#the sun sets SO early in the arctic circle

[mantasunrays]

1.31.23

[alienpossession]

The Pagon Prologue: Laying Out the Groundwork

Both men wanted to achieve what their elders too weak to push for, which is to force human, specifically Fury, to take action on the fate of the Skrulls on Earth. So while Gravik focused on establishing their various operatives across the globe, Pagon specifically tasked by him to ensure that they have base of operation. Russia is selected both for its near-frozen temperature in the Arctic Circle and also the remote radioactive-heavy nuclear power plant and disposal areas scattered across its sprawling 17 million kilometres of land mass. The directive was clear, Pagon should be the one setting up the plan in motion for New Skrullos while Gravik negotiated with sympathetic councilmember and also restless young Skrulls wanting to live freely away from the shadow

All the experience working under Fury proven to be very effective for the Skrulls Young Brigade like Pagon. The rather young yet wildly experienced master manipulator and infiltration specialist easily outmanuevered several local drunk teen in the early morning and with that, he dragged those bodies into the makeshift fracking pod. He took the likeness of one of them and then started his rendezvous around town when the sun already came out.

So, posing as a local teenager in the city his boss already directed him to be, his luck turned out to be founded quickly. Heading to what he assumed to be a morning shift is a Russian soldier that clearly lost in his own thoughts.

He followed the private when he walked out from the bus and right next to an alley, he pushed the private to get inside the alley. The private didn't see his assailant at first and when he turned around, he's surprised beyond belief to see himself smirking with fist already mid-way pummeled and would land square to his face. He summoned his boys to take care of the private's body and then headed to the base while directing the boys to remain alert of any possible notification or escalation directive from him.

Just like a domino effect, once an alien like Skrull already blended in, it's just too hard to detect without any physical evidence and Pagon utilized it to his advantage to gain more shells for his people. He's aware that he need an upgrade to make the infiltration process easier so he aimed at the private's own Sergeant for it.

From there, it was a breeze work for Pagon as he simply called for a one-on-one session with the soldiers he targeted that ranked under him. Unable to resist a Sergeant order, they fell victim to the ambush that Pagon already set with the fellow Skrulls that already awaited them, and within no time, these soldiers already replaced by their Skrull impostor

These impostor soldiers, in turn, started to terrorize the rest of their own comrade and even the cadet in the academy located within the same military complex. Several soldiers missing temporarily during odd hours, cadets went out beyond their curfew only to return as if nothing happened.

As the time goes by, the heavy military activity in the complex turned into a more intensive laborious work to set the Skrulls latest base while also conducting research on the proper locations. Also, with more Skrulls populating the base rather than actual human, even a broad daylight takeover happened as the Skrulls posing as soldiers realized that only a handful of them are still human.

They choked, they pinned, they do whatever possible to just simply take these soldiers out and put them in the fracking pod to be used by other Skrulls.

Not even a week and the entire base minus its General already wiped clean from humanity, and it's only a matter of time before the Skrull can fully move back and forth between the base and the rejuvenated town that they already set to change as New Skrullos.

When the General returned from Moscow, as expected, line of soldiers already waited from the gate to the main office entrance in very straight posture to welcome his arrival. What the General failed to notice is the smirk plastered on each of the soldier's faces as the welcoming banquet for the General would be the end of the journey for General Mikhailov and his entourage, and nothing he can do to stop that

[writtenatdawn]

Nights at Harry's

Word count: 990

It has been two months since I left.

I traded the gray winter sky for the brilliant blue sky unique to tropical countries—which happens to be where I’m from. I kept repeating that I missed the scorching warmth of the sun during fall and into early winter, but now that I’ve got it again, it feels foreign. I have to continuously set my air conditioner to 15 degrees just to be able to function because what used to be my typical weather now feels too hot.  Maybe I actually liked being close to the Arctic more than I thought I did.

I find myself missing my cold dorm room, with the heater that I could never quite seem to get to work. When I think about them, I can't help but also reminisce about the unreliable bus schedule on the weekends and how happy my friends and I would get when the bus we had been waiting for an hour or so finally arrived. Afterwards, I am forced to remember Harry's, the famous senior bar on campus, and all the times I had to stand in line for hours on end in the bitter cold just to get inside.

Then, as I reflect on my final two weeks there, my mind always circles back to you and your striking friends, who somehow always manage to get there before me, getting your IDs checked or on one of those smoke breaks in front of the bar. You, staring intently at your phone, ignoring your friends who are clearly drunk out of their minds. You, laughing with your Guinness pint on your left hand. You, simply standing, but somehow stealing the show. 

It was only that one night in early December when I first realized how pretty you were, as you talked to the tall bouncer, who surprisingly was still smaller than you. What are the chances that I happen to like pretty things?

The memory of Harry's small and sticky dance floor remains vivid in my thoughts. Despite its shortcomings, it's where I experienced some of the funniest things—like the first time we had a casual interaction. My friend, who is your neighbor, greeted you and mentioned that she had seen you shopping for school merchandise the other day. You replied that you realized that but weren't too sure, so you didn't say hi. Then my friend laughed because the same thing had happened to her, and because of that, I laughed too since I was with her. Now that I think about it, I vaguely remember thinking that you have beautiful eyes when I saw you that day.

And I know, for sure, that I wasn't the only one who shared that opinion. My friends, for example, all think so too. I’m pretty sure the different girls you had clinging to you every night I met you at the bar probably think you’re quite dashing as well. Can’t blame them. Because when I saw the scene, I wished it was me dancing in your arms under the cheap fluorescent light.  But I never got that; the closest I came was just singing with you, and even then, it wasn’t just us two.

I think it was after the makeshift graduation ceremony that marked the conclusion of our exchange program. Many of us exchange students flooded Harry’s that night, celebrating something I didn’t know then, and still don’t know now because I thought there was nothing to be happy about, and the idea of leaving campus for good was heartbreaking. Perhaps that night I was recognizing how I managed to make a home out of that Midwest town.

At some point throughout the night, the DJ started playing Piano Man by Billy Joel, and I found myself singing—or rather, screaming—“Bill, I think this is killing me," with you. We exchanged the silliest, largest grins as our right hands hugged our friends and our left hands clutched our drinks; you with your mug because it was a Mug Night, and me with my shot glass. Just like that, I was gone. My attention and mind were no longer mine to control—instead, they belonged to you.

I couldn’t care less that you’re notorious for being a womanizer.

Even when George mentioned that 9 out of 10 times you came to the pizza place, it was always with different girls, I still couldn’t care less. Especially when he continued to add that you’re sweet and he always found it pleasant to chat with you. You see, I trust him, and I value his words because George has always been kind to me and my friends. One time, when we stayed out so close to closing time because we were so drunk, he didn’t really mind and even sent us home with a box of free pizza.

So, when one night our paths intersected and you said that you’d be more than happy to show me around because during the short time you were there, you’d seen most of the town already, I genuinely considered taking you up on that offer.

But I’m too timid when I’m in love, apprehensive when I’m excited, and reticent when I truly want something. Hence, when I finally gave you my response, you had boarded your return flight.

I have to be content with just knowing the color of your iris, that you always order beer, and that you stand as tall as the door to our favorite bar. I suppose the knowledge of how you lived and walked the campus during that fall semester wasn't mine to hold onto. But, to be honest, whenever I hear the name of that town while going about my day here, I can't help but hope for the chance to uncover everything there is to know about you. Yet, I don't know how to make it happen, because you're already just another name in my phone book in less than a year.

[lovelessthan]

After our little Tavastia adventure, I ventured northwards towards Rovaniemi on an 11 hour bus ride. Yes that’s right, 11 hours. And every minute of it was beautiful, except that I came woefully underprepared under the assumption that the driver would make occasional stops and let us off to top up on food and water.

I survived, anyhow, and so we move forward with The Finland Chronicles Part 2: Lapland

(Disclaimer: anyone on here who also has me on socials knows how much I loved this place and posted about it, so I promise this is the last you’ll hear of it from me…at least for a couple months)

So I arrived at around 7 in the evening, and the city is surprisingly quite walkable (barring the moments you're wheeling around a suitcase in the snow). This was a little plaza right around the corner from my guesthouse and I fell in love right away. Look how cute it is!

My first full day in Rovaniemi was a bit slower because there was laundry to be done and very few machines to go around between the guests, so I did set off a bit late. Mind you, at that point in January the sun would rise close to 11 am and set close to 2 pm so we'd get 2.5 hours of sunlight MAX. The above image is the neighborhood around my guesthouse close to 4 pm. Night. Nevertheless, I made the most of it and visited the Arktikum Museum, which is beautiful architecturally but also provides the public with interesting exhibits on the history, culture, flora and fauna of Finnish Lapland, as well as the impacts of climate change on the region. I didn't get any particularly noteworthy pictures except for one of a giant amethyst (Does anyone else think Abigail from Stardew Valley would've loved this place?) and a modern twist on the traditional clothing of the Sámi, the indigenous people of Lapland.

Afterwards, I caught a bus to the Santa Claus Village, which yes, is quite the tourist trap, but is so completely and utterly cute, and if I had to live somewhere that looked this magical (preferably sans tourists) I would not complain. A lot of shops, restaurants, and activity points in the village close quite early, so I didn't get to partake in activities like petting Santa's reindeer, but I enjoyed browsing the remaining open shops, having a quick dinner and visiting the spot in the village that marks the point of entry into the Arctic Circle.

The next day was my last full day in Rovaniemi, so to start I went on a tour I'd booked to visit Korouoma Nature Reserve, which is over an hour and half's drive away from Rovaniemi. Walking through this place filled me with a sense of happiness that I hadn't felt in a long time, it was like I'd suddenly found myself in Narnia. I feel like experiencing the rugged yet ethereal beauty of the nature firsthand also really helped me understand the mindset a lot of my favorite Scandinavian/Nordic artists, so I edited some snippets of our hike to the opening notes of "Crown" by Danish artist Myrkur.

And yeah, here's me posing on a little bridge (sidenote: those snow pants are not the most aesthetic, but when I tell you that winter gear is EXPENSIVE...these guys were so reasonably priced and they did their job well in the near -30 temps we were experiencing every day, so for that I salute them).

There are many beautiful frozen waterfalls as well as stalactities all around the reserve, but the most famous one is Charlie Brown, which preserves the beautiful blue shade of the water in the dead of winter. Having seen the main points of interest, our guide led us to a campsite, where he provided us with some tea and ginger biscuits, and grilled some sausages over a fire. I can't remember the last time I'd ever been so content.

Later that evening I set out for the last activity of my brief visit to Lapland: Aurora Hunting. The guides drove the various groups some distance outside of Rovaniemi to a spot with minimal light pollution and clearer skies, and proceeded to prepare us a meal of (yet again) grilled sausage, but also salmon and potato soup, and hot blueberry juice (which I loved). Upon realizing that the first spot would not render us any results in our hunt, they drove us to a second location, near a frozen lake, where several more groups had gathered.

I was about to give up hope, and my guide had come to call me back to the car, but luckily I had run into my guide from the hike earlier in the day (who also does Aurora tours) and he pointed out a glimmer in the sky off in the distance. So I snapped this picture. Something I learned on this tour is that oftentimes you do not see the Aurora Borealis the way your camera does, and while it is possible to get crazy lightshows, those usually happen further north of places like Rovaniemi, where the magnetic field is even stronger. So it's not my best picture, and I didn't really have time to mount my phone on my little tripod (I also could have brought a better camera, tbf) but I'm glad to have had the opportunity nevertheless, and hopefully this is not the last time Miss Aurora and I meet!

Another thing to note is that Aurora tours have become very popular, and because all these different companies try to maximize how many people they bring along with them, it can feel like a very impersonal, crowded and rushed experience. I'm sure there are private tours you can take, where you can take your time scouting different spots and taking photos, but they very likely cost a pretty penny. Nevertheless, I'm once again glad I had the opportunity and here's to next time.

And just like that it was time to leave. I was sad, but my eyelashes certainly weren't. I hopped on a bus back to Helsinki, this time better prepared for the journey ahead, but with an ache in my heart for what I was leaving behind. Lapland, I will return. Who knows, perhaps in summer.

And to conclude this chapter, here’s a little Rovaniemi haul (does not include the Reindeer chips and Reindeer jerky that I consumed on the spot after purchasing).

Until next time!

[kp777]

By Lina Tran

Grist

June 28, 2022

It’s just a few days into summer, and heat waves have already toppled records across the globe, from the Russian Arctic to the muggy Gulf Coast. With July and August — usually the hottest summer months — still to come, the early extreme heat offers a grim picture of summer’s growing danger. 

Heat has gripped much of the United States over recent weeks. In mid-June, thousands of records were broken from coast to coast as a heat dome settled over the West and slinked east. Since June 15, at least 113 weather stations across the U.S. have registered temperatures that tied or broke record highs. Nightfall has offered little relief, as climate change has made nighttime warmer and warmer. 

“These temperatures are occurring with only 2 degrees Fahrenheit of global warming and we are on track for 4 degrees Fahrenheit more warming over this century,” Andrew Dessler, a Texas A&M University climate scientist, told the Associated Press. “I literally cannot imagine how bad that will be.” 

After a heat wave broiled the Pacific Northwest last year, Dessler told Grist that there’s so much evidence to show climate change inflames heat waves, it’s now safe to assume that all heat waves are more severe or likelier because of the carbon humans have put into the atmosphere. 

Last week, oppressive heat and humidity blanketed the South, bringing heat indexes up to 115 degrees across Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. In Jackson, Mississippi, high demand for water, combined with outdated infrastructure, led to low water pressure in the system and a resulting boil-water advisory. Even the northern cities of Minneapolis and Milwaukee reached above 100 degrees, causing roads to buckle and subsequent traffic jams under the hot solstice sun. 

Across the Atlantic, a heat wave over western Europe mired France and Spain in temperatures over 104 degrees. After a long period without rain, and under high winds and low humidity, it didn’t take long for fires to break out in Spain and Germany. 

Meanwhile, China and Japan have also set blistering new records. On Saturday, Isesaki, a city about 70 miles northwest of Tokyo, reached 104.4 degrees — the highest temperature in June ever measured in Japan. In Tokyo, where temperatures in the 90s are expected to persist for the rest of the week, residents have been instructed to conserve energy after spikes in demand stoked concerns over power outages. The same heat wave smothered eastern China, where some 25 weather stations in the province of Hebei, near Beijing, notched their hottest day ever for any month, ranging from 109.6 to 111.6 degrees.

Even the Arctic hasn’t escaped the sweltering heat: The Russian city of Norilsk, above the Arctic Circle, hit 89.6 degrees on Thursday, setting a new record for its hottest June day and tying with the highest temperature on record. 

Read more.

[rk099]

Aurora Adventures: Chasing the Northern Lights

Introduction: The enchanting dance of the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a mesmerizing spectacle that captivates both seasoned travelers and those seeking a unique natural phenomenon. Embarking on an Aurora adventure is a thrilling quest to witness the celestial light show in some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes.

The Science Behind the Lights: Understanding the science behind the Northern Lights adds a layer of fascination to the journey. The phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth's atmosphere, producing stunning displays of light in the polar regions. The colors, ranging from vibrant greens to purples and reds, create an otherworldly atmosphere.

Best Places to Witness the Aurora:

Tromsø, Norway: Nestled in the Arctic Circle, Tromsø offers a perfect blend of cultural charm and aurora viewing opportunities. Surrounded by snow-covered landscapes, visitors can enjoy the lights against the backdrop of fjords and mountains.

Fairbanks, Alaska: Known for its clear winter nights, Fairbanks provides an excellent chance to witness the Northern Lights. Seek out dark, open spaces away from city lights for an optimal viewing experience.

Abisko, Sweden: Located in the northernmost part of Sweden, Abisko is renowned for its consistently clear skies, making it an ideal destination for Aurora chasers. The Aurora Sky Station atop Mount Nuolja provides an elevated vantage point.

Preparation for the Adventure:

Timing is crucial: Plan your trip during the winter months when the nights are longest and the skies are darkest. The period from late September to early April is considered prime Northern Lights season.

Dress warmly: Sub-zero temperatures are common in Northern Lights destinations, so packing layers, insulated outerwear, and accessories like gloves and hats is essential.

Choose the right accommodation: Opt for lodgings away from city lights to minimize light pollution and enhance your chances of seeing the Aurora.

Capturing the Magic: Photographing the Northern Lights can be a rewarding part of the adventure. Bring a camera with manual settings, a sturdy tripod, and extra batteries. Experiment with exposure times to capture the vivid colors and intricate patterns of the lights.

Embracing the Unpredictability: While technology can predict the likelihood of aurora activity, nature remains unpredictable. Embrace the spontaneity of the experience, as the lights may appear when you least expect them, creating an even more magical moment.

Conclusion: Chasing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list adventure that combines scientific wonder with the thrill of exploration. Whether you're gazing at the Aurora from a cozy lodge or capturing its brilliance through a camera lens, the experience is bound to leave an indelible mark on your travel memories. So, bundle up, head to the Arctic Circle, and let the celestial dance of the Northern Lights unfold before your eyes.

[safereturndoubtful]

Day 60 - to Storvol - Saltfjellet Svartisen National Park

The Saltfjellet Svartisen National Park is about the same size as the Lake District and a goal for many hikers around the world. Like many of the Parks here, it is necessary to put in some kilometres before you arrive at it. Very few have roads or even tracks within them. It is one of the largest national parks in Norway, and also one of the most varied, including alpine mountain formations with glacier tongues, as well as gently sloping mountain plateaus and forested valleys. The Svartisen part of the name refers to the Park’s two main glaciers. Some of the smaller outlet glaciers are expanding at the cost though of the main two shrinking.

The Tollådalen valley is a great example of why the Park is so popular with hikers, with its varied landscapes. Though I saw no other hikers today, there were a couple of cars parked by me from people most likely using the huts.

There is the autumn colours, which have less of an impact on me as I’ve seen them now every day for several weeks, but they were at their best today on a sunny morning. It was above the treeline when the landscape came into its own. I went off tracks to take in a couple of minor peaks, and the 360 vista was breathtaking.

On the descent I met a Park Ranger with his two Siberian Husky dogs. We chatted for a while. His main focus was on the moose hunting season that opens on Sunday. He had been tipped off that there were a few early hunters, but as yet had seen none.

A bonus was that the dog found a reindeer antler, though not whole. I stored a piece of it away, while he looked after another of its branches. Such treats cost about £10 in Cumbrian Farmers store.

The midrif of the Park is the Arctic Circle line, and in the afternoon I drove around the east side across the Circle Line to the south east of the Park. Below here the sun will rise in December, and in June the sun will set. There is a visitors’ centre on the E6 road, built in 1990. The Circle is not a fixed line, and over the last years has been moving northwards at a rate of just under 15 metres a year; so the Visitors’ Centre is now more than half a kilometre south of the actual line.

I’m parked up at Storvol, far enough off the E6 not to hear the road, but that’s mainly because of the Ranaelva river that mutes it. There’s a hike I’m keen to do tomorrow, though after just one day, we’re done with the fine weather for now..

[flanagan73kilgore]

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[ray-ray-writings]

Dedicated to You-Technoblade

One of you lovelies asked for a Part Three to what I am now calling “The Dedicated Series” so here you go! They asked if I could fast forward a bit in their relationship, so we will be jumping in the timeline just a bit.

  Part one here! Part two here! Part Four here

My masterlist here!

This is a Technoblade x gn!reader!

Note: We are going to pretend that the war took a lot longer than it did and so about a year and a half have since passed since the festival okay? Okay! I’m going to shut up now! Enjoy!

Techno can’t help but get a little jealous as he and Y/N visit L’Manberg and run into old friends. It’s up to Y/N to remind him who they are dedicated to. 

Y/N’s POV

A wave of heat hit me as I opened the smoker I was using to cook dinner for Techno and I. I quickly pulled out the dish I had prepped and set it on the counter. As I portioned out the sausage and potatoes that I made, arms wrapped around my waist and I was pulled back into Techno’s chest. A giggle escaped my lips as Techno’s face found its way into the crook of my next. 

“Hey baby,” I greeted, turning around in his arms, wrapping my own around his neck. “Hello love,” He mumbled back, pressing a quick kiss to my lips. “Get everything done?” I questioned, softly brushing the snow out of my boyfriend’s pink hair. Techno hummed and nodded at my question. “You?” He questioned back. I also nodded in response. “I did! And I made dinner!” I cheered, turning back around to the plates of food that I had prepped. “So you did” Techno claimed as I turned around with two plates in my hand. “Thank you” He accepted gratefully. 

The two of us shuffled over to the table that Techno had crafted when we first moved into his retirement home. As we ate, the two of us chatted about our days.  I told him about the small improvements I had made around the house during the day as well as how our little farm was doing. Techno told me about how he had taken Carl to a nearby village and traded with the villagers and got his beloved horse some new diamond armor. 

“Something else I got,” Techno announced as he reached into his inventory. I watched as he pulled out a shiny compass and set it on the table. “It’s a shiny compass,” I observed, picking up, moving it and watching as the arm moved around the circle. Techno chuckled and nodded, “It’s an enchanted compass,” he corrected, “It points to a lodestone that’s in our house. I was thinking that maybe we could travel to L’Manberg and give it to Philza so he can always find his way over whenever he wants.” Techno explained sheepishly, looking at me for approval. 

“Aww!” I cooed, setting the compass back down on the table. “That’s so sweet. Of course we can do that! I adore your father and he is always welcome in our home.” I told my boyfriend sweetly, reaching forward and resting my hand on top of his. “If you’re not busy tomorrow, I was thinking that maybe we could go tomorrow?” Techno offered up.

 I hummed and nodded at the offer, “I don’t have anything planned for tomorrow. What time do you want to leave?” I questioned, standing up and picking up our now empty plates. “I was thinking sunrise? I know it’s early, but the earlier the better considering how long the journey is.” I hummed in acknowledgement and quickly washed our plates. “Sounds good. But you may have to wake me up,” I joked. I heard Techno chuckle as he stood from his chair. “I figured as such… You’ve always slept in late.” I scoffed as I turned and flicked the water off my hands at the pig-man causing him to jerk away in surprise. “Don’t act like you’re not the same way.” I teased, wiping my hands on a nearby towel. I let out a squeal as Techno rushed forward and trapped me in a tight hug and spun us around a few times. “You know just because you’re right doesn’t mean you have to say it out loud.” Techno murmured in my ear causing me to giggle and blush. “I will do what I please thank you” 

*Time skip, the next day*

As I predicted, Techno ended up having to wake me up for our journey. The trip to L’Manberg was mostly silent. That was something that I really enjoyed about Techno and I’s relationship. We were never pressured to talk when we didn’t want to. We could sit in silence for hours just enjoying each other’s company. And that’s just what we did all the way to what was once my home country. 

The sun was almost in midsky by the time the New L’Manberg came into view. It didn’t take much time after that to get to Philza’s house. Techno brought Carl around back and helped me down off of the beloved pet. Phil had a fenced in backyard so we had no worries about letting Carl roam around on his own. Techno knocked on the back door before swinging it open, “Dadza?” Techno called as he walked further into his father’s house, me trailing slightly behind. “In here son!” a response came from somewhere in the house.

I followed Techno closely as he quickly made his way through the house. Techno led me into the kitchen and there we found Phil standing at the counter, making himself a sandwich. “Hey Dadza!” Techno greeted his father rather softly. Philza looked up from his sandwich and grinned at his son. He set down what was in his hands and made his way to Techno, “Hey Tech!” Techno’s dad greeted back with wide arms. The two men quickly embraced each other tightly. “Y/N!” Phil greeted as he turned to me, again holding his arms out. I giggled accepting the hug immediately, “Hello Mr. Minecraft!” I mumbled into his chest before pulling away. Philza gave me a playful glare at my word choice, “How many times do I have to tell you Y/N? Call me Phil!” I giggled once more and nodded, “Right. Right, sorry Phil.” 

“So what do you two want?” Philza questioned going back to the counter to continue making his lunch. Techno scoffed, following his father and taking a seat on his counter despite the glare thrown his way. “Why do we always have to want something? Why can’t you believe that we’re visiting out of the kindness of our heart?” Techno questioned, raising an eyebrow at his father. “Yeah!” I chimed in, moving forward and placing myself between Techno’s legs, resting my back on his chest, “Maybe we just wanted to see you Phil! Ever think of that?!” I teased the man. Phil simply looked up at us with a quirked brow. I turned my head to glance at Techno before bursting into a fit of giggles, causing the other two men to break two. 

Our giggle fit ended shortly and Phil composed himself, “No really though. What do you two want?” I peaked at Techno, slightly asking if I could be the one to tell him. Techno gave me a slight nod and I turned to the older man with a grin, “We have a gift for you!” I cheered. Phil’s face flashed in surprise, “A gift?” He questioned, “for me?” I nodded quickly and nudged Techno. He adjusted slightly and pulled the shiny compass from his inventory. Techno handed the tool to me and I bounced over to Phil and placed it in the palm of his hand. “A shiny compass?” Phil asked, gazing over the compass. “An enchanted compass!” I quipped back with a smile. 

Techno hopped off of the counter and walked over to the two of us so that he was standing in front of Philza beside me, “It’s enchanted so it only points one way,” Techno explained. Phil shifted the compass and the needle stayed put, “So it is. But why?” “Well, it’s enchanted so it points to our house. We figured you could use it to come visit us more often. That way you can always find us and you don’t have to worry about getting lost,” Techno sheepishly explained, running a hand through his long hair. Philza’s face softened at the gift. Phil set the compass down on the counter before reaching forward and pulling Techno into a tight hug. “Thank you son. I love it.” Philza whispered in his son’s ear. I watched the tips of Techno’s ears go red as he hugged his father back. 

After a moment, Phil pulled away from his hug with Techno and reached over and pulled me in a tight hug as well. “Thank you Y/N” I giggled and squeezed the older man, “Anytime Phil. Anytime.” 

A sudden knock on the front door startled the three of us. Phil let go of the hug and quickly made his way to the front door, Techno and I following behind him. “Hello Philza!” I heard a childlike voice greet from the front door. “Tubbo! Ranboo, Quackity! Hello!” Phil greeted back. I gasped at the sound of my friends’ names. Ever since I moved to the arctic with Techno, I haven’t been able to see them. “Tubbo!” I cheered as Phil moved out of the way. “Y/N!” Tubbo exclaimed as our eyes met. The young boy rushed forward and wrapped his arms around my shoulders in an extremely tight hug. “I’ve missed you so much!” He murmured into my shoulder. “I’ve missed you too kiddo! How are you? How’s L’Manberg? How is my farm?” I rushed out. Tubbo let out a laugh, “I’m good. L’Manberg’s good. Your farm is great. Your girls really miss you though.” I let out a sigh at the thought. When we moved, I could only bring a few of my chickens with me, forcing me to leave a lot of them behind. “I miss them too. I’ll have to visit them before we leave,” I said, looking over at Techno who gave me a smile and a nod, letting me know he heard me. 

“Okay greedy! Some of us would also like a Y/N hug,” I heard Ranboo complain from behind Tubbo. I giggled and let go of the boy before I was engulfed in another hug. This time by the half-enderman child. “Hello Ranboo. I missed you!” I hummed into the tall boy’s shoulder. “Hey Y/N. I missed you too. Tubbo wasn’t lying when he said your chicken’s missed you.” I chuckled at his words. “I miss them too. I know I have my three best girls, but I miss all the rest just the same.” Ranboo nodded in understanding before letting me go. 

Quackity quickly took Ranboo’s spot in my arms. “Hey there hermosa (meaning gorgeous)” Quack greeted with a sly wink. I rolled my eyes at the Spanish term but giggled. “Hey there Quackmeister! How have you been?” I asked, quickly hugging the man before letting him go so I could look at him. “I’ve been good, but I’m great now that you’re here.” He flirted, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “You’re stupid.” I giggled with an eyeroll. “You love me.” He retorted. I scoffed in response, “Some days.” 

An arm found its way across my waist causing me to jump in surprise. I glanced over and found Techno standing there with a stony look on his face. “Hey babe!” I greeted, a little confused by the attitude shift. “Hey man!” Quackity greeted with a grin, ignoring the new tension. “Hey,” Techno deadpanned back. “We need to leave now if you want to go see your chickens.” Now I was really confused. I thought we would stay a little longer to catch up and chat. But not wanting to cause a conflict I nodded in agreement. “Okay. We need to say goodbye to everyone.” 

Techno gave me a brief nod before walking away to his father once again. “What’s his problem?” Quackity questioned with an eyebrow raised. I shrugged, “I don’t know. He could just be overwhelmed by all the people. I know four isn’t a lot but it’s just been us two for a while and it may just be a little uncomfy for him” I tried to justify. Quack nodded and quickly hugged me once more. “Well don’t be a stranger okay? Come back more often!” He playfully demanded. “I’ll try” I giggled back. 

I quickly made my rounds saying goodbye to everyone before meeting back up with my boyfriend. The two of us left out the front door, deciding that we would just come back and get Carl before we left. As the two of us strolled down the prime path, I noticed Techno’s mood didn’t change as we left all the people. “Hey, what’s wrong?” I gently prodded as I reached out and grabbed his hand. “Nothing” Techno brushed off. I furrowed my brow at his response. Normally he would tell me. Why is he being like this? 

I quickly stopped in my tracks and pulled on Techno’s hand causing him to stop too. I took a quick glance around to make sure no one was around before I pleaded, “Techno” “What?” He questioned gruffly. “What’s the matter? I know something’s wrong and I know it wasn’t that you felt over crowded in Phil’s house… What’s wrong?” 

Techno let out a sigh before doing his own sweep of the area. “I got jealous okay?” Techno finally admitted, not looking at me. “I got jealous of you and Quackity. I know that you two have been friends for a very long time. And he was flirting with you and he kissed your cheek and I couldn’t help but see red. I trust you. Of course I trust you. But seeing you with your friends today… It just makes me wonder why you would move to the middle of nowhere with someone you’ve barely known for two years.” 

My heart broke at Techno’s confession. I had no idea he felt like this. I gently reached up and cupped Techno’s cheek, turning his head so that he was looking at me. “Oh Techno” I cooed as he nuzzled his face into the palm of my hand. “I’ll tell you why I moved. It’s because I love you. I love you so much Technoblade. You’re my everything. Yes I love my friends. My friend’s have always been there for me and they will always have a special place in my heart. But you’re my future Tech. I am completely and utterly dedicated to you. I want to be with you for as long as you’ll let me.” I murmured softly to the pink headed man. “And if that’s forever?” He whispered softly, leaning in so that his forehead rested on my own. A grin over took my face as I brushed our noses together, “Then I’ll be with you forever.” I confirmed gently. 

“Do you know where we are?” Techno asked, looking around. I followed his eyes, our foreheads still touching. The smile on my face grew wider at the sight, “This is where we first met!” I giggled, “This is where I yelled at you for breaking eggs all over me.” Techno let out a laugh as he nodded, “And this is where I threatened to kill you with no hesitation,” He voiced. The two of us laughed at the memory of that day. That was probably the best day of my life. 

“I didn’t plan on doing this here or now” Techno muttered, mostly to himself. “What?” I questioned, very confused at the statement. Techno ignored me as he took a deep breath before he pulled away from our small embrace. A gasp left my throat as Techno shifted his body. I watched in shock as Techno made his way down to one knee, his hand searching in his pocket for something. “Y/N. Since the moment I met you, you have amazed me. You yelled at me the first time we met. You weren’t terrified of me like so many others were. You ignored my title and my reputation and treated me like a normal person. Something that I haven’t been in a long time. You’re my everything Y/N. I love you so much and I want to be with you forever. I want to be dedicated to you for as long as we both shall live…” Techno announced. Tears were forming in my eyes as my hand covered my mouth in absolute shock at what Techno was saying. 

Techno’s hand moved out of his pocket, a small round object now lay in his hand. “So Y/N. Will you marry me?” He questioned. The small object opened and in it sat the most beautiful diamond ring I’d ever seen. It was extremely simple, but it was gorgeous and everything I could ever want. I was rendered speechless, all I could do was nod. “Yes?” Techno voiced for me. “Yes!” I croaked out, leaping forward and crushing my now fiance in the tightest hug I could muster. The tears now flowing freely out of my eyes and onto Techno’s shoulder. Techno quickly stood up and wrapped his arms around me, squeezing me just as tightly. 

I pulled back and held out my hand, allowing Techno to place the ring on my finger. I brought my hand up to my face and admired the ring. It was even prettier up close. “We’re going to get married,” I whispered in utter shock. Techno chuckled and nodded as he wiped the tears from my cheeks, “We are” He murmured back. I let out a loud laugh before turning and crushing my lips against Techno’s. He immediately accepted the kiss and returned it with even more passion. 

After a few moments, the two of us pulled away from our kiss. Grins overtook both of our faces as we looked at each other. My eyes flicked down to Techno’s hand that was still holding the box the ring was in. Wait a minute… Is that… Techno brought up his hand and let me get a closer look. A cackle ripped itself from my throat as it dawned on me. “Did you really use an egg to propose to me?” I question, laughter still bubbling through my throat. Techno chuckled as well as he shrugged, “I knew you wouldn’t suspect it. It’s also how we met… I thought it was sweet.” He murmured, handing me the oval. My laughter died down into little giggles, “It is very sweet babe. It’s just also a little strange… But I wouldn’t want it anyway else.” 

Techno grinned at what I said and pressed another quick kiss to my lips. “I knew you would like it,” He muttered against my lips. “I did. I really did…. Now come on. I want to go see my girls and show them what we did!” “Whatever you say, love. Whatever you say”

There you guys go!! I really hope that you enjoyed this! I really loved writing it so much!

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Northern Exposure | Something in the Air

❄ Part 1 of the mini-series ❄

Warnings: non-consent sex and rape (series); violence, creepiness on part of our boys, predatory behaviour, Bucky’s an asshole, they’re all too lonely and too desperate, mistaken identity.

This is dark! fic and explicit. 18+ only.  Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Pairings: Sam Wilson x Reader, Steve Rogers x Reader, Bucky Barnes x Reader, A Bad Time x Reader

Series Synopsis: You’re a nature photographer stationed up north but the arctic isolation comes to an unexpected and unpleasant end.

Note: I started this ages ago and finally got the energy to finish, it’s four parts and provided my life doesn’t continue to fuck around I should have em all up in the next days. Also as always, cracking away at all the other fics I’ve hooked you into.

Thanks to everyone for their patience and feedback. :)

I really hope you enjoy. 💋

<3 Let me know what you think with a like or reblog or reply or an ask! Love ya!

The days were short and the nights long. So far north, time seemed not to exist as you chased the fleeting sun with your lens. Your existence was only demarcated by the fortnightly delivery of supplies left at your door as you were often out pursuing an elusive snow fox or wakeful owl. The world seemed small up here and you felt like the only person left alive.

Perched up on a branch precariously, you teetered as you focused your camera at its end. It was the perfect composition, snow blurred in the background as you focus on the scratching along the bark, the remnants of some owl or smaller critter. An abstract in your series, certainly, but interesting nonetheless. Besides, your editor would be happy enough with the close up you’d captured of a reindeer, its antlers the focal point of the shot.

Content, you climbed down, barely keeping yourself from slipping entirely down the trunk to a crash landing. Back on the ground, your boots sank into the snow, halfway up your calf, and you capped the lens of your camera. You tucked it under your parka and glanced around at the sparse grey trees.

Your eyes flew up as you heard a snap in branches not far from those you stood beneath. You held your breath and listened. It might be another opportunity. The early flight of an owl. You followed the sound, your steps muffled by the snowy carpet below. But that natural silence of the arctic returned and you ended up searching for air. Not a noise.

You sighed and turned back to look at the horizon. It was growing dark and you were best to return to your little cabin before long. It would be a moonless night and without the silver guardian above, it would make a nocturnal trek even harder. As you took a step, it seemed to echo and you stopped again. Your ears perked up and you shifted your hat to hear a bit better. 

There was nothing. You frowned and turned. Only the snow and the trees against the greying sky. You shrugged off your unusual paranoia and carried on. You took the treacherous path back to your remote habitat. It was just you and your cameras; you and the north. An assignment you’d loathed at first but come to cherish. Isolation had a keen way of introducing one’s self to them.

You stepped up onto the small porch, the aluminum roofing and the tarnished and dented siding made it seem like little more than a lost shed. There was a single room inside, a small bed with a woven blanket, a wooden counter with an old basin and a stove top run on gas. The out house was further back, hard to find in a storm, but as long as you counted your steps, you rarely got lost.

You pushed through and turned the wooden latch that held the door shut. You untied your boots on the salt-stained rubber mat and left them there as you hung your damp, cold parka and shed your thick snow pants. You took off your hat and gloves and left them on the small shelf beneath the hook.

You took out a can of chili and dumped it in the small scratched pan. You lit the burner and sat on the single chair built of logs as you waited for it to warm. The wind swept up outside the shuttered windows and you shivered. You went to the small woodstove and twisted the iron handle of the door. You carefully built a fire as the smell of your dinner filled the cabin.

You left the door of the stove open to heat up the place and turned off the burner. You moved the pot onto the counter and took a bowl from the cupboard. A distant clatter sounded from outside. You frowned and kept yourself from grabbing the pot. You sighed as the noise repeated.

Several times before the wind had torn open the outhouse door and slammed it back and forth throughout the night. One time, it had been a curious bear. You hoped for the former as you shoved your feet into your boots and haphazardly pulled on your jacket. In and out. You’d secure the door and be back for your dinner before it got cold.

Outside, the sky had almost darkened entirely. You clicked on the flashlight you kept by the door and shut it behind you. You stomped down into the snow and squinted at the circle of light as you rounded the edge of the house. You neared the outhouse and sighed as you found it locked up tight. It couldn’t have been your imagination; you’d heard something.

You huffed and turned back. You swept the flashlight back and forth as you searched for a creature sneaking around or whatever item the wind had tried to carry away. There was nothing. You followed your footprints back to the house and climbed up the steps. 

The door was open and you noticed the much larger puddled footprint on the porch too late. The fire had been snuffed and the single lantern was dead. Your wrist was grabbed as you tried to angle the flashlight around the room and you were drawn inside and pinned against the door. 

A cold barrel pressed to your chin and your eyes widened. Your arm was twisted up until the flashlight blinded you and lit the unfamiliar face before you. You blinked and shook your head helplessly.

“Quite the hiding spot,” The deep voice added to the icy nip of the air.

“What--”

“Don’t try to act dumb. It might’ve worked with Wilson but not me.” He snarled and you released the flashlight as you tried to wriggle free. “Stop!”

The light fell to the floor and bounced as he wrenched your arm up and pushed the gun harder under your chin.

“I have orders to take you alive… if I can,” he sneered, “doesn’t mean I will.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you grunted as he had you on tip toes against the wall, the flash light rolled on the floor and sent shadows around the room, “I’m not… I’m not whoever you think I am.”

“Save it, Ursa,” he hissed and pulled you away from the wall, gun still taut to your skin, “0r should I say Astur.”

“No, no, it’s not me,” you pleaded, confused as he turned you away from him and angled you towards the bed, the muzzle now pressed to the back of your head. “I’m just a photographer. You’ll see. Look through my stuff. It’s just cameras and photos. It’s--”

“Shut up,” he pushed on the back of your knees with his, “on your stomach.”

You got down, barely able to see and unwilling to resist with a bullet waiting behind you. He pushed you into the mattress until you were still. He pulled back the gun and planted his knee on your back as he held you down. He holstered his firearm then pulled your arm back behind you and then the other. He used a zip tie to secure your hands there before he did the same to your ankles.

He carefully stepped back and you turned your head to watch his shadow. He didn’t bother with the flashlight as he closed the door. Then he turned and kicked the light so it cracked and the bulb died. He sat in the chair, it groaned dangerously under him.

You could see little of him as all light was gone but for the sudden glow of a screen before him. You only saw the glint of his blue eyes before he put it against his cheek. You turned onto your side and he growled.

“Don’t even think of moving,” he warned. “Hey,” he spoke into the speaker. “I just sent the coordinates. Target secured.” He listened, “by morning?”

He pulled the phone away and dimmed the screen. You could only hear the wind as he sat there and you sensed his unwavering gaze in the dark. With your jacket undone and your boots untied, you felt the draft that blew through the cabin walls. You shivered and he let out a thick breath. A snarl almost.

“I really don’t know what’s going on,” you said.

“Shut up,” he snapped.

“I mean it. You have to look. Look around, you’ll see,” you pleaded.

He snorted and didn’t move. You rolled your eyes helplessly and another chill ran through you.

“Please--”

“I already looked. When you were out climbing trees,” he intoned. “I saw the photos. Very thorough reconnaissance.”

“What? Pictures of birds and snowflakes?” You uttered. 

“You’re good. That whole innocent ploy is convincing,” you heard his boot drag over the wooden floor, “almost.”

You deflated, your wrists chafed and your teeth chattered.

“You gonna wait all night… for whoever that was?”

“I’m tired of telling you to shut up.”

“You leave me like this, I’ll freeze to death. You too.”

“I won’t,” he said, “you might.”

“You said you had orders.”

“Circumstantial,” he countered.

You exhaled deeply and bent your legs as you tried to curl into yourself. He tutted and stood, the floor creaked. The stove door whined and you heard the iron poker against the kindling. He mumbled as he relit the fire and stirred it until the biggest log caught. He rose and set aside the poker and resumed his seat. 

The fire’s amber haze limned his figure in the dark. His broad shoulders were wider than the back of the chair, his long hair poked out from beneath a wool cap, and his hand formed a tight fist on the arm. He leaned his head back and sniffed.

“There,” he said sharply, “nice and cozy.”

You wiggled on the bed, trying to get comfortable. You pulled on your wrists and ankles and only caused your hands and feet to throb. You grunted and relented, resigning yourself to lay listless atop the thin mattress.

“You’re wasting your time--”

“I’m about to shove your sock in your mouth so I suggest you shut the fuck up,” he barked.

You gulped and closed your eyes in surrender. Well, maybe his friends would realise his mistake. Or maybe they’d just add to your predicament.

❄

You didn’t really sleep, you languished. The man didn’t either. You could tell. He just watched. Frighteningly patient as the night critters made a ruckus outside. He barely even moved as you fidgeted, your shoulders sore and your legs cramping. 

Then there was a sudden change that even you felt. A heavy pair of boots climbed up onto the porch and the handle jiggled, the door stopped by the wooden latch. The man rose and crossed to the door. You heard the subtle brush of fabric and metal as he pulled out his gun. He pulled open the door slowly, at the ready, the slightly lesser dark seeping in.

“Sooner than I thought,” the man greeted his comrade. Your heart froze as another set of footfalls followed. A third man entered behind the second.

“Jesus, why are you sitting here in the dark?” The third man asked, “there a light or something?”

“She’s on the bed.” The first man grumbled. “Only a rifle hidden under there. I already disarmed it.”

The sudden electric glow of the lantern bloomed to life. Your eyes slowly adjusted as you stared at the three men. There were all big, all broad-shouldered, all stood like soldiers as they communed around the only chair. The third, the one who’d clicked the lantern on, neared you.

“She’s putting on a front, but--” the first man began and the third one raised his hand to silence him as he knelt by the bed.

He had a kind face, his brown eyes were warm, and the finely trimmed goatee lent him a sense of lightheartedness. His expression however was hard and turned to confusion then disappointment as he held the lantern close and grabbed your chin, turning your head back and forth.

“Not her,” he released you and stood, “fucking Christ, Bucky. It’s not fucking her.”

The second man snorted, “really?”

“It’s gotta be--” the first insisted, “the gun--”

“For hunting,” you said dully, “not that I do much of that. I use it to scare away the wolves.”

“Shut up.” He snarled and crossed his arms as he turned his back to you, “you’re sure?”

“I wouldn’t forget the woman who nearly slit my throat. Twice.” The other said, “and really? A single rifle? You think that’s all she’d have?”

“She has photos too. The bunker, due north. She’s got dozens.” The first insisted.

“Bunker?” You whispered.

“I’m not going to tell you to shut it again,” the man turned as he raised a hand and the blond, the one who hadn’t said much at all, caught his wrist.

“Hey,” the other man warned, “she’s innocent. She probably has no idea what she was taking pictures of.”

“Yeah, but now she knows our faces. No doubt recognizes you, pretty boy,”tThe third offered, “and idiot here assaulted her and tied her up.”

“All the way up here? Who’s she gonna tell?” The blonde returned.

“She has a radio,” The first, Bucky offered. “It’d be enough to give us away.”

“They’d believe her? If she’s been up here long, they might not.” The blonde glanced over the others shoulder, “you apologize and we can--”

“You really wanna leave another loose end?” Bucky challenged as he blocked his gaze. 

“You should’ve confirmed before you jumped,” the third huffed.

“If we’re not gonna leave her, what do we do?” The blonde asked.

They all went silent. They looked at each other and then you. Bucky raised his gun, still in hand, and the blond caught him again. He shook his head and tisked.

“Are you crazy?” He pushed his hand down, “We’re not killing her. She didn’t do anything.”

“I agree, she shouldn't die because you’re stupid,” the other chuckled.

“Well, Einstein,” Bucky snipped, “what do you suggest?”

The third man’s brows raised slowly and he tilted his head. He glanced at you again then back to his comrades. He shrugged and a grin spread across his face.

“The bunker. It’s empty. Safe.” He said quietly, “How much of a fight did she put up?”

“Enough of one,” Bucky muttered.

“She’s… not bad. She’s all alone up here. Even if someone noticed she went radio silent, it’d have to take a while,” he explained.

“What are you saying?” The blonde frowned.

“If she has the photos, if she knows where the bunker is and this moron’s blurted out some intel, I just know it,” he continued, “we can’t let her go. He’s at least right about that. So… we don’t wanna kill her, we keep her.”

“Keep her? For what?” Bucky scoffed.

The man was silent and winked at them. The blonde peeked over at you and Bucky dropped his head as he gripped his hip. 

“Come on, you guys,” he threw up his hand as the blonde shifted on his feet. “It’s fucking cold up here and it’s been awful lonely everywhere else. We’re running around with no finish line in sight and… well, I’m about to stab one of you and I’ve seen the way you,” he pointed at Bucky, “look at me. I don’t trust that.”

“You can’t mean--” the blonde muttered.

“She’s better off dead,” Bucky insisted.

“Just because you’re a monk, doesn’t mean the rest of us need to be.”

“Hmm,” the blonde tapped his toe.

“You’re not really considering this?” Bucky sneered.

“Well… why not?” He rasped, “She’s… alone and… not too bad on the eyes.”

“And I have ears!” You sat up awkwardly, “You want me to keep my mouth shut. Done. I’m up here trying to catch a few birds on a roll. I’m not here to get mixed up in whatever it is you three--” You blinked as the lantern shone in the blond’s face as the three men turned to you, “shit.”

Captain America’s eyes sparked with recognition as your head did the same. He knew you knew who he was; likely he saw that look every other day. There was no hiding it.

“I told you,” the third man chided, “that mug is hard to forget.”

“No, no, I don’t-- I won’t tell a soul. I swear. Please just whatever you’re thinking, don’t. I’m some dumb photographer they sent up here to document the snow. You really think anyone cares that much--”

“Not so much about you but those photos are pretty interesting,” Bucky neared and shoved you down and you barely kept from hitting your head on the wall, “don’t tell me you didn’t know what you were doing.”

“People go missing up here all the time. That’s why no one’s here,” the brown-eyed man said, “she’ll just be another and we’ll have a nice companion to keep us from killing each other.”

“No,” Bucky turned, “it’s my mistake. I’ll take care of it.”

“Put the gun away, Buck,” Steve Rogers ordered, “it’s not right. We can’t kill her. Even if she isn’t entirely innocent, even if you’re right about those photos. She’s better to us alive.”

“Don’t tell me you’re going along with this--”

“I’m the captain,” Steve insisted. “I’ve made up my mind and I’m giving you an order. Sam’s right. She’s more use alive. If she has information, we’ll get it out of her. And if she doesn’t well, we can find something else to do with her.”

Bucky swore and pushed his gun into his holster. He stepped away from you and shouldered past the one called Sam.

“Yes, captain,” he said dryly. 

“Sergeant,” Steve retorted and nodded to Sam, “get her up. We should leave before the sun rises.”

[anoutlandishfanfic]

The Alaskan Endeavor: Ch2 - Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

So, again, this chapter update (can I call them PUPdates? they’re now PUPDATES) is in celebration of another race that finished up yesterday morning -- the Kuskokwim 300 aka The Kusko300, which is one of if not THE most competitive middle distance race in Western Alaska. We’ll get to the pups and more about racing in the next chapter but HERE WE HAVE THE MEETING Y’ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR.

You can find chapter one here or over at AO3!!

Claire That evening

The Murray’s residence wasn’t far from my flat above the Abernathy’s garage — nothing in this tiny hamlet was — and I decided to walk the four blocks, taking in a remarkable summer’s evening.

Joe had warned me that the shift in daylight hours was more extreme here in Kozebue — twenty-six miles above the Arctic Circle — than where we’d reconnected on Kodiak Island… and I had to admit he was right. I’d made good use of the black out curtains that were installed in the bedroom, shutting out the sun that insisted on shining well into the night and starting up again ungodly early in the morning. I knew I’d have no trouble making my way back on foot after dinner.

It would still be broad daylight.

I rounded the final corner and scanned the lane for my destination…

“It’s a blue house with white trim… second on the left,” Joe’s wife Gail had easily informed me, for the Abernathy’s and the Murray’s were old friends.

Gail’s eyes had held the same suspicious twinkle that Jenny’s had when she’d invited me for dinner and I had a sinking suspicion that I was about to be set up on a blind date, hosted by Jenny Murray herself. My new patient had mentioned she had a brother when she was in earlier and if I were the betting sort, I’d place my life savings on him being the man in question.

How on earth did you let yourself get roped into this, Beauchamp? I sighed ruefully to myself as I spotted the abode.

Crossing the street, I took a few deep breaths, trying to steady my pounding heart as I got closer to the Murray’s front door. It was no use, of course, for it had firmly lodged itself in my throat about a block and a half back, and I was left trembling slightly as I mounted the front steps.

Wiping sweaty palms on my pants, I lifted my hand and knocked. Once — twice — three times.

… Jamie

“Can you get that?” Jenny shouted from the kitchen, the usual clamor of my nieces and nephew interfering but not obscuring her words.

Passing the youngest back to her father, I stood and answered, “Aye, I’ve got it!”

I wiped at the deposit of crumbs that wee Katie had left behind on my shirtfront, tugging at the hem in an attempt to flatten out the wrinkles pressed into it by the same. I shook my head and gave it up, knowing it was useless and that it shouldn’t really matter anyway.

Rolling my eyes at the ridiculous concern for my own appearance, I turned into the front hall and padded quickly down the plush rug to the door.

I turned the knob and pulled — then stopped dead as the door opened.

Christ, she was beautiful.

Her pale cheeks were slightly flushed, which made the small smattering of freckles across her nose stand out like brilliant stars. The curls were coming out of a plait that was draped over one shoulder and it gave her a delightfully adventurous air. She was a brunette like Jenny, but not nearly quite so dark. The light streaming in from behind her set brilliant copper highlights aglow as she flipped the thick queue away, making it disappear behind her.

One perfectly arched brow rose in question of me — and I knew I was staring — but the ability to form coherent speech left me entirely as her eyes locked on to mine.

Brown would be a woefully inaccurate word to describe such a hue as hers. They were rich like a fine whisky, a deep amber that all at once soothed and pierced your soul.

Pull yerself together, you clotheid.

I cleared my throat, trying to regain some semblance of composure and took a step back, sweeping a hand to usher her in.

“You, ah, must be Dr Claire,” I stammered, my lips still not completely able to do my bidding. “I’m Jamie, Jenny’s brother.”

Comprehension lit her eyes and she chuckled softly.

God, that sound.

It sent shockwaves up and down my spine and stood the hair on the back of my neck on end.

What I wouldn’t do to make her laugh like that again.

“Tell me, Jamie,” she kept her voice low, a conspiratorial gleam sneaking into her eyes. “Have Jenny and Gail been playing matchmaker with us?”

Raking a hand through my hair, I confessed dryly, “They’ve been trying to set me up for years.”

She tipped her head back and laughed outright and freely at my confirmation, commenting, “I thought so, but then I’d only met your sister this morning.”

“I’ve known her my whole life,” I grinned back at her. “Once Jen gets an idea in her head, it’s best to let her have at it ‘til it peters out on its own... unless it involves that wee fiend of hers.”

Delicate, slender fingers lifted to her lips as the color deepened in her cheeks, amusement still high in her voice, “Are you talking about Roger?”

“Right! Yes!” It was my turn to laugh. “You’ve met the numpty yourself.”

She grinned, “I’ve had the pleasure, yes.”

“Did she tell you he’s a service dog drop out?” I shook my head in mock derision.

Her eyes grew as big as saucers, nearly dropping the bag in her hand as she burst, “No!!”

“Oh, aye!” I scoffed, but my smile crept back in and betrayed my amusement at the whole ordeal.

“Too friendly… and easily distracted.”

“Are you two done bletherin’ out here?” My brother in law Ian stuck his head into the hallway, succinctly interrupting us with a knowing look.

“The food’s gettin’ cold!”

… Claire

Tucked between Jamie and his seven year old namesake, dinner was far from a dull affair. Jenny proved to be a remarkable cook and the table conversation ranged in topics from a nuanced detail of racing — that is, mushing — to my favorite animal.

“Do you mean in general,” I tested the waters, assembling another forkful of roast and potatoes, “or in a specific class or order?”

The little boy’s eyes lit up and I knew I’d found a topic that he particularly enjoyed… which was a stroke of luck for me, being that animals and their care was my field of expertise.

Thank God it wasn’t dinosaurs.

“Mammals!” He eagerly narrowed the field, then zeroed in even further, “What’s your favorite African mammal?!”

“Oh, that’s easy! A giraffe!” I supplied, my smile matching his. “I got to see them in the wild, you know… in Tanzania.”

This caught the attention of the rest of the table and began to field questions left and right about my time on the Serengeti. I didn't mind, as they were happy memories, and soon won over both the younger Jamie and his five year old sister Maggie with tales of elephants and zebras and all of the animals they’d only read about in books or seen on television.

“Did you see any lions?” Little Maggie’s voice dropped into what I supposed was her version of a whisper — as if one were right beside us — and she nearly vibrated with excitement as she asked again, “Did you see any lions, Dr Claire?!”

I heard Jamie, the elder and my supposed date for the evening, chuckle beside me and I wondered just what sort of mischief this little one could get into when she set her mind to it.

“I did see lions too, Maggie,” I assured her, taking on her affected stage whisper. “We went in a truck at night and had big flashlights and saw them getting a drink of water.”

“Dey sirsty,” two year old Katie informed the table proudly, making all of the adults grin.

I bit my lip to keep from chuckling at her innocent attempt at being involved in the conversation, but agreed, “They get very thirsty.”

“How’d ye wind up in Alaska, then?”

This turn in conversation came from Jamie’s father, an older man by the name of Brian.

“I went to university with Joe Abernathy in Seattle,” I supplied. “We went separate ways after graduation but I ran into him again when I was visiting my uncle on Kodiak Island… Joe offered me a position at his clinic and I couldn’t refuse.”

“He’s done a lot of good wi’ that practice of his,” Brian commented. “Been a dream of his for some time now.”

Nodding, I smiled at the memory of Joe’s eager rants and rails, “He spoke quite a bit about it in school. I knew how much it meant to him and was eager to help him in his cause.”

“He almost worked himself to death before you came along,” Jenny snorted, then shot me an apologetic look. “Bein’ the only vet in the Northwest Borough made for long hours an’ no rest.”

“That’s why I wanted to come… to ease the burden a bit.”

“Well, then you’re a saint, Dr Claire,” she sighed, surmising with a shake of her head.

“No,” I assured her quietly. “I’m just plain old Claire Beauchamp.”

… Jamie. After Dinner.

“Wait just a minute,” I protested. “You walked here?!”

We were at the front door again, this time in full control of my faculties, but the woman before me was quickly turning out to be more of an complexity than I ever imagined possible.

Her brow furrowed at this, as if she hadn’t thought of the incongruity of her walking the mile from the Abernathy’s to here on foot.

“Yes… why?”

“Well, it’s… it’s just that…'' I stammered, flummoxed. “Don’t you have somethin’ to drive?”

“Of course,” she looked at me as if I’d sprouted five heads from my shoulders. “I have a perfectly good vehicle, but why drive it four blocks when it’s beautiful outside and I can walk?”

I opened my mouth to respond to this and found I didn’t have a reasonable answer. She found great amusement in this and crossed her arms, waiting for me to respond.

Shaking my head, I gave it up and couldn’t help but smile as I offered to walk her home.

This took her by complete surprise and her jaw dropped, “Why?!”

“Well,” I pulled at the back of my neck, trying to come up with something and shrugged helplessly, “like you said… it’s a beautiful evening.”

Her brows nearly rose to her hairline, not buying this for one moment.

“Look, it’s the polite thing to do, aye? I know you live at the Abernathy’s because Joe told me… I’ll leave just as soon as you’ve made it to the front door, I promise,” I insisted. “Nothin more.”

She contemplated this, then clarified, “Just a walk?”

I dropped my hands, swinging my hands away from my sides in a clearing motion and then against them again with a soft pat.

“Just a walk.”

[kth1]

Crosscurrents [Hoseok x Reader] Part 1

Crosscurrents - Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Genre: The Little Mermaid AU | Fantasy AU | Series Pairing: Mermaid!Hoseok x Princess!Reader Featuring: BTS Princes Warnings: Angst, fluff, rated G, sorry no smut, mentions of pain, eventual character death, it’s just a fantasy story. W/C: 6k Summary: Hoseok is a carefree middle child among seven princes, each running one of the seven seas. With a curious nature to study the world above, he makes several routine visits to the surface, once even saving an alluring princess who he grows very smitten by. With a strong determination to meet his lovely princess, Hoseok makes a risky deal with the ocean’s enchantress to become human. Author’s Note: This fic is something I was utterly happy and exited to write. Mermaids and fantasy stories, yippee. Thank you all who support me. Portions of the fic is unedited. 🐚🧜‍♂️

Credits: Story includes strong elements from Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Little Mermaid’; Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’; and Michiko Yokote’s manga ‘Mermaid Melody’. Beta Reader: @shadowsremedy​ has helped me with a handful of passages throughout the course of this story, thank you so much.

☀ CROSSCURRENT MASTERLIST ☀

Miles away under the sun-kissed surface of the ocean, where the water is clear as crystal and blue as the contrasting sky above – resided populations of beautiful mythical creatures. Down in the lowest depths, the most scarce of areas that no human would ever dare to scavenge, lived the Mer-people.

Underwater forestry, plants, organisms of wondrous visions illuminating the deepest pits of the oceans. Fishes of all sizes and shapes occupied the area, weaving through the stems and leaves of charted trees along the motion of the currents. Just as birds fly among the surface. Gorgeous sands decorated the floor along with seven separate kingdoms enriched with enchanting palaces, each declaring a claim to their own sea.

Each palace, unique in their own way. Accommodating their surrounding habitats. Each of the seven districts ruled under the marvelous Mer-King, and each sea acquainted a heavenly, handsome prince. Kingdoms decorated with coral walls, sculpted sandstone slates and amber pointed windows. Roofs made from the finest and largest of mussel-shells, clams and hidden glittering pearls and jewels. Stones of riches, easily the most expensive gems that belonged in the pits of the hidden worlds.

The Mer-King seeded the realms with seven little princes who were all very beautiful children in their own distinctive ways. For each Prince, were given a household to look after, to grow up with, and study in practice to control their provinces.

Within the Arctic Ocean, where merfolk varied in shades of murky indigo and dotted with black spots was inhabited by the eldest of sons, Prince Seokjin. The Indian Ocean decorating the waves with scales of vibrant oranges complimented with a singular stripe of white down the backside, consisted Prince Yoongi. The cold of the Antarctic rested Prince Namjoon, along with his kingdom of deep purple-to-silver tailed scaly family. Tails irradiated a glow just like the moon reflecting on water.

Creatures in the North and South Pacific diverse in tropical colors, salmon pink beings belonging to Prince Jimin in the north, and bright crisp yellow folks ruled under the south���s youngest, Prince Jungkook. The last two kingdoms lay in the Atlantic Ocean. Beautiful deep green tails of the north, quipped with touches of holographic shine belonged to Prince Taehyung. Lastly, the region in the South Atlantic was full of rays of aqua blue and speckled with gold – is where Prince Hoseok lives.

Throughout their childhoods, given brief age gaps and the stretch of locations between another, the brothers all grew up together. Frequent visits, family gatherings being a constant presence with the young boys. All merfolk belonged to another, they took after another and populated the sea floor. Fishes would swim up, gently being held, feeding out of the hands of mermaids and mermen. Eventually within a mer-person’s life, they will be acquainted with a creature of any species. A forever buddy that becomes their pet, their friend, and family.

The beauty of the South Atlantic Ocean kingdom with a magnificent palace that had astounding flowers growing between the cracks of the walls in each apartment and room, was decorated with a large garden in the front. Full of dark and iridescent baby-blue trees with fruits that glittered like gold. Matching the specs of gold that embellished the tails of the locals. Flowers blazed with hues of butterscotch yellows, resembling the bright and burning sun from the surface above. Bushes and smaller shrubs matched the color of sulfur.

Hoseok was certainly a singular child, one who was quiet and thoughtful in group settings, but was the loudest and most careless when it came to freedom. His skin was soft and delicate, like the touch of a sunflower leaf. His eyes sparked a deep blue, twisted with an almond mix of brown. His tail was no doubt the most stunning in his sector, outshining others around him, a tell-tailed sign that he was of royalty. But the most notable of signs that screams royalty was the unique earring that never left Hoseok’s lobe.

Each handsome prince was given a dedicated pearl at their coming of age ceremonies, each identifying with their tail color. To which they must protect and kept safe for the sake of their empires. For the fact that these pearls harness great mystical powers, such power compacted within one tiny jewel. But this power could completely destroy a nation if given to the wrong hands, and if their owners neglect their duties.

Nothing pleased Prince Hoseok more than hearing about the unreachable world from above. Human beings who lived on land, not within the sea. Stories fascinated the curious mind of Hoseok, constantly being riddled with tales of these notorious humans. Over time, with the help of Nannies and families, Hoseok’s knowledge grew when it came to the world that was simply out of reach. Ships, towns, land animals, you name it.

Over the course of his younger days, he ventured out into the sea, accompanied by his trusty companion, Kiko – a leafy sea dragon. Together they collected a handful of unknown knick knacks, thingamajigs, and doohickeys that they forged for from shipwrecks. To this day – Hoseok still makes these trips, ventured out further into the sea without supervision, even breaking the surface of the water to catch a glimpse of the amazing world.

Nights where he could sneak away, rise to the surface and lay under the moonlight in the clefts of the rocks. Watching lights from the shoreline flicker dimly, the casted stars sparkling the sky in beautiful constellations.

“It’s so beautiful up here, isn’t it Kiko?” Hoseok spoke towards the leafy sea dragon that circled around his fins which remained dipped in the water. He sighed, breathing in the foreign air, the dryness cutting into his lungs. The wind played with his shaggy hair, his earring dangling along. His eyes set firmly on the coast, waves easing in and out at the ridge of the bay. Everything up here was so unfamiliar to Hoseok, so tempting and entertaining.

“There’s beautiful places all over. And under.” Kiko mused back. Skeptical and cautious as she grew accustomed to Hoseok’s nightly adventures. There was no way she could talk the Prince out of his plans, ever.

“But up here is so – is so,” he pauses. Noticing a small child holding an elder woman’s hand, probably enjoying a nightly walk on the beach. “… Amazing.”

The high church-towers were in view within the town that lined the coast. Carriages and music playing in the distance, even the chime of bells ringing. The simple fact that he could not go there himself caused him to yearn for it more, wish for it to happen in his dreams. This Prince was indeed passionate about the land before him, stretching his hands towards the air.

“Careful yourself, Hoseok.” Kiko warned. “It’s late, shouldn’t we be heading back before someone notices your disappearance?”

He nodded, with his eyes still trained on the silhouettes of the strolling humans. Watching them turn up a set of stairs and disappearing behind the curve of the walkway. He was fascinated, the kinship between humans wasn’t much different from his to his folks. Humans were so distant, but they seemed so similar to him.

A small tug on his fin caught his attention, seeing his little buddy pulling him. “Let’s go, you have a busy day tomorrow.”

On the swim back, descending down into the dept of the sea, Hoseok reminisced his favorite times above water. The early mornings, the midday views of seagulls flying high above in flocks, the sunsets were clouds scattered the sky and painted in violets, reds, and oranges. Watching the Sun extinguish into the horizons plane as the cool of the night sky took over.

Hoseok loved the upper world and all its inhabitants so very much.

Daybreak tickled the waters, reflections of lights bouncing and refracting off another in the clear-cut liquids. It shined through Hoseok’s large amber window, casting a ray on his slumbering face causing him to wince. His body curled tighter in his clam-based bed; a thicket of woven blankets made of the finest kelp keeping him comfortable. Bio-luminescent decorations that drifted within his quarters losing their dim glows.

Shortly, his door would be knocked upon. Guards prepared to assist him along his daily routines, breakfast, taking a swim through the gardens, fitting for dresswear. Today, his brothers were due for a visit – since his kingdom was hosting the annual Festival of the Arts this year, as the event rotated between each realm every year.

It was always a delight to seek comfort from his siblings, to talk among another with similar thoughts and feelings as each and every single one of them were in the same shoes – in this case, fins. They were close to another regardless of the actual distance of their homes. And he was more than happy to celebrate the festivities and provide his best hosting service.

Prince Jungkook was the first to have arrived along with his party, very atypical of the youngest who outshines the mer-world quite frankly with his beaming yellow tail and natural abilities. His excitement to see his older brother urgently was overwhelming as he searched throughout the Aqua realm’s palace for Hoseok. Wittingly enough, he knew Hoseok’s patterns, the layout of the entire home.

“Hyung!” Rang through the water – not sounding quick enough for Hoseok to process before the bulldozing clash of his body into another’s. Tough arms circled Hoseok, tightening in a rush just in time for him to tilt his head to catch the sight of jet-black hair and a flash of canary yellow.

“Ah, Jungkook. You nearly gave me a heart attack!” Hoseok hollers. “Don’t sneak up on me like that!”

Jungkook laughs, holding his brother tight and against his will, “I’m sorry Hobi – it won’t happen again.” The scrunch of Jungkook’s nose and the teasing smile made his quick apology sound completely fake.

“You’ve filled out more I see.” He notes the stature of Jungkook from the last time he’s seen him. Chest expanding further, his hair longer and pulled in a half bun with loose ends spilling out around his fringe. The twinkle of Jungkook’s yellow pearl lays just between his clavicles on a threaded necklace. But his youngest brother still adorned his childlike smile, large eyes popping out with animation.

“Indeed, I have.” Said the yellow tailed man.

“Have you prepared well for the ceremony tonight?” Hoseok questioned while shifting out of the other man’s clutch, fluttering his fingers through his case of human books. Careful not to tear the thinned papers that were not made for the water.

They were in the secondary study – dedicated to Hoseok’s cherished collectibles of human items that drifted down to the sea floor. It was a private area, filled with wonder and intertwining plants. So many new and beautiful objects decorated the interior of the room along with the drifting innocent fishes that floated around like fruit flies.

Jungkook grabbed hold of his brothers’ hand, tearing him past the seaweed curtains and out of the room. “I need help with a part of the choreography – I’m not sure what to do.”

Each of the seven princes were a part of the annual festival, performing their own pieces of art. Music surrounded their lives, and each prince specialized in one of the three professions: Singer. Dancer. Composer.

In tune with another – they create a perfect melody, a rhythm they cast into the waters. And all together they grow stronger with the help of their pearls.

“Let’s not head to the ballroom – I’m sure they are still setting up.”

“Jungkook! Sir!! Prince!” A peep of a scream came from the corner, a frantic Moorish Idol fish bee-lining towards the two still Princes. “Don’t you bolt off like that again! I can’t catch up with your speed!” it pants as it swarms around Jungkook’s face.

“Gotta be quicker, Pip!” Jungkook giggled, using his fingers to brush against his tuckered-out buddy.

Pip eyed Hoseok, recognizing the older Prince and jumped in embarrassment. “Prince, I apologize! I didn’t greet you properly, please I am so dearly sorry!”

“No need for formalities.” A wave of Hoseok’s hand hushed Pip’s words. “It’s nice to see you again. Now – about that choreography…”

The rooms were lit to the high-nine. Capacity of several variations of flourished colored tails decorated Hoseok’s palace – events like these are his favorite. Not only is he surrounded by his school, he’s encircled by his glorious brothers. The only thing that stressed out the aqua tailed prince, wasn’t the planning of events, fitting for costumes, dresswear, or deciding the best dishes to cater. The performance he practiced for day in and day out alike his brothers – what stressed Hoseok out was the company of his father, the Mer-King himself who only showed his presence for special occasions.

Each Prince were presented in front of the crowd of hundreds, their titles in all. Dolled up to accommodate the affair with engaging chains that wrapped around their waists and wrists, extra clam and shell accessories added to decorate around their loose arms and tail. Designed capes, hip skirts, and sheer fabrics that moved with the waves as they would do with the wind from above. Crowns made from wreaths of white lilies with bejeweled opal white pearls dangling down the band.

One by one they presented their acts along the stage, an entertaining uproar surpassed through the crowds from the Royal’s concert. The dancers who weaved like fluid coil to the cords of music were nonother than the feisty topaz yellow Jungkook, the carefree aquamarine dazzled Hoseok, and the flirtatious yet ditzy salmon pink royal, Prince Jimin.

Contrasting the dancers were the stunning vocalists of the group, Seokjin and Taehyung. Together they crafted a harmonious aura with their lyrics and tones. Entreating voices far sweeter than any human or mer-folk around.

Princes Namjoon and Yoongi of the Antarctic and Indian Oceans were strong composers, masters in a range of musical instruments. Their wits, knowledge, and pure love for the magical symphonies poured out of their bodies through devices and tools. Drafting tunes for songs every breathing moment.

It was late once again as Hoseok frustratedly swam up to his usual cove. Hoisting his body up on a smooth rocky islet that broke through the surface. Up here, Hoseok felt light and at ease. Repressing the tensions that bellowed below in the pit of his realm. The breeze was steady and refreshing, toying with the stands of his dampened hair and drying off the droplets of water that trickled down his skin.

He shed the tokens that deemed his high rank prior to wondering off from the palace, only keeping his stationary earpiece securely in. The clouds floating are coated in golden and rosy shades, evening stars piercing the sky in the dimming east. The nearing night looked extraordinary in Hoseok’s eyes.

A large ship with three white masts settled still on the water with only one sail unraveled. People littered the deck, music and song resounded from the vessels, and soon after when the night casted over the sky, the light of hundreds of lamps burst into view.

It was odd for a ship to be sailed far out during this time, even more peculiar to have a scatter of lights beaming from floating lamps that hovered into the air.

He swam close to the captain’s cabin being cautious to stay low in the water, and with every rock of the waves Hoseok was able to look through the clear windowpanes. Kiko stayed close to Hoseok, wiggling herself into his hand for security as they drawn near the scary object that rested on the water.

There were many richly dressed humans within, gowns and suits decorating each member in a fashion. The most bewitching of them, a person who stood out of the crowd and stared into the far distance of the water was a young princess with flowing thick hair. No doubt in Hoseok’s mind that this beauty was no younger than him, and he felt completely captivated by her looks.

A festival was being celebrated on the same day Hoseok’s home celebrated his. In honor of this princess’s birthday the crew were dancing and singing on the upper deck, similar to how Hoseok’s family just partook on a stage deep below. It was fascinating his wondering eyes, activities so alike to his own. And the moment the princess appeared among the lively bunch, rockets shot up into the air, turning the night into day.

The loud boom of cracks sizzling into the air scared Hoseok and Kiko, forcing him to dip his head back under the surface.

“Let’s go back! This isn’t safe!” Kiko chimed in, shaking her frail leafy body.

Hoseok looked up through the plane of water, eyes wide with shock. Not once has he ever seen this lightshow before. These weren’t cracks of blue zigzags that dressed the sky like lightning, theses were bright loud bangs of noise that sparked fire.

Through his perception, he watched the glows vanish. Until another boom ripped through the air along with another flash of light. “Hold on.” He says.

The curious merman raised his head above water again to witness a scene of falling stars upon him. A fiery shower he surely has never seen before tonight. It was like large suns revolved around his head, the brightest of fishes swam in the air that reflected on the clear glass-slate of water of the sea. Who knew humans could have such power.

The princess could be seen distinctly throughout the sailors that laughed and jested with glee. Her face adorned with a wide smile, one that shined so bright. “Oh – she’s so beautiful, isn’t she?”

It was later now, but Hoseok couldn’t take himself away from the ship and the beautiful young princess. She remained looking through that cabin window, rocking to and fro by the motion of the sea. He was enchanted by her, charmed by this unique being. There was something about her.

“Would you look at her?” Hoseok examined, smiling to himself. “She’s breathtaking.”

Kiko fluttered around Hoseok, a nervous wreck of a fish as she sensed an unnerving suspicion. “Please, we must go back. We’ve overstayed too long.”

“Oh poppycock. The palace is in perfect condition. Nobody will notice me missing.”

“Sir – “

There was foaming and fermentation in the depths beneath causing the ship to tilt faster. Waves rose high and violent in a span of minutes. Sails were spread, a commotion coming from the desk resounded. A distant thunder was heard, rumbling through the space above.

“Ah – father…” Hoseok snapped his head, “He’s angry.”

“I told you we must go!”

Hoseok and Kiko both swam a few meters down after once last glance at the ship that furled their sails once more. Until a sudden pound echoed through the waves. The great vessel tossed and turned on the volatile waters like a rowboat as the waves rose to an extreme height. It towered over the ship, clashing forcefully into the deck and submerging the manmade object. Water filled the cavities of the deck, the stout masts bent under the swirling billows.

“Hoseok!” Kiko shouted at the stunned merman who watched with wide eyes. An internal struggle inside him to tell him to go back to the Mer-King or to help the sinking ship. “We need to go!”

“I can’t! It’s going to turn over into the sea!”

Just as he guessed, the crew among the vessel was in terrible danger; since he himself had to beware the shattered beams that tore away from the vessel and splashed down above him. Wreckage both floating and sinking, causing hazards to think twice about.

“Get him to stop Kiko, tell him I’m fine! Just stop the storm!” Hoseok shooed his seahorse away, heading himself to the surface and ignoring the pleading screams.

It was pitch dark above, so dark that he could not distinguish anything until a flash of lightning disclosed to him the whole of wreck. Burning flames above the water. Hoseok only felt urgent for his wondrous princess as he sought her out the instant the ship kissed the bottom of the seafloor.

Hoseok knows no human can breathe underwater, he knows the only times he’s seen a human up close were the bodies of corpses that drifted down into the depths. He did not want that fate for the princess.

He dove himself through the shards and fragments that sprinkled within the water regardless of the danger he was inducing but with his steady swim he found the princess having difficulty holding her head high. Her eyes already closed while clutching her frame around a piece of driftwood, inevitably would have drowned completely if it wasn’t for the aqua blue merman who came to the rescue. Bearing the force of the heavy current, holding the princess above the water’s surface.

The sun rose in the horizon towards morning, by then the ongoing storm had seized and there weren’t any traces of remains from the shipwreck. Rays of lights restored color to the princess’s cheeks, though her eyes remained closed. Her dampened dress riddled with sand and stray leaves of seaweed.

They lay off in a secluded cove far from the casually populated beach. Surrounding cliffs hiding them away. Hoseok laid gazing up at the arresting princess, stroking the strand of wet hair away from her face. Her skin was soft like a rose petal, and a slight pink undertone hid beneath its expanse. “Please wake.” He whispered as he studied her features.

This was the first time Hoseok laid about the land, just shy of the waters reach. He could see the dry green wood that extended along the coast, cliffs and mountains drawn clearer. Firm quartz sand which he now occupied along with his new companion. He turned her face towards the rising sun that was illuminating the world.

A quiet sound escaped the mouth of the princess, surprising the merman suddenly. He leaned back, head blocking the sun from direct view of her face while she sleepily opened them. The haze of her eyes coated her sight, looking at the figure that was in view. She grumbled, blinking rapidly to readjust the image before her. A stranger hovered over her, a concerned look across their handsome face as they looked down at her in curiosity. Golden brown hair flowed around; a glint of blue entrapped into his brown almond eyes.

“Hello,” Hoseok whispered, lifting the corner of his lips up.

“Who-“

Hoseok shifted the moment he heard of loud barking noise coming from the side of a cliff. His movement caused the piercing rays of light to shine into the princess’s eyes, blinding her some more.

The merman jolted away from the shore in a panic, hiding behind some stones further into the sea. Hoseok watched from afar with unyielding attention, a black four-legged being running towards the reviving princess. A small group of men followed suit to the black figure who alerted the humans of its findings.

“Oh Princess!” one shouted as they ran over. They smiled kindly down at her, assisting her off the sands and into a blanket. “Princess Y/n, are you hurt?”

She was dazed and confused, checking her surroundings for the other person she just saw. Did she see someone or was it her imagination? Who had saved her from the previous night? “Where’s the man? The one who saved me?”

The surrounding men gave another a questioning look, looking quite confused when they eyed the area around them. “Miss, nobody is here besides us? You must have swallowed too much seawater – it’s a miracle you survived.”

The black hairy creature spotted Hoseok out, yapping towards him and trying to get the humans attention. The animal saw him, no doubt, and Hoseok ducked for cover under the waves as they passed, waiting for his moment to come back up.

The princess was taken back onto the land with the assistance of the furry creature and humans, leaving Hoseok distraught behind the stones of the bay. But he was relieved that she survived, her beauty could live on longer, and he couldn’t wait to share his story about how he saved a human. Immediately, when the princess was finally out of view, he plunged beneath the water to return back to his palace.

“Y/n…” He hummed, repeating the sweet name that rang his ears. “Her name is Y/n.”

“Where did you go last night?” The Mer-King shouted in the dining hall. Hoseok floated in front of his father, eyes trained to the seabed below their fins. The six other brothers hovered off to the side in a stationary line, motionless as they watched the scolding unfold. Each accompanied by their personal pets who too drifted in the silence of the water.

“Answer me, Hoseok!” the King’s voice resembled the same boom of the magical fire show from last night.

“I – I was… I went...”

“Don’t you dare tell me you escaped up to the surface.”

Hoseok fell silent. His words lost in his throat when he made eye contact with his father. The King stood still with the length of his graying hair exceeding past his shoulder blades, a crown sat atop his head made out of coral and angulate wentletrap shells. Spikes of eelgrass flowing from the tips of the multicolored crown. His slimy tail was ombre from a berry red into a sandy brown – dorsal fins displayed wide and drifted just how a beta fish would, flared up just how a beta fish would. His steel gray eyes stared down at Hoseok with intensity, waiting for a response.

Voiceless silence. Hoseok could not speak another word without distressing his father any further. In defeat he hung his head down to the floor, sinking his shoulders.

“You are not to leave the palace.” The King’s voice broke through. “You are not to enter the surface of the water. Do I make myself clear?”

“But Fath –“

“Am I clear!?” He shouted. Voice echoing through the quiet halls of the palace – hand clutching his beloved trident tight.

“Yes, Sir.” Hoseok grimaced. Kiko fleeing into the middle of Hoseok’s back.

The Mer-King departed the dining hall, leaving the seven brothers to themselves. It was when Hoseok looked up seeing the concerning looks crossing each of his brothers, did he feel guilty for his actions.

“What are you doing? You know you shouldn’t meddle around up above. What if someone saw you?!” Namjoon spoke, the cool tone of his voice chilled through the water. The purple scaled man swam closer to Hoseok, the slate of silver shining through his hair and the tip of his fins. His purple pearl shimmered in the arm cuff on his right of his crossed arms, his crab responding in the same gesture. “Hoseok, think of the dangers.”

“I know. But hear me out – I did something so amazing last night!”

“Namjoon’s right, you know this.” Seokjin stepped in with a pointing finger embellished with his pearl, “And to pull that stunt, especially when father is visiting, you’re asking to be yelled at.” His small, very animated manta ray wiggled around Seokjin’s mannerisms, copying the same movements as he did.

Hoseok’s mouth formed a triangle frown. Resentment settling in the pit of his stomach along with a mix of emotions. “Can you just listen to me?”

“Then speak.” Heads turned over to the aloof green merman who seated himself on top of the turquoise sea-glass table. The side of his hair clipped back with a white barbed clam, allowing the rest of his deep brown wavy hair to flow naturally. Under his ear shined the dark pine colored pearl, just how Hoseok’s did. Taehyung’s fingers twirled around his pale jellyfishes’ ruffled tentacles, staring off into the distance in deep thought. “What was amazing?”

Hoseok scanned the eyes around him, taking in a strong breath before telling his otherworldly experience. The merfolk knew of legends, myths and facts about the land above. Artifacts that fallen down into their domains created curiosity but there were fears of the stories about merfolk traveling far too close to the coastline. Humans may be mystical to mer-people, but it was never wise to breach the surface to study them.

“And the lights started falling down after the loud bang! Fire burning and sizzling out in beautiful streams! It was so bright!” He exclaimed with his audience listening in. “But then the storm demolished the ship! It happened so fast!” Hoseok continued his dramatic story with such immense passion, comparing how humans and merfolk celebrated in similar ways.

It infatuated the listening ears, well, some more than others. “And then I saved her from the wreck! I saved her guys! I brought her to the shore and – “

“You what?”

Yoongi, with a tail of vibrant marmalade orange cut his younger brothers train of thought. His narrow coal cut eyes shot angry towards Hoseok. A menacing stare emitting from the shaggy dirty blonde-haired male, questioning his brother’s reckless behavior. “You went on land?!” His pet lionfish flared its fins at the tone of his owner’s voice, grumbling something about idiocy.

“She lived because of me!” Hoseok retorted, leveling up to the stinging tension that was rising quickly.

“You’re troublesome, really.” Yoongi chided. “She would have been fine if you were here in your palace! That storm wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you!”

“You’re setting a bad example for the younger ones.” Seokjin nodded towards the wafting men who innocently drifted in the background of the conversation.

Hoseok fumbled over his words, mouth gaping open looking for words to fill into it. He knows his brothers aren’t wrong, they were just being cautious. But Hoseok felt like they looked down upon his widened spectrum, his drive to expand the knowledge about the world above. It wasn’t fair with all the limitations merfolk had, and even more restrictions for a Prince.

Hoseok grew quiet and reflective as days passed by. Obeying the tolls and jobs of his prince duties, being kind to other fish folk and leaning a helping hand for many in need. He stabilized his environment, praised the coral reefs that skirted his territory, even assisted with gathering the ripened fruits that sprouted from the gardens’ trees.

Though each and every day Hoseok pondered about the princess who lived above. Questioning to himself about her whereabouts, how she was doing and what she was doing. He dared to stare at the new statue that became his favorite décor in his luxurious field of flowers. A beautiful stone chiseled and sculpted to look like the princess, partially broken from the wreck of the ship, now stood in the middle of his oyster paddock.

When Hoseok wanted to be a daredevil, he succeeded in slipping away from the eyes of his staff and even his personal buddy. Rushing himself back to the surface where he loved so dearly to catch the linger of the air that dried his face and scales. Many times, he rose to the place where he had last seen Princess Y/n, where he left her on the sands before scurrying away. He always returned to his subterranean abode with a bit of sadness when he never saw her.

It was dawn when the first light creeped through the panels of Hoseok’s second study where he was toying around with one of his thingamajigs, trying to understand the use of it. He had an unexpected visitor in the middle of the night, a slither of a reflective shine catching his eye. An oily slick tinted film in the moonlight when he angled his tail in the right way.

“Taehyung.” Hoseok breathed, “You should have told me you were heading here; I would have arranged a genuine greeting for you when you entered the gates.”  

He seemed cheerier during the night hours, maybe it was the relaxation of the disphotic zone or the cool temperament of fishes relaxing. Whichever excuse it may be, Taehyung always glowed better during the evening. “I’m sorry hyung – I wanted to check in on you. I was worried.”

They spent the entire night in deep thoughts, conversing to another about their worries and provinces. A few discussions about trades between regions, assembling plans and arrangements for brotherly gatherings. Taehyung found a fascination with a particular utensil from Hoseok’s study, a metal tool that had spikes at one end and a smooth handle on the other.

Throughout the night Hoseok confessed his sorrows to his younger brother, revealing his secret about the princess he had saved. How her beauty enchanted him, imprinting on his mind, how her statue now lays in the greens of his garden. The embarrassment crept up to him, distracting himself from his feelings as he showed Taehyung around his collection of human things.

“If my memory is correct, I believe I might know who your princess may be, because I have seen a castle above the waters.” Taehyung twirls the man-made gizmo around his fingers as he speaks. “When you mentioned her before in your story, I grew curious.”

Hoseok was caught off-guard from Taehyung’s words, stunned even. “Y – You know where she lives? You need to show me!” The aqua tailed man fluttered around with a sense of emergency, he held Taehyung’s hand pleading to him. “Please brother, show me what you know. It’s a wonderful morning already, the current is leveled, and the waters are clear!”

Embracing their arms together, Taehyung and Hoseok swam out past the palace walls into the blue of the ocean. Together they rose out of the water after miles of swimming, just in front of a tall bend in a cliff. They remained far off from the cost, deep enough to be unnoticed from the naked eye. But from their point of view they were able to see a castle with bright yellow stones, a flight of marble steps that led straight into the sea. Statues topped the pillars that outlined the walls, the building crowned with a Caspian blue. A great bay window faced toward the sea, the windows expanding long and wide.

The area was farther out from Hoseok’s natural comfort spot, he would pass this sector many times when he would visit up north to Taehyung’s realm.

From a closer look the two mermen can see silken curtains that hugged the frames of large bay windows, the walls inside decorated from top to bottom with magnificent paintings. Blurred bodies of servants walking across the tiled floors and expensive rugs. Deep within one of the larger rooms there was a fountain glittering with dancing water which sprouted from several areas surrounded by long stems and tendrils of plants.

“It’s so beautiful.” Hoseok whispered, creeping himself closer towards the castle that was built on the edge of the cliff. It was a real delight for the royal mermen to witness an abode so lovely, so riveting.

“This is the only castle I know of. I’m hoping this could be her palace.” Taehyung swam down, toying around with his small jellyfish in a fit of giggles. Dangling strands of seaweed around as if he’s forging the same motion as his buddy’s tentacles.

Hoseok dipped his head under, meeting up with the green tailed strides. “Thank you, Taehyung!” Hoseok’s arms entangled around Taehyung’s waist, spinning the two mermen in circles.

“It’s not far from the area where I saved her. Oh, I do hope this is her home!”

Taehyung beamed back a boxy smile, noticing the wild spirit of Hoseok shine. He was aware of the consequences of going to the surface, aware how enraged father could get when the sons acted up. But he was very happy to help out his brother – he saw something in Hoseok that he didn’t see in the others.

“Please, whatever you may do. Just be safe.” He petted the side of his brother’s hair, flicking his finger over Hoseok’s pearl earring.

© All rights reserved under @kimtaehyunq​ - do not copy, repost, modify, edit, or translate any of my work without my direct consent. This tumblr is the ONLY place my fics are posted.

[pac-wo-man]

Miracles of Ramadan

Since I made this tumblr nearing the start of the fasting month, I would like to dedicate my second post to the miracles I have experienced during the holy month of Ramadan. Disclaimer, this may sound rather like a personal spiritual reflection…

And this brings me back to the Ramadan I had in 2019, one that I thought would be the hardest, but Allah made it one of the easiest. --- It was on May, close to the summer solstice, when the day in the northern hemisphere was notably long. I was still living in the Netherlands, and so the fasting hour was long: it would begin at 3:00am CET before sunrise, and ends at Maghrib (sunset hour, the time when we broke our fast) which would call at around 9:30pm CET. Yet, in that month, I had to travel even far north to Tromsø, Norway; for a course study trip that worth 15 credits of my masters. A place where the sun does not even set. Of course it was trip I highly anticipated on, coming from Indonesia, trekking the vast snowy mountain range of the arctic is indeed listed somewhere on my bucket list. On the other hand, I was worried that the trip would ruin my rituals in Ramadan. It crossed my mind to skip a few days of fasting, especially that my family convinced me I was actually eligible to have the exception of not fasting, considering I was a ‘musafir’ (meaning traveler--in which in Islam they may be excused for not fasting). Although, referring to the old tales, its not like I resembled the musafir that spent days on a camel travelling through the dry desert of Sahara in a mission to deliver an important message to….. ok lets not go into that. But anyways, I had my doubts. And as far as I remembered, no one on the trip was fasting too, so I was reluctant.

But somehow my heart whispers: no. don't compromise. keep your fast, because-- I don't actually know because of what. But I felt I really wanted to challenge my faith at that time. And subhanallah, as I set the intention firm, it felt like the world rotated to my favor (at least in my perspective):

1. It was with Ingrid, Judit, Malavika, and Nicole that I shared the cabin with during the extended road trip days. I actually hesitated to let them know as I did not want my routine to disturb them, such as having to wake up early for sahoor or seeking my iftar food in the rural north. But after I let them know, they had my sahoor and iftar food prepared, asking what is halal for me to eat, and say things like 'we won't let you eat bad food after having to starve all day'. Tears! I did not expect such help and tolerance.

2. As I mentioned, the sun only set halfway before it rises back up again in Tromso, Norway. And that’d be around 1 am. So I decided to break my fast at 8pm, following the time of the nearest Muslim country. I don't know how, but I managed to fast that lengthy hour, even on the day where we planned to go trekking up the mountain. Not a recommended activity during the fasting month, but how can I miss an opportunity I may not get another time? Indeed, there is no way a strength like that came from any other but the Creator. I never trained myself to hike, let alone in the fasting month? The exhaustion from the long walk also disappeared instantly as we found a picturesque waterfall of 100 meters tall that is so beautiful I instantly fell to my knees and cried (hehe). MashaaAllah. The moment itself was the most remarkable gift I ever had.

3. We spent most of the time on the road roaming around the site of our fieldwork. Ingrid and Judit were the two taking turns driving the wheels. They always offered to stop every time its my praying time. And the place where I stopped? It's always in the middle of nowhere -- a truly scenic, mesmerizing, *insert more bewildered adjectives here* Norwegian landscape which overwhelmed me as I begun thinking how would ‘a better place than the earth’ look like.

Please allow me to share the view that kept sending me shivers back then (I swear they are better in real life!):

In the end what really what got me was: I don't think it was my even my will anymore to have the determination to keep fasting.

But it was Allah who did not want me to skip it, and he made every situation easy, possible, and beautiful for me to enjoy doing the worship. Alhamdulillah. And so that remained as a precious memory.

The Ramadan in 2019 changed my perspective on how I view obstacles and how to have taqwa (full trust) on Allah when you have already set your intention straight. This helped me to go through the Ramadan in 2020, which was at the start of the worldwide lockdown, as He blessed me with a tiny circle (Hi Wida, Yasmin, Widya, etc!) to quarantine together and venture on a journey inwards. But that’s another story. I pray that you too shall experience the miracles of Ramadan, or get you flying to the Arctic Norway (again if you already have!), and for those of you who are fasting in this pandemic Ramadan--may Allah make it easy for you and grant you barakah in all your efforts.

Ramadan Mubarak,

PAC

[rkjongin]

— SOLO N°. 01.

＊. EVENT STREET PERFORMANCE / THIS. POINTS +2 SINGING. 628 WORDS.

the streets are relatively quiet, especially considering that this is a weekend. perhaps it’s a bit too early for the pedestrians, but that provides ample rooms for preparation. the stage, as always, somehow haphazard—they are only putting the carpet to set an invisible barrier between themselves and the soon-to-be-hopefully-there audience. there’s nothing much to expect except for the pleasure derived from entertaining those passersby who might stop to watch them. his friends are the ones on duty, considering that he’s only there to substitute junsu, who cannot make it today due to some family business. his arrival is considerably late, but his tardiness somehow doesn’t make him have to wait for that long. today, his task is to deliver four to five songs only, but as always, he prepares six of the ones given from their list just in case something happens.

he meets some familiar faces, already standing nearby with their cameras and phones ready. some avid fans of the band’s, although jongin has half the thoughts that they might be a tad disappointed since junsu has quite a number of follower count. he’s not deterred, though, since he’s not there to perform permanently. after greeting the friend—yoonho—who invited him to the performance on top of junsu’s request to replace his shift, he gives the customary nod when he’s introduced to those accompanying yoonho as the guitarist as well as the one seated on the cajon. he’s watched their performances before, so their playing styles aren’t entirely new for him. adjusting the stool given behind the standing microphone stand, he looks around, wondering if they will gain more members amidst the audience. the morning is growing late, and even when they’re staying cool from the building’s shadows, the afternoon sun is inevitably growing warmer. good thing he’s only wearing a loose thin t-shirt on top of his ripped skinny jeans.

he makes himself comfortable on the stool, before annoyingly knocking on the microphone to test if it’s on. after ensuring it is, he lets yoonho to introduce the band, with him as the replacement for junsu as today’s vocalist. giving the gathering crowd a smile, he’s certain that there are some known faces amidst the sea, now. those who know him from both the social circles as well as exodus’ performances. as they start playing the instruments, he leans towards the microphone as he waits for his entrance. at the beginning of this set, they chose the more familiar—albeit old—song from arctic monkeys. it’s one of his favourites, one that he knows suits the colour of his voice rather well. the cajon creates the ambiance, followed by the first melodic guitar plucks, followed by the second. his entry is almost somber as he holds onto the microphone with both hands, the nuanced lyrics fitting to the way he carries the atmosphere. closing his eyes from time to time to immerse himself in the song’s meanings, there’s no specific difficult tugs to his intonation. this is a comfort zone for his vocal range, to say the least.

the melodies carried on, the choruses passing them by as he notices the presence of more people, but his focus is to seduce, his accent bleeding into the singing that it’s almost intentional to mimic the original singer. his hitched edges, however, craft his own signature as another chorus rolls in, the point where he sings, ❛ crawling back to you, ❜ is when he targets a specific person in the audience to look at, his gaze bringing the mood of the songs, conveying the lyrics’ meanings as the harmony of his voice with the instruments merge. finishing the song, the band gains the applause, causing him to smile wider at the end of the song before transitioning to the second.

[rhysismydaddy]

Bad Boys of Persia Part 4

Part 5 (the finale) will be out soon! The Nessian part is really long, but I wanted to get everything set up for the next part. 

Part 1 ~~ Part 2 ~~ Part 3 ~~ MASTERLIST

NSFW warning ;) Enjoy!

________________________________________________________________

Feyre climbed the stairs, trying not to spill the coffee she’d managed to ask a vendor for as she pushed open the door to Rhys’s room.

It was still early, a soft breeze blowing through the space, making the curtains billow in the morning light. Rhys was on his back, one tattooed arm slung over his face to block out the sun.

Gods, he’s beautiful, Feyre thought, admiring the lines of his golden chest. His dark hair was splattered on the pillow below him, and she couldn’t help but remember how she’d slid her fingers through it. How she’d pulled on the strands as his mouth dropped to her neck.

His lips were still swollen, slightly parted as he slept, and Feyre smiled as she thought about how they’d pressed into every part of her. Her fingers drifted over her own, still drunk on the feeling of how easy it’d been to open her mouth for him. 

He shifted in his sleep, rolling onto his stomach and clutching his pillow below his head. Feyre crept up next to him, sinking onto the mattress. She softly ran her fingertips over his shoulder blades, tracing the lines of his tattoos. 

Two twin wings expanded over almost his entire upper back, the ink as black as night. 

The inside of them was covered in small whirls of ink, and Feyre grinned as she traced over them. Surrounded by the stark white of the sheets, the morning light made his skin and the ink look even darker. 

“Good morning,” he said suddenly, turning on his side to look up at her and giving her a sleepy smile.

She leaned down and pressed a kiss to his cheek, stubble scratching her lips slightly. Feyre blushed as she remembered where else it had scratched. 

“What’s going on in there?” he asked, endlessly amused, as he tapped a finger against her temple, then ran a finger over her flushed cheek.

She shook her head, unable to keep the stupid grin off her face. 

“Come here,” he whispered, smiling back and pulling her down to him.

Feyre barely had enough time to set her coffee down before his arms were around her and they were getting lost in each other again.

~~~~

“Sorry I’m late,” Rhys began, pulling Feyre behind him as he walked into the kitchen.

Feyre rounded the corner after him, stopping when she saw who he was talking to.

Shocking had indeed been the correct word. The couple sitting on the other side of the counter raised icy white eyebrows at Rhys, amusement playing in their pale blue eyes.

They looked like they’d blend in better in the Arctic, not in the middle of a desert.

Rhys gestured to them casually. “These are the abnormal looking people I was telling you about, Kallias and Viviane.” He ducked as the woman threw a grape at his head and nodded at Feyre. “This is Feyre.”

Viviane was immediately on her feet, coming quickly towards her. “It’s so nice to meet you!” she exclaimed, pulling Feyre into a bone-crushing hug. “Rhys hasn’t brought anyone home in such a long time! Not since Amar-”

“Very nice to meet you, Feyre,” her husband interrupted in a thick accent, shaking her hand politely.

Viviane poked Rhys in the ribs. “You might want to get to class, mister. We don’t tolerate tardiness here at the Night Star School.”

He rolled his eyes, but led Feyre down a short hallway and into a classroom.

Full of chattering children.

Fifteen children were yelling at once, all trying to be heard over the other fourteen. 

Rhys ignored their chatter and led Feyre to his desk in the corner, motioning at her to sit if she wanted, then walked back to the front of the room.

A makeshift podium had been erected, and he knocked on the mismatched wood softly. The chatter died out, and he smiled kindly at his students.

“Good morning, class.”

“Good morning, Mr. Dabirri,” they said back.

Rhys looked down at a sticky note on the podium. “I believe we have a poem presentation today?”

The children all started laughing and chanting, “Alborz.”

A tall, lanky boy with a huge grin on his face came to the front of the room. Feyre didn’t need anyone to tell her that he was the troublemaker of the class. 

Rhys came to stand by her as the boy began reciting Shakespeare’s “The Phoenix And The Turtle.”

“Whenever someone acts up, they have to recite a poem the next day,” he whispered, then chuckled and shook his head. “Alborz goes every day.”

Feyre laughed, clapping with everyone else as he wrapped up and gave a deep bow. 

As Rhys continued to lead a lesson on grammar rules, she took in the bare walls and frowned. She knew there was no extra money for posters, but it made her heart hurt to not see any artwork. 

Children needed English and science and history and math, but they also needed to nourish the creative side of their mind. 

She was snapped out of her thoughts by Rhys saying, “Okay, you all are dismissed. Mrs. Winters is waiting for you across the hall, and you know how she feels about tardiness.”

“Thank you, Mr. Dabirri,” they shouted back, filing out the door and running to their next class.

Rhys walked over to her and propped himself on his desk. “So, how was I? Are you madly impressed?”

She smiled up at him. “Oh, quite madly. I just have one complaint.”

He raised his dark eyebrows.

“You need an art teacher.”

________________________________________________________________

Nesta slid her hands through her hair, smiling at how clean the strands were. If there was one thing she loved almost as much as taking bad guys down, it was winning an argument.

“Cassian, how am I supposed to impress this guy when I look like I haven’t showered or had a good meal in three days?” she’d yelled an hour ago.

They’d bickered for a while until he relented and led her to a small bathroom. Sure, she’d had to be blindfolded for appearances, and sure, he’d had to sit on the counter pretending to “guard her,” but at least she was clean. 

Cassian came into her room, pretending to ignore the towel wrapped around her, and handed her a big black box.

“What is it?”

He shrugged. “What he wants the girls to wear tonight.”

Of course he picked the outfits. Nesta gritted her teeth. “I really hate this prick.”

She peeked inside and took in the strappy black dress, matching shoes, and scraps of lace. Holding a part of it up, she growled, “Oh, I really hate him.”

He wisely didn’t respond, just slid into his usual chair. 

“Um, what are you doing?” she asked in annoyance.

Cassian had the nerve to look confused. 

“You can leave now,” she told him. She had no intention of being stared at while she dressed. She needed to be alone with her thoughts, needed prepare herself.

He sighed. “Nesta, you know I have to stay with you.”

“Then stand outside the door like a good little watchdog,” she snapped.

His eyebrows lifted. “You’d rather deal with Farshid, then?”

“Fuck you,” she said, frustration getting the better of her.

Cass rose out of his chair and grabbed her chin between his fingers. “Hey,” he said, surprisingly softly. His hands came to cup her face. “I know. I know. But think about who you’re helping.”

She finally let out the fear she’d been harboring since she’d heard the plan. “But what if I fail, and they’re stuck there because of me?” Three hundred girls.

His thumb brushed over her cheek as his eyes bore into hers. “You’re doing more than anyone else for them. You’re doing everything you can.”

She surprised them both as she pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, then threw her arms around his waist. He didn’t even hesitate before wrapping his arms around her, pulling her close.

They stood like that, her head buried in his chest, his fingers making soothing circles over her back, until she whispered, “I should probably get ready.” Cassian nodded, but didn’t let her go.

He finally pressed a kiss to the top of her head, slipped back into his chair, and closed his eyes. 

Nesta stood there, staring at him, wondering how someone could be so beautiful, for a few moments before he muttered, “Nesta, baby, I know I’m insanely handsome, but you should really start getting ready.”

She rolled her eyes, somewhat grateful to have the lightheartedness back, and dropped her towel. He shifted in his chair at the sound, at the thought of her naked in front of him, and Nesta smirked.

Despite what was riding on tonight, despite her claim of professionalism, Nesta couldn’t help but want to have a little fun with the situation. 

“Your eyes are closed, right?” she asked, slipping on the lacy bra and underwear from the box.

“Yes, dear. I wouldn’t dare peek. Promise.” 

She sat on the edge of the bed as she slipped the heals on, then ran her fingers through her hair again, fluffing the wavy curls. 

She dug around in the box, surprised to find mascara and a tube of dark lipstick. After finishing her makeup--something surprisingly difficult to do without a mirror--she pulled the black lace mask out of the box. It matched her outfit and helped to rim her eyes in black, making the blue pop.

She looked over at Cassian, his tall frame covered with a dark suit, and smiled at the clean cut lines of his body. He was dangerously handsome, the kind of good-looking that could make a woman do anything with the right smile. 

She remembered how his hips had pressed into hers, how effortless it had been to open her mouth for him, and found herself growing heavy with need. She’d been telling herself it was just the stress that drew her to him, that made dirty thoughts run through her head almost constantly, but maybe there was something else going on. Something more.

Maybe she should find out.

“So, you said I have to make him want me.” He nodded.

“But you said he could be anyone.” Another nod.

“So, assuming I find him, how do you suggest I make him want me?” she asked innocently.

He shrugged. “Flirt with him.”

“How?”

She could tell he was trying not to roll his eyes. “He’s a man, Nesta. Just flirt.”

Smiling at her idea, Nesta moved to stand in between his legs, then boldly sat on his lap and straddled his waist. His eyebrows shot up, but before he could open his eyes, she leaned in and whispered, “Remember, no peeking.”

“What are you doing?” he asked roughly as she ran the tip of her tongue over the shell of his ear.

“Flirting,” she replied simply.

His head dropped back, smacking it into the wall. “Nesta-”

She dragged her hips forward across his, and slid her hands into the hair at his nape. Pulling slightly, she tilted his neck back and pressed a kiss into the column of his neck, tongue flicking out.

She ran her hands down his chest, continuing to move her hips with small, tantalizing movements. “Oh, look,” she breathed as she felt him press into her, “it’s working.”

He laughed, the sound breathless. But as soon as her hands drifted past his waist and slid over where his length was pressing against his pants, he forgot his promise and opened his eyes.

The gold seemed darker with lust as he took in the thick lashes, the red lips, the mask. Then they sweeped lower, over the curve of her hips and the dip of her breasts, completely visible through the lace. 

He ran his hands up her thighs, over her hips, resting them on her ass. “What are you doing?” he asked again, though it certainly wasn’t a complaint.

“I’m seducing you, Cassian. I thought it was obvious.” 

He gave her a wide smile, then pulled her flush against him and crashed his mouth into hers. It wasn’t their first kiss, but it still made every nerve in Nesta’s body stand on in, begging for more. 

She pulled at the buttons of his shirt, desperate to feel him, popping them one by one until she got it open.

He sucked on her bottom lip, Nesta’s hands roving over the smooth muscles covering his shoulders, his chest, his abdomen. He reached for the clasp of her bra, mouth immediately finding one of her breasts as soon as it fell off her shoulders.

She moaned, fingers digging into his shoulders, as he pressed his hips up into hers at the same time his teeth tugged on her nipple. 

The sound seemed to dissolve whatever restraint they both had left, and before she knew it, Cassian was pushing her panties to the side, lifting her slightly as she slid onto him.

Her head fell forward as all of him filled her at once, and her forehead rested against his chest as he let her adjust. 

His face burrowed in her neck, kissing its way up to her ear, and he tugged on it with his teeth and whispered, “Ride me, Nesta.” Her stomach clinched at the command in his voice, the need covering every word.

She leaned back, bracing her hand on his knee and began to move, head dropping back. He took advantage, leaning forward and kissing her neck, her chest, her jawline. His hips rose to meet hers with every movement, and Nesta felt like she couldn’t get enough.

Mouth still on her neck, he reached between them, slipping a hand in her underwear and roughly circling her clit with his thumb. She moaned, picking up speed, as he did it again.

She tightened around him, and he groaned in her ear. 

“Cassian-” his mouth was on her, muffling the sounds she made, as his thumb pressed down, crying out as he sent her over the edge. He followed, fingers digging into her hips and pulling her close as he dropped his head to her neck. 

They were both panting as they came down together, but Cassian kept pressing small, light kisses all over her face, making her smile. 

“You’re a pretty good flirt,” he finally whispered, and she laughed.

Nesta grabbed her bra and got to her feet, putting a hand on the wall to steady herself. She turned to get her dress, but Cassian grabbed her wrist and spun her back around. She stood before him, in nothing but lingerie and heels, smiling at how messy his hair had gotten.

His eyes were molten as he pressed a kiss to her navel, so soft she thought she might have imagined it. His fingers dropped to tickle her ankles, then drug up her legs, over her hips, up her back. 

“Beautiful,” he murmured as his fingers traced over every inch of her.

She opened her mouth to respond, but was cut off by a loud banging against the door. 

A man’s voice sounded on the other side. “Stop screwing the whore, dumbass. It’s time to go.” 

Neither of them moved. His arms wrapped around her waist, and his eyes were shaded as he whispered, “Who I have to be out there, how I have to act, in front of them... it’s not me. What I’ll have to say to you, how I’ll treat you...”

She gripped his face in her hands, just like he’d done for her less than an hour ago. “I know, Cassian. It’ll be okay.”

“How do you know?”

“Because you won’t be alone.”

He rose to his feet and pressed a soft kiss against her lips, then nodded. Nesta slipped on the dress, not focusing on how short and tight it was, and followed him out the door.

No blindfold this time, she thought. They know I’m not coming back. 

She followed him through a series of hallways, trying not to stare at the closed doors she knew other girls were hidden behind. She’d get them out soon. Then they were outside, and she was being pushed into a black sedan, Cassian jumping in the backseat with her.

Another man got in on her other side and motioned for the driver to go. They drove for a few minutes before the man on her left asked Cassian, “Is the boss going to like her?” His Persian was thick and he spoke quickly, but Nesta understood every word. 

Cassian shrugged, keeping his eyes locked on the outside world as it blurred by.

“Is she any good?” 

Nesta forced herself not to grit her teeth, determined to not give any signs that she spoke the language.

It became ten times harder when Cassian smirked, then reached to run a finger over her bottom lip, and answered, “Oh, she makes the most delicious sounds. And you should see what she can do with her mouth.”

“If he doesn’t choose her, I’ll get her to show me.” Then the stranger gripped her chin, forcing her to look at him. He smelled of tobacco and sweat, the aroma making Nesta gag. He roughly traced her mouth, then pressed a finger against her lips, slipping it in her mouth.

Nesta knew she was supposed to be complacent, but she couldn’t help but bite down on his finger. Hard.

“Ow!” he yelled, pulling his hand back. Anger filled his features as he growled, “When this is over, I’m going to tie you up and fuck you like the slut you are.”

Or maybe I’ll snap your neck and set you on fire, she thought, visualizing how she could break his nose without getting blood on her dress.

“That’s just her,” Cassian said smoothly, trying to save them both. “She likes it rough. Don’t you, whore?” 

She read the apology in his eyes and hoped hers showed that it was okay, that she was fine, as she gave a small nod. 

“Americans,” the stranger muttered in distaste. 

They continued on in silence, each mile fraying Nesta’s nerves even further,  until they were well out of the city. 

“We’re here,” the driver said, pulling to a stop.

Cassian opened the door, and held out a hand. “You’re not alone,” he whispered so only she’d hear, repeating her earlier words back to her. “I’ve got you.”

He tucked her hand into his arm, leading her up the stairs of a grand house. The door swung open, revealing the decor of dirty money and the mass of people making it, and Nesta vowed I’m going to take them down. I don’t care what it takes.

________________________________________________________________

After glancing over her shoulder for what felt like the millionth time, Elain pushed open the door of her hotel, sighing in relief. Hotels meant security cameras, which meant Eris and his goons couldn’t get to her. She’d been jumpy all the way home, realizing that if he got to Mor, he could probably get to her. 

She went up to her room, checking to see if Feyre was there and frowning when she wasn’t. Was she still out from yesterday, or had Elain simply missed her? She texted her, deciding that if she didn’t hear from her by tonight, she’d start asking around.

Elain showered and got dressed, opting for a light yellow dress. She planned on going to Morrigan tonight, checking on Mor, and maybe taking her out for dinner. She told herself that was why she was taking extra care on her makeup, definitely not because she might see him. 

And his crystal blue eyes. And broad shoulders. And curved, sensuous lips that she couldn’t stop thinking about-

No. Definitely not. 

As the sun began to set, Elain headed back outside, careful to notice her surroundings, checking if anyone was following her. A few minutes later she was walking towards the back rooms of Morrigan, knocking on the door.

It swung open, and Elain almost cried at what she saw.

Mor was standing in front of her, color having returned to her face, with the biggest smile she’d ever seen lighting up her features. That had been her one condition. She’d help get Eris away from her, as long as she went to the hospital and let them treat her.

“Elain,” she cried, throwing her arms around her shoulders, “I’m so happy to see you.”

Elain hugged her back, grateful that she had the strength to smile after everything that had happened to her. She’s going to be okay, she thought, looking over her shoulder and meeting his eyes. 

He nodded, eyes lighter than they’d been when she first barged into his office, and holding some emotion Elain couldn’t read.

Mor finally let her go, pulling her by the hand to a sofa. 

“You know,” Elain said as she sat next to him, “you never did tell me your name.”

He blushed, Mor laughing in surprise. “Azriel Chaaya.”

“But everyone just calls him Az,” Mor added in. 

“What does Chaaya mean? Is it a traditional name?”

“It means shadow, and no, it’s not traditional,” he said quietly, as if he were waiting for her to run away.

“An nontraditional name for an nontraditional man,” Mor teased, leaning to ruffle his hair. “Well, I better go. I was supposed to start work five minutes ago.”

Elain laughed and joked, “Better not let your boss see you come in late.”

Mor smiled, coming to kiss Elains cheek. “Thank you again, Elain. What you did means the world to me.”

She gripped her hand and smiled back. “Of course. I wish you a life of happiness,” she replied in Persian. 

Mor just smiled again, grabbed her apron and gliding out the door to the front of the restaurant. 

“Thank you, Elain,” Azriel said as soon as they were alone, putting a hand on top of hers. “Thank you for helping her. I didn’t know how.”

Now it was Elain’s turn to blush. 

“If there’s anything we can ever do for you, let us know,” he continued seriously.

Elain pretended to consider. “Well, there is one thing.” His eyebrows raised. “I’m kind of hungry.”

Azriel smiled, and Elain couldn’t help but smile back. He looked so young, so unburdened, so handsome.

“Luckily, I happen to know a pretty good chef,” she continued. “And I did come to Persia to learn how to make a few dishes...”

“Oh, I see. You want to steal all my secrets,” he teased, grinning.

“Basically.”

He rose to his feet, then held out a hand. “Well, come on. I’ll teach you whatever you want to know. Although it could take a while, since I’ve never met an American who knows how to cook.”

Elain scoffed, slapping his hand away. “Allow me the pleasure of proving you wrong,” she said confidently, following him into the kitchen.

It was late enough that it wasn’t busy, and although he certainly got a few questioning looks, no one dared asked about Azriel’s presence in the kitchen. 

He turned a few burners on the stove on, then faced her, a confident smirk already filling his face. “Okay, Elain, let’s see what you’ve got.”

~~~~

Two hours later, Elain’s hands were covered in flour and spices, her book was full of new recipes and ideas, and a huge smile was on her face.

They’d been exchanging ideas for food, eating what they made and easily making conversation, and Elain had never been so content--or full--in her life.  

She groaned, putting a hand to her belly happily. “I’d say I’m never eating again, but we both know that’d be a lie.”

Azriel nodded in agreement, pulling himself onto the counter. “What’s your restaurant like in Florida?” She’d told him a little about it.

“It’s called The Archeron Eatery, and it’s the most eclectic place I’ve ever seen,” she laughed. “I don’t focus on one particular cuisine, so I advertise it as a place to go when no one knows what they want.” 

Azriel smiled. “Have you always loved to cook?”

“Um, no.” Elain frowned slightly. “When I was younger, my dad lost a lot of money, and we didn’t have much. We basically only survived because my younger sister started working and bought us food. She was only fifteen. So, when I left for college, I wanted to make it up to her somehow, and I started culinary school, so I could make her food and she would never have to sacrifice doing what she loved to feed me.” 

She laughed as she said it, then added, “It sounds kind of stupid when I say it out loud.”

“It’s not stupid,” he said softly, shaking his head. Dark hair fell into his eyes, and Elain gripped her fingers together to stop herself from sweeping it back. 

She realized they were staring at each other, so she cleared her throat and asked, “What about you? Have you always loved to cook?”

Azriel smiled. “I’ve been cooking since I can remember. My mother taught me how before she died, and ever since, I’ve been cooking for me and my two brothers. And Mor. As much as I love to cook, that girl loves to eat.”

Elain forced herself to smile and say, “You guys are cute together.”

He barked a laugh, looking at her like she was crazy. “I am not with Mor, although I used to be in love with her. She never returned the feelings, and I realized she’s my best friend, so I moved on. Well on.”

“Oh,” she replied, trying not to sound to cheerful about it. 

Her mood fell again when he said, “I am into someone, though.” 

She didn’t really want to know, but she raised her eyebrows and said, “Oh?”

“Mmhm. She’s young and beautiful and a great cook.” He grinned at whatever was written across her face. “She’s kind and compassionate and brave.” Elain had to restrain an eye roll.

“And she looks adorable when she’s jealous.” He whispered, sliding off the counter and walking towards her slowly. 

“She’s American, which is a slight downside, but I’d be willing to ignore it.” He smiled as Elain gasped. Me? “Because when she laughs, it’s like everything in the world doesn’t matter any more. And when she smiles, I forget my own name. Gods, she’s beautiful.”

Elain couldn’t think straight. He’d gotten close enough that they were sharing air, his hands coming to lightly cup her face. He was so close and he smelled like spice and sunshine, and Elide thought that if this was all she did for the rest of her life--stand in his kitchen and let him hold her--she’d die a happy woman.

“She sounds like an amazing woman,” Elain whispered, pressing herself softly into him.

Azriel smiled. “Oh, she is,” he whispered back, bringing his lips down to hers.

________________________________________________________________

Thank you so much for reading! As always, let me know if you want to be tagged in the next part!

@mis-lil-red @rapunzel1523 @chemicha @illyrianbeauty @azrielismycinnamonrollprimary @street-smarts-are-important @dreamerforever-5 @the-jin-to-my-tonic @lord-douglas-the-third @court-of-fuck-me-daddy @theoverlyenthusiasticwriter @booklover41802 @sezkins79 @bookofmaas @graaaaceeliz @10divergentmockingjays @wesupremeginger @azriels-forgotten-shadow @elide-lochan-salvaterre @facilisdescensuav3rno @highladyofidris @tswaney17

[itskateak]

Oceans and Stars - Chapter 3

(Art by itskate....do not repost without permission)

Story Summary: A story of how Bucky Barnes falls in love with oceans, stars, and the woman who gave him the reasons to.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Velika Dante King (Fem!OC)

Chapter Summary: Something has Velika on edge but she refuses to talk about it. She's looking for answers and takes the team with her. 

Words: 1.9K

Warnings: Mentions of war, anxiety, and death

A/N: The version of this song our choir did can be found through this link, now. :) It's a rehearsal version as we didn't get to perform it...so my choir teacher talks at the very end. 

Masterlist

                       ⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅ 

𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓭𝓸 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭?

The helicarrier touched down on the Arctic tundra, expertly maneuvered to land on the edge of the coast. The engines melted divets in the thick snow as they powered down. The water froze to create an icy sheen as soon as the engines shut off. The setting sun painted the land with soft pinks and oranges. It was still early enough in the winter season that the sun hadn't set for the few months to cover the tundra in a long night.

Velika pulled a heavy fur cloak around her shoulders, securing it at her neck. The bear fur would keep her warm even in the subzero temperatures when the sun was fully below the horizon. She tugged a pair of gloves on, tucking the ends into her jacket sleeves, and took a deep breath as the tailgate lowered to the edge of the ice. The cold air blew in immediately, swirling snow onto the landing.

"Christ, that's freezing!" Sam gasped, wrapping his arms around himself. He rubbed his arms quickly to generate some heat.

"We're above the Arctic circle, Wilson. Of course, it's freezing," Velika responded, starting down the ramp.

"So, what're we looking for?" Tony met her outside, hovering above the ground. "I'll do an air recon and see if I can find whatever it is."

"Ruins or a temple made of ice. If the temple is still standing, then the ice should look like it's holding galaxies and the aurora." Velika flicked her flashlight on and pulled her scarf up to cover her face.

"Got it. Magical ruins." Tony nodded and blasted off, heading north. He disappeared into the light of the sun, his armor blending in with the star.

"Don't make me carry you through the snow," Bucky teased, pulling the fabric mask up over his nose. "I am not doing that again."

"Serbia was different!" Velika shot him a glare. "The snow was three feet deep and I had two bullets in my leg." 

"She's got you there, man," Sam said through their coms. He was staying at the ship to track their GPS locations because he didn't like the cold. He refused to trek out into the frozen lands.

"No one asked you, Wilson," Bucky grumbled, tucking his chin into the collar of his jacket. He shoved his hands into his pockets despite wearing gloves. 

"At least someone's on my side." Velika shifted the fur cloak to block against the wind blowing from the east. "Once we get on the ice, the snow won't be so bad."

"Ground Control, this is Major Tom. I'm seeing nothing to the north. Gonna follow the coast down to the east before circling back to the west." Tony's voice made her sigh in frustration. Anxiety was already building in her chest. They had to find it.

"This is Ground Control to Major Tom. We copy." Velika took the lead toward the west. She squinted through the darkness, scanning her light from side to side. The ice flow was silent other than the howling wind and the conversation between them.

"Since when is he a Major named Tom?" Bucky asked, brow furrowed. 

"It's a David Bowie song. Come on, Barnes!" Sam sounded exasperated as he sighed.

"Who?"

"David Bowie was a musician from the sixties and made music pretty much until he died in twenty-sixteen. He acted in a few movies as well. Played the Goblin King in Labyrinth. Ground Control to Major Tom is a quote from his nineteen sixty-nine song Space Oddity," Velika explained absently, scanning the horizon for anything that might indicate they were heading in the right direction.

"See! Even Velika knows who Bowie is!" Sam's grin could be heard in his voice.

"Sam, my brother slept with the man back in the eighties. I had no idea who he was before that," Velika laughed, shaking her head. Sam sputtered in her ear in disbelief. 

Bucky smiled to himself, glancing behind them to make sure there wasn't any wildlife to threaten them. He hadn't heard her laugh in a while and it made him relieved. 

"East is clear. Heading west." Tony interrupted. Sam confirmed that he had him on the radar. 

"What do you expect to find out here?" Bucky asked, catching up with Velika. He lifted his shoulders to block the wind from whipping his face and squinted as a particularly strong gust blew past.

"Someone who can help." She responded, dropping her head. "I hope."

                       ⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅ 

"She's really snippy today." Natasha mused as she poured herself a glass of milk. 

"I heard her on the phone the other day talking in a language I didn't recognize. She said her brother's name once or twice and kept running her hand through her hair like she does when she's stressed," Wanda tossed a piece of popcorn in her mouth. Her laptop was open in front of her and she had just paused the tv show she was watching.

"I don't know what's up with her. I asked and she shook her head and clammed up." Natasha wrinkled her nose up.

"Even Bucky has no idea what's bugging her," Steve sighed, looking up from Bucky's text message. The team's dynamic had been tense for a week after Velika's sudden personality shift. "He's tried to talk to her but she just shakes her head and walks away."

"I suggested that she needed to get laid or something but she just glared at me and left the room." Sam leaned against the counter, his arms folded across his chest.

"Guys, I need a favor." The woman in question suddenly swept into the kitchen with a notepad in her hand. 

"Oh, hi. You're chipper today," Sam shot her a smile and got a glare in return.

"Try me, Wilson." She growled. "I'll be in conference room B. Meet me in ten minutes." Velika left as suddenly as she arrived.

The room was silent for a beat before everyone glanced at each other with the same thought. Something was up.

                       ⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅ 

"You want to do what now?" Tony asked, a brow arched.

"It sounds crazy, I know. But if there's even a chance that it's real, I need to find it. It's important." Velika had spent the last hour reading through her annotated version of an old legend about an ice temple that was home to Fate. She was sure she'd found the place it was describing.

"Well, I'm not doing anything this weekend so I'm game." Tony shrugged.

"I'll go as long as I get to stay in the helicarrier," Sam said. "I don't do cold."

"I'll go," Bucky, who had been silently worrying the inside of his lip the whole time, finally spoke. He looked up from the table and nodded once to double down on his statement.

"I only need three other people." Velika smiled for the first time in a week. Her eyes were alight with relief and her shoulders sank like a weight had been lifted off them.

"Let's get prepped, then."

                       ⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅ 

"Velika, we've been out here for two hours. It's getting darker by the minute." Bucky called from a few paces behind her. His metal arm was starting to stiffen and twitch. "We need to head back to the helicarrier."

"It has to be here! We can't go back without finding it." She shouted back, eyes squinting to peer through the darkness. The wind had died down out of nowhere and the sky was completely clear of clouds. The stars did little to light the way and the moon was entirely in shadow.

"Velika!" Bucky grabbed her shoulder, stopping her in her tracks. "What's going on with you? The last week you've been moody and distant. Now we're searching through some barren and cold land for a legend."

"It doesn't matter. We just have to find it." Velika tried to pull away from him, but he held her in place. "Bucky, please. I have to find it." Her eyes glistened with tears and her voice faltered. "There's no other option."

Bucky furrowed his brow in concern. He opened his mouth to question her further when she suddenly let out a broken sob, tears spilling onto her windburned cheeks. "Velika?"

"It's the last chance any of us have. The only option to save us from war." She cried, wiping the tears from her face before they froze in the subzero temperature. "I don't wanna fight, Bucky. I don't wanna face them. Don't wanna risk being dragged back to be put under their control."

"I don't understand." Bucky stepped around her, ducking his head to look her in the eye. It was hard to see in such darkness.

"Rising tensions between Hell and Heaven means that war is closer than it's ever been." She hiccuped, her chest heaving as she tried to breathe. She had kept this breakdown at bay for so long but now that she was faced with the prospect that the expedition failed, everything fell apart. "Any attempt at peace with Heaven we've tried to make has failed and if I don't find this temple and talk to Fate..."

Bucky pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly. "Velika, I think it's just a legend. If we haven't found it by now, I don't think we'll find it at all. I'm sorry." 

She clutched at his jacket, shaking in his arms as she sobbed. His heart ached for her. When America had been on the verge of joining World War Two, he had been praying they wouldn't. But he knew they would in the back of his mind. "I don't wanna leave you guys. I don't wanna fight."

"I know. But you've done all you can and now all you can do is wait to see if war even breaks out." He soothed, rubbing her back. "And spend as much time as you can with the people you care about.

Bucky continued to hold her as she calmed down, whispering what he hoped were comforting words. War was a huge weight on anyone's shoulders. The fact she was trying desperately to find a peaceful solution to avoid it just to stay with them made his heart swell, but he felt that was selfish. 

Velika lifted her head after taking a steadying breath, eyes soft and expression vulnerable. Her lips parted slightly and she looked past his shoulder in wonder. "Look."

Bucky turned his head to follow her gaze. "Oh, wow."

The Northern Lights were dancing overhead in vibrant colors of green. Purple lined the top with a pale red barely flickering at the tips. They moved like waves in the ocean, lighting up the sky brighter than the stars. 

Velika drew in a shuddering gasp. A coil in her ribs made dread settle in the pit of her stomach. The lights were telling her something. The answer to her question. They were the temple she was looking for. "Two months." 

"What?" Bucky turned back to her with a questioning look. He hadn't quite heard her while he was distracted.

"Gorgeous." She said, louder, covering up her revelation.

"They are. Come on. Let's head back to the helicarrier. I'm starting to feel the cold." Bucky gave her a lopsided grin and took the flashlight from her hand. He started back toward where they had come from and she sighed sadly before starting after him.

Two months later, Velika received a letter announcing the death of her ex-commander and the birth of war. 

𝓢𝓸 𝓯𝓪𝓻 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓱𝓸𝓶𝓮?

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