#[ since i noticed you made him an awakening verse ]

[jynxpsiche]

Hello!!👋🏾 could I perhaps request dad!lemon headcanons or a one shot?

A’RIGHT! I👏🏻AM👏🏻IN👏🏻! We also need Dad Lemon, it’s important for our hearts!! <3 <3

Against my morals

💌. Summary: during a mission, Lemon had to help a lost child find her mother…

or

…Lemon meets his future girl and kid.

💌. Warning: fem reader, slight use of y/n, slight canon gore, swearing, made up names. English is not my first language!

The sultry summer air hit the crowded Italian city hard. Tourists filled the main streets and numerous alleys of the famous city of art.

Enthusiasts of Italian and Renaissance architecture stopped to observe the beauty of the period names and to learn more about their history.

But that was certainly not what Tangerine and Lemon were there for.

As usual, the two were in the beautiful city of Florence for a job, so they had no time to waste with visits or verses of amazement at the Renaissance beauties.

“Remind me, why do I have to do this?” Annoyingly asked Lemon through the phone, his eyes cautiously scanning the whole perimeter.

“I reckon you had lost a paper scissors stone match. Am I wrong?” Said the brother on the other end of the phone in a knowing tone but also teasing him slightly.

“I wasn’t ready.” “Oh you weren’t? Well, too bad. Your fuckin’ fault, not mine.” Tangerine blurted out acidly. It was too early to deal with his brother's complaints.

Lemon huffed audibly, continuing to look around as if searching for something. Or rather someone.

With the phone still close to her ear, Lemon's attentive gaze scanned each and every face. One by one.

“Since you decided to fall asleep soundly like a baby yesterday, here's what you have to do.” Tangerine's voice partly awakened him from his trance-like state.

Lemon only hummed in response, his gaze still fixated on the big crowd of people.

"Apparently, our target is young woman, name's (Y/n). I've sent ya a photo of her. Be careful and don't fuck it up, Lemon." Tangerine hang the call harshly, his tone clearly expressing his earnestness.

Lemon slipped the phone into his jacket pocket after rolling his eyes at the last words spoken by his brother. He knew that Tangerine actually cared about him, but he also wanted to prevent the customer from becoming dissatisfied.

Not only would it have been unprofessional on their part, but they might have lost their skin as well.

His phone buzzed again and with a soft groan he picked it up again and noticed that this time it was a message. The target's photo.

Why would someone kill a woman, he thought with furrowed eyebrows, often lifting his head to scan the people there, unless she's a killer or a heartless bitch.

But just looking at the photo, Lemon came up with the conclusion that his target wasn't a Diesel at all. But a job was a job, so he had to finish it as fast as possible.

Only when his eyes locked with a particular figure, he took action. Swiftly and quickly he moved across the large crowd of people without tearing his gaze from the spotted target.

It was the same woman from the picture and he had to follow her in order to complete his job succesfully.

The female moved smoothly and gracefully among the tourists and Lemon almost lost her in the crowd a couple of times. Almost.

Then, when he was at her heels, just a few inches divided them, his phone rang. Lemon cursed silently, hoping that the woman hadn't heard him. His pace slowed down a bit and he picked the call.

"Bruv, have you found the target yet?" Tangerine's voice reached his ears and his face wrinkled into a sour expression.

"Almost had her, if you hadn' fuckin' called..." mumbled quietly Lemon into the phone, his tone mostly stern and irritated. He liked to finish things quickly, so he didn't have to lose unrequired and precious time.

Time he surely could be spending watching Thomas and Friends.

"Don't get your fuckin' panties in a twist. I'll call you every twenty minutes to cheek up on ya." The other referred solemnly in a flat tone.

"Look how you're enjoyin' giving me orders sittin' comfortably at a fucking bar--" he spat out in a sarcastic tone, lightly envying his twin.

"Stop actin' like a fuckin' baby and move y'ass." His brother argued back, ending the call brutally, leaving Lemon with his sour expression.

He knew his brother was simply concerned about him, but stressing him out like that wasn't healthy at all!

Only when the call ended, the man spotted the woman enter an small alley almost hidden from view. It was common to find such alleys in Italy, but these were so intrigued and intertwined with each other that they formed a real maze.

Closely Lemon chased the young woman and he plainly was astonished by her speed and grace. Her body moved so graciously and freely that she could even be compared to a nymph.

Her pace slowed as she approached a doorway. The man copied her movements, staying hidden behind a wall. Her figure now motionless, as if waiting for something. Lemon noticed how her gaze often fell on her wristwatch.

Undoubtedly she was waiting for someone.

This was his moment, he thought with a determined look on his face.

He studied the area well to make sure that no witnesses could make the job more complicated.

With a plush but quick step, Lemon approached the young woman, gun ready in hand but still concealed in his jacket.

Let's make this quick, he thought.

When the distance had shortened considerably, Lemon kicked out his gun and aimed at the woman's head, never slowing his pace.

"Mommy! Mommy!"

He froze on the spot. A child's voice reached his ears out o f the blue, his gaze widening at the sight.

From the main entrance of a building, a little girl happily skipped towards the woman, engulfing her legs in a tight embrace. Lovingly the woman patted the little one's head.

But by now Lemon was too close, and with confident gesture he had already removed the safety catch. The sound made the woman turn her head.

Swiftly she covered her daughter eyes by bringing her face in her lap. Her facial features were twisted with hardness and solemnity.

No words left her mouth, her rosey lips into a thin line.

Although his face did not show any other feelings, Lem could not help but be impressed. Surely he had been left speechless by such a majestic figure.

Quickly the man lowered his weapon.

“Woah woah woah! No one told me ‘bout this!” He spat out anxiously, seemingly not expecting such a plot twist.

The woman took a step forward, hiding the little one behind her. Her gaze fixed on the man.

“The Rider sent you, didn’t he?” Her rigid tone sent chills down Lem’s spine. And this was the first time in his life. Not even the unbearable anger of his brother.

But Lemon didn’t answer.

“Look” he sighed rubbing the bridge of his nose “just…please wait here love.” Hurriedly he grabbed his phone and typed a number.

“So? You done?” Tangerine’s bothered voice echoed through Lem’s head. “We hav’ a problem bruv.” “Fuck hav’ y’done?” His dark eyes darted from the child to the woman.

“There’s a child.” “What d’ya mean a child?” Lemon exhaled loudly “There’s a child with the target.” The phone line fell dead silent.

Then a heavy sigh.

“We can’t do it. It’s immoral.” “I know it’s immoral. What should I do?” Suggested Lemon, never tearing his gaze from the woman.

“Just—“ but Tan’s voice was harshly interrupted by a loud bang resounded in the alley, shortly followed by another and another one.

Lemon cursed under his breath and with quick steps he urged the couple to follow him closely.

His eyes were pleading them to follow him.

And without breathing out a sentence, they followed the gentle sour fruit.

Lemon opened the large door of the building with a well-aimed kick, managing to open it with a sharp snap and without attracting attention. "Move move!" he silently whispered, urging them to follow his request.

When they managed to lock the entrance they were met with an almost silent building, afternoon sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows, giving the room a hint of mystery. The outside shots muffled successfully.

Hastily Lemon loocked at the woman, his breath shaky from the sudden running. "'S there 'nother way out?" He panted out, catching his breath as best he could.

Nervous eyes moved from one part to another of the building, her mind clearing retracing the blueprints of the apartment complex. Then her face lit up.

“The garage! This way!” She whisper-yelled, already moving to pick her daughter up. But Lem’s hand stopped her. “Let me.”

And with a quick motion he picked the little child in his arms, placing gently his hand on her head to cover her from the gunshots outside.

The woman observed the whole scene with wide eyes, clearly not expecting something like this from a contract killer.

Only when shaken off by her dozing state, she guided the man towards the secondary exit.

They both were running, leaving the gunshots behind.

“I’m Lemon by the way.” He panted out in a rather quiet tone.

The woman looked at him and sent him a faint smile. “(Y/n.)” she answered.

I know, he thought, smiling back at her.

The couple was now walking peacefully, long away from the sudden accident. The small girl was fast asleep in Lemon’s arms and even if the mother proposed to take her from him, he always refused, not wanting to wake her up.

But in reality, Lemon was just enjoying this moment. He didn’t know how or when but the small child already occupied a soft spot in his heart.

No words were shared between the two, they simply enjoyed the animated atmosphere given by the young tourists enjoying their night.

The two just kept walking at a slow pace, neither of them wanting to part ways. They finally got along.

Lemon discreetly shot her a glance, trying to memorise her beauty before being called back by his brother.

He still didn’t receive any calls from him. And it was quite strange. But he didn’t worry much since he knew that Tan was safe and sound at the hotel.

It was still quite late.

Only when they reached another apartment complex, far from the other one, they both stopped. Their eyes immediately locked together.

The woman spoke first.

“Even if you tried to kill me…I wanna thank you for your help. And for saving both me and my daughter.” She kindly thanked him, this time flashing him a sincere smile.

His heart skipped a beat.

“Killin’ a mother is against my morals…so if the client isn’t satisfied, he can go fuck himself.” He simply answered in a hush tone, aware of the sleeping child in his arms.

Slowly and gently, the mother picked her daughter, who slightly stirred a little and the returned back to sleep deeply.

(Y/n) flashed him another smile and then turned and walked towards the building’s front door. But she was stopped by Lemon’s voice.

“Wait!” When she faced him again she was met with a slight nervous Lemon. Confused she tilted her head, waiting for him to continue.

“Can I…hav’ your number…?” He quite timidly asked, rubbing his neck in attempt to maintain his cool and calm himself.

She faintly chuckled, sending him a teasing look.

“Since you knew so much about me, I think it won’t be hard for you to find my number…” she teased him “…but if you can’t, you at least know where I live.”

“Goodnight, Lemon.”

He sighed amused, a small grin on his face.

“Night, love.”

[zarvasace]

Here's my silly Linkverse title and timeline! :D say hello to Hearts Linked Together, a Linkverse that won't ever have much content besides character designs!

Character post

Okay a description under the cut. It might get long, I'm unsure how to go about explaining. The four vertical lines are locations, not parallel timelines. I don't take absolutely everything into account (you'll notice a lack of direct Triforce and Ganon stuff) but I like what I ended up with!

PS: I've made a few edits to this and the picture since I first edited. BotW and TotK aren't different Links that was my b. I also added more blue lines to the Gods of the Sky spot to illustrate them moving around.

Important thing to note: the only time travel/time shenanigans in this 'verse is with Hyrule Warriors and Ocarina of Time. And Tears of the Kingdom that too.

THIS BEGINS with aliens. The Zonai and the Minish were the same alien species that settled on the planet of Hyrule to escape civil war on their own. They separated early on and adapted to their environments differently. They both lived in the sky for a while, because Hyrule has naturally occuring skylands, and some of the natural fauna were intimidating. (Monsters, dragons, fey, gods.) The Hylians come from the moon. A small group settled on the planet and struggle to adapt. They lost their technology in the turbulent transition.

The Minish remained pastoral and went to the surface to help the emerging Hylian race. The Minish Cap happens. That Link forges the Picori blade and gathers the elements. (His four copies are spectral.) Shortly after him, Four Swords happens, with the most attention on the cryptid four sword kid who came out to save the world and then disappeared back into the woods. (His four copies are independent but not individuals.)

The settlement prospers, the Minish population decreases, and Hylians spread across the world, into 4 distinct geographic areas. The Zonai, also dying out, descend and intermarry with Hylians, in a different geographic area. The beginning of TotK happens, including the massive Imprisoning War. The consequences of this war are far-reaching and devastating.

The Land of Light and Shadow: this area emerges from the war somewhat unscathed, being on the other side of the world. They continue to build their kingdom. This land is named for the parallel plane that is in close contact with the area, being farthest from the planet's moon's orbital path. Things like Light and Force are also strong here, unknowable forces that occasionally grant powers.

The Land of the Gods: this land is named for the gods that have dogged its history and heroes, and is closest to the moon, which is where these extraordinary individuals get their powers and godhood. The Imprisoning War hit them pretty hard, and one of these moon-touched aliens (Hylia) raised settlements into the air. The First Hero is part of this.

The Land of the Fey is where the Zonai chose to descend, and is hit the hardest by the Imprisoning War. Their small colonies are absolutely decimated and the land is salted. Fey are natural creatures, but aren't always friendly. The Zonai technology and settlements remain high in the air, unreachable and usually invisible. Most non-Hylian or non-Hylian-derived species come from this area.

The Great Sea is a series of islands. They barely hear of the Imprisoning War, and only have a small population of Hylians that grows a bit through the islands.

After the war, all of these areas and kingdoms are cut off from each other. Their histories proceed separately for a time.

The Land of Light and Shadow: a group of people move permanently into the Dark World. Link to the Past, Link's Awakening. The kingdom grows. Link Between Worlds reveals the budding kingdom in the Dark World. Twilight Princess deals more with them. Four Swords Adventures (+manga in case you were worried) unlocks more of the Dark World's secrets. (These copies are individuals, and remain so after their adventure.) The kingdom prospers and begins to explore, eventually resulting in another near-globalization. Hyrule Warriors happens, doing a little time traveling.

The Land of the Gods: after rising into the sky, Skyward Sword happens. Hylia is the strongest goddess of the time, and manages to send copies of the Master Sword to the three other lands. People settle on the surface, isolated from any other places. Ocarina of Time happens, but does not create alternate timelines. Hylia takes the people and places displaced by the time shift and plunks them at the beginning of the Great Sea's time. This kingdom expands and fractures, and Hylia's time shenanigans weaken her, so she goes to the fey land to recover. (coughcough was bullied away because people didn't agree with her coughcough) And then Majora’s Mask. Din, Farore, and Nayru rise as the land's patron goddesses instead, instigating the Oracle games. Triforce Heroes happens to a Hylian passing by Hytopia (The copies are simply doppels.) These kingdoms remain small but grow strong. They have the occasional battle. They participate in the globalization efforts.

The Land of the Fey: this land struggles to rebuild. They are plagued by monsters. The fey (fairies, great fairies, satori, dragons) understand it's a problem, but they do not have mortal minds. Eventually they call a hero of their own. Hyrule Fantasy (aka LoZ 1) and Adventure of Link happen. This land is geographically isolated and doesn't really run into anyone else, until the migration from the Great Sea brings technology. Spirit Tracks happens. The great kingdom is built, they build the Divine Beasts and the Guardians, and drive back the Calamity for the first time. Hylia rises again, older and wiser and less powerful. Then Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom happen. Only after that does this land reconnect with those outside of it.

The Great Sea: this area is mostly empty until Hylia places the time-displaced Hyrule on one of the larger islands (called antidiluvian, or before the flood). It wasn't a stable island, though, and most of the kingdom fell under the ocean in a great big wave. People rebuild and make their own cultures. Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass happen. They find the shores of the Land of the Fey, and facilitate a migration to that land.

Each of the yellow stars (and the colorful ones in terms of FSA) represents a different Hero.

[blueflipflops]

PLEASE tell us more about these silmarillion x pjo wips 👀

Well since you've asked nicely. Here are some of them:

Warning tho this is a long post. I'll try to keep it short but it probably wont. Read at your own risk :)

Sun Touched and Sweet Music

- one of the most recent ones

After dying slowly on the cold hard floor of Tol-in-Gaurhoth, Finrod expected to awaken in the comforting Halls of Mandos, finally getting rest. He did not expect to wake up in the care of tiny blonde sun-themed children in orange tunics intent on bossing him around til he completely heals.

or, Finrod wakes in the care of Apollo Cabin who are so convinced that he is one of them. Needless to say, Finrod adopts these funky little minstrels/healers/archers/artists/etc so quickly.

Here's an excerpt from the drafts:

Finrod stirred by arguing voices that made him think of his siblings fighting about something petty again only to realize just how young those voices sound.

"-you think he's like us? He has the hair for it, don't you think?"

"Hmm... I don't know. Maybe?"

"Nah. We have like, otherworldly gold hair when we come do in blonde. His is has just, I don't know, different vibe to it."

"Yeah like that makes sense."

"You know, like sunlight trapped in each strand kind of blonde."

"Actually," a new voice chimed in, "did you know that using hair for emergy sutures is one of the most effective alternatives to thread when you don't have some on hand. It's organic and compatible to the body's dna so it's less likely to fight it off--"

"Yep."

"Uh-huh."

"None of you are listening, aren't you?"

"No, but I did catch the fact that you can use hair for emergency sutures so I think I at least get points for that."

Free Falling

Glorfindel fell through PJO-verse when he fell from that cliff in the Battle of Gondolin and made friends with prickly demigods

An excerpt from the drafts:

As the Balrog fell with Glorfindel's hair in hir grasp, a blinding light flashed and suddenly they landed on the forest floor. 

Suddenly, before the Balrog could land a killing strike, an arrow whizzed past and hit it through the eyes. It howled in pain and looked in the direction of its origin. That's when Glorfindel noticed them. Unfamiliar armored people surrounded them, lacking the fear and panic of his people as he sent them away to escape.

And suddenly waves of arrows rained down like the gales of Manwë himself. This only serves to anger it as it rampages towards them. The one that looked to be the leader stood calmly, a hand raised in signal as the balrog sped to them not faltering a single step. Laurefindil opened his mouth to scream a warning but his hoarse throat forbids him. The leader snapped a hand to signal towards the monster just as it was a few steps away from its reach and suddenly a large harpoon-like arrow as thick and as tall as a tree shot through from behind them and impaled the Balrog through the mouth. It faltered and stumbled on its feet when another large harpoon-like arrow shot through its side. And another. And another.

"Well. This sure as fuck ain't what we were expecting to hunt but it seemed like the harpoons were a good idea to bring after all."

"I mean, it did make Cabin 9 happy we're using the weapons they made so--"

Glorfindel (Laurefindil) meets Greek demigods and one whom he can't tell whether she wants to help him or finish him off. In this case, he meets Clarisse La Rue.

Death Diving

a variation of Free Falling except he meets a different demigod.

When Laurefindil fell from the cliff, he thought he was dead. Instead, he woke up to a makeshift bed on the forest floor and a deathly pale face with bruising dark bags under their narrowed eyes hovering above him.

or, Laurefindil meets Nico Di Angelo and goes on a life-changing road trip to get him proper treatment. Laurefindil gets introduced to demigod culture and heals both physically and mentally.

No excerpt to share here folks haha :/

Wild Thing

A crossover pairing fic

Celegorm x Percy

originally going for Fem! Percy but dude Percy can go just as well.

It is truly unfortunate that the Noldor is exactly Percy's type. Clever, ruthless, good at fighting, good with kids, and wild as the raging seas. Well, also... blonde.

Here's an excerpt from the drafts!:

"I wish to ask your permission to court your cousin." 

"Excuse me? What the fuck did you just say? My permission? What is this, the Dark Ages? You know what? Since you asked, no. Defeat me in a duel to the death first."

"What?"

"This could only end in two ways. I kill you, Percy will mourn your death but we, her family will be there to support her and help her move on. Or! You kill me and anger Percy to the point that she will kill you in retaliation. Either way, it's a win for me." She brandished her spear to Celegorm. "Square up, pretty boy."

Dance Til You're Dead

a mix of comedy and horror (tbh a bit crack)

An elven troop somehow got transported to the PJO-verse via fairy ring and walked straight into a demigod rave party who, while not knowing who they were, immediately dragged them into joining them on the dance floor. The music was stranger than anything they had ever heard and it felt as if their bodies moved by themselves with every beat.

or, an elven troop got dragged to a magic rave that subtly encourages you to dance and lose your inhibitions. It slowly turns from confusion to reluctant enjoyment to horror as they feel themselves lose control of their bodies as they dance the night away and the next night and the next and the next--

Being elves, they are more auditory than most creatures and more susceptible to music-based spells. The music at the party is more subtle to demigods who only feel the light relief of not having to think much about their problems, these subtle spells are kind of like recreational drugs to them. the demigods at the party are very much informed of the light spells involved in this party. these demigods CAME for these spells specifically to destress. Unfortunately, to elves, this is slowly turning into a fairytale horror film.

I think I like the irony of pjo-verse being the fae in this story lol

At Best, You Find A Little Remedy

obligatory modern character in middle earth Hozier songfic lol

Finrod x Daughter of Apollo! OC Sirena "Nena" Diwata

Already wrote and posted this on ao3 but only from Finrod's POV so he doesn't know that she's a demigod and semi-immortal too. Here's a link to it!

She used to travel with him for a few years before parting ways. Finrod never noticed that his dear friend did not age as Men do as he suspected she died until many years later when he was visited by a descendant of an old friend invoking an equally old oath to help him steal a silmaril as a courting gift that he meets her again.

Here's the summary of the fic! :

Finrod has travelled across the Arda hundreds of times and met many people over the years, yet no matter how long time passes memories of her will always be the clearest and shines the most. Her memory lost among mortals yet her smile, her voice, her songs live on with him.

here's an excerpt from the supposed continuation of it! :

"Well, this isn't how I expected we meet again, Goldie."

"Nena?" he choked out, not quite believing what he was seeing.

"In the flesh. A little birdy told me you've bitten more than you could chew and what kind of friend would I be if I just left it alone? The world would mourn to lose such a pretty face along with your beautiful voice. Such injustice cannot go on."

"You know her?" Beren whispered but Finrod was too busy staring at the woman that felt more like a ghost than anything.

"N-Nena? It really is you? Truly?"

"Well actually it was a horse that told me but! Semantics."

"Also," She started as she kneeled down to open the lock and with a click, "I thought we established that already?" She quickly made work with their bindings as Finrod's heart raced.

Midsummer Tryst

Maedhros x Daughter of Apollo! OC Solana Trinidad

(can you tell that I have a favorite?)

This was also posted on ao3 already though haven't really updated it since I got into other fandoms. Here's the link to it!

Here's the fic summary:

Tryst — a meeting between two people who are having a romantic relationship, especially a secret one Maitimo has been going to this oak tree for years. When the household gets a bit too loud and his responsibilities as firstborn wear him out, that little place by the oak tree is a breath of fresh air. He quietly claims it as his. One day he meets a strange creature by his oak tree who doesn't speak any of the tongues he knows and despite how they met they quickly became friends. But with Melkor's schemes coming to play, how can such friendship last?

Although THIS is what the original idea looked like:

Maitimo has been going to this oak tree for years. When the household gets a bit too loud and his responsibilities as firstborn wearing him out, that little place by the oak tree is a breath of fresh air. He quietly claims it as his.

Well, until one day he meets a strange creature that looks like an eldar yet quite different. The strange creature speaks a strange tongue and seems to offer friendship or maybe companionship?

Maitimo's days became more interesting as this curious being accompanied him by the oak tree and despite not knowing each other's language they swiftly became friends.

By this oak tree they learn from each other, share stories, sing songs, laugh together, exchange gifts and compare the differences of their realms.

Before they knew it, they built a home in the secret place they had for their own. For a while they are happy. But as Melkor's schemes come out to play and his Father's righteous fury declares war on the Ainur, Maitimo finds himself with the blood of his kin on his hands and the incessant burning of the Oath within him like a noose tightening around his throat.

How can he bear to see his dear old friend now?

...

"You think I should cut my hair?"

"Why would you do that?!"

"Oh, um, 'cause it's getting kinda hot and hard to maintain? (Plus it is a hassle in fights)"

"Hmm... I'll teach you how to tie it away from your face then"

...

They make a bench by the tree and slowly build it up when they need something or they think it's much more convenient to have until they end up building a whole ass house complete with a vegetable garden and a workshop.

Sol sets up a hammock outside so she plays guitar and sings there while Mae writes his poetry or helps with paperwork for Feanor or cooks inside where he can see her by the window in the kitchen.

Sol makes a magic flower tea set that unfurls its 'petals' when poured tea for Nerdanel as a gift. Each piece was handpainted and edged with gold. 

Mae teaches Sol Quenya and Sol teaches Mae English and Spanish, and then Ancient Greek when asked. 

Feanor is perplexed when he finds Mae's notes written in another language. Thought that Mae was making his own language and asked Mae about it cause he was genuinely curious and very proud of his interests. It came out that Mae's secret friend taught him all this. Even more curious, Feanor asks to meet her too. This makes Mae flustered which everyone caught. Feanor raised an eyebrow.

Feanor: Has Nelyo moved out without me noticing? I haven't seen him in days.

Nerdanel: He does go out more recently. Maybe he's visiting Findekáno.

Meanwhile, under the oak tree: 

Nelyo, living a domestic married life with Sol: I feel like I forgot something...

Last but not the least!

Blessings Come in Small Pakige

kidfic but with MORE kids

And yes. It's supposed to be spelled like that

Less of a fic and more of an idea. Not yet written but I do love thinking about it.

Demigod kids OCs are transported into Middle Earth, meets elves, and then parented against their will. Ft. Elves' near-constant baby fever.

The kids age almost as slowly (from weird Ainu magic) and elves immediately go bonkers.

The kids are still hardwired for battle and very hyperactive. The elves do not know how to deal with that. Still don't know who am I going to drop these kids onto. Though I initially thought of Caranthir or Finrod or Dior or Daeron. All I know is that it is set in Arda between the 1st and 2nd Age and is strictly in the Silmarillion area of the fandom.

This includes:

Cultural difference,

Blood thirsty bbys,

Weird insults/ threats

Singing around a fire is a rather strange ritual to elves but the bbys seem to enjoy doing it before they sleep.

Aw fuck misunderstandings

- elves introduced to camp mom! Percy stories from kids

Weird stories from the kids that shook them elves like Jason being raised by wolves and Percy being named the destroyer ( came up when asked about the names having power thing), etc.

- GAMES! word games, board games, outdoor games, music games, and many more!

Feanorions being absolutely delighted with the many new languages these kids know.

Hope you enjoyed these because my brain won't stop making these crossover fics. I do have more but don't wanna make this any longer and also one of them may be an NSFW crackfic...

I also have been working recently on this Silm x HP fic where Maedhros was reincarnated as a red head Harry Potter if you're interested. Here's the link!

[raveneira]

hi, do you think when sarada awoken the mangeko (as much as i wish that trashy awakening wasn't real it unfortunately is) because of she cared for brto and was a die hard fan or was she just really upset that no one belived her and thought she was spouting nonsense? for me i low-key feel that it is the latter since sarada seems to have more concern for herself and the fact that she thinking that everyone denying her reality affected her so much to the point of awakening ms? it's still bad tho

Unfortunately if we're being realistic, nobody fkin knows what triggered it, there are two primary theories in the fandom and both are factually false

1 She was overwhelmed, everybody suddenly hunting/attacking Boruto, hearing Naruto was killed, her father not believing her, and finally her desperate plea for him to save Boruto is was caused her MS

2 her immense love for Boruto and fear of him being killed is what triggered it

Both of these are factually wrong, others may wanna live by Ikemoto's bs rules but Im not, Kishimoto didnt spend 15 yrs establishing this power up for us to just be like 'well none of that matters now cuz Ikemoto did different' stfu, the original creator >>> an incompetent assistant that constantly says fk what Kishimoto established in his own verse to make whatever bs plot/scenario he needs to work. In this case, he needed 'change Boruto's fate' and justify Sasuke leaving with Boruto for 3 years so he pulled that omnipotence bs and then made Sarada awaken her MS solely to convince Sasuke to believe her, there was literally no other purpose than that.

So for a memory refresher, why is her MS awakening factually wrong? because neither of the explanations people give are how the MS WORKS.

This is literally in part one where we're first introduced and explained to how the MS is obtained.

Itachi says you have to kill your closest friend to obtain the MS which isnt a lie, but its not the entire truth either, but the general idea is the same as I will show here where we get more detail.

Tobirama, like Itachi, are correct in their statements, but once again it is not the entire truth either because as we've seen several times the BASE Sharingan can evolve without feelings of hatred, but a strong desire to protect those dear to you, grief, and losing a dear loved one are all triggers for the Sharingans evolution, this is further proven by the fact that Kagami and Shisui never fell into the 'curse of hatred' and still had fully evolved Sharingan, Shisui even had MS despite wanting to follow a completely pacifistic path.

Now lets go over the actual difficulty in how it is obtained, lets look at the databook first, I took the liberty of highlighting the relevant parts for those who like to stay in denial whenever this topic comes up.

A cursed ocular ninjutsu only obtainable through great sacrifice.

Through the entire history of the Uchiha clan, it was rare for a member to be able to weild the Mangekyou Sharingan.

Here's the part I want you to keep in mind going forward because I WILL be coming back to it later.

Through the entire history of the Uchiha clan

Remember that for later, now moving on to the next point, ok so thats databook statements but what about in verse? the same thing.

It was rare to obtain the MS, the clan would literally slaughter eachother trying to gain it to no avail because its NOT a simple and easy thing to obtain, otherwise everyone in the Uchiha clan would've had MS if it was just as simple as killing your own kin or being overwhelmed etc [refer to the bs reasons ppl give for why Sarada gained hers] but it actually took SPECIFIC requirements to gain, and we were shown what those were several times.

I think you notice the common theme here, Obito got his MS from seeing his best friend kill Rin, his first love, Kakashi got his at the same time from the act of killing Rin by accident, Itachi got his from watching Shisui commit suicide, Sasuke got his after killing his brother and then learning the truth about Itachi and his clan.

The theme is clear, the requirements to awaken it are even more clear, there is literally no amount of gaslighting anyone can do to overrule whats literally been consistently shown in the canon danm manga by the original creator himself.

'Oh yall just wanted Sarada to be edgy like everyone else Im glad her MS was different' is the stupidest response to this, nobody said they wanted her to be edgy, they just want her danm MS to follow the rules that have been established for 15 years. Also Shisui wasnt edgy and he had MS, so I dont even know how anyone thinks thats a gotcha anyway, she could literally still be the loving Sarada she's always been and still get MS because hatred isnt the only way the Sharingan evolves. I dunno why someone actually thought that was a rebuttal, but it just goes to show how ignorant these ppl are about how the MS works and only care about things being 'different' instead of caring about the actual worldbuilding.

Now lets move onto Sarada, her base Sharingan, although lackluster, still evolved in a way that was consistent with what was set up in OG. She awakened her sharingan for the first time due to her years of pain and longing of missing her dad and then being overjoyed when she was finally about to meet him at last. This wasnt unusual because Sasuke awakened his third tomoe because of how overwhelmed he was that Naruto considered him a brother, his first bond, and his dear friend, despite Sasuke literally trying to kill him right now and cut ties with him, Naruto's sincere love for him made his final tomoe appear. This is why the base Sharingan evolving in this way is not unusual, as long as the emotions are strong enough and struck a cord with them, then the Sharingan will evolve.

This is not the same for MS though, it is a completely different eye with a completely different set of rules, this is why Sarada's awakening is complete ass and not only that but literally breaks the rules of the verse.

Keep this in mind, she hears Naruto, her idol, the man who she aspires to be like, who at one point she wished was her dad, is dead, but not only that, she hears Mitsuki say hes going to kill Boruto. Remember this for what Im about to say next.

This is several minutes after she was told Naruto was dead and that Mitsuki was going to kill Boruto, her eyes didnt budge when she heard Naruto was dead, nor did her eyes budge hearing literally EVERYONE is actively hunting Boruto now.

At the very least the news of Naruto's death was more in line with how the MS awakens, so if she heard that and got her MS from it then it wouldnt have been all that difficult to accept, but unfortunately thats not what happened, she just sat there and cried, no reaction to Naruto dying, and no reaction to hearing and seeing Mitsuki trying to kill Boruto.

So what did trigger it? her being overwhelmed? false because thats what she was in the panels I've shown, she had been sitting there for several minutes with all this chaos goin on around her and no MS, not even her dad not believing her is what triggered it, literally NOTHING anyone tries to say it was triggered it, your literally looking at the panels, her eyes didnt BUDGE.

So what did trigger it then? if none of that did it then what did?

I shit you not, I cannot make this shit up, what triggered her MS was literally because 'Why cant Boruto ever catch a break?'

When I tell you my blood boiled reading that line words cannot describe the rage I felt because the total and I mean TOTAL disregard of everything, EVERYTHING that has happened to her dad, her idol Naruto, and Kawaki was infuriating because she NEVER asked why they cant catch a break, but now all of a sudden because poor Boruto is going through it right now all of a sudden its too cruel.

Her father lost his eye and got fatally beaten up by both Borushiki and Isshiki, Naruto was nearly killed by Isshiki and Borushiki, Kawaki was hunted down by Delta, Code, Isshiki, and Momo, Amado put karma back on him without his permission or anyones knowledge, Kawaki was slowly being consumed by Isshiki through his karma the same as Boruto was with Momoshiki and she didnt give af about NONE of that.

NONE OF THAT

She didnt give af about ANY of it, know who she did tho? Boruto, in chapter 69 who is she telling Mitsuki she feels bad for being unable to protect? Boruto, who is she angry at herself for not being reliable for? Boruto, who does she want to get stronger for so she can help them more? Boruto. This is literally right after Naruto nearly died, Kawaki nearly died, and Boruto nearly died, but the only one she gave a danm about was Boruto.

So you want the real answer to what triggered her MS? Ima be real with you, its honestly anybodys guess because Ikemoto is so bad at properly building up and portraying things clearly compared to Kishimoto, you can see clearly what the MS triggers were for everyone I showed and it isnt up for debate, its clear as day, but Sarada? you literally have to friggin guess because it just pops up so randomly your caught off guard wondering where tf that even came from.

Im not even kidding I've reread this scene so many times and I can NOT pinpoint what the trigger actually was, the only thing I can say is that the turning point was Sumire telling Sarada the cause of everything thats going on, Sarada then falls apart more because 'This is too cruel, why cant Boruto ever catch a break' which again is complete bullshit but I digress...so then she pleads for her dad to believe her and help Boruto because he's innocent but Sasuke doesnt, this is supposedly where the shift happens because her eyes are hidden during these panels.

She basically tells her dad that even if none of this makes sense to him, just to please trust her and grant her this one selfish request, aka saving Boruto.

Im not even kidding but...this is just so danm bad for her...like if I were to be completely generous and unbiased here then I can only make one conclusion from whats been laid out here and that is that her MS awakened simply because she desperately wanted her dad to save Boruto, she wanted her dad to do her this favor no matter what, she wanted him to do it so badly that her MS awakened.

That is the only explanation that can be taken from this, and that is why this is rightfully seen as the WORST MS awakening we've ever seen and why its a complete and utter disappointment because look at this shit, LOOK AT IT, she's just standing there crying and beggin daddy to help when she's had the chance to do something her danm self.

Remember earlier when she heard Mitsuki say he was gonna go kill Boruto? if she was that concerned why she aint go try to stop him? she heard everyone else out to hunt him too and yet she didnt try to go protect him from them either, I mean she could jump infront of Boruto to protect him from KK, she could jump infront of Boruto to protect him from Kawaki, she can abandon her mission to come save Boruto from Shojoji, but FOR SOME REASON she cant stand up and protect Boruto from all the people hunting him right now? her childhood friend this fandom swears up and down shes madly inlove with? she cant stand up and protect him when he needs her the most!?

I aint sayin I wanted her to be the one to leave with Boruto hell no, but leaving with him and protecting him are two entirely different things, she could've easily saved him from Inoshikacho, Chocho would've definitely tried hearin Sarada out, Sasuke could've arrived and Sarada tries to appeal to all of them there, most likely Inojin and Shikadai wouldnt believe her, Chocho is her best friend so she'd know atleast something has to be wrong for Sarada to be so insistent, and Sasuke would be the most inclined to believe her because hes already witnessed something similar with the infinite Tsukiyomi, so is it really all that impossible that Ada, who literally has Otsutsuki dna, to mass brainwash ppl? Sasuke could've told Inoshikacho to leave and let him deal with Boruto and then thats when they discuss Sarada staying behind and Sasuke leaving with Boruto for the time being.

There was no NEED for MS to achieve that, all it would've taken is a little time and effort and CARE to make that ending WORK without having to throw in a forced af power up to justify it because you were too lazy to actually write something that made sense.

But if she MUST have gotten her MS before part one was over, I can show the best opportunities they could've made it happen at.

Kawaki was about to kill Boruto, she tried asking him calmly what is going on but Kawaki just tells her not to interfere if she doesnt wanna die which shocks Sarada because this isnt like Kawaki at all, they were all friends and teammates and not long ago Kawaki was on edge trying his hardest to protect Boruto and now hes suddenly trying to kill him. Boruto told her to run but she refused and chose to protect him anyway despite Kawaki being serious about killing her if she interfered, however when actually faced with that reality she froze which resulted in Boruto saving HER instead and losing his eye.

This was a good place for MS to awaken because someone she thought was a friend is now trying to kill her other friend, her friend shes known since childhood and she cant understand why. She thought she could protect him but failed to be able to follow through and that caused her friend SHE was supposed to be protecting to end up protecting HER and losing his eye because of it. She's feeling immense guilt, betrayal, frustration, helplessness, and now she knows for sure that Kawaki really will kill both of them without hesitation.

However for this to work the scene will have to be changed a bit, Kawaki would knock Sarada out of the way cuz she isnt who he really wants to kill and then proceed to seemingly kill Boruto right infront of her before she can react in time to stop it, I say seemingly because Momo has consistently saved Boruto from otherwise fatal/irreversible injuries. Anyway after Kawaki seemingly deals the fatal blow, Sarada's MS will awaken, right then is when everyone arrives to restrain Kawaki, things play out relatively the same but only even more hostile since he apparently killed Boruto, eventually after their back and forth Boruto wakes up but its Momoshiki in control now same as the manga and he helps Kawaki escape the same way too, only difference is everyones not just shocked Momos helping but that Boruto somehow even survived, this is just another flex of Momos healing capabilities however.

Anyway thats one way she could've gotten MS that is consistent with the established rules of how the MS works.

The other moment that would've worked is the Boro fight, when everyone was getting taken out one by one and seemingly all about to be killed and Sarada was helpless on the ground after being crushed, that was more than enough reason for her MS to awaken as Boruto, Kawaki, and Mitsuki were all out cold and as good as dead.

Unfortunately neither of those happened, and thus were given the weakest, stupidest, most lackluster MS awakening in Uchiha history. Speaking of Uchiha history, remember that like I told you to remember? this is why.

A cursed ocular ninjutsu only obtainable through great sacrifice.

What did Sarada sacrifice for her MS? nothing, she sat there and cried and then begged her dad for help.

Through the entire history of the Uchiha clan, it was rare for a member to be able to weild the Mangekyou Sharingan.

THROUGH THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF THE UCHIHA CLAN, it was RARE for a member to obtain the MS

Keywords, through the entire history of the Uchiha clan, so tell me Saradas MS is bullshit deniers, why was it SO RARE for Uchihas throughout their ENTIRE history to gain the MS if all it took was being a little overwhelmed and scared? this clan faught WARS, children DIED loved ones DIED Uchihas [and Senjus] lived in constant fear EVERY SINGLE DAY and they NEVER awakened it it from that, not even through killing their own kin willingly to gain the power up worked, so please tell me how Sarada can just change something THATS NEVER BEEN A THING in the ENTIRE history of the Uchiha clans existence, please tell me how you think Sarada can just completely change history just by crying and begging.

You cant, because its bullshit and you know it, the MS was rare for a reason, it took SACRIFICE, it took LOSS, you didnt gain it by just sitting on your ass crying and doing nothing, being scared wasnt enough to trigger it, being overwhelmed wasnt enough to trigger it, fearing for your loved ones life wasnt enough to trigger it, but you want me to believe suddenly NOW it is? do you have any idea how disrespectful that is to the entire Uchiha clan to say that none of them ever had to die, they just simply had to be in a chaotic situation [which they were] and cry about it and boom, every single Uchiha could've had their MS easy peasy.

Gtf outta here man and just be real, her MS is bullshit plan and simple and it breaks the established rules of the verse created by Kishimoto himself. IN NO WAY is simply desperately wanting your dad to save your friend enough to awaken your MS, maybe evolve your base Sharingan, but not MS.

So yea to answer your question, the most accurate conclusion to be had from this scene, although factually incorrect for the rules of the verse, In Ikemotos verse however, Sarada's MS awakened because of her desperation for her dad to save Boruto, she wanted that so bad her MS awakened as proof of just how desperate she was for her dad to grant her request, that is the truth of what triggered it.

Im not saying this happened out of some romantic love she has for Boruto, no, but thats still her dear friend shes known her entire life, I dunno why ppl treating her MS awakening in reference to him means she loves him romantically...like I literally saw a tiktok recently where Sarada says 'I awakened my MS for you' and when asked why/how she saids 'Because I like you' and I was just like 😑 yea no wonder people keep defending this garbage, they really do NOT understand how the MS works at all. Out of all the Uchiha's we've seen awaken MS, Obito was the only one who did out of romantic love, the rest was familiar or platonic love, so why her MS awakening is somehow proof of her romantic love for him that till this day is still unconfirmed is beyond me but whatever, these ppl will stay delusional no matter what the facts same so yea, I hope this was able to answer your question.

[angstmongertina]

WIP Wednesday Results/Sentences

Aaand the poll is over! Thank you to everyone who voted! I adore you and my muse hates you. :P

Accountability sentences (and copied/new fic premises) under the cut! Since not everything got a vote this time, I'll be skipping the ones that didn't get any votes.

Letters to Nadia – From a shared 7KPP ‘verse with @teaandinanity’s Valya where our characters’ kids decided they were in love with each other. (Supposed to be 1 sentence but shhhh it's fine.)

He shakes his head, regretting it a moment later when the world swirls precariously around him, but the image of Nadia, her face set in that perfectly polite smile he knows hides disapproval and genuine hurt, continues to swim before his eyes. Genuine hurt caused by him. Then again, that’s still better than the alternative. He can handle hurt. Hurt is better than fear. Or, at least, that’s what he’ll have to convince himself of.

forever i’m yours, forever i do – A retelling of Artem’s second anniversary card that started as just an attempt to write out the smut and that VERY MUCH grew out of control HELP (3 sentences, but I added an extra just 'cause.)

To distract himself, he glances to the side, where Jeremy is fidgeting with his cufflinks, but before he can do anything more than offer a sympathetic look, the music swells with the familiar strain of Pachelbel, and he stiffens, straightening as a sudden hush falls over the audience. He’s supposed to be watching Celestine. He knows this. He hears the crowd murmur as she steps into view, feels the sharp inhale from the man beside him as he lays eyes on his bride, and yet he barely even notices, because all he can see, all he knows, is her.

Homecoming – For the CoG story Teahouse of the Gods, because the A'Li romance was right up my alley. Continuing the angstier version. (1 sentence)

She’s the first one to break the sudden stillness, words falling out of her mouth before she can even think about them: “You haven’t changed.”

Oh Brother – Again from the shared 7KPP 'verse mentioned above, Thomas’ little sister’s version of what happened. (3 sentences turned into three paragraphs OH WELL)

“Doesn’t know everything about her either.” His voice is unusually soft, one might even say hesitant, and Iris turns to find him with an odd expression in his eyes, though the next moment, it’s hidden under his typical teasing grin. “Sorry, you’ll have to find another source of information for your gossip.” “Ugh, what good are you, then?” Aster grumbles, but there’s a satisfaction in their mannerism that means they’ve already achieved what they intended to. Though the jury is still out on whether or not it’s actually helpful.

Spiral Point – More 7KPP because the brainrot is real, but this time for Camyon’s childhood friends AU. Here is more of their first interaction at the Summit, when neither of them actually recognize the other. :D (1 sentence)

Those sharp dark eyes were still fixed on her, however, and she realized belatedly that she was staring. “My apologies, Your Grace.”

Dinghun Zhou – CinderLia! In an alternate universe in which there is no Summit, but there’s still an event to try and find a wife for the perpetually single Duke Lyon. (2 sentences)

She raised an eyebrow and the man gave a sheepish smile. “He did inform me I was not to return until I was certain I could bring back an acceptance from you.”

King's Gambit – Fic for Gilded Shadow I started ages ago and never finished. Because Lance's route sniped me REALLY hard. Ari? Saw that coming. Caissa? Not terribly surprising. But LANCE????? (3 sentences)

She was, as he had already identified, a star student, and her focus on her exam, her little oasis in the chaos swirling just outside of her visual range, made it relatively easy to monitor her well-being. Until suddenly it wasn’t. It all happened so quickly, he nearly missed it.

That Which Binds Us – Also an ooooold old fic, this time for Fire Emblem Awakening and Chrobin. Because I had Ideas about what was happening in the background of the first half of the game, but I am terrible at multichapter things. (2 sentences but I cheated one more time.)

The concern softened into faint amusement, though she kept her thoughts to herself as she smiled. “I was just wondering if that was all, but maybe we should just say it is. We need our leader focused and alert, after all.” He shook his head with a rueful grin.

Much cheating was done in terms of making things longer than requested, but hey, better that than shorter! Thank you if you read them all!

[bixxelated]

It's gotta be for all these acts of violence, and I would love to see 4, 5, 7, and 9!

aaaa thank you! <3

(ask meme for my fics)

(all these acts of violence | stranger things fanfic)

4: What's your favorite line of dialogue?

this one:

Implying that Will has other reasons to forgive him? Like what? Mike doesn't think he's done anything particularly special for Will since their argument… “Okay… okay. Good. And...” he takes a deep breath, “and about the other thing I said, at the garage. Y-you know I’m sorry about that too, right?” Will’s eyes soften. “I know.” “I didn’t—I don’t want to pressure you into saying anything. You don’t owe me, or anyone else, any sort of explanation, whatever you are okay? Especially if you’re not comfortable with it. But I hope you know I’ll always have your back, no matter what.” Will reaches for his hand, and squeezes. “I know, Mike.” “Okay,” Mike says, willing his racing heart to calm back down even as he squeezes back. “Good. So long as you know… good.”

love me some soft supportive almost-coming-out scenes. i always thought it was interesting that mike's outburst ("its not my fault you dont like girls!") while horrible and with some pretty awful timing... seemed to imply that... what? he noticed will has no interest in girls? he realized that it wasn't just that will was a late bloomer but something more? theres a lot of subtext there i really wanted to dig my claws into

will's always been the target of homophobic bullying as seen in previous seasons, and altho we never see the kids comment on queerness one way or another, so it seems like there HAD to have been some serious math going on mike's bratty little noggin about will's sexuality at one point? but despite growing up in a family that most likely would have frowned on those inclinations, to say the least, mike kept his questions to himself and kept being will's friend, whereas someone else might freak out, or be more confrontational or simply slowly stop being around a suspected gay person without an explanation. so playing on the dialogue after ("look, im not trying to be a bad guy" or something along those lines) i sort of wanted to expand on that headcanon a lil and kinda lean on mike wheeler's "screw the rules, i can have more than one best friend/ i like you so i will now die for you" personality

5: What part was hardest to write?

the last chapter right now I'd say part 1 of the epilogue (aka chapter 13)! mostly because it explores an aftermath that we didn't see in canon, with a bunch of ideas i had that were pretty vague and hard to make cohesive, and season 4 hadn't been mentioned much at that point so i had no idea what to expect and was kinda stressing out about deviating too much from canon. but i really had a lot of fun with putting all the scenes together and im really proud of it now

7: Where did the title come from?

from a song called revolution by misterwives! particularly the lyrics, "all these acts of violence, ripping this world to shreds/while I'm trying to sleep, oh how could I sleep?"

i thought that particular verse was pretty fitting to the whole theme of the fic (esp the whole ripping the world to shreds bit as a metaphor for the gates opening hehe) and so thats why i made it the title!

9: Were there any alternate versions of this fic?

kjhgjb uh not really? from the start acts of violence was always meant to be a fic that was going to run parallel to canon bc i do not have the energy to go fully canon divergence with this particular idea and wanted to work on some other projects like wavelength besides. akdfjdsdkgjsd it was always meant to be a sort of practice fic, almost!

but i will say that for chapter 13 there was a moment where i wanted to make mike's awakening with nancy and karen (and sam owens) to be in a military base away from hawkins, on the basis of his leg being infected with extradimensional alien bacteria that a normal hospital would have no idea how to treat and the government would want to keep a close eye on. that however felt like one plotline too many to introduce and resolve when the fic's so close to ending so i cut it out and only left some of those bits in (ie: karen's confrontation with sam, mike developing an infection, etc)

thank you for the ask!

[dracarialove]

📄 Posting my finished fics here, too 📄

The Spy's Final Mission

*Check 'the spy's final mission' tag if you haven't read chapter 1

[Chapter 5: The Ultimate Lifeform]

Shadow felt a sense of satisfaction as he brushed a bit of debris from his shoulder, looking down at the robot he'd successfully dismantled. He made sure to log the moment in his memory so Maria could hear about his adventure when he found her.

She always loved a good story, especially one that was exciting or magical. She would listen with bated breath to his tale, even though he wasn't much of a storyteller himself.

He looked up and met the gaze of the first Mobian he'd seen since awakening… or rather, since his creation, he realized. She didn't look like the kind of woman who needed to be saved very often, carrying herself confidently as she approached him with a mature twinkle in her eye.

But this day, she found herself in peril, and he was grateful he could be there to help her escape the villainous human. Shadow knew that overlanders were capable of evil.

Despite some – like his family – having the ability to show love and compassion for others, there were also some who seemed to enjoy causing pain – like the scheming man he'd just driven away – or who were selfishly focused on their own agenda – like the scientists.

That knowledge made him wonder what the bat's intentions were, what morals she possessed, and why she was in a territory that seemed to be controlled by humans. Was she a sort of prisoner, too?

She smiled at him, resting a hand on her hip as she came to a stop a few yards away. "Nice moves. It was noble of you to help a girl out like that."

Shadow noticed the way her eyes briefly flicked down his figure; he took her compliment as thanks for his deed, giving the lady a nod. "I'm well-versed in combat. I simply act when I see someone in trouble."

He left out the painful memory that'd been unlocked by seeing her in danger. The one he realized made him want to protect others: how he'd tried to help Maria escape… something. Something they'd been running from. He had that vague feeling that running hadn't been enough, and that he hadn't fought as he could've.

"Hm, reminds me of someone," Rouge said quietly, seeming to think of something fondly while lifting her free hand to tap the index finger against her cheek. Then she asked, "So, action star, tell me: what brings you out here?"

Shadow was quiet for a moment, looking to the side and thinking of how he should answer that. She wasn't acting like someone trapped there against her will; could he trust her with the truth?

He looked back at her, the woman's expression intrigued and expectant, replying, "Shouldn't we introduce ourselves if we're to be learning about each other?"

One of her white brows arched downwards and her shiny lips pulled into a small smirk. "So formal. Fine." She put a hand to her chest. "I'm Rouge the Bat, professional super spy and world-famous treasure hunter."

So, she wasn't normally a damsel in distress. Shadow thought she must have a great deal of skill as a spy. And a treasure hunter… perhaps there was something of value in the area that would explain her presence there.

Before she got to ask his name, the crackle of a radio sounded out from the winged woman. "Rouge, come in, Rouge." It was Topaz's voice cutting through the air. "Answer your radio, agent!"

Rouge rolled her eyes and let out an annoyed sigh, retrieving the radio and speaking into it. "You're mad I didn't check in, aren't you, Lieutenant?"

"At least I know you're alive. We need you to report back to the chopper."

"Hm," Rouge hummed to herself, looking over at the pile of busted bot.

Meanwhile, Shadow was growing slightly suspicious of her and this 'Lieutenant' she was in communication with. It seemed her spy work wasn't done alone or for her own wants – she was working for someone. Were they Mobian too? Human? Or some other type of being he had no familiarity with?

Though, she didn't act suspicious, speaking to her superior clearly right in front of him. "Actually, I think you should come my way. I had a nasty little run-in with Eggman and one of his pawns. He did some damage to the wildlife out here, and there's some parts from the doc's robot we could probably use."

Turquoise eyes looked his way and she gave him a little smile, shrugging as if to say, "This happens all the time."

The crackling radio spoke, "Fine, send your coordinates and we'll head over."

The bat put the device away, switching to a high-tech pager; Shadow took a step towards her while she typed on the small screen. "Who was that? Who is coming here?"

Her gaze dragged up from the coordinates, her mouth pinching into a curious pout. Then she smiled again. "I thought you wanted us to introduce ourselves before asking questions? You haven't told me your name yet, sugar."

She didn't seem evil, obviously an enemy to the man who would recklessly destroy the forest to capture her. Forcing aside his skepticism, the hedgehog figured Rouge might be able to help him find his family.

She owed him a debt now, after all. And she must have talents as a spy that would be important in tracking down Gerald and Maria. He clenched his fists and stood proudly, staring intense red eyes back at her.

"I'm Shadow the Hedgehog."

Rouge paused, the realization striking instantly with those four words. The name echoed in her head, but she didn't let the surprise show on her face, holding her smile and sending the coordinates before looking for a place to sit. She settled on a large rock rising from the ground, placing her a little closer to him as he chose to remain standing.

"Well, Shadow, it's nice to meet you. So how about you answer my question first, hm?"

She couldn't believe she'd actually found the experiment, and completely by accident! Strange, he didn't seem as destructive as the file had claimed. And he'd saved her from Eggman.

Wasn't this hedgehog supposed to be a bloodthirsty weapon? He was clearly strong, but how could Rouge see him as an enemy when her first impression was him being helpful and brave?

"Why are you here?" she asked, repeating her initial inquiry.

Shadow stared at her for a long moment, thinking again of the details he should leave out and the things that were safe to reveal. He had to tread carefully in the presence of a spy.

"I was transported here from the place where I was originally born. Recently, actually. I wasn't informed of the humans stationed here, and…" He paused, looking away from her before completing his thought. "They didn't end up taking too kindly to me."

Her brows raised in a display of interest, knowing his origin from G.U.N's records. He was lying, and his stone face made him good at it – if she didn't have insider knowledge, she would've been fooled.

When she didn't speak, he looked back to her and shrugged, trying to seem casual. "I've been exploring the jungle and just trying to avoid them."

"Hm," hummed Rouge. She crossed one leg over the other, then steadily rocked it up and down. "So you're not familiar with this island?"

That cleared up one thing for him; this place was an island. He shook his head, then stepped closer to stand right beside her. The monotonous bass of his voice made the woman tense up. "Now for my question: who should I be expecting to show up here?"

It was Rouge's turn to think. She knew he'd broken out of the facility, had given the scientists trouble; but he hadn't harmed either of them, right? They were both accounted for when her crew arrived.

It seemed this guy just wanted to be free and now likely had no direction after being in stasis for decades. How bad could he be? And could she trust that G.U.N weren't the unsavory ones here?

"My squad. A group of agents, like myself, who work to keep the peace as best they can. I was scouting on my own for resources and found old bald 'n brash instead."

She hoped to throw him off the suspicion of her organization by diverting to the encounter with Robotnik. And she must've played it cool enough, because it actually worked.

"That man…" began the hedgehog, glancing back at the broken robot. "Is he a villain to you?"

"Mm," she replied, nodding. "Maybe 'villain' is too much of a compliment for ol' Eggy. I prefer the term 'nuisance.' He's always scheming for something to wreck up and take for himself."

Shadow was quiet for a second. He looked back to Rouge and thought again about her profession. "And what issue does he have with you?"

She sighed and rolled her eyes. "He's always had it out for me. Since the day I refused to work as his sidekick, he's been holding a grudge!"

Of course she couldn't tell him the real reason Eggman had tracked her to Prison Island. Shadow wouldn't trust her if he knew she was a thief. When she looked back to him, bold crimson eyes were fixated on her face.

The hedgehog's gaze struck a sense of tension into her, but there was no malice in his expression. He seemed more curious than anything else, and if he was on edge, he didn't show it.

In her head, Rouge chastised G.U.N for not showing her a picture of this guy. It would've been important for her to know how handsome he was; his good looks were subconsciously disarming her.

Shadow said, "You know much more about this place than I do, clearly. And I can't go back to the home I know. I don't want to cross paths with those who wish me harm, so… given how I'm already unwelcome, I think I should leave."

There was a second of silence between them. It made Rouge feel awkward at the question he hadn't blatantly asked. She replied cautiously, "Do you need a ride? If you don't have anywhere to go, we could… help you find somewhere you can stay."

Even as the words came out of her mouth, they felt wrong. While she was hiding the true intention behind her offer, she could think of nothing but how G.U.N would lock him up the second they got a hold of him.

She felt bad that he seemed to trust her as someone who wasn't treating him with disdain, and the icky idea of turning him in to the same group he'd just escaped from was suddenly repulsive. She had to look elsewhere to push the feeling away.

"If it's possible…" the island prisoner started, his tone low and dragging like hers, "I would prefer not to be transported again." He was still looking at her, and the spy felt more tense the longer he spoke. "As I'm sure you can imagine, I have a reason to distrust people."

That point was more true than he realized she knew. Rouge wasn't just sympathizing with someone who'd been dumped by his unknown homeland and turned away by the overlanders.

He was an escaped experiment, a weapon the government wanted to keep under lock and key, and he was currently being hunted. She knew his reason to avoid meeting new people was dark.

"Gotcha," she sighed, feeling less than confident about letting G.U.N take him now. "I can't promise I'll be able to help you, then."

As the caution and distrust he'd expressed was mandatory, Shadow made up his mind about disappearing before the bat's squad arrived; he would speed away from this spot and duck into a quieter place in the jungle again. So, he had to convince her to assist him before then.

Even if she didn't bail on her squad, he had to get her to agree to come back for him. She wasn't someone he trusted with his life, but at this point, she was the most trustworthy person around. And she could fly – that would make traveling easier than running aimlessly.

He looked down at the rock she was sitting on, spotted a segment of space available next to her, and occupied it. Even though it put them much closer together, Shadow had to connect with her somehow, to make her feel for him enough to desire aiding him.

And for that, he begrudgingly decided he needed to pull the family card. Because he had no treasure to give. And thinking more about it, a spy probably wouldn't respect 'You owe me one.' Empathy was his best bet; he just hoped she had enough of it.

Rouge was taken aback when the hedgehog took up the space beside her, instinctively leaning away when his leg bumped hers. There was no room to scoot over if she didn't want to end up on the grass.

But he seemed deliberate in balancing his weight on the smaller side of the rock, and when she studied his face, it was somber. Her lips moved on their own to speak, "Are you–" before she stopped herself.

The instinct was to be concerned. And she tried to suppress that, but… her curiosity about the Ultimate Lifeform was proving stronger than her commitment to G.U.N.

So she reiterated, "Are you… okay?"

Shadow closed his eyes briefly, making peace with his choice to talk about his loved ones, then let his eyes meet hers. They were a pretty shade of blue-green. "I may have somewhere to go. Somewhere I'll be welcome. I have… family… out there, but… I don't know where they are."

Rouge's eyes widened slowly. He was talking about the Professor who created him, wasn't he? The Professor that'd been dead for 50 years.

"If I can find them, I know I'll be safe," he continued. "I just need a way to track them down. You're the first I've met who knows their way around, at least here. So, you're my best chance at finding where I belong, instead of wandering without direction."

Rouge stared at him, at a loss for what to say. This wasn't good at all. She couldn't tell him his family was long gone, it might send him into a homicidal rage! But she'd be heartless to bluntly tell him no, wouldn't she?

If his family were still alive, she'd help for the fun of traveling, the chance at collecting some treasures along the way, and an opportunity to learn more about this increasingly interesting being. The safest option was to agree; if G.U.N got him, the lie wouldn't matter anyway.

"My, that's quite the request," she spoke, trying to cover up her discomfort with a layer of charm. "I'll have to check with my crew, make sure they're not left high and dry, but… I could–"

She stopped short when her ears perked at the sound of a helicopter approaching. Shadow didn't hear it right away, his brows sinking in confusion at her abrupt pause.

"Rouge?"

She blinked, making eye contact again, and her lips hesitated to shape her words. "Uh…"

Then he heard it. He looked up to the sky and left his place on the rock, spotting the helicopter hovering above the trees towards their position. And when he saw the G.U.N logo on the side of the chopper…

… he froze.

[marthasjourneys]

Rome Holidays

Hi, I´m Martha. I am 39 springs by now and I work as an independent Design Architect. My projects comprehend Industrial and Landscape Design. I am a bit lost in thought person, but I´m happy as I don´t harm anyone when I´m in my cloud. I love what I do for living, I think it promotes wellbeing of everyone and it is really satisfying when you help to improve other lives with your work. I think cultural exchange is a key asset in my profession and you can get advantage out of the smallest details. Happier society makes wellbeing radiate on every direction. I love to travel, get to know new places and people, see how they do their everyday life and learn out from that.

A friend of mine does exactly the same; she travels around the world to discover new social projects in other countries. The last time I saw Bianca, I had gone to Rome for a few days to rest and enjoy the Eternal City…

…I was about to land in Rome, and I thought to myself WOW! I´m visiting Rome…then my private cloud arouse in my mind and I started to dream awaken, I could even see Gregory Peck waiting for me in his motorbike at the exit, to give me a ride to Trastevere, Piazza Navona, Fontana di Trevi, uh!…

What travel agents don´t tell you is how Italian guys are for real…in their field…whenever they see a single lady on vacation, on her own, quietly spending some time at the beach while enjoying some days off happily…

I made my booking on an apartment located next to Fratochi, on the coast and next to Rome. The first thing you need to know if you travel under these circumstances, is, that there is no possibility of hanging out with yourself on a nice walk along the shore, for instance, because you end up glued with every single men about speaking up to you as you walk by while you are lost in your private cloud and dreamy thoughts…and then you hear one saying “Ciao Bella!” (At this moment you think to yourself, “I am not interested on your flirting verses man, who asked you?”). The worst part comes when he starts to walk along the shore with you without any type of invitation (I guess he self-invited himself, and that was enough for him…in his mind…), after a few minutes he broke my freezing silence with “Sei Bella come il Sole!” “…Humm, should I fake a forced smile or give him a finger? I´m not quite sure”. I may have given him a finger, since it is an international sign. I´m sure he had stopped if I had done that. “Maybe if I tell him that I have a boyfriend he´ll get discouraged and will probably leave”, wrong thought! That was a very bad idea as he didn´t care at all and kept walking by my side like a lifeguard as if somebody had asked him to protect my life no matter what.

Notice to sailors: Please be careful with Italian beach single-men! They are heavily armed with verbal glue and it is next to impossible to get rid of them!

After my walk along the shore I managed to find a spot on the sand, among balloons, chairs, umbrellas and coolers. Yes Italian people move in a block and it can adopt the shape of a family or a group of friends. While lying at sun, I got to observe that this beachy harassment wasn´t only practiced on me, they did it with any women that dare to walk along the shore on her own. “Humm, maybe this is why Italian ladies walk in big groups, but, I thought that those big groups of women were rugby teams spending the day at the beach, what a sporty people!”…no, after a detailed observation I figured out that, this Turtle-Group formation acted as a defensive shield against this sticky type of guys.

Another thing to have in mind when you travel to another country is language. Italian can get you in trouble if you pronounce it wrong. One of those days I was visiting ancient temples, churches and cute neighbourhoods in the centre.  After a while, with a city plan in one hand a  bottle of water on the other and my sporty shoes on, I couldn´t find this precise church, so after walking in circles for a while (streets in Rome can get quite confusing), I decided to ask a police man. This guy was very well uniformed and he was quite handsome as well, then, I got next to home and asked: “Scuzi, Il Uomo per favore?” All of the sudden he put himself into the straightest position he could find, and inflated his chest like a lot to me…like saying with his body language, “You have it in front of you”.

At the beginning, I quite didn´t understand this gesture, so I marked on the map the Church I wanted to visit with my index finger and then he looked at me and said “Oh Il Duomo! “, “Prego” I told him, and he showed me the way.  I thanked him for that again and kept going. When I was heading this Duomo (hard to remember the name, there are around 300 churches in one cubic kilometre in Rome…), I noticed I had pronounced Duomo wrong. “Then what did I say?” “Uomo means man in Italian Martha” I said to myself. He must have thought I wanted to flirt with him, oh nonono! I felt really bad for that.

One of those evenings I hanged out with Bianca, we wanted to have a gin tonic so we searched for a quiet place so we could speak. Unfortunately lounge beach bars in that part of the city weren´t the fanciest. Those were located somewhere else, so we adapted to circumstances and went to a regular terrace bar nearby.

We arrived, Bianca asked for a couple of gin tonics and we started chatting. The amazing event came when five minutes after, when a couple of guys arrived and guess what? They sat on our table without asking!!! I went crossed-eyed when I say how daring these guys were acting trying to make up a conversation out of nowhere…so I looked at my friend like trying to understand what was going on. Then I looked back at the boys, I looked at our gin tonics about to be drunk and back at the guys again…but they didn´t get the visual warning at all to my misfortune. Bianca dismissed them and we could then keep chatting for a few more minutes. I asked Bianca “Is this normal?”, “Well, if they see two women hanging out on their own Italian men keep sitting in your table until you say yes to anybody, they are that way”. “What???” I thought to myself. At that precise moment I went squinting at 180 degrees, one eye pointing at the Coliseum and the other to the Roman Forum. My face of unjustly invaded country said it all. Then she said, “Don´t worry we can go for a walk at the beach afterwards”. I felt shivers all over my spine when I heard this.

Another two couple of guys went over our table each one with the same style and manners as the previous. Since they weren´t very creative, Bianca dismissed them as if we were in a fish market store. I couldn´t give credit for what I was living, but at last we were finishing out gin tonics and Anzio battle was about to end.

At nearly 50 mililiters of ending our drinks, three guys remained seated on our table. One of them, I don´t know, but he looked rarely nervous and uncomfortable with the world to me. We asked them “Where are you from?” and they said, “we (two of them) are from Sicilia, and he (pointing at our I can´t stay-still guy) is from Napoli. This was the cherry that gave the final touch to our girlfriend soirée. “Great! We have invited the Rivolta Italiana New Generations (RING from now on) to have a seat in our table, Cool!” (I bet this guy tries his own cargo before distributing, his behaviour is not normal at all!).

After a concise chat with our RING guys, we left the terrace-bar. These Three Napoli Musketeers decided to start walking alongside us without being invited (this time on the street). Then the man under a nervous attack started saying something about a cornetto. Since I didn´t speak Italian that well and my idea of Cornetto was an Ice Cream (there is an ice cream with that name in my country, this is why I thought of an ice cream…). I thought oh, yes, an ice cream would be nice, why not? My eyeballs went back a couple of times in a row when I saw what a cornetto was…as this nervous guy handed me a recently baked warm croissant…you can imagine how stuck that got in my throat, with nothing to drink along…

I came back to my apartment by walk after saying goodbye to these Three Italian Musketeers with an Italian let down way flavour. They changed me the Dance-after-a-drink for a Goodnight Croissant, No Way!!!

This is the first and the last time this happens to me, I can assure to myself. After this treacherous and bumpy evening, Bianca and I managed to hang out successfully after that event, on our own, and had a nice long chat, on our own as well. At least I have one thing clear. The next time I go to Italy, I´m bringing my translator and a bunch of girlfriends to walk peacefully on along the shore.

Thanks for reading, Martha.

[honorbourne]

@freiheitxdrang​ has forseeth a starter ;;

     “ There you are, sir Caspar. ” Say’ri soon strode over with brisk steps before ceasing to an eventual halt before him. “ I wished to bid you mercy. Had it not been for you deflecting that blow yesterday, an arrow would have struck me from behind and I might have perished; therefore, I owe you my life, ” she states. Naturally, she was referring to the recent skirmish they had  RETURNED  from. Why, after a sniper had shot their arrow towards her spine, Caspar had been quick to intercept it, with his armor being hard enough to let it just bounce off.

      Since he had quickly rushed off afterwards, however, she couldn’t bring herself to thank him... until now, that is. Little by little, she soon lowers her chin and earnestly meets his gaze. “ Prithee, is there aught I could do to repay you? ” came Say’ri’s eventual query.

[andydrysdalerogers]

Aurora ~ Part Three

Pairings: Andy Barber vs Lloyd Hansen; Andy Barber x OFC Aurora "Rory" Thatcher

Summary:

Work Count: 3.9+

Warnings: Mafia! Andy Barber, Mafia! Lloyd Hansen, obsessive tendencies, stalking, assault, fluff, mentions of parental death, this is a multi-verse of mixed characters SMUT 18+, very dark, non-con sharing, rape, oral (f and m receiving), loss of virginity, praise kink, daddy kink, mean! Lloyd ⚠️

This work is 18+ only. Please heed the warnings and walk away as this story does get violent as it goes on...

Banner by @justawriterand

Mood board and dividers by @firefly-graphics

Series Masterlist ~ Main Masterlist

It started to rain lightly as Sam drove the pair to Andy's home. Rory took notes of the gates at the entrance. Andy exited when they pulled in front of the home and went to Rory's side. He opened the door for her and rushed her inside. Rory looked around as Andy flipped on lights. The craftsman style home was open and airy, even in the dark of the night. "Your home is lovely, Andy."

"Thanks sweetheart. It's still a bachelor pad really." Andy rubbed the back of his neck. "Since its late, why don't we leave the tour for the morning, and I show you to your room." He took her hand and led her upstairs. He stopped in front of a set of double doors. "This is my room, but this could be your room." He opened a single door right across the hall from his. The room was decorated with rich creams and muted pinks in direct contrast to the dark walnut furniture. The canopy bed had many pillows, looking like a cloud. The fireplace in the room kept it warm against the cold evening.

"I've always wanted the girl I was with to have a special place all her own, to escape or be at peace. My girl would need that given the business I'm in."

"Oh." Rory walks the room, unsure what to think.

"Aurora? I know you said it before, but I really think I need to ask again." Andy was nervous. "Will you be my girl?"

She turned to him. "Really? Like this would be mine."

"Really sweetheart. I want you to stay here, in my house. I know it's fast and you're not ready for," he smirked, "that kind of relationship but you have made me come alive. You make me want to be a better man for you." He took her hands and kissed her palms. "You are like an angel."

Rory chewed her lip. "Would I have to stop working?"

"Of course not. I just ask that you allow me to secure it. Protect you, like I promised."

She took a breath. "Can I think about it?"

"Of course, my sweetheart." He kissed her forehead. "The bathroom is right through this door, If you need me, you know where to find me." He kissed her softly. "Good night, Rory."

"Good night, Andy." And with that, he exited the room. Rory looked around the room and unpacked her few belongings. The storm picks up outside, unexpected but not unusual, the branches outside hitting the walls and windows. Rory manages to tune them out with her concentration on her book and falls asleep.

Andy is laying on his bed, thinking of the girl next door. He smiled to himself, picturing her smile, her small hand in his. A flash of lightening startles him and he watches as the light of his room flicker and then turn off completely. "Fuck." He can still see as the fireplace makes the room glow in a muted orange color. His mind comes back to Rory, and he gets up to check on her. He opens the door quietly to see a peaceful sight, Rory asleep with the book on her chest. He gently lifted the book from her, placed it on nightstand and pulled the blanket over her to keep her warm. He noticed the fire was dying so he added another log. He took one more look at the sleeping beauty and headed back to his room. He got comfortable and fell right to sleep.

Another crack of lightening awakens Rory from her nightmare. She clutched her chest, trying to breath the memories away. It was dark in the room, the fire almost out. She stared at the embers for a moment, losing herself to their glow. She checked her watch. 130 AM. She jumped when another flash and crack boomed through the house. She slipped out of the warm bed, shoving slippers onto her feet and creeped to her door. She opened it to listen for any other occupants, heard nothing and crossed the hallway to Andy's room. She knocked softly but heard no response. She tried to open the door gently, but it creaked.

Andy bolted up from the noise, gun in hand, aimed at the door. Rory's eyes grew huge. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, her eyes taking in the gun

"Sweetheart, are you ok?" Andy's eyes darted around the room as he rose out of bed. He looked for the source of danger, gun still tightly in his hand. "Rory?" He looked her over to make sure she wasn't physically harmed and took in how her nightgown clung to her curves.

"I'm sorry, I had a nightmare and the lightening..." she mumbled, her eyes never leaving the gun.

Andy followed her gaze to his gun. "Fuck, I'm sorry." He put the gun down on the table and got up to her. "Rory, look at me, its ok." He took her face into his hands. "Baby, I won't hurt you." He pulled her into a hug. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"It's the same dream. About a car accident and the police coming and saying that my dad was drunk and slid off the road." He heard her sniffle. "Now I know it's a lie." The dam broke and hot tears ran down her face.

Andy picked her up and carried her to his bed. He laid down with her head on his chest. "I'm sorry that I caused that, Rory." He kissed her head and smoothed her hair. "I've got you now sweetheart."

She death gripped at his white undershirt and wrapped a leg around him as she buried her head in his chest. He continues to pet her hair, pressing soft kisses to her temple, her forehead as she cried. As she slowed, Rory looked up at the mobster, wet lashes sparkling in the firelight. She can see his eyes were blown wide open, a thin ring of blue still viable. He was drinking in her image. "God, you're beautiful."

"Andy," she whimpers as he pulls her closer so he can taste the tears on her lips. He captures them, tracing her lips with his tongue, tasting the salt of her tears mixed with the essence of her mouth. She's an aphrodisiac, his own personal brand of drug. He's high off this one kiss. Fuck that, he's been addicted since that first one. He moves to deepen it and pulls her on top of him.

Her breath hitches as she spreads her legs to staddle him. She can feel the head of his length beneath her. While she is trying to make sense of the sensations she was feeling, she gasps, "Andy."

"Tell me to stop sweetheart and I will." He kissed her chin and neck, gently pressing kisses to her sweet flesh.

"I – I don't want you to stop but I – I don't know how to please you."

Andy chuckled. "My darling, just being with you is more than enough. I can show you. You just tell me if you like something or if something hurts. But I mean it. If you are not ready just say the word."

Rory looked into his eyes, seeing nothing but lust and kindness. Her face didn't give her away, bright doe eyes that were framed with dark lashes studied him. After a beat, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. He waited until he felt her move to deepen it before placing a hand in her hair to hold her to him. Andy wasn't used to giving up control. But he understood, to have her, he would have to surrender to her.

Lloyd watched the shadows casted from the glow of the fire. Andy's security was good. Even with the power off, his house was still a fortress. Aurora's shadow moved in the window. And then he watched as the two forms joined. Andy was going to do it again. Take what was his.

Lloyd climbed back into his car. He sent a message.

The debt to me is now owed. And I know how he can pay.

Andy slipped his hands up Rory's nightgown, feeling the soft skin of her back. She moaned at his touch. He released her lips to gently nip at her neck, stopping right at her pulse point behind her ear. "Andy," she whimpered.

"I've got you, my sweetheart." He slowly lifted the nightgown over her head, leaving her in her lacy panties. "So fucking perfect." He ran his hand from her thighs up her torso, teasing her nipples with his thumbs. Her back arched and Andy took the opportunity to take a nipple in his mouth.

"Fuck Andy," she groaned. "Feels so good. Ah!" She yelled as he bit gently.

"Need to taste you baby girl. Please? Can I taste you?"

Rory was naïve, having never experience anything like it. He could see the worry etched in her face.

"You'll enjoy it baby. I promise." He turned them over gently, so she was on her back, and he caged her in. He proceeded to start leaving gently kisses on her neck and chest, slowly moving down her body. He hooked her panties and slid them down he smooth legs.

Rory was nervous, a tremble running through her body. Andy paused. "If you want me to stop..."

"No! Please, I'm just scared. Never done this."

Andy couldn't help but smirk. "Oh. So innocent, little one." He chucked near her mound, sending vibrations through her. She gasped at the feeling. Andy slowly pressed his tongue in her folds. Her hips jerked from the motion. Andy placed an arm over her waist. "Easy there, sweetheart. Did you enjoy that?" She couldn't speak, but she nodded, and Andy dove back in. He smiled at the indecent noises come from her mouth. He worked her open, then, using his middle finger, push slowly in, making her squeal. Her pussy was tight, and he knew he needed to work he open if he wanted his cock to slide right in and not hurt her.

After a few moments, a change in Rory's breathing registered in his ears. She was close. He could feel her tightening around his finer. "Andy," she whined. "God, what is happening?" She cried, uncertain of her body's reactions.

"Your body is releasing its pleasure, my sweetheart. Let go. Don't fight it." Andy continued his onslaught. "Cum, Aurora."

The coil in Rory's belly snapped, causing her to clench her lower body, screaming Andy's name. She saw the stars in her eyes, the world muffled. Slowly, she descended from the heavens, feeling Andy press kisses to her neck and forehead. "Are you back with me sweetheart?"

"Y-yes... that felt amazing." Rory blushed as Andy chuckled.

"We can stop here, if you want." Andy continued to run his fingers on her skin.

"What if I don't want to?" She looked up at him.

"We are going at your pace, sweetheart. Tell me what you want."

Lloyd barged into the temporary headquarters that his team had set up. He reached for a tumbler and scotch, poured a heavy measure and threw it back. Fuck my brother, he thought, pacing in his makeshift office.

His second came in with a confident swagger. "Sup, boss?"

"Blackwood, what do you want?"

'You're slammin' doors boss. Just checking.' Charles Blackwood shrugged. 'I'm guessing following Barber led to some bad results?"

Lloyd snorted. "You can say that." He grabbed his phone and tossed it to him. "Remember that meatball we had in the card game last night?"

"Yeah, the showy one with that white cable knit sweater?"

"Yeah, that pompous prick. Didn't he say he was from Newton?"

"Yeah, his father. Now is in Boston. Grandfather owns that publishing company."

"Well, get him in here. Tonight."

"Why? He's just an asshole with money to burn."

"He mentioned a best friend in this town. I want to know what he knows." Lloyd glared at Charles. "Got a problem with that Charlie?"

Charles involuntarily growled at the name. But he didn't retort. Wasn't worth his life to argue with his boss. "Sure, one hour." He turned and left the room.

Lloyd turned to stare at the wall. A wall full of pictures. Of Andy. Aurora. The shop. Aurora. He took one off the wall. It was of her, smiling behind the counter, a streak of flour on her cheek. "Jesus baby, you are mouthwatering." He locked his door and took himself out of pants. He strokes long and hard, just staring. How much did he wish it was him kissing her in the darken home. To know what makes her thrash and moan. What did she taste like, what her face would contort to when she would cum?

"Jesus Christ, she's mine," he growled out loud as his own cum spurted over his fingers. He wanted what was his and he was tired of waiting. But he knew he needed to. He needed to wait until the right moment. He needed Andy gone and then he would make Aurora his.

"Tell me what you want Aurora. You want the world; you have to ask." Andy looked into the eyes of his sweetheart. The look of desire never left. He brushed away her hair.

"Take me back to heaven, Andy."

It was a simple request. And one Andy would not disappoint in completing. He laid down his girl onto his bed, kissing her softly as he did. He pulled back. "Are you sure?"

"I want you, Andrew."

Somehow, his proper name turned him on even more. He sat himself on top of her and slotted himself between her legs. "God you are so beautiful." He kissed her hard as he pushed his pajamas and boxers down. He sat up on his heels and reached for a condom. Rory looked down to see his cock at attention, the tip red and swollen. He looked big and Rory swallowed, her mouth drying.

"Andy? Andy, I don't think that it's going to fit."

Andy chuckled as he slipped the condom on. "It'll fit sweetheart. Now let's get you ready." He slipped a finger to her slit. Rory bucked up at the touch. "Relax love." He pumped his finger until she was soaking again. He spread her legs a little bit further and rubbed his tip through the folds. She mewls and he groans. "If I hurt you, you tell me, ok?" She nods. He leans over her and starts to push in.

Rory closes her eyes at the intrusion. She sucks in a breath as the pressure mounts.

"Open your eyes, Aurora. I need to see you." Her eyes flutter open to see Andy's eyes right above hers. The blue is almost nonexistent as he watches her. He continues to move, and Rory grasps his biceps, digging her nails in. Andy grunts at the pain but welcomes it, knowing it just a reaction. He finally bottoms out and lets out a sigh at the warmth and tightness of her. He sees a tear slide out of her eye. "Rory?"

"I'm ok. It just hurts a little." Rory bites her lip in an effort to stop the tears of from flowing out.

Andy smiles softly and starts to kiss the tears away. Rory can't help but giggle at his tenderness but the movement on her abdomen jolts her and she feels him more. She whimpers and Andy realizes she needs more. "Are you ready sweetheart?"

"Please Andy. I just need you to move."

Andy suck in a breath before slowly pulling out. Rory winces but sighs when he moves back in. "Are you still ok?" She nods and he keeps going, slow at first before settling in a steady rhythm. Every time Andy hits her insides, a sound, a moan, a gasp is made. "Fuck, sweetheart, so tight. God, it feels so good."

The praise sends a signal that Rory doesn't understand. She liked when people talked about her baking, and it always left her feeling good. But this, this triggered a response she wasn't ready for. She moaned, loud.

"Oh, my sweetheart likes that. She likes when I tell her what a good girl is she, taking me so well." Andy loves seeing her face contorting with pleasure. She has a praise kink, he thinks. Let's see what other secrets I can pull from her. He raises her leg so it's over his hip. "Does my baby love it like this? When daddy gets deeper in her?"

Rory doesn't even think. "Yes, daddy. I love it."

Andy smiles a wicked grin. "My good girl. My sweet girl." He can feel his belly tightening, ready to let go. "Shit, Rory, are you almost there, sweetheart?"

"Andy, please, don't stop. Daddy, please don't stop," she wailed.

He reached in between them and let his finger rub her swollen bud. She keened at the touch, but he could feel her tighten around him more and more. "Aurora, let go. C'mon baby, you can do it. Cum for me, my sweet girl."

Rory's back arched as the sweet feeling of release bloomed from her core up her body. Andy grunted at how tight she got before he himself felt the euphoria of cumming inside this stunning creature. He slows to a stop, both breathing deeply. "Rory?" Her eyes are closed.

"I'm ok," she whispers. Her eyes flutter open to see concern in Andy's baby blues. She smiles softly. "It was perfect."

Andy's heart jumped. "It was?"

"Mhmm. I loved it, daddy," she whispers seductively but gasps when she feels him twitch inside her.

"Shit, sweetheart, gonna make me hard again just with words." Andy chuckled but leaned down to kiss Rory sweetly. "Promise you're ok?"

"I'm ok." She sucked in a breath as he slowly pulled out of her.

"I'm sorry."

"No, its... just... you're so big. But I would very much like to do that again." Rory's cheeks flushed from the admission.

"Oh, sweetheart." Andy kissed her nose. "We can do that whenever you want." He got up and threw away the condom and turned to see Rory pulling on her nightgown. "Where are you going?"

"To bed, I didn't..."

"Stay." Andy stood in front of her. "Stay with me."

"You want me to stay?"

"Do you not want to?" Andy frowned.

Rory blushes. "I want to stay with you," biting her lip as she looked up at him.

Andy tugged it free, "I'm at your mercy." He brushed her hair off her shoulder. "You own me now. I would do anything for you."

Rory just stares at him. This man, this man who is the most powerful person in Newton, the king, was at her mercy. "Hold me."

"As you wish." He laid her down on top of him, smoothing her hair as she wrapped an arm around his waist. They laid in silence for a few moments. "Sweetheart, I want to assign someone to stay with you and protect you when you are away from me. You remember Paul?" She nodded. "He would be your guard, your protector."

"Would I have to close the bakery?"

"No, of course not. Just Paul and Peter would be there to protect you if something or someone happened to come by. But you have to promise to stay with them."

"Do you think Lloyd will try something?"

"I don't think sweetheart. I'm counting on him to try something." Andy kissed her head. "Rest love. Don't worry about Lloyd. Just worry about your store and about us. About what you've learned tonight. Maybe we will continue your education tomorrow." He felt her giggle and he continue to smooth her hair and graze her back with his fingertips until he felt her breathing change and slow. His mind drifted to Lloyd. It broke his heart to think that if it came down to it, Aurora or Lloyd, that he would have to kill his twin.

Lloyd woke when the sun hit his eyes from the open window. He groans but feels that he is not alone in the bed. Blonde hair, ass barely covered, he doesn't remember when he got the slut but does feel oddly satisfied. He sits up and swings his legs over the edge. He sees the pictures scattered over the floor and sees his beautiful Aurora looking up at him. Just her image gets him half hard and he's frustrated again. Fuck it. He gets on top of the blonde and raises her hips. He doesn't want to see her face, just wants to picture his gorgeous Aurora beneath him and slams into the girl. She wails as she's woken up by his pounding.

"Fuck, shit," she screams. Lloyd stops and leans over, grabbing her by her hair and tilting her head up.

"Shut up! You can moan but I don't want to hear another word from you, or I will put a bullet in your head, got it." She nods as a tear slides down her face. He grabs her hips and starts to fuck her hard. "God, tight for a slut but I like it." He pistons himself into the girl, hard at the dream that Aurora will sound the same way once he has her.

Lloyd is still a gentleman and get the girl to cum before he does so himself. He pulls out and head to bathroom. "Feel free to leave," he calls over his shoulder.

"Asshole," he hears her mutter. He comes out of the bathroom, stark naked, gun in hand.

"Did you speak?"

The girl froze, eyes wide. She doesn't say a word, just gathers her clothes and tries to leave but Lloyd stops her. "I told you not to say a fucking word. Now, I'm feeling generous. Suck me off or you die." The gun pointed at her head.

She drops to her knees and takes his flaccid penis and starts to pump, getting him hard. As soon as he's half mast, he grabs her head and shoves his dick into her mouth. He fucks her face, listening to her gag, seeing her face full of tears, spit and precome. The door opens and Charles walks in. He sees what's going on and ignores it.

Lloyd doesn't lose his stride. "Did we pay for this or did we find it?"

"Found it. She's a nobody."

"Good." Lloyd pulls off for a second, allowing her to catch her breath. "I want to know the security on the bakery, alarms, camera, everything. I want to pay my girl a visit and I don't need Barber to be alerted sooner."

"Got it. I'll get Steve to take a look."

"Good. Now excuse me, I need to finish up. You want her?" He pointed his head at the sobbing woman on the floor.

"If you are offering boss. Never would impose."

"You hear that sweetheart? Make me cum and then you got more work to do. And you better satisfy otherwise, well, you know the consequences." He takes her head and starts to fuck her face again. "Charles, you can watch and see what you are getting."

Charles smirks. "Thanks boss." He looks at the mess of a girl. "Get ready princess because I will destroy whatever is left."

Lloyd laughs as his balls tighten. He won't be this evil to his beloved. No, he'll treat her like the queen she is.

At least until he's done with her.

[dodo-begone]

The Mistake has Arrived

Pairing: Yan!DSMP!Techno, Yan!Ranbob!, Yan!Ranbutler x Reader

Request: Do you do continuations? If so could you make a part 2 with for the "mistakes were made" (aka the pregnancy one)? Like how they would act when the child is like actually born and causing mischief?? Please and thank you!

Summary: It seems that, after the baby arrives, things seem to change. It's hard to describe because things didn't change much yet at the same time managed to be the complete opposite of what they were before. Or maybe you hadn't noticed these things before. Who knows.

Word count: 2.1k

Warning: yandere, nsfw joke at the end of Ranbob’s section

Part 1 | Mistakes were Made

If this ever looks wonky/glitched, I have this properly archived on Ao3

A/n: the first part was implied AFAB reader because of pregnancy- and it probably still is but pregnancy is barely mentioned in this.

Techno

So remember when this man was absolutely terrified for you and the baby? Yeah that doesn’t get alleviated. If anything, that fear gets worse.

You holding the child, the perfect combination of you two, makes him truly realize how fragile the baby is. Like hello? This thing is his? And so tiny? Like a potato, a large one at that but still a potato?

Potatoes are fragile. Babies are fragile. Baby is like a potato, which makes them ultra fragile- oh NO.

Let’s get this straight; Techno is the infamous blood god. This huge hulking piglin hybrid who can easily kill anyone in arm’s reach. And then you got this tiny defenceless baby that is related to him? Like he knows how this thing works but it just feels surreal.

This anxiety feeds his distaste for holding his own child. He’s a monster and that’s a sweet innocent baby. He is going to severely harm the baby by even holding it. You never know what could happen- plus you need some mother-child bonding. It’s very important. Yes you may have been carrying that baby for 9 months but some more physical touch goes a long way. It grounds it more into reality for you. Yeah, that’s totally the reason.

The behavior can only last so long though. Eventually Techno would have to bond with his kid, hold his kid. You were getting fed up with how long he was taking. His anxiety over the situation was obvious and you were giving him space. So you did, but it’s been months and he still refuses to even touch them. His avoidance is annoying and it has to come to an end. And you will make sure it will.

One day, while he was relaxing and reading, you gently plop the baby onto Techno and go do some household chores that are usually hard when you have to keep an eye and ear out for the kid at every second.

Techno and the kid have a shared moment of “wtf” because the baby saw this thing before but he never touched it before. And they were left on it? By mother? Techno is internally freaking out while this baby tries to crawl on him. Really they’re just pulling at his hair and clothing. Anything they can get their grubby little hands onto. And gum on whatever they can get into their mouth. Oh god, this is going to be a long… period of time. He doesn’t really know when you’ll come back for them but he hopes it’s soon.

It’s safe to say that you did not come to Techno’s rescue in a swift manner. You made sure to take your time doing everything that couldn’t be properly done. Like cleaning or cooking a proper meal. Cooking had been left up to Techno mostly, and you really appreciated that he took that up and made good food but someone can only handle potato based dishes for so long. It was about time that something else was made. The potatoes needed a break.

When you come back to Techno and the baby, you’re so pleased to see that they’re having a little bonding moment. The baby was calm and Techno was finally relaxed in what felt like a century. Everything was perfect.

Techno was reading Sun Tzu’s The Art of War and your sweet baby child had long dozed off in his arms. Techno either didn’t notice or didn’t care and kept reading aloud, though it was mostly likely that he wanted to start education young. Even in their sleep. He started the education process already, in a way, by reading The Art of War to your pregnant stomach for months on end. You’d long grown tired of it, but the sight and sound of Techno reading still warmed your heart.

Ranbob

Nothing changes on his knowledge of babies. Not much, anyways. Some of the information he knows on babies came directly from you. The rest came from books found around Mizu.

In theory, he knows what to do. He read up on everything he’d need to know, after all. But in practice, it’s a whole different story. Anxiety occasionally comes to haunt him but he easily waves it off. He knows what he’s doing.

When Mizu was still populated, he observed the lives of others. There wasn’t much to do besides that. Children weren’t an uncommon sight. But babies? Now that wasn’t a common sight. Not many people brought their babies out. Nor were there many.

It’s understandable for him to not know exactly how to raise a baby. Unless you raised or helped to raise a baby, you aren’t exactly well versed in baby and are therefore slightly unprepared for said baby.

Though compared to children, he’s actually more prepared to care for the baby since there were so many books about baby care and stuff they’d need. Children are a whole different beast.

With children, it’s a more individual case-to-case deal. There aren’t any parenting guides on children. Well, there are. Though they all differ from each other. Each book has its own descriptions on why a behavior is happening and how to handle or fix it. So many differing opinions that overlapped were overwhelming. Ranbob soon came to the conclusion that childcare is more interpretive. Based on the child’s personality.

That’s way in the future though. Now he has to deal with a baby. A fragile little thing. It’s perfect in every way.

Now his anxiety starts to get the better of him. He’s so much bigger than it, much stronger. The baby is completely at his mercy and he is anxious that something bad may happen to it. Realistically, though, nothing bad is going to happen to his little family.

Once he holds the baby for the first time, all previous anxiety is taken by the wind. All that remains is absolute adoration. This leads to him caring for the baby almost entirely. Or when it’s least convenient for you, that is.

Like when your babe cries late into the night. Witching hour cries. Everytime without fail, he’d awaken and swiftly make his way to the nursery. All in an attempt to allow you to sleep. You’ve already done so much work to make the child. The least he could do was wake up and care for them. Plus you still looked so tired.

Although Ranbob was tired when morning came, it didn’t matter when you came out well rested. Or much better than the day before. Each day was a slight victory in his books. He only wanted the best for you, anyways. If sacrificing a few hours of sleep meant that you’d sleep better, then so be it.

He views your child as a blessing from Dream himself. A symbol of the union between you two. Just absolute perfection. Oh how lucky he is to have you and especially fortunate to have a child with you. His god has seen his hard work and has gifted him with so much more than he deserved. But he’d take it all the same.

If you two “accidently” had another kid, he’d be more than happy. Yes, he’s content and happy with the child you two already have. His life is perfect now. But if another addition just happened to come along? Well who is he to deny his god’s will?

aka he wants to weaken his pullout game to have another kid with you. One kid is enough but two? Oh that’d be swell!

Ranbutler

Compared to the previous two, Ranbutler’s reaction to the baby’s arrival would be labeled as “different”. Techno feared for his child, Ranbob was anxious, but Ranbutler? This man is ecstatic! Oh my gosh you two finally have a kid. Isn’t this just great?

His excitement level is astronomical. Come on, this man literally acts like this baby is going to achieve world wide peace or something. Like Jesus Christ incarnated. That’s the level of excitement he’s at.

Right from the get-go, Ranbutler is almost desperate in his attempts to hold the baby. Please? Pretty please? Why can’t he hold your baby? Our baby? Though as… desperate as he is to hold his child, he doesn’t want to disturb important mother-child bonding. Even if you carried them for around nine months, it’s still vital that you actually bond to your baby. Skin-to-skin early on is important.

At the next available time, most likely when you’re asleep or on the verge of sleeping, he’ll gently remove the child from atop your chest. Of course he’d go to the next comfiest and secure place he can and allow for some skin-to-skin between him and the baby.

According to some studies, skin contact with a baby supposedly “awakens” maternal or paternal and he was more than happy to test that out. If it worked? Then that’s great! If it didn’t work? What was the harm? It’s all good in the end.

Because of the nature of his job, you often don’t see him during the day. Both a blessing and a curse. This leaves you alone to care for the baby until he comes back. Even then, it wasn’t a guarantee that he’d help. That’s what you thought, at least.

No matter how exhausted he was or how irate he was from Billiam, the sight of your and the baby always made everything right in the world. All problems just dissolved away, becoming unimportant whispers of responsibilities.

Responsibilities that seemed to come from a whole different reality. Here, at home, the mess that’s Billiam doesn’t exist. Won’t ever affect his lovely little world.

Sometimes he comes home extremely late. So late that you already went to sleep, along with the baby. Occasionally you would try to stay up for him to come home. You were laying on the couch with the baby on your chest, what else was he to presume? That was obviously what you were doing, right?

On those nights, he would sit by you and just watch. Basking in the calm energy you exude. Even without talking to him, you always had a way of calming him down. Of making him feel loved and appreciated.

He would also take care of the baby's needs at night. With his occupation as Billiam’s servant, it really wasn’t the best idea, but he assured you that he would be fine. After all, he couldn’t bond with the baby during the day, so that only left the night. Even if it was menial tasks, he found solace in the presence of the family he was creating,

A question that kept reappearing was how he managed to get such a wonderful partner. One so willing to have a child with him. Deep down, he knew the actual answer, but it was hidden under so many layers of delusions that it’d be better and easier not to deal with that mess.

Now that you had the baby to care for, he was much more willing to leave you alone while he went to work. Yes, sometimes he still brought you into the room with The Egg. But that was only because you seemed stressed the day, night, or morning before he left.

How could he just leave his precious to flounder around so helplessly? A baby can easily be overwhelming. The Egg was more than willing to help you.

The kid, although a beautiful culmination of the love between the two of you, also symbolized another thing. They were a shackle, keeping you tethered to him.

There was no way you’d be able or wish to escape in such a fragile condition. Especially with the baby. How could you risk the life of something so innocent? Of something that did absolutely nothing wrong besides existing. You wouldn’t be such a horrible monster, would you? No, he knows you. Knows that you wouldn’t do that.

Once he has a taste for parenthood, he’s practically addicted. He absolutely loves it. Loves you. Why not have another? And another? And another?

Let’s be honest, he might just want a small herd of kids. Not many, like four or five. A few more wouldn’t do too much harm, but he doesn’t want to overwhelm you. After all, you’d be around them the most, being the primary caretaker for them all.

The desire for a large family comes into direct conflict with his desire to not make you overwhelmed and overworked. It was a hard battle, but he convinced himself that maybe just one more wouldn’t hurt. Just one more, and that’ll be the last he’ll want.

He’ll say that for the next three he plans to have with you. Can men get baby fever? If they can, then this man definitely would have it, just saying.

[my2phetaliaheadcanons]

So on the one ask about the yandere marriage. What would happen if the same characters darling escaped and actually tried fighting back? Probably won’t work out but they tried.

You are correct, darling tried. But it didn’t work, and lead to some harsh consequences.

Germany – The sweet and outgoing nature of his kitten made her seem docile. Luther didn’t count on her claws coming out when she was cornered.

Luther’s love for his kitten will cause him to gloss over her rough behavior at first. Every protest would be seen as a concern that could be swept under the rug. Yelling and screaming would be a lover’s quarrel. It wasn’t until her hand hit his face that Luther would realize that harsher methods would be needed.

Luther’s methods would start off simple, leaving Kitten in a sealed room for a day or two. Each time-out session’s length would be based on what the actions of rebellion would be. After trying this for a couple of months, and reaching isolation periods of two weeks, or having a weapon drawn on him, Luther would up the intensity.

Instead of just isolation, it would start to include chains, starvation, and darkness. These restrictions could eventually break Kitten down to the point of submission. If she hadn’t won Luther’s trust through fake affections and obedience first.

She would either escape through an open window or convince Luther to get extremely intoxicated to the point of passing out. At that point, she could walk right out the front door.

Once Luther realizes what happens, Kitten had better pray that she stays ahead. Luther’s methods are reminiscent of a hunting dog. Persistent and willing to use the pack. If Luther couldn’t find her within three days, then he’s calling the other axis members. More than likely, the help of the other members will corner Kitten quickly.

After she is found, Luther doesn’t wait. He swoops in the second she is away from witnesses and knocks her out. All Kitten manages to squeak out is a “Luther!” and then it's dark.

When she awakens, all she can feel is pain. Luther broke her dominant leg, and though it was well wrapped, she noticed a couple of other new things. The chains that once wrapped only around her ankles became a harness. It's not cutting off circulation, but it was tight. The room she’s in is small, stone, and cold. The only light in the room came from the crack in the door.

This would be the punishment for escape. Luther had been worried and at least this way he knows where she is. Maybe on their five-year anniversary, she could come out.

Sweden – Hustru was a ray of sunshine. Beautiful, bright, and also hot. Not just in terms of attractiveness, her warm cherry attitude would easily change to a blistering fury. This was amusing to Bernard, despite being from an area known for chills, this heat was welcoming.

Going the route of a true yandere, Bernard would hide you away, his logic would be that all newlyweds need some time. Though since it was done with approval from both of their bosses, it would not be in one of his unknown places, rather a newer and known spot, one designed just for her. It would be a simple house, out in the foggy Swedish forest. The outside would be reminiscent of a by-gone area, but the inside would be a mix of modern and medieval.

Bernard thought she enjoyed it until she started to fight against his ‘simple’ rules. Things like yelling and screaming would be funny to him. It was showing Bernard a side that he hadn’t yet witnessed, and he enjoyed that. Each action of rebellion would be recorded by him with joy. Until that is, hustru decided to get physical.

Bernard, like Luther, is fine with backtalk. Physical fighting though is a sign of distrust and the breakdown of his bond with his hustru. At this, hustru would be restrained and with his silver tongue, he would talk her out of attacking. His voice would sound joyful, but his eyes would communicate anything but that.

That would be her only warning. If hustru would attempt another attack, Bernard wouldn’t hesitate to break a limb. This should quell her fire for a time, and at that moment Bernard would coo at her. A sweet voice asking how she could be so clumsy, and how she should allow Bernard to take care of it.

Eventually, it would reach the boiling point she would make a break for it. Bernard would have been waiting for this moment. After all, he already takes people to his home, Bernard knows that it's only a matter of time before they run.

He would follow behind slowly, fully understanding what she would be looking for in an escape route. Each turn hustru would make, she could hear Bernard taunting her and making false promises. Whether or not hustru would realize it, Bernard would be herding her like a ewe to the slaughterhouse.

Bernard would end the chase by cornering hustru. It would either be by a cliff or a lake. Her look of panic would thrill Bernard, and he would descend upon her like a wolf. Their struggle would last until Bernard could give either a hard blow to the back of her head, chokehold, or hold her head in the water.

Holding her now unconscious body close, Bernard would take her away. She would not return to the nice home in the Swedish forest but instead would find herself in an unfamiliar place. It was Sweden’s oldest and best-hidden spot.

This one is underground and like a hobbit hole. Though the inside is much bigger and maze-like. Hustru will never find the door, but Bernard will always be there to give her affection.

Russia – Viktor knew marriage was an adjustment for both the husband and the wife. They were living together for the first time, and that meant getting used to each other’s constant presence. Well, at least for родная, since Viktor knew everything about her. Though, he was reaching the end of his patience with her insults.

Viktor would be willing to turn a blind eye to any rebellion for about a week or two. As I said, marriage is an adjustment, and he would be willing to give родная some time. After that period, and if she is still fighting their love, then Viktor sees reason to correct the bad behavior.

As a yandere Viktor is fine with the occasional comment. Should родная do it more often than that, or attempt to lay it on thick Viktor is gonna act. His punishments are always smart and calculating with the purpose of ensuring submission. It starts simple; restricting her time outside the home and the disappearance of specific privileges. Things like entertainment and basic comforts are the first to go. As time goes on, and if she chooses to escalate her acts, then it's only gonna get worse.

Physical attacks lead to periods of isolation, additional housework, and prevention of sleep. These three together would make it easier for Viktor to shape her behaviors and throughout ask her specific questions to see how she is coming along. If родная is smart enough, she will submit quickly to avoid seeing how far he is willing to take this.

If родная should escape, she then there must be an insurance that Viktor is not home. Once out of the home, then she has no choice but to take the alleyways. Viktor’s men are well-rounded and without a doubt one of them is well versed in hacking. Once found, whether it be via a security camera, or through the use of documents, Viktor will bring her home.

It won’t be a pretty moment. One, it would be in public and there would be screaming and begging. Two, no one would help, mainly because Viktor would appear not only her husband but provide papers to make it seem like she had some illness that required guardianship.

In the end, she’s in a basement tied to a chair. From there Viktor would work once again with his previous taming methods, this time though he would make sure it sticks.

England – Oliver was quite pleased on their wedding day. It was beautiful and perfect, but the events since that wonderful day have been troubling to him. His sweet little Dearie appeared to not be adjusting well to married life, but he’s got the tools to help.

Oliver has always had a need for control, and after the American Revolution, it had gotten worse. When Dearie fights, it’s almost like a flashback for him. He doesn’t handle it well, Oliver is willing to give a warning, after all, it is his wife. Though after not only having his warning ignored but receiving back-to-back threats and the claims that he is a monster, Oliver decides that his wife needs lessons on how to be a lady and housewife.

These lessons range from proper posture and basic manners to tea ceremonies and fancy dances. The length and frequency of the lessons depend on the severity of her crimes. Which to Oliver, each is extremely severe and must be taught out of his sweet little dearie.

For each lesson, Oliver has an enchanted device. For posture, a corset with celestial bronze and white silk. Each attempt of slouching or relaxing causes it to tighten like a python with a rabbit in its coils. Dance lessons involve iron shoes, not only do they burn when the dancing stops, but they can only be removed by Oliver. These are just two of many that he has.

Her escape would not be easy. Oliver’s flying bunnies, Chocolate and Strawberry would always be nearby. Waiting and ready to report. Her best chance of escape would be a moment of pure chaos. Whether she caused it or she had been blessed with it, this would be her only chance of escape.

Once he realizes that she had run away, Oliver would open his dreaded spellbook. The magic would flit and fly around him as he reads various spells. Creatures of all kinds would be summoned and with the leadership of his bunnies, they would spread across the land like the shadows that appear with the setting sun.

Eventually, she would be found. Caught and dragged away by the various shadows Dearie thought she had escaped.

Once Oliver had her back in his arms, an enchantment would be placed. Nothing too harmful, just something that would bind their souls together. Forever.

[ktheist]

1 | play me like a toy [m]

title inspired by blackpink’s sure thing cover.

⟶ read the last part, all yours to enjoy, here.

muses. mafia heiress!reader x ex-mafia!director!hoseok

genre. age gap factor. chaebol-mafia family au. arranged marriage au. office au. modern au.

words. 5.8k

warnings. contains smut. mentions of gun use. mentions of cheating.

verse. knj. ksj. myg. kth. pjm. jjk. jhs. 

synopsis. 

sit still, look pretty. 

such were the words your maid-turned-mistress of a mother has ever taught you. the mindless marionette mask worked for the most parts. but when you find yourself hanging by a thread - or is it the beeping line of your dying father’s heart rate monitor? - you decide it’s time to shed off that mask and seek han group’s infamous loyal dog that went off radar 17 years ago.

jung hoseok.

alternatively;

“marry me or be killed.”

“is there a third option?”

“we fucked but you were too drunk to remember so that option’s invalid.”

x

jung hoseok is in a dry spell.

there was no doubt as to whether he could score a date, get laid and maybe even have his nightstand to call him up again exactly the week after.

the issue was time.

with his boss and longtime friend getting married, he ends up coming to work with a different pile of papers on his desk every day. well, it was his idea to sign a promissory note that if kim namjoon ever found a woman he loved and married, hoseok would take half of the ceo-ly workload so his overbearing boss could enjoy his honeymoon and truly, as hoseok would put it, live.

the order went a little differently but namjoon found a hole in the way the sentences were worded that got him flying away to the caribbean and leaving hoseok to fend for himself in these trying times.

oh, and it’s almost hit the third month of the newly weds going mia.

in the first place, he didn’t think namjoon would hold the agreement over his head like he was flexing a few hundred thousand dollar’s worth of lawsuit.

but the man did just that and now hoseok is slaving over his nine-to-five which actually tend to drag on till ten or, if he’s lucky, even midnight. sure, he got promoted from head secretary to director but he’s wondering if this endless cycle of coming back home only pass out in the bed and wake up earlier than a parent with a toddler - is worth it.

hoseok groans, his hand grabbing around for his phone to put a stop on that obnoxious alarm even if it’s just for five minutes before he has to hear it again.

and grab something he did, but this so called phone feels too soft to be a phone and shapes like an cup but softer and - he puts more pressure to his grasp out of confusion -

“mhm, what the hell?”

- it complains in a groggy voice too.

almost as if pricked by a needle, hoseok leaps right out of bed, sending the duvet flying to the floor and revealing the naked woman - you - who’s stretching her limbs whilst her face scrunches in displeasure at the rude awakening.

“__-___?! wh-what the- what are you doing in my bed?”

x

“so you touched my boob,” you say, legs crossed and arms folded over said boob.

“i-i-” it’s the first time you’ve ever seen hoseok opened his eyes so wide - he has pretty eyes. especially when they’re brimming with fear and bashfulness, “i’m sorry, i have no excuse.”

he hangs his head low.

“why didn’t you touch the other one?”

it’s then, when hoseok’s eyes snap up to you, gaze searching for a sign - any sign, to confirm that he misheard that, does the man realize that you’re messing with him.

that, and you doubling over with laughter trickling out of your mouth should be affirmation enough.

“god, you should’ve seen your face, hobi!” you’re still holding your stomach when hoseok’s shoulders stiffen and his round eyes turn sharp.

“that’s not something you joke about, ___,” he says, it’s easy to mistake his sternness with anger if you didn’t know him your whole life, “are you gonna let it go every time someone disrespects you? mr. han would’ve snapped their neck in half-”

“hoseok, come on,” you cut him off with a dismissive hand, “none of those gory talks about snapping necks and pulling out nails. that’s the reason i end up here in the first place.”

it’s the way silence lulls into the room and hoseok looks at you with the hardest knitted brows and eyes that seem to have retracted his soul far back into his memories, as though searching for something - that makes your heart drop.

all sense of humor now gone.

“you don’t remember what happened last night... do you?” the last part is just an addition to ease your throbbing heart.

if you’d left it as a statement, it made it more real that he did forget.

just a man, sitting at a half empty bar, three shots of vodka in and hostility in his voice that could’ve killed but so very hoseok of him, “that seat’s taken.”

aloof. distant. and every word in the book that described a man who didn’t want to be bothered and he drowned himself in alcohol.

“i’ll leave once the owner comes back,” you’d slipped into the seat anyway, despite the heat of hoseok’s stare.

not paying any heed, you ordered yourself a margarita.

“it’s been awhile, hasn’t it, hobi?”

that’s when he turned to you. truly looked at you.

“do you perhaps have a little sister who,” his eyebrows began to knit as if the screws in his head started turning, “would be about your age by now... ____?”

you didn’t really catch up. all you could remember was hoseok’s calculative stare as he watched you down one drink after the other. the the chilliness of the margarita somewhat soothing the burning sensation as it went down your throat.

“that’s the fifth for you,” his large hand covered yours, stopping you from picking up the glass as he cautioned you.

“yeah? i’m only stopping if i have something else to occupy my mouth with.”

in his distracted state as he tried to make sense of what your words meant, you lifted the glass to your mouth and downed the last of your drink.

and then, you stood up, walked the tiniest distance between your seat and his, grabbed him by the collar and crashed your lips on his.

you remembered your confidence dissipating like air with every second passing without hoseok so much as responding to your kiss.

maybe it was the shock.

because one that passed, you found his arm around your waist and his lips kissing you harder than you kissed him.

you stumbled into your car, not caring if yeojun had a front row view from the rearview mirror of the things that transpired at the back seat. you barely remember the walk from the parking lot to his apartment.

those sweet whispered promises. the hands that burned your skin with every touch. those eyes that pierced right into your eyes, as if invisible hands reached into your soul and grasped it in his palm.

“mine,” hoseok husked, voice sending ripples of pleasure dripping down your legs. he’d thrust himself balls deep inside you, like a beast who hadn’t had a drop of water since the drought, “you’re mine from head to toe.”

if that wasn’t enough, he fucked you raw until you were at your limit and he’d just... stop.

“hoseok, why-” you’d been breathless, skin glistening with sweat and knees trembling to give in but he’d banded an arm under your torso and held you to him so your bodies remained connected even if none of you moved.

“you think i’d just let you cum so easily?” he placed a hand on your ass, as if warning you what would happen if you’d pull away, “after all these years... you grew up fine as fuck.”

he’d languidly pulled out of you, as if knowing how torturous it felt for you with his fingers on your clit that sent electricity through your veins.

“what is it, hm? is it the kang’s or is it the seong’s? i guess the rumor about boss being hospitalized was true,” his words barely registered in your mind as his index finger touched your back and traced down your spine whilst he started thrusting in and out of you agonizingly slow.

“please, just fuck me,” you’d hissed, pain and pleasure and frustrations mixed in your voice.

“hm, still as tight-lipped as ever, huh?” he’d sounded completely relaxed as if the smacking sound that echoed in the air as his body slammed against your deliciously - didn’t affect him in the slightest.

as if he took no pleasure in fucking you. as if this was only for your poor little soul that came running back to him because you had no one to depend on.

“y-you have to- ah! s-swear your l-loyalty to- oh my god,” it was last night, while the citylights poured through hoseok’s window, his room was directly across another apartment building.

“loyalty, huh?” he tested the words on his mouth, as if it was a foreign candy gifted to him as present.

his body feels hot against your back as he lowered himself flush against you, his breath fanning your sweat-glistened skin, his voice brushing the shell of your ear, “you should know i’m yours as much as you’re mine. nothing i wouldn’t do for you, kiddo.”

he’d used that nickname he’d used to call you as he fucked you into his bed, and sent you moaning his name like you wouldn’t know any other name.

anyone could’ve seen.

neither of you cared though.

well-

you throw your gaze out at the twenty storey building, noticing a man vacuuming the living room three units to the left from the unit directly across from hoseok’s. above him, two kids, a boy and a girl are jumping around while holding an airplane in their hands.

-until now, that is.

hoseok had become an entirely different person last night. no - rather, he’d returned to you as the man you’d always kept in that special spot in your heart and locked it up so no one would be able to see past your steel schooled expression and the devil may care nature.

“i...”

your gaze snaps back to hoseok once again. he parts his lips for the briefest moment, as if to say something but clamps them shut again. the way his eyes gleam with guilt is enough to tell you the unspoken words that hang in the air.

and yet, your heart hardens like the steel mask you often wear on your face.

“and... to think i gave you my virginity too...”

the silence that lapses between you is tangible.

“sike, i’m kidding,” you grin, brows rising to the ceiling but when hoseok doesn’t so much as laugh or frown - he simply looked at you like a parent disappointed of his child who still didn’t see why what she did was wrong - you tilt your head to the side slightly, “or am i?”

“ugh, you’re no fun,” you throw your head back after failing to gouge a reaction from the man who screamed bloody murder as if you’re some street rat that he was so close to calling infestation control.

“i need to meet mr. han,” he announces after a whole solid minute of sitting on the edge of the bed with feet planted on the floor.

“what for? what are you gonna tell daddy? ‘i’m sorry i took your daughter’s virginity, sir, it won’t happen again?’“ you watch him get up, tongue unconsciously slipping out and sweeping over your bottom lip as you watch the curve of his ass as he walks to the closet and disappears into it.

“were you really a virgin?” he comes out dressed in fresh crisp button down tucked in a pair of black pants, a contrast to his rolled up sleeves, creased shirt and disheveled hair from last night.

“i don’t know, did it feel like i was?” you shoot him a coquettish smile.

the gentle protrusion of his adam’s apple bobs up and down, his lingering gaze on your crossed, bare legs not going unnoticed by you. you’re donned in last night’s dinner dress that hugs your curves and stops mid thighs.

but his gaze is gone too soon.

“you’re not seriously going to daddy, are you?” you tug on his sleeve just before he steps out of the door, “hobi, i’m just kidding, i’ve been with multiple guys before you,” the way his brows threaten to knit into a frown doesn’t go pass you but it’s gone too soon, “and does daddy like the idea? he’s not fond of it, but he knows he can’t stop me from doing whatever i want with my own body.”

the beep of the door as he opens it rings in the air as he looks at you in the eye, “did any of those men work for mr han?” 

only silence follows his reply as you bite your lower lip, hesitant.

“we can’t hide this- mr han might already know. he has eyes and ears-” hoseok steps out of the door only to stop dead in track when he sees at least half a dozen men lined up in front of his apartment in black suits.

“good morning, miss ____.” they bow at exactly 90 degrees angle like robots.

“-everywhere...” hoseok trails off, eyes scanning the area on high alert.

“don’t worry, they’re not daddy’s men. they’re my men,” you raise one hand, index finger pointing to the ceiling as you shoot them an expression void of any smile.

they seem to understand that as they dip into a bow again, the leader, yeojun, stops in front of the elevator when he and his men would have joined you in any other circumstances.

“it’s not about saving my own ass, ___,” hoseok begins.

the way his arms cross over his chest makes his sleeves wrap deliciously around his biceps.

his deep brown eyes appear like a hazel storm under the sunlight that pours from every crevice of the parking lot where the elevator stopped at. “mr. han asked me to protect you from everything and i’m sure he hired someone else after i left to keep trash men away from you... and to think i did exactly what he wanted me to protected you from-” 

“hobi,” nimble hands hover over his chest before you gaze up at him through your lashes, making sure to give it a slow, innocent blink before speaking, “i didn’t regret what happened last night. and you trying to apologize for someone i’m not sorry kind of hurts.”

“i’m sorry i didn’t think of it that way...” he trails off, lips pressed in a straight line as though deep in thought.

“if it makes you that uncomfortable, i won’t talk about it but promise me this stays between us, please?” you hold up a pinky finger like you would when you were younger.

the smile that makes its way to hoseok lips causes your heart to palpitate just when it’s barely calmed down.

his pinky finger is much larger than yours as it hooks around yours in a promise, a ghost of a smile tugging on his lips. as if he’s still unsure if he should be making any promises. as if he’s unsure if he should be hooking his pinky with yours instead of pushing you as far away from him as he could. but before he can come to a conclusion, a voice reverberates into the air.

“miss ____.”

the sound of hoseok sucking in a sharp breath rings in your ear as a dozen men in black suits bow at the sight of you.

before another word comes out from anyone else, you speak, voice echoing against the walls.

“listen up you sons of bitches, if i find out any of you snitched to daddy, i’ll make sure your wife, your husband, your kids, your grandparents, hell even your neighbors pay for it. got it?”

a round of rigorous “yes, miss!” follows after the splitting silence that hovered after you finished.

turning around, almost getting lost in those pretty, star entrapped eyes of his, you smile, “see, they’re loyal to me.”

“uh, i can see why.” it’s the humorous tone that finally wraps around hoseok’s words that makes your heart clench painfully.

he’s still the same hoseok you know.

some things never change.

“well, i’ll lend you one of my cars,” you say all of a sudden.

almost as if hit by a foul ball, hoseok’s eyes widen, “shi- what time is it?”

you don’t expect much when you check your phone, the digits on the screen staring back with a 9-something am - you don’t care to check the details, “late.”

“fuck, i was so focused on gathering enough balls to meet mr. han - i need to get the papers i was supposed to look over for today’s meeting,” a string of curses follow hoseok’s scampering retreat. and you simply watch in your spot - he’s always been such a klutz, forgetting the important details and scrambling to get what he’d forgotten and just remembered - done.

before the doors of the elevator close and swallow him in its belly, hoseok’s nimble fingers slip between the shutting gap, making the doors split open again, “oh,” he says, as if remembering something, “you don’t have to do that - i can drive, i got a driver’s license like, eons ago.”

right.

when he left, he was only 18 and had nothing more but a duffle bag filled with all his belongings and an acceptance letter of the university he applied to.

hoseok had been driving you around everywhere before that. he got pulled over by a cop once but your father easily handled that.

jung hoseok’s been with you for as long as you remember.

you recall bawling your eyes out and clinging onto his leg, begging him not to leave because your nanny left and you found out a few months later that her body was found washed up along the river bank near her hometown.

mr. kim, the gardener quit and said he wanted to visit his kids but the whole family ended up dying in a fire.

everyone who left ends up dead.

pushing the somber feeling that’s threatening to pull the muscles in your face into a frown, you shake your head, an amused smirk tugging on your lips as you mask away every other feeling.

“you really don’t remember anything, do you?” somewhere in that innocently clueless gaze of his, you search for a lie - it would’ve been better if he lied about forgetting for whatever reason.

but when the genuinity over pours from those pretty eyes, you push away the gnawing feeling in your heart, “we were both shit faced drunk last night so we came to your place with my driver and you left your car at the bar’s parking lot.”

“oh shit,” he begins punching the button on the inside of the elevator, “i won’t take long, i pro-”

the metal doors gradually shut, cutting off what he was about to say.

x

“p-please, i’m sorry, i’ll do anything...” the man’s words got blurred out as you stare out the window of his medium sized flat with a master bedroom, a room and a bathroom connected to the common area.

it’s been a week since you met hoseok. you want to be mad that he doesn’t call, especially after not seeing each other for so long and finally reuniting only for him to forget everything about that night.

but you didn’t even give him your number and you may or may not be mad that he didn’t think to ask.

a bloodcurdling scream drums against your eardrums, making you physically flinch as your head snaps towards the man lying on the ground with his mouth wide open and no longer any sound coming out.

his head is titled at the new guy who’s standing over him with a baton gripped in one hand. the sight itself makes the pit of your stomach churn.

“god fucking damn it, yeojun,” you shoot a glare at the head bodyguard, “didn’t you teach him rule number 1? make no sound, catch no attention?”

at that, yeojun snaps his fingers and two of the bodyguards closest to the new guy - soon? soobin? was his name? - approach him. one of them places a firm hand on his shoulder whilst he kicks soobin behind his knee, sending him kneeling with a thud.

“i’m sorry, miss ___, it seems soobin,” ah so you did get his name right, “needs to join mr. yoo here in learning a thing or two about obeying orders.”

yeojun doesn’t even flinch when one of your donned-in-black bodyguard strikes one of their own at the back of his head with that baton they usually carry around their waist.

soobin’s face scrunches up painfully as he breathes out through his nose, teeth gritting together.

“you boys, break some things and you, get the car ready,” with that, the bodyguards hovering over the middle-aged borrower and soobin begin scampering around, toppling shelves over, pushing vases to the ground and breaking plates in the kitchen.

“you were too nice,” yeojun murmurs underneath his breath once you’re in the hallway, the sound of glass shattering and furniture breaking still echo off the walls.

“i shouldn’t even be doing this shit anyway. who does he think i am? sending me to take care of small fries...” agitated, you shoot yeojun a glare.

to which he only responds with raised eyebrows, as if asking if you’d go against your brother’s orders just because you’ve never liked to see violence yet violence follows you everywhere.

“let’s see.... richest bachelor, heir to han group, one of the biggest conglomerate family that runs the underground ring...” the black haired man starts counting off with his finger until you swing your purse to his side.

“which side are you on? me or my chanyeol’s?!”

laughter trickles down his lips as he follows you into the elevator. somewhere in the distance, the hallway faintly rings with the fading sound of mr. yoo’s helpless pleas.

x

when you arrive at kimcorp, the secretary shoots up from your seat, her smile is gorgeous and welcoming but the knitted set of brows above her eyes do a poor job of hiding her anxiousness.

odd.

you didn’t use the han name to get past the receptionist, only mentioning “hoseok is expecting me, tell him i have something of his he’d really like back.”

was it the lavish dinner dress? was it the couture handbag?

“ah, it’s the fox fur, isn’t it?” you twirl on your heels, lips curling prettily as you narrow your eyes at the startled secretary.

she’s standing there like a thief caught red-handed. as if her worst nightmares came true the moment you started saying something besides the “i’m here to see jung hoseok.”

“i-i’m sorry, ma’am?” her shoulders tense up and her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

“nothing, it’s nothing,” you put on a billion dollar smile - one that she seems to be struggling to wear.

before the poor thing peed her pants, you turn around, your back on her and push on the double doors of the office with a white plate that spells out “head director jung.”

the syllables of your name roll off the mouth of the man behind the large desk that almost takes up half of the room, piles of documents stacked up on either sides while the middle section is cleared for a mac and a macbook perched directly in front of him.

“you sound surprised, didn’t the receptionist tell you i was coming?” you put on your best smile even as you watch him push a button on a smaller-than-a-palm-sized remote directed at the cctv and dash for the blinds and close them so that the secretaries facing his room won’t have any visual access to what goes on from now on.

“yeji didn’t specify who,” he says mindlessly, still peeking through the blinds - possibly to check if anyone noticed the sudden move.

somehow, hearing the name of another woman leaving hoseok’s lips doesn’t sit right with you.

“since you easily told her to send me right up, i assume you have an idea of who it was,” a devious smile tugs in the corners of your lips as the sound of hoseok sucking in a sharp breath brushes your ears.

as he was in the middle of turning around and facing you, you managed to catch him off guard and trap him between the window and yourself. the ridges of his toned abs brushing against your front torso with only layers of clothing separating you.

the warning tone he uses to say your name with is music to your ears.

he sounded like the old him. the old hoseok who’d drive his fist into anyone’s face without batting an eye. the old hoseok who would turn to your crying frame with the sweetest smile and hand you back your backpack that fell on the ground amidst the struggle of trying to bite and kick your kidnappers in the shin.

“i missed you, you know?” your voice is tinged with playfulness but your heart skips a beat like a schoolgirl with a crush.

“i-i... we...”

the words get stuck in his throat the moment your lips brush his. what surprises you is the softest sigh that leaves his mouth before a large hand buries itself in your hair, pulling you close until he’s tasting you. licking your bottom lip as if asking for something he didn’t need to ask for in the first place.

his free hand grasps your ass as if he’s been dying to feel your soft cheeks in his palm. you part your lips for him, tasting the faintest sense of cigarette in his breath.

hoseok tends to smoke when something bothers.

you hope it’s you. you hope he lays in bed at night, staring at the ceiling. you hope you’re all he thinks about.

by the time you pull apart, you’re both heaving for air. a soft thud drums in your ears as hoseok leans his head against the blinds-covered-window. you press your cheek against his chest, face hot.

one of his hands sits on top of your ass as if paying his overdue respect for your body but yet unwilling to let you go. the other rests on the back of your head, his thumb mindlessly caressing your scalp.

“hoseok?” you’re the first to break the silence.

he simply hums in response, “hm?”

“i can’t give it back,” you turn your cheek to bury your face in his chest, your voice coming out muffled, “i can’t give back your freedom.”

x

“so you’re saying you can’t let me go...” hoseok echoes the words you say to him.

but the way his lips curl into a pleased smirk and his white shirt creasing at the front from having your bodies pressed together a moment ago, gives those words a different meaning than you intend them to.

somehow, the distance between you seems smaller.

“thanks miyeon,” hoseok’s smile switches to that of a kind, considerate superior.

miyeon, the woman who guided you to hoseok’s office returns his smile. but you don’t miss the cautious gaze she throws your way before slipping out of the room after setting down the tea cups.

he’s back to himself. the kind that jumps at every little sound and tends to wear a frightened puppy look almost too often.

“no, rather...” you trail off, chanyeol’s face burning at the back of your mind - your brother, the heir to han group and the man that will marry you off to the kang’s in order to mend the strain in the family ties as soon as your father breathes out his last breath.

you shake your head, a smile on your face, “it’s been awhile, how bout catching up over lunch?”

and so it goes, you visit hoseok every few days in a week. at times you tell the secretary to keep your visit a secret so you could surprise him, you’d end up catching him neck deep in work yet he still manages to pull off the rolled up sleeves, two buttons undone and slicked back hair with a single strand falling over his forehead, its tip grazing those set of strong eyebrows.

when you knock, he looks up and the tension in his brows seem to fade away. he shoots you a dimpled smile as if he’s been waiting for you to whisk him away from work.

and you do just that. arm looped around his, you both walk out of his office like lovers.

hoseok talks about his past - the one you’re not part of - fondly. as if looking through a lense of something he never dreamed he could have.

at first, he attracted the wrong kind of crowd with his permanently set furrowed brows. but then he finds things he enjoys doing outside of classes that he couldn’t get to enjoy when he was with han group.

dancing, tracks, boxing and more. he likes that rush of adrenaline that courses through his veins. 

and you tell him about the meetings and gatherings and social events to maintain your relationships with the vassal families. they’re usually attended by the women of the han family which means you and han chohee would be smiling and laughing together in front of the wives and daughters of the vassal families before taking off that loving step-mother-and-step-daughter facade once you walk out of the vicinity.

your lunches and dinners are spent with trips down memory lane, filling the other in on the moments each of you miss in each other’s lives. and for a moment, the hoseok in front of you who flinches at the sight of bugs and little, random noises feel familiar.

that is, until you hit your one month reunion mark.

chanyeol’s been gathering support of the vassals by personally accepting their invitations.

his presence easily overshadowed yours and yeojun confirmed that your father’s condition isn’t getting any better.

“i need you to come back and work for me, half of the men would drop everything and follow you,” you stare at the girl staring back at you on the surface of the tea. she bites her lips and you feel the faintest taste of blood in your mouth.

eyes snapping to his calculative ones - as if he already knows what you’re going to say before the words even pass your lips, “i need you by my side so i can take over han group.”

the hoseok sitting in the single couch next to you with parted legs and feet planted on the dark carpeted ground fits the head director setting better than the inked skin, cigarette smoke and gun-in-waistline setting you’re about to drag him in.

“you’re willing to go against chanyeol to become the head of the family?” he asks, eyes clouded with a sort of emotion you can’t pinpoint.

hoseok’s always been an enigma. his mind, a maze you’ll never end up figuring out.

guess that part of him is still the same.

“it’s not a choice for me to make,” a clean click! resonates in the air as you place the gun you’d pulled from your garter, point facing him, index finger on the trigger, “you have two though.”

it’s the way his eyebrows rise whilst his eyes glint with amusement tells you that hoseok - your hoseok - is still somewhere in there.

throw a sane man into an asylum and he’ll start going insane. put a mad man  back in society and he’ll trick you into believing he’s sane with his warm, dimpled smile.

“marry me or be killed,” you say simply.

that amused glint is still there, granted, it shines faintly compared to the caution that overflows from those sun-hit brown eyes as they fix themselves on the gun perched on the see-through coffee table before they travel to your knuckles, to your arm and meet your steel gaze.

his the softest protrusion of his adam’s apple drops and rises again as he swallows, “is there a third option?”

“we fucked but you were too drunk to remember so that option’s invalid.”

the air is dense with tension. it fills up your lungs and almost causes your chest to cave. you’re not sure how long to stay there, stiff and still like a rock with your back straightened as if your etiquette teacher was hovering right behind you with a long, wooden ruler that’d be ready to strike your arm at a slump of your shoulders.

but liberation comes to you in the form of a phone call.

“___, we have to go, th-the boss- the doctor says he’s not gonna make it through the night.” it’s the first time you’ve heard yeojun stammer as if he hasn’t quite yet recovered from the shock of the news he’s relaying to you.

“are you sure?” you can almost hear the thump of the organ in your chest slowing down before it ceases to throb completely, “you know how bad chanyeol wanna fuck me up, he could’ve made the doctor tell you this because he knows you’ll tell me and if... if i rush there and daddy’s laughing that obnoxious laugh while trying to make pass on the nurse like he usually does...”

yeojun grunts, “yes, ___. i have men planted there as patients, nurses, janitors and they all say the same thing - that the doctors are rushing to the vip ward and they’re trying to make it look like your usual hourly check up but it’s not... look, this is the real thing. if we mess up, there won’t be another chance. now, did you convince hoseok to come back?”

almost as if reminded that you’re not the only person in the room, your eyes snap to hoseok whose eyes are already fixed on you with a concerned expression.

“he’ll come back.” with that, you hang up the call.

“i’d love for you to think it through for a few days, realize this isn’t really a life you want and come to me on your own to sign our prenups,” you say casually, placing down the teacup and slipping your phone back into your handbag as if you’re getting ready to leave the tea party, “but...”

but before you can lift the gun and fully point it at him, a large hand covers yours. his warmth seeps through your pores and makes your body feel warmer.

“the gun’s a bit excessive,” his breath fans your face as your eyes fix on the supple skin of his neck.

it’s as if invisible hands reached out and held your head in place, forbidding you from tilting it and gazing into his eyes. his fingers reach over the back of the gun, grazing your hands.

a click cuts through the silence.

“at the very least, unlock the safety,” his teasing tone doesn’t match his saddened eyes.

and just as you thought you’d closed the distance between you and him, the circumstance forces you to take five steps back.

[heyiwrotesomethings]

Afraid to Love Again

Lady Tamayo x They/Them Reader

A/N: Heyooo. Tamayo is great, but I kind of struggle writing her. I tried anyway though because I love this demon doctor lady. Be prepared for sickness, death and a dash of angst. There is a happy ending though (my delicate heart wouldn’t be able to take it if there wasn’t)!  Also, it’s kinda a reincarnation/ soulmate kind of deal but I didn’t really develop that angle too much. And I can’t remember how much of Tamayo’s backstory was discussed in the manga vs the anime so just a heads up on that. It’s not super spoilery or anything (I think you could guess how that went) but just in case I thought I’d let y’all know. Hope you enjoy! Word Count: 6,939

The village had fallen on hard times. Work was scarce, poverty and disease was rampant. Over the past several months, (Y/n) had seen many family, friends and neighbors fall ill and never rise again. Those who had the strength to leave did, and many offered passage to (Y/n) as well. Though they were thankful for the offers of sanctuary, (Y/n) remained in their family home. They converted it into a makeshift hospital and began caring for the people who no longer could take care of themselves.

There were no doctors in their little village. The nearest, (Y/n) heard was days away. They couldn’t risk leaving all of these sick souls without someone to look after them, they would surely be dead before they could get back. If these people, their people, were going to die either way, they wanted to be there to make the process as easy as possible.

(Y/n) had seen more death and sickness than most. They had almost forgotten what it was like to truly live.

“(Y/n)-san?”

(Y/n) paused their movements wiping sweat from an old woman’s body, and turned to the cot behind them.

“Yes, Ichiro?” (Y/n) smiled kindly, though their eyes reflected just how tired they were.

“I don’t feel so good.” The young child coughed harshly.

“I know, I’m sorry. Let me get you some water.”

(Y/n) quickly finished bathing the old woman left behind by her family and tucked her in. (Y/n) suspected she’d be dead before the next morning. The rattling, gurgling breaths were just about the only sign that she wasn’t already gone.

(Y/n) put the rag in a basket to be washed for later, then they retrieved some water for the sick boy. They made their way through the sea of moaning people waiting for death, checking in with the more lucid villagers as they went.

(Y/n) was caring for thirty-seven people in their ancestral home and they did so alone. Any healthy people that remained in the village avoided the plagued building at all costs. It was hard work, keeping all of these people as comfortable as they could. But compared to the seventy people they had started with during those first weeks of winter, it was much more manageable.

“Here you go, drink as much as you can.” (Y/n) spoke softly, helping the boy sit up to receive it.

He took a few sips before spluttering, excess water slipped down his chin. He sniffed and held his throat, curling back into himself.

(Y/n) skimmed their hand over Ichiro’s burning forehead and watched him struggle forlornly.

How much longer would they all have to live in this hell?

(Y/n)’s question, however rhetoric, was answered the next night.

(Y/n) groaned between blinks of sleep. They had fallen asleep while standing, again. The noise that so rudely awakened them sounded like someone was rattling the door of the main entrance.

Who could it be at this hour? Weary travelers? Surely they had a fair choice in vacated homes already. No matter, (Y/n) figured once they caught the full blast of the smell of death permeating the air they would retreat quickly enough.

They approached the door sliding it open with little preamble. Even if the smell wasn’t enough to deter the unwanted guests, surely the look of utter despair (Y/n) wore would scare them off.

“I’m afraid if you came searching for lodging, I cannot take you.” (Y/n) spoke, barely perceiving the two people before them. “There are, however, many empty homes you have passed by that you are more than welcome to help yourselves too. I would recommend to be on your way quickly, sickness is rampant here.”

“That is why I’ve come.”

(Y/n) allowed themself a puzzled face, finally looking at the woman and her stern looking companion more carefully, taking in the delicate beauty of the stranger before them.

“I’m a doctor.”

(Y/n) suddenly felt more awake, staring at the woman with unrestrained hope and awe.

“Really?” They whispered, as if afraid this was all just a dream or a sleep deprived hallucination.

“Are you doubting her?” The young man spoke up sharply.

“Yushirou.” The woman warned, leveling a look at her companion that immediately shut him back up. The woman turned back to (Y/n). The soft, empathetic look in her eyes made (Y/n) feel weak. The softness of her voice as she addressed (Y/n) again made them feel fragile, all the while they shook like a leaf.

“Allow me to evaluate your sick. I’ll do everything I can.”

“Please,” (Y/n) nodded, making room for the pair to enter their home turned sick ward, “even in my wildest dreams I never thought anyone would actually come for us. I’ve tried so hard to save these people, but I am no doctor.”

The woman came forward, gingerly taking (Y/n)’s shaking hands in her own. (Y/n) noted how cold they were but still held on to the offered hands like a lifeline.

“You’ve done well with what you have, your kindness is immeasurable. Sleep now, and leave the rest to us.”

“Who are you?” (Y/n) asked, suddenly feeling as if they were about to collapse. Just hearing those words was like a weight was dropped from their aching shoulders. The woman caught them before they could fall, the young man, Yushirou, let out a strangled noise of displeasure but stayed back.

“You may call me Tamayo.”

***

When (Y/n) awoke, it was still dark. They assumed they must have only slept a few hours. At least, they thought so until they noticed a crack of sunlight shining between the curtains.

(Y/n) held their head in their hands and grimaced. They couldn’t even remember the last time they had slept in their own bed before now. They didn’t even remember how they got there. They sighed. It didn’t matter, they needed to get up and see how everyone was doing. They had already been negligent long enough.

(Y/n) noticed as they walked through the halls that all the curtains were drawn. They found it odd. The curtains were always kept open regularly, (Y/n) couldn’t be bothered to deal with such minor details in the grand scheme of things and they wouldn’t start now. They left the curtains closed and continued on their way.

“What are you doing up already?”

(Y/n) turned, shocked at the clear and present voice. It had been a long time since they heard someone who sounded so strong and healthy. They turned and saw a grumpy boy staring sternly at them.

“Who are you?” (Y/n) asked, holding on to the wall as a dizzy spell passed through them.

“Tsk, get back to bed. You clearly aren’t well.” The boy said.

“Yushirou? Did you find any— oh, awake already? You should rest more.” (Y/n) turned back down the opposite side of the hall and saw the woman who had been in their restless dreams the night before.

“You’re... You’re real?” (Y/n) asked, mostly to themself, peering at the woman with blurred vision.

“Yes,” Tamayo smiled sadly approaching (Y/n), “you don’t need to worry anymore. Yushirou and I are taking care of things. Please, rest.”

“No, wait. I want to help. Please, teach me everything you know.” (Y/n) pleaded, sliding to their knees as they gave out.

“Like you could help anyone like this. You were already way past your limits before. Stay out of Lady Tamayo’s way.” Yushirou stated harshly.

“No need to speak in such a cold manner, Yushirou.” Tamayo scolded lightly before coming to kneel at (Y/n)’s side, rubbing their back. “How about this, you rest until you are back to full health, then you may observe my work. Is this acceptable?”

(Y/n) frowned, but nodded in agreement. “Yes, thank you.”

“Of course. Yushirou, help our host back to their room please.”

Yushirou readily complied, easily picking (Y/n) up and retiring them to their room.

“And stay there this time.” He grumbled.

(Y/n) fell back asleep almost immediately and when they awoke once more, another day had come and gone. They felt a lot better, just hungry. So they got up and made their way back down the hall to see what was left of the foraging they had done a couple days prior. Hopefully, Tamayo and Yushirou were well versed in the plant life of the area and got some more.

They stopped at the sick ward first to see how things were going. Yushirou wasn’t around, but (Y/n) saw Tamayo whispering to a sick man. Whatever she had asked him, he shook his head looking a tad uncomfortable. (Y/n) moved closer and Tamayo turned, like she could sense their presence and offered a tight smile.

“You look much better. How are you feeling?” She asked.

“As good as I can be. How have things been going here?”

“I apologize, we lost three while you slept.” Tamayo informed solemnly.

“You don’t need to apologize. It means the world to us that you care to try at all.” (Y/n) replied, sincerely. “I’m sure you’ve noticed we don’t have very much in value. Not many people would work like this for no incentive.”

“You must be one of them.” Tamayo’s eyes softened, “you could have left, but you stayed with them. You have a kind heart.”

“...Thank you.” (Y/n) rubbed the back of their neck and looked away, feeling heat gather around their cheeks.

“I just realized I don’t know your name.” Tamayo said. “How rude of me to not ask sooner.”

“It’s alright. I haven’t exactly been conscious most of the time you’ve been here.” (Y/n) let out a dry laugh, “I’m (Y/n).”

“Just (Y/n)?” Tamayo blinked.

“If I can call you Tamayo, please call me (Y/n).”

“Very well, (Y/n).” Tamayo smiled. “I have a few more people to visit with at the moment. Would you care to observe?”

“Yes, I—“ (Y/n) stomach growled before they could finish speaking, they held onto their gut, abashed.

“Oh, you haven’t eaten? You should have told me, we must keep you healthy. Come,” Tamayo guided (Y/n) to their own kitchen where Yushirou was watching over a boiling pot.

“Yushirou, when the broth is done give (Y/n) a bowl please.” Tamayo asked.

“I just finished it Tamayo-sama. I’ll get on it right now.”

(Y/n) slurped down the broth with vigor and thanked Yushirou profusely, making him blush and turn away. They fed the rest to the sick. (Y/n) had asked Tamayo and Yushirou why they hadn’t taken any for themselves to which Tamayo replied that they had already eaten not long before (Y/n) had woken up.

After a long day of absorbing any teachings Tamayo had to share, (Y/n) was sent back to bed for the night much to their dismay.

“But, I slept just recently! I can still help!” (Y/n) frowned as Tamayo ushered them back to their room.

“I don’t know if you remember this, but humans are supposed to go to sleep every night. Yushirou and I have everything under control.” Tamayo assured.

“You guys need to sleep sometime too you know.” (Y/n) retorted.

“Don’t worry, we rest in turns.” Tamayo spoke. (Y/n) couldn’t explain why, but they felt as if Tamayo was being a bit deceitful with her words. However, they let her be for now and went back to bed without anymore fuss.

When (Y/n) woke up the next morning, they were surprised to see that some of the people looked much better already. Of course they were still quite ill, but (Y/n) felt hopeful for them. Unfortunately, the man, Jiro, that (Y/n) had seen Tamayo talking to the day before had died sometime in the night. A few others seemed to be not far behind him in that aspect. Still, (Y/n) worked hard and learned everything they could about the medicines Tamayo crafted and how to distribute them.

“Tamayo?” (Y/n) asked one night before being sent back to bed by the motherly woman.

“Yes, (Y/n)?”

“I was just wondering... what made you come through here? Our village hasn’t had outsiders since last spring, if even then.”

“I was simply looking for somewhere quiet to practice my craft. We were passing through when we realized this village was a little, too quite.”

“Mm, yeah... well, you’re welcome to stay. You can even live here forever if you want, I don’t mind.”

“That’s a rather, bold, offer.” Tamayo replied after a short pause. It was then that (Y/n) realized how that may have sounded and got embarrassed.

“I mean, because— sorry if that was weird. I just, it’s nice having you and Yushirou-san around. I can tell your both good people, you know? I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable!”

“You didn’t,” Tamayo had a far away look in her eye, but she still reached out to pat (Y/n)’s arm in a gesture of kindness, “I appreciate the sentiment, but it will be best for all of we take our leave once we are done here.”

“I see,” (Y/n) tried to keep the disappointment out of their voice, “we’ll just have to make the most out of the time we do have.”

“I suppose. If that is what you wish.”

Over the next several days (Y/n) noticed several odd little behaviors and happenings in their home. They went out one morning to gather certain plants and herbs for Tamayo and when the came back, they noticed a piece of paper with a strange symbol drawn on it that they had never seen before. They questioned Yushirou about it since he was the first one they saw upon returning.

Yushirou scoffed, saying it was a healing symbol and told (Y/n) under no uncertain terms that they shouldn’t look at it, much less even think about touching it. (Y/n) promised him they wouldn’t and backed away into the kitchen with their basket of herbs and a bead of nervous sweat running down their chin.

They also noticed how neither Tamayo or Yushirou appeared to ever eat or sleep when they were around. Even when (Y/n) made something as light as tea, they were refused by both travelers.

Another oddity was that Yushirou always yelled at (Y/n) for peeking through curtains to see if the sun was shining. For some reason, he and Lady Tamayo did not seem to be fond of the sun. Perhaps they were just light sensitive or burned easily. They both seemed to be very fair skinned. (Y/n) was often sent off alone on errands during the day as well. They didn’t complain though, they were happy to help in anyway they could, even if the doctor and her assistant were a bit odd.

Stranger yet was how Tamayo would speak so softly to the deathly ill who showed no signs of recovery. The soft lilt of Tamayo’s voice was not what (Y/n) found strange, they were quite enamored with its dreamlike quality. It was the soft urgency in which she spoke so quietly that always left (Y/n) curious. They only witnessed such events a few times, but they always had ended with the recipient of Tamayo’s whispered words dead mere hours later.

(Y/n) didn’t fault Tamayo for such coincidences. The good doctor probably knew who would die the second she entered the room that first night. (Y/n) figured she was just giving them some form of solace in their final hours to help them find peace.

It was one night where (Y/n) had woken up with a painful thirst for water when things became... complicated.

“We need to think about leaving soon, Tamayo-sama.” (Y/n) heard Yushirou speak as they neared the kitchen. “You have already gone past your limit of resistance by a few days.”

“I’ll be fine, Yushirou. Soon there will be a good handful of people who will have their strength back. (Y/n) still has much I can teach them... we mustn’t leave just yet.”

“The blood here is diseased and of poor quality, even if you could get some without anyone noticing, it would not be filling enough to do much good. Please my lady, let’s keep moving to the next city like we planned.” Yushirou stressed.

“I can’t Yushirou, not when these people need help that only I can adequately provide. I can go a little longer...”

(Y/n) stood still in the hall as they listened in. Tamayo needed blood? For what, a transfusion? They took a deep breath and entered the room.

“If you need blood—“

The air was suddenly knocked out of their lungs as Yushirou came forward with inhumane speed and knocked (Y/n) hard into the back wall.

“Spying? Why couldn’t you just keep your nose away from where it doesn’t belong!” Yushirou hissed, tightening his hold.

“Yushirou!” Tamayo warned, coming up behind him, willing him to loosen his grip, “don’t hurt them.”

Yushirou clicked his tongue in agitation and allowed (Y/n) to slide to the ground in a fit of gasps and coughs.

Tamayo knelt beside them and checked them over with a worried frown.

“I’m sorry, (Y/n). You aren’t hurt are you?”

(Y/n) took a moment to catch their breath before answering, “I, I don’t think so.” They coughed again, “Damn Yushirou, you are a lot tougher than you look!”

Yushirou growled, but upon seeing the stern look Tamayo leveled at him he backed off and looked away, almost sheepish. He looked more like a scolded guard dog than anything else.

Tamayo turned back to (Y/n) looking forlorn, “How much did you hear?”

“You need blood or you’ll have to leave.” (Y/n) answered honestly, “If you need blood, you can have some of mine... I don’t know if it’s the right type, but if it’s what you need, I’ll be more than happy to give it to you.”

Tamayo shook her head. “(Y/n), I don’t think you understand what you are offering.”

“It’s my blood, I’ll offer it to whomever I please,” (Y/n) staggered back to their feet, “and I want to give it to you. You don’t even need to tell me what for.”

Tamayo scanned (Y/n)’s face before closing her eyes and turning away. She walked towards a nearby window and pulled open the curtains, allowing the full moonlight to glide over her skin and flowery kimono. (Y/n) swallowed thickly, clearing their throat they turned to look out the window as well. The young doctor was bewitchingly beautiful and (Y/n) could not risk missing whatever Tamayo had to say.

“Before you commit yourself to this decision, you must first understand what I am.”

“Tamayo-sama!” Yushirou called out only for Tamayo to raise her hand to call for his silence.

“...What you are?” (Y/n) cocked their head to the side, confused. “You look like a normal person to me.”

“That’s what makes a lot of my kind so dangerous.” Tamayo sighed, her eyes still trained on the moon, “Monsters in human skin. Although there are many who wear their sin in grotesque and prideful ways.”

“I’m not sure what you’re getting at, but it’s not like all humans are great people either. Like how Ichiro’s parents left him here after he got sick and still haven’t wrote back like they promised. Even if you are different from humans as you are claiming, I can’t say that your any worse than the people I know. In fact, I’d say you’re better than a lot of the people I know.” (Y/n) tried to explain.

“I’ve done more evil and unforgivable deeds in my time on this earth than I could ever atone for. Even as I work to do better I know I can’t take back all the harm I’ve caused.” Tamayo shook her head and turned to (Y/n), cupping their cheek with a chilled hand, “I’ve aided in more atrocities than you have years on this planet. Do not let what you’ve seen of me in these short weeks fool you.”

“Okay, so you’re committed to believing your evil and irredeemable, is that right?” (Y/n) grasped the hand at their cheek, holding it in their own, “Well, I’m sorry, but I’m not going to believe that. I don’t know what you’ve done, but you’re obviously torn up about it. I can’t say someone who was pure evil would think twice about that.”

Tamayo pulled her hand away, cradling it close to her chest and turned back to the window with a slight tremble before whispering, “I’m a demon, (Y/n). I’ve turned Yushirou as well. We get by on blood these days but before then, I have killed and devoured many humans in five hundred years. Tell me now you don’t find me repulsive.”

“I don’t!” (Y/n) spoke immediately and resolutely, surprising the demon doctor and Yushirou to an extent with their resolve. “I don’t know who you were or what you were going through back then, but the Tamayo I know is kind enough to stop in some nowhere village to take care of sick people she doesn't even know while expecting nothing in return. I can’t say my word means very much in the grand scheme of things, but I don’t think you’re a monster. Monsters don’t mourn over their victims. I think you’re a good person Tamayo, worthy of my blood if you’ll just let me give it to you.”

The determined look on (Y/n)’s face made Tamayo feel as if she’d seen a specter from her past. She felt tempted to reach out again but held back, afraid of what, she wouldn’t allow herself to dwell. (Y/n) took her silence as a hesitation and insisted once more, bearing their arm up to the crook of their elbow.

“Take what you two need. Please don’t make me try to do it myself.”

Tamayo closed the distance between them quickly and held (Y/n)’s arms as if she was frightened of them doing something dangerous to themself.

“Yushirou, please get the phlebotomy kit from the travel bag.” Tamayo asked softly.

Yushirou nodded. Though he was not particularly fond of how close his master was to the human, he was glad she would finally be getting some sustenance.

“See, that wasn’t so hard, was it?” (Y/n) tried to joke to lighten the mood.

“You can revoke your offer whenever you wish. If you want us to leave you may ask us to do so without fear. I promise you.” Tamayo said, nothing but sincerity in her tone.

“I’ll keep it in mind, but I’ll do no such thing. Now, I hope you don’t think it rude of me for drinking some water myself first before I get you your... beverage. It was the whole reason I was walking through in the first place.” (Y/n) said as they walked across the kitchen and fetched some water.

Tamayo’s lips curled ever so slightly into a wisp of a smile aimed at (Y/n)’s back as they drank.

***

Now that (Y/n) knew they were sheltering a couple of demons, the strange behaviors they had noted prior made more sense and they took them in stride. They loved teasing Tamayo and Yushirou about the quality of their blood. Often making Tamayo flush faintly or earn a quick jab to the chest from Yushirou that was probably harder than he should be hitting a fragile human.

They kept the knowledge of their species to themself, not wanting to stress the sick or endanger Tamayo in some way. They had since learned that the strange papers that were littered around their house were actually some kind of warding seal that Yushirou could produce to keep their presence hidden to outsiders. If all that Tamayo had told (Y/n) about the realness of demons held true, they were surprised that they hadn’t encountered them sooner. Perhaps the constant scent of death and decay had kept them at bay, figuring there was no fresh flesh to tear into.

However, that was all changing now. Of the twenty-six remaining villagers, twenty-five were making marked improvements in their health and many could even walk about the the house without being too fatigued. (Y/n) had smiled so brightly when they saw Ichiro slide out of bed one morning that they had brought a hand to their mouth in delighted shock. They couldn’t remember the last time they had smiled so earnestly. Tamayo had surprised them, taking their hand away from their mouth.

“Let your joy shine through. The light you have to share could lift anyone’s spirits. I know it has lifted mine, so don’t hide please.” Tamayo said kindly.

“Right!” (Y/n) laughed sheepishly as heat crawled up their neck. They were sure Tamayo could hear the blood rushing through their system but thankfully she was polite enough not to comment on it.

“(Y/n)-san, can you take us outside?” One of the other young children asked.

“Mhm, only for a little bit though. Don’t want to over do it now, do we?”

“Tamayo-san, do you want to come?” Ichiro asked hopefully.

“Tamayo-san is very busy. But I’m sure she’ll be happy to read you a story later. Won’t that be nice?” (Y/n) smiled, saving Tamayo from having to come up with an excuse to avoid the brightness of the spring sun.

A small group gathered and slowly made their way outside, blinking hard against the bright sun stinging their eyes. Still, they felt overjoyed. Many never thought they’d make it through the winter so they took in the scenery before them with a range of emotions.

When they returned, (Y/n) helped everyone get settled again. As they did, they noticed Tamayo speaking quietly to the young woman in the corner cot. She had been fighting against the illness for a particularly long time and had been getting worse as of late. Keeping the interaction in mind, (Y/n) made their way to the kitchens to see if Yushirou needed any assistance with lunch. Now that everyone’s appetites were returning they had to produce a bit more than they had in the past.

When everyone was fed, (Y/n) had managed to find Tamayo alone. The doctor had found the old ceremonial tea room and enjoyed the space, so naturally (Y/n) had given her permission to do with it what she liked. (Y/n) knocked and announced themself, waiting for Tamayo to beckon them in before entering.

“(Y/n), does someone need something? Do you need something?” Tamayo asked, momentarily pausing in her herb crushing to look up at them.

“No, everything seems fine right now. Although Kotori does not appear to be doing well at all.” (Y/n) sighed, kneeling across from Tamayo. “...She’s going to die, isn’t she?”

“Yes.” Tamayo nodded solemnly. “I gave her medicine to dull her pain, but she’ll be dead before the next morning. There is nothing more I can do for her.”

“What do you tell them?” (Y/n) asked, “I mean, I’ve noticed how you talk to the dying ones before they pass. What do you say to someone who’s dying like that?”

“Many times they already know the end is near and have accepted it. Many are relieved to know the fighting and pain is almost over for them. What I offer them... is a second chance at life.”

(Y/n)’s eyes narrowed in concentration before shooting back open. “You offered to turn them into demons, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Isn’t that dangerous?”

“It can be, only if you don’t have someone to look out for you and remind you who you are. I would be there for them as I was for Yushirou of course.” Tamayo assured, though she looked guilty. “You must think it cruel of me to offer this cursed existence.”

“Not at all. Many people fear death. I can especially understand it from a perspective of those who have yet to truly live. As long as they can remember their humanity, I don’t have a problem with it.” (Y/n) smiled, “I’m sure with you to guide them they would be just fine.”

Tamayo blushed and got back to work, grinding her herbs.

“Though I’m surprised, has no one taken up your offer since you got here?”

Tamayo shook her head, but a small smile pulled at her lips, “No. I’m content with their choices though. I think they were all very brave choosing to face the unknown.”

“Speaking of unknown,” (Y/n) mumbled between their fingers as they watched Tamayo carefully scoop her powder into a jar before moving on to the next herb. “Everyone will be more or less back to full health soon... are you still planning on leaving?”

“(Y/n), we’ve already discussed this,” Tamayo frowned, “I was never meant to stay here.”

“But you could.” (Y/n) said, an almost frantic waver in their voice, “you taught me a lot about medicine and how to be a physician, but you’ve quite literally have hundreds of years more experience than I do. Not to mention everyone here loves you, I love you—“ (Y/n) tried to shut themself up but it was too late. As made evident by the roundness of Tamayo’s eyes.

“Oh (Y/n), I’m sorry.” Tamayo said, the pestle held in between her fingers shook.

“Don’t be sorry, just, stay?” (Y/n) stuttered. “You can forget the last part if it makes you uncomfortable.”

“This just further proves that I mustn’t be here.” Tamayo put the pestle down and covered her eyes with her hands.

(Y/n)’s heart ached so much they felt compelled to rub the the spot in an attempt to soothe it. “Is the idea of me loving you really that awful?” They asked, a watery chuckle falling from their lips.

“(Y/n), it’s not that simple.” Tamayo tried to explain, but (Y/n) was already getting up and heading out of the room.

“It’s fine. I’ll try to stay out of your way. Stick around a bit longer for the sake of the village is all I ask.” (Y/n) didn’t wait for an answer. They went to their room and felt numb the rest of the day.

They were jostled out of their upset thoughts by the sound of pounding feet drawing closer and before they could react any further, Yushirou barged in practically foaming at the mouth. (Y/n) was not intimidated by the display however.

“Would it kill you to knock?”

“What have you done to upset Tamayo-sama?” He seethed, his voice a dangerous whisper.

“I’ve momentarily burdened her with my feelings. Don’t worry, once you get on the road again I’m sure she’ll feel much better. And you’ll have her all to yourself again, you must be thrilled.” (Y/n) bitterly informed.

“Don’t speak as if this is no large matter, you’ve left Tamayo-sama very distraught! What did you do? Why was she crying?”

“Crying?” (Y/n) asked, the information chilled them like a sudden torrential rainfall.

“Yes! Now what did you say to her you mongrel? Spit it out!” Yushirou growled, grabbing at the neck of (Y/n)’s clothing to shake them around a bit.

“I kinda... told her I loved her?”

“You what?!” Yushirou bellowed with rage and envy befitting a rival.

“I’m pretty sure you heard me the first time.” (Y/n) still had the gall to tease the demon knowing full well he could think of ten different ways to kill them with one hand tied behind his back.

“You idiot! Don’t you know what she’s been through? And you just think you can say such things and be on your merry way? Honestly, a goddess like her should not have to shed tears for such insolence!”

“What are you talking about?” (Y/n) grunted. The hold Yushirou had them in was very uncomfortable.

“If I tell you, you must never bring this up to Tamayo-sama, and you will apologize right away for your unsavory actions. Do you understand?”

“...yes.” (Y/n) nodded tentatively. Yushirou let go of them and they rubbed at their tender flesh where he had dug in.

“Tamayo-sama was ill once as well,” Yushirou began, observing the books (Y/n) had strewn around the room with a bit of disdain for the mess, “when she was human, she was desperately searching for a cure that would save her from an agonizing death. Then, as fate would have it, one day she met a man who promised her a cure for her ailment. What that man did to her turned her into a demon. It was true that Tamayo-sama was freed from the pains of her illness, but at the cost of everything she held dear. For you see, the man had not explained what she would become and with no way to control herself, she had killed and devoured her husband and children.” Yushirou crossed his arms tightly, “Do you understand now? Can you imagine what that must have been like?”

“I had no idea.” (Y/n) looked down at their feet.

“Yeah, then you come in and— argh! What are you still hanging around for? Go apologize already! You’ve already waited the daylight away, get moving!”

“Okay, I’m going! I’m going!” (Y/n) batted the angry demon away and jogged down the hall. They checked every room until they made it to the sick bay.

They asked around and quickly learned that Tamayo had gone out for a moonlit walk. They thanked the patients and quickly made their way out the door, shutting it tightly behind them.

They looked out from the engawa, scanning the scenery they saw no sign of the demon doctor. Deciding the nearby forest was their best bet, they hopped off of the engawa, bare feet against the grass and dirt, and jogged into the woods.

“Tamayo?” (Y/n) called for her, searching around for any clues to her whereabouts.

They traveled deeper still, teasing the edge of the deep woods where not even the sun could shine through on the brightest of days, much less the soft reflection of the moon. They heard a rustle.

“Tamayo?”

(Y/n) felt the hairs on the neck and arms scrape to attention. Their heart was beating frantically as the noise drew closer. It couldn’t be Tamayo, she surely would have called out in return.

Then, (Y/n) screamed.

They couldn’t remember how they had ended up on the ground. They blinked sluggishly up at the moon only for it to be blocked moments later by a blurry figure. (Y/n) swore they saw swirls of colorful flowers dancing at the corners of their vision. (Y/n) winced and gurgled. Why did their chest hurt so bad, what was this pressure?

“(Y/n), please, tell me what to do. What do you want me to do?” A muffled voice cried, confusing (Y/n).

They tried to take in another breath but it just felt like they were drowning. The voice sounded farther away, but no less pleading, mixed with far away screams and angry yells. Neither of which sounded like they belonged to the figure before them.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry!”

‘For what?’ (Y/n) wondered, the pain had faded greatly. Whatever was happening, it was better than the pain. Perhaps they could go back to sleep now.

And so, they did.

***

When (Y/n) awoke, it was to the soft brushing of knuckles against their hair which was almost immediately drowned out by a ferocious hunger. They bent to snap at the fingers but something had kept them restrained. (Y/n) struggled and growled, the need to tear into flesh was, all too fittingly, consuming them.

“(Y/n), take a little at a time. Control yourself.” The voice beside them gently urged, presenting (Y/n) with a tube. They were highly uninterested at first until the further end of the tube was released from a pinched grip and allowed blood to flow down to their waiting mouth. It wasn’t fresh or hot, but it was better than nothing. After a few minutes of stopping and starting the thick slide of blood, the figure took the tube away all together, causing (Y/n) to growl and hiss with displeasure.

“You will need to learn to pace yourself, the sooner you do, the better.” The soft voice informed, not that (Y/n) really understood them.

(Y/n) wasn’t sure how long this had gone on, but they learned quickly not to bite the hand that feeds you, even if it was only aged blood on the menu.

Then slowly, they felt their brain working overtime. Apparently, there was a lot of information hiding under all of the bloodlust, and (Y/n) thought maybe, just maybe, there was a part of themself that detested those desires for human flesh and bone.

Then one night, it was like a fog had finally rolled out of (Y/n)’s mind and they struggled against their restraints for a whole other reason.

“How did I get here?” They yelled, breathing heavily though they had no real need to breathe at all anymore.

(Y/n) heard the soft patter of footsteps on the matted floor out in the hallway. They were honestly surprised they could hear such a slight noise to begin with.

The door slid open and Tamayo stood there, observing them nervously.

“Tamayo!” (Y/n) sighed in relief, “Where were you? All I remember is going out to look for you. How did I even—“

Tamayo was over in a flash, resting her forehead against (Y/n)’s with her hands cupping their cheeks.

“I’m sorry.” She sobbed, “I didn’t know what to do. You couldn’t speak for yourself. I should have just tried to make your passing quick and comfortable, but I was selfish. I’m so sorry.”

(Y/n) winced, thinking back hurt, but with that last ‘sorry’, they were back in the moonlit woods, bleeding out with Tamayo above them and Yushirou dismantling the low level demon that had jumped them.

(Y/n) leaned their forehead up to meet Tamayo’s more firmly since their arms and legs were still tightly bound.

“You don’t need to apologize, but I forgive you.” They rasped, drawing more tears from the demon doctor.

“I couldn’t lose you. Not again.”

“What do you mean?” (Y/n) asked, puzzled.

“Do you believe in reincarnation, (Y/n)?”

“I think it’s a nice idea, to be reborn as something new.” (Y/n) shrugged as best as they could.

“When I first came to this village, something pulled me to this old house, and it wasn’t the smell of death and ruin. Something inside me told me this was where I needed to be,” Tamayo ran her thumbs along (Y/n)’s cheekbones, “it all led me to you and though you are unique from any other person I have met in all my years roaming this earth, I feel like I knew you life times ago.”

“I feel like I felt something similar.” (Y/n) whispered, “Something about your eyes just felt so familiar. Do you think...”

“Yes and no,” Tamayo smiled sadly, “I believe my husband had a hand in bringing you to me. You may have the same soul but you are still you’re own person with unique experiences. I like seeing little reminders of him in you, but I’m also growing very fond of who you are on your own.”

“Then, why didn’t you tell me before?” (Y/n) asked.

“Because I was afraid and I had every right to be. I almost lost you again.”

“I’m sorry for worrying you.”

Tamayo raised her head to brush a kiss over (Y/n)’s forehead, “Forgiven.”

“...Do you think you could maybe untie me now or...?” (Y/n) asked with a goofy smile on their face.

“Oh, yes, I should do that. So long as you promise to tell me if you ever feel like you’re losing yourself.”

“You have my word, my lady.” (Y/n) replied, leaving Tamayo a bit flustered.

“So, how is everyone?” (Y/n) asked with a stretch, sitting up from the bed.

“They all left for new opportunities in the southeast. I apologize, but Yushirou and I thought it best if they believed you had died. A bear mauling.” Tamayo’s nose crinkled very subtly, but (Y/n) easily saw her displeasure.

“Don’t worry, I understand.” (Y/n) said with a melancholic smile. They leaned over hesitantly and kissed the faint wrinkle of Tamayo’s nose away, making the doctor fall forward to bury her head in (Y/n)’s collarbone.

“I worry that you’re too understanding.” Tamayo commented shyly, earning a laugh from (Y/n) and after another moment of stillness, (Y/n) spoke up again.

“Where is Yushirou anyway?”

“I’m in the kitchen and I can hear ever word you say you blood sucker!” Yushirou yelled, making the doctor and the new demon jump at the volume. “You better get travel ready soon, because you gobbled up the last of our blood supply!”

“Sorry!” (Y/n) called awkwardly, snorting only after Yushirou replied with a handful of sounds that made no sense, but got his grumpiness across.

“Don’t feel too bad. It’s a process Yushirou has endured as well. He was no less needy and feral than you were when I changed him.” Tamayo said.

“Needy and feral,” (Y/n) groaned, “I wish you didn’t have to see me like that.” Tamayo chuckled lightly, raising her head from (Y/n)’s chest to look into their eyes making their breath hitch.

“That hasn’t harmed my image of you at all,” Tamayo kissed their cheek, “you are still the sweet,” a kiss to the other cheek, “selfless,” a kiss to the nose, “person you were before this.”

(Y/n) tentatively raised their hands to cup Tamayo’s cheeks, noting the pale blue hue of their previously clear nails as they did so.

“Forgive me if this comes off as needy, but could I kiss you?” They asked, barely above a whisper.

“Please.” Tamayo responded quickly, pulling in (Y/n) from the back of their neck.

Soft lips glided together, occasionally leaving their target to land sweet pecks elsewhere before diving back in. When they finally drew apart, resting their foreheads together, Tamayo smiled brightly. It was a feeling she hadn’t had since she was human all those years ago.

[quartzwriting]

Green and Gold

Pairing: Doctor Strange X Fem!Reader

Description: During a visit to Asgard, Stephen is protective over you since Loki always seems to not be able to take his eyes off you. 

Warnings: Non

Word Count: 4.1k

A/N: Originally posted to Quotev / I like this one :3

Masterlist | Fic Reading Recs | Ao3 | Quotev | Coffee

The frantic rainbow lights disappeared and you stumbled to get your balance on the solid ground that you were thrown on. Stephen was there to help steady you, at hand at your waist with the other at the ready to prevent you from falling over. You wondered why you all could not just travel here through a slingring portal. But Thor insisted you take the Bifrost. To 'get the experience' he had said before he called for it. The knowing smirk on Stephen's face in that moment told you that you might regret this.

In little time you found yourself in Asgard.

Stephen would come here occasionally to discuss relations between mystical threats and threats to the realms. You came along this time. You wanted to see Asgard, Thor wanted you to come along, but Stephen was hesitant to let you come. He told you that someone needed to watch over the Sanctum while he was gone, you made Wong do it instead. He said Asgardian magic is hard to understand, you reminded him that you were advanced now in your mystical studies that you could keep up. He said that it would only be a night or two, you said that you did not want him to leave you for a night or two.

You won and had convinced him. So now you were at the entrance of Asgard, having just experienced being magically thrown across the universe with possible whiplash and your lunch threatening to come up.

Thor, holding his beloved hammer in one hand, looked over at you. "What did you think, Lady (Y/N)?"

"I think I'm gonna be sick." You mumbled.

Stephen patted you on the back, "You'll be alright." There was a slightly amused tone in his voice and that gave you a sudden urge to kick him in the shins.

You had ended up in the middle of a room that was golden and shaped like a dome. There were circular patterns on the walls and in the centre golden steps that lead to a little pedestal that held a sword. Someone was holding that sword, and you were introduced to Heimdall who was the protector of the Bifrost. He bowed to you like you were important and you returned with a bow of your head. Just outside the room, you could see the bridge sparkling with the same rainbow colours as the way you had gotten here. Beyond the long bridge was the castle in the distance.

Thor gestured for you to follow him, so you fell into step beside Stephen as you exited the small structure. You were now walking on the Bifrost bridge. The view you saw before you was absolutely breathtaking. The glittering bridge was just the beginning. Underneath it was a roaring river of clear water. The palace was beautiful, the structure standing as tall as the mountains in its background. The buildings of the surrounding city were sparkling everywhere. You have seen so much since becoming a sorcerer, but this was something else.

Stephen saw the smile on your face and the look of awe in your eyes. This made him smile, and he was suddenly glad he brought you here. He always loved showing you new things, fueling your curiosity and experiencing new things with you. But there was a little worry in the back of his mind that would not go away.

There was one reason, above all others, that Stephen did not want to bring you along.

Loki would be here.

He hated the way he looked at you. He hated his very being because of it. And the knowledge that you and him would be in the same place made his blood boil. Ever since that time Loki showed his face in New York and he had to take him to prevent him from doing anything, and he looked at you up and down like that, he disliked the god so much. And he was so nice to you, and you were nice to him. Whenever Stephen went to Asgard and ran into Loki, he would ask about you. Stephen did not like it.

But your reaction to the city and planet, and you had just gotten here, made the worry go away a little. He would be by your side anyways, to keep Loki away if he was going to try anything. He would throw the cloak around your shoulders to have it hide you away if he needed to. But at the moment he focused on being with you for your first impressions of Asgaurd and not worry too much.

~~~

You were awoken by a light touch and someone softly shaking you awake. The sleepiness was not shaken however, you groaning in protest as you cuddled up even more into the covers of the soft, silken sheets and thick comforter.

There was a chuckle and you new who it was from the deep tone. You lazily opened your eyes and saw Stephen looking down at you, already dressed and seeming wide awake. The sun was shining through the large window with the beautiful view of Asgard. It looked like the world was awake, but you were not ready to drag yourself out of bed.

"I have the first meeting this morning. Thought maybe you would want to come along but looks like you don't want to get out of bed."

You simply let out another sleepy groan.

Then you did a double take, noticing what he was wearing.

He had on his Cloak of Levitation, but underneath that was something different. He had swapped out his regular blue robes for an Asgardian version. It was made in a different style, but it still resembled his old robes. The blue was more rich in its colour, more royal and regal looking. The wrappings were lined with a golden fabric on the edges, it went really well with his signature red and blue. It was a very stark contrast between the one you were used to seeing him wear verse this new one. But you loved it. Seeing all the beautiful clothing everyone wore here made you happy, and seeing a piece like that on Stephen was astonishing.

"You like it?" He caught you staring.

"I love it," You said groggily but happily, running a hand through your hair and sitting up in the bed.

Straightening the cloak over his shoulders, he leaned over and kissed you on your forehead. "I should head to the meeting now. We'll be done before lunch." With that he left your shared guest room, closing the large door behind him.

You wanted to fall back asleep, but it did not overtake you. It was one of those moments where you just laid there cause you were already awaken. But you wanted to sleep. But you couldn't. So you stared out the window, looking out at the pretty mountain peaks and wondering what that first meeting was about. You also wondered about the other things you were going to do while on this foreign planet. Tour of the scenery, trying more of that delicious food (you were dying over it last night at dinner), learning about its history. Maybe you would learn a little Asgardian magic while you were here. The idea of that gave you a little excitement.

A little while later, while you were lost in a daydream, there was a knock on your door. You got up and grabbed a silk robe that was on a chair by your bedside. "Come in," You said, wrapping and tying the robe over yourself. Two women came through the door, maids of the castle you assumed.

One was holding a pile of neatly folded up fabric in her hands. You got excited.

The two introduced themselves and said that Frigga sent them to wake you and get you ready for breakfast. Since the meeting was going on between Odin, Stephen, Thor, and a few others, Frigga decided to have a little breakfast gathering for you. The women were so sweet, making small talk and asking you about Midgard as they prepared you a hot bath and did your hair in a fancy braid down your back that resembled a French braid.

The moment you were anticipating soon came, and they helped you get dressed.

The dress you were presented with was a deep forest green with golden embellishments. Silk fabric sat in long layers down the skirt, trailing out longer at the back. The neckline did not dive too deep down your chest, just enough for subtlety. The  short sleeves clung to the sides of your upper arms, shoulders exposed above the folded layers. The gold piece wrapped around your waist as a belt helped bring out the details. The length slightly dragged on the floor, looking elegant and glittering in the sunlight. You felt like an Asgardian princess wearing it.

It reminded you of someone. Then you wondered who had picked it...

One of the girls topped off your look with a golden pin in your hair, shaped like a flourishing lily tucked above your right ear. The two admired their work and you thanked them from the bottom of your heart. The girl you saw in the mirror was so different then yourself. You saw an Asgardian goddess, not a sorcerer.

You asked them for directions after thanking them a second time, knowing you would get lost in the giant palace. They told you where to go, curtsying to you as a goodbye. You did it back, pulling up the fabric of your dress to feel a little more into it. With one last look in the mirror, and pulling your shoulders back, you made your way out of your guest room and down the correct hallway.

You were directed to a drawing room that was down a tall staircase and a few doors to your left. There was a guard in front of the wooden door, but upon seeing you he bowed and held it open for you. The room inside was not too large, but the big open window gave the impression that it was. Decorated just as nicely as the rest of the place, this room was no exception to the royal aspect and medieval aesthetic to the palace. There were a few comfy chairs surrounding a low table, where Frigga greeted you with a warm smile.

Sitting in the seat beside her was Loki. You had not seen him yesterday when you had arrived. This made you wonder why he had not said hello to you then along with everyone else. He also was not at dinner last night. Weird. He held a tea cup in one hand as he leaned back in his chair, cradling its saucer in the other hand. Seeing Loki sipping tea from a pretty cup with his pinky finger jutting out was a different sight, a contrast to his darker persona you knew was hidden beneath.

You hugged Frigga, which she insisted on, and you sat down with them. You all chatted over breakfast and you sparking up conversation with Loki was a little awkward at first, but once you opened up a little it flowed easily. The tea was amazing and the little pastries laid out on nice platters were absolutely delicious. Frigga asked about your magic skills, and you both began to exchange stories about magic. You had a great time and you were glad you got out of bed for this. Soon Frigga had some business to take care of and had to cut this little gathering short.

When you left Loki caught up with you in the hallway.

"It has been a while since we have seen each other, Lady (Y/N)."

A lot of the people here were calling you that. And people you did not even know knew your name, which always kind of threw you off for a second or two. That told you that you were known here, from either Thor or Stephen talking. The whole 'Lady' thing was out of respect you assumed, and you did not mind.

"It has." You replied as you both walked down the hall together, "It was nice to see you again, Loki."

"How are you liking it here?" He asked with a smile.

"I love it!" You beamed, "It's beautiful, the food is amazing," You then gestured down to the dress you were wearing, "and the clothes are stunning."

He chuckled, "Green looks good on you."

"Easy for you to say, it's your favorite."

"No no," He sputtered, and you thought he looked a little...flustered? "You genuinely look beautiful in green."

A little heat ran up to your cheeks. "Oh, thanks."

There was a balcony up ahead where you saw sunlight streaming in. You picked up your pace to go look out of it, Loki right behind you. It was overlooking the back of the castle, where you could see a beautiful garden down below, before the landscape stretched out into more of the city and the mountains beyond.

For a second or two you wondered what was past those peaks. If the planet simply stopped there, or if there were forests or towns or lakes or anything else that you wanted to discover. This whole place was full of beauty and the idea that there was a possibility for more was just a little overwhelming. But you loved it.

"I'm happy you like my home." Loki leaned on the railing, looking out at the city with you. "Although it was not always considered my home."

"What do you mean?" You asked. You noticed a sadness in his eyes now.

"You know my history."

At that moment you realized what that sadness was. Probably memories flashing through his mind. You did know his history. Lied to all his life, being overcome by the sadness and anger and wrath and desire for revenge. You knew what that lead to, the New York event and everything that came with and after that. Right now, he was allowed freedom back in his home for 'rehabilitation' of sorts, offered a second chance. Not knowing what that was like, you could not relate, but you knew he had gone through pain. It was even painful to see it in his eyes.

"So do you consider it home again?" It was all you could think of to say.

He shook his head in a light nod after a second to think, the look on his features exchanged for one with a small smile. A weird thought crossed your mind, you had not seen Loki smile this much before.

The two of you stood there looking out at the city below, watching the people of Asgard go about their days. It was a calm silence that fell, not a line of tension or heavy weight of awkwardness at all. Just a calm.

"Hey," Loki said out of nowhere, and you turned your head to look at him as he spoke up, "your outfit is missing something."

You raised an eyebrow at him, coming off as almost sarcastic. "Oh?"

A smirk sneaked up on his face and you knew he was going to do something. You braced yourself for whatever it might be, good or bad or a mix of both. With a flicker of green magic, an object materialized in his hands. It was his helmet, shining gold with the curved horns. It was so polished that you could see your reflection in it.

Then he was holding it out to you.

"Oh no, I couldn't."

Loki cocked his head to the side and shrugged with a smile, again with the smiling, "Why not?"

A pause, you did not say anything because you had nothing to say. Something about it was very tempting, but it also felt forbidden. Like if you were to put it on you would be overcome by some spell or just a wave of emotion. Or just the thought of wearing something that was considered 'crown-like', because you were not royalty or a goddess or someone with high power. But it was all calling your name, with a glint of gold.

"I insist." Loki added.

After another moment's pause, you let him put the helmet into your hands. It was lighter than you expected it to be, with pure gold usually being heavy. Probably not made of pure gold then. Just a trick of the eye.

Without waiting anymore, you slowly rested the helmet on your head. Right away you noticed it was a little big on you. It was not made to fit your head, obviously, but you felt something while wearing it. Maybe honour, or pride. Or maybe just pure 'slyness', the same energy that Loki often channeled.

"Looks good." Loki beamed.

"I'm dressed like you," You snapped jokingly, "that's why you think I look good."

He laughed and you did too. Maybe I should wear more green, you told yourself.  

As you both continued to watch the city below and make small talk, from down the hall you could hear footsteps. Maybe guards or other people of the palace, you presumed. But as they approached, they got louder. And they got quicker. Heavy boots, you deduced. But suddenly they stopped.

"Nice view."

You nearly jumped out of your skin as Stephen had suddenly appeared right beside you. So those were his footsteps. You had not expected him to be out of the meeting for another while, but there he was. Him and that damn short-range teleportation spell he just loved to use for some reason. There were too many instances of him appearing out of nowhere back home and it resulted to you being more jumpy nowadays. He had positioned himself between you and Loki you noticed. Loki looked just as surprised as you were, the trickster being tricked.

"Where did you come from?" Loki scowled

"Down the hall." He answered blankly. You stiffed a laugh at his demeanor, sly and confident, when realization hit you that those were aspects of his jealous and protective side coming out. Oh boy, here we go...

"I'm surprised you're out of bed," Stephen looked down at you with a raised eyebrow, which made you chuckle. You saw a tiny twitch in the corner of his eye, and something told you that it had something to do with the god opposite you and the headpiece you were now wearing.

Stephen reached forward and gently lifted the gold helmet off your head, care in his eyes and shaking fingers. Once it was off, he (not so subtly) aggressively threw it at Loki's chest who stumbled to catch it, all trace of gentleness gone. Loki gave him a mock offended look, but Stephen's own hard expression was not phased. Your eyes quickly darted between the two, seeing the tension that had now thickened the air.

"Should't you be at a meeting with Odin?" Loki said. You noticed he did not say my father.

"Oh we finished early," Stephen replied in a light tone, trying to one-up the god while bringing out his ego's confidence. "we're having another one this evening however."

Loki looked like he did not know what to do, which made an amused smile spread across the sorcerer's face. Then he straight up asked, monotone voice dropping to sound flat and serious, "Why was she wearing your helmet?"

"Because...it matches her outfit?" The god struggled to find and answer only to come up with a question instead.

"Yea, sure." Stephen mumbled, "Wonder where she got that outfit."

"Some palace maids dressed me," You chimed in, but it felt like you were invisible at the moment. There was too much testosterone in the air that was covering your existence, which made you roll your eyes.

"Green and gold are nice colours." Loki said while trying to sound convincing and innocent.

"Coincidence she's wearing them?" Stephen shot back, suspicious.

"I had nothing to do with it, Strange."

"Oh sure."

"Oh my god." You slumped against the railing and rested your face in your hands. The two went on to snap at each other and argue for a little, but it felt like an eternity. after a period of you just standing there listening helplessly, the heat started to die down.

"If you'll excuse me, Sorcerer Supreme," Loki enunciated Stephen's title like it was a forbidden word, "I should be headed to attend some business."

He tried to walk off but Stephen cut him off, "Oh what kind of business do you have to do?"

"Business that does not require a mere mortal sorcerer to stick his clever nose into!"

"Well, it looked like it was no more important then taking my girl somewhere to be alone with!" The low rumble in his voice made it a little more threatening.

With that, Loki rolled his eyes so hard it looked like it hurt. And he walked away without another word, flipping his helmet over in his hands before jabbing it on his head with visible frustration.

"Well that was a show." You said, having stood there watching the whole thing like it was a theater drama.

Stephen shrugged, "I try my best."

You laughed, "Your jealousy gets to your head."

His facial expression recoiled, "Do you enjoy my jealousy? Do you enjoy his company?"

Your jaw dropped for a second in offence, "God no, why would I enjoy making you upset?" At that you shrugged, "Although it can be amusing."

You felt a pinch on your arm which made you let out a sound of distress. Stephen chuckled, and wrapped an arm around you lovingly as you leaned against the balcony railing together.

"He was just trying to be nice, Stephen."

"I don't think he can be 'nice',"

"He was nice at breakfast,"

"You had breakfast with him?"

"I was with Frigga. He just so happened to be there."

"Okay fine."

You laughed and he gently kissed the top of your head. After a moment of quiet and peace, you felt his softly shaking hand fiddle with the sleeve of your dress, "You look very beautiful."

Blushing, you looked up at him with admiring eyes. His expression mirrored yours. He was still wearing the new robes you last saw him in, the gold linings glittering in the Asgardian sunlight. You were about to say the same thing he said to you, when his expression changed. It was his thinking face.

"What?"

Stephen must have realized something as raised an eyebrow, "There's magic in your dress."

Before you could react, Stephen waved his hand in a quick motion. Suddenly, green waves of energy flowed out of the fabric of your clothes. But they soon changed to orange sparks, Asgardian magic to Earth sorcerer magic. As they flowed over you, the colour of your dress changed. The green was replaced with blue and the gold was replaced with red. There was still a little gold here and there, lining the edges in a familiar way.

"I knew it. He must have tampered with it." Stephen grumbled.

Now your dress mimicked the colours of Stephen's clothes, their original colours. You laughed a little, the person who made your clothes thought they were clever. But also Loki thought he was clever to change it to his colours. You wondered when and why he did that, but you shrugged it off and instead admired the dress in this new perspective.  

"That's better." Stephen said, a little proud of himself for some reason.

"I like this more." You giggled.

"Me too."

The dress felt lighter and the fabric shined a little more. It was made for you, perfectly tailored to your body and with the perfect colours to match. It was perfect. And it reminded you of him so it made it all the more special. If they would not let you keep it, then you are just going to bring it home with you anyways.

"Well since the meeting was cut off early, lunch is not for another half an hour or so. What should we do till then?"

"Well~" You drew out, a smile creeping up your face, "I was looking at the gardens from here and I wouldn't mind going to see them."

Stephen smiled. He offered his elbow to you, "Then do you care for romantic stroll, Lady (Y/N)?" He put on his best English accent (which was surprisingly flawless), his naturally low voice making it all the more amusing.

With a giggle, you took his arm. Together you made your way through the castle in a swish of red and blue fabrics.

"Although," Stephen started as you both made your way down the last set of stairs that lead to the ground floor, "you did look good in the green. Even though I hate to admit it."

"Hate to admit it?" You looked up at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Well it was Loki's trickery, but you look good regardless. As always."

[dodgefred]

do you have any ideas as to how you would direct abh/certain scenes if you had the chance

short answer: yes

long answer:

i think overall i would do similar things from mcc because the directing in mcc was exquisite and jessie nelson did a wonderful job, but i would also incorporate some other elements into the show like having an ensemble onstage at all times, having the ensemble integrated into the set like the spring awakening revival does, and i would want everything to feel much more intimate. mcc already does a great job with the intimacy but i really would want to expand on that feeling and make the audience feel as if they’re a member of the bunker listening to this story too.

another thing i would keep is the parallels between bunker visuals and wonderland concepts, like the gas mask flamingos. i would like to expand on this, though, and make the parallels used in the costumes much more noticeable.

the plot structure of alice by heart, in my mind, is alice spencer telling the story of alfred’s death (whether she realizes it or not). i’d have alice begin and end the show reading her book. the music of west of words would begin as soon as alice opens to page one, and the sirens wouldn’t get introduced until after her first verse. this lets us get introduced to alice as a character before we’re introduced to her situation. this also should be the only time alice is alone onstage, and the stage would be bare.

after the siren, the rest of the ensemble would run onstage with furniture and build the bunker in a flurry of bodies and chaos surrounding alice. alfred would run in front of alice before running to his cot, and the rest of this scene would proceed with alice still standing in the middle of all of the chaos around her. her book is still open in her hands. she is our narrator.

my next major point of change would be with down the hole. the bunker kids changing into their wonderland forms would be more clear, and would feature more dramatic onstage quick changes during each of their respective verses or lines. instead of alice twirling into her blue dress, she manipulates the rest of the cast into changing themselves. i don’t think alice would change into her blue dress until alfred sings his “down and down we fall” verse. alfred would playfully remind her to change herself, too. they’re best friends and have played this game countless times and we need to show it onstage. also i think alfred deserves to wear rabbit ears. that’s all.

an alternative decision would be alice starting the show in her blue dress in order to represent how she’s constantly with “[her] head in wonderland.”

i think mcc didn’t do enough with still. a bit of a spoiler for later is that i really want to keep the lobster dance, or at least something similar to it. however, i’d introduce it in still rather than in those long eyes. i’d introduce it as an overarching theme of their relationship. just like wonderland, the lobster dance is something they do quite often; often enough for alfred to know how to do it even when he isn’t fully paying attention. in still, alfred would still try to be evading the discussion and escape alice’s grasp, but she’d try and do their dance together. they don’t finish the dance before the end of the song.

the only major change i would make to chillin the regrets is i’d have the caterpillars lay down more for the scene before. they can get up and do fun choreo with alice afterwards (during the song) but i think she should work more for the attention they give her (during the scene), like alice has to in the original story. they should definitely be more apathetic towards her at first. i’d also like to introduce some sort of dance motif in chillin that alice echoes to alfred in the key is when she tries to get him to smoke. in chillin, i also think it would be cool if there was a smoke machine onstage making the stage as foggy as alice’s head is. if she as our narrator doesn’t know what’s going on, how are we supposed to? i think the smoke can fade for the key is, because we actually need to see that one for the plot, but i think even so there could be some sort of playing with shadows and silhouettes that would be really cool.

i think the bird scene would be really fun with puppetry! the puppets could be made out of items that would only be found in the bunker, like the same fabric the cots are made of, buttons that match the ones on the characters’ clothes, and the gas mask beaks. the birds would just be so much fun as puppets. skipping ahead a bit here, but i also think the duchess in manage your flamingo should have a pig puppet to reference the original a bit more closely.

as mentioned earlier, those long eyes would have a dance motif that would continue throughout the show, and i think while the dance in those long eyes lasted longer than it did in still, it still should be cut off by the sirens and shouldn’t be complete. alice still doesn’t have closure for their relationship by this point, so the dance shouldn’t either.

for most of the show, the cheshire puss should be hooded and perched on an upper platform whenever shes giving alice advice. when alice wont listen to her, she finally snaps and sings some things fall away. she gets on alice’s level and finally reveals her face.

i don’t have many more specific ideas until the end because most of the songs in the middle chunk of the show are just alice running around wonderland and i’m not a choreographer so i’m not really sure what i’d do exactly with these. but i do want to bring up the jabberwocky. i’m obsessed with what mcc does by making alice’s fear of the doctor and the soldiers physical, but i think we could take brillig braellig as an opportunity to bring back the puppets. i think it could be an entirely dark stage except for alice and the jabberwocky. the jabberwocky can be made entirely of white fabric and have images of war and alice’s other fears and traumas projected onto him. the stage can be lit from below so we get some interesting shadows. if we want to incorporate something like mcc did with butridge literally being the jabberwocky, he can be dressed in all white as well and have the puppet follow him around the stage to have more physical interaction with alice. in this scene, i imagine the puppet being pretty big so the ensemble’s place onstage would be helping in puppeteering so the stage would feel emptier than it actually is.

i’m obsessed with the falling rose petals and the coughing before another room in your head in mcc but i think that part could really benefit from some modifications. instead of them being in an empty stage, i think there could be a carpet of white roses beneath them and soap blood could literally come from alfred all over them and all over him. the roses aren’t the only roses in that scene.

in i’ve shrunk enough, i think it would be cool for the characters to go up in a puff of smoke and exit out of a trap door in the stage when alice poofs them out of existence. alice should be the only one poofing everyone away, as she is our narrator. i also think there could be a moment where alfred quickly runs backstage and changes back into his original hospital gown for the final scenes. (in terms of logistics i think the hospital gown could stay beneath his white rabbit costume so he’s able to more quickly change). when he returns onstage, it should be the end of the song. in the vassar reading, at the end of i’ve shrunk enough, alfred says “time’s up” after the final notes of the song. i would want to bring that back. alfred says it as he returns onstage, and the lighting suddenly shifts to two spotlights — one on alice and one on alfred — that merge as the two get closer throughout the next scene.

in afternoon, we bring back the lobster dance. this should be the only time the dance comes to a close. alice isn’t ready for alfred to die, but she’s a hell of a lot more ready than she was during still. she can continue doing the dance by herself after alfred leaves.

after alfred leaves the stage, alice also picks up the book. throughout the show it was probably left downstage in one of the corners of the stage, so here alice picks it back up and finishes it on alfred’s cot. the spotlight follows and doesn’t disperse to reveal the rest of the ensemble until the final notes of the song when alice finally closes the book.

throughout winter blooms, the characters should dismantle the bunker like they brought it on in the beginning. they each change into their wonderland costumes once again (or at least bits and pieces of them, since winter blooms is a pretty quick song, but i doubt their wonderland costumes are too drastically different from their bunker costumes regardless) throughout the rest of the song. at the very end, i’d have alice come centerstage once more, standing in the same place she was during alfred’s death. she’d sing to an empty stage, for the most part, until her final “and there you are.” alfred comes onstage (whether he comes onstage himself or he’s brought up through the stage on a lift or a turntable, i don’t know) in his white rabbit costume once again, and alice pulls him into an embrace as the stage fades to black once more.