#urgh I watched this on a crowded train and I held it together so well until fanny spoke

[seagull-scribbles]

I’m here

[its-brown-sugarr-blog]

Fighting Isn’t The Solution

Pairing: Peter Pevensie X Female Reader

Warning: None, besides there being a fight. Maybe a bit of angst.  

Summary: Ever since the Pevensies and (Y/N) returned from Narnia, things didn’t feel the same, so when the beginning of the school year returned, the kids were to go back to school.

But things weren’t that peachy after some random male bumped into Peter, but doing more than that too. 

It had almost a year since the Pevensies and (Y/N) left Narnia, and gotten used to their lives again. They got used to being kids, and not the kings and queens that they were when they were back in Narnia. 

Yet, it it all still felt so different.

Back when the children were in Narnia, they were rulers over a country having influence in topics that almost no kid would have. Riches, jewels and other rare items were another benefit that the children had. 

When the kids stepped back through the wardrobe though, it felt as if no time had passed, none at all. It felt like it was all but a dream; it wasn’t a dream though, they had been rulers. 

Back in Narnia, after the war against the White Witch, Peter and (Y/N) had began dating. And soon, the dating had turned into them getting married. The marriage was wonderful. No, it wasn’t wonderful, it was perfect. 

High King Peter the Magnificent had married (Y/N), renaming her to High Queen (Y/N) the Compassionate.

Their marriage lasted for years, eight to be exact, before the five royals ended up back in London.

Even if they did so, it didn’t end the relationship that the High King and the High Queen had created. In all honesty, it seemed to improve their relationship. 

With the knowledge they knew about one another, it just seemed like living their years over again, but this time, just a bit slower than before.

Summer seemed to end quickly, and so, returning to school was something that the Pevensies and (Y/N) had to do.

The girls would be sent to an all girls’ school while the boys would be sent to an all boys’ school, separating the group. 

And so, as they waited for the train that would take them away to arrive, Edmund and Susan chose to walk around the city while Peter, Lucy and (Y/N) chose to remain back and wait for the train.

When Edmund left with Susan, Lucy walked around the station, knowing that Peter and (Y/N) would love to spend some time together before they had to split.

And so, when Lucy left, (Y/N) rested her head on Peter’s shoulder. She didn’t want to say anything to break the silence, but she wanted to speak at the same time.

“I’m going to miss you so bloody much.” She mumbled, looking through her lashes, waiting for the boy to respond,

“I am too, love.” He said, placing a kiss on her forehead, “Let’s take a walk for a bit, shall we?” He asked, putting his hand out for (Y/N) to grab,

“Gladly.” She smiled, and with ease, he pulled her to her feet. 

The two walked together, looking at their surroundings. They let the comfortable silence seep back, only speaking a couple words before the silence returned again.

“You will write, won’t you?” (Y/N) asked, 

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?” 

“Just wondering, that’s all.” (Y/N) said, looking at her boyfriend, biting her lip, “Because if you didn’t write, I would be extremely angry is the honest reason.” She giggled,

“I know,” Peter joked, causing (Y/N) to slap his arm,

“Don’t say that!” She cried, laughing along with him.

“You know I will write.” Peter said slowly, stopping in his tracks to hold both of his girlfriend’s (wife’s) hands. 

(Y/N) stared into his ocean-blue eyes, letting a smile crawl up her features, “I know.” She said,

“Good.” 

Peter leaned towards his girlfriend, their lips brushing as (Y/N) moved her hands to his chest, placing them there, leaning to press her lips against his.

Both of the teenagers seemed to caught in their own world until someone bumped into Peter causing the boy to stumble forward and almost crash into (Y/N).

“Oh!” (Y/N) cried out in shook, as Peter wrapped his arms around his girlfriend to catch her from falling and to stop himself from falling, as well. 

“You okay, love?” Peter asked, scanning (Y/N)’s face,

“Yeah.” She breathed out, “But who bloody did that?” 

“I don’t know but -” Peter began but was cut off, as two hands held onto his shoulders, pulling him away from (Y/N), “What the hell?!”

“Why’d you bump me, mate?” A male voice said, it was filled with some sort of poison. 

“I didn’t bump you, man.” Peter said, defensively, 

“You did.” Another boy snarled, “So you apologize.”

“I’m not going to apologize for something that I didn’t do. You bumped me and my girlfriend.” He shot back, “I’m not going to apologize.”

“Peter. Calm down.” (Y/N) said, trying to defuse the obvious tension in between the boys.

“Listen to your girlfriend.” The boy said, as one of the other boys not-so-discreetly checked (Y/N) out, 

“Get your friend to stop looking at my girlfriend,” Peter stated, ignoring the first boy and glaring at the other, 

“I don’t give a damn if he is, you need to apologize, pal.” The boy shoved Peter,

Anger flared inside of Peter. Anger about the boy bumping him, and then getting him to apologize, the other checking (Y/N) out, and the others joining in.

“Peter.” (Y/N) stated, trying to calm her boyfriend down, placing her hand on his chest, “It’s fine, love.” She said, her voice, soothing.

Peter looked at (Y/N) for a second or so, before his sight faltered back to the boys who were staring at (Y/N)’s backside.

“Not it isn’t.” He mumbled, his fists balling up,

He moved (Y/N) to the side, before his fist went up, colliding with the first boy’s nose.

Tears welled up in the boy’s eyes, “You don’t know what you’re doing, man.” He sneered, before he pounced forward, sending a punch into Peter’s stomach causing him to let out an ‘urgh!’

“Peter!” (Y/N) cried, trying to go to her boyfriend (husband, technically), but she felt an arm wrap around her waist, pulling her back.

“Oh no, not you, darlin’.” One of the boys said, sending a digusting (almost chesire) grin in (Y/N)’s way.

“Let go of me!” (Y/N) cried, trying to move away from the boy but his grip tightened on her, which Peter noticed.

He moved up, punching the boy who had held his girlfriend (wife), punching the guy in the jaw, causing him to stumble and let go of (Y/N).

“(Y/N), get out of here now.” Peter said, as another boy came, trying to hit Peter. 

“Peter, I am not leaving you. I can help you.” (Y/N) said, her desperation in her voice, 

“(Y/N), you have to -” Peter began, before he was attacked again.

(Y/N) looked around, trying to find something to help Peter with, but she noticed the familiar face of Lucy running towards her. 

“(Y/N)! What’s going on?!” She cried, looking shocked at her brother in a fight,

“Lu, you gotta get out of here. Go grab Susan or Edmund, either of them, just get them now!” She explained to the young girl, “Now!” She cried, 

Watching the fight, (Y/N) noticed that another boy was going to attack Peter from the back.

“Oh hell, you don’t.” She muttered, sneaking behind the boy, putting her knee up and hitting the boy in the groin.

He let out a groan before falling on the ground, covering the area-where-the-sun-does-not-shine.

(Y/N) looked around, waiting to see if she could catch a glimpse of Lucy again but with Edmund and Susan, this time.

Turning to look back at Peter, she saw them as they made him fall to the ground, pulling his body to the train tracks. 

They stuffed his head down for a time, continuing to kick Peter. 

“Stop it!” (Y/N) cried, at the exact minute, she felt someone push past her.

She noticed that the person had black hair, and from the quick glance he gave her, (Y/N) immediately knew it was Edmund.

He pulled a some of the boys off, giving them a couple of punches. 

Other students at the station began to surround Peter and Edmund, and a student pulled (Y/N) back into the crowd.

As the boys fought, chanting ensued from the crowd until it was replaced with yelling. 

“Hey, all of you!” One of the guards in the station yelled, causing the crowd to disperse instantly. 

(Y/N) stayed put, realizing that Lucy and Susan were now, somehow, standing right next to her. 

The guards grabbed the boys, pulling them off of Peter, one of the guards yelling at the boys while the other guard yelled at Edmund and Peter.

“Act you age!” He yelled, pushing Peter forward causing the teenager to huff.

Sighing, (Y/N) walked up to him. She placed her hand on his face, rubbing circles into his cheek with the pad of her thumb. 

“You didn’t have to punch him, you know.” She whispered, trying to get him to look into her eyes.

Peter didn’t meet her gaze. He looked away, letting (Y/N) drop her hand from his face.

Taking in a deep breath, he walked back to the bench where (Y/N) and him had been previously seated, before the fight. 

As Edmund sat down next to Peter, (Y/N) moved to her trunk, pulling out a handkerchief, pulling out her bottle of water as well.

“Your welcome.” Edmund said, looking over at his brother, 

“I had it sorted out.” Peter muttered, standing up to walk around,

Susan groaned, looking over to (Y/N), “What was it this time?” She asked,

“Well...” (Y/N) began, biting her lip,

“He bumped me.” Peter stated,

“So, you hit him?” Lucy questioned,

“No, he bumped me and pushed me into (Y/N). After he did, they tried to make me apologize.” He continued,

“Is it really that hard to just walk away?” Susan pestered,

“I shouldn’t have to!” Peter cried, turning to face everyone, “Don’t you ever get tired of being treated like a kid,” 

“We are kids.” Edmund said, 

“Well, I wasn’t always.” Peter said, sending a glance in (Y/N)’s direction. Silence rang through the air, as all of them shared a look.

(Y/N) kept silent, moving towards Edmund, “You okay? Are you bleeding at all? Hurt?” She asked,

“No, I’m fine.” Edmund replied, before returning his attention back to what Peter was saying, 

“It’s been a year,” Peter said, moving back to sit down, “How long does he expect us to wait?”

As soon as he sat down, (Y/N) kneeled in front of him. Pouring a bit of water onto the handkerchief, she moved it up to the small cut he had on his brow,

“When we’re needed, we’ll be called, Pete.” She stated, as he winced in pain at the contact, “Sorry.”

“And I think we need to accept that we live here,” Susan added, causing Peter to send a sort of glare in her direction, “It’s unless pretending any different.”

“Pete, look at me.” (Y/N) whispered, causing the teenager’s attention to return back to her, “Thank you.”

She moved the handkerchief away from his brow, and down to his lip, “We have to patient, love.” She said, making Peter look at her through furrowed brows, “Can you three let me talk to Peter alone for a second?” (Y/N) asked the other Pevensies.

“Sure.” Edmund said, standing up, with Lucy and Susan following pursuit.

“Peter, being angry isn’t going to solve anything, my love.” (Y/N) began, staring into his ocean-blue eyes.

“I know.” Peter whispered, 

“Then why are you so angry all the time?” She sighed, pressing a bit too hardly on the wound on Peter’s jaw, 

“Ouch.” He winced,

Almost instinctively, (Y/N) moved forward, pressing a kiss to the wound like she would’ve done back in Narnia after Peter came back from war. 

Peter looked at her, a ghost of a smile seemed to cover his face,

(Y/N) looked at him, before moving forward. Her lips pressed against his. Her soft ones against his slightly chapped ones. Peter placed a hand on the nape of her neck, pushing her lips harder against his.

(Y/N) pulled away, letting out a sigh as did Peter.

“Are you better now?” She asked, putting the handkerchief in her pocket. 

Before Peter could reply, Lucy, who was three or four steps away let out a cry,

“Stop pinching me!” She yelled at no one in particular. 

Peter and (Y/N) looked at one another, walking towards the other Pevensies,

“(Y/N)! Stop pulling!” He cried, turning to his girlfriend (wife),

“I’m not touching you!” (Y/N) replied as the air picked up around them, “Ouch! What is that?!” 

A train passed by, slowly it picked up speed.

“It feels like magic!” Lucy grinned,

(Y/N) looked around, “Everyone, hold hands.” She instructed, and instantly, she felt Peter’s hand clasp hers. 

She looked at him with a sort of confusion and wonder in her face.

Peter turned to Edmund, putting his hand out,

“I’m not holding your hand!” He insisted,

“Just -” Peter forced out, before grabbing Edmund’s hand himself.

(Y/N)’s grip on Peter’s hand tightened, as the lights above them began to flicker and shake, papers and other objects flew past and the train seemed to be speeding.

(Y/N) looked over at the rest of the people at the train station but none of them seemed to notice what was going on. Staring back at the train in front of her, she noticed that through the windows, the station seemed to flicker between something blue and the stone wall. 

And then, the train was gone.

Letting go of Lucy’s and Peter’s hand, Kira stepped forward noticing the sand around her. Walking forward, she noticed the deep blue waters that reminded her of Peter’s eyes. 

The Pevensies followed her. 

Lucy stood next to Kira, giving her a grin which Kira returned, and with that, they were off, taking their shoes off and running into the water with Susan, Peter and Edmund following.  

Running into the water, Kira threw some at Lucy, splashing the girl causing her to shriek. Lucy threw it back.

As Kira laughed, she realize that Peter was behind her. 

He threw water at the girl causing her to shriek in response before spinning around to track down the culprit.

“Hello, love.” He smiled, before picking the girl up in bridal position.

“Peter! Let me go!” Kira giggled,

“Let you go? Sure!” He smiled, pretending to let go causing Kira to cling to the boy for dear life, she buried her head into his chest, praying that he wouldn’t let her go.

“Peter! Stop!” She cried,

“Okay then,” He grinned, and this time he did let go.

Kira screamed as her body hit the water, soaking her clothes. Her skirt was dripping with water, and her white shirt was done for.

“You are so dead!” She said, rounding on Peter.

“Really? Am I?” He replied, sassily,

Instead of replying, Kira placed her hands on the water, moving them fast enough to cause the water to fly and hit Peter.

[lovehugsandcandy]

A Queen Protects Her King (Colt x MC, ROD, N*FW)

A/N: @brightpinkpeppercorn‘s inspiration and my lack of self control created…whatever the hell this is.

Pairing: Colt x MC, ROD

Length: 6180 words (really long, sorry, I don’t know what happened here)

Rating: N*FW (Smut. But there’s plot for once!)

Summary: A mission goes awry and, as always, Colt is damn lucky Ellie’s there to save the day.

Logan opened his mouth then closed it with a sigh, running his hands through his hair with a sigh. “I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t important.”  The base thundered from the club next to them, vibrations running up her spine. It was already giving her a headache.

Ellie already knew it was important. He and Toby both looked pale and worried, more scared than she had ever seen them. In turn, that scared her. “We’re supposed to be having girls’ night.”

“Well, now it’s work night.” Logan shrugged, pacing in the dim light of the alley way. “I don’t know what else to do. The earpieces aren’t working. Maybe he’s in the basement?”

“I just don’t understand.” Ellie turned to look at Mona, her face hidden in the shadows. They were supposed to be having a fun night, Mona agreeing to take her and Ximena to Hyrieus for a night of dancing and blowing off steam. Apparently, the boys had other plans. “Why not Mona? She is much better suited for this.”

“They know what we all look like, all of us. Except for you.” Toby was wringing his hands in front of him. 

“How do you know that?” 

“Kaneko said as much on the phone. Ellie, he was panicked, panicked. I’ve never heard him like that! You know how he is.” Logan rubbed his temple. “He’s still an hour away, he’s not gonna make it in time.”

“But…but…Logan, you hate him.”

“That doesn’t mean I want him dead!” He breathed out, words harsh between his teeth, eyes blazing.

Ellie froze, stomach dropping. “You think they’ll kill him?” .

“I know they’ll kill him if we don’t get him out of there.” Logan eyes were serious, deadly serious. Ellie could feel the color draining from her face as she looked at them all in turn. She was met with only frowns. The walls of the alleyway began to in on her as she tried to force air into her lungs; she blinked, a few times, willing her body to stay upright.

“I’ll be in your ear, ok?” Logan handed an earpiece to her. ”I’ll give Mona the other piece as well.”

Mona nodded and clasped her arm. “We got you.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“We don’t really have a choice, do we? I have the blue prints. Toby and Ximena, can you guys come up with a distraction? Something big in case we need to run.” Logan turned to her and put his hands on her shoulders, the comforting gesture insufficient to warm the chill in her bones. “The plan is simple. Get in, get Colt, get out. You got it?”

She took a deep breath and nodded, stuffing her hands in her pockets so he couldn’t see them shake. Get in, get Colt, don’t die, get out. She got it.

~~~~~

“What now?” The room was loud and chaotic, barely clothed partiers jumping and gyrating en masse on the huge dance floor in front of her, lasers shooting across the ceiling in a dizzying array. A few months ago, she wouldn’t have known places like this existed outside of movies, being so far removed from this scene. But now? Not only was she in this world, she had the life-or-death responsibility of getting Colt out of here in one piece. If the lights weren’t enough bring her close to vomitting, the circumstances and stakes of this night definitely were.

“Ok, do you see the kitchen? To the left of the bar, back wall?” It was hard to hear Logan over the drunken shrieking and Rihanna echoing around the room; she covered her ear with her fingers to dampen the revelry around her.

Her gaze trailed around the room, through the crowd and lights. “Yep, I see it.”

“Ok. We think they are in the basement and the only way down is through the kitchen. Go in and it looks like the door should be on your left, past a walk-in freezer.”

“You want me to just sneak into the kitchen?”

“Do you have a better idea?”

Ellie watched a small girl balance an impossibly heavy tray of drinks on her shoulder. She moved around the crowd easily, sidestepping the drunks before arriving at a high-top table and handing out martinis. “You know, I think I do. Is there an employee break room on those blueprints?”

~~~~~

It was easy enough to get into the break room, following the directions that Mona fed into her ear, keeping her head down as she edged through the club. She was able to find the uniforms, skimpy as hell, but stashed in an open locker. She was even able to find one that fit and put it on. Fortunately, she fit right in with the clubbers and staff and pounding music and blinding strobe lights. Unfortunately, she looked like a stripper. She studied herself in the mirror, trembling fingers trying to pull the wisp of a shirt both down and up at the same time.

She shook her head. This would have to do. She headed out towards the dance floor, spinning past dancers and edging into kitchen. Her disguise seemed to be working, the other staff members barely paying her any mind as she walked though the din, eyes darting back-and-forth, shoulders tense. She had just made it to the freezer, mere steps from the basement door, when a harsh voice stopped her in her tracks.

“If you’re going down there, you better help me with these.” Ellie spun to see a waitress next to a full tray of drinks, stiletto heel tapping a harried beat against the floor.

“Umm….ok.” The girl barely gave her a glace as she lifted the tray onto her shoulder with the fluid movements of a pro. Ellie took a deep breath, trying to settle her nerves. “Just so you know, it’s my first day.”

“Urgh.” The girl groaned, eyes rolling to the back of her head. “Of course it is. I’m Ginger and here are the rules: Downstairs? Anything goes. Anything to keep them happy. I don’t care if they want you to strip naked and drizzle chocolate sauce all over your whooha, you do it.”

“Wait, what-”

Ginger continued, barely sparing Ellie a glance. “Also, you keep your mouth shut. Hear no evil, see no evil, all that shit. You wanna get paid? You need a quiet lip. I’ll carry the drinks, you take the lighter, don’t fuck it up.”

With a huff, she opened the door and descend into darkness; Ellie could only follow, praying that Logan was right and she was heading in the right direction, not a underworld portal guaranteeing either her doom or chocolate sauce in inappropriate locations.

Carefully, she shut the door behind her and crept down the stairs, eyes on her feet so she wouldn’t fall in the obscene heels she swiped. Ellie was slightly envious; the full tray of drinks, a mix of martinis, shots, and glasses full of dark liquid, barely swayed as Ginger floated down the stairs. It was definitely better for everyone that Ellie could focus on walking, one foot in front of the other. It was all she could do to keep the dread in the pit of her stomach at bay.

The air was stale as she descended, the music dimming, base barely filtering though the walls. It smelled of booze and smoke, old smoke, the kind that seeps into walls over decades of illicit activities. Ellie shivered despite herself. It was dark, foreboding; this room had seen its fair share of secrets and lies.

When her eyes adjusted to the dim light, she had to bite her lip to keep the gasp in. There were four people sitting around a low table, sleek couches and plush chairs pulled together to facilitate a subdued conversation, voices quiet, so low Ellie couldn’t make out a word. And, thank God, Colt was indeed there, sitting on the couch furthest from her, long limbs splayed out, showcasing the confidence that drove her crazy when they first met. He was in a suit, sharp lines perfectly fitting the definition of his chest, arm curled over the back of the couch as he spoke to someone next to him. She could feel her shoulders relax just seeing him alive and well, knowing he was mere steps away.

She took a deep breath and willed her feet to follow Ginger; all she wanted to do was sprint across the room, grab Colt’s hand, and pull him out of here as fast as she could. He hadn’t noticed her yet, intent on the conversation, eyes tracking the man next to him. Now that she looked around, everyone was in a suit and everyone seemed dangerous, hard eyes, tense posture. Crap, she did not want to be here.

Ginger wordlessly held out the tray, indicating with her head where the drinks were going. Martini here, shot there. Finally, a dark amber liquor, on the rocks, and Ginger inclined her head towards Colt.

He turned his head as she approached; she could pinpoint the exact moment he realized it was her. His eyes widened as they met hers, a quick awkward cough escaping his lips, followed by a sweep of his head where he took in the look on her face, her outfit, the drink in her hands. Quickly, so quickly she hoped everyone else missed it, he schooled his face back into an neutral expression, trying to hide the recognition that flashed over his features. However, his eyes were still trained on her as she slid the glass in front of him, watching his jaw work as he swallowed, eyes following her every move.

“Thank you.“ 

She only smiled back, a quick quirk of her eyebrows. How was she going to be able to talk to him here?

One of the men laughed, low and dangerous, to her right. “I’ve never known you to take an interest in our other offerings before, boy.”

Colt’s eyes narrowed, slightly; Ellie only saw it because they still hadn’t broken eye contact, were still staring at each other. Now that she was here, in front of him, the butterflies in her stomach were for a completely different reason. Her fear was fading into the back of her mind, supplanted by heat in Colt’s eyes, arcing through the room and settling in her spine.

“Maybe your offerings were never interesting until now.” His voice was rough, a tone she was familiar with after long nights of little sleep. His eyes traced down, looking again at the outfit, what it covered and what it didn’t, gaze a slow meander back up. All the air had left the room, left her lungs; she was drowning in his eyes, boring into hers, all hunger and danger and desire.

She slowly raised her hand to flick the lighter, trying to break his spell on her, to bring her focus to the mission at hand. “Anyone need a light?”

She went around the room, carefully sliding around couches and legs, flicking the lighter for the pair with cigarettes hanging out if their mouths. She meant to pay attention, to study their faces to remember for later, just in case. However, she couldn’t stop sneaking glances at Colt, watching him through her lashes, watching him watch her.

He reached toward the table. “I’ll take a light.”

She had to bite her tongue to stop the ‘you don’t even smoke’ from slipping out. His eyes never left hers as he slid the cigarette from the pack, placing it between his lips with an quick incline of this head. Her stomach dipped.

She was aware of the eyes on her, everyone in the room watching the sway of her hips and tilt of her head as she sauntered over to him, stopping so close that she fit in between his splayed legs, looking down, taking in the long lines, graceful form, gathering her courage.

Slowly, she dropped down, sliding into his lap as his eyes widened, darkened. Her skirt was hitching up, dangerously high, but she couldn’t bring herself to care as their hips met and Colt placed his palm on her bare thigh. She leaned forward, even further, feeling his soft exhale against her ear as their chests met and she slid her cheek next to his.

Once there was no space between them, body lighting up where they were touching, she spoke, barely a breath, as softly as she could. “We have to leave. Now.”

Then she pulled back, still in his lap, still connected hip-to-hip, cheek sliding back against his, a slow brush of skin-on-skin, to deliver the ghost of a kiss to the corner of his lip. He gave no indication that he heard or understood the message and just stared at her, eyes smoldering, hand still edging higher and higher up her thigh. She flicked the lighter, holding the flame to the end of the cigarette as he slowly inhaled.

Carefully, she stood, disappointed when she had to back away, nerves still tingling where they had touched. But, she couldn’t resist one last caress, one last curve of her hand down his jaw line, his chin, as she pulled away, keeping his eyes on hers as she turned.

Before she went up the stairs, she paused, turning her head to look, flashing a coy smile when their eyes met again.

Not that she needed to check. His eyes hadn’t left hers since he saw her.

~~~~~

“They want to see you again.“

"Hmmm…?” Ginger came up the stairs behind her. Ellie was scoping out the kitchen, trying to figure out the quickest way out. 

“Apparently, you caught the eye of a VIP.” Ginger rolled her eyes. “Private room. This way.”

Ginger led her out the kitchen’s back door, down another corridor, another set of stairs. The maze of this place was confusing; thank God Logan had the blueprints to this place. Ellie had doubts about her ability to get them out safely by herself.

Another corridor and turn of a door knob. Ginger held open the door for her, ushering her in, closing it with a click behind her before her eyes had a chance to adjust.

It was dim in here, smaller than the other room but the feel was the same, dark and dangerous. There was a single chandelier bouncing flickering light across the furniture and, standing across the room, facing away, was a dark silhouette.

She heart leapt to her throat. She would know that figure anywhere. “Oh my God, you-”

Colt whirled around and caught her eye, the small shake of the head making her pause. Before she could speak, he strode forward. “I’m Colt.”

“Colt, I’m-” The look in his eyes made her stop. She followed his gaze around the room before it clicked. “Uhhh...I’m new?”

His eyes sparkled and he took a step closer, predatory. “Is it your first day?”

“Yeah…” She bit her lip. “What were you doing in there?”

Colt’s grinn widened. “Business.” Another step closer so he could trail a hand down her arm. “But now could be the pleasure part of the evening?”

Before she could respond, he came even closer, ducking his head to speak in her ear. “Shhh….room’s bugged.”

“Pleasure part of the evening?” She whispered, unable to keep the smile from her voice. “Dear God, that was an awful line.” She could feel Colt smile against her lips and then they were kissing, the taste of smoke and booze sliding onto her tongue, his hands finding their way into her hair. 

She didn’t know if she could pull this off but kissing Colt? Convincingly act like all she wanted to do was fall into his arms and his bed, act like his touch caused sparks over her skin and lightning up her spine, act like her body craved to be twined with him in every way possible? That was no problem at all.

He pulled back to take her hand. “Come here.” He led her through the room, opening the door on the far side to pull her in. It was a bathroom, marble and white gleaming, a stark contrast to the dark rooms she had been in.

“Cigarettes are gross, you know?”

He turned to her with a wicked grin. “Not when you’re the one lighting them.”

Colt let go of her hand to shut the door and turn on the bathtub, as strong as it would go, water thundering out to echo around the tiles.

“Ok, now we can talk.” He turned, eyes flashing as he took her in. “What are you doing here?”

“Your cover’s blown. We need to leave. Now.” She fiddled with the plastic in her ear. “Logan? Mona? You guys there?” She could only hear static, maybe a snippet of someone talking; she couldn’t make it out.

“What do you mean?”

“Your dad called Logan, in a panic. They know who you all are, have photos, everything. They know everybody except for me.” She stepped closer, eyes boring into hers. “They’re gonna kill you if we don’t get out.”

He breathed out, a long exhale. “I can’t leave yet. I don’t have what I need.”

“Colt!” Still only static in her ear. “You’re never gonna get it, whatever it is, if you’re dead.” Her voice wavered at the end, not coming out as convincingly as she hoped. She forced a breath through her nose. “We have to leave. Now.”

“Ellie…”

“Logan tried to get you on your earpiece but he couldn’t get through. I’m only getting static.”

“Whoops.” He shrugged, completely unconcerned and unapologetic. “I tossed it when I got here.” 

“What?”

“I didn’t exactly want him droning in my ear all night. Besides, not all of us can hide it behind long hair.”

She groaned, shoulders falling. “Then what was your plan?”

“Same as it is now. I need five more minutes, that’s all, I swear.” He took her hand, lacing their fingers together.

“Then what?”

“Meet me at the back door of the kitchen. Just five minutes. That’s all I need.”

“Colt…” She could only glare at him. “I swear to God…”

She trailed off at his tight smile as he pulled her close. He winked and ducked his head, lips finding where her neck and shoulder met, suction and teeth making her moan. She squeezed his hand, nails digging semicircle indents into his skin as she hovered right on the precipice between pleasure and pain. All too soon, he pulled back, examining the mark his mouth had left. She struggled to catch her breath.

“What are you doing?”

“We’ve been in here for a while.” He threaded his hands through her hair, mussing the strands and shaking them out as she looked at him. “We’ve got to sell it.”

She glanced in the mirror and saw the mess atop her head, familiar now after long nights spent in his bed, the mark on her neck distinctly reddening, where the memory of his mouth still lingered. She did look debauched.

He was impossibly smug, looking at his handiwork, and she surged forward, catching his lips in hers. Her hands flew to his hair, twirling the strands in her fingers haphazardly while her teeth found his lower lip. Next up were his clothes; she ached to pull them all off, make a mess of him the right way, so that there would be no doubt what they spent their time doing in the privacy of this bathroom, where the steam rising to match the heat in her stomach. However, this would have to do. She grabbed the fabric in her hands, pulling and twisting, unbuttoning the suit jacket, loosening the tie, sliding half of his button down shirt out of his pants and popping a few buttons. All the while, her lips never left his.

When he moaned, deep in his throat as her teeth caught his upper lip, she pulled back to survey her own work. Cheeks red, lips chapped and swollen, clothes wrinkled so badly that it was immediately noticeable? “There. Now you’re selling it.”

He only stared, eyes dazed as she turned to leave. Right when she reached the door, she felt a hand on her hip. Without warning, he spun her, pushing her up against the door, soft thud as her back hit the wood. He leaned into her so their lips and hips met, again. But this? This wasn’t to sell anything. This was just for them, for her to feel his hands curling around her waist as his lips battled with hers, for him to grind his hips into hers as the friction made them both moan.

She had to gasp when he pulled away with a whispered, “Five minutes.” It hung in the air between them as he backed away to turn the knob on the bathtub. Even the silence was loud in the bathroom as she caught his eye and took a deep breath. 

Here, they had the illusion of safety, a space where it was just the two of them. Once they opened the door, it was back into the wolf’s den, with no guarantee they would ever emerge.

One more calming breath, a nod, and then she opened the door.

~~~~~

It was easy to duck away from Ginger, claiming that she needed a few minutes; Ginger’s sly smile confirming that the subterfuge was successful. She crept into the hall behind the kitchen, fingers fiddling with the ear piece. “Mona? Logan? You there?”

“Ellie, what’s happening?” Logan’s voice was fading in and out, static overtaking some of his syllables, but he was there.

“Thank God.”

“We couldn’t hear you. I was scared we lost you.”

“I know, I was in the basement.” She looked up and down the hall, goosebumps forming up and down her arms. Were they due to the chill? Her nerves? Who knew? “Listen, I found Colt. We are gonna get out of here in five minutes.” She spoke quickly, not certain how long she could count on being alone.

“What about right now?”

“He said he needed to get something, something important. He is going to meet me behind the kitchen and we’re gonna make a run for it.” She gnawed on her thumbnail, her nervous tic blooming to life while all alone, hallway becoming more menacing by the second. “How is that distraction looking?”

“I’ll check. Five minutes you said?”

“Yeah, prolly less now.” She rubbed her hands on her arms. It was freezing back here, in this dingy hallway, where dangers hid in every shadow. Where was Colt?

“Ok, I’ll check on Ximena and Toby, Let me know when he gets there.”

“Ok.” 

She leaned against the wall. The base was still audible but quieter here; unfortunately, that meant she could hear her own thoughts, her own terror. She straightened up and started pacing, back and forth, trying to keep her feet and her head busy. On her 13th lap, up and down, past the door, side-eyeing it every time as if she could will it to open, finally, finally, the door cracked open and Colt emerged, carefully closing it behind him.

“Thank God.” She couldn’t stop her hand from reaching out to brush his arm. He was here, real, alive. She couldn’t keep the smile off her face when Colt clasped her hand with a gentle squeeze.

“I got it. We’re good to go.”

“Logan? Mona? We’re all set, we gotta go.”

Mona’s voice was short on the line. “We might have a problem with the distraction.”

“What?”

“Well, Toby wanted to hook up a NOS system to this abandoned car but then he started taking the spark plugs out and now we don’t really have much of a car. Or a distraction.”

Colt hovered by her side. “What’s going on?”

“Delay on the distraction.”

He rolled his eyes. “Tell them to screw it and meet us back at the garage.”

She relayed the message and turned towards him. “Now what? We can’t just make a run for it.”

She followed his gaze down the hall, alighting on a small red box on the wall. He turned to her with a smirk. “I think this counts as an emergency, don’t you?”

“I think I do.” She beamed at him as they hurried to the fire alarm. “What’s the plan? Pull this and then what?”

He bit his lip, looking at her. “Too risky to head back to the kitchen. There should be an emergency exit at the end of this hall.”

“Ok. Got it.”

“Would you like to do the honors?”

“Gladly.” She grabbed the mallet and swung; the glass sprinkled to the ground and her careful fingers avoided the sharp edges to pull the lever. Immediately, the fire alarm kicked in, its blare echoing down the hallway. Shouting began in the kitchen, raised voices confused and panicking as emergency lights started flashing around them.

“Let’s go.” He grabbed her hand and together they took off.

~~~~~

They burst out the door, back entrance to the club leading to an alleyway, trash and probably worse piled high in rusting dumpsters. Ellie wrinkled her nose as they strode out into the street, fire alarm still loud behind them. She could hear shouts, yelling, and squeezed Colt’s hand.

“This way.” He led her down a block, ducking into another alley that led into a dead end, imposing chain link fence separating them from.

“Colt?”

He pulled her along to the fence. “Come on, bike’s just over here.”

She sighed, watching him place his hands on the fence, pulling himself up easily. She groaned. These heels were not meant for hopping fences. With a roll of her eyes, she kicked off the shoes and positioned her toes on the fence. With one last scan above her, she climbed, one step after another, before joining him at the top of the fence.

He looked surprised to see her perched next to him. “I was going to give you a hand.”

“Did you think I was a damsel in distress?” She scoffed at him.

He smiled, soft, before squeezing her shoulder. “I know you too well for that.”

“I could use a hand getting down?”

“Fine, fine.” He swung his leg over and leapt, landing hard, wiping his hands on his pants before reaching up to her. 

She screwed her eyes shut and jumped, crashing into him, his hands curving around her waist to steady her. She looked up at him, close enough to see the lashes lining his eyes, his lips curving into a smirk. “My hero.”

He only grinned and held her close, dropping a kiss on her forehead before turning to go.

“Hey, Colt?” She didn’t move, just stood there, looking up at him. “What did you need to get so badly?”

He sighed, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small fob.

“What is it?”

He twirled it between careful fingers. “Car key.”

“For what?” She plucked it from him, studying it in the dim light.

His eyes darkened and he looked away, jaw tense. “Yet another payment to The Brotherhood.”

“Colt….” She handed it back to him, her fingers brushing his, before she put her hand on his cheek to turn his face, to look into his eyes. “We’re gonna figure it out. I swear.”

He looked at her and grinned, a small twitch of the lips that didn’t reach his eyes. “Yeah. I know.” He sighed again. “I know. But for now, we got what we need. We should get out of here.” She nodded and laced their fingers together again. Time to move.

They were almost to the end of the alley, so close to the main road, when Colt grabbed her hand, hard, He pulled her back, into the shadows, pushing her into a small alcove underneath a fire escape. Her breath left her lungs at the speed, the suddenness of it, then she heard what he heard. Footsteps. On the street. Coming this way.

She craned her neck but couldn’t see anything yet. Colt had her bracketed between him and the brick, profile sharp in front of her as wary eyes looked behind his shoulder, hands protectively falling to her waist.

She tried to slow her breathing, muffle any noise as the footsteps moved closer and she and Colt huddled in the dark.

The footsteps slowed, then stopped, right outside the alleyway, six feet from them. Ellie could hear her heart, Colt’s heart, both hearts pounding wildly, just waiting. She held her breath.

It could have been seconds, it could have been hours, she couldn’t tell, but finally, finally the person moved, footsteps trailing away from them, moving down the street, their hiding spot safe.

Ellie sagged against the bricks, still clutching the lapels of his jacket. “That was close.” The adrenaline was leaving her, the familiar shake coming back to her fingers.

Colt turned back to her, letting out a slow breath. It was so dark in the alcove, streetlights not reaching their hideaway; she could see his outline, the whites of his eyes, his teeth. Everything else was faded shades of grey, even as close as he was. He gave her a soft smile as his eyes trailed down her face, to her neck, to the juncture between her neck and shoulder. The smile faded, replaced with something that made Ellie’s stomach twist, her cheeks warm.

He trailed his thumb down her neck, focused intently on the skin before him. She didn’t realize what he was doing until he pressed firmly. The hiss that escaped her teeth shocked her, the pleasure-pain when he touched the mark he left, the sensitive skin a reminder of his lips on her neck.

“Colt?” It was a whimper, barely speech. She didn’t know who moved first but someone did, maybe they both did, and their lips collided, inelegant and hungry. She pulled on his suit jacket, hands clutching the fabric so hard she worried it would rip; even after their hips collided, no space between them, she knew would never get him as close as she wanted.

The kiss was rough, possessive, the kisses of people who outsmarted death and escaped terror and needed to feel something, something vibrant and wild and free, in order to embrace life again. She couldn’t stop the moans from deep in her throat. All she wanted to forget the fear of this night; maybe they could replace it with a better memory, a memory of what they had, not what they almost lost.

“Fuck, Ellie.” Colt bent to attack her neck, the hickie, every inch of her that he could reach with his mouth and his teeth as her head dropped against the wall.

“Please.” She slid her hands underneath his shirt so she could feel his skin under her fingertips, warm and solid and alive, feeling every inch of him in front of her. She started moving her hips, unconsciously, the alley and the danger fading away. “Colt, please.”

“Fuck.” His voice was low, mouth moving against her chest. “We can’t, Ellie, we-” He trailed off with a moan as Ellie’s fingers made their way to his pants. They were clumsy, shaking, but she managed to pull the zipper down and reach inside.

She started stroking, rhythmically, pulling him out into the night air as he moaned, voice catching as she worked him over.

“Ellie, fucking Christ.” His hand slid up her leg, callused thumb drawing a line on her inner thigh that made her moan, and continued under the skirt to shift her underwear to the side. “And they say I’m the bad influence.” She moaned, again, as his finger teased her slit before ducking inside. She was so wet that it slid in easy, another finger quickly joining the first as his thumb circled her clit.

“Please.” It sounded like she was crying, begging, voice wet, back arched away from the wall, desperate for more than his hands inside her.

“Fuck.” He pushed the skirt up, hands rough as he pushed her underwear down to the ground. “Fuck, anything you want, baby.” He grabbed the back of her thighs and, all of a sudden, she was in the air, being lifted against the bricks, trapped between the cool wall and Colt’s warmth. 

She reached down to help, position and angle awkward and new, but then he slid his hands lower down her thighs and swiveled his hips and then, oh my God, he was inside her, one smooth motion making her head slam back against the wall. He was deep, angle driving him so deep she could feel him in her throat, and she had to breathe for a second, eyes closed, tears leaking.

“Colt, move, please.” His grip was tight behind her legs, fingers digging into her flesh and holding her up as he slid into her, falling into a practiced rhythm as Ellie tried to get oxygen into her lungs. She knew what a risky situation they were in but she couldn’t stop the noises from coming out of her mouth, gasps and moans that only increased in volume with every thrust of his hips.

“Ellie.” Colt sounded wrecked, voice pulled from his throat as he kissed a trail down her neck, moving the strap of her tank top with his teeth so he could mouth the skin there. “Ellie, touch yourself. I can’t- Fuck, I don’t want to drop you.”

She reached down, pushing the skirt out of the way so her fingers could circle her clit, pace frantic to match the movement of Colt’s hips, the heat building in her spine, the scrape of the brick on her back, the smell of the smoke in his hair, the overwhelming sensations short-circuiting her brain as waves of pleasure started in her core. She bit her lip so she wouldn’t scream, burying her head in Colt’s neck as he thrust once more and everything exploded.

When she opened her eyes again, Colt’s head was resting at her neck, her arms in a death grip around his shoulders. Slowly, he eased her down; she moaned, a bereft sigh, as he slipped out of her and she put her feet on the ground.

He pulled back to watch her, amused. “Fuck, Ellie. And they think I’m the risk taker.”

She could only smile back, helplessly, running her hand through his hair. “You make me brave.” The words were weighty, serious.

“You already are brave.” His eyes gleamed in the night, fond smile playing on his lips. “You’re everything.”

She couldn’t stop the chuckle. “Really.”

“You are. You and me? We could run LA together, just you wait.” He ran his fingers down her face, thumb trailing over her lower lip.

“With you getting stuck in the basement of a nightclub?

“Well, you’d be there to bail me out.”

She could only gaze at him. "You’re lucky." 

“I know I am.” He pulled her to him. “Ellie, you’re my queen.”

“Promise?”

He didn’t answer, letting the adoration on his face speak for him as he kissed her again and again and again.

~~~~~

It was late when they got to the garage. She was a mess, they both were. She was wearing Colt’s suit jacket, which barely covered her skirt. Her underwear was long gone, used to clean herself up and then tossed in a dumpster. His shirt was missing most of the buttons and their hair was pointing in all directions.

She slowly crept through the shop floor, clutching Colt’s hand. Logan’s car was here, as was Mona’s. Apparently everyone had made it back safely, thank God. What a night.

“Hi, Ellie, Colt.”

“Ahh.” Ellie screamed as both she and Colt jumped.

Colt recovered first, “Hi, Mona. What are you doing up?”

“Just wanted to make sure you both got back ok.” She stood, rising from the folding chair she was perched on, sauntering towards them, dangerous smile wide on her face. Apparently, she had been waiting up for them.

Ellie took a deep breath. Weird. “Ok, I’m just going to go up-”

“Oh, I wouldn’t go up there.” Mona walked towards Ellie, eyes dark, sway of her hips hypnotizing. 

Ellie shared a nervous look with Colt. “What are you talking about?”

“He’s a little….” Mona stopped, right in front of her, and pushed a lock of Ellie’s hair behind her ear. “…Scandalized.” With a flick of her wrist, Mona pulled the ear piece from Ellie’s ear, holding it up between two fingers, grinning wickedly.

Ellie gasped, face paling. “Did you hear…?”

“Oh, Ellie.” Mona tilted her head to look at Colt, standing stock still, eyes incredulous. “He’s weak, he had to stop listening after two minutes.” She took a step back, biting her lip. “But I heard everything.”

Ellie could only gape at her.

“So yeah, you might wanna find somewhere else to sleep tonight.” Mona winked at her. “I’m gonna go charge this. You never know what you might hear, am I right?”

Ellie couldn’t say a word, could feel her mortification staining her cheeks.

Mona smiled again, dark and wicked and absolutely delighted, before patting Ellie on the head. “Good night, your highness.”

Tags:  @deimosensblog @alegria1580  @choicesarehard @thefarrari @client-327 @moonlit-girl-wonder @going-down-downtown@soniadotalves@jolietmaraud @hazah@flowerpowell@poeticscolt@brightpinkpeppercorn @zaira-oh-zaira@desiree-0816 @leelee10898 @maxwellsquidsuit @liamzigmichael4ever 

[technicallyoneofakind]

Late Night Talks

Decided to experiment with a writing style. I saw someone do something similar with a mostly dialogue driven drabble. Let's see if it works.

Spoilers for later part of the game. You know the drill.

Warning: There is mention of self-harm later in this one.

Disclaimer: If I owned the rights, Ni no Kuni would be a darker game than it is. Be thankful I don't.

~.~.~

A quiet night in the inn in Perdida, just before journeying into the miasma marshes. The familiar tamer slept in her own bed, the fairy somehow having rolled off onto the floor out of the two boys'. The boy wizard couldn't sleep. He was excited yet terrified. What if he couldn't defeat Shadar? What if he couldn't free Alicia's soul? What would happen?

He didn't dare open the companion to lull himself to sleep- he worried about waking everyone up with the light… So what else was there?

He was wide awake. He just stared at the ceiling, counting down each time Drippy's lantern shifted. When that didn't work, he switched to counting the seconds between the thief's snores- though that was never constant as they often varied in volume.

He was at a loss. How long would he have to wait until his mind settled down until his nerves ceased to rattle? Dang it. He thought, looking around the room. He turned on his side and watched the still back of a blanket covered Esther and a snoozing fairy whose small chest rose and fell.

He wasn't sure how long he stared. It was about an hour, he believed. He turned back to face the rogue, whose back also faced him. He always seemed to curl up and grab his shoulders for comfort. The kid assumed that behavior was out of habit, considering the man's years of living alone. It was hard to seriously hurt someone if they laid like that with their backs against a wall, he figured.

The man didn't really tell them much about anything. He kept himself quite reserved. He really didn't dwell on anything that had to do with his personal history- so all of their experience and knowledge of Hamelin was from either first hand, through Marcassin, or what little bits and pieces they could press together.

He supposed he could learn more… He shook his head, closing his eyes. He didn't want to bother the thief. He had a pension for getting really irritable the less sleep he had. He'd drink a decent portion of coffee- which they all needed to focus their skills- in the morning as a consequence if his night didn't fair to well.

He turned back on his back. Back to the ceiling again. It wasn't like he had much of a choice. "Urgh," he groaned softly, throwing an arm over his eyes in defeat.

A soft moan from next to him sounded. At first, he assumed it was just another snore, but then the thief shifted; he was prone to staying in the same position all night- not much of a restless sleeper. His posture had loosened from the tight ball he held himself in and he tilted his free side slightly as he turned his head a little to look at the young mage.

"Oliver…," Swaine mumbled, drowsy. "You're… still up," he yawned.

"Couldn't sleep. I'm really nervous." He didn't move his arm. "Sorry for waking you."

"Mmm…"

"You should probably go back to sleep, Swaine."

"Mmmhmm…," the thief groaned back.

There was silence for a moment. The boy lifted his arm a little to peak at the man sharing the bed with him. He hadn't curled back up. He always curled up when he willingly went to sleep. He was still awake.

Another few minutes passed.

"Are you… asleep," Oliver hesitantly asked the thief.

"Barely. It's hard for me to fall back asleep once I've fully woken up."

"What fully woke you up," the boy prodded curiously.

"Wondering what could possibly keep you up and make you so nervous."

"Oh… umm…," Oliver whispered as he turned back to face the rogue's back. "Just pre-battle jitters. That's all."

"Oh? Do you need something to calm you down then? Where's your Companion?"

"Well… You see… I need light and I didn't want to wake up anyone."

"Gotcha." He heard Swaine sigh before he rolled over to face him. "Perhaps I could tell you a story or something. Would that help?" He chuckled lightly, softly. "Hell, maybe it will lull me to sleep."

"What kind of story?"

"Anything. You name it."

"…"

"…Well…?"

"Can you tell me about Hamelin- what it was like growing up there?"

The thief coughed, choking on his own spit in shock.

"Are you okay, Swaine?"

"How about something different, eh? Hamelin's boring! You don't want to hear about that," he waved off, harshly whispering.

"No, it isn't! It's really cool! I want to know what it's like living in a machine city," he whispered back.

"Oh geez- Oliver, it's like any other city- crowded, everyone trying to get things done as quickly as possible, and impossibly huge. That's it."

He just stared back at Swaine. "That's not what I saw."

There was stammering then a silent bout of contemplation from his older friend. "Okay. It won't be much- so you may want to find another topic."

"I don't mind."

"Good…," he sighed, reaching up and rubbing his head in annoyance. "I can't speak for most people, but it was very militaristic. I remember being taught how to wield a sword and various strategies of battle. It was a very very thorough and strict training regimen." He scoffed. "That's the thing about Hamelin. It's heavily focused on the distant future."

"Is that it…?"

"That's all I want to divulge, yes."

"But- but!"

"What," he snarled. "That's all there is to say, Oliver."

"Did you have any favorite holidays…?"

The thief was quiet for a moment. He had never really thought about holidays all too much before. "Er… Yeah. It's… umm…," he glanced up at the ceiling and then down to the blanket. "The royal procession."

The boy looked down then glanced at the ceiling as he began to piece information together. "Wait… Isn't that the only well-known holiday Hamelin has?"

Swaine cleared his throat. "No… Not really. We have truffling contests and the Yule feast, but those pale in comparison to the royal procession which really celebrates two things." He held out his free hand signifying the number. "Our annual accomplishments and the current emperor's birthday."

"So… Why do you like it so much, then?"

"It's the inventions," he nonchalantly informed. "I love seeing what Hamelin's best minds come up with. Even as a child I looked forward to it."

"But… wouldn't you have to be at the front of the float when you were a kid?"

He waved it away mockingly. "It didn't matter. Back then, I got to go see the inventions personally before we left the palace. Many people, then and now, would kill to get that close to them."

"Oh, wow," the wizard gasped in amazement. "What kind of machines were there?"

There was a heavy, reluctant breath. "Erm… I can't say for certain- it varies. The royal procession happens every year. It's like keeping track of birthdays- you just can't remember them all." He paused for a moment as he placed a hand on his chin. "Tanks… Tanks were often a big thing. Everyone loves hog tanks."

"…"

"What," the thief asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I just thought- I mean…"

"Mean what?"

"I thought you invented the hog tank."

Swaine looked at Oliver in shock for a moment. "…You did read the Wizard's Companion, right?"

"I thought they were talking about you and… Marcassin," he admitted, hesitant to bring up the sage.

"Oh." He lied on his back. "Yeah, no. That wasn't us." He had a small smile. "Though, I will say, that hog tank we fought was a design I drew up and gave to those two inventors. So, I guess I helped design them to some capacity."

"Huh…" The kid beamed back at him. "That's still awesome, Swaine!"

"Eh…" The thief shrugged. "That sort of thing's common in Hamelin. Someone pitches a design, and, if the design is feasible enough, the inventor tries it out." He looked over at his young friend. "That's how we progress."

There was a moment of silence between the two. Another hour seemed to pass.

"I still can't sleep, Swaine."

"Ugh," the man responded. He scrunched up his face and looked over. "Yeah, me neither." He rolled over and tried to force himself to sleep by curling up again. "I'm going to try." He glanced over his side. "Think about hog tanks. Maybe at some point, you'll wear yourself out mentally."

"I'll… I'll try."

Swaine didn't respond. The boy rolled on his back and looked up at the ceiling. Hog tanks… How are they made…? That suggestion just made it worse. Now he had to know how hog tanks worked! "Hey, Swaine?"

"What," he snapped softly.

"How are hog tanks made?"

"It's too complicated and too late at night for me to explain that, Oliver."

"But now I can't sleep because of it!"

The man sighed and relaxed his form. He rolled over to face Oliver again. "Fine. I'll tell you something else."

"Like…?"

"I don't flipping know," he almost wanted to shout. He swung his free arm in the air over the layer of the blanket covering him. "What do you want to hear?" He stopped for a moment when the mage opened his mouth. "And don't say hog tanks," he warned harshly with a pointed finger.

"…"

"…Well? Anything?"

"Umm… What was it like being a thief- you know, after you left Hamelin…?"

"I'm not telling you that, Oliver."

"You don't have to tell me the bad stuff-"

"It's nothing but bad stuff. No. Something else."

"Uh… Well… I've never been heartbroken so…"

"Oh, god, Oliver," he hissed. "Is there anything you want to know that won't dredge up old memories?"

"I can keep it secret."

"I don't want to dwell on the past any more than I have to." He sighed. "Even so… I really shouldn't tell you. You have enough emotional garbage as it is to go through."

Oliver hummed in thought for a moment. "…I think I can handle it."

The man groaned and slowly rolled his eyes. "Don't you already, you know, know about heartbreak? You heal people all the time," he whispered back.

"Yeah, Mr. Drippy told me."

"Then why do you want me to tell you? Of all the things that fairy's good for, it's explaining something until it can't possibly be explained further." He shrugged. "What's the point? What's there to learn?"

"But that's from Mr. Drippy. It was… kind of broad. I want to know what it felt like from someone who's gone through it." He paused for a moment, looking at his own hands. "Maybe it will help me help the brokenhearted better."

He sighed and shook his head. "From hog tanks to heartbreak- what a transition." He scowled at the boy. "Sorry, but I'd rather not." He rolled over, finally giving up. "Goodnight."

"Can I at least ask why…?" When he saw Swaine tense up, he flinched. "Or not…" He lied on his back as he studied the ceiling again. He figured heartbreak was painful. It was no wonder he didn't really want to say anything. "It must be really bad. Whatever it is, I'm sorry I brought it up." He had no idea what the man had gone through- all he knew was that even he didn't deserve it. "I'm sorry you had to go through it."

This kid was… persistent- but not in the trying way Esther could be. He cared- there was a genuine warmth about his curiosity. It was late. It was just Oliver. If it did help him be a better wizard, then besides himself, where was the harm…?

"…Okay…," he breathed, gripping his shoulders tighter. "It's kind of fuzzy… my memory of it. That's what it can be like. There are bits and pieces. Most of them..." He felt his voice catch in his throat as he recalled his experience. "There was a bit of pain."

"Pain? Did you get headaches or something?"

"Not always. I often blacked out and woke up in completely different places. It got worse and worse…" He shook his head from what the boy could tell. "But that's not all. I knew when I was conscious because of the pain." He rubbed his free shoulder before tensing up again. "Things get really blurry. You start wondering what's real and what's delusion." He laid back onto his back. "The weird thing about the human mind is that you remember fear and pain more than anything else." Even as he said this, he looked away from the mage, concealing the wounded look he had.

"So if it wasn't headaches… what was it?" He watched as the thief glanced at him. "Was it your heart…?"

He shook his head. He grunted uncomfortably as he turned away again. "I… really don't think I should say, Oliver. Just thinking about it disgusts me."

"Does the past really hurt that much…?"

"Yeah… They say the past can't really hurt you. They also say it can haunt you." He looked over his shoulder. "The past doesn't haunt me. It might as well be bludgeoning me."

"Only if you let it. You can fight it…"

He raised an unseen eyebrow. "How?"

"Telling someone about it. Talking it out with someone you trust."

"Oliver," he groaned. He rolled over again to face him. "I hardly trust anyone as it is!"

"Do you trust me?"

"H-huh," the thief stammered, caught off guard by the question. He furrowed his brow and stared back at the boy. "Of course, I trust you, Oliver. What kind of question is that?!"

The wizard nodded affirmatively. "Then tell me. I'll listen."

The boy stared at the thief and the thief stared back. As Swaine considered his answer, he bit the inside of his lip. He groaned uncomfortably again as he turned his head suddenly to squint at the adobe ceiling. He looked back at Oliver again. "You've got your wand handy, have you," he requested.

"Uh… why?"

"I'll show you what I mean."

"Umm… you mean to cast Magic Lantern?"

He saw Swaine nod in the dark.

"That will wake the others."

"We'll pull the blankets over our heads. Besides…," He lifted his head to look at the girl and the fairy. "One isn't even facing us and the other… well, the fairy could sleep through an earthquake."

"Huh. Okay. Yeah, let's do that, Swaine." He nodded at the cad again as he reached down to his bag and pulled out Mornstar. The two of them sat up and proceeded to throw the blankets over them, making a makeshift tent. Oliver cast the spell, allowing them to see for a decent amount of time.

Swaine sat in front of him, his legs crossed. He seemed to be unbuttoning his short-sleeved orange shirt- his coat was hanging on the end of the bed.

"What are you doing," the wizard asked him with a look of confusion.

"Hold on." He slid off the shirt and set it to his side. That's when the kid saw it. Scars, different shapes, and different sizes populated the former prince's shoulders. Some of them were raised, the others were sunken in based on how they healed.

The deepest ones seemed to be on his sides, running along his thin, now slightly more nourished frame.

"What happened to you," the sage asked him, his voice taking on a more frightened and concerned tone. "Are these from fights? Did you get into a lot of fights, when you were heartbroken?"

He shook his head somberly. "No… At the time it seemed like a good idea- a way of keeping track of when I was… myself." He ran a few fingers across the scars on his shoulder. "I guess I never was really. I'd never willingly do this before I lost restraint. I'd never do this now. It was only then." He leaned forward. "Losing a piece of heart is literally losing a piece of yourself, Oliver. You stop being you. You start doing things you'd never think of doing. Wanting things you'd never think of wanting… and you become…" He raised a hand, his palm facing the blanket.

He let it fall, the back of his hand tapping his knee limply. "…Useless." He shook his head a little. "Or worse, a menace." He heaved a heavy breath and looked down at the scars on his sides. "I think I knew what was going on… or at least what was left of me. I knew I needed to get a grip, so I…" He gestured outward but still toward himself with his hands. "Did this as a reminder of being 'awake'. I knew I could make a sound decision when I was in pain." He traced one of the deeper scars on his abdomen.

He watched worriedly as the thief did so. "Why are those so deep…?"

"I got used to them. They stopped hurting as much." He scoffed as he looked to the side. "Luckily I stopped when I saw you three. I think something shifted- or clicked, more like- before I got any worse." He gritted his teeth as he looked down at them. "I hate that I had the gall to do this to myself."

"You couldn't control yourself."

"I know… but see, this damage is the kind of damage healing hearts can't fix."

"But you said it yourself, Swaine. You wouldn't do it again, now! Healing hearts can keep this kind of damage from happening again!"

There's a fair point, Swaine thought with a raised eyebrow. "They're permanent reminders of my darkest hour, Oliver. At the time, there was little I had in the way of support." He gave a short, sad laugh. "I could have bled out, you know. I might as well have jumped off a cliff." He leaned back on his hands and scoffed. "I believe it got so bad I wondered if dying would be a better option."

Oliver shifted uncomfortably. "Did you…" He cleared his throat nervously. "Did you try to kill yourself?"

For a moment he sat straight back up with panicked wide eyes. "What?! No! Not really. I mean, I toyed with the idea. I even jumped off the very last dock in Castaway Cove to see what jumping off of something would be like- on a whim!" He leaned back again. "Then I believe I didn't like feeling suddenly soaked- spied something attractive and decided to steal it." He lifted a hand and waved in front of him. "Or something like that. I remember being drenched in water so, I must have taken a dive somewhere."

"Swaine," Oliver complained. "I'm serious. This isn't something you joke about."

"So am I. I wasn't flipping suicidal, just very very lost and confused."

He breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "I'm glad I didn't actually die in the long run." When he sat up again he suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around him and Oliver's hair brush his chest. He froze, not expecting the sudden embrace.

"I'm glad, too."

He lifted a hand, hesitating as he held it above the mage's ginger hair. He smiled down at the teen and patted his head. "Heh. Thanks, kiddo."

The mage let go as Mornstar started to flicker, the spell wearing off. The thief took what chance he had to put back on and button back up his shirt. They re-wrapped themselves in covers, preparing for another attempt at sleep.

It seemed to work, as Oliver yawned as he snuggled down into the blankets.

"…You won't tell the other two… right," Swaine asked worriedly.

"I won't. I won't even tell Marcassin." The thief heard another yawn. "That's something you should really tell him yourself."

"Thank you, Oliver," he breathed gratefully. "If it means anything to you, I feel a lot better getting that off of my chest."

"And Swaine," the wizard called.

"Hmm?" He glanced over his shoulder at the boy's back.

"You should know, I'm happy you're still around. You're really a good person… and a good friend."

A warm feeling washed through the thief. He smiled as he looked back at the wall. He needed to hear that… from someone. He was glad it was Oliver. He felt himself relax a little more before drifting asleep. "Sure thing, kiddo. Sure thing," he whispered to his now sleeping friend.

~.~.~

Author's note:

Well… That was… something. Initially, I wanted to focus more on the self-harm (because there is something seriously wrong with me and I need to seek counseling), but I decided against it. I seem to be veering more towards thief boy's spell of heartbreak right now- that and that grey area in between Hamelin and Castaway Cove. We really don't know much about those years in between. On top of that, something caught my attention (EAD13 might have had some influence on this)- he covers up a lot. He hides his past a lot. What if it's not just modesty? I mean, he's skin and bones, so it could be the fact that he's pretty malnourished for someone his age and he doesn't want to draw concern, but that wasn't enough for my decrepit little mind, was it?

I often equate heartbreak as a sort of representation of depression and other mental illnesses- but mostly depression. From what I know, many people experience depression differently and do things for different reasons. Some escape into other things. Some hurt themselves (for varying reasons, reasons I can't hope to fully grasp myself). Some can't get out of bed in the morning. Granted, I've never considered myself as a person that suffers from depression, but lately, I've been kind of worried that I might be. I know I'm out of my depth- as I know people who've suffered from it, who have hurt themselves during it, but I've never experienced it at its worst myself.

Aaaanyway. I decided to give a nice bit of character bonding and fond backstory giving before the more serious stuff. Sorry if this caused any issues for anyone. Just… be kind to yourselves, alright?

Anyway. Thoughts? Critiques? Even if not, I hope you enjoyed and took something from this. Sorry, it got a bit dark.

[the-pancake-writes]

Snippet: Prince Yugi/Bodyguard Atem AU - New Year’s Ball

If you saw this post you already know about this AU of mine. The title basically says it all. Prince Yugi, body guard Atem, forbidden love, drama. ;D

While I do love the Egyptian setting I’m glad I got to explore another favourite time period of mine: the 19th century! What a refreshing change!

Take this as a little thank you for your support throughout this year. My little blog has now a lot more followers than I had expected. Thank you all for following me on my writing journey! I wish you a wonderful new year and lots of love, health, luck and kindness! :)

Puzzleshipping Fluff!

Yugi whirled through the sea of swooshing skirts and capes around him. In his arms he held a girl of his age in a teal dress and with blond, pinned-up hair. The music came to a fading halt and all the couples stopped and bowed to each other. Everyone clapped for the orchestra and its conductor.

“My prince, that was such a wonderful dance! May I have another?”, the girl said with sparkling eyes. Yugi scratched his cheek.

“Actually, Lady Rebecca, I'm a bit exhausted…”

“Oh, of course! Let us have some hot punch, yes?”, she said, linked her arm with his and pulled him off the dance floor.  But a group of young women with lace fans and silken pouches blocked their way. They were all pouting and frowning.

“Rebecca, this is enough! This is your 8th dance with the prince tonight! Let others have a chance!”, the black-haired girl in the middle said. Rebecca's grip around Yugi's arm tightened.

“Just because you're jealous doesn't mean you have to ruin my evening, Vivian!”

“You're the one ruining everyone else's evening! You're not his fiancée so you have no right to always act like this! Besides, if the prince weren't so kind he'd have pushed you away a long time ago…”, Vivian said. Rebecca rushed towards her.

“You're lying! And who are you to say such things?! You're not his fiancée either…!”

As the discussion continued, Yugi stepped further and further away until he hurried through the crowd. He found a lonely spot between a statue and a painting and sighed.

In some distance he saw Atem, leaning against a wall and sipping on his champaign. He wore his ceremonial uniform in blue with white pants and black boots. He raised his glass at Yugi with a smile that wiped Yugi's worries away. Yugi approached him. Atem placed his drink on a nearby table and bowed with a hand on his heart.

“Your highness”, he said. “Once again quite popular with the ladies, it seems.”

“Urgh, they will be the death of me, I swear”, Yugi said and ruffled his hair. “What about you? I know at least a dozen people who had hoped to see a more casual side of you at this New Year's ball. You're not on duty tonight, after all…”

Atem played with the gold medal on his chest that marked him as the prince's Royal Protector.

“A good body guard should always be on duty, your highness.”

A pink tint appeared on Atem's cheeks. Yugi sensed a chance…

“Well then…would you protect me from that unit of poofy skirts over there and…dance with me…?”

The pink shade on Atem's face turned red.

“Y-Your highness, you know I don't dance at these balls. I'll only end up embarrassing you”, he said.

“I don't think so. I've seen you dance before”, Yugi said and chuckled. To the outside, Atem was always the man with the serious stare who never laughed and always rested a hand on his sword. Only Yugi and a few others knew he could also blush and stutter like this.

“Uhm…that was in private without hundreds of people watching…”, Atem said.

“We can pretend it's just us…”

Atem chewed on his bottom lip. Yugi's heart fluttered with the hope of Atem accepting the suggestion. But both turned their heads at the sound of a bell. Near the orchestra stood an elderly man.

“Now for the last song before we all head out for the Royal Lake! You all know the tradition: share the last dance of the year with someone special to thank them for their love, friendship or the kindness they paid you this year. So choose your partner…”

The crowd chattered and everyone asked another person to be that special someone for them. Some expected it, others gasped or blushed in surprise.

“My prince…! Where are you…?”, Lady Rebecca called. Yugi looked at Atem who's eyes were shifting over the floor. Disappointment punched Yugi in the stomach.

“Well, it was just an offer”, Yugi said and wanted to walk away.

“Your highness, please wait”, Atem said. Yugi turned and saw Atem stretching out his gloved hand. Joy bubbled up inside Yugi. “May I have this dance?”

Arms linked, they walked towards the dance floor. Some whispered as the two passed.

“Isn't that Royal Protector Sennen? But he's never danced before…”

“And with the prince too! How unusual!”

“Quick, someone tell the prince's club of admirers! I need to see their silly faces!”

Like all the other couples, Yugi and Atem got into the starting position. Atem placed a hand on Yugi's lower back while Yugi rested his on Atem's shoulder.

Yugi's gaze fell on Rebecca and Vivian and the girls around them. Their jaws had all dropped, causing Yugi to grin. He looked at Atem and his expression showed nervousness.

“Just focus on me, Atem. No one else”, Yugi whispered. A shy smile spread on Atem's face. The music started.

They began with the basic steps. To Atem's obvious relief, it was a slow piece. Still, his body was tensed up and his moves were wooden.

“There, you're doing great”, Yugi said and felt Atem slightly relax. Atem gave a little laugh.

“Should we try a spin?”, he said and Yugi nodded. The performed the move and Yugi found himself back in Atem's arms. How well-trained they were… Atem was probably strong enough to carry him… Their eyes locked. Atem's irises were red like a warm fire after a long walk in the snow. And what a perfect jawline and high cheekbones…!

To Yugi, everyone around them vanished, even the music faded into the background of his perception. Only he and the handsome man with the gold-brown skin across from him existed. Together they were floating over the floor. Yugi felt the need to be closer to Atem, to close that gap of propriety between their upper bodies. From Atem's longing gaze Yugi knew that his body guard was feeling the same… He wanted to pull Yugi closer and Yugi would be more than happy to indulge the wish…

But before that could happen, the music ended and it was as if Yugi woke up from a wonderful dream. Yugi returned to the hall with its chandeliers and paintings and all the other people. Atem bowed and Yugi realised he should do the same. They clapped for the orchestra. Atem shook his head, as if he too, had to suppress something too wonderful to be true.

“I think it's time to set off now, your highness”, he said.

“Y-Yes, of course.”

They made their way through the crowd and into a chamber where a maid was ready to help Yugi into his sapphire coat, lined with white fur. Another maid put on his scarf and brought his outdoor gloves while a third one gave his shoes a quick polish.

Atem put on his navy blue coat and feathered hat himself. He avoided Yugi's eyes as if he was ashamed of something. Maybe he had enjoyed the dance as much as Yugi…?

They stepped outside onto the stony veranda and a cold breeze greeted them. Behind a line of guards the other nobles were assembling as well and getting into their sleighs. At a statue, the queen was pacing back and forth. She wore a forest green dress under her dark grey cape. Her hands were hidden in a muff and her black, pinned-up hair was topped by a golden crown. She gave Yugi a smile.

“There you are, dear. I saw you shared your last dance with Atem. That was very kind of you”, she said.

“Yes. I guess it was”, Yugi said and looked at Atem in some distance, holding the reins of his tall, white horse. Now he was the prince's Royal Protector again, with a serious stare and erect posture. “So, are we ready yet? It's the same dawdling every year, right?”

His mother chuckled.

“That sounds like something someone my age should say.”

When everyone had assembled, Yugi and his mother got into the sleigh that was pulled by six horses. The other nobles would take the side paths while the one in the middle was reserved for royalty. The sleigh began to move and they rode past the barren, snow-capped trees, bushes and hedges.

They reached the gate to the outer parts that had been opened for the commoners like every year. They greeted Yugi and the queen with applause and Yugi waved at the smiling faces. His gaze fell on Atem, riding beside them.

He checked every direction, his brows furrowed in concentration. Royal guards were positioned everywhere and all the commoners had been checked for any weapons before entering. Yet, Atem displayed the same vigilance as always. Yugi wondered if it was out of duty to the royal family or maybe out of a personal desire to keep Yugi safe…

The sleigh came to a halt. They had reached the lake and the area was full of talking and laughing commoners. Some danced to the music of a band that played much more livelier songs than the orchestra at the palace. Others stood in line at food stands that spread the smells of sugary treats, fried meat, and fresh tea.

Near the jetty a stage had been built and decorated with fir branches. Yugi and his mother got out of the sleigh and entered the stage. Upon seeing them, the commoners cheered once more. Like the queen's body guard, Atem stood behind Yugi in a corner of the stage, one hand on his sword, the other behind his back.

The nobles were assembling in a restricted area to the left of the stage. As they walked there from their sleighs, the commoners admired their fine clothing and jewellery. A girl, sitting on her father's shoulders, pointed at Vivian's pink dress and said: “Look, daddy! What a pretty lady!”

Rebecca had already made her way to the front row and waved at Yugi. She wore an emerald green cape and bonnet and his her hands in a beige-coloured muff. Yugi raised a hand at her, then rubbed his palms together. Despite his warm clothing he was freezing.

Thirty minutes before midnight, the trumpeters played a short fanfare. The band stopped playing and everyone went quiet. All eyes were on Yugi and his mother. The queen took a deep breath.

“Welcome nobles and commoners to this new year's celebration! Behind us lies a year of many challenges but also many successes…!”, she said and held her speech. She listed many accomplishments of the country's politics. Yugi couldn't help but smile at those that he had worked to achieve as well. She left out some problematic issues but Yugi understood that at this event it was wiser to focus on the positive things. The people clapped when she had finished. “Now to the winner of the annual lantern contest. Once more, the children of the capital showed us how creative they are with all the wonderful designs they submitted. The most popular one this year has been built by Sonia of Red Leaf Elementary!”

Everyone applauded when a blond girl with pigtails stepped forward, holding her mother's hand and a round lantern that was bigger than her head. They entered the stage and both Yugi and the queen congratulated them. Yugi took the lantern Sonia offered and turned it in his hands. While the mothers talked, Yugi bent down to Sonia.

“So many stars…did you cut them all out by yourself?”, Yugi said.

“Y-Yes, your highness”, Sonia said, half-hidden behind her mother's skirt.

“You did that very well. Thank you for that beautiful lantern”, Yugi said and smiled. Sonia blushed, then came forward and pointed at some of the stars.

“I…I also made some purple…because I heard that's your favourite colour, my prince!”

She told Yugi more about the lantern with sparkling eyes. She was in the middle of the story of how she had asked all the neighbours for colourful paper when her mother tapped her shoulder.

“Time to go, sweetie”, she said and took Sonia's hand.

“Don't forget to make your wish for the new year on the fireworks”, Yugi said and stood up.

“I won't, my prince!”, Sonia said. She waved at Yugi as they left the stage and disappeared into the crowd.

“He's so good with children! As my future husband should be!”, Rebecca said and Yugi sighed.

“Be quiet, Rebecca! You can't even marry him! You're not a princess!”, Vivian said and poked Rebecca with her elbow.

“Well, neither are you!”

The two began to argue once more. Yugi and his mother walked down the jetty in front of them, he with the lantern and she with a lamp in their hands. The thick layer of ice on the lake had been cut open earlier today. At the shore, the water was already starting to freeze over again.

“We shall say good-bye to the old year like we welcome the new one: with hope and light”, the queen said. She took the candle from inside the lamp and put it inside the lantern. Yugi bent down and placed it on the water. It floated towards the centre and the people cheered, then stepped forward to launch their lanterns as well. Soon the lake was full of many little lights, similar to the starry sky above them.

Yugi looked at the clock of the bell tower in some distance. Only five more minutes. He and his mother returned to the stage.

“I'm sure Lady Rebecca and Lady Vivian have already thought of ways to lure you to the winter roses?”, the queen said.

“I suppose so”, Yugi said and rubbed his temple. To their right lay a secluded part of the royal gardens with many floral arches. They were blooming with flowers of a soft pink.

“It's just a silly custom to kiss someone under one of these in the night of the new year. Not a law”, the queen said. “If you're uncomfortable with rejecting them I'm sure Atem will take care of that for you.”

“Y-Yeah”, Yugi said and turned his head. Atem was still scanning the crowd while everyone else was watching the bell tower. No one could deny how handsome he was. But his serious stare and taciturn attitude managed to scare off his potential admirers. Despite that, Yugi knew that there was no kinder or more caring person at the palace…or in the whole world…

“One more minute”, the queen said and Yugi focussed on the clock like everyone else. The second hand was moving towards the number 12. Yugi couldn't help but smile.

“Three…two…one…!”, it came from everyone. With the stroke of the bell everyone erupted in applause. The first fireworks shot into the sky and burst into thousands of glowing sparks. Blue, green, gold, red, and all shades in between lighted up the sky one after another for a short moment. Yugi and his mother hugged and wished each other a happy new year.

They left the stage and joined the other nobles. Rebecca appeared beside him and grabbed his arm.

“Happy New Year, my prince! Have you already made a wish on the fireworks? I did! May we take a walk?”, she said with a broad smile.

“Well, I…”

Vivian appeared and smacked Rebecca's arm with her fan.

“How can you be so rude, Rebecca? I wanted to take a walk with the prince!”

“I was here first!”

Yugi chewed his bottom lip, wondering how to escape the two girls and the snickering nobles around them. Rebecca and Vivian stopped arguing when Atem stepped towards them. He bowed before Yugi, one hand on his heart.

“Your highness, there's a matter I need to talk to you about”, he said. Rebecca and Vivian pouted.

“Surely it can't be that important, Royal Protector Sennen”, Rebecca said.

“I'm afraid it is, my ladies”, Atem said and cut through Rebecca's grasp with a grab of her wrist that made her flinch.

“Well then”, Yugi said and followed Atem towards the arches where many lovers were now gathering to exchange kisses.

“I assume that was a rescue operation and there is nothing to talk about?”, Yugi said. Atem chuckled.

“Nothing serious at least. Was I correct to assume that you required a rescue?”

“Absolutely. I guess in that department my mother raised me a bit too well”, Yugi said and sighed. “But anyway, is there something you're looking forward to this year?”

“Serving you, of course”, Atem said. Yugi smirked.

“Apart from that?”

“Well…if you really choose to go on that diplomatic mission to Kallias…I hope to accompany you. I haven't seen the country I grew up in in four years”, Atem said with a smile that hinted at happy memories.

“Do you miss it a lot?”

“Sometimes. But it's fine. I found a new home…by your side, my prince”, Atem said. Yugi played with his scarf, hoping to hide the blush of his cheeks. Yugi's gaze fell on the queen in some distance. He stopped and so did Atem.

“I'm nervous about that mission. It'll be the first time I'll accept such an important task. I hope I won't disappoint my mother…and everyone else…”

Yugi's heart felt heavy at the mere thought.

“I have faith in you, my prince. And whatever happens…I'll be there for you”, Atem said and the words warmed Yugi from within like a cup of hot chocolate.

“My prince, my prince…!”, Rebecca and Vivian called and Yugi rolled his eyes. They gasped and attracted the attention of the other nobles. They all chuckled at Yugi and Atem. Yugi looked up and realised they were standing right under one of the rose arches. Yugi's cheeks glowed and so did Atem's.

“My, my! Looks like the Royal Protector gets two rewards from the prince tonight!”

“That would be inappropriate! Royal Protector Sennen is not a noble!”

“Oh hush, it's just new year's kiss!”

Yugi scratched his head, his thoughts moving back and forth. It would be against the etiquette…! But it was just a custom…and maybe his only chance to…

Atem took his hand and gave it a quick kiss. The nobles gave disappointed sounds and turned away. Yugi felt his intestines turn into stone. Atem cleared his throat.

“I believe that was the only acceptable solution”, he whispered.

“Y-Yes. It was…acceptable”, Yugi said. “Now excuse me, please.”

Yugi walked away from him, fast enough so neither Rebecca nor Vivian could follow him. He reached a dark corner of the shore and leaned against a tree. He looked at his hand.

Atem's lips hadn't even touched his skin, only his gloves. He had felt only a hint of warmth, nothing more. Curse these court rules! Curse Atem for always following them so closely! Curse himself for losing control of his emotions like this…!

He always managed to keep his feelings for Atem inside a cage but tonight they had broken free several times. He had to suppress them! It couldn't work out anyway. Yugi was a prince and Atem was his body guard. But no matter how often he told himself that, his heart always fluttered at the sight of Atem, whenever they sat next to each other and at the slightest touch. It was bliss and torture at the same time.

Yugi looked around, saw all the people praying as the fireworks above them were still booming and glowing. It was said that in the first night of the new year the gods were listening closely to all the wishes the people made…and if only the gods were listening…

Yugi folded his hands and looked up to the sky. He moved his lips, hoping the gods would hear his whispered wish among all the sounds of this cheerful night. Maybe even grant it…

[ijustwant2write]

Useless Excuses-Bjorn Ironside x Reader

(GIF credit to owner)

Masterlist

Summary: requested by @lagerthabjorn: ‘Could you please do an imagine with bjorn, where he gets jealous over other men flirting with you and he gives you the silent treatment and you have no idea why he’s ignoring you. Then you get frustrated with him ignoring you so you confront him at a feast why he’s acting so weird somehow resulting in him leaving the feast and you running out to find him. You give up looking for him and return home just to find him there to confess his love for you and he doesn’t like to share (BASICALLY A LOT OF FLUFF AND ROUGH SEX) Thank you 💗’

Characters: Bjorn Ironside x Reader

Meanings: (Y/N)= Your name (Y/F/N)= Your friend’s name

Warnings: Bit of swearing and arguing along with sexual themes (it was only the build up, I never write the actual sex so I hope this was ok for you)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

My hands were red raw as I scrubbed away the blood from my armour. (Y/F/N) and I were sat by the river, finally getting round to these errands. I always forgot how hard this was.

“Urgh, I still have three more pieces to clean.” I groaned, stopping for a moment.

“So do I. This is exhausting.” (Y/F/N) dropped her things and laid back.

I copied her.“We need slaves for this.”

“You should have just asked me.” I heard Bjorn’s voice. Resting on my elbows, I watched as he approached us.“I have many slaves that could have done that for you.”

“Shouldn’t you be training? I recall kicking your arse last time we sparred.”

He smiled.“I let you win. You’re the one who needs to train if you’re ever going to come raiding with me again.”

“So how come I’ve survived every battle we’ve faced?”

“The Gods like you.”

“Hello Bjorn.” (Y/F/N) interrupted. They had never really gotten along, she didn’t like the fact that Bjorn and I were closer.

His smile disappeared.“(Y/F/N).”

“If I am in such dire need of training then perhaps I should search for a good teacher.”

“Why look when he is standing in front of you?”

I pretended to shield my eyes from the sun, squinting into the distance.“Who do you mean? You’re standing in the way.”

He shook his head, laughing.“This afternoon. You’ll know where to find me.”

I watched as he walked away, only to be startled when I felt specks of water be flicked at me. Looking over at (Y/F/N), she had a fed up look on her face.

“What was that for?” I asked. “I thought you were smart.” she started to gather up her armour.

“What are you talking about?”

She stood up.“You see, you’ve just proven my point. You don’t see what is blatantly going on in front of you.”

She walked away and I was too confused to go after her. What was she on about? Deciding to ignore it and blame it on her hate of Bjorn, I carried on cleaning, watching the blood now again the clear water.

Just as Bjorn had said, I went to meet with him in the training grounds. We would normally meet there before venturing further into the woods where we could train in private. As I waited, I felt eyes on me. There were already some men sparring with each other as I stood off to the side, but I felt that they were not fully concentrating.

“(Y/N), you are looking even more beautiful than the last time I saw you.” Bard complimented as he walked up to me.

I refrained from rolling my eyes.“Thank you Bard but you did see me yesterday.”

“Exactly. Why are you stood here? Waiting for someone? Or are you here to watch me?”

“No I am waiting for someone.”

“It seems that you have been waiting for a while. Come on, why don’t I get you started?” Bard was a little shit and even though I didn’t want to be anywhere near him, a part of me was wanting to beat him up. He always underestimated the power of shieldmaidens, a huge mistake on his part. And what better way to pass the time? Agreeing to his offer, I unsheathed my sword, swinging it around to intimidate him; he was good at hiding this.

“Want me to go easy on you?” I smirked, preparing my stance.

“Aw, you’re so cute.”

This made me angry and I could not keep this at bay. As soon as he finished speaking, I lunged for him, swinging as hard as I could. Bard was a good competitor but I was hoping that his confidence would be his downfall. We went back and forth, both of us giving it as much as we had. But I had not trained for so long, this was starting to become tiresome, Bard had the upper hand. He cut my arm and my leg, causing me to stumble back. As I swung my sword at him again, he managed to block it and wrap his arm around me, turning me around so that my back was to him.

“Looks like you’re in need of a training partner.”

“She already has one.” someone else chimed in.

I felt Bard’s body be pulled away from mine. Turning around, I clutched onto my bleeding arm as I watched Bjorn throw Bard to the ground. Bjorn guided me away, his hand on my lower back as He scowled at the others who were watching. However, we didn’t head in the direction of our secret training spot, instead back to the village.

“Bjorn, what about training?” I asked as we walked up to my home.

“You’re hurt. We’ll do it another day unless you find someone else to do it with.” he spat.

“Bjorn-”

He interrupted me by pushing me inside, instantly heading towards where I kept any medical supplies. Without saying anything, he sat me down and started to clean my wounds. I was so baffled by his behaviour that I could not think of anything to say.

“You know I would never train with anyone else.” I said.

He didn’t reply. Bandaging up my injuries, he left all of a sudden, no goodbyes either. I scoffed out loud. Bjorn had always been stubborn and hotheaded though not like this.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A feast was being held in the great hall, however I was not there as I waited for Bjorn to arrive. We had decided to go together; it was more his idea but I didn’t mind. The feast would have started a half hour ago, now I had to turn up late. Not wanting to waste anymore time, I left my home. It was dark out, everything was more dangerous like this. This made me walk there quicker. Just as the great hall came into view, a hand clasped down onto my shoulder. I shrieked out loudly, ready to attack whoever it was.

“Sigurd! Why would you do that?!” I scolded him, a hand over my beating heart.

He chuckled.“You are never this jumpy. I am sorry for frightening you.”

“It’s alright. Shouldn’t you be inside already?”

“I was…preoccupied.” As the last word rolled off his tongue, a slave girl hurried out of the shadows, looking disheveled. Oh my.

“Right, of course you were. Well come on, I too am late.”

He walked beside me.“And why would that be?”

“Bjorn was supposed to escort me down here. It seems that he has all but forgotten me.”

“How could anyone forget you?” the doors were opened for us.“Your beauty is well known, not to mention the tales for being a strong shieldmaiden.”

I laughed awkwardly.“You are too kind. If you’ll excuse me.”

I quickly scurried away before he could take the conversation any further. When I felt a safe distance away, I grabbed a cup of mead and some food, scanning the room for any friends of mine. No one stood out to me, who knew where they could be amongst these crowds?

“(Y/N)! Come sit with us!” someone shouted out.

Turning around, I saw Asmund and Einar beckon me over to their table. I wasn’t going to find anyone else for the time being, might as well join some company. Sitting in between them, we clinked our cups before downing our drinks.

“Where do you keep disappearing off to (Y/N)? We miss seeing your face everyday.” Asmund leaned in closely.

I knew these men from raids and battles. We had saved others lives a number of times. Although they were not close friends, I considered them trusted companions.

“I have been busy.” I lied.

“You should come by more often. I know that it is not just us that would like to see you.” Einar added.

“And why is that?”

“Do not be so modest. Every man in this room wants you, they are desperate to know who holds your heart.”

I avoided eye contact.“I do not think that is true and nobody has my heart.”

Asmund poured me another drink.“I cannot believe you are not married yet. We should all be called mad men.”

Being too polite to get up and bolt away from this awful conversation, I stayed a few ore minutes, using that time to subtly look out for any friend that could come rescue me. But I found someone even better. Bjorn was stood in a corner of the room sulking. We made eye contact and I knew this was my chance. Without really explaining my sudden absence, I left Asmund and Einar, almost running to my bestest friend.

“I never thought that I would get away from them.” I grinned, standing next to Bjorn.

He didn’t say anything.

I tried to sound cheerful still.“Why did you not come get me? I was waiting for ages.”

Still nothing.

“Bjorn? Bjorn why are you acting like this? Just this morning we were gone and ever since training you have been nothing but rude to me.”

He tilted his head away from me.

“What the fuck is wrong with you? I have not done anything to hurt you nor be disrespectful which is what you’re being right now!” my voice was slightly raised though it made no difference in the hall.“We are best friends, best friends don’t treat each other this way.”

Bjorn crossed his arms, sighing dramatically. The nerve of him!

“What? Didn’t get your scheduled fucking from your little slave, is that it? You’ve built yourself and have nothing to release it to?”

I had obviously hit a nerve as he pushed himself off the wall and stormed away. I didn’t really think that my statement would affect him that much; I used to be jealous over a mere slave he used to fuck, she would steal all our time away. That was the only other time we argued, besides now of course. Frustrated with his childish antics, I rushed outside, trying to work out where he could have gone. This was going to take forever, he could be anywhere; even if I did go looking after him, I could be wandering into dawn. No, I wasn’t going to waste my time on someone who wouldn’t even tell me what was wrong. I was no longer in the mood for feasting or being surrounded by people, trudging all the way back home.

With a slumped posture, I signed as I locked the door, jumping for the second time that night when I turned to find Bjorn sitting at my table.

“I thought you would have stayed with your two new friends. Are they sharing you now?” he started.

I ignored his words.“You’re finally speaking to me?”

“So who does it work, one takes the back and the other the front? Or do they switch that around?”

“Bjorn!” I marched towards him.“I am not fucking either one of them.”

“Well if not them, how about my brother Sigurd? Or Bard?”

“I am not fucking anyone!” I shouted in his face.

“No you like to get off on the fact that every man pines after you, including me.”

I had to process this.“Wha-Bjorn, what did you just say?”

He stood up, easily towering over me.“You don’t understand do you?”

“No I don’t. Bjorn you are never like this, we are never like this! Why must we be so cruel to each other?”

Bjorn gripped onto my hands, pulling me closer.“I can’t hide it anymore.”

I waited for him to continue.

“(Y/N), we have been good friends for a number of years. But over that time I have started to care for you more deeply. I envision us being together, having a family. But when I see other men flirting with you, I know that I cannot say that I have claimed you; this makes me very angry.”

“Bjorn, why have you never told me this?”

“If you hadn’t felt the same, what would I do then?” he brushed some of my hair back.“I could not risk losing you.”

“You would have not lost me Bjorn, you would have me.”

Out eyes never left each other.“So I still have you?”

I nodded.“Of course you do. Where else am I going to find a man that has been beside me since we were children? Has fought beside me in battle? Treats me like a queen?”

“Only in me. I will never share you. You will be mine and mine alone. So you understand?”

I eargerly nodded again only to be interrupted by his lips on mine. We deeply kissed each other, hand instinctively roaming each other’s bodies. This was our chance to explore one another in a new light. My heartbeat sped up as I thought about all of this. Thinking more about it, I could never see myself with another man besides Bjorn. This was so right.

His hands slipped past my arse and down my thighs. I squealed as he lifted me into the table, roughly slamming my back onto it. He leaned over, his nose tracing my body, his breath making me shiver. My legs had a mind of their own as they spread for him.

“You have no idea how many times I have imagined taking you like this. To have you squirming beneath me as I claimed you.” He pushed up my skirts, exposing me.

“Even when fucking other women?” I breathed out as his hands slid up my thighs.

“You were the only woman I ever thought about.”

I made eye contact, smirking slightly.“Then claim me Bjorn. Let the whole world know that I am yours.”