#I KNEW YOU WOULDN'T LET ME DOWN ON ORANGE COLORED SKY!!!!!!!

[spaceratprodigy]

NEW WYCB UPDATE JUST DROPPED!! GO READ MY FRIEND'S FIC RN I LOVE HER SM!

Also? Have you read the previous chapter? 🤨 Maybe you should. Maybe there's even some art at the end of it made by yours truly.

Summaries:

Cats poetry night, swing dancing, home-brewed beer. What could go wrong?

clears my throat and smiles innocently

surprise!!! two new chapters!!!!!!!!!!! deacon and charmer hang out with the atom cats a whole bunch and then... uh... some other stuff happens too :) pls make sure to read the notes at the end of 25/the beginning of 26 as they r important!!!!

im not returning to weekly posting yet just because ~life~ and i want to be able to devote the time and effort to this fic that it deserves bc i love it very much, but again, they'll be back!! but exactly where they go from here......... well, who's to say

as always, the link above will take u to the most recent chapter (25) and this one will take you to the beginning :3 enjoy!!!

[juno-of-wonderland]

Monster Au: Lord of Thorns route

You stopped cleaning, looking at the horizon, your eyes passing over the rooftops and going straight to the sunset, the colors matching the current autumn, you didn't understand why people didn't stop to admire the beauty that nature had. You stayed still until the moon shone in the sky, going back to work, cleaning the mansion's gargoyles, do you remember that you once heard that these beauties protect and prevent the excessive runoff of water from damaging the stones and here it is so lonely that they end up being their only companions. “Good evening Laylah, Nisha, Ayla, Estela and Luara” “So they have a name” The sudden voice made you let out a scream, jumping back and losing your balance, tripping over your own feet, gravity doing its work and pulling you down, beyond the roof, you dropped your work tool and closed your eyes, bracing for impact, but only the broom hit the ground. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” You opened your eyes, he held your hand, you knew it was a man from the voice, but you couldn't see clearly because of the hood, but the green glow in his eyes was so intense that it cut through the darkness, keeping you mesmerized and breathless . “(Y/n) are you okay?” A voice shouted from below, one of the mansion's maids. "Hmm? A-Ah, yes I am! I ended up tripping, I’ll go down to get the broom” you stuttered as her screamed, you attention focused downwards When you turned your eyes to the front, he wasn't there, you didn't even notice when he let go of your hand, but the feeling of the glove touching your skin was still there like a ghost. “Be more careful!” The maid screamed You continued looking at the empty space, wondering who he was, you raise your hand and look at it. “Cold…it was cold” you whispered

…

The trees on the property make you work harder than usual, sure, it's leaf fall season, but why does the butler make you remove even the leaves from the roof? You would never know. You climbed the stairs without rushing, using the metal bars that surrounded the roof, you leveraged yourself, placing your flashlight in the chimney to light your way, already starting to sweep the orange colored leaves, the rhythm and the sound lulling you into work . Without realizing it, that same figure from last night was watching you, waiting for you to get off the edge so that it wouldn't happen again. “How do you know they’re all girls?” He asked You let out a shameful scream, which got a laugh from the guy, embarrassing you even more, your shoulders shrugging as your forehead touched the broom handle. “Um, they faces give me the sensation" you replied without looking at him “huh” he let out a murmur of recognition and remained silent You guys stood in the same place, he looked at the property and you found the courage to speak, taking a deep breath, you asked the most important question. “Who…who are you?” your voice came out almost like a whisper, but his ears seemed to be sharp, because he looked back at you and you looked at him. "You do not know?" He said they seem surprised You remained silent, why would you have to know, unless…he was the owner of the mansion!? No, it wouldn't make sense, you've never seen the owner of the mansion, but you don't think he would be hooded in his own house. “You seem to have reached a conclusion” he said No, you were more confused than ever, but he didn't seem like a bad guy, he even saved you from falling two floors yesterday. “My name is (y/n) and yours?” He blinked, intrigued and surprised, a smile forming on his face. “You gave me your name so quickly… you really don’t know who I am” he laughed low and short, but so attractive “you can call me whatever you want, but a word of advice, a name has great power” You looked slightly irritated and confused at him. "What? You are the devil and you are going to steal my soul? Since it's like that, I'll call you Tetsunotaro.” And oh how that amused him even more.

…

Nights passed, sometimes whole nights, you didn't understand why he only showed up at night, which he responded with that he was kind of invading someone's territory just to see you, which you swallowed and honestly, he clearly isn't not even trying to be charming, your new friend is naturally charming. "What are you thinking?" Tetsunotaro asked. “How long will they believe I’m coming here to see the stars?” “But it’s the truth, isn’t it?” Tetsunotaro said with a smile “Hehe, I am” you replied with your own smile You looked at the stars, Tetsunotaro was some kind of scholar or a nobleman, he knew so many things that even surprised you, especially the gargoyles, you didn't even know half of the things he told you. “The master is coming back this week” you said suddenly "And even? What kind of man is your master?” Tetsunotaro said, getting closer to you, touching his shoulder, wanting your warmth. "I don't know" "You do not know?" Tetsunotaro cocked his head to the side, eyes wide with curiosity.

“Yeah, well, I've heard a lot of gossip about him, but I don't know if they're true and I've never seen him in person… do you want to hear the things I heard?” Tetsunotaro nodded enthusiastically "I heard he looks like a prince, he is the best at swordsmanship, a little lonely and loves trees, he also has an obsession with dreams, as if he wants to enter it, looking like a physical place" Tetsunotaro narrowed his eyebrows , but not for the reason that you thought “I know, haha, it's a little crazy, ha! The butler said he is an ancestor of a dragon slayer.” Tetsunotaro tensed, his smile didn't waver, nor did you seem to notice his body change as you said a few more things about your employer, he himself got lost in his own thoughts. “Tetsunotaro, can I ask you something?” “Of course, son of man” and there’s your weird but intriguing nickname that Tetsunotaro gave, did you think it was fair "You work?" Tetsunotaro let out a laugh before replying, “No, my parents left me enough money that I wouldn’t worry enough about it.” You squirmed in place, your knee coming closer to your chest, the tone he used left you with a strange feeling, he spoke about them as if they had… “They are” he laid his head on your shoulder “…I’m sorry” you squeezed his hand in comfort “Okay, it’s been…years since this happened.” “…if you need anything, just talk” you said Tetsunotaro looked into your eyes, surprise and relief reflecting and you finally noticed his hair, as black and shiny as the night, but one part of it looked strange. “Thank you” he lifted your hand and entwined his fingers with your, holding it tenderly, placing a kiss on the back of your hand “I was… very lucky to meet you” …That was so natural…damn, you know your face is red and he's smiling, you're sure you saw plenty of protruding fangs. “Hey” you try to distract yourself, pulling your hand “do you think they still exist?” "Who?" “The Dragons” Tetsunotaro smiled, the kind of smile that knows what he's talking about “yes, I believe so”

…

You were making your way upstairs, when someone touched your shoulder, startling you, the boy laughs lightly. “(Y/n) you really like the stars, don’t you?” An employee named Rain said "Oh yes! I love watching them” “But it would be good if you stayed below today, apparently the master doesn’t come alone” And with those words, several employees hurriedly passed through the same corridor as the two figures, they looked at each other before following. Everyone lined up in two lines next to the door, shoulder to shoulder, with their heads lowered and waiting, the butler walked in the middle, his feet quickly passing over the red carpet and opening the two huge dark wooden doors. “Master, gentlemens, it is a pleasure to have you here” the butler spoke with respect and reverence You risked a look, seeing a well-dressed man who clearly had everything easy in life with three others behind him, these caught your attention the most, dressed in black and with heavy bags and an emblem, the emblem of Noble Bell, monster hunters, your stomach dropped. You had a theory about Tetsunotaro. A theory that there was no way someone like him could be human, his skin was very white and cold, his eyes were so bright and you are sure you saw fangs in his mouth and he was always hooded… these men here and now only increased your suspicions . You looked away, staring at the ground like your savior, the five men passed by and everyone went back to their tasks, you took a deep breath, if you were going to do something it would be quick. You tried to act as normal as possible, walking to the wing that led to the stairs that led to a closed opening in the ceiling, you went up the stairs, opened the little door and there he was, waiting for you, smiling as soon as he saw you. “You need to go” you said His smile disappeared, replacing it with a frown. “Is it because of the hunters?” Tetsunotaro asked “Yes” you said and nodded “Are you afraid of me now?” “…I don’t really know what you are, but Tetsunotaro, what you are doesn’t matter, but who you are and you are my friend, my dear friend” You spoke with all your heart The man seemed ecstatic but hesitant, he looked at the moon and then at you, you hadn't fully left the opening yet, he walked towards you and held out his hand, helping you to stand, he held your chin so you could look directly into his eyes and for the first time he took off his hood. You held your breath, for the first time seeing his full face, seeing his horns and realizing who you were talking to all these nights. "You are-" “Lords of Thorns!” An arrow flew towards the two of you, Tetsunotaro took it out of the way with a single hand, growling at the newcomer, he held you by the waist, close to his body. “Release this human!” The hunter proclaimed Which had the opposite effect, because Tetsunotaro only held you closer to him. “Of course a proud creature like you wouldn’t cooperate.” A second voice, this time from behind Tetsunotaro and your only question: HOW THE HELL DID HE GET UP!? THE MANSION HAS TWO FLOORS! The man glanced sideways and his annoyance increased, as did his amusement.

“Flame” he said, like some kind of old friend You stretched your head, managing to see the hunter with black clothes, gray hair and a tired, serious face and with that black cloak, you also noticed the sword in his hands. The man looked sick, swinging his shining sword to the side. “Your dirty soul is trying to corrupt this sheep, this is not something I can allow, Draconia” the man, Flame, said with determination “I can't” Draconia said, as if he were talking about the weather This attitude only made the hunters angrier, another arrow was shot and Flame threw himself forward, the arrow went straight through while the sword didn't hit any matter. Tetsunotaro began to float above the men, holding you like his precious treasure in his arms. He throws himself to the ground, running at surprising speed into the forest, the two hunters unable to catch up to the vampire lord. After some time,you struggled in his arms, leaving him confused, he slowed down until he stopped, placing you on the ground, he could hear your heart pumping blood at full speed. “I’m sorry” the man said sullenly like a kicked dog. You moved your hand, waving that it was nothing, waiting for the adrenaline to subside and your heart to calm down. “Will you come with me…do you (y/n)?” Draconia extended her hand for you to hold

What will you do?

⬜hold the hand ⬜ do not hold

[countrymusiclover]

4 - Beginning to Bond

Part 5

Star Crossed Enemies

My body twitched slightly while I was asleep against one of the cave walls until I felt a rough hand shaking me harshly by the shoulder.  The voice nit entirely familiar causing me to draw out a dagger and push it against the person's neck.  “Cassio, wake up.  Cassio  - Cass - it's me.  It's Bellamy.” 

“What were you trying to do, kill me in my sleep?” I glared at him waiting for his response before I ever would lower the weapon. 

“You were screaming in your sleep.  I had one of the other people in my camp have nightmares so I knew it was better to wake up more than let you suffer.” 

I shifted my gaze to meet his deep gaze.  “How old is the person that has nightmares?” 

“She’s just a kid.  Maybe 10 or 11.  Her name is Charlotte.” He explained softly to me. 

Lowering the dagger from his throat I blinked back some tears thinking back to my childhood.  My mom did the best she could but she still always favored Clarke.  Considering she was now down here something really bad must have happened up on the Ark to drop them a down here.  

Clicking my tongue I sent him a weak smile appreciating the gesture.  “Thank you for waking me.  Most of the time I just drag myself out of my nightmares with little relief when I wake up for the first five minutes.” 

“I'm sorry.  That sounds horrible.” 

Shrugging my shoulders I sniffed feeling some tears trying to slip out. “I've been through much worse.  So it's just my life.” 

Grounders don't show weaknesses 

Lexa would be disappointed I was beginning to share information with him.  But she wasn't here.  She wasn't being held prisoner, I was.  I wouldn't disclose our secrets but I could share some of mine.  

“I know we don't know each other but maybe we can start to.  The fog doesn't seem to be clearing anytime soon and I don't really want to burn to death in an attempt to make it back to camp.” He leaned back against the cold cave wall sitting beside me where we saw the green fog still lingering on the outside of the shelter we had found for ourselves. 

Hugging my knees to my chest I raised my brows.  “Are you meaning like a 20 question game?” 

“If you're up to it.  Yeah I am.” He replied pointing at me.  “Ladies first.” 

Biting my lip I paused thinking I should start with basic things.  “What’s your favorite color?” 

“Green.” 

“Mine is orange.” 

The older boy shifted his focus onto me.  “Did you have any friends growing up?” 

“Not really.  There’s a major reason why and it has to do with my relationship with one of people’s doctors.  But anyway I had basically one that is still my best friend.  Her name is - was Glass.” 

Bellamy raised a brow staring at me curiously.  “Describe her to me.” 

“Um, it’s been a while but she - she had blonde hair and blue eyes from what I can remember.” I scratched the side of my head thinking back on the last time I saw her.  “Why do you want to know?”

He responded back to me.  “Because I bumped into her before I got on the dropship and she didn’t.” 

“Wait a minute.  Are you saying that she’s still on the Ark?  She’s up there with those assholes.” I clutched my hands into fists in my lap unsure if I should feel anger or relief that they didn’t float her for getting pregnant as a teenager. 

The older Blake sibling blinked his eyes a few times not saying a word.  He wasn’t sure what to say back to the grounder in front of him.  He rubbed the back of his neck avoiding her gaze.  “I guess so.  I’m sorry for that.” 

“Don’t be.  You saw an opportunity and she saw her own.  That’s how survival works.” 

Bellamy softly nodded his head in agreement.  “Down here.  Weakness is death.  Fear is death.” 

“So - what about you, Sky boy.  What did you like to do up on the dying space station?” I cleared my throat, breaking the very heavy and intense silence that had fallen between us and the cave air. 

“Growing up my  mother taught me about Augustus who was a former Roman emperor.  He had a sister named and that’s how my sister got her name.  So I’ve always and still do love Mythology.” 

I laughed wishing I didn’t like where my name came from after how my mother treated me but I couldn’t help it.  “Do you wanna know my full name because nobody down here knows it.” 

“You’d tell me that.  Why do I get such an honor?” Bellamy asked me. 

Biting my lip I found myself beginning to think there was more to him then just an arrogant and rude leader of the Sky People I once knew.  “I’m not sure yet.  Now do you want to know it or not.  You’ve only got a limited chance before I change my mind.” 

“Tell me, Grounder Girl.” He responded seeing me send him a glare and so he added on the end a please. 

“Cassiopeia.  A cluster of stars in the sky.” 

Tears welled in my eyes hearing my full name come from someone else’s lips other than my mothers.  The way my name sounded from his lips was music to my ears.  “Cassiopeia. But you shorten it by going by Cassio. It all makes sense now.” 

“Yep.” I nodded, clicking my tongue against my lips. 

Bellamy shrugged his shoulders, coming up with a new nickname for me that I hadn’t heard before.  “How about I call you Cassie instead of grounder girl from now on hmm?” 

“I’d like that, Bellamy.” 

The next morning we made our way out of the cold cave and into the woods with the sun barely rising over the trees so it was still dark unless you were walking up in the mountain range.  

The silence that fell between me and the 100 leader wasn’t as awkward or intense as it had been before we had spent the night in that cave.  I wasn’t entirely sure what had formed between us but it was definitely something. 

“So are you going to chain me up when we get back to camp?” I questioned sparing the boy a glance walking directly beside him. 

Bellamy paused before giving his response.  “Yes.  I need to establish some control over the teenagers in my camp.  But with good behavior from you I might lower how many hours you’re locked up if that makes sense.” 

“I understand - get down.” I sharply cried tackling his larger body with my smaller one seeing a spiked tree limb coming down onto us meaning we must have snagged a hidden trap wire somewhere. 

Bellamy grunted from the impact raising his head watching me hovering above his body.  “Cassie! —- nice save.” He blinked seeing the spikey tree a few steps behind us where we were laying on the ground. 

“You’re welcome.” I breathed out in relief knowing my best friend was probably having an easier life than I was right now. 

The Ark 

Glass and mother were simply eating dinner in their apartment complex until they heard a knock at the door.  Glass got up from her chair going to answer the door and was met with Vice Chancellor Marcus Kane.  “Ms. Sorenson.  I need to speak with you about something important if you have time.” 

“Can I know what this is about, sir.  She’s done nothing wrong.” Sonja, her mother came up behind her entering the conversation.  Her mother knew that her daughter wasn’t supposed to still be on the space station but she was.  Now they were just worried they’d try to send her down to the ground like originally planned. 

He responded with his hands in his pockets.  “I’m aware of that, ma’am.” 

“Then why are you here?  What do you want with my daughter if you pardoned her?” Sonja glared at the councilman. 

Kane shook his head.  “I’m not here to arrest her.  I simply need to talk to her about someone.” 

“Who would I know that you need information on so badly?” Glass made a very confused face. 

The vice chancellor replied.  “Cassiopeia Rhodes.  Now may I please come in so we can discuss this privately?” 

“Come in.” Sonja stepped aside but he waited for Glass to move before he stepped inside and locked the door behind himself so no one walking bye would hear what they were about to say. 

[fimmiest]

I would - huh yunjin x fem!reader

sypnosy: "i’m sorry" why was that so hard to say back then? Now, no matter how much I yell, you can’t hear me.

TW: major character death, suicide, swearing

tags: angst, bandmates au, kinda inspired by the anime 'given'

"jen im not so sure-"

"wait listen to me" you feel her grabbing your hand, yunjin knowing very well the act will grab your attention as she repeats her words again.

"it's not a big deal, you know two of the band members already. we are just needing a temporary singer, and you know you sing really well y/n. it'll be fun, i promise" her thumb was moving softly against your hand.

the premise was you being the singer for yunjin's band. you knew it wasn't something big she always said the band is a hobby, but growing up with yunjin you know how serious and passionate she is about music. how she dedicates her time writing songs and learning how to play new instruments, that side of hers always fascinated you.

as for you, you didn't had the talent like yunjin have with instruments but between karaoke dates you two had, your 'signing in the shower ability' managed to impress yunjin and since then she always compliment you for it.

even if yunjin says it isn't something big, you couldn't help it but to feel hesitant, what if you let her down? if you don't match the energy of the others what will happen?

"babe, hey look at me" your nervous habit of you chewing your lips didn't go unnoticed by yunjin, she gets closer, her warm hands touching your cheeks. "im not saying you have to, i-"

"i accept" you interrupt her "i.. i can be the singer. yeah, i will" your words make the expression of yunjin go to worry to excitement.

"really??" she hugs you tightly after you nod your head "oh my god, woah, im so glad, i swear I'm going to compensate you after" yunjin says and starts to shower your face with kisses "you're the best, thank you" the happiness of her actions makes you believe that you won't regret accepting that offer.

—

"remind me again why are we at the beach in this godly weather" you huff in frustration, hugging yunjin's warm jacket against your body more closely.

yunjin laughs at you and twirls around before answering "you said you never came here before!! it's pretty look at the scenery, like 'woah' right? and it isn't that cold too.." she continues, a shiver of cold running through her body soon after her words.

"jen summer is literally in two month, could've we waited?? you're a menace i swear" you complain again. of course the horizon was pretty, the ocean was calm and the day was near it ending, making the sky get a pretty orange color, but a cold breeze after another makes the beautiful moment ruined to you.

yunjin sudden sneeze makes you frown worried "yeah it is freezing, 'woah' my ass, can we go home now?" she grumbles, rubbing her arms to warm her own self. you roll your eyes at her antics and push her away lightly "dumbass, it was your idea"

"uh-huh, and i'm proud of it. now you won't forget i was the first one who brought you here, even if it was freezing cold." yunjin announces, pointing at herself proudly.

"uhm, i would remember it even better without this cold"

"yeah, you'll definitely forget this"

—

the first practice didn't go as bad as you imagined, the easy going vibe of the girls made you relaxed enough to sing confidently.

yunjin was waiting for your exit and talking to the girls of the band, getting to her side you intertwining your hands with yunjin, the taller girl smiles and press a sweet kiss on your forehead.

"hey we are going to hang out at chaewon house, do you want to go? we usually try to write lyrics but mainly is just because aunt kim cooks really well so we just eat good dinner for free" she explains happily and you see chaewon shaking her head at yunjin's words.

you stare a moment at yunjin who stares back at you confusedly. you take a few steps back pulling yunjing by the hand, just enough to make sure the others wouldn't listen

"yun..didn't we agree in making dinner together at my house today? you who suggested it, as a date"

"oh.." yunjin blinks, thrown off guard by not remembering that. "i mean, we can make it another day, no? like, we will eat for free. effortlessly. can't be better than that right?"

you stay quiet for a moment, a ache in your heart burning. what yunjin didn't knew was that you already had the dinner ready since the morning, excited to try the new recipe you made it ahead of time. but at that moment, you couldn't bring yourself to tell yunjin that.

her name being called by the bandmates pressured you to answer her question, her expectant gaze always making way to convince you of everything.

you sigh internally in defeat, putting a smile that didn't reach your eyes, you agree to yunjin. who didn't press any further and started to make her way towards chaewon's house with you.

—

as a kid yunjin was always full of energy, jumping and running around on the residential playground was her favorite thing to do. even if she was the only kid there, the neighborhood didn't had too many kids, and the ones it had yunjin didn't meet as much since her school had a different schedule.

so when she saw the little you, quietly sitting under a tree, she was surprised. and she was so happy when you agreed to be her friend, her 'pretty friend' she said to you. yunjin still thinks you agreed because of the candy she gave you that day.

growing up, yunjin liked even more to spend time with you. she was older by two years but yunjn admired how you didn't back down with her playful nature, there was a unspoken understanding between you two that by being in each other company was enough to have fun.

when yunjin realized she had fallen in love with you, wanting to be more then just friends. she surpressed it over months, afraid to take the risk and change the dynamic between you two.

when yunjin confessed, you never had seen her looking so different.

she was mixing her words and shifting her feet anxiously, waiting for your answer, she still looked hopeful as ever.

and even if you wanted to deny her and say you didn't felt the same, it was impossible, you didn't want to see her disappointed in you.

you didn't want to see yunjin looking at you the same way your mother looked when you denied something.

you didn't want the treatment you mother gave you that time when you refused something.

you learned from your mother to not deny the older ones, so you couldn't deny yunjin, right?

so as always, you accept yunjin words, and the pretty smile and warm hug yunjin gave you back told you you choose it right.

—

waiting for yunjin to pick you up after class was a common thing for you. it was the perfect time for you two to spend time together and talk about how was the day.

you were specially excited for today because yunjin said she was going to compensate for not being able to spend much time with you recently, you admired how she was focusing between her work and writing new songs to the band since you guys had a performance coming at the end of the month. you understood it all, but why she was so late?

thirty minutes had pass since you texted her to pick you up, two missed calls. when you called again at the third time, after ten seconds and at the last moment, yunjin picked up.

"jen -"

"y/nnie!! babe, heyy." a bunch of loud noises coming from the call made you wince and move the phone away from your ear, distincted loud music and muffled voices could be heard coming from the line.

"where are you yun?.. are you coming to pick me up" the noises coming from yunjin line told you the situation probably wasn't going to happen, but you asked anyway, already chewing on your lips nervously.

"what? i'm.." sudden words could be heard and the audio got muffled for a moment "babygirl hey, sorry for the noises. hm, I.. can we talk later? I'll pass by your apartment, how about that? I'm really sorry to not picking you up today, just called a cab to you by the way. but the boss invited everyone to drink and you know how it goes.. " despite the muffled noises in the background, yunjin sounded more clear this time, a tone in her voice you couldn't catch, but it was enough to reassure you. sighing in defeat you knew you didn't had too much choices, so you agreed in meeting her later.

but when you heard the soft knocks on your door few hours later, a discomfortable feeling took hold in you.

"you could've told me you weren't going to pick me up." you grumble after yunjin move back from the hug, which you barely returned.

"what?"

"you.. didn't answered me and I was there. waiting. for a second I thought something had happen but" you scoff in disbelief "when you picked up you sounded like having fun and.. i just.. can't believe it. was it hard to just text me back for a second?" you finish. sounding bitter and clearly upset, even if your intention wasn't blaming on yunjin, you couldn't help at the bite and accusation in your voice.

for a moment, the apartment became silent. yunjin stared back at you blankly. her expression shifted from confusion to anger as she processed your words.

"you know how I hate to wait for these things yunjin, we've barely seen each other this week. why didn't you just said n-"

"ooh ho, yeah, because just from one minute the princess can't wait, and wants everything by her rules." yunjin bites back, obviously annoyed.

"what?? my rules? i do everything you say yunjin, haven't you noticed? and when I ask for it you-"

"yeah yeah, if you knew how stressed i have been through the week. you have done nothing. if I say to you die for me you certainly wouldn't y/n." you scoff in amusent at yunjin's words, not believing what she just had said.

"go to your house yunjin. I don't want to fight over this" you tried your best to say it confidently but it came out so fragile that you hated yourself because of it. yunjin was about to speak again but instead let out an exasperated sigh and walks away, leaving your apartment. and leaving you with a deafening silence and a emptiness inside.

—

what yunjin didn't know, and unfortunately discovered later. is that you always did what she asked, whatever it was.

she spent the next day feeling incredibly guilty by her action and words, she took out her frustrations all on you and she wanted nothing more than to go back to you, apologize for what she did. trying to call you wasn't working, and the sinking feeling in yunjin's heart grew with each unanswered call.

deciding to take matters into her own hands, she drove to your house, with shaky hands, yunjin opened the front door and stepped into the strangely silent house.

she called out your name, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and hope. here was no response, just a haunting silence that surrounded her.

there didn't seem to have anything out of place, the shoes you always used when going out was untouched by the entrance. scanning around the living room yunjin found nothing but a pair of beer cans scattered around, that she found strange, you didn't usually drink.

as yunjin reached your bedroom door, a sense of dread washed over her. If only she had known that her impulsive behavior would lead to this, she would have chosen her words and actions more carefully.

her eyes scanned the room, seen even more empty alcoholic drinks on the ground, and then yunjin saw you.

hanging lifelessly from the ceiling, your body swaying slightly, as if caught in the final moments of a tragic dance.

the sight struck yunjin like a lightning bolt, freezing her in place. time seemed to stand still as she took in the devastating scene before her.

and yunjin swore, that if she could go back, just for a moment. she would give her all, just to have you again. for a moment, she would have given you everything.

note: music in the sypnosy is "i would by day6". (woah angst so hard to write tbh, lmk if I missed any important tag please) remember to drink water and stay safe guys <3

[legendsgalore]

The Song before the Storm

Why wouldn't you rejoice at a moment to yourself, away from the nine men you are traveling with? It was hard enough knowing you were the weak link here (haha get it), but that you knew as much as you did about all these heroes, and they had no clue, it's a hard secret to keep. In fact, it's such a difficult task that if you aren't aware, you may just tip your hand. Especially if you are not as alone as you think you are...

Notes:

It adds a bit more fun if you imagine the Reader looking like Marin/Malon, though whether that be in the hair, just the facial structure, or body, that can be up to you. And also, if you don't care for that, you can just imagine it's simply the personalities that are similar. Also I did not proof-read this at all.

Cross-posted to AO3 too

https://archiveofourown.org/works/57421948

___________________________________________________________

Silence is underappreciated, you decided as you lowered yourself into the water. It was the right temperature, almost too cold to be comfortable, but once you were submerged you felt the chill melt into your bones and chase out any lingering tension. It wasn’t too dark yet, the oranges from the sunset cast your world into various shades of warm colors.

You were bathing in a pond not too far from the Chain’s campsite. It was a lucky find, fresh water so tucked away in the forest. You could see the glimmer of fairies on the other side, so clearly they felt safe in this space, hence why you were able to wander from the group by yourself.

Asking Time earlier had been an ordeal, he had fixed his one eye on you, and you felt your resolve literally crumple to dust in face of it.

Swallowing hard, you had pleaded for your case. “Please? You said it yourself, that fairies being there meant it was a safe space for the forest, so couldn’t I go bathe by myself?”

You knew why one of the Links always followed you, even if no one had outright told you, they felt you needed to be guarded. You supposed it wasn’t wrong, you could barely maintain the proper sword stances (thanks to some training from Sky), but still, no personal time in a group of nine guys? That’s rough.

Time began to respond, and you felt your heart sink. “You know why I can’t agree to this, you would be out of sight from anyone who could protect you.”

“But you would hear if anything went wrong!”

His expression did seem remorseful, as the old man rebuked, “Not every threat will be a loud one that will draw our attention, I’m sorry.”

Looking down, you had accepted your fate when Legend called out, “Aw come on old man! Just let her have this one thing!”

Both of you looked over, and though the Veteran was using the pretense of looking in his bag to not meet your or Time’s gazes, his hands weren’t moving.

“She’s right, we all have exceptional hearing too, and I am sure even a wolf could keep an ear perked up for her.”

You saw a few people stifle laughs, Four, Wild, but Time remained staring at Legend, who finally turned and met his gaze with a nervous expression.

With a sigh, Time relented, “I guess so, and I do think Malon would appreciate me letting this young lady get some space from us men.”

Legend’s expression morphed into a victorious smirk, and you felt your own face light up in joy.

“Yes! Thank you Time, and you too Legend!” You made sure to cast out a thanks to the Veteran, and a blush came over his face and he looked away.

The others laughed lightly at Legend’s sudden shyness as he muttered, “Don’t mention it.”

Time chuckled as you rushed to gather your bathing supplies, luxuriously supplied courtesy of Warriors’ homeworld.

“Please do be careful, bring your sword just in case.”

You nodded, hooking the band that held the sheath for the short blade over your head.

“I will, and I’ll call out if anything seems off.”

You were just about to the edge of the clearing the camp was in, not wanting to waste the lingering daylight, so Time had to raise his voice to respond.

“Yeah, loud enough a wolf, or a bunny could hear!”

That last bit about a bunny felt strange, but you ignored it as you headed into the woods. Because of this, you missed as Legend’s head whipped around to stare at the old man, who was casting a very pointed gaze at the Veteran.

Silence fell over the camp, a few beats passed, and then the glaring contest broke as Legend exasperatedly cried out.

“Argh fine! Rancher gimme that thing already.”

Chuckling, Twilight stepped forward, handing Legend something small from his palm. He looked between Legend and Time.

“You sure this doesn’t call for Wolfie’s help? I feel that being able to control the transformation would help in case of something.”

Legend replied as he tugged his bag over his shoulder, turning into the woods. “I have my Moon Pearl this time, it’ll be fine. Plus, I think I have to go, I think I got punished by the old man here.”

Punctuating his last sentence, Legend playfully stuck his tongue out at Time, who crossed his arms and raised one eyebrow with a smirk in response. And with that, the Veteran turned to follow you, with you none the wiser.

____________________________________________________________________________

Though the others made fun of Warriors for fussing over his appearance, you were just grateful someone not only had soap, but nice soap that had moisturizing elements, and even pressed jasmine for a floral touch.

Honestly, you wondered as you spread suds over your shoulder and upper arm, you didn’t think the Chain really understood just how pampered your life was in comparison to theirs. Or not even their own, but what would be considered a pampered life here.

For example, just scented soap in general, or the idea of having separate soaps for maximizing care of your hair, body, and skin. Though, that was due to technology being able to develop in your world. It helped to not have society get wrecked every couple of centuries you thought.

The reminder of your home made you pause. Traveling with the Chain was nice, a dream you could admit that you had lusted over late at night before, in your old life. But, real life was much more complicated than a video game, or silly daydream what-if scenarios.

As of right now, you were a burden on these heroes. Sure there were all nine of them, but Hylia would only have called upon them all if that was needed. And the elephant in the room was that you were woefully unable to do anything in a fight. Just the whole conversation earlier proved how the Chain saw you, worried to even let you out of their sights.

It was nice to be cared for, but you just felt guilty and ashamed more than anything. Hence asking Sky for help. And you could tell you were much stronger than before, lithe muscle replacing plush skin. But it wasn’t just you being a burden upon the others. You knew them.

You had daydreamed about meeting these heroes because back home, the Legend of Zelda series was one of your favorite things. But Links were definitely a secretive type and it was easy to see that no one was gonna take lightly to you knowing all their deepest secrets, or the tough parts of their journeys they would rather no one know about.

Your knowledge impeded you fully getting close with any of the heroes, though luckily you had thought quickly and gave the white lie of knowing them as legends in your time. Not untrue, and it could disguise having general knowledge about the heroes’ journeys.

But you could look at Time and just go “The moon will fall in three days,” or you could look at Sky and say “Did you check that Ghirahim was truly gone after beating Demise,” or at Legend and just say “It was not just a dream,” and literally everything you had built here would all fall apart.

You sighed deeply, realizing that you had paused your washing as you had ruminated on your situation, the pleasant coolness from before having chilled you, goosebumps visible on your arms.

You started humming to try and expel some of the anxiety that had built up, and gathered up suds between your hands to direct to your hair.

Lamenting the lack of conditioner, you could only just make sure you got your hair clean. It was satisfying feeling the grease loosen from the clumps. You kept humming, a random lighthearted tune. Though it may have been wishful thinking, you thought you could see the fairies fly a little closer to you as the sounds of your song wove into the air.

You swear, if Four hadn’t had an extra headband, and Wild hadn’t had his extra hairband, you think you may have just taken your sword and chopped your hair short yourself. You were not used to dirty hair.

Chuckling at your pampered thoughts, you finished washing and held a deep breath to dunk your head under the surface. Easy way to get all the suds out, and you figured the shock would help bring levity to your mood.

With a one, two, three, you dove beneath the surface and popped back up, laughing as the temperature somehow still was a shock, despite having been in the water for all this time.

The brightness of the fairies was more noticeable than before, though they were still mostly across the pond. You realized that the sun had almost set, the lingering colors of twilight cast over the forest pond.

You began making your way to the water’s edge, intent on making it back to camp before dark, when a voice cut through the quiet.

“How do you know that song?”

You yelped, and instinctively kicked back deeper into the pond. Your heart leapt into your chest, and you immediately panicked as you realized your sword was next to your clothes…on the ground next to the pond.

“Calm down it’s just me!”

“H-huh?!” You gasped out, but followed the direction the voice had came from and was startled to see Legend standing a few paces back from the water’s edge, looking to the side and holding his hand over his eyes.

His shoulders were hunched, and you could see over his fingers his eyebrows were furrowed. He still wasn’t looking at you, and you realized that you were definitely very nude in the water and couldn’t help the squeak that escaped you.

Legend called out again, “Don’t worry, I won’t look.”

You almost called back a thanks, but? Why would you thank him in this situation? You began swimming back to shore. Thinking about it, you weren’t really surprised about someone being sent after you, it was almost expected even though Time had said you could go by yourself. You weren’t even mad, just mildly disappointed your privacy wasn’t what you thought it was.

Though you had expected “Wolfie” to be here, as the boys could get away with sending the totally-not-Twilight-pet they had. So Legend’s presence was a little confusing.

An awkward silence fell upon the pond as you pulled yourself out of the pond, bare body dripping water. Casting a quick glance at Legend to confirm he was still not looking, you dry yourself off with a spare cloth that Wild had given you.

After drying, you began pulling your clothes over your body, and finally Legend spoke into the silence.

“Sorry for startling you, but how do you know that song?”

You were kneeling next to the water, and from squeezing the water out of your hair, you look up at Legend.

“What do you mean?”

His expression pinches, as he gestures, looking like he was struggling to hold himself back from a more dramatic reaction.

“The one you were humming!”

“Humming…you mean while I was bathing?”

You looked at Legend as you said that, and he at least had the decency to blush and look away in shame there, though his emotions were still clearly running high,

“Yes! Where did you hear it?” Legend’s voice kept inching higher in octave as the conversation continued, and you felt your heart rate spike despite not knowing what was going on.

“W-why?”

“Because!” Finally Legend exploded, taking steps forward to grasp your shoulders in a tight grip.

“No one else should know that song!”

Your heartbeat was in your ears as you considered Legend’s words, no one should know the song….? Oh. Oh no.

You were humming the Ballad of the Windfish.

As your monumental mistake dawned upon you, Legend continued, his voice choking as he reigned in the volume, likely to avoid anyone from camp coming to check the commotion.

As a result, his voice dropped to a deeper tone, and with the proximity between you two, the tension rose exponentially.

“That song doesn’t exist anymore, so why were you humming it?!”

“U-uh,” You stammered, not sure what to say, still panicking over your mistake, and at the realization that the Hero of Legend was holding you incredibly close, with only about a foot of distance between your faces.

His expression was pinched, and it takes on a sorrowful look, his lips pursing together as his eyes almost glaze over as he looks through you.

“Did, did someone teach it to you? Did a girl teach you?”

Legend’s violet eyes refocus, meeting your’s, causing your heart to skip a beat. Curse him for being so pretty.

“You look so similar to her…maybe…are you…?”

And with that your heart skips some more beats, but for a much different reason. Rapidly you shake your head.

“NO no no, no Legend, no, I am not her. She’s, she’s still gone Legend.”

A spark of light you hadn’t even noticed built up, faded from Legend’s eyes as you said that, which made your heart hurt but it was necessary to stop that train of thought.

You couldn’t do that to him. You knew you looked like Marin in passing maybe, but not that the resemblance was strong enough that Legend would notice. You thought you looked like Malon more, though Time hadn’t said anything about that.

The grip on your shoulders shifting slightly, Legend choked out, “So why, why do you know her song?”

Still looking into Legend’s eyes, you knew you couldn’t lie to him here. He didn’t deserve that.

“Because,” you said, “I know it from your story, your legends.”

He looks confused at that, “But I haven’t told a soul details about…”

“Koholint Island?” You supply, anticipating the shocked expression from the Veteran.

“Yeah, I know about it. I, I don’t know when, or who, but you must tell someone in the future about that adventure, as it’s readily available for anyone to read up on in my time.”

You finally break his gaze, feeling shameful for how much you know, and the fact that still this wasn’t the full truth. You didn’t just read about the Windfish, you had experienced the journey with him, through a lighthearted lens that skimmed the traumatic emotional downfall from the conclusion.

Legend seemed at a lost for words, staring at you with some emotion on his face you weren’t sure of. Confusion? Fear? Disgust? Panic?

He stutters out, “T-that’s…”

You interrupt him, not sure if you wanted to hear the rebuke you knew was coming. “I’m sorry that I didn’t say anything before. I-I wasn’t sure how you would all react, and I also didn’t realize some of what I knew was not common knowledge until I realized that some of you were omitting details or not saying anything when I knew you knew more, such as you not saying much when Wind talks about sailing and-”

“Stop.”

You snap your jaw shut, your accidental ramble cut off at the one command from Legend, voice raw with emotion.

Neither of you are looking at each other, though you are still in the same close proximity. And you wish you could just reach out and grab the hero in a hug and tell him how much you cared and still do care and in fact care so much more than you thought you would and that you regret sullying the authenticity of his trust for sharing the deepest parts of himself because you ripped that rug right out from beneath him.

That you took away his choice and he found out because you were humming a song in what you thought was a private moment.

Unable to bear the silence any more, you burst out again, “I’m sor-!”

“So you know it all.”

You swallow, looking up at Legend, he wasn’t much taller than you-your nose at his chin level-and nod.

He hums once, his expression is guarded and more flat than before, and seems to brace himself before asking.

“Was it real?”

“Yes!” You cry out, lunging forward, catching yourself on Legend’s chest, his hands moving to grasp your upper arms.

“Yes! It was real! They, they found the bones of the Windfish centuries later, in Wild’s time!”

Taken aback by the suddenness of your response, Legend’s constructed mask fell, once more revealing the cascade of emotions he held.

“What? It’s dead?!”

“Yeah, ask Wild for pictures of the Gerudo Great Skeleton, he’ll know what that means.”

Legend is taken aback at that seemingly random statement, but you continue.

“I’m sorry you had to find out this way Legend, truly. I would have told you eventually, but, it’s a hard topic to bring up in normal conversation, right?”

He smiles at that, a soft one that makes your heart light up and reminds you just how close you are to the hero.

You are reminded that though he is smaller than the likes of Time or Warriors, he is very much a strong adventurer himself, and that is reflected in the strength of his grip. You can feel the callouses on his skin through your thin shirt, loaned from Wild, and shiver despite the heat emanating from his chest on your hands.

Legend makes the same realization as you, and takes a step back, releasing you. You shiver again, this time for real, and he frowns.

“We should get back.”

Agreeing, you look up at the sky, now dappled with twinkling stars. “Yeah, Time is probably wondering where we are by now.”

The stars provided just enough light that you could gather your stuff, and Legend waits for you by the edge of the clearing to do so. The moment of silence isn’t awkward, but pensive, as the two of you ponder the things revealed between you.

You want to say something, but before you can decide what you end up calling out, “Legend?”

The Hero of Legend turns to look at you, expression hard to read in the near total darkness. The only light provided was the stars, and the twinkling of the fairies all around the two of you.

“Yeah?”

You hesitate, not having planned what you wanted to say yet, before just saying exactly what was on your mind.

“You don’t need to talk to me about everything, but know that I am here for you. And, and that I care, about you, Legend…Link, so please come to me if I can help you with anything, okay?”

Your cheeks are burning by the time you finish your small statement, and you have to force yourself to watch Legend’s reaction.

He tilts his head, and smiles softly, exhaling through his nose lightly in amusement.

“Okay sure, but you’ll probably regret getting to know me, I’m not that nice.”

You smile and run to catch up to him. “Aww no I think you are! You’re totally the softest-hearted out of the bunch here, for surrrre!”

Legend scoffs and lightly shoves you as you both head into the woods back to camp. You wouldn’t say anything, but having Legend here while you walked in the dark woods definitely made you feel safe than otherwise.

Speaking of which…

“No you totally are a softie! I mean you came after me anyways, and probably was going to be hidden except for my humming.”

Legend folds his arms and clicks his tongue, “Ah that, well, actually…yeah I know I had told the old man off for not letting you go off on your own, but it was totally me that wanted to check anyways.”

Sensing the lie in his words, you elbowed the Veteran with a smirk on your face, “It was your idea you say?”

His own lips pulling into a playful smirk that had no right being as handsome as it was, and rolled his eyes.

“Yes it was, now believe me here!”

You laugh, the sound filling the night. Though your hand had been slightly tipped to your unbidden knowledge, it was overflowing anyways, and perhaps this was going to be more helpful than harmful.

____________________________________________________________________________

“You sure you didn’t just come to peep?”

“Oh shove off!”

Notes:

Lowkey I feel like this could be another fun series for the Chain, where it would be the same scenario for each Link, that they stumble upon the reader in a moment of privacy, and it reveals that they know more than they let on, but it just brings them and that hero closer together. (I mean when I was writing this I had to refrain from some cheesy "strange sadness as dusk falls" lines so the Twilight chapter would probably write itself lol).   Also I know this may come off as OOC for Legend? But I'm kinda reworking my impression of him since the latest update, as I realized I was focusing too much on one aspect of his personality (the prickly, angry part that lashes out to the world). And that part is still very much there, but there is more to him than that. And I want to make sure that when I depict Legend, it's with all of him, the experienced and capable Veteran, the goofy too-young hero who loves pranks, and the burnt out hero who is angry at the world for it's unfairness.

[madhatterbri]

Hanging or a Wedding? | Hangman A.P.

Summary: You agree to marry the Sheriff in order to save the Hangman.

Author's Note: Western AU. This is a stand alone from the others that can be found here. ❤️ Merry Christmas babes.

Please find my other Hangman fics here.

Starring: Bryan Danielson, Hangman Adam Page and Swerve Strickland.

"You are a traitor to the great state of Texas. It will be such a treat watching you hang," Sheriff Danielson sneered ensuring to draw a reaction from the crowd that formed around them. The Hangman was dragged towards the jail with a rope around his neck. His hands were tied around his back making him an easy prey.

Men watched as the famous Hangman Adam Page was led to jail. The rich were happy that a man that stole from them was finally being put away. The Hangman hung his head in shame hoping a certain woman wouldn't see him. His curly locks fell over his face. He silently prayed to himself that she wasn't around.

"What's going on?" You asked pushing past the crowd. Sheriff Danielson stopped. The guards pulled the rope around Hangman's neck to make him stop as if he was a leashed dog. Adam didn't dare look up at you. He didn't want to see the hurt in your eyes.

"Justice, my dear. Once and for all we will be witnessing this man hang for all his crimes against the great people of Texas," Danielson answered. He ushered for his guards to continue their task at hand.

"No, you can't," you begged. Your pleading fell on deaf ears. The Sheriff wanted this more than anything. A lingering question he asked you suddenly popped in your mind. Your freedom in exchange for the Hangman. It just had to work. "Wait!"

"Now what for?" Sheriff Danielson asked. He stepped up to you. His one eye bore into yours. The horrid smell of his cologne danced with your nose. You had to swallow the bile that shot up your throat.

"If you promise me that you won't hurt the Hangman, I will marry you," you bargained. The words felt heavier out loud than when you thought of them.

"No," Adam grunted. His head shot up to look at you. You gasped at the damage he took at the hands of the sheriff and guards. A mixture of green and purple bruises formed on his cheeks. A bright shiner covered his eye. His bottom lip busted open.

Sheriff Danielson smiled. He asked you several moons ago to marry him. It seemed like now he was finally getting his wish. A hanging and a wedding all in one day. The Governor will surely be pleased with his work.

"Of course, my dear, as you wish," he promised. The sinister look in his eye sparkled. He knew he had to sweeten the deal in front of Adam. Anything to make the Hangman suffer. "As long as you vow to give yourself to me every night,"

"I will," you replied quickly fearing the lawman would change his mind. Tears sprung to your eyes yet you blinked them back. You took a few steps back and started to walk away. A string of curses towards the sheriff flew from the tip of Adam's tongue. The sheriff punched the prisoner in the ribs. He doubled over in pain and stopped his antics.

"Let everyone know that before the day is out we will have a wedding or a hanging," Sheriff Danielson shouted. The crowd cheered as you pushed past them.

👢

Hours later Adam found himself on the gallows. A rope tightly fastened around his neck. The rope around his wrists burned him from constsntly trying to be free. The executioner did nothing but gloat about how he was honored to be the one to kill him. The prisoner was about to give him a piece of his mind until he saw you.

Your white wedding dress swayed in the wind as the sun started to set behind you. Streaks of orange, pink, and yellow colored the night sky. He always had this vision in his head. The two of you marrying when he was ready to finally settle down. Now he knew he would never get the chance to keep his promise to you.

You walked slowly to the sheriff as he waited at the podium. Flowers hung loosely in your arms. Your face said it all. You regretted ever agreeing to do this. The sheriff remarked on your beauty despite the fact that you were clearly not happy. He took your hand ready to start the ceremony.

A swinging noose swaying lazily in the wind made you look up. A person was standing on the gallows. You shrieked at the realization that it was the Hangman.

"I agreed to your terms. You said you wouldn't hurt him!" You pleaded frantically. "Release him this instant,"

"I will do no such thing. This is just in case you change your mind. Do not be the reason he dies,"

The sheriff ushered for the priest to start the ceremony. Your mind drifted off once he started talking. You watched the Hangman envisioning it was him you were marrying. Maybe in another life. Your future husband pinched your palm to get your attention.

"Do you, Sheriff Danielson, take Y/N to be your lawful wedded wife, to love and to hold in sickness and in health til death do you part?"

Sheriff Danielson turned to you. A wicked smile pressed on his face. He wanted to revel in this a little longer. His greatest adversary was glaring daggers at him from the gallows. He was marrying the girl that stole his heart at first glance. Life couldn't get sweeter. "I do,"

"And do you, Y/N, take the noble sheriff to be your lawful wedded husband to love and to hold in sickness and in health til death do you part?"

This was it for you. The moment of truth was here. Your life would surely be over if you gave yourself to him. You hesitated much to the sheriff's disdain. He let out an irritated sigh.

"Remember what happens if you don't say I do," he reminded. The executioner yanked down on the rope causing Adam to lifted up. He gagged and gasped for air. His toes struggled to touch the ground. Just as quickly, he let the rope go. Adam coughed and took deep breaths to get his bearing back.

A man suddenly stood behind Adam and the executioner. You recognized him immediately. He wore a long black tail coat jacket and black brim hat. His shirt and pants matched the color of his jacket. Strickland, the Hangman's greatest enemy, had a knife in his hands. You watched in horror thinking he would kill Hangman. To your delight, he cut the part of the rope above the Hangman's head allowing him to be free.

"Never," You spoke through gritted teeth and slid your hand away from the sheriff. The sheriff turned to see Swerve Strickland helping Hangman out of his binds. He appeared to be ready for a fight.

The crowd gasped seeing another lawbreaker in their town. Majority of the people attending the wedding were wealthy. They didn't need any trouble. Word would surely spread that Swerve and the Hangman were now working together. This would cause the poors to riot against the rich. The crowd dispersed back to their home.

Adam stared at the sheriff. Danielson put his arms up as if to surrender. The sheriff and his men backed away until they bumped into horses tied to a post. Without many options, they mounted the horses and ran before any blood could be spilled.

You ran up to the gallows and wrapped your arms around the Hangman's neck. He scolded you beggjng you to never do that again. His eyes stared intently at Swerve. Adam wasn't born yesterday. He knew this alliance would never last.

"Why? You could have finally got rid of me," Adam asked. Their rivalry having last since they were teenagers. "The whole state of Texas could have been yours,"

"I didn't do it to be your friend. I want to be the one that kills you, got it?" Swerve asked. The Hangman pursed his lips yet smirked and nodded. "Try not getting caught again. I don't know if I will save you in time,"

[horansqueen]

Dating For Dummies - 1

❤ Story Masterlist

❤ Notes:

written from both Opal & Niall's POV

i don’t proofread, I never do, I hate it.

AU comedy/fluff/smut/romance

1.7k

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OPAL

The neighborhood was not as quiet as I had expected, but for the monthly price we were asked for this new apartment, I couldn't really complain. I let myself fall on the overly comfortable couch Niall's mom had offered us with a satisfied sigh and a big smile on my lips. The room was almost empty except for a few boxes placed between old furniture friends and family didn't want anymore, and I had to admit that the colors of the walls were horrible, but at least, it was my home. It was our home.

I couldn't pretend Niall and I were not close, but I couldn't also say that we were like peas in a pod. We came from the same group of friends, and we did spend some time together, but being alone was not something common for us. I liked him, I knew he was the kind of roommate that wouldn't be too invasive and he was quite nice to look at too, I couldn't deny.

He slowly sat next to me, leaning his arm on the back of the couch behind me, and crossed his ankles. I didn't need to look at him to know he was as excited as I was to start this new life.

"Finally free." he let out in a low tone, making me chuckle.

"Yea I bet you were so oppressed living with you mom." I let out with sarcasm in my voice before letting out a chuckle. I turned my head to look at him and shook my head slightly. "Poor darling." I added, sliding my fingertips gently on one of his cheeks, his stubble scratching my skin lightly.

He raised his eyebrows and turned to look at me to, making me smile even more.

"Why do I have the feeling that this amuses you more than it should?"

I leaned closer and licked my lips before grinning even more. "Because it does." I whispered, letting out a laugh louder than I expected.

He rolled his eyes but the way the right corner of his mouth moved up told me he knew I was joking. It took a few seconds but silence finally came back between us and I blinked a few times, watching as the sun slowly moved down, adding an orange color to the cloudless sky.

"Okay, how about I take care of the tv and we can watch a movie?"

I was the one raising my eyebrows this time, pleasantly surprised by his offer. I had expected Niall to spend time by himself most of the time, or at least not with me, and perhaps it was just because it was out first day and he didn't want to be alone. I quickly nodded without making any comment or asking any questions and he jumped off the couch to do what he had suggested.

It took him about 15 minutes and everything was ready, which is another thing that surprised me. It made me realize that I didn't know much about him and perhaps it was simply because it was new, but I wanted to get to know him better.

We had met through the friend of a friend and although we would all meet up for beers at the pub on saturdays and study together once every two weeks, it never occurred to me that Niall was someone I could get along with. Not because he was not interesting, or because we didn't share the same interests, but just because I had never taken the time to think about it before. The only things I had really noticed about Niall was that he was hot, funny, popular, and that he was way out of my league. Not that I wanted him that way or anything, but it was a simple fact. I was also aware that he could definitely hold his liquor which was not something I could pretend was my forte, but I always stopped drinking before being too drunk ; you never know what can happen in a bar and although I loved my friends, it was hard for me to trust anyone. But that's an other story for an other day.

I knew I shouldn't but in the middle of the movie, I glanced at Niall's phone, noticing he was getting many notifications through the evening. My mouth curled again into a grin when I noticed he was actually swiping on a dating application.

"Ae you looking for the kind of love that lasts forever, or the kind that lasts only a few hours?"

"How's that any of your business?"

My heart jumped in my chest but when my eyes met his, I realized he was joking and I smiled back at him.

"It's not, but I'm on the same app. In fact, I'm on thee different apps." I admitted, leaning my head against the couch for a few seconds before bringing it back up, slightly ashamed of myself. "Hey that's what happens when you spend all your time working on other type of relationships, and making sure you get excellent grade in college."

"Yea, you keep telling yourself that, love." he chuckled, shaking his head.

"And what's your excuse?" I asked, half-joking, half-insulted.

He stared at me a few seconds as if he was trying to find a good answer and finally shrugged. "I'm tired to date girls who only love me for my looks."

I laughed shamelessly. "Someone is delusional."

"Yes, you." he argued. "Do you really think you can find a decent guy on these apps?"

"The self-burn is strong."

His face went from a frown to annoyed and ended up making a grimace. "Oh shut up, Pal."

"This is the most horrible nickname I've ever been given." I pointed out. "And yes, I still have hope to find someone worth my time on these apps."

I was not sure I really believed it was possible but I really wanted it to be. It really seemed like it was the only thing missing from my life.

"You should focus on just getting some." he shrugged. "When you don't expect anything, you can't be disappointed."

I knew it was a lie, everyone was expecting something, whether they wanted to admit it to themselves or not, but I didn't say anything about it and only shrugged.

"Okay, I have a date tomorrow night." he pointed out, turning to me and sending me a smile so big I could see his teeth. "And she looks like a gem."

I moved his phone so the screen would face me and my lips parted very slightly at the sight of a gorgeous brunette in a very tight dress, holding a pink drink with a tiny umbrella floating in it. That girl, unlike me, was totally in his league.

"She may look like a gem but who knows if she is."

He shrugged, unbothered. "I guess I'll find out tomorrow."

"Admit it." I pressed after a few seconds of silence, turning my whole body his way and bringing one of my legs up on the couch. "All you care about is getting laid by pretty girls. The word 'serious' never qualifies the word 'relationship' in your world."

"I've been in serious relationships before, what about you, smartass?"

My eyes roamed in his face, trying to find out if he was lying but I just licked my lips. "Yes, I have."

I didn't want to get into depth about my past romantic relationships and I had the feeling he didn't want to share details about his either.

"You want to know what I think?" he finally asked, turning his body to face me too.

"No."

"I'll tell you anyway." he stated quickly.

"How surprising." I mumbled, rolling my eyes.

"You've been so hurt before that you're scared of falling in love again." he speculated. "That's why you never go on dates with anyone on these apps."

"How the fuck would you know that?"

"Prove me wrong, then."

We remained like that, face to face and in silence, just staring at each other. I could feel my heart beat hard against my rib cage, trying not to give in. After all, I didn't have anything to prove, not even to my new roommate, right?

"Fine!"

I quickly grabbed my phone and typed on the screen as fast as I could, hitting 'send' before I could change my mind. I had been talking to a guy for a few days and he was the right candidate to meet, or at least pretend to meet. After all, I could always tell him I changed my mind and Niall would never find out.

"There." I turned the screen his face, bringing my phone so close to his face he had to back away a little to be able to read.

"He replied."

My heart skipped a beat at his words and I tried t swallow the lump in my throat. Shit, I hadn't expected a quick answer. I looked at the screen and held my breath when I realized he had written a time and a place to meet up. I could always back off and cancel, but that would mean I would have to admit that Niall was right ; I was fucking scared to fall in love again.

"Great. See? We both have a date tomorrow night!" I didn't know how credible I was but at least I was trying.

"I was kidding, Opal, you know it, right?" he asked with concern in his voice.

Once again, my eyes roamed on his perfect face and I shrugged very lightly. "I know."

I suddenly felt very stupid for thinking this little banter was more serious than it really was, but at the same time, it was a relief. I didn't want Niall and I to be on bad terms and somehow, I felt like we could become close friends and for some odd reason, I really wanted it.

"You don't have to go on a date with anyone, you have nothing to prove."

Oh and why not? I didn't know if I was ready to be with someone again but one date couldn't be that bad… right?

[daddysfangirls-dc]

The Arrangement

CH 14 - Fireplace Discussion

Damian Wayne x OC! Female

Prev | Next

"This is one of my favorite times of day," Signal said as he watched the sunset. The sky started taking on an orange color, and another part of the sky had a pink hue, and soon, the skies would turn to purple. 

"It is beautiful" while agreed. As promised Duke called Syn to patrol with him again. The very same day actually, right after his classes. White and Signal spent the rest of the afternoon running around the city saving lives while also learning about each other.  

He spoke about his parents and their situation, while she already knew learning from his perspective was entirely different and more emotional. He still visited them frequently. He spoke of his powers not what they were (although she already knew) but how he got them and how they made life a little bit weirder for him. He also talked about his time with the family.

Overall Duke did most of the talking and while she already knew most of what he had spoken on she did learn about who Duke Thomas was. He was kind, caring, and intelligent. He was a leader but also very mischievous. He was someone she could see herself being friends with. 

-

Damian didn't pay attention for the rest of the day. Too distracted, he didn't do much. Someone must have really noticed his behavior and spread the word because no teacher called out his lack of work/ participation, and students created a four-foot radius. He appreciated it; he needed the space to think.

Syn's father, Silver, desired another deadline. Despite the timeline that had been in place, he desired another deal or to speed things up. What for? It didn't make sense.

Silver had never voiced his displeasure,then again Damian hadn't spoken to him in years. What had changed? It wasn't fair. Just as things were finally settling and getting better, conflict arose. Damian just wanted peace. 

-

As soon as Syn entered the house, the joy from the day faded into anxiety. She finds Damian in one of the sitting rooms on the floor in front of the fireplace. She sat down across from him silently watching the flames. 

"We have a deadline."

"Not  the exact words, but it was implied." She didn't dare look at him.

"By who?"

"Illumi, he says the father is growing agitated and wants to see actual progress."

"We are progressing. You are getting to know my family. You're moving into the city, we are planing to decorate this manor."

"yes, now," she looks at him. " Now we are making progress. Before, you wouldn't allow me into the city, let alone near your family. You barely write to me and never call. His concern is understandable. I am concerned."

Damian snapped to look at her. The look of despair that crossed his face left her bewildered. His voice cracked. "You said, ' I am concerned.' You're concerned. You're concerned about us?" she sighed, running her hand over her face. It didn't make him feel any better. 

"I am concerned because my father is concerned. And he's going to try and step in sooner or later. I don't want that to happen. We need to show progress before my family gets involved. And I'm concerned we won't."

"That's why you're so eager to learn about my siblings. To show progress," he understood she was trying to show her father that the relationship was actually working and moving forward. She needed to show they were actually partners. Actually family. 

"I apologize for my reaction. I jumped to poor conclusions."

"It's understandable-"

"It's not, and I should have listened entirely first, not found my own conclusion with little knowledge and a lot of emotions. I am genuinely sorry."

"Forgiven."

-

-

I hate to admit that I know little about Signal/ Duke Thomas's character. I know the basics of his origin story and abilities, but beyond that, nothing.

So I'm sorry in advance if his character is not as expected. Most of my knowledge of him is mainly from Fanon, not canon.

[thepaperpanda]

A Setting Sun || Tommy Shelby x fem!reader

Masterlist

Summary: The sunset is a beautiful sight for you and Tommy Warnings: none

Word count: 720

Author: Bear

On the horizon, a red and gold sunset blossomed.

With your hand safely tucked under his shoulder, Tommy watched the redness cover the sky as it darkened with each passing minute.

You walked arm-in-arm with Tommy Shelby, the leader of the notorious Peaky Blinders gang, through the chilly winter park. You were both bundled up in thick coats, gloves, and hats to ward off the biting cold. Despite the weather, you felt your heart warm at the sight of the sunset that lay ahead of you.

Keeping your voice soft as you improved the scarf around your neck, you asked, "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Tommy replied with a short nod of his head, omitting unnecessary words in the process.

As you entered the park, the sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over everything. The sky was a canvas of pink, orange, and gold, painted by the setting sun. The bare trees that lined the park were silhouetted against the colorful sky, their branches reaching out like delicate fingers.

Tommy led you to a quiet corner of the park, where you could watch the sunset in peace. You couldn't help but shiver as the cold air whipped around you, but you felt grateful to be sharing the moment with Tommy. You huddled close together, watching the sky turn from orange to pink to a deep, moody purple.

"While I wouldn't consider myself romantic, I love how the hues change ever so slowly," he said out of the blue, his eyes fixed on the horizon line.

"Yes, you're right, love," you whispered somberly, resting your head on his shoulder and watching the sun slowly sink beneath the horizon.

As the sun sank lower and lower, the colors in the sky intensified, the clouds reflecting the fiery hues of the setting sun. You felt a sense of peace wash over you, as though all the troubles of the world had melted away. You were content to simply be with Tommy, watching the winter sunset with him by your side, without speaking any meaningless words. As you knew, he was rather a strong silent type, but you didn't mind it at all; in the end, you fell for his personality.

Tommy looked down at you, his eyes softening as he took in your beauty. He brushed a strand of hair out of your face, his touch gentle and tender. "Happy Valentine's Day," he whispered, his voice low and husky.

You smiled up at him, your heart swelling with love. "It's perfect," you said. "Thank you for bringing me here."

"I love you," Tommy told you, gently kissing your right cheek and slowly caressing your back.

The strong scent of his cologne lingered over your nose as you replied, "I love you too, darling."

Tommy smiled back at you, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "I have another surprise for you," he said. "But first, let's enjoy this moment together."

You watched the winter sunset together in silence, the only sound the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind. As the last sliver of sun disappeared below the horizon, you felt a sense of sadness wash over you. You didn't want the moment to end, but you knew that with Tommy, there was always something exciting waiting around the corner. 

As you looked at him with a spark of curiosity in your eyes, you said, "You said you had something more prepared."

A little nod came from Tommy and he glanced at you. "Are you really interested in knowing?"

"Of course I am!" You patted his shoulder and straightened your back.

Tommy's lips twitched just enough to show he was enjoying his thoughts, whatever they were. His senses were heightened by your proximity, but he remained silent, allowing himself to be lost in the moment for a little longer. Tommy turned to you, his eyes dark and intense. "Let's get out of here then," he offered, his tone nothing but a whisper in the darkness. "I'm taking you to a fancy dinner and we can continue our Valentine's Day evening at home later."

You felt a shiver of excitement run down your spine. You knew that with Tommy, anything was possible. Together, you walked hand in hand into the night, ready for whatever adventures lay ahead.

[abby-the-druid]

Shooting Star

SasukexSakura AU. "Sakura what are you doing?" She was lying on the pier, watching the stars waltz across the sky. "I'm waiting for my wish to come true, Sasuke, and I saw a shooting star tonight." M. Reposted from Fanfiction.net (find me there at A.Rose.Love).

Shooting Star

.

Hair swirled around the base of her neck, thanks to the wind rushing in through the window. Clutched in her fingers was a blue BIC pen that shakily circled the name of a town written in black on a map of the country.

.

The circled town was small and large, exactly opposite of what they were looking for, but it included everything they needed. People claimed it was beautiful, with lush trees and jade colored grasses. Surrounded by tall buildings that glistened like stardust at night. She had dreamed of going there ever since she was a little girl.

.

"There." She spoke loudly, attempting to overpower the noise flooding in from the open windows. Other vehicles roared by, barely hiding the rattling engine of his beat up old car. Her green eyes flitted from the paper and up to the male beside her. "That's where we're headed."

.

"Let me see Sakura."

.

She passed the slightly crinkled object into his much larger digits. One hand gripped the steering wheel as the other lifted the paper into a safer line of vision. After glancing at it for a few seconds, he nodded and gave it back to her.

.

Sakura folded it and clutched it in her lap; the circled city was at the top. Emerald outlined the rough edges of the BIC line, tracing and retracing their path.

.

"That's okay, right Sasuke?" He made a noise that was somewhere between a grunt and a mumble. "Because if it's too far and you don't w-"

.

"Sakura, you can have anything you want."

.

There was an odd leap in her chest, but she couldn't help smiling a bit. Her fingers gripped the edge of the map, the pad of her thumb running over the corners. "Thank you." And that was all she could say.

.

The car continued to rumble down the highway. Loose pieces of gravel crunched underneath the tires as lights flickered on and off like dying flames in the buildings they passed. The sun had long since disappeared along the horizon, but they were chasing it west.

.

The moon showed up a few hours later, when she was just about to nod off. Nothing but a crescent, the only lunar piece to be left behind. A clouded gaze lifted as she watched with shinning eyes, and somewhere in her guts, she knew she wouldn't ever feel the same again.

.

x. o. x. o.

.

It was different with her beside him.

.

The car ride took another day, but seemed to only take moments. The way she smiled when he pointed out the approaching coastline, and how she looked so young and peaceful in her sleep, he wanted to protect her forever. It made his heart beat in a way he hadn't ever felt before, and in a way he knew it would never beat again.

.

The sun was rising, and everything was orange. Tinted and tinged in a healthy glow. The green in her eyes was vivid and deep. She smiled up at him again, reaching for one of his hands, which he immediately gave her.

.

Sakura could have anything.

.

"This is it," her head was resting against his shoulder. He wondered if she could hear the blood pounding hard, almost painfully, through his veins. "We're here Sasuke."

.

The beach wasn't as lonely with her against his side, and the ocean wasn't so big. When he looked up at the stars, they didn't seem so far away. She made everything easier, and happier, and he just wanted to keep her around forever.

.

She tasted like salt when he finally kissed her. Damp, with a bit of sweat and a lot of ocean. But it left his mouth dry, and wanting to taste hers again.

.

The sand was rough, and the water was cold, but she arched her back, and she smiled in the silver moonlight, and he couldn't help but meet her in the act.

.

There were dimples on her lower back he hadn't known about before, and a short scar right beside her navel. She saw the birthmark on his ribcage and she kissed it. He feathered his mouth over the marks on her wrists as the waves lapped up against their toes.

.

Sakura giggled when he had to chase after his boxers, which had been floating away at high tide. Their fingers were laced together, two parts of the same chorus, and made their way slowly up to his beat-up car, following nothing but the sliver of light granted by the moon and stars.

.

He kissed her again, once they were completely dressed and no longer soaking wet, but that time she just tasted like him.

.

x. o. x. o.

.

"I just don't believe in it Sasuke. I can't."

.

His eyes narrowed only minimally, but he nodded none the less, before opening his own mouth.

.

"You have to understand that I do."

.

Her eyes looked like broken stars, filled with ocean water and tears. There were still pieces of sand sticking to her skin and she pressed closer to him. Glancing into his dark irises, she bit her lip and then looked at the water. "I know."

.

But she said it quietly and weakly. It left him thinking of almost anything else.

.

He let her hold onto him for another second before taking her hands and resting them on his neck. His fingers reached back down and took her waist against warm palms. With a breath and no music, he started to walk them from side to side, switching steps now and then.

.

Soon she was twirling and smiling again. Her feet kicked up the sand, and the ocean made crashing sounds somewhere off behind them. Silver light clung to their skin, and caused her eyes to look even larger in the darkness. Their feet carried them to the empty streets, not even the homeless were there to mar the emptiness.

.

"You have to know I mean it, Sakura."

.

She stopped mid-twirl, fingers flinching a little in his. But she remained quiet, letting him hang there with an incredible weight pressing in his guts. When she nodded he found that he could breathe again.

.

"I know."

.

x. o. x. o.

.

Light at night was cold and heartless to him. Neon bar signs, advertisements for naked and dancing women. When Sakura wasn't with him ladies would walk up to him, with barely anything on. With large breasts and exposed thighs, they smiled and asked if he wanted a good night. They told him they could make him happy.

.

He always replied no.

.

She loved looking at the lights. The neon ones, the glancing kind that ricocheted from windows and mirrors. The type that reflected off the churning ocean water. They were mesmerizing and beautiful, fleeting and temporary. Just like she was. A flame being smothered.

.

But her favorites were the ones that traveled from millions of miles away. Ones that could be dead or dying light-years away.

.

"Sasuke, they're all wishes. All of them up there…. Each one is someone's wish. Stuck up there… just waiting to come true."

.

He let her watch them in silence, because it was the only way to see her smile anymore. Running away hadn't helped, and he couldn't stop himself from thinking about the map in his glove compartment. The one with the BIC circle. The desired town they had reached; the one that was supposed to hold some twisted salvation. But after a handful of heartbeats, even with his fear of a broken smile, he opened his mouth.

.

"What about the falling stars? What do they mean?"

.

The grin on her face widened to his relief, and she brushed damp pieces of bubble-gum pink hair over her ear. There was a moment where he could see the scars that laced her together. Emerald glanced from his darkness back to the glistening silvers and golds.

.

"Those are the wishes that come true. They fall to you through the cosmos, through the damn atmosphere and down here…. Down to us on Earth."

.

x. o. x. o.

.

She was crying, diamonds on cream colored skin. And blood was everywhere. Across the bathroom floor and splattered in the white, basin sink. Red ran from her fingertips and she couldn't help but whimper on the cold, tiled, hotel flooring.

.

"Sakura?"

.

He spoke her name softly, and didn't flinch at the sight that met his black eyes. She was thin, skinnier than what would be considered healthy, and he picked up her bones before cradling her against his chest. She borrowed his warmth with permission and he felt her relax.

.

"My damn wishes." She nuzzled into him, fingertips leaving crimson smudges on his t-shirt. Her blood felt hot against his flesh. "My goddamn wishes never come true. I just want to forget, why can't I just forget?"

.

"I don't know," he whispered and placed a kiss on her forehead. "I don't know Sakura, but I'd do anything if I could just help you."

.

Her toes curled as noise escaped her throat. Her pretty features were twisted. Fuchsia brows furrowed low and her mouth warped in a grimace. Crimson and clear water mixed together as her eyes continued to leak. The blood was still coming out of puckered and mutilated slashes.

.

"Sasuke, I'm sorry." Her voice was barely recognizable, somewhere between a moan and a whisper. "I'm sorry I'm a screw up…. I'm sorry for doing this to you… I'm so sorry I'm broken and used."

.

"It's not your fault." He murmured, folding her arms closer to him. She was always so cold when these episodes happened. "He did this, it wasn't your choice. You have to understand it's not your fault."

.

"Then why did he do it—Sasuke why did this happen?"

.

He wanted to answer her, with every atom and nucleus in his being he wanted to have an answer. One that would make her understand she wasn't truly broken. But there wasn't an answer for that, there would never be an answer for that.

.

"I don't know." It was weak, and he wanted to punch himself, but what was there to say when you knew a beautiful girl who had been raped?

.

x. o. x. o.

.

The ride back wasn't nearly as promising. With summer finally coming to a close and fall looming around the corner, it was a ride stuck in a time warp.

.

She had one of his hoodies wrapped around her shoulders and a shell necklace strung along her collarbone. The deep green sleeves still smelled like the ocean, but they smelled like him too. A mix of salt water, car oil, something with spice, and a little bit of her pineapple perfume. It was an odd combination that was borderline insanity, but she loved to breathe it in. It was her third favorite thing in the whole world.

.

"What's your dad going to say?" she questioned quietly. There hadn't been an authorized vacation for him, and knowing his family Sakura knew the older man would be having a heart attack.

.

Not for fear, or worry. But for irritation.

.

Sasuke shrugged. "It doesn't matter."

.

She bit at her lips, and breathed his scent in again. She glanced out the window. It wasn't fun driving in the day. The only things to look at were trees and houses. There wasn't any light except that from the sun, and it didn't swim and coruscate like the nightlights did. "I'm sorry," she began to mumble. "You're going t-"

.

"Please," he cut her off gently. "Please stop apologizing to me." He glanced at her. "I made the decision. I wanted to take you." He reached for her hand and wrapped it in his. "It doesn't matter what happens, Sakura, I'm with you."

.

When she smiled he knew she didn't truly believe him. She never did.

.

x. o. x. o.

.

"Sasuke?"

.

Her tiny voice came from his window, from the middle of the leafy bushes and dying flowers. "Sasuke?" she repeated, tapping quite delicately on the glass of his window. It woke him with a start, but when his eyes landed on her fluorescent pink hair, he jumped up and opened the latch, quickly collecting her in his arms.

.

She was shaking, cold and thin, with tears glistening over her cheeks.

.

He mumbled her name and pressed his lips to her temple. Murmuring soft words of encouragement and whispers of love into the petal-pink of her hair.

.

It became normal, as the year moved on, for her to show up in his bed somewhere in the middle of the night.

.

Nothing but shivering bones and tear-stained cheeks, she'd look at him with broken eyes, but she always came to him. Wrapped herself in his arms, and his warmth, and found some sort of safety net in the vicinity of his heart.

.

And for him, that was enough.

.

Breathing in his scent, the spice and oil, with some of her perfume still sticking to his skin, it calmed her nerves and caused her blood to flow just that much slower. The moon would paint them in silver light, and Sasuke would get up and lock the bedroom door. They would fall silent when footsteps could be heard from the hallway behind his wooden barricade. When the sounds would fall away he'd kiss her again.

.

When the sun rose outside, peering behind clouds and peeking around leaves, it flowed in from the windows. Waking the male, but the female was still tucked safely against his side, shielded from the entire world, even the sun, as long as she stayed beside him.

.

She breathed in even clips, and her lashes lay pale and long against cream skin. Sasuke nestled closer to her, holding her to his chest, because if he could just get her close enough to his heart, he could protect her from everything. She'd never have to worry or panic again, and the skin on her wrists might actually have time to heal correctly. She'd look peaceful and happy in her waking hours, as much as she did in her sleeping moments.

.

He became accustomed to seeing her face every day he woke up.

.

x. o. x. o.

.

And then one day, he didn't.

.

It was a day in early spring, she didn't show up, and she didn't contact him. There was nothing but an empty part to his bed, and something in his chest that ached with the idea that she wasn't there beside him. It threw his whole day off when he woke up and didn't see her pretty face, or kiss the pink hairs on her head.

.

There were calls made, and text messages sent. Where are you?'s and Sakura, please talk to me.'s, and a few Are you okay?'s. But the phone turned out disconnected and when he went to her house, her mother shook her head.

.

"Sasuke, I'm sorry. I don't know where she is. She just decided to leave. We tried to stop her, but she's nineteen. She refused to tell us where she was going and just said that she'd be in contact with us."

.

There was an awkward silence as the male stared blankly at his only connection to the girl who meant everything to him. He could remember kissing her wrists and how warm she was against his stomach. Especially the way she smiled and how her tongue felt when she discovered his new belly button ring.

.

"Y-you don't know?"

.

The woman shook her head, and after another round of apologies, and I'm sure she's fine. He was turned away from the door, and sent on his way back home.

.

The sky above him seemed to dull. From the vibrant and deep sapphire blue to a washed out, cheap version. The clouds lay in lazy wisps, no tufts or towering entities. The sun dimmed without her by his side. Puttering coming from passing cars fell into a haze, mixing seamlessly with his father's new lawnmower and his older brother mixing power drinks in the blender.

.

Tweeting from the birds didn't even sound the same. It was springtime, that was their time. When they met, six years previous. When they were just young, before either one of them had been blemished by more than a scraped knee. Before he found out what her uncle had been doing to her. The flowers were usually so vivid, rubies and amethysts strewn across a base of jade. But without her? It was nothing.

.

x. o. x. o.

.

There was a lot of threatening and cursing coming in torrents from his father when Sasuke finally decided to pack his bag and find her.

.

"You won't be coming back here, I'll be damned if you throw your entire life away from some screw up who doesn't dese-"

.

The door slammed shut then as the teenager stalked out to the dilapidated car. It banged open again with another bout of cursing. His small mother stood in the empty doorway, watching him with similar black eyes. She didn't smile or frown, but simply watched as he tossed the backpack into the passenger's seat and started the engine.

.

"I'm telling you that you're not going!" it was another scream from his father, who had moved to stand in front of the hood, blocking the pathway. "You're not going, and if you come back here I'll call the cops."

.

"Okay."

.

There was a moment of stunned silence as the two males faced each other, but when the older man had a sharp intake of breath, Sasuke's mother finally spoke.

.

"Fugaku, let him go."

.

Shock colored his face, but her words caused him to stumble around the vehicle to have a better look at her, and when she said nothing else, the twenty year old sped from the driveway and hit the open road.

.

He started with her favorite restaurants, and the clubs she went to when she wanted to try and forget things. He visited the college she went to for a brief period, and found no one with any information about a Sakura Haruno.

.

He kicked one of the tires, about a week later, when it went flat along the highway as it started to rain. He cursed and told himself that the water running over his face was only there because the sky was pissing on him. But he couldn't deny the awkward gasps that pushed their way out of his lungs.

.

His wrenched open the passenger's door and dug through the glove compartment, searching for a wrench, hair dripping water down into his eyes, when his fingers caught on a crumpled piece of paper. Pulling it out delicately, trying to keep it as dry as possible, his heart gave a lurch.

.

There was a city typed in black on a crumpled map, and surrounding it was a shakily drawn circle, in blue ink.

.

A crumpled map that he had looked at over nine months before. He swore to himself and set it carefully back down onto the fabric covered seat. Reaching gently for the wrench, he looked outside and suddenly there was a little more color in his world.

.

x. o. x. o.

.

The ride took forever when he was just by himself. She wasn't there to laugh with him or brighten the small spaces with her smile. The gas pedal remained firmly pressed against the floor. He was getting closer to her with every passing mile, and he had to try to remind himself that she might not be there.

.

When the coast line came into view his chest ached again, and could remember the way she grinned when he pointed it out to her the first time they had decided to pass through. That summer seemed like years ago.

.

The sun started to sink by the time he made it to their hotel lobby. There was a blonde woman behind the receptionist desk, bubble gum cracking between her teeth; she looked bored with blank blue eyes. When he stepped forward she sat up a little straighter and smiled, quickly forgetting the gum in her mouth. "May I help you sir?"

.

He bit at his lower lip, and looked around the lobby area. There were a few people waiting on the paisley couches.

.

"I just…" he coughed and tucked his hands into his pockets. "Is there a pink haired girl around here?"

.

"I-I'm sorry but I can't-"

.

"You don't understand." His voice came out more desperate than he wanted; the colors were already starting to drain. If she wasn't here he didn't know where she'd be. "I'm not… I'm not asking information about her, or how she's paying or where she comes from. I just need to know if you've seen a pink haired girl around."

.

The blonde woman opened and closed her mouth, shocked and surprised, with pale brows raised up into her hair line.

.

"Please," he repeated, and he felt the back of his neck warm with embarrassment. "I need to know."

.

He was about to turn around and leave when she finally nodded her head, and tapped a BIC pen in her fingertips. "Yes." She said softly. "A really thin, really broken looking pink haired girl." She nodded again and glanced down at the papers in front of her. "Yes, she's been around."

.

Relief flooded through his guts. "Thank you." He gave her a smile and pivoted on his feet and started to walk quickly towards the entranceway.

.

"She likes the pier." He stopped and turned to look at the woman. She had stood up, and watched him with her brows still knitted. "She goes down every night. I don't know why, or what for. But that's where she goes." Sasuke went to leave again, but once more the female's voice stopped him. "If you know her, please help her. She needs someone to take care of her."

.

He spared her a glance, and then headed quickly for the pier, a picture fresh in his mind of the way she stared up at the stars.

.

x. o. x. o.

.

When he found her, she was laying on her back, watching the stars waltz slowly across the stratosphere. Her shoulders were still bone-thin and her shirt stuck to her skin, laden with saltwater. She was humming some sort of song he never heard before, and he wondered somewhere in the back of his mind if she had been drinking that night.

.

"Sakura," he said softly, and took tentative steps towards her.

.

There was a soft giggle before she actually sat up. "Oh," emerald orbs were glazed over. "I thought I was hallucinating." She smiled and let herself fall back onto the concrete. "It seemed like this would be the time to start hallucinating again." There was another chuckle emitting from her throat. "I mean, there's a lot of blood."

.

Once she mentioned it, he noticed it. Outlined in the moon glow, he could see the crimson glittering against the pavement. Her arms were slashed open again.

.

"Sakura, what are you doing?"

.

"Hopefully I'm dying, Sasuke." Her eyes rolled back into her head a little. "It's been my new wish for a while now, and I saw a shooting star tonight."

.

He jogged the last few feet to be by her side, and picked her up once again. Cradling her against his chest, he could feel where her vertebrae connected and the way her shoulder blades stuck out like knives.

.

She was immediately struck by his warmth, and wondered why she hadn't realized she had been so freezing cold. There was a breeze blowing past, and his scent drifted up into her nostrils, and calm fell over her, just like it had before. The aroma of salt and spice, mixed with oil and sweat. The only thing that was missing was the underlying tone of her sweet pineapple, and she recognized with some sadness, how much it affected the entire smell.

.

"This can't be your new wish, Sakura." She felt something wet fall against her face, and realized with wide eyes, that there was water coursing down his cheeks. "This can't be it; I wasn't here to protect you."

.

"It's not your-"

.

"Yes it is," he shook his head. "Don't you get it? It's my responsibility; it's my right to protect you. It's my fault that you're here right now. Sakura, when I said I loved you, I meant it—I do mean it. I don't care if you don't believe in it, I do. When I said that, I didn't say it for you, I said it for me. I want to protect you; I want to be the person you turn to." She opened her mouth but no words came out. "Damn it, Sakura, that wasn't your star. Your star didn't fall yet."

.

"I'm sorry." She whispered.

.

"You better be. Do you know what it's like to not be with you?" he kissed her. "Don't make me wake up without you ever again…. Please, I can't stand it."

.

"Okay."

.

x. o. x. o.

.

They were holding hands, walking along the sand. It washed in the tide over their toes, and the pink haired girl couldn't help but look up at the male beside her.

.

Seeing a psychiatrist had helped. With the impulse to cut herself, and the desire to always blame herself. Sasuke smiled when she would come home and tell him all the things she started to see, and she could tell how happy he was when she actually began to eat. She realized that it wasn't her fault, even though she'd always struggle with it.

.

Ino, the receptionist, popped in now and again. They had become fast friends, all three of them, and quickly introduced a blond male named Naruto into the group. He could make Sasuke smile as much as Sakura could.

.

They lived together, in a small apartment somewhere a little off of the beach. With a view of the city and the ocean, it gave the pink haired girl all the lights she could look at, at any time of day. They spoke of his family once, but there wasn't much to say. Fugaku didn't want to hear from them, and cut them away from the family.

.

The scars on her wrists started to fade, but they would always be there, a permanent reminder of the destructive years, but also a monument to what she would become.

.

Her bubble-gum pink hair fluttered a bit, the sun started to sink below the horizon and the beach dwellers began to disperse. Children ran laughing and screaming as their parents stalked after them. Other teenagers held hands and flirted before vacating the sand and leaving it for only them.

.

"Did I ever say thank you?" Sakura asked gently.

.

He shrugged. "For what?"

.

She grinned and bounced up onto her tiptoes to kiss him. "For being the salvation I've always looked for, for being my star."

.

He pulled her closer to him as his tongue pressed against hers. "You don't have to say thank you, I told you, I love you."

.

"I… I love you too Sasuke." She giggled when he picked her up and twirled her through the air; she laced her arms around his neck. He let her back on the ground and they watched each other for a moment before heading back to their own apartment, hands still tied together.

.

"Sasuke?"

.

"Hm?" he asked quietly, pulling the blankets up over them, black eyes glancing up at the framed map that hung on the wall. There was a shaky circle around the name of a town. Lights danced in through the multitude of windows, but for once her emerald eyes weren't glued to their coruscating paths.

.

"Did I tell you I saw a shooting star on the way home from the hospital, those weeks ago?" he shook his head and pressed close to her, wrapping his arms around her before she had the chance to move away. "Do you know what I wished for?"

.

He shook his head again, and when she smiled he couldn't help but smile back. "What did you wish for Sakura?"

.

She bit at her lip. "I actually wished for two things… I wished that you'd always be with me." Her fingers trailed down his stomach. "And I wished that I'd have the chance to play with your bellybutton ring again… If you'll allow it."

.

He couldn't help but smile at her. "Sakura, you can have anything you want." And then he kissed her.

.

.

.

[greasergal]

Metanoia Prologue

Pairing: Older!Mikey Walsh x OC!FemReader

Warnings: language, angst, slow burn romance, sexual innuendos, drinking, dark past, mentions of depression

Summary: Estella spent a lot of her life not really knowing who she was. So on a journey to figure that out she said good bye to the life she had made in search of one she would enjoy. Which is how she happened to stumble upon the Goondocks and the best group of friends she had ever met.

word count: 1.5k

→ One

Materlist

PROLOGUE | OUT OF TOWNER Wednesday June 30th 1993, Astoria Oregon

The thrill was what got to her. The absolute freeing and exciting feeling of running off. The whole world was in her hands and she could do anything. Who knew what would happen next. Just the mystery and on edge her future seemed was enough to keep her foot on the gas and to continue driving with no map in her hands. Each road she passed was a split decision. A small grin tickled at the corner of her lips but didn't fully form because the thrill in her stomach was enough to make her sick and happy at the same time.

She had been driving for a while now. At least eight hours before she had loaded her car with anything she could think of bringing along. She was actually surprised the small white Volkswagen Bug could hold all the junk she had thrown into it. The sky was grey and drizzling raindrops all over the earth. As Estella admired the beauty of Mother Nature her stomach grumbled. She hadn't had the time to eat before her split second decision of leaving. Passing a small town sign she smiled knowing this was promising of a restaurant nearby. The town hit you all at once, lots of houses, and a whole bunch of different colors. Estella could see the small port down the end of the road and it somehow brought the little old town together.

As she got closer to the port she saw a sign for a little diner and let out a sigh of relief. Without hesitation she pulled into a parking space and grabbed her wallet. The inside was small and very old school but it gave off a warm welcoming feeling. There wasn't a lot of people inside, just two young boys sitting at the bar stools and an older gentleman off to himself in a booth. Estella took a seat on the opposite side of the bar from the boys and started to look at the menu as a blonde girl emerged wearing a pink waitress uniform.

"Can I get you anything?" she asked with a small smile. She had warm brown eyes and she stared into Estella's hazel ones with kindness.

"Um, I'll just have some French toast and bacon on the side. Oh and a glass of orange juice" the girl smiled as she wrote down the order and walked it back to the window. She gently clipped it to the carousel and spun it around so the cooks could get it. She watched as she moved to wipe the counter in front of the two boys and fall into conversation with them. Before she knew it the girl had returned and started wiping down the counter in front of her. Estella also couldn't help but notice the boys staring at her from across the bar.

"Is there something on my face? Those boys you were talking to over there are staring at me" she leaned and whispered to the blonde so they wouldn't hear. The blonde chuckled slightly and shook her head.

"No we just aren't used to out of towner's around here. Where you from?" she asked and Estella leaned back, thankful she wasn't losing her mind.

"Redding California" the blonde girls eyes widened. Rarely did they get the California sunshine type around the area. That was almost a nine hour drive too.

"So what's got you all the way out here?" the blonde asked as she grabbed the girls glass of orange juice and set it down.

"It would help if I knew where here was?" Estella told her and the blonde chuckled as it made sense how the girl had ended up in their small town.

"Well you're in the goon docks of Astoria Oregon of course" Estella furrowed her eyebrows as she recognized the name. Why did she recognize that name?

"Isn't this the small town that found that pirate treasure or something a few years back?" Estella finally questioned as the blonde grabbed her plate of quickly made food and set it in front of her.

"You're right, that story made our little town famous" she told her and Estella nodded as she thought of such a tale. She only remembered it because of how interesting and exciting it was when news broke out about the lost treasure. That wasn't the kind of thing that happened every day. 

"Do you know the full story?" Estella asked and the blonde turned to the two boys sitting at the bar, sharing a look that Estella didn't quite understand. 

"Yeah, back in 85 some kids called the Goonies found a map to One Eyed Willie's ship right off the coast through some hidden tunnels. The treasure they found saved half the town from being turned into a golf course. Put our little town on the map" Estella found a sense of comfort in the story and smiled.

"That's quite a story. No wonder your little town has a charm to it" and the blonde smiled at the unusual response from the girl which caused her to hold her hand out.

"I'm Stef, it's nice to meet you" she said and Estella quickly smiled and wiped her hands off with her napkin before placing it in hers.

"I'm Estella, it's nice to meet you too" the girls smiled at each other as they shook hands. Before either girl could speak they were cut off by a bellowing voice from a woman.

"Stef, who said you could take a break?" the two girls turned to face the plump woman as she descended the spiral staircase in the corner.

"Oh Ginny, there is no one here" Stef talked back as if she was still a child. The woman named Ginny found her way behind the counter wearing a uniform identical to Stef's.

"Oh really?" she said as she gestured to the two boys, Estella, and the gentleman just getting up to leave.

"Okay but none of them needed assistance at the moment" Ginny rolled her eyes and started to work amongst the counter.

"Clarke and Lawerence I swear you've been here all day. Time to get out, you finished eating an hour ago" she scolded the two boys across the counter from Estella.

"Aww Ginny we got nothing better to do than be here with you" the skinnier one said and she rolled her eyes at him.

"Yeah and I still want a milkshake" the other said and Ginny sighed.

"I swear you two come in here and cause trouble everyday, could I get a strawberry milkshake?" Ginny yelled to the back kitchen as Stef turned back to Estella.

"So you planning on staying and visiting for a bit?" she asked and Estella thought for a moment.

"Well I wasn't really planning on going anywhere so why not? I just needed someplace to get away" Estella answered and Stef smiled, excited at the idea of  anew face around here. 

"Don't we all" Ginny piped up as she handed the milkshake to Lawerence and the girls laughed.

"Thanks Aunt Ginn" he replied as he immediately started sucking it down.

"Your welcome" she said just as the two boys began to stand.

"We're heading out but before we leave, I'm Mouth and this is Chunk, only the older folks round here call us by our real names" Clarke held a hand out to Estella and she smiled and accepted his handshake.

"I'm not old young man" Ginny scolded as she pointed at him and he laughed, the pair starting to walk away. 

"Alright we best be going, see ya later babe" Mouth said as he leaned over and gave Stef a small kiss. Estella was a bit surprised but brushed it off quickly. As he pulled away he gave a small pat to Estella's shoulder and Chunk gave her a wave as they both exited the diner.

"If you plan on staying I might have to be careful. A pretty girl like you could send him running away" Stef said once they were gone and Estella went to respond and assure her of no trouble before Ginny spoke up.

"Oh please you've had that boy wrapped around your finger since you found that damn pirate treasure" and Stef looked to see the immediate shock that painted the new girls features. Estella looked at Stef and she gave a small chuckle.

"Surprise" she said and the two girls fell into joined laughter.

"That's so cool. So you found the treasure?" Estella asked and Stef shrugged and looked at Ginny.

"Not really, I was just along for the journey. There was one boy we wouldn't of done it without" she told her and Estella tilted her head, confused at the modesty that came from telling a story like that. 

"Who was the boy?" Estella asked even though she couldn't possibly know who he was. 

"Mikey Walsh"

Comment if you want to be added to the taglist :))

[luimagines]

Four's spouse being absolutely terrifying when mad is very accurate. Not much really pisses them off except when it involves their loved ones are hurt, food waste and their current catch being chased away like the Gohma scaring off the boar. Otherwise Reader is mostly nonchalant.

Four does ask his lover to throw him on a few occasions, mainly when adventuring as the married couple are quite the tag team. Both fight completely in sync even when the Colors are thrown into the mix. So Wind and Wild asking for Reader to throw them wouldn't be much of a problem if they have a destination in mind.

Warriors: You're seriously going to oblige them?!

Reader: If they know where they want to go and have a way to land. My husband does this whenever we explore a dungeon together.

Wind: *takes out the Korok Leaf* Toss me as high as you can and I'll land on the roof!

Reader: *tosses the teen 60 ft into the air*

Twilight: WHAT THE????!

Wild: That is AWESOME!

(Wind does land safely and got scolded by Twilight. Wild also gets tossed too while Sky contemplates on asking.)

Reader's strength is the most insane thing about them. Combat chefs don't fight with their bare hands as its a chef's most important tool. You can't cook without them. They are a close range fighter so Reader uses their legs to fight.

One technique that Four's love tends to use is called Sky Walk. This skill allows Reader to literally walk on AIR and can only be taught by a master. Our heroes find this out when Wild spots something odd on his Sheikah Slate.

Wild: WHAT THE FUCK?! FOUR, HOW IS YOUR SPOUSE WALKING ON AIR?!!

Hyrule: I'm sorry what?

Time: *uses the Lens of Truth and sees Reader is actually walking to the house on nothing* Smithy, did you marry a god???

Four: Reader isn't a god. They're just using Sky Walk, a super secret technique. Like this! *begins walking on air*

Warriors: DEAR HYLIA!

Four hasn't really mastered the technique as it takes a few years so he can only walk at least 30 ft before he has to touch the ground. The looks on his comrades' faces are hilarious though. Smithy literally hid such a technique that would make any pitfall traps worthless.

Now Dink is most likely the type to use the heroes' loved ones to his advantage. When the Chain are traveling through Warrior's Hyrule Fields they did not expect a Dodongo to come crashing down with a footprint deep in its chest. All of them knew only one person could do this and rush to where it came from.

Surrounded by Taluses, Dodongos, Darknuts and Hinoxes was an absolutely livid Reader. One of the Links were quick to spot the abnormal nervous Darknut in the group, Dink who's currently regretting his decision. Especially when Reader's lower half of their legs ignite a fiery orange coat. They flames didn't seem to harm them but clearly burn the ground.

A sign that has Four split and push his comrades away a good distance from the fight cause he knew what is about to happen.

Green: The shadow really done it now!

Legend: What's going on?!

Vio: Diable Jambe, one of our lover's more destructive techniques. Trust us when we say you don't want to get hit by that!

Reader: My food is burning because of you bastards! Only fair that I return the favor! Diable Jambe- Party Table Kick Course!

Everyone watches as the chef lets loose scorching hot kicks with a handstand while spinning. The heat alone melted the Stone Talus and scorch the nearby ground. When Reader was done, all that remain was ash and a large patch of burnt ground. Dink definitely fled albeit badly burned but learn a huge lesson.

DON'T PISS OFF READER.

Oh my goodness... no kidding.

Reader is a force to be reckoned with.

....They just round house kick the hoard of enemies with hell fire....

AND THE FOOD WAS BURTN D:<

Dark Link better not come back! How dare he!!!!!!

[pearlyscrolls]

Sunrise

Ominis Gaunt X Reader

After the events of the scriptorium Ominis comforts MC

It feels like I have not written anything in forever. It was nice to get something out. I hope you all enjoy

The edges of the sky hinted at sunrise, the wisps of orange and pink just trickling over the horizon.  Y/N wiped her eyes.  

It had been a long night. She had sworn to Ominis and Sebastian that she was fine after everything in the scriptorium, but she had not been able to sleep. Her entire body ached. It should no longer hurt but the fear of pain seemed to circle her body, tensing her muscles making it hard to breath. She had tried, lying in her bed, hoping her roommates were deep enough sleepers that her muffled crying would not wake them. She had given up on rest. Grabbing her journal she had gone to walk the grounds, hoping movement and fresh air would clear her mind. She found herself sitting with her back against a tree watching the sky change color, a half done drawing and some notes in her journal, waiting for  this last round of shaking to stop. 

“Y/N” his voice  was soft, his scent, a mix of hair gel and soap and something she could not name seemed to drift around him as he sat next to her .  

“What are you doing here Ominis?”  her voice shook 

“Well, I couldn’t sleep, so I got up for a walk” 

“Same” she took a deep breath trying even harder then before to calm herself, the last thing she wanted was Ominis seeing her like this

“I am glad i ran into you, I knew you weren’t being completely honest when you said you were ok.” he reached out taking her cold hand in his, using his long fingers to massage warmth into her palm, uncurling each finger.  :”that feeling in the pit of stomach,the rolling nauseous tightness,  like any second all the pain is going to come back, it goes away, eventually” 

She looked down at his hands, massaging her own “we shouldn't have asked you to take us down there, I am so sorry Ominis, I can not image what it was like for you” 

“Don’t worry about me. This is not a new pain, and I knew with Sebastain pushing for it, I would probably fold eventually, he is very stubborn especially when it comes to Ann,. And I  did get some answers about my aunt”  He had taken her other hand, and was doing the same, working gently down her wrist. 

“She deserved better” 

Ominis just nodded 

They sat for a bit, the sun slowly lighting the sky. Ominis continued to move back and forth on her hands, moving up her wrist and forearms. Her heart raced at his touch. He was so gentle When she would start to shake and tense back up he would just whisper “it’s alright, just breath. It will all pass” 

 “Ominis, I have a question?” 

He lifted his head from their hands, ”go ahead” 

“You said that you can only cast the curse if you mean it, does that mean Sebastioan in some way wanted to hurt me?” 

He was quiet for a moment, a slight flexing in his jaw “No, I don’t think that’s it. I think he had to. I wasn’t going to, and you said you wouldn't. I think wanting to get us out, wanting to find answers for Ann, is enough of a motivation” 

“Well” she smiled as she leaned back, “you know what that means about you.” 

“Don’t turn my own words back on me” 

She squeezed his hand “ok, I won’t, today” 

She thought she saw a slight blush on his cheeks “actually he seemed rather torn up once we got back to our common room. Not only do I think he does not want to hurt you, I think he rather likes you” 

“Likes me? Oh” 

“Do you not feel the same, you know what you don’t have to answer. It is not my business” 

She was sure he was a red as she was 

“No, I do care for Sebastian, as a friend, I just wouldn’t want to hurt him. I have so much going on, and honestly” she let her eyes linger on Ominis. “There is someone else I like. Not that it matters,  they probably don’t feel the same” 

“Ok” he pulled a hand back rubbing the back of his neck, the rising sun was in full glory now washing the world in golds and pinks, and Ominis looked utterly perfect.. “I could be wrong” 

She felt her face flush, and hoped Ominis couldn't feel her pulse racing in her wrist on the hand he now just held . 

“We should probably get breakfast, and I need to clean up before I meet Poppy  in Hogsmeade, don’t want to go looking a mess” 

Their hands stayed linked, as he stood and helped her up. “And thank you Ominis. I don’t think I would have recovered as quickly if you weren't here.” 

“Of course, and next time, you don’t have to pretend to be ok to make us feel better” 

“I can assure you, I am not letting Sebastion do that to me again” 

“That is not what I meant, just you have friends and we care, you can tell us when you need help” 

He had continued to hold her hand as they walked,

“I’m not good at admitting I need help, I don’t like to burden others” 

She looked over at him as he shook his head, a soft smile “I will just have to get really good at noticing when you need it then.”  

[sovengardeswag]

You Poor Unfortunate Soul

Chapter 2:

And I Help Them, Yes Indeed

When he first noticed the sun, Astarion first tried to hide in the shade out of instinct. Then, remembering his deal, merely watched. It had been 200 years since he had seen the sunrise, even longer since he had just watched a sunrise. How funny it was, that most mortals took it for granted, that he had once taken it for granted, never truly stopped to admire it before it was too late. Had never watched as the blue of the sky lightened up, as one by one, the stars disappeared out like candles being blown out, the colors of the sun going from gentle oranges and pinks to harsher yellows and reds. It was one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen. He wanted to bask in it, he wanted to take it in for the rest of his days. He stepped out from the shadow of Wyrm's Rock because even with pain, even with the agony he knew would come, he was going to enjoy the sun to the fullest.

And oh, the devil had been honest in his assessment, as Astarion was brought to his knees from the pain. He breathed deeply, as he could no longer scream, it wouldn't do anything. There was an odd sense of satisfaction in that. Though it felt like he had been set on fire, like he had been dipped in molten metal, and was being roasted all at once, neither Cazador nor Godey would ever hear his "sweet" screams again. Perhaps that was what gave him the strength to get up and return to the shade of Wyrm's Rock. It was more of a scramble than a graceful rise, but still.

Now that he was out of the sun and no longer in pain, it gave him the chance to think. He was on the clock now, he needed to find Wyll. Raphael said that Astarion had put the spawn in his path, but who knew what that really meant? He thus walked through Wyrm's Rock, through the separation between the outskirts and the lower city, where all the masses passed through. In the brief time he spent with Wyll, he knew the man wouldn't be content to wake up late to a sweet breakfast and attend to his paperwork. No, he would be out training, honing his skills with his blade. This was a man of action. A man of conviction. Convictions that Astarion would have to tear down piece by piece. But first, he would have to brave the sun again.

When he got to the end of Wyrm's Rock's tunnel, he took a breath he didn't need and stepped quickly into the light, like taking a plunge into cold water. It felt just as horrid as before but he couldn't afford to dally. He knew that the potion settling into his veins wouldn't allow him to enter homes without permission, so getting into the castle courtyard like a red-eyed angel wouldn't work. So, he was quick as he walked to the Flaming Fist outpost instead, almost collapsing in relief when he was out of the sun, taking a few moments to recover before heading to the desk, the woman there asked, "How may I help you, saer?"

Ah, there was the first hurdle. He couldn't very well just ask if Wyll was here, could he? He huffed and patted his throat before putting a finger to his lips.

"You were attacked and can't say by whom?"

He rolled his eyes before he shook his head and pointed to the parchment in front of her.

"You need to file a report?"

He shook his head once more, growing more frustrated. He put his finger to his lips before pointing to the parchment once again.

"Saer, I can't help you if you don't tell me what you want."

By the gods, did they just let anyone into the flaming fists? Had they always been this clueless?

He was mere moments away from snatching the quill out of her hand when he heard a familiar voice, "Stella, what's going on?"

"Ah, nothing to worry about, Lord Ravengard, this citizen is just confused."

Oh, he could kiss that devil! Placed in Wyll's path indeed. He turned around and Wyll's eyes widened in recognition. "It's you!" He went up to Astarion, looking him over for signs of burns. "Are you alright? What brings you here?"

Once again, Astarion patted his throat and put his finger to his lips.

"You can't speak?"

Thank the gods, the prince wasn't a fool! He nodded once more as Wyll politely took some parchment and a spare quill from the fist at the counter. He first asked Astarion, "What happened? Why can't you speak?"

Astarion quickly scratched out, "Hurts like the hells."

"I'm sorry that you got hurt in that fire. What brings you to the fists?"

"Looking for you. Wasn't sure if you were alright."

"That's very sweet of you and I assure you that I'm fine, nothing sleep and health potions couldn't fix. Did you get home alright?"

Ah, perfect, the sympathy card. He wrote on the parchment once more, "No."

Wyll's eyebrows knit in worry, "No? What happened?"

Astarion scratched out another response, "Went home, employer became angry, threw me out."

"Your employer threw you out?"

Another hastily scratched explanation came. "Worked for a patriar, rotten temper."

A flash of disgust and worry flashed across Wyll's face, "That's terrible. but then, where did you sleep last night?"

"Flop house."

"Ah, I've been there." And the man had clearly not enjoyed it, from the look on his face. He had an idea then, Astarion could see it in his good eye."Why don't you come with me to meet my father when I finish here? I know it sounds intimidating since you heard my name, but I assure you that you'd be welcome and could stay at Wyrm's Rock for a bit. I'm sure that if you're not hired back, you'll find something in no time at all."

Astarion nodded eagerly, innocently clasping his hands together.

"Perfect, just wait here while I give a statement."

Astarion nodded, sitting down at a chair away from a window and thinking of what he would do when Wyll married him. First he'd learn sign, of course, assuming a quick wedding. He would get a fine parasol and new clothes with the finest silk embroidery, only ever sewing out of boredom. Most of all, he would find a way to tell Wyll and his new father-in-law all of Cazador's sins without implicating himself, the bastard surely executed just for being a vampire. He thought of all they could do to him. Maybe he would be tossed down an unclimbable hole with a pane of glass over it and left to the sun, maybe he would be beheaded with a silver axe, maybe he would simply be staked and burned. He was only pulled out of his violent fantasies when Wyll came back."It seems that everyone said the same thing, a grease fire. Do you want to get going?"

Astarion nodded once more, hanging onto Wyll's arm. He seemed a touch surprised but didn't stop Astarion as they walked out of the outpost together. But instead of walking back towards Wyrm's Rock, they were immediately met by a fiery red tiefling. "Heyo! They get everything down?" She then looked at Astarion and said, "Oh, hi. I don't think we've met, name's Karlach, who are you?" She offered her hand eagerly and Asarion was obliged to take it, shaking. And he had to stop himself from yanking his hand away, the feeling of her hot hand deeply unpleasant on his already burning skin.

Luckily, Wyll didn't seem to notice Astarion's discomfort and pain. The spawn was very good at hiding it when necessary, after all. But Wyll did tell Karlach ever so helpfully, "This is the man I told you about this morning, the one who saved my life."

Karlach immediately pulled Astarion into a hug and the vampire wanted to scream. Most would appreciate the intense warmth on a cold day like this, but it was agony, "I can't thank you enough! I cried like a baby when the fists brought him home."

This time, Wyll did notice Astarion was uncomfortable. He told the large woman, "Karlach, I think you're heating up."

"Hm, oh, sorry there, soldier." She let go of Astatrion, who straightened up the best he could despite the burning sensation. If the hellish fire hadn't given it away, then the utter affection this woman had for Wyll told him that this was the tiefling he spared in Avernus. The one who protected those children. And it made him nervous. Wyll said he hadn't spared her out of affection but she was a lovely woman indeed. Strong with kind eyes and a lovely curled horn, she and Wyll would make an adorable couple. He had his work cut out for him.

"I actually invited him to stay with us. He fell onto some hard times and this was the least I could do."

"You sure your Pops is gonna be alright with that?"

"I'd be shocked if he wasn't." He then looked to Astarion, "But first, we have a few things to attend to. Would you like to come with Karlach and me?"

Astarion nodded, continuing to hold onto Wyll's arm for stability as much as to endear himself to Wyll.

First on the agenda was to see a blacksmith named Dammon. One who found himself tightly hugged by Karlach. "Dammon! How are you adjusting to the Gate?"

"I've been adjusting as well as you can expect. The forge is good and the rent's reasonable. How is the engine treating you up here?"

"Nothing that you didn't say would happen. Weird aches, hot flashes, but other than that I'm alright."

Astarion quirked an eyebrow at Wyll in question and the prince of the Gate explained, "Karlach has an infernal engine for a heart. In Avernus, it works just as a regular heart does, along with enhancing her strength."

Karlach nodded and further explained, "Problem is, on Faerun, it just burns hotter and hotter to make up for the colder air. Eventually, it'll just burn me up." Astarion must have made a face he didn't notice because she was quick to clarify, "Oh, I'm not going to drop dead or anything, don't worry! I just can't stay up top for more than, I think, six months, give or take." And Asarion calmed, safe in the knowledge that they would not, in fact, die in a fiery explosion then and there.

Astarion watched Dammon examine Karlach like he was a doctor, checking her engine by giving it a listen, checking her temperature by placing his hand on her forehead, examining her eyes, all while Wyll watched with rapt attention. In the end, he told her, "Well, it's as I said, your engine's holding firm. You should be fine for a few months."

"Aces, thanks Dammon!" She gave the tiefling blacksmith another hug and told Astarion, "We've just got one more thing to deal with and we can head to Wyrm's Rock."

Astarion felt some measure of relief that they were almost done, still hanging on to Wyll's arm as they walked some more, the sun bearing down on him the entire time.

When they entered a jewelry store, Astarion found himself mildly surprised. He wouldn't exactly call jewelry shopping an errand. Even when Cazador got his ugly signet cleaned, he always went himself at night rather than send a servant during the day and he usually came back with something for himself. A tiny bit of paranoia crept in that he might be third-wheeling a gift-shopping expedition for a couple.

However, that fear was quickly dashed, as when the blue dragonborn jeweler asked what she could do to help, Wyll said, "I'm looking to have a new false eye made. My current one isn't suitable anymore and a glass one wouldn't work in my line of work. So, I need a metal one or a new stone one."

"Well, I can tell you now, sir, that a metal one is out of the question, it would be too heavy. However, I can make a base out of bitumen and..."

Astarion's attention drifted when the conversation turned to the intricacies of false eyes. His eyes wandered and they landed on one piece in particular. Locked under glass was a ring of mind-shielding. It was probably the most expensive item in this entire store. It had an amethyst as the jewel in a bezel setting, the gold band engraved with runes. Raphael's suggestion for ways to avoid Cazador came to mind. With a quick glance to ensure that Karlach and Wyll were still speaking to the jeweler, Astarion reached into his hair and pulled out a pin out of his hair, bending it as he walked up to the case, starting to quickly pick at the lock, keeping an ear out as he did. He could feel that there were four pins on this lock. The first went quickly

"And you're sure Opal is too soft?"

"Quite."

Pins two and three released. He heard Karlach say, "And if we brought a gem or a rock for you to polish up, would that work?"

"It would depend on what you brought, but yes, I could most certainly do it for a suitable stone."

The last pin went. Astarion had to work quickly. He opened the case just enough to reach his hand in and snatch a similar, inconsequential ring in the case to replace the ring of mind-shielding before switching it out and putting it in his pocket.

It was mere moments after he gently closed and relocked the case that Astarion was called over by Karlach. "Oy! Do you want to help us pick something?"

Astarion turned around and pointed at himself, genuine surprise showing on his face.

Wyll gave him a gentle smile and told him, "Yes, you. You look terribly bored and I would be a poor host indeed if I let you stay bored."

With his new ring of mind-shielding safely in his pocket, Astarion went up to the counter. He looked at the stones before him, still uncut and quite large. One a deep green with variously darker and lighter rings, one a dark, burnt orange color with various stripes, and a grey and shiny one with thin bands around it.

Wyll pointed to the green stone and told him, "That one is malachite. It takes protective spells well but it needs a coating so we've decided against it. Apparently, it would become toxic without one."

Astarion made a face at the concept of a poisonous rock offering protection and Wyll chuckled a bit, "Exactly, so now it's between tiger's eye and agate."

"I say to go for the tiger's eye. I mean, it has eye right in the name."

"That, and it has a nice color, but the agate does as well. It's a bit hard to decide." He looked to Astarion and said, "This is where you come in, a bit of a tiebreaker."

Astarion looked at the stones, examining them. He picked up both options and weighed them in his hands. He also held up both options to Wyll's face, the prince allowing him to compare both options as he told him, "To tell you the truth, I've never done this before. This eye wasn't exactly my choice. I appreciate you taking this so seriously."

Astarion nodded, assuring Wyll that he knew this was indeed serious business. And as he looked at both stones at Wyll's eye level, he concluded that, despite the tiger's eye being absolutely garish, he'd look good with either one. Everything just seemed to flatter the man, though he couldn't imagine a cute little pupil being carved into the tiger's eye. But maybe Wyll would look better with something more serious. He also didn't get to choose his current eye. What if he thought the pupil was stupid and thought Astarion frivolous? He put both stones down and made a heart shape with his hands before pointing to his own ruby-red eye.

"The pupil? A stylistic choice by my ex-patron, though admittedly a sweet one. Do you like it?"

Astarion nodded.

"Well, I'll keep it in mind when it's time to carve then."

Astaion looked at the stones once more. He was naturally leaning toward the agate but there was one more factor. Wyll was an adventurer, he would be performing all sorts of feats that were liable to get him killed, this would all be for naught if Astarion ended up a widower. So he looked to the jeweler and made the somatic gesture for Firebolt.

The jeweler looked confused for a moment before realizing, "Ah, you're asking about charms. Tiger's eye is attuned to warding magic while agate takes to warding or perception."

As the saying went, an ounce of prevention was worth a pound of cure. Astarion pointed pointed to the agate, his mind set. It was up to Wyll now.

"Alright then, we'll take the agate."

"Excellent choice, sir, if you'll follow me into the back, I can take a measurement.

Wyll nodded and followed the jeweler, leaving Astarion alone with Karlach. The spawn went to take a seat and Karlach followed. The two of them were in silence for a moment, Astarion because he had no choice and Karlach, he presumed, because she didn't know what to say. But she soon broke the silence as she asked, "So, this is probably rude but I was wondering about the eyes.

Astarion tensed. Did she know, somehow?

"Are you half drow? Again, sorry if that's rude, been wondering all morning."

Oh, thank the gods. He shook his head and raised four fingers.

"Ah, makes sense. I just saw the eyes and the way you flinched and kind of guessed. I knew a half-drow kid growing up here, his mum was the drow."

Astarion's eyes widened in surprise that she noticed the flinching. To his expression she gave a little laugh and said, "On a cold day when everyone is trying to warm up and appreciate how bright the sun is? Come on." She elbowed him gently and, with it being indoors, it was no longer uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry about your job by the way. Why was the boss mad?"

Astarion couldn't help but feel a touch judgemental when Karlach asked that. Did she seriously expect him to answer in his state? He wouldn't show it though. Instead, he simply shrugged.

"Ah, yeah, I get that. But hey, you can find something better now, at least."

Oh, she was certainly right about that. He had to wonder about her own issues. He pointed to her shoulder and pinched his hand in question.

"You asking if it hurts?"

He nodded.

"Eh, not really. Not unless something breaks and starts burning me. But that's pretty rare, not since Elturel. Getting it put in hurt like a mother fucker though."

Astarion pat her shoulder, not sure what else to do.

"Thanks, you're sweet. I'm used to having it though."

Astarion could certainly understand that, saying one was used to something so horrendous. But he also knew that it was a lie. It was something said to keep yourself sane. As he pulled his hand away, he almost felt bad for very briefly seeing her as a rival. But only almost. Quite frankly, he still wasn't sure what, exactly, her feelings were for Wyll. He couldn't blame her if her engine went all aflutter for her savior. And here he was, Wyll's savior, calling in a favor and trying to win him so a devil could manipulate him. It was utterly devious. It was the exact sort of job someone would use him for.

Karlach didn't want to dwell on the painful, however, nor did she suspect a single thing from Astarion as she went on to ask, "So, was your grandma or grandpa the dark elf?"

Wyll came out of the back of the store when Astarion was most of the way through pantomiming a fake backstory of a secondborn son set to be an old and lecherous matron's concubine before running away to Baldur's Gate, earning a perfectly honest living as a courtesan before settling down with a humble elf. Or at least, that was the story he was trying to convey. He'd been pantomiming the part where his fake grandmother wooed her little drow with a pair of earrings when he arrived, "Well, you two certainly made fast friends."

"Yeah, the guy's a riot."

Yes, good, approval. Astarion pointed to his right eye in question to Wyll.

"It'll be done within the ten-day, so well within our stay here."

They wouldn't be gone within the day or anything like that then. Good. Either way, he got up once more and clung to Wyll's arm. Karlach pointed out, "He sure likes hanging onto you."

"Oh, ah, he certainly does. We were actually flirting a bit before the fire."

"Oh? And you didn't tell me that the beautiful stranger who saved you was flirting with you?" Karlach teased.

"Oh, stop," he said, "But he was."

Karlach, smirking a bit, addressed Astarion now, telling him as they walked out, "Can't say I'm surprised. I mean, look at him, Don't take him saying no as straight-up rejection though. He likes you back, he's just a bit old-fashioned."

"I said nothing of the sort," Wyll told Karlach, though took no offense to the implication that he liked Astarion. It was quiet aside from all the people milling about as they trekked back to Wyrm's Rock.

Astarion didn't feel nervous about entering Wyrm's Rock since Wyll had invited him to stay, even less so when Wyll said, "Again, you're welcome to stay as long as you need," when they had arrived at the living quarters. What he was, instead, was mildly surprised. He had expected the Grand Duke's home to be finely furnished, full of victorious paintings and tapestries of monster hunting, from, how Cazador described Ravengard as self-righteous. But no, while certainly not spartan, the home seemed more befitting a minor noble than borderline royalty. But Astarion, despite himself, wasn't disappointed. The place was comfortable, and tasteful. The couches were made of velvet, the office chair he spied in an open room lined with fine leather, and the few commemorative paintings were clearly done by the finest artists. Astarion briefly stopped at a portrait of the duke, then the grand marshall, with a ten-year-old version of Wyll. The boy had been rendered adorably, all wide-eyed and happy. It was also evidence that Wyll hadn't always been a tiefling, for the portrait displayed not a stubby horned child, but a human one with dark brown eyes and not a hellish feature in sight. Indeed, he was not a descendent of the hells but changed by them. When they moved on with some happy ribbing from Karlach, they came to the guest room. And never before had Astarion been so glad to be in a guest room. For one, he was allowed to actually sleep here. For another, it was comfortable, with a feather bed, a good, thick set of curtains, and fine cedar nightstands, there was even a tub for bathing. It was heaven compared to the Szarr estate.

Wyll explained the reasoning for bringing him directly to the bedroom. "My father is in a meeting and won't be back until dinner. Meanwhile, Karlach and I have some work we need to do. Is that alright?"

Astarion nodded in understanding and to show it was perfectly fine. It gave him the opportunity to prepare if anything.

"Alright, there's extra clothes in the wardrobe and if you need anything, just ask." And then, he and Karlach left. As soon as the coast was clear, Astarion fished into his pocket and pulled out the ring of mind-shielding. It was almost too good to be true, that a rune-covered, amethyst ring could guard him from Cazador. He had certainly heard of it working and Raphael had mentioned it, but those could simply be the dreams of desperate spawns and a trick from a devil. There was only one way to know if this little magic ring could work. He slipped it onto his finger.

As soon as he got it on, there was a sense of peace, as if whispers he had been hearing his whole life had been silenced. The tension he felt in his brain stem was gone. His mind, his body, they were his own. He nearly collapsed, catching himself to sit on the bed as he let out a silent laugh of relief. He had done it, he had outsmarted Cazador and all he needed to do was steal a ring. Oh, he was going to enjoy this new life of his. The first order of business? A bath, hot and scented and sudsy.

It was a slight hassle to ask the Wyrm's Rock staff for what he needed, but so very worth it. Away from the window, he was able to enjoy the hot water. The scents of juniper and bergamot were strong enough to cover up the mild smell of undeath that followed him. Though, now that he thought about it as he scrubbed his scalp, he wouldn't be surprised if that scent came from all the damn ghouls in Cazador's palace. Either way, he felt much cleaner and much more relaxed. He didn't even need to worry about his hair, products having been left for him with the soaps and the oils. By the time he was done, he felt like a new man as he looked over the options for clothes. Seeing as it was a guest room, there weren't very many options, but he could certainly style them. Black breeches always made for a promising start, especially with a white shirt, but what to wear on top? He looked between a green doublet and a black one. Though something in his mind said that the green doublet matched with something, he knew that wasn't true. So, he opted for the black one, which had some tasteful gold accents. It was dark and broody but didn't scream vampire, it was modest and comfortable. It was perfect.

His confidence was palpable as he left the room. It was dark out and he didn't feel any sort of compulsion. If he focused, he could feel someone asking, no, demanding to be let into his mind. And he smirked as he resolutely ignored it, imagining Cazador absolutely furious and confused. Instead, he sauntered his way through the halls of Wyrm's Rock, exploring. He found the library, a war room, and some more guest rooms, all of them as lovely as his own. It was during his exploration that he ran into Wyll again. "Ah, there you are. was everything alright?"

Astarion nodded, taking note of Wyll's outfit. A dark, deep blue doublet with a white shirt underneath, the doublet having gold trim. It was good to know his future husband had good taste.

"That's good. I was actually just looking for you. Father and Karlach are waiting in the dining room for dinner. You want to join us, right?"

Astarion nodded most enthusiastically and followed Wyll close behind. Wyll was very sweet, he was, but Astarion wasn't going to get anywhere by just taking advantage of his hospitality. He needed to do something more. Maybe dinner would be an opportunity, if he could impress the Grand Duke, Wyll might consider Astarion worth his time. He wondered what Ulder Ravengard was like anyway. Obviously, he hadn't exactly thrown himself into opulence upon rising to the station, living here instead of in the upper city palace, that much he had heard had been true. And Cazador could not stand the man, mentioned that he avoided him like the plague when he was forced to meet with other patriars, calling Duke Ravengard an arrogant little knight when he went on one of his tirades, but that was more due to the Duke's attempts at curbing corruption rather than his actual personality. He really had very little to work with. So, upon arriving at the dining hall, he merely sat down at one of the tables, right across from Karlach and next to Wyll. On other days, this place probably hosted grand banquets but, right now, it was just four people at the end of a table.

"Ah, so you're the man who saved my son from that fire. It is wonderful to meet you." Ulder Ravengard said, holding out a hand for Astarion to shake, which he did. It was calloused from years of work and training as a Flaming Fist, more than Wyll's was. "And what is your name?"

Wyll flushed with embarrassment at the realization he had never caught Astarion's name. Never mind that Astarion had done that on purpose, the spawn was now regretting that. He wasn't sure if Wyll had told his father about his supposed condition but he patted his throat again anyway, hoping Ulder could catch on as well as his son.

"Ah, forgive me, my son mentioned that you had been injured, but we must call you something other than "you.""

Karlach spoke up then, "Want me to get some paper and ink?"

Astarion shook his head. It wasn't necessary. He first pointed to his ear.

"An elven name," Wyll immediately understood.

Astarion nodded and pointed out one of the windows.

Karlach took a guess then, "Is it Skye?"

Astarion made a face at that.

"Oof, ok, not Skye."

Ulder took a moment to think as he looked out the window, "Ithilen?"

Astarion shook his head, though did not make a face.

Wyll finally guessed, "Does it have something to do with stars?"

Astarion made a so-so motion with his free hand.

Wyll immediately got it right, "Astarion?"

Astarion blinked twice in surprise. He had not expected that. He had expected to be clear within the next guesses, but not so immediately. Either way, he nodded.

"Astarion. It's a lovely name."

But now Astarion had his own questions and, blast this deal, he needed to know how Wyll guessed. Did his ex-patron have some idea of the plan? Was she still sending him messages through his eye?"

Wyll noticed his confusion as he said, "Ah, this is a bit morbid but I saw that name on a grave in the upper city when I was a boy. It seemed so lonely up there, with no flowers and only vines, that it stuck in my mind and I remembered it when you said you had a star name." Wyll then had another thought, asking, "Do you have any relation to that person? Astarion Ancunin?"

Astarion lied and shook his head.

"Wyll is right that it's a lovely name. Ah, but please, eat, the food looks delicious, and not just because I'm famished."

While the living got to enjoy their meal of pork cooked in a marinade and served wih risotto, Astarion was, quite frankly, suffering. That potion had only been said to "cure" his problem with sunlight and, indeed, it had done only that. The meat tasted like ash despite smelling divine, the same went for the risotto, he was unable to enjoy the creamy texture from the ashen flavor of the rice and the rank, sour taste of mushrooms that were supposed to be savory and delightful. But it wouldn't be the first time he faked enjoyment of a meal, acting like it was the best thing he had eaten and washed it down with a wine that, while being a nice vintage that was probably some variety of dry to go with the meal, tasted like straight vinegar to him

Luckily, he was able to put his fork down when Ulder asked, "So, Astarion, what was your trade?"

Ah, a simple question. He made a sewing motion with his hands and the Grand Duke caught on, "Ah, a tailor? A fine profession. Francesca, Wyll's mother, was actually a seamstress before I became Grand Marshall. She wanted to keep it up, but her old clients felt a little uncomfortable with her station, so she took up needlepoint to occupy her mind."

Astarion listened in rapt attention. He had known that Ravengard had been common born but had always assumed that his wife was a lower noble, that he had married his way in. It was clear now that Lady Ravengard was in the same situation as her husband. How odd this city was, a noble magistrate like him could fall to such lows and a common person could rise to Grand Duke.

It was Karlach, sweet karlach, who asked the dreaded question, "So, who'd you work for? You mentioned that they were a patriar?"

Shit, no matter what he said, he was doomed. Even if he knew no one here would talk, walls had ears, even if he lied and mimed out a different patriar family, they would deny it in confusion, word would get back to Cazador, and he would know where Astarion was. he'd be dragged back, his ring of mind-shielding taken, and he'd be flayed before getting thrown in the crypt again, no doubt for ten years this time.

Wyll, either once again reading his face like a book, or out of some sense of noble propriety, quickly told him, "You don't have to tell us if you don't want to."

"Oh yeah, no, I've just got patriars on the brain is all. I know how they talk, so if you're not comfortable saying, I totally get it. I actually used to work for a guy who was upper crust too. It's a long story but he's actually why we're here."

Astarion titled his head in a question. They weren't here for a visit? Though it certainly explained why Karlach and Wyll needed to work today.

Grand Duke Ravengard shook his head, "I'm afraid not. My son and Karlach are heading an investigation. One of the councilors is a Banite and has dealings with Zhentarim and the slave trade. He's also accused of other crimes, but those have less evidence so far. Normally he would be on trial by now but what was found in the hells and couldn't be brought back. A man by the name of Enver Gortash."

Astarion recognized the name. Councilor Gortash had come calling to one of Cazador's many parties, offering his services. He even offered "labour," in case Cazador wanted to re-explore some ruin or mine or something of that sort. Cazador had declined. Astarion only really remembered it because it was such a strange interaction. Cazador usually liked taking every advantage he could, and Gortash had turned down the evening's "entertainment" before leaving, and it wasn't as if Gortash had been an innocent and shy little upstart, he had been looking. Either way, he wasn't surprised that the man was involved with the Zhents and all sorts of atrocities.

Karlach then said something that made it all the worse, "He, uh, he's actually how I ended up in the hells. Zariel had something he wanted, and Zariel wanted me."

Astarion could have guessed from the context; the evidence coming from the hells, the fact that they were investigating him, Karlach's slavery in Avernus, it all added up. He vaguely wondered, how could she be so cheery despite it all. Who went through literal hell and came out smiling?

Wyll patted Karlach's shoulder, telling her, "We'll get him, don't worry." He then looked to Astarion, telling him, "That's not to say that we'll be leaving you completely alone tomorrow. You can join us while we go investigating, and the day after there's going to be a welcome party. We'll be taking that day off."

"As you should, we all need it after spending weeks in the hells, even longer for Ms. Cliffgate."

"I suppose," but it was clear to Astarion that this a sort of enforced day off if the way Wyll's eyes flitted away was any indication. He probably wanted to get justice for his friend and celebrate after. Well, if it was to be that way, he would just need to be absolutely delightful, a perfect little investigative partner, and would make the day of the party the best of Wyll's life. He would surely get a kiss by the deadline. Wyll already liked him, making love blossom would be easy.

Just as dinner was ending and Astarion choked down his last bite of risotto, however, a flaming fist came in, "Grand Duke Ravengard, I come with news."

"Has something happened?" The Grand Duke stood up, clearly surprised to be interrupted.

"Yes sir, there was another smash-and-grab in the city."

"Don't tell me it's-"

"Another jewelry store, sir. Everything in the cases included magical items with hundreds of gold worth of damages, possibly thousands. Clearly the same outfit as the others"

"I see, has anyone been hurt?"

"Not this time, sir, but among the stolen items were a ring of mind-shielding and an Amulet of Proof Against Detection and Location. they may be trying to run at this point."

Astarion wanted to laugh. They thought that the ring he had stolen had been taken in a smash-and-grab. Things couldn't possibly be going more perfectly.

"Alright, I'll go see what can be done." The Grand Duke looked to astarion and told him, "It was lovely to meet you, I once again thank you for saving my son." Ulder quickly shook Astarion's hand again before leaving.

Wyll got up as well, telling Astarion and Karlach, "I should go with him. Goodnight Astarion, I'll see you in the morning." He gave him a pat on the shoulder before leaving.

And then there was Karlach, who asked, "You wanna come raid the kitchen for dessert with me?"

Astarion shook his head and Karlach said, "Suit yourself," before getting up and leaving.

Thus, Astarion was alone. He put his head in his hands and blew air through his nose. He felt awful after eating all that, the consequences of a vampire daring to eat actual good food were catching up to him. He began to run to the nearest window, the one he had pointed out to, opened it and immediately threw up into the snow outside. He was lucky no one had been outside and was grateful that, as a vampire, he had no bile to burn his throat. Just an empty stomach that always asked for blood.

As he wiped his mouth, he looked back into the dining hall. None had come in and seen that little display, good. He swiftly left to his room, washed out his mouth, and rubbed at his face. Two more days, Two more days of being the sweet, perfect little quarter-drow high elf and at least his place here would be secured. But how long would he have to hide himself? How long would he vomit out windows? He could explain the potion, the fact that he had never drank the blood of thinking creatures in his life, but would the virtuous blade and his father understand? He couldn't be sure of that. But would he be able to keep finding a permanent cure a secret? Ah, but he couldn't dwell on that. Not right now. For now, he just needed to deal with it. But that didn't mean he needed to miss out on an actual dinner.

He blew out the candle in his room and climbed out the window, knowing he would need to head to Rivington, he was in the mood for pig's blood.

[shallyne]

I Wish You Were Right Here

My second fic for @throneofglassmicrofics! @timesconvert chose the prompt for me again and I hope I did it justice.

Prompt: Wishing Well

Words: 696

TW: talk of death (murder), grieving, alcohol

Rowan stumbled into a clearing, the world spinning around him. The daylight already faded into the night, the horizon full of hues, orange, pink and purple blending together. They didn't have a clear end or beginning, they never did. Rowan had believed there wasn't an ending for him either, never would have thought he would have lost Lyria, his mate. His unborn child. It even hurt looking at the sky, knowing she would have found joy in the sunset, in the colors and changes, saying goodbye to the daylight and greeting the night. Lyria had found wonders in everything and it had felt so strange when he met her, because Rowan had been the exact opposite. Maybe that is why wyrd had paired them, intertwining their fates. Maybe it saw something that Rowan couldn't see, had thought that opposites attract. And against all odds, Rowan had learned to love, learned to imagine a future with her, worked for that future and then it was ripped from him. Lyria was killed and it felt like his world shattered.

It was very rare that Rowan went to bars, even rarer that he drank himself into oblivion but just this once he had hoped to numb the pain, forget about it for just a few hours. Of course he didn't, of course wyrd didn't allow him to forget his mate.

Angry, he kicked a stick out of his path, making him stumble once again but this time he couldn't grip something or find his balance in time, so he fell, eating dirt.

Cursing and panting, he heaved himself up on his knees and if it hadn't been for that, he would have never seen it. The wilderness had almost swallowed it, as if it wanted to hide it, as if it was a precious gem that had to be kept hidden. He didn't care. Standing up, not even bothering to swipe the dirt off his clothes, he walked towards the hidden object and when he was close enough…

It wasn't a hidden gem or a wonder of nature, it was just an old wishing well, overgrown by the wild forest all around it. Huffing, Rowan stalked to the edge of the well and looked down, into the blackness. Even his Fae senses couldn't sharpen his eyesight so much to see the bottom.

Maybe that darkness would swallow him, trapping him forever. A fitting punishment for him, for not being able to save his mate. For not arriving in time.

It was nonsense, of course it was, but nonetheless Rowan took a coin out of his pocket. He didn't check if it was gold or silver or copper, he didn't care. Everything was meaningless anyway, he didn't deserve anything.

“Show me the future, “ he slurred, throwing the coin in the well. He stared into the blackness, waiting for something.

Of course nothing happened, either because this was nonsense or because fate hadn't planned a future for him. He didn't care.

Groaning, he turned his back to the well and walked back to the clearing he stumbled into shortly before, letting himself plop on the ground. It was dangerous at night, but again, he didn't care.

His eyes scanned the sky, the stars that greeted him with nightfall, and the first constellation that he found was the stag, the lord of the north. He knew the legends, how the lord of the north guided the people of Terrasen home. How the stag itself had blessed Brannon Galathynius.

Rowan sighed, closing his eyes, expecting to be met by darkness. It was the opposite, it felt like he was staring directly into flames. They turned from an orange hue to blue, wildfire. And when the flames parted…

He was looking into a pair of turquoise eyes, the pupils circled by a ring of gold.

Not being able to stand the sight any longer and being overwhelmed by the desire to look into these eyes forever suddenly, he opened his own eyes.

Rowan wouldn't remember this anymore when he woke the next day, but his heart would and his heart, it would lead him to the glimpse of the future he was gifted with.

[caramelcuniculus]

It was a lovely day on Planet Popstar. The sun was warm, the air was fresh, and almost not a single cloud was in the sky to cover up the brilliance of the nice day.

And on days like this, it's nice to spend time in the garden.

In the gardens of Castle Dedede, a certain pink puffball was chasing a butterfly, happily following the insect as it fluttered around all of the flowers, fruits, veggies, and other things. After a few minutes of following it, however, the puffball came to a screeching halt, allowing the butterfly to fly away. In the corner of his eye, he could see his friend Taranza tending to some of the plants. Curious, the little puffball wandered over to say hi.

"Poyo! Taranzaa, Hii!" he greeted.

Tranquility was a must in the royal garden, or all gardens really. Not only would one have to keep the peace to not alarm any of the local wildlife, but to allow oneself to bond with the plants populating the garden. Such an area wouldn't exist if it weren't for them, nor could any other local life. That was how nature worked, how kind and cruel it could be under the best and worst circumstances. Taranza knew too well the pros and cons of the soil and the flowers that bloom from it, but with each new day, a bud continues to grow. Especially on a beautiful day like today. The royal gardener was thankful he could experience all of this; ripe as fresh fruit.

Taranza's personal watering can rose carefully as it tipped over a bustle of orange flowers, a similar color to that of her own gloves. The petals almost looked to be dancing when they were lightly soaked by the downpour, a glimmering drip or two presenting the picture of being fully fed. The arachnid hummed and put the watering can down, taking in the sight of the flowers for a few moments. Suddenly, another orange figure appeared in her line of sight, albeit much higher than herself and the plant life on the ground. A peaceful butterfly, fluttering so elegantly that she couldn't help but watch the being make its way further towards the sunlight. Pure, tranquil nature; Taranza will never get tired of it.

A familiar intrusion to his meditation made Taranza freeze up at first, startled by the fact that he was no longer alone. The royal gardener listened to the rest of Kirby's words, digesting them the best he could. A sigh escaped his lips as he pressed one of his many hands to his chest, getting all the jitters out. Then, the arachnid happily turned around to face the Star Warrior, possessing a smile that could almost match Kirby's. Almost. Not even he could match up to his childish whimsy, though he doubted many could.

"Greetings, Kirby!" All of the arachnid's hands waved at the young boy, her head tilting a bit to the side. "Such lovely weather we're having! I have no doubt in my mind that's why you've stopped by?" There could be a handful of reasons; Kirby wasn't exactly the most predicable despite his predictability with matters such as food. Not that it mattered too much, either. Taranza's friend was here, and she wouldn't waste the opportunity! "Either or, come over here, Kirby! Since you're here in the royal garden, let me show you something."

The arachnid turned around and slowly floated towards the same bundle of flowers he'd just been tending to. There weren't as many water droplets as there had been before, but there were just enough to present the pretty sight. "See how lovely these flowers are? I just watered them, right before you made your own appearance. Surely you agree, yes?" Taranza's head faced him while speaking, but then went back to admiring the bustle.