#I know I drew him as SR Chuckles cause I love him so much but I do wish there was a canon OUAW Chuckles design to go off of.

[dekujinsart]

How I imagine most people felt buying the Chuckles plush.

[spencersmagic]

a knife twists at the thought - SR

Prompt: a knife twists at the thought that i should fall short of the mark - Arctic Monkeys

Summary: Spencer is new to this, and the poor boy is terrified

Couple: Fem! Reader x Spencer Reid (i picture season 2/3 Spencer but y’all do you)

Category: angst

Word count: 3086 words

Warnings: general criminal minds stuff, mentions and descriptions of torture, descriptions of loss, HAPPY ENDING!!, my 3am writing, tooth rotting love, uhmm spoilers for Orwell’s 1984 (if anybody hasn’t read it), humiliation, Spencer crying and breaking my heart (lmk if you need anything warned or trigger tagged).

A/N This is very loosely based on 2x15 (VERY LOOSELY). I’m quite proud of this one :)

masterlist // 505 series taglist

*****

They say you never see it coming.

When a tragedy occurs, and someone’s life is turned upside down forever, they never see it coming. It just... hits them. Like an oncoming car ramming into a bystander who was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

No one has time to prepare. In our time-starved lives, there is no place for such a warning.

One day, you just wake up. And they’re not next to you. They’ve disappeared, leaving the stickiest, most unforgettable parts of themselves behind for others to grieve to: the smell of their shampoo in the pillows they used to share, the seconds just as you wake when you still feel like you have them - only to gain full consciousness and realise they left you behind - even the fucking jars, which never seem to be open because he’s just not there to do it.

And you feel your heart breaking all over again as your soul sticks to the parts that couldn’t be erased with the rest of him as he left. Because you needed him, you had him, and now he’s gone. No warning, no letter, no signs which could’ve helped you foresee such a tragedy, because how could he? He didn’t disappear on purpose.

She doesn’t understand why he's so absent. So unequivocally missing. And the person she would turn to to ask these riddled questions isn’t there to answer. Because he’s gone.

But they’re not there yet.

And she feels so close to that feeling - the helplessness, the pain, the empty cups next to her bed because he always carried them to the sink when she was finished with her tea the mornings of those rare days they got to sleep in. Those days when they had time. She can practically touch, with the tip of her fingertips, the waves of pain that would surge over her if he was gone for one more fucking minute.

She has to remind herself, over and over again, like a mantra. He’s not gone yet.

The “yet” at the end of her mantra just breaks her all over again.

She was always the one to tell Spencer “if you worry before something happens, in case it goes wrong, and then it does, you’ve managed to suffer twice through something painful for absolutely no reason”. It usually worked. Needless to say, she felt like a hypocrite right about now.

Because Spencer is gone. And she doesn’t know how to bring him back.

She knows only to watch the monitor, never once blinking, taking in everything that happened in that damned livestream - every word, every sound, every reference. She can only try to hear anything over the whimpers and sobs her love was letting out as he’s tortured by that man. She can only hear the cracks of his knuckles against Spencers soft skin, the same soft skin she had kissed mere hours ago before telling him to “be careful”. Her own way of saying the three little words the couple was too young to hear. She can only see his lips parting, sobs rumbling out of his body as the unsub abuses his frame over and over again - same lips which had kissed her forehead before telling her “i always am”.

Then again, she isn’t sure if its his voice which is filling her head with painful sounds or if her mind is playing tricks on her, memorising the horrifying vibrations coming from his chest for her to ever consider anything else. She hasn’t stopped hearing him since she turned on that damned computer.

She isn’t sure she’ll ever stop hearing it.

**

As a man of great intellect, Spencer always recurred to knowledge to understand difficult occurrences in his life. Burying himself in textbooks, novels, poems, and even music to understand pain, and himself having a life filled with it, he was an incredibly knowledgeable man.

He knew much. But right now, he only knew one thing.

In Orwells’ 1984, as Winston was being tortured (much like Spencer is right now), Orwell described the following:

“Never, for any reason on earth, could you wish for an increase of pain. Of pain you could only wish one thing: that it should stop. Nothing in the world was so bad as physical pain. In the face of pain there are no heroes, no heroes”.

And, as a man who had acquired most of his intellect by immersing himself in trivial content in the face of pain, he found himself doing the same thing as the unsub hurt him over and over again, each blow seemingly more painful than the last. As his skin bruised, a causality of his abusers torment, he analysed the seemingly logical quote.

It must depend on the person, he was sure. In fact, a number of factors must be taken into consideration at this statement. For starters, Winston lives in a society incapable of any human feelings. There is only dominance, and those who attempt, in vain, to challenge it. Surely, if he had felt happiness, like the one you feel when the first day of spring rolls around, or like the one that creeps up on you as you look into the eyes of your loved one, surely, he would understand that some things can outweigh pain.

Love.

If Spencer’s mind could make sense of what he was feeling right now, he would understand, something he would figure of were he to leave this damned place, that he was thankful to the Gods, were there any, for having the unsub kidnap him and not Y/N.

Winston hadn’t understood emotional pain because emotions weren’t dealt with regularly. They were discouraged. That’s why he believed that there are no heroes in the face of pain. Because he doesn’t understand emotional pain.

He knew he was suffering. He also knew that Y/N was at the other side of the blinking camera suffering more than he could ever imagine.

**

They say emotional pain lasts 12 minutes. Anything one feels after this would be the aftermath of the cause of the pain in question. Pure emotional pain, the one you practically feel in your chest, the one that says “i can’t think, feel or be. not until this feeling dissipates”.

She had learned this from Spencer.

And she wished it were true. As she watched that damned monitor, she wished that all the venom the unsub was spewing at Spencer, all the verbal abuse, was long forgotten. She wished he could only feel the physical pain. Because the mind is incredibly stronger than the body - it could keep him awake, alive, for just enough time for the team to rescue him.

The entire team had huddled around the monitor around her. She was painfully aware that other people were seeing this. Which meant it wasn’t her imagination. It wasn’t another one of those damned dreams she would have when she slept a little too far away from Spencer’s touch.

They had only been together for two months, but his touch was all that could get her to fall asleep.

She jolted as the unsub landed another slap on Spencer’s cheek, swiftly grabbing his hair for him to look into the camera. He had a cut above his right cheek, just where she would kiss him in the mornings, and bruises all over his neck, jaw and left eye.

“Say hi to your team!” he mocked Spencer, chuckling darkly as he moved his almost lifeless body around for the team to watch in horror. Spencer let out a heartbreaking sob, feeling so vulnerable.

“Why don’t we make this interesting?” he jumped, as if he had gotten an idea. The unsub reached behind himself to grab a pistol, clicking off the magazine safety to put one bullet in one of the eight slots, leaving the other seven free. He pointed it at Spencer’s temple.

Her entire body shook the thought of seeing Spencer’s lifeless body, held up only by the ropes and that sick man’s grip around his curls. The same curls she grabbed as she kissed his face when she wanted his attention.

“I’m going to ask you some questions...” he said, voice dripping with sickening sweetness as he turned the roulette, “and if i don’t like your answer i’ll pull the trigger! Let God decide what I do with you. Sounds good?”. He wanted to humiliate Spencer.

However, Spencer made the mistake of not answering him. He was quickly reminded as the barrel of the gun pointed right between his eyes, pulling the trigger, a loud bang! sound expanding through the barn.

“I asked you a question!” he suddenly yelled into Spencer’s face.

“Y-yes, Sir” he whimpered, shaking at the ease at which the man pulled the trigger.

“Good, you’re learning”.

**

She experienced it by bits. Hotch’s hoarse voice. “Talk to me Garcia”. “We’ve got coordinates”. Everybody rushing to the SUVs. Tripping over her own feet on the way to the car. Morgan’s voice. The iPad, which still carried Spencer’s whimpers and the man mocking tone.

“I’ve got your diary, Spence” his sing-song voice didn’t match the disgusting man she was looking at. Nothing made sense.

“And I wanna know why...” he drew out the ‘y’ as he looked for something between the worn pages between his hands.

Of course she knew Spencer owned a diary. But she was mature enough to keep her hands to herself and her eyes on her own pages as he wrote on his, eyebrows creasing as he recalled all which he had experienced during the day. His face would twitch slightly at the memories, both good and bad, as he basically described his day word by word.

“...why did you wait until you were 24 to lose your virginity?” he asked in a clear attempt to humiliate and ridicule Spencer in front of his team.

“I-I didn't-” he could barely finish a word before a sob wrecking through his body at the humiliation, chest rumbling and voice wavering. “I didn’t want to lose it before, i w-wasn’t in a hurry” he rushed out. The man brought the pistol to his own chin, tapping it as he thought. “Hmm... I’m satisfied with your answer. Let’s dig deeper, shall we?” he asked as he went back into the pages.

“ooh! This one is new” that sick bastard was having fun with this, completely unaware that the team was less than 5 minutes away from their location.

“Care to read what you wrote three days ago? Right here” he turned the pages so Spencer could read them, though he was painfully aware of that entry he was talking about. His body shook violently. “P-please. D-don’t ma-make me do t-this” he whimpered, body feeling defeated.

“Wrong answer” the unsub said before pointing a gun at him and pulling the trigger.

A shriek was heard from the iPad. The SUV went silent.

“He’s alive” she whispered, unable to speak up. “He-” she swallowed. “He’s alive. We’re not there, yet” her mantra became a reminder that she hadn’t been quick enough to help him. She had the tools to save him. Every second she had the knowledge to save him and didn’t was another second she remained impotent at the risk of losing the love of her life.

Spencer’s voice spoke from the iPad.

“C-can you at-at leas-st turn off t-the ca-amera?” he said between sobs.

And it hit her.

What hurt him the most wasn’t the memories he had to relieve, but the fact that the rest of the team would have to hear his most intimate thoughts. His deepest secrets.

He could bare the pain. The humiliation? That broke him.

“Aww” the unsub chuckled mockingly, “are you embarrassed?” he said, slouching down to look into his eyes. “Well too fucking bad!” he screamed into his face, spitting with every word he spewed at him. Spencer’s sobs got louder.

“O-okay okay!” Spencer caved, accepting the journal that got shoved into his face.

“Read, pretty boy” the unsub sang. That son of a bitch was having fun.

“We’re two minutes away, Y/N” Hotch said. Maybe it was he sobs, which were barely audible to herself, having accepted them as second nature after all the heartbreak she was experiencing, but Hotch needed her to be okay.

His own heart thumped into his chest, feeling as helpless as he’d ever felt. Seeing a member of his team - someone he was supposed to take care of, someone he was supposed to keep safe - was sobbing as he was physically and emotionally tortured. But he was painfully aware of the feelings Y/N was experiencing. The sheer fear that was running down her veins at the idea of them running out of time.

After a few sobs, Spencer started reading, interrupting himself occasionally with his whimpers:

“It’s been three months. Today, three months, seven hours and forty-six minutes ago, she did what I didn’t have the courage to do. She asked me out. “I’ve been wanting to ask you pretty much since the day i met you” she had said. Those words keep ringing in my head like a beautifully written symphony, intrinsically designed to make me face my deepest fears. Opening my scars one by one, dissecting them and reaching the simple conclusion that i was a coward.

She didn’t say it, but what she meant was “i’ve been waiting for you to do it, but you never did, so i had to”. We wasted time - a time so precious and sacred - because i was a coward.

I’ve never felt like this before. I never understood a love so deep as to move something so stubborn as the human spirit. I’ve read textbook after textbook, and novel after novel, and still I’ve never learned more than with her. But I was a coward. And i wasted her time. I fear that I still am.

A knife twists at the thought that i should fall short of the mark. It’s impossible for me to ever be enough for her”.

Her heart broke at this confession. Even worse at the thought that he wouldn’t’ve told her, instead inhaling fear and exhaling rejection at every breath he took next to her.

“We’re here” she heard Hotch, looking at her. She grabbed a bottle of water and dropped the iPad, not hearing the teams objections at the lack of vest and preparation and ran into the barn.

She isn’t sure if she’ll ever stop hearing his whimpers. As she runs closer, she hears them louder and louder, decorated with sobs and cries, and small, meaningless replies to his abusers’ mocking words.

She kicked the door down, the loud bang booming across the room, only helping in raising Spencer’s sobs as he feared the sound had been the result of a certain trigger being pulled. As she looks at him, she realises just how much pain he’s been put through.

She remembers Orwells words, much like how Spencer had remembered them mere hours ago. And disagrees, wishing over and over, praying to the Gods that she would be the victim of such atrocious abuse. She wished she could take his pain. Morgan joined her at her side mere seconds later, yelling. “FBI! Put the gun down!”.

Spencer used the last bit of energy to lunge forward, hitting the unsubs stomach with his head, successfully getting him on the floor for Morgan to apprehend. Y/N rushed to Spencer’s side, untying him, as his now nonexistent sobs grew louder and louder, not only at the prospect of getting out of that horrible place alive, but also at the knowledge that Y/N had heard what he had so dreadfully recited.

Spencer collapsed into her arms, crying into her in the same way she was crying into him, and she wondered just how to take away all his pain. So they cried into each other, desperately grasping each others hair, skin, clothes, anything that would make them feel like they wouldn’t have to spend another damned second without the company of each other.

Spencer was the first to break the silence.

“I need-” he stopped, coughing. She reached for the bottle of water she had brought with her because she knew he would need it. She always knew what he needed.

He chugged it desperately, stray drops falling down his chin at his eagerness. He took a deep breath trying to steady his lungs.

“I need to get out of here” he choked out.

She grabbed him under the shoulders, careful not to hurt him - not being successful, realising that there wasn’t much of him the man hadn’t hurt. Y/N pulled him out, sitting down on the grass with him. Their legs intertwined, pulling each other impossibly closer. They kissed, over and over again. Not as an act of any sexual relevance, but as a reminder that they had each other in any way, shape or form. That they weren’t out of time.

The team was certain they would stay there, never letting each other go for another minute.

After what felt like seconds in their time-starved little world, she broke the silence, which had only been filled with their own cries and occasional sobs.

“Spence” she grabbed his chin to look into his eyes. They were dull, red and hooded. He was exhausted. “Mhmm?” he let out, looking into hers. She was his solace.

“How could you ever think you were anything but completely and unequivocally enough?” she whispered the words he dreaded.

But as Spencer looked into her eyes he knew, better than he had ever known anything, that he was enough. And she was enough. He realised that which she had known for the past three months (possibly longer). They fit like two marvellous puzzle pieces.

Her hands grabbed his cheeks slowly, as to not hurt or startle him, pulling his forehead into hers. “Baby, I can’t imagine anybody else waking up to me every morning. You’re so much more than enough”, she planted a small kiss on his forehead before resuming her position. “I’ll remind you every day of the rest of my life if that’s what it takes for you to believe it”.

And with their eyes closed, foreheads and noses pressed together and legs tangled between each other, pulling each other close, closer - around grass and voices and his abuser pressed into the hood of a police car, they only felt each other. With their shaky breaths, even shakier voices, fearing any words that would leave them in case they triggered a cascade of tears down their oh so vulnerable cheeks, they were more than enough.

***

I hope y’all liked it!! Feel free to let me know by liking, reblogging, or sending me a message :) 

super cool kid taglist: @lady-anon-x​ @spencerreid-mgg​​ @eoupe​ @inlovewithbabygirl​ @galaxydefenderjulia​ @username2002​

[sorceress-coffee]

Trollhunters Ep 7

This is the longest chapter so far. Draal x River. We’re catching Changelings! I only own River and Ms. Kamaria, who is a little old shop keeper! Please enjoy and thank you for reading! Episode 8 will be special thanks to the inspiration from @insanity6666, thank you for your lovely messages and wonderful suggestions for the fic!

Episode 1 

Episode 6

Episode 8

Jim and I finished cleaning up the damage Nomura had caused before mom woke up. Jim told her she had fallen asleep right after Ms. Nomura left.

“Must have been exhausted from my shift,” She yawned, standing. “I’m going to head to bed kiddos. Don’t stay up too late. Weekend or not you need your sleep.” She smiled, heading up to bed.

“So…” Jim began, sitting at the kitchen counter with me.

“So?” I asked, arching a brow at him.

“How long have you and Draal been… dating? Courting?” He asked, not sure which term to use.

I smile, “Courting. Three days, though I technically didn’t give him an answer till after your fight.” I explained.

“Why not?” Jim asked, curious.

“He asked me to wait, probably worried about the fight. He wasn’t planning on killing you till Blinky insulted him at the bar. Just so you know.” I told him. Watching for his reaction.

He groaned, “Now you tell me?” Sighing he put his head on the counter, “You’re happy right?”

I looked at him confused, “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“With Draal I mean, he makes you happy right?” Jim clarified, sitting up with a serious expression.

I smiled softly, nodding. “Very happy,” I clasped his shoulder, “You don’t need to worry about him when it comes to me Jim, you know better than anyone I don’t take people’s shit.”

He laughed and nodded, “Then I’m happy for you. Won’t it be weird though? Compared to trolls we age really fast.”

I shook my head, “Humans age really fast compared to Trolls, but I’m not human. Vendel told me centuries was still considered young for a sorceress. I don’t think I have to worry about aging too fast.”

Jim’s eyes widened, looking at me in slight awe. “You’re going to be really old one day,” he teased.

I laughed, ruffling his hair. “Shush you! I will be a thousand years old and yelling at kids to get off my lawn!” I grinned pulling back. “So, it doesn’t bug you?” I asked.

Jim shook his head, “He makes you happy, that’s all that matters. Besides, you and I both know that humans can be trash in marriages,” he said, frowning at the thought of his dad.

I hugged him tight, “Yeah, though, Claire’s lucky, you’re already trained.” I teased, letting him go.

He laughed before getting up, “I’m heading to bed, need anything?”

I shook my head, “No, I’ll be up after I check on Draal. Night Jim.” I waved him off as he headed upstairs. I went to the basement, heading down to find Draal sniffing at the walls. “Something wrong?”

Draal hummed, knocking his knuckles against the wall he was sniffing. “You mentioned making an entrance down here, this wall leads to the sewers.” He explained, punching through it to make a fist-sized hole. “See?” He asked, stepping back.

I laughed but looked through the hole. “Alright, it looks like we know where your door will go.” I smiled up at him. “How are you doing?”

Draal looked down at me in thought for a moment, “I am fine, grateful that the Trollhunter didn’t kill me, and… elated that you accepted, destroyed honor and all.”

I shook my head, “It might not mean much, but protecting my family, protecting me tonight, that was honorable. If the trolls that have known you longer than I have, can’t see how honorable you are, they don’t deserve to be around you. Let Trollmarket judge, you are an amazing warrior, trainer, and mate.” I told him, nuzzling under his chin. “Never let any tell you otherwise.”

He smiled, hugging me close. “You are a strange one River. You damn honor over life, yet refuse to let others insult mine.”

“Yeah, well I’m your strange one, and I’ll fight anyone who tries insulting my mate,” I said, feeling protective of Draal, even if he was more physically capable of protecting himself.

He grinned as I said I was his, nuzzling under my chin. “I’m going to have to keep an eye on you if you start picking fights.” He stated.

I shrugged, “To be fair, I was never one for rules, and I’m definitely going to get in trouble. Between Jim and I, I’m the reckless one.”

“You sound as if you’ve always been more Trollish than human,” Draal smirked.

I grinned up at him, “Considering I was never human? It makes a lot of sense, whether I knew it or not. Though it is weird that I’m not human and Jim is since we’re blood-related.” I tilt my head thinking.

Draal sat by the furnace, holding me as he hummed in thought, “Well, you would only need to have one parent that had magic in their blood. How are you related to Jim?”

“His father and mine were brothers,” I told him, relaxing in his hold.

“Then your mother was a sorceress. What happened to your parents, you mentioned understanding the pain of losing family before?” Draal asked, unsure if he should be asking.

“Well… my mother passed away while giving birth to me, at least that’s what I’ve been told. There aren’t documents on her death, so I’m not actually sure. My father, he went missing when I was about 5 years old. Since uncle Jim, who is James Lake Sr., was my closest relative, he and aunt Barbara, who you know as my and Jim’s mom, adopted me. Jim was only 3 years old when I came to live with them.” I told Draal, patting his arm to reassure that it was okay to ask.

Draal frowned realizing I really didn’t know anything about my family. “That is… unfortunate.” He states, not sure how to react, choosing to nuzzle the top of my head in comfort.

I shrugged, leaning into the contact, “I’m just grateful that I got to grow up with Mom and Jim,” I smiled, nuzzling him. “I might not have ever found out what I was if I wasn’t here, and I probably would have never been to Trollmarket, or have met you. So, I am very grateful that I’m here…” I trailed off into a yawn, huffing at my own tiredness. “I can’t wait till I fully adjust; I’d rather stay up with you over sleeping…” I pouted.

Draal chuckled at the pout, “You should head up to bed, you need to rest,” he scolded lightly.

“Do you need anything? Blankets or pillows? Maybe a rock?” I asked, unsure of how to keep him comfortable.

Draal shook his head, getting up to carry me to the stairs, “I will be fine, I can work on carving out a doorway tonight.” He sat me on my feet, nuzzling my cheek. “Good night, River.”

I rub my eyes, smiling at him. “Good night, Draal.” I kiss his cheek before heading upstairs to bed.

 [Third-Person POV]

Nomura rushed to Strickler’s house, snarling as she entered. “We have a problem.”

Strickler sighed, looking up from the book of Ga-Huel, “What happened to you?” He asked taking in her disheveled appearance.

“The Trollhunter and his little guardians happened!” She growled, sitting on one of the lounge chairs, “I was right.”

“About?” Strickler asked, putting the book down.

“The Witch, it was Draal’s scent on her.” Nomura huffed, rubbing the tender stone where River clipped her face.

“Oh, and are we sure she’s a witch? Bular could be exaggerating.” Strickler snickered, watching Nomura tend to her wounds.

Nomura snarled, baring her teeth at him, “She can wield daylight and I don’t mean the damned sword, I could’ve been turned to stone!” she barked at him, annoyed that he was enjoying this.

Strickler’s face fell, looking to the book of Ga-Huel, “A sorceress that can wield daylight means…”

“Merlin’s blood.” Nomura finished for him, smirking at the fear on his face. “Bular won’t be happy to know he has a successor.”

“We are going to deal with this problem, it looks like we will be having two changelings brought in.” he explained, smirking.

Nomura’s eyes narrowed, studying Strickler, “Two? We only made the exchange for one.”

Strickler smirked, pulling out his phone, “And they would be too young to deal with her, so I’ll bring in someone more age appropriate. If she likes the son of Kanjigar, then I have the perfect changeling in mind.” He turned to Nomura; eyes glowing. “She could be an asset if manipulated properly.”

Nomura grinned with a snarl, “Now that is interesting. What of Gunmar?”

Strickler waved her off, heading out the door. “I’ll convince Gunmar that she can be used.”

After watching him leave, Nomura huffed, settling on the lounge chair to rest, “Is it really that simple?”

 [River’s POV]

I decided to spend my day with Draal and far away from Trollmarket, still angry with how they had treated Draal. We were sitting in the basement going over how to fix it up to make him comfortable.

“So, we can get a metal door, we can check the scrap yard for different items. Do you sleep at all?” I asked Draal, sitting in his lap and drawing the plans out as we came up with ideas.

Draal nodded, “Not as often as human’s but yes.”

“What kind of bed do you need? Do you need a bed?” I tilted my head back enough to look up at him.

“Trolls make their own ‘beds,’ since how we sleep isn’t as simple as a human.” He explained smirking down at me.

“Is it because you all have different features? Like Vendel couldn’t sleep on his side due to his horns?” I ask, returning his smirk.

Draal nodded, “Yes. I prefer to sleep on my back, but with the spikes, I have to find soft malleable materials so they don’t tear them apart. I tend to build more of what you call a nest.”

I grinned trying to imagine Draal picking twigs like a nesting bird. “So, we need lots of blankets and pillows, maybe a frame so it holds shape.”

Humming at the suggestion, Draal tilted his head in thought. “With a frame, I wouldn’t have to rebuild it often.” He grinned, nuzzling my cheek.

I laughed, nuzzling back before pulling away. “I’m going to assume you like that idea then?” He simply nodded as I drew out dimensions for a squared frame.

“All right. Do your worst.” Jim’s voice came from the window leading to the back yard. Draal and I looked at it confused. Hearing Toby grunt, the distinct sound of daylight cutting through something, and a small explosion, we exchanged worried glances, getting up quickly to check on the boys.

Heading out the back door we see Toby cheering from the ground as shredded paper floats around the backyard. Jim was using daylight on all the junk Draal and I moved out of the basement. “It’s like a ticker tape parade of awesome!” Toby yelled, throwing his arms up.

Draal growled, heading out the door, irritated that they were fooling around with the armor. “What is this mockery?” he snarled to Jim.

“Oh, hey, Draal. River.” Jim greet us both as I walked up next to Draal, surveying the damage Jim and Toby were able to do. “Just working on some sword fighting skills.” Jim chuckled nervously.

“By shredding old magazines?” I asked, arching a brow at Jim’s idea of training. This couldn’t be what Blinky had been teaching him. He wouldn’t have bested Draal if that was the case.

Draal stalked forward, staying in the shade as the sun set behind the trees. “The sword of Daylight is not a toy to be played with.” Draal began to scold Jim, he and Toby lining up to take the scolding. I smirked watching them as Draal continued, “It is a hallowed obligation I have spent my entire life training to be worthy of.”

Jim winced slightly, looking at the sword before swinging it up. “Want to take it for a spin?” He asked Draal, who only gave a snort in response. Jim held the sword out to him, serious about him taking it.

Draal looked from the sword to Jim in disbelief before taking it slowly. He raised the blade so the metal could reflect the setting sun, his eyes widened seeing something in the blade before it began to glow, disappearing in the light. Draal looked at his empty hand, sighing as the blade return to Jim’s hand.

“Sorry. I forgot.” Jim frowned, hoping that hadn’t upset Draal more.

Draal sighed, a pained expression flashing across his face before turning to face Jim. “If my destiny is to not hold the sword, perhaps it is to teach you how to properly wield it.” Draal grabbed a lamp we had brought out along with the other junk from the basement, he threw the lampshade off before swinging at Jim, demonstrating different techniques before bringing it down toward Jim’s head.

Jim squeezed his eye shut, flinching at the thought of getting his lights knocked out by a lamp. Opening his eye’s after a moment to see the lamp had stopped a hair from his head.

“Your blade is but an extension of your body, and your body and extension of your eyes.” Draal turned to me smirking, swinging towards me.

I pulled my lance out, extending it as I blocked the lamp from hitting me, sliding down to where Draal held the post I shifted the lance so it was still holding him back but I was able to smack the side of his head.

Jim and Toby watched, mouths hanging opening at the speed Draal and I fought with. Toby settled himself by the fence, excited to see what would happen.

Draal grinned at my attack before pulling away to face Jim. “Like that. Now, mimic my movements Trollhunter.” He began in a resting position, the lamp held out in front of him. Jim copied the stance then Draal swung the lamp down swiftly before pulling it up over his head, standing on one foot.

I leaned on the fence next to Toby, smirking as I realized these were the same movements Draal had taught me when he began training me.

Toby looked up to me, “So, you spent the whole day with Draal? How was that?”

I laughed, sliding down the fence to sit with him, “Oh right, you don’t know yet.” I was about to explain but Toby snickering cut me off.

“That you and Draal flirt? It was obvious.” He said, mischief oozing from his smile. “So, when are you two going to start dating?” He asked, trying to tease me.

I smirked at him, “A little late for that Tobes, we’ve been courting for almost a week now.” I grinned at the surprise on his face.

“Courting? Isn’t that like, more serious?” He asked, cheering as Jim was able to incorporate more moves into the training.

I nod, “From what I know it is.”

Toby smirked at me, “Well, at least you have a boyfriend as dense as you. Since he’s, you know, made from stone.”

“What do you mean dense?” my brow furrowed as I looked to Toby, confused by his comment.

“You seriously have no idea when someone is trying to flirt with you, you straight up told ‘Tight Jeans’ Hank to, ‘piss off’ was it?” He laughed at my confusion.

“He was being rude!” I huffed out, irritated that he found this amusing.

“Well hey, at least we know you recognized someone’s flirting.” Toby patted my shoulder, “Who knew they’d have to be a troll to get your attention?”

As the sun set into the night, Jim had all the movements Draal had taught him down, easily maneuvering through them with Daylight. Sparring with him now. Draal flipped towards Jim, knocking him back before pinning him to the side of the house, lamp pressed to his neck. Getting in Jim’s face, Draal smirked, “A real fight is never predictable, Trollhunter. You have to expect the unexpected and learn to embody the armor, force it to do what you want,” he explained to Jim, keeping him pinned.

Jim looked at his open hand, lowering it under the post near Draal’s chest. He looked to the hand holding Daylight, focusing on it. Daylight glowed blue before disappearing from his left hand and reappearing in his right. He grinned, lifting the blade just enough to tap Draal’s chest.

Draal laughed, releasing Jim. Thrilled he was able to manipulate the armor. “Well done Trollhunter!” He clasped Jim’s shoulder.

A chime coming from Toby’s back pocket drew our attention. “Shoot! We’re supposed to meet Blinky at the museum now.” Toby scrambled to get up.

“Ah!” Jim jolted, letting the armor fade. “We’ll work on this more later, okay, Draal?” He asked while running after Toby, leaving Draal and I in the back yard.

Draal sighed, looking over the lamp before eating the lightbulb with a grin. I laughed, getting up. “How about we get some of those tacos?” I asked him.

“From the taco truck?” He asked, setting the lamp down, and fixing the shade on it.

I nod, nuzzling under his chin. “Yup, and we can check out the scrap yard for materials to fix the basement up!” I grin, walking out of the backyard, staying near the woods.

Draal hummed, excited for the taco truck and curious about the scrap yard. “We need materials for a door, and a bed frame?” He asked, falling in step with me.

“Those will get us started. We’ll still need pillow and blankets, maybe even a mattress for the bottom so it's more comfortable.” I listed off, as we head into town where the Taco Truck usually parks.

Once we made it to the Taco Truck, Draal stayed in the alleyway as I went to order. I ordered a box of burritos this time, grinning as Stuart, the Taco Truck owner, handed them over. “Have fun on your date!” He called out, after me.

I paused on my way back to Draal to look as Stuart confused, there’s no way he could’ve seen Draal in the alley. “Date?”

Stuart chuckled “Well you’re not ordering for Toby, and Jim only gets tacos, so you must be ordering for someone else, I just figured it was a little date.” He grinned, turning to close up the Taco Truck.

I smiled, running to Draal when his back was turned.

Draal snarled pulling me close, having heard the conversation. “This fleshbag notices too much.”

I nod, smiling still, “Well he wasn’t totally wrong, this is what a lot of ‘fleshbags’ do for dates.”

Draal looked down at me confused, “Hide in alley’s while one orders food then go ‘scrapping,’ as you called it?”

I laughed, shaking my head. “I meant dinner and spending time together, away from the house.”

Draal tilted his head in thought before nodding. “Then these ‘dates,’ everyone goes on them?” he asked, picking me up to head to our billboard hiding spot.

“Hm, well for humans it’s something boyfriends, girlfriends, and fiancés do a lot, married couples too, oh and there are friend dates which is really just doing date-like activities but you’re not a couple.” I tried explaining, looking up to see if he understands.

“Courting sounds easier, fewer steps involved, how is a friend different than a boy- or girlfriend? Or a fiancé?” Draal asked, more confused by the supposed titles, “Wouldn’t they all be considered friend dates?”

“No, a boyfriend is generally a boy you are in a relationship with, a girlfriend would be a girl you’re in a relationship with, friends are more along the lines of siblings, and fiancé is the when someone in the relationship proposes marriage to the other, once you’re married you are then called a husband or a wife.” I counted each step out on my fingers hoping I covered everything.

“The in human terms we are considered fiancés?” Draal sat me down on the edge of the billboard before joining me, trying to understand the differences.

“Well, I’m not sure, it depends on how serious Troll courting is,” I told him, taking a burrito before handing him the box.

“Trolls do not court just anyone if we don’t believe the person is worthy to be bound for our existence then we do not pursue them.” Draal explained, sniffing at the box, gauging the new food.

“Then it’s definitely more along the lines of fiancés!” I nodded to myself, blushing a bit realizing how serious it was for Draal to even consider courting me. “Which brings up a few questions. We haven’t known each other long even for humans, let alone Trolls.” I began, taking a bit of my food.

“River, that wasn’t a question.” Draal teased, watching how I ate before trying to eat his own food.

I pouted, waving him off for a moment, “Shush, food was too tempting. How long does it usually take a Troll to figure out if they want to court someone?” I finally asked.

Draal paused, considering his words for a moment, “Anywhere between years and decades, usually. Though some have courted very early into meeting, it depends on the troll,” he answered, tossing another burrito in his mouth, enjoying the food.

“When did you know?” I asked, trying to focus on the food, I wasn’t the best at these conversations. As Toby pointed out, I could be very dense.

Draal smirked, eyeing me for a moment, “When you didn’t back down. You believed you were as weak as any other human, and you still stood between the Trollhunter and me when I tried to throw you out of Trollmarket. You didn’t even seem to be bothered with the fact that I could’ve snapped you in two,” he explained, grinning.

I turned dark red, looking up at him in shock, “That was literally the first day we met! Before we even talked!” I was having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that a simple act of being protective was what had convinced Draal I was worth his time in the first place.

“I never said Trolls didn’t court after first encounters. They tend to make lasting impressions.” He spoke up, smirking as my face was changing colors, “What of you? You seemed to have had an answer right away, even though I asked you to wait.”

I let my head fall into one of my hands, embarrassed, “Well, I liked you right away. Even though you were angry and trying to scare Jim, I understood where it was coming from.” I looked up to the forest thinking, “It really grew from out first walk home when we got to talk. When you stopped your fight with Jim to catch me from launching myself off a wall, walking me home after too. Everything felt… normal? Like I was home.” I looked up at him to see his brow ridge furrow in confusion. “Does that not make sense?”

“Your home is with your mom and Jim. How was spending time with me home?” Draal asked, unsure of what I meant.

“I live in a house with mom and Jim, but it’s not home. Home doesn’t always mean the place you live at, it can also mean the place you want to be, where you feel like yourself.” I tried to explain, hoping it made sense. “I’ve always been out of place, even with my family, and no surprise there anymore, turns out I’m not human. With you though? I don’t feel out of place like I can do or be whatever I want.”

Draal nodded, smiling at my explanation, “You don’t feel like you have to hide.” He stated a look of understanding on his face as I nodded. Draal leaned down to nuzzle my cheek, still smiling. “I will never tell you what to be, or what to do. If I don’t understand something, I can ask.”

I smile, nuzzling back as the red in my cheeks settle, “Thank you Draal,” I grin up at him, “Besides, I don’t think you’ll find anyone who’s not intimidated by you and isn’t scared to toss you in a fight.”

Draal laughed, picking me up. “That is very true! Even the trolls are too timid to fight me, you, however, hold no fear when it comes to picking a fight. Which isn’t always best, but you wouldn’t be my mate if you weren’t fearless.” He spoke, climbing down from the billboard so we could head to the scrap yard.

I laughed, holding on, “I promise to keep my temper in check, mostly, and to not pick too many fights, which may vary depending on how insulting the troll or fleshy is being.” I state, raising my right hand.

Draal shook his head, laughing at my little vow. “I couldn’t ask for more. Though if you get hurt, I will break into Trollmarket and tear a limb or two off of the offender.”

I giggled at the thought of Draal running rampant through Trollmarket. “That would not end well for them.” I began pointing the way for Draal to go. “It’s on the other side of town. It shouldn’t be too busy with how late it’s gotten.”

Draal nods and allows me to lead from my perch on his arm. Pointing out different places in town as we passed by. Pausing at my favorited game shop, “Oh, there they have pieces for ‘Maces and Talons’ which is an amazing strategy game!” I explained to Draal as we continued, “There are two factions and the goal is to take over the other faction or to find a way to kill the leader and take over that wat.”

Draal smiles and hums during my explanation of the game, asking how it works until we reached the scrap yard. He climbed over the fence before setting me down. “This is an amazing source of materials, why do fleshbags discard these?” He asked as we got to work finding the pieces we needed.

“Not everyone likes to reuse items or find a new purpose for them, but this place is set up so other people can come in for the materials and use them, so nothing stays here too long.” I smiled, pulling up a large, thick sheet of metal to compare it to Draal’s height. “This one is close, maybe a little bigger.”

Draal took the sheet holding it under his arm in case I changed my mind. “Do you get materials here often?”

“Mostly for art projects. I build things and spray paint them, it’s a lot of fun!” I grin up at him, grabbing metal pipes to make a framework for his bed.

Draal hummed, taking more materials from me as we searched over the entire scrap yard, pausing to eat some of the shinier metal he finds. “I like this ‘scrap yard’,” Draal grinned, heaving the last of the materials we found onto his shoulder. “Anything else we need from here?”

I pulled out the drawings, checking what we grabbed so far and comparing it to what we needed. “I think metal wise we are good. I’m going to have to find somewhere that sells giant pillows, or I could make them… which means the fabric store. I can run to one tomorrow after classes to get those.” I nod to myself.

Draal chuckled, picking me up and tossing me up onto the shoulder not carrying the metal we found. “Alright, for now, let’s focus on this task or you’ll be breaking into the ‘fabric shop’,” he spoke, understanding that I could become easily distracted and focused on other tasks.

I laugh and pat between his horn, “Sounds good to me, let's get home so we can at least put your door up!” I grinned; glad we were able to make the basement work for him.

Draal smiles up to me as he heads off for home, staying in the trees to get to the back yard. He stopped outside seeing the lights on. “Someone’s back.”

I checked my phone for the time, “Mom should still be at work, it must be Jim.” I jumped off Draal’s shoulder going to the door. “I’ll check just in case.” I head inside, seeing Jim at the dining room with his textbooks out. “Jim is mom home?”

Jim shook his head, sighing as he let it fall to the textbook.

I waved Draal in before going back to Jim, worried about him. “What happened tonight?”

“The bridge is missing, they moved it and now Vendel thinks I’m making up stories. We have to find a way to weed out changelings to see if anyone else in town is working with Nomura and Bular.” Jim explained, sitting back up. “Blinky said he would have an answer tomorrow on how to find them.”

Draal came in and set the metal down by the door. “Unsurprising, Blinkous is fond of conspiracies and it has been an issue in the past for Trollmarket. I don’t doubt you or River though. If the bridge was here, they had to have moved it. We will find the changelings, Trollhunter.” He told Jim, clasping his shoulder reassuringly.

I nodded, agreeing with Draal, “We can help too, after all it’ll be easier if we’re all looking for them.”

Jim smiles at Draal and me, “Thank you, I’m glad not everyone thinks I’m crazy.”

I snort crossing my arms over my chest, “I’m pretty sure I’d recognize the bridge I got thrown into during our fight.”

Draal growled slightly, “If you said it was there then it was. Vendel will get proof one way or another.”

Jim nodded, yawning. I smiled, ruffling his hair, “For now, I think you need to get some sleep. We’ve got class in the morning.”

“Alright, I don’t think I can stand looking at another algebra equation anyway.” Jim stood, heading upstairs to bed. “Night River! Night Draal!”

Draal nodded to him before grabbing the scrap metal and heading downstairs to the basement.

I waved to Jim, following after Draal. “Ready to work on your door?” I asked, trying to suppress a yawn.

Draal chuckled, pressing his forehead to mine. “I will handle the door. You go rest for your learning prison. Jim will need help fighting if he uncovers one there.”

I huffed slightly but nod, nuzzling my nose under his jaw, “Alright, alright… We’ll get the rest of the stuff for your bed tomorrow; do you need to sleep soon?”

Draal tilted his head in thought, “I slept before my match with Jim so I should be fine for a while longer.”

“Okay, night Draal,” I smiled, kissing his cheek before heading up to bed.

“Goodnight River,” Draal spoke quietly, getting to work on the door, careful not to make too much noise as Jim and I slept.

The next day on our way to school Toby was asking about what we should do about the bridge moving. “So, say what we saw wasn’t just an illusion and they really did move it. How could we possibly find it?”

“Well, I don’t think we’re gonna be lucky enough to stumble on it again, Tobes.” Jim sighed as we crossed the street onto the school campus.

“If we find more changelings, we either watch them or interrogate them.” I spoke up, “Or we could see if there is a way to trace the stones, if they found them in the first place why couldn’t we?”

“Well all we know for sure is that Nomura didn’t move it by herself,” Jim said, looking around the street as we spoke.

“So, more changelings, that’s dangerous.” Toby huffed.

“Oh, no.” Jim became quiet, keeping his head down as Claire was dropped off near us.

“Claire? A changeling?” Toby asked, confused by Jim’s response.

“The letter?” I asked Jim, referring to the similar ones he wrote mom, Toby, and I.

Jim nodded, watching Claire, hoping she wouldn’t approach, “When I thought I was gonna die, I wrote Claire a letter, too, and told her everything.” He explained to Toby.

“Everything?” Toby asked, eyes wide.

“Everything,” Jim repeated, walking faster as the bell rings.

“There you are!” Claire yelled from behind us, running to Jim.

“Hey, Claire,” Toby greeted quickly.

“Hey, Colby, River.” She waved to Toby and me as she ran after Jim.

“It’s Toby actually. Not that it matters. You can call me whatever you like.” Toby called after her, grinning like an idiot.

I rolled my eyes and whacked him on the head, heading to my art class, “Don’t forget we’re eating off campus for lunch!” I called to Toby before walking in.

During lunch period, Jim, Toby, and I headed straight for Trollmarket, Jim was in a daze the entire way. Once we arrived, Blinky began explaining how we were going to uproot the changelings. “Master Jim?” He called out, confused by Jim’s daze.

“Master Jim!” Aaarrrgghh yelled from behind Jim, causing him to jump and scream.

“Yes, sorry. Paying attention. Paying attention!” He quickly recovered from the scare, looking to Blinky.

“As I was saying,” Blinky began to explain again, “assuming that Killahead Bridge was in Arcadia, and it was indeed, as you say, delivered to a clandestine location, that would mean more changelings, scavenging, assembling and disassembling.” Blinky lead us towards a rocky opening with a giant metal door covered in windows. “If we can prove that the museum curator was not working alone, then Vendel might start believing that you saw Killahead Bridge.”

“So, we just need to find another Changeling,” I spoke up, keeping an eye on the time so we weren’t late for class.

“Then how do we find one?” Jim asked.

Aaarrrgghh answered from behind us as we approached the door. “RotGut’s.”

“Purveyor of fine charms, totems, and spells.” Blinky said, gesturing to the door, “Follow my lead.” He instructed before knocking on the door and stepping back.

A window near the top of the door opened to reveal the blue eye of a large orange troll, “Ailment or curse?” He asked as a window near the bottom of the door opened to reveal the orange eye or a bluish green troll.

“Oi, numbskull!” He scolded the taller troll behind the door, “I’m supposed to answer it!”

“But I already did answer it.” The taller of the two replied.

“What is not clear about ‘I deal with the customers,” He shut the window, “you handle the wizardry’?”

“What kind of wizardry items do they sell?” I asked Blinky as the trolls continued to argue behind the door.

“Anything you might need, and some you never knew you needed,” Blinky answered with a grin. I gave him a blank stare back, hoping he understood how unhelpful that answer was.

The Bluish green troll opened his window again, “Welcome to RotGuts. How may we service you?”

“Totem, my good troll,” Blinky answered, getting closer to the window to whisper, “We suspect one of these fleshbags may be a changeling.”

The orange troll opened his window to peer down at us as soon as changelings were mentioned. Aaarrrgghh tilted his head down slightly so he was in the orange trolls view, “Other fleshbags,” he stated simply.

“You’re gonna need a gaggletack.” The large troll spoke.

The bluish-green troll chuckled, “Unfortunately, you see, we’re running a bit short on those. Very hard to get.”

The large troll looked down confused, “but I’ve got a bag of them right here.”

“What in the world?” The smaller troll huffed. “If you’ll excuse us for one moment.” He shut the window and began to scold the taller troll.

“I thought we were trying to help these nice lads.” The larger troll responded to the smaller one’s muffled scolding, shutting his window. I giggled realizing the tall troll was too nice, while the smaller of the two had been trying to get more out of the deal.

“Gaggletack?” Toby asked, scratching his head at the confusing exchange.

“Rare artifact,” Aaarrrgghh stated.

“Exceedingly rare. An object of great mystery. With physical contact, it reveals the true nature of a changeling.” Blinky explained.

Suddenly a drawer on the door opened and outshot a metal horseshoe, hitting Toby in the face. “It hurts!” He groaned, falling back.

“A gaggletack… is a horseshoe?” I asked, picking it up, yelping as it burned my hand, letting it drop to the ground again.

“Made of pure iron, hurts magic.” Aaarrrgghh frown, nudging my burnt palm with his nose.

“Why would you put such a precious thing on a horse’s foot?” Blinky asked incredulously. “Forgive me River, I forgot to warn you.”

Jim picked up the gaggletack, keeping it away from me, “So it reveals Changelings and hurts sorcerers? Are you going to be okay River?”

I nod, speaking the healing incantation quickly, sighing in relief as the burn fades, “All good, but it doesn’t look like I’ll be to help.”

Toby sat up confused, “Isn’t your lance made of iron? How come that doesn’t burn?”

“Treated,” Aaarrrgghh spoke up, “Steel, not iron.”

I nod looking to my collapsed lance hanging off my belt. “So, that’s why Vendel wouldn’t let me touch it.”

“Indeed.” Blinky nodded to me before turning to Jim, “Beware, Master Jim, changelings are swapped with their human counterparts at birth. So, it is likely that these Troll-pretenders have dwelt amongst you for decades.”

I looked at my phone, eyes widening, “Bushigal!” I yelled, “We gotta get back to school!” I took off running for the entrance of Trollmarket.

Blinky’s mouth dropped at my cursing in Trollish.

“Gotta go Blink! Aaarrrgghh! Thanks for the help!” Jim yelled as he and Toby ran after me.

Once we're back on campus, Toby was the first to try the gaggletack out on Coach Lawrence, who ended up making Toby do 50 push-ups for whacking him with a horseshoe.

During a passing period, Jim tried the gaggletack on Eli, I snorted shaking my head. “Even I could’ve told you that…”

Later on, Toby set up a horseshoe tossing booth. I spray painted a target and sign for him quickly and he waited for most of our break there.

I grabbed extra gloves from my geology and earth science class with Toby so I could hold the gaggletack. During a theater break, when the drama class was held and if you were in the up and coming play you got to skip and rehearse, I went with Jim to check all the kids. Grinning I threw the horseshoe as hard as I could without using magic at Steve’s head. Huffing when it didn’t work. Jim retrieved the horseshoe from the other side under the red curtain.

Jim passed the gaggletack to Toby, who at this point began tapping people with it as he walked by, tired of looking for changelings and keeping track of was already checked. He met up with Jim and me near our lockers.

“Any luck?” Jim asked, seeing Toby’s worn out expression.

“Nope,” Toby sighed, leaning against his locker.

“Yeah, us too.” I sighed finally taking the gloves off and tossing them.

Toby peered around Jim and me as Strickler’s voice grew closer. “You, uh, try this out on Mr. Strickler?” Toby asked Jim.

“Come on. You really think he is one?” Jim asked. He and Toby began arguing over the gaggletack, before Toby let go.

“Fine, we’ll do it later.” He spoke before yanking the gaggletack out of Jim’s hand’s and tossing it at Strickler’s feet.

Strickler paused, looking down at the gaggletack, brow arched as he looked up to Jim, Toby, and I.”

“Whoopsy! Slipped,” Toby grinned, trying to play it off a sheepish.

“Sorry.” Jim began to apologize before Toby cut him off, asking Strickler if he could pick the gaggletack up. I rolled my eyes at how obvious he was being.

Strickler scoffed, “And waste such idle hands as your own, Mr. Domzalski?” He asked gesturing to Toby.

Jim spoke up quickly, “Our backs!” He nodded to himself, “Coach Lawrence put us through the wringer this morning.” He chuckled, trying to play it off. Toby nodded quickly.

Claire walked up picking the gaggletack up, “Here you go, Mr. Strickler. Here’s your… horseshoe back.” She held it out to him.

“Thank you, Ms. Nunez, but that belongs to Mr. Lake.” Strickler spoke up, taking a slight step back.

“Oh. Well, that would explain the flying horseshoes.” She spoke, handing it to me at first since I was closest. When I didn’t move to take it, she moved on to Jim, holding it out. “So not going to ask.”

Jim chuckled nervously, taking the gaggletack. Stickler walked up behind Claire; a sympathetic look etched on his face. “Take care of your back, Young Atlas. Such is the danger of carrying the world on one’s shoulder.” He said before walking off.

“Very suspicious,” Toby said, eyes narrowed as he watched Strickler leave.

“Suspicious?” Claire asked, confused by the situation.

Jim chuckled slightly, noticing Claire again. “Claire.”

“Still here.” She shrugged, figuring she was missing something.

“What’s up?” Jim asked, scratching the back of his neck.

“You’re still coming home with me, right?” She asked.

Toby and I exchanged smirks as Jim smiled, “Oh, right!” He turned slightly to us, “Claire and I are gonna go to her house… for math stuff.”

I snickered at his terrible explanation as the walked off, avoiding the gaggletack as Jim slammed it in Toby’s face, walking off with Claire. “Alright Tobes, I gotta go to the fabric store. Have fun at your appointment.” I waved, walking into town.

I walked into one of the larger shops in the town. Shelves lined the walls, overflowing with fabric and stuffing. Walking around I grabbed different gray and blue fabrics, setting them on the counter as I collected them. After grabbing about five different spools I filtered through the different types of filling, grabbing as many as I could carry to the counter.

A little old lady behind the counter finally took notice of me, “Ah! River! Working on another school project?” she asked me, taking the filling from me.

“Hi, Ms. Kamaria, something like that… It’s for the play the school is putting on. I need to make a giant bed for one of the scenes.” I explained, hoping she wouldn’t ask too much.

“A bed huh? Do you have anything for the base yet sweetie?” Mr. Kamaria asked. She’s always been a help to me on different art projects.

“I have the frame done so far,” I explained, helping her bag the fabric and stuffing.

“Oh! I’ve got something that will work for the mattress if you want!” She grinned rushing to the back of the store.

I laughed as she rushed off to find whatever it was, she thought I needed. After years of shopping here, I learned quickly that if Ms. Kamaria said you needed something, you actually needed it. After a few minutes he returned pushing a flatbed cart with large rolls of condensed foam.

“Here we go! You can use the cart to get everything home too, I know you’ll look after it for me.” She grinned up to me, wringing everything up.

I paid her asking price and loaded up the cart with everything. Waving to her as I left, “Bye, Ms. Kamaria! Thank you for the help!”

“Bye sweetie, good luck with your play!” She waved off, watching me head done the block before returning to her shop.

I walked the cart, grinning at everything I picked up. This was gonna be fun to put together. As I got home, I brought the cart into the garage, rushing in and down to the basement to get Draal. “I got the stuff for your bed!” I grinned, hugging him once I got close enough.

He chuckled, returning the hug. “Is that where you’ve been? Your fleshy prison let out a while ago.”

I huffed, nuzzling under his chin, “Not the entire time, I was helping Jim and Toby look for changelings after class. Nothing turned up, but I now know I can’t touch iron.” Draal growled, checking my hands quickly. I smiled softly, “I’m okay, used the healing incantation.”

He nodded, turning my hands over a couple times to make sure. “Alright, I’ll help bring in the materials.” He picked me up with a smirk, heading up the stairs and into the garage.

I laughed, settled on his back as he walked to the garage. He sat me down next to the cart, sniffing over the materials. Pausing at the rolled foam. “What is this?”

“It’s foam for the mattress portion, it's malleable enough that your spikes won’t damage it and this way it won’t just be blankets and pillows!” I explained, grabbing the bags filled with stuffing for the pillows as Draal grabbed the rolls or foam and fabric.

As we got all the materials down in the basement, my phone went off playing Jim’s ringtone. “Hey, Jim... are you running?” I asked, hearing he was out of breath.

“Toby! Dentist!” Jim yelled into the phone as he ran, I could hear the sound of his armor being activated.

“We’re coming,” I hung up, looking to Draal, Toby found a changeling, from Jim’s panic, I think he’s in trouble.

Draal nodded, picking me up and setting me on his back, opening the steel door to the sewers. “This way will be faster, hold on tight.” He instructed before taking off, running on all fours. I held on tight, using the GPS on my phone to guide us to Toby’s dental office.

When Draal and I arrived, Blinky, Toby, and Aaarrrgghh were laughing hysterically along with Jim and another troll who was running around the examination chair. “What in Daya’s name is going on?” I asked, confused.

Jim pointed at the female troll, trying to gasp for air, “Changeling!” was all he could get out.

I jumped off Draal’s back, tacking my lance out, I held my breath, trying to stave off the laughing gas, and surged my magic through the lance. Shooting at the changeling, hitting her arm as Toby kicked her slightly out of the way as he was trying to get feeling in his limbs.

The changeling screeched as the arm my magic touched turned to stone and disintegrated. She snarled and lunged for me but Jim got in the way. She fell on him and snarled, pinning his arms. Jim was able to get one of his arms free, as he did he focused on Daylight and it shifted from the pinned hand to his free one, plunging into the changeling’s chest, dusting her.

“There goes proof,” Aaarrrgghh said from the ceiling.

“Oh, my gosh! She’s in my mouth!” Toby started yelling, coughing up dust.

I groaned looking down at the dust covering me. “This is disgusting…” Draal came over, pressing her forehead to mine, checking to make sure I was okay.

Jim’s armor deactivated as he groaned, “Oh, no! I killed our only evidence of changelings in Arcadia.”

“You finished the fight, Master Jim, and in self-defense for that matter.” Blinky sighed, patting his shoulder. “Vendel may continue to have his doubts, but we continue to have our lives. A fair bargain, I’d say.” Blinky smiled.

“Just out of curiosity, what are you guys doing in Toby’s dentist’s office, I only called River.” He asked, confused about how Blinky and Aaarrrgghh new to come.

“I thought it was possible that danger may come to either of you should you cross paths with the wrong changeling. So, we followed Tobias as a precaution.” Blinky explained as Aaarrrgghh finally fell through the skylight into the office. “It looks like we are officially out of laughing gas. We should depart.” Blinking stated as he began to walk out.

Aaarrrgghh being too big for the door began to climb out of the skylight again.

“Hey! Uh, excuse me, wait!” Toby ran around Aaarrrgghh to Blinky, “Look at this place. Do you have some magic artifact that can clean up this mess? He asked quickly.

“Yes.” Blinky answered quickly, “I believe it’s called a ‘Tobias.’’

“I was afraid you’d say that,” Toby sighed, getting to work on cleaning as we all left.

Jim and I still were trying to dust ourselves off as we got home with Aaarrrgghh, Blinky, and Draal. “Quick question, why did my magic turn her arm to stone, doesn’t that only happen in the sun, or with Daylight?” I asked, hoping one of them would have an answer.

Blinky paused, waving his hand in a dismissive manner, “Yes only the sunlight, Daylight, or creeper’s sun poisoning would produce that effect, therefore you must wield some form of daylight.” He kept walking into the kitchen before stopping short, registering his world before turning and grabbing onto my arms with all four hands. “You can harness daylight!” He yelled making me flinch back.

Draal snarled wrenching Blinky’s hands off of me and pulling me back towards him so Blinky would stay out of my face. “Watch it, Galadrigal.”

Jim came to stand next to us, “So, River can wield daylight, as in sunlight. Why is that a cause for you to freak out?”

Aaarrrgghh spoke up, coming to stand behind Blinky, keeping him back from trying to get close while Draal was being protective. “Merlin’s blood.”

“Vendel mentioned something like that before, I thought it was a term for magic in general,” I asked confused, keeping my back against Draal’s chest.

“I general it used to describe someone of magic descent, however being able to harness sunlight, that means you have Merlin’s actual blood in you! You’re descendent in Merlin’s line!” Blinky clapped his hands, excited. “Wait until Vendel hears about this! He might turn to stone from shock!”

“Uh, Blinky, how would River be related, in A Brief Recapitulation of Troll Lore it states that he had no known offspring,” Jim spoke up, trying to diffuse Blinky’s over excitement before it got out of hand.

“That is true, he had no children, but he did have a sister.” Blinky pointing one of his fingers up in his classic lecturing pose. “Ganieda was Merlin’s younger sister, she too was born a sorceress and training in the arcane, not much is known of her, however, she disappeared centuries ago.

I went cold, feeling the color drain from my skin, “What… did you call her?”

“Ganieda?” Blinky asked, confused by my paling complexion.

“As in aunt Ganieda?” Jim asked, turning to me.

“Aunt?” Blinky asked, looking between Jim and me.

“River’s mother,” Draal spoke up, lifting me as I leaned back further into him. Not sure how to feel about what I learned.

Jim sighed, seeing that I was in shock, “It might be best to drop this.” He pushed Blinky and Aaarrrgghh further from Draal and me so he could explain. “River doesn’t have any information about her mother, just that she died during labor, hearing that she’s a centuries-old sorceress and sister to Merlin? I think you can imagine the shock she’s in.”

Aaarrrgghh nodded, frowning as he looked to me in empathy, knowing what it was like to grow up not knowing your family.

Blinky frowned, clearly understanding my reaction now, “I apologize, I did not know.”

I shook my head slightly, “I’m… fine. It’s just not what I expected…” I tried to explain, curling up in Draal’s hold.

Draal nuzzled the top of my head in a comforting manner, holding my curled-up form tight. “I will keep an eye on her tonight. You should rest Trollhunter.” He nodded to Jim, grabbing a blanket from the couch as he carried me down to the basement. He unrolled the foam coils we just got and made a quick, nest for the night, leaning back against the wall so I could lay on his chest, wrapping the blanket around me.

“I think not knowing was easier…” I finally spoke up, head tucked under Draal’s jaw.

He hummed, petting my hair back, “This scares you,” he finally spoke up, keeping his voice low.

“I’m unsure, I don’t know if it’s going to change anything.” I answered, slowly relaxing with Blinky’s excitement gone. “I’m already treated differently, because I’m a sorceress, but what if being related to Merlin makes everyone treat me even stranger?”

“Simple, we don’t tell anyone, and we’ll gut Blinkous if he does!” Draal made a tearing motion with his arms, obviously joking.

I laughed a bit, uncurling enough to lay along the length of his chest. “Thank you Draal,” I nuzzled his jaw before laying my head back down, keeping it tucked against his neck.

“Of course, you’re my mate, I’ll protect you, even from obnoxious trolls like Blinkous.” Draal smiled at the nuzzle, petting my hair again. “Rest, I’ll keep the vermin away.”

I nod slowly, feeling very protected as I fell asleep on Draal’s chest. Happy he wasn’t acting strange about my bloodline.

[svucarisiaddict]

MIKE that is all 💕💕

//I freaking love Mikey! Thank you so much for sending in this ask. It was a lot of fun to write.//

“Mama, I’m hungry”, Issac, your two year old, said as he came into the your bedroom. He climbed up on your bed, stretching out. He looked so much like Mike with dark hair and green eyes.

“Well, Daddy will be home soon. And guess what? We’re ordering pizza!”

“Yay!” He jumped from the bed and ran out the door. Shaking your head and grinning you finished unpacking another box. 

Mike arrived home 30 minutes later. You smiled, “Hey, babe. I’m in the kitchen”, you called out to him. You heard his footsteps as he came into the kitchen. “Pizza should be here in about an hour”, you grabbed plates from a box. "How was your first day?" When he didn’t answer, you turned to find him leaning against the door way.

Your smile faltered.His eyes were downcast, his mouth a thin line, face crestfallen. You sighed. You had seen that look before, usually after his dad reviewed the next rung of this career ladder, or some legal issue with his brother.

“Wanna talk about it?” He shook his head. You walked over to him and took his hands. He drew you to him in a tight embrace. His buried his face in your neck and let out a heavy sigh. “That good, huh?”, you said softly and scratched the back of his neck.

“They hate me.” He straightened, kissed you head and released. Crossing your arms, and leaning back on the counter, you watched him grab a beer from the fridge. He popped it open and took a long swig. “Looks like you made some progress”, he looked around the kitchen.

“Isaac and I were able stay out of trouble”, you winked. 

He gave you a weak smile. “I still don’t like you doing all of this by yourself”, he studied you and placed a hand on your belly.

“I’m pregnant Michael, not disabled. Plus, I saved all the heavy stuff for you champ.” You playfully punched him in the arm and he laughed. “So why do they hate you?”

“Why do you think?”, he gave you a quizzical look. “When everyone thinks your father gets you a job…”, he trailed off. 

Nodding your head, “I thought so. I can see why they might be stand-offish. They probably think you’ll run to your dad with every little slight or complaint. Put yourself in their shoes.”

“Yeah. I guess that makes sense.” Running is hands through his hair, he went to the fridge and pulled out another beer. “Last one, I promise.” Mike hopped up to sit on the kitchen counter.

“Enjoy, cause I’d be joining you if I could’, rubbing your stomach. Taking a deep breath you continued, “Listen. They’re not going to forget that your dad is Dodds Sr. You’ll have to earn their trust, just like they have to earn yours.” Walking over to him, you stood between his knees and placed you hands on his muscular thighs. “They’ll come around. After all, I did.”

“Thank God you did.” He leaned down and kissed our head. “What did I do to deserve you? You always know just the right thing to say.” He brushed a finger down your cheek.

“You just got extremely lucky, Mr. Dodds. Besides you’re a likable enough guy.” You grabbed his face smushing his lips and kissed him.

He laughed and jumped from the counter. Wrapping you in his arms he bent down to give kiss. Your hands traveled up his broad back. He pulled you into him. 

“Daddy, yous home!”, Isaac tore into the kitchen. Mike picked him up, and tossed him in the air. Isaac squealed with delight. “Again, again!” Mike of course indulged him. Mike gave Isaac a kiss on the cheek. “Down Daddy.” Mike gently placed him on his feet and he was gone as quick as he appeared.

Mike shook his head and chuckled. “That kid is something else.”  He clapped his hands,”You know what? To hell with ‘em. At least you two like me.” 

You burst out laughing. This was the Mike you wanted to see since he walked in the door that evening. Carefree, happy. “You’re a keeper for sure”, you said trying to catch your breath. 

“Where’s that pizza?” Just then the doorbell rang. Mike shot his brows up and  smiled from ear to ear. “I’ll get it”, he said and jogged to the door.