#I know next to nothing about lamias lol

[retphienix]

Yeah sure enough this seems like the end, huh, feels like we've done so very little to get here and yet had a ton of side stuff to mess around with lol

That seems apt for this game. Surprisingly, hasn't been a bad time, I rather like this one compared to TA.

I said it before, but it really does just feel like "TA done right". There's a world where TA is done better than this, definitely, like whoa boy definitely, buuuuut- compared to TA I found this way more enjoyable thanks to a few little adjustments.

But I'll save that for the actual finale post, for now this encounter- the story up to this point- and where this post closes.

This fight against Illua is deceptive. It can snowball BAD at the drop of a hat, as such this is actually my second attempt.

My first attempt I rushed up top with my gunner, archer, and Luso and I was incredibly confident as we 1 turned the behemoth up top while the rest of the party squared up in the spawn area.

But reinforcements arrive after 1 enemy dies and things started to get hairy way faster than I expected.

Illua got to like half health from Luso, then just double teamed him with the nearby lamia enemy that spawned.

I wasn't worried, because while Luso can DPS things down, my MVP is undeniably my hunter, and having supporting fire from my gunner had me confident.

Only for Illua to sprint over to my hunter and Stop him, at that moment I knew I was fucked. Sure enough what came next was like 30 turns of the lamia Toad'ing my gunner and (still Stop'd) hunter and Illua slowly tapping through my guys.

Obviously the fight went way smoother this time around.

I didn't intend to intentionally avoid killing enemies- I had no fear of the reinforcements now that I knew they were coming- but as it turned out they decided to waste their time taking the long path for whatever reason.

Worked for me :D

As for the story, man, what a weird game this has been lol.

I genuinely can't think of another game I've played that so desperately wanted to have no story.

Not ME wanting that, the GAME wanted to have no story, but did so anyway out of obligation.

The ENTIRE game has been "Let's fuck around! It's sure to be the solution!"

Every hint at story was vague in a fun way that implied more would happen... only for the more, as I'm now seeing, to just be exceptionally little lol

I mean we don't even learn about Khamja at this rate.

It's just a name.

The only member we see is Illua, and she's the big bad.

The only reason they exist as a concept is to add the smallest layer of complexity towards saying Cid used to know Illua (Oh they weren't friends, they were uh, oh yeah!, they were part of the same clan!)

Hell, a big part of the story builds up to reveal why Cid left and became who he is today- the reveal? He just felt like it.

No moral reason or nothing. He just left- they tried to kill him- and the only reason he's in a clan now is because as he bled out he saw a judge and said "Hmm. Save me I guess?"

Like I really like Cid as the story remains vague- he's fucking cool in this!

Then the reveal is just.

"Yeah I was in the right place at the right time. Idk man."

The short of it is that the story is kinda bad. Like a step lower than mediocre.

And yet, I'm not bothered by it?

99% of the game is trying DESPERATELY to jingle keys in my face and say "Don't worry about the story"- the story itself jingles the same keys with every other mission either being a ridiculous and nonsensical detour for the sake of it, a reference mission to FF12, or us fucking around.

So few of the missions progress anything at all lol

So since the game itself knows where it put its effort, and directs you to that effort constantly, and that effort is NOT the story- I find myself rather unbothered.

This game is about side quests (300 of them lol), getting rewarded with legendary weapons from other FF games CONSTANTLY, getting rewarded with equipment that has fun skills on them CONSTANTLY (unlike FFTA), and just messing around in short 5-15 minute ordeals- perfect for a recess break on your nintendo DS.

It's pretty good at that. I mean that.

Good enough that it makes me think I'd have more fun in TA if I abused its systems more because as it turns out TA/TA2 DOES have some good fun TRPG stuff in there. My time with TA was extremely lacking on that front, but seeing as so much of TA2 is just copy pasted but with some number tweaks to make it actually fun- I'm seeing the recipe wasn't as bad as I thought, it just needed the spice (equipment availability and skill acquisition speed improved) etc.

Don't get me wrong. I still find a lot of the core design ideas for TA and TA2 to be a mix of "Fucking dumb" and "Fine- but that's really not my personal preference", I'm just saying that TA did not sell it to me AT ALL and this, actually, kinda did.

BAH, I said I'd save that for the finale, I'll probably just point at this for that section now lol, this was supposed to be on the story and the story is just plain not there bud.

BUT, this little dialogue between the party was nice.

Kinda bog standard, but nice, it made me smile- that's cool :)

And as for how this post closes, I attempted the next guy, And Almost Fucking Did It!

ALMOST.

BAH!!!!

I got greedy and thought "I bet I can repeat what I did with my tinkerer in the last fight, here :)" and after having gotten the core to really low health and destroyed the hand or whatever I cast haste.... on the enemy and fucking died lol

As I'm pretty sure is visible in this recording, I did savestate at the planning stage of the next fight, I'll be retrying from there.

I also have states outside of this whole ordeal so if it turns out I'm just too bad at video games to take him out then I'll backtrack, but I came close enough to think I'm fine.

OH OH OH, also

10 minutes in, the funniest fucking faceplant.

[thelazyhermits]

What about lamia!skelebros? Our snek bois need all the love & petting, too

Agreed ^^ I don’t know a lot about lamia skeles, but the pics I’ve seen sure are cute XD Give all the skeles love and affection

[nanashiii]

Heron x queen!reader

So this is my first fandom contribution ever and even if it sucks I'm happy with it lol, it's kinda of a wip and since english is not my first language...well, it may just worsen the whole thing :,)

@zen-gordon I'm sorry it took so much time to write it 😖😖

↠ Wc: 1.7k

↠ Chapter 1

↠ Warnings: none yet

There was something to be revealed to you, the new queen of the polis, your mother wanted to warn you about who you really are.

She seemed to be delirious that night, it was a celebration, everyone was partying, the Palace in an uproar for some successful hunt or something of the same relevance for the nobles.

"Y/n, my ... daughter, listen to me, please ..." she was disheveled, so different from her usual self, eyes trembling. You thought it was the drink's fault, the wine must have been too strong.

It was a foolish judgment, the queen had been poisoned that same night, during the feast.

You guided her to the royal quarters, your mother's speech becoming more and more vague. And waiting for her to fall asleep, you stared at the night sky.

An eagle watched both of you from the top of a tree, which years before, had been struck by lightning. The bird was abnormally big, aside from the fact that it was nothing nocturnal.

The observation lasted a few minutes - a clash of swords and shields made you jump from the bed, which you have sited next to the queen - the woman lulled into an apparently peaceful sleep.

A maid - Lamia, the queen's most old and loyal lady, entered the room like a gust of wind, her eyes wide and blood on her robes matching her panicked face.

She was crying, her hands trembling as she grabbed yours in an attempt to get you out of the room.

You were on your feet instantly.

"My sweet child." The maid sobbed. "I can't let them kill you too."

"What?!" You felt the air escaping your lungs way too fast.

"The king is dead ... the queen ..." the woman staggered, trying to contain her crying. "Poisoned. There was poison in her food and drinks and ..."

The world seemed to shatter around you, at least, you world, the servant's words becoming distant murmurs. You turned, almost falling on the queen's bed, grabbing a hand that was already cold and purple with some grotesque poison.

Before a scream broke from your throat, someone covered your mouth, dragging you out of the room. You couldn't tell if it was the maid or a guard. Everything looked like a blur between tears, howls and a metallic smell that was beginning to approach.

The guards who remained in the stable placed you at the maid's side upon two black steeds, assuring that they would follow the new queen, you, soon. But first they would need to find the murderer.

The night had never seemed so terrifying to you, but Lamia tightened her knuckles, her eyes red with tears lit by the moon.

"We will take refuge in the Palace of your Aunt, in the neighboring polis." She will give you all the support you need." Lamia said, looking back one last time, you followed her movement.

Something in your heart seemed to sunk, as if someone had staked it there, tears flowed hot, sobs broke out and somehow now your horse was on the trail of the other steed.

It was a nightmare, Phobetor was playing with you.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<

He wasn't.

The next morning was so real that you almost felt ill. Taken by the shock, you arrived at your Aunt's palace in the polis that had heavy rain clouds but, strangely, didn't let not even one drop touch the soil. Even so, nothing seemed to matter at that moment, you were guided to a new room, an aunt dismayed and angry at what they did to her brother, shouted orders to your own remaings guards and when things calmed down days later, she decided that you coronation should be done there and soon.

The aid of a noble should always be questioned, she would probably ask for favors during the next years, but you couldn't even bear the thoughts of dealing with it, so the best option was to ignore your aunt's apparently innocent help.

"My queen, may I suggest something?" Lamia mumbled, she have spent more time by your side since that cursed night.

She couldn't ignore your current state, the sleepless nights and nocturnal fears were claiming it's own price. There were always creeping nightmares waiting for you, so the wandering nights inside your aunt's palace seemed much more appealing than a nightmare filled sleep. Soon both of you would need to go back to your truly palace, it seemed that your aunt's mercy was coming to an end more quickly than what you have expected.

"What is it?" You didn't even blinked an eye as you replied to the maid, one commotion down the plebe stands catching your attention as the sound of shouting voices started to reach your ears.

It seemed like a group of men harassing a lonely woman - well she looked a bit like an outcaster there, with everyone turning their eyes to the explicit violence against her.

"A guard's switch, my queen." Lamia approached your side.

What was making her so absorbed after all? The servant questioned herself, seeing nothing but a normal day at the polis.

"I think that, with a personal guard selected by yourself will bring you some peace, most nobles do this when they ascend to the throne" Lamia explained.

When the woman was brutally pushed by one of the five men, an young man appeared, he came running and as fast as he reached the group, he punched and even used a knife at some point. Almost slicing someone's throat.

He helped the woman to rise again, with some caution.

The two left, disappearing from your view.

I may need warriors like this one.

No...

I need this one.

He was ...

"I accept your suggestion, Lamia, can you organize everything so I can meet and choose them during the next week?"

"Of course my dear queen, I'll start it immediately." Lamia bowed, now questioning what could possibly have happened for the queen's complexion to light up. Nonetheless what has caused it she was glad for.

"And Lamia, make sure that they know about how generous the new queen is when it comes to payments."

"Yes, I'll be sure they hear about it" the servant bowed a second time and then left you, it didn't take too much time to another servant to come and replace her.

Your thoughts seemed to run more wildly as the day passed by.

The sudden attraction to the man made you question yourself, was it because he was the one who made you wake up from an aphatic state?

You weren't sure.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Zeus, in this case and in this form, Elias, was once again wandering drunkenly through the streets of the polis, enjoying the few pleasures that an old mortal could give himself and also maintaining his disguise.

He had overheard the conversation of one of the servants of the new queen, queen who was Demeter's and a mortal's daughter mortal which the goddess decided to deny the existence, handing her daughter over to a sterile human queen.

A demigod, just like his own son.

The two shared a strangely similar past, even when it came to traumatizing nights.

The disguised god walked back to his lover and son's home, the new queen's offer was too tempting for Heron to refuse, no matter how stubborn he could be. He had declined Alexia's offer, and perhaps the regret would make him choose right this time.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<

Lamia had organized everything just as the queen asked, her aunt did not hide the relief that you were leaving soon and wandered happily around the room in which the three of you were.

"The men in my polis make great guards, excellent warriors." the mourning for her brother had dissipated quickly, and it also increased your desire to leave that place, now the cloudy clouds seemed to worsen your mood.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<

You were waiting for them inside a kind of canopy like bed, Lamia had murmured something about only the selected ones seeing your face. It was a strange security issue and the day was particularly hot making you hate the stupid idea even more. But there was something, making your afternoon a little more tolerable.

The chance of seeing him again.

A few remaining men from your old guard positioned themselves near the door and soon it was opened, the first candidate entering the room, an undoubtedly strong man, but it wasn't the one you're seeking to see.

Your frustration almost materialized right there, and a doubt arose, what made you believe that he would appear?

As you were selecting the most competent ones, or at least apparently competent, your hope of seeing him again was being drained as the hours passed by, soon you would have to leave the polis and perhaps you should have to accept the fact that you would not see him again.

Besides, as a new queen there would be more important things to deal with, and soon this sudden...

The door opened again, the last one to be chosen and you had to control yourself not to tear the canopy.

It was him.

You were silent for a while, observing every possible detail through the fine fabric, his frame but what has made you literally frozen were his eyes - a vibrant blue, as if the sky and the ocean were inside those irises.

"My queen?" A servant called, waking you from your almost trance.

You composed yourself. Continuing with the same questions I had repeated so many times earlier.

"Your name?"

"It's Heron."

"Well Heron, you must already know I'm not from this polis, even so, are you willing to work as one of my guards?"

Tension filled your brain, after all he could simply deny it, you remembered the woman he helped, could she possibly be a relative?

He stayed silent for some seconds, his face was doubt itself but soon with was replaced by calm and determination.

"Yes, I'm willing too." Heron replied.

"Great." your response didn't matched the sheer happiness that you were feeling. You proceeded with the other questions about what weapon could he wield, combat experience...

You weren't really listening to Heron's answers, still mesmerized simply by seeing him close enough, even so, you managed to inform him that you all would be departing soon and he should prepare for doing so.

"You can go now."

He left the room and so did you, watching from a safe distance as he kept walking down the aisle, there was definitely something different about him.

Something that seemed weirdly familiar to you.

What was it?

[theriverpersonshadow]

Lamia Drama 12

Heeeeeey, guess who isn’t dead!!! >:3 Sorry for the long hiatus, I have no excuse really XD But I’m back! At least for now lol.

As always, the species belong to @vex-bittys . Now enjoy as Keith has a slight existential(???) crisis and Nikolai has big mom energy. Hope you guys like it.

<PREVIOUS | BEGINNING | NEXT>

           Keith stared down at his phone. It was late, but he couldn’t sleep. The day’s events were churning in his mind without anything to stop them. Had all of that actually just happened? It felt absurd, honestly. He’d just been having a normal day, then suddenly his bonded finally shows up,  he immediately fucked up with Nikolai and the babies, and then she started making a DnD character. It was oddly smooth. Smooth and gentle, not at all what he’d pictured all these years: no old fart dragging him away, no weird dullness in his mind, minimal screaming given his friend group, no immediate adoptions and being shipped off with a stranger within just a day, nothing. They’d met, had some ups and downs, and built characters together. It didn’t feel real.

           He’d doubt it’d ever happened if not for the faint feeling of warmth, contentment, and fog… was this what sleep felt like to people who weren’t asleep? Keith chuckled quietly at the thought. How would you even measure something like that?  Would anyone else even understand what he was talking about? Maybe other Chains?

           Keith’s eyes flicked to the Coral snoring barely a foot away from him. Would Hux understand?

           … no. He wouldn’t. And he’d hate the very mention. It was better not to mention it. Just because they were bonded didn’t mean he had to change his life much, right? Just have her over for DnD once a week, that was more than enough… right?

           Keith had heard what other Chains said, talking about how happy their bondmate made them, but they were usually so much younger. Did they know any better? What kind of lamia wouldn’t love who they were living with (so long as they weren’t abusive, of course)?

Keith started quietly slithering the halls, trying not to disturb the lamia who’d decided to crash on the floor. Not that it’d do much, most were so used to other lamia they’d probably just sleep through it. Keith definitely had before; Hux seemed to consider him the best bed in the house. What would he do without this? Without a scaly body pressed against his in the middle of the night? Without occasionally being woken by a kid in his face or bones tangled in his ribcage? Sure it was aggravating, but it was home. He was too old to start over, too settled here, he’d just be the DnD guy for Nikolai and the rest, and no one else would ever come get him because he wasn’t theirs.

Things didn’t have to change. His bones felt heavy, was it his own tiredness or hers? They didn’t. He could work with this, juggle it. If he closed his eyes too long the lingering colors almost made outlines of someone else’s dream. Do both. Everything could just be the same. He felt like he’d been relieved of some pain he’d not been fully aware of. So who cared if there was something friendly, warm, familiar alien attached to him now? He already had a life. Was it enough? Could he go back to thinking it was?

His phone buzzed in his jacket pocket, bringing him out of his thoughts. A smile quirked his face.

 Nik: Are you doing alright?

Nik: I meant to ask earlier, but Maia was having some issues. She’s sleeping soundly now though.

Keith: >-> Are you psychic?

Nik: Not that I’m aware of?

Keith: lol, jk. I’m just… thinking. You texted at a good time m’dude.

Nik: As I said, I meant to check on you earlier, but Maia needed a little extra help today.

Keith: Dude, no worries. I’m all grown up n shit, y’know? Take care of your person. <3

Nik: Thank you, but really, I meant to stay for a while. How are you feeling? I know you’ve had some doubts about soul bonds, but it seemed like you were getting along with her.

             Keith stared blankly at the phone: 11:43 P.M. Seven hours since his life turned itself on its head. At least supposedly. Maybe it was a fluke, just his soul reaching out blindly for anyone. Was that how it worked? It felt like he’d have found someone long before then if that was the case. Was it truly fate? Soulmates? He wasn’t sure how he felt about that either. It’d just mean that something outside of his control had decided him and some other person would be inexorably linked forever. It was never in his hands. He’d heard some good things about soul-bonds, but why would they ever tell them about the bad things? Surely they existed, right? But they’d never tell them because they wouldn’t want Chains worried about having a bond.

No one would want a Chain like him. That thought didn’t make him as proud as it used to.

           His phone buzzed again and Keith wiped the tears welling from his eyes.

             Nik: Keith? Did you miss the ringer again?

           Keith: Nah. Nah. Just trying to get my head on straight. I… I really dunno how I feel right now, honestly? I guess it just, like, snuck up on me. Got all caught up in it before I knew what was happening and now I’m trying to figure out how to feel about it.

           Nik: I understand.

           Keith: Do you though? I must be the only Chain who doesn’t immediately light up to feel his soul bond, huh. Heh.

           Nik: It’s a big event. Having complicated feelings about it is natural. <3

           Keith: How are you??? This good at this???

           Nik: Practice and love <3

           Keith: How are you??? This pure??? This ain’t fair m’dude. Who gave you a permit to have this much mom energy?

           Nik: Maia, probably.

           Keith: Heh. Maybe I could see her sometime? Would that be okay?

           Nik: I’ll have to ask her about it, see how she’s feeling. Not tonight.

           Keith: Nah, not tonight.

           Keith: I kinda wanna ask if we should talk tomorrow, ‘cause all this feels like an in-person chat kinda thing, but also, idk if I could sleep like this.

           Keith: I just hope she isn’t having to deal with all my BS, and it’s kinda scary ‘cause I don’t know why I care.

           Nik: You care because you’re a good person. I won’t pretend the bond is irrelevant, but you care because you’re *you*.

           Keith: Aw, shucks. Thanks m’dude.

           Nik: No problem. <3

           Nik: Why don’t we take this slow? Just spend some time with her and everyone else, get a feel for things. It doesn’t have to be immediate.

           Keith: Guess you’ve got a point. No reason to rush. I’ll see you tomorrow, alright? I’mma try to sleep.

           Nik: Alright. Hope you sleep well, I think I’m about to turn in with the others. Love you.

           Keith: You too, *Mom.*

           Nik: Make sure to clean behind your ears

           Keith: >:/

           Nik: I’m joking, I’m joking. We don’t have ears. Sleep well <3

           Keith: You too. Night dude.

           Nik: Goodnight <3

             Keith put down the phone and took a deep breath. Just a day at a time… He wandered back to Hux easily, the dude snored like he was trying to out-snarl a bear. Most people couldn’t sleep through it, but Keith just rolled his eyes and focused on the noise until it drowned out all the messy thoughts, bones rattling ever so slightly from the sheer strength of snores.

           He wasn’t sure whose dreams he had that night, but they were fun either way.

[rosedavid]

the fear of knowing

Pairings: Merlin & Gwen friendship, slight Gwen/Arthur

Canon Divergence from 4x08: Lamia

Warnings: brief descriptions of violence and execution (not graphic)

Description: Gwen discovers Merlin’s magic when they are fighting the Lamia. This leads to her having to reevaluate her views on magic and Merlin himself.

Please ignore any mistakes - I wrote this very quickly with no editing because I am lazy lol. If you enjoy this, please consider reblogging :)

...

Gwen lunges toward Lamia with a sense of courage she never knew she possessed. All she registers is Merlin being dragged away before she just acts. Although not as competent with a sword as a knight, she manages to wound Lamia, who lets out a pained shriek. It’s enough to incapacitate Lamia into letting go of Merlin. Gwen stumbles to the ground along with Merlin, who immediately places himself in front of her. Lamia only takes seconds to recover before she hovers over the two of them again, ready to strike.

Gwen can’t hear anything over the pounding of her heart. She grips Merlin’s tunic sleeve tighter, looking over to him as if for the last time. She expects to see fear and guilt etched upon his face. What she sees is gold. 

Merlin’s eyes are glowing gold. One of his hands is outstretched, mouth just about to open. Gwen gapes at him, her gaze torn between him and Lamia, wondering what will happen next.

But Gwen doesn’t have to wonder long, as suddenly a sword stabs Lamia through the back, revealing a worried Arthur. Merlin’s eyes fade back to normal, as if the golden hue was never there to begin with. Shakily, Gwen chokes out his name, then surges to greet him. She clings onto him, practically leaping into his arms. A sob forces its way out as they hug, but she refuses to let herself feel weaker than she already does. 

“You carry on, don’t worry about me.”

Merlin’s voice breaks them from each other, and Gwen is brought back to the reality of everything that just happened. Arthur heads over to help Merlin up, while Gwen hangs back, still shaking. 

After a few bickering remarks, Arthur rejoins Gwen. She wraps an arm around his middle, reveling in the comfort someone familiar brings her. Because suddenly, her whole view of Merlin has been turned upside down. Merlin, the one who Arthur beckons to follow behind them to safety, is a sorcerer. 

Everything feels too overwhelming. Lamia was harrowing enough, but to have this newfound secret suddenly revealed to her? That makes her feel all the more anxious. She sticks close to Arthur as they head back to the village. If Merlin is suspicious of Gwen, then he doesn’t let anything on. She sees Merlin rubbing at his back, as if in pain, and she swallows down the immediate need to help her friend. It’s just too much right now. Besides, Merlin appears to be doing alright, if not a bit bruised, so Gwen figures it’s okay to keep her distance for the time being. 

They return to Camelot soon after the knights are all deemed well enough to travel. Things are uncomfortable with the knights, as well, after everything that occurred, so Gwen mainly just stays to herself or with Arthur. She doesn’t know what else to do. 

When the castle finally comes into view, Gwen heaves a great sigh of relief. Maybe now everything can finally get back to normal. However, as she glances at Merlin, she realizes that nothing will never be the same again. Even as she gets back to work, she can’t stop thinking about it all. Lamia. The Knights. Merlin. 

Gwen’s had a rocky past with sorcery. Obviously, she’s grown accustomed to not having any sorcerers around because of the ban on magic in Camelot. Gwen was raised to fear sorcery, to view it as something purely evil. Still, Gwen’s father always taught them never to hate anyone, that they should always be kind and true to themselves. So, despite Uther’s views on the vileness of magic, Gwen never outwardly detested magic. In fact, for a long time, Gwen was sort of indifferent on magic. She never thought of it as some terrible thing, but she also never associated it with good. What she does associate sorcery with is fear. 

She’s always feared sorcery, whether it be because of the dangerous those with sorcery pose to the kingdom or because of the horrible things that happen when sorcery gets involved. Gwen could never stand the burnings; the smell of fiery flesh and screaming is something she’ll never forget. And then, it all became unimaginably worse when her own father was executed on the crime of sorcery, a crime he didn’t even commit. And the nightmares are horrific. She had hoped they would vanish after time, but now she knows better. Still, she wakes up some nights gasping for air as she cries, fear flooding through her veins. So yes, magic scares her. 

But when she thinks of Merlin, one of her closest friends, she can’t imagine ever being fearful of him. Besides, he just saved her life. If it wasn’t for him, for his magic, Gwen may not have made it out of there alive. She knows that Merlin would never hurt her, and she trusts him with her life. He’s always there for her, no matter how tough things may get. And Merlin has always had such a kind heart and giving personality. He makes everyone around him happier, even Arthur (though he’ll never admit it). So, even though Gwen equates sorcery with fear and death, she can’t possibly equate Merlin with anything other than goodness and light.

She feels so conflicted between her views of magic and her views of Merlin that she ends up avoiding him for a good couple of days. When Arthur asks her about it, she talks it up to everything she’s been through, which technically isn’t a lie. She hates lying to Arthur, but she can’t find it in herself to tell him the truth. Similarly, she can’t find it in herself to tell Merlin that she knows. 

And the longer Gwen thinks about it, the more she understands. As the months pass by, she observes Merlin in a different perspective, and slowly but surely it all starts to come together. 

The first thing she notices is the way Merlin tenses when Arthur, or anyone else for that matter, mentions magic. Immediately, it’s as if Merlin’s on constant guard. Gwen doesn’t know how she didn’t notice Merlin’s reactions before. His expression drops to something serious, and his eyes hold a deep worry in them, traveling far beneath the surface. You can tell he’s trying his hardest not to react, but now that Gwen knows his secret, it’s like she has another view into his behavior. She can see every nervous fidget, every hand clenching into his trousers, the strained nod he sends Arthur when Arthur declares some type of lookout or attack on a sorcerer. She may not be able to understand everything that Merlin’s feeling, but she can tell it’s eating him up inside. 

And that’s just the first of it. She also begins to notice that Merlin does a lot more work than he appears to do. In addition to being Arthur’s manservant, Gwen often finds Merlin coming back to Gaius’s worse for wear. He always brushes it off if she asks, usually claiming that “Arthur worked me too hard at training, the prat,” or “I had a run in with a ditch while collecting herbs for Gaius.” But she sees the weariness behind his smile, the complete and utter exhaustion in his gait. She knows that he’s been doing a lot more for all of them than he’s ever let on. Gwen only wonders what he’s hiding behind his mask.

Through the months, Gwen’s mood shifts from fear to anger. Anger that Merlin kept this from her. She thought they were best friends, that they told each other everything. Gwen has certainly told Merlin everything. But this part of Merlin that he’s been hiding from her makes Gwen feel like she doesn’t even know him at all. 

However, after the anger passes, Gwen starts to feel a bit guilty about it all. She’s been keeping Merlin’s magic a secret for all of a few months, and already the toll of keeping it has been weighing on her constantly. She can only imagine what Merlin’s been going through if he’s had his magic for the whole time he’s been in Camelot. But the part that makes Gwen feel the most guilty it that she never noticed. She always expressed her concern for Merlin, of course, but whenever he used a typical excuse, she assumed everything was fine. Even those times when things seemed a bit more than suspicious, Gwen never thought twice. All this time, Merlin has been guarding this secret in fear for his life, and as far as Gwen knows, he’s been dealing with it alone. 

So, as conflicted as Gwen feels about everything, she comes to realize that it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter that Merlin is a sorcerer because Merlin is her friend. And as Merlin’s friend, Gwen can’t stand to hide from him the fact that she knows about his magic. 

They’ve interacted plenty of times since that day, but to Gwen they all felt forced, like she was pretending. She wants to feel that bond of friendship again. She cares for Merlin, as she knows he cares for her, and she wants to make everything right again. 

Of course, the day that she chooses to do it ends up being the worst possible time. 

Gwen awakens that morning with one thought on her mind: Tell Merlin. So, after eating and attending to her morning duties, she immediately heads to find Merlin. She goes to Arthur’s chambers, first, as that’s where Merlin usually is in the mornings. To her surprise, she only finds Arthur in there, eating his own breakfast. 

“Good morning, Guinevere,” Arthur greets, surprised. 

“Good morning,” Gwen greets back, smiling as he stops eating to kiss her cheek. “You haven’t seen Merlin, have you?”

Arthur rolls his eyes at this statement, already confirming the answer to her question before he even responds. “That idiot didn’t even wake me this morning! He’s just lucky that I didn’t have anything pressing to attend to. When he gets back, though, he’s definitely going to pay with some time in the stocks.”

“Don’t you think you’re being a little harsh?” Gwen asks, knowing that Arthur doesn’t truly mean his threats. “I’m sure he’s just busy with chores for Gaius. Let me know if you see him, though. I need to talk with him about something.”

“Or at the tavern,” Arthur adds under his breath, earning a stern glance from Gwen. He eases up. “Fine, I’ll let you know. But if you find him, you let him know that I’m this close to firing him!”

Gwen smiles. “Of course. I’ll see you later, Arthur.”

With one last kiss goodbye, Gwen leaves Arthur’s chambers in search of Merlin yet again. She heads down to Gaius’s next, hoping that he truly is there helping out the Physician. When she arrives, though, she only sees Gaius searching through some potions. 

“Ah, hello Gwen. What can I do for you?” Gaius asks. 

“I’m afraid I’m just searching for Merlin. You haven’t seen him, have you?”

Gaius raises an eyebrow. “No, I haven’t. He wasn’t here when I got up, so I just figured he was with Arthur. Is he not?”

“Arthur hasn’t seen him. Gave me quite the earful about it.”

A worried expression appears on Gaius’s face, and Gwen has a feeling that it’s from more than just him wondering where his missing ward may have gone. She hesitates before asking the next question.

“Gaius....could his disappearance have something to do with his....abilities?” Gwen asks gently, biting her lip. 

Gaius startles a bit, staring at her openly before putting a blank expression back on. “I can’t say I know what you’re talking about.”

“Please, Gaius, I’m really worried about Merlin. I know about everything--the magic. I found out after Lamia, and I’ve been keeping it a secret from him that I know, but now I feel like I need to tell him, but he’s missing and I’m worried that it’s something serious--”

Gaius places a hand on her arm. “Calm down, Guinevere. I have to say, I’m surprised that you know, but Merlin never has been the most careful with his magic.”

“So do you think that’s why he’s gone? Is it something to do with him protecting us again?”

Gaius sighs, rubbing his brow. “I can’t say for certain, but usually that’s what his disappearances end up being about. Usually, he tells me what’s going on before wandering off, at least.”

“He could be in danger,” Gwen realizes. “I have to go find him.”

“You must stay here, Gwen, where it is safe. I don’t know what kind of trouble my boy has gotten himself into now, but I’m certain he wouldn’t want you to risk your life on top of that. He comes out of these things.”

“But how does he come out of them?! Maybe he survives, but at what cost? He’s throwing himself at danger for our expense! I have to help him.”

Gaius relents. “I understand, but please be careful. Who knows what Merlin is up to this time. I would advise you to take a knight, but I have a feeling you wouldn’t listen.”

Gwen shakes her head. “I can’t risk them finding out about Merlin. I might not be completely comfortable with the idea of his magic yet, but I do know that Merlin is my friend, and I will not betray him. Now, do you have any idea of where I might start looking?”

Gaius thinks to himself for a moment before remembering, “Merlin did say something last night about going to the forest for more herbs. I didn’t think anything of it, after all we are running quite low on some items. We typically gather herbs down by the creek.”

“The forest creek. I’ll start there, then. Thank you, Gaius.”

“Thank you, Gwen, for being such a loyal friend to Merlin.”

Gwen smiles, nodding her farewell to the Physician. She only hopes that her loyalty proves true enough that she can find Merlin. 

...

The forest has a strange air to it. The lack of any wind makes the trees stand unnaturally still and silent. Despite the bright shining sun that morning, there’s a dark mood within the forest as she wanders through it. In one hand, she holds a sword, the same one she wounded Lamia with months ago. It seems silly, but the sword reminds her of her bravery, and it gives her strength. 

As she continues on her trek through the forest, worried thoughts play through her head about what condition she might find Merlin in. Gwen doesn’t know what she would do if she lost her closest friend.

Gwen reaches the creek bed, but Merlin is no where to be found. She isn’t surprised, as she figured that Merlin wouldn’t be out for so long merely collecting herbs. Gwen continues searching as the day wears on, only stopping to drink and eat, replenishing her energy. 

Gwen walks a long distance in search of Merlin, though she never strays into unfamiliar parts of the forest in fear that she won’t find her way back. Her feet ache horribly, and her body is weak, but she refuses to give up before nightfall. The sun rises and sets, and soon Gwen is left searching in the near dark with only the stars to guide her. She’s about ready to call it quits, as she can’t search for Merlin properly if she gets incapacitated herself, when she suddenly hears a deep, loud noise in the distance.

She chases after the noise, despite not knowing what the noise could possibly be. The noise sounds again, only softer, and Gwen continues to trace it as best she can in the dark. Brush scrapes at her hands as she hurries through the foliage, following her only lead she’s had all day. 

Finally, panting in exertion, Gwen stumbles into a clearing. Although it is dark, she can make out a familiar form kneeling on the ground next to something. Gwen shudders in relief and sprints over to him. 

“Merlin!” she calls out, hitching up her dress as she goes. The figure startles, turning toward the noise. As she gets closer, he comes into better view. 

“Gwen?!” Merlin asks in confusion, standing up to greet her. 

Gwen smacks into him, clinging on tightly to his form. He winces, but clings back to her just as tightly. An odd chirping noise interrupts their reunion. Gwen pulls away, only to find what looks like a tiny baby dragon at their feet, white as snow, and a cracked egg. She gasps in surprise. 

“I-I can explain,” Merlin stutters, grappling for some sort of excuse. Meanwhile, Gwen kneels next to the creature, cooing at it. The dragon snuffles, scooting closer to her in caution. Gwen offers a hand, allowing the dragon to come to her. It stretches out to sniff at her, obviously deeming her acceptable as he comes closer to nudge into her hand with another adorable chirp. Gwen giggles, stroking the strange feeling skin with her palm as the dragon continues to nuzzle her. 

“Adorable. What’s its name?” Gwen wonders idly as she scratches at the dragon’s neck. 

“Aithusa, her name is Aithusa,” Merlin replies, still shocked at everything that’s happening around him. “Gwen--why are you here?”

Gwen stops petting Aithusa, who continues to explore the world around her. She stands again, facing Merlin. “I was worried about you, of course! No one knew where you were, Merlin. You could have been dead!”

“Well, I’m obviously alive,” Merlin jokes. Gwen smacks his arm. 

“That’s not funny, Merlin!”

“I’m sorry, really.” He pauses, in thought. “...You don’t seem very surprised by the dragon.”

“Oh, I am a bit. I didn’t expect you to have hatched a dragon egg, but I’m not surprised that you’re getting into something magic related. That’s actually what I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”

Merlin plays dumb. “W-what? What are you talking about?”

“Do not think me stupid, Merlin. I have known about your magic for a while now, since the Lamia incident. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but I was trying to wrap my head around everything.”

Merlin gapes at her, face paler than normal. His fingers twitch, and he looks around, as if ready to bolt from her. She takes a step forward, ignoring his flinch, and brings him into another hug. He hesitates before cautiously hugging back. 

“So, you don’t hate me?” Merlin wonders, still on edge. 

Gwen chuckles. “I don’t hate you, Merlin. I don’t think I could ever hate you. I’ll admit, I was confused and hurt at first, because I’ve been taught to fear magic my entire life. I never would have expected you to be a sorcerer. But then, it all began to make sense. You’ve been protecting us all this entire time.”

She feels the heat of Merlin’s blush against her cheek. “It’s my duty to protect my friends and Camelot.”

“I’m sorry that I wasn’t honest with you about knowing.”

Merlin pulls away this time, looking her in the eye. “You’re sorry?! I’m sorry, Gwen. You’re my best friend. I should have been honest with you about my magic from the beginning, but I was scared.”

“You’re my best friend too, Merlin. And you don’t need to be scared any longer, not around me.”

Merlin smiles, appearing lighter than before. The feeling of Aithusa pawing at her leg gently interrupts the moment. Gwen looks down, unable to do anything but smile at the baby dragon. 

“Don’t worry, little one. We haven’t forgotten about you,” Gwen coos, reaching down to pick her up. Aithusa trills happily at the attention. “Speaking of which, what are we going to do about her?”

Merlin scratches his head. “I hadn’t really thought any further ahead.”

Gwen rolls her eyes. “Of course not. Honestly, you men are all the same sometimes. It’s a good thing I’m here to help now. What if we find her a nice cave to reside in where no one will discover her?”

“That won’t work, at least not now. She’s a baby, she needs someone to care for her constantly. I thought Kilgharrah would naturally do that, but I guess I should do it myself.”

“Kilgharrah?” Gwen questions, then backtracks. “Not now, later. You do still have a lot to explain to me, Merlin. Don’t think you’re getting off the hook quite so easily.”

Merlin laughs. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Well, I suppose we’ll just have to bring her to Camelot for now. Only temporarily though! Maybe you can disguise her.”

“Disguise her? How?”

Gwen stares at him. “Magic?”

“Oh, oh yeah! Maybe. I’d have to consult some of my books, though. Maybe she could be disguised as a large bird, like an owl.”

“We’ll figure out the details on our way back to Camelot. Also, just so you know, Arthur is probably planning your punishment as we speak.”

Merlin groans. “Of course. That prat. You couldn’t convince him otherwise?”

“I tried! But you know Arthur. Besides, I do think you deserve a bit of reprimand after leaving to hatch a dragon egg! You could have been seriously hurt, Merlin.”

“I know, but I’m alright, I promise.” As if to confirm this, Aithusa hops from Gwen’s arms over to Merlin’s shoulder, sniffing him. Merlin chuckles, sweeping a hand over her flank. She happily chirps and curls around his shoulders, fitting perfectly. 

“You’re still going to get checked out by Gaius when we get back.”

“Fine, if that will convince you.”

Gwen glances over at Merlin, knowing now that she’s finally seeing him for who he really is. “I’m glad I know, Merlin.”

“I’m glad you know, too.”

[be-dazzled]

FT Rare Pairs Day 3 : Present

Rare Pair Week Day 3: Present Pairing: Lyon Vastia x Juvia Lockser Inspired by: @sobatsu‘s headcanon: click here Dedicated to: @i-write-fanfics-to-procrastinate @sobatsu and all the other Lyvia stans

Writer’s Corner: It’s a little late, I know. It’s my first time to create a Lyvia one-shot/fanfic. I’m trying to capture the early Lyon who was soooo in love with Juvia. lol. Also, I’ll probably post later what happened after this ‘exchange gift’.

---

Lyon couldn't even remember how long he has been walking on that pavement. It seemed like it grew longer and longer with every step. But one thing he knew though was that his body hurt like hell. Like he was thrown around the room as if he was paper-light. Stupid ogre. It was such an easy job but he didn't understand why it took him too long to finish it and thus feeling like his own bones were about to break. Okay, maybe he knew why. If he wasn't too busy running after a replica of Juvia's hat he could have finished the job in a jiffy. The stupid giant ogre took a liking to his Juvia hat and made it his mission to chew on the poor Juvia merchandise. And he just had the head-cover delivered to him last week.

That ugly ogre!" He stomped both feet. The anger that was just babbling up inside him exploded, seeing the male version of Juvia's hat chewed on, stepped on, and having holes in them that needed patches. It was practically useless but he held onto it. Lyon was regretful the most on the fact that he was going to pass by Fairy Tail.

"Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!"

He had another explosion of anger. Stomping on what used to be a male version of Juvia's hat. He ignored the weird looks passersby were giving him because apparently, he had the perfect plan. He was going to stroll into the Fairy Tail building, look for his favorite water-mage, donning his new hat matching Juvia's. She was going to realize how good they looked together, in that couple's hat, and eventually she would finally admit to the idea that he was the only man for her. Plain and simple. Except now he didn't have the hat he needed to go matchy-matchy with his Juvia.

Lyon only realized then that he was making such a scene when a kid hid behind his mother asking if 'that guy'' – meaning him – was crazy. The mother and son turned and walked the opposite side, afraid to get near the scary crazy guy.

Lyon started apologizing to the passersby and laughed it off. But everyone was still avoiding him. They were still throwing him dirty looks. Lyon calmed himself down and asked himself, "Maybe… maybe we are acting a little crazy." He fixed his collar and his posture to show everyone that he was a fine lad and not some uncivilied fool spouting 'stupids' everywhere. He was far from it. Lyon Vastia was a fine, young gentleman – the ace of Lamia Scale – who was now marching the path down to Magnolia store to get himself a new Juvia hat. Chest out. Back straight. And shining with that new hopeful aura.

"The gods do exist!" He declared to the cashier who just told Lyon that she just sold to him the last Juvia hat they had in stock. "You are a life-saver!" He was so happy that he just grabbed the old woman by the shoulder and kissed her on the cheek. He strutted out from the shop, carrying bags of Juvia merchandise he was about to add to his collection: Juvia's heart-filled umbrella; the new 'Juvia punk' poster; her 'swimsuit Juvia' figurine, which he had to hide at the bottom of the plastic bag; and his most prized possession, the male-version of Juvia hat. Finally, the plan was back in motion.

Lyon snorted as he brushed past the the 'Gray and Juvia' figurine holding hands while doing that familiar attack that got him beat at the Grand Magic Games. He might have 'accidentally' bumped against the cabinet that housed the figurines, sending the merchandise on the floor. But they weren't made of breakable materials and simply bounced on the wooden ground. Lyon kind of wished they were breakable though. He also bought the butterfly-printed t-shirt without knowing it was actually 'Gray' merchandise. Lyon had his eyes set on the guild hall across the shop and became oblivious of the young girl rushing to the aide of her eighty year old Nana who just fainted behind the counter.

He went his merry way to the Fairy Tail guild building. When he arrived at the doors of the hall, Lyon scrambled inside his paper bags and pulled out the dark blue, velvet hat, pushed it down on his head, his spiky hair pointing downwards around the rim of the hat. His pale blue hair looked tamed beneath the Juvia-matching hat. Then he kicked open the doors and burst into the guild, declaring his arrival, "My Juvia, your prince has arrived!"

"L-l-lyon-sama?!"

Juvia spat out the light blue concoction that she was drinking, spraying the liquid right into the face of the youngest Strauss, flecks of lavender petals stuck on her forehead, nose and on her bottom lip. The eldest Strauss, who was just passing by, giggled at the poor state of her sister. After another round of giggles, she finally stopped and tried to pluck the petals off Lisanna's face along with Juvia, the cause of it.

"Oh, hi Lyon." Mira acknowledged. She placed the tray on the table where Juvia and Lisanna were. "Are you looking for Gray? He's out on a job." She informed while she took the spot next to her younger sister.

Lyon scoffed at the barmaid. Why would he even look for that brat? And so what if he was out on a job –whaaat? The other, less impressive ice-make mage was out of the guild? And most importantly, Juvia was actually here for his taking?

He scurried over where the water-mage, momentarily forgetting about his 'cold and composed' image, and dropped the paper bags on the table. He claimed the spot right next to the escaping water-mage, making googly eyes at her.

"J-juvia," not a good start. Lyon cleared his throat and started again, way savvier this time and while enclosing Juvia's hand within his. "Juvia–"

"–Wow, you went shopping?" Mira poked around the paper bags on the table which had the logo of the merchandise store across the guild. "Did you get my items?"

Lyon glared at the woman, wondering why he would waste jewels on her items when he could buy the entire Juvia collection. But since he was a gentleman, he kept his mouth shut.

And has no one even noticed his Juvia hat? Anyone?

"Juvia, I came bearing gifts."

Lyon pulled out a long cloth out of no where and draped the same over Juvia's shoulders. Looking closer, it was identical to the white long jacket Lyon was wearing.

"Now, we look like a couple, don't we?"

Lyon threw his arms around the surprised water-mage and pulled her in a tight embrace. Pressing his cheek against hers, a fool's smile plastered on his ecstatic face.

"Lyon and Juvia." He sang with so much adoration.

Juvia seemed to have lost her sanity as she kept saying "L-lyon a-and J-j-juvia" in a trance. Hence, a nosy take-over mage took it upon herself to interject.

"Where are our gifts?"

To Lyon's dismay. He glared at one of Fairy Tail's strongest mages who was pouting at him. As if Mirajane Strauss would ever shudder under those intense black eyes.

"I brought gifts for my princess." He clarified before snuggling against the still seemingly dazed Juvia, taking pleasure in the proximity. Juvia was so close Lyon could smell her scent – Aqua Kiss. He had the same one he got from the merchandise shop across the hall.

"But in fairness, you two do look like a real couple."

For the first time since Lyon entered that rowdy guild, he finally heard something pleasing – aside from the water-mage saying 'Lyon and Juvia' over and over again.

"With that matching hat and jacket. Definitely, a real couple, right Lisanna?"

Lisanna wondered why her sister roped her into that conversation. "R-right." She responded awkwardly, still worried about Juvia who seemed to have been trapped between the strong arms of Lamia Scale's Lyon's. She waved a hand in front of Juvia who didn't respond. Poor Juvia seemed to have lost it.

"Hear that, Juvia?" He pulled his arms away, grasping Juvia by her arms and turned her towards him. "We're like a real couple."

But Juvia had nearly the same expression on her face with the one she had back at the Grand Magic Games – less disgusted but repulsed no less.

Then, everything just went downhill from there.

Lyon didn't know what was happening then. All he saw was a giant figure about to fall on the table where they were sitting at. Then, parts which once composed a table was on the floor. And so were his merchandise. His merchandise!

Lyon kicked the giant muscular man off the ground and hoped against all hopes that his newly bought Juvia-merchandise wasn't crashed underneath his enormous weight. And that one thing he was worried about above else was the 'Bikini Juvia' figurine he spent most of his jewels, and honestly, his fortune. Lyon's hands quivered as he reached out for his merchandise, when Elfman stood up from the floor and went back to the chaos he came from. He slowly peeled off what used to be the paper bags that housed the items he bought from the shop.

He was wrong. There were no gods. And if there were, gods were really cruel creatures. His nightmare became a reality because nothing remained of his Juvia collectibles but remnants.

Why did they have to make the 'Juvia Bikini' figurine out of breakable materials? Just, why?

"L-l-lyon-sama…"

"You uncivilized imbeciles!"

His clothes flew to the air and a very naked Lyon disappeared into the rolling scuffle. He was so into deep his path of revenge that he didn't notice his Juvia hat flying around the air. Stepped on, wet, burnt, frozen until finally it was Lyon's boots, as he landed on his feet, which smashed the iced hat into pieces.

"No!" His scream was so agonizing that it even stopped the fray that he was in earlier. He fell on his knees, trying to grab the pieces of his Juvia hat on the floor. The lady from the store said, it was the last stock for this month. "H-h-how… c-c-can we be… c-c-couples now?"

In his rage, he managed to freeze everyone at the Fairy Tail guild including the guild master. Which wasn't probably wise. After Lyon somehow accepted his fate and finally calmed down, but mostly because he just realized he froze the water-mage too, he apologized to Master Makarov and unfroze everyone, except for Elfman. He said he deserved it. The only consolation he got from this trip were: one, he got to see Juvia, two he got to spend time with her because the inferior ice-make wasn't around and lastly, he got to have Juvia walk him to the train station and send him off.

They talked on the way, mostly him and with Juvia just nodding and smiling from time to time. She was still shy around him, which he took as a good sign. When a biker almost hit Juvia, Lyon jumped into action, pulling the unaware water-mage into a protective embrace. He took note of how she was so flustered, standing so close to him, just a breath away from a kiss. She pushed him immediately and kept her distance until they reached the station.

Magnolia Train Station wasn't too crowded that day. If it was Lyon's choice, he'd want to spend more time with the water-mage. Just a passing conversation would be enough. But fate wasn't on his side. Over the speakers, the announcer said his train was leaving in ten minutes. Out of generosity, or most likely out of guilt and pity, Juvia walked with him onto the platform, glaring at the passersby who were murmuring about them being a cute couple. Juvia said goodbye first, to Lyon's dismay, and apologized on behalf of her guild.

"Don't worry about it, Juvia. At least, I got to spend time with you."

His brain was screaming at him, 'don't even think about saying it' but he did anyways. "I-i-it's like a date or something."

"Eh?"

Juvia didn't look comfortable with what he said. Lyon coughed into his fist and cleared his throat.

"A-a-anyways, thank you for seeing me off." He turned around to step into the railcar but Juvia's hand stopped him.

"Lyon-sama…" She was looking at her shoes or his or maybe the floor, Lyon wasn't sure. She was fidgeting, looking like fighting an internal battle. "P-p-please… please accept this!"

Without warning, Juvia pulled her own hat off her head and pushed it down Lyon's, making his white spiky hair on top disappear while others stick out of the rim.

"It's the least Juvia could do."

As much as he liked that gesture – it was his freaking dream – but something didn't sit well with him.

"It's okay, Juvia." He said regretfully, taking the hat off and returning it to the water-mage. "I can just get another one." He reasoned.

"Juvia insists…"

Lyon's heart somersaulted at what appeared to be a romantic development between him and Juvia. He felt heady as he finally realized that Juvia was giving him something she owned.

Get yourself together you stupid ice-mage. Don't fait now!

"It was Juvia's guild mates who ruined your hat, after all."

Her concern pulled the corners of his mouth into a wide smile.

"Then, don't mind if I do keep it." He said as he fixed the hat on top of his head.

Juvia seemed relief about his acceptance.

"But how about you?"

For the first time that day, Juvia finally gave him her bright smile. He swore his soul escaped his body witnessing that bright, lovely smile. He wasn't even sure how he was still standing.

"Juvia could find another."

"Then, will you accept this?"

Lyon once again pulled the jacket out of thin air, the one he offered to Juvia which she refused insistently, and draped it over Juvia's shoulders. He saw her initial surprise and before she could return the jacket matching his, Lyon jumped into the carriage as the train started.

"See you soon, Princess!"

He waved her goodbye as he declared to the world that he will be back for her again. Juvia pulled a weird expression. Good thing he didn't see it. Lyon settled into his seat, smiling at himself. He had Juvia's hat; not only an imitation or a replica of it but the very one Juvia used. In some culture, that would have meant something big, like commitment. He knew she was just being nice. She was clear on the fact that it was a gesture of apology. He wasn't going to fool himself. Lyon was too smart for that. But it didn't mean he wasn't going to enjoy that moment, this day. It really felt like a date. His heart skipped a beat at the thought. Yes, if people asked, especially Gray, he'd tell them it was a date.

Too bad he didn't get a goodbye kiss.

"Mom, that guy's hat look like yours."

"Don't point, Marcus. That's rude."

Lyon peered over the other section where the noise was coming from.

"Why is a man like him wearing such a girly hat?"

Lyon felt a vein popped.

"My girlfriend gave it to me." He explained. It wasn't like anyone was going to do some fact-check on what he just said, right?

Silly kid! What did he know? He probably didn't even have a girlfriend. 'So do you', the logical part of his brain reminded him. Well, he didn't know that! The other part barked back.

"Oi, ma! The weird guy earlier has a girlfriend?"

Looking closer, Lyon realized it was the same mother and son who accused him of being crazy earlier. He fixed his posture to appear more dignified. It was no use since the mother had already taken her son to the other section, far away from Lyon. Well, at least, no one's going to disturb him now. But before that, he needed some more jobs to work on and jewels to earn. He needed to restock on his Juvia collection which would surely cost him a fortune.

tags: @ftguildevents @fairytail-rarepairs

[i-write-fanfics-to-procrastinate]

Gruvia Oneshot: I Want to Say It

@iwouldlovetoseeusmile requested this one: A misunderstanding where Gray thinks Juvia is cheating on him. Sorry it’s a bit late. I’m gonna be honest this was a tricky one. Gray’s typically not the paranoid one in the relationship (lol) but I can see him jealous. So that’s kind of the road that this went on. It was a hard one to write for some reason! Sometimes inspiration takes forever to arrive, ugh. The perks of being an artist or writer I guess. hehe. Anyways. I hope you enjoy it!

           The evenings were his favorite part of the day, in their little makeshift home—though he would never tell her that. Now, with just the two of them, Juvia was quieter, sweeter, more focused. He liked the way she pulled her curls back from her face, the way her eyes shone in the candlelight. After they ate dinner they would go watch the stars. Once or twice his hand managed to find hers, and they’d sit together, staring up at the endless sky—billions of white lights shimmering above them and nothing in the world waiting for them except each other. Maybe that was when he realized that this was how he always wanted it. It was only now that he was realizing he should have said that out loud—at least once.

           Juvia had been disappearing recently. When she returned she had no excuse for where she’d been. She always came back with gifts. Last time it had been a new coat for him, his favorite style, and fresh muffins from a bakery. She would try and explain that she had been to town to get a few things, but it seemed like a thin lie—like it was only half of the truth.

           But when Gray woke up for the fourth time to find her gone, it was the last straw. He was going to find out where the hell she was going, even if it ended up killing him. The closest town is Margaret Town. Just beyond the hills. And that’s where… Lamia Scale… Gritting his teeth, and trying to put aside terrible thoughts, Gray squared his shoulders and set out to find his partner.

           The town was quiet when he reached it. Some of the townsfolk moved above the city here and there, passing through markets and chatting about their days. Gray passed a few bars and cafes, and pondered only once where Juvia might be. But his feet seemed to be taking him somewhere, as if they knew better than he did where she was. Before his mind could process where he was going, Lamia Scale’s guildhall rose up before him, seemingly out of nowhere. He froze, rooted in place, staring up at the symbol of the familiar guild, and the words painted across their entryway. Lamia Scale. He didn’t have to ask himself whether or not Juvia would come here, because in the next moment the doors of the old guild opened and Juvia exited, her hair tied back in a ponytail, revealing the pretty angles of her face. She stepped aside and beside her appeared… Lyon.

           Gray clenched his fists, and quickly stepped around a corner so neither of them would spot him. What the hell is she doing with him? He gritted his teeth, before peeking back around the corner to see what they were doing. They were talking—casually. Lyon was leaning against the guild doors, his arms crossed. Juvia laughed. What the hell is he saying? Why’s she laughing? Anger was slowly chipping away at Gray’s cool exterior. His hands were shaking, his jaw clenched. He felt nauseous.

           The two, Lyon and Juvia, were moving off now—through the crowds of people. Gray set off to follow them, ducking behind whatever he could, blending in with the crowd, keeping his eyes on Juvia. He got close enough, once or twice, to catch a few words.

           “Lyon-sa…” Juvia would laugh a little, “…Gray…” there was her laugh again, like it was some big joke. This wasn’t right. Juvia had practically… well, she had always practically been his—Gray’s. At least, that was what she always said.      

           “You…” Lyon leaned closer to Juvia as they moved through a crowd, Gray stuck close, trying desperately to hear what his old ‘friend’ was saying, “…out together…” Gray was shoved as a boy ran past.

           “Hey, watch it!” Gray snapped before turning his eyes back to the scene in front of him, to what Lyon was saying—what Gray could just make out:

           “…love…” And that was the last straw. Gray snapped, shoving himself through the rest of the crowd, and grabbing Lyon’s collar before slamming him against the enormous stone wall to their left. It all happened in an instant, before even he could register what he was doing.

           “How many times do I have to tell you to stay the hell away from her?” Gray hissed, “How many times?!” He shook Ur’s other apprentice, but Lyon looked like he was still trying to process what was happening.

           “G-Gray?!”

           “Gray-sama!” Juvia. Gray had almost forgotten she was there, until she reached out a hand and placed it on his shoulder. “Please, stop—”

           “And you!” Gray turned towards here, still holding Lyon against the wall, “Y-you…” Her expression of surprise and worry made unwanted tears pool in his eyes. And that made him all the angrier. “I thought I meant…” No. That didn’t sound right. “You… you meant something to me.”

           “Then why the hell don’t you tell her?” Lyon spat.

           “Maybe because apparently she’s sneaking around with you.” Gray shoved Lyon against the wall harder. Juvia’s eyes widened.

           “Juvia… sneaking around…?”

           “Sneaking around?” Lyon choked, “Sneaking…? What do you think is going on here, Gray? You think Juvia and I…?”

           “What do you think it looks like?!” Gray hissed. “I’ve told you before, Lyon. Juvia belongs to me. And here you are… sneaking around… talking about… love… laughing at me.”

           “No.” Juvia had tears in her own eyes now, but she was standing tall, her arms crossed. “You’re wrong. Juvia came to Margaret Town to see Wendy. Wendy is in Lamia Scale now.”

           “I don’t see Wendy,” Gray whispered, but the way Juvia stood so confidently made him feel like a fool. He already knew, by the way she spoke that this was a misunderstanding.

           “Lyon is giving Juvia advice.”

           “Advice?” Gray whispered.

           “Advice on what you like, from when you were a little one.”

           “Exactly,” Lyon huffed, “Now can you please let go of me.” Gray narrowed his eyes at the man, still unsure if he trusted him, but then slowly released him. Lyon straightened his shirt and crossed his arms. “I think you two can handle yourselves.” He rolled his eyes, glancing at Gray again, “Maybe.” Then stalked off, “Next time you do that Gray, you know I’ll be bringing magic into it. And you can’t win in a fight between the two of us.”

           “I have before.” Gray snapped, before turning back to the young woman in front of him. She was still glaring at him, her arms crossed, one tear rolling down her cheek. “Juvia, I—” Her hand swung out before he could think and she slapped him across his cheek. It stung, prompting a single tear to fall. He hated crying.

           “How could you, Gray!” She snapped. “Juvia would never betray you!”

           “I’m… sorry. This is all a misunderstanding—”

           “Juvia would never betray you!” She said again, her voice rising in panic, as if the very thought that he might believe she did… terrified her.

           “Juvia… Juvia…” He reached out to grasp her hand. “I’m so… so… so…��� He shook his head, “sorry. I though… from what I heard it sounded like…. It doesn’t matter. I was scared I was too late, that you were being taken away from me.”

           “Taken away?” Juvia glanced up at him. Her wide blue eyes full of questions, “Scared you were too late… for what?”

           Gray hesitated. He wasn’t a man of many words, but Juvia needed those words now. “Too late to tell you how I feel.” Juvia smiled, her fingers laced with his.

           “You don’t have to say anything you don’t want to say, Gray-sama.”

           “I want to say it,” he murmured, “For you.” Then he pulled her close, meeting her gaze with his own, never looking away, “I love you.” Juvia’s smile grew, and tears rolled down her cheeks.

           “Gr-Gray…” She pulled him into a tight hug, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, “Juvia knows. Juvia loves you too.”

[hayleysstark]

Queenie emerges! Thank you for answering my asks! Don't worry about taking too long to reply, I know the Internet can be a pain sometimes lol. Sadly, I had to cancel my Netflix subscription, so my Merlin binge has come to an end for now. But, I absolutely adored watching the episodes and geeking out with you! Hopefully I can continue the series in the future. Speaking of the future, if you were able to write a season 6, how would you do it? I'd love to hear your interpretation!

Oh no I’m sorry you lost your Netflix subscription. That sucks :( I’m glad you enjoyed what you saw of Merlin, though, and thank you so much for letting me talk your ear off about it for the past few weeks lmao. I’m sure I’ve lost at least like,,,,,,,,, a hundred followers,,,,,,,,in the last two weeks alone. what can i say??? People don’t follow me to hear my thoughts and i honestly can’t blame them.

Season 6?? dfghjkytghnfgfd can i get uhhhhh a complete rewrite of S4 and S5 instead???? As much as I ADORE S4 ((Servant of Two Masters???? The Darkest Hour???? Aithusa??? The Sword in the Stone???? Lamia???? all EXTREMELY BLESSED thank you)) I can admit that it has its flaws for sure, to say NOTHING of S5 ((it was literally eleven goddamn episodes of how much filler can we pack in before Arthur has to die and it was,,,,,,,, just Objectively Bad like I can’t even.)) Like can we just. can we just talk. about S4 and S5? 

S4 went all right for the first few episodes, objectively speaking - and more than all right, personally speaking. Absolutely adored the season premiere two-parter, and “The Wicked Day” was a perfect blend of solemn but hopeful, absolutely everything I could have imagined for Arthur’s inevitable ascension to the throne. I think, ironically enough, “Servant of Two Masters” is riiiiiiight about where I would have deviated from canon. Like right after it. the episode right after it. 

4x07. “The Secret Sharer”. Whoo boy. You didn’t say whether you saw this one or not, so here’s the lowdown: Morgana’s been searching tirelessly for the all-powerful sorcerer Emrys, ‘cause the Callieach ((the gatekeeper to the world of the dead)) informed her that Emrys was to be her doom. She enlists the Lord Agravaine, Arthur’s slimy uncle and her personal spy within the kingdom, to try and help her find Emrys, as she believes he’s hiding in Camelot, close to Arthur. Merlin, of course, is Emrys, and when Agravaine questions Gaius in the absolute least subtle way he possibly can ((literally what the fuck Agravaine how have you survived as a spy this long)), Gaius lies like a rug. UNfortunately, Agravaine isn’t fooled, and remains convinced he knows something. Meanwhile,  Arthur finally gets his head on straight and realizes there’s a traitor in his court. Give the boy a prize. Anyway, he suspects his slimy uncle Agravaine, but Agravaine turns Arthur’s distrust around onto Gaius instead, convinces Arthur to interrogate him, you know. Arthur continues to make terrible decisions and comes to the conclusion that, as Gaius never out-and-out condemns sorcery during the course of his interrogation, because he must be untrustworthy. Cue Agravaine taking this opportunity to kidnap Gaius because fuck the elderly right??? anyway, he brings Gaius to Morgana, who’s hired this dude named Alator to torture for information about the elusive Emrys. It’s really convoluted, just go with it. BUT, since Agravaine is the snake to end all snakes, he didn’t JUST kidnap Gaius, oh, no, he staged it so it looked as if Gaius ran away from the kingdom. Arthur thinks Gaius is a traitor who practices magic and scarpered at the first sign of trouble, Merlin of course knows Gaius is completely innocent, Arthur still refuses to send a search party, so of course it’s up to Merlin to find and rescue Gaius. Gwaine comes along for the ride, so go Gwaine, basically. Sir Gwaine is the real mvp and that is just the tea.

ANYWAY so now you’re up to speed. BUT. but. In the S4 rewrite, let’s make it so Merlin doesn’t rescue Gaius. Let’s make it so he can’t find Gaius. Let’s make it so he searches high and low, but Agravaine covered his tracks way too well. We can intersperse the remainder of the season with scenes of unsettling, even outright gory, if we want to go that route, torture. The viewer can see in horrific detail as Gaius’ imprisonment steadily grows more brutal and unlivable until they genuinely don’t think he’s going to last. Or, alternatively? Radio silence. Nothing from Gaius after that episode. The viewer doesn’t know if he’s dead or alive. The viewer knows nothing Merlin doesn’t. Either way, it would help set the tone they were obviously aiming for - the grim, grisly shit they never quite achieved. 

And removing Gaius from the narrative changes very little about the rest of the season as a whole. Merlin and Arthur’s relationship grows steadily more strained as Merlin continues his quest to rescue Gaius from Morgana, and Arthur remains stubbornly convinced of Gaius’ treachery. Even better? Merlin is completely, totally alone, allowing the story to take progressively darker and darker turns, and the demands of destiny to weigh even heavier on Merlin’s shoulders than they already do. The next two episodes - “Lamia” and “Lancelot du Lac” - could still happen. Without Gaius. And a doubly painful blow to Arthur in “Lancelot du Lac” - the betrayal of Guinevere, his future queen, and Lancelot, his noblest knight, is just another ache to add to the pile at this point. Even if the viewer disagrees with Arthur’s decisions up til now, his pain would doubtless give their heartstrings a tug or two. And with his and Merlin’s friendship buckling under the stress, Arthur has, or is at least convinced he has, next to no one left to turn to.

“Herald of a New Age” serves as a major turning for Arthur’s character in canon, and I don’t want to hurt or minimize that at all, but at the same time, I would certainly change it in any way I could to make it less....... dull, I suppose? I feel bad calling it that, as it’s one of the precious few episodes that focuses on Elyan, who I love and adore and support with everything in me, and oh, how I wanted to like this one, but I was honestly bored out of my mind for half of it. Not to mention, Elyan just watched his king banish his sister from their lifelong home, and he’s????? okay with it???? what. what. what. Definitely would have added in a bit of tension between Arthur and Elyan for this episode, possibly even for the rest of the season as a whole, and a hell of a lot more focus on Elyan warring with himself, torn between his loyalty to Gwen and his loyalty to Arthur.

“The Hunter’s Heart” was another one I personally found dull, but I don’t necessarily think it was a failing in the narrative itself so much as an opinion. I hold no love for Princess Mithian, and the writers’ attempts to force their series to mesh as fully as possible with the mythology was,,,,,,,,, clumsy, to say the least. No thank you. Personally? I would cut this entire episode from the series, but I recognize and respect it wasn’t exactly bad, just not to my speed.

“The Sword in the Stone”? SHIT GETS REAL SON!!!!! At the end of “The Hunter’s Heart”, we receive a small glimpse of Gaius, but it’s far from reassuring - he’s not dead, but he’s damn near close, and he’s just broken under Alator’s torture, and revealed Emrys’ true identity to a furious Morgana, who swears to topple Camelot and exact her revenge on both Arthur and Merlin, and she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve this time to ensure it happens.

Morgana marches on Camelot, and takes the kingdom, with Agravaine by her side, and as in the episode, Arthur and Merlin manage to get out of the citadel and into the relative safety of the woods, but the knights aren’t so lucky, and wind up imprisoned in the castle dungeons. 

And while Morgana obviously didn’t plan on Arthur and Merlin slipping through her grasp yet again, she’s not as shaken as she could be by the thought of Emrys and his king out there working against her - we’re gonna be doing some serious switching around here, and taking the Eancanah from the S5 finale and setting it loose on Merlin here instead. Thus, Merlin is on the run with Arthur, and without his magic. 

Arthur can’t know this last bit, of course, but Arthur’s having his own issues. His uncle’s betrayal has completely shattered him at this point. He’s at his absolute lowest here, out of confidence, out of courage, out of the tenacity that’s seen him through every other trial. So many have turned their back on him, after all. What’s wrong with him, he wonders, that makes them betray him? What’s wrong with him, he asks Merlin, that those he cherishes most don’t care for him at all? 

The friendship between Merlin and Arthur that’s been crumbling all season faces the ultimate test here. While Merlin struggles to restore Arthur’s self-confidence, he’s hard put to keep himself going, as well - his magic defines him, his magic is who he is, his essence, his lifeblood, and what is he without it? Who is he without it? If he can’t use magic, what good is he? If he can’t use magic, what does he matter?

On their journey to regroup, and retake Camelot, Merlin and Arthur find and rescue Gaius, badly injured and in desperate need of medical attention, and of course, Gwen as well, who Arthur realizes he can no longer live without, in spite of her perceived betrayal. He’s still got a long way to go before he’s completely back to his old self, but the restoration of his relationship with both Gwen and Gaius buoys him, and it sets him on his path once again.

Merlin absolutely falls apart upon seeing his mentor in such a state, of course - look, the father/son feels would be STRONG, I’m just saying. Merlin does everything he can to save Gaius - he’s sure magic is the answer, a bit of magic would do it, if only he had his magic. He’s forced to resort to the old-fashioned way, for now, and to his own intense surprise, manages well enough to keep Gaius going for far longer than he ever would have if Merlin hadn’t stepped in at all. In fact, Merlin does a lot of things like that - things he didn’t even realize he knew how to do, things he didn’t even realize he could, and slowly starts to see that yes, his magic is a part of him, but that’s all it is. A part. A piece of the whole. And he’s the whole. And he matters, and he’s good for something, and he’s a badass, without magic, because magic is NOT all he is goddamn it!!!

Arthur pulls the sword out of the stone, as in canon, and I like to imagine Merlin gets his magic back when - and ONLY when - he accepts that he’s a whole and complete person without it, because that should have been a thing at some point. ((”you cannot lose what you are” fhrfhgfggfgfdfd mY ASS. Merlin is PURE BADASSERY and UNDYING LOYALTY and y’all can leave if y’all try and say magic is all he is.))

Anyway, Arthur and Merlin and co. retake Camelot because we gotta give these kids SOMETHING, and Morgana is killed in the struggle, because let’s face it, by S5, she felt really fucking STALE as a villain. So. Arthur stabs her with Excalibur - or maybe that should be Merlin, because “Emrys is your doom” anyone? also not sure Arthur could bring himself to kill Morgana, to be honest. 

Onto S5!!!! can you believe how fucking long this is already but I’m gonna keep going, because I’m really in my stride at this point. Okay, with Morgana dead, and Arthur and Gwen on the throne, Camelot has officially hit its Golden Age. Arthur has slowly begun to change his views on magic, with some small, inevitable steps backward here and there. He’s making peace with the druids, relaxing his stance on sorcerers in his city, uniting Albion, all the good shit. Gaius survived, at the end of S4, but barely, and even now, he remains weakened and frail, and everyone kind of knows he might not see the end of the year. Kilgharrah continues to give cryptic advice. Merlin wants to tell Arthur about his magic but is also a dumbass and can’t bring himself to do it even though the opportunity is RIGHT THERE and we as the audience scream at him to get a move on.

ANYWAY. With Morgana dead, no one’s left to threaten Camelot, right? Everyone’s gone, right? Merlin has all the time in the world to tell Arthur about his magic, and Arthur has all the time in the world to grow into the king Kilgharrah says he will, right?? lmao. no.

Because - wait for it - MORDRED GONNA FUCK SHIT UP SON. MORDRED’S JUST. OUT HERE. FUCKING SHIT UP. Mordred is MAD tbh, he’s really fucking sick of waiting around for Emrys to get his ass in gear and free magic and be the savior of the druids and all that shit. Mordred’s sick of it. He doesn’t care WHAT the prophecies say, it’s OBVIOUS the Triple Goddess chose wrong, and as far as he’s concerned, it’s up to HIM to fix it. So Mordred, with his ladylove, Kara, are raising a literal ARMY of sorcerers, witches, ex-druids, and the like, to exact their freedom from Emrys. They don’t care about Arthur. They’re not after Arthur. In fact, they’re pretty okay with Arthur. He’s not the man making pretty promises edged in gold and not delivering.

Mordred and Kara deliver an ultimatum to Camelot, threatening to tear the kingdom apart, brick by fucking brick, unless King Arthur gives Emrys up to them, and lets them have their way with him. Poor Arthur is like ??????????? I’m sorry????? who is this Mr. Emrys???? what did he do to piss y’all off???? can i interest y’all in a peace treaty????? 

Arthur fails to comply with Mordred’s demands, and deliver Emrys to him, so the attacks begin, growing progressively more violent as the weeks go by. Of course Arthur doesn’t take it lying down - he and his knights go out to counter every assault, to try and intercept every threat, but they’re losing, and they can’t pretend otherwise. They rely on steel and sinew alone, whereas Mordred’s army uses magic in spades. They summon deadly magical creatures, they kill the crops, they manipulate the weather to bring about droughts. They do everything they can to topple Camelot. Merlin is almost sick with the guilt and shame of it all, as he watches his home torn apart, razed to the ground, all because of him. He tells Arthur the truth, and gives himself up, and Arthur’s so furious with Merlin, he doesn’t even try to stop him from heading into Mordred’s clutches, but Gwaine gets wind of what’s going down and he’s just like FUCK NO and goes after Merlin because he’s the Real MVP aaaaand this,,,,,, sounds like a bad fanfiction doesnt it ANYWAY Cue The Battle of Camlann FOR REASONS!!! and utter heartbreak. but with more time for Arthur to adjust to Merlin having magic, and working things out with him. jUST!!! more than one episode where Arthur knows the truth about Merlin!!! pls!!!! pls!!!! thats!!!! all i ask!!! also Arthur’s conscious when he meets Kilgharrah and wants to know why the FUCK Merlin is friends with the DRAGON that ATTACKED his kingdom. talk your way out of that one, Merlin. I fucking dare you.

fghytghbfdfhgfg GOD i’m,,,,,,, so sorry,,,,,,, this got,,,,,,,, so long,,,,,,,, dfhytghnjhgfghgfghgfrty if you made it to the end,,,,,,, thank you,,,,,i’m so sorry,,,,,, i talked,,,,,, so much,,,,,,,

[beige-eclipse]

Bitty Drabbles 25

(we actually hit a quarter of a hundred? how? Lol, I apologize for this chapter in advanced. Be sure to check out @vex-bittys)

Jay woke up first, but, he had a job to go to. Me? Well, I just needed to keep applying, didn’t I? I got up when Jay did, no point in going back to sleep if he was just going to wake me up by getting ready, so I felt to make sure Crim was still secure and decided to get up and have a bowl of cereal, only… He wasn’t there! I tried to calm myself, he could be anywhere in the house. He didn’t normally wake up before me, but maybe Jay’s hand had wandered a bit too low and he left to his rock?

“Crim?” Jay looked at me funny, pausing at the open door he was right about to walk though. “He’s usually in my pocket when I wake up. He doesn’t normally wander…”

“He’s probably fine. I need to catch my bus though. Love you!”

“Love you too.” And he left. I searched and searched, but, nothing, he was gone! “Crim! Please, can you answer me? Are you stuck somewhere?” I was getting more frantic by the second. That’s when I found it. On my writing desk, I noticed a small glint. It was Crim’s tag! I quickly rushed over and it was lying on top of my sticky note pad with a sloppy note with one word, the pencil used to write it discarded to the side.

“Sorry.” My heart sank. What? What did that mean? That could mean so many things! Sorry? Crim, what for? There was no one else who could’ve written that!

“Crim, please! Answer me!” But nothing happened…

I texted Ella right after, knowing I was too far gone to hold a conversation. Too many tears and sobs and hiccups would have impeded my ability to get my thoughts across. Ella jumped right into action. I didn’t have many pictures of Crim, I respected that he was camera shy, but Ella loved taking pictures and managed to select several good ones.

She sent them to me so I could make a facebook post, kinda like those lost pet posts, but it felt closer to an Amber Alert for a missing child. “Have you seen this creature? He is a skeleton lamia, upper body skeleton, tail striped red, yellow, and black. He is docile, though might be scared if approached too quickly. His name is Crim. If any information is found, please contact (Number). Reward if found.”

I didn’t have much, but I could scrounge up anything needed. Hell, I’d sell all of my video games and other stupid unnecessary belongings if it meant getting Crim back! Ella was quick to get the message sent through her friends, and my friends were also quick to respond. I didn’t wait, I threw on my jacket and infinity scarf and left. I didn’t know where I was going, but I did know that I had to try.

First Previous Next

[i-am-a-closet-fanfic-fiend]

4 Visits Peggy Carter Received That We Missed - Peggy Carter Oneshot

A/N: Hi my lovelies, so day 1 of my break is going great. I wrote a oneshot. lol. Told you I wan’t going to be able to last long. This one has been kicking around for a while. I hope you enjoy it. A bit angstier than my usual style but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. 

Summary: 4 People visit Peggy besides Steve. Who are they and what do they talk about 

Warnings: Angst, Alzheimer’s, implications of trauma 

Genre: Angst/Comfort 

Word Count: 1025

1. 

“Hey, Aunt Peggy,” Sharon greeted with a bright smile as she leaned in to kiss her on the cheek.

“Sharon, sweetheart. How are you?”

“I’m good.”

“Any exciting missions lately?”

She shrugged, “The normal recon. Nothing terribly exciting.”

“And how about that cute boy in your building you were telling me about? Did you ask him out yet?”

“No. He’s still just a cute boy in my apartment building,” she chuckled.  

Peggy tutted. “What are you waiting for?”

“I mean my life is so complicated. I don’t think that he could deal with who I really am,” she admitted sadly.

“If he can’t, he’s not worth it. Remember this, my darling, you must always know your worth.”

Sharon smiled and squeezed her hand.

“I know, Aunt Peggy.”

“I’m so proud of you.”

 2. 

“You know. You made this job look easy.”

“It is easy. When you do it right,” she smirked at the man with the eye patch.

“We both know that’s a lie,” he argued, looking out the window restlessly.

“Easier then. Looking over your shoulder constantly is exhausting. It helps when you have someone watching your back.”

“I have people watching my back. But I’ve got to look a lot further over my shoulder to see all the dangers.”

“Yes, but you seem even more on edge today. Something on your mind?”  

“Why did you choose me?”

“Bogota,” she answered.

“What did that have to do with anything?”

“The Director of SHIELD answers to the World Security Council officially, but you and I both know how many decisions are made in an hour that could alter the fate of the world. When I decided to retire I knew that I needed to choose someone who would say bollocks to the rules when the occasion demanded it. Not to mention you had a knack for putting together teams. I could only imagine what you’d accomplish with your pick of candidates.”

3. 

“Tony, my love, how good to see you. You didn’t have to come all the way out here to see me.”

“Of course I did. This place is far too drab. Which is why I brought you these,” he smiled and produced a large bouquet from behind his back.

“Always such a charmer,” she laughed, before coughing slightly.

He helped her take a drink of water. And after replacing the flowers from the week before, Tony sank into the seat next to her.

“How are you?”

“Some days are better than others. Today is a good day.”

“You know, I could move you to a better facility. I could move you home. Have the best medical staff come in to see you.”

“There’s nothing to be done, my love. And I’m comfortable here.”

“You could be closer to me. And Steve.”

A sad smile crossed her face as she heard the tightness in his voice.

“You two still aren’t getting along I take it.”

Tony pouted petulantly.

“He’s like the big brother I could never compare to and never wanted.”

“Sometimes I wish I could lock the two of you in a room together so you could work out your issues. Or better yet, just knock your heads together.”

“I just don’t understand what’s so great about him. I know he saved the world but…”  

“Steve is a good man. Like you are. He may cast a long shadow that Howard worshipped in, but try to remember. Howard felt an inexplicable amount of guilt after he died. He felt that he failed him in life and in death. He spent much of his life trying to ease that guilt. He let it consume him, but your father’s… obsession isn’t Steve’s fault.”

“I know but he’s so righteous all the time,” Tony huffed, sinking further in his chair.

“You know, if he hadn’t gone down with the plane, he likely would have been Uncle Steve to you.”

“That’s a truly terrifying thought.”

“Try to get to know his as a man and not as a legend. Then you can come complain about him. Lord knows he has his flaws.”

“All right. I’ll try.”

“Good boy.” She started coughing more violently this time, and again Tony offered her water. However this time, when she looked up to thank him, a wry smile took over. “Howard, you really do need to shave.”

Not for the first time, Tony cursed his likeness to his father, but he buried the heartbreak.

“You know the deal, Peg. I’ve got to be in style.”

4. 

It was late, long after dark when she heard movement. The last orderly had clocked out thirty minutes ago, and even if he hadn’t he wouldn’t be lurking in the corner. Silently she reached down and grabbed the small gun she kept stashed.

“I’m old but I’m still sharp. Get out of that corner and show yourself or you’re getting a bullet in the brain.”

The dark-haired man stepped out of the shadows, clear blue gaze showing a mix of emotions.

“Sergeant Barnes?” she whispered as she stared at the almost familiar face.

Confusion clouded his expression and he shut his eyes before nodding.

“What are you doing here?”

“I don’t know,” he almost cried. She knew he was talking about more than his visit. “I should go,” he muttered to himself.

“Please stay. Do you lose time too?”

He nodded again, remaining in the corner, and taking a seat in the shadows.

She spoke at him for a time. He didn’t respond, but she didn’t mind. At times she would speak of their brief time together, trying to get him to remember. Other times she would talk about the present.  

“I know it’s not fair of me to ask you for anything. But do me a favor anyway?” She yawned.

He nodded hesitantly.

“Get yourself back to Steve. He needs you. Lord knows what kind of trouble he can get into without one of us dragging his stubborn ass out of the fire.”

A ghost of a smile lit up his features.

“The punk never did know when to leave a fight.”

“Do your best to get back to him Promise.”

“I swear.”

A/N: So yeah, just some scenes that I think should have (i.e. did happen in my head canon) And I wanted to share. I hope you enjoyed. Thanks so much for reading! I love you! 

Marvel Tag List @hdthdthdt​   @sophiatomlinson23 @misty-panther @supermusicallee @scarlettsoldier @acupofhotlatte @slender--spirit

Permanent Tag List @iamwarrenspeace @jayzayy @bexboo616 @neoqueen306 @santheweird @rowenaravencalw @buckitybarnes @prxttybirdz @sergeantjbuckybarnes @sebsunshinestan @broitsmydick @ailynalonso15 @nyxveracity @queenoftrash97 @walkingtravesty97 @lamia-maizat @memyselfandmaddox @lowkeybuckyb @whiskey2011 @averyrogers83 @lovingpeterparker @buckybarneshairpullingkink @beansparker @unicornblood4ever @xxashy999xx

[i-am-a-closet-fanfic-fiend]

A Night In ~ Bucky Barnes x Reader Oneshot

A/N: I’m straight up out of titles and this is just an excuse to write cuddly fluffy Bucky cuz I’m a sucker for it. I hope you enjoy! This has been sitting in my drafts forever. 

Summary: What the title says 

Characters/Pairings: Bucky x Reader 

Warnings: None, just fluff

Rating: K+

Word Count: 1254

You stopped in the kitchen to make some tea before locking yourself in your room to finish the report you had been avoiding. It took so long that you missed dinner, but you finally submitted it to Steve and Maria.

You were relaxing on your balcony debating whether to eat or just go to sleep. You were close to drifting off when there was a sharp knock on your door.

“FRIDAY, please unlock my door.”

“Yes, miss.”

“Steve, if you’re here to yell at me about the report you should go check your inbox,” you called from the chaise, still staring up at the stars.

“Wrong super soldier, doll.”

“Bucky, what are you doing here?” you asked, nearly falling in your haste to stand up.

“You missed dinner. I thought you might be hungry,” he explained holding up the greasy paper bag.

The second the smell of food hit you, you nearly sprinted to his side to grab the bag from him.

“You are my favorite person in the entire universe right now,” you groaned as you tossed a French fry into your mouth.

“Aren’t I always?”

“Nope. Not always. Sometimes Sam brings me yummy chocolate.”

Ignoring his glare, you quickly cleared off your desk and laid out the food, surprised by the amount he had brought.

“Four burgers? How much do you think I can eat?”

“Two are for me, doll.” He sounded like that should have been obvious, but his expression quickly became unsure. “I thought we would eat together. I can just go back to my room, if you’d rather. I thought we were catching up tonight. I’ll just go,” he stammered out in a rush.

“No, no. Don’t go. I didn’t mean it like that. I just assumed you’d eaten with the team,” you sputtered just as hurriedly. Taking a deep breath, you smiled at him, “Please. Sit.”

You rolled your desk chair towards him as you settled on top of your storage ottoman. Once you had demolished one full burger and half of the fries, you were feeling much more alert.

“Okay, so now that I’m human again and not hangry, exhausted, crazy person, hi. Thank you for my dinner.”

Bucky chuckled at the sudden change in your demeanor.

“Hi. You’re very welcome, doll.”

“I didn’t think Ralph’s delivered this far out.”

His cheeks turned the slightest shade of pink as he admitted they didn’t.  

“You drove all the way out there just to bring me dinner?”

You were touched by the gesture.

“I know you love Ralph’s as much as you hate writing mission reports, so I figured it would balance things out.”

“Better be careful, Barnes. You’re starting to spoil me,” you teased. “The others might think I’m your favorite.”

“You are,” he replied immediately.  

It was your turn to blush, and you quickly turned your attention back to the food. He let you eat in peace, but you could feel his eyes on you.

“So, since all I did for six weeks was shadow creepy men in dirty bars, why don’t you kick off this whole catching up thing?” you suggested as you polished off your second burger.

“It wasn’t all that exciting. I beat up some bad guys. Fought with Sam. You know, he’s a lot more annoying when you’re not around.”

“I’m sure he would say the same about you. Steve is a terrible referee.”

“Well it’s a new role for him. Don’t forget I was usually the one pulling him out of alleys,” he reminded you with a fond smile. “Punk never did know when to quit.”

“Still doesn’t. But at least he can throw a punch now,” you joked.

“True,” he agreed thoughtfully, “But anyways, yeah, nothing really happened that wouldn’t go in a mission report and I don’t think you want to hear that.”

“You are not wrong.”

“This was a dumb idea wasn’t it?” He asked after a moment and you looked at him in confusion, terrified that he was regretting spending time together. “Having us catch up, I mean. We should just be hanging out.”

The coil of fear in your gut loosened and you summoned all of your composure.  

“I mean it only makes sense that the past six weeks were so boring. We are the most interesting people in each other’s lives,” you quipped, smirking at him.

“You’re so very right, doll,” he grinned. “So, what interesting thing shall we do for the rest of the evening?”

The idea of actually moving, even if it was with Bucky was extremely unappealing to you at the moment.

“Let’s think,” you mumbled around yawn, cursing the burgers for your inevitable food coma.

You glanced at Bucky who once again looked like he was having some sort of internal debate.

“Here’s an idea. It’s super adventurous. Do you think you’re up for it?”

“Absolutely,” You answered as eagerly as you could.

“I go get the pint of chocolate fudge brownie ice cream that I have stashed in my freezer and we watch a movie and I make good on the cuddles I owe you.”

“Sounds heavenly.”

“In that case, I’ll be right back.”

He hopped to his feet taking the trash with him. Smiling to yourself, you sat in the center of your bed and started scrolling through movies. Bucky returned with the ice cream and two spoons before you could decide.

You made grabby hands at him and he just laughed kicking off his sneakers before setting the ice cream down on your bedside table and tackling you. You gasped as his weight settled on top of you, comforting you like a blanket.

“Bucky, what are you doing?” you shrieked as he nuzzled into your neck.

He pulled back and looked at you, obviously amused. You were working on keeping your breathing steady, giddy to feel his arms around you after so long away.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I assumed the grabby hands meant you wanted me. Did you just want the ice cream?”

Snorting, you ran a hand through his hair affectionately.

“I can’t want both?”

“I suppose that’s alright.”

Still when he rolled off of you, you whined quietly. His smirk told you he had heard it and you turned your attention back to the TV.

He grabbed the ice cream and scooted back against the headboard, patting the spot next to him.

“Come here, doll.”

You crawled over to him before settling against his left side. His metal arm immediately came to rest on your waist as he offered you a spoon.

“So what are we watching tonight?”

“Your choice. I’m up for anything.”

“Only because you’re going to pass out in the next ten seconds,” he teased.

“Not true,” you yawned. “I’ll last at least 35 with this ice cream.”

“Whatever you say.”

You took a few more bites of ice cream before laying your head on his chest and scooching further down in the bed, drifting off. You woke up when you felt him leaving the bed, and you pouted and made grabby hands at him again.

Chuckling he held the ice cream out to you and you narrowed your eyes.

“I don’t want the ice cream, you dork. I want you.”

“Finally she admits it,” he smirked as he put the ice cream in your freezer.

“Don’t look so smug,” you muttered as you climbed under the covers and waited for him.

“Don’t worry, doll,” he whispered as he slid in next to you wrapping you in his warm embrace. “I want you too.”

A/N: Man I love cuddly Bucky so much. I know I said I have a problem but I’m really actually okay with it. Lol. I hope you enjoyed. Thanks for reading. <3 

Tag Lists are Open! Strike throughs didn’t work 

Bucky/Sebastian Tag List @waywardpumpkin @sadanddeadsoul @captain-maaarvel @caylast @isaxhorror @run-your-cleverboy

Marvel Tag List @hdthdthdt   @sophiatomlinson23 @misty-panther @supermusicallee

Permanent Tag List @iamwarrenspeace @jayzayy @bexboo616 @neoqueen306 @santheweird @rowenaravencalw @buckitybarnes @prxttybirdz @the-marvel-dc-peasant @samwinchxtr @broitsmydick @ailynalonso15 @nyxveracity @queenoftrash97 @walkingtravesty97 @lamia-maizat @memyselfandmaddox