#I keep watching both of them over and over >///> the first one overkills me because its just him and ...something else... AHEM and then the

[cosmic-ships]

It's so fun seeing you so crazy for your new boy. How many times had you watch the trailer? :3

you said annoying wrong!!! /j

but to answer your question....

yes. ./////. I've watched it yes amount of times.

[girlgenius1111]

don't doubt us.

ingrid x mapi x reader

r gets sick. mapi and ingrid get overprotective. r pushes herself too hard, but her girlfriends know what she needs better than she does

18+ smut!

-----

It started with a rain game; everyone had gotten a bit of a cold from it, but it spiraled into something worse for you. Maybe because, at first, your girlfriends were sicker than you, so you'd ignored your own, milder symptoms, in favor of waiting on them hand and foot. As they got better, you got worse.

You'd gone to bed the night before with a slight fever, a dry cough, and a stuffy nose you were definitely playing down to Ingrid and Mapi. You woke up, however, to a hazy darkness around you, and one of your girlfriend's soft voices in your ear. You couldn't really focus on what she was saying, or really who was talking; all you could think was that you were too hot.

Ingrid had shaken Mapi awake a few minutes before, after waking up herself to the sound of you wheezing in your sleep. They'd listened carefully for a minute, before rolling you onto your back to try to improve your airflow. When you kept wheezing, Ingrid gently tried to rouse you.

"Elskling, wake up for me please," she said, watching as your eyes fluttered open and shut. You only groaned in response, turning on your side to roll into Mapi's chest. It was comfortable there, soft. Mapi smelled like... Mapi, like trees and fresh air, a scent you deeply related to feeling safe, and you weren't very interested in leaving that feeling behind.

"No, princesa, you need to wake up," the Spaniard said easing you again onto your back.

"Nooo," you whined pitifully, voice a raspy whisper, eyes tightly shut again.

"Sí, amor, venga," Mapi murmured, running a finger lightly over the creases in your forehead, wincing at the heat radiating off your skin. You cracked an eye open, about to tell your girlfriends to leave you alone, but instead, you broke into a violent coughing fit. The other girls hauled you up into a sitting position, hovering anxiously as you coughed, wheezing on every sharp inhale.

"Breathe, love," Ingrid said, rubbing her hand up and down your back. You could only shake your head at her. Your expression was one of panic as you realized you couldn't stop coughing. A hand on you cheek coaxed you to look away from Ingrid, and towards Mapi.

"Relax, mi niña, do not panic," Mapi encouraged, holding your face to keep your eyes on her. She over-exaggerated her own breaths, and your coughing slowly stopped. It took you a while to catch your breath, and your girlfriends seemed to be having a silent conversation around you. Ingrid handed you a glass of water, which you drank carefully. When you were done, you handed it back to Ingrid, leaning heavily into Mapi. Her tattooed arms wrapped around you, pulling you into her, and she couldn't help but notice the way your body shook, or the sound your chest made every time you breathed in. The Norwegian scooted closer to the both of you until you were squished in between them. You'd relaxed slightly, but you tensed back up at the words Ingrid spoke into your ear.

"We need to go to the doctor, love," she stated delicately. You opened your mouth to argue, but Mapi was talking before you could.

"No, no arguments. Your breathing sounds awful, you could have pneumonia."

You rolled your eyes. "I don't have pneumonia, don't be ridicu-" you were cut off by another coughing fit. Once you'd stopped coughing, you looked between the girls next to you. It was dark, and you couldn't make out much of their expressions, but both of them seemed to be looking at you expectantly.

"Fine."

-----

You did have pneumonia, it turned out. How you were so sick was beyond you, but you couldn't argue much about the fuss Ingrid and Mapi were making over you, laid in a hospital bed with an oxygen mask pulled over your face. You thought it was overkill, and you'd tried to take it off, but Ingrid had looked like she might tape it to your face if you removed it, so you left it.

You were sleepy, but not quite comfortable enough to sleep. The IV pulled at your skin, and your lungs felt like they weren't expanding all the way. Mapi was dead asleep in a chair on your other side, her face resting next to where her hand held yours. Ingrid sat in a chair next to the bed, her fingers tracing patterns over your forehead. Your eyes kept fluttering shut, and you would start to drift off, but something would wake you; a pinch of pain from the needle in your hand, a beep from the monitor you were connected to, a loud voice from down the hall. You had startled back awake multiple times, and Ingrid sighed, knowing you needed to rest.

"Can I do something to make you more comfortable?" she whispered, minding the Spaniard's sleeping form on your other side. You briefly pulled the mask away from your face to answer her.

"You could get me out of here." You whispered back, ignoring the way Ingrid's expression tightened. Your inability to admit you weren't well was something that came up often in your relationship; it annoyed Ingrid and Mapi to no end, but they couldn't be mad at you, not really.

"Not gonna happen, elskling." Ingrid responds, kissing your cheek as you pout slightly. Struck with an idea, though, a smirk finds its way onto your face.

"Watch," you instruct Ingrid, before turning to Mapi.

"OW!" you cry, jerking your hand away from Mapi's. She jerks awake, sitting up in her chair, looking around frantically.

"What? What is it? What hurts?" she demands, eyes scanning you. You laugh, and Ingrid scolds you lightly. Mapi's eyes narrow, and she leans back in her chair, glaring at you. Ingrid pulls the mask back over your face, allowing it to snap into your skin just slightly. You're still laughing, and Ingrid shakes her head.

"Is that what I get for making you come to the hospital?" Mapi questions. You pull the mask away again, ignoring Ingrid's annoyed huff.

"No, that's what you get for sleeping when I'm the sick one, and I can't fall asleep." You're kind of joking, but Mapi's expression softens entirely, and she stands, gesturing for you to make room on the bed. With a confused look, you do, scooting over to the edge. The defender slips onto the bed, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and pulling you until you're nestled against her.

"Better?" She asks. You turn to look at her, and melt a little at how adoringly she looks back at you. You nod in response, and she smiles, satisfied, kissing your forehead lightly. "Good. Rest now."

You nod again, resting your head against her chest. Your eyes find Ingrid, who is watching the 2 of you with a loving smile on her face. You reach your hand out, and she takes it, lacing her fingers with yours. You let out a long sigh, allowing your eyes to drift shut. They don't snap open this time, and you're sure it's because your girls have done everything possible to make you comfortable, and feel safe.

-----

Your hospital stay is short lived, and your sent home with antibiotics after a day. Ingrid and Mapi take the following days off of training, insisting on staying home to take care of you. This, you get used to. They return to training a full week before you're even allowed back in the gym, and you quickly miss their doting care, kind touches.

By the time a week has passed, you're desperate to get back to normal with them, feeling heavily left out when they return from training together, even though they're always ecstatic to see you.

You think that returning to training would make things better, but you spend your days in the gym, while they are out on the pitch with the rest of the team. They got to spend all day together, while you were alone inside. You'd been so exhausted from being sick that you'd been sleeping more than usual, meaning you had even less time to spend with them. Combined with the fact that they'd been together before you'd gotten with them, you couldn't help but feel insecure.

You know you're being ridiculous, really. It's your job, and they're doing nothing, absolutely nothing, to warrant you feeling so neglected. Obviously, their care and concern for you had faded since you'd gotten better. You weren't really sure why you felt so distanced from them, but you're extremely tired of the feeling.

So, when the team doctor tells you that, technically, you can return to team training that afternoon, although another few days of light work wouldn't hurt, you jump at the chance. You expect your girlfriends to be excited for you, but when you tell them the news, making your way outside during a water break, you're met with frowns. They both think you should give it a few days, and your chest burns with hurt and embarrassment. Again, you know, in your brain, that they really are just concerned for your health. It still feels like rejection, though, and you replied harshly to them, storming off to the outdoor gym for the second session of the day, this time with the team.

Your frustration fuels you, and you fly through the workout. Ingrid and Mapi are watching you so carefully, which should make you feel better, but doesn't. You only push yourself harder, like you have something to prove. By the end, your girlfriends are staring daggers at you from across the gym, and you are sweating heavily, chest heaving as you catch your breath. Your teammates catch the tension between the 3 of you, and leave you all alone to deal with it.

You ignore Ingrid and Mapi completely as they try to check in with you, marching right past them into the locker room. You barely speak to them on the car ride home, at which point you can tell Ingrid is holding her anger back by a thread. You expect the slamming of the car door to be the last straw, as Ingrid has never been a fan of brattiness. You're right; Ingrid is whirling you around the second you get into the house, Mapi sighing and leaning back, a mere spectator for now. You go back and forth with Ingrid in circles, until you're both shouting, and not really listening to a word the other is saying.

-----

"Because, elskling, you are supposed to be taking it easy," Ingrid yelled, not doing well to hide her frustration. Mapi sighed from where she stood against the wall, arms crossed, watching your guys' argument.

"I was cleared by the doctor, Ingrid, I don't need you hovering over me every second of everyday," you shouted back.

"Y/n-," Mapi started.

"- Do not speak to me like that, y/n. We are only looking out for you. I do not understand why you are being so reckless with your health, throwing yourself back into training like that."

"Jesus Ingrid, the physio said it was fine."

"The physio also said it wouldn't hurt to wait another week!"

"I couldn't wait any longer! If you just want to spend time alone together the 2 of you, you can just tell me that, instead of trying to force me into staying out another week," you cry, tears beginning to fall from your eyes.

"Y/n, what are you talking about? Of course we want to spend time with you," Mapi cut in, stepping inconspicuously next to Ingrid, and laying a hand on her arm. Ingrid looked stunned into silence.

"Well it doesn't feel like that. Both of you can just fuck off, and leave me alone, I don't need your permission to start training again, and I don't need you guys monitoring my every move," you snap, marching off towards the bedroom.

"Y/n!" Ingrid grabs your wrist as you pass by her, but you don't turn to face her. "We are not done here. You know what happens when you speak to us like that. We have rules for a reason, elskling, and you have broken several of them today." The Norwegian reminds you, speaking dangerously softly.

Instead of answering, you pull away from your girlfriend, stomping into the bedroom and slamming the door. You head right into the bathroom, turning the shower on, before sinking to the ground.

You know you're in for it when you leave the bathroom. You'd been rude and dismissive of your girlfriends all day, even though you knew, rationally, that they were just acting overprotective because they cared for you.

When both girls suggested you take another week to heal, and really give your lungs a rest, it felt like they just didn't want you at training with them. You hadn't even really heard them out before snapping at them to mind their own business, in front of most of the team. This, they probably could have let slide, but you kept up the attitude all the way home, culminating in a shouting match between you and Ingrid.

Your frustration also had another factor- your girlfriends hadn't touched you since you'd gotten sick, and you were aching for them. So, you used your frustration with them to fuel an argument, and acted in a way which you knew would mean a punishment. A punishment was what you thought you wanted. So, you shower quickly, trying to wipe your tears away before they stain your cheeks, preparing yourself for whatever Ingrid and Mapi have in store for you.

-----

When you leave the bathroom you are met with your girlfriends waiting for you on the bed, speaking quietly to each other. They stop talking as soon as you walk in, and they don't miss how your eyes drop to the ground, or the way you're dressed in an assortment of their clothes. They hadn't realized, until your outburst, how neglected you'd been feeling. They were wrought with guilt over it, and determined to make it better, make you feel better. They weren't sure that a punishment was what you needed though.

Silently, you walked into the room, hesitating before opting to stand by the bed, instead of taking a seat next to them. You honestly didn't know how mad they were, but you expected them to be pretty upset at your behavior. Ingrid surprises you, though.

"Y/n, come here, darling," she says, and it's not what you're expecting. Ingrid's kind, gentle voice, not the voice she uses when she's about to punish you. Normally, that voice fills you with arousal, but today, this soft voice has the same effect. This is perhaps your first hint that you need something gentler than you are expecting to get.

You walk over to Ingrid, standing in between her legs. Even sitting down, she's almost eye level with you. You look at her, meeting her eyes for the first time that day, and once again don't find what you are expecting to. Her hands flutter over your cheeks, fingertips dancing around the dried tear tracks. Instead of saying anything, she pulls you in for a kiss, her lips meeting yours. It's sensual and heavy, her hands threading through your hair as she tries to put her love for you behind the kiss. Her lips work against yours steadily, tongue slipping in to press against yours, and Mapi watches as you melt against your girlfriend, almost boneless at her touch.

The Spaniard moves to stand behind you, pressing herself up against your body, sweeping your hair to the side and beginning to suck light marks into your neck. You moan into Ingrid's mouth, a sound she swallows, one hand dropping back to hold Mapi against you. You're breathless already, and Ingrid moves her lips from yours down to your neck, her and Mapi working hickeys into your skin from either side of you.

"Don't understand," you get out, trying to determine what their game is. This isn't normally how a punishment goes, especially not when you've broken multiple rules.

"What don't you understand, bonita?" Mapi whispers into your ear, and you suck in a breath at the feeling of her warm exhales on you.

"You're supposed to be punishing me," you say, tilting your chin down in accordance with Ingrid's suddenly insistent hand on your face.

"Do you think that's what you need, elskling? To be punished?" she husks. If they're trying to distract you, it's working. You can barely focus on anything either of them are saying, especially when the other's mouth is hot on your skin.

"Doesn't matter. I broke the rules, I should be punished," you say, not really understanding what they're getting at. Ingrid reattaches her lips to your skin as Mapi speaks again into your ear.

"I don't think you need to be punished. I think you need us to remind you how much we love you."

At this, you step back, sliding out from between them. They look at you searchingly, the panicked look on your face.

"I can take my punishment, I can be good," you say, and their faces melt into understanding.

"We know you can, bonita. You are so good for us."

"We haven't been paying you enough attention, that's why you broke the rules. We want to make that up to you, okay?"

"But the punishment,"

"Forget about the punishment. We only care about making you feel good, reminding you how much we need you."

You look between them, surprised. They are rarely on the same side in the bedroom, one preferring to be rough while the other prefers to be soft. They switch off in these rolls, letting the other take control when they want to. Today, though, they seem to be on the same side, convinced you need them to remind you that they love you. Which, you suppose, you do. You've felt the opposite this week, something they've figured out.

"Okay" you whisper, stepping back towards them. They both smile at you, allowing you to slip back between them. You're leaning down, intent on resuming your kiss with Ingrid, but she stops you.

"Is this what you want, darling? We don't have to do anything, we can just cuddle and talk, if that's what you need." she says, stroking your cheek gently with the pads of her fingers.

"No," you say, breathless at the thought of them stopping. "No, I want you both, please,"

"You have us, niña bonita, always." Mapi promises, lips pressing lightly against your ear as she speaks. You shudder at the feeling. Ingrid's lips meet yours again, and she kisses you harder this time, teeth nipping at your bottom lip, tongue sliding aggressively into your mouth. She takes full control, running her hands up and down your sides. You pull away, reaching back for Mapi, and guiding them towards each other. They comply, lips finding each other in a hot and messy kiss. This is about you, yes, and there’s nothing more that you love than watching your girlfriends together. Watching them take each other apart. Unlike with you, Ingrid does not immediately dominate the kiss. Mapi's hand wraps lightly around Ingrid's throat, other arm possessively holding you against her, and Ingrid shudders, allowing Mapi to deepen the kiss.

You watch them for a couple minutes before you can't help the needy whimper slipping past your lips. They break away from the kiss at the sound of it, both turning to you, cheeks swollen and pupils dilated.

"Don't worry, beautiful girl, we haven't forgotten about you," Ingrid assures, voice deep and filled with arousal. "Let us take care of you, yes? You just relax, let us fuck that pretty pussy," she continues, tugging your pants down your legs. You nod, unable to form words. They both smirk at you, before Ingrid is tugging your top off, leaving you completely naked, and Mapi is darting off to the drawer where you keep the toys.

The Norwegian doesn't waste any time, guiding you onto your back on the bed, and settling in between your legs. Ingrid sighs at the sight of you, already wet and ready for her. She lazily strokes a finger up and down your center, smiling up at you. Mapi returns to the bed, in just a sports bra and shorts, strap and dildo in hand. She sets them on the bed, sitting down next to you. She spreads your legs farther for Ingrid.

"How does she look, princesa?" She asks Ingrid, hand stroking across your chest.

"So wet for us." Ingrid replies, before diving in, mouth attaching itself to your cunt. You let out a keening wine, back arching at first contact.

"Already making such pretty sounds for Ingrid, hmm?" Mapi hums, fingers moving to tweak your nipples. "You must have needed us so badly, bebé." Mapi say sympathetically.

"So bad, need you so bad," you reply, barely coherent as Ingrid's mouth works against you. Her tongue is dipping inside, pressing in and out of your entrance, nose rubbing just slightly against your clit. Your hands find their way into Ingrid's black hair, intertwining with the thick strands. Ingrid increases her pace, encouraged, and you're close embarrassingly fast. She moves her mouth, focusing her tongue on your clit, before taking it into her mouth and sucking.

"Fuck, Ingrid," you try to warn her, but your words are cut off as the waves of pleasure begin to increase in intensity.

"Are you gonna come already?" Mapi whispers in your ear, just a hint of teasing detectable in her voice. You can only nod, as Ingrid sucks harder on your clit, pushing you over the edge. Your legs clamp down on her head, and your whole body shudders as she works you through it. Mapi has attached her lips to your nipple, suckling lightly as you come down from your orgasm. You blink your eyes open after a minute, looking down to see Ingrid resting her face on your thigh, face smeared with your slick, lips upturned as she watches Mapi work at your chest.

Your orgasm has done very little to satisfy you, and you reach for Mapi almost desperately. She looks up as your hand tugs on her face insistently.

"Sí?" she asks, pretending to be exasperated at being taken away from one of her favorite activities.

"I need you," you whine, and Mapi takes pity on you, pulling away from your chest. She nods at Ingrid, and you are amazed at their ability to communicate, without words. Ingrid stands, tugging her clothes off, before climbing back to settle against the pillows. You're busy staring at her, at the way her fingers move down to lightly play with her own pussy, when Mapi pulls your legs, until they're hanging off the edge of the bed. She's strapped up, and she's peeling her bra off. Her breasts sit perkily, nipples pebbled, on her chest as she looks down at you hungrily. Ingrid has a perfect view of you both, you realize.

"You want my fingers first?" she asks, knowing that sometimes you enjoy the stretch of her cock in you, loving when she fucks you open, slow and steady. This is one of those times.

"No, please, your cock," you beg, gazing up at her with desire written clear across your face. Mapi smiles, before flipping you onto your stomach. Your legs hold you up, and your eyes meet Ingrid's, who is settled on the bed just a couple feet away from you. Her eyes are dark, trained on your ass pressing back into Mapi.

Mapi quickly covers the dildo in lube, before running it up and down your core teasingly. She presses into your hole achingly slowly, centimeter by centimeter. The stretch burns perfectly, and you grip the sheets in your hands, letting out a low groan at the feeling.

"How does she feel?" Ingrid husks, carefully watching Mapi as she teases her own entrance with one finger.

"So tight, so fucking perfect," Mapi grunts, pushing in further and further.

"And you elskling? How does María feel inside of you?" The Norwegian questions. Ingrid loves this, really loves this. Watching Mapi fuck you, making you both tell her how good the other feels.

"Perfect, she's perfect," you manage to stutter. Mapi speeds up then, bottoming out inside of you. Normally, this position is one in which Mapi rails you. It doesn't seem like that's her goal today, though, as she keeps her strokes deep and hard. She's hitting your spot with every stroke, hips audibly smacking into your ass.

"I want you to come with me, elskling, understand?" Ingrid questions, and you force your eyelids open. Ingrid is working two fingers in and out of herself, other hand playing with her clit. You nod, and Mapi speeds up, just slightly. Her hand is on your ass, then, and she's spreading your cheeks, finger stroking over your second hole. You've played around with anal before, but never spontaneously like this, and Mapi pauses, finger pressed lightly over your asshole, waiting for the go ahead.

"Yes?" she asks, leaning down to leave a kiss on your shoulder blade.

"Yes, jesus, yes Mapi," you moan, and she presses her finger into you, knuckle by knuckle. She moves it slowly, and you're tight enough that one finger is perfect. You feel her in your ass and in your pussy, and you feel yourself hurtling towards the edge. You're looking at Ingrid, who's fingers are fucking into herself fast, and you can tell she's close. She's letting out little moans, inhaling deep breaths. Behind you, Mapi is apparently close too, as she's now grinding the strap into you slightly, something you know she does when she's trying to get off.

"I'm close," you cry, "please, please can I come," you beg, and Ingrid bites her lip, watching as pleasure takes over your face, eyes shutting, mouth falling open as Mapi fucks you.

"Come." Ingrid says, and you do, walls tightening around Mapi's cock until she can barely move inside of you, finger in your ass stilling as well. Mapi presses in one final time, holding you tight against her as she comes too, with a long moan of your name. Ingrid finishes on her fingers, body jerking as she works herself through the aftershocks.

You're exhausted, whole body tingly, and you go limp on the mattress, breath stuttering. You whimper as Mapi pulls out and disappears into the bathroom. Ingrid pulls you up the bed, waiting until you come back down a little to hand you water. Mapi returns, 2 washcloths in hand to clean you both up, which she does with soft care, leaving light, loving kisses to each of your thighs and stomachs, finishing with a light peck to your lips.

Your head is empty, laying on your stomach on the bed, face turned towards Ingrid. You feel Mapi settle on your other side, and she presses up against you, nuzzling her nose into your neck. Ingrid slides down on your other side, hand cupping your cheek.

"You feel better?" she asks, and you know she doesn't mean physically.

"Yes." They'd successfully made you forget what you were upset about It seems ridiculous, suddenly, that you worried that either of them didn't want you around. "I love you both."

Both girls murmur the words back to you, and Ingrid tugs the covers up over your bodies. Your limbs are all tangled with each others and you don't know where you end, and they begin. It's always like this, after sex. You feel so connected to them, as they've reminded you that they know your body better than you do. It was exactly what you needed today, and you're even more reassured. They knew you didn't need to be punished, even though you were acting as you you were. They've made their care for you evident. You promise yourself that you'll never doubt it again.

-----

i’ve been writing this for so long you don’t know how happy i am for it to be done

[luveline]

heyy! can i req one with hotch where reader cuts herself on broken glass and hotch frets over her bc i just had that happen to me and BOY am i not feeling good 😀👍 ily tyy!!

love u! ty for requesting ♡

cw injury 

The mistake is always, always, trying to catch what you've dropped. You flinch down as the fragments of a glass cooking dish jump up and spread out across the kitchen floor —a gasp of pain, a hurting heat. 

"Ah," you hiss, turning your hand as blood drips down your wrist. "Shit." 

You rush away from the mess to the sink and turn the cold water on high. Your hand burns as you push it under the spray, and the water gains a weak orange tinge as it drains. 

"Did something break?" Hotch calls. 

You tip your head back, watching him approach from the hall. "I cut my hand." 

His expression changes from chagrined to concerned. "Oh, wow," he says, skirting around the circle of glass, "did you throw it?" 

"It slipped putting it back on the top shelf." 

Hotch brushes some glass aside with his shoe and stands behind you, taking your hand in his to pull from under the water. "How do I know you didn't break it so I'll stop asking you to do the dishes?" 

"Very funny. Oh…" 

"Two cuts," he worries, stretching your hand open carefully to point them out. A thin one stretches up through the top of your hand and up to your index finger. The second is worse to look at just below it. "Hey, it's fine." 

You turn your face away from the sight and incidentally into his. "Ew, I don't want to see." You peek at it. 

Hotch laughs and encourages your hand back under the faucet's running water. "Don't look at it, honey. I'll take care of it." 

He has to walk a long circle around the shards to the cabinet where you keep odd things. He seems both alert and calm as he grabs the first aid kit and returns, clicking it open on the counter and setting out a couple of things. "I'll put a butterfly stitch on the deeper one," he suggests, sliding into the box with his fingertip. "And a bandage, I think. It's not the most convenient place to have cut yourself, honey." 

"That's what I was aiming for," you mumble, wincing at the feeling of your hand as it numbs with the cold water, "convenience." 

He hums, a warm sound, and presses his thumb to the crook of your elbow briefly. "Let's dry you off." 

He dries your hand with care. The deeper cut continues bleeding, and so he holds a piece of gauze to it firmly and apologises with a much softer tone for the pain it causes. He checks intermittently to see if it's stopped, unafraid to press himself right up to your side, his breath fanning against your neck the only sound beside the drip of the tap and your own shallower breaths. 

He applies the butterfly stitch, trims the little wing so it doesn't irritate the second cut, and leans down to kiss your wrist. 

"What's that for?" you ask. 

"Healing properties." 

You laugh. "Really, Hotch?" 

He ignores your question, covering the weepy cut with a square of gauze and wrapping your hand in a spool of bandaging and tucking the end into your wrist. 

"It's overkill," he admits, taking you by the shoulders to kiss your cheek. He lingers there for a comforting second before pulling away. "How do you feel?"

"Fine. It's stinging like crazy." 

"I'll clean this glass and make it up to you." 

"It's not your fault." 

"That's not what I said." 

Hotch makes you a coffee somewhere between vacuuming and sweeping. You sip at it, watching in affection as he wipes a wad of damp paper towels. You don't need to do that, you'd said, frowning as your love sunk down onto his knees. You like to walk around without your shoes on, he'd said, of course I need to. 

It wasn't his responsibility. Your hand hurts but doesn't hinder. You could've cleaned it all yourself, there was no need for all the fuss, and still he did it without a second thought. He throws the paper towels away and washed his hands, damp fingers pressed to your neck as he leans down to kiss you. "Be careful of the wet floor, honey," he says, a hand trailing down your arm to the beginning of the bandage. "How's it feeling now? Still hurting?" 

You kiss your silly, overprotective sweetheart before you can think better of it. "It's okay. Thank you," you say in the slim gap of your lips. 

"It's nothing," he says, squeezing your wrist gently. "You're very welcome." 

[inell]

25 Years Fic Writing Anniversary

I ended up writing 26 Sweet or Spicy fics for a total of 128,785 words. Here is a handy list of all of the fics. Thanks again to everyone who participated and helped me celebrate this milestone!

Sweet Fics (Buddie, Teen)

Choosing You for @disasterbuck

Eddie has been patiently waiting for Buck to be ready to take their relationship to the next level. After a couple of months, Buck realizes that the ball is in his court. WC: 3105

Learning to Compromise for @exhuastedpigeon

Buck and Eddie moved in together two weeks ago, and they’re learning how to compromise about the things that never came up until they were living together. Case in point, preferred grocery store for their weekly shopping trip. WC: 4050

Perfect Fit for @smilingbuckley

Buck drops by to talk to Eddie after his break up with Tommy ends up with an unexpected offer. Eddie realizes that it’s time for him to finally make his move before it’s too late. WC: 3110

Keep Holding On for @becausebuckley

When a rescue goes wrong, Buck and Eddie find themselves in danger and feelings get admitted. WC: 3230

The Way to a Man's Heart for @linus-lucy

When Eddie texts Buck to ask him over for dinner, Buck thinks something odd is going on, but nothing prepares him for what Eddie has planned. WC: 5400

Crazy For You for @rosieposiepuddingnpie

While hanging out watching a baseball game & drinking beer, Eddie shares his honest opinions regarding Buck’s relationship. Four days later, he confronts Buck to find out why he’s been avoiding him since then. WC: 4600

Sealed With a Kiss for @rainbow-nerdss

When Buck goes to the beach to get away from Abby’s empty apartment, he ends up saving a kid from drowning. He isn’t expecting to meet Christopher’s father, Eddie, who also happens to be Buck’s soulmate. WC: 8100

Friendly Advice for @sparklespiff

When Ravi asks Buck and Eddie to have dinner with him, they don’t expect him to ask them for advice on how they remained friends after breaking up. The issue? They’ve never been a couple. WC: 6800

Reaching For You for @dragonydreams

While getting Eddie to safety after a sniper attack, Buck realizes that they might be soulmates and has to make a difficult choice. WC: 5600

Ready Now for @buddiekinard

When Eddie starts to avoid him, Buck decides to find out what the problem is so he can try to fix it. WC: 5150

Overkill for @ithilien-writes

Buck and Eddie figure out the best way to approach an important conversation with Chris. As per usual for them, they go overboard and have to revise their plans. WC: 3700

Happy Accident for @eddiebabygirldiaz

When Buck gets some good news, he accidentally kisses Eddie, which leads to a conversation that changes their relationship. WC: 6150

If Ever I Fall for @eastofoktober

It’s a rainy autumn night when Buck comes over to distract Eddie with pumpkins to carve. WC: 5600

Hall Pass for @theheadlessphilosopher

After Buck and Eddie take Jee and Mara trick or treating, Chim and Maddie play a trick of their own to help Buck finally make a move on Eddie. WC: 5600

Just Right for @steadfastsaturnsrings

After getting injured on a call, Buck wakes up the next morning and tries to piece together what happened, accidentally changing his relationship with Eddie in the process. WC: 4700

At First Scent for @organizedstardust

When Buck visits Maddie, he meets Chris, a magic user needing his sister’s help learning how to use his powers. He also meets Eddie, Christopher’s dad, and feels a connection that he’s only ever dreamed of finding. WC: 4150

Failing Up for @lover-of-mine

Buck accidentally kisses Eddie, feels like he made The Big Mistake, and finally talks to Eddie about it. Feelings get revealed, and Buck realizes maybe it wasn’t a mistake, after all. WC: 4400

Spicy Fics (Buddie, Adult)

First Date Nerves for @tidesreach

Buck and Eddie are on their first date, both nervous about taking their friendship to the next level. Neither one wants the date to end, though, so they continue it at Eddie’s house. WC: 5140

No Regrets for @playinginthunderstorms

Buck and Eddie’s relationship changes with an impulsive kiss during a rerun of Chopped. It’s now a few hours later, and Buck wants to make sure that Eddie doesn’t have any regrets. WC: 4800

Perfect Opportunity for @monsterrae1

Buck and Eddie are working a shift together several weeks after their relationship became something more than just friends. It’s after midnight when Buck finds the perfect opportunity for them to make one of his fantasies come true. WC: 8000

Constant Craving for @bucks-daddy-issues

Buck and Eddie have recently started dating, and it’s their third official date. While playing a game of pool, they make a little wager, and Buck gets to indulge a craving he’s had for years. WC: 7800

Pretty Kitty for @dangerpronebuddie

After a rough shift, Buck helps Eddie shake it off and let go. WC: 3700

Helping Hand for @onthewaytosomewhere

When Eddie arrives early for their date, he catches Buck in a compromising position and offers him a helping hand. WC: 5200

Sweet Surrender for @hippolotamus

Sometimes, especially after a rough shift, Buck will have a specific itch that Eddie’s been learning how to scratch. WC: 4750

A Little Reminder for @jackrabbit-eddiediaz

Whenever Buck gets into a mood where he feels like maybe he doesn’t deserve Eddie, Eddie is always eager to remind him that they belong together. WC: 2450

Secret Weapon for @hermscat

Buck makes Eddie a few promises that his stubborn partner is refusing to let him keep. He has to use his secret weapon to get Eddie to surrender. WC: 3500

[justagalwhowrites]

Halcyon - Ch. 7: It'll Be Nice to Feel Wanted for a Change

You and Joel decide your next steps. A continuation of Halcyon from the prologue through Ch. 6, a modern no outbreak AU TLOU fic found on Tumblr here.

^I keep using Pedro gifs instead of Joel gifs because Joel is such a baby in this fic I'm sorry 😭

Pairing: Joel Miller x Female Reader

Warnings: Diet culture type language. Modern No Outbreak AU, No use of Y/N, Slow burn, 18+ only, Minors DNI

Length: 7.3K

AO3 | Main Master List | Prologue | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

“Told you, I have connections.” 

Joel rolled his eyes and took a sip of his coffee, watching as the kids on the soccer field changed directions. 

“Still feel like business school is overkill,” he said, putting the travel mug in the cupholder of his folding chair. “Especially at this point… GET ‘EM BABY GIRL!” 

Sarah stole the ball from a girl on the other team and dodged another girl before starting to charge up field, a serious look on her face.

“GO SARAH!” You jumped up and screamed, cupping your hands around your mouth. Sarah got pinned down and looked around before passing the ball, sending the it between two defenders to another player. Her teammate got the ball and sent it careening toward the goal before the other team could change direction. It sailed in and Joel leapt to his feet, the two of you jumping and clapping. “HECK YEAH!” 

Sarah beamed at the two of you before she went to hug the girl who scored. You and Joel sat back down as play started back up. The coffee had spilled some in his excitement, the fabric arm of the chair wet. 

“Now is the time to do the business school thing,” you said as you leaned forward on your thighs, watching the game intently, your hands clasped together and tucked between your knees. “And besides, it’s not actual business school. It’s… business school light. Enough to help you draw up a business plan and that kind of shi…stuff. The kind of stuff that you’ll need if you need to take out money from the bank to get started.” 

Joel sighed. He knew you were right, he just wasn’t crazy about the idea. 

After you’d had dinner - and nearly devolved into an argument that, in hindsight, Joel really was not ready to have no matter how hard he was pushing for it - the two of you had gone back and forth about what to do next. 

Your call shouldn’t have surprised him. You’d always been an academic sort of person, the fact that you’d gotten into some fancy college had come as no surprise to Joel. Of course your first idea involved formal education. 

You reached out to a friend of a friend at the business school and got some of his recorded lectures from the era of virtual classes during COVID. He was happy to share them once you explained it, compiling some lectures, notes and guides for Joel to use. 

Joel felt bad about putting some stranger out like that but you said he was happy to do it in exchange for an autographed copy of your book. 

“I know, it’s crazy,” you’d teased when he looked at you in disbelief. “Should have let me draw on your face that one time, think of how valuable it’d be now…” 

Joel just snorted and shook his head. 

“Get in there!” 

You were on your feet again, watching as Sarah tackled the ball away from another girl. You screamed and jumped when she succeeded and Sarah smiled as she clambered back to her feet. 

“Good job, kiddo!” Joel called, still seated but smiling. You got really into Sarah’s games, Joel had quickly learned. He wasn’t about to admit it to you, but he loved it. It reminded him of when you were both in high school, when you’d watch from the front row of the stands during football games, screaming so loud that he could hear you over everyone else at the game. You drew his number on your cheek and bleached it onto a t-shirt. You’d even made Tommy a matching one, something the 10-year-old had taken as a profession of undying love and devotion back then. 

The next time you were at the house after giving him the shirt, Tommy sauntered through the kitchen where you and Joel were having a snack, topless, drenched in cologne and hair slicked back. Joel watched you try not to laugh as Tommy leaned on the table in front of you, giving you a cocky smile. 

“Hey Goldie,” he said, his voice artificially deep. Joel choked on his Coke and covered it with a cough. “Didn’t expect to see you here.” 

“Really?” You asked, brows raised. “Even though I’m here every Saturday afternoon?” 

His smile faltered. 

“Well… uh…” his eyes darted to Joel, like he was looking for help. Joel just held up his hands. “Just… didn’t expect you to be here looking so good.” 

“Oh,” Joel could see the edges of your lips pulling up. “So I don’t normally look good? Darn…” 

“No, wait…” he stood up from the table, eyes darting to Joel again. “I don’t… you…” 

“Don’t you have a matchbox car to crash or something?” Joel asked. “Stop tryin’ to pick up my girl, little man.” 

“Fuck off,” Tommy muttered before stomping back off toward his room. 

“I’ll tell mom you said that,” Joel leaned forward and watched his little brother go. 

“So I’m your girl now?” You teased once he was out of ear shot. “News to me. And be nice to him, he’s just a kid and he’s a sweetheart.” 

“He thinks he’s Don Juanito is what he is,” Joel muttered, sitting back in his seat and taking a sip of his Coke. “You being my girl might be the only way he leaves you alone.” 

You rolled your eyes but smiled a little anyway. 

“All this trouble because I wanted to support my best friend as he fucked up in the red zone…” 

“I’ll tell my mom on your language, too,” he said. “Don’t think she won’t smack you upside your head just because she didn’t birth you. You’re her favorite kid, but don’t push it.” 

Tommy had, thankfully, gotten over his crush on you. A fact that Joel was endlessly thankful for now that his part in helping you complete your list included finding you a fucking date. 

There was a guy on his team at work he thought would at least be something besides a total waste of time. Blake was a decent man, one of the few on the site who didn’t say disgusting shit about women the second they believed they were among other assholes who thought the same way. Joel had caught him reading once on his lunch break, something that he was sure would be important to you. You’d want someone who read. Joel should read more. 

Blake, Joel thought, would be a decent enough guy to set you up with. Not good enough for you - no one was good enough for you - but at least a damn improvement over fucking Brad. 

He just hoped it wouldn’t stick. 

Not that he wanted you to be alone. He didn’t. He wanted you to be happy. More than almost anything else he wanted you to be happy. He wanted you to have whatever it took to make that happen. But he wasn’t sure how he’d get past working with someone he knew got to kiss you, touch you, fuck you. He’d hear about dates with you and things you enjoyed with a boyfriend and not just your friend. He’d have to hear all about what someone else was doing for you because he couldn’t. 

Which was fine. Should be fine. You were his friend, you’d always been his friend. He could love you as a friend, he did love you as a friend, he could get past the other shit. He could. 

And if Blake ever decided to try to talk about you the way some of the other assholes they worked with talked about their girlfriends then, well, at least Joel could fucking deck him for it. 

“She’s killing it out there,” you settled back into your folding chair and glanced over at Joel. 

“She always does,” Joel nodded. “She’s got skills, that girl.” 

“She seems to really like it, too,” you said, eyes back on Sarah. “Which is the important thing. If she’s good enough, she could get scholarships and shit. But that really only matters if she also likes it, there’s no use in her being miserable because of the demands of being a student athlete because she happens to be good a sport she doesn’t enjoy…” 

“She loves it,” Joel said. “And, honestly, I’m hopin’ that sticks and that she can get a scholarship, lord knows I can’t afford to shell out for college…” 

“You can’t now,” you corrected him good naturedly. “But once you become Joel Miller: Entrepreneur and man about town, that’s another story.” 

Joel scoffed. 

“What?” You asked. 

“You’ve just got a lot more faith in me than I do.” 

“Aren’t I supposed to?” You asked, looking at him again. “You’re my person so that’s part of my my job. Recognizing your potential.” 

“See, just the fact that you think I have potential to recognize…” 

“Oh shut up,” you swatted his arm and he laughed a little, watching you watch his daughter run back up the field. 

No, Blake didn’t deserve you. No one did. Least of all Joel. 

Sarah’s team won the game and she was beaming when she ran over to you and Joel after the post-game huddle. 

“Did you see that one steal I did?” She asked, leaning between the front seats of the truck. “It was so cool, I almost missed it but then I got it to Sophie and she was able to score and it was so COOL!” 

“Seatbelt,” Joel said. Sarah rolled her eyes but flopped back into her seat and buckled up, anyway. “Thank you. And yes, we saw, Baby Girl! You kicked ass out there.” 

“Can ass kickers pick lunch?” She asked. 

“Ass kickers can pick lunch,” Joel said. “But ass kickers can’t say ass until they’re at least 13, sorry kiddo.” 

“Aw man,” she huffed but then smiled. “I’m gonna swear so much on my 13th birthday…” 

“Yeah I bet you are,” he shook is head and caught you trying not to laugh out of the corner of his eye. “Alright, kiddo, where for lunch?” 

Joel watched her in the rearview mirror, a serious look on her face as she considered her options. 

“Dairy Queen,” she said eventually, nodding seriously. “Because then I can get a Blizzard.” 

“Whatever the ass kicker demands,” Joel said. 

Sarah ordered a burger with her blizzard before going to find a table. Joel got the steak fingers and a shake and you just stood there, staring up at the menu board with a slight frown on your face. 

“What?” Joel asked. “C’mon, it’s a limited menu, can’t be that hard.” 

“It’s just been forever since I’ve been to a DQ,” you said absently. “Not sure what to really get…” 

“Goldie,” he said, voice serious. You looked at him, frowning. “We both know what you get at Dairy Queen.” 

“Yeah, when I was a teenager,” you looked back up at the menu. “Little different now…” 

“Not gonna find a salad up there,” he said. 

“Yeah, but…” 

“Remember how the number one thing on your list was finalize your divorce?” He asked. You looked at him again, brows raised. “Well, this is one part of that you can control. You can ditch all the stupid shit that asshole put in your head, starting with the idea that you can’t get chicken fingers every once in a while.” 

He didn’t give you a chance to reply, instead looking to the cashier. 

“She’ll do the chicken fingers basket,” Joel said. “With fries. And a medium Reese’s Blizzard.” 

“Small,” you corrected him. 

“Medium,” he said, looking over at you. “Because we both know I want to eat half of it.” 

You laughed a little. 

“Medium,” you said. 

“Alright,” he said, going to pay. 

When the food came out, he took one of your chicken fingers and your eyes went wide. 

“Hey!” 

“Oh sit tight,” he rolled his eyes and dropped one of his steak fingers in your basket. 

“What makes you think I want one of your steak fingers?” You asked, incredulous. 

“You always want one of my steak fingers,” he said. “Every time.” 

You glared at him for a second. 

“Shut up.” 

Joel laughed before dropping an onion ring in your basket and swiping a few fries. 

“So you guys really hung out all the time before, huh?” Sarah said, eating a fry and watching the two of you from across the table. 

“We did,” you smiled at Joel before looking back at Sarah. “We basically lived together, probably drove our moms crazy…” 

“Your mom, maybe,” Joel teased. “Mine loved havin’ you around all the time. Said you were a good influence.” 

“Because I was,” you teased back. 

“So,” Sarah watched you both closely. “Why didn’t I meet you until now? I mean, I met other friends of my dad’s. Did you guys have a fight or something?” 

The two of you looked at each other for a second. How the fuck was Joel supposed to explain this to his kid? Yeah, we were friends, and then the two of us decided to have sex and then just stop talking for a decade and a half? Not quite age appropriate. 

“Well,” you said, dipping one of your fries in your Blizzard before popping it in your mouth. 

“You’re so gross,” Joel said and you rolled your eyes and elbowed him in the side. 

“Shove it,” you smiled a little and looked back to Sarah. “We finished high school and I had to move for college and we just kind of stopped talking quite as much, we didn’t do a great job of keeping in touch. We were busy, it just kind of happens when you’re a grown up.” 

Sarah crinkled her nose. 

“That’s dumb,” she said. 

“You’re right,” you smiled a little, looking at Joel. “But adults do dumb things sometimes.” 

Sarah nodded slowly, taking a fry and dipping it in her Oreo Blizzard before taking a hesitant bite and chewing thoughtfully. She frowned for a moment before her eyes lit up and she dipped the fry again. 

Joel groaned. 

“Not you, too…” 

“Just gotta get on the French fries in ice cream train, Miller,” you smiled smugly. “Sweet, savory? It’s the best.” 

“She’s right, Dad,” Sarah said, dipping another fry. “This is better than ketchup.” 

“I’m surrounded by weirdos,” Joel muttered but he couldn’t help smiling a little to himself, watching you and his daughter together, a strange pull at the base of his chest at the sight. This, he thought, was how it was supposed to be. You were meant to be with the two of them, it was obvious. It was almost strange, how clearly he fit with you. He hadn’t felt like there was something distinctly missing over the last decade. He’d gone about his life, raising his daughter, trying to get ahead at work. He bought a house, kept his brother’s nose clean, buried his mother. There had been no distinct sense of absence. He thought of you often - every day, really - and it hurt but it was a dulled pain, a longing for what he had before. He hadn’t known what he’d really been missing, the way things would be with you at the stage of life you were both in now. 

But now that he had you here, he wondered how he hadn’t noticed this gaping hole at the center of his reality before. There would be no excising you from him now, it wouldn’t work, the ragged edges of your absence would be too clear in everything he did. 

He’d just have to do whatever it took to keep you in his life. Even if that meant setting you up with some guy from work. 

“So Sarah,” you said, ripping your chicken finger in half and reaching over to dip it in the gravy in Joel’s basket. 

“Hey!” 

You ignored him. 

“Do you think you can do me a favor?” You continued, eating the chicken tender. 

“Sure,” she shrugged. “What do you need?” 

“Well,” you said, brushing your hands free of crumbs before taking a sip of your drink. “I was thinking about getting a cat but I have no idea how to pick a cat. Do you think you could come with me to the shelter and help me look? Just make sure I’m finding the right one?” 

Her eyes lit up and she looked at Joel. 

“Can I Dad?” She begged. “Please? I love cats, they’re so cute, and…” 

Joel laughed, draping his arm over the bench behind you. You’d already talked with him about this, seeing if Sarah wanted to go to the animal shelter this afternoon. He knew she’d love it.

“Well,” he sighed, pretending to consider it. “If you promise to behave this week…” 

“I will!” 

“And do all your homework the first time I ask,” he said. 

“Deal!” 

“Then alright,” he conceded. “We can go with Aunt Goldie to pick a cat.” 

“Yes!” She punched the air in victory and Joel smiled and shook his head, settling back in the booth with his shake in his hand. 

The three of you went back to Joel’s and gave Sarah a chance to get cleaned up before heading to the shelter to look at cats. Sarah took over the radio in the car and insisted on playing Taylor Swift and you learned the chorus to one of the songs she was belting in the back seat, singing along the last time through, windows rolled down, your hand tapping out the rhythm of the song on the outside of the door. 

“So what kind of cat do you want?” Sarah asked, turning to face you and Joel as she walked backwards down the row of cages. 

“I don’t really know,” you shrugged. “Never really had a pet. One that wants to sit on my lap and purr?” 

“See what not having a pet as a kid does to you, Dad?” Sarah said, looking at Joel with wide eyes. “Leaves you totally unprepared for picking a pet later in life. I should get a cat, too, while we’re here.” 

“No,” he said. “Watch where you’re walkin’.” 

She rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically but obeyed, leading the way through the cages. 

“Oh, look at this one!” She stopped in front of a cage and laced her fingers through the bars, a black and white cat on the other side of it watching her from the back corner. “She’s so pretty!” 

Joel stood at your back as you paused, looking at the cat for a moment. 

“She is pretty,” you said. “But I want to see all of them first before I see if there are any we want to really meet.” 

Sarah stopped outside of a gray and white tabby’s cage, the cat rubbing its face over the bars. 

“Aw!” She reached a finger out and brushed along its cheek. “She’s so cute! And she seems so sweet!” 

“She does,” you agreed, reaching around Sarah to give the cat a haphazard pet. 

“Dad!” Sarah looked back over her shoulder at him. “Her name is Swiftie! She’s perfect!” 

“We’re not here for us, Baby Girl,” Joel said. “C’mon, more cats to see, don’t get attached.” 

“Well we have to meet that one now,” you said, looking at Joel and very clearly trying not to smile. “It’s required.” 

“It’s really not,” he replied. “God, you’re such a bad influence…” 

“Nah,” you replied. “I’m just always right, you should get used to it.” 

You found another cat you really wanted to meet, an orange striped one who stood on his hind legs in his cage and reached a paw through the bars while meowing loudly for attention. 

“Alright, Baby Girl,” Joel sighed, hands in his pockets. “Why don’t you go find someone who works here, see if we can meet some of these guys…” 

She squealed before running out to find someone, Joel watching her go before turning his attention back to you.

“You’re never gonna have another moment’s peace with that thing in your house,” he said, watching as you reached your fingers through the bars and scratched its head as it purred loudly, arching into your touch. 

“That’s alright,” you smiled, watching the cat. “It’ll be nice to feel wanted for a change. Totally worth it.” 

Joel just looked at you for a moment, an odd twinge in him. Maybe you were lonelier than he realized. Maybe things had been worse with your fucking ex than he’d known. Maybe you didn’t understand that he wanted you. In so many fucking ways, he wanted you. 

He just had no idea how to say that to you, not without fucking up everything else.

“Hi there,” a woman with a name tag walked up, Sarah at her side, before Joel had a chance to say anything at all. “I hear you want to see some cats?” 

You told her the ones you wanted to see and the woman led you to a small room with a bench and some cat toys before going to get the first cat. 

Joel should really have known what was going to happen after that. The three of you settled on the floor, you and Joel sitting beside each other, backs against the cinderblock wall, letting cats climb over your legs and throwing little bell-filled balls for them to chase as Sarah pulled a feather on a string across the floor. You were already attached to the orange cat but Sarah was obviously in love with the gray one. Joel sighed, leaning his head back against the wall, watching as his daughter held the little cat on her lap, talking to it all soft and gentle. 

“I really should’ve known better than to do this,” he muttered and you laughed a little, leaning your head on his shoulder and watching Sarah, too. “Jesus…” 

“At least it’s a cat and not a dog,” you patted his thigh twice before letting your hand rest there near his knee. His heart beat faster. “Could be worse.” 

“So,” the woman came back in, carefully closing the door before the cat on Sarah’s lap could escape. But it didn’t look like there was any risk of it, the little thing seemingly content to stay there for the rest of time. “What are we thinking?” 

“Please, Dad?” Sarah looked at him, her eyes so wide. “I’ll do all the work, I promise. I’ll clean the litter box every day and I’ll feed her and play with her and…” 

Joel sighed. 

“You’d gotta actually do it, Baby Girl,” he said. “I mean it.” 

“I will!” She said, holding the cat close. “I promise!” 

He sighed again. 

“Alright, we’ll take that one…” 

“Fantastic,” the woman smiled. “I’ll start the paperwork…” 

“Oh, and I’m going to get Garfield, the orange one,” you said as she turned to leave. “But I’ll be changing his name…” 

“That’s great,” she said. “But we will have to check and make sure the cats are compatible before we send you home with two…” 

“No,” you laughed. “No, sorry, no, we don’t live together. He’ll be coming with me and this one will be going with them.” 

“Oh!” She laughed back. “I’m so sorry, I just thought you two were married. I’ll get started on the paperwork for both, I’ll be right back.” 

Joel watched the woman go and glanced at Sarah to make sure she was still totally absorbed with the cat on her lap before lowering his voice. 

“Could have denied that a little harder, I think…” 

He practically heard you roll your eyes. 

“What, did you want to see if we could save on adoption fees by filling out one set of paperwork?” You asked. 

“Always said we’d make good roommates,” he replied. “Seems a good a reason as any.”

You scoffed. 

“Yeah, sure,” you said.

“What?” He said, turning his head just enough to see you, still leaning against him. “I’m serious. You really tellin’ me that the idea of living with me is that terrifying?” 

“The inevitable fallout is terrifying, yeah,” you said. 

“Here we go,” the woman came back in with two clipboards and you lifted your head from Joel’s shoulder. “Once you fill this out and pay your deposit, we can run a few checks and you can come back in a few days for your new best friends!” 

“Ah, the truth comes out,” Joel smirked a little as he started completing the paperwork. “You were looking to replace me the whole time…” 

“Well clearly yes,” you said absently, working on your own documents. “Furry, loud, opinionated… You’re basically twins, why do I need you to keep coming over when I’ll have Puck?” 

“Puck?” Joel frowned. “Like hockey puck?” 

“Puck like the fairy from Midsummer,” you replied. Joel must have still looked confused because when you looked over at him, you rolled your eyes. “The mischievous one from Midsummer Night’s Dream? The Shakespeare play? I know you read it, we had to read it sophomore year…” 

“C’mon Dad,” Sarah looked up from the cat in her lap. “Even I know that one.” 

“Alright, well,” Joel said. “You two are the smartest people I know, not fair to judge me by that standard…” 

Joel caught a glimpse of you smiling out of the corner of his eye as he finished the paperwork. 

*** 

“I have a question for you.” 

You opened your eyes to see Joel looking down to you, your head in his lap, his thumb brushing your temple in a soothing rhythm. It was late. Sarah had gone to bed hours before, worn out after her game and suckering her dad into adopting a cat and going to Target to pick out every toy under the sun for her new pet and yours. You were pretty sure you weren’t going home that night, too comfortable in your position against Joel.

“No,” you said, closing your eyes and settling into him and the couch again. “I can’t convince Sarah to give up the cat. My position as the cool aunt is too tenuous, I’m going to side exclusively with Sarah in all conflicts for the foreseeable future…” 

“I could just refuse to pick it up in a few days,” Joel mused. “Tell her the shelter denied our application because of my history as a cold hearted killer with no mercy.” 

“Ah yes,” you smiled a little. “I forgot, Joel Miller, heartless killing machine.” 

“Cold hearted,” he corrected. “Get it right.” 

“Oh, I’m so sorry…” 

“But no,” he continued. “Not what I was going to ask.”

You opened one eye, looking up at him, trying not to think about how soft his eyes were. 

“Shoot,” you said, closing your eye again. 

“Was thinking about the lists…” he trailed off. 

“That wasn’t a question, Miller,” you said after a moment. 

“I’m gettin’ there, don’t rush me, woman.” 

You opened your eyes just enough to see him over you. His hand slipped around to cup the crown of your head. He was so handsome. There should be rules about that, there should be rules about men who are that beautiful. They should need licensing or something, they shouldn’t just be allowed to freely exist, endangering women everywhere. 

You closed your eyes again. 

“Take your time, Miller,” you said. “Not going anywhere.” 

“Anyway,” he said and you could hear his eye roll. His thumb stroked your hair. “Both our lists have relationship shit on ‘em…” 

His voice trailed off and your heart beat a little faster. 

“Yes?” You said when he didn’t continue. 

“Well, you were sayin’ you didn’t know how to do the whole… app thing.” 

“Right…” 

“What if…” he took a deep breath. “We tried going out together. You bring someone for me, I bring someone for you…” 

Your breath hitched. You couldn’t help it. You knew the kind of relationship you had with Joel, the kind of relationship you’d always had with Joel. He’d made it perfectly clear that anything beyond that was totally out of the question for him and you’d accepted that. It had taken a long time - and a failed marriage - but you accepted it. 

That didn’t make the concept of picking out a girlfriend for him sting any less. 

“Just… then you don’t have to fuck around on apps,” he said quickly when you didn’t reply. “And I don’t have to waste my time on someone who wouldn’t work in a million years because you’re doing my thinking for me…” 

“Instead of your dick?” You asked, opening your eyes. He smiled a little. Goddammit, him and his fucking dimple. 

“Exactly,” he said, cocking his head so it was more in line with yours. He looked a little uncertain, his eyes searching yours. “So… what do you think?” 

“Well,” you sighed. “Makes as much sense as anything else, I suppose…. When were you thinking?” 

“I did say we should move ‘get laid’ to the top of your list,” he smirked a little. “So maybe next weekend?” 

“Next weekend?” You sat up so fast that you almost smacked into his nose, your head spinning for a moment. Joel grabbed you to steady you as you twisted haphazardly to face him again, legs crossed in front of you. “Doesn’t that seem fast?” 

He looked at you, puzzled, as he turned to face you, too. 

“Goldie, you and fuckin’ Brad…” 

“Gale.” 

“…Split up a year ago. You gotta get back out there, it’s not fast.” 

“No, I mean,” you closed your eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath before looking at him again. “Isn’t that a little fast to find someone for each other? I wouldn’t even know where to start…” 

There was something about the sheepish look on his face that made your eyes narrow. 

“What.” 

“I… might have someone in mind for you already,” he flinched as he said it. 

“Seriously?” 

“Look, I just don’t want you dating some random asshole, alright?” He said. “He’s a good guy, think you’d have at least some shit in common, feels like I could trust him with you…” 

“Gee, thanks,” you rolled your eyes. 

“I’m being serious!” He looked down at his lap for a moment, absently picking at a seam on his couch. “I worry about you. I know shit’s dangerous for women, alright? Much rather you be out with someone who I know isn’t gonna hurt you than some guy I don’t know that I can trust…” 

“Careful Miller,” you said wryly. “Someone might think you care about me or something.” 

“Well, can’t have that now can we,” he looked up to meet your eyes again, small smile on his face. “I’m already worrying about this shit with Sarah and she’s years off from dating. Outside of her, you’re the most important person in the world to me. Want to know you’re OK out there when I’m not with you. And I’m assuming that you wouldn’t want me to tag along on every damn date you have…” 

“Bold assumption.” 

He glared at you. 

“And this way I can know,” he said. “So yeah, alright, it’s crossed my mind.” 

“Have you talked to this guy?” You asked. “He might want nothing to do with me.” 

“I ain’t worried about that part,” he waved you off. “You’re you and he’s a smart guy, he’ll see what’s on the table. Much more worried about you conning someone into goin’ out with me…” 

“Oh ha ha,” you rolled your eyes. “Because you’ve ever had a problem landing women…” 

“The kind that stick?” He raised his brows. “Yeah, I have.” 

“Fair enough,” you sighed, thinking about the few people you knew in Austin. There was an adjunct professor in your department who you thought might be Joel’s type that you wouldn’t vomit at the thought of seeing him with. “I think I have someone who will go for it. Next weekend?” 

“Next weekend,” he confirmed and then laughed a little. “C’mon, don’t look so miserable about it. Whoever you end up with it’ll be better than fuckin’ Brad.” 

“Gale,” you corrected again and then slumped forward until your forehead was pressed into Joel’s shoulder. He hesitated for a moment before wrapping his arms gently around you. “This sucks. I got married so I wouldn’t have to date anymore. This is bullshit, I want a refund.” 

He laughed once. 

“Don’t think that’s how it works, Goldie,” he said, giving you a little squeeze. “Refund part, I mean.” 

“Yeah,” you sighed. “I’d just like the best years of my life back.” 

Joel was quiet for a moment, one hand finding a gentle, easy path over your back. 

“Come on,” he said eventually. “You feel tired. Let’s get some sleep.” 

“Yeah,” you sighed. “Assuming you mean here at this point?” 

He scoffed. 

“Ship sailed on you goin’ home hours ago,” he said. “I know who I’m dealing with.” 

“Yeah yeah.” 

You pulled away from him slowly and followed him up to his room. He loaned you a t-shirt and you got changed in his bathroom, taking your makeup off as best you could with the world’s most basic facial scrub and water before going to find him in bed. He was sitting up, his back against the headboard, scrolling through his phone. He glanced up at you for a moment when you came in and looked back at his phone for a fraction of a second before looking back at you again, his mouth open slightly. 

You frowned. 

“What?” 

“Nothin’,” he said quickly, plugging his phone in and putting it face down on his nightstand. “Just forgot what shirt I gave you.” 

You looked down at it, a faded shirt from the Houston Space Center. You frowned for a moment.

“Was this from when we went when we were kids?” You laughed. “On a field trip?” 

“It is,” he said. “I wanted something that would fit as I was bulking up. Might have been a bit ambitious on the size…” 

“You’ll have to model it for me sometime,” you said, climbing into bed next to him. He turned out the lamp and you heard him lay down. You gave him a second to adjust before you slipped against his side, his arm gong around you. You could feel the warmth of his breath on your forehead as your cheek found its place on his chest. 

“You’re sure about this dating thing?” You asked quietly into the dark. He was so warm next to you. Warm and big and firm and safe. You tried not to think about how desperately you wanted him to say no, in fact, he wasn’t sure. That all he was sure of was that he wanted you. 

He sighed instead. 

“Think so,” he said.”You really that worried about it?” 

You shrugged against him. 

“Goldie.” 

“Just…” you sighed. “I fucked up one marriage already. Why should I think I’ll get it right next time?” 

“You realize that shit isn’t all on you, right?” He asked. “I don’t even know what happened but… I can just about promise that it’s not all on you. Be surprised if any of it is. You gotta stop letting that asshole determine your whole life, Goldie. He’s not worth it.” 

“Yeah,” you said, moving closer to him. “You’re probably right.” 

Joel made sure both of you were up before Sarah in the morning, sparing you both from any of her prying questions, and you spent the morning with them before going home again and trying to write but getting nowhere. You wasted hours on an outline this time before hating the story so much that it made your stomach clench to even look at it. It was so pathetic, a lost woman clinging to a past lover so hard that she couldn’t chart a path forward, and you couldn’t seem to chart a way toward a satisfying end. You started a fire in your fireplace for the first time just so you could burn the paper you’d wasted on this one. You had a glass of wine as you watched the flames devour it, ash floating to the hearth like snow, white and dead. 

Part of it, you were sure, was the fact that you were dreading the idea of talking with Natalie, the adjunct you were going to try to set up with Joel. She’d like him. Of course she’d like him. It was Joel, everyone liked Joel, that was the problem. She’d like him and you’d have to sit there and watch him like her. Love her, eventually. If not her then someone else. You hadn’t been able to handle that when you were 18 and the fact that you were in your 30s now didn’t seem to have changed much. That’s part of why you’d done what you’d done after prom. A small part, perhaps, but a part. 

But you were a grown up now, no longer a girl trying to find her way through the maze of the adult reality you found yourself thrust into. Things were going to be different this time. 

They had to be. 

May 2008, the Tuesday after prom 

“Honey?” 

You could hear the frown in your mom’s voice as you stumbled to your bedroom. 

“That you?” 

You caught yourself on the door frame. Your head was still spinning, why was it still spinning? It felt like you were going to throw up. 

“Yeah,” you managed. “Just me.” 

“You’re home early,” she said, her voice closer. “No Joel today?” 

“No,” you said, hoping you sounded normal. “No Joel today.” 

“Oh,” she sounded surprised. “Hungry? I can make you something…” 

“I’m fine,” you said. “Just… tired. Going to lie down, I think.” 

You didn’t wait for a response, just going in your room and closing the door behind you. Your walls were covered in movie posters, the faces of strangers you felt like you knew through their films an odd comfort as you sat on the edge of your bed. 

It’s Goldie. I wish it were anyone else. It’d be better if it were anyone else.

That’s what he’d said. Anyone else. Anyone but you.

You weren’t sure how long you stared into space. How were you supposed to face him now? How were you supposed to go back to your life now? 

You’d never been a particularly social person - writing all the time didn’t lend itself to vibrant friendships - but Joel had been your person for almost three years. He was who you had, who you told everything to, who you wanted to do everything with. Leaving him behind was going to be the hardest part of going away to school - so hard that part of you was still in denial that it would work that way at all. Part of you thought that he’d find some way to come with you over the summer and it’d be the two of you against the world the way it seemed like it always had been. 

But he wouldn’t. He didn’t want to. He didn’t want you. 

I wish it were anyone else. 

“Fuck,” you whispered to yourself, your voice wet. 

Graduation was soon but it was still three weeks out. Three torturous weeks of being next to the person you loved most in the world when they didn’t love you, not really, not at all. 

You weren’t sure how long you stared at the wall when it occurred to you. 

You forced your body to move, joints stiff, and went to your computer, scrolling back through your email history to one from Dr. Gale Newton. An invitation to a summer creative writing workshop, one you’d decided to pass on because it meant leaving Joel months earlier. You hadn’t been ready for that before. You’d gone about checking with your counselor at school to see if it was even possible before deciding you weren’t ready for it. 

You were ready now. 

You called the number in his email signature and the phone rang twice before a woman answered. 

“Dr. Newton’s office,” she said. “This is Florence.” 

“Hi Florence,” you said, sniffing a bit, hoping it didn’t sound like you’d been crying. “Is… um… Is Dr. Newton available?” 

“I can check,” she said. “It’s a bit late in the day… Can I ask who’s calling and what this is about?” 

You gave her your name and told her that you were a candidate for the summer program. 

“Ah, right,” she said. “You were the one denial. Can’t say I remember that happening before! Let me see… yes, one moment, I’ll transfer you back.” 

It didn’t take long. Dr. Newton answered on the first ring, saying your name before you had a chance to say anything at all. 

“I was wondering if I’d get to speak with you directly,” he said. “I’ve never had a student turn down the intensive before.” 

“Yes, I’m sorry about that,” you said, voice trembling a little. “I thought I had some things I needed to finish up here before I moved but, as it turns out, I can come up sooner. I was wondering if my spot would still be available?” 

“Well,” he sighed. You could hear the rustle of pages on his end. “The program did already start and you are the only incoming freshman I invited - your online portfolio was quite impressive - I wouldn’t want you to fall behind. How soon could you be here?” 

“I could be there for the start of next week’s sessions,” you said. “And I can try to keep up with some work in the mean time if you want to email me some prompts or assignments…” 

“No, no need for that,” he said. You heard the click of a mouse. “I’m going back over some of your work now, I think this will work fine for what we’re doing next week. There’s a short story here, Golden Boy, that we can workshop alongside the fresh pieces for the coming sessions.” 

You quickly clicked over to the simple blog you’d made to showcase your writing for college applications. You scrolled past one of your senior portraits and bio at the top down to the work and found the story. You couldn’t remember if you’d put the whole piece up or just parts but it was the whole piece, one you’d written about Joel. 

It’d be better if it were anyone else.

Your chest got tight. 

“Perfect,” you said. “That’s great, thank you so, so much…” 

“I hope to see some more dedication out of you when you arrive here,” he said, voice a little more stern now. “I reviewed your portfolio personally and you show a lot of promise but so does every student who comes through this program. If you’re not willing to make sacrifices and work for it, I can’t help you hone that raw skill into what it has the potential to become.” 

“I understand,” you said quickly. “I’ll do whatever you want, whatever you think I need…” 

“I’m willing to work with you one on one,” he said. “Get you caught up over the next few weeks, both because you missed some of the intensive but because you haven’t had any classes here yet. It’s going to be a lot of time and a lot of effort but I’m happy to put in the work if you’re willing to do the same. I expect you to be devoted to this program, do you think you can do that?” 

“Yes sir,” you said. “Absolutely.” 

“Good girl,” he said. “I’ll email you my personal cell phone number, call me there when you get to town. I’ll make sure you get set up in your dorm and we can get to work. Sound good?” 

“Yes,” you said, your eyes falling on a picture of you and Joel laughing on his couch that glared at you from its place next to your computer monitor. You turned it to face the wall. “Yes it does.” 

Next Chapter

A/N: So we now know at least SOME of Bambi's side of the story. Not the whole of it yet but some!

What do you think? Teenaged overreaction? Totally makes sense? Neither? Both?

Also... I hope you caught that Gale had a picture of her before he met her and picked up on how much he'd selected her to be a pupil of particular interest from the get go. He's so slimy. Or, I hope he comes off that way, anyway. He's slimy in my head, at least!

Thank you, as always, for reading. I hope you're enjoying the ride as Joel and Goldie navigate their tangled friendship!

Love you!!!

[astorytotellyourfriends]

Eddie installs the Ring doorbell when Chrissy asks him to.

Well, he says he will when Chrissy asks him. She brings it home one day and waxes poetic about how it'll make her feel safer on the nights he has to work late and she's all alone at home. He kind of thinks it's a waste of money but if it makes Chrissy feel better, then he'll agree to it.

It still takes a little over a week for Eddie to actually install it, and if not for Chrissy reminding him to turn off the breaker for that part of the house, he probably would've gotten electrocuted.

He downright refuses to download the app to his phone, saying it's overkill to have it on both of their phones especially when Chrissy's the one who wanted it in the first place. He's rarely home without her, so what good would it be?

Not to mention Eddie threatens to smash his phone several times a week when Robin starts quadruple texting their group chat, so random notifications from their doorbell would probably result in Eddie having to shell out cash for another brand new phone.

It's a little weird to see himself on the grainy video when Chrissy makes him test it out. She scolds him for giving the camera the finger, but she still gives him a kiss in thanks for doing the thing.

(One kiss is never enough, but that's a whole other story.)

He doesn't really think much of the camera after it's installed. It's not like he rings the doorbell when he comes home, so he doesn't even think about the fact that it's motion activated.

Chrissy also doesn't remind him of that until one morning where he wakes up to Chrissy giggling to herself. She hides her phone screen when he rolls over, sleepy and sort of hungover from his night out with Billy. He tries to pry her phone out of her hand so he can toss it aside and cuddle up with her for another couple hours of sleep, but she refuses to give it up.

"What's so funny?" he asks in a low rumble as he makes himself comfortable curled into her side, his cheek on her shoulder.

"You," she says as she finally shows him her screen.

The timestamp reads just before two in the morning, and the video starts with Eddie trudging up the stairs to their front door. He's a little wobbly but he doesn't trip, though he does lean heavily against the door once he reaches it.

Eddie has zero memory of this. It's sort of like having an out-of-body experience, watching his past self huff and grumble as he pats himself down in search of his keys.

But what Chrissy was giggling about was the fact that the Eddie on video is talking about her the whole time.

"...bet you're all cozy and cute in our bed, lookin' like a goddamn doll while you dream. Soft and pretty and perfect just like the first day I met-- godDAMMIT where are my fuckin' keys Jesus Christ I just fuckin' had them I swear to god-- YES finally okay Chrissy baby I'm coming for youuu!"

Chrissy bursts into giggles again as Eddie groans into her shoulder. He tries to grab her phone but she squeals as she keeps it out of his reach, shrieking his name when he abandons the endeavor and opts for tickling her instead.

He finally relents when she tosses her phone onto the nightstand and grabs both of his hands, twisting around to press Eddie onto his back and pin his arms down against the bed.

"You love me," she teases as she pecks a kiss to the tip of his nose and then his lips. Eddie hums against her mouth and makes a face when she pulls away.

"Can't prove it," he teases right back.

"Yuh-huh. I've got it on video."

"That was clearly doctored. Won't hold up in court."

"No?" Eddie shakes his head and Chrissy hums. "Good thing I've got plenty more evidence, your honor."

Eddie grins. "Is that right?"

"Mhmm."

"What kinda evidence?"

"I'm not telling you!"

"Pretty sure that's a violation of--"

Chrissy rolls her eyes and covers Eddie's mouth with her own again, kissing him harder this time. When she pulls back, Eddie's completely forgotten his argument. She releases her hold on his arms and he takes her face in his hands, chuckling softly when he hears her breath catch.

"I love you," he murmurs, watching as Chrissy's mouth breaks into a wide smile.

"I knew it."

[creativecupcake]

Shani’s Magical Adventure in Twisted Wonderland

Hey guys. It’s my first time writing in a while, but I had so much fun with this. I wanted to say thank you to @sweetbunpura for letting me gush about my OC and giving me some confidence to get back to writing. Hope you guys enjoy! :D Any questions about my OC/this AU of Twst welcome. It’s so fun getting to talk with others.

If there was one word to describe Divus Crewel at this moment, it was vexed. Crowley was usually a rather flighty headmage, but he had run off at the beginning of the orientation ceremony, leaving only the house wardens to do all the work. One of them had sent a student to gather him to take care of the gates while the house wardens led the students in the sorting. Crewel shook his head thinking of his students having to take over for their irresponsible headmage.

Crewel’s aggravated thoughts were cut short when he heard a soft knock come from behind some of the discarded gates. Had someone been forgotten? He began to shift the empty coffins he came across an odd site. A small gate, no higher than the top of his knee. Had a dwarf or some other smaller species joined them this year? Divus quickly unlocked the door, knowing some students may begin panicking after being trapped in their gates. As the door fell away Crewel’s eyes flew open in shock. Crowley had some explaining to do, and his explanation had better be good.

The mirror hall was in utter chaos. Freshmen running around to avoid the fire spitting monster, two of the house wardens trying to catch the beast, and multiple items (and one Kalim) on fire. After finally catching the dire beast the headmage began shouting at the magicless boy at the center of the room. Everyone was so focused on the situation that they didn’t hear the large doors open, until the raven’s squawking was cut off by-

“Pom-Pom Plushie!” A small voice called out, and with a poof of smoke both the headmage and beast were replaced with marketable plushies. Silence took over the crowd.

“I believe that may have been overkill, pup.” Crewel’s voice cut through the silence, bringing all attention to the teacher and…was that a kid!?

”But you said the bird man is a mean dummy, and he was yelling at the others,” the little girl said, stepping out from behind Crewel’s legs. Not only had they gotten a magicless student, but her robes were a clear sign that the mirror had called a small child. 

“Crewel-sensei, what is the meaning of this?” Vil asked, stepping around the plushies that everyone seemed to be ignoring. 

Crewel let out an aggravated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. “That is what I would like to know, Schoenheit.” Crewel glanced away hearing Kalim’s cheery voice thanking the ‘sweet girl’ for putting out the fire on his robes, at least she was being helpful. “Since the headmage abandoned his place of double checking all of the gates, I was called to step in. I found her gate hidden behind a pile. But what really interests me was the school’s seal decorating the lid of her coffin, something only the headmage should have.” Crewel’s gore returned to the plush of said man laying on the ground. “Pup?” He called out, looking for her to release her spell, though he was tempted to keep him this way-the silence was a blessing.

“You may want to keep a closer eye on your cub,” Leona grumbled, tail twitching and swishing through the air. Everyone glanced over to see the little girl trying to catch the poor beastman’s tail. Many were surprised with how silently she moved, her stance looking like a kitten with a toy.

“My, my, Leona, it seems you have a shadow,” Azul teased, watching the beastman scowl and try to avoid the little girl’s grasp. 

“So much energy,” a dreary voice droned over a floating tablet. 

“But she’s so nice,” Kalim chimed in, as he and Riddle joined the group. Crewel smirked as the girl seemed to be getting ready to chase Leona, she was a resilient little thing.

”Pup, would you come here and introduce yourself?” 

“Okay!” Leona was spared as the child bound over to stand by Crewel.

Settling a hand on her shoulder, he made her face the group. “Now, pup. Be kind and introduce yourself to the housewardens.”

Bouncing in place, the girl gave the group a polite bow. “Hiya! My name is Shani! I’m four and I’m a magical girl!” 

Que the sound of static from Idia’s screen. He has now met a real life magical girl, like from his anime! Fanboy mode activated. 

“Well, at least the little one has manners,” Vil muttered, the others nodding in agreement. 

“Introductions for the others will have to wait,” Crewel interjected, wanting to wrap up for the night. “I’d like you to return the headmage to his normal form so that we can wrap up and get everyone settled for the night.”  Crewel would like to deal with her situation immediately, but he knew Crowley would try to procrastinate as long as possible. At least with tomorrow he would have Trein, Vargas, and Sam as back up to make Crowley work.

“Well this is an interesting situation,” a new voice cut through the group, eyes shifting to meet the face of Lilia. “I came to see if Malleus had been invited but I find a little one instead.” Many of the housewardens looked away, coming up with some excuse. 

“Like we need to take care of that Lizard,” Leona huffed, only to feel a small hand smack his leg. 

”That’s rude! Don’ be mean!” Shani chastised the group, earning a large smile from Lillia. Malleus would be more than pleased to see such a tiny being defending his honor.

“Miss Shani, would you please turn the headmage back so that we can get everyone to bed?” Crewel cut in, trying to get things back on track. 

Shani looked at the plushie on the floor with a face that looked like she smelled something bad (oh the housewardens could relate to that). “Ok, but you haveta take care of him,” she sighed, pulling what looked like a small flower-shaped purse out from below her robes. “Pom-Pom Plushie!”

With another flash of light and puff of smoke Crowley laid on the floor, utterly startled and trying to gain his bearings.

“Why would you leave me on the floor!” He cried dramatically in Crewel’s face, going on about how he heard everything in his soft and squishy form and how offended he was, blah, blah, blah. 

Shani didn’t want to listen to the funny man go on and on. Toddling around she made her way over to the ‘magicless’ boy that Crowley had been yelling at before she had come. “Hi! I’m Shani, was your name?”

The boy seemed to be taken aback, looking down at the girl. “Um, I’m Yuuken Enma, nice to meet you?” 

“Oh! Nice to meetcha Yuu-yuu! Are you Japanese? My cousin’s boyfriend is Japanese and his name is Yuuta! He’s so cool-” Yuu tuned the girl out a little, nodding along with her ramble. He was starting to feel less and less like this was a dream, but at least this girl seemed to know some things about his home. It felt like he had a little tether to reality in all this magical insanity. The duo was interrupted as students began filing out of the room, housewardens calling for their dorms. Crowley, Crewel, and Lilia walked out to the two earthlings. 

“Miss Shani, Lilia has volunteered to house you in Diasomnia for the night. The staff and I will look into your situation in the morning!” Shani and Yuu both turned to Crewel, already knowing he was the more responsible of the two. He nodded and Shani skipped over to the fae.

“Bye bye Yuu-kun!” Shani waved, Lilia happily picking the girl up and walking out of the room. 

“Now, Yuuken, step in front of the mirror so we can send you home.”

Lilia hummed as he escorted the freshmen back to the dorm, the familiar weight of a child in his arms seeming to lighten his mood. Shani was more than happy to be carried, pointing out items around the school and asking questions. Lilia was more than happy to give answers, especially since most of the first years seemed interested in the little girl’s questions. Lilia also couldn’t help but chuckle feeling the glare of a certain first year, more than likely aimed at the child in his arms. 

Upon entering the dorm he instructed the students to their rooms, asking some of the second and third years to aid if they had any questions. Placing Shani down, he grabbed her hand and made his way to the lounge, where he knew a very grumpy dragon would be. 

“I knew I would find you pouting here,” Lilia teased, releasing the child’s hand knowing that Sebek was behind him and Silver was asleep on one of the couches. “And to think I brought you a surprise.” 

“I’m not pouting, Lilia.” Malleus argued, turning to the shorter fae. “And what have you brought? I don’t see anything with you.” At that Lilia looked down at his side in shock, and Sebek called out that the small one had disappeared. Well, well, this little one was a sneaky one, Lilia thought with a smile.

The attention of the room shifted back to Malleus as he seemed to jump in his seat. Looking down at his lap he saw a small child, her hands placed on his knees as she glanced up at him with wide innocent eyes. (Que Sebek screaming about Waka-sama.)

”Pretty,” the girl cooed. Though her words were soft they seemed to cut through the tension that had been consuming the dorm.

Malleus blinked in shock, he had never been so openly approached, especially not by a child. Slowly he seemed to come back to himself as he blinked at the girl. Al he could get out in his shock was, “Do you mean me?” 

Shani seemed to get a large burst of energy, a bright smile illuminating his face. “Yeah! You are SO pretty! Are you a prince or something?” With child-like innocence she began rambling questions and observations about the dragon fae. Lilia chuckled, holding Sebek back from breaking the scene up. Even Silver was awakened but the sudden energy in the room.

Malleus was fighting to hold back the smile on his face. The innocence and excitement before him was something new. He felt so welcomed and warm in the girl’s presence. He couldn’t help a small laugh as she seemed to pause to catch her breath. “Well young one, I am Malleus Draconia, crown prince of Briar Valley.” Shani giggled at his princely tone and older manner of acting. 

Stepping back she pulled her robes up in a curtsy, meeting Malleus’s energy with a deep bow and a mess of giggles. “My name is Shani Fleur Alarie! Princess of Phoenix and Magical Girl and protector of humans! Do you want to be friends?” That caught the whole room off guard, a swift silence taking over them all as everyone’s attention turned to the prince. 

All he could do was stare back at the genuine smile, beaming before him. He had wanted a friend for so long, and while a child was not what he was expecting, he felt his heart set aflame with affection as he took one of her hands in his. Getting up from the couch he knelt down in front of her, matching her height, his grin meeting her own. “I would love to be your friend, Flower Child.” Lilia felt so proud while the others remained silence at their prince’s words. Malleus had needed a genuine friend for so long, and the elder fae could sense that Shani would be a great source of happiness. 

“Yay! New friend! Oh you have pretty horns! Are you a dragon?” Shani began rambling anew, her energy only seeming to have grown. Seeming to have come to a great realization she let out a loud gasp, “You can be the dragon to my princess! Every princess needs a big tough dragon! We can fight knights together and have tea parties! Oh! I can bake us cookies and other yummy treats!” Lilia couldn’t hold Sebek back anymore as he rushed to the young girl and scolding her for trying to poison Waka-sama with sugary treats. Lilia knew though, this would be a good year with their new child companion, and he was ready to see how the school would change around her.

Shani looked around the corner as she snuck outside of the Diasomnia dorm. Lilia was preparing her a bath and night clothes so she needed to hurry and sneak her new friend ou of her robe. Placing a grey cat plush on the ground she released her plushie spell. 

“About time henchman! My poor cute flame ears disappear in that form!” Grim grumbled as he tried to fix his fur. 

“Sorry Grimmy,” she giggled, patting his head. “Lilia said that there’s a abandoned house on campus. If you hide there tonight we can sneak you into the school tomorrow!”

”Perfect plan, as expected of my henchmen.” Grim boasted, puffing out his chest. 

“All you have to do is go through the mirror to get back to the school. Then go to the main building, don’t go to the main exit, go to the exit to the east and there’s a spooky building not too far from the school.” 

“Nya-ha-ha! Perfectly done henchman! I expect food tomorrow. And we’ll show this school the power of Grim the Great!”

[secretswiftymarvelfan]

The Demigod On Earth - Steve Rogers x Reader (Christmas In New Asgard)

A/N: Okay so this is the christmas oneshot that I had planned to put out at Christmas but in the end wasn't in a place to, however I absolutely love this oneshot and timeline wise I couldn't leave it until next year so you're getting Christmas in January!

Summary: There's no better place to spend Christmas than in New Asgard

Word Count: 2.9k

Warnings: Fluff! Minor Angst!

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

Masterlist / Main Masterlist

Christmas In New Asgard

Steve watched with an arched brow and amused expression as you fussed over JJ and his coat “Sweetheart, I think Bean has more than enough layers” he said as you tugged JJ’s hat down.

“Steve it is minus seven degrees Celsius out there, you might be okay being a capsicle again but I’m not letting JJ join you” you stated glaring up at him, still fussing with JJ’s warm layers.

“I just think you might be going a bit overkill, we’re getting straight into a warm car from here, then straight from the car to Thor’s cabin, he’s not going to be out in the cold for long” Steve pointed out as he gestured to the exit to the airport which he hoped you’d use soon.

You stood back up to your full height, hands on your hips “I’m just being precautious that’s all, what if the car breaks down” you reasoned.

“We’ll be fine” Steve reassured you “I just don’t think you need to be so precautious, I mean poor Scout can barely walk in these snow boots you got him” Steve added glancing down to Scout who looked very unimpressed.

Steve watched as you pinched your lips together, stopping yourself from smiling as you clearly recalled the first time you put them on Scout. It had been chaos like Scout was learning to walk all over again. At one point Scout decided jumping was easier than walking leading to Steve having to dive to catch the lamp and other things he nearly knocked over.

“He’s better now than he was before and I’d hate for him to get frostbite, golden retrievers aren’t built for this kinda cold” you reasoned.

“Okay but you’re not even wrapped up like we are” Steve pointed out gesturing to your much thinner coat.

“Do you have powers over the elements and the ability to make yourself warmer?” You stated arching a brow.

Steve had no response to that, his mouth opening and shutting and he tried to think of one. He was about to resign himself to the fact that he was absolutely losing this argument when JJ spoke.

“Mommy I’m hot” he whined tugging at his scarf to loosen it.

Your expression faulted and a victorious smile grew on Steve’s lips.

“Fine maybe it was a little overkill” you muttered as you crouched back down to help JJ “Is that better bean?” You asked once you removed his scarf and hat.

JJ smiled and nodded his head “Yep, are we going to Uncle Thor’s now?” 

“Yeah we are, c’mon we don’t want to be late” Steve nodded guiding everyone out of the airport finally.

It was about a 4-hour drive from the airport to New Asgard. Steve sat in the front talking to the taxi driver as he sipped on some much-needed coffee, you sat in the back with JJ and Scout. For the first couple hours, you kept JJ entertained by pointing out all the amazing views but it wasn’t long until JJ was fast asleep his head resting against your shoulder, mouth parted slightly, he looked the spitting image of Steve. 

Steve glanced over his shoulder at you, a soft smile on his lips as he looked at his snoozing son “You should try and get some sleep too, he kept you up most of the flight” Steve reminded you gently.

You shook your head as you stifled a yawn “No I’m okay, coffee should keep me going”

Steve gave you a knowing look, he’d bet fifty dollars that you’d be asleep in the next few minutes. Both of you had tried to get as much sleep as possible on the flight, flying overnight in an attempt to combat the jetlag. However, JJ was far too interested with the in flight entertainment to sleep which meant you and Steve were also periodically awake watching a movie or TV show with him.

“I’m fine” you reiterated as you shifted in your seat careful not to wake JJ. 

However when Steve glanced back over his shoulder again fifteen minutes later you were also fast asleep.  

You’d woken back up just as the taxi pulled into New Asgard. As much as you hated to admit it, having that two-hour nap did make you feel much more refreshed and awake. Valkyrie and Thor were stood waiting for you as the taxi pulled up outside Thor’s cabin, Thor with a massive smile on his face. 

“Sister! It’s so good to see you!” he boomed as he pulled you into a tight hug. 

You chuckled as you hugged him back “It’s good to see you too brother, looking much better too” You smiled, his figure pretty much back to how you once knew it. 

“Yes, the diet and training regime is working well” Thor grinned as he patted his now flat stomach “But I’m looking forward to indulging myself at Christmas” he winked. 

“Hi Uncle Thor!” JJ beamed as he looked up at his uncle. 

Thor’s jaw dropped dramatically “My goodness you’ve gotten so big!” he exclaimed lifting JJ up so he was at eye level “You’re almost taller than me” 

JJ giggled as he kicked his legs out “I’m not touching the ground uncle thor!” 

Thor gave him a quizzical look before looking down “Oh right you aren’t” he said as he put JJ back down and ruffled his hair “Ah yes much better” 

Valkyrie walked over and shook your hand “It’s great to see you your highness” she greeted with a smirk. 

“I don’t think I have that title now that you rule” you smirked back.

“It is what the people still call you and it is my honour” Valkyrie said gesturing outwards towards the town. 

“Fine, but I don’t need any special treatment” you relented, you looked around at the surrounding town taking in all the beautiful and magical Christmas decorations “I’m surprised to see it so Christmassy, I didn’t think Asgardians would celebrate it” you admitted. 

“Me neither but the people love it, though not part of our heritage or religion, it has been embraced as a time for family and goodwill” Valkyrie explained with a soft smile. 

“That is what it’s all about isn’t it” You smiled as you looked over your shoulder back at Steve and JJ who were talking with Thor. 

“Come, I want to show you what I’ve done with the place” Thor grinned proudly as he gestured back to his cabin “You even have your own room little one” he added nodding down to JJ who gasped with excitement. 

You and Steve exchanged a wary look before you said goodbye to Valkyrie and followed Thor inside. Neither of you had seen the state it was in during the 5 years that half the population went missing, but you’d heard detailed stories from Bruce and Rocket. While Rocket could easily overexaggerate, Bruce rarely did so you weren’t sure what you were expecting. 

However much to your relief when you stepped inside it wasn’t a bare cabin with food and bottles strewn around, it looked like a traditional Norwegian cabin with accents of Asgardian designed throughout. Frankly, it was beautiful. 

Thor took you all on a guided tour of his cabin, he pointed out the dog bed that he’d gotten specifically for Scout who instantly curled up and got himself comfortable. He then showed JJ to his room, explaining that it was the guest room which he decorated for JJ so he always had a room when he visited. The last room he showed you was the room you and Steve would be in. 

“This is Korg and Meik’s room but I hope you like it” Thor explained as he led you inside. 

“Where are they staying?” you asked.

“Visiting some of Korg’s long lost cousins back in New York, they’re called the Rockettes” Thor explained. 

“Oh um, I don’t think-” Steve started.

“I have a photo here” Thor continued, grabbing a frame from the side which had 3 female rock creatures in. 

“Oh… wow… okay… literal Rockettes” Steve muttered as he looked down at the photo. 

“I’ll let you guys settle in and then I can give you a tour of the town” Thor grinned before making his way out. 

You and Steve admired the room, there weren’t any posters hanging up but there was a lot of art made out of rocks and gemstones. One piece was even made out of bent-up scissors. As Steve made a move to put the luggage away you took the opportunity to check out the bed. You were expecting it to be rock solid but to your surprise, it felt like a cloud. 

“Oh god I don’t think I can move” you groaned.

“Uncomfy?” Steve asked as he walked over. 

“No, very, very comfy” you muttered grabbing his hand and pulling him down onto the bed next to you. 

Steve let out his own groan as he made himself comfortable “How does a literal rock have a better bed than us”. 

“I don’t know but if he doesn’t tell us, I’m taking this one” you decided, your eyes already drooping. 

“We can’t fall asleep” Steve yawned “We need to stay awake”

“I know” you sighed, your eyes completely shut “but how about 5 minutes”

“Yeah just 5 minutes” Steve mumbled “JJ and Thor can have some bonding time”

You just responded with a deep snore. 

The days leading up to Christmas were just as magical as you hoped they would be. You constantly had a warm smile on your face as you watched Thor and JJ spend quality time together, making up for all the time they missed. Not that you didn’t agree with Steve to shield JJ from Thor during those years, but you were glad it wasn't like that anymore.

They had snowball fights together, you helped JJ win by dumping a couple of feet worth of snow on top of them. JJ laughed hysterically as only Thor’s head remained above the snow making him look like a snowman.

Thor took you to all the different sights in New Asgard, showing JJ where his hammer remained. Thor’s face turned melancholy as he looked down at his old weapon. 

When you got back to the warmth of the cabin you all made gingerbread houses, Thor and JJ teaming up together against you and Steve. It was a pretty close competition but you had to give it to Thor and JJ, even if they had eaten most of it already.

That evening you all made the trek out into the wilderness to see the northern lights. Thor organising a sledge pulled by a couple of Asgardian Wolves. When you got there the sky was completely clear, the perfect conditions to see the lights.

“Can you make them appear?” Steve whispered when the sky remained dark.

You shook your head “They’re solar so not elemental, all I can really do is keep the sky clear” You sighed.

Thankfully you didn’t have to wait much longer for the northern lights to appear. The look on JJ’s face when the sky turned a glorious shade of green and blue made the wait worth it. Thor lifted JJ up onto his shoulders so he could be even closer to the sky, while you stood back with Steve who had his arm wrapped around your shoulders.

“It’s so beautiful” you whispered.

“Not as beautiful as you” Steve replied which earned a snort of laughter from you.

“So cheesy Rogers” you grinned up at him.

Steve gave you an equally cheesy grin before he dipped his head and captured your lips in a soft kiss. 

When the time came to return to the cabin, JJ protested not wanting to leave before the lights stopped but you could see the exhaustion clear on his face. So you promised that you’d come back out before going back home to Brooklyn but that he needed to get some sleep. He didn’t protest more and halfway home he was fast asleep.

Christmas Eve was then a relatively calm day considering the late night before. You all relaxed in Thor’s cabin, eating the gingerbread and watching movies. When it came to bedtime, Thor stopped everyone before they went.

“Here it’s the tradition to open presents today, however, I got special permission from Santa to wait until tomorrow, but he did drop these off” Thor said pulling out presents for all three of you.

JJ instantly started ripping into his present as you looked back over at Thor in surprise “Thor you didn’t have to” you said shaking your head gently.

“Just open it sister” Thor pressed gently.

You relented and opened up your present to find the softest set of plaid pyjamas inside. You looked over at Steve and JJ who also had their own matching sets.

“I’ve got some too, I thought it would be nice” Thor explained quietly to you so JJ wouldn’t hear.

“This is very sweet Thor thank you” You smiled softly as you hugged him “Right, c’mon Bean let's get you ready for bed so Santa can deliver the rest of your presents”

Christmas day was just as magical as the rest of your time in New Asgard. JJ could hardly contain his excitement as he woke you and Steve up and dragged you downstairs to open presents. 

You agreed that he could open his gifts from Santa before breakfast, which consisted of waffles shaped like Christmas trees before everyone else got to exchange presents. Since there was a limited amount of space to pack the presents you and Steve had agreed that you’d buy each other a gift in New Asgard instead. Steve got you a sweet braided bracelet while you got him a new tin with Asgardian runes on it to store all of his sketching pencils. 

You had hoped that maybe you’d be able to give him a second gift in the form of a positive test but you still hadn’t been lucky enough yet. You remained positive though, especially after your appointment with Dr Achebe back in October. Whenever it happened you knew it would be the right time.

“Now JJ” Thor started grabbing your attention “This present wasn’t on your list, but I hope you like it all the same” 

You and Steve exchanged a nervous glance. You had specifically told Thor to stick to the list you’d sent him knowing that his idea of a perfect gift would be a dagger or something of a similar ilk. 

“Thor,” you said in a quiet warning. 

He simply waved you off with a smile and gestured for JJ to open the present. You held onto Steve’s hand tightly as you sat forward ready to intercept if needed. 

As JJ opened the box his face lit up. Literally. A blue light was streaming from the box up onto JJ’s face.

You watched as JJ carefully pulled the item out of the box. It was a blue orb on a small wooden stand that emitted a gentle blue glow. Both you and Steve sat forward to get a better look, and as you did so you spotted something floating through the orb, like a fish but not a fish that you’d find here on Earth. 

“Is that a Hippocampus?” you muttered in amazement. 

“Yes, not a real one it’s simply a projection of one” Thor explained “There are other creatures that appear in there too, ones you’d find in Asgard, others from around the universe, I found a woman to enchant it so they’d appear”

“An enchanted nightlight” Steve said shaking his head in disbelief.

“I should be angry that you didn’t stick to the list but this is amazing Thor” you said barely able to tear your eyes away from the orb that held the creatures you used to see whenever you visited the lakes in Asgard “say Thank you to Uncle Thor” you gently prompted JJ. 

“Thank you Uncle Thor! It’s so cool!” JJ exclaimed. 

Once presents were all exchanged you sat down for Christmas dinner which was more like an Asgardian feast with far more food than the 4 of you could eat. Even Scout turned his nose up at scraps because he’d had too much. 

Needless to say, you were all pretty much in a food coma for the rest of the day. You curled up beside Steve, both of you fighting to stay awake but ultimately failing. 

You all ended the day by watching movies, one of which being Frozen 2 since you hadn’t watched it and Thor loved the Nordic elements in it. You were once again curled up beside Steve, and JJ sat next to Thor. 

You were absolutely loving the film but when it got to the song ‘The Next Right Thing’ you felt Steve stiffen next to you. As you listened to the lyrics you realised why, it perfectly encapsulated how he must have felt during those 5 years you were gone. A glance over at Thor confirmed that suspicion when you saw the look of sadness and guilt in his eyes. Guilt that he hadn’t done the next right thing. 

You gave Thor a small reassuring smile that you hoped conveyed that it was okay and you didn’t blame him for anything before turning back to Steve who had silver lining his eyes. You wrapped your arms around him tighter to remind him that you were back and never leaving again. He let out a shaky breath as he smiled gently back down at you, pulled you closer and kissed the top of your head. 

That night when you went to bed you and Steve held each other close. A reminder and promise that whatever happened you were lucky to be back together.

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Masterlist / Masterlist

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[voidcat-senket]

“You have shit timing, you know that?” from the whump ask game!

okay but Davi what if I do hxh. "whomp" though not so much --------------------------

It's obviously not Killua's first time in a club- he's been slipping into places he wasn't supposed to be since infancy. And yet, it doesn't take much effort to make himself seem like a newbie; fidgeting, biting his lip, his gaze traveling the room over and over. He made himself pretty too- "you're always pretty," Alluka always laughs- so prettier then. Black eyeliner, glossy lips, grey sparkling nails, skin-tight lycra pants in shimmering almost-black and a leather harness that fits his exact proportions, fitted over an eye-catching, translucent electric-blue shirt that hints at see-through under the right light.

Technically, he's information gathering. Really, he's looking for a distraction from his life, short-lived by preference. Alluka kicked him out of their shared hotel room for 'climbing up the walls' and what he really needs is a physical outlet. Better not to fight anyone who would be even slightly matched with him, it'll attract the sort of attention they need to avoid. Dancing and destruction it is.

See, the thing is- Killua doesn't want to be an assassin. But killing? Killing is nothing to him. And frankly? There's something about cutting down a predator that feels good in a way he can't explain. To make a hunter become the hunted- if it's cliche it's because it's a common feeling. And there's something so delicious in taking someone who thinks they have just won a lovely little prize and to make them lose absolutely everything.

If they're monsters, Killua is a monster too. He's not under any impressions about that.

The base is heavy in his chest, rattling so loud it makes him short of breath, and he knows his cheeks are pink when he sidles up to the bar and orders something sticky, sweet and bright orange. He sets himself up by a tall table and drinks from a straw while he looks around the room. His hips move with the beat but subtly, matched to his bouncing head, like he's waiting for permission. It doesn't take long at all before someone joins him.

The man in question is probably twice Killua's age, wearing logoed clothes from head to toe and both a watch and chain that scream 'rich'- or it would to someone who didn't know better, but Killua could recognize a knockoff from a mile away. He's bald, too, and it looks good on him, but Killua wonders if it's because he's losing his hair.

Well. At least he didn't go for a toupee.

The man starts with "New, right?" His grin shows off two gold teeth. "I'd know if I'd seen you before." Killua supposes it's slightly better than the usual way he hears that line, purely because it's both more confident and more flattering that 'do you come here often?' though obviously not much more original. Killua smiles back, blushing (from the body heat here) and demure, looking at the man through his lashes.

"Yeah… I was supposed to come with friends but they kinda bailed on me." He bites his lip and shifts his weight, his gaze flicking away and back.

"Well. I better keep you company then." The man's smirk is downright lascivious as his eyes drag down Killua's form. "Shall I grab you a drink?"

"I have one."

"Surely you'll need another soon."

"Well if you insist."

"Oh but I do."

Hook line and sinker. He hardly had to do any work.

The night continues. It's not difficult to keep the man's attention, and he's being plied with drinks at a frightening speed. It's obvious the man has done this to unsuspecting people before, and Killua's not sure he's even convincing in faking drunkenness, but the man sure doesn't seem to notice. He 'goes to the bathroom' and watches the man slip something into his next drink with a snort. Overkill much? He stumbles over his own feet when he comes back and trips into the man on purpose.

As he's straightening up, the man's head slams into the wall so hard that it sticks there, and six different people scream.

Killua takes a deep sigh, his expression flattening. Annoyed. He was going to kill that man slowly and painfully, thank you. He was going to enjoy it. "You have shit timing, you know that?"

Gon frowns, his face melting into a childish pout.

He's gorgeous, though. As usual. "But Killua-"

"Never mind," he cuts his friend off. "How did you find me?"

"I smelled you outside," Gon grins, and Killua immediately flushes a dark red.

"And why did you knock out my prey?"

"He wanted to do something terrible to you, Killua."

"And? Who do you think I am? Do you think he would've succeeded?"

"Of course not, Killua! But I wasn't going to let him try. Forgive me?" The speed with which Gon goes from apologetic to angry and back makes him dizzy.

"Mmm." Killua smirks and takes a step closer. He reaches out to touch Gon- presses his palm against hard muscle, his mouth suddenly so dry. "Spar with me and I'll forgive you."

"I don't have any nen."

"So I won't use any," Killua purrs, and he already knows he likely won't be satisfied with just a fight.

[jerzwriter]

A Different Fate... Part 3 - It's been a long time.

Book: Open Heart (Post Series)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (past) feat. Tobias Carrick

Rating: Teen

Words: 2.2 k

Category: Short-Series/AU/Lost Love

Summary: Kaycee is both excited and anxious as she prepares for dinner, not sure of what it will uncover.

A/N: This was supposed to be a one-and-done, y'all. lol Instead, it's a little AU series of its own. It will be a total of four parts, so one more to go after this. I hope you enjoy it! @choiceschallenge-may2023 | Seeing an old friend/love @choicesflashfics Prompt in bold

Series Masterlist Ethan x Kaycee Masterlist Full Masterlist

There is something special about springtime in New York. Kaycee insists everyone should experience it at least once. She was now living through her eighth and found it every bit as magical as her first. Perhaps that's why her eyes were fixed on the window as she patiently waited, perched anxiously on the edge of her chair. There was so much to keep her mind occupied. Children in fancy prep-school uniforms skipped beside their harried nannies, who scolded them not to run ahead. Tourists, with perpetually lost expressions, had their cameras at the ready, and who could blame them? There wasn't a thing surrounding them that anyone would want to forget. Then there were the young lovers, strolling hand in hand, so enraptured with each other that they never even stopped to marvel at the blooming fields that turned Central Park into a masterpiece that no artist could ever replicate. Yes, New York in the spring delivered pure magic, and she never took that for granted.

She was relieved when she received his text earlier that day. Work was more chaotic than usual. Knowing he was running even later than her brought her a little relief. Just a little. 

I called Gabriel's they're still holding our reservation. When you get there, order a bottle of wine. You always had exquisite taste, so I trust you. And it's on me, don't spare me any expense.  

She watched closely as the well-bedecked waiter poured her glass of Vérité La Muse Merlot, a crafty smile tugging at her lips. He hadn't arrived yet, but she could already hear him….

I said spare no expense, but I didn't think you'd bleed me dry!

She'd tease that their next bottle would be the Château Lafite Rothschild Pauillac Bordeaux, three times the price. But maybe not... knowing him? He'd order it on the spot.  

She mindlessly swirled the garnet liquor in its decadent crystal chalice, enjoying its fragrant aroma before eagerly welcoming the glass to her lips. The tension left her shoulders as the smile on her face grew.

"I take it meets your approval," the waiter beamed.

"More than," Kaycee replied, suddenly grateful he had picked the venue. It seemed like overkill when he mentioned it. After all, she was more of a burger and beer at The Perfect Pint woman herself, but right now… she hadn't a single complaint.

She heard his voice before she saw him, and she downed her remaining wine in a most unladylike manner. Her stomach was in knots, though she couldn't say why, especially after she turned and saw that once-familiar smile light up the room. It was funny how time and distance could melt away with one glance.

"MacClennan!" Tobias gushed. "Get the hell over here and give me a hug!"

"Oh my God, look at you!" She beamed, clenching him in a warm embrace. "I swear you haven't changed a bit!"

"Well, you have!" He insisted, dramatically walking around her for effect. "How is it you get younger with every passing year?"

"You know, those pathetic lines may work on most women, Tobias…."

"But you've never been most women," he laughed.

The two old friends took to their seats and began chatting away like old times. It had been a good six years since they exchanged more than a brief greeting on their birthdays and a card at Christmastime, and though there was much to catch up on, it was as if they didn't miss a beat.

"I hear you were seeing someone!"

"Yes, was… past tense."

"I heard you got married?"

"And divorced… but you already knew that, didn't you?"

"Of course I did!"

"I read your research on genetically engineering cells… it was brilliant!"

"I’d love to say I was surprised with how you’ve made your team world-renowned, but that would be a lie.”

The conversation flowed so freely, so pleasantly... it felt like home, and Kaycee wondered why she was ever apprehensive about the evening. She questioned her choice to keep Tobias at arms-length some six years before. But as the evening moved on and the topics of conversation dwindled, the reason was clear. The eight-thousand-pound elephant in the room that the two had eloquently managed to sidestep was suddenly standing before them, demanding to be seen. It was Kaycee who relented first.

“So, how is Ethan?” She asked softly, a tone so low Tobias may have missed it if he hadn't been waiting for her to ask all night.

“He’s good,” Tobias assured, preparing to recite the canned reply he planned just for this occasion. “He’s doing just….”

But the evening had been too pleasant, his joy at seeing his old friend too genuine to mar the night with a lie.

“He’s Ethan… Kaycee. He’s Ethan.”

Her lip twitched, and she quickly grabbed her wine, a quick reflex that would provide a cover until she could think of more to say.

“I… I was hoping maybe he’d join you. Is he in town as well?”

“No, no… I’m the only one representing the team. He decided to sit this one out.”

“Oh,” she replied sadly. “Well, I’m not surprised. Pediatrics isn’t his field. In fact, I was surprised you were attending.”

“Well, unfortunately, we’re seeing more and more young patients, and we need to expand our knowledge. We hope to add two pediatric specialists to the team by year's end, but it never hurts to learn more.”

“Oh, I might know someone by the name of Dr. Trinh who would make a marvelous addition to the team, not that I’m trying to influence you!”

“Trust me, I’ve already floated her name. We all know she’d be perfect, except….”

He tried to stop that last word, but it came a second too late.

“Except?” Kaycee arched her brow, already knowing the answer she'd receive.

Tobias leaned back with a sigh and ran a hand down his face.

“It’s still hard for him to be around… people or things… that he associates with you. I know it may sound ridiculous, but....”

“No,” Kaycee said, pouring the remaining wine into her glass. “It doesn’t sound ridiculous at all. Of course, some of us had to learn to live with it because… everything reminds me of him….” she trailed. “But that’s unimportant. I don’t think he’d be foolish enough to let the best doctor for the position go or to deny her the opportunity… just because of... me.”

Tobias studied Kaycee carefully, and while she did a better job hiding it than his best friend back in Boston, he could still see that familiar pain in her eyes.

“No. When push comes to shove, he will always do what’s best for the team. But, it won’t be easy.”

For the first time that night, an uncomfortable silence fell between them, and he gave her the time she needed. Her eyes were fixed on the silverware she was fidgeting with, and Tobias was already composing the tongue-lashing he intended to give Ethan in his mind.

“You know… I owe you an apology,” she finally spoke.

“Me?” He marveled. “What for?”

“For blowing you off,” she faltered. “You know, not in the way most women blow you off,” she teased, desperate for any form of levity. “But… seriously… how can I criticize Ethan for doing the very things I’ve done. I limited our friendship to the occasional nicety because… it was just too hard to be around you. It reminded me of a different time, a wonderful time, but… whoever said ‘time heals’ is a liar."

“Kaycee,” whispered. “I’ll never understand how the two of you have allowed so much time to linger... so much pain… when it’s unnecessary.”

“Is it, though?” She asked defensively. “Is it? When I think back to when my residency was ending… Tobias, there was nothing I wouldn’t have given for him. I loved him… I loved him so much… I would have done anything to stay together, but he, he wasn't willing to give anything at all. What choice did I have? And I’ve tried… I’ve tried to move on. I’ve built a phenomenal career, and I have a good life here. I love New York, and I’m happy. But when it comes to love… everyone is still second to him. They’re second to a ghost, so in time we both end up hurt, and it’s not fair. When my last relationship ended, I decided not to even try anymore. It was three years, Tobias… three intoxicating, extraordinary, tumultuous years. We've lived almost three times that amount since I left Boston, and still… I can’t let go. I’ve just accepted that this is how it will always be.”

Tobias tossed his napkin on the table with a sigh. “Ah, Kaycee… You know… you deserve more. You really do.”

“We both do,” she smiled sadly.

“Have you ever tried reaching out to him? At all?”

“I ran into him at a convention or two. We exchanged polite greetings after we failed at doing our best to avoid each other, but nothing more than that.”

“Why don’t you try?”

“Tobias. Did you ask him to come to this conference with you? And don’t lie to me. I can tell when you lie.”

“No, you can’t,” he smirked.

“Try me.”

“Yes. I asked him.”

“And he declined... he declined because he didn’t want to risk seeing me. In a city of eight million people, the risk of running into me was too great… so he declined. Am I right?”

“You are,” he whispered with a sad smile.

“Trust me, Tobias. Any man who goes to those lengths to avoid me doesn’t want my call.”

Tobias reached over and gave her hand a supportive squeeze as they tried to move the conversation along. Despite the melancholy mood the evening had taken on, they were still happy to have spent time together. Tobias walked Kaycee to her door and shared a long hug before bidding her good night.

“I can’t tell you what to do, but I’d love it if we didn’t let another six years slip by before doing this again.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” she grinned. “So, you’ll just have to come to New York…”

“… or you can come o Boston….”

"Oh, Tobias," Kaycee said, gently touching his cheek. "You know damn well that Boston only has around 650,000 people... and it's the scene of the crime."

"Then I’ll just have to make a point of coming to New York more often,” he grinned. “It was great seeing you.”

“It was great seeing you, too.”

Without any place to go, Tobias lingered in front of Kaycee’s building, his eyes trailing her until she stepped through the elevator doors. Then he started on the five-block walk to his hotel. He wasn’t one to believe in love… not often anyway… but when it was real... when it was true... he couldn't understand how two people could let it go. He had watched his best friend live half a life for nearly a decade, and now that he knew Kaycee had been doing the same, he was filled with a sadness he didn't quite understand.

The lobby of his hotel was warm and inviting... mahogany walls, soft jazz, small groups of people engaged in convivial conversations and laughter. Given his state of mind, this was definitely more appealing than the solitary room waiting for him. He flopped back into one of the plush settees and ordered a stiff drink. He knew it was just another night for Ethan, but he felt the need to check on his friend. With a few sips of brandy under his belt, he reached into his pocket for his phone.

“Hey, Boss! How’s it going?”

“It’s going,” Ethan replied. “I should be asking you that.... how was the first day of the conference.���

“Good, it was good,” Tobias enthused. “Lots of information, and it left me confident of one thing.”

“Yeah, what’s that?”

“We need to bring on the pros. Sure, we should broaden our own knowledge, but I say we move ahead and hire some peds for our team. We’re getting too many kids lately, Ethan… and neither of us enjoys it when we fail them. I think it would improve our outcomes.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Ethan replied.

“Good! I say we put the search into high swing.”

“I’m a step ahead of you," Ethan countered. "I spent the night speaking with… with Dr. Trinh.”

“Oh,” Tobias’s eyes widened. “Did you? You know I’ve made no secret about it… she’d be the best person for the job.”

“You're right,” Ethan sighed. “And she can be quite persuasive, too.”

“That’s an understatement,” Tobias laughed. “So, did she convince you to let her be our new team member?”

“She did. I told her the job is hers if she wants it… and I think she wants it.”

“Excellent!” Tobias grinned, grateful that something left him feeling a little better. “If I had known she could be this persuasive, I would have utilized her sooner!”

“Yeah,” Ethan laughed. “You have no idea how persuasive she could be.”

“Oh, is there more?”

“There is.”

“OK, stop being so cryptic, buddy. You going to fill me in or what?”

“I could,” Ethan swallowed. “But it's not a conversation to have on the phone. Why don’t you come join me at the bar, and I’ll tell you the rest.”

“That would be great, Ethan… but in case you’ve forgotten, I’m an hour and a half plane ride away.”

“Tobias... turn around.”

Stupified, Tobias stood up and glanced around the room, his phone still at his ear when a goofy grin lit up his face. 

“So, you’re in New York?” He spoke into the mouthpiece. “Is it for the conference?”

Ethan shook his head with a smirk.

"Why don't you hang up and join me.”

Permatags: @a-crepusculo @animesuck3r @annoyingmillenialnewbie @crazy-loca-blog @doriopenheart @differenttyphoonwerewolf @fayeswiftie @gryffindordaughterofathena @genevievemd @inlocusmads @jamespotterthefirst @jennieausten @kingliam2019 @liaromancewriter @lucy-268 @onikalover @openheartforeverinmyheart @potionsprefect @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @secretaryunpaid @socalwriterbee @sophxwithers @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction @jerzwriter-reblogs-asks @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartforeverinmyheart

[thebiggerbear]

Masks - Dean x Castiel - Prompt Response

A/N: (this was written in late November 2020) So this was something I started after 15x18 aired, in order to challenge myself by using prompts to start writing again. I used the #6 (Mask) prompt for Suptober2020 on Tumblr from @winchester-reload. I didn't submit it since obviously the event was over but I just wanted to try this one & give credit for the prompt. This is my first time ever writing for this fandom & these characters/this pairing. I know it's not very good but after how things ended, I feel a little more okay about sharing it. Any mistakes are mine since it's not beta'd/edited. This was inspired by a moment that happened between my grandparents while we were attempting to dine outdoors a couple of weeks ago. It was too cute not to try to bring in for one of my favorite fictional couples.

Unbeta'd so all mistakes are mine.

Taglist: @avada-kedavra-bitch-187; @rieleatiel

Destiel Taglist: @nancymcl

Dean, Cas, and Jack sat at the table, waiting for Sam to return with their food. 

Jack glanced around as they sat on the sidewalk, mournfully watching as people passed by, walking their dogs and keeping a good distance from the tables area. He was particularly aggrieved when a wheaten terrier puppy approached them excitedly and he grinned, reaching a hand out to pet the cute animal when the owner yanked on the leash, effectively pulling the puppy away while shooting a dark glare in Jack’s direction. He stared after them as they left, turning back to find Cas giving him a sad but understanding smile.

“I don’t understand,” Jack started. “I have my mask on.”

“People are scared, Jack. This...virus is something they don’t understand. They’re just being careful.”

Dean snorted from Cas’ left. “People are dicks.” At Cas’ exasperated look, Dean elaborated, “What, you’re telling me they couldn’t let the kid pet the dog for one damn second? Come on. I get it, they’re being safe, but that’s just overkill.”

Jack glanced back and forth between them, noticing Cas’ annoyed expression barely hidden beneath his mask in response to Dean’s unapologetic one. A small smile formed on his young face as he prepared to ask the question he had been wanting to ask for a while now. “Can we get a dog?”

Dean’s and Cas’ eyes both widened. 

Jack hurried to reassure them and explain. “It’s just, I’ve never had a pet. A dog, I mean,” he hurried to clarify, not mentioning the snake he had once taken in. No one spoke about Felix and what had followed after his brief time in the Winchester home. “And I like dogs. They’re furry...and nice.”

Cas exchanged knowing glances with Dean, and he quickly responded before the latter could. “Jack, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Jack’s face began to fall as fast as the disappointment settled within his chest. They were still worried about what happened with Felix. “But...I have a soul now…”

Cas’ blue eyes saddened but before he could reassure his son, Dean spoke up. “Kid, that’s not what this is about.” Jack’s eyes snapped to his and though it was nearly difficult to see due to the mask on his face, he could imagine Dean’s restrained smile as he fought to explain. “With what we do, it wouldn’t work too well. We go out on hunts all the time and we can’t take it with us. Who would be there to walk it, to feed it? It would be stuck in the bunker all day long. That’s not a good life for a dog.” 

Jack, not expecting Dean’s response and seeing the slightest opening, jumped on the opportunity. He hadn’t realized this would be part of their reservations, their reluctance to let him have a pet. This he had an answer for. “But, I’ll take care of it. I’ll take it out for walks, and I’ll feed it when it’s hungry. I’ll play with it when it gets bored. I’ll stay with it when you guys go out on hunts. I could take it with me when I go out on mine. I’ll take it outside a lot. You won’t have to worry about anything, I promise.”

Dean leaned slightly forward. “I don’t know, Jack. What, are you going to keep it in the motel when you’re out hunting monsters? Come on, kid. That’s not a good plan.”

Jack nodded eagerly. “There’s lots of places that take dogs now.” 

“And if gets sick? Or hurt?”

“I’ll take it to the animal hospital.”

“And if there isn’t one?” Dean still wasn’t convinced.

“Every town has a veterinarian.” Jack had already looked up all of this information online a week ago when he had been in his room. He had just waited for the right time to ask.

“It would need to be housetrained if it’s not and that’s a lot of work, kid. You ready for that?”

Jack gave a resolute nod. “Yep.”

Cas glanced towards Dean whose eyes stayed fixated on Jack, assessing him. After a moment, Dean nodded before leaning back in his chair. “Okay.”

Jack was speechless, his grin so wide he was barely able to contain his excitement.

“Okay?” Cas asked, puzzled.

“Yeah.” Dean shrugged. “The kid wants a dog and he’s saying he’ll take care of it, I think we should give him the chance.”

“I will, I promise.” Jack was delighted. 

Dean lifted a finger. “But you better keep up your end of the deal, you got me? We’re talking cleaning up the hair, picking up the poop, keeping the dog off my car seats, bath time -- all of it.” At Jack’s happy nod, Dean shifted in his chair. “Alright, we’ll head to the nearest shelter and start looking so you better start thinking of names. And none of that crap like Ruffles or Foofoo, either. I can deal with having a dog around but you give it a name like that…” Unable to finish, he made a sweeping motion with his hand, strongly indicating that Jack should not do that. The kid eagerly nodded in agreement. “Good. So we’ll go, after we eat. Now, where the hell is Sam with my burger?” Dean glanced in the direction of the restaurant.

“Thank you, Dean,” Jack offered softly.

Dean turned back to catch the gratitude and happiness shining brightly in Jack’s light blue gaze. After a moment, he lowered his own and did his best to give an unaffected nod. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Cas studying him, his head tilted and the barest hint of a squint. “What?” He barked out.

Cas narrowed his eyes further.

“Don’t give me that. You are not getting a cat. A dog is one thing but a cat? They throw up everywhere, they lick themselves, they bite and scratch, they look at you like they want to kill you all the time...yeah, that’s not happening.” A moment later, Dean chanced a glance in Cas’ direction. 

Cas was still studying him, but eventually his eyes softened. “Okay,” he agreed.

“Okay?” Dean asked in shock, though he tried to recover his surprise and appear more confident in his decision about the cat thing. Like he had so many times before when Cas brought up the possibility. Dogs he could get behind, but cats...no, he just couldn’t. 

He had nothing against the species but he had no desire to have a bundle of fur around that had sharp claws and canines at the ready should it feel threatened. And in Dean’s line of work, there was bound to be at least once or twice that might happen should something pop in unexpectedly or storm the bunker. Dean had already experienced feline wrath once when he and Sammy were kids. At one of the motels John Winchester had dropped them off at while he went on one of his hunts, Sam had found a stray cat near a dumpster, and after Dean had discovered its hiding place near Sam’s bed and lots of begging from his younger brother, it had stayed for the night. The cat seemed to love Sam, curling up next to him, eager to be petted, purring its contentment. Dean wasn’t sure what to make of it but Sam seemed happy; he just hoped his father would allow them to take it with them, if for nothing else, to keep that happiness on Sam’s face a bit longer. 

Once his brother had fallen asleep, Dean, unable to contain his curiosity, attempted to pet the animal. He had never had a pet before, they had been moving around for years and never really had a home themselves, never mind a place for a pet to live in. But what followed the hesitant pats on the cat’s head and body was a whirlwind of feline fury. Sam had immediately woken up, moved the cat away, and attempted to help tend to Dean’s cuts on his hand and arm, making sure to clean them out effectively. Dean never approached the animal again. He dutifully acquired cans of cat food and handed them to his brother when it came time to feed the little monster, but he kept his distance.

Needless to say, as irritated as John Winchester was a few days later when he returned, they made a pit stop at the local shelter on the way out of town, with Sam sniffling and scrubbing the tears away at the two words John had snapped out in response to his son’s pleas, “No animals.” Dean had quietly attempted to assuage his brother’s pain as they traveled to their next destination, distracting him with questions about the newest book he had managed to sneak out of the library two days earlier when Sam had insisted on finding information he could jot down in a notebook on the care of cats. Some nerd crap having to do with rings and wizards. His ploy had worked and Sam had gotten lost in the explanation of the world of hobbits and elves while Dean forced himself to look mildly interested. Sam had been smiling again at the end of the ride; it had been worth it. Dean swallowed, forcing the memory away as he clenched his left hand into a fist, remembering the sites of the bites and scratches from all of those years ago. So yeah, no cats. Not in this lifetime.

“Okay,” Cas repeated. He leaned in ever so slightly and let his hand cover Dean’s right one, gently squeezing. “I already have what I want.”

Dean gulped at the loving intensity he saw staring back at him. It still took some getting used to, the love that the angel had for him. Cas looked as if Dean was his whole world, his universe, and even though the latter knew the truth of those feelings behind those eyes, it was still something that he was trying to adjust to. Dean wasn’t used to being the focal point of someone’s affection, not quite like this, and he struggled daily to come to terms with it, but he was getting better. With Cas’ unending devotion and careful adoration, he was slowly starting to come around to the idea that he was worthy of someone’s love. It wasn’t easy for him but he was making progress. Cas never pushed him, never pressed for more than Dean was willing to give. He was just there, serving as a silent reminder (and sometimes a vocal one) that Dean Winchester deserved to be loved. 

Dean’s eyes snapped to Jack who was watching them closely, his eyes still bright in his happiness from a moment ago, and Dean remembered that they weren’t alone, not surprised that they had managed to get lost in the bubble they repeatedly found themselves in when Cas did and said things like this. He swallowed again for good measure and gave a nod, looking away to focus on the other side of the street to gain his bearings once again. Cas went to knowingly remove his hand but not before Dean discreetly brushed the angel’s palm with his thumb. “Yeah, you do,” Dean let out in the quietest of whispers and he didn’t need to look to know that the angel’s eyes were now crinkled at the corners from the smile that Dean imagined was sitting below the mask. He knew Cas had heard him; as Cas had pointed out to them many times before, being a celestial being had perks such as sharp hearing. And right now, that fact came in handy.

Cas moved his hand to Dean’s shoulder, squeezing affectionately before letting go, and sat back in his chair. One of the things Dean appreciated most about the recent development of their relationship: Cas giving him time to process each and every one of these little moments between them. 

Dean swallowed for a third time and then cleared his throat. “Alright seriously, where the hell is Sam? Is he cooking the damn burgers himself? Because let me tell you, if he is, I’m heading to the hot dog cart down the street. There’s no way in hell he’s getting me to eat a veggie burger or tofu or any of that crap.” He grimaced at the thought. 

Cas chuckled next to him, a sound that made Dean tip his lips up in a small smile. Cas seemed to relax more once he had returned from The Empty. He was...lighter and a little more loosened up in manner. It took Dean some time to work out that the marked change was that the angel was happy . And a happy Cas took some getting used to. Sure, he had seen Cas laugh before, smile wide, and even crack a joke (it had been the absolute worst knock knock joke Dean had ever heard but Sam had laughed, typical), but this was different. Happiness seemed to radiate from his very being and Dean still struggled to accept that some of that was due to him and his changing role in Cas’ life. But the more time he spent with this new Cas, the more he himself relaxed and felt somewhat lighter, too. And before long, he realized that he really enjoyed being around Happy Cas.

“I’ve eaten one of Sam’s burgers before. I think it was turkey.” Dean stared, horrified at Jack’s revelation. “I liked it.”

Dean shook his head, closing his eyes in disbelief. “Kid, you did not just say that.”

“I do. It was good.” Jack shrugged, not bothered in the slightest at Dean’s exasperation. 

“I’m going to have a word with Sammy when he gets back,” Dean threatened before turning to Cas with a finger in the air. “No kid of ours is eating turkey burgers, soy, or any of that garbage. Sam wants to go full on health nut, fine. But burgers are where I draw the line. I mean it, Cas.”

Cas inclined his head in Jack’s direction. “But if he enjoys it…”

Dean rolled his green eyes and leaned forward. “Aw, hell. Alright, kid, listen to me and don’t you ever forget it. There are three things you don’t mess with.” Jack leaned in closer, nodding, intent on finding out what those three things were. “Burgers, bacon, and beer,” Dean counted off on his fingers. “The three B’s. You got me?” At Jack’s resolute nod, Dean laid his hand back down on the table. “Now, say it back to me.”

“Burgers, bacon, and beer,” Jack repeated, a little uncertainty coloring his tone. When Dean gave him an approving nod, Jack smiled proudly.

“And don’t you ever forget it,” Dean finished, sitting back in his chair. 

“How could beer be messed with?” Jack seriously mulled it over. He now knew what Dean was referring to for the burgers, and he had already witnessed the debate between the Winchester brothers on the merits (from Dean) of regular bacon vs. the health effects (from Sam) on turkey and veggie bacon. 

“Anything with ‘light’ in the label, you avoid. At all costs,” Dean warned him.

“Got it. No light beer.” Jack had no idea what this light beer was or why it messed with beer in general but if Dean said to stay away from it, he would.

“Some people do enjoy light beer,” Cas offered. “From what I’ve read on the articles Sam showed me, it--”

Dean turned a dark glare on the angel. “Don’t.”

Cas was saved from replying by Sam’s sudden appearance. 

“Hey guys, sorry, they’re a little backed up in there. Alright, here we are.” Sam placed the tray down on the table and proceeded to hand out everyone’s order. When he placed a basket in front of Dean, the latter regarded it suspiciously. He quickly lifted the bun and inspected the contents, and more importantly, the meat. 

Sam, who watched him in confusion which rapidly turned into annoyance, had enough. “It’s beef, Dean.”

Dean shifted his eyes to his brother dubiously. Sam had tried to sneak him a turkey burger under the guise of a regular burger at least twice now. He wasn’t taking any chances. Seeing Sam’s confirming nod, he removed his mask and then prepared to take a bite. “No more turkey burgers for the kid.” 

Sam’s jaw dropped and he flickered his gaze to Jack who was thoroughly enjoying his burger. “He likes them.”

Dean chewed his food and managed to get out, “No more. You’ve already got him eating that kale crap. That’s enough. He’s a growing boy who needs his protein. Real protein.”

Sam opened his mouth to retort but Dean held up a hand, shook his head, and pointed to the burger before taking another massive bite. 

Sam let out a sigh, trading glances with an indifferent but slightly amused Cas. They were used to this by now. Sam had always fought the battle for Dean’s health but Dean made sure he lost, every single time. He had eventually given up but when Jack came long, he was determined that the kid would not grow up on microwave dinners and convenience store food as he and Dean were forced to live on for years. But once again, he and Dean were on opposite sides of the issue. Cas usually backed him in their joint quest for a healthier lifestyle for Jack, but lately, the angel didn’t seem as inclined to insert himself in these inane squabbles between him and his brother. One glance and a tiny smile from Cas towards Dean who was heartily enjoying his meal indicated the reason why.

Sam was on deck to make dinner tonight, later at the bunker. Eileen had gone for a supply run that morning and he already had everything he needed to make a healthy and nutritious dinner. He already anticipated Dean’s complaints (funnily enough Jack never complained, but Dean always did, you would think he was the kid) but he knew without a doubt, Eileen would fully support him in his mission. Sure, there were times, she and Cas exchanged a look of disbelief and silent pleas for help from each other when the debates lasted a little too long and got a little too loud, but all in all, Sam usually won because they all loved Jack and wanted what was best for him. On those nights, like he already knew would occur again tonight, he made Dean something else on the side to counteract the vegetables and Orzo that his older brother refused to eat. 

“It’s the three B’s,” Jack informed Sam helpfully. “Burgers, bacon, and beer.”

“What about them?”

“You don’t mess with them.”

The irritated glare Sam sent Dean would have made any demon cringe. 

“I do like the turkey burgers you make, though,” Jack shot Sam a reassuring smile. 

Sam smiled back gratefully, and then gave Dean a smug nod. Dean rolled his eyes and continued eating. He could give Sammy hell later. Right now, he was too hungry to bother.

“Sam, I’m getting a dog,” Jack announced proudly, his grin so wide it looked like it might start to hurt.

Sam’s hazel eyes widened in surprise and he looked to Dean and Cas. The former kept eating but the latter nodded and Sam thought it over, his brows furrowing.

“Dean says as long as I take care of it, I can get one.”

Sam glanced at his brother in shock, knowing how he felt about pets mixing in with their lifestyle. Dean lifted his shoulders in a slight shrug and took another bite. “The kid promised he would take care of it. I think it’s worth a shot,” he managed to get out around his food.

Sam’s eyes snapped to Cas’ and after a moment, he nodded in approval. “Okay.”

Jack’s smile grew even wider and he returned to his meal, the excitement radiating off of him in waves. 

Sam picked up his burger. “So, when were you planning to go look for one?”

“After we eat,” Dean responded, taking a sip of his beer. “We’ll head to the local shelter and take a look around.”

“And I have to give it a good name. Will you help me think of a good name, Sam?” Jack looked to his dad hopefully.

“Of course. Do you know what kind of dog you want?” 

Jack thought it over. “I’m not sure.” He glanced up at Dean worriedly. 

“That’s what looking is for,” Dean reassured him, immediately setting the kid at ease. “A shelter has all kinds of dogs looking for a good home. Me? I’m more of a big dog guy but you...this will be your dog, kid, your responsibility. You pick what you want.”

“As long as I don’t name it Foofoo or Ruffles,” Jack stated eagerly.

Sam shot Dean a look of disbelief and the latter smiled smugly before taking another sip. “That’s right.”

Shaking his head and looking to Cas, Sam asked, “And what about cats?”

Cas’ subtle shake of his head didn’t go unnoticed by any of them. Sam ignored the pointed look his friend sent him, and flickered his eyes to Dean.

Dean shook his head. “No cats.”

Sam scoffed. “Just like that?”

Dean put his beer bottle down, picking up his burger again. “Just like that.”

Sam went to respond when Cas cut him off. “It’s fine, Sam. Cats don’t appeal to everyone. Not the way a dog does.”

Sam gazed at the angel in disbelief. Cas had wanted a cat for as long as any of them could remember. While they were all settled now in the bunker, one big happy family, and if Jack could have a pet, then why couldn’t Cas? Neither of them got to experience that. It was true, having a dog and cat together might prove to be difficult at first, but he was sure they could make it work. It was a big bunker. While he understood Dean’s aversion to pet hair and offputting smells, and his deep dislike for cats in general, why couldn’t he just make an exception this one time? It was Cas , after all. “Yeah, but cats are less work than dogs.” At Cas’ uncertain look straying towards Dean, Sam relented. “You know there are other pets out there, other than cats, dogs, and snakes, right?”

All three pairs of eyes landed on him, Dean’s narrowed while Cas’ and Jack’s were wide. “Like what?” The latter two asked in unison.

“Like…” Sam attempted to think of something small like a cat, something that he could see Cas with. “Birds,” Dean’s eyes widened and he gave a subtle shake of his head that Sam purposely ignored. “Fish, turtles, lizards,” Dean closed his eyes in annoyance and wiped a hand down his face in tired defeat. Sam decided to put him out of his misery. “Hamsters, guinea pigs. There’s a lot.”

Cas’ eyes lit up in wonder. “Guinea pigs? You said you didn’t have one when I asked. That you were the guinea pig.”

Sam stared at Cas, trying to determine if the angel was serious, but Cas’ head tilt reminded him that yes, he was indeed serious. This was Cas . “Because I didn’t and I was. But forget that, it doesn’t mean you couldn’t have one if you wanted, Cas.”

Cas’ happy smile dimmed slightly when he turned to look at Dean. Dean was staring right at him, his expression pained. Cas gave Sam a short nod. “That’s okay. I appreciate it, Sam, but I don’t need a pet.”

Sam shot Dean a dark look but the man surprisingly wasn’t paying attention to him. Instead, his brother was laser focused on Cas folding his hands and staring down at his uneaten burger. At the softening of his eyes, Sam knew what Dean was going to say before the words even came out.

“A guinea pig might not be so bad.”

Cas’ eyes grew wide once more and he glanced over at Dean in shock. “It’s not?”

Dean continued to study him for a moment. He then licked his lips and picked up his phone. “It’s not,” he confirmed. “Depending on the dog Jack here picks out, it might be too crammed for the backseat of Baby right now. But you and I can drop them off and run to the pet store in town, take a look around, and see if it’s what you really want.” He offered the phone to Cas. “Google it and find out what kind of food it eats.”

Cas took the phone gratefully, a bright smile appearing on his face. “Are you sure?”

Dean clapped him on the shoulder, a hint of a warm smile starting to form, and nodded. The smile grew at Cas’ gleeful expression as he unlocked Dean’s phone and began frantically searching for any information he could find on the small animals. Dean slowly removed his hand after a moment and glanced back up at the other side of the table, seeing knowing grins reflected back at him. 

He rolled his eyes and went back to his burger. “I don’t want it staying in my room, though. I’m not waking up to that thing staring back at me.”

Cas nodded. “I’ll keep it in my room at night,” he agreed as he scrolled. “It says here they make a lot of noise and I wouldn’t want anything interrupting your four hours.”

Dean mouthed ‘great’ and mimed holding a gun up to his head and pulling the trigger where Cas couldn’t see it. Jack pretended he hadn’t seen, either, but Sam’s smug smirk never went away. Not really.

After they continued to eat in silence for the next few minutes, Sam glanced around at all of the passersby and fellow patrons sitting at tables on the sidewalk. “It’s almost like Chuck never really went away.” He shook his head and balled up his napkin.

“Why would you say that?” Dean wondered.

Sam waved his hand around. “All of this. I mean, as soon as we take care of him, a pandemic hits. Kind of weird timing, don’t you think?” At Dean’s worried look in Cas’ direction, Sam immediately began backtracking. “I’m not saying he’s back. I’m just saying it’s weird, that’s all.”

“How about you don’t say it at all?” Dean ground out. “We got rid of that cosmic dick and he’s gone. For good.” He leveled a glare on Sam that clearly indicated the topic of Chuck was closed forevermore. 

“A pandemic is strange,” Cas agreed, never looking up from the phone. “But I highly doubt it’s related, Sam. A pandemic isn’t an exciting story, not to Chuck. No, this happened because of humans. And unfortunately, all of the other humans have had to deal with it.”

Dean appeared slightly relieved and reassured, but then his face darkened again. “Yeah…”

Sam was going to explain that he hadn’t meant Chuck was literally back, but decided to let the matter drop entirely. He began to discuss possible dog names with Jack, and pretended not to notice when Dean leaned over to look at the picture Cas wanted to show him, their heads nearly touching, and the laugh that tore out of Dean as he grabbed the phone back to show Cas something else. He was happy for his brother, knowing that Dean never believed he too could have something resembling a good ending. Dean and Cas were still figuring things out but he had seen the former as relaxed as he had ever seen him. Dean was grateful that their family was back together, long drives in Baby, family hunting trips, Sunday fishing forays for Dean and Jack, Tuesday movie nights, and all. And Sam was just as thankful, especially when Eileen had been added to their ranks. This ending was so much better than Butch and Sundance. They might not have gone out in a blaze of glory but Eileen’s bright smile, a warm laugh from Cas as Dean continued telling a funny story with pure adoration filling the latter’s eyes, Jack’s youthful excitement shining from his face as he talked about his plans for his dog, the world being safe from Chuck...this was so much better than their original desired ending that it wasn’t even close.

“What about...Hank?”

Jack pulled Sam out of his reverie with the odd name choice. “Hank?”

The kid smiled and nodded. 

Sam returned the smile and sat back in his chair. “How about we wait to see which dog you get? You know, if it’s a boy or a girl?”

Jack brightened. “Okay. I will.”

A sneeze sounded from across the table and everyone looked up in time to see Dean let another one loose. He shook his head and sniffled. “Sorry.”

“Bless you,” Sam offered. 

Dean waved it off but Sam watched as Cas grabbed a napkin and handed it to his brother. Before Dean could thank him, Cas pulled him close and pressed a kiss to the side of his head. Dean grimaced and waved him off, groaning, intent on not being coddled. “I’m not a baby, Cas.”

“No, you’re not,” Cas confirmed. “You’re a full grown adult that appears to be getting sick.”

“It’s a sneeze.”

Cas narrowed his eyes and held up the napkin that Dean had thrown carelessly on the table. “I counted two.”

Dean stared at the angel for a moment and Sam smiled when he saw his brother give in. He snatched the napkin from Cas’ fingers and blew his nose. He bunched up the napkin and threw it into his empty basket. “There. You happy?” Dean hurried out, sounding a little more nasal. 

Cas’ smile was blinding. “Very.” Dean didn’t resist Cas pulling him back in to place another kiss to his temple. He grimaced again but didn’t move away, allowing Cas to do as he wished. 

Sam attempted to smother a grin but failed miserably. When Dean sneezed once more, Cas lifted a finger asking if he could take his temperature which the hunter immediately batted away, telling him he was fine and that was never going to happen. Dean then rolled his eyes and took the proffered second napkin from Cas, blowing his nose as he did previously. Jack had managed to pull up pictures of dogs on his phone and was letting them all know which ones he thought would be a good match for him. Cas wondered if the dog would try to eat his guinea pig, if he should be concerned, which earned a horrified look from Jack and another loud groan from Dean. As Sam got up to throw out their garbage, he heard Cas’ promise to make Dean some chicken soup when they got home and assurance that they could go to the pet store when he was feeling better, Dean’s insistence that he wasn’t sick, and Jack’s promise that he wouldn’t let his dog eat Cas’ guinea pig. The younger Winchester smiled. A better ending indeed.

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[grumpygreenwitch]

The Witches And Wizards Job 29-30

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TWENTY NINE

"Hardison has the most dangerous entrance," Ford had explained to them all. "He goes in first. I want you all watching to make sure he gets in OK."

Lucille 2.O and the U-haul van were parked side by side on the visitor's lot of the apartment complex that abutted the back wall of the gracious Roughan manor grounds. Nate stayed with Lucille; Eliot and Dresden walked sedately away from the U-haul van along the street, nearly invisible in the dark except when a pair of headlights passed over them as a car came to, and occasionally went from, the party.

Ahead of them, down an elegantly curved driveway and up a stately set of steps with wrought iron railings, Hardison was offering his invitation to a very large woman in a well-fitted tux. "You'll not find it under my name. I'm the replacement for Bartholomew Harrington." His voice was low, pleasant, elegantly British as he offered a business card that read "Alexander Worthington the Third' and 'Christie's of London - Acquisitions.'

The woman examined both card and invitation. "Where's the other man?" she asked.

"Where his delicate sensibilities won't get in the way of keeping the Sokolov portrait from being lost," Mister Worthington (the Third), replied with the most pointed disapproval in his cultured voice, pushing up his glasses with fastidious precision. Mister Harrington was actually sleeping off a hefty dose of sedatives in his hotel room. "I'm sure there's someone you can call to confirm my credentials," he suggested politely.

The woman gestured for him to wait and took a step back, speaking into her own earbud.

A call was made.

Nate picked it up in Lucille, where Hardison had already rerouted most of the normal phones belonging to the security team. Overkill, but a necessity, since he had to be feet on the ground for the job. "Lawrence Billings." His British accent wasn't nearly as elegant, but the burr on it was on purpose. No one liked speaking for long to someone they could barely understand. He listened to what was asked of him. "Well, I'm not about to tell you what our man is there for, obviously. But yes, he's a trusted agent of our organization."

Mister Worthington (the Third) was waved on.

"Don't lie," Dresden had told them all. "Dance around the truth, give it halfway. Omit. Hide. But don't outright lie unless you know for sure you're talking to a human."

Eliot and Harry moved up the steps. The hitter could feel the wizard all but vibrating, so tense was he. "Harry, are you alright to do this?," he murmured.

"Not even a little bit," Harry admitted. He was gritting his teeth so hard a muscle along his cheek had started twitching and wouldn't stop. His eyes kept losing track of where they were and what they were doing.

The wizard was elsewhere, Eliot realized, and whatever he was seeing, it was his own personal hell. "Do you want to call it off?"

"No. I'll be fine once I start talking to people." The wizard stared at his feet. "Once I can focus on what's going on here."

Eliot stared a little longer at the man. He knew what it was like, when the dragons of your past rose up and waited for you in the present. "Alright," he said mildly. "You know, you may not have a lot of sense, but you're all heart, wizard."

Dresden lifted his bandaged hand and grinned humorlessly. "Dangerous thing to be."

"Worth it?"

The wizard chewed long and hard on the question. "Yeah. It was." They climbed up the stairs and three very large people in suits immediately blocked their path.

"I think they know who we are," Eliot commented mildly.

"I think they think they know who we are," Harry replied just as casually.

"You were not invited, wizard," the woman told him stonily.

"And yet here I am," Dresden replied cheerfully, offering an invitation. "Harry Dresden, Professional Wizard. And my, uh, my bodyguard. On behalf of the Lord of Weekend Deliveries."

The woman glowered at him, eyed the invitation with utmost jaundice, examined the both of them and the piece of vellum closely. "Get Letty," she told one of the men with her, who was only slightly shorter, and somewhat broader across the shoulders.

Letty, it turned out, was a twitchy little man with very short, clumpy red hair, dressed in the most ill-fitted attempt at a bouncer's suit. It looked like he'd been chewing at the sleeves, and he was missing one shoe. His socks were slowly rotating around his feet, too big to stay in place. He squinted blindly at Harry with mismatched eyes, one brown, one yellow, the one larger than the other. "Wizard," he rasped at the woman, scrabbling at her arm with plucking, long, bony fingers.

She shoved him, caught the back of his neck and held him in place. "Tell him again," she instructed Harry.

He gave her a deeply bored look, then stared at Letty until he looked down with a little whine. "Harry Dresden, Professional Wizard. On behalf of the Lord of Weekend Deliveries. And my bodyguard, Eliot Spencer."

Every bouncer there took a long step back.

"He speaks truth, fairy truth," Letty rasped.

The woman struggled to peel her eyes off Eliot. It took a solid effort, but she managed to face Harry once again. "You packing?"

"Yes. And I'm gonna continue packing unless you tell me you went in there and defanged Ying Ying and put thumb-knots on the Blackbird."

She scowled at him, but stepped back and out of his way with ill grace. "I'll be watching, wizard. Give me a ghost of a reason."

"Oh, I'm sure I'll think of something," Harry declared jauntily. He was a study in contradictions, in elegant dress pants and fine black shoes, wearing a high-necked shirt stitched with rims of black feathers along the wrists and chest, and an elegantly embroidered black vest, all of it tucked under his battered leather duster. Eliot at least looked like he belonged, in a fine indigo tux, hair caught back in a half pony-tail. "And we're in," the hitter murmured as they both moved up to the door. "I thought you said we couldn't lie to them."

"You can't."

"Then who the hell's the Lord of Weekend Deliveries?"

An honest, sheepish little grin twitched at the corners of Harry's mouth. "The official title is Pizza-Lord. And I am."

A silver Rolls Royce purred up the driveway and to the bottom of the stairs. From the shotgun door, Nick managed to squeeze himself out. He had on a plain white suit and looked very put together, and generally amused at the universe in general and particular. From the opposite side of the car, Vanya Fedorov slipped out. The Russian enforcer was very much the dapper creature in darkest charcoal gray and deep green, his eyes ever watchful. He came around the car, opened the door, and offered a hand to his companion.

Ekaterina Yegorov took the offered hand and stepped out into the night.

Eliot heard Harry choke on a breath, and smiled. He had to, because for a moment he'd forgotten to breathe as well.

Miss Yegorov was a jewel, wrapped in frothy layers of seven different shades of indigo; the changes in hue were so subtle it was impossible to tell where they ended or began. The silk gown both hugged her body and hid it, promising everything and nothing, revealing all treasures and taking them all away with her merest motion. Her black hair cascaded down one side, pinned back on the other with an elegant clip done in platinum and black diamonds. The Rosalind diamond sat over her collarbones nestled on a double chain, the first loop tight around her neck, the other much longer. She carried a small black purse that probably fit one credit card and the hopes and dreams of most men and a few of the women watching her.

"Breathe, Harry," Eliot murmured.

"Yeah, that's me," the wizard mumbled.

Fedorov leaned close, whispered something, and Ekaterina laughed. They went up the stairs; the bouncers barely even checked the invitation, all smiles and bows, even after Fedorov pointed out his bodyguard was also coming with him. He even, all courtesy, pulled his jacket away to show the gun there in its underarm holster. He was troubled over none of it.

The trio didn't even look at Eliot or Harry as they swept by and into the manor.

"Sophie and Nick are in," Eliot murmured.

The little shard of the enchanted mirror pinning his tie in place carried the message to the shard Nate had on a platinum ear-clip.

"Here we go, then," the mastermind declared mildly. He checked on the bud tucked into the other ear. "Parker, you in place?"

Parker was sliding gracefully along a vertical stone shaft. "So this was for bringing food up and down?"

"Uh, a dumbwaiter, yes."

"Why'd they stop building houses with them?"

"Because of thieves."

"But they're so convenient!"

Nate, who knew to a nicety the humongous extra fee that a house incurred in insurance premiums when it had a working dumbwaiter, could only reply, "Yes, for thieves. Have you found the portrait yet?"

"Not yet." Parker looked at her wrist. She had a toy compass attached to it, the sort you could find in a cereal box, or buy for fifty cents. The needle on it danced uncertainly between two very specific points. "I think there's one of those tracking foil things on it. I'm not close enough for Harry's compass to beat it completely."

"Alright. Parker can't find the portrait," he relayed, "so it's up to you guys, then."

"Oh, this is something else," Sophie's voice murmured into the linked mirror shards. Her own were tiny, secured to the hair clip among the black diamonds, and to the decorative clasp on the chain holding the Rosalind diamond.

"What, what is it?"

Eliot, who'd just stepped into the main hall of the manor with Harry, gritted his teeth. "It's a Mona Lisa," he growled low. "I count three portraits in this room alone."

"There's two in this one," Sophie added, turning slightly, her arm tucked around Vanya's. They'd made it all the way to a dining room, where a slim buffet and a vast bar were set up. Nick made a little plaintive sound, and a smile ghosted over the Russian enforcer's features before he nodded minutely. His so-called bodyguard immediately made a beeline for the food.

"One more upstairs," Hardison informed them.

"There's duplicates of everything, even the ugly flute thing, there's three of those in this room alone," Sophie protested.

"It's a test," Harry murmured. "By magic or skill, the buyer's going to have to be able to tell the real one from the copies. It's not the seller's fault if they can't."

"Dresden," Nate asked. "Were the copies made by magic?"

Harry hesitated with a startled look. Yet again, Nate had caught him by surprise in throwing the word out so readily. He rallied, walking up to one of the items in display at the room, a flute carved out of a long, blackened bone larger than a femur, but thinner. He ran a hand over it, not quite touching, murmuring under his breath.

A little breeze made the flute hum mournfully, barely audible.

"No. Unless I found the one real one among all the copies, they're real, inasmuch as they can be. Magic won't tell you which ones are fake."

"Please don't touch the cursed artifacts," a woman's voice said from behind Eliot and Harry with a touch of dark humor and a very slight accent. "No one here needs another mad wizard situation."

Harry threw the hitter a warning look, and they both turned slowly.

Ying Ying Amarin was a beautiful, fragile-seeming creature, with a mantle of black hair and skin so fair it could have passed for eggshell porcelain. Her eyes were almond-shaped and the sweetest chocolate brown, and her mouth was a delicate pink blossom. She was wearing a very elegant black dress and a long string of blood-red pearls with matching earrings. "Wizard Dresden," she greeted, her voice pleasant. "Much is said of you among the circles I frequent."

"Miss Amarin. All of it bad, I'm sure."

She gave him a half-smile. "Most of it. Tell me, how does a wizard secure the services of Eliot Spencer as a bodyguard? I understood you barely keep the lights on in your home."

"Even the most careful man can end up owing favors where he doesn't want to," Eliot said mildly, belying the sudden, inexplicable and altogether terrifying hunger that had slammed into him at the sight of the woman.

"The flute, is it yours?" Harry asked.

"Interesting. The flute? No. We are not selling, merely buying. There is a Bag of Winds somewhere around here that my Hong Kong associates would like me to acquire for them. I hope we will not be competitors?"

Harry shook his head readily. "I'm only interested in one thing, so far."

The wizard didn't notice, but the hitter did. Ying Ying's shoulders shifted minutely, the corners of her mouth eased. She blinked twice. She smiled.

She'd been worried. About Harry.

"That's good to know." Then her attention came to rest fully on Eliot. He felt her power slam into him like an avalanche, calling out to the most primal parts of him in a scream that begged to be answered. It roared hunger, for food, for blood, for flesh, for breath, for anything and everything. "Perhaps later mister Spencer will tell me all about this… favor?"

The hitter tucked a hand into his jacket and closed it around one of the pins in it. The metal went immediately soft, blisteringly hot. "Perhaps," he replied, smiling automatically. He saw smug triumph and a hint of appreciation on those pink, perfect lips and walked away powered strictly by pain and self-control, Harry by his side.

"Shake it off," the wizard told him once they were far enough away. "Breathe. You did fine. It's gonna linger, but you did fine."

"That is some kind of…" Eliot didn't even have the words. "She's a vampire?!"

"Yes, of a sort. Not all of them feed on blood. She's Jade Court, so I have no idea what she actually eats."

The hitter brought out the misshapen pin. "We only have so many between Hardison and me, Harry."

"Why do you think I'm staying up here, away from everyone?" the hacker pointed out. His listening shard was hiding on the leg of his glasses. The speaking shard was pinned to his ascot.

"Vanya's uncle's here," Sophie suddenly said, and everyone quieted.

"Vanya!" Fedorov's uncle rushed up to him. He was dressed just as sharply as his nephew, and he looked vaguely flustered. He took one look at Ekaterina and he ended up completely flustered, mouth working emptily for a long moment before he switched to Russian altogether. "I didn't think you were coming."

"Your advice has never steered me wrong," the Russian mobster said. "If you believe meeting these people is important -"

"No, you don't understand, Vanya!" His uncle interrupted him urgently. "I didn't think you were coming at all, someone had to represent the family's interests -"

"Yes. You, then?"

"No. Me." A man, taller and leaner than Mikhail Sagorov but carved along much the same hard, unforgiving lines, stepped around Fedorov's uncle and spoke in English.

Ekaterina felt the man next to her go rigid, the fingers of his free hand twitching. "Father."

"Vanya."

All six members of the team immediately focused on that one discordant exchange.

Fedorov, who apparently was as shaken as everyone else, turned to automatic courtesy. "Allow me to introduce miss Ekaterina Yegorov," he said, freeing his arm from her grip and sliding his hand to hers. "An art expert, among many other things. My father, Ivan Sagorov."

Ekaterina smiled. A shard of light caught the diamond she wore as she stepped forward. Both older men stepped instinctively back, but she merely offered her hand. "It is always a pleasure to meet men who know not just how to build their power, but to hang onto it."

Ivan Sagorov looked at her with infinite wariness. He eventually relented to take her hand in his, but rather than shake it, he kissed her fingers lightly. "One finds the definition of power very subjective in this place and among these people. Miss Yegorov flatters me."

Ekaterina chuckled richly. "I do not. Perhaps there are many here that discount the power mortals have. I am not one."

Ivan grinned minutely at that, but then turned a hard look on his brother, and an even stonier glare on his son. "I did not realize I was my brother's second choice of representative at this gathering."

"You should have guessed," Mikhail replied tersely. "We both know what you think of these sort of people."

"I think they are no one's future, least of all ours." He shot Ekaterina a brief, apologetic glance. "No offense meant."

"None taken," she replied graciously.

"But it is good to know what the heir apparent believes," he added with icy sarcasm and bitter, controlled fury, "of such alliances."

A muscle showed along the line of Vanya's neck. "A wise leader considers all the tools at his disposal."

"Don't shoot my words back at me like you ever cared about them," Ivan snarled quietly in Russian. "No one here's a tool unless it's you."

Fedorov surged forward. Ekaterina caught his arm. "Vanya."

"Do you know what they are? What your uncle brings you in the guise of a gift?" The leader of the Eastern Seaboard Russian mafia stepped forward until he could just hiss at his head enforcer. "They're a noose around our neck. If it weren't because I know they'd take us all down with you, I'd wish them the joy of you."

"The sort of man who'd give his own son to the wolves is not the man I'd trust to have anyone's best interests at heart except his own," Vanya gritted out. "In the end greed always wins out with him."

The conversation might have escalated to parts both bloody and violent, but another voice joined the conversation. "Please, please!" The avuncular, condescending tone was full of cheer. "Why such long faces, this is a party, please. Drinks! Food! Bring some of those delightful little toast things for my friends here. Mikhail, please, introduce me, shan't you?"

"I find I am not hungry," Ivan ground out, stepping back. "I thank you for your hospitality, Koshan, but I think my mood and my patience are worn too thin for companionship."

Koschei gestured grandly with his glass, the brandy in it darkest gold, and stepped back, clearing the way. "Please. It was a pleasure to see you even this brief while, Ivan Sagorov Barevich. Do give my regards to Minke, won't you?"

The elder Sagorov lowered his head like a bull considering a charge, his expression gone black and implacable at those seemingly harmless words. He finally breathed out slowly through his teeth and stalked away.

THIRTY

"Goodness, what a temper," Koschei commented casually. He was wearing much the same outfit he'd worn for his portrait: fine, blousy riding pants tucked into pointed embroidered boots, the complex designs worn in silver. He wore a black shirt with the neckline decorated with tiny emerald chips, a silver sash and a long, heavy coat stitched with black ravens and white wolves. "That man needs a therapist," he said the last word in English, jarring among the fluent Russian.

"My father needs many things," Vanya noted calmly, switching seamlessly to the new language. "He cares to acquire none of them."

Koschei whipped around. "Ah, you must be Vanya. Your uncle has spoken glowingly of you." He offered his hand.

Fedorov managed a smile, just barely, and shook the offered hand. "The gentleman has me at a disadvantage."

"Koschei. Immortal, wizard, your humblest servant." The man bowed. When Vanya merely cocked a brow at him in disbelief, Koschei laughed. "Is it so hard to believe, considering those all around us? Or the company you are currently keeping?" He gave Ekaterina a pointed look, one black brow going up.

Ekaterina's smile was even thinner than Vanya's when she offered her hand. "Ekaterina," she said simply.

Everyone within sight of her held their breaths.

Koschei took that hand and lingered over the kiss. The diamond glittered. Ekaterina took her hand back, since the wizard seemed rudely unwilling to let go.

"Enchanting," he purred. "It's not often my curiosity is piqued."

"Ekaterina is here to help with our exchange. That is, if my bid is amenable," Vanya wrapped a possessive arm around Ekaterina's waist.

Koschei's smile grew. "Of course. That is only sensible. As for your offer, mm, well, it buys you the same as it does for everyone here. A chance to pick up one of the portraits. Whether it is the real one or not, I suppose only an expert could tell."

Upstairs, Hardison put a hand over his ascot pin. "Nate, I do not like this. We don't know how long he's had to make the copies. For all we know he got Sokolov himself to make them."

Back in Lucille 2.0, Nate winced. The earbuds were holding - at least the ones not close to Dresden. But Hardison was surrounded by just enough magic that there was some unpleasant feedback whistling through his line. If not for the shards of the enchanted mirror, more than half the team would have been flying blind. "It's Sophie's call and Sophie's show. Keep an eye on her."

Ekaterina glanced around her diffidently. "Well, we'd have to find the room with the real one first, I suppose," she pointed out archly.

Koschei laughed in delight. "Just so. Are you, ah, permanently attached to Vanya's office, Ekaterina?"

"My services are his tonight," she replied delicately. "They happen to include my company… and my protection."

The wizard examined her closely, but she knew better than to look into those poison-green eyes. "Just so. Very important, to be protected when purchasing such powerful artifacts from such powerful people. But perhaps I could borrow him for a little while to introduce him to a few friends of mine? They would be delighted to make his acquaintance, to watch him rise in power and esteem. That is, after all, what every man desires, no?"

"My desires and my goals are two very different things," the Russian replied mildly. "Unlike most men, I have no problem keeping them separate."

"As one should!" Koschei agreed enthusiastically, then gestured to the room at large. "May I?"

"Kate, see if you can find the real portrait. She has, of course, freedom to roam the premises?" Fedorov asked.

"Of course. The bidders and their agents may go wherever there are more copies to be examined."

Ekaterina smiled.

"Good. Nick!" The bodyguard left the buffet table and sedately made his way over, still looking like the world was a grand joke for him to enjoy. "You're with me."

Nick smiled broadly. It was deeply, deeply unsettling, and wholly aimed at Koschei, but the wizard rallied swiftly and led Vanya away.

"There goes a brave man," Ekaterina murmured.

"I did not realize he already had friends among you people," Mikhail said. "I would not have risked this invitation if I did."

"Do you not want him to make alliances here?" She asked, arching a brow up.

Mikhail was already walking away, visibly struggling with himself.

"Nate," Sophie murmured. "This isn't right. This isn't just an auction of magical artifacts. Sagorov knows something."

"Eliot."

The hitter threw the wizard a questioning glance. Harry nodded. "I'm fine, go."

"Um, Nate?" Parker said into the earbud line.

"Yes, Parker, did you find something?"

"Yes." Parker had found the space between the walls where the old pipes had run, and she'd wormed her way even further into the house, until she was flush with the floor of a large, lavish and very modern bedroom, looking out through an HVAC vent. "I found the old lady."

"You found Grandmother?" That carried to both lines of communication, since Nate was connected to both.

"Yes. And there's a bunch of those rabbit-people watching her." Parker shifted to get a better look past the grate. "They've got guns."

"Armed leshy?" Hardison, also privy to both sides of the conversation, frowned. "Why would they need weapons, so far the only ones to use them have been the humans with them."

"It would make no sense anyway," Harry pointed out, quickly piecing together what bits of the situation he was hearing. "Leshy are thugs. They are nowhere near her power level, she should be able to waltz right past them, guns or not."

"Probably. Unless hearts aren't the only thing you can cut out of people." Nate was thinking very fast, the gleaming fractal trees in his mind coming together faster and faster, facts and suspicions, knowledge old and new, weaving together into a cohesive whole -

"You'd be surprised how many things out there think we're just convenient little walking snacks."

Then there was the night the alkonost had shown up -

"There was a trap in the heart, a means for him to steal her power, if she had agreed."

- and the morning of Dresden's arrival -

"He cut out his own heart and hid it - he hid it so well that no one can find it, not even death."

It all came together with the memory of the Russian enforcer at the loft, comfortably slouched on a couch they'd purchased just so everyone could sit comfortably while they spoke to the wizard, holding onto an oddly shaped, oddly carved wooden cup, drinking vodka and telling them all ancient Russian fairy-tales - not the modern, sanitized versions but the old kind, full of blood and casual violence, where victory was measured by how badly your enemies died.

"Sophie, is Koschei gone?"

"He's introducing Fedorov around. You'd think he was the star of this show."

"Dresden?"

"I'm fine. I think no one wants to be seen with me."

"Eliot?"

Eliot had trailed Sagorov to a small sunroom. "He's on the phone yelling at someone." The hitter kept back, to the shadows just outside the solarium's door, and stiffened when he realized what he was hearing. "It's him. This isn't just an auction of artifacts, Sagorov's selling Fedorov to settle a debt of some sort. Nate, he's selling future control of the entire Eastern Seaboard chapter to one of these things!"

"Of course he is," the mastermind whispered, another section of the puzzle coming together at last. "Sophie, are Nick and Fedorov still with Koschei?"

"Yes," Sophie confirmed as Ekaterina examined idly some of the items displayed, aloof and graceful, speaking occasionally to those she found nearby. "He's just been introduced to the toad-person."

"Dresden, where are you?"

"At the bar, like you told me to be?"

"Nate." Eliot's voice sounded exceedingly tense. "Problem."

"What is it?"

Faced with two incoming bouncers, the hitter had detoured into what seemed to be a combination conservatory and library, a room of dark, rich, velvety tones. It was closed to the general public, and the only artwork present seemed to be reassuringly normal. There were no lights, which made the door off to one side, past the shelves, painfully obvious. And one quick peek had Eliot trying not to swear at the fact that, magic or not, everything was still conspiring to throw the job off the rails. "I found another Grandmother."

The team reeled to a halt, wherever they were. Back in Lucille, Nate pinched the bridge of his nose wearily. "Of course you did."

"Um." Hardison sounded deeply hesitant. "Not to rain on anyone's parade, but I just found another Grandmother upstairs." The hacker was peeking around a corner and down a long hallway into a private office. He could just glimpse the old woman past the two armed guards at the door, left open to allow a young woman in the severe uniform of the staff to bring in a tray of tea.

"What? No! I found her, she's right here!" Parker, able to hear that bit through the earbuds, protested in an irate hiss.

Sophie paused. "Nate," she breathed as she realized what was happening.

"Yup." The mastermind sighed. "She's part of the auction, too."

"Now what, Nate?" Eliot demanded. "How can we get her out if we can't find the real one?"

"Nothing has changed." Nate clipped out. "Sophie, find the original portrait. Dresden, is there any way to tell which is the real Grandmother?"

"Uh, um…" The wizard rubbed his forehead. "Her shadow. Look at her shadow."

"Parker, check her shadow," Nate relayed.

She wriggled behind the vent. "It's an old lady shadow."

"Then that's not her," Harry replied when Nate repeated that.

"Hardison? Eliot?"

"Normal, uh, old lady shadow here," the hitter reported hesitantly.

"I'm not close enough to see," Hardison warned them. "Do you want me to risk it, Nate?"

"Not yet. Dresden, go pick a fight with Sophie."

"Wh- Me? I thought you wanted me to keep a low profile as long as I could!"

"Hold that thought," Sophie breathed. Ekaterina, having wandered further away, into an elegant breakfast solarium, could feel a gaze burning a hole between her shoulderblades.

"Spider silk, right?" A rough voice asked behind her.

Ekaterina turned. "Isvinee?"

There were two men and one woman behind her. All of them were short and wiry, and they all wore matching gray suits with red ties. Their hair was cut razor-short, the scalp showing pink through for the youngest of the two men, who was very blond. The older man, flanked by the other too, was slouching easily, hands in his pockets. "The duds," he said. "Spider silk, innit?"

"Oh, trial by fire of the Veil," Harry whispered so the words were barely audible; the shards, while serving the same purpose as the earbuds, were nowhere near as quiet. "Conversation's about to get crude, Sophie, this isn't an insult, it's how it translates for them."

"It is, yes." Ekaterina replied simply.

"Well, you look fuckin' gorgeous, gal. Even if it ain't yours." He tapped two clawed fingers to his mouth and blew her a kiss.

Ekaterina smiled. "Spaseeba. Thank you. You would not believe what it cost, and you are the first to say anything, nearly an hour after I come through the door."

"No shit?" The man frowned. "Now there's a fuckin' crime." He looked at both his colleagues, who nodded stoutly. He was perhaps in his late thirties, with sharp gray eyes under heavy brows, stubble on his angular cheekbones, and uneven teeth. He smelled strongly of expensive, pine-based soap, and managed to look both profoundly at ease with his surroundings and incredibly uncomfortable in his clothing. He offered his hand after a moment's thought. "I'm Classy."

Ekaterina took and shook it without hesitation. "An unexpected pleasure to meet you and your companions," she purred. "You can call me Ekaterina, or Kate. I hope we are not to be competitors?"

Classy looked utterly surprised at her casual friendliness. His grip was dry, warm and strong, matching Ekaterina's but mindful not to overpower or hurt her. His nails were short, sharp, curving gray claws and he was very careful not to hurt her, his palms heavily calloused. "Oh, no, no. We're sellin' most of this crap, gal. You, uh, buyin' anything?" He reached for his pocket, but the woman elbowed him mildly and he sighed in exasperation.

Ekaterina gestured to one of the vast glass doors leading to the grounds outside, and began to walk. "My employer is only interested in one item."

"Yeah, everyone's here for that fuckin' painting." As soon as they stepped outside the man lit up a cigarette. "Had to jump through the Blackbird's fuckin' hoops, when this was our to-do first."

"Well, that is, uh, what is the word. Bullcrap."

"Innit?" Classy looked terribly pleased at her empathy. "We don't give a shite over all this, the copies, right?" He waved his hand vaguely at the house. "Who the hell cares. Buy the thing, get out. Eh." He sighed. "Bloody won't give our rightful property back, either."

"I am sorry, did I hear right," Ekaterina put a light hand on Classy's shoulder. "Did the Blackbird steal from you?"

"Not yet he ain't. And he won't if he knows what's fuckin' good for him," Classy declared. He'd started minutely at the touch, but he didn't look insulted or wary, merely pleased. "Look, gal. Between you and me?" He leaned close. "The portrait's not here."

"It is not?"

"Nah." He threw the butt of his cigarette down and crushed it underfoot. "He don't trust nobody. I wouldn't, neither." Wordlessly he moved to stand by her side and dipped his head toward the sound of the surf and the elegant boat-house a stone's throw from the mansion itself. "He'll be bringin' it in at some point, I suppose." He gave her a wicked grin. "'less someone calls 'im out on it."

She grinned back at him and bumped him lightly. "Excuse me," she purred, walking back into the house.

"Nice gal," the woman said as all three watched her go.

"She was," Classy agreed. "So nice. Didn't expect that."

"What is she?" the young man asked.

"I dunno," Classy admitted readily. "Smells scary, though. Let's go find our fuckin' property."

Sophie stalked through the breakfast solarium. "Nate, did you get that?"

"I did. Did everyone else?"

"I didn't!" Parker hissed; Sophie couldn't have an earbud active while carrying the diamond.

"The portrait's not in the house," the mastermind summed up. "It's out in the boat-house."

"Oh." The thief paused. "I'll go get it, then."

"No. No, Parker, n-" Nate sighed. "We need the portrait to disappear in front of everyone. For that, it has to be in the house."

"Well, why can't we put one of the fake portraits in place of the real portrait and then have the man in black bring in a fake portrait instead, wouldn't that be even more embarrassing?"

The most profound silence welcomed that impatient question.

"Dresden."

"Yeah?"

"Go pick that fight."

"Ah, Hell's Bells," the wizard sighed resignedly.

[takadasaiko]

A Flicker of Light Chapter Eleven (a Star Wars fic)

Story Summary: A canon divergent AU in which Luke Skywalker is raised within the Empire to be either his father's heir as a Sith Lord… or his replacement.

Chapter Summary: Luke and Vader's assignment takes them to Alderaan.

FFN II AO3

---

When the order had come through for the Executioner to reroute to handle an insurgency, it had seemed like overkill. A small, backwater world made up of farmers and millworkers was hardly a threat, even if they were pushing back. It didn't take the 501st to quiet a budding rebellion on a planet like that, much less a Sith Lord and his son. It wasn't until they touched down that Luke was let in on their real goal: they were after a Jedi.

Not that his father would tell him anything more than that.

"You know I could be more help if you'd share," he grumbled once they were out of earshot of the troopers that had gone to the surface with them.

He felt his father's glare, even if he couldn't see it from behind the tinted lenses. "You were made aware when it was necessary."

And not a moment sooner, which had become the frustrating reality after he'd been taken by Ahsoka Tano, or perhaps after she had supposedly betrayed his father, which even all these months later Luke had trouble settling within his own mind. Her determination and her offer to help had felt genuine while his father's excuse had not. And perhaps it was that conflict that had kept his father from sharing. Luke could feel all the aggravation with none of the explanation and it was becoming infuriating.

"Your focus must remain on the goal."

The teen looked over, his simmering temper boiling at the flat command. "I am focused."

Darth Vader came to an abrupt halt and turned, the 501st continuing ahead. "Your thoughts betray you and they remain scattered. With each new distraction, you open yourself up to dangers you have not foreseen."

"But you have?" Luke popped back. "Then tell me. If you keep secrets from me, what good does that do?"

His father studied him for a long moment and Luke fought the urge to squirm, to fill the relative silence with further arguments, but as quickly as Father had stopped, he pivoted around and began walking again. "The goal is all that matters," he grunted as Luke had to scurry to catch up.

It is what will keep us alive.

Luke startled at the first words over their bond in weeks, and with them came the well-guarded fear. He wasn't referring to the goal of their mission. He meant the end goal. The one that would displace Palpatine and give them both the chance they needed to survive.

Are we close?

No response came as they caught up with the stormtrooper that had made their way ahead of them, the one Luke had nicknamed Barrix waiting to accept orders in regards to the village they were closing in on. "Lord Vader, readings show life forms hiding throughout the village. Some firepower, though they don't appear eager to surrender."

"Then we shall make them, Sergeant," Vader answered.

There was a nudge over their bond and Luke steadied himself. If the villagers fought, they wouldn't stand a chance, and they were going to fight. He watched his father stride forward and Luke's lightsaber hilt snapped off his belt and was pulled into his hand, thumb at the ready to flick it on if needed.

Not that Father needed his protection.

A flick of a black glove sent a pile of crates jolting to the left, revealing a young man with what looked like an old blaster rifle. He didn't have time to level the weapon as he was pulled off the ground, boots dragging in the dust and fingers losing their grip as both hands struggled to untie the invisible knot around his throat.

"You have among you an enemy of the Empire," Vader boomed. "Hand the Jedi over or you will all meet his fate."

Luke heard the snap of the man's neck and he fell to the ground, eyes staring hollowly. There was a sharp cry, then another. One villager - a woman with fiery hair the colour of Mara's - led what they thought was an attack. After her came dozens more, and one by one they fell by blaster fire and two red lightsabers. They didn't stand a chance.

But they weren't meant to. They were a distraction. A sacrifice. Luke heard the distant roar of the craft's engines beyond the screams of the dying and he focused through it, pinpointing the source. "Barrix!" he yelled, and the stormtrooper that had accepted the name ages ago now took off with him without a hint of hesitation.

Luke dodged and sidestepped as blaster fire filled the air around him, the number of villagers rushing to their slaughter for one Jedi to escape not lost to him. The craft was already in the air by the time they reached it. Too far for blaster fire to stop it and he reared back to throw his lightsaber with all his might.

"Sir," Barrix said sharply and Luke turned, seeing that he had a very different type of weapon in his hand than he usually carried. This one was capable of launching a tracking device, but it'd need help to reach the ship speeding towards the atmosphere

Barrix fired and Luke reached out, pushing the device as hard as he could with one hand and pulling with the Force against the ship to slow it down with the other. He felt his boots start to slide against the dirt as the ship pulled hard, but the combination worked as the tracker latched on. Luke released his hold, stumbling forward as he did. Barrix reached out to steady him. "We have them, sir," he acknowledged as the ship broke through the atmosphere to what the Jedi inside surely thought was his escape.

"Good," Luke huffed, his gaze sweeping the carnage that had been a village before their arrival. At least it hadn't been in vain.

"Sir?"

Barrix's voice cut through a fog Luke hadn't realized he was wading through, his tone suggesting it wasn't his first attempt to gain his attention. He hadn't realized how exhausted he was. How much trying to hold onto the ship had taken it out of him. He'd seen his father pluck them from the sky before. Not often, but it had happened, and Darth Vader never swayed.

"Lord Natus!"

The shout sounded distantly as everything went dark around him.

—-

He came back to consciousness in stages. The first thing he truly became aware of was a distant, heavy ache that he couldn't quite identify the source of. Then the sounds followed after that. The low, steady rumble of the hyperspace engines and air being forced through the vents of the ship. And the steady, rhythmic breathing that had become both familiar and sometimes even comforting since his childhood. Father.

Luke pried his eyes open to find himself flat on his back in his own bed, staring at the ceiling in his quarters on the Executioner. He swallowed hard and found his throat strangely dry as he tried to focus and piece together what had happened. There'd been a battle, a fleeing Jedi, and a tracker. That's right. He'd tried to hold the ship in place for Barrix to have a better chance to tag it. He just couldn't quite remember if they'd gotten it or not….

"Yes," his father stated the answer out loud, drawing Luke's attention to the right side of the room. The Sith Lord stood at the large viewing window, watching stars streaking by as they sped through hyperspace. He turned as Luke started to shift, feeling a strange pull along his left side. "Were you not aware you had been struck?"

It took a moment for him to sort through his thoughts enough for the question to make sense and he reached around to where he'd felt the pull of a healing wound. "I was focused on the goal," he tossed his father's earlier words back to him.

Conflicting emotions battled within his father before they were cut off from their bond, leaving Luke in the silence that had dominated it recently. He forced himself to a sitting position and caught a glimpse of his father's gold eyes behind the lenses of his mask. Neither flinched away in a silent battle of wills, but after a long moment Luke's shoulders slumped and he loosed a long breath. He knew his father was angry with him. Or disappointed. Irritated. Something along those lines. Every time he got close to figuring it out, he was shut off. If it was the fact that he'd entertained Tano's offer or his budding relationship with Mara - if it could even be called that with as little as they saw each other - or both, he wasn't sure, and he couldn't fix it if he couldn't find the broken piece.

A small sigh sounded from the black mask, drawing Luke's attention. "You did well, my son," he spoke the first bit of praise Luke had heard in ages. "It was your strength that kept the Jedi from escaping."

"Then the tracker worked? Do we know where he's going?"

"We are in pursuit to the planet Alderaan."

"Commander Renz's home planet?"

"He will accompany me to the surface."

Luke frowned, carefully kicking the covers from his legs so that he could swing his feet to the floor. "I'll be dressed and ready to—"

"You will remain here."

"I'm fine."

"Your injuries have not healed."

"Close enough. Bacta tanks work wonders." He stood, proving that he was steady and crossed his arms over his chest. "Would you sit by, if it were you?" His father didn't answer and Luke pushed a frustrated breath from his nose. "How can I earn your forgiveness if I'm never allowed the chance?"

"There is nothing to forgive," his father answered automatically.

"Then why did you shut me out after Lothal?"

And there it was: the question finally spoken out loud. For better or worse, there was no taking it back now.

Darth Vader turned, aiming for the door, but stopped before he triggered the sensor. "We will depart in an hour."

He left Luke standing in the room alone with what he hoped was at least a begrudging approval.

—-

There had been little warning sent ahead of Darth Vader's arrival, but as Imperial subjects, Alderaan was obliged to receive the Dark Lord and anyone he deemed to bring with him. It left Bail Organa with an uneasy feeling and the stark reminder of his last conversation with Ashoka Tano. Even more so when he saw Padme and Anakin's son trailing Vader with his head held high and his gaze sharp. He looked like his father, no question about it. From the dark blond hair to those bright blue eyes. The younger Skywalker was shorter than Bail had imagined, his mother's petite stature tempering some of his father's height in him.

The two black-clad figures strode towards them from their landing shuttle, accompanied by a ranking officer and a collection of stormtroopers. At Bail's side, Breha brushed her fingers against his, though it was less a small gesture of support than catching him as she turned, hissing under her breath. "Leia."

A cold chill swept through Bail as he turned to find his sixteen year old daughter approaching. She offered her parents a shrug, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "What? As Father's aid, I should be here to shadow him and learn."

There wasn't time to argue and Breha sighed under her breath before steeling her composure. Bail could only hope he'd done half as well with his own as Vader approached and he offered a bow that made his stomach churn. "Lord Vader, my apologies for the delay in docking. The —"

"You may dispense with your excuses, Senator," Vader snarled as he came to a stop in front of the small welcoming party. "I require only your cooperation."

"Of course," Bail answered, careful to keep his tone neutral. It was difficult to believe that this monster standing before him might have once been the Jedi hero of the Clone Wars. Whatever had happened to turn him into this had hardened him, leaving him unrecognizable in more than just his appearance.

"A fugitive was tracked to your planet. A Jedi." The pause he took weighed heavily in the air between them and Bail couldn't help but feel that he was being studied from behind that black mask.

"I haven't heard of a Jedi coming to Alderaan," the senator answered honestly, "but, of course, anything you need is at your disposal."

There was another uncomfortable stretch of silence that was filled only by Vader's steady breathing and the occasional gust of wind on the landing pad. "You will provide my son Natus with the reports of ships that have landed in the last five standard hours and any that have departed with or without passengers. Commander Renz and I will take my stormtroopers into the city to begin the search."

The Dark Lord's attention broke from Bail for just a moment, seemingly redirecting to the teenager he was calling Natus. Bail watched, feeling like an outsider in what looked like a silent conversation. Not one that was going in the teen's favour.

"Organa's aid will accompany you in your research," Vader directed at his son before he turned towards Leia.

The chill froze in the pit of Bail's gut. Innocent as the assignment might have been if given by anyone else, from Vader's lips it sounded like the worst kind of threat. "I'd be happy to offer my help if you—"

"She will do, as you will accompany me in the search."

Leia, for her part, had squared her shoulders, meeting Vader's son's gaze with ease. "Don't worry. I'll make sure our guest gets what he needs."

Bail gave a small nod of acknowledgment. There was no stopping it now, only praying that Vader never caught a hint of who their adopted daughter really was.

—

His father hadn't wanted him on-planet for this assignment, even after he'd been the reason they'd found their rogue Jedi in the first place. Luke had thought he'd convinced him, but Darth Vader had made it abundantly clear by saddling him with Organa's aid, ensuring that his son would stay out of the search and oversee the grunt work than any trooper with even half his competency intact could have handled. No matter how hard Luke fought to win back his father's respect, there was no opening. No trust. It was infuriating. It was insulting. He'd come too far for this, and exactly who did his father think would take up his side when it all came crashing down if not for his own flesh and blood?

"My lord?" Organa's aid called, pulling Luke out of his thoughts. Her tone was sharp and forced, and her polite mask did little to conceal the utter disdain she felt in using the title. "Will that be sufficient?"

"We need the data from both major and minor ports," Luke tried, hoping it was vague enough to answer and yet not give away that he hadn't actually heard the question.

The aid frowned a little, her dark eyes narrowing. "Yes, that is what I said," she answered tightly, motioning to the guard that had been sent along with them and they moved through a set of doors into a control room. "We'll expedite the requests from here."

She looked to her guard and he gave a deeper bow than Luke might have expected before moving to the controls. There was a nagging feeling now that Luke was willing to pay attention. Growing and persistent, and it dug deeper into his mind the longer he studied her. She reminded him of someone, though he wasn't sure who. Those dark eyes and something about her features. There was something there…

"I'm not unaware that your father doesn't trust mine," she stated plainly, turning to one of the monitors, "and that you're essentially here to babysit me, but I'd appreciate it if you'd at least pretend to listen. Unlike the Sith, I can't read minds."

Her father? Well, he'd terribly misread his father's intentions on this one. Interesting.

"I'm not a Sith yet, Princess," Luke answered, seeing her now watching him out of the corner of her eye.

"But that's something they can do."

He let the corners of his lips twitch up, the amused expression not entirely put on. "There are techniques, sure. The Inquisitors use that, but I usually can get a pretty good sense off of feeling."

She quirked an unimpressed eyebrow. "Just that good, huh?"

His smile turned a little more real and he let his eyes flutter closed, reaching out with the Force and letting it speak back to him. "Definitely distrust," he offered, hearing her snort, "but also a little curiosity mixed in. And fear."

Leia Organa finally turned to look at him, crossing her arms and sizing him up. "I'm not afraid of you."

"I know. It's not yours, just…. surrounding you." Blue eyes opened again. "My guess would be your father. He didn't want you in here very much,"

"And yours didn't want you out there searching with him," she shot back.

Looked like she wasn't half bad at reading the room either. Impressive, even if he didn't dare confirm her suspicion. Better to change the subject.

Luke glanced over towards her guard and followed an empty path towards the door. "If you were a fugitive on the run and you landed here, where would you go?"

She tilted her head a little at that and he could practically see her trying to decide if she should be honest with him or not. "Your father indicated that we should stay here."

"Father indicated that he wanted the reports. Your man can handle that, can't he?"

Her guard looked over, startled at the conversation he'd clearly been listening to. "My apologies, my lord, but I've been tasked with the princess' safety. I can't—"

"She'll be safe with me. You don't need to worry about her."

His eyes glazed over a little. "I don't need to worry about her."

Leia's arms dropped out of their defensive position as she stared in surprise. "What did you do to him?"

"Nothing. Well, just a little persuasion. He's fine."

She didn't look convinced. "So you don't read minds, but you can force people to do what they don't want to do."

Luke gave a small shrug. "Some people. It doesn't work on everyone. You still haven't answered my question."

Leia pursed her lips together. "If I tell you and we find him, can you promise me you'll treat him fairly?"

There was something so earnest in her request that Luke surprised himself by offering a small nod.

"And you'll tell your father you used that trick on me to convince me to leave our post?"

Luke barked a laugh at that. "I don't think anyone's going to believe it'd work on you, Princess."

She flashed him a knowing smile and strode past him, leaving him to follow with that strange, growing feeling that there was something about her that he should know, but didn't. He shook his head and followed the headstrong princess out. Sooner or later, he'd figure out what it was. He just had to try to be patient.

—

In the days that led up to and surrounded Palpatine's grab for power that had turned the admittedly flawed Republic into a nightmare of an Empire, there had been no question between right and wrong. Master Yoda's escape, going to try to help Padme, taking Leia in…. There had been no question. No hesitation. But things had changed when Leia had come to live on Alderaan and become an Organa rather than a Skywalker or an Amidala. While the personal risks certainly hadn't diminished as Bail helped to form up and push forward their kernels of rebellion, it did not - it could not - follow him home. While Breha would have fiercely stood with him to take on the entire corrupt Empire, it wasn't just about them. It wasn't even just about their world and protecting their people. It was about a beautiful, passionate girl that was quickly growing into a woman. It was about protecting Padme's daughter. It was about protecting their daughter.

If there was a Jedi on Alderaan - and Vader was convinced there was - Leia's safety had to come first. It wasn't easy and he wasn't sure he could sleep soundly on the decision, but it was the only one he was capable of making. Right and wrong had been so much simpler before he'd become a father.

Vader had split his troops up to scour the capital city, though the way he stayed on Bail left the older man wondering just what Vader thought he knew. There had been a few times over the years in which the Empire had come close to discovering his involvement, but even if the Dark Lord were suspicious, there was nothing to discover this time. There'd been no warning, no contact, and the royal house was providing the Empire with any resources requested. Even their daughter.

"You once worked closely with the Jedi," Vader boomed suddenly, his altered voice sending chills down Bail's spine. "Perhaps this one thinks he has found refuge here."

"I have had no contact with the Jedi since their betrayal," Bail lied, rattling off the propaganda accepted as truth across the galaxy that had been provided to explain the downfall of the defenders of the Republic. Even now, all these years later, so few knew the truth. Even fewer cared.

"So you have said." He whirled, the motion so abrupt that Bail nearly collided with him. "Mark my words, Senator. If I find that you have hidden this traitor away and are providing sanctuary to him, it is not just you who will pay your price."

The threat was clear. His world, his wife, his daughter…. Bail surprised a shudder. "My loyalty remains with the Empire."

"See that it does," Vader snarled, and continued on his path through the city.

—

Darth Vader was everything Leia might have expected. A towering mountain of darkness that left a chill in the air wherever he went. He was vicious and focused, using her to control her father by assigning her to his son. She dreaded to think what would happen if he found the Jedi he was after. There were stories that were passed around about him and what he'd done when the Empire had replaced the Republic. How he'd appeared from the wreckage like a monster born from the pain and had hunted down any of those that had escaped the slaughter. She had thought some of those stories must have been exaggerations until she saw him herself. Even in their brief and indirect encounter, she could practically feel the evil that leaked off of him. She was a quick study of new people she met, and it didn't take any more than those few moments to know who and what Vader was.

His son was different than she had expected, though. While Vader seemed to suck all the joy from the air, Natus was… lighter, somehow. Perhaps he just wasn't as far gone yet or hadn't been given quite the opportunity to take the plunge into utter darkness, but there was something different about him that felt more human than his father. Maybe he'd stand by his promise to make sure that the Jedi was treated fairly.

"Credit for your thoughts?"

Natus's voice pulled Leia back to the moment and she looked over, weighing exactly how much she wanted to say. There was no question he was there to keep an eye on her, but that didn't mean she couldn't find out a little bit about the Dark Lord and his son. It might come in useful someday.

"Just… thinking. What's it like? To have grown up under him, I mean."

The question seemed to catch him off guard and he thought about it for a moment as they walked. "I'm going to guess probably not very normal, but all I know is how I was raised."

There was a twinge of guilt in her and she pursed her lips together, trying to hold it in.

"I imagine you know something about that?"

Leia turned at that. "Our fathers are very different."

"Really? Two men with the weight of responsibility pressing down and trying to do what they can to make the galaxy a safer place?" He offered her a small smile. "My upbringing wasn't conventional, but it's what I needed. I'm stronger for it. Aren't you for yours?"

Everything about the question felt real. Leia let the words hang between them for a long moment before nodding solemnly. "I think so." She pulled in a breath, letting it calm her. "I didn't have a conventional childhood either. Between growing up a princess and then junior senate… becoming my father's aid… But I wouldn't change it either. Maybe I didn't get to live a simple childhood, but working so closely with my father has taught me more than most my age." She stopped, watching him from the corner of her eye. "Our age, I suppose. You're younger than I expected."

"Sixteen."

"Me too." Leia felt a strangely real smile tug at her lips. No, he was nothing like she'd expected.

"I hope, for both your sakes, that your father isn't involved with this Jedi," Natus murmured.

"He's not."

"How do you know?"

"Because my father trusts me. If the Jedi had contacted him, I would know and he hasn't."

Natus gave her a strange look at that one, like she'd struck a chord. " And he wouldn't keep that from you? Even when he's afraid for you?"

"Especially then."

He opened his mouth, but the response didn't come. Instead his head snapped to the side, his focus absolute on something unseen in the distance. His fingers twitched at his side and a cylinder that had been fastened to his belt popped off its latch and into his waiting hand. They waited in silence for a long moment, then another, only the sounds of the forest surrounding them. She watched Natus's sharp gaze take in every shadowed corner surrounding them and had the distinct feeling that he was reaching out with something more than what he could see.

But there was nothing. If there'd been something there, the surrounding wildlife would have been the first to know, not them. Leia pushed a frustrated breath out through her nose and took a step towards him.

Without warning his left hand flashed out towards her and Leia was shoved back. She hit the forest floor hard enough that it knocked the breath out of her, leaving her wincing and struggling to replenish it even as she rolled to her side. She saw Natus had thrown himself in the opposite direction and was in the process of pulling himself into a knelt position, his lips twitching downard in a grimace even as his red lightsaber snap-hissed into existence. She was about ready to lay into him for throwing her when another volley of blaster bolts sped through the air, only to be met with the saber in his hand. They struck, ricocheting off of the laser blade and burning leaves in the trees as they flew upward. Natus straightened and reached out with his free hand, dragging a figure from the thick branches of a tree.

Leia watched as their attacker hit the forest floor hard, his blaster landing a few yards away. He howled in pain, right hand reaching to grab at his left that was bent at a painfully awkward angle.

"Serves you right," Natus told him icily. "You could have hit her." He reached out and called what must have been the Jedi's own lightsaber from his belt and into his hand, inspecting it.

"What do you care?" their attacker growled back.

"Typical Jedi. Ready to burn anybody in your path."

Leia watching the downed man carefully. This was the Jedi that Vader was chasing? He was barely older than either she or Natus, and hadn't all the Jedi died out before she'd even been born? That was what she had heard. There was no way that he was old enough to have been knighted by then.

"Isn't that how you handle things, Sith?"

Natus smirked at that and took a menacing step forward, but even before Leia could find her voice to bark an order at him, he stopped, inexplicably still until his boots began to drag across the soft dirt. They lifted slowly yet fully off of it and his right hand, finger by finger, came unclenched from his lightsaber and it shut off as it fell to the ground, Natus' head tilting back and he made a struggling, choking sound.

Leia turned to the injured man. "Put him down!"

For the first time, his pale green eyes turned towards her. "No."

"I'm Leia Organa, Princess of Alderaan and daughter of Queen Breha and Senator Bail Organa. You will release him."

"You don't get told no very often, do you, Princess?" the Jedi demanded through clenched teeth. "You're no different than any of the others cowering to the Sith."

"I am different. My father is in the senate. He can -"

"I don't trust you!"

Natus gave a strangled yelp from where he was suspended, fingers clawing at his throat. He twisted and turned like whatever was holding him up had him by the neck, the rest of his body loose in the air, and he finally forced one hand away, reaching out towards the woods, and closed his fingers around the open air before pulling hard towards him.

"No!" the Jedi shouted and there was a small, terrified sound as a little creature was pulled feet over head from the brush. It hit a root hard on its way out and Natus came crashing to the ground, gasping and sputtering as his hand went to his side. He remained knelt there for a moment, the creature crying softly where it had landed, the Jedi clutching his arm and terrified, and Natus struggling to pull in fresh breath. He tried to stand once, losing his footing, but seemed to push through the pain to get to his feet. He grabbed his lightsaber from where it had fallen as he did.

"You're not the one that was doing that. You're not Force-sensitive," he rasped, blue gaze flickering from the Human to the little green creature that was finally straightening. It looked like a baby, small enough to fit in Leia's hands, and it stared up at Natus with big, dark eyes and cooed. Natus nodded at it. "He is."

"That's not possible," Leia managed, the reality of what that could mean for the child flooding through her. She'd heard the stories. No one in the Temple had survived. Not even the children.

Natus shrugged, the motion stiff and causing him to wince again. "Maybe he just ages slower than most, but he's definitely the one that just tried to choke me."

The little guy cooed again, his long ears twitching.

Natus turned back to the Human. "Which begs the question: who are you?"

Leia moved towards the child slowly and carefully, not wanting to spark up anyone's notice. The little one looked directly at her, curiosity in every blink of his dark eyes. He needed help. She couldn't let Vader get ahold of him.

She wasn't sure what the fake-Jedi had said, but it had clearly set Natus off. The Sith-in-training snarled a curse under his breath and with a twitch of his fingers, used his powers to tug on the injured man's broken arm. At her feet the little creature made a startled sound, but Leia instantly scooped him up. "It's okay, you're not going to hurt him, are you, Natus?"

He turned a glare on her that seemed to freeze the air around her and the creature burrowed closer as Natus spoke. "Did you forget that he shot at you too?" His gaze fell to the little one and softened very slightly. He pushed a frustrated breath out and turned towards the captive. "Don't make this harder on yourself."

There was a long moment where Leia thought he was going to do just that. Finally, he spoke. "My father worked in the Temple. He was killed when the Clones executed the Jedi. I escaped, and I took him with me."

The baby cooed again and Leia held him close, comforting him as best as she could. She should be looking for an out, some way to escape, but something inside of her kept her rooted in place as she watched the other teen call the discarded lightsaber he'd taken from the injured man. "And this?"

"Helps if people see him using the Force."

"So you're the distraction, huh? The protector?"

It was like all the fight rushed out of him and it showed in the way that he slumped forward. "I was supposed to be."

The baby made a small sound, tired and strangely calm, drawing Natus' attention. He studied it for a long moment and Leia would have given anything to have known what he was thinking in that moment.

"Do you have somewhere you can take him?" he asked, and it took Leia a moment to realize the question had been directed at her.

"You're letting him go?"

"That depends how far his protector is willing to go. The Empire is only looking for a single Jedi."

The injured man looked at the little one and back to Natus. "If you let him go, I'll do it."

"We can let them both go," Leia argued, knowing how unlikely it was.

"The Empire is looking for a single Jedi," Natus pressed. "They'll find one, but I'm willing to give them him."

"Why?" The word left her without permission. It was a terrible decision, but still better than she would have expected from an Imperial. More than she would have expected from Vader's son, even with his earlier promise.

"He's just a kid. Even if he was there, he didn't have anything to do with what happened with the Jedi. You wanted him treated fairly and this is the only way I see how to do that."

Leia nodded slowly. As far as she could tell, he was telling her the truth. She glanced over to the still-nameless-protector and he gave a nod of agreement. "And him?"

"I'll do what I can for him," Natus promised softly and looked towards the hills. There was a sound in the distance - something he picked up on quicker than she had - and it was clear someone was coming towards them. "You want to get him out of here? Now's the time. I'll tell them I slipped you."

Leia shot him a look of disagreement before turning with the little one in her arms. She didn't have much choice other than to trust him in this. She just hoped that the trust wasn't misplaced.

----

The adrenaline rush from the quick skirmishes and the looming reality of a child - a baby - that would be put down for the crimes of those that had come before him was finally wearing off as Luke stood listening to the princess of Alderaan's retreating steps in one direction and what sounded like a troop of stormtroopers incoming from the other. With the waning rush came the ache, both in his throat from where the child had tried to choke the life out of him to save his friend and from where the blaster bolt had ripped through him when they'd first found them. He was tired - no, exhausted - and utterly uninterested in facing what he had to do next.

But it had to be done. Both he and the Jedi-pretender knew that.

"They'll know, won't they?" he asked and Luke pressed his lips together in a thin grimace.

"Yeah. They could find out after you were dead too, but it'd take a whole lot more. They'll take my word."

"And how do I know you'll keep it? Your word."

Luke offered a shrug, regretting it as he felt a painful tug at his side. "Because you're not a big enough threat to warrant all of this show if I was just going to kill the kid anyway."

The protector seemed to think about that for half a moment before nodding. "I've always been willing to die to protect him, but I…"

"I told the princess I'd do what I could for you. I'll make it quick." He handed over the lightsaber he'd taken from him. "They're coming."

He nodded, struggling to his feet with his broken arm and flicking the lightsaber on. It hummed green.

It was all for show and they both knew it, but as the Stormtroopers drew closer the protector took a swing at Luke and Luke dodged before moving for the quick kill. The body of a man that couldn't even use the Force but had chosen to protect a child that could with his last breath fell to the forest floor and Luke stood over him. Father had always said the coldness that accompanied death would go away, but it never had.

"Lord Natus!"

Luke turned, something even beyond exhaustion taking hold and he stumbled a little as he did. Commander Renz picked up his pace with his troop behind him just in time to reach a steadying hand out. Luke shook his head. "I'm fine."

There was a moment when Renz looked like he might argue, but redirected his attention to the body laid out on the ground. "That was the Jedi?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral.

"Yes." Luke grimaced and his hand went reflexively to his side. "I'm sure your men can handle the cleanup. If you'll tell my father… I'll see him on the Executioner."

There was an order and a stormtrooper appeared on either side of him. He must have looked about as bad as he felt. Pity, because the last thing he wanted at that moment was company.

----

His son had lied to him. Vader knew the moment that Renz had appeared with Luke's message and the body of what they had been told was their Jedi fugitive. Who he really was did not matter, only that his son had fought him and would have known beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was not Force-sensitive. He had lied to the commander, then he had asked that lie to be passed on to his father, and by including others in it he had bound his father's hands. A mistake such as that would not be tolerated by the Emperor, even if they could pass it off as such. That left Vader with two options: reveal that they did not have their Jedi yet and put his own son in danger or back Luke's lie publically and allow the true Jedi to escape.

Rage boiled inside of him as he stormed through the halls of the Executioner towards his son's quarters. He blew through the doors without so much as a warning over their bond, though it would have been impossible for Luke not to have felt the anger.

The lights were turned down, the stars streaking by highlighting his son's face where he lay curled on his bed. One arm was wrapped around his middle, hand protectively over the injury that Vader had warned him hadn't finished healing. He should have left him on the ship. He should have ordered him to stay.

"Do you understand what you have done?" he snarled, drawing Luke's attention sluggishly to him.

"What?"

"Do not play ignorant. You knew the body you sent back with Renz was not the Jedi we sought."

"I made a judgment call."

"You allowed weakness to sway your judgment and then lied to me."

Luke pulled himself up in the bed, his eyes sharp even in the dim light. "Then I guess we're even."

From behind his mask, Vader blinked in surprise at the cutting, angry words. He mentally shook the surprise, grateful that the voice modulator would help cover it. "Explain."

"Now who's playing ignorant?" Luke groused and swung his legs over the side of the bed, standing and moving closer to speak quietly, even if forcefully. "Ahsoka Tano, Father."

"What of her?"

"You said she betrayed you - betrayed us - and that's why you killed her. I understand that she may not have fit into what has to happen and maybe she did need to die, but you lied to me about it because you didn't trust me with the truth. And then you pushed me away."

Vader's temper flashed dangerously at the accusation and he took an aggressive step towards the teen, gloved hand clenched at his side and he could feel the Dark Side awaiting his command to strike out. Silence the boy. Put him in his place. Hurt him.

No.

Not Luke. Not his son.

Slowly and with great effort, he reeled his rage back in. As the air between them eased, he saw Luke's shoulders slump a little, energy spent with the outburst and the subsequent reaction. The teen loosed a breath. "I'm not wrong. I've played it over and over again, and that's the only answer that feels right."

"You have put us both in danger," Vader said tightly. "To prove you knew?"

"No." The word rode out on a tired breath. "I did find him, but he wasn't a Jedi. It was a child. A Youngling. He wasn't a part of what the Jedi had done, so I made the best judgment call I could."

Flashes of memories from what often felt like another life swept through his kind. Children. Younglings. Innocent and terrified and looking to him for protection as Order 66 rained down around them. He had done it to save Padme, hadn't he? For what little good that did. They were sacrificed and she died anyway, but even at risk of putting them both in danger her son had spared a child. He'd made a choice different than his father, and Vader only felt conflicted in that knowledge.

"Where did the child go?" he asked at last.

Luke shrugged. "I don't know. Better that way."

"Then the Organa girl helped you in this. She knows."

"And doing anything to her would just raise questions as to why," Luke pointed out and his father snorted.

"You are protecting her."

"I suppose I am."

"Why?"

Luke seemed to think on that for a long moment before turning to gaze at the passing stars. "I don't know yet," he answered honestly, a weight pressing against him that caused a strange tightness in his father's own chest. Blue eyes turned back on him. They were softer this time. "I don't want to lie to you, Father. I don't…"

"There will be no more lies between us," Vader said softly. "Now go. You will remain in the medical bay until we reach Coruscant."

"We're going back?"

"We have been recalled. Pray that news of your trick has not reached the Emperor."

Luke nodded solemnly and started towards the door.

—

Bail felt sick as he thought about the body that Darth Vader had ordered the destruction of before returning to his ship as if he hadn't just upended their lives by his appearance. The Jedi they'd pursued had been young enough to have still been considered a Youngling in the Jedi Temple when Order 66 had been enacted. And just like that, his life had been snuffed out by Padme's son. The boy hadn't even bothered to return with the Commander, nor had he seemed to care about Leia who was missing from the group. No one could give him an answer that was both straightforward and believable, so after the Imperials had departed, he and Breha were left with only the fear that they'd failed their daughter as company.

The search teams were scouring the woods, looking for signs of where their clever princess could have disappeared to, and at his side, his wife clutched his hand. "You don't think he knows who she is, do you? That he would have taken her?"

"Which one?"

"Does it matter?"

No. Luke Skywalker certainly seemed to be gone, leaving the much darker Natus behind. Padme would be sickened by it. Obi-Wan would be saddened, and Bail…. Bail had done everything he could to protect Leia and yet she'd still been put in danger. She was still nowhere to be found. He had failed her.

There was no warning as the doors to the private room opened, emptying Leia Organa into it. The guards that had escorted her in took their leave immediately as Breha leapt to her feet and nearly took Leia off of hers. Bail watched as his wife pressed a kiss to dark hair, her arms wrapped around the teen as if she might never let go. He let himself soak the moment in so that it could set permanently in reality.

"Are they gone?" Leia demanded around her mother's grip. "I didn't see the Star Destroyer orbiting."

"They're gone," Bail breathed and finally gave himself permission to join. He came up on Leia's other side, pulling his family into an embrace.

"And the man that Natus brought in?"

Despite the relief, another wave of sadness hit him. "The Jedi is dead. Natus killed him."

The colour slowly drained from his daughter's face as she stared at him. "He said he'd be treated fairly."

In that moment, Bail saw how young she was. Despite everything, how naive. "Leia," he breathed, "I'm afraid he said what needed to be said to get to the end that he wanted."

She shook her head. "No… he let the little one go. Why would he -?"

"The little one?" Breha asked, drawing Leia out of her spiral.

"The man wasn't the Jedi. He was just protecting the Force-sensitive child. He was so tiny, so young…. Natus let me take him to get him to safety."

It was Bail's turn to stare now. The Skywalker boy had let a Force-sensitive child go, sacrificing the elder. Why, he wasn't sure. If it was a hint of his mother left in him - and even then, corrupted by his father - or some long game that would come back to destroy them, there was no way to know yet. Instead, he pulled them both closer. Whatever had happened was done, and for now - even if just for that moment - she was safe.

—-

The Red Guard moved out of Vader's way as he strode into the Emperor's throne room. He didn't want to be there, not with Luke being seen to by the medics. But when the Master summoned, the Apprentice appeared. It was the way of things.

Sidious sat on his throne, yellow gaze fixed on Vader as the younger man made his way in and took a heavy knee with his head bent. "What is thy bidding, my Master?"

"I understand that young Natus was useful in capturing and killing a Jedi."

"He was," Vader answered, shoving the fear he felt in the lie deep.

"Yet you are troubled, my old friend. Why is that?"

Vader weighed his response carefully before speaking. "He was injured in the battle."

Palpatine waved one bony hand in the air dismissively. "So I had heard. Difficult lessons are learned through strife, are they not? Your own have all been that way."

"He is strong."

"Yes. And he has learned well. Soon it will be time for him to move to the next phase of his training."

Despite the lack of permission, Vader found himself looking up, surprise weighing on him. "He is still young, my Master."

"As were you. War makes men of us all, and you have taught him well. Rise, Lord Vader, and take pride in it. You have taught him to hone his strength and he has made himself invaluable to our cause."

Vader stood slowly, as commanded, and Palpatine also rose. He moved down the steps slowly until he came to stand in front of his apprentice. So small, and he appeared so frail. It was not yet time to end him though.

"Soon he will be awarded a flagship of his own and these sparks of rebellion will have no choice but to smother under your boots. You have done well."

For all the praise, Vader hated the idea of being separated from Luke again. Just another chance for Palpatine to find a way to force a wedge between them. He had no choice though, and despite Sidious having vastly different motives than his own, this was the next step of his training. This would lead them to victory. "As you wish, my Master."

---

It was becoming more and more rare that Mara returned to Coruscant at all these days, much less at the same time that the Executioner could be found orbiting the planet. It wasn't until after what felt like a longer-than-usual debrief that she found out that Luke had been brought back for medical attention.

She found him in the medical wing, well on his way to health. He was out of the bacta tank and even out of bed by the time she was able to sneak away long enough to see him. His back was to her when she entered the private room, slipping a black tunic over his head and shoulders. He didn't turn, and while she would have liked confirmation that she'd been able to hide her presence even from him, the sliding door would have given her away. No, he knew exactly who was there.

"Enjoying the view?" he teased, finally turning just enough that she could see him watching her out of the corner of his eye.

"Been a while since I've seen it."

He chuckled softly as he reached over to where his belt lay, fasting it into place to hold the dark layers in check. "We've both been busy."

"Really, because I thought your father was intentionally keeping you away." She took a step towards him, her smirk playful, and she caught him as he turned. Luke flashed a grin as she wrapped her fingers in the fabric of his shirt, tugging him closer and he bent to meet her there. She could feel that broad smile through the kiss - a little longer in the wake of so much time apart and the exploration of what this new chapter meant for them both - before he pulled back.

He held her gaze for a long moment. "Walk with me?"

Mara's small smile didn't fade as he breezed past her and she followed, wondering what he had up his sleeve. They moved through the medical wing without conflict and out into the outer halls. Instead of taking a right towards where they might find a quieter room, he took a left, leading Mara out into the garden. All theories were quickly dissipating as Luke came to a stop in front of the old Jedi Uneti tree. "What —?"

He turned to face her, all playful teasing gone from his expression. "I need a favour."

"Okay…"

"I need you to research someone for me and I need it done quietly."

Mara frowned at that. "You have the same access I do."

"Yes, but if I look, Father will know."

A ginger eyebrow quirked upward. "You're lying to your father now?"

"No…. I'm just…" Luke looked away, stress pulling at every muscle. "He'll think I'm unfocused. I'd rather have the answers before he catches wind."

"Answers to what?"

"I can't tell you either."

The frown deepened. "I'm not sure I'm interested in helping if you don't trust me."

"I do, but I'm not even entirely sure what I'm looking for. It's just… a feeling. Like the Force is leading me somewhere. It's vague… clouded."

Mara pulled in a deep breath and loosed it in the form of a sigh. "What would I be looking for?"

Blue eyes snapped to meet her own green. "You can't tell anyone but me."

"I won't tell your father," she promised.

"Or the Emperor. Or anyone."

Slowly, Mara nodded her agreement. "What am I looking for?"

"A woman. A senator from the old Republic. I need to know what she looks like."

"Do I get a name?"

He paused, the conflict pulling at him, and when he spoke again his voice was almost too quiet to hear. "Padme Amidala."

---

TBC

Notes: Well this chapter was a beast to write, but there was so much that needed to be  covered when it comes to Luke and Leia meeting. So, apologies for the delay, but  I do hope it was worth the wait! I'd love to hear your thoughts <3 

Next Time: Luke takes command of his own flagship.

[nickgerlich]

Apple A Day

It’s that time of year again. No, not the changing of the seasons, the beginning of football, or the month Green Day wants you to wake them up when it’s over. Nope. Tomorrow is the annual September announcement—drumroll, please—from Apple and the release of the next iPhone.

Not that Apple doesn’t let the rumor mill freely run and play with wild speculations for the nine months leading up to this. The iPhone16 will officially be announced tomorrow, but we probably already know everything there is to know. If anyone knows how to play the hype game, it is Apple.

The question is will people be impressed enough to plan on lining up at stores in a couple of weeks to replace their old phones.

I remember back in 2007 when the first iPhone was announced. Much to my current embarrassment, I roundly dismissed it as superfluous, wasteful, and overkill. I already had a phone, pocket camera, and calculator. Why would I want to replace all of them with an expensive new device? That first-gen iPhone had a list price of $499, which is laughably cheap compared to today’s models, but it was still a huge expense to duplicate everything else you already had.

I quickly saw the folly of my way, and was ready to hop in the queue a year later to get my hands on what has arguably become the most important device ever released. It has been imitated by others and with different operating systems. It has been improved upon by Apple each year, adding more bells and whistles to that shiny veneer. And it has been the one thing that has kept Apple stock and profits in the stratosphere.

Of course, as with any innovation well into its umpteenth iteration, you have to wonder exactly what they could possibly add to make this worth buying, especially if the older iPhone in your pocket or purse still works fine. With new phones costing more than $1500 at the top end of the product line, it better be good, even if your phone carrier is willing to float you a 30-month interest-free financing plan.

The trend in recent years has been toward less frequent replacements. As of last year, data showed that more iPhone owners are keeping their phones three years or longer before buying a new one. As for me, my iPhone 12 will be four years old this November. Yes, the battery is showing signs of decay, but I bring along a small power brick for those times when it starts to run low. Photos and videos are enormous battery sucks, and if you shoot like me, it doesn’t take long. That brick was a lifesaver in Costa Rica last year.

This year, though, I am betting the iPhone16 will be a runaway success, because there is one significant enhancement: the arrival of AI, or as they like to call it, Apple Intelligence. A rose by any other name, of course, smells the same, but it will be cool to have a handheld computer that is capable of creating text and images on the fly without having to log in to other websites.

Were it not for AI, I doubt that I would be ready to make a move, and I bet that is the same story for many. We need something big when the product is so expensive. Never mind inflation, economic uncertainties, and all the problems plaguing us these days.

Not many years ago, some people replaced their iPhones each year, just like a few decades ago, it wasn’t uncommon for motorists to line up to buy the latest new model every autumn. How else do you explain the Cadillac Ranch, a tribute to the auto industry’s ability to wow drivers with a slightly larger tail fin every year?

But cars are too expensive for that kind of frivolity today, unless you are made of money, and the same goes for iPhones. Marketers can only dangle new products successfully when there are both willingness and means. If either are in short supply—willingness because the new item truly is impressive, and means translating into ability to pay—then we won’t jump.

I guess we’ll all learn a bit more tomorrow, about ourselves, as well as Apple’s ongoing profitability. I’ll be watching.

Dr “But Can You Make The Camera Even Better?” Gerlich

Audio Blog

[minimomoe]

Secret Wish

Aizawa x reader

birthday fluff for the birthday man

“Okayyy. Promise not to laugh,” you warned. You stood on your tiptoes behind Shouta, teetering side to side as you kept your hands over his eyes. He let out a short chuckle but went along with your whims. You guided him until he nearly bumped into the dining table where you muttered an apology and helped him sit down. You removed your hands from his eyes but told him to keep them closed or else .

Shouta dutifully kept his eyes shut for the sake of what you had planned. He heard you shuffling around him, glasses clinking together, utensils hitting the table, chairs being pushed back. He almost gave in to take a peek but he heard you clear your voice.

“Open!”

He slowly peeled open his eyes and staring back at him was a heartfelt yet lopsided chocolate cake. It was two tiers, one side sliding into the plate beneath it, with white piping that tried its best to add some dimension. On the top of it there was some lettering that Aizawa had a hard time reading since it was a poor attempt to write in cursive with too thin of icing. You watched his eyebrows knit together and chuckled. “It says ‘For my Sleepy Scorpio’. Making a cake is a lot harder than it seems,” you nervously giggled.

The single candle in the center of the cake flickered in the low lighting. Shouta hadn’t said anything since he opened his eyes and you began to feel nervous. What if he secretly hated chocolate? Was the actively falling cake too ugly to maintain a pretense? You didn’t even know what you did wrong for that to happen. Maybe the flowers were an overkill, but guys should be romanced as well, right? You dug a deep mental hole in which you wished you could jump into until Shouta finally came to.

“This is for me?” He asked quietly.

“What? Of course it is! It’s officially been your birthday for…” you looked behind him to view the time on the wall, “Two minutes! Happy birthday, old man.”

“You remembered my birthday?” He said in a faraway voice. Your gaze softened and you walked to Shouta’s side. Even sitting down he was still shoulder height to you. Gently pulling his head to your chest you began to stroke his hair.

“You’re one of the most important people in my life right now, Shouta. Not Erasure Head the pro hero, not Mr. Aizawa the teacher, but Shouta. The one who seems to attract cats like you’re Snow White. The one who can fall asleep anytime, anywhere. The one who’s surprisingly a good cook.”

“Surprisingly?” His voice rumbled across your body and you paused running your hand on his head for a short moment.

“I figured you wouldn’t stay up on your feet for that long if you didn’t have to. You also have a surprising knack at sewing.”

“You know how many costumes I’ve torn through? It’s sometimes easier to just fix it myself,” he sighed, booking his arm around your waist. “And I enjoy cooking because of you,” he mumbled. Your heart fluttered from the statement and you was sure he could hear it racing. You looked at the dancing candle and rested your head on his.

“I hope we spend many more birthdays together,” you murmured. “I want us to go well into our nineties, hundreds even.”

“My knees won’t last that long.”

“I’m sure that cyborg surgery will be a thing by then so don’t worry about that,” you whispered and pressed a kiss on his head. “Go ahead, make a wish.”

Shouta pulled you into his lap and you dragged the plate with the cake closer to him. He watched the flame bounce around and held you even closer to his body. He leaned forward and blew out the candle without any flourish and then both watched the curling smoke in silence.

“Happy birthday, love. I’m glad I got to celebrate it with you first,” you held his face with both hands and placed a kiss on his lips.

“Again,” he muttered, and you grinned into his lips again. You peppered his whole face with kisses and Shouta hummed contentedly.

“What did you wish for?” You asked slyly. You cut out a rather large piece of cake for the both of you to share and Shouta glanced up at you.

“Isn’t that supposed to be a secret?”

“Woww so you’re keeping secrets between us?”

Shouta snorted and picked up a fork to feed you a piece of cake. You fed each other back and forth, and he sang praises for your cake despite the outward appearance.

“People still love the leaning tower of Pisa, so I can enjoy my little mudslide cake” he teases.

“Mudslide?!”

You both sat in the near darkness for hours, talking about anything that came to mind, and Shouta put his head in your chest again.

“Thank you. I’m actually enjoying my birthday for once.”

“Don’t thank me yet, there’s still more to come,” you used your thumb to clean off icing from the corner of your mouth and smiled.

“You already know that Mic has something planned for you and we’re gonna have to see what it is.”

“He’s always ruining my plans,” he groaned.

“And what would that be?”

“Wanna see?” He suddenly got up, gripping your thighs tightly and leading them into his bedroom.

“I still have presents for you!”

“I’m about to open one right now,” he smirked, and he closed the door behind him.

M.list || Twitter || Ao3

[localwebslingers]

He jumped out of the way of another rocket that he didn't have the time to try and catch, watching it explode in the air instead, and looked up to see Goblin throw a robot dog off the roof, "Eagle drones, robot dogs, do you think they'll pull out bionic goldfish next?" Peter asked. Not that he expected an answer but it seemed like they were going to have to keep an eye out for more mechanical creatures. Just to be safe. And more glowing weapons too, if the swords had been anything to go by. Whoever these guys were, they had some serious tech at their disposal.

At the warning he crouched down and shot two webs at the done coming for him and pulled it hard. Slamming it first into the ground, then over to the side, and finally thrown over to another rooftop where he wastched it explode on impact. Huh, okay, that was a really good thing to know about. He wondered if the dogs would do that too if they were hit enough in the right way. Definitely a thing to watch for, "Thanks!"

The remaining birds were glanced around at. Most of them had already been taken out by the two of them, though Peter was pretty sure Goblin had handled most of them. He looked over and paused seeing the bomb, "Don't you think that's kinda overkill for the birds that are left, Gobbie?" unless it wasn't one of the exploding bombs but honestly they all looked nearly identicle to him. It wasn't until moments before they went off that his spider sense usually caught if it was a danger or just a smoke screen to let Goblin escape.

Peter looked back into the air with the drones and nodded, "Birds first, then snipers, got it." he paused and pointed off to the side, "See that computer setup over there? The one I was on when you tried to surprise me. I've been tracking these guys down for the last week and that is the first actual lead I've had the whole time. If you don't count them trying to impale us on mechanical beaks and arrows." which, personally, he did not. That wasn't really a lead, more like a consequence of snooping around for things people didn't want him to know.

Something that Spider-Man was really good at. A glance was given back to Goblin, "We take care of these guys, take that, and I'm willing to extend the truce so we both can see what's on it if you are. Sound like a plan to you?"

A pair of swords, followed by a hunter, and the Goblin saw his chance as soon as Spider-Man webbed the hunter's face: he was jumping back onto the rooftop and kicking the hunter's chest away, while reaching to grab the selfsame swords that had snatched his attention.

He knew better than to keep them, because they might have a tracker on them, but if they were going to end up in close quarters, well, the Goblin knew how to wield a sword, and it would give him more reach than a dagger. And so he tested them as fast as he could, stepping away from Spider-Man as his offer was considered and eyeing the next hunter approaching.

This one was fast enough to duck and avoid the sword that was now Harry's, but not enough to prevent Harry from kicking him on the chest and off the rooftop, against one of the drones, before walking again onto the Glider.

And there came the question: had he worked in a team in the past?

"I'm a good team player." He replied, in a way that felt more like a bluff than a truth, for all that the Goblin believed himself smart enough to figure it out... and he'd worked in a team, in the past. Just not in the battlefield.

And not with enormous metallic dogs jumping on him, requiring all his strength not to fall from the glider and forcing him to drop a sword to hold the robot's mouth closed. Apparently, he realized, they could climb.

And then he threw it off the rooftop as well, instead of at Spider-Man, because he was indeed a good team player.

"Rooftop at your ten." He suggested, fishing a pumpkin bomb with his one free hand. "We get rid of the birds, then we go for the snipers?"

And if the next hunter to approach took a smoke bomb to their face, well, they only had themselves to blame. But he needed to see if the hunter drones could target through smoke, and he could definitely fight through it, thanks to his tech and senses.

He... just hoped Spidey could. Or that he'd target the birds instead.