#no thoughts head empty only furiosa

[paris-geller-was-straightwashed]

okay so, having now seen furiosa: a mad max saga opening night and having Ruminated on my thoughts, I am going to give my two-pence on the movie even though nobody asked or wanted it - you're getting it anyway!

but before going into the full thing, I actually re-watched fury road today, bc I just wanted to contrast it now that we know furiosa's full story that lead her to her trek in fury road, and I just had mad max on the brain (and also I love that movie).

spoilers under the cut below!!

first, I already knew before seeing the prequel, that that scene in fury road where furiosa breaks down after learning about what happened to 'the green place,' was going to now hit 2x as hard once we learn what really happened the moment she was ripped away, and...yeah, it's super painful to watch. it was already a very emotional scene, but now having known how much pain and struggle it costed her, how many times furiosa desperately made her bet to get back home and fell short - you can really feel her grief

funnily enough though, I was shocked to find myself tearing up not during that scene, but when furiosa was reunited with the last of the many mothers. having just watched her ripped away so unfairly as a defenseless child, her whole world destroyed and clinging onto this dream of one day, getting to embrace her family - you can't help it!! I started tearing up when the other woman rushed to furiosa, embracing her with the gentle touch of their foreheads, 'this is our furiosa' 😭 like..she did it!! she made it home!!! - also, I learned in the credits - that woman was actually the same little girl, valkyrie, in furiosa who was her friend!!! that girl saw her friend get snatched and pulled away from their home, and then finally, both grown, they reuinite! I just thought that was sweet

what max says to her about hope in the scene after they find the mothers, 'if you can't fix what's broken..you'll go insane.' - my mind immediately jumped to dementus. we get this glimpse that he once had a wife and child(ren) he loved, that were either taken from him or killed, and he tells furiosa in their stand-off more or less how that destroyed him mentally, further plunging him into this hateful madman who acts so cruelly to others. he couldn't 'fix' it by getting them back ('I want them back!!' 'I can't!!'), the one thing he loved that kept him sane, and so he lost his humanity.

I saw a post of someone saying how ricktus's death (immortan joe's son) is 10x more satisfying after having seen what he (nearly) did to child furiosa...abso-fucking-lutely (though, I think with that in mind, furiosa should've gotten a part in it..)

also, max & and furiosa's dynamic after knowing about her & jack...the parallels! the parallels!! their gradual bond of trust, how fluidly they work together to kill/fight the enemies of the citadel akin to her and jack vs. dementus and gang, etc.

this saga, of course, is about hope and redemption, alluded to in both fury road and the prequel. in fury road, max says (I think in his opening monologue) how he was once strived to be a 'righteous warrior', who could do good and help others. later, when one of the wives finds the warboy nux, he's distraught bc he thinks his chances for greatness are gone, but then she tells him that maybe, he's destined for something greater - and that would be, of course, later sacrificing himself to save her and the rest by crashing the rig into the war party. in furiosa, jack says how his parents were valiant warriors, and how he hopes one day, he could be the same - also, later, fulfilling that by sacrificing himself so that furiosa might escape dementus and the destroyed gastown. it's just such an amazing string of parallels - all three men, looking to do something great, and then, through furiosa, they're given that chance and achieve something good even amongst the destruction!! but it's only bc of furiosa, this harbinger of hope, that they do so - she's the tie between them all, the embodiment of that goodness!!! it's! just! so! good!!!

honestly there's probably way more parallels out there I'm sure ppl will bring up, but those were the things that struck me. now, onto my actual thoughts on the prequel.

--I'll start by saying I was unbelievably excited to see this movie. I'm annoyed though, bc despite knowing about it and wanting to see it once it was released, I literally only learned it was coming out a week before the release date. straight up, the press for it was so poor, not once did I hear about it before the trailer randomly crossed my feed one day - and considering how popular fury road is, I find that bizarre (but, I'll bet you a good couple bucks, that the press/hype was deliberately poor bc of the movie company execs, due to this being a female lead film 😠) - but it did mean I didn't have to wait too long, and that I did watch the trailer about 13 times on my own accord until then..

--having read the reviews, I do agree, it is a bit slower then fury road - but, that's really only bc it's a character story instead. fury road takes places in the current time of the film and the actions that follow, whereas the prequel is specifically about furiosa, so it's honed less to the action and more about a certain character, in my opinion. but it's just as good for a character story! it does an excellent job of unfolding furiosa's journey, and really, if you're gunna compare everything in the franchise to fury road, it's never gunna live up. that said, there's still excellent action and real nail-biting moments.

--I will say though, that I found it almost...darker, then fury road? fury road is definitely intense and there's of course violence, but it never openly tips into anything past pg-13; the darkness that is there, is more or less touched upon by the narrative (like, we can get a sense of what must've happened to the wives (ie assault) and why they escaped once we see how immortan joe regards them as property, the suffering furiosa must've went through by the pure vitriol look she gives him when their cars are side-by-side and later, 'remember me?' before killing him (my favourite scene)). but it's never explicit - furiosa is. from the torture of her mother, to that scene right after the max cameo when he drops furiosa off at the citedel's underground where I literally had to cover my eyes and ask my friend to say when it was done..there's an overtone of darkness that gives to the tragedy of furiosa, this child molded from pain (not to mention, again, that scene of ricktus and her as a child which to me, was the most nerve-wracking moment). fury road gives you a glimpse, but furiosa doesn't hold back.

--chris hemsworth, meanwhile, made an excellent villain. not just as an actor, but dementus as a character was fantastic. he's got lots of great lines and brings in a lot of humor - he's both deranged and erratic, while also clever and simultaneously childish, and mostly, cruel. he's wonderfully dynamic. bringing in a backstory of losing his wife/child was a great added piece to his story (I love a good backstory), and the way he takes the loss of his kid and tried to mold it around furiosa, tries to fill that empty piece inside, was a great choice in terms of their dynamic. it made him more then just a mad-man who stole a child for yuks - he had a deeper desire to tote furiosa around, almost as a security blanket in the same way the teddy bear also acts as one. his final monologue was great - the ramblings of a hateful man, but it was, in the end, what got furiosa to see past vengeance, and become better - to choose hope, and not destruction.

--anya taylor-joy did a great job I thought - while I wish furiosa had more lines, she made up for it in just the facial expressions and how full they were, really giving us a glimpse of what furiosa was feeling. even still, it would've been nice to have known what was going on in her head, or even hear her talk about her past - the green place, and then dementus, are the pure driving force of her character, yet she doesn't ever mention or grapple with her grief around these things, simply stays silent (except for the final confrontation with dementus). I would've loved maybe, if she had confided in jack, or maybe even one of the wives, to give more depth to her feelings.

--I also wish furiosa could've bonded with someone else besides jack, or at least before him. it would've been nice for to have had at least one ally, or, I dunno, a friend? like that war boy who had dwarfism - she seemed almost sad, when realizing after the battle that he was dead. instead, she's alone, but a fellow misfit friend could've been nice.

--speaking of jack, loved him! thought he was great! it's unfortunate his part was so short, would've loved delve into his background (also, I'm as gay as they come, but he's like..an objectively Good Looking Man, so well done all around).

--I was really nervous, for how they were gunna do the romance. I was against it initially, bc the great thing about fury road, was that romance was not at all forced into the narrative - you can read that between max & furiosa if you want, but for one of the very, very few times when a woman and man team up, romance wasn't forcefully wedged in, and instead they could be respected allies. so I was skeptical - and then I totally fell for them. they were so sweet! the two actors had great chemistry - their bond was just so soft. the way, after they crash and are caught by dementus, furiosa, who can barely stand, gently leans herself into jack's shoulder, sweetly muttering to each other as he leans his forehead back against hers, like 😩😩 it was so lovely, and so tragic. you could really feel the respect and care they had for each other; it was so organic, bc jack genuinely wanted to help furiosa. he respected her and asked nothing of her - he was a purely good man, and through that, furiosa was able to open up to him and trust him. it's the great curse of the mad max universe though - no romance can escape it's claws, same with how nux and one of the wives were torn apart. in my heart of hearts though, there lives a little AU fic where dementus doesn't catch them, and they make their way back to the green place and live happily ever after with a kid perhaps, and maybe, furiosa and him go back to later rescue the wives (they say, like they're not thinking of already writing that very fic...).

--one more thing about furiosa I wanted to mention, if I can call back to earlier saying how she becomes a beacon of hope for the various men that enter her life (and the women too, when you think of the wives..) - that, despite all this horror handed to her, at the very end of the rope, she gives into her hero's heart. time over, we see, even as the destruction of the wasteland chips away at her, furiosa can never quite betray her heart. she runs back to her mother even after being pushed to leave, she goes back for jack despite having the perfect escape to finally make it back home, and in the end, takes all her hurt and anger wrapped up in dementus, and turns it and him into something that can bring good into the world. it's about choosing good, above all!! a hero's heart, even in the darkest of worlds!!!

--the trailer really emphases the green place, but we only see it for like...a couple minutes? I was looking forward to more lore about it, maybe seeing some of it's inhabitants like the mothers. but furiosa is taken immediately and then her mother starts her hunt after her, and that's it. kinda a bummer.

--there's a couple inconsistencies here and there - like, when furiosa is first brought to where the wives are kept, there's gotta be about 20 women in there, roughly. but then, as she becomes a young adult, we see at the very end her approach the 5 wives from fury road (I was expecting a call-back, so loved that) and it looks like there's only them there - what happened to the rest of the women??? did they all die in childbirth?? also, when furiosa runs away and hides herself as a warboy/mechanic, how did no one know she was gone?? it seems odd, since immortan joe specifically picked her out and probably has a mental line-up of all his 'treasures', you'd think he'd notice. or how, later on, the new 'imperior' with jack looks oddly similar to that young girl ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

--also, I wanna know how furiosa got away with being the only female imperior - you'd think immortan joe might snag her away instead to be a wife bc she's young and viable, or that she'd be either dismissed or preyed upon by his sons/the other men. maybe because she was partnered with jack it was easier, but that was kinda confusing.

--final thing, bc this post is already too long - my last gripe is mainly about furiosa's dynamic with immortan joe. in furiosa, her revenge is purely motivated towards dementus, but then, switching to fury road, she now holds contempt and anger towards the warlord. part of what I wanted to see in the film, was her past with immortan joe; we didn't know initially how furiosa got to the citadel, but my interpretation, was always that possibly (because she was branded with the logo on her neck) she was brought on as a wife, inevitably abused by him, and then something happened where she was no longer useful as a wife (maybe an accident that cost her her arm) but was still useful as a tool. but, immortan joe isn't really looked at in the prequel; he's here and there, but doesn't show any particular cruelty or act towards furiosa that I was expecting. that vitriol she shows in fury road, and of course, 'remember me?', makes you think there was something there to fuel furiosa's revenge. instead, nothing really occurs between them - of course, furiosa is brought on to breed him children and then is expected to do his every bidding in getting supplies, so, I think we're supposte to assume that she has seen how cruel he is up close, and so acts against him. still, I was expecting something deeper there.

all in all, I loved it and had a great time. fury road will always be one of my favourites, but this is a great addition. fury road is great on all fronts; a fascinating world, great characters, amazing action, a well-made and clearly cared for story, but the thing I love most - is that it's about hope. it's about choosing, every day, despite the horrors around you, to get up and hope for something better. to do something better, even at your own cost. it's about hope and what we mean to each other when we extend it. and I just love that so much

go see furiosa! support it! it's a great time!

[spartanguard]

even death won’t part us now (1/?)

Summary: Two covens, both alike in dignity, / In fair New York, where we lay our scene, / From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, / Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes / A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life; / Whole misadventured piteous overthrows / Do with their death bury their sires' strife. (Captain Swan + West Side Story + vampires. But not as sad. Probably.)

rated M | AO3 | 1.2k words

A/N: So this story has been in the works for quite some time and been through numerous variations. I was originally going to do it for @cssns last year, but couldn’t get it to work. When things got going for this year’s event, @kmomof4 asked if I’d give it another shot and...it clicked this time! It’s been fun to work on (and see how many Hamilton references I can squeeze in). Hopefully you all enjoy it!

thank you to @thesschesthair for that GORGEOUSSS banner!! she’s made some incredible pieces for this and I can’t wait for you all to see them! and thank you to the best beta ever @optomisticgirl for looking this over!

for your listening pleasure

part one—overture

There's a lot of romanticizing when it comes to vampires. The eternal youth, the perfect looks and body, the heightened senses—all are excellent perks. 

But no one mentions the absolute mania when a vampire is new. Suddenly, everything is brighter, sharper, clearer, louder, smellier, more detailed than before, and it's a sensory overload—it's impossible to hear your own racing thoughts over the cacophony of everything else. 

So you try to run, but that's a whole other revelation—where to run when you never tire? When adrenaline is pumping so hard that it would probably be easy to scale a skyscraper? (At least it would be quiet up there, right?) And when your new instincts are telling you to find people—to find food—but the thought of being near all those scents and sounds is enough to turn your stomach and make you lose your last meal as a human. 

(Except you already did that—when you somehow managed to fight back against the asshole who turned you and accidentally shoved him into the jagged point of the wood that used to be your dresser and watched him bleed out in front of you until nothing was left but gore and dust.)

Which brings you back to running, but it doesn’t take you far—not until you’re crashing into a pair of arms that are far too strong (inhumanly so) and are somehow connected to a pair of unnaturally blue eyes that you briefly drown in so deep that nothing else about this individual registers. And the whole thing is so surreal you wonder if it’s even real, or just a mania-induced hallucination.

Regardless, you somehow end up at the doorstep of who might be the nicest people who have ever walked the earth (and they’ve walked it for quite a while, and people probably isn’t the best description, not anymore) and memories of your ocean-eyed savior get pushed to the back of your mind. Because, in case you hadn’t figured it out yet, this couple confirms what your wildest thoughts were telling you:

You’re a vampire now.

Welcome to eternity.

★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★

2005

Killian Jones let out a completely unnecessary sigh as he watched the door close behind the fledgling. Honestly, he was lucky he got there when he did; any later, and the newbie would have likely gone full mad, risking not only the safety of any mortals nearby, but also exposure of their world. 

That, and Gold probably would have killed him. For real this time. (It had been threatened often enough that it was likely empty, but after nearly 250 years, Killian knew what the beast was capable of—what had put him in this position in the first place—and therefore knew not to write off the possibility completely.)

It had been a fairly routine assignment: take out Walsh, one of the most conniving members of the Coroza coven with a penchant for turning his mortal girlfriends, and take out said girlfriend if he had turned her.

Killian hadn’t managed to get there in time to prevent the transition—Walsh’s paramour, one Emma Swan, apparently didn’t want to be found—and by the time he’d arrived on the scene, the freshly-turned vampire had already managed to kill the idiot, but was in shock.

He caught her in the alley behind the apartment building; despite their hysteria, new vampires are relatively weak compared to elder statesmen like him, so it wasn’t hard to subdue her.

And he should have ended her right there. He had a blade on him; it would have been incredibly easy to put it through her heart and let her wither away.

But there was something in those bright green eyes of hers—something behind the fear and anger and madness—that made him stop. It was familiar, but like a long ago memory; he couldn’t place it, but it was enough for him to second guess her elimination.

He couldn’t bring her back to Aurum, though. He’d spent too many years working his ways up the ladder to be accused of succumbing to a pretty face and disobeying direct orders from Gold. If he could hide her, though…

He knew a couple from Coroza who lived not far away. Despite being on different sides of this rivalry, he knew them to be respectable, and wouldn’t turn away a new vampire in need of some stability.

It was hard to tell if Emma was aware of it, but he quickly scooped her up and ran the few blocks to the Nolan’s Hell’s Kitchen townhouse, depositing the girl on the front stoop, buzzing the doorbell, then dashing off across the street as fast as possible (the blink of an eye to the average mortal). He was deep in the shadows of an alley when he saw the door open, Emma guided in, and then both the door and the case were closed. 

Which only left one thing: what to tell Gold. Outright lying wouldn’t work; but perhaps a white one would cover it. 

That was what he went with when he returned to the man’s penthouse in Chelsea. “It’s all taken care of, Mr. Gold,” he’d assured his boss—a rather reptilian man he’d long ago started referring to as “Crocodile” in his head and had somehow managed not to slip in the ensuing centuries. 

“Fantastic; always good to hear, Mr. Jones,” Gold said, rising from his throne-like chair in his office. “I know that it’s a bit soon, but I do have another assignment for you, if you’re amenable,” he continued. (It was a bit sadistic for Gold to act as if Killian had any choice in the matter; it was nigh impossible to go against an order from your sire, though Killian had long ago figured out how to work the system—and Gold’s typical vagueness—in his favor; this order might be too direct for that, though.) “It’s in England, and I want you to go tend to some business of mine. It might take a while. I don’t trust anyone else to handle this; please go and be my representation.”

“Of course, sir,” he answered respectfully, having figured out how to hide the resentment in his voice many decades ago.

“Splendid. I’ll see to it that your affairs here are tended to in the meantime. Enjoy your trip.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Not an hour later, he was at LaGuardia (because apparently Gold was too much a cheapskate to pay for him to fly direct out of JFK), in line with luggage, passport, prosthetic hand, and one-way ticket to London. One perk to never sleeping was that taking a red-eye flight didn’t affect him much; but that didn’t make getting through security any less painful—thus, the false hand rather than his preferred hook. (Also annoying: having a layover in Chicago—in the opposite direction, seriously; he should have paid himself.)

He at least let himself zone out once they were off the ground at O’Hare; he didn’t actually sleep but he could at least rest. 

He let the sounds of the plane lull him into something of a hypnotic state, but one thing persisted in his mind’s eye: those green eyes, and whatever it was that sucked him in. 

(They would do that often over the next several years.)

It wasn’t until he was lumbering up the jetway at Heathrow that he realized what it was: the look one got after being left alone. It’d been years since he’d seen it, but it used to stare back at him in his own reflection. (Which, as the polished metal of the luggage carousel reminded him, he hadn’t seen in centuries.)

Hopefully, she wouldn’t have that anymore. Too bad he couldn’t (ever) say the same.

★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★

thanks for reading! short intro, but longer chapters from here. tagging some peeps (let me know if you want on/off the list!)  @kat2609 @xpumpkindumplingx @shipsxahoy @amortentia-on-the-rocks @mryddinwilt @cocohook38 @annytecture @shireness-says @ohmightydevviepuu @profdanglaisstuff @wingedlioness @word-bug @distant-rose @wellhellotragic @welllpthisishappening @let-it-raines @pirateherokillian @bleebug @its-imperator-furiosa @fergus80 @killianmesmalls @sherlockianwhovian @ineffablecolors @laschatzi @ive-always-been-a-pirate @nfbagelperson @stubblesandwich @lenfaz @phiralovesloki @athenascarlet​ @ilovemesomekillianjones​ @whimsicallyenchantedrose​ @snowbellewells​ @idristardis​ @scientificapricot​ @searchingwardrobes​ @donteattheappleshook​

[unfantasmaficker]

La chica de la azotea/ the girl on the roof

// Esta es mi primera vez escribiendo un fanfic

// El lector es de genero femenino (si les gusta y recibe apoyo voy a intentar hacer una version en genero neutral para que asi todos puedan leerlo) tambien si no les agrada la descripcion de la lectora tienen total libertad de cambiarlo! sean cretiv@s!! Fantasmita se va!!!!

Disfruten!

Un día cualquiera en la ciudad de New York o al menos así ya lo veía yo, salí de las alcantarillas para tener un momento a solas, ya no soportaba estar ahí, tengo trabajo importante que hacer, con el kraang haciendo experimentos raros yo soy el único que puede dar respuestas al equipo pero simplemente en ese ambiente no se puede pensar con claridad! Rafa y Leo se la pasan peleando, Mikey no deja de molestar y sobre todo Abril esta con Casey haciéndose ojitos! Yo solo necesito un tiempo para calmarme y volveré a casa, si no lo hago seré igual de temperamental que Rafa y eso no está en mi lista de deseos, de todas formas no tardaría será una salida rápida, lo peor que puede pasar si me tardo más de lo usual es que se podrían preocupar y lo último que quiero es un regaño de Leo o peor del maestro Splinter, a veces me siento solo aunque tenga a mis hermanos, a mi padre y a nuestros amigos, tal vez el hecho de que abril no me corresponde sea lo que me tiene mal pero me gustaría hablar con alguien acerca de esto, alguien que no se burle o se queje alguien que en serio entienda.

Camino por los techos, escalo las paredes, hago una que otra maniobra para animarme y aun así solo estoy yo escuchando a mis propios pensamientos, estaba a punto de retirarme creía que ya paso demasiado tiempo, como dije tengo más responsabilidades pendientes que nadie más podría entender o realizar, un peso que debo llevar.

En el techo en el que estaba había una entrada que obviamente daba a la azotea donde yo estaba, no sé si fue mala suerte pero justo cuando me calme y estaba dispuesto a volver, alguien abrió la puerta.

-   Rayos… –

Dije en un casi susurro, pues obviamente tuve que ocultarme para que cualquiera que estuviera ahí no me viera, podría simplemente irme y ya es la única opción lógica pero esta persona bloqueaba el único atajo a las alcantarillas cerca de la guarida, tomar cualquier otro camino me retrasaría y eso podría preocupar a mis hermanos, así que solamente quedaba esperar a que se fueran y seguir con mi camino

 -   Vaya día de porquería! –

Por su voz deduce que era una chica, una adolecente, debía quedarme oculto obviamente pero la curiosidad me mataba que simplemente alce un poco la cabeza y pude verla, era alta, cabello castaño y corto aun así se veía que era ondulado y muy esponjoso, su ropa era muy peculiar un suéter de diseño viejo verde militar súper holgado, lo tenía fajado en unas bermudas de mezclilla azul naval y usaba botas de lluvia lo cual era muy raro ya que no estábamos en temporada de lloviznas , tenía una caja en sus manos y la azoto con fuerza en el suelo, escuche varios vidrios romperse y a la vista de cómo cayo se veía pesado, claro no era problema de la chica que fácilmente lo volvió a alzar y lo estrello fuerte de nuevo

Se veía algo molesta, no que digo algo, se veía furiosa! Pude observar como maldecía y gritaba al aire con todas sus fuerzas

-   Malditos deberes! Malditas responsabilidades! El que sea capaz de hacer más cosas que tú no te da derecho a dejar todo sobre mis hombros! –

Abrió la caja y saco varias botellas de cerveza algunas ya estaban rotas pero otras parecían intactas sorpresivamente, las estrellaba en el suelo, las aventaba o simplemente las pisaba, vaya, sí que fue lista en usar las botas para esta peculiar actividad, después de que se le acabaron las botellas simplemente alzo la cara y grito, hubo algo en su grito que se me hacía diferente, con un hermano como Rafael estaba muy acostumbrado a los gritos pero nunca había escuchado uno como el de ella, se escuchaba triste, desesperada, sola…

Me había quedado viendo todo este tiempo sin que ella me notara, pero yo note en ella como lagrimas se resbalaban en sus mejillas con pecas, me sentía mal por ella, tenía ganas de preguntarle si estaba bien o si necesitaba ayuda, pero eso es imposible aún recuerdo la primera vez que Abril me vio y grito, nadie puede verme a la cara sin asustarse y salir corriendo, todo siempre creerán que soy un fenómeno y creo que ella no es la excepción, la chica se limpió sus lágrimas cuando regreso la mirada al suelo, recogió la caja vacía y simplemente volvió a entrar por la misma puerta de la cual salió.

Esa era mi señal, con cuidado salí de mi escondite y procure tener cuidado al caminar por los miles de vidrios rotos que se encontraban en el suelo, si va a hacer una rabieta al menos debería recoger su desastre!

Llegando al otro extremo de la azotea no pude evitar ver hacia atrás, los vidrios seguían ahí eso quería decir que mi “encuentro” con la chica si paso y aunque esto suene a una locura yo aún no podía creer lo que presencié, me sentí identificado de alguna forma y de nuevo mi curiosidad despertó quería volver a verla, solo para escucharla, solo para ver que se le ocurría hacer la próxima vez, salte de techo en techo, escale escaleras y paredes y al regresar a la alcantarilla que me llevaba a casa solo podía pensar en el mañana cuando pueda ver de nuevo a la chica de la azotea.    

English Version

On any given day in New York City or at least that's how I saw it, I came out of the sewers to have a moment alone, I couldn't bear to be there anymore, I have important work to do, with the kraang doing strange experiments, I am the one the only one who can give answers to the team but simply in that environment you cannot think clearly! Raph and Leo are always fighting, Mikey does not stop bothering and especially April is with Casey flirting! I just need some time to calm down and I'll go home, if I don't I will be just as temperamental as Raph and that's not on my wish list, anyway it won't take long it will be a quick exit, the worst thing that can happen if I'm late more than usual is that they could worry and the last thing I want is a scolding from Leo or worse from Master Splinter, sometimes I feel lonely even though I have my brothers, my father and our friends, maybe the fact that April does not correspond my feelings is what is wrong with me but I would like to talk with someone about this, someone who does not mock or complain, someone who seriously understands.

I walk on the ceilings, I climb the walls, I do the odd maneuver to cheer myself up and even so I'm just listening to my own thoughts, I was about to retire I thought that too much time had passed, as I said I have more pending responsibilities than anyone else could understand or realize, a weight that I must carry.

On the roof I was on there was an entrance that obviously led to the roof where I was, I don't know if it was bad luck but just when I calmed down and was ready to go back, someone opened the door.

- Dang it… -

I said in an almost whisper, because obviously I had to hide so that anyone who was there would not see me, I could just leave and it is already the only logical option but this person blocked the only shortcut to the sewers near the lair, take any other path I would be late and that could worry my brothers, so I just had to wait for them to leave and continue on my way.

- What a crappy day! -

From her voice I deduces that it was a girl, an adolescent, I had to stay hidden obviously but curiosity killed me that I just raised my head a little and I could see her, she was tall, brown hair and short even so it looked like it was wavy and very fluffy, Her clothes were very peculiar a super loose old military green design sweater, she had it tucked in some navy blue denim shorts and she wore rain boots which was very rare since we were not in the drizzle season, she had a box in her hands and she hit it hard on the ground, I heard several glass break and at the sight of how it fell it looked heavy, of course it was not the problem of the girl who easily raised it again and smashed it hard again

She looked somewhat annoyed, not that I said something, she looked furious! I could see how she cursed and screamed into the air with all his might

- Damn homework! Damn responsibilities! The fact that I am capable of doing more things than you does not give you the right to leave everything on my shoulders! -

She opened the box and took out several bottles of beer, some were already broken but others seemed surprisingly intact, she smashed them on the ground, threw them or simply stepped on them, well, she was ready to use her boots for this peculiar activity, after She ran out of bottles, she just raised her face and shouted, there was something in her cry that made me different, with a brother like Rafael I was very used to shouting but I had never heard one like hers, it sounded sad, desperate, alone…

I had been watching all this time without her noticing me, but I noticed in her how tears slied down her freckled cheeks, I felt bad for her, I wanted to ask her if she was okay or if she needed help, but that's impossible I still remember the first time that April saw me and yelled, nobody can see my face without being scared and running away, they will always believe that I am a phenomenon and I think she is no exception, the girl wiped her tears when she looked back to the ground, she picked up the empty box and simply went back in through the same door from which she came.

That was my signal, I carefully came out of my hiding place and tried to be careful when walking through the thousands of broken glass that were on the ground, if you are going to throw a tantrum you should at least pick up your mess!

Reaching the other end of the roof, I couldn't help looking back, the glass was still there, that meant that my "meeting" with the girl did happen and although this sounds crazy I still couldn't believe what I witnessed, I felt identified somehow and again my curiosity awoke I wanted to see her again, just to listen to her, just to see what she could do next time, jump from ceiling to ceiling, climb stairs and walls and when returning to the sewer that led me to home I could only think of tomorrow when I can see the girl on the roof again.

[soitmightgetweird]

Drenched (Halloween fic)

Bucky x reader

Summary: an accidental prank at a party flips your entire night upside down

Warnings: swearing, as per usual

Word Count: ~3300

A/N: Holy fucknuts. It’s been a year and a half since I posted a fic. Damn guys. I dunno who the heck is still paying attention to little ol’ me, but here it is anyway. ((I’m working off a very old taglist, so let me know if you want to be removed. Also let me know if you want to be tagged. I mostly write for Steve and Buck, so you could request all tag or just one dude. Side question.. do Steve fics still happen?? I’m so out of the loop guys.))

Popcorn ceilings are good for collecting dust and giving you something to stare at when you’re bored. They’re not so good at showing you how to handle a conversation you don’t really want to have. After another little whine from your friend, you finally pull your eyes away to look toward the person sitting on the arm at the far end of the couch. She’s decked out in a gorgeous 1940s-style dress and her hair is delicately styled to match.

“I’m really not feeling like going to a party this year, Nat.”

She frowns. “But you love Halloween.”

“You’re right. But I just feel like turning on my little pumpkin lights and watching scary movies in the dark. I’m not really in a go-out-and-drink-around-a-bunch-of-strangers mood.”

“Not everyone will be strangers.”

“Well, work has been kicking my butt—”

“Honey, I know. You’re busting your ass for that company. But your friends miss you. Steve and Sam both ask how you’re doing all the time. Apparently your texts aren’t very… wordy.”

If it was anyone else in your apartment giving you sad eyes and practically begging you to be social, you’d be irritated. Nat has been the friend who’s helped pull you out of your funks for years. She knows just when to test the waters and when to back off. She’s able to read you insanely well.

The fact that she didn’t drop the conversation immediately means she knows you haven’t reached the burnt out point yet. Once that thought crosses your mind, you know you’ll end up going with her.

“I don’t have a costume,” you say in a resigned tone.

She smiles softly. “Just put on jeans and a hoodie. I’ve got a mask from Mr. Robot. Boom, simple.”

“Nerd.”

“Guilty. But hey, the party isn’t supposed to be that big.”

You level your stare at your friend. “Isn’t it at Stark’s?”

“Oh. Good point. Well, you can always tell me when you’ve had enough. I just want you to spend time with friends to help you recharge. You know work gets more tolerable when you have fun memories to occupy your mind.”

It’s hard to argue with Nat when she hits the nail on the head. “Alright,” you say as you roll off the couch with a faux-dramatic groan.

A few minutes later, you leave your room in your standard attire and slip into your Converse. Nat smiles again as she watches you turn on little accent lights in your living room before grabbing your keys and following her out the door.

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

The first thing you notice as you approach the building is the flashing lights, dancing through the sky and originating at the penthouse apartment, thirty stories above your head. You reach up and touch the mask that’s currently pushed up on top of your head.

“He really does go all out. Is this enough of a costume?” you ask.

Nat hooks her arm through yours as you close the distance between yourselves and your destination. “Of course. But honestly he doesn’t care; he just wants people to come and have fun.”

You fall into comfortable silence with your friend as you make your way through the lobby and into an elevator. As you climb, the cheesy elevator music is slowly drowned out by the sounds of the party.

The elevator doors open to a spacious modern penthouse that you’re sure looks a hundred times bigger when it’s not full of people. There’s fake spiderwebs with little plastic spiders on most surfaces—bookshelves, pictures on the walls, the stairwell to the second floor, the hanging lights in the entry. There’s a cauldron sitting on a high shelf, spilling fog from dry ice over the opening to the living room. Rubber bats are hanging from string, there’s a small witch with light-up eyes swinging around the room by the blades of a ceiling fan, a skeleton in sunglasses sprawled across the kitchen island and surrounded by snacks, and there’s a life-sized werewolf statue standing off to the side of the room.

You’re actually… not sure if it’s a statue or someone waiting for the opportune moment to scare everyone around them.

As you’re finishing your visual tour of the room, muscular arms drape over your and Nat’s shoulders. You turn your head to see another mask like the one that’s still on your head instead of pulled down over your face.

“Nice mask,” the person says, and even through the music and people you immediately recognize the voice as Steve.

You laugh. “Great minds I guess.”

“I just saw Wanda a little while ago, who knows where Tony is, Scott is desperately trying to Clint at beer pong, and Sam and Bucky are on the balcony.”

Your face scrunches a little before you’re able to stop it, an expression that Nat and Steve both notice.

“Haven’t warmed up to him yet?” Steve asks, and you’re sure there’s a small frown hidden behind his mask.

You sigh. You know Steve and Bucky have been friends since childhood. Nat has been friends with him since college. But you… no encounter with Bucky Barnes has ever been easy.

Nat was your first friend in the city—a chance meeting at a coffee shop near your apartment. A few months after you’d settled into your new home and job, she started inviting you to outings with her friends.

Steve became an immediately calming presence in your life. Sam offered charm and humor, Wanda was your go-to when you wanted music recommendations, Clint and Scott were the big brothers you never (secretly, always) wanted. Even Tony was fine. He was a little eccentric and sometimes flashy with money, but he had a good heart.

Bucky. You wanted to like Bucky. You did like him at first… for a few minutes.

He was charming too, all smiles and bright blue eyes when Nat introduced you. Over the course of the night though, you heard a lot of stories about his dating reputation and Bucky got way too drunk. Your night ended abruptly when you turned away from the bar and suddenly had beer all down your shirt and jeans.

And when Bucky said “watch it, asshole,” you marched back to the table and told the group you were going home. The night faded into the past, but that’s what started your dislike for Bucky Barnes.

It’s been five years and you still aren’t really “on board” with him. You’re civil enough when you’re around each other but you also won’t seek out conversation with him, even going so far as to direct most of your attention to your phone if you happen to end up seated near each other when you all go out to eat.

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

It occurs to you a couple hours into the party that you’re enjoying yourself and you’re glad Nat was a little insistent.

You spent a little while in the dining room watching Scott (dressed in a full Jedi robe) do relatively well at beer pong, but not as well as Clint, who was wearing a more modern version of a Robin Hood costume.

"No way in hell I’m wearing tights," he’d said as he sunk another ping pong ball in an orange cup.

Wanda was the next friend you found, in a grungy outfit that resembled Furiosa from Mad Max. You stood with her and Nat for a while, sharing updates on work projects and movies you’d all seen recently. Tony passed by in a long, fitted coat that accented his steampunk look. He even had a little gadget on his lapel made of gears that actually moved. He made it himself and was very proud of it.

You’ve been on the balcony for the past two hours talking to Nat and Steve when you notice your drink is empty. After asking your friends if they want anything, you decide to pull your mask over your face and head through the large glass doors into the living room. As you weave your way through the crowd you spot a large amount of people on one side of the room, so you veer a little to the left to walk through the foggy opening into the hallway.

Before you make it to the other side of the hall, you spot Sam leaning against the wall in front of you, next to the bottom of the stairs that climb up the wall to your left. He has a lazy smirk on his face, like he’s never been more comfortable in his life, just leaning against that wall.

You raise your hand to wave as you call out his name, hoping he can hear since your voice is slightly muffled by your mask. You then notice the speed in which the smile shifts into an expression of full-on panic before you’re suddenly doused in water.

Through the sound of the shouts from the people who were splashed near you, you hear Sam speaking your name and a different voice swearing above you.

You rip your mask away to see that Sam has his hands out toward you, a sincere look of apology on his face. When you turn and look up, you see Bucky. There’s an equally petrified look on his face and he swears again as you bolt for the stairs, Sam’s voice and footsteps following behind you.

Bucky runs through the second door on the left and almost has the door shut before you push through, the door crashing into his shoulder.

“Ow, hey, what the shit! I’m trying to get you a towel!” He grabs a towel out of the closet behind the door and shoves it at you before backing further into the bathroom.

“What the actual fuck, Barnes?” you yell, unzipping your hoodie and throwing it on the counter. It doesn’t make much difference, your shirt is soaked too, but that’s staying on.

“I thought you were Steve!” He has his hands out now, mirroring Sam’s earlier stance, but you’re pissed and you want to get in his face.

You feel a hand gently grab onto your arm as Sam tries to pull you away from his friend. “That’s entirely my fault. I was only paying attention to the mask.”

“Steve has a foot in height on me! And who the fuck drops a bucket of water in someone’s house?”

“We put a tarp down—”

“I was having fun!” Bucky’s still getting the full force of your yelling. “I’ve been stressed the fuck out and Nat convinced me to come out and now I’m fucking drenched—”

Sam says your name again.

You turn around. “Go get Nat please, I want to go home now.”

“Wait,” Bucky protests and Sam stops in the doorway. “Sam just… go enjoy the party, I’ll take her home.”

“Like hell you will.” You finally let go of half the towel and dry off your arms before wrapping the thing around your body, trapping your wet hair against your back.

“I mean to your home, smartass. I’m sorry we pranked you; it was an honest mistake. Let me… I dunno, let me buy you a coffee or something. You’re cold, it’ll warm you up.”

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

You keep three feet between you and Bucky as you walk back down the sidewalk toward your apartment. The silence is heavy and awkward, and you stare down at your shoes that squish quietly with every step. Your wet hoodie clings to your arms, sending a shiver down your spine. Unfortunately, the only two options are to wear a wet hoodie or leave your arms exposed to the chilly night air and you’re not sure which is worse.

Another chill hits you moments before a second hoodie is draped over your shoulders. You want to throw it back at him, but it’s already helping to shield you against the wind. At that thought, you glance sideways. Bucky’s arms are exposed now but he doesn’t seem to mind the chill.

Before you look away, he reaches up to rub his shoulder.

You huff out a breath. “Sorry I hit you with the door,” you mumble,

A couple beats of silence pass before he answers. “That doesn’t sound like a sincere apology, but I understand. Sorry again about the water.”

You respond with a grunt.

“Why do you hate me?”

You look at him again, your annoyed expression back on your face. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m just asking why you hate me? What did I do? Before the water.”

“First of all, you apparently have a habit of spilling things on me.”

“What?”

“Do you remember the night we met? You spilled an entire glass of beer on me.”

He stops walking. “Shit. That was you.”

You stopped a few paces in front of him and turned toward him. “Do you remember calling me an asshole right after?”

 Bucky’s eyes narrowed. “Why would I do that?”

“How should I know? But you did. You spilled beer on me then called me an asshole. And I left. Doesn’t really make a girl want to be your friend.” You turn around and start walking again only to realize after a few steps that he isn’t following you. “Are you coming or am I walking the rest of the way alone? Not that I care.”

“I didn’t… I didn’t call you an asshole?”

“You were also a little drunk that night, maybe you don’t remember.”

“No, I… yeah, I had a bit to drink. This girl I’d been seeing had broken things off and I was upset… we’d actually gotten kinda serious. But I didn’t talk about her much because... I dunno, maybe I didn't wanna jinx it. I was having fun distracting myself when they started making jokes about my dating life and I guess I tried to drown my sorrow instead of just talking about it.”

You just stare at him. That absolutely isn’t the response you expected.

“So I'd just got another beer and this dude bumped into me while trying to get some girl’s attention. I called the guy an asshole and was gonna apologize but you were gone. I guess that explains why you avoided even talking to me in passing after that night. Doesn’t really make a guy wanna be your friend.”

You just stare at him. Your dislike had been entirely based off a misunderstanding? “Great. I am an asshole." You turn away from him and continue walking toward your apartment.

"Hey wait, you're not--"

His footsteps sound as he catches up to you. He reaches out and touches your elbow to get you to look at him, pulling his hand away quickly. Physical contact is entirely foreign for you two.

"Can we just forget that night? I mean you can forget about this one too if you want, but I genuinely am sorry. It always kinda bummed me out that you didn't like me--you seemed pretty cool based on all the stories I heard from Steve and Sam."

You frown. "That almost makes me feel worse."

"Please don't. I could've tried to fix things too."

The silence that follows isn't quite as uncomfortable but you still break it shortly after you start walking again.

"I am actually sorry I hit your shoulder. Even when I thought you didn't like me, I would've never intentionally struck you."

He reaches up again to rub his shoulder. There's a smirk on his face as he drops his hand and lifts that shoulder in a small shrug. "I kinda deserved it."

"Maybe. About that coffee though. Just... your hoodie's wet now and I'm not going into a cafe in these clothes. I can just throw this in the dryer and make a pot of coffee. If you want."

Bucky laughs. "I want to make a joke about you inviting me over after dark, but I'll spare it since we're only just now becoming friends."

"Are we becoming friends?"

Bucky turns a worried expression toward you, as if he's scared he pushed too far. When you return a small laugh with a shake of your head, he smiles too.

"You basically said the joke by referencing the joke. But I'll give you a pass this time."

----------------------------- 

You're hyper aware of Bucky's presence as you ride the elevator to the fifth floor together and even more so as you're unlocking your front door and allowing a person into your apartment you never expected to invite over.

"I like your decorations," Bucky says from behind you.

You turn to see him looking at the mantle over your fireplace. There are fake webs and little cheese-cloth ghosts in jars on one side and sparkly black and purple pumpkins next to a little figure of a bird dressed as a witch on the other.

"Thanks. Um... I'm gonna go change and throw this in the dryer. Be right back."

The nerves that arise when you're changing are completely unwelcome. Do you need to put on actual clothes or is leggings and a sweatshirt alright? What do you talk about while you're waiting on his hoodie to dry? What if it's just awkward silence?

You stop mid-movement when you realize you've had those thoughts... before you went on dates.

Nope.

You pull a leggings and a blissfully dry sweatshirt on and walk out of your room, throwing all the wet clothes in the dryer together on the way back to the living room. When you walk in the room, Bucky's crouched in front of the tv, going through the stack of movies you set out a couple days ago. He stops shuffling the cases and holds up your copy of Tucker & Dale vs. Evil with a very serious expression on his face.

"You... have excellent taste in movies."

"Jeez, I thought you were about to lecture me. We can watch it while we wait on the dryer if you want. I'll go start coffee."

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

The next morning, you wake up wondering why your neck hurts. Opening one eye, you squint through the sunlight and are met with the sight of your living room. Well, sleeping on the couch explains the neck pain. With a yawn, you stretch your legs and nudge a solid mass on the other end of the couch. Bucky is still there, his socked feet propped on your coffee table and his head resting against the back of the couch.

You nudge him again and he stirs. Then he starts and sits up straight.

"Shit. I'm sorry, I dozed off. Oh... it's morning."

"It is.”

"I um... I guess I'll take my hoodie and go?"

"More coffee."

He chuckles, the sound deep and warm. "Trying to keep me here?"

You put your head back down. "Trying to get you to make coffee."

After you’ve both had two cups of coffee—you’re choosing not to think too much about the fact that he apparently remembered exactly how you like your drink because the first cup he handed you was absolutely perfect—you walk back into the living room with Bucky’s hoodie, holding it out as he finishes slipping on his shoes.

“Oh, it’s warm,” she says with a grin, slipping the garment on and immediately zipping it up.

“It’s chilly outside and despite what you may think, I am actually nice to friends.”

“Oooo, we’re friends. You said it, no take-backsies.”

You laugh. “Well, you do make a decent cup of coffee.”

“You’re right, I do. I’ll get out of your hair now, though. And next time we all go to dinner, you have to actually talk to me. No more cold shoulder?”

He’s standing at the door, hand on the doorknob and ready to leave when he asks the question. There’s an easy smile on his face, but you still see a trace of that same worried expression.

“No more cold shoulder,” you agree. “You don’t have a long walk, do you?”

He shakes his head. “Nah. S’only two blocks. See you around.”

And with that, he opens the door and leaves your apartment, casting one more look over his shoulder to smile as he walks down the hallway.

The realization that you also have a goofy smirk on your face as you walk toward your bedroom stops you momentarily, along with the thought that his presence is already something you know you want more of.

Well shit.

Tags: @stanevansalways19​ @scarlettsoldier​ @feelmyroarrrr​ @shakzer00​ @pixierox101​ @chrevastan​ @aubzylynn​

Bucky only tag: @nerdyandproud9​

[teamhook]

Just another CS MOVIE AU… Happy Valentine’s Day Ch 3/5.

Hello! Okay, so I bring you, musician!Killian AU inspired by Forever My Girl cause I see CS everywhere! Sorry, I’m stubborn and although I was told this should be a SF fic. Maybe I’m wrong but I couldn’t stop myself.

Maybe you guys can tell me if I was wrong…

I wanna thank @searchingwardrobes and @ilovemesomekillianjones for their Beta services. They each helped me so much.

So allow me to give you all Chapter 3 of my Valentine’s Day gift to all of you, my lovely shipmates.

|AO3|  |FFN|

I didn't tag some of you before because I didn't want to be too presumptuous but gotta share the love:  

@its-imperator-furiosa @djlbg @mayquita @andiirivera @captainsjedi @wellhellotragic @ultraluckycatnd @onceuponaprincessworld @aprilqueen84 @tehgreeneyes @hookedonapirate @thesschesthair @krustybunny @alexandralyman @artistic-writer @kymbersmith-90 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @snowbellewells @resident-of-storybrooke @flslp87 @searchingwardrobes @pocket-anon @branlovestowrite @seriouslyhooked @sherlockianwhovian @doodlelolly0910 @courtorderedcake @ilovemesomekillianjones @shireness-says @donteattheappleshook @jennjenn615 @bethacaciakay @thislassishooked @shipsxahoy @shady-swan-jones @tiganasummertree @cat-sophia @hollyethecurious @thejacketandthehook @dassala @allofdafandoms-blog @kday426 @winterbaby89 @snidgetsafan @delirious-late-nights @onceuponaprincessworld @let-it-raines @profdanglaisstuff @revanmeetra87  @stophookingatmeswan @kmomof4  @optomisticgirl  @lenfaz  @gingerchangeling @darkcolinodonorgasm @daxx04 @jennjenn615  @lizacstuff @lassluna @xemmaloveskillianx @xhookswenchx    @peglegsjones @shireness-says @laschatzi @onceuponataarna

Sunday morning Killian got ready to go with his brother for the service. He was nervous since it was obvious the little town was not happy with him.

In front of the parishioners, Liam thought the best way to help his brother was to get the town to lighten up a bit.

"Good morning, everyone. Well, we got lucky, but it's been a rough week. In these dark times we should show mercy and forgiveness. Scripture says, "Bear with each other and forgive each other as the Lord has forgiven you." To forgive, sounds so easy, doesn't it? Yet it remains so profoundly difficult to achieve. Inside this church, we've always practiced forgiveness, haven't we? With that in mind, let's try today, to forgive those that have hurt us, and to move forward. If we can truly forgive, then we can truly be set free. Let us pray.”

The church was at full capacity, Killian had opted to stand by the door again. He saw Emma, Alice Hope, and David. Marian was next to a small boy with wavy dark hair. Sadly, still no Robin. There were so many people, a lot of them he didn’t recognize.

Once the service was over, Liam walked towards Killian.

“Brother, I'm glad you're here, stick around.”

“Pastor Jones.” The older woman smiled fondly at Liam.

“Hello. Killian, remember Ms. Lucas?”

Killian subconsciously soothed the spot the older woman had hit the other day. “Ms. Lucas, always a pleasure.”

“Killian.” She walked away smiling.

Marian and a very adorable boy with dimples approached Killian to say hello and shake his hand. Soon some familiar faces, among them Ashley and Anna approached him to say hi and shake his hand. Some faces not too familiar but welcoming. Everyone made their way to greet Killian, they all acted like he’d never left.

Alice Hope had sneaked a peek or two towards Killian’s direction throughout her uncle’s sermon. She was nervous, she was going to meet her father. Okay, she had met him before but that was before knowing who he was.

Liam and Killian were animatedly talking to some of the parishioners when Emma and Alice Hope approached.

“Hi, Liam, Killian.” Emma smiled nervously.

“Hello, lass.” Both of the Jones Brothers replied simultaneously.

Alice Hope tugged her mother’s hand. “Hi Uncle Liam. Hello Killian, or do I call you dad?”

“Hello, little one.” Liam smiled fondly at her. “I’m going to give you guys some privacy to talk.”

“Oh, there is no need for that Liam. Killian, Alice Hope and I were wondering if you would like to join us for family dinner tonight?” Emma rushed out the invitation.

“I would love too, but only if you’re both sure?” Killian questioned.

Alice Hope smiled at him and nodded her approval. Emma looked at her and met her smile with a smile of her own, “The kid said she wanted to get to know you, so she will.”

“I accept your invitation with pleasure.” He smiled at them both. “Lass, will your lovely brother be there tonight?”

Emma snickered. “No, I told him it was a dinner for you and Alice Hope to get to know each other.”

“I’m sure he loved that. He has always acted more like a father than a brother,” Killian reminded her.

“But to answer your question, Dave will not be there.”

Killian stroked his beard, and smiled, “I accept, should I bring anything?”

“No, just show up this time.” Emma couldn’t help make the comment as Alice Hope squeezed her mother’s hand.

Killian scratched behind his ear as he smiled at his little girl and answered, “I will be there.”

“Good, we’ll see you at 7:00 P.M.,” Emma confirmed with her ex.

“Aye.” Killian’s gaze landed on Emma.

Emma broke off the brief moment, swinging her daughter’s hand as they walked away, leaving Killian behind to wait for his brother’s return.

Killian was more nervous than when he would perform in front of thousands of people. After Emma and Alice Hope had left him, he excused himself with his brother and decided to take a drive to the store. He did not wish to attend empty handed to dinner.

He didn’t know Alice Hope well enough, but he figured one cannot go wrong with a stuffed animal His gift for Emma was intimate, he really hoped she wouldn’t throw it at his head. Killian now stood in front of Emma’s home with a giant duckling and a swan necklace he could not resist buying. He had purchased a pair of jeans for himself and a few v-neck shirts. He was beyond nervous, his hair a mess because of all the times he’d ran his fingers through it. He wore dark jeans and chose an old flannel shirt he found in his childhood room, instead of one of his recent purchases. It was time to finally get to know his daughter. He knocked loudly on the door. The house looked well taken care of. While he waited for someone to answer the door, he reminisced about their first date. He remembered feeling so nervous, ironically a feeling he shared this time also.

The door opened to reveal mother and daughter standing together united. Alice Hope smiled at him while holding on to her mother’s hand. “Come in Killian,” Emma encouraged her ex to enter her home. “I hope you don’t mind, but I picked up some lasagne from Granny’s.”

Killian smiled, “Are you sure that’s safe for me to eat? She’s not my biggest fan.”

Emma laughed, “She might not like you, but she loves me and Alice Hope.” She shrugged.

Killian looked around the house as he walked in. The place looked the same from when they were young, but it had a warm feeling that he had always associated with Emma, it felt like home.

He stood still as if briefly transported back in time. In his mind, he could see a young blonde lass running around in the living room followed by a young dark-haired lad laughing as he finally caught up and was tickling her. Her giggles echoing in his memory.

Emma cleared her throat to gain his attention. “Hey this way. You act like you’ve never been here before.” She tilted her head and playfully raised her eyebrows towards the dinner table where Alice Hope was finishing setting up the table.

Killian approached the table slowly. His mind playing cruel jokes. The image of a loving family enjoying dinner at the table together. If only he would have followed the original plan all those years ago this would have been real. He stood in front of one of the chairs and looked at the meal, he had enjoyed gourmet meals on tours, but a lasagne with a simple tossed salad had never looked as appealing as it did now.

Emma cleared her throat, “Hey are you ready?”

Killian looked at her and simply smiled, “Yes, so where do you want me?”

Emma blushed lightly at the question. Killian was still waiting for an answer. Alice Hope looked at her parents interaction and simply rolled her eyes.

“You can sit there,” Emma pointed at the chair he was in front of. “Normally, David sits there, but he is not coming.”

Killian nodded as he rushed to move the chair for her to sit on and smiled to Alice Hope. His daughter caught his meaning as she paused while Killian made his way to her and gently moved her chair. Finally, he made his way to his assigned seat and sat down. He put down the stuffed animal in the far corner.

“Are you sure David won’t mind if I sit in his chair?” he asked while nervously reaching for his ear.

Emma leaned over giggling, “It will be our little secret,” and winked at him.

Killian smiled at her and focused on Alice Hope. This was about her, not flirting with her mother. “Alice Hope, I got you this,” he handed her the duckling, “I know it’s not much, but I hope you like it.”

She smiled, “I’m too old for stuffed animals, and it’s kind of big, but it’s nice. Thank you.” she sits it in the chair next to her.

“I’m sorry, I just wanted to get you something and since we just met, I--” His ears were red. “How about we get to know each other, that way I won’t buy you anymore stuffed animals.” He winked at her. “Little love, tell me what’s your favorite color?”

Alice Hope scrunches her nose, “My favorite color is--” she looks at her mother who smiles fondly at her, “green, like mom’s eyes.”

Killian tilts his head as he admires Emma from his seat, “Your mum does have lovely eyes.”

The small talk continued with questions ranging from favorite food to favorite school subject.

There was never an awkward moment between the adults and the young girl. The night was quickly approaching.

“Alice Hope, I think it’s time for bed now. Say goodnight to Killian, your dad, and get ready for bed. Don’t forget to brush your teeth. I’ll be up in a second to tuck your in, okay.” Emma gave her daughter a smile as she got up to clear the table.

“Okay, mom, is it okay if my dad, tucks me in?” Alice Hope asked with her big puppy blue eyes.

Emma stared at her for a few seconds, “If it’s okay with Kilian, I have no problem.” She smiled as she headed to the kitchen with the dirty dishes.

Killian was just rising from his seat but freezes at his daughter's request. He realized he had stayed quiet for too long without responding, unable to put together coherent words he simply stammered, “I would love to, little love. I will be up there in a second.”

Alice Hope smiled and turned to run up the stairs. Killian watched her go and once she was out of sight, he followed Emma to the kitchen. She was washing dishes with her back to him.

“Love, are you okay with me tucking her in?” Killian asked as he entered.

“This dinner was for you two to bond, and it’s what she wants.” Emma finally turned to him, “She’s in my old room. Go and make sure she washed her teeth. She is a sneaky one, just like her father.”

Killian snorted, “If memory serves, I’m not the only one she inherited her sneakiness from.” He wiggled his eyebrows as he made his exit, and Emma giggled at his antics.

Killian found Alice Hope in her bed, waiting for him. She studied him with her blue eye, his mother’s eyes. He walked in and looked around the room. His daughter is too much like her mother: a tomboy. That was why they connected at such an early age. She loved playing outdoors, running around, kicking a soccer ball, and arguing about the proper name for it. Soccer or football?

“Little love, did you want me to read you a story?” he asks, scratching behind his ear. He knew his nerves were showing because he could feel the excess moisture on his forehead.

“I’m good, but maybe you can sing for me? Mom listens to your music, but I think it will be nice.”

He smiled fondly, “How about I sing to you one of my mum’s favorite lullabies? I know you’re too old, but I would love for you to know something of your namesake.”

She smiled, “Okay, I’d love to hear it. Uncle Liam gets so sad when I ask about her.”

“Lay down and close your eyes, little love.” She did as he asked and his soft voice started:

“My love said to me

My Mother won't mind

And my Father won't slight you

For your lack of kind

Then she stepped away from me

And this she did say

It will not be long love

'Til our wedding day.

She stepped away from me

And she moved through the Fair

And fondly I watched her

Move here and move there

And she went her way homeward

With one star awake

As the swans in the evening

Move over the lake

The people were saying

No two e'er were wed

But one has a sorrow

That never was said

And she smiled as she passed me

With her goods and her gear

And that was the last

That I saw of my dear.

I dreamed it last night

That my true love came in

So softly she entered

Her feet made no din

She came close beside me

And this she did say

It will not be long love

Till our wedding day.”

As he finished singing, he got up from the bed and was about to slip out.

“Dad, do you want to pick me up from school tomorrow? We can talk more,” her soft sleepy voice asked.

“I’d be honored to.” He smiled as he closed the door so she would finally fall asleep.

While Killian was upstairs with Alice Hope, Emma went to her porch and sat down on the top step. A familiar old brown truck parked in front of the house.

“Shit,” Emma mutters.

David strode toward her quickly. “Please, tell me Killian is not inside. Emma, you cannot let him in your life again.”

“David, I love you, you know that, but this is not about me. This is about my kid. She wants to get to know him. I know you don’t approve, but I don’t want her to grow up without knowing her father.” Emma sighed and stood up to block her brother’s way.

“He is going to do it again, he is going to leave, and this time it will be so much worse because he will not only leave you broken hearted but Hopey too. I hope it’s worth it.” He turned around and left her standing there with her mouth open. Once in his truck, he peeled out and soon the brake lights faded into the night.

As her brother’s truck disappeared Killian came outside to join her. “Was that Dave?”

“Yeah.” She kept her eyes on the road her brother just disappeared into.

“Is everything okay?” His concern is evident in his voice.

“He wasn’t happy you were here, but he will learn to deal with it.” Emma shrugged. “Is she down for the night?”

“I believe so, she asked for me to pick her up from school. I’m hoping that’s okay with you?” With nervous energy he waited for her response.

“I said that it was up to her, and she wants to spend time with you. Yeah, that’s okay, no problem.” Emma confirmed. “Are you leaving?”

“I just figured it would be best if I didn’t overstay my welcome. Before I go, Emma, I have something for you.” He was digging through his shirt’s pocket, and then a jewelry box came into view. Emma gasped. “Relax I’m not proposing,” Killian quickly assured her. His eyes went wide when he realized his mistake. “Bloody hell,” he muttered. “I’m sorry, that was insensitive of me, I saw this and I thought of you, I hope I’m not overstepping.” Killian handed her the box. “I hope you like it.”

Emma studied his face and accepted the box. She opened it and was greeted with a swan necklace. It was a simple silver swan. “Thanks, but you shouldn’t have troubled yourself. I’m sorry I cannot accept it. The duckling for Alice Hope was enough, although highly unnecessary. She needs to get to know you, not gifts.”  

“Emma, I swear I’m in it for the long haul. I will not let you down.” Killian assured her, his eyes full of promise. He accepted the necklace back with a sad smile. “Or Alice Hope.” He played with the little black box. “I should go, but I will be on time to pick the little one up.”

“Alright, that sounds good. Can you drop her off at the shop for me? Actually take her home with you. That way she gets to spend more time with you and with Liam.” Emma smiled, encouraging him with a slight eyebrow raise.

“That sounds lovely. Until tomorrow, love.” He bowed slightly and started towards his car.

The next day Killian woke up with a calmness in him. He got ready while softly humming his mother’s lullaby. He found his brother sitting at the kitchen table, a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and some fresh coffee waiting. “Morning, Liam,” Killian greeted as he served up a plate of food.

“Good morning, little brother,” Liam smiled as he met Killian’s gaze.

“It’s younger brother,” Killian corrected, taking a bite of his toast.

“I take it things went well?”

Killian smiled his response. “I’m picking up Alice from school. Emma suggested I bring her here to spend some time with us. Is that okay, or should I take her to the park?”

Liam rolled his eyes, “This is her home as well as yours. She is family and always welcomed. There is no need to ask for permission. Besides Ali and I haven’t had our weekly visit.”

“You guys are really close aren’t you?” There was a tinge of jealousy in Killian’s tone.

“Killian, you will get there. I think you are doing an amazing job. You just found out you had a daughter, and instead of running away you’ve embraced the idea. You want to spend time with her. I think you are close to falling in love with her.” Liam smiled as he put his plate in the sink. “Oh, and by the way little brother, it’s your turn to wash the dishes, I made breakfast.”

“Liam before you go, I have a few questions I’ve been curious about. Where’s Elsa and is Emma dating Graham?” Killian asked nonchalantly as he finished his food.

Liam sighed, “Elsa is visiting her aunt Ingrid.”

Killian got up and made his way to the sink. “Ingrid, her aunt that lives in Bangor?”

Liam snorted, “Yes, that’s her,” he wags his eyebrows. “She got married a few years ago.”

Killian smiled, “I cannot believe she got someone to marry her. Wasn’t she a bit of an ice queen?”

“Killian, she wasn’t so bad,” Liam scolded his brother.

Killian laughed, “To me she was, she only had a soft spot for you, brother. She thought you hung the moon. I was not good enough for Emma. She has always loved her as her own. Once you finally admit your feelings for Elsa, she will be thrilled.”

“Very funny brother, I don’t have feelings for Elsa,” Liam crossed his arms stubbornly, “and there is nothing more to discuss about her.”

“If you say so brother, what of Graham? Now that I think about it, I haven’t seen Ruby either.” Killian’s brow raised as he waited for his brother’s answer.

“Ruby is around, she’s in charge of the diner now, so she’s busy. Once a week the girls have their night out, but since Elsa is out of town and Marian is taking care of Robin that will have to wait.” Liam paused for a second, “As for Graham, how is that any of your business whether or not Emma finally gave him a chance?”

“Liam, I know it’s not my business but-- never mind forget it.” Killian scrubbed the dirty dishes with his back turned to his brother.

“If you truly want to know, I suggest you ask Emma. I’ll see you later.”

Hours later Killian waited on the hood of his car  outside Alice Hope’s school. He laughed a little as it was once his school too. Some things never change, he thought as he noticed fliers for the annual talent show.

The bell rang and soon all the children were running out of the school. His breath hitched when he saw the top of her head approaching him. It was not lost on him that every child and adult were staring at him, but he just ignored them. He couldn’t stop his smile as he gazed at his little girl. Her big smile was contagious.

“Hello, little love. How was school?” Killian asked as he guided her to his car.

She stopped and looked at him, “I don’t think mom will approve.” Alice Hope said matter of factly, pointing to the car.

“Why not?” he asked as he inspected the vehicle.

“Well, mom has a list of safe cars,” she air quoted, “she is looking to buy a new car, but it has to be dependable and most important safe. That’s what she keeps telling Uncle David.”

“Ah, I see, and this car is not on the list.”

Alice Hope smiled, “She studied all kinds of cars, and convertibles have low survival rates in crashes. She also thinks I’m too small for my age,” she peeked inside the car, “and you don’t have a car seat.”

“Does your Uncle Liam’s truck pass inspection?” Killian inquired of his little girl.

“Of course, silly. Uncle Liam picks me up when mom is too busy or if it’s our day.”

“Good, little love, how about we walk to the park and I call him to pick us up over there.” Killian fished out his phone from his pocket.

“You can push me on the swing,” she exclaimed, “but you have to push hard.”

He snorted a laugh, “How about I safely push you on the swings, little love. I don’t want your mum to be cross with me.” He gave her his best puppy eyes.

“I won’t tell her if you don’t,” she giggled.

Killian only smiled. They walked to the park holding hands and talking about her favorite food, grilled cheese, like her mom. As he pushed her on the swings at a safe pace, much to her dismay, he told her about his childhood memories. Most of them featured her mother, whether they were playing tag, hide and seek or football. They were thick as thieves. They didn’t wait long for Liam’s truck to arrive. The honk went almost unheard. They walked towards a waiting Liam with smiles on their faces.

They arrive at the Jones’ house and Alice Hope runs inside and heads to the kitchen to grab one of her juices. “Uncle Liam, what are you gonna make to eat? I’m so hungry!”

“Ali, you’re always hungry. Are you sure you’re not a little monster?” Liam grabbed, and tickled her as he probed, “I don’t think you are a simple little girl.”

She giggled at him, “Uncle Liam! Please, stop, I can’t breathe.”

“Okay, little one, how about some grilled cheese, your favorite.” Her beaming smile was answer enough. “Off you go.” Killian, you should go with her and keep her company. There's no telling what kind of mischief she will get into if she's left to her own devices. Might I remind you, she's your daughter and the apple didn't fall far from the tree." Liam quirked an eyebrow.

"Oi! I was a very well behaved lad," Killian rebuffed as he followed his daughter to the backyard.

Liam decided on some grilled cheese sandwiches and a nice tomato soup. He was taking his time to give his brother and niece more time together.

Killian and Alice Hope finally entered the house. “Little love, we’ve been thinking about planting some Middlemist. They were your grandmother’s favorite, I was wondering if you would like to help us? We can make it a Jones activity.” Killian lightly bumped her with his hip.

“Yeah, I could help. Maybe we can get mom to help too?” She gave him a little hopeful smile.

“We shall ask her if she wants to join us.” He led her to his old room. “I thought it would only be fair for me to show you my room since you showed me yours.” Killian pondered for a minute as he noticed her hesitation as they near the room. “Alice Hope little love, have you been inside?”

“Uh, nope. Uncle Liam said it was bad form to invade other people’s privacy.” She shrugged as she walked past him inside his room.

“I’m your father, he didn’t say anything about me, ever?” Killian felt a little hurt at the realization that he was only a glorified sperm donor. He planned to change all that though.

“No, they never said anything. I mean mom or Uncle Liam. I thought he was my uncle like Uncle Graham, but she did tell me he was my dad’s brother.” She paused for a second, “I could see the sadness in her eyes.” His little girl looked down, “I wanted to ask about you, but I knew it hurt mom. So I didn’t.” She smiles, “So I never spent the night, we would come visit for a little bit. Mostly Uncle Liam visits us.”

“I see, well how about we rectify that now? Let’s get to know each other. Come now, don’t be shy.”

She took his invitation to snoop happily. Seeing an old guitar, Alice Hope grabbed it. “This is cool! Does it still work?” She inspected it closely, gently caressing it.

“Aye, little love, though it might be out of tune. This guitar,” he took a deep breath, “my mum got it for me, it was my first guitar, she taught me how to play it. My mum had a beautiful voice. She loved to sing, to play,” he said, strumming the guitar. “You remind me of her, She would have adored you.” His eyes watered, but he continued playing, improvising a melody as she watched intently.

A light knock interrupted father and daughter. “Sorry guys but the food is ready,” Liam said, “come on now. Ali, your mum wants you to give her a ring once you are finished eating.”

Alice Hope simply nodded.

“Come on, little love, let’s see what Uncle Liam has prepared.” He put the guitar down and followed Liam. His little girl followed suit but paused to turn back and grab the guitar. She carried it to the living room and gently put it down then rushed to the kitchen where Killian and Liam were waiting for her.

“Allow me, little love.” Killian pulled out her chair.

She blushed as she walked to the chair in front of her dad and sat down.  

“Grilled cheese and tomato soup?” Killian asked Liam.

“As you know brother, that is Ali’s favorite, but instead of those dreadful onion rings I thought I’d add something healthier,” Liam replied with a grin.

Alice Hope gasped, “Uncle Liam, don’t let my mom hear you.” She took a bite of her sandwich. “It’s delicious,” she exclaimed after swallowing the buttery cheesy goodness.

Killian laughed contently and agreed, “It is brother. Thank you.”

“I’m happy you are both enjoying it.”

Over dinner Killian told Liam about the plan he and Alice Hope had come up with for her to help them with the Middlemist garden, which Liam thought was a great idea. When they finished dinner Liam began to clear the table.

“Let me help, you cooked. It’s only fair.” Killian quickly came to his aid and directed his attention to Alice. “Little love, can you sit in the living room, and entertain yourself for a minute or so.” Killian smiled fondly at her.

She got up and went to the living room. She was drawn to the guitar she’d placed there before dinner. Picking it up, she slowly placed it on her lap as her dad had. She strummed the strings of the guitar in the same melodic way.

As they finished in the kitchen, Killian could hear the faint music, and approached slowly, Liam not too far behind. Killian turned to look at his brother, cocking his head. Liam simply shrugs.

“Little love?”

Alice Hope stopped playing and looked up. “I’m sorry, you said to entertain myself, and I...”

Killian quickly interrupted her, “You’re not in trouble, have you played before?”

She relaxed, “No, this is my first time. I just watched you earlier.” She looked a little confused.

“I think it’s time I take you guitar shopping, you are a natural,” Killian said, awestruck.

Liam smiled, “I told you the apple didn’t fall from the tree.”

Alice Hope beamed at her father, “Okay, but you tell mom,” she gulped, “I better call her. I forgot.” She winces apologetically.

“No need to worry, little love, I’ll call her.” Killian grinned to himself as he called Emma. He was proud of his little girl.

[chocobabyporcelain]

Movie Night: Side Gladiolus

HOW THE FUCK DO I WRITE GLADIO??? Seriously, this is probably the worst of the lot ugh sorry, I just don’t get Gladio, I guess? I hope at turned out readable, at least? I changed up the dynamic a little, so instead of reader showing Gladio a movie, Gladio’s showing reader one instead.

Tags, as always let me know if you’d rather not be tagged: @neko-otaku13 @itsmootothecow @itshaejinju @themissimmortal @mp938368 @ffxv-milkshake @bespectacled-girl @insomniacapples @expectogladiolus

“Hey, babe, you almost done?”

You looked up from the microwave, where you’d been watching the bag slowly spin and listening to the chorus of pops. “Yeah, just waiting on the popcorn.” you called back.

You were pretty sure you heard a snort of muted laughter as Gladio replied, “Try not to burn it this time, yeah?”

“Bite me, Gladio!”

“Don’t tempt me, sweetheart.”

You rolled your eyes, opening the microwave as it dinged. You dug out a large plastic mixing bowl from the cupboard and dumped the contents of the bag into it. Tucking the bowl between your hip and your arm, you quickly grabbed two beers from the fridge.

Placing the bottles on the coffee table, you climbed onto the sofa next to Gladio, tucking your legs under your butt and placing the popcorn on his lap. “Okay,” you curl yourself into Gladio’s side as he wrapped an arm around you. “Let’s do this!”

Gladio pressed play and the two of you settled in.

The sandscape that played out on screen was harsh and uninviting, but you guessed apocalyptic movies were supposed to be just so. You smiled as a small lizard appeared and scuttled around in the sand, only for Max to crush it beneath his boot. Your smile vanished. “Poor lizard!” you whined.

Gladio laughed at you. Which you thought was rude, so you nudged him with your elbow.

You didn’t like the missing frames technique used to empathise with Max’s anxiety. It worked a little too well and you felt your chest get tight, but you managed to breathe your way through it without suffering an anxiety attack.

When Immortan Joe, the villain of the movie, made his first appearance on screen, showing off what could easily become a grossly infected wound were he not careful, you hissed at the thought of the pain he must be in. Until he started wasting water in a drought, then you decided you didn’t care. “I’m guessing Immortan Joe is one of those malevolent overlord types?” you asked.

Gladio chuckled. “Basically.” He leaned forward to grab the bottle from the table, opening them both with his hand and passing you yours.

“That is so hot.” you muttered.

He just winked at you and pulled you back to his side.

You lay your head on his shoulder, staying calmly quiet as you watched the movie. It wasn’t until the war party took out that you spoke. As the camera showed the whole party, panning around the drummers to show the man with the flamethrower guitar swinging from suspension wires, you shot up. “That is so fucking cool!” you yelled, excitedly.

“Really?” Gladio raised an eyebrow at you. “Pretty naff, don’t you think?”

“Are you kidding?! That’s awesome!”

Apparently, guitar guy was all it took to get your really invested in this movie. Since he showed up, you hadn’t kept your damn mouth shut.

“I want a spiky car!” you yelled when the Buzzards drove into view.

Gladio scoffed. “Babe, with the best will in the world, I don’t trust you with a regular car.”

You sulked.

“The warboys are badass.” You were grinning almost wickedly as you watched one of the pale half-lifers dive to his death. “I love them.”

“Am I gonna have to deal with you shouting ‘Witness me!’ for the next two weeks?” asked Gladio, with only a hint of the exasperation you were expecting.

You just gave him a faux-sympathetic look and slowly nodded. You turned your attention back to the screen. As you watched the explosions, the warboys falling and ultimately dying in the sand, your stomach felt a little weird. You kind of felt bad, watching the warboys die, but another part of you was maybe a little glad that there were less warboys for Furiosa to worry about. You gave a hushed mewl and lay your head back on Gladio’s shoulder.

There you stayed, watching the action unfold quietly once again.

With the Splendid Angharad hanging out of the side of the war rig, fast approaching a rock that would ultimately spell her demise, you felt your heart stop. You were able to breathe easy again as the rock came and went, and Angharad was unharmed. Sadly, this movie appeared to be a sucker for an ‘anti-ex machina’, which meant your breath hitched in your throat as you watched Angharad fall from the rig and pass under the wheel of Immortan Joe’s vehicle.

You stayed silent, until the scene that introduced the Many Mothers. You eyes filled with tears as they informed Furiosa of what had become of her homeland, her clan all but dying out. “No,” you whispered. “Furiosa, no.”

Gladio rubbed you arm in a comforting gesture and kissed you head. “Don’t cry.” he teased. Too late.

You perked up shortly after, watching the many mothers go toe to toe with Immortan Joe’s entourage. “I want Sharpshooter Grandma to adopt me.”

Gladio almost spat out the mouthful of beer he just downed, coughing out his laughter. “Please don’t make those comments when I’m drinking.”

“Sorry.” You replied. You weren’t sorry.

You were quiet again, until the blood transfusion scene, where you began to cry once more. Even though the logical part of your brain knew that Furiosa’s body could reject Max’s blood, you hoped against hope that she’d be okay. It seemed Furiosa had made a real impact on you.

You didn’t react when Max pushed Immortan Joe’s lifeless body from the hood of the war rig. Not until Furiosa climbed out, alive and well.

“She’s okay!” you exclaimed.

“You really like her, don’t you?” Gladio chuckled.

You shrugged. “What’s not to like?”

You watched as the end of the movie played out, a smile on your features as Max and Furiosa made eye contact, broken only when Max disappeared into the crowd.

“So, what did think?” asked Gladio as the credits began to roll.

“I love it!” you yelled. You spun to face him, knocking the thankfully empty popcorn bowl to the floor.

Gladio barely managed to catch you before you fell off the sofa. “I thought you would.” He smiled, pulling you onto his lap and leaning up to press a kiss to your lips. “So, are we going for another movie, or is it bedtime?”

You hummed, considering it briefly. “I think it’s bedtime.” you replied, laying your head on Gladio’s shoulder, knowing he’d lift you and carry you to bed.

So, I was really struggling trying to come up with a movie for Gladio's night, and I was lamenting to my friend, who has never played FFXV, but spends enough time speaking to me to be familiar-ish with the characters. Without hesitating, this genius comes right out with "Fury Road." YASS, YOU ANGEL! Why didn't I think of that?

[spartanguard]

nightwatch

a brief little Captain Charming fic that I apparently wrote 2.5 years ago and never published??? but yesterday was @nfbagelperson‘s birthday so that seemed like a good reason to polish this up. (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DARLING FRIEND!!!! Hope it was amazing and no one stabbed you!)

summary: a brief quiet moment set during 6x10-11; Captain Charming brotp; ~880 words

The light from the bulb in the kitchen glinted off David’s sword, held aloft and ready as he listened. Ever so quietly, he stalked to the nursery; someone was in there with his son (at least, he hoped it was a someone and not a something) and he’d dealt with enough villains and creatures over the last few days (decades, really) that he’d be damned if he let them have free reign of his home.

He knew something was wrong when he got up to feed the baby but noticed that the pre-prepped bottle Snow had made while he was sleeping wasn’t in the fridge. And then he heard the low murmur coming from his son’s room. Pausing only to grab his favored weapon, he made a silent beeline for the nursery. As he got closer, the voice got clearer. And he realized: Is that singing?

Neal certainly had a set of lungs, but he wasn't yet capable of the soft, deep melody that was coming from the room. A million panicky thoughts ran through his head—ranging from terrifying to only mildly threatening—so he swallowed, took a breath to calm his nerves, and ran into the room.

But he stopped almost immediately, too shocked to go farther than a few steps in.

There, in the recliner he usually rocked Neal in, was Hook...rocking Neal. It was the pirate he'd heard singing—some sort of old lullaby in his low, clear voice. An empty bottle sat on the small end table alongside the chair, next to an abandoned hook. The light of the almost-full moon came through the window, illuminating the baby's face as he fought sleep to study the face of the man who held him (who seemed to be staring back just as curiously).

But Neal was on the losing end of his battle and soon was quietly snoring in the pirates arms, whose tune had gradually faded in volume until he was silently observing the sleeping babe.

At that point, David became painfully aware of just how long he'd been watching the scene in front of him as his bicep began to ache from the way he was still holding the sword aloft. He tried to lower it quietly, but his arm gave out and the sword clattered to the wood floor, immediately drawing Hook's attention.

The pirate seemed to instinctively go on the defensive, sitting up with his hand protectively covering Neal’s head and his brows furrowing as he glanced around, until he saw the source of the commotion; he seemed somewhat curious after that.

"Dave?" he asked quietly with a raised eyebrow.

David held his gaze for a moment until the pirate broke eye contact; both men began staring at the floor.

"Well, this is awkward," Killian continued.

"Um, what...what are you doing, Hook?" The man had only so much as held Neal a couple times and seemed very timid to do so; so what was he doing with a late-night feeding?

"Ah, um, well," Killian stammered. "The young prince was...I heard his protestations, and I wasn’t sleeping anyways, so I decided to take care of him so you could get your rest."

"Mmm," David acknowledged with a nod, not all that surprised to hear about Killian’s insomnia, given that they still didn’t know how to reach Emma. The fact that he’d convinced him to come to the loft instead of going back to their big, empty house tonight was a miracle all its own. "I, uh, I appreciate that."

"You-you don't mind? I didn't mean to overstep." Apprehension was obvious in the pirate's features.

"I think I can handle it for one night," he said, finally moving toward the pair. "Also, you're the only person who's been able to sing him to sleep."

"Is that so?"

He nodded. "We've both tried and it only seems to upset him."

"Well, not everyone was gifted with a voice for song. I'd love to hear you try, though." They shared a quiet chuckle and watched as Neal smiled in his sleep, as if he too was in on the joke.

David couldn’t help the yawn that followed; despite being partially under a sleeping curse, he was still exhausted, and his brief spurt of adrenaline was fading fast.

“Go back to bed, mate; I’ve got this,” Killian told him, an edge of his commanding captain tone coming through.

“You sure?”

He could see the uncertainty on the pirate’s face, but it quickly became resolve. “Aye; sleep won’t be coming any time soon, and I dare say the little lad makes fine company.”

It broke David’s heart a little bit, but he understood. “Alright, but try to get some rest. Good night, Killian.”

“G’night, David.”

David turned to head back to bed, but cast one last glance in the room. Killian’s attention had returned to Neal, and he had to admit—he was a bit surprised at how natural it looked, to see a baby in Hook’s arms and the soft look on his face.

The sooner they found Emma, the sooner they broke all these curses and fates hanging over everyone’s heads, the sooner they could all keep moving forward to a future where maybe Emma and Killian could have the chance to do that together, if they wanted. But first: sleep.

thank you for reading!!!! tags below the cut

@kat2609 @thesschesthair @optomisticgirl @fergus80 @xpumpkindumplingx @shipsxahoy @selfie-wench @mryddinwilt @cocohook38 @annytecture @wingedlioness @fairytalesandtimetravel @word-bug @pirateherokillian @bleebug @its-imperator-furiosa @queen-mabs-revenge @flipperbrain @sherlockianwhovian @laschatzi @ive-always-been-a-pirate @jscoutfinch @stubble-sandwich​ @lenfaz @phiralovesloki @athenascarlet @kmomof4 @ilovemesomekillianjones @whimsicallyenchantedrose @snowbellewells 

[spartanguard]

sea of lovers

so @its-imperator-furiosa wrote an excellent meta wondering about Killian’s burial in S5 that kind of spiraled when @bleebug and @killian-whump wondered why he wasn’t buried at sea. @queen-mabs-revenge added some lovely imaginings of what the CS reunion might have looked like then. one of them prompted this.

~1.1k, unbeta’d. alternate CS reunion in 5x21.

He'd been right. Emma didn't want to admit it at the time, but the horizon was calming, even on a gray, rainy day like today. But so far, it was the only thing that had even remotely quelled the raging emotions within.

They'd just buried Robin. She knew she shouldn't blame herself—Hades was the killer—but still felt some responsibility in letting the devil get to Storybrooke anyway. And watching his young son place a rose-tied arrow on his coffin broke her already fragmented heart into even smaller pieces.

Her family was expecting her at the wake at Granny's, and she'd make it there, eventually. But saying goodbye to Robin so shortly after doing the same to Killian was taking its toll and she needed a moment alone to just—just breathe, let alone absorb all that had happened in the past however-long (days? weeks? She honestly had lost track).

The beach was quiet; the surf rolled gently against the sand and only the occasional bird sang overhead. The gray ocean matched her mood: flat, listless, and lonely, just like it was the day they buried Killian.

She still wasn't sure how they managed it, but the day after Killian died, her father and Henry piloted the Jolly Roger some ways out away from the harbor. She'd certainly been no help; it was all her mother could do to keep her upright and with them, at least physically. Mentally was a fight no one wanted to attempt.

But she was cognizant enough of the shroud wrapped around him, watching as Belle stitched the seam closed over his too-peaceful face (and dripped tears on the sailcloth). She remembered how carefully David and Robin lifted his body onto the plank and gently set the end of the slab on the rail. Words were spoken, but she wasn't sure by who; it was all muffled in her mind.

Then she was standing at the edge of the rail and the plank was tilted and there he went, back into the sea he so loved. The water welcomed him with loving arms, and carried him down to where he would finally be at rest. Part of her wondered if the ocean might offer her any relief from the raging storm of sorrow in her heart, but Henry's tight embrace kept her grounded. And that was it.

But then the dagger called, and then the Underworld happened, and then that elevator—that fucking elevator—and here she was, hollow and alone and missing him oh so much. She didn't even know it was possible to miss someone so much. It was like Hades still had a grip on her heart.

Maybe it was a true love thing, or maybe it was just a them thing, but she'd felt it when he moved on, not long after he sent the pages. It was simultaneously a feeling of elation and depression; she was both filled with joy and emptied of it. Because she thought she knew what it felt like when he was gone, but now he really was and she found herself as adrift a ship loose from its mooring. She'd find her way back eventually, she knew—her family would help—but right now, she had to get her bearings. Too bad she didn't know where that old compass had ended up.

At least she had his flask. They'd buried him with his hook, but she'd saved this. The rum burned a familiar path down her throat, warming her ever so slightly. Licking her lips tasted a bit like him, but not enough.

And so she sat for a while, sipping and staring at the horizon. Eventually, she realized this was the same beach that Elsa had been reunited with her sister. How ironic, she thought, that here she was now mourning.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, pulling her from whatever meditation she'd been doing, if it could be called that. She didn't have to look to know that it was one of her parents checking in on her, so it was probably time to head back into town. She took one last sip of rum before corking the aged flask, standing and pocketing it, and turning to head back in.

She'd hardly taken two steps before a strong gust off the ocean nearly knocked her over; she stumbled in the sand to keep her balance. It had felt oddly warm, considering the cool spring temperatures, but she was sure there was some thermological or meteorological reason that Killian could have given for it. She could almost hear him explaining it in his nerdy, excited voice, and smiled at the thought.

"Swan?"

Wait—that wasn't imagined. It was definitely his voice, but it sounded far-off and intermingled with the sound of the waves. She turned and looked back—and there he was, standing in the water just off the coast.

"Killian?" she breathed in disbelief. But he started to wade toward her, and without a second thought, she took off at a sprint to him. A rational corner of her brain worried that it was a trick, but she hadn't been listening to that part much lately.

She splashed into the shallows and collided with him in a scene that was probably straight out of The Little Mermaid, but she didn't care that her entire life was a Disney movie now because he was real and warm and solid and in her arms and she didn't waste a single moment in kissing the resurrected daylights out of him. If she'd had any further doubts, they were shuttered when she tasted him on his lips.

Eventually, she managed to stammer out through happy tears, "How—how are you here?" But still peppered him with kisses while he responded.

Through his own delirious chuckles, he answered, "Zeus must have sent me back as a reward for helping defeat Hades."

"I mean—what?"

The nerdy voice was real this time. "Zeus—you know, the ruler of the Olympians, the most powerful—" And she was just too happy to care, so she silenced him with her lips on his once again, before wrapping herself even tighter around him, if it was possible.

"I don't care. I don't care how you're here, I'm just..." She was starting to get overwhelmed and words were escaping her; they'd never been her strong suit anyway.

He knew what she meant, though, like always. "So are you." She buried her face in his neck as continued, "I'm so happy you're alright."

She'd tell him about Robin in a minute. She'd deal with her icy ocean-soaked socks in a second. But right now, she was just going to hold him and be held and thank the gods that she'd listened to his advice about watching the horizon.

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