#what the hell (tia spoke again)

[1whore1gang]

it’s the little things🤍

hey y’all! this is part 6!!

catch up HERE

sorry this took so long to get out to y’all, been working like crazy and had some writers block, BUT IM HERE TO FEED YALL

warnings: SMUT SMUT SMUT SMUT SMUT SMUT

MDNI!!!

Taglist: @gaymistakeboi@batw3nch@thedevillovesflowers@almightywdm@ghostslittlegf@sketchyfandomgirl@under-the-dirt@clear-your-mind-and-dream@darkangel4121@vreselia@llemes @stargaliz @rockcollector3000 @nottrosaxx

as always please yell at me if i forgot you!

You lay in your cot, your body aching from the long days of hard work. You had just gotten back from a shift, your phone ringing as your back hit the fabric. You had super shotty service, so a call coming throigh was a miracle.

“Hey baby, I hope you’re well.” You swiped to answer the call. It was your John.

“Hey honey, just tired as hell.” You chuckled a little as you laid on your side, placing your phone next to you.

“I know you don’t have much time to talk and need your rest but I wanted to not only hear your voice but let you know I met the babysitter today. She cleared the background check and she loves the boys.” You could hear his smile in his voice.

“That’s good.” You replied, your eyes closed as you felt your body relax to his voice.

“She’s young, 19. She’s a spritey thing, lots of energy. She’s bubbly and super great with the boys. Her name is Tia. I think she’ll be good for them, be able to keep up.” He sounded excited, and you were happy he’d found a girl you could trust to watch the boys.

“I’m glad babe, hopefully they don’t chase her away. How much is she charging? Is she staying on base?”

He chuckled, “I’m paying her so don’t you worry about the money doll, as for her, she’s staying in my room. I’m giving my room a deep clean and washing my sheets before I leave.”

“She’s sleeping in your bed?” You opened your eyes at this and propped yourself up on your elbow.

“Yeah, comfier than the couch.” He said it so casually, but it somewhat bothered you that some babysitter was sleeping in his bed before you were. Yes, you chose not to, but it still bothered you, the idea of a much younger woman sleeping in his sheets, using his room for herself. “Baby?”

His voice broke you out of your thoughts. “Yeah, but the couch isn’t too bad. I’ve been sleeping on it. I would prefer it over my current situation.” You heard John laugh a little.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be out there before you know it, I’ll make sure you stay comfy and get rested. Tia though-“ He continued to ramble on about how Tia did with the boys and what he thought of her. He spoke about how she’s coming again so he can give her a rundown on everything she’ll need to know, and make sure she doesn’t have any questions. He said he’s going to spend the day with her and the boys so she can get acquainted.

It bothered you a bit. You knew deep down it was nothing, John wouldn’t sleep with a 19 year old, nor would he cheat on you. Right?

“But, I’ll let you go my love, get some rest. I’ll see you in 4 days.” You big your goodbyes as he hung up.

You quickly fell into a deep sleep.

“Lieutenant! Get your ass up and get to your post!!” You woke up to Captain Snyder’s voice booming. “You’ve got 20 minutes until your shift, get moving.”

“Yes sir.” Your voice was hoarse as you arose from the rough cot and threw on the missing pieces of your uniform you didn’t sleep in. Your eyes were heavy as you hobbled to your post, taking the jeep to the embassy.

You noticed your soldiers were in a similar state? you were all starving and restless. Some soldiers had been sent home because of their sickness, being considered critical. You did your best not to push your squad, letting them take breaks and rest up, but more and more were falling ill, including yourself.

Unfortunately, being the leader, you weren’t allowed to go take a break or go rest up to feel healthy. You had to push through and manage, and that had caused you to become a shell of yourself. You had continued to lose weight, lose energy and motivation, even feeling i’ll yourself. You weren’t able to eat from lack of appetite, anything you ate came back up within an hour.

You felt like death, and you were scared for John to see you this way, but he was bringing backup to replace the soldiers who had been rushed to hospitals.

At night while you were watching transports, you dreamed of him getting off that plane, the way his arms would save you from the trouble you’d endured here.

The worst part of this mission though? Captain Snyders team was completely fine. They were all healthy, rested and none of them had fallen ill. They weren’t being pushed like your squad.

There was something fishy here and you couldn’t put your finger on it. You didn’t have the energy to even put thought into it.

You were so close to John’s arrival, only 36 hours until he arrived. You were on duty when you were checking someone into the embassy and you felt your field of vision turn black. You grabbed into Private Frag next to you as you felt yourself begin to collapse.

You woke up 32 hours later. Captain Snyder was in the med tent with you and the nurse. He looked pissed. “Lieutenant, nice of you to join us. What the hell were you thinking?! You have a crew to take care of!”

“I’m sorry sir, I haven’t been feeling myself lately.” Your voice came out so quietly, your voice lost somewhere.

“No excuses L.T. You’re here because I recommended you. Your commendable leadership in previous missions was what got you here. Your behavior on this mission has been unacceptable, and therefore you’ve been sentenced to 24 hour duty. You will watch the embassy starting tomorrow at noon, and finishing the following day at noon with no breaks.” You felt your breath catch, there was no way he expected you to do that in your condition. You could barely speak! Barely move!

“Sir, I don’t mean to talk back but-“

“Then don’t speak.” You felt the feeling of crying, but no tears came due to your dehydration. “You are allowed the rest of today to rest, but I want to see you well and alive tomorrow at noon at the embassy’s back entrance to begin your shift. Now, if you excuse me I have to go welcome to incoming squad and Captain Price.”

You sighed at his name, your John was here. You began to breath unevenly, emotion taking over you, but you were too tired to cry. “Sir, if I could just-“

“No Lieutenant. You will not speak any longer. You are to remain silent when I am in your presence. I do not want anymore inexcusable behavior from you and if there is, I will be forced to punish you accordingly.” He was stern as he threw his cap on and exited the tent.

You felt helpless as the nurse shushed you and began to administer more fluids into your IV and tried to give you some food.

A couple of hours later, you were up and walking. You were hardly doing it, but the nurse needed the bed for a soldier who had gotten a stomach parasite while in the desert. You were on your way back to your tent when you saw Captain Snyder.

His cocky smirk made your stomach sink. “Lieutenant! I see your back to your normal self!” He landed a hard pat to your shoulder, making you nearly topple over.

“Sir, please, I really need a couple of days to recover, I’m not well.” You looked up at him with your droopy, sunken in eyes.

He laughed. “You think I’m going to allow you that? I am your superior and you are going to listen to me. You answer to me and take orders from me. If I tell you you’re fine and to fulfill your 24 hour tomorrow, that’s what you do. Clear?”

“Captain, sir, please-“

“I said clear?!” His voice echoed as he shouted in your face, his grip tight on your upper arm.

“Sir-“

“I’m sorry.” You heard a cocky voice fill your ears. “What did you just say?” It was a voice that began to fill your soul with life.

“Captain Price.” Snyder kept his grip on you as he turned. “I was just telling my Lieutenant here-“

“Your Lieutenant?” John chuckled lowly as he slowly stepped closer, foot by foot.

“I am her Captain now, she takes her orders from me.” His grip tightened on you as he straightened himself to stand taller. You whimpered at the brusing grip of his fingers digging into your skin.

John’s laugh brought your eyes up to him. Your knees about gave out at the sight of him. He was in full uniform, his guns hanging from his hip, his boonie cap hanging low on his forehead. “Last time I checked Captain,” He spat the man’s title. “Her vest says 141, so does her file. That makes her my Lieutenant.” John cocked his head to the side as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“You are not apart of this mission Price.” Snyder kept his arm on you, almost like his bruises in your arm would claim you as his property.

“Get your hands off my officer before I lay mine on you.” John’s voice was a growl as he threatened Snyder. “Now.”

You felt the fingers dug into your arm slowly release as you wobbled, now standing on your own. You fully faced John, seeing him fully. His gaze softened at your state. “She will only ever take orders from me, her Captain. She will not take anything from your mouth. She is my Lieutenant, and will report to me and only me.” He gently grabbed you as he escorted you to your tent, leaving Captain Snyder speechless.

“Oh Y/N, my dear.” He set you on your cot, coming to sit with you, letting you lean against him. “What is happening here?”

You sniffled as you took in that homey scent of him. The sweet cologne mixed with cigar smoke. He was here, your John was here. “How’re the boys, I miss them.”

“Oh your voice-“ He began to draw circles into your back as he ran his hand through your hair, shushing you. “Don’t talk, save your energy to rest, love. I’m so sorry this is happening.”

You look up at him, staring into his eyes. “Kiss me.”

He doesn’t hesitate to follow your instructions. His lips meet yours briefly, yet the kiss was so full of love and care. “Darling…”

“John?” You said.

“Yes dear?”

“What was that out there?”

“What was what?” He cocked his head, raising his eyebrows as he stared down at you.

“Your Lieutenant?” You smirked, kissing him again.

“You are mine. That man has no right to talk to you that way. Only I can boss you around, only I can order you around. You’re mine.” His eyes darkened as he spoke, his voice a low growl.

“John?” You cooed.

“Yes Y/N?” His eyes were hooded as he looked at you.

“Make me yours.” John flinched forward to kiss you but quickly stopped. “John?”

“I don’t wanna break you. You’re so pretty and you don’t feel well.” His hand caressed your cheek.

“I don’t care, wreck me.”

John’s whole demeanor changed as he roughly captured your lips with his, his hands groping around your body, holding on tightly.

“Look at ya, all needy for me.” John’s voice ran shivers up your spine as his breath tickled against your neck.

His lips left marks all over your neck as he began to rid you of your shirt. “Lemme see ya-“

“John-“ His eyes met yours as you began to breath quicker in anticipation. He looked at you as you nodded and he quickly left you without a shirt or bra.

His hands massaged your breasts as his mouth took home on one of your nipples, sucking and playing with it. His gums of satisfaction caused sparks through your nerves. You let out a few quiet moans, and at that he made it his job to bring more out of you.

He loved that sound and wanted to drink it in, hearing it over and over. You put your hand in his hair as he continue to give your breasts attention, but you needed him elsewhere. You took his wrist in your other hand as you let it to your center. “John, please.” You begged.

His eyes were blown out as he looked up at you, practically ripping your pants off as he took his stance between your legs, his face inches from you. “You’re soaked baby.” Two of his fingers dragged through your folds. “All ready for me aren’t you?”

Those two fingers pressed inside of you, moving around, feeling the way you felt. John let out a moan at the feeling, beginning to scissor his fingers to stretch you out. “Gotta make you comfortable baby.” His fingers then pumped in and out of you slowly as his mouth latched into your clit.

You let out an unholy moan at the pressure. “John!” His name kept leaving your lips along with strings of curses.

“You gonna cum for me doll?” His voice had a hint of teasing to it, having you coming undone so quickly. “Do it, cum around my fingers, all over my mouth.”

And you did. His beard was coated with a glaze as he sat up and began to undo his belt. “Come here sweet thing.”

His thumb guided your chin as you sat up, mouth open and ready for him. “Mmm, that’s a sight.”

“I love you John.” You said with doe eyes, staring up at him from the edge of your cot.

“You’re gonna really love me in a minute baby.” He pulled his boxers down and freed his hard cock, it springing free in front of your eyes.

You stared as he pulled his pants all the way down and discarded his shirt. His cock was large, but it was beautiful. It had a vein running up the bottom of it, curving up slightly and his pink tip was shiny with precum. You licked your lips as your left hand rested on his thigh, your right wrapping around his base.

You heard his breath hitch at the contact and you looked up at him as you took him in your mouth, then locking a stripe up the bottom of his cock. “Fuck baby, yes.”

His hand came to dig into your hair to guide you along him, you sucking and pumping him to absolute ecstasy.

His groans were music to your ears. You continued to keep eye contact as he began to take control little by little. You felt his hand gently push against the back of your head as you took him deeper and deeper into your throat.

You could tell he wanted to fuck your mouth. You pulled off of him with a pop and brought his face close to yours. “John honey?”

“Yes?”

“Do it.” John let out the most gorgeous moan at your words as he stood back to his full height and tightly held your hair. He shoved his dick all the way to the back of your throat, causing a small gag to come out of you.

He was singing your praises as he stayed there. “That’s it baby, relax for me.” He spoke slowly, calmly.

Continuing to take deep breaths, your nose was buried in his hips until he moved, and he moved quickly. His pace was reckless and you could feel a bruise forming at the back of your mouth from his tip abusing it. The sounds and grunts coming out of him were dirty and it made you wet thinking about how his cock would feel inside of you.

Your hands squeezed his thighs as you felt him begin to stutter. “Fuck.”

He grabbed your shoulders as he lifted you up and bent you over the small desk in your tent, quickly shoving himself deep in your pussy. “So fucking tight, mm.”

He paused for a second, breathing through teeth. “Fuck baby, relax a little.”

His thumb rubbed your lower back as he felt you become more comfortable with his size. He bummed as he began to move, slow at first.

He grunted as his arms crossed, hands grabbing your hips to reinforce himself as his hips began to quickly snap against your ass. You were a moaning mess as his balls stimulated your clit. “Fuck! Yes!”

“Who do you belong to?” He said it between grunts and the question caused you to moan in response. “Who’s. Are. You.”

“Yours! I’m all yours John!!” You we’re shouting, the pleasure he was giving you was out of this world.

You felt the coil in your stomach tightening as he continued to plow into you. “Fuck, I’m gonna cum.” You said, your legs beginning to shake.

“Cum for me darling.” A couple more thrusts and you were a mess under him, your hips were beginning to ache and your legs were jelly.

“I’m close.” He growled lowly, grunts pouring from his mouth as his hips moved sloppily. “In or out?”

You couldn’t even respond as he continued to wreck your insides. “Baby, I need to know.”

“In.”

John released as soon as the word left your mouth, filling you up. His pulled his cock out and quickly shoved two fingers in you, keeping his cum from leaking out. “Look at how pretty you look all fucked out.”

“John…” Your voice made him switch immediately, removing his fingers and swooping you up in his arms as he put you on your cot.

“I’ll be right back, I promise.” John kissed your forehead, leaving the tent.

You laid in the afterglow waiting for him to return, and when he did you began to tear up. He walked in with your favorite pajama pants and one of his hoodies and a towel.

He was dressed in his pajamas as well. He cleaned you up, helping you into the clothes he brought you. “I couldn’t come see my girl and not bring her something from home when I leave.”

He laid down behind you, your back against his chest as he pulled your hair into two braids, out of your face. “I really do love you John.”

“I love you too, and don’t let Snyder get to you. I will take care of it okay? You will be here resting as long as you need before you’re healthy again. I won’t let him mistreat you anymore. You’re my girl.”

You turned to look up at him as he planted a long kiss on your lips. “I won’t let anyone hurt you ever again.”

You kissed him again before settling in against his chest. “Thank you…”

“Always my love.”

[savvythepirate]

Depths of hell

Pairing: Hector Barbossa x reader

Warnings: None

Requested by: @personlovinganime

***

“Over my dead body!” You protest.

“(Y/n), you know that this is something I need to do, I can’t take you with me, it’s too dangerous.”

Barbossa was trying to negotiate with you on staying behind for the sake of your safety.

Being the stubborn gal you were, you proceed to protest as if you didn’t hear what he just said. To make it easier for others to understand, there was no way in hell you were going to allow Barbossa for leaving you behind. You may be Tia Dalma’s adoptive daughter, but that doesn’t scare Barbossa in the slightest. It was during the curse of the Black Pearl Barbossa started having visions of you. He had never seen you before, nor had he ever experienced such visions. Barbossa didn’t know if you other than the fact his gut instinct was revealing you as his soulmate. The minute Barbossa saw you for the first time in person, he was taken back by surprise the fact you were sailing with Jack Sparrow and his crew. If he pushed that thought aside, he would be more taken back by your beauty, inside and out.

The moment you turn to look at him, that was all it took to see some kind of chemistry between you both was for the chemistry to start making itself known. Upon seeing each other, Barbossa couldn’t help but wonder what your hands in his would feel like if he took your hand, but because of the curse, touching you would get you killed and there was no way around it. Or so you thought. Barbossa kept his own distance to keep it from happening. As the battle had come on, you were in shock as you watched Jack becoming Barbossa’s killer to save Elizabeth for the second time.

It was a horrible scene to witness, so much so that you went back to your adoptive mother, Tia Dalma and remained there for a period of time, looking to get away for a while. After what you had witnessed to what should’ve been the final phase for Barbossa’s death, you’ve come to the fact that he’s more than likely dead, not having any chance on surviving after being killed that night. You let yourself in upon your arrival of your home in which you lived with your adoptive mother, Tia Dalma. The minute you step inside, you were greeted by something unusual, what seemed to be a dead man laying on a spare bed as if he’s in a casket. Not a very warm welcome, it was more disturbing to you until you recognized him as Barbossa.

The one that’s supposedly dead. During this little timeline, you’ve come to accept the fact he was truly gone and that denying it wasn’t an option to take time and grieve. This is where the chemistry settled in, so all you could really do now was stare, expecting for him to wake up any time now at any given moment. You got lost in a trance that you don’t hear someone else walk in, greeting you, a greeting that had you nearly jumping out of your skin, but once you see who it was, you were able to catch your breath.

“I pulled him from the depths of hell, he will wake up soon, at any moment.”

“What’s going on here?”

“I saved him from death.”

“Why? What for?”

“For you, my sweet.”

You don’t say another word as you could hardly believe it. As you were about to speak, Tia spoke again.

“He’s about to wake up and when he does, he will need someone that will provide the best care, just until this man is stable enough to leave.”

Not long after, you move over to his side and remain there to wait for him to wake up.

When Barbossa wakes, you’re the first he sees and that gave him a bit of peace because he does in fact, remember you. What you don’t expect was for him to say your name, which slightly startled you as it was out of the blue.

“(Y/n)?”

You than tend to him without hesitation, before he begins asking you some of the same questions that you might have in that moment.

“What happened? Where am I?”

“You’re home with me, and I’m here to take care of you.” You explain.

Following along that response, you continue to fill him in on everything that happened that had led you to what you thought was his death. Mentioning to him that the curse was broken and over.

Prior to that, that’s how you’re finding yourself in that situation. Barbossa made a quick recovery and the minute he has the all clear to head back out, he is was wanting for you to stay behind, but with the promise he would come back and pick you up later.

You disagreed and you weren’t having it.

“No way, I’m not letting you leave me until later! I’m coming with you now, Barbossa and there’s nothing you can say or do about it, to prevent that from happening!”

Barbossa sighed in defeat.

“Fine, you can come with me. But don’t blame me if something bad happens and you’re stuck with me in it.”

“Deal.”

Now that you could agree on.

Even with the thought this could be putting your life on the line, you weren’t going to let anything or anyone stop you or stand in your way. This was a new adventure, a new chapter in your life and you couldn’t wait.

Adventure calls for you and the man you’re meant to be with.

It couldn’t get any better than this.

***

@savvythepirate

Requests: OPEN

Tags: @royisrandom @always-on-hiatus @imalittleoutthere @princessofthornsandroses @justafairytailofinnocence @friendlynova @marsswann

Characters:

• Jack Sparrow

• Davy Jones

• Hector Barbossa

• Will Turner

[disasterbuck]

You Should’ve Just Kissed Me

Set after the Poker Date Night, Buck overhears Eddie talking about being set up on a date and wonders aloud why Eddie doesn't just explain that he's already in a relationship - with Buck. | 2,345 words | Read on AO3

Climbing the steps to the station's loft, Buck made his way over to the table where his teammates were sitting and talking together. Choosing a seat beside Eddie, he sat down just as the man was saying something about his Tia Pepa.

"So now I have this girl's number and if I don't call, there's going to be hell to pay," Eddie said with a sigh.

"What's going on?" Buck asked, grabbing some food for himself.

"Eddie's been set up," Chimney explained. "Blind date."

Choking slightly on the mouthful he'd just tried to swallow, Buck coughed and then turned to face Eddie with a frown.

"You what?"

"Tia Pepa just won't take no for an answer," Eddie explained, shaking his head and stabbing at his own food with a fork.

"Uh... have you tried explaining to her that you're already in a relationship?" Buck asked. "With me?"

Eddie's eyes snapped up to meet his as everyone around the table suddenly fell silent.

"I'm... what?" Eddie asked, giving a half-hearted chuckle as his eyebrows pinched together.

Glancing around at all the eyes fixed on them, Buck felt a nervous shiver run down his spine.

"Dating me?" Buck said, but the words came out like a question. Eddie was staring at him like he'd just announced a desire to quit being a firefighter and get a desk job somewhere.

"We're not dating," Eddie said.

It took a moment for the words to make sense. Of course they were dating! Eddie had asked him out to the poker game and they'd worn their fancy suits and giggled the whole way home! Why was he-

"Oh," Buck said suddenly, eyes widening. He leaned closer and lowered his voice, asking, "Was I not supposed to say anything? Did you want this to be a secret?"

"There's no secret!" Eddie exclaimed, looking around nervously at the faces still staring at them. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Of course he shouldn't have said anything. Eddie either wasn't ready to come out or didn't want people knowing that they were an item until they were sure it was going to last. Buck should have thought before he spoke, but like usual he'd let his mouth run away with him and now Eddie was extremely uncomfortable and he'd possibly ruined everything.

"I'm sorry," Buck said, pushing back from the table and abandoning his food. He was so ashamed he couldn't bear to be here for a moment longer. "I, uh... I made a mistake."

Trying to flash a reassuring smile at everyone, he quickly headed back down the stairs to try and find something to distract him.

Behind him, he heard voices:

"Eddie?" It was Hen. "You know, none of us would have a problem with it if-"

"We're not dating!" Eddie snapped, and Buck felt the shame strangling his neck and spreading up his face. "I don't know what he's talking about!"

*

Buck had restocked all the trucks by the time Eddie found him. The task had done a shit job of distracting him and he'd been going over everything again and again in his head, wondering what he should have done differently and if there was a way to salvage the situation.

He'd also been surprised by how much it hurt to hear Eddie vehemently deny dating him. Was Eddie ashamed of him? Did he think their date had been a mistake that shouldn't be repeated? They hadn't really talked about it since it happened...

"Hey," Eddie said softly, leaning against the side of the truck as Buck closed the doors and had nothing left to distract himself with.

"Hey." Buck fixed his eyes on a spot somewhere on Eddie's chest so he could avoid looking in the man's eyes.

"Are you okay?" Eddie asked.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Buck asked with a fake laugh, crossing his arms and looking away at the other side of the room.

Shifting on his feet, Eddie inched a bit closer to Buck before asking, "Why did you say we were dating? Was it just... I mean, were you offering to lie to help me get out of the blind date?"

Buck looked over at him sharply, eyebrows drawn together in a confused frown. Before giving any kind of response, he looked around the room to see if there was anyone near enough to overhear their conversation. Once establishing that they were quite alone, he fixed his gaze back on Eddie and his frown morphed into a bit of a glare.

"You know no one can hear us, right?" he asked.

Eddie blinked at him.

"Like, sure," Buck continued. "If you don't want anyone to know yet, that's fine. But you don't have to be quite so rude about it."

Eddie's lips parted slightly in a way Buck was sure meant he was confused. But what the hell did he have to be confused about?

"Buck," Eddie said slowly, cautiously. "You actually think we're dating?"

Buck felt his blood go cold as the words reached his ears and settled on his chest like a heavy weight.

Eddie was being serious. Eddie was asking him if he really thought they were dating, which meant that Eddie didn't think they were dating. Which meant...

Buck had made the wrong assumption.

"Oh," he whispered, staring in horror as Eddie's confused expression became filled with pity. "Oh my god, okay. I made a mistake. That's... I'm so sorry."

Almost tripping over his feet as he began to back up, Buck looked around in search of something, anything that could get him away from Eddie right now. Could he just run? Would Eddie let him go? He knew they'd have to have a conversation about it at some point, but the thought made him want to shrivel up and die.

He couldn't believe he'd thought the poker game was a date. Of course it wasn't! Eddie wouldn't take him on a date somewhere with other firefighters! He was way too private for that. And Eddie had never even said it was a date, so why the hell had Buck assumed?

"Buck-" Eddie began, but Buck pulled away from his outstretched arm.

He had to get out of here. He was about to have a meltdown and he did not want to do that in front of his best friend.

His best friend, who he'd thought might feel something for him, but who clearly didn't. Fuck he was such an idiot!

"Buck, wait," Eddie called out, and Buck realised he was already halfway across the room. He wasn't even aware of his legs moving.

The door to the bunk room appeared ahead of him and he hurried towards it, shoving it open with his hands when he reached it and almost collapsing inside.

For a brief moment he thought he was safe. But – damn it! – Eddie followed him.

"Buck, stop," Eddie snapped, slamming the door behind him and then just standing there, staring at him.

Buck was trapped. He had nowhere else to go.

"It was the poker night, right?" Eddie asked gently as Buck swivelled uncertainly on the spot. "You thought it was a date?"

"Is there anything I can say to convince you to forget about this?" Buck asked desperately.

"No," Eddie said, and Buck sighed hopelessly. "You need to know something about that night."

"I get it, okay?" Buck said. "It wasn't a date. I messed up–"

"I wanted it to be," Eddie burst out quickly, interrupting Buck's tirade. "I... wished it was. The whole night."

Buck fell silent, feeling a bit whiplashed with everything that was going on. He watched anxiously as Eddie took a step towards him, the man's dark eyes looking extremely serious.

"That whole night," Eddie continued. "I was thinking about kissing you. I kept telling myself to just do it, to just risk it. But I... I couldn't. Not without knowing for sure how you felt. Without knowing if you wanted me, too."

Buck continued to stare as Eddie slowly came closer and closer towards him. He felt as though the cogs of his brain had ground to a halt, leaving him unable to think or move or speak or do anything.

"But... you do, don't you?" Eddie asked cautiously, his feet bringing him right up into Buck's personal space. "Why else would you think we were dating unless that's what you wanted?"

Eddie's gaze dropped to Buck's lips and Buck gulped nervously. Despite thinking he and Eddie had been dating for the past few days, he still found it extremely overwhelming to have the man standing so close and staring at his mouth.

"Buck?" Eddie prompted, reaching a hand up to gently rest against the side of his face. "I need you to tell me what you want."

Slowly, as if in response to the heat from Eddie's hand, the cogs in Buck's brain began to turn again.

"I want you," he said.

No sooner had the words left his lips than Eddie closed the distance between them, kissing Buck with a passionate abandon that left him breathless. Buck responded instantly, his hands coming up to seize Eddie's shoulders.

Buck felt like his body was on fire and Eddie was make of sparks; like he was being flooded with so much electricity that it was short-circuiting all of his nerves. He clung desperately to Eddie, giving over control of the kiss as the other man devoured his mouth.

Then, without warning, Buck burst out laughing and made their mouths break apart.

"What?" Eddie asked as he pulled back slightly, a smile on his face. "What is it?"

"Sorry – " Buck gasped out, feeling tears prick his eyes as the hysterical laughter tore through him. He buried his face in Eddie's shoulder as his body shook and he gasped past giggles. "I'm sorry, I don't – "

Unable to get the words out, Buck gave up and just tried to ride the wave. A moment later, he heard Eddie snort a laugh as well and suddenly the two of them were giggling uncontrollably and had to sit on one of the bunks lest they fall to the floor.

A few minutes passed, their laughter gradually petering out until they were able to get ahold of themselves again.

Buck sat up straight, his hands still twisted tightly in Eddie's shirt, and looked into the man's gorgeous brown eyes. Eddie was looking back at him with such a fond smile on his face that it made him blush and duck his head a bit.

"Am I that bad at kissing?" Eddie joked.

"No!" Buck cried out, thumping him on the shoulder.

Eddie let out a soft, much more controlled chuckle than before and slid a hand behind Buck's head, drawing him close so that their foreheads were touching. They sat like that for a moment, breathing quietly with their eyes shut as they simply soaked in each other's presence.

Neither of them were sure who made the first move after that, but they found themselves kissing again. This time it was a lot less frenzied as they each took their time, licking and tasting and caressing the other's mouth. Buck slid his hands across Eddie's chest and sighed happily when Eddie's arms tightened around him.

When they finally drew apart again, licking the excess saliva off their lips, they met each other's gaze and smiled warmly.

"So," Buck said softly.

"So," Eddie echoed.

"You should've just kissed me," Buck said. "When you took me home that night."

The corners of Eddie's mouth drew up in a wider smile and he squeezed one of Buck's hands tightly.

"I will next time," he promised.

Buck felt a shiver of excitement run down his spine at the words. He and Eddie were going to go on another date – a proper date – and they would both be on the same page this time. Buck could kiss Eddie whenever he wanted.

As if to prove his own point, Buck leaned forward and pressed a chaste kiss to Eddie's mouth.

"Buck," Eddie whispered, fingers tight where they gripped his. "I'm in love with you."

Buck felt as though fireworks had suddenly been set off inside his chest. He didn't think he'd ever felt so happy in his entire life, and he instantly felt tears well up in his eyes again. He tried to fight them back and he tried to speak, feeling like a complete mess.

"Oh my – You really – Eddie, I – Oh my g– You – I love – Fuck! – I love you too!"

Eddie was grinning like an idiot as a sob wrenched itself out of Buck's chest. The other man gently untangled a hand so that he could reach up and wipe a tear away with his thumb, making Buck's chest ache even more from the tender act.

"Move in with me," Eddie murmured, the words low and almost hesitant.

Buck open his mouth to say yes but only managed a quiet sob. He opted instead for nodding his head fiercely, then grabbed Eddie's head in his hands and kissed him again.

"Buck? Are you in – Ohhhhhh my god I'm so sorry."

Buck pulled back from Eddie and glanced over to see Hen hurriedly backing out and shutting the door again. He huffed a laugh and then looked over at Eddie, his chest squeezing painfully as he started to panic.

"Sorry," he said quickly. "Do you want me to … ?"

"Hey." Eddie took his head gently in both hands and stared directly into Buck's eyes. "I am not ashamed of you. I love you. I denied it before because I didn't know you thought it had been a date. But I absolutely, unequivocally want everyone to know that we're together now."

Feeling giddy, Buck said, "I am so in love with you."

"Likewise," Eddie said with a grin.

When they eventually left the bunk room and made their way back up to the loft, they were met with cheering and wolf whistles from the rest of their teammates. And although they both blushed, neither of them let go of the other one's hand.

[personalswtorheadcanons]

The Day We Meet Again: Part 2

A while later, the cantina door opened to reveal two zabraks, a man and a woman. Oro'a visibly stiffened in her seat, even if she couldn't see she would have known who they were, the force radiated off them in such a way that she could practically feel it scraping at her spine. At best she could describe it as a green ichorous chill that traveled through her body, it was then clear as day, the siblings she had never known about. The man had orange skin and black slave tattoos, along with the brands that would signify his owners scarred onto his face and throat. The woman next to him also had similar scarring on her throat to signify her owners. 

“Jeez…Looks like they were slaves too..” Teeubo murmured, causing Oro'a to glare at the smuggler. 

“Stay away or I will kill you.” She hissed before taking in a breath and standing up to walk over to the pair. 

“It is going to be fine, Tia.” The man said to the woman.

“Your platitudes are going to embarrass us both.” She snipped back.

As Oro’a approached the two of them bowed, in moments like this, far on the edge of the galaxy Oro’a often found herself forgetting her station and time as a member of the dark council. The reality could be somewhat crushing, not to mention awkward when it is your own supposed siblings respecting it.

“Darth Nox.” The woman greeted with a respectful bow of her head, elbowing her brother to do the same. 

“We are here to beg an audience with you.” said Daku. 

“This had better be worth my time.” Oro’a said sardonically, crossing her arms in front of her chest. 

“Of course it is, sister.” Daku said with a smile.

“Daku, if you get us killed over this…” Tia sneered. 

“No killing!” Selene yelled out from the far side of the bar where she was serving Dedalera and Kokassa. 

“If I’m not allowed to kill, it would appear my only option is to grant your request for an audience, we shall head to the table with the most pretzels.” Oro'a said as she turned to walk to an empty table. Once the three of them sat down, Oro'a reclined back in her seat and crossed her legs as Daku sat relaxed and Tiandara looked stiff. 

“Just how did you two find out where I was?” Oro'a asked. “Rishi is meant for one to get away from the wider galaxy, not ridiculous family reunions.” 

“I believe it was the twi’lek agent who found all of us and got us to rendezvous on the planet while she located the cantina.” Daku replied. “It took our sister here a bit more convincing than it did me.”

“And I'm still not sure why we are doing this.” Tia said, crossing her arms. 

“I hope it's not to ask a favor of me.” Oro’a said, raising an eyebrow.

“No, by the spirits!” Daku said, exasperated. “I just wanted to see us all here again. The fact we have all made it this far is nothing short of a miracle. We shouldn't take it for granted that we can still be part of each other's lives. What the hell is wrong with you two!?”

“Spirits?” Oro’a asked

“That's right, you two were just infants...” Daku said with a sigh. “If we can for one minute pretend to all be siblings, maybe I can fill you in on exactly why I cared so much about all this.”

“I feel like I'm going to need a drink if I am going to hear all this again. He already spoke of it on the ship.” Tia grumbled.

Oro'a smirked at her newly learned sister and chuckled. “Maybe you are my sister, I was thinking the exact same thing. Selene! A glass of my Zakuulian wine!” 

“You have legs, woman!” Selene yelled from the back. “I'm busy! I've got a business to run!”

Oro'a sighed in annoyance, rolling her eyes as she used the force to levitate the wine bottle and glasses from the bar to their table. 

“Well,” Daku started to speak as Oro'a poured the wine, still using the force. “I am the eldest of us three, while you and Tia are twins. We were born on Dathomir. While we may only be half-siblings, I still take my role as your elder brother seriously. The Sith…they took me with you two because they couldn't be bothered to carry two babies. That's when I realized I had to protect you both… ” 

“You didn't do a great job.” Oro'a sneered, taking a long sip of her wine.

“I kept you both alive!” Daku said indignantly. “But I was sold to my owner before you two were old enough to truly remember me.” 

“While I appreciate the sacrifice, it doesn't make up for what I had to go through.” Tiandara said with a slight scowl. “My owners weren't exactly kind.”

“Try being stuck in the slave pits.” Oro'a said, curling her lip in disdain at the memories returning to her. “But I survived, and so did you two as well. Darths, if I heard properly?”

“Yes, I ended up as an apprentice of Darth Krovos after my master grew bored of me.” Daku answered.

“And my master was Darth Vowrawn, he took me as an apprentice when I grew old enough.” Tiandara replied. 

“I have heard of them. Both are in Acina's inner circle.” Oro’a stated “How did you manage to break your chains?”

“It wasn't easy. I was trained on Ziost by Krovos, and she was obsessed with the Anzati, one of the first allies of the Sith.” Daku explained before he took a drink of his wine, emptying half of the glass. “She's very…strict. To say the least.”

“Early in my training, she sent me to Korriban to track down an ancient Anzati sith’s tomb. When I arrived, I found the Anzai in some form of hibernation. She tried to force his secrets out of him and use them to make herself strong… But the attempt scarred her mind. After that, I found myself seeking the blood of ancient sith lords from the Anzati’s time to incorporate into myself, to boost my strength. I saw the lack of peace in the galaxy, and when you see it up close you realize you have to let your passion, what you love, guide you. I earned the trust of the descendents of the sith lords, they gave me their blood and I became strong. A little kindness went a long way, I have apprentices, love and a seat as governor of Krayiss II. My title is Darth Occlus.”

“Sounds like you had it easy” Tia stated. “Not me, Vowrawn was a real bastard, but he knows what's good in life, and taught me the most important thing was to enjoy it all. The man watches Sith power plays for fun, reveled in seeing Baras fall to his former apprentice and Thanaton fall to you.” She said with a nod towards Oro’a. “I gained my power by seeking out Sith artifacts and absorbing their power. Much like you with your ghosts.”

“Find anything interesting?” Oro’a asked “Anything I would have to kill you over?”

“It's all on a public record, sister. I have made a fortune selling from the hordes of ancient sith lords.” Tiandara said before she took a long, slow, sip of her wine. “There is one artifact in particular that could catch your interest. Too bad he’s mine. What I originally thought just to be a gold statue ended up being a Maelibus.”

“I suppose we’ll be needing more wine. We’re going to be here a while.” Oro’a said, floating two more bottles over to the table.

[gumnut-logic]

Dear Mr Tracy (Part 5, Bit 1)

Sweetapple | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 - Bit 1, Bit 2, Bit 3 | Part 5 - Bit 1

@flyboytracy​​​​​​, @amistrio​​​​​​ and @onereyofstarlight​​​​​​​  you asked for it, so you get to suffer more :D Apparently for a long time, cos this is taking me a long time :D

Many thanks to @onereyofstarlight​ @greywake​ and @gaviiadastra​ plus anyone else I attacked with this story recently. I’ve been having fights with my muse. RL keeps messing with it. But today I finally got some words down enough to post :D

I hope you enjoy it :D

-o-o-o-

O’Malley’s was in Whitianga. About five hundred kilometres north-west of the Māhia testing facility. Obviously, the Tracy family jumped distances at a whim and the handful of moments it took the great Thunderbird to reach their destination only highlighted why.

As for Whitianga itself, Alex had been there before. Well, not to O’Malley’s but through the small town. It was a beach holiday destination and on one of Alex’s many excursions around the North Island, he had stopped there for lunch at least once.

This meal was not even on the same scale.

Thunderbird Two landed on the outskirts on what seemed to be an empty paddock, but since the giant craft was then lowered into an underground hangar and hidden away, the paddock proved to be much more than a farmer’s field.

Alex thought many thoughts, but said nothing.

Gordon seemed to have adopted him for the evening and rattled on about keeping the Thunderbirds secure and Scott loved O’Malley’s so much the local council had complained each time he dumped One on the beach…or in other places - Shut up, Gordon!

In any case, since O’Malley’s was their go to for celebration and commiseration, they had purchased a chunk of land out back to stash their ‘birds.

Alex was left wondering how the rest of the world hadn’t clued onto this yet.

Both Gordon and Virgil disappeared for a moment or two before returning dressed in casual pants and shirts.

Alex was reminded of the PA who had given him coffee on that fateful day. As if he could read his mind, Virgil stepped up to him and smiled, lighting up those tired eyes. “Congratulations, Alex.” It was said with far more warmth than earlier and it settled an unrealised knot in Alex’s shoulders.

“Thank you, Virgil.”

That smile curled just a little bit more.

Something warmed deep in Alex’s belly and he flushed.

“C’mon, guys, I’m hungry.” Alan was edging towards what was obviously the exit.

He didn’t have to say it twice as the family moved as one towards the doors. Tia and Alex shared a glance and followed.

-o-o-o-

O’Malley’s was an old Irish pub. Or at least it had been at some point. Somewhere through the years, it had added a little more grill to the menu than was traditional, plus pizza.

Alan spent a whole five minutes extolling their pizza’s virtues while the elder Tracys spoke with management.

Once their party had been moved to a private room at the back of the restaurant, not without a few eyes staring at them, Alex was pretty sure Alan would have pizza.

He ordered a burger.

Which left Alex wondering whether all that pizza talk was just propaganda.

The Tracys appeared to know the owners and there were smiles and appreciation all around. The head cook even came in and gave Mr Tracy the hard eye. Sharp words asked what he had done with his Thunderbird this time. She still hadn’t forgiven him for what he did to her azaleas.

The moment Virgil put up his hand and claimed he had been the driver, the cook let out a sigh of relief and only glared at Scott one more time.

Mr Jeff Tracy sat in one corner, apparently caught between amusement and horror.

Gordon had ushered Alex to a spot between himself and Virgil on the large round table. Virgil glanced up, smiled, and then frowned at Gordon.

Again, Alex had the impression something was being said without words that he could not decipher.

Maybe the Tracys were secretly telepaths.

It would explain a hell of a lot.

Drinks were ordered and Alex retreated to the mainstay of lemon lime and bitters. He wasn’t a huge fan of alcohol as it slowed his brain down and that was not a good thing.

Coffee did the opposite, so it was an obvious choice in most instances.

Most of the Tracys ordered some form of either springwater or sparkling water, except for Alan who got himself a fizzy and Gordon who ordered two separate soft drinks then combined them into what he called a ‘squid-tingler’.

The fact the whole exercise was ignored by the rest of the family was proof enough that this wasn’t unusual.

“So, Alex, what part of this beautiful planet do you hail from?” Gordon grinned at him and slurped his drink.

“Uh, Aotearoa.”

“Which bit?”

“Napier.”

“You’re not from Auckland?”

“Uh, no.”

“Parents, siblings?”

“Yes.”

Gordon eyed him. “Kayo, the subject is being reluctant.”

Kayo didn’t answer, too busy eyeing the menu.

“Gordon, leave him alone.” Virgil didn’t bother to look up from the menu either.

“I’m just starting conversation.”

Alex arched an eyebrow and deadpanned. “‘Nobody expects the Spanish inquisition.’”

That earned him every eye in the room.

“What?” Had he put his foot in it?

Gordon’s face broke into an even bigger grin. “Perfect.”

Alex blushed, he couldn’t help it.

But Virgil was frowning at him. “Alex, how much sun did you get today?”

Oh, great, his hero thought he had gone crazy. “Uh, a bit.”

“Virg, don’t get out the pen light.” Gordon groaned.

“He’s not wearing his uniform, G-“ Alan’s eyes widened. “Never mind.”

Because yes, Virgil had a pen light in his hand. “Hold still.”

“What?”

Mr Tracy was frowning as well. “Do as he says, Alex.”

Okay, Mr Tracy say, Alex do. He held still.

But Virgil didn’t flash it in his eyes, Alex just had the experience of Virgil Tracy frowning, staring at his cheek and muttering about the lack of light in the room.

The light flashed away. “How are you feeling?”

Alex shrugged. “Fine.” Except for his heartbeat which was nearing critical levels. Virgil’s aftershave wafted across his nose and he considered dying on the spot.

Yet again.

“You have some sunburn.”

Oh god.

The immediate image of a red-faced self on a previous idiot expedition came to mind.

“I have some analgesic cream on Two.” Virgil Tracy moved to stand up.

“Oh, god, no, sit down.” Alex suddenly realised he had his hand on Virgil’s arm. He let go of the man. “I’m fine. Can’t even feel it yet. Sit down. Eat dinner.”

Then he realised he was telling a Tracy what to do.

Screw it. “I’m okay, Virgil. Please, we’re here to celebrate.”

Virgil was staring at him, mid-launch-to-the-rescue. His eyes darted over to Mr Tracy and yet again, something was said without words.

Damnit, bloody telepaths.

But Virgil sat back down. “You tell me if you feel unwell.” He might as well have had an admonishing finger waving at Alex.

“I will. I’m fine. Nothing to worry about.” Except that Alex was likely the perfect model for a redhead matches advertisement. At the first chance he was sneaking away to the bathroom to check out the damage.

But in the meantime…dinner.

With the Tracy family.

Whose patriarch was staring at him from across the table, grey eyes assessing.

Yeah.

This was definitely the Spanish Inquisition.

-o-o-o-

Next

[writer1queenjaysblog]

Part 2!

The next day as Bella woke up going into the kitchen hoping to beat her family to breakfast and go to work early.

As she ate her food and left she quietly and quickly left the house. She thought things would be easy until "Morning Bella!" Said Camilo she groaned "Hi Milo."

"So where are you headed?" "To work. " "I'll join you. " "No..no there's no need." "Yes there is mama said I had to watch you to keep you safe if not she'll flood the village like she did when you where 16."

Bella left the house and never told anyone thus having Pepa flood the village 😑.

The teenage boy influenced her to sneak away that's when all hell broke loose and she never snuck out again.

"Ok ok you can come." "Great also Tia Julieta packed some of her healing meals ."

Disappointed that she couldn't use her beautiful long hair she spoke "I was actually going to use my hair milo. " He looked at her with a stern look "No don't ever use your hair on anyone else in the village..ever!"

"Ok ok jeez I'm just kidding Camilo! " She wasn't but she knew that was better then arguing with Camilo and the others.

"Ok good girl. " He pet her head as they went to work.

Lunch time

Bella walked to the stairs hoping not to see her family until Agustin saw her "Mija how was your day?" "Oh great papa." He looked at her hair as if he was examining it like he always does.

"I didn't use it papa." "She didn't use it tio." Said Camilo "Good must make sure that you are safe." He hugged her tight before walking into the kitchen.

"Antonio your shift! " Said Camilo as he went to shower as his brother walked down the stairs smiling "So..what do you want to do?"

"Nothing but rest." He shook his head as he took her to his room with his pet cheeta "Long day huh?" "Yup. " "Camilo watched you again huh?" "Yes and yes boy this family is a piece of work!" She said stuffing her face in a pillow.

"Look at this way everyone here loves you. "

"Yes I know tonio I know maybe that's the problem they love me too much."

"Lunch is ready guys!" Said mirabel

As everyone ate Bella wondered how would it be if she healed someone with her hair? Again like she use to? "Uh..we did well with the food today mama." "Oh great job mija and Camilo told me all about it I'm so proud of you! "

Oh how she wished she could be like other girls in the village..free.

Dolores saw She wasn't eating her favorite food. "Sis are you ok? You haven't touched your favorite food?" Everyone turned to see that she hasn't taken the first bite which worried them especially Julieta she got up to check her fevor.

"Oh dear are you sick?" "No mom I'm fine." "Are you sure?" "...well no actually. " Isabella got up "Who's Messing with you again I'll finish them!" "What no?! It's no one It's just that I wonder why I don't use my gift? "

"You did use your gift today you painted that beautiful picture on the wall near the river, a couple of houses-" "No Camilo I'm talking about my hair!"

She said frustrated everyone looked at her then at Mirabel "Bella you know what abuela said about using your hair-" she said calm but Bella as had enough

"No! No I don't know Mira why don't you tell me?!" "Bella-!" "No Julieta this is crazy!"

"Bella!" "Bella do not speak to your mother that way!" Said Agustin as she got up from the table "I don't know what crazy secrets your hiding but I'm so done I'm leaving!"

"No you can't! " Said Pepa thundering in fear "Why?! I'm old enough to take care of myself now! "

The cracks in the wall showed up as she walked up the stairs as Bruno was getting scared "No no no mija you..you must stay here!"

"Why tio Bruno? " "because you have to..you- before he could say anything Pepa covered his mouth "shush mama said to not speak about this and we keep our word." She whispered to her brother "I'm leaving. " I'm sorry you can't escape us my dear. " Camilo charged at her pinning her to the ground "Hold still sis."

Julieta pulled out a needle "What is that?!"

She scramed "Something that'll help you forget this..f o r e v e r." She said sticking her in her arm "Soon everything will be the way it should be."

Cliffhanger!

[kardions]

Bolt (ffxiv write 2022: day 2)

cw/spoiler warnings: characters involved in the reaper & sage questlines are mentioned and/or present. there are 2 character deaths, both of which are described, though not graphically. however, the description may still be uncomfortable for some readers.

Elliot bolted. 

Carnage left in his wake.

Though not created by him.

This is the story of how Elliot met Xavery. 

Elliot Barton-Tia, better known as Subject 0912 to his Sharlayan scientists, was sitting at his assigned table at his assigned time. He was stolen from his home 5 years prior by Guildivain, a Sharlayan scientist hell-bent on weeding out disabilities. The concrete room had several, small windows aggressively out of reach, metal tables with metal benches attached and a faint whirring sound that never ceased. Elliot sat on one said bench, his rear instantly feeling the cold of the metal through his hospital pants; part of his assigned garb. He placed his plastic cafeteria tray down on the table. The tray was adorned with a paper plate of mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, an orange and a box of apple juice. Once seated, the young Miqo’te man sighed. 

“Hey, Elli–Oh Nine One Two!,” a young female voice called out.

The voice belonged to his friend Amelia, a late-20-something Viera woman with green hair, currently pulled back into a ponytail. Her overall grace, as well as red eyes, were her most obvious and defining features aside from her picturesque smile… and the 2-year-old Viera child hanging in a holster on her front. An almost-30 Viera man with shaggy wine red hair followed close behind.

“Up and at ‘em, again?,” he asked, though with a forced smile. His already-toned biceps tightened in tandem with the corners of his mouth; his inverted triangle birthmark crinkled under his left eye. Kaden, though good-natured and pure of heart, was always the type to jump into action. 

“Mhmm.” Elliot knew the question was codified: what he really meant to ask was “What new tests have they conducted on you?” He waited for the pair to sit and blend in with the hundreds of other test subjects also attending their lab-assigned lunch breaks. Once safe, he quickly glanced around the room, then began a series of subtle hand gestures. Elliot rested his left arm on the cold, metal table, skin almost freezing on contact. His right index finger gently tapped his left bicep as he spoke.

“Oh, y’know, just getting stronger. They say I’m doing better than expected.”

The Miqo’te never broke eye contact with the pair as they, and their offspring, ate their mashed potatoes. Amelia and Kaden nodded in sync, smiles plastered to their faces, understanding Elliot’s code; he was telling them “More beastblood injections. However, I’m not succumbing to the injections like most others. They’re going to run more tests.”

“Ooh, interesting!,” Amelia perked up. “What about,” her right index finger touched her right temple, her head now resting on it, “Oh Six Six Six?”. 

The head dude, Guildivain? Ha, he’s still examining my brain and not finding anything new, Elliot thought. Biting his tongue, he responded, “Headstrong… Head very strong.” His whole body ached as he began picking at his food, desperately needing nourishment. The Head is very strong. There’s gotta be a way out of here. It’s been 5 fucking years.

“Hey, uh… speaking of which,” he gestured to his right ear while eyeing Kaden’s right. “New jewelry? What, ya getting ready for a night on the town or something?,” he joked. 

“Heh, I was hoping you wouldn’t notice, actually,” Kaden chuckled. 

“You know I, of all people, would. I’m,” he rubbed an eye to signal “always looking out for you”, “your friend, Kay,” he whispered.

The Viera man smiled. “I know, Ell,” Kaden whispered before continuing at a normal volume, “Thanks for that. But, yeah. They’ve been awesome about accommodating me. Can you believe that I was the lucky winner of the gift of hearing?”

His sarcasm, while appreciated, cut into Elliot and wedged deeper as he spoke. His friend’s pain was his pain. The Miqo’te knew that when Kaden said “lucky winner” he truly meant it; everyone else was likely thrown to slaughter for being disabled. His friend being present meant that he was temporarily given a free pass to live… and be tested on.

The harnessed child let out a small cry. “Oh, sweetie! Here ya go,” Amelia and Kaden said in sync. They giggled before Kaden allowed Amelia to feed the child lab-assigned formula. 

“Have you named the little troublemaker yet? It’s been almost two years,” Elliot asked. 

“Of course! He’s Oh Six One Two, silly,” Amelia said through a strained smile. She would love to share the name she and Kaden crafted in secret, but was worried word would spread to the Head—Guildivain. 

“Ha, right,” Elliot gently hit the butt of his palm against his forehead, “sorry about that! Minor lapse.”

“No worries, friend! However,” her voice grew quiet and grave as she leaned forward slightly. She placed an index finger between her eyebrows before continuing, “they’re still young. Maybe one day red will come more easily to them than me. He thinks colours are a novel prospect right now.” 

Code for “my dyslexia is still present but they need me as a control. They also haven’t been able to test on the kid yet since he’s still young,” thought Elliot. “For sure! Right, little dude?” 

The child simply stared at the Miqo’te man and laughed. 

“I think he likes you,” chuckled Kaden. He was slightly more at ease now, staring at his child in admiration. He sighed. Being stolen from your home was bad enough, but the pair was also forced to procreate. Guildivain saw the pair as an easy way to create a child to test the passing of disabilities–Amelia was dyslexic and Kaden was deaf in his right ear. 

“Ya like me, kid? Really? That makes one of us,” Elliot said wryly. The small rabbit-eared child with green hair and inverted triangle birthmark simply laughed again. “Spitting image of their parents. Sorry this is what you were born into. Hopefully you’ll be out soon and be able to forget about all of this.” A sigh left Elliot’s chest, deflating his body. 

Amelia giggled. “Would you like to be their godparent? Should anything happen to us, you could take care of them!,” she exclaimed before whispering, “They can take my life, but not his.”

Elliot’s face contorted from concern, to shock and finally to acceptance. “Of course, friend. You okay, with this, Oh Eight Oh Two?,” he asked Kaden. 

“If Oh Eight Oh Five is okay with it, then I’m okay with it.” He smiled at his significant other before turning back to Elliot. “We trust you.”

“And I trust you. Hey, when this is all ov—”

RIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGGGG!!!!!

Elliot’s proposition was cut short by the sound of sirens blaring, alarms ringing and guards shouting. 

“Amelia, Kaden! This way!,” Elliot shouted. He had prepared several escape routes should they be blessed with an opportunity for escape. “Whoever pulled that alarm—thank you. You’ve saved all of our lives. Please get out safely.”

The trio, with the child in tow, bolted through the throngs of people—a mass exodus. Elliot and Kaden sandwiched Amelia, protecting the offspring harnessed on her front, as they pushed through bodies barreling towards them. A light was seen at the end of the  hallway—Freedom. Once all comrades were accounted for, the rabbit-eared offspring was transferred from mother to father. Kaden then began squatting, preparing for Amelia to ride on his back. 

“No, you both need your rest,” Elliot said, assuming Kaden’s position, “and what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t look out for you two?”

The pair turned to each other and nodded. Amelia immediately piggybacked Elliot. It was mid-afternoon; the group set forth as quickly as possible for the nearest settlement. 

They traversed through the immediate sparse forest before nightfall, stowing away on a ship destined for Eorzea. For the next couple of weeks, all able bodies worked to move forward, gather, hunt—survive. They focussed on feeding the child, some nights starving themselves due to lack of food. Soon enough, they reached Gridanian soil. 

Kaden panted. “It’s warm. It’s safe. Thank Twelve.”

Amelia was holding the child in her arms and poked their nose. “Their name is Xavery.”

Kaden turned to her, surprised. “Yeah. That still works. I like it and I think you like it, too, little dude.” He joined in on tickling and gently poking the child. The couple gazed into each other’s eyes and giggled. 

“Y’know… I’m grateful to have you two here with me. Even though you’re in your soiled hospital garb and look like death, you’re still full of love. Thank you,” Elliot said softly. 

They turned to the Miqo’te. Amelia responded, “And we feel the same way about you, Elliot. There’s nobody else we’d want to be Xavery’s godfa—”

“AMELIA, DUCK!,” Elliot shouted. 

A black mass of fabric, blood and claws lunged for the group… 

No. nO. NO. THIS ISN’T HAPPENING. 

Elliot’s warnings were too late. A man clad in what appeared to be a black robe made of skin, a pale visage, red eyes and a scythe began gnawing on Amelia. His scythe was cupped under Kaden’s neck, holding him in place

“T–take them. Their name,” choked Amelia as she slid the baby toward Elliot, “is Xavery. Remember him.” Her eyes rolled back into her head and a tear rolled down her left cheek. She left the world with a smile on her face. 

“We—ugh—love them. Ta–ke—guh—care, Elliot,” managed Kaden. His head was separated from his body before Elliot’s eyes. 

He grabbed the child, shaking and barely able to move. The man stared down Elliot. 

“I’m Orcus. Don’t you dare forget it,” the creature taunted. 

Elliot bolted. 

Carnage left in his wake.

Though not created by him.

“It’s okay, Xavery. I’m here. We’ll be safe together. I love you.”

[thesparrowspearl]

Chapter II of “Return to the Sea”

** Chapter I is pinned on my profile

The unknown speck gradually moved closer into view. It wasn't a shark, and it definitely wasn't a helicopter. 

It was the worst out of all options; the Interceptor. 

Laila's face turned pale and eyes widened in shock. Did I manifest this or am I psychic? Tia Dalma might have competition. She knew those sails anywhere. Her heart skipped a beat and sweat began pouring down her forehead. Her oldest cousin, Ethan, diverted her worry temporarily.

"You were both wrong, punks. It's a ship."

The bickering between May and Cameron was reignited, and so Laila was free to reexplore her thoughts. What the hell is about to happen? How do they know I'm here?? Is the Pearl okay? She paused for a second before whispering to herself, "Is Jack okay?"

Laila jumped as her uncle snuck up behind her. He seemed confused since he wasn't intending on spooking her. He took one look at her eyes and he knew something was wrong.

"Why are you paranoid?" Laila could spot a tint of concern in his voice.

"Don't worry about me, everything's okay." She tried to fake her best smile in hopes it would work. Because in all honesty, what was she gonna tell him? I'm a criminal and currently most wanted in England, proud of me?  I thought not.

"Your face tells another story. You've been jittery ever since we got on here, even more so once we spotted a ship." Laila turned her head back towards the sea so that the Interceptor was in view.

Shit. The Interceptor is headed in our direction. If I tell him, he a) won't believe me or b) will think I snuck into the wine cellar...again. But I'm running out of time. I need to decide. 

Now.

After a moment of silence, Laila finally turned back to him and spoke up. "Fine. I'm going to summarize this very quickly, and before you ask, no I'm not drunk." That statement made him raise an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

She took a deep breath. "I'm a pirate. A bloody scallywag. And that ship you see over there? That belongs to the British navy, it's called the Interceptor. I have no idea how they found me here. My best guess is they gave a pardon to a witch in return for a locator spell. That bit's irrelevant , but-"

He raised his hand to stop her from continuing. "Wait wait wait. Is this one of your dumb pranks? Because your acting seems too real and your story seems too fake."

Laila was half-expecting him to not take her seriously, so she wasn't that offended. "No, it's not a prank. I'll explain later, but I need all of you to go into hiding. Like now." Her expression suddenly turned more serious.

"Wait no I'm so lost right now. Wha-"

This time, Laila raised her hand to stop him.

"Stop. Get away from the deck. Get inside and spread the word. Savvy?"

He finally read the room, even if he didn't know the full story. Leo turned to look at her again, a grim expression painted on his face, and said "I'm staying with you. If anyone comes for you they have to go through me."

Touched by the sentiment, she paused for a second before responding. "Thanks, but I don't want you to put yourself in danger because of me. I'll handle it. You need to head inside though."

Laila kinda wished she didn't isolate herself completely. She wasn't afraid of the navy, she feared what would happen when she became tired. She's one person, and there's probably like half a regiment on that ship.

Leo nodded at her and turned to head inside, but he stopped after a few steps. "Laila - do you know that ship, too?"

At the mention of another ship, she snapped out of her thoughts right away. "Where?"

"There, on the other side." He pointed to the left side of the cruise.

Laila walked over to the other side to get a better look. Black sails, black hull....Black Pearl? A glimmer of hope sparkled in her eyes as she realized that she won't be alone for long.

She turned back to her uncle and to where the Interceptor was floating. "I do. Good news, they're here to help me out! Go and stay off the deck, the Brits should be here in like ten minutes. I’ll be fine” She enthusiastically informed him of the good news; this is the most relaxed she's felt since she step foot on the cruise.

He gave her a subtle smile and wished her luck. Only Laila remained on the deck now.

[sparkbeast20]

Sibling Rivalry

This Part 2 of You have brothers? an Self-indulging fic.

Summary: The seven brothers was given the task to welcome Tia's brothers. Little did they expect that they aren't to keen to be send to hell or meeting the demons who took their sister.

Warning: Someone pulling out a knife and gun, Chocking, Death threats, Holy water works on demons, Mention/implied sexual content, and A lot of Swearing

"Wh-Where am I!" She trembles and stutters, as she looks around the room. and see several men looking at her "I-I was just walking to my next class... and-and..." The young lady started to tear up.

"Welcome to Devildom, Tia." Diavolo, who sat as the chief judge, spoke.

Her eyes widened when she heard the word devil. As Diavolo spoke she looked around and sensed the demonic around her. Then she thought to herself that she might jump to conclusion again. And might misheard.

When suddenly she heard Diavolo mention about demons, "Ex-Excuse me. Can you repeat what you just said..."

"Of course, I am the ruler of all demons, and all here know me. And someday soon, I will be crowned King of devildom"

"Demons! No, don't tell me I died and end up in hell! But I haven't done anything that-that-" She begins to panic, tears fall from her eyes.

As the man in a red uniform tries to come to the girl.

Lucifer sighs while pinching the bridge of his nose. As Asmo giggly beside him. "She is adorable, I can smell the innocents coming off of her." He licks his lips. "I can wait to eat her up"

"Does she have a snack on her?" Beel's stomach begins to growl.

"Will you two behave?" Lucifer glared at Asmo and Beel.

"It seems that we have ourselves a Catholic." Satan spoke as he closed his book "Do warn her about you and me, Lucifer. I don't want another mistaken identity incident"

"Yes, of course. I don't want you to end up killing another human because they think that you and I are one demon" Lucifer said sarcastically with a smirk on his face, which earned a growl from Satan.

Then Lucifer got up from his seat and began to walk over to Diavolo and the human with Diavolo managed to calm the young lady.

"When-when can I go home?" she spoke as she sniffled and wiped the tears, then she saw shadow approaching her. She looks up to see Lucifer.

"I will explain everything to you"

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

Lucifer reminisces the first day he and Tia met, how she was so scared. The way she trembles at the mention that she was technically in hell.

He would be lying, that whole encounter didn't bring enjoyment. Seeing a human scared and confused about what is going on, does bring him such joy within him.

So now Lucifer imagined how her brothers would react, as he sat in the same place but now with all of his brothers in the council room.

While Simeon, Solomon and Luke distract Tia. Diavolo wanted to surprise her by bringing her brothers here in devildom.

While he prepared the preparation in the castle, with Barbatos. Leaving Lucifer and the brothers to welcome Tia's brothers.

"You bet that their handsome? If Tia is cute and adorable, then her brothers must be handsome" Asmo purrs in exactement. "Lucifer you said that we're share bedroom while they stay here"

"What! nobody told me that I have to share my room with a normie!" Levi sat up straight, looking over to Lucifer.

"How many brothers does Tia have?" Beel asks while munching on an energy bar.

"She has four, she is the youngest with a three year gap" Lucifer answered.

"Oh~ Older brothers?" Asmo claps his hands together.

"So... Who's rooms are they staying in-" Suddenly a portal appears above and the sound of two male screaming is caught, all of them look up to see four men falling out of the portal and landing on the floor.

Both Lucifer and Satan's eyes widen when they spot one of them wearing priest garb.

While Mammon and Levi saw one of them hugging a shotgun.

At this point, they all know that this isn't going to go the same way when Tia arrives.

"Ugh... Why did I sink into the floor?" The man with black hair with blue patches mixes in groans while rubbing his head.

"Oscar, are you okay?" The man with the blue hair spoke as he got up back on his feet.

"Yeah, I was just saying goodbye to father Marc when I felt something dragging-"

"To Hell" the first man got up and dusted himself off then turned towards the blue hair man, "and also I'm fine Luis. Thanks for asking." He said it sarcastically.

"No Fucking way! Don't tell me that Diavolo just teleports us just like that!" The man with black hair with the shotgun jumped up and landed on his feet, then fixed the gun on his body with its sling on his shoulder and on his back.

Then the blue-haired man named Luis looks around and lands his sight on the seven brothers seated in their thrones. "Vin, Oscar" The two men, the one with the gun and the priest, turn their heads towards Luis, and he points with his lips at the brothers.

"SHIT!" Vin quickly drew the gun out and pointed at Satan. "Don't Fucking move if you know what's good for ya!" He cock the shotgun.

"Vin pick that damn thing away!" Lucifer and Satan are surprised to hear a priest cursing. Vin huffs and pouts then puts the gun away then looks over to the brothers his eyes narrow with a hand under his chin as Oscar sighs and turns his back to the brothers. "Sorry for my brother here. I mean his reaction is understandable. Just pointing a gun to people is a bit much-"

"Which one of you fucked me baby sister!" Vin cuts Oscar off, saying it nonchalantly, making Mammon and Levi gasp.

"VINCENT!!!!" All three of the men in the middle of the yell. With one of them.

"What!?! You're all thinking about it! And besides, if one of them is the prince of lust, a topic like this isn't-Guh!" Carlos quickly wrapped his hands around Vin's neck and proceeded to strangle him.

"Keep your filthy mouth shut!" Carlos said it through his teeth.

"G'ah! Carlos, get off!" As Vin pry Carlos off of him.

Both Luis and Oscar stare at the brothers, with the form finally spoken. "So which one of you is the demon who sent the letter?"

"You mean Lord Diavolo?" Beel asks, as he looks at Luis.

Before Luis can say anything, Asmo jumps out of his seat and immediately wraps his arms around Luis.

"Ah! you're simply gorgeous! Why hasn't Tia mentioned you- AHH!" like Lightning, Luis got out of Asmo's hug and quickly went behind him putting him on a chokehold.

"Oscar, the rosary!" The man in question pulls out of his sleeve and tosses it to Luis, he catches it and quickly wraps it around Asmo's neck tight, but not enough to choke him. Asmo yelped when he felt his neck slowly heating up.

Mammon, Levi, Satan and Beel immediately jump out of their seats and charge towards the two, only to be stopped when Vin and Carlos block their way with Vin pulling out his shotgun and Carlos with a pistol that he had on hand. The two point the gun towards the charging demons. "Nah-ah! come any closer and I'll make sure to blast you fucking heads clean off!"

"ENOUGH!" Lucifer stood and cast a spell to pull both guns towards him before making them disappear right in front of the two men.

"HEY! Asshole, cheap shot using your demonic powers!" Vin yells at Lucifer with his fist in the air, making angry gestures.

"Oi! he ain't the one how pull out a gun and threaten to shot our fucking brains out" Mammon interjects.

"Why you-"

"Vin that's enough" All of them didn't notice Oscar had made a circle of salt for them, with Asmo still being subdued by the rosary by Luis. "Luis it's okay let go of the pervert."

"Excuse ME! Who are you calling a Pervert!" Luis tosses Asmo forward through the open gap of the circle. Beel and Levi caught Asmo.

Then Oscar finishes the circle of salt, enclosing him and his brothers. Making a wall between them and the seven demons.

Luis composed himself and pulled the nearest chair to him and sat wide spread his elbows on his knees, while he rested his chin on his intertwined fingers with a stoic look on his face.

Oscar stood near the edge of the circle with his hands behind his back. Vin pulls a knife from the scabbard on his waist, then flop on his ass, lean back on one arm, while the other with the knife rests on his knee. And Carlos leans on the back of the chair that Luis is seated facing completely away from the brothers with his arms crossed.

Luis, Oscar, and Vin stare down Lucifer who joins his brothers down on the ground, Mammon, Satan, and Belphie.

Levi, Asmo and Beel, darted their eyes between the two groups, as awkward silence filled the room.

Then Luis breathed in then breathed out "Now that we got a moment to calm ourselves, I want to keep some ground rules. First, don't ever fucking "Hug" me. Got it Strawberry!" He glares at Asmo, who just hiss at him. "Second, No magic or weapons"

"Luis!"

"I said NO Weapons, now put yours away Vin" Vin grants before returning his knife to the scabbard. "Okay, now I'll be saying this once. My brothers and I will be taking Tia back home to the surface-"

"Oi who said that you're taking my human!"

"EXCUSE ME! The fuck you call me sister, Loud ASS" Vin pushes him self on the floor and march over to the edge "MY SISTER IS NOT YOUR HUMAN"

"She is my human! After all we have a pact"

"A pact you say..." Oscar walks over close to the edge and look Mammon in the eye. "May I ask who you might be?" He asks calmly with a smile on his face, with Satan staring at Oscar and knowing his smile is fake.

Mammon smirks as he puffs his chest and places a hand on it proudly.

"Is The Great Mammon! The avatar of Greed-"

"That's good enough for me" Oscar quickly reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small bottle, pop the cap and splash Mammon with some sort of water in his hand and chest.

"G'AAAAAHHH It burns!!!!!" Mammon quickly stumble back, as Oscar start laughing gleefully

"Well good because there's that where it come from!" He tosses the bottle to Vin who catches it and readying himself to splash the rest of them. While Oscar reaches out and grabs his garb opening up to reveal his bare chest with three crucifixes, a dagger, rosary and pistol strap on him. "This isn't my first time dealing with a demon. But facing one of the princes of hell? If it means to save my baby sister from damnation. I'll gladly exorcise you demons from her '' He grabs one of the crucifixes from his body, pulling it apart to reveal a hidden dagger.

"Oh boy~ This is going to be exciting. I like when you lose control like this Oscar." Vin laughs as he pulls out his knife.

"Lucifer! This is insane!" Levi turns to the eldest with a panicked look on his face.

"Ah? So you must be Satanas himself" Luis looks at Lucifer, with a stir look on his face. Satan's eyes widen then his face shifted into a rage fuel one

"DO YOU FUCKING CALL LUCIFER BY MY NAME!" Satan shifts into his demon form as he growls and ready to pounce on them; he doesn't care if he gets hurt by the salt circle. He's going to rip that human apart.

"Hm? Aren't Lucifer and Satan the same demon?"

"THAT'S IT YOUR DEAD!" Satan was about to pounce when Lucifer and Belphie stopped him.

"Satan no! You can't kill his Tia's brother" Belphie tried to talk Satan down and failed at it.

"I DON'T FUCKING CARE-" The door open. all of them look over to the door.

"What's going- It-It can't be" Tia drops her hand from the door knob and slowly walks in with Luke, Simeon and Solomon behind her with a mixture of stunned, surprise and confusion as to what they are walking into. While Tia starts to get teary eyes. She must be hallucinating, she can't be seeing her brothers here in Devildom. And yet one of them calls out to her.

"Bubwit..." Vin drops his knife before running toward Tia.

"KUYA VINNY!!!" She ran with her arms wide. Then once she got close to Vin, she leaped and he caught her in his arms and wrapped them around her hugging her tightly "This can't be happening! You're here!"

"Yeah I'm here and so as- Shit!" Vin just realized that he was outside of the circle. Before she can say anything, Vin quickly picks her up. Carry her, run back to the circle. "There we're safe here in the circle." He placed her on Luis's lap.

"Safe?" She tilted her head in confusion. She look around her surrounding and see Oscar without his garb up "Wait Oscar why do you look like that you are about to kill someone?"

"I am! I'm going to kill the demon that has a pact with you!" Oscar points the crucifix dagger at Mammon, who growls in return.

"What! No!" She jumped off Luis' lap and made a dash to Mammon, using herself to get between her brother and Mammon. "Please do kill him, he might be a pain in the butt-"

"HEY!"

"But he isn't going to take my soul." Luis raises his brow to what she said, with Carlos shocked, and Oscar dumbfounded.

"Bubwit! Its a "DEMONIC PACT" not a small subscription of the fucking WIFI! Your soul belongs to him!" Simeon quickly took Luke out of the room with Solomon observing the whole thing.

"You are mistaken, she belongs to me" Lucifer places his glove hand on her shoulder and pulls her closer to him. "She might have a pact with my brothers and I. But she agreed to be mine."

"YOU DID WHAT!"

Tia pouts, and takes Lucifer's hand off of her. "He's joking... for the most part." She steps away from Lucifer and walks over to her brothers "Kuyas, Meet the seven lords of Devildom" she gestures to the seven brothers, with most of their faces stoic, scowl, and fuming. Beel blissfully waves at her brothers. Then she turns around to face the seven demons "And guys, meet my brothers" She didn't see Vin flipping them off, with Oscar making a slicing motion with the dagger on his neck, Carlos looking at them with a judgmental look, and Luis still have a stoic expression on his face.

At that moment, Diavolo and Barbatos walk in the room. And stop to see the scene right in front of them.

"Well, we miss quiet a welcome"

Note:

Translation for some Tagalog/Filipino words

Kuya = Brother

Bubwit = Mouse

If there’s grammar or spelling error, please let me know and don’t be shy to leave a comment or rebloging with cute tags. I just love to see you guys thoughts on this :3

[hasquetzorkukudoneanythingwrong]

Codex Familia: The Backrooms

Ed and Mari found themselves brought to a clearing in the jungle thanks to their Tia, Xolotl.

"So.... why exactly did you want to bring us here, Tia?" Mari had asked of Xolotl. Her patience running somewhat thin already.

Ed was also curious, and felt a bit awkward in the clearing. "I'm surprised Máma y Pápa were fine with you bringing us here."

"Well you two, I actually have a very important lesson to teach ya's!" Xolotl spoke up while sounding a bit excited.

That got the kids' attention. Both of them widened their eyes when they heard her say that. "What exactly would that be, Tia?" Ed asked her.

"Well I need you two to first, take my hands and relax as much as possible. Then I'll be able to show ya!" She told the kids. She took both of their hands in her's.

"OK then.... kinda vague instructions" Mari said, very confused as to what her Tia was saying. "Is there not more...?"

"No, trust me. That's all you'll need." Xolotl assured the two of them.

Ed then pointed out, "that's not actually... teaching us anything, y'know?"

Xolotl seemed to go silent for a while before eventually speaking up. "Ah yeah.... I guess that'd just be me doing it actually...." Xolotl said, while looking a bit down before getting her spirits back up with "So lemme actually teach you how to do it! But you'll still need to relax. But also I need you two to visualize a place you want to go to. Anywhere would work."

"Alrighty then.... I guess that makes sense..." Maria said while doing just that, with her brother Ed doing the same.

Suddenly the three of them were no longer in the jungle clearing, but in what looked to be a tunnel. The long dark tunnel was made entirely out of stone, with tiles making up the entirety of it. The tiles were entirely black, with neon colored figures on every one of them. They were also huge, bigger then most people were.

The two kids looked on very bewildered at the place they found themselves at. "Tia... where the hell are we?!" Mari had asked.

"This niños, is what we call 'miquitzyoktli' the death tunnel!" Xolotl said with enthusiastic energy in her words.

The two looked on at the tunnel they were in. "What exactly.... is this place....?" Ed had asked her.

Xolotl bent sideways with a "great question!" Before straightening out again "I use this place to travel to the dead so I can take their soul to their appropriate destination!" She then starting to walk down said tunnels, occasionally running her finger against the walls.

Maria was mostly focused on the various figures on the walls. They were all familiar to her. Ed was mostly focused on Xolotl's words.

"Time doesn't flow at all here, which is how I can get to all the dead so quickly! That and plenty of practice!" Xolotl remarks to the kids.

The three continued forward going... somewhere... "Are you the only one who uses these?" Ed asked Xolotl. While also taking a look at the figures on the walls.

Xolotl looked back at them a little "the only consistent user, others can use them too but I'm the most frequent user!" Before she stopped at a tile with her on it, or at least her Canine form glowing a Neon purple.

The two study it for a bit, before Maria notices something else on the tile. "Is that.... máma?!" She asks while pointing at a carved serpent behind the canine, absent of any neon glow.

"That's right! That is Quetzal! This showed up after I brought her through here to get to Xibalba." Xolotl told thw twins.

While she didn't mention before now that this place can also access the underworld, it made perfect sense. This was somehow a two-way tunnel.

Mari looked on at other figures on the tiles. Other then Xolotl, she saw Camazotz, the bat god, Xook, the shark god, and even the likes of Tlaloc and Mictlantecuhtli. Among many others.

"But at the moment, I cannot take anyone to anywhere. Since.... the heavens and underworld are closed off and all...." Xolotl continued on. "That's actually why I decided to show you two now! Since there's no risk of you two ending up somewhere you shouldn't be!"

"Then... if we can't use it for it's main purpose... what can we use it for?" Ed questioned his Tia. "Seems kinda.... pointless...?"

Xolotl then took her nephew by the cheeks. "Oh child, you seem to lack imagination!" Before letting go "You can use this place to go everywhere and anywhere! Or you can even get away from any threats! So long as said threats don't also know how to access this place."

"Speaking of..." Mari brought up. "How do we get anywhere here? I haven't seen any exits just yet.... just all the tiles... have we not walked enough yet?" She said, with impatience back in her voice.

Xolotl put a finger to her chin before speaking back up to her niece. "I think we've walked long enough! But allow me to explain. We just need to walk some time while we're in here, before thinking of our destination once again!" She says, while placing her hands on one of the tiles. "Then just push, and out you'll go!"

The two decided to test this out. After thinking of their destination, they went up to a tile and pushed.

Then the group found themselves back home. "Huh..... I guess you were right, Tia" Ed stated.

Xolotl seemed to end up landing on the living room couch. "And now you can go anywhere instantly!" She said while getting back up on her feet!

"Damn... gracias Tia... that's actually very useful!" Mari said.

"No problem! Just don't overuse it! I'm not sure how your mother will feel if you take advantage of it too much!" Xolotl finished.

A/N: so there's a "quick" lil story for a new ability Mari and Ed have now! Hope it was interesting for everyone!

Now time for tags!

@hasbbdoneanythingwrong @writer-and-artist27 @hasspartacusdoneanythingwrong @exmeowstic @chaldeamage-neo @hasnightingaledoneanythingwrong @starry-sky-imaginarium

[phantom-of-the-keurig]

idk why u act like being a brown person frustrated that some media that im a fan of implied that having lighter skin is superior is me walking around angry all the time. u minimizing the feelings of poc just shows how privileged u are to not constantly be assaulted by the message of how we're inferior for our race. youre insensitive, entitled, and just an unsympathetic person towards issues of race when it involves things u like. why do u not care about poc? 🤔 or do u just care when it doesnt inconvenience u

Ooo, my first angry anon in this fandom. How nice. I’m going to try and go through this line by line so I don’t miss anything, stick with me.

idk why u act like being a brown person frustrated that some media that im a fan of implied that having lighter skin is superior is me walking around angry all the time.

Sorry, but I don’t recall saying that? From day one I have agreed the whitewashing of the bad batch isn’t cool, and it should be heavily criticized for how it stomps on POC representation within Star Wars. I did say, however, that people trying to make Galaxy Brain takes about the bad batch (ex. This show is bad because it tweaked how one specific scene in a comic went down, or this show is terrible because it makes the chipped clones seem like droids) is stupid and people should calm down a little bit. I also said that it’s okay to enjoy something while also pointing out its valid flaws, and you don’t need to strain yourself trying to reach for any petty criticism you can find when there are actual legit, real flaws we can talk about. Trying to make everything an issue takes away from the real issues (like whitewashing) and shifts the focuses from what we should be discussing / criticizing.

u minimizing the feelings of poc just shows how privileged u are to not constantly be assaulted by the message of how we're inferior for our race.

I’m trying to figure out how to answer this one without giving too much away about myself and typing too much out. I guess I’ll put it like this; please do not assume that I do not know what it is like to have my race thrown in my face and been made to feel inferior. I am indeed privileged over the rest of my family in that I’m white passing, but at the end of the day I am mixed race. I know, shocking, right?

My Mother is Mexican, her first language is Spanish, and her parents (my grandparents) were migrant workers that traveled up and down the west coast picking crops and doing labor jobs. I spoke Spanish growing up, and i used to be brown as hell when I was younger. Oh, and my first name? Yeah it ain’t white sounding at all, its Spanish as hell and I’ve never in my life met another person with my name.

With this in mind, you think when i moved to the Bible Belt as a kid I didn’t have that shit thrown in my face? You think I didn’t constantly have other kids, and their parents, make comments about my name, or ask if my Mom could speak English? You think I didn’t have to hear the teacher mumble about “that dirty beaner” under her breath? I’m super pale now because I never freaking go outside for one reason or another (depression, its hot and humid here in cornfield hell, etc.) and haven’t for over a decade but I still get shit about my name constantly. My Mom, sister, and brother are all a hell of a lot darker than me, in fact I look like the adopted white kid when I’m around them, but my mom and i sure as shit still get followed around by loss prevention when we go shopping.

Just last year I had a lawyer keep getting more and more aggressive as he demanded to know if my grandparents needed a translator, and he refused to believe me when i told him no, they could speak English just fine. Hell, there’s a client at work that only refers to me as “that little Spanish girl” and if that isn’t a little slap in the face idk what is.

So yeah my dude, I’m white passing and there is without a doubt a level of privilege that goes with that, but please do not assume to know my life, my experiences, or the experiences of my family.

youre insensitive, entitled, and just an unsympathetic person towards issues of race when it involves things u like

Now I don’t know about that friend, that’s assuming quite a lot about me? Especially when I am 100% firmly of the mindset that whitewashing and overall POC representation in Star Wars is a major problem. This is an absolutely valid criticism of Star Wars and should continue to be discussed until the creators start making an effort.

why do u not care about poc?

Again, a pretty bold assumption and one I really don’t appreciate. But I guess I’ll go let my Mom and Grandma know I no longer care about them. May as well call all my Tias and Tios and tell them to fuck off too, since tumblr said I don’t care about POC. (This is sarcasm, by the way. Just wanted to make that clear.)

or do u just care when it doesnt inconvenience u

No, I’d say I care all the time actually. Especially when they inconvenience me, because if I’m bothered by something I can’t imagine how hard it is for someone it has a real impact on.

Anyway to sum this all up, I find people getting up in arms about stupid stuff (minor changes in canon, crosshair’s chip working, etc.) is ridiculous. However, I do think it is absolutely okay to call out media for its legit flaws (whitewashing, POC representation) while still enjoying the good parts.

[ruzek-halstead]

all i want for christmas is you 🎄

part one

pairing: luke patterson x julie molina

when julie finds herself in a situation where she needs luke to come home with her to celebrate christmas with her family, he is more than happy to oblige. too bad julie's already in love with him, and not sure when she stopped pretending.

holiday university au

series masterlist || masterlist || ao3

ps. i'm sorry but not sorry for choosing the cheesiest title ever for this fic

🎄

"I need you." Luke choked on his iced coffee. He had just walked into Julie's dorm room, iced coffees in hand when she nearly attacked him in the doorway. "What?" With a small smirk, she backed up, pulling him inside and closing her door. "I need you. I need your help, actually." Luke furrowed his eyebrows, but pounced onto her bed anyway like he usually did. He reached out to hand her the iced coffee. Julie met Luke on her first day of university. She was struggling to find her classroom to Composition 101, when she ran smack into a hard body. The hard body happened to be Luke and he also happened to be carrying an iced coffee. It got all over the two of them, and instead of yelling at him or apologizing, she started crying. He was more freaked out than anyone she had ever seen in her life, and to comfort her, he awkwardly patted her arm and dug out a packet of tissues from his backpack. When she calmed down and realized what happened, she nearly died of mortification. But then she stopped crying and Luke's eyes softened; he asked her what was wrong and once she started talking, she couldn't stop. It just so happened that Luke was also in Composition 101 and the classroom was just to their right. She was mortified, but he was cute and understanding, and they've been inseparable ever since. Sure, maybe at one point she thought something more would happen between them. But school kept them busy, and their friendship came first; so, she never made a move, and neither did he. Instead, they continued to hang out (they ended up having more classes together since they were both in the music program) and once Julie met his friends, and they met her best friend Flynn, the five of them became inseparable. Julie discovered Luke and his friends were in a band; they were trying to build a following and since Flynn was amazing with public relations and social media, she took over as their part-time manager. And Julie started writing songs with the band and she occasionally joined them on stage. They were all thinking it; that Julie should join the band, but it was a big step and no one wanted to bring it up first. "What do you need me for?" Luke asked. If he weren't so focused on his iced coffee (it was so delicious), he would have noticed she was pacing the small floor of her dorm and chewing nervously on her fingernails. When she didn't immediately reply, he looked up. "Jules, talk to me. What's up?" She stopped her pacing and moved to stand in front of him. He was gazing at her with soft brown eyes and she just wanted to melt because of how utterly adorable he looked. "I did a thing," she admitted, but didn't elaborate any further. "I do a lot of things every day, Jules. You'll need to give me a bit more than that," he replied with a smirk. Julie still appeared uneasy so Luke reached out and tapped her fingers with his in a comforting gesture. "Come on. Did you kill someone? Are we getting rid of a body? I don't care what it is, but you'll have to tell me if I'm going to become an accessory." His goal was to elicit some type of reaction and he was graced with a small smile. "My Tia has been on my back about not having a boyfriend for a while now, so a while back I told her I had a boyfriend because it's not like she would ever meet him and I could just say we broke up or something," she gushed out in one large breath. Luke blinked, hiding a smirk so she didn't slap him and crawl back into her shell. "But the entire family is getting together for Christmas and she just assumed I was bringing my boyfriend and then when I tried to explain, she mentioned you by name and I just kind of blanked and basically, my whole family thinks you're my boyfriend and you're coming to spend Christmas with me." Julie expected him to look surprised, or even angry, but definitely horrified. So, she was shocked when he merely took another sip of his iced coffee and smiled at her. "Cool. When do we leave?" "Wait — what?" "I'm assuming we're leaving after exams, right?" He continued on speaking as if she wasn't gaping in his direction. He proceeded to pull out his phone from his front pocket and open his calendar. "My last exam is on the 22nd. Does that work for you?" Julie blinked. What the hell was happening? "But — aren't you — Luke, did you hear what I said?" He looked up at her with teasing eyes. "Yeah, Jules, I did. What about it?" "And you're okay with that?" Luke shrugged. "Well, let's weigh it out. Pros: I get to eat delicious food, hang out with my best friend and avoid the Patterson household. Cons: I can't really think of any, can you?" "Well — I — God, I am so confused right now." "Don't sweat it, Jules," Luke smiled charmingly and if Julie wasn't at a loss for words already, she definitely was now. "I'm excited. Plus, you know I love spending time with you," he added in a flirty tone. One problem with Luke? He was unbelievably flirtatious. Julie doesn't even think he's aware; it's mostly because he's incredibly kind and such a people's person, that his friendly approach comes off flirty. And it normally would be fine. Except he's basically the man of her dreams, and even when he merely smiled at her, her brain short-circuited. So, handling his flirty behaviour when it's directed at her? Honestly, she feels like she needs a crash cart with her at all times. "But like, they think we're dating, Luke," she clarified because she honestly didn't think he understood what he was getting himself into. She loved her family with all her heart, but they could be incredibly invasive and nosy. It's why she loved them, but also why she despised bringing anyone around. “You’re going to have to act as if you like me.” His smirk returned; he seemed to be enjoying this way too much. “I do like you, Jules.” She ignored the butterflies battling to the death under her ribcage. “Don’t be cute,” she admonished with a huff, “You’ll have to act like you’re in love with me.” “Okay,” he shrugged. Sometimes he was the most carefree, loveable dumbass in the world and it infuriated her to no end. “That doesn’t sound that hard. What’s not to love?” Julie was starting to get flustered and he was seemingly going along with everything she said, so she didn’t see much of a point to this conversation anymore. “Okay,” she agreed, nodding. “Then we’ll leave the day after exams. We’ll probably need to set some rules or something, but we have time for that. Deal?” She held out her hand in between them. Luke glanced at it and then back at her with an amused smile on his lips. He waited a moment before grasping her hand in his, chuckling. “Yeah, deal.” When he let go of her hand, he proceeded to flop back on her bed, while she headed straight for the iced coffee she hadn’t gotten a chance to drink yet. “Hey, Luke?” She called out and he hummed in response. “Thank you for this. It means a lot and I appreciate it. And you. I appreciate you.”

Luke pushed himself up on his elbows, shooting her a wickedly bright smile. “Anything for you, Jules. Or should I say muffin?” “Hell no. Never repeat that again.” “Yes, ma’am.” It was very clear who would be wearing the pants during their relationship. 

x

The flight from New York City to Los Angeles was approximately six hours, which gave Julie and Luke ample time to hammer out the details of their newfound relationship. It also helped to distract Julie from the fact that she was essentially flying a metal death trap; it’s not that she hated flying, it just always made her uneasy. And because it was Christmas time, the flight was crammed. Luke had humbly offered her the window seat while he took the middle; his neighbour ended up being a sweet old man who slept for most of the flight. “If you squeeze the armrest any harder, you’re going to break your nails. Or a finger.” Julie relaxed her grip; it was a force of habit. “Sorry,” she replied sheepishly. “You can squeeze my hand instead if you want,” he offered, turning his palm to face up. It was a tempting offer, but things were already about to get complicated enough, so she needed to keep her head clear. So, she politely shook her head and spoke instead. “Okay, I need to be distracted. Let’s talk rules.” “Just the words every man wants to hear,” he quipped sarcastically. Luke had opted for a very casual airport look. He had his signature orange beanie pulled over his head, with a black hoodie and matching sweatpants; he completed the look with a pair of runners and his backpack. Even though he was dressed as casual as possible, Julie thought he never looked better. She had opted for a casual look too; an NYU hoodie with black leggings and her favourite white converse. Comfort was key on airplanes. “What, let me guess. You think we should go rogue and forget rules.” Luke laughed, shooting her a quick look from her left. “Yeah, pretty much.” “And you think that’s a good idea?” “Yeah,” he added, turning slightly to face her. “Listen, we don’t need to make this difficult. We should just act normally around each other, maybe a bit more touching here and there, but just keep it overall simple. You just let me know anything you’re uncomfortable with and it’s completely off the table.” Julie nodded, biting her lip. “Okay, that makes sense. What about our story though? We need a good story." The smirk returned to his lips. “But we already have the best story. You dumping coffee all over the both of us is really a way to make a first impression.” “It was your coffee!” “You ran into me!” He laughed, gently poking her ribs. “And then you started crying, which I will admit, freaked me the hell out. But hey, it all worked out.” Julie rolled her eyes. “Fine. So, what’s the story? You fell in love with me because I just looked so fabulous crying?” “Definitely not,” he shot back in a teasing tone. “Keep it simple, Jules. We were friends and things just happened from there. When did you tell your Tia you got a boyfriend?” “Like four months ago maybe?” “Perfect,” he agreed. “But seriously Jules, you’ll tell me if you’re uncomfortable, right? I don’t want to do anything you’re not okay with.” Julie nodded, her heart warming at his wide, worried brown eyes. “Yeah, I’ll tell you. But you have to tell me too. This goes both ways.” “Please, Julie,” he scoffed, “You could push me in front of a bus and I’d be okay with it.” She punched at his bicep. “Shut up, you weirdo. I’m serious though. If my family is too much or you’re just not into it anymore, let me know. We’ll shut it down and leave.” “You worry too much,” he brushed her off, straightening in his seat and putting in an airpod. “It’s cute but don’t worry, I’m going to be the greatest fake boyfriend you’ve ever seen.” Julie didn’t doubt that for even a second. x When Julie called her dad to tell him she was bringing her boyfriend home for the holidays this year, he was absolutely ecstatic. He was just so incredibly happy for his daughter and unbelievably excited to meet the man Julie chose. He wasn’t like those dads who were overprotective and tried to scare the boyfriends off; he just genuinely wanted everyone to be happy. And he trusted Julie, and he trusted her to make smart decisions and surround herself with the best of people. She had been at university for three years now after all; if he didn’t trust her now, he never would. “Your dad’s picking us up?” Luke asked as he and Julie walked through customs. They had picked up their suitcases and were heading out into arrivals. Julie nodded. “Yeah. He’s excited to meet you. Are you nervous?” “Not really,” Luke shrugged. “We’ve technically spoken before on FaceTime. And I’m a people person; fathers love me.” Julie laughed, passing through the doors and maneuvering through the crowd waiting for their arrivals. “Mine definitely will. You two are both dorks.” “Hey!” Luke called out, genuinely offended. But Julie was too busy hurrying off to the side in the direction of a tall man. Luke assumed it was Julie’s father because she jumped on his unsuspecting back and when he whirled around to see her, there were unshed tears in his eyes. Julie wrapped her arms around her father’s neck. It always amazed Luke just how tiny she really was. But seeing her bury herself in her father’s chest reminded him all over again. After a moment, she pulled back and swiped at her face. Luke could only assume she teared up a little bit too. Julie whirled around to face Luke; her nose was red and she looked adorable. She held out a hand for him to take. “Dad, I want you to meet Luke.” “It’s so nice to officially meet you, Mr. Molina,” Luke greeted him politely. He reached out a hand for him to shake. “Call me Ray, we’re basically family!” Ray gushed, grabbing Luke’s hand and pulling him in for a hug instead. Something inside Julie started heating up. “I knew I recognized you. We’ve spoken before, haven’t we?” Luke nodded, a bright smile in his face because he couldn’t hold it back. “Yes, sir.” At Ray’s disapproving look, he stammered on. “I mean Ray, sorry. Force of habit.” “That’s good,” Ray winked, “You have good manners.” Looking between his daughter and Luke, Ray had never felt happier. “I’m so glad you’re both here. Are you ready to meet the family, Luke? We’re a tad bit wild.” Julie hopped into the conversation once again. “Don’t worry, I’ve briefed him.” Luke shared an amused look with Julie. “Yeah, I’m very ready. My family is quite the opposite, so I’m looking forward to some excitement.” “I’m glad to hear that. Should we get on the road? It’s getting late and you both are probably tired.” “Exhausted,” Julie huffed, reaching for her suitcase. Ray smacked her hand away and took it upon himself to roll it for her instead. With both hands now suddenly free, she happily slid one into Luke’s and together they followed Ray to the underground parking garage. She thought it might feel weird, pretending with Luke. But holding his hand felt natural and introducing him to her dad felt easy, almost as if it was meant to be. She knew the dangers of the comfort she was feeling, but she really couldn’t be bothered as she cuddled into Luke’s side when the cold air hit them. Julie climbed into the backseat with Luke, and it wasn’t long before her head started to feel heavy and she was having trouble keeping her eyelids open. Luke crept a hand along the seat, tapping on her thigh. With a start, she turned to him with tired eyes. He nodded his head in his direction and Julie took that as an invitation for her to slide over and lay her head on his shoulder. They’d taken naps together before, so this wasn’t unusual for them. They’ve always relied on touch to show their affection; their whole friend group did. It came with the territory of being so comfortable with a person that certain boundaries cease to exist. And her boundaries with Luke were blurred, and it was only getting worse as time passed by. Julie cuddled into Luke’s side once again. Her head rested on his shoulder and his hand moved to her leg. His touch seemed hesitant as he hovered above her knee but close to her thigh; he obviously wasn’t sure if this would make her uncomfortable and he didn’t want to risk it. Julie grabbed his wrist and set his hand down on her thigh, murmuring a quiet, “It’s okay.” That’s all the assurance he needed.

Luke met Ray’s eyes through the rearview mirror, and Ray smiled fondly.

When they arrived at Julie’s childhood home, Luke gently nudged Julie awake. “Hey, look where we are.” It took her a moment, but she finally pulled herself away from Luke. The sight of the house in which she grew up in was a sight to behold. She hadn't been back in quite a while (flights weren't cheap and school was killer). But seeing all the lights and decorations littering the house made her heart swell, and for the first time since she arrived, she was genuinely excited for the next few days. Luke and Ray took care of their suitcases while Julie rushed into the house, revelling in the warmth feeling of home. Everything looked exactly the same, save for the extravagant Christmas tree and decorations; Julie loved it. "Carlos is sleeping, but you can see him in the morning. I'll make breakfast," Ray told her, as he followed Luke into the house. "I'm sure you're both tired too. Julie, your room is all set up. I'll see you both in the morning, okay? Goodnight." When Ray was out of sight, Luke took a moment to look around the house. There were a number of decorations, but what really caught his eye were the multiple photo frames scattered around the room. He approached one on a side table; it was a young Julie encased in an older woman's arms. Their resemblance was uncanny, and Julie didn't talk much about her mom, but he knew. "Is this your mom?" He asked quietly when she came to stand next to him. Julie nodded. "She's beautiful." "Isn't she?" Julie murmured back. "Come on, let's go to bed." They grabbed their luggage and made their way upstairs. Julie's room looked exactly like Luke expected it to; it was a larger version of her dorm room, complete with soft colours and flower print. "I'm going to take a shower. Make yourself comfortable." With a sleepy smirk, he dropped his suitcase off to the side and collapsed face first onto her bed. "You know I will," he mumbled into the mattress.

Julie laughed with a roll of her eyes. She quickly dug through her suitcase to pull out the essentials and went across the hall to hope in the shower. There was nothing better than a nice, hot shower after a long and grimy plane ride, and Julie savoured every second. She changed into a pair of pj shorts and a NYU crew neck (she had a lot of NYU clothes). When she returned to her room, Luke had dozed off. “Get up,” she ordered as she walked over to his lifeless body. “Go take a shower. You stink.”

She poked at his cheek and he groaned. “You love it,” he mumbled into the pillow. “Debatable.” With another loud groan, he went over to his suitcase to grab his essentials. While she waited, she turned on her television and continued her New Girl rewatch (one of the best shows in existence). It was also a bad habit of hers to fall asleep watching Netflix on her laptop, but since she had her TV once again, that would do. When Luke returned, his hair was all wet and messy and so adorable. He was wearing an old band t-shirt and a pair of plaid pj bottoms, and he loudly dropped down beside Julie. He was so exhausted after travelling all day (not to mention the incessant studying/cramming he'd been doing the entire week for exams). All he wanted was to pass out and wake up the next morning feeling well rested and prepared to spend Christmas Eve with the Molina clan. "This okay?" He mumbled to Julie, but he was nearly clocked out. While he was laying down on his back, Julie was sitting up with her back rested against the headboard. She was mindlessly scrolling through her Instagram feed, but her eyelids were starting to droop. "Yeah, of course," Julie replied, reaching over to set her phone down on her bedside table. “How do you think this is going so far?” Luke had his eyes closed, but he wasn’t quite asleep yet. “Good,” he muttered, “Your dad is amazing.” “Yeah, he is,” Julie smiled proudly. She shimmied down in her bed after turning off the lamp and kept a respectable distance between her and Luke. They'd taken naps together before, but they'd never officially shared a bed for an entire night. If he or any of the boys stayed over, they always built a fort of blankets on the floor. She just wanted to make sure he was comfortable. "Are you okay? Is this weird?" He let out a sleepy chuckle. "It's not weird for me, Jules." After a moment, he turned to face her with a serious expression. "Is it weird for you? Want me to move to floor?" "No!" She objected, louder and quicker than she expected. Luke seemed to relax. "No, I'm fine. I just want to make sure you're comfortable with this." Luke's sleepy smile returned to his lips. "I'm always comfortable with you; you don't have to worry about me." "But I do," she added, a knowing lilt in her tone. He rolled his eyes lightly before settling back down comfortably. "We should sleep. Big day tomorrow." "Yeah," Julie sighed. She wasn't sure what the protocol here was; does she face him to sleep or does she turn away? Admittedly, it may be a bit challenging to sleep when staring at his serene, adorable face, but she decided to face him anyway. Luke popped open an eye, and a warm smile appeared on his lips. "Goodnight, Jules." He reached out a hand between them. It was a small, comforting gesture but that was Luke. He would do anything for the people he loved and it warmed Julie's heart to know she was one of those people. Her fingers met his and she intertwined their fingers gently. "Goodnight, Luke."

[potassium-pilot]

Prompt 9: Friable

“Dia, could I ask you a favor?”

“When have I ever said ‘no’ to you, Tataru?”

“Fair point”, Tataru replied as she placed her hand in her pocket and revealed a small crystal trinket in her palm, shaped like a sun, about an ilm tall. “I need to leave for a bit, but I don’t want to leave this alone, nor would I care to lose it because it fell out of my pocket. Could I trouble you to hold onto it for me?”

“This is the least troublesome thing I’ve been asked to do in a long time. Of course I’ll take care of it for you.” Dia took the sun-shaped trinket with her finger and thumb and lifted it close to her face for a better look.

“Thank you, Dia! I owe you for this!” Tataru waved at her and sauntered out of the Rising Stones, leaving Dia to marvel at the inanimate object for a while before placing it within her inventory.

“You know, you ought to learn to say ‘no’ sometimes”, a gruff voice commented aloud. Estinien sat at the table in front of Tataru’s desk, giving a wry smile. “And what’s that supposed to mean, Wyrmblood?”

“Means you run yourself ragged for them already. When do you put your foot down?”

“You don’t say ‘no’ to Tataru Taru.” She sat down across from him. “It’s one of the unwritten rules of the Scions. You’ll get used to it soon enough.”

“Why is that an unwritten rule?”

“Consider it like this; Tataru has watched her friends be murdered and kidnapped before her very eyes and nearly died herself, she was forced into exile alongside Alphinaud and I after that godsforsaken banquet, and she helped me fight a giant turtle man in Hell’s Lid. All this, she’s done and kept the Scions afloat, which was rather difficult when the majority of us were across the rift in the First. None of us would be here without her keeping all the things that would distract us from our duty away from us. If she needs something, I’m damn well doing it.”

Estinien wore a perplexed look on his face. “There’s a couple of scenarios in there that I’ll need you to explain.”

“All in good time. The point is, never say ‘no’ to Tataru, ever. She’s done and seen too much. She can have anything she wants.”

“You can’t always say ‘yes’ to people, or they’ll expect further agreement from you.”

“Good? That means they trust you.”

“That means they think you’re a doormat.”

Dia scoffed at the notion. “This is also my place of employment. What about when you were ordered to do something as a Temple knight? You couldn’t have been able to say ‘no’ to your commanding officer.”

“The Scions are not a military, as I recall. At any rate, are you implying the coinkeeper is your commanding officer?”

“As good as, if not better. Have you ever tried saying ‘no’ to her?”

“I have said no to her.”

An evil curl of her lip began to form into a half-smirk. “And weren’t you chased around Kugane for your efforts?” Estinien darted his eyes away with a scowl. “And then ended up saying ‘yes’ to taking down Black Rose facilities anyways…and then to becoming a Scion?” Estinien growled under his breath. Dia leaned back in her chair and pretended to hold a book. “Or was that in your day planner?” She started a pale imitation of the man. “10am: Brooding. 11am: Jump a million malms in the air. 12pm: Destroy any Black Rose facilities I see. 1pm: Become a Scion of the Seventh Dawn.”

“Don’t you have a crystal to watch?!” he retorted.

“I do, yes”, she reached into her inventory and opened her palm in front of him, “and I’m doing it well, see?”

There was a moment of silence, then the dragoon said, “That’s not the crystal” with a small bit of pleasure in his voice. She popped a very quizzical look and checked what was in her hand herself. A small sapphire charm was staring back at her.

“Shite! I was going to give this to Aymeric last night, and I forgot!” She stared into her inventory with no small amount of desperation. “Well, where in hells is the crystal, then?”

“Don’t ask me. You’re the one who agreed to keep watch of it.”

She sifled through her bag frantically. “I couldn’t have lost it; I was sitting here the whole time!”

“Ah, Dia, Estinien, how are you faring?” G’raha greeted cheerfully, as she continued to search through her possessions while Estinien reveled in his schadenfreude.

A few footsteps later, a shattering sound rang the loudest that any crystal could ever make.

Dia’s eyes widened. She slowly stood up from her chair, took a few very slow steps, and delivered to G’raha a look that could strike fear into the heart of Halone. “G’raha Tia”, she rumbled in a very low voice, “Move your foot.”

G’raha slowly moved his head downward to look at his feet, then slowly returned it to meekly gaze into her fearsome visage. “I’m afraid to”, he replied quietly.

Her voice started to raise slightly. “Move your foot, or I’m moving you!” He almost hopped away, and unveiled the result of her carelessness- the shattered remains of Tataru’s sun-shaped crystal. She gathered as much as she could and dashed back to the table with G’raha.

“You were a crystal once! Do something!”

G’raha stammered, unsure how to reply to a comment like that. “I-I-I can’t! I don’t know what it looked like!”

“Do I have to draw you a picture?! It looked like the sun!” She brought her face closer to his. “You don’t understand. Tataru had me keep watch of it.”

G’raha’s eyes widened and he gave a grimace. “She’ll kill you.”

“Me? Oh, hells no. Us. If I’m going down, I’m taking you with me, crystal boy!”

He gulped loudly. “All right, maybe this isn’t so bad. Maybe this is still fixable.” The two of them used their magic to lift up the shards, and start solving the puzzle. Behind them, Estinien stood and laughed under his breath. The distracting dragoon caused her to lose her focus, the shards dropping back on the table. She swung around and barked, “If you’re just gonna sit there and snicker at us, then bugger off.”

“This is too delicious to turn away.”

Dia groaned. “All right, look, I’m sorry I teased you earlier, okay? But when Tataru asks me to do something, I do it, and not because I’m a doormat! It’s because she’s been the one good constant in my life, and she’s stood by me from the very beginning. She’s my friend, and I’d do anything for her because I think she deserves so much more than I could ever give, and now I’m pissed because I couldn’t even do this for her!”

She turned around and finished with, “So you’ll forgive me if I’m not in the mood.”

The two arcanists started their puzzle once again as Estinien slowly walked away from the duo.

“So that’s how you feel about our receptionist?” asked G’raha.

She let out a sharp, quick breath through her nose. “Tataru’s not just a receptionist to me. A normal receptionist would have quit the Scions the moment we were implicated in the Sultana’s murder. A normal receptionist wouldn’t have been secretly learning arcanima in her spare time and use it to help me fight. A normal receptionist wouldn’t have helped nurse the Scions as they laid there unconscious, and fret over whether they’ll ever wake up.” The last struck a pang of guilt in the Mi’qote’s heart. “A normal receptionist doesn’t casually learn airship engineering and build a new one from scratch!” She let out a light laugh after that one.

“She’s as much a Scion as the rest of us.” Dia went quiet for a moment as she started to fit some of the last few pieces together. “She’s the best of us, really.” G’raha gave a empathetic smile. “Have you ever told her this?”

She hesitated, then responded, “…no, not really. At least, not aloud.”

“I think she’d appreciate it if she heard it from you”, suggested G’raha, “It’s good to extend appreciation to those who work so hard for us, especially if it’s as passionate as yours. I don’t think I’ve ever heard you express emotions like that before.”

“Ha, Aymeric can attest to how hard it is for me to express my feelings. If anything, I should be more willing- at least these feelings are completely platonic.” G’raha gave a light chuckle.

The pieces of the puzzle had finally linked together and the sun shined back at the arcanists…

…except for one shard that made an obvious hole in the bottom.

“Oh, you have got to be kidding me”, Dia complained. The two stared back at the scene of the crime in hopes of seeing it glimmer behind them. “All right, help me look for that last part.”

“Right.” The two took one step before they heard the sound of latches from the front door.

“I’m back!” Tataru announced gleefully. The two quickly spun around to look at her as she walked back with boxes in her hands. “I was picking up supplies from House Fortemps. Dia, can I have the you-know-what back?”

The two averted their gaze towards anything else and started sputtering, trying to figure out just what to tell the lalafell.

“Uh…” Dia started.

“Well, see…”, said G’raha.

“The thing is…”

The door to Dawn’s Respite had opened and closed and from the doorway. a gruff voice spoke out. “It’s my fault, I’m afraid.” The dragoon stepped out to stand beside Dia. “She handed it to me because I wanted to see it. Stupidly, I dropped it, and well…” Estinien turned around and saw the unfinished result on the table behind them. He gently picked it up and showed Tataru. “You can see what happened. These two came together to repair it.” Tataru took the stone from Estinien and gave it a good look.

“Hm, overall, a very good repair job”, remarked the receptionist nonchalantly, “Though I didn’t take you for one with butterfingers, Estinien.”

She moved to her desk to give it a better look under the lamp. “I’ll need to remedy this missing chunk here, of course.” Tataru noticed a glint of light from the corner of her eye and found the missing piece of the sun. “Ah, there it is!” She hopped off of her chair and picked it up from the floor before hopping back onto it. Gently, she picked up the trinket, and easily fit the last piece into the hole.

“There we go!” She held out the sun in front of G’raha and requested, “G’raha, you were a crystal once. Do you think you could bind this last piece for me?”

His ears drooped. “Why is everyone calling me that?” He obeyed and repaired the last piece of it to make the sun whole once again.

“Yay!” cheered Tataru, “Thank you, both of you. You two are far better at reparations than I am.”

“Than you?” repeated Dia curiously.

“Oh, of course. I’ve repaired this thing about five or six times myself. This is the best it’s looked in a while.”

G’raha and Dia shot their gazes to each other, completely bewildered, while Estinien smacked his head into his hand and shook his head, muttering the word, “Idiots.”

“Well, Tataru, if I may”, G’raha spoke up, “What exactly was it meant for?”

Tataru stayed silent for a moment, then finally sighed and said, “Oh, I might as well. I practically gave it to you anyway.” She took out a long gold chain and a display case the same shape as the sun trinket. “The plan is to encase it in this, a much sturdier glass, and attach it to the chain to create a charm necklace for Dia’s nameday. I trust Dia, so I asked her, and I hoped that maybe she’d forget about it by the time I would give it to her.”

Dia’s mouth went agape. “What?”

“It’s true!” Tataru jumped off the chair one more and walked in front of Dia. “You do so much for us. You’re always going in harm’s way for everybody, and I feel like you get so little for it. Sure, you get a bed, some gil and recognition, but that can’t be the only thing you should get from this. I don’t get to do much for you, and frankly, I don’t think I’ll ever have a proper gift to thank you, but at the very least, I want you to feel special on your nameday.”

Dia was tearing up. She couldn’t resist going down to her knees and wrapping Tataru in a proper hug. “I couldn’t ask you to do any more! You’re the best of the Scions!”

“Oh, Dia, I’m not a Scion!” Tataru exclaimed as she returned the hug, tearing up herself.

“Oh yes you are! You’ve been through too much with us. You’re a better Scion than I am. I’ve barely come by here since I moved into Borel Manor, and you’ve been working yourself to the bone here.” She unwrapped herself from Tataru and stood back up. “I can’t ever thank you enough for everything you’ve done, Tataru Taru, for going through so much with us. I owe you the best gift I could ever give you on your own nameday!” Tataru’s smile wavered, and she wiped away her tears with her sleeve.

“I’m going to find my goldsmith’s set, and I’m going to finish this for you, Dia Sito!” she announced through the lump in her throat, and ran back to the solar to look in storage for her kit.

Estinien gave his usual smile that was barely a smile, and G’raha told her, “Now you see what I mean?” She gave a smile of her own. “I do. There’s only one thing.”

“What’s that?”

She lowered her voice and near whispered. “When the hells is Tataru’s nameday?” G’raha pursed his lips while Estinien quickly removed himself from the situation by retreating back into Dawn’s Respite.

“Let’s find her calendar”, suggested G’raha.

[theimperialnuisance]

FFXIV Write 2021 Day 1

// FFXIV Write Info // Prompts // Master post //

(Heads up, this is LONG. I got kind if carried away as this is an ORGIN STORY! : D Set before ARR so Kien is 18 but is not known by that name just yet. Mentions of  speculated physical and mental abuse if you squint. Some of my personal headcanon’s of Meracydia are present in this! I hope you enjoy!)

Day 1 Forster

bring up (a child that is not one's own by birth).

encourage or promote the development of (something, typically something regarded as good).

Ranald had been to his fair share of places since becoming a merchant, but no place struck him as interesting as Meracydia.

It was a place people scarcely traveled to as it had been rendered a wasteland ever since the Allagan Empire declared war there during the last years of the Third Astral Era; a lot of regions were still uninhabitable to this day and those regions that could be lived in consisted of a rather recluse population that would attack any outsider on sight. However, some of the natives were still open to trade as certain materials from Eorzea were highly sought after and the rare gems found on the southern continent could sell for a hefty sum of Gil in Eorzea but one wrong move in the eyes of the natives meant an ambush or death, so Ranald never stayed for long or ventured too far from the shores whenever he decided to come around to try his luck with a trade.

With every visit, the Hyur could never quite comprehend how natives still lived on the southern continent. The water was always cloudy and murky and the sky was ochre in color with the sun permanently hidden behind a thick haze. The land itself was barren and dry—what remains of standing trees were bare and splintered while the rest were deduced to blackened stumps. In some places, there were remains of structures but none of them were in one piece and most of them were reduced to rubble, but he certainly felt prying eyes on him at several instances and he shuddered to think of who—or what—could be roaming around the ruins.

He and his three fellow traders had been in Meracydia for the better part of three nights with no luck when Ranald finally made the decision to call it quits and leave before any sort of ambush befell them; It was already risky enough to travel without a tribe’s trust to trade with and staying any longer than the initial welcome was just begging for an attack. As he turned to follow his fellow shipmates up the ramp, he felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end; someone had been watching him.

“Who goes there?” Ranald quickly unsheathed his daggers and whipped around, expecting to come face to face with a tribe ready to ambush them but was mildly surprised to find a young Miqo’te staring back at him. He seemed just as startled as Ranald was, his own bow drawn at the ready and a hand resting on the quiver on his back as if he was about to draw an arrow.

“Wait! Wait!” The Miqo’te said hurriedly but still didn’t lower his weapon. “You’re a trader, aren’t you?” His accent was thick but his Common was easy to understand causing more confusion to the Hyur. Usually, it was always the other way around; the natives expected outsiders to understand their language when trading, it was unusual to meet a native who could speak and understand Common.

Questions bubbling, Ranald arched an eyebrow at him. “I am. What have you?” Behind him, he could hear his shipmates rush out to see what going on, but he cocked his head to the side in a silent request to stay back to which they obeyed.

The Miqo’te looked even more nervous than he was before at the sight of the three other people but didn’t move. “I did not come to harm you; I only want to trade…an exchange, if you will.”

 Ranald almost wanted to laugh. “Then why are you brandishing your weapon at me lad?” He asked, watching as the Miqo’te’s expression twist from concern to confusion. “This has better not be a trick and no one else comes out to attack.” He said firmly, watching the Miqo’te eyes widened.

 “I—I wasn’t trying to catch you off guard, but when you suddenly pulled out your daggers, I panicked.” The Miqo’te confessed. “I—I’m not really used to talking with people outside my tribe, so I was unsure how to approach you.” He slowly lowered his weapon and pulled his other hand away from his quiver of arrows. “I promise you, I am alone, and I only seek to trade with you.”

Ranald eyed the boy a bit longer before slowly relaxing his stance and sheathing his daggers. The Miqo’te, who had been watching him carefully, seemed to sag in relief and he quickly returned his bow to his back. Without a weapon shielding half his face, Ranald could finally see how young the lad was compared to him—he looked as if he was in his late teens, maybe the same age as his own son but somehow older and wiser just based off the energy he had about him. His shaggy black hair fell almost completely in front of his right eye, giving Ranald barely a glimpse of it which he could see was amber; a color not like his left eye which was green. He seemed to be traveling somewhere himself as two bags sat behind his feet, and he looked as if he hadn’t gotten any sleep the past few days.

“What’ve you got to trade?” Ranald asked as he descended the ramp back onto the shore. The Miqo’te wordlessly picked up the smaller of the two bags and opened it, inviting Ranald to step closer and look inside. Still a bit weary, Ranald leaned forward to peer inside the bag, nearly gasping aloud at the abundant sparkling gems inside.

“You cannot find these anywhere outside of Meracydia,” The Miqo’te began. “At least, that’s what the other traders told me when I traded with them before…I’ve been collecting them for several years.”

Ranald could hardly believe it. There had to be at least twenty or more gems inside the bag and the Miqo’te was right: they were rare ones he’d never found in Eorzea before—this was more than what he’d ever traded in the past. But…he knew he didn’t have anything worth the amount offered in goods to trade. He looked up with a questioning stare. “What can I give you in return?”

“Passage on your ship,” The Miqo’te replied confidently as if he had rehearsed the line several times before. “While I do not know where you’re bound to next, know that I you needn’t worry about lack of provisions as I have my own and I will do any necessary work during the journey.” He spoke with confidence but once again his fidgeting hands and tense shoulders gave away to his nervousness—had he been denied before? What fool would turn down a bag of rare gems for an extra passenger on the way back? Nay, there was something more to this and Ranald felt a need to know why.

“What’s your name lad?” Ranald asked but the Miqo’te stayed silent as he bit his lip in hesitation. Ranald’s expression softened, deciding to not press it further. “Well, you can tell me when you’re ready—it’s a long journey back to Eorzea so there’s plenty of time to share life stories.”

“Eorzea…? The place I’ve heard stories about…have seen in...” The Miqo’te trailed away and bit his lip to prevent himself from speaking any further. “You’ll have me then?” He looked back up; hope swimming through his eyes that caused Ranald to smile warmly.

“Aye, climb aboard!” Ranald smiled as he gestured to the ship. “These three here are Mikiah and Arlix,” he gestured to the short brunette Hyur to his left and the tall blonde Elezen to his right before turning to the brunette Miqo’te standing at the top of the ramp. “That there is U’vhana Tia and I’m Ranald.” The three friends all raised their hands in a gesture of greeting looking confused but welcoming all the same. Ranald watched as the young Miqo’te eyed them wearily before nodding his head in greeting. “We leave as soon as we fire up the ship, don’t want to lose any more of this daylight—if you can call it that.” He waved his hand absently with a smile as the Miqo’te gathered his remaining bag and followed them up the ship and they took off.

----

For the first half of the journey, Ranald watched the young Miqo’te bemusedly as he seemed to go through an array of emotions over the course of seconds—fear from the airship beginning to fly, excitement when he saw a blue sky, probably for the first time in his life, and then, he seemed to settle into his thoughts as the ground below grew smaller and smaller and they sailed through the clouds.

As the day stretched into evening, the Hyur left the Miqo’te alone, sensing he was still nervous from everything that had just occurred while the man himself was still in bewilderment of it all. He essentially just helped a kid run away from his family, and his friends didn’t even question him! He wasn’t what exactly possessed him to agree to such an absurd trade but judging by the relief on his face once he invited him on board, he supposed he couldn’t blame him for wanting to get the hells out of the wasteland. But what about his family? Wouldn’t they be searching for him? Would it even be safe to return to Meracydia again knowing there may or may not be a tribe on the lookout for their lost family member? And that scar on his eye…Ranald hadn’t missed glimpsing that but chose to not ask him about it either. Was that why he wanted to run away from his family?

The Hyur sighed, running a hand through his graying hair. Such speculative thoughts would have to wait! Mayhap he could get some questions answered over dinner. Deciding to do just that, he ensured his friends were all tended to with the ship and made his way up to the deck where he spied the Miqo’te leaning over the ship wall and watching the stars. Just as he made way to approach him, the boy suddenly went rigid, his hand flying to his forehead as if he was in pain. By the time Ranald was able to get to his side to help keep him steady as he staggered, he was coherent again but a little pale.

“I must’ve gotten too excited and gave myself another headache, but it passed.” The Miqo’te looked down as if he was ashamed and slowly stepped away from Ranald’s hovering hands. Ranald furrowed his brow and gently placed a hand on the Miqo’te’s shoulder, not failing to notice the slight jolt that went through him.

“Another headache? These’ve happened before?” Ranald couldn’t help voicing the question aloud and the Miqo’te flinched as if he was expecting to get yelled at. Ranald’s face softened as he quietly asked, “Are you alright?”

That question seemed to take him by surprise, and he looked up to meet Ranald’s worried expression, blinking in bewilderment. “Ah—I—I’m fine,” he stuttered before looking away again in embarrassment. “Sorry, could I maybe sit down for a bit? I’m feeling very sick.” Ranald carefully guided him down to a chair and quickly fetched one of his water skins, offering it to the boy with a gentle nudge. He cautiously accepted it and took a few sips before leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes.

 Ranald watched him carefully for a bit, trying to figure out the right then to say as he sat down in the chair across from him. “Have you heard of the Echo before?” He finally asked. When the boy shook his head, he smiled warmly. “I don’t know much about it myself unfortunately, but I’ve heard what it can be like—headaches—like the one you just had—and if I’m not mistaken, you saw something, didn’t you?” The Miqo’te’s brow furrowed as he nodded his head.

“How—how did you know?”

“Your eyes glazed over for a good minute as if you were watching something,” Ranald explained. “When you’ve been traveling around for as long as I have, you meet a few people with the Echo every now and then. Who knows, maybe you’ll become one of Hydaelyn’s chosen and save Eorzea in her time of need like those ‘Warriors of Light’ did during the calamity five years ago!” He chuckled fondly, a memory of his son excitedly talking about the fables springing to his mind.

“Hydaelyn’s chosen? Warriors of Light?” The Miqo’te questioned.

“Aye, the rumor goes that they’re the ones who the Mother Crystal chose to bestow her blessin’ to and they showed up during the Battle of Carteneau and promptly vanished after some big ol’ flash—no one has seen ‘em since. My son would always tell me about an adventurer he met—Kieron, I think—he believed he may have been one of those warriors.” He smiled fondly. “My son was frail and sickly; he didn’t get to travel around as often but Kieron would trade with me often and helped fill that void for him—kept him company and told him all about his grand adventures before taking off on the next one.” He paused, feeling his heart twinge in sadness.

“My son passed away before the calamity, bless his soul for not having to witness that battle, but… I cannot help but wonder if Kieron really was a ‘Warrior of Light’ like my son thought he was because after the calamity, I never saw him again either.” Ranald let out a sigh as he brought his gaze to the starry sky above. “I’d like to think he and my son are off on their own grand adventure somewhere now—mayhap I’ll see them both again someday.” He fell silent as turned his gaze back to the Miqo’te. “Can I ask you why you won’t tell me your name?”

The Miqo’te hesitated for a moment, his eyes casting down to his boots as he wrung his hands. “It’s Roh’to,” he began quietly. “I rather not be called by it anymore…I just want to get away from my tribe. They…did not make me feel welcomed and I’m not proud of my tribe name. I just want to start anew.”

Ranald reached up to scratch the stubble on his chin with a nod, his speculation about the relation to his scar and family slowly piecing itself together. “Then I suppose we’ll have to find a new name for you then.” The Miqo’te looked up, his expression a mixture of confusion and awe. “Take all the time you need to think of it but what I really need to know is what you plan to do once we get to Gridania.”

“I—I don’t know,” The Miqo’te confessed as he looked down again. “I truthfully didn’t even think I’d get this far in the first place…not a lot of traders were as willing as you to believe I wasn’t trying to trick and ambush them.”

“Used to be a pirate,” Ranald laughed. “Easy for me to tell when someone is lyin’ to me.” He leaned forward and clasped his hands together. “Tell you what, you can stay with me for a bit, just until you get yourself situated. There’s a few people I think you should meet anyways in regards to that Echo of yours.”

The Miqo’te jerked his head up and stared at him in disbelief. “Truly? I…I won’t be a burden to you?”

Ranald shook his head with a laugh and leaned back. “O‘course not! ‘Sides, I could use the company with how quiet my house has been lately.” His expression softened, somehow knowing this was the right decision to make.

The Miqo’te seemed on the verge of tears as the corner of his lip tugged into a small smile. “I promise to do my part and help out in anyway I can, you won’t regret this.”

“No expectations, just be yourself.” The Hyur smiled and stood, giving a small nudge to the Miqo’te’s shoulder, noticing that he didn’t flinch this time, a sign that he was already feeling more comfortable than before. “You take all the time you need to figure that name out, and I’ll get some dinner prepared…get some sleep too, it’ll be a while before we get to Eorzea.”

He turned on his heel to retreat down into the hull, but before he could descend the stairs, he heard the boy call out, “Ranald?” The Hyur paused with a hum to indicate he was listening. “I thought about what my new name could be.”

“Oh?” He turned to face the Miqo’te again.

“Kien.”

A smile spread across Ranald’s face, his heart filling with warmth. “Well Kien, it’s nice to finally meet you.” 

[carewyncromwell]

“Pardon the way that I stare -- There's nothin' else to compare... The sight of you leaves me weak; There are no words left to speak, But if you feel like I feel, Please let me know that it's real... You're just too good to be true -- Can't take my eyes off of you...”

~“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (cover),” by Joseph Vincent

x~x~x~x

For my next installment of my “Valentine’s Day” series where I feature each of my kids and some of the people they care about most, I present to you Jackson Knightly with his future love interest Montelimar Bloom @cursebreakerfarrier and Monty’s BFF, Orla Atkinson @hphm-brooke! I think this particular post fits @kathrynalicemc‘s wonderful Valentine’s Ball prompt perfectly, as well, since it takes place at a Valentine’s Day ball and features these babies in formal wear!

In Jackson’s fifth year, he still saw Monty solidly as a friend. That all changed, however, during a Valentine’s Day ball Jackson helped organize with his BFF Adelia “Addy” Selwyn @that-ravenpuff-witch and several other students.

Jackson was greatly looking forward to the event. Not only did he pull out all the stops to make sure the place was decorated beautifully with swan-shaped ice sculptures, marble cherubs, and white roses, but all of his friends -- his “sweet Demiguise,” Hirtia “Tia” Caldwell @cursed-ice-spirits; his “lady Vipertooth,” Orla “Lala” Atkinson; his “brilliant Frenchman,” Montelimar “Monty” Bloom -- would be in attendance. Jackson had ended up inviting a fourth year student from Hufflepuff named Felicity Abbott as his “date” for the event, after finding her sitting in the stands alone after the recent Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw sobbing inconsolably into her handkerchief -- it was out of pity more than anything, but Jackson hated seeing the young lady cry all by herself.

Jackson came down the grand staircase toward the Great Hall in a set of gold-trimmed white dress robes and very slender, fitted gold slacks over a pair of black ankle boots, looking like a charming prince out of some Muggle fairy tale. No one had spotted him descending the stairs yet, so he scanned the room -- and what caught his eye first was a tall boy his age with spectacles, dressed in handsome grayish-blue dress robes with tails and a matching vest over a white shirt and slacks. It was Monty, chatting with his best friend Orla -- Monty was visibly flustered, but both of them were smiling. Despite himself, Jackson found himself smiling more softly than most anyone was used to seeing. Bloom had always been so modest, he thought to himself...even with how handsome he clearly was. The thought stuck in Jackson’s head strangely -- certainly, Monty was handsome, few would probably question it, but...well, it wasn’t exactly something men were supposed to think about each other, was it? His father certainly wouldn’t have approved if Jackson had ever verbalized such a sentiment...

Fortunately Jackson was quickly distracted by several members of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team coming up to talk to him, and ever the showman, Jackson put on his broadest, most confident smile and went about socializing. He then slowly made his way over to Monty and Orla, his ocean-blue eyes alight with good humor.

“Lala, my precious Vipertooth!”

Jackson took Orla’s hand and used it to twirl her around like a little girl playing princess.

“You look absolutely radiant, my dear,” he fawned over her.

Orla’s lips spread into a cool smirk as she rested her free hand on her hip. “I should hope so, considering you picked this dress out for me.”

“I’d like to think I have good taste, Lala,” said Jackson with a mischievous grin. “The lavender makes your eyes pop just so.”

His eyes trailed over to Monty, lingering briefly on the gold buttons on his lapel before moving up to his face.

“...I must say, Bloom...you’ve really cleaned up most handsomely. Is there a lady here you thought to impress?”

Monty flushed, but put on a modest smile all the same. “Oh no, not at all...I merely thought to try to dress for the occasion, as best I could.”

Once again, Jackson found his expression softening a bit. Even now that Monty was more confident than when they’d first met, the Ravenclaw still sometimes blushed like a shy schoolgirl. It was actually quite endearing.

Monty’s smile grew a bit wryer as he added, “I must thank you for the compliment, Jackson, considering that -- as always -- you have a knack for standing out.”

Jackson grinned. “I certainly try.”

Out the side of his eye, he caught sight of Felicity Abbott, her face bright with a smile and dressed in pink satin, waving at him from the top of the stairs.

“Please excuse me,” he said softly, “I owe the lady at least one dance tonight, as her escort. If you see Addy, tell her I’ll follow up with her shortly -- I’d like to add some twinkling lights to the roses trimming the windows, once it gets darker outside...”

He inclined his head to his friends before moving to greet the younger Hufflepuff.

Jackson had been nothing but a gentleman with Felicity Abbott, as he would’ve been for any other young lady he might offer a dance to. She seemed to be having a good time, and Jackson was grateful for it -- he didn’t know her at all and he quite frankly didn’t think that she’d be anything but an acquaintance for him in the future, but even so, he had a sensitive enough heart to hate the thought of someone not having fun at a party, especially a party celebrating Valentine’s Day. What Jackson had not expected, however, was Gryffindor’s tall, broad-chested seventh-year Quidditch Captain stepping right in front of him and Felicity.

“Torquil Travers,” greeted Jackson.

Travers’s eyes narrowed very coldly upon Jackson’s face. “Care to explain what the hell you think you’re doing, Knightly?”

Jackson raised his eyebrows. “I beg your pardon?”

“You’re dancing with my woman,” Travers hissed through bare teeth.

His eyes flashed at Felicity, who trembled visibly.

Jackson’s eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly under his raised eyebrows. 

“Now, Mr. Travers...surely Miss Abbott at least merits being called ‘your lady,’ rather than something so crude?”

He spoke as pleasantly as he could, given the stink eye the Gryffindor was fixing him with, but he did take a subtle step to the side so as to create something of a physical barrier between Travers and Felicity with his body. This only served to make Travers angrier.

“Felicity is my intended,” he spat. “She is my wife in practice, if not yet by law, and therefore mine.”

“A person is hardly something to be treated like an object to possess,” Jackson said in a low voice that betrayed a sharp edge despite the cool calm of his expression. “Nor like a caged animal that follows a man’s direction.”

He glanced at Felicity, whose face had gone very white and scared. He immediately tried to comfort her with a gentle, reassuring smile.

“Come, Miss Abbott,” he said, “let us be off -- ”

But before Jackson could steer her away, Travers grabbed the back of Jackson’s robes, roughly pulling him backward and away from the younger girl. Felicity screamed. 

“You will not touch her again, you filthy Muggle-bred ponce!” snarled Travers.

Jackson amazingly responded to Travers’s fury with a broad, gleaming white smirk. “‘Filthy?’ Come now, Mr. Travers, surely you could come up with a more targeted insult than that -- these robes are clearly spotless.”

His tiny brown eyes widening with rage, Travers raised a fist --

BAM.

Before his knuckles could collide with Jackson’s jaw, however, Monty had appeared out of nowhere. Dashing forward, he’d forcibly put up an arm and stepped right between Jackson and Travers so that the Slytherin commentator was behind him and Traver’s fist whammed right into his left shoulder instead.

Jackson’s eyes grew very wide. “Bloom...!”

The blow made Monty rock back slightly and clutch his shoulder, visibly winded, but he regained his footing quickly, his eyes narrowing upon Travers’s face. 

“That is enough,” Monty said in a very low, firm voice. “Travers...I think it would be best if you take a step back and a deep breath. A physical altercation is hardly a good way to settle such a dispute -- especially when there are teachers present.”

He indicated the Charms and Transfiguration professors, who were striding through the assembling crowd as if to discover the source of their interest.

Travers’s fists were shaking with rage, but he seemed to know he wouldn’t be able to get his way or evade punishment if he persisted. And so, shooting a venomous look at Jackson over Monty’s shoulder, he shoved past the pair and disappeared off into the crowd.

Jackson grabbed onto Monty’s robes from behind, almost cradling his back. His face was unusually pale.

“Bloom -- my -- you’re hurt...”

For once, he seemed to have trouble speaking coherently. His hand came up to the spot on Monty’s chest where Travers’s fist had landed.

Monty flinched ever-so-slightly, but smiled reassuringly at him. “Oh...don’t worry, Jackson. It’ll just be a small bruise, I think -- ”

“It should be dealt with straight away,” Jackson said in a strangely sharp and faintly shaky voice.

He looked at Felicity. “Miss Abbott...I see my dear Addy by the far window with Mr. Ellison. Please, remain in their company until I return: I’ll be back shortly.”

And with that, Jackson had escorted Monty out of the Great Hall and to an abandoned hallway a short ways away from the party. He’d insisted on Monty sitting down on a window ledge and removing his robes and shirt just enough to show his left shoulder, so that Jackson could work on healing the injury before it could darken with a bruise. Jackson hated the Hospital Wing as well as hospitals in general, so he’d gotten very used to treating himself whenever he was hurt.

Monty himself could see how tense Jackson was: tenser than he’d ever seen him previously. It truly hadn’t been that horrible -- certainly it would’ve been far worse if Travers had elected to take out his wand instead -- but Jackson still seemed very upset. And he was: Jackson’s emotions were very turbulent indeed.

Monty had protected him. It wasn’t out-of-character for him at all, really, but he’d never physically protected him quite like that before...allowed himself to get hurt, in order to shield him from harm. Jackson hadn’t really had anyone do something like that for him before. Sure, perhaps Adelia would scold someone’s face off on his behalf or Orla would hex someone into next week for having said something, but those were entertaining. This was decidedly not. This was different. It made Jackson’s heart swell with concern and yet also such pride and warmth and admiration and caring...and yet for as new as the feeling felt, it truly didn’t feel unfamiliar. It felt second-nature...almost...like coming home...

“Jackson?” said Monty gently.

Jackson was brought out of his thoughts, but he didn’t look up from Monty’s shoulder. Instead he finished the Healing spell he was casting and then helped pull Monty’s shirt back on.

“There we are,” he murmured, as he fastened Monty’s buttons. “How does your shoulder feel?”

“Better,” admitted Monty.

He watched Jackson’s face carefully. “Jackson...I’m grateful for the help, but I’m all right, truly...”

He brought a hand onto Jackson’s buttoning his collar, making the smaller man halt.

“You don’t need to worry.”

The two’s eyes met. Although both men’s eyes were blue, it was like a calm freshwater lake meeting a rushing ocean: both beautiful and cool, and yet completely different in attitude. Monty’s cheeks were slightly flushed, but his face was very composed. Jackson’s face was anything but, especially when his own cheeks actually started to redden too.

“I...suppose I have lost my composure somewhat,” he said, his eyes falling back down to his hands on Monty’s shirt almost self-consciously.

He finished buttoning up his collar and then helped him pull his grayish-blue robes back on, trying to plaster on one of his charming smiles.

“...What can I say, I’m...not used to some dashing hero coming to my rescue,” he teased. 

Monty smiled. “Well, I couldn’t very well do nothing, seeing you face off against a mountain troll like that, could I?”

Jackson couldn’t bite back a laugh. He looked up at Monty, his ocean-blue eyes and smile alight with more of that strange, unique softness he’d felt -- the sort that, truly, only a precious few ever were the subject of.

“Of course not, my brilliant Frenchman.”

And it was that day that Jackson Knightly’s heart knew what it took a lot longer for him to admit aloud -- he loved Montelimar Bloom with everything that he was.

[kathyprior4200]

Haven Hotel characters

 Heaven’s Princess Coercia Egnam glanced down at her long list of meeting attendants and characters that she was about to address: (her handwritten notes included)

 Princess Coerciona (2P Charlie) *Most important*

Phalla (2P Vaggie) *Hopeless romantic butterfly*

Devil Grit (2P Angel Dust) *Serious stiff spider*

Stalaro the Techno Angel (2P Alastor the Radio Demon) *Sob story sissy*

Klutzy (2P Niffty) *Lazy maid*

Core (2P Husk) *Hyper fool*

Cherubs Pub and Chub (2P Razzle and Dazzle) *My loyal guards*

Lucius (2P Lucifer) *Dad*

Lilian (2P Lilith) *Mom*

Sivart (2P Travis) *Some guy*

Sir Anguis (2P Sir Pentious) *Stuttering scaredy-snake toy maker*

Berri Blossom (2P Cherri Bomb) *Modest mundane dame*

Catie Carejoy (2P Katie Killjoy) *Soft bitch*

Ron Wrench (2P Tom Trench) *WW1 news guy*

Baker the puffer fish (2P Baxter the anglerfish) *Mad scientist fishy fish*

Jazzy (2P Mimzy) *Chubby singer lady*

Joygrand the Heaven-cat (2P Crymini the deviant hellhound) *Who the fuck are you?*

Raa the Koala angel (2P Roo the kangaroo trash Aussie demon) *Who the fuck are you?*

Iris (2P Rosie) *Day of the Dead Barbie*

Valentine (2P Valentino) *Blueberry pimp wimp*

Nil (2P Vox) *TV guy*

Ashen (2P Velvet) *Harley Doll angel*

Nestlings (2P Egg Bois) *Meh*

Nathan (2P Seviathan) *Old friend*

Elsa (2P Helsa) *Meh*

Beth (2P Bethasa) *Meh*

Fred (2P Fredrick) *Meh*

Holly (2p Molly) *Devil Grit’s spider sister*

Ragno (2P Arackniss) *Devil Grit’s spider brother*

Henry (2P Henroin) *Devil Grit’s father*

Alliv the blue tough tabby cat (2P Villa pink girly poodle) *Don’t even fucking know*

Thin Tenders (2P Fat Nuggets) *Potential snack*

Archangels (2P Archdemons)

Anti-Exorcists: White demon beings who convert angels into demons each year. Great source of entertainment.

 E.L.F. (2P I.M.P.) not to be confused with C.H.E.R.U.B. the sheep love spreaders and revivers

D.E.V.I.L. (2P C.H.E.R.U.B.) murderers, hate-spreading black rams

Docile (2P Blitzo) *Some childish leader*

Tirred (2P Moxxie) *Serious one*

Timmid (2P Millie) *Wallflower*

Sunna (2P Loona) *High pussy*

Mia and Tia (2P Tilla and Barbie Wire) *Circus twins?*

Samael *Punishing BDSM angel*

Menadel (2P Stolas) *Swan prince, Quartet’s father*

Flora (2P Stella) *Quartet’s mother*

Quartet (2P Octavia) * Swan princess, bubbly teen*

Mayberry/Juneberry (2P Mrs. Mayberry) (Former Human)

Mary (2P Martha) (Former Human)

Ralph (2P Ralphie) (Former Human)

Ollie (2P Eddie) *Brat kid*

Bio Wizz (2P Robo Fizz) *Circus conspiracy?*

Kiva (2P Verosika Mayday) *Zealot*

Woo-Hoo Land Mascot (2P Loo-Loo Land Mascot) *What a creep*

 (More to be added)

(2P Zoophobia characters)

More characters to be added

 “Alright my subjects, tell me something,” Coceria began as she filed her sharp claws with a knife in a tall leather chair framed by black wrought iron. Her black spiky crown was on her head as usual. An angelic spear rested by the throne. Below her was a large crowd seated in comfortable chairs, many of them in shades of blue and green. “How the flying fuck am I supposed to remember all your names?! I bet half of you guys are insignificant background characters. And the majority of you haven’t even been featured in the show yet!”

 “You mean the Hazbin Hotel show? About our counterparts?” asked Stalaro, holding up a white rose for Coercia. Soft classical music played from his blue microphone staff. The pansexual blue man was occasionally stealing glances at Devil Grit’s fluff.

 “That’s irrelevant right now, you sad sack of stag shit!” Coercia yelled. Stalaro’s rose wilted in his hands and the music scratched to a stop. Tears were forming in his large blue eyes and his fluffy ear tuffs were drooping. “B-but I’m talking about my show: The Hazbin Ho…”

 “Haven Hotel,” Phalla corrected.

 “Right, Haven Hotel! And there’s also that spinoff show Helluva Boss.”

 “Heavenly Boss,” Docile corrected her. The elf sat with his colleagues next to a flyer which read, “Efficient Lifesaving Fellows: We revive and keep mortals alive! Sign up today, 33% off.”

 “Whatever,”Coercia brushed them aside. “Anyway, normally I wouldn’t care much about you guys, but now that I have formed the Haven Hotel, Phalla figured it should be a good time for us to introduce ourselves. Or more precisely, me to talk to you all.”

 “A practical first start,” Devil Grit mentioned with a nod. He was a dark gray faced spider with small green dots below his eyes. His suit was black with green stripes, along with a green bow tie. “Just make sure that everyone stays at least six feet away from me. Social distancing is a safe standard, and necessary precaution.”  

 “I do love making new friends!” Phalla smiled, fluffing her long black hair with teal ends. A glowing green X was over her right eye and a teal bow was perched don her head. “Don’t you, Klutzy?”

 The small blue cyclops angel narrowed her large eye. “Friends. Oh joy.”

 “I must say, Coerce dear,” said Lucius. “I don’t really approve of your hotel and your idea. If the council finds out about your attempt to promote rule-breaking activities…”

 “Banishment to Hell? Or to my room?” Coercia asked, hands on her hips. “Not the end of the world. And my name is Princess Coerciona. I prefer my full title.”

 Core, the friendly white cat, rolled his eyes. He shuffled a few cards in his furry paws. “She’s no fun.”

 “I heard that, cat!” she called, making him flinch back a bit.

 “We raised you better than this,” Lilian added.

 “Oh really?” The black haired princess stood up and turned toward her mother. “You’d rather I be some bubbly musical loving princess who wants to spread “joy and redemption” far across the land? Ha! No. A true ruler commands fear and respect in their subjects. I’m sure Hell’s king Lucifer would agree.”

 Pub and Chub, the naked flying babies grinned in agreement while fine tuning black electric guitars in the background.

 “We do not mention that name,” Lucius began but Coercia was ignoring them again.

 “Lucifer may be a traitor to Him but at least he had guts. If His teachings weren’t so flawed, I’d still be promoting them wholeheartedly. As for my position…maybe another princess may someday take my place, but that’s not gonna happen if I manage to be princess of both realms. But now I’m here, in this lovely, shiny…fake excuse of a paradise with wackos like you. Still, someone’s gotta keep you in line.”

 Phalla giggled while Core pat a sobbing Stalaro on his blue back. He wiped his face as his monocle glinted in the sunlight under his left eye.

 “Your uncle Metatron wouldn’t approve of your attitude,” Lucius added.

 “He wouldn’t even notice, considering he’s too engrossed in his record-keeping,” countered Coercia.

 Nearby on another part of the stage, the ocean-like angels Elsa and Nathan whispered to each other.

 “I don’t understand it,” Nathan said. “Here I was, promoting goodness for everyone, but Coercia laughed at my ideas and pushed me around. And we even went to Heaven High school prom together.”

 “Lucius wanted our two families united, so we could have a higher standing,” Elsa added. “You dating the princess would’ve helped. But sadly she broke up with you and now here we are, envious.”

 “Don’t remind me,” Nathan sighed. “It’s not like I was the one abusing her and mocking her ideas. At least she didn’t run off with a sinner girlfriend to further tarnish her family reputation. Ugh…restraining societal standards affect us even here.”

 “Or maybe…she’s not much of a romantic person to begin with,” Elsa suggested.

 “Not all aromantic and asexual people are cold-hearted,” Nathan said. “She’s just one bad apple.”

 Coercia seethed at them, briefly letting out her black feathery wings and white spiked halo over her head. She spoke in a high-pitched angelic language before retreating back to her regular form.

     “I hate it when she swears,” Elsa muttered.

  Coercia turned to the crowd. “Alright, let’s begin.”