#Even though Jas can use a knife perfectly fine

[theflowerofthecommonwealth]

Cozy RoboDad enjoying his steak.

[mistersshelby]

I have an idea for the story. So, maybe Thomas Shelby would be invited to a party to do some business but all of the guests would be speaking in different language (unfamiliar to Thomas) and he would ask the reader to come to the party to translate it (she would be almost native to it) and the guests would hit on her all the time and even though Tom and reader are not together he would be veeeeeeery jealous of her!!! (We love some good jealous Thomas) It’s just an idea, I hope you liked it! 😊

sorry this took so long!! hope you like it! also just disclaimer i don't actually speak german anything i used here i used google translate for so i'm sorry if it's incorrect!!

masterlist

questions, comments, concerns

“Business with the Germans?” You frown, “I didn’t know you worked with the Germans.”

“The alliance is new. Will you do it?” You’re sitting across from Tommy in his office and he looks rather bored, “I’ll pay you extra.”

You smirk, “Can I get a new dress?”

He sighs, “Sure.”

“Okay.” You fold your hands in your lap, “I’ll do it.”

“Great.” He says dismissively, “I’ll pick you up at 7.” He pushes some cash across his desk, “Go pick out a dress.”

You eagerly take the cash and leave his office. Tommy never took you on business. You had always hoped he would, but you knew for the most part he only ever asked you to check over the books for him, needing your patience and attention to detail. But now, now he needed your German. And you got to wear a pretty dress.

Tommy was silent as he drove you to the party. The only instructions he gave were to not let anyone know that you spoke German, at least at first. Easy enough. After being in Birmingham for so long you were more capable of sounding like a native Brummie than a German anyway. Though your mother had left Germany with you long before the Great War, you knew the way the Brits saw Germans and so you had removed every trace of your native country from yourself.

“You’re German.” Tommy had said the day you sat across from him, to apply for the secretarial position.

“Yes.” You swallowed tightly. You knew a decorated war vet like Tommy was highly unlikely to hire a German, but you had to try. You were out of money and you needed a job.

“When did you leave your home country?”

“1910, sir.”

“And who did you support in the war?”

You opened and closed your mouth, “I was still quite a young girl then, sir, I knew nothing of politics.”

He carefully leaned forward at his desk and folded his hands in front of him. You avoided his eyes, “Which side?”

“I supported the Allied Forces, sir. I like living here, I supported my new home.” You say quietly, still unable to meet his eyes.

“You don’t sound German.” He says.

You look up at that, “When the war started I made sure I sounded like true Brummie. I think you know what patriotic men do to women from the enemy country.” You recalled a memory of being backed into an alley by two Englishmen who had heard you mutter something in German while in a shop. “I rarely speak German anymore.”

“But you can?”

“Yes,” You say and smile sadly, “Sprechen erinnert es mich an meine Mutter.”

He had no idea what you had just said, but it made no difference, “Good.” He took out a cigarette and lit it, “You’re hired.”

You think now as you sit in this car that even all that time ago, Tommy must have foreseen that he would need someone around who spoke German. 

Though you had looked forward to this party all evening, you felt like your heart was going to burst out of your chest as Tommy walked you inside, “Stay close to me and just listen.” Is all he says and you manage a nod.

Hearing the cacophony of German as you entered the room nearly brought you to tears. You loved England and were proud to be English now, but you hadn’t been in a room with so many Germans since you were barely a girl and the nostalgia rushed through you. You thought of family parties, your father sneaking you a sip of beer when your mother wasn’t looking, the smell of her potato pancakes filling the whole house.

“Are you alright?” Tommy asked, noticing the expression on your face.

You shook off the memories, “Fine.”

Tommy grabbed two champagne flutes off the waiter’s tray and handed one to you as an older man approached him, flanked by two associates.

He spoke to Tommy in heavily accented English about a deal. It didn’t concern you and they were speaking English so you directed your attention elsewhere and found there were several sets of eyes on you. You were one of maybe two women that were in the room currently and you found yourself sweating beneath their predatory gazes.

And then one of the associates of the man who spoke to Tommy said something lowly and German and you had to hide your blush. Tommy sensed your change in behavior and forced a smile, “Excuse us a moment,” He takes your arm and drags you from the room, “What did he say?”

You open and close your mouth, “Tommy, it had nothing to do with the business, it’s fine.”

He narrows his eyes at you, “They said something about you. They know you’re German.”

You sigh, “No, but with the way you just pulled me out of there, I’m sure they do now.”

“What did he say?” He repeats.

You chewed the inside of your cheek and sighed, “They want to have a go at me as well in addition to… The weapons that you seem to be selling them.”

He stares at you and then nods, “You can let them know you speak German now.” And then walks back to the men without waiting for you.

You frown to yourself and then walk back to Tommy. When you return, they’re speaking business again and the one who suggested he wanted to fuck you stares you down again. You look away.

He elbows the man talking to Tommy, “Sag ihm, ich will Zeit mit seiner Hure oder es wird keinen Deal geben.” Tell him I want time with his whore or there will be no deal.

You finally look at him, the disgust evident on your face, “Ich bin keine Hure und wenn du mich berührst, werde ich sicherstellen, dass du mit einer Hand weniger gehst.” 

The men pale and Tommy leans to your ear, “What just happened?”

“He insisted on fucking me and I told him if he touched me he’d leave without his hand.”

Tommy couldn’t hide the smirk on his face as he turned back to the Germans who still had yet to regain their color.

“You brought a German with you?” The first one said.

“Well, I didn’t want to be at a disadvantage seeing as I’m the only Englishman here, surely you understand. It appears you’ve upset her as well,” He clicks his tongue, “That’s not a very good idea.”

“My men are not afraid of your small woman, Mr. Shelby, and they still feel that since you brought her here she is fair game--”

“I think she made it perfectly clear that no one will be laying a hand on her,” He stepped to the man, “You may not be afraid of her, but you should be very afraid of me. And I don’t take kindly to my associates being disrespected.” He steps back, “Now we can resume the business or we’re leaving. Your choice.”

“You forget, Mister Shelby, that you are outnumbered here.”

Tommy smiles, nodding, “You think I would come alone. I brought a German with me, none of you thought to consider that I would prepare in that way. Do you really want to take the gamble that no one else is with me?”

The Germans hesitantly looked around the room. You were fairly certain Tommy was bluffing, but he could have men waiting outside that he hadn’t told you about. If you were the Germans, you wouldn’t take the gamble. Tommy was fuckin’ ruthless, you’d witnessed it first hand, but he was also clever as hell. Could probably outsmart every person in this room. You would never bet against him.

Suddenly, the Germans smile, “Why don’t you and your woman enjoy the party, eh? The business can wait.”

Tommy stares for a moment before smirking, “Pleasure, gentlemen.” And then he leads you away.

You exhale in relief and Tommy notices, “I’m sorry.”

“No,” You frown, “No, don’t be sorry.” And then you smile, “This is the most alive I’ve felt in years.”

He manages a small smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes, “Go enjoy yourself, then. We’ll leave in an hour or two.” And then he’s gone before you can protest.

Before you know it, there’s another man next to you. He has kind eyes, “Sprichst du Deutsch?” He asks.

You nod, offering him a shy smile, “Ja.”

Tommy had disappeared into a dark corner, perplexed by the sudden feeling he needed to protect you, needing to drown it in alcohol. He was watching you still, the easy way you talked to the men who ate up your smiles and shy glances. You were kind, good. And yet, when you bit back at those Germans like a Rottweiler he thought maybe you had been hiding something from him. These men would rue the day they underestimated you, he was sure of it. He was beginning to regret it himself especially as he saw the glint of a knife tucked away in your hair disguised as a clip, something he certainly had not told you to bring.

They all eat you up, and you’re polite, but you keep looking around the room. Looking for more suitable men or looking for him? He lets himself imagine the latter and then feels incredibly stupid for even wanting it. Wanting you. And the want and the jealousy only grows as he keeps drinking and you laugh at some joke the German toff next to you had recited. You even reach out a hand to rest on his arm. Tommy’s hand tightens on his glass.

And then when he leans over to whisper in your ear, his lips fall to your neck. You don’t push him away and the roaring in Tommy’s ears is deafening. He wants you to reach for that knife in your hair and cut him, but instead you lean into his touch, your eyelids fluttering with pleasure. 

That’s the final straw. Tommy cracks his neck each way before standing. He walks over to you calmly and clears his throat from behind and you jump, spinning to look at him. “Tommy, I--”

“Are you having fun, love?” His tone becomes territorial and the toff is already frowning. Good. But you’re also frowning at the endearment. He doesn’t blame you, he hadn’t paid much attention to you before tonight.

You frown, “Yes.” You say firmly. He almost raises his eyebrows at the challenge in your voice.

“Go and fuck off now.” He says to the toff, not taking his eyes off you.

“I, but, we were just--” The toff starts and you begin smirking.

“Yes, Tommy,” You continue, “We were just getting to know each other, did you need me for something?” He can see in your eyes you’re aware of the effect you’ve had on him tonight and you’re enjoying this. You’d push him over the edge if you could. He had gravely misjudged you.

“You’d like to continue talking with the toff?”

“Oh, Tommy,” You lower your voice, “We were doing much more than just talking.” There’s deadly rage in his eyes and it delights you.

“Brauchst du mich, um ihn loszuwerden?” Do you need me to get rid of him?

You laugh, still looking at Tommy, “Oh nein, Liebling, du würdest dich nur umbringen lassen.” Oh no, darling, you’d only get yourself killed.

“What are you saying to him?” Tommy asks coldly.

You ignore his question, “What would you do if I kissed him right now?” You whisper in Tommy’s ear.

He looks at you with such disdain, you’re unsure if maybe you crossed the line. “Do you want him dead?” Tommy asks quickly in Romani. You had spent enough time with the Shelbys to pick up some words here and there and he knew you would understand. 

You stare him down for a few moments, the poor toff still waiting behind you. Finally, you sigh and turn to him, “I’m terribly sorry, but I must be going.” You tell him in English, “It was lovely to meet you.” You don’t kiss him on the mouth, but you do kiss his cheek lightly and it takes everything in Tommy not to pull that knife out of your hair himself and cut him.

You walk out without waiting for the toff or Tommy and as he walks behind you he thinks of all the ways he’ll give you hell for what you did in there. When you’re outside, he catches up to you and grabs your arm, backing you against the wall. He grips your throat with his hand, enough that it should scare you, but not enough to make it hard to breathe.

But you only look at him defiantly, that smirk still on your face, “If I had known it was this easy to make Tommy Shelby squirm I would’ve done this ages ago.” You said.

He can’t answer you, can’t think of anything but that mouth, that dirty, cursed mouth. And so he covers it with his own. His kiss is rough and angry and his hand tightens around your throat enough to make you gasp, but he can feel you’re still smiling. You like it. That only arouses him further.

“You’re fuckin’ evil.” He says into your mouth and you moan when he tightens his hand again, “Will you come to bed with me?”

He pulls away from you the smallest bit to read your face. “Yes,” You say breathlessly.

He leans in for one more hungry kiss before pulling you roughly by the wrist to the car. His hand wandering up your thigh throughout the drive home. It was probably the best night of your adult life.

[pinkevilbobdoesthings]

So originally I was just going to write a little Howl's Moving Castle AU since people always talk about it, but then I remembered how much I love The Hob's Bargain by Patricia Briggs and just how perfect Jester works in the role of the hob, so I wrote this instead. Sometimes you gotta forget what others want and do what you love.

Here’s “A Bargain of Sorts”.

__________

Bren scrambled up the hill not looking back. His shoes were lying forgotten by his bed and the cold air bit at him, but he didn't care as he kept going. He had lost count of the miles and the hours as the hills faded into the mountain, but he kept going onward and upward.

The wind howled about him as he approached his destination, a flat, smooth stone that looked almost like a table. His mother once told him that fairies and the fae folk would sit and eat around it. His father always told him to not mess with fairies and the like. That the fair folk didn't care about humans and saw them as sport. Those warnings ran through Bren's head as he went through his bag with shaky hands. But he was long past the point of looking back or regret.

"Oh, mother, father, I hope I can still make you proud." Bren carefully set a chipped saucer on the stone and filled it with slightly soured milk. He hoped that the quality of his offerings weren't too lacking as he placed a stale donut next to the milk. Next, he grabbed his knife and, with a deep breath, failed to draw it across his palm. Calling for the fair folk took a blood offering, but Bren's nerve kept failing him. "Keep it together, Ermendrud," Bren whispered to himself. If he was to keep himself safe and save anyone else, he was going to need help from a fairy or two.

Gripping his blade tight, Bren brought it close to his palm. "What are you doing?” someone just ahead of him asked. “You're going to get blood everywhere and ruin a perfectly good pastry."

Bren dropped his blade and looked up. Perched on a stump staring right at him was an incredibly strange woman. She was all blue from her hoofed feet to her curly dark blue hair. A long tail swished lazily on the ground as she watched him. Her cloak was normal except that it was dark green and the dress she wore under it was finer than any Bren had seen before, but it was styled like that of a peasant country girl. Blue freckles were spattered on her face framing her violet eyes. "What are you?" Bren gasped out backing away.

"I'm Jester." She grinned brightly showing off her fangs. "And you didn't answer my question."

"And you didn't answer mine." Bren kept staring at her. If she were human, he would call her pretty, but as it was, he could hardly comprehend what he was looking at.

Jester pouted. "I told you my name."

"Which doesn't tell me what you are. Are you fae? One of the fair folk?"

She shrugged. "Kind of. I'm a hob. My master, the Traveler, he’s super cool, is one of the fae, but I don't know if that means I am too. So, I told you my name and what I am. Now it's your turn to be polite and tell me your name."

Bren frowned at this. He was well aware of the power names had amongst those like Jester. “Caleb. Caleb Widogast.”

“Caleb,” Jester said like she was testing how his name tasted and then grinned. “I’m glad to meet you, Caleb. Now, why were you going to ruin that donut?”

“I need help.” It felt pathetic to admit it out loud, but Bren had ran out of pride long ago. “My home has been taken from me and those I love slain. So I was going to summon a fair folk to help me.”

Jester stared at him her eyes wide unblinking. “And what would that do? What are you going to do Caleb?”

Bren frowned looking away. “I … haven’t fully figured that part out yet, but I’m not safe in the city. My first step is getting protection and then-” he shrugged. “I don’t think it’s quite vengeance that I’m looking for, but I need to make sure that this never happens again. The wizards of the city have gone unchecked for too long.”

“Messing with a bunch of stuffy wizards sounds fun, but you’re a wizard too, right? You reek of magic,” Jester said holding her nose.

“Ja, I am or at least I was training to be.”

Jester leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially, “You know that most fair folk don’t approve much of wizards, right? They usually hate wizards.”

“I was hoping that their hatred of the city would outweigh their hatred of a half trained fool.” Bren sighed. “I don’t have any other options.”

“I can help you,” Jester said. A mischievous smile spread across her face.

Bren watched her carefully. “You would?”

Jester nodded her curls bouncing about. “Yeah! I’ve always wanted to tug on their tails.”

“And you’d do that for me?” Bren asked.

Jester smiled. “Of course.”

“And what would I owe you?” He knew that an old donut would not be enough payment for what he was asking for.

“Oh right, payment!” She jumped up causing her skirts flounce about her. “I should probably ask the Traveler if it’s okay for me to do this first, but he’ll probably think that it’s a super good idea and come up with a great payment. Hey, Traveler? Were you listening?” she asked the air. Jester tilted her head as though she was listening carefully to someone. “Yeah, so can I?” A grin spread across her face and then it stopped. “Wait? I need to ask for what?” Her eyebrows rose up high in surprise. “Do you really think he’d agree to that? Fine, I’ll ask.”

Bren’s stomach sank. He didn’t like the sound of that one sided conversation. “What am I to give you as payment?”

Jester’s cheeks blushed purple. “Right, so, the Traveler says that you’re to be my payment.”

“My what?”

She shook her head. “Not your anything. You yourself are supposed to be payment for my mischief.”

“I’m to be a sacrifice?” The thought didn’t sit well with him. Bren certainly did not want to die, but if it saved others from his fate, his life would be a small price to pay. Thinking that though didn’t stop him from shaking.

“No! It’s not like that either. The Traveler is super against human sacrifices,” Jester said. She paced her tail swishing about with nervous energy. “It’s more like, um, how to put this? Hobs are the Traveler’s servants and he wants to have a lot of hobs cause he loves us and we love him, but I’m kind of the last one. And that’s where you come in.”

Bren frowned at this. “I don’t understand what I have to do with this.”

Jester covered her face with her hands peeking through her fingers. “Oh man, this is super embarrassing, Caleb. The Traveler wants us to make more hobs.”

It took a few seconds for Bren to realize what she meant, but one he did, he could feel his face burning red hot. “What?!”

“So yeah, like as payment for me helping you, you’d become my husband. Like not immediately, but like after we take care of the wizards. So maybe next year?” Jester bit her lip and stared at the ground. “If you agree, that is.”

Bren stared at Jester. She wasn’t human. Horns curled out of her head and her tongue was forked. A marriage with someone like her would not be easy. But there was a loneliness to her. One that she tried to hide under smiles, but he could still see it there. “Ja, I’ll do it.”

Jester stared at him. “You will?”

“Ja, I will. But I’ll warn you now, I do not have much to offer you as a husband. I am poor, weak, and a boring man, but I will never hurt you,” Bren said.

“And I’ll never hurt you either,” Jester said. She grabbed the donut and bit into. “Oh, Caleb, we’re going to have so much messing with those wizards, just you wait and see.”

Bren nodded. “Ja, I can’t wait.” This deal did not go even slightly the way that he had expected it to, but it could’ve been much worse. Coming out of this deal with a wife wasn’t such a bad arrangement. He hoped.

[lovinnscarletknight]

Billionaire - Part Four

OK, I’m literally two weeks late posting this and Part Five will be going up as soon as I’ve put this part up. Sorry, I’ve just had no motivation but all is good I brought myself to do it and I’m excited for you all to read it! Also I’ll leave my master list here to find all my work and the previous parts of this story. 

As always tag list is open, just drop me a line :) 

Without further ado, Part Four! 

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For the first time in weeks Katherine wore her blue jeans with a whole in one knee, a cropped long sleeve shirt and a denim jacket. She was comfy and ready to back to school, walking was a lot easier as the teenager has been doing physio since she came home last Thursday. Her Dad was very against her going back to school, but Lauren was picking her up since Liz and Holly are neighbours and their parents car share. Katherine got the message she was here and grabbed the shoulder bag, but a shock passed through her slim arm making her flinch. She tried again but her hand passed an electric shock slightly burning the strap. Quickly shaking her hands and blinking, she grabbed he bag and slung it over her shoulder and adjusting her braced wrist. The phone pinged saying Lauren was waiting outside and she got mad de ja vu from the last time she left the tower. Katherine shook it off and left the room slipping a trainer on her good foot, she saw her father scribbling something down on a notepad as he sipped his coffee. It seemed very quiet for a place full of people.

“Hey Dad, I’m heading to school” Katherine spoke with a smile standing in the doorway and his eyes met the young girls forming a smile on his face. Tony was glad that she was happy to be home and, even better, that she was going ahead with her physiotherapy. It reminded him of the times his wife had to have physio, chemotherapy for her cancer, it made his smile falter but not enough for his daughter to notice.

“Ok sweetheart, do you need dropping off? Who’s taking you? Do you need picking up?” He questioned suddenly becoming more involved.

“No, it’s ok, Lauren is taking me and it’s Clint’s turn to pick me up anyway” She told him, but he didn’t say a word, “Dad? Where is everyone?” She asked grabbing the money from her lunch pot and stuffed it in the bag.

“They were called out on a mission, they’ll be back this afternoon, Clint went home to his family. I can have Happy pick you up?” He suggests putting his mug in the sink. Katherine frowned slightly at the idea of Happy picking her up instead of her father however she quickly recovered.

“It’s ok, I’ll walk” She told him walking away and pressed the elevator button.

“You can’t walk home in your condition” Her dad started but she shook her head.

“I’ll be fine Dad, I’ll see you later” She stepped in before he could say anything else the door closed, and Katherine was heading for Lauren’s car.

School was crowded as always and yet the girl still managed to get knocked all over the place no matter how careful she was. Her first lesson of the day was Chemistry and she honestly hated it, everyone was surprised she even got into Midtown because she did not have Tony’s brains.

The bell went as she grabbed the books from the locker and waited for the halls to clear slightly before heading for the lab; she was sure the teacher would understand due to her condition. She got to the corridor and was a couple of minutes after the second bell making her late. Sighing to herself as she looked through the small glass window to see Mrs. Scott already teaching. Pushing the door handle down the whole class went quiet and all eyes were on her along with her boot, brace and abnormal posture.

“Welcome back Ms. Stark take your seat, we’re on page one-hundred and fifteen” The lady smiled warmly at Katherine and saw that she was no longer sat next to Holly but next to Peter Parker, one of the smartest boys in her class. The class carried on as she made her way to the bench and placed her books down on the bench before I sat down. Seeing the struggle Katherine was having, the boy pulled out my stool for her helping her sit down.

“Thanks” She whispered, “I’m Kath” She told him as she opened the book.

“I-I-I’m, I’m Peter” He said smiling, his gorgeous eyes sparkling as he mentally slapped himself his embarrassing introduction. Peter Parker was a quiet boy who mostly kept to himself and his only friend was Ned Leeds, they were both known as the nerds of the school. It was clear to Peter that Katherine did not remember him at all even though they used to always play together as children and had been in the same classes every year at school. He had a crush on Katherine Stark since he could remember but as soon as they hit high school, she hit puberty and became breathtakingly beautiful and her comic books and sweatpants were quickly forgotten and replaced by new friends, popularity and fashion. Chemistry dragged on for a while before the bell rang and they could pack up their bags. She saw Peter packing up his bags when Harry approached her.

“Nice to see back Katherine” He said, and the girl rolled her eyes. Since the beginning of school, he wouldn’t leave her alone and it does her head in; it had been so peaceful not seeing him.

“My name is Kath” She grumbled standing from the stool but wavering on the spot. She tried to balance herself, but someone grabbed her arm helping her balance, she turned seeing the Parker boy and smiled.

“Thanks, see you around” Katherine said slinging the bag over her shoulder and walking out the classroom. Heading for the cafeteria she saw Liz and her friends waiting with a cake and a banner saying welcome back. She smiled widely and laughed because when they spotted her, they cheered; honestly it wasn’t the most attractive walk of fame with the constant thump of the boot and the hobble, everyone clapped, and Katherine shyly bowed. That’s what happened when you were on of the four most popular girls in school and it was ridiculous. They all stood wrapping their arms around Katherine, laughing because she was shorter than all of them.

“How’s it going? I thought you were supposed to be using crutches Katherine!” She rose her eyebrows at Liz, and she laughed knowing that the girl hated being called Katherine.

“I’m perfectly fine without them thank you very much. I don’t remember much about my mom, but my dad says she hates when cake is left, so let’s eat this delicious looking cake!” Katherine only said this to get the attention off her. They all went quiet at the mention of her mother, but Katherine quickly shrugged it off by grabbing the knife off Holly’s plate and cutting herself a slice, “To us!” she cheered, and they were soon laughing along with her.

The rest of the day dragged until Katherine’s teacher let her leave early to get all her stuff to go home. She was honestly exhausted and regretted telling her dad she could walk home because her leg ached, her torso ached, everything ached. Sighing heavily, she started her long walk home when before she could leave, was knocked to the ground. Katherine’s butt hitting the floor caused the most excruciating pain through her body and she yelped when she processed the pain, she watched the jocks in the year above laughing, something they did often to the four girls because they thought it would get them attention. Olivia looked down at her burning hands to see tiny electricity lines forming on the bottoms of her palms going towards her wrists. The girl went to poke the new scars but jumped when she heard someone behind her.

“Need a hand?” Katherine immediately recognised the voice as Peter’s and thanked the lord it wasn’t any of her friends or anyone in the group; then again, she was very embarrassed and felt her face turning red, she stuck her hand out and he lifted her up. Peter saw her green eyes full of pain and her hair messily piled on her head and yet she still managed to look beautiful.

“Thank you, people are so inconsiderate. You’d think if they saw a cripple, they’d be more careful” She replied dusting off her backside and peering around the corner to see Happy waiting in a suit next to a one of her father’s cars, cursing under her breath “I told him not to do this. My dad sent a driver to pick me up, but I’d much rather walk” She explained to the boy. She puffed out her cheeks and took a step forward, but he grabbed her arm, he tends to do that.

“I could get you out of school, I mean I know another way out where he won’t see you” He suggested, and Katherine smiled.

“Lead the way” He laughed before shoving his hands in his pockets and taking her down another corridor.

***

“Katherine, I specifically sent Happy to get you because you were in no fit state to walk all that way!” Tony exclaimed as she sat her foot elevated on her bed and she was eating some ice cream, “Look how swollen it is! You are supposed to be recovering not getting worse!” Katherine rolled her sparkling eyes and placed the barely dented tub on her bedside table. An image of Katherine’s mother popped into his head when she fell down the stairs and twisted her ankle, he was glad she got her mother’s eyes.

“I’m sorry ok? I just wanted to clear my head and besides, it’s not like I walked alone, Peter helped me out” She shrugged continuing to watch Vampire Diaries. Out the corner of her eye she saw Tony do a double take and turn back around.

“Peter? A boy helped you out? What about Liz? I thought you were attached at the hip?” She was about to fight back when JARVIS started speaking.

“Captain Rogers, Ms. Maximoff, Ms. Romanoff and Mr Wilson are on about to pull into the bay” My father pointed at me, “We’ll finish this later” The teenager sent him a thumb up before she continued watching the drama unfold on the screen. The bed next to her sunk slightly as Wanda sat next to her.

“Hey, I missed you” Katherine told her friend. Ever since Wanda moved in, Katherine’s life had got a lot better. Wanda became one of her closest friends and they both enjoyed watching films and training together, however training would have to be put off for a while. The girls sat in silence for a while before Katherine turned to Wanda and saw dark bags under her eyes and them full of sadness and pain, “What’s wrong?” Wanda shook her head and wrapped her arms around the teenage girl and quietly cried into her shoulder.

Katherine quickly sat up straighter and wrapped her arms around her friend. From her place, Katherine could see Steve stood in the doorway, a sad expression on his face and he slowly walked away as she soothed her friend. And suddenly the moment was ruined when a shock swarmed through Katherine’s fingertips straight into Wanda making her pull away, brows furrowed. Katherine watched the bolts grow on her wrist and the first thing Wanda did was grab her hands and watch the lines grow. Katherine’s eyes held tears as they met Wanda’s confused ones, “I don’t know what is happening to me” She whispered tears escaping her glassy eyes. Wanda flicked her wrist closing the bedroom door and then grabbed Katherine’s shoulders.

“When did this start?” She asked standing from her place, “Was it after the accident?”

“It was injected into me, I don’t know what it is. I burnt my school bag this morning and I’m freaking out Wanda,” Pulling her sleeves up she showed the small indents, “They grow, and it hurts and what if they don’t stop” Katherine rambled on, locks of her dark hair falling from the bun on her head. Wanda didn’t know what to do to help her friend. Maybe she could teach her to control it like she has control of her powers and it was clear that Katherine was panicking about the situation. One thing Wanda knew is she had to get more people in on this because Katherine could be a potential danger to herself and possibly everyone she loved.

TAGS - 

@supernaturallover2002 @racewife2004 @editsbyjenny @savedbystark

@seriouslyobsessed @queendarktigress

[randombitchsince1996]

When the Nightingale Calls: Chapter 2

Characters: EXO, Ja Eunsae (OC), NCT

Genre: Fantasy, Dystopian, Supernatural, Action, Romance

Warnings: Character Death, Violence, Gore (More in Future Chapters)

Word Count: 2,453

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE CHECK OUT MY MASTERLIST

An old man entered, his body shook and quivered like an old house that was settling into its misshapen structure. His hands were swollen from years of fieldwork, the arthritic joints grasping onto the hand-woven basket as best they could. His skin was so tan it looked as though the color had seeped into him, right to his bones. He walked slowly being forced to stop next to Lucas and Sooyoung, a private that was not part of my team. They quickly lifted the loose cloth examining everything that was held inside of it. They both pulled away around the same time, nodding to each other letting the old man stumble past. 

His offering had passed the examination, it was fit to give to the emperor. 

This was the last day of unity, it had been four days of civilians bringing in offerings as gifts to him. It had been four days of me standing on the balcony in the throne room watching as person after person arrived to drown him in their hard work. He sat on his golden throne, in a room embellished in the fine mineral, guarded by his military and guards; as he was given crops, livestock, and anything the public could make him. He was stealing from those less fortunate than him, it made me sick.

It took all the strength I had to not make faces of disgust every time the vile ruler made the elderly bow before him as he stole from them. But I couldn’t look away, it was my job to make sure none of the people entering were a threat to him. It was also the job of the rest of my team and another group, as well as the palace guards. I could see Johnny set and poised by the doors. He was tasked with letting the civilians in and out, he stood stoic looking as he would look on any other day; his back stiff, face blank, and body tall. He could see Lucas’ face from where he stood while I could only see my private’s back. 

He was set to check everything that came in and make sure it was safe. When he wasn’t examining the gifts, he was standing at attention. His green military shirt sitting perfectly across his broad shoulders, his hands clasped behind his back, his head staring straight ahead. He was playing his part well too, he was the only one I was worried about. The rest of my men were on the balcony with me. We all were set apart at equal intervals so no matter where you looked we were there, watching. Tied curtains stood between us and I was at the very end; Taeyong stood to my left, we all stood in order of rank. 

Hansol was reported to have left late last night and our plan was in motion. We had a citizen who was open to our cause, Kikwang. He was part of the lower class in our society and he would sometimes come and help at our shooting ranges for extra money. He was reliable and good-natured, and most importantly he was willing to put his life on the line so we could stand a chance against a cruel ruler. He would carry in a basket that seemed to hold eggs but in reality, we were able to sneak bombs inside of them. All we needed was for them to pass by Sooyoung with no problem. 

Yes, the decision was risky, we had no clue who would be injured in the process, or how large the blasts would be. Even though Jaehyun was a master with pyrotechnics the little adjustments he had to make here and there to disguise everything made the outcome questionable. But we had to hope that in the blast our true target would go down. 

The plan was littered with imperfections as we only had a couple of days to change everything we had originally planned. We knew that Kikwang was noble with his loyalties but he was a civilian. He was not trained with bombs, grenades, he wasn’t even trained in combat. Who even knew if his ability to play the nonchalant peasant was up to par. We could get caught so easily. One slip up and we were done for, but with all the possibilities we had a backup plan and it was me. 

If anything were to go wrong I would be the one to shoot. I felt the weight of my P320 as it sagged lightly against my hip. If I needed to grasp it and shoot I could. I was placed a bit behind where the emperor was set but it made it far easier for me to take an unsuspecting shot if need be. If it came to that I would be the one punished. My men would be safe and most importantly their reputation would not be besmirched. I shift once more. They had their orders to stay stoic, play their part, and let me do the dirty work. It was best for me to go down than for all of them to go with me. 

I grimaced seeing the elderly man practically collapse in a shaky attempt at a bow after he had given his basket to the guards standing next to the emperor. He needed help to get back on his feet, I felt my insides twist at the sight. I could see red just watching the scene unfold before me. This man should not have to give up his hard work to a fat man who sat on a throne of gold, it was disgusting. I held my composure nonetheless, playing my part as well. He was escorted out and the ceremony continued on without issue. 

The more people walked in the more on edge I became, where was Kikwang? I could practically feel Taeyong next to me winding up tighter and tighter with each passing person. Something was wrong. The energy in the room was frazzled and stripped, as though we all could feel something was off. He should have come through those doors already. My clenched fingers itched to reach for my gun but I refrained from the action. 

Then it happened, the double doors opened and there was Kikwang being held tightly by two palace guards. His already wide eyes blew up even wider at the sight of the grand hall laid before him.

 His basket was gone and he tried to cool off his features, but it was too obvious how on edge he was; his lack of training was all too noticeable. I wanted to smack myself for thinking this would work at all. He was dragged before the emperor dropped on his knees harshly before the larger of the two guards swiftly grabbed at his arms, restraining him further as he kneeled awkwardly before the emperor. I was almost thankful that I could not see the emperor’s face. My fingers inched towards the gun strapped to my hip. 

Fingertips touching the rough surface, nerves jumping as I watched the interaction carefully. I knew that at any moment Kikwang would rat me out. That was the protocol. If he were to get captured, say I did it, I put him up to it, this was all on me and nobody else. I knew Taeyong, in particular, loathed the idea. He hated that it would fall on me. That I would take the bullet for this. But it was my idea, my plan, and my loyalty that led to this whole ludicrous idea in the first place. So if anyone was to fall for it, it would be me. My other generals weren’t too fond of the idea either, but they had their orders and they would follow them through.

My fingers itch for the trigger, I finally feel my hand slip around the grip and I pull it up a bit. My eyes still glued to the panicked Kikwang. His lips part and I see the way “ja” begins to fall from his lips. The next moment happens too fast. Too fucking fast. 

A loud scream roars through the room, all eyes shoot to the front of the throne room where Lucas is charging at Kikwang. His usual silly demeanor is gone, he’s a man on a mission. His eyes are dark, brows furrowed, and I see the gun in his own hands wobble as he pulls it up ready to aim. I can barely process when Johnny hesitates with his own weapon when Johnny’s finger pulls the trigger when the bullet goes shooting through the air and Lucas goes down. 

I see the blood pool and spread around my private. I feel something inside me drop, crack, bleed open at the sight. It feels slowed. Everything does, I see Johnny’s instant regret. He was doing his job, but Lucas isn’t moving. My eyes burn and I try to swallow the sudden remorse fast. I need to do this now. I whip the gun up quickly trying to ignore my swirling thoughts and intense emotions. My steady fingers curl around the trigger, one eye open, the other shut, I land on my target then feel pain burst down the middle of my spine. The gun falls from my shaking fingers and slams into the tiled floor far below.

I have no time to react, no time to process that our plan went down in flames. I whip around staggering only a little as I come face to face with Hansol. He was supposed to be gone. He strikes at me again, hoping to get me to go down but I dodge the attack swiftly. My fingers slip over the handle of my combat knife and I pull it free. He comes for me once more. His wide eyes cold, he quickly pulls his knife out too. I’m unable to charge because the motion is so smooth. He lunges and I spin out of his grasp once more, my back slams into the railing of the balcony and I realize I’ve made a mistake. 

In a second he’s on me, his hips pinning me to the railing. His free hand gripping my wrist too tightly so I can’t maneuver my knife. My torso leans away from him and I hang precariously over the edge. He could easily shove me over and end me right then and there. The open air behind me back is nauseating, the image of Lucas’ body motionless and lying in a pool of its own blood sets my gears into overdrive. I can’t let what he did go to waste. He did that so my name wouldn’t be revealed, but with the way, this was going that was already foolish. It was clear I was screwed no matter what. 

Hansol smiled at me. His knife-wielding hand rested against my collarbone. The cool and sharp tip pressed hard into my flesh, tearing skin ever so slightly. My free hand held onto the railing so tightly the knuckles went white, the adrenaline pumping through my veins making my palms slick. If I let go I would surely tumble down to my death, so I held on tighter feeling the pressure pull at my muscles. He pressed in harder, cold smile turning into a lethal sneer.

“I never liked you, General Ja,” the knife tip pierced my skin. Hot blood dripped down my chest, and I swallow hard. My gaze didn’t waver though, I felt a tornado of emotions swallow me whole but I wouldn’t waver to this bastard.

“The feeling is mutual General Ji,” I put as much venom into his proper title as I possibly could. But he pushed me farther back and I feel my stomach drop. My fingers slipped a bit and I tried readjusting my grip but I can tell this won’t end well for me. My savior comes at that moment, Taeyong’s body comes crashing forward. He slams into Hansol so hard the general goes flying and they both tumble to the ground. I push myself forward with the momentum that almost shoved me off the ledge. It only takes me a second to get a hold of myself as I lunge forward to help Taeyong. 

I quickly pull him up and move to slip behind Hansol but a familiar set of clicks echo through the hall. I freeze in my place, I see Hansol’s lip turn into a smirk. I turn my head only slightly to see that Jaehyun and Taeil have their guns turned on me and Taeyong. My fingers loosen their hold and I let my knife drop down, hitting the floor with a sharp clank. I can only assume that everyone else who can see us has their weapons aimed at us too. Fighting is pointless, we both drop down to our knees and wait for what is to come. 

Hansol shoves himself onto his feet and I feel his hands caress my cheek softly. They drag along the length of my face chills run through my body and goosebumps rise. The second his fingers reach my hairline they dig in, pulling the tight strands loose, painfully, I bite down on my tongue. I can hear Taeyong breathing hard, I can see the way his hands clench and unclench behind his back. Taeyong’s temper was wavering and shaking but even if he snapped it was useless. He and I were both going down for this, and Lucas was still lifeless below. 

“I can’t wait for you to join your little friend down there,” Taeyong snaps and lunges. A round is fired and he staggers collapsing. I move quickly pressing my fingers into the wound on his shoulder. It isn’t a deadly wound and I thank my third and fourth in command for aiming anywhere but his heart. I feel his blood soak my fingers as I press in hard, he shakes and groans. All the anger from moments ago is faded replaced by a hazy exhaustion. He parts his lips and our eyes meet. I want to cry, but I don’t. 

We failed so horribly. The emperor isn’t dead but my private is, Lucas is gone. That fact alone makes me feel raw. But now Taeyong is going down with me and is injured to top it off. His blood runs hot across my fingers, we failed so horribly. I blink hard trying not to cry. I won’t let them see me cry. Even if I get executed for this treason, I will not cry. I breathe in sharply and push harder, Taeyong’s gasp is strangled and clipped before he closes his eyes and goes still.

We failed.