#things I would say on the doner trail

[sillyguyhotline]

Prompt: Sara, having voted for Shin to die, in the classroom (or lab?) taking Joe's dog keychain

“Alright, it looks like this room is all clear,” Sara spoke up, just loud enough to alert the two allies who were trailing behind her. Ranmaru, bandaged hands shoved lazily into his pockets, gave a quick nod, and Keiji scratched his neck in assent. 

She moved down the hallway, still rather cautious as to what traps could be sprung at a moment’s notice, finger poised carefully on the map. She couldn’t quite discern what kind of room was up ahead, and that only heightened her anxiety about what she was about to face… but nevertheless, she stepped a steady foot into the room.

Sitting before her was a painfully familiar sight, dredging up memories that, in any other circumstances, could have been fond. It was her old math classroom, without a doubt, the one she’d spent years sitting in with Joe sitting right beside her. She’d resented it once, because Ryoko wasn’t in the class with her and she was seated next to the most painfully cheerful person in their grade. 

Oh, how she’d feared receiving endless mockery from Joe or her other classmates; after all, Joe was so peppy, so lovely, and she’d spent her school years stewing quietly in the corner of the room. 

It felt silly to look back at those fears now, after how long Joe had been her best friend and after how many secrets and wonderful moments she’d entrusted him with. 

It felt even sillier to look back on those regrets now that he was gone. She’d been so sure that she would have all the time in the world to make amends for those fears of him, that she’d have all the time in the world to shake him awake when he dozed off in math class or to fall asleep on the school rooftop during lunch as he kept a watchful eye on her, knowing how badly she needed that sleep. 

Sara had been a very future-focused person, a stark contrast from her cheerful best friend, but he’d often shattered her intricate plans for university with his own proposals for how they’d live life after high school. Karaoke and doner kebabs every day, he’d suggest, or they could volunteer at the animal shelter.

“Imagine how much free time we’ll have when we’ve graduated,” Joe would daydream at lunch. “And we’ll have money, too! We can do whatever the hell we want, all day long, and nobody’s gonna be there to stop us.”

“You know, we’ll have to get a job in order to have money,” Sara would always counter, looking forward to the way his face would crinkle with disappointment at that response.

“Not necessarily,” Joe would say back, overdramatically raising his finger. “We could get a job play-testing things at the arcade and then we could spend our days doing that.”

Sara would roll her eyes and flick a chip crumb at him, and then the two of them would devolve into raucous laughter that couldn’t help but attract stares from their classmates. They’d taken the future so lightly, always believing that the only things laying ahead of them were university and work and retirement. They’d never once imagined a future that didn’t have the other in it. 

But, Sara realized as she stood paralyzed on the threshold of this relic from a past she’d never be able to return to, some futures simply aren’t meant to be. 

Had Joe come to that realization at any point, or had he died with peace in his heart? She couldn’t help but hope for the latter.

“Sara? You doin’ alright?” Keiji’s voice pierced through the room, and she glanced over her should to find him fixing her with a very concerned stare. She knew exactly what he was thinking, knew that it had probably taken him a mere glance around the room to realize what thoughts it was meant to bring. 

“Yeah, I’m fine.” She gave a confident nod, as much for her own sake as his, and stepped into the room. There was moonlight twinkling through the windows, almost a carbon copy of how the classroom had looked when she’d woken in it the night of the kidnapping. She’d always thought the school had looked a little odd in the darkness, a little too cold and empty for her tastes. Now, though, with the pang of loss still stinging through her brain, it seemed even colder and more unforgiving. 

She stepped carefully through the room, fingers gliding over each desk as she walked past, trying to memorize the sensation of the grooves of wood against her hands. Slowly, carefully, she approached her desk... and found that there was a bookbag neatly perched in the seat right behind hers.

His seat, his bookbag. 

“Hey, uh, you want me to check that out for you?” Ranmaru was quick to step forward and make the offer, face creased with worry. How much had he been told about the events of the game? Had he seen the portrait of the bloody boy in the same uniform as Sara’s and put two and two together? 

Sara hesitated, then… “yeah, go ahead.” 

Ranmaru nodded solemnly, then reached into the bag and rummaged around in it before pulling out a very familiar object. “What’s this? Some sort of… dog keychain?”

It was remarkable how different it felt to see the keychain without the plague of hallucinations constantly weighing on Sara’s shoulders. No more bloody apparitions stirring in Sara’s subconscious, no more nauseating guilt threatening to spill out. Just a heavy ache in her heart at the sight of all that was left of her best friend.

“Did this… did this belong to that Joe guy or somethin’?” Ranmaru gripped at the keychain a little tighter, turning it around in his hand to examine it, and there was a clench at Sara’s heart.

“Give me that, Ranmaru.” Keiji’s voice came out cold. “Sara, don’t look at it.”

“No… no, it’s fine.” Could they hear how raw her voice was? “I don’t have to deal with the hallucinations anymore. It’s alright.” 

The other two of her allies fell deadly silent, and she could only pray that they would listen to her. It was true that the real keychain was still nestled snugly in her pocket, close to her heart where nobody could ever hope to hurt him again… but this was Joe. Copy or not, she’d grown fond of seeing that keychain in Joe’s pocket, knowing that it was a symbol of all his affection for her.

He couldn’t carry the keychain to graduation anymore. It had fallen into the timeless garbage pile of shattered promises and futures that would never come to be. But she would do her best to make sure that she kept his promise alive, even if he couldn’t.

“Ranmaru… please give that to me. It’s very… very special to me.”

Hesitantly, Ranmaru handed the keychain over, and she was swift to pocket it. Perhaps she’d be able to give one to Ryoko, as cheap as it would seem, and they’d both be able to cherish their own individual remnants of their extinguished sunshine. 

“Can… can you guys leave the room for a bit? I know there’s more to explore, but… can I have a few minutes alone?” Her eyes were still fixated on the carefully-carved wood of the desk, refusing to meet theirs.

After a long, weighty pause, Keiji spoke up. “...Alright. But call out for help if anything happens. And don’t take too long. We still need to catch Midori, alright?”

“Alright.” 

She waited with bated breath until their solid, clicking footsteps faded away and the door fell shut behind them… and sat down at her desk. 

The silence of the room consumed her, broken only by the gentle whistle of automated wind pushing against the windows. They were far too underground, surely, for the night sky to be authentic, but even the quiet ambiance brought its own flavor of peace. Even in her own quiet solitude, she felt foolish tracing her fingers over the wood of the desk, wishing so stupidly that he might be there to listen to her. 

“Hey, Joe,” she spoke up quietly. “I know… I promised I wouldn’t cry over you. I know you’ve never liked to see me cry, I know it makes you miserable… I’m sorry. I hope, wherever you are, if you can even hear me right now, I haven’t made you miserable. I certainly hope you aren’t punching yourself.” She let out a quiet, heavy laugh. 

Oh, the burden was too much to bear, and she quickly reached for the dog keychain, the one she knew was real, the one snugly nestled up to her heart. She gazed into the beady eyes glinting in the moonlight, trying to reclaim her courage… and saw only his smile in that plastic one. 

Joe’s dopey, foolish smile, the smile that was such a perfect brand of stupid that only he’d managed to master it. The smile he’d given her whenever he’d told a good joke that managed to make her laugh, or when something genuinely good happened and he was practically bursting with joy in anticipation of telling her. 

She hated that the last time she’d seen that smile, it was bloodstained and heavy with exhaustion.

It was so foolish, that out of all of the things that could possibly still haunt her, his smile had done the trick. The clatter of the hairpin on the floor, the way she’d spun hoping upon hoping that maybe he was still alive, maybe she could salvage him and they could go home alive and happy… only to be greeted with that dumb, beautiful smile. Drained of life, eyes dull with the promise of death, mouth dripping blood, he’d beamed up at her with such happiness pushing against the pain… and then she’d watched him die, still smiling.

Stupid, stupid Joe Tazuna, who could smile even in the face of death if only so his best friend wouldn’t cry.

And she’d failed him.

She’d taken the hairpin, though, even blinded by tears and grief. It was just a bobby pin, one of the many he’d use to keep his hair up all day. She couldn’t begin to recount the amount of times she’d slept over at his house and watched him style his hair with gel and pins, grinning when he’d catch her eye in the mirror and wink at her. He’d always offered to style her hair, but she’d always refused, joking that she didn’t want her hair to look like his and giggling when he gasped in mock offense.

Now, though, her motions were slow as she closed her eyes and reached her hands up towards her head. Carefully, tenderly, she slipped the hairpin into her hair, tightly securing her braid. She could almost fool herself into thinking he was the one sitting behind her, doing her hair with such care and precision. 

“I miss you so much, Joe,” she said, eyes closed. “God, I miss you more than I’ve missed anything in the world. I’m so sorry I couldn’t get us out alive. I know… wherever you are, you’re probably happier. I guess this was just never meant to be, huh?” Her voice broke. “It hurts to sit here and know you’re not sitting behind me, to know you’re never gonna sit behind me again. I know you’re gone, and I know I shouldn’t be crying over me, I should be smiling so you’re happy.”

She wiped her tears away with her sleeve, staining it a darker blue. “We’ve broken so many promises, haven’t we? But… I’m going to get out alive, and I’m going to tell Ryoko what happened, and I’m going to carry this keychain to graduation. That’s one promise I refuse to break.”

The tears took over, then, but as she cried the room grew a little warmer. For a fleeting second, there was the phantom weight of a warm, bangle-wearing hand on her shoulder. As she stood up, though, it dissolved, leaving only the whisper of her words behind and the vague echos of affection in her ears. 

[raindancer2004]

Blended Family

Word Count: 4,543 Demetri x OC - Part Three Warnings: Language, Fluff, Angst, Description of torture / murder

When Demetri and Nico arrived back at the castle the following afternoon he dropped off Nico to Heidi’s room “Can you watch him for a bit please, I need to have a private conversation with Felix?” “Of course D. It will give us a chance to catch up and maybe I can find out more about his new friend” Heidi smiled at him and Nico looked up at Heidi excitement clear in his blue eyes “Sophie and Ellie are great but Ellie is so tiny…” Demetri smiled and closed the door knowing Heidi was going to hear all about Sophie and Ellie. 

He found Felix in his room along with the twins “Afternoon Demetri, enjoy your ‘sleepover’?” Jane asked, amusement clear in her voice, he chuckled “Afternoon Jane and yes I enjoyed spending time with my mate” He replied “So that talk went well then?” Alec asked “Yes it did and she is absolutely fine with everything…including our diet” He replied “Did you tell her about Nico’s mother?” “Yes Fe, I did and she was ok with that too. The conversation that followed was a little more difficult to deal with…for me” Demetri replied taking a seat beside Felix on the sofa “Ah…the complication of Ellie’s father” Jane said softly “DON’T CALL HIM THAT!” Demetri growled at her, his eyes darkening and Jane visibly flinched “D…calm down” Felix said placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder, Demetri took a breath “I’m sorry Jane but-but that man doesn’t deserve the title of father…” His fists curled into balls “Demetri” Alec warned this time “Sperm doner” Jane said low looking at Demetri “We’ll refer to him as the sperm donor…better?” She asked and he nodded seeming to calm a little “Talk to us D…maybe we can help” Felix sounded cautious “I won’t tell you everything as it’s…private and not fair to Sophie but…” He took another deep breath trying to stay calm as just thinking about what happened to his mate angered him “We have a human to hunt down and kill…she deserves to feel safe again…I owe her that much seeing as I wasn’t there when….” Demetri trailed off and realisation flashed across Jane’s face although Felix and Alec took a little longer to catch on “Tell us when and where and we’ll help you Demetri” She said firmly “I was actually just going to ask Felix…” “We’re family and we protect what’s ours” She growled low cutting him off “Agreed” Alec and Felix said together “Thank you. That means a lot” Demetri replied. 

Demetri met with the Kings in the throne alone, the guards on duty having been dismissed by Caius “Demetri, how did things go with Sophie?” Aro asked holding out his hand “May-may I tell you rather than show you?” Aro looked a little shocked as Demetri had never refused before “I mean no disrespect master, it’s just…Sophie disclosed something…personal…pertaining to Ellie and I want to respect that….it should be up to her to share that information with you” Aro nodded “Say no more my dear boy, I think we can…fill in the gaps” “Thank you. Although I must confess, I will be dealing with the problem personally as it hasn’t been dealt with by the human authorities” He told them “As long as you cover your tracks and take Felix and the twins with you, you can deal with the matter however you wish. After all our mate’s safety is what’s important” Caius replied “Thank you, I appreciate your support master” He replied looking at Caius. “I’m glad she has accepted you and Nico and vice versa. I hope you all have a long and happy life together” Marcus smiled “Yes, quite. We are looking forward to meeting them both” Aro added with a smile. 

Demetri and Nico had been spending time with Sophie and Ellie the last month or so and Nico started to notice differences between himself and Ellie that left him a little confused. “Daddy how come Ellie isn’t growing up as fast as I am?” Nico asked Demetri “Ellie is human the same as Sophie” “Why does that matter daddy?” “Well, you are half human / half vampire and as a result you will be fully grown in seven years, whereas Ellie won’t be fully grown until she is sixteen” Demetri replied “Oh ok, but I thought you said I was younger than Ellie” Nico replied looking a little confused “Although you are younger than Ellie in age, you will look older than her physically because of your vampire side, so essentially you will be like a big brother to her as she grows up” Demetri replied “Will Sophie and Ellie become like you dad, a full vampire?” He asked “Yes, I will change Sophie once Ellie is a little older, and once Ellie is old enough to be changed, I will change her too” Demetri replied “So you and I have to protect Sophie and Ellie until they become like you?” “Exactly Nico. Although I will protect all three of you forever” “So, Sophie and Ellie will be with us forever?” Nico asked looking hopeful “Yes Nico, they will be with us forever, I promise” Demetri smiled and wrapped his arms around his son holding him close “Good, I will help you protect them forever too” Nico replied snuggling into his dad.

Demetri told Nico that he had to go away for work and that he was going to ask Heidi to look after him but Nico had a different idea “Can I stay with Sophie and Ellie whilst you’re away Daddy, please?” “I don’t know if that’s a good idea buddy” Demetri replied “Why not?” “What if something happens, Sophie can’t protect you like Auntie Heidi can” He replied “Nothing will happen. It’ll be a sleepover just…without you” Nico replied “Exactly Nico, I won’t be there to keep you all safe” “Please Daddy, I promise to be good for Sophie” “I know you will, but that isn’t what I’m worried about” Demetri said “You don’t think Sophie will want me there without you” Nico replied sounding sad, eyes becoming a little glassy “No, no that isn’t it either buddy. I’m just worried that Sophie will be a little overwhelmed looking after you and Ellie alone” “Honestly?” Demetri lifted Nico onto his lap “Honestly” He cupped his Nico’s face and wiped away the lone tear that slipped down his cheek “I’ll ask Sophie and see what she says” “Thank you Daddy.” Nico hugged him and Demetri smiled. 

Demetri rung Sophie later that evening after Nico was asleep and asked if she would look after Nico for the weekend whilst he was away on a mission “You-you trust me to look after Nico alone…without you?” Sophie couldn’t help sounding surprised “Yes, I trust you with Nico. You’re my mate…but you don’t have to agree if you think it’ll be too much” He replied “I’d love to have him for the weekend and…it gives you a reason to come and see me when you get back” She answered smiling “I don’t need a reason to come to see you” He replied “I know, I’m just teasing Dem. When are you going to drop him off?” “Friday about 11.00am if that’s ok” “Perfect. It gives me time to go shopping tomorrow for food” She replied. Demetri was happy that Sophie wanted to look after Nico, although he was a little worried about him being away from the castle without him. 

“He’ll be fine D. Sophie’s a mum and will look after him” Felix said from the doorway “I know. It’s just he hasn’t stayed away from the castle without me” Felix nodded and entered the room taking a seat on the sofa, Demetri sat beside him “When we get back, invite her to the castle to meet the Kings and me of course, then ask her to move in. You’ll feel much better when she and Ellie are living here with you” Felix said “What if she thinks it’s too soon to move in here?” Demetri asked, worry evident in his eyes “Discuss her concerns and reassure her that she is the only one for you and that you are offering her forever. Be patient and you will get the result you want” He replied “When did you get so wise?” Demetri chuckled “Common sense D. You love her and want her and Ellie here with you and Nico, I can see that, especially after what you told me the other night. Isn’t this why you want to take care of that human, so that they’re safe” Felix replied “Yes Fe, it is. I guess I’m just worried that I may not get my forever with her…once she knows I’ve dealt with him” “You plan on telling her then?” “Yes. I will not lie to her and I want her to know she’s safe. I want her to know that I will protect her and the children always” Demetri said looking over at Nico asleep in his bed “You know what you have to do when you get back…take my advice and bring her here to meet us and take things from there” Felix smiled and Demetri nodded. 

Nico was excited that he got to stay with Sophie and Ellie whilst Demetri was away “Thank you for letting me stay Sophie” Nico said with a smile “You’re very welcome sweetie” She replied and watched as he went straight to Ellie’s room “Thank you for this Sophie. Nico asked to come and stay with you instead of staying at the castle with Heidi” “It’s not a problem Dem, really. I’m looking forward to having some company whilst Ellie naps” She laughed and he smiled at her “I wish I was keeping you company” He replied low and pulled her against his chest capturing her lips with his “Feel free to come straight here instead of the castle once you return” He felt her slip something into his pocket and he looked at her confused “Spare key. So you don’t have to worry about waking me or the children if you’re back late” She replied “You are amazing cara mia” He said and kissed her again “See you in a few days Dem” Nico came running back to the hallway “See you later Daddy” “See you all soon” He replied and kissed his son and mate goodbye “Give Ellie a kiss for me” “We will” Nico replied and watched as Demetri left, making his way back to the castle. 

Demetri, Felix and the twins left the castle and took the private jet to Seattle to deal with the sperm donor, as Jane calls him. Jane made Demetri promise that she could ‘play’ with the lowlife before Demetri and Felix dealt with him permanently. Jane used her gift on him, starting at the lowest level and working her way up to the highest level, Alec took away his senses one at time just for fun during the ‘downtime’ Jane gave him. Demetri couldn’t help the wide smile on his face as he watched the twins torture the man “I think they’re enjoying this a little too much” Felix said low “Good. Let the bastard suffer. I plan to kill him slowly, until he’s begging for a quick death” Demetri replied and Felix noticed his best friend’s eyes were black, despite their recent hunting trip ‘I don’t envy that human once Demetri gets his hands on him’ Felix thought to himself. 

Demetri and Felix torture him a little too as they kill him slowly “Hold his arms down Fe” Demetri growls and Felix nods and moments later Demetri’s foot comes down on the man’s hand, shattering every bone within it “Arrghh” He screams out before Demetri’s foot crushes his other hand, another scream leaving the human’s lips. Felix then bends the human’s elbows backwards, breaking them in the process; Demetri smiles as the human screams again, laughter leaving the twins as they watch the human being broken bone by bone. Alec can’t help himself when he sees the human’s feet moving about as he writhes in agony and steps down hard on them one at a time breaking both feet, more screams filling the air and Alec shrugs when Demetri meets his gaze “He was moving about too much” Demetri nods in agreement before leaning down and punching his ribs, a cracking sound can be heard before he screams again “Wh-who are y-you?” The lowlife stuttered out pian lacing his voice “That doesn’t matter” Demetri replied “Wh-what did I d-do to de-deserve th-this?” “You hurt someone that I love and got away with it…until now” Demetri responded “I-I ha-have no idea wh-what you’re talk-talking about” “DO NOT LIE TO ME” Demetri growled and nodded at Felix who began choking the human, he started coughing and struggling to breathe “I-I d-don’t…” Demetri growled low before moving Felix’s hand from the human’s neck, wrapping his own hands around it instead and twisted; the crack that sounded out in the quiet room assured them the human was dead. “Let’s clean up and head home” Jane said looking at Demetri and Felix, who nodded “Hey D, let me do that, take a walk…cool off” Felix said placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder “I’ll help you” Alec added. Demetri stepped away from the dead body and watched as Felix ripped the human’s limbs away from his torso, Alec throwing a match onto the body parts, ensuring to cover their tracks.

Meanwhile, back in Volterra, Sophie and Nico spent Friday watching movies and cuddling and playing with Ellie when she wasn’t napping. Saturday afternoon Sophie baked cupcakes with Nico and showed him how to decorate them, something he thoroughly enjoyed “Mmm, that’s yummy”” Nico said as he licked the frosting off his fingers, Sophie chuckled “Glad you’re having fun” “I am, I don’t get to do this at the castle” Nico replied and Sophie smiled “I promise to do ‘human’ things with you when you’re with me” “Thank you Sophie, I’d like that” He replied smiling. Sophie and Nico made pizzas for dinner, something else Nico enjoyed doing for the first time, before getting comfortable on the sofa to watch more movies together. 

Demetri got back late to Sophie’s and let himself in, locking the door behind him. He walked into the front room and saw Sophie and Nico cuddled up together on the sofa under a large blanket, he smiled to himself before carefully lifting Nico up into his arms and putting him to bed on the sofa bed in Ellie’s room “Goodnight son” He kissed his hair and tucked him in. He walked over to Ellie’s crib and leant down over it, inhaling her scent “Goodnight princess” He placed a kiss to her forehead and returned to the front room; he lifted Sophie up and carried her to her room and gently laid her down on the bed beneath the duvet. He changed into a pair of lounge pants and a t-shirt that he had packed in Nico’s bag and climbed in beside her, taking her into his arms “Goodnight mi amore” He kissed her cheek “Goodnight Dem” She rolled over and snuggled into him, his grip tightened a little holding her closer to him. 

The following morning Ellie woke up early and Sophie rolled over ready to get out of bed “Let me” Demetri said and moved quickly to Ellie’s room, Nico was standing beside her crib, he had slid his arm between the bars and was stroking her head “Sshh, sshh, you’re ok” He said low, trying to soothe her “Come here princess” Demetri said as he lifted her out of her crib “Daddy” Nico wrapped his arms around Demetri’s legs “Missed you” “Missed you too buddy. Come on” Nico followed Demetri back to Sophie’s room and Demetri climbed back in beside Sophie as Nico stood in the doorway “Come on sweetie” Sophie said smiling as she shifted towards the middle of the bed making room for him. Nico climbed in and snuggled into her as Ellie snuggled into Demetri’s chest “Sunday mornings are a great excuse for a lie in and cuddles” Sophie said smiling “I agree” Demetri replied “Me too” Nico added and Ellie cooed before falling back to sleep, along with Sophie and Nico; Demetri closed his eyes enjoying the sound of his family’s steady breathing and their heartbeats. 

That Wednesday Sophie met Demetri by the fountain in front of the castle “Hi mi amore” He wrapped his arms around her “Hello Demetri” She replied hugging him back; he leant down and kissed her. Ellie recognised his voice and started cooing and making babbling noises, Demetri chuckled “Don’t worry princess, I haven’t forgotten about you” He leant over the pram smiling at her and she smiled back, happy she had his attention. “What if they don’t like me?” Sophie asked as they neared the doors to the castle “They’ll love you, I promise” “But…” “Nico has told everyone about you and Ellie” He cut her off wrapping an arm around her waist “They can’t wait to meet you both” He kissed the top of her head and he felt Sophie relax a little in his hold “O-Ok” She replied. They entered the castle and saw Nico waiting for them; the four of them made their way to the south facing garden where Demetri had blankets laid out on the grass and a picnic basket filled with food for Sophie and Nico, and a flask of blood for himself. 

The three Kings were in Caius’ study that overlooked the south facing garden and observed Demetri, Nico, Sophie and Ellie as they sat in the castle garden spending time together. Marcus didn’t turn to look at his brothers as he confirmed Sophie was indeed Demetri’s mate “Demetri and Sophie are known as ‘True Mates’ and their bond is strong despite the complications of children being involved. Demetri feels very protective of both Sophie and Ellie.” Aro found it amusing that Demetri hadn’t figured it out when they met on the plane “How did he not know Sophie was his mate when they first met?” “Fate works in mysterious ways brother” Marcus mused “All that matters now is that they have found each other and they need to find a way to blend their families together. In fact, a ‘father / daughter’ bond is forming between him and Ellie as he already sees her as his daughter” He added. “Are there any bonds between Sophie and Nico or between the children themselves?” Caius asked, curious “Sophie and Nico have a ‘mother / son’ bond that is very strong; in fact, that bond probably took hold before her bond with Demetri...” “Really? How come?” Caius cut him Marcus off “Yes brother, and I put that down to the fact that Sophie is a mum and she naturally stepped into that role for Nico early on. There is also a ‘sibling’ bond between Nico and Ellie and although Nico is younger that Ellie; physically he appears older than her due to him being a hybrid” Marcus added “Let’s hope things work out for all involved” Aro said “They will brother I’m sure. I will say this though, some leniency will be needed with regards to Sophie staying human until Ellie is a few years older and even then she will need to spend her newborn phase here with us; with her daughter” Marcus replied “That is something that can be accommodated I’m sure…as long as they move into the castle; move into Demetri’s quarters, which can be extended to include the vacant room opposite his; I mean the room can be split to accommodate both children” Caius added “I’m surprised you agreed so easily brother” Marcus commented “I won’t have mates separated, it’s cruel and heart-breaking for all involved, not to mention without his mate our dear Demetri will become like you brother and I know you wouldn’t want that for him. None of us would” Caius replied “I think you’ve mellowed a little brother” Aro mused “I will never allow mates to be separated especially when they are mates of our guards. Anyways, my wife is rather fond of Demetri and Nico and she would make my life hell if I did anything to upset or hurt them” Caius replied honestly “I think my wife would do the same brother” Aro said in agreement. 

Demetri had arranged for Sophie and Ellie to meet the Kings and Queens that afternoon, Marcus suggested they meet outside in the garden as it might Sophie less nervous. Athenodora and Sulpicia were excited to meet Sophie and Ellie “Just don’t over crowd her mi amore, she’ll no doubt be nervous about meeting us” Caius said softly as they neared the doors to the garden. 

“Good afternoon Demetri, Nico” Marcus greeted them with a smile “Master, Marcus” They replied together. Demetri stood up and helped Sophie to her feet too “This is my mate Sophie, Sophie this is Marcus, Aro and his wife Sulpicia, Caius and his wife Athenodora” Demetri introduced “Hello, it’s nice to meet you all” Sophie said smiling “And you my dear, Demetri and Nico have told us lots about you” Aro smiled, resisting the urge to take Sophie’s hand in his. “This is Ellie” Nico said looking at up everyone, Ellie sitting on his lap babbling away “She’s beautiful, just like her mother” Athenodora smiled, Sophie blushed and watched as the Queens sat beside Nico “May I?” Sulpicia asked looking at Sophie, who nodded, before looking at Demetri who smiled back at her “You may not get her back for a while” “That’s ok, Nico seems to like holding her a lot too” Sophie chuckled “She’s just so huggable” Nico replied smiling at Ellie. “I really like Sophie and Ellie” Athenodora said low to Demetri “Thank you mi’ lady” He replied “When are they moving in?” “As soon as possible, if I get my way. We need to have that talk” He replied low “The sooner the better my dear, it’ll be nice to have them here with us” Caius rolled his eyes “You cannot steal the little one my dear” He whispered “I wouldn’t steal her Caius, but I would look after her and Nico if…Demetri and Sophie wanted alone time” Demetri chuckled as she took Ellie from Sulpicia “I’m going to assume Sophie and Ellie have your approval” “Definitely my dear boy” Aro answered smiling. 

Later that afternoon Demetri took Sophie and Ellie up to his room and met the twins in the corridor “Hello Demetri, Nico” Jane smiled “Hello Jane, Alec. This is Sophie and Ellie. Sophie this is Jane and Alec” He introduced “It’s nice to meet you both” Jane said smiling “Yes, we’ve heard lots about you” Alec added “It’s nice to meet you both too, Demetri has told me about you both also” Sophie replied  with a smile. The twins followed them into Demetri’s room taking a seat on the sofa “They want a cuddle with Ellie” Demetri said to Sophie as she watched the twins get comfortable “Oh ok. I’ll change her quickly and then she’ll be ready for a cuddle” Sophie said before entering the bathroom to change Ellie’s nappy. A few minutes later and Jane is cradling Ellie in her arms, Alec sitting beside her “Ellie’s loving all these cuddles and attention” Sophie whispered to Demetri, although the twins heard “There’ll be no shortage of offers to look after her and Nico should the two of you want alone time” Alec said smiling “As long as I get first refusal” Jane said looking at Demetri “You’ll have to speak to Athenodora, I think she called dibs first” Demetri chuckled “My room is closer” Jane replied, Demetri and Sophie nodded at her. Nico went and beside Alec waiting for his turn to hold Ellie again. 

Sophie and Ellie stayed over the night and Demetri saw to Ellie when she stirred, crying a little, allowing Sophie to get a full night’s sleep. The following morning Demetri caught her off guard with his topic of conversation “Sophie I would like you and Ellie to move in with me, here at the castle” “Isn’t it a bit soon to live together?” She questioned “Sophie, remember what I said about my kind being protective of our mates…” She nodded “…In my case it’s worse as there are two children to protect also” He continued “I must admit I like it when you stay over, but I miss you both when you leave” She replied “I miss you both too when we’re not together. I want my family together, I want us all under one roof, so I can protect all three of you” Demetri said looking at Sophie, Sophie was speechless hearing Demetri say her and Ellie were his family “I love you Sophie and that will never change, I promise. Please move in with me mi amore” He asks holding her hands in his and she nods, her eyes tearing up “Ok, we’ll move in with you” “Really?” He asked “Yes, Dem really. I love you too” Demetri smiled wide and lifted her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her, her arms wrapping around him too. “Hear that Ellie you’re moving into the castle with Daddy and I” Nico said smiling at her and she made little noises back at him in response, causing him to laugh “I need to teach you to talk once you move in” He added, Demetri and Sophie chuckled watching their children together. 

Demetri moved Sophie, Ellie and their stuff into the castle that weekend with the help of Felix and the twins. “Sophie the room opposite yours and Daddy’s is my room, but I haven’t really stayed in there as I sleep in Daddy’s bed, but now you and Ellie are moving in with us, that room will be now be mine and Ellie’s shared room” Nico said smiling and pulling her into the room “It looks nice but are you sure you want to share with Ellie, she doesn’t always sleep through the night” She replied “I like sharing with Ellie when we stay with you and I don’t mind if she cries in the night” He replied “You won’t change his mind mi amore” Demetri said in her ear, his arms wrapping around her waist from behind “I just wanted him to be sure Dem that’s all” “I know but trust me, Nico wants to share with Ellie..” “He told us all how this is his and Ellie’s room now” Felix added cutting off Demetri as he entered the room with a box of Ellie’s stuff. “Thank you for helping us move in” Sophie said to Felix and the twins “You’re welcome, although I was surprised you didn’t have more stuff” Alec replied “The apartment came furnished and all I had was mine and Ellie’s clothes and a few toys when I moved over here. I bought a few things that I needed once I moved in and planned to get more as time went on but…” “Anything you need just let me know cara and it’s yours” Demetri cut her off but she didn’t reply, choosing to just smile at him.

[whatcouldgowrong-ohthat]

Andie Barnes

“First” Date - Age 15

Summary: Andie has a real date. Let’s see what Bucky and Y/N think.

Word Count: 1888 words

Warnings: protective parents, Andie learning where she falls with her sexuality

Special Appearances: Forge and Jubilee

--

Andie was back for Christmas and their home was brimming with excitement. Though they knew Xavier’s was the best fit for Andie, having her home really meant a lot. To all of them.

“Higher up on that side, Rainbow.” Bucky grinned, gesturing to her side of the lights. “Your mom hates when they’re uneven.”

Andie groaned, trying to get as high on her toes as possible. “I know, but I’m short,” she whined. Throwing her head back, she knocked her long locks out of her face. Her fingers brushed the hook before, finally, she got the lights around it. The icicle lights hung around the edge, flickering against the real thing. New York meant snow and icicles, but that didn’t stop Y/N from insisting they decorate the balcony.

Andie dropped onto the heels of her feet, flushed cheeks and tinted nose showing the cold was getting the best of her. “When are we decorating the tree?” She looked at Bucky, laughing at his Rudolph-red nose. “I thought you were the Winter Soldier!”

“Shut up.” Bucky laughed. The two went inside and yanked off gloves before Bucky was bumping up the heater. “How does hot chocolate sound?”

“Do you even have to ask?” She took off her beanie before blowing air into her hands, trying to get some warmth back into them. “Oh! Can you make cinnamon pancakes?”

“Sure thing. Y/N should be back in a bit and then we can get to work on decorating the tree. How about you get some of the ornaments unpacked, huh?”

She was already moving to the boxes, rainbows and diamonds flickering over her skin with excitement. They fell into a rhythm so quick. It was different from their first Christmas together. No more awkwardness and worrying about anyone being uncomfortable. It was perfect.

Well, messy for sure. But definitely perfect. 

“What are you getting your mom for Christmas?”

“I could ask you the exact same thing, Old man!”

Bucky snorted, already mixing up the ingredients for pancakes as the Keurig started making hot cocoa. “Fine. Keep your secrets.”

Andie hesitated at that. She straightened, picking up one of her childhood ornaments and twisting it between her fingers. “Actually…speaking of secrets…”

Bucky looked up, raising a brow and pointing the spoon at her. “No. Secrets are done as a family. You know that.”

Andie pouted, walking up to the bar and planting her arms on it. She batted her lashes and Bucky scoffed.

He looked back at the bowl, shaking his head. “No, not going to work this time.”

“Please?”

Bucky huffed, setting the spoon down. He braced his hands on the counter and levelled her with a look. “I fought in World War 2 and was an elite assassin for years. Do you really think the puppy dog eyes are going to work?”

Andie rest her chin on the bar, wide eyes shining with multiple colors that could only come from those crazy powers of hers. “Pwetty please? For your little Rainbow?”

Damn it.

--

Y/N opened the door, bumping her hip against it to get it closed as she shuffled the bags in her arms. “I’m home!” She looked around, surprised by the empty apartment. “Hello? Where did you guys go?” She set a couple bags on the counter, tucking one into the closet to wrap for future Christmas presents.

“Y/N!”

She jumped, looking up as Bucky frantically walked into the living room. He was clammy, pacing – eyes wild. “Whoa, who’s haunting your ass,” she teased, grabbing his arms as Bucky bounced from one foot to the other. He looked terrified.

A weird look for someone in his profession.

“Babe. Sweetheart, what’s going on?” She squeezed his arms, interlacing their fingers and kissing his cheek.

“She – Andie – I…” Bucky closed his eyes, forcing himself to take a breath. “Andie…told me something.”

Y/N shrugged. “Okay. And?”

Bucky gulped. “Date. She wants to go on a date.”

Y/N laughed. “Is that all?” Grabbing the bags off the counter, she started unpacking them one by one. “She’s fifteen. This is not her first date.”

“Wait, what?”

“Buck. You have to know that.” She turned to face him, offering a reassuring smile as he moved to stand in front of her. He pressed his forehead against hers as she lightly traced the inside of his flesh wrist. “Look at it this way. She lives upstate surrounded by a bunch of kids her age. They’re all mutants. I would have thought she’d start dating up there a lot sooner. That’s why I had the sex talk with her!”

“AH!” Bucky grimaced, covering his ears as Y/N rolled her eyes.

“You are such a baby. Stop that.” She pulled his arms down. “Andie had no interest in having sex, but I wasn’t going to risk her being uninformed. I’m a labor and delivery nurse for crying out loud.”

Still unable to hide his disgust at the idea of Andie doing that, Bucky shoved his hands in his pockets. “I still remember when she was just a kid terrorizing the Avengers and making us think she was lost in the compound.”

“And I remember when she took her first steps. Buck.” She smiled, loving that he was being such a protective parent. “I love how concerned you are about this, but trust me. Andie wants us to be involved. She wants to know what’s good and bad in all of this. I’m not going to force restrictions on her when she’s being so honest about it. It’s not right.”

Bucky sighed. He knew she was right. But still…the idea of some teenage boy trying to take advantage of that sweet girl? No. Bucky wasn’t going to allow that. He might not be Hydra’s greatest asset anymore, but he was still the Winter Soldier.

--

The three were in the middle of hanging ornaments when the buzzer sounded. Andie bit her lip, noticing the way Bucky and Y/N looked at one another as she went to the door. They all knew who it was.

Andie’s date.

It only took a couple minutes before there was a knock at the door. “I’ll get it,” Y/N told them. “And you be nice.” She gave a pointed look at Bucky who simply raised his hands, trying to remain innocent. She opened the door, voice loud enough for Bucky and Andie to hear introductions. “Well, we’re all in here.” She opened the door wider.

“Hey, Forge!”

Andie smiled, all teeth and sparkly eyes as she tackled Forge in a hug. It was then Bucky heard it. A similar whirring that often came from his arm. Instead, it came from Forge’s leg.

Fuck.

Bucky smiled as Forge set his little Rainbow down and looked to him. He held out his hand. “Hey. I’m one of Andie’s classmates.”

Bucky sighed softly. He looked from Forge to Y/N and knew he had to play nice. The kid was being respectful. “Bucky.” He shook Forge’s hand, the gears in his metal arm earning an excited grin from the kid. “But you can call me ‘James’.”

The smile fell.

“Forge is a mutant too,” Andie told him.

“Uh, yeah.” He scratched the back of his neck, shrugging slightly. “I can create any machine I can imagine. Have it working too.”

Bucky was impressed. When Andie liked a guy, she liked a capable one. “Sound like the new Tony Stark.”

Forge’s face contorted as he shook his head. “Weapons of mass destruction in hands of baby billionaires aren’t exactly my…dream.”

Bucky hadn’t realized his jaw had dropped until he heard Y/N snort. He closed his mouth. The last thing he had expected was…well, that. “So what do you two have planned?”

“Um…” Andie and Forge looked like they had been asked what the answer was to world peace. “We were going to play it by ear actually.”

Bucky frowned. On the fly? Really? That didn’t sound good enough for Andie.

Before he had a chance to comment, Y/N was guiding them to the door. “Andie can send me a text when you two figure it out. Just make sure she’s back by eleven.”

“Alright, mom.” Andie spun around, giving her a quick hug before the two were out the door.

Y/N closed it, slumping against the door. “Let the poor girl be a teenager! And that’s coming from me. You know? The one who always worries?”

Bucky sighed, taking slow strides. She was practically pinned between him and the door when a certain glint flickered in his eyes.

Y/N knew that look. “Oh no. You were about to try and make that poor boy shit his pants and now – “

Bucky laughed, nuzzling her neck and placing light kisses along her exposed skin. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. “Really. Let me make it up to you.”

Y/N laughed. “Make it up to me, huh?” She nudged his head up, nose brushing his before she kissed him. Her arms wrapped around his neck, tugging him closer. “Fine,” she mumbled against his lips. Bucky groaned, pushing her against the door. “You have until eleven.”

Bucky grinned, nipping at her lip as his hand trailed up her back. “I think I can work with that.”

--

Meanwhile, Andie and Forge made their way downstairs. While there was a friendliness between the two, that was it. Just friends. “You’re going to have to tell them someday, Andie. They seem like they would be really understanding.”

Andie nodded. “I know. I really do. But…what if this date is just…guessing? What if it’s completely wrong and I’m totally straight?”

“Says the walking, talking rainbow,” Forge teased, nudging her arm with his.

“Shut up, Doodad. I’m learning.” She shoved her hands in her pockets. “Right now, this is figuring out what I feel. Then…well, when I know, they’ll know.”

Forge sighed. He leaned against the door, pushing it open for her. “I still think you should go ahead and tell them.”

“Yeah, because it totally makes sense to say, “Hey, Mom? Dad? I know I’ve put you guys through hell already what with being a mutant and getting the sperm-doner ex to basically attempt to murder us, but I might also be a lesbian. Oh! And the guy you two met? He’s basically the buffer for me and the girl I like because I don’t know what the fuck I’m actually feeling.”” Andie looked at Forge. “Am I leaving anything out?” She sighed. “I’m sorry. I just – It’s a lot, Doodad.”

“I know.” Forge looped his arm around her shoulders, squeezing her and ruffling her hair. “We’ll figure it out. And if you need people in your corner, we’ll be there for you. We’re your family, Andie.”

Andie smiled. Up ahead, she could already see the spiked black hair and yellow jacket that always made her heart skip a beat.

Okay…maybe it was already a little more than a crush.

“Fuck,” Andie whispered. “It’s definitely more than a crush.”

Forge nodded. “Yup. But that’s okay. One day at a time, right?”

Andie sighed softly. “Right. A day at a time. And one of those days…I have to tell my parents.”

Forge grimaced, but it was quickly whipped away as Jubilee waved their way. “Yeah, probably. But that’s another day. Right now, it’s time to show her a good time.”

Andie whimpered. Oh, she was so screwed.

[wangxiangiftexchange]

Winter Solstice Gift for garsideofthemoon

Hi! From the prompt I was inspired by @garsideofthemoon’s   Likes: AUs, friends to lovers, shippy fluff, stuff about being queer or being trans/nonbinary. I hope that I did the characters enough justice in your eyes and you enjoy reading this!! Happy Winter Solstice!

Read on AO3

*****

Not Your Boyfriend, Still Your Love

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian called across the lawn of central campus, waving their arms frantically to get the other’s attention, “Lan Zhan! Wait up!”

Wei Wuxian’s brother, Jiang Cheng punched his arm, “Shut up, idiot, he’s clearly on his way to class.”

But Lan Wangji stopped his walking and turned back slightly to face Wei Ying, face impassive but the fact that he stopped was invitation enough for Wei Wuxian, who ran across the quad and pounced onto the taller man, wrapping both arms around his shoulders and hanging on. Lan Wangji took his weight easily.

“Good morning, Wei Ying.”

“Morning Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian chirped, pressing their face happily into the back of Lan Wangji’s neck and smiling against his skin.

Jiang Cheng caught up with them and the three continued their walk through the campus, “Aren’t you tired of this idiot yet, Lan Wangji?”

Wei Wuxian pouted at his brother, “He didn’t tire of being my friend after ten years so it’ll be at least another ten years of being my boyfriend before he gets tired of that, right Lan Zhan?”

“That sentence makes no sense,” Jiang Cheng said, “And you’ve been together for three years, what happens in seven years?”

“Husband,” Lan Wangji said, in the solemn way of his.

Wei Wuxian internally winced, and instead danced away from the other two, “Haha, maybe,” he sung, “You have to ask me first, Lan Zhan! You don’t know I’ll say yes!”

Lan Wangji twitched an eyebrow at him as if to say don’t I?

Wei Wuxian chewed on his lower lip all through class, worrying it like the creeping self-doubt worried at his brain. The problem wasn’t Lan Zhan. He loved Lan Zhan. Had loved him since they were seven and Wei Wuxian pushed an older kid off the swings when he tried to kick Lan Zhan as the quieter kid walked by.

Back then, Lan Zhan was the Absolute Best Thing that had ever happened to Wei Wuxian, nevermind that when they first met a year before Lan Zhan kept tattling on him drawing little comics during class instead of paying attention to the teacher.

“Books are so boring!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed at him across their four-kid table, “I pay attention during math, don’t I? And we don’t have a learning time for drawing so I do that when the rest of you talk about books! It’s more fun than reading dumb old words anyway, look, I drew you!”

Now, fourteen years later, Wei Wuxian still thought that Lan Zhan was the Absolute Best Thing ever, but they were less sure that they were good for them. Lan Zhan was gay. Had always been gay, since forever. At their first party that Wei Wuxian dragged Lan Wangji to when they were fifteen, playing spin the bottle and during Lan Wangji’s turn landing on their friend Mianmian. His face had screwed up distastefully as the rest of the group hooted and said, rather primly, “I’m not interested in kissing any girl.”

Wei Wuxian turned and was about to apologize to the girl in question, but she just rolled her eyes and responded, “Well I’m not interested in kissing any boy either.”

Wei Wuxian had wondered why those were the only two options, and in his slightly drunken state wondered why he felt between them. (He didn’t kiss Lan Zhan that night, even when Lan Wangji’s next spin landed on him and with no protest his friend leaned over and pressed his lips to Wei Wuxian’s cheek.)

Much later, at Mianmian and Jiang Yanli’s engagement party they regaled Yanli with this tale, everyone shouting their version at each other over champagne and music. Lan Zhan had pressed a kiss to the same spot on Wei Wuxian’s cheek.

By then Wei Wuxian had a much better understanding of who they were. He had a much less clear idea of how his boyfriend would react. They bit the inside of their cheek and kept quiet. At the confused look their friend Huaisang shot them, Wei Wuxian promptly burst into tears and flung himself at Jiang Yanli, sobbing dramatically about their precious big sister getting married and how Wei Wuxian was so happy for her.

“Wei Ying,” a welcome and familiar voice coaxed him out of his thoughts and he looked around him to realize that class had ended and they were the only two left in the room.

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian responded, smiling at him. The man blinked at him, thinking.

“Are you all right?”

“Aiya, Lan Zhan, you don’t have to worry about little old me! I was up late working on a piece for the gallery opening in a few weeks.”

Lan Zhan nodded, “Yes, my brother and uncle will be in attendance. I thought you could do with the warning.”

Wei Wuxian winced, “They don’t know I’m showing, do they?”

“Uncle does not, I told my brother that I already had a reservation when he offered to get me in as well. He guessed.”

“It’s not Xichen I’m worried about,” Wei Wuxian grumbled, “I’m the feature! I’m going to have to talk to him! They’ll make me, I know he’s one of the bigger doners.”

“The Jin’s will be there as well.”

Wei Wuxian slumped in his seat, sliding down until he chin was pressed into his chest, “Fuck,” he said, with feeling, “I’m going to have to dress extra fancy now. I can’t afford to upgrade my closet – I need new canvases!”

“I’ll buy you something to wear.”

“Lan Zhan, no. You don’t’ have to do that, I’ll figure something out.”

Their boyfriend leveled them with a stubborn gleam in his eyes, “It is as much for my benefit as it is yours and the art program, Wei Ying. Uncle has reason enough to dislike you, let’s not add ‘under-dressed’ to the list.”

“You’re right, of course you’re right, my Lan Zhan is already right. It’s just…” he trailed off, thinking about red dresses and sparkling ribbons. They wondered if they could get away with wearing some makeup, they were out as gay, they were an art student (the top art student, not that any of the adults in their life talked about that), it wasn’t outside of the realm of possibility for a cis gay guy to wear makeup.

“Wei Ying?”

Wei Wuxian jerked out of his thought again and bounded up, “Nothing, nothing! I’ll let you take me shopping tomorrow okay? I gotta go, I’m gonna be late for class.”

Lan Wangji knew that Wei Ying didn’t have class for another three hours, but as his boyfriend rushed past him, pressing a quick goodbye kiss to his lips and slipping from the classroom, Lan Wangji didn’t call him on it. He frowned to himself, tapping the tips of his fingers together in an uncharacteristic display of anxiety.

Wei Ying was lying to him. Or was pulling away from him. Keeping things from him. Lan Wangji respected his boyfriend’s life, understanding that having a life and friends outside of their romantic relationship was healthy and he didn’t begrudge Wei Ying at all.

More and more recently, however, Wei Ying wasn’t having friend dates or art-weekends. Or if he was, he was lying about it. His boyfriend was terrible at lying, at least to him, they grew up together, grew into themselves adjacent and holding hands. He loved him.

And Wei Ying was pulling away. Lan Wangji didn’t know what he was doing wrong. On one of his own friend dates with Mianmian he haltingly expressed his concerns. His friend had frowned at him and tried to reassure.

“Yanli only ever talks about how happy Wuxian is with you. If he was at all unhappy, you know she’d be the first one he’d talk to.”

“If he ever talked to anybody,” Lan Wangji countered, morosely.

Mianmiang patted his hand, “Talk to him, since you’re so worried about it. You two are meant to be. I firmly believe that whatever it is, you two will work it out.” She sipped her coffee and added, “There’s no way he’s cheating on you, anyone with eyes can see how disgustingly enamored he is with you.”

“Says the woman who’s marrying his sister,” Lan Wangji said, rolling his eyes, “If he is cheating on me, who’s side would you take?”

“Moot point. Like I said, there’s no way. Besides, Wuxian can’t live with guilt. We all remember what happened in history 703.”

Lan Wangji’s lips twitched into a small smile at the reminder.

“How’s wedding planning?” He changed the subject.

“Terrible,” Mianmian said cheerfully, “Our future in-laws are insane.”

“You sure you want to go through with this?”

“’Course. And you?”

“Always.”

They clinked mugs in mutual commiseration.

The gallery opening reception started well. Wei Ying, in all their tailored glory, was standing at ease, holding a glass of champagne in one hand and Lan Wangji’s hand in their other. They greeted people who made their way towards them as they stood in front of the first of Wei Ying’s featured pieces.

Everything went downhill fast when The Jin’s rolled in. In a cloud of ostentatious gilt and cologne Jin Guangshan and Jin Zixun entered the room like they expected a royal announcement and (in)appropriate fanfare for deigning to grace the rest of the plebs in the room with their presence.

With quick thinking and a thorough lack of etiquette Wei Ying and Lan Zhan dodged their greetings by ducking behind sculptures and canvases until they found themselves out on the patio. Giggling, Wei Ying wrapped their arms around Lan Zhan’s neck and pressed a series of bubbly kisses across his lips and jaw.

Lan Zhan held him tightly by the waist, enjoying the warmth of his boyfriend’s lips alongside the cool freshness of the outside air. They swayed together until the adrenaline faded and they were left leaning against the railing looking out over the small garden below.

“Will you get into trouble for that?” Wei Ying asked, eventually.

“Uncle is still upset at me for switching to a music major,” Lan Zhan told him, “This will not cause more strife than that ever could.”

“You wouldn’t have been happy in board meetings your whole life.”

Lan Zhan kissed his boyfriend’s hair, “I know. He’ll learn to forgive me for that.”

Their peacefulness was disturbed by the unwelcome edition of Jin Zixun swaggering out onto the balcony. He scowled at the two when he saw them.

“Christ, who invited that low-bred orphan,” he sneered, looking directly at Wei Wuxian.

Lan Wangji bristled, “He happens to be the feature artist, which you would know if you could read the program.”

“You-!” The Jin’s face turned red, it was well known secret that Jin Zixun failed the entrance exams and Guangshan had to pay for him to get into the university’s business program.

“He’s also the Jiang Cheng’s brother, which you well know,” Lan Wangji said, glaring at Jin Zixun. Jiang Cheng was currently top of the business program that Jin Zixun failed to get into on his own merit. “And he’s my boyfriend. So far he has much more reason to be here than you.”

Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but wince slightly at the proud way Lan Zhan called him his boyfriend, unfortunately the Jin noticed and grinned, smelling blood.

“Is he your boyfriend by choice,” he taunted, so venomously that Wei Wuxian actually took a step back, and only belatedly realized how that looked to both Jin Zixun and the love of his life.

“Lan Zhan,” He started to say, reaching out to grab his sleeve.

“I guess not,” Jin Zixun sneered, “I knew the Lans were a bunch of snobby ill-breds, no wonder you were forced to be with a man. Your uncle knew he didn’t want his disgrace of a nephew passing on the family genes.”

He didn’t see the fist that connected with his nose with a sickening crunch. He fell back heavily and looked up dazed. Wei Wuxian was standing over him, gripping their right hand protectively with their left and glaring down at him.

Jin Zixun, for the first time in his life, wished that someone wouldn’t pay attention to him.

“No one is forcing me,” Wei Wuxian said, “I love Lan Zhan. The day he asked me to be with him was the best day of my life. His uncle loves him for more than his career choices, but I guess you wouldn’t understand that, would you? Your uncle would drop you with hardly a thought if you strayed from the path he set.”

Jin Zixun knew that was true, after all, Jin Guangshan had dropped his own son when he confronted him about some of his more lecherous business practices, and Jin Zixun had assumed that that was how it was for Lan Wangji too. He pulled himself to his knees and fled with as much dignity as he could.

Wei Wuxian turned to Lan Wangji, who was staring at them with guarded eyes.

“A’Zhan, what he said wasn’t true. I know you’re not forcing me. I love being with you. I just…”

“Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan said when Wei Wuxian hesitated for too long. “Are you… not happy with me?” he fumbled too. And the two stared at each other, the tension between them felt insurmountable, but neither wanted to walk away. Neither could walk away from the other. There was tension and confusion, but there was love there too.

“I don’t want to be your boyfriend!” Wei Wuxian blurted, and instantly he knew that was the wrong thing to say because Lan Wangji’s face fell, his chin trembled for a moment as he forced himself to maintain control.

“No, wait! Lan Zhan that’s not what I meant. I love you, I want to be with you I do! More than anything.”

“Then why can’t you be my boyfriend?”

“Because I’m not a boy!”

Lan Wangji blinked. Of all the things he had expected Wei Wuxian to say, that was not one of them. He was caught completely by surprise and all he could do was gape (though elegantly) at his love.

“You’re not…” he repeated.

“A guy. Right.” Wei Wuxian smiled at him, though it was forced, a learned defense mechanism.

Lan Wangji closed his eyes and breathed. When he opened his eyes he saw his Wei Ying staring at him, hope and fear mingling in his gaze and Lan Wangji suddenly didn’t care about anything else.

“Girlfriend…?” he offered.

Wei Ying shook their head, “No. No Lan Zhan, I’m not… not a girl either. Most of the time I feel more masculine than I do feminine, but… not always. And like tonight, to spent so much money to get the suit tailored for me – and I love it and I love how you look at me when I’m wearing it. But tonight I felt more feminine and I really wanted to wear a dress and I couldn’t because you didn’t know and it’s a formal event and everybody would be here and no one really knows, not that it’s a sure thing and it might change and I know that’s a lot for you-“

Lan Zhan reached out and rested his fingers against Wei Ying’s lips.

“I want to be with Wei Ying, too.” Lan Zhan told him, “If he is a boy, or girl, or neither, or both. You are Wei Ying and so you are who I want.”

Wei Ying’s eyes teared up, he couldn’t help it. “Lan Zhan,” he whined, “You’re being too nice to me. It’s not allowed!”

Lan Zhan quirked an eyebrow, teasing, “Am I not allowed to say nice things about my boy- about my Wei Ying?” He quickly corrected himself and met Wei Ying’s gaze guiltily. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine, we can figure out vernacular later.”

Lan Zhan nodded, whatever his Wei Ying wanted. He should know that Lan Zhan would do anything in his power to make happen.

Wei Ying fell forward, knowing Lan Zhan would catch him. “We can go home if I want? We don’t have to stay? You’ll make up something about being sick and I’ll just have to take you home and take care of you?”

“Mn.”

Wei Ying snuggled into their boyfriend’s chest and thought about it for a minute. “We should stay. The school put so much work into the event and I don’t want to disappoint them.”

Lan Zhan ran his fingers through Wei Ying’s growing hair, “You are not a disappointment, to anybody.”

Wei Ying laughed wetly, “Yeah, sure. You know both your uncle and my mother are out there, right? They’re going to hate me so much more when this comes out. He’s going to try to disused you from seeing me, again.”

“I will not let him. Besides, at least he can’t complain about me dating a man anymore.”

Wei Ying pulled away and wiped at his face, he laughed now, and smiled a true smile at Lan Zhan. Lan Zhan’s breathe caught in his throat as he stared at the gorgeous creature before him. How had he gotten this lucky? What deeds had he done in past life to deserve someone like Wei Ying to choose him.

“He’s not gonna know how to complain about me now,” he laughed, “His face his going to get so red.” He straightened up and mimed stroking his beard, “Wangji,” he mimicked, “You cannot publicly date a man, your name is attached to the company and it will hurt our image. But ha! Jokes on him! I’m not a man!” He clutched his stomach and bent over he was laughing so hard.

It was, admittedly, an overreaction. But Wei Ying had told his boyfriend, his best friend since they were kids, that they weren’t a boy or a girl, and Lan Zhan had just.. accepted them. It was more than Wei Ying had dreamed about, to be honest. He was giddy with it. He finally collected himself enough to look up at Lan Zhan, he saw a small smile on his love’s face as he watched him.

“I love you,” he said, feeling it truer in that moment than any before because now they knew that Lan Zhan accepted their love, would accept their love fully.

“I love you,” Lan Zhan replied, equally earnest, and they wrapped each other in a caress of a kiss, tender and chaste and so, so loving.

Slowly, friend by friend, person by person, with the support of Lan Zhan, Wei Ying came out. To some it was casual, a dropped joke or teasing comment letting some of their friends the new norm.

(“My little brother came to see me,” Jiang Yanli teased gently, hugging Wei Ying tightly for a moment.

“A’Cheng’s your brother, Jie, can’t I just be your younger sibling?” His voice was light, all teasing and laughter, but his eyes watched Jiang Yanli carefully. She studied them for a moment before breaking out into a welcoming grin.

“Of course! I’m so lucky I have a younger sibling to help me pick out my wedding dress!)

(Nie Huaisang and Jiang Cheng were over for an all-nighter video game and dumpling party. After winning Mario Kart for the forth time in a row Wei Wuxian got up and stretched out their fingers to go refill their drinks so they wouldn’t get any controlled thrown at them.

They came back into the room while their friends were complaining, “-the worst!” Nie Huaisang finished saying.

“I swear to god he cheats,” Jiang Cheng replied, voice coming out muffled through the pillow he had pressed over his face.

Wei Wuxian cleared their throat, “Excuse you,” he said lightly, “That’s ‘I swear to god they cheat’, if you please.”

Their eyes met Nie Huaisang who raised his eyebrows at him in question. Wei Wuxian nodded back and Nie Huaisang rolled his eyes at them.

“What? What do you mean? Who’s they?” Jiang Cheng said, emerging from the pillow-land-of-failure.

Nie Huaisang rolled his eyes again and smacked Jiang Cheng upside the head, “Your sibling just came out to us, idiot.”

“What? We already knew he was gay!”

“They still are!” Nie Huaisang said, and at Jiang Cheng’s confounded look, explained.

Wei Wuxian, after recovering from their laughing fit, said, “Now are you ready to have your ass handed to you, little brother?”

“Gods, fine. Fuck, you’re so annoying, I hate you.” But he smiled at them over the rim of his glass.)

On Lan Zhan’s and Wei Ying’s wedding, seven years later, Lan Zhan pulled Wei Ying into a swaying embrace at the reception, the red skirts of their dress glowing in the fairy lights surrounding them both, and murmured, “I am so lucky to be yours, Wei Ying.”

[teen-titans-imagines]

East of Eden

Jason Todd & Daughter! Teenager! Reader

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A/n: This was an idea that popped into my head because of that song by Steam Powered Giraffe lmao. Kinda of weird, but I promise it makes sense later. Special thanks to @vermelian @stormyfandoms and @loudmouthwally for helping me out!

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Part One [Here] / Part Two  / Part Three / Part Four / Part Five / Part Six / Part Seven / Part Eight / Part Nine / Part Ten / Part Eleven [Final]

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Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Family, Drama, Action, Fluff Rated: Mature Warning: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Blood and Gore, Swearing, Graphic Depictions of Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Emotional Manipulation, Graphic Injuries, just read with caution please

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Author: Teen-Titans-Imagines

---

The air was damp around you, holding the sweetening stench of something rotting, yet had the irony twinge of blood. There was no light except for the one above you, which blinded your eyes from everything else. Where were you?

Your hands and feet were immobile, chained to the metal chair that you sat in. Whoever had captured you wasn't going to play around with you. They meant business. But who was the person to capture you?

There was a pounding in your head, the memories of the attack fuzzy. If your memory served you correctly: you were just leaving a school friends house, the night very young, when you were attacked by multiple people.

Being who you were, you were able to detain some of them by knocking them flat out, but it wasn't enough. Your physical make-up was not strong enough to resist the tranquilizer they had shot in you.

So now you were here, chained to a chair, and pretty sure that you had a gash on either your forehead or temple.

"You're finally awake."

"When I get out of these chains, you'll be sorry you ever crossed my path!"

Even if you were detained physically, your fiery spirit would never be put out. The voice then matched a face, the man stepping from the shadows. His eyes were haughty as they looked down at you, amused even.

"That is if you were to get out of those chains. You're just another pawn to the chess board, girl. You won't be leaving this place alive, no matter how hard you try."

"Then my dad will make you sorry. He'll make you choke on your own blood, he'll hang you by your entrails, he's gonna come here and kick your ass!"

The man laughed. He snapped at you, that amused grin on his face.

"I have no reason to fear a dead man walking, Ms. Todd."

You growled before snapping.

"I hope my father makes you suffer."

The man grinned, lighting up a cigarette and taking a big puff.

"Oh, I'm sure he would if he caught me. Until then, I'm gonna have fun making you eat your words."

You tensed, not liking where this was going. However, despite the man clearly having the advantage, you just snarled as he set up a camera.

"Do your worst. I have no fear for dead men walking."

The man was amused at your mockery, but as he turned on the camera, the man declared ominously.

"I'm going to have fun destroying every little inch of your daughter's physical and mental states, Jason Todd. Let this be your lesson to never cross Black Mask again."

Black Mask advanced still, brandishing some brass knuckles before saying to you in mock comfort.

"This will only hurt a bit."

His fist curled back, swinging it down against your cheek.

-WITH THE BATFAM-

The batcave was going crazy. Fiery eyes were lit up with an intent to kill, maim, and destroy the man who dared put his hands on his child. Arms were wrapped around his torso and arms, preventing him from going anywhere, forcing him to watch. 

“What the fuck are we doing?! We have to go save her!” 

The big man of them all turned to the fretting man, his blue eyes grim. 

“We don’t even know where they are, Jason. We need a plan.”

“I have a plan, Bruce. It’s kill Black Mask and get my baby back.”

Bruce gave a stern look to Jason, asserting to the antihero. 

“Jason, you know the rules. We don’t kill, no matter how much they might deserve it.” 

Jason screamed at Bruce, struggling against Dick’s hold. 

“What the fuck is wrong with you, Bruce?! (Y/n) is getting the shit kicked out of her, and you don’t even care?!” 

“I never said that-” 

“You damn well imply it! Get off of me, Dick!” 

Dick stayed quiet, his eyes trained on the screen. Black Mask had made (Y/n)’s face...just red. Red with blood and cuts. Her one eye had begun to swell shut, and she was starting to cry out in pain every single time he landed a punch on her. 

“Bruce...I think I agree with Jason this time. You do remember the last time this happened and we waited, right?”

The unspoken ‘It was Jason that died that time’ hung in the air, and Jason snapped out. 

“i know you don’t give two shits about me, but don’t make me lose my baby girl because of your fucking image. I already lost one girl I cared about. I’m not going to let you take another away from me.”  

Bruce bit his lip. What could he say to that? Tim and Damian stayed quiet, not knowing what to say. They both knew of what had happened to Jason, but looking at their niece being beaten so mercilessly as she was, they couldn’t help but agree with Jason. 

(Y/n) needed to be found, and fast. Black Mask was going to pay dearly, if not with his life. If the others wouldn’t make sure of that, then Damian was definitely sure that he would. Tim spoke up.

“We got work to do, guys.”

-WITH READER-

The pain was the only thing you could really feel. Punch after punch, taunt after taunt, it just seemed to never end. 

“You’ve gotten quiet. You finally realizing that Daddy Dearest isn’t coming to save you?”

You growled and glared at the man, snarling out. 

“I...still have..my faith.” 

Black Mask grinned.

“You know, your determination to keep believing is quite admirable, if not amusing. Holding onto just that one little thread of hope, just hoping that your father will come and save you from your imminent death. It’s cute.” 

You muttered. 

“You want cute-”

You spat blood and saliva in his face, leaning back afterwards. 

“-how’s that for cute, jackass?”

He growled and backhanded you, your face snapping to the side, a grunt leaving your lips as more blood rushed from your nose and busted lips.

“Insolent girl!” 

-WITH THE BATFAM-

Jason was growling lowly from deep within his chest as he watched. While he was proud that you were staying fiery and strong, he was murderous, and ready to take down Black Mask. Jason watched you grin at the man, taunting him. 

“What’s the matter? You getting angry that you can’t get me to shut my mouth? Don’t worry. I piss a lot of people off doing that. It’s my specialty.” 

Dick chuckled a bit, shaking his head as he continued to type and try to get a go at your location, Tim doing the same. Jason looked over at Dick and asked. 

“What?”

“(Y/n) definitely has your spirit. Don’t worry, Jason. She’s going to be OK. With an attitude like that, I don’t think (Y/n) will allow herself to die at the hands of someone like Black Mask.” 

Jason muttered to himself, turning away when Black Mask landed a particularly good punch to your jaw.

“At this point, I don’t even know if she has a choice in the matter anymore.” 

The rest of the family could see that the punch had made you dazed, your eyes losing focus and your head rolling slightly. Black Mask turned to the camera, addressing Jason, making the Red Hood turn to the screen and snarl. 

“You know, Jason. They say you died by Joker beating you to death with a crowbar. I doner if that’s true. In truth, it’s kind of inspiring to me.” 

Jason widned his eyes, the memories of Joker and his death flying through his head. Jason found himself screaming at the screen, Dick holding him back from shooting at it as they all watched Black Mask brandish a crowbar. (Y/n) was watching warily from her seat, and Black Mask laughed. 

“But I’m not going to finish her off just yet. No, this will be the finale-” 

He waved the crowbar in front of the camera.

“-For now, you boys just sit back and relax and enjoy the show.” 

-TIMESKIP-READERS POV-

You were dizzy. Black Mask had dealt you so many wounds; cuts and bruises lining your body, a gunshot wound in your shoulder, and cigarette burn marks lined your neck, one even on your face. You were weak from bloodloss, your dark grey T-Shirt ripped and looking black, damp with your blood.

Your head had fallen back at some point, your body slouching in the chair, looking broken and pathetic. Your breathing was shallow, and Black Mask was amused, twirling a lock of your hair before letting it fall in front of your swollen eyes.

“You look just like your father did. Bloody, bruised, and broken. So pathetic. I thought you had more in you, (Y/n). I’m disappointed.”

Yes, broken. After the multiple stab wounds he dealt you, the multiple cuts and burns and punches, the gunshot, you finally broke. You pleaded, begged, cried for him to stop, to give you a break, to let you live; burning your dignity and pride along the way. Tears ran down your face, the salt in your tears stinging when they touched the wounds on your face. Yes, you were sure you truly did look pathetic.

Black Mask was triumphant in the fact you had been broken and he didn’t stop. The knife in his hands never stopped trailing your skin, scarring you physically and mentally. 

You wanted to die. Your dad wasn’t coming, and he wasn’t going to save you like the fairytales always said the hero would. Did your dad really care?

“You dad isn’t coming, (Y/n). He doesn’t care about you. He doesn’t love you. If he did, you would be out of this place by now, wouldn’t you?”

He looked down at you as you looked back up at him, a dead and blank look in your eyes. He smiled wickedly at you before pulling away, taking both your feet and removing the chains from them. Taking your hands, he undid the chains and grabbed a hanging hook, taking the chains and suspending them before tying you back up with the linked metal.. 

You gave a cry when he suspended you, your wounds burning with the movements, and he turned to the camera, holding his hands out, the crowbar in one. 

“And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! The finale!” 

Black Mask got close to the camera, his sinister eyes twinkling, before backing and suddenly landing a very harsh hit to your ribs, a resounding crack echoing throughout the room. You gave a loud scream, tensing up and pulling yourself up a bit, face twisting in pain as your chest erupted with a fiery sensation all over. 

“Just one hit in and I already cracked a rib? Ha! You’re so weak!”

He landed another hit, this time to your thigh, and you struggled, screaming out. Where was your dad? Why wasn’t he saving you? Why didn’t he care? Hit after hit, and slowly your body became numb. You were losing consciousness, that much you knew. Most likely, you were going to die tonight. No, you were going to die tonight.

After about three more hits, Black Mask wiped faux sweat from his forehead and then hit a button, releasing you from the hook. When you hit the floor, you gave a pained wheezed, curling in on yourself slightly. The malevolent man turned to the camera, saying to it. 

“Say goodbye to your little princess, Jason Todd.”

“I think the fuck not, you bastard!”

‘That voice...I know that voice.’

“You’re going to regret ever touching my granddaughter.”

‘...Bruce?...Dad?’

You were too weak to open your eyes and look, but the noises of gunshots and battle made your dying heart hopeful. Was it real? Were you actually going to be saved? 

“Jason, get (Y/n)! I’ll take care of Black Mask!”

“No! His fucking ass is mine!”

“Jason, she needs you more than ever right now. Go!”

There was a moment of hesitation, a moment of quiet, before you felt the sensation of a hand on your arm, pulling you back to make you lie on your back. 

“Babygirl, please, please open your eyes. Look at me, baby. You’re going to be OK.” 

You couldn’t open your eyes, your eyes swollen shut, but when you heard his voice, you gave a small cry, relieved to know it actually was your father.

“Oh, thank god. This is going to hurt, and I’m sorry, but I’m going to pick you up and we’re going to take you to the hospital, OK baby?”

When your father picked you up, you tried to protest, but all that came out was a gargled breath, your head falling back, the blood in your throat falling out. 

“Hold on, baby. Don’t...please don’t leave me...”

---

[PART TWO]

[laraimaustria]

In Which I Commit a Crime

Winter is definitely approaching which not only means that the temperature is dropping, but that the sun is setting at the late hour of 4 PM. Normally this would be depressing, but the semester is also winding down, which means the work load is picking up, and combined with all of our sightseeing there’s hardly time to sit and be blue. We did manage to get one day of sun on Tuesday, so Courtney and I took the opportunity to go to the Tiergarten (zoo) at Schonbrunn! This just happens to be the oldest zoo in the world, which is pretty cool. They have all the standard zoo animals such as tigers, lions, elephants, etc. We went a little late in the day so some of the animals had already been brought back inside for the evening, which was a little disappointing. Nevertheless,I really enjoy zoos and the animals we did see were nice. My favorite were the wolves and the giraffes. Oh and the cows of course! I don’t care if you can see cows anywhere. I love cows. We walked around the gardens for awhile once we left the zoo, but once again the sun was going down and it was cold so we didn’t stay long.

On Wednesday Courtney and I went to one of the English movie theaters to see the new Thor movie, which was great. It’s funny because even though the movie was in English the title was still in German, so we went to see not Thor: Ragnarok, but Thor: Tag der Entscheidung. The next day we had a tour of the Kunsthistoriches art museum with our history professor, where we saw the personal collection of art belonging to the Hapsburgs. The most valuable item in the collection is a little gold sculpture valued at 68 million dollars that is, essentially, a salt and pepper shaker. Apparently somebody stole it once, but they just buried it in their backyard, which is the lamest thing to do if you’re an art thief. He deserved to get caught, honestly. 

The highlight of the week was this weekend when Courtney and I headed to Germany to see the famous Neuschwanstein castle. It’s about 6 hours away by train, but we had to transfer twice so it actually wasn’t that bad of a trip. We waited to go this late in the year so that there would be some snow (making for ideal photos.) To see the castle you actually have to stay in a little town called Fussen, which is pretty much the epitome of small Bavarian mountain town. It’s obviously very touristy, but extremely charming. We stayed in a tiny hostel that was pretty adorable, which I never thought I’d say about a hostel, but they had cookies set out for guests so that was a plus. We got there in the evening and we arrived ravenously hungry, but tourist towns are expensive and we actually ended up in an Italian restaurant for some very satisfying pasta.

When visiting the castle you have to get to the ticket center an hour before your tour time in order to pick up your tickets, so we had a decently early start to the day. The weather was cloudy, but the rain actually held off, which was good because we decided to pick the free option of hiking up to the castle itself. Now I know everybody thinks of Disney when they think of Neuschwanstein, but in my heart it will always be the castle from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which I watched an obscene amount of times as a child. The castle itself (like most landmarks) isn’t as big as it looks in pictures, but is just as impressive. It really is just stuck on top of a rock in the mountains, and the snowy peaks made it all very picturesque. We even braved an extremely crowded suspension bridge to get a good view of the castle. I was most interested in actually seeing the inside of the castle, because this part wasn’t in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It turns out that most of the rooms aren’t even finished because king Ludwig of Bavaria died pretty young. But the castle is preserved exactly how it was in the 1800s, and the rooms we did see were stunning and obviously royal.  After we finished our tour we realized that it would be a 40 minute wait for the bus that would take us back into Fussen. We decided that we would take the walking trail back, because adventure and fresh mountain air and all that. It was actually a pretty pleasant walk, with some more gorgeous views of snowy peaks along the way. The only hiccup was that towards the end of the hike we got slightly confused and ended up going on part of the trail that was DEFINITELY off limits, which was confirmed when we arrived BEHIND the rope and sign blocking the trail and informing us that this part was forbidden. But nobody saw us and we lived, so I guess my only punishment is that I must live with my terrible crime. Just kidding, but it was pretty funny that we accidentally trespassed. We were once again extremely hungry by the time we got back to town, and made it back in time for a Chinese buffet that was pretty tasty and only cost us 4 euro since it was so close to the end of their lunch hours. You’re probably asking why we didn’t eat any German food, and to that I have to say that A: Bavarian food and Austrian food are pretty much the same, and B: FOUR EUROS. After that we were in serious need of a nap, and we only got up again to eat a slice of cake from a local bakery and get some Doner for dinner. (Once again, cheap, available, and yummy.) 

The return train ride went without a hitch and now we’re back in cold and windy Vienna. I officially have one month left and it’s hard to believe I’m already at this point in the semester. Honestly everything we did in August feels like a completely different trip. Next weekend is my last full weekend trip, to Venice this time. I’m definitely getting a little travel fatigue, and I want to spend my last few weekends here in Vienna. (Also because finals are coming.) Five weeks left, so much still to do!