned to see fourteen-year-old Danny Fenton.

“Danny!” Jazz, Sam, and Tucker went and hugged him,

“Hey guys”’ He smiled as Tim and Jason stood in surprise and their jaws on the floor.

“Sooo, how’s the kidnapping going?” Jazz sing songed.

“Pretty good, got to make fun of this clown and some dude with a question mark kink. Not too happy about that last bit. Danielle is a little young to be exposed to some dude running around in a skintight leotard with a boner.” Danny frowned before smiling again, “But she did get to use scary eyes on some goon…” He was cut off by some shorter-than-danny spiky-haired kid dressed like a traffic light bursting through red robin and Red Hood.

“How are you here?” The kid demanded.

“I’m the ancient of space kid, anywhere there is the concept of space, or space itself I or a copy of myself can be.” The Kid scowled,

“So on top of teleportation, super strength, energy beams, sonic attacks, summoning stars, black holes, and some kind of eldritch form, are you basically omnipresent?”

“No, I won't be omnipresent until I die fully, something about the human body not being able to properly contain that much ectoplasm.” all three bats looked at him like he was insane, he was just glad they didn't need to go over all of his abilities because they didn't even really scuff the surface.

“Anyway I gotta get going, Vlad and I are letting Danielle beat these so-called supervillains to a pulp, oh, and Revenant we’ll have a present for you when you meet us at the warehouse,��� Danny said as he faded out of existence. Barb started typing on her laptop knowing they were at a warehouse and there were only a few that matched the needs of the kidnapers and was listed as taking on some of the villain forums.

“So he let himself get kidnaped?” Tim asked.

“Yes….” Sam said unable to make eye contact.

“Why?”

“The ways of the ancients are all-knowing and mysterious,” Sam said,

“There’s no point in fighting it, just stand by, watch, and trust the process .” Tucker continued.

“And everything will be as it should.” Jazz finished.

“Soooo, you have no idea,” Jason said,

“Nope,” the three liminals of the phantom family replied.

____________________________________________________________________________________

The Joker and the Riddler were in another room wondering who the hell they just kidnapped. Bruce was one thing. His “secret” identity wasn’t much of a secret. No one cared, it was part of the game. Joker knew that better than anybody. Why ruin the fun, which is exactly what these three additional hostages were doing? They didn't behave right. If he was being honest it was kind of interesting.

“Having fun Jack?” The joker heard a soft gentle female voice call out to him. They didn’t hire any female goons. He turned to see a young, attractive, slim woman of average height in her early to mid-20s. She has very pale skin, dark eyes, long jet-black hair, and has an Eye of Horus painted under one of her eyes. She was dressed like an 80’s Goth Rocker and had a large ankh pendant.

“Who are you?”

“You know who I am, Jackson William Napier.” His eyes went wide at the name he hadn’t used in almost two decades.

“You okay?” Riddler asked Joker, clearly unable to see the woman.

“Yes,” Joker snapped, throwing a chair at the riddler.

“Relax, I am not here for you today.” The woman smiled.

“Then why are you here?” The clown prince of crime’s eyes narrowed.

“Why don't we go say hi to our friends in the other room.” She gestured toward the main section of the warehouse. He yelled for the Riddler to follow him. When they made it to the large warehouse space he noticed that the little girl was missing. He was about to demand where she was when a large voice boomed its way through the space, he nearly needed to cover his ears.

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I am a merciful spirit. Lay down your weapons and surrender and you will remain unharmed.” He turned his head upward to look in the direction of the voice and saw the unbelievable.

The girl they had kidnaped was floating mid-air surrounded by gyroscopic wheels covered in eyes. Her hair was now snow white. She wore pure white Grecian armor. She had two wings that looked like they were made of the night sky. A silver tiara that held a gem the color of Pluto floated above her head.

The look on her face seemed disappointed, “Dad my shadows aren’t eating anything yet!” She whined, surprisingly still childish.

“That will happen when you get older, honey you’re still under a millennium old..” The teenage boy said with a surprisingly proud grin.

He looked to see all the goons and Riddler bowing to whatever that thing was,

“Nygma what the hell.”

“I signed up to fight Batman and his Flock, not whatever the fuck that is!”

Joker scowled and saw the pale black-haired woman from earlier, walk over to one of the goons and help him up. She said something to him before the goon loudly complained, “I only did this because my wife just got fired and we need the extra income, what’s going to happen to them now?” The woman turned to look at the teenage boy they had kidnapped, “Your Highness?” The boy looked at her and the goon. “Everything will work out, you know that…” Was his reply to the woman who frowned slightly, “You are far too often in the presence of Time.”

“You should visit, he says he gets lonely, I can’t be the only one to keep him entertained.” The boy smiled.

“Perhaps I will consider the request. It has been a while since I have visited Time. Maybe I should visit him.” The woman said as she and the goon calmly walked out of the warehouse. Joker turned to look back at the goons who still bowed, except for one.

The Goon that had walked out with that woman, was still there in the room, dead on the floor.

“So are we going to stand around all day or are we going to fight?” The childish voice said in the Joker’s ear before he was launched across the warehouse with a swift kick to the gut.

Where did she come from was all he could think as he saw the white-haired girl calmly walking towards him. He didn't take this sitting down like some dog. He threw a joker grenade at the girl who blocked and redirected it back at him with one of her wings. He jumped out of the way, picking up the crowbar he dropped along the way.

“You aren’t the first kid I’ve killed in this warehouse and you won't be the last!” He growled, swinging his crowbar only for Dani to slip out of the way and push him into a wall, he used his acid flower. It was a direct hit, however, the now skeletal-faced girl was still coming after him. She brought her arm up and summoned an Xiphos that looked like it was going to crumble apart. It was black with red cracks that radiated heat. He barely dodged the slash and rolled out of the way only for the room to become momentarily filled with fire.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Now in Gotham Propper, the rescue crew was still having trouble locating everyone who was abducted. Barb, now in her Batgirl exoskeleton, was still on her tablet working overtime. However, their prayers were answered when a massive crescent of fire exploded out of the sides of one of the warehouses dissipating into the sky. Everyone had a flat expression.

“I’m guessing they’re at that building,” Robin said.

“Yep.” Everyone responded.

“Of course, it has to be that warehouse,” Redhood said as the remaining members of the Phantom family noticed the rise in his ectoplasm levels. They asked if he was okay.

“No, but I’ll live.”

“Is it the Pits?” Red Robin asked.

“Yeah…”

“Pits, you mean the rise in his ecto plasma levels?” Jazz asked.

“What?” Tim and Jason asked.

“You’re liminal, you have high levels of ectoplasm. I’d say you're death-leaning like us.” Sam said as Jason got in her face only to feel Jazz pull him away.

“Look, I get that for some reason that warehouse is triggering some kind of revenge obsession and your emotions are high, but if you’re going to be any help you need to regulate your emotions.” She said,

“RedHood control his emotions?” Batgirl snorted.

“What do you mean?” Tim cut in, Jazz sighed not wanting to have this conversation right now, however, it looked like things on her brother's end were going fine so she decided it was best to explain. She turned to Jason,

“You’re a death-leaning liminal. Like Sam, Tucker, and I. You have strong ghostly attributes that will leak into your physicality as well as your mentality. You have an obsession centered around revenge and justice. I know this because my own obsession with knowing, understanding, and helping people makes me a really strong empath.

For you, I'm assuming better stealth skills, enhanced durability, enhanced speed, strength, etc. However, this also means any emotion you experience is multiplied by a factor of a thousand or more. Meaning if you don’t work through any issues or don't regulate your emotions you may find them controlling you in a way. “

“Are you talking about the Pit madness?” Jason asked.

“Pit madness? What, no, there is no madness. You just fucking need therapy!” Jazz exasperated to a stunned group of bats and birds.

“Let's get going before Danielle burns down Gotham,” Sam said, ushering Tucker into the assault vehicle, he was followed by Red Robin, Robin, Jason who was basically pushed in by Sam, And finally Bat Girl who led Jazz into the vehicle hand in hand. Sam got in the driver's seat and sped off.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Joker barely dodged the slash and rolled out of the way only for the room to become momentarily filled with fire. When the fire dissipated there was a giant hole shaped like a half-moon in the warehouse that was glowing a molten orange. He started to run away only to run into Dani’s elbow. He fell to the ground covering his now bleeding nose. He noticed she no longer looked skeletal

He activated traps that would have attacked her from behind, but her existence blurred out of the way before reforming.

“What made you think all the eyes are just cosmetic?” She said pointing to the rotating wheels that never seemed to be in her way, but flowed effortlessly around her.

“You know, let's play another time, bye Brucie.” He said turning around and trying to run away only for Dani to run her hand right through his chest. She followed him to the ground and phased her arm out of him. He suddenly felt extremely cold.

Dani turned around to face her father, brother, and Bruce with a large grin declaring she was done. Danny untied Bruce and they all tied up the goons, riddler, and Joker. Who looks ready to kill Bruce,

“No metas in gotham?” The clown spat.

“They aren’t metas.” Bruce said.

“What the fuck are they?” Riddler demanded

Dani, Danny, and Vlad turned to face the Riddler and in sync said, “We’re ghosts.” And to the eyes of Edward Nygma, all three were for that moment in their true ghost forms. They all then walked over to the body of the goon who had died. Bruce mentioned something about a no-killing rule.

Danielle found a tarp and covered the body. She appeared to be looking at something and muttered something under her breath before looking at Bruce.

“It was his time, he would have had that heart attack whether we were here or not.” She said softly and continued,

“At least she was here to comfort and guide him, with the ectoplasm from all three of us, along with the abnormally high ambient levels he wouldn’t have moved on properly.”

“Who?” Joker asked, praying his suspicions were wrong.

“Death,” Danielle said, proving his suspicions depressingly correct.

“And how would you know he was meant to die, he was a good man!” One of the goons yelled.

“His name was in the ledger.” Dani covered her mouth as soon as she spoke. She knew only the ancients and the royal family knew about the ledger. For some reason unknown to her and her family she is also one of three spirits who can read the ledger. Something not even her father could do. When she asked Clockwork about it, until she was born only death and time could read it.

“Danielle!” Danny chided his daughter.

“You mortals will never speak another word of the ledger!” Danny’s voice echoed unnaturally loud through the warehouse and every mortal's soul. He looked at Bruce who looked like he had some questions,

“Let's just say for a reason only Ancients know why, she has some unique abilities when it comes to death.” Bruce nodded, understanding that was all he was going to get. All three stood around until Red Hood, Robin, Bat Girl, Red Robin, Sam, Tucker, and Jazz who was armed with a Fenton Anti-Creep Stick burst through the door. Only to be disappointed that the fight was over.

“How did she do?” Sam asked.

“Phantastic!” Danny grinned as Danielle leaped into Sam’s arms yelling “Mommy” as she nuzzled into the woman. The vigilantes called the GCPD for the pick up and they all got back into the assault vehicle. In the vehicle, Dani gave Redhood a purple green, and white crystal saying it was a gift from the royal family as thanks for letting them stay in the city.

“Thanks?” He said slowly.

“That’s one half of the Joker’s soul. Anything that Crystal experiences he will.” She smiled.

“So if I shoot it?”

“He will experience the pain of being shot.” Jason grinned at this, then frowned

“Does this mean as long as this crystal exists he will not be able to die?”

“No, while it may be impossible to destroy the crystal, it will crumble to dust when it is his time,” Dani reassured him.

“And when will that be?” Jason said, eyes glowing. Danielle looked to see her father glaring at her.

“I couldn’t tell you, just know basically that gives you the ability to torture him whenever you like. It’s like a supernatural stress ball.” She said as Bruce sighed in disappointment. Jason however grinned like a madman and began poking the crystal with one of his knives.

“I think I’m going to like this gift.”