#-oh well if they jumped off a bridge would you follow along then

[as-rare-as-trees]

My fatal flaw is that if my friends jumped off a bridge I'd do it too

[rafesangelita]

rafe + gun play 🫠

warnings: dealer!rafe, bratty!reader, gunplay, a little self discovery lol

“will you put that down already? jesus, you’re going to kill somebody.” rafe took the loaded gun out of your hand, his tall figure towering over your own. you two had been stuck here at barry’s dingy trailer for about an hour already, rafe’s business partner leaving your boyfriend in charge of looking after his shit while he ran a few errands. “i’m bored! what are we supposed to do here, ray?” you followed rafe back inside, plopping down on the couch with a sigh.

“just sit and look pretty. barry should be here soon.” he emptied the chamber of the gun, placing it on the kitchen counter. “but i’ve been doing that!” rafe pinched the bridge of his nose, “y/n..” his tone was firm, a warning for you to stop giving him a hard time. ultimately surrendering, you fiddled with a loose thread on the hem of your denim skirt. you two sat in a comfortable silence for a few minutes until rafe joined you on the couch.

“what’s your sudden interest in my gun about? i thought you hated that thing.” he draped an arm over your shoulders, pulling you into his side. you smiled, knowing he was warming up to you because he felt bad for getting stern with you earlier. “i did.. but i saw you use it the other day and i wanted to see how it would feel in my hands.” your hand was under his shirt, fingertips tracing shapes into the soft skin of his abdomen. “and what did you think?” he hummed.

“well, i don’t know. somebody took it away from me before i could figure out how i felt about it.” rafe shook his head, retrieving the gun before cautiously handing it over to you. running the pads of your fingers across the cold metal, you shivered slightly when your mind went back to the cracking noise it made when you first saw rafe fire it. “so?” he leaned in, the stark contrast between your pink manicured nails, and the black color of steel, making a humored smile form on his lips.

“it’s heavy..” you held it up, with rafe’s assistance of course. “it’s heavier when there’s ammunition in it.” he placed his hand over yours, making you grip the handle. “ammunition?” your eyebrows knitted in confusion. “bullets, babe.” you giggled, “oh, right.” rafe pressed a kiss to your temple before bringing you up to your feet. “you see that beer can on the table? aim at it.” you tried to ignore the way the buckle of his belt pressed against your ass, a shaky breath leaving your lips once you had the gun pointed at your target.

“pull the trigger.” your heart was beating in your ears as you slowly pulled, flinching once you heard the hollow click of the barrel. “see? it’s easy.” you sighed in relief, jumping excitedly as rafe laughed along with you. “can we load it now?” rafe stopped abruptly, clearing his throat. “no.” he reached for the gun, making you move away before he had the chance to take it again. “give it, it’s not a toy-” he froze when you pointed it at him. even though there was nothing inside the damned thing, the sight of you smiling with a weapon in your hand was unsettling… and kind of sexy?

“aw, are you scared ray?” you pushed the metal into his chest, “sit down.” rafe did as he was told, holding his hands up defensively as he settled into the couch cushions beneath him. you couldn’t help the satisfied feeling that pooled in your belly from having your usually dominant boyfriend now bending at your will. “take your shirt off.” the corner of rafe’s lips lifted in a smirk. surprisingly for him, he was enjoying every second of you thinking you had the one up on him.

he slipped the garment off, your eyes traveling down his torso. god, your boyfriend was glorious. rafe leaned back, manspreading as you stood between his thighs. “what do you think you’re gonna do with that?” you shrugged at his words, trailing the gun up his thigh “i don’t know.. maybe make you take your pants off next.” your next move was a bold one, but it riled up rafe in the best way possible. with the firearm now pressed against his erection, he was practically buzzing with the need to flip the script on you.

as if on cue, you heard the motor of a dirt bike riding up the dirt path to the trailer. rafe took your moment of distraction as a chance to grab the gun out of your grasp, which was deemed successful when he pulled you down onto his lap, the steel now digging into the skin of your thigh. “thought you were tough shit, huh?” you whimpered at the slightly painful sensation, his arm draped over your chest, holding you in place.

“no!” you squeaked, a shiver running down your spine as he trailed the gun between your legs, briefly touching your clothed cunt before bringing it up to your chest. “still think we should load it now?” rafe teased. you shook your head, confused as to why you felt horny with a gun pointed to your cheek. just as you grinded yourself against his hardened cock, barry walked in with a duffle bag. “what are y’all freaks getting into now?”

[astralis-ortus]

agent(s) of chaos

✱ boyfriend!bc x gn!reader

— there's a reason why you love game nights with your boyfriend's second family.

w.count → 1.1k genre → fluff, a dash of comedy warning → mild cussing (i think? it's just hints), the chaos that is ot8 stray kids, one time jump, and reader is referred to as baby! no gender specific attributes mentioned aside from reader's hair being soft, heh a.n → based on this request! not gonna lie, i actually got a slight headache from imagining the chaos throughout the fic lol even in my head they're /that/ loudㅠ heh ⋆ see masterlist

game nights with your boyfriend and his friends might not happen often; but once they all come together and get the event date set?

oh, a (good) chaos will definitely ensue.

“goddamit—chan hyung! get your eyes on the game!”

“yeah! go get it, seungmin!”

“felix you bronze—step on it! catch up!”

a collective of cheers and disappointed groans were imminent as soon as yoshi, seungmin’s character of the night, crosses the finish line; leaving dry bowser and baby mario—which respectively belongs to han and chan, in second and third place. If you didn’t know any better, you would have thought the boys were just competing in some major mario kart competition.

“­wah chan hyung—you’re seriously so bad at this!” changbin loudly protests—to which you genuinely thank yourself for pushing through with the rented villa agenda—while throwing his head back against the sofa in desperation. lee know, their other unfortunate teammate on the other hand, is busy pretending to box against your cackling boyfriend, having a string of ‘sorry’s falling from his lips.

“argh!” switching his target in desperation, changbin immediately puts his hands together and faces you with his attempt of salvation. “please switch teams with me! i can’t do this any longer! he’s so bad!” he pleaded, nearly earning himself a thrown nintendo controller on the head from chan if it wasn’t for your swift hands, snatching the heavy plastic from your pouting boyfriend. Well, not that you mind though, considering how adorable your boyfriend looked while he sulks.

“yah yah yah—changbin hyung!” seungmin intercepted—and if you know something about the kim seungmin, then his iconic multiple-hit comment is about to pop off. “no one told you to be so bad with rock paper scissors anyway!” the younger pointed out, a smug grin etched across the span of his face, “that’s why you ended up with chan hyung!”

“hey!” your boyfriend was the first to react, pointing at the smug younger one—and of course, it’s not changbin if he didn’t follow suit.

“yah! you prick!” huffing and puffing, changbin was quick on his feet as soon as seungmin stuck out his tongue, further provoking the curly haired male while he ran away—only to fish more of changbin’s loud shouts after the younger. “yah kim seungmin! come back here!”

series of laughter follows the disappearance of the two; to which everyone know by heart now, is also the best time for the rest of the kids to take their water and bathroom break—and alongside that, also became the best time for chan to finally take a proper look at you.

“you’re still good, baby?” the switch in his demeanor made you giggle as you lean into chan’s warm touch on your cheek. despite having witnessed the shift countless of times, the way chan’s voice became very soft when he spoke with you never fails to make your heart flutter. “it’s almost 1 am, aren’t you sleepy yet?”

“i’m good,” a smile follows your simple answer whilst your arms found their home around your boyfriend’s waist, snuggling closer to his warmth while chan lifts your legs to cross over his lap. “can last at least 2 more games, i think. besides, i drank some of the coffee jeongin brewed earlier, remember?”

chan’s exaggerated sigh along with his usual disapproving head shake ignites another set of laugh within you, fishing another pout to appear on his plump lips. “knew i shouldn’t have trusted jeongin,” he dramatically piched his nose bridge, trying to look as disappointed as he could. “he’s part of the bad peaches club after all.”

“i heard that!”

jeongin’s resounding shout from the kitchen startles both you and chan—causing your laughter and chan’s to grow in volume. “not sorry!” chan’s reply simply earned a grunt from the younger, not wanting to further continue the discourse while he’s busy arguing with hyunjin about who can get their hands on the last can of beer in the fridge.

“but anyway,” chan’s gaze softened as they returned to you, running his fingers mindlessly in your soft hair, “tell me whenever you feel sleepy, okay? we’ll go to bed right away.”

“i know,” an exaggerated sigh left your lips as you immitate your boyfriend’s previous antics, “this isn’t my first rodeo, you know?” you snickered as you playfully stuck out your tongue—which in turn only further cause the adoration in his chest to bubble.

oh, how he wish you’re all alone right now. he’d immediately tackle you into a cuddle and plant several dozens of light kisses across your face and neck—but he must resist. after all, he wouldn’t want the kids to tease you over something like that.

“gosh, you’re so annoying,” he hummed, lips betraying him as it formed into a massive grin across his lightly flushed cheeks, “think you’ve been hanging around the kids too much. i should keep a schedule for your visits from now on.”

“nooo!”

4 round of games and 20 minutes later, another wave of commotion returns as the race for second place—since first place has again been coveted by the representative agent of chaos, the kim seungmin—ensues between lee know and han.

“han jisung! step on it step on it!”

“lee know hyung! shi—why are you getting as bad as chan hyung!”

“yah! baby, tell—“

chan’s words immediately died down in his throat as soon as his gaze landed on your peacefully sleeping face—plea to defend himself from his kids vaporized and replaced with a soft thump in his chest. You looked so peaceful with your head resting against his shoulder—a massive contrast to the chaos surrounding you—and chan could feel his heart swell. you looked so cute; especially with your fingers wrapped tightly around the controller seungmin had just handed you a few moments prior.

had you been fighting off the drowsiness all along?

carefully pulling you into his lap, chan smiled as he gently peeled the controller off of your hand before dropping it directly onto hyunjin’s unsuspecting lap, startling the younger.

“ya—“

“shut it,” chan hissed between gritted teeth, easily pulling hyunjin’s focus from the chaos happening on screen and to you—who immediately nodded his head knowingly when he realized what’s happening.

“yah lee min—ow! what was th—oh.”

chan’s next target was changbin—who immediately received a slap on the back instead of chan’s quiet warning. it’s rather effective, however, considering outside of the two current players, everyone now has their eyes on you.

“keep it quiet—if my baby wakes up because of any of you,” chan eyed every single one of his kids, not even caring how severe the teasing he’ll receive by the daylight will be for whatever he’ll be saying next,

“i’m not gonna let it slide.”

©️ astralisortus, 2024. | likes and reblogs are highly appreciated♡

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Slimy fellow meets slimy fellow.

Also known as Fellow meets Azul.

I thought this one would be more fun to write if I immediately cut to Fellow at the Mostro Lounge (following the reader's advice, of course)! Also, I will take any excuse to write the twins--

This ended up being a lot longer than I had initially intended, it's over 2k words (blame my Octavinelle bias)... Hope you enjoy!

So tell me, do you wanna go?

"Whoa, Giddie. Check out this classy joint."

Fellow whistled as he took in the majesty of the Mostro Lounge.

Plum carpets gave rise to a set of stairs, and up the railings were several plush, quilted booths. Each table had its own lamp, a shining orb held up by a gnarled arm of coral. There was a bar area too, complete with a row of sleek stools, the shelves behind the counter well-stocked with tins of tea blends.

Overlooking the entire establishment was a massive glass wall, where the ocean itself peered in on the patrons. Shadows of seaweed and coral ran along the seabed outside, rainbow-colored fish darting by in bursts. Jellyfish lights swung from the ceiling, casting the lounge in an otherworldly blue glow. Smooth jazz emanated from somewhere in the eatery, backed by the soft accompaniment of ambient sounds--water splashing, bubbles dancing.

As Fellow and Gidel stood there gawking, they hadn't noticed two lanky shadows approach them from behind--not until they uttered a greeting in unison.

"Welcome to the Mostro Lounge!"

Fellow jumped at the hands that clapped onto either of his shoulders. He met two nearly identical faces.

"Table for two?" Jade offered.

"Can we getcha started with drinks?" Floyd asked.

Fellow jolted back, pointing a shaking finger at the twins. "H-HIEEEEEEE!! I-It's you guys!"

Jade smiled politely, feigning ignorance. “Oya, Fellow-san. You appear to be rather jumpy today. You’ve come to just the right place to put that anxiety to rest.”

“Y-You’re not gonna wail on us?!”

“Wail on ya?” Floyd’s mouth was stretched eerily wide. “Eheheh. Why’d we wanna do that?”

“Quite right, Floyd." Jade nodded. "We would never harm an esteemed guest. This is a gentlemen's lounge--there is no fighting allowed."

"You're... not mad about what happened before?"

The corners of Jade's mouth twitched. A droll laugh, suppressed. "Think nothing of it. Call it water under the bridge. Floyd and I, we are not the vengeful sort."

Fellow stared at him as though Jade had suddenly sprouted another head. I don't buy that for one second!!

"So do ya want grub or not? Hurry up, cuz we got other customers to deal with," Floyd groused, jabbing at finger at the packed tables behind him.

Fellow eyed them both suspiciously--but his gaze darted between the shady eels and Gidel, who was patting his belly. His reply came out weak and reluctant. "Well... If you're offering food..."

"Then right this way." Jade bent, gesturing with one hand. "I believe this is your first time dining with us, so allow me to inform you of our specials."

He led the way, expertly weaving between Octavinelle servers and roaming guests. Fellow followed, Gidel lagging behind him, and Floyd held the back of the line, plucking up two menus from a podium as they passed it. As they briskly made their way to an open booth, Jade rattled off facts.

"You may order a la cart, but we also offer meal sets in which we have curated the perfectly paired the dishes for you. Substitutions can be made upon request to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions. There is a separate specialty beverage menu. The Mystery Drink is our most popular item--we highly recommend it."

"Wait a sec!" Fellow held up a hand. "Food's great and all, but I was hopin' to hear about something else too."

Jade craned his head. "Oh? And what might that be?"

The fox beastman leaned in, cupping his mouth against Jade's ear. "Word on the street is, the big shot around here has the ability to make wishes come true. I want in on that."

The twins exchanged a knowing look. Their mismatched eyes glinted with delight.

"... Of course, dear customer. We can arrange an audience with Azul for you. However, please be advised that it requires that you order a certain amount of food. The meal sets are worth 3 points each, and the drinks, 1 point. You will need to accumulate at least 50 points total in order to secure a spot with Azul."

"No problem! Together, Giddie and I could eat a man out of house and home," Fellow chuckled. "We'll take one of everything you've got!"

“Out of house and home!!” For some reason, this made Floyd laugh. It was an odd, raspy sound, like branches and the wind scraping and rustling against a ratty window.

“What’s so funny?”

"Oh, nothin’. You just made me remember a funny joke,” Floyd reassured him. “Don’t worry. We’ll get your order ready for ya in a jiffy~"

"Azul, you have a new client."

Jade held the door open for Fellow and Gidel to pass through. Floyd lingered in the corridor like a bouncer guarding the room--or a jailer ensuring they stay in it.

The duo stepped into a neat office, flanked on both sides by towering bookshelves. The carpet they treaded on bore an intricate pattern of scalloped shells and swirls. Two deep purple couches were set across from one another. A coffee table was between them, its surface layered glass. Luminescent blue colored the base of the bookshelves and the interior of the coffee table.

A large chunk of the back wall composed a massive vault. Seated in front of it was a young man at a grand desk. He had silvery hair swept to one side, and sharp eyes behind thick frames. A pile of contracts say upon his desk, along with a lamp and a pot of ink. He deposited what appeared to be a fish skeleton in his inkwell and stood, smiling at Fellow and Gidel.

“Welcome to the VIP Room,” the young man purred. “I am the dorm leader of Octavinelle and the manager of Mostro Lounge. Azul Ashengrotto, at your service.”

“Honest. Fellow Honest. And this here’s my little buddy, Gidel.”

"Oh, there's no need for introductions, Fellow-san. I've already heard plenty about you from Jade and Floyd."

"Have you now?" A slight edge formed in Fellow's voice. "It sounds like my reputation precedes me."

Azul chuckled darkly. "Indeed. Ah, but that is why you've come to seek my counsel, is it not? You're seeking something. Please, have a seat." He gestured to the couches. "Tell me of your troubles."

Gidel happily planted himself down, but Fellow stood his ground and clenched his fists.

"It's money," he blurted out. "I need money, and lots of it."

Azul blinked. He quickly composed himself and gave a laugh. "If I could materialize thaumarks out of thin air, the value of them would surely plummet. May I ask what it is that you intend on using these funds for?"

"I want to start my own school. One that'll be WAY better than this crappy establishment for entitled rich kids!" Fellow waved at the overembellished office with his cane. "A school for everyone, no matter what their background or social class is! A school that teaches practical life skills!"

(The twins, listening in from the doorway, snickered amongst themselves. Azul shot them a glare.)

"Hmm... I see that you're an ambitious man, Fellow-san. As a businessman myself, I must commend your drive," the merman drawled, "and I am willing to help make it a reality, provided you are also willing to pay the price. You can't get something for nothing, as I'm sure you know."

Fellow's stomach dropped. He had anticipated this, but it didn't make the gut punch any less painful. "What's it gonna cost me?"

"I'm not asking much. Just a token, really--a trifle! You'll never even miss it." Slime coated each of Azul's words. "What I want from you is... your unique magic."

He went cold, the color draining from him. From the couch, Gidel startled, suddenly alarmed. "Life is Fun?""

"Correct." Azul's smile seemed more like a smirk now. "From my understanding, your spell is able to enhance one's optimism, making the subject more susceptible to suggestion and taking risks. Not only that, but it is subtle enough to avoid detection. It would be a great boon to have at my disposal. I could easily dispel any doubts my clients may have about signing a contract."

"But that's...! That's...!" Fellow sputtered, unable to come up with a coherent argument.

"That is my offer, Fellow-san. It's non-negotiable." Azul looked him up and down. Not that he has much else to offer.

"Tch...!"

He weighed the options.

Riches for his magic. A magic so measly that mightier mages spat upon it. His magic for riches. Riches so vast he could jumpstart his dream, ensure a golden future for him and Gidel.

Azul's words coiled around him like constrictive tentacles.

"I'm not asking much. Just a token, really--a trifle! You'll never even miss it."

Fellow wavered.

Maybe I should take the deal...

"...!!"

Gidel rose from the couch and tackled Fellow, latching onto an arm. Fellow stumbled backwards, nearly crashing into a bookshelf.

"W-Whoa! Hey, watch it, Giddie!!" he yelped, trying to pry the boy off of him. "Can't 'cha see I'm thinkin' here?!"

Fellow abruptly stopped. Gidel gazed at him with wide, pleading eyes. Wetness coated the corners, tears threatening to spill.

It's a part of you. It's yours. Don't give it up, he begged.

"Giddie..." Fellow's hand sank into Gidel's hair and ruffled it. "... Thanks for that. I needed it."

His resolve returned to him, hardening into steel. Turning back to Azul, Fellow replied, "Sorry, I've changed my mind. I think I'll work things out on my own."

"!!" Gidel beamed proudly.

"Are you certain? These endeavors can be a challenge without sufficient financial backing," Azul warned.

"Positive. I don't wanna kiss up to some board of investors to move up in the world!" Fellow seized Gidel's oversized sleeve. "C'mon, we've got places to be!"

"Well!" Azul huffed, looking displeased. "If you think you can manage!"

"We can, no worries!"

With that, Fellow steered himself and Gidel out of the VIP Room. They skipped along, humming a jolly tune. Azul waited for their sound to completely vanish before he jerked his head to the twins.

"I thought you said they'd be easy marks," he bellowed.

"Perhaps we misjudged," Jade suggested, brows upturned. "The child appears to act as Fellow-san's conscience--and a rather effective one, at that."

"We did almost get them though!" Floyd protested. "Hook, line, and sinker!!"

Azul sighed deeply. "There's no helping it. What's done is done. This time, they got away from us--but it's alright. At the very least, we've got their money!"

Silence threaded the room.

"... I said, at the very least, we've got their money." Azul stared at the twins, who were strangely quiet. "We DO have their money, correct?"

"My, I may have neglected to disclose our prices to Fellow-san," Jade said with a smile. "It seems he was under the impression that the Mostro Lounge's offerings were as free as the cafeteria's buffet is."

"And since we know you're soooo generous, we thought it would be okay to let'm eat their fill to rack up those points~" Floyd added. "'Sides, Jade and I wanted to see how you'd get along!"

Azul's expression splintered. "... So you two allowed Fellow-san and Gidel-san to dine and dash? All to get a rise out of me?"

"You could phrase it like that, yes."

"Yup~!!"

Panic immediately set in. His mind raced, running the calculations simultaneously. How many tens of hundreds of thaumarks he was losing out on.

Azul pushed past the nonchalant Leeches and to the door. Gathering all of his breath, he hollered down the hallway.

"All Mostro Loungs staff on deck, this is an order from your manager!! I want that redheaded fox beastman and his cat accomplice captured and brought to me STAT!! Is that clear?!"

"Wow, Azul's really losin' it!" Floyd cackled. "It was worth all that trouble just to see this~"

"I couldn't agree more, Floyd. Fufufu, there is never a dull day in Octavinelle."

[hunterwritings]

soft | miguel o'hara

summary: you are probably the only person in the multiverse that miguel o'hara can be soft for warnings: none notes: i missed yall so much | wc: 1061

Miguel was a very intriguing character.

He didn't like many people, hell, you wondered if he liked anyone. Over the time that you known him, you've grown fond of the man and were around him much more often than others.

At first, Miguel just decided to ignore you when you would swing into his space, jumping down and standing next to him on the floating panel in the air. You just stood there and admired his work the first time, both a bit too scared and too intimidated to say anything, not wanting to upset or interrupt him. Miguel didn't think anything of it; as long as he could do his work without you interrupting him, he didn't mind.

You continued following him around, eventually building up the courage to try and start up a conversation. Most times, Miguel wound ignore you, unless you said something factually incorrect. Over time, he would eventually respond to your questions and carry out a conversation with you, seemingly interested.

Now, it's essentially become a habit of you barging into his work space and annoying him as he does work. He says it's annoying but he'd be lying if he said he didn't watch the clock and get upset if you're even 2 minutes late to seeing him, but it's not like he'd tell you that.

You've learned that Miguel doesn't have a spider-sense like most other spider people, and you've definitely used this to your advantage. Now, you crawled along the ceiling of the building, looking down on Miguel from above. You attached a web to the ceiling and used it to slowly slide down from the ceiling and stop as you were hanging upside down in front of Miguel with his back turned.

"Howdy stranger!" You said, semi-loud as you watched him jump in surprise.

"Jesus (Y/N)." He said with an agitated voice as he snapped around to face you hanging from the ceiling. "You really have to stop doing that." He added, his face falling back into the same brooding expression he normally has.

"Do I really have to? Or would you just really like me to?" You asked rhetorically with a smirk. He didn't respond, but instead gave you a knowing look as he scrunched his nose.

"Just to let you know, I got all of that on video and I will be uploading it." Lyla chimes in as she appears between the two of you. "Perfect, Lyla." You compliment as she laughs. "Wow, you are really not helpful, are you?" Miguel shakes his head with his fingers on the bridge of his nose. "I'm helpful when I need to be, but that was just too good to miss." She adds before disappearing.

"You gotta love that A.I., she brings a lot of smiles where you lack." You grin as he rolls his eyes and turns back to his holographic screens.

You pull yourself up and jump onto his back and wrapped your arms around his large shoulders. He didn't even look back at you, just kept his eyes on the screens as he moved around holograms. You clung to his back with your legs wrapped around his waist and your arms around his shoulders with your head peering over his shoulder. "So, whatcha doing?" You asked.

"Oh nothing important, just making sure that the fate of the multiverse is intact, not that big of a deal." He says sarcastically while shaking his head. You chuckled at his tone of response. "Wow, sounds really boring." You reply. He turns his head slightly to look at you over his shoulder with a stern look before turning back. "Yeah, really boring." He says back before taking a deep sigh.

"Well, I think you're due for a break right about now." You say, jumping off his back and standing next to him. "How's about we go to the cafeteria and get some lunch?" You say, snapping your fingers and pointing at him.

"No, I can't leave this." He says, not even letting his eyes leave the screen.

"Okay.. how about I bring your food here and you actually eat something?" You say as you cross your arms. He sighed, knowing you weren't gonna let it go.

"I'm good, (Y/N)." He says, his eyes drifting to you.

You groan and throw your head back. "You know, one of these days, I'm just gonna tie you down and force feed you." You jokingly say as you walk back towards him.

"I don't think that'd be easy for you." He says, giving a rare grin across his lips.

"Hey, I'm Spiderman just like you buddy, don't think I can't do it." You say, pointing up at him with a smile.

"No I-I'm sure you could." He smirks, putting his hands on his hips. You smiled wide as you looked up at him.

You jumped up and wrapped your legs around his waist and arms around his shoulders like before, but this time you were facing him. He reached one of his large hands down to lay on your lower back for support.

"You better be careful mister, I can be pretty dangerous you know." You say in a nonchalant joking tone, pointing your finger in his face.

"Oh, yeah no, I bet." He agrees as he smiles while shaking his head.

"Y'know, it'd be a lot easier to stay mad at you if you weren't such a pretty man." You joke as you lay your hands on either sides of his defined cheeks. He raises an eyebrow with a small smirk.

You leaned in and pressed your lips against his. His whole body relaxed as he exhaled and closed his eyes. You pulled away and he pressed his forehead against yours, not wanting to move. His eyes stayed closed as he took a deep breath before pulling back and finally gazing upon you with now soft eyes. You smiled softly, knowing that's what he waited for all day.

"Okay, well I'm gonna go get those empanadas." You say as you jump down from his arms and begin walking backwards. "You better eat them or swear to God, I'm getting handcuffs." You say as you turn around and swing away. Miguel chuckled and shook his head. Out of all the people around him, he was happiest to have you there, even if you 'annoy' him sometimes.

[powerfultenderness]

New

Paring: Vampire!Gaz/Witch!Reader (f) Summary: After Gaz wakes up feeling sick, Soap takes him to meet one of his friends, a healer he said. Actually, he called you a witch. Warnings: Vampires drink blood. Word Count: 1328 Rating: T+ (but future chapters will be explicit/18+) Notes: Gaz has been a vampire for almost an entire week! A follow up to this drabble.

[dividers]

When Johnny called in favors, he really called in favors. As if you owed him! As if your magic hadn’t saved his life! If anyone owed anyone a favor, it was him! But the damn bastard was your best friend, and even if he was annoying sometimes, you did love him, and you had never heard him so serious before. 

But helping a freshly turned vampire? That was a little out of your wheelhouse. It would have been better to get to him before he was turned, but Johnny wasn’t even sure when that happened. All he knew was that you could help.

So he swung by your cottage with a few friends and introduced you to the fledgling vampire. “Gaz” was left standing awkwardly in your home with his bags as his teammates jumped back into their truck and took off.

“Well, let me show you to the guest room.” Thankfully you had the space. 

He cleared his throat, “you don’t have to do this.”

“Oh? Got this handled on your own, do ya?” 

“This isn’t- I’m not. I’m just sick.” 

You nodded, playing along with his denial for now. “Well, I’m a healer. So, healer’s orders: lay down and rest while I make something to eat.” 

Although he was still hesitant, he relented and grabbed his bag before following you to the guest room. The spare room was set up rather simply, a single bed pushed to one side of the room, a wardrobe on the other, and more importantly for your new roommate, black out curtains. 

“Rest. I’ll come by when dinner’s ready.” 

He nodded and looked at you almost demure as he muttered out his thanks.

Honestly, the last time he had his own room was before he joined the military, so that part would be nice. And it was comfortably dark; the headache that had been plaguing him for days was already starting to ease. 

Despite the fact that it was the middle of the day, the darkened room and soft bed lulled him into the kind of deep sleep he hadn’t had in years. 

“Gaz!” 

He felt himself jerked away, staring into Soap’s eyes as the world came back into focus.

Soap sighed and gave Gaz’s shoulder a hard squeeze. “Thought we lost ya!” 

“Wh-what-” His throat was dry and sore, leading him into a little coughing fit.

Soap ignored his question and spoke into his radio. “Found em, Cap! We’re-”

Gaz groaned, his eyes tightly shut, as Soap loudly, way too loudly, called out their location to Price. Why was he screaming so much?

Soap looked back at him, hand dropping from his radio back to Gaz’s shoulder. “Hey, y’alrigh? Gaz?” 

“Gaz?” 

When he didn’t wake after you called him twice, you walked into the room and turned on the bedside lamp, at the lowest setting, before trying again.

“Fuck off, Soap.” He groaned and threw an arm over his eyes, protecting them from the onslaught of dim light.

“Wow,” you chuckled, “dinnae realize my voice was that deep.” 

“What!” Gaz jolted up and gaped at you for a moment before he shook his head. “Ah! No, I didn’t mean that! I mean. You have a lovely voice-” 

You cut him off with a barked out laugh and waved your hand at him. “Oh, you’re quite the charmer, aren’t ya?” 

Honestly, he usually was. He just hadn’t been feeling like himself lately.

“Dinner’s ready when you are.” You said before slipping out of the room and leaving him in privacy once again.

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was hungry, yes, but he’d been feeling hungry for a week and no matter how much he ate, it didn’t alleviate the hunger pains at all. Maybe that was why you asked for a lofty payment before Price and the others left, so you could feed him.

He took a moment to compose himself and wash up. By the time he made his way to the front of the house, you were already sitting down at the small table with a bowl of something that smelled delicious. 

“That smells good,” he smiled after taking a breath and looking around the little dining area. Was he supposed to serve himself?

“How’re ya feeling? Headache?”

“Uh, yea, actually. Been bothering me for days.” He said as he plopped down in a chair across from you.

You hummed and gently nudged an insulated tumbler his way. “Drink that first, it’ll help with the headache.” 

“Ok,” he hesitated as he grabbed the cup and looked down at the opaque lid, “what’s in it?” He asked as he put one hand over the top, about to open it.

“Just drink it.” 

He paused and looked up at you just as you took a bite of your stew.

“It’ll help. Trust me.” 

He had no reason to. Just because Soap trusted you didn’t mean he had to. But as he stared into your eyes he realized that there was just something about you that made him trust you too. A warmth, maybe, and a welcome one at that, as the weather here was a bit on the chilly side.

He took a small sip at first, not sure if he was going to be met with cold or hot liquid. It was pleasantly warm instead (is everything about your home warm?). The liquid is thick, not quite as thick as the gravy in the stew you are eating, but perhaps you simply watered it down. The taste almost matches the scent of your dinner too, so he’s convinced you’ve just given him slightly thickened broth. 

It didn’t take long for him to guzzle down the rest of the broth, he doesn’t even notice you watching him do so. He sighs contentedly as he finally puts the cup down. “Mm, that was, delicious.” 

He looked at you with a large smile, and feeling that he had some of the broth stuck to his lip, he ran a thumb over the liquid. He froze when he saw dark red staining his hands.

“Wh-what is this?” He quickly ripped the lid off and looked at the dregs of his drink. “Is this blood?!”

“Well, you are a vampire.” 

He glared at you, disgusted that you made him drink blood, worried that you made him drink blood, before his stomach dropped and he remembered. He was alone here, in the middle of fucking nowhere, with a crazy person. Fucking Soap.

“Look,” he started firmly, but you interrupted him.

“How’s the headache?” 

The headache? He froze. Shit. It was, “...gone.”

“Mmhm.” You hummed and took another bite of your meal. “That was goat blood, by the way. Your friends didn’t pay me enough to acquire human blood on such short notice.” You dipped your spoon back in your bowl, goat stew. You’ll be eating goat for a while. 

He swallowed thickly and looked down at his cup again. “Vampires aren’t real.” Though his tone was steady, it was starting to sound like even he didn’t believe that.

You pushed your phone forward on the table, the selfie cam open. “Oh, you’ve always had fangs, have ya?” 

He looked at his reflection and sure enough his canines were abnormally long. “That’s a filter.” He said as he dropped your phone back on the table.

You laughed and waved your hand, motioning behind him. “There’s a mirror behind ya, check your reflection yourself.” 

“Ha! I thought vampires didn’t have reflections!” He even grinned as he pointed at you.

“A common misconception. Silver messes with all manner of creatures. Modern mirrors, like that one, are coated in aluminium.” 

You laughed again when he scoffed and rolled his eyes. “I have an antique silver mirror at my altar, if ya wanna see that one.” 

“Altar?” He blinked and tilted his head. He furrowed his brows as he remembered when Soap first mentioned you. “So when Soap called you a witch-”

“Oh, he wasn’t lying!” 

[Multi fandom masterlist]

[bluegalaxygirl]

Ghost ship (Zosan X reader)

Plot: One day while out at sea a strange fog rolls in form out of nowhere almost making them crash into a torn up ship.

warning: Violence, strong language, blood and skeleton's.

Zoro x Sanji X Reader, poly relationship, established relationship, reader is GN

"Guy's hurry" Nami's voice yells out as every member of the crew rushed around the deck of the sunny hoisting the sails, tying ropes and forcing the ship in different directions. You could hardly see a hand in front of your face form the sudden fog that rolled in covering the sunny in a matter of seconds. The warm air turned into a cold wind and the only light you could see came from the lights on the ship "TURN Left" Nami yelled out spotting another ship that was floating in the water, It wasn't moving, most of its masts broken and fabric torn to shreds. Franky turned the wheel of the ship as fast and as hard as he could to avoid the stationary vessel Luffy and Robin using their devil fruit powers to stop the sunny form getting damaged. Finally, getting the Sail fabric tied up your ship slowed down coming to a stop alongside the beaten up vessel which in your opinion shouldn't even be above water, the wood was rotting away and there were so many holes that it amazed you how water wasn't taking over the ship. The fog seemed to clear a bit now that you were all next to it but it felt a lot colder.

"Hay is anyone alive over there?" Luffy yelled Nami jumping on him and covering his mouth "Shut up. we don't know who did this" she whispers angry at her captain for being so reckless. "Its very old... i dont think anyone would be alive" Robin steps closer to Nami and Luffy looking over the ship. Your captain manages to pry Nami's hand off his mouth and giver her a pout. "It shouldn't be floating. oh! no what if it's a ghost ship" Usopp yells freezing up along with chopper. "Calm down" you sigh patting usopp's back "So Nami, what do we do?" you ask turning your attention to the navigator who lets go of Luffy and crosses her arms over her chest "We can't keep going until this fog lets up, so we'll have to stay put for now... also if this ship is old maybe there's something valuable on it" Her eyes glimmer in anticipation making you and Robin giggle at her "You want to go on there?" The sniper yells pointing at the ship "Well you can leave me out of it" he huffs earning a laugh from Luffy "I'd like to look around too" Robin nods placing her finger on her chin thinking about all the history she could find on an old ship. "Yea lets go" Luffy yells out hopping off the sunny and landing on the damaged ship.

It was easy to pick out who went and who didn't you, Nami and Robin wanted to go really bad while Usopp, Chopper, Brook and Franky refused for their own reasons. "I'll come with you, here love take my coat" Sanji smiles giving you one of his warm coats helping you put it on placing a small kiss on your cheek "Don't get into too much trouble" Zoro smiles walking over to you two "Your not coming?" You ask surprised but the sword mans yawn told you all you needed to know, he was woken up form his nap to deal with all of this. "Don't catch a cold" Sanji smiles walking with you, Nami and Robin to the broken ship. Since the ship was on the same level as the sunny Franky set up a small bridge so you could all easily cross Giving you and Robin a lantern before you cross. The waves were smooth so there wasn't much shakiness "Luffy, where are you?" Nami calls out looking along the deck not seeing her captain "Great" she sighs not getting an answer "Im sure he's fine" Robin smiles starting to look around the ship being careful where she stepped as the wood planks bellow her creaked.

Sanji helped you down form the bridge, it till amazed you how this ship was still standing "Im going to head into the captains room" Robin nods walking off "You shouldn't go alone" Nami yells wanting to follow but doesn't "Sanji, why don't you go with her and I'll go with Nami. i'm interested in what's bellow deck" You suggest making the cook look down at you with concern, he didn't want to leave you but he also didn't want Robin to go off on her own. Placing a hand on his shoulder and kiss on his cheek you gave him a reassuring smile telling him without words that you would be fine. Sanji nods kissing your lips before following after Robin yelling at her to wait up. "So bellow deck?" Nami asks looking a little more scared now that she's on the ghost ship "Don't worry I'll protect you" you laugh starting to walk to the steps leading down under the deck "I-I don't need your protection" The navigator yells running behind you and grabbing your coat belt to stay close hoping you don't notice.

Bellow deck was very dark and even with the lantern in your hand it was hard to see. Nami stayed close looking around as you both walked holding the lantern as far out in front of you as you could. The sight before you surprised you, at first you thought this was a cargo ship but under the deck was a large stage and dance floor with tables and chairs all over the place, damaged paintings lined the walls and several doors were either blocked by tables or where torn apart. Walking further in you spotted candles lining the room so you walked over a lite one only for all the other candles in the room to light up as well, Nami jumped at the sigh wrapping her arms around your waist. You let out a giggle as Nami glares at you "Im not scared" she whispers mainly to herself before pulling away form you "These paintings aren't worth anything" she sighs looking around the beaten and broken room trying to find anything of value, you join her in scanning the room spotting something shiny in one of the rooms "What's that?" you ask catching Nami's attention turning to see what your looking at, her eyes light up and a smile appears on her face making her way over with you following behind.

The broken wooden door swung open raveling a long hallway with several corpses lining the hall way, both you and nami froze at the sight, these body's were fresh unlike the ship that they were standing on, the shiny metal came form one of the men's coats, a very old silver medal that looks like it came form one of the great wars but how is that possible. Nami bent down and placed her hand on the medal only for the man to gasp wide-eyed and grab her hand causing both of you to scream out in terror. The man gasps for air looking up at Nami and you try to speak, Nami pulls away her hand slipping away from the old injured man. You take the coat off of you and place it on the man's chest thats bleeding badly "Nami, Get chopper now" you yell trying to snap the navigator out of her fear "W-What? oh! ok" Nami nods running off almost bumping into Sanji and Robin who came running down the stairs "Nami-swan what's wrong?" Sanji asks seeing her running past them "we need chopper" Her voice calls out heading up to the deck and over to the bridge.

"It's ok. we're here to help" you sooth the man the fear in his eyes fading away to hope "Y/n" Sanji's voice appears behind you spotting you on the floor holding his coat to the mans chest "oh no" Robin gasps looking down the hallway "Check for survivors" you order, the two nodding and going past you down the hall checking the people. "P-Pirate's" the man bellow you croaks out. "Is that who did this to you?" you ask earning a nod from him, giving him a sad look you took his hand in yours as a sign of comfort. Chopper comes running up, medical bag in hand to help. Seeing the man against the wall doctor Chopper gets to work helping you stop the bleeding and giving the man some pain killers. "Chopper" Luffy's voice yells out form behind you running down form one of the other hallways carrying a guy who's bleeding. "Luffy, there you are" you yell back as Luffy stops in the door way looking over the guy you and chopper is helping out "What happened here?" he asks a spike of anger seeps through his words. "Other Pirate's" at your words the captains grip tightens on the man in his arms.

An hour later your crew only managed to find two more survivors taking them all onto the sunny and into Chopper's medical room fixing them up and letting them rest while the rest of you joins Luffy on the deck who was sulking on the ground as Robin explained what she had found out. The damaged ship was attacked by pirates centuries ago, It was taking solders and their families back home after one of the great wars but pirates attacked and killed everyone before the navy showed up and blew up both ships. "So how did those people end up in there?" Zoro asks confused his arm around your shoulder holding you close. Robin to shrugs as Usopp and brook cower "S-so it really is a g-ghost ship" they both stutter clinging to each other "Will you two stops that and Brook why are you scared your a skeleton" Nami yells pointing at the two of them making them cling to each other more making the rest of the crew laugh. A strong cold breeze blows thru catching you all off guard the thick fog from around both ships closing in, Zoro pulls you closer his warm body stopping you form feeling too much of the chill while Sanji takes a step behind Zoro feeling a large chill run down his body." What?" you asks only to hear a loud bang as the door to the doctor's office slams open and a man fly's out hitting his back against the railing. In shock, you watch as the man Luffy saved looking worse than before stand up ripped cloth and almost gray skin, he didn't look like a man anymore more like a corpse.

"Chopper" Zoro yells leaving you with sanji and runs up the stairs as chopper comes out in arm point form kicking the guy again as he lunges at him. Luffy runs after Zoro ready to fight only to get kicked back by a large man who lands on the ship's deck with a thud. A very disheveled looking corpse stood there in old pirate attire one arm and one leg complacently bone the joints being held together by fog. Around the ship other's smaller but of the same look jumped onto the ship bearing their weapons "All must die" The corpse you assume to be the captain spoke in a very deep but brittle voice. Starting to fight alongside your crew, Zoro and Chopper kept the wounded people inside the doctor's office safe stopping the corpse's form trying to get in but no matter how much Zoro cut the limbs came back and attacked themselves back. Sanji joined you to help fight as the large captain went after Luffy the two throwing punches at each other. Luffy managed to kick the captains head off only for it to fly back to the body being carried by the mist and reattach itself. You didn't know what was going on and how this was happening but asking questions at a time like this wasn't a good idea.

One of the corpse's got a good hit on you sending you flying onto the ground. Sanji growled under his breath and kicked the corpse off the ship hearing a splash as it hit the water. "Are you ok love?" The cook asks running over and helping you to your feet looking you over for any injuries "Im fine don't worry" you nod before going back to fighting the undead corpse's. Everyone could see Luffy getting frustrated and his yells of anger weren't helping the situation "Anyone have any ideas?" Usopp yells out trying to avoid a sword being swung at him "Nami could you do something about the fog?" Robin asks using her devil fruit powers to restrain some corpse while Franky watches her back. The navigator sends a corpse flying off the ship with her staff before thinking "Maybe but i'm going to see your help usopp" she yells finally getting an idea. "Everyone protect Nami and Usopp" Luffy yells out running at the captain and punching him into the wall. "But what about the injured?" Chopper yells not wanting to leave the people in the medical bay alone. Luffy thinks for a moment before jumping up to join Zoro and Chopper "Go and protect Nami and Robin, I'll take care of these guys" The captain smiles the two nodding and running down to the main areas.

Getting distracted by the corpse in front of you, you didn't realize there was one coming up behind you raising its blade and slashing down, the sound of metal hitting metal made you jump at little but kicked the corpse in front of you away before turning to see Zoro blocking the corpses bad with his own sword before cutting the thing in half "Watch yourself" The swords man yells at you making you smile but focuses on the thing in front of you "I know you've got my back babe" you giggle as he angrily grumbles at you. It didn't take too long for Nami and Usopp to set up Nami's staff and some devices as the rest of the crew made sure nothing got to them. "Firing in 3" Usopp yells warning everyone, in the corner of your eye you see the corpse captain getting back up standing to his feet "He's up" you yell out as the captain runs at Nami and Usopp who have begun counting down.

You run at the captain practically body slamming it away from your two friends and sending it crashing into the railing of the ship. It tries to get back up only for Zoro to cut its legs off and Sanji to light his leg on fire jumping over Zoro to kick the captain off the ship and into the water. A large bolt of lightning shoots out form Nami's staff as the two hold it down stopping it from moving with the force of the lighting. Hitting the thick fog light crackles around and into the fog making it grow thinner and thinner, the corpse screaming out in pain dropping their weapons as they turn to dust, the light wind blowing their ashes into the sea. "YEA" Franky, Nami, Usopp and Luffy yell out cheering at the victory. You laugh feeling relief that its all finally over as arms pull you in for a hug "That was amazing my love. You protected Nami so well" Sanji smiles holding you close "Hay what about me?" Usopp yells feeling left out but ended up being pulled away by Luffy who wants to talk about the fight. "Are you two ok?" Zoro asks walking overlooking you two up and down for injuries "Yea. were fine" You smile pulling him in to join you two in a hug "You guys were amazing. i love watching you fight" with one arm around each boy you lean up and share a kiss them. Its rare when you three do this sharking a kiss at the same time, all three lips meeting at once but thats what makes it special.

"Excuse us. i'm so sorry to interrupt" A male voice speaks out everyone turning to see three people at the top of the steps. The once injured people with old torn blood covered cloths now looked completely fine. No wounds, perfect outfits and a dull light surrounding them "Your all better. How?" Chopper runs over watching as the three make their way down the stairs "We've been trapped in a loop for so long, reliving our last moments over and over again but thanks to you all were finally free" The man you now recognize as the guy you helped spoke, In army cloths and the medal hanging form his jacket. "Thank you all" the three bow leaving the crew stunned as they slowly disappear the ship next to the sunny fading alongside them and soon there was nothing left "Wait at least give us something as a thanks" Nami yelled being held back by Usopp. Letting out a giggle your glad its finally over "Well now i can have my nap" Zoro yawned catching your attention "I think i might need one too. Mind if i join?" you ask feeling his hand grip your hip as he leans in "Always" your lips connect with his as your hand runs up into his hair "Want to join us, Cook?" Zoro asks braking away form the kiss to look up at Sanji, the poor cook didn't even get to answer as your Captain yelled out for food. "I wish i could" Sanji sighs kissing you both before going off to the kitchen being followed by Luffy.

[specialagentlokitty]

Negan x reader - people can change

Part 8:

A/N: italics will be sign language

You stood waiting for Negan as the sky began to change, sighing, you moved some boxes, then climbed on the roof and drew your sword.

You slowly moved your sword in your hand, following the motion as you stepped around the roof silently.

Hearing a small thud you stopped.

“Ghost look I-“

Luke stopped when you held out your hand, and you turned to face him.

If the people want to fight, they fight. Nobody will be forced, it is free choice, the battle plans are ready.

You mean we’ll help?

We all just want to survive, we entered a trade pact with them, but we’ve connected, they are us, we defend our people.

Like grinned, holding out his hand and you reached out, wrapping your hand around his wrist and he did the same thing to you.

I trust your judgement Luke. I always have. So I trust you to lead our scouts.

He gave a nod of his head and stepped back.

I’ll spread the word and begin the training.

We don’t have long.

He nodded his head before running off.

You went back to your training, hearing another set of steps running on to the pier, he sounded out of breath.

“Shit.”

He looked around but couldn’t see you anywhere.

“Ghost?”

Negan couldn’t see you, but he saw the boxes that had been stacked as steps, so he climbed up them, seeing a sword had been laid on the roof.

Picking it up he looked around and saw you on the roof next to him, and he watched you for a moment.

You were facing the front, so you had your side to him, he wasn’t sure if you even knew he was there, but he began to copy you.

Negan noticed it was the same basic routine Adam had taught him, and the wind blew at the fire on your sword, but didn’t put it out.

His was just a normal sword, old looking but good enough to train with.

It went on for nearly an hour before you stopped and he did as well.

You didn’t say anything as you jumped down, and he climbed down to follow you, but only found a slip of paper where you jumped down.

‘Same time every day.’

Negan grinned, and he put the sword away in the armoury.

Every morning his sword was there waiting, and you would already be training when he arrived, neither of you would speak, because to you if you couldn’t see or hear him, then you weren’t training him.

As much as he didn’t long extended periods of silence, Negan did his best to be quiet, because he wanted to be trained by you.

Things were getting more tense, and everybody knew that a battle was close, even Negan could tell.

So, when he climbed his way up on the roof he noticed that this time you were on the same roof.

You handed him a scabbard and he put it on, putting the sword away and you looked at him.

“Are you ready?”

Negan furrowed his brows a little bit.

“What?”

“Let’s go.”

You ran, jumping on the next roof.

“Oh fucking hell!”

Negan ran after you, doing the same thing, trying to keep up.

This was daily routine for you, but it was new for him, but once he got the hang of knowing when to jump it became a little easier.

Some of them had bridges connecting them, which made him catching up better, but when it came to jumping you were ahead of him.

You did a lap of the community and when you were done he was out of breath, and you titled your head back, pulling your mask up slightly to breath the morning air.

Negan looked at you, and he stood up, trying to get a better look but you quickly pulled your mask back down.

“So? Do I pass? Do I get some sort of green card to join Lakeshore or what?” He grinned.

“In a few weeks we will go to war with the whisperers along with the kingdom, Alexandria and The Hilltop, they’ll come here for the meantime. You’ll come with me.”

“What makes you think I’ll say yes?”

You shrugged a little.

“You wanted me to train you, you do well and you’ll be part of Lakeshore, a resident.”

Negan seemed to think about this.

“Alright, sounds piss easy, let’s go.”

You led him back to the beach, and you followed a trail, stopping to speak to a few people as you passed them.

Negan finally saw how big your community was as you passed treehouses, wood cabins and farms, and finally you led him to a small cabin.

“You know you take a man to a cabin in the middle of the woods and he starts to get a little nervous ghost, and not in the fun, sexy kind of way.”

“Usually we send people out here alone for a few months to train, given what’s going on I decided it would be safer if I came.”

You entered the cabin, walking into a room and you dumped your bag on the floor, rummaging through it, pulling some things out and you walked back out, setting them on the table.

“Go explore, it’s safe, we’ll start tomorrow.”

Negan explored the cabin first, it was pretty basic but enough to survive, in the back was a small garden, and behind that was a small training ground with targets.

It was pretty peaceful, and when he came inside you were going through some papers.

“So, is ghost the name you’re ever going to tell me?”

You hummed a little bit.

“Does anybody know your name?”

“Yes. Don’t bother asking them they won’t tell you anything.”

“Aw come on, you know my name.”

You set one of the papers down, ignoring him.

“Okay, I’ll just guess.”

Negan began the rest of the afternoon thinking of names and asking you, and you kept knocking them down.

Even as dinner came around and you were sat with your back to the table, feet on another chair as you ate.

“Utah.”

“That’s a state not a name.”

“It was worth a shot, seriously though, come on. I don’t have anybody to tell, and the community already knows your name so.”

“Keep guessing.”

You got up, heading to your room and you closed the door.

Most of Negans training was on his own while you observed, telling him what to do, sometimes you would read, or you’d just laying on the porch.

As he took a break, he walked back over.

“I’ve got it. Daisy.”

He waited for the reply, and walked up to you when he didn’t get one.

Crouching down, he set his sword quietly down.

Negan wasn’t the best at not letting his curiosity get the better of him, so when he thought you were sleeping, he slowly reached out, grasping the mask.

He carefully lifted it, and leaned down, and you grabbed his wrist tightly.

“Rethink your next action Negan.”

“Damn, thought you were asleep.”

“You have the curiosity of a child, you know that?”

“Hey, someone hides behind a mask the entire time you know they you’re bound to get curious at some point. You hiding a moustache? Tattoo?”

You raised your other hand, pulling the mask back down and let him go so you could sit up.

“Alright, you think you’re so clever huh?”

He grinned a little to proudly.

“Get up.”

You walked inside, coming back out with a cloak and he stood up.

You swung it around his shoulders, pulling it closer, and you tied the top so it would stay in place, then grabbed the hood and pulled it over his head.

“Wow, mature.” He chuckled.

“Two minutes. After that you come find me, if you win I’ll show you, if you don’t you give up trying to guess my name and see my face. There’s red string, I won’t pass that border. The key here? Silence.”

“Oh I so can’t wait to win.”

“Ah, not so fast. This isn’t a game, you take it seriously. If you don’t, then no dice. Fair?”

“I’m down for that. I’ll win.”

Jogging down the steps you made your way into the trees, heading to your usual hiding spot laid down, covering yourself with leaves and branches.

You didn’t run too far in the trees.

After two minutes Negan made his way to the trees.

“Ready or not here I come fucker!” He shouted.

He made his way into the trees, checking where he was walking, looking for anywhere that he could see you being able to hide in.

The red string wasn’t a big area, but for somebody who was used to the shadows it was the perfect area for you to hide in.

He knew you wouldn’t go high, you’d stick to the ground level.

You heard a few twigs nearby snap, and you watched as he walked past, then you slowly stood up, hiding behind a tree as you began to trail him.

Negan snapped another branch and cursed quietly, looking around.

You couldn’t look around the tree or he would find you, so you crouched down.

There was a noise to your left and you looked that way, only to hear a noise in front of you and you smirked to yourself, running through some trees, diving into some bushes.

“Clever!” You called.

“Apparently not enough to outsmart you though!” He called back.

Negan kept searching, and you just laid there on your back.

“Bend your knees! Walk heels first!”

You heard his steps quiet but he was still making some noise.

That was to be expected, there were a lot of dead branches and leaves in the area, but he could still reduce his steps which he had done.

You could hear him moving a few things about, and you moved from your hiding spot again, taking the long way around to get to where he had already been.

He checked your previous hiding spot first and saw it was disturbed, you had just moved.

You pressed your back to a tree and you waited, listening.

Negan looked around, and he noticed something different about where he had been, and he smirked, following his steps back there.

He stood there for a few moments, debating between two of the trees before he stepped forward, turning to the right.

You had your arms crossed over your chest, head resting on the body of the tree.

“Took your time.”

“Maybe I just liked the thought of hunting you down.” He smirked.

You hummed a little, and lowered your arms, putting your hands into the pockets of your cloak.

“So, do I get to claim my prize?”

“We had a deal, you won. You took it pretty seriously.”

“Never took anything so serious.”

Negan brought his hands up, placing them on the side of the mask and he lowered himself so he was eye level with you.

Negan lifted the mask a little bit, then he stopped.

This was the whole basis of the deal, that he could finally see your face after asking for so long, but he was hesitant.

You had put a lot of work into hiding your face from outsiders, not showing your face unless you wanted to and he felt like he was invading that trust if he went through with this.

You’d given him a second chance, trusted him with weapons and being part of the community.

He closed his eyes, then sighed a little bit, opening his eyes and putting the mask back on, readjusting the strap on the side for you.

“What are you doing? You won, I said you can see my face if you won.”

“What’s your name?”

He stood up, letting his hands fall by his side.

“Negan?”

“I just want to know your name, that’s it.”

You smiled to yourself, pushing yourself away from the tree.

“(Y/N). My name is (Y/N).”

“Damn, the only name I didn’t think off.” He smirked.

“Come on, before it gets dark.”

Negan walked alongside of you, humming a tune under his breath happy with his newfound information.

“Why did you change your mind?”

“If you want to show me your face that’s up to you, some stupid bet shouldn’t make that choice for you.”

You nodded your head and he took the cloak off, handing it back to you.

“No, it’s yours, keep it. We’ve been here for a while, we’ll head back in the morning.”

“Sounds good to me.”

You made your way to the room you claimed as your own and shut the door, taking your mask off and you ran you finger along the scar as you sat deep in thought.

“(Y/N)?”

You put the mask on.

“Come in.”

He opened the door, standing against the doorframe.

“Just so you know, whatever the reason is that you hide yourself behind that mask and pretend it makes everything all better, it’s bullshit. You don’t need to hide behind a mask.”

With that he left, closing the door, leaving you with more things to think about

[honeysuckletoast]

Sense my drawing tablet wouldn't work, I decided to write a quick fic on what I was going to sketch, thank you @nyxie-is-peculiar for the sketch (now fanfic) idea✨

Who in the world?" Esmerelda Avocet peeked outside her window, having been awoken by a racket in the garden. "Who's out there at this hour…Aoibhe wouldn't have gone diving this early…" she murmured, stifling a yawn. With a slow glance towards her clock, she mentally groaned as she read 3:22 AM. Esmerelda pinched the bridge of her nose, trying not to curse whichever girl was outside at this hour. 

Esmerelda slowly sauntered down the dark hall, watching as the full moon dappled the floor as she checked each door. Each one was shut tight, not at all disturbed.

"Diana?" Esmerelda hissed into her room at the end of the hall. The tiny woman in the bed barely shifted, curled up like a cat in her thick quilt "Diana rose!" Esmerelda whispered, but gave up after a second failed attempt. 

"Well, good to know that if I scream for help I'm out of luck" the tall woman pushed her glasses up as she descended down the rickety steps to the main level of the academy. Only a single candle sat on the kitchen table, a few papers sprawled out along with an empty chair.

"What's the matter?" A cold flat voice whispered from behind Esmerelda, causing her to jump nearly a foot into the air as she flattened against the wall. A tiny girl stood staring at her blankly in front of the doorway to the main entrance. Her silver eyes traced over her headmistress as she tilted her head "you're never up this late." She said matter of factly. Esmerelda pursed her lips, letting out a sigh of minor relief. 

"Grace!" Esmerelda snapped once she regained her wits. "What did I tell you about sneaking up on others!?" The nightjar just blinked, rocking on her heels 

"I didn't sneak up on you. I asked you a question" 

"Just-nevermind." Miss Avocet didn't have the time nor will to argue with the 14 year old. Sometimes with Grace, it was simply better to give in than try to make her see the point. "Were you the one causing the racket in the garden?" 

"No. But I did hear it. Alma left the house at 2:38 AM and 16 seconds and hasn't returned. She was very pale and was crying." Grace turned towards the window as the Avocet stared at her, unsure if  grace was toying with her.

"You let a 8 and a half year old leave the academy alone!?" She clenched her fist, quickly loosing her patience. Grace nodded as she collected up her papers, avoiding Esmeralda's burning glare unknowingly.

"You have not given us rules on when to not leave the academy." Grace said as she scribbled in her journal "I finished all of your work you have given me for the week. I'll leave it on your desk." 

"I assumed the rule was implied!" The taller woman ran a hand through her hair. "Just- hold on. I have to go….do you even know where she went!? It didn't even occur to you to ask her where she was going!?" She demanded, nearly bouncing from the adrenaline pumping through her veins.

"Don't get so nervous. She told me she was going to the garden. She asked me not to follow nor get you, so I didn't." Grace leaned back in her seat, directing Esmerelda as if she was a child. Miss Avocet seethed, but turned around, rushing to the door. She would deal with Grace later.

"Alma!?" She yelled out into the night air. Her socks quickly stained a murky brown as she hurried across the west wing to the east garden. "Alma lefay Bentham!" She called again.

"What if she went into town!? What business would she even have there!?" The Avocet quickly found her mind unusually racing. "What if she gets taken, or falls off the rocks into the sea!?" Esmerelda wiped her quickly reddening face as she looked around the empty garden. 

"Okay, okay okay  okay…..she has to be here somewhere" she wiped her eyes "Oh my birds!" Her dark brown  eyes  scanned every place the little girl could be through tears. "Ive-ive never had a child leave…did she run away?" Esmerelda felt her breath leave her lungs as  she realized the girl was nowhere to be found in the midst of the flowers. 

"Alma!?" She shouted for more time,   being drowned out by the thunder in the distance. "The storm….she can't be out here in the rain she'll get soaked if she hasn't been kidnapped already-" Esmerelda's words hitch in throat as she felt two tiny arms wrap around her hips, along with a weak wail. 

"ALMA!" Esmerelda swiped the girl up, collapsing   down in the grass as she did. The tiny girl sobbed, hugging her headmistress as if she was her lost teddy bear. 

"What's wrong?!" Esmerelda held Alma under her chin, taking note of how feverishly hot the girl was. Alma burrowed into her embrace, hacking painfully into her sleeve. Miss Avocet quickly lifted her thin chiffon nightgown sleeve over the palm of her hand, using it to wip Alma's tear stained cheeks

"I don't feel well" Alma's raspy voice breathed in between heavy coughs. Esmerelda gently patted her back. 

"Why are you out here? Why didn't you come wake me!?" Her harsh tone stung Alma who sniffled in return

"I didn't want to make you- you get up so close to dawn! And I felt nauseous, and I didn't want to vomit on the my bedroom floor, so I came out here, and I tripped and fell on one of the plant stands, and I scraped my knees!" She wept between shaky shallow breaths against Esmerelda's shoulder "And  now you're awake anyway and I made you cry!" Her tiny fingers nearly turned white from how hard she was squeezing her headmistress's shoulders.

"Darling you didn't make me- '' Esmerelda paused as she felt her cheeks, wiping away some warm tears of her own. She hadn't realized she didn't get a chance to wipe them away before she found Alma. Her cheeks turned pink as she quickly dabbed her cheeks. She had never ever cried in front of one of her wards, or for that matter even Diana. It was one of her unspoken rules with herself. 

"Okay let's take a deep breath." Esmerelda didn't know if she was saying more to herself or to Alma at that moment."first off, I would never be mad if you woke me. Even if your not sick." She rubbed her back "you can wake me whenever you need." 

Alma nodded, "really?” She blinked “you won't be mad?” 

Esmerelda shook her head “I'm an incredibly light sleeper, so if I don't wake up when you open the door, just nudge my shoulder okay?” She instructed. Alma nodded, thinking for a moment. 

“Thank you miss" she sniffed. Esmerelda sat back up to get off the sturdy bench  "Let's go inside and get your knees cleaned, and then you need to lay down. I'll bring you some tea, and- 

"No!" Alma exclaimed, but shriveled back up "Im sorry for shouting miss….I just don't want him to see me cry! He will tell me I'm a baby!" Alma exclaimed 

"Who?" 

"Jack!" Alma murmured "he thinks I'm a big baby and this will prove it!" She shook her fists for emphasis. Esmerelda couldn't help but stifle a chuckle

"Love, you crying over being ill proves nothing. Truthfully," she leaned in "your more mature than both of your brothers. Jack screamed two days ago because he saw a centipede in the cellar that then fell from the ceiling onto him and startled him. It was so loud even Miss Bunting's cat swiped at him to tell him to shush up.

 Alma's nose crinkled and she couldn't help but giggle at the idea of jack jumping from a tiny little bug. 

"You must've gotten that sickness that's been going around town when we went down to get your dress hemmed a few days ago” Esmerelda Said as she stood up "Do you want to go sit in the garden and calm down for a moment then go inside?" She asked, eyeing the house to see if any candles had been lit in Diana's room.  Truth be told, she didn't want to go in with her most likely still tear stained face either if her partner was already awake. She was unsure how much time had passed, but Diana was going to be getting up at 4:00 AM, and the rain would be here at 4:06..

"Please?" Alma asked, laying her head on her headmistress's shoulder. Esmerelda nodded, gladly taking the sick girl to the garden. For once she found  herself thankful for picking such a warm day to set her loop as she took a seat on one of the wooden benches she had built herself when she opened the academy. 

Alma didn't move at all, too physically and mentally worn out to try and move off her shoulder

"We can only stay out here for a little bit though. Your fever feels awfully high. I'll see if we have any more syrup for your cough and maybe some Ginger tea if your still nasueous "The Avocet spoke more to herself as she  leaned back, making a mental checklist of things she watched as the dawn started to slowly break the horizon that was being overtaken by the morning storm clouds. 

"I don't want syrup!" Alma grumbled, but shut her dark green eyes before she could meet her mentors gaze. “It tastes like sour rotten cherries” 

"Just go to sleep for now then. We can decide later" Esmerelda said as she wrapped her knit robe around Alma. The tiny girl's eyelids fluttered, watching the clouds start to bring upon the mid morning rain she had become so accustomed to waking up to. She didn't even feel herself start to hum, but soon she found herself singing as softly as she could to the little girl in her arms. 

“You sing pretty miss” Alma mumbled “You should do it more often” Between the upcoming rain and the smooth singing Alma found it impossible to stay awake, finally falling into a deep sleep. 

Esmerelda smiled, finally finished her smooth lullaby as the first rain drops started to drip down onto the earth. The Avocet finally stood up, staring back at the house. Diana's candle was lit, burning brightly in the window. The Avocet smiled, taking it upon herself to hum just a little longer as she walked with Alma inside. 

“You will always be a baby Alma” Esmerelda told the sleeping girl as she walked. "My little baby." She put her hand on the door handle, pushing it open and regaining her strict demanor as soon as she stepped back inside

"Thought it was odd the door was cracked open." Miss Bunting turned around from the open flame in the kitchen "I got breakfast all set for you to start. I'll get started on setting the table- wait why is she in your arms?" She inquired "Was she outside?"

"She got sick in the garden." Esmerelda informed, then turned towards the stairs "I will be down in one minute to start the oatmeal"

"Poor thing" Miss Bunting opened the China cabinet. "Do you want me to get the oatmeal started? I'm sure it can be that hard!" Miss Bunting called as she grabbed some plates out of the cupboard.

Miss Avocet grimaced from where she stood on the stairs "No thank you, I would prefer to only have one sick child for the time being." She responded as she finished climbing the stairs

"That's fair."

[jdtrashman]

Just For Fun FFXIV Prompt List #7: Voidsent/Aether

this is for @ladyramora's just for fun FFXIV prompt list.

----

There was a beast aboard the S. S. Carpathian.

Tiberius Vol Vanus, acting captain due to the recent, gruesome death of his superior, waited in the bridge along with the remaining crew members. They all had their guns drawn and pointed towards the sole door leading to the rest of the ship, waiting for her. They knew she was coming. None of them had the courage to so much as blink, knowing how fast the beast was. Oh, they knew very well indeed how fast she was...

It began a week ago. The Carpathian - once a military vessel until the captain brought it disgrace during a battle 2 years ago - had been reassigned to cleaning debris from the waters surrounding the Thavnairian colonies. A hearts and minds campaign pushed by Gaius Van Baelsar to improve relations between Garlemald and its liberated countries - as well as bringing a more useful form of discipline to dishonored vessels.

Cleaning the debris left in the waters after military actions to ensure fishing is uninterrupted was boring work, but For The Empire and all that. It was during one such cleaning run that The Beast snuck aboard the ship. No one - at least no one who was alive to speak of it - knew how she got aboard.

At first, they thought her just a normal stowaway - having found her in the larder, devouring food like a woman possessed. Her bright red hair long, wild and frazzled, her body starved down to the bone. She raved at the cooks and the guards like an animal, her words a slurred mix of panicked shrieks and some language that none of them spoke. Even reduced to skin and bones, it took 4 fully grown men to restrain this woman of 19 summers.

Were it up to him, Tiberius would have had her shot. Stealing from an imperial military vessel was an executable offense, why wait for a trial whose outcome is known from the jump? But ever the man of protocol, the captain had her cuffed and thrown in the brig.

And sometime that following night, The Beast awoke.

That was two days ago. Two days ago, this ship was manned by 160 men and women. Now they were down to ten. The captain was the latest to die, staying behind to ensure their escape, and to "regain some of that lost honor", as he put it. Within two turns of a corner, they heard him screaming, followed by the tearing of skin and breaking of bones. Now it was just them. And the waiting.

No one spoke, sniffed, or even coughed. The few soldiers, cooks, and janitors that remained aboard the Carpathian just watched that infernal door as if one single eye taken off of it would produce The Beast by itself.

None of it mattered, of course. The Beast came all the same.

A great stomping echoed down the hall, towards the door. Guns cocked, joined by the growing smell of urine soaked pants. Metal groaned and creaked with the force of what was beyond the slab of metal that kept them all alive. And then, a knocking. A gentle rapping against the bridge door. "Could someone get the door?" asked a voice so eerily feminine and sweet. "In all the rank and file of the Garlean military, be there no gentlemen to open the door for a lady?"

Tiberius found his voice. "Begone, beast!" he shouted. "There is nothing for you here!"

A long, horrifying quiet followed. Then, "Very well. I shall let myself in." A crash, as the metal door was blasted from its hinges, into the room towards him, and all went black and quiet.

He awoke minutes later, pinned beneath that great steel door, surrounded by the dead. And standing above him, perched on the slab of metal that was his shackle to this nightmare like a gargoyle, was The Beast. A pale face stained with flecks of red, and haloed by great drapes of red hair, and a smile that....no, no that was not a smile.

The Beast held a photograph up to his bleary, tear filled eyes. "Do you know who this is?" she asked. The photo, blurry, out of focus, clearly taken in a great hurry from someone desperate, was still, unmistakably, "Livia...Li, Livia Sas Junus," he confessed.

The Beast chuckled, then spoke to no one, "That good enough?" A pause for some unknown reply before looking back down at him, "Where is she?"

Even a ship as far down the foodchain as the Carpathian knew where the higher officers were at all times. And there was no point in lying now. "E-Eorzea, she has been reassigned to the campaign for Eorzea!"

"Eorzea..." whispered a different voice from her lips. More human, yet more deranged. Closer in tone and cadence to the starved madwoman they captured.

The Beast hopped off and made for the door. He had no strength left, save for that which he used to satisfy one last shred of curiosity. "What the hell are you...?"

The Beast looked back, and two voices emerged from those dry, bloody lips. "I am what emerges...when you burn the forest down."

[sonekwi]

☆ ⸻ the white paladin, keith x reader

chapter three: lion assignment

characters/parings: keith, female reader

genre: fanfiction

summary: on another planet millions of lightyears away from earth, you and your friends awaken two aliens who have been asleep for 10,000 years.

word count: 3,911

links: previous, next, wattpad, masterlist

     The Blue Lion flies towards a castle. Four tall pillars accented with a blue that reminds you of the coastal waters of home surround the main structure. A long, ancient, and deteriorating bridge connects the lone plateau the castle sits on to the rest of the world.

     As the Lion lands in the large, spacious courtyard before it, it lowers its head to the ground.

     "Keep your guard up," Shiro warns.

     "What's wrong?" you ask.

     "My crew was captured by aliens once, I'm not going to let it happen again," he says.

     The group exits the Lion, your mouths agape and your eyes wide with awe and disbelief. Your footsteps echo loudly within the courtyard and the pearly white stone beneath your feet seems too clean. You look around, hoping to spot someone or something, but you're alone.

     Behind you, the Lion stands and roars. Hunk freaks out and hides behind you, screaming that you're going to be eaten. But the doors to the castle groan as they open and the Lion sits back down.

     "Oh... the door is open!" Hunk says, coming out from behind you. He looks at the Blue Lion, "I guess I was wrong about you!"

     The doors lead to darkness, the sunlight only reaching so far inside. You feel uneasy not knowing what lurks within. Thankfully, Shiro takes the lead and the rest of you cautiously follow. And after a few moments inside, your eyes finally adjust to the darkness. The group stands in a room larger than any you have ever seen; the Blue Lion could easily fit inside.

     "Hello!" Hunk calls out and you nearly jump out of your skin.

     The group stops in the middle of the room. In front of you, a large staircase leads to an upper floor and the balconies overlooking the room.

     "From the size of the Lion, I expected these steps to be bigger," Pidge observes.

     "Maybe the castle isn't for the Lion," you say, looking around.

     Something powers on above you and creates a ring of light around you. The tiles below you illuminate and a robotic voice speaks, "Hold for identity scan."

     A light rises from the ground at your feet and up to your head, scanning you and gathering whatever information is needed.

     "Why are we here? What do you want with us?" Shiro interrogates but is left unanswered.

     The scanner powers off. The room lights up, the torches along the walls igniting. You can properly see now, and you're realizing just how futuristic the castle is. Its architecture is abstract and alien.

     As the long corridor at the top of the steps lights up as well, Pidge shrugs and says, "I guess we go that way."

     The group moves forward and you grab onto Lance's arm to make sure he stays close. Knowing him, he would see something and wander off.

     "(y/n), I can walk myself," your brother complains.

     "You're basically a two-year-old in the body of a teenager," you say.

     Lance irks. "You're literally ten months younger than me! What makes you think you're any different?"

      You roll your eyes, "I'm much more mature."

     "What!?" Lance barks at you, ripping his arm from your grasp. "You drink apple juice and eat animal crackers like they're your freaking life source!"

     "So?" you say and raise a brow at him.

     The six of you wander into another room. In the center sits a control console and two cryopods standing vertically a few feet behind it. Lance walks up to one of the pods, tapping on the glass. He mutters something to himself.

     You and Pidge inspect the control console in the center, or at least that's what you think it is now that you're looking at it. There's nothing on it, and there doesn't seem to be a way to turn it on.

     Lance screams when the cryopod he stands by hisses loudly, the freezing air from within escaping as the seal breaks. The glass door opens, revealing a beautiful woman with curly white hair and dark skin. She whispers something and her knees buckle beneath her. Lance catches her before she falls to the ground.

     She looks up at your brother. "Where am I? Who are you?" she asks.

     Lance grins, his cheeks flushing. "I'm Lance, and you're right here in my arms," he flirts.

     The woman gives him a quizzical look. She reaches a hand towards his head. "Your... ears?" she says. It's now that you notice her ears are pointed.

     "What about them?" Lance asks.

     "They're hideous," the woman grimaces, "What's wrong with them?"

     "Nothing's wrong with them! They heard exactly what you said about them- Agh!" Lance grunts as the woman yanks him by the ear and throws him to the ground. She grabs his arm, pinning it behind his back.

     "Who are you? Where is King Alfor?" she interrogates. "What are you doing in my castle?"

     You feel your heart beat wildly within your chest. Adrenaline rushes through your veins at the sight of your brother in danger. Without a single thought, you charge at the woman to protect him. Your shoulder connects with hers and she falls to the ground. As you stand over Lance, you watch her movements carefully.

     "Don't touch him," you growl, "A Blue Lion brought us here and that's all we know."

     The woman picks herself up and dusts off the skirt of her dress. "How do you have the Blue Lion? What happened to its Paladin?" she asks, staring at you and Lance for a moment. She glances around the room and sees the rest of the group. "What are you all doing here? Unless- How long has it been?" she rushes over to the control console, placing her hands on top of it.

     "So that's how that works," Pidge comments as the control console powers on, a holographic screen popping up.

     "Who are you?" Shiro asks, "Maybe we can help?"

     You glare at the back of her head as you help Lance off of the floor. Whoever she is, she is not touching Lance ever again.

     "I'm Princess Allura of the plant Altea," the woman says and presses a button. The other cryopod opens up and an older man with a bushy orange mustache wakes up.

     The man gasps and shouts, "Enemy combatants!" He lunges from the cryopod at you and Lance, and the two of you easily dodge him.

     The man catches himself on the other pod, groaning. "Quiznack! You're lucky I have a case of the old 'sleep chamber knees'," he says, turning to you.

     Crazy old man, you think to yourself. His detailed explanation of how he would take you down in a fight goes in one ear and out the other. You feel no need to be defensive, because if he was going to fight you he would have done so already.

     But your brother decides it would be fun to entertain him.

     You leave Lance to the chaos and join the rest of the group near the control panel. You keep your distance from Allura as you watch her pull up some data.

     "It can't be," she says with shock.

     The man stops and looks at her. "What is it?" he asks.

     "We've been asleep for ten thousand years," Allura says, her expression quickly turning to anger. She glares at her hands before turning to the man. "Altea and all the planets in our solar system have been destroyed. Coran... Father is gone. Our entire civilization... It was all Zarkon."

     Shiro's eyes go wide. "Zarkon?"

     Allura clenches her jaw. "He was the king of the Galra. A vile creature and enemy to all free people."

     Shiro looks down at his robotic arm, flexing the fingers into a fist. "I remember now... I was his prisoner."

     "He's still alive? That's impossible," Allura says.

     "I can't explain, but it's true," Shiro says. "He's searching for a super weapon called Voltron."

     Allura shakes her head, "He's searching for it because he knows it's the only thing that can stop him," she says, "And that's exactly why we must find it before he does-"

     The castle's alarms blare and the console's screen flashes red. It shows a video of an alien warship similar to the one you encountered back at Earth.

     "A Galra battleship has set its tracker to us!" Coran exclaims.

     "How did they even find us?" you ask.

     "I bet it's Keith's fault," Lance says, side-eyeing the mullet boy.

     Keith rolls his eyes, "Say whatever you gotta say to make yourself feel better," he growls, "After getting us stuck on the other side of a wormhole!"

     Lance gets in Keith's face, "I'll stick you in a wormhole!"

     Shiro grabs Lance and pulls him back and you do the same with Keith. As Lance raises his arms and feigns innocence, Shiro steps between them, "Stow it, cadets! This is no time to blame others, it's time to work as a team!"

     Keith stares your brother down and you can practically feel his blood boil beneath his skin. You tighten your grip on his arm to get his attention, but he doesn't look at you.

     Shiro turns to Coran, "How long before they arrive?"

     "At their speed?" Coran hums, counting his fingers, "I'd say... a couple of days?"

      "Good, let them come," Allura says. "By the time they've arrived, you will have reformed Voltron and together, we will destroy Zarkon's empire."

     "Princess," Shiro says, "There are five of these Lions, how are we going to find the rest?"

     "Come with me," Allura says and walks out of the room. The group follows her, but you're wary. The last time you told you to go with them, you ended up flying through space halfway across the galaxy... at least you think it's halfway.

     Allura enters another large room, glass windows reaching floor to ceiling all around it. The room contains a large control console at the far end of it, six individual chairs towards the entrance, and two waist-high pillars in the center. A large crystal is mounted on the ceiling above them.

     "King Alfor connected the Lions to Allura's life force," Coran says, "She alone is the key to their whereabouts."

     Allura walks up to the pillars, placing her hands on the crystal blue orbs sitting on top of them. She closes her eyes and the crystal above her shines a light down on her. After a moment, a three-dimensional, holographic map of the universe fills the entire room. Stars, planets, and various other markers float through the air. You smile, amazed at the technology.

     "These are... coordinates," Pidge says, curiously reaching a hand through one as it floats by him; the Black Lion. "It looks like the Black Lion is in the same place as the Blue Lion."

     "That's because the Black Lion is in the castle," Allura explains.

     "To keep it out of Zarkon's hands, King Alfor locked it in the castle," Coran says, "It can only be freed if the other Lions are present."

     "As you have found, the Lions choose their pilots," Allura says. "It is a mystical bond and cannot be forced."

     You cross your arms, confused. "Then how come the Blue Lion let me and Lance fly it? These things are made to only need one pilot."

     Allura furrows her brows, "I... do not know. Perhaps it's because you share the same blood? The quintessence of the pilot is mirrored in their Lion," she says.

     You share a look with your brother and he shrugs.

     Allura swipes her hand through the air and the map rotates. The Black Lion floats above Shiro's head. "The Black Lion the decisive head of Voltron. It requires a pilot who is a born leader and in control at all times. Someone whose men with follow without hesitation. That is why, Shiro, you will pilot the Black Lion."

     "The Green Lion has an inquisitive personality," Allura says, moving the Green Lion to Pidge, "And needs a pilot of intellect and daring. Pidge, you will pilot the Green Lion."

     "The Blue Lion–"

     "Hold up, let me guess!" Lance interrupts, "Takes the most handsome slash best pilot of the bunch?"

     You smack his arm, silently telling him to knock it off. He hits you back, and it takes every fiber of your being to not give in to your little sister instincts.

     Allura moves on, "The Yellow Lion is caring and kind," she moves the Lion's marker over to Hunk, "Its pilot puts the needs of others before his own. His heart must be mighty. Hunk, as the leg of Voltron, you will lift the team up and hold them together."

     Allura looks down at her hands where the Red Lion's marker now sits. "The Red Lion is temperamental and difficult to master. It's faster and more agile than the others, but also more unstable," she releases the Red Lion and it floats over to Keith. "It's pilot needs to be someone who relies more on instinct rather than skill. Keith, you will fly the Red Lion."

     She continues, "Unfortunately I can't locate the Red Lion's coordinates yet. There must be something wrong with the castle, and after ten thousand years, it might need some work..."

     "Don't worry!" Coran interjects, "We'll find it soon. They don't call me the Coranic for nothing!" he pauses, "You know, cause it sounds like mechanic... Coranic... mechanic..."

     Allura smiles, laughing softly. As she continues speaking, the Lions floating around the map roar and fly toward the center of the room, forming Voltron. "Once the Lions are united, you will form Voltron, the most powerful warrior the universe has ever known!"

     The map dissipates. To be honest, you're a little bummed you don't get a giant robot cat to fly around. But at least you still get to help out... maybe. You're not sure what you can do.

     "Wait, how does a Lion turn into a leg?" Hunk asks Allura. "Also, is this going to take a while, because I have to pee. Do you people pee?"

     Shiro sighs, "We don't have much time. Pidge and I will go after the Green Lion. Lance, you take Hunk and get the Yellow Lion. Keith and (y/n), you can stay here until the Red Lion is found."

     "In the meantime, I'll get the castle's defenses ready," Allura says. "It will be sorely needed."

     Coran folds his arms behind his back, "I'll ready a pod and load in the coordinates so you can get to the Green Lion," he says, "But we can only keep the wormholes leading to the other Lions open for two of your Earth hours, so make it quick!"

⁀➷

     You and Keith sit on the floor, playing a game of twenty questions while Allura and Coran configure the castle's defenses. You lean back against the wall, puckering your lips as you think.

     "Is it... big?" you ask.

     "Yeah," Keith answers.

     "Is it... an animal?"

     "Sort of?"

     "Is it red?"

     "Yeah."

     "Is it the Red Lion?" you ask with a smile and sit up.

     Keith kisses his teeth, "Yeah, how'd you guess it so quickly?"

     "You just gotta come up with things that are harder to figure out," you say. You place your hands on your knees and Keith takes his turn asking questions.

     The two of you get through a few more rounds of the game before the others return. Shiro and Pidge are in a pleasant mood, whereas Lance and Hunk look like they went through Hell. Keith stands and you grab his hand and he helps you up.

     "You made it!" Allura chirps.

     Lance rolls his shoulder, groaning. "Yeah, just barely. That was a nightmare..."

     "Did you find the Red Lion yet?" Shiro asks.

     "Allura just located it," Coran says. "There's a bit of good news and bad news..."

     "Good news first?" you shrug.

     "Okay, the Red Lion's nearby!" Coran says, then crosses his arms. "The bad news... it's aboard that Galra ship now orbiting planet Arus."

     You grimace, glancing at Keith. He's going to have to go straight through the enemy to get to the Red Lion.

     "But wait, good news again," Coran exclaims, "We're Arus!"

     "They're already here!?" Shiro shouts.

     "I guess my calculations were a bit off..." Coran says. "Finger counting is more of an art than an actual science."

     The room's lights flicker for a moment before a broadcast appears on a large screen. On it is a one-eyed alien with purple fur and fluffy ears. Under other circumstances, you would think he was adorable. But his menacing snarl reminds you what he's here for.

     "Princess Allura," the alien speaks, "I am Commander Sendak of the Galra Empire. I come on behalf of Emperor Zarkon to confiscate the Voltron Lions. Turn them over to me, or I will destroy planet Arus."

     The broadcast ends and you feel nauseated. You turn to Shiro, hoping for some words of encouragement.

     "Alright, let's not panic," he says.

     "Not panic?" you look at him with disbelief.

     "The scary purple alien thing is driving his battleship towards us!" Hunk exclaims, "We only have four Lions–"

     Pidge interjects, "Technically three working Lions."

     Hunk pats his shoulder as to say a very sarcastic thank you, "Three working Lions and a castle that's, like, ten thousand years old!"

     "Actually," Coran smiles proudly, twirling with his mustache, "It's ten thousand six hundred years old–"

     You shoot him a glare, "Not helping Coran!"

     "See?" Hunk gestures to Shiro, "Now is the perfect time to panic!"

     "Just wait," Allura says desperately, "This castle has a particle barrier we can activate."

     Lance smirks, "Girl, you've already activated my par–"

     "Lance!" Shiro growls.

     Coran pulls up a diagnostics screen of the Galra battleship. He highlights the canon sitting on top of it and isolates the individual information of it. "The particle barrier won't stand against Sendak's ion canon forever. The Galra's technology must have advanced since the last time we fought..."

     "Panic now?" Hunk asks.

     "No," Shiro sighs, "We just need to figure out our plan of action... and figure it out quickly."

     "I say we pop through a wormhole and live to see another day," Lance says.

     "I second that," Hunk says.

     "Did you not hear Sendak?" you ask, frowning at the two. "He'll destroy the planet if we don't do as he says. We'll be screwing over everything that lives on Arus if we run away!"

     "And the Galra will keep destroying planets and capturing prisoners until we stop them," Pidge says.

     "But what if Sendak doesn't destroy the planet and follows us through the wormhole?" Hunk asks.

     "Are you seriously gonna trust that?" you cross your arms.

     "Staying is our only option," Keith says, standing beside you.

     "Here's an option, shut your quiznack!" Lance says and the vulgar words nearly kill Allura and Coran on the spot.

     "I don't think you're using that word correctly," Keith says, getting increasingly frustrated with your brother.

     "What do you know, mullet?" Lance asks, getting in Keith's face.

     "We're staying!" Keith shouts.

     "Leaving!" Lance argues back.

     "Guys, stop!" Shiro barks,

     You step between the two, holding your arms out at your sides to keep Lance from simply going around you. You take a few steps back, moving Keith with you. "Can you not go at each other's throats right now?" you growl.

     Shiro turns to Allura, "Princess, these are your Lions. You've dealt with the Galra Empire before. You know what we're facing better than any of us. What do you think is the best course of action?"

     She hesitates, eyes wide with uncertainty, "I don't know..." she says softly.

     Coran rests a hand on her shoulder, "Perhaps your father can help?"

⁀➷

     Allura returns a few moments later dressed in an Altean uniform, a determined look on her face. "You five paladins were brought here for a reason. The Voltron Lions are meant to be piloted by you alone. We must fight and keep fighting until we defeat Zarkon. Voltron is the universe's only hope."

     "We're with you, Princess," Shiro says.

     "Then come with me," Allura says.

     She brings everyone to an armory. Five suits of armor sit safe and sound within glass cases, the accent colors of each one coordinating with a Lion.

     "Your suits of armor," Allura says.

     You watch as your brother runs up to the Blue Lion armor, gawking at it. You frown, majorly feeling left out, and walk over to him.

     "This is so cool!" Lance says, glancing back at you. "I wish you could get one too."

     "Yep," you purse your lips.

     "Alright," Shiro says, "Let's suit up!"

     Once everyone is in their Paladin armor, Allura moves over to a table. She places her hand on the glass top and it slowly disappears, revealing four strange objects.

     "These are your bayards. The traditional weapon of the Paladins of Voltron. It takes a distinct shape for each Paladin," she says and they mystically float up and into the hands of their Paladins, transforming into a different weapon.

     Hunk gets something similar to a Gatling gun, Keith gets a sword, Lance gets an Altean rifle, and Pidge gets a handblade. But Shiro doesn't get a bayard.

     "Shiro, I'm afraid your bayard was lost with its Paladin," Allura says.

     He shrugs, "I guess I'll just have to make do."

     When everyone comes back to the main control room, the group begins to devise a plan. Coran pulls the Galra battleship diagnostics back up, and Allura talks the rest of you through it.

     "You'll need to retrieve the Red Lion from Sendak's ship," she says. "There are various areas of the ship you can enter through, but not without being spotted."

     "That's a really big ship," Keith says, "How are we going to know where the Red Lion is?"

     Pidge says, "It's not a matter of we, it's a matter of you."

     "Yeah!" Hunk says, "Once we get you in there, you'll be able to feel the Red Lion's presence and track it down."

     "You know how you felt that crazy energy while we were in the desert?" Lance asks.

     "Yeah, you made fun of me for it," Keith frowns.

     "And I'm proud of it," Lance smirks, "But turns out, it's just like that."

     "Keith," Allura says and he looks at her, "Remember, the Red Lion is extremely temperamental. You'll have to earn its respect."

     "Alright," Shiro says, placing a reassuring hand on Keith's shoulder. "Here's our plan of attack...

     "The Galra empire knows about the Blue and Yellow Lions, but they don't know about the Green Lion. Hunk and Lance, you'll act as a decoy by pretending to give yourselves up. Keith, Pidge, and I will sneak onto the ship in the Green Lion. Keith and I will find the Red Lion while Pidge guards our exit. Hunk and Lance, you need to find some way to take down that ion canon in the meantime."

     "Let me come with," you say, "I want to help."

     "I don't think there's anything you can do other than stay here with Allura and Coran," Shiro says. "Besides, you don't have any armor or weapons."

     "I'm sure there's some spare stuff," you say, hoping to persuade him. "I don't want to sit here and wait around. I can help you guys find the Red Lion."

     Shiro stares at you for a moment, considering. He then sighs, "Fine. Allura, is there another suit of armor (y/n) can use?"

[dxliqhted]

♡ . ONE,

of lovesick! a xiao x cupid!reader

fatui, with fatui? an office romance perhaps...those were exciting. tense, and most importantly romantic, which was the main and only goal. she drew her arrow, the heart shaped point directly pointing at the two who laughed along with their conversation on the crimson red bridge. she drew a slow breath,

just a bit closer...steady...

"what on earth are you doing?"

she jumped, her bow instead heading straight down into the large tree below the cliff, "xiao." she bit, her shoulders slumping as she turned back to see him with vexation,"i thought i told you to give me at least a warning when you came by. maybe a break of a branch or at least a formal hello?" she narrowed her eyes at him, while he did the same, "why are you aiming arrows now, i thought you worked with potions."

she smiled at his words, turning back to the city while pulling another arrow from the pouch on her side, and lining it against the bow just to show off, "cool right? i believe this is easier than sneaking potions around. besides it saves me less trips to the mellelith headquarters for possible drugging." she shrugged, the man stayed silent the same silence was becoming unbearable once even the wind began to talk in it's fresh breezes, "so...how's the fighting coming along. i swear i saw a spinning hurlichurl a mile back, seemed pretty dangerous..." she tightened her lips, "i know what you're up to."

here we go again, "and what that might be adeptus? i've been dying to hear another of your thrilling theories." she placed her bow down onto her lap, her attention turning towards the stern man, his hands crossing over his chest once his spear was neatly placed behind his back, "you paint me as a fool."

"perhaps because that is how you sound. a mere fool." she smiled, "xiao-"

"adeptus." he grunted, interrupting her for his silly title, she couldn't help how her smile grew more, "oh, i thought we were past formalities?"

"we'll never be past acquaintances,"

"but you soo love to talk to me, or so it seems.." he furrowed his brows further than they once were, a short scoff at the word 'love'.

then she gasped, "are you still mad about the match i set you up with?" he rolled his eyes and turned away but it was far too late to wall away now, her interest was far from piqued, "she was lovely!" the cupid argued, not that it mattered, she might as well be arguing with a wall. "she makes amazing almond tofu," [ name ] teased, hoping the adeptus would at least twitch of emotion, but alas, nothing.

he pulled his spear from behind his back and continued his walk choosing to ignore her although she persisted, "she's your perfect match,"

"adeptus, do not fall in love. we fight." he suddenly stopped, "and would you occupy yourself with better things other than pushing a silly emotion onto people against their own freewill."

"it's not against their wills. i'm simply just enhancing it." she stopped with a growing smile, "you don't even know the first thing about love."

"i know it's something people can do on their own, without your meddling." his voice rose higher, still as hoarse as ever, and the way he spoke of something not even he has experienced, utterly irritating, "you are so naive." her smile still on her lips, out of pure amusement of the situation, "i don't even know why i try to talk to you. you're impossible." she huffed, turning to march off and away from this, oh so great adeptus.

"i could say the same to you," he murmured, and that ticked her, but nonetheless she continued her march, "then avoid talking to me again," she bit out, before following the path to her special rock.

the one placed right on the cliff that looked down on liyue harbor, the same one guizhong helped he place in a late date,

when she was still around, and before...her passing.

she reached for her pouch for an arrow, seeing the two fatui leaning ever more closer than before, but nothing filled her grasp.

no,

she looked down to see the empty patch only contain a single qingxin flower,

a flower?

the cupid's eyes lidded, "who left you here,"

no one but the adeptus came by but surely a soulless man like him wouldn't be capable of such, that would be ridiculous to believe.

perhaps it was the wind, it was possible, the mountains were high. yes, surely it was.

©Dxliqhted ♡ please do not steal, modify, plagiarize or repost my works

home | chapters | carrd | prologue

[aladaylessecondblog]

why does the sea rush to shore (enver gortash x good tav)

TW: Sad, Astarion and Halsin have died bloody Orin-related deaths and Tav has made a decision to avoid that heartbreak ever again. Tav briefly considers jumping off a bridge.

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It felt fitting for the netherstone to be set in a choker around her neck.

Two attendants fussed about the dress, chattering away about the lace and the pearls, but Tav's mind was a thousand miles away.

She had imagined this day several times before. The dress, the veil, perhaps a few jewels. Her pale elf's look of awe, even, as she walked down the aisle toward him. Halsin, somewhere nearby, looking with his own contentment. A faceless priest, waiting to begin the vows. Above all she had pictured herself happy and smiling.

But today, her wedding day, she was the opposite. Oh, she kept her expression twisted into something similar, thanked the attendants as they helped her with the finishing touches, and fussed about small details like her gloves, but all she could think was that she would rather be anywhere else.

She imagined her waiting groom, pleased that he had managed to snare a hero of the people. That he would be able to maintain power and retain his status as Archduke.

Tav looked into the mirror and forced back her tears.

---------------------------------------

Astarion was staked directly into the ground.

"No...no...please be alive, please be--"

Cold and dead. For real, this time, with his blood spread in a wide puddle beneath him. Not five feet away was Halsin--or rather, his wildshaped bearskin hide, skinned from his bloody carcass which itself lay nearby in a puddle of its own.

Lae'zel stood before them both, and then turned in Tav's direction. A second later she shifted--

"Oh, oh oh, you're just in time to see!" Orin laughed, "Your gith, your spawn, and your bear! Well. Your rug now..."

Tav heard no more. Her heart was pounding in her ears as she looked between Astarion and Halsin, remembering the former's request to join her on her last excursion to Baldur's Gate.

How she had said no, that she would see him when she returned...and that in the evening she'd let him feed from her.

(He'd liked that idea.)

The next second she was roaring--wildshaping into an owlbear and tearing forward to slash and rip at Orin.

The woman would not die, and so much the better.

"Stop!" Shadowheart had called, just before Tav reached back to give what would have been a killing blow. "Don't kill her. And not because I think she deserves to live."

Silence.

"I can think of a much better punishment for her than mere death."

-----------------------------------------------

There was the sudden sound of a door opening, and in walked Karlach. Wyll, in his Grand Duke regalia, followed closely behind.

Tav looked up at Karlach, who was dressed in a gown of green satin, with a ruby necklace that held the third netherstone at its center.

"You know, soldier, it's not too late to back out," she said in a sad tone, once the attendants had been shooed out. "You deserve better than Gortash. You could have someone good, you know. Someone you could actually love."

"I'm--" Tav took a shaky breathed, and gulped, "I'm not interested in love, Karlach, but...thank you."

The thought of her smarmy vampire and cuddly bear returned. The way she had slept between them on a few nights, warm and utterly content; with arms wrapped around Astarion and Halsin's own around her.

Then the image changed, and she saw their bodies. Astarion, bloodless, limp...eyes staring at nothing. Halsin, skinned, his bloody pelt on the ground.

That image was still agony, a constant pain in her mind she almost wanted kept fresh. Because for it to feel anything less than torturous was--it didn't feel right. It felt like she was betraying them, to think of their deaths and NOT feel that pain along with it.

Wyll offered his arm--as he would be giving her away--and Tav took it as Karlach helped her to get the lengthy bridal train out the door.

"I never want to be in love again."

---------------------------------------------

"My condolences."

Tav was still reeling, and she knew better than to show that pain before Gortash of all people, but she couldn't help herself. She had barely slept in the past few days, too afraid of her mind surprising her in the morning.

She didn't want to wake up, sleepily reach for either Astarion or Halsin, and then be stabbed in the heart again.

"Don't give me that," Tav said bitterly, "You probably ordered it yourself. Don't try to piss on my leg and tell me it's raining."

"So vulgar," Gortash mused, "I didn't tell Orin to hit your camp. She does what she wants, that one. A mad dog off the leash..."

"Even more so now."

"You didn't kill her?" Gortash looked surprised, but that look soon faded. "Of course you didn't. You're too tender-hearted to--"

"We're not killing her, but she's going to wish we did," Tav's voice turned icy.

"She's into blood, you know."

"We don't need to shed any." She shut her eyes for a few moments, indulging in the pain-rimmed emptiness that her heart had sunk into. It was a searing void she wanted to share. "Darkness. Silence. An empty box. By the time we're done with her, she won't even remember who she is."

"You ARE full of surprises," he half-laughed and gave her a look she couldn't quite identify. "I didn't call you here to talk about Orin though...at least not in more than a passing way. I called you here to bargain."

"I've already agreed to ally to you. Seems like you're wasting my time and your own."

"Yes, but you have two netherstones. I have one. Things are a bit uneven...and I'd like to keep my head."

"And your power."

"You know me so well." Gortash smirked. "Now, I know you're more than capable of rolling in and mopping up me, the Steel Watch, the Flaming Fists, and any other guards who get in your way...but that would create more problems than it would solve, especially for the innocent. And you're more useful to this city as a hero than as a villain, don't you think?"

"Get to the point."

"The city sees me as its protector. Your reputation is similar, but in a more heroic vein. I propose we remain allies. That you and another person of your choosing join me in continuing to manipulate the elder brain to all our benefits. If control is not regained, and SOON, there will be a lot more problems for you to deal with than just me. Like losing your soul for example."

"If you think I'm unprotected--"

"The ace up your sleeve will only last so long. Whatever plane of existence you flee to, the tadpole WILL heed the call. Sooner, rather than later."

"You're just manipulating me."

"I'm sure this will come as a revelation, my dear Tav," Gortash spoke with the slightest of edges in his voice, "Everyone is manipulating you. Raphael was a devil and you're brighter than you look; you're lucky he was so obvious about it. That mindflayer you think is your friend--don't think I don't know about him. Even Astarion--"

"Don't you DARE say his name to me like--," Tav growled and clenched her fists.

"My point, Tav, is that everyone has plans they want you for, and none but myself will be honest with you about it. Take this lesson from it, if you take nothing else: there will always be someone ready to manipulate you, so you should look to see what you can get from them in turn. I cannot bring your lover back. But I can help you, and your friends."

"We can help ourselves. If you're done--" Tav was on the point of leaving, and got up from the table.

"Can you help Karlach's infernal engine from burning her to ashes?" Gortash's voice rang out as her hand was on the doorknob. When she stopped he spoke in a smug tone. "I thought that might interest you."

"You asshole, you're the one that did that to her in the first place!"

"Language, Tav. You're talking to an Archduke, after all. If you want to talk, you must learn to be more polite. Are you ready to listen?"

Trembling with rage, Tav sat back down.

--------------------------------------------------

"This was really not necessary," Wyll said to Tav quietly as they walked up the streets. "Did he really have to make you walk so far?"

Flower petals were being scattered from what seemed like every window and by flower girls that walked before them, and every face Tav looked into was smiling. It was a short enough walk, meant to display the Archduke's heroic drow bride to his people.

From the Open Hand Temple to Wyrm's Rock Fortress she was walking, through a crowd of people who felt all the joy for her that she could not feel for herself.

Somewhere in the distance, bells were ringing...

You should smile, darling, you make such a beautiful bride.

Astarion's voice sounded off, as if he were right next to her. She gulped.

"He thought it might be good for the people to have something to celebrate, after all of the...problems...with the Absolute. A public wedding, a grand feast, good times after so much war and strife..."

"War and strife he and his ilk were responsible for," Wyll grumbled.

Tav didn't answer that question, but instead changed the subject. "Yet here they are, still praising his name. The people are eager to forget hardship..."

"As are you, I imagine."

"I don't want to forget anything," Tav said quickly, "I'm not doing this to forget. I'm doing it to benefit the people."

"And how exactly does this benefit them?" Wyll asked, "A miserable bride marrying a man she cares nothing for, who hides his true evil nature. I doubt that could benefit very many people at all. And I thought Ilmater expected his followers to stand up to tyrants? Surely Silvanus would not want you to do this either?"

"Persevere in the face of pain. Heal the sick, the wounded, and the diseased. Comfort the dying, the griefstricken, and the heartsick. Take on the burdens and the pain of others. Champion the causes of the oppressed and unjustly treated, and give shelter and kind counsel to the lonely, the lost, and the mined. Pursue the service of Ilmater, and he will provide," Tav said in the same low tone.

"Leave gross riches and the acquisition of all but medicines to others," Wyll challenged, "I've learned of Ilmater's rules too, you know. This would certainly not please him."

"Take up the tasks no others dare," Tav added in a defeated tone. "I don't want this, but I can do much more good as his wife than not."

Wyll seemed resigned. "You shouldn't have to do this. It's giving up too much--and that's coming from a man who knows."

Tav took a shaky breath.

"I know you mean well, Wyll, but...I've already lost everything. There's nothing this can take from me that's not already gone."

----------------------------------------------------

"You PIGS!"

Mizora raged and cursed and fought, but there was no escaping her confines.

"My best work yet," came Balthazar's pleased voice, "Really, I should be thanking you for the opportunities you've sent my way."

"And the soul cage will hold her?"

"If it held Aylin, it can hold this one," Balthazar replied, "The only thing now is to test out its limits."

He looked at Karlach, by now smoking and steaming constantly.

The flames burned, hotter and hotter over the next several hours, and Tav followed her to the (empty) next room, where the fire rose and spread--

Tav gave a distressed yelp as Karlach slumped in the stone chair, burning alive. She was down, down and out, dead, gone...

...and then, suddenly, she wasn't.

Right before Tav's eyes, the damage was reversed, fixed right up...and Karlach sat up again.

"Well I'll be damned, the bastard wasn't lying. I..." Karlach seemed almost too incredulous to be happy, "...I'm still alive!"

Tav gave the tall tiefling a tight hug, and with a shaky voice added, "You're going to be alright after all."

-----------------------------------------------------

She could see Gortash now on the bridge, showing the false smile of an eager groom ready to wed his coming bride. When their eyes met it widened further, though she could see the victory in his eyes just as easily.

He was happy that he was getting this out of her, but he was more importantly displaying to all of Baldur's Gate who could see that he was happy with his choice of bride.

That was almost the worst part of it. That he could fake something so easily, and even more so that everyone around him could be fooled by it. Was she really the only one to notice? Was she the only one that would EVER see it? Perhaps not. Perhaps others knew and simply, like her, chose to say nothing for reasons of their own.

She considered simply jumping off the bridge, going to join Astarion and Halsin in the City of Judgment.

But then she considered the talk of the devils there...there were varying and conflicting ideas about what would take place. But several accounts mentioned devils willing to make deals.

That would send her to the Hells...

I am already in Hell, Tav thought, No need to add flames or physical torture to it too.

Halsin's voice popped into her head.

You have far too much good to offer to dash yourself to bits on the rocks to be food for the gulls. No matter what you may feel, death is an end to your ability to help those in need of you, my heart.

Astarion's voice joined alongside.

I'm so proud of you, kitten. You've schemed your way so high...now if only I were beside you, you would find your rule to be utter perfection. Alas...we can't have everything we want.

Her legs felt momentarily weak but she leaned against Wyll to buoy herself.

---------------------------------------------------------

"So, you're back. I presume my plan worked?" Gortash spoke in an easy tone that showed he already knew the answer.

"It did," Tav replied quietly. "You've given your token of good faith. Now tell me the rest of your...plan."

She didn't believe him in the slightest, but saving Karlach would be worth sitting through a session of listening to his nonsense.

"It's fairly simple," Gortash replied with a gesture, "You, and whomever the third stone was given to--"

"Karlach," Tav said quickly.

"Truly? Well, I did say someone of your choosing...and I imagine you picked her simply to have someone who despises me."

"Someone over whom you have no hold. Someone under no obligation to you."

"Which you consider yourself under."

She refused to answer.

She didn't have to.

Gortash went on succinctly, "Your hand in marriage."

Tav jerked back, and nearly fell out of her chair. She scrambled back up and practically shrieked, "Absolutely NOT! No. No. NO. A thousand times--"

"At least you didn't laugh."

"And what possible reason--what--no--first of all, WHY?"

"Because it would solve a lot of my problems," Gortash poured out two glasses of wine. "You would not believe the number of ladies I have at court, angling for my hand. Batting their eyelashes at me, hoping and praying to be the one to catch my eye."

"I should think that would make you HAPPY, that so many women want you. They would volunteer for--for what you're asking me."

"I have no patience for their pettiness, and what they have to offer, I could already get on my own. I want an end to the requests by fathers for me to consider their daughters as brides. An end to the scheming mothers who think mere compromises could sway me."

"The price you pay for relevance."

"I am a man made to rule. As much as you might think otherwise I am not fond of romance. You would have far greater freedom than you would as any other man's bride, to be quite honest. In fact, I would expect it."

"What?"

Not that she was entertaining the idea. Not for a second.

"You're a hero, the talk of the town. You--and your friends, of course, but primarily you, in their eyes--stopped the evil Ketheric Thorm and his shadow curse. Saved that druid grove, laid waste to a large chunk of the army of the Absolute..."

He smirked.

"...and have at great risk to your personal reputation, done everything possible to help those refugees no one here wants. You have been a better exemplar of the God on the Rack's ideals than those hypocritical clerics at the temple of the Open Hand. Though I suppose if someone killed one of my men, I might be equally as--"

"Get to the point."

"You would be good for my reputation," he replied, "Your love for the plant and animal life, the charity your tender heart leads you to. All you lack is a title and steady coin to do that oh-so-generous work. And those I can give you."

Tav opened her mouth to reply, but found she had nothing to say.

"I have no patience for such things in any case. The masses would like someone closer to their level...one who has known difficulty and struggle. Pain and strife."

Again, nothing.

"Really, the terms are rather generous. A few parties on my arm, societal obligations..."

Marital duties, Tav thought sourly. She could see he was thinking it. But that desire was secondary to his desire for power. He seemed the type to seek it only for stress relief, not the carnal eagerness Astarion had once shown, or the wild desire that Halsin had.

At least there was that mercy.

If she accepted this offer, he would be like neither of her beloveds.

If...

"...and in return, the ability to continue doing the good you're always so eager to do."

"Which will naturally make you look like a wonderful leader."

"The great Lord Gortash, defender of the city, and you...the lady of charity and healing. After all that has happened, the city is ripe for someone like you. How much better if we work together. The people would simply love the story - their mighty lord smitten with a defender of the people."

"A--a loveless marriage, though, in the end." Tav stumbled on her words and went quiet.

"Indeed. I don't love you, and you don't love me, but I'm certain you're capable of showing that you feel the opposite...and frankly, it's better there be no love between us. Would you really want to repeat that sorry scene you described to me, should an assassin succeed against me?"

Do you want to feel that pain again? Tav thought. A stab of grief pierced her heart. The image of Astarion and Halsin, bloody on the ground. No. No. Never again. I never want to feel that way, EVER again.

After a long pause to discuss the terms of the rest of this little deal as they pertained to Karlach and the agreement that would be made between the three of them, he went back to the topic.

"I do require an answer rather soon, you know."

Images of herself with Astarion, with Halsin, with both of them, passed through her mind in a rush. Safe and close, cuddling, loving...

"Fine."

"Give a proper answer, if you please."

Say the words, his expression told her. I want to hear them.

"I will accept your proposal," Tav replied, "And--I will marry you."

The smirk that spread across Gortash's face then was absolutely heinous.

He produced a short length of copper wire, and gestured.

"Give me the nether stone."

When she blanched, he set his other hand on the table; his own netherstone was now within easy reach.

"I thought I might give you a gift."

Keeping both hands on the table, ready to move forward and stop him if he tried anything, Tav waited.

Gortash wrapped her netherstone in the copper wire, and then reached into his pocket for what looked like a strange strip of black velvet with a clasp. With the remaining wire he bound the stone up to the velvet.

"I am not a jeweler," he said, standing once he was done, and leading her (despite her reluctance) to a mirror in the corner of the room. On arrival he brought the necklace up, and fastened the clasp behind her neck, then let his hands rest on her shoulders. "But I think it suits you."

Inwardly, Tav quailed.

Outwardly, she said quietly, "It does, doesn't it."

"I knew you'd see things my way."

--------------------------------------------------

Tav's hands were joined with Gortash's, and the priest spoke the words to begin her binding to this despicable man.

She repeated her part of the vows stiffly, but managed to keep her false smile as she spoke them.

I hate him. I hate him so much.

But when the ceremony concluded, when her lips touched his, when the faint but rich taste of the wine he'd no doubt drunk crossed her tongue, it also occurred to her that she was lucky.

Because to marry a man she hated meant she would never mourn him as she had Astarion and Halsin.

It was a pain she need never feel again.

"People of Baldur's Gate!" she heard her new husband call out, "May I present to you, Duchess Gortash!"

The cheer that went up did nothing to fill Tav's hollow heart.

[alj4890]

Can't Take My Eyes Off of You

(Maxwell Beaumont x Olivia Nevrakis) in a Choices The Royal Romance Crackship AU

Masterlist

A/N Sorry this took so long. I'm the girl who gets the flu each year in the dead of summer, instead of the winter like a normal person 🤦🏻‍♀️ Anyway, on to more enjoyable things! The Court is at Lythikos. After replaying TRR, I forgot how the things Maxwell says and his reactions could be interpreted into him actually liking Olivia in the two Lythikos chapters. Naturally, for this storyline, I ran hard with it 😂 This chapter focuses on that first day there.

Chapter 2

The Royal Palace, the Duke of Ramsford's chambers...

"Maxwell?" Bertrand snapped. "Are you paying attention?"

Maxwell remained silent as he stared out the window. His thoughts were focused on a wild variety of revelations. After the previous day's time observing Liam and Riley play croquet and then last night's sneaking out for cronuts, he could see that Liam had a definite favorite amongst his many suitors.

It continued to give him hope, not just for himself, but also for Liam. He'd never seen the prince react the way he was with any of the ladies they'd grown up with. Maxwell could tell that Riley seemed just as crazy about him. If things continued to move along like he thought, he would be lifting a glass of champagne with the rest of the nobles in honor of their engagement in a few months.

The rest of Maxwell's thoughts, as usual, were filled with Olivia.

The conversation he had with her outside her room the night of the Masquerade Ball revealed that she preferred it when he acted like himself. He couldn't help but be pleased to hear that. Perhaps his idea to be more casual and aloof was going to pay off in the end.

It has to, he argued with himself. This has to make her finally see me.

He also couldn't help but notice her looking at him curiously the day before at the derby. When he didn't go up to her to even say hello, her eyes narrowed. Usually, he'd have remained by her side, making outrageous bets in the hopes of seeing her smile. It'd been hard to merely nod her way then turn his back on her. He wondered what she was thinking at that moment.

He'd then done the same at the Queen's tea later on. Olivia's frown followed him over to where Riley was sitting after the croquet match. He hadn't even bothered to look for her, at least not obviously. He'd instead watched her from the corner of his eye.

If his actions kept him on her mind in trying to figure out this new version of himself, then it would all be worth going against his very nature.

His worry now was how to behave at Lythikos.

Should I change it up or--

"MAXWELL!"

He jumped, turning quickly towards his brother.

"Sorry!" He automatically replied. "I um, well..."

Bertrand groaned.

"Maxwell, I have to return to Ramsford." He began again.

"Why?" Maxwell asked.

"Why?! I just went into a detailed explanation on why I'm not journeying to Lythikos with you and Lady Riley!"

"Oh." Maxwell said a touch sheepishly. "Right. Sorry."

Bertrand sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Can I trust you to make certain Lady Riley behaves herself appropriately at Lythikos?"

"Of course you can!" Maxwell replied, slapping a reassuring hand upon his brother's shoulder. "You know I'll make sure she has a great time snow skiing and all."

"That's not what I'm worried about!" Bertrand grumbled. "I'm worried about her bringing attention, the wrong kind of attention, upon our House!"

He narrowed his eyes at Maxwell.

"Don't think I've forgotten what I'd hoped was a joke of yours about finding an indecent woman to represent us."

"Come on, Bertrand." Maxwell folded his arms. "You've seen for yourself that Riley has been a perfect lady since she arrived."

"She does appear to be all you've promised." Bertrand said. "I suppose I have little choice now."

"You can't send her home, even if you wanted to." Maxwell pointed out. "Liam is crazy about her. Now, the public wants to see more of her with him."

"True."

Maxwell held his right hand up while placing his left over his heart. "On my honor as a Beaumont, I swear only the best of both me and Riley will be shown at Lythikos."

"I can't very well argue against that type of reassurance." Bertrand's lips curved into a slight grin.

"You and I made sure no one could ever doubt the word of a Beaumont." Maxwell added, grinning even more.

"That we did." Bertrand patted Maxwell's back. "Let's go awaken our chosen lady and give her the details about this next event."

*****************

Lythikos...

Olivia watched from a window in her library as Maxwell's limo pulled into the drive. She knew she should already be outside to greet them, but she wanted just a few more seconds behind the curtains to see how Maxwell acted with Riley.

She didn't know why her curiosity was notched to an eleven over his odd behavior, but she was determined to see if Liam's new suitor was possibly stringing both men along.

Her eyes narrowed even more so to see Drake and Hana getting out of the same limo.

Well that's odd, she thought.

She ducked down when Maxwell glanced over towards her way. Cursing herself for that ridiculous reaction, she crawled out of view and hurried to greet them.

"Welcome to Lythikos." She announced from the front steps. "I hope you will take advantage of all the beauty my duchy has to offer."

Before anyone could properly respond, she waved towards her butler standing at the ready. "Harris will show you to your rooms. Please let him know of any needs you might have."

Olivia cast her typical smirk and took off towards a frozen pond that already had a gathering of nobles.

"Join us when you're ready." She added.

She glanced back to see Maxwell help Riley with her luggage. A slight frown formed on her lips when she noticed the two laughing over some joke.

Her temper simmered as she faced forward. No matter how distracting Maxwell was at this moment, she was determined to focus all her attention on Liam. After all, the prince was the whole point of this social season.

I despise the mystery that is Maxwell Beaumont. He can act weird all he wants with that barely attractive American. If he wants her, then he can have her. See if I care.

***************

"C'mon Riley!" Maxwell urged. "We need to get down to the pond."

"Okay, okay." Riley struggled with a sweater she was pulling on. "Geez, Max. It isn't like the ice will melt before we get there."

"I know." He mumbled. "I see that Liam is already out there."

"He is?" She hurried over to the window. "Looks like most of his suitors are out there too."

"Yeah." Maxwell's brow furrowed the longer he watched the group skate.

Riley gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "You okay?"

"Hmm? Oh. Yeah! I'm great!" Maxwell held her coat up for her. "I'm only anxious to get our future queen out there for some fun!"

Riley laughed as she slipped her arms in the sleeves. "I'd love some fun."

"Then you shall have all the wintery fun you could possibly want!" He slung his arm along her shoulders. "On the suitor front though, you'll have to work hard to catch Liam alone here."

"I figured." She gestured about the mansion. "It's what happens when you have a home field advantage."

"Yep." His smile dimmed. "Olivia isn't going to waste this opportunity to win Liam."

"Max?" Riley stopped him once they were outside. "Do you think this is right?"

"What?"

"Me trying so hard to win Liam?" She turned towards the pond, eyes narrowing in thought. "I mean, if he wants someone like Olivia or Hana or anyone else out there; should I be breaking that up?"

"But he doesn't!" Maxwell exclaimed. "He has to humor them because that's who Liam is. He's too polite and thoughtful to tell them he's already made his choice, i.e. you."

Riley shook her head, a smile forming. "You really believe strongly in your candidate."

He smiled once more as they walked to the pond. "I can't help it that the Beaumont's are backing the right lady."

He took her hand and squeezed it.

"Liam really is crazy about you." He whispered.

"You think so?" She asked.

"Not only do I know, I'll prove it." Maxwell helped her lace up her skates before he did his own.

The pair stepped out on the ice.

****************

That was a close one.

Maxwell ran his hands over his face as he thought back to his rash action on the ice. He tried to excuse his impulsive behavior as a means of helping Liam and Riley find a moment alone together, but he knew the truth.

I didn't want Olivia with him.

He stared into the flames of the crackling fire. What had he been thinking? Yelling out for Olivia to watch him spin. He'd nearly blown the whole cool, aloof noble persona he was cultivating by acting like he was twelve years old again, trying to get her to notice him.

Thank God for Penelope.

If she hadn't clapped and begged him to teach her how to spin like a professional figure skater, he might still be acting out in front of Olivia. Penelope's attention gave him a chance to once again ignore the one he wanted most. Olivia's frown formed the moment he turned away from her. Her perplexed expression when she rejoined Liam and Riley helped him keep as far away from her as he could.

When everyone decided to go snow skiing, he knew he couldn't join them. He'd probably break his neck in trying to impress Olivia. So, while his friends headed towards the ski lift, he escaped back into the manor.

Unable to sit still and dwell on how badly he could screw this up, he pushed himself off the couch and looked about. He needed something to distract him from his worries. His attention landed on a pair of crossed swords over the mantle.

I'll go check out Olivia's armory, he decided. That'll take my mind off things.

He lost track of time as he toured the impressive display of weapons and torture devices the Nevrakis had been fond of for centuries. As he got near a wall covered with war hammers and flails, he heard voices coming from a nearby vent. There was one in particular he recognized.

That's Olivia!

He leaned closer to hear what she was saying.

******************

Olivia's Ballroom...

"Harris?" Olivia called out. "Were you able to find the items I asked about earlier?"

"I was, your grace." Her butler answered. "I took the liberty of placing them in Lord Beaumont's chambers as you requested."

"Good." She eyed her ballroom and the work done to have it ready for the next evening's special event.

So far, it was exactly as she pictured it. Her lips curved as she imagined dancing with Liam. Her ballroom always sparked romance with the soft lights of the chandeliers combined with the wide expanse of windows showcasing the wintery beauty of Lythikos. Once everyone saw her in Liam's arms against that perfect backdrop, there would be no doubt that she was meant for him.

The other ladies will be forced to give up, she thought with glee. My history with Liam alone puts me in the top spot. Add in everything else I possess and it will be proven to be a lost cause for those poor, pitiful suitors.

"Your grace?" Harris cleared his throat once more to get her attention.

"Hmm?" Olivia refocused.

"Is there anything else I should put in Lord Beaumont's room?"

"Not at the moment." She checked the time. "Everyone should be returning shortly. Have the footmen prepare the refreshments in the main drawing room."

Harris bowed on his way to do as she commanded.

Olivia left and began to mentally prepare to steal Liam away from everyone. Along the way, she noticed Maxwell running down a hall towards her right.

She almost called out, then stopped herself. She still wasn't certain what was going on with him. The one thing she did know was that she was tired of how often this mystery that was the new Maxwell Beaumont was getting on her nerves. She detested anything she couldn't figure out quickly.

Her hope was simply this: that the old Maxwell would return once he saw the surprise in his room. When that happened, she'd interrogate him over who made him change.

She still suspected it was Riley. He was perfectly normal before she stuck her big nose in Cordonian affairs. Now this woman was trying to befriend everyone. Olivia wasn't buying her sweet, butter wouldn't melt in her mouth act. Everyone had ulterior motives for doing what they did.

She would find out the American's and then make her regret ever coming to Cordonia.

*****************

Maxwell took the main stairs two at a time. He nearly tripped twice as he made a mad dash for his chambers.

I gotta know what she had put in my room!

His door bounced against the wall once he burst inside. Breathless, he quickly scanned the guest room for anything out of the ordinary.

Is it a cool weapon? Maybe a letter finally telling me she's been crushing on me too?!

He shook his head

No. It wouldn't be that.

He noticed a silver covered tray sitting on an end table near a wingback chair.

He lifted the lid and gasped.

"SHE GOT ME CHEETAH CAKES!"

Maxwell slapped his hand over his mouth for that outburst. He rushed to his open door and peeped out to make sure the hallway was empty. He blew out a relieved breath to see that no one heard his undignified excitement over a sugary treat. He hadn't reacted like that since he was eight years old and first tried the perfection that was simply Cheetah Cakes.

He couldn't believe she remembered something so insignificant like his favorite snack cake.

But why did Olivia go to the trouble to find these for me? Does this mean she like likes me? Or am I just wishful thinking again?

He didn't know. He only knew that this made the trip here that much sweeter, literally and figuratively.

"I'll see you in a few hours." He said to his cakes. "Together, we'll celebrate the awesome duchess who sent you to me."

Feeling a lot happier than he had mere minutes ago, he went downstairs to wait on Riley.

*****************

The Main Drawing Room...

Olivia eyed Maxwell from across the room.

He's doing it again!

Maxwell was sitting next to Riley, grinning that dimpled grin of his and listening.

Since when did he ever just listen? He's always got some story or joke or anything that makes him the center of attention! Why is Riley able to be at the center? Why is he not mingling with everyone else? He hasn't even come to me like he normally does to brag about his skiing or whatever he did when he disappeared earlier.

And what in the hell is Drake and Hana doing hanging out with her??? I get why Liam has to be nice to her. That's just how he would be with anyone. But Drake?! There is nothing more unnatural on this earth than Drake Walker going out of his way to be nice! Come on! And is Hana that stupid to think Riley is a friend? She's in competition with you, you idiot! You can trust no one here.

Maxwell, can't you see it's all an act? As soon as she loses to me, Riley will reveal her true self. Then you'll be hurt because she isn't as sweet as you think she is. Are you falling for her? Is she actually playing both you and Liam?

Olivia couldn't take another second of their happy little group.

"Is everyone enjoying all I've provided?" She asked.

The group stilled. Drake and Hana eyed her warily. Riley nodded while Maxwell spoke.

"I've always enjoyed my time with you, Olivia." He said in a soft, unassuming tone.

Olivia blinked over that. She wasn't certain how to take that statement. Normally she'd chalk it up to his crush on her. But that damn tone! How was she supposed to interpret that now?!

She did not like him pushing her off balance like this. Searching for anything to make her world seem normal again, she zeroed in on the half eaten eclair on Hana's plate.

"Drake, did you notice the treats I had the staff set out?" Olivia smiled at him.

She knew he wouldn't like where she was going with this. A little verbal sparring with some carefully executed jabs would be just what she needed to recover from Maxwell's mysterious ways.

"What about it?" Drake asked.

"I remember how Savannah loved eclairs. She plowed through them as if they were the last on earth." Olivia laughed. "I guess we should all be grateful she isn't here or else no one would have a chance at the buffet."

"Don't," he hissed, "talk about my sister."

Drake glanced at his watch and stormed out.

"Wait Drake!" Olivia shouted with a giggle. "I'm not done--"

"Shut your damn mouth!" Riley snapped.

Olivia whirled back towards her. "Well, well. Look who has a soft spot for Cordonia's most popular commoner."

"Leave him alone." Riley commanded, getting to her feet.

Olivia's smirk faltered when she noticed the sad, disappointed look in Maxwell's eyes. A slight pinprick of guilt washed over her.

"As fun as that was," Olivia straightened her shoulders, "I should be on my way. I promised Liam a personal tour of my duchy."

She left the small group, doing her best to avoid Maxwell's unwavering gaze.

[apomaro-mellow]

Ep 3

The Caricature Car

Lucas let out a shudder as they exited a door and came to the outside of the car. "Can we take a moment to look around before falling headfirst into something? That was the grossest thing I've ever experienced."

"I tripped", Steve rolled his eyes. "And it wasn't that bad."

"Not that bad?!", Lucas' eyes bugged out.

"Didn't realize you had such an aversion to jello", Eddie grinned.

"That was not jello, that was aspic. Which is just one of the many crimes your people have to eventually answer for", Lucas said while walking the bridge between the cars.

"Who's people do you think he means?", Steve asked.

Eddie patted his shoulder. "I'm gonna wager he's bemoaning the cuisine that many suburban white moms seem to favor. The fact you didn't flinch at beef suspended in gelatin tells a lot about you."

Lucas got to the next door first. "Just watch your step next time."

He opened the door and immediately walked through a scanner. Lucas groaned at his luck while Steve let out a big and smug 'Ha!'.

"What sort of contraption be this?", Chadwick walked in next, but moved around the scanner, as did Steve and Eddie.

All four of them watched in awe as a giant printer sounded and a paper flew from the output. It fluttered until it landed right in front of Lucas. A life size drawing of him with exaggerated features.

"Hey, it's like one of those things you get at an amusement park", Steve snapped his fingers in recognition.

"Honestly not the worst thing to walk into", Eddie put his hands in his pockets as he leaned in to take a closer look at the drawing.

"What are you looking at, freak?", the drawing said, making Eddie jump back, nearly into Steve's chest.

"What the...?", Lucas took a step back.

The drawing stepped off the paper and Chadwick drew his sword. "Stand back, villain!"

"What's he supposed to be? The Tin Man?", Caricature-Lucas said with a sneer.

"Wow, it's like looking at twins", Steve said sarcastically.

"You're taking this so well, it's almost attractive", Eddie said.

Steve would've replied with something he hoped to be clever, but he was caught on Eddie's words.

"Okay, granted, this is probably just as weird as everything else we've seen, but it's still majorly MESSED UP!", Lucas shouted.

Chadwick began to panic. "What evil! I can't tell which is which!"

"Oh give me a break", Lucas groaned and started to walk. The door to the other side wasn't far. It was visible in the distance. Caricature-Lucas followed.

"Why am I going along with these two? A has been and a wannabe?"

Eddie leaned over to Steve. "Am I the has been or the wannabe?"

"Is either good?", Steve asked, tolerating the drawing because surely they'd be able to leave it once they left the car. Then again, Chadwick was able to come with them.

"Steve and Eddie are my friends", Lucas said. "And you don't look anything like me!"

"You're friends with them? I thought the whole reason we joined the team was so we'd stop being bullied. Isn't that why we're doing the basketball camp?", Caricature-Lucas pressed. His paper limbs make crinkly sounds as he walked.

"He's doing the camp because he wants to get better at his game, right Lucas?", Steve said coming up beside him.

"Yeah, I do...But what if getting better means I turn into that?", he asked while gesturing to his paper self.

"I'm what you wanna be", Caricature-Lucas stood in front of him, blocking his way. "Jason was crazy in the end, but you looked up to him. He has everything you want."

"Not everything. And I didn't want to be anything like him."

"Good as basketball, popular, he was able to get the whole town to rally behind him. If you stood up in a crowd and tried that, I don't even think your friends would get behind you."

"Hey, back off", Steve said, pushing the drawing. It felt exactly like shoving paper, ineffective.

Caricature-Lucas continued. "I bet if Jason had shot you that night-"

Eddie roared and took Chadwick's knife, slicing through Caricature-Lucas. Steve took one of the halves and started ripping it into even tinier pieces.

"Fuck that guy", Eddie spit on the lifeless shreds. Then he turned to Chadwick with a low bow. "My apologies for taking your blade without permission.

"None taken, Sir Eddie. I only wish my own hand had been much quicker. How dare he question Sir Lucas' honor and worth?"

"You guys...just ripped me to pieces", Lucas said, looking at what had been himself, all over the ground.

"Lucas, that wasn't you", Steve said. "It was literally a caricature."

"Yeah and a bad one", Eddie added. "Your ears aren't that big. Now if it was my talented hand, I would bring the attention to your strong brow and perfect row of teeth, but that's just me. We can't all be skilled artists."

"Skilled artist my ass, I've seen your doodles", Steve said, stepping over the shreds, towards the door.

"You wound me, good sir!", Eddie exclaimed.

Lucas watched as his number dropped and let out a sigh like a weight had been lifted up from him. He followed behind the two and Chadwick brought up the rear.

Steve’s number: 159

Eddie’s number: 257

Lucas’ number: 25

Next Episode: The Introductions Car

Tag Team

@affablevixen

[subtile-jagden]

Oswald Boelcke - Part 2

Fighter Pilot and Celebrity

In early 1915 French flyers started to carry heavy machine guns with them in order to attack German reconnaissance planes. This endeavor was not very fruitful, a hit was pure luck. But it inspired all sides to experiment with armed aeroplanes and gave way to air battles and the establishment of air warfare. Two weeks after setting up the unit, they were sent to Douai where heavy fighting was going on; British and French forces tried to break through the German lines.

In his new unit, Boelcke met an ambitious and talented pilot, he quickly befriended: Max Immelmann. Immelmann reported about this new acquaintance: “Soon it turned out that we fit together very well. We don't smoke, hardly ever drink alcohol, but we like to eat cake. Boelcke is a capable sportsman. He is an extraordinarily calm and level-headed person with reasonable views. He flies excellently.”

With the sale of a number of letters from Boelcke's estate in recent years, the suspicion has crept in that Boelcke and Immelmann didn't like each other. In one of the letters to his mother, Boelcke criticizes Immelmann's self-representation. Immelmann and Boelcke became "famous" at the same time, their successes followed one another. While Boelcke was reluctant to be used as a propaganda figure, Immelmann enjoyed the press hype surrounding him. In my opinion that does not mean that Boelcke didn´t like Immelmann; it is very possible that he simply did not agree with him on this issue. To call them adversaries due to that goes too far. They clearly got along well and even if they grew apart after they parted ways, both knew that they are fighting on the same side.  

By mid-1915, German aircraft were also equipped with machine guns and Boelcke was able to change from his reconnaissance plane to a two-seater fighter plane. During this time the famous aeroplane constructor Anthon Fokker was in Douai to show his new single-seater fighter plane. Boelcke spent a lot of time getting familiar with this new weapon. In June he and his companion had their first victory, they were able to shoot down a French Parasol. Boelcke as humble as ever told his parents to not give his letter in which es described the fight to the press: “Father asks if he may publish my report in the newspaper. You know I don't hold publicity in high esteem. But if you really want to, I will not oppose it. But without a name, of course!”.

By July Boelcke was able to get a Fokker-Einsitzer (single seater). Now he would be doing the flying and the shooting. “My ideal has been reached with the single seater: now i can be the leader, observer and fighter all at the same time”. A sentiment that was shared by many of the soldiers: Manfred von Richthofen and Rudolf Berthold also spoke of wanting to fly and fight alone, to take sole responsibility for everything that happened. He now spent his time patrolling the lines, searching for French artillery fliers and disrupt them in their doing.

And so starts Oswald Boelckes exceptional career as a fighter pilot. But as always, a hero can´t just be a hero in one field of activity: so while Boelcke became a national hero by flying, he also became a hero to a French boy who fell off a bridge into a river, almost drowning, as he had never learned how to swim. Witnessing the accident, Boelcke jumped into the river, saving the boys life. Oh my, that would make for a great movie, though it would possible be called unrealistic.

Boelcke was a young man and therefore interested in girls. He fraternized with the German nurses, even took one up in his plane.

He also met a nice French girl when he was invited to have dinner with Prince Aribert von Anhalt. “I slipped out of the conversation and was introduced to the lady of the house where the prince lives - a very nice mum with an even nicer daughter Ninette, who I immediately became friends with and whom I now visit almost every day to chat in French with her - of course only because of that!”

In September 1915 Boelcke got transferred to Metz, to a “Brieftauben-Abteilung”. This “Carrier pigeon company” was of course just an alias for the actual use of this unist: single seater fighters with the sole purpose of shooting down any enemy airplane. Boelcke was invited to Berlin to evaluate the new Fokker fighter plane, by that time he had already made a name for himself as an expert and his opinion was valued. Boelcke spent the rest of the year shooting down enemies.

By January 1916 he had eight victories, the same as Immelmann. Both were surprised when it was  announced that they would be awarded Germany's highest military medal, the Pour le Mérite. By then Boelcke was a superstar in Germany; every newspaper reported about him and printed his picture. From every corner in Germany he got letters sent to him. While he was happy about all the sympathy, he was also a little uncomfortable with all the attention: “That's all well and good - if only I didn't have to answer such an awful lot of letters! The other day, the German Automobile Club sent me its "golden ADAC badge of honour with diamonds" and recently they made me an honorary member of the Academic Air Fleet Association - I don't know what to do with all these new honours”.

In June 1916 he was ordered to set up a squadron of only fokker single-seaters, the pioneer of the later fighter squadrons. But he was not to be their leader, as shortly before going operational Boelcke was forbidden to fly by the Kaiser himself. As a consolation he was sent on a journey to the orient; this was of course the result of Immelmann's death shortly before. Boelcke visited the Balkan, Bulgaria and Turkey, then he stayed at the Eastern Front for a short while but he returned prematurely because the Somme offensive was in full swing and everyone was needed at the Western front.

While visiting his brother at the Eastern Front he recruited two excellent pilots for his Staffel: Manfred von Richthofen and Erwin Bohme. Both reported on the honour that had been bestowed upon them by being chosen by the famous Boelcke. “Boelcke was supposed to leave again the next morning. Early in the morning there was a sudden knock at my door and the great man with the Pour le Mérite stood in front of me. I almost hugged him when he asked me if I wanted to go to the Somme with him.” (Manfred von Richthofen). “Imagine my astonishment when Boelcke suddenly walked up to me the next morning and simply asked: Do you want to go to the Somme with me? I have never called out a happier yes in my life.” (Erwin Boehme).

And so Boelcke returned to France after six weeks away, with a new task and with new students, both of whom will unfortunately be involved in his death.