#I know adults =/= not idiots but the odds lessen ever so slightly

[gaminegay]

Im so relieved when i check someone's blog and see they're 25+. Thank god you're here

[the-passing-flame-ffxiv-fanfic]

The Passing Flame Ch. 3

The day past in a blur for Rhun as his mind was heavy in thought. While everyone else played and enjoyed time with each other, he was very disconnected with reality.

“Rhun?”

“…..”

“RHUN?!”

Rhun snapped his head up hearing his name yelled and was met with his uncle. Alphinaud smiled warmly at his nephew, knowing something was troubling him. “Everyone left ages ago.”

“Oh, sorry, just going over lessons of the day. I’ll leave right now.” Rhun began to clean up his books and store them under his desk quickly. “Rhun, if something is troubling you, I hope you know you can speak with me.” Alphinaud recognized the pained look in the young Elezens eyes. It was the same look Harune would have when she bottled up things on their many journeys across the realms.

Both Hyliea and Railee were very much vocal about their emotions or what worries befell their young minds, but Rhun always kept everything bottled up. Alphinaud didn’t understand why at times, even his own daughter wasn’t afraid to tell it bluntly. “I’m fine uncle, really. Just tired from training and a little worried about Krile’s new class.” Rhun felt terrible lying to Alphinaud. Truth be told, he adored his uncle more than anyone, even his own parents. He wanted to be smart, brave and a well versed summoner just like him, but he knew what was expected of him was to be in a class like either one of his parents. “Rhun, please, if there is any way I could lessen-”

“You can’t!” Rhun shouted unexpectedly. “You can’t help me, not with this…” He sighed then turned and jolted out the room leaving Alphinaud stunned and even more concerned than before. As he approached the Scholars exit, he could hear the familiar sounds of his sisters and cousin. Rhun didn’t want to cause any more questions towards himself and slowed his approach until he was at a walking pace. “There’s the idiot. TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH!” Hyliea called out to her brother.

“Hyl- Oh forget it. Rhun, Tsuyu informed us that we are going to have a party tonight with the members of the alliance. Aunty YeeYee and Uncle Uri will be there too!” Railee smiled excitedly. “M’toya and the others returned to their dorms to prepare.” “Oh? That’s awesome.” Rhun gave a convincing smile. “I can’t wait to see everyone. M’toya must be happy to see his father again.” M’toya always told Rhun how amazing his father was, how much he looked up to him and supported him even when his mother was weary of his experiments.

Rhun also knew he would have to steer clear of his uncle Uri, as nothing got past his all-knowing eyes. “Me and Izzy are headed home to help mama bake sweets before daddy gets home. He always tries to help and ends up having to call grandpa Cid to repair the stove.” Fae turned in the direction of her home. “I’ll see you at the party.” The young girl waved and left with her carbuncle in tow.

The three siblings began their journey home as well, mostly Hyliea and Railee talking about the day and their excitement for the party to come. Rhun followed behind, lost in his own headed and thinking of excuses to make if anyone caught him in such a state. As they approached their home, Hyliea flung open the door which made their mother jump. “WE HAVE RETURNED!!” Hyliea shouted gleefully. “Hyliea Lou Hibiki! What have I told you about throwing the door open in such a barbaric manner?!” Alisaie scolded as she held her chest from shock.

“Mother, Hyliea is the definition of Barbaric.” Railee teased as she waited for Rhun to enter then closed the door gently. “Fenyx, Akelda and Tsuyu are attending our Scholar now. It’s a joy to be together again.” Alisaie approached her three children and gave each a kiss on the forehead, ruffling Hylieas hair for good measure. “I am pleased you three are enjoying your time with your friends. Word had reached their parents about how great Ala Mhigan Scholar is and they decided it was in their children’s best interest to send them here.”

Rhun gave a wary eye to his mother, he knew she was lying and that the real reason was for their protection. His stomach was in knots and he felt like puking, the knowledge he held was weighing heavy. “I’m going to lie down and rest before the party.” Rhun excused himself and made his way to his shared room.

Once he was in the safety of his bed, he closed his eyes and let the world melt away for a while. The sounds of his sisters and mother cooking in the kitchen gave him some comfort of distraction. He could slightly hear Railee telling off Hyliea for sneaking samples of the food and his mother telling off the both of them for their squabbling. Rhun started to drift into a deep slumber, his mind allowing him rest.

“Hear…”

Rhun opened his eyes and saw nothing but darkness as his body fell downwards. He braced himself for impact but felt his body slow and gently touch the ground. “What…ngh!” He shielded his eyes from the bright light that appeared far in front of him.

“Hear…. Feel….”

Rhun turned to spot the owner of the voice, feeling himself vulnerable and slightly scared. “Who are you!” He yelled but heard no answer in return. Suddenly, darkness clouded the light, as he turned to see what caused the overcast, he was met by a person in dark robes reaching out to him.

Rhun woke with a start, sweating and breathing heavily. He scanned the room, making sure the masked individual was not around. The door clicked open, which caused Rhun to jump. Railee peaked her head in, smiling gently seeing Rhun was already up. “Mother sent me to wake you, we’ll be leaving in a few bells.”

Rhun nodded slightly and stood from his bed and walked over to the door. “Thanks Rai, I’ll start to get rea- umm…what are you doing?” He asked as Railee got closer, examining her brother. “Bad dream or fever?” She asked concerned, putting her hand to his forehead. “Bad dream. Some dark figure, I don’t know. Kinda fuzzy.” Rhun shrugged. “Hmm… All of papa’s old adventure stories probably. Happens to me every now and again.” She smiled then got in whispering distance. “Don’t tell her, but Hyliea as well. Sometimes she still sneaks in my bed or mama and papa’s.” Railee giggled then left.

Rhun smiled happily, Railee always had a way to make him feel equal to their eldest triplet. He quickly dressed, pushing back his thoughts of earlier. The feeling of excitement filled his soul at the thought of seeing many of his friends and family together once more.

“Come on, hurry up all of you. Papa has a surprise for all of us. We don’t want to be late! Hyliea, leave your sword! Railee, make sure Hyliea isn’t sneaking any weapons out this house. Rhun, shoes and help me carry these dishes! Let’s go!” Alisaie called out to her three children.

As she waited outside for the three of them to gather, her mind drifted off to fond memories of the past. Fighting all over the realm and even one not their own, facing untold horrors, sin eaters, corrupted beast tribes and fighting an all-out war with Garlemald. Even with so much under her belt, nothing ever prepared her for motherhood. Alisaie didn’t think pregnancy would be much of an issue, but carrying triplets was a harder than any fight she’d encounter. Mood swings, sleepless nights, discomfort, many restroom breaks, weird cravings and birthing them was no easy task. Alisaie chuckled at the memory of the expression Harune made when Y’shtola told her their children would have to be cut out as it was the safer method than normal delivery.

Her hand drifted down to where the scar laid under her shirt, her most favored scar, the scar of motherhood. Alisaie also recalled the journey both her and Harune undertook to have children. Visiting each of the Twelves monuments and asking for guidance and their blessing, much like they did before they married. Harune became frustrated when no answer came, not even from mother Hydaelyn. Though, once they returned to Idyllshire, they came to see the twelve did grant their prayers. Both Krile and Alphinaud discovered a long forgotten book that spoke of a potion called fantasia. It would allow the one who drank such potion to transform into the opposite gender or another race entirely. The joy that washed over them, Alisaie can only recall it as Euphoric. Harune remained a male for well over a month, causing much confusion, laughter and odd looks. Alisaie loved Harune dearly, knowing what she continued to put herself through for their future, made her love the warrior of light even more.

When it was discovered Alisaie was pregnant, Harune took the other vile of Fantasia and reverted back to her original self. The months flew by and now, so did the years as their three bundles quickly grew into beautiful young adults. Alisaie did miss the days when they crawled into her lap or wanted to be held close. But she knew they were gaining strength in their wings and would soon fly into the world and make their own name in life.

“Mom?”

“MOM!”

Alisaies’ thoughts were interrupted by Hyliea tugging on her sleeve. “I thought you wanted to not be late?” She smirked which earned her hair being ruffled by Alisaie. “Can I not indulge in my own thoughts?” Alisaie smiled and looked on to see both Railee and Rhun with a dish in their hands. Before she could pick up the one she set on the porch, Hyliea quickly grabbed it away.

“You do a lot… Soo… we got this.” The older twin blushed and hurried along to her other siblings. Alisaies’ heart warmed at the words, her children may be unruly at times, but they did know how to make a mothers’ heart melt. The journey to the banquet was a short one, the three quickly placed the dishes on the table where many others laid and hurried off to be with their friends. Y’shtola, being close by, quickly blocked off the three from joining their friends.

“And where do you think you’re going without giving Aunty YeeYee a hug?” She smiled and opened her arms to the three of them, who, one by one offered a hug to which she returned with one of her own and a kiss to their cheeks. “Ehhh… Aunty, we are too old for kisses!” Hyliea grumbled as she wiped her cheek. “Oh? Is that so? Well, looks like I have to kiss your cheeks until you learn not to wipe off my love.” Y’shtola teased making Hyliea take off running. Railee and Rhun held their sides as they almost fell over with laughter. Railee was the next to venture off to find the others, leaving Rhun to catch up. Once he waved goodbye to Y’shtola, he turned to run only to bump into Urianger. “Oh… Ow…. Sorry uncle Uri, didn’t see you.” The tall Elezen man chuckled as he helped Rhun stand. “thou wouldst regard there be a fire.” Urianger smiled and gentle ruffled the boys’ hair. “Be on thy way child, M’toya hath inquired on thoust whereabouts.” Rhun nodded and quickly ran off to find M’toya and the others.

As the children played and the adults conversed in idle chatter, a load roar pierced the sky, making all attendees look up. “PAPA BROUGHT MIDGARD!!!!” Hyliea shouted in excitement as she and the others quickly ran to and flocked around the old dragon. Harune dismounted Midgardsormr, gently patting his neck in thanks. “Careful, the brood is coming.” She warned her old friend who chuckled.

“They will be well protected; I shall let no harm befall them.” Midgardsormr spoke lowly as the children bounded up to him. “It’s not them I’m worried about at the moment.” Harune walked on as the children rushed past her, she realized greeting the young ones fell on deaf ears as they swarmed the dragon, hugging, climbing and begging for rides. Harune approached Alisaie, giving her a gentle kiss as she joined in the conversations with old friends. “It’s like they have never been apart.” She smiled. As the party commenced, Aymeric made note of the smaller form of Midgardsormr flying about and the horde of children chasing him. “Who knew a dragon would make a fine baby sitter?” He chuckled as he turned to continue a conversation with Harune and Lord Hein.

“Quite, But I think our old friend here has had just about enough of the broodings’.” Harune motioned as Midgardsormr perched himself on a high ledge, out of reach of the children.

“C’mon, Midgard!” “No.” “We just wanna play!” “Pulling mine tail, grabbing mine horns and jumping on mine wings is not playing, ‘tis painful.” “But you’re small now.” “No, one of thou intends to squeeze me lifeless and the other-” “I want to dress him up.” “….. Be gone.”

As the children continued to try and convince Midgardsormr to continue to be their play toy, Urianger approached Harune and slyly whispered in her ear to join him and a few others, out of earshot of the children. A few stayed behind, as to not make their interactions suspicious, only Alisaie, Alphinaud, Hein, Lucia and Lyse were present.

“Okay, we know you Urianger, what have you found out?” Harune started with her gaze fixated on the eldest Elezen among them. Urianger was quiet for a long moment, his fingers on his chin as to think of a precise way to begin this conversation. “By the Twelve! Spit it out already!” Alisaie piped in, her patients wearing thin. “Older, yet still as hot headed as ever I see.” Alphinaud quip earning a glare from his sister. “Alphinaud… I have half a mind to-”

“Be still.” Urianger spoke with a sternness. “I hast been pouring all mine time into researching why an ascian hath decided to grace us when we had banished 'em long since. Yet due to the dreams our children hast been having…. I arriveth a conclusion.” Urianger then turned to Harune before he went on further. “Pray tell, thou told us thou had dreams of Hydealyn ere meeting us, correct?”

Harune nodded solemnly, feeling panic well up inside her chest. “I had dreams as a child as well, but on my way to Thanalan, the dreams became much clearer and when it came to facing Ifrit…. That’s when I learned I was her chosen.” Urianger nodded as if his theory was correct. “I believeth, at which cometh to our children, the path we hath walked shall be theirs to inh'rit.” Eyes were fixated on the elder Elezen, no one wanting to speak, even breath that this fear would be true. Lyse glanced over at the children playing with Y’shtola and the others, her hand over her heart as if trying to ease the pain that dared to pierce her heart.

“They are so young, younger than any of us were, even Alisaie and Alphinaud. It is not fair that they continue after us. It is not what I wanted for Lyam.” Lyse spoke with tears daring to fall. “Nor I for Fae. She is only twelve summers old.” Alphinaud looked on to his smiling daughter. “I can agree that none of us want for our children to walk our path, tis a cruel fate we never wished for. Though if this Ascian reborn is to be true… We must prepare them.” Lucia spoke sternly. “I arriveth to receive Hydaelyn shall bless some with the Echo, and amongst our children, chose a new champion of light.” Urianger looked directly in Alisaie and Harune’s direction.

“To be more direct, one of thy three.”

[idiotbrainjuice]

Broken Bones, Kept Promises

AO3

Had he known that Quidditch Practice would take up all of his free time, He… lets face it, Harry still would be playing Quidditch. He loves the freedom of being on a broom soaring through the air where no one can touch him. 

Or so he thinks. 

Its Friday, the last practice of the week. He spends it practicing his dives and searching for the Snitch while Wood is working with the substitute beaters. He loves the rush, when he's up here he feels like he can do anything. 

But today he’s slightly on edge keeping an eye on the teacher watching them. 

The Wizarding World knows how dangerous Quidditch is. After countless complaints from parents a couple years back a rule was instituted that there must always be a teacher on duty. It should have been a thing sooner but you know wizards. Usually it's Madam Hooch but she was away on personal business. So in her stead was Professor Snape.

When he had first walked onto the pitch Harry’s stomach drops when he sees the Professor. 

The Potions Master didn't seem to like him at all. His first day in his class he had accosted Harry asking questions he had no way of knowing.  Although Professor Snape’s anger towards him was nothing like Uncle Vernon's he didn't want to be within range when the norm changed. 

He snickers to himself when he spots the professor squinting up at the sky. He just looks dumb. 

Harry knows how he gets when he's up on his broom. When he’s focused on finding the snitch, sometimes the world around him disappears. He’s poised like a cat searching for prey. (Which is  the farthest from what his personality  actually is.) 

His hyperfocus is probably one of the reasons he doesn’t notice the bludger heading his direction until it breaks his shoulder and he finds himself freefalling through the air. 

It’s an odd sensation and he knows he should be scared but his freakishness has protected him so far. He’s just worried someone is going to say something about it. Aunt Petunia said he was different and weird. She knew more about Magic than she let on and wouldn’t let him on the roof after that no matter how much Uncle Vernon yelled. 

The wind whistles in his ears but he focuses on the broomstick above him calling it back to himself as he slows down his descent. He’s done it before, like the time he fell off the roof. Well he bounced that time but its not that different, only higher. 

When he floats gently down the shock and adrenaline slowly wear off leaving him shakey. He feels everything as his latest bout of freakishness does not help with that. 

"Bloody Hell harry that was amazing! I didn't know you could do wandless magic!"  Someone claps him on the back and he gasps in pain shifting away. 

He doesn’t like pain no matter how constant it is in his life. Pain was always the result of a mistake and Uncle Vernon never let him know what he did wrong. 

Not dissimilar to the professor, the same one he sees heading their direction through a gap between Wood and the Weasley twins. A chill runs down his spine and he takes a step back automatically, putting more people between him and the teacher. But Snape pushes through kneeling to be level with him “Potter, are you hurt?” He shakes his head standing straighter. 

“Did you know Harry could do wandless magic professor? That was amazing!” 

He sees the moment Professor Snape's worry turns to contempt. "Well tell your adoring fans that Practice is over, it's getting dark anyway.”

They jostle him still asking him questions on the way to the locker room. His answers are “I don't know” or “I've always been able to do it”. But it's getting hard to think of answers between the constant pain.

They finally leave him alone when they arrive in the locker rooms and he takes a quiet moment in the shower to set his broken shoulder. And passes off his yelp as the shower being too hot.

He takes his time after practice, making him one of the last ones to enter the Great Hall, it's not uncommon for the Quidditch players to enter late but Harry was late by anyone’s standards.  

Hermione waves him over to where her and Ron are sitting and he beams it's so wonderful to have friends he doesn't think he’ll he over it any time soon.

He zones out of the conversation more focused on consuming everything on his plate before dinner is over. 

He grabs the pitcher of Pumpkin juice intent on refilling his cup which is kinda hard to do one handed. 

"Harry you did what!?" Ron nudges Harry eyes wide in disbelief not that Harry sees, it the pumpkin juice is spilled and Harry's head thumps to the table all his brain function dedicated to the indescribable pain he's in. 

"Harry-" 

"Mr. Potter," It takes a while for him to register either voice but it's hard not to sense someone behind him. Harry turns his head to the potions professor behind him.

"When I asked you on the field, you said you were fine." 

"I was, or I will be"  he stutters looking at his useless arm "it should heal in a few days." 

"What, do you think the love of your adoring fans will heal you? Idiot, get up I'm taking you to Madam Pomfrey. "

“What do you mean healed?” Ron asks there’s something in his voice that sparks worry in Harry.  He glances to the side noticing that the students around him are doing a really bad job of trying not to pay attention to their conversation.  

“Well when I get hurt it always heal by the next day. Dudley once broke my wrist but it was fine when we went to the doctor. Aunt Petunia was not happy.” he doesn’t mention how she screamed at him for wasting her time and called him a filthy liar the whole way home.

Professor Snape purses his lips and is quiet for a while and Harry knows what that silence means, it means he’s a liar and making things up for attention. Or at least that’s what the adults always say about him.

“Come with me Potter.” 

Harry’s stomach drops what would happen if he said no.

 “Madame Pomfrey will take care of your dinner.” 

He doesn’t let the disappointment show he wanted to save some food, Just in case.

Hermione grabs his sleeve before he leaves. “We’ll wait up for you Harry.” 

“Potter.”

 All eyes are on the two of them as they exit the great hall and it makes Harry feel more uneasy. 

*

Severus watches the young boy out of the corner of his eye as they head towards the Hospital wing. Something is off about him. 

He’s Lily's son through and through from the curiosity in his bright green eyes and awe quiet demeanor. He seemingly inherited only a few of James' shitty traits but even then it's only in looks.

Harry trails beside him, just far enough to be out of reach but Severus doesn't think the boy realizes he's doing it.   

“Do you get injured often Mr. Potter?" Severus glances at the young boy who trails behind him looking over his shoulder and around as if checking for escape routes.

“Yes sir, I’m very clumsy, I closed the door on my fingers once. That one took a long time to heal.”

“How long?” 

Harry eyes him warily it was never a good thing when adults questioned him it always led to them patronizing him and it wasn’t a good feeling.

The incident in question, Dudley had actually slammed the car door on Harry’s hand, his way of showing his displeasure that Harry had to come with them on a family outing. Harry’s crushed hand didn’t halt the trip in any way. He remembers Uncle Vernon shoving a cap on his head to cover his teary face. 

That was the first really bad injury maybe that’s why it took a whole month to heal. He doesn’t know what to make of the face the Professor makes when he tells him that but it worries him even more. 

Severus schools his expressions before looking forward again. He doesn’t like the matter of factness in Harry’s voice. As if it was the norm for him. 

Not that Harry would know, as an honorary Muggleborn accidental magic didn’t no- shouldn’t work like that. Only when injuries were left unchecked constantly would magic step in in that way.  

It plants a seed of worry in his gut as they near the infirmary. From what he can remember, Petunia was never the nicest person.  

“Am I in trouble?’ 

All lingering animosity towards Harry evaporates in that moment and his heart breaks. 

Severus hadn’t noticed that Harry stopped following him. He turns to see the boy looking so small and scared in the large hallway. 

“You’re not in trouble Harry, you’re here to get healed.” 

Harry takes a step back. “But my arm is healed now”  And it is, he proves it by waving it around, no sign of it ever being broken. "I didn't mean to get hurt, honest!"

Severus’ stomach turns. How terrified did Harry have to be for his magic to go into overdrive like that? 

He kneels on the ground getting level with him. “Harry, nobody is blaming you for getting hurt in fact, your mother would have killed me for letting this happen to you under my care.” Its underhanded he knows, to bring Lily into this but knowing Petunia.

“You knew my Mom?” the hope and desperation in Harry’s eyes staggers him. “I did.” 

“Was she nice?” 

“She was the nicest person I ever met Harry and if you come with me I’ll tell you all about her.”

The tension in Harry’s body slightly lessens and he talks a tentative step forward.

Severus stands walking to the door and is relieved to see Harry following (still at a distance). 

Harry still doesn’t want to be here. Nobody else is around and even if Professor Snape wasn’t being super mean to him he didn’t trust him in the slightest. 

Uncle Vernon did the same thing kinda, he’d ask him questions acting like he cares only to pull the rug from under his feet. It happened a lot when he was younger thinking he was finally part of the family but getting yelled at for existing in the next moment. 

Madame Pomfrey isn’t in the room when they enter but Harry doesn’t notice, the young wizard moves past him to slump onto the bed.

Harry stumbles to the end of the bed away from where the professor is standing exhaustion hitting him like a train. He forgot how tired he gets after his injuries heal. Normally he’s just drowsy but this is the fastest it's ever been fixed. 

He struggles to stay awake eyes falling closed every few seconds before a dark blur moves into his field of vision. 

“Harry, can you hear me?”  He flinches back raising his hands to protect his face. “Please-” 

Professor Snape is on the other side of the room when Harry puts his hands down. He looks angry. 

“Harry.” 

“I’m sorry!” He doesn’t know why he’s apologizing but it works when Uncle Vernon is coming at him.

“You’re safe here Harry. Nobody is going to lay a hand on you. Understand?”

 Harry nods but Severus sees that he doesn’t truly believe him. But it doesn’t do much good to continue talking because Harry falls asleep in the next minute. Either his body tapping out for the day or the exhaustion finally taking over. 

Severus sighs rubbing his temples as the throbbing headache grows bigger. 

“Oh Severus what are you doing here, I thought you were at dinner?”  he sees Madam Pomfrey entering the wing.

 She stops short when she sees Harry on the bed dead to the world. “What in heavens happened?” she rushes to his side checking him over. 

“He healed his broken shoulder.”  Poppy’s head whips to him angrily, “This isn’t a joking matter.” 

“I’m being serious Poppy, he broke his shoulder two hours ago and on the walk over here it was healed.”  

"That shouldn’t be possible. Oh Merlin.. I knew something was wrong when I first saw him. He’s so small.” She trails off looking back at Harry.  

“I’m going to speak to Minevra, he needs to be removed from their care if you can even call it that.” Poppy nods as she tucks the boy in wand in hand as she begins to check him over. 

When Severus arrives back at the hospital wing Poppy sits by Harry nursing a cup of Firewhiskey by the smell of it. 

"Poppy?" She doesn't answer only handing him a sheaf of papers. By the time he's done reading it she pours him a small glass too. 

“I can’t imagine what he’s been through or I can, and it’s horrible, did anyone think to check on him?” 

Severus grimaces “Albus said he was taking care of him.” He should have known, look what happened the last time he promised something. And now here’s her son

“He’s going to be fine Poppy?” 

She notices that the ever present grimace on Harry’s face smoothed out if she stroked his hair “He will be if I have anything to say about it.” he smiles at the heat in her voice. 

Harry’s not awake to see how they both look at him then each other as if to promise they’ll never let anything bad happen to him.  

Harry wakes the next morning groggy and disoriented. There’s a phantom ache in his shoulder and the previous day’s events come back to him.  He nearly flings himself out of the bed but a hand steadies him.  

“Steady, you’ve been asleep for a while.” 

He tenses in the professor’s hands until the man moves back to his seat. “Can I leave now.” 

Professor Snape frowns and looks back to the office. “Madam Pomfrey just stepped out but once she checks you over you should be free to go.” 

Harry slumps in the bed. 

“Harry.” the boy looks at him apprehensive. “I want to apologize for how I treated you, I was basing your character on your father's and it was unfair and I shouldn’t have done that.”

  Merlin, the disbelief that lights on Harry’s face hurts. He hates everyone who has treated this child like trash himself included. 

“My office is open anytime you want to talk, I promised to tell you about your mother and I don’t go back on my promises.”

Severus knows that it’ll take time for Harry to fully trust him but he doesn’t intend to be one of the bad guys anymore.   

Notes: I like the idea that Harry is just a quiet little guy his first few years at Hogwarts. Trying to keep his head down focusing on school work but still doing all the canonical adventures. He’s a powerful kid but he’s got issues, mainly with authority and that they’re not there to help him in any way. 

[artificialqueens]

Chapter Three: We'll Show Them- Luci

summary: things take a turn for the worst when Farrah suggests a night out, and Shea risks everything when Sasha gets into trouble

tw: drinking, mild harassment, slight homophobia (not as dark as it sounds)

The day had begun like all the ones that week, quietly and dull. Sasha sat behind her desk with her elbow rested on the wooden surface, chin held up in her palm. Her eyes stared blankly at her computer screen, the words of a forwarded email blurring across the page. She narrowed her eyes, trying to focus on each sentence, but her attempts brought no success. Sasha minimised the email, leaving the screen on her desktop background. She smiled nostalgically as she remembered when the photograph had been taken.

The picture was of every member of staff that worked on Good Morning Bitches during Sasha’s first week. She was stood with the other anchors, Alexis and Shea, her arms draped shyly over their shoulders. Shea held her arm around Sasha’s waist; whilst a reluctant Alexis let her arms hang at her sides. The receptionists and assistants were adjacent to them, the cheerful group engulfing each other in a hug. Farrah, Kimora and Aja often seemed closer than any friend group Sasha knew, which seemed especially odd for colleagues. Trinity and Eureka stood firmly at the centre of both groups, neither indulging in the cheerful photo. They both managed a small smile, however.

Although Sasha had always loved the photo, one part in particular always caught her eye. Sasha’s mouth was slightly agape and her head was slightly tilted towards Shea. Shea’s own head was thrown back in laughter, eyes sparkling in amusement. Of course Sasha remembered the significance of the photograph; it was the memory behind it. It was the first time Sasha made Shea laugh. It had cost her a stern word from Trinity, something along the lines of, ‘we’re using the picture for the website, even if you made my staff look like a bunch of monkeys’.

Sasha longed to make a joke that would make Shea look at her like that again. She knew, however, that Shea wouldn’t want to hear one of her jokes for a while. Shea had created distance between herself and Sasha, hurt from Sasha’s rejection the week before.

“Hey, idiot, when were you actually planning on starting work? You’ve been staring at nothing for like 10 minutes.” Alexis scolded, peering over Sasha’s shoulder. Her comment had snapped Sasha out of her daze, and she glanced up sheepishly.

“Why can’t you smile like that anymore?” Sasha pointed to where Alexis stood in the photo, “What happened to that tiny, barely-there smile that you used to have?” Her joke made Alexis roll her eyes.

“You’re unbelievably useless. Eureka said that Aja was supposed to ask you about finishing a report from last week?” Alexis prompted.

Sasha sighed dramatically, moving the mouse so it hovered over her recent emails. Sure enough, there was a reminder from Aja. Both she and Shea were meant to find a story to discuss for the following week, when they were given a longer time slot. Sasha figured she’d find something herself as opposed to forced conversation with Shea. Alexis, satisfied that she’d done her job, walked back to her own desk.

Sasha tapped mindlessly on the keyboard, which was stained with coffee, as she opened the long forgotten google tabs on her computer.

Shea approached, and Sasha couldn’t be happier for a distraction. Clutching her clipboard, however, Sasha assumed that it was a business talk, not a friendly one. She opened her mouth to greet Sasha but Farrah interrupted, standing in between the two women. Farrah sat on the edge of Alexis’s desk, much to the woman’s annoyance.

“Hey guys.” Farrah grinned as the group turned to face her, wondering what she wanted. Kimora and Aja followed closely behind, both looking equally as happy as Farrah. None of the three had the most exciting jobs and, if Sasha got bored at her job, she’d had to have to suffer through theirs. It was unusual for even these usually charming girls to be that happy at work.

“What are you so chipper about?” Shea asked with a laugh, but Farrah’s smile didn’t fade.

“We’re going out for, like, the first time in months. It’s not often that we all have the same night off.” Kimora answered, leaning on Shea’s desk.

“You three need to come with us tonight! There’s a great bar a couple of streets down from here, we were planning on going after work.” Farrah clapped excitedly, her mouth spread into a wide grin. Sasha’s eyes switched from Farrah to Shea, who was sitting behind them with a grimace. Alexis, who was the oldest of the group, seemed much less inclined to join them, but agreed to do so after some persuading from Aja.

“Yeah, I’ll come, it sounds fun.” Sasha decided, hoping that her own disbelief wouldn’t seep through her deceptive words. “Me too. See you around eight?” Shea asked, turning her attention onto Farrah, who nodded in agreement.

Farrah was called back to her desk by Eureka, who had already managed to herd Aja and Kimora back to the office.

“If you want, I can pick you up at 8 and we can go to the bar together? Saves you getting the bus.” Shea offered, her voice still lacking in its usual friendly tone. Sasha was just grateful for the conversation. She’d missed it and she felt deprived, even if it had only been a week.

“That’d be great, thanks Shea.” Sasha smiled, watching Shea return the smile and walk back to her desk.

Sasha waited for her desk clock to tick its way to 6pm, tapping her finger on the mouse in time to the ticks. Eventually, the hands formed the straight line that Sasha had been waiting for, and she practically leapt from her seat. She was looking forward to mending her relationship with Shea, even if it meant having to deal with drunken barely-adults. She couldn’t pretend that she was the mature one of the crew, but at least she didn’t chase men around the bar and dance with them on tables. But, she supposed, there was more than one reason for that.

The bus was waiting to pick her up just 20 minutes later, and Sasha revelled in the chance to sit and think without the ever-present interruptions from her co-workers. Her mind wandered to her wardrobe as she wondered with dread how many of her clothes were actually clean and stainless. Picking out clothes for work that weren’t covered in pen or paint was difficult enough, and she had a lot less clothes for going out. She just hoped she hadn’t ended up painting in one of her nicer dresses, though she wouldn’t have been surprised if she had.

The bus stopped right on her street, and she was thankful because she wasn’t sure how much walking in heels her feet could take without a break.

She chose a black bodycon dress that stopped at the middle of her thighs. She paired it with a colourful blazer, patches sewn all over it, and some black heels that made her almost as tall as Alexis. Her makeup from her day at work was bold enough for her to not be able to justify redoing it, so she opts to just darken the shade of red on her lips and add more eyeliner to sharpen her wings.

The ring of the doorbell made Sasha jump as she sat on the end of her bed, tying up the laces on her heels.

Of course, Sasha couldn’t see her own face when she opened the door to Shea, but in every scenario she could think up, she was staring like an idiot, mouth open and eyes wide. She wouldn’t be surprised if she’d actually been stood there drooling. Shea wore a tight red backless dress with a plunging neckline and black kitten heels. Her hair was curled and sat like a frame around her face. It was a well-known fact that Sasha loved art; anyone could look at her and see that. But if you had placed her in a room full of her favourite paintings, from The Birth of Venus to Café Terrace at Night, Sasha could almost guarantee that she’d still be looking at Shea.

“Hey, you clean up real nice.” Shea grinned as Sasha twirled on the spot once she regained her composure.

“So do you, you look amazing.” Sasha exclaimed, returning the smile. Shea gave a mockingly humble shrug.

“Come on, let’s go. The others will be waiting for us.” Shea pulled Sasha towards the door and waited for her to lock it on the other side. They walked down the apartment building’s stairs until they reached the car park, chatting the whole way. The tension from earlier that day seemed to have lessened drastically, but Sasha was still watching her words. She certainly didn’t want to upset Shea again. Especially not on the first night they’d spent time together outside of work. Just the thought of it made Sasha nervous.

Shea held the passenger door open for Sasha before walking around to the other side of the car. They drove with music blaring, which Sasha wasn’t used to considering her daily commute was a bus, where most people offered a glare to anyone who even dared to cough. Sasha was happy to sing along to the song on the radio, only pausing to laugh with disbelief when Shea rapped the rap verses perfectly.

“I have more talents than just bossing you around, you know.” Shea laughed, tapping the side of her nose to indicate secrecy.

They arrived later than anyone else, and a drunken Aja managed to tell them that everyone else had been at the bar for 20 minutes. Sasha braced herself for one of Alexis’s infamous lectures, but the woman was enjoying a drink and didn’t seem to care less about their late arrival. Sasha and Shea took a seat next to her on the corner sofa that their group had migrated to. The pair both sat on the side adjacent to the bar, legs pressed together as they fought for space amidst their drunk co-workers.

Farrah was known for being a lightweight, but Sasha wouldn’t have been surprised if the woman had broken a record this time. It took her just over half an hour to start dancing on the tables, much to the bartender’s disdain. She was yelling and laughing, pulling an equally as drunk Kimora to dance with her. The pair had their eyes on men sat by the bar, and it was very clear that the men were equally as interested.

Shea laughed from her seat on the sectional sofa. They’d found themselves watching the younger women in their drunken antics, making the occasional comment to each other, Shea delighting in Sasha’s jokes.

“I need a drink if I’m going to forget that,” Sasha laughed with a grimace as she pointed to Farrah dancing up on one of the men, “you want anything Shea?”

She politely shook her head and watched Sasha amble over to the bar. She leaned towards the barman so he could hear her over the loud music, shouting out her order. When she turned around again to walk back to the group, two drinks in hand, she didn’t miss the scowl on Shea’s face. She didn’t realise what was wrong until she heard a catcall from the men on the bar stools.

Sitting down in her seat, she sat further back so that Shea’s body shielded her from their gaze. She leaned over and handed the margarita to Alexis, taking her own gin and tonic, placing it on her bare thigh. The bottom of the glass left a ring on her skin when she picked it up to take a sip, the alcohol warming her throat.

Sasha hadn’t realised how much she’d had to drink until Shea had commented on it. Shea had been talking to her, something about Farrah’s dancing, while Sasha stared up at her, a lazy smile on her face and a glazed expression in her eyes.

“-I don’t know who taught her that move, but they shouldn’t have. Damn, you’re really drunk aren’t you?” Shea laughed fondly as Sasha tried to comprehend what she was saying.

“Hey, Velour, come dance with us!” Kimora shouted from across the room, linking arms with Aja. Farrah had since sat down, barely able to stand. She was still breathing heavily as she curled up in Sasha’s spot on the sofa, an empty glass on the floor beside her. Sasha glanced up at Shea who answered for her, “Go on then girl,” nudging her in the direction of Kimora, whose arms were outstretched to hug her.

Aja twirled Sasha around on the wooden floor that had been proclaimed the dance floor by the locals. Sasha was largely unaware of her surroundings, only of Kimora dancing on a man by the bar and Aja’s hands clasped in her own as they span around, humming in time to the music.

The bartender had since added some dull strobe lights as dancing grew more popular with the people drinking, and the music had gotten louder. Sasha was only alert when she stumbled or when the strobe lights caught her eye, flashes of colour blinding her temporarily.

“Oh fuck I’m gonna puke.” Aja groaned, clutching her stomach. Sasha watched in concern as she grabbed a hold of whoever was closest to the bathroom, who happened to be Kimora, and pulled her through the ‘ladies’ door for assistance.

Sasha was left standing on her own and she stopped dancing facing the direction of the bathroom in concern. Once convinced that Kimora had it covered, she turned to look for Shea. She frowned when she noticed that she wasn’t sitting on the sofa as she had been before.

Sasha focused on searching for a glimpse of red, but she couldn’t see Shea anywhere in the bar, which in itself wasn’t that big. Although busy, Sasha knew that if Shea was in the bar somewhere she’d be able to spot her.

Sasha’s missteps had led her to the small garden outside the bar. Usually, the garden was full of people smoking, but it was unusually quiet. Sasha imagined it was because everyone was dancing inside the bar, too drunk to think about their next smoke break. Sasha knew Shea didn’t smoke, but she thought she might find the woman in the garden, getting some fresh air. She gave a heavy sigh when she realised that she’d been wrong.

With a slight stumble, she gripped the wall for balance. The brick wall of the bar’s exterior was cool, and Sasha was grateful for it when she pressed her back against the wall. The wall made her sturdier and gave her the courage to take another step around the corner, hoping to see Shea waiting for her there. Someone was stood around the corner, but it wasn’t Shea. A man stood; one foot rested on the wall, the other firmly on the ground. He didn’t seem drunk at all, but Sasha’s senses were hardly at their peak, so she couldn’t be sure.

“Sorry.” Sasha spoke, her words merging together as they slurred. The man’s attention turned to her, and she could just about see his smirk in the darkness. He slowly brought his foot to the ground so they were both firmly planted on the ground.

“It’s alright love. No worries.” The man spoke coyly, his voice much stronger and steadier than Sasha’s. She nodded politely and attempted to back away. Walking backwards proved difficult and she stumbled, only evoking a huff of amusement from the stranger.

“You don’t have to run away or anythin’. What’s your name?” The man asked, turning his body so that he faced Sasha. He was standing close to her now, close enough that Sasha was conscious of her own breath, tainted by intoxication. She didn’t have the mental capacity at that moment to weigh up the pros and cons of giving away that information.

“It’s Sasha.” She mumbled, scanning her surroundings with tired eyes. There was no one around, and Sasha was sure as hell not able to run anywhere.

The man’s hand has found its way onto Sasha’s arm and was working its way upwards when he paused. His eyes narrowed as he watched her frightened expression.

“As in, that Sasha Velour woman?” The man asked; the lustful smile wiped from his face. Sasha braced herself and took a deep breath. The man’s eyebrow rose as if prompting her to acknowledge her question. She gave a slight nod, and the man’s body tensed.

“So you were just gonna let me chat you up and make a fool of myself? You lesbians think that’s funny?” The man growled, his grip on Sasha’s arm growing in strength. His fingers left red marks on her arm, his chewed nails still managing to dig their way into her skin. Sasha flinched, trying to pull herself free.

“Let go.” Sasha spoke, making her voice as firm as she could. It still cracked, both from nerves and her dry throat. She wondered if the man had even heard her, because he showed no signs of acknowledgement. Instead, he just leered over her, his grip as strong as ever.

He leaned in closer when Sasha mumbled protests, her pounding head causing her disorientation.

“Have you ever been kissed by a man? I mean, a real man. Maybe that would solve all your problems.” The man sneered, holding Sasha’s jaw with his free hand. She pulled away, holding the corner wall in hopes of someone seeing her. Surely enough, she heard distant footsteps become louder and quicker.

“Hey fucker.” The newcomer called, pulling Sasha away from the man so they could confront him. Sasha’s eyes darted to her saviour, seeing a familiar red dress and dark hair. It was Shea who now stood in front of Sasha, separating her from the man. Farrah stood behind Shea, wrapping an arm around a shaking Sasha.

“Are you trying to protect that? You should be protecting me.” The man shouted with outrage. Shea paused for a moment, her mind clearly running with scenarios. She bit her lip for a second before balling her fists.

Shea’s punch came suddenly, knocking the man back as her fist made contact with his face, just under his jaw. He cried out angrily, swinging his own fist at Shea. It missed her as he was still regaining balance.

“Come on sweet, let’s get you inside.” Farrah gently pulled Sasha into the bar after giving Shea a meaningful look. After assessing that the woman would be fine, Farrah held the door open for Sasha to walk through.

Sasha sat on one of the barstools, as it was the only spare seat in the now very busy bar. Aja, Kimora and Alexis watched Sasha with concern. Aja and Kimora were arguably as drunk as Sasha, however, so didn’t bother sobering up to check on her. Farrah re-joined the others when Sasha had insisted that she was fine.

The bottles of alcohol glittered with colours, changing from red to blue with the strobe lights. It made Sasha feel dizzy and she shook her head gently to fix her swimming vision. Her head protested the sudden movement, and she held it with a grimace. In her disorientation, she hadn’t seen Shea pull up a stool next to her. When she noticed the woman, Sasha grinned widely.

“There’s my knight in shining armour.” Sasha hummed.

“You okay bitch?” Shea asked, shaking her head fondly at Sasha’s absentminded smile. Sasha nodded distractedly, but judging by her frown, something else caught her attention.

“Why aren’t you drinking?” Sasha asked curiously, her words slurring together. It took Shea a few moments to comprehend what she was saying.

“I don’t really drink.” Shea explained simply. “Then why did you come here?” Sasha asked, watching Shea with a curious stare. She reminded Shea of a young puppy when it tries to understand a command for the first time.

“Honestly, I came because I wanted to see you. That’s it.” Shea confessed, hoping Sasha wouldn’t notice the flush appearing on her face. In her current state, Shea doubted it.

“Why’d you tell me that?” Sasha grinned. She drew out her words, each one bringing more notice to the liquor on her breath. Shea just shrugged, “because I know you won’t remember this in the morning.” Sasha nodded in agreement, a gesture that read, ‘fair enough’.

Sasha’s eyes were wide, her brain only just beginning to process the situation she’d been in before. She checked Shea’s face worriedly, gasping gently when she saw blood on Shea’s knuckles.

She shrugged, as if claiming that she was fine. Sasha’s lips were still drawn into a smile, but it seemed to be forced, as if it were frozen on her face. It looked out of place with the panic in her eyes and her tense muscles. That was typical Sasha; even in her drunken stupor, her intelligent mind was still running wildly. She tucked her legs under the bar stool, as if that made her feel safer, and swivelled to face Shea. The other woman tried to disguise the concern from her expression.

“I like you.” Sasha mumbled; her empty vodka shot pressed to her lips.

“I’ll get Alexis to drive you home.” Shea announced, placing a kiss on Sasha’s cheek. Sasha brought up her hand to where Shea had kissed her, her hand shaking slightly.

She watched Shea as she walked away, not sober enough to call out to her. Instead, she pouted on her stool until Alexis walked over, handbag slung over her shoulder, wrapping an arm around Sasha’s waist as she brought her to the powder blue fiat waiting outside.