ironcaptainnataliabarnes

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

oops

damn lemme just come back and apologize to anyone who’s seeing this blog in 2024 I legit started this jazz like EONS ago so don’t worry about the cringe and don’t expect immediate (if any) updates on any stories I got here 😭😭😭😭 I feel bad but this fic writing is real work and I’m not all cut out for it rip

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

Safe Haven

Series Part Listing Found Here

Neteyam x Original Na'vi Female Character

Summery: Seeking refuge, Xilä and her father venture to the lands of the Omatikaya clan, in the hopes that the Toruk Makto would be generous in allowing them to stay. This is her story about not only finding her strength, but finding love. 

Warning: This story contains smut, violence & abuse (please don't read if these topics will affect you)

Some characters have been aged up. Neteyam in particular is 24.

Xilä is my own creation.

~

Part 18- Healing

The second they landed, Sal had flung herself at Xilä, sobbing inconsolably in a flurry of emotions ranging from devastation, elation and just pure relief.

Once Sal finally released her, Neteyam was lifting Xi into his arms and bypassing all the other waiting friends and family members- Tuk, Kiri, D’avi, Spider and so many others who’d crowded around.

“Later,” he snapped, “she needs to see Tsahìk,” was all he said before striding off for this grandmother’s tent

The medic they’d taken with them on their journey had done as much as they could for Xi, but Neteyam had watched his wife struggle on the trip back home, she needed proper treatment.

Mo’at embraced them both, murmuring prayers of thanks to Eywa under her breath. She was then giving orders to have a large tub basin brought in as she ushered Xi to a free bed.

Between his grandmother, Kiri and Sal, Xilä was carefully bathed and tended to and all wounds and injuries no matter how minor were treated.

After Xi inhaled a thick nutritional broth and a cup of medical tea, she swallowed the tonics Mo’at had instructed her to before falling into a deep and much needed sleep against Sal.

Neteyam had not left her side once. He hovered and kept a watchful eye as the woman worked seamlessly and efficiently to care for his mate.

A tension of relief he hadn’t realized was stifling him, released when his grandmother had asked if she’d been hurt intimately. Xi had given her a simple resounding NO to the question.

“You should go get cleaned up brother,” Kiri said, taking his empty soup bowl and the filthy cloak and pants he’d removed from himself.

D’avi, who’d come in a while ago was gently finger combing through Xi’s now clean loosened strands. She saw his hesitation and the way his stare lingered on his sleeping wife.

“Don’t be stubborn now. Go, she won’t wake anytime soon…we won’t leave her side until you’re back,” she assured.

It took everything within him to leave the tent. After additional coaxing and light scolding from the two elderly women, he eventually left.

Neteyam soaked the nearest hot spring, washing away the aches and tension from the very long couple of days he’d endured. And of course the entire time, the only thing that plagued his mind was the wellbeing of his mate.

A pang of panic flooded him when he returned to the healing tent and didn’t find Xi where he’d left her.

“Calm yourself, Teyam,” Mo’at soothed from where she’d been tending to a new patient.

“She’s just back there,” she said, jerking her head to a partitioned section of the large tent that led to Mo’at’s personal quarters- which she only ever used if she needed to be close to a patient.

Sal and D’avi were still with Xi when he entered the dim space. They gave him soft smiles and gentle arm pats on their way out, Sal stopping to press an appreciative kiss to his cheek and a whispered “thank you” as she passed.

Neteyam crawled in and laid beside his mate, greedily drinking in the sight of her sleeping features. Dirt and grime free, the cuts and bruises littered about her skin were a stark difference- harsh and prominent.

Guilt ate at him.

He traced the contours of Xi’s face- thumb barely making contact as it brushed over her skin in a feather light motion. Across her brow, curving along the soft of her cheek, down the bridge of her nose before tracing the lines of her jaw, chin, lips- landing finally on her pulse point to make sure he felt that subtle beat.

He snuggled closer, her feet meeting his chins as he plastered himself to her front while they laid on their sides- face so close to her own, their noses touched and heartbeats thumped against each other.

At last, and at peace for the first time in too many days, Neteyam slept.

~

In the first week that his wife returned, both Neteyam and Xilä stayed with Sal and Jxo. Not only because it was easier since Xilä’s room was still available, but Neteyam also thought it best for both her and her parents' comfort.

Within the very second day he began to notice Xi’s behavior. Somehow he knew it was coming, he’d been watching, waiting.

It was subtle little things at first. Actions and hints of an emotion or expression he hadn’t seen from her in a long, long time. Not always, but she’d flinch at the slightest touch or brush- even from him.

Sudden movements and loud noises had her panicky and unsettled.

Shaking hands she’d either clasp up tightly or sit on them altogether to hide, unaware he’d already clocked it.

Nightmares. Those she couldn’t hide even if she wanted to. Some nights she accepted his comfort when she woke up in hysterical tears, and others she’d downplay it all and say she was “fine”.

Fine. Oh how he fucking hated that word.

And so even though he’d expected these reactions from her, even though he’d mentally prepared himself for how to handle it, how to help her… what he hadn’t expected was for her to pretend she wasn’t affected… at all.

His mate, Xilä Sully acted like it was all nothing and everything was fucking normal- fucking fine. Like she hadn’t been kidnapped, like she hadn’t been beaten bloody and bruised, starved, chained and held prisoner because she’d been traded like she was meaningless cattle.

No. Xilä was all smiles and chatty as ever. Her parents had shared his concern at first when he pointed it out, but then they’d just chalked it up to it being that she'd grown and was better at handling traumatic events by now. They were just happy to see her, happy.

Bulllll-shit.

She could fool their friends and their family and everyone else who visited to show their concern or relief that she was back, but him? She could never fool him. He saw through the smiles and laughs that never quite met her eyes.

His wife was hurting, bottling everything up and stifling her pain.

And it killed him.

He tried. Not within that first week of course. But when they’d moved into a temporary little tent near her parents’, he tried talking to her. Tried getting her to open up. She refused… Because of course and once again, she was still fucking “fine.”

It ate at him. Plagued him. He thought maybe, just maybe she was waiting until it was only the two of them again in their own space and away from everyone else. But when she gave him nothing, he pushed, and pushed some more until she finally snapped and told him to give it a rest, to “leave it be.”

Neteyam grew tired and frustrated. He had her back and all to himself now and yet he’d never felt such distance from his wife. He was at his wits end and his own “pretending everything was fine” just for her, was beginning to crack.

They were venturing into the beginning of the third week since her return, and while he had backed off from his mission of getting her to open up, it certainly didn’t stop his hovering.

He hadn’t left her side for a second. Downright refused, even when she’d grumble about his over-clinginess. Duties temporarily handed off to Tasam who he trusted whole heartedly with, Neteyam became worse than clingy- he was his wife’s shadow.

Xilä had observed this early on, noting her husband’s desperation to stay close to her. The way his eyes would light up in panic if she had left his sight for even a second made her heart ache. And at night while they slept, he completely engulfed her, limbs entwined, with his face buried into her neck as if he were trying to seep into her skin.

In the past few weeks, she had barely lifted a finger. Her husband was worse than her mother she summed up. Sal and Neteyam seemed as if they were competing for who could hover and smother her with love and affection the most.

It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate it, to be honest she basked in all the love- or most of it. Not the times when her mate would chastise her for trying to walk on her sprained ankle too soon, or the few times she’d forgotten to take her pain tonics only for Neteyam to launch into a sweet but long winded and overly dramatic lecture as if her not taking her medicine caused him actual pain.

But today was a new day, and Xi was keen on taking back her independence. She was ready to shake off the nightmares that crippled her at night and the flashbacks, and the fear and the looming, constant sense of dread and anxiety that she was so ready to be done and over with.

“Handsome, I’m going to D’avi’s today.”

Neteyam’s head flicked up from the tablet he’d been pouring over as he watched his mate shuffle out from their bed with the empty tray of breakfast he’d made for her.

“Okay, I’ll come too,” he replied, tossing aside his new device to quickly follow right after her, ducking ever so slightly since the top of his head brushed the ceiling. He took the tray from her hands before she could protest, with a light smack to her ass when he reminded her to take her medicine.

Xilä bit her lip as she watched him put away the dishes. “Um… oh, alright.” She couldn’t find it within herself to tell him she wanted to go on her own. She changed direction and pulled out the first medical flask. “Hey, don’t you have your duties to get to by now? I know you took some time off but-”

“Tasam’s got it handled,” he shrugged.

“Okaay… it’s just, you can’t stay cooped up inside with me forever. So, when are you going back out exactly?”

“When I’m ready,” he said flippantly as he moved to fastened on his arm bands and warrior belt. “There’s no need for me right now,” he partly fibbed.

Her brows narrowed at him while she drank the last bitter concoction before chasing it with water. “Lie.”

“Lie?” He faced her head on, taking in the dark circles under her eyes and scabbed-over cut on her cheek he knew would scar. “Yeah, alright you got me… but baby, don’t start something you’re just going to walk away from.”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” she snapped, pausing her task of rubbing oil on the fading bruises around her neck and arms.

“It means exactly the same thing I’ve been  trying to talk to you about for days, Xilä. I’m not the only liar here. You won’t tell me shit!”

“Oh this again?” She rolled her eyes. “Teyam, I keep telling you, I’m f-”

“Fine?” he finished sarcastically. “Yeah, so you’ve said a few times,” he snarked. “When are we going to stop with the pretending, Xilä?”

“I’m not doing this with you right now,” she snapped. “Are we going or not?” she asked quietly, not even glancing in his direction as she walked right out of the small tent.

“There you go, walking away from me again,” Neteyam muttered to himself with a rub to an eye before he followed after her. He was fucking exhausted.

He caught up to her within four long strides and reached out to link their fingers together. Xilä didn’t pull away, she never did- even after many recent spats, if anything she’d always hold on just as tightly, almost as if he’d disappear.

Halfway through their walk to her sister’s, Neteyam broke the silence.

“We should probably discuss our living arrangements… I know it’s only temporary but I hate where we are right now. I know you do too,” he joked lightly, recording it as a win when she broke out into a smile of her own, nose wrinkling just the way he liked it.

“It is awfully cramped,” she agreed, “and low hanging… I feel for your poor head every time you want to stand up straight,” she laughed. “When do you think we can move back into our home? I miss our own bed.”

Neteyam shot her a sideways glance, hiding his surprise. “You want to move back there?”

“Well, yes. It’s our home. Don’t you?”

When he didn’t immediately answer her, she stopped in her tracks and tugged his arm to halt him too. “Teyam?”

“I thought you wouldn’t want to go back there. I mean- well after what happened. It’s just bad memories, baby. Why don’t we start over somewhere new? There’s a vacancy near my parent’s place. One of the council members relocated their family and I heard the place is great. I can help Jxo do some repairs and remodeling if we need it. We can even get all new shit too, what do you think?”

“But…but it’s our home…we can make our own memories there, erase the bad,” she urged with a tilt of her head, not understanding his want for a new place.

He pulled her in with a warm palm behind her neck, the other spanning her ribs, thumbs gently brushing her skin. “Is that what you want?” he asked with a searching look.

Xilä frowned up at him in confusion. She didn’t understand why he’d even moved them into a temporary tent in the first place and now even more so his lack of enthusiasm to return to their home.

She parted her lips to respond but he continued speaking before she could. “Think about it first, okay, sweetheart? We’ll do whatever you’re comfortable with but,” he heaved a breath and hesitated as if he should say more, “just promise me you’ll really think about it.”

“Alright,” she nodded, still frowning up at him.

He simply ducked his head to kiss away her pout, then pulled her along with him again.

Their time at her sister’s was eventful. Babies always had a way of easing tension and making anyone feel better.

Xilä kissed and cuddled her niece and nephew for most of the morning, internally swooning whenever her husband interacted with them in any sort of capacity. He was so gentle with them and although the twins had grown from when last she’d seen them, they looked practically tiny in his arms.

“If you don’t give that man a baby soon, Xilä…” D’avi muttered to her quietly as she pretended to busy herself with chopping fruit. “I swear I’m surprised you’re not already pregnant just by the way he’s devouring you with his eyes. Great Mother, he looks like he’s about ready to pounce right here and now.”

“What are you-” Xi’s words died on her tongue when she caught sight of her mate’s heated gaze from across the room. Heated was maybe the wrong word, he was feral- hungry. She glanced away quickly to hide her blush and squeezed her thighs together to help soothe the ache of sudden arousal- an act that did not go unnoticed by Neteyam.

His stare was immovable as he and an oblivious Yalnïk spoke amongst themselves.

D’avi’s eyes bounced between the mated pair, amusement quirking at her lips. “Three weeks.”

“What?” Xi asked distractedly, attention falling to the woman beside her as she shuffled the baby boy around when he released a little fuss from her lack of attention.

“Okay fine maybe four just because I’m sure he’ll want to wait for your bruises to fade a little more before he sends you into a good old proper bliss. If he’s like this all because you’re holding a baby, Eywa only knows what he’s like all the time. Is he rough with you? I’ll bet he is. He looks like he can be downright dangerous in that dep-”

“D’avi!” she hissed, scandalized.

“What?” her sister laughed. “I’m just calling it as it is. That man is completely obsessed with you, Xilä and I’ll bet-”

“Shush!” Xilä shot her a “shut up now,” glare when her mate began to make his way over to them with L’eya in his arms.

“D’av, I think she needs a feeding,” he said, stooping to hand over the whining babe who was gnawing on her little fist. “I’ll take over for you.”

“You’re sweet,” she smiled, taking her baby girl and moving over so Neteyam could resume her prep work.

Xilä stared at his hands while he worked, teeth sinking into her bottom lip as she appreciated his fingers, they were long and thick, strong yet gentle…and they could do wondrous, wondrous things to her. She watched the way they moved, following the raised veins on the back of his hands before getting distracted by his forearms, and then his biceps and then-

A shrill cry escaped baby L’eo.

“Aw L’eooo, I’m sorry baby. I’m here, helllooo. Hi, hi.” Xi cooed and awed and smiled as she bounced the unhappy baby boy. “Are you hungry too? Hmm?”

“I’ll take him. They’re way overdue for a nap now,” Yalnïk said, reaching down to take his son gently, disappearing behind their privacy partition.

“Fruit, babe?” Neteyam asked, offering her a piece of melon tree fruit.

“Yes ple-mmm,” she squeaked, when he pressed the slice between her lips, thumb sinking in and brushing her tongue for a fraction of a second before it was quickly swiping at her bottom lip and down her chin.

She eyed him suspiciously when he leaned on a hand to loom over her.

“I’m going to put L’eya down for a nap!” D’avi announced louder than necessary as she too disappeared behind their private quarters, grin wide and giddy.

“Good?” Neteyam asked, doing a far better job than she was, of ignoring her sister’s over the top antics.

Xi nodded as she slowly chewed. “It’s sweet,” she whispered, licking her lips unconsciously.

Neteyam followed the movement, gaze hypnotized by her mouth. His free hand circled her thigh, fingers coming dangerously close to her already wet center. “Should I have a taste too?”

Her chest heaved, eyelashes fluttering and eyes glazing over. “Yes.”

His kiss was a peck at first, almost playful. And then they were both sinking into it. Her wrists locked behind his neck and their tongues and lips and teeth synced in a familiar but well missed dance.

“I want you…now,” he declared against her lips, grip tightening around her thigh.

Xilä’s hips jumped at the touch. “I- um, y- okay. Yes. Now. Now,” she rushed, pushing at his chest, but Neteyam was calm and collected as ever.

“Go say goodbye to your sister and her mate. Thirty seconds,” he all but ordered.

Flustered, she scrambled to her feet on shaky legs and poked her head through the curtain divider, only to be met with an already peeping D’avi- one breast exposed as L’eya hungrily suckled against her.

“D’avi!” she hissed. “By Eywa you are just like Sal.”

“Hey! I reject that. I am not as bad as our mother,” she protested, showing not even an ounce of shame at being caught.

Xilä bit the inside of her cheek to quiet her laughter. “I’m going now.”

“Yeah, no shit. Have fun getting dicked out by your- mmpff!” Yalnïk appeared behind her, palm covering his mate’s blabbering mouth.

“Thanks for coming by, Xi,” he said with an over polite grin mixed with an embarrassed grimace.

The second she stepped back into the main room, Neteyam was snatching her hand and dragging her out with a, “let’s go already!”

“Shh, the babies,” she chastised with a giggle.

They hadn’t had sex since her return. Neteyam had flat out refused the two times she’d initiated, citing she was still on healer ordered bed rest.

There was an unspoken urge now.

Desperate.

Maddening.

Xilä was eagerly climbing into bed and pulling at the ties of her top the second they entered their temporary, cramped space.

An “ooff” escaped her when Neteyam pushed her forward, brandishing a spank to her ass before he covered her with his body, attacking her neck with noisy smacks and nips.

She arched when he ground his hips into hers, fingers becoming frustrated by the knots of her clothes. Impatient, he was quickly tearing and ripping them apart until she was bare to him.

“God- oh Eywa. Baby-” He mouthed down the line of her spine, sucking at the base of her tail which emitted the most arousing sound from her throat.

“Now. Net-ngh. Please just- ah!”

He sank two fingers into her heat without warning, making them both moan in unison. “Fuuuucking hell, baby. You’re drenched and so tight, shit. On your knees, ass up,” he ordered.

Xi panted as he stretched her, hips greedily moving in time with his fingers. Her hands fisted in their sheets when he squeezed her tail.

There was nothing sweet or gentle about their lovemaking. It was all carnal and needy, wild and urging.

In one swift moment his fingers were replaced by something much much bigger. Curses flew from his lips and Xilä screamed at the sudden sensation. The stretch was painfully good.

His hips pulled back then snapped again, making them both groan. And then Neteyam was fucking her ruthlessly, thrusts brutal and sloppy. He used her hips as his anchor, palms only leaving her every now and again to purple her ass when he’d send another spank her way.

It was loud and crude and messy. Full of bites, wild snarls and profanity.

Molten heat thrummed in her belly and the air rushed out of her when he collapsed over her completely as they both reached near their peaks quickly.

“Fuck, fuck fu- oh God you’re so fucking tight Xilä!”

“Neteyaaam!” Her mouth lulled open as the fire erupted, Neteyam’s teeth sinking into her neck as he spilled inside her heat just as a powerful orgasm hit her.

They were both panting and covered in sweat by the end of it and Xilä’s poor knees buckled then gave up when his weight became too much.

One of his hands stretched out to entwine with hers while the other sneaked under to fondle her breast.

“I missed you,” he whispered, so quietly Xi thought she imagined it.

“I missed you,” she sighed.

They basked in the quiet until he grew hard once more- still fully sheathed inside of her. He fucked her again, but far softer this time, slowly and leisurely, drawing out her orgasm until she became putty in is hands, all babbling and pliant and so fucking sexy.

When she eventually escaped his clutches, she ventured into their tiny and almost nonexistent kitchenette, ridiculously dehydrated, desperate to quench her thirst.

“Xilä Sully, I swear if you’ve left our bed to brew that stupid Qla’ira root tea after everything that’s happened, I’m gonna fucking lose it.”

Xi choked on air and turned to stare at her husband’s sprawled position- one arm covering his eyes, legs splayed and dick hard once again as his tail sailed lazily.

“Uh- nope, just getting good old regular water, if that’s okay with you,” she sassed quite sarcastically.

He peeked out at her as if making sure, then shot her a smile that did all kinds of things to her.

“That’s fine with me,” he said cheekily. “Now hurry up. It’s almost time for your second course of meds and I’d very much like to make you scream my name one last time before I have to get your lunch prepared.”

Xilä choked on her water this time around.

~

The nights were always the worst for Xilä. She could put on a brave face during the day, but when her eyes closed at night, there was no hiding it.

Li’ona haunted her dreams with a vengeance.

Her father- T'shteyo.

Kayoanaska.

Su’ko.

The cave.

Blood.

Death.

Tonight she was trapped in a moving metal box. Blood coated Askadu’s gaunt and aged face. There were chains clinking with a chiming echo all around her. Vhin was clawing at her. Su’ko’s threats on Neteyam’s life played in a loop.

We’ll string him up right beside your father.

We’ll string him up right beside your father.

A knife.

A struggle.

Her screams.

Death!

Xilä flew up into a seated position with a heaving gasp- panting and shaking severely. Disorientated, she tried to catch her bearings. 

Where was she? 

Panic crippled her for far too many seconds long before her mind registered her location.

Not a ship.

Not Li’ona.

Not the cave.

She wiped at the sheen of sweat coating her skin, cheeks leaking tears she hadn’t realized she’d shed.

Head following the tail wrapped around her thigh, Xilä breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Neteyam was still asleep. Guilt always bothered her whenever she’d waken him with one of her night terrors…he needed his rest.

It took her a minute to properly ground herself, and then she was carefully easing out from her mate’s hold and swinging out of bed to pull on the nearest top and skirt.

Exiting their tent, she shuddered when the nippy air hit her, but she didn’t mind since it cooled her heated skin. She breathed in deeply, trying her very best to practise the exercises Mo’at taught her.

She was here. She was safe. She was loved.

Her feet seemed to move on their own accord, following the carved out paths of the Omaticaya camp, blindly walking into the soft glowing night.

Or not as blindly as she thought…

Without paying attention, Xilä somehow found herself standing in front of her home. She hadn’t been here since that night.

She hesitated, then, finally finding the courage, she climbed the steps, entered and with shaking fingers she flicked on the tiny switch that illuminated the space in soft artificial light.

A harsh dose of reality hit her when she saw the interior.

Tears sprang in her eyes at the sight of the untouched scene.

Their home was…

Like a floodgate opening, a wounded cry escaped her lips… and the scenes played out before her like one of those human “movies”.

T'shteyo entering their home. His threats, his attack. Her retaliation. The things did- he’d beaten her, hurt her. Drugged, then took her from her home.

Xilä saw herself dragged by the hair, tackled to the ground, struggling as calloused hands closed around her throat- squeezing and squeezing.

Her breathing came out in heavy pants now and she stumbled forward, feet colliding with a pillow- the fort…Tuk…

What if the little girl had slept over that night like she wanted too?

Xilä’s chest tightened.

She slowly approached the pile of splinters that had once held her husband’s prized possessions, the weapons he’d collected and crafted over the years- plunge!

Lips trembling, the memory was clear before her eyes. She’d held the knife, she’d stabbed  him. Unseeingly she followed the dot, dot, dot pattern of crimson droplets on the floor. It led her to their private room.

The muted fumes of dried pungent blood was strongest here. The room was sparse, most of their possessions were gone or ruined.

This was not the home she remembered. It was a nightmare.

Overwhelmed, she spun around the room, flashbacks attacking her mind- drowning her, suffocating. She couldn’t breathe.

“You’re lucky he’s not here tonight. I was planning on killing him before we left.”

Air!

Breathe Xilä!

Xilä stumbled out of their room the exact moment someone entered the tent. Eyes blurred by tears, she blinked rapidly to be sure she wasn’t hallucinating. At the threshold stood her husband- a very distressed and panic stricken Neteyam.

Her mate was panting as if he’d been sprinting. His shoulders slumped, a heavy gush of air releasing in utter relief at the sight of her.

Jaw tightening, nostrils flaring, he took a step back, only to approach her in two fast strides. “What is the matter with you? You can’t disappear on me like that, Xilä! What the hell were you thinking just leaving in the middle of the night without telling me anything!” he yelled.

He was angry, no… he was terrified- trembling in distress as furious unshed tears clouded his vision. But then he was instantly deflating when he took in the state she was in. “Baby… Xi, what-”

Xilä crumbled and he was there to catch her.

Sobs wracked her punishingly. She cried for herself, for her husband, for the pain she’d been holding in.

It was gut wrenching, but Neteyam held her the entire time, sinking them to the floor and rocking her in his lap.

“I’m s-sorry. I’m so sorry Te-”

“Shhhh, no, don’t do that,” he soothed, brushing her apologies away. “I’ve got you sweetheart, I've got you,” he cooed, palms caressing her, giving as much comfort as possible.

A few of his own tears escaped him, but he swallowed down his need to fall apart. She needed him.

When her sobs eventually quieted into sniffles and the occasional shudder, he pleaded with her, “Xi, I- please talk to me. I can’t stand you shutting me out. This pretending thing, it’s- I can’t watch you do it anymore. You’re killing me, baby.”

Her head drew backwards to better see him, and whimper escaped her, he looked so… so distraught.

“Is it- is it me, Xi?” He tensed, waiting for her answer. He had always blamed himself for it all- from the get go, but deep down, he feared that maybe she did too.

“What are you talking about?”

“I wasn’t here. I left you and I-” His speech was cut off by her fingertips.

“Don’t do that,” she said sternly, using his own words back at him. “It’s not you- never you,” she whispered fiercely, gentle fingers gripping at his nape.

He sighed, disappointed that she was still holding back. Taking a leap for the both of them, he circled her wrists as if it were his lifeline and geared himself up to speak.

“I haven’t told you this but, I didn’t deal with you being kidnapped very well… I was an emotional mess and a real jerk to the people who were just trying to help me get you back. It brought out a real ugly side of me, a side that didn’t care about the lives I was taking or the lengths I was willing to go to.”

He wiped away the lone tear that escaped her and mildly joked, “Don’t get me wrong, but I don’t regret most of the things that I probably should. It all just showed me that you matter way more to me than I can even comprehend… Xilä, I’ve never loved someone as much as I love you, which is fucking terrifying- like I need you to understand that every time I think I’ve found the limit for just how much you mean to me, I realized that I’m not even an ounce close.”

Xi blinked, digesting everything he’d said, unsure where to even start. “I- I didn’t know all of that. Are you doing better now?”

“Than before? Yeah, I got you back… but you’re still making me worry. I see you struggling, baby. You don’t need to keep it all in. I don’t want you to.” He tucked a braid behind her ear. “What happened to you out there, Xilä?”

She bit her lip, brows drawn together as she considered his words. Xi shrank inwards, unable to face him as she finally recanted her story.

Over the next half hour all she did was talk, and all he did was listen, gaze zeroed in on her lips to not miss out on anything. It was difficult to hear- all of it. At the mention of Su’ko’s intention and attempt to claim her, Neteyam made a soft, wounded noise as if he’d been physically punched in the gut.

By the end he had a million questions he wanted to ask, but the main nagging one tore from his lips before he could help himself- only it came out harsher than he intended.

“He touched you?”

Xi flinched at his tone, then nodded ever so reluctantly. “Not- not badly though- it wasn’t as bad as you’re probably thinking. It-” She stopped to think of how to better phrase it. “Su’ko he just…”

She was downplaying it.

He knew it and she knew it.

“Where.”

“What?”

“Where did he touch you?” He took her hand and squeezed gently. “Show me.”

So she showed him. Her fingers started at her hairline, trailing slowly to meet her cheek, neck, waist, ending at her ankle which was circled by an ugly looking chain-like imprint.

When she was done, Neteyam was kissing her palm and whispering words that didn’t quite reach her ears. His lips found her hairline, and then he was kissing and caressing every inch of her she’d just shown him.

It was intimate, soft and unexpected, but not sexual in the slightest. Soon he was pushing her backwards as he moved down her body, going over each spot with determined precision.

And although her tears had dried by now, a wave of emotion rocked her as he kissed her skin. It was as if he were washing away Su’ko’s touch- replacing them with his own.

Xilä reached for him the second he’d finished with her ankle, lips seeking out his to pour out her own form of attention, apology…gratitude.

“How do you feel?” he asked as they sat side by side now, both quietly observing the shambles of their home.

“Better. So much better,” she smiled. “Thank you… I don’t know what I ever did to deserve yo- don’t laugh,” she chastised, unable to help the giggle that slipped her. “I’ve done nothing but cause you trouble ever since I came to the forest and I’ll bet you wished you chose som-”

He shut her up by claiming her mouth again, a bit more aggressive this time, with a bite to her jaw and a pinch to her butt when he pulled away. “Don’t even finish that thought.”

“Bossy,” she grouched with little heat.

Xilä sighed when she spotted one of her most beloved trinkets from Tuk, smashed into pieces. “We can’t stay here, can we?”

“No… I don’t think I can do it,” he admitted. “We need a new start, Xi. This place will only haunt us.”

“Alright, you're not wrong.”

“Come on.” He helped her get to her feet and drew her into his arms. “We leave it all here tonight, okay? The bad memories included. The moment we leave here, we’re starting over. Only good things ahead. Agreed?”

She nodded. “Agreed.”

“Alright, I can’t stay a second longer. Let’s go, babe.”

On their way out she asked, “Can we at least keep the tapestry?”

“The one on the ground covered in blood? Yeah I don’t think so, Xi. No.”

She gave an exaggerated pout, playfully swatting him with her tail.

“I’ll get you a new one. Promise.”

~

In the few weeks that followed, Neteyam and Xilä poured all of their free time and energy into fixing up their new home.

They went with the evicted one his mother had told him about. It was large, very large and Xilä was hesitant at first because she didn’t know what they’d do with all that free space.

But as they viewed every empty room, one after the other flashes of a possible future hit her. She smiled as she imagined the rooms filled with toys and clutter and the sounds of running little feet and happy shrieks and giggles.

She had a feeling her husband was thinking the same thing since he pointed out a beam that would “be perfect to track the kids’ heights.”

One perk she was also loving was that they now had access to their own personal water stream. The tent lined the same perimeter as the Sully’s home- four tents down, to be specific, so it shared the same little river trail.

Neteyam didn’t return to his duties all at once at first. He was still very uncomfortable leaving Xi on her own. So whenever he and Jxo worked on repairs in their free time- the father-in-law teaching him a thing or two during the process, he used that time to slowly ease into their separation.

And since Xilä had returned to her lessons- three days a week instead of her usual five, she too was able to help out where she could- not that they let her do anything too strenuous.

Two days after they finally moved, they hosted a small housewarming with their closest friends and family- which turned out to be more people than they thought.

However, with all the free space it wasn’t cramped but allowed for everyone to be comfortable as they lounged and chatted, ate and indulged in a few fun games.

“Full house you got here, brother,” Lo’ak joked when he approached Neteyam, drinks in hand.

Neteyam snorted in response, accepting his drink with again quiet thanks. He glanced around at their main room.

Jake and Jxo always seemed to gravitate towards each other during any family event he’d noticed. The two men- joined by Stephan this time, sipped on their drinks as they chatted, which included lots of head nods and folded arms.

A rowdy game was being played in the center of the room by Yalnïk, his twin, Xilä, Kah’lee and most surprisingly, Neytiri and Sal who’d just joined. Neteyam wondered if it were his mate who’d gotten the two women to actually play as well.

D’avi and her sister-in-law seemed to be scheming, perhaps playing matchmaker as they teased a blushing Tasam and Kiri all whilst Spider shot pointed glares from his own card game with a few of Neteyam’s patrol buddies.

Kids were running and screaming about- Tuk having company her age as Yalnïk’s twin and his wife had brought along their brood of children.

Ze’lu was chasing after them, catching and tossing them up in their air as they shrieked with excitement. Meanwhile a less than covert Leati kept shooting the man fleeting hungry glances- looking every bit like she enjoyed what she was seeing.

“You seem happy,” Lo’ak said, pulling his attention away again.

“I am. Very.”

His brother nodded and an odd expression crossed his face.

“What is it?” Neteyam asked.

“I wanted you to know before I told anyone else… I spoke to mom and dad and I uh, I’m leaving in a couple days. Heading out to Awa'atlu.”

“Awa'atlu? But our trip’s not due for another couple months why would-” He paused. “Oh. Ohh. Tsireya…”

Lo’ak clenched his jaw. He didn’t think it was that obvious. “What? Are you going to tell me I’m wasting my time too?”

Neteyam’s brows shot up at the accusation. “Who the hell told you that?”

“Spider,” he spat with an eye roll. “What does he know?”

“Hmm,” Neteyam clicked his tongue and grinned. “Well I was actually going to say about damn time.”

“Has it been that obvious?”

“Pretty much, baby brother. What got you to finally go after all this time?”

“Uh, you actually. Well you and Xi,” he admitted sheepishly with a scratch to the back of his head.

“Oh?”

“You two are… well I want what you two have… I saw what you were like when she was gone. And when you got her back I- I dunno. I’ve never loved anyone that much. I want that kind of love. The kind that’s sweet but all intense. I tried to find it here but no one…it’s dumb and I know I was a stupid teenager back then but I’ve only ever felt a semblance of it with her… I thought I needed to know for sure before I could move on properly. Does that make any sense?”

“Of course it does. I’m proud of you for doing this, Lo’ak. And ignore Spider, I’m sure he’s only said that because he’s going to miss you.”

His brother grinned. “Thanks… Spider thinks she already mated up with a rowdy bunch of babies,” he said bitterly. “I know he means well and doesn’t want to see me hurt but…some stubborn part of me thinks she waited… for me.”

“Well. Make that two of us, brother.”

“Got any advice on how to win her parents over? From what I remember, Tonowari was an intimidating fucker.”

Neteyam laughed. “Oh yeah, that he was. But Jxo’s got him beat. Don’t worry, Yalnïk and I will give you some tips before you go.”

After chatting for another couple minutes, they were interrupted by Xilä who came over to wrap him up in a hug.

Neteyam pressed a chase kiss to her lips, grinning wide at the sight of her infectious smile. “Having fun, sweetheart?”

“Mhm, yep. You boys, your mother is incredibly competitive. She is cut-throat and no joke.”

The brothers cackled, spotting their mother who was now head to head with the only other final player- Yalnïk. Sal and the others were howling in delight at the pair. It was refreshing to see.

“Dammit, XiXi, will you keep your sister on a leash, she looks like she’s stirring up shit again,” Lo’ak complained with no real heat and a laugh. “Shit. I better get in there before a fight breaks out. He might be little, but he can cause some serious damage.”

Xi and Neteyam watched him leave, both releasing laughs of their own at the sight of him talking down an overly jealous looking Spider who seemed about ready to kill an unsuspecting Tasam.

“Uh-o. Kiri’s got her hands full now… D’avi!” she hissed loudly. “Stop!” she mouthed.

D’avi shot her an innocent look before going over to check on her little ones who were being happily doted on by her mother and Mo’at.

Xilä sighed and slumped into her chuckling husband. He squeezed her gently nosing at her sweet smelling hair.

“Want to go flying later?” he asked. “As much as I enjoy this chaos, I love when it’s just the two of us.”

She nodded in agreement against his chest. Peering up at him, a burst of happiness filled her. “I love you.”

He stared right back. “I love you too, baby.”

~

“Why is it so difficult to admit that you like him?” Xi asked her friend as she bounced a gurgling L’eya on her knees.

“Because I so clearly don’t!” Leati snapped.

Kay’hlee and Xilä exchanged knowing glances, both doing a poor job of hiding their amusement.

“If it’s any consolation, you’re all my brother talks about at home. He’s smitten with you… Hypothetically, if he did sum up the courage to ask, would you agree to court him?”

Leati’s mouth opened and closed comically, no sound coming out. “I- pfft. What? As if he would ask me to- he… he talks about me?”

“Constantly.”

The poor warrior flushed. Taking pity, Xi removed the attention from her.

“What about you Kah’lee? You and W’aote look pretty cozy lately,” she teased, bringing the baby up to plant kisses all over her chubby cheeks, making her squeal in delight, gummy and drooly grin all on display.

“W’aote is… wild. I never thought I’d be interested in someone like him, but,” she shrugged with a stupid, swoony expression Xi was all too familiar with, ��he makes me laugh, all the time and although he’s insanely unromantic and sticks his foot in his mouth half the time, he can be a real softy… The sex is the added bonus- it’s absolutely mind-blowing.”

Xilä and Leati broke out into giggles, L’eya joining in as if she understood their conversation. The introverted and soft spoken Kah’lee surprised Xi more and more every time they hung out.

Xi made her way around the room, spending pockets of time with each of their guests. Midway a conversation between her, Neytiri and Sal, a pair of little arms hugged her from behind, small chin poking the top of her head as a body sagged against her.

“Hi, Tuk,” she greeted.

“Hi, Xi.” Tuk’s face hid in her shoulder with a tiny pout before she plonked herself next to Xi.

“What’s with the face?” Xi laughed, observing the way the little girl stared at the baby as if she were unsure how to feel.

Tuk loved L’eya- and Leo, but sometimes her jealousy got in the way. She was no longer the youngest, and more than once she’d express her unhappiness by vying for the attention of either her parents or siblings if they held either of the babies for too long.

Shaking her head in response, she cuddled into Xi’s side, defiant glare set on L’eya who blinked back at her with big gold eyes.

“Tuktirey,” Neytiri said in a very motherly warning tone.

In the end, Tuk grew bored of the adult conversation and chose to play in Xi’s hair instead.

“How have you been doing, Xi?” her mother-in-law asked.

“Good, really good. I’m sleeping better and finally off the tonics,” she said. “I’ve got my support team especially to thank,” she directed right at Sal. “And my husband of course. Your son is a very patient man,” she joked, gaining chuckles in response.

And it was all the truth. Xilä was doing better. She still had the occasional nightmare or two, but her weekly sessions with the Tsahìk helped plenty. She also vented quite a lot to her mother. Sal was a saint, and although Neteyam did a fantastic job, sometimes a girl just needed her mother.

“Time heals all wounds,” Moat would say.

Her bruises did fade, and her cuts healed nicely, only the one on her cheek left a very faint scar- a scar that her husband was forever kissing or simply brushing with his lips or knuckles.

As the two women continued to chat, Xilä’s gaze found her mate on the other side of the room. He was all grins as he and some of the guys partook in a boisterous game. He glimpsed her way, as if he’d been doing so constantly throughout the afternoon, double taking when he caught her already staring.

“You okay?” he mouthed.

She nodded with a wide beam.

He shot her a silly wink before turning back to his game, loud cheers and groans erupting with whatever play had just transpired.

Later that night, their parents were the last to leave. Hugging them all goodbye, she gave Jake his very own entire loaf of HoneyCornbread she’d purposely set aside for him- much to her father-in-law’s delight.

“Leave it, sweetheart,” Neteyam said, stopping her from starting the clean up when they were finally alone. “W’aote and Spider lost against me and Yalnïk. They’re on clean up duty, so they’ll come over in the morning first thing.”

A laugh escaped her. “Well, alright then. Do you want to go flying now?” she asked, releasing her hair from the ridiculous updo Tuk had put it in, unaware of her advancing mate. “Or um, something else?”

“Something else?” he asked, capturing her hips with his hands.

Her head tipped backwards, expression telling him everything he needed to know.

“Oh that something else…”

She squeaked when he lifted her by the thighs. “I mean we don’t have too, but..”

“What do you want then? Tongue or fingers, Xi?”

“Both. Always both.”

“There she is! She’s back!” Neteyam hooted, jostling her in his arms as he made a beeline for their private quarters. “My greedy little mate is back!”

~

Gasp! A post? In two weeks?! Who is this?

Happy New Year Lovelies!

Shout out and big thanks to my friend Tori, I couldn't have done it without her.

As always, please let me know what you think :)

Tags: @jakesullyfatjuicypeen @granddearduck @riatesullironalite @strawberri-blonde @earthling55 @innercreationflower @duckworthbean @gyuventure @btsiguess-kpop @blkmystery @neteswife @luvteyams @isnt-itstrange @erenjaegerwifee @faatxma @ivysully @bakugouswaif

If you'd like to be tagged or I forgot you by accident, please let me know.

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

she got a boyfriend, but i bet he doesnt kiss her 

This can’t be real

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

HAW

WHEN I SAY YEE, YOU SAY HAW

YEE

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

do you want the bones or not bro?

do you know how many bones the human body has? its 206. we start with 369 when we’re babies but they fuse. wouldn’t you want to go back? have as many bones as a baby? what if i could help you

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

YALL TUMBLR IS MAGIC THO

VENDING MACHINE MONEY WHOOOOOOO

This is the Lucky Ace. Reblog to recieve a wad of cash that is oddly specific to your current needs.

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

lemme get that good stuffs pls

This is the Lucky Ace. Reblog to recieve a wad of cash that is oddly specific to your current needs.

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

reblog and save a college students life

I just watched a kid break down in the bookstore because his books for the semester totaled $600 and that’s the american university system in a nutshell

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

Yall are both completely wrong imo. Sony has had to make TWO (2) separate Spider-Mans. Why? Because they were bad. The MCU gets Spidey, and the people LOVE him. He’s young, he’s relatable. Peter and Tony’s father/son arc? Priceless. Who did Peter Parker have any sort of arc with in Sony besides Gwen Stacy being X’d out and his childhood best friend becoming a monster? With the MCU, he’s more than a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man with the MCU, and now that he’s back with Sony it’s a lose for not only future MCU movies (i.e. Peter becoming the new Iron Man) but it’s a lose for the fans who cared so much as well. If yall wanna see our beloved Peter Parker become shit by Sony’s hands again then that’s on yall.

Thanks for coming to my TedTalk.

Sony is pulling Spider-Man from the MCU? I only see this as an absolute win. Marvel Studios treated Spider-Man like shit anyway. It never truly felt like it was Peter’s story. More like an OC they created based off of Miles Morales’ story in the comics.

Besides, Sony has proved they can do Spider-Man better with Into the Spider-Verse.

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

oh

my

gerd

According to Know Your Meme, on August 18th, 2005, Erwin Beekveld brought forth this work into the world. HAPPY TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY, THEY’RE TAKING THE HOBBITS TO ISENGARD.

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

that doggo is legit like “wtf?”  lmao

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

Red Roses (A Harry Hook x Reader/OC)

A/N: Yall. This chapter is hella long. I hope you all enjoyed it!! If you see any mistakes at all please let me know so I can fix it pronto! This is such a fun story to write and I'm glad people are liking it! If you have any ideas or requests you would like me to add in future chapters, let me know! This is for you guys! <3 :)

Summary: Ruby Hearts, daughter of the infamous Queen of Hearts, was abandoned by her mother when she was young and forced to live with her father, the King of Hearts, in Auradon.  Harry Hook himself may be the only one who finds her madness enchanting. Will Ruby find her self falling for the rugged pirate, or will the roses bleed red?

Prologue / Chapter 1 / Chapter 2: The Pool of Tears

It only made perfect, logical sense that Uma, Gil, and Harry managed to weasel their way into every single one of Ruby's classes. Suddenly she wasn't a person made of stone hidden in the back of the class anymore. She had friends. Friends that legitimately either didn't care that she was mildly insane or refused to believe she was crazy at all. Surprisingly, Ruby found herself enjoying her newfound gang of friends.

At first, Ruby thought her little mind palace she enjoyed in Art 101 would be ultimately ruined, but she enjoyed teaching Uma and Harry how to paint and keeping Gil from drinking another bottle of paint. (He claimed the white paint was milk, and continued to drink it all until he got sick.) The boys had even joined the Tourney team, and even though Harry dissed the game everyday, Ruby knew he liked having a way to expel his own frustrations.

Ruby and Uma became close friends after they shared their mutual hatred of Mal. The purple haired girl had given a particularly nasty glare at Uma when Ruby asked if she had disliked Uma.

"Dislike?" Uma had scoffed. "That girl hates me. And trust me when I say the feeling is mutual."

"What happened between you two? Does it...is that why you were crying that day?"

Uma had nodded and told the story of how she earned the nickname Shrimpy from the daughter of Maleficent. The normally calm and collected pirate even broke down into tears, and Ruby had held her in the comfort of Uma's dorm room, consoling the girl like she had wanted to years ago.

But that had been weeks ago. Uma had now made Ruby an official part of her pirate crew, not considering the fact the majority of her crew was still on the Isle, but that didn't seem to bother Uma. The two girls were sitting on the bleachers, waiting for the Tourney game between Auradon Prep and Hogwarts High to start.  

"Goddd it's so hot," Uma complained, fanning herself with her hand.

"It's a good thing I told you to ditch all the leather. You'd be fried like a walrus in winter by now if you were still wearing it," Ruby replied, giggling at the thought of a walrus covered in snow.

Uma snorted, "Right. You'd think this place being full of magic, someone would come up with a way to fix the heat."

"Exactly," Ruby nodded in agreement. "This weather is not the best for tea time. Unless it's iced tea. But then it wouldn't really be tea at all would it?"

Uma made a confused yet amused face and jumped in surprise when Auradon's band began to play, trumpets and drums echoing across the field as the Tourney team ran out. The crowd began to cheer and clap, but of course Ruby and Uma were mainly cheering for Harry and Gil.

The game had gone by quickly, Auradon beating Hogwarts High to a pulp, winning 16-3. Of course it was only possible for Ben and Jay to score because Harry was basically mauling down every enemy in his way.

As Uma and Ruby stepped off the bleachers to go find Harry and Gil, they were stopped by Evie, ever present smile on her face.

"Hey!" She greeted cheerfully. "Sorry to bother you, but Ruby I was wondering if you were free Friday?"

"Next Friday?" Ruby cocked her head in question. What was Friday? It would be the 24th of the month then, the only thing she would be doing was-

The 24th.

Friday was Ruby's birthday.

She told only Evie of her dislike for her birthday last year. Why was she bringing it up? Did she tell anyone else?

"U-um, no I wasn't really planning anything I guess. Why?"

"Just checking! Toodaloo!" Evie skipped off, locking her elbow with Doug as the band walked back towards the school.

"What's Friday?" Uma asked Ruby, shaking the girl from her thoughts.

"Oh, nothing important." Ruby dismissed the question. It wasn't a lie.

Just then, Harry and Gil ran up, helmets off and sweating from the game. Ruby somewhat hated her mind for even thinking it, but she couldn't help but find Harry even more attractive after he finished a game. Something about how his muscles glistened, and his blue eyes seemed brighter with the rush of the game-

They were looking at her. Shoot. She had been ogling at Harry for what felt like ages that her mind blocked out any and all conversation around her.

"W-what?" Ruby asked, ignoring the way she felt her cheeks flush when Harry smirked slightly. It was as if the pirate could read her thoughts. How scary that would be.

"Uma just told us about the special Friday," Gil told her, still exuberant even after an exhausting game.

Ruby flashed Uma a glare. Clearly her dismissal of the day didn't work on the girl.

"Tell us, Heart," Ruby felt an involuntary shiver at Harry's given nickname for her. "Wha's so special about that particular Friday, hmm?"

"Honestly, you guys, it's nothing. 'A tea party with iced tea instead of tea tea' nothing," Ruby covered her nose in mock disgust. "Now you two need a serious shower. You smell worse than the freezing walrus."

Jay ran up to the group, having been talking to the coach, and gave a pat on the back to Gil. "Nice work, man! When you dodged that guy in the second half, dude that was epic!" he exclaimed.

"Dude, no way! When you spun off of Ben to make that shot, that was so incredible!" Gil jumped with excitement.

"We totally deserve a celebratory drink for that win. Whaddya say, man? You down?"

"Definitely, dude! I'll catch up with you guys later," Gil said before running off with Jay.

Harry scoffed, and ran a hand through his hair. "Hones'ly. 'S like I didn't just batter down half the enemy's team to win. I LIKE DRINKING TOO!" He yelled towards the boys, though they were already out of earshot.

Ruby giggled while Uma rolled her eyes at her first mate. "You can drink in the shower for all I care, you really smell like dog."

"Ughhh fineeee," Harry complained head thrown back in defeat as they walked back to the dormitories.

It was ritual by now for the gang to meet up in one of their dorm rooms at least once a week for no particular reason other than to be stupid in the confines of their own rooms. Ruby's curiosity had gotten the better of her, and she actually brought four iced teas for the group. Not a one of them enjoyed, especially Gil, who's knack of liking everything had its limits. Uma had the marvelous idea of sneaking into the kitchen, it was late after all and no one would be there. Needless to say, the school food storage needed to be replenished, and soon.

Thursday classes had come and gone, and Ruby's illusion of her vase of roses singing a sweet tune was broken by knocks at her door. She had expected Harry, of all people, but was quite surprised by Ben's form in her doorway. It had been a while since she and been had talked; ever since Uma and the boys showed up and Ben having to take on more kingly activities, there hadn't been much time for the two friends to hang out. Ruby instantly felt guilt at not having at least tried to find time to hang out with her first friend.

"Ben! Hey, what, uh, what can I do for ya?" Ruby asked, pushing down her guilt and putting a smile on her face. Her hair probably looked a mess, and her clothes were most definitely wrinkled, but she knew Ben really didn't care.

"Hey, Ruby. It's been a short while, hasn't it?" He greeted her back. He seemed kind of nervous, his hands wringing together in front of him.

Ruby's guilt instantly resurfaced. "Ben, I'm so sorry-"

"There's nothing to be sorry about, Ruby. I actually came to ask you something," He said, smiling at the shorter girl.

Ruby raised an eyebrow in question.

"I was wondering if you could paint something for me?" Ben asked her, hope in is voice.

"Oh, OH. Yeah, of course, sure!" Ruby paced back into her room excitedly, images already running through her head of what she could paint for Auradon's king. "What were you thinking? Because I've been having this idea of like a half beast thing that-"

"No actually, Ruby uh," Ben's eyes flicked towards Ruby hesitantly, as if he was scared of her. That's odd, Ruby thought.

"I was hoping you could paint Mal for me," Ben finished.

Ruby stopped her mind's ideas and stood frozen on her rug. She looked at Ben somewhat accusingly. "What."

"I know, I know," Ben said, arms out and moving to stand in front of Ruby. "I know you two don't really get along but I want to do something nice for her and she mentioned to me about how all the royalty here have their portraits hanging everywhere and I thought it would be nice if I could do that for her and well you're the best painter there is Ruby and I just-"

"Ben, oh my aces, calm down!" Ruby told him, effectively stopping Ben's rambling. She put a hand to her head. She did have a hatred for Mal, but Ben had tried hard to be Ruby's friend since she was first brought to Auradon. She couldn't just tell him no.

She sighed, "Okay. Okay, I'll do it. But I'm going to need a picture or something. I don't find myself gazing misty eyed at your girlfriend all that much, Mr Benjamin."

Ben had already turned to walk back out of Ruby's dorm. "No, it's okay I get it- wait, you'll do it?" Ruby nodded. "Oh, this is great! Here-" he pulled out his wallet and handed her a picture of said girlfriend. "Thank you so much Ruby. You really are the best."

Ben pulled her in for a hug as she answered with a smile. "No problem."

Friday morning Ruby rolled out of bed sluggishly, gasping when she saw the time. She dressed quickly in a simple red top with black jeans, and threw her long hair up in a pony tail before practically running to her first class. As her classes rolled on, she tried not to think about what shenanigans Evie was up to.

Ever since Ruby had moved to Auradon, her father saw her birthday as a spectacular event. He tried throwing her birthday parties, but of course no one would come. He tried taking her out for ice cream, but it was unbearably hot and the ice cream melted. Birthday's just weren't meant for Ruby. In her time on the Isle, birthdays were treated as every other day, nothing special in it whatsoever. She used to wake up hoping her mother would have something special for her, but Ruby was greeted with the same fear as always. Ruby was used to this, and never saw any importance in her birthday anyway. After all, it was just like every other unbirthday, wasn't it? In her first year at Auradon Prep, Evie had questioned her, claiming it odd a whole year had gone and she never celebrated on any single day. Of course, Evie found out the truth, but Ruby eventually convinced her to not make a big deal out of it, and made the blue haired girl promise to not tell a soul. "No one would want to come to a party for me anyway," Ruby had claimed. "They'll be too scared I'll go off with their tiny hatless heads."

Evidently, this year, Evie had different plans. And Ruby was slightly scared.

Ruby had barely been in her room for five minutes after classes were finished before Evie materialized at her door.

"You, my wonderful friend, are coming with me," the overly excited girl said.

Ruby blindly threw her bag on her bed as Evie grabbed her arm and tugged her along to Evie's dorm. Ruby marveled at the clothes along one of the walls; Evie's room was always filled with outfits she had designed, and they were always incredible.

"Any particular reason you dragged me to your fashion show of a room, E?" Ruby asked, feeling the silk of white skirt with black patterns.

"Yes, actually," Evie answered, grabbing Ruby by the shoulders and spinning her around.

The sight of the dress in front of Ruby made every coherent thought leave her brain.

She must have gasped, or made some sort of awestruck face because Evie smiled and wrapped an arm around Ruby's shoulders. "Do you like it?" the blue haired girl asked.

"Evie," Ruby started, taking slow steps toward the wonder of a ball gown and cautiously ran a hand over the intricate rose design on the front. "I honestly don't have the words. I think the Hare must have put some sort of drug in my tea today. I can't- Evie this is beautiful."

"Good. I'm glad you love it!" Evie clapped her hands excitedly. She walked to the back of the dress and unzipped it from the mannequin. "Now let's get it on you."

"Yes, let's- wait, what?" Ruby shook from her daze.

"Come on, no time to lose. Undress, Ruby!" Evie exclaimed.

Despite Ruby's confusion, she really wanted to wear the gorgeous dress. Maybe this was what Evie was planning. To make a gown for Ruby. Any thoughts about her birthday disappeared once Ruby saw herself in the dress.

Evie danced around her, making last minute adjustments while Ruby gaped at herself in the mirror. Evie stepped away, looking proud. "Give us a spin," she said.

Ruby lifted the sides of the dress slightly and twirled. The gown was light and it swirled around her legs as she came to a stop. Ruby couldn't help the huge smile on her face. "This is so amazing, Evie," she turned to her friend, "but what exactly is this for?"

Evie's eyes sparkled mischievously. "You'll see. Now come, sit."

Ruby did as told, and watched as Evie deftly pinned a braid to the crown of Ruby's hair and brushed the tangles out of the rest. It was when Evie placed a small crown inlaid with a heart-shaped ruby that Ruby became nervous. "Evie, really, what's going on?" she hated how her voice shook with the question.

"Put on these shoes, and let's go find out," Evie answered, handing Ruby a pair of dark red heels.

Ruby quickly slipped on the heels and tried not to trip as Evie rushed her out of the door. She led the girl to what was unmistakably the school's ball room. Ben was waiting outside the doors, dressed immaculately in a deep blue suit. Evie gave him a nod before disappearing, not before smiling widely at Ruby.

"Ben, maybe you'll give me some answers?" Ruby looked up at her friend, and saw the same glint she had seen in Evie's eyes. Ruby was hopeful, clearly Ben wouldn't keep her in the dark, would he? But her hope simmered as Ben kept his mouth loyally shut.

Suddenly, Fairy Godmother opened the doors. "It's time!"

Ben gave a bow to Ruby, gesturing towards the open doors with a hand, "Shall we?"

Ruby hooked her hand onto Ben's outstretched elbow, and he led her through the doors. Ruby put a hand to her mouth to stifle another gasp as they walked out to the top of the ballroom steps.

The filled room collectively yelled "Happy birthday!" upon seeing Ruby enter. She couldn't believe it. There were actual people here, for her.

"Ben, what-"

"Welcome, dear Ruby, to your birthday party," Ben bowed once more. Ruby caught sight of Uma, Gil and Harry at the bottom of the stairs, but her eyes found themselves stuck on Harry.

He was dressed like a gentleman but still looked ruggedly handsome with his black tousled hair and smudged eyeliner, his hook hanging from his belt loop. He winked at Ruby, shamelessly devouring how gorgeous she looked in her ball gown.

Ruby would have been stuck at the top of the stairs all day had Evie not once again materialized next to her, dressed in a beautiful blue gown. She grabbed Ruby's hand. "Come on, it's much more fun at the bottom of these stairs," she whispered to her. They made it to Uma and the boys on the ballroom floor, Evie leaving Ruby with a hug and a "Happy birthday, Ruby" before disappearing to find Doug. Ruby turned towards her gang of friends accusingly.

"Did you guys know?" She asked.

"Since las' week, Heart," Harry answered, ever present smirk on his face.

"Yeah, Evie told us the whole deal and had us outfits made. I honestly didn't think I'd look this good in a dress," Uma said. She was right. Her sea green dress was really alluring.

"This place is so amazing, there's tables full of food!" Gil exclaimed, charming in his suit.

"Guys, I-"

"It's okay, Ruby," Uma assured her, giving her a hug. "It's your first birthday party. Let's have some fun," she smiled and winked at her friend. Ruby hesitantly smiled back.

Suddenly trumpets blared as Ben appeared on the overhead balcony, Mal at his side.

"Thank you everyone for coming! As you all know, today is our very own Ruby Hearts' birthday! I think it's about time we get this party started!" He announced, earning cheers from the crowd.

Ruby just stared, silent and still shocked at the whole ordeal. Were these people really here for her?

"'S alright, Heart," Harry's unmistakable voice whispered behind her. His breath was hot on her ear as he spoke, "You deserve this, lass."

She turned around and saw a genuine smile playing at Harry's lips that somehow eased her own fear. She smiled broadly at the pirate. "Thank you, Harry," she whispered back.

"Whoooo!" Gil's cheer broke the moment, the boy jumped in and began dancing wildly to the music. Laughing, Ruby and Harry joined in, Uma reluctantly joining the sway.

The night flew by, song after song, the gang stayed dancing together the entire time. Ruby could tell it was late in the night, but no one at the party seemed to care. She felt a poke at her shoulder and turned to see Carlos, Jay, and Evie. She gave each of them a hug as they wished her happy birthday.

"Evie, you know I'm so thankful for this," Ruby started, as she waved to Carlos and Jay who were whisked away by the crowd. "But a whole ball?"

"You know I would only have the best for you," She answered, giving Ruby a smile. "Besides, it wasn't just my idea."

Ruby's curiosity was instantly piqued. "What do you mean?"

"Well, Ben and I might have let it slip to Uma and Harry about your birthday coming up and how we really wanted to do something for you and Harry came up with this marvelous idea to have a ball since you're technically a princess so Uma and her gang helped us set all this up and we invited literally the entire school and-"

"Whoa, whoa wait," Ruby interrupted her. "This was Harry's idea?"

Evie nodded right as a slow song started. She was pulled away by Doug but winked at Ruby when she noticed Harry showed up at the girl's side.

"Ruby," Harry greeted, dipping into a bow, amused look on his face. "Will ye do me the 'onor of dancin' with me?" He held out his hand for her to take.

Ruby knew her face was flushed. She was still processing how this was Harry's idea, and what did Evie say about him saying she was a princess? She didn't know if her brain would function enough to be so close to Harry Hook, gazing into his eyes as she danced with him to the slow tune-

Ruby blinked out of her daze. She could do this. Her hand met Harry's outstretched one and his smirk grew to a smile as he pulled her closer. Her breath hitched when his other hand came to her waist, and he immediately pulled her into the dance steps.

"Don't tell me Harry Hook's been taking dancing lessons, now?" Ruby questioned amusingly, fighting down her blush.

Harry spun Ruby with the waltz, pulling her closer so that she could feel his breath when he spoke. "'S almost like sword fighting, really."

A blur of blue captured Ruby's eye, and she craned her neck to peer behind Harry. Uma stood, watching the two dance and Ruby almost missed the wink she gave her. At the food table behind Uma, Ruby caught sight of Gil chugging down the entire punch bowl and Jay seemingly egging him on. She snorted and turned her gaze back to Harry, feeling bold.

"So, Mr. Hook," Ruby danced her fingers up Harry's arm. His jaw tensed ever so slightly. "What's this I hear about you planning this whole thing?"

Harry's ears immediately turned pink. "Well, er," he cleared his throat. "Uma an' Gil came up with the plan too, ye know."

Harry let go of Ruby's hand to come rest at her waist and she wrapped her arms around his neck. The waltz was over by now, but neither seemed to notice or care. "How kind," she looked up at the pirate. "You know, this party is kind of for you too," she said.

"How so, Heart?"

"Well, it's my birthday, but that means it's also you're unbirthday! And really that's just as worthy as celebrating in my opinion." Ruby's tone was joking, but Harry's eyes were piercing as they held each other. He moved his head so that his mouth was next to Ruby's ear. Her arms tightened around him, fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck.

"Ye've no idea how beautiful ye are, Ruby," Harry whispered, husky voice making a shiver course through Ruby's body. "All these other goons are jealous of my own little princess,"

Her breathing hitched, and she pulled her head back to peer at Harry's face. His eyes seemed filled with that same sensation Ruby felt but couldn't quite name. His striking blue eyes darted to her lips as his left hand cupped her face. Ruby was quite aware of the almost nonexistent space between them, of the erratic beating of both of their hearts. She whispered his name, not believing her eyes as the moment played out.

"UGH! WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING!" a girl's voice yelled, causing Ruby and Harry to jump apart. They shared a look and made their way to were the commotion was.

There was a circle around Uma and Mal, the former's dress covered in punch.

"You ran into me!" Mal yelled at Uma. "Maybe you should watch where you're going!"

"Look, I know time in Boradon has made you insane, but I would think you know how to walk," Uma snapped back, giving up at wiping off punch from her dress.

Mal scoffed. "If you're so uncomfortable here then you should have stayed in that sandbox where you belong!"

In the blink of an eye Uma pounced on Mal, snarling with her arms outstretched. A full on girl fight broke out, hair being pulled and dresses being torn. It lasted all of two seconds before Ben and Gil rushed in pulling the two girls apart. They continued to yell insults at each other, but all Ruby could see was the floor covered in ice. She watched as every step and stomp of feet caused it to move to the brink of shattering. Ruby had had enough.

"STOP IT! BOTH OF YOU!" She yelled, effectively surprising and silencing everyone in the room. "It's PUNCH! You're not dying and if you don't stop this petty little fight then the frozen floor with collapse and we'll all be eaten by the Jabborwock!"

"Just as insane as ever! You should have stayed with your crazy mother," Mal scoffed before marching out, Ben casting an apologetic look before running after her. Uma tried to apologize to Ruby, but she couldn't hear a thing over the cracking ice.

"Just-..no," was all Ruby could say before she too left the ballroom. She couldn't make it to her room before the tears came.

She fell down onto her bed, letting the water flow. She knew a party was a horrible idea. No one wanted to be there for her, they were there because it was just a party. Maybe Mal was right. Maybe she should have stayed on the Isle with her mother. Maybe she would have learned how to scare everyone away and build a wall around her heart, so maybe then she wouldn't be hurt as easily.

After what felt like ages, Ruby heard a knock at her door. She sniffled as whoever it was walked in and sat next to her on the bed.

"Tears don't belong on that pretty face, lass," Harry said, pulling Ruby up and wiping said tears from her face. She sniffled as he did so.

"I just don't understand, Harry."

"I know, Heart," he said, sad to see her so upset. "Some things are jus' too hard to understand."

Ruby nodded, her mind just registering her sore feet and legs.

"Oh! I, erm, I've got something for ye, Heart," Harry said, changing the mood of the conversation with just a singe sentence. He had something for her?

"What is it?" Ruby asked, rubbing an eye.

"Well, I've been wanting to give it back to ye for a while, but it jus' never seemed like the right moment," Harry told her, ears turning pink as he pulled out something from behind his back.

It was a little stuffed rabbit.

Ruby gasped, new tears forming at her eyes as she recognized her old toy, the one she had lost that fated day.

"Look at ye, getting all happy over a wee toy," Harry joked, happy to see the light in Ruby's eyes again.

"Harry Hook, you thief!" Ruby exclaimed, tackling the boy in a hug. He fell back on the bed, arms wrapping around Ruby's form.

They laid on the bed holding each other for a while, Harry's hand making mindless patterns on Ruby's scarred arm. Ruby had never been more happy than she was in his arms. What is happening? She thought.

"D'ye think they're mad?" Harry asked.

Ruby wasn't sure who exactly he was talking about. "They can't help it," she answered anyway. "We're all a bit mad here."

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

Red Roses (A Harry Hook x Reader/OC)

A/N: I am so glad there are people reading and enjoying this! As long as there's someone out there who wants more of this story, I'm here to happily comply. Please let me know if there are any errors and I will fix them. I will try to update as much as possible, phew story writing is hard guys lmao. Thank you all again and I hope you stay for this journey!

Summary: Ruby Hearts, daughter of the infamous Queen of Hearts, was abandoned by her mother when she was young and forced to live with her father, the King of Hearts, in Auradon.  Harry Hook himself may be the only one who finds her madness enchanting. Will Ruby find her self falling for the rugged pirate, or will the roses bleed red?

 Prologue / Chapter 1: Down the Rabbit Hole / Chapter 2

Ruby's paintbrush glided over the wallpaper, leaving red strokes in its path. A small music system played softly in the background. Even after already attending Auradon Prep for a year, her room always needed something to hide the pretty-pink-princess-ness of it underneath, and merely changing the horrendously colored bed covers were not enough. She had taken to painting over the single colored wallpaper, her first time being a large pocket-watch with elaborate patterns that no one else ever heard tick-tocking the days away.

Prince Ben himself had given Ruby the paints after having noticed her in Art 101; the mindless mutterings and frantic look in her eyes seemed to fade when a paintbrush was in her hand. She was thankful for him showing up to her dorm room that day, bottles upon bottles of paint in haul, a kind smile on his face.

However, nothing ever fully quenched the illusions she had. Some days the walls were frozen, so close to shattering, others she was drowning in red, red blood. Of course, there were good days as well: being outfitted by Evie, playing catch with Dude and Carlos, watching Mal trip over her own two feet.

The tiny King of Hearts, Ruby's father, had decided to send her to Auradon the same time the VK's arrived. He assumed that the terrible villain kids would mask the aura of 'mad' surrounding his daughter just by being from the Isle themselves. It had worked, for a time. While Jay and Carlos were kind enough to her, Evie took Ruby under her wing, making sure she was always included. Mal was a different story though; Ruby had no idea why, but one of the voices in her head told her that the daughter of Maleficent was the wrong sort for her.

Fitting in became the wrong choice halfway through her first year; no one wanted to share a dorm with the 'crazy girl'. No one dared bother her while she was attending the roses in Auradon Prep's garden in fear of having their heads offed. No one even deemed her worthy of a friend, seeing her crazy ramblings as a sort of disease, even thought most times she was perfectly sane at having conversation.

But now was the beginning of a new year, things will be different she mused to herself as she dipped her paintbrush back into the blood red paint. She hummed to herself as she did so, completely blissful in the peace of the dorm, trying oh-so hard to not remember the memories that haunted her everyday. To not realize how this red paint almost matched perfectly with the blood that dripped onto a dead lawn all those years ago.

Ruby's focus was dropped by her door suddenly slamming open and she hissed in anger when her paintbrush slipped from its course. Her hand found a pen that was among her art materials around her, and promptly turned and flung it towards the open door. She missed of course, she always does, as could be told from the multiple shallow holes in the wall near her dorm room door.

"Whoa! Calm down there, Red!" Jay exclaimed from her doorway, Carlos was there with him and he seemed unfazed as he pulled the pen out of the wall and tossed it back to Ruby.

She caught it and placed it on the floor before grabbing her small towel to dab off the smear of imperfection before it dried forever on her wall.

"Thank you for ruining my lovely painting. If paintings could cry, this one would be because you nearly destroyed it," she huffed at the boys, who still stood out of breath in her doorway.

"You're supposed to be with us and the Welcome Committee, Ruby. The new VK's are showing up today," Carlos reminded her, matter of factually.

She cursed under her breath. She totally forgot about the new kids arriving today. I wonder, are their heads too big? Or perhaps too small? What a shame if they don't have heads at all. Ruby shook her head, clearing the voices as she stood and brushed off her outfit, a simple thigh-length black dress matched with heart stockings, and stumbled to put on a pair of red heels.

"Right, yes, the new VK's. Welcoming to the committee...erm, I wasn't supposed to do anything, was I?" She asked while trying to make her hair look somewhat decent. Even though it was lovely, the tips of her deep black hair being a rosy red, it was a mess nearly everyday of the week.

"Nope, just show up and smile," Jay quipped at her as she closed the door, viewing the bleeding rose on her wall one last time before hurrying with the two boys outside.

The trio made it too the entrance of the school right as a black limousine pulled up. The boys led Ruby to where Evie was standing before running to find other friends.

"Hey, Ruby," Evie greeted her, ever present smile on her face.

"Hey, Evie," Ruby responded, cautiously looking around to see if her somewhat dunce of a father came to see the new kids.

Evie looked at the girl and gestured to her face. "You've got a bit of paint there," the blue haired girl said, just as the doors to the limo opened.

"Oh, um...thanks," Ruby replied and used the back of her hand to wipe the paint away, only to succeed in smearing it over her cheek.

"Welcome to Auradon!" Fairy Godmother's voice carried over the cheering crowd, effectively ending the fanfare as well. "Allow me to introduce you to King Ben and his girlfriend Mal!"

Ruby glanced and caught sight of said couple, glaring when she noticed Mal looking at her. Too small head. No hat would ever fit her, one of the voices in Ruby's head commented. She shook out her thoughts and gasped in surprise when Evie pulled her forward. She missed nearly the entire conversation that was happening and had zero idea why Evie decided to announce her presence.

"Fairy Godmother," Evie said to the overly cheerful woman, "Even though I would absolutely adore showing our newest guests around, I think it would be an even BETTER idea to let Ruby do it!" She exclaimed, nearly bouncing with happiness at her grand scheme.

"What- no, Evie it's fine I gotta-" Before Ruby could finish her sentence Fairy Godmother cut her off.

"OH what a wonderful idea!! Ruby, these are our new students, Uma, Gil, and Harry! I do hope you all make great friends! Now, if you'll excuse us, class is waiting! The doors of wisdom are never shut!"

And with that Fairy Godmother gestured for everyone back to the school, but of course Audrey would never leave without having a few words first. As the brunette passed by Ruby she sneered "Of course, let the mad girl give the villains a tour, what a perfect match!"

Ruby paid her no mind, instead wondering what it would be like if she offed with her-

Ben gave Ruby a pat on the shoulder, silencing her vicious thoughts and gave her a good luck smile before walking with Mal back into the school. Ruby huffed and prepared herself and turned around to greet her newest friends.

She stared for only a second, muttering under her breath about their seemingly normal sized heads before she gave a smile and spread out her arms.

"Well, welcome to Boradon, where the princes are far from charming and the only color the people know of is 'pretty princess pink.'"

A dark skinned girl with light blue hair snorted at Ruby's introduction, while the boys laughed, giving a nod to the girl. "Amazing, someone who lives here who hates this place as much as we do. I'm Uma, daughter of Ursula," she gave her hand out for a shake (which Ruby accepted) and gestured to the two boys next to her. "This is Gil, and Harry."

Ruby smiled at the two boys, some forlorn memory tugging at the back of her mind, telling her she knew this girl, her thoughts turning at the name 'Harry'.

Harry's eyes raked over her before taking a few steps towards her, "Well well well," he said, his accent pulling memories out from Ruby's head. "It seems ye may have made a bit of a mess, lass," he said, licking his thumb and wiping off the smeared paint from Ruby's cheek. One of her eyebrows raised in question, though she definitely felt the heat rising to her face.

"Um..."

Uma rolled her eyes and gave a smack to the back of Harry's head, earning a shout of protest from the boy. Still, Ruby couldn't help but feel she stared into those same blue eyes before...

"Let's get this tour thing started!" Gil exclaimed, oblivious to the somewhat awkward/intimate moment

"Right, uh, this way," Ruby once again shook away her confusion, ignoring the way the sun reflected off her red heels and making it seem as though they were bleeding. She turned and led them into the school.

"Now, normally I'd have to tell you the history of our esteemed school, but honestly it's just of bunch of nonsense. Some king went 'wow I would be super cool if I made a school for royalty' and so he did a got a commemorative statue because of it." Ruby talked as she led the group into the main foyer.

"Sounds about right," Uma commented, spinning in a slow circle as she took in the school.

"Woah!" Ruby turned and saw Gil gently petting a potted plant, "What is this? It's so green!"

"That's, uh, that's a plant," Ruby answered him, slightly amused by his reaction to said plant. "There's a whole garden out the back way. It's a lot more interesting than showing you the useless classrooms in here."

Uma and Harry didn't get a chance to respond as Gil took off, a smile on his face. Ruby stayed where she was and called out to him, "Wrong way!"

Once outside, Gil ran off into the bushes of flowers, Harry running to catch up to the boy. Uma stayed behind, walking the pathway with Ruby.

"I never got to thank you," the dark-skinned girl spoke.

"Thank...me?" Ruby questioned, before her mind flooded with memories of a small crying girl that she never got to console. "Oh, um."

Uma looked at her, her face sincere, "No really, thank you. No one ever...No one's ever tried to be there for me when I'm not feeling myself. And that day was, uh, particularly bad," she confessed.

"Oh...well, you're welcome. I never...had friends when I was little, and I just wanted to be nice I guess. The flowers never wanted me to have friends, they were not so nice," Ruby told her.

"Right," Uma nodded, slightly confused but thankful nonetheless. "I'm glad to see you out of that hellhole, too. I mean, the Isle was bad but your mother..I can't even imagine."

Ruby let her fingers dance across the daisy's as the two girls walked. She tried to not dwell on memories of the past, of that house, that woman. "Thanks. Things are better here, I guess. The walls may freeze, and the momwraths outgrabe, but if you know where you're going then it doesn't really matter at all."

Uma was spared a response when the two caught up with Harry and Gil, ironically where the rosebushes were. Ruby's body froze when she noticed Harry gripping a rose, almost as if he were about to pluck it off the bush.

"Don't!" She yelled, running and pushing the pirate away from her beloved roses. After checking the rose was okay, she turned to Harry, her finger pointing at him in accusation. "Don't you make the roses angry, you make them angry and broken and then they bicker nonstop and I'm the only one that has to deal with it."

"Whoa there, lass, 's just a wee flower,"Harry's hands went up into the air with a slight smirk on his face, one hand gripping a metal hook. A hook, how had Ruby not noticed it before. Her eyes widened at the glinting metal, the face of a younger boy clouding her mind.

"Just, don't touch my roses," She glared at him once more, Uma giving him an 'I told you so' look, before turning and leading them away from the gardens and to the tourney field.

The team was outside at practice when the small group arrived, and Ruby noticed Jay and Carlos waving to get her attention. The two boys ran to her, smelling like wet dog yet smiling like idiots.

"Hey, Red," They both greeted, out of breath.

Harry behind her scoffed. "This it? Tourney is a wee lad's game, with their little pointy sticks."

"That's because their lads are a bit wee," Ruby responded, smiling at Harry.

A weird look was shared among the others when suddenly Gil freaked out. He bent down as Dude strolled up, patting the dog happily. "What is this!!!!"

Jay and Carlos chuckled. "That's Dude, my dog," Carlos said.

"Wow," Gil said, amazed. "Dogs are cool."

"Wait 'till you see a zoo," Jay told him.

"A zoo?"

"Okay," Uma cut in, "As much as I enjoy..." she gestured to the group, "I think I'd like a bed a hell of a lot more."

"Right, well, we gotta get back to practice," Carlos nodded, running back to the team.

"See ya around," Jay said to Ruby (but mostly to Gil) as he followed suit.

"Back inside we go then," Ruby announced and led the trio indoors.

"Funny thing is," she said as they made it to the dorm quarters. "No one tells me a thing, so I have zero idea where your rooms are."

"'S alright," Harry answered, seemingly trying to break into one of the rooms. "We'll just pillage some for our own selves," his eyes glinted mischievously.

"That won't be necessary."

The four turned towards the voice, and Ruby was relieved to see it was only Ben.

"We already have rooms chosen out for you," he said, smiling and giving a quick wink to Ruby. "This way."

The group followed, and Ruby almost missed the way Harry's eyes glared into the back of Ben's head. Ben stopped right in front of Ruby's dorm, and opened a door right across from hers. "This will be for Harry and Gil," he stated, "And Uma, you're the next door down the hall. As much as I'd love to stay and chat, I've got a meeting to attend. It was nice to meet you all."

And with that he turned and marched back down from where they had came, leaving Ruby speechless and dumbfounded.

"Well, see ya, girl. I'm going take a well deserved nap," Uma said, smiling at Ruby before walking to her room.

Ruby opened the door to her room as Harry and Gil turned into their own. She quite literally kicked off her heels and walked to where she painting earlier that day. She let her hands gently glide over the bleeding rose, checking the paints dryness. She missed Harry sneaking in behind her, leaning on the door frame.

"Ye paint," he stated abruptly, making Ruby jump and spin towards the voice, wishing she had a pen to throw.

"Thank you, captain obvious. I do paint, what about it?" she told him, crossing her arms over her chest.

He tutted her, shaking his finger as he stepped closer to her. "Uma's the cap'n, lass. I'm 'er first mate. And, ye paint well."

Ruby became flustered and uncrossed her arms to scratch the back of her head. "Um, thanks." She suddenly pointed to the pocket watch painting, "Do you hear it, too?"

Instead of answering, Harry's hand whipped out and grabbed onto Ruby's wrist, causing her to stumble closer to him. The tip of his hook gently ran over the line of her scar, the one she tried every day to ignore.

"I know ye," he whispered, blue eyes boring into her own.

"I know you too," she whispered back, visions of the unspoken day prodding her brain

Harry opened his mouth to respond, but a knock at Ruby's open door made the two jump away from each other.

"Hey!" It was Evie, eyes sparkling with another scheme. "I'm throwing a dinner party for our newest VK's. Ruby,  you're invited too, of course!" She exclaimed.

Harry and Ruby went into the hallway where Gil and Uma were already waiting. Uma gave a questioning look to the two. Harry's eyes cleared, his regular mischievous demeanor returning.

"Finally, food! I am famished!" he announced.

Gil bounced on his heels. "Is it like a food party? I've never been to a party. And with food! This place is amazing!"

Uma rolled her eyes at the boys and Ruby let out a small giggle.

"This way!" Evie said, guiding the group down the hall. They met up with Mal and Ben, Jay and Carlos, as well as Doug and Jane. Ruby couldn't help but feel that this was going to be a very uncomfortable tea party.

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

QUESTION:

WHY/HOW IS YOUR NETHER PORTAL A BIG BOI???

My survival house is (probably... maybe) done!

I've worked for weeks up to this this point, and now I can say that I'm confident enough to be posting screenshots of my cave home!

The front yard

Not much to say except that it took me forever to decide how I wanted to make my tree. It has a nice bench so you can marvel at its beauty.

The entrance and front "hall"

They're both ceremoniously unimpressive, and that's for a good reason. The reason being that I'm a lazy bastard.

My bedroom (kitchen and... mini-library, too? Don't judge)

Again, just a simple bedroom, kitchen thingy. I was out of ideas at the time and it shows. I still think it's cute, and I learned that brown wool is rarer than diamonds in my world. It took me a week for that bed.

Smelting, smelting, smelting!

Ever since new smelters have been added, I've had to make two (2) automatic smelters. It's nice.

B...basement

This is the basement's entrance. It has a nether portal. Inside the nether portal is a bridge leading to useful things. It's handy-dandy.

Library!

Do you know how long it takes to get this many bookshelves? Because I do, and it's an impressively long ammount of time.

I've already hit the image limit, so expect more!

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

Red Roses (A Harry Hook x Reader/OC)

A/N: I am also writing this on my Wattpad (QueenBunnyBear). I am planning on making this a whole story, so I hope you all enjoy! All work is my own, please do not copy or claim as yours, thank you!

Summary: Ruby Hearts, daughter of the infamous Queen of Hearts, was abandoned by her mother when she was young and forced to live with her father, the King of Hearts, in Auradon.  Harry Hook himself may be the only one who finds her madness enchanting. Will Ruby find her self falling for the rugged pirate, or will the roses bleed red?

Prologue: All in a Golden Afternoon / Chapter 1 / Chapter 2

Snip snip.

Snip snip.

The little girl sat and watched as her mother she snipped off the red, red roses. There was nothing wrong with them other than little imperfections; her mother mumbled them under her breath as she snip-snipped away.

"Too little. Too wide. Bruised. Not red enough."

The little girl never got to touch the enchanting red roses, never got to smell their aroma. Her mother's rosebush was the only splash of beauty in their ramshackle home on the Isle of the Lost.

So she sat, and watched, and held on tightly to her stuffed rabbit. The madness surrounding their family name scared off any possibility of real friends, even though the other kids on the Isle were quite scary themselves. Once, she went outside her home to see the daughter of Ursula; the dark skinned girl was crying and she wanted to help.

She sat next to her and asked "Are you okay?"

The sad girl only sniffled and shook her head. She would have hugged her. Would have given her words of solace had her mother not shrieked and run outside, waving the rose clippers.

"Off! Off! Off with your head and away from my daughter!"

Her mother had drug her back inside rather forcefully and she watched, sad, as the crying girl went on her way.

She was brought back to reality by a hook that had flew over the decaying fence surrounding their house. Curious, she stood and brushed off her clothes and skipped to where the metal object had landed, her rabbit still clutched in her hand. She picked up the rather large hook, confused as to why it was here, in the mad yard of all places. Suddenly, a head peeped into a vast gap in the fence. A boy's head. He was little, like her, with a pirate's hat lopsided on a head of dark hair and the most blue eyes she had ever seen. He gave her a smirk.

"I do believe that's my hook, lass," he said, his accent piquing her interest. She had never heard anyone else besides her mother and her frantic mutterings.

She walked over to the fence, hook in hand, and handed it to the boy. "Thank ye, very kindly. The name's Harry. Harry Hook," he said proudly, puffing out his tiny chest and putting his hand out for a shake. The girl giggled at his proud self and went to shake his hand, but was abruptly stopped by a pair of rose clippers flying past and landing in the fence next to the boy's head.

"RUBY!!" The mad woman yelled. She ran to her daughter and ripped her away from the boy in the fence. "You scoundrel! Off with you before I off with your head!"

She grabbed her daughter's arm, but the girl cried out in pain. Her mother let go only to have her hand covered in blood. Her daughter's blood. The clippers had sliced her arm when they flew past her, and now dark blood was dripping onto the dead grass. The girl turned back to see the boy, Harry, still watching from the fence, looking like he so badly wanted to help.

Tears ran down her face, but her mother seemed to not notice as she gripped her arm once more and ran into the rickety house, yelling nonsense at the top of her lungs.

The boy noticed the girl's stuffed rabbit lying on the ground. He picked it up, brushed off the dead leaves and grass, and vowed to himself he would return it to her the moment he could.

She didn't know what events happened the rest of that night, all she knew was the next morning her few belongings were packed and a black car was there to take her. Men in sharp suits held back her screaming mother while another guided her into the vehicle.

They drove her away, and she watched out the window, mesmerized, as the barrier over the island opened and the car drove through, over the water and beyond, her injured arm nearly forgotten. She didn't see little Harry Hook arrive right as the car took her away.

When the car stopped, she was at a castle, and her young mind whirled. A castle! Where am I?

The driver came around to open her door, and she was met by a very kingly man, and a kind looking woman at his side. her gaze almost missed the shorter man seeming very giddy.

The woman smiled at her.

"Welcome to Auradon, Ruby Hearts."

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

LETS ALSO NOT FORGET THE ONE (1) LINE OF SONG HARRY SANG AT THE END OF THE MOVIE 👌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

DEAR DISNEY,

THANK YOU FOR:

1. Harry Hook’s arm cleavage in Descendants 3

2. Harry Hook shamelessly flirting in Descendants 3

3. Harry Hook in general

4. Gil and Jay’s gayship happening in Descendants 3

[ironcaptainnataliabarnes]

DEAR DISNEY,

THANK YOU FOR:

1. Harry Hook’s arm cleavage in Descendants 3

2. Harry Hook shamelessly flirting in Descendants 3

3. Harry Hook in general

4. Gil and Jay’s gayship happening in Descendants 3