stargirlwritingjourney

[stargirlwritingjourney]

Frosted Over Caretaking

Fandom: How To Train Your Dragon & Rise of the Guardians

Pairing: Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III/Jack Frost

Rating: General Audiences

Warning/Tag(s): No Archive Warnings Apply, Sick, Vikings

Summary: Spending every free and waking moment with a spirit who had control over everything ice and snow was sure to have some downsides. Hiccup just didn't know what these downsides would be until he was forced to bedrest as the effects of staying in the cold finally caught up with him. It probably didn't help that said reason as to why he was sick was sticking around to make sure he got better.

Event(s): @eclipsingbingo with 'sick' | @fandom-free-bingo with 'offering their jacket'

Can be read here

A loud sniffle escaping his nose was not how Hiccup expected to start his day.

With groggy eyes and difficulty breathing in through his nose, Hiccup attempted to start his day like he would any other. Toothless greeted him like he normally did; large, slobbering licks being smeared across his body as the dragon worked himself up, getting ready for one of their usual morning flights.

It was only when Toothless took in the sluggish movements of Hiccup that he realised something may have been wrong with his human. It looked as if constant chills were jumping down Hiccup's spine, his bottom lip trembling even though their hut was overly warm due to Toothless' preferences, and the-

"Achoo!"

The loud exclaim from Hiccup almost shook the room, the sudden forced exhale sending him stumbling back a few steps. Startling back himself, Toothless stared at Hiccup in shock, keeping the distance that the Viking had created.

"Sorry about that Bud," Hiccup groaned, burying his head in his hands for a few seconds before scrubbing them down. Trying to hobble over to the Night Fury, Hiccup reaches a hand over to try and graze it across Toothless' scales but he falls short. Stumbling forward, Hiccup would've been met with the hard wooden floor if it wasn't for Toothless rushing forward, catching him with his head. "Woah, thanks for that."

A low trilling sound trails out of Toothless' throat in answer. Helping Hiccup stand to the best of his ability, Toothless walks him back to his bed, trying to shoo him back at it. For a few moments, Hiccup can only stare at Toothless, the two of them doing an odd dance as Hiccup tries to continue forward while Toothless pushes him back.

It was only when Hiccup fell back onto the bed that Toothless seemed to relax, giving a quick growl when Hiccup attempted to get up. Sitting back on his own hunches, Toothless stared at Hiccup as he thought, making sure the Viking didn't try to attempt anything while he was still sitting there.

Staring at his human was enough to have his mind racing with different possibilities as to how he had gotten sick. Though Berk was slowly starting to near some of its colder seasons even though berk was always cold, Hiccup always wore an appropriate amount of layers, but even then he always had Toothless by his side so it wasn't likely that only the cold had started getting to him.

That was when a certain frost-covered spirit came to mind, one that had been spending too much time around Hiccup in Toothless' opinion. A soft grumble sank out of Toothless as he realised what had caused the sudden sickness to take over Hiccup.

Standing abruptly, Toothless rounds on himself and makes his way for the door, not listening to the confused calls that Hiccup tries to choke out as he uses his tail to slam the door behind himself.

On a mission, Toothless began wandering through the village. It was hard not to get distracted, Vikings and Dragons alike trying to catch his attention, some of them thinking Hiccup was with him since the two were almost always with one another. However, with the guise that Hiccup was with him, it didn't take long for the white-haired spirit to hunt him down.

"Toothless," Jack proudly yells, flying over to the dragon in his normal getup and the hooked stick that never left his side. His ice-blue eyes flashed over Toothless and then all around him, looking for Hiccup no doubt. "Where's my favourite Viking? Not that you're not my favourite dragon."

Letting out a loud rumble, not that Jack could understand what he was saying, Toothless rounded on himself and started waddling back to his hut. Certain that the spirit was following closely behind him, Toothless picked up his speed slightly, taking small hops to elongate his strides.

It didn't take long to get back to his and Hiccup's hut. Luckily the door was still shut from when Toothless had left, Hiccup not having been able to leave, whether he tried and failed or realised what was good for him and stayed in bed.

Waiting at the door, Toothless let Jack open the door, the spirit slightly worried about the sudden change in scenery and how there was still no sight of Hiccup.

Stepping into the building, Jack comes face to face with a sniffly Hiccup, the Viking trying and failing to make himself something to eat.

"Hiccup?" Jack questioned as he stepped into the hut, almost shutting the door on Toothless' muzzle. In a barked-out laugh, Jack asked, "What's happened to you? You look terrible."

"Thanks," He said dryly, sparing the boy hardly a glance, more than accustomed to his presence by now. Attempting to start a controlled fire, when continuous failure was shoved into Hiccup's face, he finally turned to Jack. "If you're going to invade my house can you at least make yourself useful?"

"You say that like I've never been anything but a nuisance," Jack joked as he stepped over to Hiccup. He wasn't sure how he would fare with starting fire knowing his persona but anything would be better than what Hiccup was doing. When Hiccup said nothing but shot Jack a deadpan look, his laugh turned into a cackle as he placed a hand on the small of his back. "Why don't you take a seat? Here, take my jacket while I prepare something for you."

"Actually," Hiccup said after taking no more than three steps. Grabbing onto Jack just before he was about to sit down, Hiccup pulled Jakc down with him. Jack stumbled from the sudden tug, practically crashing on top of Hiccup as they both went down into one of his seats. "I'd rather do this."

"I don't think that's a good idea if you're sick," Jack warned as he felt Hiccup's arms circle him, pulling him in tight. In answer, Hiccup buried his head in the crook of Jack's neck. "I'll probably only get you more sick."

"You can take care of me later," Hiccup decided, Toothless backing him up as the large dragon came and circled them, laying down with his tail flapping against Jack's head every few moments.

[stargirlwritingjourney]

Even The Trees Have Eyes

Fandom: Yellowjackets

Pairing: Lottie Matthews/Natalie Scatorccio

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warning/Tag(s): No Archive Warnings Apply, Established Relationship, Stalker Misty

Summary: The plane had only recently gone down and everything is still figuring out how to survive. Lottie and Nat however need a moment alone to figure out some stuff of their own. Too bad you're never completely alone in the wilderness.

Event(s): @eclipsingbingo with 'lingering hug' and the Rising Moon with 'camping | @multifandom-flash with 'nobody thinks it will work'

Can be read here

Natalie still felt that at any second she might wake up from a horrible nightmare. The longer she stood in the middle of nowhere though, the effects of what just happened weighing down on everyone, she seemed to realise that there was no waking up from this. Not now, not ever.

With her arms wrapped tightly around herself, still in shock from what just happened, Natalie took slow steps through the camp they had set up right next to the crash sight. Everyone around her was trying to make themselves useful; collecting sticks for a fire, shuffling through any salvageable luggage, helping patch each other up; Natalie felt almost useless as she stood amongst them, watching as they all tried so hard to stay alive.

Eyes locking on Misty who was showing some of the other girls how to make bandages, Natalie was about to go over and make herself useful until a hand found itself upon her shoulder, stopping her in her tracks. Turning to see who it was, Natalie's eyes landed on Lottie who was nervously chewing on her bottom lip as her eyes darted around the space.

"Lottie?" Natalie greeted, brows furrowing together as she took in Lottie's actions. The last time she had seen Lottie this skittish was when they had almost been caught kissing in the back of the girls' changing rooms by Van after practice.

"Can we talk?" Lottie questioned, her eyes finally settling on Natalie for more than two seconds.

"Sure," Natalie nodded, her lips thinning together for a few moments. Taking a look around at where they were stranded, all Natalie could see were girls huddled together or a forest stretching on. "I mean, what else is there really to do out here?"

Lottie didn't say anything to that, instead turning and walking off in some random direction, hoping that Natalie would follow. And follow she did. Not making eye contact with any of the other girls, Natalie kept her sole focus on Lottie as she led the way, not stopping until they were far enough away that they could no longer hear the camp sight.

"So, what's up?" Natalie asked, unsure of herself now that they were so far away from everyone else.

"I know before the plane crash that we were only slowly starting to get to know each other on a new level," Lottie started, taking both of Natalie's hands into hers. "But I want you to know that you can tell me anything while we're out here, okay Nat? Even if the rescue team gets here tomorrow, you can rely on me out here."

"Okay," Natalie's throat felt dry as she said it, though she forced a smile onto her face regardless. Nodding her head slowly as if needing to confirm for a second time, Natalie slowly said, "And you can do the same."

"Okay," Lottie repeated, smiling as she pulled Natalie in slowly, wrapping her arms around her and holding her close.

From behind a tree, Misty watched the interaction, her brows furrowed behind her glasses.

[stargirlwritingjourney]

The Rising Moon - Flash Event

The Eclipsing Bingo team has been in discussion for a while now and we've decided to host our very own flash event. This post will be the master post for this short event so any information needed will be linked within this post.

The Rising Moon is a flash event that Eclipsing Bingo is hosting from now until the end of June. After the 30th of June, cards holding this design and dedicated prompts will no longer be able to be sent out or requested, making the end of this event. Even though applications for a card may have ended, any participants can fill out their bingo cards for evermore.

Unlike other flash events that other bingos may host, instead of the traditional five prompts that are given, the Rising Moon will hold a 3x3 bingo card with prompts that are catered towards this event. While this event is in place, you won't find any of these prompts on the traditional Eclipsing Bingo card, however, once the event finishes, these prompts will be added to the long list of prompts that we offer.

If you have anymore questions feel free to message this page of leave a question in the ask box. Without further ado, here are the links you need to take part in this bingo.

Rules / FAQ

Apply For A Card

Prompt List / Ao3 Collection

[stargirlwritingjourney]

Pouring Water Droplets

Fandom: Avatar

Pairing: Aonung/Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk'itan

Rating: General Audiences

Warning/Tag(s): No Archive Warnings Apply, Play fighting, Pining

Summary: As the sun sets, leaving the two of them alone on the beach, Neteyam and Aonung play like skxawng as they go crashing through waves and into one another.

Event(s): @eclipsingbingo with 'play fighting' | @kinky-things-happen with 'held down' | @fandom-free-bingo with 'under the skin' |@multifandom-flash Beehive: with 'you're cute when you're angry' and Double Flash with 'heartwarming moments'

Can be read here

Neteyam ran as quickly as he could across the crashing shore of the beach. The sun had set over an hour ago, leaving the beach bare as it got later. Behind him, Aonung came racing after him. Aonung's limbs were much more graceful than his, used to running through sand as he chased after Neteyam, though Neteyam couldn't bring himself to care as a laugh was ripped from his lips as he chanced a look over his shoulder, spotting Aonung catching up with him.

When two large hands wrapped around his waist, Aonung finally having caught up with him, Neteyam couldn't help but let out a very un-warrior-like screech. The both of them went toppling down into the crashing waves, bodies colliding with one another as they fell.

On instinct, Neteyam tried to position himself under Aonung so he could take the impact but Aonung had other ideas as he easily curled the two of them around, Neteyam landing on his chest while Aonung's back hit the sandy floor.

The pair of them only had a few seconds to gather themselves, waves smacking against them as they lay in the middle of the beach before Neteyam attempted to push himself up, his hands using Aonung's chests as leverage. Aonung didn't allow it though as his tail smacked into Neteyam's legs, pulling a yelp from his lips as he tripped.

Aonung was after him in seconds, grabbing onto his shoulders and trying to push him down. Now would be a real test of all the lessons Aonung had given Neteyam as tides repeatedly smacked into them, pushing them around the shore as they wrestled with one another.

"Is that the best you got, skxawng?" Neteyam tried to taunt him even while water was sloshing over his face and Aonung had him held down under his weight. It was evident that the losing battle that Neteyam had gotten himself into was beginning to irk him, but only in a friendly battle way. Evidence of which could be seen in the way his nose would scrunch, his fangs being shown off with every word he spoke.

A hiss of laughter escaped Aonung as he stared down at Neteyam, a smile making its way onto his face despite himself. "You're cute when you're angry," Aonung couldn't help but tease, watching as Neteyam's eyes widened and his ears flattened back against his head in a shy manner.

The scrunch in Neteyam's features instantly vanished as his expression went almost completely blank. His mouth hung slightly agape as he stared at Aonung, not saying a single word.

It seemed by the time Neteyam did work up the courage to say something, a voice came calling to him from the hunts. "Neteyam, Dad's looking for you," Lo'ak's voice was easily recognisable as his voice shot towards them.

Sucking in a sharp breath, Neteyam easily flipped his and Aonung's position, leaving him on top as his eyes searched in the darkness for where his younger brother might be. Whispered into the night, Neteyam said, "I have to go."

"I'll see you for your lesson tomorrow, right?" Aonung questioned, gripping onto Neteyam's wrist before he could run off.

"Yes," Neteyam hastily agreed. "I'll see you then." Before running off, trying to discreetly find a way to his brother.

[stargirlwritingjourney]

Running Wild

Fandom: Descendants

Pairing: Jay/Carlos de Vil

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warning/Tag(s): Graphic Description of Violence, Forbidden Love

Summary: What if Carlos had never been taken in by the core four, instead left to squalor for a few years longer before Uma discovered him? Taken in by the pirates of the Isle, chains of events are altered and certain VKs are left to run wild for a few years unaffiliated before being swooped up and shipped over to Auradon. In saying this, certain friendships--maybe even relationships--are left forbidden.

Event(s): @fandom-free-bingo with 'mutual pining' | @multifandom-flash with Beehive: 'forbidden friendship' and Double Flash with 'after action patch-up' | @eclipsingbingo with 'slammed into a wall'

Can be read here

Carlos whirled through the streets of the Isle, never trying to stay in one spot for too long. If living on the Isle had taught him one thing, it was either stand out and make sure everyone knew you were there so they would cower, or blend into the crowd as much as you possibly could until you could get back to your crew and have safety in numbers. 

So that was exactly what Carlos was doing, hiding within the crowd as he made his way from his mother’s manor to the other side of the Isle with hurried steps so no one had the chance to recognise him where Ursula’s fish and chip store was located. 

Though his name held weight with it, both from the insanity his mother had dissolved into and the recent growth in Uma’s name, and therefore his own. Though it had never been on his list of goals to be a recognisable figure on the Isle, rather sticking to the shadows as much as possible as he got by, he couldn’t say it was terrible to have an extra few seconds of hesitation when people ran into him and realised who he was. That didn’t mean he liked to hang around when he didn’t have the comfort of his allies. 

He had become quite skilled at avoiding unwanted eyes even though everything about his presence seemed to scream for them. From his pearly white hair to the red, black and white leather jacket he wore, in most cases, you would expect Carlos to stick out, but when on an Isle where almost every second person was wearing something similar it became easier. 

So Carlos believed that the surprise he felt as he was yanked from the street by the scruff of his jacket and pulled into one of the many backstreets was warranted, as well as the humiliating yelp that he let slip. Blind as to who had grabbed onto him, Carlos flailed his limbs around, trying to both hit his attacker and dislodge himself from their grip at the same time. It seemed nothing Carlos did work though as he was pulled further into the alleyway with only a grunt being pulled from the person who had dragged him.

It was only when a wickedly familiar laugh ran out around him, bouncing off the walls as Carlos was flipped around, his eyes landing on Harry Hook moments before he was slammed back, going crashing into the wall behind him as the air was knocked out of him and his vision went foggy for a few short moments. 

“What the hell, Harry?” Carlos spluttered once he was able to suck a proper breath of air into his lungs, his brows narrowing down into a glare as he did so. In the few years that Carlos had been aligned with Harry, he had become accustomed to his out-of-pocket actions, all of which were rough and without much warning, but that didn’t mean he favoured any of them. 

“Don’t act so surprised, Pup,” The nickname was whipped at him with a hiss, making him flinch back at the words. His reaction seemed to pull another laugh from Harry’s lips, knowing all the right ways on how to get under Carlos’ skin. Pulling Carlos from the wall and tucking him into his side with an arm hooked over his shoulders, Harry began to lead them in a new direction, helping them weave their way to whatever end destination Harry had in mind. “Uma wanted yer now and yer were takin’ too long to get yer boney arse over to the fish an’ chip shop. Someone had to come and get yer.”

“I was literally five minutes away. You’ve probably wasted more time going out of your way to do all this,” Carlos bit out, trying and failing to shoulder his side into Harry’s, the taller and bulkier simply smiling sharkishly down at him for his attempt. Though the two of them had come to tolerate one another, it didn’t mean Carlos could put up with him most days. “What’s so important anyway? Normally Uma would just scoff at me if I was late.”

“She wants the lot of us to go onto little ol’ Mal’s territory and stir up some trouble,” A bark of laughter shot out of Harry, echoing off the walls as if he were a hyena. It only worsened when he got a glance at Carlos’ face. “Don’t give me that look. We aren’t goin’ to kill anyone, just lightly wound. Besides, you’ll hopefully get to just sit pretty for us since Jay will be there.”

“What does Jay have anything to do with me being there,” Carlos grumbled, already feeling his face heat.

“Because that boy seems to be infatuated with yer,” There was an obvious amount of disgust in Harry’s words as he spoke, the ‘infatuation’ between the two bringing up vile into the back of Harry’s throat, the very idea of it being almost blasphemous. “Yer just have to bat yer eye and he’ll be rendered useless for a few minutes. Now come on, Gil and the others are goin’ to meet us there.”

Carlos wanted to say more, object to his words about Jay and even his presence at whatever this clash was meant to be, but instead swallowed his words and allowed Harry to pull him along. The best-case scenario was they didn’t run into Mal and her crew, or he was able to slip away when they did, hopefully, if Harry’s words were true, Jay would let him do so easily. Worst-case scenario Carlos was forced to fight and hopefully not get his arse kicked too much.

The closer the two of them got, the more Carlos doubted anything good would come from this. When they met up with Gil and some more of Uma’s crew it only solidified Carlos’ worse hopes. 

It didn’t take long to locate Mal, Jay and Evie, the three of them with some kids their age that Carlos hadn’t seen before, a rare occasion due to how small the Isle was. He was sure if he had learnt their names he would recognise them more easily. 

He didn’t pay attention to the words spoken between the two groups, his focus set on slipping away until his eyes landed on Jay. It seemed he had been staring at him since Carlos had first arrived since he seemed shocked that their eyes had finally met, his widening a little bit more. Taking him in quickly, Carlos seemed to notice every minor detail that made Jay up, seemed to not be able to pull his eyes away until someone’s fist came knocking into his arm, telling him to get ready.

That easily tore his eyes away, sending Carlos whirling back as he got prepared to back away. He didn’t mind if Jay noticed since he seemed to always have his eyes on him. It was the rest of the people he was met with that mattered. If someone on Mal’s side noticed him trying to dip out then they would surely point him out or try to go after him. If Harry or someone in Uma’s crew noticed they would either pull him back in or would make him pay for it later. Sneaking away had started to become more of a challenge than it had once been.

But as the VKs started getting fired up, each side only taunting the other more and getting ready to bring the worst out of one another, Carlos used this opportunity to slip away, making his moves quick and dashing as he slunk back, disappearing just before everything had gone to shit. 

Slipping in between buildings and reaching for a fire escape that was haphazardly attached to the brick wall, Carlos had all of seventeen seconds before two large hands were gripping his shoulders. A hiss was the first thing that escaped his lips as he tried craning his shoulder away from the hold as fingers dug into some newly arising bruises thanks to Harry. It only occurred to him that he should try and figure out who had grabbed him when both hands had quickly vanished, reattaching themselves lower and around his waist. 

“What are you-” Carlos cut himself off as he turned around, his eyes meeting with Jay’s almost instantly. Having to crane his neck back to meet his face, Carlos couldn’t help but stare as he felt the warmth from Jay’s hands spread across his midsection, almost burning. In a breathless whisper, Carlos said, “Jay.”

“Carlos,” Jay greeted with a nod. It looked as if his lips wanted to curve upwards but Jay had to stop himself. His hands didn’t leave their perch even as Carlos stared at him with questioning eyes. Jay should be worried that he was this close to Carlos since he was part of Uma’s crew, but he couldn’t help but not feel the slightest bit threatened as he stared into Carlos’ eyes. “Funny seeing you here. I thought you tended to keep your nose out of turf wars.”

“Normally I would,” Carlos agreed, his voice slightly spooked from the proximity, though he did nothing to change it. “You just happened to catch me at a bad time.”

“Really?” Jay asked, earning a hum in return. The white-haired boy seemed to almost lean into him as they stood close, breathing in each other's space. 

Jay had so much he wanted to say, words waiting to spill out of him as they burst at the seams. For someone he should’ve hated, Jay couldn’t help but be interested in the shorter stray. At every opportunity he would steal glances at him in the crowd, would purposely not start anything just so he could attempt to steal some moments with him, most of which didn’t work out.

He wanted to say more to Carlos but didn’t have the opportunity as some imploding voices rang out around them, silencing him.

“Where’s Carlos?”

“He must have gone after Jay since that meathead went missing.”

“If that’s the case then I’m sure we’re going to hear some very entertainin’ stories from the Pup when he gets back.”

Harry’s voice was easily recognisable, making Jay’s teeth grind together. They seemed to have a similar effect on Carlos as he took some hurried steps back, both hiding from the voice even though they were out of sight and dislodging him from Jay’s light hold. 

“I have to go,” The words rushed out of Carlos as he began looking for an escape room. Jay couldn’t help but wish he would stay longer. Once his eyes locked on a way out, he almost began running immediately, though he took a few seconds to turn to Jay, a half smile that looked both a little too strained but genuine. Carlos said before racing off, not waiting for Jay’s response, “I’ll see you around Jay. It was nice seeing you.”

“Bye Carlos,” Jay couldn’t help but whisper, a smile splitting across his face as he did so.

[stargirlwritingjourney]

Perfect Gossip Snack

Fandom: Outer Banks

Pairing: Rafe Cameron/JJ Maybank

Rating: General Audiences

Warning/Tag(s): No Archive Warnings Apply, Stealing food, Sharing food, Eavesdropping

Summary: While working an underpaid job for a bunch of Kooks, JJ runs into some familiar faces and can't help but listen in. But in true JJ fashion, his job isn't done till he's left his mark.

Event(s): @eclipsingbingo with 'sharing food' | @fandom-free-bingo with 'are you obsessed with me?'

Can be read here

JJ's shift had been dragging on for what felt like hours. Scratch that, it had been hours. Clocking on for work just as the sun had begun rising and still working the same tables even though it was well-passed lunch made JJ question whether the extra cash was worth it.

Working for Kooks wasn't much of a bonus, not when they saw the ratty kid that he was and either turned their nose up at him, used him as an example for their children who were at least half his age, or tried to take him under their wings as if they were teaching him something. Though those Kooks were the ones who normally tipped a bit extra.

Checking the clock hooked onto the wall as he passed, JJ snatched a quick glimpse at the time. Finding himself with less than an hour left of his shift before he can make his way off Figure Eight and back to the Cut so he can relax for the remainder of the day.

But just as he was about to make his way past a table assigned to one of his coworkers and into the kitchen where he could waste a few minutes as he pretended to gather plates of food, he heard the whiny voice of someone familiar.

"She's your sister, Rafe," A voice he had been hoping to not hear for another good few months muttered in a defeated slum to the boy sitting across from him. Just the sound of his voice made JJ come to a halt, trying to make it look as natural as possible as he looked over at the table. "Can't you talk to her or something for me?"

"She likes you a lot more than she's ever liked me," Rafe responded to Topper's dejected stare, holding a laugh within his lips at all the fuss over his sister. JJ didn't know whether or not he should be surprised at the sight of the two being this was a Kook restaurant. Or perhaps he just couldn't believe how much bad luck he had."Just talk to her man, then you'll know there's no real fuss over John B."

"You're probably right," Topper agreed, taking a quick sip of his drink. The hand he used to lift his drink quickly came up to his temple, giving it a small rub as if just the thought of John B was giving him a headache. "I just can't understand what's so special about him to begin with."

"You know what Pogues are like," Rafe once again reassured, looking as if the conversation was boring him. "John B just happens to be one of the luckier ones."

"Couldn't help but notice you were talking about my boy over here," JJ proudly announced his presence, throwing all caution to the wind as he drew a seat over from an empty table and stationed it at Rafe and Topper's. Taking a heavy seat, he grins at the both of them, revelling in the disgusted looks that were thrown his way by the two. "You don't mind if I join this little chat, right?"

His face was one of innocence as he waited for a response. His eyes were wide, attempting to oversell himself though it only made him look more ridiculous.

Topper was gearing up to reject JJ's presence. His eyes flashed down to the uniform he was wearing and a foul twist of words sitting on his tongue ready to be spat. Rafe, however, beat him to it. With his lips quirking up and a shift in his seat so he was leaning back, Rafe said, "I don't see any harm in that. Maybe Maybank can give you some inside info, Topper."

"Maybe," Topper agreed, though he looked as if he had just eaten some mouldy bread, akin to what JJ had to eat that morning, and sitting near JJ was the last place he wanted to be. "So what do you have to say?"

"Say about what?" JJ questioned as if he hadn't been listening in to their conversation for the last few minutes.

"About Sarah and John B," Topper stated as if it was obvious. There was an exaggerated roll of his eyes that had his whole head spinning with them. "They've been hanging out more, haven't they? I can never get ahold of her because she's too busy running off with him."

"Oh, yeah, Sarah's 'round all the time," JJ grinned, a smile similar to the Chesire cats as he saw the disdain flash across Topper's face. It may have been a small lie, JJ never actually saw the girl but he knew John B was out and about with her, though Topper didn't need to know that. "I'm surprised they haven't completely skipped the talking stage and gone straight to third base now that she's dumped you. You'd think they would've with how they act around each other."

A sharp inhale through Topper's nose only widened JJ's grin as his head whipped around to face Rafe.

"I told you so," Topper hissed, annoyance clear on his face as he almost urgently whispered the words out as if JJ couldn't hear them. "She's already cozied up next to John B."

"Hey relax," Rafe tried to intervene, shooting JJ a look to tell him that he wasn't helping.

"Yeah, relax," JJ parroted his words, leaning a hand forward to quickly grab at a few of the fries on Rafe's plate. He was just quick enough to avoid being slapped on the wrist for his efforts. Waving the chips around as he spoke, JJ said, "They aren't together yet. You still have time to slither your way back in."

"Do you do this with all of your customers?" Rafe questioned, waiting for an answer from JJ and only continuing when all he got in return was a quirk of one of his brows. "Invite yourself over and then steal the food they've paid good money for?"

Eyes crinkling at the sides as he spoke with a smile, JJ teased, "Only the ones I like best."

Rafe seemed as if he was going to say more, his jaw tightening for half a second as he eyed JJ's face but was beaten to it before any words could even leave his mouth.

"JJ, stop slacking off just because you've been on your feet for a few hours," His boss's voice rang across the room, alerting him that his couple minutes chatting up the Kooks had gone noticed. "Do something productive for the last few minutes you're working."

"Yes sir," JJ jokingly saluted as he stood to his feet and quickly tucked the chair back to its rightful table. Turning back to his lovely guests, JJ couldn't help but snatch up a few more fries, daring as much to dip them in the sauce that Rafe had. Flicking it towards the blonde's face, a few droplets flying and smacking against him, JJ bid his farewell, not without having to hear Topper's distant call for more answers as he walked away, "I'll catch you two another day. It was fun talking about Topper's obsession with John B. Or maybe his obsession with me since John B just does everything I do but in a less cool manner. Are you obsessed with me Topped?"

[stargirlwritingjourney]

A Pearls Home

Fandom: House of the Dreagon

Pairing: Aemond "One-Eye" Targaryen/Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warning/Tag(s): No Archive Warnings Apply, Formal Wear, Necklaces, Gift Giving

Summary: Forced to leave Driftmark with his family for a banquet at Kings Landing. Upon waiting for the feast to start, Lucerys tries to steal a few moments for himself, though he isn't left alone for long.

Event(s): @eclipsingbingo with 'formal wear'

Can be read here

Lucerys stood before a mirror, staring at his reflection as a boy wearing a similar face to his stared back. The boy across from him looked similar, but there was a vast number of differences that Lucerys could pick out.

For starters, the curls on his head seemed to be more tamed, decorated with a glinting gilded touch whereas normally they would be allowed to coil freely; his once rosy cheeks had paled upon arriving at the castle whose walls currently surrounded him; lastly, his clothes had been swapped. What would normally be the leathers of his riding gear or the soft fabrics of his clothes had been swapped for silks of deep blood red that spilled over his body.

The boy who was staring back at him was every part the Prince he was supposed to be while the bastard he knew and was so familiar with got hidden away for the night.  

Lucerys wouldn’t go as far to say he was unrecognisable, having spent too much of his life fretting in front of a mirror over his brown hair not to become accustomed to his looks, but the person staring back at him was a surly different image to anything he had been comfortable with in the past.

It was only when Lucerys heard the soft tapping of knocks at his door did he got drawn from his thoughts. Turning his head slowly, Lucerys half expected a servant to be peeking their head in and calling upon him, instead, he was met with the closed door and the impatient taps that followed once he didn’t hurry over to open the door of his chambers.

“I’ll only be a moment,” Lucerys called out, putting an end to any further knocks that would disturb his peace. Turning his head to take one last look in the mirror and drink his reflection in, Lucerys sharply turned and made his way over to his chamber door, swinging it open with a question on the tip of his tongue, “How can I help… you. Qybor?”

"Taoba," Aemond greeted as he stood within the doorway of Lucerys temporary accommodation. Regarding his white-haired uncle with a raised chin, Lucerys steeled any nerves that flared up within him, a sight that didn't go unnoticed by Aemond as his pale eyes scanned over Lucerys features like a hawk. "I assume you've been taking your duties on Driftmark rather seriously taking your absence from the last family gathering."

"Yes, I-" Lucerys cut himself off as Aemond easily pushed himself into Lucerys room, making himself comfortable in the space. Swallowing the previous words he was about to utter, Lucerys took on a different approach as he continued, "I've been keeping myself busy. If I may ask, why is it that you've utilised your time to come and visit me?"

"I have come bearing gifts," Aemond started, a knowing smile on his face as he saw an excited glint spark to life in Lucerys eyes, his interest peaked as he made his way back over to his mirror, right next to where Aemond had stationed himself. "Your time away has been long and I believed your return deserved a welcoming gift."

"What did you get me?" Lucerys could hardly contain himself, craning his head back so he could meet his eye. Aemon took his time strolling over, a hand tucking into a hidden pocket of the elegant fabrics that lined his body. He didn't seem to move quick enough though as Lucerys spoke in another rush of tongues, "Come on Qybor, show me what it is."

With the grace that his mother had taught him, and with no increased haste, Aemond pulled a string of delicate pearls from his pocket and held it up so Lucerys could get a proper glance at it. With a hand reaching out to trail soft fingers across it, Lucerys stared at the necklace with his mouth slightly agape.

Each pearl had a unique shape, threaded closely together with a silver clasp to make up the jewellery. Balancing the deepsea pieces in the palm of his hand, the ends of it still clutched in Ameonds own, Lucerys did nothing but stare, all words leaving his throat.

Amused by the sight, to move the process along, Aemond placed a hand on the small of Lucerys back, gently pushing him towards his mirror while he was entranced by the piece. With his face flashing back at him, Lucerys eyes never left the necklace as Aemond pulled it from his grasp, unclasping it and pulling it up to his neck.

They were cold to the touch as they wrapped around Lucerys neck, Aemond pulling them taught as he linked the two ends together, letting it settle there in its new home. Again, a hand shot up to toy at the pearls, twirling them this way and that as Lucerys took them in from every angel.

Returning one hand to the small of Lucerys back, Aemond brought the other to the side of Lucerys head, pulling him closer for a smidgen of a second to place a kiss on the crown of his head, watching him shamelessly as Lucerys continued to admire his gift. "Welcome home, my zaldrīzes."