#otp: he gave you bones

[bradshawsbaby]

heya lovely, happy new year! I'd like to please request #17 slippery off the prompt list with Mr and Mrs B! I'm in the mood for filth lolll but I'd honestly read whatever you want to write ❣️💞

Happy New Year, darling! I admittedly did not go in the filthy direction, but there’s a little innuendo in there if you squint 😂

Bradley had warned you to be careful. Multiple times.

It had been snowing on and off since you’d arrived in Virginia to housesit for his aunt while she was on a cruise with friends—an opportunity for a little romantic getaway, the two of you had decided—and the ground outside kept freezing as the temperatures plummeted each night. Bradley had been salting the front walkway like a madman every few hours, but he kept reminding you to be cautious any time you had to leave the house.

“It’s slippery out there, honey. Watch your step.”

And you had been watching your step. Well, mostly. Except for this morning apparently. You blamed it on your sleep-addled brain. It had been early and you were planning on taking a quick trip to the deli to pick up coffee and bagels. Instead, you had ended up on your butt right next to the car, having slipped on a patch of black ice.

Alerted by your surprised yelp of pain, Bradley had come flying out the front door like a bat out of hell, clad in nothing more than his pajama pants and the pair of boots he’d haphazardly pulled on.

After carrying you back inside and spending the better part of an hour fretting over you, terrified you’d fractured a bone or hit your head despite your numerous protestations, your husband’s worry eventually gave way to amusement. Once he was satisfied that you were truly unharmed, at least for the most part, he couldn’t help but tease you a little bit.

“I told you it was slippery out there, honey,” he murmured, a smile tugging at his lips as he carried you to the bedroom and laid you down on your stomach so that he could gently massage your behind, which was currently throbbing and probably already had a nice bruise developing. “Were you trying to go ice skating without me?”

“Ha, ha, ha,” you muttered sarcastically, wincing a little bit as Bradley’s hand moved across a particularly tender spot.

Bradley caught your expression and stopped teasing. “I’m sorry, baby. Does it hurt bad? Let me go get some ice,” he told you, starting to rise.

“Ugh, no, no more ice!” you argued, shaking your head and burying your face in your pillow in embarrassment.

“What can I do to make it better?” he asked softly, brushing your hair away from your face and pressing a kiss to your temple.

You lifted your head and thought a moment, then grinned mischievously. “Can you kiss it and make it better?”

Bradley smirked in return, his hand slipping under the waistband of your yoga pants. “Whatever helps, honey.”

January OTP Prompts

[dreamsinthewitchouse]

YOU'RE WRITING STUCKY?!??! my first otp, first fic i wrote, my first big chunk of time in fandom was all stucky. tell me anything at all about either/both of your stucky wips! i'm 👀👀👀

Graceeee 💕 I AM! OR I WAS? I mean, I've written lots of stucky, but last year I took a break from it, and then firstprince hit me like a mack truck and I haven't been able to get back to it... But I'm always gonna love stucky in some capacity, and I'd really like to finish these WIPs, so I'll gladly tell you about both!

(Also, very glad to run into a fellow stuckie in firstprince circles - you're very welcome to scream about these two with/at me whenever you feel like it! 🥰)

Okay so here goes.

--

Where We'll Be Saints is a Romeo+Juliet '96 AU that I've been working on for years - still no clue when it's going to see the light of day, but here's hoping. ✌🏼

The early afternoon hummed with heat, billowing curtains drawn against the summer’s dying breath. Bucky sat in front of his vanity like a saint at a shrine, brushing his hair with slow, methodical strokes. The room was reflected in a mirror framed by silk roses, with a couple of faded polaroids tacked onto the corners. Beaded rosaries draped over the shoulder of a wire mannequin, sea shells piled in a glass jar. Bottles of perfumes with stoppers shaped like flowers and hummingbirds, coated in a thin layer of dust. Joan of Arc in a mother of pearl frame. 

Bucky was wrapped in a floral dressing gown, cinched at the waist and flowing around his hips, falling open to expose the tips of his collar bones. He had one leg thrown over the other, a radiant post-bath glow on his cheeks. 

Stationed at his feet, Steve was mesmerized by the bristles running through the soft, dark brown locks, Bucky’s fingers curled around the tortoiseshell handle. 

--

Push the Sky Away is mostly domestic stucky + Avengers family, sequel to Pisces Season.

Steve is holding a photograph of Bucky, Gabe and Monty sitting outside the mess tent, sharing a bottle of bourbon. Bucky stops behind him, hooking his chin over Steve’s shoulder. 

“Peggy took this one. She gave it to me before she…” Steve trails off, pushing the picture towards Bucky. 

Bucky reaches over to smooth his fingers over the crinkled edge, soft to the touch. 

“I told her. That you were— that I was looking for you.” 

“You did?” Bucky lets his gaze sink into the photograph, the scene slowly coming alive in washed-out sepia. 

The familiar twist of Gabe’s mouth tugs at something deep in his chest. Bucky can hear Monty’s voice, not-so-gently ribbing him for being the last one to get up, emerging from the tent — Steve’s tent — wild-haired and yawning wide enough to crack his jaw. 

Bucky’s hair in the picture is combed carefully to the side with a stubborn strand falling over one eye, him having run out of pomade sometime before it was taken. His smile is bright, but layered underneath is the unmistakeable, gaunt look of a man who can’t quite believe he cheated his own death.

Because he didn’t. 

--

Ask me about my WIPs?

[gaelic-symphony]

A Year in the Life: September

Twelve vignettes from the married life of Tara Lewis and Emily Prentiss, written for the Year of the OTP writing challenge.

Prompt: Hurt/comfort. Also fills the square "I'll take care of you" for @prentiss-theorem's bingo challenge.

Words: 652

Warnings: Hospitals, minor injuries (nothing too graphic)

Read on AO3 or below the cut

            Chasing after unsubs in boots over uneven terrain meant there was always the possibility of injury, and Tara felt the pop as her leg gave way beneath her and she tumbled to the ground.  An x-ray at the hospital confirmed it: Her ankle was broken.  Emily rushed over to the hospital as soon as she got the call from Matt that Tara was hurt, and she flung open the door to the hospital room where an orthopedist was preparing gauze and plaster to wrap Tara’s ankle.

            “Tara, honey, what happened?” she cried as she hurried over to her wife’s side.

            “I’m okay,” Tara assured her, “I just fell, no big deal.”

            “Your wife has a lateral malleolus fracture,” the doctor said, “The lower part of her fibula is broken.  It’s a clean break, and she’ll make a full recovery without surgery.  There’s no need to worry, Mrs. Lewis.”

            Emily felt a little flush and a pleasant tingle in her spine at hearing herself addressed that way, and she smiled down at Tara and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

            “Okay, now, Tara, this will probably hurt a bit,” the doctor continued, “But before I put the cast on, I need to realign the bone so it’ll heal properly.”

            “Need a hand to hold, babe?” Emily offered, extending her hand to Tara.

            Tara grabbed Emily’s hand, and the doctor gently put his hand on Tara’s swollen ankle, letting her take a breath and prepare herself for what he was about to do.  He squeezed her ankle joint, expertly manipulating everything back into place.  Tara groaned in pain and grasped Emily’s hand as tight as she could, her fingernails digging into Emily’s skin.  With her free hand, Emily gently stroked Tara’s hair and planted a soothing kiss on the top of her head.  Once the doctor had finished setting the bone, Tara relaxed her grip on Emily’s hand and pulled it closer to kiss it.

            “You’re doing great, Tara,” the doctor said, “The hard part’s over.”

            “Are you sure the hard part’s not going to be having this big heavy cast on my leg for the next six weeks?” Tara chuckled wryly.

            The doctor began wrapping Tara’s ankle, first in soft gauze, then in hard plaster.  It was still tender, and Tara would occasionally wince in pain as the layers of the cast were added to particularly sensitive spots.  Each time she winced, Emily wrapped her arm around Tara’s shoulders a little tighter and pulled her a little closer, as if she were trying to protect her wife from the pain.

            “Last time I had a cast it was lime green,” Tara said wistfully, looking at the plain white plaster the doctor had just encased her leg in.

            “How old were you?” Emily laughed.

            “Eleven,” Tara said, “I fell off my bike and broke my arm.”

            “Did all your friends sign your cast?” Emily asked.

            “Of course!” Tara replied, “That was the best part!”

            “Maybe you can get the team to sign your cast back at the office,” Emily joked.

            “Guess I’m gonna be spending a lot of time there now,” Tara grumbled, “How long until I’m back in the field, doctor?”

            “Oh, it’ll be at least a couple of months,” the doctor said, “Even once the cast comes off, you’ll still have some healing to do.  Your body can’t just bounce back from a broken bone like it did when you were eleven.  You’ll need to stay off that ankle and ease back into things.  Don’t push yourself too hard.”

            “I’ll make sure she doesn’t overdo it, doc,” Emily assured him.

            Tara rolled her eyes.  “Emily…”

            “Nuh uh,” Emily shook her head, “Don’t even bother arguing.  I’m taking you home, and you’re going to get plenty of rest.”

            “Don’t you have to get back to work?” Tara asked.

            “The team can take care of the case,” Emily said, “I’ll take care of you.”

[ksbbb]

ur okay to answer all of the questions? 🤭😅😆

😂😂😂 for you? I will 🫂

list 3 positive things about your current fandom(s)? A lot of material to work with considering we have to fill in gaps. Multiple characters to use. Lost of works to explore and plus there’s so many head canons that you can get lost and have a whole day to fill. 😂 they finished the show too. I will add that. Some shows get canceled.

A head cannon you weren’t sure about at first but you have come to like?

Liam not being able to cook. It sounds silly but at first I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt and I enjoy the thought of Theo being the cook and perfectionist with it.

a character that fandom has helped you appreciate?

Derek Hale. LISTEN. Don’t come for me. Originally I didn’t like Derek because he was mean to Scott at first and I didn’t like how he threw Isaac out of the loft with no place to go. 😤 however, I’ve come to the conclusion through the fandom that he has grown and he went through a lot. He also did come back to help Scott.

say something nice about a ship you don't ship (it can be another ship in your fandom, a mutual's OTP, etc)

Stalia. Stiles helping Malia and them looking out for each other was always really sweet to me.

Something you see in fics a lot and love

Theo moving in with Liam. I think we have established this happened for real in our teen wolf world.

Something you see in art a lot and love

Theo and Liam in Theo’s truck driving around.

your favorite tropes to read/write/draw

Enemies to lovers

Sharing a bed

Reluctant friends/allies

you hope more people will come to appreciate ___ (a ship, a trope, an episode, etc)

Season 5 . Yes it was a little rough and a lot of holes, but we got Theo and the chimera pack. It also gave a horror type vibe which I loved .

Plus plus… we were introduced to

A ship that isn’t your OTP but you enjoy

Scisaac. I don’t think anything else needs to be said.

a blog (mutual or one you follow) that has made your fandom experience brighter

@thiamsxbitch @wolfboy88

If you’re a writer or an artist what work are you proud of making? 

Hmmm. I think I always come back to this but

your favorite type of fandom event (gift exchange, ship week, secret santa, prompt meme, etc)

Thiam gift exchange was fun. I also liked the thiam reverse big bang and seeing all the artwork

Compliment someone else in your fandom

Well… that’s hard fjfjfj. I like everyone but I will say that green zone is the best written fic I’ve read in a long time. @chasing-chimeras

A ship that always makes you smile 

Scira . 💙💙 so wholesome

A character that always makes you smile

Scott

A thing in canon that everyone loves that you also love

Morey. I mean, Jeff didn’t screw that up in in the show. The movie we won’t discuss .

tiny detail in canon that you want more people to appreciate

The development of Derek and Scott’s relationship from angry stand offish allies to brothers. I think it’s cute and now that I like Derek I love it. 😂

Your first fandom

Vampire diaries but I wasn’t a writer or artist for it

Your current fandom

Teen wolf

All American

Shadow and bone

Supernatural

a fandom you're not active in anymore but that you still really like

Vampire diaries

A fandom friend you have known the longest

@waterloou 🫂

the fandom you're curious about because of a mutual

Hmm 🤔 idk. I’d have to think but one tree hill has been on my mind to watch because of you @thiamsxbitch

how has fandom positively impacted your life?

I met some fantastic people and for that I will be eternally thankful

A piece of advice for taking care of yourself in fandom spaces?

Take breaks and don’t look at numbers. It’s easy to get lost in it but what’s important is that you enjoy what you’re doing. If you don’t like it and it becomes a constant stress for more likes or comments, then it’s time to step away.

It should be fun

[crackers4jenn]

Got some Ted Lasso thoughts

Keeping in mind I've only watched a few s1 episodes, even fewer s2 episodes, and now 6 or 7 s3 episodes in total and totally at random:

The show seems to be hinting at Ted/Rebecca, what with its lack of subtlety when it comes to those psychic-predicted cues (it's like an anvil falling from the ceiling every time Rebecca comes across a green matchbook, lemme tell you) but I still have to squint to find even a hint of romantic interest between them onscreen, like they're La Croix personified. You know, lacking any real flavor. More the suggestion of a otp than an actual otp. But!! I also wouldn't be surprised if Ted and Rebecca have some very last minute revelations about the other, considering how often this show seems to like to pull the move of having very important moments happen offscreen. Like the team's winning streak, after losing so long and so hard. Like Nate quitting. Like Roy and Keeley getting back together. Etc. Anyway, I'm incredibly indifferent to Ted and Rebecca as a ship, they literally are as bland as🧍‍♂️🧍‍♀️ to me, but I already told @dollsome-does-tumblr I will suppress my feelings and hope she gets some hail mary endgame so! That's what I'm doing! Here I go!

Speaking of Roy and Keeley getting back together. They're great, I do like them, but I'm also curious what the point of having Keeley clock Jamie's character growth in earlier episodes was if theyyy weren't the ones who were getting back together. Just another instance of lack of subtlety? Like the character growth isn't real if it's not being blatantly addressed?

I can be one of 3 people on tumblr.com who like Sam and Rebecca together, that's fine!! I found their awkward run-in quite delightful. It gave vibes of Jeff and Annie, forcibly platonic pats and all. I gotta say, this show makes no sense, though, because I thought for sure that scene, plus the appearance of Edwin Akufo, would lead to Rebecca intervening on Sam's behalf somehow. But, no. The dude really showed up to mock Sam, just because. And Rebecca got pulled into a meeting with him without ever connecting any dots about how cruel he was to him. So that means the moment between her and Sam was there just to... I don't know, remind the audience they used to bone? For no reason????

I skipped past most of the Nate stuff. I didn't watch his descent into villainy so I don't care about this redemption arc. I also don't care about his thing with Jade, who comes off more like a prop than a person.

Trent sitting in with Ted and Rebecca for girl talk was a highlight. I just like him so much. All he does is stare adoringly at the players (slash mostly Ted) and I think that's swell. This show doesn't have a Jim Halpert stare into the camera, it has a Trent Crimm reaction gaze.

The storyline I laughed over most was Dani inventing an intense rivalry between himself and Van Damme simply because they were playing opposite each other. To have the most darling guy on the team so ruthlessly switch to maliciously competitive? Soooo hilarious, especially played against Van Damme, who went from friendly, to wary and confused, to fearful 🤣🤣

[raging-violets]

Can't have you injuring yourself, now can we?" + issi!

OTP Prompts: Protectiveness | Ask Box

Narnia: Prompt | Excuses, Excuses | Edmund x Issi

Issi Winters looked up from the clotting cuts over bruised and swollen knuckles to the brown eyes of Edmund Pevensie. This wasn’t an unusual sight for her; injuries as small as a scratch from a thorn, as serious as crushed bones, and anything in between could show up at her door. These particular brown eyes, though. That was few and far between.  

Narnians, the people of Archeland and Calormen, and many different creatures often used Beruna as a resting place between the territories. Since Lord Miraz’s defeat, Beruna had been growing steadily, flourishing under the Telmarines that decided to stay and start a new life for themselves, rebuilding the city, and looking to start schools and businesses.  

After the Telmarines were driven out of the area, Issi had decided to stay in Beruna and open an apothecary; her way of following her dream of becoming a doctor.  

“If I didn’t know you any better, Edmund,” she said, grasping his chin to tilt his head back and forth, side to side, as she looked over his split lip, puffy right cheekbone, and gritty bits of dirt and blood that had trickled out of his hairline and down his forehead. Issi gave the king a smile of amusement as she released his face. “I’d reckon you were doing this on purpose.”  

Edmund’s eyebrows came towards each other. “What do you mean?” he asked.  

“I mean,” Issi said, “Lu has her healing cordial—"  

“All the way back at Cair Paravel. And Peter told her not to use it,” Edmund said, with a hint of annoyance to his voice, “unless absolutely necessary.” The same kind of annoyance, she assumed, appeared in her voice whenever her mother reminded her, unnecessarily, how getting their rations for the day and getting to work on time was the best place for her. Issi twisted her mouth to the side, watching as Edmund subconsciously shifted on his stool. He then lifted his hand, pressing it into his lower left side.   

She had heard the stories of the Pevensies’ first journey in Narnia. Of the severe injury he had sustained at the hands of Jadis. It seemed, despite the healing cordial’s work, he could still feel pain in the location. Or maybe he was just remembering what it had felt like; a lifetime ago in one phase of his life, yet still in recent memory.  

“Talks between the Narnians and Calormen broke down, that’s all,” he explained. He sighed through his nose when he noticed her appraising look. “I’m ok.” That’s what he always said. Edmund had never been known to make much of a fuss over himself.  

“You’re a right, bloody liar, Edmund Pevensie,” Issi said with a laugh. “You’re exactly like some of the little ones here that always come ‘round the time school starts, talking about feeling crummy, and their head aches them so.”  

“Not everybody likes school,” he said with a wry smile.  

“And Cair Paravel is out by the coast, past Glasswater,” Issi said, finishing her initial thought. She gathered the front folds of her dress in her hands. Lifting the hem out of the dirt, she brushed past Edmund to reach her wall of vials. She quickly scanned over the array in front of her and grabbed a few off the shelf. Arms laden with a pestle, a bowl, a cup of water she had retrieved from a basin, she carried them back over to her stool. “Yet you came inland to Beruna.” She looked him over again. “I suppose your head does ache.”  

“Just a little,” he admitted. “And we needed to stock up on supplies.” 

He suddenly looked tired. Still a formal air was still evident in his tone, and his eyes were alert. It was a stark contrast to the king that made his way through town moments before. So sure of himself, shoulders back, eyes alight with the confidence he wanted to spread to those living in Beruna, yet reflecting what he had experienced. He had quickly grown into his role of the king of Narnia over the years.  

In his early twenties, he was still a young man, both in his energy and his temperament at times, but he was also one that had a serious side to him. He could lead a strategy meeting in the wake of Peter’s absence, yet he was also one who was known for what little amount of words he’d say. Outside of attempts of formal talks between countries, such as this most recent trip, Edmund had grown to be known as the “strong, silent type.”  

He, much like his brother and sisters, had to grow up really quickly. With both the war he and his brothers and sister had been sent away from, and the responsibility of running a country on their own. One situation where he was often told he wasn’t old enough to join adult conversations, the other where he held those conversations and had to think carefully as his words dictated the outcome for others. 

It was a nice change to witness. Even if from afar. 

“And a break. It was easier going past the River Rush instead of travelling through all the mountains outside of Archenland. One of the centaurs went ahead to give Peter, Susan, and Lu word of our delay; a few came with us as our guard. And Lucy would have my head if I didn’t stop to see you.”  

Issi paused slightly in removing the stopper from her vials. She kept her gaze on the task at hand. The Kings and Queens of Narnia were good to their people. They wanted to know how best to help those they served so they travelled to surrounding communities from time to time. Excitement would sweep through the town whenever word of a visit from the Kings and Queens was announced. It was always good to see her friends, they did make it a point to see her when they visited. Still, she couldn’t stop her heart from (annoyingly) fluttering at his words. And what those words could have really meant.  

“You can come see me anytime you want, Ed, you don’t have to get hurt to do it.”  

She dumped the contents into the bowl before she grabbed her pestle and started crushing the contents, purposefully avoiding his eyes. What a bold statement to make to someone of his high stature. Of everyone in Narnia and the surrounding lands he could look towards, and of all the maidens who have let their interest known to the kings’ and queens’ court, why he would choose a merchant such as herself was beyond her. She found herself in a right state the moment the fact that she actually cared about something like that had hit her. 

Edmund made a sound of impatience in the back of his throat. 

“I’m sorry, was it or was it not you, whom Peter has said got into fights back home a time or two? Or a few?” Issi asked, lifting her head to give Edmund a challenging look. “Hmm?” 

“What else have you heard from Peter?” Edmund asked, meeting her challenging look with his dark eyes. Darker now, due to something she couldn’t quite pinpoint. Or she could but didn’t want to say what it was out loud. 

“Oh, nothing, just that Lucy is his favorite sister,” Issi said. 

Edmund snorted. “Yeah, well, that’s not surprising.” 

“Relax, Ed, I’m sure you’re his favorite brother.” 

That time he laughed through his nose, a weak smile coming to his face. 

“I do have a gift for Lu,” Issi mused, setting down the pestle and bowl to brush her hands over the apron draped over the front of her dress. “Been meaning to bring it ‘round your way. So, it is a good thing you popped by. Otherwise, I might’ve missed you.” 

“Now whose saying they’re doing things on purpose?” Edmund asked. “You could always just give me whatever it is for Lucy.” 

“I don’t need Her Highness to come all the way out here to shout at me for not visiting,” Issi said with an incredulous laugh. Lucy may be the youngest of the kings and queens, but she was plucky. Get her mad enough and it looked like even her auburn hair was alight with the fire she held inside of her. “And you know she would.” 

Edmund hummed in agreement. Then, he lifted his hand and waved it lazily to indicate himself. “So, how bad does it look?” 

“I know you’re already itching to get back, maybe even to spar with Peter, but you have to take the time to rest,” Issi warned. “Or else you might make that split even worse than it is right now.” She reached up her hand to brush his dark locs up and away from his forehead. Edmund briefly closed his eyes at the touch before snapping them open again. A mere blink. “I know how you two get when you’re practicing.” 

“I guess I have some time to stay for a bit,” he conceded with a sheepish grin. After all, she had fixed up a few bloody noses, shallow cuts, and looked after a concussion or two from both him and Peter while she still lived on their grounds. Neither of the kings liked to lose. 

“Lucky me,” Issi said with a smile. “And I want to make sure you don’t have a concussion.” She clicked her tongue much like how her mother did when she was annoyed with her daughter. She busied herself by taking strips of cloth and dunking it into the bowl, making sure the liquid settled in the bowel soaked into the material. “Riding that horse all the way, could’ve done you more damage. Can’t have you hurting yourself, can we?” 

“Yeah, yeah,” Edmund grumbled. He looked around the space before looking back at her. “What do you have for Lucy, anyway?” 

“A whole tin of marzipan,” Issi explained. “And a couple other sweets. Made fresh from the bakery.” 

“Yes, Lu would certainly come here to yell at you should she not have gotten any sweets,” Edmund said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. “OUCH!” Edmund violently flinched when Issi pressed a sopping strip of cloth to the back of his hand. 

“Keep speaking like that, and my bedside manner will leave a lot to be desired,” Issi said with a smile.  

-

Tag List: @foxesandmagic @witchofinterest @ocappreciationtag @darknightfrombeyond - I apologize if I forgot to add anyone to this tag list.

[takaraphoenix]

Ok so I just finished watching Shadow and Bone for the first time and I knew you had watched it before so I came to see what your opinions on some of it was. Didn't really see anything for what what is probably my favorite ship is but I don't really care about that right now. I think I'm more interested in knowing what you're Top 5 favorite ships are (Top 10 if you feel like you're having a hard time narrowing it down to just 5 but from what I saw, I don't think that would be a problem???). Also, if you feel up to it, any favorite headcanons for the various characters or ships you might want to include. Much love to you Phoe!!! Now I'm off to go consume for content because I need my pretty men... gods, why are there so many pretty men in this show 😭😭😭 a lot of pretty women too, though I'm gay so it's just aesthetically pretty on their part, lol

oooh you watched ot for the first time! I hope you liked it! And well now I'm cirious what your favorite ship was.

Since I only have exactly 10 ships in this fandom, I will give you a top 10! lol Though since these are all the ships, they actually do span the entire spectrum of "I am obsessed with this", "I've written for this" to "it's a nice sidepairing! I liked when they were on screen but don't really think about them when they're not".

Aleksander/Alina

Inej/Alina

Kaz/Jesper

Genya/Alina

Tamar/Inej

Nikolai/Mal

Nikolai/Alina

Tamar/Nadia

Jesper/Wylan

David/Genya

+ bonus: Tolya/poetry

because I definitely came out of this headcanoning Tolya as aroace and I want this softest of boys to find someone who will platonically share his love of poetry with him. Please. He deserves it.

Not a secret that Darklina is my OTP. I'm not exactly quiet about it. They make me feel all shades of unhinged. I gotta get onto writing about them, honestly, can't believe that hasn't happened yet, but I guess that s1 left me too satisfied with canon overall to want to write just yet. Currently nose-deep in fics about them.

Alina and Inej is a solid second. They didn't have much interaction but what they had was gold. The blade protecting her saint. The worship and awe. These two badasses. I love them. And, much like Alinej, both Kaz/Jesper and Genya/Alina were also ships I came out of s1 with and wrote for after that.

Honestly, Tamar/Nadia would rank higher if the show had dedicated more time to them, but they happened so much in the background and I'm genuinely mad about that. I had to sit through so so so much straight drama especially in this season, but the only wlw ship in this entire show and they barely got screentime. They were cute together, visually, but... I didn't get enough of what made them click, or of Nadia's personality in general to be quite honest, to be as invested as I wanted to be (because I did. I knew that Nadia was a wlw and I knew that Tamar would be introduced this season and I was looking forward to this). So, with what the show gave me? I was like "daw, cute" when they were on screen, yeah.

On the other hand, I love both Tamar and Inej, and the potential of Inej now on the ship makes me think of the potential of those two together. Now, I am a lover of poly so I would not be opposed to just mashing these two ships together either. But I'm really intrigued by Tamar/Inej primarily here.

Nikolai and Alina worked surprisingly well. Didn't think I'd end up with another guy for Alina aside from Aleksander. But I really liked their chemistry and the fake marriage plotline absolutely ended me. He could be her trophy husband, I wouldn't mind.

Jesper and Wylan were honestly a positive surprise to me! You know me, you know my track-record with canon mlm ships! I usually do not like them. So that they made the list at all is great. I'm not super invested, but I thought they were adorable.

And Genya and David were cute too. I don't get why they killed David off? From what I gather, they don't in the books, so that was weird. But I thought they were nice.

Headcanons? Mostly sexuality wise.

Ace Kaz. Ace Kaz was the first once I had. I know his touch aversion roots in trauma but I recognize a lot of my own sex-repulsion in his behavior and am projecting hard so ace Kaz. Also definitely dom Kaz, have you seen that man rule his club, or bring Pekka to his knees (not that I want Pekka to sub for him, ew, but the power Kaz radiated in that moment was *chef's kiss*).

Nikolai the pan pirate who definitely should never have been a prince, like, I would love him so much more if he had just been a pirate but thoughts on the monarchy and how that plotline was handled are too much for this post. ANYWAY yeah I think Nikolai should go back onto his ship and pirate away with his boyfriend. Also, just, can you believe the Enemies to Lovers arc Mal and Nikolai had? I mean, they literally went from "I refuse to know your name" to "take my name", like that is explicitly something that happened in canon. Wild.

Lesbian Inej, which I know, not a popular headcanon in the fandom since the fandom seems to unanimously ship her and her endgame romance. I just... don't really get romantic vibes there at all, even after season 2. I like them as friends, a lot. But I'm getting huge lesbian vibes from Inej and will be clinging onto that, even more so after how little wlw love s2 gave me.

Mal as a suppressed gay would be fun. Like, his thing with Alina was annoying. He didn't give a damn about her romantic feelings for him until she had a boyfriend and suddenly he got jealous. I don't like these types of writings. So I'd love to see that more as Mal never having been romantically interested in her at all, just friend!Mal afraid to be abandoned. The cheeky pirate is his gay awakening. All the girls - and apparently book!Mal was kind of a slut - were just him trying really hard to be straight.

Alina is just a bi queen. And queen literal. That's where the "Niko should go sail with his bf" part comes into play, because... the monarchy needs to go down. She should rule, she should have never supported the damn royal family that's been enslaving and oppressing Grisha for centuries, I just. I don't like that part. I really don't. Ship to rule beside her is optional (Aleksander, Genya, okay fine Nikolai but like she rules, he's just her trophy husband), but queen!Alina is a must. Though gotta admit for my Alinej I still love her as a part of the Crows - post s1, I wrote some where Alina and Mal just... stayed with the Crows after they left Ravka and I'm still fond of that. I still think that would be a fun take.

[invisibleraven]

I really wish it was only me and you

Written for the Year of the OTP challenge prompt:blind date/meet cute

On AO3!

Short and sweet this month, but I thought this was a fun concept and was in the mood to write some more Sweet Tarts, so I hope you enjoy!

“No.”

“I didn’t say anything!” Julie protested, stopping Carrie from shutting the door in her face.

“No, but you have your ‘I need a favour’ face on,” Carrie replied.

“I do not have a favour face!” Julie argued, then deflated. “Okay, so I do. But you don’t know what it is yet!”

“I’m still saying no beforehand,” Carrie said, once again trying to shut the door, and scowled when Julie didn’t move. “You’re not going to let this go are you?”

“Nope!”

Carrie gave a beleaguered sigh and opened the door, letting Julie in and fetched them both water, knowing that Julie was the dog with a bone-she wasn’t letting Carrie turn her down. “Fine. What do you need? Donation to a charity? A dress for your next awards ceremony? The name of my lawyer?”

“We’re not the same size, so no to the dress, and I have my own lawyer,” Julie replied.

“So am I getting my check book?” Carrie asked.

Julie paused, playing with her fingers, eyes avoidant, and immediately Carrie knew this was a personal favour. “Do you need an alibi?”

“What? No!” Julie said and then laughed. “I wanted to set you up on a date!”

“Absolutely not,” Carrie said firmly.

“Carrie it’s been over a year since you and Felipe broke up,” Julie said. “Time to get back on the proverbial horse.”

“The horse and I are better off as acquaintances,” Carrie replied. “The kind you nod at but don’t stop to talk to when you see them.”

It wasn’t that the break up with Felipe had broken her heart or anything, but Carrie was kind of jaded with the whole dating thing. Guys wanted you for your money or your name or your body, not for you. They demanded your attention which she could use to work, both on her songs and herself.

Try explaining that to Julie though, who had been with Luke since they were practically kids, blissfully happy and ready to tie the knot in a few months.

“Carrie,” Julie said, reaching out and laying a hand on her arm. “You’re lonely, no matter what you say. And I want you to find someone who will worship you, make you as happy as Luke has made me.”

“And you think your prospective date might be it?” Carrie asked, sending Julie a judgemental look.

Julie just shrugged. “I think you’d hit it off, but all I’m asking is you give him a chance. One dinner date.”

“Coffee,” Carrie argued.

“Lunch,” Julie counter offered.

“Fiiiiiiiine,” Carrie sighed, ignoring the jubilant look on Julie’s face. She was becoming a soft touch she swears. “But when this fails spectacularly, which it will, I reserve the right to follow you around and repeat I told you so ad nauseum.”

“I look forward to the attention,” Julie preened.

“So do I get to know anything about this guy?”

“His name is Reggie.”

~

“Absolutely not.”

“Come on Reg, it’s one lunch date!” Luke whined.

“Do remember the last date you set me up on?” Reggie asked with a raised eyebrow. “Zelda? Or how about Ashleigh before that? Or Talia before her?”

Luke winced at every name. “Okay so my track record isn’t great, I’ll admit. But this one is all Julie. She thinks you and this Carrie girl will really hit it off.”

Reggie slumped at that. He was unable to deny Julie anything. Luke had introduced them when they had started dating, and Reggie had been fond of her ever since. They hadn’t seen each other much other than video calls since he had been in Georgia looking after MeeMaw, and then settling her estate. So it kind of raised his hackles for one of the first things she did when he was back was to set him up.

“She does know I am perfectly capable of finding my own dates right?” Reggie asked, trying to deflect.

“You know what Julie is like bro, she wants everyone to be happy, and she thinks you’d find happiness with her friend,” Luke said with a shrug. “I just go along with whatever she wants. Happy wife, happy life you know?”

“You guys don’t even need the wedding, you're already so married,” Reggie joked, playfully slugging Luke in the shoulder.

Luke sighed, a dopey expression on his face. “She’s the music of my life Reg.”

“Sap.”

Luke grinned. “So what am I telling Julie about the date?”

Reggie groaned. “Ugh I hate blind dates. I really don’t want to.”

“You gonna tell Julie that?”

Reggie groaned even louder at that. “No because she’ll break out the puppy dog eyes and she knows I’m powerless against those. Tell her one lunch date. And when it blows up-which it will-she’s not allowed to set me up again for at least six months.”

Luke laughed at that. “Bud if you think she’s letting you come to our wedding stag you’re crazy. But I’ll pass the message along.”

Reggie rolled his eyes at that. At least for the wedding he could convince Flynn to go as his date, in a sort of aro-bi solidarity pact.

“So what do you know about this Carrie girl?”

~

Coffee. Carrie needed coffee if she was ever to survive this day. She was really regretting letting Julie set her up. She could be home, in her sweats, enjoying a leisurely morning watching Bake Off reruns and a face mask. But no, she was a good friend, so she was out before noon; in a cute outfit, hair and face done up, and ready for a truly awful date.

Julie is gonna owe her so bad for this.

She was at Jitters, her favourite spot, ready to order the biggest, strongest drink she could, loaded with sugar to help her through. She might even get a pastry, just as a treat. Heaven knows she wasn’t sitting through dessert as well as lunch.

“And a cinnamon roll too please,” Carrie said, hearing the exact same phrase from the register next to her, a very cute guy placing an order.

“Oh I’m sorry we only have one roll left,” the barista said apologetically to Carrie.

The guy turned to her, sending her a crooked smile. “I suppose as a gentleman I could share the roll.”

Carrie snorted. “A real gentleman would offer to give me the whole thing.”

“Pity it’s such a good roll,” he replied. “What’s your next favourite? I’ll buy that for us to split too if you let me have half the roll.”

“Well how can I reject an offer like that?” Carrie replied, paying for her order with a healthy tip, standing off to the side to wait for her drink. Blushing a little as the guy stood next to her, close enough to see the springtime green of his eyes, the rosy pink of his blush, the golden constellation of freckles across his nose and cheeks. “So do I get to know the name of my saviour?”

“I can give it to you with my number if you want, or maybe even treat you to something more substantial than pastry?” he offered, waggling his eyebrows and giving her another cheeky grin.

Carrie’s shoulders sagged at that. “If you had asked me on any other day I’d be saying let’s go. Enjoy the pastry on a blanket in the park or something. But I have a lunchtime date, one I can’t cancel. Otherwise I would.”

“Seems we’re in similar boats,” the guy said, a look of disappointment crossing over his face. “Meddling friends?”

“The worst kind,” Carrie admitted. “So you’d give up your chance with this mystery girl for one with me?”

He leaned in closer, so close Carrie could smell the leather of his jacket, his woodsy aftershave, the fresh scent of his fabric softener. Clean and like summer, a welcome change from her usual; guys who wore enough Axe to drown a man and always affected her allergies. She wishes she could wallow in him rather than go on some date with a guy who could reek of whatever noxious scent they thought appropriate. Sure she knew Julie would never set her up with a guy who didn’t bathe or anything, but still…

“For you doll? In a heartbeat.”

Carrie giggled. “You don’t even know me.”

He smirked once more. “But I’d like to. So can I give you my number anyways? So if this guy turns out to be a dud you can call me?”

“You’re hoping my date will be a failure?” Carrie asked, arching her eyebrow.

“Aren’t you?” he replied. “I know there’s no way the girl I’m supposed to see could ever measure up to how enchanted I am by you.”

“One part of me is wishing you were more of a jerk so you’d stand her up and take me out instead,” Carrie said. “But most of me is glad you’re living up to your title as gentleman because I could never date a guy who ghosted me.”

He snapped his fingers in an ‘oh darn’ gesture and glanced at his watch. “I unfortunately have to go. So, what do you say to getting my number?”

Carrie was so so tempted, but it almost felt disloyal to take him up on his offer when she had Reggie waiting on her. “How about we leave it up to fate? If our dates are bad we meet up for ice cream at Scoops Ahoy down on the boardwalk at five?”

“And if our dates go well?” he asked.

“Then it was never meant to be,” she replied, leaning in and gave him a lightning fast kiss to the corner of his mouth. “I hope it is though.”

“Me too,” he replied, and dashing off, with Carrie watching him go. Sighing and shaking herself before hearing her name called, and looked to the counter. He had left her both treats, and she grinned, wondering if they would keep until five.

“Can you tell me his name?” she asked, sipping on her coffee, relishing the rush of the caffeine.

“He said it was Elton?’ the barista replied. “But we get a lot of fake names here, so take that with a grain of salt.”

She nodded-she had given a fake name a time or two, but it didn’t help her solve her mystery. She glanced at her watch-well she had a little over six hours to wait-she really hoped she would find out then.

~

Reggie cursed himself as he walked away from the coffee shop. Gosh that girl was gorgeous! And the confident aura surrounding her drew Reggie in like flies to honey. He had been a bit disheartened when she turned him down, but then she had given him hope with her proposed later meeting. A meeting he sure as hell would be going to, because there was no way this Carrie chick could measure up to the goddess he had just left behind.

He hoped she liked the treats-even if now he was wishing he had stayed to collect half the cookie, aching for a bit of a sugar rush after the way her kiss had amped him up for something sweet. But of course he had to get to his appointment on time- Dr. Butler didn’t like to be kept waiting.

Plus she had managed to squeeze him in for a last minute session today, so there was no way he could cancel. Plus, even though she was his therapist, Pepper was also a friend who would definitely give him some advice regarding the whole date situation he found himself in.

“You’re late,” Pepper said, barely looking over her glasses as he sat on her ridiculously comfortable chaise.

“Only by like, a minute Pep, come on.”

“Did you bring me a pastry?” she asked, handing him a water bottle, knowing Reggie was no fan of coffee but usually stopped by Jitters before their sessions for a treat, and brought her one as well.

“I forgot,” he said, avoiding her eyes.

“That is your lying face,” Pepper said with a hum. “What’s her name?”

“I didn’t get it?” he said sheepishly.

“Well I suppose you had better tell me about that before your date,” Pepper said, sitting back and taking out her notebook.

Later, Reggie had a bit more of a bounce to his step as he headed to the pop up Filipino restaurant Carrie wanted to meet at. Julie had mentioned her dad was part Filipino, and this chef was an excellent one. He had checked out the menu and there were a couple options he’d like to try. So even if the date was awful, hopefully the food would be good.

He decided against flowers-too ambitious for a lunch date. But he did grab a single hot pink gerber daisy from a bodega on the way-he’d get a bigger bunch if he ended up going for ice cream with his mystery girl later. She deserved the effort at least. ‘

Reggie got there a few minutes early-and debated waiting outside, but since he had no clue what Carrie looked like-Luke and Julie thought the true blind date experience would be fun-she could walk right past him and he’d never know. He walked inside and asked the hostess for the table under Peters.

“Your companion is already here,” the hostess replied. “Right this way.”

Reggie nodded, clutching the stem of the daisy tighter, wondering yet again what he had gotten himself into. He just had to remember it was only lunch, and then he had the afternoon to while away before heading to the ice cream place and hoped he saw a familiar head of honey coloured hair and enchanting brown eyes there.

Only that same hair and eyes were sitting at a table, all by herself right in front of him. The table he was being guided to, and he swore the smile broke his face it was so wide. “Carrie?”

She looked up at him and beamed. “Reggie…oh I get the Elton thing now,” she said with a giggle.

He grinned as he sat down across from her. “Yeah, my mom was a big fan, but my dad hated the name, so they went with Reginald.”

“I’m named for Carrie Fisher.”

“Badass.” They fist bumped at that. “Please tell me you don’t like the prequels though.”

“Ugh no!” Carrie replied. “Original trilogy or bust!”

“Marry me.” Reggie joked, handing over the flower and bit the inside of his cheek as she smelled it, the colour of it reflecting on her face.

“Let’s start with lunch,” Carrie stated primly. “And then we can see.”

“Anything you recommend?”

In the end, they ended up sharing Reggie’s pork belly tacos and Carrie’s lumpia, plus taking sneaky bites from the pasty Carrie had smuggled in her purse. Talking and laughing the whole time. Playfully arguing over who footed the bill, with Carrie winning.

“You bought dessert, and ice cream is your treat, so it’s only fair,” she stated.

“We’re still getting ice cream?” Reggie asked. “I thought that was only if the date was a bust?”

“I changed my mind,” Carrie said with a shrug. “Plus we can walk there, keep getting to know each other. But if you like mint chocolate chip we really are done.”

“I’m more of a strawberry guy myself,” Reggie admitted.

Carrie smiled even wider at that. “What do you know? So am I.”

The ice cream was sweet and satisfying, but not as much as the wealth of kisses they exchanged to end their night several hours later. And they both agreed they would reluctantly have to thank Luke and Julie for setting them up. But they would never be allowed to do so again.

Nor was there ever any need, which Julie and Luke crowed about in their joint Maid of Honour/Best Man speech at Carrie and Reggie’s wedding a few years later.

Carrie shook her head and sighed, but nothing could erase the smile on her face-especially when her brand new husband fed her dessert-cinnamon rolls instead of wedding cake, with ice cream on the side.

[finniestoncrane]

Could you do gotham Riddler for the character ask? <3

favourite thing: tidy hair!!! and those glasses!! and his ears!

least favourite thing: hi, who gave him the long on top short on the sides cut i HATED IT

favourite line: anytime he says something goober-esque like "oh dear" or "snug as a bug in a rug"

brOTP: lucius u-u

OTP: nygmobblepot

nOTP: lee >:(

random headcanon: he smells like old spice, leather and turmeric u-u

unpopular opinion: i think he was better as ed, i hated him as the riddler :)

song i associate with them: closer to the bone by louis prima oop

favourite picture of them:

send me a character!

[alj4890]

Alone

(Drake x Olivia) in a Choices The Royal Romance/Heir fan fic.

A/N No reason other than I needed a little Dralivia. And I think it isn't a secret from previous fics how I feel about Drake's mom (in case you don't know, I can't stand her, LOL). Thus, for some reason, listening to the song while working on a fic for another Choices OTP couple of mine, this angsty idea somehow came about.

Rating: G

Song Inspiration: Hold My Hand by Lady Gaga

Masterlist

@krsnlove @sirbeepsalot @lodberg ​ @mynameiskaylabella @museofbooks @elbenmond @gibbles82 @twinkleallnight @thehonorarybeaumont @tessa-liam @moodmusicmonday @choicesficwriterscreations

**************

The sun shouldn't be shining so brightly. Birds shouldn't be chirping their sweet songs. The cool breeze shouldn't be gentle and soothing. This wasn't at all how the world should look today.

Rain should be falling steadily. Perhaps a faint roll of thunder should rumble off in the distance. The wind should be icy, chilling one to the bone. The sky should be a slate gray color giving no hope for sunlight filtering through.

Funerals were meant for that type of atmosphere.

Drake swallowed against the lump of emotion in his throat. He tugged at the knot in his carefully contructed tie, causing it to become lopsided. He ran a hand through his hair. He next slipped on a pair of sunglasses when he noticed some people watching him.

He didn't need this audience. Over half of these people wouldn't have come to his mother's funeral if Liam hadn't made him a Guardian of the Realm. Nobody would have cared that the Walker siblings had lost their only remaining parent if he had not helped save Liam and Riley as often as he had.

Well, perhaps a few would have come. He could always depend on Liam to be there for him. Somehow he had become close to Maxwell, Riley, and Hana along the way. They were just as loyal as one could wish. Even if Bertrand was not married to Savannah, Drake suspected he would still have come to pay his respects.

But none of the others would have cared enough about him to come. No one would have flown all the way out here in to an insignificant Texas town for him.

Well, maybe one other might have.

As the pastor continued his sermon, Drake took advantage of his sunglasses to secretly search for Olivia in the crowd. It didn't take long to find her. Her rich red hair with sunlight shining upon it shone easily against the black clothed individuals.

He was surprised to see her head bowed. Her lips were not hardened in their typical manner. Her hands were loosely clasped in front of her black clad body. A few stray strands of her hair gently got caught in the occasional breeze.

He tried to swallow once more when his sister's muffled sob broke through his study of the duchess. He glanced to his right to see Bertrand wrap his arms around her, whispering against her hair.

Drake only caught a part of what he said.

"I'm right here."

That softly said phrase cut Drake to the quick.

He'd never felt so alone before. He'd experienced lonliness throughout his life, but he never realized how alone he was without a significant other. Liam often told him how much he needed and depended on Riley. Drake had witnessed first hand the changes in Bertrand and Savannah once they married.

But Drake didn't have that.

And now, he must say goodbye to the one parent who had caused nothing but conflicted feelings deep within his heart.

Drake didn't know what to do. Should he be angry and harden his heart against this woman who had abandoned him and his little sister all those years ago? Or should he only focus on the last couple of years and her attempts to makeup for her mistakes?

How uncertain could a man be?

Memories flickered through his mind of his mom when he was little. The gruff manner she would pull him in for a quick hug. The feel of her ruffling his hair. The way she would tuck him into bed at night.

Then thoughts of near silence. Wasn't that what she gave him for years until Liam got married? Actually, would she have shown her face at all if Liam hadn't made certain to invite her to his wedding? Would she have shown up if she hadn't known Savannah had given birth to her first grandchild?

Did she even want to see me? Or was her return to Cordonia for other reasons?

He blinked when people began to step forward to lay a final flower upon the mahogany casket.

Rubbing a hand down his face, he picked up his lone flower. He grimaced somewhat at the number of lilies and roses. His own wildflower he had picked seemed so out of place amongst them. It looked like he didn't care.

And he knew he was the only one left alive to remember the reason for picking the Firewheel for this final time.

The vibrant yellow and red petals were a stark contrast to the delicate, expensive, white flowers.

Tears burned his eyes yet refused to fall.

Stepping back, he went through the motions of thanking those who had come along with his sister and brother-in-law. His aunt was gruff were her murmurs of gratitude.

During one of the so sorry for your loss from a well meaning noble, Drake noticed Olivia slip away without a word. His brow furrowed over the fact she wasn't going to even bother to say anything to him. He'd thought that they were finally beyond being hateful to one another.

I guess I was wrong.

****************

The next couple of days were spent as cohost to those who remained in Texas. Neighbors came by the old farmhouse with enough food to help feed the company of Cordonia's most respected.

Drake was thoroughly tired of it by the third day.

He sneaked out one evening at dusk. Sighing in relief once he was a hundred yards from the crowded house, he continued on toward one of the outer fields.

He leaned against one of the fence posts, watching the last rays of light disappear.

"It's beautiful out here."

He swung around in surprise.

Olivia stepped up beside him, eyes focused on the western horizon.

His eyes narrowed somewhat. He had seen her speaking to others, yet she had kept her distance from him ever since the funeral. It irritated him. She hadn't even bothered to say she was sorry for his loss, yet had somehow followed him out here when he wanted to be alone.

No, that wasn't right. He didn't want to be alone. Not really. But that was how he'd been during this whole process.

Olivia cut her eyes to study his profile. She'd never felt so out of her depths before. What she was about to do was something she'd never felt compelled to do for anyone else in her life. It was something she couldn't stop thinking about. It irritated her that she'd felt driven to do this for Drake, of all people. She couldn't rest and remain inactive any longer.

She could see how much he was hurting yet was hiding it better than most could. She knew that kind of pain. Understood it. Lived with it all these many years.

And she'd known she couldn't approach him until the time was right and there was a lack of an audience.

"Why are you here?" He asked in a bitter tone.

Olivia didn't flinch. Didn't even bat an eyelash over the harsh accusation one could so easily hear. She knew what was causing it.

"I didn't want you to be alone anymore." She stated simply.

He snorted. "Did it ever occur to you that I have been surrounded by people for days?" He glared at her. "Was it not obvious since I asked no one to come out here with me that I needed to be alone?"

She turned to face him. Her normally hard gaze was soft, emerald eyes steadily meeting his angry brown. They didn't bother to probe to see where his questions were coming from.

And that unnerved him.

Instead of snapping back with an angry retort to set him in his place, she tentatively placed her hand over his.

His fist clinched upon the worn wooden plank. It was as if he fought against accepting her silent comfort.

Her fingers brushed along his knuckles until they settled along his fingers, curving over them as if in protection.

Drake could feel that familar burn of tears. His throat convulsed around that ever growing lump that threatened to choke him.

"I know, Drake." Olivia said softly.

And he knew she did. She understood without him having to say that he didn't know if he was mourning his parent or for the memories he once cherished or for what might have been if she had not left him.

He looked out at the meadow, seeing that same wildflower he'd given his mother dotting the slightly rolling land. During family trips here when he was a little boy, he had picked as many Firewheels as his arms could hold as a surprise for his mom. Even now, he could see her delighted smile. He could almost feel the kiss upon his forehead for bringing her such a thoughtful gift.

Stray tears slipped down his cheeks as he gazed upon Olivia's hand holding his.

When had his fingers eased? When had his hand turned to grip hers as if he was about to fall down a canyon of despair?

Her grip on his tightened as she waited patiently for him to say or indicate what he needed next.

His voice cracked.

"Liv. I--"

He wasn't certain who moved first. He only knew he had her crushed to his chest. Her arms were wrapped tightly around his waist as he shook. He buried his face against her neck, taking shuddering breaths.

Olivia closed her eyes tight. She could feel her own tears threatening to spill out. She knew deep down why she was here, allowing herself to experience the pain of losing a parent again. She knew why she was willing to allow her own memories to torture her once more.

She couldn't stand to see Drake have to face it alone. She knew he had Liam, the others, his sister, even an aunt.

But no one knew how to grieve for a parent who betrays you like she did.

As sweet as Liam, Riley, Hana, and Maxwell were, they couldn't begin to fathom the love/hate feelings that threaten to consume one when forced into this situation. To be denied the chance to say what it is you need, what you want, what you deserve from the parent; that is the true sorrow.

Time can't be reversed. Feelings cannot be healed by the person responsible for doing this to you. It is a frustratingly unfair situation.

Olivia was old friends with all of that. She knew soon Drake would be too. Yet, knowing him and seeing the type of man he had grown into, she knew he would only come out stronger and better in the end from all this.

Once he became a father, he would make certain his child never suffered a similar fate.

Just as she swore to her yet to be formed children.

Drake continued to hold on to Olivia, greedily taking every scrap of comfort she gave him. Of all the people in the world, he'd never have dreamed she'd be the one person to give him exactly what he needed in this moment.

And yet here she was, selflessly giving herself to him to use as his crutch, holding him up during this time of heartache.

Her soft whispered words reminding him she was there for him, that she understood touched his aching heart. It reminded him of Bertrand's actions with Savannah.

For the first time in his life, he felt understood. He felt cared for. He felt the stirrings of stronger emotions for the woman in his arms.

Drake knew from this moment on that he would no longer be alone.

[theunchainedmelody]

"I Shouldn't Love You" A TDP Sorayllum fanfic

Note: Why make this fic? Because Rayla has two hands B) Also, I just love Rayllum (my OTP) but I'm also drawn to Sorayla (especially after Season 4) so why not combine them? Let the poor traumatized elf assassin have two boyfriends. Problem solved.

The escape from Umber Tor was long behind the heroes of Xadia. Another week had passed the dragang by, leaving Callum scrambling with an array of plans and missions that were yet to be accomplished. One was coordinating a hunting expedition with the Dragon Queen to hunt down Claudia and her troupe. Another was delving into research for a way to free the Moonshadow elves sealed agonizingly into coins, a dark fate inflicted on them by Lord Viren years prior. The idea of them remaining inside those miniature prisons a moment longer was enough to keep the high mage awake at night, and he feared it was doing the same to Rayla. Three parents could be returned to her if he was skilled enough, if he was powerful enough. He ran a hand through his well-styled brown hair, shutting his jade eyes for a moment. The High Mage let out a deep sigh, trying to clear a mess of scattered thoughts. A small groan alerted him that a certain someone wanted attention. Callum’s hand went down to comb over the top of Bait’s head, offering the glow toad an affectionate smile. The yellow critter gave a low growl of approval.

Rayla silently peered at Callum from across the room, soaking in the sight of him. He was so focused right now, so responsible. In many ways, he was entirely different from the fledgling mage she’d befriended years before. In other ways, such as his overly-excited way of speaking, Callum, fortunately, remained very much the same. Just looking at him brought on fond feelings that had not extinguished over the years. In Rayla’s mind, Callum and she were destined to be together, a two-year separation be damned.

It was the chattering of her baby cuddle monkey that alerted her ex-boyfriend to her presence. Stella was affectionately nuzzling at Rayla’s fingers, a gesture her elven mother encouraged by rubbing the monkey’s nose with her thumb. Stella shut her eyes happily from the mutual affection. Rayla’s violet eyes now fell upon Callum, who had gone stiff the moment he detected the elf's presence. It hurt to see. It hurt to see Callum retreat further and further away from her. He had begun to reciprocate her affections back at Umber Tor but since then, he’d been actively avoiding her.

Rayla broke the silence, asking, “Are you getting enough sleep?”

“Yep. Yep,” said the high mage with a sigh as he turned to face her, “Is there something I can help you with?”

Well, the man wasn't facing her exactly. While Callum was polite enough to not offer the elf his back, his eyes repeatedly glanced away. Rayla’s eyebrows rose, so pained that he wouldn’t look her in the eyes. And yet she couldn’t help but admire him. Callum had grown so handsome in the last few years. Tall and slim with a sharp jawline and the prettiest green eyes of any guy she knew. It took all her self-control to keep from kissing him, to not jump his bones right then and there.

She answered, “I was just checking up on you. You’ve been locked in here so often… I miss you, Callum.”

Callum’s eyes shifted darkly, and Rayla knew she had said the wrong thing.

“Well, you have a funny way of showing it sometimes."

Rayla squirmed at his words, trying desperately not to fight with her ex-boyfriend. It was instinctual for her to throw back sass or a mocking jab, but right now her fiery temper was dampened.

Callum sighed and continued, “Alright, I think I’d like some peace and quiet. I have more volumes to scour.”

“I appreciate what you’re doing,” said the Moonshadow elf, “Really. What you are putting yourself through to get Runaan and my parents out of there. I know you must not want to see Runaan but-I’m grateful.”

Stella chittered a bit before nodding her head and beaming just the same as her Cuddle Mama.

Callum’s voice softened and he said, “I’ll get them out, Rayla.”

There was a moment their eyes finally met and Rayla’s heart nearly shattered. She needed him to look at her again, to look at her with affection. The feeling of being without him left her desperate and empty, and for a moment, she wondered how she had managed the years without him. How stupid she'd been to lose him.

“But…will you be okay?” asked the Moonshadow elf.

“What does it matter? I’m doing my duties, my... high mage duties.”

“I know… I know you're working hard. And I know you don’t think I care but I do. Callum… I still love you. I promised to carry that love over the years. I thought… you would too.”

Callum’s green eyes flashed in anger and he snapped, “Love? You want to talk about love? I did love you, Rayla. I spent the last two years scared and hurt and…”

He paused for a moment before belting out, “You haven’t even apologized! So how can I just pretend nothing happened?”

“I hurt you. I didn’t mean to, but I did. I’m sorry. So so sorry. I just… If I had stayed… I would have… I can’t forget how I was with you back then. I was angry and I took it out on you. I was obsessed and desperate and I would have gotten worse. I had to leave to cool my mind, to find myself, and Callum, I’ll never leave again… if you’ll take me back.”

“I’m glad you’re back,” he said lovingly, his hand recoiling just as it went for her shoulder. 

Callum sighed and continued, “But that doesn’t magically make all that pain go away. You broke my heart, Rayla, and you seem just fine. I don’t think I’m ready... I don’t know if I ever will be.”

Rayla’s eyes flashed open in pain. Was he…

“C-Callum?”

His eyes wouldn’t meet hers. His lips remained sealed tight, every moment of silence sending his girlfriend into a panic.

“Please don’t do this… I can do better. Please, I need you.”

“Rayla… I don’t want you to leave but… I can’t be with you. I’m sorry.”

“Oh...” she said as her lips tightened, holding back tears, “I understand. This is my fault.”

She gulped before confessing, “I don’t deserve your love. I never did.”

Rayla covered her mouth as she raced out of the room. Callum suddenly felt his heart stop. It was the tears that had reached him. Being mad at Rayla was one thing, but hurting her was something he never hoped to do. Suddenly, all the anger and all the bitterness that had been confining him to an empty prison broke loose in a dam and out sprang a desperation, something raw and deep that came from a fourteen -year-old Callum that had jumped off a cliff to save her. And now he reached out for her and cried out.

“Wait-Rayla!”

The High Mage ran down the hall as fast as his lithe legs would take him, but it was to no avail. The Moonshadow elf was gone. If he had to guess, Rayla had slipped out of one of the many windows. Callum prepared the words needed to summon his mage wings, to chase after her and yet… It occurred to him he had no idea what to say. He didn’t wish for the elf to go but if she stayed, what would he say if he couldn’t forgive her?

Callum grit his teeth as his own tears came out. His fists tightened painfully before he collapsed onto his knees.

_____________________________________________

One month later…

The search for Claudia had come up empty, yet there was no sign of the Startouch elf’s return. For an elf as powerful as Aaravos, surely his echoes should have been felt throughout Xadia? He had not been as subtle as his old ways when Zubeia dared to speak to him. And so, the Katolis forces were left confused, finding a lull in the eye of the storm. As for the High Mage, he had failed to find a way to release Rayla’s family from the coins. And so, amidst his obsession, he locked himself away in his study, deep in books and knowingly only faint candlelight. It was in those days, he became so consumed by his work that King Ezran found the throne room surprisingly quiet. His brother was deep in machinations, the Moonshadow elf was off doing work for Zubeia, and Soren was leading in coordinated searches with the other human kingdoms. However, all that was about to change for  the Crown Guard’s captain was finally due to return.

And he wasn't the only one.

_____________________________________________

Rayla had arrived just a day before the news of Soren's return reached Katolis.

Now, on an especially warm sunrise, Rayla, Ezran, Corvus, and Callum were all gathered together to meet the head of the Crown Guard. Ezran's eyes lit up as he watched his most trusted bodyguard flying in on the back of the crimson Pyrrah. Her talons set wide and dug into the soil as she came to an earth-shattering halt. Soren didn't waste a moment in dismounting. He gave the dragon a thumbs up and then turned his attention towards the welcoming party. He strode forward with his arrogant gait, adorned in his black and white raiment and his luscious blonde locks. As she watched him passively, the Moonshadow assassin found her eyes darting to Soren more than she would have liked. In truth, Rayla wasn’t blind to the fact that Soren had grown even more handsome since she last saw him at the Nexus. Taller too. It was funny to think that once she despised him. But ever since Soren stood up to his father so many years ago, she’d seen her rival in a new light. Even so, what truly grabbed her was just how happy she was to see him. Soren was a lot like Callum now, a bright light luring her in from the edges of her two year exile, two years draped in darkness, trials, and misery. And yet, here Soren was, returning to Katolis with a grin on his face and two arrogant hands on his hips. Still a dumb lump.

Callum smiled brightly at his friend and said, “It’s good to have you back, Soren.”

Soren stepped up briskly in front of the High Mage and Callum blinked in confusion as the knight’s arms started to curl around him

“Uh… Soren, what are you-"

Immediately, he got his answer as Soren’s arms tightened around his back and the young man was lifted off his feet.

“Wha-Okay. We’re doing this again,” was what the high mage uttered in acceptance as he was swooped into a bear hug.

Rayla giggled. She’d missed her boys the last two years. Azymondius, the wee dragon, was large enough to ride. Ezran had grown upwards like the shoot of a seedling, now so tall that it blew her mind. And Callum was… everything she’d hoped. He’d grown strong in her absence too.

Ezran said, “Welcome back. You get any rest over there?”

“Rest? Nah. I’m-I’m full of energy. You just got to get out there and do something.”

As Soren threw a comedic punch into the air, Rayla’s heart nearly stopped. She could tell he was putting on a strong front. Really, it was so obvious with how he bragged and shewed away anyone's doubts as to his mental health. And then it all returned to her. Her guilt. She had aimed a blade at Soren just for trying to give her relationship advice. She’d ditched him in the wilds when he pleaded to her to rescue a drake from a cruel muscley type. Soren’s disappearance after that had the surprising affect of sending Rayla into a spiral of fear, so afraid it was her fault and so afraid the last thing he’d know was her negligence. And when she found him at last beside Rex Igneous, the blond knight had seemed like the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. But much like with Callum, Rayla hadn’t seen much of Soren since that day.

“Um… Hey” said Rayla in a warm but anxious tone, her hands politely tucked together at her waist.

Enough with the “hey!”, Rayla!

She chided herself before trying to regain her dignity. That response had not gone over well with her estranged ex-boyfriend, so why was she resorting to it a second time?

Soren blinked at her with silvery eyes, almost seeming apprehensive, before offering her that stupid cheeky smile of his and opening his arms wide. Oh no. Did he want a hug from her? Rayla froze in her boots. There was no way she could hug him so unprompted. What had come over her anyway? Why couldn’t she hug him? Why had she recoiled back then when he put a hand on her shoulder. It was all platonic, wasn’t it?

“Rayla , my man. My wo-man. Haha!”

“Hey Soren…” she said a bit flustered.

Callum rose an eyebrow at how she shrunk away from the hug, and he and Stella shared a look of bewilderment. As for Soren, he waited for a good ten seconds for the elf to return his hug, an eternity for Rayla who simply smiled at him awkwardly. At last, Soren slumped down to normal in disappointment, and then walked past her. Rayla instantly felt a pang of regret. Soren must have thought she hated him given so much of their past consisted of duels, her giving him sass, and cold shoulders. But that wasn’t true, not to her. If there was one bit of relief, it was when she saw how Soren perked up again as he sauntered on past, his hand lazily pressed down on his sword. And not a moment later, he had Corvus pulled into a deep embrace. At this rate, the elf would be forgotten.

Rayla eyed him with purple irises under concerned brows. The Moonshadow elf needed to apologize, and a talk between them was more than two years overdue.

_____________________________________________

Soren and Callum were standing amid Viren’s library, a title they had both silently agreed to retire after the events of the Storm Spire. The twenty-year-old leaned up lazily against one of the few clear walls not home to a bookshelf. His eyes wandered inquisitively over the state of the high mage’s room. Books were overturned and not returned to their proper shelves. There were empty goblets on the ground, crumpled up balls of parchment, and spilled ink staining the desk.

“No luck finding a way to get those elves out, buddy?” asked Soren, taking on a more grave voice.

“Sadly no… Listen, Soren I need to tell you something and you aren’t gonna like it.”

“Okay. I’m listening”

“Things aren't working. I… I might have to start considering dark magic,” said Callum wearily, bagged eyes falling low.

“Oh…”

“Rayla wouldn’t approve. And I know you don’t. And neither do I. I wanted it banned from Katolis but… Soren, every day they are in there, they're suffering. And Rayla’s suffering. But if I do it… Aaravos, does he win? Am I one step closer to being some pawn in his stupid game?”

Soren said, “Hmm. That’s quite the dilemma. My father’s kind of magic… I’m not a fan. I saw what it did to him. To Claudia. To that prince Kasef. And… I don’t want it taking you.”

Callum crossed his arms defensively at the response, but his eyes seemed in agreement with Soren’s sentiment.

The knight continued, “But if you do go through with it, we’ll support you. And this blue guy Aaravos? He hasn’t won anything. You’ll still be a good guy, Callum.”

“Thanks, Soren.”

“Right? I’m proud of myself for that one. But I think I know a certain elf who could cheer you up even better.”

“Rayla…”

Callum’s eyes fell low. He had barely talked to her all month, only breaking their silence to offer her an update on his research and now he avoided that too. Telling the poor girl that he hadn’t made any progress was demoralizing, it sapped the strength from his body and the way she nodded in understanding was pain inducing. Rayla was already a painful memory, one that now haunted him in the face, promising him a future after stealing it from him. But he’d denied himself the hope she brought, all to escape her curse.

“Heard she had a birthday. The big eighteen. So how did-”

“We broke up, Soren. I mean… technically she broke us up when she left but… I guess she didn’t see it that way.”

“Wait… You dumped Rayla?! Callum, you love her more than anything!”

“I know!” shouted Callum, “But she… I do love her. And I… I think I hate her too.”

The air between them fell into a heavy silence, leaving them both with pained eyes seeping with anger.

At last, the Crownguard let out, “Oh.”

Soren shook his head.

“Buddy, your feelings are totally valid. But I think you’ll just be even more miserable this way. And… what if some other guy comes and takes her? How would you feel about that?”

“What? Soren, it’s not my business if-”

“You’d be jealous wouldn’t you?”

“I… I don’t know. For all I know, was I the only guy for her these last two years?”

“Yeesh,” remarked Soren, “Don’t give her that answer if she asks. Well, I hope you two work it out. At least, become friends again. Still rooting for you two.”

He fired finger guns at Callum before awkwardly backing out of the room. The second he was down the spiraling set of stairs, Soren let out a sigh of exasperation and fell into a more sunken posture. His friends were hurting. Callum and Rayla had never seemed happier than when they were together at the Storm Spire, and they’d made so much progress after Umber Tor. What had gone wrong?

_____________________________________________

Rayla was waiting for Soren at dusk as he began one of his old patrols along the wall. The knight was letting out deep breaths from his jog as he realized the elf was sitting atop the wall’s battlement, one knee pulled into her chest as her hand lay atop it. Her silky white hair was flowing freely, loose and long, as she gazed over the horizon. Her eyes seemed heavily bagged, and she seemed a bit thin. Soren’s eyes blinked in worry. She gazed over at him now and soaked in his appearance. The captain himself seemed a bit thin these days.

“Soren… I was hoping we could talk.”

“Talk?” he asked, not masking his confusion.

“I wanted to apologize. For what happened in the Drakewood. I’ve… I’ve wanted to apologize for a while now, but you left and… and…”

Rayla was holding back tears. For some reason, admitting her mistakes to Soren brought other failures into the center of her mind, forcing her to acknowledge each and every one. Failures in her journey and a failure to love and cherish Callum. In the end, Rayla was nothing but a failure who hurt the people she loved, neither protecting them from foe nor herself.

“Oh that? It’s fine I…”

“It isn’t fine, Soren,” said Rayla exasperatedly, “I know you’re hurting. I see it when you think people aren’t looking. You said you met them. Claudia and Viren. And… you didn’t get them back. They were your family.”

Soren frowned before looking away towards the skyline.

Rayla asked, “Have you let any of it out? Callum always said humans had their ‘Big Feelings Time’ where they…”

Upon hearing the elf say those words, Soren started clutching at his stomach as he let out a belly laugh.

“Haha! Oh man. I’ve… I don’t think my dad was a big fan of that game. Oh. Oh I needed that! Thanks, Rayla.”

He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye.

“That’s it? Do you want to… hug?”

Rayla was disgusted with how merely asking it flustered her. She was overcome with emotion, yet still aware of just how broad Soren’s shoulders were. Although in truth, Callum’s narrow frame remained her favorite but… Before she could dream of her ex, the knight had enveloped her in powerful forearms and boy, was he warm. Strong. Able to snap her in two. The way his hand nestled into her back so tenderly and needily… It was magical. Soren had pulled her in flush against him and oh no… Rayla realized now just how long it had been since she’d had physical affection from something besides a cuddle monkey, how long she‘d been touch starved. She’d wanted Callum to hug her like this… at least more than the one time, and now she’d never get that again. And yet Soren was doing a really good job to satisfy that primal need, much to the elf’s horror.

It was then she felt him hugging even tighter.

“Ack! Soren… You idiot. Yer. Crush. Me!” she said, barely any air left in her lungs.

“Thanks Rayla. I needed this. I… I’m not doing so good.”

Rayla’s amethyst eyes widened in horror before shutting entirely.

“Oh Soren… It’s okay. I have you.”

As his hug softened, Rayla’s arms wrapped around him ever tighter.

“I’m sorry what happened with your family," she began, "and I know… we… I… I abandoned you too.”

“Yeah… I missed you. We used to spar, remember?”

“I do. I remember. I remember you, me, and Callum going on picnics and watching the sunset together… Comforting you when you tossed and turned in your sleep… I… I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I don’t know how I was able to leave. I almost wasn’t but I did. I was gone so long even though I loved Callum. And you meant so much to me. You all did. I… I know I don’t deserve it but…”

Soren’s fingers slid over her cheek, wiping away her frozen tears chilled by an evening wind.

The elf cried out, “I want back. I just want to be home again. And I won’t leave you anymore, Soren. You’re not alone, you hear?”

And with that, his blue eyes trembled and down came the tears.

“Claudia didn’t care…” said Soren, “And Dad wouldn’t talk to me. I begged them to talk. To stay but… they wouldn’t. If I had tried a little harder, would they have…?”

“I don’t know. But what they did was wrong. Leaving you was wrong, Soren.”

Every word to comfort him was a strike against her.

And Rayla realized…

Just how sorry she was.

How much she had hurt Callum.

And Soren.

And Ethari.

And everyone she ever loved.

She was no better than Claudia in the end.

Tears were pouring down the Moonshadow assassin’s face and mixing with those of Soren. Rayla cradled herself in his arms, as he pulled her in even tighter and they both felt the weight of their horrid loneliness lightened at last. Her face was pressed hard against his own, feeling the dampness of his tears and the length of his hair. His hands were sliding exploratively up her back, not sexually, but searching for something to hold onto. He lost all his strength and began to slide down the wall until she was sitting atop of his lap, straddling him. Rayla was blushing but neither was looking for romance. They needed companionship. Stella also seemed to have slipped over Soren’s shoulder to offer him a comforting hand. Like mother like daughter.

Soren said, “I really missed you, Rayla.”

Rayla grabbed him affectionately by the wrist and cradled it in her hand.

She said, “I missed you too, Soren.”

“Do you want to…” he asked suddenly chipper, “Go for a spar?”

“A spar? That sounds fun.”

_____________________________________________

Their duel was a beautiful thing. Rayla’s speed and agility had increased in those two years, but so had Soren’s. She admired it, truly. He had learned so much in those few months they had known each other and so his prowess made the most of it. Soren could effortlessly maneuver from a thrust into a flourish and a slash. Rayla was forced to stay on her toes when he began his onslaught, but she was daring enough to dance as she did, to remind the knight of her elegance in battle. This man was her equal in every way. Afterwards, they headed to the royal court for that night’s banquet and stole as many jelly tarts as they could carry. They smuggled them back up to the castle wall and now began to munch on them, all the while Rayla lay her head on Soren’s armored shoulder. It was strange to her to think there was another man she could be as casually intimate with as she had with Callum.

“Eat it up for Mama,” said Rayla with affection as she handed Stella a chunk of pastry covered in a fruity glaze. The cuddle monkey scurried up to her and nabbed the snack with her four arms. After a quick sniff, Stella offered her mother a loving look of gratitude before her little fangs sunk into her dessert. The Moonshadow elf now turned to watch as Soren wolfed down another tart.

“Huh? Aren’t you full? You stuffing yourself for hibernation, Soren?”

“What no… I... Just love jelly tarts, heh heh.”

Soren gulped down another, nearly choking on it, before gruffly slamming on his chest to help it down the old pipe.

Rayla asked gently, “Easy there, big guy. So… Why do you like being up here? On the walls and such?”

“The walls? I guess it’s just part of my exercise routine. And… it’s quiet. It’s peaceful. It feels good to know you can see everything. That everything is safe but also the worlds’ beauty is right there with you.”

“Huh…” she said mouth slightly agape, “That’s deep. Didn’t think you one for waxing philosophical.”

Rayla jabbed him lightly in the rib with her elbow.

“Well… I try,” he said cheekily.

“You know,” began the ivory-haired woman, “I remember scaling these walls back then. The walls of the enemy… And now I’m beginning to see them as my home. I think… I think this is my home now. Well, I did… I don’t know if Callum wants me here. And if my parents and Runaan get out… I wonder if I should go with them back to the Silvergrove?”

“That’s up to you, elf,” said the knight, “But… Between you and me, I want you here.”

“Do you now?”

“Yeah…”

“You’re sweet,” said Rayla, “I was wrong about you, Soren. So very wrong. I… I really like you.”

“I-I like you too. You’re… being awfully nice. Where’s the sassy Rayla we all know?”

His head was dangerously close to her own as he teased.

“Shut up,” she said with a laugh before she slid up onto his chest. She wasn’t sure what was pulling her in, but it reminded her of how she instinctively pressed a hand to Callum’s chest as they kissed atop the Ambler. Soren seemed to feel the same way because his arms wrapped tightly around her back. Rayla reached for his lips. She knew she shouldn’t. She already had a man she loved and to kiss Soren was a horrible mistake for her grieving heart. This man was Callum’s best friend. And he was her own too. Both had been her very best friends in a world that had felt all too lonely. Could she do this?

Nonetheless, no matter how afraid she was, Rayla couldn’t stop herself from leaning forward still. His lips seemed to draw her in, so soft-looking and inviting, promising her a taste of romance. Soren shut his eyes and Rayla did the same, melting into his arms as the kiss deepened. Rayla let out a moan of ecstasy. She’d needed to be kissed over the last few years. As their lips parted, Rayla looked down at Soren, at his sapphire eyes  brimming with joy. She couldn’t help but smile at what they had done, and…

Then she freaked the hell out.

“Moon! What did I-? What did you-? I’m so sorry, Soren. I shouldn’t have… I should have asked... I…”

“Don’t go…” he said weakly, “I want you here.”

“Huh? I… Okay.”

His arms had remained locked around her desperately sealing her in a prison of heat and desire. She leaned up against him and lay kisses on his neck, feeling the scruff of his beard itch at her soft cheek. He was so different than Callum. Tall, muscular, hairy, and rugged. Callum was also tall but he was equally lithe, with soft skin and a beauty to him. And both were alluring to her in their own way, making her feel loved and warm. Did that mean she had feelings for Soren too? Was that possible? It wasn’t unheard of to take two husbands in the Silvergrove, but humans had no such couplings in Katolis, and Ethari and Runaan wouldn’t have shared their partner in a million years, so where did that leave her?

Then again, Callum wasn’t hers anymore, now, was he? And he’d never be hers ever again thanks to her cruelty. And if she was so quick to fall in love again, then she truly never did deserve Callum’s heart. There was a certain relief in knowing she could never again hurt him, but it was bittersweet at best, masking a deep heartache.

Rayla snuggled again into Soren, letting her hands wander over his chest. And to her despair, her hips that had never stopped straddling him started to instinctively gyrate. Soren was growing “excited” himself and Rayla felt her mind wanting to go all the way, to a place of fevers and kisses. But she wouldn’t. She fought back the need that had been eating at her for years. She drew herself up to her feet now and looked down at Soren awkwardly. Rayla frowned a bit, begging for Soren to say something.

“Well?”

“That was…” began the handsome knight, “Unexpected. I liked it. But… I also don’t want to hurt your chances with Callum.”

He was still so sweet. Not wishing to hurt either of his friends. Soren was a man of sacrifice, even when it came to matters of love.

“Soren, I can’t-”

“It’s alright, Rayla. Really.”

It wasn’t alright.

“Perhaps we should give it some time to process,” said Rayla.

“It’s fine, Ray. I’m backing off. For now. One day, I might just give it another shot.”

Rayla watched him wink. That arrogant wink that always made her roll her eyes was making her heart flutter madly right now. Even worse, her cheeks were smattered pink.

“If so, I might just give it another shot too, big guy.”

“If it’s Callum though… It’s alright, Rayla. Really.”

Rayla smiled affectionately at him, reaching out with a pale hand. The scratch of his beard enamored her as she cradled his cheek for a moment.

He really was the sweetest.

_____________________________________________

Several days later…

Rayla sat atop a chair, eyes focused on sharpening her blades with a whetstone. The Moonshadow elf paused her task for a moment to watch as Stella danced around the room, climbing every surface and hanging by her tail at times to lazily peer down at her cuddle mama from the chandelier. Rayla smiled up at her lovingly. The little cuddle monkey enjoyed their moments together, but these days she was often gone playing with Bait. And really, she’d taken a liking to everyone in the “dragang” as Soren called them. They were one big family. All except for the elf. Rayla wondered if she’d ever feel fully a part of it as long as Callum hated her.

Her ears flickered at she heard the sound of rapidly approaching boots. Each tap was quick and excited, the runner ready to trip over their own feet. The feel of the vibrations was light like a feather… Callum. He was running towards her room and fast. Rayla gulped as the door flew open and Callum found himself gawking at Rayla with her pants halfway down her knees. Callum blushed at the sight of her bare curvy legs while the Moonshadow elf remained wide-eyed and frozen.

Rayla said, “Ah… Well, at least it can’t get any more embarrassing. Oh no. Not the irony.”

The soldier Marcos jogged up to Callum and said between breaths, “High Mage, why did you run off-Oh. I’ll come back later.”

Marcos, squirming and red, marched awkwardly back the way he had come. The elf was equally beet red. Her interactions with that man were always memorable, if for the wrong reasons. As for her ex-boyfriend…

Callum blushed furiously before spinning around, gazing out the hall but showing no sign of leaving.

He asked, “Um… Rayla… Sorry for barging in but also you’ll absolutely want to hear this.”

“Mah pants are up. Speak away.”

“Okay,” he said while cheerfully clapping his gloved hands together, “So I’ve found it. I know how to get your family out of the coins!”

“Wha-?!”

He ran into her bedchambers, eyes lit up like a child at a birthday party, seeming to forget his resentment against her. Callum was “dorking” out shamelessly and he was proud of himself. In that moment, Rayla’s love of him was mixed with utter relief knowing Runaan and the others would finally be out of that hellish prison. She leapt up and threw her arms around Callum.  The mage smiled radiantly as they embraced, deepening the hug.

“I… I missed you, Rayla.”

“I missed you too, Callum.”

“Okay so… This is great news and all but… Um, can we talk alone? Er... not in front of the kid?”

“Stella baby, give us just a wee sec?”

Stella chirped obediently and Rayla swore she gave them both a knowing look before she skittered out of the room. Callum ran a hand through his hair timidly, immediately regretting it as his flawlessly-kempt hair became far messier.

He looked away awkwardly as he resumed his chattering, “Bad news is that I only found out how to do it with dark magic.”

“Oh… That’s not so good.”

“Right? Very bad and well… Rayla, I’m willing to do it. I am. Getting your family back is worth it.”

“But Callum… You’ve been so worried about Aaravos. What if… What if this is just what he wants? You despise Dark Magic. I can’t ask this… Not even for them.”

“Yes, you can. And I’ll be fine… I think.”

“Callum, I’m so grateful. And I’m so sorry. It’s not right you have to do something you dislike so bad just to save them.”

“It happens,” he said as his voice took on a deeper tone, “You’re not a killer Rayla. But even you… With Zym. You chose to do that to save him and sometimes to do the right thing, we have to forsake our morals. As long as we don’t make a habit of it… Perhaps we’re not really on that path of darkness.”

She watched as his eyes took on a darker hue, and for a moment, her mind struggled to understand how such words had left innocent Callum’s lips. Even so, they struck true.

“I hope so. But with you Callum… I know you’ll do the right thing in the end. Even so, be careful. I don’t want you falling into another deathly fever again. If you decide not to do this, I’ll be relieved.”

“And you’ll be mortified knowing they’re still stuck in there. I know. But I’ve chosen to do it as High Mage. I just need some time to… To prepare. To think.”

“That's more than fair,” said Rayla.

“But… Rayla, happy birthday.”

“Huh?”

Callum rubbed the back of his hair and said, “I know. I know. I’m a month late and I never wished you one. I guess I was mad at you for not wishing me one, but I always intended to give you a present. To give you the best present I could give you. A family.”

“Oh Callum… Thank you.”

“Rayla… I know I broke your heart back then. But I’ve been thinking about it, and I’ve been dying without you. I miss you so bad. I’m not sleeping anymore. I miss your jokes. The way we bonded over my silly magical rambling. The way you teased me. The way you supported and kissed me. I haven’t been myself since you left two years ago, and I still don’t feel like me.”

Rayla coyly ran a hand through her white locks and asked, “Do you mean… You’ll take me back?”

“I’m asking if you’ll takemeback.”

“Callum! Yes! A thousand times yes. All month, I’ve just been pining and sulking.”

Callum’s slender but muscled arms wrapped around her back and his hug felt spectacular. Her head rested on his shoulder, and she took in his scent. The smell of dusty old books, of jelly tarts, and some sort of spices. Her dorky mage boyfriend was back. But then a bitter revelation struck her. Rayla was no good for him. The guilt was stifling as she realized either way a man would be hurt. And she’d have to tell Callum the truth. There could be no more lies if this relationship was to have a chance.

“But…” she said as she pulled away from him, “I can’t. Callum, I did something and you’re going to hate me again. And I deserve it. I really am the worst.”

“Did what? Is this about Soren?”

“About-Wha?”

“I have guards, Rayla. I know you are spending time with him. And cuddling and all that.”

“You knew?”

“Well, I figured you’d been crushing on him for a while now. The way you were so desperate to find him in the Drakewoods and how sad you got when he left.”

“I-It wasn’t-I wasn’t.” she spazzed, face utterly mortified as it had been back when Runaan learned she’d spared Marcos.

Callum took her four fingers into his five and said, “I’m not mad, Rayla. I… I don’t really care. I mean I was pissed at first. Like, it’s one of the reasons I was avoiding you lately. But now, I just want you back. I don’t mind sharing but I need to know you won’t leave me for him. That… I’m enough whether or not he’s around.”

“Of course, you are. But what are you saying? Callum, you should still be furious. Jealous. Angry. If you were in love with someone else, I’d be devastated. I was dreading it the whole time. Afraid Claudia would come back and steal you away from me or it’d be someone new. Ready to split them up the spine if you asked to share.”

“Wow, you have an active imagination. And I’m not interested in anyone else. That’s not what this is about. This is about whether you’ll come back.”

“Yes. Callum, a thousand times yes.”

He pulled her into his arms again and then Rayla reached beneath his chin, propping it up with a thumb and she kissed the man of her dreams. Her soulmate. Her everything. The kiss was deep. Her hand groped at his firm chest as they shared a tender kiss, one of a hundred they’d enjoyed together since the Oasis. Oh, how the feeling of his body drove her wild with lust! She was laying mad kisses up and down his neck. Pushing him onto the bed to kiss him deeper… and soon they were cuddled up against each other, gazing out the window at a full moon. Rayla lay huddled against his chest, a hand resting on his other pec as she drifted off to sleep. In that moment, her world was restored to her. Well, mostly.

There was no way she could risk Callum's offer no matter how much he promised it was safe. She only hoped Soren would understand.

_____________________________________________

The time came for gathering magical ingredients or more specifically, for beginning a wild hunt. The dark magic in question called for a great number of things, few cheap or easy to acquire, and many were only found in Xadia. All that now remained, was a rare bushel of fruit and sets of enchanted antlers found on an elusive breed of Xadian deer, one needed for each coin. The Dragon Queen had been gracious. While she vehemently disagreed with their usage of forbidden magic, she made a sole exception as the family to be rescued were victims of dark magic curses. Even more, these imprisoned elves belonged to the hero Rayla who had personally saved her little boy Zym. As such, the knights of Katolis were given permission to hunt their game in the Drakewood. But never again would Zubeia allow such evil to be willingly conducted in her territory.

Soon night came upon them, and Callum, Rayla, and Soren began to set up camp.

Soren stretched his legs and flexed his back. “Oh wow. Look. At. That. Sky. Beautiful. Nothing beats the fresh outdoors, huh, gang?”

Rayla retorted mockingly, “Well, why don’t you stay out here while Callum and I take the nice warm tent then, big guy?”

“Oh! Don’t tempt me with a good time. While you have a good time!” cooed Soren with finger guns.

Rayla blushed and asked, “Wha-?”

“Just pulling your leg. But for real, you guys enjoy the tent. The sleeping bag suits me. Enjoy your couples time.”

His blue eyes grew soft at the pair of them.

Rayla said, “Soren… I don’t know…”

“Get in here, Soren,” said Callum bluntly, “We’re a trio. We stick together. Or you’ll get nabbed by another dragon.”

“Yeah,” said the Moonshadow elf, “I’m not letting you leave my sight again. Not after the Drakewood.”

“Rayla, that was…”

“I’m not losing you again.”

Her voice had a desperate edge to it, free of her usual sarcasm. Soren nodded and slipped into the tent with the both of them. Rayla gulped a bit as the tent was more cramped than she expected. Human royal tents were supposed to be bigger than this right? Stella was off in the corner, comfortably resting with her back on Bait’s side, and even they were so close that Rayla’s tippy toes could poke them. But the real issue was being between the two men she loved. The elf decided to turn towards Callum and wrap her arms around him, kissing him on the lips goodnight and snuggling in his arms. Rayla close her eyes immediately to ease the awkwardness of it all, a part of her regretting that Soren had to see this. She wondered if she should go back to sleeping in a more platonic position.

Soren broke the long silence by confessing, “So… Don’t be mad but I uh… I can’t fall asleep. You guys do know it’s only like 8 pm, right?”

“Soren, you-Actually, that’s a pretty good point,” admitted Rayla, a hand beneath her chin.

Callum said, “Yeah. I’m not falling asleep for hours. Especially with those drakes screaming out there like its mating season.”

Rayla scoffed and swatted his shoulder playfully.

The knight said, “Oh! I hope I run into my girl.”

Callum asked, “Your girl?”

Rayla sighed and said in a deadpan tone, “It’s probably just gonna be a dragon.”

“Ding! We have a winner. It’s a drake and she is my friend.”

Rayla said, “A friend eh? Maybe if we put some honey on you in the morning, we can-”

Oh no. She was imagining covering Soren’s bare muscles coated in honey… Why did all their platonic humor now feel so wrong after the kiss? She missed their bromance and morning duels with all their chaste glory.

Callum said somberly, “Actually, there is something I want to talk about. That we haven’t talked about, Rayla. Soren, can hear it too.”

“Wha-? Wait…” began Rayla, “Is this Big Feelings Time?”

“Yep. Big Feelings Time.”

“Ugh… fine,” replied the elf, defeated hand resting on her cheek, “I suppose I owe you that much.”

“You do,” said Callum with an assertive finger, “You said you were gonna put an effort to start talking about what’s aching you and… Rayla, there’s no way you aren’t feeling things. Getting Runaan back? Your parents? You haven’t seen them since you were a kid. It must be a lot on your mind.”

Rayla dug her nails into the blanket and turned to him, asking, “That’s what you’re worried about?”

“Sorry that I’m worried about my girlfriend who still won’t talk to me about what’s hurting her.”

The elf’s teeth clamped together before she lashed out, “Me? What about you? How can you be so cool about this, Callum? Runaan… What he did to your dad… And you, Soren! Harrow was your king too. Ezran’s father… None of you say anything. You're allowed to be bothered by it. To be mad.”

Soren’s eyes lowered as he answered, “Rayla, I’m happy for you. I don’t have to like the guy. But it’s fine. What he went through is punishment enough for what he did to my king.”

Callum said, “I’m not happy to see him either, Rayla, but I am happy to help restore a piece of your broken heart. When you came back, I was so mad. All I could think about was the pain you put me through. And now? And now I’m starting to think of other things. What you went through… What this means to you. I want to make it hurt less, Rayla. I love you.”

“I love you too, my moon” sung Rayla with a kiss on his lips.

Soren said, “I want to help too. I wouldn’t have done something like this otherwise. So, Rayla, how are you feeling?”

Rayla’s eyes lowered as she contemplated for a second what to say. It needed to be earnest or Callum’s trust in her would wane.

“I… I don’t know if Runaan hates me or not. I always thought that he’d survive… Get away. That he was holding back when we fought. But if he’s been alive in that prison... suffering… Has he come to hate me? I wouldn’t blame him.”

“Runaan doesn’t hate you," answered the mage.

“I hate me though… He was my father and he loved me like I was his own. I see that now. I don’t regret going with you and Ezran to save the egg but… I can never apologize enough to him. I was an ungrateful daughter. Yearning for parents, pushing him into training me when I was a wee girl just so I wasn’t so alone, and then abandoning his Ethari the last two years to grieve alone. Right when he put his trust in me, I betrayed him. And he was starved, tortured, and sealed away horrifically because of me.”

Rayla’s talons dug into her skull as she said, “Sometimes at night, I… I feel his hands wrapping around my throat and pulling me into that sea of souls. They remind me of my sins, they drag me into a grave and I wonder if… If I’m finally getting what I deserve.”

“That’s enough, Rayla!” shouted Callum as he pulled her into his chest.

Soren put a comforting hand on her shoulder and said, “He’s right. That’s enough of these… dark thoughts. I still have nightmares you know, about the day I killed… my dad. It wasn’t real but… it felt real. And it was eating at me and you know what I did?”

“What?” asked Rayla.

“I trained. I exercised. I did my duties as captain. And I laughed and ate with all my friends. I stayed where I was loved. This is where you are loved.”

“S-Soren…?” asked Rayla with a blush.

“Oh um… I didn’t mean…”

Callum said, “I know, Soren. I saw you with her and I don’t care. I just want Rayla to be fine again. So… you better be there for her too.”

Soren blinked in confusion, as did Rayla.

They asked in harmony, “What?”

Callum kissed Rayla hard on the lips again and pulled her back in his arms. Soren moved his arms hesitantly forward, freezing as if worried that touching a finger on Rayla would destroy everything he loved. At last, he lay his chest on her back and his arms wrapped around her waist. Rayla moaned and winced from the sensation, turning to receive his own kiss. She felt her heart racing as if the jaws of Sol Regem were behind her. She was in bliss being sandwiched between these two gorgeous men, bodies radiating like furnaces and spoiling her in hugs and kisses. Ambushed in the front and from behind, Rayla felt her body wanting to give into a type of pleasure there was no coming back from. She fought to resist it, simply enjoying how they kissed her and slid hands along her back, front, and legs. It was hard to cry and be sad when Soren and Callum enveloped her in so much love.

“Beautiful elf,” said Soren into her ear.

“Handsome boys,” she answered softly, growling right as she tugged on the High Mage’s ear.

Callum said, “Rayla… I love you.”

Her lips pressed again to his own.

“I love you too, Callum. And I love you too, Soren.”

That night, Rayla slept happily sweet and sound, with gentle breaths and a pleased smile on her face. Her little girl Stella lay asleep on her chest, all six limbs sprawled out. As for her two lovers, they were laying on her shoulders, arms overlapping on her stomach. Soren and Callum were close, and she found some solace that night, knowing soon her family would only grow larger. Runaan, Tiadrin, and Lain would be freed and then… And then she’d have to explain to them why she had two human boyfriends.

END

[akirakirxaa]

“how bad is it?”

Ask prompt list here. Ancient Trio ship. I know it says otp on the original list but I'm going with ot3 for this one.

The door to the flat the three shared banged open as a very upset Emet-Selch stormed in, fingers running through his silver hair in frustration. Hythlodaeus wasn't far behind, one arm looped around Azem's middle and the other holding her arm around his shoulders. Her robe was shredded in the front, fire red hair falling from its usual ponytail.

"How did this happen?" Emet-Selch demanded, arms folded, as Hythlodaeus sat on their sofa and pulled their dearest Azem into his lap, back to chest.

"Well, you know how it goes, alkonost escapes Eplis, I'm asked to find it," she attempted to be nonchalant about it, but her voice was strained with pain. "Turns out they pack a pretty strong kick."

"You don't say," he deadpanned, and she gave him a halfhearted smirk in response. "Azem, you have to be more careful."

"We're in our own home, Hades. You can drop the title." She tried to move as little as possible as she spoke, the fabric pulling at the wound on her chest that she still had yet to investigate. He snapped his fingers, removing her robe without her needing to pull it over the injury, leaving her in her breast band and leggings as he knelt before her to inspect the wound.

"How bad is it?" She hissed as his fingers lightly prodded at the edges and Hythlodaeus leaned around to peek over her shoulder at it. It was red and inflamed, with a large greenish purple bruise and several deep claw marks right over her ribcage.

"Nothing that can't be fixed," Hythlodaeus soothed, his lavender bangs tickling her cheek, though he exchanged a worried glance with Hades over her head. Another snap, and their first aid kit landed on the couch next to Hythlodaeus, who began rummaging through the potion vials and gauze.

"I think you have a cracked rib," Hades pressed down in another spot and Azem let out a broken cry. "Or three."

"Just patch me up already; Elidibus needs me to head to another village tomorrow-"

"You're going nowhere until this wound is healed."

"Is that an order, oh illustrious Emet-Selch?" She smirked at him, and he took her face in his hands, holding her gaze.

"I'm serious Persephone," his voice was lower as he leaned his forehead to hers. "I don't know what I'd do if you didn't come back." She gave him a soft smile, bringing her hand to his face.

"I'll always come back," she promised.

"Preferably in one piece," he clarified sternly. She giggled, only to hiss at the jostling of her ribs. She felt a nudge at her shoulder and saw Hythlodaeus offering her a vial she recognized as a potion to heal fractures, one of her own making. She had never been any good at healing, but she was a dab hand at alchemy. She took it gratefully and downed it in one gulp, grimacing at the taste. It wouldn't help a full break, but it would speed the healing of any cracked bones, ribs included. Setting the empty vial aside, Hythlodaeus pulled her face back for a kiss, lips meeting softly and unhurriedly. She hummed in appreciation, only to jolt upright at a sharp stinging on her scratched skin.

"Sorry," he said apologetically, gently holding her wrists as Hades dabbed at the wounds with an antiseptic, another potion of her own invention. "I thought it might be better if you didn't anticipate it."

"I'm gonna need to go back on the drawing board on this one," she said through grit teeth, body twisting away instinctively. "This is awful!"

"Stop squirming," Hades pinned her in place with just his glare, and she pouted as she sat back against Hythlodaeus to let him finish his work. He picked up another potion, this one with a dropper inside, and dripped it over the wounds. The flesh knit itself back together until the only external sign of the wound left was the bruise, and that would just need to heal on its own.

"There, all better," Hythlodaeus rested his chin on her shoulder with a smile. "Well, mostly anyways. Now you just need some rest and relaxation."

"And a bath," Hades' nose wrinkled. "You smell like a bog."

"Well, it was hiding in a swamp."

"You'll be sleeping in a swamp if you don't go wash off."

"Hades, dear," Hythlodaeus interrupted their bickering with a chuckle. "Our Persephone's had a long day, why don't you go draw the bath for her? I'll bring her along in a moment."

"Why can't you do it?"

"I have Seph on my lap, obviously," he pulled her back just a little, careful not to press on her bruises. Hades rolled his eyes and turned away, grumbling to himself as he acquiesced.

"You know you're in for it once it's healed, right?" Hythlodaeus combed his fingers through her impossibly long hair, gently pulling free the tangles. Persephone smirked, a glint in her sunset colored eyes.

"I'm looking forward to it."

[camelliagwerm]

Obligatory OTP Asks - Val and Cami obv ~ #8, #22, #35, #42

thank you Siren!

OTP questions

8. What happens if one of them gets sick?

I am pretty sure at this point, Valerius cannot get sick. He is extremely healthy thanks to Legend Fuckery, and I believe his faith in Urgathoa would protect him from sickness, and I'm fairly sure as a Tyrant he would be resistant to ailments anyhow.

But when Camellia gets sick, she expects to be pampered and fawned over, feeling sorry for herself because she can; and Valerius obliges. He gives her plenty of fuss and attention, usually sitting with her rather than taking his usual work in his study or holding court. He makes sure she has everything she needs to be comfortable. I also imagine he would send a prayer Urgathoa's way if the sickness is particularly serious.

22. What reminds each of their partner?

The scent of Camellia's perfume - she has a very specific one that she uses that Valerius will always think of her if he smells it. It's bitter almond and jasmine, floral and spicy. But also romance novels, lace, silk ribbons, soft leather. And wine, especially Chelish red. And of course, the bone amulet she made for him, which he rarely takes off once she gave it to him in the Abyss.

Camellia is reminded of Valerius by the taste of blood, that sharp pinprick of a bite, the ache of bruised flesh; they serve as delicious memories of kisses slippery with blood and the intensity of sex. Moths, fur, the scrape of a blade against a whetstone.

35. Who's more artistic?

I don't see either them as particularly artistic, but I think out of the two it would be Camellia. She does the occasional bit of embroidery here and there, and she is the one who makes a lot of the design decisions for their personal quarters after they are married and then the nursery. As much as she knows Valerius prefers a more...severe style, she would rather not live in a set of rooms that resemble a crypt (her words.)

42. What's their favourite type of weather to enjoy together? (getting snowed in together, watching thunderstorms, etc.)

I feel like Drezen has approximately three different types of weather: rain, snow and overcast (occasionally, sun.) Out of those three, rain is probably the one they enjoy together, especially in hazy early mornings where the two of them are still abed but awake, cuddling and just spending a few private moments together before he has to slip away for his duties (and especially savouring them once the twins get to a certain age.)

[arsonistblue]

hiccup haddock for the character ask thing

and i would be delighted to hear anout the book version as well if you know it

i haven’t read the books since i was like 7 so i’m just gonna go with movie

favorite thing: his transgender swag

least favorite thing: no idea actually

favorite line: there are SO MANY but i do love the whole bit where he was imitating his dad like “excuse me, barmaid i’m afraid you’ve brought me the wrong offspring. i ordered an extra large boy with BEEFY arms, extra guts and GLORY on the side! this here? this is a talking fish bone!” i lose it every time i watch it (also the whole “mild calibration issue 🙄”)

brotp: him and fishlegs nerding out together

otp: him and astrid

notp: not sure

random headcanon: one time he gave himself a concussion by running around with his head down and arms out like wings pretending he was a dragon, then running straight into a wall

unpopular opinion: my brain isn’t working rn so i can’t think of any

song i associate with them: assuming you’re looking for something other than the movie score, learning to fly by tom petty

favorite picture: can’t choose

[fuck-goes-on]

Bakery

pairing/s: peter parker x reader

summary: peter is a prince who is supposed to inherit the throne but really he'd rather own a tiny bakery with you

warning/s: stark! peter parker, fluff, caught, slight angst, open ending

note/s: i got this idea from OTP prompt generator, so thanks to that LOL

masterlist || navigation

“Peter Stark!” Voices rang out the dark halls. Maids ran around, searching every crevice and corner for the missing prince. Guards marched across the floor, striding outdoors towards the town just a few meters away from the big and looming castle. 

The King, Tony Stark, sat upon his throne with his forehead resting on his palm. This was the nth time his son, Peter, had gone missing for God knows how long and he was getting tired of it. The Queen, Pepper, stood next to him, a comforting hand resting on top of Tony’s shoulders.

“He’s only been gone for an hour, Tony,” Pepper said, “He knows the limits, and he will be back soon enough.”

“He’s not supposed to be out though!” Tony exclaimed loudly, “It’s dangerous for him to be in town all alone, and he knows that as well!.”

“We just have to trust him for now.” Pepper stroked Tony’s back, and prayed to the Lord that their son was at least being safe.

Peter was roaming around the town he was never allowed to visit with a long cape around his shoulders, his hood up to shield his face from any passerby. He looked around in wonder as he drank in the sight of busy people hovering around equally busy stalls and buildings looking for food or clothing.

It wasn’t his first time in town and it certainly won’t be his last, no matter what his father said. Ever since he became of age for the throne, he had grown more rebellious as seen by his actions as of recently. 

Peter found freedom whenever he was in town; Nobody knew of his status as Prince, so they never gave him a second glance. He could be himself like he never could be inside the cold castle.

His favourite spot to visit was the town bakery. It was packed with people during noon time, but Peter managed to squeeze himself inside somehow. He was instantly met with the scent of freshly baked bread and sweets flooding his heightened senses. Looking around, he examined the baked goods with a keen eye, having always helped around the kitchen whenever he could.

To be frank, Peter wasn’t only there to sight see the goodies; He was there for someone, and that someone happened to step into his view.

You.

You were someone who brought life and light into Peter’s life the moment he met you. The epitome of what he wanted for his future, and it was not some sad royal life he wanted; He wanted to be there with you in your family’s bakery and bake all of the sweets with you. He wanted to hold you and make you laugh with his silly jokes. He wanted everything with you.

But it just wasn’t meant to be.

“Reed! You’re here!” You said with a happy smile when you spotted Peter. The fake name he gave you made him flinch the slightest before he reciprocated your grin. You moved to stand in front of him, pushing past the people in the bakery just to get to him. “I didn’t think I would see you today. You were just here yesterday!”

Peter shyly looked away as he blushed at the intensity of your gaze on him. “Yeah, well, I missed the bakery so...”

“Uhuh, that’s all you missed hm?” You challenged him, and he gave you a sheepish grin. You pushed at his shoulder teasingly and smirked, “Be honest, Parker, you missed me.”

Peter sharply inhaled and said a simple, “Yes.”

It took you off guard for a moment before you burst out in giggles. “What a charmer you are, Reed Parker.”

Peter spent his day in the bakery with you, helping out with handing the goods out and taking orders. It was serene and peaceful after people had bought their bread for dinner and sweets for their children.

It was, until the guards started coming in.

“Prince Peter, you are expected back at the castle.” One of the guards said, chilling Peter to the bone. 

You had come out from the kitchen with a confused face, a towel hanging off your shoulder as sweat dripped from your forehead. “I’m sorry, you must be mistaken. There is no ‘Prince Peter’ here.”

Peter grimaced and hung his head, ignoring how you were staring at him. He slowly moved towards the guards with his hands clenched at his sides. The head guard started to grab at Peter’s arm when he was whacked with a towel.

You stood there with your towel in hand and an angry expression on your face. “I said, there is no ‘Prince Peter’ in this bakery, right Reed?” When Peter didn’t answer you, you faltered with betrayal painted on your face. “... RIght Reed?”

“Listen, love, I didn’t want you to find out like this,” Peter started saying, but was cut off by the guards grabbing him by the arms and dragging him out of the bakery. You screamed at them to stop, but he knew that their the guards were only doing their job. 

“Wait, Reed, don’t go, please!” You cried out, coming up to the guards who were blocking him from you and grasped at their arms to stop them. Alas, they were stronger than you and pushed you away. You fall on the ground and Peter moved to help you, only to be stopped once more by the guard.

“I’m sorry,” Peter said for the last time, he thought, and willingly let himself led back to the lonely castle and leaving you behind that warm and inviting bakery.

[undertale-writing-times]

May I have all 15 questions of the otp post with Lover & Axe?

Here we go! I can't wait to see what you think hehe

1. Who said I love you first?

Lover would! She says it to him really often and he always says it back but he's normally not really the type to say it out of nowhere. He shows it more often than says it.

2. Who laughs and kisses their partner on the cheek while their partner isn’t happy about something trivial to try and make them feel better?

Lover! It always gets Axe purring.

3. Who cuddles up to the other after a long day at work, and this soon escalates to a playful pillow fight?

Once again, Lover. She normally gets way too hot while working and moving around, so cuddling up to her very cold datemate is amazing.

4. What is something that they gave one another that has a lot of meaning?

Axe gives Lover a little makeshift axe carved from a bone. Lover keeps it on her at all times because it means a lot to her.

5. How would one another describe their partner?

Axe: Someone much too good for me

Lover: A perfect amazing bean that I love

6. Who wraps their arms around their partner as they look them in the eyes and compliments them with a goofy smile?

Lover most likely would. She's very vocal in her loving rather than actions.

7. Who loves saying ‘my wife’ or ‘my husband’ or ‘my spouse’?

Lover mostly but Axe does too!

8. Who always talks about how amazing their partner is when their partner isn’t there and they just light up with genuine love and happiness?

Axe!

9. Who loves it when their partner kisses them good morning?

They both love it hehe

11. Who loves to pull pranks on the other? What type of pranks do they pull and do they pull their pranks off?

They don't really prank each other that much

12. What is something small that they would randomly pick up for one another?

Axe finds some nice rocks.

13. Who is the one who can’t stop laughing when trying to tell a joke?

Hmmm Axe. Lover loves it when he acts like that.

14. Who would plan the other a surprise birthday party?

Honestly? Neither. Axe hates surprises, they make him uncomfortable.

15. Who picks the other person up when hugging their partner?

Axe sorta... has to pick Lover up lol