#read somewhere it was the longest distance but i wasn't sure

[pernilleharders]

FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2023 Argentina 2 - 2 South Africa (July 28, 2023)

Sophia Braun's golazo at the 74 minute 🇦🇷.

[flowerandblood]

The Impossible Choice (55) (End)

[ Aemond • Targaryen x Baratheon! • female ]

[ warnings: sex content, smut, giving birth, breastfeeding kink, mention of trauma, violence ]

[description: Aemond comes to Storm’s End to choose his future consort. However, Lord Borros Baratheon presents him with only four of his five daughters. Being attached to his youngest child, he does not want to marry her. The prince, however, thwarts his and her plans with his decision. This is slow burn, with a lot of dark angst and sexual tension. (Anon Request)]

I am touched, this is my longest story, my beloved child, my beloved couple. This story of mine was probably the most successful and brought me a lot of joy, your involvement made me want to keep writing. I feel like I'm ending at the right moment, just as I wanted, and I hope you won't be disappointed. I remind those in despair that I still have stories from The Impossible Choice AU to write. I also recommend reading Brother, Lover, Son and The Pearl and The Sapphire, because these are also stories from this universe. Thank you all for such a wonderful response!

* English is not my first language. Please, do not repost. Enjoy! *

Previous and next chapters: Masterlist

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She wasn't sure she'd ever been as horrified in her life as she was when she realised her husband had lied to her. After he left the wedding feast, as she waited for him in his chamber she finally asked the guards standing at her door if they knew if he was still in the Small Council hall.

They looked at her in a way that made her feel uncomfortable, one of them swallowed loudly and said it was impossible.

They did not explain to her why, but she understood that her husband had hidden something from her, that he had planned something and gone away, left her. Her head was buzzing with his question that he had asked her before he left, she could see his gaze, his lower lip trembling slightly.

"You know that I love you."

Only then did she realise it was a kind of farewell.

A farewell in case he didn't come back.

She felt as she had that night when his army had set out with her father to Eyrie only for her to suffer such a painful loss and she shuddered all over at the thought, huddled against her pillow, that the same thing awaited her this time. She began to cry loudly, terrified, unable to calm herself, her child in her womb moving restlessly, sensing her condition.

She was unable to fall asleep, but she was also too tired to think logically in the morning so she persisted in lethargy, breathing hard, recoiling at every louder sound, hoping it was him.

Finally the door opened and he stood there, his white hair, his face, his hands, his armour all in blood.

She covered her face with her hands trying not to scream, horrified at the thought that it could have been his own blood, that he was wounded, and just stared at him with big eyes, unable to get a word out.

There was a kind of emptiness and weariness in his gaze.

He approached her slowly and the door closed quietly behind him. He knelt in front of her with a loud clatter of his metal armour and embraced her gently, tenderly, cuddling his cheek against her abdomen, only then did she feel him tremble all over.

"It's done." He whispered in a hoarse, low voice while looking somewhere in the distance, and she felt a tightening in her stomach mixed with relief and horror.

It's done.

Her lip trembled as an involuntary question escaped her lips.

"Are they dead?"

Her husband swallowed hard, clenched his eyes as her hands stroked his hair, she felt him seek comfort in her arms, consolation, an escape from what he had done, what he would have to face every day from now on.

"Yes."

She didn't ask him anything else. She didn't ask him how they died, who killed them, if they suffered much.

She didn't want to know that.

She didn't want to think about it.

"You must take a bath, my love." She whispered, kissing the top of his head, and he sighed quietly, as if relieved, as if afraid that the scale of his act, the enormity of the sin he had brought with him would make her push him away.

She knew he needed her like never before.

She did not let him out of her arms, letting him snuggle into her womb as she called their servants and ordered them to prepare a tub of hot water. As they did so she combed her fingers through his hair, whispering to him that he was brave, that there was no other way, that he had protected her and their child, his family, that he had to do this.

She told him everything he needed to hear to keep him from going mad with despair.

She felt his tears on the skin of her arms, felt that his body was shaking, that the realisation of what he had done was slowly reaching his mind along with the adrenaline and overwhelm leaving his body.

"Joffrey…" He muttered and pressed his lips together in an attempt to hold back the feeling that was building up inside him, and then he burst out sobbing.

She felt a tightening in her throat at the thought of that little boy, at the thought that both he and she knew he was a child who had nothing to do with these events, was no different from Jaehaerys.

"− shhh − I know − I know − I know, my beloved − I am with you −" She whispered and leaned towards him so as to enclose him in the embrace of her body, his head pressed from the side to her abdomen and from the top to her breasts, her hands stroking his neck and wet cheeks, her lips kissing his hair.

Slowly he began to calm down, ashamed of his weakness and what he had shown her he finally grunted and stood up. She helped him take off his armour, then his chemise and trousers. He stepped into the tub of hot water and let out a loud gasp of air, as if he didn't believe he was back.

That he was alive.

Just as she had done before, just as she had done then, at the beginning of their marriage, she began by washing his head, the blood from his hair and body staining the water red. She felt him lift his hand back and run his fingertips over her arm, as if he needed to feel the touch of her body, needed to be physically reassured that she was with him, that he was not alone.

She knew he was scared, that what he had done was crushing him and that she needed to be there for him.

She tried not to think about it, to push the doubt and remorse away, knowing that she had to be his pillar, his strength, that he could not see hesitation in her. He needed to feel that he had made the right choice, that she did not despise him, that nothing had changed.

After his bath, she helped him get dressed in clean clothes. Even though it was morning and they should be eating breakfast, she led him to their bed holding his hand, and lay down with him.

"Try to sleep, my dearest. I will be with you all the time." She said softly. He hummed under his breath and nodded, laying down beside her, cuddling his face between her breasts. She placed her chin in his hair, embracing him tightly, stroking him, and began to quietly sing him the lullaby her mother used to hum to her when she was a child.

She felt his tense body slowly relax, felt him cry again, and then after a time that lasted an eternity for her he finally fell into a restless sleep.

Word of Aegon's severe burns reached her quickly and she decided to visit him with her husband, knowing better than anyone else what he was going through. As they entered his chamber Helaena was watching over him, rising from his bed and smiling at them.

Aegon's face was almost entirely covered in bandages and she felt an involuntary tightening in her heart at the sight.

Despite what he had done, she felt sorry for him.

"How are you feeling, brother?" She asked softly and he glanced at her, warmth in his gaze by the way she called him. He shrugged his shoulders.

"Not only am I disgusting on the inside, now I'm disgusting on the outside." He laughed, but no one responded to his words. They talked for a while, and then Aegon surprised her with his words.

"I would like to speak in private with my brother."

She and Helaena left his chamber and moved ahead with a slow step, now that she knew it was over, that nothing threatened them anymore, she suddenly felt a gigantic relief, as if she realised that she was safe, that she could calm down at last. She looked at her companion.

"Is he good for you now?" She asked, Helaena looked at her with dreamy eyes.

"Yes. Yes, a lot has changed in him. I regret that it is only now, but… well, I am glad that after the death of our son, I and my daughter find comfort in his arms." She said quietly, looking around, distracted, immersed in her own thoughts. She involuntarily smiled at her words.

"I'm really glad."

She decided not to return to her husband's chamber, but to visit Royce and his new wife. She reasoned that since the danger had passed, she no longer needed to fear anything and lock herself in his quarters like a prison.

She stood outside her brother's chambers and asked the guard to announce her. The man went inside, and after a moment came out and said that Lord and Lady Baratheon would welcome her.

She went inside with a smile, stroking her pregnant abdomen contentedly. Royce stood up, extending his hands to her, and they threw themselves into each other's arms, embracing each other tightly.

"I've heard about what they have done. Gods, why didn't they tell me anything?" He asked, glancing at her, and she sighed heavily.

"I suspect it was all about the surprise effect. My Lady. My congratulations on your nuptials." She said softly and nodded at the young woman who stood up from the table, her dark hair braided, a grey-blue long, simple gown with wide sleeves on her body, she wore no jewellery.

Even so, she must have found the expression on her face pleasing, her mouth was full as was her shape, there was something curious and magnetising in her eyes.

"Thank you, my Lady." She answered her and also nodded. She glanced at her husband, moving towards the entrance.

"I'll leave you alone. Husband." She said lowly and calmly, nodding at him, embarrassment and something she couldn't decipher ran across Royce's face. When she left, they both sat down at the table, Royce grunting away while combing his hair quickly with his hand.

"I'm sorry for the intrusion. I just wanted to make sure you were feeling well." She said quietly, looking at him intently, unsure if he was happy or not.

"Oh, I feel fine." He said quickly, pouring himself a cup of wine and grunting loudly. She blinked, looking at him intensely.

"Are you content?" She asked finally. He lifted his gaze to her and pressed his lower lip tight. He sighed and ran his hand over his face.

"I…I've had close-ups with various women, but she…gods, I don't even know how to put it, I've never experienced anything like this. She's very experienced, I can only tell you that much." He mumbled and she saw with surprise and amusement that he was all red, he had trouble looking into her face, clearly overwhelmed by the memories of his last night.

"So… you're content." She finished at last, and he pressed his lips together and grunted again.

"I…yes, I think so."

When she returned to her husband's chamber he was already waiting for her, sitting in a chair right by the fire, his eye piercing her, focused and anxious.

"Where have you been?" He asked coolly and she sighed quietly, approaching him slowly. Her abdomen was still swelling, and she was getting tired of walking more and more quickly, but sitting wasn't any more comfortable for her.

"I visited my brother. He is pleased with his new wife." She said softly and touched his hand with her fingers. "I thought that since my husband has ensured that the danger has passed, I could visit him."

Aemond looked at her watchfully, and after a moment he hummed under his breath and nodded, accepting her words and explanation. His gaze fled to the fire again, her hand tightening on his skin.

"What did your brother want?"

Her husband was silent for a long time, his whole body as tense as a string. He swallowed loudly, running his fingers over his chin.

"He said he wants to relinquish the throne to me." He said lowly, and she looked at him in shock, feeling her heart begin to pound like mad. "That as he is now, he cannot rule the kingdom or represent it physically."

There was a silence between them full of tension, his gaze finally lifting to her, wanting to see her reaction.

"Did you agree?" She asked quietly. She had the feeling that his gaze was piercing her deeply, that he knew her enough to be aware of her every doubt, her every thought.

His silence seemed to last her an eternity.

"No."

She blinked, opening and closing her mouth, looking at him in disbelief.

She felt a sense of relief.

"Why?" She asked in shock, and he murmured under his breath, stretching out his hand on his armrest, straightening and clenching his fingers as he always did when he was thinking hard about something.

"Because I promised the gods that if they spared you I would give up my hopes for the crown. They kept you alive then, in Harrenhal, and they kept you alive in the Red Keep. I have grown to think that the gods do not want me to be king. My current role suits me. As the Hand of the King and Prince Regent, I will rule in his name until his condition improves. I told him I want something else in return." He said, entwining their fingers together, stroking her soft, warm skin with his thumb.

She felt heat in her heart at his words, at the thought that he still remembered that vow, that he truly believed that through his sacrifice the gods were watching over her.

"And what do you want?" She asked softly, and he lifted his gaze to her, a disturbing glint in his eye.

"Dragonstone."

When they finally moved to Dragonstone she moved with difficulty, the heat was unbearable for her and she demanded a cool bath as soon as they reached the place. Before their arrival, Aemond had the chamber in the underground where Luke was last seen completely cleaned and sealed.

When she finally sank into the icy water she breathed a loud sigh of relief, her husband strolling through their chamber with evident satisfaction.

She knew that he had at last won a coveted inheritance, something to pass on to his descendants that was his. She knew he had been waiting for this moment all his life. When he looked at her at last she smiled at him.

He hummed under his breath and approached her unhurriedly with his hands folded behind his back, gazing intently at the indistinct outline of her body that he could see beneath the sheet of water.

He knelt by her tub and took her hand in his, pressing it to his lips. He stroked her wet skin with his thumb and let the air out quietly through his nose.

"Just a few more weeks." He whispered, and she nodded.

She did not want to be alone at such a difficult time and asked that Cassandra come to Dragonstone to keep her company. Helaena and Alicent had also announced their passage, so that she was not as afraid.

She saw him press his lips together, looking at her stomach. She knew what he was thinking about, she knew what he feared.

He was afraid that she would die.

That she had not been taken from him by fire or by an assassin, but would be ripped from him by her labour, just as it had taken wives from husbands for hundreds of years, just as it had taken Aemma from his father.

She stroked his face, seeing his worry and tension.

"Be of good cheer, my beloved." She whispered tenderly and he nodded, kissing her hand again.

She felt her first intense contractions at the table when they were eating dinner together, as they did every day.

Her husband was telling her about a new book he had read about the history of the First People, and she listened intently and contentedly until a wave of pain went through her body. She dropped her cup and rose suddenly, catching her stomach, her husband froze in mid-motion.

"What's happening?" He asked terrified, unable to move for a moment.

"I think it's starting." She muttered, and then felt something warm run down her thighs.

She began to cry in his arms as he carried her to their chamber, for Cassandra, Helaena and Alicent were only due to arrive in two days. True, the midwives and maids were by her side, but it wasn't the same.

"I don't want to be alone." She whined quietly and he looked at her despairingly, laying her down on the bed, the women around her began to untie her gown to help her.

"…do you want me to stay with you?" He asked uncertainly, and she swallowed with difficulty and wept loudly, feeling another powerful spasm.

Aemond turned his face away, unable to look at her suffering, not knowing how to behave, not having any knowledge of these women's affairs that always took place behind closed doors.

"Get out." She said finally, grabbing her stomach, she felt him throw her a shocked, uncertain look. "Get out, I don't want you to look at this."

She exhaled, not wanting him to be disgusted with her, so that later, thinking of her, all he could see was that sight, the sight of a ripped flesh full of sweat, blood and bodily fluids.

He, however, did not move from his place, his hands clenched into fists, horror in his gaze.

He didn't know what to do.

She didn't have the strength to think about it, hot sweat was running down her whole body, she felt like she was on fire. She breathed a sigh of relief when she was finally left in just her nightgown, one of the servants put a pillow under her back and another applied a cold compress to her forehead.

The midwife sat down in front of her, parting her legs with her hands, peering between her thighs.

"When I tell you, my lady, you will begin to push. Do you understand?" She asked softly, she was a plump, blushing woman, her voice gentle and warm.

She imagined with tears in her eyes that this strange woman was her mother, and that the maid rubbing her forehead was her sister, and nodded quickly.

Without even looking at him, she knew that her husband was still standing by their bed.

She felt relief and horror, gratitude and rage at the same time.

The pain and contractions began to become more intense and followed each other faster and faster, her heart pounding like mad, her whole body in readiness for the tremendous effort that awaited her.

She wondered if she would survive it.

"Push, my lady!" The woman called out, and she clenched her eyes shut and, with a loud whine of effort, tried to force her child out of herself. She felt something move inside her and she threw her head back, panting heavily as she felt tears running down her cheeks.

"Very well. Breathe, my lady, deep, full breaths." The woman spoke to her, and she nodded, trying to focus only on her breathing, on the way the air flowed through her chest.

"Push!" She called out again, and she clenched her hands on the bedclothes around her and cried out loudly, feeling the searing pain, her baby's head trying to squeeze through her tight walls.

She fell backwards panting all over, heard a sudden movement beside her, her husband's hand tightened on hers, his gesture of support and terror, his gesture of closeness, his sign that he was there for her.

"Yes, just like that. And again. Push!"

It felt like it went on forever, she was one big sweaty, weeping mess, she clenched her fingers on his hand so tightly she felt like she was going to break his fingers, her heart pounding like crazy.

"I can already see the head, my lady! Just a little more! Push!" She squeezed her eyes shut and a whined in effort and pain as she made her body to force her offspring out.

Suddenly she felt something flow out of her, a sudden lightness and relief filled her, the midwife caught something red in her arms.

"There he is, my lady, look what a beautiful baby boy!" She said, wrapping the small creature all smeared with blood in a clean white cloth, wiping him slowly, and she laughed with joy and relief as she looked at her child's face.

Her son had dark Baratheon hair.

She turned her head towards her husband, wanting to see his reaction, his joy at the sight of their child, but she saw that he was crying without even looking in that direction, his wet cheek pressed against her hand, his fingers clenched on her skin trembling all over.

She felt her heart squeeze at the thought that he was rejoicing that she had been alive.

When their first shock had passed, when she had been changed into a clean chemise and the bedclothes had been changed, when she had lain back in bed, her son had at last been given to her, having already had his first bath, wrapped in a warm, bright blanket, his tiny arms and legs squirming vigorously when he felt her proximity, as if he recognised her immediately.

She felt a bond, a love, a tenderness, looking at his little chubby pink face, his scent was wonderful and addictive.

She looked up contentedly and saw her husband's proud look, an almost invisible smile on his face. He stood over her with his arms folded behind his back, preferring not to touch such a small creature for the time being, watching his interaction with his mother.

They had agreed that if a girl was born she would name her, and if a boy was born, he would name him. She knew exactly what name he had chosen, but she asked him anyway.

"Daeron."

It was only at night, when they were finally alone, that her husband lay down beside them in just his chemise, looking intently at the little being sleeping in her arms. She cradled him looking at him with tenderness, thinking that he was the most beautiful child she had ever seen in her life.

"He has your eyes." She whispered and he hummed with contentment at her words as he carefully put his arm around them, pressing his temple against her forehead. She felt him place a kiss on her cheek and on her jaw, felt him inhale her scent.

"You were so brave, sweet wife. I have never been more proud of you." He whispered tenderly, and she felt the heat spread through her heart. She looked up at him, brushing the tip of her nose against his and they kissed, warmly, softly, their lips moist and swollen.

They spent the next few weeks getting used to the changes in their lives. Her wounds healed slowly and after only a few days she was able to get up, much to the displeasure of her husband, who wanted her to avoid straining herself.

The cold stone walls of Dragonstone suddenly became cosier when the baby's babbling filled them, their son was loud and constantly laughing, overjoyed at their constant presence.

Aemond didn't want to be like his father, and though he was afraid to pick him up, he often looked in on him just to touch him, to make sure he was safe.

She saw him watching out of the corner of his eye as she fed their son, finding it a very intimate and private sight, his wife holding his heir at her breast, giving him life, tending to his legacy.

She knew he craved her, saw the way he gazed greedily at her breasts, but dared not demand anything of her after seeing their son tear her flesh.

However, when her wounds had healed and she was no longer in discomfort, when she told him he could touch her there, he threw himself at her like mad, his tongue deep in her throat, his hands ripping her chemise from her body.

They were both panting loudly, kissing each other greedily with a sticky, wet click, she felt him grab her hips and settle her on top of him, quickly untying his trousers, they didn't have time to be embarrassed by how much they needed it, that they just wanted to fuck.

"If I don't cum inside you soon I'll die, sweet wife." He gasped affectionately, his voice trembling with desire, and she kissed him again, clamping her hand in his hair, the other guiding his length to her entrance, slowly lowering herself onto him.

They both moaned piteously loudly, his hips beginning to impale her on his manhood again and again, filling her with himself, shivers of pleasure and heat passing through her.

She pressed her forehead against his, rising and falling against him, their bodies slapping against each other hard and fast, the lewd click of their shared juices echoing through their chamber.

"− can I taste you? − " He whispered so quietly that for a moment she wasn't sure she heard it, his hand involuntarily cupped her full breast filled to the brim with milk, she mewled in pleasure as she felt him begin to play with her nipple in his mouth.

"− yes −" She exhaled and moaned loudly, aroused by this perverse act, his lips clamped tightly around her nipple began to suckle, she heard the loud sound of him swallowing.

She clenched her hand in his hair pressing his face closer to her, feeling her walls begin to throb on his length that he pushed into her body with each of his deep thrusts, she was embarrassed by how surprisingly pleasurable it was.

"− oh, Aemond − yes −" She mewled as she struggled to fall and rise on top of him, their bodies slapping against each other with each violent movement of their flesh, his lips pulled away from her nipple with a loud plop, he licked his lips as he looked at her with a misty gaze.

"− so fucking delicious −" He breathed out and she whimpered softly, feeling his words between her thighs, not having the opportunity to answer him, his lips pressed against her other breast, repeating everything from the beginning, her nails tightened and ran over his naked back, she heard his loud purr of pleasure between the loud sounds of swallowed milk.

"− Aemond − it feels so good − oh gods −" She cried out loudly and tilted her head back, coming harder than ever in her life, he moaned low into her breast without releasing her from his mouth, she felt his hot semen spill inside her a moment later, they were both panting and moaning loudly, she wasn't sure she had ever experienced such an intense, long orgasm before.

He finally released her breast from his mouth, pressing his face to her chest, panting along with her. She stroked his hair, kissing the top of his head, purring with delight as she felt his manhood pulsing inside her in fulfilment.

"− will you let me do it again? −" He asked in a trembling voice full of embarrassment and guilt, as if he had done something lewd and unthinkable, as if he feared she would now be ashamed of him. She kissed his hair at his question.

"− yes −"

From then on, his perfect place in the world was to be deep inside her with his mouth pressed against her breast. They both knew that there was something even more intimate than usual about this act, some kind of taboo, unmistakable intimacy that could not be replaced by anything else.

She tried not to burst out laughing when one day at breakfast he asked her feigning indifference when she would lose the milk in her breasts, and she answered him that her body would continue to produce it as long as she breastfed.

She then saw the shock and the glint in his eye, he bit his lower lip involuntarily, unable to hide his expression of delight at this information.

They were closer together than ever.

The birth of their son reassured the entire kingdom, for in the event that Helaena did not bear Aegon another son, there was a young heir to the throne alive who would take over after his father.

When she spoke to her husband it seemed to her that he was made to be the Hand of the King, his advice always cool and recalcitrant. To her surprise, Aegon finally learned to use them and became a better king than she would ever have expected.

Daeron was a calm, joyful infant. He soon began to chatter, making his own unspecified sounds and syllables, bringing joy and laughter into their fortress. Her husband read to him a lot, and he stood in his little wooden bed with railings and hopped softly on his feet, delighted.

He adored him.

She had to keep repeating it to him because he didn't believe it, but his son was drawn to him, forever longing for him when he headed to the Red Keep for meetings, he would reach out his chubby hands greedily to him whenever he saw him return.

Although outwardly he was stern and cold towards the servants and guards, when he locked himself with them in their chamber he changed into a different person.

He would sometimes wake up in the middle of the night from a nightmare, say he heard Joffrey crying from the underground and frighten her, breathing hard. She tried not to show it, hugging and stroking him until he fell asleep again.

She knew that these events would never stop haunting him.

When morning set in, the first thing after checking with a touch of his hand that she was lying next to him was to see if Daeron was asleep in his bed. He would sometimes get up in the night to check that he was breathing and, reassured, would only return to further sleep, embracing her from behind and snuggling his face into the hollow of her neck.

She was overwhelmed with happiness when her brother sent her a letter from Storm's End informing her that his wife was expecting a child.

From what she understood their marriage had been quite successful and peaceful, her character proving far more calm and composed than her brother had originally assumed. She renewed herself in Storm's End, happy to still be close to the sea.

As the time approached for her to give birth, she asked her husband to fulfil his promise that he had made to her when they were in Harrenhal and for them to travel to Storm's End.

Travelling on a dragon's back with a small child seemed too dangerous for them, so they set off in a carriage, patiently enduring the hardships and length of the journey.

When they arrived she felt a strange tightness in her throat as she watched the round throne room where her father had always sat, and now her brother sat in his place.

He stood up happy to see her, kissed her cheek and stroked the head of her son whom she held in her arms, Daeron giggled happily and began to squirm again, bursting with energy.

"I see my nephew is growing fast. How these children are changing! He was such a little baby not so long ago." He said gushing with enthusiasm, clearly delighted at the prospect of becoming a father himself. She smiled broadly at his words, glad to see him, glad to be home.

Royce looked at her husband, who was standing behind her, and nodded. Aemond reciprocated the gesture, but they did not say a word to each other.

She felt memories hit her from every direction and she was moved. She had insisted that they sleep in her old chamber during their stay even though it was small her husband agreed without a word.

When they went inside their belongings and their son's cot were already standing. Aemond had only been there once, on the night he returned from Winterfell and left abruptly after their argument, so he had no time to look at anything closely.

He looked through her books curiously, looked out of her windows, looked around, and she thought fondly that he had tried to imagine her life before she met him.

Before he had chosen her.

"Would you like to see my mother's crypt?" She asked softly. He looked at her and nodded.

They descended into the underworld with the torch he held in his hand. Although the web of corridors beneath the fortress was complicated, she knew this path by heart, having often gone down there as a child, asking her mother for advice from the heavens.

After a short walk among the stone statues, they arrived in front of the one she remembered so well. She felt a tightness in her throat, burning tears in her eyes as she saw a familiar sculpture, a stone female figure that was supposed to resemble her mother, but did not even partially reflect her beauty.

She approached it and touched its cold surface with her hand, her husband remained silent.

"Mother, this is my husband, prince Aemond. Forgive me for not introducing him to you earlier. He chose me against my and my father's will, but I did not know then how much I would love him. I didn't know that…" She broke off, feeling her voice break, Aemond moved beside her restlessly, swallowing loudly.

"...I didn't know we would make it, I didn't believe I would be as happy as you were with my father. Thank you for watching over me, for listening to my prayers and making the gods send me the husband I asked for." She finished in a trembling voice, choking on her own tears, feeling that only now, two years after these events, did she truly understand what had happened, what she had experienced, what she had gone through, what a long and difficult path it had been.

She heard him come up to her, putting his torch down on the stone ground and embraced her, hugging her to his chest. She felt his heart pounding fast, felt that he was unable to get a word out. He kissed her hair and pressed his face to the top of her head, standing with her like this in the warm light of the fire.

"I thought it was impossible for someone to love me. I thought it was impossible for me to love someone. I thought it was impossible for me to make a good choice when I came here on Vhagar's back..." He whispered, and she clenched her hands tighter on the material of his leather jacket, his warmth, his familiar, wonderful, calming scent spreading through her lungs.

"...and then I saw you."

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Taglist 1

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[cyripticchronicler]

Moonlit Redemption - Sirius Black

You and Sirius are not supposed to like each other, it's against your instincts, so why does your heart flutter whenever he's around?

A/N My longest fic yet! It was supposed to be James X Reader, but it made more sense with Sirius.

Warnings: Kissing

Masterlist

The Forbidden Forest was alive in the dark hours of the night. The moonlight reflected off the branches, shrouding you in tapestries of shadow and light. The forest was silent, a light breeze cooling you down as you climbed trees and chased bugs. 

Nights like these were your favourite, where you had no worries, no pestering school boys to bother you. It was just you and nature. 

Being an Animagus was thrilling. Sure, the process of getting registered was long, and you’d rather be something other than a white ragdoll cat, but roaming around Hogwarts grounds with no one to question you is a blessing in itself. 

You were out for your nightly walk, choosing to adventure into the Forbidden Forest instead of the usual walk you take around Hogwarts School. 

Other cats roamed the school and, as if sensing you weren't a full cat, they’d attempt to fight you. So after a particularly horrid day, you decided to adventure somewhere else so you don't have to deal with the attempted catfights. 

You’ve only spent half an hour here, but you know you’ll be coming back. The cool wind surrounded you as you lay down, back against a tree, rough tree bark grounding you. You stretch your legs out, a quiet meow leaving your mouth. 

It was so lonely and comforting you could feel yourself falling asleep, eyes fluttering shut- “Prongs!”

Your head snaps up, a hiss leaving your mouth at the interruption. Thankful for the ability to see in the dark, you turn your head to look for the intruder. But no one was there, if it wasn't for the sound of tree branches snapping in the distance, you would have thought you imagined it. 

“Padfoot?” Another voice shouts out, much closer than you liked. “You lost? C’mon, lose your dog senses to find me.” The stranger laughs. 

Slowly, you round the tree, eyes widening at the sight in front of you. 

James Potter stands a few feet away, leaning against a tree lazily like he’s bored. He’s kicking the leaves around him, humming a random song as if he’s waiting for something. 

Sure enough, a few seconds later, Sirius Black comes into view, clothes ripped and a bright smile on his face.

“Found you-” He cuts himself off with a growl, head whipping around to stare at you. You hide behind the tree with a powerful hiss causing Sirius to growl louder. 

It was dog instinct to growl at a cat but you still got offended. How dare he growl at me. 

You know who he is, after seeing him transform once near the Whomping Willow. You’re just not sure if he knows who you are. 

James laughs, strutting towards you as you try to hide further behind the tree. His hands reach out to grab you and you attempt to run away but he’s faster, holding you against his chest as he walks towards Sirius. 

He lifts you so you’re face to face with Sirius and you hiss, claws out as you try to scratch at anything you can get your hands on.

“Can’t handle a cat? Look how cute she is.” James pouts. You growl, turning around to scratch at his face, meowing in triumph as he lets you go with a curse. 

You don’t waste a second in running off, ready to fall asleep in your comforting bed. 

“That one’s different. I just don't know how.” You hear Sirius mutter as you leave. 

—

You wake up with a start, hair in a tangled mess above your head. Rubbing your sleep-infused eyes, you start to get ready for school. Making quick work so you don’t miss breakfast. You join your friends at the Gryffindor table, sitting just a few people away from the people you’ve been trying to avoid. 

James is laughing loudly at something Sirius said while Remus reads, lips pursed as if trying not to laugh. You smile lightly in amusement before turning back to your food. 

Too enraptured in the story Lily is retelling, you don’t notice the curious look Sirius sends you. You’ve never talked before, he knows that, but then why does he get the sense that he knows you?

—

You’ve stuck to roaming around Hogwarts Castle instead of the Forbidden Forest in hopes of avoiding another run-in with James and Sirius. 

But now your run-ins have been with cats. Mean ones. No matter how hard you try to get them to like you, they still hiss whenever you’re around. 

This is what brings you to the library on a Saturday morning, roaming the shelves in hopes of finding a book about how to get cats to like you.

It's stupid I mean you’re Animagus form is a cat, you should know how to get cats to like you already. But the books have some tips you could use. Maybe you could catch a random rat and gift it as a peace offering. 

Determined, you slam the book shut, planning to take it back to your room for more tips. Too busy in your planning to notice the people standing a few feet away, you abruptly halt right in front of Sirius Black, James behind him with Remus.

Sirius growls and you scowl back, trying to ignore the butterflies swirling in your stomach. 

James cuts in with an awkward laugh. “Sorry about him. He usually doesn't go around… growling at people.”

“You,” Sirius scowls causing Remus to put a comforting hand on his shoulder. 

“Me?” You play dumb, shifting on your feet nervously. Only a few people know about your other form, including Ms McGonagall and Lily and you’d prefer to keep it that way.

“You were in the forest, except you were smaller and had more hair,” Sirius states, over his shoulder you can see James’ eyes widen in realisation and silently curse. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about-” “Having trouble making friends?” It’s James who speaks now, gesturing to the book in your hand. You move How to Get Cats to Like You behind your back.

“I have to go. Have a nice day.” You smile awkwardly, pushing past James in hopes of getting away as fast as possible. 

But Sirius has other plans, gripping your wrist tightly but not enough to hurt you. 

“Sirius,” Remus warns. 

“You alright, Padfoot?” You smile mockingly.

He ignores you, “You’re in my potions class.” Your shields lower slightly at his civil tone, shoulders relaxing. 

“Yeah, why?” He ignores you again causing you to roll your eyes. “I didn’t know there were Animagus at this school.”

“You mean besides you two?” At his shocked look, you continue, “You might want to check your surroundings before you transform.”

James buts in, pushing Sirius behind him, “You should hang out with us sometime. You’re friends with Lily, right?”

You laugh slightly, “I am. I would hang out with you but I don't think your friend would like that.” James goes to open his mouth but Sirius cuts him off, “I wouldn't mind. As long as you leave me alone.” You scoff. 

“If I ever see you again, I might say hi, but I’m not putting in a good word to Lily for you James. I have to go, see you later Remus.” “Bye, Raggy.” You playfully scoff at the nickname, walking away hurriedly.

“You know her?” Sirius asks Remus questionably. 

He nods. “Yeah. She saw me transform back like months ago. We’re good friends, actually.”

James and Sirius stare at him in shock, “And you never told us?”

He shrugs, searching the bookshelves. “You never asked.”

—

You let out a startled laugh at the sight in front of you. You decided to adventure to the Whomping Willow tonight, befriending the Castles cats still not successful. You’ve seemed to arrive right on time.

Sirius and James, both in their Animagus forms, seem to be playfighting. The black dog a whirl of darkness as he rounds the Stag, tongue out, tailing wagging. The stag seems to be getting dizzy, turning on wobbly feet as he tries to track the dogs' movements. 

On impulse, you creep closer, crouching so they can't see you. You track the dogs' movements, trying to get the timing right. 

With no hesitation, you jump, meowing in delight when you land at the right time, small arms wrapped securely around Sirius’ fluffy neck. 

He stops abruptly, causing you to go flying forward. You hit the ground with a screech, turning back into your human form as you attempt to control your laughs. 

From the corner of your eye you can see Sirius and James transform back too, the latter doubled over with laughter. 

“That wasn’t funny.” He scowls, lips pursed to try to hide his laughter.

“You’re face and the way she screeched,” James wheezes from behind you, still dying of laughter. 

A laugh finally breaks out of Sirius and you grin in triumph. Noting you’re still on the floor, Sirius offers you his hand and you take it gratefully. 

You keep holding his hand for a second longer than necessary. 

“Where’s Remus?” You question, looking around for a glimpse of him.

“Prefect duties,” Sirius mutters eyebrows furrowed as he watches you look for Remus. Your shoulders slump in disappointment at the thought of not seeing your friend. You wanted to talk about the latest book you read. 

“You don't like him, do you?” Sirius asks you, eyes still on your face.

“In a friendly way, yes. Why? You jealous?” You tease, eyes widening when he hesitates. Your heart thumps at the thought of him being jealous.

“Ew, no. I don’t like cats.” The words are venom on his tongue, your heart squeezes harshly in your chest. 

“Well, I don't like smelly dogs.” You snark, crossing your arms as you face him properly. He copies you, scowl on his face. 

He opens his mouth to retaliate- “Can you guys fuck already.”

Cheeks red, you whip around to face James who’s recovered from his laugh attack. Ignoring the glare on Sirius and your faces, he continues, “Look, I love the enemies-to-lovers trope but come on. You guys are both free on Saturday, how about you go to Hogsmeade together?”

“Why would I willingly do that?” You ask. 

“Because I’ll give you money.”

You shrug, “Okay.” Looking at Sirius, you send him a pointed look. 

He stares at you intensely, eyes roaming over your face. “...Fine.” 

James grins in triumph, “Yay!”

—

“Do you want butterbeer?” Sirius asks, tone dry as he stands a few feet away like if he gets too close, he’d die.

You shuffle closer just to annoy him. “Yes, please.”

Surprisingly, you’ve been having fun. Or you have, at least. You’ve been to a few stores already, and you’ve bought something from every one. Your bag on your shoulder is stuffed with various candies and a new blanket for when it gets cold in your dorm. Sirius hasn't got anything, choosing to blankly stare at the items instead. 

“Tell me a secret,” You grin as you slide into a booth at the Three Broomsticks.

“Why would I do that?” Sirius asks from the other side of the table.

You ignore him. “You know I’ve noticed you’re only grumpy with me. No one else.”

His eyes soften ever so slightly, “You’re a cat.”

“You pet the cats around Hogwarts all the time,” You state, taking a sip of your butterbeer.

He looks offended at your accusation, “I have not.”

You nod your head confidently, “Yes you have. My new cat friends told me.”

That's right, your new cat friends. Turns out all you needed was a rat to be included in the clique.

Sirius lets out a breathless laugh, “Glad to see that book worked.”

You grin, smile fading as you think. “No, seriously, why do you hate me?”

As much as you try to deny it, you like him, and it hurts that he despises you so much.

He sighs, “I don't hate you.”

“Yes, you do-” “I can’t get you out of my head, I’m always thinking about you. I’m hoping that once I push you away, you’ll stay out of my head.”

You smile sadly, “Is it that bad?”

“Yes.”

You attempt to laugh it off, “I can’t be that bad.”

“You are.”

Oh. “I just realized the time, I should go. I’ve got potions homework I need to do.” You stand up abruptly, rushing out of the building like it was on fire. If you stayed a second later, you would have heard Sirius pleading for you to wait. 

—

“You should talk to him,” Remus states. You’re sitting in the library together, doing homework for various classes.

“What?” You feign confusion even though you know what he’s talking about.

He sends you a knowing look, “He didn't mean it. He feels horrible.”

You groan, “He insulted me while also confessing he liked me. How do I respond to that?”

“You’re the one who’s read all those muggle books. What was it? Pride and Prejudice. Just do what Elizabeth did.”

“Brutally turn him down?”

He cringes, “Maybe not. Sirius has always had a hard time talking about his feelings. You just need to hear him out.”

“He hasn't even apologised!” 

“Because you’re avoiding him!”

You sigh stubbornly. “Fine. I’ll find him later.”

It was now later, and you regret your promise that you’d find Sirius. You know where he is, you can hear him where you sit a few feet away. He’s sitting near the Whomping Willow, bored eyes watching the birds fly by.

“Hi.” You mutter, sitting next to him. His eyes snap up to meet yours, sad eyes meeting your bright ones. 

“I am so sorry. What I said that day was stupid. I only want you out of my head because it hurts whenever I remember that you’re not mine. I’m not used to having friends or being in a relationship, but I want to be in a relationship with you. Please. I promise to work through my problems and treat you right, treat you how you deserve.”

“You hurt me.” You mutter, staring into the distance to avoid the pain in his eyes. He sits up straighter, “I know, and I’m so sorry.”

Letting out a quiet sigh, you turn to face him. “You get one chance, Sirius.”

He sighs in relief, “Thank you, you won't regret it, I promise-” Cutting him off, you place a quick kiss on his lips, relishing in the warmth. “You play your cards right and you’ll get more of those.” He laughs, rubbing his nose in the crook of your neck. “I’ll be a good boy, I promise.”

You smile, kissing his head lightly. 

You watch the sunset together before heading back to his room so he can show you how much of a good boy he can be. 

[my-moony-and-padfoot]

Make it stop

TW. Rape, kinda it's not mentioned but themes around that topic. So if you're easily triggered please don't read.

Also this is the longest one I've written in a while. I was scared to post this so I hope it's all okay with this one <3

Words: 3300

He got up from the classroom floor, his legs unsteady under him. For a moment, it wasn't fully clear to him what had happened, but then it hit him. He had no idea what the time was, he just remembered someone dragging him into this empty classroom as he was on his way to detention with McGonagall.

He picked up his wand from the floor where it had been thrown onto, his hands were shaking as he went to open the door. It was well past curfew already, the corridors were empty and dark as he made his way back to the Gryffindor common room. He was looking over his shoulder constantly as he walked down the corridors, scared that it would happen again. He flinched at the smallest sounds he could hear, hugging himself closer each time.

He could still feel the hands on him, and he absolutely hated that feeling, he just wanted it to go away. Eventually, he found his way to the common room, he sat down on one of the couches, bringing his knees up to his chest. He stared into the already died out fire, tears starting to fall down, at first, he tried to wipe them away, but they just kept falling down. He was shaking, he couldn't help it or stop it.

He didn't hear when someone walked down the stairs, but he heard someone calling his name, distantly, but he still heard it. It was Remus. He'd recognize that voice anytime. The tears had stopped at some point, although they were threatening to fall again as he heard Remus walk closer to him.

“Sirius, love?” Remus called again, as he walked around the couch to look at the boy. Sirius was supposed to be back a long time ago, the detention was supposed to last only an hour, but he hadn't come back. Which made Remus worry as it was, although James kept telling him that it's nothing and that he should just calm down and go to bed. It was already past midnight, and he had decided to go find Sirius, glad that he found him in the common room and not somewhere in the Castle, as he couldn't even check the map because Sirius had it.

Remus frowned as Sirius still didn't answer him, just kept staring in front of him, Remus could see tear tracks on his cheeks, and the way his body shook just made him worried. He crouched down onto the floor, in front of the boy, reaching to brush hair out of his face, but Sirius flinched away, looking at him, tears starting to fill his eyes.

“D-don't touch m-me, please.” He whispered, the tears falling out, he was trying to hold back.

“I won't love.” He said, gently, withdrawing his hand back. Sirius dropped his gaze, finding a spot on the floor he started at. Remus bit his cheek, trying to think what he should do next. Something had definitely happened to get his boy like that. Sirius loved being touched and cuddled, and just being close to people, so it just made him worried. “Can I sit next to you?” He asked, Sirius nodded slightly.

Remus got up, sitting next to the boy, making sure to keep his distance. “Is everything okay, baby?” He asked, knowing something wasn't right, but he knew to be gentle with Sirius. Eventually, he shook his head, more tears falling out. Usually, Remus knew what to do when something happened and Sirius was upset, but now he couldn't do what usually helped Sirius the most.

“Did something happen?” He asked, keeping his voice as calm and gentle as he could, trying not to sound worried, although he wasn't sure if he managed to keep the worry out of his voice. Sirius just looked at him, laying his head on his knees. “Can you tell me, angel?” Sirius nodded after a moment of thinking. He wiped his eyes, before he started to talk.

“Um, I-i was going to detention, but someone pulled m-me into a classroom.” He whispered quietly, going back to looking at the floor instead of Remus. He tried to talk, but the words just wouldn't leave his mouth. “It was scary moons.”

“Did something happen in there?” He pressed on, Sirius nodded, playing with his fingers. “Did they do something to you?” He asked, panic starting to rise in his chest as he waited for Sirius to answer.

He nodded after a while. "I-i can still feel his hands on m-me, I wan' it off, Remus, I tried to-.” Sirius' breathing started to pick up as he had to go over it. He didn't have to, he knew that, but he told Remus everything and somehow Remus always knew how to make everything better and help. Always. “I-i tried to fight him off, I really tried.” Sirius was looking at him, only fear in his eyes, he was breathing heavily, tears falling down and there was no way he could hold them back anymore.

“Shh, I know love, I know you did.” Remus said gently, swallowing past a lump in his throat as he tried to process what Sirius had just told him. It was heartbreaking to hear, and he tried to hold back tears of his own, to not upset Sirius even more. “I know you're scared and anxious right now, but I really need you to breathe for me, can you do that?”

Sirius tried, he really did, but he just couldn't, he couldn't calm down. “It's all okay, I promise. It's all going to be okay, Angel. C'mon baby breathe, in and out, yeah just like that, good job.” He said as his breathing started to slow down. “Breathe in for five, hold for one, and breathe out.” Remus repeated his instructions until Sirius started doing it on his own and his breathing was more calmed down.

Remus felt so bad for what had happened, so bad, he wasn't sure how he could help his boy, but he had to, he wanted and needed to. It was Sirius, after all. But he was mad at whoever could do something like that to Sirius.

“I really tried rem.” He whispered into the silence that had fallen over them, Remus had gotten lost in his thoughts as Sirius had calmed down his breathing. “I'm sorry, I-”

“Don't say sorry, it's not your fault. Okay, love? I need you to know that whatever happened, it wasn't your fault.” Sirius nodded hesitantly, still looking at Remus. Like he was the only thing saving him from drowning in an ocean, the only thing keeping his head above the water, even though he felt like he was drowning. “I need to ask you something, do you think you can answer me?”

“I-i'm not sure, sorry.”

“It's okay if you can't or don't want to answer.” He said, keeping his voice soft and calm, trying to calm Sirius down even more. “Did- did he hurt you in any way?” After a while, Sirius nodded ever so slightly. Remus decided to let it be for tonight, he didn't want to ask any more questions, not wanting to upset him even more right now. “How are you feeling?”

“I'm sleepy.” He whispered, wiping his eyes, he decided to leave the other things out, he was feeling a lot at the moment, but he was tired. “B-but I wanna take a shower, I-i feel dirty.” Remus nodded, all he wanted to do right now was to scoop the boy up into his arms and try to make everything better, but he knew Sirius didn't want that right now, so he wouldn't.

“How about you go and take a shower, and I make your bed ready for you? And find you some comfy and warm clothes?” Sirius nodded, sniffling sadly, straightening his legs.

“C-can I have your jumper?” He asked timidly, a blush creeping on his already tinted cheeks.

“Of course you can, love.” He smiled. “Do you want to sleep in your own bed?” Sirius nodded. “Okay I'll get it all ready for you angel.” Sirius nodded again, slowly getting up from the couch, his legs still shaking as he made his way up to their dorm, with Remus following behind him. Now he didn't have to check over his shoulder every passing minute because he knew Remus was there, and Remus meant safe.

While Sirius was in the shower, Remus made his bed ready. Bringing the blanket and a few pillows back there, from his bed where they had been moved there a long time ago. He could only hope he could soon bring them back to his bed, although he knew this would take time. But he'd still be there. He dug out Sirius' favorite pair of gray joggers, and one of his own jumpers. It was the one he wore the most, and one of Sirius' favorites as well. Not to forget that it was soft and warm.

Remus folded the clothes, setting them down on the chair at the bathroom door. He guessed it would take a while before Sirius would settle into bed, so he sat down on his own, thinking what had happened, and what would happen next. He felt kind of guilty as he had suggested that he could walk Sirius to his detention and wait for him, but Sirius had said no.

“Thank you.” Sirius had whispered, when he came back to the dorm, dressed up in the clothes Remus had chosen. Remus smiled. He wasn't sure what else he could, or should, do. So, he just smiled, looking at him, even though Sirius didn't look at him.

He got under the covers, just laying there, he was tired and just wanted to sleep. But he couldn't. He just couldn't close his eyes. He didn't know what to do. He knew Remus was awake too, but he didn't want to burden him with his thoughts right now. Even if he had the opportunity to talk, he had no idea what to say. The words would get stuck in his throat. And the thoughts in his brain with no way to let them out. He just felt stupid. For a reason, he wasn't even sure of.

He could hear, pages being turned, probably Remus reading, he was just waiting for Sirius to fall asleep before he could let himself sleep. Remus always did that. He could hear soft snores coming from James, and Peter shifting in his bed every now and then. In the years of sharing the dorm with his friends, he had learned about everything there was when it came to their different habits and stuff that happened without them realizing. Like how they sounded while sleeping, whose footsteps he could hear, or who left their stuff lying on the floor where someone, usually Remus, tripped over them.

He was facing the wall, his back facing Remus, he could feel Remus' eyes on his back now and then, he was aware that Remus knew he was awake. He was buried under the blankets, he was warm and comfortable, but he didn't feel safe for some reason, probably one of the reasons he couldn't sleep. He had Remus' jumper pulled up to cover most of his face, the scent bringing some comfort to him at least.

Suddenly, he heard Remus closing his book and getting up from his bed, walking over to them. By the sounds of it, Remus sat down on the floor, next to the bed. He almost wanted to cry, just because of him. He felt guilty for ruining Remus' good night of sleep, and for being a burden on him, like he always was.

“Can you turn to me, baby?” Remus whispered softly into the silence. Sirius thought about it for a moment, he wanted to, but he wasn't sure if he could move, or if he could face Remus, he was scared. But then he remembered that Remus would never do anything like that, never, he knew that, so slowly, he turned around, burying himself deeper into the covers and Remus' jumper. Remus was sitting cross-legged on the floor, leaning his head into the nightstand.

“I promise you it's going to be okay, and you're going to be okay. And I promise I won't let anything happen to you, as long as I'm here you're safe with me, you know that right?” Sirius nodded slowly, his eyes filling with tears. He wanted to say something, but he didn't know what, and he just couldn't and as if reading his mind Remus spoke. “you don't have to say anything, don't worry about that. I'm still gonna be here if you'd like.” Sirius nodded, finally closing his eyes, letting the sleep slowly take over. He could hear Remus talking something about the book he was reading. Speaking in a low hushed and soothing tone, helping him fall asleep, it took a while. But for a moment he was able to just forget, letting the sleep take over.

_ _ _ _ _ _

The next day, McGonagall had come to their table asking why Sirius didn't show up in detention and why he wasn't at breakfast. Remus wasn't sure what to say, so he just mumbled, something happened. The other two just stared at him, looking for answers, why Sirius stayed in bed and where he was last night. He didn't give them any, though, of course he didn't.

Apparently, McGonagall had visited their dorm during the lessons. That was what he could get from the mumbled words through his tears when Remus came back at lunch to bring him some food, as Sirius didn't want to or couldn't get up from bed. He hadn't asked which it was.

Remus didn't know if he had told McGonagall what happened, and he wasn't going to ask if Sirius didn't want to talk about it. He could only guess, and he guessed he hadn't said anything, but he couldn't be sure.

Sirius stayed in bed, buried under the blankets every day, maybe getting up once or twice. Most of the time, he was trying to catch up on sleep that he couldn't get during the night's, too scared to actually close his eyes in the darkness of their dorm. Even if he knew he'd be safe there.

The events kept playing in his head all the time, not leaving him alone for a moment, well maybe if he listened to Remus talk and focused on what he was saying. Remus brought him food every day, at lunch and when he came from dinner. He appreciated it, although he didn't feel like eating, but he ate something at least.

Sirius didn't speak a lot, most of the time he just listened to Remus talking to him. He liked it, it made him feel a bit better for a moment. Remus just had the most soothing voice in his opinion. Remus had found his spot next to Sirius' bed on the floor, next to the nightstand, he had brought a pillow with Jim after the first few nights because the hardwood flooring wasn't the softest to sit on. He didn't always talk, sometimes he just focused on his homework, and Sirius watched him, read what he wrote, or traced along his scars with his eyes.

It was Friday night, about two weeks after what happened when Remus came into their dorm after dinner, he had visited the kitchens to get Sirius something to eat before came. Like he had done for the past two weeks. “I got some cookies, chocolate chip.” He smiled, as he got into their dorm.

To his surprise, Sirius was sitting up in bed instead of in that half asleep state he was usually in. And even more surprising, he had a book on his lap. “Remus?” He whispered, looking up to him, closing the transfiguration book on his lap. “C-can you come here?” He asked, patting a place next to him on the bed. Remus smiled, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

“I wasn't even sure if you knew how to read.” A small smile tugged on his lips as he looked at Remus. “What are you reading?”

“Transfiguration.” He said, setting the book down on the nightstand. “I don't want to fall too much behind, also I need to go to classes.”

“If you think you can, but you don't have to.” Remus smiled. “I can help you if you'd like to.” Sirius nodded, slightly. Although Remus had already helped him a lot, he didn't want to be a burden on him, so he probably wouldn't ask him to help with his school work.

“Can w-we do something today or tomorrow?” He asked quietly, after a while, looking down onto his lap.

“If you want to love.” He smiled. “What would you like to do?”

“Can we go on a walk?” He asked, his voice was still quiet, probably from the lack of use. Remus nodded, smiling.

“Of course we can.” He smiled, “Let's go tomorrow, yeah? It's getting a bit late.” Sirius nodded. “Is there something else you want?” He shook his head, he did want something, but he didn't know how he'd ask for it or how Remus would react.

“Do you want to eat what I brought to you?” He asked, Sirius hesitated before shaking his head. “That's okay, not even the cookies? They were really good.” Sirius nodded, smiling slightly. Remus was just happy to see Sirius smile, even if it was a small one, and that disappeared a few moments later, but it was still a smile. A real one. Over the years Remus had gotten good at telling when Sirius was really smiling and when he wasn't, but was faking it, and he wasn't sure how other people didn't notice it so clearly.

_ _ _ _ _ _

The next morning, after they both had woken up, Sirius had actually slept at night this time. They got ready in silence to go on their walk when it was about lunchtime, just because there were less people in the corridors and outside at that time.

They left their dorm, finding their way out of the castle, starting to walk towards the black lake. All the leaves had already fallen down from the trees, and they scrunched under their shoes as they walked in silence. It was starting to get colder, and it should start snowing soon.

“Moony?” Sirius asked, looking at him, as they started to walk around the lake. He hummed along, glancing at Sirius. He didn't say anything, he just held his hand out for Remus to take. Remus looked at him, smiling and taking Sirius' hand into his, interlocking their fingers together.

“McGonagall said I should talk to someone.” Sirius said, quietly, looking down at his boots. “Like poppy or just someone.”

“Do you want to talk?”

Sirius shook his head. “I just want to forget.” He glanced up at Remus, who nodded. “Is that weird?”

“No it's not weird to want to forget something like that.” He assured, and Sirius nodded slowly, hiding his face more into the scarf. After a while of walking, Sirius stopped suddenly, making Remus turn around to look at him.

“Can I get a kiss?” Sirius asked, blushing slightly, looking at Remus. Remus leaned down, kissing his forehead. “A real one, moony.” He smiled, gently pushing him.

“Okay okay.” He chuckled, this time leaning down to plant a gentle kiss onto his lips. Sirius really smiled for the first time in a few weeks. Remus was just happy to see him smile again. “Should we go to the kitchen? Get some lunch?”

“Yeah.”

<3

[the-insomniac-emporium]

Remembering my grandpa: the coolest guy I've ever met

so, like, still haven't processed what happened. that's honestly pretty typical for me, it's something I used to feel really guilty about (everybody around me would be crying, and I wouldn't actually feel those emotions for upwards of a year), and I've gotten better at addressing what's under the surface before it gets to the point of a breakdown. there are several reasons for why my biggest personal metaphor for grief is as follows

our love is a garden; this grief is a seed

mostly been keeping myself busy, just cleaned most of the kitchen in one go, probably going to clean my room later today. also been thinking a lot about how incredibly cool my grandpa was. he's genuinely one of the most rad people I've ever had the chance to meet, and I don't even know all of his stories!!! just gonna ramble about him for a bit

dropped out of high school (and later got his GED) because WW2 was happening and he enlisted (either lied about his age or was just barely old enough). got recognition for his marksmanship skills, and (forgive me for not knowing his official rank/title) even ended up being a sort of guard for a high ranking officer. I remember being told that when they had to drive somewhere, Gramps was the guy with a scoped rifle keeping an eye out for trouble, ready to counter ambushes or something like that.

(the point is that I haven't heard the details since I was a kid, but his rifle skills were incredible, especially considering his age at the time)

known for drinking Respect Women Juice and being a stand-up guy. I've read some of his memoirs (not published, but they might be at some point, I'll let y'all know), and he talks about how mad he was at my grandma's dad (his eventual father-in-law) because the FIL was soooo excited to have "man time" with Gramps, after already having treated Grandma like the son he would have preferred, and Gramps couldn't understand why FIL wasn't appreciating the incredible woman that Grandma was. seriously, Grandma was also a badass, an equally incredible sharpshooter who only quit competing (having reached the highest level for women in the US) because she realized in order to keep winning she'd have to actually put time and effort into getting better. also she was a great cook, apparently. had a real temper tho

Anyway, there's also some other stuff about his respect for women, but that involves a bit of family drama with other relatives that I don't want to get into online. The gist is that he went out of his way to make sure that several women in the family got treated fairly, especially when some people weren't properly appreciating the work of a stay-at-home mom.

He was an active scuba diver for many, many years, and several of his longest friends were met via the hobby. at one point, he even worked with several of them to buy a large amount of land on San Juan Island (of the San Juan Islands), where they divided it up and all built houses together. I have many memories of going to visit during the summer, and honestly it was really impressive what they built together. Grandpa also loved kayaking, and even dabbled in making kayaks!

Putting more under the break because I recognize this is lot

In order to get to San Juan Island, most people take a big ol ferry. during an incident that got a fair bit of coverage in the local newspapers, my Grandpa was taking the ferry when he realized someone in the distance was in trouble (small boat, might have gotten flipped or something, again don't remember all the details). Grandpa was quick to take action, got the attention of the ferry's crew, and was able to arrange a rescue. If he hadn't noticed the boat, chances are the person/people would have died.

Gramps was very active even up into his mid-to-late eighties (genuinely very fit and healthy until his kidneys started failing), and had some fun ventures as part of a historical group that went around the San Juan Islands finding old map markers/territory markers (god, I wish I remember the right word) and using modern tech to record their exact locations. It was like a scavenger hunt, almost, using old/outdated maps to find these things.

He was also an official boat inspector for Friday Harbor (the main part of San Juan Island) for several years, and was recognized for his hard work/the sheer number of inspections he did.

On top of all of this, my Grandpa was genuinely one of the warmest, funniest guys around. If someone asked me to think of an example of healthy romantic love, I would think about my Grandpa and my step-grandma. Then I'd think about my brother and his gf but that's a whole other thing. Grandpa was full of love, and had no qualms with showing it, using his musical talent for serenading her (he also joined in during the family gathering jam sessions). The way he looked at her will be forever engraved in my memory, full of love and full of life.

There are plenty more stories about Grandpa, some of which I just never heard, and some of which I have simply forgotten. I'm gonna miss him.

[husbandohunter]

Moments of Despair #2 [Genshin Impact/Albedo x Reader]

Synopsis: "The alchemist who relished in his gifts only to fall from grace."

(A series of works where the boys deal with the passing of their beloved).

Diluc’s despair

Warnings: angst, tragedy, major character death and psychological horror (correct me if otherwise)

(A/n): I decided to take a slightly different approach this time. Regardless, it’s still killing my heart TwT.

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

Out of the many wonders of Teyvat, one thing Albedo loved most was how you were so different from him. 

Difference ties to the unknown, one that must be discovered. He was drawn to you the first time he had laid his eyes upon your form standing at the heights of Mondstadt's cathedral. The Sisters scolded you from below, but all you did was reply with a wink amidst their chaos before soaring into the skies and letting the wind carry your glider. Reckless they said. For him, your recklessness was intriguing. 

As the sun's light blinded his vision, everything he saw seemed like a glass barrier. For the ground was where he thrived and chalk was his core, it became the basis of Albedo's very existence. Even the geo Archon granted him a Vision of the same element to affirm his identity. The earth will forever be attached to his feet as he will keep on his stride until every last truth of Teyvat have all been realized. You, on the other hand, hailed from a place where he couldn't quite reach. What lies beyond this glass ceiling? Albedo found himself gradually holding onto a string of curiosities, a string he could touch but was not able to feel. 

'Interesting,' he thought quietly, while the breeze slip between the fingers of his outstretched hand. 

He was a character of logic, possessing sharp eyes that could pierce through the depths of the most complex formulas and a mind to predict their outcomes-  as long as alchemy was still related. All impossibilities thrown in his way only paved a path for him to become the well known genius he was now. Whether it was alchemy or  investigations with the Knights of Favonius, Albedo never failed to deliver the answers. But despite it all, he always found himself endlessly contemplating over things that were considered intangible. He wonders why you smile when there was nothing to laugh about. How could you tell between the complexities of the human heart? Albedo can't seem to put a finger on it. 

'Why? What drives you? What are you thinking?' 

The Chief Alchemist couldn't resist being fascinated by your unpredictability. It reels him in similar to a fish being baited out of the waters. However, unlike those creatures, Albedo only tightened his grip on the strings as if they were a lifeline, determined to find out what they truly felt like to the touch. 

"I can't really say it's much of an answer," you hummed, clasping both hands behind your back before declaring with a grin, "To put it simply, you just gotta follow your heart."

'Follow your heart...' What does it mean to follow your heart? 

"I'm afraid I still don't understand," he replied in a thoughtful manner. The statement never really resonated with him and it certainly weren't the words his Master taught when he was in the early stages of being created, "But it does suit you very much." 

"Really? But still bring your head with you," a playful laugh escapes and you add while pointing a finger, "At least, it's what everyone tells me these days." 

"Hm," Albedo then affirms with a nod, "I can definitely see why they would tell you that." 

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" 

The days go by and his repetitious march towards the truth remains the same. However, there was never a dull moment when you were at his side. Perhaps that was the reason why Albedo became so attracted to your aura. The way you'd follow around his experiments, eyes so full of enthusiasm at every step of the activity. Sometimes the events can get a little too out of hand in which he needs to step in and save you from getting stuck in slime condensates...constantly. Albedo grew fond of your childlike excitement even when you weren't entirely sure what was going on. He normally distanced himself from socializing as it never sparked his interest. Frankly, he was too much of a genius for mundane conversations. Your presence was rather refreshing in this case. You were an oddball, just like him, and for once the alchemist felt like he didn't need to place that glass barrier between the two worlds. 

"You seem to be in a very good mood today Mister Albedo." 

He was a man of subtle expressions yet anyone could notice the small gleam in his eyes whenever he saw you walking in the hallway. Sucrose often remarked with a giggle after she noticed her teacher holding his documents upside down. But who could blame him? Joy, fun, laughter. He was able to experience those emotions all because of you; his beloved. You were the colour to his canvas and the meaning to his flower. You were a force of nature. Like a warm breeze gracing upon the terrestrial lands, you move him. 

Thump- thump- thump- 

Strings around his world began to weave one whole picture while they also tugged inside his chest. God had finally blown the breath of life into mankind's body, it was only a matter of time before Albedo came to follow his heart too. 

-------- 

"Alright, just one more detail aaaaand done!" 

You gave a small tap using the tip of your pencil and leaned back to examine your artwork. 

Masterpiece! 

On days when Katheryne had no commissions assigned to the guild, Albedo would accompany you to the Whispering Woods and conduct his sketches there instead. He was aware of the discomfort Dragonspine brought as the temperature wasn't ideal for anyone except for him. You eventually learned that your lover was not only intelligently different from the rest but physically too. Albedo, aside from the Cavalry Captain, was mysterious in his own way. He was hard to read yet never came off as intimidating, no one knew of his origins nor they knew how he came to Mondstadt. You wondered why someone like him would have wanted to get involved with your shenanigans. Rosaria often gave warnings regarding the alchemist's 'hidden intentions' in which you'd roll your eyes in response. The Albedo you knew was far from that. He was a big brother to Klee, a man passionate about his work, he was the one golden star among the many silvers in your sky. He was your lover. 

My Albedo. 

Brushing a hand upon the drawing you made of him, you glided down the lines of his cheek before resting your finger on the mark by his neck. You gazed at it with fondness. Truly a masterpiece indeed. 

"You do realize I'm still here?" 

The paper nearly flies out of your grasp and you snatched it back to your chest, "HUH A-ALBEDO, WHEN DID YOU APPEAR???" 

"I was with you the whole time," he states. The corner of his lip tug upward ever so slightly, "You said you wanted to sketch me." 

"A-Ahahaha, so I did," you reply while scratching your head bashfully. 'I thought I was looking at a sculpture!!'  You rushed to cover your face with the sheet. It wasn't that you forgot he was there, rather, you forgot he was still a living and breathing specimen who just witnessed your little serenade. As Lisa had once said, Albedo was easy on the eyes. His graceful features made him seem almost like an oil painting that could only be found in  halls of the most prestigious households. You made sure to capture everything, every detail, every curve just like he had done with your portraits. Only now you noticed the sun already began its descent below the lakeside, dusting the landscape with hints of bright orange as it marked the day's end. If only time could slow down. But duty calls upon your next journey and there was no telling when you'd return. At the very least, a simple portrait would suffice to fill in the temporary gap of his absence. 

"Can I see it?" 

You glanced his direction while keeping the drawing close to your nose, "Are you sure about that? It might not be up to your expectations." 

"I'm sure," Albedo affirms with a straight countenance, "I can already tell you've put a great amount of effort, otherwise you wouldn't have taken this long." 

"Yeeaahh I kinda lost track of time. I guess it's only fair that you get to see the finished product," you say and shoved the drawing in front of him, "Tada! I present to you, my masterpiece!" 

Albedo takes it out of your grasp and you watched the way his eyes expanded upon sight. 

"Well? Whaddya think?" 

Words could not describe the mixture of emotions that erupted within him. Was it distinguishable or abstract? Albedo spent his time pondering between the two answers as he examined the drawing closely. Despite the lines being slightly jagged and the unevenness in the placement of his eyes, he managed to make the shape of the entire image you were trying to convey. Perhaps it was all thanks to his well trained artistic vision which gave him the ability to do so. Or maybe he was simply biased. But there wasn't a shred of doubt that this was indeed your craftsmanship. 

"You even added flowers in the background," he pointed out with amusement. 

"It's the thing you make when using your elemental burst, I couldn't fit your hand in the picture so I decided to put it somewhere empty," you informed, "Out of everything, that one took me the longest." 

"And the rabbits?" 

"They resemble Klee's bombs!" 

He lets out a chuckle, "I see." 

Albedo kept his attention downward until he was mindlessly staring at the paper in hand. This was a memory made to be carried as you moved on to your next journey and it saddens him that he could not accompany you. If only time slowed down. Albedo wanted to hold onto the memory forever, because he knew once he gave it back, he wouldn't be able to see you for an uncertain amount of time. 

"Do you really have to go?" 

His voice was barely above a whisper. Guilt crept into your heart and you gingerly layed your fingers on his gloved ones, bringing down the paper that blocked his face. A pair of teal orbs held a reflection of your image as the sun's rays casted from the side. You returned it with a reassuring grin, hoping to soothe his worries somehow, "I just need to pay a visit to my father since he's been very sick lately. I'll be fine, so don't worry too much okay?" 

Albedo turns over his palm and gave your hand a squeeze, "How long will it take?" 

"I'm not sure but it will be a while. Snezhnaya is pretty far so..." you trailed off, "But my time in Mondstadt, with Klee and with you, I will never forget! I won't even if I tried." 

When you were met with no answer, a breeze came in to fill the melancholic silence. He too will not forget and he would ensure that it was the same for you. Slowly, Albedo brought your hand up, past the center of his heart all the way to cupping his cheek. He allowed himself to indulge in your warmth, tangling the strands of his hair with your fingers while closing his eyes. Sweet flowers. You always carried the smell of sweet flowers. 

"Albedo?" You gawked, "What's the matter?" 

"...There are certain aspects where drawings can't imitate,"  he says, grip tightening ever so slightly, "How I feel against your skin, the shape of my jaw, your warmth radiating with my own. These are the things I want you to remember." 

Breath leaves your slightly parted mouth. It was unfair how straightforward Albedo could be when showing his affection. Doing as he pleases without anyone's approval to the point it would even catch you off guard since he often absorbed himself in the arts of alchemy. But during times when Albedo did choose to express his feelings, you knew they came from a place of pure genuinity. The thought made it hard for you to tear away from him, "Did you ever find out what the strings felt like then?" 

Albedo returns his gaze, long golden lashes hovering them as he smiles softly, "...I have." 

As he began to reveal his stories, the dusk sky continued to flare across the landscape with colours of passion. Red, it was the thread that had led him to you, the same string that weaved him together as a whole. Albedo lays a kiss atop of your pinky, there was a reason why Mondstadtians called him the Chalk Prince. You didn't know the intention behind his sudden affection but he knew. It was a promise, one to ensure that the thread would also have you return safely back into his arms. 

Oh how he hated the colour red. 

"Al...bedo..." 

With speed he never knew he had, Albedo scoops you into his embrace and held you close. How did everything happen so fast? He curses his mind as it proceeds to scan your injuries, drawing a conclusion where he wished to be wrong for once: 

You were beyond help. 

"Ah..haha..." you managed to laugh through bitter tears, "You don't have to say it. I know." 

His breath hitches, trying to make sense of the feeling that was slowly tearing him apart from the inside. It's not real. Of course it wasn't, it couldn't be. What other possible answer was there to explain the numbness stinging his fingers? The reason for his shaking? Everything felt so cold. Your body hardly registered to his to touch, you were losing so much blood. You were losing. He was going to lose you. 

"No," Albedo shakes his head, "We still have time. I'll go find help." 

Please, hold on. 

He forced himself to think. The ruin hunter ran off shortly after it had ambushed you, by now the Knights would eventually noticed and apprehended it on sight. They couldn't be too far. All he needed was to carry you back to safety and everyone can go home. Albedo darted his eyes all over the place, breaths becoming shallower with each passing second. Where? Where to go? Which route was best to not overexert your wounds? Think. Think. Think. Why couldn't he think? 

"A..." You watched him in your helpless state. Every part of you throbbed with pain but it pains you even more to see the renowned genius who stood atop the pedestal of elegance and grace so utterly, undoubtedly lost. This was not the goodbye you wanted, though death already had you tight in their grasps. Not yet. Using the last particle of your strength, you tried to stay alive as long as possible. Just a little bit more time. 

Albedo freezes when a trembling hand extends itself to cup around his cheek. Every single thought he had in mind vanished and was replaced by a loud ring resonating in his ears. Dreadfully, mechanically, he turns his attention to where you lay. 

"Don't cry," you whisper, "I love you, don't cry- okay?" 

Albedo grimaces, shutting his eyes closed as he allows the pent up sadness to flow out of him completely, "I can't," he said in a shaky voice, "Please. Stay." 

"I'm sorry," Your vision blurs and he hugs you even more. Drawing your final breath, you relay your most cherished words through a broken smile, "But no matter w-where I go...I won't for..ge.." 

The moment your hand fell, Albedo finally understood the difference between death and loss. 

It was...suffocating. Having the air trapped in his throat, begging to release yet it hurts to speak. The never ending stabs that pulsed within his veins rushed forth like the scraping  blizzard of Dragonspine until his whole body lost all its senses. The world was shattering. He could no longer feel your weight. He could no longer feel. 

(Y/n). 

Albedo glances at his blood stained fingers where the thread had been severed, wide eyes drowning in sorrow. What a horrible feeling. Was this a warning sent by the gods? For stepping into the boundaries of knowing too much? Ah the curse of knowledge man must bear when eating the temptatious fruit. It was the result of choosing to love you. With life, death is inevitable and with love, it will eventually bring pain. Everything had a price to pay and as an alchemist, Albedo knew that better than anyone. 

"...Meaningless..." 

But he refused to accept it. 

Cradling your corpse, he leans in and places a kiss on your forehead, lips quivering as they lingered for a second too long before gathering the strength to stand back on his feet. Nothing will stop the alchemist from reuniting with you. If the laws wished to take you away from him then he will use everything in his power to fight against those laws. 

"This is not goodbye..." Albedo said to the sleeping girl, "And it will never be." 

When the sun sinks below the plains and the stars lose their light, the sky had been replaced with a palette of darkness. It was time to go home. 

------ 

"Have you all heard about the rumours?" 

A group of knights gather in the corner as they whisper about. Sucrose stops on her tracks and hides behind a wall, clutching the book close to her chest in an attempt to stay hidden. 

"Another criminal disappeared from the dungeons? Crazy..." 

"More like creepy. I was told that place might be haunted by some dead prisoner's ghost. Even the Church is hopping onto this case." 

"Well I hope it doesn't get any worse. So many of us started going on night patrols..." 

Their voices faded out of range as the anemo user backtracks her steps carefully. Several months passed since the news of mysterious kidnappings have been announced to the public. Rumours of their whereabouts swirled around the city and much to her discomfort, Sucrose happened to catch every single one of them. There couldn't possibly be evil spirits lurking in the Favonious Headquarters right? She silently shrieks at the thought, shaking her head furiously to stop her mind from going too deep. No, I have to find him. Without wasting another minute, the anemo user sprinted towards the stairs all the way up to the second floor before stopping directly in front of her teacher's office. Despite the adrenaline that occured at the same time, she made sure to knock. 

No answer. 

"Strange, he told me he would be here today..." Sucrose muttered to herself. But suddenly she heard the sound of objects shifting from the otherside, signaling that there was indeed someone occupying the room. Without realizing, she held her breath out of anticipation. 

"Come in." 

The door creaks as she opens them, giving her enough space to slip between the gap, "Mister Albedo?" 

"You're early today," The Chief Alchemist noted from his desk, "Is there something the matter?" 

"Y-You mean you don't know? There was just another case about a person disappearing from the dungeons," Her tone became more frantic as she rambled to herself, "The kidnapper never leaves a trace and no one knows how they were able to get out. Even when we ask the guards what happened, they can't seem to remember as if...as if someone casted a spell on them!" 

"A spell?" He inquires, "I suppose that could be a possibility." 

"I think so too. I-It's the only explanation that makes sense! I mean...ghosts don't exist after all," Sucrose nervously looks down at her shoes while giving her book a squeeze, "But why? Who could be capable of such advanced techniques? No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to understand their intentions." 

"...Yes. It is a very strange occurrence indeed." 

Noticing her teacher's withdrawn attitude, Sucrose couldn't help but feel flustered at her own behaviour, "Ah my apologies Mister Albedo, I didn't mean to go off track. Have there been any progress on the investigations so far?" 

Albedo briefly glanced at the various documents splayed across his table. His reputation as an incredibly intelligent individual had reached far and wide through Mondstadt. This led to the authorities requesting his assistance regarding the recent matters, despite him specializing in the alchemical field, he was also the Captain of their Investigation Team. Although, Albedo detested partaking in things he deemed irrelevant to his research; 

"I'm afraid I would need more evidence to draw a conclusion." 

"Eh? You still need more?" 

He could not deny that the given authoritative position had provided much benefits to his own accord. 

"My expertise lies in the subject of alchemy," Albedo reasoned and proceeds to intertwine his fingers in front of his mouth, "Humans on the other hand, are very unpredictable in nature. Even the essence of their existence is hard to obtain." 

"Essence of their existence?" Sucrose repeated softly. She wanted to ask what he meant but the blank expression was evident  enough to signal his impatience. At least, that was what she thought, "Nevermind! I have something that might help," taking out a slip from her textbook, she handed it to him, "It's the report Captain Kaeya gave me. He said that the culprit might be a traitor coming from the Knights of Favonius." 

He narrows his eyes. 

"I-I think he might be right! Just think about it, we haven't found anything at all for the past few months but when we do, I sometimes feel like we're just running in circles...oh what if it's becau-" 

"Sucrose." 

"Y-Yes?!" 

Albedo calmly looks at the flustered girl, not realizing how sharp his tone was, "You're overthinking again. Perhaps it's best that you take this day off." 

"But I came here to help," she insisted, "I know it hurts to lose someone you love! Don't you understand that we're all worried about you? And Klee, she..." 

"..." 

"Please Mister Albedo, if there's anything I could do-" 

"No need," he cuts her off once again, "Your stress levels are too high. We can't go any further if you continue to act like this." 

"Oh," her ruby eyes casted to the side, "I understand..." 

"Good. Now, if you would excuse me," Albedo bid her farewell and watched as the door clicked behind her, observing every detail until he was sure that the absolute silence had returned. He picks up Kaeya's document. Such remarkable handwriting. But of course, appearances are only meant to be displayed on the surface for the Captain was a sly man, wearing a mask to shield what lies underneath. Just like his letter, they were full of innuendos and condensed meanings, orchestrated together until the truth spoke loudly to Albedo himself. 

"So, that's what he thinks." 

Perhaps the alchemist should have been a little more discreet. 

-------- 

There was a certain place in Dragonspine that no one dared to enter. But those who have, they never return. 

"Hm, no response. Now as for the next step..." 

And he was the reason why. 

Taking the sword out of the transmutation circle, Albedo turned to the snowy hill nearby and activated his alchemy. A small portion of it dissipates, revealing a trench that went so deep underground that even warmth couldn't outplay the sheer cold. It was the perfect hiding place for the evidence to lay out of sight and an environment where only he could handle. The alchemist tossed the leftover along with the others before exiting quietly, summoning back the ice to bury his victims once again. Another day, another experiment, another stain goes to his title. The path he walked upon was one littered with corpses and the sins he committed. But despite the bones crunching beneath his feet and the weight of the dead hanging on his shoulders, the alchemist was numb to it all. Like an entity floating in space with nothing to hold, he became unable to feel. 

"I'm back," When reaching the center of Starglow Cavern, Albedo puts his hand on the icicle and caressed it's hard cold surface, "Did you sleep well?" 

The girl did not respond. Her eyes were closed and her skin was as young as ever. She was frozen in time. 

"You must have." 

Albedo felt the sword beginning to shake in his grasp as it resonated with his energy. Dust particles emitted from the hilt and slowly made their climb to the side of his arm. Still, Albedo's attention did not waver, "To this day, I've been thinking about what you told me the first time we met." 

"..." 

"Follow your heart. I couldn't understand it at first but after being around your presence, I believe I can finally recognize what that term means." 

He closes his eyes as he envisioned your lively form running across the landscape. Albedo, Albedo! The sound of his name was mixed with your laughter while Klee came into the scene and caught the dandelions with you. A content smile formed on his countenance as he watched from afar, even if it was just a memory, "It's everything. The breakfast we ate together, to the nights spent camping outside, and the silly moments we shared, they bring all these colours that I never knew existed." 

"..." 

Albedo curls his fingers against the ice as he continues to lament, "Perhaps that's why I began noticing the strings around me. The closer I was to answer, the more I felt it was necessary to discover what they are. All this time, you were the answer I was searching for," Moist begins to build up in his eyes but they freeze up once reaching the corners. How cruel. Despite what he went through, he wasn't even granted the liberty to cry, "Because with you, I'm able to feel them." 

He wonders what you would think if you saw him right now. Albedo peers at his reflection casted on the crystalline surface, the frame of his face had been decorated with streaks of purple and red, spreading out like tree branches as they both fought for dominance. The teal coloured orbs you once adored were beginning to transform to a colour that reminded him of his darkest days. This was Albedo's true nature- a monster, a being that wasn't human, the essence in which you never had the chance to see. 

"I know I may not be the same as I was before," he added, "But if that is what it takes to follow your heart, will you let me feel the strings again?" 

Would you still love me the same? 

"..." 

"If so, then please understand my actions," Albedo takes a step back as he held out the sword in front of him. At last, the preparations have finally been completed. He plunges the blade to the ground with full force and the surrounding area begins to shake under the power accumulated through many, intentional sacrifices. To revive the dead was a forbidden art as it came with heavy consequences. If it weren't for Albedo's talent and quick wit, the process would have consumed him long before executing the last stage. He winces, the pain was excruciating. It was hard for him to ignore the sound of his skin cracking below his ears and all the way to his nose as they fall off in the shape of small rock-like chunks. Everything hurt so much that even death sounded like a sweet dream but Albedo couldn't afford to give up. He had already come this far, his hands completely washed with sin and his reputation already broken beyond repair, Albedo had nowhere else to go. This was his last destination. 

"Soon-" he pants between choked breaths. Soon your eyes will open. He could drown in your embrace, one that was warm and not cold. Soon he will be able revive those cherished memories from a frozen past. It was all he could think of right now. Your existence was the reason why a part of him felt whole and your death made him realize how painful it was to tear away those pieces. Albedo refused to let go of those pieces, they had already become a part of him. And if this path ended up tearing him even more, then so be it. 

"I should have stopped you the moment you were born." 

The intruder snapped him awake and he swung around to where they stood. But before Albedo could make out who it was, they lunged past him with incredible speed, kicking the sword off the ground while severing his two arms once and for all. They flew to the side, blood dyed purple trickling from the edges of his joint as he struggled to stay upright. 

"Dains...leif..." 

Dainsleif watched the alchemist fall onto his back as the light around him slowly faded away. He turned his gaze to where the objective was and noticed a girl encased within the ice. The man sighs out of relief when she shows no signs of life, he came just in time, "So this is how it ends." 

Albedo weakly stared at the blonde man. He attempted to say something but the blood caught in his mouth prevented him from that. 

"Save your breath, you won't be having any," Dainsleif remarks in a cold manner and glared at his bloodied form, "The renowned Chief Alchemist of Mondstadt and an important member of Ordo Favonious. Hmph, what an interesting turn of events. Out of everyone, I never thought you were the type to act so foolish." 

Foolish...what a foreign name to be called as. He never heard anyone tell him he was foolish. 

"Truly a pity," With a flick of a wrist, Dainsleif brought his sword to Albedo's neck. It was unbelievable how he had the endurance to go through all that pain while still breathing at this point but what is there to be expected from a monster? "Remember that all actions have consequences." 

The alchemist watched as his life flashed before him, the weight of his sins had finally caught up. He had always seen the world as a platform for his objectives and results were merely a natural cause after attempting many experiments. But death as a consequences was an unbearble realization upon his final moments. He abandoned his title, his pupil and his dearest sister. In the end, he was still unable to fulfill his duty. 

"I just..." Albedo mumbled, his words slurring together, "wanted..." 

As the ashes turn to ashes and dust becomes dust, chalk returns to the earth, forever yearning a place that can never be reached.

[crystxlclear]

sudden desire

chapter fifteen: i’m single and incapable of mingle

part sixteen of sudden desire

warnings: mentions of pregnancy/infertility, pining, sweet, sweet pining, angst

word count: 2.9k

Marcus Pike hopes James Casey knows he’s the luckiest son of a bitch on the planet. Because he gets to call Coraline Meyer his girlfriend.

They’ve been dating for a couple of months now - the longest few months of his entire life, he’s sure - and it’s fine.

Really, it’s fine.

He’s happy for them.

Because Coraline is happy. And she’s all that matters.

August bleeds into a snowy November and it’s even colder without her there. He doesn’t see her every day like he used to; she’s busy with work - filming and interviews and red carpets where she outshines everyone - and with James, because they’re together now and they’re okay.

And it’s fine.

She makes time for him. Of course she does. He’s her best friend and god knows she wouldn’t survive without him and his beautiful warmth, and the way he holds her just a little longer when they say their goodbyes for the night. But Marcus feels selfish when it hurts him to realise he doesn’t see her as much as he wants to, as much as he used to. But happiness truly looks good on her - she’s the sunshine when the sky turns slate grey - but, sometimes, she still falls into him and she cries, the weight of their loss still weighing heavy on her shoulders.

Marcus can’t find it in him to cry. Maybe he should, because it’s his loss too, but the ache holds his chest tight and terribly uncomfortable that crying sometimes feels too painful. He mourns in silence, with her there those snowy nights, beside him, and that’s enough for him. That’s all he can muster.

He’s started to date, too. Or, at least, tried to. Coraline’s eyes had lit up when he’d told her that the pretty girl from the office had asked him out, and she’d almost lost her mind when he’d told her he’d accepted. They’d been on a couple of dates - and she’d been lovely and the date had been lovely; really, it had - but his mind had been elsewhere. It wasn't her fault, because he’s sure if things had been different, he’s sure things would have been great.

But, somewhere in the back of his mind, he’s sure that it’ll always be Coraline.

At least, for now.

When they’re together, Coraline tries not to talk about him. They talk about everything and nothing, but she only brings him up when it’s almost unavoidable. She tells him about the dates they go on and about the daughter he has with his ex, the little girl that she’d adored before they even started dating, and who seems to adore her; the red-haired, rosy-cheeked four-year-old, Bea, who’s always giggling and asking her for candy. Coraline seems to treat the girl like she’s her own, but Marcus has yet to meet her. Or James, for that matter. She feels bad for droning on and on and on about James around him - she’d hate to bore him with tales of her lovelife - even though he listens with renewed interest and a smile on his face, every time.

But he’s her best friend, and Loren has heard it all before, and sometimes she can’t help spilling all her stories to him when they’re curled up beneath a blanket with their takeout, watching a shitty movie.

They try to do it every week, now. But they see each other far too little for either of their likings.

They still see each other, but those days of sharing apartments and waking up beside each other every morning, hoping and praying they’d have a baby to show from it, are long gone. Sometimes, Coraline lies awake at night and wishes he was still there, holding her close like she was this precious thing. James holds her, too, but it’s not the same. She can’t quite place why.

“Daniel’s worried about the gallery, again,” Coraline tells him, idly, over takeout. It’s Sunday night - and the week has been so long that they’d both practically collapsed onto his couch, exhausted and giggling at each other’s dishevelled and half-asleep appearance - and the only time they’d managed to see each other in between their hectic schedules. There’s a lot to catch up on, and Marcus fears it’ll be over too soon. “Some guy sat outside for two days last weekend, but he hasn’t seen him since.”

“Get him to give me a call,” he insists, “I’ll look into it.”

“Do you even have time?”

Marcus chuckles. “No-” He leans over and plucks an egg roll from Coraline’s carton, much to her displeasure. “-but I’ll find time.”

“Well-” Coraline reaches over, pokes him sharp in the arm with the end of a chopstick, and steals one of his dumplings from his tray. He smirks at her as she savours the taste of the stolen snack. “-I appreciate that, And I’m sure he will, too.”

“Anything for you, sunshine,” he hums.

“That sounds sarcastic.” She chuckles.

“Well, you did just steal my dumpling.”

She pokes him in the leg with her toe.

He grins.

“I’m serious, though. I’ll take a look into it for him.”

He misses those months when it seemed like he was part of the family. When he’d met her parents, had dinner with them and her brother, played with her nephews in the living room and rocked Piper to sleep one night when she’d grown tired in his arms. He misses that little cobbled-together family they’d built on the hope they’d soon have one of their own. His family are so far away - his parents and brother still in Texas, and rarely free long enough to come and visit - and Coraline gave him somewhere to belong.

She still does. With her, things seem to make a little more sense. The memories of Teresa and his first wife don’t seem to matter when he’s with her.

There’s a little silence; a comfortable one, at that, their familiarity still thick between them, despite the distance. Marcus breaks it with a question he’s been itching to ask. “How have you been?” It’s a heavy question, loaded with meaning; the question could refer to anything - to work, to life, to loss and sadness, or to James and his daughter that she sees as her own, now.

Her eyes raise to his, brown eyes that melt her soul, comfortable and wonderful.

There’s no necessity to his question. Marcus had asked because he cared, not because he had to. Coraline tips her head back against the sofa. “I’m doing good,” she admits, though it seems foreign coming from her. How dare she be happy when they’d lost so much, only a few months before? It feels wrong. “Really good.” She sighs. “How about you?”

Happy that you’re happy.

But miserable. Completely fucking selfishly miserable without you.

“Fine.” He brushes her question off.

Coraline narrows her eyes at him. She knows him too well; she can tell when he’s lying, and that’s the worst part of it all. She knows him better than anyone — cares for him more than anyone ever has, too — and she can see right through him. Through the facade and the lies he’s all too comfortable telling. She probably knows how much he adores her, too, but she’s just too lovely to admit she doesn’t feel the same way.

“Marcus-“ His name is urgent. She takes his cheeks in her palms.

It takes everything in him not to pour his heart out to her. “I’m fine.” He repeats.

“Promise?”

Another pause. More uncertainty. He hates lying to her, when she’s so honest with him. “Promise,” he says after a while.

Coraline eyes him, still sceptical. But her shoulders relax, just a little. “How’s it going with Lisa?”

Oh, he hasn’t told her. “Things didn’t work out.”

She pouts. “Why?”

She’s great but she isn’t you.

Marcus shrugs. “I’m not ready to date, yet.” I’m not over you. “I guess Teresa really did a number on me, huh?”

Coraline squints at him; the Marcus she knows is absent, hidden behind hesitation and something she can’t quite place, something that wavers whenever she looks at him. If she presses for answers, she’s terrified she’ll lose him. So she doesn’t. He’ll tell her when he’s ready.

If he’s ever ready.

She places her half-empty carton of food on the coffee table, leans forward and buries her face against his shoulder, arms wrapping tightly around his torso. Her cheek presses against his chest, warmth radiating through the thin material of his white shirt. He relaxes at the feeling of her curled into him, and the warmth of her at his side. “I missed you,” he sighs. His voice rumbles through her.

Coraline hums. She buries further into him, as if she could get lost in him. She has many times before. “I missed you, too. So much,” she whispered. Her words are muffled by his shirt. “Sorry I’ve been so busy lately.”

“That’s life for you.”

“But-“ she sits up stock-straight, and almost knocks into his chin with the top of her head. She utters a breathless apology because she carries on, with exuberant enthusiasm. It’s so damn infectious. “I’ve been writing a screenplay,” she tells him. “I started it about six months ago but I didn’t want to mention anything until I was committed.”

She’s always wanted to write one; she’d told him not long after they just met, when she’d sat and fiddled with the straw in her drink like what she was saying was hopelessly boring and not the most interesting thing in the world to him. She’d told him she was worried she had no stories worth telling, which seemed ridiculous to him, because he would sit and listen to her recount what she insists are silly little stories.

To him, they’re intricate poems and elegant ballads, and the most beautiful things he’s heard in all his years.

It’s no surprise, because the whole of her is priceless artwork; every inch deserves to be admired.

“I’m so proud of you,” he insists.

“Hey, don’t say that yet.” She drops back against the couch cushions behind her. “Could be terrible.”

“I doubt that, sunshine.”

Her green eyes light up bright again. “Will you read it?”

Marcus takes Coraline’s hand and his thumb brushes over her knuckles. “I’d be honoured.”

“Good, because I was intending on forcing you to read it, anyway.”

“On second thoughts-“ Marcus crosses his arms over his chest and smirks. He can’t help it. “-maybe it’s not a good idea for me to read it.”

The glare she gives him is playful. She’s back in his arms in an instant, cheek pressed back against his chest, eyes closed. “I really did miss you, you know?” She brushes a hand over his chest to keep him close after she reaches for her Chinese food again. “Let’s not make a habit of it.”

More comfortable silence.

He could almost fool himself into thinking they’re something more than friends.

And he almost does, until the doorbell rings and a soft rapping comes from the other side of the front door.

“I’ll get it,” Marcus declares, standing with a groan and a crack of his hips; he really shouldn’t be putting off gym training so much. Life’s starting to take its toll on his body. Life and takeout with Coraline. “You expecting someone?” He questions as he stretches out his long legs before him and shuffles towards the door.

“No.” Coraline can’t help the yawn that pushes its way from her chest. “It’s probably just someone selling something.” Her eyes follow him as he rounds the couch and disappears down the hallway towards the front door.

He reaches for the overly-elaborate doorknob; it’s carved with flowers, and brass juts out around it, like the rays of the sun. It’s all so typically Coraline, and it makes him smile every time. He’s greeted with a reminder of her whenever it’s time to leave.

And, when he opens the front door, he’s greeted with a reminder of all he can’t have.

“James! Hey!”

He’s greeted by James Casey blinking back at him, a big bouquet of flowers in his grasp, surely expecting to see his girlfriend and not some unfamiliar guy in her apartment. “Marcus! I didn’t realise you were here.” It’s not meant to sound rude; in fact, his expression is one of surprise, but not as if it’s a bad thing. His southern accent rips the edges of his words. “It’s great to finally meet you.” He tucks the flowers beneath one arm and extends the other hand for him to shake. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Oh-“ For some reason, the idea that she talks about him when he’s not there hits him. He can’t quite place whether he takes it as a good or a bad thing. Though Coraline’s stories usually paint people in wonderful technicolour. “I’ve heard a lot about you, too.” He nods as he accepts his handshake.

He can’t help but feel a fool next to James; he’d turned up with flowers, bright and beautiful, and sunflowers, Coraline’s favourites, while Marcus had turned up with nothing but a greasy bag of takeout food and a smile. James rushes a hand through his short hair. Marcus smiles bright again, and goes to say something, but Coraline’s lilting voice interrupts the beginnings of their conversation. “James! What are you doing here?” She calls from down the hallway.

Marcus had been taking suspiciously long at the door, and she’d hauled herself up — reluctantly — from the comfort of the couch to see what was keeping him. She draws towards her best friend and her boyfriend, the pair of them surprisingly thick in conversation. She reaches them, drawing up on her tiptoes to kiss James, before her hand brushes against Marcus and she settles beside him in the doorway.

They both look at her like she’s the most beautiful woman in the world.

She definitely is.

“I managed to get the night off, so I thought I’d come and surprise you,” he tells her. His eyes flicker to Marcus; he’s trying his best not to look at either of them, stuck in the middle of this unavoidably awkward situation, but his eyes keep trailing back to Coraline. They always do. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t realise you had company.”

Coraline shakes her head. “It’s fine.” She giggles a little. “I wanted you both to meet, anyway. But we maybe could have planned it a little better.” She looks down at the yellow joggers and white vest she wears, the only things she feels comfortable in whenever they’re eating so much takeout they could burst.

There’s quiet for a moment, the three not knowing what to do or say, or even think. Marcus’ mouth opens and closes a couple of times, the words falling short; he’s sure he looks like a fish to Cora and James. “I can go,” he suggests sheepishly, eventually finding his words.

It’s terrible and selfish, but he can’t shake the feeling he’s being replaced again. He knows Coraline will always love him — maybe not in the same way he loves her, but she’s insisted he’s her best friend one too many times for it to be a lie — but it’s all too familiar, that the woman he loves loves someone else instead. The cycle seems endless.

“No!” Coraline insists, reaching for his hand. She squeezes his fingers between her palm. Marcus wonders, then, if James knows about their agreement, and why it fell apart. Coraline smiles up at him, bright like the sun. She spins to James a moment later. “Do you mind?” Her eyes are gentle, not quite pleasing but hopeful. “I haven’t seen him this week.”

“Don’t worry about it, darlin’.” He smiles bright at her in return and ducks to kiss her cheek. “We still on for dinner tomorrow night?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“And these are for you. Bea picked them out yesterday,” he tells her, handing her the bouquet of flowers.

“Oh, they’re beautiful,” she gushes, running her fingers over the delicate petals peeking out from between the brown paper wrapping. “Tell Bea I said thank you.” She tips her eyebrows up at him and he hums.

“I’ll be sure to.” His southern accent rasps strong. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow, sweetheart.” He ducks to kiss her again, then turns with an outstretched hand to bid farewell to Marcus. “See you around, Marcus. Great to finally meet you.”

He shakes his hand again and nods, once, curtly, familiar. “You too, James.” His name sounds stiff in his throat. He hopes Coraline doesn’t notice the unintentional tightness in his tone.

Marcus steps back to allow them to say their goodbyes, paying mild attention to the things they say. He’d be lying if he said it didn’t hurt. He hears the door click shut as he shoves himself back into the couch, aching lithe legs drawn out long before him. Coraline’s hand brushes over his shoulders as she passes, swapping the wilted flowers in her vase before the window for the fresh ones James had brought, before flopping down onto the cushions beside him.

“Sorry about that. I didn’t know he was coming.” She sighs, settling back against him. Her carton of noodles is back in her hand again, but she pokes at it idly.

“You don’t have to pity my loneliness, Cora.”

Coraline scoffs. “I’m not pitying you.” She sits up straight and almost glares at him down the end of her nose. She nudges him in the side with her elbow. “I’m just not going to abandon you.” She leans up and dots a kiss to his cheek. “I promise you.”

taglist: @wheresthewater @its--fandom--darling @alberta-sunrise @sara-alonso @madslorian @freeshavocadoooo @giselatropicana @thorins-queen-of-erebor

[xxkellsvixen19xx]

Spotlight: A Life Of A Troubled Celebrity Heartthrob Ch 2

Word Count: 5,483

As usual the party was much bigger than expected. By the end of the night almost everyone was totally wasted.

"Hey Y/L/N! I just wanted to thank you again..you know for-for everything." Sommer shouted into Y/N's ear. She was way beyond drunk at this point. Y/N tried to stay sober after she spotted Colson locking lips with Brinna, the DJ from Rock 93.9 FM. He had totally ignored her all night.

"Don't sweat it. That's what friends are for right." Y/N replied with a tight smile.

"You consider me a friend? After everything I've done to you?" She asked bewildered.

"Yeah. Why not?" She shrugged.

"Awww you're the sweetest." Sommer gushed as she gripped Y/N in a bear hug.

"Sorry to interrupt but I need to borrow Y/N quickly." Ashleigh grabbed Y/N's hand and dragged her to the bedroom.

"What's up?" Y/N asked, breathless.

"What's going on? I just witnessed Colson doing tongue wrestling with Brinna..You saw him too didn't you?" Her face fell.

"Yeah, I did but it's no biggie." Y/N tried to brush it off. "It's not like we're exclusive or anything right?"

"I'm so sorry sweetie. I know it hurts." Ashleigh hugged her and stepped back. "He shouldn't have led you on though. Jerk."

"He didn't promise me anything okay? We just kissed a couple of times so that doesn't mean anything to someone like him." Y/N sank onto the bed and started to strip off her dress.

"Are you calling it a night then?"

"Yep. I can't go out there and put on a brave face anymore. I'd rather stay in my room and have a pity party." She said morosely as she jumped under the covers.

"Okay, call me if you need me. Goodnight." Ashleigh shut the door behind her and as she turned around she saw Colson and Brinna ripping each others clothes off, as he kicked open his bedroom door. Poor Y/N she thought as she went back to the party.

"Hey Ash, where's Y/N?" Baze asked.

"She's got a bit of a headache so she's called it a night." Ashleigh lied.

"Oh I thought maybe it was because of Colson's behavior."

"Why would she care about that?" She said on defense mode.

"Forget it. It doesn't matter." He mumbled as he walked away.

The party was in full swing and most people were having a great time. Sommer and Slim were all over each other as usual and Iann even tried to flirt with Ashleigh. Colson resurfaced an hour later, it looked like he had showered and changed again. Ashleigh was a bit tipsy by now so she decided to confront him. She marched towards him with great determination, not thinking about the consequences that would follow.

Colson was sitting out by the poolside with his friends and there was a random blonde sitting on his lap. This made Ashleigh angrier than what she was before.

"Hey Colson can I have a word?" She stood in front of him, a martini in her hand.

"Hey Ash. I'm kind of busy now..as you can see." He leaned over and sucked the girl's face.

"You're a jerk you know that?!" She said with venom and her voice.

"Tell me something I don't know sweets." He laughed and took a sip of his drink.

"You're a waste of time!" She threw her drink in his face and walked away. Everyone at the table gasped

"What the-??" His face twisted in anger as he stood and went after her.

"Hey how dare you??? Who do you think you are to do that to ME??!" He grabbed her roughly by the arm.

"Ash." She said sweetly.

"What??!" He snapped.

"You asked me who I think I am and I said Ash. That's what you called me remember??"She gave him an angelic smile.

"Don't try and be smart with me or you'll regret it!" He pointed a finger at her and pushed her back forcefully, causing her to stumble back.

"Oh I will.. but probably not as much as Y/N regrets hooking up with you right now." She gritted her teeth.

"She wanted it just as much as I did. Unfortunately I couldn't unpick her lock cos it's too much work. So I had to find a well that's already been dug out. But next time she gives herself to me willingly-she won't leave my room a virgin." He smirked as he walked backwards.

He winked at Ashleigh before turning round and going back to his table. She stood there trembling with anger. How could they have all been so wrong about Colson? Everyone assumed he was a nice enough guy, yes he had a few rough edges here and there but he was a good person wasn't he? It was so easy to believe what you read in the tabloids but this time around they seemed to be right. Colson Baker was a bad boy in every sense of the word.

"Hey Olivia something is about to go down-you and Y/N need to get out of here now!" Baze came and grabbed her by the elbow and made for the fire-escape.

"What's going on?" She asked confused, as they hurried along.

"I'll explain later. Just go somewhere safe for now. Here's some money," He gave her a thick wad of cash, "Go and check into a hotel or something. I'll call you. Keep your phone on." He pushed her towards the stairs.

"Please tell me what's going on??!" She cried. He wasn't making sense and she was scared.

"I will. Promise. I need to go and get Y/N before it's too late so please go!" He turned around and walked back into the penthouse.

"Excuse me Colson but there are police officers in the foyer with a search warrant. What's the way forward?" Jax whispered into Colson's ear.

"What? Are you sure??? Stall them I need to find Y/N and get her out of here." Colson sprang into action. He ran to Y/N's room and fortunately she was wide awake. She was on Facetime with her friends when he barged into her room.

"Hey! We need to get out of here now. The police are on their way up to raid this place so please get dressed fast!" He threw off the covers and dragged her out of bed.

"What? Raiding the place? For what??" She put on her shoes, threw on sweatpants and a sweater quickly.

"No time to explain now okay? I'm going to need you to trust me on this okay?" He held her shoulders and looked at her earnestly.

"Jax is going to drive you to a safe place. I will follow through if I'm not taken in-" He didn't get to finish his statement because police bust into the room and commanded them to raise their hands.

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

Quite a number of Colson's friends and friend's friends spent the night in a holding cell. The police found a significant amount of illegal drugs at the condo. It turns out Travis was actually an undercover detective. They had been trying to bust a drug ring so they were interrogating Colson and his friends to try and get a name of their supplier but they were all tight- lipped.

Finally one of them let it slip that Slim knew the name of the link so they let everyone else go. Colson's lawyer, Andre showed up much later before they were released. Y/N in her disheveled state, followed behind, her eyes puffed up from crying all night. Andre had arranged for them to use the back entrance in order to avoid the paparazzi.

"Thanks for taking your time to get here." Colson snapped as he walked towards the waiting SUV. Y/N jumped into the car wordlessly. She had a lot of things to say to Colson but now was not the right time.

"I've been trying to do damage control. The story is all over the media and drug possession is a serious crime in case you didn't know." Andre said with a grave look on his face.

"I didn't have any on me okay?" He countered.

"But all your blood tests contained high volumes of-" Barry tried to say but was cut off as usual.

"I know what the freakin' test said! I don't pay you to be my father okay? So back off!" He yelled, before he jumped into the car.

Y/N was seated at the opposite end and she just glared at him briefly, then continued to stare out the window. Colson ran his fingers through his hair and sighed deeply. He needed to make things right with Y/N but he didn't know where to start. She didn't deserve to be caught up in his mess. She didn't deserve any of this.

"Y/N." He said softly.

"So you know my real name? Hmm.." She folded her arms and stared at him.

"Look I'm not good with apologies..For the longest time I haven't had the need to apologize to any one for anything. It's always the other way round." His blue eyes pierced through her.

"So you're expecting me to-"

"No!No. That's not what I meant." He held up his hands. "I don't know how to say this but-" He moved and sat closer to her and held her hands. "I'm sorry that you got caught up in this mess. This isn't what you signed up for."

"You got that right. I have a good mind to hightail it out of here and catch the next plane back to Ohio." She scowled.

"Please don't do that. At least give me a chance to make it up to you?" He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. " Please?"

"Why does it matter to you whether I go or stay?" She asked as she pulled away.

"Simply because." He said and she raised an eyebrow.

"Not good enough Baker."

"I like having you around?" He gave her his million dollar smile that caused her heart to melt.

"Fine. I will stay...on one condition.." Her face turned serious.

"Name it." He held his breath.

"I'll need you to keep your distance..just until your figure out what it is that you really want."

"I'm sorry-"

"Let me finish-if that's okay?"

"Sure." He placed his hands on his knees and listened intently.

"You can't keep toying with my feelings. I have them you know? And it hurts when you go hot and cold on me. I know that I'm not even your type and that I was easy but this can't go on. I won't allow it. I came here as your fan and not to be your babysitter so I would really appreciate it if you treated me as such. If you want something more then I would also require something more from you-like fidelity and respect-a real relationship. But I know that is way beyond you and wishful thinking on my part." She said wistfully, her brown eyes clouding with tears.

"Look sweets I'm sorry about the way I treated you but that's just who I am. I like you- a lot. But I can't give you what you want. I don't think I ever could." He said, his voice filled with regret.

"I know. Thanks for being honest." She blinked back tears. He slid over to her and wrapped his arms around her. She put her hands round his waist and laid her head on his chest for what she considered to be the last time.

"You deserve better than me Bambi. I'm no good. I don't want to hurt you so I will try my best to keep away from you. Though I'm not making any promises.." He turned to face her and smiled.

"You're hopeless." She swatted his shoulder and laughed.

"I need to ask you one last thing though?"

"Anything." She looked up at him.

"Will you go with me to the prom? I'm making a guest appearance at a high school prom so.."

"I have a few other options to consider but I think I'll go with you." She teased.

"Gosh! You have just made me the happiest guy Y/F/N Y/L/N." He winked at her and she blushed.

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

Jax had driven them to Colson's other house in a secluded area in Los Angeles. So far the press had no knowledge of his whereabouts so they would be staying there until it was time to leave for Canada on Sunday. Y/N had called Olivia to check on her and the others -they were safely guarded at the penthouse. Baze had tried to call her but she cut the call. She was still angry with him, he could have at least given her a heads up.

"Bambi are you done yet? It's only a high school prom sweets-there's no need to go all out." Colson glanced at his Apple watch again and started to pace the room impatiently. He was dressed in a white shirt, that he had left unbuttoned and a midnight blue designer suit, the latest collection from Giorgio Armani, where he was currently one of the brand ambassadors. His blonde hair was sleeked back and it accentuated his handsome face.

"I'm almost done." Y/N put the finishing touches on her face, examined herself in the mirror and when she was satisfied she left the room.

Her hair was swept to the side and she had donned a sleeveless, glittery midnight-blue gown, with a halter neck, that accentuated her curves and exposed modest cleavage and her back. She had protested to Melissa that she would be a bit overdressed for a prom but to no avail. Byron told her that they would be there briefly and after that she had to accompany Colson to his concert at Madison Square Garden where she would have to change again. This was good publicity. He had assured Y/N that she was good for Colson's image. She was a regular girl that no one knew so they could use that to their advantage. It would prove to the public that Colson Baker was a changed man.

"Wow! You look beautiful." He stared at her as she walked into the sitting room. "It was definitely worth the wait. Shall we?" He held out his arm for her.

"You're looking very handsome but that's nothing new right?" She linked her arm with his as they walked towards the elevator.

"It's nice to hear it if it's coming from a genuine reliable source." He grinned.

Melissa had selected her outfits as usual. The press would be there in and they wanted to portray the best side of Colson. Anything to get their focus off the bad publicity he had received recently. It was hard to believe that they had only been here for two days and there was already so much drama that had happened.

Y/N was not sure if she would go along with this whole plan of being Colson's girlfriend, but Byron said it was pure speculation. He just wanted to lead the press into thinking that but Y/N could not understand how it would help. Byron said he would give her time to think it over and they would discuss it further tomorrow morning.

They arrived at Mira Vista High School's hall just before they were about to crown the prom queen and king. The honor was given to Colson of course and people were falling all over themselves to get a glimpse of him. They had prepared a corner table for him, his guards were surrounding the area and they were not permitting anyone to get close.

"And now ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. It is my utmost pleasure and honor to welcome America's golden boy, every teens rock-idol-please help me welcome to the stage the one, the only superstar of all time: Colson Baker!!!" The MC announced and all the students went wild as Colson stood up and walked to the podium. He pulled Y/N along with him although she tried to resist at first.

"Please." He mouthed over the noise. She nodded her agreement and stood with him.

They could hardly contain their excitement. The girls screamed and the guys hooted.

"Colson, Colson, Colson!" Was resounding all over the school hall causing the walls to vibrate.

"Thank you. Thank you all so much. I love you guys." More screams and "We love you too Colson."

"Well I'd love to sit around and chat a bit-but as the saying goes the show must go on." He spoke into the mic. "So my lovely date over there-and I will announce your homecoming king and queen, then we gotta bust outta here cos we got a concert to go to. Is anyone coming out to Madison Square tonight?? I will be giving out ten free tickets tonight so keep your fingers crossed. But most definitely the king and queen deserve tickets right?"

The crowd roared.

They crowned the prom king and queen, then Colson and Y/N opened up the dance floor. He put his hands round her small waist and she looped hers around his neck. She rested her head on his chest and it felt like home. Like she belonged here, in his arms. He smelt so good and his masculine scent was intoxicating, causing her senses to reel. The DJ was playing Lover by Taylor Swift. Colson started to sing along as he looked at her pointedly.

𝑪𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒈𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒐

𝑪𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆?

𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒉 𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆

𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚, 𝒎𝒚, 𝒎𝒚, 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓

"So I got a private performance..I feel kind of special." She smiled as she put her hand on his chest.

"You are..Thanks for doing this sweets." He whispered into Y/N's ear as they danced, sending shivers down her spine. "I owe you one." He brushed his cheek against her soft one.

"I'll hold you to that." She said softly.

"Baby you can hold me to anything." He laughed and it made him look young and carefree.

"You should do that more often." Y/N said as she smiled back at him. His smile was contagious.

"What laugh? Smile? I know it seems I have everything in that I could possibly want-and don't get me wrong I am grateful but-" He shook his had sadly, " You know what let's not talk about this right now okay?" He kissed her forehead.

"Okay," She touched his cheek lightly.

"Smile." He said as he put his head closer to hers and snapped a photo of them. She pulled out her tongue instead.

"I'm soo going to post this pic." He chuckled as he typed wildly on his iPhone.

"Go right ahead." She swung her hair back and grinned at him.

"Hey sweets..let me sign a few autographs and take a whole lotta selfies, then we can get out of here. I'll be right back-don't move." He led her back to the table and left her seated with Jax.

He made his way back accompanied by his other guards and he melted into the crowd. It was evident that his young fans still loved him by the way they interacted with him. He always grabbed the attention of everyone in a room, people were instantly drawn to him like a moth to a flame. When he was done the guards cleared the way for him as he walked back over to Y/N.

"You're ready to get out of here Bambi?" He put his hand on the small of her back and steered her towards the exit points.

"You look tired?If you're not up for the concert I can get Jax to drop you off at the condo?" He asked with concern.

"What are you kidding me right now?? I wouldn't miss your concert for the world! That's what I'm here for after all!"

"Okay, okay let's go then." He laughed as he entwined their hands.

The press ambushed them as soon as they walked out of the school hall and they were inundated with questions. The body guards pushed them through forcefully and Colson protectively cradled Y/N's head on his chest and she kept it there until they jumped into the limo.

"You're okay?" Colson cupped her face.

"I'm okay Baker. Still in one piece as you can see."

"Good." Silence fell as their eyes burned into each other and the air became electric. Sparks were flying and the attraction was undeniable. They both seemed to wrestle with their feelings but common sense took over.

"I want nothing more than to kiss you right now.." He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbed. "but I can't-I will respect your wishes.' He dropped his hands from her face, as if burned.

She turned her head aside and the moment was lost.

They arrived at Madison Square and as soon as they stepped out of the car Colson was whisked away and she didn't see him again until much later. Melissa led Y/N to the dressing room, where Ashleigh and Sommer were also getting ready and helped them to change into casual outfits.

"Hey stranger!" Ashleigh hugged Y/N as soon as she entered the room.

"Hey you, where have you been?" Sommer hugged her awkwardly.

"Hey..I'm glad you guys are okay." Y/N said as she sat in front of the dresser and allowed Melissa to work her magic. "I couldn't come back to the penthouse because of the press and I had to go to some prom with Colson. We came straight here after."

"So you and Colson..?" Sommer asked.

"No. Nothing like that." Y/N stressed.

"So Travis is a detective.." Ashleigh swayed the topic of discussion, picking up that Y/N was uncomfortable.

"Yeah. Who would have thought huh?" Y/N mused. "Is Slim still-?

"No. They let him go. Insufficient evidence." Sommer tried to make light of it.

"Right girls you're all done . Let's get you to the concert." Melissa announced.

"Yeah! That's what we came for." Ashleigh shouted excitedly.

"Group hug." Sommer said and everyone huddled together and ended up taking photos.

Jax led them to the VIP section where they had a pretty good view of the stage. They were served drinks of their choice and the tables had champagne on ice, tequila and drinks they couldn't even pronounce.

Colson was on stage performing hit after hit and doing what he does best. Sweat was dripping all over his lean body and girls in the audience were about to pass out just by looking at him. He seemed oblivious to all of this as he continued with his performance. One lucky girl was hurled onto the stage and screamed her head off when he started grinding on her.

"This next song is dedicated to all my fans. But especially my ultimate fans that made it through to the competition. I'd like to bring them out to the stage so you can all meet them. C'mon guys." Jax ushered them onto the stage and left them standing next to Colson.

"You guys ready? You all remember the routine right?" He whispered to them and they nodded. "Great. Let's do this." They positioned themselves behind Colson and he started to sing.

He lingered behind Y/N a little longer than necessary and when he decided to kiss her at the end of the song the audience went crazy. It was a spur of the moment thing and he hadn't planned to do it. Y/N blushed furiously and hid her face in his shoulder and he laughed.

"Sorry about that sweets. Blame it on the adrenaline." He whispered in her ear before he walked back to the center of the stage.

"Everybody give it up for my Ultimate Fans!!" He gestured towards them and they took a bow before walking off the stage.

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

The sun blasted through the windows causing Y/N to groan and wince in pain. She couldn't remember when or how she got home last night. Her head was pounding and felt like it belonged to someone else. The room was spinning slightly and it hurt when she opened her eyes. Alcohol was bad. Especially when it was free.

She managed to drag herself out of bed and went to revive herself in the bathroom. After a cold shower she felt a bit better, but her head was still hammering. She downed a few painkillers and made her way to the kitchen and bumped into a half-naked blonde standing by the kitchen sink.

"Hey." She said and scampered off.

Y/N held her temples and took deep breaths. Her heart was being squeezed but she tried to tell herself that it didn't matter. What Colson did or who he did didn't matter. But the more she tried to bury the pain the more evident it became. She steadied herself on the counter and drank a glass of water but the pain manifested its ugly head. She rushed out of the kitchen with tears streaming down her face but what she saw next only caused her more pain.

Colson was standing just outside his bedroom door making out with the mystery blonde. She was clinging onto him like her life depended on it.

"You made my night sweets. Hope I run into you again next time I'm in the neighborhood." He said to her as he gave her a final peck.

"See you around Colson." She crooned and blew him a kiss before descending the stairs.

Y/N stood transfixed on the spot unable to move. Their eyes met and Colson simply winked at her before closing the door in her face. She trudged back to her room and threw herself on the bed. Then she made a decision-she had to go back to the penthouse. There was no way she would stay under the same roof with Colson while he continued to play ping-pong with her fragile heart.

"I can't do this anymore." She said to herself.

With her bag packed she hauled it downstairs and went in pursuit of Jax or any other driver that would take her back to the condo. She found Jax in the kitchen, giving the cook instructions to take breakfast up to her room.

"That won't be necessary Jax." She came up from behind. "I'm going back to the others-at the penthouse."

"Is Colson aware of your intentions?" He quirked his eyebrow as he towered over her.

"Why would he even care?" She lashed out. "Sorry Jax. I shouldn't be-"

"That's quite all right Miss Y/L/N. I know Colson can be a bit too much to handle sometimes." He winked at her, his brown eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Do you wan't to leave now or after brunch?" He lifted her heavy luggage off the floor.

"Now please." She pleaded as she followed him out to the car.

"I'm risking a lot by taking you away without Colson's knowledge. You do know that right?" He looked at her through the rear-view mirror.

"Really? He could have fooled me." She muttered under her breath.

"I know it may seem like he's a bit of a...jerk but he's under a lot of pressure. He doesn't have any real friends, except Slim maybe-but he's good kid. Just be patient with him. He'll come around sooner than later." Jax was fiercely loyal to his boss.

"I'm sorry but I can't play his games anymore. It hurts too much. I just can't." Her voice broke.

"I understand." Jax replied.

"I can't allow my self to get in too deep. I might not make it back out. So it's better this way. I need to keep my distance." She croaked, fighting back tears.

"It's not a question about keeping your distance but about whether you two can stay away from each other." Jax stated.

"We've only known each other for less than two weeks. I'm sure we can manage." She bit her bottom lip and her heart leaped. Even she didn't believe that.

"If you insist." Jax said and began to hum tunelessly to himself.

Y/N sighed and leaned her head back on the seat. She must have dozed off somewhere along the way because next thing she woke up in her room at the penthouse.

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

Meanwhile somewhere in Los Angeles a grouchy Colson had finally woken up and decided he wanted to take a certain doe-eyed raven beauty to a late lunch. But alas, when he opened her bedroom door he was met by a soft breeze that wafted through billowing curtains.

"Bambi?"He called out from the landing. No response. "Y/N?" He made his way down the stairs and met with Jax who was sitting on a chair in the sitting room.

"She isn't here Colson." He said from behind a newspaper.

"What? Where is she? Where did she go?" He grabbed the newspaper out of Jax's hands and scowled at him.

"No point in taking your frustrations out on me. You should blame yourself." Jax reprimanded him. He was the only one that could do that and get away with it.

"I don't want her to get too attached." He pulled on his hair and sat on the couch.

"You or her?" Jax raised his eyebrow.

"What? Her obviously!" He scoffed.

"Right. If you insist." Jax started to hum tunelessly, as he usually did when he wasn't buying a story.

"Stop that humming. It's working on my nerves." He snapped.

"If you really want to know she's back with the others at the penthouse."

"But the press is crawling all over that place. She should have stayed here. Why did you allow her to leave??" He demanded.

"Because she wanted to leave after seeing you with that blonde-and I can't blame her." Jax grunted. "You should at least show her some respect."

"I promised to keep my hands off her so I needed a distraction." Colson paced the room like a caged animal. He didn't consider how his actions would affect Y/N, he was too self-absorbed for that.

"Your little stunt that you pulled on stage made it to the entertainment page. Evidently.." Jax cleared his throat and straightened the newspaper.

"Let me see that!" Colson took the paper and there it was for all the world to see-him and Y/N, their lips firmly glued together, her fingers buried in his golden locks. His blue orbs closed as if he was savoring the moment, not wanting it to end.

"You got what you wanted." Jax observed.

"I-not exactly..I was just caught up in the moment that's all." He put his hand behind his neck.

"Really Colson? And you aimed straight for Y/N's puckered lips. Interesting." He straightened out the paper and continued to read the article.

"Bryon is going to have a fit." Colson sighed as he leaned back on the couch.

"So since it's official that you and Y/N are an item-officially not unofficially. Then I think it's time to clean up your act." Jax put the paper aside and looked at Colson intently.

"Yeah..for the first time you could be right." He said, thoughtfully weighing his options. "Truth of the matter is I'm a sex-addict Jax. I can't control it. Especially when hot, sexy girls throw themselves all over me.. I can't resist them." He shrugged helplessly.

"What a load of bull manure!" Jax spat out. "I don't believe that crap for one second." He said with distaste.

"It's true man..I have a problem.. a real problem" He expressed with his hands.

"Rubbish." Jax replied. "You need to stop making excuses for your bad behavior Colson. The drugs, the alcohol, treating women like toilet paper, the bad attitude-IT needs to stop. Only you have the power to change it. No one else." Jax said with concern but he knew his sound counsel was falling on deaf ears.

"I need that in order to survive in this industry. You don't understand-forget it." He said with a wave of his hand.

"Actually I do. I'm 33 and I was your age once.. I was once an addict and and alcoholic. My wife took my kids and left me. I hated her for a very long time but now I understand why she did it. It took me a while but I finally cleaned up my act. I did it for my family and most importantly I did it for myself. I needed to get clean and stay clean for me. I just hope you can do the same before it's too late." He stood up and walked out leaving Colson to his thoughts.

[moonlight-mellohi]

I Would Have Waited Forever if You Needed, But I Would Always Be There for You - part one!

OOOOOOOOOOOOH MY GOSH I'm so sorry this took so long! I've been working hard on it but inspiration seems to hate me.

But @sugarglider9603, its here! And once again the longest oneshot/chapter I've ever written at OVER FREAKING 4.3K WORDS

Alright alright I'm calm.. just happy

Now go enjoy that fluff

 

W-wait theres angst to? WAIT-

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Due to the size of this fic, I have to spit it into two post. As soon as the second part is posted (which will be not long after this goes up) i will put links. Dont panic, Tumblr is just being mean with post length :)

Ao3 link

Ao3 series link

Part 3 Part 4.5

Master post

Words: 4,334

Summery: 'Logan understood why everyone was so quiet as dark grey eyes met violet.'

' Patton's eyes widen with joy, smiling as silver eyes met purple.'

'Roman, who was facing that direction, perked up, his chocolate brown tail swishing with joy as a familiar dark brown Eevee poked his head fully out'

'"Roman, what's going on- buddy.."

Thomas has successfully befriended the Eevee, but what about catching him?

Logan

MJ and Thomas watched most of their pokemon play smiling, Logan and Elliott sticking by the trainers sides. Patton leapt around Iris and Issac, playing a small game of tag with the Vulpix and Prinplup as Roman faced Linda in a mock battle, Eevee slipping between the Scyther’s sharp claws.

Logan pawed at the page as he sat in MJ’s lap, staring in awe at the stars. It had become a tradition MJ would show Logan a book on space and assist him on learning how to read when the two groups collided, the trainer borrowing most of them from libraries or his mother. All but the first one he had shown the dark silver Eevee, “A Magnus Quantity of Space” which was currently open as Logan drank up the knowledge for the infinite time. He was happy.

“Logan! Looooooogan! Logan Logan Logan Logay-” “what” Logan snapped, lifting his head as the smug faced Roman grinned back.

“Come on, join us!” Logan rolled his eyes and just wanted to ignore him, but Patton looked over, hope and joy sparkling in his shiny grey eyes. Logan sighed but stood, sending an annoyed stare at Elliott as the shy Absol snickered.

The dark silver pokemon let out a huff, joining the other five as they set up game rules for tag. Logan half listened, half stared at a nearby wind-rustled Pecha bush. The berries were much too sweet for his taste, having always been ‘up Patton’s alley’ as Thomas and Roman would say. Though the berries did hold a memory in his heart from long ago, because-

“Boop, your it!” Logan jolted as Patton tapped his nose before dashing off. The game had begun.

Logan was surprisingly fast for an Eevee, tagging Linda before she even knew he was next to her. They continued their game, the speedy pokemon darting away without getting tagged again.

Logan carefully pawed forward, looking around as to make sure no one was there. He calmed his spiked fur from his last dodge, glancing ahead. There was that Pecha bush once again, shaking as if “tag!”

Roman crashed into him having lept from the bushes, sending both suddenly tumbling forwards. Logan fell right into the Pecha bush, hitting something inside before continuing his roll until both beings were out before Thomas, MJ, and Elliott.

“Ow..” Logan groaned, Roman’s ‘Mysterious One AM Disappearance’ plan already half done as he stood up, looking around to see what had rolled with him-

Logan understood why everyone was so quiet as dark grey eyes met violet.

Virgil scrambled up, fur on end as his eyes darted around. He squeaked when his vision caught MJ, turning to run off when Issac and Roman came out of the Pecha bush, confused by the lack of noise.

The dark furred Eevee looked for a non existent escape as Linda and Iris emerged, Patton squealing with joy as he spotted the wild pokemon. Virgil pressed up against Logan’s chest, fear most likely figuratively ripping his mind apart.

Logan tucked a paw around the smaller Eevee, sitting as he flicked his tail around him protectively. They were thankfully not near the center, though far enough the bushes looked miles away.

Thomas, who had watched the entire scenario, slowly stood up and made his to Logan and Virgil, before settling down about two feet away.

“Hey Virgil” The trainer couldn't help but smile, happy he was seeing the anxious Eevee once again. After leaving the field of flowers, he was scared that fate would not be kind and their paths wouldn't cross again. MJ, recognizing Thomas’ caution from when he himself first approached Elliott, joined a few inches behind the other.

Roman and Patton bounded up “Virgil!” Roman cried happily as Patton nuzzled their cheeks in greeting. He flinched, startled, but calmed with Patton's very soft fur.

"So.." MJ turned away from the chattering pile of Eevees to Thomas, who stared back confused

"You have attracted another Eevee" Thomas ducked his face into his hands, blushing.

Patton

Patton watched the sun set, Logan not that farther down the hill watching the rapidly darkening sky with excitement, a few bright stars already shining. The gang was taking a night in rolling open hills, soft grass and flowers lay blowing in a warm wind, one of the few trees around them shadowing Thomas as the trainer set up the tent, Roman some feet away scratching out a wide circle for a fire.

Patton tilted his head as the wind ruffled his fur, purring in the setting sun's warmth. These last few days had been so calm and nice. He approved of taking a break, they had been training hard for so long, a few days off wouldn't set them back.

He flicked his tail in content, listening to the flying types chirp their last goodbyes to the day, a few nocturnal pokemon already waking the night with quiet music of hoots and song-like whistles.

Somewhere near him, soft brushing of grass on fur caused him to open his eyes, glancing around. Logan was back with Roman and Thomas, the trainer  poking at the now lit fire. If it wasn't them, then who..

The light silver furred Eevee turned his head the other direction, his eyes catching another of special fur slightly crouching in the grass some distance away. Patton's eyes widen with joy, smiling as silver eyes met purple.

"Hey kiddo!" he cheered, Virgil hesitantly looked up at the rest of the group before making his way to Patton, flopping down next to, but not touching, the other Eevee.

It had been some time since they found that the dark furred Eevee ended up following them, a few more interactions strung between then and the current moment. Virgil had gotten a bit closer with the others, but was always gone before next sunrise, watching once again from the shadows.

Patton, knowing Vigil's shyness with engaging contact, flipped his over tail over the smaller and pulled him close, nuzzling the other's cheek. The Eevee shuffled in slight embarrassment but in the end cuddled back.

The two laid under the rapidly appearing stars, Patton feeling Virgil shift a bit away at one point but said nothing, just kept their tails intertwined. Logan had joined them at one point, cuddling up to Patton's side as stars reflected off his eyes, making no comment as the sky stole once more his star transfixed gaze.

A shuffle of feet made Patton tiredly blink, slowly turning his head as Roman and a pajama wearing Thomas approached the trio.

The trainer softly chuckled "c'mon guys, time for bed" Logan sent a death glare his was but Thomas just shook his head with more chuckling.

Patton turned his head to the darker Eevee "want to *yawn* join us kiddo?" the shiny Eevee stood, only to realize the other had been asleep as Virgil jolted awake, blinking tiredly at Patton.

Patton barely held in a squeal. Virgil was asleep! Next to him! He trusted Patton! The light silver Eevee frowned as the kiddo started to droop once more, before light grey ears perked up as he whipped around to Thomas, chirping a few times.

It took the trainer only a moment to understand before giggling. He kneeled slightly and picked up the limp Eevee, Virgil only whining a bit and pawing toward the ground. Thomas looked concerned before looking were Virgil was pointing, smiling.

"Hey Patt, I think Virgil was trying to make you a gift" Patton looked and sure enough, a half built blue, pink, and white flower crown lay in the grass, one of the end flowers squished as Virgil fell asleep on top.

Patton grinned with joy and carefully picked the strand up, walking back up to the campsite.

The fire was now extinguished, water and burnt wood mush stood in its place. Patton laid the half finished flower crown near the stick Thomas used to poke at it before following the trainer in the tent.

Thomas held Virgil close as he scooted into his sleeping bag, Eevees flopping on top almost immediately.

Roman curled up next to his left ear, shoulder now his pillow. Logan settled down on Thomas' waist, Patton curling up with him as his tail tip brushed Virgil's, the dark Eevee laying right in the center of Thomas' chest.

Thomas smiled as purrs erupted in his ear from his Eevees (thanks Roman, that's quite LOUD) hugging Virgil a little closer before sleep fell upon the human.

Thomas blinked awake, finding some weight off his chest.. literally.

He sat up, Eevees already fallen to the ground in vibrating puddles that night, and stood, carefully making his way out of the tent.

He emerged in the early dawn light, blinking away the tiredness as the sun rose above the horizon. Early bird pokemon unknowingly chirped a morning greeting, bushes rusted in the not to far off forest as pokemon skittered for food. Though that wasn't what grabbed the trainer's attention.

Virgil lay bathed in morning sunlight, tying the final blue flower into last night's flower crown. The Eevee glanced up startled but hesitant, purple eyes worried as he stood, a paw stepping back. Thomas understood, not yet.

He smiled at the Eevee "I'll make sure Patton gets it" Virgil stood frozen before relaxing, hesitantly letting out a "thank you" and "goodbye" chirp, before dashing off, fur at ease.

Thomas smiled and delicately picked up the small crown, inspecting the colors. Patton would absolutely adore it.

Though as Thomas went back to the tent, he could of sworn somewhere he read Eevee had an evolution with these colors..

Roman

 

Thomas flopped onto the soft grass, staring at the small fire as flicks of flame disappeared off into the night. Roman laid dramatically over the trainers outstretched legs, mumbling tiredly in Eevee. Thomas couldn't blame him though, same going for the two shinies who joined Roman, sprawling across his kneecaps.

 

They had been training hard all day, exhaustion had been inevitable. From wild pokemon battles, to targets and even between each other, the three Eevees had pushed far into training mode for their next challenge, their next adventure.

 

The next town was about half a day away, so camping out was the best option. With the low energy though, Thomas could probably lay down right here in the grass and pass out with ease.

 

A rustle in the bushes made him look up, confused. A smile overtook his face though, as familiar violet eyes poked through. Roman, who was facing that direction, perked up, his chocolate brown tail swishing with joy as a familiar dark brown Eevee poked his head fully out carefully, inspecting the clearing they picked.

 

"Hey kiddo" Thomas murmured sleepily, failing to stiffen a yawn. "Wanna join the cuddle pile?" he offered.

 

Virgil looked curiously at their pile as though considering, before ducking back into the bush. Thomas slightly frowned sadly, Roman's tail slowly drooping in disappointment as Patton let out a chirp.

 

Thomas sighed, about to turn back to the burning wood when the bush shook once more, catching all their attention. 

 

Virgil's tail came into view first as the Eevee back tracked, pulling something by his teeth. Thomas stared, eyes wide.

 

The Eevee pulled the huge leaf a couple of feet away from the gang, turning his back to enormous pile of Oran berries.

 

"Did.. did you pick these for us?" Thomas asked, amazed.

 

Virgil ducked his head in embarrassment as he nodded, chirping something to the other Eevees. Roman suddenly sprang up and chipped something back, walking up to the darker furred pokemon, placing a small lick on Virgil's head before moving to drag the Oran berry pile closer.

 

Patton and Logan chirped gratefully as they grabbed two, Thomas smiling as he poked one on a stick to toast over the fire.

 

 

Roman watched Virgil shuffle his paws awkwardly, glancing curiously with those wonderful eyes.

 

"Hey Virgil, you can have one if you want" Roman offered, only for the Eevee's ears to droop.

 

"I've already eaten" he murmured, only to be betrayed by a quiet gurgle from his stomach. Roman hesitated, not wanting to discomfort the other.

 

".. I ate a bit earlier myself, we could possibly split and share one?" Roman shyly offered, causing the violet eyes to widen.

 

"I couldn't, it's your.." he hesitantly looked down for a moment, before lifting his head up a bit, looking right into Roman rich brown eyes "are you sure?"

 

Roman grinned, picking up the largest Oran berry before carefully draping his tail over the others back, leading him a bit closer to the fire. As they settled Roman used his claws, slicing their berry in half (and perhaps giving Virgil the larger piece).

 

And if anyone noticed Virgil cuddling Roman as the night wore on, only waking and leaving when the lighter of the pair stirred at sunrise, no one said a thing.

 

FamILY

 

Water droplets sparkled as they dripped off the leaves above, soaking up into the group's hair and fur. The early morning sky drifted blue with scattered clouds, hints of the rain showers from last night only shown by the damp plants around and slightly muddy earth.

Thomas laughed as Roman froze, water once again dripping onto his chocolate fur. The Eevee whined, only for Logan to lean on his back feet, standing up from where he lay on Thomas' messenger bag and slap Roman in the face, effectively shutting the other up with a splutter.

They stayed the night in a cave, setting up the tent inside as it started to show signs of a heavy storm approaching by sunset, the light sprinkle from earlier growing heavier as the clouds darkened.

The cave wasn't the biggest, more of a deep hole as it only fit the tent with two feet of coverage before rain splattered in your face, but it's entrance raised a few inches off the ground, giving them safety from a wet tent. They didn't need to stay that long anyways,only staying the night to escape being wet, the next town merely an hour or two journey.

Thomas smiled, but a dark hint shown through as something bothered him. He had called out several times before bed, informing Virgil he could join the warm cuddles inside, but the Eevee never showed. Worry traced his mind, only hoping he found a sheltered enough spot.

He brushed Patton's fur, the Eevee chirping with a nuzzle to the cheek. The trainer giggled, Logan shifting back to laying down, content. Virgil would be alright, he was wild. The Eevee must have gone through this kind of experience befo-

Roman sat up on Thomas' shoulder, startling him. The Eevee's ears were pricked, nose twitching as he caught something.

"Roman, what- hey!" Thomas spluttered as a tail smacked his face, Roman ignoring the wet grass and mud as he leapt off Thomas without warning, bolting off back in the directions they just came from.

Thomas secured a hand on both remaining Eevee's backs to enforce they didn't fall with the sudden change, before turning and rushing after his starter.

They didn't have to go far before spotting the Eevee anxiously pacing circles, perking up at the sight of Thomas before diving into the bushes, chirping from the other side.

"Roman, what's going on- buddy.." he fought through the bushes, Patton and Logan calling out in distress as Thomas sucked in a harsh breath, kneeling down next to the grounded Eevee's.

Roman licked Virgil's forehead, the smaller barely opening his eyes in pain and exhaustion before closing, letting out a relieved huff and relaxing as if only now feeling safe.

The dark furred Eevee's fur was dirty, his limbs weak and thoroughly soaked to the bone. Scratches were in several places as though he recently fought in a battle, the latest being from yesterday.

Thomas' didn't hesitate to check and sure enough his forehead was warm, to warm. Glazed eyes stared up as raspy breaths labored from his mouth, trust within exhaustion.

"I-I'm sorry Virge, I need to get you straight to a Pokemon Center" he lifted the Eevee, Roman leaping forwards to get scooped up as well, cuddling up to the sick pokemon.

He felt Logan move up to where Roman sat before, nodding in the corner of Thomas' vision. They were ready to set off.

And with that, Thomas ran.

Thomas speed walked through the streets, nearly bumping into others as he kept glancing down at Virgil. The Eevee had curled up against Thomas chest, Roman curling around the other giving occasional comforting licks.

"Hey!" Thomas stumbled as he nearly crashed into someone turning a corner, the other jumping to the side before collision.

"Sorry!" He called back half turning around to the girl, the Fraxure in her arms wide eyed. He only saw her and the pokemon give a started look at the Eevees in his arms before Thomas turned back around and dashed off, Pokecenter now in sight.

The automatic doors nearly caught his arm as he entered, rushing through the mostly empty entrance up to the Nurse Joy.

"Please help" he gasped having not stopped once, carefully setting Virgil down. Joy's eyes widened before calling out a stroller, two Chansey pushing it out.

"Don't worry, we'll take good care of Eevee" the Joy comforted, joining her pokemon by the ER door. "Virgil" Thomas managed, voice a somewhat raspy whisper "his name is Virgil." The Nurse nodded.

"Virgil will be fine" she smiled, turning away and closing the door, a bright neon red "Do Not Enter" lighting up above the doorway. Thomas took in a shuddering breath, the Eevees each nuzzling Thomas' face from their spot.

Thomas gave out a small, strangled laugh "thanks guys."

______________________________

Part two link here!

[caydesgirl-uldrensprincess]

Lost Light

Disclaimer: this is my fanfic off of Wattpad called ‘His Queen of Hearts’. It’s a Cayde-6 Fanfic. Please go read it.

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Chloe dove behind a rock, trying to avoid shots from Hive. She was currently on a mission to gather intel on the moon about the Hive's whereabouts.

"Hey, Chloe, ya' almost done?" Came Cayde's whining voice over her Comm.

"Just about, I just need to take out a Wizard, two Knights, A couple of Acolytes, and horde of Thrall," Chloe replied as she knifed a few Thrall, ending their lives.

"That sounds like fun!" Cayde exclaimed.

"Yep, loads of fun, wish you were here!" The Huntress chuckled, switching from her knife to her hand cannon.

Chloe jumped, did a flip, and shot two acolytes with one shot each.

"Believe me, I want to be, but Zavala has an eye on me after the dreadnought mission, sat there for 2 hours getting lectured," Cayde stated, "anyway, I'll talk to you when you get back to the tower, I have something to ask you, over and out!"

The comm went dead. Chloe chuckled as she threw her knife at some more Hive. She climbed a piler and threw a scatter grenades at the knights. Then she jumped and activated her super, Gunslinger—or Golden Gun— killing the Wizard.

Chloe summoned her Ghost, Moondance, and let him scan for the data needed from the Hive corpses around her.

"That's all we need, let's head back to the tower!" The Ghost exclaimed, looking to Chloe.

"Great, I'm ready for some ramen and maybe some sleep," Chloe said, walking out of the Hive base.

Moondance transported both of them to the ship up in orbit. Chloe turned on some tunes, a genre the Golden Age called Modern Country.

"You're like that cigarette, that shot of 100 proof, no matter how much I get, I'm always craving, that feeling when we kiss, the way your body moves, no matter how much I get, I'm always craving you!" Chloe sang, taking her helmet off, her dyed blue hair falling out and stopping just at her shoulders.

"What's this singers name again?" Moondance asked.

"Thomas Rhett, I think," The Huntress answered, flying the ship towards Earth.

Chloe turned her comm on, "This is Chloe Brask, returning form the moon with the needed data from the Hive, come in Vanguard."

Nothing but static.

"Come in Vanguard."

Still nothing.

"What the hell is going on?" The Huntress stated, frustration setting in after not being able to contact the Vanguard.

"Remember when I told you that you fly too fast?" Moondance asked, as they enter Earth's orbit.

"Yeah?" Chloe said, a questioning look on her face.

"Forget that I ever said that, fly fast!"

Chloe nodded, adding more power to her ships thrusters. She had a bad feeling as they flew towards the Last City.

As they arrived, Chloe took a double take.

"The Traveler!" Moondance exclaimed.

The Traveler was being attacked, by what? Chloe had no idea. She flew even faster to the city. Even more shocked that the Tower was in ruins. She saw Guardians everywhere with weapons drawn. That's when she saw the Cabal.

Moondance transmitted Chloe and himself out of her ship. The Huntress spotted her best friends: Isabelle Brigham (Awoken Warlock) and Tori-3 (Exo Titan). She ran to them.

"Guys, what the hell happened?" Chloe exclaimed.

"The Cabal attacked the Tower and Traveler, we have no idea how they got passed our defenses," Isabelle explained, as she floated towards Chloe.

Tori joined as she shot some Cabal with her Rocket Launcher, "Shaxx is waiting for backup in the east wing!"

"Where's Cayde?" Chloe asked, worried about the Exo Hunter Vanguard.

"Somewhere in the tower," Isabelle replied.

Chloe nodded and threw a scatter grenade at a group of Legionary Cabal, then turned to go.

"Clo, where the bloody hell are you going?" The Warlock exclaimed.

"To Cayde!" Chloe stated, running off to find him.

"You're gonna get your reckless Hunter ass killed!" Tori shouted after her.

Chloe chuckled as Moondance appeared next to her.

"Pinpoint Cayde's location," She said, as she switched from a hand cannon to an auto rifle, mowing down Cabal that crossed her path.

"Right, Cayde is near the Bazaar," The Little Light said.

Chloe nodded and headed straight for the Bazaar. She dodged and fought Cabal along the way. She ran into Shaxx and helped him with some Cabal as well.

"Tori and Isabelle will be here soon," Chloe said.

"Okay, be careful Guardian, the tower won't be the same if we lose you," Lord Shaxx said.

The Huntress nodded and continued on her quest to find Cayde. 'Where is that dumdass Exo,' She thought, looking around.

She stopped in front of a closed door that started to creak open. Halfway through the process of opening, it stops and Cayde-6 appears.

"Cayde!"Moondance exclaimed.

Cayde looked over at Chloe and the Ghost. He ran over to the Huntress, engulfing her in a bone crushing hug.

"Thank the Traveler you're okay!" He exclaimed, as Chloe hugged him back.

"Same to you," She replied, catching a whiff of Cayde's cologne.

The vanguard pulled away from the hug and looked Chloe over.

"Damn, you look absolutely stunning with Cabal blood and sweat all over you," He said.

The Huntress rolled her eyes, "Nows not the time to flirt with me, Cayde!"

He sighed, "Fine, meet Zavala in the Plaza, me, I got a date with who ever is behind this attack, maybe a short date."

He said all this as he shot some more Cabal and Teleported away. Chloe shook her head, chuckling, heading to the Plaza. She knew Cayde had a thing for her, but wasn't interested in any sort of relationship.  Yeah, Chloe harbored feelings for the handsome Exo Hunter, but ever since her father, Andal Brask, was killed, she distanced herself from everyone. Sure, Isabelle and Tori were there for her, but Chloe wanted to be alone for the longest time, still did. She didn't have time for relationships. So, she busied herself with missions and patrols, alone, getting the work done —recklessly though.

A few moments later, Chloe arrived in the Plaza. It was under heavy fire by Cabal coming in the dozen. She found Zavala taking cover from behind rubble. The Huntress went over to him.

"Commander, need help securing the Plaza?" She asked.

"It would be most appreciated, Guardian!" The Titan Vanguard exclaimed.

Chloe nodded and took out her hand cannon, mowing down Cabal as she advanced on them. She dodged, flips, and reloaded. She threw grenades, knives, and Golden Gun until not a single Cabal was left standing.

"Guardian, go find Ikora, she went to find the Speaker, then Rendezvous when possible," Zavala ordered.

"Yeah, yeah, I got it," Chloe stated, running. Off to find the Warlock Vanguard.

She ran down corridors and maneuvered through rubble.She found Ikora battling through more Cabal.

"Chloe, the Speaker isn't here, I'm going to find him!" Ikora exclaimed, jumping onto a Cabal ship.

"You need any help?" Chloe asked.

"No, just defeat the cabal and defend the Traveler!"

Then Ikora disappeared with the ship.

"What the hell are the Cabal doing her and what do they want?" Came Cayde's voice over the comm.

"They're callled, The Red Legion, and rumor has it: They've never known defeat," Ikora replied.

"But they never fought Guardians. Chloe, I'm sending Holliday in to pick you up, we want you to infiltrate the enemy command ship," Zavala said.

"Okay, where should I met Amanda?" The Huntress asked, climbing over rubble.

"I'm sending you the coordinates now."

"And Clo, stay safe" Cayde said, a worried tone in his voice.

"I will, Cayde, you forgetting who you're talking to?" The female giggled.

"You know what I mean, don't be too reckless," The Exo stated.

"Fine, but you owe me two bowls of ramen after this," Chloe stated, before turning off her comm.

When she found Amanda, Chloe climbed into the ship.

"Chloe, we're gonna do a weird loop around, and hopefully get to the command ship without any casualty," The Southern Mechanic said.

"Sounds good," The Huntress said, leaning against the ships metal wall.

"You might want to hold on to something!" Amanda exclaimed as she hit the thrusters, taking off.

Chloe lost her balance, but grabbed onto a rail to steady herself.

"Zavala, I picked up Chloe," Amanda said, as she turned on the comm system.

"Get her on that command ship—Now!" Zavala said, though it was quite staticky.

"Clo, hold on back there!" Amanda exclaimed.

"I already am!" The Huntress retorted.

"Well, hold on tighter!" The Southern Mechanic stated, as she flew threw firing Calab ships.

"Come one big guy," Amanda muttered to the Traveler, "do something!"

She opened the bay door of her ship, "Alright, Chloe, time to kick 'em where it hurts!"

"You know it!" Chloe exclaimed as she jumped off the ship and landed on the Red Legion's command ship.

"Okay, I'm on the ship, what do you want me to do to infiltrate?" Chloe asked over the comm.

"Take out the shields generator," Zavala replied.

"Okay, I contact you after I'm finished."

"Thank you, Guardian."

"Anytime," Chloe said, then turned off the comm.

After fighting and battling through Cabal forces, Chloe made it to the bottom of the ship, where the shields generator was located. All thanks to Moondance.

"Alright, the generator should be straight ahead," The Little Light said.

Chloe nodded and ran forward. She made it into the room where the generator was.

"Shoot the turbines and the shield should fizzle," Moondance explained.

The Huntress again nodded and used her hand cannon to take out the generator. She did this three times, until it stopped spinning.

"Zavala, the shield's are down!" Chloe said into her comm.

There was static.

"Zavala?"

Frustrated, Chloe got out of the room and tried to contact Amanda.

"Amanda, we're heading topside," Moondance said.

Again, static.

"Amanda?!"

Chloe ran out to the place where Amanda was supposed to pick her up. She looked at the Traveler then to her Ghost.

"How do we come back from this?" Moondance asked.

"You don't," Said a voice from behind.

The Huntress and Ghost turned in surprise. There stood a giant Cabal, dressed in white armor.

"Welcome to a world without light," He said, gesturing towards the Traveler.

Chloe turned back to the Traveler, only to see being covered by something. That's when she felt something drain her of light.

"Chloe, something is wrong..." Moondance stated, before falling.

Chloe felt her legs give out from under her. The giant Cabal walked towards her, as Chloe grabbed Moondance. She pulled her Little Light close to her. Chloe looked up at the Cabal in front of her.

"Do not look at me, Creature!" He stated, before kicking Chloe firmly in the side.

The Huntress groaned as she landed roughly on her side.

"You are weak. Undisciplined. Cowering behind walls," The Cabal stated, coming closer, "You're not brave, you merely forgotten the fear of death. Allow me to reacquaint you."

Chloe tried to get up, but the Cabal smacked her down. She landed at the edge of the ship and to her horror, watched as Moondance fell off.

"Your kind never deserved the power you were given. I am Ghaul, and your light... is mine..."

And with that he kicked Chloe over the edge. As she was falling, she fell into unconsciousness.