#you sit there in a boat... or stand in a ledge near a body of water and you study the manu things around you. the air the weather the noise

[ricetunamayo]

childe's character is such a sweet thing to think about when you allow yourself to go into heavy detail about all the little things that complete him. from the exterior we meet a man that prides himself on being his archontess' weapon, so much so that even his outfit is inspired by this motivation. he is a bloody, combact knife. with all the red fabric, and jewels that complete it, that adorn it? this is a loyal man, loyal to being someone's weapon.

but in the same breath, in a shocking contrast to his life motivations... childe is a man of comunity, and a family oriented one at that. sure, all of the harbingers are idolized in their country, and all of them represent different things that they must carry out in their duty. but childe....despite being a weapon, indulges in domestic things. so much so that, it even gives the impression of him living for his community, to the fullest, to make up for all the things he wont reach to be in the future. when his duty finally claims him as another weapon fallen in battle.

[fanficshiddles]

Gravity Of You, Chapter 10

Lyra was sitting crossed legged on a large rock, eating a sandwich under the stars by a beautiful lake.

She looked up and sighed. The northern lights were dancing above her, it was incredibly beautiful. She was still surprised at herself for making it to Iceland.

It had taken her just over a week, lots of walking, a bit of hitch hiking, then she managed to sweet talk her way onto a boat for doing some work in return on the boat across.

Now she was finally here. She was searching for the doorway, which was proving to be more difficult than she had first thought. Luckily it wasn’t winter, and she had packed a sleeping bag with a small bit of plastic for a mini shelter if it did rain.

But man, was it beautiful here. Her heart was almost happy, seeing the night sky from here on such a clear yet cold night. She only wished that she had Loki with her. He was the only one that could make her complete again.

And the world is cold But it's beautiful I wish you were here now I miss your soul

-

Loki was by the window again, as he was every night to watch the stars. Looking for any kind of sign, hoping to feel something more.

But the sky wasn’t as beautiful as usual, not since he’d lost her. Yet he still felt a tug, pulling him towards her. If only he could get out.

This sky Is lonely and grey But every night I feel your gravity waves

He continued to ask Frigga and Thor for help convincing Odin, but nothing seemed to work.

But when Frigga and Thor came to speak to him one evening, looking worried. He knew instantly that something was wrong, and he could feel it too. It suddenly felt like the pull of Lyra was elsewhere now. And he wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.

‘What’s happened?’ He asked, standing abruptly.

Thor and Frigga shared a look with one another.

-

Lyra had walked for over twenty-four hours through the Icelandic countryside, heading towards a waterfall where she really hoped the doorway would be.

When she made it there, her breath was taken from her again because it was such a beautiful waterfall. It was early in the morning, the sun was just rising and it was shimmering beautifully against the water.

She wasn’t entirely sure what she was looking for, but she remembered Loki telling her that doorways onto other realms weren’t easy to find, they were essentially invisible and it was just something you walked into and was suddenly elsewhere.

But using logic, she thought it wouldn’t be easy to access, surely. As there would be reports in the news of people going missing at certain places around the world. So she carefully climbed up the side of the water fall, but there was nothing pointing towards any kind of doorway there or at the top.

Heading back down, she opted to try going behind the waterfall, which wasn’t easy as it was just a narrow ledge and she had to clamber over some warning fences and ropes that had been put up to stop tourists going there. The spray of the water was a bit cold, but it was rather refreshing at the same time.

She was edging her way along was near the middle when she noticed a rock looked a little… off. It just didn’t look like it belonged there. So she picked up another rock next to her foot and she tossed it along, she gasped when said rock disappeared into what looked like a ripple of air right there on front of her.

Her heart began racing like mad.

Had she finally found a doorway off Earth?

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and took bold steps through and felt a slight rush within her entire body. Then she opened her eyes and was lost for words.

She had made it. She was off Earth.

She had no idea where she was, it looked similar to Earth, but it was different at the same time. She could sense it, too.

‘Oh god, what have I done? Where the hell do I go now?’ She said to herself, realising she had no clue where she was or what to expect.

So, she did what she does best, she began walking to see what would happen.

-

‘What if she gets lost. Or hurts herself? This can’t be happening.’ Loki paced back and fore with worry.

Thor and Frigga had been told by Heimdall that Lyra had left Earth and was now on Vanaheim.  They then told Loki, of course.

‘At least it’s Vanaheim, she shouldn’t be in too much trouble there. Especially if she makes it to one of the villages.’ Thor said to try and calm him.

‘She’s in a strange realm, how do you expect her to find her way to a village?’ Loki snapped at him.

‘I’ll speak to Heimdall, see if he can send her some kind of signal from you.’ Frigga suggested.

Loki froze, then had an idea. ‘Tell him to use a green star to guide her.’

Thor raised an eyebrow. ‘A green star?’

‘Yes, Thor. That’s what I said. She will know that means it’s safe to follow.’ Loki said bluntly.

Frigga nodded. ‘Ok… I’ll do that, Loki.’ She smiled a little.

-

After Lyra had been walking for what felt like hours, she began to get upset and scared. There was no sign of any civilisation at all. And it was dark now. She took a break under a tree, it wasn’t like any tree back home. But it was definitely a tree of some sorts.

She looked up at the stars through her teary eyes, they were different from Earth but still gave some comfort. Though not quite enough.

‘Please, Loki. If you can hear me at all, or feel me… Guide me, please. Be my satellite. I need you again.’ She whispered, unsure if he would hear her at all.

Don't leave me lost here forever Show me your starlight and pull me through Don't leave me lost here forever I need your starlight and pull me through Bring me back to you

She looked up to the sky again and for a moment, she wondered if she was dreaming or not. Through her blurry vision, she swore she could see a star with a tinge of green.

‘No… It can’t be?’ She whispered, blinking hard to focus her eyes. But it was!

‘Loki?’ She had a surge of hope within her.

It seemed as if the star was blinking at her, then it appeared to move down the sky a little. She knew she had to go in that direction, she could just feel it.

And she felt comforted as it shone down over her, guiding her. And as she came over a hill, her eyes widened as she saw some firelight. It was a village. Finally. Some civilisation. Relief flooded through her.

-

Loki was summoned to speak to Odin. He wasn’t sure what to expect. Though Frigga had said that she was going to speak to Odin, tell him that Lyra was wandering the realms.

He did wonder what he was going to say about that.

‘It seems you have rubbed off on that mortal of yours.’ Odin sighed.

‘It’s not my fault that she loves me and wants to find me again. It’s your fault for all of this in the first place. If she gets harmed, I will not stop until I see Asgard burn to the ground.’ Loki growled at him.

Odin did not look impressed, but tried to ignore the threat he just made.

‘I will make you a deal. You can either get your powers back, be able to change out of this hideous form, but you are to remain here in the city. There will be a lock on your powers so you cannot leave. Or, you can leave and go find your mortal, but as you are. You will never gain your powers again, and shall remain a beast for the rest of your days.’

Loki’s eyes widened. He had not been expecting Odin to offer him his powers back again. That was the last thing he had ever expected from Odin.

The thought of being able to change back, to gain his powers again…

[imagine-loki]

Gravity Of You, Chapter 10

TITLE: Gravity Of You CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 10 AUTHOR: fanficshiddles ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Loki’s punishment from Odin is that he’s banished to the mountains, in his Jotun form, unable to change back. And the girl he loves is sent there too, as Odin thinks there’s no way she could love a monster.  RATING: M

Lyra was sitting crossed legged on a large rock, eating a sandwich under the stars by a beautiful lake.

She looked up and sighed. The northern lights were dancing above her, it was incredibly beautiful. She was still surprised at herself for making it to Iceland.

It had taken her just over a week, lots of walking, a bit of hitch hiking, then she managed to sweet talk her way onto a boat for doing some work in return on the boat across.

Now she was finally here. She was searching for the doorway, which was proving to be more difficult than she had first thought. Luckily it wasn’t winter, and she had packed a sleeping bag with a small bit of plastic for a mini shelter if it did rain.

But man, was it beautiful here. Her heart was almost happy, seeing the night sky from here on such a clear yet cold night. She only wished that she had Loki with her. He was the only one that could make her complete again.

And the world is cold But it's beautiful I wish you were here now I miss your soul

-

Loki was by the window again, as he was every night to watch the stars. Looking for any kind of sign, hoping to feel something more.

But the sky wasn’t as beautiful as usual, not since he’d lost her. Yet he still felt a tug, pulling him towards her. If only he could get out.

This sky Is lonely and grey But every night I feel your gravity waves

He continued to ask Frigga and Thor for help convincing Odin, but nothing seemed to work.

But when Frigga and Thor came to speak to him one evening, looking worried. He knew instantly that something was wrong, and he could feel it too. It suddenly felt like the pull of Lyra was elsewhere now. And he wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.

‘What’s happened?’ He asked, standing abruptly.

Thor and Frigga shared a look with one another.

-

Lyra had walked for over twenty-four hours through the Icelandic countryside, heading towards a waterfall where she really hoped the doorway would be.

When she made it there, her breath was taken from her again because it was such a beautiful waterfall. It was early in the morning, the sun was just rising and it was shimmering beautifully against the water.

She wasn’t entirely sure what she was looking for, but she remembered Loki telling her that doorways onto other realms weren’t easy to find, they were essentially invisible and it was just something you walked into and was suddenly elsewhere.

But using logic, she thought it wouldn’t be easy to access, surely. As there would be reports in the news of people going missing at certain places around the world. So she carefully climbed up the side of the water fall, but there was nothing pointing towards any kind of doorway there or at the top.

Heading back down, she opted to try going behind the waterfall, which wasn’t easy as it was just a narrow ledge and she had to clamber over some warning fences and ropes that had been put up to stop tourists going there. The spray of the water was a bit cold, but it was rather refreshing at the same time.

She was edging her way along was near the middle when she noticed a rock looked a little… off. It just didn’t look like it belonged there. So she picked up another rock next to her foot and she tossed it along, she gasped when said rock disappeared into what looked like a ripple of air right there on front of her.

Her heart began racing like mad.

Had she finally found a doorway off Earth?

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and took bold steps through and felt a slight rush within her entire body. Then she opened her eyes and was lost for words.

She had made it. She was off Earth.

She had no idea where she was, it looked similar to Earth, but it was different at the same time. She could sense it, too.

‘Oh god, what have I done? Where the hell do I go now?’ She said to herself, realising she had no clue where she was or what to expect.

So, she did what she does best, she began walking to see what would happen.

-

‘What if she gets lost. Or hurts herself? This can’t be happening.’ Loki paced back and fore with worry.

Thor and Frigga had been told by Heimdall that Lyra had left Earth and was now on Vanaheim.  They then told Loki, of course.

‘At least it’s Vanaheim, she shouldn’t be in too much trouble there. Especially if she makes it to one of the villages.’ Thor said to try and calm him.

‘She’s in a strange realm, how do you expect her to find her way to a village?’ Loki snapped at him.

‘I’ll speak to Heimdall, see if he can send her some kind of signal from you.’ Frigga suggested.

Loki froze, then had an idea. ‘Tell him to use a green star to guide her.’

Thor raised an eyebrow. ‘A green star?’

‘Yes, Thor. That’s what I said. She will know that means it’s safe to follow.’ Loki said bluntly.

Frigga nodded. ‘Ok… I’ll do that, Loki.’ She smiled a little.

-

After Lyra had been walking for what felt like hours, she began to get upset and scared. There was no sign of any civilisation at all. And it was dark now. She took a break under a tree, it wasn’t like any tree back home. But it was definitely a tree of some sorts.

She looked up at the stars through her teary eyes, they were different from Earth but still gave some comfort. Though not quite enough.

‘Please, Loki. If you can hear me at all, or feel me… Guide me, please. Be my satellite. I need you again.’ She whispered, unsure if he would hear her at all.

Don't leave me lost here forever Show me your starlight and pull me through Don't leave me lost here forever I need your starlight and pull me through Bring me back to you

She looked up to the sky again and for a moment, she wondered if she was dreaming or not. Through her blurry vision, she swore she could see a star with a tinge of green.

‘No… It can’t be?’ She whispered, blinking hard to focus her eyes. But it was!

‘Loki?’ She had a surge of hope within her.

It seemed as if the star was blinking at her, then it appeared to move down the sky a little. She knew she had to go in that direction, she could just feel it.

And she felt comforted as it shone down over her, guiding her. And as she came over a hill, her eyes widened as she saw some firelight. It was a village. Finally. Some civilisation. Relief flooded through her.

-

Loki was summoned to speak to Odin. He wasn’t sure what to expect. Though Frigga had said that she was going to speak to Odin, tell him that Lyra was wandering the realms.

He did wonder what he was going to say about that.

‘It seems you have rubbed off on that mortal of yours.’ Odin sighed.

‘It’s not my fault that she loves me and wants to find me again. It’s your fault for all of this in the first place. If she gets harmed, I will not stop until I see Asgard burn to the ground.’ Loki growled at him.

Odin did not look impressed, but tried to ignore the threat he just made.

‘I will make you a deal. You can either get your powers back, be able to change out of this hideous form, but you are to remain here in the city. There will be a lock on your powers so you cannot leave. Or, you can leave and go find your mortal, but as you are. You will never gain your powers again, and shall remain a beast for the rest of your days.’

Loki’s eyes widened. He had not been expecting Odin to offer him his powers back again. That was the last thing he had ever expected from Odin.

The thought of being able to change back, to gain his powers again…

[rekrappeter]

Over Again || r.c

pairing: rafe cameron x fem!reader

summary: being best friends with sarah cameron has it’s perks, her brother is the cherry on top [the usual cliche]

warnings: cursing | smut 18+ pls | most likely a choking kink at some point | unprotected sex | low?? risk of public sex | underage drinking | typos

**is bathroom sex low risk? idk**

note: you can thank @diverdcwn​ and @afterglows7b-tch13​ for there being smut in this :) enjoy + please let me know what you think about this!

masterlist

gif by @ptersparkers​ ♡

"Sarah, be careful," You shouted at your best friend, cringing while you watched the blonde carefully step over live wires to retrieve the stuffed animal stuck in a boat for a little girl. Everyone around you paused to watch the commotion, Rose was walking away in annoyance, muttering profanities under her breath and you spotted the troubled trio watching her intently from across the lawn.

Topper was almost jumping out of his skin, his eyes widening at his girlfriend’s actions. Kelce stood beside him, ceasing his conversation to pay attention to her. And the third and final member had a intense and displeased look on his face, but Rafe wasn't staring at his sister. His gaze was glued to you and you stared back at him, feeling yourself getting hotter under the burning sun. Your attention was snapped to Sarah when the sound of her scream echoed around the river.

Jumping from the spot on the grass that you were sitting on, you rolled your eyes when she started to laugh, mocking your expression. "Idiot," you muttered under your breath, bending down to grab your beach bag to drape it over your shoulder.

"Leaving so soon?" His drawn out voice sent shivers down your spine, his palm rested on your lower back as his chest pressed into your back. He must have rushed over to you in a sweat.

You turned around to face him, your eyes narrowing slightly at the smug smile stretching across his lips. "I have plans." You retorted, starting to walk away from the crowd gathering around Sarah. You knew that Topper would look after her at this point.

"Well, cancel them," Rafe suggested, jogging to catch up with you.

"Doesn't work like that," You scoffed, walking towards your car that was parked by the Cameron's mansion. You went to open the door but Rafe's larger hand closed it just as quick. He placed his hands on your waist, turning you to look at him and he trapped you between his body and your car. "Rafe, we talked about this. It was a one time thing."

"It was fun though, wasn't it?" He smirked, leaning down and placing his lips along your jaw. Your eyes fluttered shut, your heart hammering against your chest but before you lost yourself under his spell, you placed your hands on his chest and pushed him away.

"We both agreed it would be a one time thing, we were drunk." You couldn't help but feel embarrassed about the night you spent with your best friend's brother. You had known him your whole life, and despite being closer to his age than Sarah's, you still felt extremely guilty over it. Especially because you haven't told her yet.

Rafe raised up the cup he held firmly in his hand, one you didn't notice before. "I'm nearly drunk now."

"Rafe, it's barely even midday."

You looked up at the taller boy, noticing how soft his skin looked but his eyes were near hallow. The once endearing icy blue orbs were replaced by empty, dull ones. His hair was perfectly gelled back with his sunglasses resting on top of his head. His pink and blue striped shirt clashed against the pink shorts you decided to wear today. If a stranger spotted him, he'd look so put together but you knew him better than that. There was something deeper going on.

"What ya staring at?" Rafe smirked, leaning down attempting to press his lips against yours but you turned your head, making him capture your cheek. "Well, that's just rude." He chuckled, sighing and pulling away completely.

This allowed you to open the car door and create a barrier between you. "You know I'm always here if you want to talk, Ray." You were being sincere, knowing that he didn’t have much trust in other people.

"And you know I'm always here if you want to fuck, Y/N/N."

Rolling your eyes, you couldn't help your own smile that lifted onto your face. "You're impossible."

"And you're gorgeous."

"Goodbye, Rafe." You sang, hopping into your car and slamming the door shut. You looked at him, watching him signal you to put the window down. "What now?" You asked, resting your elbow on the ledge of the turned down window.

"Do you have a date to Midsummers?" He asked, his stare soft and gentle for once.

You laughed, shaking your head. "You know I don't bring dates to that, they'd have to answer to my father," you tried to play it off as a joke, but deep down, it annoyed you that you couldn't choose who to bring the Kook event of the year. Your father needed a by to by on their life history, in fear of destroying the family name.

"I get along well with your dad," Rafe hinted, he walked closer to the car, his arm leaning against the top of your door and his forehead resting against it, "Let me take you."

Your heart clenched in your chest, watching his face disappearing of any hint of that cockiness he was used to sporting. He looked vulnerable in that moment, the fear of rejection evident. He has asked you out multiple times before but to ask you to Midsummer's was something new. Something you weren't expecting.

"I'll think about it."

The beam in his eyes made your heart soar, and you waved at him, flicking your sunglasses over your eyes and start to pull away from him. "I'm wearing baby blue!" He yelled after the car, and you laughed waving your hand out the window to tell him you heard that.

The day of Midsummers finally arrived. There was no denying that Rafe Cameron occupied your thoughts over the last few nights; he hadn’t tried contacting you and you had been keeping a low profile on the island so was void of any chance of seeing him around. It didn’t bother you that he didn’t call, he never did before. But you couldn’t hide the excitement that was bubbling in your stomach knowing that in less than two hours you were going to see him again, despite turning him down multiple times. You enjoyed the games that he played, you liked making him work for you and you knew that he liked it just as much.

“You look beautiful, princess.” Your father’s voice broke through your thought process, you eyes staring at yourself in the floor length mirror that you had in your bedroom. The champagne pink dress hugged your figure, swooping out at your ankles to show off the heels you bought the day before. You styled your hair simple, clipping in small decorations to hide any bumps or frazzled pieces. 

“Thanks, dad.” You followed him down the stairs, meeting with the rest of your family. The annual pictures were taken, and you eventually found yourself walking through the Island club. The smile that was plastered over you face was genuine as you greeted family friends all dressed up to the nines, the finest champagne in their flutes that they would sip on all night. You didn’t have anything against anyone here, but your mind was solemnly sought on finding the dirty blonde that has been driving your mind crazy. 

The sun was slowly setting, the evening ambiance glowing around the club’s rather large patio. “Y/N!” You heard Sarah’s voice over the live band, watching her stalk away from Topper who was protesting, but shortly gave up when he knew he lost whatever argument they were having now. “You look gorgeous!” She grinned, taking your wine glass out of your hand and carefully took a big gulp, making sure there were no adult figures looking in your direction. 

“As you do, m’darling. Where were you yesterday?” You questioned, watching the blush rise on her cheeks. “Is that what Topper is getting all heated over?” 

“It-it’s nothing, honestly.” Your best friend sighed, taking another drink causing you to roll your eyes.

“Keep that one, I’ll get another.” You said, defeated as she finished the drink. 

Sarah swayed to the music, walking towards the dance floor before turning back to you. “My brother was looking for you by the way.” Your ears perked up at that, following her and popping along to the music. “You didn’t tell me he asked to take you tonight.” 

“What? He told you?” 

“He did, surprisingly.” Sarah hummed, taking your hands in hers and spinning you around playfully. “Why didn’t you accept?” 

“Tell me where you were yesterday.” You played, raising an eyebrow of curiosity in her direction. Her smile faltered and she narrowed her stare at you before giving up, shaking her head. You laughed at her before bidding her goodbye to find a replacement drink. 

You sauntered through the party, smiling at other guests but you didn’t stop to have any meaningless conversation. You found yourself walking inside, finding somewhere a bit more quieter. Hearing the commotion outside, you relaxed on a plush that was situated outside the restrooms. You closed your eyes, relaxing your tense shoulders. “Someone had a bit much to drink already.” 

The sound of his voice caused a smile to automatically appear on your face before you even opened your eyes, and when you did, you were blessed with the sight of him in a tight fitting baby blue suit, like he said. His bow tie was crooked, and there was a line of sweat on his forehead, you didn’t even want to know what he had gotten himself into at this point. You were used to Rafe and his ability to get into a fight with anyone and anything, after knowing him for so many years you just accepted it. 

“N’really,” you smirked, standing up on your heels, watching Rafe’s eyes dance along your body. It brought a sense of confidence out in you, the way his eyes did a second look then a third, before his tongue darted out and licked his bottom lip in anticipation. “I was too busy looking for you.”

“Yeah, me?” Rafe smirked,raising his brow and taking a step closer to you. “You wouldn’t even wait for me to walk in together.” 

“That’s what couples do, we’re not a couple.” 

Rafe closed the neverending gap between your bodies, his fingers brushing your bare shoulder and he slowly dragged his fingertips across your collarbone and up to your jaw. He watched you bite your bottom lip, his cock twitching at the sight of you there. “But we’re real good together.” He whispered, his lips ghosting over yours, his breath fawning across your face. “Plus, I love those heels.” He hummed, noticing the baby blue latch keeping them on your feet. “Very couple like.”

Your eyes fluttered shut, letting him seduce your body with just his lips and fingers. You hated how you gave into him so easily, but he had you trapped under this spell that you weren’t sure you ever wanted to escape from. Your mind wandered to the previous night that you shared together, your stomach erupting in butterflies that were reproducing rapidly. “Fuck me,” You whispered, opening your eyes and seeing the smug look on his face. 

“Here?” He asked, glancing around the empty corridor. 

Nodding eagerly, you eventually closed the aching gap, crashing your lips against his. He didn’t miss a beat, his hand cupping your jaw and moving his lips along with yours. It was intense, eager and sexually fueled. Rafe hoisted you up on his hips, groaning when your legs wrapped around his waist and he began walking in the direction men’s bathroom. He pulled away from you, placing you on the sink counter. You scanned the room, noting no one was here and Rafe immediately locked the entrance before connecting your lips together again.

Your hands fleeted through his gelled hair, ignoring the uncomfortable feeling of it and pulling him closer. His own hands bunched your dress up at your hips, knowing this is going to have to be quick but he was going to enjoy every minute of it. You kissed down his jaw, your lips finding their way to his neck as you nibbled and sucked on one spot causing his moan to echo around the restroom. Your hands started to fiddle with his belt buckle, longing to release some of the built up energy. 

You dropped his slacks to the floor, lifting yourself up slightly to allow Rafe to pull your panties down to your ankles. Rafe whimpered when your hand pulled his already hard cock out of his boxers, pumping your hand up and down his length. You ran your finger over the tip, smudging the pre-cum he released. “Ugh, fuck.” He breathed out, pulling back from you to place his lips against yours. He hoisted you closer to him, having you at the edge of the counter and he lined himself up at your glistening core. 

“I don’t have a condom,” Rafe mumbled against your lips.

“It’s okay.” 

“You sure?” He asked, pulling back and looking you in the eye. The eye contact was intense, as if there was an unspoken bond between you. It made you gulp back a lump forming in your throat, and you only nodded, not trusting your voice. Rafe crashed his lips to yours again, and you gasped as you felt him enter you. As the shock dispersed, you moaned in pleasure, your head falling back. You left hand gripped the edge of the counter, your right hand slowly finding its way to Rafe’s shoulder. 

He thrusted in and out of you at a painfully slow pace, watching your chest rise and fall. “Oh, my god, Rafe, fuck me like last time.” You breathed out, the smirk grew on his face as his pace got faster, each thrust became harder and you were riding on cloud nine again. You were losing yourself in the moment; your heavy breaths, Rafe’s moaning, and your bodies smashing together were the sounds bouncing off the restroom’s walls. 

“Oh, shit, babygirl,” Rafe groaned, his thrusts becoming messy as he rested his forehead on your shoulder. You wrapped your arms around his body, bringing him closer. Your legs circled around his waist and he hoisted you up off the counter, shuffling along the floor to fuck you up against the wall. 

The sound of the door attempting to open caused Rafe to stop mid thrust, pulling away from you and eying the door. His eyes were ride, amusement swirling in his orbs as he placed a finger on your lips for you to be quiet. You tried to muffle the giggles that were threatening to escape, causing your stomach to tremble. You heard muffled voices outside the door, but Rafe turned his attention back solemnly to you, his thrusts starting up again. 

“Rafe-” You gasped, but he just placed his lips onto yours again, finding the perfect rhythm to bring you to your climax. The thought of someone walking in on you and catching you here with the Kook Prince excited you, allowing you to release even faster than the previous night. Your moans echoed, and you watched Rafe fuck you fast, his eyes were a deep blue now, the lust filling them. 

“You’re such a good girl cumming on me, baby.” He hummed, bringing his face closer to you and hiding his face again. 

“Nu-uh,” You protested, reaching for his throat and pulling him back so you could watch him cum inside you. 

“You like that, baby?” Rafe mumbled, making you nod. You wrapped your fingers around his throat, watching his eyes screwed shut as you tighten your grasp. His pace picked up, he held you close and smashed himself into you, your body banging against the wall. He groaned loudly, opening his eyes to connect with yours, his mouth gaping slightly. You could feel the twitching of his cock inside you, and he exhaled. The sweat was beading on his forehead, but he still looked as handsome as ever. 

Rafe let out down gentle, pulling his boxers and slacks up before going to get some toilet paper to let you clean yourself. He turned his back towards you, giving you an ounce of privacy and you bit your lip, not expecting such a gesture. “Thank you,” You mumbled, your voice soft and fragile. He hummed in response, and you told him he could turn around once you were happy with your appearance. 

You were shocked when he walked back over to you, brushing some of your hair out of your face and placing a soft kiss on your lips. You smiled up at him, reaching to fix his bow tie and patting his shoulders gently. “All good now.” 

He reached down to grasp your hand, pulling you behind him as he unlocked the door and scoped out the corridor before deeming it to be safe. Rafe looked over his shoulder, smirking at you and you let out a chuckle, shaking your head. When you returned to the party, the music was still playing and the dance floor was crowded with guests. Rafe handed you a glass of wine, grabbing one for himself and clicked your glasses together. 

“You ready to get shitfaced?” 

I’m just a sucker for my Rafe rn, honestly!

these are also literally just my fantasies oops

[chaolie]

Forgotten

With how much he's been ignored by all the people he cares about, Fundy sometimes wondered if they'd even notice if he was gone. If things would be any different if all of them just suddenly forgot him... Would they feel like something's missing, or would they go on with their lives? Would anyone miss him?

Now, he finds himself stranded at the beginning of the prime path with no memory of getting there, and soon after he starts to wander through it, he can already tell that something's wrong. Why is everyone ignoring him, as if he didn't exist?

Words: 3.9k

Characters: Fundy, 5up, Dream, Eret, others

Warnings: horror elements, very slight body horror

In the end, there are some explanations for a couple of things I really want to mention but they’d spoil the ending.

When Fundy opens his eyes, he has no idea where he is. He looks around, confused, he doesn’t remember coming here… nor does he remember what was he doing before. He finally realizes that he’s in the middle of the prime path, the end near Bad’s and Skeppy’s mansion, but the confusion doesn’t leave. He looks down at his hands, trying to remember what the hell is he doing out here, but for some reason, they feel wrong. He quickly looks away from them, and without a second thought, he starts to walk. It just feels like the right thing to do.

After a while of walking, he reaches the bench with the jukebox and hears Tommy’s laughter coming from his little house in the hill. He follows the path’s turn towards L’Manburg and looks into the small building, seeing Tommy and Tubbo inside. The two are playfighting and they both seem so peaceful… Fundy doesn’t remember the last time he’s seen the two of them so happy. Still, he hopes to get some answers from them. They’d surely know what he was doing out here, they always know what’s going on.

“Tommy? Tubbo?” he calls out. They ignore him. “Hey!” he adds louder, approaching the two. “Tommy! Tubbo! Listen to me!” he yells, standing right by them.

He still gets no reply from them. Growing slightly annoyed, he reaches out to grab one of them and get their attention. Just as he does so, Tubbo jumps away from Tommy, holding something… blurry. Fundy grows more confused, it’s clearly something and he can see everything else, but this thing is just? Impossible to perceive? Yet the younger two seem to see it quite clearly.

“Hey, get back here!” Tommy yells, running towards Tubbo.

“You wish!” the other boy screams, running outside.

Tommy follows him and runs right past Fundy. In fact, so closely that the fox was surprised that he didn’t feel Tommy pushing past him. Still, he has to get some answers, so he follows the two. They seem to run towards L’Manburg, but by the time Fundy leaves Tommy’s house, they’re barely visible in the tunnel leading towards it. Has it really been that long?

“Hey, wait up!” he calls after them, running the same way.

Instead of seeing them again, as he enters the tunnel he notices Philza and Ghostbur coming into it from the other side. Good, at least they weren’t too caught up in playing that they could answer him. No longer feeling in rush, he walks towards them and waves them a hello.

“Hey! Tommy and Tubbo seem really energetic today, don’t they? Is something special happening?” he says, trying to casually start a conversation with the older two.

“Thank you so much for the help, Phil!” Ghostbur says with a bright smile, just as if he didn’t hear his son’s voice.

“No worries, mate. In just a moment, we’ll get Friend out of there,” Philza answers him, ignoring Fundy as well. Or maybe they just didn’t hear him at first?

“What are we doing, again?” Fundy asks, stopping in the middle of the crossing so that they couldn’t miss him.

“I can’t wait to see Friend again!” Ghostbur hums instead of answering him. Growing impatient, Fundy sighs.

“Dad. I need help too, you know?” he admits. Wilbur would never ignore him after being referred to as ‘dad’, after all.

“What happened to his first lead, anyway?” Phil asks as they pass right by Fundy, just barely missing him. For a moment, he stays in his place, crossing his arms and angrily staring at the ground. What the hell is that?

“Oh, I lost it… I wanted him to run free for a moment and I put it on the floor but it just disappeared some…” Ghostbur’s voice fades as he speaks, but surely they didn’t get too far for Fundy to hear them. Yet as he turns, they’re suddenly just… gone.

“Okay, what the hell?” he mutters angrily, following their direction and expecting them to be hidden behind a corner. They aren’t. 

Just as he was about to go after Tommy and Tubbo again, he notices another familiar person walking down the prime path in the same direction he was originally headed in. It was Niki this time. Brushing away the fact that he didn’t see her over there before, he rushes after her, not intending to take his eyes off of her this time. What the hell was this joke?

“Niki!” he calls after her. She doesn’t even flinch. Being ignored by a 5th person in a row was making him anxious rather than annoyed at this point. “Niki, this is not funny anymore!” he hisses, grabbing her hand.

He feels his heart drop as his hand literally passes through her. He doesn’t even feel it. Just as if she wasn’t really there, as if she was an illusion. Either that, or he was. This leaves him frozen and staring at his own hand as she walks away, cheerful as ever. When he eventually looks back up, she was already at the bottom of the wooden stairs and taking a turn towards the parking lot to the left.

“Niki?!” he calls after her, running down to follow her. He must’ve seen this wrong, there is no way he passed through her. “Niki, come back!” he yells frantically, taking the same turn as her and seeing her hugging Puffy in front of the Pizza place. “...Niki?” he asks once more, his voice growing quiet as he watches the two enter the building.

He shakes his head and steps back onto the prime path. This couldn’t be real. What happened? Was he a ghost or something? Is that why his memory seemed faulty, just like Ghostbur’s? But why were they all so happy if that was true? And why didn’t his dad see him? He was a ghost as well, wasn’t he? 

Fundy covers his eyes and tries to take deep breaths. He didn’t feel dead. That couldn’t be it, right? Surely he’d know if he died… didn’t he have two lives left, too? How could he lose them at the same time? This couldn’t be happening, this couldn’t be happening… Then, another idea appeared in his head. What if he was actually sitting in a boat somewhere far away, and this was just that weird astral projection thing that happens sometimes? People usually can’t see or hear him when that happens.

“Oh, of course!” he sighs in relief. And even chuckles at how panicked he felt moments ago. Of course this was it. He really needs to take a break and relax soon, how could he be so much on edge that he’d immediately assume that he’s dead? “Alright, let’s get over with this,” he mutters.

He closes his eyes and does a little bow, usually enough to break him out from the boat illusion. Still, he doesn’t feel his surroundings change. As he feels anxiety crawling up his throat anew, he tries to keep a smile and tries again. And again. And again. He opens his eyes and he’s still on the prime path right next to Targay. He shakes his head. Something must be broken, this isn’t real. He quickly turns and walks forward. When he’s a projection, he can’t die. Can’t drown. And there is some water near the prime path in that direction, he’s sure of that.

As soon as he reaches it, he jumps in without a second thought. Not even trying to hold his breath, he allows himself to float down and then relaxes at the bottom of the water. He has nothing to worry about, after all, he’s just proving what he already knows. Suddenly, there’s a burning sensation in his throat and he’s choking. His eyes open wide as he desperately tries to get to the surface. He can barely reach it before most of his life slips out from him, and once he does, he can’t help but gasp and cough. He almost tears up at the sensation of air filling his lungs once again as he crawls out from the water and gets back to the prime path.

“...What…. the… hell?!” he gasps to himself, resting his face on the wood from the path prime for a moment. He’s not a projection? This is real? Is he dead already, or did he just almost die by drowning?

Slowly, he raises himself to his feet and takes off his jacket and hat. They’re both soaking wet, as is the rest of his clothes, but he can afford to shake those two around to make them less wet. Once he puts them back on and looks around to examine his surroundings once again, he suddenly notices someone on the part of the prime path he just jumped from. Sitting on the edge of it, with their legs dangling over the ledge and above the water, is Ranboo. When the hell did he get here?

“Ranboo?” Fundy asks, taking a couple of steps forward. The half-enderman doesn’t react to his name being called. “Oh, of course,” he mutters quietly.

But then, he realizes that unlike everyone else, his friend is not headed anywhere, he’s just sitting there and looking into the water. This meant he had all the time in the world to try and get Ranboo to notice him. He approaches him and starts his attempts. He tries tapping Ranboo’s shoulder, but his finger passes right through it. He tries to wave his hand in front of Ranboo’s eyes, but it doesn’t seem to work either. He tries to punch Ranboo’s shoulder, but it just leaves him with his hand literally inside of it, a rather distressing sight. He tries to run into him at full speed in a desperate attempt to get any reaction out of him, but he once again passes through him instead.

“Ranboo!” he snaps, going back and waving his arms around in a last desperate attempt to get his attention. “What is he even looking at?” he mutters, looking down into the water himself.

He’s met with his own reflection. His, and Ranboo’s, of course. While his friend seems to be fixated on his own, the fox decides to look himself over as well. Is he really that much soaked? It’s just as if he was melting… He grabs one of his sleeves and pulls it down, trying to see how far it’d stretch when wet. His breath seems to disappear as he watches it go on and on. He lets it go and turns his gaze away from his sleeve, his eyes must be fooling him. Still, he continues to look at the reflection. He goes on to brush his soaked hair from his face, but his hand freezes in the middle of doing so. Is it just him, or is his head stretching? In panic, he grabs it from two different sides and tries to push it back to normal. Surely it’s doing that because his fur is wet, right? As he watches the part of his head his skull should be keeping sturdy be squished effortlessly by his own hands, he jumps back.

“What the hell?!” he gasps, feeling around his face… It feels normal? He slowly steps forward again, glancing down. Before he could even process what he saw down there, he’s already backed up again. It was somehow worse. “I- I’m out of here!” he mutters, turning away from Ranboo and running away. He doesn’t feel like trying to get his attention anymore.

He stops only once he’s far from the water, stops to catch his breath, and tries to shake the image of a melted and disfigured version of himself out of his mind. It’s hard to forget it, though, it was so clear and… and felt so real! He looks down at his hands again, and they still feel wrong. He’s not sure why, though, they aren’t melted or anything… And they seem normal enough. He does his best to calm his breath and rubs his eyes, hoping to forget what just happened fast. 

Once he finally manages to calm himself enough to look back, Ranboo is still staring at his own reflection in the water. Fundy just shakes his head and continues his way forward. There’s nothing in the world that could make him go back there and risk seeing his twisted reflection again. After taking just a couple of steps forward, he stops once again.

“...What the hell?” he mutters, looking around. He’s suddenly standing in front of the bridge leading to the Community House. Wasn’t he, like, a couple of minutes away from it just moments ago? He turns around to see himself so far from where he just was that he can’t see Ranboo anymore. Did he blackout? Did he teleport? What was that?!

He shakes his head and continues forward. He doesn’t want to question anything anymore, it’s too distressing, too confusing, too anxiety-inducing, and just… too much. He notices his reflection in the water under the bridge for a second, but he quickly turns away. He already knows better than trying to see it again. He just looks down at the wood under his feet and rushes forward.

The door to the Community House is open. He’s hesitant to step inside, though. He can hear someone speaking inside and he can see a couple of people through the windows, and he’s not sure if he’s able to handle being invisible to them as well. When he eventually steps forward with a little hope somewhere at the bottom of his heart, it’s immediately crushed by Sapnap walking right through him. The man is pacing around while talking with George, Dream, Quackity, and Karl. He has no idea what the conversation is about, and he doesn’t feel the need to figure that out. All he knows is that they don’t see him either.

“Oh, of curse…” he mutters, disappointed. He sadly looks around the building, watching all those people he once knew… even if he wasn’t great friends with some of them, he’d give anything for them to notice him. 

Suddenly, he looks at Dream and he could swear that the white mask on the man’s face is turned directly at him. They lock eyes, or at least it looks like they do, and Fundy hesitantly points at himself. Dream slowly tilts his head, keeping his eyes on him, and suddenly Fundy feels overjoyed as relief washes over him. Dream sees him.

“Dream!” he gasps, rushing forward and trying to grab the man’s shoulders. His hands go right through them. “...Dream?” he mutters. Did he just imagine this? Did Dream not notice him? Just then, the masked man chuckles quietly. It sounds far more menacing than it should.

“Guys, I’ll be right back, I need to… do something,” he says and without a further explanation turns to leave. As some of his friends try to ask questions and some just accept his statement and wave him goodbye, Fundy anxiously follows him.

“Dream! Dream! Please, Dream! You see me, right?!” he cries after him as he follows him towards Eret’s castle. His begs get louder and more desperate with each step, but Dream seems unaffected. Did he really not see him? “Dream! PLEASE! Just tell me if you SEE ME!” Fundy urges and suddenly, the man stops.

“Oh, of course I do,” he answers finally, spinning around to face the distraught fox. For a moment, Fundy freezes before relaxing.

“Oh, thank-” he starts, sighing in relief when Dream turns back around.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t ignore you,” he hums and continues forward. Immediately, Fundy follows him.

“What?! Dream, please! You have no idea how terrifying this is!” he cries, getting in his way only for the man to go through him effortlessly.

“So?” he chuckles, leaving Fundy behind. When the fox looks back at him, he’s face to face with Eret already.

“What brings you here?” the king asks, looking at Dream with confusion on their face. Immediately, Fundy joins the two and waves his arms around.

“Eret! Eret! Can you see me?!” he yells as loud as he can, but no one responds.

“I needed wood, and you always seem to have some. I’ll pay you back, of course,” the masked man answers. Eret nods and heads towards one of the front towers of the castle’s wall. 

“Of course. How much do you need?” they ask. Dream shrugs. 

“Just a couple of stacks. Maybe four? I can give you 10 diamonds for that,” he replies. Eret nods as she enters the tower.

“That sounds fair, I’ll bring that for you,” he agrees before disappearing behind the door. Dream once again chuckles.

“You can quit trying to get others’ attention, you know? They won’t see you anyway,” he says quietly enough for Eret to not hear. 

“Dream, please, there has to be a way to fix this!” Fundy cries out in distress. There just has to be, right? 

“I don't know, Fundy, some things are better left untouched…” Dream hums with amusement as he watches the fox’s panic spiral. 

“Please! I'll do anything!” he begs, desperate to not be left forgotten forever. 

“Is that so?” the man asks slowly. Fundy doesn't think about it too much before nodding in agreement. “Fine, fine… We can discuss the details later, but you're clearly desperate… Here, drink this and everything will be okay again,” he promises, pulling a bottle of a green liquid from behind his back. Not even questioning any of that, Fundy quickly grabs it. 

“Oh, thank you so much!” he gasps, on the verge of tears as he downs the bottle. 

Once he sets it down, he doesn't feel any different at first. Then there's a terrible burning sensation in his mouth, throat, and stomach. All of a sudden, his breath is knocked out of his lungs as he bends over and tries to gasp for air. And as he tries to figure out why it hurts so much, he can hear Dream recoil in laughter. 

“Oh my God! I can't believe you! How gullible can you be?!” he asks through laughter. Fundy looks up at him and they lock eyes again. "You drank straight poison, Fundy. And you didn't even check!” he emphasizes, sounding proud of himself as he laughs again. 

Fundy would love to answer him, to cuss him out, or ask why, or beg for help, or anything, but he can only cough and wheeze through the burning pain. His knees eventually give in and his face is suddenly just barely above the ground as he curls up, covering his mouth and tasting blood inside of it. He's growing tired and more disoriented with every moment, and the only consistent things reaching him are his pain and Dream's laughter. Then, there are footsteps. 

“Fundy?!” Eret calls out, running out from the tower. Fundy feels so out of it that he barely realizes that they didn't see him before. But now they were running towards him, ready to help him and please save him from Dream. 

“He's not worth it, Eret,” Dream hums, and suddenly, the footsteps stop. Why did they stop? 

“...You're right, Dream,” Eret chuckles, her voice suddenly much scarier than before. 

Fundy feels like he's drowning, he can barely breathe anymore when he looks up to see Dream and Eret standing above him, watching him suffer and wheeze and cough and slowly wither and die. They're both just watching. His breath hitches as he struggles for air, desperate to live, desperate to survive. His eyes close in pain as he lies on the ground beneath their feet. Still, he tries to push himself back up. Maybe if he shows them how strong he is, they'll give him mercy and let him live? He wanted to live, he didn't want to die, he was scared of death-

“Do you want to do the honors?” Dream asks. Fundy forces his eyes open to look up at them again. 

“With pleasure,” Eret answers. As Fundy's vision focuses, he sees a boot flying at his face. Then, he feels pain and hears a crack in his neck. Everything goes black. 

With a gasp, he sits up. The air is heavy and dry, there's probably dust in it and he can feel it scratching his throat. He can also feel tears running down his face and a pair of hands on his shoulders. With a gasp, he starts struggling against them, he doesn't want to die, he doesn't want to die, he doesn't, he doesn't-

“Fundy!” someone calls out, someone familiar. Do they want to kill him too? 

“P-please, I- I-” he gasps in panic, shivering as they let go of one of his shoulders and gently take his hand. Too gently. They must be faking it. 

“Fundy, it's okay! You're okay…” they hush him, rubbing his hand gently. That's clearly a lie, why does his chest hurt so much if he's okay? “Please, take deep breaths, you're okay,” they try to convince him. 

“I- I-” he gasps, wanting to call them out on lying but unable to get any words out. Just then, his vision finally sharpens and he can make out their face in the darkness. “...5-5up?” he asks under his breath. 

“I'm here,” the 'someone', his boyfriend, answers. “You're okay, you're safe now, okay?” he assures him. Out of all people, he’s one of the few Fundy’d consider trustworthy. 

“O-okay,” he agrees quietly, nodding. 

Suddenly, he's pulled into a gentle embrace and he finds himself hiding in 5up's arms. Almost immediately, he wraps his hands around him and holds onto his shirt as if he was about to disappear. Instead, his boyfriend rocks him gently to the sides and hums quietly, bringing Fundy more comfort than he'd like to admit. 

“Better?” 5up asks after a moment of silence. Fundy nods slightly and mutters a quiet confirmation. “It's okay, Fundy. I promise, it was just a bad dream,” he assures. Fundy shivers at the words. 

“It was a goddamn nightmare,” he mutters quietly. With a sigh, 5up pulls away to look at Fundy’s face.

“Do you want to tell me about it?” he asks, and Fundy hesitantly nods.

“Y-yeah, I…” he mutters, still taking a couple of sharp breaths as his lungs get used to having air again.

“Come on, let’s get you some water first, okay?” 5up suggests, slowly getting up and giving Fundy time to follow. 

“...Okay…” he nods. His legs almost give in the second he tries to stand, but with 5up’s help, he manages to keep his balance somehow. Yet when 5up tries to lead the fox towards where they could find water, Fundy doesn’t budge from his place.

“...Fundy?” he asks, turning to see the man looking down at the floor, trembling slightly while still holding his hand.

“Do you… do you think you’ll ever just… forget me?” he asks hesitantly, his voice cracking slightly. He can’t help but fear the answer he’s about to get.

“Oh, Fundy…” 5up sighs, taking a step towards him and pulling him into a hug again. “I promise, I will remember you forever,” he assures him. A single sob escapes Fundy as he returns the embrace. “How could I ever forget such a smart and handsome man, after all?” he adds, and Fundy can’t help but chuckle before relaxing in his arms.

“...Thank you, Five…” he mutters quietly. They stayed like that for quite a while, the water could wait after all.

=================================

Thank you for reading and I hope the story was interesting and entertaining for you!

Also, as mentioned before, I would like to explain some things about the nightmare:

First of all, when you're dreaming and you try to count your fingers, you'll always get the wrong number. That's why Fundy felt as if something was wrong whenever he looked at his hands. I just figured that this could be a nice hint.

Second of all, reflections don't work properly in our dreams. That's why you should never look into a mirror while you're sleeping, you could "see something terrible". I wasn't sure what that meant until I recently had a dream in which I got to see my reflection and uhh. It wasn't nice, but hey, at least I know what it means and could use it here!

If you have any more questions as to why what happened/about the setting and stuff, my askbox is always open! So are my DMs, and you can always leave them in tags/replies/reblogs, too!

Oh, and lastly, this is also on AO3, so don’t worry if you find it over there, no one stole it.

[thefanficmonster]

An Angel Through Time

David Milton (The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope) x Reader (Female)

Warnings: Mentions of death and a near death scene

Genre: Angst, Romance

Summary: The unthinkable miracle of getting a second chance at love centuries after the first one slipped through his fingers is exactly what happens to David Milton when John’s students are taken back trough time and save him from certain death.

Requested by my dear friend @artlovingbre​ . Hello! I’m sorry to be posting your request so late, I hope it makes up for the wait. David is really an underrated character and I can’t thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to write for him. Please enjoy the read! Love, Vy ❤

Y/D/N - Your double’s name (same first letter as your name)

I feel someone’s grip on my forearm, encouraging me to open my tightly shut eyes. When I do so, I’m met with a terrifying scene. That evil priest is here, along with that little girl and two other men - one of which is a spitting image of Daniel. The priest is saying something but I’m too busy exchanging confused and fearful looks with Daniel and Andrew who have been dragged into this mess with me.

“What do we do?“ I ask, turning around just in time to see the other man push Daniel’s double over the ledge.

“NO!“ The scream leaves both me and Daniel but while I remain frozen in place he rushes to save the innocent man from the certain death awaiting him.

Luckily, he manages to grab onto him, I don’t know how he made it, I’m just glad he did. However, he’s struggling to pull him up to safety, having his double dangle above his faith.  Seeing the man who pushed him pull out a knife and begin to approach the ledge shakes me out of my trance and I rush over to help him myself, grabbing onto the rope that binds his wrists. Thankfully, with joined forces and a little help from Andrew who took a bit longer to snap out of his confusion, we pull the double back inside the belfry. We each lose our balance, falling to the ground, letting go of the rope that has cut through the skin of out palms.

I hiss at the irritating pain spreading through my hands, squeezing my eyes shut. If I had any doubt that this was actually happening, I don’t have it anymore. The pain is real. That scene was real. That man was real. This is all real and I really need to put myself together because otherwise, I’m not making it out of this place alive.

Oh God, the image I saw when I rushed to the ledge - below was a spiked fence this innocent man would’ve inevitably impaled himself on had Daniel not caught him when he did. My heart sinks just thinking of that happening.

“Hey, it’s over now. You can open your eyes.“ Andrew’s comforting voice reaches me through the fog of distress clouding my brain. I feel his gentle grip on my shoulder as if trying to ground me to the present, reminding me we left that behind.

Maybe not completely though. The first face I see is Daniel’s, thing is - a quick look to the left shows Daniel standing aside talking to Taylor. The person I’m looking at is his double. In the present. Here, with us, now. 

I look at Andrew who’s offering me a helping hand to get me off the ground. He understands all the bafflement from that simple eye-contact and I can tell he feels the same.

John and Angela ask us for explanations but how are we supposed to explain something even we don’t understand? 

                                                            *  *  *

How can this be? It’s them, it’s really them. Maybe it’s their souls looming over me as to shield me from harm. Maybe I have been compromised by the Devil himself. I have no answers, no way to understand what is right in front of me.

The late sister of mine - Tabitha and my deceased lover, Y/D/N. 

My eyes may deceive me or an evil force is using me as its plaything. I can not be sure of anything anymore. So help me God, I am miraculously alive. Or I maybe aren’t. This may be my soul reuniting with the souls of my condemned love ones. One was accused of witchcraft by our own kin - our sister Mary, and the other, my dear Y/D/N was a victim of reverend Carver’s sinful, poisoned with malice heart.

We were to be married, the joy of calling her my wife so close within my reach. I remember the night I asked her to marry me: the tears glistening in her eyes, the warmth of her embrace. The happiness that inhabited our home.

And how suddenly it was taken from us.

Y/D/N warned me of Carver’s advances and intentions towards her. I told her not to fear, that I would first throw myself in the arms of damnation rather than let any harm be done to her. I will never forgive myself for not doing more to save her from the horrible fate Carver decided for her when she refused his advances and stayed true to me and our love. She let out her final breath right in front of me, looking me straight in the eye.

Her final words shall forever haunt my mind and memories.

David, my soul will love you beyond death’s grip

This is her fulfilling her last words. She rescued me from inevitable demise. 

Like a guardian angel, using her love for me to keep me out of evil’s reach.

“Are you ok?“ She approaches me cautiously, almost fearfully. “That was a close call back there.“

“My eyes deceive me, no? Y/D/N, is it really you?“ I reach out towards her, fearing she is nothing but an illusion. Fearing I’ll never see her again the second my hand touches hers.

Her hand takes firm hold of mine as reassurance that I haven’t gone mad. “I’m sorry but I’m not. My name’s Y/N. I understand that you are having a tough time understanding this and believe me - we’re in the same boat there. Just trust us, we’ll....figure everything out, ok?”

Her voice - her voice opens the wound on my heart Y/D/N’s death inflicted on me. I hear the echo of the purest words I’ve ever heard spoken.

I most certainly do not feel safe nor do I understand what trickery was done to me for my soul to be sent amongst these people, but I believe they mean no harm. I have seen the face of evil - and it doesn’t look like them.

                                                              *  *  *

Daniel’s double, who I now know is named David, is coping with this surprisingly well. The confusion is still clouding his brain but he’s not nearly as freaked out as I would’ve been in his position. He hasn’t asked many questions, I think he’s still in shock. Regardless, he’s calm and...well, alive and that’s what matters. Every now and then I catch him looking at me with this sorrowful sadness in his gaze. I feel my heart sink a little every time I see it. He has mentioned another lady, Y/D/N I think he called her. I don’t know what relation he has to her, but he mistook me for her so I can only assume she’s my double. I’m honestly afraid to ask, I don’t believe I can handle what he’ll tell me. At least not yet.

We approach an old house. That’s a pretty generic description, considering all the houses in this ghost-town are old. This one, however, sticks out. It has clearly been shielded from the cruelty of time by many renovations. It simultaneously looks firm as a fort but also like it could crumble at any moment. It’s hard to explain, you’d have to see it to understand. Through one of the windows we see a faint flickering light, presumably from a lit candle.

“This is our house. What in God’s name has happened to it? Why is it so filthy?“ David looks the house from top to bottom with fear and hurt in his eyes. I see the tears threatening to roll down his cheeks and my heart cracks much like the foundation of the house.

“It may have been your hose back then. It’s no one’s now.“ John tries to explain to him, as delicately and carefully as one could, “It’s our only good lead, given there’s light in there.“

David shakes his head, “I refuse to step foot beyond that doorstep.” His statement is firm, not that we would’ve tried to change his mind regardless.

I look at the group who are exchanging puzzled gazes. I raise my voice to say: “I’ll wait outside with David, you guys can go in and do a sweep. If you find anything useful just holler, I doubt I won’t hear you.“

They slowly nod in agreement before entering the house. I watch as they disappear into the darkness of the hallway, paying close attention to the creaking of the floorboards that bend under the weight of their footsteps - giving me some indication of where they are in case I need to go in and find them.

There is a half-rotted bench in front of the house. It looks far from stable or useable but I decide to take my chances. I sit down and brace for impact with the ground but when that doesn’t happen I wave David over to sit down as well. He does so, though reluctantly - never taking his gaze of the house, the look in his eyes remaining as painful as when he first saw it.

“Y/D/N, she was the light of this home. Tabitha was to be wedded as well. She didn’t live to see that day. I couldn’t protect either of them.“ He rests his elbows on his knees, hiding his face in the palms of his hands. “I should’ve fought till the last undeserved breath for theirs. I should’ve done more.“

With minor hesitation, I place my hand on his shoulder in an attempt to comfort him though I know my presence is fueling his sorrow. I’m an image of someone meaningful he lost, how can he even bare to look at me? “Who was she? Y/D/N?“

His hand reaches up, taking hold of mine and removing it from his shoulder. He straightens his posture, gently holding my hand with both of his. “My late wife to be. She was cruelly sent away from this world by the town reverend. He wanted to rid me of my life shortly after Y/D/N, but...” his attention travels to my eyes, “you saved me. I would now be nothing but a lifeless body if you hadn’t done what you did. I will forever be in your debt.” He squeezes my hand in an act of endearment that makes my heart flutter. “Though it pains me to look at you or the other woman,” he tilts his head towards the house, presumably referring to Taylor, “I can not take my eyes off you. This mustn’t be a coincidence. You are either her, or an angel sent by her. I am grateful to you regardless.” His hands uncover mine and he brings it to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on my knuckles.

I feel this overwhelming need to protect him, to always be by his side and never leave him. I have known him for less than two hours; he’s been a part of this time for just as long and yet I still feel so close and so attached to him.

“Don’t worry, David. My life isn’t getting stripped away and neither is yours. I can promise you that.“ I say reassuringly, nodding to put extra emphasis to my words.

                                                             *  *  *

The way she puts such faith on her words, on her promise, makes me recall how Y/D/N’s voice danced in the air when she’d tell me what our future looked like through her eyes. Every letter leaving her lips carried its own meaning, none less valuable than another. All so certain and concrete. A force to be reckoned with. A force to gain all my trust in a matter of seconds.

“Thank you, Y/N“

I shall put my life in these people’s hands and my heart in the hands of this angel that survived through the walls of time. This strong woman who risked her life to save my own. 

There’s no longer a doubt in my mind that she’s my second chance at love disguised as an angel. One Y/D/N’s soul sent me from the heavens where she’s looking down upon me from. I shall fulfill her wish - I shall love again.

[the-drakeboys]

Come Back to Me - Pt. 3

Summary: Nate’s words don’t sound real - Sam’s gone. How could Sam be gone?

With the prison fading into the distance, you’ll make a decision - to fight against what they’re telling you, and to hope that maybe… just maybe, they could be wrong.

But Rafe’s not a big fan of your new plan, and the dangers ahead will prove to be just as harrowing as they seem.

Pairing: Sam Drake x Reader

Word Count: 3,244

Warnings: violence, mentions of death and loss

A/N: Y’all are amazing! Thank you so much for reading - and a huge special thanks to these wonderful folks who’ve commented on the series so far. You guys really don’t realize how much your feedback means - thank you so much!!

@s4mdrake (who was also a fabulous beta-reader!! thank you! <3) 

@landoverthemountains @supernaturally-avenging-hannibal @cassieseraphim @qwertybubbler @hrgnm @darlingsdevil

This is a (mini) series! You can find the masterlist here.

---

“No, no, no, no,” you mumbled, your whole body feeling empty and weightless as realization melted into your bones. You stumbled forward, collapsing in front of Nate and grabbing softly at his cheeks. “Nate… Nate, what happened? Wh-What happened…?” He was holding it all back, hot tears blurring his vision and refusing to fall, his body slumped weakly against the side of the boat. “Please…”

Behind you, Rafe took the controls, shifting the boat into drive. You hardly felt the motion, nothing existed around you anymore.

“I...I c-can’t…” Nate tried, his voice breathy. He met your eyes, breaking inside as he struggled to say what he knew was true.

“Please!” you blurted, your chin trembling and eyes welling up. “He can’t be.”

Nate just watched it on replay, over and over again, in his mind; full of nothing but those three shots, tak, tak, tak. Of not knowing, for those long few seconds, what’d just happened. What he was about to lose. He should’ve said something. Done something with that time. Yanked Sam up over the ledge and carried him the rest of the way.

But he just let him hang there. Let him fall.

He felt himself go completely numb. “He… He g-got shot.”

Your stomach twisted itself inside out.

“He got shot, and he fell, and...he’s go-” his voice broke, the word ripping him to shreds. “...gone.”

Your Sam… gone.

He couldn’t be.

You pressed your lips together, fighting the sobs that wanted to pour out of you, an ocean boiling over from inside your chest. Your eyes locked onto Nate’s. Body shaking with the effort of pretending not to break.

“He f-fell? When? What… What does that mean, did you see…?”

In a daze, Nate slowly nodded his head. “He… Just before the drop. The last jump. They shot him, and I couldn’t h-hold on.” His hands trembled. You let his words sink in. Every one of them.

“Okay,” you whispered. “O-Okay.” You nodded your head, still holding his face in your palms, and felt the vibration of the boat’s engine underneath you, the movement of it over the waves. A jolt of clarity washed through you, your eyes shifting to the cliffside and jungle that were slipping further and further into the distance.

Nate’s confusion and heartbreak were staring you in the face as your hand went to your gun. “Okay,” you said one more time, steeling yourself and sniffling away the tears as you stood to your feet, turned on your heel, and raised your gun on Rafe’s back.

His ears pricked up at the sound of the safety clicking off.

“Rafe,” your voice was sure, your two feet sturdy on the deck of the boat despite the constant motion of the waves beneath you. “Turn us around.”

His shoulders were up to his ears, feeling the weapon trained on him. “What are you doing?” he growled, white knuckling the steering wheel and wishing he’d left all of you for dead a long time ago.

“Turn. us. around.” you commanded. “I won’t say it again.”

Josh’s eyes were on you, his hand still pressed to his bleeding nose where he sat on the bench. Rafe slowed the boat down, coming to a stop in the water, and carefully turned around.

You shifted, your finger moving to the trigger.

“You’re being very… very stup-”

Bam.

Your shot rang out, the glass windshield behind him shattering loudly and his entire body jumping with a start. “Jesus!” he screamed, eyes wild and hair standing on end. Without skipping a beat, you trained your sights back on Rafe, gritting your teeth. “You shot my fucking boat!”

“Josh,” you spoke. “The revolver. Please.” You were still working on putting words together.

Josh didn’t bat an eye. “You got it,” he said, standing up and eyeing Rafe with a bitter satisfaction as he tugged the revolver from the waistband of his jeans. He handed it to you and you slipped it into your holster.

“Thank you.” Your voice was earnest, and you met Josh’s gaze and glanced over at the wheel. “How fast can you get us back?”

“Five minutes. Just… You’ll need to sit.” You nodded, pointing your gun at the bench and directing Rafe over to it.

Rafe’s jaw was clenched so hard, you were surprised he wasn’t breaking it. You knelt beside Nate, your gun still trained on Rafe as he sat at the bench. Josh set the boat into motion, gassing it as hard as he could and forcing all of you to sway with the momentum. With a quick turn, you were making your way back to the prison.

“Y/N,” Rafe spat. “What do you not understand about ‘he’s dead’?” He couldn’t wrap his head around it. He stared you down, desperately trying to grasp what could possibly have spurred you to this level of insanity.

You took in a slow, deep breath. “Nate said he fell.” You let yourself lean back, Nate’s shoulder up against yours. “He didn’t see him… He doesn’t know. Not for sure.”

Rafe rolled his eyes, fists balled up in his lap. “Are the bullet holes in his back not enough for you? What about the thirty foot drop he took into a bunch of rusted tin?! Is your skull that thick?”

You couldn’t let yourself fall apart here. Rafe’s words rang true, and you and Nate both knew it.

Hot tears forced their way down your cheeks. “I’m not letting him die alone up there,” you swore, your fingers tightening around the handle of your gun. “He’s not dying alone.”

Rafe glowered at you, unable to offer any words that wouldn’t get him thrown off the boat. You fought to breathe, reaching up and wiping at your cheeks. “Nate,” you murmured as Josh drove you closer to the landing point, “Can you.... Think you can point me to where he fell? The blueprints are in my back pocket.”

Behind you, where he’d sat quietly processing every word, Nate cleared his throat and dragged his palms over his face. Carefully, as the boat slowed to a stop near the cliff, he stood, and offered you his hand.

“I’m comin’ with you.”  

A heartbroken smile crossed your lips and you took his hand, letting him help you to your feet. You gave his arm a grateful squeeze, then reached into your holster, pulling the revolver from it.

“You good?” you asked, holding it out to him. For a moment, he was quiet.

He took the gun, sliding it into his waistband. “I’m good.”

You reached down, holstering your gun and hoisting your med pack onto your shoulders. You clicked the snaps closed in front of you, the pack secured to your back, and grabbed two of the sets of rope that lay in the corner. You and Nate each hooked one to your sides. Josh stopped the boat as close to the rocks as he could, glancing back at you. For a moment, the thought that he could come with you, come help, crossed his mind. Until he ran his eyes up the cliffside - there was no way he was climbing up any of that.

Rafe stood, eyeing the two of you as you got ready for the climb.

“You know, the second you’re off this boat, I’m gone,” he seethed.

“No surprise there,” you chuckled darkly, stepping to the edge of the boat and looking back at him. Nate stood with you, waiting for your move. “But just know. Once I’m done getting him out of here… No matter what happens…”

Rafe moved for the controls, barely listening to you. “...I’m going to find you.” He stopped, brows furrowing. Wondering just how serious you were. “And when that time comes, there’s no army in the world that’ll keep me from getting to you.” His stomach dropped, the look in your eyes shaking him to his core.

Without another word, you jumped into the water, Nate following close behind. The cool ocean waves rolled over you, your feet kicking until you broke above the surface. Your eyes met Josh’s, and you sent him a grateful nod. He nodded back, a small smile and a wish of good luck on his face as Rafe threw the boat into drive, speeding away on the waves.

“Over here,” Nate called, swimming forward towards the rocks. You followed his lead, jumping up onto a handhold just out of the water. “There’s a path up this way.” He led you up along the cliff, the pack weighing heavily on your shoulders with each lift and pull. You grunted with the effort, doing your best to keep up with Nate.

The late afternoon sun beat down heavily on you, and you glanced up at him as he jumped along the path with ease. “Rafe’s… a real… asshole, isn’t he?” you breathed, chucking yourself forward to the next grip.

Nate offered a tired laugh. “That’s one..way of puttin’ it.” You bit back a grimace as your knee slammed into some rock, your words sounding pained.

“Well how.. would you… put it?” you asked between lunges, feeling the distance to the ocean below you grow.

“Uhh.. Considering… All this was because…” he paused, landing on a ledge about two-thirds of the way to the top. He was out of breath, waiting for you to reach him.

Sweat beaded on your forehead, your arms lifting you to the next handhold. Pressing your feet into the rock and mud for leverage, you jumped forward, feeling him catch you and tug you onto the ledge.

“Jesus,” you breathed, relieved for the short respite.

“...all this… happened because that lunatic.. shanked the goddamn guard that got us in here,” Nate finished, wiping at his forehead.

“Are you serious?” You looked at him with wide eyes, sitting back with your legs hanging off the edge, grateful for the break your back was getting from the weight of the med gear.

“As a heart attack,” he retorted, shaking his head and looking around for where to go next. “So… I’d probably say ‘murderer’, or… ‘psychopath’ or somethin’.”

“Sounds about right,” you muttered, marveling at just how much Rafe was really capable of as you finally caught your breath.  “Okay…” you started, getting ready to move again. “Think we can swing over there?” Across from you, a tree’s thick roots jutted out from the cliff. One swing across to the other side, and you’d only have a short path up from there.

“Definitely.” He sounded confident, but the look on his face was anything but. You raised a brow over at him, wiping the sweat from your forehead with the back of your hand. “...Okay, maybe not definitely, but it’s… it’s a probably.”

“I’ll take a probably,” you shrugged, pulling the rope and grappling hook from your hip and offering it to him.

Nate took it from your hand and began to swing it; he aimed for the tree, threw it out -- and it utterly missed.

“Just uhh… Second time’s the charm,” he said sheepishly. As he tried it again, swinging the rope out in front of him, your thoughts ran to the months that Sam had spent training you; teaching you to use the rope, to climb, to traverse these strange places the boys always seemed to find themselves in. The way he’d show you how it was done, his expert movements hard to follow and his focus mesmerizing to watch. How hard he’d laugh as you threw the rope out again and again, struggling to get it for hours on end. How he’d remind you just how cute you were when you got frustrated, and how much he loved the way you’d blush, shoving him playfully away. But then, he’d set his hand on your back, or your shoulder, and remind you that you could do it - that it was just going to take time.

And then you’d make it. Every time.

Nate could see the memories in your eyes, his hand holding out the rope to you from where he’d just hooked it around the root. “You good?” he asked quietly.

You nodded, clearing your throat. “Yeah.”

He ran his eyes over you and noticed the sweat drenching your skin. The gear bag.

“Would you let me take that? Or are you just tryin’ to make this difficult?” he quipped, a knowing smile hiding in his eyes as you rolled your own at him.

There wasn’t time to argue, and quite frankly, your shoulders were on fire. “Go for it, slugger,” you shot back, unclipping the snaps and letting the heavy gear slip from your grasp. He put the pack on, and you reached forward, helping him secure it with the rope still in your other hand. “Alright. Ready?”

He gave a nod, and you took the first swing, flying through the air and refusing to look down. You tossed the rope back to him, and watched vigilantly as he crossed over to you and made the swing safely. Once you’d gathered the rope back, the two of you clambered your way forward along the rocks. With your muscles burning and minds focused, you both pushed all the way along the path of handholds, hearing distant voices and shouting the further you went.

Finally, Nate reached the top just above you. You looked up, your arms shaking with the effort of holding your body up. Just one handhold left. “You got it?” he asked, breathing heavily as he laid back gratefully on level ground.

“I might… I might need ya,” you answered honestly.

He turned onto his stomach, creeping over the edge and reaching an arm down to you. “Okay, I gotcha,” he said.

You glanced up, his hand right there in front of you. You just had to lift one arm off the handhold and go for it - just one quick reach.

You jumped up at his arm, grabbing for him, but - shit.

You slipped.

“C’mon!” Nate blurted, the feeling so familiar as he managed to catch you, nearly missing your wrist by an inch. He gave it all he had, grabbing at your arm with both hands and tugging you up, and up, and up.

You gritted your teeth, barely managing to breathe, relief suddenly flooding you as he brought you over the top to safety.

“Thank god,” he bumbled, falling back and covering his face.

You sat up, your heart absolutely racing as you eyed the long fall to the ocean below. “Jesus… that’s a hell of a drop. You guys really did that?” You looked over at Nate, his face in a grimace as he fought off the emotion that’d bubbled up as he watched you dangle from his grasp.

“Hey,” you spoke softly, reaching over and resting a hand on his shoulder. “I’m okay. You caught me. I’m alright.” He looked to you and nodded, trying to smile as he sat himself up. “We have to go, alright? We’ve gotta find him before they do.”

“Yeah… Yeah, all over it.”

He cleared his throat, composing himself as you tugged the blueprints from your pocket. They were soaked, dripping all over your lap. You groaned. “Probably should’ve put those in the waterproof gear bag, y/n…” you muttered to yourself.

Nate chuckled at you, helping you carefully unfold it. “C’mon, it’s not that bad,” he assured you. Though some of the ink had bled, most of the lines were still intact. He pointed to a spot just beyond the jungle, right at the edge of the southern wall. “Okay, it’s uhm… See this wall? Right here, this is where he fell. He’s somewhere below… There’s a metal roof or cover or something, he went right through it.”

“Got it…” you sighed thoughtfully, eyeing the path through the jungle, over the wall, and down the side to get to where he was. “Hopefully they’ve pulled most of the guards back by now, I’d love to avoid a firefight once we’ve got him.”

“Wouldn’t we all,” he joked, pulling the revolver from his jeans and flipping it open to check his ammo. “Okay. Five shots.”

“Well… Here, lemme trade ya,” you said, gently helping him take the med pack off and shifting it back onto your own shoulders. You handed him your 9mm and the two clips of ammo from your holsters, and took the revolver for yourself. “You lead the charge, yeah?”

“Should be easy enough.” He managed a small smile; this was going to be chaos. But all that mattered was getting to Sam… No matter what that meant. No matter what you’d find when you got there.

“Alright… Follow my lead,” he directed. You didn’t need to be told twice. You trailed behind him as he took you through the trees, your head on a swivel and ears listening for footsteps, voices, anything.

You both were crouching, eyes vigilant and fingers poised beside your triggers. Two distant voices caught your attention, and you reached a hand out, grabbing at Nate’s shoulder. He stopped, but in his shuffle, his foot crunched a branch, the snap loud and clear.

“Se entero que?” one of the voices spoke, their footsteps immediately being pulled in your direction.

“Crap,” Nate whispered, hurrying behind a large log for cover. You both hid, holding your breath out of fear they’d find you.

“How many?” you asked, your voice barely at a whisper. Nate peeked his head carefully over the edge.

Six guards inching forward with guns drawn made Nate’s eyes go wide. “Six!” he whisper-yelled, hiding back beside you.

He hadn’t noticed the seventh man coming around the left. “Ellos estan por aqui!”

Not good, not good, not good.

You both quickly aimed for the guard and took the shot, two bullets firing from your gun and three from Nate’s, the man going down in a heap as the other six guards all went to cover. Just like that, the firefight was on, bullets whizzing above your heads as you cowered behind the log.

Nate chanced a move above cover, firing another round and taking one of the guards down. “Shit!” Nate hissed as a shot landed just an inch to the right of his head, splintering the log’s outer edge to pieces.

He looked to you, to your med pack, and thought of his brother. “You gotta go,” he shouted, ducking as another bullet came dangerously close to hitting him. “Go, I got this!”

“What?! No!” you shouted back, lifting up and taking aim at another guard.

Bullets flew at you faster than you could take the shot, and you felt Nate yank you back down out of the line of fire.

“We’re no good to him dead,” Nate reasoned above the deafening noise, his chest rising and falling with his rapid breaths. You looked at him, his face bruised and sweaty, dirt packed against his skin, and shook your head. “I can handle this. You gotta go.”

You closed your eyes for a moment. Damnit. He was right.

“Don’t you go gettin’ yourself killed, you hear me?” you looked to him, bark flying over you both as the log continued to be shot to bits.

“You, too,” he smiled briefly, nudging you with his hand. Your stomach ached - this was a terrible idea.

“Alright…go!” He lifted up over the log again, laying down heavy cover fire for you as you made a run for it, ducking stealthily through the trees and disappearing from sight.

---

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Tags:

@s4mdrake @landoverthemountains @supernaturally-avenging-hannibal @cassieseraphim @qwertybubbler @darlingsdevil​

Shoot me an ask, message, or reply if you’d like to be tagged in this series! Thanks so much for reading!

[sofiaisqueen2004]

“I’m gonna need the suit back”-P.P *TH*

*I wrote this three years ago so sorry if it’s cringey!

Summary-Peter does something reckless that costs him his job.

Warnings-Slight Violence

*Spider-Man/ Peter Parker's POV*

I can't believe I split the boat open in half....what the HELL was going through my head. How could I be stupid enough to split the whole freaking Ferry in half with about 100 people on it! I was just trying to be like Mr.Stark. And yet it got me fired, got my suit taken away, and I lost my girlfriend...

[Long Flashback] (My bad for it being so long)

"Who's that guy on the left." I asked my A.I. that was in my suit. I looked down to a group of 3 men.

"Matt Gargon. Extensive criminal record, including homicide. Would you like me to activate instant kill?" Karen responded.

"N-no! Stop it with the instant kill already!" I yelled. I listened in on what the group of men were saying.

"White pickup truck." A guy with a denim jacket said.

Another guy with tattoos all over his neck signaled to another guy to go into where all the cars were.

"Droney, scan the ship for a white pickup truck." I signaled my spider drone.

I saw what my drone saw and smiled, "This is too perfect! They got the weapons, the buyers, and the seller all in ONE place!"

Karen interrupted me, "Incoming call from Tony Stark"

I started to panic, "No, no, no, no! Don't answer!"

Mr.Starks face popped up on my screen in my suit, "Mr.Parker. Got a sec?"

"Uhh, no i-i'm actually at s-school!" I lied.

Karen said, "No you're not!"

"Nice work in D.C kid!" Mr.Stark said.

"O-ok!" I stuttered.

"My dad never really gave me much support, and i'm just trying to break the cycle."

I interrupted him, "I'm kind of in the middle of something..."

"Don't cut me off when i'm complimenting you! Anyway, great things are about to happen," He stopped talking abruptly because of the Ferry's honk... "What was that?"

I actually started having a panic attack, "Umm, i'm at band practice..." I'm such a terrible liar.

"That's odd, Happy told me you quit band two week ago?" He stated confused.

"I gotta go!" I yelled.

'Hey...." Then I hung up on him.

"I'll take those!" I shot my web at the man who was holding a pair of keys, and brought the keys back to me. I jumped off from where I was and landed onto the floor that they were standing on.

"Hey guys, you left at the wrong time! The ferry doesn't doc until 10:30! You guys are early!" I said and they came running towards me. I shot two guys away and punched another guy in the face. He fell all the way towards the end of the boat. He was dangling off the edge of the boat. Another guy came up behind me and tried to hit me with a blue glowing glove. I dodged it and shot my web at his arm and it was stuck to a metal pole.

Two other men tried to get up but I shot them and they went flying the other way with a motorcycle. "Woah, woah, woah, not so fast! Oh sorry! Are you guys ok? My bad that was a little hard. I gotta say," Shooting my empty web cartridge out then replacing it was a full one, "The other guy was way better with that glove thingy. I'm honestly, i-i'm shocked!"

The guy with the wings came out and smirked at me, I started running towards him but before I could get to him, the FBI showed up and yelled, "FBI! GET ON THE GROUND!" A bunch of men came towards me and I put my hands up in the air yelling, "Wait, wait, wait! What do you guys mean FBI??"

Karen started to speak, "The FBI is the Federal Bureau of-"

"NO! I understand what the FBI is! But what are they doing here?" Wings popped out of a white van cut the van in half. They were metal which means it's the same winged man that I fought before! He flew towards me with a purple lowing gun in his hands.

I moved everyone out of the way without getting hit. He flew up in the air and aimed his gun towards the guy who had the blue glowing gun and set him free. He yelled, "Get to the roof. We're leaving here!" I shot my web at the guy but missed. So then I shot it to the winged man's ankle. He shot his gun everywhere on the boat making holes.

I activated my taser web that was attached to the guys gun, and he let go of it. It landed in front of me but it exploded and shot everywhere. There was a huge crack in the middle of the ferry. The guy flew away from the scene and water started bursting through the crack. Both halves of the boat started falling apart.  The cars were going everywhere and were being pushed by the water.

"OH MY GOD!!! WHAT DO I DO!!" I screamed, "Karen, show me a x-ray of the boat! And point out all the strongest points." I saw all of the poles. I got an idea. I shot my webs at every single one of them then tied them together and pulled them as close as I could to myself. So that the boat wouldn't fall apart.

It stopped moving after 5 seconds. A man started clapping but then the boat immediately started falling apart again. Then after a few minutes, the boat started getting back together again. I looked over and saw Iron Man, pushing the boat back together, "Hi Spider-Man! Band practice was it?" He said sternly and sarcastically.

He flew to the bottom floor and I followed him. He somehow glued the boat back together, "Uhh Mr.Stark! Hey Mr.Stark!" I yelled climbing to the top of the boat, "Can I do anything!? Is there anything I can do!?"

He sighed, "I think you've done enough!" He flew off...

I sat at the top of a building with my legs dangling off the ledge. I hear two suits land near me, I assumed they were Tony Stark, and Y/n Stark...

*Y/N's POV*

I saw everything that happened. I felt bad for Peter because I know my dad won't let him hear the end of it. We flew towards him. I had my own iron man suit only it was fit for my body type.

"SO previously on Peter screws the pooch, I'd tell ya to stay away from this. You have a multimillionaire suit, not so you can just sneak off anywhere and do the one thing I told you NOT to do!" My dad yelled at him.

"Dad! Cut him some slack!" I yelled at him.

"NO Y/N! I will NOT! He disobeyed me! He deserved to be punished!!!" Dad yelled back.

"Is everyone ok?" I looked towards Peter.

"No thanks to you..." Dad said.

"Dad!" I yelled.

"Y/n! If you keep on defending him I will ground you!" I stayed silent.

Peter turned around with his mask off, "No thanks to me!? Those weapons were out there and I tried to tell you about it, but you didn't listen!" My dad flew down to Peter's level, while Peter started walking closer to dad, "NONE of this would've happened if you had just listened to me!!!!" I knew Peter was on the verge of bursting out into tears.

"If you even cared, you'd actually be here..." Peter continued speaking but then stopped. My dad's suit opened revealing himself. I did the same thing too. My dad walked right up to Peter while Peter backed away...

"I did listen Kid. Who do you think called the FBI huh?" He sighed walking closer to Peter, "Did you know I was the only one who believed in you while everybody else said I was crazy to recruit a 14 year old kid!" Dad stated.

"I'm 15-" Peter said quietly.

"No-THIS IS WHERE YOU ZIP IT ALRIGHT!!!!! AND LET THE ADULT TALK!" Dad screamed in front of Peter's face, "What if somebody died tonight? Hmm? Different story right? But this time it would be on you! But If you died, I think that's on me... I don't need that on my conscious."

"Y-yes sir. I know! I-i'm sorry" He stuttered. But my dad just shook his head, "Yeah, sorry doesn't cut it."

"I-I just wanted to be like you!" My dad shook his head again, "And I just wanted you to be better..."

"DAD!! Shut the hell up!!!!! Peter is my age! He didn't know what to do because you NEVER listened to him!" I took a deep breath while my Dad glared at me, "He's too young to make these life threatening decisions. I love him ok. We've been dating secretly for a few months...so don't you dare go yelling at him and blaming him for something that could've easily been avoided if YOU HAD JUST LISTENED TO HIM FOR ONCE!!!!"

"Ok so, you're grounded for the rest of your life and you're done dating Peter," He said pointing at me, "And so this is not working out, i'm gonna need the suit back."

"WHAT!?" I screamed, "You can't do that to him!!!"

"ZIP IT Y/N!!" He screamed at me. I had tears clouding my eyes now.

"Wait, for how long?" Peter asked.

"Forever" Dad responded sternly.

"No, no, no! Please, please, please! You don't understand! This is all I have! I am NOTHING without this suit!" Peter whined.

"If you're nothing without this suit, then you shouldn't have it! Ok? God I sound like my dad..." Dad said disappointedly.

"I don't have any clothes..."

"Ok we'll sort that out..."

[End of flashback]

*Peter's POV*

I walked into my apartment where my Aunt May and I live. I had my headphones in and went straight to my room...

I stopped abruptly at the door that leads to my room. I saw Y/n sitting on my bed with a bag in her hands.

"Y-y/n..." I whispered in shock. Her head shot up and instantly ran into me. She hugged me so tight I couldn't even breathe. But I hugged her back and I heard her start crying. I pulled back and wiped her tears away with the pad of my thumb.

"Hey don't cry! I'm right here..." I leaned into her and kissed her soft lips. She kissed back putting her hands on my neck. I pulled back and she smiled at me and I smiled back.

"I came here because I convinced my dad to give this back to you..." She handed me the bag. I opened it and found my Spider-Man suit in it.

"No... freaking...WAY!!! Oh my gosh Y/n thank you so much!!!" I yelled. She chuckled and pecked my lips, "And we can be back together now!" I grabbed her and spun her around in the air. She giggled and said, "Can't wait to be your girlfriend again!"

"I wouldn't have it any other way..." She smiles at me then I kiss her again.

----

Word Count: 1,887

[staarshines]

Attached: Chapter 2

Warnings: Spoilers for 6 Underground, mentions of hydrogen peroxide, mentions of a wound, mentions of death, dumping Six’s body, One being a hardass, champagne, cursing

Word Count: 1.9k

You know you’re not supposed to get close to the ghosts since their line of work is so dangerous, but you can’t help but fall in love with one of them. Being “Zero” means the ghosts are your top priority. But when you almost die putting them first, a certain blond wants you to rearrange those priorities.

[A/N]: I was literally overwhelmed by the amount of feedback on Part 1, I literally love you all!! This is basically me giving you guys closure from the last part. The next part is gonna have a shit ton more action and is hopefully going to end with fluff. Enjoy, lovelies!

“You two are fucking impossible!” Your eyes fly open to One yelling at someone but you don’t dare move, taking in your surroundings. 

You were resting your head on someone’s lap and they were gently running a hand through your hair. Four. You’d know those hands anywhere. You’re on your left side in the backseat of what should be the car you, Four, and Three had arrived at the garage in. The rest of your body is on another lap, no, two more laps. One was in the passenger’s and judging from the height and stature of the driver, it was Three. Which meant Five and Two were in the back with you and Four. Six always refused to sit in the backseat. Oh god. Six. You nearly throw up at the thought of him being in the trunk, zipped up in a bag.

“One, you’ll wake her up—”

“What’s the first rule about being a ghost?” He asks Four, ignoring his concern towards you. “Don’t get attached. What did you idiots do? Get attached!” Fuck One, keep it down. Your leg is still stinging from all the peroxide and something is binding it, but it hasn’t been stitched.

“We’re not attached!” Four’s voice falters, and you’re pretty sure everyone hears it.

“I don’t know about her because she is very good at hiding her emotions,” Apparently not from a former CIA spy, you think, “but the entire team has seen the way you look at her. You’re. Attached.” What? What is he talking about?

“Am not,” Four tries, but One has already made up his mind.

“You held her hand like she was in labor or some shit.” He held my hand? Also, fuck you, One. I’ll stick a knife in your leg and see how well you fare.

“One, it was deep,” and “You’re really not capable of emotion, are you?”, is what you hear from Two and Four at the same time.

“She can handle it,” he dismisses, but is immediately interrupted by Two.

“I swear to god, if I hear you talk shit about Zero one more time, I will use you as a shooting target.” 

You laugh softly, slowly turning on your back and startling the Two, Four, and Five. “Don’t worry, Two. We all know he loves me,” you direct towards him, sarcasm practically dripping from your voice. One turns around, cocking an eyebrow, to which you just stick out your tongue in response. A slight chuckle escapes Four and you look back up at him, trying to figure out what was going on behind those emerald green eyes.

“Attached,” you hear One mutter, but before you can start arguing with him, Three starts talking.

“How are you feeling, chica?” He adjusts the rearview mirror to get a better view of you and you smile in return. 

“Better. How am I doing?” You ask nobody in particular, glancing at your leg. Duct tape? Huh. 

“You’re fine,” Five forces a smile, and you practically roll your eyes.

“Really, Five? Did you forget you’re bad at fooling people?”

“That easy to read, am I?”

You shrug. “I’ve been watching a lot of Criminal Minds lately. Not to mention I live with a former CIA spy. Fuck, I forgot! How are you?” You look at Two, and she smirks.

“Better than you.” You grin at her response but glare at Five, still expecting an adequate answer.

“You’re going to need a transfusion eventually—”

“and I have O Neg,” you finish for her. “Plus, we don’t have any blood, which I have been telling One for months—”

“I didn’t know the mission would go this badly,” he retorts, causing you to flinch. Before Two can pull out her gun, Five quickly regains control of the conversation.

“I checked our files and it turns out Four has O Neg too. I’m going to set him up for a transfusion when we get back on the jet.” 

Thank you, you mouth, to which he nods. One mutters something you can’t quite make out, but you don’t have the energy to continue arguing, so you just drop it. The rest of the ride is silent as you doze off once again to the bumps on the road, thinking about a certain blond-haired, green-eyed Brit.

A pair of hands shake you awake and you moan in annoyance, wrapping your arms around Four’s torso. 

“Zero, wake up. We’re here.” The statement causes you to sit up in confusion, seeing a harbor instead of the usual desert. 

“A slight change from trailers and abandoned planes in a desert, don’t you think?” You ask Five, who’s motioning you out of the car. Her smile falters and before you can ask why, you remember. Six. You guys had to dump Six. Shit, how out of it were you? “Sorry,” you mutter to Four, realizing all the discomfort you must’ve caused him

“You’re fine, love,” he yawns, stretching his arms. Fuck, his sleepy voice was hot. Getting out of the car with Four and Five’s help, you rest against the closed passenger door on your good leg. Your senses pick up the strong scent of raw fish and yelling of angry fishermen as you shield your eyes from the sun that was about to set.

“Does she give good roadhead?” You hear One ask Four as he closes the door. You just roll your eyes as Three and Give give him annoyed looks but Two smirks. Four clenches his jaw, shooting One a look and motioning for your arm. You gratefully put your right arm around his shoulder, using him as a crutch. Eyes following One and Three as they walk over to the back of the truck, your lips purse. Four seems to notice and slowly starts walking towards the dock, causing you to as well. 

Once you two are far away enough from the team, you mutter, “It still hasn’t hit me.”

“I know, Zero. I know.”

Fuck, how far out were you guys going? It had been at least thirty minutes. Probably closer to the airstrip now. 

One and Four were on the higher deck piloting, although you could hear snippets of him lecturing Four, as if he hadn’t heard enough in the car. Your eyes sweep the boat for Two and Three who you find near the front, chitchatting. There was something there. No, they weren’t fucking, but as sly as two thought she was, you had noticed the lingering touches and increased time they spent together. 

“Zero, you need to get some rest,” Five tells you gently, pulling up a wooden crate to sit next to you. 

“That’s what I’ve been doing,” you snap suddenly, immediately feeling bad when you see her flinch. “Sorry. I just hate being told what to do. It makes it worse when whoever’s telling me is right,” you motion from her to your leg. 

She smiles and leans forward, resting her forearms on her thighs. “I know. And that’s not such a bad thing either. It’s one of the main reasons you’re here.” You nod, casting a look back at Four. His hands were crossed across his chest and was deep in thought; him and One had stopped bickering. 

You turn back to Five, contemplating what you were about to ask her. “How does he look at me?”

She smirks, glancing from Four to you. “You two would be the cutest couple,” she exaggerates, putting both hands over her heart. You laugh and push her shoulder. “But in all seriousness, Zero, he looks at you like…” she trails off, looking around as if she was trying to find some inspiration. “He looks at you like you’re his ocean, and he’s begging to drown.”

Your heart skips a beat at her words and you steal another look at Four, wishing you were in his arms. “That was good,” you say in an attempt to regain your posture. Fuck, the things he could do to you without him even knowing. “Where’d you read that?” She scoffs and you can’t help but grin.

The boat starts to slow down and you take a look around. Offshore enough so you can still see the coastline, but far enough that he would sink and not be pushed to shore. 

Five gets up, offering a hand which you gladly take. Limping over to the side of the boat, you sit on the ledge and watch as the team pulls Six’s body bag out from some crates where he’d been hidden, hoisting him up onto the ledge. Two unzips the bag just enough to see his face and from your angle, some heavy rocks so he wouldn’t float up to the surface. Blinking rapidly so as to not let tears form, you gently lean over, brushing his hair to the side and press a soft kiss to his forehead.

“See ya later, M,” your voice breaks. M was the first letter of his name and the nickname you had given him when you got tired of calling him Six; One had nearly killed you.

You don’t know how long passes but eventually, Three zips up the bag and the team throws him into the water. One leaves, probably getting alcohol for a toast, and the entire team stands in silence. Four comes up and leans on the ledge next to you. You’re starting at the fast-approaching sunset, wondering how the hell the world just kept on spinning, how people just kept on going.

One returns with—you had guessed correctly earlier—champagne and six glasses. Six glasses. How ironic. He pours everyone a glass then sets the bottle on a wooden crate.

“Here’s a toast… To a kid I really liked.” Everyone puts their glasses up but nobody bothers to clink, presumably too focused on Six. One, Two, and Four down their glasses while Three just sets his down and Five swirls hers around. You haven’t even looked at what brand champagne it is, much less drank it, which is odd of you.

 “What was his name?” You hear Five ask. Nobody answers, not even you.

“Did he have any family?” Two crosses her arms.

“I think you’re looking at it,” you tell her, still not having touched your drink. “How long until we get back?” You ask suddenly, startling everyone. For some reason, you just had the overwhelming urge to get the hell out of here. 

“Forty-five minutes to the airstrip and it’s a five hour flight from there,” One responds, starting to walk towards the upper deck. The entire team disperses, leaving just you and Four.

“Drink it,” you hear him tell you softly, nodding to the glass when your eyes fall on him. “It’ll help with the pain.” You give him a half-hearted smile and take a sip as he returns to scanning the horizon.

The sunlight fell on him perfectly, highlighting his striking green eyes that you loved with all your heart. Tufts of now orange-golden hair were blocking his view, but he didn’t seem to take heed. 

God, you had fallen hard for him. Did he really want to drown?

Masterlist

Permanent: @becausewhyknotme​​​, @criminal-cookies​​​, @theladyoffangorn​​​, @officialtonystarkprotectionsquad​​​, @justmebeingtheweirdmeiam​​​, @agentpeggybarnes​​​

6 Underground: @proffesionalclown​​​

“Attached”: @samxslaughter​​​, @bralessandflawless, @rintheemolion​​​, @brianandthemays​​​, @iloveyou3000and5​​​, @sloantravels​​​, @lady-sloan, @rainbow-eyed-queen​​​, @disaster-gay-in-a-nutshell​​​ 

[blankdblank]

Oddities

Prompts 27-29  - Calum Scott - What I Miss Most lyrics included

@annwoods91​, @sherala007​, @lilith15000​, @himoverflowers​, @alishlieb​, @deepestfirefun​

“Above all things, be kind.” The maddening words to the Dwarves were scrawled across the case of an absurd looking instrument next to the body of a woman they had found when finding a stream to bathe in. In pairs they kept watch over her until she woke an hour after the last had bathed and dinner was nearly done. Tall and clearly starved, half beaten and bloody herself she accepted Oin’s supervised aiding in inspecting her wounds in a bird bath to keep her from fully submerging in the frigid waters. A dunk of the top of her head had mint green curls exposed and wound up into a twitch inducing crooked braid laid by her hands with taped and badly bruised and scraped fingers.

She wouldn’t speak about what was done to her, but a glance at the road she had come from in search of food leading to her passing out here had her scooting closer to the burly albeit shorter group of men far too grumpy to be messed with. She wasn’t dangerous, not to their eyes, a gypsy or bard of some sort when the case was opened and the guitar inside was named. Clearly no danger and by her wounds none of the men would dare leave the young lass out here on her own. It was no trouble, no question at all about it, they would protect her, not knowing how truly absurd they would find their new companion to be.

With a wide grin she crept up to a dandelion on her knees muddying her torn black jeans and the front of her badly scuffed boots with a peanut in hand. Atop the flower a small field mouse froze only to sit open mouthed seeing her passing the nut to him. In its paws it clutched the nut and let out a giddy squeak of joy drawing huffs from Dwalin and Gloin while Thorin stood atop a rock staring at the map in his hands muttering, “Well, that´s just maddeningly unhelpful. Why are these things never clear?”

Bilbo neared his side and corrected the map in his hands earning a nod from Thorin who then turned to see his cousins watching the lass in the field. “What’s going on?”

Dwalin shrugged, “I have no idea, go ask them,”

Gloin, “Asked for a nut then crawled out there.”

Stepping around them Thorin crossed the distance between you and peered down at the mouse snacking away on the nut then looked to you in your upward glance in settling back on your knees, “Hi.”

Lowly he replied, “Hello. What are you doing?”

“Gloin complained he had too many peanuts left and I asked for one when the guys came to split them.”

“And you gave it to a mouse?”

“Well I can’t eat it. I’d blow up like a puffer fish.” Standing up his head tilted back and he sighed content to see the continued meals had finally helped in gaining some more firmness to her build under her still far from comfortably baggy shirt and jacket she’d had in her arrival. “Are we heading out?”

Thorin nodded his head to the side turning back to the group, “Not long now, just have to wait on the boys returning with the water skins.”

.

Fili crouched above the box he had pulled from the bag the pair had slipped from the pile curious to see more about the odd thing. Opening the lid his heart skipped at the broken hinge making the lid slide back Kili hastily secured so they could peek inside. The odd spiked cylinder secured under what looked like a comb, both badly tarnished and had the pair puzzled and Fili mumbled, “It’s broken.”

“Yes, I know it´s broken! Why it is broken?” Kili asked, “And what is all this metal?”

“I don´t know,”

Shifting the box again Kili asked, “Why is uncle Dwalin’s name on this?” tapping the runes on the tarnished plaque on the front in the middle of a thunderstorm design etched into the dark wood.

A distant call from the camp had the pair closing the box they put back in the lass’ bag they gathered up with all the water skins and set back next to the pile with more questions than they had half an hour prior.

.

Escaping the Trolls was nothing, only avoiding the northern strip of the Misty Mountains you had found yourselves stumbling literally into the goblin hoard Moria had become. How they survived the crowd of Goblins was a mystery, all the men remembered was her inhale to scream before their eyes rolled back and they dropped to the ground. All waking up curiously enough in the much cleaner now emptied Dwarf Kingdom, sitting up to find her stirring a pot of stew wile the ponies sat contently nibbling on the apples from the wagon of goods most likely stolen form the Elves in Lothlorien nearby.

Sideways glances at each silent shrug in response to what had happened only worsened matters of if you truly were dangerous behind that aloof smile and quiet demeanor with near to constant hums though irritating at first came to remind them of the happy things they hoped for when home was reached. Bringing the wagon with them the forest was reached and off skipping while the others had rested she went and clearly the Dwarves could hear her calling out to the Elves, “Hello?!”

Dwalin, “Pluto, get back here now.”

After a sigh she called out, “We found one of your wagons! We’re leaving but we brought it back for you. Ok, bye now! I like your trees!” Trotting off again when she reached the Dwarves she received raised brows and curious glances.

Dwalin, “I like your trees?”

“Well you can’t see much else.”

Chuckling to himself Thorin said, “The rains have cleared, come now before you have us surrounded.”

“Oh I doubt they’d do that.” Onto the ponies they all climbed with her hopping up on Gandalf’s abandoned horse while a mile above the Elf patrol watched on the branches above as the group left. Waiting until they were all gone and the wagon was inspected mostly in tact with only a tiny portion used including a smirk inducing promissory repayment note from the alleged Pluto in question that 28 apples had been taken for the ponies in the trek through Moria. All around it the Elves gathered and guided it back through the forest to show to their Lord explaining the letter from Rohan that the one they had left on their borders as per the usual agreement was not there.

..

Through the window Dwalin’s eyes caught a familiar flash of green and in the muffled wiggle of the window up the inch it would go through a faked cough attack from Nori Dwalin whispered to the young Lass, “Pluto, go to the Iron Hills, get Dain!” Up onto the ledge a stamp was passed to her along with a map from Gloin and down she hopped closing the window again. Through the city she crept using the mist and a slingshot Ori had loaned her a week prior to fire off stones to distract guards until a grin inducing barge was spotted.

Away from the barge a man strode using the shadowy cover from a walkway above to avoid the sprinkle of rain coming down and the men coming from another walkway she did not notice. Into the path of the hidden man she didn’t know she stood wide eyed at him until the other duo was in sight and she tugged the man into a brain numbing kiss with a firm grip on his jacket turning his body to use as cover. A low grumble came from the used man who panted for air at the end of the kiss while she confirmed the men were out of sight. A quick peck on his cheek later and she said, “Thank you, bye.” Rushing for the barge.

Blinking for a few moments he watched her back then whisper shouted, “Hey! Hey!” chasing after her as quietly as he could only to see her slide on the dock in a try to stop and fall right over the edge of the barge with a pained squeak. Leaning over it he said, “Hey! This is my barge!”

“Cool, up for some spare silver?”

Narrowly his eyes scanned over her and he bent to untie the barge then pointed at her, “You stay where I can see you, at the other end of the barge. No more kissing.”

A mock salute in her slide to the far end of the deck had his brows furrowing again in his guiding the barge out hoping this wouldn’t take long enough for his kids to become concerned. Silently she sat with her chin on the edge of the boat floating away from the city imprisoning her companions, a fact oblivious to the man who asked, “Is this what you do? Sneak into floating cities and then kiss strangers and try to steal their barges?”

Turning her head she replied as his eyes locked on her stunning mint green eyes, “Never been to a floating city before.”

“So that’s a yes to the kissing strangers and stealing barges?”

“No, you’re the first.”

“How flattering.” He replied sarcastically peering out into the mist. “Why my barge? Who are you running from?”

“Only barge I could find, and not running from but to.”

“Meaning?”

“Exactly what I said. Running to find someone.”

“And who might that be?”

“Someone named Dain.”

“Someone-, you don’t know who you’re running to?”

“Nope.”

“Then why?!”

“Because I need them to help my friends.”

“Uh huh. And who are your friends?”

“Doubt you would know them.”

“Try me.”

“How many Dwarves do you know?”

“None.”

“My point exactly.”

Turning forward again she watched the distant shore come into sight and a few feet from the shore he asked, “Are you certain in going off alone?”

“Yup.” With a nod She stood brushing down her forest green tunic held down with a vest Ori had knitted for her matching her scarf in magenta contrasting her black pants and jacket though not far from her oddly near burnt orange and brown boots the Dwarves had cobbled for her in Moria. Curls bounced around her body in her leap off the boat after tossing a pouch of coins at him, “Thank you!” Blinking at her he watched the continued race off into the foggy void then turned uncertain of what this odd night had brought into his life heading back home again hoping to get back without anyone else trying to steal his barge.

.

Three days of running and a half stumbling slide off a boulder brought her right into the path of the Dwarf she was trying to catch up to, “Hey!” Up onto her feet she popped and with a wide grin she said, “Hi, I have a message for a Dain, from King Thorin and his kin.”

Curiously the Dwarf looked her over saying, “Hand over your weapons.”

Glancing down she said, “Um, I got this,” in a reach into her jacket she brought out a slingshot she tried to hand over he curiously took wondering why anyone would come here without more than a slingshot and turned guiding her ahead of him back to the hidden front gates.

Nearly a mile of halls alter and into a kind of throne room she was led straight up to a fiery haired Dwarf with tusks in his mustache. All the eyes in the room looked over the odd woman in their midst who flashed him a wide smile, inhaling sharply the Dwarf spoke stating, “My guard tells me you were sent with a message for, a Dain, from King Thorin and his kin?”

“Yes.” She replied.

His brows inched up a moment in her silence and he asked, “What is the message?”

“Help.”

He blinked again, “Help?”

She nodded saying, “The Master of Laketown has taken them prisoner.” After a moment her smile dropped and she said, “Ooh, right, Dwalin said to give you this.” The seal was brought out and he looked it over before turning to shout orders in Khuzdul clearing the room most likely in search of weapons leaving her looking around and saying, “I’ll, wait here…” in a glance at the same guard left to watch her she said with a smile, “Hi, I’m Pluto, what’s your name?”

“Brunn,”

“Aww, I knew a Brunn once. Used to shovel down sunflowers like no other. Till he sneezed one out of his nose then he couldn’t look at them without shivering.”

A call from Dain broke the awkward silence after that, “Lass, we’ve a goat saddled for you.”

“Ah,” crossing the distance she asked, “How big is the goat? I’d hate to be too heavy for it.”

That made Dain look her over, “Lass, no offence, but I could sneeze you across the room.”

“That sounds like a painful sneeze.”

Blinking up at her he stepped back motioning to the goat staring at the odd woman in the middle of the sea of Dwarves, “Your goat. Just don’t kick him.”

“Oh, I would never kick him! Look at that face! Who could kick you?” She said stroking his snout in her move to the saddle she climbed up onto making sure to tuck up her legs with the stirrups to keep from dragging the ground and away from the goat’s legs.

 **

The Master’s voice could be heard through the creaking board built prison the men could easily escape, but without their weapons the supposed allies they had made who had gotten them plastered and stole all their things while she had tried to catch up with them after being separated trying to find Bilbo who had gone missing on the edge of the forest days prior, she was now their only hope to escape and continue on to Erebor. “We cannot risk the beast waking.”

Lowly Dwalin growled out, “Come on Pluto.”

Thorin asked, “Was Bilbo with her?”

Dwalin shook his head, “No, but maybe she had stashed him somewhere.”

Nori, “Should have given her a weapon.”

Fili, “All I have is this useless boomerang.”

Dori, “That’s a stuck hinge.”

Fili, “Not if you’re desperate enough.”

Gloin, “Where did you get that?”

Fili’s lips pursed a moment shifting his right arm a bit out to his side, “Found it.” Making the elders’ brows furrow a moment before a loud horn sounded stirring smiles on the faces of the Dwarves.

The Master, “What is that?” Muffled voices sounded in the masses following the Master to inspect.

Dain’s voice called out echoing across the lake, “You have ten minutes to free our kin and their belongings or we’ll blast your little island off its stilts!”

Dwalin, “There she is!”

 *

Dain leaned over asking, “Lass, which building were they in?”

Peering over the city she pointed, “That yellowish looking flower pot, under the balcony to the left of that.”

Dain nodded giving the order to load up one of the spike shooters she eyed before it’s firing off a giant spear that split open with spiraling tails that crashed through the roof of an empty store room, “FIVE MINUTES!”

*

 “Bard! Bard!” Out of his house the frazzled half dressed man catching the coat his daughter tossed him to cover his long johns he tugged his trousers and boots on over he watched the group of Dwarves being loaded into his barge with piles of bags and things being dumped into that as well earning shouts from the Dwarves including yours.

“What is this?!” Bard shouted only to be shoved into the barge.

Master, “Get to rowing! Now!”

Barge turned rolling his eyes, “First the broad now this lot…” a hard shove and he guided the barge off towards the Dwarves in the distant shore.

 *

“Ooh, hey, I know him.” Dain glanced at the woman pointing at the barge only to drop her hand looking Dain over, “The bargeman.”

Dain nodded and looked back again, “At least the cowards released them easily.”

“Well there’s not much city to defend. Looks like a tinder box.”

Dain, “I meant so we don’t wake Smaug.”

Her hand swatted and she said, “Ah, Durin’s Bane was tons more dangerous than that glorified pigeon could be.”

Dain’s eyes flinched wider as did the Dwarves behind them in his asking, “You faced Durin’s Bane?”

To which she nodded then turned waving at the Dwarves who waved at her.

.

Up to the shore the barge pulled and the fully restocked and armed Dwarves gathered their bags and hopped out nearing their relatives while Dwalin accepted the seal and map you offered. “Knew you could do it.”

“Not that hard,”  

With a wave to the man on the barge his expression dropped and he said, “You stay there. You have your friend and I hope to never kiss you again.” Turning the barge on his path back.

Balin, “Who kissed him?”

“Bye Bargeman, thank you again!”

Bard, “Never again!”

Dwalin turned his head to look up at her seeing her flash him another grin as he asked, “Kiss?”

“I needed a distraction.”

Dwalin, “Distraction! You were meant to be fetching Dain! Not smooching with the boatman!”

“Barge, and it wasn’t a distraction for me, to keep me out of the sight of another pair of guys.”

Dwalin’s eyes narrowed and a loud roar had her head turn and slide off the saddle with a swing of her leg over the front of it. On her feet she walked in front of the goats while the Dwarves grouped up only for Kili to shout when she was a good twenty feet away, “Pluto!”

The gates were thrown open and between them Smaug stood releasing a roar in her continued path onwards watched by the Dwarves and Bard in his barge. The spear shooters were realigned to possibly hit Smaug and clambering across the field trying to take flight his golden eyes focused on her as she said to the group behind her, “Cover your ears.”

Curiously the Dwarves plugged their ears with their fingers deafly watching her inhale deeply then in a mild blurring of their vision a faint blood curtling scream from her at Smaug’s first flap of his wings they watched his body turning to stone then crumbling to dust when it hit the earth dropping their jaws. Echoes of the ringing lingered in the field and curiously in the sea of unaffected goats and boars until a miming to drop their hands had the cautious Dwarves approaching her. Dwalin, “You screamed?! That is how you cleared Moria and those trolls?”

With a nod she said, “Yup.” In a dramatic curtsy making Thorin roll his eyes she said, “Your Majesty. Welcome home.”

Dwalin came closer passing her the bags and guitar case of hers he had grabbed saying, “You are too much sometimes.”

“I know.” She replied in a giggle making him roll his eyes.

 …

Into the mountain deep in the dark of the barren forges across the table chosen lit by the burning forges she had magically somehow lit the Dwarves did not want to know how she sat alone focusing on the dismantled mystery box. Hours prior the Dwarves had all gone to bed in the Royal Wing after passing on news that the Mountain was won. Soundly they slumbered while she snuck the box up to Dwalin’s room. Contently missed by his thunderous snores covering any minor fumbles while Thorin dreamed of his stone being discovered by his little love at sunrise in the bed next door.

Down the overlook she snuck singing to herself in crossing the open plain towards the forest in a teetering path across the uneven rocky ground.

 It must have been a year since

I was thrown across an ocean far from home

Life is making no sense

Riding in between the highs and lows

 Ooh when I wake in the morning I ooh

It's the first on my mind

 In a skip she entered the forest and trailed the path coated with leaves and twigs and gnarling branches trying to snatch at her ankles. Miles and miles she skipped still singing the same song with eyes shifting over the forest to take in the sights around her. At a river blocking her path enchanted and untouchable up onto a gnarled root she hopped accepting she had reached the end of her path making her draw out her guitar.

 Maybe what I miss most

It wasn't made of steel and stone

And maybe what I miss most

It wasn't born of skin and bone

Under the sun above the waves

Under three crowns when I'm far away

Maybe what I miss most

 And maybe you'll never know

And maybe you'll never know

Maybe you'll never know

 *

“Pluto!” Bilbo from his under tree hideaway from the spiders he had been taken by whispered and shot out from his dug hole and down the path following the noise glad to hear his friend had come for him, hopefully with a bag of food to share with him.  

 Life beyond the window

I'm jealous of the way that black bird flies

Free among the people

Those quarter million stories pass me by

 Ooh lie awake in the moonlight I ooh

It's the last on my mind

 *

Atop his Elk he Elf King froze as did the guards around him on his own round of patrols, all who turned to inspect the source of the song wondering how long the bard had been roaming through their forest to sing out for attention.

 And maybe what I miss most

It wasn't made of steel and stone

And maybe what I miss most

It wasn't born of skin and bone

Under the sun above the waves

Under three crowns when I'm far away

Maybe what I miss most

 And maybe you'll never know

And maybe you'll never know

And maybe you'll never know

 *

I remember at the table

All those faces where did they go?

I imagine what it looks like

When I'm not there

I remember every summer

But now the years are just a number

There's no backwards

Time is faster with everything I've left behind oh

 All at once hooves sounded and she still continued singing and strumming along keeping an eye out for Bilbo or any threats. Yet only falling leaves were seen for the longest time until around a tall curve of trees came a giant Elk with a blonde Elf atop it in dark green armored robe, pants and boots standing out by only his hair with brunette Elves similarly dressed on horses behind him. A final verse sounded out from her in hearing the nearing pants from the other direction.

 But maybe what I miss most

It wasn't made of steel and stone

And maybe what I miss most

It wasn't born of skin and bone

'Cause under the sun above the waves

Under three crowns when I'm far away

Maybe what I miss most

 In a single bound at her hand folding around the neck of her guitar silencing their strings that fell silent at the group of steeds landing on the other side of the river. Turning around to face her fully the steeds fanned out and the blonde bowed his head and looked her over as she smiled saying, “Hi. You haven’t seen a Hobbit, have you?”

Flatly he replied, “No. Have you lost your companions? I was not aware the Hobbits from Lothlorien were traveling here this early in the season or we would have escorted them personally.”

“There are Hobbits in Lothlorien? I didn’t see them when we passed through. And no, most of the Company is in Erebor, I am looking for our Burglar Hobbit Bilbo.”

For a moment his eyes narrowed, “Burglar Hobbit?”

A turn of her head later at the crunching of leaves and soft pants came to an end at Bilbo coming into view shouting out, “Pluto!” In a giggle she hopped down setting her guitar in the case that closed at the weight of it and she accepted his crashing hug, “I knew, oh it was awful!” he pulled back exhaling sharply, “Spiders! Like I’ve never seen! Massive, couldn’t even fit inside, well you haven’t seen my home yet, but, woah.” His head turned and he eyed the Elves, “Hello.”

The blonde again bowed his head to the Hobbit, “Hello. I take it you are this woman’s, Burglar, Hobbit?”

Bilbo wet his lips and nodded with his free hand fidgeting around the hilt of his dagger, “Well, yes. Are you lost as well?”

The blonde blinked and replied, “No. I live here.” Again he looked to her asking, “You stated your companions are in Erebor?”

“Yes.”

He looked the pair over again then stated after dismounting his Elk, “We will escort you to Greenwood for a proper meal and nights rest before escorting you both back to Erebor.”

Two of the brunettes took hold of the bags and case with one accepting Bilbo up behind him while the blonde lifted her up onto the saddle of his Elk then climbed up behind her. Around her his arms settled and his eyes flinched to her in her saying, “I’m Pluto. What’s your name?”

A bit stunned he replied, “Thranduil.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” she said in the Elk’s readying circle to bound back across the river again.

It didn’t take long until they were outside an endless wall around the palace with gates opened for the whole group luring curious stares from the Elves inside on the path to the stables. The pair were helped down and bags gathered for them to be led to the bathhouse and a dinner after with Thranduil and another Elf with blonde hair and eyes just a shade darker than his. Five helpings for the odd pair in a confusing conversation confirming they were among the Company of Dwarves who had passed through Lothlorien a few weeks past now owing Lord Celeborn a laughable 28 apples and off to the guest apartment chosen for the pair. Escorted by Thranduil to the door Bilbo hurried in and the stunned blonde stood wide eyed in the toe top hug from the mint haired woman now latched around his chest who released him saying, “Good night.” A quick bounce had a peck landing on his cheek and she stepped aside through the door saying, “Sleep tight,” closing the door behind herself.

Frozen for a moment the now blushing King inhaled sharply and turned to head down the hall passing the confused Tauriel asking, “My King, is everything alright?”

In a cracked whisper he replied, “I had assumed it was. Now, I am not certain of anything.” His response had her turning to watch him walk straight to the hall where his apartment was.

 **

Sunrise came and rolling over in a waking snort Dwalin’s eyes cracked open only to widen seeing a polished wooden box with a plaque bearing his name on it. Hurriedly he went to light the fire again then brought the box over to the fire eyeing the storm design in awe before opening the box seeing the shimmering golden music rod inside. A timid crank later and a tear stirring lullaby from his Amad had his palm clasping across his mouth muffling his mournful sob having remembered losing her and their father in the fall of Erebor. Heavily through the door Balin bustled and froze seeing the box playing the tune blurring his vision with tears. Over to his brother’s side he went dropping heavily to share in the moment only to find nine more tunes trapped in the rod, including a traditional tune to be passed down for weddings and births for the matriarch of their line to perform as a blessing.

Sniffling together the pair eyed the card tucked under the band inside the lid, once propped up revealed a portrait of their family and the pair as children with matching mohawks. Inside the card read simply in their Gran’s runes,

‘For my precious Storm Cloud, marking the reach of the boulder phase for your sons, a marker of our past and future of the Longbeard clan. May mountains, boulders and steams always guard your dreams,

All my love,

Amad.’

Balin, “Where did you find this?”

Dwalin shook his head now seeing Balin’s name on the plaque on the right side of the box with their parents on the rim of the lid, “It was on my beside table.”

Out to the others it was taken and the young Princes gasped and Kili said, “So that’s what it was!”

Dwalin looked him over, “Pardon me? You’ve seen this?”

Fili nodded, “It was in Pluto’s bag. All busted and tarnished.”

Balin, “Pluto?”

Dain, “How would she have come into possession of this?”

Thorin rumbled in rubbing his hands over his face, “It is best not to ask when it comes to Pluto, less confusing.”

Breakfast was called for when the woman in question was missing, again. And not two hours later horns sounded at the front gates luring the Dwarves to the overlook.

 **

Breakfast brought about the more subdued King, who kept stealing glances at the woman whose raised foot on her crossed legs kept tapping his own leg in an absent minded bop in listening to Legolas’ sharing of his aid in clearing another nest of spiders. Packed and ready to go she was again lifted onto the Elk with the trembling King climbing on behind her. A rather less than intimate ride over calmed him and also worried the King for how the Dwarves would react to seeing him unannounced.

Up to the overlook the group came and with a wave Pluto said, “Hey, found Bilbo and I made some new friends!”

Dwalin broke the silence calling out, “Let me guess, you kissed the Elf King.”

Behind you Thranduil called back, “Our intimacies are of no business of yours!”

Dwalin, “All the same, Pluto, where did you find that box?!”

“I fought off a goose for it.”

His brows inched up and Balin asked, “A goose?”

She nodded, “Yup, really angry one.”

Dwalin, “I hate to ask, where was the goose?”

“In the middle of this ice fortress guarded by fire snails.”

He nodded and muttered, “Of course.”

Thorin stole the moment of silence shouting, “Bilbo! You are well?”

Bilbo nodded, “Had to fight off some massive spiders and this one angry, angry toad but I named my sword! Sting!”

Thorin chuckled, “Incredible!” He looked to Thranduil again, “I take it you rescued him?”

Thranduil, “On the contrary, all of us found Miss Pluto roughly at the same time.”

Dwalin, “Then by all means, let’s let you in so you can share the tale.”

Thorin had already raced off towards the gates to help let Bilbo and her in. The Elves also were allowed in and down again the King helped his passenger down swallowing dryly at the chance for another intimate stolen moment only to release her a bit disappointed at the lack of anything in her being pulled away by the Dwarves. Though not an hour later another call to the gates came and into the sitting room where everyone was the bargeman and his children with a wagon holding everything in their life from the partially smoking floating city. A plea for shelter came with a pointed gaze at the green haired woman whose back was circled by the arm of the Elf King pulling her into his side at Bard’s statement, “I’m watching you!”

Making Thranduil say back, “Keep your eyes to yourself, mortal!”

Dwalin chuckled saying, “Ooh, I smell drama. This way boatman.”

Bard, “My name is Bard.”

Dwalin, “If you say so.” He said walking off.

To his back Bard snarked back following after him, “My Mother said so!”

[darkwoods-darkdreams]

Imagine you’re traveling alone

The villagers had warned you about the lake. When you told them that you were travelling to a town on the other side of it, all of them assumed that you were going to walk or buy a horse and go the long way around. You were confused, especially when going straight across the lake would be easier and take far less time and money. Horses were expensive, after all.

You approached one of the fishermen. He was standing on a small dock rather than using his boat. It was common knowledge that bigger fish lurked in deeper water. He was only going to catch the smallest of the fish if he didn’t go out onto the lake.

“You’re not going to use your boat?” You gestured to the small wooden boat with oars pulled up onto the lakeshore.

The fisherman shook his head, “It’s not safe to go out there anymore. People keep disappearing. At first, it was just a few people that went swimming at night. But if you’re not careful and someone isn’t watching, you can get pulled from the shore. No one’s going into the water, but it just means that whatever’s in there is hungry. I’m sure it’ll start wandering the towns in search of people to eat.”

You stared at him, wondering if you should laugh. It sounded ridiculous. The only thing in lakes were fish. You could understand if something dangerous came from the ocean, given the population of sharks and other predators, but a freshwater kidnapper? One that could get out of the water? It sounded like some fairy tale. Bones would have been found by now. It was more likely to be some murderer wandering the shores and pretending to be some monster.

You stepped closer to him, getting out your bag of coin, “Then let me buy your boat.”

“What? Haven’t you been listening? There’s something out there, you can’t just go out. You’ll be killed.”

You fought the urge to huff in annoyance. If boats were out of the question for the town’s travel, a horse was going to be even more expensive than usual. But even the substantial sum in your bag didn’t persuade the fisherman. He merely turned back to what he was going.

You were forced to wait until the fisherman went home. He couldn’t take his boat with him, leaving it on the shore with no one to guard it. The sun was setting, but it didn’t matter. He would probably think that it just floated off when the tide changed. He had no use for it, anyway.

Fortunately, it only took a few minutes for you to set your bags down and then push the boat into the water. You hurriedly climbed in, careful not to let it tip as it coasted out onto the lake. You were clumsy with the oars and unaccustomed to such strenuous activity, but you decided that you would take some breaks if you felt tired. The lake’s surface was pleasantly still, meaning that you didn’t have to fight any sort of current. What would have taken you a day or more to get around on horseback would only take you the night by boat. You would be able to continue your journey without as much as a hiccup.

The darker it grew and the further out you got from the shore, the harder it was to see the bottom of the lake. You found yourself looking to the sky instead. There was always something about dark, murky water that made you uneasy. But that fear was due to the ocean’s secrets, not some lake. The only thing swimming beneath you was some fish that were lucky enough to not be hooked and-

Something knocked the bottom of the boat, making a dull thud that made you tense and gasp out of surprise. You hadn’t expected any of the fish to be brave enough to get so close. You continued rowing, knowing you weren’t tired enough to warrant a break. But the sound of bubbles coming from the water made you glance to the lake’s surface. Sure enough, there were small bubbles on the right side of the boat. You kept rowing. It was probably the same fish that had bumped against the boat.

After a few minutes, you were beginning to worry. The bubbles were still beside you. Any normal fish would have gone back to safety at the lake’s bottom, but this one seemed to be following you. You had planned on rowing until the bubbles stopped, but you were exhausted. The cold night air made you shiver, especially since the rowing made you sweat. You let go of the oars, resting your elbows on your knees. The boat coasted for a while before stopping in the middle of the lake, between some massive rock formations that towered above you.

The fish’s pace slowed and stopped with the boats. The bubbles drew closer. You couldn’t help but lean over to look, wondering what sort of fish was so keen on keeping you company. But you couldn’t see anything. It was too dark. Then, the bubbles stopped. You searched the water, wondering if it had been eaten by another fish before getting pulled into the depths.

A soft thud broke your trance, only to be replaced with a loud creak and the boat lurching towards your right. You instinctively put your arms out to brace yourself or hold onto the boat, but you fell into the water. You tried grabbing your bags, but they sank quickly. Your dress was heavy with the water, burdening you to the point where you were worried that it would cause you to drown. But you surfaced, gasping for air. You turned to the boat, wondering if you could flip it over and climb back into it, only to freeze.

There was something on the other side of the boat. You couldn’t make it out due to the darkness and what little time you had to look, but it wasn’t a fish. You looked around, trying to find the closest part of the shore and swim towards it. A splash came from behind you. You barely starting swimming before something grabbed your ankle and pulled you underneath the water. You struggled, trying to kick it away with your free foot. You somehow succeeded and got to the surface to breathe, only for the creature to grab you again. This time, it was pulling towards the rock formations, not to the lake’s bottom. You tried to get away, but your dress and the creature’s superior swimming resulted in you being dragged closer and closer to the stone.

Its grip tightened and you took a deep breath, knowing that it was about to drag you downwards. You couldn’t fight against it. You were exhausted from rowing and the struggling from before. You closed your eyes, feeling your dress move as you were pulled deep into the lake. Instead of keeping you at the bottom to drown, it felt as if the creature had changed directions. You kept still, hoping that it had decided to give up on having you as its next meal. You couldn’t bring yourself to open your eyes just in case the change in the water’s flow was from the lake’s current. But too much time had passed. You were beginning to feel lightheaded. Your throat and lungs burned.

You surfaced once again. You coughed, gasping for air as you tried to get away. You brushed your hair from yours eyes, realizing that the shore had disappeared. Instead, you were inside one of the rock formations. It was hollow on the inside, providing a secluded area for the creature to rest and hide. There were openings near the top, but nowhere close that you could climb up and get out that way. You couldn’t swim back out, even if you removed your dress. The creature’s swimming outmatched yours. You were more likely to drown than escape. Your one solace was the rock ledge just above the water. The creature’s grip had disappeared from your ankle. Just as you gripped the edge and tried to heave yourself up, something hit your head. Your vision swam. You tried to get out of the water, but lost consciousness.

The first thing you felt was the cold. Your body was shivering before you even registered that you were awake. There was hardly any light in the cavern. It was nighttime, but you couldn’t tell whether you had been unconscious for minutes or hours or even days. However, as the grogginess faded from your mind, you realized that you weren’t alone. The creature had pulled you from the water, your body sprawled across the ledge. Your dress was torn, most of the skirt reduced to shreds. Its claws had left some cuts, small drops of blood dripping and mixing with the water that still soaked you.

The lake monster was grotesque and inhuman. It looked like a body that had been waterlogged, bloated with discolored flesh. As your vision cleared more, you could see webbing and fins. But you doubted that it was ever human. Its eyes were milky, but the way its face was fixed in your direction made you realize that it could still see.

You finally reached complete consciousness, only to your eyes to widen in horror. While you were knocked out, the creature had spread your legs, burying its appendage between your thighs. For a moment, your mind refused to register what was happening. Your body refused to move. You could only watch as it forced itself deeper inside of you. It met your cervix, tearing a cry of pain from your throat. It stopped, holding your legs and keeping its hips pressed tightly against yours. Something cold left the appendage, another shiver working its way up your spine. It had a thick consistency, working its way into your womb. It was met with resistance. At first, you thought it was because it was too big to get through. However, as you lifted your head and looked down, you saw your stomach shift, rolling outwards ever so slightly as the fluid slipped though. You squirmed, your womb unbearably full. You tried to pull yourself away and sit up, only for another creature to lean over your head and pin your arms to the ground. You screamed, terrified of both monsters. The one near your head was a darker colour, its fins more vibrant. Still, it had a mouth full of sharp teeth and its claws dug into your wrists. You struggled, trying to get away. The creature hissed at you, baring its teeth. You forced yourself to lie still, whimpering in fear. The appendage filled you completely, leaving no room for anything to dribble out. The only place anything could go was further into your body. You refocused on the first creature, realizing that its bloated body wasn’t due to the water. Its stomach was swollen, filled to the brim with whatever it was pouring into you.

It stopped again, more of the viscous material being forced into you. You tensed. The first object that was released was so large that it crowded your womb on its own. The second caused your belly to curve outward. But it didn’t end there. It seemed that, now you were awake, the creature was determined to finish its task before you could get away. Or perhaps the first was just to see if you were a capable host. You quivered, watching your stomach slowly grow as the creature’s shrank. The appendage pulsed inside of you, rubbing your walls. The stimulation was getting a reaction out of your body, even if you were sickened by what was happening. You panted, wincing as the claws sank into your wrists and thighs. Your forced arousal only made things easier, the fluid getting through your cervix and stretching your womb out to make room for itself. You cried out in pain, tears spilling as you regretted your decision to steal the boat and cross the lake.

By the time the movement slowed, you were swollen to the point that your belly kept you pinned to the ground. Even as the monster near your head let go of your wrists, you didn’t have the energy to fight or move onto your side. Your stomach prevented you from watching as the appendage was pulled from between your legs. You exhaled shakily, hoping that everything was just a horrible dream and you had simply fallen asleep on the boat.

But the darker creature circled around, forcing itself into you easily. It gripped your thighs, each thrust jostling your body, the contents of your womb tumbling and sloshing about. You groaned, the increased movement only making your arousal worse. Before you had the chance to react, cold fluid splashed against your cervix. It continued spurting, flooding your womb. You shrieked as your stomach swelled further, starting at the bottom and working its way upwards with the fluid. You understood now. The thicker material was the eggs, but now they were being fertilized. Their bodies weren’t able to handle the growth, so they had taken you as a replacement. The victims that disappeared were either food or surrogate. You weren’t sure if you were lucky or struck with misfortune.

The growth continued. You writhed underneath the weight, begging every god you knew of to make it end. The creatures dragged you toward the water, your legs sinking into the coldness. You were too tired to fight anymore. You panted, eyes closed and hoping it would be over soon.

Your wish was granted. Your womb clamped down on its contents, tearing another screaming from you. The pressure was unbearable. You briefly wondered if you would die in the process, only for something to shift. The soft, malleable eggs were beginning to rupture, the creatures within squirming. At first, it seemed like they aimlessly pawed at your womb, searching for the way out. You tried to push, but it only caused panic. Finally, one of the spawn found your cervix, prying it open just enough that it could slip through. Your eyes watered from the pain, ragged gasps escaping you as the sensation continued. More followed, the water splashing as the small creatures left your body. The movement against your entrance made you restless.

As your stomach became smaller, you were able to look and move around a bit easier. The fully grown creatures has disappeared. You wondered if they had gone back into the water in search of something in the lake. At last, after so much agony, you felt the last creature slip from your body. You took a moment to catch your breath, then pushed yourself into the water. You needed to escape. You couldn’t stay there forever. Now that the creatures were gone and empty, you had the chance to regain your freedom.

You collapsed onto the shore, your dress soaked and tattered. You had expected something to grab you or for you to drown but, somehow, you had survived. You remained on the sand for a moment, savoring the feeling of being on dry land. You were never going near a body of water ever again, whether it was an ocean or a pond, especially if there were rumours involving dangerous creatures.

[thatlaughingbat]

The Life of Liz - Chapter 1 Part 1

"Jack, the boat!"

He looks down and sees the water slowly filling from what I assume is the hull.

"Ugh." He grunts and slides down from the rope next to him. "Bucket." He holds out his hands. I grab the wooden bucket and toss it to him. Jack starts scooping the water into the bucket and back into the ocean. The water just returns to the boat. "Do you not have the ability to help, darling?" Jack asks softly. Not as he's demanding me to help.

"Did you completely forget the fact that once I touch this, I won't be able to stand?" I respond. I gesture down to my legs.

"Ah." He smirks and nods.

"It's not working," I say, "but we're near land. Let it sink." He looks up behind me and stands. I feel a dark presence behind me. Death. I turn quickly and see skeletons being hung. Three of us. They're pirates.

Jack takes off his hat in respect. I salute and turn to the land. Port Royal, I assume. There's no way this boat is going to make it in time.

Jack grabs the rope and pulls himself back up to the top. He mumbles something I couldn't make out and wraps his arm around my torso. The wind travels through my hair. I wrap my arm around his neck to keep myself steady. The ship slowly sinks as we reach the dock.

Many children are working on the docks. Slaves maybe. They could be children of the other workers though.

Jack lets me down on the end of the dock, him following. I smile and grab his hand as we start walking. We walk past the dock keeper and a child, ignoring them. Until...

"Hold up there you two!" The man says. We turn and look at the man. He is well dressed but still dirty. He is holding a book. "It's a shilling to tie up your boat to the dock."

I look at the "boat". It's nothing but the top of the sail poking out. Unnecessary payment in my opinion.

"And I sure need to know your names."

Jack pulls three small coins from his pocket and lays it on top of the book. "What do you say to three shillings and we forget the names?" He says. The man looks at the child and back to us.

"Welcome to Port Royal, Mr. and Mrs. Smith." He says, closing the book. I sigh in relief and nod at the man. Jack clasps his hands together as a thank you. I turn and finally take in the smell. I expected it to be a bit less salty. But the air was salty and sour. It felt like I was taking my last breath every time I breathe.

Jack finds a small coin bag on the podium. He grabs it and shakes it. Seems at least 5 shillings in there. It could be useful so he takes it.

Then, we continue walking. There's a lot of people around us but they are too busy working to notice us. Jack stops. He nods his head to a large ship. A ship I've seen before. The Interceptor.

"That one?" I ask.

"It's big and it's fast. That's all we need, love." He responds. I nod and follow him to the ship.

When we reach it, there are two English guards. We try and walk past them, but they walk right in front of us.

"This dock is off-limits to civilians." One of the guards says. His voice sounds a bit shaky like this is his first time guarding.

"I'm terribly sorry. I didn't know," Jack says. "if I see one, I shall inform you immediately." He grabs my hand again and tries to walk past them but they block us again.

"Apparently there's some high-toned and fancy to-do at the fort, eh?" Jack asks.

"Shame you didn't get an invitation. Such pleasant men like yourself should have been at least asked." I shrug. The other guard glares at the other.

"Someone has to make sure this dock stays off-limits to civilians." One of the guards says confidently.

"And it's a fine goal to be sure, but it seems to me, a ship like that," Jack moves to the side and points to the Dauntless ship from afar, "makes this one here a bit superfluous, really." The two guards turn to look at the Dauntless.

"The Dauntless is the power in these waters, true enough," The same guard replies, "but no ship can match the Interceptor for speed." I laugh softly. Funny.

"I've heard of one," Jack says. "It's supposed to be fast, nigh uncatchable." He looks to me and smiles.

"The Black Pearl." We say together. The other guard laughs at our response. I tilt my head to the side.

"There's no real ship as can match the Interceptor." The other guard says in defense.

"Black Pearl is a real ship." The first guard replies. I roll my eyes and lay my head against Jack's arm. Something tells me this bickering is going to go on longer than I want it to.

As they continue bickering, Jack and I slip away while they're distracted. We walk over to the ship and climb onto the deck.

It has a reddish-brown wood on the floors balancing out with the navy and yellow lining the outside of the ship. It's beautiful. Jack walks up to the wheel and drags his hand across it.

"How's this one?" I smile.

He laughs. "Perfect-"

"Hey! You two!" The guards yell. They run towards us and point their guns at our stomachs. "You don't have permission to be aboard there, mates."

"I'm sorry. It's just... it's such a pretty boat." I elbow him. "Ship!"

"I agree. What is this, mahogany?" I tease and lean on the wheel.

"What're your names?" The guard asks. I clear my throat.

"Smith. Or... Smithy, if you like." He says. I'd laugh softly and nod.

"What's your purpose in Port Royal, Mr. and Mrs. Smith?" The guard asks smugly.

"And no lies."

Jack sighs and walks towards them.

"All right, then. I confess." He starts. "It is my intention to commandeer a ship, pick up a crew in Tortuga, raid pillage plunder, and pilfer my black guts out." I didn't expect him to say it. I mean, it does sound kind of insane now that I am thinking about it.

"I said no lies!" The guard says.

"He's not lying," I mumble.

"I think he's tellin' the truth." The other guard responds. Jack holds onto the rope and smiles.

"If he were telling the truth he wouldn't have told us." The guard says.

"Unless of course, he knew you wouldn't believe the truth even if he told it to you," Jack says a matter of factly. I smile. I've always admired his intelligence. Not a lot of people notice it.

We sit down and Jack starts to get the guards to soften up to us. He starts explaining crazy stories of ours because he knows they wouldn't believe him.

I hear a splash from afar. I turn to see a girl floating deep into the water. About my age. Maybe younger. I stand immediately and run to the edge of the ship.

"Will you be saving her, then?" Jack asks.

"I can't swim!" The guard says. Jack turns to me and nods.

"Pride of the king's navy, you are!" He takes his hat off and starts giving them his weapons to keep them safe. I sigh and pull my overshirt off to reveal a shorter top. The guards look at me with wide eyes.

"What? I got a hickey or something?" I ask. They shake their heads. I drop my weapons and jump onto the ledge.

"Do not lose these," Jack says. We dive into the water and towards the girl. There was extreme pain in my legs. I grunt softly and bite my lip so I didn't let out an ear-piercing scream. Grey travels from my forehead to my now connected legs as my hair turns a dark black.

Suddenly, I feel a vibration throughout the water. It pushes me back a little bit. Jack grabs the girl and swims to the surface. I try and see if I can get her to breathe again, but I'm behind blocked by something.

"The dress," I say. Jack sinks underwater and rips the dress off of her. I shake my head. "Something's still blocking it. Bring her to the surface." I say. He nods and guides the girl's body to the dock close to us.

I grab the edge of the dock and lift my legs and the rest of my body to the bottom of the wood so I'm fully outside of the water. The opposite of my transition from before occurs with my regular state back to normal. My muscles clench as I flip from the bottom to the top of the dock.

Jack follows, but goes the easy way and just climbs up normally. He lays the girl's body on the dock.

"The corset." I place my hand on her throat. Jack grabs his knife and slices the corset open. I allow air into her system again.

She wakes up coughing up the water and gasping for air.

"What's.." I say. Jack has already finished my sentence and picks up the gold pendant necklace around her neck. The Aztec gold medallion. The cursed Aztec gold medallion.

"Where did you get that?" Jack asks. Suddenly, we hear footsteps.

I look up to see a sword to my face and Jack's face.

"On your feet." The new commodore says. I stand and interlock my fingers with Jack's.

"Elizabeth!" The governor says and grabs the girl we just saved. "Shoot him!"

"Father!" Elizabeth protests. "Commodore, do you really intend to kill my rescuers?"

I smile at Elizabeth and the Commodore. He puts his sword down as the rest of his crew does.

"I believe thanks are in order." He held his hand out to Jack. Jack hesitantly grabs it only to be pulled forward with his sleeve pulled up. "Had a brush with the East India Trading Company, did we, pirate?" He asks.

Jack winces.

"Hang him!" The governor says.

"Keep your guns on him." The commodore orders. "Gillette, fetch some irons." He pulls the sleeve up more. "Well, well. Jack Sparrow isn't it?"

"Captain Jack Sparrow, if you please, sir," Jack responds.

The Commodore then forcefully grabs my arm and sees the same 'P' mark on my wrist.

"I assume that means you're the mermaid then. Nice to meet you, Ava Liz." He spat.

"Get your hands off her," Jack says and grabs my arm back, wrapping his arm around to secure me.

"Oh, and it's SIREN. Thank you." I say and nod.

"I don't see your ship, 'Captain' and 'Siren'." The Commodore says.

"We're in the market, as it were," Jack says.

"He said he'd come to commandeer one." The guard says.

"These are their's, sir!" The other guard says and picks our stuff up. The Commodore takes them and looks around our weapons.

"No additional shots nor powder." There is one additional shot and it's not for you. "A compass that doesn't point north." It works, you just don't know-how. "A black and gold shell necklace." It's not just a necklace. He pulls our swords out. Jack's is rusty and silver. Mine is pitch black with a few scratches around the blade. "And I half expected it to be made of wood." He slips them back into the holsters and returns his gaze to us. "You are without a doubt the worst pirates I've ever heard of!"

Jack smiles. "But you have heard of us."

The Commodore gives us a dirty gaze. Our games are pissing him off. He grabs our arms and pulls us forward.

"Commodore, I really must protest!" Elizabeth runs after us. I groan as they slip the chains onto my hands. They're tight. I can almost feel my wrists turning red.

"Carefully Lieutenant." The Commodore orders. Elizabeth walks in front of us and starts to protest to the Commodore.

"Pirates or not, these people saved my life." She says.

"One good deed does not redeem a man of a lifetime of wickedness." He spits.

"Though it seems enough to condemn him," Jack says in defense. The Commodore looks at me. I smile and shrug. The smile is genuine, though I'm sure he thought it was sarcastic.

"Indeed." The Commodore says. I pull on the chains and wince. I can already see the rust rubbing off.

The Lieutenant walks away and Jack smiles. He lifts his arms around Elizabeth's neck and pulls her close.

"Finally." He says. The soldiers point their guns at us. I rest my chin on Jack's shoulder and smile at Elizabeth. I shouldn't, but I do. She is so vulnerable and weak. She could be strong with a bit of training from myself,  but I wouldn't want to waste my time.

"What's wrong?" I ask. I get close to her ear and whisper. "Scared?" Elizabeth winces and shakes.

"Don't shoot!" The Governor protests. I look to him and pout jokingly. Pathetic.

Jack looks to me and back to Elizabeth. Her breaths are shaky and frightened.

The Commodore's men's eyes were all on me and Jack. Mostly I because of the number of clothes I had on. Currently, the shirt I was wearing was blood red that ended where my ribs did. The pants were —really— short with fishnets lining the rest of my legs. Most of my tattoos were showing. I didn't mind the amount of skin showing but I did have more covering my upper half before Elizabeth fell into the water.

"Commodore Norrington, our effects, please. And my hat. Hand all of Miss. Liz's to her and mine to.. Miss Swann here, Savvy?" Jack says. The Commodore glares at him. "Commodore!", is all Jack had to say before Norrington obliged and started collecting our stuff.

I wink at one of the soldiers to keep them intrigued. Their face flushes up a deep red and they look back to Jack.

"Elizabeth.. it is Elizabeth?" Jack whispers.

"It's Miss Swann." She sneers.

"Miss Swann, if you'd be so kind." He smirks. "Come, come, dear. We don't have all day." Norrington passes my shirt, sword, necklace, and gun to me before handing Jack's weapons and hats to him.

Jack turns Elizabeth around with a gun to her head. I stop paying attention to them and decide to distract the soldiers.

I turn away from them to my back is to their faces. I can almost feel them swallow. The sheer white shirt slips over the top of my torso. I grab my boots and bend over to put them on. Jack's eyes shift to me while Elizabeth is completing his ensemble. He smirks and looks back at the girl. I wrap my necklace around my neck and holster my sword next to my gun. I turn on my heel back to the soldiers while they peel their glaze away from me.

Elizabeth was now done and turned back to her Father and the Commodore's direction. Both Jack and I take steps back as he says, "Gentlemen.. my lady, you will always remember this as the day that you almost caught Captain Jack.. Sparrow!"

He pushes Elizabeth forward and grabs me by my torso. I smile and press my face into his shoulder, hearing a metal clanging and us being pulled up. The scent of rum and saltwater fills my nose.

"Hold on," Jack whispers. My grip around him tightens. The rope Jack is holding onto swung fast, gunshots surrounding us. I feel him land on something and try to balance.

He unravels his grip from me and wraps his handcuffed hands around the rope hanging to the next dock.

To follow him, I pull my sleeves over my hands and slide down the rope. The rope rubs against my shirt which burns insanely.

We reach the end and land on the wood, feet first. I sprint with gunshots surrounding us.

I look to the left and see the town. Jack was running in the opposite direction.

"J!" I whisper and grab his hand, yanking him towards the town.

"Woah! C-Careful, love!" He smirks and interlocks his fingers with mine. I can almost feel my heart beating out my chest. My breath stings my throat. I didn't realize how fast I was running until I turned my head to the right and saw the buildings fly by. "Here," Jack says and sneaks me behind a statue.

It wasn't very spacious. I turn my head to the right seeing Jack peering out from the gap. His eyebrows were furrowed with his eyes darting around to see where the soldiers were looking. I found myself staring at him. I loved watching him in action.

"Ava." He says, snapping me out of my distracted state.

"O-Oh! Yeah?" I shake my head and focus.

"You okay, love? You seem distracted." He asks. I smile and nod. He returns the smile and grabs my hand, pulling me out from behind the statue.

Above us was a sign. The shop was a blacksmith shop. I shrug and Jack walks into the building.

"So.. darling. Any ideas?" Jack says and looks around the shop.

"Nothing. What about you, Captain?" I say. He shrugs.

I hear a slight snoring sound behind me. My body quickly turns to see an elderly man sleeping. He looked dirty.

I nudge Jack with my hand.

"Damn." He mumbles. I let him make his way over to the man.

I turn and drag my fingers across the metal. There were beautifully made swords and other weapons. Some of them looked untouched and polished.

"WOAH!" I hear Jack yell.

"Jack." I groan and continue looking at the swords.

Suddenly, I feel a hand on my shoulder, causing me to flinch.

"I need to get your chains off, darlin'." He says calmly.

"I can do it myself." I smile and aggressively pull my hands apart, the chains breaking. Jack looks at me and rolls his eyes.

"Couldn't have done that before?" He asks. I shake my head.

"Wouldn't want the fun to end." I smiled. Sometimes I do forget I can get out of situations like that.

Suddenly, we hear the door open. Jack grabs my arm and drags me behind a table to hide.

I look up and see a young man. He had long dark hair pulled back. I assumed he was apart of the staff here.

"Exactly where I left you." I hear him say. I look at Jack and widen my eyes. He places his finger against my lips to keep me quiet. I look into his eyes. His gaze returned and he smiled.

Suddenly, he stands up with his sword on the hat next to us. I sigh and stand behind him with my sword out.

The boy's eyes lingered on Jack and then onto me.

"You're the one they're hunting," He says, "the pirates." The news must be spreading around town if he already knows.

Jack's arm extended keeping me behind him. It's not like I can't fight for myself. Oh, wait.

"You seem somewhat familiar." Jack's words were slightly slurred. "Have I threatened you before?" He asks.

"I make a point of avoiding familiarity with pirates." The boy says.

"Well, today's not sticking with that point," I say and smile. The boy looks at me and tilts his head. He does look quite familiar. I may have seen him when I was a child but I doubt it.

"She's right; it would be a shame to put a black mark on your record." Jack supports. "If you'll excuse us."

I start to turn but get stopped by the sound of metal being slid across something. The boy is now pointing one of the hundreds of swords in the shop at both of us.

"Do you think this wise boy?" Jack smiles. "Crossing blades with a pirate?"

"You threatened Miss Swann." He responds. I would act the same if someone threatened a friend of mine but somehow I'm still annoyed with him.

Jack drags his sword across Will's making a similar noise to before.

"Only a little." He says before striking at the boy. He blocks it. Again, Jack strikes and the boy blocks him.

Not long 'till the boy bests Jack. I slide my sword back to my holster and lean against the wall to watch. It's not every day we find someone as good as Jack or sometimes better.

"You know what you're doing, I'll give you that. Excellent form." He says. "But how's your footwork?"

Jack crosses his left foot over his right, "If I step here..." the boy doing the opposite. "very good." Jack does almost the same action as before, swinging his sword towards the boy, but moves his feet about 4 times more until he is standing in front of me.

"Ta." He nods and holsters his sword. Jack turns on his heel and drags me to the door.

Before I grab the wood that is locking the door, I hear something flying at my head. I duck down and land on my ass.

I look up to see the sword stuck into the door lock, keeping it unable to open. My head turns back to the boy.

"You almost killed me!" I yell. He snickers at my remark.

"You and I both know you were going to duck." He responds. I roll my eyes, refusing him to be correct.

Jack is pulling on the sword, still unable to get it out of the wood it's stuck in.

"That is a wonderful trick," Jack says through gritted teeth. He holds his hand out to me. I grab it and pull myself up. "Except, you almost just killed my right-hand girl and once again, you are between me and my way out. And now..." Jack pulls his sword out, "you have no weapon."

The boy whips around and grabs the fire poker, now burning at the tip. I stumble back as he turns back and points it at Jack's face.

I lean against the wall again and watch Jack and the boy fight.

"Who makes all these?" I yell over all of the noise. I see the boy's eyes flicker over to me and back to Jack.

"I do." He grunts and swings around the pole to strike at Jack. "And I practice with them three hours a day!" He switches positions with Jack.

"You need to find yourself a girl, mate," Jack says and swings his sword at the boy.

"Or perhaps the reason he practices three hours a day is that he's already found one and is otherwise incapable of wooing said strumpet," I question. Jack winces.

"You're not a eunuch, are you?" Jack looks down, causing me to laugh.

The boy pushes harder on the clash they're in currently.

"I practice three hours a day so that when I meet a pirate," he slashes at Jack, "I can kill it!"

I roll my eyes. 'It'. Imagine we have pronouns.

They end up on the wheel barrel. I feel myself getting more bored every second I'm just standing here.

I grab my sword and pull it out of the holster and walk forward. Jack is currently upside-down on the ceiling, trying to get unstuck from the sword he is attached to, and the boy is laying on the floor staring at Jack.

I lift my arm and flick my fingers as the boy climbs onto the wood platform. Jack falls unstuck onto the platform, flying the boy onto the ceiling railings.

"Ow." Jack grunts and stands next to me on the platform. The boy slashes a rope, dropping a sack of an unknown substance onto the other side. Jack's body flies to the opposite railing across the boy.

I run to the wall next to me and flip off of it to the railing.

We all jump to the railings next to us. I strike the boy, him blocking me. I grunt and continue striking at him, with him blocking every shot. Suddenly, one of his blocks pushes mine and Jack's swords out of our hands.

I give him an uneasy look and jump down, landing behind where Jack does. He grabs a bag of what I assume is dirt and empties it onto the boy when he jumps down in front of us.

Jack takes his gun out and points it at the boy.

"You cheated!" The boy says, holding a crowbar next to his head.

"Pirate." We say in unison.

Outside the shop, soldiers are pushing on the doors and grunting to get in.

"Move away!" Jack says.

"No." The boy says.

"Please move?!" Jack pleads.

"No! I cannot just step aside and let you escape." He opposes.

Jack pulls the revolver and narrows his eyes. I grab his arm to try and prevent him from what he's about to do.

"This shot is not meant for you." Jack croaked.

"Exactly the reason you shouldn't be pointing this-" A bottle smashes against my head, making everything go dark. I feel myself fall over and slam my head into the ground.

My eyes open to a dark stone room. I gasp and sit up quickly, a blinding pain going through my head.

"Ava?" I hear a familiar groggy voice in my left ear.

"Ow.. stop yelling.." I mumble.

"I'm not yelling, love." He chuckles softly. There are bars in front of where I'm sitting. I stand, ignoring the pain that's coursing my entire brain, and stumble over to the bars. I reach to the rusting iron bars. When my fingers touch the iron, I feel burning, like my skin is going to burn off.

"AGH!" I yell and stumble back. "Vervain.."

Jack smiles and looks back down with his elbows leaning on his knees.

"Feelin' good about yourself?" I laugh, rubbing my fingers and sitting next to him.

"Hm." He grunts in amusement.

I try and keep myself warm against him because for some reason the guards assumed it would be a good idea to take my shirt. It's not like it'd be a dangerous thing for me to be warm. Maybe they just wanted me to be weakened.

"C'mon boy!" I hear the men in the cell next to us yell. They are holding a bone outside the cell, begging for the dog with the keys to come to them. Their nagging made my head pound. I was starting to get nauseous from the headache that they were making worse.

"Jack.. can you tell them to shut it." I groan and squeeze his wrist. He turns his head with his hat still over his eyes.

"You can keep doing that forever. The dog is never going to move." Jack says to the prisoners.

"Oh, excuse us if we haven't resigned ourselves to the gallows just yet." The prisoners respond and turn away, not stopping.

Jack turns back to me with a smirk planted on his face.

"Sorry." He chuckles softly. "Want me to kiss it better?" He cooed. I smile, my cheeks heating up.

"You wish, pretty boy," I mumble and slowly fall asleep.

[puckrmn]

Day Buzz || Padison

tagging: @puckrmn & @maddiemccarthy

location: Sandbar

time frame: June 13th, Afternoon

about: Day drinking, corn hole, and bets

warnings: nada

Day drinking was not a normal activity for Madison. Though normal on a Saturday anymore tended to revolved around her son. But now that Gabe could spend longer periods of time without her, she was enjoying the idea that sometimes normal could revolve around more adult activities. She took a sip from her glass, a pleasant buzz settling in, and turned from the beach views to look at Puck. "You know, I am a grown woman, can do whatever I want - babysitter permitting - and somehow day drinking still feels rebellious," she told him, laughing quietly. "Is that your goal? Bring out the bad girl in me?"

It was the perfect day for day drinking. Blue skies speckled with the occasional cloud plus the nice breeze coming in from the ocean would put anyone in a good mood. His mood was even more elevated as he kept his eyes on the girl seated across from him, watching her watch the beach. He took a sip of his beer and smirked as she faced him. “That’s exactly my goal. Gotta let your naughty flag fly, babe,” he joked. Reaching across the table, Puck took her hand in his. “And think about how much more your bad girl flag can fly once Gabe can sleepover at Mason’s or Ben’s? I promise you I’m gonna take you out and let you get as white girl wasted as you want.” Leaning across the table, he pecked her softly before sitting back down.

"God, I haven't been white girl wasted in too long," she insisted, "because even when I went out, I still had to come home and be mom." She wasn't complaining, not really, but there was something nice about regaining her freedom, even if it was only in small pieces at a time. Madison licked her lips, smiling as Puck settled across from her again. Her hand turned in his, playing with his fingers momentarily before lacing her fingers with them. "Is that all we'll do with my naughty flag? My inner bad girl isn't going to be committing petty crimes or anything?" she teased.

Puck’s eyes dropped to watch her play with his fingers. It still blew his mind that they could actually be like this in public instead of just flirty texts and comments. “You know I’m always down to do some illegal shit.” Smirking, he glanced up at her and nodded his head towards the beach. “Sex in public type of illegal stuff? Or like…stealing a street sign type of illegal stuff?” Grabbing a passing by waiter, he ordered them another round of drinks and some food for them to munch on. “Let me know when you’re ready to get your ass whooped in pool or any of the other games they got here. I throw a mean bean bag.”

She grit her teeth in a panicked smile and shook her head at his suggested crimes. “I’m pretty sure I’d have to be white girl wasted for either of those to happen,” Madison pointed out, “or I’d be too nervous and undoubtedly get us in trouble.” She took a moment to finish off her drink, setting the emptied glass off to the side before leaning in with her arms on the table. “You pretty confident in that, huh?” she challenged, meeting his eye a stare that was meant to be intimidating. “I bet I could take you.” She stood from her seat, not letting go of Puck’s hand and pulled him along with her to go outside and play. Madison stood back from the playing area, letting another patron finish their round, and looked up at him. “You confident enough to make a wager on it?”

“But getting in trouble is fun,” he replied with a smirk. Puck leaned in close as she leaned over the table. “Bring it on, beautiful,” he muttered, letting his gaze drop to her lips. Puck followed her lead and squeezed her hand as they made their way out to the patio. Letting go of her hand, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her body against his. “Oh I’m totally down to make a bet. What are you thinking? Money? Something…naughty?” Leaning in, he pressed a light kiss to her neck. Puck pulled away as he felt the waiter approach with their fresh drinks. He clinked his glass against hers before taking a sip. “Here’s to me whooping your ass,” he joked as he watched the other customers finish up their round.

Madison shook her head as she thanked the server for her drink. "Well, I really don't think I need to win a bet to get you to do something naughty," she pointed out, "and I don't want your money." She stepped away from him to pick up the bags as the others left the area, setting most to the side but keeping one in hand and tossing it lightly as she turned back to face him. "It's the opposite really. When I win, I get to pay the tab," she said simply. She stepped back into his space and dropped the bag into Puck's empty hand, staring up at him with a smirk. "Every rule has a loophole, right? But if you want your prize to be naughty, by all means."

Puck took a sip of his fresh beer as he watched her organize the bag. His eyebrow raised at her wager suggestion. “That’s not cool. You know how bummed ma would be if she found out I not only let a pretty girl pay for herself BUT she paid for my shit too? I’d get my ass whooped. But fine. Guess I’ll have to bring my A game now.” Shrugging, he turned the bean bag over in his hand as he tried to think about what his prize would be. A smirk came across his lips when he thought of the perfect thing. “Remember when you were on the boat with all the girls? And you told me I could do something to you? That’s what I want.” Puck placed his beer on a nearby ledge and picked up his colored bags. “Playing basic rules? Alternating throws and bags cancel each other out?” He stepped aside and let her get in position. “Ladies first.”

"How about I promise not to tell her?" she offered with a chuckle. His habit for paying was admirable, and his mom's influence behind it just made it cute. It took a moment to know exactly what Puck was referencing from their texts months ago, but as the realization dawned, Madison's teeth sunk into her bottom lip. Not breaking eye contact, she nodded her agreement to the terms and rules. "You're on.” She moved past Puck and took a moment to exaggeratedly stretch and shake out her arms. Tossing the first bag, she watched it sit at the edge for a split second before it fell in the hole. “You know it’s tempting to just lose on purpose,” she told him, glancing his direction. “Maybe you’ll win even if you lose.”

Puck leaned against the railing behind him as he watched her line up her first shot. He cursed to himself as he watched her sink it like a champ. This wasn’t gonna be as easy as he thought. Puck smirked back at her words and placed a firm kiss to her lips. “Being here with you makes me a winner obviously,” he joked as he pulled away from her. Stepping up, he carefully aimed and tossed his first bag groaning as he watched it skid off the board completely. “That was a fluke,” he muttered as he retreated back to his beer. The game was close and it all led up to Madison’s last shot. If she sank it, she’d immediately win. Puck obviously wasn’t going to let her have the easy route to the win. Stepping up behind her, he leaned over to place his lips near her ear. “I can’t wait to get your legs wrapped around my head. Stick my tongue inside of you. Taste you while you pull my hair…screaming my name,” he whispered softly.

Gracious winner was not the way people typically described Madison. She played even the friendliest game competitively, and her trash talk and gloating skills rarely were tucked away. She was ready to claim her victory with one last perfect toss. Feeling Puck crowd into her space, she chuckled then quieted to hum as she listened to his words. She should have known he would play dirty. "We could make that happen," Madison told him, tipping her head back against his shoulder to look up at him briefly, "but hold on just a second." Stepping away from him, she unceremoniously tossed the last bag, sinking it straight into the hole and securing her win. She drained the last of her drink and then moved back into his space. "I just have a tab to settle, then we can do whatever you want," she said with a grin then leaned up to press a kiss to his lips.

Puck’s gaze watched the perfect trajectory of the bean bag, his hopes for a blow job sinking into the hole along with it. “Motherfucker,” he groaned loudly. Puck wasn’t good at losing to say the least. Finishing his beer, he placed the empty glass on the railing as Madison approached him once more. “You’re lucky you’re cute,” he replied grumpily as he let her kiss him. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her closer to his body. “I just wanna hang out with you.” Puck checked his watched quickly. “How long you got before you have to be home for Gabe? You wanna take a quick walk along the beach or is that too cheesy? We could always just go back to your place and make out until Fleetwood comes home.” Puck leaned in and pressed a playful kiss on her cheek as he squeezed her close. “Or I could just make out with you here and make all these people jealous as fuck.”

“You just need some more practice. You forget I spent four years living the Greek party life.” Madison caught the attention of their server, passing off her card to settle the tab and order a couple bottles of water to take with them. “I’ve got a couple hours still. Cheesy isn’t bad, sweat out some of the alcohol,” she joked. She probably would have been content to stand there wrapped up in him indefinitely, but they’d have all night for that. Her hands slipped down his arms, following them behind her back until she could take hold of his hands. “C’mon, we’ll walk, but I might still steal a kiss or two,” she told Puck, pulling his hands from around her and kissing him quickly to make the point before stepping away. She dropped one hand to lead him off the patio and into the sun warmed sand.

“Being in a frat is definitely the one thing I feel like I missed out on by not going to college.” Puck pouted the entire time that she closed out their tab. He reluctantly let her untangle herself from him and pull him towards the sand. Spinning her under his arm, he let go of her hand and draped his arm over her shoulder as they strolled next to the water. It was nice being around Madison. She accepted him for who he was and never pushed him to change like other girls in his past. She just made him feel comfortable whenever she was near. Puck pressed a kiss to the top of her head and smiled softly. “You know. For as much time we spend together and as often as I talk to you...I still feel like I don’t know you all that well. Tell me something I definitely don’t know about you.”

"Douchey frat bros aren't all they're made out to be," she pointed out. "Parties are good, but that's about all they have going for them." She fell instep with him easily, purposefully bumping into his side as he pulled her in. As she listened to his request, Madison hummed in thought of what was actually interesting enough to tell. “I’m the older twin, by six entire minutes. I hate onions, but love onion rings. There’s a song that pops into my head for just about anything you or anyone else says. Umm,” she paused, shrugged her shoulders and glanced up at him. “I really want to do wedding flowers. I thought Kenna’s wedding was gonna be my in, get people to stop going over to Virginia Beach. The small stuff is great, don’t get me wrong. But I want the big, grandiose centerpieces and an archway of blooms and the bouquets and flower crowns for the flower girl. The whole nine yards.”

His hand squeezed her shoulder tightly as he listened to her tell her about herself. “I hate onions too. Except onion rings and those blooming onions from Outback,” he agreed with a nod. His smile softened as she spoke about what she really wanted to do. “You’d kill it. I’ve seen your work. I don’t really care much about flowers but I can still look at your flowers and know they’re good looking flowers ya know? What about Matt and Blaine’s wedding? I bet they could use your flowers.” Puck paused their stroll to lean down and kiss her. As they resumed their stroll, he tried to think of something to share with her. Opening up wasn’t really his strong suit, but he wanted to be able to have her know him. “I like music. I can play the guitar and the piano. I don’t get a lot of chances to actually play but I dig it. Busking was one of the many sketchy ways I made money my first year in LA.”

She bent her arm up to play with his fingers where they rested on her shoulder. "Yeah, maybe. I mean, I'm sure they'll need flowers. It's a harder sell when yo don't have the experience, you know? Kenna and I are so close it was easy to convince her. But I could at least pitch it," Madison agreed. She smiled against his kiss, chasing his lips as he pulled away. It was easy to get lost in him, to settle in a them that wasn’t defined in any real way. Listening to him talk about his hidden talent surprised her, but there was truth in what he’d said: there was plenty they didn’t know about each other. “So what you’re saying is, I need to volunteer you for the next open mic night at Bank?” she teased, “you can’t just tell me that and not expect me to want to hear you play.”  Her lips pursed in something of a pout at his mention of LA, the inevitable end to whatever this was in her mind. “Busking hardly sounds that sketchy. Pretty sure there’s at least one person who’s landed a record contract that way. What actual sketchy money making ventures did you have?” she asked.

“Yeah but they’re reasonable dudes. Just show them what you can do and I bet they’ll immediately book you,” he replied. Puck chuckled at her reaction and shook his head. “Fuck no. I’m not doing open mic night. I’ll play for you one on one someday though.” He shrugged his shoulders slightly as she asked for more details from his time in LA. Things he hadn’t really told anyone. “I dunno. I had a pool cleaning business in Chicago that was pretty successful only because of bored housewives. I brought that same concept out to LA. There are a lot more bored housewives out there. Except sometimes I didn’t even clean their pool and I’d get paid for other...services,” he said vaguely. “Sold drugs for a hot minute. But that wasn’t that successful because medical marijuana was hella easy to get if you knew the right doctors. I just did whatever I had to do to scrape together enough cash to live. Then I got the apprenticeship at the shop and things got a bit easier. I mean I was still crashing on couches but I could afford actual food.” Stopping them in their tracks, he turned to face her. “And now I can afford to buy pretty girls food whenever I want...even when they keep trying to pay,” he joked before leaning in to kiss her once more.

“Oh come on! I’ll sing with you so you don’t have to do it alone,” she protested playfully. “You could be the Lindsey to my Stevie? Complete all of your Fleetwood dreams.” She listened quietly as he talked about his work in LA, not sure exactly what she was expecting him to to tell her, but sure it hadn’t been all of that. It really was an entirely different world out there. “Got you where you needed to be though, right? Older, wiser, settled on the other side of the country. A true rags to riches, huh?” Madison mused, squinting up at him through the sun. Her arms slipped around Puck’s waist, holding herself close to him as she kissed him back. Her fingers drummed slowly up his spine, pulling away just enough to catch his eye with a grin on her face. “Now if only you didn’t suck at cornhole and lose your rights to pay.”

“I didn’t even know you could sing. Learn something new everyday. I’m definitely not at Lindsey Buckingham level though. Plus didn’t they hate each other for a while? No bueno.” Puck smirked at her words. “Like that Drake song. Started from the bottom now we’re slightly above the bottom,” he joked before getting lost in the kiss, not caring who could see them. He pretended to be offended by her comment about his cornhole skills. “Rude. How do you know I didn’t just go easy on you and let you win? Hmm?” He paused with his eyebrow raised at her. “Just kidding. You completely whooped my ass.” Chuckling, he took her hand in his and turned to walk back towards the bar. As much as he would love to stay out on the beach with her all day, he knew she had bigger responsibilities to get to. “You’re gonna call me once he’s gone right? I think you and I need some alone time together for sure.”

“Oh yeah. I had childhood dreams of being a big, big star,” she confirmed, chuckling at herself and her old ambitions. Madison was sure she could have stayed out there with him indefinitely. Sun-warmed and wrapped up in him with the last bit of a buzz in her veins. It was definitely a day date to revisit in the future. “Because I knew what you were playing for,” she reminded him with a smirk. She kissed him again briefly, nipping his lip before letting him lead the way back. Her arm swung exaggeratedly with his as she nodded. “Yeah, definitely. If I didn’t think there’d be potential for starting world war three in my apartment, I’d say just stay. But Gabe doesn’t need to be around that,” she noted. “Do you wanna know when he’s gone or wait until after bedtime? Alone time is kind of a later ordeal.”

“Maybe someone will be nice enough and make my prize happen even though I lost,” he suggested with a smirk as they approached the bar. He led her to the front of the bar towards the bar’s parking lot. “I guess wait until after bedtime. Definitely gonna need your full attention for alone time.” Chuckling, Puck pulled out his phone to order an Uber for Madison. Once he was done, he pulled her towards him to kiss her once more. “I had fun today,” he muttered against her lips. Puck moved to deepen the kiss, groaning when they were interrupted by the honking of a car. “I think your Uber is here.” Reluctantly pulling away from her, he moved to open the back door for Madison to climb in. Puck leaned into the car and kissed her quickly. “Get her home safe,” he said to the driver as he pulled away. “Later, babe.”

[moonstone-puppy]

Prompt requested by @fatandnerdy30 ^^

Word count: 1,907

---

The sea was calm that day, which was a little odd since it was the rainy season. It still wasn't very warm, but luckily for Sammy that meant there was no one else on the beach, allowing her to relax without the states and all the noise.

Tanner had gone to help Friday with grocery shopping, so she'd taken this time to go relax on the beach. Despite her fear of water, she had to admit that it was very beautiful.

Scary, but beautiful…

After her cousin had drowned when they were all going out on a family boat trip, she'd stayed far away from water...

As she sat there, listening to music and watching the languid waters, she suddenly noticed a murky... something below the surface. She couldn't make out what it was, but it was clearly very big.

Huh, maybe a whale had somehow managed to come all the way over here. Sammy would have to stay until it left to make sure it didn't get beached or something…

She thought for a moment that maybe she'd seen a face in the water, but shook her head. She was very familiar with hallucinations, and as such could easily write it off as one. Despite that, it sent a chill up her spine and she pulled her knees closer to herself, taking one earbud out so she could be more aware of her surroundings.

...

Oliver had been swimming along near the beach, not expecting anyone to be there in the cold temperatures. Perhaps, he thought, I should not assume such things- after all, my existence needs to stay secret. Now he had noticed one lone girl upon a rock ledge on the beach, and she had seen him.

He didn't know that she had written him off. He thought that she had noticed him, thanks to her seeming to peer more intently into the water and take out an earplug. He thought those devices were called such anyway.

His eyes narrowed through his foggy glasses, and he found himself swimming to the surface. As much as he would deny it, he wanted to talk to someone, and even if he knew there was a chance she would just ignore him as some other sea creature, he would've swam to the surface anyway.

It had been too long since he'd had a conversation with anyone but himself, and now he had an excuse to talk to someone.

Of course, he wouldn't be able to let them go, but that was a minor detail. It wasn't as though he would hurt them- goodness no, he might have become a giant merman now (heaven knows how), but he still had kept his humanity.

Breaking through the surface of the water and now rising tens of feet above the human, he realized just how much he'd changed. Oliver had never seen a human so closely in his now gigantic form, and now he knew just how tall he must be.

Wordlessly, he reached out a webbed hand to pick up the now clearly startled human, not noticing how familiar she was- or at least ignoring it in favor of his main objective.

...

Sammy suddenly saw the shadow begin to grow even larger, and she was almost positive that the face wasn't part of her imagination now. Suddenly she was covered in water, something absolutely gargantuan pushing through to the surface.

Despite the cold that had now significantly increased, she chose to ignore both her fear of water and the fact that the chilly air was nipping at her skin with a vengeance. Instead, she focused on what was in front of her.

Surely it wasn't real… giants don't exist- they can't exist- it was scientifically impossible!

Before she could get a look at their face, she noticed a gigantic webbed hand coming straight for her, and scrambled to a stand, turning to run. There was no way she was going to stay here any longer and allow that...thing to grab her.

Sammy was panicked to find that her efforts were in vain, because before she took more than a couple steps, all her limbs were restrained by an immovable, wet force.

"No!" She let out a strangled cry, struggling with all her might to escape the giant being's grip, but all it accomplished was the oversized digits curling in tighter around her, irritating what was left of her still-healing injuries.

...

Oliver couldn't help but feel a little guilty about his actions- yes, even someone as stone-faced as he could feel such an emotion- but he ignored it in favor of moving back away from the shore to make it harder for them to get away.

"Calm down," he spoke almost as though frustrated by her struggles, "I don't want to restrain you any further."

Clearly his firm speech was not working, and he sighed. Then he noticed something…odd about what he could feel in his grip. Was that metal? He brought the human closer to his scrutinizing gaze, shifting his grip so they were held down in an open palm, but with his thumb over her legs. It was then that he noticed one of her arms was metal…

"Hm…" He hummed, using his other hand to now pinch the arm delicately between two of his fingers, moving it gently so he could see it properly. It was a prosthetic, though it seemed to function exactly like a normal arm- as shown by how he could feel small tugs against his fingers.

He didn't realize, in his sudden interest for the robotic limb, that her struggles had stopped… But it was for an entirely different reason than what he would assume.

...

Sammy was still in a panic, but suddenly she'd begun to notice something about the giant's face. It was oddly familiar (and on a side note, where did he get his glasses??).

His dark skin, platinum blonde hair, piercing green eyes- even his personality resembled someone else she had known in her life.

The teen gulped nervously, her struggles ceasing but her body continuing to tremble from both the fear and the cold. She opened her mouth to speak, but it took another few moments for words to actually come out.

"...O-Oliver…??"

...

Oliver snapped out of his interested daze when he heard his name spoken, and his eyes met hers within moments. He narrowed his eyes in confusion, about to ask how she knew his name when he suddenly noticed something too…

"Sammy?" His voice came out much less bewildered than hers did, but he was clearly surprised nonetheless. His eyes then filled with concern.

He would've been concerned for any child missing a limb, but now knowing that this was his cousin, a formerly-limbed person, he almost dropped her. His thumb did disappear from where it had been holding down her legs. He leaned in even closer than he already had been, not noticing her flinch.

"What happened to you?" He asked, almost reaching out to touch her before remembering that Sammy had a fear of that exact thing. She always had- Tanner was the only person she had ever allowed to touch her without warning.

"What happened to you more like!" She snapped in reply, causing the giant to lean back slightly. "W-we thought you were dead..!"

Oliver frowned when he noticed the shake in her voice, and then he saw her suddenly go quiet and flinch at his reaction. His frown deepened. Was she still afraid of him? Even knowing that it was her cousin? He noticed something else too…

"You're...trembling…" His voice came out slow, questioning- guilty even. When he got yet another flinch in response to his observation, he sighed. "I probably should have stayed dead, shouldn't I? I apologise… Here-"

He returned her to the ledge she'd been on before, hesitant to do so. She would run, and he would be left alone again. "You may leave; I don't want Charlotte and Lewis to have to grieve over the loss of another child… Don't tell anyone about me, alright?"

He moved to go back underwater, knowing that, should he hesitate, he would never be able to leave again.

...

Sammy blinked in surprise, realizing that she was back on the rock ledge. She stood up quickly as Oliver turned to leave, forgetting how close she was to the edge in her need to stop him from leaving.

Her foot ht air, and she looked down in surprise, suddenly noticing that she had stepped off of the edge and, almost in slow motion, was beginning to plummet down. A shout escaped her mouth, seeing the cold, salty water awaiting her, and knowing that she could not swim.

I don't want to drown..!

She shut her eyes, closing her mouth as she hit the water, a tingling sensation covering her body as hypothermia began to creep in. She resurfaced, and took in a deep breath, before going back under due to her weak swimming.

She spluttered, letting out shouts in between the water entering her lungs and panicked breaths of cold air. Suddenly she was back out of the water, on a warm surface, coughing out any water left in her system.

Her body was shuddering and shaking more from the cold, but the warmth radiating from whatever it was she was sitting on was helping slightly. She opened her eyes again.

...

Oliver stopped immediately when he heard a splash and then saw Sammy, now in the water, but clearly unable to swim. For a moment, he thought of leaving her, since he knew that he'd never be able to leave if he saved her- but he quickly dismissed the thought. Of course he wouldn't leave her to drown.

Scooping her up into his hands, he cupped one over her but left it so it was open towards him. His eyes scanned her over, knowing just how cold it was and knowing how dangerous that would be for a human. Luckily, despite being half fish, his body still have off heat.

She coughed and spluttered, but thankfully was alright. Knowing that, he looked around, seeing a cliff nearby that would allow cover from any other human attention whilst he made sure his little cousin (pun unintended (he would never ever tell a pun with intent)) was alright.

Two blue eyes focused on him, full of trepidation but also something else… relief perhaps? Oliver held her closer to his chest to help warm her up faster, when suddenly a little voice registered in his ears.

"Don't you ever fucking leave..!" Sammy shouted at him, surprising him with the diction used and the volume of the words. He blinked.

"I-"

"Y-you can't come in here, grab me up in your oversized hands, and just leave! We...we thought you drowned, idiot!" Sammy's reply was emotional, snappy, but it certainly shut up the giant merman.

Oliver stared at his scales for a moment, before focusing on her again. She...she was right. He couldn't leave them again. It had been too long- he knew that it would be terrible to leave Sammy with the knowledge of him being alive. She would surely go insane…

Oliver closed his eyes, letting out a sigh. He supposed that he'd stay here until she had recovered properly. Then they'd figure this out.

"I won't leave..." He reassured, leaning his head back against the rocks and looking at the sky.

"I promise."

[ikesenlemonadestandstories]

Leap of Faith

I present to you Kinesis: Chapter 14, please feel free to look for all previous and future chapters on my Master List and under the “Kinesis” tag :) Love you all!

Warnings: Mild violence

[MC]

Leap of Faith

It was official, you loved the ocean. The way it seemed to dance and sway to its own rhythm had you inspired, and you could often be found near the bow dancing in time with the rocking of the ship. Motonari often made fun of you, but that didn’t matter, it was better than being bent over nauseous for most of the trip like poor Ranmaru who had effectively holed himself up in the officers quarters below the captain’s cabin. 

It was nearly a week trip by sea to Miya Island from Larkspur, but Motonari’s magic almost ensured smooth sailing, it was how you had gotten out of the docks it the first place. Ranmaru hadn’t been a fan of Motonari’s plan but went along with it when you deemed it creative, and Nobunaga agreed. Mitsuhide was sent into the city and would take care of the house while he conducted his own reconnaissance and followed up with your informants. 

Once he arrived, the three of you and Motonari’s crew, who had been joining your ranks in droves, took off under the cover of night.  You stowed yourselves away under the deck in the many storerooms of his ship,hiding deep below among the ballasts, supplies, artillery and guns. 

Among Motonari’s crew was a set of identical twins; telepaths, one posing as a military guard waiting on deck for the changing of the guard at dawn, the other sitting with Motonari, waiting for his cue. 

Just imagining the looks on the guards’ faces as the ship suddenly took off unmanned from the deck as the unlucky two on the gangplank plummeted into the water made you laugh out loud. It had been tricky raising the anchor without anyone catching on but thanks to Motonari’s control of the currents, the ship was held steadily in place until it was time to go. 

“I’d ask what was so funny, but I’ve noticed you’ve always got that goofy grin on your face.” Motonari snickered as he walked up beside you. 

“I just really wish I could have seen their faces yanno?” You took in a deep breath of the salty air as a gentle mist from the waves sprayed over you. 

“I’m sure if you asked Atli or Alvis they’d show you,” there was something just a little sinister in his gaze, but it still made you giggle. 

“I think I’m good.” You smiled, planting your hands on the railing as you looked out towards the horizon. “How’re you holding up? You’re not pushing yourself too hard, are you?”

A flash of an unknown emotion crossed his face before he covered it was a sly grin. “I’m a pirate, been doing this for years. Heck, I could probably do this for years.” Motonari flung his arms out wide as he gestured to the ocean. 

“Whatever you say.” You sigh, patting his shoulder. “It’s not my prerogative to overwork you though, so take some breaks, yeah? We’ll get there when we get there.” 

And get there you did. The island was beautiful, clear waters surrounded it’s sandy shores as colorful houses and banners dotted the mountainside. Lush green forests covered a majority of the uncivilized peaks while large granite cliff faces pushed out towards the sea. 

The ship would anchor just off the southern part of the island, a far way from the town. These may not be hostile waters, but that didn’t mean you wanted to be that conspicuous.  Three tiny boats carrying four crew members each would disembark from the main ship and head inland.  While the crew would be staying in town to shop for supplies and sell some goods, Ranmaru, Motonari, Atli and yourself would head out to look for Kennyo. 

The four of you took to a small path Motonari identified as the one he took the last time he was here, splitting from the main party before you hit the town. Your journey up the mountain was rigorous, if not the most dangerous thing you could remember doing. But god was the view worth it. 

“So we’re here, but I don’t see anything.” Ranmaru scrutinized Motonari. “Are you sure this is the last place you saw him?”

“Very sure,” Motonari replied, leaning down, so he was eye level with Ranmaru. “It’s like you don’t believe me.”

“I don’t.” Ranmaru rolled his eyes while Atli stifled a snicker. 

You were ready to step in and stop the bickering when you looked past the treeline and took note of the view. The trees danced in the breeze as the wind whispered a sweet melody, drawing you in and your body buzzed with life as your veins burned. You knew this feeling. It felt right, almost like something finally clicked into place, so you followed where it led you. Slowly the arguments faded, and you walked, trancelike, in the direction of the cliff face. 

“I think I found it.” You spoke over the squabbling, though only Atli managed to hear you. 

“Uh, guys.” Atli tried to get the other two’s attention. “Hello! Guys! Did anyone hear (YN)? Is anyone going to stop them?” His question more hurried as you walked towards the edge. 

By the time the other two realized what was going on, you were already standing on the edge overlooking the sea. The world was alive as energy swelled inside you, making your hair stand on end. Before you knew what was happening, you were taking a deep breath, as you closed your eyes and took one final step over the ledge. 

[igetcarriedawaywithyou]

Hvitserk’s Valkyrie - Chapter 5

Summary: She walked into the great hall that night and all Hvitserk could think was that he needed to know who she was because she would be his. He had seen visions of her in his dreams. The gods had sent her right to him and he wasn’t about to let anyone else have her. But what did the gods want for them?

Rating: Explicit

Fandom: Vikings

Tags & Warning: Fluff, OC, I’ve given up on Canon

Words: 4087

Gif from: @whenimaunicorn

Authors Notes: Sorry for the unexpected hiatus! But I’m coming back slowly! 

All the warriors of the Great Heathen Army have gathered around the altar outside, lines of lamps leading to it. Bjorn and Torvi with their children stood on one side while the rest of Ragnar’s sons stood opposite, Margrethe with Ubbe, then Sigurd, Hvitserk stood on the other side of his sister in law. Just behind his shoulder, half hidden by his height, Kára watched Earl Jorgensen make his way up the altar. Glancing over his shoulder, Hvitserk tugged Kára forward, grasping her hand.

“Stand with me.” He whispers. His fingers knit with hers. Everyone is gasping watching a night sun fly over the sky. A blessing from the gods. Their eyes follow it fly by as the chants begin. The sacrifice has been made, Earl Jorgensen will sit in the halls of Valhalla in honour. The warriors move to the hall to feast before their long journey. Kára watches as the crowd of Vikings move, Hvitserk body shifts to follow his brothers back. His grip on her hand is strong, she wants so much to easily follow him. Instead, she loosens her hold.

“What is it?” He turns, trying to tug her forward, you can tell Hvitserk is eager to go eat, the boar had been roasting on the spit and the mouthwatering smell was now wafting towards him, beckoning him to eat.

“I think a visit to the Seer is in order.” She said quietly, she looks away not able to look him in the eye. The nagging feeling in her chest was too much. No matter how much she relished the attention from Hvitserk, she had to be sure.  

“Do you still not believe?” His hands come up quickly to cup her head, hold her in place, forcing Kára to look at him, almost feeling like she could lose herself in his blue-green eyes. “What can I do to prove you this is what is for us?”  

“Wait for me.” She whispers, taking hold of his wrists, she pulls her face out of his hands. Smiling up at him she turns away and pulls his cloak tightly around her, Hvitserk watched the swish of the cloak as she moves toward the Seer’s hut. Kára slips into the Seer’s hut, the old man sat shaking near the cracked window in the moonlight.

“So, you have come.” She places the small pack of seeds at his table before moving to kneel in front of him. His presence is intimidating and terrifying.

“But will you tell what I wish to know,” she asks, “without your riddles?”

“These words are not mine.”

“Then have I made the right decision by coming here?” she desperately implores. “Is it my destiny? To be here, with Hvitserk?” Kára’s youth shines through on her face. If the Seer could see the pain and confusion on her face he might have pitied her.

“The gods have a destiny for everyone, child. You are meant to be together. The choices he’s made so far are distractions from finding you. But his future choices will be what that matters, and yours, they will lead apart, then together. Perhaps. Nothing is certain.” Kára sits still on the floor, attempting to grasp this information. What choices? Should she truly be here? Nothing was keeping her in Hedeby now. The Seer’s palm appears in the line of vision to pull her from her thoughts. Licking it she rises to leave.

Kára looks up to see the night sky has turned green with light, ‘two good omens in one night’ she thought, headed to the hall along the beach she sees Staðr trotting towards her, she takes a knee and open her arms to wait for him, but the hound turns just before he reaches her, heading to the shoreline. Following she sees Hvitserk sitting on the dock, his legs dangling over the edge. His body almost hidden by the barrels and crate stacked along to be loaded tomorrow. Without turning around, he asked:

“Did you find the answers you needed?” His posture is casual, legs swing off the dock, his hands braced on the ledge between his knees leaning him forward at a precarious angle. She sits beside him, pulling her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around her legs, she tucks her chin in the cleft between her knees, staring out at the calm water.

“Some.” As she shifts the rest of her cloak behind her.

“Do you need more answers?”

“Yes.” Her head tilts so she can look at him. Her face shines in the moonlight, and only looks like perfection to Hvitserk.

“Ask then.” He shifts to face her leaning back against the post of the dock, one leg still dangling, his other foot coming to rest somewhere behind her, knee bent to prop his arm.

“How do you know this is true, that this is what the gods want?” She watches him with such scrutiny that he wants to look away, he lets out a breath, closing his eyes he leans his head back against the post as well.

“You are so sure.”

“We’ve seen each other in our dreams have we not?” Her eyes narrow at him. “I’ve said so before.” She watches him like a hawk now. “Do you not see your dreams to be true?” his voice sounds of annoyance.

“I do not! When I say I think I have seen you in my dreams, it is because I have heard such stories from Bjorn. He cares greatly for all of you. He would talk endlessly of you all! So I would think of what you all would look!”

“But you do, you can see you want to in your eyes, svass.”

“I want to…” She hesitates to sigh “Our dreams, the idea that we are being pushed together is ...” She hesitates. “Frightening. How do you know it to be true?”

“My mother had the gift,” he replied slowly. “Other times I have dreamt, I have seen come true in front of my eyes.” She says nothing, but her clear eyes are so bright against the night sky, the green lights in the sky reflect in her dark irises. She sighs heavily and closes her eyes in contemplation.

“Do you believe me?” He leans forward coming close to her face. “The gods want us to be together.”

“I believe they want us to be together.” She says softly. She feels the tips of his fingers reach out to brush her hair. “Whatever this spell is between us I cannot deny anymore.” His fingers weave between the strands now.

“But as I understand, we will both make choices. That will lead us away and back to each other.” His hand now comes to cup her neck. “Will you accept with that?” she asks. Too afraid to look him in the eye.

“You will be with me always.” His words startle her, as she finally looks at.

“Our loyalties lie in different camps Hvitserk.” Her hand comes to hold his wrist. “Will you be able to live with my choices that will be different than yours?”

“You’ll stay with me.” His grip is stronger now, hurting, almost bruising. Pulling her toward him. Her body slides closer to him between his legs.

“Listen to me Hvitserk!” She urges, her fingers now dig into the tendon of his wrist, an effort for him to let go. “I want you, more than anything I have ever wanted. But I need you to promise me something,” his grip has been pulling her body closer to his still, her legs push against his leg still dangling over the dock.

“Anything.” He’s pulled her close enough now that she is half leaning on him. The noses barely touching, if they were breathing any harder their chest would touch. She turns to rest her hands on his chest, letting her weight rest there. She looks up, searching his face.

“When these choices must be made you will not stop me from making mine, and I from yours.” Her hands come up now, to cup his neck, her thumb just grazing his cheekbone. Her eyes pleading “Trust that I will come back to you, that the gods will make it so.”

“No.” he growls, his teeth are clenched. “You will stay with me. Always. That is all.”

“Hvitserk. You will not be able to keep me caged.” She tries to pull away. His grip too strong now as he brings his other arm around to keep her against him. “If you try to, we will never be together.” She holds his face in both her hands now “Promise me. Then we will be able to have our life.”

“We can have it now. I’ve seen it!” Hvitserk retorts stubbornly.

“Have you seen all of it?” she snaps, Hvitserk has never seen her angry before. “We do not know what the gods actually want from us do we?” Such anger from her makes his blood boil. Heat comes from her skin, mingling with his. Looking her in the eye

“Fine. You have my word.” He pulls her head to rest against his. “I do not like it, I do not have to, but I promise, as long as you come back me to.”   “The same for you.” The heat between them is heavy. Finally, after what seems for ages, their lips crashing together. Soft was all he could think, she was soft and real under his hands and lips. Running his hand down her side he pulled her closer as if there was more space between them too, to make them feel like they are one. He pushes his lips hard into the kiss, putting any emotions he could not say aloud into the kiss. She returns in kind. Anything she does not understand, the little she does right now. All they know is that it is right. Under the Goddess Freyja’s green night sky.

---

The morning of the Great Heathen Army’s departure has arrived. Across the pier she could Bjorn see pacing back and forth in front of his brothers, demanding their trust for their war. They would be leaving soon. As soon as the boats were done. She knelt down to finish packing dried meats in crates on the dock, so she could watch under hood lashes across the way at the brothers. The brother’s rise to move away. A decision has been made, no one looks angry, except for Ivar but then again, he always looks angry. Finishing the crate, she passes it off and heads towards her hut. In the days that Hvitserk and Kára have known each other, it feels as if they have always been in each other’s lives for eons. Making themselves comfortable in either of their spaces.

Pushing into her hut she hurriedly shoves the last of the herbs in colours threaded pouches and wraps her blanket, she ties it her pack. She takes Hvitserk’s cloak from where it lay on her bed wrapping it over her shoulder tight and buckles it in place. She gathers her weapons and pack, locking up her hut she goes to say her farewells to Lagertha. She enters the hall; the Queen of Kattegat is sitting on the dais with Torvi and Astrid.

“Is it time for you to leave already?” She embraces her tight. “May the Gods watch over you on your journey.” Lagertha watches as Kára moves to hug Torvi and Astrid. “For your first raid. A gift for you.” Torvi pulls a shield from behind the throne. Painted blue and red with Lagertha’s crest. Kára runs her hand over it. “May it protect you.”

“My thanks Lagertha. For everything.”

“It is as Bjorn said, you have become the daughter I thought Gyda would have grown to be.” Holding Kára shoulders. “Your mother was always there for me in times of need when we were in Hedeby, your father too. I only hope I can be there for you in their absence.” She takes a small dab of gold paint on her thumb from beside her and pulls it down over Kára’s left eye and a dot under it. Lagertha takes her face in her hands and kisses her forehead.

“You are. I cannot thank you enough for it.” Kára embraces Lagertha tightly. Any fears she might have had melted away.

“And when you return, you will have to tell me what the seer has said about you and Hvitserk.” Blushing Kára ducks her head. Not much goes unnoticed by Lagertha, if anything at all.

“I will. But as I have been told, we can never know what the gods want for us. They want something though. I am still unsure though.” Lagertha smiles knowingly. Kára kneels down to hug Guthram and Erik and then heaves the shield over her shoulder.

“I will see you when I return, with stories of triumph.” Lagertha holds Kara at arm's length a moment longer, a warm motherly smile on her face. Kara heads out, nodding to Bjorn on his way to say his own farewells, he is obviously frustrated with Ivar. Reaching the docks, you see Hvitserk tying sail lines tighter with Floki, spotting her he vaults off the side of the boat immediately. Every time she sees him, it reminds her of a child, she wonders how after all that he has done and been through that he can still act like a carefree boy. He takes her hand leading her on the boat. He’s rambling on about something.

“Kára? Kára.” Hvitserk is shaking her shoulder, she snaps back, looking up at him. He gestures to her pack and shield, handing the shield over he flips it over to look at Lagertha’s crest painted on it, he raises a brow at it but still hooks it on the side of the boat beside his own. She places her pack beside his, he’s been watching her, confused be her expression. “Nervous?” she gave a small nod; his finger follows the gold paint down her cheek. “You have no need to be.” A smile blooms on her face. At that moment Staðr jumps between them, barking for attention.

“He followed me.” Bjorn comes up to them. “Bring him. A wolf will strike fear into the hearts of the Saxons. And will be an excellent scout.” Kára takes a knee as she whispers to the mutt, as Bjorn heads to Floki.

“Baby! Could not stay away, could you?” rubbing his ears, Staðr bumps his head against hers.

“This mutt enjoys getting between us” Hvitserk smirks. Staðr barks in response and jumps up on Hvitserk. Staðr paws sitting on Hvitserk’s broad shoulders easily. His hands come up to scratch the mongrel’s ears and then shoves him down. The rest of the vikings around them eye the wolf nervously. “Let’s be on our way.”

As night falls, Kára sat at the rear of the boat with Floki, her cloak pulled tight around to ward off the cold ocean breeze.

“Hvitserk tells me the Gods have chosen you for him” giggled Floki.

“You would know, Floki, beloved of the gods.” Her eyes follow Hvitserk’s arms as the pull and push the oar steadily. Staðr slept curled up, radiating heat, in front of her. “But I cannot deny there is something the gods want from us. They will test us it seems.”

“As they do, I would say you would feel my wrath should anything happen to the boy, but I am more concerned for you.” She turns back to Floki now, looking at him to continue. “Hvitserk is lovable, he has Ragnar’s heart. But his darkness too.” Her head tilts waiting for Floki to elaborate.

“Bjorn told me many stories of you Floki, you and Ragnar. You loved Ragnar. So, you love them.” She jerks her head to Lothbrok men scattered about the boat.

“I do, but I love Lagertha too and Lagertha loves you. So, I will warn you. He smiles and plays but that is not all he is. Ubbe may look like Ragnar, but Hvitserk, he has Ragnar’s protectiveness. If he cares for you, he will go to the ends of the earth to keep you. I cannot stop the gods for whatever it is you must face. But I do not want you to suffer needlessly.” Floki reaches and barely touches her forehead with his fingertips. “Perhaps you will make him a better Viking.” Hvitserk plops down beside her. Pulling her close under his arm, his natural warmth welcoming.

“Who is a better Viking?” Hvitserk asks. He tugs the other end of his cloak to cover his legs.

“Hopefully you now that you have a woman!” Floki giggles again, kicking Hvitserk’s outstretched legs.

“Since when has he ever been a Viking, to begin with?” Ivar crawls over and props himself up opposite them.

“I have seen more battles than you little brother” Hvitserk gives Ivar the stink eye.

“And what of all the woman you’ve had?” Ivar gaze shifts to Kára now, having his fun at her expense. Everyone knows of Hvitserk’s womanizing. Hvitserk’s body stiffens at Ivar’s comment anyway. Kára’s eyes narrow at Ivar.

“They could try coming near him now, I will cut them down where they stand.” She snarled. Hvitserk is smirking now, watching her be possessive of him warmed him.

“I would believe her, Ivar” says Floki as he turns the steer away from himself “you know better than to antagonize a shield maiden. Leave them both be, you brat.”        

When shores of England came into sight, Kára leans over the shields, she watches with wonder. There are moments when Hvitserk questions how her mind works. She is still a mystery to him, cold as ice one moment, childlike bewilderment next like she is working too hard hide herself. He wants to know everything about her. He cannot yet. He cannot be distracted. First, he and his brother’s will have their revenge. Then he will see about Kára.

The sons of Ragnar gather around the fire with Harald, Halfdan, and Floki as Kára comes back from a scout, Staðr trotting along beside her. Bjorn spots her and motions her over.

“How long?”

“Two days, they’ll reach the field to the northwest of here at the sun's peak. They are a small party. They will not expect our numbers” She rounds the group behind Bjorn to join Hvitserk leaning against the tree, snagging the piece of salted pork from his hand. He gives her a playful stink-eye.

“The field?”

“The road curves to come around on the other side of this wood, where I assume they will come from, in between there is some hill, we would hold the high ground if we make our mark between the hills. Our back covered by the wood.” Bjorn tosses her an apple as she finishes.

“Good, we’ll meet them in battle there. Harald, have your men take the side closer to camp, Floki will take the other. Tomorrow we will have our revenge.” Kára snatches Hvitserk’s cup and downs his drink before he can say anything. Walking away she tosses it over her shoulder back at him. She’s been teasing him for weeks now since they left Kattegat. She rests a hand on Bjorn’s shoulder before heading in search of dinner. Staðr rubbing against Bjorn as he passes by to follow his mistress.

Kára enters the tent later to find Hvitserk face down on the blanket. He insisted that she stay with him. Seeing their things mingled together made her warm inside. She wasn’t sure what she should be doing or saying with him right now. His mother had been killed by the woman who now ruled Kattegat, the woman who had her loyalty. His father left when he was young and now they were avenging his death. All she could do was support Hvitserk, she didn’t know how to do that. While both of them had spent time together, they had yet to actually talk about anything important. Most of their time was spent with others on a boat or here at camp always surrounded his brothers or other Vikings.

“Hvitserk?” she whispers, she cautiously reaches out. His hand snaps out grabbing her and flipping her down, so he can sit astride her, his body pinning her down. His face buried in her neck, inhaling her scent.

“After we blood eagle Aelle, tomorrow,” He murmurs into her shoulder. “I’ll have you.” There is heat to his voice, a grind in his tone the lights a fire in her.

“Yes,” she answers huskily. He trails light kisses up her neck, she hums, stretching her neck giving him more access. He follows her jawline up to lips, pressing hard against hers. Possessively. His tongue teases the seam of her mouth for entry, opening her mouth she sucks his lower lip into her mouth, biting, teasing him in return. Their tongues meeting, playing with each other. He pulls away, making Kára whimper for the loss of his lips. Instead, he presses hot kisses down her neck now, his lips linger on her pulse point feeling her heart race. His hands are unbuckling her vest, hands move into his hair, her nails scraping his scalp, tugging the roots hard. His lips have continued lower, using his teeth he pulled her shirt tie open to trace her collarbone with his tongue “Hvitserk” she gasps, her throaty tone exactly what he wants to hear. Her want. To crack her perfect mask that’s been in place too long. Only for him to see. To have her beg for him. His hands sneak under her shirt, warm and large against her midriff. Rough but firm. His fingers grip her hips tight as his hips bear down on her. She can feel his cock pressed against her belly. With a last taste of her nape, he pulls back.

“Tomorrow.” His breathing is laboured. Staring her in the eye, he can barely see the blue irises, just a small ring of them. “I’ll stay with Ubbe tonight.” He heaves himself of her body. Before he can leave she pulls him back.

“Stay.” Her striking eyes begging. “You said you would stay, always.” His face softens, nodding, leaning down he unbuckles his boots, taking his time to regain some rational thought and his breath. Standing straight he finds she’s already divested her armour and breeches. Watching her toss clothes aside, he yanks the shirt over his head. Her now bare legs, stare back at him, she shifts to one side pulling the blankets towards them. Crawling over her he flops down on his back beside her. She pulls the blanket they share under her arms, she tucks her head into her elbow as she turns to face him. Desire still hangs in the air as they settle in. “Why are you so patient with me?” she asks suddenly.

“What do you mean?”

“You could have your way with any woman Hvitserk, everyone knows it. Yet, you have not with me. You take what you want. Always. Like you have no control.” Her hand creeps to trace the ink on his shoulder.

“I do take what I want.” Pulling her leg over his waist “I will have it.” His hand travels up to cup her rear. “I only want you.” Her body is flush against his “and will have you.” He squeezes her arse. “do not doubt that.” He’s nibbling on her neck again. Sighing she relaxes into him. His arms tighten around her. “You test my patience, but I will not have you go to someone else. It will be worth the time waiting. ”

“Are you ready for your revenge?” She changes the subject instead. rolling on his back, Kára rests her head on his chest, letting out a breath she feels the light touch of his lips on her forehead.

“Yes. It will be most satisfying.” Anyone could hear the grin in his voice. They lie in the comfort of each other. The once pregnant silence was not so deafening any more Kára notes.

“I heard stories of him, growing up.” She tilts her head up to see his reaction. He gives nothing away, instead continues to stare at the top of the tent. Her foot rubs his leg, waiting for him to respond. He just clutches her leg tighter. “The way I saw him, he was a good father to his sons, but not to the men he needed to raise.” He snorts.

“He will still be avenged. Leave it be. Sleep now.” He squeezes her close pressing his lips to her head, inhaling her welcome scent.

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