#part of something larger maybe... who knows... (i do. grins so evilly)

[jarchivalspecialist]

I am the eye in the sky...

[hypmic-writings]

Ok now we need tattoo headcanons or something 😩 ur killin me smalls

━━ ∘◦ ☆ ◦∘ ━━

Pairing: Samatoki Aohitsugi x reader; Jakurai Jinguji x reader ; Doppo Kannonzaka x reader

Genre: General/Tattoo!AU 

Warnings: None

A/N: Who am I to deny the people?! For real though, I love this idea so I’m just gonna roll with it. I did Jakurai, Doppo, and Samatoki since those were the ones that were mentioned in earlier posts/asks. I apologize in advance...Jakurai’s got a little angsty haha Enjoy the tattoo headcanons~

⋘ ──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ──── ⋙

Samatoki Aohitsugi

Samatoki has so many tattoos that it’s impossible for you to keep track of all of them

he started getting them when he was younger and just getting into the Yakuza, and as he rose through the ranks he got more and more

some are smaller and indicate dates or symbols that are important to him or the syndicate he used to run with

others are larger and either purely for the aesthetic or to symbolize his role as the leader of his group of yakuza members

he definitely has a large back tattoo and whenever he takes his shirt off you just kind of stare at it because it’s so beautiful

at the beginning they were all black and white but when he got his back piece done he had a little bit of color added to it - mainly darker, mood colors like traditional yakuza tattoos

he absolutely loves it whenever you run your hands along his tattoos

it’s an ego booster in a way when he watches you in awe over all of the lines and designs covering his body

this is absolutely how you find his sensitive places because sometimes you’ll just be tracing a tattoo and Samatoki will suddenly squeak or shiver and you’ll just evilly grin and tuck that piece of information away for later

sometimes when the two of you are cuddling or just being lazy in bed together, you’ll find a tattoo that you didn’t know about and just sort of flail around a little bit like

“Wait, what’s this one?? How long has this been here?!”

“Huh? Oh, yea I got that when I was like 18...did you really not notice it until just now?”

if you ask him to get matching tattoos, he’s absolutely going to agree but he’ll demand that he gets to approve the design and he’ll put limits and criteria to the size and type

 as he gets older and becomes the leader of his own group, he gets super strict about his tattoos, only wanting them for specific reasons and demanding them to look perfect

and his tattoos are all super cohesive to look like one huge piece it’s just really beautiful and intricate

because now he has an image to uphold and he has to look the part

Jakurai Jinguji

Jakurai has a huge snake/dragon tattoo on his back that represents his time as an assassin

I can imagine it either being a really classical, japanese style serpent and maybe with some accents like flowers or maybe a mempo or an oni mask

he would want the serpent to represent his time as an assassin, relating to the cold nothingness he felt when he would kill and the sly cunningness it took to be in that business

the flowers would be symbolic of the first kill he ever made - he was young and having trouble suppressing his emotions of guilt and sadness over taking a life

so he visited the grave of the person he had assassinated and saw that someone had placed flowers on it

those flowers would be the ones he gets as a tattoo to remind himself that life is precious and that if he’s willing to take a life he should be willing to stand up and face the consequences 

the mask would represent the confliction that he still feels towards himself - he saw himself as a demon for so long, a fighter that would take lives and live only for himself

but once he realized that he couldn’t do it anymore and he couldn’t live with all of that guilt on his conscience, he gave up his life in the assassins guild and decided to become a doctor

and so the mask helps to remind him that he has to continue to work towards healing and saving lives to make up for the ones he took during his time as a demon/warrior

an anon suggested this and I love it - I can also see him getting a tattoo resembling the staff of caduceus 

which not only is used in medical practices, but could also be Jakurai’s way of showing that the serpent that was once a merciless killer can change for the better and save lives as well, just as he did

the first time you see his tattoo is when you stayed over at his place after you had been dating for a while 

you sat there in awe, tracing it slowly and asking what it meant as Jakurai just chuckled saying that he would tell you later

he’s extremely happy that you like his tattoo because in a way it feels like you’re accepting all of the parts of him - the successful, compassionate doctor that he is today, as well as the ruthless, cold-blooded killer he once was a long time ago

kiss his tattoos and wrap your arms around him from behind while whispering how much you love him and you might actually make him cry

don’t imagine Jakurai being little spoon while you hold him tightly in your arms and cries, letting out all of the anger and resentment he’s held towards himself for so long

as you help him come to terms with the caring, empathetic person he’s become and teach him how to love himself

Doppo Kannonzaka

Doppo got his full sleeves of tattoos at Hifumi’s command when the latter started up his tattoo shop

at first, Doppo was terrified, not wanting to disappoint Hifumi and be a bad canvas for his first customer

but after Hifumi reassured him, Doppo was willing to accept the tattoos

I can imagine them being very traditional Japanese designs, something that Hifumi spent a lot of time studying and perfecting

everything would be connecting and the whole sleeve would have different symbols and colors, but are all part of the whole piece

it would have aspects that might seem melancholic or somber at first, but within each tattoo would be detail and intricacy holding the piece together that ultimately makes the tattoo very strong and cohesive

which  suits Doppo quite perfectly

Doppo is extremely careful never to show his tattoos at work, always wearing long sleeves with his jacket 

since tattoos aren’t always socially acceptable in Japan, I can imagine Doppo having a bit of anxiety about it at first, lamenting how nobody would ever let him into their establishments ever again

but over time, he’d become more comfortable with his tattoos, knowing that nobody could see them unless he chose to show them off

you aren’t aware of Doppo’s tattoos for the longest time until one day when you’re walking in the park and it suddenly starts pouring and Doppo lends you his jacket but then his white shirt gets soaked through 

and you’re just standing there staring, mouth agape at the sleeves covering his arms

he’s embarrassed at first, thinking that you’ll hate them or that you won’t ever want to speak with him again

but once you tell him how much you love them and ask him to look at all of them, Doppo will feel slightly proud and will happily show them to you

from then on, whenever you compliment his tattoos or tell him how good they look on him, Doppo’s going to get a little bit more confidence and that’s really attractive to you

whenever he gets pissed off at his work or starts ranting about his job while he’s changing, you try to be supportive, but he just looks so irresistible with his fully tatted sleeves and his fiery anger that you have to hold yourself back from pouncing on him right then and there

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

[wesimpforxiao]

Say My Name and I’ll Be There: 3.3

"You can't run from us."  Aether's lifeless eyes stared straight through you.

"Your time has come,"  Paimon grinned evilly.

"Die here." Childe stood between them as they all surrounded you, his eyes more devoid of emotion than Aether's.

"Leave me alone!" Your shout echoed through space.  "You can't hurt me! Xiao will protect me!"

"You think he can protect you from me? Oh, ojou-chan〰" Childe knelt in front of you and grabbed your chin.  "You're naïve to rely on him.  But I suppose it's all you can do, since you're too weak to defend yourself."

"Xiao!" You slapped the Harbinger's hand away and scooted backwards.  "Xiao! Adeptus Xiao! Please!"

Childe's manic laughter drowned out your desperate cries for help.

You awoke with a gasp and sat up.  Who was it that you could trust?  Aether was your number one answer out of the three of them, but after seeing that expression on his face, you weren't too sure.  Helplessness overwhelmed you, and your eyes struggled to adjust to darkness.  The campfire was dim and close to burning out so you added a few blocks of wood without disturbing anyone.  You lay your sluggish body back onto your sleeping mat and finally caught your breath, the cold sweat evaporating in the cool spring air.

The rustling of leaves to your right made you snap your head in that direction. Who was tasked with keeping watch tonight?  A quick glance around the campsite answered Aether.  But no one showed themselves near the rustling, and Aether was on the opposite side of the campsite.  You glared into the darkness and instead of being greeted with malice, a gentle breeze brushed past your face.

Wind?  It didn't make any sense.  Nothing else was being disturbed in the camp besides your hair.  You felt someone's presence, and yet no one was standing there; your adjusted vision proved it.  The presence comforted you in some strange way, and it felt familiar too.  You peered up into the tree canopy and found no figures sitting on the branches as you had expected.  

"...Xiao?" You practically mouthed the word.  The breeze swirled around you a few times, brushing against your arms and shoulders, then blowing your hair out of your face until it finally retracted and caressed your cheek--a lingering touch.  "You heard me."  Tears welled up in your eyes at the realization.  

He had only been gone for two days, but you never felt his presence like this before.  Even in person.  He was watching over you the entire time, even if you didn't realize it.  You may not have called for him consciously yet he heard your prayers nonetheless and came to you.  You found yourself reaching out into the open air silently begging for the breeze to return to you once more.

It did.  

A swift yet gentle trace from your forehead, down the side of your face, across your jaw and ending at your chin.  You could feel the gentle nature radiating from the force, even if it wasn't a lot considering the yaksha only knew death and destruction.  Still, he persisted to try and convey his thoughts to you.  It felt as though he was smiling ever so slightly as he did this, and you smiled back at the empty space.

But as quickly as he traced your face, the breeze dispersed and he was gone.

........................................

Several days passed without incident, and the two adepti had yet to return.  Aether had decided that the group would make a trip west of Dihua Marsh in search of a treasure rumored to have been left behind by a yaksha long ago.  By the time the group reached the stone tablet that held instructions for this treasure, you were already overwhelmed with missing Xiao's company.

"'My name is Bosacius, one of the Yakshas,'" Paimon read aloud to the group.  "'I followed my Lord to fight against and contend with pestilence. Yet though we Yakshas had great might, we were bound by our duties, and stained by them...Liyue is now at peace, but of our number, none but Alatus and I remain. And for my part, I wish to depart, to be done with this world.  My wealth I leave here, sealed by my arts. If you are fated to do so, take them as you please.'"

"Did they...kill themselves?" You voiced the question on everyone's minds.  The group was silent as they contemplated the meaning of the yaksha's words.  

"If that were the case, I'm sure Mr. Zhongli would know," Childe stared grimly at the tablet.  There were no records of Alatus surviving nor dying as far as he knew.  Perhaps this adeptus was living a peaceful life he could disrupt on the Tsaritsa's behalf, and not waste time with you and Xiao anymore...

"I've heard stories of the yakshas," Diluc nodded.  "It's been said that some were driven to the point of insanity from fighting daemons under Morax's orders.  They'd be put down by their allies if they didn't kill themselves first."

"That's horrible," you muttered and lightly touched the crumbling stone.  "I've heard names of yakshas growing up, but this is the first time I've heard of an Alatus...what a pretty name.  I wonder what happened to them?"

"Paimon hopes they managed to find at least some happiness in their lives."

"Yeah..." You stood up and contemplated the tablet.  Alatus and Bosacius...I wonder if Xiao knew them...And to be driven to insanity no less...Xiao has the same task, yet he seems to be doing okay.  But what if he isn't? Your eyebrows scrunched together at the possibility.  I pray you're doing well, Xiao.

"Well, let's go find the treasure! Maybe those two hilichurl camps hold the light actuators!  And the other one might be up the hill!"

"You sure moved on fast," Aether commented.  "Let's see...Diluc and I can take the camp with the lawachurl.  Childe and Bennett could take the one over there, and you can go up the hill."

"Actually--"  Bennett stepped forward with a nervous grin.  "It would be better if I went alone.  I could get you injured!"

"A little injury won't throw me off," Childe assured.  "Don't worry so much, comrade."

"Uh...o-okay..."

"Can you handle yourself?" Aether turned to you.

"Yep! I'll yell if I need help."

The group dispersed.  You climbed up the hill to be greeted by two powered-down ruin guards.  The light actuator sat in a locked cell tower.  One ruin guard sat at the top of the stairs connected to the tower, while the other sat a little too close to the rock you needed to use to free the actuator from its prison.  

"I should be able to get up there without waking the machines."  You carefully walked up to the glowing rock and started slicing at it with your sword.  Once it shattered, you grabbed the orb that burst from it and made your way over to the left side of the tower, placing it in the lantern that sat half-buried in the ground.  You sheathed your sword before climbing.  

Once you got to the top, your foot slipped and kicked a rock over the edge of the structure. You had just grabbed the light actuator when you heard the metallic sound of machinery standing up behind you.  The rock had hit the sleeping ruin guard.

"Crap!"  You peeked below you, and found the cyclops eye staring straight at you.  It turned around and bent over slightly, and heat rose from its back as it fired up its rocket launchers.  You scanned your surroundings.  If you ran left, you would wake the second ruin guard.  If you went right, you risk breaking your ankle if you land wrong.  Either way, the rockets would hit you since you wouldn't have enough time to dodge at this distance.  "Dammit."  You clicked your tongue and threw yourself off the tower before you could hesitate.  The rockets hit the cell and launched chunks of concrete into the air.

You rolled on the ground for a few feet, and sat up.  The ruin guard was now facing you, but instead of following through with its programmed set of attacks, it squatted and readied its launchers again.  

"The eye!  I need to hit the eye!"  You pushed yourself to your feet and hesitated.  You were at a larger distance from the guard this time; it would be simpler to dodge now and attack after.  If you ran towards it now, you'd definitely get hit.  Your hand fell to the hilt of your sword.  I could throw it.  It was instantly unsheathed, and you chucked it at the eye of the machine.

You missed.

It had hit right below the eye and clattered unceremoniously onto the ground.  You frantically glanced around for something to hide behind. A medium-sized rock was to your left.  It wouldn't provide full cover, but it was better than nothing; you dove for it and covered your head.

Nothing happened save for the sound of an arrow whizzing through the air.  You peeked over the boulder to find that Childe had hit a bullseye and transitioned into his hydro blades.  He defeated the ruin guard in less than ten seconds.

"It's a good thing I got here in time," he turned to you and his bow disappeared behind his back.  "You would've been seriously injured if you had gotten hit with that rock."

"T-thanks," you rose from behind your lousy shield.  "But I had it under control."

"Oh?"  Childe plucked your sword off the ground and handed it to you with an amused expression.  "This sword's seen better days.  I'll get you a new weapon."  You sheathed your sword without replying, and Childe's face fell.  "Are you injured?"

"Luckily not."

"That's good."  Relief laced his voice, which relieved you of some of your suspicions.  His gentle smile was replaced with a sigh.  "Bennett broke his arm."

[kkeidawrites]

Ice and Steel

A forewarning: Mentions of child abuse, violence, cruelty towards a child, and familial dispute. If this bothers you please do not read ahead. Thank you on behalf of p3achyheartz and blackreaderstation.

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Chapter 7: A Bruised Heart; Hazel’s Estranged Upbringing

Flashback..

Hazel’s knees met the harsh ground below her and the feeling of blood beginning to seep through the scrape on her once healed scabs surfaced once more.

The taunting laughter from her older brothers made the young girl glare at the ground below her.

“We told you you wouldn’t be able keep up with us! Now look at you!” Akito teased as Daiki laughed.

“You should just stay down like a good little girl!” Daiki chimes in. Hazel’s small fists grip the rocks that laid dormant below her. She made sure that her hands hid the grey stones as she looked up at her brothers defiantly.

“Good little girl?” She clumsily returned to her feet as she continued to glare at her brothers. Her sudden question made them give her a confused look as Hazel gritted her snaggle tooth teeth.

“I’ll show you what ‘a good little girl’ can do!”

Her arms began turning like a wheel as she threw the stones at their intended targets: Daiki and Akito. The boys grunted from the pain of the stones and one ended up hitting Akito in the eye.

He grunts from the pain and falls to his knees clutching his right eye.

“Akito!” Daiki cries out as he kneeled to his brothers side. Blood was falling from the right side of his head and Daiki turned a murderous glare to their younger sibling. Hazel panted from her onslaught and straightened her back for a fight.

“You little!” Daiki storms over to Hazel and grabs the scruff of her pink kimono, bringing her face close to his.

“You’re going to pay for that!” He threatened and Hazel turns her head away.

“If it’s to get away from smell coming from your rancid upper lip, I’ll take anything.” Hazel says back, sassily. Daiki blushes in embarrassment and grits his teeth as he throws Hazel into a tree. Her back hit the rough bark harshly and she grunted as her body slid down to the grass below her.

She grunted in pain rubbing her back, then two shadows crept up in front of her and she looked up to see Daiki and Akito who was holding his bleeding forehead, glare down at her.

“You want to be a boy so bad? We’ll teach you why boys are always fighting then.” Akito spoke up as he cracked his knuckles. Was that supposed to scare her?

“Well what are you waiting for? An invitation?” She got back to her feet and into a fighting stance.

“I’m ready when you are.” She says.

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

Unfortunately, Hazel had got the short end of the stick after her fight with her brothers. It took maybe five or six guards to break all three children and Hazel escaped in time to avoid any questions from them. Albeit, she served enough punches and kicks in to break a couple of ribs on each brother and Akito’s head was going to be ringing a bit more than normal. However, it didn’t help the fact that she was limping terribly on her way back to her room.

She held the wall as she hobbles to her room and just when her day couldn’t get any worse, the wicked witch and her devil spawn were walking the same halls as she was.

Rei’s face scrunched up in displeasure as she noticed Hazel’s limping form pass her. Rei gave her a look and then noticed a bit of blood on the younger girl’s hands.

“Fighting again, brat?” Rei asked. Hazel ignored her as she continued her limp. Her hellspawn stomped her right foot at the disrespect.

“My mother is talking to you!”

“And?” Hazel glared at the girl and her step sister hid behind her mother from the scary look.

“It’s quite alright, dear. The little brat can continue limping. I’ll make sure she doesn’t receive any medical assistance from anyone. Let the animal heal on her own.” Rei smirked evilly. Her hellspawn smirked and stuck her tongue out at Hazel but the red haired girl grinned sinisterly.

“That’s fine. But, you should see your sons, they probably need the entire medical ward after what I laid on them today. I’m pretty sure Akito has a concussion right now.” Hazel says and Rei’s eyes widened then she frowns angrily.

“What did you do to my sons, you little wretch!”

“They couldn’t handle what I had and paid the price.” Hazel limped the rest of the way to her room as Rei and her brat rushed away to see to their other relatives.

That night, Hazel applied the gauze to the wounds on her arms then wrapped it up in the bandages. She had to steal these things from the medical ward because, she was forbidden by her father to have any of her wounds tended to as punishment for approaching him about wanting to learn to fight with her brothers.

Hazel grunts from the pain as she uses her teeth to cut off the bandage. Her brow furrows in concentration as she wraps her very swollen ankle up. It was no doubt sprained and it looks like she’ll need a crutch. Again.

“Just they wait,” she mutters as she stashed her medical supplies in a secret compartment by her bed.

“I’ll show them who their messing with and then they’ll be bowing at my feet!” She vowed.

End of Flashback

“Miss Hazel? Miss Hazel?” Hazel’s eyes refocused on her sake cup on her lap then shifted her gaze to Sanjiro who was sitting next to her with a concerned look.

“Are you alright, Miss Hazel?” He asked.

Hazel smiled to him and nods, rising to her feet and chugging her sake. With a pleased sigh, she placed a hand on Sanjiro’s shoulder and motioned him into their new room.

“I’m just fine, Sanjiro. Let’s go get something to eat, I know you’re still hungry, right?”

“Well, yes but-”

“Come on, come on! I want more stuffed dumplings!” Hazel pushes him inside and closes the shoji door behind them.

The kotatsu was larger than the last and this allowed more food to be piled on top of it. Toru and the twins were downing more food in their stomachs as Hazel snagged a pork dumpling, taking a huge bite. She moans in delight but, Sanjiro noticed how distracted she was when they were sitting on the balcony.

“Come on Sanjiro,” Hazel bit into her dumpling again as she spoke with a mouthful.

“The food will be gone and I’m not having any kids in my care go hungry!” She tells him, then picks up a bowl of ramen and pushes it into his chest. Sanjiro hesitantly grabbed the bowl and slowly began eating.

However, their dinner was interrupted when the shoji door opened and everyone but Hazel turned around to see who had entered the suite. Takuna gave his brothers a once over then silently made his way over to Sanjiro’s side, sitting down cross legged.

“Glad you finally decided to join us, Takuna. Steamed bean bun?” Hazel asked as she slurped up some udon while holding out a bean bun to the boy. Takuna takes the bun from her hands and quietly begins eating.

“Where have you been?” Sanjiro asked his younger brother.

“Nowhere.” The buzz cut boy replies, bored.

“Well, I’m glad your back big brother! We have more food here than the last place and the best part is, this hotel has a never ending food staff. So it’s an all you can eat.” Toru says as he bites into a chicken leg.

“Hm.” Was Takuna’s bored response. Toru deflated slightly and Hazel raised an eyebrow. She then felt a strange presence outside and turned her gaze back to the brothers.

“You guys continue eating. I’m going to enjoy the rest of my sake.” Hazel picks up her jug of sake and heads back to the balcony.

She closed the shoji door behind her and sat down in the same spot once more, pouring another cup of liquor.

“You’ve got some nerve showing your face here.” Hazel throws back her drink and sighs softly.

The clacking of sandals sound to her left and her side eye catches that of the infamous Surgeon of Death. A pirate from North Blue and the captain and doctor of the Heart Pirates: Trafalgar D. Water Law.

His nervous gaze keep up with Hazel’s deadly one and he puts his hand in his kimono, trying to act cool.

“Long time no see…Red Angel.

End of Chapter

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Heyyy everyone, I know it’s been a hot minute since I’ve written a story but, I’ve been doing some things on the side but, as a way to start off a new month I decided to give you all a chapter from Ice and Steel.

Also, some good news is in order! I have finally made an account on Archive of Our Own! It’s the same name as my tumblr so be sure to check that out and subscribe to my account! And you may find something new there as well. -wink- -wink- Also, I don’t remember if I told y’all before but, my inbox is open if you want a request just head over to Masterlist 1 or 2, follow the rules stated and ask away in my inbox! I will get to your request as soon as I can!

However with good news there is bad news as well. I am currently taking new classes for this summer and will have almost little to no time to write for a couple of months, but! That will not stop me from giving you guys a chapter or two here and there! So, just bear with me and know that no matter what SCHOOL WILL COME FIRST OVER EVERYTHING! Periodt.

Also if you see that the other chapters are not posted from either this story or the others, it is because I’m so lazy to put them all on the chapters but, I promise if you search in the search bar on my account you will find the other chapters.

But, that is all I have for you guys, I want to thank @p3achyheartz, @demigoddessqueens, @smol-bluberri and many others I have not listed for supporting me this far in the game, and be sure to show some love to their tumblrs as well!

[sweetestlamb]

The Greatest Show

Summary: Come on, get into it. 

Author's note: I haven’t been inspired to write for this fandom in a while because honestly the writers are doing amazing, everything I think of is pure filth because I am eagerly awaiting their next kiss. But episode 17 broke my brain with their squash the rumor scene, the growling and grunting that So-Bong was so unaffected by. These two need a tent, desperately. Enjoy my royal pervs, here is my offering. 

p.s. picture borrowed from @tomorrowsdrama- thank you for the screenshots of this amazing moment! 

He's doing what he must to survive, that's all. End of sentence. He takes no pleasure in slamming the King into the closest surface and rubbing their body against him like a cat in heat, not in the slightest. Rumors are weeds, you have to rip them out for flowers and crops to flourish. That's all they're doing, weeding the garden of Joseon so it can flourish for their future child. 

That's what he tells himself as they cross paths in the royal hall, the King is flagged by the entire royal court animatedly discussing something of seemingly vast importance if their volume suggests anything. As he takes a step forward, Court Lady Choi seizes their hand halting them in place.

"Your highness you just not approach the King when he is with the Royal court. It is not proper. We just simply bow as they walk by."

But he doesn't care about propriety or appearing decent and well-behaved in front of these corrupt old bags, they are simply larger weeds that need to be disposed of. Smirking at their potential outrage, he grins evilly letting that fuel him even more before pulling up their dress to run over to their Cheoljongie. He looks bored out of his mind so it can also be considered a good deed, he's such a giving wife.

"My King!" Her voice rings out as he calls to his husband, who immediately looks over at them warmth filling those expressive eyes. Without hesitation the King bounds over to them happily, his movement only slightly faster than his usual glide ever the diligent King.

"My Queen, I have missed you."

The members of the backstabbing clan look disgruntled at the King's sudden departure, grumbling and pointing at them as if they have committed the highest crime.

If they think this is inappropriate then they're in for a huge surprise.

Looking down demurely, he thinks of his younger days when he was a junior understudy for the school play his acting prowess would come in handy now.

"Not as much as I have missed you, my love." He whispers the word of affection, reaching up to caress the King's cheeks softly making sure to appear infatuated. He has to force that after all because he doesn't do that naturally, despite what the royal maids claim. They are just confused, So-yong has a soft face that appears adoring at time despite his true emotions. 

With a soft whimper he throws himself into the King's arm, feeling those strong arms encircle her small waist, lightning zips through their veins but he ignores her bodily reaction.

We're just acting, take the memo! He internally berates the other inhabitant of this hormonally charged body.

But when Cheoljong strokes their neck and easily lifts them off their feet, he gasps loudly clinging to him harder for balance and because her knees suddenly feel weak.

"Your majesty, we do not have time for such....improper dalliance. You must not do this in such a public venue." One of the old farts stage whispers sounding positively scandalized and it revs him up even further. As he feels the King starting to retreat he jumps forward, wrapping their body around the King's like a limpet.

Cheoljong's eyes sparks to life the new position placing them eye to eye, panting softly onto each other. The air between them is charged and thick like a bowl of porridge. 

"Your highness, I agree you mustn't do this." Court lady Choi pleads with her, averting her eyes away from the tangled couple. 

He looks over Cheoljong's wide shoulders to see the Royal court affronted and wide eyed and Court Lady Choi with a similar expression, Hong Yeon is trying desperately to smother her smile as she averts her eyes. Sending her a secret wink, he pulls the King's head forward staring hungrily at his lips.

"I cannot resist, seeing him awakens such deep passion inside of me. Just one?"

He looks at her dazed, as if he's forgotten everyone surrounding them.

"Just...one?" He questions, confusion morphing into sudden realization as he watches them slide their tongue across plush lips.

"Oh."

Ignoring the cacophony of voices around them, he closes the miniscule space between them puckering up and kissing the soft skin of the King's cheek. Cheoljong tries blindly to catch her lips when they retract but he places a slim finger on his pursed lips.

Shaking their head lightly, he starts to slide down the King's hard body feeling the tight muscles even through the layers of fabric.

"We must save the rest for later, my heart. Come and visit us soon." He rubs at his stomach fondly, staring up into Cheoljong’s red face, he looks good enough to eat.

Wait what. Who thought that? No, it's the baby talking I'm just hungry, that's enough of a show.

Bowing deeply at the men, he steps around the King who is still frozen in his spot. Gathering himself he turns to the royal court with an innocent smile, "I apologize, I could not control myself. I will take a long walk to reflect on my behavior."

They collectively stare at her with gaped mouths as she walks off regally, shoulders straight as if nothing happened. After a few steps he turns around, calling over their shoulder, "Don't keep me waiting!" And then to add the proverbial cherry on top, he curls their finger before letting out a roar to which everyone jumps looking bewildered, except the King whose eyes could pierce a hole through their face.

He looks like a starved man. Maybe they should make him some more ramyeon?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

To say he's flustered is a bit of an understatement considered the problem in his pants. Logically he understands the Queen's actions earlier, she'd merely been doing what they had both agreed to feigning affection to dissolve those erroneous rumors that were circulating the kingdom. But he would be lying if he said he wasn't enjoying this immensely.

His Queen was an enigma he had even up on fully understanding, instead choosing to accept her and all that came with her. And her feelings for him were part of his confusion, she seemed to fluctuate between her emotions without rhyme or reason. He never knew which version of her he would be receiving at any given moment. So having her acting the way he'd only imagined in his dreams was both satisfying and unsettling.

It would be most difficult to go back to their normal, he wanted her in his arms always. Desperately yearned for intimacy that didn't dissipate when the sun peeked over the horizon.

Pushing his work to the side of the table he sighs leaning back into his seat thinking about his Queen.

"Why must she be so confusing?" He groans to myself thinking about their first night together, how passionate she'd been his ears burn remembering the sharp pain of her teeth sinking it. He had bite marks in... interesting places from that heated encounter but her behavior after had been consistent only in it's in inconsistency.

Running away from him, even going as far as hiding. Then just as suddenly she stopped avoiding him and they settled into comfortable nights together. However, they hadn't been intimate since despite his many efforts, he just wanted a kiss those plush pink lips were so tempting and today they'd been so very close. He needed that kiss like he needed air, he didn't care who was around. If she had kissed him he wouldn't have controlled himself, he would have hungrily devoured.

"Your majesty it is getting late, we must leave now if you wish to see the Queen." The head eunuch interrupts his inklings, bowing low in respect.

Is he ready for this? His control feels paper thin at the moment. But he did promise and they have an image to uphold.

Gathering his strength he rises, "Alright, let us take over leave. I shouldn't keep my Queen waiting."

The walk to Daejeon Hall is short but it feels like he's traversing miles, despite his previous concerns he is now eager to see the Queen. Her face is gorgeous at all hours but there's something about her face lit with candlelight, knowing he's the only one who is allowed to see her at such hours.

Accelerating his feet, he almost races to her ignoring cries from the head eunuch in the distance. Every second not spent in her company is a second wasted.

The Queen's Court lady announces his arrival before they all bow walking backwards out of the room before sliding the doors shut.

"You took your sweet time, I told you not to keep me waiting." She glares at him, pouting slightly bringing all his attention to her mouth.

"I apologize my Queen there were pressing matters to deal with." He lies easily no attention of clarifying his meaning, she doesn't need to know that dousing his arousal was the pressing matter at hand.

"Whatever. What's more important than me?" She scoffs looking offended turning away from him.

He lowers down into a crouch, crawling across the room until they are side by side. The Queen gasps at his unexpected closeness, staring at him with wide eyes and open lips.

Grasping at her hands he stares deeply into her gorgeous eyes solemnly with no humor in his voice, "Nothing. You are most important to me, both of you." Reverently he reaches out a hand to palm at her still small belly, impatient to see her round with his seed.

Her face slowly softens as he rubs her stomach and then she places her hand atop his, no longer resistant to these fleeting moments of intimacy.

Instinctively he starts to lean forward, laser focus on her lips as he inches closer to her. When he's close enough to breath into her mouth she snaps from her haze, moving back marginally he almost growls at her he's so frustrated, he's barely able to swallow the sound.

"What are you doing? There's no one to put on a show for."

He peers at her searching her face, her pupils are dilated and he can feel how fast she's breathing each puff landing on his face, her expression near identical to their last night together. But she's stopping him. Even though she clearly desires this too.

He thinks back to her behavior earlier too, she was brazen then comfortable climbing him in front of so many others all in the name of squashing the rumors.

She needs an excuse to do this.

He should feel offended by this epiphany but instead it brings him resolve, she clearly still hasn't fully let him into her heart but she feels something for him she's more than proven that to him. If she needs to draw a line to be with him then so be it for now, he will prove himself to her everyday.

"There are several court maids and servants outside your room, they are pretending they are not listening but they are. Sometimes your imagination can be even more powerful than reality."

She looks towards the door, eying the shadows through the thin covering before turning back to him and nodding in understanding.

"Okay. Let's give them a show."

Without warning she knocks a marble vase to the ground, the loud crash filling the room as it makes contact with the floor.

Then she moans. Loudly. A suggestive gasping moan that goes straight to his chest before zinging lower, tucking at his loins.

She pushes him when he sits silently merely staring at her, "You need to play along too. Come on, get into it."

There's it is again. That damn phrase.

Get into it.

If only she knew how into it he truly was. Grabbing at her ankle and tucking her underneath him, he slams his arms on either side of her head before groaning deeply, "My Queen, please."

Pride explodes in his chest when he sees a deep blush glide across her face. Not unaffected.

"Am I getting into it enough for you now?" He whispers darkly, itching to lower his weight and kiss that delicious look off her face.

Surprisingly she stutters out, "Ye-a-ah. You seem very into it now, nobody can see us though. We don't need to be like this." She motions between their bodies, unable to meet his gaze now. She motions between their bodies, unable to meet his gaze now. She's right but he also knows that he can't miss this chance, he has her right where he wants her and besides squirming distractedly she hasn't shown any desire for him to move away.

"Do you want me to stop?" When she doesn't immediately answer he begins to move backward giving her space but she latches onto his forearm, tight.

"Wait! Maybe we should commit even if they can't see us, it'll help us play our roles better." She reasons and he smiles, razor sharp. She wants this just as badly as he does, he's studied her long enough to read between these lines.

Swiftly he rolls them over so she's on top, pressed together from shoulders to feet her long braid swinging over and brushing against his cheek. Gently wrapping it around his hand he uses it to bring her closer, her breath hitches seductively and he whispers, "Louder. So they can hear you." Without waiting for a reply he tugs at her hair again harder this time and the sound that escapes her lips is orgasmic, a high whining moan that sets his skin on fire. Emboldened and aroused he grabs her neck, speaking into her opened mouth "Do you like that my Queen?" Her eyes are glazed over as she sways as if intoxicated by him.

"Cheoljong, kiss me."

It's too quiet for anyone's ears but his and that makes him even hotter, this wasn't part of the show. This was just for him, just for them.

Always one to seize the moment, he yanks her down to meet his eagerly waiting mouth swallowing the moan that rolls off her tongue. The kiss escalates immediately with both twisting and licking, wet sucking noises soaking the room as they bring apart to gasp for air and crash back together, chaotically and perfectly. When he feels a wondering hand graze his groin he can't resist the urge to thrust up into her touch. Wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her even closer, although there is no space between them.

When he pulls back, her eyes remain close as she licks her lips as if chasing his taste on them. His cock jumps jealously.

"I want you." He admits, wanting to make it clear if his intentions are not already crystalline to her. He wants no room for misunderstandings tonight.

She stares wordlessly before reaching across his body and then he sees the oil in her hand, he hadn't noticed its presence next to them but he eagerly takes it from her.

"Are you comfortable?"

"Don't go soft on me now, bring back the guy who was pulling my hair. Do you want me to call you Daddy too?"

His breath hitches at the word, he doesn't understand why but hearing her makes something dark coil in his belly. She lifts an eyebrow at his heavy silence, "You're so kinky."

He stares confused again, nothing new to him but he stores the word away for further inspection of its meaning. "Is kin-ky bad?" He asks reaching down to lower his pants and cover himself in the thick oil coating each inch of the hard pole.

She doesn't answer right away, avidly watching him stroke himself to fullness before rubbing at the bulbous deep scarlet head, serving to make him almost painfully turned on. "No, kinky is good. I like kinky." She tugs her skirt up and his eyes bulge when instead of seeing the various layers he should see there is only bare skin.

Had he been seduced? It feels as if he has been but he doesn't care enough to question her or pause this for a second. He would happily be her fool.

Gripping at her hips he rubs against her, groaning when her wetness smears across him obscenely. She grinds down onto him meeting him head on, they are definitely on the same page now.

Unable to wait for even another second, he envelopes her in his arms before sliding into her smoothly her natural moisture and the oil easing the way until he is completely encased. She moans long and wailing as he slides to the hilt, he groans loudly joining her as she scratches roughly down his back even through the sturdy material he can feel the burn. Absently he considers gentling his moves, she is pregnant and more fragile after all. But she must read his face and be vehemently against his plan because suddenly she rises up, slipping off his hardness before slamming back down the loud smacking of skin filling the room.

"It's time for the main event. Don’t stop now.” She challenges him, squeezing around his erection. 

Pushing his reservations to the side, he gets into it full heartedly thrusting hard before capturing her mouth in a harsh kiss, hissing when he feels her teeth tug roughly at his bottom lip, his lioness has returned. He teasingly roars into her mouth and she laughs around his tongue, breaking free only to latch on his neck sucking hard. He hopes it leaves a mark.

Her laughter causes her to tighten around him and he groans at her vice like grip on his cock, he can feel himself nearing the end. Recalling their first night he suddenly grabs her neck, squeezing lightly and when she whines in a broken gasp he tightens his hand and delights as she melts slowly limp in his hold, he supports her weight easily bucking into her tight heat. When he thrusts up a second time he feels her wetness gush around him before he loses himself, his climax tensing his body as he slowly falls apart.

The entire kingdom will surely be in an uproar tomorrow.

He's looking forward to it. That will teach them to spread rumors about their intimate affairs. 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In the hallway, Hong Yeon brings her hands to her hot cheeks feeling overheated from the King and Queen's boisterous gathering. Every court maid is blushing as they look discretely at the door with every moan and groan that escapes. She hopes this will qualm the rumors in the kingdom, she cannot take this for much longer. Court lady Choi had left to retrieve water after their first moans and had yet to return, she surmised if the Queen were not already with child she would have been impregnated again going by the sounds they were making. It was all too obvious to her, despite the Queen's strange behavior at times, they were desperately in love with each other. She'd never seen two people who were more crafted for the other.

Anyone who thought otherwise was a fool. 

[missskzbiased]

Getting a Roommate (4)

Soooo... I rolled my dices and Dice God choose Minho and Chan for this Love Triangle (I’m quite happy with the results actually), so I’m gonna start to focus on them more. 

This chapter has a lot of Felix because I like their friendship kkkkk Sorry

I’m not sure if She will end up with Minho or Chan, since I planned for Minho being her good friend at first. I’m getting fond of him now though So Who Knows?

Genre:  Fluff, Romance; Sugestive; College Au; Roommate Au; Love Triangle

Pairing: Minho X Reader X Chan

Word Count: ~5,1K

Female Lead

Warnings: Language, Sugestive stuff (?)

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6) (Final)

       Changbin opened the door for you and shot you a confused look.

   “Felix is not here,” He told you and you looked at him pleading “Wanna come in anyway?” He said unsurely and you thanked him, getting inside. You stood there, in the middle of the living room, looking around, not knowing what to do now that you got there. What were you thinking? What if Felix couldn’t take you in? You should have texted him or something.

   “Thank you” You muttered and Changbin eyed you, sighing.

   “Did something happen?” He asked, sitting on the couch and patting it, so you would do the same. You were not sure what to say. Should you say you saw your roommate banging on your couch? Would He think you were just making a scene out of nothing? You decided to sit across him and eye him in silence “It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it” He reassured you.

   “I… Well, it’s nothing really” You began to say, feeling embarrassed “I ran into my roommate having sex on the couch… Where I’m sleeping… And, well… Yeah” Changbin looked surprised at you and then disgusted.

   “It’s not nothing!” He uttered “That’s disrespectful! What an asshole…” He scoffed humorlessly. You looked at him gratefully, feeling a little bit less embarrassed and sighed, tired.

   “He didn’t even apologize” You pouted “He thinks He has the right to do it because He’s the one who cleans up… Minho said He cleans up really well so I shouldn’t feel bad about it… I guess I’m making a tempest in a teapot”

   “No, you’re not!” He assured you, resting his hand on your shoulder “You have all the right to feel uncomfortable with it, you live there too! If you’re sleeping on the couch He could just go to his room. He’s the wrong one here” You faintly smiled at him, feeling way better.

   “Thank you, I guess I needed to hear it” You confessed, “I felt wronged and He just ignored it!”

   “He sounds like a douchebag” Changbin stated, “What are you going to do about it?” He asked curiously.

   “I was thinking… Well, You can totally say no! And I haven’t talked to Felix yet, but I was thinking about asking him to let me sleep with him until I get my bed” You admitted, “I could even sleep on the couch or the floor, I don’t mind at all!”

   “Don’t be stupid, you can sleep on his bed!” He snorted “If He doesn’t want it you can keep mine, I’m alright with that too” You flashed him a smile and nudged him.

   “You’re nicer than I thought!” You grinned and He scoffed.

   “Thanks?” He asked giggling “So? What do you want to do now? I heard you’re going to our perform today”

   “Maybe I should study a little bit? I don’t know… Or I could come up with some kind of revenge!” You realized, excited.

   “I’m all ears” He laughed, getting more comfortable on the couch and resting his head on his hand, his elbow on the couch “What do you have in mind? You should lock him outside… Maybe glue his keys somewhere or put paint on his shampoo? I’m not good at this” He wondered and you felt your brain working harder, almost paining.

   “I should fuck on his bed,” You said suddenly and Changbin choked, coughing up so much you had to bring him water, worried He would just die there “Calm down, drink it!”

   “I don’t think it will be effective,” He said after He recomposed himself “You don’t feel good about him doing it on your couch but I’m quite sure He will get off to you if you just fuck someone on his bed” He advised, blushing.

   “Oh… I didn’t think about that…” You blushed, realizing your idea was indeed really dumb “So maybe… I could get on his way though… Hm, you gave me a good idea, Changbin! He will be so mad” You laughed evilly and grinned, thinking through your plan. Changbin eyed you concerned and let out a chuckle, deciding you were feeling good enough now and He could let you enjoy your mind by yourself.

   “Call me if you need anything,” He said before going to his room.

   “Hey, Changbin!” You called him, stretching your head so you could see him behind the couch “Thank you” You muttered under your breath and He smiled at you.

   “Anytime, Y/N” He shrugged.

   You laid there on the couch, watching Brooklyn 99 on Netflix so you could feel better till the evening when you would be partying as hell and forgetting all about your roommates. Han got home before Felix and shot you a surprised look, but didn’t say anything as he sprawled on the couch with you once He saw what you were watching. When Felix finally got home He watched as you and Han laughed about something on the screen, nudging each other happily and He chuckled before locking the door.

   “Y/N, are you trying to get my roommates to pick you over me?” He asked playfully and you looked at him smiling.

   “What can I do if I’m cooler than you?” You asked with a smug grin and He scoffed.

   “Why are you here though? You didn’t even text me, I would have come earlier if I knew you were here” He said, eyeing you suspiciously. You almost could hear him asking if you were into his roommates anytime soon, but was interrupted by the door opening again and a… Stunning Chan smiling to you guys. He was ready for the night, you noticed, his dark hair was pulled back in a messy hairstyle with some wild hair locks on his forehead and his eyes were shaded, highlighting them, and even though He looked cool, his smile showed his dimples and made him seem kinda goofy and cute. Before you could say anything He spoke, sounding excited.

   “Who’s hyped for tonight?!” He asked and Felix turned back to look at him.

   “You, clearly” He laughed and Chan laughed along, closing the door and laying his eyes on you.

   You felt small under his gaze, regretting your poor choice of outfit. You strongly believed college claimed comfy clothes since you would be humiliated anyway by the tiring classes and all the assignments you must do, you figured that being comfy was the only thing that could get you through this hell. Although now, with Chan looking at you sprawled on the couch with messy hair and no makeup, you wondered if you should change this from now on. Nah! You knew you wouldn’t.

   “Hey, babygirl” He greeted you with a smirk and Felix shot you a mischievous look, grinning like a cat “Are you going to come tonight?” He asked and you could see He was pretending to be cool and uninterested but the way He eyed you seconds later made you chuckle.

   “Would I miss a 3RACHA’s perform?” He giggled at your words and you saw with the corner of your eyes Felix freaking out silently at you, his back turned to Chan. Han scoffed beside you and you looked at him. He was looking at Felix, amused by your best friend to get nowhere near to subtle.

   “Hey, aren’t you going to get ready, man?” Chan asked Han and the boy whined, getting up and muttering a ‘yeah, dad’ to Chan, who laughed and sat on the couch. Felix came right after him, pushing you away from the corner and obliging you to be next to Chan. You narrowed your eyes at him and He grinned, proud at himself “I’m sorry I couldn’t give you guys a ride… We have to get there pretty early and you would be so bored to just stand there waiting for everything to start” He apologized to you both and Felix shrugged it off.

   “We already have a ride” You said, just to enroll in a conversation and Chan nodded “We will be getting ready after you leave… I will sleep here tonight” You didn’t know why you were talking useless stuff, maybe you were hoping Felix would use it as a fuel for real conversation, but Chan didn’t seem to mind your rambling.

   “Oh? Do you want me to give you a ride home later?” He promptly offered “I mean, is the ride a problem? Because if it is, I can totally give you a ride after”

   “She’s going to sleep here because she misses me so much” Felix answered mockingly and you laughed at him “But thanks for caring so much about her, mate” Felix grinned knowingly and you rolled your eyes. Would He ever stop embarrassing you someday? You doubt it.

   “Of course!” Chan scoffed “I care about my friends” He shrugged it off and you eyed Felix smugly. Felix snorted and eyed you back, mouthing something you couldn’t understand.

   “We’re ready” Changbin announced, making you look at them. They were cooler than you thought it would be possible. Changbin looked dark and charismatic and Han looked cool and chilled out, both of them had their hair messy and a smug grin that made you snort.

   “You guys look great!” You hyped them and Han grinned at you.

   “Please, don’t fall for me” He asked, hiding his face mockingly like He was some kind of superstar making you scoff.

   “I can’t fall for you if you’re already so close to the ground” You mocked him and He made an exaggerated gasp as if He was really offended. Chan stood up and helped them get their stuff, waving you goodbye and letting you and Felix all by yourselves.

   “He’s so into you!” He uttered and you nudged him “I care for my friends… Ha! As if! He never offered me a ride home!” He was happier than you, getting ready to ship you as much as He wanted “And I heard the babygirl! Hm? Babygirl? Really?” He nudged you this time and you laughed.

   “We’re just kidding! Last week I joked around and called him Daddy and He called me babygirl, it’s not something to hype about” You assured and Felix’s grin got larger, but then He got serious and you shook your head, encouraging him to speak his mind.

   “Why were you here anyway? You usually let me know when you’re coming to see me” He asked worried and You sighed, remembering your earlier fight with your roommates.

   “I caught my roommate having sex on the couch” You stated and his mouth agaped, chocked “Right where I lay my face if you wanna know” You told him all the story and Felix frowned.

   “What a bastard!” He uttered “But it’s good we’re getting out tonight! At least you can drown your sorrows on alcohol with me today” He reasoned and you couldn’t agree more.

   “It will be perfect because I will drink until you guys have to drag me out from there! And I will sleep on your bed and wake up tomorrow like the queen I deserve to be” You announced, proudly. You expected tonight to be really good to your humor because you couldn’t handle any other issues for today. You and Felix took turns to get ready, you started taking your bath and He followed right after while you were dressing up and doing your makeup. You went to the living room to wait for him to get dressed and decided to check yourself out in the mirror.

   You were hot! You acknowledged that. You were feeling good and comfortable and you smiled to yourself, your makeup was just enough to highlight your eyes and your mouth, giving you a sexy look and you liked it. You were feeling powerful. Your train of thoughts was interrupted by an excited Felix beaming at you.

   “Oh my god! You’re gorgeous!” He uttered with eyes shining “Turn around for me! I have to picture it in my head! The day Y/N got everyone breathless!” You cackled at that. Felix was so encouraging you just wanted to hug him and then push his head away, but before you could do it He turned around and grinned at you “So? What do you think?” He asked and you whistled at him.

   “You said I am breathtaking, but something must be wrong because you’re taking all my breath away right now, boy!” You cheered him “They better have an A/C there because you’re hot!” Felix busted on giggles, getting closer to you and pushing your shoulder lightly.

   “Stop it!” He said shyly and you scoffed at his bashful self, He looked at his phone and grinned “Let’s go! He’s almost here” You picked up your purse and followed him. When you got out of the building, you saw a familiar car waiting there. Minho’s car. You scoffed. How the hell did he figure out where you were? You opened your mouth to voice your thoughts to Felix, but He waved to the car.

   Minho’s car.

   He waved to Minho’s car.

   “Oh my god! Felix, Minho is my roommate!” You whispered to him and Felix snapped his head at you, surprised.

   “What? Couch boy?” He asked getting mad.

   “No! The other one” You rushed to say, almost seeing Felix kicking Minho by mistake.

   “Oh!” Minho let out when He saw you approaching “Y/N… Hm. Hi?” He smiled unsurely and you eyed Felix for help. That’s no need to say the ride was completely awkward. Felix sat in the front seat and you sat behind him in the car, watching Minho drive like He had no rush in the world. He looked at you a few times through the mirror and you averted your eyes.

   It wasn’t like Minho did something bad… Actually, He just let you sleep on the couch, He wasn’t banging someone there as far as you know. Maybe you were a bit hard on him? While you wondered about talking normally to him, He decided to break the ice, “Hm… Your bed arrived today” He said and He sounded like a lost puppy “I figured you wouldn’t want me to call you for now so I didn’t… But if you want to come back home you can…” He eyed you through the mirror and you smiled faintly at him. He was thoughtful enough, right? “I already put it in your room… I even made your bed…” His voice was getting lower and He decided to shut up, feeling embarrassed. You saw Felix’s shoulder trembling, probably holding a laugh, and you decided to take pity on Minho, smiling at him and laying your head on your palm before saying.

   “Oh, yeah? What a good boy” You joked and He seemed to brighten up.

   “So you’re coming home with me?” He asked hopefully and you snorted.

   “No, tonight I’m gonna sleep with Felix” You answered “Also, I don’t wanna see Hyunjin yet” You frowned, thinking about how to handle your other roommate since He was an asshole.

   “We talked it through and I’m so sorry I wasn’t on your side earlier… You were totally right to be mad and even if the couch gets really clean He should have done it on his bed since you were sleeping on the couch” He spoke fast, afraid to say something wrong and blow everything up. You nodded content at him and Felix sighed in relief.

   “Thank god! I was afraid that you guys would be like this all night” He confessed. You laughed at that and looked at Minho. You didn’t notice it before, because you weren’t really looking at him but He was looking good tonight and now that He relaxed He gave out a smug and sexy aura that made you snort, He was so ready to get laid tonight “Now I can talk to you normally, Y/N” Felix continued, “How are we going to get you laid?” He asked genuinely, stretching his neck to look at you.

   “Let me go, Felix” You rolled your eyes “I don’t want to fuck Chan” You said and Felix grinned like He just found a pot of gold.

   “I never said his name” Felix stated and you blushed “So you want to get in his pants! I knew it!” He laughed “I know you so well…”

   “Are we talking about Daddy?” Minho asked amused and then scoffed “She totally wants to get in his pants” He agreed and you sank in your seat.

   “You know about the Daddy thing?” Felix asked surprised, looking at you again.

   “He heard me calling him Daddy” You explained shortly and Felix gaped.

   “You called him Daddy in front of your roommates? Oh my god, He must have been so turned on! I can’t believe I wasn’t there to tease you!” He whined.

   “Worst” Minho snorted “She yelled it in the middle of the street!” And Felix cackled.

   “I can’t believe it! You horny bitch” He laughed and you kicked his seat from behind.

   “I’m not a horny bitch!” You whined, “We were just joking around!”

   “If He asks if you want a ride home I will say you want to ride him” Felix decided and Minho chuckled amused.

   “Don’t you dare!” You threatened him “Oh my god, Felix, if you get close to saying anything remotely like this I will never speak to you again!

   “Cool down, babygirl, I would never embarrass you like this” He assured you mockingly and you scoffed.

  “Yeah, right” You crossed your arms on your chest “You embarrass me all the time, you ass”

   When you got to the bar they were performing you felt excited. You got out of the car and clasped your hands together, looking eager. Felix chuckled and nudged you, happy you were so hyped. As for Minho, He eyed you surprised. You were looking really good, He noticed and He forcefully pushed away that thought. Was He supposed to look at his friend’s legs? He didn’t think so. He averted his eyes from your body and his eyes met Felix’s, who was smugly grinning at him.

   “Y/N is looking so hot today, right?” He said knowingly and Minho cleared his throat.

   “I wouldn’t say hot… But you look really pretty” He assured. You pouted at that.

   “Hey! I’m hot enough” You whined and Felix side-hugged you.

   “You’re more than hot, you’re on fire, don’t listen to him!” He eyed Minho disappointed “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about, We should ask Chan! He will agree with me”

                                                            /////

   You had already drunk more than enough by the time 3RACHA finished to set up their stuff. You didn’t have a chance to talk to them because They were really busy moving around and getting everything done, They didn’t even see you guys on the crowd yet. The music on the background was some dancing pop stuff and you watched as people danced like there was no tomorrow.

   “Don’t you think that’s enough?” Minho asked you as you drank one more shot.

   Honestly? You weren’t even hearing him. Felix laid on you, chuckling, and hugged you drunkenly, lazily shaking you side to side trying to dance to the music, but way out of tempo. Minho scoffed as both of you tried to move around, drunk enough to look like toddlers learning to walk. He tapped your back and offered you his seat, but you denied it, leaning on Felix.

   “Wanna dance?” You yelled to him and Felix shot his head up like you had said the smartest thing He ever heard.

   “Minho, Let’s dance” Felix yelled at him and Minho raised his palm, silently denying “Your loss!” He grabbed your hand and tried to guide you through the crowd but both of ou just stumbled around, trying to get a good spot to dance. Minho eyed you guys, laughing at your sloppy dancing moves and your giggling self. He couldn’t hear what Felix whispered in your ear, but it must have been a bad idea because your eyes litten up in determination. The music suddenly stopped and Chan started to hit the microphone lightly to check it.

   “Hello? Hello?” He tested it and He seemed to be satisfied with it.

   When everyone felt silent, expecting what He was going to say next, you shouted, your curled tongue making difficult to understand what you had said, but the crowd being silent enough to everyone, including Chan, hear you.

   “You’re so hot, Daddy!” You yelled and Minho busted out laughing. Felix beamed, shaking you proudly as you chuckled drunkenly. Minho could only imagine how much you would regret it tomorrow, but for now, you seemed okay with it.

   “Thanks, babygirl! You too” Chan said shyly and the crowd cheered for you. Changbin and Han gagged nudging each other and Chan scoffed, getting back to their perform. He introduced the group and talked a little bit about the song they were going to play, but you couldn’t really understand it as your mind was far gone already. Felix guided you back to Minho and He nudged his friend, getting a chuckle as a response.

   “She did it!” Felix cheered and Minho scoffed, agreeing “Y/N you’re so going to get laid!” He high fived you and you leaned on Minho, tired.

   “Did you see me?” You asked smiling and Minho grinned at you, patting your head.

   “You did really well” He assured and you smiled in a goofy way, resting your head on his arm since He was sitting and you couldn’t reach his shoulder as you were standing next to him. Felix whined something you couldn’t hear and poked your arm so you could pay attention to him.

   “I’m going to the bathroom” He notified you and you nodded.

   “Do you wanna sit down?” Minho asked you.

   You raised your chin and rested it on his arm, looking into his eyes wondering something. Minho patiently looked back at you, waiting for you to say something, but you seemed to have forgotten his question as you started to giggle with no apparent reason.

   “He called me hot” You stated, giggling and Minho scoffed.

   “Yes, he did” He agreed, rubbing your back gently.

   “Hm….” You contentedly hummed, grabbing his shirt and trying to pull him closer. He got up from his seat and held you closer, letting you rest your head on his chest “You’re so warm…” You mumbled against his chest and He chuckled at you, finding your drunken self quite funny. You were too cute, mumbling stuff and giggling around, not focusing on what He was telling you and Minho found himself grinning against your hair, resting his cheek on the top of your head.

   “You’re so gonna regret it tomorrow” He snorted and you laughed along, not really understanding what He was saying but glad to be there. He patted your hair and you hugged him tighter “What’s up?” He asked, eyeing you, but you just nuzzled your head against his chest like a cat. He bit his lip to suppress a laugher.

   “Do you think I’m hot?” You asked, raising your head and looking him straight in the eye.

   “I think you’re cute” He answered and you pouted.

   “So I’m not hot” You whined and your whine turned into a sob and then you were sobbing sadly on his shoulder. Minho got startled at that. What the fuck was happening?! When you tried to raise her head so you could look her in the eyes, Felix got back and frowned.

   “I leave her with you for a minute and you make her cry?!” He fumed, taking you away from his arms. You hugged Felix and rested your head in the crook of his neck.

   “He called me ugly” You said sadly and Minho arched his eyebrows, surprised.

   “No, I did not! I said you were cute!” He defended himself and you pouted looking back at him. Felix didn’t seem to be understanding anything anymore, so He just shrugged it off and hold you tight, looking at 3RACHA performing. Minho sighed in relief. What if a drunk Felix just decided to fight him out of nowhere? He eyed you shaking and He got worried. Were you crying because you thought He found you ugly? You suddenly busted out giggling.

   “You said I’m cute!” You teased him and He snorted at you. He should go out with you more often if it meant seeing you drunkenly say random stuff.

   “Yes, you are” He agreed and you grinned at him happily.

   You wished you could pay attention to the songs They were singing since the crowd seemed really into it but you noticed that you couldn’t understand anything anymore, so you just stood there hugging Felix wishing you could just fall asleep. You couldn’t point out what time it was but 3RACHA made their first pause and the boys got next to you.

   “Oh my god, She’s wasted!” Changbin looked at the boys, concerned “Shouldn’t we bring her home or something?” Felix scoffed at that and raised his hand.

   “She’s right here, guys, I found her” He announced and rested his head against yours, giggling.

   “Oh my god, He’s wasted too” Changbin slapped his own face “How much did they drink?” He asked Minho and Minho shrugged.

   “More then I can count” He admitted, “I told them to stop, but they kept drinking”

   “It’s better if you take them home, dude” Han said to Minho and Minho agreed.

   “No! I wanna stay” You yelled and They got startled.

   “Babygirl, you need to go home” Chan told you calmly, cupping your cheek.

   “You said you would give me a ride!” You accused him, letting Felix go and standing in front of Chan, pouting “But I think I wanna ride y—“ Before you could complete your sentence, Minho cupped your mouth and pulled you against him.

   “She thinks she wanna ride home!” Minho yelled suspiciously, widening his eyes and pressing your head against his chest so He could shut your mouth “That’s awesome then! I will get them home safely”

   Changbin helped Felix on his way to the car and Minho helped you, feeling relief wash over him. You would feel so embarrassed tomorrow if you knew you almost told Chan you wanted to ride him. Minho let out a chuckle and Changbin eyed him suspiciously.

   “Did you drink?” He asked just to be sure.

   “No, I just remembered her shouting and saying He was hot” He lied and Changbin chuckled at that.

   “She will cry if she remembers this” He stated and Minho agreed, laughing.

   “I will make sure she will remember it” Minho scoffed and laid you and Felix down on the back seat, helping both of you with the seatbelt. He drives you to Felix’s place and helped you out to get to his door. He asked Felix about his keys, but the boy didn’t respond so He started searching for it by himself.

   Minho couldn’t believe his luck.

   “Felix where the hell is your keys?!” He whined, trying to support both of you while searching for his keys on his pockets.

   “It’s in my pocket” He muttered, almost sleeping on the door and Minho rolled his eyes.

   “It’s not in your pocket, think about it!” He urged, wanting nothing more than going home.

   “Oh! Y/N’s purse” He said suddenly and you snapped your head up.

   “What purse?” You asked and Minho sighed. You were literally holding your purse. He took it from your hands and searched for the keys, but He couldn’t find it. Great. Just great.

   “Let’s go home” He whined, trying to guide both of you back to the elevator.

                                                        ////

   Minho sighed in relief when He dropped both you and Felix on your new bed, feeling his shoulders hurting from supporting you both. He eyed you guys and wondered how he could let you comfortable.

   “Guys, lay down on the bed” He asked, hoping you were capable of doing this at least, but none of you moved “You will wake up with a backache” He warned you, and still no response. He groaned. Why the hell did He agree to be the sober one tonight?

   He tried to pull your legs so all your body would lay on bed instead of just your back and it kinda worked out. He tried the same thing with Felix and felt satisfied with his results, it was a messy scene, but at least you would wake up without a broken bone. He watched you pull Felix closer and rest your head on his chest and soon He cuddled you, snoring.

   “Good night” He said before closing your door and getting to his room to get a deserved rest.

                                                          ////

   Felix woke up in a strange place.

   When he opened his eyes He could only see a ceiling that wasn’t his and some posters and photos hanging around, without really seeing their contents but realizing He wasn’t at his room right now. Oh shit, I got laid? He thought lost, eyeing around. He finally realized someone was hugging him and He stared down to see the girl He spent the night with even though He couldn’t remember a thing.

   “Holy shit!” He yelled, rolling to the side and falling from the bed when He noticed it was you. You got startled and shot your eyes open, looking around in alert, trying to figure out where you were and what was happening “Oh my god, my head!” He cried out, reaching for his head and sitting on the ground, confused “Y/N I think we had sex!” He told you alarmed and you eyed him feeling lost.

   “Shut up, my head is hurting” You whined, grabbing your head “How the fuck would we have sex if we’re on clothes, you moron? Are you out of your mind?” You asked, noticing you both were fully dressed.

   Felix seemed to notice it as well and he sighed in relief, putting his hand on his chest.

   “Thank god” He said as he laid down on your floor “Where are we?” He asked.

   “We’re in my room” You said confused “Shouldn’t we be at your house? How the hell did we get here?”

   You both got up and got out of your room, cringing at the bright light on the corridor. You whined and closed your eyes, hoping you could get to the kitchen without stumbling.

   “Hey, hey” Minho said concerned when He saw both of you groping the walls to guide yourselves. He helped you both to the couch and brought you a glass of water and some pills that you took gratefully “There, there” He hummed, rubbing your back.

   “Oh? You’re sitting where I rub my ass?” Hyunjin’s voice made way to your brain and you whined, too tired to fight with him.

   “Shut up” You asked, resting your head back and Felix did the same.

   “They’re wasted” Hyunjin scoffed looking at Minho.

   “Let them rest a little bit, They will need it” He assured, snorting.

[swordslinger95]

A examination of the Silver Eyes by Weiss Schnee.

An Examination of the “Silver Eyes,” written by Weiss Schnee, formerly of the Schnee Dust Company.

Regarding the appearance subject in question, is that of the Silver Eyes a few select people seem to possess, they appear to be fundamentally different from regular gray eyes, as one Silver Eye user in question, one Ruby Rose, appears to have ticks in the iris of her eyes. If a gray eyed person lacks these aforementioned ticks, then they are not, in fact, a Silver Eyed Warrior, according to Qrow Branwen, honorary uncle of the aforementioned Ruby Rose.

To my knowledge, there is only one Silver Eyed Warrior alive, and that is, again, the aforementioned Ruby Rose.

Ruby Rose, leader of team RWBY, pronounced Ruby, (Yes, it’s confusing, but moving on,) as stated before, she is a Silver Eyed Warrior. To see her full capabilities beyond the Silver Eyes, please see Team RWBY Report #001.

Anyway, Ruby’s Silver Eyes, apparently, give her the power to resist any ailments that a Grimm might be able to cast. See example, The Apathy According to Yang Xiao Long, Ruby’s older sister, it is more like she has high debuff resistance. I must confess, I don’t quite understand what she means by debuff, but I assume that it is a video game thing.

Correction, it is, in fact, a video game thing, I just asked and Yang confirmed it.

Furthermore, Silver Eyes, apparently, give Ruby near perfect vision. I think. Apparently she was once able to spot the thief, Emerald Sustrai, sitting on the other side of the Vytal Festival stadium, in the middle of a crowd. That is well over 300ft, and yet, Ruby was able to clearly discern Emerald’s whereabouts with a single glance.

(What kind of things did they feed this girl, and where can I get some?)

To factor into this, there are some legends about grey eyed people having both clear eyesight and unyielding will. Something about being as strong as steel, or some nonsense. I have read a few books in my family’s library regarding the topic, but I have never found anything concrete. Just passing mentions and the odd name dropping here and there.

Ruby Rose, at the very least, does have a strong willpower, so much so that, after many trials, she still stands tall, armed and ready to face whatever the Grimm have to throw at her, lending some credence to the “Strong as Steel” theory. Then again, it could just be her personality.

Speaking of myths, silver itself has a strong connection to many lunar based legends. See, the Huntsman and Huntress twins, Apollo and Artemis, who are recorded as having silver based arrows.

(Now that I think about it, I can’t help but notice that whenever the moon is full, Ruby always seems to stand a bit more alert. Is she part werewolf?)

On that note, I have pondered, many times, what would happen if Ruby were to truly become angry. Would she turn as cold as steel? Suffice to say, I honestly can’t imagine her ever become that furious with something. I’ve seen frustration, sure, but never outright anger.

….Anyway, back on topic. Using her Silver Eyes, Ruby can emit a bright light from her eyes which either completely vaporize Grimm or encase them in stone. It appears the larger and more powerful the Grimm is, it takes more “power” for the Silver Eyes to take effect. It’s possible that, with enough time, Ruby might be able to outright kill hordes of Grimm with just a glance.

I am never getting into a staring contest with that girl.

What powers the Silver Eyes themselves, I do not know. Ruby hasn’t been forthcoming with details, it is possible they are related to Aura in some way, but I do not know how. For now, I shall treat them as a second Semblance.

That is quite a strange thing to write, but, considering all I have seen in the past few weeks, a bit of skepticism is warranted. Or is it open-mindedness? Eh, details.

A thought occurs: it is possible that Silver Eyes are powered by emotion, much like Yang’s. Though, unlike Yang’s, I do not know what powers it. Sadness? Rage?

 Whatever the case is, it is clear in conclusion that….that…

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

“That…That...I have no idea how they work.” Weiss held back a sigh as she looked over her notebook and what she had scribbled down. Most of it was junk, but it was all she could think to do on the flight back to Atlas. Admittedly, in the excitement of stealing a ship, Weiss had forgotten just how boring cross continental flight could be. Hence, the notebook she had (thankfully) remembered to pack. By doing this, she could help clear her head, or, at the very least, distract herself somewhat from the numbing of flight.

Looking up from her notebook, Weiss surveyed the other occupants of their small aircraft. Jaune and Ren were in a losing battle of arm wrestling against Nora, who was somehow beating them both at the same time. Well, she was mostly beating Jaune, Ren was busy reading a book. Yang and Blake were...well, resting up against each other like a couple. Or very close friends.

Either one really, and Weiss wasn’t about to ask for more details. Some things just needed to be talked about in private after all, nor did she want to assume until they made an announcement. And as for Ruby...well, she had fallen asleep. Weiss couldn’t blame her, she put in a full day after all. Qrow and Maria were in the pilot seats, making sure their course was safe.

Safe, what a funny concept that was. When was the last time she had been safe in any retrospect?

Weiss blinked once, then stiffed a yawn, maybe she was getting tired after all. She found herself looking back towards Ruby. It was...kinda amazing, to be honest. All her life, Weiss had known people of fame and power, the best of the best. But Ruby? Ruby was probably the rarest of the rare. A pure, innocent soul that could wipe out the enemies of humanity with nothing but a slightly stern look. It’d be hilarious if she hadn’t seen Ruby freeze a giant Grimm bigger than anything she had seen before. Actually, come to think of it, Ruby was practically a walking oxymoron. A red garbed scythe user with cold, Silver Eyes, that could disappear in the blink of an eye in a flurry of rose petals. And don’t get Weiss started on how many stories had rose imagery. Everything about Ruby’s appearance just screamed, “Reaper” and “Fierce.” The last thing men would see before they’d go to the hereafter.

Yet...well, if Weiss wanted Ruby to stop talking for a minute, all she had to do was bribe her with a plate of cookies with warm milk, and that was really all that had to be said huh?

“You okay?”

Broken out her thoughts, Weiss looked back to see Yang giving her a look of concern. Brow raised, and head tilted slightly, Weiss couldn’t help but find herself wondering what kind of mother Yang would make. A pretty good one, if she was any judge.

“Sorry.” Weiss placed her notebook in her lap, “Just...trying to organize my thoughts.”

“You were looking at Ruby pretty hard.” Yang noted, giving her a sly grin, “Not getting any ideas, are you Ice Queen?”

Weiss chuckled, “And if I was?”

“You’d be dead!” Yang replied cheerfully.

Weiss gave Yang a dirty look, but soon giggled, “Ha, no, I’m just wondering what else the Silver Eyes can do.”

Yang waved her still flesh hand, “Eh, don’t worry about it. Just think of them as our silver lining.”

Weiss blinked, realizing something, “...I don’t think I’ve heard you say a pun in forever.”

Yang froze for a second, “Really?”

Weiss smirked, “Well, I guess you could say that your puns have said xiao long.”

Yang stared at Weiss for a few good seconds, then chuckled, “You’ve been practicing.”

“I’ve had a lot of time in my studies.” Weiss grinned, “When we last met, I was but a learner, now I am the master.”

“Only a master of evil, Schnee.” Yang stuck her tongue out at Weiss, who scoffed.

“Need I remind you, Yang Xiao Long,” Weiss said in as haughty a tone she could muster, “you trained me, so doesn’t that make you the evil one?”

Yang laughed dramatically, “Oh-ho! The puns are strong with this one.”

Weiss smirked evilly, with full, maximum evilness, “Why Yang, didn’t you know? I am the puns.”  

“Dun dun duuun” Nora called over.

Weiss and Yang glared at each other in a duel of fates and eyes, then broke out into a fit of giggles.

“Hehehehe...” Weiss wiped a tear of mirth from her eye, “I needed this.”

“Me too.” Yang agreed.

“We’ve got a long way to go, huh?”

“We’ll make it.” Yang replied, shifting her attention to Ruby for a moment, then back to Weiss, “Together.”

Weiss nodded, smiling brightly, “Together.”

[musicfeedsmysoul12]

Haven Raised: Chapter 11

Summary:  Harry's life is completely changed when his aunt and uncle are forced to take him to a funeral at a relatives. Now being raised by Primrose Evans, her sister Grace and the citizens of Havenfall, his life is going to be a roller coaster.

Ao3 Link 

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Going back to Hogwarts was depressing- a little. They all had enjoyed their time at the Evans’ home and were sad to leave. Harry himself felt a bit more upset given that he had spent more time around Havenfall’s Finest- as their group chat called them- and even learned that the devil feather in his wand came from JD, which helped ease his worries greatly.

“Look- my dad isn’t… evil.” JD made a face upon saying so. It was a few days before Harry left Havenfall and JD had pulled Harry aside to speak. “Is he a good man? No, no he is not but in the end, he is neutral. All people die Harry, and my dad is part of the Underworld. All of them typically are neutral beings who are not good or evil. Their actions may seem wrong and disturbing, but they are not evil. My dad is not a good man- he is not a good father and I don’t know why he does what he does. It doesn’t make him evil though in the sense that he is an evil person who… I am really messing this up.”

“A little,” Harry said, feeling amused.

“Gah- my father is a terrible person yes, but not evil in the sense most people would assume. In the larger scheme of things, he is a neutral character who from him good and evil can come.” JD told Harry. “I myself am considered a neutral entity. Chaotic neutral yes, but my abilities are neither good nor are they evil. The phoenix comes from my dad and is considered a good entity- though that is hilarious- while Dementors as well come from one of my dad’s children and are an evil entity. Having one of my feathers in your wand does not make you good or evil. It means you have the potential for good or evil. Like anyone else in this messed up world.”

“...Thanks.” Harry said, hugging the devil who hugged back.

“Okay, serious time over. I’m going to go prank Mac with the twins.” JD said, going off to do so, leaving Harry laughing.

Mac ended up forcing the three to do some community service after a prank they declared worth it but refused to reveal. It was dubbed the Noodle Incident by Grace who was upset no one would tell her what had happened.

Everyone else just found it hilarious.

Prim sent them off with a bunch of burgers and a hug for them all- even Percy who was a little pink about it.

They met Hermione- who they had Skyped with a few times- on the train station where she was studying a black notebook.

“Hey, Hermione!” Harry said. “What’s that?”

“Oh, a notebook I found. Apparently, it’s for people who suffer from homesickness or doesn’t have many friends but I don’t really need it you know?” Hermione shrugged, smiling at them. Ron and Harry grinned back.

“Hmm, maybe my little sister would like it then,” Ron said, looking thoughtful. “I mean… she’s gotta be lonely by herself at home…”

“Would she mind me sending her it?” Hermione asked and Ron shook his head, laughing.

“Nah- she’ll love that an older girl sent her something cool.” Hermione nodded and began to write a letter in a notebook she pulled out- leading to teasing from Harry for copying him that she simply stuck her tongue out for.

The ride back to Hogwarts was spent filling Hermione in on their discovering of Havenfall’s Finest- something she was shocked by.

“The books all say…” Hermione closed her eyes and grimaced. “...Though the books can be wrong.”

“...Wow.” Ron said and Hermione scowled.

“How did you learn that?” Harry asked gently. Hermione was silent for a moment.

“I found some books dated about a hundred or more years ago in my grandparents’ library. Most of them were…” She looked sick and Harry suddenly realized- in a way that made him feel ill- that Hermione was black. He knew about it- but had never really thought of it until then.

“Hermione…” Harry said softly, thinking of all the side looks he sometimes got in elementary school, the mutters around Sheriff Hunt at times that made her straighten her back.

“Being compared to an animal really shakes your belief in books,” Hermione said, voice thick. Ron dropped his book, looking ill himself as Harry went over to hug Hermione, the girl shaking as she hugged him back.

After that, it was a very quiet drive back.

-0-

Harry didn’t really notice much of a difference at Hogwarts- other then his invisibility cloak going missing a few times with permission and Percy giving him a look.

“You’re not giving it to them, are you?” He asked Ron.

“Nah,” Ron said with a laugh. “I’m not the type.” He’s fairly certain it’s Cedric- who finds the twins hilarious while Fred has a crush on him Harry can see a mile away. Mostly thanks to his own crush on Razi.

Not that it’s a crush.

Harry went to class, got fairly good grades and dragged Ron and Hermione to see Hagrid and his creatures often. In turn- he was dragged to study sessions and played chess with Ron. He refused to go near any sort of Quidditch anything which Ron has to agree was fair.

However- in mid-February- things changed for Harry and his friends.

Visiting Hagrid was such a usual hung that they didn’t notice how nervous he was as they entered his home. At least not until they spotted the egg in the fire.

“Hagrid… please don’t tell me…” Ron Said in utter horror as Harry cheered,

“It’s a dragon egg!” Hermione whimpered as Harry grinned up at Hagrid who grinned right back.

“No!” Ron threw his hands up. “Dragon breeding was outlawed by the Warlocks' Convention of 1709. EVERYONE KNOWS THAT AND YOU WILL NOT RAISE A DRAGON HARRY.”

“...Watch me.” Harry replied, grinning evilly.

“I will call your mother!”

“Low blow!” Harry said, pouting. “C’mon Ron, this is exciting!”

“Do not make me make a sign like my mum made for Charlie,” Ron told Harry as Hermione suddenly clapped her hands.

“Charlie! Your brother that’s the dragon tamer-”

“-That is an awesome job-”

“-You can apply when you’re 17 Harry-” Ron told Harry as Hermione continued.

“-we can ask him to come and get the egg.”

“But-” Hagrid pouted, looking lost and Harry did too. Hermione gave them both looks- far to used to the two coming up with crazy ideas for animals.

“Can’t we wait till it hatches?” Hagrid asked.

“Hagrid- you live in a wooden house.”

-0-

Ron asked his mom to send two new signs for both Harry and Hagrid stating that dragon breeding was outlawed as well as sending a letter to Charlie. However- it would take a while for them to get there, meaning the egg would probably hatch before they came.

“Yes.” Harry hissed, pumping his fist. “We get to see it hatch.”

“...That is a little cool but Harry- we are not keeping the dragon.” Ron reminded his friend who sighed as Hermione ignored both of them.

“I’m going to make a creature sanctuary when I’m older,” Harry said. “I’ll have all the dragons.”

“Harry, no.” Ron groaned as Hermione looked over a letter she had gotten but hadn’t had time to look over.

“Oh, it’s from your sister Ginny. She’s thanking me for the diary.” Hermione said, smiling. “I’m happy she likes it.” Ron nodded, smiling as Harry ruffled Spot’s head.

“We’re going to see a dragon Spot! Though JD said that they have a sibling who is one…”

“What?!” asked Hermione and Ron.

“Yeah- humanoid dragons.” Harry shrugged. “Wizarding magic is weird and fiddles with things JD says. And then they said that’s all they want to believe because otherwise, they had to think unpleasant things which I don…” Harry’s face went pale as did his friends as they all wondered what JD could mean. If the Wizarding Dragons were original and there were humanoid ones that JD’s dad had as other children…

“That is disturbing. Thank you ever so much Harry.” Hermione said.

“You are not allowed to talk for the rest of the meal,” Ron told him, who sighed but agreed as Spot gave a dog laugh.

-0-

They were lucky that everyone was so used to them being around Hagrid’s hut that no one thought it odd they spent so much time there. Nor was it weird when Harry basically spent the entire afternoon the day the egg hatched there. He was lucky they didn’t have afternoon classes with Astronomy being that night.

Harry was thrilled with the little dragon, and when Charlie appeared a day later to take him away, Harry began pestering the redhead for any info he could get about the job of being a dragon handler.

After that, things went by even faster at Hogwarts- Harry and Hagrid both sad to lose the dragon, though Hagrid got busy with something in the forest he refused to tell the kids about in worry for what they would do.

Meaning an animal was badly hurt and he didn’t want Harry freaking out- not that he didn’t. Harry really wanted to check it out, but Ron and Hermione wouldn’t let him. They even stole the Invisibility Cloak, giving it to Percy until Harry calmed down.

Easter came and went- with the three staying at the castle. Prim had called Harry to explain that Grace was having a freaked out period as she was struggling with studying so unless he wanted to deal with that…

Harry had adamantly refused to do so.

As such, Harry enjoyed his first Hogwarts year rather well.

Until the end of his exams.

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Hey guys, sorry for short chapter. I just... I am really like not interested in year one because there's nothing interesting going on here, other then dragon but like both Ron and Hermione knew that the dragon needed to be GONE right off the bat because Harry is Harry and Hagrid is Hagrid. Hope you guys enjoyed this...

[ghiblisprite88]

To the Stars Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Staying a safe distance away from the alliance compound orbiting the planet; Jimin ordered for all exterior lighting be cut making the ship a part of the darkness. Hoseok was sitting at the radio area clearing his throat in mock seriousness preparing for his role as general Jung of the Galactic Alliance. Taehyung snickered as he watched; the rest rolled their eyes at his theatrics. Silence fell over the ship as Hoseok got patched through to the compound; he followed the chain of command until he reached the captain of the compound. Using his ability as a siren to draw in the captain; he had the man believing that a ship was going to be arriving to port soon with two people there to do maintenance on the compound and inspect the place. The man was helpless against the voice of Hoseok; affirmatives received Hoseok ended the call and spun in his chair with a shit eating grin on his lips waiting for his praise.

“(Y/n) and Kook go get geared up. Nice work Hobi.” Jimin spoke quickly as everyone jumped to get to their places to put the plan in motion.

You followed Jungkook down the halls until you reached the small shuttle ship already loaded with your weapons and “uniforms”. Jungkook got in the cockpit and started to engage the startup programming to get the ship ready to go; doing a last minute inspection of the ship you were stopped by Jimin. He motioned his head for you to follow him; Jungkook didn’t question his captain but he did raise a brow at him curious. Following Jimin to a secluded area for privacy; you waited for him to explain himself, weren’t you supposed to be in a hurry to get this mission on the road?

“So...whats up?” You question cautiously.

Jimin faced you with his leopard shining through in his eyes; his body was tense and restless making you a bit nervous. Rushing forward he had you in a crushing bear hug; you knew he would never say it but you could feel he was nervous about you leaving. If there was anything you were good at it was reading people and Jimin did a horrible job at hiding himself from you. Whether it be in his sleep or small gestures you had quickly learned what kind of person he was; tough on the outside but caring and mushy on the inside.

“Be careful...come back to me.” His hoarse voice whispered in your ear.

“Like I would leave Yoongi with you lot!” You joked trying to lighten the mood.

“Right. Just don’t do anything unnecessary and come back.” Jimin smiled.

You gave in and agreed; but who were you to guess what would happen? You had a job to do and you would see it through regardless. Jimin nuzzled you in a silent farewell before leading you back to the ship. You gave him a smile over your shoulder as you closed up the ship and joined Jungkook in the cockpit.

“What was that all about?” Kook asked.

“He was being all mushy and crap; like I don’t know what I’m doing or something.” You laugh.

“Ew.”

“Shut up you’ll see one day you’ll get so caught up in a girl you will be all mushy and lovey-dovey too.” You joked.

“I think the fuck not!”

While you laughed to yourself Jungkook engaged the systems and your small ship was ejected from Jimin’s on a direct course for the compound. Excitement and nerves making you a giddy idiot; Jungkook only rolled his eyes and sighed at your jittering.

The compound was a lot larger up close than you thought; it was round like a small moon that cast a shadow down on the surface of the planet; the alliance was disgusting to you. Using such tactics were ridiculous and tyrannical. Jungkook set the ship on autopilot before smacking your shoulder; following him you both slipped on your uniform jumpsuits on. You had to wrap your tail around your waist and tuck the end into your pants under your jumpsuit; can’t have the alliance suspecting a cat was involved right? You pulled a hat over your ears to hide them; Jungkook had the same ensemble going on as well. His blades were hidden in easy to reach areas much like your own; concealed from the naked eye. His guns were in his duffle bag ready to be used along with the bombs the two of you would be deploying.

“You fuckers ready yet?” Yoongi echoed in your ear.

Communications were important so Yoongi had given you both ear comms to keep in touch with the ship and captain. Jungkook sighed yet again just feeling done with the day already.

“Yes needy we are. Waiting for the compound to reel us in.” Jungkook spoke monotonously.

You could feel the slight pull on the ship as it was; the compound was guiding you into their docking bay. Your pulse was racing in both excitement and nerves; you were practically bouncing in your place. Jungkook rolled his shoulders ready to get the show on the road.

“We’re docked,” Jungkook spoke quickly to Yoongi.

Soon enough you were opening the ship door and met with a general of sorts welcoming you to the compound. You had a pre-rehearsed story and quickly rattled that off for your purpose of being there and confirming the information that Hobi had fed them. Jungkook was led by one general toward the western side of the compound while you were led to the eastern side by a staff sergeant.

“So why does the alliance need to inspect the compound now of all times?” The sergeant said a bit annoyed.

Giving him your smile that was practiced since your waitressing days you fed him some crap about some of the materials used to build the compound could be faulty and it was your job to ensure they were up to quality standards. He huffed about it but led you through the building anyway. His presence was annoying you already; you could sense he was a self-entitled little man inside that felt the galaxy owed him something.

After being led to a boiler room of sorts you dismissed the man politely as you went into the room to get to work explaining it could be potentially dangerous to his health. He gave you a skeptical eye but turned his back and guarded the door as you slipped inside. Wow, the galaxy alliance sure knew how to pick their employees don't they?

You looked around the room and found the support studs you were taught to look for by Namjoon. Lightly tapping on the walls until you heard the tone you needed to help you locate where they were; you pulled out the small bombs from your bag and placed one at each stud. Looking at the equipment for heating and air purification in the room you smiled to yourself evilly as you cooked up something to do with them. Pure oxygen, when mixed with a flame, makes for a lovely bonfire you thought; you rigged up the systems with a delay to allow for you to finish your job and get yourself and Jungkook out of there before it went off.

“Kook?”

“What?”

“I put in a boobie trap for a little extra flair.” You smiled through the comms.

“Ah fuck...how long we got?”

“Mmmmm like twenty to thirty minutes maybe.”

“Shit...hurry up then.”

You slipped out the door to be met with the sergeant’s back; a devilish smiled pulled at your lips as you used your elbow to knock him in the back of the head knocking him out cold. Pulling him into the room and locking him in there you continued on your way to the other rooms you had to get too according to Namjoon’s plans. By the third room, you finished setting up you could hear an alarm sounded.

“Looks like the gig is up; get your asses out of there!” Yoongi yelled over the comms.

Zipping up your bag you could hear Jungkook cursing under his breath over the comms; maybe that sergeant didn’t stay knocked as long as you needed or he was maybe found, by someone. The point was you needed to find a way to book it out of there. You knew there was no way for you to get back to the ship and meet up with Jungkook...you were going to have to deviate from the plan a bit and find your own way. Running down the halls you used your watch to guide you through the compound; didn’t take long before Yoongi called you out.

“(y/n) what are you doing? Where are you going?” His tone aggravated.

“Improvising.” You respond your tone breathless from running.

A few soldiers spotted you; stalling you grabbed your blades from their hidden places and got ready to tussle. The excitement running through your veins should have scared you but you couldn’t help the high you got from fighting. Ripping your hat off and shedding the jumpsuit you got ready for them as they advanced with guns blazing; you dodged lasers as you closed in going in for the kill. Slicing your way through the small squad you continued on your way to the bay that showed shuttles that you could hijack and make a clean escape with.

“It's a damn cat! Catch her!” More soldiers had spotted you.

A slightly crazed smile took over your features as you pulled out a few bombs from your bag using a small pistol you packed for “just in case” to ignite them to give you a few extra seconds to escape.

“(y/n) what did you do the place is shaking like crazy!” Jungkook yelled.

“I hooked up the oxygen system to the heating system...time to go Kook it's gonna blow.” You laugh.

“You’re fucking insane!” He yelled.

Finding the bay with the shuttles you dodged a few shots fired your way before skidding into one of the shuttles. Firing up the defenses and engaging the systems you knew it would be a miracle if you made it out in one piece. Jimin was going to have your ass if he could get to it. Perhaps you were feeling a bit rebellious. Using your watch you set off the timer for the bombs feeling the whole place rumble as you disengaged the dock and felt your shuttle fall out into space. Nothing like your stomach falling to your toes.

“Kook! You out?” You called.

“Not yet the dock is stuck.”

Shit you couldn’t leave him behind the place was going to blow; you maneuvered your shuttle to the main docking back and could see Jungkook’s shuttle was indeed stuck. Taking a deep breath to calm your racing heart you aimed your lasers at the bracket holding him in place and watched as he fell out into open space.

“Book it Kook I’ll cover.”

Jungkook shot off toward the ship while you covered; lasers were being fired at you now and you could feel it bouncing off your little shuttle; it wouldn’t be able to hold up much longer. Soon more shuttles were coming out of the compound headed your way. Checking to see where Jungkook was; you could see he was nearly to the ship where you should be as well. The shuttles were closing in; you couldn’t let them get to the ship...to Jimin.

“(y/n) what are you doing? Get your ass back here.” Yoongi growled.

“Sorry, suga gotta do something first.”

“(y/n) don’t.” He warned.

“Just get out of here I got this.”

Yoongi began to yell at you but you pulled out your comms and flew toward the other shuttles in front of you firing at them and passing through them in the opposite direction of Jimin’s ship. Sure it was a stupid move you would admit but you couldn’t let anything happen to your small adoptive family not now after finally finding a place for yourself. No, you had to do this for everyone.

[webway-winter]

Since it’s Halloween and all...

You’re getting a little story. Namely the story of how Verity first became a prisoner of the Dark Eldar, or as they are also known, the Drukhari.

“Little raven, speed be with you.”

Sarnai, who had been peering out at the swirling walls of the Webway, turned her head, letting her hands fall from the hilts of her swords when she saw who stood there. Gray haired and stooped, but dark eyes so like Sarnai’s own, still full of life. Her grandmother, who stepped forward to embrace her only surviving grandchild.

“I brought you a gift. You will need it out there.” Grandmother finally said when she let go.

Sarnai could barely believe her eyes when she saw the leather sheath in her grandmother’s hands, from which protruded a smooth wood and brass handle.

“Isn't that…” Sarnai was rarely lost for words. But now she just blinked, expecting the sight before her to just melt away.

“My old knife, yes.” The old woman smiled, her entire face lighting up with joy. “I'm passing it to you now, little raven. Wear it with pride. It has been in our family for ten thousand years.”

Reverently Sarnai took the knife from Grandmother’s hand, stroking the leather before putting it on her belt.

“Thank you, Grandmother. I shall wear it with pride.”

“And one day, pass it on to your daughter or granddaughter.” The old woman grinned. “Now go, if you want to be back before tomorrow. Go on and do us proud.”

Sarnai nodded formally, if a little awkwardly.

She wanted to look back as she stepped on the path. But she wasn't sure if she would be able to leave if she did. So she kept her face strictly forward.

Sarnai stepped through the shifting tunnels of the Webway as silently as she could, discipline keeping her from expressing her excitement. Her first time outside the settlement that had been her world for all her short life.

She would hunt those Drukhari, and return with a fine clutch of skulls. What to do when the skulls was a matter of later reflection. One does not count one’s skulls before they're off the spine.

Sarnai’s eyes narrowed, and she turned her head slowly to and fro, trying to catch the scraping sound she'd heard. If it was a Drukhari patrol, this soon? Hopefully not a group of Harlequin. Hunting them was forbidden.

Pressing herself against the wall, she focused on blending in, on remaining unseen and unheard, her breathing slowing. Everything depended on her success.

Soon a group of dark armored Drukhari moved past her. A scout team, then. And this close to home?

The glint of determination in Sarnai’s eyes became steely as she slowly moved after them, moving between what passed for shadows in the shifting Webway.

Before long, she had her chance. The hindmost Drukhari lagged behind a bit. That was the last thing he did, as Sarnai leaped up on the wall to get high enough, then behind his larger form, her freshly gifted blade cutting his throat before he could cry out.

She left him mostly hidden among rubble, in shadow, marking the spot for later. Wiping her blade on his hair, Sarnai continued on her hunt.

It was made difficult by the fact that the Drukhari soon became wary. Keeping very close watch on each other. Isolating just one would be difficult. Two, maybe.

In the end, miles down the path, part of the Webway had caved in. While the Drukhari were figuring out how to get past the cave in, as none of them wanted to take the long way around, since it would delay them causing havoc and pain, Sarnai took down her second Drukhari of the day. Or pair of days, hard to tell. Much the same as the first. One quick, hard slice of the blade. It had obviously been sharpened to razor-like thinness before she got it.

Lowering the corpse to the ground, Sarnai looked up. The broken walls were mirror-like here, and she could use them to see the reflections of the remaining patrol.

What met her in the mirror wasn't the twisted shapes of Drukhari warriors. But something else.

It towered over Sarnai, its tattered, yellow robes swirling with the hint of tentacles. And she didn't want to know if the smooth, featureless, horned expanse was its face, skull or a mask.

As it looked at her, she felt unimaginable pain exploding from behind her eyeballs. It felt like her head would explode and her eyes melt and leak out.

She bit back a cry of pain, blood trickling from her mouth as she bit her tongue to keep from screaming her lungs out.

Even then, Sarnai couldn't quite hold back a sob. And that was enough.

At once the Drukhari whirled on her in a flurry of blades. What followed was a whirlwind of pain and frantic attempts to take them down. But what chance does a young girl have in a face to face fight with four Drukhari, especially blinded with pain and tears? Not much.

Yet she fought on with teeth, blade and swords, until she found herself lying flat on the Webway ground, with a Drukhari foot on her neck, and her entire body aching with pain. Another was holding her swords aloft, saying something unflattering no doubt.

A third was pulling Sarnai’s knife from the eye of the fourth. He looked about to simply toss it, then he stopped, and grinned evilly at her as he wiped the gory blade on her pant leg before pocketing the knife.

The first said something in the guttural language of the Drukhari. Sarnai felt she should know what it was, but it felt like her very hair was aching. Could hair ache?

Number two pulled out something she couldn't quite see and approached her. Soon she felt the sting of a needle in her arm, and unconsciousness claimed her.

When Sarnai awoke next, with an aching head and the taste of copper in her mouth, she was lying on a narrow wooden bench in an otherwise empty and locked cell. She felt cold, and not just because of the heavy chains linking her wrists to the wall. She could barely reach the door with her foot, but an exploratory kick proved it was quite locked.

Sitting up, she had a horrible feeling she'd lost something important. But she couldn't remember what. Her memory was a total blur. She couldn't even remember her own name, she found.

She sat there for what seemed like hours, glaring at the wall, then at the skimpy metal that was doing a horrible job of covering her in any useful capacity. She had a distinct feeling such a thing was inappropriate and stupid to wear. One cut and she'd be bleeding all over the place.

And thus began the loss of identity for Sarnai Angharad, which would later result in her reinvention as Verity Cain.

[jouissezduprintemps]

Something to Prove, Chapter Three: Who Invited Him

Rating: T Warnings: Swearing Words: 3105 Fandom: Naruto Summary: As Suna prepares for its first independently-held chunin exam since Gaara became kazekage, the sand siblings must make sure that everything goes off without a hitch.

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Ino sat down on the edge of the spring, letting her feet dangle into the hot water. Her pale skin made her overheat more easily, and she’d learned her lesson the hard way several years ago. She secured her towel around her torso before placing her hands on the ground on either side of her hips, leaning back into the sun. When Shikamaru had invited her, she was surprised, and even more so when she heard that it was Temari’s idea. The sand kunoichi had always seemed annoyed by her. Sure, Ino knew she was rather feminine. She liked talking about boys and arranging flowers in her family shop. But Temari was… intense. Not intense in the way Naruto was, but in a serious way. Maybe that’s what happened to women in a kage bloodline; Lady Tsunade could be the same.

Well, there were certainly a few perks to spending time with royalty. When the kazekage introduced himself to the owner of the springs, they’d been given the rest of the day to themselves, at her insistence. It was clear that Gaara was uncomfortable with the treatment, but Naruto’s elation had drowned him out. Ino took a moment to appreciate the quiet; it looked like the guys weren’t done showering. She was going to enjoy it while it lasted.

Sakura had waded into the water until it reached mid-calf. She leaned against the edge of the spring, close enough to talk to Ino. “This is nice,” she commented, referring both to the spring and their solitude.

“Yeah, it is.” Ino agreed. “Must be great to have these perks, huh, Temari?”

She was interrupted by shouting from the other side of the fence. So much for the serenity.

Temari turned to look at her new friend, puzzled. “No, this doesn’t happen too often,” she admitted. “I’m treated much better here than at home. I think that goes for all three of us.”

“Huh,” Sakura mused. “That’s surprising.”

“Not really. When your brother is a jinchuuriki, things can be pretty biased.” Temari stripped herself of her towel unabashedly and waded waist-deep.

Difference in villages, Ino mused, surprised at how comfortable the sand ninja seemed to be. She caught herself staring at Temari, having noticed a long scar that ran down her left side, from just below her breast to her natural waistline.

Temari knew what Ino had been looking at. She’d had it so long that she forgot it was there. She lifted her left arm slightly, taking a glance at the discolored stripe of skin.

Ino received a sharp elbow to the ribs from Sakura, who glared at her before turning to Temari, ashamed. “Sorry about her. She didn’t mean anything by it, really.”

Ino was about to retort that she didn’t need Sakura to apologize for her, but Temari spoke first.

“It’s fine. I know it’s hard to miss.” Temari waved her hand dismissively, refusing to take it personally.

“Do you… mind if I ask?” Sakura questioned. “It’s just that I’m training to be a medical ninja, and-”

“You don’t need a reason. When my brothers and I were still genin, before we met all of you, we were training for the chunin exams in the demon desert. I ended up on the wrong side of a giant scorpion.”

“A scorpion did that?” Sakura asked in surprise.

“What? No.” Temari turned a quarter rotation, baring her right shoulder. A faint mark lingered on her skin. “It caught me here. Really nasty poison, though.”

Both Sakura and Ino nodded, recalling the creatures from their brief time in Suna’s wilderness.

“No, this,” Temari gestured at her side, “was Gaara.”

Ino was taken aback. Everyone in the Leaf knew that the kazekage was the one tails’ jinchuuriki, after what had happened at the chunin exam several years ago. “Gaara?”

“He couldn’t stop the one tails. He flew into one of his rages. I’m almost positive he was trying to protect me. But I got caught in the crossfire… The poison was bad enough, but I almost bled out in the desert. Thankfully, Baki knew better than to leave us unsupervised.” Temari hesitated. “I don’t mention it to Gaara. Our father was furious. That… was not a good night.”

Ino and Sakura looked at her in silence, unsure of how to respond. Temari’s life experiences were so different from their own. Sakura felt immensely guilty for asking. “Temari, I-”

“It’s fine,” she insisted. “That was a long time ago, before he learned how to control the demon. Besides,” she glanced at the fence that separated the springs, “he’s still my baby brother.”

Gaara sank down into the hot water, enjoying how it helped loosen the tight muscles in his back and neck. His insomnia had gone on for so long that it was easy to forget what it was like not to be in pain.

“Yaaaaaaa-hooooo!”

Gaara’s arms flew up to cover his face as Naruto threw himself into the water, creating a splash large enough to hit everyone in the spring.

“Damn it, Naruto,” Shikamaru complained, wringing out his now-damp towel.

“Calm down,” Kankuro scolded, narrowing his eyes at the knuckleheaded ninja. “We’re here to relax, remember?”

“Aww, you’re no fun.” Naruto complained as he resurfaced.

“You call that a splash?!” Lee called from the doorway.

“No!” Shikamaru shouted, whipping around and pointing at Lee.

His fellow ninja seemed crestfallen, but he did as he was told and simply walked into the spring. Shikamaru let out a breath, and he heard Kankuro chuckling to himself. “Why did you two have to tag along?” he groaned, looking at Naruto and Lee. With those two, he never had to worry about coming across as rude.

“Why would I miss a day with good friends?” Lee countered. He’d bounced back quickly, in the way that only he could manage.

“Right!” Naruto agreed. “And besides,” he grinned evilly. “Sakura’s on the other side of the fence.”

“You’re one creepy kid, you know that?” Kankuro eyed Naruto warily. “And don’t even try it. My sister’s over there, and I will kick your ass.”

“Who’re you calling creepy, puppet boy?” Naruto challenged, stepping up to a fight that he wasn’t prepared for.

“Naruto,” Gaara rasped, breaking his friend’s attention away from his older brother.

“Yeah, yeah.” Naruto grumbled, allowing himself to sink down into the water. He glanced mischievously at the hole in the fence, tempted. Damn it, why wasn’t there anyone here who would back him up on this? He was stuck with a group of losers and goodie-two-shoes.

As Shikamaru expected, Naruto and Lee stuck close enough to Gaara to be his shadows. It was funny to watch, if only because he wasn’t a part of it. The kazekage didn’t seem to mind, but Shikamaru didn’t know if that was patience or a complete lack of understanding. At the very least, he seemed to be enjoying himself.

Shikamaru sat down in the water, using an outcropping in the rock as a seat. He looked over at Kankuro, who was leaning against the wall and looking up at the sky. “You know, you look a lot different without your face paint.”

“And you look a lot different with your hair down.”

“Fair enough.” Shikamaru followed Kankuro’s gaze upward, and the two watched the sky in silence.

Meanwhile, Lee was talking to – or rather, at – Gaara, speaking enough for the both of them. To his benefit, Gaara seemed interested in the one-sided conversation, nodding along as Lee prattled on about his newest jutsu.

And no one, in their musings, had remembered to keep an eye on Naruto.

His face was pressed against the fence, as close as he could physically position himself. His hands braced himself on either side of his head against the wood. “Whoa, Temari’s scar is huge!”

Shikamaru’s head snapped so fast that he almost gave himself whiplash. Scar? What scar? He’d never noticed a scar.

“Naruto!” Lee scolded, standing up in the water.

Kankuro was the quickest to move. He grabbed the ninja by his shaggy, blonde hair and forced him down into the water. Unceremoniously, he yanked him back up. “You little brat!” he began to shout, but he chose instead to dunk Naruto back under the water. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?!” Naruto gasped for air, but Kankuro shoved him down once more before he could respond. “You know what? I don’t wanna hear it!”

“Kankuro!” Gaara snapped as he gripped his much larger brother’s arm. With Lee’s help, the two managed to free Naruto.

“I told him I’d kick his ass!”

“I think near-drowning counts,” Shikamaru commented, although he kept his distance. When Kankuro rounded on him, he held up his hands, palms-out. “Hey, I’m with you on this one.”

“It’s not like I was trying to spy on her!” Naruto attempted to defend himself. “She was standing in the way! There’s no way I could have missed it!”

Gaara closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His friend was an idiot. He let go of his brother, earning a confused look from Lee, who followed his lead and did the same. Even he knew better than to get into the middle of this.

“I’m going to kill that little pervert!” Sakura bellowed, clenching her fist in anger. She had jumped to her feet, and she looked as though she was considering going over the fence to make good on her word.

“Great…” Temari murmured, gritting her teeth as she wrapped herself in her towel. This was the last thing she needed. She wondered if Sakura could hit him hard enough to erase her nakedness from Naruto’s short-term memory. Otherwise, this would certainly stick around to haunt her.

“We’re so sorry, Temari. We should have known.” Ino apologized, seething in her own anger but trying to de-escalate the situation.

Temari could hear her brother shouting, unable to make out his exact words. “It’ll be fine. That’s what Kankuro and Gaara are for. And that’s before we get our say.” Her voice was dark and threatening. Ino wondered if Temari actually planned on killing him.

Temari was mostly concerned about Gaara finding out about her scar. She had done her best to keep him in the dark about it. He’d feel guilty, and Temari felt that he had enough guilt in his life already. “Well, so much for that,” she mused bitterly, wishing that she and Shikamaru had kept the excursion between the two of them. Still, she had no one to blame but herself.

It didn’t take long for the three kunoichi to clothe themselves and leave the bath, but there was no sign of their male companions. At Sakura’s suggestion, they sat down at one of the wooden tables out front. The sun was beginning to set and the air was becoming cool. Still, Temari absentmindedly fanned herself with the small, folding fan she kept on her person. She generously allowed Sakura and Ino to pass it around as well.

“So,” Ino broke the silence, “is everything ready for the chunin exam?”

“On our end, at least.” Temari confirmed. “Mine and Shikamaru’s, I mean. I haven’t had a chance to talk to Gaara or Kankuro about the rest.”

“Shikamaru?” Sakura asked.

“He’s helping proctor the first, written exam portion,” Temari explained. In a slightly annoyed tone, she added, “He refuses to show me the questions he’s made up.”

Ino arched an eyebrow. “Aaaand you’re okay with this?”

“Should I not be?”

“He kinda forgot you at the gate…”

Sakura looked at Ino in surprise; Ino signaled that she would explain later.

“I trust him,” Temari declared. She was caught off guard by the way her fellow kunoichi looked at her when she said it, and she suddenly became rather self-conscious. Her cheeks tinged a light pink in embarrassment at being examined so intensely.

Much to her relief, she caught sight of Gaara and the others. Kankuro stalked angrily over to his sister, making himself appear as large as possible in front of Naruto. Everyone else, for the most part, had seemed to calm down. Shikamaru’s face was unreadable. Naruto, on the other hand, was trying to conceal a very conspicuous black eye and bloody nose.

“Serves you right,” Sakura declared before grabbing her teammate by the ear. She dragged him off, and Naruto’s voice broke in between protests and pleads for mercy.

Lee grimaced in pity, torn because he knew it was deserved, but it was still harsh. He took it upon himself to lighten the mood. “Would anyone like to get dinner? We could go to the new curry restaurant.”

Gaara nodded. “I could eat.”

“Same.” Kankuro felt his stomach growl.

“We could stop by Choji’s and invite him. He’s been wanting to try that place,” Ino suggested.

“I think I’m going to skip tonight,” Temari declined. No one tried to press her. She’d had enough for the day.

“I’ll walk you home,” Shikamaru offered.

“Should we save you a seat?” Ino asked her teammate.

“Nah. I’ll go some other time.”

The group parted ways, and Lee was lost in conversation with Gaara and Ino, thinking of who they could invite to join them.

Temari took a moment to close her eyes, and she felt her body relax. Finally, she was alone. Well, not exactly. Wordlessly, she started off down the road, in the opposite direction of her brothers. Shikamaru kept pace beside her.

Eventually, Temari asked, “Who hit him?”

“I did,” Shikamaru admitted. He looked over at her, and she was staring at him, wide-eyed. That was a first.

“Not Kankuro?”

“No, your brother just about drowned him, though.”

“You’re telling me that you actually punched Naruto in the face. You.”

“He pissed me off. Why’s that so hard to believe?”

“Hm.” Temari shrugged her shoulders and looked ahead once more. She tried, and failed, to keep a satisfied smile from showing on her face. Well, I’ll be damned.

The two climbed up the stairs to her usual room, neither bothering to break the silence between them. Temari inserted her key into the lock and opened the front door to the small apartment. She didn’t bother to close it behind her, a signal that Shikamaru could follow her inside. He did just that and closed the door before taking off his shoes.

“What do you want to eat?” Temari asked, pulling out a stack of menus from local restaurants.

“I thought you weren’t hungry.”

“I wasn’t hungry enough to eat with my brothers,” she corrected. “If you don’t want to stay, that’s fine. I was going to buy your dinner to say thanks for sucker-punching a junchuuriki on my behalf…”

He chuckled, appreciative of the gesture. If he was honest with himself, he was happier to eat with only Temari than with a large group. Her behavior changed greatly when they had company other than themselves, even when it was her brothers. He had yet to figure that one out. “I’ll stay,” he told her, realizing only after he said it that she never doubted he would.

“Here.” Temari shoved the thick stack of menus into his hands. “You pick. I don’t care what we eat.”

Shikamaru threw himself down on the couch, making himself comfortable. He glanced at the names on each menu, trying to find something that sounded appetizing. “Ichiraku delivers,” he suggested, glancing over his shoulder.

“That’s fine,” Temari called from the next room. When she reappeared, she had changed into loose-fitting pants, much like Tenten’s. Her shirt appeared to be one of the long-sleeved ones issued with the Suna ninja gear.

“That’s new,” Shikamaru commented.

“I don’t plan on leaving,” she explained, although she knew she didn’t have to. She sat on the other end of the couch and took the menu from him, looking over her options. Her attention was pulled away when she noticed Shikamaru looking at her. It didn’t seem like he knew what he was doing. He had a puzzled look on his face, and his eyes were slightly narrowed. She waited a moment to see if he would snap out of it. “Can I help you?”

“Oh,” Shikamaru realized what he was doing and immediately shifted his gaze out the window. “Sorry.”

“No, what?” she pried, surprised by his unusual behavior.

Uncomfortable, Shikamaru coughed into his hand. “Naruto might have mentioned you have a scar.” He mentally berated himself for saying so. How rude could he possibly be?

“You want to see it.” It was a statement rather than a question.

“Well, no, I-”

Temari smirked, entertained that she had made him flustered. Shikamaru wasn’t an easy man to shake. If she was honest with herself, she enjoyed it more than she could admit. She also knew that, if they were going to get past this particular hangup any time soon, it was best to just satisfy his curiosity. She used her hands to gather the fabric at the bottom of her shirt and lifted it up, exposing her abdomen.

Shikamaru’s eyes locked onto the scar, well aware that whatever caused it was probably enough to almost kill her. To his relief, the mark wasn’t anywhere inappropriate. It occurred to him that he’d simply never seen so much of Temari’s skin before. If she dressed like Ino, it would have been obvious. He had the urge to reach out and touch it, but he had far more self-control than that.

“Now you know.” Temari straightened her shirt as she pulled it back down.

“I was rude,” Shikamaru admitted, suddenly embarrassed by how bold he had been.

“It’s not like I go out of my way to hide it.” Temari paused before shifting in her seat to face Shikamaru head-on. “Just do me a favor. Don’t mention it to Gaara.”

“Right.”

Temari noticed that his eyes were still fixed on her side. He was a genius; it wouldn’t take long for him to figure out where the scar had come from. In an attempt to lighten the mood, she leaned forward and smacked his forehead with the menu. “Now quit being a perv long enough to order our dinner.”

Shikamaru stammered, much to her amusement. Her laugh assured him that she was only joking, but he was embarrassed nonetheless. To his shame, she wasn’t too far from the truth when it came to his wandering mind at that moment. Trying to save face, he stood and walked to the telephone, which hung on the wall.

“Pork ramen for me!” Temari called, earning a wave of the menu from Shikamaru, whose back was turned to her. Damn it, she was way too troublesome.

[rustbolt-answers-your-bullshit]

Act 2, Chapter 5: Rustbolt's Magnetic Personality

Rustbolt sent EB away, because he needed some time to think. Some time to contemplate. “Okay,” he said to himself. “Plant powers. A zombie with plant powers. Zombies and plants are mortal enemies….” He looked at the leaves on his arms. “What am I gonna do!?” He stared at the bright green, how it contrasted his skin so much, yet it was now actually a part of him. “I was supposed to use powers to become an official zombie hero again. But what do I do now?

“I have no identity left, I only have 2 remaining friends, and the only compensation is…” He looked down at his arm. Vines came out, and grew and twisted into a grave buster, wrapped around Rustbolt’s arm like when you put your hand inside a sock. “...Is…” The grave buster looked at him. “...That I might be able to grow new ones.”

At that very moment, though, Zomboss was on his wall. “Rustbolt! I know you’re alive.”

Flinching at an embarrassing amount, Rustbolt looked at the wall, the grave buster shrinking back into the leaves. “Yes, Zomboss. I’m alive.” What was he doing!? He’s not supposed to blatantly say things that could jeopardize his afterlife. “I was actually about to ask for you to take me back,” he managed to save himself.

Zomboss looked at Rustbolt. “Who are you?”

Rustbolt looked down. He didn’t have on his entire suit. “Oh. Zomboss, it’s Rustbolt. I just don’t have on my suit.”

Zomboss raised an eyebrow. “The suit comes off?”

Rustbolt was amazed at how oblivious Zomboss can be sometimes. “Yeah. It’s a SUIT, not skin.”

Zomboss waved off the remark with his hand. “Nevermind that. When can I expect you to be here.”

Rustbolt looked at the upper part of his suit, on the floor, next to the couch. “Uuuuhhh…. In about twelve minutes, sir.”

A grin spread across Zomboss’ face. “Good,” he said smugly. Then, the wall went back to being a wall. And not a screen that rudely interrupts everything Rustbolt’s done in the past hour.

Rustbolt put on his suit and walked outside. He flew off to Zomboss’ lair. He watched the zombies below stare at large floating TVs, all depicting Zomboss talking about how Rustbolt was still alive. Many zombies cheered. All the way to the lair, Rustbolt was testing out his powers. He had managed to make a blover, a sunflower, and a garlic. The garlic was a bad idea, though, because the smell carried to the zombies below and caused outrage. Zombies HATED the smell and taste of garlic.

But, when Rustbolt finally reached Zomboss’ lair, there were no plants in sight. He walked through the door.

PLANT DETECTED

Alarms blared and sirens went off. Rustbolt, not knowing what to do, started to panic. Seemingly as if on cue, an EM-Peach grew from under Rustbolts fingernail and exploded, and the lair fell silent. Zomboss burst open the doors just as the small vine retreated back under Rustbolts fingernail. “RUSTBOLT!” Zomboss shouted. Then, his head lowered and he smiled evily, looking at the hearty hero. “Welcome back.”

Rustbolt, intimidated, gulped and nodded. He followed Zomboss through the long hall. Zomboss was saying something about Rustina and how he was willing to put that behind him… But Rustbolt wasn’t listening. He was thinking about what plants he could make. What contraptions he could build. Maybe he could use vines to move larger parts? Maybe he could blover as a helicopter? Maybe he could even make a suit out of plants…

“Rustbolt, are you listening?” Zomboss, still walking, turned his head to the side and looked at Rustbolt. He nodded. “Good.” Zomboss went right back to rambling, and Rustbolt looked at him. This guy was gonna be his boss again. “Well here we are,” Zomboss said. There was a giant antenna in the middle of the room.

Rustbolt didn’t recognize this room, he had never seen it. “What’s this?” He asked.

Zomboss smiled evilly. A chair came from the floor right under Rustbolt, knocking him into it. “It’s something I’ve been working on,” Zomboss announced. “It’ll help me get some better control.”

“Of WHAT?” Rustbolt asked, freaking out. He couldn’t stand up and get out of the chair; it was magnetized.

“Of your SUIT!” Zomboss grabbed a plug that led to the large contraption. He walked over to rustbolt and examined the side of the helmet. Suddenly he was dumbfounded. “...Where’s the port.”

“The what?”

“The port!” Zomboss was literally screaming into Rustbolt’s ear. “The port that is on the helmet that lets me hook up stuff to it! The one I specifically remember making this cord to fit into!”

Rustbolt smiled. “Oh, that? Yeah, when I refurbished the suit I took out that port. Now there’s a button.”

“Why you little--” Zomboss was cut off by a splat. A pea had burst in his face. Looking at his left shoulder, Rustbolt saw the baby peashooter. It had sprouted on its own and managed to distract Zomboss. Rustbolt tried to get out of the chair again but remembered, it was magnetized.

He looked at his hand, then his armpiece, and had an idea. One of the ports on his arm opened up, and instead of a toaster or a spatula or a bubble wand, out came a vine. It morphed and twisted and grew into a magnet-shroom. It sparked and fizzled, and…

...Took off Rustbolt’s helmet. “Of course,” He sighed. But then the magnet-shroom did something else. His shoulder pads flew off and the torso peeled a bit, and it was enough room for Rustbolt to wiggle his way out of the suit. The magnet shroom let go of the shoulders and helmet and shrunk back into leaves. He might have pondered how he got a magnet-shroom from tea grounds but he brushed it off as having something to do with the grounds being touched by Nightcap. He managed to pry his suit off out of the chair while Zomboss was still wiping pea mush off his lab coat. Rustbolt hastily put on his suit and darted for the exit. He ran out the lair. He ran and ran, and even when his asthma acted up he ran. Through the streets and through Zombopolis, he ran. He ran all the way to the junkyard and as soon as he ran into his house he collapsed on the floor, gasping for air.

It must have been about 4 minutes of him lying on his chest breathing heavily. Finally, when he had the energy to stand up, he closed his door and pulled out his phone. He scrolled through his contacts until he found the contact with a picture of the sun. He bit his lip, and, reluctantly, hit the call button.

It rung a few times, and then a cheery female voice came through.

“Hello, you’ve reached Solar Flare, whassup?”