#so i suggested alphonse and she loved it

[aluvian]

Absolutely obsessed with the new guinea pig my sister just got

[withickmire]

The Forests of Silence Wrap Up

Just some miscellaneous thoughts I had along the way. Continued under the cut, because it ended up being really long:

How the Rule may affect people outside of the royal family: I spent way more time on the prologue than the rest of the book--so much happens that it really could have been expanded into a whole book on its own. What really caught my attention during this particular reread were the several allusions to brutality towards the nobility carried out by (or, more likely, on behalf of) the royal family.

At King Alton's funeral, Jarred overhears two noble women talking about Endon succeeding his father and becoming king, with one woman remarking on Endon's youth. What she says is completely neutral--Endon is young. But her companion sees that Jarred is near, knowing how close he is to Endon, and she quickly gets the first woman to be quiet, all while looking scared. What reason would she have to be afraid? What does the Rule say about nobility who speak ill of the royal family? Or--like these woman--could be perceived as even mildly questioning them? Jarred makes a point of looking away from them, implying that he knows the answer to these questions, and he is trying to ease their fears, as if he is aware that, yes, something terrible could happen to the two women if a different person had overheard.

Also, when Jarred flees the palace, he is certain that he will be killed if he is caught. While it isn't surprising that being accused of trying to kill the new king might certainly lead to his execution, he clearly believes that he would be killed immediately, without imprisonment or trial, suggesting that something like this has happened before, and Jarred is aware of how it ended.

Jarred and Endon: As Jarred watches Endon put on the Belt he sees him as no longer as 'a young boy with sad eyes'. How long did Jarred see him this way? Of course Endon would be sad--his parents just died, but I feel like this is a heavier statement. I'm glad that Endon had Jarred, I can't imagine how lonely and isolated he would have been without him, and how he must have felt those things once Jarred was gone.

I'm curious about their ages in the prologue. As stated above, Endon is said to be 'young', but how young? He's mentioned as too young to have a beard. So is he younger than Lief, who was sixteen or seventeen when he became king? Seven years later, both he and Jarred have wives, and children on the way, and seem to be at whatever the appropriate age in Deltora is for that.

It's so interesting to see Jarred, knowing what we know about Doom. He's so clever, and always looking out for the people he loves. Even with all the changes he goes through, that is always consistent for his character.

This is probably a case of me needing to suspend my disbelief, but it's always bugged me that Jarred was able to see Endon's arrow from the Forge. Like, there's no way.

Lief: I adore Lief's opening scene. It shows the reader so much about Del under the occupation, but it also says so much about him. He's so earnest and endearing! He's so cute with his friends, I wish we had more of that. Also the way he's so proud of once having eaten an apple is a really effective way of showing how children who grew up under the occupation would see it all as the norm. It's terribly sad.

Magic: Gorl's whole Alphonse Elric situation seems to be a combination of Shadow Lord influence and the magic of the Lilies. We know he has been there well before he became Guardian of the Topaz, and I wonder if sustaining him for centuries was part of the Shadow Lords many 'plans within plans'--he could be called upon if needed. His 'immortality', if you can call it that, isn't his only power--he is able to compel Lief and Barda's bodies, and control the vines and trees. The Lilies clearly possess some magic, even when not in bloom, so I wonder how much influence both forces had.

Final thoughts: I probably have the most feelings of nostalgia for this one. The prologue in particular has lived in my mind for so long. The whole book is such a strong way to introduce the trio, and to kick off the series.

See you in The Lake of Tears!

[cuchufletapl]

There's. Something. About the fact that the Flamel Symbol in FMA was ascribed to the three human characters that willingly committed alchemy's greatest taboo and lost (a part of) their bodies as a result.

As I understand it (and I should do more research on it, so take this with a grain of salt), in real-life, historical alchemy, the Flamel Cross is pretty much analogous with the philosopher's stone. And because western alchemy wasn't just about the science but rather had a strong religious component to it, the philosopher's stone itself was never really about obtaining gold in the most literal sense (as a valuable metal for monetary reasons); it symbolises the achievement of spiritual and physical perfection. (And excuse me for being pedantic for a second, but I feel like it's relevant here to know the etymology: in Latin, perfectus -a -um means "finished", "complete".)

Edward, Izumi, and Alphonse aren't whole, they lost a part of themselves in trying to do something that was out of their reach (Al in particular is physically nothing), and yet from the very beginning of the story they're the closest to illumination, they met god (essentially) and knew the knowledge of the world.

I don't believe Arakawa ever told us when Izumi got her tattoo (the extra chapter about her past as an alchemy apprentice has her cleavage completely covered), but I would venture that she got it after her failed human transmutation. There is nothing in the manga to suggest that she did it earlier, at least. Meanwhile, Edward and Alphonse definitely started wearing it after they tried to resurrect their mother — or, more accurately, after they set out on their journey to restore what they lost.

We are never told the reason why they decided to take on Izumi's emblem, interestingly enough. We don't even see them make the decision, they just start wearing it from one page to the other. Chronologically, the first time that we see Ed wear his red coat is in chapter 23, when he travels to East City to take the State Alchemist exam. However, in the one panel where he has his back towards the reader, his arm is positioned in a way that hides the symbol. Al isn't present for the exam, and the next time that he appears, at the beginning of chapter 24, when they burn down their childhood home, we're not shown his left shoulder — only the right. Nevertheless, we could infer that he already had painted the Flamel on, like we can infer that Ed's coat had it as well, and infer we shall!

I read someone here point out how both Al and Ed carry things of the people they love with them, giving the Flamel as one example of it. (I'd quote them properly, I know I reblogged it at the time, but I can't find the post.) And while I'm sure that's part of the reason, an homage to their master, I can't help but think that it isn't a coincidence that Izumi's symbol specifically resonated with them.

Again, we're never told what the Flamel means within the universe of FMA, it's there but not mentioned, a subtle literary symbol — but given that Arakawa had other real-life alchemical symbols in the series mean the same thing that they meant historically... well. Ed and Al are alchemists, after all, so they would know that the Flamel Cross represents spiritual perfection.

I think that the Watsonian and Doylist explanation for the Flamel is the same here — Ed, Al, and Izumi chose in-universe to wear the Flamel for the same reason that Arakawa chose to identify them with that symbol.

I'm not entirely sure what I'm getting at here, to be honest. I'm not sure what I'm trying to say. I don't quite have a conclusion to offer. This is why I don't usually do meta lol

But it just feels like it means something, to have these characters, who were overtaken by their grief and punished for their hubris by taking away their bodies, be identified with a symbol of completeness.

[mmmmalo]

Hiveswap Reread Pt. 1

Current takeway is that in the same way that Psycholonials focuses on China paranoia (plot: a leftist Chinese-American infects the world with revolution alongside the "China virus" of Covid 19) Hiveswap is very much about Red Scares directed at Russia, Cold War nuclear anxieties, and those fears' persistence past the end of the USSR. Like the game's set in '94, but Jude still won't touch Tetris cause it's got Commie germs.

Trolls emerge from anxieties, so the red scare may go a ways towards explaining why Fozzer is a communist (until he isn't) and Boldir took her wardrobe from a SPY VS SPY cartoon. The structural power of slurs in Homestuck trained me to seek potential terms of perjoration so I looked up Russian stereotypes and was reminded of the country's popular association with bears, which turned my thoughts toward Bronya Ursama (ursa mama > mama bear). It turns out "nyanya" (няня) is a Russian word for babysitter! and "bronya" (броня) itself means Armor. My first instinct was to read Armored Mamabear as a reference to Alphonse Elric, since Bronya's clapping motion is reminiscent of the alchemical prayer performed by those who attempt Human Transmutation -- a suitable topic for the brooding caverns -- and Alphonse in particular dreamed of motherhood, repeatedly storing life in the belly of his casings. There's even a moment where you the reader "CLAP YOUR HAND over your mouth to keep from GAGGING", implicitly connecting Bronya's gesture to an Alternian paradigm of birth, vomiting.

But perhaps instead of "vomiting", we should say "purging": the name "Armor" also seems to designate Bronya as a feminine Stalin (meaning 'Steel'). "There's no leader, but do as I say" positions Bronya as leader within a very old joke mocking the persistence of heirarchy in a political system (Communism) ostensibly aimed at eliminating class division. "Protect the Mothergrub" becomes "PROTECT THE MOTHERLAND". Bronya's pronounced terror towards possible purges marks her as a stereotypical subject of Stalinism, but she's also positioned as the purger: "babysitting" acquires a morbid connotation through Alternia's deadliest ass, such that Bronya's odd sense of responsibility (she says she can't be friends with someone she can't TAKE CARE OF) implies not only a need for control but also a need for killing power in all relationships. Only trust who you can crush.The successful route (which avoids purges!) involves persuading Bronya to relinquish her iron grip and trust the People to lead themselves. The route looks at Stalin and goes I Could Fix Her.

I laughed the moment I started Bronya's route: her designated song, the Phantasmagoric Waltz, sounds like it came straight out of the Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky's famous ballet. The joke suggest Joey's love of ballet might function as a signifier of Russian culture in Hiveswap -- and perhaps her love of tap dance would likewise become an American signifier? Joey's dream of uniting the dance styles would then suggest achieving unity of opposed political entities... but I worry that "unity" implies "domination". Joey shuns guns but her tap shoes are sometimes discussed as though they are guns, eg when Joey claims they would blast a pile of garbage apart. So the (eventual, not yet) combination of dances would come to represent war? More to that point:

My initial notes emphasized the element of interactivity, but if the gyroscope functioned as a representation of an atom, this would effectively be saying that Joey's tap shoes are nukes? (This approach is colored by One Piece, which uses a large orrery within a Tree of Knowledge shaped liked a mushroom cloud to represent nuclear capability. ) In which case "unity" would mean outright destruction.

Either way, Joey's itchy trigger toes become parcel to the general air of (nuclear) war anxiety that pervades the story. I suspect Joey's outspoken hatred of animal death is similarly a reaction to Laika, the dog who died aboard Sputnik-2 (one of several test satellites whose flight path above the US initiated panic over potential orbital missile strikes). The flashlight is our satellite symbol: Jude's treehouse (like Terezi's before him) locates him metaphorically in the numinous aether*, using a flashlight to blink morse code messages like a satellite beaming information down to Earth. When Joey finds her own flashlight, she refers to it as a tomb for all the Pogs she finds inside instead of batteries. Pogs means dogs here: it's a nightmare of finding a satellite filled with dead Laikas. Puppy Surprise is having puppies!

* I also wonder if (again inflected by One Piece) if Jude's burning fall foliage might represent a mushroom cloud? But I'll focus on the other approach for now.

So a fear of orbital missile strikes (and an urge for preemptive strikes?) is linked to the weaponization of the flashlight. One of the paintings in the hallway features a horse scared of lightning (violence from above!), the bolts of which Jude has stickered over with an alien invasion (violence from above!) whose tractor beams of abduction resemble the rays of a satellite flashlight. Unsure what to make of Joey turning the invasion into birthday party though...

Brief diversion from Red Scare speculation: the game seems to imply that Jude's pet is Lord English? in addition to being a serpent, as others have already concluded. The toy castle at the foot of Jude's door, the one with Lord English's winking face for a gate, has a counterpart across the hall: in the other painting (Venus of Urbino), a dog at the foot of the bed has been modified with a sticker of a winking dog's face. The shared expression marks Lord English as a pet... but just as importantly, the parallel draws a line between the reposed/nude Venus ("churched up" with some clothing by a prudish/bashful Joey) and Jude's room. 5 interpretive angles occur to me, not necessarily mutually exclusive:

1. The myriad KEEP OUT signs on Jude's door can be superimposed onto Venus, relaying a sense that Joey views her attraction to women as improper (as the clothes she drew on might've already indicated), and/or a sense that the world around Joey disapproves

2. The nudity is superimposed on Jude, suggesting a repressed attraction to her brother. Earlier Joey expressed annoyance that the clouds (juxtaposed with Jude's tree house) were "ephemeral and UNTOUCHABLE" a sentiment which if redirected at Jude suggest annoyance with the incest taboo.

3. The two above combine into an antisemitic gesture, a desire to "church up" (ie convert) the Jews. This relies on pun drawn from Alternia: "archery" is rendered Jewish by fixating on the "ARK" component, part of Alternia's tongue-in-cheek depiction of a post-ChristianGenocide world. The plush Sufferer in the hall (struck by one of Jude's many arrows) invokes this facet of the fantasy -- it also meshes with the fear of Russian missile strikes invoked by Jude, perhaps leaning into the old conspiracy theory that Communism was a Jewish plot.

4. Supposing for a moment that Joey were a trans girl, we could integrate Lord English (or rather, the serpent he represents) into the equation: the phallus becomes the guard dog of femininity, the beast preventing its attainment... a glimpse into Joey's school life reveals that kids call her a POSER when she tries to talk about GAMES, which might be leveraged towards Joey experiencing transphobia: the association of girls with roleplay is part of Alternia's underlying transphobia, as best I can tell. Unless it's just plain old misogyny to say girls are categorically "false"? Perhaps both...

But there's a bit on the staircase to the attic where Joey remarks she would like the plush caterpillar more if it were to spin a chrysalis (ie become a fairy), which again scans as trans imagery in the context of the house's immersion in Alternian lore... I presume the remark is self-reflexive, but I suppose Joey might simply like if all icky boys became girls, Jude included? But then after saying that dancing on the stairs is dangerous (you could break your legs!), she dances ballet for the caterpillar alone and incurs the risk -- this scans as an invocation of Tavros, whose accident was parcel to Alternia's denigration/depictions of f*gs (read as a blanket term for "feminine men"... though it's possible "masculine women" are being denigrated in the same breath? Bluh)

5. Back to the Red Scare: in the wake of Bronya and the Mothergrub, perhaps we might read Venus as representative of the Motherland! The apparent desire for union with the feminine (in terms of romance or identity) would fall victim to the same violence haunting the unity of tap and ballet: it means destruction, conquest! Those godless (ie Jewish??) communists need to be Churched Up, PERMANENTLY....

...or something like that, that's my understanding of the conspiracies at play so far. Next time, we go downstairs!

[pondjrwi]

Just Roll With It Recap

Riptide Episode 70 - Chip’s Worst Nightmare

- The crew is now in Liquidus, city of water. Everyone is uninjured, but their ship has sustained heavy damage. Alphonse goes to see about getting it repaired. Ollie boisterously wants to come with them, saying he has to protect everyone and fight bad guys.  

- A tour guide Grung named Filipe approaches them, who they all immediately love. He is incredibly chill and normal, but thinks pirates are cool. Chip introduces Gil as the fish man, and Gil points out that that’s kind of problematic. They wonder if Chip can breathe water, which he’s enthusiastic about, but when he tries he goes unconscious. Filipe reveals he can spit acid. Apparently, Gillion threw around 4,000 gold off the ship during the trip here.

- They want to go find a priest to heal Chip’s curse. Filipe tells them how the city of Liquidus is powered by water and liquid hydrogen. He says that the Moon Goddess made a hole here in the sea for the city to be safe, and all it’s denizens worship the moon. There’s also a sun goddess. Apparently, Jay and Gil know about the moon goddess and have been “mooning” people they meet. Chip thinks that he has to moon people here to show respect. 

- Chip goes into the church, sees a priest, and shows his ass. Everyone is horrified. Gil shows his tits, which is the actual greeting. The priest agrees to heal Chip’s curse though. The crew wants to go to the zoo after this, but Ollie points out that Apple might not be comfortable. She isn’t. 

- The grand priestess, a beautiful sea elf, comes out. Chip is immediately, uncomfortably enamored. She says that the curse has grown stronger as time passed, and it’s either a painful healing process, or death. Gil suggests they go into his mind to help him, and the priestess agrees. Gil and Jay want to bring Filipe too. Ollie wants to come but Chip says no. Jay mocks Chip for having no bitches.

Jay: “Chip has the maturity of a twelve year old. I bet even Ollie’s more mature than him.”

- This is the last thing he hears before he goes unconscious. He awakes in a graveyard. The headstones have the names of everyone he’s ever known and cared about at one point. The shadowy figure of Arlin appears. Chip tries to convince himself it’s not real.

Arlin: “You’re not here to kill me again…? Stop. Don’t come any closer. I don’t want to hurt you.”

- He has a mass of black goo where his arm used to be. 

Arlin: “You’re not real, you’re here to kill me again… I won’t let anyone have it.”

- He attacks him. The others appear and Arlin disappears. Chip lies and says that Filipe wasn’t on the headstones, but they see through him. Chip opens a door, and suddenly they’re on the Black Rose ship. Black tentacles are crushing around it, and there’s humanoid black goo monsters. One face switches to Ollie, the others to Jay and Gillion. 

- Gil rejoices that he gets to fight his evil self, and all the goo around evil Gil disappears to show a red and black color scheme. Same happens with Jay when she says she wants an evil self. Evil Jay says the exact same line she said right before Chip went unconscious. Jay suggests that Chip is subconsciously changing things in his subconscious, and to do something with that power. Chip summons the Moonbeast. 

- Evil Ollie hugs Chip, begging him not to go. Gil strategizes about what he’d do in this fight and that he is bad at dex saves, so he calls lightning on him. 

Evil Gil: “You have disrespected my culture. This fight is for honor.” 

Gil: “What’re you gonna do about that, duel me?”

- Jay creates a blast of thunder that shoots evil Jay into the ocean. Now she’s gone. Chip thinks up an anti-matter rifle for Filipe to use. Gil throws evil Gil into the ocean but gets pulled along with him. He wakes up in the real world. Ollie looks in Chip’s eyes and he goes unconscious. But in the real world, Gil heals him and he comes back up. Filipe kills monster Ollie with the anti-matter rifle. They all wake up in the real world.

- Filipe thinks this is the coolest thing ever. Chip asks if he wants to join the crew, then immediately passes out. The curse is no more. Apparently, the high priestess didn’t tell them he could’ve died in this procedure to make him not panic. 

- Gil finds a painting about the chosen one. The story is the same as earlier, but there’s more info: The moon goddess is the one who chose the chosen one. Gil asks his sword if this is his mom.

Destiny’s Blade: “I dunno man.”

- Gil is confused that it’s talking like this now. He’s further aggravated by the sword saying he doesn’t care about the prophecy or destiny. Gil tries to get Filipe to talk sense into it, and Destiny’s Blade loves him. 

- Filipe starts giving points about why the ocean should survive instead of the land, and Gil writes it down. Jay argues against this. Filipe realizes Gil is the chosen one and is wowed.

[narakurosaki]

Edward and Winry: Why They Definitely Dated During the Two Year Gap

Since the end of the manga as well as Brotherhood, I’ve observed a chunk of the FMA fandom adopting the notion that Edward and Winry do not begin their romantic relationship until the exchange at the train station, two years after the Elric brothers have been home. Admittedly, this fanon has always been a pet peeve of mine, and it was one that I actively ignored, even as an awkward high schooler that had not yet been in a romantic relationship.

As awkward as Edward is, it’s odd to me that many people believe that he would skip the process of building a solid romantic relationship with Winry before asking her to marry him. Sure, they’re best friends and have known each other since childhood, but, ask yourself: if you were in love with your best friend, would you propose marriage at random, having never made your feelings known, before? I’m not a betting woman, but I think it’s safe to say most, if not all of you, wouldn’t.

We’re going to take a look at several moments within the manga and Brotherhood that serve to hint towards Ed and Winry engaging in a romantic relationship during those two years spent in Resembool.

I’ll be opening with Brotherhood’s fifth opening, “Rain”. It has always intrigued me that the version of Truth Edward sees takes on the form of Winry. I’ve had many theories regarding this that I’ve shared in the Edwin Discord server, but, recently, while researching Truth for a oneshot I’m writing, I discovered this in Truth’s trivia section:

For some reason, in the fifth Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood opening "Rain", Winry Rockbell appears as Truth. Perhaps Winry is what Ed needed most at the time of the episode in which the opening first aired. Another possible reason for Winry's appearance in the opening "Rain": at this point, the scene is playing a review of Edward's review of his journey to this point. When he faces Truth originally, and is then dragged backward through his Door (his ten year old self), he glimpses an outline of Trisha, the object of his sacrifice that brought him to the Portal of Truth, and also the most important female in his life at that time. But in "Rain", he sees Winry instead of Trisha, the current object of his affections and, after regaining Alphonse's body, his goal. A third possibility, is that Winry-as-Truth, was meant to show what he desired as a trap, fitting the next scene: of him screaming within a Philosopher's Stone, before images of every homunculus except Greed. Winry, his desire that tempts him away from what must be done, and the homunculi, whom he must face to succeed.

When we assess the second theory listed in Truth’s trivia section of its wiki page, it is easy to conclude that Edward, though a typical teenage boy concerning romance (not to mention emotionally constipated), came to some sort of realization regarding his feelings towards his best friend. Alphonse has always been his priority since the night the brothers performed human transmutation; he never thought of his future past that. He saw his goal—get his and Al’s original bodies back—and was determined to achieve it. It was the only thing he saw in his future for years. And, suddenly, his father returns, and the fate of Amestris (perhaps, the world, even) is thrust upon him. This, I believe, is what forces Edward to face the emotions he never bothered to acknowledge. There was always a possibility of failure on the Promised Day—Father could have succeeded, and any future Edward envisioned for himself would be unobtainable. He suddenly saw himself sharing his life with his best friend, the woman he had fallen for at some point in his life. Sure, he denied having feelings for her time and time again throughout the series (Hawkeye, anyone?), but that can be chalked up to being a typical teenage boy. Not to mention, he didn’t have time to think about being with Winry. He acted selflessly, focused on getting his little brother’s body back and fulfilling the promise he made to him.

This is somewhat touched upon in the third theory on Truth’s wiki page—the feelings he has for Winry tempt him away from the task at hand. While it does not tempt him away from the promise he made Al, it tempts him away from saving the country. While Edward is not so selfish as to abandon his friends and family on the Promised Day, he does urge Winry to take Pinako and Den out of the country, saving them from the country-wide human transmutation. Though he does not say he will join them, the request is still selfish on Ed’s part. He cares deeply for Winry, and Pinako has become a found family member for the brothers. While he’s unsure if he will make it out alive, he at least wants Winry to see another day.

At the end of “Rain” we see that the storm has cleared, as shown by the sun shining on Winry. She watches Ed sleep peacefully, a smile on his face. This is what Ed wants, this is the goal he wants to achieve after regaining Al’s body—a happy life with Winry.

This moment will be talked about briefly—in opening 4, “Period” (my favorite), Ed and Al pass through each other and look to their surroundings, noticing that they’re alone. Their world comes back into their view with the assistance of those who matter most to them. Winry is seen smiling behind Edward, reminding him that he isn’t alone. Being the first person he sees (or thinks of, depending on how you look at it), it speaks volumes as to Winry’s importance in Edward’s life. She is so much more to him than his mechanic and best friend.

In a blink and you’ll miss it moment, Edward thinks back to those who have impacted his life in a positive way when facing Truth one last time. Truth asks him multiple times if he’s certain on giving up his alchemy; Edward hears the voices of Roy, Riza, Hohenheim, Armstrong, Izumi, Mei, and Alphonse calling out his name. After a brief pause, he hears Winry, This is when Ed proudly asks, “Who needs alchemy when I’ve got them?”

The pause is significant. Ed is able to think of the others—familial and platonic relationships—without missing a beat. When he thinks to Winry, however, there is a pause. We hear her call out his name as he looks Truth in the eye. His goal has been achieved—he is able to sacrifice his Gate to bring his brother’s body back. With this in mind, and with Father having been defeated, Ed is free to think towards the future, and that is a future involving Winry. The pause symbolizes Ed’s freedom to do so, as well as his next goal, so to speak: live an “ordinary life” with the woman he loves.

There is a time skip of at least two months following the Promised Day. This specific scene is worded different between the English dub and the subbed versions. As shown above, Alphonse asks his brother if he’s “…sure about Winry…” in the subbed version as they return home. While we would expect to see Edward freak out to some degree (i.e. spitting out his coffee when asked by Hawkeye; reciting the periodic table when remembering the conversation in Winry’s presence) he only stares at his little brother questioning my. The question by Al suggests that he and Ed had some form of discussion regarding the latter’s feelings towards their best friend. To ask someone if they’re sure of something suggests that the individual has made some sort of decision. For example, one may ask me if I’m sure about my decision to go to college, something I’ve made known to those around me. During those two months spent in Central, or even during the train ride home to Resembool, the brothers had to have discussed Winry. Alphonse is not only Edward’s little brother, but his best friend and confidant. He can tell him anything without fear of judgment, and he feels safe in divulging what he thought of as selfish desires now that his brother has his body back.

In the English dub, the question is worded differently. Alphonse instead asks “What about you and Winry?” While not entirely the same as the Japanese, this question does continue to emply that Edward spoke of his feelings to Al at some point. This line is Al’s way of asking his brother what his plans with Winry are now that they’re home—how will he go about sharing his feelings with her?

Sadly, we don’t get an answer to either version of the question, as the Rockbell home comes into view and the boys prepare to make their return.

Now, to the most compelling evidence, in my opinion… The white hoodie.

Remember the hoodie Edward returns home in? Just a plain ok’ hoodie, right? No significance whatsoever. Or so we all thought.

Two years after their return, Winry is seen wearing the same hoodie when she sees Edward off to the West (in both Brotherhood and manga!). Now, why would a simple friend have possession of your hoodie? Sure, people share clothing all of the time, but it carries a much deeper meaning when both parties have feelings for each other.

Winry had this hoodie before Ed’s awkward marriage proposal, not after, and while this may be the only canon scene we see her in it, the artists for Brotherhood drew Winry in the hoodie at an earlier time.

Notice how Ed’s and Al’s outfits are different from what we see them in in their final scenes. (Note: It’s easy to argue that Al’s outfit is the same, but he actually lacks the tie he wears in his final scene!) The trio seem to be headed for Trisha’s grave, hence the flowers and the cemetery in the background. Winry is seen in that same hoodie she wears at the train station, and the same hoodie Edward wore home. While her outfit is not different whatsoever from the train station (lazy artists, maybe?) this artwork clearly takes place prior to the seeing the brothers’ off on their journeys. She’s also seen carrying a basket, presumably with apple pie, as the basket has made appearances in other Brotherhood art. It’s clear the trio plan to stay out for awhile, which leads me to doubt that even Alphonse is headed out in this day.

Can we also take notice of the heel on Winry’s shoes? She’s clearly shorter than Ed by a lot. Guess she just can’t handle it.

When you have feelings for someone, you don’t just hand them your hoodie for fun. The boyfriend hoodie, as I’ve dubbed it, is a common thing seen in various types of media. When in a relationship, the other party steals their partner’s hoodie and wears it proudly, even if it’s a bit too big for them (also seen in the manga, as the sleeves reach well past the middle of Winry’s hands). Do you really think Edward would let her steal the hoodie he came home in if they were still just friends? He would freak out to some degree and snatch it back. It’s a different story if the two of them are in a relationship.

With how awkward this boy is, there is no way in hell he let two years go by without confessing, only to propose out of the blue before leaving. While the proposal itself was awkward, what proposal isn’t? Rings are dropped, words are jumbled… Nerves get the better of both parties, and that’s what happened here. It wasn’t a confession of feelings, either. When you tell someone you like them (or love) do you ask for half of their life in return for half of yours? Edward was behaving like anyone would when proposing marriage—even if the love you share with your partner is indestructible, there is always that anxiety nagging you in the back of your mind. What if they say no? What if this is too soon? What if I mess up? What if, what if, what if…

In the timeline provided by Arakawa, Edward leaves for the west in 1917. He also marries Winry in the same year. Again, had the proposal been the beginning of their relationship, I just don’t see them marrying so quickly. Edward most likely returned home after a short stint in the western countries, having his fill of traveling, missing his fiancée more than anything. He rushed back home (within six months is my guess) and neither could wait to start their lives together. They’d been together for two years at that point, and lived without making their feelings known for years. I don’t blame them for rushing into their marriage; it’s actually quite cute to think about! But I fail to understand the idea that Ed and Winry kept their feelings for each other under wraps under the same roof for two entire years. Not to mention, Alphonse and Pinako had to have teased the ever-loving hell out of the two of them. There was no way possible they endured two years of that, mixed with awkward, sexually tense encounters.

[ruinsofxerxes]

What bothers me about Mei is that she never even tried to get to know Ed as a person. She goes from objectifying him to villanizing without 0 input from Ed himself. Like when Mei sees him as the Fullmetal Alchemist for the first time Ed just had a really rough few days: the fight with Scar, Winry's breakdown, the fight with Gluttony, Winry's departure, Lan Fan's injury, another fight with Gluttony and Envy, getting stuck in Gluttony's stomach and starving, fight again with Envy, the revelation about Xerxes and the Ishvalan war, finding a solution to a supposedly unsolvable problem, human transmutation of himself using human souls, being deconstructed and getting knowledge crammed into his brain again, seeing Truth and Al's body, realizing his dad's twin is the evil behind all the horror, his evil uncle turning off their alchemy, seeing Greed taking over Ling. That is a huge amount of physical and emotional stress with little or no rest in between. He's hurt and tired, he's being pinned by giant Envy and in comes this girl he's only seen once before defending Scar and starts screaming at him about breaking her heart and physically attacking him. I know it was supposed to be funny and we should think that her selfish and toxic behavior is cute, but I could never see it that way. She decides in this moment without actually talking to him that Ed is worthless, because his appearance is dirty after going through all this suffering and he's not as tall as she assumed, so she treats him as trash from then on and refuses to take her filter off for even a minute. This is a pretty big character flaw of hers for me.

I just hope Alphonse will put her straight at some point on this, since he knows and loves his brother. I'm missing the resolution / exploration of this from fanfictions and I'd like to see Mei admitting to this, maybe saying sorry to Ed and actually getting to know him as a person. If you or anyone knows a fic about this topic, I'd be very thankful for the suggestion. I hope you have a nice day!

I don’t think she really villainizes him or thinks he’s worthless. Yeah, her reaction to him being “ugly” was definitely over the top and it definitely crushed her fantasies about him, but as the series goes on, she DOES see Ed as a person, not just her ruined fantasy, and they become allies. Ed has definitely moved past it, he barely knew what was going on to begin with, I don’t think he really cared what some random 12 year old girl thought about him because we never see him bring it up, he kinda had bigger things to worry about.

They weren’t exactly friends, all things considered, she was sided with Scar and Ed and Al were still against him. I’m the beginning, yeah, she does call Ed “It” when talking to Al at Dr. Knox’s which is savage and sees him as an evil little thing but it was only a day or two after she first truly met Ed, she was probably still scorned and it wasn’t enough time for her to mature. At the same time, Ed and Al were still referring to her as “that girl” so I think they just....didn’t even think about her much until they needed her alkahestry

Weeks if not months pass before they meet again. When they do, all Mei does is tell Ed he “isn’t her type” which isn’t a bad thing for her to do?? She doesn’t call him ugly or worthless or anything.

And Ed doesnt seem to care either what she thinks of him, he just wants her knowledge. There doesnt seem to be any animosity from him about what happened (and he finally started calling her by her name lol)

After this, they don’t interact again until the promised day. Months have passed, Mei has grown and matured. We see her begin to form a real friendship with Al and not just have a crush on him. She definitely grows as a person, and she never treats Ed poorly or says anything bad about him again, she hasn’t really since the few days after their interaction in father’s lair.

Let’s not forget SHE saved Ed’s life with Alphonse. And then vehemently apologized to Ed afterward for helping Al. Ed comforts her by saying it wasn’t her fault. If she thought Ed was worthless, she wouldn’t have sacrificed Al, who she loved so much, to save Ed’s life.

Again, no animosity or villainizing between either of them. Even from Ed after what she helped al do.

She even cheered him on when he fought father!!!

And was sad to leave them, saying they’d meet again someday (this might have been directed toward Al, but she didn’t specifically say Alphonse, so think it was toward them both, but more for Al haha)

So idk where you’re getting that she’s toxic and treats Ed like he’s worthless. They might not be friends but by the end they have some sort of respect and allyship. They definitely traded some slight insults during the beginning of the series, but it was mutual, and seems to be only surface level, and they can work together and respect one another when it really matters. Additionally, if she really DID treat Ed badly, I don’t think Al would put up with that, be friends with her, and visit her when he goes to Xing.

Yeah, she definitely could have and should have apologized for freaking out on him when she found out who he was. But I don’t see any evidence that Ed even had that much thought about it after it happened. I think by the end they’ve both grown past that. Mei saw him as evil little caricatures like once or twice offhandedly, but the majority of the time she doesn’t treat him poorly?? She just treats Al with much more affection and respect. And I think as the series goes on, she matures and treats Ed with respect as well.

Idk any fics about that, sorry!! But I hope you have a nice day as well!!!! Also, unrelated, but while I was looking at manga pages, I found the cutest panel of Xiao Mei clinging to Dr. Marcoh

[aquietwritingcorner]

Sicktember Day 27: Blankets Word Count: 1018 Author: aquietwritingcorner/realitybreakgirl Rating: G/K Characters: Edward Elric, Alphonse Elric Warning: Summary: Al is cold. Ed’s arm is cold. Al comes up with a solution. Notes: AO3 || ff.net

 _______________________________________

Blankets

“Here you go, Al, I got you another one.”

“Thanks, Brother.” Alphonse looked up at Ed with a smile, glad that he could actually feel the muscles in his face smile. It was such a foreign feeling after five years without being able to feel a thing. It was such a wonderous feeling that he had found himself making all sorts of expressions just to be able to feel the muscles moving in response to what he wanted to do or how he felt.

“Al,” came Ed’s warning voice. “You’re doing it again.”

“Oh! Sorry, Brother. It’s just such a wonderful thing to be able to move my face again, to show expression.”

Ed paused, thinking about it, and then moved his face around a little. “Yeah. I suppose it is.” He left that thought behind, though, and draped the blanket he was carrying around Al’s shoulders, where it sat on top of the other four he already had wrapped around him. “I hope that’s enough for you. I think the nurses are getting concerned at the number of blankets I keep bringing in here.” He looked back at the door, a little suspiciously. “I think one of them is starting to keep count.”

Al laughed, marveling at all the sensations that went along with that and pulled the blankets closer around him. “Sorry. I’m just so cold.”

“Yeah, well, who’s surprised?” Ed put his hands on his hip and looked Al up and down. “You’re so thin there’s no way there’s any fat on you to keep you warm.”

“What about you?” Al asked, nodding his head towards Ed’s restored arm. “Isn’t your arm cold?”

Ed made a face. “It is. But do you know how hard it is to just wear one sleeve? They don’t make jackets like that, apparently, and Mustang threated me within an inch of his life if he caught me tearing up one of the uniforms like that.” A pause. “Not that he could tell,” Ed muttered. He cleared his throat and raised his voice again. “If they’ll let you out of here, maybe you should go sit with Lieutenant Hawkeye. She’s freezing too, because of the blood loss. You two could keep each other company.”

“Maybe so,” Al said, smiling again. He had been worried about everyone for a bit, but he was glad to hear that they were making their own recoveries. He watched as Ed rubbed his thin arm, it clearly colder than the rest of him. “There’s got to be something we can do to keep your arm warm,” he said.

“Yeah, but what?” Ed said. “I don’t know, maybe if I had a cape or something. Not practical, but it would do and look really cool…”

“I know,” Al said as an idea struck him. “Come here.”

Ed looked at him curiously, but did as his brother suggested.

“Sit here,” Al said, indicating the spot in front of him, near the opening of the blankets.

“Okay…” Ed said, sitting down.

“No, no,” Al said. “The other way. With your skinny arm facing me.”

Still curious, Ed did as he requested, switching sides.

“Scoot closer,” Al said. “As close as you can get.”

“What are you up to, Al?” Ed asked as he scooted closer.

“You’ll see. Just wait.” Al waited until Ed was as close as he could get, and then he reached out, pulling Ed’s arm to him, and burying it in his layers of blankets. “There we go!”

Ed blinked at him, and then smiled. “Yeah, hey. This might work.”

“For a little bit, anyway,” Al said. “And in the meantime, I get to hold on to you.”

Ed turned his arm so that he could give Al’s hand a squeeze. “And I get to hold on to you, Little Brother. It’s been a while.”

“Mm,” Al nodded. “It really has.”

“Hey—remember when we were little, and we used to beg mom to let us build a blanket fort?” Ed asked.

“Oh yeah! Every time she would let us, we’d cry and get upset when it had to come down.” Al said, thinking back.

“Yeah,” Ed said with a grin. “She threatened not to ever let us build another one if we kept putting up a fuss like that.”

“I remember,” Al said. “Remember when we did it at Teacher’s?”

“Do I!” Ed said. “Sig had seen us, and just walked on. But when Teacher came in, I was sure we were going to get in trouble.”

“I think that we might have been about to,” Al said, “If Sig hadn’t of walked back in at that moment with an arm full of blankets for us to expand our fort with.”

Ed laughed. “She can’t refuse him anything, can she?”

“No,” Al shook his head. “They’re too in love.”

Ed tilted his head back, looking at the ceiling. “Do you remember during the summers, when Granny and Mom would let you, me, and Winry lay out on blankets under the stars all night long?”

“I do,” Al said. “We’d lay there for hours and talk about all sorts of things, like what we wanted to do when we grew up.”

Ed rolled his head so he could look at Al. “It didn’t exactly turn out like we planned, did it?”

Al shook his head but smiled. “No, it didn’t.” He let the quiet settle over them for a moment. “Hey, Brother?”

“Yeah, Al?”

“When I’m better and they let me out of here, do you think we could go do that?”

“Do what?”

“Lay out under the stars on blankets. You, me, and Winry. Lay out there together and just… talk.”

Ed smiled at Al and squeezed his hand tighter. “Sure thing, Al. We can do anything you want to.”

“Good.” Al said and smiled at his brother once more and settling under the blankets.

Maybe the future was uncertain, and maybe there was no telling what might happen next. But for the moment, Alphonse would be happy to stay in this pile of blankets, as long as his brother was by his side.

[its-still-cuppi-cakes]

🍭💞Ally's not-so-sweet week🍭💞

Genderbend Alphonse (Ally) x Seth!

Summary: @rwar 's version of Genderbend Alphonse, Ally, has her time of the month and Seth tries his best to make her feel better!

♡◇♡◇♡◇♡◇♡

Ally whined into her boyfriend's neck, feeling yet again another wave of cramps hit her. Seth, who was on his laptop, rubbed her lower back, kissing her head as his typed out something.

"I know, Princess," he whispered into her ear, trying to comfort her. "The pills should be settling in soon." Ally nodded, hugging the broad shouldered man's neck as she sat on his lap.

She was wearing nothing but a pair of black booty shorts and her pink and black croptop. Yawning, she rested her cheek on his jacket.

"Whatcha typin, babe?" She asked, looking at his face as he concentrated. "Just some things to help your cramps."

"Oh.. Anything interesting you find?" Seth smirked. "Well, we could fuck," the cryptic suggested. Ally lifted her head, glaring at him. "No." She answered firmly. "Come onnnn~ I know you'd like it~," Seth said, kissing pink haired girl's neck.

She meowled and hit his arm. "Stop it, Seth. That's not funny." Seth sighed and stopped kissing her.

"You can eat some bananas." "No, don't have any." "How about doing some exercise?" "Do I look like I can walk, let alone jog on a treadmill?" "Okay then, no caffeine." "That's just mean. I can't function without that shit."

Seth scolded her. "You're not really leaving me any other options here other than sleep and pills." "That's all I need."

Seth slapped Ally's ass. "Ow! What the fuck was that for?!" "For one, sassing me. And two, you can at least attempt some of these."

Ally grumbled, using her pouty lip. "I don't wannaaaaaaaaa.." Throwing her head back dramatically, Seth rolled his eyes. "Drama queen.." Kissing her cheek, he rests her head back onto his shoulder. "Still my bubblegum princess though."

--------

"Princess.. hey.. wake up. Food's done," Seth whispered, kissing Ally's lips. Her hair a mess, eyes half opened, she groaned. "Noo.. I don't wanna leeeeeave.." the pale girl whined, hugging her pillow, like it would save her.

Seth chuckled, picking the short girl up. "Up and at em, Babygirl." Walking down the hall, he sat her on the couch.

He kissed her lips, and she smiled a bit. "I'll get your plate." He mumbled, covering her lower half with a pre-heated blanket. "Mkay.. I love you.."

"I love you too, baby."

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

"Seeeth.. why did I have to come to the store with youuu..?" Ally whined as Seth walked to the cart at the front of Walmart.

"Because, I need to get you supplies and you get to pick candy and snacks." Grabbing a cart, he put his jacket on the bottom. Picking Ally up, he put her in the cart.

"Now, you don't have to walk." He smiled as she grinned a little. "Oh.. Thank you," she replied, putting her hand on top of his. "Anything for my princess."

Kissing her head, he walked, pushing his girlfriend in the cart, straight to the period care aisle.

Ally grabbed the brand she used, and the overnight ones in the same brand. Seth grabbed the medicine she uses that was on a higher shelf.

"I also need the tampons.." She said, pointing to the small, clear containers. Seth looked at them. "How do you even push these up there?" He asked, looking at the wrappers.

Ally giggled, taking the container out of his hand. "I'll tell you when we get back home."

[fullmetalscullyy]

royai week day 4 - communiqué

summary: roy has an announcement to make to everyone

rated: g | words: 2084 | tags: royai, post-canon, romance, marriage, marriage announcement, marriage of convenience, kinda? bc they just have~ to do it but it works out for them, basically royai using royai to further their agenda

read on ao3 | read on ffnet

“Good afternoon,” Roy greeted with confidence into the microphone atop the podium in front of him. Hundreds of pairs of eyes stared back expectantly, and while that should have been unnerving, his excitement at the upcoming announcement kept the feeling at bay. This communiqué had been a long time coming, crafted from years of subtle diversion, and playing a tactical game. Now, it was coming to fruition. It was all still part of their game, but Roy had a personal stake in this part of it too. It was still a win for both parties involved.

A huge personal win.

Up there, on the podium, he was completely exposed. While that was dangerous for someone like him with such high political standing, Roy trusted the eyes that were watching his back implicitly. He does not turn complacent, but is more than confident in their abilities. He trusts each and every one of his subordinates to ensure the day goes well and without incident.

“Today’s announcement,” Roy continued, “will hopefully put to rest any fears you may have had regarding me assuming the role of your leader. Fuhrer Grumman has led this country exceptionally well over the last five years but feels ready to step down. As you all know, I have been named his successor and will make a promise to you all now, this country’s citizens, that I will do my utmost to ensure I do my best by you.”

There was a pleased applause after he finished, accompanied by a quiet murmur.

He meant every word, but that was not the reason Roy had taken the stage that day.

“I would also like you to know that I’ve heard the rumours surrounding me,” he smirked, letting his gaze sweep across the crowd before him. Out the corner of his eye, he noticed how this had piqued the interest of those in the audience with the various media outlets. Their ears perked up at the mention of rumours, understandably. “I am aware of the public’s opinion on a bachelor like myself being given the title of Fuhrer. However, I have come here today to offer my reassurances.”

Some people in the crowd turn to one another, momentarily confused by what he’s saying. Roy smirked to himself, thinking of his own private joke before he opened his mouth to finally reveal to the world something he has wanted to for over two decades.

“As you can imagine, this will be a busy transition period for us, so I hope you will extend your respect, as well as privacy, to both myself and my new fiancé as we navigate this new chapter in our lives. I can assure you though, an official date for my upcoming wedding will be announced soon.”

It was like the crowd had frozen. A few jaws went slack, and mouths parted in shock as they processed the news faster than others.

“More news will come in due time. Thank you.”

With a simple bow of his head, Roy stepped back from the microphone and turned to look at the stunned officials up there with him. Breda and Havoc approached, nonplussed by the news, and started to escort him off the stage.

There was a split second where the world was completely still, as everyone was still processing what he’d just announced. Then, everything felt like it exploded. The crowd erupted into applause and cheers. Cameras flashed in desperation to capture the moment that Roy Mustang, the most eligible bachelor in Amestris and a well-known womaniser in his younger years, announced he was engaged, and his wedding would be announced soon.

Roy can hear some of the questions being yelled by the reporters.

“Who are you due to marry?”

“What’s her name?”

“General Mustang! When did this happen?”

He ignored them all, for all would be revealed in due time. It was enough for now that it had been announced. Roy never planned on revealing anything else other than that today anyway. He would have loved to. He can’t wait for the day he can finally give the order to give the announcement, but he must hold off. The mystery will drum up interest in their favour. It will draw eyes to them and get people talking. No other Fuhrer had caused quite as much a stir as he had, and Roy wasn’t even officially in office yet. He was popular and well liked among the masses. Not as much as the Fullmetal Alchemist, the alchemist of the people, but Roy’s work over the years had built up a perfectly crafted reputation for him. It played well into his plans.

A womaniser who announces he’s settling down with someone who is a complete mystery. It was interesting news. Especially for the imminent ruler of the country.

The public ate it up, desperate to know. Out the corner of his eye he could already see heads bowed together in excitement as they gossiped about the news while Roy walked off the stage.

He was led by his security team into a private room within the building behind them. Havoc gave him a quick nod in response to his order, reaching for the door handle and pulling it closed behind him. Breda was down the hall, already speaking into microphone after microphone in order to soothe public relations about the surprise announcement. Poor guy, but he did volunteer. Having Breda assure them, but give nothing away, would only cause more intrigue. If Roy went out there and spoke to them all, they’d never let him leave.

His shoulder slumped now he was away from prying eyes. Not with fatigue, but just to relax. The initial phase had finally started, and his plans were set in motion. While he did have a personal stake in this and was more than happy to go along with it, it could certainly be draining. But then again, nothing had ever been simple between them.

The door opened as he was pouring himself a glass of water. He reached for a second glass and smirked, not turning around because he knew who it was who’d entered. His order to Havoc was to permit only one person entrance to the room.

“Did you really have to do it so dramatically?”

There was a grin on his face as he turned on the spot, coming face to face with his fiancé. Well, according to the country, she was still his fiancé. Nobody, except from them and his team, was aware that they were already married, and had been so for a while. While touring Aerugo last month they’d taken a clandestine trip to one of the islands off the coast to the south. It was just the two of them, the team, and his mother in attendance. Gracia had made the trip, and so had Edward and Alphonse, along with their respective families. Everyone who mattered most to Roy was there to witness them come together as a couple.

Marriage was not the be all and end all for him and Riza. They already knew where they stood with each other and what their relationship was. They had done so for years, and the ring that nestled comfortably on the end of his dog tags proved that. The legal document was just a formality at this point and given his current position as leader of the country, it would be necessary. So, they’d compromised. A private, personal ceremony for them to do things their way, exchanging the rings they’d already given each other years ago. The grand wedding that was yet to come was for the masses, not for them. Once the official ceremony happened, he would move the ring onto his ring finger where it had always belonged and where he’d always wanted to wear it.

Riza’s lifted one eyebrow expectantly, awaiting his answer.

“They expect a show,” he shrugged, “so I’m going to give it to them.”

“So, our official wedding is just a show,” she deadpanned.

His expression softened at her light teasing. “Our official wedding has already happened,” he reminded her. “In case you had forgotten, we are already legally married.”

“I hadn’t,” she placated as she approached him, “but you need to stop talking about it so openly. You were the one who suggested keeping it a secret, and the walls have ears,” she replied cryptically. Once close enough, she brushed a piece of invisible lint off his immaculate uniform and his shoulder tingled where she’d ran her hand over it.

“Let them listen,” he shrugged again. Roy lifted a hand to rest upon her hip as he grasped one of hers, lifting them both to rest between their bodies. He bent his head forward and kissed the backs of her knuckles, a small, fond smile playing on his lips. “It doesn’t matter now that our news is out.”

“Part of the news is out,” she reminded him. “You were quite adamant about only revealing some of the truth so early on,” Riza smirked. “It will be a busy transition period for us, after all,” she quoted back to him with mock sympathy.

His eyes rolled fondly.

“So,” she continued, extracting her hand from his and taking a step backward to put some distance between them. Roy felt like a petulant child, pouting at her actions. “We must keep up pretences and give ourselves the time and space we need to adapt to our new circumstances and navigate through it.”

“You’re no fun,” he complained, his tone nearly a playful whine.

“I know, dear,” she replied, sounding like she didn’t particularly care he felt that way. Roy was only joking though, of course.

“How did it look from up there?”

Riza’s perch had been on the roof of the building behind him, on the lookout for anyone who may wish harm upon him, along with her own elite security team.

She snorted lightly. “I will admit, it was entertaining to see the looks on their faces.”

“They were very surprised,” he chuckled, pleased with himself.

“It’s never a dull moment with you.”

“I would hope not because you’re stuck with me now, fiancé,” he grinned.

“Unfortunately,” she deadpanned quietly. When he scowled at her, she laughed loudly, her smile reaching her eyes.

For a moment, Roy is enraptured by her beauty. Her grin lit up his whole world and the sound of her laughter pulled at the stings of his heart pleasantly.

He is married to this woman, he thought to himself, and still couldn’t quite believe it.

After so long… After so many years of ignoring feelings and holding back – or trying to – now he didn’t have to.

Although it was his plan to delay the information given, he really wished it wasn’t. He wanted to go back out there and tell everyone how much he loved and cherished this woman before him.

All in due time. And the pay off when that day finally comes will be so worth it.

They’ve both waited for so long. Roy could stick it out for a few more days. What was more important was holding this woman close and loving her so freely like he has always wanted, and Roy planned to do just that.

Riza smirked and didn’t shrug him off as Roy wrapped his arms tightly around her frame. He pulled her close and kissed her, trying to convey just how much he loved her with one kiss alone. She hummed against his lips pleasantly as her arms lifted to loop around his neck. One hand slowly, tantalisingly, trailed up the back of his neck, making him shudder. She noticed and grinned against him. When her nails scratched lightly against his scalp and Roy groaned, Riza’s smile widened. She knew exactly what she was doing to him. She could play him like a fiddle, but Roy didn’t mind at all. There’s no way he was going to stop her ministrations when they felt so good.

“I love you,” he breathed. His chest heaved with his breath and the words almost got stuck in his throat, both from the emotions overwhelming him and their passionate kiss.

“Love you too, Roy.” When she pulled away to look at him, Roy didn’t let her move far. Their noses were almost touching but he could see her expression soften. She looked so happy and content. So in love. Which was exactly how he felt too.

They both couldn’t wait to start this new chapter in their lives together.

[jiejie-eonni-onee-sama]

Speaking her language

For the charming @empress-writes​ 💙💛🧡💖

Hope you’ll like the story!

The South of France is a safer place for the Basterds, as they took a break after their last mission.

They were currently hidden in a remote cottage near the small village of Gassin. Its inhabitants were kind and helpful, which was a blessing for Aldo Raine and his men.

"No news from the superiors, Lieutenant?"

"Na yet, Donny. But ya can be sure that we're gonna heard about them, one way or another!"

"So, let's enjoy our free time!" happily exclaimed Hirschberg as he ate a piece of cake.

"Can you sometimes stop eating, you glutton?" admonished Andy.

"But Mrs. Dupin's pies are so delicious!"

As the others were gently chatting, Wicki was gazing at (Y/N) (L/N), the only woman in the group. He could not help but smile while looking at her as she read a book. 

If you ask him, he would probably answer that everything she did was perfection. To sum up, he fell heels over head in love with the woman.

Of course, the other Basterds were aware of it and never missed an opportunity to tease him about his crush. Even Hugo loved taunting him!

Wilhelm's daydreaming was interrupted by Utivitch, who shyly asked:

"Hey, (Y/N)?"

"Yes, Smithson?" answered the woman with a gentle smile.

"What are you reading?"

"Oh, I was reading Les lettres de mon moulin by Alphonse Daudet. It is a French collection of short stories about Provence!"

"Okay... Wait, you understand French?"

She laughed.

"Uti, can you remind us what is my job here?"

"She is the translator, you dummy!" growled Hugo.

"Don't be so harsh, Stiglitz!" scolded Hicox.

"Indeed, I am the translator of the group."

"Of course!"

"By the way, how many languages do you speak?" inquired Omar.

A sly grin appeared on her face.

"What if we played a little game?"

"YES! A GAME!" happily screamed Andy, Michael, and Simon.

"Ouch! My ears!" grumbled Wicki.

"Okay, let's play! What are the rules, doll?" asked Donny.

"It's simple: I'll talk in a language to each of you in turn, and you have to guess how many languages I can speak!"

"Sounds good to me! Start whenever ya want, pretty!"

Suddenly, all the Basterds were quiet and waited for (Y/N).

While she was mentally choosing the first player, the other Basterds noticed the enamored gaze of Wicki towards the blonde woman. Time to play some trick on the suitor...

"I'm going to start with... Mr. Hicox!"

"I'm always ready, my dear!"

"Eres muy guapo. ¡Un verdadero caballero!" (You're very handsome. A real gentleman!)"

"Mmmmh... I would say that you speak Spanish!"

"Exactly!"

"And what did you say?"

"I told you that you were handsome, and you look like a real gentleman!"

The Basterds laughed and whistled.

"Well, milady, you're absolutely astonishing! Hearing you speaking Spanish is like listening to a nightingale!" answered the British spy with a seductive wink.

The young woman chuckled before asking:

"You sweet-talker! Alright! Who's next?"

"Why won't you ask Omar?" snickered Michael.

"Go to hell!" grunted the latter.

"Don't worry, Omar: it's only for fun. Are you ready?"

A charming smile came across Omar's face:

"Please, go ahead!"

"Okay... Nǐ hěn yǒnggǎn, wǒ hěn gāoxìng chéngwéi nǐ de péngyǒu!" (You're brave, and I'm happy to be your friend!)

Omar was puzzled.

"It does not sound like a European language..."

"You're right, it's not from Europe..."

"Mh, that's tricky... I don't know!"

"Give it a try!" she gently encouraged him.

The soldier scratched the back of his head:

"Er... Is it Japanese?"

"Sorry, but no. It was Chinese!"

"CHINESE? REALLY?" yelled Omar under the laughs of his comrades.

"Yes, indeed. I learned it when I was younger, thanks to my nanny who came from Shangai! And if you want a translation, it means that you're brave and I am happy to be your friend!"

"Alright... Well, thank you! It was beautiful! Especially when it comes from you!"

"You charmer!"

Wicki raised an eyebrow: he started to guess what his friends were doing, and he was not pleased...

"Fine, let's go back to the game, would you? The next one will be... Donny!"

"At your orders, baby doll!" 

"Then, I start... Sei forte e affascinante! E amo il tuo sorriso!" (You're strong and charming! And I love your smile!)

"Ah, so easy! Italian!"

"Bravo! You're right!"

"And what did you mean?"

"I said Donny is strong and charming... and I love his smile!"

Donny put his large hands on his chest, faking to be enthralled.

"And she speaks Italian! Gosh, this woman is perfect!"

He blew her a kiss.

"Please, receive this proof of love from a Bostonian guy!"

Laughing at his antics, (Y/N) mimicked catching the kiss and holding it against her heart.

"Thank you, Donny!"

As for Wilhelm, he gets annoyed. He did not know if they were trying to woo her for real or if they were just pissing him off. In both cases, he hated them at the moment.

"Okay. For the next turn, I'll ask for... Lieutenant Raine!"

"Here I am, pretty woman!"

"Fine, let's go... 'ant qayid rayie qawiun washajae wajadhab jadana!" (You are an astounding leader. Sturdy, brave, and so attractive!)

"Uh, that's a tricky one! Sounds like the Cree language..."

"Unfortunately, Lieutenant, I don't speak Native American languages."

"Okay... So, is it Danish?"

"No."

"Hm... Perhaps Portuguese?"

"Wrong answer. It was Arabic!"

"WOAH!" exclaimed all the Basterds, impressed.

"God, you awe me! And what did you mean?"

"I was saying that you are an astounding leader and that you are sturdy, brave, and attractive!"

Aldo smirked and gave her his best seductive face.

"Girl, give me back my heart, would ya? You stole it since the first day!"

(Y/N) heartily laughed.

"Please, Lieutenant: you're a charmer!"

"Only for you, sweetheart!"

"Verräter!" (Betrayer!) gritted Wicki.

"Fine, let's go! I choose... Andy!"

"At your service, milady!"

"Okay, I start... Du är söt när du ler." (You're cute when you smile)

"Uh... Does this language exist?"

"Of course!"

"Okay, Kagan: use your brains... Ah, I know: Danish!"

"Almost..."

"Swedish?"

"Good answer!"

"Well done, Kagan!" laughed Archie.

"Thanks, sir... But I'm sure that if (Y/N) goes to Sweden, they would hate her!"

"Why?"

"Look at her smile: it's like the sun, the snow would melt in a blink!"

"Oh My God, Kagan! That was the corniest thing I've ever heard!" roared Michael as he clutched his sides.

"Well, I find it cute. Thank you, Andy!"

"You're welcome... By the way, what did you mean?"

"Oh, I said that you're cute when you smile!"

Kagan fiercely blushed.

"Thank you, Miss..."

"Pleasure is mine... Hey, Michael, do you want to try?"

"I never say no to a challenge, especially from a beautiful lady!"

"Let's see... Vy geniy i prekrasnyy chelovek." (You are a genius and a lovely man). 

"Woah, Woah, Woah! What the hell is that language?"

"I assure you, this is a real language!"

"Uh... German?"

"NO!" answered Wicki and Stiglitz, offended.

"Calm down, guys! Okay, so if it's not German... It's Russian!"

"Bravo!" (Y/N) clapped happily.

"Wait a minute... If I did not miss the track, we know that you speak 6 languages! And I don't know why, but I think you know more!" said Utivitch.

"That's right! Okay, now, who wants to try?"

"I volunteer!" exclaimed Smithson.

"With pleasure! Let's see which language I use with you..." she wondered.

She got an idea and started to speak in a foreign language:

"Anata wa watashi ga imamade deatta naka de mottomo omoshirokute shinsetsuna hitodesu!" (You're the funniest and kindest man I ever met!)

"Ah, I got it! If it's not Chinese... It's Japanese!"

"Splendid!"

"Well done, chap!" laughed Simon as he applauded.

"Thanks, pal. And may I know the meaning of your sentence?"

"Of course! I said that you are the funniest and kindest man I ever met!"

"And they dare to say perfection does not exist! Obviously, they did not meet our lovely (Y/N)!" shouted Utivitch.

"Please, don't exaggerate!" blushed the young woman.

Wicki clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles went white. He swore to God that they would pay for their antics.

"Okay, the next player would be... Simon!"

"Yes, ma'am! Always yours!"

"You trickster! Fine, try to guess this one... אני מאוד מעריך את החברה שלך." (I really appreciate your company)

"No... You speak Hebrew? The language of our people?"

"Indeed."

"But it sounds beautiful when it comes from you! Okay, you know what? After the war, I'll marry you!"

"Oh, Simon! Don't be so crazy!" she laughed.

"I'm already crazy in love with you!"

"And you say I am corny, Michael..." sneered Andy.

"Forget what I said!"

After she stopped laughing, (Y/N) declared:

"So, I think we had three players last. Well, let's the game begin with Hirschberg."

"Hooray! Here I am!"

"Alright! So, try to find this one... Jesteś uroczym żarłokiem." (You're an adorable glutton)

"Well, that's unusual! Er... I don't remember hearing this language before!"

"Give me suggestions!"

"It is a Slavic language?"

"Not at all."

Gerold sighed.

"Damn it, girl! It's a freakin' riddle!"

"Watch your language in front of a lady!" scolded Hicox.

"Don't worry, Archie: I've heard worse before!" said (Y/N) with a smug grin.

"Mh, I don't know... Is it Turkish?"

"Not at all, but I am currently studying this language!"

"Er... Nope, I don't know!"

"It's Polish!"

"My my, she is impressive!" chuckled Aldo as he took a bite of his bread.

"And what did you say?"

"I said that you are an adorable glutton!"

Hearing that, the other Basterds roared with laughter.

"AH AH AH AH! Well done, (Y/N)!" shrieked Utivitch.

"Hey, that's not fair!" yelped Hirschberg.

Upset that she would offend her friend, the woman apologized.

"I'm sorry if I hurt you, Gerold. I did not mean to..."

"It's alright, (Y/N). Likewise, I'll always forgive you!"

"Oh, why?"

"Because you are beautiful!" answered the soldier with a huge smile.

Relieved, she happily laughed while Wicki contained himself to punch someone's face.

"Okay, now, let's go on with Hugo!"

"I'm listening..."

"I'm sure you'll recognize this language... Du erinnerst mich an einen Wolf: einsam, mysteriös und faszinierend." (You remind me of a wolf: solitary, mysterious, and fascinating.)

"German, without hesitation!" smirked Stiglitz.

"Indeed!"

"And what did she say?" asked Donny.

Hugo stood up and walked towards her.

"She compared me to wolf. She said that I am solitary, mysterious, and fascinating..."

"(Y/N) got the point!" smiled Michael.

Stiglitz arrived near the woman and kneeled with deference.

"You won... I surrender to your beautiful voice! I could not resist you speaking my mother tongue with such delicacy!"

"Nice touch, Stiglitz!" exclaimed Archie.

"Oh, Hugo! You must be exaggerating: I'm pretty sure my accent was a disaster!"

"The only thing pretty is you, (Y/N)" grinned Hugo as he gently kissed the woman's hand... while he looked out of the corner of his eyes at Wilhelm with a roguish glance.

"Trottel!" (You jerk)!" gritted the latter through his teeth.

At the same moment, (Y/N) was amused by her friends' antics: they always treated her like a queen and were very respectful towards her. But this time, she felt that there was something else, like if they were playing a prank on someone...

"You guys are all amazing! But let's finish this game with the last player: Wilhelm!"

Hearing his name, Wicki snapped out of his anger and said:

"Yes, I'm ready!"

"Okay so, let's see if you will be able to find this one... Mon cher Wilhelm, tu es un homme courageux, loyal, et séduisant." (My dear Wilhelm, you are a courageous, loyal, and attractive man.)

The Austrian Jewish man smirked:

"Without any doubt, I would say... French!"

"Precisely! You had a good ear!"

"And what did you say to Wilhelm? I'm curious..." asked Hirschberg with a playful tone.

(Y/N) slightly flushed before answering:

"I told him that he was a brave, loyal, and attractive man!"

"How cute!" laughed Aldo.

As for Wilhelm, he was struck: definitely, he was in love! With a smug smile, he said:

"Merci beaucoup pour le compliment, jolie mademoiselle!" (Thank you very much for the compliment, lovely miss!)

(Y/N) was impressed by his hidden talent.

"Oh, what a surprise! I did not know you speak French!"

"I know a few... but I'm sure I would not reach your level!"

"Don't underestimate yourself!"

"Heck, she could give some “private” lessons, if you want!" smirked Andy while wiggling his eyebrows.

"Keep your dirty thoughts for you!" snarled Wicki.

"Okay guys, calm down! Now that everyone answered (Y/N), did anyone count how many languages she can speak?" asked Archie.

"I did sir! And she speaks in 11 languages!" replied Utivitch.

"11 LANGUAGES?" shouted the others.

"Indeed, you counted well, Smithson. But I also speak Portuguese, Dutch, and Slavic languages. And I'm currently learning Turkish, Hindi, Danish, Korean, and Finnish!"

"Girl, are ya planning to learn all the goddamn languages around the world?" asked Aldo, flabbergasted.

"Maybe... Seriously, I've always been interested in languages since I was a little girl and I never stopped my passion! Luckily for me, I was gifted with a good memory..."

"We noticed it." shrugged Hugo.

"Man, we're lucky to have her with us!" stated Hirschberg.

"Well spotted, private!" 

They enjoyed the afternoon, when (Y/N) had to go to the village for some groceries.

Once she left, Wicki turned his angered glare towards his comrades.

"May I know WHAT THE FUCK were you all doing earlier? Wooing her as if you did not know what I felt?"

"Don't be mad, Wicki: we just wanted to make a joke!" said Utivitch who tried to calm his friend.

"I did not find it very funny!" growled the Austrian.

"Don't be so ill-humored! We'll never steal her from you. Of course, we all love her, but she is like a sister or a best friend to many of us!" retorted Kagan.

"Damn right, Kagan. But Wil, ya better tell (Y/N) what ya feel for her! Stop tripping and man up!" ordered Aldo.

"And how I'm supposed to do that?"

"Use your brains, Wicki, and take a guess: why don't you use something she likes to declare your love?" muttered Hugo as he smoked his cigarette.

"Something she likes..." mumbled Wilhelm as he lost himself in his thoughts.

Suddenly, an idea popped up in his mind, and he slightly grinned: maybe he can try something interesting. 

He got up and searched in his bag a book his mother gave him before his departure. Wilhelm felt that the answer to his issue was between the pages of this poetry collection... 

Later in the evening... 

The cool summer night was calm and appeasing for the Basterds as they were finishing the meals brought by their French accomplices. 

At the same time, (Y/N) went for a small walk through the forest. She enjoyed the peaceful surrounding of the woods and sat on a tree stump to gaze at the shining stars who enlightened the dark blue sky.

The young woman slightly shivered as she felt the gentle breeze caress her bare arms.

"Can I join you?" asked a familiar masculine voice.

Startled, she turned and was relieved to see Wilhelm.

"Oh, it's you! You scare me!"

"I'm sorry!"

"It's fine... You can sit with me!"

Thanking her, the soldier sat close to the young woman. 

He felt a knot in his stomach as he was nervous: God, this girl would be the death of him!

He straightened up himself and declared:

"It's a nice night!"

"Indeed: I've always appreciated summer nights. I don't why, but it always soothes me... And it reminds me of this beautiful painting entitled Starry Night."

"Made by Van Gogh in 1888, if I'm right?"

"Exactly. It was a representation of a starry sky in Provence... where we are!"

"Interesting, I did not know this part of the story..." smiled Wicki.

He leaned closer and said:

"You know, this landscape reminds me of a poem..."

"Really?"

"Would you like to listen?"

"I would enjoy it!" (Y/N) smiled.

Wilhelm cleared his throat and declaimed:

Es liegt der heiße Sommer (There lies the heat of summer)

Auf deinen Wängelein; (On your cheek’s lovely art:)

Es liegt der Winter, der kalte, (There lies the cold of winter)

In deinem Herzchen klein. (Within your little heart.)

Das wird sich bei dir ändern, (That will change, beloved,)

Du Vielgeliebte mein! (The end not as the start!)

Der Winter wird auf den Wangen, (Winter on your cheek then,)

Der Sommer im Herzen sein. (Summer in your heart.)

When he finished reciting the poem, he saw a beautiful smile across (Y/N)'s face.

"Wilhelm, it was amazing!"

"Danke. Maybe you know the author..."

"I think it's Heinrich Heine!"

"Exactly! It’s the poem titled There lies the heat of summer."

"He wrote such beautiful masterpieces about love."

She shrugged with a sly smile.

"I'm a helpless romantic!"

"Don't apologize: it's one of your qualities!"

He added with a slight blush on his face.

"Besides, this poem has a special meaning for me..."

"Honestly? Why?"

"Yes. Well, when I was younger, I told my mother that I would say this poem to the girl I want to spend my life with..."

"Oh, that's so charming..."

(Y/N) interrupted herself when she realized what happened.

"Wait a minute... Did you mean that..."

Wicki nodded.

"You've guessed right: I love you, (Y/N). Since the first day in our team, I knew you were meant to me. But I was a coward for a long time and I did not know how to tell you the truth... until tonight!"

There was a silence until the young woman let out a relieved sigh:

"Thank God, what a relief!"

"What do you mean?"

She fidgeted with her fingers, slightly embarrassed.

"You know, Wilhelm... You were not the only one who was shy about their feelings!"

"You mean... that it's reciprocated?"

She agreed with a slight nod and a timid smile.

Assuaged by this revelation, Wicki leaned closer to her face, letting a few inches between their lips.

"Ich liebe dich, (Y/N)..."

"I love you too, Wilhelm..."

And they gently kissed, their lips sealed in a tender moment... 

Meantime, the other Basterds were spying on them, delighted smiles on their faces.

"Finally! He said it!" smirked Aldo.

"Look how cute they are!" grinned Utivitch.

"Indeed, they are. But remember guys: if you want to stay alive, don't cha flirt with her!" stated Donny.

"We took note, Don'. Should we celebrate this new couple?" asked Hirschberg.

"We'll do it when they'll come back to the camp. For now, let's them enjoy this moment alone!" tenderly smiled Andy.

"Gentlemen, we shall come back before they notice our presence. Moreover, we have a celebration to prepare!" simpered Hicox.

"The British's damn right! Let's go, boys!" discreetly cheered Michael.

"I'm so excited! It's like another Valentine's Day!" laughed Simon.

As they went back, Hugo looked back at the lovers with a small grin on his face.

"Well played, Wicki. You managed to speak her language, after all..."

Well, he was right: Wilhelm and (Y/N) found the perfect language between each other: the language of love...

Thank you for the reading!

I hope you’ll like it and I’m looking for your requests!

Take care and see you soon! 😘🥰😍🤩😷

[eizneckam]

Not that this would ever happen, but I like rolling around the idea of fancasts in my head, so here’s some ideas for an Omori fancast (I used mostly anime VAs since they tend to do video games too). I’ll put a couple roles next to the names in case you don’t recognize them so you can look them up:

Main Cast

Sunny/Omori - I mean. This VA would get Persona levels of “no actual voice lines”, since neither of these characters speak until the last 5% of the game, but still… I saw someone suggest Kyle McCarley (Hyde Kido from UNIB, Shinji from Fate/stay night, Narancia from JJBA: Golden Wind) for this, and even if I weren’t a huge fan of Kyle, I still would choose him for this. It’s actually a really good fit. (Of course, this video contains an… interesting alternate suggestion.)

Aubrey - Cassandra Lee (Taiga Aisaka from Toradora!, Kyubey from Madoka Magica). Again, this is a bit of personal bias since she’s one of my favorite VAs, but she can do both the “cute little girl” voice (for Headspace Aubrey) and the “abrasive” voice (for the real Aubrey), so I think this works out really well.

Kel - Two VAs for this one. I think in real life, Kel would be one of those boys who’s tiny and cute when he’s little, but grows up to have a surprisingly deep voice, so for Headspace Kel I went with Brittney Karbowski (Selim Bradley from FMAB, Black Star from Soul Eater) since I think she’s one of the few female VAs that can do an actually good impression of a little boy’s voice. (Maxey Whitehead (Alphonse Elric from FMAB) would also work.) For the real Kel, I would probably go with Austin Tindle (Karma Akabane from Assassination Classroom), since he sounds friendly (though Karma is really anything but).

Hero - This was the hardest one for me, because I feel like Hero’s voice needs to be just right. After a lot of deliberation, I settled on two - Johnny Yong Bosch (Yu Narukami from Persona 4) or Bryce Papenbrook (Shirou Emiya from Fate/stay night). I still don’t know if these are correct, so if you have a better idea, tell me.

Mari - Cristina Vee (Sakura Matou from Fate/stay night and countless others). This is one of those that I can’t really explain, only say that it fits in my head. Don’t you agree?

Basil - ...okay. I’m just going to say - I actually don’t like the “female VA plays young boy” trope. Yes, I know I did it for Kel above, but I used two actresses who I actually think can pull it off - I just don’t think most female VAs are good at it (not that they’re bad actors - it’s just that despite similar pitches, a young boy’s voice still sounds different from an adult woman’s). All that said… there’s no way I hear Basil with a male VA. Maybe one with an extremely high-pitched voice, but until someone can suggest one of those, I’ll go with Lindsay Seidel (Nagisa Shiota from Assassination Classroom). She’s among those few actresses I mentioned who can somewhat pull off the “young boy” voice. Of course, I also chose her because of the similarities between Nagisa and Basil - young man, looks like a girl (kinda), bad parents, seems shy but has a hidden dangerous side, etc. So yeah. (This explanation was unnecessarily long.) ...except several meme videos have also made me read Basil with the voice of Red Van Buskirk (Silver from Real-Time Fandub), which, despite being a joke idea, works scarily well.

Side Characters

Pluto - One of two actors. Either Christopher Sabat or Patrick Seitz, as they are the biggest hams the English-speaking VA community has to offer. (See: Vegeta and Dio.) Now that I’m thinking about it, Sung-Won Cho (a.k.a. ProZD) would be perfect too.

Space Boyfriend - Thanks to Osulan, I am unable to unhear SB as Chase Young (a.k.a. Mephiles from the Real-Time Fandub series). This is not a serious choice, but it’s the only one I have.

Sweetheart - Due to Sweetheart essentially being “Beatrice+Erika minus the nasty bits”, I really want to say Sayaka Ohara (the voice of Beatrice). But I did say English voice actors, so we’ll go with Mela Lee (Rachel Alucard from BlazBlue), mainly because Rachel and Sweetheart are both “elegant lady”-type characters.

Mr. Jawsum - Probably Patrick Seitz again. Yeah, actually I think this one works.

Slime Girls - I really don’t know about this one… Probably Monica Rial for Marina, Jamie Marchi for Molly, and Laura Bailey for Medusa. That sounds about right.

Humphrey - As a joke idea, Humphrey with the voice of Tom Kenny (Spongebob from… well) would be absolutely hilarious. (Imagine Spunch Bop saying “I fucking love air conditioning”.) Anyway, for a real idea, maybe Sonny Strait because Koro-sensei’s and Humphrey’s laughs are eerily similar. (Also, Sonny Strait is scarily good at changing his voice pitch. I would never recognize Krillin, Hughes, and Kyuzo as all being the same person.)

Hooligang - Unfortunately, I couldn’t really think of any except Todd Haberkorn (Ling from FMAB, Italy from Hetalia) for Mikhael, so if you have any ideas, add them.

I’m out of ideas. (Sorry, Polly.) Feel free to debate (politely) and add more.

[presumenothing]

When Riza opens the front door of the Elrics’ flat in Central (which is nominally under their name but potentially occupied by any combination of a remarkable assortment of people at any given time, an alarming percentage of whom scorned mundane things like keys in favour of lock-picking and fifth-floor windows) it’s to find Edward sprawled facedown on the couch, golden hair loose in a veritable halo around him.

Sprawled so throughly, in fact, that he doesn’t even twitch at her entrance, lying still enough that a fainter-hearted person might’ve gone screaming for help.

Fortunately for all concerned, this doesn’t even rank in comparison to some of the histrionics Riza’s been front-line witness to over the years, so she merely closes the door behind her and returns the spare key to the hidden pocket in her purse. “Should I be concerned?”

The lump on the couch lets out a string of wholly intelligible noises.

Riza quirks an eyebrow. “I’m afraid only Alphonse speaks that particular dialect of couch.”

That gets Edward huffing something recognisable as laughter, before pushing himself up far enough so that he can flop over – backwards this time, glaring at the ceiling. 

“Apparently I can’t just pull research all-nighters whenever I want anymore,” he says, in the same sullen groan that other people might’ve used for the doctor says no more drinking ever unless I’ve decided a liver is optional.

“Ah.” Riza doesn’t bother with outward sympathy like she might’ve done usually, because Edward’s never appreciated that, but the sentiment is genuine nonetheless. 

As is her retroactive relief that she hadn’t badgered the General into coming along after all, since she can already imagine him ragging Edward about getting old, and. Well. She’s already suffered through more than her share of juvenile hair-pulling arguments after the demilitarisation council meetings today, thank you very much.

It’s why she’d decided to drop by and see the Elrics now instead of waiting for the weekend; at least when they descend into petty sniping at each other it’s entertaining to watch rather than a complete waste of time.

Though speaking of which – Riza’s just about to ask where Alphonse is when Edward’s low-level grumbling is interrupted by a meow.

He curses under his breath, and since it’s definitely not for Riza’s benefit (she had been present for the swear-off between him and Havoc and Breda, after all) she assumes it’s for the benefit of the smaller lump he’s now untangling from his hair, which resolves into a kitten-shaped bundle as Edward bellows. “AL!”

True to form, Alphonse chooses that moment to – for lack of a more dignified word – sail in through the front door with a paper bag of groceries in either arm. It lends further credence to the betting pool about the Elrics actually having telepathy; Riza’s not a betting person, so her concern is mostly about how many of Roy Mustang’s mannerisms Alphonse appears to have picked up on. 

He smiles brightly as he makes a beeline past her to deposit the bags on the kitchen counter. “Hullo, Colonel Hawkeye.”

Riza nods cordially in return. Any reply she might have made would’ve been drowned out by Edward’s now-louder complaints about cats in his hair.

The feline in question looks fairly unperturbed despite being held like a beaker of flammable propellant (Riza supposes that’s what it’d take, anyway, to approach a sleeping Elric) and Alphonse seems to agree as he homes in on them like a magnet. “Aw, Brother, Cookies likes you! I think it’s the shiny hair.”

Edward holds it even further from his face – not very high, all told, since he’s not gotten up from the couch yet, but out of batting range from his hair. “It does not like me it just wants to make me bald why are you naming your cats after food now Al have you not been eating enough.”

“Not all food,” Alphonse says reproachfully, like this is a reasonable thing to be arguing about. “Some of them are condiments, and if there’s anyone here who’s not been eating properly it’s you. Have you been in the library this whole time since I went out?”

Riza decides to help put away the groceries. A good half of the cupboard labels are scrawled in Xingese, but after all the diplomatic missions she can manage that much.

Edward’s mulish scowl is practically audible anyway.

“I’m really not above persuading every librarian in this city to bar you from entering, y’know,” Alphonse threatens, though it loses much of the intimidation factor when he’s clearly cooing over the bundle of meow. “Don’t make me do it.”

“You wouldn’t have to if those imperial alkahestrists would stop using fucking Riemannian geometry in their arrays, including the extra dimensional variables into the calculations is a bloody pain.”

“Well, it’s far more intuitive if you can feel–”

“–yeah, the Dragon’s Pulse, I know, ugh. But that doesn’t exclude it from having to make sense mathematically, too, and mmmphf.”

Riza glances back into the living room to find that Edward has been derailed by virtue of his brother liberating Cookies to replace it with something actually edible instead, to which Edward’s response is as blessedly predictable as ever. 

Alphonse must catch her looking, as well, or at least he realises that Riza’s not exactly free enough to drop by for a purely social call these days. “Was there something you wanted to discuss with us, Colonel?”

“Something we’d like you both to investigate, yes,” Riza confirms. “No one’s quite sure what’s happening, but it’s probably going to need alchemists to resolve – I’ll pass you the briefing later, but it’s probably easier if I explain first. Shall I make some tea?”

Alphonse nods, leaning over to set Cookie down on one of the cat highways transmuted into the walls of their flat. “Second cupboard from the right, bottom shelf.”

“But not any of the tins with Xingese on it,” Edward pauses in inhaling food to add. “That’s Al’s dead leaf juice collection, it’s vile.”

“Ginseng is good for you, and it’s not a leaf. I know you know this.” Alphonse unceremoniously clears Edward’s feet off the couch far enough for him to sit, earning him a hiss that’s not unlike a cat. “It’s the black tin with gold lettering, Colonel, you can bring some back with you to try if you’d like.”

“That’d be lovely, thank you.” Riza glances through the labels until she finds something low on caffeine; powering through today’s meetings required enough coffee that she might not be entirely imagining the hum in her bloodstream. “I’d also suggest working out actual prices for your consultation work, since bartering favours isn’t going to be sustainable, if you’re planning to go into this for the long term.”

Or rather if they plan on consulting with anyone besides the one person who can be counted on not to forget such favours when it’s convenient, but there’s no need to spell it out with the Elrics.

She unearths a clearly-neglected tin of white tea in time to see Edward flapping a hand carelessly as he pointedly relocates his feet onto Alphonse’s lap. “Take that up with Al.”

Alphonse sighs, but doesn’t otherwise move. “I’ll be happy to listen to any suggestions you might have, Colonel.”

“I can draw up some tables based on what others have charged for similar services in the past,” Riza agrees, like anyone could really offer anything close to what the Elrics have. “Also most tea is dead leaf juice.”

“Exactl– hey!” Edward’s head pops up from the couch like a betrayed prairie dog with a bad hair day. “Whose side are you on!?”

“The winning one,” Riza answers mildly, and sets the kettle to boil while they argue over whose side that is. 

(Cookies pauses on the nearest piece of highway to eye her hair clip, and Alphonse must be right: it does seem to like shiny things. Riza resolves to find out where they keep the cat treats.)

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(more fics here)

[originalhybridloverfics]

Good To You - CH 24

A/N: I'm sorry for the insanely long wait but I hope the length of the chapters makes up for it!

Updates are really slow for me, I have some family stuff that came up, if you follow me on tumblr or twitter you probably already know about it, and on top of that I got sucked into another fandom that has consumed me.

I want to thank everyone who is still reading this story despite the unbelievably slow updates.

Genevieve and Celeste stroll through the cemetery. 

“Oh, I remember this cemetery. Hmm. Hasn't changed a bit.” Genevieve mused. 

“I've been coming here over a century, wearing one face or another,” Celeste replied. 

~*~ ~*~ ~* ~

1919 

Genevieve approaches a woman kneeling in front of a tomb in the Lafayette cemetery, praying to her ancestors.  

“Clara Summerlin, will you come on?” Genevieve complained. “We're gonna miss everything.”  

The two walk over to where a crowd of witches is standing around a bonfire, playing conga drums and watching as a witch dance around the flames. Papa Tunde walks out with an albino python around his shoulders, which he hands to his twin sons after clapping in order to quiet the crowd.  

“Told you. Every witch in the Quarter is here to see the great Papa Tunde,” said Genevieve. 

“Witches of the French Quarter, thank you for your welcome.” Papa Tunde addressed the crowd of witches. “It is good to be among people of the faith. I, too, practice ancestral magic, honoring those who walked the path before us. From them, we draw strength. And you will need strength, for a great darkness is coming. The city your forefathers left you is now overrun by pirates, beasts, and vampires.” 

Papa Tunde takes the python from his sons and throws it into the fire, and many of the witches gasp in surprise and fear. 

“I practice other magic, as well. Sacrificial magic, channeling power from the lives of my offerings.” Papa Tunde explained. “I use this strength to vanquish my enemies, and I will punish your enemies for their greed. In return, you will accept my family into your coven, and me as your leader.” 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

1919 

Two men enter the room and join Elijah and a police officer at a table where a meeting was taking place.

“Gentlemen, make yourselves at home.” Elijah greeted. “Mayor O'Connell appears to be running late, but there's much to discuss, so I shall begin.”  

Klaus walked down the stairs to join them. “One moment, please, brother. You know how much I enjoy these illicit, little gatherings.” 

“Do not be troubled. Despite my brother's reputation, I can assure you, we've invited you here to broker in peace.” Elijah assured the men. “You have my word.”  

“And, lucky for you, my brother always keeps his word,” Klaus told them. “You two are from the Guerrera crime family, a brutish pack of thieves and killers. And that's nothing compared to what you become on a full moon, is it?”  

“Yes, yes, yes. Of course, a bite from your kind is not lethal to an Original. Conflict between us would not end well for you at all,” Elijah cautioned. “Let's state our proposal here. My brother and I control the ports of the city, but with Prohibition soon to be the law of the land, there'll be a certain uptick in the kind of federal presence we prefer to avoid. Therefore, I'd like to suggest a system whereby, under our supervision, of course, the Guerrera family can traffic alcohol into the city of New Orleans for a profit. We would still be in charge, but our rule would remain a secret.”  

Papa Tunde walks into the room with his sons following behind him.

“This all sounds very good, but tell me, how will it benefit the witches?” asked Papa Tunde. 

“I am sorry.” Said Elijah. “This is a private meeting.” 

“Yes, for kings of the city, but I, too, am a king, and I have rules,” replied Papa Tunde.  

“I'm impressed. You're either quite ambitious or quite mad. What's your name, mate?” asked Klaus.  

“I am Alphonse Bellatunde Delgado, Papa Tunde to my followers, and I come to ask that the witches be granted fair tribute for allowing your existence in our city.” Papa Tunde responded.  

“Are you suggesting that you speak for the French Quarter witches?” Elijah questioned.  

“I do now, and I expect our future negotiations to go very smoothly.” Papa Tunde answered. “As a guarantee, I brought a gift. I await our next gathering.” 

A small leather case is placed on the table. Papa Tunde and his sons leave. Everyone else gathers around as Klaus lifts the lid on the trunk to reveal a head inside with a symbol carved into his forehead. 

“Well, I suppose we'll need a new mayor,” Klaus said.  

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Marcel walked into the Abattoir Courtyard Davina and Josh beside him. 

Marcel grabbed a table with Davina and Josh. Davina was supposed to be meeting with Sophie at Caroline’s request to start searching for a way to save Katherine. 

Most of Marcel’s guys weren’t happy that Klaus was now in charge and Marcel appeared to be following his lead without question. And were shocked to see Davina alive and well having believed she was dead after learning the truth about her and Marcel’s connection with her. 

Diego sees him enter and approaches. He walks over to the table Marcel had chosen.  

“Hey, Marcel, maybe you know what's going on. Klaus ordered us to meet here, and now he's a no-show.” he looked at Davina. “And how are you alive?” 

“Caroline,” Davina answered simply.  

“Klaus has a lot on his hands to deal with. Give him time.” Marcel told him.  

“Like what?” Diego challenged but before Marcel could answer. Klaus enters the room with Caroline and on his other side is Thierry.

“Dearest brethren, your attention, please.” Klaus’s voice ringed loudly through the courtyard. “No doubt, you're all surprised to see Thierry Vanchure, who's supposed to be rotting in the Garden for the crime of killing one of our own, and I personally decided to issue him with a pardon.” Klaus declared. “I hope you'll all welcome home Thierry.”  

Thierry smiles and gives Diego a hug. 

“Welcome home, man,” Diego told him.  

“Now some of you may see the difference with Caroline.” Klaus continues, pressing his hand to her lower back and the other resting on her stomach. “It turns out the wolf Hayley who I had believed to be carrying my children was working with the witches all along and had stolen my children from their true mother. Now they are back where they belong and the witches will soon pay for what one of their own has done.” 

Caroline forced a smile before moving toward Marcel’s table, ignoring the stares of disbelief she was receiving. “Davina, thanks for coming.” 

“You said you needed my help,” Davina replied. 

Caroline frowned, tilting her head at the younger girl. “You know you don’t have to help me just because I helped you, right?” 

“Caroline, you saved my life.” Davina countered. “I owe you everything.” 

“No, you don’t,” Caroline told her. “I didn’t save your life so you would feel indebted to me. I want you to live your life how you want. I do want your help but I don’t want you to feel obligated that you have to. You can say no.”

Davina smiled. “I know, that’s why I want to help you. You're not like everyone else.” 

“As long as you know you have a choice.” Caroline gestured to the stairs. “Let’s go see Katherine.”

Davina smiled and linked their arms. 

“You too, Josh,” Caroline called over her shoulder as she started up the stairs. 

“Coming.” Josh quickly followed. “Hey, Caroline, any chance you have some blood bags lying around. I haven’t eaten all day..” 

Marcel tuned out the sound of Josh's voice turning to Klaus as he took a seat across from him. “You're in a good mood,” Marcel said to Klaus. “You must really love the fact that Caroline is the mother of your children.” 

“It’s definitely a gift,” Klaus responded. “But before I can truly celebrate this turn of events I have responsibilities that I need to tend to.” Klaus turns to address the crowd of vampires. “The witches have gone too far with their actions against Caroline. Actions they will pay for. However, since their Harvest failed, their magic will soon be gone forever. Now there has been a debate, on whether to kill them or keep them on their toes. I, however, want them dead, every last one. Diego, I wonder if you might lead a rousting in the cauldron. One that ends in blood and carnage.” 

Diego smiles and starts to plan with the other vampires. 

Marcel smiled. “As much as I would love to shed some witches' blood, especially after everything they put Davina through, I do have another girl to see so I will be taking a personal day.” Marcel stood and left. Confident that Davina would be fine in the compound with Caroline there. 

Klaus' eyes narrowed, wondering where Marcel was headed and who he was going to see. Almost everyone he knew was at the compound. 

Diego and the others looked up at the sound of multiple voices and a group of men, women and even a few children walked into the compound. 

Klaus smiled at Zach and the other wolves and walked over to them. “Caroline has been expecting all of you. She’s currently occupied with helping someone who doesn’t deserve saving but until she has a moment free why don’t you get to know the place and divide up some of the empty rooms amongst yourselves.”

“We will be staying here?” Zach asked speaking up on the behalf of the wolves who were more than a little surprised.

“Caroline has insisted that you all stay with us and what Caroline wants she will get,” Klaus responded, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. 

“What the hell is going on here?” Diego walked over, glaring darkly at Zach and his group of wolves. 

“I’d like you to meet Zach and the rest of my pack,” Klaus smirked. “They will be staying here at the compound. Indefinitely.” 

Diego's eyes darkened with hate. “You’re kidding, right? They terrorized the Quarter for centuries. It’s why Marcel ran them out of town.” 

Zach stared Diego down. “Wrong pack. We don’t run from anyone. Not anymore. And we only came to New Orleans once we heard of Klaus’s children.” 

Diego scoffed as more vampires gathered behind him. 

“What he says is true. Zach is of my bloodline. Not the New Orlean wolves and they are welcome guests in my home and every single one of you will treat them so or face my wrath.” Klaus’s voice hardened like a steel blade. 

The other vampires started yelling out their protest. 

“Quiet.” Klaus thundered, eyes flashing, a growl emitting from deep in his chest. 

Diego glared but was wary. “You expect vampires and werewolves to co-exist? You’re crazy.” 

The other vampires' protest increased. 

“Maybe so,” Klaus smirked. “But you will work together, starting today. Zach here will be joining in on the witch hunt.”

Diego glared but said nothing. Klaus was in charge and as of right now there wasn’t a thing he could do about it. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Katherine looked over at the door as it was opened, feeling Elijah squeeze her hands in reassurance. 

Caroline walked in followed by a girl who couldn’t be more than sixteen and a young male not much older than Caroline. 

“Caroline,” Elijah greeted. 

“Sorry to interrupt but I was hoping to check on Katherine and introduce her to Davina.” 

“And why do I need to be introduced to kids?” Katherine raised a perfect brow as she sat up more in the bed. She had been feeling weaker and weaker. It was only a matter of time before her body completely gave out on her. She didn’t want to think about it, refusing to think of the fear that came with knowing you were going to die. 

She hated it. She was Katherine Pierce, sick, frail, weak, was not the way she was supposed to go out. For the last 500 years, she had clawed and kicked and screamed to get everything she wanted to make it this long when she had a man like Klaus Mikaelson intent on killing her. 

“Because Davina here is going to save your life.” Caroline wrapped her arms around Davina’s. “So if I were you I would be a little nicer.” 

“Nice isn’t in my vocabulary.” Katherine retorted. 

“Expand your vocabulary because without some witchy interference you're going to die soon.” Caroline stepped further into the room. 

“And you care so much about my well being, why?” Katherine asked. 

“For telling me the truth. Let’s not pretend we’ve ever been friends because it would be a lie. Still, this is my way of repaying you for once doing something when you had nothing to gain from it.”

“I wonder what Elena would say about you trying to save me?” Katherine taunted, trying to push Caroline’s buttons. 

“I don’t much care what Elena has to say about it.” Caroline retorted. “This has nothing to do with her.” 

Katherine smirked. “I gotta say, I’m warming up to you. Getting out of Mystic Falls suits you.” 

Josh cleared his throat, making Caroline realize she hadn’t introduced him. “Oh, and this is Josh.”

Katherine looked him over. “He comes across as a puppy,”

“Puppy?” Josh wasn’t sure if he should be offended or not. 

“Caroline,” Elijah interjected. “Just how do you intend to save Katherine's life. She is getting worse by the day. I’m not sure how much time she has.” 

“Yes,” Katherine said. “How do you and this young witch plan on keeping me alive?” 

“Well, I planned on seeing if Sophie knows anything or maybe looking at The Original Witch book of spells. Generations after generations of witches walk this city. Someone has to know something.” 

“Caroline, I don’t think Sophie is going to be so keen to help,” Elijah interjected. “We’ve ruined all her plans and have taken her prisoner. Let’s not forget the torture.” 

Caroline’s eyes darkened at the mention of Sophie. “Who said she had a choice in the matter?” 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Sophie’s arms dangled above her from chains attached to the ceiling, her feet barely touching the ground, she had to stand on the tip of her toes, her shirt was soaked with blood, her neck covered in red stains. 

Her skin pale and dark circles beneath her eyes, exhaustion coming off her in waves. 

She looked up as a knock sounded on the door. The werewolf guarding her sent her a disdainful look and pulled the door open. 

Caroline stepped in. She was alone. Davina was with Katherine, Josh had stayed with his friend. 

“Did you really come here alone?” Sophie asked, eyes glaring. “How wise is that?”

Caroline moved forward. “You and I both know, you are too weak to do a thing to anyone, and secondly if you did anything and I mean anything you would be scattered in pieces across this floor.”

“What do you want?” Sophie asked through clenched teeth. 

“Your help.” Caroline stepped closer, her eyes filled with hate. 

“You have got to be joking!?” Sophie exclaimed in disbelief. “You’ve chained me up like an animal, tortured me, fed on me, healed me only to do it all over again. You keep me weakened and you expect me to help you?! You’re crazy!”

Caroline grabbed her by the neck, eyes blackening, her temper flaring. “You will do whatever I asked you to do. You live because I say so, because I allow it. The second I say otherwise you will be dead and forgotten. Don’t test me. The sight of you makes me see red and I want to rip you apart until there is nothing left. Even now I fight the urge to kill you. I rather delight in your screams as I slice you open and cause you excruciating pain.” 

Sophie's eyes darkened and she looked at Caroline in revulsion. “You sound like Klaus. Has being with him changed you that much?” 

“Being with Klaus has been the most freeing thing I’ve ever done,” Caroline said, feeling like the words were the most honest she ever was in her life. “Selfish, deplorable, disgusting individuals like Hayley and yourself have no legs to stand on moral ground.” Caroline pressed closer, her hand tightening on Sophie’s throat cutting off her air. “You can do as I ask or we can make this into another torture session. If you won’t do as I say. I will turn you into a vampire. I know from a friend that there is no worse fate than this for a witch. I’ve seen it. The disconnect a witch feels is hollow.” 

Sophie glowered. She hated Caroline. She underestimated her and now she was just starting to realize who she was dealing with.

Sophie tried to pull back from Caroline’s hand. “Okay. Okay.” Caroline released her. “What do you want from me,” Sophie asked, struggling to breathe normally again. 

“You’re going to help me save someone’s life.” 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

“Klaus.”

Klaus was in the middle of giving orders to the wolves and vampires, splitting them up into two separate parties when he heard his name from someone he wasn’t expecting to hear from anytime soon. 

He turned to see Stefan standing in the middle of the courtyard. “Stefan, mate, what are you doing here?” 

“I came to see Caroline?” Stefan’s brow furrowed as he saw all the people lined up awaiting further instructions. “What is going on here?”

Klaus turned back to the two groups. “You know your orders. Go.” 

The wolves and vampires shared a hateful look and dispersed. 

Klaus focused back on Stefan. “Now is not a good time.” 

“Then it’s a good thing I’m not here for you, isn’t it?” Stefan replied.

Klaus tensed, a voice in his head whispering that Stefan was there to convince Caroline to leave him behind and go back to Mystic Falls. 

“Look, Klaus, I’m not here to play games. I’m here to see my friend. You can tell me where she is or I can call her and tell her I’m here, either way, I’m not leaving.” 

Klaus rolled his eyes heavenward. He would never hear the end of it from Caroline if he told her he sent Stefan away. She had such a soft spot for the younger Salvatore but so help him if he was there to take Caroline from him, he would find himself in Marcel’s Garden. 

“Dwayne,” 

Dwayne stepped forward seeming to move out of the shadows startling Stefan. 

“Take Stefan here to Caroline, then if she wishes for you to leave do so,” Klaus ordered. 

Dwayne’s face brightened. He wanted, needed to be near Caroline. 

He started walking, not even stopping to see if Stefan was following. 

Stefan shot Klaus an uncertain look before following behind Dwayne. 

Dwayne led him down a corridor and down a flight of stairs, the sound of a bloodcurdling scream had him, stopping. His mind screamed that Caroline needed his help and he took off on a run past Dwayne. He burst into a room, slamming the door open with his shoulder. “Caroline!” he looked around the room frantically and froze. 

A dark-haired girl was strapped to a med table, blood pouring down her skin, dripping into a large puddle on the floor, she was crying out in agony, she tried to thrash around, attempting to get away, to break free but was restrained tightly to the table with barely any movement. When she turned her head his way, shaking from the pain, Stefan recognized her. 

Hayley Marshall. 

His eyes shot to the blonde standing over her, pouring something over the girl. The blonde’s back was to him, he couldn’t see who it was but he knew he had to stop her. What did Hayley do to deserve to be tortured like this? Her cries were echoing off the walls, the stench of blood filled the air. 

He moved forward grabbing the girl by the arm spinning her around. “Stop, what are you-” Stefan released the blonde, taking a step back in shock. “Caroline?!” 

“Stefan, what are you doing here?” She pushed her hair back from her face, streaks of blood coating the blonde strands from her hands that were coated in Hayley’s blood. 

“What the hell are you doing, Caroline?!” You’re torturing people now? This isn’t you?!” Stefan stepped forward again, crowding her. “First Damon, now Hayley, who’s next?!”

“She deserves it and so did Damon!” Caroline shoved him back not liking the way he was standing over her. 

Suddenly Stefan found himself pinned against the wall by Dwayne. 

Stefan’s eyes widened as he stared in the face of an angry hybrid. “Oh my God,” he looked past the werewolf to Caroline. “Klaus can make hybrids without Elena’s blood?”

Caroline turned and stuffed a gag into Hayley’s mouth cutting off her screams and cries of pain. 

“Klaus didn’t make him. Tyler did, trying to prove he was right about why Klaus cared about his children.” Caroline said, her hand drifted down to her stomach. “Let him go, Dwayne.” 

Dwayne let Stefan go reluctantly but he was eager to get closer to Caroline, coming to stand beside her. 

Stefan pushed off the wall, rolling his shoulders, he followed the movements of Caroline’s hand’s, his eyes widening. “Your mother told me what was going on but I had trouble believing it.”

But how could he continue denying it when he could see the roundness of Caroline’s stomach. “I don’t understand.”

“You want to know what Hayley has done to deserve this? She stole my babies, she used magic to steal a pregnancy for her own gain. I’ve taken back what’s mine but that doesn’t mean, she gets to walk away from this after everything she has done.” 

Caroline turned back to Hayley gripping the surgical tool, a rib spreader, and spread Hayley’s open wound where all the blood was coming from open wider. 

Hayley whined in pain, sniffling. “Please, it hurts.” 

Caroline’s eyes hardened. “Good.” She lifted a bottle of liquid and started pouring it inside Hayley, watching Hayley’s insides burn and sizzle as her bloodcurdling scream filled the air. 

“Is that wolfsbane?” Stefan asked, alarmed. 

“Yes, mixed with hydrofluoric acid,” Caroline answered, a dark smile pulling at her lips. 

“Caroline, you have to stop.” Stefan came forward again. 

Caroline put down the container of Acid and wolfsbane. And removed the rib spread from Hayley’s body. “She needs time to heal until next time.”

Caroline bit into her wrist and squeezed it over, Hayley’s mouth giving her only enough so she would heal slowly and not die from her wounds.  

“Next time?” Stefan repeated. 

“Dwayne take care of this for me,” Caroline ordered and walked out of the room. 

Stefan followed her. “Caroline, stop, we need to talk about this.” he grabbed her arm, turning her around to face him. 

“What’s there to talk about?” Caroline asked, shrugging him off. “I am causing Hayley pain for her deceit.” 

“Caroline, this isn’t you. You don’t torture people.” Stefan protested. “You’re good.” 

“What I am is tired. Why am I always the pawn in someone’s larger game? I will not allow my children to suffer nor will I allow them to be used. I’m done being a casualty. If I have to do things that I otherwise wouldn’t then I will without hesitation and if you can't accept this then maybe you shouldn’t have come here.” 

“I came here because I realized what a bad friend I’ve been. I’m not going to turn back now. I wasn’t there for you. I can’t make up for what happened to you in Mystic Falls but I can be here for you now. I can’t imagine what you’re feeling. How you handle this is up to you but I am not going back to Mystic Falls.”

“Then follow me,” Caroline said and turned walking down the corridor, expecting Stefan to fall into line behind her. 

Caroline led Stefan upstairs and into a room, he was shocked to see Katherine lying in the bed, Elijah sitting beside her and on her other side was Nadia. 

Nadia had shown up, demanding to be with her mother. Caroline hadn’t much cared about keeping the mother and daughter separated. 

There was a woman in the room and a younger girl, a dark hair male, and another man who was watching the dark-haired woman like a hawk. 

“What’s going on here?” Stefan questioned, looking to Caroline for answers. 

“We’re going to save Katherine’s life,” Caroline told him. 

“I’m sorry, what?” Stefan was in disbelief. 

“I’m still doubtful about it myself,” Katherine spoke up. “It’s good to see you, Stefan.” 

“Klaus is okay with this?” Stefan asked, looking to Caroline.  

“He’s willing to accept it for me,” Caroline said and then did a quick round of introductions to the room. 

“Have you found anything yet?” Caroline asked Davina, coming forward. 

“Not yet,” Davina answered, casting a curious look at Stefan. 

“Stefan and I will go through the books Elijah has required and I’ll call Bonnie, see if she knows something. Maybe there’s something in the Bennet books that can help.” Caroline said, after thinking it over. 

“You really think Bonnie’s going to want to help save Katherine’s life?” Stefan asked skeptically. 

“No but I’m asking as her friend and I will explain why I am trying to do this.” Caroline insisted. 

“I believe Katerina is in good hands.” Elijah smiled over at Caroline and walked past her and Stefan into the hallway. “I will be back shortly.” 

“Alright, so this is what we’re going to do, Sophie and Davina continue searching here. Josh and Stefan will go through the books in the study. I will call Bonnie and see if I can get her to help. Dwayne.” 

As if he was just waiting for Caroline to need him Dwayne appeared. 

Caroline shifted away. He made her uncomfortable with how he was always ready to do whatever she asked. She didn’t like using the sire bond he had to the twins and how he was always lurking in the shadows wherever she was, creeped her out. 

“Dwayne, you will make sure Sophie doesn’t try anything if she does lock her up and get Zach or one of the wolves to deal with her until I have the time to do it myself. Nadia, you can stay with Katherine.” No one moved much to Caroline’s annoyance, she clapped her hands. “Well, you got jobs to do. Go!” 

Davina nodded and continued searching the book in front of her, Sophie glared but did as she was told. 

Josh motioned to Stefan to follow him and led him out of the room. 

“You really think this is going to work?” Katherine asked Caroline. 

“Yes, because I will make sure of it,” Caroline answered. 

“I don’t want to be human,” Katherine argued. 

“You don’t want to be dead either, do you?” Caroline retorted. 

Katherine shot her a look. “What do you think?” 

“Good, we’ll save your life, and then we’ll find a way to turn you back into a vampire.” 

Caroline stepped out of the room to call Bonnie in private. 

Katherine watched the door close behind her. She hated the feeling of hope that was beginning to rise within her.

Damn Caroline Forbes and her unending optimism and determination. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Rebekah and Elijah walk through the streets of the Quarter as they talk about recent events. 

“Now, you may doubt him, but today, I saw Niklaus demonstrate mercy towards an enemy. Tell me that's not progress,” said Elijah.  

“That’s Caroline’s influence,” Rebekah stated. “He wants to be better for her. He’s not the same brother we knew the last thousand years. Honestly, she is the only reason I’m not still working with Sophie.” 

Elijah turned to her abruptly. “You were working with Sophie?” 

“Not anymore. Not after everything she has done.” Rebekah responded. 

“Are you the reason he let Thierry out?” Elijah eyed her with suspicion. 

“No, that was Caroline,” Rebekah told him. “She didn’t like that he was locked up for protecting someone he loved. Though we should keep a close eye on him. Thierry despises Klaus and for good reason. He got the witch he loved killed. However, I was thinking, he knows about French Quarter covens because he dated a witch. Maybe he can lead me to whoever stole off with the Harvest magic.”  

“Rebekah, we are all devastated by the outcome of this ritual,” Elijah began.  

“That's just it,” Rebekah interrupted. “There was no outcome. Davina is only alive because of the Elixir. We both know that power like that doesn't just vanish. I say someone stole it. I'd like to know who, and then I'd like to make an ally out of them and then kill them.” 

“To what end, exactly?” Elijah asked. “When will killing everyone who challenges us be enough?” 

“I'm tired of being threatened and controlled by our enemies, being moved on a chessboard like sacrificial ponds,” Rebekah told him. “If you want to stop bullies, you need the power to stand up to them.”  

“You’re not alone in this Rebekah. You have me and you have Niklaus.” Elijah insisted. “He is finally making an effort. He's invited us back into our family home. He yearns for our family to be reunited. He’s there for Caroline and their unborn children.”  

“Yes. He's in a brilliant mood now, but for how long?” Rebekah challenged. “What about when things fall apart with him and Caroline? What then? He was bad before but if anything were to ever happen to Caroline or their children, he will be inconsolable, wreaking havoc and pain wherever he goes. And who says he won’t turn that anger on us and bury a dagger in our hearts?”

“I believe that he is approaching some semblance of peace here. As long as we keep Caroline safe we have nothing to worry about,” Elijah argued. “Leadership may, in fact, be a good thing for him and as I am quickly learning Caroline may very well be the best thing to ever happen to him in his thousand years on this earth.” 

“I hope it’s enough and that Stefan has not shown up here to take her back to Mystic Falls. That’s not her home anymore.” Rebekah said. She had been surprised to learn that Stefan was here but she didn���t think he would be staying long. It was only a matter of time before he found his way back to Elena and his brother in Mystic Falls. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Her phone call with Bonnie didn’t go as well as Caroline had hoped. Bonnie was hesitant to help Katherine but Caroline kept insisting that she owed Katherine. Caroline reminded Bonnie that Katherine was human and was no longer in New Orleans. 

Caroline kept insisting until Bonnie finally gave in. Bonnie ended the call with the promise to look through her family journals and she would let her know immediately if she finds something. 

Caroline walked to Elijah’s room and sifted through his things until she found what she was looking for. 

Esther’s grimoire. Grabbing the book she left the room and found a sitting room in the compound, she settled into the end of a couch and started sifting through it. 

The smell of blood filled the air and she looked up to see Klaus carrying a glass of blood and a plate of food. 

“What are you doing?” Caroline asked.

Klaus set the plate and glass on the table in front of her. “Have you eaten?” 

“No,” Caroline shook her head and took a drink of the blood, savoring the warm liquid sliding down her throat. 

“You should,” Klaus took the seat next to her. “I know you're dead set on finding a way to save Katherine but you can’t neglect yourself or the babies.” 

Caroline’s eyes widened suddenly and pulled the glass of blood away from her lips. “Do you think blood is bad for them?” her other hand dropped the book in her lap, placing her hand over her stomach. 

“I think nothing that is good for you can possibly be bad for them.” Klaus reached for the book. “Are you looking through my mother’s book for a spell?” 

“I was hoping it might have something to help Katherine,” Caroline admitted and reached for the place of fruit grabbing an apple slice. “I found nothing so far.” 

“Where did you find it?” Klaus asked. 

“Elijah’s room. I went and took it,” Caroline took another drink of the blood. 

Klaus laughed. “Elijah’s is not going to like that.” 

Caroline shrugged. “I don’t care.” 

Klaus tossed the book on the table and turned his body more towards her. “Did you speak with Stefan?” 

“I did. My mom told him about what’s going on here and he came out of concern, I guess.” 

Klaus nodded, his body becoming tense. “Has he managed to convince you to go back to Mystic Falls?”

Caroline placed her glass on the table and turned toward him. “Klaus, we’ve been over this. I’m not returning to Mystic Falls. Not even for Stefan.”

Klaus swallowed, choosing his words carefully. “Things are different now. Why would you stay here after everything that was done to you?”

Caroline nodded slowly. She needed to get her point across. Klaus had insecurities and she more than anyone understood how powerful they could be, if she let the insecurities take root it could ruin what they were building. He needed her reassurance to silence the voices in his head telling him she would return to Mystic Falls. 

Caroline pushed at his shoulders, shoving him back. 

Klaus fell back against the cushions surprised. Caroline threw a leg over his hip, settling into his lap, and grasped his face in her hands. “I need you to listen to me and hear me, Klaus. I am not going back to Mystic Falls no matter what happens. Not for Stefan. Not even for my mom. My life is here, with you. I will go where you go. As long as you want me by your side I am going to be there. I won’t leave you.” 

Klaus leaned his forehead against hers, his hands coming to rest over her stomach, over their children. “I am never going to want to let you go, love.”

“Then don’t,” Caroline whispered. “Don’t let me go. Always fight for me. Always want me.”

Klaus couldn’t take it anymore. He surged forward, burying his hands in her hair and clashing his mouth against hers. 

Caroline deepened the kiss and Klaus licked into her mouth, tasting the blood she had been drinking on her tongue. 

A groan tore from his throat as she circled her hips, grinding against him. He grasped at her hips urging her down on his rapidly hardening jean-covered cock.

A whimper pulled from Caroline’s mouth and she gripped his shoulders for leverage, looking for friction as she ground her hips against his, desire taking over. 

“Hey, guys, we got a problem,” Diego announced entering a room in the compound, looking worried.   

Klaus broke away from Caroline with a growl, his hands digging into her hips. 

Caroline looked over her shoulder at Diego, perched in Klaus’s lap. “You know there’s this thing called knocking.” 

Diego’s worried expression twisted into mild disgust. 

“Just a little common courtesy would be nice.” Caroline reluctantly removed herself from Klaus’s lap. 

“What’s wrong?” Klaus asked, readjusting his jeans as he stood. “And there better be a real problem or I might just kill you for the interruption.” 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Thunder rumbles overhead as Diego leads Klaus, Caroline, and Stefan to the Cauldron to show them what he found. 

Stefan had insisted on tagging along last minute when he realized Caroline was going.

“We came to kill the witches, just like you said,” said Diego. “And these two, they went missing. Found them like this, not even staked. Just dead.”  

Two vampires were on the ground desiccated, symbols carved into their forehead. 

“Someone has to account for this!” Klaus growled. 

“Are we talking about revenge?” Caroline questioned. “I’m only asking because even though I’m no expert on magic, I know that marks got to be tied to some bad mojo.”

“I don’t like this,” Stefan said, having a bad feeling. Caroline was in complete agreement. 

“Revenge is only the beginning,” Klaus told Caroline before turning to Diego. “We're gonna find whoever did this, and I will show them what suffering is.” 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Thierry and Rebekah walk into a warehouse at the docks to investigate. 

“Used to run things down here for Marcel,” Thierry explained. “Thought you'd like to see what I found before Klaus did.”  

Rebekah smirks. “Not a day out of the Garden, and you're already proving yourself useful.”  

“We made a deal, and if it screws things for your brother, I'm all for it,” said Thierry. “Though, to be honest, this stuff makes my skin crawl. I've never seen anything like this.” 

“Except you’re a little late to the party,” Rebekah told him. “I have ceased my plans for my brother.” 

“What?” Thierry glared at her. “You can’t-”

“Quiet,” Rebekah cut him off. “I have seen this before,” Rebekah said as they stop in front of another salt circle on the ground with two dead vampires inside. Both are desiccated and have the same symbol carved into their foreheads. “I have, a long time ago,” said Rebekah, recognizing the mark. “Somebody is copycatting a very dangerous witch. They draw their power from sacrifice.”  

“I just don't understand why someone would leave it here for us to find,” said Thierry, distracted by the turn of events.   

“Unless they wanted it to be found.” Rebekah pointed out.  

Papa Tunde appears from the shadows behind them. Rebekah notices him in shock and horror. 

“Mademoiselle Mikaelson.” Papa Tunde greeted.  

“That's not possible,” said Rebekah, still unable to believe what she was seeing. 

“Sure, it is, chére. It's magic.” Papa Tunde told her.  

Rebekah speed vamps toward him to try to kill him, but Papa Tunde simply reaches out and grabs her by the throat. “Symbole du masque et de l'ombre, embrace-toi. Embrace-toi. Symbole du masque et de l'ombre, embrace-toi. Embrace-toi. Symbole du masque et de l'ombre, embrace-toi. Embrace-toi. Symbole du masque et de l'ombre, embrace-toi.”  

Rebekah starts to desiccate, and thick gray veins pop up all over her face and neck. Terrified, Thierry speeds vamps and disappears out of the warehouse, leaving Rebekah on her own.  

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Klaus, Caroline, Elijah, Stefan, and Diego, and many of the other vampires are congregating in the courtyard, discussing their current situation. 

“Ah! Someone will die for this.” Klaus declared.  

“Remarkably, I don't disagree,” said Elijah. “However, I would like to know where they learned such dark magic.”  

“I had hoped never to see that symbol again,” said Klaus. “I recall it is the signature of a fool who once stood against us.”  

“Isn’t someone always standing against you?” Stefan asked with an arched eyebrow. 

Caroline smacked his arm. “So not the point, Stefan.” 

“Clearly, some upstart witch is salvaging old tricks,” Elijah responded.

“Ugh, witches,” Caroline said. “I’m really starting to hate them.” 

“Bonnie was a witch,” Stefan reminded her. “Before she became an anchor, she was a witch.” 

“Bonnie’s, Bonnie.” Caroline defended. “And she’s different. She’s not morally questionable.” 

Stefan couldn’t argue with her there. Plus, Caroline’s hate for the witches in New Orleans was understandable. “What about Davina?”

“Davina is innocent, nothing that has happened is her fault.” Caroline defended her new friend.   

“I'll do for him as I did the other.” Klaus turns to Diego. “Diego, when night falls, I want you to gather every vampire in the Quarter. Get me the head of whoever did this and put it on a stick.”  

“Yeah. That's gonna be a problem,” replied Diego. “Everyone is freaked out, man. We haven't had witches killing vampires in a long time. Marcel made sure of that.”  

“Marcel is no longer in charge and is busy chasing after his human. You lot are left with me. Now, who of you will fight to defend our home?” Klaus looked around to see that no one comes forward. “Not a single one of you will stand with me, so afraid are you of this new threat? You should know better. I'll handle this myself.”

“We will stand with you,” 

Klaus turned to see Zach and his pack stepping forward and he smirked. “Good.” 

He turned to Caroline. “Stay here, I don’t want you near this,” 

Caroline wanted to argue but she did not want witches near her unborn children again. “I’ll be fine,” She brushed a kiss against his stubble jaw. 

It wasn’t nearly enough for Klaus, he grasped her chin and kissed her deeply. 

Stefan cleared his throat after a moment, uncomfortable seeing Klaus and Caroline kissing each other like they’ve been doing it for years. 

Klaus turned and the wolves followed, sending disgusted looks the vampires’ way.  

Caroline lifted a hand to her lips watching him leave. 

“Stefan a word,” Klaus called over his shoulder. Stefan rolled his eyes and followed him out onto the street. 

Klaus turned to him. “Keep an eye on Caroline, will you? It’s only a matter of time before she involves herself.” 

“I’m not going to keep her prisoner for you,” Stefan glared. 

“I didn’t tell you to keep her in.” Klaus rolled his eyes. “I said keep an eye on her as in help her if she needs it. I promise you now if one hair is harmed on her head and you could have prevented it, your brother won’t be the only Salvatore I want to kill.” 

And with those parting words, Klaus left. 

Stefan sighed, he came here for Caroline but it looked like he was going to have to deal with Klaus on the regular. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~  

Cami spoke into her phone. “Sophie, the restaurant is an epic disaster again. Do you think maybe you could come in today and…” 

The voice mail interrupts: "User's mailbox is full." 

“Good-bye,” Cami said annoyed, ending the call.  

“Looks like I should've been here last night,” said Marcel.  

Cami, startled, looks for anything she can find to use as a weapon, finally settling on an empty liquor bottle on top of the bar. “Before you try anything, I'm on vervain.” 

“Yeah, Klaus mentioned you broke free of his compulsion. Good for you.” Marcel wondered. 

“What are you doing here?” asked Cami.  

“Wanted to see you.” Marcel sits down at the bar.

“I thought now that you have Davina back you wouldn’t be leaving her side.”  

“Except now I need to keep New Orleans from falling apart,” Marcel told her.  

“Is Klaus causing trouble?” Cami questioned. 

“When isn’t he?” Marcel responded, “and I’m more than likely going to have to be the one to clean it up. He has his hands full with Caroline and his kids and Hayley’s betrayal.” 

“What are you talking about? What did Hayley do?” Cami questioned. 

“Right,” said Marcel. “You wouldn’t know.” He reached for a bottle and poured two shots. “You’re probably gonna need a drink for this.” 

Cami joined him at the bar. “Tell me,” 

“Caroline is the one Klaus knocked up before coming back to New Orleans,” Marcel said. 

Cami’s eyes widened. “But she's a vampire and Hayley is the one who's pregnant.” 

“Not anymore,” Marcel shook his head. “The twins are back with Caroline now.” 

Cami’s shoulders slumped forward. “I’m so confused.” 

Marcel laughed. “It’s pretty unbelievable. From my understanding before the witches brought Caroline to New Orleans, she and Klaus got busy in her hometown, and by some dark magic on Sophie’s and her sister’s behalf they made it possible for Caroline to get pregnant and-”

“But how did they even know about Caroline?” Cami questioned. 

“Witches talk.” Marcel shrugged. “Plus, when Klaus Mikaelson truly cares about someone other than himself people tend to notice. It’s no surprise word traveled. Anyway, when the Deveraux witches learned their plan worked and that she was pregnant they lured her here, took her babies, and put them in Hayley’s womb. Hayley went on to pretend it was her pregnancy.”

“Why would someone do that to another woman?” Cami was disgusted. 

“The witches promised to help Hayley find her family and she was desperate enough to take the deal,” Marcel said. 

“Still,” Cami shook her head. 

“So while he’s dealing with that I have to deal with all the other drama he’s left in his wake,” Marcel stated.

“Marcel, I'm sorry,” Cami told him sympathetically. “This all sounds so complicated.” 

Marcel shrugged. “Same old, same old.” 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Elijah walks into Davina’s room to find her going through her old sketches.  

“There you are.” Elijah greeted. “Aren’t you supposed to be helping Katerina?” 

 “I needed a break and something keeps bothering me,” Davina answered, continuing her perusal of her sketches. 

Elijah gestures to the sketches. “And it has to do with your drawings?”  

“I don’t know but I feel this pull. I know they're telling me something,” Davina insisted. “I don’t understand why I was drawing a witch who has been dead for longer than I’ve been alive. I’m killing time, now that I'm on vampire lockdown.”  

“Are you sure it has nothing to do with the harvest?” Elijah asked and Davina glared at him. “Whoever did this, we will deal with them,” Elijah stated. “It won't be long.”  

“I'm not worried.” Davina declared. “I can handle what’s thrown my way. I just want to be prepared. I don’t want to get caught off guard. Something’s coming and I need to know what it is so I can protect the people that I care about.”   

“I do apologize if you feel all of our problems have fallen on your shoulders,” Elijah told her. “Finding a way to save Katherine, the Sophie and Hayley situation, Caroline. Stefan’s arrival. Rebekah is off trying to make things right. Niklaus grows more agitated with every new threat. You're just a child none of this should have fallen on you.”

“I’m not a child,” Davina said strongly. “I was forced to grow up sooner than I should have but I did it and I can handle this and I will. For Caroline but ultimately for myself. They have not beaten me down and I intend to show them they never will.” 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Marcel is still sitting at the bar with Cami when his phone rings. It's Klaus. He hits the ignore button and returns to his drink. 

“El presidente?” Said Cami.  

“He likes to keep track of his people,” Marcel responded.  

“Why are you loyal to him, exactly?” Cami wondered.  

“For someone who says she can't stand the guy, you sure ask a lot of questions about him.” Marcel pointed out.  

“My interest is purely academic.” Cami defended.  

“I know what you're doing,” Marcel said, knowingly. “You're mad he used you, and you want to get back at him. Maybe you're hoping I'll let slip some chink in his armor. Friendly advice--don't do that. It won't end well. Let me tell you a story about someone who went up against Klaus.” 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

1919 

Marcel returns home in his military uniform to find a party being held at the compound. Marcel sees Rebekah sitting at a table with an unknown gentleman, and walks toward her.  

“This was right after I returned from World War I. I'd been trying to get away from New Orleans for a while. Something kept drawing me back.” Marcel began. 

“Why don't you get me some Martinis?” Klaus suggested. “Thank you.”  

“Aren't you gonna welcome me home?” Marcel asked Rebekah.  

“I wouldn't want you to think that I was happy to see you,” replied Rebekah.  

“How long you gonna hate me?” Marcel asked.  

“You left me in a box for fifty-two years.” Rebekah glared. “Twice that seems like a good start. Come on, boys.”  

Marcel watched her walk away with a look of longing. 

Klaus approaches Marcel. “There he is. Our war hero triumphantly returned. Oh, good to have you back, Marcellus. Welcome home.” They drink together. “Mm.”  

“Haha! The prodigal son has finally learned to hold his liquor.” Elijah teased.  

“The Army'll do that to you,” Marcel replied.  

“Well, it's good to have you back,” Elijah told him. “Niklaus was beside himself in your absence.”  

“Now that you are here, perhaps you could help settle an argument,” said Klaus. “You see, you've traded a war abroad for one here in the Quarter. Some rogue witch wants a piece of the city we built, and Elijah, for reasons beyond my comprehension, insists that negotiation is our best recourse.” 

“Yes,” said Elijah.  

“On the topic of your failed comprehension, you neglect, as a soldier, Marcel has seen not only how small the world has become and how fast news can travel, but also the very horrors of war itself.” Klaus continued. “Surely, Marcel would agree with me.” 

“The best way for us to defend our home is by exercising discretion.” Elijah insisted.  

“So who's the witch you want to kill?” Marcel asked.  

“His name is Papa Tunde,” Klaus answered. “I think he's a charlatan. “ 

“Well, Marcel shall be able to decide that for himself. You invited him here.” Elijah reminded.  

“Of course. We're not savages, are we?” Klaus replied.  

Papa Tunde arrives at the party, and Klaus immediately approaches him. 

“Thank you for accepting our invitation, and welcome.” Klaus greeted. “I hope you'll allow me to play the role of host. If there's anything you need- Anything at all…”  

“Pleasure before business, then,” replied Papa Tunde. “Hahaha! Hahaha!”  

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

“I didn't get it at first,” said Marcel. “Klaus was the one who wanted to go to war.”  

“So, why was he inviting his enemy into his home?” Cami questioned. “Why be so generous to someone who he's gonna have to kill?”  

“But, you see, that's the thing. It was all part of Klaus' plan.” Marcel told her. “He was sussing the guy out, learning his weaknesses, his strengths, getting him to let his guard down. That's how Klaus does it. Then he goes in for the kill.”  

“Because he's a two-faced sociopath.” Cami accused. “There's nothing enviable about what Klaus does. He is a monster.”  

“We're all monsters, Cami,” Marcel told her. “If you're powerful like Klaus is, you just don't have to bother hiding it.” 

“Davina’s powerful,” said Cami. “She is not a monster.”  

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Papa Tunde finishes doing his spell on Rebekah. She laid desiccated in a circle of salt, with his symbol carved into her forehead. 

He stands back and admires his work. “It is done. The power of the Original sister flows through me.”  

“And will that be enough to make Klaus suffer?” Asked Celeste. 

“I will hurt Klaus Mikaelson as he hurt me,” said Papa Tunde. “When I am done, he will wish that he could die.”

“You’re going for Caroline?” Celeste inquired. 

“His children will die before they even take their first breath.” Papa Tunde promised and celeste smirked. 

Caroline had interfered with her plans when she saved Davina, she would celebrate the blonde’s untimely, tragic demise along with Klaus’s abominable spawns. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~   

“You gonna open this place today?” Marcel asked.  

“And risk you eating the clientele?” Cami asked in return.  

“Oh, and here I thought you were starting to like me again,” replied Marcel.  

Marcel's phone rings again and he answers it. 

“Ah, you've stopped chasing after Cami long enough to pick up the phone.” Klaus’s voice came over the line.  

“I figured you'd just keep calling,” Marcel replied.  

“I'm in the Cauldron now,” Klaus informed him. “You could meet me here, we could start burning passersby at the stake.”  

“Sorry. I'm in the middle of something here.” Marcel replied.  

“Is she more important than what is happening?” Klaus asked.  

“Is Caroline?” Marcel countered. He knew the answer but he wanted Klaus to understand that he could care about someone as well. 

Klaus scoffed. “Please you couldn’t possibly feel so deeply for Cami so quickly. Finish up with her and come and help me end this.”  

Marcel hangs up the phone not taking too kindly to Klaus’s tone. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Katherine tensed as Klaus walked into her room. Her face forming into a scowl. “Have you finally come to kill me?” 

Klaus scoffed. “You have long since lost your importance to me. You live because Caroline wants you to, if you want it to continue that way, I would advise you keep in her good graces.” 

Caroline walked in and swatted at him. “Be nice.” 

Stefan snorted from the doorway. “I can’t believe you just said that to him.” 

“You’re still here?” Katherine asked Stefan in surprise. “I would’ve thought you would have returned to be Elena and Damon’s third wheel by now.” 

“Perhaps, I’m learning,” Stefan countered, shooting her an annoyed look. 

“Enough,” Klaus said, impatiently. “I did not come here for you.” He turned to Sophie who was glowering at them. “I came here for you, the witch I was looking to brutalize.”

“What now?” Sophie shut the book she had open in her hands. “I am trying to do as you asked.” 

Caroline stepped forward. “While I would love to torture you some more, there are some more pressing matters at hand.” 

Klaus speeds vamp towards Sophie and grabs her in a chokehold. “Perhaps you could explain the attacks on my men.”  

“What about helping me?” Katherine protested, the witch couldn’t help her if she was dead. 

“I will handle it.” Davina stepped back into the room, picking up the book Sophie dropped when Klaus hoisted her up by the throat. “We haven’t given up on making sure you don’t die.” 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Elijah is in the courtyard, trying to reach Rebekah. 

“Rebekah is not answering her calls,” said Elijah.  

“You worried about whoever killed those daywalkers still being out there?” Josh asked.  

“Yes, I'm worried. She is dead set on making things better for Caroline,” replied Elijah. “I’m not sure how far she will take this.” 

“Can she really be in any real danger?” Stefan asked. He had left Klaus and Caroline to deal with Sophie not wanting to get involved with torturing the witch. 

“Things here in New Orleans are a lot different than Mystic Falls. Much more dangerous. Enemies around every corner.” Elijah notices Thierry drinking alone at a table and joins him. “Thierry, is it?” 

“That's right,” Thierry answered.  

“My sister is rather fond of you. Strange, she's not typically drawn to unremarkable men.” Elijah commented. “Would you care to explain your sudden magnetism?”  

“I don't know what you're…” Thierry started.  

Elijah, annoyed, grabs him by the throat and pushes him against the wall. 

“You can either tell me what you know, or I can distribute tiny pieces of you throughout the Quarter.” Elijah threatened.  

Stefan crossed his arms wondering where Elijah was going with this. Usually, it was Klaus’s method to use threats and fear to reach a goal. 

“She asked me to keep an eye out on witch stuff,” said Thierry reluctantly. “I found something, and when I showed her, we were jumped by some guy. He desiccated her with his touch.”  

“Like a coward, you left her.” Elijah accused angrily.  

Stefan dropped his arms and stepped forward. “You did what?” 

“What was I supposed to do, fight some warlock that took out an Original?” Thierry asked.  

“Yes, if you were friends you shouldn’t have left her,” Stefan scolded. 

“Where was this, exactly?” Elijah questioned.  

“The docks, warehouse 57,” Thierry answered. “I was just doing what she asked. You cannot tell Klaus about this.”

Elijah throws Thierry against the wall. He's unconscious. “I shall take that into consideration,” said Elijah.  

”I'm coming with you.” Caroline appeared. “I need a break from hearing Hayley wail when all I want to do is kill her.”

“You're not going with Klaus to handle the witch thing?” Stefan asked. 

“No,” the truth was she was concerned for Rebekah. She was still mad at Rebekah but she didn’t want her in any real danger. 

“No. Stay here.” Elijah instructed. “The compound is safe.”

“First, Rebekah is in trouble. I'm going. Second, I don’t care what is safe” Caroline was not going to stay behind. “And third, you don’t get to tell me what to do. No one does.”  

Elijah considers this and sighs. “Do not leave my sight. I don’t look forward to being daggered by my brother for the rest of time.”

“If Caroline is going, I’m going,” Stefan said. He was determined to stay by her side and be there when she needed a friend. He needed to make up for being a bad one. 

Caroline nods, and the three leave for the docks.  

Elijah prayed nothing was going to happen to Caroline. He would really hate to end up in a coffin even longer than Finn or watch Klaus ripped Katerina’s heart just to watch him suffer. 

Niklaus was the most vengeful, vindictive person he knew. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

“Me calling things off with you wasn't lack of interest. I was hoping to save you from all this.” Marcel told Cami.  

“Well, thanks, Romeo, but I'm in it,” Cami replied. “So, when are you gonna get to the good part with Klaus and that Papa guy?”  

“Papa Tunde said he wanted to empower the witches. Mostly, he wanted money and territory. Klaus and Elijah weren't about to give him either. He didn't like that, so he went on a rampage.” Marcel continued his story. 

“No one was safe. Not the humans in the faction. Not the Guerrera werewolves. He even went after the witches who opposed him. Elijah offered a truce. He gave his word, in fact, but Klaus, being Klaus, he had another idea.”  

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Papa Tunde is waiting in their meeting place when he hears someone enter. “You're late, Elijah. It's not like the noble brother to keep me waiting.”  

“I'm sorry, mate. Elijah is the brother you meet when negotiations are to be had. I'm the one you get when negotiations are closed.” Klaus informed him, something dangerous shining in his eyes.  

“You do not scare me,” said Papa Tunde. “You have no idea the power I possess.”  

“Oh, in fact, I made it a point to learn all about your power,” Klaus responded. “I noticed how you're almost always near those twin sons of yours, how they bear your distinctive mark. Got me to thinking--you channel their power, don't you? Which, of course, begs the question: what would happen were that power to be taken away, if those sons whose lives you depend on were suddenly struck down? What of that power then?”  

Marcel brings in a box and sets it down. Papa Tunde looks into the box and sees the severed heads of his twin sons. 

“I will kill you for this.” Papa Tunde vowed enraged.  

“I cannot be killed.” Klaus declared confidently. “You, however…”  

Klaus zooms over to him and presses his thumbs into Papa Tunde's eyes. 

“Aagh!” Papa Tunde cried out in pain, blood streaming out of his eye sockets.

Klaus pressed harder, his thumbs smashing through his eyes and into his brain, killing him. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

“That's awful!” Cami was horrified.  

“Oh, to Klaus, it's just business,” said Marcel.  

“And don't you think there's something fundamentally wrong with that?” Cami questioned. “Don't you worry you'll end up one of his victims or, worse, just like him?”

Cami wondered how Caroline could justify being with someone like Klaus if this was the man that laid beneath all the art and charm. Let alone have children with him. 

Papa Tunde suddenly appears in the bar. “Poor Marcellus. You remain always in the shadow of your father. Climb out from beneath it, will you, so you can die like a man?”  

“Cami, you need to run now. Don't look back. Just go.” Marcel urged her urgently, wanting her to get to safety.  

“I think she should stay,” said Papa Tunde. “I prefer an audience, and I'm about to put on quite the show.” 

“Marcel?” Cami was unsure of what to do.   

“I said get out of here,” Marcel ordered. 

Cami, terrified, hesitates in the doorway, not wanting to leave Marcel alone. 

“You cannot defeat me.” Papa Tunde declared, he strode forward like he was stalking prey, his sights set on Marcel. “I channel the power of an Original vampire. Soon, I will have all three. But first, I will take you, however not before you can tell me where I can find Caroline Forbes. I will take from Klaus what he has taken from me.”  

Even after all this time the loss of his sons still left him with unbridled rage and the need to take everything from Klaus. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Sophie examines the abandoned desiccated vampires that Papa Tunde left for the vampires to find at the docks. “It's a complex spell. Old-school stuff, rooted in sacrificial magic. Whoever did this to your guys, my guess is they were an offering to gain more power. More guys they kill, more power they have.”  

Klaus's phone rings, and when he sees it's Cami, he answers it, motioning for Zach beside him to not take his eyes off of Sophie. “I didn't expect a call from you.”  

“You need to get to Rousseau's now. Some lunatic witch doctor looking for Caroline is killing Marcel.” Cami told him. “He refuses to give her up. I can maybe buy him some time, maybe lie about where she is-” 

“Say one word about Caroline to him and I will make you regret it. There is a line that can’t be crossed. Not even by you.” Klaus hung up abruptly, meeting the worried eyes of Zach, he was gripping Sophie by the arm, ensuring she didn’t try anything as he got distracted by the mention of the only vampire he considered a part of his pack. “Stay with her.” He ordered 

Zach nodded. “Caroline?”

“Don’t worry about her. I have it covered. Keep your focus where it’s needed.” Klaus looked at Sophie. “If you try anything your coven will suffer the consequences.” 

“I’ll make sure she doesn’t try anything.”

Klaus turned to see a familiar face. 

“You, your Katherine’s daughter, right?” Klaus' eyes narrowed on the brunette who's been in and out of the compound since they brought Katherine to New Orleans. He hadn’t really cared to question her whereabouts. She held absolutely no importance to him. 

“Yes,” Nadia answered. “We don’t need her breaking free. I need her to save my mother.” 

“I need her to suffer.” Klaus retorted. “Don’t make me regret this or I’ll take you from your mother just like I did the rest of her family. “

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Caroline, Stefan, and Elijah arrive at where Theirry told them about. Rebekah's body was on the ground. Caroline started to run toward her but Stefan stopped her pointing toward the magic circle beneath Rebekah’s body. 

Elijah is also on the phone with Sophie. 

“Rebekah!” Elijah goes to kneel next to her, but can't cross the barrier made by the salt. 

“What’s going on?” Caroline questioned.  

“Some kind of boundary spell.” Elijah answered..” Someone is channeling her. Typically, it's a lethal process, but, because she's an Original, she can't die. Instead, she's an endless source of power. “

“So what are we supposed to do?” Stefan asked. “I can only imagine the damage that could be done by channeling an Original.”

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Papa Tunde bends over Marcel and holds his knife to his forehead as he begins to carve in his mark. “As I recall, you're one of the few people Niklaus Mikaelson ever gave a damn about. You know what he did to my family.”  

“Aah!” Marcel cried out.  

“The sins of the father are paid for by the son. I will take pleasure in telling Klaus how you died.” Papa Tunde told him. “And how you refused to give up the woman carrying his spawns.” 

“Wait!” Cami screamed, running back inside. “I can get Caroline here. Just don’t kill him.” She ignored the look of betrayal coming from Marcel. She was trying to save his life. 

“No!” Marcel snapped through the pain. “She has to stay away from him.” 

“Marcel, he's going to kill you.” Cami protested. “If we give him what he wants-” 

“You will do no such thing!” 

Cami gasped, whirling around to see Klaus, his face black with rage.  

She took a step back frightened. 

“I would kill anyone who puts Caroline in danger for whatever the reason.” Klaus shoved Cami back and she crashed into a table, crying out in surprise and by the force. “No one’s well being is worth more than hers.” 

Papa Tunde glared. “You cannot protect Caroline or your children she carries, no more than you can protect Marcellus, here.” 

Papa Tunde prepares to kill Marcel but Klaus runs forward, ripping him away from Marcel. 

“I remember killing you,” said Klaus. “I rather relished it. What a joy it is to relive fond memories.”  

“I can crush you before the eyes of your son.” Papa Tunde said, brushing himself off. “Then, I will consume you both and then I will kill Caroline and end your children’s lives before they take their first breath. This time, I'm stronger.”  

Klaus' eyes turned amber. “Stay away from my family!”

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

“You're not listening. We cannot enter the circle. There's some kind of confinement spell... If I can't remove her, we can't break the link.” Elijah explained to Sophie on the phone.   

“It's a convoluted spell. It's like a witch's recipe. You can spoil the balance by adding a more potent ingredient.” Sophie informed him. “A mystical binding agent. I don't know, volcanic ash, rock salt...anything up to and including eye of newt.”  

“What about the blood of a witch?” Elijah inquired.  

“Do you have the blood of a witch?” Sophie asked, confused.  

Elijah turns to Caroline. “I need a favor.”  

“Why are you looking at me? I have vampire blood.” Caroline protested. 

“The babies, Caroline,” Stefan interjected. “Their Quarter witches.” 

Caroline nodded slowly, she raised her wrists to her lips and bit into it gingerly, drawing blood. She walked toward the circle, holding her wrist out and letting the blood fall on the magic boundary line. It starts to fizzle and deteriorate. 

Elijah is able to get through, and he quickly picks up Rebekah and takes her out of the circle. 

He nodded at Caroline and Stefan to follow him before speed vamping out. 

Caroline looked down at the ruined magic line. A little surprised it had work and that her vampire blood had not tainted it. She vamped away and Stefan followed in her wake. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Papa Tunde has the upper hand on Klaus, Papa Tunde’s superior strength throwing Klaus off and is about to finish him off when he suddenly becomes weak when his link to Rebekah is broken. Klaus is able to stun Papa Tunde long enough to run over to Marcel. 

“Uhhh, is he dead?” Cami asked.  

“Get out of here.” Klaus glared at her.  

“Is Marcel dead? Did that guy kill him?” Cami questioned, ignoring his glare. 

“He didn't finish him off. Marcel needs blood to heal. Go. Find me someone off the street.” Klaus ordered. 

“I'll do it,” Cami told him.  

“Fine. Get over here.” Klaus snapped. He didn’t have time for this. 

Cami rushes over to Marcel and puts his mouth to her neck. “It's ok, Marcel. It's ok. It's ok, Marcel.” 

Klaus barely spared the two of them a look, needing to find Caroline. She was being used as a target against him. Again. 

He needed her beside him. He needed to know she was safe.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Rebekah ambushes Thierry in an alley. “Ah! I should rip out your coward heart.”  

“What, Rebekah? We made a deal to take out your brother. You were the one to go back on that deal, and at the end of the day, it's every man for himself.” Thierry responded.  

“I am so sick of self-serving narcissists. Are men simply incapable of thinking about anyone but themselves?” Rebekah demanded angrily.  

Elijah speeds up to Thierry and snaps his neck. 

“Oh, I asked you to cease these petty moves against our family, and yet you conspire with this fool. Is this what it's come to, making moves against your own blood?” Elijah asked, looking at Rebekah with disappointment.  

“I called it off and don't you try and shame me,” Rebekah replied. “Nik grows more powerful by the day, and you do nothing but encourage him. Before the truth came out, I was set on taking him down but this isn’t about Klaus anymore, it’s about our whole family. I know we need to stick together for the sake of Caroline. She has a target on her back. If we don’t stick together her children may never see their first sunrise. I refuse to let that happen. She has inherited enemies she doesn’t deserve.”  

“I offer him, my counsel because it's clear to me that he needs to make the city our home. Now, perhaps leading these derelicts will curb some of these impulses, grant him some degree of happiness. Caroline is that happiness. We will all protect her.” Elijah said. “We all will make sacrifices in the name of this family, Rebekah, but know this. I will never stand against you or Niklaus.” Elijah told her.  

“What about Hayley?” Rebekah questioned. “Are we just going to let her live after everything she has done to deceive our family for her own gain? Are we just going to let her go?”

“We are going to let Caroline and Niklaus decide her fate, she wronged them more than any of us. It should be them who decide her punishment. Not us.” replies Elijah. 

Rebekah glowered, she wanted to kill Hayley for her treachery. The wolf girl didn’t deserve to breathe another breath. 

“I think death would be a blessing for her.” 

Elijah and Rebekah turned to see Stefan standing there. 

“How long have you’ve been there?” Elijah questioned with narrowed eyes. 

“Long enough to know Rebekah was making plans against your brother,” Stefan answered. 

“Will you tell him and Caroline?” Rebekah demanded. 

“No,” Stefan answered. “I don’t see what good it will do.” 

“Be sure that you don’t, Stefan,” Elijah told him. “Or your time here in New Orleans won’t end well.” 

Stefan watched him and then looked at Rebekah. “Did he just threaten me?”

“What are you doing here, Stefan?” Rebekah asked on a sigh. 

“I came here for Caroline. She should have a friend here.” Stefan said. “And I have a lot of making up to do in that department.” 

“I know that,” Rebekah rolled her eyes. “I meant here. Why did you follow me?” 

“I wanted to make sure you were okay,” Stefan admitted. 

Rebekah met his eyes, she could see his honest expression but then again it wouldn’t be the first time Stefan deceived her into thinking he actually cared about her. 

She looked away. “Don’t bother yourself with me. I’m fine. I always am.” 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Marcel walks into the Jardin Gris Voodoo shop, where Rebekah is standing and waiting for him.

“Fancy meeting you here,” Rebekah said in greeting.  

“That symbol is already up and down the cauldron, more of them popping up everywhere,” Marcel said.  

“I suppose Papa Tunde is marking his territory,” Rebekah replied.  

“I'm told you saw him, as well,” said Marcel.  

“Yeah. Brought up a lot of memories. Memories that are best left buried.” Rebekah stated.  

Marcel swallowed. Memories of a secret long since buried 90 years ago that if it ever came to light would find him and Rebekah on the run for their lives. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

1919 

“You're soused. Celebrating Klaus' defeat of the mad Papa Tunde?” asked Rebekah.  

“Not celebrating, drowning sorrows,” Marcel told her. “I'm the one who brought Tunde to town.” 

“What?” Rebekah replied. 

“I made some inquiries while I was abroad, wanted the most dangerous witch anyone could find,” Marcel informed her. 

“Why on earth would you do that?” Rebekah wondered.  

“For you,” Marcel answered. “I figured if someone as bad as Tunde comes in, maybe Klaus gets chased off. Very least, he's occupied enough that he can't stop me from trying to get you back.”  

“You mean to tell me that you would tear down everything my family built, everything you helped us build, risk your own life on the off chance that I would show you the slightest bit of affection?” Rebekah asked.  

“I would,” Marcel answered. “I did. I'd do it again.”  

“Klaus has killed a thousand Tunde's. All his life, there's only ever been one man he has truly feared. My father Mikael.” Rebekah told him.  

“The vampire who hunts vampires,” said Marcel.  

“If he came here, Klaus would flee and never turn back,” Rebekah told him. “All we need is a witch who can help us find him.”  

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Klaus commanded the attention of the whole compound as he spoke directly to the vampires of the french quarter.  

“Not long ago, you all united against me. You failed. Since then, in my benevolence, I have wiped the slate clean, yet it seems clear you think that I am the one who needs to earn your respect, your loyalty. You're mistaken. It is you who must prove yourselves to me. Our community is under attack. I require soldiers. I need warriors, not cowards. Each of you has a decision to make. You either fight alongside me and my wolves or you leave now.” 

“We don't owe you anything. If staying in the Quarter means living under your rule, working with wolves, I'd just as soon get the hell out.” Thierry declared.  

Caroline grabbed Klaus’s hand as they watched a handful of vampires join Thierry and walk out of the compound. Thierry looks at Diego in hopes that he'll come along, but he gives him a pained look and stays behind. 

Theirry couldn’t believe his friend was choosing to stay. Diego hated wolves and for good reason. His family was torn apart by them. 

Afterward, Marcel, Caroline, and Klaus talk with Sophie. 

“I got to admit, I thought you'd lose a lot more guys than that,” Marcel told him.  

“Well, good riddance to them, I say,” Klaus replied. “We've no room for slackers or cowards in our kingdom. Now that you've regained your composure, let's move on to the next item of business, shall we, with a little help from our prisoner Sophie.”  

“The last thing I want to do is help any of you!” Sophie snapped.  

“Now, now, don't be difficult,” Klaus told her. 

“You're lucky you’re still alive. You should be more grateful.” Caroline said, wanting nothing more than to slap the taste out of the witch's mouth but now was not the time to torture her some more. That time would come again later.  

“You'll only live as long as you're of use to me, and right now, your best use is to explain why a witch I killed has come back for revenge. Come on. Resurrected witches with vast power?” Klaus insisted.  

“It's the Harvest. To die and be reborn.” Sophie told him. “I don't know how, but someone jacked that power, and they used it to bring back three witches, just not the right ones.”  

“Davina’s not in danger, is she?” Caroline asked, speaking the words before Marcel could. 

“I don’t know,” Sophie answered. 

“Well be sure.” Marcel ground out. “I will not lose her.” 

“Let's concentrate on the immediate problem, shall we?” Klaus suggested. “Papa Tunde wants revenge. He'll continue to attack us, channeling power from the vampires he sacrifices. He kills, he grows more dangerous. So how do I end him? He needs sacrifices to gain power.”  

Klaus needed to kill him, he wouldn’t be able to sleep knowing he was out there, wanting to take from him what Klaus himself took from Papa Tunde. 

“Hmm. You keep him from killing any more nightwalkers, that's a start.” Sophie told him. 

“Easier said than done in a city full of them.” Caroline snapped at her, just hearing Sophie speak made her want to rip her tongue out through her throat.  

“Caroline’s right,” Klaus said. “If he finds the one place with a load of vampires ready to be sacrificed,” Klaus stated.  

They all look at each other with a look of dawning realization.

Stefan who was standing back, for the most part, minding his own business stepped forward. “What’s happening now?” 

“Nothing good,” Caroline said and leaned into Klaus’s side, seeking his touch. She felt more grounded when she could feel any part of him pressed against her. 

Klaus’s arm wound around her waist, his hand curving around her side, unthinkingly, he leaned forward, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. 

It was actions like these that threw everyone around him, having never seen Klaus so tactile so affectionate.   

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Klaus, Marcel, Stefan and Caroline, and Zach arrive at the garden only to discover that they are too late. All of the vampires are dead, sacrificed by Papa Tunde.

Not only that the wolves he had guarding the place until he got there were dead. 

Caroline’s hand went to her mouth, she knew every wolf by name, she had got to know in the short period after being introduced to them and had formed an attachment. 

They were good and they had welcomed her into their pack, willing to overlook that she was a vampire, they trusted her and protected her and she did the same for them. 

Now, here they were. Gone. Dead at her feet.

Anger coursed through her with a viciousness that left her reeling. 

“How could this happen?” Zach stumbled forward, falling to his knees in disbelief.

“This..this act of violence,” Caroline turned to Klaus, her eyes blackened with her rage. “Can not go unanswered. Their lives meant something. These were our people and they slaughtered them! We have to make everyone involved pay!”

Marcel's brow raised up to his hairline at her harsh reaction.

Klaus was enthralled by her words, the anger coming off her in waves, she vibrated with righteous anger for their wolves. 

The way she had accepted his wolves as her family was something he admired. “Nothing that has happened today will go unanswered, I promise you that, love.” He cupped her face, his thumbs tracing the black veins beneath her eyes. Soothing them away. 

Caroline breathed slowly, her eyes closing at his touch. A calm washing over her, pushing her anger back down just beneath the surface. She nodded and released him. She stepped forward and placed her hand on Zach’s shoulder. “We will make this right.” 

Zach nodded numbly, his hand coming up to cover her own. Thankful for her support, he looked at Klaus seeing the same readiness to avenge the wolves in his eyes.

Stefan wanted to reach out and offer his support to Caroline but it seemed she had all the support she needed. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~  

Celeste meets with Papa Tunde near a crypt in the Lafayette cemetery. 

“Is it done?” asked Celeste.  

“This blade now contains all the power I harvested from the vampires. It will do things worse than death, even to an Original,” said Papa Tunde.  

“And are you ready for the final offering?” Celeste questioned.  

“Will you avenge my sons?” Papa Tunde asked. 

“Klaus will never get the chance to see his children be born,” Celeste vowed darkly

Papa Tunde nodded in acceptance. “In the name of the witches of the French Quarter, it is my honor.” Papa Tunde hands her the bone knife. 

“Thank you, Papa Tunde.” Celeste stands behind him and slits his throat with the knife. 

Celeste breathed deeply, her hands coated in Papa Tunde’s blood. Her plan of making Klaus suffer was closer than ever thanks to Papa Tunde’s sacrifice to her cause. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Caroline walked into Katherine’s room, Davina sat on the floor surrounded by a mountain of books. Elijah was seated on the bed next to Katherine who appeared to be asleep. 

“Where’s Josh?” Caroline wondered. 

“I told him to go find something to drink. He couldn’t stop talking about blood.” Davina looked up from her book to Caroline. “How did today go?”

“I don’t really want to talk about it,” Caroline said. “I rather talk about how things are going here. Have you found anything yet?” 

“No,” Davina answered reluctantly. “But I will find something. I will, I just need more time.” 

“I don’t know how much time she has left.” Elijah didn’t look away from Katherine. He reached his hand brushing her hair back from her face. “We need to save her before it’s too late.” 

“She knows that,” Caroline cut a look at him. “Don’t pressure her. It’s not all on her.” 

“I promise I will try everything I can to help her.” Davina insisted. 

“Good but don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Have you eaten at all today?” Caroline asked. 

“No,” Davina shook her head. 

“Come on, then,” Caroline looped her arm through hers. “I haven’t either and I am starving for blood but I am craving actual food. I talked my friend Stefan into cooking for me. He’s a good cook. He makes great pasta.” 

“Caroline,” Elijah protested but Caroline ignored him and walked out the door with Davina. 

She would not allow Davina to neglect taking care of herself. 

Nadia, Katherine’s daughter appeared in front of them in the hall. “Where are you going? You're supposed to be helping my mother.”

“And she will but right now, she is going to eat and then get a good night's sleep and rest her mind.” Caroline moved protectively in front of Davina. “And if you don’t like it, you can leave.” 

Nadia took a step forward as if to challenge her and Caroline raised one pointed brow, daring her to try something. 

Nadia with an angry huff pushed past them into her mother’s room. 

“Do we like her?” Davina asked as they walked down the stairs. 

“Not sure yet,” Caroline answered, leading Davina to the kitchen. “Don’t really know her.” 

Stefan was pulling something out of the oven, Josh was seated at a table, drinking from a bag of blood while engaging Stefan in conversation. 

“Something smells good,” Davina said, looking toward Stefan.

“That would be baked pasta. I hope you like Italian.” Stefan popped the platter on the counter. 

Caroline leaned forward getting a better look. The melted cheese mixed with red sauce and beef looked delicious and smelled even better. “It looks great, you know, if you’re going to be sticking around I might talk you into cooking for me more often.” 

“I am sticking around and shouldn’t Klaus be the one taking care of your food cravings?” 

Klaus walked into the room. “I take care of all her cravings.” He tugged Caroline into his side, placing a kiss on her neck. 

Davina made a disgusted face. “TMI.” 

“Agreed.” Stefan put two plates on the counter and filled them with pasta putting them in front of the two girls. “I am not used to seeing the two of you together.”

“Well, you better get used to it then because it’s not about to change.” Caroline took a seat and started digging into the food. “Thanks for the food, Stefan. I’m starving.” 

“I would imagine,” Klaus moved around and set a glass of blood in front of her. 

“Is it your blood?” Caroline asked curiously, giving Davina a look of encouragement to eat. 

“No,” Klaus pulled up a seat next to her, his hand resting on her knee. 

“Pity,” Caroline said, wishing it was his blood. She loved the taste of his life-sustaining life force on her tongue. 

Klaus moved his hand on her knee higher, fingers curling around her thigh. “Later.” his eyes held promise and Caroline felt heat rush through her. 

“You guys are blood sharing?” Stefan asked, surprised. Wow, being together was one thing and accidental pregnancy another but blood sharing, that was like a whole other ballpark of seriousness in a vampire relationship. The only thing more serious would be if they had shared the vampire mate claim. 

“Not really,” Caroline said. “He doesn’t drink from me and I don’t like being poisoned by a hybrid bite”

“You could always bite your wrist for him,” Davina suggested and Caroline looked at her. “I know this is not a discussion for me.” 

“Actually, that’s a great idea. Klaus and I will have to try it.” Caroline said, her interest piqued. 

“We will?” Klaus asks, his eyes darkened with want, imaging the taste of Caroline’s blood on his tongue as he was buried deep inside her. 

Caroline bit her lip. “We will.” 

“Okay, that’s enough.” Stefan cut in. “How about you keep the blood sharing interest in the bedroom and eat your food.” 

Klaus grinned. “I could eat but it’s definitely not food.” 

Davina’s eyes nearly widened and Caroline choked on air, her cheeks heating. “Klaus!” 

Klaus smirked at her in response that devilish smirk that had Caroline squeezing her thighs together as desire shot through her. 

“I think I am going to take my food back to my room.” Davina stood up and made a quick exit, waving a hand when Caroline called out an apology. 

Stefan sent Caroline a strained smile. “I’m going to leave you to enjoy your food.” 

Caroline watched him go, knowing it was just an excuse for him to leave. He might be weirded out by her relationship with Klaus but she didn’t care.

She dug into her food, moaning at the taste. Stefan sure did know how to cook. 

Klaus’s hand tightened on her thigh and she looked at him to see his pupils were blown wide, eyes dark with that look she was quite familiar with and despite the hard and difficult day, her lips pulled into a smile. 

“Want some?” She asked, her smile coy and flirty. 

“Yes,” he answered. 

Caroline extended a bite to him. 

“Not of your food,” he said roughly, resisting the urge to pull her against him. 

Caroline's own eyes darkened with want. She quickly ate her food and pushed the plate away and downed her glass of blood. 

The second she was out of her seat and on her feet, Klaus hauled her against his body, urging her to wrap her legs around him. 

Caroline did so eagerly, her arms going around his shoulders, eyes sliding shut as his mouth slanted over hers. 

Klaus groaned, he could taste the blood she had been drinking on her tongue. 

It was mere seconds before Caroline felt her back resting against soft sheets, Klaus’s weight a comfortable feeling settling over her. 

Klaus pulled his mouth from hers tugging at her shirt. 

Caroline rose up, allowing him to remove her shirt. 

She fell back against the bed as he kissed a path down the valley of her breast to her rounding stomach. 

His hands moved to cup her belly, the softness in his kisses had tears filling Caroline’s eyes, her chest tightening with emotion. “I’ve been avoiding my mom.”

Klaus looked up at her, waiting for her to say more. “I know she’s going to have questions about the pregnancy and I can’t talk about it with her.” 

Klaus pushed down his desire and moved back up her body, he rolled off her laying on his side, and pulling her into him. “Why?”

“Sometimes it doesn’t feel real,” Caroline confessed. 

“What?” Klaus looked at her taken aback. “What doesn’t feel real? Us? The babies? All of it?”

Carolien placed her hand on his heart, wanting to reassure him. “Not us. What we have is the realist thing I have ever felt in my life. I meant the pregnancy.”

Klaus's hand came to rest over her stomach. “Trust me it’s real. I can hear their small hearts. I know you can too.”

“It’s a beautiful sound,” Caroline’s eyes grew wet with unshed tears. “I love hearing it, knowing they're there.” 

“Then what’s the problem?” Klaus asked, his hand absentmindedly stroking her belly, caressing his unborn children. 

“What if they’re more hers than mine?” Caroline whispered, voicing her fears. 

“I don’t understand,” Klaus said, her words confusing him. 

“She had all this time to connect with them, to form a bond. I feel like I missed so much. I feel like they're no longer mine. It's almost like she has this claim on them that I don’t. And if I feel like this now, how can I possibly be a good mother to them?” 

Klaus lifted a hand to her cheek as a lone tear slipped from Caroline’s eye and brushed it away. “Caroline, love, you are everything any good mother should be. Your kind, loving, caring, selfless, forgiving and so fiercely protective of the people you love. Being a mother is going to come naturally like everything else for you.” 

Caroline's lips pulled into a smile before she put her hand on the back of his neck and leaned forward, pressing her mouth to his in a meaningful kiss. 

Klaus kissed her back, his arms going around her, pulling her flush against him, his lips moved down her jaw. “Is that all that’s bothering you? Today was a hard day. How are you dealing with everything?” His every word was pressed against his skin as he spoke. 

“Shh,” Caroline rolled onto her back, pulling him on top of her. “Everything else can wait. Talking can wait.” She pulled his mouth back to hers. “I just want to feel us.”

Klaus kissed her deeper, her mouth opening beneath his inviting him inside, he reached behind her unfastening her bra. 

Caroline pushed her head back, her body arching as his lips traveled across her skin, leaving a burning fire in his wake. 

She put everything else out of her mind and focused on the here and now. 

She and Klaus, the way he made her feel, how he knew her body like one of his sketches.

She lost herself to the most real thing she ever felt. 

And when he finally pushed inside her, eyes locked on hers, one hand digging into her thigh the other planted next to her head, she felt like everything would work itself out.

She would make damn sure of it because she was not giving up the life she was building or her new family. 

Always and Forever. 

It was the Mikaelson family motto. 

And now it was hers. 

She held on tightly to Klaus as he moved inside her, branding himself on her soul. 

She opened herself to him, letting down all her walls and defenses, pushing the love she had into his heart, wanting him to know, to believe after all his time on this earth he wasn’t alone and he never had to feel like he was. 

She will always be there. 

She wasn’t going anywhere without him. 

A/N: Thanks for reading!

Tags: @zinebaklaro @eloiselili @caritobear @paulinhaals @lord-luminous @bellarkehotchniss @fantasylover4evr @storm-pirate

[rei382]

A little bit late, but I got the idea relatively late and then struggled with drawing it myself until the amazing @ hybrix-hijinx suggested that they’d draw it for me

and look at what amazing work they did!!!

So, another post for @royed-month​ day 4 prompt “pancakes’

(For people who need it, here’s a written description:

You see Alphonse making something while Ed is sitting at the table and eating. 

Al: Brother?

Ed: humms

Al: Do you think you’ll ever fall in love?

Ed thinks. Then he says, I don’t know. Maybe if she likes pancakes or something.

The next page shows Ed saying good morning to Roy. He obviously spent the night at his place. Roy is making pancakes and wearing a ‘kiss the cook’ apron. 

Roy: Good morning Fullmetal. You’re in luck. I’ve decided to make us pancakes this morning.

Ed looks very red, the blush is strong with this one! In big letters, it says ‘oh fuck’.)

[shiryonsheli]

👀 + what is al's relationship / view of his dad? is he more forgiving towards hohenheim? does he understand ed's anger towards him?

@yinseal | honesty meme

Alphonse shifts.

To tell the truth, the topic makes him a little uncomfortable, but not in the sense that he doesn’t want to talk about it--just the opposite, actually. He not only wants to talk to and about his father, but thinks Ed should, as well, not that suggesting as much could every end anything but poorly. 

“When Dad went away,” he starts quietly, “we were too young to understand why, and Mom didn’t give us a reason in the first place. I missed him a lot and, heheh, I definitely cried about it a lot, but I never got angry quite like Ed did. We were both hurting, but it was different for him.” Alphonse quiets. “I think he blames Dad for mom dying or...Or at least leaving us alone.” 

“Of course we had the Rockbells! We weren’t totally alone! But it was always a little...Our dad was out there alive somewhere and not with us so it seems like we shouldn’t have had to rely on the Rockbells, you know?” There’s a cadence to Al’s voice, a dash of unintentional bitterness to his words he himself is unaware that he’s harboring. 

“Anyway, that is to say I get it. But when I think about that time before Mom died, I remember her missing him, but she was never mad at him. She never had anything bad to say about him. She’d just tell us he loved us or changed the topic...and sometimes she’d tell us stories about when the two of them were younger, although if I’m honest, it’s all a little hazy now.”

Alphonse pauses. There’s more he wants to say, but it’s not relevant to the question.

“I guess I’m not really mad at him,” he sounds convincing, “but I do miss him a lot. I’d like to see him again...I still love him!”