#my big orbs bring all the boys to the yard

[jokertrap-ran]

(光与夜之恋 Light and Night) Charlie’s 6✩ Inspiration: Midsummer’s Gilt [仲夏鎏金] Date Translation (END 4: Listen)

“Why do you have your eyes closed again? Sleepy? Go ahead and take a nap then. Remember to dream of me.”

*Light and Night Master-list | Charlie’s Personal Masterlist *Spoiler free: Translations will remain under cut *Join the Light & Night Discord (＾▽＾)~ ♪ *6✩ Inspirations have 6 Endings!! *Charlie’s tag will be #For Night, For Paradox

✥ Choice: Listen [倾听] ❖ASMR

What should I do? How should we spend the rest of the time?

⊹ Ask him if there's anything he wants to do ⊹

Thinking about it now, I still feel like it'll be better if I let Charlie decide what he wants to do instead of following my plan.

MC: Hey, let me ask you something. Do you have anywhere you want to go? Or… anything you want to do?

Charlie: Oh? You're prepared to fulfil a wish of mine for me?

MC: I guess so? I mean, heaven is big, earth is big, and the birthday star’s is the biggest.

MC: Oh. Anything but marriage!!

Charlie: You’re setting restrictions on my only birthday wish in a year? How cruel of you.

MC: Not like I can help it. Who told you to be the most vicious queen of all time, hm?

Charlie helplessly shakes his head, lowering his eyes in thought before looking back up at me.

Charlie: What I want to do today is very simple.

MC: ...Which is?

I don’t know if I was just imagining it, but I suddenly felt like I just saw a sliver of mischief flash across his eyes.

Charlie: Come with me.

⊹ ˚✩ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ∘◦ ✥ ◦∘ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ✩˚ ⊹

I followed him back to the farmhouse and out into the yard. Charlie immediately settled himself on the deck chair.

I watched him suspiciously, not understanding him at all.

Charlie: Come here. Let’s lie down together for a while.

MC: This is the one thing you want to do the most today…?

Charlie: That's right.

Charlie: I’ve been dragged and pushed around for the entire day. I just want to have a good moment’s rest with my fiancée.

The deck chair wasn’t exactly small, but it’d be a slight squeeze to fit two people on it.

I was dubious about it for a while.

Charlie: Hmm, looks like being the birthday boy doesn’t help at all, huh.

He sighed, watching me. I stood rooted to my spot. It was rare enough that I got to look down at him, but the look he was giving me was a little like a kicked puppy...

Never mind. Heaven is big, earth is big, and the birthday star’s is the biggest.

Mentally reciting the phrase again, I closed my eyes and laid down next to him.

⊹ ˚✩ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ∘◦ ✥ ◦∘ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ✩˚ ⊹

Charlie: And here I thought that you wouldn't agree to it.

Charlie: Why are you closing your eyes for? Am I that ugly?

Charlie: A handsome face is right beside you, and you're not even going to admire it?

Charlie: Are you really not going to look at me?

Charlie: Not bad. You "woke" in a timely manner. If you hadn't done so, then I'd have…

Charlie: What CAN I do? Have you never heard of the fairytale called "Sleeping Beauty"?

Charlie: You moved over to give me more space? How rare of you to be so considerate towards me.

Charlie: What? You get mad when I speak and feel uncomfy when I don't.

Charlie: *Sighs*...Never mind, my dear fiancée can only be coddled by me after all.

Charlie: What do you want me to talk about? My mood?

Charlie: Much better than I thought it'd be.

Charlie: Are you uncomfortable?

Charlie: Then come over here a little more…

Charlie: I know I said "a little", but you've only moved just a mere millimetre, haven't you?

Charlie: Any further and you'll-

Charlie: Alright, stop moving.

Charlie: Move any more and I'll just have to fall off with you in tow.

Charlie: I won't move, but you can't go making me loosen my grip on you either.

Charlie: Why do you have your eyes closed again? Sleepy?

Charlie: Go ahead and take a nap then. Remember to dream of me.

⊹ ˚✩ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ∘◦ ✥ ◦∘ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ✩˚ ⊹

After dinner, the night gradually grew darker.

Having changed into my pyjamas, I was just about to close the windows when I suddenly heard a commotion coming from outside.

It sounded like a lot of people were gathered in one place, chattering along with the joyful cries of children.

MC: What’s going on!?

⊹ ˚✩ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ∘◦ ✥ ◦∘ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ✩˚ ⊹

Curious, I crossed the yard and walked out of the back door. I was immediately dumbfounded the instant I opened the door.

The originally empty plain had somehow accommodated a helicopter from somewhere. Charlie was standing by the helicopter’s door with his head bowed as he adjusted his shirt collar.

There were many villagers from around the area beside him. The old, the young, the boys, the girls; some of them taking photos, some of them discussing within their midst.

Little Boy: Big bro, do you really mean what you said earlier?

Charlie: But of course; I never lie.

Little Girl: Wow! I’m gonna get dad to bring me to a good spot right now!

Little Boy: Wait a minute, me too!

A couple of kids fussed about wanting to get to higher ground, to which Charlie only smiled at. The sides of his mouth curled upwards as he let out a soft snort, an inconcealable look of pride on his face.

Suddenly, I can’t help but have a very bad feeling about this new turn of events. I subconsciously turned to flee.

Charlie: I haven’t even gone looking for you yet, and here you are.

Charlie: Looks like we truly have an affinity with each other.

A big hand lands on my shoulder, making me unwittingly turn around only to face his triumphant expression.

MC: And what are you trying to pull again? What’s with this helicopter here?

Charlie: I’m going to take you for a spin.

MC: ……

MC: I’m going to bed. Good night.

I turned to leave again, but the same hand landed on my shoulder once more, this time backed with an irrefutable strength as he dragged me up into the helicopter.

Ten minutes later.

⊹ ˚✩ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ∘◦ ✥ ◦∘ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ✩˚ ⊹

Chuf, chuf, chuf.

The sound of the helicopter’s propeller reverberated in my ears. I’d eventually given up struggling against him; and now, I sat next to him blankly, decked in pyjamas and slippers.

Charlie: Why so quiet? Are you scared of heights?

MC: Har, har, very funny. Just think of it as me being sleepy.

Charlie: Then, you’d do well to wake up; because what’s coming up next is something worth remembering for a lifetime.

MC: …What?

Charlie: I did give my birthday some serious thought.

Charlie: While it’s true that I don’t like attending birthday banquets, it is not in line with my personality to spend my birthday in such a low-key, simplistic, manner.

MC: ……

Charlie: Plus, my fiancée worked so hard to prepare so many surprises for me. So, I have to give her a gift in return, won’t you say?

He’d only just said that when a loud bang sounded from outside the window.

⊹ ˚✩ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ∘◦ ✥ ◦∘ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ✩˚ ⊹

I saw fireworks blooming behind him, suddenly lighting up the night sky, as well as the hand that Charlie had started to reach out towards me.

My eyes widened in surprise. I’d totally forgotten that reactions were a thing. And that was how Charlie had pulled me over to admire the scenery outside the window together.

And that was how the gorgeous fireworks bloomed seemingly near, yet far. It was almost as if one could simply reach out and touch them.

The boundless night sky was skin to a long and endless river, while the fireworks resembled the starry sky, reflected on the surface of the river. We were seated atop a small boat, free to move and traverse this galaxy as we so wished.

I couldn’t help but raise my hand, pressing it against the glass window and fixing my eyes firmly to the fireworks blooming outside.

Charlie: What? So moved that you could cry?

⊹ ˚✩ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ∘◦ ✥ ◦∘ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ✩˚ ⊹

Charlie’s voice snapped me out of my reverie. I glanced at the handkerchief that held out before me and turned away with a huff.

MC: Thanks, but I’m not that easily moved.

MC: And these fireworks… It’s really beautiful, but please don’t do such overly exaggerated things in the future.

Charlie: So you’re already contemplating how to celebrate my future birthdays?

MC: I’m not…

My eyes dilated in rage, yet the flicker of flames died out the moment I raised my head.

Reflected within those twin violet orbs of his were the flashing lights of the fireworks… and two little reflections of me.

MC: Let’s leave the stuff next year… to next year.

Charlie: Don’t worry, you can have it every year.

The fireworks outside the window continued. Looking at the magnificent splendour outside, I suddenly remembered that I didn’t exactly wish him a “happy birthday” yet.

MC: Charlie.

Charlie: Hm?

MC: Happy birthday.

Charlie: Thank you.

This might actually be the first time that he has ever seriously thanked me for anything before.

My heart squeezed, immediately starting to race soon after. There was no longer any way to hide it.

MC: And there’s something else I want to tell you…

MC: Actually, I wouldn’t have known that it was your birthday today if you didn’t mistakenly think that I was making “longevity noodles”.

MC: I only agreed to go on a trip with you because I didn’t want to owe you any favours.

MC: And… I only decided to come here to this rural countryside to spite you because I knew that you’d be uncomfortable with it.

MC: And I didn’t prepare anything in advance as your birthday gift either…

I paused, not knowing how to continue. However, it was Charlie who carried on with the conversation, much to my surprise.

Charlie: So?

MC: So… Aren’t you angry?

MC: I clearly lied to you, in a way.

Charlie: My fiancée has been pondering hard and busying about like a busy bee today to celebrate my birthday.

Charlie: I don’t think there’s anything to be mad about.

I was stunned. For a moment, I didn’t quite know how to reply to him. All I registered was the soft thud of my heart as it skipped a beat.

MC: …I really don’t understand you sometimes.

Charlie: Then, I suppose you’ll have to put in more effort to understand me. After all, I can already understand you like the back of my hand.

Charlie: You can just tell me if you need help. I’ll get someone to collate my information and send it to you in a file.

MC: No need!

⊹ ˚✩ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ∘◦ ✥ ◦∘ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ✩˚ ⊹

I softly snorted, turning around to continue admiring the fireworks outside the window.

Even though I knew clearer than anyone else, deep down in my heart, that fireworks were nought but merely a fleeting moment of brilliance…

I still can’t help but hope…

To hope that everything would be etched into stone, preserved forever and evermore.

⊹ ˚✩ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ∘◦ ✥ ◦∘ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ✩˚ ⊹

✥ Choose another Ending:

END 1 | Choice: Do Nothing [都不做]  

END 2 + 3 | Choice: Approach [亲近] ⊹Touch⊹

END 4 | Choice: Listen [倾听] ❖ASMR

END 5 + 6 | Choice: Heart-throb [心动] ✩Light & Night★

❖☆————— ⊹ For Night, For Paradox⊹ —————★❖

Previous Part: Prologue

[ficforce]

Circles and Crosses and Heroes

Shinmon Benimaru x Reader OC Child SFW No set timeline as an OC AU Benimaru’s Daughter wants to get married

“Unca Konro!”

Konro bent down and picked up the toddler with a smile, she settled against his side and was content to be quiet whilst he finished his conversation with another man. Once he was done, Konro turned to look at her, “Do you even know where your mouth is?” The man pulled out a handkerchief from his belt, he usually kept it on him when he was babysitting, and wiped her face of the rice bits, “What’s up?”

She made a grab for the piece of cloth but missed as he pulled it away, “Can’t find Papa.”

“Papa is training with Arthur and Shinra,” Konro walked toward the back of the guardhouse with the tiny girl and slid open the shoji door. Arthur was lying face down in the dirt whilst Shinra and Benimaru went at it, Benimaru wasn’t fighting particularly hard but he was giving the kid a workout, “See.”

“Papa!”

Shinra let out a sharp yelp as the Captain caught his ankle and launched him across the yard into a wall, he hadn’t seemed to have made any effort to do so and that ticked Shinra off. The teen jumped up and fired up his feet to attack again - stopping as he realised that Benimaru was already by Konro and taking his daughter from the man. It melted his heart to see the little girl snuggle into the most dangerous man in Asakusa, she was a really cute kid and it was obvious she had Benimaru wrapped around her little finger. “What?” He demanded from his child, tipping his head back as she reached for his hair, “You never do this to Konro, he’s got more to pull on, brat.”

“Because she respects her Uncle, I need to get the reports from across town, Waka. Y/N’s not back yet.” Konro loved looking after her but he still had duties and he wasn’t going to leave a two and a half-year-old alone, “I’ll leave her to you - try not to teach her anymore swear words.”

“It’s not my fault she’s got big ears,” they were never going to forgive him for that. Benimaru kicked Arthur to wake him up and then held her out to Shinra, “I got a few errands to run too, take care of her. If her eyes turn into crosses then be ready to put out some fires…” He ruffled her hair and headed off, “Be good!”

Shinra looked at the toddler with a nervous smile, he loved kids, he loved playing with them and generally being around them but this was Shinmon Benimaru’s daughter. If even a single hair on her head were damaged - He’d be dead. He didn’t usually spend much time with her, mostly in Asakusa for training and when he did see her she was usually with her mother and not interested in anyone else. She was a cute kid, all of her father’s colouring but looking more like her mother, “You hungry?”

“Nope.”

“Sleepy?”

“Nu-uh.” she smacked her hand onto his cheek and pulled a little, “You gots shark teefs.”

Arthur sprung up and held his arms out for her, “He’s a devil! I’ll protect you, Princess!”

The toddler blinked at him and puffed out her cheeks, her eyes narrowing as her iris’ morphed into crosses and Arthur’s right sleeve caught fire, “Papa protek me…” They returned to circles and she wriggled around until Shinra put her down, “Wanna Daifuku.”

“But you said you ate already,” Shinra crouched down to her level, ignoring as Arthur waved his arm around and blew on the flames, they weren’t particularly hot but Shinra figured it would be dangerous if she burned something and it got out of control. “I guess that little old lady would be happy to see you though… Want me to fly you there?”

Benimaru’s daughter looked excited all of a sudden and bounced in place, “Like Papa does?! Like a witch!”

The teen snorted into his hand, he could see how the matoi might look like a fiery broom and give that kind of imagery, “Nah, Like a hero!”

“Hero?” She couldn’t quite imagine it but didn’t object when Shinra picked her up and kicked dust and fire up into Arthur’s face before rocketing up into the sky. The little girl squealed in delight and giggled as he did a loop just to show off a little.

He had them to the old woman’s stall in no time flat and landed in a pose. “That’s how a hero lands!”

“So dumb!” She didn’t care about his crestfallen expression and ran toward the old woman, grabbing her sleeve with big eyes, “Biddy!”

“O-oi… that’s kinda rude…” Shinra watched as the woman stroked the girl’s hair and made it a little neater, already fussing about how cute she looked and how big she was getting. Within moments the toddler was munching on fresh sweets and the old woman was shovelling more into a bag for her to take home to her family. “Don’t forget to thank the lady.”

“Thanks, Biddy!” She made a run between Shinra’s legs to the stall across from the Daifuku and began chatting with the vendor, watching as he threw some ingredients into a boiling pot of oil.

The teen figured that everyone likely knew who she was and he relaxed a little, Benimaru was loved by the people of Asakusa and he had no doubt that love was extended to his daughter. He half kept an eye on her as he chatted to the old woman, catching up on the latest news and then he felt that odd sensation he got when something was about to happen. Was it an infernal, red eyes zeroed in on the toddler, he would make sure she was safe first but then he gasped as he saw her stumble, her tiny little hands grabbed the pole holding up the hot oil and the boiling liquid began to spill toward her.

Shinra had never been so grateful for his speed as he had been then, the training he had received from Benimaru and all the practice he put into his Rapid attack were all worth it. He underestimated his stopping point and he ended up rolling a few feet across the street, the little girl bundled to his chest as he used his legs and arms to keep her from getting hurt. He glanced at the spot where she had fallen and swallowed thickly as he saw the spot now covered in oil, scorching the ground - he didn’t know how fireproof she was but the toddler would have been badly hurt. Sitting up he checked her over for any scrapes, “You okay?” Her crimson eyes began to fill with tears and she let out a loud wail as she began to cry, Shinra sighed in relief as he found no harm had come to her, she was just freaked out from the accident, “It’s okay, Save-the-girl-and-be-a-hero-man is here.” He hugged her close and picked her up, figuring he should at least carry her home.

— -

She stuck to his side from then, following him around the guardhouse, holding onto his pant leg and insisting he carry her for the rest of the day. When her mother arrived home first she ran to Y/N and the woman pressed a kiss to her head, “Thanks for helping out, Shinra.”

After that people began to return to the guardhouse for dinner or to get changed and go home, some of them had plans already but the whole place became more lively, Hinata and Hikage cheered as they saw him. The news of what Shinra had done to save Benimaru’s daughter had spread throughout the town… So it was really no surprise when the teen found himself pinned to the wall by his throat. Benimaru’s eyes were glowing bright and he looked about ready to incinerate the other there and then, “You made her cry.”

‘You made her cry,’ not, ‘You nearly let my child get horribly injured,’.

He couldn’t reply even if he wanted to, he grabbed Benimaru’s wrist and tried to loosen his grip a little so that he could breathe. He was about to kick at the Captain when the pitter-patter of little bare feet rushed toward them and the toddler pulled on Benimaru’s leg, “Nooo! Papa! No!” She tugged on him harder and a spike of heat travelled up the man’s leg as the clothing began to burn. Benimaru looked down at her as he extinguished the small flames, her eyes were beginning to water, the crimson orbs glowing as brightly as his and her body heat raised enough to dry out her damp hair from her bath. Letting Shinra go he scooped her up and carried her over to sit by the table, placing her on his lap and getting her to calm down before she had a burnout. “No hurt Shinra! You can’t!”

“Why not.”

“Gonna marry Shinra!” She yanked on her father’s clothing and pulled his sleeve down his arm. It was then that Y/N came in and took her from Benimaru, snuggling the toddler until her small tantrum calmed enough that she wasn’t a walking fire hazard. “Like Shinra!”

“Papa isn’t going to do anything to Shinra,” Y/N turned to half glare at the man, “Right, Beni?”

Benimaru shrugged and glared at the teen, he had other ways of showing his displeasure and if Shinra wasn’t dead after training the next day then he would just have to try harder. Of course, he was grateful that his daughter hadn’t been hurt and that the other had protected her but Shinra had let her get that close to danger in the first place. He had calmed down by the time dinner was ready and he looked around for his little girl, usually she sat on his lap during dinner, he froze when he saw her climbing onto Shinra’s lap. He glared across the table and his chopsticks snapped in his grip - that was his baby…

“Beni,” Y/N placed her hand on his thigh, “You’re the only man she really loves.” She could tell when he was jealous, he always pouted and his body temperature would rise, he had been known to get jealous even when Konro got all of their daughter’s attention. “She’ll forget all about him when he goes back to the 8th.” The toddler spent the evening glued to Shinra’s side, the boy blushing as she told him that he was her husband now and had to listen to her. Benimaru sulked the entire time and continued to do so even as he laid down to sleep.

Benimaru was used to being the hero for her, he didn’t like sharing her at all…

“Papa…” The door slid open a little and the toddler wriggled through the gap then ran over to him as he sat up, “Papa.”

“You should be in bed, what’s wrong, bad dream?” He let her climb onto his lap and pat his cheeks, grabbing his hair and making him bring his head down so she could press a wet kiss to his nose.

“Love Papa the most.”

[missinghan]

countless skies upon me ⤖ lee minho

❖ genre : fantasy; action; fluff; angst 

❖ word count : 16,5k.

❖ warnings : explicit language, mentions of blood + violence

❖ summary : when you stumble upon the notoriously skilled swordsman of Kalmburg, your heart finds itself wanting to get closer to his.

❖ a/n : this is the full extension of this blurb that I wrote impulsively after rewatching an old anime, please give swordsman minho a whole lot of love 🖤

prologue.

Minho’s wooden sword gets knocked out of his grasp, landing onto the floor with a loud series of clattering noises. The little boy widens his eyes when the tip of another wooden sword hovers over his stomach and he looks up to be met with the stoic gaze of his mentor. 

“What did I tell you yesterday, Minho?” 

“That I need to make more progress on improving my reaction time,” he answers grimly and rubs his forearm, head hanging low in shame. “I need to know the timing of the enemy like the back of my hand and use my own timing in which they don’t expect.”

His mentor retreats his sword swiftly, humming, “You got distracted, you weren’t observing my stance before I lunged at you. By narrating the enemy’s preparation, you can partially map out their movements, when and where they’re aiming for. That’s why you were taken aback and this allowed me to disarm you with little effort.”

“But master!” Minho pries stubbornly. “It’s not very fair if an opponent can’t fight with their sword, is it? A sword is supposed to be the coil of a swordsman’s strength. It’s all we’ll ever have.”

A fatherly smile dances on his mentor’s lips this time. “Strength is simply an illusion, there are far more important things,” he places a warm hand on Minho’s shoulder, speaking softly. 

“And it doesn’t matter if you still have your sword or not, fighting isn’t an obligation, it’s a choice. A choice whether you’re going to fight until the very end or not.”

one.

Market stalls crowd the route, selling sacks of nuts and dried fruit, grilled meat hanging on lines after lines of roasting skewers. Powdered spices lay in rust red and dusty yellow and bright green piles spill from sacks as large as feed bags. Mixed and familiar scents cut through thin air, people bumping into each other, toes trodden on. Lovers stroll hand in hand, casually browsing whilst housewives hustle and bustle, hollering over background noises for the best price.

Minho ends up walking through the entire market before getting to work that day with an apple in his stomach, silently like a phantom, blending into the sea of people effortlessly. 

To him, work is just like another day in the market for stallholders, another pile of weapons needed to be honed and repaired for blacksmiths and another batch of bread to bake early in the morning for bakers. 

Except his job is somewhat… questionable and considerably dangerous for a guy who looks nothing like a warrior. At least that’s what he’s been told. Rather pretty-looking eyes being hidden under his long fringe, a high and slim nose bridge, sharp philtrum. He’s not that tall either and doesn’t necessarily have as many muscles as he initially wanted. But the swordsman doesn’t listen to his muscles to fight, he listens to his mind and becomes one with his blade. 

There’s no need for a shield or armor, for he thinks they’re doing nothing but getting in his way and slowing him down during combats. Minho draws his sword with no more qualms than a middle-aged lady gossiping about her irritating neighbors and slashes his enemies while thinking about what he’ll be making himself for dinner that day. There’s no joy for him in violence, but he takes extreme pride in a good clean kill. He has a reputation to maintain and that reputation keeps him safe in this world. 

A man approaches Minho from behind, leaning himself flat against the wooden bench that the swordsman has situated himself on for the past hour. The guy never makes the first move, that’s what he’s been told. 

“Twenty thousand units,” the masked client speaks up, his voice mellow and slightly muffled. “If you can bring back the head of a shadow wolf that’s been lurking around the Dunst forest these days, I’ll double the price. Silver-white fur, brown eyes. Make it quick too, and you can have sixty in total. He’s been eating up one too many of our sheeps already.”

His lips twitch subtly and he crosses his legs, keeping his tone low but clear, “Shadow wolves can’t handle the cold that well, why would one roam around a place with such tremendous decrease in temperature at night?” The sound of coins crashing against each other in the leather pouch suddenly irritates him. 

“C’mon, Black Swordsman, how would I know these things? I’m just merely a guy who’s trying to get by in life,” the man chuckles lightheartedly but Minho isn’t finding anything funny. No one ever gets the upper hands in a deal with him. “Look, I heard you’re good at your job and you sure look like you know what you’re doing so why don’t you just take the mon—“

 Minho stuffs his hands into his pocket and sighs, “Don’t think so lowly of me, I don’t accept deposits. I’ll only get my money once I’m done with the job. Meet me here tomorrow at noon, sharp. And if I don’t show up, consider locking your sheeps inside.” And with a grin through his flat lips under the mask, the cryptic client leaves Minho alone by the bench, fully satisfied with his attitude and reactions. 

The brunet gazes at the space ahead for a good ten seconds, thinking rather deeply about this before waving his hand absentmindedly, calling out to the errand boy who’s been hiding behind the ugly tree. “You can come out now, Jeongin. Did you catch any of that?” he asks without turning around. 

“Every single word,” Jeongin cancels the spell that’s been his cover during their entire conversation before stepping out, pursing his lips together. “A guy who’s trying to get by in life but still has twenty thousand to pay you beforehand? Sounds absurd to me.”

“Enough with the brainless chatters, you know what to do,” Minho pushes himself off the bench when his muscles start growing sore on the hardened surface. “If you do a good job, I’ll treat you out for dinner. Now run along, Chaeryeong is probably looking for you, don’t be late to class.”

Jeongin holds him back by the sheath of his sword, “You’re still going to accept the job? I don’t think it’s worth the risk. He’s obviously setting you up.” 

“If anything, I might bring his head back instead of the wolf’s,” Minho replies monotonously, and Jeongin lets his hand fall to his side. The swordsman turns on his heels to see concern laced in the younger boy’s eyes, this prompts his voice to soften. “Don’t worry, a single wolf can’t hurt me,” he ruffles his hair before slipping into the crowd again, making his way towards the mountains to enter the Dunst forest. 

He wouldn’t mind dying alone, actually. It’s not like he has any regrets.

two.

The city of Kalmburg has it that no one has ever surpassed Lee Minho when it comes to the art of swordsmanship. 

“If you’re going to take on a guy who can parry a crossbow bolt with his sword as he’s contending against five other men, it’s time to re-evaluate the direction of your life—preferably while running away as fast as you can.”

The man walks up to the center of the town square every single day at the crack of dawn, his figure fully covered in a big black cloak, the hood thrown lazily over his head. All you can see is the strides he takes with his black combat boots. He almost belongs, but not quite. Kalmburg is known for its dashingly ornamental architecture — a white granite surface with serene spires can be seen from the castle at the top of the hill, soothing atmosphere and generically nice residents. Some say no beauty can be compared to its sunrise due to the dashing sight of a lake situated before the town square’s gate. 

Whereas, Lee Minho gives people a stark contrast with his dark aura and the black sword hung firmly on his back. He easily takes in everyone’s attention with a single sweep, his midnight orbs setting on nothing before he leaves as expressionless as he’s entered. His purposes and motives always remain hidden; hence the allure. Though it’s not hard to see how he’s making a good living on a daily basis. 

For one, he slays monsters; and for another, he deals with people. Outsiders might be surprised at how many units the Nobles are more than willing to pay him as long as he comes back alive, with the beast’s head limp in his hands. There were times when he’d come back covered in a sea monster’s gastric juice, other times he could barely walk back to the town because his spleens got severely damaged. But most of the time, he’d return as though he just got back from a stroll, outstretching his palm to collect the payment. 

Dealing with people is far more troublesome than those deadly creatures, Minho constantly tells himself so. It’s true, after all. Because when careless juveniles aren’t able to snatch their parents’ spare change on the dining table, they decide it’s a brilliant idea to challenge him for a duel. If they win, he’ll have to follow their request without receiving a single penny. But if things go the other way around, they will most likely come home crying for their mother. Such a nuisance. 

Today is no different. 

Moving into the morning dew is a shadow wolf. His paws kiss the earth not gracefully, but rather with evident difficulties and there’s a ray of exhaustion in that pair of bronzed eyes. The wolf has seen better days. His silver-white fur is thin and it clings to his frame like an old cloak in a gale. Even from several yards away, Minho can count each rib as they’re sticking out, he sees dejection in his movements as if he’s gonna let himself tumble to the ground any moment. 

Minho carefully inhales, pulling out a silver dart from the back of his belt. He raises his hand and aims precisely for the pine tree, just a strand of hair away from the wolf’s ear. When he exhales, the weapon comes flying past the creature before embedding itself to the wooden surface. 

The wolf whips his head towards the swordsman, locking eyes as he lets out a mere cry of pain, crimson dripping down on the side of his head. As Minho pulls his hood off of his face, slightly dubious that the creature of darkness will turn into a wisp of black smoke to take flight deeper into the forest, the wolf shakes his head before lying down on the soil, unable to coordinate his limbs. Then with his great grey head on his bloodied paws, he closes his eyes. He’s giving up on his life. 

“Something’s wrong. Shadow wolves’ blood isn’t supposed to be red,” Minho holds his breath in utter disbelief, taking a step backward. He’s got the wrong target. No, that client scammed him. 

A branch snaps. 

Minho reaches for his sword when the sound of thin air being ripped apart rings inside his eardrums, two blades coming in contact with each other and he has to squint slightly when tiny sparks of flame come to life between the weapons. Instead of looking at the raider, he quickly deflects their slash again. Hypothetically speaking, there are two possibilities: the first is that both swords are too weak to withstand the pressure of the blow, so they’ll simply break - in the exact same fashion. The second is in which case both blades are durable enough to field the contact, they will bounce right back. But his unwanted guest seems to detest him so much to the point they keep their sword grinding against his until their weapons slip against each other, creating a wave of grating shriek resonating through the woods, dust being thrown in the air. 

He stumbles backward, the sole of his shoes tearing the leaves below into bits. His vision shakes a little from the sudden attack before trying to focus on the figure before him. The first thing that he sees is the white wolf on the button of your silver-accent cloak. That’s the royal guards’ emblem.

“You,” the female voice catches him by surprise. “Lay another finger on that wolf now, I dare you.” You know all too well who this man is, and like hell you’re going to let him do what he wants just because of some cheap units.

Minho’s fully aware that his beating heart is thundering inside his chest, but he’s not sure if it’s because of the adrenaline flowing in his veins or those round eyes glaring at him from under the sunlight. He sees the grip on the hilt of your rapier being tightened and that’s when he regains his composure, taking in a deep breath. If he gave up now because of a pretty face with a deadly blade, he’d damn his reputation as a swordsman.

“Oh that wolf is all yours,” he smiles at you fakely, wiping the beads of sweat on his cheekbones away. “But you’re going to have to do better than snooping around on people.”

Minho steadies his grip on his sword, trying to keep himself together in the deafening silence, “So, who’s making the first move now?” The tonal mockery in his voice irks you and he seems to notice that too by the slight smirk tugging at his lips when the muscles on your face twitch. 

One. Breathe in.

You’re getting into your stance sideways, your blade eye level. This man doesn’t know what he’s getting himself into. 

Two. Breathe out. 

Minho isn’t letting his guard down this time despite being slightly impressed with your skills. Usually, there aren’t many girls who take up sword fighting, at least not in his hometown so he thought you’d be sort of a novice. But your dexterity is beyond incredible, he can hardly see the tip of your sword. 

Three. “I am.”

You charge first by swinging your rapier at him from above, Minho receiving the clash with the flat of his blade. He circles away from you, keeping his sword in motion while constantly changing his stances and attacks. Rapiers aren’t very suitable for slashing or slicing since the blade is so long and thin, it can only allow its owner more speed, more precise stabs and thrusts but greatly lowers their defense. So if he can just catch you off guard…

When the tip of your sword grazes just above his clothed ribs, Minho’s reflexes kick in and his blade knocks yours away almost immediately. With the bewildered look on your face as a signal, he dodges as you attempt another stab at his left ear. This causes you to trip on your heels, your balance quivering the moment his sword slashes at the button of your cloak rather than your neck. To prevent yourself from falling, you jump and do a backflip safely, breath’s fraying as the piece of clothing is completely ditched by a tree. 

“You are strong, just like the rumors,” you breathe out a stoic comment, chest heaving up and down rapidly. 

“You aren’t too bad yourself either,” Minho grins; he hasn’t felt this much eagerness to fight someone other than monsters before. In other words, he’s never faced someone who knows what they’re doing with a sword as skilled as you are. 

You cock a brow at him, confused, “Why are you smiling?” 

“I don’t know, actually,” he shakes his head and hearty waves of laughter bubble up inside his stomach. The brunet sheaths his sword with a loud ‘clunk’, walking towards you to place a warm hand on your shoulder. “But good fight, you really know how to hold a sword.”

“Wait… aren’t we going to finish this?”

Minho picks up your cloak from the ground, outstretching his palm, “You seem like a person who knows what it takes so I don’t think that’d be necessary anymore. But I’d be glad to take you on again?”

This man is baffling you, and not in a good way either. Nonetheless, you still slide your sword back into its sheath and accept his handshake. “So you’re gonna leave that wolf alone right?”

“Only if you tell me what happened to it,” Minho replies firmly, receiving a nod of approval from you. He actually seems like a solid person. Perhaps you can trust him. 

“That’s my brother, Chan.”

three.

The forest hums with life all around you. You lift your head ever so slightly when the sunlight slips through the green leaves and branches, lighting up the dirt path ahead decorated with outgrown roots and wildflowers. You gaze up at the fluffs of clouds, searching for the birds that are singing sweetly. Minho trudges on before you a couple of steps, finding the natural fragrance of the current surroundings rather soothing. It’s making his eyes droopy.

“What happened to him again?”

He stretches his limbs tiredly and yawns like there’s no tomorrow, making you scrunch your nose in disapproval. He’s not even paying attention to you. It’s been at least an hour since you’ve mounted an unconscious Chan on your horse — Noir and accepted this cryptic stranger as your guide for now. You’ve never been to this forest more than once so it’s best if you follow him—an experienced individual in order to get your brother back safely. 

You frown at him, giving the back of his neck a firm slap while your other hand is holding onto the rein. “Ow, what was that for?!” he yelps. 

“You weren’t listening, were you?” 

“Remotely,” he hums out a reply, “I didn’t sleep that well last night.” And that’s when you notice the dark spots under his eyes, the occasional tears whenever he squints his eyes under the sunlight. The job’s more draining and demanding than you thought. 

To be fair, slaying monsters and getting your hands bloodied might not be the best thing to do to a degree of morality but you really can’t judge him when you’ve only known him for a few hours. Minho’s far younger than you’d expected too. You’ve had your strolls downtown from time to time with your fellow royal guards and it’s not hard for rumors to fly. People were gasping and bouncing on the balls of their feet talking about this mysterious swordsman who’s dressed completely in black, a single one-handed sword, no shield, and no armor. They really had you thinking he was an old man in his forties who has no regrets, just trying to get by in life no matter what it takes. 

And you’d be lying if you said you didn’t find him charming the moment you saw that handsome face under the big cloak. 

“He was recovering from a business trip so our mage decided to treat him with a special potion,” you nibble on your bottom lip, looking over at your worn out brother sideway in concern. You’ve wrapped his injuries up with some of the cloth that you’d packed before leaving this morning, he should be fine. “I guess something went wrong; hence, he’s magically turned into a wolf, panicked and bolted out of the castle. And you know how cruel people can be sometimes…”

“Oh, sorry about that,” Minho feels a big lump in his throat when you secretly toss a glare at his direction. “I should have known something was off the moment he started bleeding red.” He shakes his head, highly disappointed in himself for mistaking Chan as a shadow wolf. His professional etiquette forbids him ever repeat the same mistake. 

You stop dead in your track, cocking your head at him in confusion, “What do you mean?” 

Wait, no, something’s wrong. Something’s terribly wrong. It can’t be that simple. “You’re still going to accept the job? I don’t think it’s worth the risk. He’s obviously setting you up.” His steps come to a halt, only a few feet away from you and before you can even tap him out of it, Minho snaps his head back, grabbing you by the shoulders. “Tell me, when you first entered the forest, did you encounter any wolves? Even just one?”

“N-No, I don’t think so,” you stutter, slightly flustered at the sudden decrease in proximity. But you soon shake the heat on your cheekbones away when he lets go of you, pacing back and forth to think hard about something. “Uhh- what are you-”

“Shh shh..”

“Did you just shush me-” The wind whistles in your ears and you stumble backward when Minho draws his sword, the blade coming in contact with something hard and deflecting it successfully. Your jaw is locked at the sight of an arrow sticking to a tree not very far off. That could have been your head instead...He just saved your life.

“Someone’s coming, take cover.”

Minho carefully tugs your horse over to a nearby slope when you hop off the main pathway, waving him over to a big tree. You both get down on one knee as the sound of armors crashing against each other grows louder, dreadful footsteps becoming more detectable. Swiftly, Minho notices the color of your bright blue cloak can easily be detected right through the bush and clicks his tongue in annoyance. He unbuttons his black coat, silently draping it over your smaller figure. For a second there, you widen your eyes at him but soon ensconcing yourself obediently under the leather fabric. 

Stepping into your vision are two familiar faces, Minho’s breath almost hitches in his throat when he realizes they’re clothed in the same blue and white uniform as yours. Both equally emitting the same hostility and mettle—as expected from the astute royal guards. 

“Hyun-”

You stagger backward when Minho clasps a firm hand over your mouth, shaking his head while you’re giving him a ‘what are you doing?’ look. The moment you manage to peel yourself away from his grip, your fellow colleagues are nowhere to be seen. They must be looking for you since you left the castle this morning without a proper announcement. “What was that about?! They’re my friends, now if you’d excuse me-”

“They aren’t the most trust-worthy people right now,” he lets out a sigh. “Think about it. They’re parts of the few people who could possibly see Chan the day before he turned into a wolf. And I’m sure the royal mage wouldn’t have such a reason to spike the commander of the guards. I don’t see how it’d benefit her if Chan was to take a break from his position. On the other hand…”

Is he accusing one of your friends of harming your brother? And for what too? A higher rank in the team? Preposterous! “Why would I trust you then, Black Swordsman?” 

Minho cringes inwardly at the nickname because good gracious, it’s so unoriginal. He’s heard about plenty of Black Swordsmen before during his wandering all over the Continent. They’re basically cryptic-looking swordsmen dressed in black...people really need to come up with more colorful monikers.

“Because I just saved your life from those people whom you called ‘friends’,” he blinks at you bluntly and the hand resting on the hilt of your sword tenses up. 

You take in a deep breath, slowly considering his deductions. It’s not like he doesn’t have a point but you don’t understand as to why Hyunjin or Changbin would want to overtake your brother, they’ve only become a part of the royal guards four years ago. You might not grow up together but after going on plenty of adventures and living in the palace, you’re practically family.

Still, humans are made of greed after all.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” you exhale. “You’re going to help me figure this out for throwing a dart at Chan’s ear. But if you even think about hurting him or make a single move that prompts me to think you’re doing something behind our back, I’m going to tear out your spine with my bare hands.”

Minho chuckles at your threatening tone, slightly scared for his life, “There’s no need to worry, miss…” You raise a brow at him when he trails off rather flusteredly. “Ma’am? No- uh, vice commander? What about lady…”

“The name’s Y/N,” you can’t help but break into a fit of giggles, amused at his sudden discomposure. Seems like this man has been chit-chatting with monsters more than having civil conversations with other human beings for his whole life. “And would you get your hands off me now? We don’t have to hide anymore.”

His chest swells a bit at that if he’s being honest.

four.

“Aren’t we supposed to be at the castle?” Minho looks at the log house before his eyes questioningly. Not that he’s complaining, he doesn’t think it’s the best idea for him to show up in front of royalties either. 

You pull off your hood and say, “No, the royal mage doesn’t live there.” After a few knocks with your knuckles on the wooden door, hurried footsteps are audible from inside the house—whoever’s in there must be dying to see you, Minho thinks. 

“Yeji, how are y—“ The door flies open and a figure thrashes against you faster than a lightning bolt, their arms wrapped around your torso, rubbing your back tenderly. You’re slightly taken aback but smile nonetheless knowing that your friend was worried sick like she’s always been. “Hello to you too, stupid.”

This prompts Minho to avert his gaze away awkwardly, the grip on Noir’s reign tightening evidently and your horse lets out a small neigh, nudging her nose against his side like she’s attempting to appease him. He murmurs a small ‘thank you’, hand reaching upward to brush through her shiny black coat. Shaking his head, he snickers at himself for talking to a horse. 

Yeji mumbles against your neck in relief, like someone’s just lifted a weight off her shoulders, “Good gracious, Y/N! Are you okay? You just left without saying anything. Changbin and Hyunjin said they couldn’t find you in the woods and Chan’s gone missing for a few days now and I got so worried I-”

“Slow down, Yeji,” you give her a firm squeeze in reassurance, chuckling. “It’s barely been a day. I did manage to find Chan, surprisingly, thanks to Minho, well, partly.”

“Who’s Minho?” she pulls away to get a good look at the man standing next to your horse, eyes widening in surprise. Dressed in black, one-handed sword, no shield, and armor. “Is that the Black Swordsman? Like the Lee Minho? He’s the real thing?”

You grit through a stiff smile, “As real as it can get.”

“Huh, and I thought he’d be some old, balding man in his forties,” Yeji comments while eyeing the swordsman up and down, making him somewhat uncomfortable. “He knows how to use a sword, is young and quite the looker too. Ohh I see what’s going on here..”

You warn her with a clap on her forearm, “You’re embarrassing me in front of that jerk.”

However, she ignores you and pushes the door open, motioning for Minho to carry Chan inside. “Move quickly now, Black Swordsman, I suppose Chan’s condition must be critical, his heartbeat and the blood flow in his veins is increasing at an alarming speed.”

Minho looks around in awe when he steps into the log house—there’s not much for him to say about the house. Furniture is self-explanatory enough: a single bed, a comfortable chair made with what seems to be one of the finest materials, a wooden shelf above the fireplace with an array of potions with different shades and colors, windows completely covered with curtains. It’s not much, but it does feel homey. He would be able to find a place like this with ease if he hadn’t wasted all of his money into information dealing and weapons trading.

“It’s nice, isn’t it? The house, I mean.” 

Yeji’s question snaps him out of it. And he looks over at the table where Chan’s lying, immobile and his bronzed eyes droopy and his breaths mingling. There’s a strange, bright light pulsing from the mage’s fingertips when she hovers her palm over Chan’s bloodied ear. Minho watches as the light flickers from a shade of white to blue, enveloping the open wound and heals it completely. He meets Yeji’s eyes before she pulls her hand back, her eyes glowing gold before turning back into a deep brown. The art of magic is truly fascinating. 

Minho manages to blurt, slightly flustered, “What?”

“You said the house’s nice, I simply agreed with that statement for it is true,” she briskly reaches for a flask, inside holds a soft green-colored liquid with golden specks floating around. 

“I didn’t say anything,” he frowns at her when she brings the rim of the flask to Chan’s mouth, pouring the odd-looking liquid down his throat. 

You speak up from behind her, arms crossed in front of your chest, “Yeji, stop reading people’s mind that’s creepy.”

“Okay I’ve got everything I need for the potion that’ll manage to turn Chan back into his human form,” Yeji tells you while rummaging through her wooden cabinets filled with bottles after bottles, grabbing some along the way as she comes back to the table. “But I’m missing some crystals. And I’m not talking about those fake ones that you see at the stores, the ones I need are way towards the north, in Drachens Hohle, on the Restless Cliffs.”

Minho hums, brows knitted together, thinking rather thoroughly about this. “Drachens Hohle is pretty far off, it might take us an entire day to get there, and then another day climbing those cliffs...we might need to pass by a store of a friend of mine to pack some stuff since I suppose you won’t be returning to the castle anytime soon. We’ll get moving as soon as possible,” he mumbles and nods to himself, satisfied with the plan. 

“Let me just make one thing clear here, Black Swordsman…”

He screws his eyes shut when air suddenly gets ripped apart, only opening them slowly after and almost flinches at the tip of a dagger pointed directly at his nose; one wrong move and his eye will be gone. Minho doesn’t know what should startle him more—the blade gleaming with a bright shade of yellow or the dark look in Yeji’s eyes when he meets them. He’s seen Chaeryeong do it many times before—incorporating magic with weapons, to better the damage output while maintaining the defensive factors. 

“If you lay just one single finger on my friend, I'm going to turn you into a mere, pathetic, little sparrow and lock you in a cage along with other pieces in my collection.”

Minho panics, feeling nauseous at the thought, “What collection?”

The mage withdraws her knife and laughs it off, “I was messing around with you, there’s no collection. Look after her for me, she can be quite clumsy sometimes.”

“The clumsy one here is you,” you mumble bitterly in the corner, extremely embarrassed for the sake of your friend. You might as well dig a hole and bury yourself in it.

Unexpectedly, the wooden door is once again pushed open, two men barging into the log house abruptly. You and Yeji remain still in your current positions while Minho touches the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it. “Don’t bother, they’re friends,” you wave at him absentmindedly before pushing yourself off the chair, walking over to the front door. 

“Y/N, where have you been?!” 

“Hello to you too, Bin.”

Changbin pushes past Hyunjin and jabs his index finger at you, eyes filled with both rage and concern. “What were you thinking? If you’re going to find Chan, we’re going with you. We’re a team and he’s our brother too! Don’t you remember? That was an irresponsible and childish action to do, you’d better have a good explanation for this. If you’re going to do something, at least act your role in the team more properly.”

Hyunjin pulls him back by the arm, shaking his head, “Changbin, stop. There’s no point in arguing. What’s most important is she’s gotten back safely.”

You eye both of your teammates back and forth, skepticism and uncertainty rising from the pit of your stomach. If what Minho said was true, then the culprit must be one of them. Or was he lying to you, trying to mess with your mind in order to achieve a personal goal of some sort? After all, you’ve only met him today yet you’ve known Changbin and Hyunjin for years now, why would you even hesitate to choose your friends over a total stranger? 

“I wasn’t alone.” Changbin pauses at your words. “He was with me, this is-”

“Lee Minho.” You gape at your friend in disbelief. 

Minho’s hand pulls away from his sword, a strange glint flashes in his eyes for a moment there. “It’s good to see you’re doing well, Changbin,” he says with difficulties, clearly not knowing how to act. 

“Why were you with her?” Hostility washes over the atmosphere when Changbin croaks out, fists clenching in anger. “Y/N, what were you doing with a scumbag like him? Haven’t you heard enough rumors about this guy? People like him only care about themselves, they’ll just end up hurting you in the end. There’s no good in letting him stick around.”

When you squint your eyes at him, Changbin takes long strides towards you, grabbing your wrist and attempting to pull you away. “Yeji, please take care of Chan for the time meaning and we’ll be heading back to the castle. Y/N can’t just leave when we need her the most.“

Minho tugs you back towards him and voices firmly, “I’m sorry, but your vice commander belongs to me now. I’ll be responsible completely for her security and escort her with all my respects. You’ll simply have to make do without her for some days.”

Changbin lunges for Minho’s collar, anguish seething inside his chest. “Insolent bastard! On what basis do you think you have the right to protect her? You might not be a threat, but you’d better stop pretending to be a hero.”

“A hero? Like you?” He shouldn’t have said that. 

Hyunjin looks rather concerned, rubbing his friend’s shoulders, “Changbin, we should go.”

“Seo Changbin, Hwang Hyunjin,” you step in between them in disquiet, shoving Changbin away. “As vice commander of the royal guards, I will be coming with Lee Minho in the next few days on an important trip and I stand by my own decision. If my absence causes the team any trouble, I’ll be more than happy to receive the punishment from our superiors. You two are to return to the castle until further notice, continuing on with your service for the king and queen.”

“As we should,” Hyunjin smiles at you sweetly before walking over to Chan, giving the wolf a small pat on the head. In return, Chan lets out a displeased growl but it’s too small to notice. Minho watches the guard from afar, suspecting the strange glint in his eyes. He decides to say nothing about it.

“I’ve already warned you about him, don’t come crying for me when things go wrong.” With that, both of the royal guards excuse themselves out of the log house—Changbin shutting the door angrily after Hyunjin bidding you goodbye with a hug. This makes your heart heavy for not being able to trust them. You still don’t understand as to why, but you have a sudden faith in Minho, your intuitions are telling you that you should trust him. 

Softly, you ask, “You know Changbin?”

“He’s an old friend, we haven’t talked in a while,” Minho shifts uncomfortably in his chair, finding the topic rather awkward to talk about. “We didn’t get along that well back then either. Glad to see nothing has changed.”

You shouldn’t have asked him in the first place. 

five.

A wide variety of shops lined the streets of downtown Kalmburg: antique and art stalls, jewelry, and accessory shops, luxury boutiques, souvenir kiosks and stores selling leather goods, all showcasing an array of the finest wares in the area. Tourists flock to them like fireflies to a lamp, enthusiasm accentuating their features. The silvery melody of the drawl of sightseers and the strong, distinct accents of the locals drift through your ears as they amble by. 

You follow Minho to the very end of the streets with your cloak draped over Chan’s limp body. No one needs to know why there’s an unconscious wolf on the back of your horse. Alas, you both arrive in front of an old wooden door, the mahogany color fading as a result of time. He told you that he needed to pass by a friend’s place but doesn’t this place look a bit fishy-

“Five hundred units for ten bags of Philenor powder, and you’re good to go!”

A blond-haired boy peeks out from a client behind the counter. “Well if it isn’t my least favorite customer,” he voices cheerfully. 

“That’s because I’m smart enough to not buy any of your shit, Jisung,” Minho walks in with a grin, pitifully eyeing the dreadful-looking man who’s taking heavy strides out of the shop. He’ll learn someday. “Still running your greedy business as usual I see.”

The dealer named Jisung returns the sarcastic remark with a gummy smile, bumping his fist against Minho’s in a brotherly way. “Don’t speak so ill of me, will you? This greedy business is housing you,” he retorts, “I suppose you’re going to hog my place tonight as you always do, Black Swordsman?” So turns out he spends his night slumbers in this old crusty shop, no wonder people think he sleeps in the woods since they’ve never run into him outside of the town square before.  

“Actually, I won’t be in town for tonight,” Minho’s answer catches Jisung off guard. “I’m heading north, to the Restless Cliffs.”

“Another life-risking business trip huh. You’re going to need warm clothes, some supplement, and probably some medicine too,” Jisung hums to himself. “Hey, Felix! Get your butt over here and sharpen a sword!”

You detach your rapier from your belt and take a few steps forward before placing it onto the counter. “Uhh, can you perhaps do the same thing for my sword? I’m coming with him,” you try to appear as friendly, not wanting to startle him. 

But to your dismay, “Y-You’re one of the th-the royal guards!”

The younger boy looks over at you, utterly bewildered when he sees the emblem on your uniform. His eyes look like they’re about to pop out of their socket any second now. As if to fuel the fire, Minho jerks his head towards the direction of Noir, speaking casually, “Also, ask Chaeryeong to take care of the wolf and the horse for me. Tell her to be gentle too, the wolf is hurt and confused. Don’t let him drink potions that aren’t tested beforehand.”

“You brought injured animals to my shop?!”

“One more thing, I need to see Jeong-”

Jisung has to manually shut him up by swinging an arm over his neck, forcing his friend to tumble over the wooden counter, their cheeks pressed against each other. He’s practically spitting into Minho’s face at this point. “What in the world is an outcast, stubborn-headed of a loner like you doing out here with a royal guard?! Didn’t you say that having other people coming along would only get in the way? I thought you worked alone! What’s the deal man?”

“Ahaha, it’s a long story. You see-”

“Excuse my discourtesy for I haven’t introduced myself properly yet,” Jisung stops and averts his gaze over to you, soon letting go of Minho when you flash him a crooked smile. “My name is Y/N, second in command of the royal guards and I’ll be stuck with this dimwit for a while, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Jisung reciprocates your bow, the look in his eyes softening a bit, “And I’m Han Jisung, freelance dealer, single, I’m looking for a—“ Minho finds it irksome how his friend is already out and about, starting a proper conversation without almost getting killed by you so his fist moves on its own, jabbing against the blond’s stomach, forcing air out of his mouth with a low grunt. 

“Don’t mind him,” he turns sideways to reassure you, holding back the twitching muscles on his face. “He’s a decent person, despite how creepy he can be sometimes.” Jisung then elbows him harshly as a payback, making a scene when they start wrestling with each other like a bunch of toddlers. This makes you snort involuntarily, the Black Swordsman isn’t as fully-fledged as what’s been told around the public.

“Kids, that’s enough,” you tell them after making a grab for one of your pouches on Noir’s back. “Minho, why don’t you go meet up with the blacksmith? And Jisung, do you perhaps have a kitchen that I can borrow?”

While Minho’s mumbling something under his breath, hugging both of his and your sword to his chest to make his way behind the counter, Jisung nods at you, lifting a curtain next to a shelf full of weapons, gems, crystals, and potions that leads you down a dark, narrow hallway. “It’s not much,” he says and lights a candle so none of you would trip over each other. “But I hope it helps.”

“Don’t even, doing all of this for a stranger like me is incredibly generous of you,” you say humbly, not wanting to take anything for granted. “I’ll definitely return the favor when I come back.”

Jisung stops walking all of a sudden, causing you to almost bump into his back. “Is that so? Then, uhh…” he scratches the nape of his neck sheepishly. “How do I say this..? I know Minho can be irrational sometimes, loves pretending like he doesn’t care, and always runs into fire. So please..” His throat starts growing dry as he lowers his head a bit, attempting to bow at you.

“Take care of him for me, will you?”

You smile at the blond-haired boy, warmth flaring through your rib cage like butterflies, “I assure you he’s in good hands.”

six.

That night, you and Minho spend the whole night, the next morning, and the afternoon walking barefooted from Kalmburg to a small village at the base of the Restless Cliffs called Drachens Hohle. And it’s anything but Kalmburg. Rustic cabins dot the grassy hills as trees stand up like spikes, zigzagging the border of brick roads and unpolished homes. Rivers stream through deep valleys. The town is as complex as the heart, the streets are the veins, paved with red stones and the people are the heart. They look like they don’t own much, but are willing to share everything and anything. It’s the smiles on their faces, the way they greet each other, the sound of weapons and breastplates being pounded into shape that shows you just how alive this small community can be.

The motel Minho chooses looks like one of those places where men with beer guts would be snooping around with their neighbor’s wife, paying by the hour; a place where random hookers and drug-dealers would thrive. There are external wooden stairs that lead to a second floor, the second row of doors, that looks like the building inspector was either bribed to pass it or drunk on the job. You insist on finding a better place than this rat-hole but Minho said you don’t have to waste a couple of extra pennies just so the beds can be softer.

After dinner, you both receive your own keys before going upstairs to your respective rooms. A dingy place like this isn’t able to provide much when it comes to furniture anyway so there’s only a plain bed with pillows and a blanket, a nightstand with a pitch of water, and a small candle beside it. You sigh while casting your eyes around the room one last time. It’s just for one night.

“Y/N,” Minho gives your door a few knocks. “Are you asleep yet? I have something to tell you.”

You’re still halfway done with unpacking your stuff so you try to yell back without turning on your heels, “Not yet, just come in. I didn’t lock the door.”

He hums as a response before pushing against the wooden surface, closing it with a small ‘click’ after. “I just ran into the mayor downstairs,” Minho starts speaking and that’s when you finish putting your sword away, turning to look at him. And your cheeks inevitably grow hot since the first thing you have to lay your poor eyes on is his collarbones. This bastard really has the audacity to keep his buttons anywhere but a degree of appropriation. 

“Hey, focus,” he snaps his fingers as an attempt to knock you out of your trance, not noticing how he’s obviously the distraction. “It took an hour for him after rambling about his childhood and his love for the village to finally spill something about the kind of crystal that we need. At least pretend like you’re paying attention, will you?”

“I was paying attention,” you mumble loud enough for yourself to hear it. What a white lie. 

Minho quirks a brow and leans himself against the wall, looking amused, “Hmm, sure you did. Now, where were we? Ah! The mayor said those things aren't very hard to find, the only problem is that the field where they grow is right in front of a dragon’s den. No one has ever made it back in one piece. Chances are there might be other random monsters on the way…” 

Suddenly he stops talking, confusing you. “What’s wrong-“

The stiff look on his face seals your lips almost immediately. Faster than a lightning bolt, Minho turns the doorknob and rushes outside. “Who’s there?!” he snaps at the hooded figure running towards the end of the dark hallway, reaching for the sword on his back only to realize it’s not there. “Shit, this isn’t good.”

“Someone was eavesdropping. We’ve got ourselves a spy.” You close the door again after Minho walks inside, facepalming himself onto your bed dreadfully. 

He supports himself upward on his forearms and runs a hand through his hair, “Look, I’m not saying this because I’m doubting your abilities, I just want to guarantee your safety as much as I can. Their motives and patterns are getting pretty much unpredictable.” When he looks straight into your eyes with his warm, brown ones, your heart dips ever so gently. “Would you mind if I were to spend the night in your room?”

Your lips grow agape, your jaw almost drops to the floor. No one has ever asked to spend the night in the same room as you, not even Ryujin—your closest friend out of all the royal guards. Heck, you’ve barely known this man for a good three days yet why is it that your heart didn’t even hesitate? Are you scared? Most definitely not. Then what is it? What’s this weird, fuzzy feeling that’s been stirring inside your stomach for who knows how long?

“.....fine, but don’t try anything.”

Your heart is being weak again.

“Just what do you think you’re doing?”

You place your hands on either side of your hip when Minho comes back from his room with his pillows and blanket scattered all over the floor, organizing them neatly with his sword leaning against your nightstand. He flickers his eyes upward to look at your judgmental ones, slightly shaking from the cold and nervousness. “I’m getting comfortable?” he tells you, blinking innocently. 

Shaking your head at Minho, you snatch the pillow from his hands and situate it on your bed, right beside your own. “Hurry up now before I change my mind,” you decide after some time of consideration. The floor doesn’t look necessarily clean, and it’s not like Jisung would pack any extra clothes for him to change into. You’re just being nice like any normal, civil human being would. You’re sharing a bed with a stranger, nothing out of the ordinary. 

“Oh, I’m good,” Minho scratches his head with a sheepish smile. “The floor is fine for me.” Although the cheap material of the mattress does look more convincing than the hard, cement surface. 

You squint your eyes at him skeptically, “Are you sure?” He then puts his hands up in defeat as though you’re pointing a knife at his throat and motions for you to scoot over with a wave of his hand. You both shuffle around after he slips into the blanket with you, shifting until you’re facing the wall while Minho’s staring awkwardly at the front door. Well, this is kinda nice, he thinks to himself when your back brushes over his every now and then. 

“Uhh, sleep tight, I guess?” Minho says before leaning over the nightstand to blow out the candle. 

“Goodnight to you too,” you spew out your last words of the day, deciding to keep your lips close before you embarrass yourself any further. Okay...maybe one last thing before you completely pass out. “Uhm, Minho?”

He replies softly, “Yeah?” Seems like he can’t fall asleep either. 

Minho tosses himself over the moment you move your body and this causes your faces to be inches apart, his warm breath fanning your cheeks. Although you can’t see him clearly due to the limited source of light, those round eyes are definitely piercing right through you, leaving your heart pounding faster than usual. 

“Can you tell me…” you nibble on your bottom lip hesitantly. “What happened between you and Changbin? You guys weren’t being very civil for old friends.”

When he shifts slightly again to face the ceiling, his arm brushes against yours but he does nothing about it. He likes the lingering warmth from the tips of your fingers. 

You watch in awe as Minho stares up at nothing, broken bits of sadness floating softly inside his irises like an unwanted scar from his past; it’s tragically beautiful. “It was years ago when this whole monster hunting thing started,” he starts calmly, finding it hard to not look at you. “I wasn’t alone, Changbin was there with me too.”

Then, he continues, not knowing that you’re widening your eyes at him, “We were in an assault team, traveling all over the Continent and making a living out of slaying those creatures. We didn’t have much back then, but we had each other. Unfortunately, everyone has their own secrets despite our promise of not hiding anything from each other. Changbin was planning on leaving the group to go on a different path, and I...I would secretly sneak out alone every night, throwing myself into danger, thinking that I wasn’t good enough…Truth is, I was just being selfish.” His voice trails off, trembling as if each word pains him, like a thousand arrow wounds straight into his heart.

Bitter. Unforgiving. Pain. 

“I knew that I was lying to them, that I should just leave without saying anything,” Minho swallows hard like someone’s stepping on him, forcing air out of his lungs mercilessly. 

“But I never belonged anywhere, they were all that I had—my only family. I longed for that warmth, that feeling of being at ease so I just, I couldn’t leave. One day, we were hired to clear out a dungeon through an anonymous letter. It raised some skepticisms in my head since I’ve gone there before, there was nothing, no monsters, no nothing. Even so, I was held back by my own cowardice, I was afraid they might question me. I didn’t stop them when they accepted the job, it was good money.”

Your voice fails you when you open your mouth to say something, so you wordlessly slips your hand into his, hoping that you’ll be able to convey some of your heat to his cold fingers. As if feeling encouraged by your action, he doesn’t push you away and regains his composure. 

“Turns out, my intuitions were right, we got scammed,” Minho says. “A group full of criminals attacked, wanting to keep all of our money for their own. We cooperated and gave them everything, yet that wasn’t enough. They needed to seal our lips for good….Only Changbin and I made it out alive, three mobsters from the gang died under my blade that day. I confessed to Changbin later on, he didn’t forgive me. I couldn’t forgive myself either, the only family I’d ever have was gone, my arrogance and pride killed them.”

Silently, you pull him towards you, caressing the back of his head like he’s gonna fall apart the moment you let him go. Minho’s breath hitches in his throat as he sees you wear a smile on your face, your starry eyes twinkling when moonlight slips through the crack of the wood-lined window, pieces of glass chipping off on the edges. You’re breathtaking, unearthly. 

“I’m not going to die, I know that you’ll protect me just fine.” There’s a wide-eyed expression on his face, his lips falling open but his words die in his throat. A tear unknowingly rolls down on his cheek, consequently blurring his vision with waves of sadness that only the broken would encounter. You let him nuzzle his head into the crook of your neck, his fists grabbing at your shirt until his knuckles turn white. 

Minho cries into your chest unceasingly, “I don’t have any real strength. Without my sword, without the anonymity that has been casting terror and curiosity on people, I’m just Lee Minho, the coward who only ever knows how to run away and hide behind the shadow of the Black Swordsman. Changbin was right, I don’t have any right to even think about protecting you.”

“My father used to tell me,” you stroke his hair gently as choked sobs punch through him, pulling him back from the opening arms of his grief. “Strength is simply an illusion, there are far more important things.” 

He stops for a moment, nostalgia hurling him back to the memories of two decades ago when he was still just a boy, training hard with his wooden sword while someone watched him from afar, a pleased look lingering on their lips. Tears pool in his eyes again when that person’s face flashes inside his mind but the hollow space inside his heart isn’t the same, there’s a ray of joy that’s managed to make its way through a crack of his walls. 

“And I don’t care if you’re the Black Swordsman or not, I only know the cryptic-looking guy who crossed swords with me and wasn’t willing to back down that day. I knew, I just knew that even without a sword, you could have beaten me. Because fighting isn’t an obligation, it’s a choice. A choice whether you’re going to fight until the very end or not.”

His tears can’t extinguish what has happened, yet only carry him forward until a time comes when that searing pain is distant enough to forget rather than remembering. And maybe one day, it might erase itself from his conscience for good. So perhaps it’s not much of an oddity to thank the salty liquid streaming down on his cheekbones. They’re a living proof for his morality, a barrier to save him from becoming a monster—indifferent to suffering and sorrow. 

Minho sees the fatherly smile on his mentor’s face, just like the old days. And then he sees you through his blurred vision, momentarily breathless at how close you are. 

“After all, I have a promise to keep,” you tell him but it comes out more like a reminder for yourself. “I won’t let you die even when I’m no longer capable of picking up my sword and I mean it. As vice commander of the royal guards, you have my words, Lee Minho.”

An ignited desire wells up at the bottom of his heart, and it baffles him. Lee Minho, a coward who’s willing to turn his back on everyone just so he alone can exist. A bastard who betrayed his only friends, who didn’t even try to plead for forgiveness, who coldly walked away from those painful memories. Such a self-absorbed being like him doesn’t deserve a simple ally, let alone something much more intimate than that.

Then he starts to remember why he’s here, with you. Your smile. Your voice. Memories are flooding back into his head about this girl who made her way into his life abruptly yet so easily. And before he knows it, she’s all that’s on his mind. 

So instead of giving in to his nightmares like he would every other night, Minho stops reminiscing his bloodied past, surrendering under the sense of familiarity radiating off your touch.

seven.

You both stand in awe as the great mountains loom before your eyes, cold grey crevices holding the blood of the fallen. While the lower passes wear a cloak of greenery, the peaks are crowned with a headdress of ice. As though the earth has a pulse, it rises through the mountains, creating their bold silhouette. From carved rocky outcrops, waterfalls drifting like skeins of white lawn, and in the fields, you can see the amber glint of the rivers and the occasional mirror-like flash of the lake. 

The mountains soar upward like they wish to plant a soft kiss on heaven, wanting to have a taste of the horizon all around. The path ahead winds as effortlessly as a blanket laid on a bed, yet each step feels heavier than the previous one, draining your energy. It only gets steeper and narrower as you make your way closer to the top, but giving up is not an option. You’re willing to go to the other side of the world barefooted, searching for every corner, every edge of this planet if it means bringing your brother back. 

A gust of wind howls in the distance, piling up snow in drifts, blinding your eyesight with ice-white dust. You try walking, bending over against the cold, protecting your eyes with your clothed forearms. Everything looms into your vision before vanishing completely, swallowed in white. “Minho?” you call out to him after a few minutes of not looking forward, waving one of your hands around until it can feel something. 

Another hand reaches for yours, and you snap out of your daze when the coldness on the tips of his fingers is clasped against your palm. “You’re as slow as a baby turtle,” he comments lamely while staring ahead, not letting you see the coral shade scattered across his cheeks. “Let’s just hurry up and get back, I’m hungry.” 

Breath pale against the numbing air, you blink thoughtfully while gazing down at the sight of his fingers being intertwined with yours as the frost patiently kisses your face. He’s still wearing the same old pair of fingerless gloves, no wonder his hands are freezing. But you suppose it’s because he doesn’t want the grip on his sword to slip. 

“Oh, I actually have something for us to eat,” you retract your hand to fish it inside your bag, already missing his warmth. “I guess we should have lunch, either way, we’ve been walking before the sun even rose.”

Minho makes a noise of confusion before bringing his steps to a halt, turning his head to see you pull out something being wrapped neatly in paper, giving it a slight jerk towards his direction when he continues to stare at you blankly. Wordlessly, he takes it and sighs, eyes widening when the smell of grilled meat invaded his nostrils. Inside the wrapper is a sandwich made from thinly sliced bread, generously stuffed with meat and vegetables. The peppery aroma inevitably makes his stomach rumble and without another word, Minho chomps on his lunch portion like a hungry child; the sandwich is long gone before he realizes it. 

“It’s...good,” he licks his lips to clean up the remaining sauce in the corners of his mouth. It doesn’t look any different from the ones he’s seen inside restaurants but the taste is what reminds him of something he ate as a kid, he almost teared up while inhaling it. “Where did you buy this? I’ll make sure to pass by the place when we get back.”

“I didn’t buy it,” you stride ahead of him to hide the giddiness in your stomach. “I made it yesterday at Jisung’s place. That’s why the bread got a little soggy if you couldn’t tell already.”

Minho fixes his collar and his hearty laughs echoes through your eardrums, stirring up feelings inside your stomach unabating. “You would make a fortune out of these,” he tells you while trying to catch up, following your steps in a hassle. “But now that I‘m thinking about it again, you shouldn’t do that, I’d hate to see people getting to enjoy the same food as me with some cheap units.”

You blush (out of anger) at his statement and attempt to cover it up by stepping onto his toes. This causes him to yelp while stumbling backward, almost falling onto his bottom. “Why did you feel the need to do that?!”

“I can just make you more if you like it that much, you jerk,” you murmur mostly to yourself but he hears it nonetheless. 

A smile makes its way to his lips, and a fuzzy feeling bubbles up inside his stomach. He’s not sure what it is, but he’s not complaining, really. It’d be nice if he could have the same delicious meals when he’d retired, dozing off while watching the sunset with his significant other and his own kids in his arms. It’d be nice if he could have a place to come back to when he needs a break, a shoulder to lean on and someone to tuck him into bed. It’d be nice if… He looks at you again after those shameless thoughts and immediately, embarrassment dusts his cheeks pink. His face feels hot despite the puffs of cold air escaping his lips. 

“Hey,” Minho pulls you to a stop by the hand, suddenly giving it a squeeze. “I just wanted to say thank you…” A glint of anticipation gleams in your gaze when you both lock eyes, prompting him to look away. “Thank you, for...the meal, it was nice. I might as well bother you a little longer to eat more good food.” Lee Minho you coward. 

“Do you only think about your stomach?“ you almost gawk at him, raising your hand to give him a slap in the face but Minho grabs your hand before you can do so. The next thing you know, his other hand is on the top of your head, ruffling your hair in a playful manner. 

He tells you and trudges on, grinning to himself, “Let’s get moving, we’re wasting time.”

“....Minho?”

“Hmm?” he turns around with a lovesick smile on his face but that’s not what you’re paying attention to.

“You might want to look out for that…”

“For what-“ 

Minho swallows heavily when he sees an enormous figure overhanging his shadow on the white snow. Slowly, his gaze follows the sound of faint yet sturdy footsteps and he holds his breath, eyes twice as white as before. 

“Just to be clear…” he asks breathlessly. “Dragons are nocturnal, right?”

“Correct,” you subconsciously take a step back. “And we might have woken it up.”

Minho takes notice in the thick stripe of black streaking down on one of its claws, and his face morphs into a frown when his surroundings reek off the smell of fresh blood. “No, someone else did.”

The dragon’s scales gleam dashingly in the sunlight, they are its pride and delight, violet streaks blending into a deep blue at the end. Its teeth so cold and sharp like icicles, they can easily rip any armors into mere ribbons of skin and bones. In its chest holds a hearth of ever flickering flame although the remorseless heart remains rime. Eyes with a shade of crimson as deep as the liquid that’s coursing through your veins, nourishing you; those eyes are seemingly endless pools of wisdom and intelligence.

But once those red pupils dilate and focus on the two mundane mortals before themselves, a glint of gold is suddenly evident, almost alarmed. The dragon takes off into the air with its wings stretched leathery like a bat, sending a small snowstorm flying towards the both of you. Minho squints his eyes hard while you’re shielding your vision with your forearms, coats fluttering as wind whistles into your ears.

Minho calmly takes a step forward, flashing you a smile sideways. What is he doing? 

Then, he spares you one last glance before drawing his sword. As though triggered by the sound of metal scraping against the leather sheath, the dragon flaps its majestic wings and inhales, heaps of glowing embers come swirling in midair, twirling towards Minho with a fiery dance. He’s just simply there, feet planted firmly on the ground as though challenging the creature’s deadly breath. 

“Minho, what are you doing?!” you yell at him, trying to keep your balance as the ground begins to tremble. “Get out of there!!”

Pretending not to listen to your warnings, Minho gets into his stance, blade angling low with his knees. What happens next downright baffles you. The blade of his sword glimmers with a shade of purple, his feet taking off towards the plume of fire that soon engulfs his figure completely in your vision. 

You squeeze your eyes shut not just because of the heat but also because you can’t bring yourself to see it. Once the air around you cools off, your eyes flutter open again to see Minho angling his head over his shoulder, throwing you a wink in the process. Did he just counter a dragon’s breath with his sword?

“Chaeryeong taught me that. Neat trick, isn’t it?” he says with a grin while you’re blinking at him in utter shock; he looks almost proud of successfully deflecting that breath attack. “I use magic more often than you’d think. Nothing major, only the basic things. Enough to keep me alive.”

“I still think we need to run first.”

Minho looks at you dejectedly, “Don’t you have a better plan?”

With a howl as loud as any sky-born thunder, the dragon flaps its wings more vigorously this time, flinging the layer of snow under your feet into a blizzard—a swirling storm of screaming silver, a primal force than conquers until its core explodes. Everything around you is almost white-out as you bat your hands around helplessly in the middle of this snowstorm. After a while, you can no longer feel your legs, it’s like the storm just sweeps you off your feet. You’re not sure if it’s because of the cold or-

What the…?

You widen your eyes in a panic; you’re falling. Your perception of time distorts, your surroundings slow down until there’s nothing, only you, the sky above, and a hole that’s only a few hundred feet away from where you were standing previously. Your hand reaches out to the canvas above, grasping the endless crevasse of blue. 

Everything’s a blur, a blur that swirls out of existence. Suspended in the air for a few seconds, you close your eyes and take a deep breath, letting your tense muscles relax. You won’t die from the fall since there’s a likelihood that snow’s already covered the pit. But you can’t just let yourself fall freely, that would cause minor, unnecessary injuries. So you reach for your sword, planning to jab it against the rocky surface as an attempt to go against gravity. 

Once the metal comes in contact with the side of the pit, tiny flares of fire flutter in the air as if the sword is being sharpened by a blacksmith, an ear-piercing sound hisses against your eardrums. The stab is strong enough to slow gravity down from pulling you downward any faster but it’s not enough to make you stop completely. 

Chan, you think while screwing your eyes shut, every cell inside your body is shaking, every muscle is aching. You can’t give up now, not when you’re still in one piece, and Chan’s hanging on the edge of not getting his old life back. You can’t give up not knowing who’s the culprit, not just yet. 

And you’d rather be cursed than making out of this place alive and leaving Minho behind. Your conscience won’t ever forgive you. 

When that thought crosses your mind, you grit your teeth and suddenly the sword stops sliding down, leaving you dangling midair on one arm. The rapier is too slender, it won’t hold on for long, and it’s not like you can climb all the way up to the top. 

A mighty, fearsome roar blares through your brain like wildfire so you flutter your eyes upward to see the dragon with its wings folded on both sides, diving at an immaculate speed into the hole, in your direction. 

There’s my ride. 

eight.

Once the blizzard settles down, the setting sun comes with a sky of fire, the orange of every wintry hearth. The color stretches far and wide along the horizon like a reflection of the dawn that comes after the velvety night. 

That’s when Minho sees them. 

The crystals have grown as something alive may do, thriving over the ages, through many generations. As such they become a rainbow sea made of perfect rocks, the shoreline ever-present and still with colors that shine in the brilliant light of a richness that only nature can bring. Minho might feel bad when he snaps off a piece, it’s like cutting a single, healthy rose in the middle of the thorny garden. But if it’s for Chan, he’s certain that you’d do anything at any cost. 

Minho sheaths his sword and sighs, turning around, “Y/N are you okay?” All that he’s met with is a muffled silence, the cold wind whistling into his ears, the hollow space before his eyes white-out and empty.

“Y/N?” Nothing. 

“Y/N!!” No one answers. “Y/N!!!”

No, he lets out a choked whimper. No, no, no.

His legs tremble inside his boots, his lips quivering, his fists clenched, his fingers turning cold. And the thing that terrifies him most? His heart feels like someone is grasping on it so tightly as though they’re going to crush it with their bare hands. 

A seed of fear suddenly grows inside his rib cage, thriving at an abrupt pace, branching out, gripping onto every cell, every muscle inside his body. He can’t breathe. This can’t be it, he tells himself, tumbling backward a bit. He promised not to let this happen. He swore. Yet his biggest nightmare is only one step away from becoming a reality. 

Minho wants to cry your name aloud over and over again until his vocal cords are torn apart, he wants to be vulnerable for once and let himself fall. How is he going to face Chan? And Changbin? And his own conscience? He might as well run his own sword through his heart because what would be the point in living if you’re no longer here?

All of this was a grave mistake. If only he didn’t throw the dart. If only you didn’t come with him. None of this would have happened. None of this would have happened if he didn’t accept that damned offer. He could have easily flipped you off the second that duel was finished and gone on this trip by himself. And face the scythe of Death alone, by himself, like he always does. He should have died alone, he deserves to die alone. 

But this time, he didn’t make the right decision and the consequences are horrendous. He gave in because of your stubbornness, your determination, your bossy nature. He let you in and his walls came down tumbling one by one, his stern and trained facade shredded into pieces. His head is a mess whenever he sees your smile, his heart can permit you to tread on his boring life. And because of those merely unguarded moments, he’s killed another person that he truly cares about other than himself.

Wait, something clicks inside his head. He almost forgets the most important thing of all. The culprit. 

Minho regains his composure and snaps his head back towards the crystals. The sun might be going down but its limited source of light is more than adequate to cast a shadow onto the snowy white surface. The shadow of a person, a person that’s not you. The shadow that sets a silent inferno inside his chest, the flame spreading by the ticking second. 

“I have been waiting for you,” he turns on his heels, reaching for the hilt of his sword. “Hwang Hyunjin.”

The shadow visibly flinches before stepping out, a hand outstretching from the black cloak to pull down the hood. When Hyunjin’s face comes into view, Minho’s muscles tense up, anguish making his head a little dizzy. But he maintains his cold front, not letting his opponent see how much this is affecting him. 

“I’ve got a feeling that you’d already figured it out the moment I visited the cabin,” Hyunjin says slyly, his facial expression rather relaxed. “And I was so close to silencing you little errand boy for good too, but I’ll admit, the little brat is well trained, he ran off before I could catch him. So tell me, Black Swordsman, where did I slip?”

“Your eyes,” Minho grits. “They weren’t staring at Chan with what’s supposed to be concern or relief. You were looking at him like a predator watching its prey from afar. If I weren’t keeping an eye on you, who knows what you would have done to him. He didn’t sound pleased when you touched him either.”

Hyunjin drops his cloak to the ground, laughing under his breath, “You are sharper than I’d expected.” He takes a few steps closer forward, craning his neck tiredly before drawing his sword, causing Minho to do the same. “Now, now, vice commander, an innocent man is about to be killed because of you.”

Minho can only snicker at the statement, “I’m not planning on going down easily.”

“So am I,” Hyunjin gets ready in his stance, glaring at his opponent. “I wasn’t really planning on dealing with you. I would rather end her and let you take the blame. Actually, that sounds like a better plan! Don’t you agree? No one would put their trust in you—a low, damned being who lives off the upper classes’ bloodied pennies.”

With his blood boiling hot, Minho inhales and exhales deeply to keep his voice calm. “End her?” he repeats after the guard. End her. Hyunjin hasn’t made a single move yet he feels like someone just stabbed him in the gut. How could he?! You trusted Hyunjin, you went through so much with him, you trained him. And now he’s just going to turn around and bite the hand that fed him? Traitor. “Over my dead body.” 

Hyunjin lunges forward, his feet sprinting quickly and he brings his blade up from a lower angle while Minho attempts to clash him from the head down. Both of their swords get knocked away on different sides from the harsh contact. Before Hyunjin can raise his weapon again, Minho sword slices at him sideways but he luckily deflects it in time—the reflexes and muscle memories from his training are kicking in. 

“Why are you doing this? Aren’t you her friend?”

Minho’s sword aims for his head once again; however, Hyunjin steps to the side and makes a grab for his hand, holding his weapon down. This makes Minho lose his balance for a few seconds while Hyunjin tries to cleave his neck. He stumbles on his heels at the last second, only getting away with a small cut on his cheekbone. The pain isn’t even there, he’s been beaten up ten times worse before, this is nothing. He’s practically numb by now. 

“Friend?” Hyunjin drags his sword against the ground before bringing it up to stop a slash at his chest, throwing snow into Minho’s eyes. He groans agonizingly when the white matters’ coldness burns his skin, blurring his vision. “She and Chan only care about themselves! They are the ones who get all the praises and recognition after a mission. Little rumps like me and Changbin?”

He angrily tightens the grip on his weapon, dragging a long slice downward, “We didn’t have any title, we’re merely just two faces amongst a hundred of the other guards. We get treated like we don’t even exist!”

“Did Y/N ever treat you that way? And Chan too?” Minho heaves after dodging the blow by rolling on the ground. He’s circling around the guard, trying to keep his mind clear. “From what I’ve seen, she seems to care about you and Changbin as much as she does about her brother. 

Hyunjin swings his sword at him, and Minho receives the hit with the edge of his blade. The sound of metal scraping against each other is pricking at his eardrums but he can care less, he won’t be dying today. “So you can break my soul,” Minho pants before both of them stagger backward, switching their initial position. “Take everything away from me.”

“Beat me up.” Another blocked blow. 

“Tear me into pieces.” Anger almost tears through his mind again. Anger towards Hyunjin for betraying Chan, you, and his entire team. Anger for falling into his trap. Anger for not being able to keep you safe. He wishes he could just unleash all of his hatred and rage on the guard. But what can he do? He’s one to blame too, after all. 

“Or kill me, even.”

Hyunjin catches up to Minho when he starts sprinting away to regain his vision, the two of them running side by side, in between the lined up crystals. Thrusting his sword at Minho in various directions, Hyunjin’s stabs are getting messy because of the limited amount of space. 

“But I will tell you something, you’d better listen to me and listen to me for good.” Minho’s sword strikes at him but he blocks it in time, their faces inches apart and their weapons threatening to snap each other into half. 

“Touch Y/N.” A low grunt escapes Hyunjin’s lips when Minho jabs his fist against his stomach, forcing air out from his lungs. “And I am going to give you a taste of hell. I have been there before, and you know what? You would be begging me for a painless death by then.”

When the guard falls onto his knees, his weapon dropping by his side with a loud clangor, Minho directs the tip of his sword on top of Hyunjin’s head. “Think about it again, do you think that all of this is really worth it?”

A sinister laugh echoed through his ears and Minho’s eyes grow alarmed when the blood trickled down on his cheek starts to harden a little. No, something’s wrong. “You spoke too soon,” Hyunjin tells him with a devilish tone, the corners of his lips being tugged up into a smirk. 

What is this? On the tip of his fingers reveals a dark shade of blue, it almost reminds him of the royal guards’ uniform. Suddenly his body collapses, he can’t feel his muscles, he can do nothing. His sword is so far away from his grip, he can’t even move his fingers. Paralytic poison. “You bastard!”

Hyunjin pushes himself off the ground, holding his sword by the hilt when the tip is faced downward. “I suppose this is the end. Our encounter is rather short but it was a pleasure to cross swords with the infamous Black Swordsman,” he raises it, chuckling. “Goodbye, Lee Minho.”

Minho locks his jaw, his muscles tense but he can’t move, his eyes are shut while he braces himself for the contact. But it never comes. A growl as loud and frightening as a clap of thunder rumbles through the sky and that’s when Minho opens his eyes to see the shadow of a dragon flying not too high above. Next thing he knows, a figure jumps off, falling rapidly like a lightning bolt. 

Your foot slams onto Hyunjin’s shoulder, causing him to fall back while you land on the ground safely. Before he can register the situation, your rapier is drawn to yank his long sword away. “Hyunjin?” you grit with tears brimming in your eyes. “Why?”

Hyunjin doesn’t respond, instead, he takes a few strides towards you wordlessly. You don’t raise your weapon nor retreat it, simply keeping it limp by your side. But he lifts the blade of your sword with his hands and swiftly runs it through his stomach, blood splattering everywhere. His arms are weak, yet he still tries to put one of them around your back, pulling you closer and leaning his head on your shoulder. “Congratulations, vice commander,” he taunts into your ear. 

“You’re a murderer.”

nine.

Chan finds himself waking up on a plain bed, a white blanket draped over him, and a cold towel on his head. All the mayhem from the past week comes crashing down on him like a tsunami, banging against his temple. He tries to push himself up but his limbs are too wobbly—it feels foreign, it’s like he’s inside someone else’s body and not his own. With every move, his head pulses in agony, and his muscles ache.

The pain stops when he sees you sleeping soundly against his bed, your head rested on your forearms. Another figure is present too, on the couch staring blankly at the flickering fireplace. Opening his mouth to speak, Chan scrunches his nose in pain as he accidentally strains his vocal cords but no words come out, only incoherent sounds. 

“...Chan?” you rub the sleep away from your eyes, yawning tiredly. 

“Ah..ah..ah,” Chan can only lift his arms, calling out to you in desperation. His eyes grow stingy at the sound of your voice and before he knows it, tears are already rolling down in his cheeks relentlessly. 

“Chan, it’s alright,” you hush him softly, slipping your arms around him and holding him tight. “Everything’s fine now, you’re safe. You’ve done enough.” You bury your face into the crook of his neck, that way he won’t be able to see your glassy eyes. This isn’t the time to cry in front of him. 

The door closes with a sharp thud.

Chan only convinces himself that he’s still alive, and back to his human form, not being buried six feet under the ground somewhere when your fingers graze the dull lines that his tears leave behind. A sense of relief washes over him the moment he sees your smile, though insomnia has been carved into your features over time. You’re safe, he closes his eyes. You’re not hurt. 

That’s all that matters. 

“Wait for me here, I’ll call Yeji in,” you give his hands one last squeeze. Chan pulls you back for a second there, a faint frown adorns his face. “Just leave the rest to me, we’re going to be alright.” 

With Chan’s weak smile as an approval, you dash outside, finding Minho standing like a soulless being at the front door of the cabin. He can’t bring himself to face you after what he did. His body is tired, his mind is a mess, and his heart is filled with sorrow. Even his sword seems too heavy for his existence, it’s weighing him down, making him not be able to move. 

“This was all my fault, wasn’t it?”

You don’t answer him and instead outstretch your hand, letting your fingers tug at the sheath of his sword. “Minho, it’s no one’s fault,” you mumble with your head hung low. “I dragged you into this. If anything, I’m the one to blame.”

“No!” His sudden outburst makes you flinch; hence you pull your hand back with a wide-eyed expression on your face. “If I hadn’t thrown that dart, we wouldn’t have met. If you hadn’t followed me on the trip, nothing would have happened! None of this would have happened! You almost died back there, Y/N. Do you know how much it scared me?”

“So you’re just going to leave me like this?” you raise your voice, trying not to snap at him. “After everything, you’re still going to turn away from me? Just like how you did to everyone else?”

“I-“ 

“Lee Minho, if you claimed to care about me so much-”

“I should stay away from you, I will only cause you more trouble. Even worse, I will get you in danger. I won’t forgive myself if anything happens to you.” His heart clenches at his own words as his shoulders shake, arms tense on his sides. 

You reach for his hand, and huff in determination, “Stick to your words and protect me then.”

ten.

It’s been a week since the incident happened. Hyunjin has managed to live after the fight, yet he wants to keep his lips sealed for a while as to why he intended to harm the commander of his team in the first place. For now, he’s being kept in the dungeon while the king and queen permit you to do whatever. After all, he didn’t cause the kingdom any trouble. And if you were being honest, you would forgive Hyunjin without a second thought just so things can be normal again. It’s not as easy as you’d hoped. 

Minho, on the other hand, has been praised tremendously by everyone in court for what he did. His name has been cleansed and every flighty rumor or gossip about him has been cleared out. He doesn’t like this at all, journalists are starting to snoop around Jisung’s place, leaving him no choice but to stay at Yeji’s log house for some time. His reputation was what used to keep him safe, now everything’s being flipped upside down. 

He stares at his own reflection in the mirror from across the room. Minho can’t tell if it’s because he’s only worn the color black for the longest time or he’s being irrational, but he thinks the white loose shirt and matching pants that the mage brought back last night from the castle just don’t look right. Is his own moniker messing with his head? Probably. 

Glancing sideways to catch a glimpse of his sword on his bed, he exhales dejectedly. I look like a joke, Minho thinks to himself. 

“I never knew the Black Swordsman would look this dashing in white,” Chan enters his room with a dimpled smile on his face, Changbin following him suit. He’s recovering from the past week of living his life as a wolf, it’s still quite hard for Chan to walk so Yeji forced him to use a wheelchair for the time being. 

“Don’t you guys have any clothes that aren’t so flashy?” Minho cracks a crooked smile, feeling unfamiliar being dressed in such a bright color. “I look ridiculous.”

Chan chuckles wholeheartedly and shakes his head, “Actually, that’s one of our less flashy ones. Don’t worry, you look great.”

“Why are you here, anyway?” Minho’s question isn’t necessarily directed towards Chan, but rather the person standing behind him. “If you want to curse me for the things I’ve done, then fine, I accept it. I will leave Kalmburg and move to the other side of the Continent. You’ll never have to see me again.”

Changbin steps forward, and with a deep breath, he says, “Thank you, Minho.” 

Minho can’t believe his ears, did he just—

“Thank you,” Changbin says again; this time more firmly, and the look in his eyes softening. In those brown orbs, Minho can once again see the look he used to be met with five years ago, no hatred or anger, just warmth. He missed this. A ‘thank you’ has never sounded so nerve-calming before. It’s genuine, it’s real. Heartwarming, almost. 

“When you told me that you would protect her,” Changbin continues, gaze cast downward. “I almost believed you, I knew you weren’t lying. It felt like that day after we both got out of the dungeon all over again. My anger always got the best of me and I just burst. I never gave you the chance to explain yourself, I never got to know your reasons. I am sorry because I didn’t care about you enough, as a friend.”

“I am sorry too,” Minho rises from his seat on the bed, suppressing the happiness inside his ribcage. “I’m sorry I bailed on you that day, I think about it all the time.”

He pauses for a moment and sees Changbin outstretching his hand, the familiar broad smile dancing on his lips. Minho accepts his friend’s warm handshake and reciprocates his grin. “You’d better stay alive first before apologizing.”

Minho widens his eyes, “Of course I am alive!”

“No, I mean,” Changbin waves his hand dismissively. “I was going to ask you to join us since there’s a good chance that His Majesty won’t turn you down, but then I’d figure, you’re too reckless for us to handle either way. So if you’re planning on going out here and throwing yourself at monsters, you’d better stay safe or I wouldn’t forgive you again. And Y/N would never forgive herself.”

Chan eyes the small box sitting neatly on Minho’s nightstand, and teases, “Speaking of Y/N, when will you tell her?”

Minho scratches the nape of his neck with glowing cheeks, he can physically feel the pink tint darkening by the second. “I don’t know, but soon. I still need to have his permission first,” he leans over to take the box in his palm, opening it carefully. 

The sight of the silver band resting nicely inside makes his chest swell, his beating heart doing its best to not implode from joy. It might be too early, but he’s scared that if he doesn’t do this now, fate is going to be one step ahead and take you away from him forever. 

“Minho!” Yeji calls out to him from behind the door. “Y/N’s here!”

“I wish the best of luck for you then,” Chan tosses a wink in his direction.

eleven.

“No one asked you to come, Han.” Is the first thing Minho spats out when he closes the front door with his bag slung over his shoulder. Jisung’s welcoming grin falls flat on his face at his friend’s cold remark. He really should have got used to these things by now. 

“I did,” you tell him with crossed arms, releasing your grip on Noir’s reign. “Yeji said she’s running low on some herbs so I introduced her to Jisung’s place.”

Minho rolls his eyes to the moon. “Aren’t there more trust-worthy stores for the royal mage? Why would you refer her to that dingy dumpster?” And this statement prompts Jisung to give his knee a harsh kick followed by a mere glare from the younger boy. 

“I actually like his place, it’s cute,” you scoff. He’s just acting out since Jisung always shows up unannounced. 

“Why? It’s a rip-off.”

“Minho, you were living there for free!”

“I’m going to leave you two love birds alone now,” Jisung pushes past you to shoot Minho a mischievous smirk, patting his friend on the shoulder. “Don’t do anything weird to her or Chan is going to cut your arms off.” Actually, you’re fully capable of cutting his arms off yourself if he dared think about doing something damned. The swordsmanship runs in the family after all. 

Your face morphs into a frown when Jisung finally enters the cabin, your head tilted to the side in confusion. “What is he talking about?” you ask but brush it off nonetheless; it’s Jisung, you can’t expect anything less from him. “Forget it, are you ready to go?”

“Yeah,” Minho answers while petting Noir, your horse nudges her nose against his face in return—she’s always been keen on seeing him since day one. “How is your father these days? Last time I’d asked, you told me that he’d retired.”

You nod, resting your palm on the hilt of your sword, “He’s good. He said he’s already too old to train soldiers and he’d rather stay at home. Though he’s getting bored these days since there’s not much to do anymore. He’ll find a new hobby soon enough, he will need to take a break from everything eventually. Father has never let himself rest after our mother passed away, constant work distracts him.”

Minho hears you let out a small sigh and takes another step, his hands finding their way towards yours, collecting your fingers between his, giving them a firm squeeze. 

You give in after a few moments to face him completely, concern is flashing in his eyes while a small smile blooms on his lips. He looks a little tired, probably didn’t get any sleep for the past few days while you’re resolving all the problems in court. Minho never fails to stun you nonetheless, from the curve of his lips to the fullness of his eyelashes and the adoration in his warm eyes for you and only you; they make you feel at ease. 

“Like father, like daughter,” he brushes a strand of hair away from your face and jokes. “You’d better be eating well and getting enough sleep, vice commander.”

You snicker, “Speak for yourself, Black Swordsman, you look terrible.” That’s a lie, he looks absolutely wondrous it’s unfair. 

“I like this color on you,” you giggle after noticing his appearance today. They really don’t have any dark-colored pieces of clothing in the castle. “Look, we’re matching. You’re just not matching with your sword anymore.”

“Y/N.” The merry tone in his voice suddenly drops and Minho looks away, his muscles loosening. “Can I ask you something? But I don’t want you to get mad at me.”

You’re suddenly worried. “What’s wrong?”

“On the day that the incident happened….,” he trails off nervously. “Why didn’t you run away? You could have just left me there and got home safely. There will always be another way to help Chan. The chances of surviving that fight were too slim, there’s no telling what would happen. Why would you—”

“Lee Minho, are you even hearing yourself right now?” you cup his cheeks so that he’ll look at you. “Are you assuming I’m some sort of lowly being who will run away while their partner is in danger? I’d rather die with someone than let that person die in front of my eyes. Especially when it’s you! I would never forgive myself if I ever did that to you. So why are you saying such things?”

Minho reaches for your hand and melts into your touch, exhaling heavily. 

“I don’t know...I’m sorry I think I’m losing my mind. After everything, I’m scared that I might lose you. All I want to do is run away with you, from all of this, from everything. We can live together in someplace far away, where no one can find us,” he clenches his eyes shut. 

“I just- I don’t want you to be in love with someone who always has hell hanging by his doorstep, who gets his hands bloodied for a living, who—“

You place your index finger on his lips and shake your head. “Do you even know who I am in love with? Hm?” you question. 

“I’m in love with the most caring, kindhearted man that the world could ever ask for. Whose heart is so warm and fragile, he’s afraid to let anyone in because of his tough past. Whose will is so unwavering he didn’t even think twice about fighting off a dragon alone. But what makes me fall so stupidly for him, is the fact that despite his wounds and scars, he’d always prioritize other people’s needs before his own. Because he’d rather believe and regret than doubt and regret.”

“Y-You’re in love with me?” he studies your delicate feature in the daylight, his heart going on a rampage. 

You chuckle to yourself, “Yes, more than I should be because you’re a pain in the-“

Minho presses his lips against yours and inhales every word, sealing the nagging in until you respond to the kiss. Your hands find their way up to his soft hair, weaving themselves into the dark locks and dropping to caress his face after. He latches his arms around your waist, pulling your body flush against his so he can have more control of your movements. You’re drowning in his existence as he tugs and nibs at your bottom lip, trailing small kisses down your jawline before pulling away completely. 

“I guess this means you’re in love with me too?” you ask to distract yourself from the heat that’s flaring through your nostrils, setting your heart on fire. 

Your question has him stop for less than a moment, realizing that maybe he is in love with you as much as you are with him. And maybe you want him just as much as he wants you too. 

 He nods curtly, breath shaking, “Yes, yes I am.”

For the longest time, Minho used to forbid himself to cry, smile, and laugh like any sane human being would, as he thinks expressing his emotions is being strong, is protecting himself. But in reality, he’s just running away from his own problems instead of finding ways to solve them. 

Now, he will let himself fall, he will let himself cripple, he will let his tears run freely for strength is simply an illusion, there are far more important things. He will fight for what he believes in, protect what he cares about and run on his bare feet through the entire galaxy if it means he gets to see you at the end of it, if it means you can dive into his arms, safe and sound. 

Then, Minho thinks of what’s inside the little box, making the thing thundering inside his chest skip a beat. “Will you stay by my side forever?” he blinks. 

“Is that even a question?” you convey between labored pants. “Even if fate pulls you to the other side of the universe, I will find you, do you hear me? I will find you and fall in love with you all over again.”

“Very well then,” he holds you by the shoulders; the eagerness in his eyes lights up a curiosity inside you. “Y/N, let’s..” But it’s gone before you can even register. “Let’s get going, we’re going to be late.” It’s not quite the right time yet. He still needs to meet someone before tying you up with him for eternity. 

Because Minho too, will always find you and fall in love with you all over again. If fate has a problem with that, then he won’t be giving a damn. 

[officialsimppage]

-Settled Down-

If they won't write it i will. Like girl my story line will probably make more sense. I'll set up Spencer with a nice smart girl and two kids a girl and a boy. They live in a cottage with a big backyard where they play everyday. 🥺 Oh my God wait you should write thisnsjajjs. Spencer with a wife and kids and just like the home life. I'm just- I'm just soft right now. 👁️👄👁️ Cat can suck a toe right now. As well as the writers. Hoesss

YES YUA THIS IS AMAZING <3!! I AM CRYING JKBFWPBJHB! Hope yall enjoy teehee <3 baSed oFF seAsOn 14 @yyua69​ @benji-booxx​

I wake up to a hot breath on my neck. As I open my eyes I look around to see me and my husband's bedroom. It’s a bit messy, clothes on the floor, a couple case files stacked, and pictures on the walls. I then look at my swollen belly from being 6 months pregnant. I squint my eyes to see that the sun is already bright and warm. I look over to the nightstand to read the time on the alarm clock. 8:05. Great. I turn around, face my husband and say,

“Good morning handsome,” looking at his facial features. His sharp jaw, his perfect eyebrows, the stubble he's been growing on his face making even more well, attractive. I think about the day I met him. It was a while ago, back when I joined the BAU in 2008. I think of how I was with him when he was infected with anthrax, shot in the leg, when Emily died, when Maeve died. I was with him through it all. 

We never really confessed our love until he was shot in the neck in Texas. We then knew we couldn’t live without each other. We got married right after Kate left. Well sorta before-ish because she came to the wedding. I was with him when he went to prison. That’s when I was pregnant for the second time. I supported him with his recovery. We have been inseparable. Only 5 months ago we decided to settle down. We knew we needed to be more with our family then work. We still go and lecture from time to time, but we mostly stay at home with our family. I then snap out of my thoughts and I look at his beautiful eyes, for them to instantly open up. Revealing his beautiful amber orbs. 

“Good morning my beautiful wife,” Spencer says groggily from just waking up. We lay there just for a second just looking at each other. I then lean in to give him a kiss. It’s soft, but sweet. Apparently it isn't enough for him as he rolls onto me, pecking kisses all over my jaw. 

“Spence! Stop!It’s too early! And you're going to crush the baby!” I say trying to get him off me. He finishes pecking my face and finalizes it with a passionate kiss on my lips. I smile into the kiss calmed at the serenity I have. We are then interrupted by the sound of feet walking towards our bedroom. 

“Good morning Mommy and Daddy!” Our daughter 5 year old Diana says jumping onto our bed. I then see her little brother, Rowan following on his little 2 year old legs. He comes around to my edge of the bed and I lift him up onto the bed. They shake Spencer until he sits up by me.  They are both giggling as they lay in between us, snuggling. I then feel their other sibling being active. 

“Guys come here! Your little sibling is kicking!” I say sitting up. They all rush over to me and put their hands on my belly. I see Rowan just still fumbling around, having no idea what is happening, I then see Diana and Spencer put their hands on my stomach. Once they feel a kick, their faces brighten up. It reminds me of the first time Spencer felt Diana kick. I have never seen him happier. She giggles and says, 

“There's a baby in there!” Looking at Spencer, as if he has never known. 

“I know! Isn’t that crazy? You’ll be able to meet your sibling in 3 months Diana!” Picking her up and putting her on his lap. He then grabs Rowan and puts him on his lap as well. “You want some chocolate chip pancakes?” kissing their little noses softly.

“Please Daddy! We want pancakes!” Diana says jumping off of Spencer and running into the kitchen. He then laughs and walks after her, carrying Rowan. Before he leaves the room he asks,

“Are you coming?” he says while standing at the doorway. I then respond with,

“In a minute, I’m gonna go brush my teeth.” I say heaving myself off of my bed. I slowly waddle towards the bathroom as best as I can with this big baby bump. I get to the bathroom and I look at myself in the mirror. I think about how I never thought my life would be as happy and peaceful as it is. I thought with this job I would be forever lonely. But here I am with a perfect husband, with two perfect children with one more on the way, living in a beautiful cottage in the countryside. It’s everything I could have imagined. 

I walk out into the kitchen to see Rowan on Spencer's back while he flips pancakes over the stove, while Diana stirs the pancake batter right next to them. I walk up to them and say,

“Hey! Whatcha guys doing over here? It smells so good!” I say leaning down to Diana's height, giving her a kiss on her cheek. Then leaning up to kiss Rowan on his back. Diana turns around, looks at me and says, 

“What does it look like were doing? Were making pancakes!” She then turns around and gets back to work stirring the batter. I laugh a little and then say, 

“Ok, Ok girl back off I see you!” leaning in and kissing her ear. She tilts her head trying to get me to stop while giggling. I then walk over to the chairs and watch them cook. It’s so adorable and perfect. 

It’s about 10 minutes later and the pancakes are finally done. I take both of the kids to the table to sit down. I as well sit down as Spencer brings over the pancakes. They both freak out and start tearing them apart right away. Me and Spencer just look at each other's eyes. It's a loving stare, one that says thank you to each other for these wonderful beings. We then focus and laugh to see both of their tiny faces covered in maple syrup. 

After breakfast we decide to spend our day outside. I finish doing the dishes and walk towards our room. As I walk down he hall I see diana get dressed into her play overalls and Spencer helping dress Rowan. I get into our room and I step into the closet. I think about how warm it must be outside so I opt for a nice flowy sundress so I can have a nice breeze. I put it on and turn around and see Spencer standing in the doorway. 

“Jesus Spence, you scared me!” I say putting my hand on my chest. He then shakes his head walks up to me and says, 

“God you're so beautiful.” While stroking my cheek. I then turn my face and kiss his hand. He smiles at me and then kisses me softly. While kissing me, he rests his hand on my belly, feeling our baby. He whispers thank you in my ear and then takes my hand and leads me to the living room where Diana and Rowan are waiting for us. 

“Okay guys, ready to go outside!” I say and in response, they scream and run outside into the large backyard. I laugh at how much energy they have and slowly follow them into the yard with Spencer. 

Spencer and I sit on a blanket in the grass watching the kids play. They chase each other around, they smell flowers, and they stare at the clouds together. As I sit in this peaceful moment, I think about how grateful I am for this opportunity to settle down with Spence. I lean into his shoulder looking at our children play as I rest my hand on my belly, feeling our upcoming baby. I wonder what life would be like if I never joined the BAU. I decide not to think about that and just enjoy this moment in time, treasuring it for the rest of my life.

[razorblade180]

Twin Snowflakes 22: Ground Zero

Part 21 -> here! <-

Bad luck has been a part of Qrow’s life for as long as he could remember. It manifested in a variety of ways but there was one in particular that was absolutely the worst, travel. Flat tire on a road trip, inconvenient. Plane delay, well that one was probably not his fault, but it felt like it! Certain cases like that were always a little iffy on if it was him or life. As the veteran huntsman stood on the deck of his son’s boat in the pouring rain with a Kraken raising from the depths, Qrow was sure of one thing. This one had to be his fault.

“I didn’t think grimm this big were still around. We’re in the middle of the ocean for crying out loud.” Qrow sighed, grabbing harbinger.” It’s cases like this he’d usually leave. Two big problems though. Problem number one, Sparrow was already firing cannons at it. Problem number two, it was waving Oscar around like a toy. He seemed okay though.

“CAN I HAVE SOME HELP HERE!?” He screamed, louder than the roaring winds and rough seas. “THIS GUY IS REALLY SLIMY!!”

“Slip out then!” Sparrow shouted in earnest. Oscar might’ve been far away but Sparrow could tell the man was not amused by that response. “What!? Do you want me to shoot that arm with you in it!? Penny will have a fit if I shot you!”

“PENNY WILL HAVE A FIT IF I'M EATEN!!!” Oscar wiggled and squirmed before finally managing to create an orb to push the tentacle off, then dispelling the orb to drop straight down. Cannon fire rained down on the center mass like grand finale fireworks, but only angered the beast. More tentacles cut through the air to reclaim its lost hostage.

“Give me a break.” The rain continued to pour down and sting against Oscar’s skin. He paid no mind to the whirlpools forming or the ship deck quickly approaching. Oscar simply closed his eyes. “Hey it’s been awhile. Mind lending a hand?” He called, subconsciously to his old friend.

“Hehe Oscar, do you even have to ask?”

Oscar smiled, opening his eyes and seeing Oz smile back through the reflection of the rain drops before seeing his own again, complete with white hair and golden eyes. “Let’s get to it shall we?”

xxxx

Nick remained quiet as Weiss drove back home from school. He was happy he made it back in time. A gigas dragging him away after his fight with Valerie would’ve made the entire incident worse. Though if he was being honest, fighting a gigas sounded cathartic in a way. He gently pulled up the window switch over and over, repeatedly.

Weiss took note of her son’s unusually sad demeanor. “Alright, wanna tell me what happened in there? You were full of energy before getting your work, and I doubt the workload has spooked you.”

“Nothing I’m not used to.”

“Ah, Valerie troubles.” Weiss glanced over and saw Nick glare at his own reflection. Looks like she was right on the money. “Take it from me, I’m sure whatever happened had more to do with her own personal feelings and not the feelings you have for her.”

“You say that with such confidence.”

“I was a teenage girl once too, you know? One with plenty of personal hurdles I tried to associate with other people instead of myself. It doesn’t ever really stop truthfully. You just get better at accepting the fact the problems fix itself when you decide to change how to respond to it.”

“Do you think I have a problem I should change? Loving a girl who pushes me away, it probably makes me look like a joke.” He tried rolling down the window again but found the switch had been locked. Yet another thing to make him sad.

“I think it’s not the wisest thing you’ve done, but it’s definitely the most normal teenage thing about you. Joke or not, feelings are feelings. They’ll work themselves out. Just don’t force anything and before you know it, you’ll see things a lot clearer.” Weiss reached over and ruffled his shaggy hair. “Who knows, maybe you’ll see this dew of yours needs to finally change.”

“As if!” Nick laughed, “I look too much like uncle if I cut it, and any longer makes me look like dad.”

“Not if you style it. Oh, or grow it out even longer. Like when you’re little! “Weiss cooed, “You and Summer were really hard to tell apart then.”

“Yeah, and people kept calling me ‘she’ and stuff. Nooooo thank you!” He folded his arms in protest.

“That won’t happen now that you got your father’s looks. You’ll just be a pretty boy. Then if you get facial hair!? Nick, let me make you gorgeous! I have Coco on speed dial!”

“This is why you had a boy and a girl, mom! So I can escape this torture.”

Weiss pouted, “Summer likes doing her own makeup and hair. I should be proud considering it’s my old look from waaaaay back, but I still wanna change things up. I’d give this entire family a makeover if you all weren’t so whiny about it.” Weiss looked in the mirror at neck length hair. She remembered how free she felt the first time she cut it. Having twins meant twice the hair pulling, three times if she counted the one person she wanted to pull her hair. Thinking back, there was a good chance it was one of times Jaune pulled it that gave way to the discussion of kids in the first place.

“Hmmm, maybe I should grow my hair out. I miss the old length sometimes.”

“Summer would be so upset.”

“Good, then she’ll change it. That’s one family member down.”

Nick playfully rolled his eyes. A makeover didn’t sound too annoying actually. Maybe after the tournament? He’d think about it. “Hey, mind if we train again today? I got a lot of pent up energy and new ideas.”

“I suppose. Someone has to make sure you don’t overdo it. Winter is coming over too, so it’s for the best I warm you up anyways. I’m positive after your recent school events that she has a few words for you.”

Nick gulped, knowing he was in for a workout. “Well now…guess I’m dying today.” He could already feel his muscles ache.

xxxx

Meanwhile in the woods, Summer and Veronica had crossed into unfamiliar territory, casual conversation. It wasn’t going well. They both agreed to chat but neither of them were actually talking! They were just walking with Veronica taking the lead, leaving Summer awkwardly following a few steps behind.

The girl had finally pulled herself together after her little episode. In truth, she was a little embarrassed to say anything after it. She hated looking weak, especially in front of Veronica, a girl who manages to look strong against even the harshest of critics and peers. It was quite envious, her attitude. Summer would give just about anything to have it. Summer looked down at her scroll for what must’ve been the tenth time. Still no missed messages.

“Expecting a call?” Veronica finally said, noticing the Schnee’s gaze consistently drifting. “Got a boyfriend or something I don’t know about?”

Summer felt like that might’ve been a jab but chose to ignore it. “Nick always calls me if Shiva gets out or nearly escapes. He’s always had a sixth sense for knowing her moves. It’s unlike him to not immediately call, even if he’s doing something urgent.” Summer put her scroll away. “Him not calling is odd.”

“Are you telling me she almost got out earlier? I didn’t really smell anything.” Veronica looked back to see the girl look at her confused. A fitting look honestly. “The one time Shiva was out and even when we argued yesterday, I smelled peppermint, a disgusting amount of it. The diamond dust smells the same.” Veronica pointed to her nose, “I didn’t smell that earlier.”

“Oh.” was all Summer could say. It should’ve been a relief, but it wasn’t. “Great, my panic attack was just unhinged. Even when she’s quiet, she’s ruining my day.”

“Are you saying Shiva tries escaping when you’re hysterical?”

“Apparently not, or at least not all the time? Agh, it’s impossible for me to tell.” Summer was even more perplexed than before. “Just when have I been talking to her? They’re not all fake, but...they’re not all real either? I can’t afford not knowing the” Her train of thought was broken when a snowball thrown by Veronica hit her coat. “Hey! Wh-”

Veronica quickly covered Summer’s mouth. “Shhh! Grimm.” She pointed several yards into the distance where two sabertooth grimm were roaming. “Alright, do your thing.”

Summer looked at the grimm, then back at Veronica, who gave a casual thumbs up. “Wait, you’re not helping?”

“Nope.”

“Whhhhyyyyyy exactly?” Summer questioned.

Veronica sighed, because one of the reasons I wanted to be out here is to better see you in action. Why else would I tell you to bring your blade?”

“You lead me here under the assumption of a fight…” Summer deadpanned, “Couldn’t you have looked up old videos of me? I didn’t see you drag Nick off to fight grimm so you can make his outfit.”

“Nick has double the videos of him fighting, as well as him figure skating. Also, I pay more attention to him than I do you.” It might’ve been rude, but it was the honest truth. Summer didn’t even seem surprised. She just looked at Veronica with judgment. “What?”

“Nothing, much.” Summer drew her blade and put a glyph at her feet. “Any requests for data purposes?” She could not believe this was happening.

“Just handle them how you would normally, oh huntress in training.” Veronica teased lightly.

Summer pointed her sword out with her right hand and her right foot forward, then took off. The distance between her and grimm was closed in a matter second. She leaped over one, slicing it’s head off through the back of its neck. Another glyph formed midair behind her. Summer used it to kick off right after the attack and thrust her blade through the second grimm’s eye socket. Not even a snarl was heard before it died instantly.

Summer looked back at Veronica. “Cake walk. You’d get more data out of a video than th-”

“BEHIND YOU!” Veronica shouted.

Summer looked over her shoulder to see a third one already pouncing. With a subtle breath, Summer slowed its approach and then back stepped to safety. One more glyph was put under the paws of the beast and pulled out like a rug to trip it. Summer spun the chamber of her Myrtenaster and threw into its ribs like a javelin. The chamber landed on flame dust, setting it ablaze.

“Phew! That was...unexpected.” Summer said, coming down from a surge of adrenaline.

Veronica ran over to Summer, surprised. “How did you do that, the breath thing?” Veronica asked, “That’s a trick I’ve never seen.”

“ Oh that? Well…” Summer took her left glove off and focused. Little snowflakes started floating upward from it in place like a snow globe. “I’m not too good at it, but I can control a bit of Shiva’s powers. Only when I’m cold though, or freaked out, but that second one is more involuntary.” Summer put back on her glove, “considering the potential risks and conditions, I don’t use it in fights. Explaining it to officials would be a pain anyways.”

That made sense. Veronica could smell a hint of peppermint coming off Summer. That was Shiva’s power alright. This also explained the mass amount of ice she saw Summer create in her video fighting the Paladin. “Permission to touch you?” Veronica asked, like she always did. Summer nodded. Veronica reaches out and places two fingers against the pulse in Summer’s neck. “Any other Shiva related tidbits to share?”

“Ummm, we share a subconscious, sort of? More like a neutral ground.”

Veronica paused momentarily, “what?” She said, annoyed by all this cookie cutter information. “Gonna need more tidbits?”

“It’s hard to explain. I don’t understand it either.” Veronica looked at Summer, unblinking. Apparently that wasn’t a good enough answer. “Look, imagine something like...an ocean, just water and the sky above. Now flip it upside and make that ocean completely frozen. That’s more or less what the subconscious looks like. There’s ground to stand on, but I can’t really see. Depending if I’m actually dreaming or in a certain place, then that’s what the subconscious can look like. The only constant is that ice ceiling.”

Every sentence from this girl felt like a fever dream to Veronica. “Summer, I doubt you're lying to me, but do you by any chance also do drugs? You know, the hard kind.”

“As if!” Summer swatted Veronica’s hand off her neck. “First of all, drugs and I don’t mix. Second, be serious!”

“It was a valid question. Rich kids do a lot of things. If Nick told me he tried it before I wouldn’t be surprised. Saddened, but not surprised.”

“While I would be hounded by you no doubt?”

Veronica crossed her arms, “I’d berate anyone who would do drugs.” Her tone was stern and cutthroat, “It’s an ugly slope that goes down fast.”

The way she spoke about it was rather serious compared to what Summer was used to. “Have...you done drugs?” Summer asked cautiously.

Veronica thought about her answer carefully for a moment. “For a brief time, yes. I’m past it however, totally clean. I thought it might help control my instincts.” Veronica slouched over with a sigh, “Unfortunately, noooo dice. Come on. Let’s keep moving.” Veronica continued to walk.

Summer stood quietly for a moment, then followed as well. She wasn’t expecting to get to the topic of Veronica’s genetics in such a personal way. Then again, someone’s very birth is nothing but personal. Curiosity began to get the better of her. They did make a deal after all.

“V-Veronica…?” Summer stuttered, “I held up my end of the bargain. The only other thing that may be worth mentioning is Shiva only knows what I know when she tries escaping, and I only know what she does if I’m conscious. Other than that I think all the dribble about the state of mind would make you snore. So…..”

Veronica could tell where this was going. “Relax, I’m not about to break a deal that I proposed in the first place.”

She reached for a nearby branch and plucked a silver flower off of it. It’s five petals were spread wide Veronica placed it in her own hair. “I take it that even your school isn’t bold enough to ignore basic faunus knowledge and history, despite their…questionable place in said history?”

Summer nodded, “Hey, Atlas isn’t the kind of place to bury the leads. Older society and its people simply do what they want, how they want.” Summer cringed, “Not that doing so is exactly better in the long run. Besides, you think rich tycoons wouldn’t tell their heirs and shady dealers how they amassed their fortune? Atlas’s people might know too well the benefits and contributions the faunus play in our history and in a work capacity.” Summer felt sick saying that. “It’s disgusting really.”

“Couldn’t agree more. With all that said, how much do you wanna bet there’s aspects glossed over?” Veronica wagered.

“I could’ve sworn you made it clear that you have no interest in money?” Summer quipped.

Veronica let out a humorous breath, “Tah, a girl can change her mind can’t she?” Veronica watched Summer reach in her pocket and pull out a hundred lien casually, giving it up. Veronica was surprised. “We didn’t even make the bet yet.”

“If I knew everything, then I wouldn’t be curious about this in the first place. Odds of you teaching me something new about your people is a given.”

Maybe it was the fact that Summer was made of money, or had good intentions for learning more, but Veronica couldn’t take the money. She could only waved it away. “Geez it was a joke. Making you pay would look bad.” She said, in a forest with nobody but themselves around. “Qualities Like night vision and other adaptations aren’t the only animals traits given. It’s fundamentally built into everything about us. Disposition, personality traits, social skills, everything; the animal you are influences all of these in a variety of ways in varying amounts.”

“Like how faunus with nocturnal animal traits tend to take night jobs?”

“Veronica nodded, “Yes. A bird faunus might choose a home at high elevations, even if they don’t have wings. A deer or rabbit faunus may have to work harder at public speaking than let’s say a wolf faunus. The subtles can get even tinier; or as obvious as a feline faunus loving fish.”

Summer never really thought about it, but that made sense.“What you’re basically telling me is for a faunus, nature vs nurture takes on an entirely different level of complexity? Nothing stops a rabbit faunus from being a motivational speaker, but it would be more work, unless their parents or even their environment had predisposed them to be apart of a more vocal and outgoing lifestyle?” Summer’s eyes lit up. “That’s actually really fascinating, sowhere do you fit in with all of this?” She asked, wanting to learn more.

Veronica was taken off gaurd by how interested Summer was. “For a person who apparently hates school as much as I do, you look eager to learn.”

“School sucks because of social pressure and redundant information.” Summer deadpanned, “Anyone would get bored of learning material that is forced upon them and is as quickly discarded.”

“Well, I guess that’s true. I wouldn’t say I’m in love with any aspect of school, but learning is the least problematic part of what I had to think about it. Anyways, what I’ve told you so far applies to all faunus. With the way the world is and all the kinds of possible traits, finding a place to fit in isn’t difficult. Those animal instincts are very much submissive compared and don’t hinder our ability. Like you said, a rabbit faunus can do public speaking. A bat faunus can absolutely walk around in broad daylight. However, there’s a minority among faunus that have their animal gene act way more dominant than the majority. Roughly 13 to around 18 percent of the faunus population, if I remember correctly. This group, my group, are easily recognized by having exaggerated or extra features. Extra large wings, skin more animal than human, cold blood-”

“Ears and a tail?” Summer interjected, “appearance wise, you seem to have gotten off easy. You covered in fur or having whiskers would be a little distracting. Not gonna lie.”

“Externally, I’m just a tick higher on date lists for everyone with disturbing cat girl fantasies. Make no mistake though, I’m not the average faunus. Super faunus, the minority, have their animal qualities cranked up and deformed. I can’t see in the dark, but my nose is keener than any dog I’ve encountered. All those little traits I mentioned before? They tend to manifest in my people aggressively and often. To put into perspective, I have more in common with my grandpa than I do my mom, on an animal level.”

“Wow, that’s…intense. Your grandpa roars and gets all apex predator on people when he’s pissed- oh! Wait, your temper is shit because of your genes!?”

Veronica inhaled, ignoring the insult for the sake of conversation. “To a degree, yes. I cannot pin the blame entirely on my DNA, unfortunately…” she added that last bit quietly. “Despite what people write online about my family, we aren’t just cats. We are big cats. I’m a panther for crying out loud.”

Summer squinted, “Well, seeing how you’re mostly blonde, aren’t you technically more of a jaguar or a leopar-”

“Panther.” Veronica said, this time with feeling. “I could dye my hair red and that doesn’t change my DNA, Summer.”

For her own safety, Summer wisely chose not to make a very easy pink panther joke. She thought about it, but this conversation didn’t need to fall apart for the sake of Summer wanting to be a smartass to Veronica for once. “Fair enough, continue.” She said, still thinking about the joke.

“My athletic ability is exceptional, hearing too. My tail gives me balance more than other faunus. Despite the term super, anyone with the mutation would tell you how daunting it is. The type of animal, like everything else, determines what the faunus might deal with. For me it boils down two major things that contradict each other. Problem number one, not eating enough meat.”

“What happens?”

“Same thing that happens to any starved predator. I become impulsive, irritated easily, confrontational, my senses get...sensitive, adrenaline makes me dizzy-”

“So you’re super hangry?” Summer said without thinking. She immediately tucked her lips in and accepted the “you are an idiot” look that Veronica gave her without mercy. “Why the hell did I say that?”

Veronica groaned, “Minutes ago I heard you bring up nature vs nurture for comparing and explaining what I’ve said. Now you compare things to being hangry? It’s not even about how full I am, it’s the nutritional and instinctual part of devouring meat that my brain wants. It’s no different than your body craving milk for calcium. If I’m not careful and reach my limit, I tend to lose sense of reason and even blackout into a haze of instinct. Essentially, I go feral. Your brother can tell you that it’s not a pretty thing.” Veronica frowned.

The bruises on his face that day after school started to make a little more sense. No way he’d just let Max and Darren get clean hits in! He was dealing with an enraged Veronica. It actually put a lot of things in perspective. Summer couldn’t count how many times Veronica looked like she wanted to actually claw a person’s eyes out. She might’ve actually been thinking it over! That...was a scary thought. “What’s problem number two?” There was no way it could be just as bad.

“Eating too much meat. That’s when I’m an apex.” Veronica said, giving a thousand yard stare. Summer immediately took her statement back. That sounded way more problematic. “My attitude shifts. My fuse isn’t as short as when I’m starved but let’s say I can be very...demanding. Yeah, let’s go with that.”

Summer raised a brow, skeptical of that statement. “Are you saying-”

“Better think twice before saying I’m already demanding. Neither you or Nick has seen me when I’m caught up in the euphoria of being what I am. I’d put that girl Amber to shame, and my physical prowess are even better. I’m wild in a completely different way. Filter, broken. Can’t even put that state into words. So yeah, that’s my genetic mishap in a nutshell.”

“You being a food snob and all of your diets make a lot more sense now. Why keep this to yourself for so long.”

“Simple, it’s not anybody’s business what I’m dealing with. It’s handled, and doesn’t need to be explained among faunus. Living normally isn’t hard when you know what you’re dealing with, which is why I’m shocked every resource hasn’t been poured into figuring out your problem.”

That stung a bit. “Oscar is currently crossing the sea to potentially find answers, I have you know.” Summer said defensively.

A scoff came from Veronica. “No offense, but that sounds like a waste of energy.”

“Saying no offense doesn’t make me feel less hurt.” Summer folded her arms. “How would you know? Unlike you, my affliction has no prior information to go off of, and isn’t a genetic thing at birth. Any move could be closer to the truth, or a shot in the dark. For all intended purposes, you were born and live normally like anyone else.”

“Hate to make you sound stupid, but a test tube baby isn’t normal in most circles. Two moms, remember?” Veronica said, coldly.

Summer stopped walking. For some reason, that didn’t sit right with her. “Isn’t that name...an insult?”

“Yep.” Veronica kept walking, “Keep up. I’ll leave you out here.”

Summer listened. Maybe it was her imagination, but that atmosphere between them felt like it changed again. They had both held up their end of the bargain. Now things felt cold between them like before. Summer wasn’t expecting to learn as much as she did. Many things were answered today, so why did it feel like she knew less about Veronica. Blanks were filled into a picture she never knew the true size of, and still didn’t. One of those pieces felt out of place. The piece that helped put build up to this situation in the first place.

“Veronica…?” Summer uttered, “By any chance, does any of what you told me having anything to do with the torn pages in your-” suddenly, Summer’s words were stuck in her throat. Veronica had turned around to look her dead in the eyes, coldly and without care. Summer felt herself become small and beneath Veronica yet again, inferior.

“Never bring this topic up again, got it?” Veronica had to stop herself from balling up her hands, or she’d cut them with her nail. “Got it?” She said again, doing her best not to blow a fuse.

“S..sorry. I just...thought-”

“You thought wrong.” Veronica said. She turned around and kept walking. “We’re not friends.”

Heat rose to Summer’s face. It was impossible to know if she was feeling embarrassed, upset, or anything. All she knew was for a moment, she felt tears well up before vanishing. She breathed through her nose and bit back. “Yeah, I’m well aware.”

xxxx

“Sloppy!!!” The commanding voice of Weiss’s sister cried, knocking her nephew into a bush for the tenth time today. “You’re unfocused! Surely you can do better?”

Weiss witnessed her child stumble back to his feet, hair messed up and panting. He stabbed his sword into the ground to brace himself momentarily. His aura was still high, and yet�� “Winter, he’s still under the weather. Ease up.”

“This is me easing up. You simply coddle him too much. Nick is more than capable of continuing. I don’t remember going as easy on you when you asked for training all those years ago. You turned out fine.”

“I wouldn’t exactly use our relationship as a standard.” Weiss mumbled.”

Nick raised his sword quickly. He channeled a fire ball to the tip of his blade as fast as he could, but was still too slow. Winter had already rushed towards his left. He had no choice but to abandon the fire attack for a block that barely withstood his Aunt’s blade. Nick slid backwards on the stone ground.

Winter shook her head. “Once again, you waste aura and energy not because the attack was a bad choice, but because you simply cannot use your semblance fast enough.”

Winter shot off a fire ball not even a second later. She waited closely for Nick to raise his block, then used a standard glyph to propel herself forward. Her speed surpassed the fireball, and Winter was able to position her blade behind him as the flame made contact with his.

Nick looked over his shoulder at her, frustrated, but not willing to yield. He pivoted around with his blade held out to direct hers away, then put a glyph between them. By the time he did so, Nick already knew she was on the move again. “Don’t count me out!” His left hand pulled a summoned sword from the glyph. Nick swung it out to the left and around to his back while his actual blade was swung right. The weight to Winter’s attack came from back and was blocked, perfect. He leaned his body left with his blade as he felt Winter shift that direction to his opened side.

Winter could only smile as she went in to strike. Nick just played her and she knew it. Her blade still clashed with the summon weapon, leaving his right blade free to use the momentum from the lean and make a clean stab with no chance for her to block. Winter did the wise thing and jumped back, abandoning her assault. His left side was never really opened. It was bait. Both swords were used to block wherever she came from. The right one only stopped short because the left one did the job of making sure she aimed for his back by swinging outward. Winter would have either been hit or blocked if she immediately attacked left or right, and the glyph protected the front. By making her attack his back, he all but ensured she would aim left next because it was the only unguarded spot, a spot he was ready to defend and attack from simultaneously. It was this kind of quick thinking and reckless style that separated Nicholas from anyone else. Even his sister. Especially his sister. Winter loved Summer to death, but the girl was quick to panic if plans fell apart.

Normally Winter would hear him say something self-indulgent. Nope. Just a quiet stare and a fireball he had to fire off thanks to the distance between them. Still…

“Nice effort.” Winter said, knocking it away with ease. “But no. The simple fact you can summon the sword of an Arma Gigas so easily yet remain sluggish with more basic functions of your semblance is a baffling talent. If it wasn’t for your unconventional swordplay that you somehow make work, I’d say getting a gold medal would be impossible. Still might be. It only does so much.”

“Well it’s a little late to change my style now. This is what I know best.” He dropped his sword and slowly let out a breath, filled with irritation. “I know I’m lacking.”

Winter raised a brow. She looked at Weiss confused, “What’s wrong with him? The usual?”

“No. Well, yeah, but he’s been stretched thin in general recently.”

“I’m not stretched thin. I just...nothing feels like it’s enough. Training in particular. Like you said, I can make swords in my sleep. All the other things our family is supposed to be good at, I’m average!”

Winter turned off mentor mode for a moment. Clearly this is more than about training, but she’ll play along. It was time to be an aunt. “Nick, you are in a class of your own. Sixteen and this skilled by no means is average. In regards to us, your family, no one here was perfect. Nobody here is perfect. Your mother still over extends her strikes from time to time and your father definitely wasn’t a genius by any means.”

Weiss narrowed her eyes, “Hey, I’m free game but be nice to my husband. You’re right, but be nice.”

“Like me, you choose to wield two blades. Unlike me, it’s your go to stance.” Winter informed, “Our semblance works best when we have a free hand. That’s why shields aren’t a good option for us. The choice to use two blades isn't bad by normal standards. I’ve faced many foes that pressured me with similar tactics, even beat me. Though only one is real, another sword has made it harder for you to use glyphs. At least it should be, but summoning and a video of your exam says otherwise.”

Nick looked at his summoned blade in frustration. “I still don’t know what I did differently that day. I was faster and more in control than I have ever been. Not only did I actually make a gigas, but even all my other glyphs felt on par with Summer’s.”

“Remember Nick, You and Summer excel at different things.” Weiss reminded him. “Yes, her fundamentals and use of dust are better, but she has a knack for it. That’s her edge. In a fight, Summer’s wide range of dust and glyph combinations always means she’s never out of range to attack or control a fighting space. You may not have that but your speed, stamina, and reflexes make up for it. In close quarters, no one your age matches you in Atlas.”

“That merit just so happens to have made you neglect the need to sharpen your other talents. Do you know how dangerous you could be with-”

“Time dilation? Yeah, mom told me.” He interjected, “something about those other things simply don’t click in my head. Can’t even get a fireball right.”

He sat down on the ground and took another breath. “The way I fight, it isn’t like I built it to be the most versatile. My offense is my defense. The use of momentum to add power behind my strikes helps keep in moving. It’s why my stamina and speed is good, to push my body for relentless attacks.”

He didn’t say it out right, but he didn’t have to. Nick made a style that didn’t make him good against a variety of people in mind. No, Nick thought of style against Shiva. In the end, that’s the only fight that matters. Beating others with it was a way to refine it for the moment it mattered. Abandoning it was not an option. Only improving.

Winter could only look upon the boy's face and see someone who only ever has the best intentions for others slowly begin to waver. Her teenage years were long gone, but no one ever truly forgets the confusion they went through during that time. Winter walked over to her young nephew and sat in front of him, legs crossed. “Why is it always the most caring of people who can never give themselves the break they give others? Nicholas Schnee, you are a kind, hardworking young man that never doubts himself often. Much like your mother, you take hold of what you want and clench it tight.”

“Lately holding on seems to hurt more than letting go. Nothing...feels right. Not just in training either. I feel like a gap between me and everyone else has been growing, like I’m out of a very important loop. Val, Vee, even Summer.”

“This time of year gets people stressed. It’s possible every one just needs a breath. I can speak much on a gap, but I’m positive time will mend it. Despite my feelings towards the young Belladonna, it is pretty clear the two of you get along. Confide in her.”

Weiss and Nick went bugged for a moment. They both looked at each other and then back at Winter.

“Wow.” Weiss spoke, “That’s pretty big, coming from you. Anytime you see that girl, you have nothing but disappointing looks.”

“Yeah Auntie, I’m shocked.”

Winter turned a little red, “I don’t see why. I may find her a bad influence on you and your sister, but my opinion is one of many. With you, Veronica is a welcome distraction to break up your daily routine. I’ll give her that much.”

“How generous,” Nick said sarcastically. Veronica was starting to sound more like a battle tactic than a person. Though she probably wouldn’t mind if it meant spending time with him. Regardless, “I appreciate the suggestions, but my time is better spent training at the moment. If I can be half as capable as I was during my exam, then I chalk that up as good progress.”

Winter hit his head. “Fool, you’re not getting it!”

“Ow! What!? All I said was- Ow!” Weiss also hit his head, much lighter though. “Stop hitting me! I thought this was a pep talk!?”

“It is.” Winter stated, “It’s also a lesson. The way you are now, you can’t progress much further. I urge you to really think about what made that day different from now; what made your last attack against me different even. That is all the hints I will provide to him. I do hope your mother keeps quiet as well.”

“Hey! I get I’m a little...lenient with him, but I would never skip an opportunity to watch him grow. Besides, telling him wouldn’t mean he could do it any faster anyways.” Weiss teased. She could hear Nick’s ears practically buzzing.

“If that’s the case then say it!” He asked eagerly. He was given no answer. Winter and Weiss walked away from him like they didn’t peak his curiosity. He assumed training was about to resume like normal. However, it didn’t. A look of shock came to him when both of his elders faced him, blades drawn.

“What, both of you at once.” He said nervously, grabbing his sword and rising quickly to his feet. “What happened to me being under the weather, mom!?”

Weiss smiled, “Hey, you wanted fast results. Until you find the answer to your glyph problem, we’ll double down or swordsmanship. Brace yourself. I’ll hold back.”

“I will not!” Winter smiled.

Nick didn’t even get a chance to blink before the two of them came after him. He gulped, “Should’ve stayed in bed.” Nick prepared himself when suddenly, a cold chill went down his spine. Weiss and Winter immediately recognized the look of fear on his face and stopped their approach while he pulled out his scroll to call his sister. “Pick up. Come on Summer, pick up!” He muttered.

xxxx

Summer felt like an idiot. Of course nothing has changed. Why would it? A talk didn’She walked faster, out pacing Veronica.

“Hey, slow down. I haven’t told you where we’re going.” Veronica said, but Summer didn’t listen. “Hey!”

“Leave me alone! I may not come here often but I live here. I’ll find my way without you.” Summer said, grunting as she forced her way through dense branches and bushes.

“Can you not act like a child for once!?” Veronica yelled, running after her. “And stop ignoring me!” Veronica was near her wits end.

“.........”

And then she reached it. Veronica’s tail and tensed up. “Summer!” Veronica yelled again, going through the bushes. “I said stop ignoring-” the potent odor of peppermint invaded her senses out of nowhere. Veronica looked around the area, seeing nothing. Nothing, but a frozen lake, shimmering with diamond dust below the surface; and Summer standing in place, shivering.

“Summer…?” She said, concerned this time. Her words didn’t reach, not immediately. The scent wasn’t only coming from the lake. Veronica didn’t dare to move as she watched a finger point across the water. Her eyes looked in that direction to see nothing but scared trees and large rocks that had been chipped rather deep.

“A fight?” Veronica thought. She looked closer. All the markings looked to be going outward and from one spot. A spot several feet off the lake. Even with all the dust, it was clear that spot smelled the most foul. “No, an explosion.” Her attention went back to Summer. “A dust explosion.” Veronica yelled again. “Hey! Summer! Answer me, please!?” She could no longer be calm. Veronica ran to the girl screaming her name.

Summer might as well have been deaf to Veronica’s voice. All she heard was laughter. Her laughter, coming from Shiva skating on the ice.

“Hahahahaha! Oh wow! We haven’t been here in ages Summer!!!” Grinning and filled with joy, Shiva extended her hand, “Summer, come join me!” The glow of her eyes grew more dazzling, as well as her smile. “Just like before….”

[chubbyheroesworthyheroes]

Raphael + 🐮 please.

Training to become a knight was hard work, and working hard was something Raphael was used to -- and he enjoyed it more often than not! Working with his hands was something he found relaxing, and physical labor only helped him to put on more muscle, so he sure wasn’t going to complain. No, that part of the training was simple enough for him to get on with, it was all the books and strategies that stalled him and made everything difficult.

Raphael knew he wasn’t the smartest guy around, but what he lacked in book smarts, he did his best to make up for in determination.

He really did try to listen to lectures and all that stuff. He read what was marked down for the week. He’d even go over things several times just to try and get it to stick in his head, but when it came down to it, it almost felt like it went in one ear and out the other. It was a little disheartening, but whenever Raphael felt himself hitting a low with studies, that’s when he knew it was time to hit the markets and look for a little project to get his mind off it!

Whenever he had the spare time, Raphael would go down to the market just outside of Garreg Mach. It was always bustling and busy, full of merchants and trademasters hawking their wares or skills. He tended to go and look for anything that was busted up and discounted, or something that people just wanted to get rid of. Fixing things up was a joy to him, and the merchants usually cut him a deal when they came back and he presented them with a refurbished item.

This time around, Raphael was returning a fixed up chest to a man from the Holy Kingdom. It was in pretty bad shape when he found it the previous week, but a lot of hard work and elbow grease had it looking practically like new!

“Wow, you really have a talent for this!” the merchant praised, inspecting the chest for any glaring flaws. He’d been hauling that damn thing around for a while and hadn’t managed to unload it on anyone, but this knight-in-training had fixed it up in a week’s time and had it looking mighty fine indeed!

Raphael laughed, rubbing at the back of his neck. “Aw, it was nothing! It was a real pleasure to work on.”

The merchant smiled, but there was a deviousness to it that the large blond completely missed as he blabbered on about how he’d worked on the chest. Really, if the young man was this happy to do work for very little return, then there was another item that the merchant would be happy to dump on him.

“Well, I really appreciate your hard work, my boy! I’m afraid I can’t give you much, but I do have a rather unique item I could give you for your troubles,” the man waxed on, standing up from where he’d been looking over the chest to go root around in his stall. It was an incredibly plain item -- an old nose ring for cattle -- but the blasted thing was cursed. Every person that had been its owner had either mysteriously disappeared, leaving only the ring behind, or they were some poor fool who couldn’t get rid of it no matter how little they asked for it. The merchant fell into the latter category, as he’d happened to win it off some near-broke drunk in a game of cards. But, he’d been stuck with it for years without being able to find a buyer, so he wasn’t going to let this chance slip by without trying to dump it off on this sucker.

Finding the small pouch he’d kept it in for years, the man returned to Raphael, leaning in conspiratorially. “You’re training to become a knight, right? Well, this little thing might not look like anything special, but it’ll make you strong as a bull! Could really help with your trainin’, yeah?” he trots out his impromptu spiel, pushing the leather pouch into the blond’s big hands.

Raphael beams at the gift, accepting the pouch gladly -- and passing off the item’s dubious energy onto himself by doing so.

“Wow, really?! Thanks! I can’t wait to get to trying this thing out!”

It wasn’t until he’d gotten back to his room that Raphael even bothered to take a look at what he’d been given for his work, and as confused as he was when the cattle ring plopped out of the pouch into his hand when he opened it up, he wasn’t the sort to look a gift horse in the mouth. If all he had to do was clip the ring on when he was training to get the benefits of it, then he’d do it -- after all, being as strong as a bull sounded exactly like something he wanted!

It didn’t even hurt when he put it on, as he sort of thought it would, but it almost felt like there wasn’t anything there.  Now, all he had to do was try it out and see how much stronger he was going to get! As he was leaving his room for the training grounds, Raphael was stopped in his tracks by his stomach cramping up with intense hunger, like he hadn’t eaten in a week.

“Ugh, guess the tank needs some proper fuel before I go buildin’ up more muscles with any training…,” Raphael groaned to himself, a hand on his growling middle, as he made a beeline for the dining hall. It wasn’t unusual for him to eat before a training session -- and then after, as well -- he had eaten not too long ago, so it was a little out of the ordinary. But, brushing it off as nothing more than his abundant appetite wanting to fuel up for a good round of training, Raphael didn’t concern himself any further with it besides thinking of what he’d order.

The hunger only seemed to get worse, so by the time it was his turn in line, he was so desperate for food that Raphael simply asked for one of everything that the kitchens had available that day. The staff gave him an irritated look at his extensive order, but they knew him quite well since he’d started at the academy, so they just got on with it in order to move the line along as smoothly as possible. It takes far too many of the kitchen workers to bring all of his dishes out, even with Raphael taking on a good amount of them, but it was all worth the hassle when he finally got to chow down.

Plates and bowls of food were demolished in record time. Raphael was all about getting as much food in his mouth as fast as possible, so table manners didn’t slow him down any. He scarfed every morsel down rather messily, but nothing went to waste as he even licked the plates clean in his feeding frenzy.

If he weren’t so distracted with satisfying the burning hunger in his middle, he might have noticed that his tongue seemed broader as it lapped up sauces and crumbs from dishes. A slight irritation at his temples and tailbone was likewise ignored in favor of filling up his stomach, the small areas affected itching like mad all of a sudden. Faint but slowly growing more prominent were splotches of black and white on his skin, becoming visible almost like freckles popping up from being out in the sun.

With a hearty sigh, Raphael slapped a meaty hand against the bloated curve of his middle; hunger finally satisfied from the veritable feast he’d just ingested. With an eagerness that most didn’t usually have after eating so much, he cleared all of his dishes from the spot he’d claimed at one of the tables and dashed right off to the training grounds. He was just too excited to wait any longer to see how this thing was going to boost his training!

He idly scratched at his head as he made his way over, oblivious to the bony protrusions that looked an awful lot like nubby horns that seemed to be growing at his temples. The splotchy spots on his body were only growing darker, while the other areas of his skin seemed to be going in the opposite direction and turning completely white.

Raphael went about his usual routine; even with an overfull stomach, he felt energized, and so went through his paces harder than normal once he got through everything so easily the first time around.

“Man, this thing really does work!” Raphael beamed to himself, grunting as he brought his hammer down with all his strength on one of the dummies set up in the yard. It collapsed under the heavy pressure like it had nothing but hope and a prayer holding it up, the head of the hammer sinking into the packed dirt several inches. As he goes to pull the weapon out of the ground, he grunts when the already strained buttons of his shirt suddenly seem to give up completely, bursting off his shirt in a succession of dull pings. Now, being such a large guy, Raphael wasn’t entirely unused to this sort of thing happening, but it was strange for it to be coupled with the uncomfortable sensation of his pants being entirely too tight on him at the same time.

“Huh...Th-That’s weird…,” he mumbled in confusion, a hand coming up to inspect the loose threads now left dangling from his open shirt. He’d popped one or two off before at the same time, but all of them?

His eyes are drawn down, however, when the fabric of his shirt rubs up against his nipples, and the feeling makes him groan in the most embarrassing of ways. Raphael brings a hand up to his chest, calloused fingers hesitantly running over the area -- surprised to find his pecs were...squishy, and not firm with bulging muscle as they had been just earlier that day. As he’s squeezing his budding moobs, which he can feel filling up more and more of his hand as he does so, warm liquid suddenly squirts onto his palm. He pulls his hand back to look at the small puddle wetting his palm, and quickly realizes that it was milk.

But...he couldn’t…

A sharp, sudden tearing sound distracts Raphael, hands flying to the seat of his trousers to feel the large rip in the material. Cheeks blazing red, he tries to find a good place to hide, but it’s suddenly become incredibly difficult to move around with his pants so damn tight. His ass just seems to get bigger the more he struggles; the two, fat orbs fighting for space until they tear through what was left of the material trying to keep them in check -- a growing, black and white cow’s tail swinging lazily above the flabby globes. His thighs are also ballooning up, destroying the sad remains of his trousers as they grow fatter. It’s a weird relief and rush of further embarrassment, but everything feels like it’s getting slower as weight keeps piling onto his frame.

His moobs never stopped in their growth despite Raphael’s attention shifting elsewhere, squishy titflesh blowing up and out, getting heavier and heavier as they filled up with creamy milk. It was getting so heavy and distracting that Raphael groaned in desperation -- really, it sounded more like a moo -- at the immensely building pressure in his chest, plopping down on his fat ass as he mindlessly gropes at the overflowing boobs that his bulky pecs have transformed into. Thick, creamy milk sprays out from his teats, coating his black and white stomach in the warm liquid as he lows deeply, eyes almost rolling back in his head at the pleasure it brings.

While it hadn’t kept up with the same growth of his chest or ass, Raphael’s stomach has still lost any hints of its once muscular form. It’s bloated up, round and firm, but tucked neatly underneath his quite astounding man jugs.

It doesn’t take long for someone else to hear his raucous mooing and discover his bloated, bovine self stuck in the training area. Well, he wouldn’t be training to be a knight anymore, but the academy would happily pay for the high quality milk Raphael produced...

[sweater-daddiesdumbdork]

shit (me again and again and again) i saw somebody else’s request on another fandom and i thought it was really cute so i’m going to copy them, you buy a pregnancy test but chris finds it before you can take it?💕

A/N- This one was super sweet (got me feeling all fluffy) and I hope that you like it Babes. 

Chris had his head ducked under the bathroom sink, looking for the dog shampoo, Dodger had gotten himself muddy in the fresh spring grass and tracked through the house. Chris’s first goal, get the mud off him before tackling the floors. 

“April showers bring May flowers... and muddy prints all over Y/N rug Bubba.” Chris glared a bit at Dodger who was now sitting in the bathtub, wagging his bushy tail to thump thump thump against the tubs side. Chris sighed with amusement and reached over to give the dog a rub on the ears.

“Just be patient boy, we will get you situated before you know it.”

A bark was given in agreement, and Chris ducked his head back under the sink, and then started looking in some drawers, wondering if it got stuck somewhere else when a box tumbled out at Chris’s feet. He bent down to collect it and put it back when he happened to notice what it was.

A pregnancy test?!

Chris sat on the edge of the tub suddenly, and just stared at his hand a moment. It wouldnt be unusual for you to keep a test right? Just in case. Nothing was ever a hundred percent sure proof as far as birth control, and it was best to be safe then sorry. Dodger rested his head on the edge of the tub and his big eyes looked up at his human, giving a slight whine at the difference in Chris. Absently his hand went to pet Dodger, who nosed him back to the present.

“Hey boy... what do you think I should do?” Chris eased the box up on the bathroom counter and stared at it a moment. “Should I ask Y/N about it? Or just... assume its nothing?” Dodger tilted his head and gave another whine, getting impatient at being stuck in the tub. “Okay, Okay Bubba, hang tight.” Chris grinned and move to his knees on the outside of the tub, turning on the water. “I know, youve been so patient Bubba, lets get you cleaned up and go find Y/N” No he didnt have the dog shampoo, but he could get the mud off and put it on the list of supplies needed.

You were just coming inside from picking up the yard, and listened to hear Chris talking to Dodger upstairs in the bathroom, You had to smile to yourself, brushing your hand across your sweaty dirty forehead to wipe away the stray hairs plastered, and went for a glass of water. Fretting a bit as you glanced at the calendar, you thought back on your purchase yesterday. You had told yourself purchasing it if Aunt Flo hadnt turned up today, well... You were gonna have to tell Chris and take the test. This was honestly a first for you, having had to recently go off your regular birth control and hadnt yet gotten a new one started.

It scared you, rationally you knew better, Chris had always said that kids were something he wanted in the future and he couldnt wait to be a daddy. It was his term In the future. What if he wasnt ready for this? What if you werent? His career was at its peak, daily there was offers for him to sort through, show interest in or pass along, you were busy with your shop, and it needed all your time right now. Your hand grasped the counter, going white knuckled at the idea of it all suddenly overwhelming, the glass you held shook slightly, but you didnt notice. You were lost in a moment, your thoughts taking over, and Chris’s voice broke through. “Baby? Y/N?”

A slight jump sloshed the water. “Oh shit... “ You hurriedly say and set the glass down, grabbing a rag to wipe it up. Chris came up behind you and wrapped his arms around you to calm you down, kissing your shoulder. “Sorry, I didnt mean to startle you Babygirl.”

“Ugh, Im just jumpy” Your still wiping up the counter, when he set the box down in front of you, and you zip right up, staring at it.

“I happened to find this looking for Dodgers soap.” He eased you around to face him, his hands rubbing along your sides gently to ease you. Your eyes lift and his, well his blue ones looked hopeful at you, seeming to want you to confirm what he was suspecting.

“I- I bought it yesterday, it occurred to me that Im late. And well going off birth control, it takes a while to get back into the swing of things, but its been a while since ive stopped and.... You just, never know.”

“you never know... “ Chris’s voice echoed back and you bit your lip, pulling in a bit closer so his arms slid around your hips and you looked up at him.

“I should take it, I have been holding off, wanting to tell you, but now that you know, well theres no more reason to wait.” You reach behind you and take the box, peeling it open and taking out one of the sticks. “Uuuhh, how will you feel if its positive?” You fret with the wrapper, a bit scared of the answer.

Chris’s fingers slip under your chin and tilt your face up to meet his, warm lips press against yours and his tongue slips past the seam of your lips to glide around yours. It was a passionate, loving kiss, your hand dropping the stick to slide your hand around the back of his neck, sighing softly against his lips when you two part.

“If were pregnant Y/N, nothing would make me happier. I love you, and cant wait to see you radiant with that baby bump.”

“You mean you cant wait to see me fat and all bloated?” You teased him, so relieved to hear how absolute he was in his answer.

“Oh babygirl, I will have such a hard time keeping my hands off you, all the back rubs and belly kisses, watching you ride on top of me to get pleasure.” He grinned, at all he was describing and you rolled your eyes playfully, about to reach down for the stick, but he swept down first and handed you the still wrapped test.

“Well dont get to excited Chris, cause it might just be me after all.” You warned him, and took his hand, leading him up the stairs towards the master bath. When you two enter, you look at him nervously. He cupped your face and kissed your forehead. “Are you ready to have a baby?” Chris simply asked, and you nodded. “Lets find out then if thats in the cards for us today then.”

You went inside and looked over your shoulder to see him go to sit on the edge of the bed, his hands folded between his knees, ready to wait as long as you needed. You close the door a bit for a bit of privacy and do your business. Sitting it on the edge, you pace around and walk back out, Chris’s head whips up, a questioning look. “Now we wait.” You say as you go to sit next to him, but he isnt having it and he draws you into his lap, rubbing the small of your back.

“Can you imagine... our lives with a couple kids?” You ask him and he cant help but grin, thinking about it.

“I can and have.” He states, falling into what hes imagined, your head tilted watching as his face lit up, eyes growing wide and gleaming with the idea. “The pitter patter of feet running down the hallway with Dodger right behind to jump in bed with us, cuddling right up to there momma.” He brushed his lips against your neck, breathing your soft scent in. “Getting up middle of the night to check for monsters in the closet, plan out birthday parties, family vacations, getting to cuddle with all of you watching cartoons for the night.” He continued on, and you couldnt help but ache for all that to.

“Family dress up for Halloween. Can you imagine how many times they would want to be avengers? Since there dad is captain america after all.” You giggle a bit, and he embraces you against his chest, chuckling softly.

“I might even still fit into it at that point. Maybe. Okay baby, times up. Want me to come with you?”

You slip up and pause him. “No, be right back Handsome.” Slipping into the bathroom, you pick up the stick, and your heart sinks slightly. It was a negative. You couldnt help but feel overwhelming disappointment at it. Going back out, you shake your head softly.

“Im sorry Chris...” You start but he interrupts you and pulls you closer to him.

“Hey, theres no need to be upset.” He assured you, and when you look him in the eyes, theres a determined glint in those blue orbs, and he wiggled his brows, sweeping you to lay on the bed, and he moved over you, kissing down your neck, growling softly through his kisses and his hands slid under your shirt.  

“Just means we get to work on making a baby more often.”

You had to admit, you rather liked the sounds of that.

[pucks-no-fucks]

Our future: Auston Matthews X Reader

Authors note: I just took two requests and put them into one because they fit so perfectly together :)

Requests are open ❤️

Summary: 1) Auston talks about how he sees a future with kids, major fluff. 2) Auston and the reader has a cute family and fluffiness pursues.

Warnings: I think there’s a curse wor. Suggestion towards sex once.

Requested: Yes | No

@hockey91-34

@newyorkislanders13

Word Count: 1,377

It was hot outside. Hot as hell. You grumbled and stood up from the couch and walked to the kitchen. “Where are you going?”, Auston called. “Where do you think dumbass?”, you came walking back into the living room with two cold bottles of water. He rolled his eyes but smiled.

Auston reaches for the bottle, but you pulled it away. He raised his eyebrow and reached again, only for you to lift it high. “How bad do you want it baby?”, you teased.

Auston laughed. “Give me the fucking water Y/N”, he chuckled.

“What about I just drink both”, you giggled sticking your tongue out.

“You wouldn’t”, he said nonchalantly.

“I would”. With that you took the caps off of both bottles and took a drink from both. Auston smirked devilishly. You took another drink eyeing him carefully. Quickly he reached forward and squeezed the bottle. Your eyes went wide as water splashed out of the bottle all over you.

“Auston what the hell!”, you said laughing obnoxiously. He laughed along with you, pulling you down to sit with him again.

“Babe I can’t just relax in wet clothes”, you sighed. You looked down. Your white shirt was now see through and you could obviously see the bright blue bra underneath.

He lolled his head to look at you. “I guess not”. He reached forward and turned the air conditioning on. Max.

“Auston you know it gets too cold when it’s on max. It turns arctic in here. We could house a penguin”. He looked at you bizarrely. “Oh my god babe can we get a penguin”, you said. Auston shook his head with a smile.

“No we can not get a penguin. We can go get you dry clothes though”, he replied, standing up and grabbing your hands. Auston pulled you up off the couch. Lovingly you wrapped your arms around him. Reaching behind him you grabbed the open bottle of water off the coffee table. He cupped your face as you looked up at him with a dopey expression.

“What are you doing silly girl”, he mumbled. You hummed in response. His eyebrow raised. You lifted the cold bottle over his head and dumped it.

“Y/N! Jesus Christ that’s fucking cold!”, Auston said in shock. “Well it was sitting in front of the air conditioning”, you smirked. He shook his head like a dog, getting water everywhere.

“Auston come on!”, you squealed. He reached forward and picked you up. Your legs wrapped around his waist, but you leaned back slightly to look at his face. “You have nice cheeks”.

“What?”, was Auston’s confused reaction. “They are so squishy”, you said bringing your hands squeeze his face. “Your my squishy”, you cooed.

Auston hummed joyfully as he carried you upstairs. He pushed the bedroom door open and sat you on the bed. Auston turned and started rummaging through the dresser. “I can get my own clothes”, you shot matter of factly at him.

He looked over his shoulder. “I know”, and then his gaze returned to the dresser. You rolled your eyes. “Here”. Sweatpants and an oversized shirt were thrown to you. Auston stood straight and took his shirt off, looking at you.

“Wait turn around”, you stuttered, suddenly feeling insecure. “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before”, Auston murmured.

You stood and turned away from him, bashfully. “I love you”, he praised. He audibly walked over to you. Austin’s arms wrapped around your stomach. “I don’t know why your suddenly all shy”, he purred. “I don’t know”. Your face was bright red.

“God I can’t wait to marry you”, he mumbled, kissing your shoulder.

“What?”, you said in surprise. Auston lazily turned you to face him. “I can’t wait to marry you”, he repeated. You didn’t think it was possible for your face to get any redder yet here you were.

“You wanna marry me”, you said shyly. He sat on the bed and pulled you in between his legs. Auston was looking up at you intently. “Of course, I think abut our future a lot”, he replied.

“And what do you see?”, you questioned.

“Well I’m going to marry you. That’s for sure”, he winked making you snort. “And then we are going to buy a house. With a big back yard. I know you want a dog so we can get a dog”. It made you smile. “I see us having kids too and-“, you sharply cut him off.

“You want to have kids with me?”, you said in awe. He looked nervous. “Only if you want to have kids”, he spoke quietly.

“Of course I want to have kids with you”, you smiled, wrapping your arms around his neck. “I love you”, you whispered.

5 years later

It was cold. The snow blanketed the ground and you had the heat on high. You held your 2 year old daughter close to you. She giggled and drooled looking up at you with her wide chocolatey orbs.

“Hi princess”, you cooed. You swayed around the kitchen as the music filled the house. Outside loud roars of laughter could be heard. You walked over to the sliding glass door leading to the porch. Outside your boys were skating on the rink Auston spent his time making. Your son, his carbon copy, skates after his daddy. You smiled fondly at the view.

Auston skates backwards reaching towards your boy. You leaned your head against the glass lovingly. Isabella shrieked in your arms. You looked at her and smiled at her happy demeanour. “Look at daddy baby”, you said gently taking her hand and pointing at Auston. Her eyes went wide and she smiled wide at you. She stuck her hands in her mouth and started giggling.

“What are you doing silly silly girl”, you soothed. When you looked out the window Auston was pointing to you, holding Jonathan and talking very passionately. Auston looked at you for a second and smiled before turning back to Jonathan. Slowly they started walking back to the house. You smiled and walked away from the door and back into the kitchen, putting Isabella in her highchair. You stirred the Mac and cheese that you made for dinner.

The sliding door opened. “Okay bud, go wash your hands”, Auston said gently setting Jonathan down “Okay daddy”, he said excitedly, his feet patting against the floor softly. Auston smiled and looked up at Isabella. He walked over and poked her side, causing her to erupt in giggles. “How are my two favourite girls”, he asked. You turned and leaned against the counter, arms folded across your chest. “Doing pretty good, how are my favourite boys”?

“Hey now”, Auston said in mock seriousness. “I’m no boy, I’m a man”, he purred, wiggling his eyebrows, while walking over to you. “I’m no girl either there Matthews”, you retorted with a giggle. “I suppose”, he said with a wink, pinning you against the counter.

You wrapped your arms around his neck. “God I love you”, he mumbles against your neck. “I love you more”, you whispered. Isabella shrieked happily again. Auston turned to look at her. “What are you doing baby!”, he said happily. She started banging her hands against the high chair. He walked over and picked her up, attacking her with kisses. Her laughter filled the house. Jonathan ran around the corner and looked at you. “Mommy!”, he insisted, giving you his grabby hands. You lifted him up and started kissing his cheeks. “What were you up to outside with daddy little man”, you said lovingly.

“Daddy told me about how much he loved you”, he giggled. “Oh did he?”, you said shooting Auston a look. “Yea Mommy”, he smiled. You started tickling the small boy in your arms. Auston looked at you briefly, smirking. Isabella grabbed his face promptly and started blowing raspberries. Auston laughed and kissed his daughters forehead.

You walked over to Auston and rest your head on his shoulder. His wedding band shone brightly against Isabella’s pastel onesie. “I love you baby”, you mumbled in adoration. “I love you too mommy”, Jonathan piped in. You and Auston giggled. “I love you guys more”, Auston mumbled.

“Not possible”, you smirked. He leaned in and kissed you.

“I think it is”

[theworldofmycreations]

Shredder’s Little Light Chapter 1

Twas a cold and drizzly night but all was not calm, and all was not bright.

 Outside a small little house in the suburbs outside of Manhattan, the sounds of police car sirens, officers through walking talkies, ambulances with flashing lights, and a crowed of worried neighbors gathering around, filled the drizzly nighttime air. On the front porch, two officers dragged a heavily overweight, red haired man with his hands behind his back and strapped into handcuffs and two paramedic nurses off to the right pronouncing the woman off to the side of the front yard dead. She lay on a pool of her own blood and the nurse on the right covered the body over with a sheet.

 On the porch of the house, a girl, who was no more than three and a half years old, stood and watched the whole scene evolve in horror and fear, a large and overstuffed white pillow case with pink flowers on it lay off on the side wall far from the tiny tot.

 But, what the others didn’t take to note, that a large figure of a one-eyed tiger with six other figures stood at the rooftop of the house, watching everything that had taken place minutes ago.

Tiger Claw had been silent for a long time until he heard the sound of a child's small voice.

 The tiger's ears perked up at the small voice and looked down to find the small girl on the verge of tears.

 "Mama.." the little one called with a crack in her voice. She backed away in order to not be seen by the police or the paramedics until she bumped into one of the smaller figures. The little one let out a small gasp in surprise and the other smaller figures landed on the porch as well, one of them grabbing the overstuffed pillowcase and slinging it over its shoulder. Tiger Claw gently landed on the porch with the surrounding Foot Bots.

 One of the Foot Bots had a stack of papers in it's hands and handed it to Tiger Claw. The big cat looked over the documents and his eye widened in shock at one point.

 He looked back at the young girl and back at the documents.

 The documents that contained the results of a DNA test taken months ago and underneath the section that said "Alleged Father" it read; Oroku Saki.

 Tiger Claw knew very well that Oroku Saki was the real name of his master, the Shredder, and as the papers have stated, the Shredder was the child's biological father.

 The giant cat turned to Aurora, the girl's name, and knelt down to her level.

 Aurora's chartreuse orbs went slightly wide as the Bengal Tiger stepped into the light.

 "No one is going to harm you little cub," Tiger Claw said taking off his neckscarf off and tying it around Aurora's neck, "You will be safe with me," he nodded gently.

 Heartbroken, the tears that Aurora had been holding began to fall down her face. She sniffled and sobbed and trembled so much that she didn’t even notice that Tiger Claw had picked her up and held her close near his right shoulder.

 "I… I want my mama!" Aurora exclaimed as Tiger Claw and the Foot Bots quietly snuck away from the old house in the semi-silence of the night.

 Tiger Claw heard the loud sobs of Aurora that she was letting out into his cerulean shirt and felt bad for the poor girl. She lost her mother and the man who was supposingly her step-father was arrested for the murder of the woman according to what he heard from the police.

 To comfort the child, he stroked her back and caressed her raven black hair that was tied up into two low pigtails supported by yellow hair ties with his paw.

 He drew back slightly in order to lift Aurora’s chin, making her look directly into his eye as she sniffled. "…don't cry, Aurora…” he soothed, wiping the tears away from her right cheek as the child's sobs began to lessen, “...I’m right here, and I am not going anywhere...I will not be like that man who raised you alongside your mother... My name is Tiger Claw."

 Aurora sniffled and looks at the giant tiger with big wet eyes and replied, “O-Ok...T…Ti…Tigger?” 

 Tiger Claw just looked at the sobbing girl for a while before he let out a chuckle and replied, “ No. That is not my name but you may call me that if you wish..” 

 Aura smiled a bit, fresh tears fell from her face but wiped them away with the back of his hand. Tiger Claw nodded once, activated his jetpack, and flew off into the night before the rain could get any worse, the Foot Bots following behind them. 

-------

It wasn't until Tiger Claw had entered the room and shook the wetness from his fur that Shredder had looked up from looking at his photo with Karai.

 "You're late," Shredder replied.

 "Apologies Master Shredder," Tiger Claw replied while bowing, "But there is something that should know about…it's….important."

 Shredder raised a brow and replied, "…Proceed."

 Little Aura poked her head out from behind the door and quivered as she saw the metal man talking to the giant cat, he looked like a monster, no wait-a…. wild thing! Like in the book her mother used to read to her before her naptime.

(A/N: If you know the name of the book I referenced, I'll reply to you with a heart emoji in the comments!)

   Her chartreuse eyes met the man's brown left eye and damaged right eye and she stepped out into the light, standing closely next to Tiger Claw.

 All was silent for a short time until Shredder said to the Foot Bots, "…Take her to the dungeon. She will need to be acquainted with her… sister.."

 The Foot Bots began to come towards Aurora but she quickly grabbed onto Tiger Claw's leg and hid herself behind his leg.

 "Master Shredder, if I may-" Tiger Claw started, but Shredder interrupted him pounding his fist on the left arm of his throne.

 "My decision is final!" Shredder replied angrily, "By blood or not, she will not be of use to me."

 Tiger Claw let out a small growl in disgust towards his master's behavior. The child was only a toddler, three and a half years old to be precise, and he wanted to lock the little one up in a damp and cold dungeon like he did with Karai a few days earlier.

 She already lost her mother and the overweight man who was supposingly her step-father all in one night and he could tell by the red marks on her legs that she was being abused, mainly with a hand whip, just like he did when he was a young cub growing up in the circus.

 The loud crack of the whip and the image of lonely, frail, and scared little cub with hot tears falling down his cheeks and quivering in fear inside of a cage played into his mind and Tiger Claw silently shuddered just remembering.

 He looked at Aurora being dragged away by two other Foot Bots into the dungeon at the bottom of the church.

 Aurora struggled in the grasp of the Foot Bots, crying and begging to be alongside "Tigger" as she called Tiger Claw.

 "No! No! I wan Tigger!" Little Aurora begged, "TIGGER! COME HERE, I'M SCARED! TIGGER NO! OWW!"

 Tiger Claw felt his heart throb for the poor child as he heard her screaming while being dragged to the doors. Aurora didn’t deserve to be in that dungeon cold, hungry, and alone. 

 No child had to suffer like he did.

 Something clicked in his head at that moment. 

 Some kind of...parental instinct as some would say. 

 Like he needed to protect the girl at all costs. 

 Should he do it? 

 His ear twitched in doubt. 

 He was selfish even to hesitate this long. 

 He could never let her suffer the way he did all those years ago. 

 Without further delay, he turned to the Shredder. 

 “Master Shredder... I appose to your decision... she has seen things I myself have seen as a boy and through the code of honor.. the child should not be locked up simply because she is the spawn of the woman you once loved after the passing of Tang Shen...” 

 Shredder listened to the giant tigers words with a keen ear.

 All was silent for a long time. 

 Then the Shredder told the Foot Bots, “...Release her.” 

 The Foot Bots turned to Shredder and released Aurora from their grasp who ran to Tiger Claw and latched onto his leg with a tight hug. 

 “Though she may be my daughter, I wish to have no part in her up bringing. She means nothing more to me than a mere mistake.” Shredder started. 

 Tiger Claw resisted the urge to swipe his claws at the Shredder for daring to say that to a young girl, but he knew his place.

 “Therefore,” Shredder continued, “Aurora shall be under the care of Tiger Claw. Raise her as if she were your own. However, if anything were to happen to on your watch, the consequences will be dire.” 

 Tiger Claw bowed his head and looked at Aurora quivering behind his leg looking at the man who was supposed to be her father. 

 The one eyed cat nodded and replied, “Do not worry master. I assure you, I can handle her.” 

 With that, Shredder said, "Very well. You are dismissed. Do not disappoint me.”

 Tiger Claw bowed once more, and he looked down at little Aurora, tapping her on the shoulder and beckoning for her to follow him, which she complied without hesitation.

 Aurora turned around and looked at Shredder before turning around to follow Tiger Claw down the hall. 

 -----

Aurora looked around the space that was supposed to be a new room.

  Tiger Claw sighed in disgust at the room the Foot Bots have given to Aurora.

  The storage room.

  Nothing but a large cot, a curtain-less window, weapons scattered everywhere, and stacks of boxes.

  "Tigger? Is dis my woom?" Aurora asked.

  "Yes. I know it looks a bit dull now, but we’ll be able to make it yours soon enough." Tiger Claw said with a trace of a smile on his lips. "So what do you think? Do you like it?"

  "I love it." Aurora said grinning shyly up to him.

  "Good, why don't you start unpacking your belongings and I'll go fix you something for you to eat in the kitchen.." he suggested.

  Aurora only responded with a nod of her head before slowly and reluctantly letting go of his paw and making her way inside to unpack her pillow case. 

  Inside the pillowcase were three VHS tapes, her favorite blue butterfly blanket, her lamb lovey, a photograph of her late mother, her art box, her nightwear, some of her clothes, and a pair of shoes, her Wiggles toothbrush and a packet of bubblegum toothpaste, a can of Pringles chips and three cartons of chocolate milk, four of her favorite Barbie dolls, her Tinkerbell musical jewelry box filled with the bracelets and necklaces she made herself, her CD player with story and music CD's she would listen to at bedtime, her favorite Wiggles nightlight, her Snow White hairbrush and plastic bag filled with hair ties, a small stack of colored construction paper inside a maroon folder, and her most prized possession of all… her stuffed rabbit Barley.

  He was a gray rabbit with a white muzzle, pink inside of his long ears that hung low, a light pink nose, black beady eyes, and wore a pair of green overalls with yellow buttons and a red pocket stitched on the front.

  Aurora loved Barley dearly and was practically her best friend. She took Barley everywhere she went; even the grocery store and talked to him as if he were a real person when her mother was in one of her moods.

  She squeezed the rabbit tightly and sat on top of the cot, swinging her legs at the edge of the cot and looked a the room that would eventually become her room within the span of a few weeks.

  It didn't look so bad, it was better and even bigger than her room at home, still, aside from her newly found father and guardian "Tigger", she wished she had someone to play with her and show her the affection she truly desired.

  Suddenly, Aurora saw two Foot Bots walking down the hall to a hidden door. The little one was curious and decided to follow them.

  Grabbing Barley by the ear, Aurora quietly creped down the stairs that lead to the underground dungeon.

  Cobwebs almost everywhere, torches lit with fire, cages with silver bars, and stone cold floors. Aurora clutched Barley close to her as she followed the Foot Bots to a cell within the dungeons to where an older girl was sitting on the floor.

  Was this her sister like the Shredder had said before?

  The little one hid herself behind one of the pillars and observed as the older girl say something to the foot bots before they left the dungeon.

  Now was her chance.  

  Aurora sat down on the cold floor with her back against the wall, holding Barley by the hands, quietly playing with him.

  "I had a rabbit like that when I was your age.."

  Aurora turned around to see the older girl, her amber eyes glowing in the darkness of her cell. She backed away a bit while holding Barley with her left arm.

  "Don't worry," the older girl said, "I'm not going to punch you in the face or anything like that."

  She reached to shake Aurora's hand. Aurora's hesitated for a moment but reached her hand out and the two gently shook hands.

  "Aurora, right?" The older girl asked.

  "Uh-huh," Aurora replied, "A-Are you my big sis'der?"

  "So I've been told," she replied, "My name's Karai."

  Aurora said, "H-Hi Kawai…Say hello to Kawai Bawlee. She's my big sis'der!"

  The little one held up Barley and moved his right arm side to side to make it as if the rabbit was saying hello.

  Karai smirked and waved back a light wave. "So, I take it that you've met your dad hm?"

  "Yeah," Aurora replied but frowned, "He, he doesn't want me wif him an…I dunno why… he says I'mma mistake. B-But I didn' do anyfing wrong, I-I dunno why he hates me.."

  Karai saw the look on Aurora's face and instantly felt pity for the poor girl.

  She reached out her hand to gently stroke Aurora's small hand and said, "Hey, don't worry about dad OK? He can be a real jerk sometimes and doesn't care about anyone but himself. But y'wanna know something?"

  "What?" Aurora asked.

  "…. If you have any advice or wanna talk or just hang out, you can always come down here." Karai said, "I'll be here so you don't have to face the wrath of dad but you have to make sure dad doesn't catch you. He doesn’t want anyone other than his "henchmen" down here or else you're gonna be in dead meat."

  Aurora nodded excitedly and smiled widely. "OK sissy!" she exclaimed.

  Karai giggled softly at her new sister's excitement. Once Aurora settled down, she sat down on the stone floor where she and Karai just sat and talked. Karai asked a lot of questions like what her favorite color was, what her favorite foods are, what shows does she like to watch on TV, what her favorite things to do are, what her favorite movies are, and so on and so fourth.

  The girls didn't know how much time had passed but soon, Aurora heard the sound of foot steps heading towards the dungeon.

  She knew it was time to go back up.

  Grabbing Barley, Aurora got up from her spot on the floor but before she left, she gave Karai's hand and forearm a big hug.

  "Same time tomorrow?" Karai asked.

  "Yeah!" Aurora replied excitedly. "I love you Kawai!!"

  Karai was speechless at first but smiled and ruffled Aurora's raven black hair.

  Aurora then quickly ran to the staircase to head back upstairs, dragging Barley by the ear, but not before looking back at her new big sister one more time.

  Maybe this was going to work out after all.

[sierracolorstheworldofwords]

Eric Derekson x fem chubby reader

An: This is something I wrote a few months ago, it’s just a mess of fluff. I’m posting it Bc idk I felt like I should?? Idk. Ummm yea

ALSO I DO NOT SEE ENOUGH CONTENT FOR MY BOY!! And this was originally posted on my Wattpad, Emmawinterfrost. So if you like this, please check it out!

Holding hands while sitting on swing sets.

Staring at the sunset.

Sneaking out, late at night for kisses under the magnolia tree.

Straddling your motorcycle, you looked at Eric as the sun rose and peaked over the hilly horizon, spreading its orange arms out, extending yellow and red tinged fingers of light.

He twisted his yellow handkerchief, and pushed his glasses up.

"...D-do.. Do you really ha-have to go?" He whispered, looking down, tears in his eyes as he stood in front of the white picket fence of his yard.

Biting your lip, you looked at him, and softly replied: "You could always come with me, Eric.."

"You.. you know I can't. He'll find me.."

"And I'll protect you from him."

He looked up, brown eyes becoming tainted with the morning light, turning into soft honeyed orbs full of watery tears.

"Pluh- ple- Please, don't go.."

"Come with me."

Eric clenched his handkerchief tighter, twisting it through his hands, he looked away from you, away from the sunrise which stood behind you, and towards the road you were going to take.

He looked back to you, conflicted, his eyebrows furrowed.

"I— where are you even going?"

"Out."

"O-Out..?"

"Yes. Out. Out of this small town, out of Mississippi— out of having to stay here for the rest of our lives...Out.

"B-but.. wh-what about your family? What.. what about me?"

"Eric, come with me— we can both get out! I got enough money saved for us and we could get an apartment and—"

"I can't."

Your shoulders slumped, eyes filling with sadness as you looked at him, tears starting to pool inside of your eyes.

"You can— but only if you want to."

"But my dad.."

"Your dad treats you like shit and you know it."

"Well yeah- but—"

"You don't deserve that and you know it."

All the memories flashed between you, the first kiss behind the school, holding hands in the hallways, soft glances at each other across from the library.

Nervous, exited, young love.

You wanted him to come with you, and he wanted to come.

"I—I..." He glanced at his white, neat house, covered in greenish gray Spanish moss and ivy, trees leaned over the roof, protecting, and safe, like his mother's arms— yet, at the same time, trapping him, wrapping their fingers around his throat like his father's tight grip.

Those trees always reminded him of his mother, her tanned skin and soft, brown eyes.

He could hear her laughter swimming through the trees, riding the wind like how fish ride the waves.

He could have sworn he heard her voice, telling him to go.

Eric looked back at you, and then towards his childhood home once again.

What lay there? What ghosts rested in those empty halls?

He could remember stumbling, a toddler, chasing his big brothers.

He could see himself by his mother's knee as she peeled potatoes, telling him about Brer Rabbit and how he nailed fox's tail to the roof.

He could see the day after his mother died, all of them dressed in black.

He could see his father getting worse after his mother died, drowning himself in alcohol.

He could see his brothers, laughing and giggling, tugging and pulling at each other, the day before the accident.

He could see his first girlfriend as they sat underneath the tree, her small form against his.

Then, he could see you.

You, throwing pebbles at his window the day after the break up, and climbing up the tree near his window to bring him ice cream and his favorite candies.

You, sneaking him out of the house, and driving him across town to the drive in theater.

You, kissing him suddenly underneath the moonlight.

You, apologizing like crazy and stumbling over words and he could see himself, taking you in his arms and kissing you back passionately.

He could see you.

You.

Dream girl, complicated dream girl who was a complex, puzzle of abnormalities.

You.

Girl who read books about far off places and far off towns and collected maps.

You.

Girl who woke him up at three in the morning to see a meteor shower.

You.

He saw you.

You, the girl who took both of his hands and forced him to go explore the world again.

You, the girl who waited for him as the both of you explored the hills, picking wildflowers and giggling while putting them in each other's hair.

You, explosive girl. You, mischievous girl. You, smiling girl. You, giggling girl. You, curious girl. You, loving girl. You.

You. You. You. You.

You, the girl who was his friend even when other kids left because they said he looked like a freak.

You, the girl who even though all the kids made fun of her, tried her best to be herself.

You, girl who stuck by him and told him about far off places.

You, the girl who refused to believe what people told her.

You, the girl who showed him he could be confident too. You, the girl who changed his life for the better.

You...You..he didn't want to lose you.

He couldn't afford— he couldn't handle losing anyone else.

He didn't want to lose you, the only spark in his life.

Realizing this, he looked away from the house, and towards you, the sun pierced his eyes as it shone behind you; creating a halo of light.

"I'll go." He said.

Your eyes widened in surprise.

"You will?" You whispered.

"Yes."

You kicked down the kick stand of your motorcycle and helped him on.

You gave him a yellow helmet, and put on your orange one.

"Let's go." You said, putting up the kick stand, and revving up the bike. He wrapped his arms around your waist, and swallowed nervously.

"It'll be alright, I promise." You said, starting up the motorcycle and riding onto the slick, long road.

Eric looked back, one more time, watching the old trees grow smaller and smaller.

Then, he looked forward, at the long road, and welcomed the change.

Smiling, you looked forward and yelled;

"Hellooooo bright world!"

Laughing, he yelled back;

"Helloooo bright world!"

And giggling, both of you sailed down the road, welcoming the adventure.

[tcstu]

May’s Honorable Mentions

I was truly impressed by the variety of unique stories that were created using this month’s piece by @hydraart. First, I would like to thank Virginie Juteau  for allowing me to use another one of his pieces for this contest. I hope anyone who sees this will take a few minutes to read the stories below and appreciate the incredibly different perspectives writers can have on a single piece of art. That is, after all, what this contest is all about.

As a reminder, this digital sketch is titled, “Nightmare Fuel.”

(These entries are presented in the order I received them and do not represent any type of ranking system.)

Untitled

Contributed by: Emily Elizabeth Fowl @emilyelizabethfowl

The darkness held none of its usual comfort.

Instead it resonated with guttural growls following the monsters as they circled their prey. “We shouldn’t have came here!” Derek whispered furiously, correcting his grip on the slipping sword. “Going towards suspicious sounds at night is never a good idea!”

Shane didn’t respond. His eyes were focused on the three beasts and nothing more, his leather gloves squelching loudly.

One of the monsters turned around, snarling at them threateningly before going back to their prey.

“Please, let’s just leave,” Derek took a step back, but the shining orb above their heads didn’t move. Usually having a mage provide the source of the light was advantageous, but not when said mage refused to move.

Neither Shane nor the beasts paid him any mind, instead focusing on the bloodied creature lying in the middle of the clearing.

The mare was clearly dying.

“Monsters,” Shane grunted through clenched teeth. “Murderers.”

The growls rose in volume and frequency.

“Let’s go before they murder us!”

The growls cut off with no warning, as if sliced with a blade. The beasts turned around and left with not a single glance back.

“Come on,” Derek tugged at Shane’s arm. The monsters obviously weren’t going to leave their prey laying in the middle of the forest.

They would come back for it, and Derek wanted to be very far away from the clearing when that happened.

“I will finally avenge my mother,” Shane grunted, ripping his arm out of Derek’s grip. “I’m not going to allow them to continue killing everything in their sight!”

“They didn’t kill you,” a new voice said from behind them.

A witch pushed past them before they could turn back, going straight to the mare.

“And they won’t get another chance!” Shane took a step forward. “I won’t let them-!”

“I’d rather you didn’t kill them.”

That was enough to bring Shane’s temper down somewhat.

“My father saw them kill my mother. And we just saw them kill that mare! Are you saying they shouldn’t pay for their crimes?”

“Did you really?” the witch looked at them and tilted her head, her hand never stopping petting the horse’s mane. “Or is that what you want to believe?”

“We followed the noises and found a bloodied mare being circled by three beasts. What else could it have been?”

“Did you see them attack?”

“No,” Derek offered. “But the mare was dying, we saw its last breath.”

“Or did you?”

The mare’s eyes opened.

Slowly, it stood up, stumbling a little.

It neighed quietly, shook its head and trotted away, leaving only blood and crumpled grass behind.

“But... My mother?”

“Sometimes the wounds are too grave to heal in time,” the witch stood up and dusted off her knees, walking back in the same direction she came from. “But no matter how monstrous they may seem, the unicorns will always try their best to help.”

 Untitled

Contributed by: @shydragonrider

They could smell it, their natural enemy. Its rancid scent filled the nostrils of the collective pack. The Guards hissed in dismay, and circled around the pregnant Queen. A much deeper growl reverberated through the otherwise silent night. Their enemy was still in the shadows, invisible, with its dark hide. The lead guard snarled, and a subordinate reluctantly stepped forward, hissing and whining, another bark from the guard and it lunged into the darkness. There was the sickening sound of flesh ripping, but it was quickly drowned out by a gurgling scream. The scent of blood mingled with the stench of the assailant, the remaining guards readied themselves as the very embodiment of terror stepped into the range of their night vision…

 “On The Back Road, Watch Out For Traffic”

Contributed by: @evanthenerd83

“Don’t worry,” Jeffrey heard his father whisper. “They won’t hurt us.”

The boy sighed, and released his grip on the door handle. He was relieved. And a little embarrassed.

It should’ve been obvious. While they were big, large enough to dwarf the truck, cowhelians were also herbivores. They had no interest in the dealings of humans. A field of bladdelions, maybe.

Fallen tree limbs, sure.

But not a six-year old boy and his father.

“In fact,” his father continued.

Jeffrey could see the creatures in the eerie glow of the headlights, their eyes like moon-dishes, and smiled.

They were chewing.

Staring, dumb and impenetrable.

Just then, a billowing cry split the silence of night. The sound echoed through the darkness. It slipped between the trees. And Jeffrey felt it in his bones.

But the cowhelians felt it in their souls. They stopped chewing. They dropped gnarled twigs and turned away, their great hoofs batting the Earth like a drum. A stampede.

Jeffrey only wished that he could’ve gone with them.

He glared at his father, fully prepared to wring him dry. Why the horn? Why didn’t he just turn the headlights off?

But he stopped.

And he felt that shock from earlier, that fear of teeth and blood and the black sweeping gulfs of death, resurface.

His father had his hands on the wheel.

But not on the horn.

Not on the…

Outside, the sound came, it came close and closer and closer.

The crashing of trees.

 Untitled

Contributed by: @coin-sith

I can hear something in the woods behind my home. It’s been there for days now, a low whining that almost sounds like an engine, or perhaps some strange bird.

But it is not, I know. I have seen them, eyes reflecting the shine of my torch before blinking out of sight again. They slink back into the forest as soon as light touches them, melting back into the darkness like the shreds of a bad dream.

I am not afraid of them. I have sturdy walls and locks on the cat flaps. And afterall, animals are always more afraid of you than you are of them. But I keep a gun beside my bed. Just in case.

Tonight was another such night. The strange whining woke me in the early hours after midnight. Involuntarily, my heart beat faster. They were so quiet. Carefully, I got up from my bed, carefully I tiptoed over to the window, lifting the blends just a crack. Afterall, I wasn’t afraid.

They were stalking around the edge of my barn, sniffing and whining in that awful pitch. Thankfully, I had barred the stable doors that evening, but I could hear the horses shifting nervously in their stalls, even from across the yard. One kicked its walls, and alm the creatures froze. They had this strange way of moving in sync that was incredibly unsettling to watch. But it didn’t scare me.

After a moment, they began moving again, noiseless as ever. The whining seemed to wind to a higher pitch, until one crept forwards from the rest, staring as if inspecting the door.

And then, to my horror, it reared up on its hind-legs and grabbed the heavy beam across the barn doors. Two more came to its aid, and it went thudding to the floor with a dull thump.l, and they went rushing inside.

The first scream unfroze me. I grabbed the gun leaning beside my bed and rushed out of my door towards the stables, hastily loading cartridges. In my mind, the frantic thump of my heart held rythm with my frantic thoughts. They were just animals. They shouldn’t be able to do that. Right?

As I approached the open barn doors, they were there, nearly bowling me over and dragging the limp corpse of a grey colt. For a terrifying moment, I saw sharp fangs in an oddly horse-like face, pale hairless skin, and hands so very like a human’s, before they were past me, leaving only a dark bloody trail leading into the forest.

I was lying when I said I wasn’t afraid.

Untitled

Contributed by: Peculiur @peculiurperennial

"Hey, Lucy? I think I found your horse. Looks like something else might've found it first, though..."

[justkending]

Knock, Knock. Part 17.

Chapter Summary: Deep talk under the stars are the best aren’t they?

Pairing: (single) Jensen x Reader

Warnings: None.

Word Count: 2235

Part 17:

It was close to 10pm  now, and Cole was still missing. He had been keeping you updated throughout the meeting, and told you he should be done pretty soon. That was about 30 minutes ago.

After Jared and Jensen sat you down with Gen, she helped you sober up some with the boys help. They stopped making you drinks, and had given you water bottle after water bottle. You hadn’t drank enough to get alcohol poisoning or anything, but they were just looking out for you.

You were no longer plastered anymore, but still had a calming buzz going.

“Hey, is Cole still stuck at the office?” Jensen asked quietly coming up behind you as you stood on the back porch looking out to the yard where you had a few friends still gathered around the fire.

You turned at the voice and gave him a small smile before turning back to the view.

“Yeah, he texted me a little over 30 minutes ago saying he should be done soon.” You said softly.

“You good Y/N/N? You’ve been a lot quieter the past hour.” He said standing really close now that you could feel his shoulder brush yours as he leaned against the opposite side of the banister that you were putting your weight on.

“Hmm?” you hummed looking back at him. “What? No, I’m fine Jay. Really. Just sobered up.” You looked up at the stars trying to avoid eye contact.

“Then how come I don’t believe you?” he asked with a smirk looking at you as you stared into the sky. “I mean even sober you aren’t this quiet usually.”

That got a small laugh out of you as you went to cross your arms, and lean more on the column of the porch resting your head on it as well. You took a big sigh before finally turning to him making direct eye contact with the emerald orbs in front of you.

You both stood there for a few minutes just taking in how each of you looked in the moonlight, with the subtle glow of the fire from the distance. Jensen could stare at you in this moment for the rest of his life if the world allowed it. It would be his own personal heaven. The way your Y/E/C eyes gave off a perfect sparkle with how the light was hitting them just right.

You were thinking the same thing. The brightness from the fire was illuminating you two just enough for you to pick up on the dusted freckles on his face, and you wanted to just stay there and count each and every one of them the rest of the night.

You broke out of your thoughts when Cole came back to mind. Immediately, you looked back up at stars to hope that the slight blush that had made its way to your face went unnoticed.

“Cole, umm-” you said clearing your throat bringing the attention back to the original question at hand. Jensen snapped his head away from you for a quick second to re-center, but couldn’t help himself from looking back and staring at you again. “Cole’s great. We are doing great, and he’s really sweet.”

“Yeah, for sure. Yeah.” He said clearing his own throat and following your gaze back up to the stars. “Real nice guy.”

“Yep, real nice guy.” You said. “Started his own foundation in social work. Has a big heart for others. Always a great ear for when I need to vent about life. Makes amazing homemade pasta. And so many other things, you know?” You said rambling to try and focus on the fact you have a boyfriend, and the man next to you was your roommate and nothing more.

“Yep, yep. Good guy.” Jensen said feeling that twinge of jealousy come back. He was close to trying to find an exit for this conversation so he didn’t have to hear about what a great guy Cole was, but what you said next stopped him.

“But…” you said quietly going to fiddle with your hands, and looking down.

“But?”

“But…” you sighed and kept looking at your hands before looking over at Jensen. “Want to know what I think?” you asked keeping eye contact with him.

“Always. I would always love to know what you think.” He said with a soft smile.

You returned the smile feeling a warmth in your heart at the answer.

You pointed at the sky and looked up at it.

“I think I’ve always loved looking at the stars ever since I was little.”

“You think that, or you know that?”

“I know it. I think the reason why was because…” you paused trying to figure out how to word what you were daydreaming about. “You know what? Forget it. It’s going to sound really cheesy.” You said looking back down with an embarrassed smile.

He quickly moved around the divider between you two, and stood in front of you on the step below so that you were at eye level with him. He grabbed your hands without thinking and started looking back and forth between your eyes.

“No, please. I want to know what your thinking.” He said with a smile.

“Wow, you’re really interested in my cheesy logic?” you laughed.

“Beyond. What’s on your mind sweetheart?” he said with a smile that could make you spill all of your deepest darkest secrets.

“You know what? I can tell you any other time. Maggie is probably waiting for you or something-“ you said getting nervous about being alone with him like this, and insecure that he wanted to have a deep conversation with you. You were also thinking of the fact that he probably wanted to be with someone else.

“Are you kidding? Friends come first.” He said feeling a slight pain at using the word friend. He squeezed your hand and pulled you to sit on the step you were standing on. He sat first and patted at the spot next to him, your hand still in his. “Sit, and talk. I’m all ears for even the silliest sounding things.”

You laughed as you looked down at him. He really wanted to listen.

“Ok, but remember you asked for it.” You said sitting down and throwing your hands in your lap as you placed your chin in one to look up at the stars.

He just looked at you, and the smile on his face grew.

“So, what do you see when you look up there?” you asked.

He pulled his attention away from you for a split second to look up, then turned to you, who hadn’t broken your gaze from above.

“Stars.” He answered.

“A lot right?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s crazy how many there are, and some we can’t see, and have yet to even discover.”

He hummed to your thoughts.

“Then there are some the we see every night. Then ones that are the brightest and most… most?” you were trying to find the right word.

“Captivating?” he asked still watching your facial expression.

You turned to him with a smile that could kill him in an instant.

“Yes. They catch your attention.” You looked back up as you leaned back and placed your hands behind you to support yourself. “Now here comes the cheesy part. Ready?”

He followed your motion and leaned back with you.

“Hit me.”

“So, there are stars we can’t see and don’t know exist. People on this planet we don’t know and may never met. Heck, will never meet.” You said looking at him to see if he was catching on. He nodded. “Then there are those that we know and see a lot. The stars that are constant every night.” He nodded again. You looked back up. “Then, there are the stars the shine brighter than any of the other ones. The ones that captivate you and keep you wondering, and guessing, and-“

“And in awe.” He said looking at you with this face of pure adoration.

You looked back at him with the same face.

“Yes. They leave you in awe.” You said. “You just can’t seem to pull yourself away from them.” You said quieter. For a second you thought you saw his eyes glance at your lips, and you almost did it yourself to him but quickly turned away. You noticed the mood change. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that… Wow, do I know what I’m trying to say?” you said sitting up and wiping a hand over your face.

“Say it.” Jensen said in a quite, and calm tone putting a hand on your thigh to calm you.

“Cole doesn’t seem like one of those bright stars to me. He just seems like one that fits with the others.” You spoke out abruptly. “Oh, God. Is that stupid of me to say? Am I thinking to much of this? I am being stupid looking at it like this? God, I just need to-“

“Y/N!” Jensen said snapping you out of your thought process. You looked down at your leg just now noticing the physical touch of his hand as it gave you a light squeeze to bring back. “What do you feel?” he asked.

“What-What do I feel?” you said confused.

“What do you feel? Not what do you think. What do you feel?” he said staring you down.

“Feel?” you said thinking it through. “Well, I guess-“

“No, no guessing. What do you feel?”

“I feel like Cole isn’t the one.” You said instantly without processing it. You threw a hand over your mouth and turned to Jensen quickly. “Oh my God.”

He had a smirk on his face. One that said “I knew it.”

“How did you do that?”

“I didn’t do anything. You were saying it this whole time, but just couldn’t get the actual words out.”

You paused trying to think of everything.

“Y/N. Don’t overthink it. You don’t feel the connection you should with him. It’s not a bad thing. Go with your gut. If I know you at all, I think you can trust it.” He said bringing you to look back at him.

“Yeah, well I guess I haven’t felt the pull with him that I’ve felt with-“ you cut yourself off afraid of the next words that could come out of your mouth.

“With who?” he asked curious to the person you were about to say.

You looked at him for a minute deciding now was not the time.

“No one. I-I just, I don’t feel a pull. I think I was kinda forcing myself to be in this relationship because I thought I needed it. When all honesty I still have things I need to figure out.” You said..

For instance, my feelings for a certain roommate, you thought to yourself.

“Oh.” Jensen said. “Well-“

“Jensen! There you are!” You heard Brianna yell behind you. Both of your heads spinning to turn to the sudden noise. “Hey, there are only about 10 people still here, and we were thinking we could do a jam sesh around the fire. Sound like something you two want to do?” she asked now addressing you both.

“Uh, actually Y/N and I-“ he started wanting to figure out what you were going to say earlier, but you cut him off.

“That’s sound perfect.” You said patting his thigh. “Jensen, you should go grab your guitar, and I’ll go grab some blankets so we can hang out out here.” You said with a smile you were forcing, and he knew.

“Um, yeah sure. Are you sure? We didn’t finish our talk really.” He said sadly.

“We can finish it later.” You said with a smile while you got up and patted his shoulder. You were definitely avoiding the subject and he knew it too. “Brianna, do you wanna help me grab some quilts and blankets?” you said walking up to her and back into the house.

“Sure, I’ll tell everyone to meet out here.” She said following you.

Jensen let out a sigh, and stood up to turn back into the house. Feeling as if he didn’t actually get to where he was wanting to with you in the conversation.

Before he could step into the house, you had ran back out, and gave him a sudden hug burying your face in his chest. He was caught off guard and stumbled a little trying to regain his balance, but once he realized what was happening he returned the hug quickly wrapping you in his arms.

“What’s this-“ he started.

“Thank you. Really. I appreciate you listening to me ramble.” You said with your face turned to the side on his chest.

He laughed and you felt it shake his body. He started rubbing his hands up and down your back and rested his chin on your head.

You looked up at him, and he could see a blush rise on your face. His did the same, but he didn’t care to hide it.

“I promise; we can finish this talk later.” You said with a smile. “I just need to do something to clear my head a little.”

“Whatever time you need; you got it.” He said with a grin.

“Thanks.” You returned the smile before running back into the house to retrieve the items.

Jensen shook his head with the smile still on his head as he walked into the house to go grab his guitar.

Part 18

Tags:

@shamelesslydean @sleepless-sin @unabashedsoul97@sandlee44@gripmetight-raisemefromperdition@cabbagewithissues@supersleepygoat@anotherwaywardsister @spnwoman @ravengirl94 @carryonmywaywardcaptain @ezilyamuzed@thosekidswhohuntmonsters@purpleskiesandcherrypies@anise-d-castle6 @adoptdontshoppets @casper57x @tailsoflightning @spookycowz @eve05glee @snffbeebee@angelessquirrel @mirandaaustin93 @natura1phenomenon @tftumblin @gh0stgurl  @screechingartisancashbailiff @kersumgen

[bakugou-tm]

Could I request that Bakugou was having issues with his s/o pomeranian dog who barks at him often when he is too close to the S/o. If he doesn't listen, the dog would bite his ankles as a response. The dog and Bakugou somehow get in one term when the dog bites Deku ankles and chase him off away from the s/o. XD I AM SORRY! I JUST HAD TO! Can the s/o be fem!reader? and it can be hcs or scenario

AWh this is a cute idea I love it. There is a tiny bit of nsfw in the beginning but only because I wanted Bakugou to get cockblocked by a pomeranian, it was too good not to write. Hope you enjoy!

The date night Bakugou and his girlfriend had was coming to a wonderful end, at least to the public’s eye that was. He still had loads of plans with you.

After the fancy dinner he was able to score at a hole in the wall restaurant downtown, his s/o was rather pleased to find no paparazzi waiting. Just a wholesome meal with the two of you, both of you talking about your current lives and futures.

Now as the two of you tried to walk down the hallway, the ash blond grinned at the sound of your whimpers and giggles mixed into one when he kissed down your neck while trying to walk down the hallway to her apartment.

“Katsu..” You muttered, taking large bigfoot like steps while trying to walk over him without causing you both to fall while his lips caressed every bit of your skin, “Can’t we wait till we get inside you kinky little shit?”

Bakugou chuckled at this, not even giving you time to fish out your keys before slamming you up against your door, “You’ve been taunting me with that fucking dress all night long.”

“Babe come on I can’t.. get the k..keys in the door.” You muffled out in between kisses, your hand feeling the knob behind you to find the key slot until the ash blond bit sharply on your neck causing a sharp moan to escape your lips, “Katsuki! The neighbors will hear us!”

“Like I give a fuck..” Bakugou hissed against your neck, a smirk forming on his lips while you breathlessly leaned your head against the door until your key finally jammed into the socket, your wrist viciously turning it causing the door to fall open.

If it weren’t for your boyfriend’s strong arms you would have crashed to the floor, but luckily he caught you before pressing you back against the nearest wall, letting his leg kick your door shut.

“Now I’m not holding back shitty girl.” The ash blond growled, his calloused hands grabbing under your thighs and lifting you into his arms, a burst of giggles escaping your lips while your legs instinctively wrapped around his waist.

Kissing Bakugou was almost like a workout within itself, he was restless.. passionate about the things he loved. Whenever you got him riled up like this there was no stopping him until the job was done.

“I’m gonna do you over every inch of this fucking house, you hear me?” Bakugou whispered into your ear, his hand squeezing at your cheeks causing a squeak to escape your lips before you melted back into his kiss.

Though, the ash blonds promise didn’t make it very far until the familiar sound of paws patting against the wood floors came to his ears. The very sound making him cringe in expectation as if having war flashbacks of the furry fucktard.

And just as Bakugou predicted, the shrill sound of the small creature barking echoed throughout the house. While he would have preferred to just keep going with you and ignore the damn mutt until it shut up, he let out an annoyed growl when your head immediately perked up, your form already slipping out of his grasp.

“Sparky!” You cried with a grin, tip toeing over to your pomeranian before lifting him in your arms and placing warm kisses on his head, “How could I forget about you my little pumpkin, did you miss me?”

The dog only barked in a chipper manner at you while he licked your face, the bright look of joy on your face making the ash blond even angrier knowing he wasn’t the source of all your joy.

Glaring down to the dog Bakugou folded his arms stubbornly until he noticed the dog look up to him, it was clear that if a dog could glare at someone it was. Barring his teeth up to the ash blond it began to let out a low growl, Bakugou’s eyes widening in shock before he clenched his fists and growled back.

“Your fucking rat always ruins everything.” The ash blond growled, grabbing your arm once you set your dog down before dragging you towards your living room.

Looking up to your boyfriend with a look of offense you pouted your lip out before he pushed you down on your couch, your back hitting the plush cushions rather roughly, “He is not a rat! He’s my adorable little baby.”

“Oi enough about the damn mutt,” Bakugou growled, crawling over your body with a smirk that sent chills throughout your spine while he caged your body in with his muscular arms, “The only thing that’ll be on your mind tonight is me.”

“I think I can manage that.” You purred with a grin before the ash blond re-captured his lips in your own, enjoying the lewd sounds that came from your mouth once more.

All was going great, the boy effectively getting you back into your trance like state from before until he felt something furry against his ankle that was dangling off the side of your couch.

“What the f-UCK!”

The ash blond’s sudden scream caused your eyes to widen, moving yourself up on your arms while Bakugou jumped off you and away from the couch.

“The damn rat fucking bit me!” Bakugou yelled, his crimson eyes fuming with rage as he stood up until the dog charged at him again, sinking his small teeth into the side of his ankle, “Fucking hell stop that!”

Looking at the two go back and forth they both seemed to get distracted by the sounds of your giggles filling the air, both turning their eyes to you as you bursted into laughter on the couch.

The dog only seemed to bark at your reaction, meanwhile Bakugou’s palms began to smoke up as he looked at you with grit teeth, “You think this is fucking funny you asshole?!”

Looking up once you noticed your boyfriend actually growing angry you rolled off the couch, prying your dog off of Bakugou’s leg while stroking him with a loving smile.

“I can’t help it Katsuki you screamed like a girl..” You admitted with a grin, earning a growl from your boyfriend while he watched you stroke your pet, “Sparky was just playing around, weren’t you boy?”

Seeing the two of you play around before him put him in a state of rage, his fists clenching as all he could do was watch the two of you while he had a boner and blood dripping from his ankles now.

“One day while you’re at work, I’m selling that damn thing on the black market.”

Your eyes widened at his taunting words, picking up the pomeranian while bringing him close to your chest, “Then I would sell you on the black market!”

----------

Days turned into months with you and Bakugou and sooner or later the two of you moved in after almost two years of being together.

Sadly along with the two of you moving in together, Sparky joined in as well. Of course the wild dog cockblocked the ash blond many times, making the hero want to drop kick him into the neighbors yard, but for your sake he remained calm.

Eventually as time went on Sparky came to get used to Bakugou being around, only attacked the ash blond when he saw him torment you like pinching your butt or taking something away from you while you begged him to give it back.

It wasn’t until one Halloween party that the bond between Bakugou and Sparky truly became forged, all because of one person they both hated equally.

Midoriya Izuku.

Bakugou practically did everything but beg (because let’s be real Bakugou doesn’t simply ‘beg’) you not to invite the green haired hero, but since he had been your best friend since childhood you didn’t give him much of a choice.

There weren’t many people at the party that Bakugou liked, but you forced him to invite everyone including all of his old classmates so not to be rude to anyone.

The fact that everyone was in his home dressed up in costumes made him a bit uncomfortable, but having his (s/o) by his side was enough to get him through the night.

“How much longer is this damn party?” Bakugou whispered to you as the two of you stood behind your kitchen counter, picking at the snacks you laid out for everyone.

Rolling your eyes you looked up to the ash blonnd with unimpressed (e/c) orbs, “Katsuki it’s only been two hours..”

“Two hours too long..” Bakugou growled in a huff, folding his arms as if he were a stubborn child before he looked back down to your form, a wicked grin spreading across his features, “I just can’t wait to pry that thin little costume off of you.”

You couldn’t help but shutter as you felt your boyfriend’s warm breath creep down your neck as he whispered in your ear, how you wanted to just grab his face and kiss him into an oblivion but you knew not to do so in front of all these people.

“Keep that wild dick of yours under control for once, got it?” You hissed threateningly with a playful grin, the ash blond’s mischievous expression drooping back into his pout as he shot you a glare before whipping his head down to his feet.

Below him stood Sparky resting between the two of you, his big beady eyes looking up at the ash blond while he pouted, “What are you fucking looking at dumb dog?”

Bakugou looked ready to challenge the dog once more until the familiar voice he was hoping not to hear all night came into sound.

“(L/N)!”

Looking up your lips formed into a wide smile when Midoriya came up to you, his green locks gelled up into the All Might hair style while he wore the prior number one hero’s old uniform.

“Izuku you look amazing!” You exclaimed with a grin moving forward to hug him tightly before stepping back, “How have you been?”

The green haired boy smiled back to you, happily hugging you back until he locked eyes with the familiar ash blond he went to school with, his crimson eyes glaring daggers into the boy’s soul, “U..Uh I’ve been good... I like you and Kacchan’s costumes, they look lie Deadpool’s real uniform!”

“Don’t they?” You said with a bright grin as you wrapped your arm’s around your boyfriend’s torso while showing off both of your Deadpool costumes, pointing to the masks on the counter, “Katsuki’s dad is a fashion designer so him and his mom made these for us aren’t they adorable! Oh and look...”

Midoriya chuckled a bit when you excitedly bent down before lifting up Sparky to show how he also had on a mini red suit to mirror Deadpool’s, “We even got one for Sparky, isn’t it adorable?”

“You guys really outdid yourselves..” Midoriya muttered with a sheepish grin, growing uncomfortable upon seeing your dog and Bakugou now glaring down to him.

Nodding with a bright smile you unlatched yourself from Bakugou’s hold and moved closer to Midoriya to catch up with him, much too close for the ash blond’s liking.

It’s not that he was jealous of Deku of all people, he knew where your heart belonged. But just seeing you so overjoyed to see him made Bakugou’s eye twitch, but little did he know a certain pomeranian wasn’t too excited with the green haired boy’s proximity either.

Once you gave Midoriya one last hug your dog went off, his low growling turning into high pitched barks as he latched onto Midoriya’s ankle causing the boy to scream as he quickly jumped away.

The dog only followed Midoriya, nipping at his ankles once more until the green haired boy broke out into a full sprint around the house.

“Oh my god Sparky stop that!” You called out with wide eyes, your gloved hand covering your mouth before you looked to Bakugou with wide eyes, “S..Should we go help him?”

Bakugou smirked, coiling his arm around your waist before pulling you to his side with delighted crimson eyes, “Nahh Deku will be fine babe, besides...

Sparky’s just playing around, right?”

[hunkmuffinofannoyance]

Moonlight Confessions

 It was a chilly night in London. Everybody bustling about just caught in their own little world. Couples walking throughout the city, laughing and joking around. Families were shopping and spending quality time together. It was the holidays, everyone is cheerful at this time. Well, almost everyone.

You were from America meaning that all of your family was across the sea, you were hoping to be home in time to visit them for Christmas but this stupid snow had other plans for you. But, you weren’t completely alone. You had your own little family here in London and they always made you happy. So here you all are, standing in the living room of 221B Baker Street.

It was only the beginning of December but everyone was in the festive mood. As for Sherlock, he was festive in his own way. He was reading up on the murder of Thelma Todd, despite your wishes,“It happened in December, (Y/N).”

Mary had invited you over to Sherlock’s flat to help her decorate since the boys were just lounging about, not really doing anything. Of course, you said yes! 1, you get to spend time with your favorite people. 2, you were going to be in the same room as Sherlock who holds a very special place in your heart. And 3, Mary is scary when she is pregnant so you honestly were too scared to decline.

You walked through the door to be greeted with Sherlock doing his normal mind palace-y things in his chair while Mary and John lugged around plastic bags onto the dining room table. You couldn’t help but smile at this since it truly felt like the holidays. You hung up your coat before announcing your presence, “Good evening, everyone!”

“Hello, (Y/N),” replied both of the Watsons as they made their short journey back into the living room. You looked to the one voice that never replied back with a raised eyebrow before making your way to Sherlock’s chair. You towered over Sherlock- who still didn’t bother opening his eyes- before leaning down and whispering in his ear, “Good evening, Sherlock.”

You craned your neck to get a good look at his face and were happily met with bright blue-green orbs staring into yours.

“It may be evening, (Y/N), but it doesn’t mean that it is a good one,” he remarked. You stared back at him with a face that just said ‘Really’. He stared right back with a smug look on his stupidly handsome face.

“Evening, Sherlock. Hope it’s a bad one,” you replied sarcastically before wandering over to where John and Mary were standing and gestured to the boxes,” So where are we going to start?”

John and Mary exchanged a look before looking at you with big smiles, “Well,” Mary started,” We were hoping that you could take Sherlock out of the flat so that we could decorate!” 

You narrowed your eyes at them but they only smirked at you in reply. You sigh before making your way to the coat rack before hastily throwing on your coat. You turned around to say something to Sherlock but ended up bumping into what felt like a fabricated brick wall. You scrunched your nose and looked up at the brick wall only for him to continue walking out the door and of course, you followed.

You tried to keep up with the man but due to his long legs, he always seemed yards away from you. By the time you caught up, you were both in a park. He slowed down to a halt and looked up to the sky while you were bent over and breathing heavily.

‘Damn he walks fast’ you thought.

You looked up at him and froze. His head was tilted up as he looked at the stars and the moon appeared to be looking back at him. Blue-ish rays beamed down on the man, basking him in the moonlight. It gave him the appearance of being underwater, he looked like an angelic being.

“Is there something on my face?” he asked, bringing you out of your trance. 

“Oh sorry,” you started, “you just looked-uh...” You trailed off before shifting your gaze to the ground. You heard him shuffle closer to you. 

“I looked what, (Y/N)?” Sherlock asked impatiently as he tilted his head slightly.

“You looked...” You started as you glanced up at him before quickly looking to a nearby tree. “You looked really- um.You looked really handsome in the moonlight.” You finished softly as your arms folded over your chest and looked back to the ground.

A tap on your head made you look up at lightening speed. He was looking back down at your fondly before reaching for you hand. He grabbed your hand it brought it up to his lips before kissing the back of it. 

“And I thought you looked absolutely stunning in it as well.”

[starfaring-princelotor]

Ding Dong

In Switzerland we don‘t have Santa Klaus, but St Nicholas who comes by your house on the 6th of December. He brings gifts and sweets for the good children. But he is not alone. Along with him comes mountain demon Schmutzli (Krampus) who stuffs the naughty children into his bag and vanishes in the woods (in earlier days he’d sell them to the dwarves in the mountain gold mines of the Alpine Regions. Those mines still exist!). Today Schmutzli just chases the naughty kids around in the snow in a massive snowball battle. The big surprise is who plays Santa and Schmutzli and what funny „punishments” Schmutzli has concocted…

So here for your amusement a story how our dear Lotor convinces Kolivan to play Schmutzli… (please someone draw Lotor as Santa and Kolivan as Krampus)

********

The mountain tips were reflecting the sunlight and it painted the houses of the serene alpine town in a golden glow. The night had brought fresh snow and the fresh air had made Lotor sleep like a log. His cold fingers were holding a hot mug of coffee. It was early morning still. Celeste, Atlas and his beloved were still sleeping in the bedrooms above of the wooden chalet they had rented. His beloved was adamant to teach them skiing…

He heard muffled footsteps outside. Could it be that his visitor had arrived? Lotor took a last sip and stepped outside the house. His plan was meant as a surprise…

Kolivan was wet with fresh snow. Lotor greeted him and took him into the house through the skiing entrance in the basement. Skis, snowboards, boots, helmets were stacked on one side, the other side hosted a warmup room with sheepskins, wool blankets and hot tea, that Lotor brewed up.

„How can you spend your holidays in such a horrible weather?!“, Kolivan said shuddering like a wet cat. Lotor shrugged: „You should try snowboarding. It‘s fun and fast. And when the sun shines it‘s surprisingly warm…“ Kolivan looked at him sceptically… „So what is this surprise you want me to help you?!“ Lotor bid him to wait and opened an antique wooden trunk out of which he pulled old Swiss wooden tribal masks. They were blackened by soot, had horns, animal hair and long teeth. Kolivan looked at Lotor incredulously, but Lotor smiled and started to narrate…

******

„Where is Papa? He will miss St Nicholas and Krampus!“, Atlas asked while setting the table. Celeste was still lying on the floor drawing a picture for Saint Nicholas. Lotors beloved laughed and said: „He‘s out, probably getting something to drink for St Nicholas. It‘s cold outside and we need some Kirsch Schnapps for the Fondue!“

A hard knock on the door made everyone jump up and rush to the door. Outside stood a very big slightly purpleish Santa.

„Is this the house where Atlas and Celeste live?“, Santa asked with a booming voice. „YES!!!“, Atlas yelled while Celeste was still a bit shy hiding behind the door.

Saint Nick Lotor brought out a big book and adjusted his reading glasses…

„So… hm… I see here that Celeste was a very good girl. Krampus, come here!“

Kolivan dragged his sorry ass to the door. The mask was ill fitting and he made some grunting noises while he held out his big yute bag.

Saint Nick Lotor reached into the bag and produced a bag of gifts and sweets (tangerines, apples, nuts, sweets, cookies, chocolate, sweetbread, toys). He smiled and handed it over to the now beaming Celeste.

„Now Atlas…. my book says that you were a good boy, but that incident with the soccer ball and the school building window…“ Atlas‘ face went all red. He had almost forgotten about that… „Krampus… what do you think?“ Krampus grunted and then said with a muffled voice: „Snow ball fight! Bagstuffing!“

Lotor nodded. “Atlas! You will also get your gifts. But as you broke not just one but three windows with your soccer ball this year, which is an alltime record for your school, you’ll have to do something as compensation. Krampus will stuff you in the bag and we’ll go to the school yard of this village to clean the schools windows together. Janitor Herr Schaad is waiting for you…“ Atlas grinned from one ear to the other and willfully climbed into the big yute bag. Kolivan threw the bag with Atlas over his shoulder. Atlas sat comfortably in the bag, contently eating a chocolate bar from his gift bag…

When they arrived at the school Herr Schaad was waiting with mulled wine for the adults and hot cocoa for the kids and window detergent for Atlas. “It’s ok if you only do the lower windows…” Atlas counted… 14 windows!!! Atlas worked swiftly aided by everyone and the windows were clean in no time.

After that they went to the sledding hill. It was past six already. One family after another came to the hill. The rulemaster yelled the rules: Only fresh snowballs were allowed, no stones in the snowballs, no ice balls, no headshots. Who would throw the first ball? A lower village boy tossed one precisely at Kolivan. Kolivan was swift to react and very soon everyone was running, ducking, hitting. Atlas and Celeste had a workflow of Celeste making perfect round orbs, which Atlas then threw with precision. Fifteen minutes later everyone was wet, shivering and laughing, clinging to their hot cups and then one family after the other slowly started walking home. By this time the children had figured out that their daddy was playing Santa, particularly when their mom kissed the big red caped man! On the mouth!

At home Lotor and Kolivan got rid of their soaking wet costumes. Kolivan sniffed around. What was that ugly smell… there was a pot on the table with a boiling yellow mass over a flame… Before he could say anything the children came in running. Atlas and Celeste went to hug their wet papa and uncle Kolivan. Lotor’s beloved went up to him, holding his hands, kissing him and handing him a towel: “Great work, Saint Nick!”

[everimaginethat]

Dance with me?

Hey guys,

In celebration of @handwrittenmendess one year anniversary I joined her writing challenge. I hope you guys like it and it isn't that cringy. Please remember that english isn't my first language.                          Let me know what you think :)

Fandom: New Hope Club

Pairing: Blake Richardson x reader

Prompt: „Dance with me?“

Words: 2036

Warnings: none except for a hella lot of fluff

Y/N – your name

Y/N/N – your nickname

y/e/c – your eye colour

your thoughts

______________________________________________

When your best friend Blake told you that one on his cousins was going to get married and he wanted you to go with him you were quite shocked to say the least. Sure you were excited but you have never been on a wedding before and even that with your best friend since eight grade. You found it nice that he had asked you. But the thing is, you had a huge crush on him for ages and didn't want him to know because you thought it would ruin your friendship. What if he found out and wouldn't feel the same? It all would have been ruined. You only had to look at him with his beautiful dark hair and these mysterious brown eyes of his and of course that smile that would melt your heart and you would think: WOW! What a gorgeous young man. Don't let's begin with his character but boy, he had a deep soul.

The aspect of you being on a wedding party with him circulated inside your head. You laying in his protectiv arms and slowly swaying to the music. A band quitely playing in the background. You wearing a beautiful long dress that fit your figure perfectly. But than it came to your mind.                Was a wedding really like you imagined it to be? What do you have to wear on a wedding? What about a present? What if his relatives wouldn't like you?           All these thoughts ran through your head as you told him your answer.          „Sure, I'd love to“                              Your mouth was faster than your brain. „Thank you, Y/N/N. I owe you one“ Blake smiled and kissed you on your cheek before he went after his bandmates George and Reece.

Now you're standing in your room trying to move the zipper up your burgundy knee lenght bodycon dress but you couldn't reach it fully.                             „Mom?“ you called and tried for the zipper on your back again but you didn't get an answer. Two days ago you were on a shopping spree with your mother. You tried many different dresses before you found the perfect one for you. Fitting for the dress you had brought high heels in the same colour but due to you only wearing high heels on rare ocassions you couldn't walk on them properly. You only hoped you wouldn't look like Gollum from the Lord of the Rings when walking.              Moments later you looked up as you felt a pair of hands on your back and smiled, a red shadow forming on your soft cheeks. You had a body lenght mirror in your room so you could see who was standing behind you. Blake. And he looked damn fine. He was wearing a black suit with a burgundy tie. His dark hair was nicely slicked back but unruly at the same time.                                        He's so handsome. Damn.                      Your thoughts were swirling around in your head. You couldn't focus on anything other than the boy behind you. You tried calming down, deep breaths escaping your lips. Nervously you looked down again.               His thoughts on the other hand circled only around you. His dark eyes traveled down your exposed back. With his hands still on the zipper he chewed on his bottom lip. Slowly his slender fingers moved the zipper close. The rings on his hands lightly touched your hot skin, cooling it down a bit. A nearly inaudible sigh could be heard behind you and you looked up again. Your y/e/c orbs meeting his brown ones with an intense stare. You turned around in a quick swirl, looking directly at his broad chest. Even with high heels you were a head smaller than him.                   „What are you doing here?“ you whispered, looking up at the boy.               „What? Aren't you excited to see me?“ he laughed, shaking his head a little. „Sure, I'm excited“ you gulped, giggling nervously.                                         „Yeah, we're finished getting ready and I thought you might need help or something. Turns out I was right“ Blake explained while he scratched the back of his head nervously. Your cheeks turned a darker shade of pink, if that even was possible and your skin tingled at the places his fingers met your back only minutes ago. You cleared your throat and stepped closer to him. With shaky hands you adjusted his tie and looked up into his eyes. The eighteen year old boy infront of you was watching your every move.                 „Maybe-Maybe we should go downstairs. I'm ready now“ you spoke after some time. Blake only nodded and led you down the stairs. Your mother was already waiting in the kitchen with her camera in her hands.                 You sighed.                                             „Mom, please. We don't have time for this“

„Oh..... come on, baby. Just one picture. You guys look fantastic“ she grinned. With that she shooed you out of the house and commanded for the both of you to pose infront on the walnut tree in your front yard. A couple photos later you sat in the car of Blake's family that turned out was waiting for you the whole time.

The wedding ceremony was beautiful. It was outside in a big garden, everything was made with loving detail. The ceremony didn't last to long, neither was it to short. The bride looked stunning in her ivory-coloured dress. You've never seen such a beautiful young woman before and you hoped you would look as gorgeous as she did on your wedding day.„They look so lovely“ you whispered to Blake.„Yeah...They really do“ he smiled, glancing beside him in your direction. You happily clapped your hands as the newly wedded couple kissed and made their way to the pavilions.

„Congrats Evan and Ella“ Blake hugged his cousin and the bride before he introduced you to them.                               „This is Y/N“ You too, hugged them.„Congratulations. You look stunning. I love your dress, Ella“ You smiled and gestured to the wedding dress.                 „Thank you, love. Your dress is beautiful too“ Ella smiled.                              „Thanks ...“ you began and you guys chatted away for a bit until it was time for the wedding speeches and Blake and you made your way to your places. You sat at a round table with his parents and sister, as well as his grandparents and his great aunt and uncle.

„Thank you all for coming and for all the congratulations. We hope you have fun. I don't want to drag this wider and wider because I know you are hungry, I for myself am starving. So the buffet is opened. Eat as much as you can“ laughed Evan, Blake's cousin.   „I'm getting food. Do you want something?“ Blake leaned over and looked at you with a questioning look. You nodded.        „Yes, could you maybe bring me something from that chicken? It looked delicious“

„Sure. I'm back in a minute“ he smiled, squeezed your hand lightly and got up from the table. „Thank you“ you called after him. Awkwardly you sat at the table, alone with a woman you didn't know. All the others have left to get something to eat. Your eyes wandered around the big pavilion. Everyone was talking and laughing. Quite music blasting through the speakers. The buffet was overrun with fancy looking people.        You cleared your throat and took a sip of your water.                                       „So, you're Blakey's girlfriend?“ his great aunt asked after some time. You nearly choked on your water. I wish I was. „No-No, we are best friends“ you answered with a sad tone in your voice that you tried to cover but you were sure she heard it.      „Too bad. You would make a cute couple“ she sighed and looked at you with a sympathic smile.                                                                      „Thank-Thank you“ you blushed.        „Oh, love. You don't need to feel embarrassed. He really likes you, you know. Just look how his eyes are always lighting up when he sees you. And every time you talk he's smilin'. It's the same with you by the way“             „Really“ sceptical you looked at her.          That couldn't be true. How was it that obvious and you hadn't noticed by now?     She nodded, her brown curly hair bouncing with every move. Before you could say something Blake was back at the table with two plates full of food.                     „One's for the lady, one for me“ he grinned and put your plate infront of you before he sat down. „Enjoy your meal“ he smiled.         „Thank you, Blake. Enjoy your meal too“ you smiled back and began to eat.

The evening went on in a rush. Funny wedding games were played. The married couple opened the dance floor with a traditional wedding dance and the bride had her daddy-daughter dance. The atmosphere was filled with laugher and good mood. After a while it wasn't that awkward anymore for you to talk to the strangers and before you knew it it was already dark outside. Some guests were already gone and some were on the move. The children that had attended the wedding were going to get sleepy, except one little girl in a green dress and blonde hair. She was standing on the shoes of your best friend and danced with him to the music of Ed Sheeran's „Barcelona“. You sat at one of the tables with a perfect view over the dance floor.                                                                       You giggled as you watched him doing silly dance moves to trie to make the little girl laugh. In one swift movemet you fished your mobile phone out of your purse. You opened your camera and filmed the scene with a grin plastered on your face. Sometime in the middle of the song the little girl got tired of dancing and Blake led her to her parents. He hugged the girl goodbye and made his way towards you. A slight smile on his lips. Quickly you shoved your phone back into your purse and looked at him smiling.       „You were cute out there“ you grinned at Blake as he sat down beside you.  „Well, thanks. I do my best“ he laughed.    The song ended and a slower one began to sound through the speakers. It was a cover of „A Million Dreams“ from The Greatest Showman and was sung by the group Anthem Lights. (If you want you can listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12EMOE3Py9o)                                                      Blake jumped out of his seat.           „Dance with me?“ Blake asked and held his hand out. You nodded and took it. His hands wandered to your hips and yours slung around his neck. You lightly swayed to the music. „Thank you for dragging me with you“ you smiled and layed your head against his chest. Blake didn't answer but it was alright with you. You enjoyed it. Dancing with your long-time crush and appreciating the feeling of his hands around you. You slowly danced to the music, blending everything out around you. Shutting out all the talking people. It was only the both of you at that moment.               Blake's hands gripped tighter around your hips. „Y/N?“ Blake quietly asked. You looked up at him.                                         „Thank you for being here with me“          You nodded and played a little with the string of his necklace at the back of his neck.  „Have I told you that you look drop-dead gorgeous“                                          „You look very handsome yourself“ you smiled.                                              Before you could register what was happening his soft lips were on yours. Out of shock you couldn't respond to the kiss in time. He broke it off and moved slightly away from you.                                     „I'm-I'm sorry, Y/N. I shouldn't have done that“ he stuttered. You smiled, grabbed him by his tie and pulled him down towards you.    „Don't be sorry. I enjoyed it“ with that your lips met again.