#Compared to the others she truly did walk out of a storybook into their world and she believes it bc she works for all she has

[nozomijoestar]

i love Claudine but Maya Tendo is creeping up like she might snatch her off that pedestal for fav RevStar character, as is fitting lmao

[lunarcovehq]

Wendy Savika Phumsiridol is a human that currently resides in Echo Acres and has been a Lunar Cove resident for 4 years.

ITS THE END OF THE WORLD

GENDER/PRONOUNS: Nonbinary, They/She

DATE OF BIRTH: August 2, 1998

OCCUPATION: Owner of New Leaf Bookstore

FACECLAIM: Mint Ranchrawee

AS WE KNOW IT, AND I FEEL FINE

SPECIES: Human

COALITION POSITION: Non-member

WELCOME TO LUNAR COVE, WENDY SAVIKA PHUMSIRIDOL

Trigger Warnings: Mentions of Grief, Loss, Death

With their nickname given to them due to one of their mother's favourite characters, Wendy Darling from Peter Pan, they seemed destined to see the world through rose-coloured glasses. Nothing, it seemed, could break them. There was so much good in the world, wasn't there? People to have hope for, dreams to cling to. She grew up as an only child, shy and hiding behind her parents' legs even at gatherings and holiday celebrations where cousins pulled her out to play. She loved to run rampant in the woods, barefoot, laughing. It was a breath of fresh air compared to her academic life, where she struggled. It wasn't that she was picked on, but rather glossed over; quiet by nature, preferring to read her books on the corner of the playground, hunched over yet another faerie tale, glasses crooked. It was in that corner of the playground that she met her best friend, who approached her, sat down, and said: What are you reading? Genuine curiosity? It piqued hers.

This led to finding family in a way Wendy hadn't anticipated. Meeting the Peter Pan to her Wendy Darling on that playground that was so lonely, it seemed truly straight out of the storybooks that she read. For the rest of her middle school years, and into high school, they were inseparable. He took her to prom; everyone joked that they'd get married when they were older, but she never viewed it like that. It was a pure kind of love, the kind where you're too grateful to do much other than enjoy it for what it is. She still remembers the last time she saw him too, walking out the front door of the arcade where they had spent almost five hours racking up high scores. She did things with him that she never thought possible: roller-skating, drive-in movies, hiking up to see the sunset on a mountaintop, just to name a few. And he turned, smiling, waving, with that familiar quirk of brows. She waved back, knowing she'd see him in another few days.

But then, just like that, he was gone. She hadn't been able to agree to go to the local watering hole that summer for one last swim before college started. He'd hit his head when he dove, despite them checking the water. It was one of those strange things that doesn't ever seem like it can happen to you, and then it does. To think, she was preparing to pursue creative writing, as she'd always wanted to, because of his encouragement, and persistence that her parents would come around to the idea. They don't know much about the accident, and they don't want to. It doesn't change anything.

Retreating into their shell, not talking to anyone, isolating themself from other friends, Wendy stopped believing, in a while, in the stories — stopped having hope. What's the point of loving so deeply if you're going to lose someone anyways? The Disney movies really blew this bubble up. She couldn't touch another book for a while either, and she scraped by in completing her bachelor's degree in Rhode Island, incredibly far from the woods of Oregon where they pretended as if they were uncovering lost cities. She didn't need to touch a book, however. One unfolded right before her very eyes when, by accident, she stumbled upon the existence of Lunar Cove.

If he was still here, he would've encouraged going on this adventure. So she took his memory with him, in a pendant she wears around her neck, and she moved into Lunar Cove after graduating college. Here is where she found the old bookstore; the first place she went upon arrival, which she considered to be a sign. If she could bring hope, stories, and this kind of adventurous spirit, through the old books and stories that she once read and clung to, then she would consider her mission complete. There is so much to read, even through eternal life. She has owned New Leaf Bookstore for approximately a year, and can always be seen with some new tea or coffee concoction she made herself by her side. She hopes that she can bring a little bit of light — although, at times, she still feels overwhelmed by all the places the dark can grow.

[schleierkauz]

The Color of Revenge: Chapter 5

Because I’m an insomniac fool and because you’re all beautiful and deserve it, here’s chapter 5 featuring the gang and Reckless references so blatant even I caught them. Enjoy the love, everyone!

Chapter 5: An Engagement in Ombra

They had all come. By the time the church bells signaled noon the house that everyone in Ombra knew only as the Bluejay’s workshop was already full. Resa had even opened her chamber of wonders for the special occasion, a little room right behind Mo’s workshop where she displayed truly wonderful things.

Scales of nymphs and water-sprites that she had collected at the nearby riverbank could be found there, two honeycombs made by fire-elves (a gift from Dustfinger) and a strand of hair taken from a glass woman. Bowls of healing herbs and dried flowers, tree bark that could dye clothes, but also the page with Fenoglio’s handwritten words that had brought Cosimo the Fair back from the dead – and the book that had killed the Adderhead, bound by her husband.

Meggie was sure that any guest who wandered into her mother’s treasure chamber would immediately forget that they had actually come to celebrate the engagement of her daughter.

Resa’s chamber of wonders also contained two of the flying machine models that Doria had built. Meggie’s mother treated him like a second son by now, but Mo made no secret of his disapproval of Meggie’s and Doria’s plan to move out into their own quarters.

“Don’t be angry with him. Fathers don’t like anyone who outranks them in their daughter’s favor,” Resa had whispered to Meggie when Mo had asked her just a few days ago if she wasn’t a bit too young to be engaged.

Too young… Meggie didn’t feel young. Sometimes she felt so old as if she had lived a dozen lives already. She remembered so many Meggies… The one who had lived alone with Mo in the old drafty house, the prisoner in Capricorn’s village, or the Meggie who had crossed worlds and who had been in love with Farid.

They all seemed to have lived their very own lives. Sometimes Meggie imagined them as little figurines standing in one of Resa’s treasure chests. She remembered each one of those Meggies fondly, but she wouldn’t have traded any of them for the version of herself who was by Doria’s side.

The love he filled her heart with was like a coat she felt around her shoulders. A warm blanket in a cold winter night. She had always believed that no one would ever know her better than Mo did. But Doria saw so effortlessly into the most hidden corners of her heart as if he had always lived there. Some she hadn’t even known herself until he showed them to her.

It was easy to fight with him, to laugh or to sit in silence, and every day he surprised Meggie with a new outlandish thought or plan and lured her deeper and deeper into this world with his insatiable curiosity. Sometimes they would borrow Fenoglio’s stubborn horse and ride for days into some faraway village because Doria had heard of a blacksmith who created wings of gold or a cobbler who could sew seven-league-boots.

“Nonsense!“ Fenoglio shouted any time Doria spoke of such wonders. “There is no magic in my-, I mean, in this world!” he corrected when Rosenquartz shot him a warning look.

But there was. Doria found it every day. And so Meggie wanted to spend all her days with him, even though they had both only just turned 18. Even Dante loved Doria. Wasn’t that proof enough that she was choosing the right one?

“Do you need proof, Meggie?“ she asked herself while accepting another engagement gift. She knew exactly why she was asking herself this question. Before Dustfinger had disappeared to join Mo in his workshop, he had mentioned that the Strong Man had told Farid about her engagement to his younger brother.

What if he showed up?

Meggie hadn’t seen Farid since he’d left for Lorraine two years ago, after the jugglers of the Prince told him about the pathetic fire-breathers who performed at those distant courts.

Did love ever really disappear? Or did it leave its seeds like a flower which would bloom anew once she saw him again?

Meggie’s heart gave her the answer an hour later when Farid suddenly appeared next to Elinor. He had a beard and she barely recognized him at first, but then he looked over at her and -

No.

Her heart did not beat any faster. It filled up with warmth, familiarity and loving derision when Farid pushed his shoulder-length hair out of his face – shoulder-length like Dustfinger’s hair.

Meggie was sure that despite all those princesses, Farid still loved his teacher more than any other person. And he was still vain and eager to be loved and admired. He needed that admiration like the air he breathed.

As he stepped towards Meggie he wore the half-mocking half-enticing smile on his lips that she remembered so well. A fiery rose grew in the hand he held out to her. It left a heart of ash on his skin when it disappeared.

“Engaged?“ he whispered in her ear as he kissed her on the cheek. “Have you lost your mind? The same meal for the rest of your life?”

“This meal tastes different every single day,“ she whispered back, but of course Farid didn’t believe that. He would never believe her that she loved anyone more than him. But his eyes were already searching for Dustfinger. The one love he would never betray.

“Dustfinger is with Mo in his workshop,“ Meggie said.

“Ah, good. How is he?“ Farid turned to look at a girl who had pushed herself past them. Lucinda, the daughter of the miller who helped Mo make paper.

“A sheep loses all its skin and its life for just six pages!“ her father had said to her and Resa one day. “I’m tired of working with parchment. I’m going to accelerate progress a little bit – after all, it’s said that there are already paper mills in Spain and farther north.”

“He’s doing very well,“ Meggie said. “The whole city loves him and he has two new students.”

Farid frowned.

“They’re probably not half as good as I am, right?“

He was hopeless.

“Come on,“ he said and took Meggie’s hand. “I have to have a serious talk with your fianc��. He should know the risk he’s taking. If he makes you unhappy just once, I will turn him into the finest gray ash that this and any other world has ever seen.”

He probably would.

 They couldn’t find Doria anywhere and the house was still so full that they barely made it up the stairs. Meggie and Dante had their chambers on the second floor and there was one bigger room that they all called the “living room”, even though the word came from another world. Mo’s and Resa’s books were kept there, very few compared to their collection in the other world. They cost a fortune in this one, but luckily Mo was able to fill the shelves himself.

Doria stood at the window – with a girl. Farid still knew Meggie well enough that he could feel her antipathy towards this girl. Doria bought the wood for his flying machine models from Filippa’s father and she usually brought it to him. Meggie had walked in on them once, just as Filippa had asked Doria why he hadn’t chosen a girl from Ombra instead of a stranger whose past was unknown.

No, she didn’t like Filippa Bafone. The fact that she was considered the most beautiful girl in Ombra didn’t help matters.

“Ah, the bride!“ she exclaimed when she saw Meggie and Farid standing in the door. “I just showed Doria my gift for you two.”

She shot Farid an appraising look and offered Meggie a bracelet. It was beautiful. Black, painted with tiny flowers. Doria held the matching one in his hand. He smiled at Meggie and pulled her at his side, not without a cautious glance towards Farid.

The glance that Filippa gave Farid was an invitation and Farid was happy to accept. But before he followed Ombra’s most beautiful girl, he whispered something to Meggie.

“You shouldn’t wear those bracelets. Witchcraft,” he added when he saw Meggie’s confused face. Then he and Filippa disappeared in the crowd. Meggie stared after him in disbelief but Doria had already pulled his knife and scratched the paint off of his bracelet.

“He’s right,“ he said. “I’ve heard whispers that Filippa doesn’t just rely on her beauty. I should probably feel flattered.“

He took the other bracelet out of Meggie’s hand and threw them both out of the window.

“Witches?“ Meggie looked down at the street where the bracelets rolled across the pavement.

“Oh yes.“ Doria took her hand and touched the ring he had put on her finger that morning.

“Not here. A few years ago the light witches fought so fiercely with the dark ones that they all disappeared. But farther north there’s still a lot of them, even though the priests of the new religions really hate them. Here in Ombra there are two merchants who sell their items. They say it’s only light magic but everyone knows that’s a lie.”

Witches… Meggie shivered. They were something that belonged only in storybooks. She laughed at herself a moment later – she lived in a book! At least Fenoglio still liked to see it that way. Did he know anything about witches in this world?

“Eastwards there’s said to be a country where princes ride silver dragons,“ Doria whispered to her. “The women in Lorraine turn into foxes. And up in Prussia, an uncle of mine saw people who have skin made of stone. This world is way bigger than just Ombra, Meggie.”

“I know,“ she replied – but what did she know? In all those years during which Fenoglio’s world had become her home (yes, she admitted, she still called it that), she had barely travelled 50 miles from Ombra. Travelling was arduous and she was so happy here in the city! Doria was here, and Dante and Mo and Resa, Elinor and Darius, Dustfinger, Roxane, Brianna and Jehan. What else did she need?

“Do you know what the Black Prince likes to say?“ Doria fed her one of the tiny cakes that Rosenquartz had bought for them from a bakery that specialized in such delicacies made for glass men.

“‘If you try to hide away from the world, it will come to find you one day.‘ I’ve told you so many times: We should travel! Samarkand, Constantinople, Edo – doesn’t that all sound wonderful?”

He started spinning with Meggie. The guests made room and clapped in time with the beat. Two more couples started dancing and Meggie forgot about witches and Filippa’s bracelets. Yes, they would travel! It was time to explore this world outside of books. She twirled in Doria’s arms and couldn’t tell what made her dizzier: Being in love or dancing.

(Next chapter)

[lynneshobbydomain]

Seeing You In Different Lights (Komahina Week Day 3)

((Thank you guys so much for the reblogs and the likes. Your support means so much to me))

Prompt: Unspoken/Weddings

Rating: G

Summary: For just one moment, Nagito wondered if this was what it was like to fall in love with someone all over again.

You can read this under the cut, or you can read this at my A03

“There we go.” Nagito hummed as he finished putting in the last pin in her hair. He fluffed the veil and gently walked away so that Sonia could turn around and admire herself in the mirror. “You look absolutely stunning, Sonia-san.” He gave her a cheerful smile as she twirled around happily in her dress. The gentle sparkle of the studded sequence on her bodice glittered and only brightened her expression more. The skirt was in a puffy large bell shape that made her look exactly what her ultimate was. She hadn’t wanted to go too crazy on the veil, wanting just a simple little bun and something to flow back behind her. She was already wearing so much fabric and didn’t want to risk tripping and breaking her neck. 

They both could hear Koizumi in the background, taking as many organic pictures as she could. It was hard not to look over at the camera and give a smile. “Thank you so much for doing my hair, Komaeda-kun. When some of the girls admitted they didn’t know what to do, I felt at loss.” Sonia gave him a large grin. “I was surprised to see that be one of your many talents.”

“Now, now it’s a simple hairstyle. I didn’t go too extreme.” Nagito held his hands up, the praise settling uncomfortably in his stomach. He knew he was supposed to be working on that. “Hinata-kun could probably do it better but-”

“Yes, I’m well aware.” Sonia nodded sharply, cutting him off and Nagito gave her another smile. She turned back towards the mirror and Nagito watched the joy slowly slip from her face. Koizumi slowed her picture taking, also concerned.

“Sonia-san?” 

“Oh I’m so sorry I just…” Sonia waved her hands and Nagito wondered if it was the cold feet or the butterflies that were getting to her. “I know that this ceremony is just for me and him and I appreciate it so much, but when we have the proper ceremony in front of my people in my country I can’t help but to feel as though it’ll become too much for him. You know how he is.”

“I can’t imagine him leaving you at the altar though.” Nagito mused. “Not because of a crowd. I’m sure he’s well prepared for it. He knew what he was getting into when he proposed to you. Oh but maybe that’s not my place.”

“I have to agree though,” Koizumi frowned, looking at Sonia, her camera still at the ready in case Sonia did something that she wanted to capture. “He wouldn’t do that to you. He loves you way too much to do that.”

“No you’re correct. I guess it’s just the wedding jitters. I always thought I had a positive outlook, but it appears this dress is cursed to make me think otherwise.” Sonia sighed. 

“I think it’s just another way for hope to shine brightly! This wedding is going to be beautiful, Sonia-san. You’re in it and he’s in it, you’re going to light up the room-”

“I think what Komaeda’s trying to say is that your wedding is going to go off without a hitch and you need to stop fretting.” Koizumi cut him off. Nagito clipped his mouth shut, knowing that he probably bothered them with his little tangent. No one really had the patience to listen to the entire thing besides Hinata, and that was only if Hinata was willing to listen to five sentences of him self-decrepitating. 

Sonia nodded determinedly and she looked back at the mirror. She took a deep breath and Nagito watched as all of the tension washed away from her. It was really inspiring and hopeful to see such a warrior’s expression appear on her face, as though this wedding was much more than a commitment of love and hope. 

Nagito looked at the time and he nodded, “I should probably leave you ladies to do your thing for now. I’m sure other people want to see how you’re doing, and I should check in.”

“Go for it.” Sonia nodded. “Thank you again for helping me, Komaeda-kun.”

“Anytime.” He waved as he walked out of the room that they were getting ready in. Sonia hadn’t wanted to do anything too extravagant. The ceremony was taking place outdoors in the gardens. They had borrowed the green house’s sitting rooms to get themselves ready. It had been a game of rock paper scissors to see which side of the wedding party got the sitting room that was nearest to where the ceremony was taking place. 

The other sitting room was across the large gathering area and towards where the parking lot was. The ceremony was small compared to the wide open space of the garden. Four rows of chairs on either side of the aisle, and black, red, white, purple, and blue streamers stretched from chair to chair at the end. Midoa in the front of the aisle, trying to tune her guitar and playing a few strings. The Imposter stood in a priest’s wardrobe, with a bible included. Considering that it was so out of place in Japan, Nagito thought it was amusing. Of course the other folks might not agree with it, but it got the job done.

Souda was still hanging up the last of the lights for the reception that was just down a little ways into a patio. Nanami was in her bridesmaid’s dress and was trying to help untangle the cords. She looked over her shoulder and gave Nagito a friendly wave and he nodded his acknowledgement. It appeared that they were busy, and he had people to check in on.

Pekoyama strode right by him, calling out to Saionji, who was nowhere to be found. Nagito had a hunch that the girl snuck in after he left the sitting room to check in on the progress and maybe make her own remarks on how things should look. Or compliment Koizumi’s photos like normal. 

They were lucky, really lucky for the weather to be as bright and as sunny as it was. Nagito wondered where the bad luck would come from and hoped that it wouldn’t ruin the wedding in any way. These kinds of ceremonies were meant to be hopeful. While he was certain that nothing would damage the relationship and everyone would be able to use the bad luck as a stepping stone for something cheerful, Nagito would like just this once for something to go right. 

Luckily for him, he didn’t have to go into the sitting room. Hinata was standing outside, leaning against the wall and looking as though he was trying to take a couple of minutes to himself. Nagito couldn’t blame him. Everyone had worked tremendously hard on making sure that this wedding was going to go off without a hitch, and Hinata worked extra hard on the planning and the arranging, due to Izuru Kamukura’s influence. 

“Hinata-kun, how are things on your end?” Nagito greeted.

Hinata looked over at Nagito and just for a moment, Nagito felt like the world just stopped. The way the tree’s shadows dappled on Hinata’s skin brought for a type of hope that swelled from the stomach up to his heart and froze him in place. The lazy smile that graced Hinata’s features stole Nagito’s breath, and the sunlight was caught in the browns of his eyes, making them easy to get lost in. He also looked sharp with the black tux and the white button up shirt. The tie a little loose around the neck rather than tight up against it. 

For just one moment, Nagito wondered if this was what it was like to fall in love with someone all over again. Just from seeing them in an exact way. Koizumi, as talented a photographer as she was, probably couldn’t take such a glorious picture. This was something that needed to be seen in a second.

“Hey Komaeda.” Hinata greeted him. “Tanaka-kun’s going insane and trying to make sure that he’s ready as he can be. Proper summoning circles and all.”

Nagito didn’t pretend to understand that.

“You okay?” The moment was a little lost when Hinata moved, but Nagito could still feel the after effects. Everything was floaty, floaty, it was too perfect. Nagito held his tongue however, this wasn’t the place for romanaticisim. “Nagito.”

“I’m sorry, were you saying something?” Nagito quickly snapped himself out of it. “I apologize, Hinata-kun I…”

“No you okay? Maybe we should get out of the sun. You’re too pale and you’re going to get yourself sick.” Hinata fretted. “That’s the last thing we need right now.”

No, the last thing they needed was a thunderstorm to ruin a storybook happy ending. Nagito decided to bite that retort back, knowing all too well that would earn him a look and either a bop on the head or a jab in the ribs and he wasn’t feeling up to either of them. He allowed Hinata to take his wrist and they headed back inside of the greenhouse.

The warmth of the sun increased, and Nagito could feel the sweat begin to bead against the back of his neck. Hinata’s hands were slippery and wet but he didn’t let go as they went further back towards where an open room was. Nagito could hear Tanaka’s low tone and Kuzuryu’s voice mingle with each other in a conversation. Them both being “overlords” of something meant they had a little in common. 

The open room was the same as the others. A day bed that was pressed up against the couch, and some flowers to decorate the room. There was a low table in the middle of the room and sheer curtains that stood straight against the square paned windows. Nagito could look out into the garden and enjoy the scene without having to be a part of it. 

The A/C of the room was nice and cool, it felt like heaven upon the skin. Nagito watched as Hinata took a seat on the daybed, flopping himself against it as though it was his. He smiled, and once more had to be taken aback.

Was it the suit that made him fall in love three times today? Or was it just the way Hinata was acting? Was it the sun and the way that it managed to catch Hinata in all the best possible lights, accentuating his cheeks and his eyes and catching the red tones that were mingled among the browns of his hair? 

Truly. Nagito really did love the hope that laid deep within Hinata, but this wasn’t the place for such sentiments. 

“You’re staring again.” Hinata chided and Nagito laughed. “I can’t be that good looking.”

“Perhaps.” Nagito shrugged as he walked over towards the day bed. He watched Hinata move over so that there was room for him to take a seat next to him. “The sun’s just making me see things.”

“...You’re not going to tell me are you?”

Nagito shook his head, “Not tonight, not today. Maybe tomorrow.” When they were home. When Nagito had more courage and fond memories. Maybe when he can get his hand on a hidden object that was in their closet. Maybe he would then say what he wanted to say. Right now though, Nagito wasn’t going to dare take this hope away from his friends. “The wedding’s going to start soon.”

“I know. We should probably make sure everyone’s in line.” Hinata agreed, but neither of them made a move to get up. Whether it was because they were too lazy or some other force kept them there, who knew?

A good moment passed before Nagito felt the daybed shift and he was gently grabbed by the chin. He swallowed his words as Hinata gently pressed his lips against his. “See you at the ceremony, Komaeda-kun.” He murmured as he gently stood up and walked off.

Nagito didn’t even have a chance to say a word. 

[allaboutthebooz]

Send My Love (To Your New Lover) Part Sixteen

Summary: Jensen visits Y/N.

Warnings: Just gonna pile some more angst onto your plates.

A/N @flamencodiva I told you I would be writing more when my kid went to sleep last night. Hopefully this doesn’t disappoint with the angst! It was just

But I hope you all enjoy! I probably will not post anymore parts until the weekend, it’s been below freezing here and my hands are killing me from all the typing. Thanks carpal tunnel. So, enjoy y’all!

“Jared please sit down. You’re making me anxious. Even more than I am, already.”

He stops his pacing at the plea of his closest friend. He turns and faces her. She’s sitting curled up on the couch, arms wrapped gently around her knees. The television on in the background. They’ve been avoiding the entertainment news channels. It seems that news has already spread that Jensen left Danneel and they were currently comparing her, and Y/N. Jensen had been spotted at the airport two hours before Jared, so there was a good chance that he was already in the city. As much as he wanted to, Jared couldn’t sit still. He was too amped up for Jensen to come knocking on the door.

“I’m sorry, Bug. I’m just…I’m so mad that this is happening. I told him- I told him not to screw this up for you! He knows how happy you finally are, and he has to screw that up!”

“Who says I’m gonna let him screw this up? I love Jake and nothing is going to change that.”

“But this is Jensen.”

“I know that, but you gotta trust that I know what I’m doing! I’m a big girl, Jared. You can’t always save me. Sometimes I’ve gotta save myself.”

He shakes his head. “You don’t get it. I can never forgive him for what he did to you. You were broken, Y/N. Absolutely broken.”

You nod and stand up. “I know.”

“No, you don’t. You don’t remember Gen and I having to force food in your mouth, just so you would eat. You don’t remember her having to shower or bathe you because you refused to even sit up in bed. You don’t-You don’t remember the look in your eyes. The void look that you carried in your eyes for months. You don’t remember me pacing the hallway a million times to make sure you hadn’t done something stupid. You don’t remember me creeping into your room and just laying with you while you cried all day and all night. You don’t remember me calling Jensen and screaming at him every single day.” The rims of his eyes turned red, as tears began to form.

“Jared.” You reach a hand out to him and he takes it. “I remember. Not all of it, but enough. I might not have been present for all of it, but I remember bits and pieces.”

“Then you know I can’t let that happen again. I just got you back. Jake brought you back to us and now Jensen wants to take it away.”

“He won’t. I’m not going to let him.” You grip his giant hand in both of yours. “I LOVE Jake. I love him so much. Nothing Jensen says, will change that. Nothing he says will take me away from you. You are and will always be my brother. Till the end of the line.”

He observes you for a moment before nodding, squeezing your hands. “Till the end of the line.”

“Now, sit down. Let me get you a beer. Why don’t you find something for us to watch?” You drop his hand and move towards the kitchen. Your digging through the fridge when a knock sounds on the door. You straighten up and look towards Jared. Both of you stare at each other before you move to open it.

“Y/N, wait.”

“It’s fine, Jared. We gotta do this.” You grip the handle in your hand and take a deep breath. You pull it open and immediately see those storybook, green eyes looking at you.

“Hi.”

“What are you doing here?” You ask him. Jared shuffles behind you, catching Jensen’s attention as he looks over your head before looking back down at you.

“I’m guessing you already know.”

You nod. “Yeah, I do.”

“Can I come in?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Ackles.” Jared sounds off, behind you.

“Jared.” You turn and look at him. “Why don’t you go call Gen? Just give us a minute.”

“But, Bu-“

“Jared, please.” You beg the giant. He clenches his jaw but nods and moves into the bedroom.

You step aside and open the door wider, to let Jensen in. He steps through the doorway and into the living room.

You close the door and look at him, crossing her arms over your chest. He’s looking around the space. You notice he’s still in his tux, tie loose around his neck. His hair an unruly mess on top of his head. And yet, he looks so handsome.

“I heard you sold our home and moved out here.”

You scoff. “It hasn’t been our home in over a year, Jensen. Not since the day you walked out on me, like you did with Dee today.”

“Dee huh? Since when is she Dee to you?”

“Since I called her as soon as Jared got off the phone with me. Seeing as we finally have something in common.”

He sighs and hangs his head. He shrugs in defeat. “Y/N/N, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. How long are you going to hate me for it?”

You sigh and look down. Noticing your outfit for the first time since Jared knocked on your door. You contemplated changing but didn’t want to make things worse than they were. “I don’t hate you, Jensen. After everything that’s happened, I don’t hate you. I couldn’t bring myself to hate you. I’ve told you so many times, that I still love you.” You see his eyes fill with some light and hope. “But it doesn’t change anything. You broke my heart, Jensen.” Your voice cracks as you try to keep your tears down.

He steps towards you. “I know. I know and I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. I should have talked to you. I should have told you what I was feeling, what I was thinking.”

“But you didn’t. You left me. I was so excited to marry you. Everything was ready, I was ready, but you weren’t, and you didn’t say anything.” You step around him and stand in front of the balcony doors. You open them and let Juno in. She shuffles around you excitedly and you guide her into the bedroom with Jared. Giving him company, while he waits. You stand back in front of the doors and watch the city move beneath you. “Did you know that I completely trashed the house? I don’t remember exactly what I did, I just know that when Jared found me after getting off a plane from Texas, I was laying in the middle of my destruction. After that, the next thing I remember is laying against Gen’s swollen stomach, sobbing my heart out, while Odette kicked my face.” You turn towards him. He’s looking past you, through the window. Still standing in the middle of the room.

“I didn’t know that. I remember Jared calling me and yelling at me.”

You nod. “Yeah, I remember that too. He was the first person I called, after you walked out the door. Gen booked him a flight to LA while he was in the car on the way to the airport and she booked both of us tickets for the way back. He was on a plane for most of the day, but that didn’t keep from him getting to me.” You step more into the room, closer to Jensen. “I don’t remember much about my stay with them, bits and pieces. Mostly, I just remember being buried under pillows and blankets. They went to the store and bought a shit ton of pillows. I think they made three trips each, until I finally stopped crying. My outsides finally felt like my insides. Like I was being buried alive. At least I stopped crying, until the house got quiet. Then it would start again and like clockwork, Jared would come in and bury himself with me. He has always made me feel like I was never alone.”

He nods. “Yeah, he’s good about that.”

“The next thing I remember, is Odette being born. I was still staying their guest room and Jared woke me up in the middle of the night to tell me that Gen went into labor and that the boys were still sleeping and that he would call me, when they wanted the boys with them. At that point, I had to force myself to get out of bed, feed myself for once, shower myself for once, and make sure these tiny humans got fed and had everything they needed while Jared and Gen were gone. And when Jared finally called me and said that O was here and for me to bring the boys, we climbed into the car and drove to the hospital. The boys got to hold her first, but then it was my turn.” You smile, eyes spacing out at the memory.  “And when he put that tiny little girl in my arms, it was like something switched inside of me. This little girl made me open my eyes and decide to be a better person, for her. To show her that it doesn’t matter what you go through, you can have the world fall on top of you, but you have to get up and dust yourself off. So, I spent a few more days with them and then I flew home to clean up the house. To clean you out of my life.” You finally finish telling everything you remember, and you focus back on him. He’s rubbing his hands on his pants, how he’s still nervous you would never understand.

“I just don’t know what else to say besides I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I made you feel that way. I’m sorry that I was so stupid to just leave you the way I did. I should have talked to you. I should have called you. I should have fought for you. I should have begged you to forgive me and take me back the second I walked out of that door. I should have done so much more.”

“But you didn’t, and we have to move on. We were moving on. You were getting married and now I’m getting married. What did you think was going to happen when you showed up here? That I would forget everything and just take you back with open arms? Do the same thing to Jake, that you did to me? You know that’s not going to happen.”

“Why not? We still love each other. We could start over. We could do it right this time. I love you, Y/N. I’ve always loved you. You’re the one I truly want to marry, and I was stupid for not seeing that before. Please. Give me another chance.”

You shake your head. “You know we can’t. I do love you Jensen, but I don’t want to marry you. I am so stupidly in love with Jake and he has done everything in his power to make sure he knows that he loves me too. He has fought so hard to show me just how beautiful and worthy I am to be loved. I was still so broken when I met him. I was so insecure of who I was, because of you and that never stopped him from wanting me. I was a shell of myself when we went out that first time and he has done so much to get rid of it. I don’t deserve him to love me and yet he does, with every fiber of himself. How can you ask me to give that up? Why can’t you just be happy that I’m finally happy and just be my friend?”

“Because I can’t watch you get married to some other guy. I can’t accept that he isn’t me.”

“Then you should go, because I’m not leaving him for you. The man that torn me to pieces when he slammed my door closed. I’m done crying over you. I’m done doubting myself because of you.”

“I want to prove to you that you’re what I want. What can I do?”

“Nothing! Absolutely nothing, Jensen! I gave you so much of myself for eight years and you just threw it away because you had doubts! I’ve tried playing nice, but I think it’s time for you to go. I love Jake and nothing, I mean nothing will change that.” You point to the door, growing frustrated.

“Y/N please…”

“No, Jensen!”

“It’s time to go, Jens.” Jared says from behind you. He must have come out of the room to check that Jensen was really going to leave and not do something he would regret. He never thought he would ever have to choose between his best friends, but he has to, and he chooses Y/N. He puffs out his chest, the same way he does when he’s playing Sam. He makes himself look taller.

“Jared..”

“No, you’re not going to ruin this for her. You can’t keep doing this. You can’t go back and forth on who you want to marry. You had the best girl and you threw her away because Danneel called you. I literally had to pick her up off the floor to bring her to Texas. I was up every night with her, while she cried over you. I had to watch her become this zombie. She didn’t talk for weeks, Ackles and that was all because of you. She has to relearn who she was and even then, she was never the same. Jake is finally bringing her back to us and you are not going to ruin that! I love you man, and you are my brother, but you have to leave. She means more to me that you will ever know, and I will not just stand here and watch you ruin her again.”

Jensen clenches his jaw and looks at his feet, before nodding. He doesn’t say anything else as he turns to leave. He’s got his hand on the door and pulls it open.

“I’m sorry, Jensen.” You say to him in a gentle voice.

“Me too, Y/N/N.” And then he’s gone.

You let out a deep breath and sag your shoulders. All the tension leaving your body. You continue to stare at the door, as if Jensen was still standing there. You feel Jared come up behind you. He wraps an arm around your shoulders and hugs you from behind. You turn and look at him.

“I did the right thing.” You ask him more than tell him.

He brings his hands up to cup your cheeks. He rubs his thumbs across them, and they feel wet. You’re crying and you don’t even realize it. He nods and pulls you to him. You cling to him. “Yeah, Bug. You did the right thing. As much as I was hoping he would change his mind sooner, you are so happy right now and I’m not gonna let him take that away from you. “

You nod against him.

“Let’s get you into bed. It’s late and you should get some sleep.” You nod again and he moves both of you towards the room. He helps you climb into bed and Juno is already laying at your feet. Once you’re settled, he turns to leave.

“Jared?” He turns back towards you. “Will you stay with me? Like you used to.”

“Sure, Bug. Let me just call Gen and shove some food in my mouth first.”

You nod. “You can borrow some of Jake’s things. He has some stuff here.”

“Alright. Get some sleep, I’ll be back soon.” You settle into the pillow and pull the thick blanket closer to you. All that pokes out if the top of your head.

Jared closes the bedroom door behind him, and he moves to the kitchen. He calls Gen and tells her what happened. He tells her that he will stay a couple of days to make sure Jensen doesn’t come back and that Jake gets home. You won’t say anything, but he knows that you don’t want to be alone. Just the simple question of him staying tonight was enough for him to know. Gen tells him that she’s going to pack up the kids and some stuff and fly out there. He wants to protest but knows that seeing the kids will make everything better. They hang up with their affections being the last thing they say. He looks around the apartment, debating if he should make another call.

“Fuck it.”

He presses the contact name and the phone begins to ring. All he gets is a voicemail box.

“It’s Jake. Sorry I missed your call, but if you leave a message, I’ll call you back as soon as possible.”

“Hey, man. I’m not sure if Y/N called you. I’m sure she did. Everything’s fine. I’m in New York. Jensen showed up about an hour later and they had it out. She’s asleep, but I thought I would call you. She’s pretty upset, but she’ll be okay. I know you’re in California with your parents, but your girl needs you. I’m staying here with her tonight and then Gen and the kids are flying out first thing. She doesn’t want to be alone, so we figured having us around would help. Uh, just give me a call when you get this. If you aren’t already on a plane that is. If you are and get here in the next few hours, I’ll probably be up all night, keeping an eye on her. I’m borrowing some clothes too. Alright, man. Call me when you can.”

Jared hangs up and heads back to the bedroom. Your sound asleep and snoring just a little. He smiles and moves to the other side of the bed. He pulls back the covers and settles in next to you. He finds the remote on the bedside table and cuts on the tv. Settling on a movie to watch while he waits for the sun to rise.

@liebemeineslebensx @awesome-badass-cafeteria-sauce @cookiechipdough @maralisa124 @spnfamily-thewinchesters @tmiships4life @greyeyedsmile14 @aomi-nabi @keikoraventeller @captaindorit0 @frozenhuntress67 @nerdygirlwithacrush @mrsdeanfuckingwinchester @everyfallentear @jxnnxbrxwn @parkeret @mrsambroserollinsacklesmgk @mml232 @sing4mejensen @supersupernaturalfan @voideandotherstuff @samuelwillliamwinchester @sherlockedtash88 @smoothdogsgirl @31shadesofbrown @deansbbysblog @linki-locks11 @mirandaaustin93 @hiraethclaire @love-my-not-natural-babies @nickigv @flamencodiva @gh0stgurl @holylulusworld @heyitscam99 @atlas-of-the-world @colie87 @woodworthti666 @princessizzy36 @pretty-fortune @death-unbecomes-you @nea90sweetie @idrkwhatthisisimsorry @mypassionsarenysins @cap-just-said-language

[niuttuc]

Fourthcoming Interviews #1

(Context: The Fourthcoming is the Dimir newspaper local to the Fourth district for which my fanwalker, Anedia Kosel, works. After her file on the War of the Spark, she got another weekly column writing about planeswalkers and other planes. As she keeps her status as a planeswalker herself secret, they’re written with the help of “reliable planeswalker sources” that also help her check facts that she “couldn’t” verify herself. One of the parts of her column is, each week, an interview of a planeswalker, anonymous or not, that I might put up here. The first one I’ll publish here is an interview of a planeswalker that preferred to have their identity omitted from the interview itself, but is @land-ofthebooty‘s Medea. If you want your own fanwalker to be featured in one such interview, you can always contact me via tumblr or discord.)

Where are you from? How would you describe your home world? My home is called Theros. And hmmm...I would call it divine, something from a storybook. It is a place of gods, monsters, and heroes. Where the boundaries between the waking world and sleeping world are but a thin line.

What do you mean by that? Do people fall asleep easily? Dreams and beliefs have quite an influence on the physical world, to put it simply without going into too many details. It is a special quality to my home that I have never seen anywhere else yet.

Should they be a planeswalker themself, what would be one tip you would give to someone visiting Theros for the first time? I think the best thing is to not anger the gods… And not announce your presence too loudly. Theros has a harsh relationship with planeswalkers.

Care to tell us more about that? A few of the gods know about planeswalkers and are not too welcoming of them. [The interviewee mimed a throat being slit] They are powerful and easily displeased.

And why would they not like them? Is there anything our readers should know? Some planeswalkers cause a lot of trouble, and Theros has experienced a few in the last decade. I'm sure after a few centuries things might calm down.

I think after what happened in the Tenth, most of our readers can relate to that. How much of your time do you spend on Ravnica? I might stay for just a few days, while other times I've been here for years at a time. It depends on if any business requires me off-plane. The longest I've stayed is a little over ten years, and the shortest is ten minutes.

Ten minutes? What happened, you arrived in the middle of a rakdos party? Well, unless that'd be something you would enjoy. Honestly, it was my own fault. I had left in a hurry heading to Ravnica to see a friend… But I realized I had forgotten the gift I had planned to give them. I had to go back home to fetch it.

Haha, well, being a planeswalker doesn't absolve you from day to day life troubles! It is very true!

Would you say you're spending more time on Ravnica than other planes? Yes, I would say I do. I take a bit of time on other planes, but Ravnica is like a second home to me. I enjoy it quite a lot.

So why here rather than stay at home? Is it because of those gods disliking planeswalkers on Theros? Oh no. It’s nothing like that. I find it to be a wonderful experience...living a normal mundane life. On Ravnica, no one bats an eye or pays mind to me or what I'm doing. It’s freeing.

A mundane life? Are you someone of great importance back home? I wouldn't say great importance. I'd rather say I have a lot of responsibilities that I must tend to. My name or deeds are not well known, so nothing like that.

So you're avoiding your responsibilities by living in another world? I'd like to tell our readers that despite them being anonymous, our guest today is NOT our former Living Guildpact, Jace Beleren. [Laugh] It is true. I am not a young male human planeswalker with a fancy for the color blue.

Aren't you worried that you have those responsibilities for a reason, and that by living here there could be problems because of your absence? I would get more sleep if I did slack my responsibilities, but sadly no. I always finish in a timely matter what has been asked of me. I take pride in honoring my promises. It’s not quite that I am running from them. I just enjoy the feeling of no expectations and having a space separate from them. If that makes sense?

That’s for our readers to decide. So you have a life here. Friends, maybe even family. How many of them know of your other life? No. None of my associates are aware of my planeswalking. I prefer to be private about that.

What made you pick Ravnica specifically? I'm sure there were other worlds where you could have been anonymous on. Ravnica sort of grew on me. I've passed through many times, and found myself enjoying it every time I came. That's when I ended up getting an apartment, since I was passing through more often.

Anything specific about our city? The diversity. So much in such a concentrated space. I have never seen a world structured like this. The guilds are quite unique. Also... I enjoy the fictional books.

You're not the first one to remark on our world's uniqueness in this column. It's apparently the only city around and I, and many of our readers, still have a hard time imagining what else there could be. Would you care to show us what Theros looks like? If one ever has the chance to visit Theros, the Seasonal Nexus of Setessa is quite the sight to see.

(Art by Adam Paquette)

And now thousands of Ravnicans will get the chance to experience a fragment of it. There is so much out there. So many great unknowns to discover. I hope the people Ravnica ponder on this mystery.

They're certainly gonna have more to talk about! Is there another world beside Ravnica you particularly like? I would say a place called Lorwyn is another place of interest. I also find that I appreciate a plane called Valla as well. I think I have a preference for strange places. [Laughs]

Strange? How so? Would you put Ravnica in this category? Perhaps strange is the wrong word. Extraordinary maybe? Lorwyn has no humans, which is something that you don't see very often. And Valla? I... [The interviewee hesitated and stopped to think.] I actually don't know how to explain it. It is almost like trying to explain a color that you cannot see. It is difficult to describe.

Maybe we can have someone familiar with Valla as well in a future interview. How long have you been a planeswalker for? Yes, that is probably for the best. At this point? I would say I have been walking the planes for 30 years. Still quite young comparatively to others.

How did it start? It started with an ordeal, and blossomed from that revelation. I won't say more. I still have my secrets. NDR: In case newer readers don’t know, most planeswalkers discovered they were one through a great trauma, which is why we prefer to not push them further on the subject

What's something you learned about planeswalkers you didn't expect, or that our readers might not know? I would say that not all planeswalkers “walk” the same way. It seems when we travel to and from a place, it appears differently for different planeswalkers. I have seen some that fade away, others might teleport in a flash, while others might glow brightly before disappearing.

Do you want to share what happens to you? I am wrapped in a blanket of nyx (NDR: Nyx describes a sort of glimmering night sky) and fall into the blackened grasp of the blind eternities. If I had to describe it in a poetic way.

And in a more approachable way, how does it feel? Like you are falling, or flying. It is akin to both.

Last question... A planeswalker was responsible for the disaster only a few weeks back, and all to get back at other planeswalkers. Many here feel like planeswalkers are responsible and dangerous. What would you want to say to those people? The Multiverse... life is full of so many uncertainties. So many things that can cause pain and suffering, so many things that can do wrong. What happened to Ravnica is horrific and a tragedy. However, a truth was learned. And all the people of Ravnica have grown in a way that would have never been possible before. I see a united Ravnica, and one that has stepped forward like no other plane I've seen before. You have all uncovered and experienced a great mystery of existence itself. The people of Ravnica, you are strong, and you have so much life in you. You fought alongside each other, with those that came from other worlds. You all banded together to protect what is most precious. And that is truly beautiful.

So I ask of you, do not fear the unknown. Do not fear the unforeseen. Do not fear what you do not understand. Planeswalking is a force not of good or evil, but simply of what you make of it. Make it into something special, and use it to continue growing as a plane and as a people.

Thank you for answering my questions today, that will be enough for this week. And thank you for listening!

[siriuslyparker]

Reign of Artemis - Chapter 7

Pairing: Prince!Tom Holland x OC

Warnings: unedited

Words: 4212

A/N: this is v late and im so sorry, so i’ll post the next part as well tomorrow.

series masterlist; masterlist

_________________

To say Tom was nervous would be an understatement.

Harrison woke him up the morning they were set to leave for Baltia, a nervous grin on his face. And as Tom got ready, Harrison quizzed him on everything Baltia. From how to properly introduce himself to how Tom was to offer his arm anytime he walked with one of the Princesses or King's wife.

And before Tom went to leave his room to head to the carrier that was sent by Baltia, Sam and Alex showed up to his room, Tessa behind them. Tom grinned and knelt down to Tessa, scratching the dog behind her ear, "Wish I could take you, Tess, sure you would love Baltia," he said.

Alex laughs, "I don't think she'd like the ride over there very much," she comments. "I dunno, we took her on vacation one time year ago and she was okay," Sam commented. Tom rose to his feet, "Maybe another time," he said.

"So sure you'll be going to Baltia again?" Alex smirked, crossing her arms. Tom gave her an annoyed look as he grabbed his jacket off his bed, "I hear no denial, I think Tommy has a crush on Artemis," Alex said. Harrison chuckled, "You do technically need to be looking for a wife," he added.

Tom rolled his eyes as he pulled on the jacket, "Marrying Artemis would also make her the Queen of Thule," he muttered. Though his mother didn't have that much political involvement compared to his father, she still did a lot for the country. Even if Tom married Artemis, he would not only be giving her a husband and means of an heir, but also another country. And he was sure that would not go well with both his father and the country.

Alex sat down on the chair in front of his desk, Sam leaning against the back of it, "I mean, would that be a bad thing? It's no lie that a majority of the world, those of younger generations mostly, look to her. Look what she's done for her own country, she can do a lot for us," she said. Sam's eyebrows furrowed, his lips pursed before nodded, "She does have the political influence to push the bills that would help minorities," he confirmed.

"Course, her council would agree to it, they would technically hold the power of another country, right?" Alex asked. Harrison grimaced slightly, "Theoretically, they can suggest certain things to her, but in the end it would our side and the crown, to make a final decision," he said.

Tom cleared his throat, "You see, there are many issues here. For one, the possibility of us even marrying is slim to none. We have nothing but a title to offer her and some political power here; she can do more as a princess there than a queen here. Let's think realistically here," he said. Sam nodded an agreement, Alex mumbling something under her breath.

A knock at the open door catches all their attention, "It's time to leave, Your Highness," the guard said. Tom nods and pulls on his jacket, "Shall we?" he questioned the room. Harrison led them out of the room, the guard grabbing the two suitcases at the door and following behind the group.

When they reached the gardens where the carrier waited, General George and Sir Edmund stood waiting at the entrance. The guard went ahead to bring the luggage on the carrier as Tom and Harrison said their byes. Alex gave Tom a hug, "Show them who you truly are, eh?" she mumbled. Tom gave her a tight smile before Sam stepped up to him, "Prove dad wrong, yeah?" he said. "That's the plan," Tom sighed. Sam gave him a brief hug before him and Alex said bye to Harrison.

Tom knelt down again to say bye to Tessa before he followed Harrison to the carrier. General George and Edmund bowed as he passes before they follow up the ramp and into the large carrier.

Tom and Harrison take a seat further in the back of the carrier while General George and Edmund take one near the front. Tom and Harrison get straight into work, by going over details of the dinner, trip, and the Baltian Royal Family.

"I'm sure you've heard the rumors about Eris and Eden," Harrison said. Tom furrowed his eyebrows and shook his head. "Eris, she's the youngest of the family. A few months ago, she had gotten drunk at a party and someone recorded her saying she didn't support Artemis as Queen. Artemis and Samuel have been damage control while Eden and Eris went to Northern Baltia at their beach cottage," Harrison explained.

"Eden is the picture perfect definition of a storybook princess, at least to the media for the most part. Only found at balls, dinners, tea with Nobles, y'know? She's very flirty, despite being underage, but she doesn't look it. You have no real need to impress her, but be respectful of her nevertheless.

"Samuel, complete opposite. Two years older than Eden, three younger than Artemis. He's I guess the brains of the family, works with the scientists in the palace on new tech. He's the one that designed the machine coming over. He's really close to Artemis, so it'd be smart to get on his good side.

"Eris, wife to the King, that's it. She holds no power in politics, though she's rumored to try to persuade the council into overruling Artemis being first in line. It's no shocker to the world that Eden is her favorite child, she has practically said it in interviews. Word around the noble families is that she doesn't even love the king, only the title and money he's given her.

"Artemis, it's obvious you want her to be on your side. She was the one to approach her father and the council on the idea of helping us. She fought for it for some time, apparently, the council wasn't open on the idea of the possibility of new allies.

"Of course you know about Anthony, not much to say on him except he's very kind and openhearted. It's obvious to be kind and respectful towards him.

"But Aaron Dover. He's been Artemis's advisor since she was sixteen and personal guard not long after. If you want to be on anyone's good side, it's his. She values his opinion over anyone's, chance are if he doesn't like you, she won't. He hardly leaves her side, always close enough to listen and protect in case something happens. If you walk away from that dinner with anyone's respect, you better hope it is at least his."

Tom looks down at the tablet in his hands, it was a file of Aaron and Artemis. There were a handful of pictures from the two from when they were younger to just the other day. Him always being steps away from the princess. There was a video clip of them a few months ago when Artemis had visited another country. A citizen of that country charged at the princess, Aaron was quick to pull his sword out and pushing the princess behind him as the man ran up to them. Aaron had shoved him back harshly and guards swarmed, he turned to Artemis and quickly spoke with her as she gave him nods and shakes of her head.

He swipes to the next document and it was an article on how Aaron was promoted to the Head of Guardsmen at eighteen years old and he rumored to be in line for being Head of Military in his future when General Hawkings retired. "I thought they were dating," Tom mumbled. Harrison shrugged, "There are theories over it, but Royal Theorists have shut it down since Aaron doesn't have the proper titles to marry a royal," he said.

"If he's the Head of Guardsmen, then he's knighted, that's enough?" Tom furrowed his eyebrows as he continued swiping through the documents. Article after article about how close the Dover family was to the King before their passing and that Anthony has declared Aaron part of his protection. "Enough for their princesses, but not a Queen," Harrison said.

Tom set the tablet down on the table between them and looked at his best friend. "Then what is? For such a progressive country, they seem very selective," he asked. Harrison sighed, "Higher ranked nobles, other princes, princesses, kings, and queens. People that have something to offer. With Aaron's parents dead and no one knowing his next of kin, he has nothing to offer the family, except maybe his life, but it wouldn't be enough for the council," Harrison said.

Harrison looked out the window and realized they were beginning to descend. He motioned to the window and Tom leaned over to look out too. They watched as they passed over rural neighborhoods that slowly grew into cities, and then it grew into smaller buildings, large green trees, and then the grand Baltian Palace.

"Holy shit," Tom mumbled. Pictures and videos sure didn't do the palace any justice at all. The carrier circled the palace, giving them a whole view of the building. It was five stories, and if Tom had to put a name to it, it looked like what he pictured Olympus to look like. The front of the palace had the white columns, and from what he could tell at the height some had the Gods and Goddess statues on the front of them. White stairs led down to a large driveway that looped around a grand fountain, whom Tom assumed to be Zeus in the middle, and the stairs disappeared under the roof of the palace.

There was no set shape to the palace, instead, it looked like multiple different building pushed together and were led to one another by stone pathways. The country never experienced cold weather so it wasn't shocking that much of the palace was outdoors. The carrier flew towards the back end of the palace, where a pad was on one of the upper levels. Tom was just able to make out a large garden in the middle of the whole palace as the carrier lowered down to the pad.

Out of the window, Tom was able to see two lines of guards forming a pathway on the pad that lead towards the doors that led into the palace. And in the front of that line, in the middle of the pathway stood two people, Artemis and Aaron.

Suddenly, Tom felt even more nervous and nauseous, very nauseous. Tom wiped his hands on his pants as the carrier landed. He was able to see Artemis clearly, her dark hair was pulled into an elegant do, full of braids and twists, her paint done perfectly on her face. And she wore a soft, baby blue dress a silver band just under her chest that matched the silver crown on her head. The straps of the dress rested on her shoulders as waves of cloth connected to a band just above her elbow that connected to more fabric further down her dress.

Tom swallowed as Harrison nudged him to stand up. "Remember bow, let her move to shake your hand, Aaron will introduce us. And offer your arm as we go inside," Harrison spoke quickly as the neared the exit of the carrier.

The Thule guards that were seated in the front of the carrier were now exiting and stood at the end of the ramp. Tom looks over to Harrison, who gave him a nod of encouragement. The Thule Prince took a deep breath before ducking his head to exit the carrier and walked down the ramp. Harrison followed closely behind, with General George and Edmund following behind him.

Tom let out a breath as they approached Artemis and Aaron, and the closer they got the more Tom was ready to throw up. They slowed to a stop in front of the two and Tom couldn't help but stare at the princess. Her soft, green eyes met his, a shy smile grew on her face. Tom felt a tingling in his hand, burning from the silver ring on his middle finger. The four of them bow as they all reach her and Artemis gives them a respectful nod in return.

"Welcome to Baltia, my father apologizes that he couldn't be here to greet you himself but I'm sure you understand how busy Kings are," she says, a soft laugh following. "Thank you, Your Highness, it's an honor," Tom said. Artemis smiles at him and Aaron steps up, "Your Highness, may I introduce to you, Sir Edmund Hoffman and General George, officials of the Thule Government," Aaron began.

Artemis raised a slight eyebrow at General George's name and nods slowly, "General, I believe you know Count Hendel, he has spoken much of you since we heard you will be coming," she said tightly. "Ah yes, Your Highness, William and I were family friends growing up," General George said. Artemis pushed her shoulders back and twisted the ring around her finger, giving Aaron a glance.

"And Prince Thomas of Thule, alongside with Harrison Osterfield, his advisor," Aaron said. "Harrison, lovely to see you again," Artemis said. "You as well, Your Highness, I will never grow tired of that view coming in," he said. "You and me both," she agreed. Artemis looked back to Tom and he felt that tingle in his right hand again. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Thomas," he said. Artemis held out her left hand and Tom met it with his right, the tingling disappearing the second her skin touched his.

He bowed his head, "Pleasure is all mine, Your Highness, and please, call me Tom," he said. They dropped each other's hands and Artemis motioned to the palace, "Shall we?" she asked. "My guardsmen will make sure your things are taken to your rooms," Aaron said. He turned and gave a curt nod to the man behind them and a handful of guards headed towards the carrier.

Tom took a slight step forward and offered his arm to Artemis, which she gladly took. "I must ask, Your Highness, you have such a large, and beautiful, palace here, how much did it cost?" George questioned as they walked. Artemis glanced over her shoulder at him before looking forward again, "Nothing." she said. "Surely that can't be possible, much of royal families expenses come the people's taxes," George said.

Artemis glances over to Tom before responding, "That may be in your country, General, but our palace was built thousands of years ago when Zeus last walked our Earth. Since then it has been kept up by Royal Family, all of which comes from our private funds, costing our people nothing," she answered. "We don't believe in fining our people with taxes to find our own luxuries," she added.

"Zeus?" George echoed.

They entered the building and the workers stopped and moved to bow or salute as they passed. "Yes, please don't take this negatively, General, but I'm aware of your dislike of our religion and the disbelief in our Gods. But believe it or not, it was just over a thousand years ago since our Gods set foot on our lands. And the evidence is stone, if you wish to see it, I can set up a tour for you this weekend personally if that will please you?" Artemis questioned, stopped to look back at him in the middle of the hall.

George purses his lips and gave her a curt nod, "That would be wonderful, Your Highness," he pushed. Artemis looks over to Aaron and gives her a nod. She smiles before starting to walk again, "What do you recommend we must do during our visit here?" Tom asked.

She looks over at him as they stop in front of the elevator, "I do recommend at least walk through the Hall of Gods, gives you a better understanding of our culture, we'll be walking through it in a few minutes," she stated. "Sunday there is a market in town that shows our diversity, our gardens, a trip to the mountains if you are willing to hike a little," she listed as they enter the elevator.

Aaron presses the bottom number and the doors close. "What sort of things do you have at the market?" Edmund asked. "Anything you can think of, music, art, food, books, and culture. Any questions you have on that can be answered by your hand during your stay," Artemis answered.

The doors to the elevator open and four people that stood against the columns that led into the grand garden that Tom noticed before bowed. "Which here they are," Artemis said. The large group stepped out of the elevator and towards the four people. "Any questions you may have on our culture, religion, or even best place to get dinner in town they can answer," Artemis said.

Artemis waved for them to continue towards the gardens and reached down to pick up the ends of her dress not to get dirty. "This is the Hall of Gods, each statue is a God we either worship or is part of the main Twelve," she said. Tom looks to the left at the statue they passed of a woman touching her hair, at her feet read the name Hera. And underneath the thick block of stone, in the middle of the stone was a clear glass orb that was filled with what looked like a moving peacock.

"What is in those glass balls?" Tom asked. Artemis followed his gaze and smiled, "Gifts from the Gods and Goddess, in each glass for each God are gifts they left us to remember them by. Most are a symbol of what they represent," she explained. "Is that safe?" General George questioned as they passed the large statue in the middle a small lightning bolt in the glass glow brightly and a muffled sound of thunder followed.

Artemis laughed lightly, "Of course," she said. "The glasses are unbreakable, you'd have to be a God to break them," she adds. Tom looks around at the other statues that were spread around the gardens, stairs all around the garden leading to different parts of the palace. "I saw from the carrier much of your palace is outside, do you not experience any kind of bad weather?" Edmund asked.

Tom glanced at Artemis as she spoke, "Rain, thunderstorms here and there since we are in the tropics. But no cold weather like that. By chance we do have a hurricane, there are protocols to be followed," she said.

They reached the other end of the gardens and they went up the stairs to underneath the roof. "Your hands will take it from here and show you to your rooms," Artemis said. She dropped the ends of her dress and took a slight step away from Tom to stand by Aaron. A dark-skinned woman stepped forward, "I am Elyse, be follow me, General George." He was hesitant to follow before he took long strides to catch up with her up the stairs further and disappeared to the right, two Thule guards following.

A young boy stepped up next, "Sir Edmund, I'm Collin, right this way, please," he said. Edmund smiled brightly before following him and beginning to ask him several questions with two Thule guards following them. Next was two twins that introduced themselves as Evan and Eve, who would be Tom and Harrison's hands.

"Perhaps if you are interested, I can give you a deeper tour of the Gods if you wish? I could see that you held interest," Artemis offered to Tom. He smiled at her and nodded, "I'd love that," he said. "I'll meet you at your room in an hour?" she asked. "Perfect," Tom agreed. Artemis nods, "Well, I will see you then. And once again, welcome to Baltia, Tom," she said.

Her and Aaron, with two other Baltian guards, went up the stairs. Aaron reached down to pick up the ends of Artemis's dress as she continued on. They reached the top before turning left and disappearing from sight. Tom sighed and nodded to the twins who turned and headed up the stairs just as Artemis and General George had. Where the latter turned right, they turned left. They rounded the first corner of the garden before turning right further into the palace. After a few more turns, the twins opened a pair of doors and held them open from Tom and Harrison, the Thule guards standing outside the doors.

The room opened to a grand suite, a dining area to the left and a seating area to the right. Ahead of them were three sets of double doors that opened to a balcony that overlooked another garden, one that looked to have a small pond. According to Eve, to the left was the way to Harrison room and bathroom, and to the right was Tom's. Each had their own bedroom, bathroom, office area, and seating area as well.

Tom walked over to the doors that went to the balcony, his shoulder dropping. He could no longer remember when the last time he had a similar view out of his own bedroom window, much of it now was brown and dead.

"Mate, you so got a crush on her," Harrison said. Tom turned and watched as his best friend sat on the couch across from the fireplace that had a TV on top of it. "Dude!" Tom shouted.

"No worries, Your Highness, nothing you say we tell the Princess unless it's a risk to her person," Eve bowed her head. "A mere crush is nothing," Evan said. "How old are you?" Tom frowned. "Fourteen," Eve answered. Harrison raised an eyebrow, "You're what?" Tom echoed.

Eve spoke up, "We're here under an internship through our school. We are planning to work with foreign dignitaries that visit the palace in the future, and being your hand for your visit allows us to gain knowledge of other countries," she said. "It also allows us to use what we have learned about our own country to answer any of your questions," Evan added.

"So, like kids working for the crown is normal?" Harrison questioned. "Yes, Mr. Osterfield, nearly every citizen in Baltia works for the crown at some point in their life in some way." Eve nods. "Like what?" Tom asked. "Not many are given the honor with positions like us. Some shadow advisors, planners, people in our military, many work in the labs," Evan listed. "Most just work at a place under the crown, like a hospital, farm, lab," he trailed off.

Tom nods slowly, "When did that all start?" he asks. Eve furrows her eyebrows, "Um, it's always been around but didn't really take off until King Anthony declared that everyone shall be given equal opportunity to assist the crown. We don't pay many taxes, so this is our way of repaying the crown, but also having them assist us in the job field," she glances to her brother.

Harrison hums, "That's a cool thing, maybe bring it up to your father," he suggested. Tom looks over at Harrison with a frown, "As amazing as it is, it would never work. We have no means to be able to take on extra hands in the castle, we can't afford," Tom mumbles, lowering himself into the chair in the sitting area.

"We aren't being paid Your Highness, this is a mere opportunity, like any other internship one may have in university," Evan said. Harrison pointed at the boy, giving Tom a look. Tom sighed, "Perhaps I can try, I do like the idea, giving opportunities to our people to further their future. It will be difficult to convince the crown to allow it, security reasons," he said.

"If I may, Your Highness," Eve stepped forward. "You have a slight council with your crown as a head, yes?" she questioned. Tom nods. "I've had the honor of standing in a few meeting under a short apprenticeship with Princess Artemis, she advised to start with few before many," she said. "Maybe discuss with members of the council that you believe would be for it and then see if they can add it to the agenda of a meeting?" she asked.

Tom looks over at Harrison, who nodded several times, "Hoffman would be all for it. He practically worships what Baltia stands for, I can't see him being against this. I'd start with him," he said. Tom nods, "Can you make up a list of the order I should go in when I'm with Artemis?" he asked.

Harrison nods, "Speaking of Artemis," he smirked. Tom let out a groaned, "Dude, no," he said. "No, no, you totally have a crush on her, you were practically drooling walking up to her," he teased. "I wasn't, I was fucking nervous," Tom mumbled. "To see the pretty girl?" Harrison smiled. "You're a dick," Tom laughed.

"Oh c'mon, you can't tell me that the princess isn't beautiful," Harrison crossed his arms. Tom gave him a look and Harrison looks over to the twins for help, "She's often compared to Aphrodite herself," Eve confirms. "Some say her beauty rivals," Evan added. Harrison nods at Tom, "See," he waved his hand. "I'm not going to deny that she's beautiful, that's all I'm going to say," Tom mumbled.

"If it comforts you, Your Highness, Princess Artemis has voiced that she does find you attractive," Evan spoke up. Tom swallowed, his cheeks burning slightly. "Your blushing," Harrison laughed. "Shut up, div," Tom mumbled.

_______________

Tags: @loxbbg @elioelioeli0 @emilyt0314 @spidey-pal

[csauce-and-chips]

Embark - Chapter 2

Chapter Title: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Word Count: 2,168

Pairing(s): Prinxiety, side Logicality

Featured: Virgil Petty, Roman Prince, Patton Petty, Mr. Petty.

Chapter Warning(s): Minor cursing, child abuse mention (not severe).

Synopsis: Finding himself in a new and strange world was only one reason Virgil was unsettled. How was he supposed to handle a lunatic with a crown, too?

_______

Virgil had to admit, this wasn't how he expected to spend his night.

The short boy stared at the eccentric man as he stepped down from his rotting throne, carelessly yet excitedly taking each step on the jagged peice of wood that made up the chaotic hill. It unsettled Virgil how peices of old wood slipped from the pile and fell from its hold- how could this thing hold together for this long in a condition like this?

"You are quite the dark little man, aren't you? I mean, not to offend, but those bags under your eyes almost look like makeup! Isn't that ridiculous? Of course it is!" The princely character practically spoke to himself, describing his opinions freely.

Virgil stepped back as he watched the seemingly crazy king step onto the dirt ground at last, setting his jaw uncomfortably. He met the man's striking green eyes with his own uneasy dull brown ones. He swallowed.

"You look scared! There's no need to be afraid of me, my emo stormcloud!" His voice was loud and strong, something like a king from a classic storybook for sure. Fitting.

Before Virgil could say something, doubt him or tell him not to call him that, the king extended his hand out dramatically. He was sure if this man had the resources, Virgil would see him holding a rose between his teeth and he would be seated on a glamorous white stead. He was sure any young kid would laugh and love something like this. Virgil, however, wasn't a kid, and wasn't in the mood for messing around.

"My name is Roman Prince! I am the ruler of this world! And your name, my dark and stormy night?"

Virgil slowly blinked as he glanced between his face and his hand a few times. Was he serious? This was all real, not some seriously freaky joke? By that unwavering grin on Prince's face and the way his eyes were bright with excitement, Virgil had to believe him.

He wasn't sure if that was for better or worse. "...Don't call me that. Wh.. what is this place?" Virgil's voice was a mouse squeak compared to the other's booming voice, but he didn't care about matching up to him. He didn't need to prove he was as crazy as him. He just wanted to get out of here.. and figure out what here is.

Roman let out a short laugh, pulling his hand back to his side to rest on hip. "I already told you that this is my world! However, I understand how this can shock you. It's quite magical here, if I do say so myself"

Virgil cocked an eyebrow as he glanced around at the scenery once again, to take in that... 'magical' essence. "Magical isn't the word I'd use. More like.. hyperactive, apocalyptic fever-dream."

An offended gasp escaped the king, his hand slapping over his chest. Man, this guy really was dramatic, huh? "How rude of you to say that about my kingdom! You're a lot more cynical than I thought!"

"And you're more crazy than I thought." Virgil rolled his eyes as he watched Roman prepare another comeback, cutting him off at the last second. "Look, I don't know what this place is, and I just want to leave. I'm.. sorry for intruding your "kingdom", but trust me, if you can get me out of here I'll be out of your hair."

Virgil didn't seem to notice how Roman's smile faltered for a moment. He was too focused on calming his anxiety and keeping up his brudish demeanor. He just hoped that this crazy man didn't decide he was some special guest to his kingdom and try to keep him there. He hoped he was somewhat sane.. that he wouldn't hurt him.

"Well then," Romans bright smile returned to his face as he suddenly had a hand on Virgil's shoulder, scaring the smaller boy for a moment. "Let's get you out of here, shall we?"

Roman turned him around and Virgil blinked in surprise. Just like that? It felt odd to Virgil how the man who only moments before seemed so excited to have him there did a 180 and became a one-way ticket out of this crazy place. Not that Virgil minded, he was just.. suspicious.

Why was this man here in the first place? At this point Virgil wasn't sure if this was a dream, it just felt too real. And if it was real, how? How could he be in a world full of wooden.. everything, and this man claiming he ruled it? It made no sense. Where was the food, water? How was he alive? It's not like there was a way a normal person could live here.. so.. what is this guy?

He shifted his shoulder away from Roman as he lead him back in the direction he had come from. The king began rambling about his city as if it wasn't broken down, adding in different little things about how great of a ruler he was. It didn't help Virgil feel better, and frankly, it answered none of his questions.

Roman was definitely handsome. Virgil couldn't deny that. It itched at the back of his mind how he could see those green eyes and perfect jawline fitting on a magazine cover. If he wasn't in such a wrecked outfit and got cleaned up a bit, he was sure people would be all over him.

Which also added to the weirdness. He's got so much potential in every aspect: he's talkative (albeit loud), got the looks, and definitely acts charming, so.. being in the middle of a broken-down world alone, with no one to talk to, really didn't seem to fit this guy's style. Why would he choose to be here of all places?

"Right?"

Virgil immediately looked up and felt his nerves stand up, blurting out a "what?" As he mentally slapped himself in the face.

Roman chuckled as he took strides down the dirt path with a grin. "I was just wondering if you were some sort of explorer? It's the only reason I can think that you'd find this place."

At that, Virgil's heart dropped a little. Right. How he got here. It was a good reminder of why he got himself into this mess in the first place. "I... no. I'm not an explorer."

Those green eyes flicked back curiously to his own, raising his brows questioningly. "You aren't? Why on earth are you here, then?"

Virgil swallowed as he thought. How would he put this? Should he even tell the truth? Even for a crazy man who seemed to not have friends, how could he trust him with his personal life? He barely trusted the cops with information about his brother in the first place.. no. He would have to make something up.

"I... my friend ran into the woods, and I got worried. So I tried to find him and.. found the clearing." Yeah. Sure. That sounds like something he'd do, he was a worrywart like that, that was obvious.

"Ah! That makes sense, you seem like a worrywart!" Huh, looks like this man not only has the king title, but he's also got the mindset of a fifth grader. And he thought Logan was literal.

Virgil rolled his eyes and looked down at the ground. "Yeah, no duh, captain obvious."

"I prefer king or prince, if you please!"

At this point Virgil wasn't going to wonder if he's being serious or teasing him.

Silence hung in the air as they continued walking, Virgil's mind wandering to other things. Maybe something he should have thought about sooner was the state of the city. Obviously it was made of wood, but everything was practically falling apart. Each building seemed to be worn from time and being unused. He couldn't help but wonder how long these buildings have just been sitting there, and crumbling under the pressure of nothingness.

Virgil rested his hands in his hoodie pockets, eyes settling back on the man ahead of him. He couldn't get his mind off of him. No matter how odd or annoying he seems, he put off a natural aura of 'interesting', drawing the curiosity inside Virgil right back to him and him  alone. He couldn't tell if that made Roman more annoying or not.

But that doesn't matter. Virgil was sure that once he got away from this place everything would go back to normal. He would sleep alone in his quiet, empty house and meet up with Logan to discuss Virgil's issues or whatever book Logan had read that day. Logan would be interested to find out about all of this. Logan..

Virgil stopped in his tracks as he dug into his pockets. His unease rose inside of him as his searching turned up fruitless, a frustrated huff coming from him.

"What's the matter, Rude-y Gloom?" Roman had also stopped and turned back to him, a hand on his hip interesting position. His eyebrow was cocked, truly, cocky and a giant cock all in one. "Don't you want to get out of here?"

He sighed as he glanced around and ran a hand through his bangs. "I lost my phone. I.. can you please help me find it?"

Roman blinked as his expression changed to one of excitement. Who gets excited about finding a phone?

"Of course I will! Follow me!"

"Please, dad, don't go!"

A young eight year old stood behind his older brother, watching him plead with their father. The usually cheerful and optimistic boy was on the verge of tears as he grabbed at their giant father's coat sleeve.

"Patton, let go of me. You're acting like a child-"

"Please! You can't go, I can't get a hold of Janet and it's been three whole days!"

"You have enough money for the week, you'll survive."

"We have barely enough money to buy some groceries-"

"Janet will be back by monday."

"That's what you said last weekend, and she hasn't been back! All I could make for dinner last night was cereal!"

"You'll be fine-"

"Just please don't go, dad! I'll get a job, I'll do more I just- please don't leave again!"

"Let go of me, Patton"

"Dad-"

"I said let go!"

Virgil yelped as Patton was thrown off of his father's arm and came crashing to the ground. His frightened eyes were worriedly fixed on his brother as he pushed himself into a sitting position, staring silently at their father.

"You need to learn how to grow up." Their father took up his bag and his keys as he had many times before. "One day, I won't come back."

The young boy flinched as the door slammed, eyes falling back on his brother. Patton seemed upset, that's for sure- at the time Virgil couldn't fully understand what he was feeling. But that didn't mean Virgil couldn't tell Patton was about to cry.

"Patt..?" He stepped over to his brother and shyly tugged at his sleeve. "You ok..?"

The way Patton looked at Virgil made his heart hurt. It was so weird seeing his brother without a smile, or holding back tears. Virgil didn't like it. He didn't like what his father was doing. Why did he keep making Patton so sad?

However, Patton's frown didn't last for long. A small smile made it's way to the fifteen-year-old's face as he shifted so he was kneeling instead of sitting. He wiped his eyes and brushed some hair out of Virgil's face.

"Yeah, kiddo, I'm alright. Don't worry too much about it, ok?"

Virgil nodded, and Patton smiled a bit wider, ruffling up Virgil's chestnut brown hair that matched so well with his brother's.

"Good. How about.. pizza? Are you feeling some good ol' anchovies tonight?" Virgil stuck out his tongue and pulled a face. Patton giggled as he stepped into the kitchen to order pizza, leading Virgil by the hand.

"..Hey, Patt?"

"Yeah, bud?"

"Was.. dad for real? Is he not gonna come back..?"

Patton paused as he looked down at Virgil, his voice caught in his throat. The young boy always had so many questions, didn't he? Most of the time, it was a wonderful thing.. but Patton didn't always have the answers he needed to have.

"I... he'll come back, Virgil. I know it's scary right now, but we have to trust him. He's family, after all." He gave Virgil a reassuring hand squeeze as he pulled his younger brother up to sit on the counter next to the landline.

"And no matter what, I'll never leave. You can trust me on that." Patton gave Virgil a short forehead kiss as he picked up the landline to provide dinner for that night.

"..I trust you."

_______

Tag list:

@gaydreamland @virgils-old-sweater @6tick6tock6 @hellomusicalnerdhere @thatpinkpony59 @roseisjustfine

[rainbowserenity]

For "I love you" list. 32, Hoperai, LR. Damn you if you don't make it angsty. lol

total nano count: 22591/50000

32: In a way I can’t return

this isn’t actually LR-related, buuuut I’ve had this idea floating around in the back of my head for awhile now and this prompt was perfect. please don’t be scared off by the second person POV whoops

You’rein love with an amazing man, and the amazing part is that he lovesyou back.

He’snot overly romantic, but then again, neither are you, so that’s okay.It’s in the little things, like how after six months or so, he letsyou leave you toothbrush in the bathroom and clears away a drawer inhis bedroom so that you’d have a place to put your stuff. Heunceremoniously gives you a key to his place, just because it ‘madesense’ for you to have it.

Dependableand practical. That was Hope Estheim in a nutshell.

Youadored how smart he was, how he’d make quick work of any problem,scientific or not, in a matter of seconds. This seemed to fall intoyour love life, too – whenever you told him that you loved him, hiseyes would widen and he’d reply, “I love you too!” His voicealways got a little higher-pitched like he couldn’t believe what hewas hearing, and the statement always sounded like he wascongratulating you for getting an answer right.

Butthat was okay. More than okay, really. You loved him and hisno-nonsense way of life. He was calculated and precise, but not in acold way or anything. It was just how he was.

Theonly time he ever seemed to lose control of his emotions was when youwere in bed together, but even then, it wasn’t in any sort of wildand crazy way. Sometimes his touches would just get less precise andhe often got a faraway sort of look in his eyes. You always toldyourself that he was just incredibly lost in the moment with you.

Youdidn’t have the guts to ask otherwise.

Sometimesyou wondered if he missed the old world, whatever that had been. Youhad no memories of it, but Hope did. He’d often talk to you about itat night while he traced patterns into your back – about magic andpeople turning to crystal and traveling through time. It all soundedlike something out of a storybook, but the way he told those taleswas so vivid. His words stirred some sort of primal feelingsin your heart, and it was enough to make you believe that you’d oncebelonged to that world, too.

Wheneverhe told those stories, he’d often mention a 'savior,’ and his voicewas so…reverent when he spoke of her, like she was a literalGoddess who’d fallen and demanded worship. He never mentioned her byany other name, so this person seemed more like an idea than someonewho truly existed.

Itwas how you were able to conceal the jealousy when you wished that hewould talk about you with such reverence.

Youwere a real person. Youwere the one in his bed almostevery night, the one that had space in his drawer and a toothbrush inhis bathroom. He loved you. There was nobody else.

Untilyou walked in on them.

Tobe fair, there wasn’t anything scandalous happening. When youunlocked the door to Hope’s apartment, you were startled to find himin a deep conversation with an unfamiliar woman. Her rose-coloredhair gleamed even under the dull lighting in the living room.

Neitherof them saw you at first. Even though you wanted to call out agreeting and kiss him, you just staredinstead. You couldn’t hear what the two of them were saying, butyou’d never seen Hope with that look on his face before – there wasa slight smile on his lips and his head was tilted a bit as helistened to her speak. It might have been a silly thought, but therejust seemed to be this…light thatglowed in his eyes.

He’dnever looked at you like that before.

Withoutanother thought, you cleared your throat, which caused Hope to jump alittle, but the woman just whipped her head around. The two of youstared impassively at each other for a long, suspended moment. Youhad the weirdest feeling she was sizing you up.

Luckily,Hope was right there to smooth it all over in that practical way youloved him for. “Welcome back. Oh hey, is that dinner?”

“Yeah.”You set down the bags of takeaway on the table. Two bags.

Thewoman’s eyes flickered to them and she looked at Hope, not sparingyou a second glance. “I’m going to go.”

“Oh.”For the first time in all the months you’d known him, Hope lookedgenuinely upset. “Well, I…”

“Ineed to get back to Serah.”

“Oh.”Hope nodded. “Right. Please give her my regards.”

Thetwo of them stared at each other some more and you had the weirdestfeeling that you were intruding on something personal even though youwere the one with a key. You were the one who slept inHope’s bed and had his love.

Youignored the little voice in the back of your head that taunted youwith the truth: you didn’t have that light in his eyes.

“Right,”the woman echoed, finally looking away and heading for the door.“I’ll let myself out.”

“Light- ”

“It’snot that far.”

Shecrossed the floor to leave and your eyebrows scrunched together inconfusion. “Light?” you echoed after she’d left and there wassilence in the room.

Hopejumped again like he hadn’t realized you were standing right there.“Oh, um, yes. Another friend from the old world.”

Asthe two of you sat down to dinner, you recalled all those stories hetold you when the two of you were supposed to be asleep, trying toremember someone by that name. It didn’t hit you until you weretaking out the trash that you knew exactly who she was.

TheSavior.

Youaccepted the kiss he gave you before falling asleep. Though his facewas relaxed, like everyone’s usually was in sleep, it didn’t compareto how raw his expression had been while talking to his Light. You’dnever even seen him looking like that while talking about work.

Withouthesitation, you reached over and grabbed Hope’s phone, taking it outto the hallway with you. Sure, he had a two-step unlocking system onit, but you didn’t date a man for nearly a year by now withoutlearning how to get into his phone.

Notthat you’d had a reason to do so before now.

Youscrolled through his contact list. There weren’t very many names, butthey were all organized by the same method – a first name and lastinitial.

Exceptfor one.

Youtapped on the name that was merely the letter 'L’ and a lightningbolt emoji. For a second, you just stared at the contact info,wondering if they’d only exchanged numbers today or if he’d had thisfor a long time, but it didn’t matter.

Shepicked up on the first ring, her voice wary but, ironically, full of…“Hope?”

“Nope,”you replied. Whatever anger that’d been bubbling in your chestfizzled out. Maybe you should’ve been more pissed off, but youjust felt….numb.

Lightsucked in a breath. “What are you doing with his phone?”

“Justletting you know that Hope’s in love with you.” You didn’t knowwhether to laugh or cry at how easily the words came. Maybe both.

“He– he’s not…” You got the feeling that Light didn’t oftenstumble over her words. “Hope – he doesn’t…it’s not…”

“I’veheard how he talks about you. I saw how he looked at you earlier. Youdidn’t want to leave, did you?”

Silence.Guilty silence. And then, “Why are you doing this?”

“BecauseHope doesn’t love me,”  you said. The words felt like a knife, butyou knew it was true. Or at least partially true – maybe he didlove you, but it wasn’t in a way either of you deserved while you hada toothbrush in his bathroom. You let out a wild, painful, slightlyhysterical laugh. “He doesn’t! He can’t because he loves you!”

Speakof the devil – maybe it was your laugh or your words, but youspotted Hope a second later, standing in the doorway of the bedroom.His bedroom, because what the hell had you been thinking thatit was partially yours, too?

Heruffled his sleep-mussed hair, looking confused and bleary-eyed.“Hey…” His eyes widened a bit when he saw you with his phonewith tears in your eyes. “What are you doing…?”

“Nothing.”You scrambled to your feet. “Just telling your savior thatyou’re in love with her.”

Hopesucked in a sharp, shaky breath. “How…?”

Thatwasn’t even a denial. That hurt. You glanced down at the phone inyour hand. Light was still on the line. She could probably heareverything. “She’s probably in love with you, too, idiot.” Youtossed the phone at him, watching as he fumbled to catch it. “I’mgetting my stuff and leaving. Don’t follow me.”

“No,wait - !”

Youwhirled around, staring at him for what would probably be the lasttime. His sea-green eyes, the mussed silver hair, his lean build –he was stupidly handsome and sweet and practical and so smart, but sostupid when it came to feelings.

“Don’tdo me a favor by pretending you feel the same way about me,” yousaid, your voice only wavering a little. Just a little. “Just…thinkabout yourself. For once.”

Withthat, you left him there and stomped through the place, getting yourstuff. Some clothes, a couple of little knickknacks, your toothbrush.It was barely enough to fill a plastic bag. Gods, you were pathetic,thinking that all of this meant something.

Beforeyou left, you took the key to his place out of your pocket and leftit on the kitchen counter.

Andthen you walked out for good.

Overthe next few months, you couldn’t help but wonder if anything hadcome from that night – if Hope had actually talked to Light andthey worked through their feelings or if they decided that you werebeing silly and continued to dance around each other. You had toadmit that, as painful as it was, the first option was preferable.The thought of Hope stringing someone else along like he’d done withyou – even without realizing it – twisted your chest in pain thatyou couldn’t even begin to describe.

Aboveall else, you wanted him to be happy, even if it wasn’t with you.

Thenext time you see him, it’s not in person, which makes sense sinceyou’ve long since moved away. You’re snuggled up next to yourboyfriend on the couch and flipping through the channels while he’sstaring at his phone. Even though you’re going through the boringnews channels, one makes you stop and watch.

Therehe is, right on the national news – Hope Estheim receiving an awardfor some kind of scientific breakthrough.

Eventhough it’s been a year and a half since that night, there’s still aslight little pang in your chest as you watch him, practicallybeaming as he receives a fancy-looking plaque. The hurt in your heartdissipates when you catch a glimpse of rose-colored hair off to theside, and when Hope moves his hand just right, you can see a goldring on his finger.

Yourboyfriend looks up from his phone with a frown. “Why are youwatching this?”

Youshrug with one shoulder, gesturing to the screen. “I used to datethat guy.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Huh.”Your boyfriend cocks his head a bit and squints. “I can’t reallysee you with him.”

“Whynot?”

Hegrins and pulls you closer. “Maybe because I can only see you withme.”

Yousmile and tilt your head up for a kiss. When you glance at the TV onemore time before turning it off, Hope has a beaming smile on his faceand light in his eyes. You know it’s partially from whatever awardhe’s gotten, but when he glances to his right and the camera pans toLight, who looks much softer than that day you’d met her, you knowthe award’s not the only reason for his grin.

Itwas incredible, really. Hope had known her in an old, dying world andcarried her with him here to reality. Those two had been with eachother through so many lifetimes, and yet somehow, you were theonly one to see the light in his eyes when he looked at her. Maybeshe’d gotten so used to the expression that she hadn’t been able tosee it for what it was.

Youshook those thoughts out of your head and tossed the remote to theside when TV flickered off, instead turning your attention to yourboyfriend’s lips.

Youonce loved a dependable, practical man who couldn’t return your love.The amazing part is that you found someone who can.

[sunriseoverastorea]

It has been many years since Marea looked at an open plain, a faceted tower, an endless sea of shifting dunes that stretches to the impossibly far horizon, and felt the spark of discovery within her. It has never been a feeling she can explain, but ever since Rajya began to tell her tales of the world outside the Reach, she yearned to travel, to see everything she could, to make the world her own, walk every path and see every star. And more than anything, she wanted to find that place. A certain place. A place that she could never put into words, but which lingered in the back of her mind, in the depths of her heart, like an aching old wound. It was like longing, but also love, and misery, and so much more. As a child, she let herself overflow with it, wrapped up in dreams and history texts disguised as storybooks. One day, she had known nothing. And the next, Rajya handed her the keys to the earth on a convenient lanyard. But where to put the keys? Every new place a door, and all of them already opened. Everywhere she went was tarnished, scourged, by the humans with their hate. A weak race, with no desire other than to tear others down, and no talents to make their faults worthwhile. In every passing face she saw the people she knew from the streets of the city. The people who never saw her—or did, and kicked her, spit at her, molded her into who she is now. The only place she felt truly safe was in Ascalon, north of Ebonhawke, where only the charr and the local critters roamed. But she was not welcome—more welcome now, yes, things have changed. But in the end, there was no one who would have her, human or charr, poor or rich. Rajya Sleekfur was her only solace, and she tossed her away for a pretty picture of copper hills. And Rajya forgave her. They were together again, for a time. Then, under those same rolling hills, Marea buried her keeper beneath the brittle grass. No place she had been will ever be the same. Now, she must go someplace brand new, chasing that glimmer of hope that refuses to die, despite how much she tries to extinguish it. A child at heart, she thinks to herself, as she packs a light backpack for the journey ahead. When Raigar flew Blackclaw to Amnoon, she hitched a ride, expecting to see the city, sample a few new poisonous fauna, and go home in two week's time. But this desert is something she hasn't seen before. Like the Wastes, but without her emotional baggage. And so much more diverse, much more to see—a land arid by design, not a jungle wiped out over time. She's decided to stay. She's gathered stories of dwarven ruins to the north, in the chilly uplands. Rajya liked the dwarves. Thought they were cool, though not her area of expertise. She'll explore for a bit, find a small souvenir to take back for Rajya's grave, and be back in Amnoon in just a month, in time to fly to Kryta with Raigar. The journey will breeze by, a walk in the park compared to the things she's seen. She shoves a wad of wrinkled paper into her pack, snatches a collection of little wooden animal figurines off a shelf. The people in the Zephyrite refuge have been very kind and accommodating, and they will continue to be, whether they know it or not. She slips out from the room, and walks just a few feet to the storage area, where a small, almost pathetic, amount of dried meat has been stashed in crates. She grabs it by the handful, stuffing as much into her bag as she can. Outside of the darkened cave rooms, the sun is just flooding the horizon, turning the dusty village roads a deep, bloody scarlet. She soundlessly flits over to the bank of the ravine, and dips her canteen into the cool water. Her fingers brush the surface. She closes her eyes, and a million sensations flood her mind, fresh, crisp, cold, floating, rushing, foaming, roaring rivers running through her fingertips, pale skin so tender to the brackish liquid. She opens her eyes. She feels nothing. Her canteen is filled to overflowing, so she caps it and hooks it to her belt. Adjusts her backpack so it sits more snugly on her shoulders. Tugs a lumpy braid out from under the left strap—even restrained, her new long hair is always in the way. As she starts to make her way for the scaffolding that crisscrosses between the cliffs, forming a path upwards, a tiny voice calls out her name. She doesn't miss a beat, footsteps steady and brisk, as the sound catches up with her, and a little boy tugs at her coat. “Mar!” he whispers urgently, the sound of villagers awakening, metal clinking, beginning to stir in the air. “The Forged have been seen approaching. Please, my father sent me to ask for your weapons, we can fight if we each have a gun, or even a knife.” Marea yanks her coat out of his grasp, speeding up her pace. “Don't touch me,” she snaps. “I'm leaving now, so I can't stay and lend you all my hard-earned weapons. Sorry.” “Please! It's all we have!” He dives down, crashing to the ground and wrapping his arms around her leg, the faint glimmer of tears on his cheeks. “They're going to kill us. You outlanders came to help, didn't you? You have to stay and help. You have to--” The reaction is immediate. The second she tries to lift her leg and feels a child attached, her kitty pistol is in her hands, cracking across the boy's temple. He crumbles away with a cry, and she turns on him, drawing back her liberated leg and kicking him in the chest, pointed steel toe digging into flesh. “I am not here for you,” she hisses, already starting away. The boards of the elevated walkway creak beneath her feet. “Fucking kids. Fucking touching me. Not how I wanted to start morning!” She raises her voice, throwing it back accusatorily. The little boy lies in the sand, curled into a ball. Humans, with their hate. Poisoning the earth. And then, from the earth, new, more terrible humans spring up like weeds, and the cycle continues. Even here, she cannot escape. But maybe up north, in the cold, there will be solace. There will be wonder and dreams again. Maybe, when the time comes to go home, she will already be home. Raigar barely wants her. No one else cares. She once made it her prerogative that she should never need anyone, not a single soul, no one to hold her at night or fight by her side. She doesn't know a thing about this place that she seeks. This glimmer of hope, this strange swelling in her heart. She doesn't know a thing, except that she's never going to find it. But she's going to try anyway. Again, and again, and again.

[goldenheadfreckledheart]

hold on to hope, if you got it

Another reunion fic, because of course it is.

Canonverse, 2 months post 4x13, an excuse for me to patch up my heart.

Thanks to @fredweasleying and @mellamymake for being cheerleaders for this fic. <3

3k. [Read on AO3]

Drawing up treaties with the prisoners has been…exhausting. It feels like she’s doing the whole thing over again, except that she’s on the opposite side this time and she manages to get them to talk before exchanging bullets and spears.

So, in retrospect, not as exhausting as the first time around. At most, all she can complain is that it’s a little repetitive.

And she doesn’t have Bellamy by her side, this time. But she tries her best not to think about that.

She still finds time to radio him, most days, an outlet more than anything. Her voice doesn’t break on his name like it did those first few months, and then again at the five year mark.

It’s good for her, she thinks, talking to him. Madi has been a godsend for her sanity—giving her a sense of priority, a schedule, with all her lessons, and most importantly, someone to love—but she is still a kid, and Clarke misses talking to her friends. Misses Bellamy, more than anything. There’s no point denying it.

He was more than a best friend, which sounds overly sentimental to her own ears, but you don’t go through what they did together and not come out of it as each other’s person. So yeah, she misses him like a constant, familiar ache.

Or maybe she misses the person she remembers. Misses what her brain tells her he was. She can hardly trust her memories, now. Can hardly say for sure if he’d looked at her the way she thought he had, six years ago. If he’d really had the persistent aura of warmth that she still imagines.

They’d loved each other. She knows that at least. In what way, it doesn’t really matter. Not now. But she’d loved him. And he her. And they were a team.

And now they’re not.

Clarke smiles grimly as she finishes the walk from the negotiations tent, back toward her camp. Back to Madi. Her new team member.

She gives the girl a quick squeeze when she runs up as Clarke closes their wooden fence behind her. They’ve mostly retired the rover and their vagabond lifestyle for the last couple months, now that they need to stay close by to the newcomers. And their gate is nothing compared to the one that used to surround Arkadia. It’s a border more than a deterrent, and the thought makes her smile with a little more strength. No need for charged wire and guards, not this time.

“Hey kiddo. Finish that math?”

Madi rolls her eyes, but accepts the hug. “Ages ago. I’m almost halfway through one of the storybooks you brought back last time.”

Clarke stifles a laugh and thinks, not for the first time, that Bellamy would love her. It makes her ache, and also reminds that she hadn’t radioed this morning, what with the early meeting with the Martians.

“I get it, you’re a genius,” she says, ruffling a hand through her braids. “You have to tell me about your favorite stories later.”

She leaves Madi with dinner, courtesy of the Martian hunters, given in exchange for more survival tips, before picking up the radio.

“You need anything before I take the radio out? I missed this morning.”

“Nope,” the girl says, her attention already back on the book.

“Okay.” Clarke presses a kiss to her hair. “I won't be gone for more than an hour.”

There’s no danger here, not now that they’re on good terms with the prisoners. Plus Madi is nearly thirteen, and already bristling when Clarke gives her too many boundaries, or doesn’t let her stay at the camp alone.

The sun is just starting to set when she finishes the short trek up the hillside, to the overlook that she thinks gives her signal the best chance at reaching the Ark. The valley it looks down on is desolate as it’s ever been, though she swore she spotted a speck of green last week.

Settling down onto her usual moss-covered log, she fiddles with the receiver for a second, and then sits back.

“Hey Bellamy,” she says on a sigh. It’s how it always feels when she starts these. Like she hasn’t taken a proper breath all day. “Me again.”

It never really stops feeling stupid, talking to no one, but she doesn’t know when she’s going to stop. She’s sure she’ll have to, eventually. Just not today. Not until it stops helping.

“It’s been 2,260 days since Praimfaya. Negotiations with the Mars colony are more like Madi’s lessons these days. Except more about what not to eat and less about literature and math.” She grins down at her feet, hair falling forward. “I keep thinking how much you’d like her. She’s going to be smarter than me soon. She might even beat you out for mythology references. Those are her favorites from the last trip I took to Becca’s library.”

She clears her throat. “Not much news from the rest of the world. The bunker is still radio silent, but with the Martians here we might have the manpower to dig them out, if I can convince them to help. But… yeah.” She trails off into her thoughts. “We’re still here. On the one spot of green on the planet. Surviving. And still hoping, in case this message wasn’t enough evidence of that. I keep thinking I’ll have to stop this at some point. But like I’ve said before—it helps. And I don’t think I could let go of you, of hope.”

“I’m really glad you didn’t.”

Clarke nearly drops the radio. Because the response doesn’t come from through the crackly speaker, but from the tree line to her right. From here. Earth.

She shoots to her feet, heart racing—from fear or anticipation, she can’t tell. The voice is familiar, so familiar it hurts, but she’s spent so long hoping that this feels like it must be a trick. It must be, until she turns and sees—

“Bellamy?”

Because unless she’s well and truly lost her mind, that’s definitely Bellamy. A little older, hair a little longer, but fuck. Still Bellamy. Her mind trips over itself, trying to take in every detail at once.

He takes a couple steps toward her, a small, hopeful smile playing at his lips. Even now, even after six years, she can tell it’s underlied with guilt.

“Sorry we’re late,” he says, and she wants to live in his voice, or collapse to the ground. It’s a pretty equal fight. “Getting up to space was one thing, but coming back down without incinerating ourselves was more of a problem.”

She can’t laugh at the half-joke, can’t even breathe, let alone believe what she’s seeing. Her mind races as she takes a hesitant step forward.

“I didn’t know if you even made it to the ring.” Even now, with him standing here, it seems impossible.

“We did. Thanks to you.” And sure enough, she shifts her eyes to the other six emerging from the trees behind him. Hanging back a little, but here. Alive.

It’s so long ago now, the day she tried to align the dish. The day she lost him. Lost all of them. It’s so long ago that she’d given up on agonizing over whether it had worked. Whether she saved them, or left them stranded in space.

It’s always been in the back of her head, a constant weight, tinged with the smallest flicker of hope, but it’s been so long since she’s let herself think on it, in concrete terms.

And here he is. Bellamy. If he’s not a hallucination, then he must be something infinitely crazier: a confirmation of all her most optimistic hopes. That the rocket worked, that she’d moved the dish in time, that they’d gotten the air turned on, that the algae bloomed on schedule, that, despite every odd against them, they’d survived.

She’s still staring, and when she meets his eyes, he’s looking at her like he’s trying to figure her out. Her chest twinges painfully.

There’s so much to say -- so much to ask -- that she can’t think where to start. He’s got dirt on his face, and she’s sure the rest of them do too, but she can’t tear her eyes from him. She wants to touch him. Make sure he’s real.

“We came down a month ago,” he supplies, shifting slightly on his feet.

She manages to process the words over the part of her brain that can’t stop noticing that she’d forgotten how good his voice sounds.

A month. So long and yet… so short, in the grand scheme of things.

“We started getting your transmissions a week ago. It took Raven a couple days to get a location from your signal because the ship was pretty fucked up from the landing, but once she did, we started out right awa—”

She’s got her arms around his neck before he can finish, when the need becomes so persistent that she can’t repress it. Like she’s been holding her breath for six years. All thoughts of the passed time erased by the earnestness of his voice.

“I missed you so much,” she whispers, voice wavering.

It doesn’t feel like enough. Not compared to what she’s feeling. But his arms come up around her without hesitation—so familiar, but such a distant memory that she can’t believe she’s ever felt something so good before—and she lets the tears fall from her eyes, unrelenting.

“I missed you too,” he says, so quietly and so low that she almost misses the shake in his voice. “Every day.”

“Me too. I radioed. Every day. You never responded but…”

She can feel him swallow, arms tightening around her, like he’ll never let go. “We never got the coms running again. Clarke, I’m s--”

“I—I just,” she cuts him off and shakes her head into the crook of his neck, choking on a watery laugh. Still reveling in the feel of him. “I can’t believe you’re alive. You’re here.”

“All thanks to you.”

She snorts weakly, not bothering to wipe away the sticky tears as she talks into his shoulder, “I’m willing to bet you were a big part of keeping them all alive, up there.”

“We all did our part.”

She pulls back with a laugh. “Good to see you didn’t lose your modesty.”

He shrugs, a smile playing at the edges of his lips. “Survival’s a team sport.”

She recognizes her words coming from his mouth, and she’s not sure she’s felt this light in years. Not even when they first came to Earth.

He’s not smiling anymore as her eyes roam his face, cataloging every new line, every familiar freckle. When she reaches his eyes, her breath catches at the emotion she finds there.

“Fuck, you’re really alive,” he breathes.

She can’t do anything but smile, heedless of the still falling tears. “So are you. And you’re here.”

She barely catches his returning smile before he pulls her back into him, his chin a blissful, comforting weight on her shoulder. Her hand moves up into his hair when she feels his own tears against her neck.

Home, she thinks. This is what home feels like.

*

When they finally pull apart, her eyes fall on the others. Raven first, who already has her arms open when Clarke barrels into them, then Monty, and Harper, and Murphy, and Emori, and even Echo, who Clarke doesn’t think has ever looked at her with such… kindness.

She doesn’t for a second hear their insistence that they don’t need to stay at her camp, that they’ve got a camp of their own, not too far.

“I haven’t seen you all for six fucking years,” she says on a laugh. “You’re staying here.”

She catches herself for a moment, realizing that they’re more their own people than they are hers anymore. “At least for tonight,” she amends. “And longer, if you want.”

“Of course we want,” Monty says, easy as anything. “What are we without our fearless leader?”

She’s heard that your heart can break from happiness.

“You had one of your own,” she says, nodding to Bellamy, and pushing through the tightness in her throat that comes from meeting his gaze. It eases a little when he smiles at her, soft.

“But good,” she says, clearing her throat. “No take backs. Come on, you have to meet Madi.”

*

“So you are real,” is the first thing Madi says when Clarke introduces the group.

“We haven’t quite gotten to manners in the lessons yet,” Clarke says to her friends, mostly because she knows it’ll make Madi glare, and maybe because it’ll distract from her blush.

“Hi, I’m Madi,” the girl says primly, sticking her hand out to Bellamy with a pointed I can be polite glance at Clarke.

“Hi Madi, I’m Bellamy.”

It’s probably pathetic to say that Clarke’s had this dream. All the people she loves in one place.

“Yeah, I figured,” she says. “Did you know that people can have vivid delusions and hallucinations as a result of trauma? I read about it in a psychology book.”

Clarke chokes on air, and Bellamy looks like he’s suppressing a laugh. Behind him, Murphy and Raven are definitely laughing.

“I think I have heard about that, yeah.”

“I thought that was what was happening to Clarke for a while, but she seemed pretty happy besides that, so I wasn’t sure. I’m glad you’re real.”

“Yeah, so am I,” he says, eyes drifting to Clarke’s for a second, giving her the same jolt of happiness it has for the last hour. That’s probably not going away. She hopes it doesn’t, anyway.

“You’re just as smart as Clarke said,” Bellamy is saying. “This is Raven. She’s really smart too.”

“I know Raven! Clarke said you could teach me about rocket science if you ever came down.”

“Well we came down, so I guess I have to now,” Raven says, stepping forward to shake her hand.

The rest of the introductions take a bit of time, but Clarke doesn’t mind. She can’t stop smiling.

*

Once they get the campfire going, Clarke takes a seat at Bellamy’s side—Madi is next to Raven, already hanging on to her every word—and fills them in on everything she knows. About the bunker, and the Martians. They all decide that a trip to Polis is order in the next few days.

Bellamy settles in closer as the night stretches on and the rest have split into smaller groups.

His warmth is so familiar she wants to cry.

“I’m glad you’re happy,” he says, voice rough and thick with emotion, echoing Madi’s words from earlier. “And I’m sorry we left you behind.”

“Hey.” She finds his hand on log between them, laces her fingers through his and squeezes. “If you hadn’t, we’d all be dead now.”

He nods almost imperceptibly, but his fingers still tighten around hers.

“I have been happy though. Turns out that even after the second apocalypse, earth still has a lot to offer,” she teases. “So don’t feel too guilty.”

He snorts. “Yeah, that definitely helps.”

She’s smiling as she tells him everything—all the finer details she’d left out while talking to the group—about finding Madi two years in, about feeling like herself again after that, about how much it still helped, talking to him every day.

In exchange, he gives her stories from the Ark: how they passed the time, how bad their food tasted before they figured out how to season it properly, how they’re broadly all the same people—like he somehow knew Clarke would be worried about that. About fitting herself into their group again

It’s nearly the same as her story: difficult, but exhilarating, figuring out how to survive in a new world, and succeeding at it.

It makes her feel like they were connect this whole time, somehow.

“Hey Bellamy,” she says, after a while.

“Hey Clarke.”

She huffs a laugh, and then lets her head rest on his shoulder.

“I was happy. But I’m happier now that you’re here.”

She can feel the breath he takes, unsteady as hers have been.

“Yeah. Me too.”

*

“Okay Blake, stop hogging Clarke,” Raven says when words have lapsed into silence. “You’re not the only one who’s missed her.”

He turns to Clarke conspiratorially. “Told you nothing’s changed.”

“Cute,” Raven snarks. “Make yourself useful and get us some food.”

He rolls his eyes, but does what she says, dropping Clarke’s hand with an apologetic smile as he heads over to where Madi’s beckoning toward the food from the Martians, from earlier that day.

“How’s the leg?” Clarke asks, tearing her gaze from him.

“As stiff as ever, but not worse, so,” she shrugs, “small blessings.”

Clarke wraps an arm around her. It’s not just Bellamy she’s missed. “A lot of those today.”

“We were always coming, Clarke. It just took us a while.”

“Yeah, he told me. And I… I think I always knew.”

Her eyes stray to Bellamy again, to where Echo bumps a hip against his while they grab food. She must say something, because he laughs and shakes his head before returning the gesture.

“Are they…” Clarke starts, trailing off when she finds the question too painful. Even after 6 years to get over it. She’s probably making what Madi calls the Bellamy face.

But Raven turns to her before she can take it back. Seeing through her, like she always has.

“What, Bellamy and Echo?” She snorts. “Nah. He’d have to stop thinking about you for more than ten minutes for that to happen.”

Clarke tries to think of something to say to that, and fails.

“You should have seen his face when we heard you over the radio. I think some part of him never gave up hope that you were alive.”

She’s going to kiss him. It's not a jarring thought, but it's one that she's been doing her best at suppressing.

Maybe not today, but she’s definitely going to kiss him. Soon.

“Neither did I.”

Raven smiles knowingly. “Yeah, I figured. Neither of you have ever done things halfway.”

A/N: If you're into this I could probs write an extended Bellamy POV? I have a lot of feelings??

[drink-n-watch]

  It might actually finally truly be summer here. I get paid by the adverb! But it really is a rather nice weekend. Sunny and bright but not too hot. The type of weekend that makes you want to just be lazy and not do a ton of paperwork. I have a lot of paperwork to do… I have been putting it off. But I absolutely must get this review out first. Right? Right! How are you doing Crow? Everything good for you?

  I am doing mostly fine. It’s getting very summerly here (we’re splitting the adverb bounty, right?). Did you know it takes a week and a half to get the replacement valve that feeds refrigerant into my air conditioner? I just learned that myself. It arrives Thursday. The joys of homeownership…

We are now at episode 8 and going into the final arc. Unless My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Is planning on getting another season, we should be starting off the denouement right about now. Any thoughts before we get started?

I’m really curious to see what you thought about this one. I had fewer notes, but it’s taking a lot longer to process. And poor, poor Mary! I’m glad Maria was… Well, I don’t want to get ahead of ourselves…

Because the school year is nearing the end, Catarina is studying for her exams but she soon decides to take a little break and change things up, by doing some gardening. I was always fairly good at studying and absolutely horrific at gardening. I’m just a notorious plant mass murderer. It was a very upside down notion for me to have Catarina actually choose shovels over books. Like my brain had to adjust.

I grew up on a farm, so I had to make sure fields of plants lived or we had no income. It wasn’t easy, I can tell you! Fortunately, I just had to plow, disc, and cultivate. More experienced folks applied the nitrogen and other dangerous chemicals. Then the plants would not have been the only ones in danger!

In the garden, she runs into Alan and spying on them s from the school windows, Mary gets the wrong idea gets very worried and decides to go interrupt them. 

She’s my favorite. I think that’s why I felt so sorry for her even through the after credits scene!

At this point we get the OP. I’m not sure if I’ve ever gotten a chance to mention it but I really like the opening song, for what it is. It’s quite bouncy and puts me in a good mood whenever I hear it. I think it really suits the series quite well. The visuals are fine but not that interesting all things considered, but when you pair them with the music, everything seems to come together so well. It’s sort of a nothing special really but solide and fun OP. 

It’s a very uplifting song. Apparently, the artist is named angela, and Crunchyroll did a writeup on her. Very interesting video, by the way!

Fortunately for Mary, Catarina was in fact just going in, and the two meet up right away and go to the student council room to study for a bit. I quite like the squiggly writing they use. It looks a bit like drunken sanskrit. Sirius is there and they exchange a few words. Do you like his voice actor?

You know, I didn’t really give his VA any thought until this episode — and I thought that he’d done a particularly good job. Toshiki Masuda managed to sound friendly and helpful while giving off an ominous vibe! 

At this point, the two girls (Mary and Catarina that is) decide to switch over to the library and start heading that way. I just wrote a post on anime libraries so this was very topical for me. On their way the first run into Geordo who decides to invite himself much to the chagrin of Mary. She really is not very good at hiding her emotions and her disappointment at losing her alone time showed on her face perfectly. Geordo teased a bit about it but was generally a very good sport about someone with romantic aspirations trying to spend alone time with his fiance. He’s impressively not jealous which you would think would be a big part of his archetype. 

I wonder how this library compared to the ones in your post? About Gerald, though, he’s really surprised me. He has every right (socially speaking) to be upset that everyone’s horning in on his fiancée, but he’s generally been very patient! 

Next, the tree of them ran into Keith who immediately decided to join in as well.  From there, a series of quick vignettes showed all the main characters in turn decided to tag along, namely Maria, Sophia, Alan and finally Nicol. I really loved how Nicol was basically just a still shot of him without any dialog and the next scene was him walking with the group. That made me giggle. The entire little montage was fun.

The group finally makes it to the library which is surprisingly cozy, or maybe this was an offshoot or something. The room they were in only had one table and it was just big enough for the 8 of them. 

Yes, it looked comfortable. But I thought it was awfully suspicious that neither Mary nor Catarina (okay, Mary…) had heard of the library when Sirius mentioned it. I wonder if he knew what was going to happen… 

I think it’s at this point that I realized that I would probably like this show more if I was binge watching it. It’s great as is but I do think it loses a bit of its momentum having to wait a week between episodes and the repetitive nature of the narrative stands out more. It’s so light and airy I would probably have blown through an entire season in a day or two and have been left in a good mood for the rest of the week. What do you think Crow?

You know that I look for moments to celebrate, and I love the characters so much that I’ve been trying to ignore it. But, in all honesty, you’re right. As you said, it’s nothing against the show! Catarina’s Baka side is part of its charm. But it might flow more smoothly viewed all at once.

It seems that being part of a group does help Catarina focus on the books, but only for a short while. As she starts to get fidgety the Maries (that’s what I have decided to call the duo of Mary and Maria – it’s sort of a misspelling of both their names so no one can get mad. That makes just perfect sense) Where was I? I got lost in my own parenthesis. Oh yeah, seeing Catarina getting distracted! The Maries figure it’s a good time for a bit of a break. Maria decides to get them some sweets she made while Mary makes the tea. Both of them would make good maids.

No argument here!

Catarina jumps on the occasion to do something else and peruses the shelves next to the table when she spots a specific book that seems to glow for a minute. When Catarina she opens the book out of curiosity it glows a LOT more and we find out her voice stress has an impressive set of lungs on her. I was watching the show with my windows wide open and I’m sure my neighbours got a little worried there.

At this point, everyone in the library disappears, apparently having been sucked into the book, leaving behind the Maries. Maybe this will be their chance to save the day and redeem themselves after doing nothing but almost killing Alan last week!

This was the Bakarina moment for the episode, I think. I mean, if a book went all glowy for you, would you open it right in your own face? Especially if I couldn’t read the title (which I doubt Catarina could read).

Mary garbs the book and starts looking through it. Fortunately, it doesn’t also suck the two of them in for some reason, and they can sort of see what’s happening in the book’s universe through the pictures. Or maybe those are illusions? In any case they cannot seem to directly interact by touching the pictures. I’m not sure why they didn’t try writing something in the book. This whole idea is a little meta, Catarina getting sucked into the universe of a storybook from the universe of an otome she got sucked into….

I love Re:CREATORS. This is almost normal for me! Seriously, though, it is delightfully Inception-like! Or maybe I should say Paprika-like… 

For some reason, Catarina is the only one who seems to realize something is amiss. Maybe because she comes from a different world to start off with? The Maries get to briefly watch a scene that seems to be taking place right after Geordo and Catarina’s wedding as the two of them start their first evening as husband and wife. Understandably, Geordo is eager to romance his one true love now that they are legal and after a 15 year courtship (I’m not actually sure how old they are but they seemed older than they are now and they have been engaged for a long time already…) but since for Catarina she was in the library a few minutes ago, it’s a bit of a shock. Nevertheless she doesn’t seem that opposed to it. I was looking through my screencaps of the scene and it ends on her smiling face. A visual I missed when reading the subtitles I guess because  though she was a bit more hesitant than that expression seemed to indicate.

The scene gets to be a bit much for Mary and she slams the book shut not wishing to see her beloved Catarina with someone else in a romantic way. The Maries talk over what they have just seen and decide to open the book again not knowing what to do.

Honestly, I felt bad for Mary in this episode. It had to be very difficult to her to have to watch others acting on their romantic desires for Catarina! 

I got a similar vibe from Catarina and Geraldo. She seemed more surprised than anything. Maybe from his perspective, his imagination had experienced the wedding ceremony. But she was still fresh from the library, so the scene was a complete surprise to her.

The next time Catarina is at her desk in her room, trying to study, with Keith standing over her shoulder. Except Keith looks a little weird. Like he got lip injections or something. Then he sort of flirts with her and tries to feed her a cookie. Which he immediately succeeds in because Catarina has never said no to a cookie, but before she gets to taste it, the book slams shut agan and Mary is  exasperated. We learn that the book feeds on desires and we are actually seeing the characters deepest desires realized.

I laughed at Catarina’s reaction to Keith: “he’s giving off an oddly sexy vibe…”

I have to say, I can see it for Geordo. He is very much in love with his fiance and has worked hard for years to be the proper companion for her. I can see him really looking forward to their wedding night. I also figure he would be the type of guy who sees himself as debonnaire and smooth. But Keith’s scene was a bit baffling to me. 

Sure Keith likes Catarin a lot, that’s no secret. And I completely believe that his deepest desire would involve her. But I can’t see him wanting to be a sleazy playboy type. Wouldn’t he have been horrified if not slightly repulsed by that version of him? It seems much more like what we are told game Keith is like rather than what the Keith we have come to know would fantasize about. This felt like they lost sight of the character a bit.

Unless the book is acting more on the characters based on their normal game routes? Nah, that’d be too subtle. I always saw Keith are more earnest and straight forward. I could see him helping her study, and getting closer and closer to her. But doing the who “open wide” thing? I’m with you on this one.

I don’t remember if this is where Alan comes in. His sequence is extremely short. We just see him playing piano next to a standing Catarina before Mary slams the book back shut, obviously not wanting to even think about it. I believe we are meant to understand that Mary also cares about Alan. It bothers her way more when he is with Catarina than when anyone else is and it’s not like Catarina shows him any favour.  Think it may have hurt her feelings just a bit that she wasn’t any part at all of Alan’s desires.

Her eyes were completely blank. It’s like that was the last straw for her. I loved how Maria kept trying to comfort Mary. They worked well together in this episode!

The next scene was Sophia’s, and it was rather sweet. I like little dreams. Sophia and Catarina were in a library again but not the same library. This was Sophia’s private library and Catarina was really impressed by the wealth of romance novels available. She even mentioned wanting to live there which stirred up something in Sophia. The latter reacted by pinning Catarina to the wall with her arms on either side, all aggressive boy in a shoujo type. It was pretty funny to watch, especially as Sophia is markedly shorter. I’m not sure if they were going for actually romantic feelings here or a very strong friendship but either way, it was cute. Cute enough for Mary to slam the book shut again.

That library was probably too small to qualify for your list, wasn’t it? I agree that Sophia was just darling in this scene. She loves her time with Catarina, and the idea of the two of them living together with a stocked library seems to be a dream of hers. 

Finally, we get Nicol’s fantasy sequence that was my favourite of the bunch. First, it really looked like an old school Sailor Moon episode with Serena fantasizing about Tuxedo Mask. In case that sentence didn’t make it sufficiently clear somehow, it looked amazing! Second, it was hilariously ridiculous. It seems even in his own desires, Nicol is pursued everywhere by a veritable army of swooning fangirls. I like this openly conceited Nicol. Second, he has the imagination to pretty much forgo realism. Unlike the others, his sequence wasn’t something that could happen and it made it all the better!

Leaping off the balcony into a gondola; sweeping Catarina into the air to bound from building to building, then telling her he’d love for her to be in his arms forever with the moon as a backdrop — yeah, he’s the most imaginative! 

Mary is starting to get really worried about Catarina and how hungry she must be by now. Staring longingly at the sweets, she mentioned that Catarina hasn’t eaten in a while. At this point, the Maries suddenly remember that the magical book that feeds on people’s desires will let them go if their desires are fulfilled somehow. Unfortunately since they don’t really know what to do about it they decided to just open the book again and check on Catarina’s own desire next.

I really loved their teamwork this episode. Maria also showed that has a shrewd, inquisitive mind. Very cool!

I have to admit, the Maries seemed to believe that sweets were Catarina’s deepest desire (a reasonable guess), but I was sure that she would put them all to shame and they would see a scene with absolutely everyone, themselves included and realize that Catarina’s deepest desire is for everyone to be together and happy. 

Catarina’s sequence opens with her walking alone through a grim looking forest and complaining about being hungry when she suddenly chances upon a life sized gingerbread house just like in the Hansel and Gretel fable.  Of course, she goes right for it and starts devouring the walls. Soon the house turns into a tornado of candy which a rapidly fattening Catarina more or less vacuums up. The scene goes out of control quickly and the Maries try to shut the book again but something is going wrong as it distorts and bubbles. Suddenly everyone explodes out of the book.

We are told that because the book candy wasn’t real, Catarina couldn’t get full no matter how much she ate, so her desire just kept getting bigger and bigger until the book couldn’t handle it anymore. I’m not sure what they did with the book next but everyone was happy and they had tea and snacks. Too bad the Maries didn’t get a chance to do anything in the end. 

I think I’d be at least a bit curious about the book — and why it decided to get my attention! It was interesting that they said it was one of the 7 mysteries of the school. Put me in mind of Yamada and the 7 Witches. 

I’m not sure if I’m understanding this right, but if Mary had just let anyone’s scene play out, they would all have been freed from the book right away. Like it’s not really a trap. You get sucked in, it plays out your deepest desire and when it’s fulfilled, it lets you out. That sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me. I wish I had a bunch of those books lying around. Last week, Crow and I discussed potential My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Merchandise. I’m saying a fully functional desire book will make them all millionaires. I hope someone is working on that! Oh man, I would spend every second I could in anime worlds… probably watching anime…

My luck, no one would open the book, and I’d be trapped! Bit of a downside, there… But with the appropriate safety equipment, it could be a complete blast. There’re several worlds I wouldn’t mind visiting! As several I’d very much want to avoid…

Does anyone need to open the book?

Finally, the after credits scene showed a broken hearted Mary watching what she believes is her long time fiance betraying her with her best friend and not so secret unrequited love. It stops a bit abruptly so maybe it’s a lead in for the next episode?

I wondered for a moment if it was part of the book fantasy! But it doesn’t look like it. I thought Catarina might be more interested in Nicol! But that moment in the tree seemed so comfortable!

Crow, how did you enjoy episode 8 of My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!? Are you looking forward to next week?

Yes, I did. Your earlier comments about some of the situations being repetitive was spot on, but I like the character so much that I’m really looking forward to the next episode. I really don’t want this comfortable, supportive group to change, though I know it has to! It’s just so rare to see a group like that being good to one another!

         My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! ep 8 – Simple Pleasures It might actually finally truly be summer here. I get paid by the adverb! But it really is a rather nice weekend.