#//i could be normal or i could continue to torment our muses

[writermuses]

Lale heard her phone chime and knew it was a text from Raleigh, but it hadn't crossed her mind that he might see the name in her phone: Hayatımın Aşkı. To Lily, it would've looked no different than a person's name in her phone. To Lale, it exposed just how stagnant she had been since she'd run away. She didn't know when she started to silently cry again, but she had to wipe off the screen as she scrolled passed each album; adroitly curated with titles and dates. "There's a lot. I saved everything I could."

There wasn't much she spent extra money on, but her cloud storage was one. She never wanted to lose the pictures and knew how easy that would be with physical pictures or videos saved solely to her phone or computer. "I can share them in order one by one. Then, you can ask me all the questions, or I can just share them all at once? Which would you prefer?" While she waited for his decision she opened the oldest album, "I only had a prepaid phone when I took some of these. The quality isn't so great. It gets better after a few months though, before Lily was born." She'd been given a spare older iPhone from a program helping young mothers and a coworker had helped her pay for the plan until she'd landed her job. There were many people along the way that helped her for Lily's sake, usually older and from her job.

The fist album were pictures of the sonogram scans, a grainy audio of the Lily's heartbeat that she'd used the doctor's phone to leave as a voicemail, then recorded the voicemail to her new phone. Lale didn't do it for herself, she'd always had Raleigh in mind; even if she didn't know when she'd pluck up the courage to tell him. There were only a few of her pregnant, and the vast majority of that first album were of little Lily screaming and kicking and filthy; and beautiful. Ten perfect fingers and ten perfect toes, all theirs. "The books said that babies don't smile until they're a month and a half or older, but she smiled all the time immediately." Lale could still remember crying her eyes out the first time she'd seen that smile, his smile, and when she'd reached for her prepaid phone to call him it was dead and once she'd charged it she'd used all the minutes just to get to the hospital. So she continued waiting for the right time, which never came.

Her touch is just as electric as it was at the simple graze of their hands mere hours ago, fingertips on his skin sending his heart into overdrive because there is a fundamental truth alongside the hurt and the anger: he has missed her. Isn't that why this hurts so much? Isn't that why the idea of Lale not trusting him, her not wanting to build this life together, stings? He has more questions about that, too, but it is impossible to wrap his mind around the thought of what Lily has to endure the following day. "Okay," he says nodding as a shaky breath is exhaled through his lips. Just the media that started the day was exhausting enough on its own, but Raleigh feels like he has lived a whole day since this morning. If he had known the rest of it would be spent at the hospital, he would have worn something more comfortable than his stiff jeans and the dark blue oxford with its sleeves pushed up to his elbows. His jersey was shed sometime between the first time he stepped out from Lily's makeshift room and when he returned later.

With his thoughts racing, a lot of her words float over his head, but Raleigh finds himself nodding as if he has the capacity to take in any new information at the moment. "What?" He says, looking at her phone for only a moment before handing it over. "Of her? Yes." Shoulders straighten as he sits taller. "Can I--can I see them?" The fluorescent lights do nothing to ease the tears prickling his eyes, but Raleigh blinks hard, sniffling as his free hand comes to rest on his knee. "All of them. As many as you have. I still have the number you gave me earlier, but you should have mine." His number is the same, but Raleigh has had enough heartbreak for one day that he can't bring himself to ask if she still has it. He isn't sure which answer would be worse anyway. "Here." With his hand free, he slips his phone from his pocket and sends her saved number a text with his name.

[elysians-adventures]

My Muse

Chapter 5: 𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐬

➺ Cat's out the bag.

Elliott has met the new farmer, and quickly becomes infatuated. He attempts to keep his focus on his writing-- and fails, over and over, rather becoming a lovesick poet.

Pairing: Elliott x Farmer!Fem!Reader

➺ previous chapter masterpost next chapter

WARNING: NON CON, MASTURBATION, GENERAL NSFW

A one note lullaby seized the air

 

permeating;

 

Singing senses as my darling yearns. 

 

Forever gone the melody of my solus 

 

Rather a new sol takes stage, two dancers. 

 

One. 

 

Helios: together we embraced in pleinair,

 

receding;

 

my dear Camille Monet.

 

He set down his pen, satisfied. He gazed at you, sitting behind him. Just like a doll, he smiled. His beautiful little doll.

 

“Read this one out darling, see how you like it.”

 

 ----

 

The writer watched you intently sowing the seeds. He gazed at every curve that embellished your beguiling body–  how the denim pressed themselves against your thighs so obscenely. The air was mixed with an aroma of stillwater from the pond, the earthy scent from the ground, and you. He couldn't pinpoint if you had a fragrance akin to a honeysuckle or if it was just his colourful imagination.

 

You worked carefully at the soil, your hands skimming the accumulation you had made from the trowel. He desperately wished those hands were exploring his body, carving out every ridge and fissure he had. He wanted you to wrap yourself around him, as he ran his fingers through your hair.

 

Fingers… What was he feeling on his fingers? This slimy, light touch? Elliott glanced down, and to his horror (and fault) a worm had been cheekily making its way up his finger. The slimy beast had so callously attacked him when he was most vulnerable! He flicked the insect off, deciding that staying crouched over the dirt– hands planted in the soil, wasn't the best position to adore you in. 

 

He was aware that his train of thought had been getting stranger day by day, though he wouldn't want to stray from this newfound normality he found in you. Finally, he could have frequent conversations– no longer tormented by his thoughts. 

 

The pair of you found yourselves labouring over the wet soil; Elliott taking over the kale as you planted the potatoes. There weren't many, but it still took a while as you found that the writer wasn't someone with a green thumb. Not that you could complain, really. Any help was wanted.

 

"Wait, Elliott! You have to make a small hole before you plant it. I think, at least. Here, take this," you swiftly handed him a trowel, noticing that the first few seeds he had sowed were above the dirt. Your own potato seeds were housed cosily into the fertile earth, their position indicated by a miniscule mound.

A light red adorned his pale cheeks, his green eyes glancing away in shame at his failure of a simple task;

"Apologies, not really the farming type…" He rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment, taking the trowel from your hands. His fingers grazed your own, Elliott tensing himself.

 

There was a silence between the two of you as you worked, only the sounds of hard breathing prevalent– and the animals' song in the background. This lasted for a few moments, before Elliott inspired:

"We plant new seeds in our soul," the bachelor began, in a mutter. You stayed quiet, but looked at him in confusion.

"Digging out holes, to shed our tropes… hm… digging out holes, to bury our tropes. The cold sun kissing my leave. And a new leaf… unaware, emerging."

 

"Is this how you write poetry?" You question, snapping him out stupor as he crouched over a pit continually patting down the soil until it could be compressed no more. He fixed his gaze upon you, with a lovelorn smile. You couldn’t help redirect your eyes elsewhere, his eyes were too…  too passionate. Has he always looked at you in such a way?

 

"No, not usually. I've just been feeling more motivated than usual these days, words flow into my mind like water," The man stood up, dusting off the dirt specks that had attached like velcro to his jacket. Taking out the emerald ribbon in his ponytail, his ginger locks fell once again on his shoulders. He brought out the notepad you had first seen him using when you met him, scribbling away with a biro. 

 

You had finished planting, and assumed the rain from this morning would suffice as watering: you wouldn't want to overwater the seeds. Mimicking his movements, you dusted off dirt and checked your hair, then approached the bachelor, leaning  over his shoulder to read his poem. 

Unlike the man’s nature that you knew, he snapped the notebook shut, looking at you in accusing silence. 

 

"I can't look?"

 

"No, not yet, at least. I'm… it's messy, and I wouldn't want people to see it."

Honestly, you didn't understand the writer's perspective on the subject– yet you dropped it either way. With a shrug of your shoulders, you beckoned him over to the small cabin you called a home. 

He escorted you briskly, pocketing the precious book back. Maybe when he wasn't looking, you'd snoop through it… then again, you wanted to respect his privacy. 

 

The afternoon light glistened through the misted windows of your cabin, warming the wooden planks that covered the floor. You stepped in the makeshift ‘kitchen’ (which was really a gas stove and a sink gifted from Robin), pouring water into a kettle and switching the gas on. The house was bare, as you moved in a week ago, with few things to your name. An old TV, whose channels barely worked apart from the news and some odd fortune telling channel; a set of a table and chairs, carved from mahogany. They were sitting there before you even moved in– you assumed it was your grandfather’s old furniture. Your bed was probably your most prized possession, allowing you to rest after a long day of work. So, you decided to bestow the privilege of sitting on your bed to your precious helper.

 

“Sit anywhere, I don’t mind. The chairs are a bit on the hard side, so you can stay on my bed for a bit.” You decided not to comment nor apologise on the emptiness of your abode, considering how Elliott’s cabin much resembled your own. He took you up on your offer, the memory mattress sinking underneath his weight. 

 

He was hot, the creeping sensation crawling up his spine. The poet wasn't sure whether it was from all the working, the kettle's steam, or how you tied your hair up in a ponytail– the shortest strands you couldn't tie bouncing down your face. Perhaps it was a combination of all, shaking his cotton jacket off his shoulders. Turning away from him, you earned him some relief from the suffocating warmth, the kettle hissed vehemently– deafening his thoughts. He still beheld you, his eyes sparkling, imagining how silky your hair would feel in his hands. Would you like it if he combed through it? Or brushed it out with the beds of his fingers? As if clockwork, his mind began to wander. 

 

You'd be looking up at him, with your big innocent eyes, mouth slightly ajar for him. Your small hands would twist and pull at the fabric of his pants with a sense of urgency, impatient. He'd have his hand entwined in your hair, massaging your scalp, coaxing you to wait a little longer. Elliott himself wouldn't be able to, unable to resist, palming himself with his free hand. He watched you situated between his legs, slowly prying at the zip. 

Your hair is soft and tousled, the ponytail you'd have done in a rush reflecting in the dim sunlight of the cabin.  He pulls at it, a light warning to be patient (Yoba knows he'll do it again). He wanted to go at his own pace, languidly massaging his clothed cock before he unzips it– freeing it from his shorts. 

 

With trembling lips, you'd place kisses on the tip of his swollen cock, smearing the precum around with your tongue. He bucks into you at the sudden pressure, tightening the grip on your hair. You like it, you love it, mewling against his length. It twitches in response, a cue for you to continue. He continued to watch you from above, admiring how relaxed you looked– for your first time. He'd be your first time. You suck and lick, lapping up his precum with your tongue. He'd soon grow tired, watching you only tease the pink head with your shy lips– he wanted more. You were quick on the uptake, you always were. 

 

A slew of praises fall out of his mouth as you begin to take him, slowly, as if a mockery to the time you had to endure before. Your soft lips would envelop his length, sectioning your cheeks to provide him full coverage. It felt wet, dirty, and wonderful. Moaning against you, he moves the hand that had previously been on your head to the back of your neck, pinching it with his palm.

 

Elliot revels in the way you wouldn't be able to take him at once, you were a virgin, of course you were. He guides you, gently adding pressure on your head to move deeper. You obey, like a dog, your tongue rubbing up and down. You were so pretty in this position, he'd be sure to reward you later. You increase the speed, Elliott bucking his hips into your mouth as spit bubbled against the friction. You moan against his cock, perhaps as a plea to breathe– and he complies, with a ‘pop’ your mouth and his cock would separate, a string of saliva hanging off the head. He massages your head, “ Good girl. ” 

His cock twitches as it's exposed to the cool of the cabin, stroking himself leisurely using your spit as lubrication; only the tremble in his fingers reveals his desperation. 

 

He could cum right now, staining your pretty face with warm cum. You look at him through your wet eyelashes, dripping mouth coming up once more to please him. He could use you right now. Though, Elliott pushes it back down, committed to his new plan. 

“ Open ,” He drawls, his voice deep. It seems his verdant eyes are looking straight through you, using you as a means to an end. 

 

And you'd stay there, sweat glittering off your forehead as he continued to stroke himself with an increasing intensity. You would kiss the head occasionally, when he allows you, but you'd mostly watch him– feeling the tightening grip on your hair. He shivers at your moans, pulling at his hardened cock more and more. Your mouth was wide open, heeding his command. To alleviate yourself you grinded against the wooden floor of the cabin, ogling at the sight in front of you. 

He was close, the haggard breaths alongside the sloppy sounds of his hands connecting with his cock– the saliva dripping off him. 

 

“ So close… ” your head was pushed closer to the head of his cock, the ginger haired man gazing at you as he–

 

Click .

 

At the same time as the kettle switched off, he unceremoniously rose to his feet, shoving his hands in his pockets. You seemed too absorbed in your task to notice the bulge, thankfully. 

“Water's done!” You hummed, pivoting on the heel of your foot. So oblivious.

“Hm,” He muttered in a hoarse tone, “where's the bathroom?” Elliott had examined the farmland previously, he knew where it was. Just less than a few steps away from the house, on the right, behind the little garden. 

“Just out there, behind the garden,” you pointed in its general direction, though there was no window facing it to prove your indication. The water hit the two mugs quietly, a small tea bag placed in each of them. Truthfully, you weren't sure what the flavour of tea was. Elliott seemed to be happy with anything.

 

“Thanks.”

 

As the door shut, you watched after him. Only now had you realised that he had left his coat behind on your bed, where he had left that little poem he was so ashamed of. 

 

 

 

He rushed to the outdoor toilet, slamming shut the door of the wooden cubicle. The outdoor toilet was small, barely containing Elliott's tall figure. A dark blush painted his pale cheeks, hidden shamefully by his palm. His green eyes stared through the floor, contrite of his earlier thoughts. After all, Leah just said not to send letters. She never mentioned thinking about you. He found himself playing with the button of his pants as he reasoned with himself, yes, she had never said anything about that. 

 

Elliott repositioned himself above the toilet seat (closed, thankfully), unbuttoning his pants carefully. In contrast, he rushed to pull his boxers to his mid-thigh– grabbing the shaft of his cock. Precum had accumulated as he thought about you in that ethereal position: only you could make him like this. Leave all reason behind to chase after a carnal desire. The pressure left him sensitive, a scowl playing on his features as he tried not to moan. He didn't realise how painfully horny he was in that cabin, stuck with you. 

 

He tries to remember the scene of how you clung to him, stretching himself out in the cabin, legd and arms splayed using his elbow as rest. 

“Fuck,” he muttered spitting into his hand, stroking himself with newfound desire. A coarse groan tore through his throat in relief, he couldn't contain himself. He tried to imagine your small hands wrapped around his length, your breath against him.  He imagined the featherlight touch of your fingertips. His cock twitched, and he began stroking harder, faster. His stomach clenched at the impending orgasm, tightening the grip around his cock. Half lidded eyes stared right down, pretending that you were the one pleasuring him. 

 

“Elliott,” you whisper, cocking your head innocently, “I love you.” You kiss the pink head, swirling your tongue around it.

It becomes too much, and the dam breaks. He trembles– pushing against the wood of the toilet, afraid he might break it against his force. He doesn't bother muffling the sounds coming out his mouth, a profession of his love.

“ Y/N, fuck– my darling, my love–”  His voice cracks.

He'd accepted it. He throws his head back, beads of sweat seeping into his ginger hair. Hot cum spurts across his hand and wall, his mind going blank at the intensity of the climax. His fingers continue to gingerly graze his cock, revelling in the slight overstimulation. 

 

It takes a moment for him to recover, fatigued breaths filling the damp air. Glancing at the evidence on the wall, an embarrassment filled him. He needed tissue, blindly grabbing at the rolls on a small ledge. Nothing. An irritated breath escapes him, he flicks the specks of cum that coat his fingers and tries to rub the excess against the wood wall--to no avail. A light film had dried over his palm, he had to go back inside to grab some paper. The short walk back was peaceful, birds’ songs lost in the soft whisper of the breeze. Nevertheless, shameful to an extent. What a waste, he mused (lifting his fingers to his mouth), it'd look better in your mouth.  

 

You didn't notice him opening the door, standing over his coat with his book in your hand. Ire coated his face, glaring daggers through you. Your shoulders shook, how cute. Were you scared? A sudden desire overtook him once more: he wanted to see you beg. After all, his novel would need begging victims– crying to the detective for help. You simply served as a reference. 

 

 

 

“Hm,” a devious grin etched itself on your face, gently settling the kettle down back on the mahogany table. For a second, the guilt of peering into his personal space flickered through you, but you were quick to push it down. The red coat was heavy, as you shook it you heard sounds of various different objects. The clinking of keys, jingle of coins, and the light thud of a book. Swiftly, you dove into the endless pockets, finding the leather bound notebook tucked safely in the inside pocket. 

It wasn't your fault he had left his belongings so brazenly out in the open, especially when you had taken an interest in it. They were so temptingly exposed it was barely your fault. If anything, you reasoned, it could be considered a lesson. A light smile continued to dance on your lips as you pried the notebook open. Flicking through the book proved fruitless, most of the writing illegible or too verbose. A faint creak echoed .

You had skimmed through the beginning of the book, only finding ideas for a noir novel. However, you had stumbled upon an captivating piece of text– it seemed to be his most recent poem that he was muttering before. 

 

We plant new seeds fruits in our souls

Digging out holes to bury our tropes

In fertile soil seeding our reprieve

The cold sun kissing my leave

And a new leaf

Unaware, emerging.

 

You're the sun, longing:

Worship the way you tend to my garden

With a flourishing love, evergreen, and naive.

Bursts.

A loose love that blooms resilient. 

 

Dread filled you. Some had thought of you as thick, sure, foolish, sure– but even you knew the implications of this poem. You recognized the writing style, and it clawed at your composure, unnoticed like the tremble in your hands or the thud of the notebook hitting the floor.

Turning away wasn't an option; fear glued you in place. From your bones to your fingertips, regret oozed, you knew you shouldn't have opened this book. It was like Pandora's box, and you could feel a piercing gaze bore through the back of your skull. The door must've been opened whilst you were searching; the cold light of the sun basking in the darkness of the cabin. You could see the dust particles that surrounded you, moving with a freedom unknown to you. Funny how everything could seem so bleak suddenly.

 

“Looking through my stuff, Y/N?” Elliott's voice was chuck full of spite as it sliced through the silence, his usual upbeat tone desecrated into a bitter and hateful one. You hadn't noticed how he towered over you, your petite stature making you resemble a small mouse in the jaws of a predator. You hadn't noticed how he grabbed your chin, twisting your head to face him. 

 

“Aren't you a bad girl?” He whispered into your ear. The glint in his eye had long since disappeared, his eyes curving into a cutting glower.

 

“Elliott, so… it was you that sent me all those freakish letters– all those–!” You couldn't help but notice how his hand smelled musky, a slight stickiness still coating the fingers that grazed your cheek. Feet scraped the floor as the poet pushed you against the nearest wall, blocking you against his body. His hair followed him, weightless, catching the sun's reflection. If it were not for the situation at hand, you'd have thought of him as charming in the way his confident smile curled on his mouth. 

He pulled you in for a kiss, you resisted, but your strength faltered against his. His lips were soft. His tongue was invading. His hands roaming. It all left you breathless, tears pricking your eyes. Again, you attempted to defy him– in response a strong hand jumped up to your throat. This isn't how you imagined it would go. Your hands leapt to his ginger hair, trying to pull it to heave him away from you. It was fruitless, rather leaving the man moaning against your lips. 

“Y/N,” he purred against your ear– he seemed desperate, unable to decide where to place his mouth. He decided on the nape of your neck, sucking. You tried to scream, but you were quickly muffled by his free hand– the strength in which he pressed it felt like it would leave bruises. The poet glared at you from below, leaving your neck with a quiet pop. 

 

“Y/N,” his fingers moved from covering your mouth to playing with your bottom lip, “be good for me, will you?” 

All the greats used their lovers as muses: Dante, Michelangelo, Picasso. 

You whimpered in response– rather, in fear. Completely paralysed, you could only hope that he'd come to his senses. This was a complete 180 to what he presented himself as less than an hour ago. Had it all been a facade? You wished that you never came to this hellhole, you never left Zuzu. That sunset hadn't been worth it. 

 

“ Y/N? ” An unfamiliar voice called out.

And summer’s lease hath all too short a date;

[just-another-blog-of-fluff]

A Duel Between Brothers

Word count: 2750

Ok, so this one is one I started months ago, even before most of the other fics I've written, but I never finished it. I just randomly got inspired to finally write the ending. Hope it came out alright!

This one guest stars Thor (trying to write for some other characters here and there!)

* * *

All you had wanted was to sit quietly and watch some TV. Simple, really.

You didn’t expect to walk in on a full-on brawl between the two Asgardian brothers. If you could call it that, really.

You had been making your way down to the common area in the tower when you heard the shouting. At first you were concerned someone was in the process of being beaten to death, the yelling was so loud. Then you noticed the booming laughter strewn throughout the shouts, and you breathed a sigh of relief. Just the boys again… you thought, slowly approaching the doorway to the common area.

Thor and Loki often fought with one another, so this didn’t really come as a surprise to you. What you didn’t expect was to find Loki pinning his brother to the floor, Thor’s laughter echoing through the room as Loki tickled him mercilessly. The sight was sort of adorable.

“It’s not as enjoyable as it was when we were children when you are on the receiving end, now, is it brother?” Loki taunted. Thor reached up to shove his brother off, but Loki was agile, his fingers darting under the elder brother’s arms so he’d clamp them down at his sides.

You felt heat prickle in your cheeks as you stood quietly in the doorway. You were quite ticklish yourself, although no one in the tower was privy to that information just yet. It was unclear whether you were happy or disappointed by this – you actually enjoyed being tickled, in a fun, playful, sometimes flirty way. You also had a weird tendency to feel ‘sympathy ticklish’ when you saw someone else being tickled. Of course, these weren’t things you wanted to openly admit. So, you tried to stay out of the way in the rare instances you came across a tickle fight such as this in the tower.

After watching for a few moments, you already felt tingles on your sides and a small smile growing on your face. You turned to walk back out of the room quietly before the boys noticed your presence. Unfortunately, you’d waited just a moment too long.

“Lady Y/N! Plehehease! I-I require assistance!” Thor begged. You stopped dead in your tracks and spun back around to find both Thor and Loki’s eyes on you. Loki had let up on his brother for a moment as he observed you with a questioning look.

“Oh, uh… I don’t want to get in the middle of this. Sorry Thor, you’re on your own,” you stammered, remaining at a safe distance in the doorway.

“Were you planning to use the common room, Y/N? Please, don’t feel you need to leave on our accord,” Loki insisted, resuming his attack. You took a few gradual steps into the room, unsure how best to proceed from here. If you appeared too anxious and left, surely, you’d give yourself away. If you stayed, you’d have to watch the boys fighting, and your expression may also give you away. You opted for a sort of in-between option for now, standing a few feet away from the brothers but not yet making yourself comfortable.

“Are you sure I won’t be in the way?” you asked timidly, though loudly enough to be heard over Thor’s boisterous laughter.

“Please. Sit down. Pay us no mind,” Loki insisted, conversing casually as if he wasn’t currently torturing his brother. Reluctantly, you sat gingerly on the couch and picked up the remote to turn on the TV.

You couldn’t bring yourself to relax into the couch cushions, so you sat unmoving while trying to avoid looking at the brothers on the floor a few feet away. You couldn’t help but steal an occasional glance at the pair. It was taking everything you had not to start giggling nervously as you watched Loki tormenting his brother. You could only imagine what it would be like if you were in Thor's position...

“Were you planning to use the remote? Or were you simply hoping the television would magically turn itself on?” Loki asked, jerking you from your thoughts.

“What?” You looked down at the remote in your hand, still unused. “Oh. Yes. I was going to watch some TV.”

“You seem a bit… uneasy,” Loki noted, finally releasing his brother as he turned his full attention to you.

“Brother, you will pay for-“ Thor was silenced before he could finish his threat as Loki held his hand up, silencing him.

“What do you mean?” you asked innocently.

“You clearly seem distracted by something. Normally you’re shoving people out of the way to get to the remote to watch your silly reality television programs, but today you seem to have forgotten how to turn the television on. And you’re stiff as a post.” His eyes narrowed a bit as he tried to analyze your expression, and you felt a blush creeping up your neck.

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about, Loki. I’m fine.” You leaned back against the couch cushions to prove your point and propped your feet up on the coffee table, aiming the remote at the TV. Before you could press the ‘on’ button, Loki stepped between you and the cable box, a slow smirk spreading across his lips.

“Tell me, Y/N… are you ticklish?” Your eyes widened for a moment, almost imperceptibly, at the unexpected question. Quickly, though, you tried to regain your composure, clearing your throat, and steeling yourself.

“No, Loki. What would make you think that?” you inquired, fighting to hide the smile that was tugging at the corners of your mouth.

“You’re not exactly subtle, darling.” The mischievous glint in his eye made you jumpy, and you slowly rose to your feet to move away from the advancing Asgardian. “For one, you’ve been blushing furiously since entering the room to find me torturing my brother. And that is only after you attempted to leave before we noticed your presence.” He started to take a few steps toward you as you slowly backed away, cursing your face for having betrayed you. “In addition, you’re already attempting to hide what I assume to be your most vulnerable areas,” he gestured at your arms folded across your ribs, which you promptly lowered to your sides. Your back suddenly met the cold plaster of the wall, and you mentally cursed yourself for literally backing yourself into a corner.

“I-I really think you’re o-overanalyzing this, Loki… you’re just being r-ridiculous,” you insisted, pressing yourself flat against the wall as Loki blocked your exit, placing a hand against the wall on either side of your head.

“Oh, am I?” His face was now only inches away from yours as his impish smirk continued to grow bigger. “Well, darling – there’s only one way to find out.”

Without any additional warning, he brought his hands down to latch onto your sides. The suddenness of his movement made you shriek as you grabbed hold of his wrists. He kept his fingers still, pressing just gently enough into your skin to set your nerves on fire.

"Wait, wait, wait! C-can't we talk about this?" you asked nervously, the god leering down at you with an evil grin on his face. He applied just a bit more pressure with his fingers, causing your breath to hitch in your throat.

"Any last words?" Loki asked, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

"I- eep!!" You opened your mouth to respond, but he suddenly began kneading his fingers into the soft skin of your sides, causing you to squeal and begin giggling rapidly. Your knees buckled as your muscles weakened with laughter, and you slid down the wall as you sank to the floor.

“Oh no, you’re not going to escape that easily,” Loki teased, halting his attack to scoop you up off the floor and carry you over to the couch, holding fast despite your thrashing.

“Whyhyhy?!” you cried, still giggling from the residual ticklish tingles in your sides and the giddiness you felt at suddenly being swept up into Loki’s arms. “What did I do to you??”

“God of Mischief, darling,” Loki mused, dropping you unceremoniously on the couch you’d been seated on when this all began. Before you could move to escape, he planted himself down on your legs to keep you from kicking him as he dug his fingers into your sides once again. You batted at his hands with your own, trying to cover your weak spots as best as possible. “Now, Y/N, you’re making this difficult. Thor, a little assistance here please?”

“Certainly, brother!” Thor obliged, grasping your wrists and pinning them above your head, leaving you feeling even more vulnerable to Loki’s ticklish onslaught.

“Thohohor! Why are you helping him??” you pleaded, tugging at your arms to no avail.

“I apologize, Lady Y/N, but you should have assisted me when I requested your help,” Thor replied, his tone somber but his eyes bright with amusement. “In addition, you are adorably ticklish!” You groaned, your face burning even more, if that were even possible.

“Now then, tell me – where else are you 'not' ticklish?” Loki queried, moving his torturous fingers to your belly without awaiting an answer. You shrieked and squirmed a bit harder, which Loki turned into a game, moving both hands to one side and then rapidly switching to the other when you twisted and exposed yourself. “You’re not doing a very good job maintaining your blatant lies, Y/N.”

“OKAHAHAHAY! I’m ticklihihish! You wihihin!” you implored.

“Yes, I believe we’ve established that, thank you,” Loki replied sarcastically. “I’m having too much fun now to let you off that easily. Where was it you were trying to hide? Oh yes, I remember!” He dug his fingers into your ribs and your laughter grew more desperate, your muscles turning to jelly as he spidered up and down your ribcage.

Meanwhile, you felt another five fingers start scratching underneath one of your arms. You squealed, glancing up to see Thor hovering over you with a huge grin on his face, still grasping both your wrists in his other hand.

“NOHOHO THOR!!” you pleaded, the sensation overwhelming you between Loki’s fingertips drilling in between your ribs while Thor simultaneously spidered his fingers in the hollows under your arms, swapping between each side to keep you squirming.

“Brother, we do not want to kill our little friend here,” Thor warned as your laughter was growing silent, hiccoughing intermittently.

“I suppose you’re right,” Loki agreed, stilling his fingers against your upper ribs but not yet releasing you completely. Even the feeling of his fingertips pressing into your sides, unmoving, was unbearable; keeping you giggling and squirming. “I’m not even tickling you! Have you gone mad?”

“Nohoho, I can’t help ihihit!” you whined. Loki finally let go of your ribcage and Thor released your wrists, allowing you to breathe for a moment.

You certainly weren’t expecting to get yourself in this predicament when you’d entered the common room. You supposed you could have maybe pictured a situation like this with Thor, but never with Loki. While he did have a trickster reputation, you’d never really thought of him as the playful type.

You’d become friends with Thor almost immediately. On numerous occasions, you’d hung out with him and some of the other Avengers in between missions, showing him the art of Midgardian video games and laughing at his overenthusiastic excitement. In a way, Thor was like the older brother you never had.

With Loki, things were different. During the few months you’d been living in the compound, you had interacted with Loki only intermittently during mealtimes or in the training room. He didn’t say much except to his brother, but his sharp wit and sarcastic sense of humor had drawn you to him, and not in a familial sense. It was odd, really; you had only said a few words to him here and there, and yet you felt yourself falling for him hard and fast. There had been just a few longer conversations that you treasured – discussions about a mission, or a novel he was reading or a movie you had watched. He was always friendly when you spoke, but it was hard to know how interested he really was in chatting with you.

You’d been hoping to capture his attention somehow, but around Loki you seemed to forget how to formulate proper sentences. Never in a million years did you expect to find yourself pinned down and tickled senseless by the God of Mischief. But now that it was happening, you weren’t ready for it to end just yet.

You seized the opportunity while Loki and Thor thought you were still weakened from laughter to reach out and grab hold of Loki’s sides, getting in a quick squeeze or two before he grabbed hold of your wrists.

“Haven’t had enough, yet, have we? Oh darling, you’re going to regret that,” Loki warned ominously, pinning your wrists to his chest with one hand and digging into your ribs once again. A new wave of helpless giggles spilled from your lips, and you yanked desperately to pry your wrists out of Loki’s grasp. “It’s adorable that you think you can escape me, really. I am a god – do you truly think your strength outmatches mine while you are in such a weakened state?”

“Lohoho… Loki!! Stahahahp teasing!” you pleaded.

You hadn’t noticed Thor’s absence above your head until you felt a large hand wrap around your ankle. You shrieked as a finger traced the bottom of your foot, tugging your leg to pull out of Thor’s grasp.

“Brother, what in the nine realms are you doing to make her thrash so much?” Loki asked, turning to look back at Thor without halting his attack on your ribs.

“Well, brother, it appears our little friend has ticklish feet as well,” he responded casually, an air of amusement in his tone as he wrapped both ankles in a headlock with one arm and fluttered his fingers up and down both soles simultaneously with his free hand.

“GUHUHUYS!! I CAHAHAN’T!!” you shrieked through wild laughter.

“I suppose we should let up so our dear mortal can breathe,” Loki pondered aloud, slowing his fingers to simply scratch at the bottom of your ribs. Thor released your ankles as well, returning to your side so he could grin down at you with endearment. You pushed Loki’s wrists away from your torso so you could curl up and wrap your arms around your ribcage, residual giggles still bubbling from your chest.

“Rehehe… remind me not to walk in on a tickle fight between you boys ever again,” you mused, chest heaving with exertion.

“A poor decision, really,” Loki agreed, smirking down at you.

“Brother, we should allow Lady Y/N to watch her television program, now that we’ve finished tormenting the poor girl,” Thor urged, tugging on Loki’s arm.

“Wait!” You sat up, stopping them before they turned to walk out of the room. “I… uh… I don’t mind if you guys want to stay and hang out. Watch a movie or something..?”

Loki looked at you with surprise and confusion written across his face. If you hadn’t known any better, you’d have thought that just maybe you saw a hint of red tinged across his sharp cheekbones. Thor smiled, glancing over at you, then back up at his brother.

“I do apologize, but I have a prior engagement I must attend,” Thor responded woefully. “However, Loki would most certainly love to keep you company, wouldn’t you brother?” Loki shot him a wide-eyed look as Thor pounded his large hand against the back of his shoulder, causing him to lurch forward a bit from the impact. Thor’s smirk never faltered, his eyebrows elevating ever so slightly as he held Loki’s stare.

“I would like that,” you said after a moment, breaking the silence. Loki’s head turned to look at you, and upon seeing your pleading eyes staring up at him, his face broke out into a genuine smile.

“Well, who am I to say no, then?” He took a seat beside you on the couch as you aimed the remote at the TV, searching through the movie list. Thor bade you goodbye as he ducked out of the room, leaving you alone with the handsome trickster sitting beside you.

The opening credits began scrolling across the screen. Maybe it was the residual adrenaline from having been tickle tortured only moments before, but a surge of bravery ran through you, and you leaned your head against Loki’s shoulder. You were rewarded with a gentle laugh, vibrating from deep in his chest. He wrapped his arm around you and tugged you closer, his hand resting against your side. You flinched as his fingers twitched, digging slightly into your skin.

“Sorry, love – I couldn’t resist,” he chuckled in response to the playful glare you shot at him. He moved his hand to rest on your arm, and you nestled in comfortably against his side. You weren’t sure yet exactly what this was, but you most definitely liked where it was headed.

[camthesolemnone]

Hi, it's like, 11PM, but I just thought of 3 more promising for you:

1: Nightmares. One of them end up eating g nightmares after their married (the severity of it is up to you), and ends up waking up/getting woken up by the other. They try to help them calm down, and yeah.

Hurt/comfort style, bay-beeeee

Crap I made this nightmare a lot more hurtful than I probably should have. Poor Heavy :<

Warnings for violence, harsh insults, and a mention of sex (not explicit).

Also you mentioned "after they're married" so I'm assuming you mean Misha and Josef. No quarrels here, I'll take any excuse to write about them again.

Scout stood in front of him, tapping his foot and his metal baseball bat against the pavement in an irritated fashion. He had stolen yet another one of Heavy's sandwiches and the giant was determined to get it back. What threw Misha off, however, was the man's sudden stop.

It seemed like he wasn't planning on running away anymore.

"So, tons o' fun, you ready to fight me like a man?" Jeremy taunted, shifting back and forth on his feet in a battle-ready position.

The Russian glared at the Bostonian and cracked his knuckles.

"You are the baby man here. All you do is run like big coward. Heavy will show you real strength!" He shot back.

Scout's smirk and the way he twirled his bat in front of himself held not just confidence, but an overwhelming amount of spite. Misha was almost paralyzed by the man's unforeseen change in demeanor.

"Does a real man just sit at home and bang his gay husband while his ma 's dying and his sisters are tryna fend for themselves?"

Suddenly, that state of paralysis came true. Heavy's blood ran cold while his heart sped up to an unhealthy level.

"How...what--it is not like...I DID NOT KNOW SHE WAS ON HER DEATH BED! IT HAPPENED SO SUDDENLY THAT EVEN SISTERS DID NOT KNOW!" He shouted, stepping forward to grab Scout by the collar and knock his lights out, "how do you even know of these things? I never--"

Misha was stunned back into silence. His hand went straight through Jeremy's body, and the nimble runner reeled back before bringing his bat down on the Russian's shoulder. The impact was five times as painful as it should have been for Scout's pitiful muscles, and Heavy was sent to the ground with a startled scream. Why couldn't he touch Scout when the man could hit him? He attempted to stand up and retaliate, but Jeremy placed the handle of the bat on the top of his skull and pushed down, shoving his face into the ground.

"You're a failure, chucklenuts! You failed your team, your family, and you're about to fail yourself!"

Heavy cried out, "Nyet!" but in a flash, Scout had disappeared. After a few hesitant moments, the Russian determined he was in the clear and began to lift himself up. Then, as quickly as Scout had vanished, Spy appeared. The Frenchman unfolded his butterfly knife before thrusting it downwards into Heavy's hand, essentially pinning him to the ground. Misha let out another howl of pain.

"I have places to be, so I will make it quick. Enjoy your stay in hell, fat man!"

Heavy wasn't given a chance to respond, as Soldier and Demoman came crashing down onto his back, grinding their boots into his spine. He squeezed his eyes shut and bit his lip so hard to prevent a whimper from escaping that it started to bleed.

"Pozhaluysta, make it stop."

"You are nothing but a greasy Commie who deserves to have his fingers ripped off one by one!" Soldier yelled.

Demoman smashed a beer bottle on the back of the bear's neck, causing him to let out a choked gasp. A rapid series of lashes from Jane's whip resulted in more shrieks and Heavy bleeding in multiple places.

"I ain't drunk, I just despise you, you blubbery Bolshevik!"

"I HATE YOU, STALINGRAD!"

"You're the most rotten crop in the field, partner."

"I've had a lot of poor souls as targets, but bloody hell! You're past pathetic, ya pig! What's this? I think you might even be bleeding gravy!"

"Mmph mmph hmm! Hudda!"

"Yeah, not so tough now are ya? Are ya!"

Misha couldn't stand it. He was being torn apart from the inside out. What had he ever done to deserve this? Why was his team, his friends, punishing him like this?

"Stop! No more! Heavy has had enough!"

Everyone turned to dust, leaving only one figure standing tall and proud. He almost seemed to glow amidst Heavy's blurring vision.

"Doktor, I made vow to myself that I would never appear so weak in front of you, but please, I beg of you, help me..."

Medic turned around. His initial expression was one of confusion, but it soon transformed into one of cold ill-will.

"And why should I do that?" He asked solemnly.

Misha could feel tears pricking in his eyes.

"Josef, please, I love you. Do you love Heavy? You said you did, on day we got married, on the day before that, so, so many times. Do not tell me you have given up on me as well!"

Josef's features softened with concern for his other half. He bent down towards the trembling, bleeding giant and caressed his cheek.

"Of course I haven't left you, Misha," he whispered with a tiny smile.

Through his agony, Heavy could almost feel his own smile coming on. His love was here. He was going to save him from this prison and clean him up and everything would be normal again.

Then, he felt a blade pierce through his chest. One that could only belong to the Ubersaw.

"I couldn't have left you if I was never yours in the first place."

.

"NO!"

Josef awoke with a start, his breathing almost as rapid as the man sitting next to him. With owlish eyes, he turned his head towards his husband and felt his heart shatter.

Heavy has his arms wrapped tightly around himself. He was crying into his sleeve like a child and his whole body shook with remnants of fear. Medic reached out to place a hand on his shoulder, but then quickly withdrew it when he determined physical contact towards someone unstable wasn't wise. Instead, he lowered his tone to a murmur and called out to Heavy.

"Misha? Meine liebe? What on earth happened?"

The giant continued to shake and sob for another minute, but once he turned his head and saw his beloved doctor next to him, he gasped.

"You are still here!" He cried.

The German's worry intensified.

"Of course I am, geliebte. I will always be here for you. Just what sort of nightmare did you have?"

Without warning, the giant eclipsed the smaller man completely and cried into his hair. His large arms were almost suffocating, but Josef returned the embrace, rubbing his back through his pajama shirt.

"Scout and Engineer and everyone-...and Doktor stabbed me and--"

"Shh, calm down, Misha. It's going to be alright, I'm here now, and I would never hurt you. I love you, meine Bär," Medic mused, putting everything into making his partner feel comfortable again.

Heavy removed his face from the medic's hair and looked him in the eyes, his own still slightly wet.

"Heh, Heavy is such a mess. Leetle baby dream turned ME into the baby," he joked, wiping his left cheek.

Josef took to wiping his right with a comforting thumb, "There is nothing to be ashamed about, Misha. We all have our bad days and nights. I wake up frequently with nightmares too, usually of you or my parents dying."

Heavy's face dropped again.

"You never thought to wake me up? You know Heavy does not mind. I love you very much, Josef. Would climb mountain for you to be at peace."

The German placed a finger over his husband's lips and shook his head.

"We'll talk about that later. Now is about you. Come now, you must feel exhausted."

And he was right. His breakdown had thoroughly wiped him out, and Medic's soft hands rubbing circles on his hip and on his cheek wasn't helping.

Smiling softly, Josef placed a small kiss on his lover's lips, a reminder that they were both safe, before wrapping his own arms around the Russian and laying the both of them back down.

"Don't worry, Misha. I promise you'll dream sweetly now. I'll even make some French toast in the morning, how does that sound?" Medic grinned.

Heavy, however, was still a tad on the anxious side, so he pulled his wonderful husband closer to his chest and kissed the crown of his head.

"Thank you for staying by my side, Doktor. Heavy appreciates you more than you will ever know."

Medic wanted to respond, but Heavy fell asleep almost instantaneously afterwards. Instead, he continued to smile in the darkness and ran a steady hand across the specialist's back until he himself succumbed to the world of slumber.

A promise was a promise. Misha was not tormented further.

[flipomatic]

Closed Book Chapter 7

Chapter 1 Chapter 6

Author Note: Last chapter is here, enjoy. This takes place the same day as Wing it Like Witches. Thanks to Baxter54132 for helping with the dialogue in this chapter.

_________________________________________

Now that she was free from being grounded, Emira’s life mostly went back to how it had been before. She spent time playing pranks with Ed, trained and practiced new spells, avoided doing her homework, and occasionally spent time with her younger sister. Both her and Ed’s Grom dates had been a huge disappointment in the end, but she was able to put it behind her.

That afternoon, she was going to the mall with Ed to see what kind of fun they could have there. They had already wandered the market for a while, but there wasn’t anything interesting going on. The mall should be more exciting. The twins decided to stop at the house first to drop their school bags off and change clothes, which would greatly improve their mall experience.

Upon arriving at the Blight house, both went upstairs to do just that. Ed went to his room while Emira was on her way to hers. She had almost reached the door when a familiar voice called out to her.

“Em, do you have a minute?” The door to Mitten’s room, which was down the hallway from Emira’s, was cracked open. When Emira turned to look, she could only see a sliver of Mittens’ face through the small gap.

“Yeah, I do.” Quickly abandoning what she had come upstairs to do, Emira walked towards Mittens’ room. By the time she reached it Mittens had moved away from the door, so Emira pushed it open and entered.

She was shocked to see a cast on Mittens’ right foot. Her sister was leaning on a crutch, holding her injured foot off the ground. “What happened?” Was all Emira could say, her eyes locked on the injury.

“Can you close the door?” Mittens asked, ignoring the question. She hobbled over to her bed, leaning the crutch against it and sitting down.

Emira complied, shutting the door to the room. She stood there waiting, wondering if she should ask the question again. She decided to wait, as Mittens seemed to be gathering her thoughts to speak.

“Things were crazy at school today, I’m not sure… can I talk to you about it?” Mittens’ eyes were locked on hers, head tilted up slightly to maintain eye contact. She asked the question in a steady tone, but wide eyes and a tense form betrayed her nerves.

“Absolutely.” Emira nodded, and then moved over to sit next to Mittens on the bed. Some of the tension left Mittens’ shoulders, perhaps in relief. It was tempting to ask questions, but Mittens had probably called her in here to talk about something specific. Emira could wait a bit to hear about her injury.

“There’s been so much going on.” Mittens turned her face forward, not looking at Emira as she spoke. “I can’t even think straight around Luz these days, let alone talk to Willow. And the match today too, and my ankle. Where do I even start?” Mittens seemed to be talking to herself more than Emira, but Emira was happy to respond to the question.

“How about with your foot.” The injury was pretty concerning. Medic witches could heal most minor wounds in a few minutes, so for this to need a cast it had to have been pretty bad.

Mittens’ cheeks flushed slightly, and she rubbed the back of her head with one hand. “Oh right, the cast, good idea. That’s from the grudgby match after school.” That was news to Emira; she thought Mittens hadn’t played grudgby since she quit the team. “It was to help Willow. Boscha has been picking on her, so Luz, amazing Luz, challenged her to a grudgby match. I broke my ankle and we lost, but I think it’s going to be okay.”

There were so many details in this that sent Emira’s mind spinning. Who was Willow? She called Luz amazing? She played against Boscha? Her ankle being broken was okay? They lost the match?

“Is Willow one of your friends?” Emira chose the easiest of the clarifying questions.

“I hope so.” Mittens sighed, tilting her head forward. “I’ve been trying to reconnect with her. Do you remember a few weeks ago, when you asked about my old friends?”

Emira remembered it distinctly, how Mittens had stormed out of the room when pressed. “Yeah, I do.”

“I owe you an apology, it wasn’t fair of me to snap at you.” Mittens brought her hands together in her lap, weaving her fingers together. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Emira offered a smile. “We all snap sometimes.” She remembered once trying to steal and publish Mittens diary as revenge for being tattled on, and all the effort she put in to make up for it and improve their relationship.

“It was just, what you said hit close to home. I used to be friends with Willow, when we were kids.” Mittens paused to take a deep breath, gathering her composure. “She couldn’t do magic then. Our parents forbid me from seeing her.” That sounded like something they would do, Emira thought bitterly. She too had been criticized for her choice of companions multiple times in her life. “I messed things up, badly. I’ve been trying to reconnect with her, but I don’t know if she’ll ever want to be my friend again.” Mittens’ voice wavered as she finished speaking.

This time, Emira went in for the hug. She reached one arm around Mittens’ trembling shoulders, pulling her into a sideways hug. “When she sees how hard you’re working, I’m sure she will.” Mittens seemed to accept the gesture, leaning in on Emira.

“I hope you’re right.” She muttered. “Thanks Em.”

“Anytime.”

The two sat in silence for a moment, just connected by one arm around the other.

Mittens then broke off from the hug, leaning away to look up at Emira. “There’s more, unless you have to go soon?” She asked, that insecurity from before showing again.

“Tell me.” If Mittens wanted to talk, Emira wanted to listen.

Mittens nodded, and then continued. “Part of the reason I was injured today is because,” Mitten’s face was slowly gaining a dark flush now. “I have a crush.” Emira knew Mittens had a crush on Luz, she had known for a while. It was still nice to hear Mittens say it. “I can’t say who it is, but I just, I can’t seem to focus around her. During grudgby today I was too concerned with protecting her, which is how I got hurt. She draws me in, both during the match and outside of it. I can’t stay away.” Her crush on Luz had definitely leveled up significantly since Grom.

“Sounds like you really like her.” Emira commented with a grin.

“I do.” Amity turned to meet Emira’s gaze, face still mostly pink. “How can I act more normal around her?” Oh, so she was looking for advice.

This was not a question Emira could answer. She didn’t have much experience with crushes, and her last semi relationship ended with getting stood up for Grom. “I’m not sure.” She admitted. “Perhaps by telling yourself that they’re not just a crush, they’re also your friend, and you’re theirs.” This could help with the crush on Luz specifically, since they were friends first.

Mittens’ brow furrowed as she thought about it. “Yeah maybe.” She mused, turning back to look at her hands again.

They were suddenly interrupted by Ed’s voice echoing in the hallway. “Em!” He was calling for her in an irritated tone. “Where’d you go? This isn’t funny.” He called as he walked past Mittens’ door. That was right, she was supposed to change her clothes and go to the mall with him.

“Oops, forgot about Ed.” Emira frowned and crossed her arms, looking towards the door.

“You should go, before he burns the house down trying to find you.” Mittens gestured with one hand in a shooing motion.

“You sure?” Emira asked, not wanting to cut the conversation short if Mittens had more to say.

“Yeah.” Her sister nodded, “We’ll talk more later, okay?” Mittens asked it as a question, but for Emira there was only one correct response.

Emira couldn’t help but smile. “For sure.” She stood and walked towards the door. “Make sure to stay off that foot and keep it elevated.”

“Will do.” Mittens nodded and chuckled, “have fun with Ed.”

“Always do.” Emira gave one last wave before opening the door. “See you later.”

“See you.” Mittens waved as well, a small smile present on her lips.

Emira closed the door behind her as she left, calling an apology to Ed as she went to her original intended destination.

The twins soon left the house to go torment mall shoppers, but Emira looked forward to continuing her conversation with Mittens later. It finally felt like Mittens was talking to her, instead of just answering her questions. Like Mittens wanted to share, wanted Emira to hear and understand her.

It was amazing how much things could change in just a month.

_____________________________________________

End Note: Thank you everybody who has read, left kudos, or commented on this fic! I have greatly appreciated your support as I worked on this project. I had a lot of fun writing it, and I look forward to creating more for this fandom in the future. Thank you again, and I hope you enjoyed the final chapter!

[queenof-literature]

Linked Galaxy - Where Loyalties Lie

It’s here! I’m very sorry for the delay. As I stated on my Tumblr I was very sick and midterms are coming up so overall... livin la vida loca. I hope you enjoy my first chapter of Linked Galaxy, my Star Wars AU for Linked Universe! I would like to say again that Linked Universe was created by Jojo @linkeduniverse, and Star Wars is owned by Disney. I in no way take credit for either, however I worked very hard on the headcanons for this universe and to combine the two together in my story of Linked Galaxy. But neither are mine. I hope you enjoy!

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away

After the death of his master, Sith Lord Ghirahim has recieved a way to travel across not only dimmentions, but time itself. Seeking to manipulate the strange wormholes for his own bidding, Ghirahim searches the new lands in hope of harnessing this power.

A new empire is born… The United Realms. 

Only one band of heroes can stop him, a band of nine Heroes of Courage brought together by Hylia from nine different times. All of the Hyrule Galaxies now lay in their hands. 

But unknown to all, a far more sinister being is pulling the strings of United Realms’ and our heroes’ actions.

~

“Faster you imbelces!” Commander Bulblin snapped. He couldn’t believe how he was stuck with what had to be the most incompetent portion of Ghirahim’s army. It was most likely some punishment from Ghirahim for Bulblin ‘speaking out of place’ in a gathering. Bublin scoffed. The only reason that man had an army in the first place is due to the death of their Emperor, and he dared to call Bulblin disrespectful? Bulblin never even fought under Ghirahim, he was from a different Hyrule! Apparently, all Ganons had been killed by a Grey Jedi, all sharing the name Link. Just that name… Link, sent rage crawling up Bublin’s spine. It was because of those so called heroes, that he was stuck working under Ghirahim in the first place. Why was this Hyrule the only one with a Ghirahim? Not only that, but he expected an army that wasn’t rightfully his to go on some interdimmentional quest, to take over the nine Galaxies that they now had access to? It was a ridiculous notion, one that the other commanders and generals seemed to share save a few others. General Zant didn’t seem keen on the whole ordeal, but that man would do anything for power and could not be trusted. Bublin sighed and continued on with this ridiculous job. He just had to lay low for now. 

~

Taking over all nine Hyrules wasn’t the only goal Ghirahim had in mind. He needed to bring back Ganon. He needed to bring back his master. Emperor Ghirahim sat on his old Master’s throne in contemplation. The guards had gotten used to his angry mutterings by now. In order to truly bring the Hyrule Galaxy to its knees, all of them, Ganon would need to be resurrected. He could do it himself of course, but Ganon had authority Ghriahim knew he would never gain from his armies. 

He had split the armies into nine, based on the Galaxy they were from. It made the most sense. 

The Seadogs were from the realm of the Hero of Winds. They were quite stupid, but loyal to their cause. Ghirahim usually put them in the Tie-fighters and smaller fighting vessels. They knew how to fly and they were expendable to boot. 

The Fallen were from the Hero of Hyrule’s time. They were absolutely vicious, the most focused in bringing their Ganon back. Ghirahim had never known the hero’s blood was required to resurrect their Ganon, but let them bleed the little brat dry for all he cared.

The Oracles were from the Hero of Legend’s galaxy. They were an interesting group. Absolutely hated the hero and wanted him to suffer. Ghirahim could appreciate that.

The Savages were from the Hero of Wild’s world. World, because the monsters apparently were not even aware there was a galaxy outside their world until now. This portion of his army constantly gave him a migraine. They were so smart but so stupid. They had never taken an actual order in their lives.

The Accursed were from the Hero of Time’s galaxy. Relatively useful, compared to some others Ghirahim couldn’t complain as much. Like the Oracles, they were hellbent on destroying their Link and any happiness he had. 

The Twili were from the Hero of Twilight’s realm. Obviously. They were ruggish and quite frankly scarier than most of the other armies. They, at least, knew how to follow a commander, even if that commander was a bumbling fool. 

The Shadows were from the Hero of the Four Sword’s galaxy. Ghirahim thought the name was underwhelming, but apparently the dark world in that galaxy was strongly entangled in the light, so Ghirahim let it slide. 

The Shattered, the Hero of Warriors’ galaxy, was who Ghirahim suspected were responsible for the wormholes in the first place. However none admitted to it, so he didn’t even think they knew what was going on either. There were hoards of them that never seemed to send, they were certainly an asset. 

The Skybreakers, the damned Hero of Sky’s adversaries. The little brat had the absolute audacity to still be alive, and now he had teamed up with more children. Ghirahim wouldn’t stand for it. The name had spread like wildfire, Ghirahim didn’t know where it came from but it spread fear, and that is what’s important. When one of his first class ships broke through the atmosphere, they would scream about the Skybreakers. Ghirahim loved it. 

Ghirahim was broken from his musings by the opening of his door. 

“How many times have I told you idiots to knock?” Ghirahim snapped, cruel eyes bearing into the souls of his useless guards. 

“Apologies Lord Ghirahim.” the guard stuttered out. Ghirahim was technically Emperor in his master’s… absence. But everyone still called him ‘Lord’. Ghirahim didn’t correct them, he didn’t think Ganondorf would appreciate it if he thought his apprentice was attempting to take his throne for good. “General Zant demands your presence, my lord.” The guard finished.

“He demands?” Ghirahim questioned, poison lacing his words, rubbing his fingers along the cool metal of his lightsaber. 

“That is what he said, my lord.” The guard confirmed, and Ghirahim rolled his eyes at the man’s cowardice.

“Send him in and get it over with.” Ghirahim commanded, marching up to the throne. He plopped down carelessly, crossing his legs and leaning against one side. Ganon used to tell him that it didn’t matter how you sat on the throne, what mattered was how much power you displayed. The throne itself was intimidating, but if the man or woman sitting on it commanded attention as well, anyone would bend the knee. 

The grand doors opened slowly to reveal the large man, that ridiculous helm covering his face. 

“What, Zant?” Ghirahim demanded before the man even approached. 

“My Lord, may I just say I respect how you are able to command all nine armies at once-”

“Don’t flatter me you coward. Tell me what you want.” Ghirahim ground out impatiently. If he was in the mood he would tease the man, get him wound up. It was so easy to torment Zant, but Ghirahim was not in the mood. 

“Do you think it wise, to continue to hop through strange wormholes? There is no guarantee they will open up again.” Zant finally spoke up.

“Our engineers and scientists are working everyday to harness the power the wormholes provide.” Ghirahim said flippantly.  n  

“Yes, My Lord, but if before then we get trapped in a strange Hyrule?” Zant questioned.

“Then we will take over that Hyrule. You seem to forget we are not the only ones traveling through those wormholes. The heroes are as well.” Ghirahim spoke with venom.

“Why do the heroes matter. Should we not hope to be rid of them?” Zant attempted to ignore the dangerous look in Ghirahim’s eyes. 

“According to the Fallen, we need their blood to raise Ganon again. That is our main goal, Zant. If we need to move to other realms to do it we will.” Ghirahim could feel his blood beginning to heat at the countless questions.

“Will any of it matter if we get trapped in a different galaxy? In a different time?” Zant’s voice was getting louder.

“I have the chance to take over nine realms at least.” Ghirahim began, practically growling. “And you want me to give up because of your cowardice?”

“You misheard me, My Lord.” Zant tried desperately to recover. “I only want what is best for the United Realms. But… Ganon is gone, My Lord. Perhaps it's best for him to rest in peace so we may move on.” Zant waited with bated breath. If possible, Ghirahim’s eyes turned even more cold. Under the steel gaze of his superior, Zant felt ten times smaller. 

“I believe I like you more as a coward, Commander Zant.” Ghirahim snarked, reminding Zant of his rank. “You forget yourself Zant, Ghirahim leaned forward in his throne. “Without Ganon… you are nothing.” Ghirahim snarled. “Get out.” Ghirahim commanded, voice neutral and cold, so unlike his normal self. Zant looked like he was going to argue, neutral face twitching slightly behind his mask, before he turned and left without a word.

Ghirahim contemplated what Zant had said. If the commander himself thought this way, Ghirahim could have even more disloyalty than he originally thought. He would have to take care of this. Ghirahim could feel it in the air… disloyalty. 

~

Sky took a large breath, allowing Hylia’s energy to surround him completely. The room he normally shared with Four was pitch black, but that didn’t matter. Feeling close to the energy around him was all it took to be aware of his surroundings.

He could feel the other's presence upon their old ship. They had all pitched in to restore this old hunk of metal to… well not the prettiest thing in the galaxy, but it fit them all well enough.    

Sky reached his mind through Hylia’s energy. He could feel Hyrule resting in the room he shared with Wild and Legend. He must have trained hard today for him to be resting in the afternoon. Sometimes it felt as though Hyrule, Wild and Wind all had an infinite amount of energy, Sky was glad Hyrule was at least taking it easy for once. He reached further down the hall. Across the hall he could feel Wind and Warriors’ cabin but no one was in there. 

Sky took another deep breath and felt the waves of Hylia’s force extend to the rest of their ship. It was a simple exercise, one that younglings were taught at the academy, but it was good practice. Wind and Warriors were in the lounge, probably playing Dejarik at the holotable. Wind was most certainly cheating. He continued his exercise, finding Wild’s energy in the bottom turret. The boy enjoyed gazing out into the stars. He had never thought there was an entire galaxy outside his planet when he had met the others, and that had blown the other Link’s minds, even Hyrule. Apparently the only remnants of magic and technology in his Hyrule were from the Sheikah, who had died out millennia ago. Now the boy watched the galaxy outside constantly. Anytime they needed to find Wild, they knew to look in all the windowed areas first. He would get tired and stressed staying on the ship for too long, so looking at the stars helped him pass the time, as he told Sky one evening. 

Sky felt a slight prod at his own energy. Time must be doing the exercise as well then, probably in his and Twilight’s room. Sky reached out and greeted the man, smiling when he received a greeting back, albeit a little weak. Sky may not fully understand where Time’s previous hatred of Hylia has stemmed from, but he came from a different galaxy, Sky would most likely never comprehend what the other man had gone through. He was working to strengthen the bond again, but only enough to help them on this quest.

Sky then moved on and felt Twilight and Four’s energy. They seemed to be in the cockpit chatting with Legend. Sky didn’t let himself linger on Twilight’s energy for too long. Something about it was just… off, and dark. Sky trusted Twilight with his life, and knew the other Link would tell them if something was wrong or when he was ready. Still though, it made Sky uncomfortable. The same with Four. It wasn’t dark, his energies were just fuzzy, like there were puzzle pieces all smashed together. Legend’s energy was always interesting as well. The young man was experienced and his energy showed that, but there was also the feeling of melancholy all the other Links had. Having them all in the same room while Sky was focusing so intently gave him a small headache, so he retracted. 

Sky opened his eyes after one more deep breath, allowing his energy to flow free once again. A slowly stood from the smooth floor and stretched his legs. He always lost track of time whenever he meditated, but feeling the other’s presence had reassured him he didn’t miss anything. His door slid open as he approached, he barely ever locked it. Sky decided to go see what Warriors and Wind were up to. Walking down the half barren halls, he smiled at the art on the walls. When they fixed the ship, yet to be named, the halls were completely barren and militaristic. Wind had decided they would need to fix that. Every Link was tasked with putting something on the wall. Some were complicated designs, others were just handprints or finger drawings. Sky thought it was Wind’s best idea yet.

Sky approached the lounge and chuckled at the bickering he heard. Wind must have been caught cheating. Again.

“You can’t prove shit!” Wind yelled across the holotable.

“I don’t need to, kid. I know you!” Warriors snarked back. Sky wasn’t surprised to see Warriors wearing his scarf, even without his chainmail. The royal blue scarf contrasted greatly to his blank cream tunic, but in the couple of months he had known Warriors, Sky had barely ever seen the man without it. Sky worried it had something to do with the war that Warriors was forced to fight, and the nightmares and blank looks the man would fall into, but he never asked.

“What’s that supposed to mean? How would I cheat with a holotable?” Wind demanded. 

“It means you were taught this game by pirates, kid. Your piece was over here, and now it’s over there.” Warriors pointed to parts of the board that Sky couldn’t see. “I’ll give it to ya, kiddo. If I wasn’t so observant I wouldn’t have noticed.” Warriors smirked.

“Don’t preen yourself.” Wind grumbled. 

“Having fun?” Sky spoke up to make his presence known to the two boys wrapped up in their argument. Wind and Warriors whipped around.

“Hey, Sky.” Warriors greeted. “You wanna play a round with the pirate?”

“Maybe later.” Sky chuckled, sitting down next to Wind.

“Where is everyone? It’s dinnertime soon.” Wind questioned, glancing at the small clock displayed near the bottom of the holotable. They had been in the ship for about 24 hours now, clocks were the only way to keep track in space.

“They’re all chatting or relaxing. I’ll call down Wild.” Sky stood up and walked  over to the wall comm rotating the slightly rusted top wheel from ‘All’ to ‘Lower Turret’. “Wild, it’s almost dinner time.” Sky called while pressing the comm button. There was a pause, then a crackle from the other side of the speaker.

“Sorry, Sky! I lost track of time.” Wild spoke loudly into comm. “Oops I yelled again.” Sky let go of the button to hide his laughter. Coming from a world with no ships, comms, or any other technology outside of the old Sheikah tech, the boy had trouble remembering that comms picked up more range of sound than even regular talking.

“No problem, Wild. I can make dinner tonight if you want to keep stargazing.” Sky teased, knowing his offer would be refused instantly.

“No no! I’m coming!” Wild assured before the other speaker went dead. Sky laughed, moving the wheel to ‘Cockpit’, then ‘Cabin 2’ to notify the others as well. According to Warriors, comms had advanced far past what they had on their ship. Now there were programs to send to designated locations all at once, among other functions. The ship communications themself weren't that big of a deal, but Sky worried what that increase in technology meant for the UR’s weapons and ships. Especially now that there were nine different armies they were facing. With a quiet slide of the door, Wild raced in and ran to the small corner that was their kitchen.

“Sorry guys!” Wild apologized, pulling what little ingredients they had out of their metallic cupboard. They would have to stock up soon.

“It’s fine Wild, you have plenty of time.” Warriors reassured. The others tried to offer to make dinner, but Wild enjoyed it so much they eventually stopped offering almost completely. 

Time came in next, eyes still a little foggy from meditation.

“Where is everyone else?” Time asked.

“Legend, Twi and Four are on their way, and Hyrule is resting so I figured we would give him a little more time.” Time nodded, moving to sit at their meal table that barely seated them all. Everyone knew how hard Hyrule pushed himself. He had the rare gift of healing, a combination of magic and energy that was almost extinct, in all nine galaxies at that. Apparently the more he used his magic, the better he got and the more stamina he gained. That combined with Legend training the boy how to use elements of the Ataru fighting style was sure to be tolling. 

“Hey all!” Twilight called as the doors slid open, followed by Legend and Four.

“Where’s Hyrule?” Legend frowned. 

“He’s resting. We wanted to give him a bit more time. You can go wake him if you want, we just thought we’d give him some more time.” Sky told Legend.

“Wild, how long until dinner is ready?” Four questioned. 

“Ummm, about 20 minutes. Sorry I got a bit of a late start.” Wild apologized, mixing ingredients so quick the others had no idea how he wasn’t spilling.

“Relax, Wild. It gives Hyrule more time anyway.” Warriors assured.

“I’m gonna go get him. Best to give him time to wake up before he eats.” Legend claimed as he left for their cabin, flipping off Warriors behind him when the other man coughed out what sounded suspiciously like “mother hen”. 

“What’s for dinner Wild?” Four asked as Legend left.

“Omelets if that’s alright. I know that it’s more of a breakfast thing, but I think the cucco eggs will go bad if I don’t use them soon.” Wild explained.

“That sounds really good actually.” Twilight nodded, although to his hollow stomach anything sounded good. Wild relaxed significantly, as if he’d been scared of the other’s reactions. He wasn’t as skittish as he used to be, but he still struggled to feel enough around the other Links, even with simple tasks.

The Links settled into comfortable chatter, around the table as Wild made different kinds of omelets. The door slid open once again a few minutes later, revealing Legend and a groggy Hyrule in tow. 

“Hey Hyrule.” Time greeted casually, not mentioning the deep nap Hyrule had obviously just woken from. If the boy was actually resting, Time didn’t want to push it by bringing it up. 

“Hi.” Hyrule greeted with a yawn. “What’s for dinner?” Hyrule called over to Wild.

“Omelets.” Wild said simply, fully concentrated on seasoning the food in front of him.

“Nice!” Hyrule called as he sat down, shoving his way next to Legend, leaving just enough room for Wild. Ten minutes of idle conversation went by before dinner was finally ready.

“Dinner’s ready!” Wild called, hefting a large plate filled with Omelets over to their table.

“Hylia, we had that many eggs?” Four asked, shocked.

“Yeah we had a lot more than I thought, but they were all going to go bad soon so I had to use them.” Wild clarified again, setting the large plate in the center of the table, squeezing into the last space around the table. The others practically drooled at the smell and sight, herbs that they didn’t even know the names of partly covered the perfectly cooked omelets. 

The other Links barely took turns digging in, the sound fighting and clashing forks and loud laughter echoed in the small eating nook. The looming threat of the United Realms could be forgotten for now, even for an hour or so. They all felt it flowing through the energy, flowing from each other… loyalty.

Was it cheesy to start this with “A long time ago in a galaxy far far away”? Yes. Was I legally obligated to? Also yes. And yes they still use minutes in space don’t @ me lmao. I hope you enjoyed! 

[absynthe--minded]

Blessed Hands Will Break Me: The Official Playlist

listen on spotify // listen on youtube

cover art by @princess-faelivrin

Okay. So. I’m gonna try and walk you all through this playlist? It’s a combination of “songs I listened to while writing” and “songs that just have A Vibe”; it’s a little over an hour in length. It’s vaguely meant to evoke the flow of the story, but there’s a little back and forth to facilitate a better listening experience and make it less jarring.

Survivor - Oceans: (And I can’t help but wonder out loud ‘If only we could go back to square one, if finally we could pinpoint where we lost touch, I’d stand alone reaching out my hand to you’) This is where we start the story, more or less, with Findekáno confused and lost and a little angry. It’s a song about separation, about not knowing which way is up or down, about wishing you could rekindle a lost relationship and being a little desperate to do whatever is necessary to fulfill that wish. Also the music and the production create this wonderfully mournful tone; I do get the impression of speeding across a dark ocean with nothing but pain behind and uncertainty ahead.

Emilie Autumn - Castle Down: (Trying to balance all that I had left with what I didn’t have anymore) Findekáno finding out about Maitimo’s capture, and being lost, and trying to rebuild his psyche after such a devastating blow, and wrestling with the fact that his husband is both his savior and his destroyer in one.

Shinedown - If You Only Knew: (I don’t regret any days I spent, nights we shared, or letters that I sent) More reeling from loss - this is very much a story about what you do for love, and musing on what you had before tragedy, and Findekáno’s mental state through much of chapter two matches this kind of frustrated brooding. Not to mention that he’s tormented by Maitimo’s situation and absence enough for his sleep to be disrupted - it’s all he can think on, and it consumes him. The fact that this is sung to an absent lover who presumably can’t hear the singer’s thoughts and isn’t aware of them only makes it more poignant.

Adelitas Way - Last Stand: (And I can’t make it without you, I need a second chance ‘cause I wanna make it about you - I’m making my last stand) Of course, he ultimately does decide that, for better or for worse, he’s going after Maitimo, regardless of the impact on his life and the lives of his people. This is a song about trying to do right by your partner after some kind of separation, and it’s just frustrated and desperate enough to tug at my heart.

Kamelot - Lost and Damned: (Leave me behind, don’t look back) When Maitimo becomes aware of the fact that Findekáno is sharing his consciousness and is seeing what he’s seeing and feeling what he’s feeling, he responds by shoving Finno out of his head and shredding all he can of their marriage-bond to keep his captors from noticing. This song has a specific story function in a greater rock opera, but it really works here.

Journey - Separate Ways (Worlds Apart): (Someday love will find you, break those chains that bind you) If you’re writing a story about Thangorodrim and you don’t put this song on there, what are you even doing? In all seriousness, though, this was my first song that I ever heard that made me go “oh this is about Russingon”. An eternal classic and full of yearning and desperation and pain, and perfect to describe Finno setting out under cover of darkness, I think.

Icon For Hire - Hope of Morning: (When the hope of morning starts to fade in me, I don’t dare let darkness have its way with me) This song, honestly, more than any other I’ve ever heard, is Findekáno. For one thing I’m hooked on associating him with the dawn, and with the hope that comes with the sunrise; normally in Tolkien the Sun is associated with Men and I think it’s a really interesting thing that Finno also has some of that same imagery and energy tied into him, particularly surrounding his death. But beyond that? This is a song about being worried about your legacy, struggling to balance hope and duty and mental health, worrying always that you’re not doing enough and resolving to cling to the dawn and keep looking forward. I can’t think of a better summation of my favorite elvish prince.

Devour the Day - Oath: (One way or another, I’m coming home to you) This song’s title alone would have earned it a spot on the list, but the fact that it’s called ‘Oath’ but is about endurance beyond all else in the name of returning to a loved one’s side? Yeah, that’s Blessed Hands in a nutshell, especially this first part.

Fireflight - You Gave Me A Promise: (I will hold onto this hope that I have, you gave me a promise, you gave me a promise) This is the part of Finno’s journey north that isn’t him being miserable all the time - he’s doing this for love and for the sake of his marriage and the commitments they made to one another, and the hope he has is the hope that he can do right by the nér who promised to share his life.

Linkin Park - The Catalyst: (We’re a broken people living on a loaded gun) The other half of Finno’s journey north is him worrying and fixating on the possibility that he’s left behind his people to freeze to death, even having an encounter with some sort of ghost that feeds off of that fear. What’s more, this song just has an auditory aesthetic of loneliness and cold solitary journeying through desperate situations, and of uncertainty towards the future; that fits well here.

Bastille - Icarus: (Look out to the future, but it tells you nothing, so take another breath) Mountain climbing song! No, really - the way this balances an urgent, frightened beat and fast-paced instrumentation with lyrics about not knowing what’s coming? There’s nothing better for the moments when Findekáno is terrified out of his wits and afraid he’s going to have to shoot Maitimo, only to be saved by an eagle.

Atreyu - Lose It: (This is it, I’m falling - my wings need to grow, I lose my hold, I will let go) This is a song about being afraid of falling, and doing something terrible and frightening. It’s a perfect accompaniment to amputation, and the sick horror of being forced to make a decision that might end in death for all involved.

Sara Bareilles - Gravity: (I never wanted anything so much than to drown in your love) Honestly I like this song less for the lyrics than the overall aesthetic. It’s a peaceful, gentle, regretful tune with so much emotion in it, and its themes of wondering what to do and wondering whether or not to continue on a set path with someone else are fitting. I tend to apply the idea of wanting to leave someone here to mean Finno wrestling with his royal duty - once Sorontar saves him and Maitimo from the cliff, they have the chance to go elsewhere, be other people, leave the Noldor and the Oath and the war behind them. And he chooses not to do this, for both of them, because while he wants to run he knows he shouldn’t.

Skylar Grey - Coming Home - Part II: (I know my kingdom awaits, and they’ve forgiven my mistakes) A soft, sad, mournful reflection on a less than ideal return home, that’s somehow warm and uplifting at the same time. It encapsulates Finno’s feelings on his resumption of duty and social role perfectly.

Meg Myers - Running Up That Hill: (If I only could, I’d make a deal with God, and I’d get Him to swap our places) And now we come to the heart of Blessed Hands, the song that encapsulates the whole of part I in a single tune. I chose this cover by Meg Myers because I like the instrumentation’s aesthetic more than Kate Bush’s original when it comes to this subject, but any version, really, would work. This is a song about wishing things could be different, about trying to make them different, about wishing after changes and alterations. One other line that speaks to me is ‘Is there so much hate for the ones we love?’ which, in the context of this relationship and these families, cuts right to the heart of the whole matter. Blessed Hands Will Break Me is a story about loyalty, more than all else, and about choosing love over hate, and about trying to defy cruel fate and sometimes winning, and this song covers all of that and more.

[hela-avenger]

Cameo Lover- End

Author: hela-avenger

Word Count: 1666

Summary: “I wish that I was what you wanted me to be.” Loki x Reader

A/N: Apologies! I shouldn’t have left this last part take so long to write but I honestly didn’t know how this should end. Even now, I don’t know if I made the right choice. I’m hoping to be better for the future works I have planned but we shall see.

Hela-Avenger Masterlist

Open up your heart, open up your heart

Open up your heart, open up your heart

Open up your heart, open up your heart

The room slowly grows empty at Loki’s sudden recovery. At the sight of his conscious brother, Thor’s eagerness almost sent Loki back a few more days of recovery. His pained groans from Thor’s embrace caused Thor to let go and quickly allowed Loki the needed reprieve to get checked by the doctors. It wasn’t until they were done and gave him the clear, that you allowed yourself to face him. 

Loki’s eyes widen in surprise at the sight of you entering his room. You wondered if it was possible that he was afraid of you now but you knew that he would have said something by now if that were the case. 

“Hi,” you whisper as you remain by the door. 

“Hi,” he greets back. 

“I uh… The doctors said you should rest so maybe I should come back later…” 

You don’t get too far as Loki calls out your name stopping you from running away. 

“Stay,” he pleads. “I won’t be able to truly rest… There’s just much to say.” 

You hesitantly step back into the room and slowly make your way towards the chair next to his bed. You take your seat in it again and look down at your bruised hands. You weren’t strong enough to look him in the eye now that he was awake. 

“I’m sorry.” 

Your head snaps up at the words that he managed to say before you did. You scowled at the apology unsure of what he could be apologizing for. 

“Loki…” 

“No, allow me to finish,” Loki states. “I didn’t get to before so please...” 

He swallows nervously and you can’t help but follow the bruises that trailed down his skin. You felt ill again. 

“I am sorry…” he apologizes. “I am sorry for all I’ve done to you. The moment we met, we fought… I knew you were unlike the others. I saw a light in you, a flame, and it grew brighter and stronger with each passing day. Your ambition, your dreams... I was attracted to it. I am a creature of ice but the warmth of your entire being was intoxicating and all I wanted was to remain by your side always.” 

“But you see, Ice and Fire don’t mix well and I began to melt in your presence,” he states. “You were waking me up from this long tormented dream and I was afraid. I was afraid of the reality I would soon have to face. I wanted to bring you with me but you always knew better than I so I had to leave. I had to make myself leave. We fought again… and I hurt you so badly. I could see it. I broke you. It was the last thing I wanted to do but I hoped that would be enough for you to break away from me and return to what you were meant to be; a hero.” 

Loki’s gaze falls on you and you can’t hold it back any longer. Your chest tightens as the tears start to flow down your cheeks. You quickly cover your face unable to look at him any longer. The pain in his eyes reflecting your own. 

“And yet it seems I never broke you,” Loki sighs out. “I merely took. I took your love. I took your flame. It even seems, I’ve taken your title. I am but a mere thief.” 

The tears turn dry but your chest remains heavy. 

“I am truly sorry, Y/N,” he whispers. “So sorry for taking everything from you.” 

You don’t know how to respond. Everything he’s said was still swirling in your mind yet there was still one thing he never apologized for and the question you’ve always had remained unanswered. 

“Did you ever love me?” you ask. 

Loki hesitates at the question and by the jerk of his sudden movement he hisses in pain. 

“I don’t want to hurt you more than I already have.” 

You can’t help but let out a sigh and look away from him. You stand up from your seat and move away from him. 

“Leaving things unsaid is the reason we’re where we are at the moment,” you answer as you peak at the cuts on his face and bruising around his neck. “Bruised and in pain.” 

Loki’s eyes flicker to the cuts and bruising around your hands. He doesn’t respond instantly instead he takes his time to pick his words. 

“If you’re afraid of me causing you harm, I can promise you that I won’t…” 

Loki actually laughs at your comment. The glimmer of amusement in his eyes makes him more lively. He seems to slowly be returning back to normal. 

“I… I don’t know what you want me to say.” 

“The truth,” I answer easily. “We’ve been honest with each other so far so let’s keep that going.” 

Loki sighs and you can’t help but wonder why he’s dragging this on. 

“I never… I never felt so at peace until I came across you and your humble abode,” Loki answers. “Though our time together was short I… Y/N... “ 

He hesitates once more and you are getting tired of waiting. 

“You what, Loki?” you ask. “It is a simple question. Yes or no? I…” 

“There was a reason I left you!” Loki exclaims grimacing at his proclamation and reaching for his ribs. “I… I had to keep you safe. Isn’t that enough for you? Can that…” 

“No, it’s not,” you answer. “I have been waiting for so long to know the answer to that question and saying you left to save me isn’t what I asked. So why are you dragging this on? End this madness now.” 

Loki remains silent and looks away from your stare. His focus has shifted to the ceiling as he takes a deep breath. 

“I did and still do… love you.” 

The answer is more than you bargained for and you can’t help but stare at him in confusion. 

How could that be possible? And why hadn’t he said something before? 

“But I hurt you,” you whisper. “I hurt you so badly and I… I pushed you away. I was the one who… why didn’t you say something before…I...”

“You were so angry with me. I didn’t realize how angry apparently,” he chuckles as he looks down at his wounds. “But I couldn’t say those words knowing it would just… harm you. I’ve already taken so much from you. There was no need for me to take away the peace you received at telling me off.” 

You can’t help but pace once more unable to process the range of emotions going through you at the moment. Part of you grew angry while the other was settling in relief. There was a war growing inside you and you had no idea what side would win. You start to feel yourself teeter to one side but it all comes to a stop as Loki speaks again.

“Do you… Is there a way you may once love me again?” 

The war inside you silences as you find the answer to his question with ease. 

“I… I have never stopped loving you, it seems,” you whisper. “I fear that I can never stop loving you even after all of this…” 

You can’t help the sad laugh that escapes your lips. 

“I can’t accept your apology, Loki.” 

A flash of sadness crosses Loki’s face before he hides it under a still mask. 

“I can’t accept it until you accept mine first,” you continue seeing the tension in his body become released. “I am so sorry, Loki. I… I was just so angry.” 

“I know and I deserved it so…” 

“No, no you didn’t,” you interrupt him. “I… I should know better than to put the blame on someone else. It was just easier to blame you. Especially since I thought I would never see you again but that anger… that anger should have really been directed to myself. I should have been stronger. I should have known better. I should have allowed myself to heal a long time ago but I didn’t. I held onto that anger for reasons unknown. Maybe because it was the only thing I had left from you.”

Loki takes in your words and it seems that you have reached a standstill. Everything you had to say was already said. There was nothing else holding you back and you felt free. The tight weight that had settled on your chest was gone.  

“I forgive you,” Loki states. “Which then means that…” 

“I forgive you too,” you finish. 

You both stare at each other waiting to see what the next step should be. The thing is you don’t know what’s meant to happen beyond this point. 

You take a seat at the edge of his bed. You can feel the slight warmth of his body. Your hand reaches for a loose strand of his hair and brushes it back behind his ear. Loki smiles at the simple, gentle act. 

The answer comes to you then and you find yourself content with it. You slowly place a soft kiss on his lips before having to pull away. 

“We need time to heal,” you whisper to him. “From old wounds and new. We just need time.” 

Loki nods silently understanding where you’re coming from. 

“When I can’t see the cuts and bruises from my hands or the cuts and bruises on your face… we can talk again. See where things are and where we can go from there.” 

“I heal quickly,” Loki comments earning a smile from you. 

“But I heal slow,” you answer dimming the mood. “Very slow.” 

Loki reaches for your chin and tilts your head up so he can look at you again.

“Then I will patiently wait for your slow recovery,” he promises. “I will happily wait for you.”

Tags: 

Loki Fanfic: @unicorniorosacomefrutillas @what-didido @thesilentbluesparrow@oddly-drawn-muse @josiehosiedaninja @hp-hogwartsexpress 

All Works: @jmb959 @astudyoftimeywimeystuff @hellocookiecutter @teresaoliva20 @steve-rogers-personal-hell @buckybarnesyard @not-zari-tak

[risingsouls]

Recruited: Chapter 2

[I didn’t edit again because I’m a lazy bitch, but here you go! It’s a lot shorter and I KINDA imagine many of Vegeta’s will be because this IS more about Nabooru. But it’s also about both of them and I LOVE writing pre-Z stuff so. Here you go.]

Vegeta

Beneath Frieza, Zarbon was at the top of Vegeta’s to-murder list, tied with Dodoria. But he would be sure to murder both of Frieza’s most trusted lackeys first and make him watch as he humiliated the smug generals. Slowly. In ways not even Hell could let them forget.

“Who do you think that girl with Zarbon was? Weird that he would be stuck with the task of toting a lowly new recruit around.”

“Who knows. Maybe the pretty boy pissed Frieza off and that was his punishment. Serves him right.” Vegeta heard Nappa hum and could see the large Saiyan folding his arms over his chest despite his position in front of his two cohorts. “Her power level was nothing to sneeze at. Neither were her ti--”

“Yes, she’s even stronger than you are, Nappa,” Vegeta chimed in before the conversation could veer off in the direction he sensed it going. He didn’t have the patience for their horny drivel on a normal day, and simply seeing Zarbon had lowered his tolerance. Thus, he refused to listen to them prattle on about this new recruit’s figure and whatever lewd fantasies they had already dreamed up about her. “If you’re not careful, perhaps I’ll have her replace you.”

“What? Come on, you don’t mean that!” 

“Perhaps I do.” A smirk curled the prince’s lips. “She’s stronger than you and much easier on the eyes. What do you think, Raditz?”

“I would say it’s a pretty sound strategy. Good chance she’s smarter, too.”

Nappa huffed. “If Frieza murders the two of you in this meeting, I won’t miss you.”

“Speaking of that, what do you think he wants with all three of us?” Radtiz asked. “He usually only calls for you.”

An unfortunate truth and the reasoning for the change of the tyrant’s usual habits escaped him. Even when the matter at hand involved all three Saiyans--a new job he felt the need to assign in person, to scold them for a mission he deemed botched by them, or to simply torment the Saiyan prince for his own entertainment--he only requested Vegeta’s presence, likely due to his station as the undisputed leader of their trio and would-be monarch that ruled them if he still had a domain and people to rule over. Perhaps he had finally decided to do away with the rest of their race by putting the three of them out of their misery after all.

Then again, Frieza had quite the penchant for torture of both the physical and mental variety. Death would be too merciful.

“I guess this time he wanted more of an audience for whatever hell he’s planned for me than just Dodoria and Zarbon.” He turned a corner, the other two Saiyans following him down the final stretch of hallway leading toward the base’s central hub. “With Zarbon busy, he’s down a lackey for the moment. Perhaps he wanted the room to feel fuller.”

“Too bad we’re not as prone to kissing his ass,” Nappa mumbled, his boisterous tone quieted as they approached the door. The three may not suck up to Frieza as to near the same degree as the emperor’s closest confidants, but they weren’t stupid enough to incur his wrath for even a minimal insult such as that. It pained them to live with such fear, to tiptoe around anyone like a trio of children. The prince likely more so than the other two with his royal blood, his top tier power level that still paled in comparison to Frieza and even his lap dogs. Treading on thin ice constantly wore on his psyche, his pride. But his ire for the tyrant and pure spite drove him to survive and kill him. For the years of torment and Vegeta’s suspicion of his role in his people’s demise.

He would take back all that was promised to him.

The double doors slid open and admitted the Saiyans into the heart of the base where they found Frieza with his back to them, finishing off a conversation with the captain of another base somewhere in the cosmos. The screen in front of him blinked to darkness again. “It’s never simple, is it Dodoria? It seems we’ll have to make a little visit to sector eight soon after all.” He turned to face them and the three bowed. “Ah, perfect timing. I just lost the patience for waiting around too long.”

"Of course, my lord." Vegeta rose from his bow, hoping the strain in his jaw loosened before he met Frieza face to face. "We hurried straight here when we received your transmission."

Dodoria snorted, but Frieza ignored him. "Obedient as always. I've trained you well. But I'll cut right to the chase." His crimson gaze shifted from Vegeta to his left. "I have need of your large nanny, prince."

It took a massive amount of control to keep the surprise from his face, but a glance at Nappa revealed he hadn't been near as successful, the giant blinking with a tensed jaw. Confusion was better than fear, though the three of them no doubt felt some degree of it. Nappa for his own life, Vegeta for the potential loss of his most loyal underling. Though dumb and weak compared to him, the oaf had proven himself more than useful over the years.

"I mean no disrespect, sire, but what would you have me do?" Nappa asked. Vegeta felt a rush of a breeze as the former General dipped into another bow.

"Training." The Acrosian emperor folded his arms behind his back. "I have an...interesting new recruit. A very capable fighter, but new to utilizing ki. As you know, I prefer my soldiers have more than a basic handle on their energy and using it. A few weak blasts won't cut it in the force, and I see potential in her power level if given some proper training in ki utilization specifically. I want useful soldiers, not dead weight."

Vegeta's dark brows lowered in skepticism, but before he could request further explanation of why he needed Nappa for such a task, Frieza continued on, proving his impatience and readiness to move on with whatever heinous plans he had for sector eight. "A combination of the reports concerning her and her people along with my own observations revealed they are not unlike you Saiyans in their lust for combat. A little less bloodthirsty, perhaps, but quick learners and more than happy to jump into any fight presented to them. This particular soldier embodies this to the Nth degree. I'm sure even your monkey brains have figured out my train of thought: with such similarities, what better teacher for her than a Saiyan of which I have three more than willing to assist with it? I chose your giant for his experience in the field since, if I recall, he had a hand in your training, yes?"

“That is correct.” A minimal one, but Vegeta couldn’t deny Nappa’s involvement in his early combat training. The basics of physical and ki-based combat Nappa taught the prince himself. Until the young Saiyan realized his own strength and it became a hazard to the advisor’s health. He had never been known for pulling his punches no matter the opponent, and with a formidable power level at birth, it wasn’t long before he could subdue Nappa in minutes. When a spar nearly cost him his life, Nappa decided besetting Saibamen on him would prove more effective, coaching from the sidelines rather than serving as the royal punching bag. Vegeta attributed much of his learning to his own natural prowess, however. A self-taught prodigy for the greater portion of his training and growth.

“Perfect. I know it will break your heart to be down one cohort, but I’m sure you and the other will manage for...let’s say a month. I believe that is more than enough time for her to adjust and reach the required levels. If not,” he chuckled and shared a smirk with Dodoria, “I suppose that will be the end of this little experiment.”

Of course this was all just some stupid pet project of his. A waste of time, likely, that would only serve to rob him of Nappa for much too long. Vegeta held his tongue and bowed his head again. “Very good, my lord.”

“Since I likely will not be here to assess her myself, I will expect daily reports on her progress starting tomorrow,” he told Nappa. “You two will continue your jobs as scheduled. I’m sure you can handle that a man down.”

“Yes, sire.” Nappa and Raditz mumbled their own affirmation in unison with the prince and took Frieza turning his back to them as their dismissal. They each bowed once more and Vegeta turned on his heel to lead them back into the hallway. 

Not until they reached the barracks sector and piled into the elevator did anyone dare speak, Raditz the first to express his thoughts on the matter: “You lucky bastard. You’re basically getting a vacation with a view.”

Vegeta rolled his eyes and pressed the button for the third floor with a huff. “Is that all you two think about? You don’t even know if that woman is the one he’ll be training.”

“Not all of us are content ignoring our needs like you,” Raditz retorted, folding his arms. “Besides, there’s a good chance it's her. She’s obviously new, didn’t even have armor yet.”

“Almost a shame she’ll have to change out of that outfit she was wearing,” mused Nappa, rubbing his chin. “Shit, even if it’s not her, having a woman around will be a nice change of pace in this place.”

Vegeta shot him a glare as they stepped off the elevator. “Your job is to train her, not bed her, Nappa.” He halted in front of his own door and typed in the four-digit code that offered him admission. He was keen on spending the few hours they had left before the final meal of the day without his cohorts. He had tired of them and their new strain of conversation for the moment. “Don’t do anything stupid that’s going to get you killed. You’ll be teaching her how to do it, after all.”

The prince entered his room, not caring for his subordinate’s reply as he closed the door behind him with the press of a button. He crossed his room to his bed and flopped down on it, arms folded tightly over his chest and a glare aimed at the ceiling. While the meeting with Frieza could have played out in far less favorable ways, it did nothing for his mood. He and Radtiz could handle the clutch of jobs assigned to them over the next month without issue, the possessive side of him balked at the idea of Nappa being anywhere but where he wanted him. What was the bastard up to with all this? Even if she was just a new recruit in need of additional training, there were thousands of other soldiers that could implement her training. His explanation be damned, Frieza hardly ever concerned himself with compatibility, so what was his angle? Was it just his own paranoia where the emperor was concerned frazzling him, or was there merit to his suspicions?

Vegeta groaned and flipped over onto his side, tearing his scouter off his face and resisting the urge to throw it against the wall. Patience was a virtue in short supply for him, but he had little other choice but to wait it all out. If luck favored him, though it rarely ever did, he would wash his hands of this mess entirely within a month.

[ruffsraven]

Dark Mark | D.M.

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Slytherin!reader

Summary: You thought that receiving the Dark Mark and doing the Dark Lord’s bidding alone would be the worst that can happen. However, when help came, you found yourself refusing.

Word Count: 2.8k

A/N: I’m not confident to post this story but I’ll be more than glad if you somehow like it. This isn’t much but I’m still practicing,

It wasn't your fault that you have Death Eaters as parents. That mere fact has been a torment to you since you step foot in Hogwarts. In your juvenile years, you thought that the prejudice you receive from being a Slytherin was the worst thing that can happen to you at Hogwarts. Years of forbearance had passed by until all the baleful remarks normalized. Little did you know that it wasn't the end of your agony.

The first weeks of your fourth year were the best of days you knew. Those were the blossoming days where you started distinguishing forms of affection that you barely received from your parents. 

After all, you had Draco. You generally acknowledged that he wasn't the best man in the world to build an affinity with. But despite his cold and prideful nature, he held you together when you felt every inch of you falling apart. He was your friend, not because your parents are former Death Eaters. He cared for you and you knew.

"Y/N?" There was a knock.

You don't know why you suddenly lost it and his voice just reminded you that crying will do nothing to save Cedric Diggory from his untimely death. You expected another knock but your peripheral vision just caught the lock of the broomstick closet loosening. 

Draco barged in, slamming the door behind him, making it darker once more. He doffed something across the small room and approached your hunkered figure in the corner. 

He shook your shoulders lightly and said, "Y/N, why on earth are you crying? As far as I'm concerned, Diggory was not much of an importance to you." Your shoulders trembled beneath his hand from forceful restraint. 

He softened and scooted closer so that he could secure your shivering figure around his arms.

"Tell me," he whispered, blotting your damp cheeks with his fingers. "It's not entirely about Diggory, isn't it?"

"H-He's back." 

There was a short pause and then, "You know that Potter could be lying." You searched for his eyes in the darkness. "Draco, are you thoroughly blinded by your anger to neglect how traumatized Potter looked like?" "So you believe him?"

You clutched his collar in both hands and hissed, "Draco, our parents...t-they could go back to him. Serve him again..."

He gently removed your hands off him and said, "You shouldn't be bothered. They'll not involve us in their affairs." And he was awfully wrong.

The upcoming year hadn't alleviated the anxiousness that shuddered your insides since Cedric died. Dolores Umbridge's reign was not in favor of you either. It displeased Draco that you refused to join the Inquisitorial Squad. But somehow, you constructed a not-too-pathetic lie that you sucked at handling prefect jobs. 

Draco was ecstatic to receive credits for having authority over the Gryffindors. The year went on like the usual but an inconceivable fear started to encumber your heart in a way you can't handle. You knew for a fact that something ominous would happen.

By the end of the year, you went home bearing profound hatred and trepidation. Voldemort had truly returned and The Daily Prophet couldn't tell a tale otherwise anymore. 

You keep yourself shut in your room all summer, constantly exchanging letters with Draco. By and by, you noticed minor changes in the way he writes and how frequently he does. You'd most likely get a letter or two for a week, all of them short as if hastened. But it didn't stop you from sending lengthy letters all at once, continuously asking for his condition. But all of his letters, as you analyzed each, contain one general message: "Be careful always."

It was one month away from returning to Hogwarts when a mishap happened in your life. 

Night was creeping up the sky when your parents sat across from you in your living room. Their gaze met as if in anticipation in which to speak first but your mother immediately broke the silence and asked you to visit Diagon Alley with them. You hesitated but eventually agreed. After all, you had no choice but to obey. 

To your surprise, they stay beside you and even let you visit Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. You had always admired the inventive products of the Weasleys but always too ashamed to tell them so. You walked out of the store with a few handfuls, partly because your parents insisted on buying everything you like. It was all too perfect and you couldn't wish for anything else. 

It never crossed your mind that you'll reach home imprinted with a Dark Mark. Your parents held you and together you Apparated back home. You tore away from them, almost stumbling in your own feet, and burst outside the house. You wanted to run away. Anywhere away from them. You cried in disbelief, anguish brimming between your disappointment and love for your parents. You scorned the bad reputation entitled in your name but never did it cross your mind to loathe them nor defy them. But things got worse and you were getting involved in a dispute you shouldn't partake of.

Since your childhood, your little tree house has been home to you but in these dark phases of your life, it became a haven that protected you from any further danger. Indeed, the evil mark across your forearm aches occasionally, like the serpent protruding from the skull's mouth had the intention to slither out of your skin. 

As you wept under a bundle of quilt, your trembling body begged for warmth more than a quilt or a fireplace could give. In no time, you found yourself scribbling a letter that you addressed to Draco.

***

Returning to Hogwarts has never been as dejecting as it did this year. You unpacked your luggage with exhaustion and the Great Hall ceremony were suddenly deflating and despondent. 

It was midnight and your new homeworks were put away on your table. You tossed and turned as you strived to grasp sleep but nothing came but the behest spoken to you in that dreadful night in Borgin and Burkes.

"Y/L/N, my recent endeavor in the Ministry of Magic has been spoiled by foolish negligence." You kept your head lowered as the Dark Lord spoke. You winced at the discomfort your new mark penetrated, all you could do was cradle it with your other arm with utter caution. "Child, scraps of tales reached me that your intelligence was remarkable and I'm rather glad to have you in my circle. Do not disappoint me. The punishment can be worse than you think."

Your vision caught the sight of your mother as she restrained the urge to crouch down and enveloped you in her arms. You know they loved you, but cowardice prevailed over them for letting their daughter in a perilous disposition. The Dark Lord walked past you and addressed you in a more commanding tone, "I expect much from you than your parents, Y/L/N. You had the advantage. Clever. Near the boy." You processed his last words. And your eyes widened in sudden realization in what undertaking your fate rested upon.

"Y/N? What's the matter?" 

A light stroke in your hair snapped you out of your musings. And there kneeling beside your bed was Draco with a worried expression in his face. 

You rose from the pillow, wiped your face in haste as if to cover up the unrestricted tears that dampen your cheeks.

"What are you doing here? It's late. Go to bed."

Draco sat in the foot of your bed and said, "You haven't written anything for me for the past week. I'm just wondering if everything's fine."

No. No, Draco. It wasn't, you gulped down the thought and let it die in your throat for good measure. 

"Fine. Everything's good," you lied. "Just a bit occupied lately."

"Then why are you crying?"

"Nothing. Just remembered something."

"Care to share?" 

"No. It wouldn't interest you," you forced a laugh and almost succeeded. He paused for a moment, perusing if you're being truthful. 

"Alright," he said finally though he doesn't feel half-convinced. "You're a terrible liar but whatever that memory is, I hope it won't last long. Crying just doesn't fit you."

He stood up and wrapped you in his arms, giving you a light squeeze. You hugged him back, trying not to fall apart then and there. His scent somehow reminded you that people are also homes.

***

Potions class with the Gryffindors was the last thing you wanted in this time of day. The small vial in your fist shook as you entered and arranged your table with cauldrons and ingredients. 

"What's in your hand?" 

The familiar voice deepened your frustration but you managed to respond: "None of your business, Potter."

It silenced him but Ron scowled, "Don't need to be rude, Y/L/N. He's only asking."

Someone emerged beside you, dropping his cauldron with deliberate hostility. "No need to poke your nose in as well, Weasley. No one to bother, are you? Why not go to your Mudblood?

Ron almost quivered with fury that Harry had to practically drag him away until they reached the table farthest from you.

"Draco," you said, pocketing the vial not to arouse suspicions. "You promised me not to say that word again."

"If that's the only way to fend that Weasley off, why not? In this instance, I obviously have too."

"What do you mean?"

"Y/N, not to be blunt or anything, but lately you look weak and frail with no capability of defending yourself."

"I can defend myself," you answered indignantly. "I just don't see the point of arguing with them."

Draco sighed, mixing something in his cauldron. "If you said so."

***

"I know what you're up to, Y/L/N."

Harry followed you in the secluded hallway heading to the seventh floor, knowing that Draco wasn't around to send him away. 

"Leave me alone, Potter!" you shouted, quickening your pace. "You're a loon. You and your friends." 

It became your cue to pull out your wand without any afterthought. His accelerating footfalls alarmed you and your second move fought against your better judgement.

"Petrificus Totalus!"

You heard the thud as his rigid body fell in the ground, you looked around once more, watchful for any hidden witness that might have seen your misconduct. You raced to the seventh floor, still half-guilty for hexing Potter. You almost reached the Room of Requirements when a faint rustling approached you from behind.

"Everte Statum!"

In no time you were swept off your feet, sharp pain coursing through you as you flew backwards, immediately hitting the wall with your shoulder.

You saw Ron tossed the Invisibility Cloak aside, his wand pointed at you. Your only hope of escape was the door, no bigger than a broomstick closet, beside you. But half of your body felt sore like the effect of the spell worsened at each passing second. Potter scurried behind Ron, still shaking away the temporary rigidness of his arm.

He had an adverse expression in his face unlike what he did before. For a moment, you realized that he meant no harm against you but casting a hex on him pulled his last straw.

He appeared hesitant for a moment, seeing that you're hopeless and defeated. And neither of your senses wanted to take action as if giving your fate to the circumstances.

All of a sudden, a loud rattle of a door thundered beside you and your vision caught Draco appeared from behind. Seeing Harry and Ron pointing their wands at you increased his malevolent anticipation. Then: "Crucio!"

Harry and Ron dodged away, splitting on either side. Harry raised his wand and shouted, "Sectumsem—"

"Expelliarmus!" you cried out, finding the last shreds of your strength. Draco took advantage of their incapability and lifted you from the ground. He pulled you to the Room of Requirements, thwarting another hex from the outside as he slammed the door. The door clicked and locked by itself. An eyehole materialized on its surface, allowing Draco to peer through.

"They went away."

One of his arms was circled around your waist as you leaned against his body for stability. He withdrew from the door, placing both of his arms around you. It lasted for a minute, enough for you to look around and observed the rubbles of abandoned items stack around you. For a second, the room felt narrow and confined. 

He finally let you go, helping you sit in a nearby chair. 

"I saw your letter, the one hidden in your trunk," said he, kneeling in front of you. His features softened and less hostile than you saw him before. And being the one causing them gave you a sense of warmth. "It was addressed in my name so I obliged." 

He strived to search for your eyes, expecting that you'd tell him the truth yourself. He didn't wait for much longer before rolling the sleeve of your left arm. It was no use to stop him.

His face darkened, his expression became more manlier than boyish as if maturity was wedging itself in him.

In a low, calm voice, he whispered, "Do you trust me?"

His inquiry was irrelevant but you answered, "I always have."

"Good." He stood up and approached a wooden furniture across the room. Its door swinged from its hinges revealing darkness from the inside. You recognized at once that it was the Vanishing Cabinet. He pocketed one of his hands and ran his finger over the cabinet's facade with the other. 

"Let me take over the responsibility."

"What?" Your response was immediate as if his statement was incoherent.

"I've got the Mark as well," he said, turning to face you.

"No," you shook your head, wishing that you were right "No. You don't. Please no..."

Draco noticed the weakness in your voice like nothing was left of you to fall apart. Your parents. Your innocence. And Draco.

You force to keep it all together but seeing Draco roll his sleeve, half-hesitant as if ashamed. The Dark Mark printed over his pale skin like an ugly, blackened scar.

"Now—don't mind me, okay? I'll ask him—the Dark Lord—I could take over your job. I'll be fine."

"I'll help," you insisted, walking over to him. "It's not a burden for you to carry. It's mine. If you insist, just let me help."

"No."

"What? Draco—"

"I said NO," he fixed something by the Vanishing Cabinet, turning his back against you. "I don't want your help."

"I can help," you reasoned. "By all means, I know a fair amount of spells and schemes to fulfill the Dark Lord's wishes. Draco, I know you want the glory but you can't do this alone."

"The glory!" he faced you, hurt and rage interweaving in his eyes. "I was merely trying to protect you as much as I can. Bold of you to assume I want all the admiration!"

"It's not your job to protect me..." you said quietly.

"It felt like it is." His eyes bore through you, his eyes suddenly gleamed with tears, you supposed. Then he looked away. "I know what the Dark Lord is capable of. He wouldn't think twice to kill. And I'd be lying to myself if I chose to save my own neck over yours."

"Oh Draco." It was enough for you to throw your hands around his middle, pulling him close so his head could nestle in your neck. You felt hot tears streamed down your skin as he whimpered. His hands wandered in your back, finally resting in the curve of your hips. You felt him lean on your touch and it hit you like a forceful jab in the chest

"I know it's stupid. I tried rubbing them off—its stupid, but I don't want it. I had no choice." His voice was uncontrolled and rather hopeless, all the pain he suppressed burst as tears. 

You just held him. No words can soothe away the pain you both shared. You stroke his hair, shutting your eyes close as you felt his body quiver from too much crying.

"Draco, just let me help. Please," you said hopefully. 

He gently pulled away, clasping his hands over yours. A smile pulled in his lips as he gazed down at your hands, how perfectly they fit like your hands were made for him.

"I know you can stand for yourself. But leave this to me. Okay?"

You sighed in defeat, squeezing his hand for reassurance. He squeezed back. You fished something out of your pocket. The vial. 

You held his wrist, opening his palms. "Keep this. That's the least I can do." He eyed the potion before asking what it was.

"Liquid Luck," you answered. "Nicked it from Potions class. As much as I hate the Dark Lord's plan...I want you to be safe," your voice settled in your throat for a moment and then: "It wasn't much but I hope it helps."

"Thanks." He pocketed it inside his suit.

"Draco?"

"Yeah?"

"Mind if I stayed with you tonight? It's just—our dorm, it was lonely out there without a company," you admitted. 

"I'd love to."

However, it escaped you the sparkle in his eyes, knowing that this night—perhaps the rest—won't be as miserable as they did before.

***

Masterlist

[titansandothersrp]

Not A Date

(This is a compiled roleplay between my Beast Boy muse and the Raven muse of @azarathian . This is a very old roleplay we wrote under different usernames, but I labeled our writing with our current usernames.)

titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): As many times as the changeling told himself it was not a date, he couldn’t shake the nervousness and eagerness he felt about this little outing with Raven. His heart fluttered at the thought of some one on one time with the girl. One on one time she actually wanted to have with him. Maybe he had a chance! “Calm down, Beast Boy, it’s just tea.” He took a deep breath. “But if that goes well…” He trailed off, thinking of the other things he had planned for the day, assuming he could get Raven to come along. He looked in his mirror and combed his hair for the fifth time that day. Though it didn’t seem like it, the green teen actually put a lot of effort into his presentation today. He took a shower this morning, thoroughly brushed and flossed his teeth, endured the burn of mouthwash, and put on completely clean clothes. Continuing to preen in the mirror, he couldn’t believe the effort he was putting in for Raven. He never would have cleaned up for Raven a few months ago, but now? He felt like he would do anything for her. There was no doubt in his mind he’d fallen for her and fallen hard. She made his heart flutter, showed up in his dreams, comforted him, and made him beyond happy. He loved her intelligence, mystery, strength, compassion, and as difficult as they can be to achieve, her smile and laugh. He checked his watch. “Alright. No more stalling.” He said quietly with a sigh before finally exiting his room to knock on Raven’s door.  azarathian (Raven): When Raven had finally awoken, she felt a distinct weight sitting on her stomach. Within the first few minutes of stirring from her sleep and adjusting to the world of reality, the memories of the previous night – or rather, earlier that morning – washed over her like a rampant deluge. Though she tried to convince herself it had been a dream, she knew all too well that it wasn’t. And now, as she sat up in bed, she felt her skull spin with the consequences. She’d allowed herself to be vulnerable in front of him. She’d expressed the hauntings of her past, shared with him her dreams, nightmares. And in turn, had gained a wealth of knowledge regarding his own tormented past as well. But that wasn’t it… She reminisced the way the hurt had fallen from his face in relief after confiding in her; how that signature, toothy grin returned so seamlessly whilst looking upon her. How her chest had felt light in the aftermath. Too light. And, ultimately, she had agreed to go out with him today. Why? Why had she done that? In many ways, she wished she hadn’t. She wished he’d never even asked. That would’ve made her morning a lot simpler. But instead, she spent it entirely over-thinking the situation she’d landed herself in. Pacing around her room like a wandering child, she tried to just focus on her normal routine. But she found her eyes kept flitting to her bedside clock, watching that hand tick, tick, tick, as if it was mocking her. Meanwhile, her mind was a tempest of thoughts and questions.

Why does this feel so weird? It’s just Beast Boy. He’s your friend. You go out with Starfire – she’s your friend. This isn’t any different, right? It’s… a good thing. He asked you because you’ve been getting closer, and that’s a good thing. This is just… a peace offering? No, that doesn’t sound right. I don’t know. Eugh, I don’t know. It’s just going out for tea. What’s so weird about going out for tea? Nothing. So why… why are you panicking as if it’s… With a leaden sigh, she slumped herself back to her bed. By now she’d managed to get fully ready, as any other day, despite her inner monologue circling round and round. She’d chosen not to get breakfast. She didn’t want to risk running into him, for some reason. As if she wasn’t going to be seeing him any minute now. For some reason, that sounded a bit ridiculous to her when she played it out to herself. “This is stupid,” she groaned aloud. She was acting and thinking like a child. This wasn’t like her. She didn’t like feeling this way. And she still couldn’t understand why she was getting so worked up over practically nothing in the first place. The girl’s eyes immediately darted to her door when she heard a knock that brought her thoughts to a halt.  And just as she’d managed to talk herself down, that familiar, fond presence caused a leap in her chest all over again. For a few seconds she just sat up on her bed and stared at the door, unsure of what to do. The answer was obvious, of course. Go and answer the damn thing. So she did.  Though the brief walk to her door felt like wading through mud, she finally managed to reach it. It slid open on arrival, and she was suddenly face to face with Beast Boy. “Hey,” she said, voice completely cool as ever. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy):

She seemed to be taking a little longer than usual to answer her door. Was she having second thoughts? Was she embarrassed to be seen with him in public? What if he didn’t have a chance after all? What if- Oh. She opened the door. He let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding and his usual smile returned.

“Hey. Ready to go?”  azarathian (Raven): What a question.  Was there a way of saying she was technically ready but mentally wishing she could pull out purely due to unexplainable nerves? Even if there was, she wouldn’t opt for it. She was a big girl. She could handle an afternoon with her teammate. No problem. Definitely… not a problem.  “Ready,” she replied, joining him in the corridor. She began the first few steps, eager to get out of the tower before someone spotted them and asked questions. What answer would she even give to that? Despite her inner skittishness, her expression revealed entirely nothing but an air of calm.  Perhaps too calm. 

“So…” she began, desperate to not leave an ounce of silence between them. Funny, considering silence was exactly what she usually craved. “Have you ever even tried tea before?”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Maybe a long time ago, when I was still traveling around with my parents and trying different foods and stuff, but I can’t really remember for sure.” It wasn’t often Raven made small talk, but he wasn’t complaining. “Is it one of those acquired taste things or is it possible to like it right away? … What is with acquired taste, anyway? Who was the first person to try something, not like it, then continue eating or drinking it anyway?”  azarathian (Raven): Slightly amused by his rambling, she gave a small shrug, watching him only from the corner of her eye as she continued walking down the corridor stairs, leading them both closer to the tower’s exit.  “Got me. But I guess it depends on the person. There are so many types of tea though, I’d think surely we could find one you’d like.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “You mean we could find one that fits me to a T?” He smirked. He couldn’t resist. He just couldn’t resist. “So, what kinds of tea are there? I know there’s herbal, green, and chamomile. But, that’s all I know off the top of my head… And Earl Grey, which sounds more like an old English dude than a drink.”  azarathian (Raven): Just as he couldn’t resist cracking the pun, she made no effort to resist rolling her eyes to the ceiling, uncaring whether he saw or not. This was just their way by now, and in honesty they both secretly liked it anyway.  “Yeah, they’re the more popular ones, but there are loads more,” she told him. She imagined he might like a kind of fruit tea the most, considering they were the sweetest and least ‘acquired’. “You’ll see when we get there. This place has pretty much all of them.”  It took no more than a twenty minute walk for the two to reach the cafe; it helped that it was located amidst a hidden-away muddle of narrow streets near the pier. This made the area rather quiet and obscure, but thankfully Raven knew the way like the back of her hand and proceeded to guide them past terraces and boulevards to the quaint and archaic-looking cafe. 

Violet eyes looked up with fondness at the rustic, worn sign above the door, like it was home. “C’mon,” she said softly, taking the first step inside.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Beast Boy stayed relatively quiet for the walk there, happy just to be in Raven’s presence and to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Plus, he wanted to save some small talk for the cafe. He looked around as they walked, realizing how out of the way they were going. Upon reaching the cafe, he looked up at the sign, cocking his head. “Looks quiet and peaceful… I’ll try to keep it that way.” He gave a weak chuckle.

He kept quiet, giving a nod as he followed in after her. 

azarathian (Raven): She smiled, appreciating his efforts. It must’ve been strange for him to put himself in such an environment as this, to go against his innate urge to be loud and boisterous and instead adjust to the solitude of the serene and hushed room they found themselves in.  As the two entered, they were met with an admittedly unique-looking setting; for a cafe, at least. The walls surrounding them were not so much walls, but rather shelves upon shelves, stretching to the ceiling and filled to the brim with books of all shapes and size. Some looked rather old and tattered, others pristine and untouched, but their placement was altogether very disorderly. Dark oak garnished the furnishings; odd antiques littered random surfaces as if someone had placed them there years ago and forgotten about them. Only a couple of small windows could be found dotted here and there, leaving the space dimly lit by the warm glow of overhead lights and candles set on the tables.  It wasn’t too scarce, but definitely wasn’t busy either. It was often like this. Not many knew of the cafe, and would have to look very hard to find it. It was in many ways a hidden treasure, a haven to all bibliophiles who liked to sit down with a cup of tea.  Raven instinctively walked over to her favourite table and took a seat, encouraging her companion to do the same. It was a snug space in the corner of the room, partially concealed by a protruding bookshelf. Almost like a den, really. It certainly felt like one, which was exactly why Raven favoured it.  “It’s nice, isn’t it?” she commented, leaning forward in her seat. “Kinda just feels like getting away from everything.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): It certainly was a big change from what he was used to. Old, quiet, and full of books. He felt like he could ruin it, if he so much as breathed wrong. Even so, he tried to appreciate it, looking around without touching anything. He almost lost Raven in his observations of the place, but caught her movement in his peripheral and sat down across from her. He gave her a smile and nodded, happy he was getting a glimpse into her life and interests. “It’s like a little book cave. I can see why you like it here. I’m guessing you come here often?” azarathian (Raven): ‘A book cave.’ She liked that concept.  “Yeah,” she admitted, “when things aren’t too busy with the team, I tend to come here.” True, there were other places she liked to visit in the city, but this one was always her go-to when she just wanted to unwind and enjoy the company of like-minded people and, of course, books upon books. The staff knew her face well, and were in fact aware of who she was.  ‘Sorry for me asking, but… aren’t you a Titan? Raven, isn’t it?’ one of the waitresses had said to her on her first visit. She made no attempt to hide the fact; to citizens who knew who the team of superheroes who defended their city were (or rather, to anyone who followed the news), it would’ve been pretty obvious that she was in fact said girl. So she had simply nodded and confirmed, but asked for it not to be mentioned in future. By now, the staff, being the understanding and considerate people they were, knew not to draw any attention to her. The regular customers knew as well. In fact, there no longer became a need, for most had grown entirely used to the sorceress sitting in her little corner table every now and then, just minding her own business. That’s just how things worked in this place, and for that Raven was more than grateful.  “Have a look.” She picked up the drinks menu to her right and handed it to the boy opposite. Inside, it hosted an entire three pages of choices of different teas and their benefits. “See anything you might like?”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Beast Boy took the menu and opened it up, overwhelmed with all the choices. Rather than giving Raven a response consisting of actual words, he responded with a confused “hngeh” sound. He gave her a smile before returning his attention to the menu, a determined expression on his face. He had no idea what any of these teas tasted like, but he had to find something. He breathed a quiet sigh of relief upon finding the flavored teas. Now he was in familiar territory… sort of. “Um… I think I’ll try this raspberry flavored black tea. Do you know if it’s any good?”  azarathian (Raven): Though she’d tried mostly every flavour on the menu, and though that one wasn’t her favourite, it was still a good choice.  “Yeah, it is,” she replied, now eager for him to try it. She took the menu from his hands only to lay it on the table and turn it back to face him. Directing his gaze downward, she pointed a finger at one of the teas in the bottom corner of the page – chamomile and honey. “That one’s my favourite, but I doubt you’ll like it. Too ‘acquired’,” she smirked, taking the menu back and propping it upright on the table’s edge.  Just then, a voice to her side interrupted the two. There stood a tall, slender girl with almond eyes, an olive complexion and tousled blonde hair, pulled back into a high pony tail. She glanced down at the pair, promptly retrieving her notepad from her quaint apron pocket.  “Haven’t seen you here for a while,” the waitress spoke to Raven, tapping her pen playfully against the paper. “Jump’s crime rate that bad, huh?”  “Something like that,” Raven returned, offering a fond but small smile.  This girl had known Raven for over a year now. And in fact, though she’d never mentioned any civilian friends to her team before, Raven had spent time with the blonde outside of the café as well. She was easy to talk to, shared similar interests with the dark titan, and of course, worked most days in her favourite hang-out. However, unlike Raven, her friend had a slightly more… outspoken persona about her.  “Who’s your date?” The waitress now gestured her pen towards the boy sitting across from Raven, an almost devilish enjoyment in her tone. At this, Raven’s brows knitted in annoyance. The blonde obviously knew of the titans, and therefore obviously recognised the green teen as Beast Boy. Yet she still felt the need to ask, purely to tease the empath and elicit that very glower now boring into her.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Beast Boy cocked his head at the new arrival at their table. It was strange to see someone being friendly towards Raven and vice-versa. He supposed it wasn’t all that surprising, given how often she must come here. He didn’t have much time to think about that as his mind jumbled at being called Raven’s date. The green teen turned red. Did the waitress know he liked Raven? Could she just tell? Crud crud crud crud crud! Oh, wait; she asked a question! “I’m Beast Boy.” He choked out as he awkwardly offered a hand to shake.  azarathian (Raven): “Cassie,” the girl smiled, taking his hand cordially and giving it a light shake. The empath noticed that Beast Boy hadn’t corrected his inquisitor; hadn’t told her that he wasn’t her date but in fact merely a friend.  “And he’s not my–” Raven tried to interject but was swiftly cut across again by her overly affable server, as if she wasn’t even there.  “You’re a handsome one, aren’tcha?” To most, her tone sounded entirely innocent, but Raven couldn’t miss the way her amber eyes flitted to catch her reaction at the comment. She was completely playing with her, using Beast Boy as a way to poke fun and get her flustered. To the blonde, the sight of a blushing Raven was just too much to resist. “Nice job, Rae,” she finally turned back to the female titan with a sly simper, but only got a throbbing vein and twitching brow in return. 

“Aren’t you meant to be taking our order?”  “Hey, nothing wrong with light chit-chat with the customers!” Cassie gave a chuckle, setting her pen back down on her notepad. “Besides, he doesn’t mind, do ya?” she said, eyes back on the changeling.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Beast Boy was pretty much scarlet at this point. Even his ears had reddened. Despite his embarrassment, he couldn’t help but grin at the positive attention given to him. “Nah. It’s fine.” He chuckled awkwardly. “It’s the ears, isn’t it?” He gave his pointy ears a wiggle. “Ladies love the pointy ears~” Glancing at Raven to see her reaction, his ears drooped. She looked so annoyed. Was the thought of dating him really that frustrating? Maybe he didn’t have a chance after all… The usual energy that emanated from the changeling seemed to dissipate. “I’ll have the raspberry flavored black tea.” He ordered with a seeming lack of emotion.  azarathian (Raven): Raven hadn’t noticed the falter in the boy’s voice or expression, for she was too busy glaring irritably at Cassie and thinking up ways to get the girl back for this in the future.  “Nice choice.” The waitress messily scrawled his order down on her jotter. “And the usual, Rae?”  “You know me so well,” she said, the last remnants of resentment dripping from her tongue.  “Kay. Five minutes,” the blonde told them, seeming rather happy with herself as she wandered back across the room to the counter. As she watched that flaxen pony-tail sway side to side, Raven sighed, propping her elbow on the table and chin on the heel of her palm. “Sorry about her.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): It took a moment for him to realize Raven had addressed him. His ears perked and he forced his usual smile back on his face. “Why be sorry? She was complimenting me! You seem more annoyed than me. Guess I can see why. Someone thinking you’re on a date with me must be pretty embarrassing.” He smiled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head.  azarathian (Raven): Trust him to self-deprecate for the sake of keeping conversation light. A small exhale escaped Raven’s nose as the corner of her lip curled upwards.  “It’s not that,” she uttered, placing her arms back down on the table, eyes drifting off to the side where Cassie had been standing. “She just likes getting a rise out of me when she can. She’s like that. But it’s all harmless; I mean, we’ve been friends for a long time.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He chuckled, relieved. “Man, if I tried that with you, I’d get slapped. How did she manage it?” He thought for a moment. “I guess it’s because I don’t give you tea, huh?” 

azarathian (Raven):

“Partly. I can’t let you think you can get away with stuff like that,” she smiled, tone blithe. “You’d take advantage of it.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He snorted. “I totally would.” He attempted to mimic Raven’s tone. “That joke was terrible.” He returned to his usual tone. “But I gave you chamomile with honey!” 

azarathian (Raven): At least he didn’t try to deny the truth; however, as per usual, that signature roll of her eyes just couldn’t be kept at bay, though her small smirk remained present throughout.  “That impression was terrible,” she joked back, making an effort to maintain her deadpan merely for the sake of showing him how it should be done.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Was she insulting his impersonation skills? She was! Well, he wouldn’t take that lying down. 

“Yes. It was just dreadful. I’m frowning even though I’m sitting right across from the funniest guy I know.”  azarathian (Raven): Oh, she could play this game. Her smile was eclipsed by a familiar, placid expression, almost mirroring that of the boy opposite, though perhaps holding a touch of judgement. Clearly he wanted a challenge. 

“And modest. Don’t forget modest.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Of course. And so charming and handsome. I can’t believe I’ve resisted spending time with him like this for so long.” How he managed not to crack up yet, he had no clue.  azarathian (Raven): Her brows raised, gaze and head tilted to the side in a feigned, melodramatic look of realisation.  “Yep. ‘Cause living with him 24/7 just simply isn’t enough. I must’ve been delusional,” she drawled out, each word that left her lips sounding faker than the last.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): The changeling cackled, unable to keep up the act anymore. “Okay, okay! You win!”  azarathian (Raven): She had to give him his due, for the entire thirty seconds he managed to withhold the emotionless façade, he did a pretty decent job (for Beast Boy). But as those cold eyes suddenly sprung back to life, beaming once again with that emerald glint, she felt another smile crawl back onto her mouth without a hint of permission.  The smile almost instantly spread before a gentle laugh of her own spilled out, her hand rising as if to catch the sounds, completely in vain. And why was that… lightness back again? Coming like ocean waves in the pit of her chest, all the while overpowering her innate sense of composure.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): As his own laughter quieted down, he noticed Raven’s. He’d made her laugh again! Rather than getting an inflated ego over this, Beast Boy felt a flutter in his chest instead. He felt so light and happy as heat rose to his cheeks once more. She was so beautiful when she laughed… Realizing he was staring a bit, he glanced away.

azarathian (Raven): By the time her giggle had withered away, she caught herself wondering what she’d been laughing at in the first place. Sure, their routine banter with one another was amusing (though she’d never fully admitted to this), but had his impersonation really been enough to elicit a laugh from her? A genuine, almost shylaugh? She’d usually at least try to restrain, but this time hadn’t even thought about it. It had just… happened.  Her gaze glimpsed the boy and noticed the soft tinge gracing his face. Without warning, a warmth of her own spread to her cheeks, her heart feeling like it had a fist around it. A somewhat awkward silence hung between them for what felt like ages but was in fact a mere few seconds, and she scoured her mind for something to say. Easier said than done, which was strange, considering how effortlessly they’d just been chatting with each other.  “Okay, that’s one raspberry.” The blonde’s return to their table shook her from her thoughts and she breathed an inaudible sigh as Beast Boy’s drink was placed down in front of him. “And one chamomile.” Cassie looked down at the two with a smile. “Anything else I can get you?”  “Uhm.” It took a moment longer for the magus to regain herself, but once she did it was as though she’d never been lost to begin with. “No, I think we’re okay,” she said, looking to the boy opposite for him to confirm.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Beast Boy jumped slightly at Cassie’s voice, having been distracted. He shook his head as he reached for his cup, eager to drink away the awkwardness. Not thinking or noticing the heat of the cup through his gloves, he took a large sip and immediately regretted it. His shoulders tensed up and his face recoiled from the cup with a yelp. Panting like a dog, he tried to cool his mouth. “I burned my tongue! And lips! And throat!” He fanned his hands at his mouth. “I burned my everything!” 

azarathian (Raven): Cassie gave one last nod in return, resisting the urge to say anything more (though she easily could’ve, just to taunt her friend again), and promptly made her exit towards another table to take their order. With her departure, Raven coiled her fingers around the handle of her mug, delicately pressing her other hand to the rim to keep balance. Her touch was light so as not to burn her skin as she rose the steaming cup to her chin, ready to blow on the liquid.  When she heard the boy’s wail, her gaze merely rose though her head remained dipped. “That tends to happen when you don’t give your hot drink time to cool down,” she muttered critically, despite being tickled by the sight.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He wheezed. “I didn’t know they served lava here!” He panted before smacking his mouth, trying to make out the taste. “Raspberry flavored lava. I think I like the taste, but I’m not sure. I might have burned off all my taste buds.”  azarathian (Raven): She gave a huff at his blatant exaggeration, though she appreciated that taking an unknowing gulp of what they served here couldn’t have been nice. Though not lava, they really did serve their tea steaming hot.  “You might like it more once you leave it a minute and blow on it.” Raven then proceeded to do just that, pursing her lips and breathing out a stream of cold air across the top as if to demonstrate.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Well, I know that now.” He rested his cheek in his hand and his elbow on the table. “It’s kinda hard to feel stuff when I’m wearing gloves all the time.” Granted, he had no excuse for not noticing the steam. He lifted his head and pulled off his gloves before touching his cup in curiosity. It was now obvious that it was hot. “Hm.” He moved his hands over the edge of the table, enjoying feeling something besides the fabric of his gloves.  azarathian (Raven): Though she found his sulking childish, she supposed it was justified. Sort of.  “That better?” she asked, watching the rare sight of Beast Boy without his signature gloves. It looked rather alien to her at first, though she imagined only as much so as seeing her without her staple leotard and cloak would look to any other.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Well, I certainly feel better.” He joked, emphasizing his point by feeling assorted surfaces within reach. “It’s so weird not wearing my gloves. My whole uniform is practically my skin at this point.”  azarathian (Raven): Huh. She’d never thought of that before, but he had a point. Compared to her own uniform, his was very restricting in terms of touch. If a chill passed through them, she’d feel it much more than he would. She supposed the same applied to Robin, as well.  “Guess you’re right,” she remarked, once again giving a light blow to the tea in her hands. “But you must be thankful for that in battle, hm?”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “It depends, I guess. My gloves don’t really do anything when I’m in animal form. And unless I’m fighting a sandpaper monster in human form, they aren’t of much use. I suppose they’re good for when I’m running on all fours.” He looked to his gloves on the side of the table. “I think the reason I wear them is because that’s what I’m used to. Almost all the Doom Patrol wears gloves. I know I’m not technically on the Doom Patrol anymore, but…” He tugged at his uniform, looking down at it. “Do you think I should get my own look?”  azarathian (Raven): Ah, of course; she hadn’t considered that most of the time in battle he would be without the gloves due to his different forms. Still, she wouldn’t complain against having some herself when she was being tossed to the ground time after time during combat. It would certainly leave her with less grazes across her palms. Although, she supposed she’d grown used to it by now.  “Yeah,” she gave a small nod. “It’s the same with my cloak; they’re pretty common on Azarath. But…” the girl paused a moment, debating whether to say what she actually thought or not. Ultimately, she decided to give him the truth; he deserved as much. “No. Not now, at least. I like your look.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Really?!” He beamed. 

That’s the closest to saying he’s attractive that she’s ever been, he thought. Oh, now she’d done it. “Do you like my ears too?!” He wiggled them, looking at her hopefully. Despite saying ladies love the ears, he’s only heard it from one woman, his adoptive mother. If another girl were to like his ears, it would make his week.  azarathian (Raven): A dark brow rose whilst the other descended at the changeling’s response. She sat back in her seat, watching that gleaming face with slightly wider eyes than before.  “Beast Boy.” Her flat and placid timbre made its reappearance as her hands brought the rim of her teacup to her lips. But just before she took the first sip, she finished with a swift but light-hearted order.  “Drink your tea.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “I didn’t hear a nooo~” He smirked before taking his teacup and actually blowing on it before taking a sip. “Huh. Not bad. Different, but not bad. I might have to come here more often.” He took another sip. “…If you’re okay with that.”  azarathian (Raven): A judgemental look morphed its way onto her features, but she made no effort to argue with him. He’d only persist anyway. But, actually… even from day one of meeting the hero before her, she couldn’t deny she’d noticed the anomalies that were his ears. And though for a while she regarded them as merely unusual, she supposed that, over time, she had come to see them in a more… charming light. She figured his confidence towards them helped in that respect. Push the idea onto someone that something is good, and eventually you’ll convince them of just that.  She smirked a bit, noticing that this time he’d remembered to relieve the heat from his drink with a gust of cool breath.  “Mm, I don’t know. This is my place,” she taunted in her very subtle, very Raven manner. “You’ll have to earn your spot here.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He knew she was teasing and decided to play along. Setting down his cup, he leaned forward with a smirk and half lidded eyes. “And what could a lowly peasant like me do to earn a spot with the fair maiden?” Was he joking or flirting? Yes. He knew this was a risky move, but he planned to play it off as a joke if she didn’t take it well.  azarathian (Raven): Honestly, with Beast Boy’s character being the comic it was, it was especially difficult for Raven to decipher whether he was merely just joking, just pushing her buttons as ever now, or… not. Though she’d caught his expression and lilt in his tone, she made a point not to look into it. If need be, she’d think on it later, but for the moment, she had an unwavering urge to play right back.  A faint snort escaped her before she tilted her head in an unconvinced but impish gesture.

“What? You like tea and books that much already?”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He gave a soft smile. “Maybe I’m more interested in the girl behind the tea and books.” 

He couldn’t help but notice that this was the most he’d ever seen Raven smile. Not wanting to jinx it, however, he kept this fact to himself.  azarathian (Raven): At that, her smile melted into a look of vague surprise, for she was truly not expecting the comment. And all at once, that flutter was back, rippling in the pit of her stomach as her mind reeled for a reaction, entirely unsure of what to make of his answer.  She blinked, not able to help how her speech stunted for a moment after. “Well you’ve known her for almost four years,” she said, that prior witty inflection giving way. “But… if you want to come here more, I’m not gonna stop you.” Her eyes shied away to the side as her voice lowered amid the surrounding chatter. “I mean, you’re not the worst company right now.” Another tease, except this time it was accompanied by a genuine rather than wry smile.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Yeah. But I’ve only really gotten to know her sooner. And now I wanna know more.” Was she… bashful? Oh gosh… That’s so cute…

“I could say the same thing. I’d invite you to places I hang out, but I don’t think you’d be interested in any. Arcade? Dance club? Roller rink? … I know of a little vegan bakery?”  azarathian (Raven): For what felt like the hundredth time that day, he had a point - and she hadn’t paused to realise it herself until he’d said it. When she reflected, she wondered what on earth had caused this… series of occasions that had led them to spend more one-on-one time in the past month or so.  The reality of the matter was that her green teammate had initiated most of it. Following the time he’d persuaded her into baking her first (edible) cake with him, the boy had seemed to grow more confident in asking for more time of her. Though, this wasn’t the unusual thing in their circumstances. No; what was unusual was how, as each affair passed, she had grown less and less reluctant to follow through with his offers. She probably would’ve questioned herself about it, possibly even chided herself for being so engaged as for them to reach this point. That is, if she wasn’t finding herself enjoying his company as much as she was…  At his words, she blushed. And she knew it. And she internally pleaded for it to subside, which only caused it to flourish. Almost as a distraction from the blatant sheepishness in her otherwise unbreakable visage, slender fingers reached up to tactfully tuck a lock of violet hair behind her ear.  She exhaled a nervous breath that was meant to sound something like a laugh. “Well, you wouldn’t know. You haven’t tried asking me yet…”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Just when he thought she couldn’t get any cuter, she blushed. The changeling couldn’t stop the grin spreading on his face. It was obvious that he noticed, but he said nothing. He’d learned his lesson last time. She had a point. He hadn’t really tried asking her out to places before. Guess there’s a first for everything. “Would you like to visit my favorite vegan bakery? If we’re lucky, they’ll have their apple crisp with vanilla ice cream~”  azarathian (Raven): To feign that she wasn’t as intrigued as she was (albeit badly), Raven tapped a lone finger against her teacup as she brought it back up to her for another sip. The suspense of her answer lasted a mere few seconds, yet she felt them entirely justified.  “Hm.” Her gaze followed her cup as she placed it back down on its saucer, descended away from the beyl eyes looking at her. “I guess our cake proved vegan food doesn’t always taste awful.” Though a smirk was not present on her lips, one definitely was in her tone. “And you did try tea, so… one trip couldn’t hurt,” she finished with a soft voice as her eyes rose to meet his once more.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He raised a brow with a smirk. Of course she would have to tease him with her answer. He might have been nervous if his gut and common sense was telling him she’d say yes. “Sweet!” He managed not to fist pump in victory, despite the temptation. He blew on his drink before taking another sip. “If you don’t like the food, though I doubt you won’t; it’s good; you might like talking to Maggie. She owns the bakery and we chat from time to time.”  azarathian (Raven): For some reason, the tone of this afternoon was going very differently to how she’d expected it to. She’d expected long silences, rambling about nothing just for the sake of conversation, Beast Boy complaining about the mood the cafe offered and feeling uncomfortable. She certainly hadn’t anticipated their seamless and, admittedly, fun back-and-forth banter. He really did know how to keep her on her toes, and she respected that of him. Not many could say the same of themselves.  Not only this, but her lips had been curled an abundance more than she’d ever planned them to be. Smirks, simpers and smiles had graced her face like the ebb and flow of the sea since she’d sat down with him. And honestly, she hadn’t yet even stopped to notice this. At some point, she had gone past her mind and become comfortably immersed in just the conversation. Who knew she could uphold such a good one with him for so long? It gave her all the more reason to agree to their next outing, which she’d just subconsciously accepted. She’d just accepted another outing with him.  Wait… you’ve just accepted another outing with him?  Should she be asking herself why she’d done so? Regardless, for the moment, she was busy talking.  “Really?” the sorceress echoed. “I’m sure if things go well I might like both.” That smile. That lightness. Again.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Yeah! She’s really nice.” It was rare to see Raven so cheery. Maybe he was rubbing off on her? Checking his watch, he smiled at her. “Feel like catching a quick lunch? It may be a bakery, but there are a few non dessert foods. I recommend the potato soup bread bowl. It’s non dairy, but still creamy~ And I know we just had tea, but Maggie makes a mean lemonade!”

azarathian (Raven):

“Really? You wanna go now?”  It wasn’t that she disapproved of the idea - after all, she had just agreed to it with no such signs of objection - but the girl was just slightly taken aback by the prompt proposal. What she’d envisioned for their afternoon together was, to put it plainly: walk to the tea cafe, have a drink at the tea cafe, walk back to the tower. This was straying from what she’d had in mind, and she wasn’t sure whether it excited or concerned her…  As she looked down to her mug, she observed how the last remnants of her tea sat at the bottom, soon to be drunk. Then she’d be left with an empty cup, and for what to follow? To retreat back to her room and give the boy whose company she’d found herself relishing a swift ‘good bye’? Her gut churned, and at first she believed it to be that familiar sensation returning. However, when the sharp ache followed, Raven realised that it was, in fact, hunger.  Of course. She’d skipped breakfast.  Her eyes clung to the ones gazing back at her, before she slowly parted her wary lips. When the words came out, they did so slowly, as if she was thinking of her answer as she was saying it.  “I guess… we could.”  Was anything going to go as she’d planned today? Truth be told, if it didn’t, that’d be the much better outcome.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He shrugged. “Why not? I mean, we’re already out of the tower, it’s a nice day, and it’s lunch time!”

“Awesome!” His plan was working! She was spending more time with him! She seemed a bit wary though… “Am I interrupting your plans for the day? I don’t wanna, y’know, intrude.” As much as he wanted to spend time with Raven, Beast Boy did not want her to regret spending time with him instead of doing what she wanted. He took another sip of his tea. “Don’t force yourself to spend time with me, if you don’t want to. I know we’ve been enjoying more time together, but you don’t have to force yourself to go along with all my offers.” This was a much different changeling than the one she’d once known. This Beast Boy can put others’ desires above his own.  azarathian (Raven): He caught her still a touch bewildered, so when his voice pulled her back to him her initial response left her with a hint of a stutter.  “No, I want to,” she assured him, placing one hand flat on the table to gently affirm her point. “I’m hungry, anyway. Lunch sounds good.” Her smile was as natural as anything, despite the fact that past it she hoped she wasn’t letting this go too far. After all, would she have done this with Robin? Mm… probably. But certainly not with the same atmosphere they’d shared. Certainly not with the warmth and lightness and wandering thoughts and coy smiles.  “You almost finished?” she asked, gandering at the cup in his hands, knowing that her own was now empty.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): His eyes seemed to sparkle upon being told she wanted to go with him. And with a smile too! He looked down at his mug and drank the last few sips, eager to get going. Setting down the now empty mug, he found himself unable to resist. “Nope!”  azarathian (Raven): Once he placed the mug upon the table, she looked down at it to see it barren, only to look up again and give an expression that can only be described as ‘Seriously?’  She caught that flash of blonde in the corner of her eye as it wandered past their table, and spoke up to catch her attention. “Cass?” The waitress stopped in her step and looked over to them. “Can we pay?”  “’Course.” The girl drifted to the table’s side once more, looking over their order just for good measure. It was only two cups of tea, not hard to conclude the price. “That’s $5.80, please!”  Raven leant across herself to retrieve some cash.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Beast Boy dug around for his wallet. “Don’t worry. I got this.” He put seven dollars on the table, the extra dollar and twenty cents being her tip. He never would have paid in the past, but he felt like being gentlemanly today. Grabbing his gloves, he placed them back on his hands before moving to stand up.  azarathian (Raven): “You sure?”  “Rae, c’mon, let him be a gentleman.”  There it was again. Though, to be honest, it didn’t seem she had much of a choice, as he’d already produced the money without missing a beat. Raven felt kind of guilty, but she supposed it wasn’t much… She’d perhaps pay for lunch, to compensate.  Cassie took the cash as Raven followed Beast Boy’s lead and pushed her chair back to rise. “So where are you two off to in a hurry then?” came that ever-inquisitive voice of the blonde. The sibyl couldn’t help but notice how she never asked this many questions when Raven was on her own. Funny, that.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Lunch~” The changeling chimed as he put his chair back in place and headed for the door. Once at the door, he would hold it open for Raven. May as well keep this gentleman thing going. azarathian (Raven): “Nice,” Cassie chimed back. “Have fun~”  To Raven alone that sweet tone was something sickly. She tried to get away with giving her one last glower before muttering a ‘thanks for the tea’ and making for the door. But as she took her first steps, with the changeling out of earshot, she heard a final coo from the girl that earned her a sharp turn of Raven’s head.  “Not a date, huh?”  “Shut up,” was all she could scoff out, quickly walking to the exit so she too could finally be out of earshot.  “Thanks,” she said in passing to Beast Boy as she left the cafe, appreciating that he’d made her departure that more easy. Azar, she knew she’d not hear the end of this when the girl got her to herself again. “Guess you’re leading the way.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “No prob.” Beast Boy nodded and proceeded to lead the way. The bakery turned out to be in a bit more secluded area as well. He held open the door for her once more and came in after her. The building was relatively small, containing only five tables, a counter, and a display case of baked goods. It seemed to be a mom and pop place, or rather, a grandmom and pop place, judging from the age of the woman behind the counter. “Guess whooo~” Beast Boy called to the woman as he approached the counter. “Beast Boy, good to see you!” The woman smiled. The changeling propped his head in his hands as he rested his elbows on the counter. “What’s cookin’, good lookin’?” The woman chuckled and gestured to the chalkboard behind her, listing the specials available that day. The changeling looked over the menu before remembering he’d brought someone along. He gestured to Raven. “Maggie, meet Raven. Raven; Maggie.”  azarathian (Raven): Raven took in the scene as they entered the bakery. True, it was small, but quaint, and it undoubtedly exuded its own character about it. The aroma of fresh, warm pastries wafted towards her almost instantly, and she took full advantage, inhaling the scent into her lungs. You could almost taste the sweetness in the air. It would be a lie to say that Raven didn’t feel at least a touch out of place, though; upon glimpsing the room’s occupants it seemed… well, not as she’d expected. The customers dotted around looked as though they were there more to make the pastries than buy them. Petite, delightful looking people sat eating with their frail little hands.  And the cloaked sorceress felt as though she stuck out like a sore thumb.  Nonetheless, her companion seemed to be comfortable enough, and it somewhat rubbed off on her. Her tense shoulders grew slack again as she watched him converse with the lady behind the counter. He seemed right at home talking to her, and the way she’d addressed him, she seemed all too willing to welcome. Raven hoped the same applied to her, and stepped forward to find out as she heard her name spoken.  “Hi,” the magus said politely. She recognised the name from earlier. “You’ve got a nice place here.” She looked around, hoping her compliment would go well. After all, from looking at her she seemed like nothing short of the sweetest old lady.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Maggie smiled and waved politely. “Why, thank you, young lady. It may not be much, but everything here is made with love. Raven, was it? Beast Boy told me about you.” This was part of why she hadn’t been the least bit startled by Raven. She’d already known about her. Beast Boy chuckled. 

“I tell her about all of us, really.” The woman nodded in confirmation. “You’re the first one he’s brought with him though.” She let out a playful sigh. “And here I thought I was the only woman for him.” Beast Boy joined in on the gag. “You know you’re the only woman for me, Maggie.” He held a hand to his chest dramatically.  azarathian (Raven): Her brows rose at the mention of the two having already discussed her, but quickly settled again once Beast Boy affirmed it was also the case for the rest of their friends. A faint but amused grin formed on her face at the pair’s spirited teasing. She’d never really seen the boy interact with anyone elderly before, but she wasn’t surprised that he’d of course be cheery company and set the old woman’s face alight as though she were young again.  At their words, the quietest snort left the girl. This was actually… kind of cute.  Though she felt like she should say something, Raven still felt slightly out of place and thought it best to let her companion lead the procedure for the moment. She looked to him instinctively, though kept that polite air about her.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Oh, don’t lie to me, Beast Boy!” The old woman feigned despair. “Alright. I’ll tell you the truth! Your cooking… it’s too good! I can’t have a relationship with the competition!” There was a moment of silence before the two started laughing. As they calmed down, Maggie spoke up. “So, is there anything in particular you’re hungry for today?” Beast Boy wiped a tear from his eye. “I was actually talking about how good your potato soup and apple crisp are earlier. Are you serving any today?” “You’re in luck; I am!” “Sweet!” He turned to Raven. “Know what you want?”  azarathian (Raven): The conversation flowed so naturally between the two, as if they’d been friends for years. For all she knew, they might’ve been. Unbeknownst to the heroine, a faint smile began to gently tug at the corners of her lips as she watched on at the woman and changeling immersed in their hearty banter with bright and blithe faces. Raven’s prior discomfort quickly became eclipsed by a strange fascination in seeing her teammate so invested in making the lady behind the counter laugh. There was something a lot more endearing about him joking around with an elderly woman than his usual jesting amongst the team. She couldn’t quite decipher why…  “Know what you want?”  The girl was abruptly stirred from her thoughts as her gaze darted to the jade eyes awaiting an answer. “Uh.” She glanced across the board before her, not quite prepared for the question but trying to quickly settle on a choice. 

“What would you recommend?” she asked right back at neither of the two in particular, taking a step towards the counter’s edge to join her friend.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “I recommend just about everything in here!” 

He chuckled. “But if I had to narrow it down, besides what I already recommended, I’d suggest the pot stickers, the gnocchi, or the chili pea puffs. If you’d rather have breakfast though, I’m sure she has vegan waffles for you~” He leaned towards Raven with a wide smile and wiggled his eyebrows.  azarathian (Raven): They all sounded like things she’d never usually have; but of course, she was in a place she wouldn’t usually eat, so it was to be somewhat expected. Her first instinct was to play it safe and go with the waffles, but as she parted her lips to order, a stray urge came upon her to try something new. To try something different, for a change. After all, wasn’t her very being there, being out with Beast Boy, of all people, trying something new to begin with? Not to mention, he’d tried tea earlier. The least she could do, not only for him but for herself, was to step beyond her comfort zone.  Her eyes flitted to the boy invading her space with that charming grin, but instead of shoving him away she allowed him his moment and leaned both elbows upon the counter before her. “I’ll try the gnocchi then, please,” she said to Maggie, giving a fleeting point to her order of choice on the chalk board.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): After they decided on their meals and drinks and placed their orders, Beast Boy sat at his usual table. The table was close to a window and not far from the counter, allowing him to see outside and easily talk to Maggie. “Thanks for comin’ with me. I know a lot of people think vegan stuff is gross, but it can be really good, if you give it a chance.” He leaned back in his seat and looked out the window. “Can be good for you too. May not be everyone’s thing, but at least it’s something different. Different can be good sometimes, don’tcha think?” 

He looked back at her, awaiting a response.  azarathian (Raven): Just as he’d followed her to her table in the cafe, she trailed behind him like a shadow till they reached his table of choice. Though he didn’t say it, she got a feeling that he favoured this one, and honestly, she couldn’t blame him. Raven took her seat opposite the boy, shoulders feeling much less tense now she’d adjusted to her surroundings. Beast Boy’s presence helped to ease her into the odd but pleasant environment, and a part of her was grateful it was a small place with little noise.  “No harm in trying,” she smiled back, and she meant it as well. Though she very much doubted today would convert her to veganism, just as she doubted it would transform her companion into a tea-drinking book-lover, it was nice to just… experience the other’s world for a short time. To remove another brick from the wall. There was no harm at all in doing so, and especially since the sibyl found herself actually enjoying the change.  Mirroring his actions, she relaxed back into her chair, though her gaze remained on him. “Besides, it’s only fair since you tried some stuff I like.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Eh. It was no problem.” He shrugged. “It was nice to have a little change of pace. And the tea was pretty good; not my soda, but good.” He sat quietly for a moment, searching for a topic. “You know, this place could use some music. Not too loud, just a little white noise, ya know?” 

He blinked as he realized something. “I don’t think I’ve ever really seen you listening to music. Do you ever? I know you like your quiet, but some music has, like, a quiet feeling to it.”  azarathian (Raven): She gave a reassuring look; good was good enough for her. Besides, it was the type of drink that tends to grow on you the more you drink it. Not that she minded if he didn’t try it again after today; the important thing was that he had given it a try at all, and in her favourite cafe no less. That alone showed that he was willing to understand her better, and the recognition of such a thing made her smile all the more genuine.  Nonetheless, her face soon fell to one of perplexity, and she could only blink at the query. “Of course I do,” she replied. Didn’t everyone listen to music? “And not just quiet music. I listen to a lot, even if I don’t force it on everyone else, like some people.” The comment was followed by a smirk. Ah yes, Beast Boy wasn’t exactly the most reserved when it came to his ‘tunes’.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy):

“Eh heh heh… I think I’ve gotten better with that. I wear headphones sometimes, but there’s just something about hearing the music pumping through the air as I get my groove on. So… what do you listen to? I listen to just about everything.” He waited eagerly for a reply. Maybe they could listen to music together or help her find more music she likes?  azarathian (Raven):

“Everything? Impressive.”  There was a lilt of mock in her voice, all good-natured - but she very much doubted he would’ve listened to the kind of music she favoured. He probably hadn’t even heard half the artists she listened to regularly.  “Like I said, I listen to a lot… So it just depends what I’m in the mood for. I was listening to this band called Jefferson Airplane last night before bed. You heard of them?” She was prepared for him to say he hadn’t, though they weren’t the most obscure of bands, so the possibility remained that he might’ve.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He thought about it a moment before smirking. Ever since he’d realized his crush, he’d subconsciously started listening to songs that reminded him of Raven more than usual. One of the songs just happened to be by the band she mentioned. “Every day I try so hard to know your mind And find out what’s inside you Time goes on and I don’t know just who you are Or how I’m going to find you~” He quietly sang a few lines from the band before replying. “Nope. Never heard of ‘em~”  azarathian (Raven): For a moment, her eyes grew wide and mouth shrunk to a small line. He actually knew them? That was… a surprise. It didn’t take long for that sly look of bemusement to return, though, and she leaned forward with her chin perched upon her hand to better emphasise the approval.  “Hm, not bad,” she uttered from curled lips. Jefferson Airplane were one of her more upbeat bands, though. They had an almost bohemian, splashy charm about them that could only belong to an era like the 60′s.  “What about iron and wine? I couldn’t imagine you listening to them.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy):

“Hm… Doesn’t really sound familiar. When I said I listen to just about everything, I meant genre wise. Now’s my turn! Ever heard of Ghost Town? They’re a newer band with a sort of techno rock-y feel. And they have a spooooky sound.” He waved his hands around. “Seems like they’d be right up your alley.”  azarathian (Raven): She thought as much. 

“Nope, never heard them. But I’ll look them up when we get back, how’s that sound?”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Huh. She’d actually look into it. Seems she’d been giving him a lot of chances lately. That was a good sign, right? “Sounds good.” He gave a slight chuckle. “You’re trying lots of new stuff lately, aren’t you?”  azarathian (Raven): There was a pause as she mused on the statement. She supposed she was, but… that wasn’t a bad thing, was it? Sure, it was unusualfor her, but if it was something she found herself enjoying, then… it couldn’t do any harm to continue, could it? Besides, looking up a band would only take out a few minutes of her time. She wouldn’t know if she’d like them until she listened, would she?  Still, he had clearly noticed. But then, was the fact he had a bad thing in itself? She couldn’t see how it would be, and yet it still made her uneasy to think he was seeing a change in her, no matter how menial.  With a small, slightly defensive shrug, she glanced off to the side. “Some things are worth giving a chance.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): His smile faltered a bit at her defensiveness. “I wasn’t saying it was a bad thing. I’m gladyou’re giving me and my interests a chance. I thought you were too. I mean, you’ve been smiling a lot more recently.” Was she uncomfortable with being seen happy or something? Maybe it had to do with her emotions being trained away. “You’re allowed to smile, Raven. I’ve never seen you blow something up out of happy.”  azarathian (Raven): “No, I am,” she assured, meeting his eyes once more and smile returning for good measure. “I just… don’t go out of my comfort zone often. That’s all.” She hoped he’d understand where she was coming from; in a way, she felt a bit pathetic being so difficult to sway from her typical pastimes. But she was trying now, and that’s what mattered.  “But this is nice.” The words came out slowly; not because they weren’t true, but because it felt strange admitting to such a thing. If anything, they were too true. She felt like she wanted to say more, but couldn’t find the right way to elaborate. Instead, she relied upon the warmth in her face to convince the boy that he needn’t worry, that she meant what she said and she was enjoying herself.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): His smile returned fully, believing she was telling the truth and happy to see her smile. “Well, I’m glad you’re getting out there. Who knows? You might find more comfort zones… Though, if you find a comfort zone here, just know I’m not sharing any vegan s’more doughnuts made here. Those are all mine.” He joked. azarathian (Raven): “I think I’ll survive,” she mocked back, once more regaining that same air of ease. Suddenly the patter of frail footsteps to her right alerted the girl to the figure approaching their table. Maggie shuffled to the edge with a plate in either hand, cheeks rosy with a motherly delight as she set the dishes down in front of her two customers.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He snickered before taking a sip of his drink. “Ah, to be young and in love again~” The old woman mused aloud, causing the changeling to inhale some of his drink and go into a coughing fit. “Oh, dear. You musn’t drink so fast.” Maggie patted his back. Beast Boy simply nodded through his coughs. Yes, that was the problem; drinking too fast. And the redness of his face was totally because of the coughing.  azarathian (Raven): As their lunch was presented to them, Raven breathed a small ‘thank you’ and mirrored Beast Boy’s actions, taking her drink in hand and eagerly bringing it to her lips. But in an instant her friend was choking and spluttering at the lady’s words, whilst she completely froze in her seat. 

As their lunch was presented to them, Raven breathed a small ‘thank you’ and mirrored Beast Boy’s actions, taking her drink in hand and eagerly bringing it to her lips. But in an instant her friend was choking and spluttering at the lady’s words, whilst she completely froze in her seat.  “Uh, actually we’re just–”  “Hope all that coughing didn’t dampen your appetite - you still have my delicious potato soup to eat!” Maggie tittered, a hand pressed supportively upon the teen’s shoulder. “Now, you kids enjoy,” was her closing comment before departing from the table, a wholesome glee in her step.  The space around them felt all too silent once she left. An awkward pause hung between the two, and Raven could only think to relief a faint cough of her own to clear the air. “She’s… lively, isn’t she?” the girl muttered through a half-smile, the abashed aftermath still traced upon her features.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Thanks, Maggie…” He managed to wheeze out.

“Yup…” It took a moment for his brain to function again. “Uh… Let me know what you think of the food.” He shoved a spoonful of soup into his mouth to avoid talking further, only to yelp in pain. “I burnt my tongue again!”  azarathian (Raven): She took an unseen gulp as her gaze darted to the side, but quickly brought her attention back to her plate in relief as Beast Boy began to force normal conversation again. Just as she’d placed her mug down and taken hold of her cutlery, however, another frantic sound shot from the boy across the table.  This time, she didn’t bother curbing the roll of her eyes. “Y’know what I said about letting your tea cool? The same applies to your food.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “I know. I just forgot.” The pronunciation was a bit off, given his tongue was hanging out in an attempt to cool down. He pulled his tongue back into his mouth before pulling an ice cube out of his drink and popping it in his mouth. “At least I have ice this time.” He didn’t have much patience with letting the ice melt and wound up chewing it instead before resuming eating. “You wanna bite? It’s a bread bowl, so you can just rip a piece off and dip it in the soup.” He pushed his plate a little closer to her. 

“It’s gooood~”  azarathian (Raven): Might as well, she thought, accepting his offer and leaning a little over the table to reach his plate. She tore off a chunk from the rim of the bread bowl then gave it a dunk in the soup before bringing her hand back to herself. As she leant back in her chair and took a bite, the rich and creamy flavours sailed the length of her tongue, warm against her tastebuds. She savoured the taste, granting the other a satisfied face.  “Not bad,” came her tender voice after swallowing. “Hope mine is as good.”  With that, she took to the Gnocchi before her, her frame relaxing into the seat as she chewed and relished in the quaint and quiet atmosphere around them. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Beast Boy blinked in surprise, not having expected her to actually accept his offer. He liked this change in their interactions with each other. Smiling once more, he resumed eating. Though he was usually the chatty one, he decided to enjoy the quiet and Raven’s company for a bit. azarathian (Raven): Like symmetry, Raven did just the same, bringing her fork from her meal to her mouth with patience and grace. By this point, being alone in her teammate’s presence had become all too comfortable; it felt as though they’d been spending leisurely time together like this for much longer than a mere month. Perhaps the realisation of this should’ve concerned her, but the girl was altogether, in that moment, nothing short of content. Which, if she’d stopped to think about it, was rather… odd. When had such a thing become something she’d willingly want to do again in future? Something she might even look forward to in future?  Violet eyes darted up from her plate to glance the changeling, an entirely new thought emerging from her mind. For a brief time she was hesitant, before she finally spoke up above the room’s chatter.  “I… hope the others aren’t looking for us,” Raven uttered. A part of her couldn’t help but feel paranoid as to her friends’ suspicions upon discovering the two were not in the tower.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “I doubt it. Cyborg’s at some car racing thing and Robin and Starfire are off looking into each other’s eyes or something.” He smirked to himself. “It’s a good thing they got together. I wonder how much longer we could have taken them not admitting to their feelings before one of us yelled ‘just kiss already!’” He chuckled. “I mean, we all knew, didn’t we? It was just so obvious! What took them so long?”  azarathian (Raven): “Pff.” Something like a huff and a laugh escaped from behind her lips, for she couldn’t deny the truth in his words.  “Gotta admit, they’re not the best at subtly,” she smirked to herself, taking another sip from her mug. “But I guess they had a lot to think about. I mean, with being on the same team and all. It could’ve been complicated.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He got a (sort of) laugh from her! Sweet! 

“I don’t see why it would be. I mean, we’re a good team, good friends. Even if a relationship didn’t work between any of us, we’d still be friends. We’d still like each other. Why wouldn’t we? I’m pretty sure we don’t magically become other people once we start dating. If you like someone before you start dating them, you should like them after. I might understand if, like, you didn’t really know the person before you started dating. But we all know each other, so, what’s the problem?”  azarathian (Raven): She almost shook her head in disbelief; it must be nice to see things as simply as her green friend did, but the fact of the matter was, things weren’t always simple. And especially when it came to relationships. Relationships amongst friends were even more complex and something to be cautious over - why couldn’t he see that?  “You don’t know that,” she began, trying to help him perceive the issue how she did. “Things aren’t so black and white - especially not when feelings are involved.” For a second she considered comparing the situation to him and Terra; to ask whether he’d be fine with it if Terra came back on the team but felt nothing for him. However, it took only a moment for her to conclude this wasn’t the best approach. She looked down at her food.

“If a relationship goes wrong, it has the potential to wreck a friendship. No matter how good it was before. These things are delicate; I can see why they didn’t want to jump into anything…”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He though about it and the more he thought about, the more his mood and ears seemed to drop. 

“I guess… I can see that. If the breakup wasn’t mutual… it could really hurt… Feeling rejected by someone close to you.” He sighed. “Y’know, I’d been thinking that the next girl I dated would be someone I knew for a while first. That way, if we broke up, we’d still be friends and she wouldn’t just disappear out of my life forever. I don’t know what to think now…” He usually wouldn’t speak such things aloud, but he had gotten so used to sharing his feelings with Raven that it just came out. It felt natural to him to tell her these things.  azarathian (Raven): It was difficult to miss the fall in his face, and she wondered whether she’d said the right thing… But then, she was only saying the truth. It would be wrong to alter that for him; it would be ignorant. The truth was the truth, whether they liked it or not. But then, it wasn’t as though they had to worry, because… well, they weren’t planning on dating anyone from their team, were they? 

“It’s a risk. But I guess the point is to find someone worth that risk… Clearly, Rob and Star were worth it to each other. And everything’s gone well with them so far. Just because things can go wrong, doesn’t mean they will.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He managed a small smile. “I guess you’re right… Yeah, you’re right.” His smile widened a bit. “I like to think I’ve matured since I joined the team. I’m not some impulsive kid anymore. I can think about my choices and I’ll make sure the next girl I ask out is worth the risk of rejection.” 

He looked at her with a new sense of confidence. Though he believed Raven could be the girl for him, he’d give it some more thinking time before asking her out. If he wanted to be with her, the least he could do was take her advice.  azarathian (Raven): “Mm. Sounds like a plan.”  The inflection her reply held was now a hushed one as she slightly shrank into her seat, chin dipped and mouth sheepishly veiled by her mug. Despite the jubilant glint to his eyes, she couldn’t return his smile with one quite as genuine. Instead, the girl had to feign a small one of her own that peeked out from behind the ceramic rim, though it possessed enough tact to be convincing.  The cause for this sudden change? It was an unexplainable thing, but the notion of her teammate going and asking some girl out just didn’t settle well in her stomach. She tried to gulp the feeling down, but to no avail. When meeting his eyes, she saw the enthusiasm laced within. He had reason to be happy for himself, for truly, he was right. He had matured. In fact, since the Brotherhood of Evil, he had matured greatly, she thought. He certainly wasn’t the same careless boy she’d remembered donning a mask and saluting to his elders like a cadet.  No… definitely not the same boy…  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Thanks, Rae. I can always count on you to knock some sense into me.” He chuckled as he resumed eating. “I suppose you always were the sensible one. Remember when we all first met? You knocked sense into all of us.”

“Kind of ironic that the strongest of us would know fighting isn’t always the answer… Man, we sure have changed since then, haven’t we? Robin accepts help, Starfire is friendly, Cyborg doesn’t hide who he is, you know different isn’t bad, and I’m not wearing a goofy mask.” He knew he’d changed more than that, as stated earlier, but he couldn’t help making a joke.  azarathian (Raven): The forced smile was no longer needed, for the memory itself was enough to stir the smallest giggle from her as she thought back in reminiscence.  “Yeah,” she sighed out, propping her elbow up on the table, her chin of the heel of her palm. “Doesn’t feel like that long ago, does it?”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Sometimes, it doesn’t. Other times, it feels like forever ago. It was only a few years ago, but so much has happened since then. Just the life of a superhero, I guess.” He shrugged, taking a sip of his drink. “Can’t say I’d have it any other way, really. You guys, fighting crime, living in the tower, what more could a guy want? … Well, maybe another bathroom in the tower, but, other than that…”  azarathian (Raven): “Couldn’t agree more,” she said with a half-smirk. Another bite of her food and she caught his gaze again.  “… I guess meeting each other was the best thing for all of us. We’re lucky.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Best thing for the city too. Where would they be without us? Maybe all the villains would be fighting each other over who would rule the city.” He snickered. “Mother Mae-Eye shoving pies down everyone’s throats while Doctor Light blinds everyone and Mumbo saws people in half in front of a crowd of Billy Numerous.”  azarathian (Raven): She almost shuddered at the thought. “Eugh. Wouldn’t wanna be the one cleaning up after that mess.” The thought alone was enough for her to be more than thankful for her profession.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “I can’t even clean my room, let alone a city. At least you wouldn’t have to actually touch anything. You could just magic everything away.”  azarathian (Raven): “Yeah, ‘cause that makes the situation so much better,” she retorted, eyes raised off to the side. The conversation was within the realms of becoming too weighted, with the talk of how they all met, what might be the situation if they hadn’t. Raven felt the need to sway from the subject to reclaim a more blithe aura, and so swiftly diverted from ‘what ifs’ back to the present.  “Anyway, things have seemed pretty quiet this past week, haven’t they? Nice of Jump’s villains to give us a break now and then.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy):

“Aw, dude, you just jinxed it! When things are going good, you can’t say they’re going good! They’ll go bad!” He pointed out the window. “Now some villain’s gonna show up out of nowhere and we’ll have to fight ‘em and a bunch of stuff is gonna get broken and everything will be horrible!”  azarathian (Raven):

“Somehow I doubt that,” the cloaked girl muttered, glancing only for a second in the direction of his finger. Outside, pedestrians went about their day; mothers pulling their children along the pavement and businessmen striding in haste with their briefcase in tow. The city’s buzz was a mere muffle behind the glass panes of the bakery, and in a minute she was back to eating.  “Didn’t know you were so superstitious.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy):

“If you can move objects by saying three words, I wouldn’t be surprised if you messed up karma with a simple statement. We also have a titan whose power is literally bad luck. So… Yeah…”  azarathian (Raven): “That doesn’t mean that right now, just outside, there’s gonna be a–” 

Her voice stunted mid-speech, a gasp shooting in as the floor suddenly rattled beneath them, causing the table and all its crockery to shudder. Instantly alert, the titan’s head swung behind her just in time to seize sight of the adjacent road tearing up from its roots. As the cement shrieked outside, those same citizens priorly indolent now ran amuck in a frantic panic. Shrill screams tore through the window’s surface, setting her senses alight, and before she could blink she was on her feet, attention pinned to the commotion outside.  Just as her instincts were about to take hold, sending her running out the bakery to the chaotic scene, she took one fleeting second to glimpse at her teammate and with grave eyes told him: “Don’t. Say. Anything.”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He started a bit at the rumble, but soon let out a groan. Of course a villain would show up right now. He jumped up from the table and faced Maggie. “Don’t worry. We got this.” He turned and ran after Raven. “Can I at least ask who it is this time?” His question was answered once he stepped outside as a large red blob of a monster had torn open a tanker to drink the foul liquid it was transporting. “Plasmus… uch…” 

azarathian (Raven): As he addressed the frightened older woman, Raven assured her further with a nod in her direction before making a swift run for the exit.  Reaching the sidewalk outside, the magus stopped to gauge the sight and survey the best approach. What had been a calm, casual setting was now the breeding ground for havoc to ensue, with rubble strewn about the street and drivers fleeing from their cars. She could hear the sickly gargle of the monster drinking in the fluids, and couldn’t stop the cringe contorting her face as she bore up at him.  Why today? Of all days, why did it have to be while she was enjoying the company of the changeling? While she was actually out and making an effort. She really shouldn’t have said anything about the lack of crime… Still, now she had a job to do. And so all focus was concentrated towards that task.  “Come on.” Running ahead, she pulled her hood up and touched off from the ground, soaring into the air and halting once level with the monster’s head. Plasmus noticed the figure floating beside him and quickly hurled the vehicle in his hands towards the nearest building, only to turn and face the heroine with a deafening roar. 

titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): The changeling nodded and leaped into the air as a falcon, flying alongside Raven. He didn’t stop when she did, however, and soared further in the air. Distracted by Raven, Plasmus didn’t notice the bird flying above him and swung at Raven with one of his massive gooey arms. Before the monster could make contact, a green whale descended from the sky and split the goop with his large body. Though Beast Boy took a good chunk off the monster, it was soon reforming, trapping the changeling inside. The whale flailed around, but was thoroughly stuck in the goop. Whales weren’t exactly the most agile of creatures, so next came a cheetah. This proved to be a mistake when the goop had now completely absorbed him and cheetahs can’t breathe goo. Plasmus laughed as his body would occasionally bulge from the changeling trying to escape.  azarathian (Raven): An arm rose to levitate the stray postbox sitting below her and launch it at the creature, but before she got the chance, a colossal green animal plunged from above and severed the oozing sludge of the enemy in two. For a moment it looked like a good assail, but before long Plasmus was devouring her companion in the mire of his flesh as he grew into one being once more. Brows furrowing, the sorceress now hastily grabbed at the postbox with her powers, sending it flying at the beast’s gut in the hopes it would regurgitate her friend. 

Alas, the object merely sank into his body on impact, eliciting another bellow from his gullet as he heaved his weight towards his attacker. Raven’s eyes grew wide. She was ready to dip out of reach when a spinning disc collided with the enemy, entrapping him within an icy sheath and rendering him static. Stunned eyes followed the direction from which the disc had come, and fell upon the familiar face of her leader. Starfire hovered close behind him, and a series of stomps could be heard coming up the road as Cyborg joined the crowd.  “Titans, GO!” Robin yelled, and all four heroes stormed into the fight.  With Plasmus’ form now frozen, Raven lifted a sewer lid and hurtled it like a discus at her target. This time, when it hit, the ice shattered into many shards and fell to the ground, freeing Beast Boy from his repugnant prison.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Beast Boy flopped to the ground from inside the monster. Hacking and gasping, he tried to get some clean air into his lungs, as opposed to monster sludge. “Dude… That was nasty…” He managed to wheeze out as Cyborg gave him a hand to help him up. “It’s about to get nastier!” The mostly metal man pointed to the bits of Plasmus thawing and merging into several smaller monsters. “We have difficulty defeating one Plasmus. How will we defeat many?” Starfire asked worriedly. “We force him into one.” Robin decided.  azarathian (Raven): From above Raven heard the plan her team concocted and followed suit, lowering closer to the street without yet touching ground. ‘Force him into one.’ Robin’s words echoed in her head and she lifted both hands to create a wall of black before the many miniature monsters. She felt the fiends batter the shield in attempt to break it, but as she pressed forwards, the wall sculpted itself to form a large sphere, slowly encircling the herd and trapping them within. 

With a grunt, she clenched her hands into fists and with this motion the black ball began to rapidly shrink, forcing all the gooey forms to mould back into one. However, the more they conjoined the greater the mass became, until it grew to the familiar, single monster pressing with force against the obsidian barrier surrounding him. His screams resonated inside the sphere, and soon the pressure was too much for Raven to withhold.  Limbs suddenly lunged out, breaking the shield into nothing. The potency caused Raven’s hands to flicker before she was thrown back to the pavement by a speeding mauve fist. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Good work, Raven!” The leader encouraged as Raven did her thing. After he saw Raven thrown to the pavement near him, Beast Boy knelt down and helped her up. “You alright? If you’ve got some juice left, I think Plasmus might enjoy our new combo.” 

“Yo!” Cyborg called to the two as he blasted Plasmus with his sonic cannon. “If you two could stop with the chit-chat, we could use some help over here!” Plasmus lifted a truck, ready to hurl it at Cyborg when star bolts from Starfire drew his attention away.  azarathian (Raven):

Grit curtained the rim of her cloak as she pushed herself up onto her elbows and scowled at her attacker. Her expression softened, however, when those gloved hands were quickly around her shoulders, supporting her upright once more. She spared a second to turn to Beast Boy with a look of gratitude, but this quickly morphed into one of approval when he voiced his idea.  As the others fought off their enemy in the background, a small but confident smile found its way to the girl’s lips. This would be the first time they’d tried their combo move outside of practise, but she had full faith it would do the trick to cripple Plasmus’ tiraid. With black energy, she lifted a circular plate of cement from the ground and brought it to the shapeshifter’s side with a nod. 

“Ready?”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): His grin widened as he leaped into the air and landed on the plate of cement as a gecko, firmly gripping it. With Raven’s help, he was launched towards the monster at full speed. What good is some cement and a gecko against a monster that size? Not much. When said gecko becomes a narwhal last second, keeping the momentum from the throw, it does significantly more damage.  Not only did his horn go through Plasmus, his whole body did as well, leaving Plasmus with a large hole on his body. The monster took one lumbering step before falling over.  “Yes! We did it!” The changeling cheered as he returned to human form and ran over to Raven.  “That. Was. AWESOME!!! C’mon, you gotta give me a high five after that one!” He held his hand in the air, eagerly awaiting a high five. 

The other titans watched the two, thoroughly dumbfounded. Sure, they were a team and teams work together, but they’d never seen Beast Boy and Raven team up quite like that.  azarathian (Raven): Once she’d telekinetically catapulted Beast Boy to the beast, she braced for the move to go wrong. But to her relief, the green mammal made a clean hit, impaling Plasmus through his chest and sending him toppling with a yelp. A sigh fled her lungs and that subtle smile was back on her lips as before. Unsurprisingly, the boy had morphed back to his human form and was running over to her in victory a minute later.  When he raised his arm up, eagerly awaiting a high-five, she paused a moment to debate whether to oblige. It wasn’t in her character to do so, no; but then, they’d just used their combo move for the first time and sent a villain as tremendous as Plasmus to the floor. That was nothing if not a triumph, so although warily, she cocked her brow and lifted her hand to weakly return the gesture.  The moment before their palms touched, the figure beside her was abruptly and viciously welted in the ribs by the same postbox Raven had thrown earlier. The hit sent him shooting down the street with a sinister crunch filling the air, whilst Plasmus’ boastful howl made the earth beneath her feet tremble. 

“Beast Boy!”  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): She was gonna high five him? She was gonna high five him! What happened next was quite different from what he expected. The post box threw him across the street and into the wall of a building. The box fell to the ground, Beast Boy following immediately after, landing on his side. He didn’t get up. His fingers twitched as his hands rested limply on the ground. This would usually be the time that he gave a weak thumbs up or a joke, but the only thing to leave his lips was labored breathing. He weakly watched the others with his cheek resting in rubble, silently begging for help.  azarathian (Raven): Like a bullet, she shot down the road after him, turning her head back only once to worriedly call out “Robin!” and spark the masked boy’s attention towards the issue at hand. Her shoes clunked against the blacktop as she gained pace, and in seconds Beast Boy’s limp body was before her - a mangled heap on the ground.  A thick lump formed in her throat as she quickly knelt down, knees scraping on the tarmac. Her chest felt tight as she took in the sight; he was struggling to breathe, clearly writhing in pain, and she had to internally remind herself to stay calm. Stay calm. 

“Can you sit up?” she asked, despite doubting he could. He had been merely in human form when the heavy metal object was propelled at his vulnerable torso - and a human can’t bear the brunt of such a thing as a rhino, or an elephant, or a triceratops can. No, humans had their limits, and Beast Boy was clearly pushing his as he shuddered on the floor in agony.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Thinking was incredibly difficult right now. His body was wracked with pain, the worst of it in his chest. If that wasn’t enough, he was struggling to breathe. Unbeknownst to any of them, his lung had collapsed. If he didn’t get immediate medical help, he could very well die. Though he didn’t know what was happening, Beast Boy was sure something was very wrong. Raven’s voice helped pull him back to reality, if only a little. Can you sit up? “Can’t… breathe…” He managed to choke out. He looked at Raven with wide eyes, full of panic and dread. “If I… sleep… will… I… wake up?” He was so tired, but he feared what would happen, should he close his eyes.  azarathian (Raven): Being unable to breathe was definitely not good. As he looked to her desperately, she summoned the strength to maintain composure; panicking wouldn’t solve anything, and yet her heart was thumping heavily against her ribs in dread.  “Stay awake,” she ordered, eyes pinned to his. “Keep calm, and stay awake.” Though her voice was level, the slightest quiver escaped. Violet eyes tore from jade ones to turn back to her leader, hoping to find him approaching the two, but when they sought him out he was still very much engaged in battle. Instead, the larger man of the team was running at them and finally reached the pair after what felt like hours. Like Raven, he knelt in front of the injured boy, analysing the situation as best he could in the brief time he had. Meanwhile, the sibyl could only look to her metal friend, hoping for some kind of relief. 

“Yo, B! Don’t you pass out on me, man! Tell me where it hurts?” It wasn’t often Cyborg sounded stern, but right now, his tone was thick with severity, and this did nothing to help Raven’s concern.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): The fact he was told to keep calm made him panic even more. “I don’t… wanna die…” His eyes were welling up with tears and he couldn’t hold them back. He was too weak, too scared, and too hurt. He looked to his metal friend. The truth was that he hurt everywhere, but he knew what was most important right now. “…chest…” Seeing Beast Boy like this made it difficult for Cyborg not to cry as well, but he managed. He was not going to let his friend die. “Okay. I’m gonna run a quick scan. Just stay awake and we’ll fix you right up.” He tried to sound as calm as possible as he adjusted the technology on his arm. After a quick scan, he looked to Raven. “He has a collapsed lung. We need to treat him now. I can keep him breathing until we get to the tower, but only if Plasmus is taken care of. We can’t afford any mistakes with this.”  azarathian (Raven): A deep gulp as Cyborg ran over their friend’s condition, and Raven tensed her shoulders, knuckles pushed into the ground. 

With understanding, she nodded stiffly. Whilst they’d been talking, the fight had come closer to their spot, making Beast Boy even more vulnerable and at risk than before. They couldn’t afford to have him damaged any further. Having been without three of their team for the past five minutes, Robin and Starfire were growing breathless brawling with Plasmus, who just didn’t seem to be giving in. With a burst of determination, the two managed to land a potent blow to the creature and knock him down, but they knew it wouldn’t be long before he was up again.  Robin took the moment to skid over to the three, an urgent heat in his voice.  “Titans - what’s going on?!” he shouted to them, keeping one eye still hooked to Plasmus.  “It’s BB - he’s needs taking to the med bay, stat,” Cyborg called back, conveying the gravity in his tone.  Robin’s mask now grew wide as he realised the state of his teammate. When it came to injuries, Cyborg knew best, and he wouldn’t pull a member out of battle if it wasn’t vital. “Then go - now!” he demanded, allowing for their departure as the pile of sludge started taking form again.  “I’m going too,” Raven spoke up.  “We need you here.”  Her lips pressed together to trap the objection behind them. And with one last look at the changeling, she gritted her teeth and soared back towards the fight.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Okay, BB. This is gonna hurt, but it’ll get you breathing. Just stay awake a little longer, okay?” “…kay…” The changeling barely managed. Cyborg quickly but carefully began. A quick check to be exact before a hollow needle was inserted into his chest cavity, causing Beast Boy to give a weak whine of pain. Sucking out the excess air allowed Beast Boy’s lung to inflate more, but Cyborg had to continue to suction out the excess air in order for the changeling to breathe anywhere near properly. Though he was breathing slightly better now, the changeling lost consciousness as Cyborg carried him off. “You’re gonna be okay, Beast Boy. I promise.” Cyborg assured, even if Beast Boy wasn’t conscious to hear it.  azarathian (Raven): For the moment at hand, she just had to put Beast Boy’s wellbeing to the back of her mind. It wouldn’t do any good to be distracted now that she was back in battle. They were already down two; she needed to be strong, as did Robin and Starfire.  The sooner this ends, the sooner we can get back to the tower. Luckily, the three heroes were back at the scene before Plasmus had fully risen to his feet from the earlier hit. Starfire was the first to strike, a stream of blazing emerald light surging from her eyes at the monster. With impressive speed, Robin ran along a raised slope of road, hurling explosives in rapid succession as he went, each landing a perfect hit. It was the one that erupted in Plasmus’ eyes that elicited the screech, but then he was swinging his heavy arms back and forth, determined to get a hit.  “This is enough,” Raven seethed to herself, a fire in her eyes as they glowed white. 

She lifted the cement beneath her, rising up and clenching her jaw. As her fists became encircled in black, so did a mass of nearby trucks. Her signature chant left from behind her teeth and the trucks were sent flying at full speed towards the enemy. Grunts and heavy breaths could be heard from the magus as one by one, more and more masses were launched at Plasmus, dazing the creature in the aftermath. He was getting weak. She could tell. All it needed was a final blow now.  With one last burst, Raven uprooted a chunk of abandoned building from the street, lifting up high with her mind before letting it drop thunderously down onto her target. She lowered to the ground. Eyes like steel. Her last move was to discard the pile of brick and debris from atop the victim - a frail man now curled to his side and unconscious.  Her teammates stared at her, slightly shocked by the display. But that didn’t matter. What had to be done had been done. Now, there was a new problem.  “Take care of him. I’ll see you back there,” were her last words before melting into the floor in a flame of shadow.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Cyborg wasted no time in getting Beast Boy to the med bay. He wasn’t about to let a life be lost, especially not the life of his best friend. “I’ve never seen you this bad, buddy, but you’ll get through this.” Even if Beast Boy couldn’t hear him, Cyborg continued to talk, if not for Beast Boy, then himself. He hooked him up to various monitors to get his vital signs. “You have to get through this. None of us would be able to handle it if anything happened to you. We may tease you, but you know we love you, man… Just gotta get your vitals…” Cyborg described everything he was doing, mostly to keep himself grounded. “But we’re not gonna lose you. You’re gonna get better and we’ll have some good old bro time and it’ll be like this never happened.” He proceeded to hook Beast Boy up to a proper machine to help him breathe. “This’ll suction out any air collapsing your lung and let you breathe. Just keep breathing, buddy. You’re doing great.” He kept an eye on the changeling’s vitals as he tended to any other injury he may have. “You’ve got some pretty nasty bruises, but the most you’ve gotta worry about is that lung. And we’ve got that sorted out. You’re gonna be okay… You’re gonna be okay…” Now finished treating him, Cyborg sat down to watch his vital signs, just in case. azarathian (Raven): After the fight, she only had the strength to teleport onto the island’s bank, but from there was all too hurried in making straight for the med bay. The ascent up the tower’s stairs felt like climbing a mountain; nevertheless, the girl pushed forward with each step, gaze locked ahead as she tried not to think of the worst. Drained, tired and distressed by the time she reached the third floor, Raven spotted the entrance to the infirmary and suddenly wasn’t in so much of a rush to get there. It was like the corridor before her was stretched for miles, with the room she sought right at the end. Unreachable. Was she really so eager to enter, only to see Beast Boy suffering on a hospital bed? That churning was sitting in her gut again at the thought, but she had to be brave. She was a titan. Of course she had to be brave.  Hesitantly, she paced down the hallway and made it to the door. Steadying her nerves, she conjured the courage to place a hand upon the surface and enter. When she did, she heard no gripes of pain as she’d expected. No - for Beast Boy was now laying there, completely unconscious.  “Glad you’re here,” spoke the man sitting to the side, catching Raven’s attention.  “How is he?” she returned, veiling her worry as best she could.  titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “He’s unconscious, but alive.” He looked to the various monitors in the room. “His heart rate is high and his blood pressure is low, but he’s breathing. He’s a tough little dude. He’ll get through this.” His gaze shifted to the changeling, then to Raven. He knew she was worried, even if she didn’t show it. “I’ll give you a moment. I need some air.” Cyborg used this as an excuse to leave the room. If Raven was going to show some emotion, Cyborg doubted she wanted it seen.  azarathian (Raven): “Mhm,” was her only reply, accompanied by a soft nod. Once the other presence departed, leaving the room with a faint clink, she found the four walls all too quiet for her restless mind. The air was utterly still, but for the one red line beating and beeping each second on the monitor screen beside his bed. It was now, gazing down at him from across the room, that she acknowledged the pressure pushing inside from her skull, the numbness of her fingers and weakness of her knees.  Slowly, very slowly, she walked forwards to where he lay silent on his bed. Reaching the edge, she absorbed the sight of him. His face; empty, cold, with closed lids and lips parted just a touch in his sleep. His body; chest exposed for examination, the dip in his ribcage, the blues and plums painting his flesh. Her jaw became taut, brows creased as her hair brushed the sides of her cheeks. 

“I didn’t stop him in time. I’m sorry…”  Her voice was a soft ripple through the hush of the room, and she received no response. All it took was bad timing and a single hit. That was all it took, to be here. Like this. Such was the life of a superhero. But for the moment, nothing felt heroic about this. A leaden sigh left her, and with it she tried to gather herself. He’d be okay. In a few month’s time, it would be as though this never happened. This was Beast Boy. He’d be back to pulling pranks and making jokes in no time.  Gently, a slender hand rose from her side, and with the motion it radiated an azure glare, like the flow of water. The sorceress pressed the glowing palm flat against his torso, where his lung would be, her touch like a feather. Effortlessly, the light glided across his skin, sinking through his pores and into the place that hurt most. Raven’s breathing shallowed to a steady rhythm as the energy poured into him, and soon the bruises across his chest began to fade, the beeping of his monitor calming slightly. “That should help,” she told him quietly. “Get better…”  With that, she turned to leave the room in the hopes that tomorrow would see some better news.  [ FIN ] 

[jjungkookiex]

Agust D 2 Review

Moonlight

This is one of my top 3 tracks, I adore the little conversation he has in the beginning as he introduces the new era of Agust D. The theme links this song with Moonchild by Joon and Moon by Jin so that the celestial trio is indeed complete. It love the way that he finds comfort in the eternal aspect of nature when compared to his ever growing fame and wealth that must at times be overwhelming. Instead he concentrates on his artistry and love for music in its purest form that have been consistent in his life. The vibe is very groovy and relaxed making for a very pleasant listen at night. 

Daechwita

This is a distinctly unapologetic title track that is accompanied by a cinematic masterpiece of a music view. The blend of traditional Korean pansori alongside the fiery rap make for a unique auditory experience that is addictive (no jokes this song was played at least 100 times on the first day itself for me personally). In the music video Agust D splits his persona in half by playing both the tyrant king and the commoner assassin. This dichotomy allows him to explore the various aspects of his self and the eventual death of the king by the hands of the commoner, for me, represents his desire to stay humble, grounded and passionate, setting himself apart from the weak ‘pill poppers’ who lack drive and conviction. 

What do you think?

Agust D does not hold back and his haters better run for cover because this track is acerbic, sarcastic and a harsh slap of reality to those you doubt them. The rhetorical question in the title mockingly questions those who had underestimated the group that are the most popular boy band on the globe and threatens them to question them more, what do you think if we win a Grammy? He aggressively silences the ignorance of the media who persists in questioning them on their enlistment, and the way that he raps the four words hold more than a touch of wildness, showing the world that you do not mess with Agust D and his brothers.

Strange

This tracks begins with an ominous, distorted synth beat that is largely reserved for the end of songs, however its inclusion in the beginning helps to set the tone for a track that is unsettling and unable to be definitively pinned down. This track has a conversational tone, similar to Respect but lacking the playfulness; it’s strange younger brother. It discusses the way that wealth is the driving force in society, where capitalism injects hope as morphine into the youth, for it to never materialise in the way they wanted. Namjoon’s rap (which is so incredibly attractive purely in his intonation and accent) “for God’s sake everything’s under control” isn’t reassuring in the way we’d expect the words to be, instead the song questions our perception of the world and the strangeness of it all. 

28

This song reminds me of walking down a bustling street in the midst of summer, feeling incredibly isolated yet overwhelmed with the intensity of life. As one of the most reflective songs on the album it discusses the difficulty of crossing the vague border between youth and adulthood. This is not a border that makes for an easy passage, one will lose things in the process and emerge a changed person. Age is highly subjective, our mental state does not follow a linear line and our experiences vary, thus our true age varies. Agust D has lived an extraordinary life but is he truly an adult? He muses over whether it is better to not cross that barrier, if that journey means losing the dreams and passion that make him youthful. This is something highly relatable for us all, where we are pressured to become members of society and adults without a full awareness of how that process will transform us. 

Burn It

This track is hauntingly intense and dark and Max’s vocals fit in so well with Yoongi’s rap. That’s one of the things that I adore about the album- all the collaborations feel so natural and cohesive. The song raises the questions of whether we relate or recognise the individual we see in the mirror and if not we should burn it. Yoongi’s urgent refrain of yeah yeah burn it, is unforgettable and in my opinion, links to how he said in one Vlive that giving up is ok and that it requires great courage. This song highlights how everything, even the people we are, are constantly evolving and why should we be burdened with a past, or present self that it alien to us? Better to burn it down and create something worthwhile to our existence. 

People

This has got to be my favourite track of the whole album. The tropical esque beat at the beginning is lowkey and light, setting the mood for gentle contemplation rather than intense self reflection. The alternation between ‘why so serious?’ and ‘I’m so serious’  feels almost like a conversation between two people, thus continuing the album’s theme of duality. We are all people, but we live wildly different lives. Something normal to a person like walking freely down the street is extraordinary to a celebrity like Agust D, however to me or you it would be ordinary whereas we could never dream of playing stadiums which is the regular for BTS. This song comforts the listener by singing that no matter what stage in life you are, it’s ok if you cry and feel sad sometimes because no matter what, we are all people. 

Honsool

This track begins with a beat that is slightly drowsy and distorted, mimicking perfectly the notion of drinking. The title means ‘drinking alone’ a time of the day when we are the most nostalgic and reflective. The lyrics separate the ideal from the reality. Agust D had preconceptions of fame and fortune but our visions rarely match our reality and we find him musing over the disparity between the two, something that must be a torment and struggle for any celebrity. We see him attempting to consolidate his success and position in life in this moody track that is perfect for the after hours of a tiring day. 

Set Me Free

This is an incredibly beautiful track and singer Agust D truly comes through! It’s incredibly raw and relates the mental health struggles that the weight of the crown can have upon someone who is on an elevated platform in the world. The chirping of birds indicate the start of a new day, almost as though he wants to be set free and rejuvenated, to go to a world where things do work his way, where he can escape and truly be free of all the criticism, the spotlight and retreat to be with himself. I think we can all relate to the feeling of being trapped, and the melancholic yet euphoric refrain is highly emotive.

Dear My Friend

This song is one of the most heartbreaking out of the whole album. It is confessional and nostalgic, and dwells on how the passage of time ends friendship and changes people, leaving us with nothing but the fragments of memories. Yoongi reminisces over a friend he had when he was 20, a friend who’s existence and loss left a deep imprint upon his heart that Kim Jong Wan beautifully vocalises. This audible letter to his lost friend tugs at my heartstrings for I too lost a friend who I thought would be with me forever and whilst we do not come into contact anymore I still remember our time together vividly and hope they are happy wherever they are. I see this song as Yoongi’s last goodbye to this person who touched his life in such an intense way. 

This album was incredibly raw and confessional and I’m so proud of Yoongi for creating a work that is so authentically him. Each track is meticulously crafted much like his whole ouevre of work and the progression of himself both personally and musically is evident. 11/10 stars from me 

[hannie-dul-set]

things you can't hide. [boo seungkwan]

@bloatedboo asked: this was rlly hard to choose but seungkwan, sports!au (volleyball), fake dating, and #5~ take ur time love !

SUMARRY | seungkwan decides that you’re his best bet to get his annoying friends to finally fuck off PAIRING | boo seungkwan x reader GENRE/PROMPTS | fluff, college! au, sports! au (volleyball) + fake dating! au + "you have the emotional capacity of a brick" WARNINGS | swearing WORD COUNT | 2.1k

a/n: ksjqqkk i highly apologize for the lack of volleyball in this hhuhuhu i have zero (0) knowledge about sports but i hope you still like it!! editing allexandra: this is very old and very terrible please read at your own discretion JSHFJSDH

“stop worrying too much, it’s gonna be fine! everything’s gonna go exactly as planned,” seungkwan reassured while the both of you made your way towards the court.

“you’re the one who’s worrying, kwan,” you rolled your eyes, “i can’t believe i even agreed to this.”

around a week ago, the male hadgracefully interrupted your peaceful shift at the school’s cafe. apparently, his friends in the volleyball team (mainly kim mingyu) have been egging him about ‘finally removing the shackles of being single.’

“it’s not like i can’t get a girlfriend,” he scoffed, glaring at the iced americano before him. “it’s more like i just can’t be bothered. but lately, they’ve been the ones bothering me.”

you questioned the male as to why exactly he’s telling you these things. it’s not like the both of you were close, anyways. a few “hello’s” were shared in the hallway but besides that, nothing much.

“you see, dear y/n,” seungkwan slowly placed down his drink while letting out a sigh, his face practically screaming 'a weekend in hell would seem more tolerable’. “i don’t think i can fucking handle any more of their bullshit and pestering and you seem to be the perfect solution that i have.”

he went on about his 'ingenious’ plan of finally getting his friends off his tail— which basically just consisted of you pretending to be his fake girlfriend.

upon hearing this, you sternly declined. “im sorry, seungkwan. im afraid i wouldn’t be to help you in fooling your friends.”

“wait—!”

before you even managed to stand up, seungkwan slammed both of his hands on the woods table— deliberately catching the attention of not only you, but also the handful of students that were occupying the café, as well.

he stifled out a cough and went back to his seat, “let me finish.”

you sighed, “this better not be a waste of time,” seungkwan gave you a look of offense to which you rolled your eyes, “hurry up.”

the male pressed both of his palms together, letting out a deep exhale through his nose. he mumbled a low 'i hope i don’t fucking regret this’ before looking you sternly. (he hoped you hadn’t heard him, but guess what: you did.)

“be my fake girlfriend. in exchange, i’ll treat you to brunch every single day during our fake relationship. deal?”

is this guy really that desperate? you though to yourself. you spend a few moments of pondering silence until seungkwan interrupted.

“oh come on! you get to have free foodand commit a good deed— how hard is it to decide?”

a long sign escaped from your lips. it’s either the rational part of your brain decided to temporarily shut down, or he just seemed really pitiful. whatever it is, you agreed to help him. if that was the correct choice, you don’t know.

“oh my god, thank you so much, y/n! i swear, you just saved ten years of my lifespan.” you rolled your eyes, standing up with the male following behind you.

before you returned back to the staff room, you decided to ask seungkwan a question.

“one last thing, seungkwan,” he raised a brow, waiting for you to continue, “out of all the people, why’d you ask me to help you?”

he stayed silent for a while, formulating a proper response.

“y/n,” your eyes met his. you could feel your cheeks starting to heat up as he looked at you with such intensity. your breath hitching in your throat, anticipating on what he has to say.

“from the handful of conversations we’ve had before, i could conclude that you literally have the emotional capacity of a brick. therefore if we don’t seem convincing, we can blame in on your incapability to express human emotions! aren’t i a genius?”

you nearly slapped the man, but nevertheless you relented.

so that’s where the both of you are now— walking hand in hand to the volleyball court where his friends await your arrival.

“oh shush, we’re already almost there. no room for backing out, now,” you shot a glare at him, earning a smug smile from the male. you’d be lying if you said you weren’t nervous; acting isn’t exactly your strong suit.

you felt seungkwan squeeze your hand, “you don’t have to be afraid to tell me if you’re nervous. your face might not say it, but your incessant shaking does.”

“sorry,” you breathed, “i’ll be fine.”

“'fine’ my ass,” seungkwan scoffed, “it’s completely normal to show at least the tiniest bit of emotion sometimes, you know.”

“excuse you, i am more that capable of showing emotions— you just don’t deserve it.” you snide, the male chortling in response.

“seems like i do; i’ve never seen you this annoyed before,” he snickers. you could only groan as the both of you enter the court’s premises.

from afar, you could see five figures sitting around the benches. you can only recognize one of them; a kid name lee chan— whom you share sociology with. you assumed these guys are his friends.

seungkwan dragged you to a corner before you head to the group. he grabbed both of your shoulders, letting out a long breath, “alright, don’t forget— we met at a bookstore in town and found out that we both share the same school. we decided to hang out quite often and eventually grew feelings for each other—”

“then you asked me out four months ago at the same bookstore where we first met. i know, seungkwan. don’t worry, i’ve memorized all of it,” he let out a sigh of relief.

“good, good. if anything wrong happens—” a flash of fear shrouds seungkwan’s face, “let’s just hope not, yeah? i’d rather not think about the immense torment i’d end up having to go through if this fails,” he shuddered.

the both of you finally decided to make your way towards his friends. you could see the male’s nervous expression at the corner of your eyes. seeing that didn’t exactly make you feel any better.

“seungkwan!” you see the tallest of the bunch waving at the man beside you.

an exasperated sigh escaped seungkwan’s lips as you quickened your pace towards the group. you could sense the curious looks that each of the boys are giving you as you neared and it didn’t exactly make you feel comfortable. you bit the inside of your cheek when you finally reached them.

“y/n? i wasn’t aware you and seungkwan were close,” chan chin pointed at the male beside you, earning an offended look from him. “i also wasn’t aware that you were interested in volleyball. much less any sport, to be honest,” he shrugged.

you opened your mouth to give a response, but seungkwan beat you to it, “she’s just here to watch practice.” you could feel the nervousness in his voice and silently praying that the boys don’t notice it, as well.

“doesn’t answer anything, though—”

“were dating,” you deadpan.

it was silent. too silent for your liking. a surge of anxiousness started to creep into your brain and you started to have a meltdown. wait fuck was i not supposed to say that? you looked at the male beside you for assurance, but he didn’t seem to be faring any better.

yep, we’re fucked. definitely, absolutely, utterly—

“holy shit, kwannie, congratulations!”

wait what.

“man, i really thought you were gonna stay single for the rest of your life, kwan,” one of the boys (to which you later learned was seungcheol) proclaimed, trapping seungkwan in his arms. you could practically see his soul slowly descending back into his body.

you let out a sigh of relief. thank lord jesus, i didn’t fuck up.

after learning their names, the boys suddenly attacked the both of you with a torrent of questions— mostly consisting about your apparent relationship. (the one named jeonghan asked if you two have fucked yet, which earned him a bruise on his arm.)

thanks to seungkwan’s constant surprise quizzes, you managed to answer all of them. they all seemed to be convinced that you and seungkwan are indeed dating— except for one, that is.

“didn’t you say you were too busy for a relationship literally just a month ago?” jihoon, who had been quiet since you’ve arrived, asked.

“i— i wasn’t ready to tell you guys yet,” seungkwan responded, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. the shorter male only narrowed his eyes at him.

“don’t worry about it, seungkwan. i understand,” jeonghan leans back on the bench, “i wouldn’t want to tell this guy i have a girlfriend either, who knows what he’ll do,” he accusingly points at mingyu, who was innocently using his phone.

“what’s that supposed to mean?” he furrowed his brows and pocketed the device. the two started to bicker and eventually, the rest of the boys joined in.

“you literally hooked up with minhee last time— who, in fact, has a boyfriend.”

"that was one time! and i didn’t even know that, she never told me!”

amidst the chaos, you felt someone tug on the sleeve of your shirt. you turn your head and see seungkwan giving you a small smile, “thanks a lot for agreeing to this. sorry that you have to witness their bullshit and i’ll apologize in advance since i’m pretty sure that there’ll be more to come.”

“it’s fine,” you muse, “they’re quite the entertainment, actually.”

“oh? is that a smile i see?” seungkwan teases. your cheeks flush a light pink, turning away from the male.

he gives you a playful smack, “hey, that’s not fair! let me see—”

before seungkwan could tease you any further, seungcheol decided to interrupt, “alright, kids, stop messing around. let’s head to practice— we’ve wasted enough time, already.”

a series of groans and whines erupted, but nevertheless, they all followed. the boys began to make their way to the center of the court while you stayed behind at the benches. you sat down and closed your eyes, letting out a long sigh. these guys were nice and all but they we’re pretty draining; you weren’t sure if you could keep up with them the next time seungkwan decides to bring you along.

in the middle of your peace and quiet, you could hear a pair of footsteps making their way towards you. you opened your eyes and saw seungkwan in front of you.

you raised a brow, “aren’t you supposed to start practice?”

“seungcheol can’t find his water bottle,” he takes a seat beside you, “i wonder why.”

you elbowed the male, eliciting a yelp from him, “ow! what was that for? if you’re thinking that i hid it then you’re wrong— it was jeonghan!”

the male gave you a pout and you stuck your tongue out in response.

“wow, you’re getting better at the whole emotions thing,” again, you elbowed him, “stop that! this is domestic abuse, i could sue you, you know!”

you could see seungcheol gesturing seungkwan to come back. it seems like he finally found his water bottle. seungkwan groaned as he begrudgingly stood up. before he left, he decided to tell you one more thing.

“hey, y/n. i know this whole relationship thing is fake but i really hope we like, enjoy each other’s company, y'know? i don’t want you to do this if you don’t want to.” he said.

“i wouldn’t have agreed in the first place if i wasn’t okay with it,” you explain, “i mean yeah, i was hesitant at first and mainly did it for the free food. but as we went along i um—”

seungkwan looked at you expectantly, the corners of his lips twitching upwards. you bit your lip and averted your eyes from him.

“i—i kind of like being with you,” a coat of red covers your cheeks as you uttered out each word. seungkwan couldn’t help but break out into a huge grin upon hearing you.

“no need to be shy, yn. the feeling’s mutual,” the male pats your head, causing you to glare at him, “yikes, we could work on your expressions though. you don’t glare at the guy you like being with.”

you tried to kick his foot but he managed to dodge. he let out a laugh at your failed attempt. lucky for him, seungcheol yelled at him to get back before you could try to abuse him any further.

“boo seungkwan! get your ass over here before i do it myself. you could hang out with your girlfriend later.”

“yes dad, i’m coming!”

you could hear a chorus of laughter coming from the rest of the boys. he gave you one last look before finally taking his leave.

“don't forget we have brunch tomorrow.” he said.

you look at him, lips forming into a smile.

“i won't.”

[thisbitchinthecorner]

1987- Day 22 Warmth Prompt

This one is a M rating, as it includes violence, hate speech and vengeance. Proceed with caution.

Also, I cheated a bit with this chapter, I had already written it before this challenge existed, but since I’m short on time (I’m at the airport now) and this fits with the theme, here it is. Sorry.

For @drawlight

1987

In Soho’s restaurant district, a single figure walks, umbrella overhead to protect him from the slight drizzle that has given the pavement a smooth sheen that reflects a dazzling rainbow of colors created by the various neon lights above. The gentleman, clearly a gentleman in his tidy appearance and eloquent manner, had just finished a more than satisfactory dinner consisting of a cheese tasting plate, caviar stuffed gnocchi blanched in a nage reduction, a delightful duck confit with seared Brussels sprouts and finished off with a bottle of 1963 Chateau Lafite Rothschild.

This mild mannered gentleman hummed softly to himself as he turned the corner, leading him down a dimly lit side street. Three shadows slinked menacingly under the glow of a hazy street lamp. He looked up, noting a sinister chill in the air as the three shadows, belonging to three young men, strode towards him with ill intent.

“Good evening,” Aziraphale nodded and offered a smile. “Fine weather we’re having.”

The three young men triangulated themselves around him, the eldest of the trio sneered as the other two crossed their arms.

“Look what we have here! A proper pansy all dressed in his Sunday best.” The eldest spat bitterly. “Well, well, well. Do we take kindly to faggots on our turf boys?”

The other two men remained silent as they shook their heads.

“See here, I do not want any trouble.” Aziraphale attempting to appeal to their rational sides, said calmly as he lowered his umbrella.

“Don’t want no trouble, eh homo? Just out of the prowl for a boy to fuck, and we’re supposed to just let you, you disgusting pervert?” The elder man laughed cruelly. “Aye Merrill, show him how we deal with boy-fuckers ‘round here.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, the tallest of the three throws a punch, striking Aziraphale under the left eye, causing him to stagger backwards. The other man forces Aziraphale to the ground with a sharp kick, knocking the breath from his chest. The eldest man, laughing with sickening glee, kicked him once more in the ribs. Aziraphale desperately tried to cover his face, dazed as another blow hit him in the back of the head. All the while, the men were shouting such terrible, terrible things at him.

The leader of the trio takes a step back and from the inside pocket of his jacket, he pulls a serrated knife that he flips once over in his hand.

“Oy Tommy, you didn’t say anything about pulling a knife.” The one called Merrill said in a low voice. “He owns that bookshop downtown, you can’t just...”

“Don’t be a faggot,” Tommy sneered. “It’s just a bit a blood. Hold him up, will ya!” On command, the two men grabbed him by an arm and dragged him to his knees in the middle of the street. The elder boy, grinned with delight as he gripped the knife’s handle tighter, his hand steady as he pointed the blade at Aziraphale. “Time to die, disgusting pansy. Any last words?”

“You don’t have to do this.” Aziraphale pleaded as blood dripped from a gash on his head.

The man named Tommy laughed as he raised the blade, poised to strike Aziraphale in the chest.

Suddenly, two huge yellow eyes struck without warning, an enormous black snake latched it’s fangs into Tommy’s arm, tearing tendon and flesh as he struggled to break free, his limp hand released the knife and it fell to the ground with a clang. Mitchell let out a blood curdling scream as he frantically sprinted away. The other man attempted to help pry the massive snake from his friend’s unfortunate appendage, and for his efforts, was bitten in the thigh, a deep wound that most certainly would never heal fully. Both men recoiled in horror as the serpent lifted its great head and seemed to grow and grow and grow until it was as tall as them. The towering figure seamless morphed from beast to man, yet any who would be so unfortunate as to catch a glimpse of this creature knew that it was nothing of this earth; a slender, yet menacing creature with hair ablaze and wings as black as night. Wings that when stretched out, filled the entire street, blocking out the light from the overhead lamp until the only sight visible were those two, huge and furious golden eyes. The figure growled in a low, ancient hiss that filled the air surrounding lower London with a grim terror; stirring nightmares and malcontent in its wake. “Sssss leave now before I send you to Hell.”

The men, clutching their bleeding wounds, stumbled off into the night. Unknowing that their souls were already marked for unending torment, forever scarred and eternally cursed.

“Arizaphale!” The demon cried, lowering his wings and defenses, cradled the angel in his arms.

“Crowley,” he whispered. “Oh Crowley. You didn’t kill them, did you?”

“I should have.” Crowley snarled through tears as he tried his best to wipe the blood from Aziraphale’s face.

“Take me home, my dear.” Aziraphale begged, still trying to catch his breath. He closed his eyes and leaned in against Crowley; finding strength and a softness that made him feel safe.

He helped him to his feet, and together miracled themselves into Aziraphale’s bookshop. He drew some water into one of Aziraphale’s numerous antique china bowls and drew a tartan handkerchief from the stack the angel kept on his oak desk.

“Come on, let me have a look.” Crowley sighed as he dipped the kerchief in the water, and began to clean off the blood. As he wiped, the cuts and bruises healed, leaving no signs of damage upon the angel. “A little demonic miracle of my own.” He muttered, trying desperately to get a reaction from Aziraphale.

“They were so angry, Crowley. I could feel their hatred the moment I saw them. Why?” His bright blue eyes filled with tears, and soon they were streaming down his cheeks.

“Oh, don’t cry angel! It’s over now. Then won’t hurt you ever again.” Crowley had always found it impossible to understand human emotions, much less the nuanced reactions to handling them. Normally, he would have retreated to the only coping mechanism he had actually learned from humanity over the millennia, and poured both he and Aziraphale a large glass of whatever alcohol was on hand. But this, seeing his angel in this state, nearly brought him to his knees in despair.

Crowley set the kerchief down in the bowl, and sat beside Aziraphale on the plush upholstered couch.

“I don’t know, angel.” He said softly. “I don’t understand why hate comes so easily to them.”

“Imagine that it wasn’t me they ran into tonight, but another young man- like they were, and they took out their hatred upon him instead...” Aziraphale’s eyes grew wide in fear. “They would have killed him.”

“They were going to kill you. If they had, they would be spending eternity in Hell, and even that is too good for them.” Crowley replied.

“But why? What is it about love that inspires such hate?” The angel asked.

“You know how humans are, their capacity for evil, evil deeds outweighs anything we demons could conjure.” He reasoned.

“They called me terrible names.” Aziraphale whispered.

Aziraphale’s mind goes back to the assault, back to the pain, back to Crowley. “I have never see you like that before. The last time you took serpent form was...”

“The Ark.” The demon’s voice flat and without affect.

“Your hair was on fire.” Aziraphale, suddenly finding a deep need to run his fingers through those fiery locks, whispered.

“Hmmm.” Crowley nodded as he continued to brush the dirt from Aziraphale’s clothing.

“I didn’t know you could do that.” The angel said, clearly impressed.

“I’ve never been angry enough before.” Suddenly Crowley stopped moving and raised his eyes to meet the angel’s. “That man was ready to kill you.”

“Lucky for me you were there to save me.” Aziraphale said gently, longing to reach out and take the demon’s hand, but thought better.

Crowley straightened himself, “I don’t see why people get so upset over how others choose to live their lives anyway. Seems to me that humans were given free will, only natural they would use it in any way pleasing to them.”

“Does that include love?” The angel asked delicately.

“Eh.” Crowley shrugged his shoulders.

“Well, I think love is a spectacular feeling.” Aziraphale mused. “Love feels as if all the goodness in the world is spinning around you, surrounding you in a beacon of light that fills your heart with such joy. It’s all so very wonderful.”

“Yes, well demons aren’t capable of love. No warm lights, no fuzzy auras and certainly no wonderful feelings.” The demon said quickly, as he silently miracles away the rips in Aziraphale’s usually well kept clothing.

The angel studied the creature before him; as he worked, he felt the familiar heat radiating from him, a brilliant glow of warmth surrounded the demon, a dazzling dance of white light glinted and reflected from the ochre of his eyes. Such a display of affection he had felt and seen several times before, but this time, there was an aura of pronounced protection. He knew the encounter tonight had left him rattled, perhaps more so than himself. So he watched, silently adoring the one being who burned so brightly, who loved so fiercely, and who tried so desperately to play his role of evil if only to protect him- to protect them both from the recourse of Heaven and Hell. If only you could see yourself right now, through my eyes. He thought. What good would come from admitting his own feelings, to confessing that long has he stifled his own longing and desire to give his love and receive love in return? But he knows, in his heart, he knows that there is no greater joy than the love he feels in this moment, and for right now, that will have to suffice. “Oh Crowley,” he sighed as he gazed upon the vibrant swell of light surrounding his demon. “So sorry to hear it.”

“Nothing to be sorry about, angel.” The demon had finished his mending, and sat carefully inspecting his handiwork. “Just the nature of being a demon.”

“Crowley,” His voice just above a whisper. “Thank you. You’re always there for me when I need you. It’s quite a miracle, really.”

“Well, suppose it’s just the luck of the Devil.” The demon grinned, but the angel knew better; this was Crowley’s way of diffusing the tension, adding humor to quell the complication of his feelings, feelings that mirrored his own. For this, he would always be thankful and for Crowley, his love would remain ever faithful and ever patient.

[imagethat]

Kitsune | Vergil x Reader

Small story/drabble where the reader is a fox demon. Vergil x Reader.

(Writers note: Writing for Vergil is a bit of a challenge for me because I feel like Vergil is the kind of person who admires someone for their skill then gets to know them and fall in love. So my stories for Vergil are really long. I'm working on improving my writing, and if anyone has any tips or ideas for Vergil/writing Vergil better they'd be greatly appreciated!)

Fox demons are said to be cunning and elusive spirits. With playful intentions, even at the expense of others well being. You were no different. Red Grave was a bastion of unfortunate souls, all for you to toy with. You could visit them in their dreams, manipulate reality to their poor unfortunate brains. Trickery is what gave you power, it fed your abilities and each night you were growing stronger. As the disappearance number started to reach the double digits our favorite devil hunters took notice of your presence. Trish was the first to realize a tricky fox was running amuck through the town, simply because she herself was a full demon and she had a special connection to the pits of hell. Soon after though, Dante, Vergil, and Nero followed behind her. Only Trish knew of your true form though, while you still remained a mystery to the other three. A monsterous foe lurking in the cover of night. Morrision did his best to get information on you but the poor guy came up empty handed. It make you laugh. Each night your lavish dreams promising Eden lured in more souls every one of them coming to the same horrible realization that there was no leaving once you entered. This dream was a snare, a never ending labyrinth that consumed all. Dante was foolish enough to take the bait though. Vergil on the other hand saw the clear warning signs, and offered a plan of luring you out of your realm. They came to a consensus on that plan and thus it began. Always one step ahead, you thwarted whatever plan they came up with. If you were honest, you were starting to grow incredibly bored. So you decide to have some fun of your own. The human world made you weaker to a certain extent and that thought excited you. Never had you left your realm, your parents warning you against it when you were young. But above all, they warned you to never fall in love with someone from outside your realm. You were fine with that rule, it never bothered your cold coloused heart. Foxes carry a lot of karma you see, and for every life you've ruined. Every person you've tormented. That energy is said to come back at you ten times as hard. Many from your realm used that as reasoning for being so manipulative. See, karma can't cut you down if you slay it first. You sat perched on a tree branch, one leg pulled to your chest as you waited. In the human world your presence would be noticeable, uncloaked from your realm. Your tail flicked back and forth, ears perked. Listening for a sign of your soon to be 'captors'. A small smirk rose to your face as you heard an all but annoying tune getting ever closer. It was the Devil May Cry van. How Nico managed to jump it was beyond you. She tried her best to hit you but you were faster, aiming a precise strike to the middle of the van to catapult it into the earth. You could hear very loud cursing from both the vans passengers as you returned to your sitting position, in the same exact spot to tease them. "How nice of you to join me. The moon is lovely tonight." You hummed as a white haired punk jumped out of the passenger's seat. He shot at you and you just tilted your head to the side, bullet missing you by centimeters. "Now please don't be so rude, let's talk this out. Please~" You purred while making a soft pout. "Hell no! I've got a wage to earn." Nero yelled, thrusting his grappling hook at you. You allowed it to grab you, only so you'd be brought in close enough to trip him. He made a failed attempt to kick you from his spot on the ground. "God, I'm bored already." You hissed in an annoyed tone. "You're too predictable! Send someone interesting next time!" You demanded as a portal opened behind you. Nero placed both of his hands over his ears, trying to keep the soft delicate tunes from your realm out of his head. He yelled something at your back but you paid him no mind as you returned home. Nico quickly got out of the van after she was sure you were gone only to find Nero passed out. "Oh fuck no way!" She exclaimed while quickly kneeling besides nero. "Nero! Nero!!" She yelled, trying to wake him but he was like a sandbag in her arms. Nero was promptly returned to Devil May Cry. Nico doing her best to find any notes about your breed of demon while Lady tucked Nero in on the couch. Vergil seemed… vexed to say the least. He wouldn't admit it but he cared for his son. Dante tapped his finger on his desk impatiently. "Well, did it say anything to you?" Dante questioned, trying is best to figure out what happened. "Send someone interesting was all I caught. I was in the van so all I could really hear was the jukebox!" She exclaimed from her pile of papers. She didn't know how truly lucky she was. "Allow me to go next time." Vergil said, finally speaking up. "Let me go with you then." Trish added and Vergil nodded no. "We don't need two of us going down at once, if it should manage to best me…" Vergil replied. He had a point.

The next night, Vergil found himself in the same park Nero had fought you in. The ground still hadn't recovered from Nico's van tracks. The sky was clouded. The wind rustling through the trees, causing an eerie sound to creak from them. Every now and then, when a gust of wind came by, you'd shake a tree. Vergil couldn't be sure if it was you, but kept his composure. After an hour of toying with the environment with no avail to Vergil's mental state you decide he was fit for your presence. Worthy of having company with you. All at once the forest became a never ending expanse even though that shouldn't be possible. The park was in the middle of a dense city. Animals out of sight ran through the tall grass. The trees seemed to be ever shifting as you emerged from them. "What's your name?" You asked the tall white haired man. He didn't respond, but did not make a move to get into the proper stance to defend himself. Curious. "You know, I only do this to survive. I never asked to be born the way I was." You said, expressing sadness through your motions and eyes. "I know you've been consuming far more than you need to." He finally spoke. His voice surprised you, it wasn't what you expected him to sound like. Nonetheless, you continued on with your charades. "Oh well that is true, but to be weak is such a pitiful thing. Would you not agree?" You mused curiously, having already peaked into his mind. He seemed to contemplate his answer for a good deal of time before speaking. "That you are right, holding power feels good. But what is power without something to protect? In your endless pursuit, you will never feel satisfaction for you have no measure of what true strength is." He commented of your mentality. For some reason, it bothered you deeply. "You do not know what I seek or who I am to become." You snarled. He grimaced at your aggressive response. That's when the fighting began. If you weren't so angry, you would've been impressed with his skill. But your might was just as tempered and well trained. Through the battle, scattered back and forth conversation happened. "This world is mine! It shall taste of your blood! Feed on your innermost fears!" You yelled while swinging your blade. Vergil only ever seemed to parry your attacks. "I will not falter. Nor will I yield." A well timed attack from the calm man landed you off balance, causing you to retreat momentarily. "If you know not of what you search for, allow me to offer you something to strive for." He said, to which you bared your teeth at. Beginning your relentless assault again. "Quiet! You are part mortal! You are beneath me!" You demanded. He struck your side, you barely had time to realize it had happened. His incision was precise and wasn't deep enough to kill you, unless you left it untreated. "How? What are you mortal!" You demanded. You should've been untouchable in this world. He cleaned off his blade before sliding it into its case. "Your anger blinds you. What is it you fear that drives you to such extremes?" He questioned. "Fear of the unknown? Fear of failure?" He continued to question, taking slow steps towards you. You hissed loudly, hand cusping your side. "Leave! Never step foot here again!" You yelled before retreating into the grass. You didn't make it far, knees weak as you stumbled along. Still losing blood. Vergil's mental state was returned to normality as the trees faded and the familiar cityscape emerged before his eyes. He saw himself in you, but knew you would no longer bother Red Grave. By morning, all the people who had gone missing were returned. That included Nero, who woke up with the sun rising. Dante questioned his brother about what happened, but Vergil only let out sparse details.

Your breathing was ragged. Slow and shallow as you did your best to patch your wound. Never much of a medic since your wounds were always limited. You followed your familiar trail back to your home. It was grand and traditional. As you entered through the front door and staggered to your bed you collapsed onto the floor in the entryway. "Fate has found me, I wonder if my brothers and sisters will sing of this tale. Of how childish mothers eldest was. How my emotions got the best of me and made me vulnerable." You mused with a broken voice as you faded in and out of consciousness. You felt like you could hear them laughing at you. You came to a week later, sunlight leaking in through the windows. You were…. In your room? Maybe I am now trapped here, to feed another demon you thought as you slowly rose up onto your elbows. It felt like something one of your conniving siblings would do. Gingerly, you rested a hand on your side. Amazed to find it was completely covered with gauze. A kind you'd only find in the human world. Carefully you got onto your feet, warily searching the house while holding a blade close to your chest. The last place you check was your backside porch, which faced the gardens. You made a face of disgust as you found the white haired man sitting there, watching the cherry blossom trees sway in the wind. "What are you doing here? I told you never to return!" You said, clearly upset by his presence in your home. "Not feeling appreciative are we? I suppose I wouldn't be any kinder to someone who bested me in battle either." He remarked. Your skin boiled. "How long have you been here?" You demanded, feeling disturbed by knowing he had found your house so easily. "A week" he replied. "And what of your companions?" You questioned. "They know nothing." His answer made you feel a little better. You bit your lip before opening the door. "Come in." You begrudgingly said. Vergil got up and followed you to a library, stocked high with books. You sat him at a little table in the corner and told him to wait while you fetched some tea and snacks. You were too weak to fight, and he did save you after all. All you wanted to do at this point was convince him to leave. He accepted your offer for tea before complimenting you on the impressive amount of books you had. You replied with a sour thanks before taking your seat. Carefully, you traced the rim of your tea cup, trying to figure out how the hell you'll convince him to leave. "Your world is losing its strength." Vergil spoke out loud. "Your point?" You asked, unamused by his comment. "Well, if this world is to cave in on itself, I know of a place you could stay." He offered. Even the mere thought of it offended you. "I respect your…" You had to force out your next words. "Kindness, but I don't need help. Not from you. If this world is to falter, then so be it. I would die for it before dishonoring my lineage." You said, a certain air of dignity clinging to the words you spoke. He seemed displeased with your answer. "I'm surprised you would so willingly fall into deaths hands." He mused before taking a sip of his tea. "What does it matter to you?" You questioned, actually curious what the answer would be. "It doesn't." You were disappointed by his reply. "You can fib if you'd like, but if it didn't matter then why come here at all? Why patch my wounds? Or wait for me to awaken?" You questioned him more. He placed his teacup down. "If I may be honest, I'm bored myself. Your cunning ways has my interest piqued. Beyond that, I think you would make a great addition to Devil May Cry." He admitted. You were in no place to make demands. "If I returned with you, would you promise to provide me with the energy needed to sustain this world?" You asked. He nodded softly, but that wasn't enough reassurance. "Promise me my world will be safe…. This place… it means more to me than my own life. It has fostered and raised every generation of my family, my father left it to me. I will not see it perish." You said, your head tilted up slightly. You have always been proud and dignified. As the heir to a family should be. It was how you were raised. "I can assure you, you will be provided with enough energy to keep this world alive. But no more than needed." He said, his gaze piercing yours. He already knew well of your ways and desires. But you were both keepers of your word. "Then I will return with you." You finally gave in. He was satisfied with that, and after that you both made your way to Devil May Cry. You're lucky Nero isn't there when you arrive. It saves some hassle as you and Vergil explain the specifics of the situation to Dante. In true fashion, he seems unbothered by your presence. Trusting his brother to know who's good and who's not. That was the start of your devil hunting days. It's possible your family had hid it from you, that your kind held a deep seated grudge against humans, but ensnaring and killing demons provided you with the same energy as humans did. Your power began to rise again, but only time would tell if you returned to your tricky ways.

[sorneth]

Interview: Sorneth Caduceus

► Name ➔ He grinned. “Ser Sorneth Caduceus, Bard of renown, and teller of stories. ...Also a knight of Ishgard now apparently” he offered with a side ward slant of his eyes “bit of a funny tale that one.” ► Are you single ➔ He chuckled warmly, as a smile formed that not only curved along his lips but brought a fond narrowing of his eyes. “Not in the slightest. I’m the husband of Maxia Caduceus, and happily so. While we do have our problems sometimes, that’s simply the way of it. A relationship is like a garden, you tend it together, and you enjoy both the good times, and weather the bad side by side.” ► Are you happy ➔ He offered a nod. “Most of the time. I have many, many things around me that bring a smile to my face, and a warmth to my heart. While occasionally my mind does get the better of me, I’m fortunate that I can often find pleasant company to help ease me back into my usual, jovial self.” ► Are you angry? ➔ The bard falls silent for a moment, a frown pulling across his lips as the fingers of a gloved hand curl inwards towards his palm briefly. “Overall?” his tone flows gently upon smooth silver “No, I’m content and at peace. It’s merely specific subjects that are likely to light a fire in my blood. But they rarely if ever surface in normal conversation.” ► Are your parents still married ➔ This brought the man’s head to tilt, before giving a brief huff of a chuckle. “I don’t even know my parents, but I imagine they still are. Divorce is not an option where I come from, I’m... pretty sure the marriages are pre-arranged as well. Aids in the selective breeding.”

(Cut for Length)

EIGHT FACTS

► Birth Place ➔ The bard’s eyes closed gently... “A place far more ancient then you can fathom. My people have been around since the star was torn into fourteen pieces. Isolated and kept safe in a homeland so deep beneath the surface of our world, that not even the veins of corrupted aether from the fragments of Dalamund’s fall could reach or affect it. I -am- from the Shroud, just way more vertically down then most forest-born.” ► Hair Color ➔ He grinned, as a hand lifted to pinch one of his bangs within his fingertips. “Naturally this silver, even the white highlights mixed in.” ► Eye Color ➔ His head tilted, offering a better view of his eyes as the moon-white iris’ seemed to glow against the dark grey backdrop. “Moon white, I was told this is the result of those born beneath a Full Moon, on the Winter Solstice. The night influenced me, and thus my eyes reflect my connection to the sunless sea. It’s a rare trait among my people, near to the point of prophecy.” He shrugged “If there is one about me, I don’t know it. I simply am who I am.” ► Birthday ➔ He frowned gently.. “Aside from having been born on the Winter Solstice? Well, that’s if the stories of my eyes are true. Honestly I... actually have no idea. I use the solstice to track my years, when it passes, I consider myself a year older.” ► Mood ➔ He grinned again, this time with one that even narrowed his eyes with mirth. “Playful, flirtatious, good humored, affectionate, creative, modest, honest, loyal, kind, generous. Depends on the day, depends on the time, depends on the company. But generally I’m told that I can be quite a darling, and that I’m pleasant to be around, and easy to get along with.” His smile softened to one of nearly being bashful as he lowered his head and scratched at his cheek. “I just try and give people a reason to smile, there’s enough in the world to feel horrible about. Bard’s are meant to lift people up, after all.” ►Gender ➔ He offered a rich, deep laugh as his arms flowed out from his sides with upturned palms. “Male, obviously. Though... if you want to open up my pants just to make sure, your welcome to...” he offered a wink. “I’m like a museum, can look as much as you want - just don’t touch anything.” ► Summer or winter ➔ “Winter” he stated without a breath of hesitation “I hate the heat, and enjoy the snow, cold, and peacefulness that comes with the season. While game can be a bit more difficult to hunt, I still prefer it over the thick of summer any day.”  ► Morning or afternoon ➔ His smile sweetened. “Morning, very early morning just after midnight. That’s usually when my day usually begins, and I can still drink in the starlit skies as I go about my training routines. It’s quiet, tranquil, few people bother me, and I can lose myself to the routines as if they were meditation.” He sighed out blissfully... “It also lets me finish, come back to the house, and start on breakfast right as my beloved starts rolling themselves out of bed.”

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE

► Are you in love ➔ His smile grew fond, eyes closing to a gentle, reflective half lid as a soft sigh of contentment parted his lips. “I am fully, and without a doubt in my heart.” The words flowed with a steeled resolve, and an embers warmth as his hand lifted to run the pad of his thumb along the wedding band on his finger. “He is my guiding stars, my strength, my resolve, my present and future. My beloved has claimed me utterly, mind, heart, and soul. Even when were apart, my thoughts drift to him effortlessly, my muse behind everything that I do.” ► Do you believe in love at first sight ➔ The bard’s head tilted, only to tilt again in the other direction before his shoulder’s bobbed in a gentle shrug. “Yes and No. I believe that for some, those who have lived before, there is the chance for a re-kindled connection upon first crossing paths with the one who loved you before. A recognition of their soul, just as they recognize yours in kind. But that.. is merely remembrance.” He lifted a hand to tap two fingers over his heart. “Love, is something you fall into all over again - even with such a destined lover. You grow to know them as they are in this life, finding a fondness for them all over from the beginning. A connection is at first sight, love... grows after.” ► Who ended your last relationship ➔ The frown that flowed over the man’s lips was near a sneered grimace. “...The Ishgardians, their ‘inquisitors’ in fact. They arrested my last lover for writing ‘unhalonic’ texts and distributing his fiction to the general public.” He sighed out softly... “They held him for a long time, over a year, and by the time he was released... I had already left Ishgard and had resumed my way of life long before. If they had not, I likely would have stayed, likely continued to grow what we had between us. ...We were close.” ► Have you ever broken someone’s heart ➔ The bard’s head was swift to shake. “No. Never. It’s why I’m always as clear in my communication as I am, honest, genuine, sincere. Unlike most bards, I don’t desire to eat hearts where I go and leave them shattered within my wake. I... have far too much respect for people to do that.”  ► Are you afraid of commitments ➔ The bard grinned, and merely lifted up his hand to show the Ishgardian Steel wedding band shaped like a dragon that circled his ring finger like an Oroboros. “...Does this answer your question?” ► Have you hugged someone within the last week? ➔ He chuckled warmly as a wolfish grin settled over his features. “Of course! My hand’s can’t keep themselves off of my beloved, for one. For two, my friends are used to that being simply how I greet them.” ► Have you ever had a secret admirer ➔ He offered a sharp, loud, huff of a laugh. “I wish, if only for the experience...” he smirked “If I have one, their so secret even I don’t know about them.” ► Have you ever broken your own heart? ➔ The bard winced, before offering a soft frown as his eyes closed with a side ward flick of his gaze. “...Many times. To spare others pain, hardship, complications, or torment I have had to walk away when I’d rather I not have to on many occasions. It’s how I’ve managed to avoid breaking the hearts of others, my own takes the blow on their behalf, many I imagine aren't even aware of it.”

SIX CHOICES

► Love or lust ➔ The bard huffed out his breath with a shake of his head... “Come now, you can’t possibly make me choose between those?” he arched a brow, only to frown when the question was indeed serious. “Stars, for me you can’t have one without the other. I don’t have sex with people, just to have sex with people. I have to be fond of them to some degree, otherwise it’s just using another person for your own pleasure, which is something I can’t stomach.” His shoulder’s shrugged “When I’m in love? My love is both emotional and physical. If I can’t explore my beloveds likes, dislikes, passions, and build a dynamic with them. If I can’t set my blood on fire and show them how I feel in the most intimate manner known to mortal kind. What then, separates our bond from just having a very deep, platonic friendship?” His head shook, and a palm lifted with a shake as well. “Not for me, my beloved better accept that I’ll be an outright horn dog for them, and realize that it’s because of the fact I love them so much.” ► Lemonade or iced tea ➔ He grinned. “Tea, without contest. Specially when sweetened with honey, or fruit juice mixed in with it.’ ► Cats or Dogs ➔ “Dogs” the wight didn’t even hesitate, though after a moment of thought he did quirk a brow. “..Unless you mean cat men and women, in that case I’ll heavily consider changing my opinion.”  ► A few best friends or many regular friends ➔ The bard smirked a smile, fond and sweet. “Few best friends. As a bard acquaintances and regular connections are helpful, and do well to ease the quiet and loneliness at times. But they are infrequent, and prone to falling out of contact on that individuals whim. Such is why I prefer a few close, stable, consistent people in which to invest myself and a bond with.” ► Wild night out or romantic night in ➔ “Romantic Night In” the words came with a sharp, swift fondness as a smile curled into place along his lips. Even his hands lifted, flowing as he continued... “A candlelit bath, incense scenting the air, two glasses of blush wine laced with just a small hint of clove oil to spark the desire. Worshiping your beloveds skin with the fond caress of fingertips, and the reverent kiss of lips. Exploring them, making their breath catch within their throat, and their heart quicken. A romantic sensuality...” ► Day or night ➔ “Night” he said plainly and with a swiftness. “The Sunless sea is the home of the celestials, my deities. To be beneath it is to be as if within a church, and thus I do most if not all of my activities of import beneath a starlit sky. Cloaked in their blessed shadows, and illuminated by moonlight. To have something of importance happen in the suns light is to welcome ruin to it. Or so my people have long believed.”

FOUR HAVE YOU EVERS

► Been caught sneaking out ➔ “Not yet, though I think my beloved’s senses are slowly becoming keener to my methods. For now however, they seem to only notice my absence after a few hours have passed, and I’ve yet to be caught in the act.” The bard then reached up a hand, and promptly knocked on the wooden part of the wall behind him.  ► Fallen down/up the stairs ➔ “Unfortunately...” the sigh that left his lips was a heavy one as his eyes rolled. “Take it as advice, or wisdom. But do not get drunk within the forgotten knight and then attempt to navigate the pillars of Ishgard while intoxicated. It does not end well for you, or the unfortunate parties having to tend to you afterwards.” ► Wanted something/someone so badly it hurt? ➔ “To want for something unobtainable, is simply an excuse to use it as motivation towards a means to obtain it. But when that want is for a person?” he sighed softly... “That is a pain not so easily twisted into optimism. Nor does acceptance come easy, or quickly.” ► Wanted to disappear ➔ The bard offered a chuckle. “I have, and succeeded. That is all I will offer on the matter, as I would very much desire to keep it that way.”

FOUR PREFERENCES

► Smile or eyes ➔ The bard’s hand lifted, before pointing two fingers to his moon-white orbs. “Eyes” he stated firmly “For some, a smile has become impossible to form as they’ve long forgotten how over the duration of their suffering. But if you look into their eyes, you can see even in the depths of their pain, their fighting against the inner demons, the shimmer of warmth that tells of the difference you’ve just made. No matter how brief.” ► Shorter or Taller ➔ He grinned. “Shorter, there is a lot I can do romantically with someone smaller then me. From sweeping them off their feet, to curling up around them in bed. Besides, it’s hard to find people taller then me, and of those that do - generally were more for sparring outside of the bedroom then in one.” ► Intelligence or Attraction ➔ “Intelligence” he offered swiftness and a smile. “A pretty face is pleasant, but a sharp mind is what I thrive on most. The trading of sass, wit, sarcasm, humor, and being able to collaborate with another over my creative ideas are things I cherish.” He then offered a rich, deep laugh. “I often say, the fastest way to get me to fall in love with you, is to roast me so well that I’m left with the only option of laying in the grave you made me dig for myself without even realizing it.” ► Hook-up or Relationship ➔ The bard offers a firm nod. “Relationship. While hook-ups are fun, for a while, they loose their luster easily enough and leave the heart wanting more. Thus, is why I invest my time into my relationships with others, be they romantic or platonic. It’s these meaningful connections, nurturing them, growing them, developing them, that bring me the most fulfillment.”

FAMILY

► Do you and your family get along ➔ The bard offered a thick, sarcastic laugh. “I was separated from my parents as soon as I was old enough to pick up a wooden sword, as is custom. The only brothers I’ve ever known, are my fellow hunters and we... Well, we get along like brothers. If were not drinking together, were fighting one another either to settle an argument, or out of sheer pleasure and enjoyment. So I shall leave that up to your interpretation.” ► Would you say you have a “messed up life” ➔ His head shook gently. “No. While some who hear my story, and are privy to the more guarded details, may surely think so. I never once considered myself of having been subjected to a ‘tragic backstory’. My life is what it is, and had to be what it was, for me to become what I have.” He shrugged. “My life is what it needed to be, to be what it is, and will become.” ► Have you ever ran away from home ➔ His head shook again. “No, never. I’ve been loyal to the end, and left home only when there was no one else there to linger around for.” ► Have you ever gotten kicked out ➔ His shoulder’s bobbed with a deep, rich chuckle. “I was... voluntarily exiled” he stated slowly, and with keen purpose. “When we become hunters, we are condemned to live out the rest of our lives on the surface, fulfilling our duties until the day the Monsters we hunt succeed in killing us.”

FRIENDS

► Do you secretly hate one of your friends ➔ “Stars no!” the answer came swiftly, and with a turn of the bard’s head in worry. “I have so few of them, and new ones don’t just grow on bushes in the middle of the forest. I’m an honest person, if I have a problem with someone, I tell them so. Now... if that results in me being punched in the face for it or not, is another matter.” ► Do you consider all of your friends good friends ➔ The bard’s head shook lightly. “I have two good friends, the rest are... barely more then acquaintances. While I would desire more, that is not up to me but rather others to decide if they wish to get to know me or not. But I can see how a white eyes, silver haired, silver tongued Wight can be intimidating.” ► Who is your best friend ➔ “Honestly?” he sighed softly, and his head sank into his hand with a rubbing of his fingertips against his temples. “...My horse. I tell them everything I do when not with them, and they witness everything I do when within their company.” ► Who knows everything about you ➔ “My horse, for reasons previously stated..” 

Tagged by: @umbralich​

Tagging: All of my followers who have not done this yet, and desire to. It was quite fun, even though it took over four hours to do.