#*sighs and starts listening to our destiny again*

[sheepthatgobaa]

towards my last post and the tag I had I was lying I drew him sorry *runs off*

[wandaslittlelove]

Destined - Part 0

Warnings: Cheating, mentions of death

The rain poured as I stared out the window. It had been almost two weeks since I had seen Wanda and about a month since my sister had sacrificed herself for a stone.

When I came back from the blip it felt like seconds had passed but really it had been five years. In those five years my sister was alone. Grieving my loss. Then when I came back and found out she was gone I was grieving hers. It seemed as if neither of us could ever get a happy ending. 

Being devastated by the loss my immediate thought was Wanda. Was she okay? Where is she? But I knew it all had to wait for after the battle against Thanos. I saw Wanda many times on the battlefield and tried to go to her but each time she would move away from me.

After the battle I sat in front of Tony Stark. The many who had been like another sibling to me for years. He was gone. I held Peter's crying figures in my arms that day as he cried for his mentor. Yet another family member had been taken from both of us.

Tony’s funeral is the last time I’ve seen Wanda. The last time I held her in my arms and the last time I was held in hers. I was told she stole Vision's body and had taken over a town called Westview to create her Perfect family. 

I was devastated at hearing this. First my sister dies, then Tony, and now Wanda has run off with the corpse of a man she had always reassured me she never liked. 

So I moved. I stayed in the compound as I couldn’t bring myself to leave. Natasha's room had become a safe haven along with the gray tabby.. A little gray tabby that enjoyed cuddles. Cinder was her name and she was the one thing that was currently keeping me grounded.

That was until Wanda came bursting through my front door with rain dripping down her body. A Pained expression on her face as she held her side. We both said nothing as I moved to quickly inspect her injury and when I saw it was just a couple of bruised ribs I let out a sigh of relief.

She was the one that talked first. She told me of Westview and how a woman named Agatha Harkness came for her magic and that's how she got the bruises. She told me of her boys, Tommy and Billy, and how they were the perfect kids. I listened silently as my ex Fiance told me all about the fantasy life she had created with a Robot. And I said nothing as she told me that she missed me. Nothing as she told me why she did it. And once again Nothing as she told me of the countless nights she spent with the man I had always been insecure about.

“So I just came to say that it would work out better if you stopped loving me. I’ve done so many things to hurt you. I cheated on you for two years. So please forget me.”

“So I'm not allowed to love you anymore?” I asked with my head turned away from wanda. Ever since Westview was created and she chose vision instead of me we had been arguing non stop.

“That's not what I'm saying!” I look at Wanda with a stone face not wanting to show her how much she's hurting me.

“Really? Because I believe the words ‘it would work out better if you stopped loving me’ mean that.” Wanda looks at me annoyed before she speaks

“I'm just saying it would be easier”

“For who? Me or you” the silence from wanda is all the information I need. With a scoff I pick up my bag before walking to the front door. 

“Knowing that you chose a robot over your fiance really says a lot about you Wanda. You created a whole life with someone you had claimed to barely know while I was grieving the death of my sister. And when it all came crashing down you run back to me. I don't want that. I don't want you. I stopped loving you as soon as you ran into his arms” as i exited the place that had once been my home the tears had finally started to fall. Although they weren't out of sadness.

I was free. Finally free…or that's what I thought 4 months ago. 

Until suddenly Wanda was trying to kill a child for her magic. Until Dr. Strange came to my door asking for help. And Until I found out our destinies would forever be linked.

Taglist: @alexawynters @username23345 @casquinhaa

[pikablu410]

His Mayoral Duties

“Mayor Bradley! How do you feel now that you’ve just won a second term in office with a surprise landslide victory?!” A man with a microphone asked.

“I’m honored the people of Stocksville have chosen me to lead them again. I’m excited to get back in my office and make changes for the better.” The man confidently said, adjusting his casual yet sleek blue suit. He combed over his curls with his hand to make sure they weren’t frizzled.

“Mayor! To what do you contribute to such a meaningful success?” A blonde woman in a red suit nearly jumped out of the crowd. She, of course, was talking about how a black man, like himself, was the first to win a reelection as mayor in Stocksville.

“I think my policies speak for themselves. Our economy is doing better, crime is at an all time low and people are content with their lives in the city.” The mayor confidently responded.

“And mayor, what do you have to say to those who believe your victory was the result of fraud?” A man asked before being pushed back into the crowd.

If the people had known him personally, or had studied his body language, they would’ve known Scott staggered for a brief moment before responding. “I ask that they wait for the voting office to put out their data, and, for now, work with me in making progress towards a better Stocksville.” He smiled.

“How could they have known?! I was completely certain it would be a secret-” A man with shaggy brown hair walked back and forth before being interrupted by Scott.

“Just shut up! I know my office isn’t rigged with cameras or mics I’m not aware of. There’s no way it could’ve gotten out.” He said, leaning forward onto his desk. 

“Then how would they have known we used dark ma-” Scott almost literally zipped the man’s lips this time.

“Roger. There is absolutely, assuredly, zero reason for people to believe we did anything suspicious other than their own conspiratorial beliefs. We have done nothing wrong, and there’s no proof otherwise.”

Roger wiped the sweat from his neck, “Well…”

Scott glared, “Roger.”

“I’m not saying I kept the book, but-”

“Roger!” Scott growled. A rarity for him.

“What if I need a demon for a hot chick or something? You never know.” Roger, now much more casually, admitted.

“If by ‘demon’ you mean ‘advice’ then sure, but you definitely don’t mean what you said literally, right?” Scott said, with a thick emphasis on the sarcasm.

“Relax Brandon, there’s nothing to worry about. I’m like, ninety-nine percent sure there’s no negative side effects.” Roger started, “You did do what the de- what the advice told you to do, right?”

Brandon sighed, pulling out the greasy takeout bag, “Yeah, I bought a burger after I won. I really don’t get how this was equivalent to whatever that…advice did.” 

He took a large bite out of the burger, finding the taste divine. Scott quickly took another, and then a sip of his soda.

“Woah, slow down their champ. Just because you won doesn’t mean you can’t get sick from eating like that.” Roger advised, but it seemed Brandon wasn’t listening.

“Mmph, sorry,” Scott swallowed the last of his burger, “I don’t know why, but that was the best burger I’ve ever had from McTasties.” Finishing his soda and the fries, Scott went on, “I think I’m gonna get another. They must’ve changed their recipe or something!” 

Roger noticed how Scott wiped the grease onto his blue suit, which, thanks to the dark color, didn’t detract much from it. However, he thought back to how Brandon got pissed off when he spilled water onto a similar suit. 

“Yeah, I’m gonna head home. Call me if you need anything not politics related.” Roger said, the drawstrings of his green and gray hoodie flipping through the air. 

Despite his calm demeanor, Roger was still thinking about his friend’s behavior. Just what was it that they had summoned the night before?

“Destiny! Two more orders of McTasties double cheeseburgers. One with fries and one with onion rings. Of course I want two milkshakes!” Scott said over his newly installed desk microphone. He had gotten tired of constantly walking down to ask her to order him more food. 

“Right away Mayor Bradley. Oh, city council wanted me to notify you that they’re meeting for ordinance 5507 in 10 minutes.” Destiny replied.

Scott smiled and thanked Destiny. He slowly sat up from his chair and walked over to his mirror. His stomach bulged against the white undershirt and blue suit he adorned. A ketchup stain marked the white and a grease one the blue suit. It had been a stressful…2 weeks in office. Scott hadn’t taken the time to think about how he had gained weight so quickly, or how fast time had gone by. 

Regardless, Scott decided to head down to the council room and wait for his colleagues there. 

Opening his doors, he found an unwanted surprise.

“Scott! I really need to talk to you ri-” Roger nearly shouted.

“Can it wait? I have McTasties and a council meeting waiting for me downstairs?” Scott replied, rolling his eyes.

“I really don’t think you should. I’m not sure how much longer you have?” Roger panicked, welcoming himself into Scott’s office.

Raising an eyebrow, Scott now fully entered the conversation, “What, do I have a disease or something?” “You might as well! You know that ‘advice’ we summoned the other night?” Roger asked, using his hands to sign quotation marks in the air, “Well, apparently that deal was just its way to get ahold of you.”

“Wait, you mean I’m possessed?” Scott scoffed at his own words.

“Basically! It’s like an infection,” Roger opened the book Scott had berated him for 2 weeks ago, “The longer you don’t treat it, the more it affects you. This weight you’ve gained isn’t natural.” Roger poked Scott’s belly to emphasize his point, Scott smacking his friend’s hand away.

“So what, I've gained a few pounds. I’ve been stressed and cooped up in this office, I’ll be fine.” Scott said, stifling a belch.

Roger looked at his friend with glazed eyes, “You’ve barely done anything but eat McTasties and watched how the media is praising your election.”

Scott didn’t want to admit it, but as he looked at the greasy takeout wrappers on the floor, Roger was right. He hadn’t done much other than eat and pass a few laws that were already in the works before he was elected. But then, a lightbulb.

Well, a buzz on his desk microphone.

“Mayor Bradley. City council is meeting in 5 minutes now. Also, your McTasties is here.” Destiny rang.

Now with a smug look, Scott smiled at Roger, “I’m actually in the process of passing a new city ordinance right now. And you’re making me late. Now if you’ll excuse me.”

Scott then headed down the hall and towards the city council. Roger looked at the book and sighed. At least this wasn’t going to ruin his life. He hoped.

Entering the city council meeting room with his two bags of McTasties, Scott settled in before the last of the council members arrived. Immediately digging into one of the cheeseburgers and fries, the other city council members stared in shock. 

“Uhm, Mayor Bradley. Mayor Bradley!” An older council member nearly shouted.

“Hmm? What is it?” Scott replied, licking ketchup off of his fingers.

“We’re starting our meeting…is it truly necessary for you to eat your lunch during our meeting?” The older man inquired.

“Oh, I’m almost done with it,” Scott casually replied, sucking down his milkshake, making a loud slurping sound in the process, “You all should try it sometime. Now, where were we?” 

The following months saw historic change for Stocksville. Probably in the most insipid way possible. Ordinance 5507 gave more freedom to “inexpensive food companies” that was cited to help “impoverish citizens attain a more consummate meal.” 

In reality, Scott just wanted more McTasties near city hall and his house, both of which now had 2 within a block. 

Not that Scott walked to the fast food restaurant, but it certainly alleviated the weight on his employees. Though, it didn’t relieve weight in other areas. Within those months, the Bradley office staff had all put on at least 70 pounds of fat. Dozens upon dozens of McTasties orders came to the office each day, a majority of them coming from Scott himself. 

Speaking of the mayor, he had gone up 3 suit sizes in the several months following ordinance 5507, which of course was followed by ordinance 5508, 5509 and 5512. All of which gave the McTasties company more power in Stocksville. 

None of this caused the Bradley office any concern because, like Scott, they had all become addicted to the greasy junk. Seemingly overnight, the town had transformed into some Las Vegas for greasy restaurants. A competitor, Patty’s Burgers, was on the rise and produced even more restaurants for Scott- for the Stocksville citizens to order from. 

Though, not all hope was lost for the town.

“Scooooooottttt!” A man with shaggy brown hair shouted down the hall. The guards were too fat and lazy to stop him from bursting into Scott’s office. “Scott, I’ve found out how to solve this- what the hell happened to you?!” 

The mayor’s first response with a burp, followed by him trying to sit upright in his chair.

“Do you mind, URP, Roger? I’m trying to eat my pre-lunch snack?” Scott replied, taking a chomping bite out of a burger that looked much too large for human consumption. 3 more bags were filled with food next to him on the desk, Roger being able to tell they were filled because he couldn’t take a step in the office without his legs brushing up against an empty one.

“How fucking fat have you gotten? Do you realize what this is all from? That “advice?”” Roger, again, emphasized the word advice.

Scott slurped down a soda before literally dumping a carton of fries into his gaping maw. “What, the fucking demon? Yeah, whatever. Like anyone believes that shit.” He let out a very noticeable fart before going back to chowing down on a burger.

Roger noticed his friend’s new dialect. “Dude, since when did you swear? I thought you had to uphold an image or something.” 

“Yeah, what-fucking-ever. People are so happy with all the McTasties, and now Patty’s! Who cares if I fucking swear!” Scott said with a little too much enthusiasm, finding himself wedged between his office chair, “Damn, this thing is getting old.” “Uhh, yeah. Anyways, I’ve figured out how to stop all this and get back to normal. All you have to do is eat some vegetables and fruit, lose a bit of weight and the possession should slowly go away. If that doesn’t work we’ll need a priest and-” “Bro, you’re actually still on this possession thing? I told you, I’m in complete control.” Scott said, taking a final bite out of his burger. 

Then, a squeak was heard, followed by a snap and then Scott falling to the ground. Rips could be heard behind the desk as the mayor sat behind his desk.

“Fuck…that actually felt kinda good.” Scott mumbled to himself.

Roger, however, was much more worried, “Dude! Are you alright?!” He went behind Scott’s desk to help his friend up.

He immediately noticed that one of the buttons on his suit had burst off from the fall, leaving a portion of Scott’s belly wide open to the public. As he helped heft his friend up, Roger noticed that Scott’s pants were now torn at his thighs, exposing a significant amount of cellulite. After helping Scott up, the fat man waddled to the mirror in his office. 

“Damn, I don’t look too bad.” Scott admired himself. Roger hadn’t taken the time to notice in his rush to save his friend, but as his friend looked on in the mirror, he really saw how far Scott’s appearance had fallen. The once well-shaved man now had a scruff that was forming a goatee, and the same furry situation could be said for his now-exposed belly. His suit was tattered with stains, and had torn in places Scott hadn’t even noticed. 

“Scott I really think you should reconsider-”

“Roger, my time in office has been incredibly successful. Employment is at an all time low. People who were starving in the streets now have homes and food! Public transportation goes all over the city and our economy is thriving and healthy. All because I’ve invested in McTasties and fast food restaurants.” Scott went on, looking over the city, then back at Roger, “Don’t think I haven’t noticed your extra weight too.” He poked Roger in his belly, to which the pale man sheepishly backed off.

“Just listen to me dude, I think something is really wrong. I mean, how did you even convince the city council to get all of this done? Aren’t they notorious for stopping all your ideas?” Roger asked.

Scott smiled devilishly, braggin, “They attributed it to my “charisma.” They’ve really fallen for me.” He walked over to Roger and put his arm around his friend, “Look me in the eyes when I tell you this, Roger.”

Listening to his friend, Roger looked into Scott's eyes, but they weren’t Scott’s. They glowed a deep red, and were almost…hypnotizing.

“Go get yourself some McTasties on your way home. Tell them it’s on me, they’ll cover it.” Scott ordered, very persuasively. 

Roger couldn’t help but slowly nod his head and turn around to leave Scott’s office. He could really go for a McTasties burger.

The next month saw Mayor Bradley’s only roadblock in his reign of ordinances. A group called “Alternatives for Health” rose to political distinction as a, you guessed it, alternative to Scott’s campaign. Not that there would be an election any time soon, but they aimed to rally support against all of the fast food-centric regulations that had recently been put in place. Lobbying Scott’s office near daily, they would’ve annoyed the hell out of any other group in office.

But, by this point, Scott’s staff had grown too fat and tired to care. 

“URRRRRP, Desti-URRRRRRP. Destiny, where’s m’ damn order of fries?” A sweaty, double-chinned, bearded face mumbled over the desk microphone. When there wasn’t a response in 5 seconds, he repeated himself. “Destiny! URRRRRP, I need m’ afta’noon snack!” 

“It’s, URP, on its way now. Sorry, thought it was for me.” A voice that was distinctly deeper than it was 4 months ago replied. 

Just then, several bags of greasy food then came elevated up through a small nightstand-like desk. Grumbling as he slowly stood up from a wider chair, the fat mayor waddled to the bags of food. Not bothering to waddle back to his desk, he plopped his fat ass down on the ground and started devouring the food. 

“God…this ain’t gonna be enough…it’s sho good…gonna need more…” Scott trailed off, plowing through the food like he had the littered takeout bags in his office. Sweat poured down his barely clothed body, pooling into the rolls that were made from hours of eating. A white wifebeater and black basketball pants were what Scott adorned, since nothing else fit and he had to keep up “public decency,” whatever the hell that was.

A voice annoyingly came through his microphone desk.

“Mayor you, URRRRRP, have a visitor.” Destiny rang.

Grumbling again, the mayor heaved his beanbag-esq belly off the ground and waddled back to his oversized chair.

“Send ‘em up!” Scott said, farting as he settled back into his chair. Just moving across the room had gotten him drench in his own salty perspiration. He rubbed his hairy, sweaty belly to coax out more gas before his visitor arrived. Though, he figured he already knew who it was.

“URRRP, Scott, I got more sco-URRRRRP-op on that health group.” Roger barged in. The trip to McTasties a month ago had treated Roger well. Some might’ve said a little too well. But Scott said it hadn’t treated him well enough, and sent his friend back for more.

“Good man! Whadda they want? URRRRRRP” Scott belched out, not bothering to stop eating. 

Pulling out a bunch of graphs and research papers, Roger messily placed them all over Scott’s desk.

“So basically, URRRRP, ‘scuse me. Basically they’re tryna’ prove that bein’ fat is bad. Apparently it raises your chance for “heart disease” and “cholesterol related illnesses” but I haven’t heard of anyone hospitalized for those things recently.” Roger explained.

Scott’s brain was still trying to process the papers in front of him. Months ago these would’ve made sense, but for some reason he could barely comprehend the words. Words like ‘arthritis,’ ‘artery,’ and ‘high fructose’ were hard to read. Almost like he was realizing his descent into slobdom, Scott almost put the pieces together.

That was, until Roger shoved the straw to a milkshake in his mouth.

“Ya looked starved. Thank god I brought more McTasties.” Roger said, with Scott eagerly reaching for the bags with his sausage arms. 

Roger rubbed his own exposed, pale belly that pushed out underneath his green hoodie. Surprisingly, the same hoodie from 4 months ago still fit the growing lard boy, but he was too addicted to the junk most of Stocksville ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner to be bothered to notice.

“So,” Scott pause for a monumental fart, “Heh, that was a nice one. Anyways, what’re we talkin’ about?” 

“This, uh, health group.” Roger explained.

“Oh yeah, how do we get rid of them? They’re gettin’ in the way of me buildin’ more McTasties.” Scott shoveled another handful of onion rings into his mouth. Roger couldn’t even tell what was grease and what was sweat on the man’s face.

“Jus’...lemme handle it.” Roger smiled, with Scott appreciating the simple reply. “How’s the move goin’?” 

Processing the question, Scott remembered he had ordered the leanest of his staff to move his home necessities to his office. 

“Awesome dude! I got a TV and internet, so I’m basically set. All I need is a personal McTasties and I’d never have to leave.” Scott replied, his rolls and moob jiggling as he went to wipe sweat from his forehead. 

“Sounds like the next ordinance at city council.” Roger smirked.

Scott belched and threw an empty milkshake cup into the trash pile that littered the room. “Oh, I disbanded that. They all got too lazy to come. So now they put their trust in me to make the laws.”

Roger’s eyes perked up at those words. “You’re just telling me now?!” Scott let out more gas and continued to eat, “Sorry, forgot I guess.” 

Roger went over to Scott and leaned against his a fat roll.

“My friend, it’s a good thing you’ve started moving; I don’t think you’ll be leaving your office for a while.”

“Whaddare they sayin’? M’ fuckin’ tits r’ blockin’ m’ vision.” A fat blob of a man whined. 

“Hold on Scott I gotta turn up the volume.” A less fat, but still incredibly massive, man replied. The less fat man placed a milkshake in between the blobbish man’s moobs, with the latter eagerly sucking down the contents of the cup.

“Roge-URRRRRRRRRRRP. Whaddare they sayin’ damnit!” Scott whined again, finishing the milkshake in record time. 

Roger smirked and smacked Scott’s immense belly, “You’ve got no opposition m’ friend. You’re running unopposed next election.” 

The wide man forgot to mention how he had gotten a few of the skinnier interns to infiltrate Alternatives for Health’s own office and sneak McTasties into their diet. A combination of this and tactically cutting off their funding so fast food was all they could afford spiraled to a quick downfall of their opposing organization. Scott let out a fart from the pressure on his belly, smiling nonetheless. “Thas…URRRRRRPP…fuckin’ awesome.” He unabashedly stated. 

“Still it’ll be Stocksville’s first mayor who’s a human blob. And I don’t think it’ll be the last.” Roger stated, planting a kiss on Scott’s greasy lips.

Scott let out more gas, drool and more greasy getting into his beard, “Huh? Did ‘m new order come yet?” Scott had gotten a one-track mind. Which might have been a good thing had he not been corrupted with greasy takeout. The naked blob of a man now never left his office. Not that he could, given his recent immobility in the past month. His thighs were as thick as a hog plumped for a Christmas dinner, leading to an ass that was as large as his belly just months ago. Whenever the man moved, either to let out gas, to try to see the TV, or, recently, to pleasure himself, his entire body jiggled as if shockwaves were sent through him.

Arms hung uselessly at his sides, sitting on rolls upon rolls of fat. His face was basically just his unkept goatee, his several chins, greasy, and sweat. Oh christ the sweat. It was as if Scott had constantly come back from a workout at the gym, but his workout was simply processing thoughts and eating his McTasties meals. It got tangled in his hairy body and made the entire office smell like a sports locker room.

“Scott, ‘m back with your pre-pre-brunch snack!” Roger reassured the massive man. 

Roger hadn’t faired much better after being ‘convinced’ by Scott to try McTasties. He was also shirtless, but wore underwear that had definitely seen better days. Just their yellow coloring and greasy stains were enough to paint a detailed picture. His gut rested over these underwear, looking like a dad who had recently gotten divorced and hit the liquor store too much, though with a more jiggly belly. He looked like Scott did just months ago, which didn’t bode well for his future. “Anything I can get for ya while I’m up babe?” Roger asked, opening his phone to see the news about Alternatives for Health.” The two had started dating because of what Scott again contributed to his “charisma.” They were basically inseparable now, Roger serving at Scott’s beck and call.

“Actually, fuck, yeah.” Scott said through mouthfuls of food, “Call in ‘n intern an’ suck me off.” Giving a knowing smile, Roger leaned against his massive boyfriend’s belly. He slowly got on his belly and crawled under Scott’s massive belly. They had done this enough times that Roger knew where to go in the sweaty expanse.

As an intern walked in and started to feed Scott, the immense man started to let out some affirming swears. Roger knew he found his goal.

“URP, Mayor Bradley, what will you do to, uh, ya know, make sure our city stays great?” An interviewer asks over a video call.

“I’ll, uhm, URRRRRRRRP, uh, yeah.” Scott replied.

They were all too fat to do professional interviews in-person anymore. Not that it mattered. They only had one choice anyways. Thank god they weren’t doing this in-person anyways. Scott barely fit in frame on the Zoom call. He barely fit in his office anymore. An amalgamation of sweaty, hairy fat. 

“Great response, babe.” Roger egged his boyfriend on. He was nearing immobility too, struggling to get up and feed Scott nowadays. The interns took care of that for them.

The interviewer, clearly struggling to paint Mayor Bradley in a good light, asked another question. “To what do you contribute your, URRRRRP, successes.”

Scott nearly went cross-eyed. He let out a far that was audible on camera before responding. “More, URRRRRRRRRP, McTasties. Thas what’ll do!” He slurred.

The interviewer smiled and said, “Excellent idea!” 

“They should, PFFFFFFFFFTTTTT, vote fa’ me jus’ ‘cus ‘m hot.” Scott gobbled down multiple burgers after the interview. Grease splattered all over him, and the walls. And his rolls. And his tits.

“That’s a gr-URRRRRRRRRRP-great idea babe!” Roger continued to egg on the massive man. 

It was a wonder nobody realized how their demon, oh sorry, ‘advice’, had caused all of this. Roger didn’t do a very good job at hiding the evidence once he got a bite of McTasties.

If anyone had the brains to realize what was going on, they’d know their mayor hadn’t any.

That was okay, though. A quick bite of McTasties would fix their worries. Thank god they were expanding to other cities nearby.

[xoxo-nikki-xoxo]

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

All I go to say is what the hell has been up?!?! This has been a long wait coming. Who knows am I back to writing full time yes well kinda. Should you expect me to be uploading more this year yes. So have fun with this request I finally finished LMFAO!!

Prompt: "That child gets his/her attitude from you" "No, no that child is all yours, not mine" with Klaus

Watching your children play never seemed to be a dull moment. It was always “Mommy Hope hit me” or, “Daddy said I can have this blah blah blah”. Don’t get Y/N wrong though. She loved her two kids. Hope Mikaelson was your oldest child. She was everything you could have asked for. A sweet intelligent baby who listened. Then there was Destiny. Your youngest baby. She was such a sweet calm baby. Then the terrible twos hit. Just when you thought you had parenting under control or thought you knew everything. No, you don’t. Destiny did not listen. She was not only a troublemaker but also a daredevil. Not caring about her own safety or the safety of others. She also learned how to pin her parents against each other.

“Mamma” Destiny says pulling on your pant leg “Uppie?” She asked holding her arms for you to pick her up

With a sigh, you reached down and picked your daughter up. You smiled wrapping your arms around her as you rocked a little while standing “You didn’t sleep that long this afternoon De. Baby want to try to nap again?” You asked her rubbing her back softly

“No!!” Destiny says crossing her arms and starting to pout

“I think that was a secretly a yes,” you say starting to make your way through the compound to her room

“Daddy” Destiny whined shaking her head no as you carried her up the stairs.

“Baby daddy is off with Hope he won’t be ho-��� you say until your husband just so effortlessly comes home

“A little birdie told me someone needs a nap?” Klaus says from the top of the stairs

And just by the sound of his voice destiny was turning around in your arms reaching for him. With ease, he took her from your arms tossing her in the air and catching her making her giggles echo through the whole house

“See little bird, this whole place is our kingdom,” Klaus says starting to walk to her room. You followed behind interested to hear how he gets her to go to sleep “All of New Orleans your daddy rules.”

“Being the king that I am It is my job to protect our family” Klaus says laying her down on her bed

“Daddy no I don-“ she starts to whine. You’re in the doorframe leaning against it watching as the meltdown starts to boil. You should step in and help him tell this story but just something about watching him be a dad. It’s just. Breathtaking

“Now now dear. Let me finish the story” he says sternly making Destiny pout but obeys. He clears his throat “Being the princess you are you have a role too” he says tucking some hair behind her ear “like playing all day, listening to your queen and king.” He says gesturing to himself and you.

“Now once upon a time there was a king and Queen who ruled all over New Orleans” Klaus begins

Destiny pouts taking in a deep breath “I don’t want it” she says crossing her arms

Klaus sighs “Fine then, you are taking a nap one way or the other,” he says standing up and walking towards you as Destiny starts screaming/ crying. Full-blown tantrum. Without messing a beat you step into the hallway trying your best to control your laughter. Klaus is visibly upset their daughter is having a tantrum and decides to let her cry it out, meanwhile, her cries shake the house a little.

He comes out of the room shutting the door behind her “This is not a funny matter” he scuffs “That child gets her attitude from you” Klaus says glaring at you as you laugh basically in his face

“No no baby, that child is all yours not mine,” you say walking over to him and giving him a kiss on the cheek “Sometimes it’s just nice to see you fail is all” you add smiling at the end as you walk towards her room.

“Sometimes it’s just nice to see you fail” he mocks you smiling though

“See what I mean. You are all attitude” you add kissing his lips before going back into your daughter's room to hold her while she falls asleep.

Klaus this time in the door frame watching you too “she is for sure mine” he says watching his girls before Hope calls out to him. “Coming little wolf” he replies then he’s off in an instant.

[kyruskumiho27]

Warnings: •Killing • death •fluff •enemies to lovers •idiots to lovers

Summary: a bond is broken. ( you=pink/ Sukuna=red) lot of yapping in this before it gets to the actual fluff. Not related to the other one, had an idea and didn’t like how that one came out so this is a better, newer improved version.

“What a shame…” you muse, gazing at the man with soft eyes. “What a shame we’re not meant to be..”

He grunts, cocking his head at you. He’s made no attempt to approach you, to even attack you for that matter. His warmth radiates off his skin, shoulders squared like they’re prepared for a fight.

“We could be…” He looked so utterly confident in himself, like he couldn’t imagine anything else could possibly be more difficult.

You quirk a brow. “We’ve been at this longer than expected, longer than imagined.” You snort.

“It could be destiny, why not break our chains and-“

“We are enemies, no?” You interrupt, tilting your head. He grins. “Can enemies not love?”

What a joke. A joke and silly game he’s playing to try and weaken me. And what if he’s right.“There is bo rule saying enemies can’t be lovers… in fact, I think you humans romanticize it.”

“Do you love me Sukuna, truly?”

The question causes him to pause, brows furrowed. Love? How could he love someone, him, a curse. The king of curses.

“I care for you.” He says bluntly, unwilling to admit that he might be, maybe in lo-

“Yet you desire to kill me.”

He rolls his eyes. That is not what he was talking about. But yes. He did want to kill you. For centuries on end it’s been this back and forth between you two. An angel of light fighting the King of curses. And yet, no matter how close he gets, you always manage to slip away.

You giggle to yourself. “Maniac.” His eyes widen in amusement. He could listen to your laughs all day.

Your puffs of air as you try not to admit to yourself that you enjoy the Kings company. Why haven’t you killed him yet? The answer slips past your mind, you can never remember. You were made to destroy him, yes. But you never do so when given the chance.

“You are lonely.” You say, staring at Sukuna. He nods.

“It’s a never ending cycle, never ending battle. I catch you but you always manage to escape. We are doomed for eternity.”

“I am right here.”

“You are.”

So close and yet so far. A slight frown appears on his far. “Just out of my reach.” He sniffs, cracking his back as he gazes upon you.

The definition of beauty and grace.

“Why is that? I am right here.” He huffs.

“I am aware.”

You glare at him. He’s avoiding your questions and your starting to get annoyed. “Why?”

He scowls. “You know damn well why.” He snaps, teeth bared in frustration. That is not a straight answer. You stare at him blankly, frowning.

The truth seems just out of your reach. No matter how hard you try to concentrate, it’s never revealed. Strange. “Kuna.” You call softly. He melts a little inside at the name. Only you’re allowed to say it. To refer to him with such endearment in your voice. He’s most definitely in love. He looks at you.

“Kuna, something is wrong.”

Oh how he longs to touch you, to feel you in his grasp.

“Very wrong.” Your brows scrunched up.

He wants to hold you, to caress you as he crushes you. He wants you to die by his hands, and his hands only.

“The bond..” he breathes, he wants to fuck you, he wants to kiss you and love you and make you his.

Mine. All fucking mine.

You stare at him still, he rolls his eyes once again.

“The bond.” He emphasizes, only to realize you have not one clue what he’s referring to. Have you really forgotten?

“A vow, my dear, a vow I promised centuries ago. To not lay a single finger on you…” You nod like you understand. You do not understand. He sighs. Did she really forget? “Unless…”

“Unless?” He smirks.

Like he’s got you trapped.

“Come closer.” He orders. You almost laugh. “Hwhat?” He scowls at you. “Come closer.”

Oh this is rich. This is fucking hilarious. “Closer, to you. No.” He wants to kill you so bad. “This is not a joke little on-“

“Don’t call me that.”

“This is of serious importance and I demand-“

“Why?”

He heaves a big and dramatic sigh. Why must she be so stubborn? Do you not love her because of it?

“I shall tell you the condition, but I need you to come closer.” You hesitate.

Sukuna is not to be trusted. He’s far from keeping promises and for all you know he could be lying. He could be keeping you alive because of his sick little game. To torment you. But it doesn’t explain why you do the same.

You step closer, just an inch.

“Closer.” Again you take another step, your heart pounding out of your chest.

“And closer more.” Your body trust him, why does your body trust him? You’re confused, for sure.

“And closer.” You take another step. You should be careful. So very careful.

“Just once more.” He urges. And you do, till your lips are just centimeters from each other, and you can feel the warmth of your bodies. Mixing, mingling.

“Say something sweet to me, and I shall tell you.” He wants to hear your voice utter even a tiny compliment before you both die. You frown. “Is this the condition?” He shakes his head no. Just once, he wants to hear your voice just once.

“Your beautiful Sukuna.”

He steps closer to you, hands hovering just near your waist. “Kiss me.”

“That was quick.”

“Do you trust me?”

“No.” A scowl. He didn’t know why but he needed you to kiss him. It was a burning desire, deep in his black heart. “Dearest-“

“Don’t.” You knew. You knew something, but you couldn’t quite figure out what. You gazed at his lips, so perfect. “My Kuna…” you mutter, not intending for him to hear you.

“You said you would tell me.” Your gaze is sharp. He inhales. “You need to kiss me…” he murmurs, just a fraction away from where he wanted to be most.

“Are you-“

“Of course.” His voice held some desperation. He couldn’t be without you. Your eyes trail down to his lips, thinking. “And you shall kill me after this?” You ask. What the fuck?

“Yes.” For some reason, you were not afraid. You step closer, connecting your lips together. Nothing happens at first. And then a searing pain stabs you in the heart.

Finally. He thinks, reaching and cupping your head in his hands. He doesn’t break away from the kiss, shutting his eyes tightly. He breathes you in, all of you, and the pain overtakes him to.

Your hearts wind together, merging into each other in painful desperation.

The air in your lungs becomes his, and his knees weaken. Perfect.

Both your bodies heat up, burning burning burning. Until there’s nothing.

You feel the faintest touch in your cheek, soft and gentle. “Kuna?” You call out.

“Yes love.” He answers. His voice is so warm. So soothing. “Where are you?” You reach your hand out blindly, searching for him. Your hands connect.

“Are you there? Do you feel me?” He asked, wrapping his arms around you. “Yes.” He huma, and you feel it through your whole body. It spreads like a wildfire.

“Where are you?” You ask again. You don’t know why, you can feel him, just a little ways from you.

“‘M right here, just right here.” Fingers intertwine with yours. You hum delight.

The darkness begins to fill with light, trees and birds and noise. “My Kuna…”

“My dearest…”

[mischiefmaker615]

Ghost (Loki Love Story) Ch.10

The worst part about this whole thing was that you couldn’t have a single moment to yourself to cry. Over all of this. Not really..

You managed to ask Loki quietly if you could go to the bathroom but to wait outside. He stayed silent as he gave you nods and low hums, his face remaining expressionless after the whole conversation just a few moments ago. You went to shut the door and his hand stopped it, his eyes lifting to yours with a gentle reminder that you’d be teleported but your eyes fell down form his.

‘’..I’ll just be on the other side..’’ your voice managed to squeeze out as tears almost threatened to spill.

Loki’s eyes widened and he opened his mouth to speak, pain flashing on his features before he shut his mouth and sighed, releasing the door as you gave a thank you nod and closed it behind you.

Knowing you couldn’t get very far, you let your back lean against the door as you slide down with the tears doing the same to your cheeks as you tried to muffle your cries against your knees.

You hated this.. all of it.. and how much you had caused so much trouble towards everyone.

Loki was grateful to be brought alive again- but just because you had accidently used your wish for him to be back? Was that fair? Did this mean you had to be destinies puppet and be together? What’s worse was Hela.

Fuck Hela.

One would think it would be amazing to be stuck with your soulmate, but you couldn’t even cry alone! Loki was leaning against the wall right outside the door with his arms crossed, hopefully trying not to listen and there was not a damn thing anyone could do about it. you brought him back just to be stuck. Who would want that? You brought this upon him, upon you, and that just made the tears run faster as your wings wrapped around yourself, almost as if they could hide you from this world as you grasped your arm in the sling that began to lightly throb. You didn’t care, you were to focused on a different kind of pain.

After what felt like forever and the tears were drying against your skin as you sulked on the floor, a gentle knock was heard at the door. You knew by not hearing any arguing outside that it wasn’t Steve or Strange- whom said they would try to think of something while you ‘went to the bathroom’ so you slowly unlocked the door and Loki opened in.

You stared straight ahead, not even moving out of the way as his careful footsteps went around you, closing the door behind him before- to your surprise- he sat down on the ground across from you. he had dropped the disguise, looking like his usual self in the clothes he had borrowed but his expression was one you had never seen him wear before.

His eyes gazed at you as you peaked up from your knees. They were sad, but a sad directed at you, watching as if waiting for you to say something but at the same time his body was relaxed.

‘’..are you mad?’’ you muttered.

Loki raised a confused brow as he rested his arms on his knees, leaning forward a little as if to see if he heard you correctly. ‘’am i.. mad? Whatever for?”

Your eyes looked away as you hugged your knees tighter.. as best you could with one arm. ‘’like you felt forced to come back from the dead to be stuck with me.. literally.’’

Loki stared at you for a moment, a moment that passed by that started having you worry as you looked back at him while he held gentle eyes. Almost as if you were a child. ‘’Y/N?’’ he asked, and by hearing your name you didn’t know why your heart jumped.

‘’..yes?’’

‘’we’ve seen each other on Asgard numerous times, dare I say we’ve seen each other perhaps many times after that before my.. passing.’’ The last word came out awkwardly, as if he still hasn’t gotten used to the fact that he’s been dead. For real that time. ‘’..why didn’t we get stuck together like this, then? I’ve always had a fondness towards you, even with our banter and bickering. I quite looked forward to it actually,’’ he teased lightly and a slight redness could be seen at his cheeks by his little confession, but he continued. ‘’did the feelings need to be mutual for us to be.. stuck?’’

Your eyes widened as he spoke, biting your bottom lip as you began to feel funny in your chest and your cheeks got warm. You were sad to say you knew the answer as your eyes glanced down and you sighed. ‘’..the feelings needed to be mutual.. call it denial on my part I suppose. You were a prince, I didn’t see myself standing a chance..’’

‘’so.. what changed?’’ Loki asked, knowing titles didn’t matter but that was beside the point.

You wanted to hide behind your knees as your body tensed, not wanting to say it out loud as your eyes went to meet his questioning ones and your cheeks reddened. ‘’..i didn’t know my true feelings for you.. until I lost you.’’

There was silence between you both, your eyes staring into his as he seemed to have held his breath as he took in your features. You didn’t even realize you were holding your own before you raised your head and parted your lips to say something, or at least tried but couldn’t find the words. Not even when Loki slowly moved himself forward, on his knees as they rested on either side of your legs with his blank expression yet studying eyes. Your eyes looked up into his in question, hesitation as your hands slowly dropped to grip the cold floor beside you while his body slowly leaned forward above your knees and his hands reached out.

It was almost like the movies, kind of like that one bathroom scene from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days but more.. Loki. He was no one to compare to, his own being and unpredictable. Even when he slowly reached his hands forward to rest them against your cheeks, cupping your face you still didn’t know what to expect other than whatever this was.. you wanted it to happen. You even felt yourself leaning forward a little, your eyes fluttering while he looked at you with half lidded eyes before he dipped his head down.

You felt his breath against you, warm and gentle and it was almost amazing you were able to hear his voice that was almost below a whisper.

‘’don’t ever regret bringing me back Y/N, I will be eternally grateful and there will be nothing I can do to repay you for that.. not evenly.. as for out ‘stuck’ situation, whatever may happen.. I wouldn’t have had it any other way if it wasn’t with you..’’ he whispered before he barely brushed his lips against yours, making you hold your breath as he paused, waiting as if you were to push him away, fight or resist.

You didn’t.

That’s when you seemed to feel his body relax before he pressed his lips against yours, gently and lovingly as you felt your own body relax its muscles. Your heart raced, your mind blanked, and there was the strange feeling in your chest again, almost like an aching feeling yet where you wanted to cry when someone felt extremely happy. Your hand slowly rose up, resting against the back of his head, into his soft curls as you pulled him a little bit closer, deepening the kiss and feeling a moan leave his lips.

One of his hands left your cheek, resting on your knee at first before slowly running down the side of your leg, supporting himself against the floor beside you while leaning forward. You could feel part of his chest resting against your legs and the weight as he tried getting as close as possible. If you truly wanted him closer, you would have to spread and just the idea had your cheeks reddening and you hesitated at the thought.

Loki seemed to notice your reaction and he pulled away, his nose ghosting against yours as his thumb gently wiped your cheek with almost dried tears left. You both caught your breath as he looked at you with wonder, love and slight concern as your eyes looked away from the still idea of him between your legs.

‘’what it is?’’

You quickly shook your head and your heart raced at the mere conversation he was starting ‘’nothing-‘’

*knock knock* saved by the bell..

‘’hey guys.. when you’re ready, Strange and I might have something..’’ Steve called quietly through the door, a small hint in his voice that he didn’t like the idea that you were alone with Loki.. choice or not. 

Your teeth lightly caught your bottom lip as you glanced hind you at the door and back at Loki who seemed half agitated at the interruption and half hopefully and the possible fact that things could be fixed.. even if a part of him might not want to part with you as he sighed and got up, offering you a hand.

‘’very well..’’

Tag List: @violethaze @fire-in-her-veinz

[citanul-atsidosam22]

Of P's: A Prostitute and A Priest

Confessions and Lies

Laito was a priest. It's a destiny Karlheinz laughs at and his brothers pity him for. There were several circumstances he rolled his tongue to halt avalanching curses being freed to this world. And there were times he regretted every suffering he endured and every sacrifice he gave just to compensate for his murder of Eve.

It wasn't an intention when the same scene occurred where he pushed his mother from the balcony. It was a temptation that on a blood moon, the heart of her mother once again beat and, as if by fate, he found himself again looking down on the vessel where Cordelia's heart nestled. He pushed Yui from the balcony to the roses below whose thorns torn areas of her skin it could reach. And as if it wasn't enough to kill the human girl, Kanato burned her down, leaving burned corpse and awaiting punishment.

It's a funny situation, a vampire leading a mass on a church, a vampire doing the sign of the cross, a vampire taking the body and blood of Christ, and a vampire preaching God. At the same time, it's melancholic. He killed to show his love and got punished for it. Could it be that vampire's way of showing love, all this time, is wrong? Could it be that love is not for him? He does hope that love is a journey he sets off to find. And then, perhaps only then, will he ever earn a crumb of gratitude for his blood and sweat.

"Father?"

He snapped back from his thoughts. After the mass, he assigned himself to the confessional booth. It was his schedule. Nothing much happens in the confessional booth, not much people are confident enough to let anybody, even priests, know their deep dark secrets. And yet here's Masahiro, a man about his early fifties, confessing every time it's his turn to occupy the booth.

"Yes?"

"Never mind, that's pretty much the sinful things I've done for the meantime. Would you like me to repeat it, Father? What prayers should I recite before I close my eyes?"

He was bombarded. As much as he would like Masahiro to repeat himself, it'll just be the same. The constant commitment of adultery never left the man's groins, even for an ex-convict. He never learned his lesson. And so, with a sigh, he spoke, "I've heard sufficient of your confessions, Masahiro. I would like you to recite a single Our Father and ten Hail Mary. And if that won't be enough, I suggest you be contented with the soul of your wife."

"Have you never craved a woman, Father?"

He thought. It'll be a lie if he says he never did. Way back before he entered the Catholic Church, he never slept without touching women. Nor did he closed his eyes without thinking of a woman's image, sprawled out in front of him, breasts and nether lips wide open for his mouth and eyes to feast upon. Yet he stayed silent.

"Never did I."

Masahiro left after a decent farewell. A talk with him was enough to burn out his time in the booth. Just a few minutes were left when the man left. He's off to go home. A separate mansion for him alone. From the moment he started his studies to priesthood, the other Sakamaki's begged Karlheinz to assign another household for him. A household he could fill with newfound holiness which his brothers avoid themselves from acquiring. They begged their father. They begged.

However, as he was about to stand from his seat, slim thumps of stilettos reached his ears. They were hasty as they sound closer.

"Father! Am I too late?!"

A woman. But she sounded young. She sounded like she's in her early twenties. Most women, he can count them on his fingers, who came to confess were old ones, older and about Masahiro's age. No penitent he ever had was as young as her. Or...as young as she sounds.

Without thinking for the appropriate verdict, he concluded. "You are not too late, there are plenty of time left."

The idea of a young woman, confessing a sin, intrigued him. It made him want to let the sun set while listening to the dark matters this woman pulled off which she regretted. Could she ever be helped?

He heard a sigh of relief from the other side. Next is the faint squeak of the cushion where penitents kneel.

"Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. I came to be the Lord's forbidden woman."

"When did you started?"

"Not too long from now, Father. I want to repent. It scared me, it made me disgusted with who I am. I want to change."

"The Lord shall help those who call his name. Tell me, woman, what caused you to commit such a bold sin?"

"I lost my parents. I lacked financial support for my education."

"What made you think that such will meet your needs?"

"I did not think it will meet my needs, Father. But it's a more efficient way to gain money faster."

As common as it is, never did he ever have a penitent of such sin.

"We're you not offered scholarships?"

She went silent. "I was, Father. Yet it failed to satisfy my needs."

"Whatever needs, is it?"

"The essentials, Father."

There was silence. A silence so loud Laito began tracing her features through the tiny pattern holes in the wall. Blood red lips, perfect wing eyeliner, thick black lashes, and pale white skin. She looked as though a vampire were it for her living scent.

"Alright. I am in no place to judge you, but I am in position to guide you. Change your path, woman. It is not too late for everybody who repents. Never enter..."

"The club, Father."

"Never enter the club, ever again."

"Whatever choice do I have, Father?"

"The Church offers opportunities for those who need them."

There was silence, for the third time. Laito felt all the sympathy he has went eroded. Suddenly, the door opened. A teenage male gasped, "I'm sorry, Father, I thought the booth has long been empty!"

Laito checked his watch. It's past confession hours. On the other side, the woman stood fast, judging from the sounds her movements made.

"I'm sorry, Father. I should get going now."

"It's okay—" He stood from her seat, trying to make her stay.

"Woman!" He called as footsteps started to faint.

He was restless that night. The red of her lips made him crave blood as if breaking the holy barrier that kept him to fulfill his punishment. The wing of her eyeliner as keen as his senses. There's no denying it, the predator is itching for a prey. A priest is becoming a man. A man who craves a woman.

HEAVE-HO! To whoever reached here, I'd like to let the warmth of my gratitude wave to your hearts! I've been writing (occasionally) here on Tumblr and decided to actually attempt a fanfiction with multiple chapters. That would explain why this one is pretty hanging in its end because supposedly, this one has more than its beginning conveyed. Now the thing is, I eventually lost the plot for this one and was plugging twists to it more than what I've originally planned. I don't really know if this one can make it through the hurdles of time but hopefully, my doubtful ass will have the courage to finish what I've started. What do you think? Should this one be given a chance? I know there are some glitches or things that seem pretty weird, but hey, there's a corresponding explanation for everything and that's what I want to achieve as I unfold the corners of this story hopefully. Should this one be given a chance?

[infoglitch]

Falling dusk (a Lancaster story)

Chapter 1: a beacon in the dark.

Ruby's feet trudged through the black sand as she carried crescent Rose on her back. With jaune not to far behind as he carried crocea mors on his hip and ember Celica on his right arm.

Ruby's torn cloak billowed behind her revealing gamble shroud was attached to the back of her waist.

"how much farther until we reach beacon?" Jaune asked as his breath was ragged. Ruby kept going as jaune followed, she was completely ignoring him.

"ruby! Are you listening?" Jaune spoke again as Ruby kept walking her once silver eyes now a dull black. Jaune grumbled softly as he managed to catch up to her and grab her shoulder.

"RUBY." He said sternly as Ruby turned to face him her eyes narrowing at him. Her face contorted into a scowl. "We have a few hundred miles left until we reach beacon, and we will still a few hundred miles when we finally leave vacuo. YOU ASKING QUESTIONS ISNT HELPING" Ruby finally answered as her voice was cold. Jaune simply looked at her and nodded.

"alright.. we will have to camp soon. How much longer do you think we can last with just our aura?" Ruby questioned the blonde as jaune sighed, closing his eyes before eventually opening them.

"we got 6 days left then our auras are drained we'll need to find more rations soon... Who knows we might find some cookies." Jaune jested but ruby just sighed and looked away.

Eventually the two set up camp as jaune sat opposed to Rwby as she had taken out her sisters scarf and held it close.

Jaune sat quiet just allowing silence to fill the void. Before finally he asked the question he knew he would ask eventually after.. after Armageddon.

"what happened to us.." jaune asked as Ruby just looked away. "Now isn't the time jaune" she would mumble.

"there is no time left rubes, we are left HERE! Time doesn't exist anymore- Life doesn't exist anymore! so- what happened to us?! We were practically linked at the hip when we started. But now- Now I can't tell if I'm even your friend anymore. Let alone your partner..." Jaune pressed on as Ruby just looked away. She didn't want to entertain this conversation.. not at all.

Jaune took a breath before sighing. "I'm just... I'm tired.. I still worry about you rubes but I'm at the point of just giving up. Everyone is gone, my sister's are gone, my parents are gone, your family is gone, all of our friends are gone. Reduced to either ash or Grimm.. I cant keep going like this-"

"I CANT KEEP GOING LIKE THIS EITHER! BUT IM NOT THE ONE BITCHING ABOUT IT!" Ruby interrupted Jaune as she stood up. Her face was only darkened by the growing shadows.

"YOU THINK I DONT WISH WE WERE BACK AT BEACON, BACK TO BEING KIDS WHO JUST WANTED TO FIGHT MONSTERS?! I DO! I do! There is never going to be a day where I hope this is all just a nightmare. That I will wake up at beacon being late to Ms. Goodwitch's class, with my sister, my teammates, my friends waiting for me! I wanna go back to the way things were just as much as you do!" Ruby continued her eyes glowing as hot tears ran down her face.

"but what the hell am I supposed to do when reality is that this is REAL. This is our destiny. To try and find the remaining relics in hopes that we can undo this or at the least stop Salem! You wanna know what happened to us?! We broke a part because you can't handle reality!" Ruby shouted out as she knew some parts of what she said were wrong but she knew the majority was right.

Jaune just sat there. As much as he wanted to protest he figured it only escalate things. And this point, things could not be allowed to escalate anymore.

"alright.." that was all jaune could mutter as Ruby just looked at him. Before she sat down.

As the two were about to just continue the rest of the night in silence a light shined in the sky.

[fakescenariosbeforesleepblog]

Say when.

Keegan P. Russ x Reader.

Call it destiny or whatever you want, but your encounters with the sergeant Keegan became more and more frequent. How will it end? Is there space for love or not?.

I was listening to this song when the idea of this story popped up in my mind, it's also my first time writing about Keegan, have mercy.

Warning: grammatical and spelling errors. Pics are not mine (credits to whoever they belong). Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

You're a sniper, working for a private company, you've been having trouble recently, in every mission you find yourself with a man, tall, masked, black Shadow around his beautiful eyes, you wouldn't say he's your enemy but is more like your competition.

The first time you saw him you broke a picture window in a building, you were ready to go down with a rope, you felt like spider woman every time you used it, you were securing your rope around you, when this guy hit you with his feet and pushed you inside.

- You like to be noisy, don't you?

- What the fuck is your problem? Let me go.

- Sorry but you have something I need, give me that USB and I'll let you go.

You rolled your eyes, and tried to escape, but he was over you. You gave him your USB and as he promised, he let you go, you hit him on the face and jumped. He ran to the window to watch you fall.

At that moment you didn't know it, but you became a headache to Keegan too, once he put the USB In his computer he found an empty USB, you fooled him. Since then both compete at every chance and mission where you find each other.

«Your turn y/n, don't mess it up, ok? Don't let your 'boyfriend' ruin it this time or we won't have our payment» your friend told you before you jumped from the helicopter.

You landed on the top of the skyscraper, newly, you started to go down to the floor where you would find the hostage.

There he was, the hostage, sitting on a couch with a beautiful dancer on his lap, you hate this kind of people you were happy to kill him, you didn't use a bomb or broke windows, you took your time and went inside the room through the bathroom's balcony.

You were walking silence when a shadow behind you caught your attention, before you could make a move, the shadow held you by the waist and took you to the bedroom.

- Well, hello again little one, what are you doing here?

- I just came for a corpse. Now let me do my job.

- I fear I can't let you do it, I need information from him.

You didn't notice how close you were until your nose almost touched his.

- Fine, let's make a deal, take what you need and then let me take care of him, Yes?

- I want to request something else.

- What?

- I want to know you better. Let's go for a drink.

What did he say? You looked at him concerned, confused, you were not understanding, what were his intentions?

- let's do our job and then we will see what to do later.

He nodded and both walked to the hostage, Keegan made his part, and you did yours, both knocked down some guards and escaped, you were ready to went back to the top when Keegan took your hand. You looked at him once again confused and annoyed.

- You promised me something, darling. Say when and where, I'll be there.

You sighed and looked at him trying to find something , any proof that could tell you about his insistence to meet you. But nothing, just his eyes, light green, there's some blue, but mainly a beautiful green.

- Fine, next Friday, at 6 o'clock, there's a small coffee shop at the corner of this street. I'll see you there, don't make me wait or I leave.

You disappeared. Friday arrived pretty quick, you were sitting on a small table close to the door, 1 minute before the hour.

A man with dark brown hair, soft and clean skin, and the very familiar green eyes appeared, he took a minute to observe the place and then your eyes and his found.

He took the seat in front of you and smiled, you were shocked, he was attractive, more than you could imagine.

- I thought you wouldn't come, kid.

- kid? We're almost the same age.

- How can you be so sure?

- I did my homework, i know who you are Keegan.

- I investigated about you too, Y/N L/N.

- What are we doing here then? I mean if we already know about each other, why did you insist with this?

- I want to know why you're following me everywhere, you're in every mission, you're a headache.

(you scoffed) - Excuse me? It's you who's following me! You're driving me nuts.

He smiled, There was something about his smile that hypnotized you, you returned the smile, after that first formal meeting, your encounters at work were more enjoyable, the competition was funniest, but the best part was to see each other out of work, no uniforms, no weapons, just two normal people passing time together, normal people feeling attracted to the other.

You came into the meeting room, your team was already there, one of your comrades died in action.

- do we know who did it?

One of your teammates asked.

- A small group called «Ghosts», unfortunately our comrade was in the wrong time and place. We have pictures of some of them, all are masked though.

- Y/N, isn't he the guy who always is on your missions?

You got close to the table wishing it wasn't him, you looked at the pictures scattered around it and indeed, Keegan was there, some others you never seen before, but you wouldn't forget Keegan's eyes. You stepped back and nodded in silence, no one noticed your nerves but for you, the room was spinning fast, you were feeling sick so you sat.

- We have to do something, these guys think they can go around killing people freely, we have to teach them there are consequences!

«yeah!» «Let's go hunting Tonight!» «Let's show them who we are!»

As soon as the meeting ended you texted Keegan, you needed to see him, you wanted to warn him. He replied faster than you expected.

«Keeg: :) Is all ok, kid?» « You: No, I'll see you in an hour.»

You drove as fast as you could, you saw him waiting for you out of the usual coffee shop both visited. You weren't angry with him, you were worried.

- Don't go to your mission tonight.

- Why? Are you afraid to lose?

He tried to joke but you weren't in the mood, you hit him softly In the head.

- Don't be stupid Keegan! I'm serious, your team killed one of my mates! They want revenge! I'm warning you because I fear for you, if someone knows about what I'm doing I'll be dead too! I don't want to lose you, please don't go.

- Hey, hey, Y/n, calm down, it's fine, it's part of our job. I won't go if you're so worried just calm down, kid. No one will know about us or about you warning me, we're fine.

His hands were cupping your face, he was looking at you, you were worried, he wasn't understanding what would happen to him or his comrades. Your teammates would torture and kill them slowly, you know he's capable to handle it but you weren't so sure if you would be able to torture the person you loved.

- Keegan, please, let's escape somewhere, wherever you want to go, at least until everything passes.

He stayed in silence, thinking, he was going to answer you when you received a call. You attended while Keegan wrote something in a piece of folded paper.

«I CAN'T...» you looked at him, the anger went to your head, his face was unexpressive, until he made a movement with his eyes, someone was spying on you two. A masked guy. You stood up and left him there with the note he gave you over the table.

At the moment you thought about every possibility, what if all that time someone spied on you, what if Keegan never felt in the way you felt about him. Was all this a lie? He told you he couldn't escape because he didn't want to or because he really didn't have the chance? The murdered of your comrade was intentional or planned? A lot of thoughts were eating your brain.

Keegan called you a couple times and left text messages but you didn't try to read or answer, you needed to focus.

Oh y/n if you weren't so angry.

You and your team arrived at the location of your previously assigned mission, somehow you were still expecting to not see Keegan, but destiny or whatever that controls life seems to enjoy when you're in bad luck.

He appeared with some other masked soldiers. Your commander told you to stay and let the ghosts do the job. They finished in an instant.

«they're going upstairs, Sir, probably to the ceiling of the building»

«we'll surprise them there, let's go, no mercy!»

All of your team and you went from one building to the other. You were praying for some help, you weren't ready to shoot at Keegan or to be hurt by him.

Keegan and his team appeared, they were surrounded by yours, you were pointing at him, but his eyes, his eyes were on you, looking at you cautiously, while some of your coworkers were giving a small monologue about how superior your company/ group is compared with theirs.

The ceiling became a firing range, people fighting body to body, you're defending yourself, you're not hurting no one, you don't want this, you're simply pretending.

Keegan was shooting at someone when he saw you too close to the edge of the building, one of his teammates has an eye on you, just a push and you will fall and die.

No, Keegan won't allow it. He ran in your direction at the same time he saw his coworker running to you, you noticed both of them, your instincts simply made you kneel down and cover your head with your hands, it was just an instant, you only felt a breeze over your head and then a scream, you opened your eyes looking for Keegan and the other guy, the worse happened. Keegan and his companion fell down.

You looked behind, there they were two bodies, you saw Keegan moving a little, you don't remember how you arrived down, but there you were.

- Keeg, Keegan look at me.

- Y/n...

He just looked at you, coughing, there was blood in his mouth.

- Keeg, it's fine, I'll take you to the hospital, we'll solve it, it's all alright, just keep breathing.

You're looking for your phone, his eyes are starting to lose the spark and close, he simply handed you a piece of paper.

- I lov...

- What...? Keeg, Keegan, KEEGAN! OPEN YOUR EYES! KEEGAN PLEASE, WAKE UP!

You hugged him, you grappled to his body, you were in pure negation, it wasn't fair, if he could simply listen to you, you and him would be somewhere else, he would still be breathing.

You don't remember what happened after that, you don't remember how you went back to the base, months passed, you abandoned your job, you only saw nights arriving and leaving, until one day you decided to get up, you charged your phone and unpacked your stuff, started to put everything in the washer, you're ready to start the cycle when a paper inside the washer catches your attention.

You take it and notice it's folded, it's that piece of paper that Keegan gave you.

« I CAN'T...» You unfolded the paper just to find other words «... WAIT TO BE WITH YOU»

Right now, you feel like the most stupid person in the world, you were so angry that you never read the note, then, the memory of his missed calls and texts kicked your head.

«Y/N, please pick up the phone, it was all a misunderstanding, kid, just... call me back».

«it's me again, baby, listen, I'll go tonight, I'll protect you, I'm sure you do the same for me, we'll be alright, after this we will left this City, alright? I can't wait to be with you».

Keegan 5 Unread messages:

«Kid, I'm sorry, call me!» «Call me, let's talk about this» «I like you, I never lied about that» «i love you, I promise I never lied to you» «Y/n, I want to be with you, see you tonight I suppose»

That was all, you went back to bed, nothing else was on your mind, you put the voicemail on repeat, you lost him, you lost your chances and hopes, he will never come back.

[itsthatpearl]

Layout idea from @secret-smut-sideblog 🩸

Previous chapter

Astarion x F!OC

Dawn of Love

Chapter 5: The Summoning

AO3 LINK

Aura and her companion try to deepen their relationship while they get closer to his destiny

Word count: 1.9k

Beta read by lovely Janna <3

TRIGGERS: talk about past trauma, mentions of sex, kissing, hurt, FLUFF, angst, drama.

----

A woman looked at us, her eyes widening in admiration before she gasped.

“Can I help you?” I asked, breaking the silence.

“Yes, you can. Does that belong to you?” she asked and gestured towards Astarion.

We had made our journey to the Moonrise Towers. I had walked hand-in-hand with Astarion in front and listened to the quiet mutters throughout the journey. We had been fighting, side by side and we actually made a good team. He was incredibly skilled which took me by surprise every time I saw him draw his knife from another now-dead individual. Now we were at the Towers, and managed to walk by some kind of a laboratory.

Her question took me aback. I stared at her, startled

“Excuse me? He doesn’t belong to anybody ” I said, irritated.

“I am sure he believes that” she chuckled out loud. “My name is Araj, and I want no harm, just a tiny favor. And in return I shall give you an elixir that gives you miraculous powers” she continued, her voice dripping temptation.

“What kind of a favor?” Astarion asked, narrowing his eyes.

I stayed quiet. I was still too stunned by her question before.

“Since I was a child, I’ve dreamt of being bitten by a vampire. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. So all I ask is to be bitten by one” she said.

I raised a brow.

“You want Astarion to…bite you?” I asked suspiciously.

“Yes. More than anything I want him to bite me” she said, closing her eyes.

I glanced at Astarion.

“I…of course I can if you want to?” Astarion offered, clearly uncertain.

I turned to the woman and quickly stepped in, forcing a polite smile

“Can you excuse us for a moment?”

She nodded and I pulled Astarion aside.

“I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to do” I looked him deep into his eyes.

He nodded.

“She…smells…strange. There is something wrong with her blood” he whispered.

I nodded.

“Then you won’t bite her” I took his hand giving it a reassuring squeeze.

He blinked a few times and turned to face the woman.

“Intriguing, but no. I won’t bite you” he said.

The woman shook her head and looked at me.

“The dog is walking its owner. I see” she frowned.

Anger bursted hot within me. Without a word, I threw my knife into the wall just inches from her face. It nicked her ear, drawing a thin line of blood. She winced.

“Next time you will lose an eye. Never ever talk to us again” I growled and turned around to leave.

“Goodbye” Astarion smirked and bowed at the woman.

“You are full of surprises, aren’t you?” Astarion smiled as I laid my head on his chest.

I smiled.

“You know…I spent two hundred years using my body to lure pretty things back for my Master” he started. “What I wanted, how I felt about what I was doing, it never mattered” he sighed.

I got up and looked at him in the candlelight.

“You could have asked me to do the same, to throw myself at her, what I wanted be damned. But you didn’t. And I’m grateful for that” he took my hands into his.

I leaned in to kiss him.

“I would never ask you to do anything you don’t want to” I whispered.

Astarion nodded. But there was something. He was holding back again.

“What is it?” I asked brows furrowed.

“Nothing” he shook his head.

I can’t let him close himself again.

“Astarion…” I started. “Last night you said you wanted something…real…with me. If we want…whatever this is…to work, that means we need to tell each other everything. Even if it would hurt the other” I placed my hand on his cheek.

He looked at me quietly.

“I don’t know how to do that” he shook his head. “I don’t know how to enjoy…” he started but ended up freezing.

“Sex?” I asked.

“Yes” he said quietly.

I took a deep breath to gather my racing thoughts.

“Have I…crossed your boundaries?” I asked.

“No! No, you have been incredible. I just… hells …I don’t know how else to be with someone. No matter how much I’d like to. Everything feels different with you, but I still sometimes feel…like I shouldn’t do it” he said.

I nodded.

“Then you don’t do it” I smiled slightly.

He shook his head.

“I can’t ask you to be with me if I can’t-” he started.

“You don’t need to” I smiled and closed my eyes.

I concentrated as best as I could to use my tadpole. I had been learning to control it in my own tent trying not to accidentally connect with anyone after I saw and felt Gale read a book about different ways to pleasure a woman. That was enough for me.

After a moment I felt our mind connect. I tried to signal him my heartbeat, the way he made my breath hitch and the way I felt for him.

I don’t need sex to feel about you this way. I don’t need you to push your limits for me. I care for you right now, and that won’t change.

I opened my eyes to see him stare at me.

“You would give up on sex for me?” he whispered.

I nodded smiling.

“Thank you” he said.

I kissed him.

We looked at each other and he chuckled.

“Honestly, I have no idea what we are doing. But this…this is nice” he smiled.

We had finally made our way to Rivington after a few long days of walking. Gale went and booked us some rooms from an inn, this time he got me and Astarion a separate room. I sat down on the bed and looked at Astarion, who was repairing some of our clothes that had ripped during fights.

“Astarion…” I smiled and got closer.

He didn’t look at me, but I could see his lips curled up a bit. It made my heart flutter like a tiny bird.

“Do you want to have a walk with me?” I kissed his cheek.

He hummed in approval but was still concentrating on sewing.

I kissed his cheek again.

Nothing

I kissed his ear.

“You are distracting me, darling” he muttered but I could see he was glad I did.

I rolled my eyes.

“Let’s go, before it’s late” I giggled and got off the bed, but Astarion grabbed me from behind and tossed me playfully on the bed.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he smirked and kissed me.

I closed my eyes and felt the heat in between my legs start to grow.

“On a walk…” I muttered softly against his lips.

He nipped my lip.

“Oh really?” he raised a brow and looked at me.

I shook my head and pulled him closer. I kissed him slowly and deep.

Astarion answered the kisses with hunger and I could feel my heart pounding harder.

I started to take off his shirt but then he froze.

He looked at me and pulled away.

“I…I am sorry” he shook his head and turned away.

“No, gods , I am sorry” I shook my head, guilt flooding me.

He didn’t answer.

“I am so sorry, I got carried away” I shook my head more.

“No, I wanted this to work…I wanted to enjoy it…I just…” he stared at the wall.

“Can I…can I hug you?” I asked quietly.

After a beat he nodded.

I slowly moved closer and wrapped my arms around him pressing my head against his back.

“I know you wanted it. But you need time to heal” I said quietly.

“You should go and see if Halsin or Gale wants to be with you, I don’t know if I can ever ‘heal’ from this” he said.

I kissed his back softly.

“I want you. And even if you never want to sleep with me again, I will still want you” I smiled and softly caressed his shoulders.

He didn’t answer.

“I mean it. I…I think I love you” I said quietly, just above a whisper.

I could feel his muscles tense for a beat.

For a moment, he was silent, and I feared I’d said too much.

“You don’t need to say it” I whispered my voice barely audible.

Then, slowly, he took my hand and kissed it.

“Are you still up for a walk?” he asked.

I smiled and nodded.

“Yes”.

We had been walking for half an hour, the evening slowly darkening around us. 

“Shall we grab a beer?” I suggested with a smile.

Astarion chuckled.

“Darling, are you asking me on a date?” he raised a brow, amused.

I giggled.

“Isn’t this one already?” I asked.

Then I saw a sign in front of us.

“Fraygo’s Flophouse? Let’s check it out!” I took Astarion’s hand and pulled him inside.

The place was almost empty, just a few people standing in the corner of the room.

“Oh well, another bar then” I giggled and was about to pull Astarion outside before he stopped me.

“ Wait ” he ordered. 

I looked at him and followed his eyes to see a man and a woman talking.

“We should go. I don’t want to face the master if we’re late for his Black Mass” the woman said with a worried look on her face.

“Soon sister. I only need one more mark” the man said.

“We have enough for the master, no more are needed” she pleaded.

I looked at Astarion who was seemingly getting angry.

“It’s not for the master, it’s for me. I’ve spent one hundred years eating rats and dogs, but soon I’ll be able to feast!” the man closed his eyes. “I want someone there, ready for me. And once the Mass is done and our lord grants us our freedom, I want to celebrate by drinking the dry”.

Before I could do anything, Astarion marched next to the two.

“Caazador promised you your freedom? And you believed him?” he raised his brow. “You were never burdened with intelligence, Petras, but your loads seems especially light these days” he frowned.

The woman looked at her shocked.

“Astarion?! It…cannot be” the woman said. 

“That's no way to welcome back a bother, Dal. Didn’t you miss me?” he said snarky.

That woman is…Astarion’s sister?

“Why would you come back? You got out, you were free?” the woman asked.

I looked at Astarion.

“Isn’t that obvious, sister? He want to ascend with the rest of us. He heard about the ritual and the power our master will grant us, so he came back with his tail between his legs, hoping all would be forgiven” the man shook his head.

And this man is Astarion’s brother?

Astarion sighed.

“You were always an idiot, Petras” he said before grabbing the man by his neck.

The woman screamed in horror as Astarion placed Petras next to the window that was casting sunlight inside. 

In a matter of seconds his skin started to turn into ashes.

“Where is he hiding?” Astarion growled.

The man only groaned in pain.

“TELL ME” Astarion screamed.

I looked at him in shock.

“BROTHER! PLEASE!” the woman pleaded with tears in her eyes.

I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Astarion, stop!” I said and looked at him.

He frowned.

“Fine” he said and threw Petras across the room. “You own your life to my friend” he growled at him.

His siblings looked at him in fear.

“Now tell me what I need to know” Astarion said.

[twoidiotwriters1]

The Curse of Oenone (Leo Valdez xFem!Oc)

A/N: *Cradles Logan's Percy in my hands* I don't get you but I'd still kill for you -Danny Words: 2,288 Series' Masterlist Previous Chapter // Next Chapter Listen to: 'Starting Line' -by Luke Hemmings

IX: Sorry I Threatened to Kill You, It Will Happen Again

"What do you mean?" I stare at the goddess. "I've been obedient, I never complain—who cursed me?"

Aphrodite moves a strand of hair out of my face with a pitiful expression. "It's not something you caused, my dear."

"Am I an actual arae?" I ask in horror. "My father did this?"

"Oh no, it wasn't his intention to curse you when he named you Arae," Aphrodite makes a face. "He had the brain of a monkey, but oh, if there was ever a mortal with charmspeak, that was your father..."

"Lady Aphrodite," I frown. "Focus?"

She pushes the plate of cookies toward me. "You've seen Janus."

"Yeah, but he didn't talk to me this time. I thought he was taunting me," I state.

"I'm here to warn you," she continues. "In this lifetime, you are my daughter, so I can grant you an advantage. Take it as a birthday present."

I want the gods to think about what they consider a proper gift, 'cause telling a young girl that she's got a centuries-old curse on her ain't it.

"That's generous," I say.

"Your first time around," the goddess sinks into the beauty of whatever memory she's revisiting. "People traveled from afar just to catch a glimpse of you. You were perfect..." she wrinkles her nose. "And wasted. Given to an empty carcass of a man."

"Okay," I reply, not following. "And when did this happen, exactly?"

"Then he came," Aphrodite sighs, not listening to me. "Young and charming—I saw him for what he was: your match!"

I feel like she's about to drop a bomb on me. "Cute."

Her eyes focus on me again. "It wasn't cute. It was destiny. I had to give you to him, you see, your union would jumpstart my son's mission. The end of the golden age for Greek Heroes had come at last."

I've heard that sentence before. Not when talking about my love life, but during my lessons with Jason. "Mom," I start, voice shaky. "Are you talking about the Trojan War?"

Aphrodite looks at me."You understand, then?"

"That's crazy," I blurt out.

"Don't lie!" The goddess takes the plate of cookies away. "I've given you enough clues throughout the years for you to figure it out, and you were born my smartest child, Arae. If you ignore it, you'll never break the curse—"

"What curse?" I exclaim in frustration. "I haven't heard anything about a curse!" 

"Oenone's curse," Aphrodite declares. "She put it in place when Paris left her."

Ara drops the hammer and holds her injured finger cussing under her breath. This is the third time that she's hurt herself by not paying attention to what her hands are doing, which is not ideal when you're repairing a ship.

She thinks of her conversation with Leo last night. Ara has to tell him about the curse, but it's the kind of stuff that no matter when or how you say it, is bound to make things worse, and the more she waits, the more it scares her. She doesn't want to lose Leo.

Annabeth hands her a pair of safety gloves. "Won't do much to stop you from cutting off a finger, but it can help with the scratches and stuff."

"Thanks," Ara shakes her hand to get rid of the ache and then puts on the gloves. "I can't focus today... I don't know if Lily talked to you before we sailed..."

"I heard the screams," the girl replies, though she keeps it vague. "Wanna talk about it?"

Ara looks at the boards in front of her, lining them in place. "I don't even know where to start..."

"What do you mean?"

She goes back to work while she explains. "At first, it was about Nico, and then... I said things I'd never intended to say out loud and then Lily snapped too. I know I've been... difficult—"

"That's a way to put it," Annabeth walks past her.

"I thought it was for the best if, you know, if we didn't talk about... Michael," she clears her throat. "I had to look after our camp, I could grieve later, after making sure we were all okay."

The older girl sighs. "You wanna know what I think?"

Ara stops a second time and looks at her friend. "Always."

Annabeth leans against the mast, kicking some pieces of splintered wood as she gathers her thoughts. 

"After what happened to Michael, you kept Lily in place until you smothered her." The girl points at the dagger hanging from Ara's belt. "You care about what everyone thinks a little too much and you forget about your feelings. I think this is exactly what you two needed, she can process her grief like she wants to, and you do the same. Codependency between members of a good team is still toxic."

Ara rubs her nose with the back of her hand and leaves a smudge of dirt on it. "But when I leave her alone, all she does is get in her way."

Annabeth laughs. "Look who's talking!"

"That's not me!" She argues. "I've always gone after the things I want!"

"Have you considered that never stopping is just as bad as not moving?" The girl raises a brow. "Next time, Ara, try sitting down instead of... what was your last near-death experience?"

Ara pouts. "Are you implying I rather die than take a nap? Do you really think I'm that insane?"

"I grew up with you, I know you are. Which reminds me," Annabeth walks up to her and grabs her by the shoulders. "Talk to Percy. He's super bummed out. I don't know what happened but he hasn't seen you in months and now you don't wanna talk to him 'cause you're too busy coddling Leo."

"Percy has you to coddle him," Ara replies grumpily.

"But you're his sister," her friend insists. "Girlfriends and boyfriends are good, but you two need each other. I know it because I know you both." Something behind Ara catches Annabeth's eye. She squints. "Blackjack?"

"Wait—wait," I start pacing the room. "Leo and I... are Helen and Paris?" 

The statement sounds like something I'd say on my deathbed if I were in a soap opera. But my mom shrugs like this isn't news to her.

"Your soul once inhabited Helen's body, which is not the same as being her. You're Arae Jackson, the current curse bearer."

"But I was Helen of Troy once," I repeat numbly. "And Leo was Paris the loser."

Aphrodite gasps. "He wasn't a loser! He was one of the best romantic leads of ancient times! And that boy you love is carrying his curse!"

I wave my hand around to dismiss that. "Fine. Let's say we are, because why the Tartarus not, right? I died and was born again—and what, I found Leo and then... and then..."

I stop. It's been so long since I had those dreams that I'd almost forgotten about them, but now they're back all at once.

"Agape," I whisper, my heart pounding as I speak. "All those people in my dreams... they were all Leo?"

"Oh, you have regressions?" Aphrodite beams. "How lovely!"

"That's what they are?" I frown.

"Well, when a soul has been around for too long, they develop a slight immunity to the Lethe's powers, it creates a crevice in the mind. Some humans get to dream about their past lives, or they spend their first years with those memories until they're old enough to become a new person."

"But I..." I sit down slowly. "In all those... I'm never really with... Leo." 

It's weird to pinpoint all those faces to a single name.

The second realization hits me like a train: In some of my dreams, I've gotten this feeling, like a part of me knows I died too soon. My hands go up and over my mouth, but they can't stop me from talking.

"Oenone's curse... kills us?"

Aphrodite looks away. "At first, I loved it. A nymph's heart so broken that marked several lifetimes, how romantic! I thought it'd be one of those petty curses that lasted one lifetime, then the arai would let you go... but you came back and found each other. And it happened again, exactly like the first time."

"Why do you say it like it's a bad thing?" I hesitate. "Shouldn't you be glad that I'm still fighting against it?"

"Each time, you live blindly," she tells me. "There was a time when you could've chosen to stay dead and wander the Asphodels fields for eternity, but you came back, and the arai like to play with you."

"We keep making the same mistakes..." Suddenly I feel exhausted, like all the centuries my soul has lived through are finally weighing on me.

Aphrodite seems genuinely sad. "I think it's because you keep dying young. You never grew out of that youthful optimism, convinced that you'll break the curse on your next try." She leans and holds my hands tightly. "But I think this time you made the right choice when you came back, my dear."

"What? Why?" I'm unable to release my hands.

"The fates have granted you a chance," she cups my face. "They gave you a prophecy."

"My prophecy's about Oenone's curse?"

"I'm sure of it!" My surroundings start to get fuzzy, I'm starting to wake up. "You've failed too many times, Ara, don't do it again!"

When Piper arrives with Percy and Jason both unconscious, Ara heaves a sigh and carries them to the sick bay with Coach's help.

"At this rate, we're going to run out of ambrosia," he groans while helping Ara to patch up the boys. "How come I never get invited on these violent trips?"

"'Cause I don't have enough stuff to put your limbs back in place," Ara grumbles.

"Leo, are we ready to sail?" Piper asks.

"Yeah, but—"

"Set course for Atlanta. I'll explain later."

"But..." He sees the urgency in the girl's eyes and gives in. "Okay."

"What hit him?" Annabeth examines Percy's injury and winces.

"Blackjack."

"What?"

"They got possessed, just like Leo," Piper explains. "Fought each other and would've probably died in the process if Blackjack hadn't shown up."

By the time she finishes the story, Jason and Percy are awake but still out of it. They don't remember much, and they can't get up either.

"Knocked out twice in two days. Some demigod." Jason makes a face when he looks at Percy. "Sorry, man. I didn't mean to blast you."

Percy's body isn't as hurt as Ara's when she got hit by lightning, probably because he's more resilient. "Not the first time. Your big sister got me good once at camp."

Ara smiles while she puts away the unused bandages. "Same year I met Apollo."

"And Nico," Percy reminds her.

"Couldn't be a perfect year."

"Yeah, but..." Jason shifts awkwardly. "I could have killed you."

"Or I could have killed you," Percy replies.

"If there'd been an ocean in Kansas, maybe."

"I don't need an ocean—"

"Boys, I'm sure you both would've been wonderful at killing each other. But right now, you need some rest," Annabeth says.

"Food first," Percy sighs. "Please? And we really need to talk. Bacchus said some things that don't—"

"Bacchus?" Annabeth interrupts him. "Okay, fine. We need to talk. Mess hall. Ten minutes. I'll tell the others. And please, Percy... change your clothes. You smell like you've been run over by an electric horse."

Ara moves to the side so Annabeth can leave. Piper stays for a few more minutes and then takes Jason away to get him changed. Percy and Ara are left alone.

"You're lucky Blackjack didn't kick right through your hollow skull," she taunts him. "Mom would've killed me if all I'd brought back was a jigsaw of her son."

"Yeah, not ideal..." he rubs the back of his neck. "How is she? And Paul?"

"Worried, but when we located you, things got better. Not much, but they improved a bit. Dad decided to make repairs so Leo could visit more and—"

"Leo knows our parents?"

Ara leans against a cabinet and crosses her arms. "I told you, Percy, we've been dating for half a year. Everyone back home knows him."

He runs a hand through his hair, touches the bump at the back, and winces. "Crap. Does that mean you were thrown to the lake already?"

Ara wrinkles her nose. "Yeah, it was cold."

"Aw, man," he pouts and leans against the wall. "You hate the cold. Can't believe I missed it!"

"But you're back, and you'll be present at other stuff—and now that you've been possessed you'll cut Leo some slack, right?"

He sighs, pulling on the loose strands of his battered shirt. "Yeah, being possessed isn't fun."

She pats his knee with affection. "Let's get you changed."

He groans as he gets on his feet. "So how'd you two meet?"

"That's a fun story," she smiles. "I was looking for you with Annabeth, she'd had a dream the night before..."

As they make their way through the corridors, the stairs, and towards the cabins, Ara tells him about the first encounter she had with Leo, how bad it went, and then how it didn't matter because Leo still won her over.

Percy's sad that he couldn't witness the whole thing, and he'll have to ask Lily for details later. The girl's name causes Ara's gaze to shift for a brief second. Percy notices her expression and pauses. "What's wrong?"

"Lily and I fought," she confesses. "And now that Nico's been taken, if I don't get him on time... She might never speak to me again."

Percy squeezes her shoulder. "So that's what's been bothering you this whole time?"

"Not exactly..." Ara makes a face. "I'm sorry I was mean to you—"

"I wasn't any better..."

"You don't want me to get hurt," she says with understanding. "I get it, but my relationship with Leo is the one thing I can control, and I need to feel in control. When you questioned it, I got angry."

"Well, it happens to all of us," he pats her head. "No need to ruffle your feathers over it, Birdy. We'll rescue Nico."

Ara scowls. "Again."

"Again," Percy chuckles and guides her out of the room. "Hasn't been that many times though..."

"Speak for yourself," she scoffs.

Next Chapter –>

Taglist.

@siriuslysirius1107 @ask-giggles1303 @asnyox-the-hoarder @im-planning-something-look @bandshirts-andbooks @coolninjapaper @thewaterlily @whenisthefall @1randomcomic @you-bloody-shank @sunflowergraves @owlalex44 @taylordaughter @typicalsolangelolover @writingmia @espressopatronum454 @slytherinnqueen @orbitingpolaris @obxstiles @ellipsisspelled @thepixiechicks

[the-bar-sinister]

Chains of the Dragon (69630 words) by VickytheSnake, thesavagesabretooth Chapters: 13/13

catch up here

-

October 4, 2028– 2:10 pm 

The guard opened the door for Ema and Nahyuta to enter Lady Amara's serene personal chambers. The room was filled with the sound of gently running water. Ema noticed that there was small fountain full of fish at one side of the room, and lady Amara was watching it, with her hands clasped behind her back.

Nahyuta bowed when he entered the room, his brow knit as he announced their presence. 

“Hello Mother. I was told you wished to speak to us.”

Ema stayed quiet…she didn’t trust herself not to snap at the woman right off. Not with the way she spoke to them. To all of them.

"Us?" The placid woman turned, hands still behind her back as she gave them a reproachful glance. "I wanted to talk to you, Nahyuta. But I suppose you leaving your little foreign escort behind was too much to hope for."

Ema bristled, and her jaw went tight as she glowered at Amara with all the ice-cold fury in her heart. Never before did she want to punch someone’s lights out quite this badly. At least not since Damon Gant.

“Ema Skye is a companion of mine– and has been an invaluable and brilliant investigator.” Nahyuta said firmly. “Where I go, she goes.”

Ema sneered at Amara, her hands held up. “Guess you’re going to have to deal with this ‘foreign escort’ for a while, Amara.” 

Amara smiled her icy smile. "Is that so? From the sound of your conversation, it doesn't sound like it will be that long at all."

“We’ve been discussing the situation.” Nahyuta put his hand on his chin, but Ema could see the tension in his shoulders as he smiled as peacefully as he could. “And we feel it may be best to abdicate in the face of our own brothers turning against us.”

Ema crossed her arms. “Given the bomb today they’re starting to get lethally insistent.”

"It's funny, isn't it?" Amara said, turning around away from them. Ema could see her reflection in the water, its expression hidden by its ripples. "How no matter how hard we try to run from it, destiny seems inescapable?"

“I don’t find it very funny at all, ma’am.” Ema’s arms tightened around herself.

Nahyuta closed his eyes in thought. “You’re talking about flames and rebels?” 

"Flames. Rebels. Abdication. The country left in the hands of those not meant to rule it," Amara agreed. Her voice seemed hollow and far away.

“I’m afraid these things seem to happen in cycles.” Nahyuta opened his eyes again. “Mother. The people want to rule for themselves. I don’t want to be a tyrant like Ga’ran by forcing them into the role they don’t wish to follow. Not when it embitters them to Rayfa.”

"I smell smoke on the wind, Nahyuta. I can disagree with your decision. But I cannot blame you. I too, have been ruled by fear."

Ema looked off to the side, her fingers clenching her arm tightly as she listened to them talk.

“I know, mother…but it’s not only fear. It’s hurt. I grew up with a great many of the men who now want to stand against us. If they want to try a different way, it is not my place to stop them. Interpol will ease the transition.”

"More foreigners," Amara said quietly. "We will slowly begin to lose everything that makes our nation, and its people, so distinct, and beautiful. By the time they bury me, there will be a burger restaurant beside the ancient temple."

Nahyuta tensed and Ema put her hand on his shoulder.

“Look, ma’am.” Ema murmured, “I’m sure there’s steps that can be taken to avoid that. But that’s in the hands of the communists, if they want it so bad. I’m sorry. I don’t want your country to lose what makes it distinct either, I’ve loved my time here since I started working with Nahyuta, but I’m not going to leave them to die for a war nobody here wants to fight.” ” 

"My sister would have fought it." There was a mix of emotions in her voice. Anger, sadness, resentment. Resignation. "Much blood would have been shed in the name of Khura'in."

Nahyuta sighed. 

“She would have. And she had…but where did that get us? All those problems we struggle to face without a single ounce of help can be attributed to the blood that spilled at her hands.”

Ema looked down “and if she did, it’d be the blood of your own people, Miss Amara.” 

"I know," Amara said, shaking her head. Still, she didn't look at them. "And I cannot bring myself to pick up the sword either. I have always known I was unfit to rule this country. So this is how the line falls. With an unfit queen, long abdicated, and her unfit children, who flee to America. Such is the way of progress."

Ema grimaced. 

“...unfit.” she murmured “is a harsh way to put it, ma’am.” 

She turned to face them, her hair fluttering behind her as she watched them with a sad, serene, but cold and hard expression.

"Is it not true? Were I fit to rule, would the threat of my life have persuaded me to abdicate? Were Rayfa fit to rule, would she cower before such threats? Were any of us fit to rule– would the people cry out for our blood? Tell me, foreigner, would they?"“I have a name, Amara.” Ema said with a tensing of her shoulders. She put her hand on her hip. “It’s Investigator Ema Skye. And I can’t say I’m some kind of mob whisperer– but I can tell you this much. Rayfa is a teenage girl who’s been abused her whole fucking life, now being told that the people who expected to follow her want to detonate a bomb in her face. You survived a fire with clear goddamn trauma, so it’s no wonder you abdicated when the chance came.”

She snorted softly “...sometimes the thing that’s really ‘unfit’ is the system. You can’t pin all the blame on Rayfa or Nahyuta when it’s clear the people have been suffering under a system that’s been bent out of shape to the point nobody can trust it.” 

"I had hoped that by our will— by my will and by Rayfa's– that we could beat that iron back into shape," Amara said. "But we do not have that power. Rayfa— she takes after her mother, rather than her father, it seems. Content to live a peaceful, quiet life, rather than lead boldly and die bravely."

Nahyuta’s fingers had tightened around his beads again, but his eyes closed tightly. 

“I swore I would protect Rayfa with everything I had, mother…and if it means fleeing , if it means yielding…I’ll make that sacrifice for her.” 

"I can ask you to do no differently." Amara said quietly. "Take her away. Let her lead a long, happy life, away from her people and the responsibilities of the crown, and the danger that it presents. Let her sit quietly in the sun, and let her tend her garden. Let her remember the days of her youth as soft things to be treasured, rather than hard ones that forged her to steel. It's my fault, Nahyuta. I was soft. I loved more than I led. Now the royal family of Khura'in has fallen. May the holy mother help the people of this land. For my daughter can no more than I."

Nahyuta nodded slowly. 

“...I understand, mother. It will be so. We’ll make a new start overseas– and perhaps reconnect with the vestiges of the branch that has long split off and settled there. Maya Fey and her Kurain channelers. The time has come for Khura’in to be ruled by the people.”

Ema sighed with soft relief. “I think Rayfa’ll benefit from something a little less harsh. You know she wants to be a scientist, miss Amara?”

"A scientist. No. That does not shock me. She's long been interested in things like herbs and remedies." Amara shook her head. "I am sorry that I have spoken ill of you, Investigator Skye. My work has been heavy, and my temper short as of late. It's graceless of me– but I have always been found wanting. I beg your pardon."

Ema tensed a little. It still stung, being called a ‘foreigner’ instead of her name, and being dismissed as some kind of bad influence…

But she’d forgiven worse. She swallowed her pride and frustration enough to give the woman a smile. 

“Don’t worry about it. You’re forgiven…alright? It’s been a lot for all of us lately…it’s been driving everyone insane.” She chuckled “...and it’s true. She’s been following me around and asking about the tools of the trade.” 

"That has not escaped my notice." Amara sighed. "She will not want to see me now, before she leaves. That is for the best. I will come and see her again– see her sitting happily in the sun– when matters are settled here."

Nahyuta hesitated.“Are you sure it’s not best if you see her first? Or do you insist on visiting when matters are resolved?”

Amara shook her head. "Seeing her would only weaken both of our resolve. Hers to go, mine to stay."

“Then you insist on staying until the work is done.” Nahyuta ran his hand through his hair “I understand, mother. But be well— and help the Interpol team when they arrive.”

Ema watched them speak with a furrow of her brow. She didn’t exactly like Amara…but she couldn’t shake the ominous feeling that something would go wrong. 

Amara stepped forward, and clasped Nahyuta's hand in her own.

October 4, 2028– 2:25 pm 

Klavier hung up his phone, and looked around the room. At Apollo, who sat pensive in a nearby chair. At Rayfa in the bed, and Trucy beside her. At the door, where Ema and Nahyuta had not yet returned.

"I called in some favors and got a flight chartered," he announced. "They'll be at the airport in five hours."

Trucy whistled as she looked up from talking quietly to Rayfa “wow, that’s the power of a rock god for you, huh?”

With a shifting of her posture, Rayfa leaned her hands on her lap and looked at him with wide eyes “...five hours…that is not enough time to pack nearly everything!” 

"It's not," Apollo agreed. "But we can have the essentials packed and the rest sent over, right? No need to bring everything in one trip."

"Herr horn head has the right idea," Klavier nodded, "I will help you pack if you like, liebchen."

Rayfa shifted on the bed, shimmying back and forth with a thoughtful pout. “i…I can hardly believe I’ll be leaving…” she trailed off “please. I’ve never packed for a long excursion before!” 

He executed a sweeping bow, hoping to entertain her. "Can you stand, liebchen? Let's go to your rooms, and I'll be honored to show you how to pack. You'll need the skill. Once you're in the states we must travel widely and show you all the sights."

She gasped, her hand covering the smile on her face “Y-yes! Actually I command it! We absolutely must!” she rose to stand on legs that were still a little shaky. “But for now you’ve been tasked with instructing me on how to pack!”

“Atta girl, Rayf—uck!” Trucy jolted. “Bonny and Bettty!!!” 

"You called?" a familiar voice demanded. As if on stage cue– Betty stuck her head in the door. "We almost didn't get by the guards with this clown you know?"

Bonny’s head poked out from the other side of the door, her smile bright and cheerful “the clown isn’t me.”

Datz poked his head in below the others. "I guess it's me."

"Datz!" Apollo hopped up from his chair. "We were worried about you!"

Klavier let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He'd known it was unlikely, but still worried that somehow the girls had been caught up in the violence. Thank goodness it wasn't the case.

Bonny smiled lazily and pat his head “...we took a liking. And then a bomb went off.”

“Y-yeah…” Trucy grinned awkwardly. “which is why we’re getting the fuck out of dodge in five hours.” 

"Shorter trip than I expected," Betty said, fully entering the room as she shook her head. "But I guess somebody beat us to the 'burning shit down' punch, huh, Wright?"

Apollo stared at Trucy. "The what punch?"

“THE WHAT PUNCH???” Rayfa shrieked with her hands balled by her sides.

Trucy winced and waved her hands “it’s a figure of speech!”

“We were going to burn the temple…or something…? Right Betty? Wasn’t that what you said?” Bonny mused distractedly.

“Metaphorically!!” Trucy stressed. 

Klavier shook his head, and put his arm around Rayfa. "Come on, liebchen. Let's let them be and go get you packed. I think herr horn head has this under control."

Apollo just made choked noises, and Klavier took that as a 'yes'.

Rayfa puffed out her cheeks , pointing to Betty and Bonny as she passed. 

“You’d best keep your flames to yourselves! Lest you face the wrath of the Priestess of the Holy Mother!”

Trucy watched Rayfa and Klavier go, dropping her head in her hands. “Hoo boy, now she’s got the wrong idea.” 

Klavier patted Trucy on the back as he headed out. "I'm sure you'll give Apollo the right idea, liebchen."

October 4, 2028– 8:30 pm

The five hours truly was not a generous allotment of time. Not with everything that needed to be gathered, and the hour trip to the airport itself. The group raced frantically to pack everything they needed. Datz accompanied Apollo to the law office to gather his things from there. That was where it had transpired that Datz intended to come with him.

Apollo was surprised, but didn't even try to contradict him.

They had an armed guard on the way to the airport, and though they didn't meet any resistance Apollo was glad they were there. The nagging feeling of danger was getting to him, or if not to him, than to Clay.

Klavier had chartered the whole damned jet– the luxurious fop– so they were all in first class. And Apollo let himself drop into his seat as they prepped for take off.

Ema Skye had her hand on her head already, looking out the window beside him with a pensive and almost sick expression.

“At least he chartered the whole damn plane…so we know nobody’s snuck a bomb on board or is hidin’ waiting to assassinate us 1000 feet up.” 

Apollo grimaced. "Thanks for putting that thought in my head… but yeah."

“Sorry, Pollo.” Ema sighed and thunked her head against the seat. “I’m just really on edge…I can’t shake the feeling that something terrible’s gonna happen.” 

He slipped his arm around her shoulders. "Yeah. Unfortunately I know what you mean."

Ema leaned into him with a soft sigh. “you know Amara said she’s gonna stay? For a while at least.” 

"I can't say if I'm surprised or not," he murmured. "With the way she's been acting. And honestly I'm not exactly upset she's not on the plane. But I hope she'll be alright– and Rayfa."

“Yeah…” Ema made a soft ‘tch’ sound. “...she shouldn’t have said all that shit to any of us. Rayfa’s going to take it to heart, I know it.” 

"Yeah," Apollo frowned, and looked over at where Rayfa was having her luggage arranged for her by Klavier and Nahyuta. "I wish we could have done something sooner, but I don't know how we could. Hopefully she'll be alright."

“Hopefully…” Ema rested her cheek against his shoulder with a tired smile. “We can wish we did something sooner, but that’s all hindsight. We had no way of knowin’. Even if she isn’t…we’re gonna make sure she gets better, right? Nahyuta and you too. We’re heading home.” 

"Home…" he murmured. "For a while, I wasn't exactly thinking of LA as home, you know."

It was true. He'd started to think of Khura'in as home again. Not that he'd ever really stopped.

“Home was Khura’in, yeah?” She nuzzled him, the messy waves of her hair falling down his arm. “I can see why…it made a hell of an impression on me, and I didn’t even grow up there.” 

"Yeah," Apollo sighed, leaning on her in return. "For a long time I always thought of Khura'in as home, and LA as just… someplace I lived."

“Even if you’d been gone so long?” Ema asked curiously, looking up at him with her expressive eyes. 

Apollo nodded quietly. 'I wish I could just go home' had been something he'd said to himself in many quiet, terrible moments throughout the years, even when laying in his own bedroom. 'Going home' had always meant Khura'in. 

But now he saw more than ever how impossible that dream had been.

"Yeah. Sorry."

“Why are you sorry?” Ema asked. She laid an arm around him with a soft huff of breath . “fuck , I’m sorry. I’m sorry that you’ve gotta leave your home behind like that…I can relate, you know? I couldn’t go home for a long time myself.” 

He attempted a smile at her. "You know what they say– you can never go home again. At least I sort of got to leave on my own terms this time– and bring the important people with me."

“At least…” Ema squeezed him tighter. “Hey, Apollo…"

"Yeah, Ema?"

“Don’t let what the bitter old lady said get to you.” Her fingers tensed on him. “You weren’t an outsider like she said, okay? I’m sorry we gotta leave your homeland…but …but we’re gonna make the fucking best of it, okay? I promise. We’ve got Yuta and Rayfa with us now…and Klavier.” 

Apollo squeezed her hand, tightly. "I promise, Ema. I wasn't even thinking of taking it to heart. Khura'in has always been my home. I belong there as much as she does. If I didn't have so many people stopping me from throwing my life away— I would have been happy to die there. But I don't want that to happen."

“Good. Nobody wants to you to throw your life away. Not for a cause that’s only gonna cause more suffering especially.” She smiled at him “LA ain’t that bad. We got ramen shops on every corner and a bustling night life!” 

"There's definitely a lot of stuff I like about LA," he promised. "Oh and uh…." He bit his lip and trailed off.

Ema looked up at him again with a half smile “uh? Sorry, don’t got any of that.” 

Apollo flushed and chuckled rubbing his neck embarrassedly. He lowered his voice. "We wanted to talk to you more later. Maybe once we're back in LA. About Clay and everything. Speaking of people stopping me from throwing my life away."

Ema blinked but nodded seriously as she brushed her fingers against his neckline. “yeah…that sounds good to me, Apollo. I’ll be all ears as soon as you’re ready.” 

"Cool," he murmured, leaning on her. "Sorry if I'm weird right now. It's… a weird sort of day."

“I’m feeling pretty weird myself, pal.” Ema chuckled quietly “...part of why I’m leaning on physical affection.”

"It's nice, honestly. I sure can't complain about that. If I fall asleep on you, I apologize in advance."

“Oh no, you might actually convince ME to sleep the whole plane trip instead of drinking my paycheck away at the over priced bar…oh nooo.” 

"Oh no, what a shame," he chuckled. He nuzzled closer to her and close his eyes. "Lets see if I can manage it."

Ema looped her arm around him and settled in for the long haul. 

"Damn you, Justice. I’ll have to fly sober.” 

"I'll make it up to you," he murmured. "We can go drinking in LA."

“Now that sounds good.” Ema chuckled “..I’ll show you my favorite trash bar…I’ll even treat you.” 

October 4, 2028– 8:30 pm

"Well, that was a hell of a lot shorter than I expected," Betty grumbled, relaxing a little once they were in the air. She looked over at her sister, and at Trucy.

“We were hardly there at all, were we?” Bonny sighed “...we only got to enjoy one meal and then gone!”

Trucy looked lost in thought, staring at a small metal object in her hand. With a jolt she looked up and smiled. “well, we couldn’t have predicted the whole bombing situation, yeah? We knew it was bad but this is like, a whole other level.” 

"I mean, obviously," Betty nodded, leaning her chin on her hand. "Seems like we got there in the nick of fucking time, eh?"

“Given that if we waited another day Apollo and Mr. Nahyuta woulda been splattered across the wall? Yeah! I’d say!” Trucy said with a strained laugh.

“Oh dear…that’s true isn’t it?” Bonny bit her lip “it’s kind of scary when you think about it..”

"I'd say its very fucking scary," Betty nodded grimly. "Maybe it was fate or something. Still. a little sad we didn't get to look at any cursed relics or anything. Still– i guess its not like we didn't bring home any prizes."

Bonny noticed her sister looking in Nahyuta's direction.

“The monk…?” Bonny put her hand on her chin. “He is pretty …prizey.” 

Handsome, more like. To be completely honest with herself it was kind of sending her reeling to know they were taking a literal actual prince home with them.

Trucy looked at them with a raise of her eyebrow “....you’ve got the hots for my brother’s devout priest boyfriend?” 

Betty made a choked sound and looked away. "Are you kidding?"

Her sister knew that meant she definitely did.

Once more she couldn’t blame her– he was super hot. Bonny put her finger to her chin. She had to do something, or Betty would suffer embarrassment at Trucy’s hands.

“No! She thinks he’s…..” she paused for a moment before she said “stuffy.” 

"Yeah," Betty nodded, not looking back. "Surprised we managed to get him to get on the plane. You going to hold him for ransom?"

“Do you want to, Betty? I can get the trick ropes…” Bonny chimed up with a broad smile.

“I mean….maybe a little” Trucy tossed the small metal object in the air before catching it again. “He did take Apollo away for way too long, it might be fun to tease him a bit.  But I don’t think we’re getting the ransom cash from Khura’in, given the whole revolution thing.” 

"Well. If you want me to break his kneecaps anyway, I'll consider it," Betty chuckled.

“So you can take care of him to earn some points, Betty?” Trucy shot a teasing grin over at her. “you know, nursing the guy back to health?”

Bonny flushed, she hadn’t thought of that…it wasn’t the worst idea. Maybe really mean…no, maybe it was the worst idea, in retrospect. 

"Uh, no! Obviously not," Betty said, turning red. "Ugh, you're really selling this thing. Maybe YOU have a crush on him. Maybe that's why you didn't burn down his temple or whatever."

Trucy laughed. “I mean he is pretty cute~. I’d never say no to a prince.”

She held her hand to her lapel, pinning something Bonny couldn’t see to it again. 

“I m-mean you’re kinda like royalty yourself, Miss Trucy!” Bonny chimed in. 

"You're gonna give her a big head if you talk like that, Bon."

“W-well I mean— it’s kinda true!” Bonny waved her hands in the air with a timid smile “The Gramar—”

She noticed the way Trucy’s smile faltered for only a second before burning bright again. “Yeah well, that makes you two my Royal Entourage, right? Maybe I should start extorting backrubs out of your or something.” 

"Bonny can give you backrubs, and I'll be the one that dresses in your clothes to prevent assassinations," Betty said with a grin that was almost a sneer. Unlike Bonny, she was… unafraid to make a tasteless joke in a dark situation.

Trucy snorted out loud, and covered her mouth with a snicker. “Geeze, you’re a peach Betty. Gonna take the dagger for me? Or turn it into a bunny rabbit?” 

"That second one," she grinned. "Or maybe I'll just fight 'em off. I'm not one for getting sliced and diced."

“Betty’s always been a good fighter!” Bonny leaned over her sister’s shoulder with a smile. The truth was they both were…but that didn’t exactly lend to her cute stage presence.

“Oh hoo? I might have to have you fight some of my battles then.” Trucy leaned on her hand with a winning grin…a strange badge glinted on her lapel and caught Bonny’s eye for a moment, before she continued. “if for nothing else than it’d be kinda hot to watch.” 

Betty flushed again, but this time leaned in toward Trucy. "Oh so that's how it is, eh?"

Bonny’s nose wiggled a little as she listened, flushed a deep pink and smiling her lazy smile .

Trucy tapped her nose, meeting her eyes. “and if it was?” 

"Hey, what's this?" Betty dodged the question, if not skillfully then at least thoroughly. It seemed she had noticed the same pin Bonny had, and made a grab for it.

“Ahhh!!” Trucy grabbed her hand suddenly, this time being the one to flush a deep pink. “h-hey! It’s …it’s my badge! An attorney’s badge from Khura’in!” I got it before everything exploded!” 

"Oh shit! You actually managed to get ahold of one?" Betty demanded. She didn't take her hand off Trucy's chest. "Guess the plan would have gone fine if not for those rebels." 

“I had a study session with the Judge and he gave it to me.” Trucy leaned forward into her hand with a grin “I’m…or I guess , very briefly was, a real attorney of Khura’in!”

“Wow….it’s too bad you didn’t get to defend a single case.” Bonny puffed her cheeks in a little pout. 

"Well, at least it didn't waste a lot of time, right?" Betty shrugged. "Now we can get back to practice."

“Practice makes perfect in the world of showbiz!” Bonny agreed cheerfully…but Trucy glanced off to the side.

“Yeah well…I mean…of course we can get back to practice…”

Betty raised an eyebrow, finally backing off of Trucy's personal space a bit. She gave Bonny a questioning 'do you know what this is about' look.

Trucy’s smile seemed to falter when Betty finally took her hand off her, and she shrugged.

Bonny shook her head with a perplexed smile. She had absolutely no idea…

“But I was thinking of talking to my dad about m-maybe getting some lessons and trying to pass the California Bar too..” 

Betty stared at her in disbelief. "Wait, what?"

Bonny stared with her, the two sisters a perfect mirror of confusion.

“I mean I’m not quitting magic or anything, I just…I thought the law I studied was super interesting!”

"Huh." Betty plopped in her seat and scratched her chin, glancing at Trucy. "Whatever you say, boss."

Bonny knew that attitude– Betty thought something was up with Trucy, but wasn't going to push it.

She bit her lip…she waffled on pushing or not, her head tilting to the side and back as her brow furrowed.

Trucy seemed to notice “...I’ll tell you guys all about it back in LA okay?”

"Fine by me," Betty said, pulling a sleep mask out of her pocket. "I'm going to catch some shut eye and maybe harass our apparently permanent tour guide later."

“Oh! Can I join you Betty?” Bonny asked with wide eyes “he was fun!”

Trucy laughed. “Enjoy, bunnies. I’ll be…around. Got some stuff to take care of~” 

October 4, 2028– 8:35 pm

For the moment, Klavier had the aisle seat, with Rayfa at the window, and Nahyuta between them. He leaned on the armrest and smiled.

"So, mein engel. I know you're a seasoned flyer, but I assume this is Rayfa's first time?"

“It certainly is.” Nahyuta chuckled as he glanced over at his sister “she hasn’t ever left the country, as far as I’m aware.”

“N-never.” Rayfa sniffed, staring out the window with wide eyes. The whole of the takeoff…she’d been a nervous wreck. Buckled tightly in, shaking, and snapping whenever anyone dared to insinuate she was nervous…but once the turbulence of takeoff eased, she had relaxed considerably.

Now she just couldn’t tear her eyes off of the sky beyond. “I’ve always wanted to ride in a plane.” 

"Pretty cool, isn't it, ja?" Klavier grinned. "This is going to be a long one. Most plane rides are much shorter. You may get all the plane ride you ever wanted this first time."

Rayfa laughed, looking at him over her shoulder with a bounce of her hair and a broad grin “I doubt that. It feels as close to the twilight realm as the living can get up here. Seeing the world stretched out under us…”

“It reminds you how much there is beyond Khura’in.” Nahyuta mused as he rubbed his fingers on his prayer beads. 

"There's a whole hell of a lot, ja," Klavier said with a smile. "LA itself– just the city, is bigger than Kura'in. And then there's California, the US, Europe. I love traveling, really."

“Perhaps I can count on you then?” Nahyuta asked with a smile “to show us those places, and more.”

“I’ll defer to your wisdom, gold head!” Rayfa pointed at him. “So you'd best not take me somewhere boring!” 

"You can count on me, liebchen. My friends will tell you– I am many things. But never boring." He smiled– both at Rayfa, and Nahyuta.

Nahyuta chuckled into his hand with a trace of something impish in his eyes. 

“Yes you proved that in the market…before the whole commotion.”

Rayfa’s head tilted to the side “huuuuh?” 

"I got your brother backed into a bit of a corner," Klavier chuckled.

“What!!?” Rayfa sat bolt upright to look at Nahyuta “you let Klavier get the better of you, braid head? What of your pride!!”

Nahyuta actually started to turn a light shade of pink as his eyes widened. “Rayfa. Please!” 

Klavier laughed and couldn't resist a little teasing. "Don't be too hard on him. I got him by surprise."

“Klavier!” Nahyuta sighed, and shook his head. “I assure you, I won’t be surprised again.”

Rayfa stared at them with her uncanny green eyes, before they widened and she sputtered in quiet disbelief. “you two…. You…you…” 

Klavier laughed. "It's nothing to trouble yourself with, I assure you liebchen. A friendly rivalry perhaps."

“I think she’s already figured out the truth of the matter, Klavier. She’s perceptive.” Nahyuta shook his head with a long-suffering smile . 

Klavier felt his own smile stiffen. He had gone too far. As usual. "Ah. I hope I haven't embarrassed you too badly, then. Forgive me."

Rayfa turned pink before puffing her cheeks and peering out the window “I certainly don’t mind. I am not the guard to my brother’s heart.”

With a low huff of breath, Nahyuta glanced at Klavier and winked “as you see. She gives her blessing for your next attempt to surprise me, Klavier Gavin.” 

"I'm pleased to have your blessing, ja?" Klavier said, his grin returning. "I realized I actually don't know how such things are seen in your country."

“Hmm?” He tilted his head towards him.

Rayfa’s attention was caught once more as she tore her gaze from the clouds and stared at Klavier. “romance?” 

"Your reaction makes me suspect the answer is 'differently'," he said, feeling oddly self conscious. "Since I mean romance ah, between people of the same sex."

Rayfa punched her fist with a quiet ‘oh!’ before she asked. “ Is it frowned upon in your country, gold head?” 

"Ja, uh, probably good to talk about it now then," Klavier said, rubbing his neck. "It's considered socially embarrassing, and not something talked about in polite company."

“Oh my…” Rayfa’s brow furrowed “but how could it be seen as more impolite than any other relationship?”

“...ah.” Nahyuta nodded slowly with his eyes closed “it’s different in Khura’in. There isn’t a cultural shame about it, it’s seen as a relationship like any other…but one should always temper expression of said love in public, as it is considered rude to allow it to overflow with little control or constraint in public.” 

Klavier waved his hand. "I don't mind about that if you don't. Though we might end up on the front page of the tabloids. I only keep my face polite when my lovers ask me too."

Admittedly, as of so far in his life, that had been all of them.

“Woah…” Rayfa flushed “...you mean you can get my brother on the front page of your country’s newspapers with just a kiss?” 

Nahyuta cleared his throat “I'll endeavor to keep that in mind, ‘Gold head'." he teased lightly. “Wouldn’t do to make too much of a fuss, no?”

"That's what I'm told," Klavier chuckled. Flustered, he brought the subject back around. "In any case, I will happily show you both around, and I promise not to be boring."

“Good!” Rayfa nodded once before she leaned over her brother to look at him with a smile “so what sorts of things might I expect in LA?”

"Well, liebchen, here I am an expert!" Klavier settled in to do what he did best. 

Entertain.

[deeptrashwitch]

A Haunting Past (pt.3)

Tw mention of extorsion, allusion and mention of torture, metion of PTSD, (I'm not sure I wrote it accurately, my apologies in advance for any mistake) mention of a panic attack.

She was basically running through the base, without even think about the fact she wasn't in Black Tomb nor the damage to her reputation, she just had in mind one thing. Go and save Elías, go amd avoid him to have the same destiny as her. But while the call tried to connect with three tones, someone snatched her phone from her hand.

When she turned around, ready to fight for the phone, Edward stared back at her. He hung the call as he holded her gaze, without any expression but tense and ready to fight if it was needed. And when she gave a step foward, the pilot gave a step back, this time putting away the phone.

"Give it back" she demanded with a frown

"No can do, you were about to do something stupid" he answered with a neutral voice "and if you even think to fight me for this, then be sure I'll smash it before smacking some sense into you"

"Is that a threat?"

"We both know I would loose my time if it was, can you fucking react once and for all?"

"Excuse me?"

"You were trying to do a deal with Golden Empress, are you crazy?!"

"I have no option"

"You do! Damnit Alicia, I just ask you not to sell your fucking soul to that woman!"

"Edward, hear me out..." she growled, just to be interrupted

"Hell no! You aren't thinking straight, so YOU hear me out!" he snarled, surprising Alicia "think about it! Even if Xiao Chen agrees, since when she does something for free?! What will she ask you in exchange?! Are you willing to pay?!"

"I will-"

"No, you won't! Stop saying stupid shit! She's way more ruthless than you! She won't ask for money and you know it!"

Alicia frowned again, but stopped for a second, with the fear fog clearing for a moment, sending a chill down her spine. He was right, Xiao Chen wasn't someone to give without taking, and if she asked her for a favor so big...it wouldn't be good for her. She blinked in silence, but kept quiet, just thinking while he continued talking, well...scolding her.

"And think for a second about where we are! This isn't our base! What the brazilian authorities will say if they see you this unstable?! They won't take seriously Green Chameleon if you show them that you aren't in your right mind!" he shouted, grabbing her by the shoulders "do you want him to get away?!"

"I..."

"Edward is right" Noah commented, leaning against the wall, just watching everything "Cap, I don't know what happened and it isn't my place to ask. But please, think coldly about it, don't do anything you'll regret"

"Listen, whatever happened, we'll lead with it when we're back at home" Edward murmured, letting her go "but don't do this to yourself. Just...try to stay calm"

She nodded, but inside she was thinking that it would be more difficult to do. Anyway, she ordered to prepare the plane to go back as soon as possible, the time was running and she won't waste any second. Edward nodded before walking away with a sigh, meanwhile Noah said that he would tell the others to pack, leaving Alicia alone.

She started to walk again, now feeling unable to breathe correctly while her head started to spin. Soon she had to lock herself in a bathroom, leaning against the metal door and slowly slinding to the ground, sitting in the cold floor. Even if she tried to control it, the flashes attacked her without any mercy.

"Please no! NO!" Hope, no, Kate pleaded when she saw her being dragged outside of that dark cell "wait!"

They dragged her throught that aisle towards that room where the hell awaits, she wasn't even able to resist with all her wounds, she just prayed to anything to end the suffering. Once they were there, it was the same thing again, handcuff her and tie her to that metal chair before starting with the interrogatory. Every cut, every punch was harder than the latest, and it just broke her mind a bit more.

"You can stop it, Guardian, just say it all" the blurry face made her look up "only tell me what Orisha needs to know"

"Go...to...hell" she whispered with difficulty

"You really are irritating me, why can't you be useful?" the person said with a growl "I'll get rid of the useless crap then"

The knife was put over her cheek while the person hummed, and slowly the pressure over the sharp edge stung her face, and a little blood rolled down her cheek. And with a fluid movement the person slashed it down, just stopping when the cut reached the jaw and they smiled when she screamed in pain. Without another word he continued, cutting over her nose, her lips, her other cheek, and crossed another cut side to side.

Soon she was sobbing, but she didn't say anything, just stared down to the floor. But she tried to squirm away uselessly when she saw the syringe in their hand, and once the tip was pushed into the wounds...the scream echoed through the walls.

She snapped back to reality and had to stumble towards the toilet, dumping her stomach inside with trembling hands. Barely she could contain the sobs and the screams that were threatning to go out, but soon she started to sob as she felt dizzy and how her head just wasn't in its place. Alicia tried to stand up and go, but she gagged again while she felt an acute pain over the scarred wounds, and it started to tingle.

For a second she put her hand over the burn scar, feeling the temptation of scratching it as it started to burn again. Then the little whispers, that old voice, appeared on the back of her head, the pleas, the apologies and the sadness. She only went back to her senses when a sting pain on her neck brought her back, and she started to breath deeply with her eyes closed telling to herself that everything would be okay, opening them again when she didn't feel in danger anymore.

Alicia looked her hand, now with some blood under her nails, and then stared at the mirror. For a second she had a flash or a hallucination, she wasn't completely sure, and during an instant...Allicia saw how the scars reopened and her reflection looked back at her with that dead eyes. With a deep sigh she looked away, hating that image that will never go away, because she was the living reminder of what happened.

"Why can't you leave me alone?" she whispered while she washed her hands

After that she composed herself, walking to her temporary room to go pack, now feeling a void of fear. Thinking that Elías could pass for the same shit...no, no, he won't, that's the only thing she will never allow even if she had to do the unthinkable for that. Once she was inside the room, she took her medicine and swallowed a pill while thinking...when was the last time she took one of those?

Lastly she cleaned the little wound on her neck and put a bandage over it, anyway it wasn't anything to go to the medic bay, that could wait until they are back. And when it was time, she took her bag and went to the plane, thanking and saying her goodbyes to all the soldiers that helped them during the mission. She sat in silence, just staring at the tied bags without noticing Jackson's frown, but just looked by the corner of her eye when someone sat down by her side.

It was Luke, just as always, but this time there wasn't any jokes nor chit chat, instead they were in absolute silence. And maybe it was better like that, Alicia said to herself, right now she was in a loss of words and even if she wasn't...she wouldn't know what to say to him. Like that the plane took flight while Alicia started to play with the dog tags, thinking on what was happening, the past was repeating itself and maybe now everyone she knew are in danger.

Those were eighteen long hours until they arrived to Killeen, to Black Tomb as well, and once they were there...Alicia stayed behind as she waited for everyone to go. And once she was on her own, she walked towards the conference room where she knew Wraith was waiting. By every step she gave, her expression became darker and darker, filled with anger and hate until she arrived there and walked inside.

"So Fowlett gave you the news" Dominique said while she looked at how Alicia threw her bag into a chair "how much time do you think we have?"

"Two weeks and four days"

"That's surprisingly exact"

"If these bastards are doing it again, then we have two weeks and four days before they kill them all" she answered with her eyes lacking of any kind of shine "or until they press enough buttons"

"What does that mean?"

"Wraith, do you really think I'm the only one who can do what I did? Don't be naive..."

"You wanna stop another Broken Statue"

"Exactly, and this time isn't only me"

And once she said that, a call entered, and before Wraith could check the number...Alicia answered. The face of a man, similar to the Captain, maybe a bit young looking, stared back with a frown.

"August" she said with a stone face

"Alicia, I guess you heard what happened" he murmured, with worry hidden behind the anger in his eyes "what will you do?"

"Isn't it obvious? They'll pay for taking him"

"Good, how long will it take?"

"As fast as I can"

"Mmm..."

"Don't give me that look, anyway, I need a favor"

"What kind?"

"Don't tell anything to our grandpa"

"...I don't know what do you mean?"

"Oh, you don't? Don't take me as stupid, last time you told grandpa and he was this near of intervene" Alicia said with a little smile "he isn't prepared for those news anymore. If it's needed all our cousins and my siblings will help, but leave our grandparents and parents out of this"

"You sound so sure about this"

"I did that kind of rescue before, and I'll do it again"

"If I trust you with this, how are we sure you'll succed?" August said with a sigh, but then just shook his head a bit "forget it, stupid question, good luck"

"Thank you...y'know, he'll be back for you dad's birthday, I promise"

"I hope so"

The call was finished and for a second none of them moved, but Wraith then put a hand over Alicia's shoulder without a sound. She sighed and grabbed the agent's hand, squeezing it as a 'thank you' gesture, trying to keep her head clean. Then the Captain turned to look at her, tired and worried, a sight Wraith hadn't seen in a long time.

"When can I go to rescue him?" Alicia asked

"If everything goes right, then right after you and the boys go to eliminate Black Swan"

"So Shanghái is the next step"

"Yeah, I hate to send you there because of that bitch, but we don't have any other choice"

"I know, I don't blame you" she said with a sigh "eliminate, huh? Why not capture?"

"Green Chamaleon is pragmatic and will cooperate to avoid as much punishment as he can, but Black Swan is a brute who only has good memory for money and the people they've took from"

"I heard it, they extorsions them and kill them if they don't pay. Even make them sell everything they have just to get the money"

"Exactly, they have the little towns under their thumb"

"But why the Chinese government allows it? I don't understand"

"They go for little towns far away from the center of the province or they find corrupt people, they always have a thing to hold into"

"They followed Chen's steps"

"Just like that, that's why she's so worried about her things"

"Hmmm"

After that Alicia nodded, taking again her bag, now going to the armory to left the guns she used. She started to clean the guns, just doing it in automatically, then passing to her karambit...so shiny and sharp, but she hasn't used it, she hadn't need it yet. Then someone sat down by her side, scaring and startling her, but she got relaxed when she noticed that it was Luke again.

"...How you feeling?" he asked with a worried face

"Tired" she admitted before sighing and leave the rifle aside "sorry for my reaction before, I was stressed"

"No need to say sorry, I noticed it" he said with a little smile that dissapeared in a second "I'm sorry for doubting you"

"You joking? C'mon boy, you had and have all the right to doubt me, there are many things I haven't told you...and maybe it'll take time for you to learn about it"

"Then I guess it's good that our deployments are long as fuck"

"How funny"

"What happened? You seemed scared when we were in Brasil"

"That team of the 10th...it's my cousin's, they captured him and I'm fucking scared that they'll pass for the same I did. And the place where they are, is one I rather to forget" she murmured with a deep sigh "and now we have to go to lead with Black Swan, everything is just...going worst and worst"

"We'll found them, and kill Black Swan" he said hugging her by the shoulder "don't worry, we'll figure everything out"

"I really hope you're right"

"Hey, would you let me take a look of that wound on your neck? Seems like you don't want to go and hear Jackson's scolding"

"...It isn't anything to take a trip to the medic bay"

"Still, I know your luck"

Alicia chuckled tiredly, but peeled of the bandage on her neck, allowing Luke to see the wound. The red-haired bit his cheek to prevent himself of saying anything stupid, but he took the first aid kit he brought and started to clean the wound. It was a long line that stopped bleeding not so long ago, surrounded by many little scratches, and Luke knew in a second...that was made by human hands.

With a sigh, he put another bandage over the wound, then looked at her hands. In silence he gave her another bandage for later, trying to ignore the little red in her nail.

"Let's go, we need to prepare everything for the next mission"

[awrestlinggirlwholoves80sbands]

Hey, i am the one who requested the slaxl story: yea I meant axl telling Izzy about slash, sorry if that was unclear😅 I respond you this way cause I'm sure how I can comment under your post😭 (new on Tumblr)

Okay so a year has passed since this ask (ops) and I am so sorry, but between uni and anything I've never got the chance to finish it until now. I hope you'll enjoy it :)

Izzy's POV

The clock read 3 a.m when a loud bang on the door woke Izzy up. The guitarist almost wanted to laugh, considering that he decided to go to sleep earlier for once but destiny had other plans for him. He settled on ignoring the noise however it just kept going.

“Go away!” He yelled, hoping that the fucker would give up.

“Izzy, pleaseeee open up!” Axl's voice pleaded.

“Go harass Duff, he’s probably still awake.”

He might have been Axl’s childhood best friend but it didn’t mean he had to deal with his shit, especially when he just wanted to sleep and nothing would change that not even the grip forming in his heart due the guilt.

“Please Izzy, I need your help.”

Izzy wanted to say no and go back to sleep or pretend to until Axl would have left him alone, but something inside him urged him to listen to his friend. More than once he found himself calming the redhead back to sleep or allowing him to let his emotions out, especially for Axl and the whole band’s sake.

Reluctantly he stood up, his hands curled up in fists for a second and promising himself that he would make sure to let the other man know he owned him. When he opened the door, he was relieved to see Axl's face still intact however his glossy eyes had some red in them that couldn’t only be because of the alcohol.

“What do you want, shithead?” He asked unceremoniously.

“I need your help, Izzy.”

“Yeah, you kind of said that already. So are you going to repeat that all night or are you giving a good enough reason why you’re knocking on my door at 3 a.m.?”

“Okay, so do you know Slash?” Axl sounded completely serious which made Izzy almost let out a hysterical laugh. He couldn't help but arch his eyebrows at how Axl was tiptoeing around the subject, even if he was more surprised about how he still hadn't pushed him out of his room. His stomach lurched at the thought he was becoming soft.

“You mean Slash, our guitarist, the one we have known for a year now?” His sarcasm was bitter but it didn’t seem to faze Axl.

“Yeah.. me and Slash did something…”

Izzy rolled his eyes. As much as he wanted to strangle Axl to make him spill the beans, a part of him didn’t want to know what those idiots did because it meant getting involved and he wasn't ready to bail Slash out of jail again, even if deep down he loved them. Before saying anything he sighed, letting out all the anger from his voice because he had learned long ago that it was pointless.

“Something illegal?”

“No, well maybe it’s immoral for some people. My step dad would have found it such but technically it’s not illegal.”

The guitarist forgot that if Axl normally would talk for hours, while drunk he would do that even more while making zero sense. Something so wonderful when he just wanted to sleep.

“Axl, please just tell me what the hell you two have done!”

“Me and Slash went on a date, okay?!”

Izzy’s eyes widened in surprise. The sexual tension between Axl and Slash was obvious, the two were constantly hugging and teasing each other, however he didn’t think they would actually act on those feelings. Probably his tiredness didn't only close his eyes but his brain too, because he felt genuinely happy for them, even if the redhead’s tone told him the date didn’t go as planned.

“On a date? Damn, did you bite the bullet and ask him?”

“Well it wasn’t officially a date but we both knew it was.” Axl said, sounding just like a teenager.

Izzy's head started pulsing in anticipation of the cheesy story that was about to unfold, he would rather eat sand than having to listen to that but he doubted that pretending to faint could get away with not hearing the story. However, making his eyebrows arch was the reason Axl decided to come to him, usually Duff was the love advisor. Was it because he trusted him more? Or was it karma deciding to kick his ass by not making him able to get a good night of sleep?

“What’s wrong with the date?”

“Everything was cool and then he kissed me!” The singer spat those words almost like they were poison.

“You weren’t okay with that?” Izzy 's heart started to beat faster as rage slowly crept close to the surface. He was well aware of Axl’s past and how he didn’t take lightly people forcing on him, so it was only expected for him to go into his protective mode. Hell, if he discovered Slash had done something to Axl, he would have killed himself with his hands.

“No no, I wanted to but then I freak out because it made everything real! Because I really like him but we agreed to be friends with benefits and I don’t know what to do.” The redhead sniffled, hiding his face with his hair.

The guitarist's brain just shut down, unable to process a correct answer to give, he knew he needed to be honest but not too harsh, sympathetic yet realist. He just stayed silent for what seemed the longest time, Axl's eyes fixed on him like he had the answer to every problem of the universe, while Izzy was just digging through his brain for possible outcomes.

“Well isn’t it pointless to not be together if he likes you?”

"Well, you are already having sex. What's the problem?"

“Don’t worry about it, true love always wins.”

“Fucking hell Axl, it’s 3 in the morning and I just want to sleep.”

“Why don’t you talk with him tomorrow? When you are sober and not a crying mess. Just tell him you want to take things slow and time will tell.” He decided to set on, hoping it would work.

Axl tilted his head, pondering what Izzy said like a big truth about the secrets of the universe, and eventually he nodded in agreement. The other man's shoulder relaxed, maybe the universe was really rooting his way and spared him more Axl's tears and possible screams.

“You’re right. I just gotta wait and I’ll tell him and if doesn’t accept him, well fuck him!”

“Great, now why don’t you go back to your room and just sleep on all of this?” The black haired man suggested, almost taking his arm to direct him to the door. However a knock to the door made him groan in frustration, every ounce of diplomacy leaving his body at the prospect of having to deal with another of his bandmates.

“Whoever you are, you better get lost in the next five seconds or I will murder you.”

“Izzyyyy, I need your help.” Slash’s intoxicated voice replied.

Another drunk friend, as dealing with Axl wasn’t enough for him. The redhead’s eyes widened were a big tell that he was about to freak out and the guitarist didn’t know if he could handle him. Pinching his nose, he decided to take matters into his own hands before he had to bash his head against the wall, after all his hotel room wasn't a therapist's office.

“Slash, go to Duff. It isn’t really a good moment.” He yelled sternly.

“But I need you!”

“I’m going out of here.” Axl said, moving towards the window and prompting Izzy to throw his arm to block him.

“Fuck no! You will stay here and I’ll try to keep him out.” Izzy squeezed his shoulders in a calming way.

He opened the door just enough to see his band mate: clearly intoxicated, his eyes weren't red but they were darting all around and his fingers were playing with one of the bracelets he always wore. It was another prime example of a band mate in crisis, but to make everything worse, he didn't know Slash as much as he knew Axl.

"Slash, why don't you go to Duff?" He crossed his arms, hoping to scare him enough to discourage him from staying there.

"Because he can't understand... you know him better." Slash's curls automatically covered his face, but that didn't fool Izzy and only made his heart drop in defeat.

"Know who better?" He sounded as vague as possible, as if he couldn't hear Axl crawling on the floor and hiding in the bathroom.

"Axl. Look, I'm afraid that I freaked him out. I'm scared too, I get it but I need to gain his trust back."

Izzy rubbed his temples, the headache slapping him with such a force that he wished he could make him pass out, giving him a way out of this mess. He had another choice to make: should he tell Slash that Axl was there, and let them solve their problems? Or should he protect his friend and keep his mouth shut?

He tasted his pockets for cigarettes, probably they could have cleared his mind and corrupted Slash, making him gain some time. All of a sudden a loud noise made his hand fall against his side and a small curse came out his mouth, even Slash in his drunken stupor was attracted by the unusual sound.

"What's that noise?" A look of puzzlement crossed Slash's face.

"I was busy before you interrupted me." Izzy gestured vaguely, hopefully the other man was too drunk to question his lie.

"You never bring a girl into your room."

"Now what? Do you think you know what I do in my free time?" His face contorted in an annoyed expression.

It took all his self control to not ran outside the room and leave the two idiots with themselves, all this diplomacy was making him sick to his stomach. Slash's glossy eyes stared at him for a second, but he was too out of it to argue back, however right when he thought the situation was diffused, he heard the bathroom door opening.

Axl seemed to have sober up a bit, his face was clean of any sign of tears however his eyes quickly went down as soon as he caught a glimpse of Slash. On the other hand Slash seemed awkward, his mouth opened in slight surprise as Izzy could clearly see the gears in the other man's brain trying to come up with something but only resorting to silence.

"Hi Slash." The redhead said shyly.

"Were you hiding in the bathroom?"

Axl's face scrunched up for a moment and Izzy saw a familiar fire in his eyes that made him ready to step in if needed, but apparently the redhead's rational side seemed to win so he just took a deep breath and did not break Slash's nose to the delight of Izzy.

"I guess we need to talk."

Izzy's eyes bolted to both men as the tension was filling the air: Axl's confidence was gone as he kept looking around the room while Slash just stood still as he was waiting for the Earth to swallow him alive. Izzy wanted to leave the room but a look from childhood best friend's told him to stay.

"Look Axl, if you didn't like the kiss it's fine. I know we said to keep things casual-" Slash started but he was quickly interrupted.

"No, I liked the kiss. It's just a bit more complicated than that." Axl started to play with his bracelets, trying to find the right words.

"Oh..."

Izzy's hands hitched to butt the heads of his friends together, maybe that could help them be less oblivious. A sense of discomfort took over as he realized that he was just standing here, watching two people talking about their deepest feelings in front of a bandmate. He needed to do something so he headed towards the only window in his room to lit up a cigarette.

"I... I like you Slash, okay? But this shit ain't easy! I've never had feelings for a guy, I've been taught it was a sin."

"You like me?" Slash asked, with such a surprised tone that Izzy had to turn around to watch both of them.

"Yeah. I know I said "no feelings involved" but it happened."

Izzy watched Slash stumbling towards Axl and gently kissing him. For a moment Izzy's heartbeat got faster but Axl quickly reciprocated the kiss, making shame invade the guitarist's body.

"I'll be outside... try to not use my bed for "fun times" " He said but the other two man were too busy eating their faces to acknowledge him in any way.

Axl POV

Axl barely heard the door closing, he was too focused on how Slash's lip tasted like a whole bottle of Jack and a pack of cigarettes or how his hands were buried in the other man's curls, making Slash purring in his mouth. Quickly their lips weren't gently touching anymore but smashing against each other, the air uncomfortably getting trapped in his lungs and his cheeks turning red.

"I'm taking this forward, okay? Tell me to stop whenever you don't feel up to it anymore." Slash said and Axl nodded, his face relaxing at the thought of having a choice.

Slash's hand traveled to Axl's shirt, his finger played with the hems without actually lifting it while their feet were subconsciously leading them towards the bed. The same bed Izzy forbidden them to touch. Axl tugged Slash's shirt, hating his moment of clarity because he wanted nothing more than to keep kissing, but the other man didn't budge.

"Slash?"

"Mh?" He said, interrupting the kiss.

"Izzy would kill us if we touched his bed." Slash sighed and stepped away from Axl. "But maybe we can continue in your room." The redhead added.

Slash's lips immediately turned into a smirk but he hesitated for a minute.

"So we are officially more than fuck buddies? Because I can't deal with another run like the one we had before, I thought you were going to take a plane or kill me!"

"Yes, we are. I might take some time but I promise."

Axl felt Slash's hand on his, squeezing it reassuringly and the cold metal of his ring gave him a weird sense of comfort, he couldn't explain it but it just felt like Slash. He let him guide him to the door as fear slowly left his body.

Izzy's POV

He sat against the door, his head pounding and his eyes tired which was so fucking stupid because everything was solved, there was no need for his body to be so dramatic. He pondered about resting,not sleeping, just to see if it eased the pain of his head.

"Izzy?" The voice was far away but he just ignored it. He was so close to drift away when the voice came back again and louder.

"Izzy!" It sounded familiar but his brain was too exhausted to match any face to the voice.

"I'm sleeping, leave me alone." He replied.

The sound of steps only lasted a couple of seconds before he felt someone sitting next to him, all his reflexes were apparently dull because he didn't react at all. A strong smell of cigarettes and a very specific cologne hit his nostrils and revealed the mysterious man.

"Duff, what are you doing here?" He said, giving up and opening his eyes.

Duff's shoulder dropped in relief, his red eyes holding all the remaining anxiety running through his body. Izzy had no idea if he was about to laugh or cry because having to babysit him sounded like a nightmare.

"Oh thank God you're alive. I was smoking outside the bar and then I noticed Slash running towards the hotel, I thought he was in trouble until I watched him get inside your room."

"Yeah, he is okay. He was just very drunk and he and Axl had to sort something out."

"Is Axl going to kill him? What's going on?"

Izzy's hands started to play with the pack of matches in his hands, he looked Duff right into his eyes with a blank expression while his mind was traveling as fast as light. He didn't want to harm Axl or Slash in any way, even if he always had a good amount of trust in Duff's open mind.

"No. I'm about to say something and it has to stay between us, okay? Axl and Slash are dating.

Duff started laughing and then it turned into wheezing, so much that he had to hold his stomach from it and his eyes started to water with tears. Rage shot through Izzy's body, making his face twist into the scariest impassible expression he was capable of, the one that usually meant he was about to throw hands.

" God, I thought Slash upset Axl or something. I mean, are we even surprised? Those two are behaving like a married couple all the time, fucking finally!"

Izzy didn't even realize he clutched his hands until he relaxed them, Duff's supportive nature came handy once again and he found it hard to suppress the smallest hint of a smile. As much as the bassist was a piece of work, but Izzy couldn't really say anything since he was one too, moments like this reminded him of the weird bond they had about making sure the rest of the band was okay.

Suddenly the door next to him opened, revealing a certain drummer with blonde hair staring at Duff and Izzy with the widest smile.

"Axl and Slash are together?" Steven squealed with excitement.

"Steven, what the hell? You scared me!" Duff said, holding a hand over his heart.

The drummer ignored him to instead close his door and sat across Izzy, eyes full of joy and his body vibrating with energy.

"It's almost 4am why are you awake?" Izzy hoped to distract him.

"I couldn't sleep. So, are Axl and Slash together? How did that happen?"

The guitarist sighed, he pondered if he should have ignored Steven all together but the angel on his shoulder seemed to win, his face softened as he looked at the other man. He went over the story again, his calm voice in total contrast with Steven's continuous face expression even if in a way it made him feel validated in having to deal with those two idiots.

"Wow, I've never knew they were fuck buddies. I mean, one time I saw Slash and a redhead in bed but I thought it was a chick!" Steven said, making Duff laugh again.

Before he could stop it, Izzy felt a small laughter escaping his body as the image of a very naked and dramatic Axl screaming plagued his head. His head moved closer to the door but he couldn't hear much so Izzy returned to focus on Duff and Steven and their very important argument about pizza toppings, but soon their voice became only a background noise and his eyes dropped.

Maybe he was finally able to get some sleep...

The door slammed open, making Izzy's eyes immediately snap open, he turned his body around and he saw Slash's guilty eyes shooting an apology, quickly followed by Axl's confused face. Irritated wasn't even enough to describe the pure heat radiating through his body, but he would have lied if he said that he wasn't relieved by their two friends holding hands.

" What are Duff and Steven doing here?" Axl tilted his head quizzically.

"Duff thought you would kill Slash and Steven wanted a sleepover." Izzy explained and that seemed enough for Slash, who tugged Axl towards their room before the redhead could say anything.

The doorknob almost lured Izzy like a siren as his tired body screamed for some rest, he barely realized his feet moving towards his room before he was distracted by Steven's cheerful voice.

"Wanna join me and Duff in our sleepover?"

"No." He said, closing the door right in his friends' face and falling flat on his bed.

[synthy-sizer]

…

Why are you here again? You glance around groggily. Violence is asleep next to you, his back turned towards you. You must have fallen asleep. He does have that effect on you, you suppose.

But why are you here again? You promised yourself you would express yourself more authentically. Maybe some things run too deep. Maybe Heresy knew why Lust suited you when she excitedly declared names suiting your destinies. You're still not sure how she knew. You shake your head, banishing thoughts that Heresy might be right. It's not pleasant to think about destiny, your path being chosen eons before you even existed. What has everything you've done been for if something, or someone, greater decided for you?

You roll over, wrap your arms around Violence, and press your cheek against the back of his neck. You hope the act will help wake him up just as much as you want to cherish the moment of quiet affection. It can't last long, though. He starts shifting around and mumbling. “What time is it?” “I don't know,” you whisper. “But there's daylight.” He groans. “Guess that rules out 12 hours then.” You giggle a little and squeeze him. “So, what's the real reason you're here?” He's silent for a moment. “Do you ever think about the responsibility we have as leaders? About the society we built?” You consider for a moment. Where's he going with this? “Honestly, I try to stay busy enough that I don't have time to think about it. Repairing a derelict spaceship helps.” “Sofia doesn't understand the weight of it. She's scared to use a gun.” “She's a kid, Violence.” He sighs. “No older than we were. She just doesn't get it, the weight of responsibility thrust on her shoulders. I mean, she's no older than we were.” You can't stand listening to his vague, depressive ramblings anymore. “Violence, tell me straight what you want to say.” He rolls over and stares you in the eyes. “I'm worried about how much time our society has left. We've lost 6 colonies already. What if we can't make it to the rocket launch?” “We have to do everything in our power to. This world is dead, and you know it.” He sits up and starts pacing around. “You say that as if there's anywhere that isn't! I mean, what do we have left beyond our revenge mission? What if we can't even fulfill that last petty stab at our oppressors?” You sit up and gesture at the bed. “Violence, come back over here.” He reluctantly paces his way back and sits down. You hug him and kiss his stupid face. “If you decide you want to stay here with me, I'll honor that. And you know I'm not lying. Right?” You look him in the eyes and he nods. “However, you know as well as I do that opting to stay here means the slim chance of revenge goes all the way down to 0. I'm also right about this. You know that.” He rolls his eyes. “I'm allowed to be scared and vent to someone I trust though, right?” he sarcastically retorts, firing your questions right back at you. “At least say love, dummy.” Time passes. The two of you get dressed and presentable. You once again have to face the outside world. Seems like some things really never change, even in the apocalypse. You head outside and walk around the perimeter of the launchpad.

“Talk to me about the status of the ship.” Violence's question shakes you out of your deliberation. You're very prepared to answer, thankfully. “We're getting very close to being ready to launch. Most of the problems were on the hull, because it was left exposed to the elements. Luckily, we've got more than enough scrap metal to patch her up.” “What about interior components?” You stop dead in your tracks and grab his shoulder. “Violence, it's the weirdest damn thing. We didn't need to patch up any of the internals. They were all in remarkable shape.” He looks at you a bit strangely. “You don't get it, do you? Maybe if I tell you that the work we had to do was getting rid of duplicated systems? Redundant wires hanging around, serving no practical purpose?” “Don't tell me….” You nod gravely. “I didn't want to break the news. But it looks like the early travel ships had the same technology as project ARK in them.” “Son of a bitch.” He looks up at the ship. Sparks fly from welding going on above you. “You think she'll fly ok?” “Should do. From what I understand the early models were actually less unstable. Seems like they restrained themselves until they couldn't afford to anymore.” He shakes his head. “I can't even imagine what they did with the ARK. Our targets might not even be alive anymore.

Or worse, maybe they are.”

NEXT

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[ravenrose18]

Shadows of Destiny

Chapter 5

"Raven...I can't. Raven! Don't do that..." Dean groaned, reaching a hand out to her as she stepped away from the counter and disappeared from the kitchen. He sighed, defeated, and took a final drink of his beer before he noticed Bobby's concerned stare."You know...you can't expect her to just be back in your life without knowing why you've changed," Bobby muttered in the most comforting voice he could muster."I haven't changed..." Dean began to argue, and Bobby slapped his hand on the table, causing Dean to flinch, nearly dropping his bottle. Bobby didn't have an ounce of anger on his face but made the noise to prove a point. Dean sighed, and sat the bottle down, sliding off the counter. "Very funny."

"I wasn't trying to be funny." Bobby corrected him, raising his eyebrows. "Go talk to her. She needs to know at least what happened with you."

"Fine. I will burden the exhausted woman with information that's going to keep her up at night. I'll drop all that load on her before she's even unpacked...as usual, Dean knows nothing." He complained, stomping across the living room to the guest room door. He leaned his head against it and tapped his knuckles on the wood, "You decent?"

Raven sat on her bed, the soft sound of metal meeting stone filling the silence. Her knife lay in her hand, the blade catching the light as she sharpened it meticulously. As there was a soft knock on the door, she looked up and sighed softly, "Come in, Dean." She continued to focus on the blade, ensuring it was honed to perfection. It sliced through the air with ease, a whisper of deadly potential. She understood that Dean carried his burdens close, that he shielded her from the worst of it. She knew that whatever awaited her would keep her from sleep, the echoes of her past traumas lingering in the shadows of her mind.

Dean opened the door gently and stepped inside the room. Seeing Raven with weapons again filled his heart with a nostalgic fondness and hurt at the same time. After everything he had been through the past few years, the last thing he wanted to think about was what she could be in for. It was the whole reason he never planned to give her any updates. "So, I um...I didn't mean to lie to you, first of all." He started, crossing his arms over his chest as he tried to decide whether to sit or stand in front of her, but to shield himself. "I just don't know how to um...how to...talk about what happened. It's a lot, and it's not....it's not something I wanted you to have to think about. It's not your fight, this time..."

Raven gazed up at Dean as he entered the room, setting her knife down on the side table. She attentively listened to him, acknowledging his difficulty in discussing certain matters. "Dean, I know it's not easy for you to open up, but your struggles are our struggles. We're in this together. Remember, you said we stand by each other, no matter what. Whatever it is, I'm here for you, Sam is here, and so is Bobby. I don't want you to face this alone. I've always turned to you when I needed support, and now it's your turn. You need someone to listen to you and help you through this," she said, standing in front of him, locking eyes with his intense green gaze.

Dean kept his arms crossed, at first trying to avoid Raven's eyes. But after a moment, he locked eyes it her and sighed, the corners of his eyes straining as he fought the urge to turn and walk out of the room. "I don't want anyone to support me..." He started, but conceded with a sigh, and took another deep breath, "It all started not long after you left. Sam um...the demons came for him. He disappeared. It took us forever to find him. We lost a lot of good people in the process. But we found him, you know?" He paused and smiled sadly, as the memories of holding Sam's lifeless body in his arms flashed through his mind. "But I didn't get there fast enough...I couldn't. I didn't...I couldn't save him. I always have. I've always been the kids' lifeline. But he died...right there in my arms."

Raven listens intently as he recounts the events that transpired during her absence, detailing the struggles and challenges they faced over the past two years. Her eyes well up with tears as she learns of Sam's passing while she is away. She is overcome with sorrow, feeling a pang of guilt and helplessness as she considers how much Sam means to both of them. Sam had been like a brother to her, and the thought of his demise weighed heavily on her heart. "Oh my god, I never should have left," she whispers, a single tear escaping her eye. Overwhelmed with emotion, she slowly retreats to sit on the edge of the bed, her legs threatening to give way beneath her. The news of Sam's death hits her hard, and she knows that there is more to the story that hasn't been revealed yet.

Dean shook his head as he noticed the impact of his words on Raven. His tears began to well up but he choked them down, trying as always to comfort anyone but himself, "There was nothing you could do to stop it either..." He paced a bit, shifting from foot to foot as he tried to decide how to continue. The next part of the story would most likely send her into a much different emotion. He wanted nothing more than to stop the conversation there and just wrap her in his arms, to make it like that was all there was to tell. "And I couldn't just let him go. He's here. He's okay. I didn't let him go. I broke against every belief I have ever had. I made a deal with a demon...and I got Sam back." He choked out with a shrug, sniffling as the memory of his biggest mistake that he would never take back flashed in his mind.

Raven suddenly looks up at him with tears streaming down her face. She quickly gets up. "You what?! You sold your soul for Sam?! Did you not learn anything from what your father did!? You died and went to hell, didn't you?! Oh my god!" She says, looking up at the ceiling, putting her hands on her face as she closes her eyes and shakes her head. "Dean.... I would've taken your place..." She says softly looking away from him as she fights on trying not to cry. Hearing he died and went to hell, her nightmare came true on what she never wanted to have anybody she loved and cared about to go through. She would do anything to be in both the brother's places. They didn't deserve to go through anything they had been through. They deserved to live and be happy. "It should've been me." She says softly not looking at Dean.

Dean flinched, taking a step back as Raven caught onto where he was going with the story. He closed his eyes, letting her have at him as much as she needed to. As he closed his eyes a tear fell from each one and he took a deep breath. But his eyes shot open as she said that she would have taken his place. That was the last thing he wanted to hear from her at that moment. It was the same attitude that had broken his and Sam's relationship. It was the reason they were a bit distant and had been since he came back from Hell. "No. No, it shouldn't have. Don't you ever say anything like that again? I made my decision. I got Sam back, you know? I did what I had to do..." He said in a hoarse voice, trying to contain his own emotion. "I just...I just got back a week or so ago. I'm alright. I'm here, now."

Raven averts her gaze from him and shakes her head. "I don't care what you say, Dean, but I would've taken your place in hell for you. But now that I know what you and Sam have been through, I regret ever leaving. I've noticed something off about you, Dean, just a little. I didn't know what until now. And I know you aren't going to talk about it. You're just going to bottle it up inside or down a bottle... anytime you don't want to talk about something or bring up your feelings, you drown them with alcohol - just like your father. By you not telling me what is wrong or saying there's nothing wrong, I feel like you can't trust me, even though I trust you with my life. I came to you when I always needed you. When what happened to me occurred, I thought I could handle it, but who did I call when I suddenly couldn't handle it? I want you to know I'm here to talk to you, but I know you wouldn't... I care so much about you, Dean..." She says, her voice filled with concern and empathy.

Dean shook his head, taking a step forward but not reaching out to touch her as she spoke, "I'm telling you, now. I'm telling you, now. I wish I could be the guy whose first instinct is to call for help, but I'm not. I handle things. I handle my things. I handle other people's things." He stood nearly toe to toe with her and tried to find her eyes as he said the next words, "Look at me. I was going to tell you...about all of it. And there are still things I can't talk about. But I'm here."

Raven gently closes her eyes and then lifts them to meet his, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes... I just don't want to lose you, even if it means losing you to the bottle or your thoughts," she confesses softly. Her arms wrap tightly around him as she nuzzles her head against his chest, clutching the fabric of his shirt as though it's the only anchor keeping her from falling apart. Despite the relief of having him back and the safety of being home, the looming knowledge that their peace won't last weighs heavily on her heart. 

Dean narrowed his eyes sadly, hearing her worry spoken out loud. When she wrapped her arms around him, he quickly brought a hand up to brush his fingers through her hair, his other arm wrapping around her body to hold her to him as tight as he could without hurting her. He didn't know how to comfort her, when he wasn't even sure he felt safe, with everything that had already come and was to come. He knew Hell was on the way, and there was no way they were coming out unscathed. Dean tilted his head down, pressing a soft kiss to the side of her head, breathing deeply through his nose. It was as if he could breathe in the one good thing he had managed to do in the past several years...the one person he was able to keep safe, now that he was topside.

Raven savors the peaceful moment as she closes her eyes and tunes in to the steady rhythm of Dean's heartbeat. Holding him close makes the world outside fade away, creating a bubble where nothing can touch them. Despite the deep bond they share, she fears jeopardizing their treasured friendship. Raven longs for Dean's presence and hopes he will always remain by her side, especially during challenging times. Gently rubbing his back, she seeks to provide him with the comfort and solace he needs at this moment. Dean tilted his head down a little further, tracing her cheek with his nose to brush her nose with his. He couldn't quite place what he was feeling but he was overwhelmed. His mind was overwhelmed. His emotions were overwhelmed. And his mind was screaming something to him that seemed far off but also made perfect sense. As he brushed their noses, he closed his eyes and placed a gentle kiss on Raven's top lip, slow and careful with a deep breath.

Raven's eyes fluttered open slowly, taking in the sight of Dean so close to her. She felt a blush rising to her cheeks as he tenderly rubbed his nose against her cheek and then her nose. A soft, gentle kiss followed, causing her to close her eyes and lean into it slightly. As her hand moved to rest on his chest, she felt his deep breath, and her heartbeat quickened. She found herself torn between the desire to kiss him and the fear of taking advantage of his vulnerable state. She didn't want him to regret his actions later or to avoid her because of them. Dean's heart did what felt like a flip as Raven leaned into the kiss. The action was timid and unsure, but she didn't pull away from him. So, he deepened the kiss, bringing a hand up to rest on her neck, his thumb tilting her chin up to better capture her lips. The kiss was slower and gentler than he was used to as if he was afraid she would break in his hands if his lips were too commanding. But it felt right in the haze of his mind.

Raven reciprocates the kiss, savoring the deliberate and tender way he's approaching her. She's aware that this isn't his usual demeanor with women; he typically exudes a rough and insatiable energy. Raven recalls how he would attract women and take them back to motel rooms, while she always remained in the Impala. She understood his physical needs but couldn't help feeling envious of the women he brought to the motels, knowing they got to experience Dean in a way she never did. She refused to be used as a one-night stand or in any context. Despite the memories of jealousy and longing that linger in her mind, she decides to treasure this fleeting moment. Dean reached his other hand down, pressing his fingers tightly into Raven's lower back as his chest began to burn, needing to be closer to her at that moment. He had just brushed the tip of his tongue over her bottom lip, his finger pressing a bit harder against her chin...when Bobby answered the phone and laughed loudly from the living room. The sound snapped him back to reality for enough of a moment that he broke the kiss, nuzzling his nose against hers with a sigh. "I should probably get back to work.", he whispered, tempted to capture her lips all over again, but refraining. Instead, he brushed his thumb over her chin, catching his breath, and then stepped back from her. "I'm sorry." He turned and reluctantly walked to the door, pausing before opening it and walking into the living room.

Raven pressed her chest against his and wrapped her arms around his neck. As he deepened the kiss, she was about to slightly open her mouth to let him use his tongue. She couldn't feel passion in the kiss, never wanting it to stop. She was breathing heavily when he pulled away. She looked into his eyes with her dilated icy blue eyes. She frowned when he stepped away from her and left the room. She just stood there, placing her hand on her chest as she slowly sank into the bed again. She didn't know what else to do but think about what just happened questioning if it happened or if it was just a dream.

Chapter 6