#(thanks for tagging even though I have been stuck in the ground :0)

[cheerycherrycandy-resurrected]

Hunter's Moon (Medieval AU pt. 2)

Chapter 1

Oh we're so back!! What You've Done You Cannot Undo Part 2: Swissalps Boooogaloo 👻

After yesterday's (rather embarrassing...) total disaster with "early access invites", I think my tag list needs thanking for their patience with my bs as well as their support of this series! Link was here if anyone wanted to try and see if it works for them! (best viewed not on mobile). Secret code: swissalps Much love to @ashthewaterghoul @bloodfin @cosmicseafoam @everybodyshusband @jazz-bazz @karmicbias @kentuckyfriedsatan @midnight-moth @nefariousghoul @papaslittlesunshine @zombiequeen777 @0-miles-away for your encouragement on WYDYCU! 🖤 Y'all are the reason there's a sequel happening haha!

Happy Halloween folks, I hope you have a nice time if you're doing anything, and stay safe! 🖤🎃

Rating: T Content: angst (with a happy ending), alcohol, "hangxiety", vomiting/nausea Words: 4391

Read below, or on AO3!

You are cordially invited to join us for a Harvest Celebration at the Abbey. Refreshments will be provided, and there will be entertainment by local groups, including our own popular folk band! We hope to see you on the thirty-first evening of October, to give thanks for this year's bountiful produce! 

Preparations were well underway for the Harvest festival at the Abbey, but as the final produce was being brought in from the fields, the seeds of discontent were being sowed between Swiss and Mountain. The pair were doing their very best to avoid each other – made difficult by their shared sleeping arrangements – and hoping to dodge the conversation they both knew was coming. It was unavoidable; they knew they had to talk about the events of the previous night at the tavern in the nearby village. The night of the kiss. That didn't stop them from doing all they could to avoid that, though.

The liquor had been freely flowing, Mountain had reasoned. Plied with free drinks by exuberant locals and buoyed up by the ghouls’ music, all of them had indulged more than usual. Even Aether, usually the most stoic and sensible among the pack, had trundled his way back to the Abbey chortling away to his new friend, Cowbell. Swiss had let loose, finally letting the stresses and responsibilities of the previous weeks fall from his shoulders, and Mountain had been over the moon to see him back to his usual happy self.

Some time after his fifth drink, Mountain had lost count. He felt floaty and happy, gravitating towards the multi ghoul who was the one true focus of his attentions. His music project with Copia had gotten off to a roaring start, and the delight in his eyes made them positively gleam. Even sober, Mountain didn’t think he could have resisted their golden glow. They pulled him in, like falling into treacle, and before he was aware of making the decision, his feet had carried him across the tavern floor to press close to his side. Swiss melted against him, celebrating in the way he deserved to. They had barely separated the rest of the evening, dancing, swaying, stuck to each other like magnets.

Mountain couldn’t remember who moved to close the final gap between them, but surrounded by the raucous noise of his pack and the patrons of the pub, he found himself falling forward until his lips pressed firmly against Swiss’. The multi ghoul pressed back against him with a fervour born of weeks of restraint, neither caring about the chaos surrounding them or the bitter taste of beer that lingered in each other’s mouths.

The time between that moment and the pair leaving the tavern could have been minutes or hours for all Mountain knew. He only became aware of his surroundings again as the pair were being bundled into Cowbell’s horse and cart, the ghoul silently but good-naturedly guiding the rowdy, inebriated pack back up the hill and the few miles to the Abbey. Tripping over themselves as they tried to step down to solid ground without detaching their mouths, the two tall ghouls stumbled apart before staggering after the others in the direction of the Den, arms around each other’s waists and giggling to themselves.

Falling into bed hadn’t led anywhere, Mountain didn’t think. He barely remembered taking his shoes off even, before they both fell asleep. Swiss had clearly done something similar; his boots lying strewn in opposite corners of the room the next morning. As Mountain awoke to a pounding headache and a mouth that felt as dry as the desert, he was hit with a feeling of regret like a brick to the back of his head. What if Swiss hadn’t meant to kiss him back? He shuddered at the thought. What if it was just the alcohol?

Ignoring the swirling of the world around his head, he turned to look for Swiss. The multi ghoul was still sound asleep, looking as dead to the world as he always did in the mornings. The guilt wracked Mountain again, and he knew then that he couldn’t be here when Swiss woke – what if he couldn’t stand to see him right now? He suppressed a nauseous groan from moving, and crawled out of bed. The Harvest festival was tonight, and there was undoubtedly more work than he could imagine that still needed to be done for it. Hopefully if he wasn’t still here when Swiss woke, he wouldn’t be as mad at him.

A while after Mountain had left the room, careful to close the door as quietly as possible and with his warm spot in the bed beginning to cool in his absence, Swiss started to wake up. His head felt like a herd of wild boar had used it as a football, but as the memories came flooding back, he couldn’t find it in himself to care. Mountain had kissed him. Well, he thought it was that way around. One moment he had been staring at Mountain’s green eyes, blazing with exhilaration and joy, and the next they had been kissing each other like the world was ending. Swiss felt his headache begin to abate just at the thought. He groped around the mattress, searching for the Earth ghoul to continue what sleep and alcohol had presumably interrupted.

Nothing. His hands fumbled around in empty sheets and blankets, never colliding with the warm, firm body of Mountain. That could surely only mean one thing. Swiss bolted upright, the sudden wave of fear combining with the ensuing head-rush almost making him vomit. Nothing. Mountain wasn’t anywhere in the room. The brightness of the sunlight pouring in only added to his nausea as Swiss stumbled towards the bathroom in search of water.

Mountain must regret everything, Swiss decided. Why else would he leave? He must hate him for ruining their friendship. Swiss groaned, splashing more cold water on his face. As much as he wanted to hide in the room forever, lounging in his own misery, there was still a festival to get ready for and one which he was expected to help with the preparations for. That ought to keep Mountain distracted all day too, he supposed: the earth ghouls were due to be especially busy. That was at least until the evening, when they would all be allowed to join in the festivities and celebrate their own successful harvest throughout the year, drinking the blackberry wine, dancing to music…

Music. Swiss felt his heart sink even further. They were supposed to be playing tonight too, hadn’t Copia said as much, several times, last night? Swiss allowed himself one last groan of self-pity, before wandering back into the bedroom to get dressed. There was no chance of him avoiding Mountain it seemed, so he would have to take the harder option: talking to him. Swiss resolved to do his very best to put things right between them: he might have ruined their chances of ever being mates, but hopefully he could lay the groundwork for them remaining friends.

Mountain meanwhile was spiralling. The festival preparations were boring and monotonous for all of the ghouls involved, but to make things worse he had been put on hay bale duty. Hauling the heavy, prickly blocks into position for makeshift dividers and benches was doing nothing to help his pounding headache and queasy stomach, but he tried to distract himself with the task. It was all to no avail however; and soon he was back to catastrophising about all the ways he had messed up his relationship with Swiss. The longer he stayed away, stewing in his own thoughts, the more another competing fear snuck in – what if Swiss understood that a drunken mistake was just that, but was now angry he hadn't stuck around to apologise? There was no way for him to win against his own mind, and all the worst-case-scenarios continued to bombard him as he worked.

When he next took a break from hauling hay, he spotted Delphinia setting out the small and intricately carved wooden cups they were to serve their famed blackberry wine in later. He felt his mouth watering at the thought, having been told by several earth ghouls that the wine was the true highlight of the festival, but shook his head to himself. Not tonight. He hated to miss out on what was apparently a well-loved an Abbey tradition, but it was more important that he remain clear-headed to talk to Swiss. If he gave him a chance to do so, of course.

Mountain sighed deeply. How could everything have gone so topsy-turvey in the last few hours? He'd been so close to talking to Swiss, finally asking him to be his after so long of wanting, and now they were further away from that than they had possibly ever been before. Kicking at a stone angrily, he watched it skitter across the gravel path before stuttering to a halt as it hit a bump. If that didn't feel like a metaphor for his own life right now...

Back in the Den, Swiss crawled into the common room, eyes squinted shut against the late morning light. He was met, to his surprise, not by any of his pack but by the sight of Cowbell passed out on the couch, snoring. Swiss didn't think he'd ever seen them look so casual before, one arm dragging on the floor and their tail curled around their other arm for comfort as they slept.

Before Swiss could join them in their stupor on another couch, Aether also entered the common room. Under his arm was a small, familiar walnut chest.

“Hangover cure?” Aether offered with a grin, shaking the box at the multi ghoul. Swiss grunted desperately in response, making groggy motions with his hands for Aether to hand over its contents. Aether dutifully plucked out one of the pre-portioned bundles of herbs that laid inside, before placing another on the arm of the sofa next to Cowbell.

“How are you so chipper this morning? You seemed plenty drunk on the way home.” Swiss grumbled, chewing on the dried stalks and wincing at the bitter taste. He felt his stomach begin to settle instantly however, and the edges of his headache slowly began to erode away.

“Some of us didn't spend our evenings sucking down beers and earth ghouls’ tongues!” Aether teased with an exaggerated wink. He stopped himself from saying anything more however when he saw the crestfallen look on Swiss’ face. “I’m sorry, I didn't mean it like that...”

Swiss shook his head; Aether hadn't meant to upset him, he knew that.

“Mount clearly wishes he hadn't spent his evening like that either,” huffing dejectedly, Swiss slumped further down into the couch, “he was gone when I woke up this morning.”

It was common knowledge that Swiss and Mountain shared a room by now, but no one had felt the need bring it up before. Several of the pack thought they were just keeping their developing relationship under wraps, with last night simply being the first time they had let the curtain fall. Aether had no idea that it had actually been their first real step in that direction. The quintessence ghoul moved to sit beside Swiss on the couch, letting him rest his head on his shoulder with a sigh. He didn't know what to say, but he knew he could at least be there for him if he wanted to talk.

They stayed that way, sat in companionable silence, until Cowbell began to stir and Cirrus and Cumulus appeared. Swiss raised his head with a groan, letting Aether attend to his latest ‘patients’ who were also feeling rather thick-headed.

Eventually the drowsy fog in the room lifted, helped in no small part by Cirrus raiding the kitchens for what was left of breakfast; the smell of warm bacon enticing even Swiss over to the dining table. As much as they would have all welcomed a morning inside, there was still a lot to be done to prepare for the festival and so, bellies full, they all trudged out to the Abbey grounds to do their part.

~~~~~~~

Two more ghouls that should also have been helping, but were skiving their duties in bed, were Rain and Dewdrop. The gentle hubbub of noise in the passage outside had failed to wake them, but eventually the autumn sun pouring through the window did. Scrunching his eyes up against the light, Rain burrowed his face into Dew's hair. The fire ghoul wriggled slightly as he in turn began to wake, but neither made any move to leave their shared embrace. This was becoming routine for them; waking in each other's arms.

Rain's head felt slightly heavy, but he knew the rest of his pack must be feeling a lot worse. Sure, he and Dew had both enjoyed the free beer, but it had seemed almost unnecessary with the way they felt drunk off each other instead. Looking back on the memories of the night before, starting with the roaring success of their fellow pack members' first ritual, Rain felt a deep sense of contentment. The night had only gotten better, he thought, as tables and chairs had been pushed aside and the dancing had begun. It had reminded him of the parties of his home clan, and all the other large celebrations he hadn't experienced in years. A thrill of anticipation ran through him as he realised that they would get to repeat the fun again tonight, but with the rest of the ghouls in the Abbey he'd met over the last few weeks.

The most exciting part of the previous night had, of course, been seeing Swiss and Mountain together at last. While Rain might have been caught up in his and Dew’s blossoming love story, he hadn't missed the signs that his packmates were living out their own. He didn't know when their friendship had crossed into something more – they had certainly hidden it better than him and Dew had, especially if they had been a pair for a while already – but he was overjoyed for them, nonetheless. Rain held Dew close, thanking Him below for his and his packmates’ happiness.

“Morning Rainy,” Dew murmured drowsily against his chest, finally awake enough to speak. The words came out slightly croaky: Dew had been leading the chorus of cheers directed at Swiss and Mountain last night, Rain supposed, before his mouth decided it would be better occupied pressed against Rain's.

“Good morning, Love,” he whispered back, “sleep well?”

Dew nodded, his hair brushing against Rain’s sides and tickling him as he nuzzled closer.

“Not as well as Mount and Swiss will have,” he sleepily chuckled, “they were really out of it when we got back!”

Rain sniggered to himself. Their packmates really had been in a world all of their own. He was sure that warranted at least some light-hearted teasing later.

“I didn't even know they were together.” He mused aloud.

“Nor did I...” Dew hummed. “I thought Swiss would've told me if something happened. 'M happy for them though, maybe last night was just the kick they needed to finally realise how loopy they are for each other.”

“I'm not sure we have a leg to stand on there!” Rain giggled, squeezing Dew tightly until the fire ghoul squawked in protest and the pair descended into peals of laughter, all thoughts of their pack – and their duties regarding the festival – forgotten.

~~~~~~~

Outside, Swiss had already been put to work alongside Cirrus and Cumulus. The trio had been tasked with hanging enchanted fairy lights all along the pathway down to the main road to the village; guiding beacons for those curious – and brave – enough to venture up. The constant bending and reaching was doing nothing to help Swiss’ headache, but instead of complaining he was simply grateful to continue to avoid Mountain. He still had no idea what he could possibly say to him.

The air ghoulettes had both sensed immediately that something was off with the usually-cheery ghoul, and it was costing them every scrap of patience they had not to ask what had put him in such a gloomy mood. Soon however they were granted a welcome distraction in the form of Sunshine, arms laden with brightly glowing lanterns.

“Overslept?” Cumulus teased as she approached, hair curling wildly around her ears.

“Eh,” she waved the comment off with a grin, “I’m here now aren’t I? As long as everything gets done in time Copia won’t care.”

“Besides, has anyone seen him yet this morning?” Cirrus chimed in. She had a point; no one had heard a peep from the old man yet, who was usually one of the earliest risers in the Abbey.

They all resumed their task, Sunshine slotting herself beside Swiss to pass the lights up to him and saving him from the constant bending down, allowing the remains of his headache to ebb away. Although far from working in silence, the things that hung unsaid in the air were loud. Cumulus especially was uncharacteristically quiet, biting her tongue to avoid outright demanding Swiss tell her what was bothering him.

One ghoulette who was not so tactful however was Mist. When the ghouls were almost down to the road with their lights, she came loping down the path towards them clutching a small hamper. They realised as she grew closer just how long they must have been working, with the sun nearly at its peak.   

“Alright, lover boy?” She called with a loud whistle.

Oblivious to the panicked glares the other ghoulettes were shooting her, she produced a pair of glass bottles from the hamper and held them out temptingly. The condensation running down the outsides did look tempting, the thought of a cold drink on the mild autumn day making them all realise just how thirsty they were.

Swiss however looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him up. He was still a little intimidated by the water ghoulette and her directness. Mist seemed unbothered by his silence though, continuing to unload the hamper of a selection of snacks and to pour the drink; a sweet, ginger-infused concoction from Aether that soothed their remaining stomach jitters. Swiss sipped it gratefully, burying his face in the cup. It didn't work though, and he could still feel Mist's piercing blue gaze boring a hole in the side of his head.

“What's got you looking like a bear with a sore head?” She quipped lightly. “Moping because your hunky earth ghoul is busy? He's hauling hay bales right now, I'd have thought you'd be spying from the bushes!”

Everyone fell very silent at Mist's words, as Swiss looked up like a deer caught in headlights, stricken. He couldn't stop the blush colouring his cheeks, as much as her words simultaneously made him want to cry. Swiss realised he didn't even know if Mountain would ever want to speak to him again, let alone be describes as Swiss'.

“Oh Honey...” Mist's entire demeanour changed as she softly cooed, seeing the expression on his face fall. Her soft side came out only rarely, but when it did it was as comforting as sinking into a warm bath. Before he knew what was happening, Swiss found himself sat on the dry earth floor swarmed in a ghoulette group hug, someone producing a handkerchief for the tears he hadn't realised were leaking from his eyes. It smelled like fresh air and spring flowers, and he assumed it was Cumulus'. Surrounded by love, Swiss let the floodgates open, allowed himself to feel all the hurt and confusion he had been feeling all day.

“What happened Sweetheart?” Mist murmured, stroking his back while his shoulders shook. “What's got you so upset?”

Between choked sobs, Swiss was finally able to get out the events of that morning, explaining at length the emotional rollercoaster he had been on over the few hours he'd been awake, thinking he had finally got everything his heart wanted only to have it all torn away. How Mountain hadn't been there when he woke up, and had left no explanation for his absence.

“He didn't even leave a note,” he said, almost begging someone to tell him he had misunderstood everything, to suddenly produce an explanation of their own, “he's always there in the mornings, no matter what! Even when he's busy or has to head out early he'll always bring breakfast.”

Cirrus and Cumulus shared a concerned glance behind his back; they frequently bumped into Mountain scurrying around laying food on a tray for the pair, he seemed to take great joy from the act of providing for Swiss.

“Maybe he just forgot?” Sunny suggested. Swiss shook his head vehemently.

“He never forgets! He must regret last night so much, he has to hate me now!” Another volley of sobs wracked his body, counterbalanced by the harmonising concern of the ghoulettes around him. They were all trying their best to hide the mild shock at learning that the hitherto inseparable ghouls really were in fact, just friends until now.

“I'm sure there's an explanation, if you talk to him,” suggested Cirrus, ever the voice of reason amongst the group, “there's no way he'd want you to be this upset.”

“How can I talk to him though, when he clearly doesn't want to? He knows I'm down here, wouldn't he come and find me if he wanted to?”

No one had an answer for that.

Work completely forgotten, the ghoulettes stayed in their huddle around Swiss until his eyes were dry again and his breaths even. The final lanterns were a short matter with five pairs of hands now, as the group made a plan.

Mist was more than willing to square up to Mountain: the ghouls were all pack now, and he had made one of her pack cry. Even though she was short in stature, only slightly more than half of the earth ghoul’s unglamoured height, she cut an imposing figure as she stood with her hands defiantly on her hips. The thought of Mountain having to crouch to be lectured by her made Swiss giggle despite his woes.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Cirrus reasoned, quickly putting a stop to that approach, “I’ll happily be next in line to chew him out if that’s what’s needed, but let’s think what else we can do first.”

“Are you absolutely certain he regrets last night,” Cumulus added, “and that he’s not just really busy with the festival? The earth ghouls always get the brunt of the work this time of year, maybe someone came to fetch him from your room before he could say goodbye?”

Swiss thought for a minute; he hadn’t considered that Mountain may not have been given a chance to let him know about his early departure.

“No…” He admitted hesitantly.

“Then give him a chance to explain, Sweetie,” with a gentle smile, Cumulus stroked his arm, “there’s no point getting upset until you have all the facts.”

As always, Swiss thought to himself, she was right.

Walking back up the hill, they continued to hatch a plan. If Mountain really had needed to leave in a rush, he must be feeling bad about it too. As Cirrus pointed out; he didn't want to start a fight over a misunderstanding. Her advice of simply talking to the ghoul seemed almost too obvious, and Swiss had to wonder how his pack had coped for so long without her level-headed attitude to keep them grounded. They decided the best option for now was to act normal and let things play out; if Mountain knew Swiss was nearby, he would surely at least say hello. Lightening the tension, Sunny had quipped that there was no point making Mountains out of molehills.

As Swiss got closer to where he knew Mountain was working, he felt his nerves creeping back in. After how turbulent the morning had been, he had no idea if he would be able to act natural when Mountain spoke to him, or if all his insecurities would all come bursting out when he opened his mouth. He could only hope that this little blip would be just that, and they could continue letting their relationship blossom as he had dreamed that it would when he first woke.

~~~~~~~

In the large clearing just outside the Abbey's walls, where the festival was to be held, Mountain still wasn't feeling any better than he had when he first woke up. Even if physically he was feeling better, he was increasingly wracked with guilt about how things had gone down with Swiss. He hadn't seen him all day, something that was practically unheard of given how close the pair were, and the solitude combined with the boring work was giving him too much time to stew in his own negative thoughts.

Mountain thought about what he would say when he saw Swiss. There was so much he wanted to say; from how he was sorry if he overstepped the night before, to grand declarations of love for the multi ghoul. The myriad ways a conversation could go ran through his head, like he was a playwright composing a hundred different possibilities for either an epic tragedy or a comedy or errors.

Maybe Swiss would be mad at him for the drunken kiss and angrier still at him for leaving so suddenly in the morning, or maybe he would be upset but still grateful for the space when he woke. Possibly things could go back to normal; their close friendship unchanged by them getting a little too close just this one time. Just maybe though, Swiss would feel the same way about him. In Mountain's wildest dreams, the likes of which he barely dared entertain, Swiss might also have allowed his heart to rule his head the previous night. The thought wasn't entirely reassuring however, as that would mean Mountain had abandoned him for the entire morning, leaving him uncertain and alone.

He huffed loudly to himself, making a nearby earth ghoul look over at him in concern. However things stood with him and Swiss, he couldn't see any angle where he hadn't messed up in some way. He really couldn't win.

[ecodweeb]

Electrify America’s growing pains

I’ve been too busying driving to stop and post, but I had to pen some thoughts about Electrify America and their roll out. I’ve been using them a lot lately, and the experience is 3 out of 5 stars…

Let’s start with the bugs I’ve found. First, for some time now, PlugShare has shown two EA sites “coming soon” in Durham and Hillsborough.

I drove out to the Durham location about a week or two before I bought the Hyundai, and not a thing was there. No construction, nothing. Strange… all the other sites had broken ground when they popped up on the map. So, on Friday (the 14th), I checked the Electrify America map like I always do. Lo and behold - they had the Durham location marked as live, and there was a PlugShare check in that confirmed it was operational as of the 13th! Weirdly, both that Hillsborough and Durham sites showed “live” on Friday…

I drove out to address listed for the new location – 3414 Hillsborough Rd in Durham – and there was no Electrify America.  As you can see from the screenshots above, standing at the alleged location of the site the EA app map shows I’m about 9 miles away from it (despite being at the address listed for the site). Thanks to PlugShare, we knew the address of the correct Sheetz – so off we went!

I found the chargers, and 3 of the 4 were operational. The one that wasn’t had physical damage on the front of it. I plugged in long enough to get 1.2kWh of energy and then called customer service to report the location issue. After that, I emailed photos of the damage at the site as they requested and went home to sleep before my long day of volunteering.

Saturday was an action-packed day. My friend, Seth, and I worked at a yard sale benefiting the SAGE program at the LGBT Center of Raleigh. At 11:30, we departed the yard sale and headed towards Florence, SC for a car show with an EV showcase. We stopped off in Lumberton to charge, which is where the next bug reared its ugly head…

I plugged into the first station, but it never recognized the car. I plugged into the second station, and it charged about 7 minutes and then stopped. I moved to a third station, and that one charged the car to completion. I used the app to start the session on all three chargers, and after the charger would say “plug in here,” the app would tell me an error occurred and my charge had failed. Despite that, two of the stations did initiate a charge. The first time it actually started charging, I got the progress indicator in my mobile app. However, the last charging attempt presented me with a charging indicator that showed 0%. I ignored it, until we got to Florence. It was still there, despite the session having ended and both the push notification to the app and the text message said my charging session had ended.

Opening up another site while the “active charging” banner is on screen is quite difficult. It’s one of the criticisms I have about the app. As of this writing, I still have the above stuck on my screen (but EA support emailed me back at 2p today and said they were looking into this).

Also, three of the 5 charging spaces were ICE’d at Florence. I called EA and they said to get the tag # and description of the car and ask the Walmart Customer Service team to page the owner and threaten the car could be towed. Nice idea, but I didn’t test it out. EA really needs to have a predatory towing company to address this.

I also want to talk about Electrify America’s billing policies. They base your tiered pricing on how fast your car says it can theoretically charge upon initial communication with the station. As a rep told me, my Hyundai reports that it can draw 83kW - which puts it in the $0.42/min tier, even though it never exceeds 70kW actual draw (and anything 75kW or less should pay $0.15/minute). I’ve brought  this up three times with Electrify America, and I keep playing phone tag with a woman named Paris who seems like she wants to discuss the issue with me… if we could ever get on the phone together. No one has a direct line in customer service, so I have to go through the queue and request a call back every time I miss her call. It’s beyond infuriating.

So, sometimes my car (and what circumstances determine this, I don’t know yet) will report it can only draw 75kW - which puts it into the $0.15/minute charging bracket. A few weeks ago, coming back from a graduation party in VA, I thought that the car would report different max charging speeds based on the battery’s state of charge. On our trip up, we charged at 49% and 51%, and both times we were in the $0.15/min tier of pricing. On the return, we plugged in at 8% and it was $0.42. I stopped the charge at 52% and reconnected, and it still put me in the $0.42/min tier. That theory is out.

Going to Florence, it was super hot outside. I left the Bluetooth OBD adapter, so I couldn’t monitor the battery temperature on this trip (which I regret). Every charge - and we did a total of 3 - were at the $0.15/min rate. I’d like to think maybe EA has changed their policy, but I know it’s just my car reporting it is charging slower (for whatever reason).

So, yeah, I’ve found two bugs in the EA app/map and I’ve been fruitlessly trying to get a hold of some one higher up to discuss this pricing policy. As the story develops, I’ll update the blog. Stay tuned.

[witchspurred]

*  MUSE SURVEY: BATTLE EDITION

repost, do not reblog! bold what consistently applies. italicize situational, not always.

DOES YOUR MUSE, WHILE FIGHTING …

fight honorably  /  fight dirty /  prefer close-quarters  / prefer range  /  chat during  /  go silent / low pain tolerance  / high pain tolerance /  attack in bursts  / attack steadily  /  go for the kill / aim to disarm / fight defensively /  strike first  / provoke easily  /   provoke their opponent  /  tease /  get visibly frustrated  /  shout while attacking  / use strategy /  focus on their battle / experience conflicting thoughts during battle  / rush in recklessly  /  try to read their opponent before fighting /   fight wildly /  fight calmly apathetically  / fight with anger  /  fight with excitement  / fight because they have to  /  fight because they want to  /  fight without regard to wounds /  run away when wounded  / hide wounds ��/ take a blow to protect another /   prefer a blade  /  prefer a gun  /  prefer a bow /  prefer a shield  /  prefer a spear naginata  /  prefer a personalized weapon  /  prefer magic or spells  /   prefer brawling  /  their greatest weakness is physical  /  their greatest weakness is mental  / their greatest weakness is emotional / transform for battle  /  fight as they appear  /  rely on strength  /  rely on speed / use everything they have /  hide their full potential  /  exhaust quickly  /  high stamina  /  doubt their strength  /  proceed with caution  / behave arrogantly  /  brag after landing a hit  /  belittle their abilities  /  use psychological tactics /  use brute strength  / avoid civilians   /  strike down civilians  /  damage surroundings  /  avoid damaging surroundings / signature fighting style  /  making it up as they go  /  mastered skillset   /  learning their skillset  / fancy footwork /  sloppy footwork /  messy fighter  /  elegant fighter / accept defeat /  refuse defeat / beg for mercy /  compliment their opponent  / insult their opponent  /  use unnecessary movements ( flips, twirls )  / move efficiently  /  barely move /  prefer to dodge / prefer to block  /  defend their blindside  / has no blindside  /  use all available advantages ( ex; use a gun but also throw punches, kick out while blades clash, etc. )  /  strictly use one main method  /  play around  /  hold back  / fight ruthlessly / show mercy /  wait for opponent to be ready  / strike when opponent isn’t ready  / fear death  /  fear pain  /  fear killing /  has PTSD  / avoid fighting /  has lost a fight  / has won a fight  / has killed / refuses to kill / want to die standing /  would succumb slowly.

Tagged by: @jasperlion and @sireneia (thanks dudes) Tagging: @fatedcomrades​ (any muse) and anyone else since I’m late to this

[mystic-deep]

"Sensei said girls love swans." | Okkotsu Yuuta x fem!reader

♡ ♡ ♡ description: Just a small box of chocolates, bought on a whim, gifted for no apparent reason. Or so you say.

♡ ♡ ♡ warnings: none, good bad advices from Gojo.

♡ ♡ ♡ notes: I'm working on three other stories with Nanami, Gojo and Toji but had to write something for best boy Yuuta. We're getting volume 0 animated! This was done at the speed of light so please forgive any errors.

♡ ♡ ♡ word count: 2.29 k

Valentine’s Day was quite a surprise this year. You didn’t expect the world to just revert back to old habits so soon, but then again you understood the craving for what was once considered normal. More than a year had passed since the Shibuya incident and with Gojo Satoru finally being released from his prison, things were slowly calming down.

Two major changes came as a result of the near annihilation of Tokyo, one was that now the world was aware of the existence of curses and two was the high number of people that had awoken cursed energy. What were once empty classrooms and training grounds of the Jujutsu Tokyo High School, were now filled with first year students ready to learn from the best. Although the older generation was composed of just a handful of students, they were really the top of the Jujutsu world.

All of your senpais were impressive in their own right so all of them had gathered quite a following of first years. The most popular, by far, was Fushiguro Megumi, the one that possessed the Ten Shadows Technique of the Zen’in clan. A lethal combination of looks, power and status, or so your classmates claimed.

On the opposite end of the spectrum was the third year Okkotsu Yuuta. He was a rare sight on campus and whenever he was present he didn’t interact much with any of the first years. The first time you’ve met him was during a group mission where he was there to supervise. The curse ended up being a special grade and if Yuuta hadn’t jumped in to help you, you’d all be dead. You still remember the bitterness of your classmates when he offered his feedback. Clearly he was right on all points but he didn’t honey glazed any of his words. That incident had caused a string of nasty rumours to spread and everyone in your class began to avoid him as much as possible. You guessed no one was in a hurry to offer him any gifts today.

As for yourself, you tagged along with some of the girls from your class as they chose the best chocolates for their favourite senpais. You didn’t have anyone you really wanted to gift them to, so you bought a small box purely for selfish reasons.

You headed back to campus and as you approached the training grounds you noticed that a small crowd of students were already gathered there. In the middle of them stood Megumi whose arms could barely hold the large number of gifts he had received. The deadpan expression on his face made it clear he wasn’t enjoying the attention.

“You girls better hurry, Megumi-kun looks like he has reached his limit.”

Turning around you were greeted by Gojo who was also carrying quite an impressive quantity of Valentine’s gifts.

“Sensei is really popular.”

“Please don’t sound so surprised.”

As your little conversation went on, your friends quickly abandoned you in order to join the crowd.

“Not gonna join them?” You shook your head as your hands tighten on the handle of your backpack where your box of chocolates was hiding.

“I didn’t buy any chocolates...I mean I did buy chocolates just not for...I should probably head to class.” Feeling too ashamed to admit your selfish purchase, you hurried down the path to the main entrance before Gojo could question you further.

Just as you were about to reach your destination you suddenly noticed a figure not too far from you. Yuuta was strolling along the same path and his expression was not a happy one. Your earlier guess must have been correct judging by his slumped shoulders. Now you never truly worried yourself with his well being, but it just felt so incredibly unfair that he was marginalized like this. At the end of the day, even if he wasn’t easy to talk to, he was a responsible senpai who wouldn’t hesitate to jump in to help others when needed. With that thought in mind, you quickened your pace and called out to him.

“Okkotsu-senpai! Okkotsu-senpai, please wait!”

He stopped in his track and turned to look at you with a surprised expression.

“Y/n-chan, are you okay?”

You nodded as you caught up with him, impressed that he even bothered to remember your name, and opened your backpack to retrieve the box of chocolates.

“For you senpai, Happy Valentine’s Day!” You gave him the most sincere smile you could muster and handed him the small box. Oh well, better for your cavities you suppose.

With a trembling hand he took the small gift and grinned from ear to ear. “Thank you! I’ll treasure it!” It was just a box of cheap chocolates, you thought, definitely not worth the excitement.

“Urm I’m happy you like them. Anyway, have a good day, see you around!” You practically dashed to your classroom, cheeks red from embarrassment. You didn’t know why you were so nervous or why that silly grin of his made you so flustered.

As you sat down at your desk, you wondered if you did the right thing. You didn’t want him to believe you had feelings for him and you also hoped he didn’t think you did it out of pity. You just thought it was the right thing to do at that time and it was just a small gesture, definitely not worth a second thought.

Or so you hoped until White Day arrived and you found quite a surprising gift on your desk that morning. A large bouquet of roses, there must have been over a hundred. No note though, as if the person that had left them just expected for you to know whom they were from.

You could hear the whispers of your classmates and you shifted uncomfortably. You weren’t really popular, no reasons for someone to give you such an impressive present, so of course rumours began to spread.

As you sat on a bench during lunch break with the bouquet in your lap, you raked up your brain trying to figure out who would offer you flowers.

“Oh no, you don’t like them!”

Yuuta’s voice brought you back to reality and you blinked ever so slowly as you looked at his worried expression. Your eyes dropped to the red roses in your lap and then back to your senpai that was just a few feet away from the bench you were sitting.

“These...these are from you?” Well you did gift him that box of chocolates and this was White Day, technically he was supposed to return the gift. Still, a cheap box of bonbons couldn’t compare to the expensive bouquet that he had gifted back.

“Gojo-sensei said you’re supposed to buy something impressive in order to show your appreciation for the gift you received. I didn’t know what you liked and he suggested roses, he said all girls loved red roses.”

Of course it was Gojo Satoru, it was always Gojo Satoru.

“Senpai, thank you, but this is too much! Those chocolates weren’t really that expensive.”

“No, no, they were pretty good! I ended up eating the whole box! Gojo-sensei tried to steal one away, that didn’t end up well for him.” Good, you thought, he deserved it for unnecessarily complicating things.

“Well if you say so, then I’m happy. I’ve never received flowers before, well my father bought me a bouquet when I graduated middle school but I don’t think that counts.”

“I’ve never received chocolates before, so I guess we’re both at the beginning.” The beginning of what, you wondered, as he offered you a somewhat sly smile.

“I should get these to my room before they wither.”

“Yeah I should probably head to the training ground.” You said your respective farewells before going in opposite directions. This had been awkward to say the least and you were glad it was over.

However, naivety got the best of you. The next morning you were greeted by a large teddy bear that was placed in your seat. Your eyebrow began to twitch as you heard whispers spreading in the classroom.

“Hey is that from Okkotsu? Super creepy!”

“Yeah, poor Y/n-chan.”

“What do you mean by that?” Your patience had reached its limit and with narrowed eyes you turned to look at the girls you heard whispering.

“Don’t you know, Okkotsu curses his lovers!”

“Yeah, he becomes obsessed with them and then they die in mysterious ways!”

“That is literally the most idiotic thing I’ve heard in my life.” Sure, you knew the story of Rika, but from actual reliable sources you also knew that it was a tragic accident that happened when Yuuta was only a child. It was disturbing how they twisted the story just because they were afraid of him.

“If you have this much time to waste on spreading such stupid rumours then I suggest you channel that energy in training. Otherwise you’ll be stuck at grade 4 until the end of days.” As a grade 2 sorcerer yourself, maybe you shouldn’t have looked down on them, but for some reason the way they were acting towards Yuuta was just infuriating and you found yourself becoming quite protective.

You never snapped at them like this before, if anything you were considered quite docile, so the whole class fell silent. You grabbed the giant teddy bear from your seat and stomped towards the door, nearly bumping into Gojo as the later stepped inside the room.

“Where you going Y/n-chan? Class is about the start.”

“I’m going to find Yuuta!” You huffed and walked out of the classroom, knowing full well that you will probably get punished for your actions.

“Y/n-chan is so determined! Everyone, you should have more determination as well!” That was the last thing you heard as Gojo closed the door behind you.

You began your search for Yuuta, trying to ignore the looks that the faculty members you came across were giving you. You must have looked quite ridiculous, carrying that large teddy bear around.

You finally found him near the armoury, and judging from his sweaty appearance you guessed he had just finished training.

“Senpai!”

He looked at you, almost in a panicked way and you quickened your pace so he couldn’t make a run for it.

“Y/n-chan, what-”

“Senpai, this has to stop.” You really didn’t want to tell him your real motives from that day but you also couldn’t let this chain of gifts continue.

“That box of chocolates wasn’t initially for you. I bought it for myself, I only gave it to you because senpai looked so upset. I’m sorry that you misunderstood, it’s not pity or anything, I just thought you deserved it.” You didn’t even stop to breath, you had to let it all out and explain before you lost your nerve. “I’m really happy you liked them but I don’t deserve all these presents in return.”

You looked at him and expected to see anger or disappointment, instead you were greeted with light laughter.

“You’re really cute! Maki-san said not to tease you too much because you’re such a good girl. I guess she didn’t realize how much of a good girl you actually are.” The way he said ‘good girl’ made your heart skip a beat. It sounded almost provocative.

Within a second, he had closed the distance between the two of you and his hand reached to stroke your cheek ever so gentle. Suddenly he was there and you became hyperaware of his powerful presence. You noticed the pretty colour of his eyes, how his hand was just a bit rough and how that small smirk of his made your knees weak and your cheeks burn. You gulped and he seemed to enjoy your reaction.

“I don’t mind that the box of chocolates wasn’t for me. I’m just glad it gave me the opportunity to talk to you.” At this point you felt so bad you hoped the earth beneath you would just crack open and swallow you whole.

“Anyway, you should probably head to class before Gojo-sensei gets upset. Let me get that for you.” He reached for the teddy bear in your arms but you gripped it and pulled back.

“I would like to keep this, it’s a special gift from senpai and I’ll treasure it.” Sure this all began because of a silly box of chocolates but you were also happy that you finally got to see a glimpse of him that not many people got the chance to see. Now that you had a taste of it, you wanted more.

“Well I wasn’t planning on taking it away, just wanted to help you carry it.”

“It’s fine, the whole school saw me already so I might as well parade with it back to class.”

He studied your face for a few moments before his expression turned serious.

“Y/n-chan, do you think we could go-”

“I’d love to go on a date!”

You beat him to it but you wanted to make sure he knew, even before asking, that you really wanted to get to know him better.

“I see, I’m really happy.” His hand reached for yours and gripped it gently. It never failed to surprise you how cool and confident he looked at times and then he did a one hundred eighty and turned into this awkward and adorable mess.

“I must admit this is the first time I’ve asked someone out. I’ll be sure to ask Gojo-sensei-”

“Oh no, please promise me to never ask Gojo-sensei for advice concerning girls.” He was probably laughing like a mad man while giving Yuuta such cringe worthy ideas for your gifts.

“Oh but sensei said girls love swans and-”

“Never!”

[dystovian]

The Last of Us: How to Disappear Completely

Chapter 3: Burrow

Summary: The aftermath of death is never nice, especially with the end of the world. You felt you knew how to deal with it, and that’s by moving on as quick as possible. Sawyer, takes this personally, and lets you have a piece of their mind.

Pairing: Joel/Reader, Joel x Reader (Future)

Warning(s): Language, Talks about Death and Suicide, Arguing, Injuries.

A/N: ok one more chapter i think and joel comes into play! thank u for reading!!

Tags: @hrk-fic-recs

Often, before your sister had disappeared, you wouldn’t really bother thinking about the past. You had your future right in front of you, because for all you knew, you and her would be just fine. But, the second you realized she wouldn’t return, and was likely rotting in some field or some building, or running around Infected...it’s all you could think about.

You’d think about the way you grimaced at melted red popsicles and how they stuck to your fingers, coating your skin with red juice. You’d think about how you’d fallen off your bike, not wearing any knee guards and crying out in the street due to the skin on your kneecaps peeling away. You’d mostly think about luxuries, stuff you’d never experience again. Stuff that were so far away from this life, that had left a mark on you.

Something that never left, though? Was grief. Grief followed every living thing with a heartbeat and snuck up on it every chance it got. Grabbed you by the roots of your hair and tossed you to the ground. Grief, which seemed to have a festival just about every second of every day now, with the way things fell apart. Exploding into millions of sparks just like the fireworks on the beach that day.

This was evident now, what with the way the young teenager in the room across from you hasn’t stopped crying, even within their sleep their tears are evident, dripping over their nose and onto the sheets. Evident, shown in the way your shoulders shook violently as the body of a young girl whom you just saw yesterday lay behind you.

In the past, grief was more of a long time thing. Where you could sit in your room and cry all day after your cat had died. But now — with the world gone to shit — it’s different. Someone dies, you cry for a minute, maybe even not at all, then you suck it up. You get the fuck over it, and you move the hell on. Do what they couldn’t, survive, live for them.

Except, you haven’t. You’ve barely even bothered. Sometimes, though, you get this burst of energy. Telling you to go out on a run, get some supplies to help live just a little longer. But you can’t leave Sawyer, not when they’ve barely even spoken, and the last time they did, they made it quite clear of their feelings. Of the state of their mind since the loss of their sister.

“You’ve barely eaten your dinner, y’know.” You had said one night, windows covered with thick wool blankets, and candles lit along the house.

“Mhm.” They muttered, slumped in their chair, eyes staring at the food on their plate.

“Please...you’ve got to eat, Soy. It’ll kill you.” You said, placing your utensils on the wood, leaning forward.

“Awesome.” They scoffed, almost sliding the plate into your lap with the force of their hand.

“Seriously? Are you..” You’d paused in disbelief, “Are you seriously just gonna let yourself fucking starve to death? Sawyer, you need to listen to me. We’re gonna need more food soon, and if I’m going alone, you need to be fit enough to keep watch on this place. Oka-“ You stopped when Sawyer abruptly stood, hands clenched into fists on the wood of the dining room table, head hanging.

“You wanna go? Then fuckin’ go! I don’t give a shit if you leave me here and I certainly don’t care if Infected tear me to goddamn shreds.” They said, tears piling up upon their eyelids.

“You, you do not mean that,” You were standing now, chair almost falling with the force of your movement. Your eyes were wide, with eyebrows raised, shock filing through you.

“Oh, I meant every damn bit of that sentence.” They scoffed.

“Take it back.”

“I ain’t takin’ back sh-“ Their finger goes to point at you, and the second they do, it’s slapped away.

“Take it the fuck back! You listen to me, and you listen to me good. I am not, and I mean absolutely not, going to feel responsible for somebody else dying. I am sick and fucking tired of death, and I know for damn sure you are too. Hell, every last person is! But, and I hate to say this shit you, but you need to move on. You and I both know that’s what Ryan would want. So, take. It. The. Fuck. Back.” You were angry, of course you were. You loved the two of them, they were family to you, and with one of them gone you knew you couldn’t live after you lost the other.

“Well, have you ever stopped to think about what I fucking want? Ryan is dead! Ryan doesn’t have wants or needs or...or anything! I want to die! I don’t want to live anymore. Get that through your thick skull. And, for the love of all that’s ever been holy, quit actin’ like you knew us. You don’t, and won’t, know shit. You didn’t raise us, and you weren’t there when everything went to shit. We’re not your fuckin’ children. And we sure as shit ain’t your sister!” By the time they let it all out, you had sat back down and had taken the blow.

“That’s how it is, then? Hm?”

“Yeah. And quit telling me what I’m ‘supposed’ to do. I’ll move on when I damn well please, and you know what? Fuck you. You already movin’ on after we just pieced my sister back together and buried her in the backyard. The backyard, of some house, that we only knew for a year! She should’ve died old, with a family, or something! She...she should’ve died normally. Old age, or a stroke, or a fuckin’ heart attack...I don’t know! But instead, she got eaten alive, and blew her brains out before she could become one of those things! So don’t talk to me about moving on, when we both know there’s no moving on from that.” They were in front of you now, tears streaming over the red of their cheeks, face hot from anger.

Since then, you’ve barely spoken to the other. Choosing to stay quiet during dinner, which began happening less and less with your shortage of food. You finally came to Sawyer one day, and told them that you couldn’t stay here any longer. That the streets have more and more Infected every week, and the whole town is empty of food.

They agreed, nodding their head in silent agreement, eyes drawn away from your own.

2 0 2 5.

Illinois.

Ryan’s name hasn’t left either of your mouths. Not during dinner, not even in passing. Not even in your sleep, did either of you cry out her name and sob afterwards.

After everything that happened, you left the house. The room she died in was loud, almost frighteningly so, and filled with the phantom screams of her last moments. Something, that both you and her sister, couldn’t quite stand beside anymore. So, you left. Walked and walked and walked, barely talking to the other at first. And sure as hell keeping her name out of your mouth.

You didn’t say her name again until a group took you in, asked you about your past, and you delivered. Spilled your hearts content onto the plastic table in front of you, until you broke down, and the lovely couple in front of you — Alex and his wife, Amy — stopped you, rubbing their hands on your back.

Although you’ve been through hell and back these last six years, Ryan always lingered. You’d see her in the corpses that littered streets and the homes you’d spend a few nights in. See her in the way Sawyer carried themself, or spoke, or cried.

You didn’t forgive eachother, you rarely talked of that argument in the dining room that night. You simply opted to get the hell over it, if you don’t talk about it then I guess it just didn’t happen. And now, being taken in by this group that call themselves the Burrowers, the conversation is begging to be had.

Sawyer didn’t stay with you long, you shared a home for four days before they left, got their own place. And you haven’t seen them since.

[multi-fandom-imagine]

The SOLDIER and The Baker || Cloud Strife || Pt3

Part 1  || Part 2.

A/n: Also vote...please vote / help me because I need your help to decided on what to do since its gonna be coming up soon. {{ vote here }}

Ps. this got to long so the kiss and date and everything else is gonna be in part four. {{ like I am sure this is past 4,000 words }}

A: 2 B: 0 C: 1

Tag List: @ayamenimthiriel​ || @kitsamii. || @courageouslystupid​

Rude was stuck in a rather tough spot, the man did not know what to make of this. He thought he might be able to find any records of the young woman, it seemed to be as if they were completely wiped. Sighing he pinched the bridge of his nose, pulling of security footage of when he ran into you the man managed to get a picture of you.

He needed to know who you are, how did you know Aerith. Sighing he tilted his head to the side as he printed out a picture of you though tensed feeling crumbs hit his shoulder.

“She’s cute.” Even though it was muffled thanks to the food in the person's mouth Rude still knew who it was. “Who is she?”

“The girl I ran into.”

“The one who made these amazing muffin...haha really?....so did you get a name?” Reno asked peering at the picture of you from the candid photo, your hair was tied back in a loss ponytail and you were wearing a dress similar to Aerith’s. He thought you were rather pretty, he also thought that smile was cute but you must be someone important if Rude was looking into you.

“I did not.”

“So...you have nothing on her then?”

“You would be correct.”

“Well Shit.”

Rude sighed as he placed the picture down, maybe he should check into with Tseng to see if he could find something, or Rufus might know. 

“Shit indeed.”

“So Cloud...”

“hmm??” Cloud glanced over at you, he watched as your fingers clutched the Mythril Rod in your fingers.

“I...what was it like being a SOLDIER?” You sighed glancing up at the sky, you never knew why seeing the stars gave you so much comfort. Perhaps it was something that you used to do with your father until he vanished.

“It’s a job...I did it to keep people safe, a lot of good that did.”

Turning to face him, you just smiled at him. “I think you’re doing a wonderful job of watching me and Aerith.”

“Huh?” Cloud frowned then shook his head, he should have expected you to say something like that.

“Aw, I thought for sure that would have given me a smile.” You teased rushing off to where Aerith was.

Stopping in his tracks Cloud frowned for a moment then shook his head. “Try harder.”

Your laughter was his only response but it took a few quick strides for him to catch up with you.

“You can see the sky” Glancing up, that was something he wasn’t used too being stuck in Sector 7 and seeing that plate.

Aerith frowned as she looked up at the dark sky with a frown on her face. “They’re still working on a new plate. I don’t like this part of Midgar.” As you three walked down the dirt path she kept speaking. “Back when they were still building Midgar, there was an accident, and the plate fell. People were still moving in, so there weren’t an of lot living there at the time, but....” She stopped as you three ventured deep down the path until you all spotted the Wall Market in the distance, the lights shining brightly in the night.

“And that’s?”

“The underside of Sector 6. “Wall Market.” A real special place.” Aerith then stepped in front of him tilting her head to the side. “But I’m sure you already knew that, right?”

Cloud frowned then turned his head away. “I didn’t tell you?”He then let out a sigh glancing away from you. “I enlisted pretty much right after I left home.” He then turned his attention to look at the stars. “Dunno much about this place, or any of the slums.”

Biting back a comment you then forced a smile on your face as your grasped his hand. “Don’t worry Cloud! that's what you have me and Aerith for!.”

“I.”

Aerith smiled nodding her head not letting him get a chance to speak.”Y/n is right ya know.” Though that didn’t stop her from telling him about the Wall Market, things you didn’t even know. 

“Lucky for you I know a different way to Sector 7....One that tragically doesn’t go through Wall Market.” Giving you a wink you were positive that you only saw she gave you a small nod to his hand. Sighing she grasped one of Cloud’s hand as you grasped the other. “And it’s just through this tunnel here.” she pointed a long tunnel ahead of you.

“It’s best if you just listen to her Cloud, Aerith isn’t going to stop.” You state though the man let out a defeated sigh. Muttering under your breath you three continued to walk through the dark tunnel into you had to duck under a broken beam.

Emerging under you couldn’t help but let out a groan. “Wonderful.” Seeing the Collapsed expressway, you started to wonder if you would ever make it to Sector 7.

“It’s been like this...ever since the plate fell.” Aerith shrugged as she let go of the man's hands peering down below.

“And their’s no other way?”

“It will be an adventure.”

Sighing you rolled your eyes though then let go of his hand once you reached a ladder. You and Aerith slipped down waiting for the man, tugged out the blue flower he wanted to give to you the man was amazed it was still intact.

Biting bit tongue, he took a deep breath deciding now would be the best time to do it. Once he made it down the ladder he cleared out his throat then thrusts the flower in your face, not wanting to meet your gaze. “Here...for the cupcake...”

Hearing Aerith’s squeal you blinked, blushing as you took the flower. Smiling at him you could still feel the warmth on your cheeks. “Thank you Cloud, it’s beautiful.” Looking at the blue flower over you realized it must have been from the young woman's garden. You then tucked the stem in your hair so the blue petals were resting on your ear.

“So...what do you think.?” Doing a small pose you were taken back by what he said. 

“Beautiful.”

Though the moment was ruined as Aerith then grasped your arm tugging you forward. “Ahhh! so cute!”

Cloud sighed as he then crossed his arms over his chest, now he wished he waited to give it to you so he wouldn’t have to deal with Aerith. Shoulders slumping he glanced around the small little area you were all stuck in trying to figure out a way to get the ladder up.

Wandering off from the two you did not know why you were being drawn to this particular area. Slowly making your way to a darkened corner, hearing a small cry you then knelt. “Hey it’s okay....you don’t have to be scared.”

Though you suddenly let out your cry falling back on your butt when a white creature jumped out at you. Sitting up you didn’t even notice that Cloud and Aerith rushed over to you. The man clutching his buster sword pointing it at the creature sitting on your chest. Aerith gave you a beaming grin kneeling forward pushing Cloud aside.

“Oh y/n! do you know what that is?” 

Still recovering you slowly bring your hands up then run your fingers through the soft fur. “A Carbuncle.....they were in the storybook my mom used to read to me when I was little.” Smiling you continued to pet the creature, it leaning into your touch. “Well, it was nice meeting you little um Carbuncle.”

The Fennec fox-like animal tilting its head to the side once you placed it on the ground. Standing up you walked a few feet before the animal followed you then jumped on your shoulder, its teeth sinking into your Mythril Rod.

“I think it likes you Y/n!” Aerith was smiling.

“Can you trust it?” Cloud, however, was not, the man rather not risk anything happening to you. Shaking his head from those thoughts he did not know why he was thinking that. He kept his gaze on the creature, the Carbuncle had pale blue fur, its large ears twitching as the thing turned its gaze to him while its puffy tail wrapped around your neck gently. He could have sworn the damn thing gave him a smug look.

“Don’t be stupid Cloud! Of course, we can....besides it likes Y/n and you want her to be safe right....?” She started to rock on her heels then smiled tapping the Carbuncle’s nose. “Did you know that the horn is made out of ruby? but don’t let this little one fool you...they have potent healing powers.”

Well if that was true then he guessed that it was one more thing that could keep you two safe. “I...fine....though if it...I’m getting rid of it if it’s a pain in the ass.”

Letting out a laugh you scratched behind the creature's large ears. “Thank you, Cloud and it looks like you need a name.”Hmm how about Celestine...because you have that pretty little stone on your forehead.”

Celestine let out a small chirp, grinning you, Aerith, Cloud, and your new companion was off. 

“Thank god we are out of that mess.” Panting you were leaning forward doing your best to catch your breath, you never thought you could have that hard. Who knew that so man monsters were trapped in a collapsed tunnel, god it was going to be shit getting back to yours and Aerith’s home.

Celestine hopping off your shoulders as you looked around the Evergreen Park of Sector 6.

“Wow....that must be the gate to Sector 7...you must be happy Cloud” Turning to face the blond you smiled at him though it was hard to read the expression on his face.

“I...looks shut how do we open it?”

Now standing beside you Aerith shrugged giving him her smile. “More importantly how about we take a break? Sound good.”

“No, I don’t have time-”

“Aerith now’s not really.”

Ignoring both of you, she continued to smile giving you a small push towards the dome house. With a sigh you climbed up the wall sitting on top of it, not expecting Cloud to be by your side.

“Wait! Aerith what are you?~”

With a laugh, Aerith waved both of you off. “Now is a good time for you two to get to know each other better!”

Dropping your shoulders you brought your knees to the chest to see her chase after the Carbuncle.

Glancing over at Cloud you gave him a weak smile. “She’s something?”

“Yea” Frowning Cloud opened his mouth though he didn’t know what to say to you, what could he say?

“You know...me and my dad used to do this all the time...look at the stars I mean.” Glancing up at the night sky you started to get lost in a memory. “He’d sit me in his lap and point out all the different stars.” Frowning you rested your head on your knees. “I miss him.”

“What happened to your parents?” Cloud wanted to know though he’d understand if you didn’t answer him.

“My father? I don’t know what happened to him...one day...he was just gone a-and for my mother? she died... let's see...um I was eleven.” You tried to blink away tears though as you were crying you felt a hand rest on your cheek. 

“I’m sorry.”

Clearing out your throat you let out a laugh smiling at him. “It wasn’t all bad...Aerith’s mother took me in after my mother's death and when I grew older I moved back into my old home.” You didn’t want to worry about the man but you weren’t going to lie, it felt nice for him to touch your cheek.

Pulling his hand back, the man forced himself not to blush. Now he could see why you and Aerith were close. “I lost my mother too.”

“Oh! Cloud I’m.” Stopping yourself you sighed resting your head on his shoulder. “I’m sure she would be proud of you.” You didn’t mean to say it, the words just slipped out but they were true.

“Huh.”

You both turned to face each other, it wasn’t until now that you got a good look at his eyes. “Wow...your eyes.”

“Oh. It’s ‘Cause of the Mako. All SOLDIER’s have em.” He shifted his body, turning away from you. If his cheeks weren’t red before he was positive they were now.

“They’re beautiful.” Biting your lip you forced out a laugh standing up, dusting your dress off you noticed that the Carbuncle was curled up in Aerith’s arm. “Sorry I’m bumming you out...w..we should go.” Climbing down took a little time though you rolled your eyes once Cloud jumped down.

“Show off.”

Before Cloud could respond Aerith smiled as she slipped under the dome playhouse. Giving you both a grin she must have moved something before she slipped back out.

“This is how you get to sector 7 in style..go ahead.” Aerith did seem a little disappointed that her plan on leaving you two alone didn’t work.

Walking towards the entrance he sighed turned his attention to look at both of you. “Will you two be okay getting home alone?”

Shifting her body that statement seemed to make Aerith a little pleased. “And If I said we wouldn’t be?”

Looking over at you Cloud frowned taking a step forward. “Then I’ll go with you two.” Shaking his head he started to walk off.

“Cloud...I thought you had to get back.” You reached out to grab the man's wrist though you were quickly shushed by Aerith.

Rolling your eyes you stepped away from the woman you tried to hold you back. “I’m sure your friends miss you...so you ready to head back?”

“No.”

You weren’t expecting to hear that, though Aerith nearly squealed as she grasped your arm. “Oh see Y/n! he’s gonna miss us.”

Just as you were going to convince the man to leave all of your attention turned to the doors opening up to a Chocobo pulling a lavish cart.

“Tifa?” 

You and Aerith watch Cloud rush off after the cart and it didn’t take long for you and Aerith to follow after him. The two were talking you tried your best not to listen in but that didn’t seem to both Aerith as she stopped the man in his tracks. 

“Oh no you don’t....you’re going after her.”

“She’s right Cloud...I heard awful things about that man.” You weren’t going to mention that you heard them from your mother.

Listing to both of what you and Aerith had to say he then dropped his shoulders making his way to Wall Market. “Let's go.”

“Perfect!” You and Aerith smiled walking ahead of Cloud, the Carbuncle letting out a chirp. 

“Couldn’t agree more.”

Stepping into Wall Market your eyes went wide, you never have seen anything like it before. Wincing you ignored the pain that started to form in the back of your skull, wandering away from Cloud and Aerith that started to the drive you instead started to pet the Chocobo.

“Aren’t you a cutie.” Smiling your fingers scratched the creature's cheek though you were startled by a voice.

“I’m surprised she even let out touch her....you must be somethin special.” Turning to the voice you spotted a tall man, a beard, and a cowboy hat. He was flipping a coin in his hand.

“Oh!...I’m sorry? I just really love animals and Chocobo’s...they’ve always been my favorite.” Giving him a small bow he let out a chuckle, it wasn’t until you finally noticed that Cloud and Aerith were watching you too.

Before Sam could get close to you, Cloud placed his body in front of yours though that didn’t stop for the man holding his hand out to you.

“You’re the splitin image of your mother.”

Eyes going wide you quickly stepped out from behinds Cloud back. “You knew my mother?!” “Darlin...your mother was one of the best workers I had.” Sam wrinkled his nose as he grasped your chin.“I’d say you got everything from that woman...minus that smile...I’m assuming you got that from your dad.” He didn’t sound too pleased when he mentioned your father.

“Though I seemed to have gotten distracted for the matter at hand.” He narrowed his eyes at Cloud. “I told ya what you need to know now take a walk and leave me out of it.” he seemed to have waved the man and Aerith off though it looked like he was debating on saying something to you with a shake of his head he stepped inside the building.

Confused you didn’t even notice Aerith say something until she placed her hand on your shoulder. “Right y/n?”

“Oh...right ha ha!.” Putting a smile you did your best to agree to them though soon you three were off to the man's mansion though your thoughts were still swimming from what Sam had told you. Your mother worked for, which would explain why she knew about Corneo. Frowning you did your push those thoughts down but you wanted to know more, perhaps you could sneak off to talk to Sam again.

Not paying attention you slammed into Clouds back but you must have been nothing since the man didn’t even move this time.

“You okay y/n?” Their’s Aerith concern for you again. Blinking you let out a laugh pushing your troubling thoughts away.

“Oh? I’m fine.” 

Celestine, on the other hand, jumped back on your shoulders, letting out a growl once one of the men standing in front of the door stopped Cloud from entering. Though they must have said something since Aerith volunteered both of you.

“Aerith!”

“What! he said pretty boys couldn’t enter so we’re the only choice!” Narrowing your eyes you nearly punched the guy in his face when you heard him insulting your friend. “Aerith isn’t homely! have you looked in a mirror!” You snapped stepping out from Clouds back pointing at the man.

“Hey Leslie, this one is really cute....with a little make up she’d be a knockout.” “What?!” You could have sworn your voice went up an octave and you had to catch Celestine from leaping at the guy.

“How about I knock you out.” Cloud let out a small growl pushing you behind his back again.

Aerith narrowed his eyes as she stepped close to one of the lackeys. “Cloud? Permission to kill?”

“Denied.”

Before Aerith had a chance to respond the man Leslie did. “If you’re really sure you want to join an audition, then you’re gonna need an official approval.”

“How do we do that.?”

“The trio--the only ones in town who’re considered authorities on Corneos particular tastes.” Leslie sighed then shifted his body. “First, there’s Chocobo Sam....and then there’s Madam M over at the massage parlor. Last but not least, there’s the Honeybee Inn’s Andrea Rhodea.”

You stopped paying attention once Leslie mentioned Sam, maybe this was your chance to talk to the man alone. Shaking your head to turn to the voice that called out to you, looking up you spotted the concerned look on his face. 

“Well, what are we waiting for.”

Smiling you then turned to Leslie giving him a thumbs up. “Don’t you worry..we’ll be back.”

With a nod, you then stepped out the door with Cloud and Aerith following you but Cloud was the one to stop you in your tracks once you were on the bridge.

 “Are you two sure about this?”

“Of course Cloud! if y/n is in then I am too! no fear!”

Doing your best to steady your nerves you didn’t even notice how much your hands were shaking. While part of you wanted to help Clouds friend you just wanted to know about your mother. Biting your lip it took for you to dig your nails into your palm to run to the man once you spotted him still flipping that damn coin.

“Not you three again.” Sam frowned but gave a glance towards your direction. “Told ya once, I’ll tell you a thousand times- Got nothin’ for you. Now scram.” He then waved you off.

Digging your nails into your palm, you were getting sick of all this. “Hey! Hear us out!” You stepped forward, getting close to the man. “You’re one of the Trio, right? I want you to get...” No not you, you couldn’t pull that off. “I need to you get Aerith in for the Audition.”

“Y/n.” Aerith frowned stepping closer to you, she wished you had more confidence, she thought you were beautiful and just as strong at using magic.

“Why not?”

Now that was a surprise, you didn’t think the man would agree so quickly. “Sure, next time an audition comes around I’ll put your name in the hat.” and their it was.

“You can’t...this has to be the one.” You protested. “Please can’t you do something?”

Eyeing Aerith, Sam then shook his head as he turned his attention back to you. “No can do sweetheart..I already recommended Tifa in the running and she’s got this in the bag.”

“How do you know he’ll pick Tifa? he could pick me?”

“Damn you really want in don't ya?”

Giving him a smile Aerith nodded her head. “Sure do.”

Giving her a smirk he played with the coin in his hand. “Then how about we play for it.” Flipping the coin he then caught it in the air. “Call it, Missy. Heads or Tails? Guess right, and I’ll grant you your wish. Guess wrong and you’ll leave me in peace.”

“Heads.”

“Tails. You lose.”

‘You lost...that couldn’t be right...you came to far to lose.’That was the thought running through your mind.

“Hey, Don’t look so glum.You’re a pretty enough gal, just...not quite Corneo’s cup of tea.”Sam nodded towards Aerith. “But if only the Don will do, try convincing on of the other two...that’s why it’s a Trio and not just the me-oh. Now Skedaddle” He then started to walk off though it was Cloud that stopped him in his tracks.

“Wait...Mind if I see that coin of yours?”

Giving him a smirk Sam tossed him the coin as Cloud inspected it. “Trick coin...I had a hunch.”

Gasping, your eyes went wide as Aerith continued to flip it over. “You bastard!...you’re a cheat!. You must be mistaken! Because my mother would never work for a conman like you! My mother was kind! she helped anyone like you! You’re delusional and have to have me mistaken for somebody else!”  You screamed at him as Cloud grasped your arm, the man could sense something powerful emerging from you. 

Panting you were shocked when the man started to laugh, shaking his head Sam walked down the steps as he pointed to you. “I like you, I’m sure you got a great left hook like her too.” Grasping his chin he then titled his head to the side. “How about this...I’ll get you...only you into the audition...though you can’t go and speak to anyone else...and nobody can know about this...so...do we have a deal?” He held out his hand to you.

Biting your lip you then looked up at the man with determination in your eyes. “Deal..but you’re going to tell me about my mother.” Grabbing his hand, you glanced back at Cloud. His protest falling on deaf ears. “I’m sorry...I have to do this..I’ll see you two soon...We’ll meet at the bridge in two hours.”

Aerith sighed as she watched her friend retreat into the shop, turning to Cloud she placed her hand on his shoulder. The man’s gaze now watching the closed door.

“Come on Cloud...let’s go try the other two...I still gotta chance. Besides y/n can handle herself.”

“Hn.”

Once you stepped into Sam’s well you didn’t know what to call it, your eyes quickly fell to the photo on the wall. Feeling your eyes started to water you noticed your mother immediately.

She was smiling that the camera, a cowboy hat on her head. A pair of boots, skirt and a shirt tied off at her stomach. She looked so young, so happy, shaking your head you then turned to face the man who was now leaning up against a counter top.

“Now that I’m here...talk.”

The Carbuncle jumping off your shoulder as it watched Sam closely.

“Well darlin...this is along tail so you might wanna sit down.”

[an-absolute-travesty]

Royal Screw-Ups

It’s time, the final chapter is here 

*Sobbing*

I won’t get too sappy on you guys here, since I got pretty sappy at the end of thing on Wattpad

But yeah. Thanks if you’ve been reading this long. I have more plans for this world (i have some plans for a few oneshots) but for this moment, we are closing out this story

If you’re looking for the rest of the story, it can be found on my wattpad @ohwowhatethis, under the tags “kotlc fic” and “keefex” on my blog, or under the cut on my pinned post

Tag list (tell me if you want to be added or removed, just for this story or as a whole): @you-are-the-vacker-legacy @ruewen-and-rising @lemontarto @a-lonely-tatertot @clearlykeefitz @percabetn @vibing-in-the-void @sewersewersewercouch @everyonehasthoughts @imaramennoodle @enbies-and-felonies @blxckh0les42​ @rainbowtay-11 @callas-starkflower-stew @impostertamsong @appalyneinstitute1 @stars-and-splendor @anna-without-an-e

Chapter 8:

Word count: 3,677

Warnings: swearing, cassi-ass being an ass, destruction, fire, chaos, etc.

Three months of planning later, servants scurried around the property in preparation for the ceremony the next day. A glass dome had been built in the center of the property to house it.

Tam and Linh had arrived soon after they had their first meeting, luckily Tam and Fitz weren’t as lovey-dovey in real life as they were in their letters. However, Marella and Linh very much made up for it. The moment they met the guard and the princess had a connection, the sweet talk was almost too much to bear.  

In fact, all of them had grown quite close over the past months. Who knew low-level treason could bring people together so. 

Of course, not nearly as close as he’d like with a certain person, but closer for sure. Every week they met back up at the library to work out bumps in their plan, clean up the absurd amount of paper Keefe used in drawing out his first plan, or just sit and talk. Today would be their last before the big day. 

Keefe watched over Dex’s shoulder as he made his final tinkers on the device he had been working on.  

“How’s it looking Techmaster?”

“Eh, having more metal makes everything easier but...it’s one use only, so I can’t test it. We just have to hope for the best.”

“Well, I have faith in you. Your genius brain could make anything.���

Dex rolled his eyes. Keefe wanted to subtly touch him to see if his blatant flirting had been noticed, but it felt wrong to. He had been stuck in the dark for the last 3 months. 

Everyone else ran their lines around the room. Everyone besides Sophie who, as typical of her, looked half way sick in the corner. 

Keefe sat down next to her on the floor.

“Alright, what’s up Foster, have you acquired a stomach bug?” 

She giggled. “No...it’s just…” She sighed. “It feels wrong, y’know? I mean...I don’t want to hurt anybody.”

“You’re really doing the opposite of hurting people though, I mean you’re making them happy.”

“Not happy, hysterical. Yeah it can be happy, but not in the way we’re doing it. Trust me, it’s not fun to watch.”

Keefe thought for a moment.

“Hey...your parents have that griffin, right?”

~*~

The sound of a wedding march echoed through the castle lawn as Sophie was led down the isle by her father. Keefe guessed she looked quite lovely in her dress, Biana, who stood as her maid of honor, was looking at her more like a husband would than him. He stood frozen at the alter, Fitz beside him as his best man and everyone else interspersed within the crowd for optimal dramatic effect. 

Sophie reached him at long last. Surprisingly enough, she didn’t look sickly this time. Her face steeled with determination gave him confidence. 

The guy marrying them together was one of Cassius’ officials. Keefe didn’t bother to remember most names anymore, but this one was a...Moland? Noland? Something like that. 

Everyone winced in unison as the man started talking, Keefe’s ears began to ring a bit at the volume.

“Lords and Ladies, we are gathered here today to celebrate the joyous union of our young Prince Keefe Sencen and the lovely Miss Sophie Foster-Ruewen.”

Keefe only realized he was fidgeting when Fitz subtly reached out and held his hand down from where it had been tapping on his leg.

“We are honored to be joined by so many friends and family. The Goom and Bride are overjoyed you all could be here to participate in this most important occasion.

“There are few greater joys in life than finding someone we truly connect with. Creatives have many names for this, a spark, clicking, but let us say today what it truly is: love.”

Keefe looked out into the crowd, he caught the eye of Dex. The redhead’s brow was crinkled and his cheeks flushed slightly. He pat the pocket of his coat in confirmation. 

“Love is what these two young souls have found in each other. In love, our truest selves are revealed. We open ourselves up and break down our walls. The veil we present to the public is lifted so we can be loved for who we are, not who we pretend to be.”

Keefe struggled to not roll his eyes. He took a final look around the room, each person nodding as he met eyes with them.

“Over these months, our Bride and Groom have developed a strong bond. This bond will only get stronger throughout the course of their marriage. Let us revel in the joy and love displayed in front of us today. May we treasure these memories as Prince Keefe and Miss Sophie get set to begin their new life together.”

Keefe took a deep breath, knowing the next words out of his mouth.

“If anyone has cause to object the forming of this union, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

3, 2, 1…

“I object!” 

0.

Stina first. “This marriage was meant to be mine! She’s just a dirty commoner!”

“How dare you!” Fitz cut in before anyone else could. “I object because I love her! Sophie is meant to be with me. Maruca has admitted her love to Keefe, let her marry him!”

Biana gasped dramatically. “Maruca you snake! You knew I loved him.”

“You only loved his title!” She screamed, standing up to match the rest. “And Fitz, if you’re so concerned with what Stina has to say about Sophie, you should hear what Wylie has to say.”

Fitz walked in Wylie’s direction and he stood. “Why you little-”

Just then, Keefe heard it. 

Beep. Beep. Beep. BEEPBEEPBEEPBEEP.

BOOM.

An explosion burst a small part of the glass dome’s ceiling. Sophie let out an ear-splitting whistle and the griffin flew straight through the hole as the glass fell. Screams erupted through the room as the animal landed on chairs and destroyed the alter. 

The screams only got louder as the room was lit up as bright as the sun before swiftly being plunged into darkness. Those involved in the plan used the opportunity to gather themselves at the exit. With the exception of Biana and Marella who, if all went as planned, stood prepared by the very flammable reception tables. 

The darkness lifted and people quickly ran out, some of the more stuck up nobles guided by guards. Once everyone was out safely, Keefe watched as a red glow started and grew. Marella wasn’t visible, but anyone paying attention could see the two sets of footprints forming in the grass.

People ran farther from the dome swiftly filling with fire. It spread quickly, but before it could reach the outside, Linh yelled. 

“Everyone back up!”

She pulled water from a nearby pond, making a large wave that, while it put out the fires, crushed the dome in its entirety. 

~*~

Two hours later, the guests sat huddled in the ballroom of the castle, many wrapped in blankets and eating soup the kitchen served to recover from what they had been through. Through the window, Keefe saw the Ruewen parents attempting to calm their griffin after taking a long time to wrangle it. 

They were good at keeping secrets, they brought the animal here in the first place. 

Just as he started crossing the room to go talk to Dex, he felt a heavy hand grip his shoulder.

Cassius looked at him with a glare that could kill ten men. He wordlessly guided Keefe in the direction of his office and the prince obliged. 

When Keefe walked in the door, it was messier than he had ever seen it. Even his father himself was disheveled, his typically slick-backed hair uncharacteristically sloppy and his tunic smudged with soot. He sat down at his desk and heaved a sigh.  

“Do you know why I brought you in here?” 

“Because my wedding was destroyed?”

“Because we are going to plan a new one. I need you to collect everyone who had objections to get this idiotic drama cleared for the records. I’ve sent for Councillor Bronte, he can officiate you. You will have a wedding today, whether you get the ceremony or not.”

“One problem with that, Biana and Marella haven’t been found.”

Technically the truth. They were to hide in the Queen’s Gardens until further notice, but the Guard Force didn’t know that. 

Cassius was silent for a moment, his face hidden in his hands.

Then he started convulsing.

No, not convulsing.

Laughing.

“Of course!” He got up from his chair in one movement. “Of course they haven’t been found! Why am I even surprised anymore.” He threw his hands in the air. “Nothing ever goes right!” He spoke through his teeth as he pushed everything off of his desk.

“MY MARRIAGE” He cleared a bookshelf with one arm, dumping the junk to the ground. 

“MY LEADERSHIP!” He knocked over his chair.

“MY SON!” He grabbed the painting from the wall and threw it down. 

“ALL DISAPPOINTMENTS!” He pushed over his desk, it landed with a loud crash.

“And now this too? Nothing ever goes right! No matter how hard I try! No matter how much work I put in! Everything ends in failure!”

“It’s a good thing this was my wedding and not yours then.”

The door behind them opened without a knock. 

“King Cassius, is this a bad time?” Bronte looked at the office with contempt. 

“No, now works.”

Despite not being formally invited in, Bronte sat down on the overturned desk and pulled out a folder of paperwork. 

“So...we’re trying to do an emergency wedding, yes?”

Cassius nodded.

“And from my understanding, there were 1,2...4 objections that haven’t been cleared?”

Cassius nodded again.

“Then I’m afraid I can’t perform a wedding. Legally or morally considering the fact that fate itself seems against this union. It is traditional, when a wedding goes so badly, to accept that something in the universe is not accepting of the marriage and call it off.”

“I understand, Councillor. However, I am the goddamned king and you will do as I say!

Bronte was unfazed.

“Actually sir, with only a month until the coronation you have resigned some of your duties, as is customary. You don’t have full control over the law at the moment, you signed a contract.”

He pulled said contract out of his pocket, displaying the signature, before putting it back in.

“Prince Keefe and you now have split control, as you had when you had a spouse. You both must agree if you are to override a law.”

Cassius hid his face once again.

“Go. Get out of my sight.”

Keefe turned to leave but his father grabbed him.

“Just Bronte.”

The man shrugged and closed the door behind him.

“Keefe...do you know why I was so eager to get you in as king?”

Keefe said nothing. That was one thing he couldn’t figure out himself. 

“I am a shitty, shitty, king. I was never made to rule. Your mother? Yes. Yes she was. Me? No. Not at all. I thought I could do this job, I thought it would be cushy, I thought I’d have all the power in the kingdom as well as riches upon riches without having to work. I was wrong.

“I wanted to train you to do this better than I ever could. I wanted to make sure you were going to be prepared.”

“No.” Keefe’s eyes started to water in anger. “You wanted to train me up to take your job as soon as possible. You didn’t want the responsibility so you decided to hand it off to your child. It’s just like...it’s just like Mom. You were the judge and the jury but you were too much of a coward to be the executioner or even a mourner. You hand off all your problems for someone else to deal with. You’re a fucking coward and nothing else.”

“I cared Keefe!-”

“NO YOU DIDN’T.” Tears streamed down his face. “You never cared about me, you never cared about Mom, you never cared for anything or anybody but yourself. 

“I don’t love Sophie and I never will, but you tried to make me marry her because you loved the idea of the strong son with a quiet woman. That shows how much you care.”

“It was what I thought was best.”

“WELL YOU WERE WRONG.”

Keefe walked out and slammed the door. 

~*~

Keefe went to his room and sobbed. He rarely indulged himself in crying but today was one of the days he let himself. It was maybe an hour later, when he was out of tears and just laid staring up at his ceiling, that he heard a knock on the door.

When he opened it, no one stood there. Just a small note in scratchy handwriting. 

“Meet us at the library, midnight”

~*~

Keefe carefully sneaked through the castle halls, only the candle he held lit his way. He slowly cracked open the library door.

“SURPRISE!”

Suddenly a whole group of people attacked him in a hug, rainbow lights filled the normally dull room. 

“W-what is all this?”

“It’s a surprise party silly!” For the first time since he’d seen her, Sophie looked truly happy. “We don’t have to get married! And we got out of it without any serious injuries.”

Fitz pulled him over to a table. “C’mon, Bi stole some leftover cake no one ate from the kitchens.”

He looked around for Dex hoping to see his beaming smile and instead saw him sitting solemnly in the corner. He didn’t look Keefe’s way. 

“Hey Fee, are you okay?” Apparently Fitz just now noticed his still puffy face.

“Yeah um...just my dad being a jerk again. Don’t worry about it.”

Fitz shrugged it off, he knew about jerky dads.

Or he used to, anyway. That bastard Alden ran away a long time ago. 

Keefe tried to partake in the festivities but he found it hard. He was going to be king in a month, and hopefully a good one at that. Just about anything was better than Cassius. He should be celebrating right now. But...there was still something bothering him. 

It was approaching the wee hours of the morning as people slowly trickled out. Wylie had long since dropped the rainbow lights. They had been celebrating for hours, Dex was silent nearly the whole time. 

“Alright.” Fitz said through a yawn. “I’m tapping out. Night Fee. Last one standing has to clean everything up.”

Keefe nodded. When he finally left the room and they were all alone, he approached Dex. Still silent in the corner.

“Okay, what’s going on Techmaster? You seem down.”

“No it’s just...it’s hard to explain.”

“Take your time, if you’d like.” Keefe sat down criss cross in front of him.

His lips went pouty in a way that made Keefe realize he was staring at his lips.

“You’ll think I’m weird. And clingy. And jealous. Honestly I shouldn’t even be saying any of this right now but I make bad decisions at 3 A.M. I guess.”

“Hey, you can tell me anything.” Keefe started to reach his hand out to Dex before remembering he shouldn’t read his emotions. Dex grabbed it before he could pull away. A lot of sadness and hurt there. He quickly stopped reading, though their hands stayed locked. 

“It’s just...there’s this person. This guy. And...and I thought maybe he liked me but now I think he has a boyfriend. I’m not sure though.”

Keefe’s heart dropped. “Well...boyfriend status can be changed.”

Dex chuckled. “I don’t know, they have nicknames for each other and everything.”

“Sounds serious.”

“Looks serious.”

It was silent for a moment, then Dex spoke.

“Look...don’t worry about it, alright? It’s really no big deal. I’ll get over it, I guess.”

“Maybe he likes you back.”

“I highly doubt it. I’m...I’m not good enough for him. I’m just a servant. He deserves someone better.”

“Why does being a servant mean you’re bad? I’ve met some nobles that are real assholes. You’re way better than all of those fuckers.”

Dex laughed again, wow Keefe could listen to that forever. 

Dex sighed. “You know what? Screw it.”

He seemed to steel himself before saying his next sentence. He squeezed his eyes shut tightly. 

“Are you dating Fitz?”

“What?” Keefe laughed awkwardly. “No, no, no. He’s just a friend.”

“Oh. Then...who were you talking about at the gardens? I- I thought it was Fitz and you guys got together and-”

“No, goodness no. Fitz is great and all but...well he’s just not my type. And he’s been dating Tam for a while now.”

“Oh I uh...I didn’t notice.” Dex’s face flushed furiously. “Who were you talking about then?”

Keefe met his eyes. “Depends, who were you talking about?”

He didn’t answer but his silence spoke more than any words could.

Keefe scooted closer and cupped Dex’s face in his hand. He looked into the boys periwinkle eyes.

“Dex, can I kiss you?”

“Please?”

And they did.

When Keefe heard descriptions of kissing the same gender, they always said that it felt wrong somehow. But this...this only felt right. Like he had been waiting his whole life for the moment when he met the gardener boy’s cracked lips. They weren’t soft, and the kiss was a bit awkward, but it just felt...correct. Keefe chased the kiss slightly when they finally had to pull away. 

A shy smile spread across Dex’s face.

Keefe leaned back in.

~*~

Keefe walked out onto the newly-built stage in front of the castle and looked upon his people. His ceremonial robe was itchy and too large for him.

Cassius was no where to be seen. He had just...run away. The day of the wedding was the day he broke. The kingdom had been sovereignless for the last month, coronations couldn't be rushed. 

Typically the previous king would place the crown upon the head of the new ruler. Because Cassius seemed to run away in the night with nothing more than a clump of riches, Keefe got to choose who would crown him. 

“Friends and subjects of the Kingdom of Eternalia,” Oralie started. “Today, we crown a new ruler. A ruler to put the people first. A ruler who will not sleep until every one of his people is fed. A ruler to unite us.”

Keefe never realized how long winded Oralie was. Looking into the crowd, he spotted Sophie. She wore a sour expression.

Sophie never was a fan of Oralie, she wouldn’t tell him why. 

“Prince Keefe has shown a care for his people deeper than any king before him.”

She could say that again. Keefe found Dex in the crowd, absolutely beaming.

“In the time I have had the honor of teaching him in my lessons, he has shown a willingness to learn. An ability to adapt. And a knowledge of the system as well as its successes and failures deeper than anyone else his age.

And yes, it is truly a shame that a king must be crowned this young, but I have no doubt that in time he will do right by our great kingdom.”

Oralie walked over to him, her pink flowy dress trailing behind her. She picked up the ceremonial crown off the pillow that a servant was holding.

“Prince Keefe of Eternalia, do you promise to uphold the law and do what is right for your people to the best of you abilities?”

“I do.”

“And do you promise to preserve the honor of our nation?”

“I do.”

A loud voice came from the crowd.

“AND DO YOU PROMISE TO NOT LET CASSI-ASS BACK INTO THE THRONE ROOM?” Keefe could tell it was Marella, but no one else had to know that.

He cracked a smile. “I do.”

Oralie chuckled too.

“In that case, Keefe Sencen of Eternalia, with this crown I deem you King of Eternalia. May you have a long and peaceful reign.”

The heavy crown was placed upon his head. The crowd cheered and chanted, his friends yelled the loudest. Keefe saw as Fitz lifted Biana on his shoulders, they all hugged and screamed excitedly. 

Who he noticed most of all was Dex. His bright smile in that moment was worth everything he’d been through. 

Maybe he had found someone he didn’t mind being with.

~*~

Like most days, it was a somewhat quiet day at the castle. 

Keefe looked up from his painting to study the gardens, once called the Queen’s Gardens, but that was ages ago. The wall that once surrounded the beautiful landscape was knocked down a very long time ago. 

Keefe smiled as he spotted Dex tending to some ivy that had grown on one of the ancient statues. Even being a king couldn’t keep his husband from assisting the gardeners. 

Tomorrow, some old friends were visiting. That in itself wasn’t particularly special, as they visited at least twice a year (usually more), but tomorrow was special because it was the anniversary of the Great Wedding Destruction as historians had come to call it. 

How many years had it been? 300? 400? One tends to forget. 

After 50 years or so, they admitted to planning the whole event. By then, Keefe had already convened with the councillors to pass same gender marriage and gotten married to Dex. The law couldn’t exactly do much, it had been a while and no one was injured so any fear of being charged with treason was history.

A few minutes later, Dex trudged into Keefe’s art studio. 

“Hey lovey, do you know where I put the high-power garden clippers?”

“I hope in your lab, but you might want to check the kitchens.”

“Why would they be in the kitchens?”

“Heard some buzzing coming from there and last time I saw the nieces they had frosting all over their faces.”

Chaos ran in the Dizznee family. 

Dex sighed as they heard a loud bang followed by an “Oops.” from downstairs. 

“Gosh if Rex doesn’t pick up his children soon...I won’t do anything but I’ll be sour about it.”

Keefe chuckled. “You might want to go check on them, wouldn’t want them to break your invention. If they haven’t already.”

Dex hummed noncommittally. “Whatcha drawing?”  

“Just a boring landscape...that happens to include a dragon.”

Dex leaned over the easel. “It’s a very pretty boring landscape that happens to include a dragon.”

“Thank you very much, dearest.” Keefe leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. “Now you may want to actually check on the girls. I don’t think Elwin can heal severed fingers.”

“Yeah, okay.”

As he walked from the room that used to be Cassius’ office he yelled, “Emily! Leah! Please don’t be killing each other-”

Keefe just smiled. He did that a lot nowadays. 

He hoped these days would last forever.

[solange-lol]

who is he (and what is he to you?) - ch. 1/3

words: 1,720

solangeloweek day 1: fathers day

read on ao3

Will Solace has never been nervous to travel. 

He used to go on vacations with his mom when they could afford it, although most of those were road trips. Then, when he got older and started working for the magazine company he currently works for, he was sent on all sorts of business trips. Will got used to traveling; used to flying and being in different places every couple of nights.

It’s less the plane ride that he’s nervous for and more the actual reason why he’s going. Yes, it is technically a business trip, but its a business trip to Texas and Will thinks he’s found his father. The one that walked out of their house when he was barely a year old and never looked back. The one that never sent birthday cards or went to Will’s graduation, who didn’t even attempt to contact Will once he was older. 

It was an accident, really, that he found his father. 

Of all things it was an ad on his Instagram feed that popped up, promoting a touring band called Apollo with lead singer Lester Papadopoulos. Seeing his father’s name not spoken from his mother for the first time was a bit of a shock.

The universe had a cruel sense of humor though, or so it seemed, as their gig in Austin, Texas lined up right as Will was headed there for a business trip slash unplanned reunion with his mom. 

The opportunity was at Will’s feet, practically begging him to finally find out what kind of man his father really is. Or more likely, have Will give him a piece of his mind.

“You good?” A voice from behind him came. His coworker and best friend Nico was also assigned this trip with him (like usual, and thank god for that). 

Nico bumps their shoulders together as the two of them board. “Usually I’m the one with plane anxiety.”

Will pushes back his thoughts and replaces them with a smile. “It’s not that. Can’t say I’m completely looking forward to three days of conferencing, though.”

“Tell me about it!” Nico groans, practically throwing back his head as the two of them settled in their seats, preparing for the four-hour flight from New York to Austin. “Last time we were stuck in one of those, I pretended to be taking so many notes but I was just doodling!”

Will laughs. “I remember that one. We played hangman at one point,” he reminds Nico, which just causes him to go onto retelling many stories about conference days. It was one of Nico’s ways of calming down before the plane took off, but also gave Will time to zone off again about his father.

He has the date, location, and time of the bar that Lester and his band were playing at just in case. The thought was burning in the back of his mind just like it had been ever since Will first saw the ad, and he imagines it wasn’t going to leave until Will just sucked it up and faced his deadbeat of a dad. 

“Is your mom still upset that we aren’t staying with her?” Nico asks, pulling Will from his thoughts once again. (Though not completely. Like he said, burning in the back of his mind.)

“I think right now she is, but once we take over her house during the day, demanding food and laundry, she’ll be glad to have the space to herself at night.”

“We are not demanding anything from your mother,” Nico replies indignantly.

“You might change your mind about that once you taste her cookies.”

They’re cut off as the engine begins to roar, and Nico squeezes his eyes shut, grabbing Will’s hand. Even after a few years of working together, he’s still scared of planes. He has the same reaction to every flight. 

Will had offered his hand on their second flight ever together, and every flight since then, to the point in which he just takes it when he feels they’re about to take off. It’s one of their weird business trip traditions.

Will notices an older man eyeing their hands from across the aisle, making him nearly roll his eyes at the guy. For one, they’re not even dating. And if they were, what was the big whoop? Were people still sensitive to two guys holding hands in this day and age? 

It didn’t matter, he supposes, because there was no way Nico was letting go until they reached a level relationship to the ground.

⁠—

Naomi Solace was waiting for them as soon as they got their bags. She had insisted that even while they weren’t staying with her for the trip, the least she could do was provide them some transportation so they wouldn’t have to rent a car.

Nico was visibly uncomfortable, Will could tell. He’s tried explaining multiple times that his mother is the last person to be afraid of as long as you don’t hurt Will or mention his father, neither of which Nico had done. It didn’t help to calm him down though. 

That worry seemed to melt the moment Naomi catches their eyes, immediately waving them over with the brightest smile on her face.

She hugs Will first, of course, who could feel relief spreading through his body when she wraps his arms around him. Even with all the crazy going on around them, it was comforting to know that his mom was there for him. (Not that she knew Will’s other reason for the trip, nor would she. It would crush her, and he can’t handle that right now.)

After she finally lets go of Will, she immediately goes to Nico. Will winces, cursing at himself internally that he hadn’t told his mom that Nico didn’t like to be touched without warning until he realized that he can’t even help but to relax into one of Naomi’s hugs.

The tension had completely dissolved by the time they got to the car, leaving Will to excitedly tell Nico all about the area that he had grown up in.

“Schlitterbahn!” he cries excitedly, causing Nico to give him a confused look.

“Bless you?” he says, more like a question than a statement, causing both Will and Naomi to laugh.

“Not a sneeze,” Will says giddily. “Just the best waterpark ever!”

Nico still looks confused (has he never been to a waterpark?) but he seems content with letting will rediscover his past. Will’s grateful for it, especially considering it takes his mind off his father.

It also makes Will realize something. Something huge, unknown to Nico, and only a select part of the southern experience. He turns to Nico with a near-crazed grin. “Have you ever had Whataburger?”

“Had a what-a-what?” 

“We have to take him there for dinner, mom!” Will’s voice is pitched higher than normal, dripping with pure childlike excitement. Next to him, Naomi’s smile was much more calm, only laughing at her son’s antics

 Meanwhile, Nico looks like he’s almost expecting Naomi to say know. Lord knows how many times Will has refused to go to McDonald’s with Nico for dinner on business trips. That changes as soon as Naomi takes a quick turn into a parking lot. 

Will nearly pulls Nico out of the car as she parks, dragging him towards the bright orange and white doors of the restaurant. 

“I know you’re a devoted McDonald’s fan, but at least give this a try,” he says, walking Nico up to the counter. “I think we might be able to change your mind.”

Once the three order their food, they sit down together at a booth. Will ends up sliding next to his mom rather than Nico, which is a force of habit after many restaurant trips spent sitting across from each other. 

Both Naomi and Will eagerly watched as Nico took the first bite of his burger. He chewed comically slow, making vague facial expressions before swallowing. He pauses, then decides “It’s alright.”

“Alright?” Will nearly yells, trying not to laugh through his words.

Nico’s face breaks out in a grin. “Okay, maybe it’s better than alright. I still think McDonald’s is my number one, though.”

Will rolls his eyes. “We need to get you some new taste buds.”

⁠—

Later, Will flops back happily on the hotel bed. He sighs contentedly as several joints in his back pop, savoring the feeling of resting for the first since they got off the plane. 

After dinner, they gave Nico a quick car tour of the city of Austin before Naomi dropped them off at the hotel they’re staying at. They’ll have plenty of time to explore the city tomorrow after some much needed rest. 

Will hears a soft laugh coming from next to him. He rolls to his side to face Nico, who’s sitting cross-legged on the bed across from him as he bemusedly watches Will stretches.

“Comfortable?” Nico asks, grinning. Will’s taken aback for a moment by how soft his best friend looks at that moment in black sweatpants and a soft gray-green t-shirt. He’s actually very pretty, and for a moment Will wonders what it would be like to cuddle with him.

He shakes that thought away with a smile, dramatically stretching his arms above his head. “Very.”

Nico laughs again, uncrossing his legs and scooching up to the headboard of the bed. “Not quite like my bed at home-”

“But better than some of the others we’ve had,” Will finished, nodding. He mirrors Nico’s actions, sliding under the covers of his own bed and reaching to plug his phone in. He's not really that tired, but he doesn’t want to think about the day ahead of him tomorrow anymore.

“Hope you’re ready for some epic rounds of hangman tomorrow,” Nico says as Will reaches to turn off the lamp next to him. 

He grins in response. “It’s the highlight of these conferences.”

Nico rolls his eyes. “We need to stop agreeing to these trips.”

“Yeah, maybe,” he laughs. “Goodnight, Nico.”

“Goodnight, Will.”

He rolls over, facing away from Nico as he tries to force himself to fall asleep. His mind is still racing, though, overlapping thoughts about his mother and his father, and even Nico himself. 

All he could do was close his eyes until he fitfully fell asleep.

⁠—

solangelo tag list (message to be added/removed)

@internallyexplodingrainbows @unicornsgomooo @anxiouswinter @soulangelou @number-of-fucks-i-give-0 @underworldystuff @theeloquentsnake @solangelover@thefandomsaretakingover @internallyexplodingrainbows​ @hairasuntouchedaspartoftheamazon​ @motivatedcryptidtamer @emilyfairchild @wherethewildthingsare-nt @hetapeep41 @blavk-dahlia

[maladaptive-ninja-returns]

Stinky Love

Sam Wilson x Fem!Reader

ONE SHOT

Warnings: NSFW! Stay safe kiddos! No funny business till you know what you’re doing. Okay?

Word Count: It’s weird. Not bad. Not good weird. But it is weird nonetheless. I might be stuck in the middle. I want to make healthy decisions. The start of it? Hmm...let’s see...today I consciously did not get into hyperactive mode when I had nothing to do at work. I told myself it is okay to rest for ten minutes without thinking of having something in hand every second! Another thing I did was greet the guards at the entrance (Anxiety- 0 Me- 1). Oh aaaand I wrote this! Despite my block. Because someone really special requested it. :D

MASTERLIST in bio, darlings. Tags are open (check bio)

"Easy. Easy. Eeeeasy. EEE-"

"SHUT UP, SAM!"

"Okay."

You put your hand on your knees, trying to get some air inside your lungs while the tears basically flew into the relentless wind that tried its very best to crack open your cheeks until the blood gushed out.

"Oh fuck!" You sobbed, not knowing what to do with this poisonous feeling in your gut right before you felt the rush and out came the contents of your stomach.

Sam’s hand was already on your back making gentle upward strokes to get everything out once and for all, all the while trying his best to soothe you through the pain and embarrassment.

"Oh my God ," you cried a bit louder this time.

"Shh," Sam cut you with his soft voice, "it's okay. It's perfectly normal. It could happen to anyone. Not everyone has the stomach for...this. Here."

You took the bottle from his hand and rinsed your mouth of the toxic kick of your insides lingering in every taste bud and stood up straight- measuring the straightness of the spine with the amount your gut could take without throwing anything more out. Once you were sure of it, you sighed with ease and cut a look at Sam.

"I puked. On my shoes. Because I couldn't handle a cable car, Sam."

Sam tried to form words in his mouth but all he ended up doing was making funny faces that had no idea what they were trying to achieve. "Wel- I mean...I'm sure someone else might've"

" A CABLE CAR !"

Sam sighed and took your hand, walking away from the snowy edge towards the gazebo resting on the hilltop that was one way of him sheltering you from the cold winter breeze trying to ruin your perfect cheeks. The wooden chairs had fluffed Tibetan cushions and a corner by the thick cement pillar to sit over the traditionally made mattresses and enjoy the fire from the fire pit kept in the centre of it all. He took you by the corner and sat down with you.

"I am pretty sure something was wrong with that cable car, babe. Even I'm feeling a little weird in the stomach," he assured you and wiped away those precious tears off your face gently, not taking his stubborn eyes off you till he was sure you believed him.

"Liar," you muttered, your voice still broken from all the crying, your body pushing itself closer to Sam, who was more than happy to wrap his arms around you. "Don't you dare tell the rest about this. Or I swear to God, Samuel Thomas Wilson, you will regret it for the rest of your life."

Sam suppressed his giggles but his eyes were giving away the humour they found when those brown eyes saw the cuteness that erupted out of you whenever you threatened him. Hell, he'd been turned on on more than one occasion when you'd been trying to fight him, never taking the situation where it was supposed to go.

"Okay. Yeah. I can promise you that. Sure." Sam shrugged and nodded, his smile growing wider with every second when he could see your nose flare up at the thought of finding your misery so funny.

So he kissed your nose.

"Stop it," you groaned, scrunching your nose, "I stink."

"Oh," Sam tilted his head, "no you don't," and ended up kissing your cheek before moving to your jaw and then down your neck, nearly catching your sweet spot till you wiggled and closed yourself like a touch-me-not at his caress and giggled. " Staahaap ! Stop it! I really do stink." And to not give his sex-brain an edge over you, you got up and stood three feet apart from him, smirking with victory.

Sam exhaled. And for some reason, you could see that familiar heavy gaze in his melting eyes- the very gaze that meant he was wondering, of all the ways to turn you on in such a way that you just couldn't resist.

Oh no.

"Sooo," he nearly whistled the word, "if you don't drink anymore, you won't stop running away from my sloppy kisses."

Okay...this is a trap.

This definitely has to be a trap.

"Whatcha say, Y/N?"

Trap. Trap. Trap.

"Yeah sure. Why not. But I don't see a way of getting out of this stink filled clothes and boots any time soon. We're four hour's hike away from Tony's summer house. And the weather doesn't look like a good time to travel."

You stood there, quite proud of yourself at counting down all the possible ways he could get his expert hands on you- damn those hands, they really know how to work you. There was no way out of here unless by some miracle-

"Friday," Sam announced out of nowhere, lounging back onto the seat, "give us some privacy, would you?"

What?

"Wait-"

"Here you go, Mr Wilson," Friday's voice echoed through the gazebo before you saw walls rising up from the stones in the ground- with fucking windows at that- and tiny partitions divided that space to welcome- out of the ground like some grand revelation- a cosy bed in one corner with a shower attached in the wall across the glass partition. The fireplace crackled to life and warm lights flooded this small yet unimaginably comfortable little place.

"Would you like some music?" Friday asked politely.

"Yes, please," Sam announced, quite proud of himself, "put on something slow and sexy for my woman here."

You looked at him, eyes filled with equal amounts of shock and appreciation.

"You knew ," you mention, "that's why you brought me here."

"It was hard getting some alone time with you back at Tony's place. Of course, I had to get you away from there."

And that's why I love you.

You took a step towards him before going back, making Sam raise his brow in questioning confusion.

"I really want to kiss you right now but I would hate myself if you smell all the vomit on me."

"Okaaaay..." He sang softly while getting up and closing the distance between the two of you, his fingers undoing the zipper of your jacket, "how about we get that stink off you so that I can kiss you as much as I want you."

And as soon as your head nodded an approval, a slow dance began to get you- and him- out of the clothes.

The jacket and sweater were already on the floor when you were moving away from the little living room space towards the bedroom and bathroom space, Sam helping you out of your blue t-shirt- his favourite- and folding it neatly before putting it on the bed.

You, on the other hand, had already got him half-naked, reaching for his belt but not quick enough for he already had his thumbs hooked into your jeans, twirling you to get his hands on your bra, unhooking it to let it go of your breaths, kissing your shoulders as he does so.

"Wha-hey!" You tried to refrain from giving in. "That's not our deal!"

You could feel the vibrations of Sam's chuckle on your shoulder, his hands already done with the jeans, sliding them down your legs with a little help from you. You were throwing the pair away when Sam pressed the shower controls, letting a gush of effectively warmed water hit you with the right amount of pressure. You turned around to catch your boyfriend in his boxers, wiping away his face of the stray water beads before reaching for the shower gel by the slot in the wall.

His hands massaged your muscles in the shoulders, your arms and stomach and then took the help of the loofah to make foam up his work. Soon enough, every last trace of the stink along with fatigue was gone, washed away by the water, the stench of gory sickness leaving you to be replaced by a wave of everything fresh.

It was a task to get Sam away from you just so he could let you brush your teeth- thanks to Stark's complimentary toiletries- but you somehow did escape his arms to get that bit done and wrap yourself in a robe and walk out into the bedroom.

The bed was too enticing after that five-hour hike and your legs did not have the energy to do anymore. Though watching Sam's lusty eyes, you felt he had some other plans.

"Sam, babe, I know this-"

"Shhhh..." He was already on the bed, shushing you by his fingers before planting a light kiss on your lips and planting himself behind you on the bed where you sat. "Let me help you get rid of it."

His hands picked up a slow, sensual pace, grinding his thumbs into your shoulders and back, letting them feel the pain, winding up the fatigue itself before releasing the grip to make everything feel five times lighter than before. Your moans were just a bonus, which, it's quite obvious to say, was turning Sam on, making him leave deep kisses where his touch would leave marks where the pain left and relief entered.

"I-ahh didn't know I could get turned o-oohhh-on by a massage!"

Yup. Your words were becoming an incoherent slur just as time passed by and his hands were finding there way down your waist, forcing you to lie down and let your body enjoy the much-needed love and sweet sweet torture.

"Oh...but I'm just getting started, pumpkin," he announced before slapping your butt cheek and turning you on your back and opening your legs.

"Well, who am I to say no to excellent service," you shrugged and pressed your lips to prevent the cheeky smirk about to land on your face while Sam chuckled and kissed your thighs, leaving wet kisses and nibbles on his way to your core.

His hot breath was your undoing. His touch dropped every last chain of restraint while his tongue called the Goddess of sex to come out and play.

And play, they did. The best concert on your aroused instrument, his tongue the professional conductor, knowing which swing and twirl of his will bring the perfect symphonies out of you, making you writhe under him with rising pleasure that was the quickest high on record.

"Sam," his name was coming out as a breathless chant from your lips, your hands finding his hair while his tried to keep your hips in place. "Please," the Goddess was begging to let the waves rise above the dams to let the floodgates be opened, either way, the high wanted to end with a thundering roar.

The moans grew louder once his fingers found your sweet spots and his tongue worked its magic around your clit. The tightness of your walls around him were telling him to increase the pace, making the Goddess dance with pleasure unknown before. The torrents rose, taking all your senses with them before breaking with a bang, their echoes coming after as Sam made sure he let you enjoy every last drop of nature's nectar.

Breathless.

Both you and him.

He flumped into the mattress beside you, watching your flushed face with a chuckle.

"How ya feelin'"

"...lucky?"

The walls vibrated with his laughter. Sam turned to you, picking the box of tissues- luxurious, of course; thank you, Stark- from the bedside table to help clean up the mess before taking you in his arms and wrapping you both in the duvet.

You kissed him. Once. Twice. Thrice. Okay, just one last time , because the number of kisses you wanted to shower him with was not enough.

"Okay, alright, sweetheart," Sam stated, taking another love-filled kiss from you, "your eyes are half open and you are on the edge of falling into a coma if you don't sleep right this second."

You groan. "Lemme kiss youuuuhhh."

Wrapping you in his arm, bringing you closer to his warm chest, Sam planted a peck your forehead.

"Sweet dreams, honey."

You yawned, tickling his chest with your breath. Your body bringing itself closer to his for the attractive abundance of love and warmth, your lips wearing a smile at the thought of him loving you even when you were a stinky mess.

"I love you, Samuel Thomas Wilson."

"I love you too, Y/N Y/L/N."

[yoshichao]

Series: Danganronpa, Detective Conan, Ghost Trick, Devil Summoner, Kindaichi Case Files, Zero Escape

Characters: Conan Edogawa, Saguru Hakuba, Hajime Kindaichi, Lynne, Sissel, Yui Samidare, Raidou Kuzunoha the XIV, Gouto, Heiji Hattori, Raido Kuzunoha the XIV, Goto, Raiho, Kyouko Kirigiri

Summary:  Nine "lucky" guests of DetectiveCon manage to solve a code that showed up in their mailbox alongside their special invitations to the event. But it turns out the "reward" for their efforts is being trapped in a cruel game involving numbered bracelets, a maze of doors, and a ticking time limit. Can these detectives work together to survive the Nonary Game? Or will they be outwitted by their captor - this so-called "Zero"? 

Tags: Crossover, Nonary Game, Temporary Major Character Death, Supernatural Meets Mundane, Amnesiac Character, Puzzles

[As of today’s update (chapter 8), this fic is going on an indefinite hiatus SO I would like to share some previews and teases of later chapters in this fic that I wrote when I was writing out of order. Find it under the cut! Thanks for reading!!]

A few minutes of investigation later, there was a girlish yelp and several metallic rattling sounds, garnering the attention of the others. No one was quite sure how it happened at the time, but somehow Lynne managed to get herself stuck in the chair of a school desk on top of a conveyor belt. Not only that, but she also somehow turned on the contraption she was stuck on. 

In summary: during all her dashing around, she bumped into several inconvenient piles and objects repeatedly, which loosened up several things to cause this catastrophic chain reaction. One shelf she bumped knocked over several planks of wood, blocking off the exit gate to this particular section. While seeing if she could use a long detached chain for anything, she tripped and fell onto the conveyor belt. 

At the opposite end of the irregularly lurching conveyor belt, a large crusher dropped down loudly before lifting back up to repeat the process.

“L-Lynne-san?!” The blond put his hands on the chain-link fence separating the boys from the redhead. He seemed to be in a daze, not quite believing his eyes yet. “What are you doing…?”

“I… I think I’m stuck!” Lynne let out a nervous laugh and tried to lift herself off the chair she was on, but her leg was tangled in the very chain she tripped over. The desk and chair were attached to the belt, apparently. The conveyor belt lurched again, seemingly speeding up for half a second before grinding to a stop. Apparently it was malfunctioning, but whatever was wrong with it wasn’t enough to stop it completely.

Sissel tried to squeeze his small body between a gap in the fence when the belt started moving again, the crusher continuously smashing down at a steady pace. The two humans dashed to the other side of the room to reach the entrance to the area Lynne was trapped in.

“The gate is stuck,” the black-haired boy said quietly, fingers curling against the metal as he stared at the mess of shelves and construction equipment blocking the way. He glanced around calmly for an alternate entrance or something that could help in their situation, but nothing caught his eye, so he settled on scaling the fence instead. The blond hurriedly followed his lead, though he was noticeably less experienced at this sort of thing, as he needed to regain his footing several times in his haste.

Lynne whimpered and inhaled sharply when the shadow of the crusher above her suddenly darkened her space. White as a ghost, she shut her eyes tight when the conveyor belt stopped. The crusher dropped. The black-haired boy vaulted over the fence and landed gracefully on the ground, while Hakuba called out from the other side.

“Lynne-san!!”

Halfway down, the large weight had gotten stuck, and was now looming dangerously over Lynne’s head. The redhead cracked an eye open and slowly looked up, visibly shaking from this horrible, life-threatening experience. The blond, having finally gotten over the top of the fence, stumbled as his feet reached the floor. He turned and called out again, fear and relief clashing together in his voice.

“Lynne-san, are you okay?!”

“I… Y-Yeah, I think--”

Suddenly there was a loud creaking sound, and the chains holding up the weight all snapped. The sound of bones cracking was drowned out by the sound of the crusher hitting the ground, which rang in everyone’s ears long after all was still.

“L.. Lynne… -san…?”

The blond moved past the other boy mechanically, who had stopped moving forward once he realized there was nothing they could do. The Brit stumbled over and placed his hands on the weight, the cold metal icy against his palms.

Breaking the wretched silence was a too-high ding!, which was followed by a small compartment on the death machine opening up to reveal a key. The blond detective just stared at it like it was something alien, while the boy with the cap reached out and took it gingerly, studying it with wide and unblinking eyes, as if he wasn’t really registering its existence at all.

Sissel trotted over and sat himself up against the crusher, averting his eyes from the paint-like splatters around him. The kitten yawned, getting cozy before lying down and closed his eyes. Then the world shifted into reds, oranges, and blues. With a sigh, Sissel reached out and hopped into the yellow core next to him.

“I wonder if you hold some sort of record with all the times you’ve died.”

Before him floating in the red void of the ghost world was Lynne’s spirit, who just grinned cheekily.

“If I did, do you think they’d give me an award for it?”

-

“K… Kyouko-chan…” Yui watches her friend sadly, though despite the situation she can’t help but feel a hint of relief at the implications regarding Kyouko’s behaviour. “Do you… Do you recognize him?”

The ghastly sight that greeted them when they walked into the room was something any detective had come across at least once in their life. A sight so familiar that some of their ilk aren’t even caught off-guard by it anymore.

A dead body.

But the body that the trio found in the study wasn’t just any old person. This was someone both Yui and Kyouko were extremely familiar with - the two of them would recognize this old man anywhere.

Instead of answering Yui’s question, Kyouko silently approached the desk. The room was silent and filled with a palpable dread as unasked questions were left in the air. Once beside the desk, Kyouko slowly put two fingers to the old man’s neck. After a moment, she opened her mouth to speak.

“He’s dead.”

- 

“But… why would they go off on their own like that?!” Lynne asked. “And why would one of them steal the number 0 bracelet? Why not just ask Kirigiri-chan if they could take it?”

“It had to have been Kuzunoha-kun, correct?” Hakuba noted. “Raidou-kun never set foot in the study. But Kuzunoha-kun was there with Samidare-san and Kirigiri-san. He must have taken it before they exited.”

Yui wanted to mention how much sense that didn’t make, because it’s not like Kyouko Kirigiri to miss something like that and the silver-haired detective was the first and last person near the body, but she had no other explanation for how the bracelet could have disappeared. Yui herself didn’t have the bracelet - that was a fact. That would leave either Kuzunoha or Kyouko as the thief. In any other circumstance, Kyouko would seem like the more likely suspect - she did reckless things like this all the time without telling anyone. But when they had two missing persons with a digital root that matched a numbered door...

“As fer why,” Hattori continued, “like th’ 9 bracelet, th’ number 0 doesn’t change th’ digital root. It’s pretty valuable. Maybe he wanted ta have it, jus’ in case.”

“Yeah, it’s not like we had found the number 5 door before now,” Kindaichi said. “I mean, it’s a mighty fine coincidence that those two had numbers that equaled a digital root of 5, but…”

Yui had to think about that. Was it really a coincidence? 

...Well, it had to be, right? Unless there was meaning to the assigned numbers - which she had thought about briefly, but couldn’t come up with consistent correlations for any of them.

“Did they want to work together that badly?” Lynne asked to no one in particular. “Maybe they were just too shy to ask… They were both pretty quiet, after all…”

“To be fair, Yui-chan didn’t really give them a choice the last two times!” Kindaichi said with a grin. Yui huffed at him, but she recognized that he had a point. The only options they would have had this time were door number 5 with Kyouko, 6 with Conan, or 7 with Hakuba. Maybe they didn’t like those odds and figured Yui would want to accompany the lavender-haired woman again, and Conan would want to be with Hattori, and...

“W-Well, whatever!” She childishly stuck her tongue out at Kindaichi, who snickered in response. “Aaaanyways, we should probably go check downstairs to see if they really did go through the number 5 door. If they didn’t and we rearrange the teams, we’ll end up leaving them behind and that door will go unexplored!” Which was something they didn’t have time for. For all they knew, the number 5 door was the key to their escape.

With no arguments, the seven of them rushed down into the basement and through the tucked away door. They came face-to-face with a metal door that had a number 5 painted on it. As some of the boys stepped forwards to investigate the door itself, Yui turned her head towards the RED. 

“Uh, guys? The RED...” Everyone looked over.

On the screen in bright red letters, the word “ENGAGED” confirmed what they had already suspected.

-

“As a reward for your victory, summoner: a parting gift and a word of advice.”

The Pale Rider tossed his scythe to the ground, where it clattered and broke into two separate pieces. 

“When you’ve gone as high as you can go and think you can go no higher, turn your head skyward to find the way forward.”

With that, the horse turned and galloped off, vanishing into thin air with its rider. Silence settled over the basement, and Raidou cautiously approached the broken weapon. The metal had detached from the thin wooden stick, and where they had once been connected, the boy noticed an unusual indent…

He was shaken out of his thoughts by the other summoner, who came up behind Raidou and dropped a hand on his shoulder. He studied the odd gift that was left on the floor in disbelief before opening his mouth to speak.

“...Did Death himself really just give us some ancient wisdom?”

- 

When the door opened, no searching was required. Across the wide and empty room was what they were looking for, bordered by cheap fluorescent lights mounted on the walls.

9.

“We… we did it.” When they all shuffled out of the elevator, Samidare was the first to speak coherently. “We found the number 9… We can get out!”

She whooped and rushed over, putting her hands on the door and experimentally scraping at the paint to make sure it was real. Hajime couldn’t help but grin as he made to join her in inspecting the door. His mirth faded when he realized everyone else remained silent. Turning to face them, none of them shared the smiles the pair of them wore.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, looking between the four of them before settling his eyes on Conan, who wore a thoughtful, serious expression. “Why aren’t you guys happy? This means we can escape, right?”

“There’s only one door, Kindaichi,” Conan said, not even attempting to include the childish chirp he normally used. “That means a maximum of five people can leave.”

- 

“Oi… don’t tell me yer suggestin’ that we split up?”

“Is that not our best option?” Kirigiri crossed her arms. “Would you rather all nine of us die here instead of only four? The five that escape can call for help and potentially save the others before the time is up…”

“K-Kyouko-chan…” Samidare didn’t say anything further, her face betraying how conflicted and confused she felt at her friend’s behaviour.

“H-Hey, let’s not be hasty!” Hajime said, mustering up the most convincing grin he could despite the hollow feeling in his stomach. “Let’s say there is another exit. What if it needs all of us to access it or something?”

“It seems you’re grasping for straws, Kindaichi-kun…”

“He has a point though!” Samidare quickly said. “We should go back and tell Lynne-chan first, and then find the Kuzunohas before we decide on anything.”

“But is that such a good idea?” This had been the most Kyouko Kirigiri had ever said at once during their nine hours together, and every word that came out of her mouth came as a surprise. “The five of you are guaranteed to escape at this very moment, as the only ones who could raise a fuss are yourselves. I have no qualms about staying behind. But if you discuss this with the others, they may not be so… agreeable.”

-

“I-If I had more of these,” Raiho grumbled, hopping on the stool as if to emphasize something, “then I’d be taller than you! Then you’d be looking up at hee, and I’d be a better summoner than you!”

Raidou wasn’t entirely sure what the demon was talking about, but something in his words clicked in the boy’s mind.

“...Raiho, do you mind moving for a moment?”

“Ho? Why? I mean--” The little snowman huffed again, folding his arms over his spherical body. “--Ho way! I’m not gonna listen to you!”

“Raiho, please. Just for a moment.”

“...Give hee your hat first and mayhee I’ll think about it.”

- 

“Hey, Kyouko-chan…”

The beeping had started on Conan and Kindaichi’s persons, but upon turning around, the boys noticed Samidare and Kirigiri were still just outside the door. The brunette had a serious and unreadable look on her face as she planted a hand on her friend’s shoulder. Kirigiri wordlessly studied the brunette, waiting for whatever she had to say patiently.

“Hey, can we get a move on?” Kindaichi asked, nervously gesturing to his bracelet. “You guys need to join us before the door closes…!”

Neither of the girls paid him any mind, staring into each other’s eyes as if they were communicating telepathically. Almost a full nine seconds passed before something happened - Samidare grinned.

“Take care of yourself, alright Kyouko-chan?”

With that, she roughly shoved her friend through the door as it began to grind shut. Taken by surprise, Kirigiri nearly toppled into the two detectives that started shouting at the woman outside simultaneously.

“Oi, Samidare--!”

“--what do you think you’re doing?!”

With the grin still plastered on her face, Yui Samidare gave a two-fingered salute before turning on her heels and running in the opposite direction.

The number 9 door shut between them, three separate sets of ticking bouncing off the stone walls.

- 

They were all horribly out of breath, and only half of them contained enough energy to start stumbling back before the faint sound of an explosion was heard.

“Yui-chan!” Suddenly, Lynne bolted down the way they came, adrenaline revitalizing her. Sissel tried calling out to stop her, but the redhead’s sprint didn’t slow.

- 

“We…” Samidare swallowed, her mouth dry. “We don’t just need a digital root of 9… We also need… nine bracelets…”

The silence was unbearable. Hattori swore again.

“Damn tha’ Kirigiri… She left us here knowin’ this…”

-

“Wait, do you guys hear that?” At Conan’s voice, everyone stopped what they were doing. With the excitement winding down, they all could hear a persistent knocking sound coming from the set of double doors on the other end of the banquet hall. Nobody moved for a moment, but then through an unspoken exchange, they all began to approach the doors as one. Deducing that it was locked, Hattori, leading the pack, cautiously reached out and turned the lock on the door.

Placing both hands on the handles, he looked back at the others for a moment, taking in everyone’s intense expressions. Then, finally, he threw the doors open.

[adie-dee]

Your OC’s Backstory Week 0: Introduction

For @yourocsbackstory

Prompt:  The task is simple - Introduce your character with a small drabble telling us who they are! 

I used a variant of prompt (a): Imagine they are stuck somewhere (waiting in an airport, adrift in a lifeboat, having their curls done at the hairdresser, whatever) and a young kid asks them „who are you?“. How would that dialogue play out?

The football in the middle of the road made Blake slow from his run. He wasn’t sure how it had ended up there, though that question was quickly answered when a small boy, no older than 8, ran out to retrieve it.

The kid hadn’t noticed the approaching cars. Blake sped up to a sprint, hauling the boy from the ground and soccering the ball off the road the moment he reached them.

The lead car narrowly missed them both, pulling up with a screech of the brakes.

“You ok,” Blake asked, putting the kid down on the footpath.

The boy gawked at the cars. “Yeh! That was close. What’s your name?”

“Blake.”

“Thanks Blake. I’m Reece. You want to come play footy with me?”

Blake picked up the footy, handing it back to him. “Didn’t your parents teach you not to talk to strangers?”

“Yeh but you saved me. Anyway, that’s only for bad men.”

“I could be though.” He knew he was.

Reece squinted up at him. “Do you hurt kids?”

“No.”

“Dogs?”

“Definitely not.”

“Then you’re not a bad man.” Reece nodded emphatically as he spoke.

Blake could see a woman coming towards them, one hand covering her mouth and the other holding a toddler as she ran. Even from this distance he could see the horror in her eyes over what had happened. He was glad he’d been there to stop him; no parent should ever have to go through that.

“Your Mum?”

“Yeh.” Reece sounded sad. “She’s gonna be so mad. I’m not meant to run off.”

“No, she’ll be happy you’re ok. Just make sure you look next time, right.”

“I will.”

Blake stood back and watched the reunion before restarting his run, soaking up the warm November sun. It felt nice to do something good for once, a feeling he knew wasn’t going to last. Not with what he’d been asked to do next.

Tag list below the cut

Tag List: @yetmorestories @writersloth @lady-redshield-writes @menyoral@deadlyessencewhispers @elaynab-writing @james-stark-the-writer @the-writers-blocks @cirianne @alessia-writes @purpleshadows1989

[jencala]

Fanfic Author Challenge

The challenge is to post segments from 4 of your favorite fics you have written. They can be as long or as short as you wish, and you may provide the readers with some insight on why you chose this fragment.

I know I was tagged by a couple of people but it’s been a while and I’m finally getting around to it.  Sorry!  And oh boy, this is hard to choose!

1. Of Masters and Slaves

Sirius didn’t speak for a moment, but held his mother’s unwavering stare. “I understand.   Mother .”

“Oh dear, I don’t think you truly do.” Walburga’s quiet laughter teetered on madness as she raised her wand and aimed it at her son. “I think you need another lesson to truly drive home the point. Crucio !”

Sirius crumpled to the floor, convulsing under the onslaught of the curse.  His muscles felt like they would burst into flames as the feeling of liquid fire raced through his veins, his limbs twisting as the sensation of his bones breaking and melting caused an inhuman scream to tear its’ way out of his throat.

Remus could only stand there, cemented to the ground as he watched— unable to do anything to help Sirius or stop the madwoman from torturing her own flesh and blood.  His hands curled into themselves, his nails drawing blood as he restrained himself from reaching for Sirius when every fiber of his being was telling him to move—to do something other than just stand there.

The Black matriarch finally released the spell and stood over her son, watching with a pleased quirk to her lips as Sirius still shook from the effects of the curse, tremors racking his body. “Very well then.  Have you learned your lesson today, Sirius?”

Sirius slowly opened his eyes, excruciating pain coursing through every cell of his body as he tried to focus on the imposing figure standing above him.  

“Ah, I see you need some reminding of what the lesson was about, so let me explain clearly.”  Walburga smiled almost pleasantly. “You see, I do believe you were under the mistaken impression that by allowing you to defile yourself with this beast it was a reward of some sort for agreeing to marry Bellatrix.  Oh no, my dear.”  Her chuckle struck fear deep in Remus’ heart. “You see, you will marry Bellatrix by month's end regardless of whatever creature warms your bed beforehand. It is dear Bella’s decision as to how she deals with your predilections after your vows. However, Fenrir will be coming to collect the beast for his own within a fortnight.”

Sirius struggled to speak. “Wh-what for?”

Walburga raised an eyebrow coolly. “Whyever should I have cared to find out?” She turned to leave, but stopped and leveled her still shaking son with a sneer. “Do clean yourself up, Sirius. It does not befit the current heir to our Most Noble House to lie on the floor like a common gutter rat.”  With that parting comment she swept from the room, head held high.  

Remus remained motionless for a moment, staring at the empty doorframe in shock.  At last, his motor skills returned as he rushed to where Sirius still lay prone on the floor.  He lifted Sirius’ head gently onto his lap.  “Are you alright?”

Sirius felt the tremors recede a bit at the gentle stroking of the fingers through his hair. “I w-won’t let him take you.”

Remus stared down at him incredulously. “That’s what you have to say? Your mother just tortured you and threatened to murder you and you’re worried about Greyback?”

Sirius licked his dry lips and nodded, savoring the feel of the fire in his muscles ebbing away slowly.  He flexed his legs slightly trying to regain some control of his limbs as they were still sporadically spasming.  “It’s not the first t-time she’s used that s-spell on me. I’ll be alright.”

This fic is really special to me and differs in style and story in how I normally write.  It was my first multi-chaptered fic and I am actually almost done with the next chapter of the story so yes, I promise I will be updating soon.  It was started originally as a response to @asktheboywholived‘s Empire prompt and I just love the world they prompted and the story I have created here.  It’s extremely angst-filled which is a challenge for me because I love our boys happy and fluffy with a HEA. I have the entire story arc done and it should be another ten chapters until the end. I hope you all enjoy what I have planned.

2.  Textually Yours

10:46 am: Moonbeam, have I told you how delicious you look in that jumper?

10:48 am: I'm in class. 10:48 am: And thanks *blushes*

10:49 am: I'm in lecture right now too 10:50 am: I can still daydream about how tasty you look in my favorite jumper

10:55 am: Can you possibly daydream to yourself? I really want to pass this course. 10:56 am: Why is it even your favourite? It has bobbles on it.

10:58 am: It's touching your skin right now 10:58 am: Like I wish I was 10:59 am: So it's my favorite **wink wonk**

11:01 am: Oh sweet jebus. 11:02 am: Padssssss, the lecturer is talking about character structure, I reallly need to pay attention 11:04 am: You aren't going to listen to me, but, you're my favourite :)

11:06 am: My lecturer is droning on about Masaccio and his use of light in his paintings 11:07 am: I'd much rather wax poetic about the way the light hits your skin 11:07 am: when you're lying naked in my bed

11:10 am: Well guess what idiot dropped his phone and now everyone is looking at him. 11:11 am: I'll give you a hint, he's in your favourite jumper

11:12 am: oh my poor Moon Pie, did I fluster you? 11:13 am: I can do many other things to you 11:13 am: that you'd like even more ;-)

11:15 am: Okay I'm intrigued now. What. What other things?

11:17 am: ah, my ever-studious Moony is intrigued? 11:17: am: I like when you think naughty 11:18 am: I'd start by taking that ridiculous jumper off 11:18 am: It's only my favorite when it's on you 11:19: am: I'd much rather see it on the floor

11:22 am: Holy.. I might have to take it off anyways. You're making me blush. And hot.

11:23 am: and I haven't even started… 11:24 am: I'd kiss those luscious lips first 11:24 am: then I'd run my hands down your chest and kiss your neck 11:25 am: you so like it when I nibble on your neck 11:25 am: you make the most wonderful sounds when i do

11:28 am: I have a ROB. 11:29 am: I cannot move.

11:30 am: What is a ROB?

11:32 am: Prongs teaches you nothing. Randomly Occurring Boner. I'm now stuck in this chair whether i like it or not

11:33 am: imagine if I was there to help you out with that 11:34 am: right now

I am a sucker for texting fics and I wrote this with my dear friend @josiemoone.  we had so much fun writing this together and I just love how sappy our boys are in this as well as how their relationship comes out.  it was just such a fun piece.

3. Saving Me

Rage coursed through his body, his thoughts whirling.  Wormtail’s alive.  The little bugger is still alive! As he read through the article, his fury intensified.  The boy in the picture, Ron Weasley, would be heading back to Hogwarts—presumably with his pet rat—straight to Harry.

Sirius's godson was in terrible danger, and there had to be a way to warn him, to help Harry, and get his revenge on Wormtail.

He threw the paper down and began to pace his cell.  He didn’t know how or why, but Peter Pettigrew, the reason he was in Azkaban and Lily and James were dead, was with the Weasley family.  Sirius just knew it was him.  He had to get to him somehow.  

Wormtail had to pay for his betrayal.  

And Sirius would be the one to make him pay—finally.

His mind finally clearing, he sensed the cold from the approaching dementors and unconsciously shifted to Padfoot.  They never bothered him in his Animagus form, and it had become instinct to retreat into it whenever he felt them near.  

Thoughts became simpler as a dog, and he suddenly struck upon the answer:  Sirius couldn’t escape from his prison, but Padfoot could.  

He waited until the Dementors passed, the screams of other prisoners ringing in his ears more acutely through his canine hearing. He ignored them to slide his emaciated form through the cell bars.  He supposed there was some merit now to the fact that prisoners were never fed enough.

Padfoot made his way through the labyrinth of corridors, ignoring the calls and sights of the other prisoners along his way, and he used his sense of smell to lead him to where he caught a whiff of the sea the strongest.  He found himself entering what looked to be a small office, most likely used by some of the human guards.  It was, thankfully, empty—luck on his side for once.  

The window at the back of the office was much larger than the tiny one at the top of his cell and though fitted with bars, was open and he could easily slip through them in his canine guise.  He did just that and found himself perched precariously on a wide ledge overlooking the dark, churning, sea about 50 meters below him.  

Sirius knew his chances were slim; it was a long way down and an even longer distance to swim to shore in a violent sea.  But what choice did he have?  Spend the rest of his days in a prison while the person who killed his family tried to finish the job with his godson or take a chance and try to help in whatever way he could?  

There was no prince coming to save him from his tower.  

It was up to Sirius to save himself.

Padfoot took a deep breath and jumped.

The moment he hit the water, it felt as if a thousand frozen needles were trying to pierce his skin.  The chill was excruciating, but he fought his way to the surface, gasping for breath.  After taking a moment to get his bearings, he started paddling his way in the direction he presumed the shoreline was.

It felt like hours, but it could have been mere minutes in his diminished state.  He swam as hard as he could, but he could feel his limbs losing what little strength they had.  His magic not strong enough to keep his canine form, he shifted back to human, fighting against the waves as fatigue drained every muscle in his body.  He tried to focus on getting to shore, to Harry, but his thoughts kept drifting to Remus.  

This fic was my first ever entry for a fest and it’s also the fic that’s closest to canon.  It details Sirius escaping from prison all the way to his seeing Remus for the first time in the Shrieking Shack and I loved delving into his psyche and exploring Wolfstar while still remaining in canon.  I love how I tell a bit of their story through flashbacks while Sirius almost drowns and how he questions his sanity and honestly at one point doesn’t care if he’s actually insane as long as he gets to keep his hallucination.

4. Drawn Together

Marlene spotted him first, a sly grin on her face as she greeted him.  “Back already, Re? Pretty-boy must not have been very good.”

Remus rolled his eyes and took a sip of his drink, careful to avoid looking at Sirius.  “That’s none of your business, Marls.”

“We thought you’d left,”  Dorcas piped in, smiling at Remus.  “I’m glad you came back.”

“I just needed a bit of fresh air.”

He heard Sirius’ snort and finally looked at the other man, sitting on a stool across from him. He raised an eyebrow. “Alright there, Sirius?”

Sirius stared at him for a moment, his grey eyes cold. “I’m fine, just never heard a hook-up referred to as fresh air before.”

“I never said I hooked up, and even if I did, what business is it of yours?”

He watched Sirius take a long pull from his cider before he deigned to answer. “Oh, it’s definitely none of my business, I just thought you were hanging out with your friends and not working .”

“Excuse me?”  Remus’ eyes widened indignantly.  “ Working ?  Are you implying I’m a bloody prostitute?”

Sirius huffed a harsh laugh. “Oh, no, Remus, of course not. You don’t charge for your services.  Or wait—you do get paid for the column you put all your sexual escapades in, don’t you?”

Remus tried to fight his growing anger, but the sneer on Sirius’ face enraged him more. “You’re a fucking twat, Black.  A hypocritical one, at that. I seem to recall you’re getting paid for the artwork for my so-called sexual escapades !”

“Oh, that’s right!  Maybe I should thank the bloke who just got you off?” Sirius took another pull from his cider before slamming it down on the table, his eyes hard as flint as they met Remus’ and stood up. “Would you like to take me back to where you just fucked that bloke so I can get the details right for my piece?”

Remus ignored Marlene and Dorcas’ pleas for them to both calm down, and he stepped closer to Sirius. “You really are a bloody hypocrite, aren’t you?  I saw you getting some action on the dance floor before I left!”

“I was dancing not fucking some random bloke in a back room!”

Remus grinned maliciously. “Is that the problem, Sirius?  You wish it was you I was fucking back there, not a random bloke?”

He watched with satisfaction as Sirius’ eyes widened, nostrils flaring, before he pressed closer to Remus, his striking features twisted in anger. “Listen up, Lupin, and listen well.  I wouldn’t t-touch a slag like you with someone else’s cock, so get whatever idea you have about me fancying you out of that thick head.”

He felt as if he’d been punched in the gut with those words, but Remus refused to let Sirius see how his comment affected him.  “Oh, don’t worry your pretty little head, Black. The last thing I’d ever do is want to touch a sodding twat like yourself. I prefer real men who can satisfy me, not a bloody prude.”

He turned to Marlene and Dorcas before Sirius could respond and kissed them each on the cheek.  “It’s been lovely girls, but I’ve got to run. I’ll give you a call this week.”

Dorcas gave him a pleading look. “Re, please don’t leave.  I don’t know what’s gotten into Sirius— “

He held up a hand to cut her off. “It’s fine, Dorcas.  Sirius is just being the twat I knew he was. Don’t worry about it, it’s between him and me, nothing to do with you, love.”

Marlene hugged him.  “Remus, just don’t disappear on us, alright?”

He kissed the top of her head before stepping back. “No worries, love.  I really will call you this week.”

Remus forced a smile at his friends before turning back to Sirius.  “Black.” He turned to walk away, but Sirius called his name and he turned back. “What?”

Sirius smirked, pointing at the hem of Remus’ shirt. “You missed a spot.  Black lights are a bitch, aren’t they?”

Oh this story will forever hold a special place in my heart. This was my 2018 Wolfstar Big Bang fic and I stressed about it so much, but I got to work with @yumenouveau who is just such a fabulous artist and friend and it was an amazing if stressful experience.  I love the AU world I created and the sexual tension and snark between my favorite boys is endless.  It’s a slow burn and even as the writer there were times I just wanted to scream at them to just kiss already, but my boys were stubborn, Sirius especially, and I love how this fic turned out.  

I’m tagging @ami-talks, @shayalonnie, @captofthesswolfstar, @maraudererasmut, @moonllotus, @yumenouveau,

[musicfeedsmysoul12]

Bad Guy

Summary: Marinette breaks down.

Warnings: Murder, mention of child neglect, bullying, attempted murder

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Marinette had an okay childhood. Her parents treated her like an adult but they did love her. They taught her some things, and were there for her always until age ten where they just got to busy. It was fine though, honestly.

It was fine they scolded her when she just wanted some help. It was fine her mama was upset her baby couldn’t speak any sort of Chinese despite the woman never trying to teach her. It was fine.

 It was all fine.

 Marinette was sitting sideways in the chair she’d insisted on adding to the warehouse they’d claimed as their HQ. Part of her adored the freaked out faces by it. After all, having the bloodstained clothing of Gabriel Agreste and his assistant being made into a chair was hilarious.

 Marinette sighed, leaning her head back and glaring at the roof above her as another moron made empty threats. Just because she was in a suit and a domino mask didn’t mean she wasn’t as dangerous as she was when she was in her super suit. Really.

 Marinette was a good girl, a very good girl who did what she was told. Sure, she was bullied by Chloe but Chloe bullied everyone. The teachers used to step in until Bustier came around and said oh no, it’s Marinette’s fault for not providing a good example. 

 Her parents found out and they agreed so Marinette had to to, it made sense after all. 

 Marinette stood in front of the man forced to his knees, arms zip tied behind his back.

 “I thought I told you not to sell to minors,” she said in a clipped tone. The man sneered.

 “What, like a hero like you can do anything to stop me.” He jeered. Marinette frowned.

 “I would watch your tone.” The man scoffed and laughed at her. Until the head of one of his gang was brought in and handed to Marinette.

 He changed his tune then.

 Oh, Marinette had to work in the bakery sometimes. Oh, and of course her parents would volunteer her to watch their friends’ kids. It wasn’t like Marinette had homework or her commissions, or if she needed sleep or anything.

 And then she got a box with earrings.

 Marinette snorted as she read an article in the paper talking about how the new mayor was discussing removing the various statues of the Miraculous team. She rolled her eyes at the man’s words but smirked at the various comments from the reporter who’d written the article.

 “Apparently they want to focus on the fact we all snapped and went after various teachers, police officers and such,” she said out loud. “Rather than rip down statues and cost the city money that way.”

 “Who wrote that article?” Kagami asked as she ate her breakfast, wearing only a robe and looking pleased from her nightly activities. Marinette snorted.

 “Alya.”

 “Of course.”

 Being Ladybug was… fun. People liked her, they liked what she did, they liked how she saved them. They actually liked her and appreciated her.

 It was addicting. She had her partner, she had friends, she was able to stand up to people…

 And still she had to babysit. Still she had to put her commissions on hold. Still she was told she had to be an example.

 But she had friends.

 Marinette drank her coffee, staring at the bakery across the street. She was standing in front of an old school- not an old and abandoned one but one almost completely destroyed. The bakery across the street looked like it had seen better days. It was obviously struggling. Marinette watched with an impassive face as someone left, looking disgusted.

 “I’ll never eat anything from here again. Didn’t they used to be good?” Marinette finished her coffee and turned and left. 

They did. And then they pissed off a creature of luck.

Lila happened one day and… things changed. Her friends were turning their backs on her. More demands, more wishes, more screams. 

 She felt like she was drowning like she was being dragged down towards hell as she tried to breathe. Tried to think.

 She broke down and released her transformation one day, screaming.

 At least her kitty was on her side after that.

 “Bug,” Max stuck his head into her design room. She blinked, looking up from the bulletproof dress she was making Alya for her assignments.

 “Yes?” Marinette asked.

 “We need some help- Fox found out about a conspiracy. We need a bit of luck.” 

 Marinette smiled like a shark. “Of course.”

 She had her kitty, she had Adrien and slowly she had the rest of the team. They all started seeing, they all started frowning. They all started speaking up.

 Lila kept lying, she kept saying things, she kept breaking them. She kept saying things that weren’t true and people believed them. Marinette’s mom and dad did. They frowned at her, they looked at her sideways.

 Marinette could breathe though. She had her friends. She had her team.

 And then her kitty was run through.

Marinette petted Adrien’s head, watching with a bored face as various gangs all tried to jockey for position before her.

 “He’s nothing but a pet-” Her head snapped to the speaker and she stood, standing high above them and looking down her nose at the speaker. She strode towards him, a snarl on her face as black energy took her over.

 “What did you say?”

Her kitty was hurt and she was screaming and it was to much, to much for her to think for her to breathe. She wanted it to stop.

 She couldn’t heal him, Plagg had to step in and the energy affected them all. They were sharper, more dangerous. A little more animalistic. 

 It was okay though… it was okay. It had to be okay. Hawkmoth- Adrien’s father and oh she enjoyed ripping into him with magic and her hands- was in jail.

 They got their happy ending.

Only they didn’t.

 Marinette hummed as she carefully set up an adorable little house. It was perfectly Kwami sized with a small bed and a small phone for use as a TV.

 “Oh, Mullo,” she smiled as the Mouse Kwami floated in front of her. “Do you like it?”

 “I do!” Mullo smiled at her. “Oh, can I say also thanks?”

 “Oh?”

 “You don’t make us do things we don’t want.” The mouse explained. “Fu was worried you’d be awful with us but you aren’t.” Marinette laughed.

 “Well I try.”

 Lila wouldn’t shut the fuck up and no one would listen. Master Fu didn’t. He focused on her being like him, wanting all the Miraculous back, scolding her for letting Plagg save Adrien.

 Her parents stopped loving her. They stopped being proud.

 Where they ever anyway? 

No one cared, they sneered at Adrien, called him names and he couldn’t speak back. The magic Plagg did made him wonky, lopsided at first. Sometimes he was more animal than human.

 And they wouldn’t shut up.

 “Kitty?” Marinette asked, petting Adrien’s head. He hummed, eyes unfocused as he leaned into her. “Awww, poor thing. You’re so out of it baby.” Adrien purred and leaned into her more. Marinette hummed, picking up some papers. Adrien hissed suddenly. “Oh yes, Gabriel is campaigning for an early release.” Marinette smirked as Adrien growled.

 “Oh Kitty, don’t worry. Even if he gets out… we can handle him.” Marinette smiled even as Adrien continued growling. “We’ll handle him permanently.”

 It all came to a head when Lila shoved her off a third floor to the ground. And no one did a damn thing.

 It was her fault, she was fighting Lila after all. Never mind she had just been chatting with Adrien.

 Her parents called her a monster.

 So she became one. She embraced the darkness, Tikki along for the ride, laughing. Fu hated it, tried to rip the Miraculous away. 

 They dealt with him after that. 

 Marinette transformed, staring at the school in front of her. Behind her stood her team.

 Gone was the ladybug red and black. Now was a blood-red suit with armoured plating, her mask jagged and looking like blood trails were going down her face, the eyeholes now completely black. Dark energy- the same energy they all carried now- lashed from her. Under her arm was the Miraculous Box.

 “You want a bad guy?” she snarled. “I’ll give you one.”

Tagged: @ines-nz  @seraphichana, @glasswolff, @crazylittlemunchkin, @miraculous786, @viinaa08, @18-fandoms-unite-08

[justbwi]

For The Time Being (ch.3)

this story is set in an alternate universe where time has become the universal currency and people, born with a digital clock on their forearm, stop aging at the age of 20

Pairings: Jungkook x reader (ft. taehyung)

Word Count: 3.8k

Genre: dystopian au / fluff / angst

Warnings: building sexual tension still pg13

Chapters: 01 l 02 l 03

Summary: where you fall into Jungkook’s grasp and there is no time for escape

a/n: sorry for the long wait D: i’m probs the slowest writer in this world shame on you tiff :/ pls stay tuned tho i promise to write whenever i can

Time was ticking fast.

“Are you just going to sit there and watch?”

You were too focused on the clock hung daintily on the wall to answer. It was strange to know that such thing still existed when everyone else has learnt to pay more attention to the one running in their veins instead.

The clock arm made a disturbing sound as it flicked to the next second. You frowned and figured it displeased you the same way basking in the afternoon sun was.

“Jimin-ah, can we go home now?” You shouted over the humming of beetles. Summer was intolerable enough itself. Why did your brother have to make it even more so by running in the heat?

The said boy craned his neck slightly backwards, his eyes always genuine and soft. “Y/N, come on,” he calls. “We came to have fun, remember? Besides, running makes me feel-“

Alive.

You finished the sentence for him in your heart and secretly waited for the applause in celebration of a right guess. But, the clap never came. In fact, you would never know what he was about to say as his voice had been cut off so abruptly that as soon as you had your glance landed upon the tracks he was on minutes ago, you found him lying flat against the scorching ground instead.

“Jimin! Park Jimin!” You rushed to his side, chest heaving out of anxiety.

He was knocked unconscious, face made direct impact with the solid Earth. One would be mistaken to think that he had been asleep save for his crossing of eyebrows. The cruel sunlight cast shadows under the lashes and made beads of sweats form on his forehead.

He was in pain.

You shook him violently. “Jimin! Wake up!”

The green light, discernible to your peripheral vision, came afloat under Jimin’s skin, but you had cared less. You only wanted him to come around and repeatedly tell you that he was fine as if he was chanting a mantra while he wiped the hot, burning tears away as he always do when you are upset.

“Please…please…” You pled to the gods you had never laid faith on, knowing that there was nothing you would not give up in exchange for them to ease their grips on Jimin’s lifeline.  

Within seconds, your vision grew blurry and you could taste salt on your lips. Your mind was a whirl of chaos and filled with desperate thoughts. Even as Jimin’s eyelids fluttered open weakly, you had reckoned it a delusion fate had so cruelly put in your way.

“Y/N,” Jimin drawled, the strength in him practically seeped out with each syllable. His eyes widened at the sight of you crying, and instinctively, took your face in his hands. “Why…why are you crying, silly?”

You blinked hard, attempting to brush the hallucination away. “Jimin.”

As he lifted his arm and your cheek perfectly housed in his grasp, you faintly and officially regarded the new instalment in his body which was glowing and…ticking.

Jimin followed your stare and was able to catch on your train of thoughts right away. He was not surprised or confused, nothing you had experienced over the short span of him passing out in the sun earlier.

“It’s my birthday.” His comment was brief and plain, accompanied with a smile which did not quite reach his eyes. But, it was enough for both of you to understand why he suddenly fainted not long ago. You have heard rumours of people reacting differently to the first appearance of ‘the clock’, but witnessing one in person formed a completely uncanny piece of memory you wish to eradicate.

You gazed at his clock as the digits went from 9 to 0. The countdown seemed to affect you more than Jimin himself. Now, his life was also put to a limit. You were, at some point, at a loss for words as if your throat was filled with rocks of sharp edges that would cut open your flesh should you make a sound.

You stared at him, tears continued gliding down.

“Please d-don’t die, Jimin..” You stuttered among incoherent sobs. “…don’t die.”

Jimin chuckled. “I won’t,” he cooed as he swiped his thumb across your cheekbone.

“I will stay by your side and protect you.”

Always.

"Y/N. Y/N?"

Taehyung watches you stir in your sleep, troubles evidently edged between your brows. He was on the verge of bringing up his embarrassing childhood memories when you dozed off. The sight of you mumbling inaudible words while clinging onto him has been too precious for someone to disturb, and he would do anything to keep it that way until your body started shivering, your forehead covered with perspiration and your muscles essentially tensed as if you were ready to run. That was when the boy sensed that something had gone wrong and had to wake you up against his will.

"Y/N," he calls again.

Your eyes flutter open in an instant, the stare hazy and hollow. You are panting as you regain your senses, the realisation that you are riding with a stranger who is likely to report this abnormality to Jungkook, provided that the two of them are friends, dawns on you. You cannot share your secrets and weaknesses with them because these people, who live in an utterly different universe than yours, would only figure out a way to use them against you.

"Are you…alright?" The brunet suggests worriedly as he grimaces, recalling the previous scene. "You were practically trembling. Bad dreams, I suppose?"

It was not merely a nightmare. You were suffering. Everyday passing without Jimin, your haven, is a torture itself already. You thought to yourself. You do not need dreams to remind you of what you have lost.

"I'm sorry," you blurt out instead of admitting the sickening truth, not intending to disclose more of yourself even as Taehyung is paying you the earnest gaze.

Taehyung laughs, his hands nimble on the wheels. "For what?"

"For falling asleep. It doesn't mean that your stories are boring at all. It's just-" You are trying to make up excuses for what he might be thinking after you have slept on him, but your brain does not work as effectively as it normally does, apparently still clasped in the claws of nightmare.

"You are tired. I totally get it," Taehyung replies with a smile you have almost mistaken it for a sympathetic one. It keeps you wondering if rich people like him, practically immortal people like him, would be able to understand such concepts. "Working with Jungkook is already exhausting because he is such a perfectionist and he expects the best from everyone around him. Can't imagine what working for him is like."

You stifle a chuckle, hoping not to show any contempt for your master but knowing that Taehyung has just spoken the greatest truth of them all.

Taehyung catches the playful glint in your eyes and beams. Even though you are still wary of him, it seems that he is determined to show you that he strays from your stereotypical wealthy heir of whatever inherited corporation existing in Gangnam.

"Say it," the boy nudges you with his arm as the car comes to a halt, the unblinking red traffic light in huge contrary to the jumping digits on your exposed arm.

"What?" You glance at the rear-view mirror, the Jeon's mansion was long out of eyesight.

Taehyung takes a deep breath and nods as if he knew what your heart has been shouting ever since you left Incheon to live an even more miserable life. “Jungkook is…” he prompts.

"- a jerk." The two of you miraculously chant in unison.

You laugh in the most genuine way for the first time ever since you have been thrusted into the Jeon mansion, all the tension and stress abandoned in the darkest corner of your mind.

All thanks to Taehyung.

“Right, here we are. Let’s go!”

You watch as he bounce off the driver’s seat, heading to the grocery store with an overflowing surge of enthusiasm, which you greedily steal a share of. A little blitheness when you are away from Jeon won’t hurt after all, will it.

Taehyung's love for strawberries and basically anything that tastes sweet continues to fascinate you as he wipes the shelves clean at the dessert section, boxes of candies piling up in the trolley.

"Dark or milk chocolate?" The boy holds out two packages extravagantly adorned with ribbons and waves them at you.

It takes a few seconds before you realise that he was asking for your advice. Honestly, you have barely had chocolate before, except that one time when Jimin came first in those Inter-school competitions where the winners were awarded with a decent amount of time wrapped nicely in a capsule, and he had spent all that on such luxury to cheer you up after a fight. You soon realise that all chocolate basically taste the same – pure and sweet – as Jimin.

"Milk," you reply with a shy smile, remembering that only piece of chocolate you have ever had.

Taehyung beams and grabs two milk bars from the shelves, adding them to his fountain of desserts.

To your surprise, the boy finally decides that it is enough for the day and heads straight to the cashier when you were already looking for escape routes just in case you were stuck within the store long past its working hours. You have your forearm exposed to the staff as the tags are being processed and you silently hope that your digits would be returned the moment you went back to the Jeon mansion.

"Take mine." Taehyung's words jolt you out of your cloud of worry. Rolling up his sleeve, he shrugs at you nonchalantly. You watch his digits disappear around his wrist, the lavish life getting sucked out of him bits by bits.

"Why?" The two of you are out in the parking lot when you can no longer hold back your curiosity.

Taehyung pauses in front of you, his left hand occupied with packages of food, his right on the door handle.

He looks at you, dumbfounded. "What do you mean?" He is wearing a unadulterated smile, the kind that should not be present after a painful slice in one's lifeline, though willing.

You do not have the courage to return the gaze lest evident shame runs wild in your eyes. "Earlier. Why did you..." sacrifice on my behalf.

Taehyung simply chuckles. He rummages through one of the largest packages and in it comes through the bar of milk chocolate beautifully wrapped in silver. "Here you go," he offers as if it was an everyday treat.

"Working for kookie can be demanding sometimes, but trust me, there is still a gentle heart hidden somewhere deep within his unyielding armour. You just have to look closer." He starts the car engine, the navigation set to work on a return trip to the Jeon mansion. "Until then, you can hold onto this piece of chocolate. It can always brighten up your day."

The ride back is tranquil. You have never been that at ease with someone since Jimin. This brunet at the driver's seat has not treated you like a servant as most of the people in Gangnam do. He does not stare at your exposed forearm as if the same pulsing underneath did not run in his own system. He calls you by your name, wiping out the filth others see at its edges with a gracious beam.

With him, you can feel normal again.

Almost.

Not until there comes a voice so familiarly unwelcome which breaks all signs of comfort bubbling in you.

"What takes you so long?" His voice is laced with irritation. It makes you shrink back to your disposable self, avoiding the trigger to his timed bomb.

Taehyung thinks otherwise. He takes two long strides towards the trunk, retrieving the shopping bags which should be handled with by someone like you instead. A servant.

"Well...I may have been loitering around the sweets section for a few more minutes than I usually do," the boy sheepishly grins, flashing the dozens of shopping bags in his grip and heads for the front door himself.

You quickly moves to stand in his way, recalling your status in this household. It could have been an ordinary sight for him to carry those bags in public and you could simply appreciate how gentlemanly he is, but now that you are back to the mansion where Mr. Kim is constantly checking up on you to make sure you know your place as a servant, you just cannot risk another delay in the distribution of time capsules. Unfortunately, Taehyung does not have the intention to give in.

"Y/N, can you get the door for me?" The brunet asks with a sweet smile you are trying to engrain in your mind. It is so bright that you almost comply. You bet you will do anything he wishes under such influences.

"Master Kim, let me have those," you gesture at the gift boxes, the words unintentionally coming out as pleads. "Please."

Taehyung shakes his head in disapproval. "Not until you know how to address me properly," he knowingly smirks.

You gulp visibly and whisper, hoping that you would not get into trouble because of this. "Tae..."

"Such a good girl," Taehyung grins as he gradually unloads some of the lighter packages in your arm, the ruffle of your hair coming at last. You can feel the growingly familiar warmth radiated from him and smiles back on reflex. You almost get lost in this new reverie until a cold and harsh voice brings you back to life.

"Y/N."

You turn towards the source and find Jungkook staring at the two of you. His face is adorned with rage and something you cannot quite pinpoint.

"Yes, Master Jeon?" You abruptly detach yourself from Taehyung's touch although you already start to miss his gentleness the second you drift away from him.

"My tie," Jungkook emotionlessly utters.

You look at him blankly and wait for him to spill out another word but there is nothing. He just stands there as if that was enough for interpretation. He is apparently not wearing a tie at the moment, so with him mentioning one can only mean one thing.

"It's in the washer, I suppose," you reply after taking a wild guess at his supposed question and return to helping Taehyung with his bags.

Jungkook scowls. "I need it now."

"But Master Jeon, it's-"

"I don't want to repeat myself."

You nod defeatedly, knowing there is absolutely no room for argument when Jungkook is concerned. If he wants something, he always gets it regardless. Besides, you are in no place to put up a fight either.

You give Taehyung an apologetic smile as he waves you off, heading to take more of the bags out from the trunk while Jungkook has no intention to help. The latter boy smirks in victory despite the fact that he still manages to sound bored with everything.

"In ten minutes. My room."

The problem with Jeon Jungkook is that he is too much of a perfectionist. There is no room for defiance when it comes to his order no matter how demanding or practically impossible it might seem to the common eye. The Jeons always get what they want, while servants like you exist to make sure of that.

That explains why you are currently in the master en-suite, blow-drying that damned flap of clothing which should have dried itself a few hours later under mechanical force instead of an inefficient labour if it has not untimely crossed Jungkook’s mind.

You have your back pressed against the counter and let the sound of the hairdryer drown out the rest of your thoughts. But that does not stop the train of cruses pouring out, unprocessed and directly addressed to Jungkook’s overwhelming arrogance. You are too focused on improvising the variations of swear words the boy is able to provoke in you that you forget the door to the en-suite is left ajar.

“Yes, I’m pretty sure we’ll see each other in hell,” Jungkook states as he walks in.

“Master Jeon.” You quickly straighten up, eyes darting everywhere but him as if you were a child caught sticking your hand halfway through the cookie jar. You are still figuring out what exactly is oozing off in his wake that has left you feeling agitated whenever he is around.

Jungkook extends a hand towards you.

Up close, you can see the scarce callouses worming their way into his palm. They are the trails left behind hours of hard work and labour, symbols of poverty you are bound to be affiliated with, not someone as wealthy as Jungkook should be bearing. You are intrigued by this small similarity the two of you share and suddenly find yourself anticipating more. You want to know where he could possibly get them from and why he would have allowed them to stay. But before you finish getting prepared for your death wish, he once again cuts you off, poking at the bubbles of imagination which are precariously growing at a high speed.

“Tie.” He gestures with a hint of annoyance, just enough to catch your attention.

“Oh,” you mutter, mostly to yourself. The tie is apparently not in its best condition for the wearer but if he insists to put it under his reign, you would simply have to obey.

You bow out of propriety without meeting his glare, the wanted object offered between the two of you. However, Jungkook does not even bulge. He remains as a still frame and waits as though you were meant to do something more than what you have been doing.

Unfortunately, you have no intention to solve this riddle, let alone clear the fog clouding your head ever since his absurd reaction towards the exchange between Taehyung and you.

“Master Jeon?” You feigned innocence as your glance flickered towards the set of his jaw.

He takes a step forward and dips his head in the direction of the tie in your hand. “Aren’t you supposed to do it for me?”

You blink at this simple request. Is he actually asking something from you instead of barking out commands?

“But…I don’t know how.”

A light shade of pink spreads across Jungkook’s sharply crafted cheekbones. He seems flustered because you have practically turned him down for the second time in a day, and you are not sure if you are finding this side of his adorable when you should be apologizing and begging at his mercy at the moment.

“You don’t know how to do a tie,” Jungkook lets the words swing on his tongue and steps closer to your still figure, his stare never wavers. You gaze right back at him, throat tight, when he places his hands on either of your shoulders and pivots you to look at the mirror behind. Long gone was his timidity, replaced by a predatory glint in his gold-specked iris.

Jungkook presses his body close to yours, his hot, minty breath fanning against the nape of your neck as he speaks. “Let me teach you.”

You are hyper-aware of his hand movements when he swiftly plays with the fabric, looping it around your neck in demonstration. His long, slender fingers graze your skin every now and then, setting it on fire. You can feel the walls pressing in on you, count the number of breaths you take and taste Jungkook’s signature cologne on your lips, the smell of musk wafting from his collar.

The room suffocates you.

He suffocates you.

“M-Master-” you purr, sanity drifting further and further away from your grasp. You squirm uneasily in his half-embrace as if that was enough to snap yourself out of this unexplained enchantment.

Jungkook smiles lazily, his left hand tracing patterns around your clock. You are sure it is not included in the steps of doing a tie.

“Call me Jungkook,” he breathes, his mouth desirably close to back of your ear. “The way you so casually did with Tae.”

You are too caught up by this proximity that you fail to catch the undertone of warning in his voice. So, you obey. “Jungkook.”

The boy smirks triumphantly, noticing how much he is affecting you. “Tell me. Who are you working for?”

Enthralled by the proximity, you finally let yourself succumb to this undoubtfully attractive man and the growing heat pooling between your thighs. Your brain and body seem to focus on nothing but Jungkook, his slightly sultry look invading each and every corner of your consciousness.

Automatically, you utter the only word you have been taught to memorise. “Jungkook.”

“Who is keeping you alive?”

You momentarily tear your gaze away from his inviting eyes with pains. The green digits throbs persistently beneath your skin. But, for the first time in forever, your heartbeats are outrunning them. “Jungkook.”

“And still, you fall for Taehyung, huh?”

The mention of the sun-kissed brunet pulls you at halt. You recall his blinding smile and the few moments of elation flooding your heart due to his company. Although you are pretty sure that it could not have been profound affection you are starting to feel at the thought of him, you still cannot bring yourself to deny what Jungkook has said right away.

Sensing that he is not getting a reply from you, Jungkook simply scoffs. He finishes the last touches with the tie hung around your neck and tightens it a bit too much to your liking.

“Here. I expect you to do it for me next time.”

You nod although you know that it is not his teachings you have been focusing on earlier. You glance at Jungkook, who is now leaning against the threshold, the predatory glint in his eyes has long gone. The fact that he gets unacceptably close to you on purpose just to distance himself later both confuses and irritates you.

Perhaps, you are just a disposable toy to him. He clearly does not cherish your presence as much as Taehyung, but why can’t you stop thinking about him? You find yourself drawn to his half smile more than the other boy’s wide grin.

Jungkook seems to be so different from what he appears to be in public and you are tempted to look under his façade for some unspoken reasons.

“For the record.” Jungkook’s voice snaps you out of weird and treacherous thoughts. You turn your back to the mirror, his tie a mismatched accessory to your otherwise plain uniform.

“Tae is engaged.”

[dystovian]

The Last of Us: How to Disappear Completely

Chapter 2: Watchful Eyes

Summary: Within the past year you’ve done nothing but travel, survive, and live with two kids. Two kids who seemed to be fairing quite well in the apocalypse, and two kids who also seemed to be growing on you, and fast. But what happens when you and Sawyer leave the house to Ryan’s watch for a day?

Pairing: Joel/Reader, Joel x Reader (Future)

Warning(s): Language, Death, Anxiety, Grief

A/N: tried to make this chapter a little bit longer, but felt like i got a little too long so i feel like i might have rushed the ending 🥴 either way, i’m gonna try to update every couple days, but if i don’t i’m likely writing multiple chapters at once, either way..thanks for reading!

Tags: @hrk-fic-recs

2 0 1 9.

Kentucky.

It’s been a little over a year, and your luck has proven to be on your side. These two kids stuck to you like glue, protecting you while you did the same in return. Giving you shelter, food, and more. And yet, they rarely asked for anything, nothing but your watchful eye. It was easier than you thought, watching over a couple kids. Especially ones so capable, so strong. Yet...

So goddamned stubborn.

As you sat across them at the dusty dining room table you’ve had dinner at so many times, arms crossed over your chest, slouched into the chair as low as possible, and the thickest most outrageous urge to lean over and slam their heads into the wood. Ryan stood to the side, arms crossed just like yours, and a rifle leaning against the wall just beside her.

Sawyer, on the other hand, looked rightfully and royally pissed the fuck off. Sitting just across the table, hands entwined upon their lap. They had every right to be as stubborn as a boulder, every right to make the calls around here. But you’ve been pulling your weight too, and you can’t sit around and just let a couple kids make every damn decision.

“I’m going. Okay? It’s quieter if it’s just one person, anyways.” Your head leaned towards the other shoulder as you rolled your eyes.

“Exactly. Which is why I’m the only one who should go!” Sawyer snapped, a hand coming down upon the table with a sharp clap.

“Hey hey hey, hold on. I thought you said I was coming too?!” Ryan said, moving from her place against the wall to stand beside her sibling, betrayed at the change of plans which were originally meant to include her.

“I changed my mind. You’re not going, and like [Y/N] said....it’s quieter with just one person. I’m quicker on my feet too, and you know it.” Sawyer whisper-yelled, standing to appear taller and more authoritative against their sister.

“Quick doesn’t mean quiet, dumbass!”

“Just effing kill me...” You muttered, hands sliding down your face, their arguing continuing, as you slouched even further into the dining room chair.

This was meant to be a quick touch and go. You run into the building, grab what you need, and return home with a smile on your face. But, of course, you were meant to leave over two hours ago now, and your patience was running thin. These two kids insisted on doing it while you stayed behind and kept watch.

At this point, you were about to give up, just let Sawyer go and stay behind and keep watch with Ryan. But it appears the two siblings came to an agreement while you had tuned them out, and you would be going with Sawyer, and Ryan would have to stay back.

“That’s so not fair, man...” Ryan huffed, grabbing her rifle and stomping off into the living room. Sawyer turned to you, rolled their eyes, and stomped off to gather their things. God, were you like this when you were younger too? You should have apologized to your dad for being so...so annoying.

By the time you had left, Ryan seemed to have gotten over it. Opting to be proud of being so trusted to watch the place. You smiled, pulled the girl into a side hug, and left with a small feeling of hope pulling at your heart, and something sinister lurking within the pits of your belly.

But things went well, perfectly fine, in fact! You barely came across any Infected, nor any signs of other survivors. Though, you now had to spend the night at some nearby house due to the setting sun, you didn’t even care. You had what you needed, and you wouldn’t be going home empty handed. Sawyer was happy, as well. Being able to go home with just about anything was a plus, especially if it meant their sister wouldn’t starve to death.

“Get some rest. I can keep watch. We’ll leave the second the sun comes up, okay?” You pat the teenagers shoulder, your lips pressed together in an encouraging smile. The kid deserved some rest, all they seemed to do was work, hunt, scavenge. Anything to keep your bellies full, and your minds at ease.

The night was quiet, simple, although the snap of a twig alerted you to the presence of an Infected, it didn’t seem to notice you and it continued on its way. Going on your way that following morning, you couldn’t help but struggle to understand the weight in your stomach. The urge to stop and run all at the same time.

“Hey. You doing okay?” Sawyer stopped mid walk, turned to you, and rubbed your shoulder blade. Something they haven’t done before. They’re growing onto the idea that you’ll be with them a while, and you enjoyed the way that pit disappeared and was replaced with a warmth. You felt...easy. Happy, despite the loss of your sister. The loss that still pulled so heavy on your aching soul.

The moment is interrupted by another pat to your back, and you quickly nod, reassuring your friend that everything is just fine. Thinking, that’s all. Their hand slips from your back and they re-enter the pace they had before. You fall in place next to them, that strange feeling returning, yet you don’t address it. Not even to yourself.

When you return, you begin to understand. The house you grew to love had become quiet. Not even a clanking of the makeshift alarm system, which is literally a bunch of cans on a string. That feeling you had seems to have coated the early morning air as well, and Sawyer feels it too. You’re both stuck on the sidewalk, staring, waiting.

You waited for what felt like forever. What you were waiting for, you didn’t know. Perhaps for Ryan to come out with a grin, or for some infected to round the corner. And yet...nothing came. Not a grunt, not a chuckle, not even the ringing of the wind chime across the street. The both of you were stuck. Weighing the options, do you call out to the younger sibling, or do you go searching inside? You decided on the latter, and Sawyer reluctantly followed.

Entering the house, you felt like something had wrapped you around the chest and squeezed, giving you a warning, a threat of what’s to come. You sweep the first floor, and find nothing. You turn the corner and stare up the steps. That feeling, it comes again, but this time it stops you, and you can’t seem to force yourself up those stairs.

Sawyer, with their courageous efforts, shoulders past you and goes silently up the carpeted flight of steps. Not a creak within the wood underneath, nor a thump follows their wake. You follow, despite something telling you, no, screaming at you to run. Find somewhere safe, and don’t come out.

You get the answer to that feeling within seconds. Because the moment you reach that top step, the atmosphere shifts. It’s still quiet, but the silence is so loud. You know something is wrong, so terribly wrong. And you don’t want Sawyer to be the one to find what could have happened.

As Sawyer checks the first room on the left, you check the one at the end of the hall. And, unfortunately, you see it first, the ruined body of the girl you felt like a sister to, the girl that grew on you so quickly. A gasp leaves you, and Sawyer comes running, you panic and turn, hands coming to their face to block their eyes.

“Don’t look! No!” You heart rate was so frantic, frantic to keep the teen from seeing what had become of the young girl just in the room behind you. You turn them around, arms wrapping around their waist, wrestling their urge to see.

“Let me the fuck go! Now!” They were shouting, you didn’t even bother shushing them. Now that you had man-handled them to the ground, it was harder to keep your grip but you powered through. It didn’t work, though, Sawyer had slipped from your grasp and by the time you had rolled over, you saw them fall to their knees at the bedroom door.

You crawled up behind them again, arms coming to wrap them into some strange and uncomfortable hug. Letting them come apart in your hands, let their heart turn to ash due to the sight of their mangled sister. The cries were piercing, and your head felt like it was splitting. Sawyer’s fists slammed into the carpeted floor, and the cries grew louder and louder.

This time, you shushed them, and dragged them as far away from the door as possible, shutting it behind you. They didn’t fight, didn’t push you back. Just went limp, and sobbed into your chest. Your back leaned against the door that hid a scene straight out of some nightmare, and your front was covered by a grieving sibling.

—

The following morning, after Sawyer had finally fallen to sleep, and you confirmed the absence of Infected, you entered the room again. It felt wrong, almost forbidden, but you couldn’t leave her there. You gathered her up, placed her on the bed and covered her with a nearby blanket. This was hard, extremely. You couldn’t imagine what she had to have gone through to end up like this, and with the way she seemed to be missing so much of her it must have been Infected.

You sat on that bed and whimpered, your fingers rubbing your eyes to quell the headache reaching your skull. To quell the tears that spilled into your lap and the new ache that settled within the confines of your heart.

[callieshipman]

the 100 tag game!

i was (sort of) tagged by @easilydistractedbyfanfic! thanks <3

1. What Station on the Ark would you be from?

I like to think Farm, I love plants! But also maybe Polaris, because getting caught up in someone else’s drama and then dying offscreen is probably about how my TV life would go. 

2. What would you get arrested for on the Ark?

...making an inappropriate joke about treason? this is based off the fact that I once made a joke about overthrowing the government whilst touring Parliament and did NOT notice the policeman behind me.

3. Would you take off your wristband when you landed on the ground?

 my mum thinks I’m dead if she sees I don’t reply to her texts within five minutes so i’m gonna say no because i hate worrying people lmao

4 What would the necklace Finn would make for you look like? (Clarke: deer/Raven: a raven duh..)

i have so much dragonfly stuff, so probably that! i don’t even know where that came from, but it seems fitting.

5. If you could resurrect any MINOR character who would it be?

100% maya vie, the revolution queen always and forever! though she is not minor in my Heart

6. Create a squad of 5 characters to go on missions with. Who are they?

Bellamy, Monty, Raven, Abby, Indra! Between them they cover our bases of leadership, plants, machines, medicine, and general badassery

7. What Grounder Clan would you belong to you?

Shallow Valley looked like exactly the kind of place I’d like :)

8. What would your name be in Trigedasleng? (example: Octavia=Okteivia…just make it up!)

This is hard for Tabby! I guess Tabi?

9. Thoughts on Finn? Some people hate him, and others love him, so I’m curious

i’m not gonna sing his praises, but i think he’s more complex than some people give him credit for.  he did terrible things, but i’m never gonna get behind the grounder agenda of spending hours torturing a child to death. i recognise that this is entirely bonkers to say in the universe of the 100, but that dude should have had a fair trial

10. Be honest. How willing would you have been to take the chip without knowing all the horrible things it does?

i wouldn’t do it! also i have trouble with pills, there’s no way i’m dry swallowing that massive hunk of plastic

11. What character do you relate to most?

monty!! i have also watched people i love deeply fall apart, and his struggles in season 4 really resonate with me. but on a lighter note, i also relate to his sense of humour and his deep seated need to snark at people. and eating leaves.

12. What character do you like the least?

i’m gonna go with Cage Wallace, because fuck that guy. he’s just smarmy, it annoys me lmao

13. Describe your delinquent outfit. (Would you wear something like Murphy’s jacket with the spikey red shoulder patch or have a trademark like Jasper’s goggles? Be creative, yet practical)

i would probably have a pretty normal shirt and a thick jumper. i like yellow, but that probably wouldn’t fare so well with hiding in the woods and such so i’m gonna go with a dark green. that + trousers + my trusty walking boots.

14. Favourite type of mutant animal?

the glowing butterflies are pretty great!

15. What would your job be on the Ark?

probably counselling or something? i can’t imagine i’d be very high up, but probably with people a lot, i’m no good with machines

16. Would you have willingly pumped Ontari’s heart if Abby asked?

yeah but my face would be like D: the whole time

17. If Lexa wasn’t Heda, but she was still alive then who would have made the best commander?

Indra’s my go-to! she has experience, she’s level-headed, she’s respected, and clearly a strong fighter. i would follow her into war is what i’m saying here

18. How would you act if you ate the hallucinogenic nuts like Jasper and Monty?

i’d probably get loud and just start talking over people and offering opinions that no one asked for then fall asleep

19. How would you have dealt with Charlotte’s crime? A more John Murphy approach or Bellamy Blake approach?

i’d never have turned her away from the camp, but she definitely wouldn’t get away with it scot-free and i’d probably keep her away from the others to keep her and everyone else safe

20. Who should have been the Chancellor, if anyone?

jake griffin :’) he has a strong code of ethics, he’s smart, and he’s kind

21. Would you have been on Pike’s side like Bellamy or on Kane’s side? Or Clarke in Polis?

Kane’s, but probably somewhat removed from the drama

22. Mount Weather had a lot of modern commodities. (example: Maya’s Ipod) What is the one thing you would snatch while there?

i feel like i should say their advanced medical supplies, but i’d probably just take the iPod tbh! love me some music and i know maya had good taste

23. What would your Grounder tattoos look like? Hairstyle? War paint?

i looooove those winding tattoos that go all around arms and legs like vines, so maybe something like that? and my hair is pretty short so i’d probably wear it as it is, but maybe add tiny braids. as for war paint, i can’t be bothered to do regular makeup so i don’t know if i’d even do it. minimal if anything.

24. Favorite quote?

“My mom was the revolutionary. I’m just trying to make things right.” It’s Maya lovin’ hours! i don’t know why, i just really like this one. i’m not sure it’s my favourite, but i can’t think of anything else right now

25. If all of the characters were in the Hunger Games, who would have the best shot at winning?

Octavia, but only if someone else killed Bellamy, she’d never do it

26. Least favorite ship? Favorite canon ship? Favorite non canon ship? NOT INCLUDING CL OR BC OR BE

Least: uhh i don’t really dislike any ships that much but i guess i never really got the cl.exa hype

Favorite canon: up until s5, i really loved kabby! afterwards, i have no idea tbh a lot of the ships didn’t quite do it for me in s5 but i enjoy becho

Favorite non-canon: i’m hoping for the rise of niytavia this season ;)

27. A song that should be included in the next season? If there had to be another guest star like Shawn Mendes on the show, who would you want to make a cameo?

john mulaney. next question please.

28. What would you do if you were stuck in the bunker with Murphy for all that time?

well hopefully we become friendly but i would probably also go a bit nuts

29. You’re an extra that gets killed off. How do you die?

i choke on berries in the background of a massive fight scene

30. A character you’d like to learn more about and get flashbacks of?

Indra :0

31. A character you’d bang?

raven but preferably not just bc she’s sad again. also i would like to not perish immediately afterwards.

32. Would you stay in the Bunker? Go up to Space? Or live on your own in Eden?

spacekru! i would not survive either of the other environments at all

33. In the Bunker, would you follow Octavia? What would you do to pass the time underground?

i like to think i’d be the leader of some cool underground revolution, but publicly i’d follow her because she’s terrifying. i think i’d read and write and sleep a lot

34. What crime would you commit in the Bunker that lands you in the fighting pits?

underground revolution as mentioned above! alternatively, i am the blanket thief

35. Up in Space, who would you bond with first? Who would be the most difficult for you to get along with?

the100!tabby is gonna follow monty everywhere, let’s be real. i like to think we’d get on. as for most difficult...i’m not good at reaching out to people, so it would probably be a while before i ended up close with echo purely by virtue of neither of us ever starting a conversation

36. How long do you think you would last on Earth by yourself?

oh god, not long at all. i have zero survival skills, i’d starve. madi would have to parent ME

37. When the Eligius ship lands what do you do?

probably reveal myself and make it very clear i am in no way a threat- i’m not clarke griffin, i’m 5′4, unarmed, and i look like i’m made of noodles

38. Favourite Eligius character? Least favorite?

favourite: diyoza no competition (except sassy rewind guy)

least favourite - mccreary but in a fun way

39. Would you Spacewalk?

absolutely not you couldn’t pay me to do that

40. Would you prefer to eat Windshield Bugs, Space Algae, or Bunker Meat?

algae...for monty :)

41. Would you start a war for the last spot of green on earth? What would your solution be to avoid it?

i would try the negotiations! i’m sure they could have gotten somewhere in peace talks

42. Would you rather dig out flesh-eating worms or stick thumb drives into bullet holes?

thumb drives in bullet holes- the worms are much worse

43. Are you willing to poison your sister for the Traitor Who You Love? What would you do to stop Octavia?

yeah i’d do it, but i’d hate it. i’d try to avoid killing her, but if she needs to be incapacitated, then i’d do it for the safety of everyone else

44. Would you go to sleep in cryo or stay awake like Marper?

probably sleep, i’m not sure i could handle that life in isolation

45. Who are you waking up first to explore the new planet?

more or less the same lot. i’d actually wake Gaia too, she’s the Flamekeeper and might know some helpful hints about flame culture and stuff. she certainly knows the history. 

i’m tagging: @commanderclarke @paintingbellarke @sarka-stically and anyone else who wants to do it!