#terrifying for everyone involved but especially to me cuz all i know was my brother was in intense pain my parents wrre panicking

[astrologista]

Kristoph Gavin Character Analysis I

Part 1 of... fucking infinity, I hate this bitch so much lmao.

Well, it's Halloween time and I just thought, why not. So let's answer this question.

What makes Kristoph Gavin a scary character/villain? A soft spoken gentleman with a deadly secret... the Devil, who lives in his hand, that crazy evil scar thing, his creepy music theme... damn, he’s a scary dude. But scariest of all? His psychology, as we all know. (This is mostly gonna be headcanons. but ya know what, I have a license (hands you a piece of paper that says ‘i can do what i want’))

Kristoph seems like a person who is very aloof, particularly when it comes to personal relationships. At first he kind of just seems like the typical anime glasses guy whose main emotion is like whooa he does the glare thing with his glasses sometimes. But... what is he really about?

You know, let me digress for a moment, what's really interesting to me about the AA characters is how much depth they have in their writing. Case in point, Adrian Andrews. There's a character who you assume is just going to be the typical "anime glasses girl" who is a career woman who don't need no man, and is very aloof, cool, and as she says, not concerned with irrelevant topics or things. Later you learn about the true depths to her personality. The fact that she is codependent, that she needs other people telling her what to do in order to survive. Just because she masks these emotions doesn't mean they don't exist. I felt that really gave a lot of depth to her character and added another dimension that stories in this genre don't often address as boldly or fully (especially when it comes to a female character). So the quality of the writing is always really top notch with only a few exceptions. Take this as context...

Now getting back to Kristoph Gavin. Typical anime glasses dude, right? But no, though. One of the reasons why he's so interesting to me is how his emotional understanding of personal relationships really works. Or seems to, anyway. Based on the endgame testimony and his crimes, Kristoph Gavin is extremely dangerous because, should you get involved with him in any way, he will never, ever let go of you, ever. Once you are entangled with him he wants you to stay entangled, not unlike an overbearing parent who refuses to let you go. It's partly that he thinks he knows what's best for you (that is, to stay completely loyal to him). And also partly... because he is pretty dependent on what other people think of him. So he needs to keep them around him closely.

Kristoph's biggest fear was his lying being exposed for what it was. That Phoenix was really the honest, straightforward attorney, and not him. Kristoph would do anything to perpetuate his own false reality. He kept it going for seven years. His absolute worst fear of all was losing his reputation. Being seen for what he truly was in front of others. He could never accept that. That fear drove all of his murders. Fundamentally, he sees himself as benevolent... when nothing could be further from the truth of how he was hurting everyone who had the misfortune of crossing his path.

Kristoph has a need to perpetuate this false identity of himself above all else. A very adjacent second goal to that is to keep all of his personal associates very close and under his control in order to keep the first goal intact.

Reject him and he will stalk you until you are dead. By his hand, or otherwise. Slight him, and he will get you at the first opportunity, case in point, Zak Gramarye. (He only had to get a quick glance at the guy and his fate was sealed. Turnabout Trump is a chilling case.) Replace him, and he will tear your life and livelihood up into little itty bitty pieces. He will then continue to stalk you aggressively for seven years while pretending he is your best friend. Case in point, Phoenix Wright.

Create false evidence for him and you become a loose end. So does your daughter. Like I said, just don't get involved with him. If he feels threatened, Kristoph Gavin will not hesitate to end you. It's definitely an obsession. I mean the first word that comes to people's minds when it comes to Kristoph usually isn't "obsessed", because he gives off the aura of being calm and uninterested. But he is, he's obsessed. You have to be obsessed to do what he did. This shit consumed his every waking hour, and that's what he won't admit. That he was so sick, he completely lost the plot. Phoenix was already living in his head rent free the day he ordered the forgery. And even though Phoenix wasn't physically present at the Misham trial and was only watching everything by video camera, you can bet Kristoph was seeing Phoenix. Hallucinating him, images of him. Probably multiple images of him. That's how obsessive. Imagine letting something or someone control you to that extent. Imagine thinking that you're so important, that Phoenix taking Zak Gramarye's case at all was meant to be a slight against you personally. (It's funny because Phoenix mentions not even knowing Kristoph at all until after the disbarment. So Kristoph's own logic in thinking that Phoenix was just out to shame him absolutely doesn't track. Ob-sessed, dude.)  

It's actually pretty astonishing that someone like Apollo made it out alive. On a side note, I really think Kristoph enjoyed having someone to mentor. He sought someone like Apollo out. Someone naive and new to the field for him to indoctrinate. And maybe I have a post about that later, cuz that's a whole 'nother barrel of monkeys right there. (It kind of involves Apollo’s naivete (also, daddy issues, hello.) being a huge reason why he would gravitate towards having a mentor known for having a “caring” personality. And I think Apollo genuinely liked that about him, which makes the end result so much more awful for Apollo to deal with because to him, that was real.)

But now think of Klavier, right. Being forced to grow up with that. To live with that your entire life. To have a familial relationship that is that smothering, that suffocating, that strangling. That controlling, to criticize every single thing that you do or say right down to the way you say it. And remember... He's never letting you go. I would go on a world tour as a rock star, too. Anything to be anywhere he isn't. This is horror movie tier stuff. (now im imagining a horror movie trailer for aa4 focusing on gavins stuff... eep!)

And Kristoph Gavin markets himself as someone who simply doesn't care. He's the coolest defense in the west and he doesn't care for what you may think about it. Except... he does care. It totally consumes him. Your perception, your opinion, is everything to him. He has shitty self esteem, deep down, because he knows Phoenix is better than him. And tries to mask it with narcissism as the two duke it out. Appearances are everything, evidence is everything. What people think is true is the only thing that matters, truth doesn't. And it makes sense that his closest contacts and associates are the targets for his constant narcissistic abuse and gaslighting. Their opinions matter even more than the common crowd - of course, Kristoph hates them. Which makes it even worse for him when the jury decides unanimously that Vera is innocent (and by implication, he is therefore guilty). The jury verdict was kind of like the ultimate confirmation that guess what, the evidence doesn't matter. The common and boorish masses have passed judgement, no matter how "mindless, emotional and irrational" they are, even they can see behind his crappy little facade. Even a blind woman like Lamiroir can see that insecurity; even a common person can understand it just by looking at the facts. That's what absolutely wrecks him... that his “poker face” couldn’t hold a candle to Phoenix’s. And he loses the “hand” again (because of his “hand”... get it??).

The identity that he needs to maintain is part of how he sees himself in his mind. As Phoenix's protector, not as his stalker. As Klavier's benevolent big brother, not as his abuser. As Apollo's teacher and mentor, not as someone guiding him into ruin. He lives in a false reality.

Try to bring this up in any way, shape, or form and he will write it off. You're just imagining things...

Because at some level, Mr. Black Psyche Locks himself doesn't even realize. (I feel like that might just be basically canonical fact, based on Pearl’s explanation of how black psyche locks are supposed to work.) That’s pretty freaking terrifying.

At the end of the day this is a big part of the reason I think his character is just so interesting. In a very messed up way, Kristoph is one degree away from being such a good person. He could've been obsessively protective of Klavier - the way a big brother is supposed to be - instead of abusive, could've actually been very caring of Phoenix instead of manipulative. Terrible people can have good traits, just as good people can have awful traits. His attention to detail and understanding of psychology (like getting Vera those gifts she would like so much) could've been used for genuine good. He could've been someone who cares deeply about other people because he does care deeply about other people. But only in terms of their relation to himself, what do they think of him, how are they useful to him.

Maybe this is why I kind of like his character. Intelligent, semi-neurotic protective characters are just my ish. But, no, he has to have a narcissistic bent that skews everything into complete abuse. That’s what makes him awful... that he’s devoid of a moral compass or true compassion for other human beings.

So in closing, fuck off, Kristoph Gavin.

Postscript, he's also such a good foil for Phoenix for this reason. Kristoph does everything for himself. Phoenix does everything for Trucy, because he's a dad and he understands the weight of what it means to really care for someone. Kristoph couldn’t understand motives like that. And Phoenix can't help it if he's an order of magnitude smarter and more mature than Kristoph is. He was just born like that. Classy as fuck. You know what, Kristoph Gavin is like the dollar store version of Phoenix Wright as an attorney. Has many of the same functions but actually doesn't have a leg to stand on and will fail you when you need it. And is revealed to just be a cheap knockoff of the real thing.

[nanawritesstuff]

of war and peace | December 27th, MadaSakuWeekend

it’s here, y’all. MadaSakuWeekend, Day 1. Thank you, Captain @madasakuweek​, for organising and motivating the madasaku stans!!!! 

Prompt: soulmate au

Fandom: Naruto

Pairing: Haruno Sakura/ Uchiha Madara

Rating: Teen and up audiences

Word Count: 4051

Summary: For Sakura, soulmates have officially lost their charm and she’s never felt more disillusioned. But when the only chance to look deeper comes to her, she still takes it. | sequel to of love and war 

Warnings/Tags: angst, ooc sasuke cuz I like soft friend Sasuke, ooc madara cuz I need some fluff

a/n: I really wasn’t sure if I should write this, but this is the only way I wanted to write it lol

Sakura has always known what dead soulmarks mean. 

She thought she had accepted it-the bittersweet feeling of being surrounded by people meant for each other, knowing there was no such person for her, not anymore. She's been ready for the weddings, the children, and the anniversaries since she was twelve. She's crafted herself an armour of acceptance and resolution. 

She hadn't been ready for this. 

The first glimpse of the infamous Uchiha had shaken her to the core. Despite the distance between them, she knows that he had sensed her presence. Sasuke's hand had been firm in hers as she trembled, as her mind and body refused to cooperate. And then that wild hair vanished from sight, leaving behind an odd longing in her, which she has been trying to fight down ever since. They've retreated back to camp to for a brief respite, and she takes this time to come to terms with the current situation.

She hadn’t been ready for the part of her she’d thought long buried to awaken and unfurl in the deepest parts of her, for it to sense its other half and prod at her very being as if to say: hey, look, there they are!

Despite knowing there was no happy ending written for her, she had indulged in the occasional daydream of somehow meeting her soulmate. They usually involved tears and soft kisses, apologies and tight hugs. When she heard people were being resurrected, her mind had spun out of control for a moment. The hope had been nearly overwhelming, and the subsequent disappointment had crushed it. 

What she feels now is pure despair. There are no teary first meetings in the works for her, because the man fate has deemed fit for her is the worst enemy they have ever faced. And judging by the reports coming in from the fourth division, he is also an overpowered killer. The desperation and desolation merge as they rush through her, forming a leash around her heart. What does it say about her, if that is who is marked for her? Not every marked pair ends up together, but that’s still rare.

How is it that someone she has never even met has managed to break her heart? Or is it the absolute disillusionment that has her struggling to breathe?

Sasuke's arms are steady and warm around her as they stand in the empty tent. His brother stands guard outside, talking to his partner in low tones. The two make an odd pair, but there is a certain confidence in the way they move around each other that speaks of faith, and trust. Her eyes squeeze shut as the tears spill over and her fingers dig into Sasuke's skin as she buries her head in his shoulder. 

"I've got you. Okay? We don't have much time, but...I'm here with you. You're not alone," he murmurs, hugging her closer when she starts shaking. "I'm here." Sakura sobs harder at the warm words, cursing herself for crying over this, over him. She should be out there, shrugging it off, keeping her head held high. Instead, she's hiding away, crying like a child. 

"W-why him?" she blubbers, taking in shaky breaths as Sasuke wipes her cheeks dry. “What the hell did I ever do to deserve that?

"Well, it's definitely unfortunate. But...you could've done worse. You could've gotten Danzo." 

The complete disgust on her face makes him grin. 

"He's not much better." 

"Hey, come on now. I know he's our enemy, but your soulmate is one of the most feared shinobi in all the nations," Sasuke tells her, handing her a cup of water. "Right up there with the Shodaime." 

"Sasuke."

"I'm just saying...it could've been Danzo."

She can't help but laugh at that, pulling him into another hug. "Yes. And now I have to watch my soulmate die without ever getting a chance to speak to him." 

He shrugs, watching her as she nearly dunks her head in a bucket of water. "I mean, you'll get a chance to meet him. Even a monster wouldn't kill his own soulmate." 

Sakura isn't so sure of that, but she knows it doesn't matter either way. She won't get a chance to find out.

She gets her chance. 

Naruto turns to her when Madara leaves, declaring his intent to wait for the Shodaime. She knows she doesn't imagine the way his eyes flick in her direction before he turns away. She tells herself it was Naruto he was assessing, but her heart doesn't stop pounding. He's terrifying. He kills as naturally as he breathes, as if he was born to fight, to defeat. And yet, she had heard him call out to Hashirama. She had seen him nearly crash into the ground in his haste to get to the man, his eyes lit up with excitement at the mere prospect of getting to fight his old friend. 

She had nearly smiled at the way his face fell when Hashirama rebuffed him. 

It doesn't matter–she can berate herself all she wants, but she couldn't stop her eyes from finding him, from greedily taking in every move he makes. It's dangerous to be this distracted, and it takes her every ounce of the self-control she possesses to stay focused on healing Naruto, who is still trying to check on her.

The sound of heavy footsteps grows closer, and she looks up to see Hashirama smiling at her. There is chatter all around her as they all watch the four Hokage in action, getting ready to jump into the fray themselves, and one of the Shodaime's clones has come to her instead.

"I'm going to him. I know it's important to conserve chakra but...I'd say this is important too, in a way," he says softly, the way he looks pointedly at her neck leaving little doubt as to what he means. Of all the people in the world, he's probably the one person who is as familiar with the symbol as she is. She turns to look at Naruto and Sasuke, who look back at her with no trace of judgment in their eyes. She squares her shoulders and walks to them, her hands coming up to form a symbol she's rarely ever had to use, unlike her blond teammate. 

As Team 7 steps up to join the battle, her clone leaves with Hashirama's.

She's afraid–of being rejected, even though she tells herself she's not looking for acceptance. Of him being worse than she believes him to be, even though it can't, in all honestly, get much worse than mass-murdering psychopath aiming for world domination. She feels no small amount of guilt for going to meet the man who has taken so much from this world, from her friends. 

They slow to a stop just before they reach the spot, and Sakura looks at him questioningly when he just smiles sheepishly. His eyes indicate his unnatural state, but they’re still gentle in the way they settle on her.

"It's Sakura, right?" 

"Um, yes."

"Hm. You know, ever since I first saw it, I've been curious–just what kind of a person would give that brute such a pretty mark?" he muses, and she flushes under the weight of his gaze. "But it's subtle in its beauty. The one he's given you...well, it certainly doesn't leave any doubt, does it?" 

Sakura looks up at the rock where her supposed fated one waits. "Not anymore. This mark, it's given me a lot of grief. But it's never felt like a burden...until now." She turns back to him, her smile wobbly. "No matter who it belonged to, it was my soulmark. There was someone for me, even if they were out of reach."

"To find out that you're Madara's soulmate...he's definitely a handful," Hashirama guffaws as he pats her shoulder sympathetically. A part of her can't believe she's just standing around, chatting with the Shodaime Hokage as the war rages on around them, even if they're clones. But, despite her initial fears, he isn't disgusted. There's no sign of pity in his eyes. He seems to sense her uncertainty as she tries to find the right words. 

'Handful' seems to be the understatement of the world. The man is trying to cast a genjutsu over the entire world. 

"He's...not someone I expected. Ever." 

Hashirama nods, seeming to understand what she doesn't say. "I'll get to the point, then. It may be hard to believe, and I'm certain everyone else would disagree if they heard this...but then no one ever really knew Madara like I did, like I do." A finger under her chin tilts her head up when she can't meet his eyes. "He's an idiot. A severely misguided one. He has a terrible temper and his way of resolving things is to beat them." 

'Is he trying to tell me that I dodged a bullet?' Sakura thinks, wondering if the Shodaime thinks she's an idiot. 

"But Sakura...despite his utter idiocy and thick-head...he has good in his heart. I know this, and I believe this even now. He is not an evil man." She blinks at the unexpected words.

"Then why is he doing this? Trying to create some perfect world? What happened?" she asks quietly. Hashirama sighs, running a hand through his hair as he tries to put it in words. The sky has settled into a shadowy disposition, a precursor of the darker things to come and–she can’t tell if it’s afternoon or evening.

"The Uchiha, they...they love deeply, to a fault. To the point where it can destroy them. This trait was always especially apparent in Madara. He loved his family so much, that losing them broke him apart piece by piece until there was nothing left but anguish,” Hashirama’s eyes lose focus as his mind travels to a time when Konoha was just a dream. “Losing his brother was the final straw, although I didn't know it at the time. Izuna took a big piece of Madara with him, when he was killed by my own brother."

"But...you still founded the village after that?" 

"I was able to convince him. And I've always believed that even then, Madara had hope." 

"For Konoha?"

"Yes. And for finding you," Hashirama says, his soft smile edging with sorrow. His words take root in her heart, robbing her of breath and words. "He never admitted it, but I knew he wanted to meet you. Sakura-san, when we were kids, he used to go on and on about you. He was so sure you would be a kunoichi–beautiful, powerful yet kind were his exact words if I remember correctly.” His laugh is soft as he shares this piece of his past, of cherished memories. “A woman who could send shinobi flying with one punch. I'm sure he's very pleased to know he was right." 

She knows he's teasing, but she can't help the warmth that extends to her ears. “Oh...”

“Uchiha Madara’s soulmate, apprenticed to a Senju, my own granddaughter. I suppose the fates do have a peculiar sense of humour,” he mutters, appearing a bit smug.

Sakura, however, is stuck on his previous words.

"He really said all that?" The almighty Uchiha, fantasizing about his soulmate?

"He did. In his defence, we were children. His vocabulary was rather limited at the time. But, as I was saying...well, he never did find you. The situation became more hopeless, and...then it ended. Or so I believed." 

“And he betrayed you.”

“And he believed he was meant to walk a different path, yes.”

"Why are you telling me this?" she asks as they begin to walk towards their goal.  

"Because I know he won't. And as his best friend, I believe it to be my duty to tell you your soulmate isn't the monster everyone believes him to be." Hashirama's sincerity shines through in every word. "And, because the gods are cruel. If Madara had met you back then...I truly believe things would have been different." 

'But we never had a chance.' Her eyes well up once again, but Hashirama's look suspiciously shiny as well. It's in this moment that it really sinks in–the man people believe was Uchiha Madara's greatest enemy still calls himself his best friend. Perhaps he's too optimistic, to actually believe there's still some good left in the other man, but he would know better than most, wouldn't he? Better than everyone else.

It may be naive of her but Sakura chooses to believe him–because she wants to believe it. She wants to believe there's more to Madara than the homicidal demon he's known to be, even if she might not get the chance to see it for herself.

And now, as he waits for Hashirama, she finds him.

She doesn't see her mark on what little skin she can see, but that only makes sense. Most Shinobi don’t leave their mark visible for everyone to see, and this one has more reason than most to hide his. Her own mark seems to pulse in sync with the quickening beat of her heart. Her breath catches in her throat as he moves, as he slowly turns to face them, her muscles locking up when he tilts his head, the spiral pattern of his eyes dizzying in his otherworldly beauty.

She doesn't move as he refuses to fight Hashirama's clone, and then proceeds to destroy it. She waits for him to do the same to her, but he only goes back to his seat with casual indifference. Ino and Shikamaru's faces spring up in her head–the apprehension is cast aside in favour of anger.

And then, she pounces. 

He blocks every attack, never countering, only parrying and twisting gracefully. His expression doesn't shift in the slightest, but she can see the amused glint in his eyes and it sends anger burning like fire through her veins. As he turns slightly to step back, her fingers slide into his coarse hair, clenching tightly and yanking him to her. The surprised look on his face is almost comical, and she only gets a glimpse before she drives her fist into his cheek. The way he crashes through the rocks has vindictive satisfaction thrumming in her, even though she knows it was a lucky shot.

"That was dirty," he grumbles. His voice is deeper than she expected, and there is none of the rage she was expecting. Instead, as he sets his gunbai down,  he looks like he’s trying to fight a smirk. 

"That was for my friends," she replies firmly. 'Nothing in the world will ever make up for what you've done.'

"Friends, hmm?" He tilts his head curiously, brushing dirt off his armour. "The nine-tails is one of them, is he not?" 

The look she gives him is dangerous, and her only response. The little smirk that curls along his mouth is knowing. He has the striking features common in the Uchiha, but where Sasuke and Itachi are lean, lithe and delicate–Madara is broader, sturdy, and rugged, but still limber which is apparent in the way he moves.

"So you haven't come to join me, little soulmate?"

"And betray my people? Of course not," she says dismissively. 

“Your people? Shouldn’t your soulmate be included in that list?”

“Not if he’s trying to ruin the lives of every other person on it,” she snaps, her irritation rising when he only looks amused. Where is the temper the Shodaime mentioned? 

"Then why have you come?" 

His question gives her pause, makes her nervous. "Because of the Shodaime..."

"Did the meddling fool force you?" 

"No! I just...I was curious,” she admits, shrugging lightly despite the nervous feeling fluttering in her stomach. 

"Hm."

She watches him for another moment. He sits with his legs crossed, his chin resting in the palm of his hand. He looks as if he doesn't have a care in the world, but his eyes are intense in their focus, in the way they linger on her mark. His mark. She wonders what he thinks of her, with her soft hair and bright eyes. With the thick lines sweeping down her face to her body. 

In all her daydreams, she had never thought she’d look this roughed up when meeting her soulmate. There are no sundresses and bright nail polish; her skin is cleaner than her real body’s by virtue of being a clone and her flak jacket is snug around her torso. The image of a faceless man with a gentle smile has been torn to shreds, replaced by this man who she thinks is–in the deepest parts of her mind–of a wilder sort of beauty than she could’ve ever imagined. 

She thinks he’s beautiful, and she hates herself for it. 

"I came because even though you're clearly insane, this is the only chance I had to meet you," she says honestly. "So I took it."

"Insane?" he repeats, his eye twitching. "Bold, aren't you?" 

"I'd have to be, with this blasted mark on my neck!" 

"Listen here, girl, that's the Sharingan you're insulting! My Sharingan," he says, and she tries to ignore the possessiveness colouring his tone. 

"Well, your Sharingan has been an endless source of annoyance my entire life!"  

"And your mark..." he begins heatedly, only to trail off. Suddenly, she feels awkward. What is she doing, arguing with this man? 

"And my mark?" She watches him cautiously, watching for a hint, a sign that would indicate the location of her mark. She’s been curious about it all her life and Hashirama hadn’t given her any clues beyond ‘pretty.’

He doesn't respond, his head turning towards the direction of the battle. Her heart restarts it's panicked thumping as he moves to stand, his gaze focused on some distant point. He glances at her once before turning away to leave. 

"W-wait!" 

Madara stills, looking over his shoulder at her, and she ignores the voice in her head that calls her a sentimental fool. 

"M-my name...it’s Sakura," she stammers, her mouth dry, feeling like a complete idiot. At the same time, something in her is finally quenched. She doesn’t regret it. And then–the all too familiar scent of forests and smoke fills her senses, and her heart attempts to leap out of her mouth when those hypnotic eyes meet her own and he's too close too close. He leans over her, his expression unreadable, and she feels something warm on her neck before she discovers that it's his fingers. His skin is warm, and she's startled further when she realizes his glove is off. 

Madara strokes the bright mark on her skin, his touch gentler than she would’ve expected from a man like him, his gaze unwavering. "Sakura, huh?" She doesn't understand why her knees shake at the way he says her name, as if he's savouring sweet wine. They shake harder when his mouth curves up, even though it's tiny. It softens his harsh features and stills the pounding of her heart. "Of course it is. I'm...Madara." 

He’s close enough for her to feel the heat radiating off of his body; she could reach out and touch him, and she might be losing her mind because she thinks he would let her. She wants to explore, dig deep and see what parts of him he’s hiding, and how they would fit with hers.

“...It’s nice to finally meet you, I guess,” she whispers. She’s embarrassed to find that her eyes have grown wet again but before she can swipe at them his hand is there, brushing a tear off her lashline. 

“I should be the one saying that.” But he doesn’t sound annoyed. The air is warm and still between them as they both search the other's face. They both know where the other stands. There’s nothing more to say. She feels something tug at her as he steps back, slipping his glove back on. There's something on his wrist, but it's covered by the cloth before she can get a clearer look.

"Well, Sakura. I'll see you on the battlefield." 

She still doesn't quite know how, but things got worse.  

The battlefield is quiet around them, as everyone slumbers in their cocoons. In this moment though, her mind strays from her worry for her people. Her eyes, instead, remain glued to the form on the ground, the form Hashirama is now walking towards. Her mind flashes through the events that lead to this. Gai-sensei. Obito. Naruto and Sasuke, who have now disappeared along with Kakashi-sensei and the creature, the woman who had put an end to Uchiha Madara. The thought doesn't bring the triumph it should. Instead, they now have something much worse on their hands.

She feels numb, because of the unknown evil they now have to face. Because she had to watch her soulmate nearly explode and be turned inside out in a most horrific manner, and she knows it's going to give her nightmares for the rest of her life.

And, because...this is it. This is it for him, for the little bit of them.

Naruto realized it before she did, and pushed her to safety before they vanished. He made the decision for her because he knew she would have followed them. And he wanted her to have this. 

As she walks towards him, his form grows blurrier. The confusion lasts for but a moment before she realizes her body has reacted before her mind could, in the form of the tears that flow freely down her cheeks. He’s empty, drained of life and chakra, the bleached look gone and his hair back to its inky ferocity.

His words, spoken in low tones, reach her ears. "War buddies...huh? Well, I guess that's fine...by me..." he trails off as Hashirama turns to look up at her. "Ah, that's...right. One of my dreams...did come true." 

She sinks to her knees beside him, reaching for his hand. It's still warm, and she squeezes it tightly. He looks frail, all the rage in him finally hushed. He doesn't look at her, but she realizes quickly that he can't.

"I always told you, didn't I?" Hashirama teases, although his smile is more wistful than amused. "In this, at least–you were right."

"I...know..." His fingers twitch around hers as his mouth perks up slightly. "Sakura."

"Hmm?" She's unsure if she can manage to speak through quiver in her throat, through the emotions bubbling up and choking her. "I-I'm here." 

"My...wrist..."

She catches on quickly, reaching for the hand still shielded by a glove with trembling fingers. As she slips it off, her eyes stay trained on his wrist. On her mark. And her heart aches at the sight of it, at the unfairness of it all.

"Oh."

"Beautiful...isn't it?" he asks, almost serenely. She laughs quietly, running her fingers over the cherry blossoms inked on to his skin by fate itself. "Forgive me. I'll...be going...ahead first." 

"Again," she murmurs, sighing at the position they've found themselves in after all this time.

He seems to find it amusing, his mouth curling up further still despite his unfocused gaze. "Ah. I guess...this just wasn't...our time...huh?"

"Not this life," she agrees, leaning in to press her mouth to his forehead. He’s nearly gone, so she knows he probably doesn’t feel the tears that drip down her chin and onto his ashen skin. "Maybe in another, if we're lucky." 

"I'll...look...for you, then..." he agrees, his smile fading slightly as his hand goes in limp in her grip. She takes a moment to close her eyes, to let herself feel. The loss. The bitterness. The unravelling of that tense, bitter knot in her chest that had wound itself tight throughout the years. In the end, she got to be by his side, in a small way.

Hashirama's hand is steady on her back as she takes in deep breaths. There will be time to grieve–later. For now, she has teammates to find and people to save. Despite everything the world has thrown at them, they've survived. And she's going to keep it that way.

[chaoticgearz]

Tsuna in Dateko: Missing Cookies

It's mostly a rewrite from one of Haikyuu-buu's chapters feat Tsuna!

"Your cookies went missing?" Tsuna asked, raising an eyebrow. He was taking a water break with Aone next to him when Nametsu came up to them. She nodded her head. "Yup, I bought a big box of it since I know you'd love them and I was hoping to hand them out to everyone." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I left them in the clubroom, but now they're all mysteriously gone. I'm not trying to blame anyone here, I just want whoever ate them to come out and say it." Tsuna hummed, eyes scanning at everyone in the gym. "And you're telling us this because...?" He looked back at her. Nametsu clasped her hand together.

"You two are the only ones I trust right now. Will you please help me find out what happened to those cookies?" She said in a pleading tone. Aone thumped his chest with his fist, signifying his agreement.

Tsuna just shrugged. "Eh, sure. We're in. I've always wanted to play detective." Nametsu smiled at them. "Thanks! You two are a lifesaver!"

______

"And so...."

Nametsu motioned to where Aone sat with Tsuna sitting on the table he was in, both of them crossing their arms and had serious expressions on their faces.

"I'd like everyone to give a detailed explanation of exactly what they were doing that day." She went out the door and pushed Futakuchi in. "As the captain, you go in first." The door closed behind him. Futakuchi sighed, walked to the table and sat down, getting himself comfortable.

___(Suspect #1: Futakuchi Kenji)___

Tsuna hopped down from the table and walked behind Futakuchi, trying to look intimidating. "Well, well, well~ Tell us captain, what did you do today?"

Futakuchi just scoffed at Tsuna's question before he leaned back and tilted his head backwards to look at the first year. "You two really are gonna hunt down this cookie thief.."

"Nametsu is really serious about this, huh?" He asked. "Yeah, she promised us a new batch of cookies if we managed to find the culprit." Tsuna chirped in. "You mean she promised you a new batch of cookies if you find the culprit." Futakuchi leaned forward again to face Aone.

Tsuna just shrugged. "Same thing." He said. Futakuchi rolled his eyes when Aone tapped the table to get their attention and motioned for him to start talking.

"Well, we are the iron wall of Date and of course our clubroom's security is also iron clad." He placed his hands behind his head. "All things considered, the culprit has to be one of our club members."

Aone shook his head to disagree. "Nii-san, I know you don't wanna doubt anyone but you can't just put blind faith on them." Tsuna said, walking to stand next to his brother again.

"But whoever did this is nothing short of gutter trash. You'd normally say something, right? Or at least make some kind of throwaway comment, especially you Tsuna."

"Like you're any better, Kenji."

"Anyway, maybe make comments about how good those cookies looked and maybe about the different flavours it offers... There were dozens of them after all-"

"I'm gonna have to stop you there because what you just said sounds oddly specific."

"...."

"...."

"...."

The three occupants in the room stared at each other long and hard. Then, Futakuchi gave a sigh of defeat and placed both his hands on the table. "So hear me out..." The two opposite of him leaned forward. "I may have... Eaten one of those cookies...." He bowed his head in shame.

A hand struck down and smacked the captain on the back of his head. He quickly pulled his head back up and rubbed the area that came into contact with the hand, glaring at Tsuna. "Ow what was that for, you midget!?" Futakuchi yelled out in anger. "Who the hell are you calling a midget!!?" Tsuna retorted, equally pissed.

"Who else is the fucking dwarf here!?"

"That's it! Get ready to suffer! I'm telling Nametsu!!!"

"No wait please hear me out first!! I really did just eat one! I don't know anything about the rest!" Futakuchi raised one hand and placed the other one over his heart with a panicked look on his face. "I swear my life on that!! I thought it'd be awkward if they just sat there untouched, so all I did was open the package and eat one to make them more appealing!"

"Why didn't you say anything then!?" Tsuna growled out. "Because if I say anything now, it'll be one big misunderstanding! Please Aone, keep this a secret between us!"

"Seriously!? You're gonna stoop that low now!? What happened to that confidence earlier, huh!?"

"Shut up!"

"You shut up!"

Aone placed a hand on Tsuna's shoulder to placate him and nodded at Futakuchi, answering his request. "Nii-san! You can't just give in like that!"

"Thanks Aone! I owe you one!"

___(Suspect #2: Koganegawa Kanji)___

"I... I'm next! F-First year, Koganegawa! I'm coming in!" The first year entered the club room, obviously nervous. "Pleased to make you acquaintance detectives!"

"Kogane, chill. It's just us. You're not going to jail." Tsuna said, trying to calm down his friend's nerves. "Sit down. Relax a bit. Just tell us when you're ready."

"So.. how is the search going? Did you find the culprit yet?" Kogane asked. Tsuna was about to answer when his half brother stood up abruptly and held his arms up high, making a blocking pose, shocking both the other occupants in the room.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! That must be classified information!"

"Nii-san! Are you trying to give me a heart attack!? Warn me, please!"

After taking a moment to calm down, Kogane sat down and was suspiciously quiet. "Kogane? What's wrong?"

"Umm..... Well, a-actually..." He became silent for a second. Tsuna was about to ask again when he suddenly bowed his head. "It was me! It was all me!"

"Wh- Kogane! I thought you were better than this! Couldn't you have at least snagged an extra one for me!? You know how much I love cookies!"

"Wah!! I'm so sorry Tsuna!"

Their conversation was interuppted when Aone suddenly stood up and slammed his hands on the table.

"Wait, wait! I only ate one of them since they were sitting right there in the club room! I promise it was only one!"

His hands were clasped together as he continued to talk. "I know it might be hard to believe me, but I really did only eat one! Please, Aone-san! Tsuna-kun! I beg of you! Keep this a secret!!"

No one made any movement for a bit until Aone looked away and nodded slowly.

"Ugh, I'll make this the only exception. Never do this thing again, okay!? Ask first before you eat something!"

Kogane looked relieved. "Th...Thank you so much! I knew I could count on you two!" He mumbled when he made his way to the door. "Futakuchi-san can be a bit terrifying.. Ah! Keep that a secret too!"

"Just get outta here! Let's meet up later!"

"Okay!"

____

"So far, we have two suspects, both claiming to have taken one of the cookies." Tsuna recounted, leaning his back on the table. Aone nodded his head in agreement.

He hummed a bit, a distant look in his eyes. "I have a bad feeling about this."

___(Suspect #3: Yutaka Obara)___

The shaven head teen took a seat across the two half siblings. "This incident does involve food, so I suppose I would end up on the suspect list." He muttered, loud enough for them to hear. Aone shook his head at Obara's statement. "Sorry about this, Obara-san. But we just don't wanna leave anyone out." Tsuna said, a hand behind his head.

"It's okay, I know you're talking to everyone about this." He waved his hand a bit to reassure the two. "So, uh.... Yeah...."

"I kinda... Ate one of them, maybe..." He looked away, felling too ashamed to lookal at the two.

"..…I knew it."

"N-No! I mean they were right there! I'd already eaten it before I even had time to process to process what happened!"

"I may not be the appropriate person to say this, but Obara-san, you should really learn some self control."

"Please, if I say I only had one, no one will believe me! Let's just keep this a secret, okay!?"

"Just get out of here. We've heard enough."

___(Suspect #4: Tarō Onagawa)___

"..........They were really tempting so I ate one.."

"I feel ya on that one in a spiritual level. Now leave."

___(Suspect #5 and #6: Kaname Moniwa and Takehito Sasaya [Absent])___

"Sasaya and I just wanted to come say hello. We spotted the cookies purely by chance, but the two of us only had one each."

"Senpai, I expected better than that from you. Never knew you could be like this."

"Please don't tell Nametsu about that. We really did just come to say hi. We know nothing about the rest."

"You're excused, Senpai."

___(Suspect #7: Yasushi Kamasaki)___

"I did come by to say hi, but the one who took the cookie wasn't me.." Kamasaki rolled up his sleeve and flexed his arm, showing off his muscles.

"But rather these splendid guns of mine."

"Just say you took the goddamn cookie! No one cares about your guns!!"

"You're just saying that cuz you're jealous!"

"I ain't jealous! I'm just saying stop showing off! Everyone is getting sick of looking at your gross arms!"

"HAAAH!?"

Aone had to physically hold them apart until they both cooled down and apologized to one another.

___(Suspect #8: Gokudera Hayato)___

"Gokudera Hayato! I'm coming in, Jyuudaime! Aone-san!"

Without missing a beat, Tsuna said. "Gokudera, be honest with me, you took one of the cookies didn't you?"

The silverette froze, his expression similar to a deer caught in a headlight. They all stayed silent for a second, Tsuna sat at the table, crossing his legs while Aone had opted to stand after sitting for so long with his arms crossed as he stared at Gokudera long and hard.

In an instant, he was on the floor, his forehead pressed into he floor as he begged for forgiveness.

"Forgive me Jyuudaime! I did take one of those cookies! I assumed it was okay since I saw Kamasaki-san take one!"

Tsuna just sighed. Be walked up to Gokudera, crouched and pet his head. "Hayato, it's okay. I was just asking. I'm not mad at you."

It took them about an hour to calm Gokudera down that No Tsuna isn't going to chase him out because of that and No he didn't commit a thievery for taking ONE cookie.

________

Tsuna and Aone had just finished the last of their interrogation, feeling a bit conflicted. Should they tell Nametsu or not?

"Ah, Aone, Tsuna!" The two stopped, watching their club's manager walk up to them. "How's it going? Have you found the culprit yet?" She asked. They both shook their heads, deciding to just lie to her for now. She just looked disappointed and look at the ground. "I guess they're not willing to be honest about it."

Tsuna just shrugged. "It's okay. We'll just have to try harder." She just dismissed him with a wave of her hand and turned her back to them, appearing to be deep in thought. "Nah, you don't need to. All I wanted was for them to just say it outright. I wasn't going to get mad at them or anything."

"Yeah, you did buy it for everyone after all." Tsuna said, crossing him arms. Nametsu just turned back to face them, her arms behind her back.

"I'm just surprised that such a large amount could disappear so quickly. If someone really ate all that and stayed quiet about it, then it's only natural I'd want them to say something, right?" She said before she looked back at the two. "Sorry for making you two help me out, Aone, Tsuna."

Tsuna was about to reassure her not to worry about it when Aone beat him to it. "Don't worry about it." The sudden sound of his deep voice scared Nametsu.

"Woah, that scared me! If you're gonna talk, say something beforehand!" Tsuna sweatdropped at her statement. "Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of him warning you if you get scared by his voice alone?"

_____

The next day during morning practice, Sakunami had pointed out to Tsuna that Aone seemed to be deep in thought. Tsuna pat his arm, feeling worried. "Are you okay, Nii-san?" He asked to which the white haired male shook his head. "Really? You're making quite the face there. You know you can tell me." He said.

Tsuna watched his brother for abit before he realized what was bothering him. "Ah, is it about the cookies? Why? Did you get a lead?"

He shook his head.

"Huh.." was all Tsuna said before he went deep into thought himself. "Wait, Nametsu said she bought a dozen of those cookies right?" Aone nodded. "But so far, we only have about eleven people who all said they've only taken one cookie." He furrowed his eyebrow and placed his hands on his hips. "What happened to the rest?"

"Ah, Tsuna, Aone. Can I talk to you two for a second?" Their coach called for them, leading them to the corner of the gym. "So... Uh... I wanted to talk about that whole cookie incident.." He was interuppted by Aone who was quick to make a blocking motion.

"Woah there! You can't just limit how much I get to say! What are you, Twitter!?" The coach said, annoyed by the sudden interuption. Tsuna just wheezed in the background.

"Anyway, you two are the only ones that I can say this to... But uh... You know those cookies?" Tsuna and Aone nodded. "I actually threw them away."

"WHA-MMPH!!" Aone was quick to cover his younger brother's mouth, preventing him from yelling out. "So yeah. I'm not sure if its because the clubroom has some actual iron walls. But the air quality there isn't too great.."

"And if you combine that with the humidity lately... Well.. those cookies were giving off this horrible stench." Tsuna made a gagging noise behind Aone's hand. "I just didn't want the players to get sick from eating them. I know they were from Nametsu! That's why I want to keep this a secret!" He explained, panicking a bit at the look of Aone's expression.

He came closer to them, speaking in a hushed tone. "As long as neither of us says anything, the the horrible truth will remain buried forever. We won't have to question anyone else! Got it!?"

What else were they supposed to do in that situation but to just nod in agreement.

"Well, it is fortunate that nobody ate any of them."

"Actually, about that.."

That's when another voice rang out through the empty gym gaining everyone's attention. "Weird.. Everyone's running pretty late today."

Just as Sakunami said that, the doors to the gym slid open. "So.... Sorry.... For being late...." The raven haired boy turned his attention to the door. "Ah, Futakuchi-san, you're.."

"LATE!?"

Everyone who was late for practice are all at the door clutching their stomach in pain, except Gokudera who was supporting Kogane.

"S...sorry, I was in the bathroom..." The captain said, pain evident in his voice.

"Are you all okay!?"

"Aone... Did they..." The coach wouldn't finish his question when Aone raised his hand to silence him while his other hand held Tsuna close to him, still covering his mouth.

"Aone!" Nametsu called out. "Do you know what happened to everyone!? Tell us if you do!" A flash of yesterday's events flooded the large teen's mind and he started to think long and hard about whether he should lie or just tell the truth.

In the end, Aone let go of Tsuna and made a blocking motion as his response.

"He blocked us!?"

"What are you, Line!?"

Tsuna just facepalmed at his brother and his everlasting kindness. And thus, the truth of Date Tech Volleyball Club's food poisoning incident remained buried for eternity.

Bonus:

"Hey, Gokudera." The silverette snapped to attention when Tsuna called for him. "Yes, Jyuudaime? What do you need?" He said, seemingly eager to serve. "How come you were the only one who didn't get food poisoning? You did eat the cookies, right?" His question seemed to cause Gokudera to freeze in place before he placed his hands on Tsuna's shoulders.

"Jyuudaime... It's best if you don't think about it." He said with a dark look on his face.

Somewhere in the Italy airport, Bianchi sneezed.

[anastasiaskarsgard]

CR NEWS Bill

Maybe if I just ignore them, they’ll go away. After five minutes, I decide this probably isn’t the best plan. Especially since they can literally see me through the window.

“MOTHERFUCKERS!” I yell as I swing open the door and my PR team hustles inside, nearly knocking my drink out of my hand.

“Are you really drunk at 10am on a Tuesday?” Melissa the lead PR tyrant asks me.

“Two guesses, first one doesn’t count. And for your information .... yes.” I giggle. I keep a steady buzz on the daily.

“What happens today?” A short red head I haven’t seen before demands.

“Who the fuck are you?” I snap.

She blushes and lowers her eyes. Good.

“Be nice! This is Mandy. She’s new, and I’m sure you remember Tristain, Melissa says gesturing towards her slim British assistant.

“So why are you here? As great as it is to catch up, I was trying to be a degenerate and you’re fucking it all up with the judging.” I say as I light a cigarette and head out to the backyard.

It’s a nice day so I think I’ll swim.

“You have that interview in three hours with CR News. The guy interviewing you is really hot too.”

I strip nude and hear Mandy gasp. I turn around and wink at her before diving in the pool. When I come back up Melissa and Mandy are whisper arguing while tristain picks at his nails.

“Has she never seen a naked woman before? I’m told I’m one of the best, so you’re welcome Mandy.”

“Girl you are out of control.” Tristain chuckles.

Mandy storms outside as Melissa turns to me, hands on hips “what did I say about nudity.”

“We are not in public.”

“Let’s add on that you can’t get nude in front of anyone you just met.”

“There goes my sex life.”

“You’re impossible! We are here to make sure you’re ready, on time and sober. That last little stunt you pulled can’t happen again.”

Of course she’s referring to the award show i went to last week in a see through dress. Considering I’m a Victoria’s Secret model, I thought showing everyone my underwear was ideal, but some of the other companies I model for weren’t as enthusiastic.

“Do you seriously think I’d go on a news program in something see through?”

She raises an eyebrow at me and smirks. “We brought you some beautiful outfits to choose from and Tristain is ready to do your hair and make-up. You just need to relax and —“

“Be you’re good little Barbie.” I roll my eyes but allow them to lead me in my house and get me all ready.

CR news is supposedly a new up and coming show. It’s mainly focused on men I think but I’m not positive. I’ve honestly never watched it. I’ve heard that the interviewer is pretty unpredictable and gorgeous which is intriguing.

We are all loaded in the limo, on our way to the studio when I realize Tristain is a liar...

“Where’s the booze? You said there was hella liquor in here, is there like a trick door or..”

“Baby girl, you’re gonna be sober for this interview. Well. Soberish.”

“I thought you were my boy blue? What happened to us? When did it fall apart?” I tease. I’m not really mad, I get it, but dammit, I really don’t have anything to take the edge off?

We pull up to the studio and my stomach is in knots. I drink for my social anxiety. Although I am supposedly one of the most beautiful women in the world, and I parade around nude like it’s nothing, it’s all overcompensating for being afraid of meeting new people. I know it’s ridiculous, but that doesn’t change how nervous I feel.

I get out and follow everyone inside, where I’m taken to a dressing room. Hair and make up people are in there waiting, but I’m already all ready so they just do a once over and tell me I have an hour till everything starts.

“This is why I’m never on time, let alone early.” I bemoan my predicament.

A cute little girl is there looking at me like I’m Jesus, so I say hi and she begins to tear up.

“Oh my god sweetie! Why are you crying?” I say as I make my way over to her and open my arms for a hug. I hate seeing people cry. “Was someone mean to you?”

“No, I just can’t believe it’s you! I am your biggest fan. I think you’re so beautiful, but all the charity work you do is so important and the media tries to make you out like this hot mess but you just don’t care what anyone thinks of you and that’s so inspiring for so many girls out there!” She says as she falls into my arms, clinging to me like a magnet.

See shit like this is why I need a drink. I can never let my fans down complaining about anxiety. When I first got in the business, one of the party girls took me under her wing and we went out, and I was so nervous I got drunk. Of course it was all captured by the paparazzi and I was forever dubbed a wild child. But somehow I am an inspiration and an expert at giving no fucks, which I do standby. so I just maintain that image, eventhough most of the time I’m terrified. Therefore I’ve been drunk pretty steady since last March. Well not drunk, buzzed. I try not to get drunk cuz then I do the dumbest shit, and a lot of it involves nudity.

“You are the cutest sweetest thing! Thank you! That seriously means a lot! Do you want some pictures or autographs?”

“Oh my gosh! Please?”

“Turn on your Instagram and we will make a story.” I mean I have an hour, might as well. The poor girl looks like she’s gonna faint. “You know what? Hair and make up, you’re here. Do her, so she looks her best and then we’ll make a cute video!”

Hair and make up shrug their shoulders and sit the girl down and get to work.

“I need a drink!” I moan.

“Water, coffee, tea, juice-“ one of the assistants starts rattling off.

“I’ll take juice if you’ve got some vodka.” I tell her, and can literally see her judging me. Yuck!

“I’m sorry but we are a smoke free, alcohol free, drug free facility. We judge sinful vices very harshly here.” She states snarkyly.

I turn around and fix my coldest glare on her, and it doesn’t take her more than a few seconds to excuse herself. Probably gonna go tell on me to my babysitters.

“My big brother probably has some.” The fangirl suggests. “He’s just two doors down on the right.”

“Ooh. Think he’ll take pity on me? What’s his name?”

She looks at me like I’m kidding, but it’s pretty clear by my clueless face, I’m serious.

“He’s Bill Skarsgard. He’s interviewing you. I’ll text him.”

She pulls her phone out and texts him, and almost immediately replies. “He says come to his room real quick.”

“Oh my God! I’m your biggest fan now.” I smile at her and quickly make my way to his door and knock. I didn’t want to be seen going in the room with him, so I wasn’t really thinking about meeting him as much as getting out of the hall. When the door opened, I rushed through and closed it, when I am sll of a sudden all too aware of the best looking motherfucker I have ever seen in my life. I’m at least six foot in these heels and he’s still a considerable amount taller than me. He smells really nice but his god damn face is almost upsetting. He’s got the greenest eyes and sharp angles from the best bone structure like he’s the damn model. His angular features are contrasted by some of the softest looking puffy lips and the cutest nose I’ve ever seen.

Before I realize what I’m doing, I reach up and boop him on the nose “boop.” OH. MY. GOD. What have I done?

He blushes and smiles and oh my fuck he’s got dimples. We just stand there smiling and staring at each other like complete assholes but my mind has been overloaded with all his fucking hotness, so I got nothing.

His phone beeps and snaps us out of our awkward staring contest. “Thank you for being so nice to Valerie. You have no clue how excited she was to meet you.”

I still got nothing. I’m looking at his hands and then back up to his face. He was big pretty hands and I wish I was in them.

“Is belvedere ok?” He asks me holding up a brand new big bottle of vodka.

I nod and watch him walk over to a little bar area and make two drinks with his beautiful big hands. They wrap around the bottle and it almost looks as though it’s not the large size bottle but it is. He puts ice in the glass and fills it half way. He walks confidently over to me, and I feel like my legs are going to give out, but I don’t show it. I’m an expert at faking self assuredness. He hands me the drink and holds it up. “Let’s make a toast to new funny beginnings. Cheers!”

I clink my glass to his and then down all the vodka in one shot. He raises his eyebrows and chuckles, taking my glass and refilling it. He hands it back to me expectantly and I take a polite sip. “Just had to take the edge off.”

“She speaks! I was getting nervous you didn’t know how to be anything but adorable.”

“That’s my job. Your job requires talking.” I want to slap myself. I sound so rude and dumb but he seems to be amused with my reply.

“Valid point. I must say though, I’m surprised. From how the media makes you out to be, I was expecting a hurricane.”

“I guess that makes you a shitty weather man then.” God damn you liquid courage, and bless you. He’s actually blushing.

“I knew it was going to be a hot one.”

“Did you now?”

“Mmhmm.” He says as he lowers his face and looks through lidded eyes at me.

Then he bites his lip and slowly releases the damn thing and for the first time in my life, I think I wanna suck a dick. Don’t get me wrong, ive done that plenty of times, but to be nice. Never have I ever thought “I wanna choke on this guys cock’ until today. I feel my face heating up as he closes the distance between us and puts his hand on my cheek locking his eyes with mine.

A little voice in the back of my head warns me that being this attracted to someone is not great but I ignore it. Fuck it.

“You are so fucking beautiful.” He breathes seductively. He sets down his drink and pulls me close, pressing his body against me. “Now we cant mess up how perfect you look or hair and make up will kill me, but when we are done with that interview, we are coming back in here and it’s gonna be really really wet.”

Gif : @billksarsgard

[shall-we-imagine]

The odd one out. (Goldstein Brothers)

No, this isn't a foursome. Sorry to disappoint?

Requested: 32. "You didn't get in trouble for lying. You got in trouble for lying badly." + 52. "You're going to burn in a very special level of hell. A level they reserve for child molesters, animal abusers, and people who talk at the theatre." From the prompt list.

Genre: comedy mostly? I swear I wasn't high when I wrote this just read till the end before you come at me 😂

(Third Person Point of View)

"He's actually got a big heart; you just don't realize until you really know him." The eldest Goldstein chuckles.

"I don't know. For now, he just seems really loud." The youngest shakes his head.

The two had been walking around aimlessly, just enjoying each other's company. The topic had somehow switched to a discussion of a certain night class prefect. Anything they could talk about was good enough for them, though.

"Aye, my favourite bros!" A familiar voice beams, unnecessarily extending the first and last words. The intruder inserts himself between the two brothers, putting an arm on each one's shoulder.

"We're..you're only bros." Elias stares at the taller blond in the middle. Why Klaus was acting this way, Elias wasn't sure, but he didn't feel the need to point it out. Yet.

Klaus rolls his eyes, "Well, metaphorically, I have a lot of bros."

"Since when do you even use the word bros?" Alfonse questions with a raised brow.

Klaus groans, "Why are all Goldsteins so uptight?"

The eldest and youngest share a confused look. "Excuse me?" Elias raises an eyebrow.

"You're forgiven!" The older man cheers. "Now let's go have a guys' night out; we don't have much time to waste here!" Klaus ignores the but it's daytime?s and why do we not have time?s his brothers were throwing at him and proceeds to drag them into town with no explanation whatsoever.

"Klaus, where are we going?" Alfonse prays for a single, meaningful answer.

Klaus pauses to look around the stores, "I'm sure it was somewhere around here.." he mumbles to himself, paying no mind to his older brother.

"What is?" Elias didn't enjoy being dragged around, unaware of where they're headed to; he was slowly losing his patience.

"Chill; it's a nice place, I've heard." Klaus dismisses the question again and proceeds forward.

#####

"A strip club?!" Elias shrieks in horror at their destination.

"Dude, you're gonna get us kicked out before we even get inside." Klaus brings his index finger to his lips, motioning for Elias to keep quiet.

"Klaus, what are you thinking?! Are you feeling okay?" Alfonse eyes his younger brother.

Klaus sighs. "Okay, yes, it's weird to go to a strip club in broad daylight, but this place offers a 24-hour service! And you don't even have to worry about Elias being a little younger than the age required to enter; if we're smooth enough, he'll be fine!"

"Out of all these explanations, nothing was even related to our actual issue!" Elias flings his arms upwards in a mixture of disbelief and frustration.

"You're a Goldstein; that's how you're planning to spend your evening?!" The eldest begins scolding Klaus.

Klaus raises his hands in defence. "I've never been here before; I just thought we could try it out together. Come on." It didn't seem like he was taking his brothers seriously for their outbursts, which in turn pissed them off even more.

"I'm not stepping foot into this place!" Elias crosses his arms, looking away in disgust.

"Is it because you're scared your boyfriend will figure it out?" Klaus wiggles his eyebrow at his younger brother.

Elias's cheeks heat up at the unexpected question. "What boyfriend?! You know I don't have a boyfriend!"

"Oh, come on!" Klaus whines, in a not-so-Klaus-like-manner. "I know you're in love with Luca; it's so obvious in the way you stare at him! You don't need to hide anything from me!" He places his arms around Elias and hugs him tightly. (Actually, scratch that. He suffocates him.)

"You know you can tell me anything!" He squeezes Elias even more, if that was even possible. "I'm your owder bwother that woves you!" Klaus uses what could best be described as the voice you use when talking to a baby; he even begins to make kissy faces at Elias, in an attempt to kiss his cheek.

By now, Elias didn't know if he was more embarrassed or scared. He felt awfully mortified, but he also knew that this was not the usual Klaus. At all. Maybe his brother had been possessed, replaced by a clone, or under a spell, but there was no way this was the normal Klaus he knew. And one glance at an (almost) equally horrified Alfonse assured Elias he wasn't crazy for thinking that.

Elias pushes his older brother away. "I'm not in love with Luca, and I certainly don't need you to baby me!" Out of habit, the blond spoke the name with disgust, like he'd just seen the troublemaker cause a mess in the classroom.

"Well, why else would you not agree to join me and Alfonse?" Klaus raises an eyebrow.

"I actually never said I was-"

"Alfonse! You can't just interrupt Elias because he's the youngest!"

"He wasn't even-"

"You're doing it again, Alfonse!" Overshadowed by confusion, the eldest Goldstein stopped protesting, as Klaus interrogates their younger brother. "So? Elias? We're still waiting for an answer, you know."

"It has nothing to do with Luca!"

"Prove it, then." Eyes glinting with mischief, Klaus smirks at his younger sibling.

"What do you mean?" Elias wasn't a coward. However, when your older brother who's normally so stern and composed just took you to a strip club and started babying you, yeah, you might get a bit nervous about having to do what he suggests next.

"I just want you to enter the place on your own, spend 10 minutes inside, then come out, and we'll do whatever you want for the rest of the day." Klaus shrugs, "Bonus points if you get one of the dancers' number."

"Klaus, what in the world-" Was it interrupt Alfonse day? Cuz he sure felt like it was.

"It's okay, Al. I'll do it; at least then we'll be able to put an end to this strange trip." Elias states with determination.

"Ah, yeah, that look in your eyes! Love it!" Klaus rewards him with an applause, as if he'd just watched a scene out of a play.

Elias gives him a look but stays silent. He'd given up on understanding what was up with his brother; he just wanted to go back to his dorm and rest.

An excited Klaus and a worried Alfonse stood out of sight while Elias approaches the buff man guarding the entrance.

It couldn't have been longer than 2 minutes when they saw Elias come back to them sheepishly.

"Hey, the deal was 10 minutes." Klaus states.

"I didn't even get in! When I lied about my age, he asked where I worked. I panicked and blurted out the name of the academy.." Elias drifts off.

"So?" Klaus raises an eyebrow.

"Turns out he's friends with Vincent, and he knows the teaching staff there.." Elias hides his face in embarrassment.

"You got him in trouble for lying, and it's your fault!" Alfonse points an accusing finger at Klaus, who was trying not to burst into laughter.

"Well, technically, you didn't get in trouble for lying. You got in trouble for lying badly." Shrugging, Klaus blames Elias for the incident, and in turn, earning more looks of disbelief from his siblings.

"Okay, I'm done. I'm just gonna go back to the dorms." Elias shakes his head, unable to keep up with Klaus's madness. That was enough for today; the humiliation and irritation were eating him alive.

However, before any of them could say anything, an angry Luca ran up to them, which was a rare, terrifying view. Elias was sure nobody had seen Luca so angry. Or seen Luca angry at all for that matter. Yet there he was, pissed.

"I've been searching all over for you!" He yells at Klaus.

Elias waited for Klaus to scare the crap out of Luca and everyone within a 5 mile radius of this scene, but instead, Klaus just laughed. Ironically, that scared Elias more than anything Klaus could've done.

"Come on, Emperor; it wasn't so bad!" Klaus teases.

Wait, why was Klaus calling Luca that?

Alfonse's head was spinning in circles; he wasn't sure what was happening or when it happened, but he assumed magic was involved.

"The only thing that wouldn't make this so bad is if murder was legal!" Luca grabs Klaus's collar.

They seemed to both zone out for a few seconds before Klaus pushes Luca's hand away in anger. Klaus's previously calm expression was replaced with a furious one while Luca was back to his playful, carefree self.

"Um..what is happening?" Elias finally asked. He certainly wasn't in the mood for solving riddles today, especially not after everything that happened.

"This is what happened." Klaus reaches into Luca's pocket, pulling out a small, green orb.

Elias thought it looked strangely familiar. Then, it hit him. Alfonse took the words right out of his mouth, though.

"You switched bodies." He whispered.

Elias remembered learning about that green orb, yet it hadn't occurred to him that this could be the case here. He felt slightly dumb for it, but he threw the blame on Luca, considering it was his fault to begin with.

"You're going to burn in a very special level of hell. A level they reserve for child molesters, animal abusers, and people who talk at the theatre." Elias glares at the green-haired male.

"Elias snapped." Klaus chuckles, as if the fact that Elias was trying to be intimidating was enough to amuse him and make him forget about Luca's actions. As if.

"Well, it was fun hanging out with you guys! Now, I gotta go!" Luca attempts to escape, but Klaus knew better.

"Not so fast." The prefect grabs Luca by the back of his collar. "You're not going anywhere. You're coming with me." Klaus drags Luca along with him as he walks towards the academy, leaving both Elias and Alfonse fairly overwhelmed.

"That was...weird." Alfonse heaves a sigh.

"I mean, at least Klaus hadn't decided to suddenly change and become this weird person, I guess?"

"True." Alfonse agrees, letting out a little laugh.

It's worth mentioning that only later that day that Elias realized Luca was the one to hug him and baby him, not Klaus, and he wasn't sure which was worse. It made him wish there was some other type of orb that could make them all forget that specific moment ever happened.

Alas, for now, all he could do is bury his red face into his pillow, as Yukiya wonders what's wrong with him.

[balancedpluto]

All arcana asks ;)

I hate u so much Hayden. Putting it under a read more cuz HECK this is a lot. Also u can clearly tell Rose is my most fleshed out apprentice lmao. U can also tell when I started to burn out lol. THIS TOOK ME ALL DAY HECK

1. Name? Surname?Rose LaFontaineAaron (???)Lyra (???)

2. Any Family?Rose: she has a sister who’s 10 years older than her named Yvette, she’s a pirate. And her mother still lives in Fantasy France.Aaron: SO MANYLyra:….she doesn’t like to talk about it

3.Any Familiar?Rose: A bull mastiff named Mika who can change in size (so she can fit in a pocket or be the size of a horse, at her will)Aaron: A bearded dragon named Sir Slappy Skiddaddly the Third Lyra: A cute little rat named Pixie

4.Asra, Nadia, or Julian?Rose: JulianAaron: AsraLyra: Nadia

5. Best strength in magic?Rose: IllusionsAaron: Fire magic. Anyone who follows Eereree saw this coming.Lyra: the creation and manipulation of light

6. Favorite color?Rose: Maroon or light pink Aaron: Red. Surprise surprise Lyra: Purple

7. Favorite number?Rose: 69Aaron: 420Lyra: HOW DID YOU TWO ANSWER THAT SO FAST??? Uhh, 7?

8. Sexuality?Rose: BiAaron: PanLyra: Lesbian

9. Weird hobby?Rose: not really weird so much as unexpected for her, but she likes to sew and knit.Aaron: Weed lmaoLyra: Buying books but never actually getting around to reading them.

10. Favorite season?Rose: SpringAaron: FallLyra: Spring as well

11. Favorite weather?Rose: Sunny, but not hot.Aaron: Thunderstorms Lyra: Drizzly

12. Favorite place in Vesuvia?Rose: The Raven, or Mazelinka’s place. She loves that lady like she was her own grandmother.Aaron: The market. That pumpkin bread thoLyra: The palace library

13. How does their laughter sound like?Rose: Sober, its a soft almost teasing giggle. Drunk, loud cackling. Both are very charming in their own way.Aaron: LOUDLyra: giggling and soft snorting

14. How do they look like when they cry?Rose: She doesn’t cry often so when she does its…a lot. Loud gross sobbing often accompanied by yelling. Its not pretty.Aaron: Ghibli tears. You can’t convince me otherwise.Lyra: A lot of sniffling

15. What do they like to wear?Rose: Long dresses/skirts with low cut tops. Her brests are her best asset and she’s gonna show em whether you like it or not.Aaron: Tits out. That’s all u need to know.Lyra: Long, modest cut dresses with a corset. Very simple, but she always looke nice.

16. What are their fears?Rose: Fears? Don’t know her. (Actually death, which is…ironic considering the circumstances)Aaron: Abandonment. And cockroaches.Lyra: Rejection. The dark.

17. What do they like to do Friday night?Rose: put on fancy lingerie, get wasted, and play card games.Aaron: Blaze it lmaoLyra: (cuddling with Nadia) Reading

18. Do they use makeup?Yes. All 3 of them.

19. Favorite food?Rose: Mama LaFontaine’s crepesAaron: Spicy Vegetarian ChiliLyra: Cookies (technically not FOOD, but sweets are her big weakness)

20. Favorite drink?Rose: Rosé wine. Sounds redundant considering her name, but thats why she likes it. Growing up she thought it was named after her.Aaron: Just water, surprisingly.Lyra: Green tea

21. Zodiac sign?Rose: CancerAaron: Cancer Lyra: Aquarius(I dont care i have two apprentices that are the same sign leave me alone)

22. Day of birth?Honestly haven’t even thought if that lmao

23. Favorite movie?Rose: Heathers. She loves a bad bitch movie.Aaron: Shrek. Lyra: Not really a movie person tbh. She likes Disney stuff tho.

24. Favorite music genre?Rose: Classic rock or indie. Also has an interest in things involving old or obscure instruments.Aaron: Pop PunkLyra: Soft indie or video game soundtracks

25. Favorite song?Rose: Over the Hills and Far Away- Patty GurdyAaron: It’s Never Sunny in South Philadelphia-The Wonder YearsLyra: Youth- Daughter

26. Favorite TV show?Rose: Likes to watch cooking shows cuz its usually the only thing good onAaron: Doesn’t really do TVLyra: Also not really into TV, will put on like, QVC or something for background noise tho (im guilty of this)

27. What is their style?Rose: Like i said before. Long skirt, tits OUT.Aaron: Lazy but somehow manages to look hot? How does he do that???Lyra: Simple and modest, but always in pretty colors.

28. Any mental health issues?Rose: She has some anger issues, along with a tendency to bottle everything upAaron: hrrhgghh i haven’t gotten that deep with him WHOOPSLyra: Really bad anxiety

29. Any health issues in general?Not really?

30. Are they human?Yeah….or are they dancer?

31. Favorite book?Rose: She honestly can’t remember the last time she had time to read for fun.Aaron: Wtf is a book lolLyra: Don’t make her choose for the love of god

32. Favorite book genre?The person writing these questions assumes I know books lmao

33. Favorite time of the day?Rose: SunsetAaron: Early afternoonLyra: Like, really early morning. My sweet child why are you awake this early

34. If they weren’t a magician, who would they be?Rose: A pirate like her sister. Unless this is meant as like a modern AU then she’d probably sew and knit cute things and sell them online.Aaron: Probably a video game youtuber tbhLyra: Not much different, only she’d run a little mom and pop knick knack/ book store instead of a magic shop

35. Do they believe in ghosts?Yeah

36. Do they believe in aliens?Kind of?

37. Do they like sports?What is this…sport you speak of?

38. How do they look like?Sexy

Rose: 

Aaron:

Lyra:

(art by @willowwish64 )

39. What is their biggest motivation to solve the Lucio’s killer mystery?Rose: To clear Julian’s name Aaron: To make sure it wasn’t him and he just doesn’t remember. I mean…fire is kinda his thing, so…Lyra: To put Nadia’s mind at ease

40. What do they think of Lucio so far?Rose: “He’s an asshole.”Aaron: “Goatman! Fuck you, goatman!”Lyra: “I can never look at a goat again without feeling terrified”

41. What do they think of Nadia so far?Rose: “She’s the kind of woman I strive to be. I have so much respect for her.”Aaron: “A smart, capable woman. Also really hot like wowie.”Lyra: “She’s so amazing and so beautiful and i don’t know why she likes me so much, I’m so dull compared to her and-” (this can go on for hours)

42. What do they think of Asra so far?Rose: “A great friend and mentor. I’d do anything for him.”Aaron: “He’s like…a human sheep…but really skinny…imagine hugging cotton candy filled with bones…its amazing. Also dat ass.” (He loves him but he’s bad at serious answers)Lyra: “A close friend to whom i owe my life”

43. What do they think of Julian so far?Rose: “Oh, Julian. How do i begin to describe how i feel about him? I’ve never met someone who’s so smart and witty yet so dumb? And he’d do anything for you but doesn’t think he deserves the same, even though he does. And, well, i could go on but the long and the short of it is, I love that idiot.”

Aaron: “He’s like a taller, hotter version of me AND IM SO PISSED”Lyra: “he sure is…something”

44. What do they think of Portia so far?Rose: “My future sister in law???? I love her so much! ”Aaron: “She’s…so small…my god im surrounded by small people”Lyra: “She’s so lovely!! She’s like my best friend!”

45. What do they think of Muriel so far?Rose: “He…doesn’t like to talk much does he? And he’s so…TALL. Makes you wonder about…things.”Aaron: “Him big. ”Lyra: “He…kind of scares me a bit? ”

46. Do they like animals?OF COURSE

47. Are they allergic to anything?Nope

48. Do they have any talents (except magic)?Rose: Again, she’s really good at sewing/knittingAaron: He can lick his elbow. And he shows off his “skill” to everyone. Charming i know.Lyra: She’s really good with animals

49. Do they get drunk easily?Rose: No, she can hold her liquor pretty well. She usually just gets tipsyAaron and Lyra: YES

50 .What is their personality type?*fart noises*

51. What is their worst negative quality?Rose: She tends to dodge any question that’ll make her show any negative emotion. Being with Julian is kind of helping her with that, since he needs her support and she feels okay talking about this stuff with him. Also she tends to be kind of overly sexual. She doesn’t really mean to, it just happens.Aaron: He tends to take serious things as a joke sometimes.Lyra: She likes to just, avoid people. She’d rather just be alone by her own choice than face rejection.

52. What is their best positive quality?Rose: She’s like a mom? You wouldn’t think that on the surface, but she’s actually really warm and motherly.Aaron: So fucking funny.Lyra: She has a heart of gold

53. What is their position to fall asleep?Rose: She likes to fall alseep with Julian resting his head on her chest and petting his hair. Motherly instincts, i guess. Also it’s the only surefire way of making sure he sleeps. If she’s alone, on her stomach or side with her arms under the pillow.Aaron: Starfish. Asra just has to deal with it, i guess.Lyra: Curled up with Nadia. It’s where she feels safest.

54. The most uncomfortable moment they ever experienced?Rose: (spoilers) Finding out she died. Considering death is her greatest fear, it was especially hard for her to swallowAaron: When his brother found out him and Asra were fuckin…and he found out his brother and Nadia were fuckinLyra:…..

55. Their happiest memory?Rose: When she first came to Vesuvia. It was kinda scary, but there’s SO MUCH TO SEE!!Aaron: Getting Slappy. Lyra: Finding out Nadia likes her back. She nearly fainted.

56. Do they blush?Rose: Not really, if she does its hard to tellAaron: SometimesLyra: YES

57. Are they clumsy?Nah

58. Do they like jokes? Of course, they’re people, arent they?

59. How do they flirt?Rose: VERY direct. She’s not afraid to let people know what she wants.Aaron: “Hey cookin’, what’s lookin’?”Lyra: oh god she’s so bad at it help her

60. Favorite fruit?Rose: StrawberryAaron: Orange Lyra: Kiwi

[shestillhasherquill]

All’s Fair in Love and War (7/?)

At the time of a brewing battle, there are tough decisions to be made, alliances to be forged. The Princess of Misthaven has no choice but to comply with the demands of the Council and wed the Prince of Camelot. But what happens when she falls for his half-brother, Killian? A war like never before.

A Reign-esque twist to an Enchanted Forest AU that no one asked for.

Read on FF.net/AO3

@welllpthisishappening​ you have just been all sorts of amazing, thank you!

This is going to be a drama-packed chapter and finally something everyone has been waiting for actually happens!

@accio-ambition​ just remember that things end well in this one cuz you’re going to hate me when you start reading lol

-/-

“So, William. I’ve heard that you were a master strategist,” David commented as he took a sip of his drink.

William nodded as he chewed, washing it down with water before he cleared his throat. “That’s a little bit of an exaggeration, Your Majesty. But yes, I have been involved in that area.”

“No need for modesty, son. If you are good at something, own up to it. There is nothing wrong with a little gloating once in a while. In fact, I think it’s healthy.”

“That’s because humility is an acquired trait, father,” Emma teased, popping a grape into her mouth. She flushed a little when William’s gaze cut to her, amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Well, Princess-”

“Emma. Please.” she cut him off, smiling.

“Alright, Emma. I was wondering if you would join me for a walk after breakfast. I would very much like to get to know you.”

Emma hesitated, glancing at her father. While William seemed nice enough, she was already growing weary of this charade. She simply had no interest in a courtship, no matter how pleased she had been with William’s present. She sighed to herself when her father nodded. “I would love to join you, William,” she smiled.

-/-

Killian sat vigil next to his sister, her clammy hands clutched between both of his. He had been waiting for the past hour for her to wake up, his eyes never moving from her for even a moment. When Belle had first shown him to her room, he almost collapsed in relief when he saw her simply sleeping. He had been waiting for this kind of breakdown from her ever since she’d returned to Camelot after the ordeal with King Stefan. But she had held herself together, refusing to allow her memories to resurface so she could deal with the trauma in a healthy manner.

Killian felt like he’d failed her, not being there for her when she truly needed him. But he had to accept the fact that he can’t always be around. He had to stop feeling guilty for what happened to her at the hand of King Stefan, as much as she should stop blaming herself. Neither of them did anything wrong, and the fact that she still seemed to believe it was a testament to how much he’d failed her.

“I’m sorry, little sister,” he whispered brokenly. He jumped when he heard her mumble, her eyes fluttering and her hand squeezing his. “Regina? Love, can you hear me?”

Her eyes opened slowly, as she squinted up at him. “Killian? What happened?” she asked, her voice sounding scratchy. He poured her some water, watching as she greedily gulped it down.

“You tell me, love. That lass, Belle, told me that she found you in the middle of the hallway, having a panic attack. Gods, I was worried sick, Regina!” he cried, anxiety seeping through his every word.

Everything came rushing back to her, William’s confession included. Her anger flaring up at Killian, she snatched her hand back, sitting up too quickly. Ignoring the lingering dizziness, she fixed him with her fiercest glare, her arms crossed across her chest.

“What is it?” he asked warily.

“You don’t have to hide it anymore, brother. William already told me about father’s letter. About King Stefan’s demands.”

Killian froze, not knowing how to explain things to Regina. But she beat him to it, her eyes narrowing at him. “How dare you hide it from me?!”

“I just wanted to keep you safe, Regina!” he snapped. “I wanted to protect you!”

Regina repressed the urge to scream, so bloody tired of hearing everyone walking on eggshells around her, throwing around this excuse. “I do not need your protection, Killian Jones!” she shouted, throwing her hands up. “I can take care of myself!”

“Clearly,” he scoffed, gesturing to her place on the bed.

She growled, pushing herself off the bed, and away from her brother. He caught her hand, forcing her to stop in her tracks. “Do not walk away, Regina,” he warned.

She whirled around, eyes blazing furiously. “What makes you think you have the right to tell me anything?” she spat, wretching her hand from his grasp. “You always think you need to be in control, Killian. You think if you keep me hidden, if you keep watching over me, protecting me that nothing would happen to me. You are always so fucking paranoid that I would end up like mum, or Liam. Or god forbid, murdered like Milah.”

His eyes flashed with hurt and anger. “Watch yourself, Regina,” he gritted out, clenching his hands into fists.

“No, you need to hear this. You need to stop trying to control all the people in your life because of your paranoia. I can take care of myself!”

“Well, you did a fine job of that a few months ago. Because if I correctly recall, I had to come and practically beg for your life. Father risked a great deal to rescue you!”

“I never asked for it,” she hissed, pushing him.

He stumbled before he found his ground. “You didn’t have to. That’s what family does, Regina. We have each other’s backs.”

Regina let out a long breath, before she locked her gaze with Killian’s. “Exactly. We have each other’s backs. That is why I need to leave.”

Killian’s heart raced, suddenly not wanting to hear her next words, wanting to remove himself from this situation, from this room. “What the bloody hell are you on about, Regina?” he demanded, his fingernails biting into the skin of his palm with how hard he was clenching his hands.

“I have to surrender myself to King Stefan.”

“Are you insane?” he breathed out, all the air leaving him. He could already picture her broken and beaten body hanging in King Stefan’s courtyard, the image making his knees weak as he stumbled back on the bed behind him. “ARE YOU BLOODY INSANE?” he shouted, watching as she closed her eyes and swallow thickly. “He will kill you. He will- Regina, love, no.”

Regina felt tears burn the back of her eyes, but she held strong. She could not let him sway her decision. “I know,” she whispered softly. “But I cannot – I will not – let you save my life and damn all of Camelot, Killian. Not again. I need to do this.”

He grabbed her hand desperately. “No, you don’t,” he argued. “You did nothing wrong. Regina, please don’t do this. You’re all I have,” he begged, tears in his eyes and voice cracking dangerously.

“Killian…” She sighed, her brother’s words hitting home. She understood what he meant; no matter what, they were not King Brennan’s legitimate children. William wasn’t really their brother. They only had each other and Liam growing up, after their mother passed. And after Liam’s death, they both needed each other. She knew that her sacrifice would break her brother. But they kept doing this, putting their kingdom at peril to save each other. It had to end at some point. And if it meant it was to end with her, she would gladly do it. Not for the sake of Camelot, as she claimed. Her reasons were more selfish – and Killian would never understand them.

For the first time in her life, she looked inside herself, calling forth her magic as she cupped her brother’s cheek. He looked relieved, thinking that she’d changed her mind. But when he noticed the purple light emanating from her hands, he had only a second to react before it washed over him, surrounding him in darkness as he fell unconscious. “I’m so sorry, Killian,” she whispered, brushing his forehead with her lips before she quickly and quietly slipped out of the room.

-/-

Emma walked alongside William, their arms brushing occasionally, as she gave him a tour of the castle grounds. “In the winters, we used to take a sledge all the way down the hill from the castle, and my father used to get furious because of how unsafe it was. And one time, he came marching out, shouting at me and Belle for being so reckless, and he was the one to slip on the ice and fall down. His ego wasn’t the only thing bruised that day!”

William laughed, imagining King David falling right on his bottom, with two little girls laughing. It was quiet the picture of hilarity, especially considering how much he feared the man. “That story has definitely made your father more real in my head, and less, um, terrifying,” he smiled, rubbing the back of his neck shyly.

Emma grinned, turning towards him. “Oh, trust me, he could still be ‘terrifying’ if he wanted to be. But, he seems to like you, so you have nothing to worry about.” She squeezed his arm before she strode past him, walking towards the stables. “Come, I shall introduce you to Buttercup.”

His brows furrowed in bemusement, following after her. “Buttercup?”

“Yes, my horse,” she announced, approaching a tall, chestnut mare. She whispered soothingly to it, stroking it in gentle sweeps before gesturing for William to approach. “Come, say hello.”

William approached the horse warily, hand held out so that Buttercup wouldn’t be startled. “Don’t worry, she’s very friendly,” Emma reassured, feeding Buttercup a carrot.

“I’m not worried,” he huffed. “I’m just making sure not to startle her.” He touched the horse’s nose first, letting Buttercup familiarise herself with his scent before moving closer, running a soft hand down the horse’s neck. He grabbed an apple of his own, feeding Buttercup, laughing as she snatched it from his hand. “She’s sweet,” he confessed. “Almost as sweet as her mistress,” he added, making Emma’s cheek redden.

She was more embarrassed than shy, but he didn’t have to know that. She looked down, suddenly more interested in her shoes than the man before her.

-/-

Regina grabbed her knapsack, pocketing a sack of coins, enough to acquire passage on a ship to King Stefan’s kingdom. She had to move, and she had to move now, before Killian regained consciousness. She couldn’t face him again, not if she wanted to actually go through with her plan. As she began stuffing a few more things into her bag, something rolled out of one of the pockets, landing with a minute thud on the ground. Grumbling, she went to pick it up, stopping mid-bend as she recognised it.

Gingerly picking it up with trembling fingers, she rubbed her thumb against the motif on one side, a dismal look on her face. It was the coin that Liam had given her, before he embarked on the journey that took his life. Said it was his lucky coin, that it would bring her luck. She had scoffed at it then, but she cherished it now. She swiped at her wet lashes, stopping the tears before they were shed, pocketing the coin and grabbing her bag. She figured if she took to the forest, say she was going hunting, it would buy her enough time to put good distance between the castle and herself, and if she was lucky, she might have even garnered passage by the time Killian woke up. She was very sure that no search party would be sent after her; even if her brothers wanted to, Lord Cramwell had enough sense to talk them down. If King David found out, they would have no choice but to reveal why she had escaped, which would put the entire alliance at jeopardy.

As guilty as she felt for doing this to her family, she could only hope that they would understand why she needed to do this. She had caused nothing but trouble ever since meeting Aurora, and it has already cost her family, and her kingdom enough. No matter how much Killian tried to convince her that she wasn’t at fault, she couldn’t fully forgive herself, not now when the stakes are too high. She’d grown up listening to stories of brave warriors who’d sacrificed their lives for the greater good; Regina didn’t want to be a hero, but she knew that her sacrifice would lead to a greater good. This was the only way she could repent for all that she’d caused her father and brothers.

Taking a moment to send a small prayer, she walked out the room, the door closing with a resounding bang.

-/-

Killian’s eyes snapped open, as he sat up swiftly from where he’d sat slumped on the floor, head resting against the bed. He felt anger like he never had before, wanting to find Regina and shake her until she saw reason. Find her and tell her how selfish she was being. But most importantly, just bloody find her. Before he did that though, he had to find his brother and give him a piece of his mind. He glanced out the window, his heart dropping as he saw the setting sun. Regina had quite the head start. She could have gone a long way already.

He barged through the doors to his brother’s suite, ignoring the protesting guards. William looked surprised to see him, gaping at him as he crossed the room in quick steps, grabbing him up the lapels of his jacket.

“What the bloody hell were you thinking?” he growled, shaking him.

William stared at him, stunned by Killian’s show of violence. “Killian, wait-”

“No, you wait,” he snapped. He felt one of the guards grab a hold of his shoulder and snarled at the man, “Lay a hand on me again, and you will lose it.”

William, not wanting to arouse any more trouble, quickly dismissed the guards. He pushed Killian away from him, glaring at his brother. “I am your prince. You will treat me with respect, Killian.”

Killian clenched his jaw, repressing his anger, lest he punch William right in his big mouth. “What the hell did you tell Regina?” he demanded.

William paled, his powerful stance replaced with slumped shoulders. “I- I told her about the letter from father. She had a right to know, Killian.”

“You knew she wasn’t herself. You knew what that bloody bastard had done to her. How could you let her go, and not tell me?”

“I thought I had time. To fix this, to talk her out of her decision. I- I didn’t want to push her.”

“Well, it’s too late now isn’t it? She’s gone,” Killian snapped, wincing when he saw the hurt flash across his brother’s face before William schooled his expression. “Listen, I know you care about her. But you don’t understand where we come from. We will never amount to anything, not like you will. She’s all I have, of my mum and Liam. And I am all she has.” Killian sat wearily on a nearby chair, shoulders hunched as every part of his heart clenched in fear for Regina’s life.

William took a seat next to him, his hand resting on Killian’s shoulder. “I understand how you feel, brother. I may not fully understand your circumstances, but I grew up with you as well. I remember Liam fondly too, and I miss him, dearly. I may not be a part of your situation, but everything that hurts either of you, directly hurts both me and father. I never wanted this to happen.”

“William, you say this now. You sang a different tune when you first found out. What if because of this, we lose not just King Stefan as an ally but the others as well? Regina would be the first person people would blame- in fact, she would be the only person people would blame. This is why I didn’t want her to find out in the first place, because I knew that she would do something so stupid.”

“We could still stop her,” William tried, earning a humourless chuckle.

“She knocked me out hours ago, William. She’s probably already hopped on a ride out of Misthaven.” The moment he said the words, the reality that she was really gone set in. He suddenly felt benumbed, everything around him stopping.

“No. No, no, no, no. We could still do something, Killian. Come on, brother. Let’s just go down to the docks, and we will send a search party to the woods. We will find her if we hurry,” William prattled on, the panic clear in his voice.

“William, she- she’s gone,” Killian breathed out, his voice wobbling. “You- you stay here. You can’t leave.” He reasoned, holding a hand up when William began to argue. “We cannot let this matter slip. I will... I will do my best to find her,” he tried to reassure him, already knowing it would be futile.

“What if you don’t find her?”

After tense silence, both brothers contemplating a future without Regina. “Then she would be hailed a hero. She did this for us, and we shall honour it,” Killian said finally, his voice soft and broken. “I’m off.”

“Brother, wait.” William drew in a shuddering breath, “I am sorry. I hope you can find it in you to forgive me.”

Killian stared at him long and hard, unable to repress the anger he felt towards William. No matter how good he had thought his intentions to be, it was because of William that Regina had left on this suicide mission of hers. If anything were to happen to her, Killian could not in good conscience say that he would ever forgive William. “I shall let you know what happens,” he said instead, marching out the room.

-/-

Emma let out a weary breath, her back resting against her door. She’d just spent the entire day with Prince William, and while he’d seemed nice enough, she’d felt…nothing. Well, that wasn’t exactly true. Sure, the man was very nice to look at, handsome and of strong build. But there was more to a person than just how they look. Or what gifts they give you, she thought to herself, turning her head to look at her new dagger, placed on her desk. It was a thoughtful gift, and she’d been surprised by the gesture, of course. But something about his words, they just didn’t seem genuine.

Emma had always prided herself for her ability of being able to spot a lie, no matter how small or insignificant. And while what he said rang true, it just did not seem like he actually believed his own words. Furthermore, it had been evident in his reaction to her stories about sword-fighting, his expression amused more often than not, as if he had simply been humouring her. Maybe she should challenge him to a duel, see what he thought of her then.

She quickly divested herself of her clothes, leaving her in her shift and corset. Contemplating for a moment about the idea that had been brewing in her mind since mid-afternoon, she quickly donned another set of clothes she’d kept reserved for a specific occasion: grabbing a drink at the tavern by the docks. She smirked at herself in the mirror, flipping the hood of her cloak over her head. While she might be reckless enough to sneak out of the castle so late at night, she wasn’t stupid enough to forget disguising herself as best as she could.

Emma had a feeling that this would be the last time she could do this. Escape from this life for a while, surround herself with some loud noises and semi-strong ale, losing herself in the crowd, not worrying about someone always having a sharp eye on her every move. These stolen moments of freedom were the ones she cherished most. Knowing that it would soon come to an end, one way or the other, only made her more determined to go. The only thing holding her back was her fear of the Duke; not of him finding out that she was sneaking out, for that was of no concern of his. No, she was afraid that she was providing him an opportunity to be rid of her once and for all. Just then, she caught sight of Prince William’s gift in the mirror’s reflection, a sly smile working its way across her face.

Grabbing the dagger and hiding it on her person, she made sure all parts of her were covered before climbing over the side of the balcony with great agility, years of practise helping her quickly scale down the walls and to solid ground. With one last glance around, ensuring that no one saw her, she slipped into the night, her feet carrying her to the place her mind was already at.

-/-

“Are you sure you saw her board the vessel?” Killian asked desperately. “Cropped dark hair, dark clothes, wearing breeches?” he described to the old harbourmaster, hoping that he was mistaken, perhaps due to senility, hoping that maybe, just maybe his sister changed her mind last minute.

“I am certain, young man,” the man answered. When Killian’s expression spoke of his heartache, the older man felt his own soften. Remembering something else about the woman in question, he added. “I saw her in the company of another brunette. Long hair, wild and curly, pretty smile. She was wearing a blue dress, if I’m not wrong.”

Killian immediately recognised the person from the description: Belle. He felt his hope renew; if Belle had been with her, maybe she knew which port Regina was headed to. He could beat her there, stop her before she did anything else. “This woman, where did she go?”

-/-

Killian spotted Belle almost immediately, her floral cloak a stark contrast to the seedy bar. He waved to grab her attention, eyes narrowing at distraught expression, dread settling in his gut. “Belle,” he said in greeting, his tone too gruff to be friendly. “Where is she?”

“Killian, I just want a chance to explain myself,” she began, wincing at his glare. “Listen, nothing that you think happened, actually happened.”

“Belle, you need to stop being so cryptic.”

She nodded, beginning her side of the tale.

Belle spied Regina talking to Captain Phillipe, gold exchanging hands before the captain nodded, handing her a piece of paper. Regina shook his hand, disembarking from the vessel and pulling her jacket tighter around herself. Belle rolled her eyes; this woman seemed to love her dramatics. It was her luck that she’d spotted her exit into the woods and followed, initially worried about her health, and then, suspicious of her behaviour.

She followed her into the tavern, the mid-afternoon a little too early for the usual crowd, allowing her the chance to take a seat in the back while still keeping Regina in her sights. From just the few days she’d spent around her and her brothers, she knew that those men cared for her. How they could see beneath Regina’s callous exterior was beyond her, but she liked those chaps, and if stopping this impulsive woman from whatever it was she was doing - something likely reckless - was what was required, she would just have to do it.

Steeling herself to deal with Regina’s sass, she approached her gingerly, as one would a wounded animal – of course, the animal in question was more a tigress. “Didn’t expect to see you out of bed so quickly,” she called, startling Regina.

Once Regina recognised who it was that had spoken to her, she rolled her eyes. “Oh, you.”

“Yes, me.” Belle took a seat next to Regina, hiding a grin when she shifted away from Belle. “So, what are you doing here?”

“None of your business, maid,” Regina scoffed, her eyes trained on her tankard of ale.

Belle hummed, sending her a side-long glance. “Not that it matters to you, seeing as you seem to be leaving, but I’m a librarian.”

Regina had choked on her drink when Belle revealed that she knew of her plans to leave, prompting the other brunette to pat her back. “How do you know?”

“I saw you with Captain Phillipe.” Belle shrugged, reaching over and grabbing Regina’s tankard and taking a sip, ignoring her indignant expression. “What? I’m thirsty.”

Regina shook her head, snatching her drink back, even as she gestured for another for Belle. “If you are here to stop me, you can forget about it,” she mumbled into her drink.

“Now, why would I do that?”

“Why else would you follow me?” Regina huffed, finally shifting so that she sat facing Belle.

Belle mimicked her, turning in her seat so that she could meet Regina’s gaze straight on. “Curiosity.”

“Haven’t you heard, curiosity killed the cat.”

“Ah, but satisfaction brought it back.” Belle smirked, accepting her drink from the barmaid, taking a large gulp. Licking her lips, she continued, “So, what you do say? Want to sate my curiosity?”

Regina clenched her jaw, her irritation flaring. “You want to know what’s got me so dark and twisted? Well, first my mum died before I really knew her. My brothers and I grew up as social outcasts, no matter how much my father tried to change it. My brothers worked hard to earn their positions, only for Liam to die at sea, and for Killian to have his love murdered! Oh, and me? I fell in love with this girl, and she told me she loved me too. Expect, she apparently didn’t, because when her father found out about us, she told him that I’d forced myself on her. I was captured and flogged to my bones, before I was released back to my family.”

Regina has tears swimming in her eyes, but she refused to shed them, boldly holding Belle’s gaze. “And you know the funny part? That man is a king, and now he wants my head or he will ruin my kingdom, and leave us bereft. So, now I am going to surrender to him. Put an end to all this.” For all the fire she had when she’d started, all of it tapered off in the end, as Regina chuckled humourlessly, looking away from Belle. She didn’t need any pity, she’d accepted what had happened to her, and there’s nothing anyone can change about that.

“You’re such a fool,” Belle blurted out, her eyes widening when Regina’s head snapped back towards her.

“What.”

Belle cleared her throat, figuring that she’d already made her bed, might as well sleep in it. “I said, you are such a fool. Alright, yes, you are telling yourself that this sacrifice that you are making is for your family’s sake, for your kingdom. But you are fooling yourself, Regina. You’re doing this because you think you deserve this.”

Regina pulled back at the affront, her magic pulsing from her rage. But Belle pushed through, her hands covering Regina’s clenched ones. “You are still in love with this girl; and you are still trying to protect her. You have resigned yourself to the belief that you did something wrong. But you didn’t,” Belle implored, making Regina meet her gaze and hold it. “If what you did was wrong, then almost everyone in the world is guilty, Regina. All you did was fall in love, and give your heart to someone who didn’t deserve it. Trust me, I know what it feels like.” She swallowed thickly, smiling at Regina, albeit slightly sadly. “What you are planning? That’s a suicide mission, and we both know it. You have so much to live for, and family who are willing to support you, which is far more than I can say for myself.”

Regina bit her lip, absorbing Belle’s words. She remained quiet for so long, Belle feared that she’d crossed a line. Just as she went to get up, Regina stopped her with a hand on her arm. “Do you want another drink?” she asked, shooting Belle a tentative smile.

-/-

“You’re saying that Regina didn’t leave?” Killian clarified, relief rushing through every part of him when Belle nodded. “Where is she, then? Why didn’t she come back?”

“You should ask her that yourself,” Belle replied, nodding behind him. He whirled around, eyes landing on his sister at the bar, getting drinks. Not waiting for her to notice him, he marched up to her, ready to give her a piece of his mind. But it all dissipated when she turned to find him, her lips stretching into a genuine smile – the likes of which he hadn’t seen in a long, long time.

When he was within ear shot, she said, “I’m sorry I gave you a fright, brother.”

“A fright? I’m half sure I’ll grow grey because of you,” he huffed, glaring at her. “What you did was completely reckless.”

“Absolutely.”

“And insane.”

“I agree.”

“You will never, ever do something so daft. You understand me? I don’t know how many times I need to repeat this, but I cannot lose you.”

“I know. I love you, too, big brother.” She held up a tankard of ale as a peace offering, smiling when he took it.

“I am going to need something stronger than ale, lass.” Taking a hearty gulp, both of them sat at the bar in silence before Killian broke it. “You have magic.”

Regina froze for a moment, trying to read through his stoic exterior before nodding. “Alright,” he nodded, downing the rest of his drink, before ordering a bottle of rum. “I will see you in the morning, sister.”

“Killian, wait!” Regina stopped him, suddenly nervous. “The magic doesn’t bother you?”

“It’s a part of you, why would it?” he shrugged, downplaying it on purpose, letting her know that he wouldn’t make a big deal out of it yet. He might have heard Belle’s account of the events that changed Regina’s mind. But he knew his sister better by now; so he was simply going to rejoice in the fact that she was here, and alive. And hopefully on her way back to the castle so he could drown himself in a bottle of rum. The rest of the story can wait.

Regina nodded gratefully at him. “Killian I do need to tell you something else,” she began tentatively, but he held up his hand.

“This has been quite a day for us both, sister. Let’s take a reprieve and discuss whatever you need to discuss tomorrow, aye?”

She agreed, hugging him before promising to return to the castle. But it was only after Belle’s assurance did he let her out of his sight. He spied himself an empty table in the back of the establishment, thankful for the partial solitude it seemed to provide. It was only after he plopped himself down, did he realise that there was already someone sitting there, their dark cloak having blended into the darkness of the corner. He moved immediately, but even that hadn’t been soon enough, for he’d already managed to topple the person’s ale all over them.

“My apologies….” He trailed off, his eyes widening as the person’s cloak fell off, revealing a head of golden blonde curls. “Princess Emma,” he breathed out, making the woman look up at him with a glare.