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sunnyrealist · 3 months ago

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Chapter 63: Seen and Not Heard

The Sun, the Moon, and All Our Stars

Summary and Details…

Previous Chapter Recap/Context: Sebastian finally reunited with his old friends, Ominis and Ruby McKinnon (the Hero of Hogwarts), after nearly a decade. They decide to take turns filling each other in on their adult lives. Ruby begins. She and Poppy began dating in sixth year and are now happily married. Poppy is a magizoologist, and Ruby is employed by the Department of Mysteries, conducting research on the connection between ancient magic and magical creatures. Because Ruby's work gives her a great deal of flexibility, she and Poppy travel the world together, but they're in Scotland for the summer to be close to Poppy's gran. Sebastian's turn is next, but he is unable to reveal details about his probationary work with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement due to its top secret nature. He tells them he isn't ready to share anything about Azkaban and might never be. He does, however, explain the toll Azkaban had on his mental health and self-worth. Kate also shares a little about herself. When it is Ominis' turn, Ruby and Poppy duck out to give them space. Kate decides to do the same and apparates home.

Pairing: 25-year-old, post-Azkaban Sebastian Sallow x 24-year-old Kate Mayflower (my OC), the assistant librarian at Hogwarts

Content warnings: In general, this is rated 18+, so minors should not read or interact with this story. This chapter focuses on lost love and grief and the realization that sometimes nothing can fix a terrible situation but time.

The full chapter is available below the cut; it can also be found on AO3 (link is posted below). Please leave some feedback if possible, especially if you like what you read! 🥰

Chapter 63: Seen and Not Heard

Ominis picks up the glass from the table, carefully swirling the liquid around and smelling it.

“I can tell it’s a fine firewhisky. Shame I have to do this,” Ominis notes, downing all of the firewhisky as though it is just a shot. Taking a moment, he then places the glass back on the table. “I need some liquid courage, though.”

Sebastian raises his eyebrows silently, studying his old friend. He suddenly remembers Ominis is blind and could not have seen his facial reaction. “For… what?”

“To tell you why your owl didn’t make it to me,” Ominis replies. “I think I know… It’s because of my last name.”

Sebastian draws a breath, recalling the cruelty of the Gaunts. “Did… something happen with your family?”

There’s a pause. “No, not exactly. It’s more to do… with me.”

Sebastian continues to look at him quizzically. “How so?”

“I don’t go by the name ‘Ominis Gaunt’ anymore,” he answers in a failed attempt to be smooth, then seems to mentally brace himself. “I’ve changed my last name.”

Sebastian switches to firewhisky, sensing tension. “Stop being so cryptic. Just tell me.”

Ominis is quiet for a moment longer. Trying to sound as even-keeled as possible, he says, “Sebastian, we’re brothers. I… took the Sallow name… when I married Anne.”

For once, Sebastian is glad that his old friend is blind. His own eyes bulge, and a mixture of emotions plays on his face - surprise, wonder, confusion, a bit of anger with sadness. “What do you mean, you married Anne? You surely don’t mean-”

Ominis huffs. “What other type of marriage is there, Sebastian?”

An awkward, strangled kind of laugh escapes Sebastian. “Anne?” he repeats. “You actually married Anne?”

“Yes, Sebastian,” Ominis replies rather curtly. “We got married. She’s my wife.”

“But how?” Sebastian asks incredulously. “How did that happen?” He runs his hands through his hair nervously. “And you say it like she is still your wife. I saw her grave, Ominis. I saw it. She’s… she’s gone!”

Ominis winces, his face sour. “She still is my wife no matter what.”

His emotions get the better of him, and Sebastian mutters, “I need a minute.” He stands and walks straight out of the pub.

Night has settled upon Hogsmeade. There are a few others outside, speaking in hushed voices, but the cobblestone street is mostly empty. A breeze flows by, bringing with it a slight chill. Streetlights glow against the growing darkness, and Sebastian can see a half moon surrounded by glittering stars in the sky. He gazes upon it, trying to settle his mind.

Breathe. Clear your mind, my moon, he can hear Kate whispering in his mind. Learn all you can, and we will unpack it all later.

Sebastian inhales and exhales deeply. This month - reflecting back, now that it is the final day of June - has been one of the most interesting of his life. And it is only about to get more complicated, he thinks.

He takes a few more moments to himself, then wanders back inside. He strides back to the table, settling back into his seat.

“Look, Sebastian,” Ominis begins almost immediately. “We didn’t think we would ever get a chance to tell you - you were just… gone. It was as if you had died.” He pauses. “Admittedly, I haven’t fully thought through how I might share all of this with you. Even when Ruby contacted me and told me you were out of prison, it felt… unreal. But now, here we are, sitting in the Three Broomsticks. It feels as though a lifetime has passed. I don’t even know how to catch you up.”

“I know. I… I just want to know it all. Not knowing is the worst, Ominis,” Sebastian replies, then inquires confusedly, “I… I mean, did you always like Anne? In that way? You never told me.”

Ominis relaxes a bit and chuckles. “No, no… I didn’t. It happened later.”

“Tell me everything. Please,” Sebastian requests.

“You might not like everything,” Ominis counters. “I… in the last months I knew you, you were always so angry. Can you truly handle hearing it all?”

Sebastian sighs. “I know. I was a right knobhead. There’s no excuse for it, and I’m sorry. I’m really sorry, Ominis, for all I put you through. I… I’ve had a lot of time to think. I promise I’ll never be like that again - go down that road again. You can tell me all of it, and I promise I won’t… Well, I can’t promise I won’t be angry, but I won’t… explode or anything like that.”

Ominis nods, but his face clearly betrays an internal conflict. He still isn’t convinced.

“What is it?” Sebastian asks.

Ominis takes a deep breath. “There’s something I need to tell you… something from way back then. I’m just not sure that tonight is the right time… I don’t know.” He shakes his head.

“I mean, we are going to see each other again… right?” Sebastian asks hopefully.

“Of course.” Ominis smiles. “Well, you’ll see me again. I’ll never see you.” He laughs at his own joke, and Sebastian heartily joins in.

“I’ve really missed you, Ominis,” Sebastian finally says with a grin. “I miss your sarcasm. I even miss you scolding me and telling me off.” He huffs out a laugh.

“And I, you,” his blonde friend replies. “We… Anne and I… We struggled with losing you for a long time.”

Sebastian sips his butterbeer. “Tell me about her.”

Ominis smiles wistfully. “Anne… Gods, I miss her so much. I would do anything to bring her back.” The blue pupils of his unseeing eyes focus in on one spot, as if he is staring, for a very long time, and then he sighs deeply. “Shortly after you were sent to Azkaban, Anne returned to Feldcroft. I visited a few times over the summer months, and… things were bad. She couldn’t take care of herself, Sebastian. She was in such poor spirits and so frail, so ill - and there was no one else to help. I met with Professor Black to explain the situation and ask for… a rather unusual accommodation. I requested to live outside of the Hogwarts grounds so that I could be Anne’s caregiver whilst I was still in school. To my surprise, he granted it. Two special portkeys were made so that I didn’t have to use the Floo Network all the way to or from Feldcroft. Anne was so relieved that I would be able to live with her. Obviously, I still attended classes… but anytime I didn’t, I was home with Anne. I managed her potions, brought her good, hearty meals from Hogwarts, tended to her when she went through her episodes, and went to see Healers at St. Mungo’s with her every month.”

Sebastian is enraptured, but he takes a moment to say, “Thank you, Ominis. Truly, thank you - it’s such a relief to know she wasn’t alone all those years. And to know she was well taken care of.”

“We didn’t realize it right away because Anne remained so weak and still would easily become ill, but the curse actually lifted when she turned seventeen. The Healers confirmed it after about a year,” Ominis explained.

“It just… happened?” Sebastian asks incredulously. “No one… had to do anything special to lift it?”

His blonde friend shakes his head. “We were as surprised as you. But Ruby remembered something she had heard Victor Rookwood say at one time - that children should be seen and not heard. He said the same to Anne when he cursed her. When she came of age at seventeen, it… well, her affliction didn’t just disappear, but over time, we noticed her symptoms had become less severe and that she was no longer having long episodes. We put it all together later, and in the end, we learned that the curse had particularly affected Anne when she would experience strong emotions, speak up, or cause any kind of commotion… but only as a child. That was the curse. Children should be seen and not heard.”

Sebastian is silent, his heart pounding as he realizes that everything he had done had been all for naught. Anne’s curse had been so much more simple than he ever imagined. The hours - no, not just hours - days, weeks, months, years of studying had been pointless. Getting into Dark magic would never have solved anything… and that was what had sent him to Azkaban. Solomon was part of that, but everything with his uncle - all of the abuse - had run so much deeper beyond Anne’s curse. In the end, Solomon had been right - there really was nothing to be done. They had just needed to sit and wait - something Sebastian would never have been able to do. Victor Rookwood had ultimately, and likely unintentionally, cursed the entire Sallow family.

“Anne was still sick, so we didn’t realize the curse had lifted. The many years of illness had rendered her so weak that she truly was not able to live alone. I stayed on. I felt like I owed it to you, Sebastian… after everything… to stick by her, to take the place you would have if we hadn’t…” Ominis trails off.

“You owed me nothing,” Sebastian commented.

“No, I owed you everything,” Ominis retorts, unwavering.

Sebastian looks at Ominis for a long time, puzzled by the comment. His brain works overtime. “Oh… because if not for me, you wouldn’t have… gotten married.”

Ominis exhales sharply in response. “I don’t know - perhaps we would have anyway.”

A moment passes between them.

“Did you actually love her?” Sebastian finally asks.

“I love Anne more than anything,” Ominis replies without hesitation. “I would give anything - anything - to see her again. I mean it with my entire soul.”

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elizaditton · 2 years ago

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Too Small To Be Afraid (Chapter 7)

Links:

Cover / Master Post / Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

- - - - - - - - - -

The rhythmic swaying of my deskmate's walking does anything but put me at ease. My heart thumps faster with every step he takes away from the perthean co-principal's office, my last link to the safety of the human undercity. I wipe the tears from my eyes in a hurry, lest the boy see me cry and start to worry. Fear or no fear, I just can't put that pressure on someone.

I hesitate to look up at the boy, fearing he might be looking at me himself. Luckily, he's not focusing on me... until he is. We lock eyes, and the world starts to spin again. My vision begins to blur with tears, and I rush to blink them away before they fall. The boy smiles at me and lets out a little laugh, completely oblivious to how hard this is for me. Well, at least I hope he's oblivious.

"So," the boy says, "are you nervous?"

"N-no!" I exclaim defensively. Can he feel my trembling? Can he see my tears? How did he figure out I'm afraid?!

"No?" The boy asks, cocking his head. "Not even a little?"

"No," I reiterate. "I... I'm not nervous."

"Hmm. Well, I'm nervous," the boy says.

I blink. Him? Nervous? What does he have to be nervous about?

"You are?" I ask.

"Yeah," he says, scratching his cheek with his free hand. "After all, having a deskmate is a huge responsibility, so I don't want to mess this up. I thought you'd have it worse, since you're basically entrusting yourself to a stranger."

My cheeks get hotter. How did he know?

"Well, maybe I'm a little nervous," I say, looking away.

"So the truth comes out!" The boy says.

Oh, no! What have I done?! I straight up told him I'm scared! What if he's angry?! What if he wants to hurt me?! My heart skips a beat as I hug my trembling frame and look up at the perthean boy. I expect to see furrowed brows and gnashing teeth, but instead I'm met with soft, smiling eyes and a big grin. Confused, I let my shoulders relax a bit and raise an eyebrow.

The boy lifts me up to his eye level, far too close for my liking. He's so close, I could reach out and touch his face if I wanted to. I scoot back.

"Well, Ms. Finch," the boy says, "you have nothing to worry about as long as you're with me! Okay?"

My heart keeps pounding and pounding! He's still so close! I nod slowly, and he seems to accept that as an answer. He brings me back to chest level and continues to the auditorium.

As we enter the auditorium, I find myself shaking my head in disbelief. I'm not able to fully comprehend what I'm seeing. This room is way, way bigger than Mrs. Hudson's office! It might even be bigger than Maedri's undercity railway station! For a human like me, it must stretch on for miles and miles!

My deskmate comes to a stop right in front of a seating area at the back of the auditorium. There's so many pertheans! My blood runs cold just looking at them all. Some of them are sitting alone while others are talking to the humans they've been paired with. I wish my deskmate would hurry up and find a seat so that I don't have to keep staring at all these people!

After a moment, my deskmate starts up the stairs. He keeps going and going, until finally, after what feels like forever, he reaches the very top of the stairs. He walks all the way to the end of the row by the wall and sits down.

"Now," my deskmate says, "do you want to stay in my hands or should I set you down?"

Finally! I can get out of this perthean's hands! The standalone balcony between the rows of chairs is just within reach!

"Y-you can set me down," I say, struggling to hide my eagerness to get out of the boy's hands.

The boy sets his finger in front of me as he did before. I stare down at it, once again in complete awe of how big it is compared to me.

"Are you going to grab on?" The boy asks when I don't move.

"S-sorry," I say, grabbing onto his finger, "I didn't sleep much last night."

"Me, neither," the boy says, lifting me up from my place in his hand.

My heart pounds in my chest as I once again dangle helplessly over a drop that might just kill me if I were to lose my grip on this boy's finger.

Relief washes over me once I'm set on the balcony. At last, solid ground! I look to the wall beside me and see an opening that leads back to the human part of the school. If I wanted to, I could run away. I could go home. I know that I can't, but it's a comfort to know that if I needed to, I could at least try to get away from this perthean.

"So, um..." the boy starts, rubbing the back of his head. "The weather is nice today!"

I look back up at him and blink. "I live underground, you know."

"Oh," he laughs nervously. "Right."

I pull up a chair, and we sit in silence for a moment. I stare down at my hands, which are resting on my lap. I can't keep eye contact with this guy, and I don't dare look at any of the other pertheans in the room, so I keep my head down.

"Um... can you tell me about yourself?" The boy asks.

I look up at him, unsure why he's so desperate to keep talking to me. "I like to draw," I say. For some reason, I can't think of anything interesting about myself at all.

"Cool," the boy says. "I like to study languages."

"That's nice," I say.

And again we sit in silence. The cycle goes on—my deskmate asks a question, I answer it, he answers it, and we sit in silence. I didn't think having a deskmate would be this awkward. After at least twenty minutes of this, I start to wonder if this is worse than what I imagined having a deskmate would be like.

"Attention, everyone! We will now begin our orientation," Ms. Clemmons exclaims.

As I turn my seat around, I see Mrs. Hudson clutching one ear, while Ms. Clemmons stands on her shoulder. I don't know if I've ever met a human that could shout that loudly. That must have hurt for Mrs. Hudson to hear.

Mrs. Hudson clears her throat. "Thank you again everyone for arriving on time, and for your patience during the deskmate pairing process. For those who haven't met me yet, I'm Mrs. Hudson, your perthean co-principal, and this is Ms. Clemmons, your human co-principal."

Mrs. Hudson and Ms. Clemmons cross their right arms over their chests and lean forward. Mrs. Hudson only leans forwards slightly, since Ms. Clemmons is on her shoulder. After they finish bowing, more pertheans with humans on their shoulders come stand to the left and to the right of Mrs. Hudson and Ms. Clemmons. Mr. Day, the human nurse, is accompanied by a perthean woman introduced as Mrs. Emaeya, who is wearing a black blouse with a white cardigan. Mrs. Wright, the human gym teacher, is accompanied by a perthean man introduced as her husband Mr. Wright, who is wearing a shirt and tie like Mr. Day.

"We look forward to assisting you this school year," they all say, bowing as Mrs. Hudson and Ms. Clemmons did before.

"Now," Mrs. Hudson says, "when our school first opened in 2500 RE, our founders had a goal in mind—that being to teach responsibility and foster friendships between pertheans and humans in an environment where both can flourish together academically."

2500? I wonder if my grandparents went to this school, too.

Mrs. Hudson goes on to explain why deskmate schools are a good idea. Something about learning more about each other's kinds and the proper forms of etiquette at a young age. As she's talking, I can't help but feel like my deskmate is staring right at me. Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine! Trembling, I turn around only to see my deskmate staring straight ahead at Mrs. Hudson. A shuddering sigh escapes me as I return my attention to the co-principal, only for that same feeling of being watched to return.

After a few minutes of the co-principals telling us all what's expected of us, such as sticking to the proper forms of handling etiquette, maintaining communication with our deskmates, and being on time and all that, they announce that it's time to split up for a tour of the school.

Great. More being held, I assume.

"Ms. Finch," my deskmate says. "Do you want to try shoulder etiquette this time? Like the teachers are doing?"

"N-no," I say, hoping the boy doesn't notice my reddening cheeks. "That's okay, what we were doing before was fine."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

My deskmate and I were forced into a group and shown around by the co-principals. They showed us how the classrooms look, with their auditorium style seating spaced out so that everyone, including humans on pertheans' desks, can see the teacher.

They showed us the library, which had seating areas where humans and pertheans can study together, as well as an entire study area just for humans with its own dedicated library. It had an escape, or rather an entrance, leading back to the human part of the school that I was all too eager to get to.

My deskmate had something to say about everything we encountered, and wouldn't stop asking me for my thoughts about the tour. Because I was in his hands, every word he spoke reverberated through my entire body, and I couldn't stop shivering because of it.

After the library, our group split in two to see the parts of the school for our own kinds— things like the gyms, showers, washrooms, and cafeterias. And that leads me to now, reluctantly following Ms. Clemmons through the halls of the human part of the school to a place called 'the pickup area,' which must mean I'm going to have to go back to being with my deskmate. Yippee.

"Take care not to crowd the balcony," Ms. Clemmons says as we exit the human halls. "Make sure everyone has room to get to their deskmate. After all, tomorrow there will be five hundred of you on this balcony."

As I step through the double doors and onto the balcony, a crowd of pertheans fills my line of sight. I almost forgot how tall they are! I begin to shake as one after the other approaches the balcony to fetch their deskmates. Knowing one of them is going to come for me causes my legs to wobble uncontrollably and my hands to tremble. I try to calm myself down by taking a deep breath, but a whimper comes out when I exhale. I inch to the back wall, unsure of what I should do. I don't want to go back to my deskmate! I pull out my phone, hands shaking, and try to look busy while I wait for the crowd to die down.

"Phones away, please," Ms. Clemmons says.

I look up to see her raising one eyebrow at me as she pushes up her glasses.

"Isn't that your deskmate?" She asks, pointing to a perthean boy standing by himself near the back of the room, rubbing one arm as he stares into space.

I reluctantly approach the edge of the balcony. I'd call out to my deskmate if I had the courage, but I don't even remember his name.

After a moment or two, the boy's eyes meet mine. Everything stops. All I can hear are his footsteps pounding the ground as he approaches me. I scurry backwards and nearly trip over my trembling legs. I look up at the boy as he reaches the balcony with a big smile spread across his face. The sight causes me to lose my grip on my phone, and it falls out of my sweaty, quivering hands and onto the balcony floor.

My deskmate frowns. "Are you alright?" He asks.

"S-sorry," I say, picking up my phone, "I didn't sleep much last night." Wait, didn't I use that excuse already?

As I'm lifted up from the balcony, I can't help but wonder what Dad was thinking sending me to this school. I'm never going to get over this stupid fear! I can't even look my deskmate in the eye without shaking uncontrollably!

My deskmate smiles down at me once I'm in his hand. Surrounded by fingers just as big as I am, it finally settles in. I'm small. So small.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"That just about wraps up our orientation!" Mrs. Hudson says. "Don't forget to show up early for attendance, which is at 8:00 am sharp!"

It doesn't take long for everyone in the auditorium to start talking amongst themselves. Some get up to leave, and I'm eager to do the same.

"Wow, over already? That went by so fast!" My deskmate says.

His voice startles me. How did I forget he's right behind me? How could I forget he's right behind me?

"So," the boy says, "what did you think of orientation?"

"I-it was fine," I say, standing up and collecting my things.

"What do you think you'll like the most about this school?" He asks.

"I don't know," I say, thinking back on the tour. There wasn't really anything that stood out. "I can't really pick just one thing..."

"I liked the library," the boy says. "I can imagine us studying together there a lot!"

"O-oh! That's nice," I respond, trying to shake away thoughts of having to study with a perthean. I don't think I'd be able to concentrate on the schoolwork. "Um, sorry to cut this short, but I have to get home. My dad is expecting me."

"Aw, really? We were just getting to know each other!"

"Yeah, b-but I'll see you tomorrow!"

I bet Dad could care less what time I get back to the apartment. I bet he'd be thrilled if I were to stay and chat with this guy all day long and didn't come home. I'm about to start walking away when my deskmate interrupts.

"So, do you live far from here?"

Do I live far from here?! I'm not about to tell this perthean where I live!

"I-it's not that far," I say, turning to leave.

"So it's a bit of a ways?" The boy asks with a frown.

"It's okay," I say, "I like walking!" I scurry away before the boy can ask me anything else.

"Oh, you walk?" He asks. "You don't take a train?"

I stop. "Yeah, my dad keeps telling me I shouldn't be complaining because he had to walk farther to school when he was my age. I really don't mind the walk, though." I turn towards the exit in the wall and make haste towards it.

"Are you really okay walking by yourself?" My deskmate asks.

"Y-yeah! I'll be fine, don't worry!" He better not be about to ask me what I think he is! I hurry even faster to the exit.

"What I mean is, considering we're deskmates now..."

The exit is right there! Please don't ask me!

"If you want me to, I could walk you home!" he says.

I stop dead in my tracks in front of the exit, my blood running cold and my entire being trembling with fear. "Th-that's okay," I say. "I'm fine with walking."

"Are you sure?" The boy asks. "Because I wouldn't mind it—"

"I said I'm fine!" I run away as fast as my legs can carry me, around the corner and down the stairs. Free at last.

#too small to be afraid #tstba #perthea #g/t #giant/tiny

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nalyra-dreaming · 11 months ago

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Hi Nalyra, love your blog and all your great insights on the show and the books! Years ago I read all the books up to The Vampire Armand, and I know I'll need to do a reread before any of the later books will make sense. I was wondering which books you consider "essential" for connecting to the show (and for making sense of later books)- I've already reread IWTV, and have TVL and QOTD waiting on my shelf. I vaguely recall not caring for TOTBT or MTD, so I might skip them and go straight to TVA which I remember liking too. Which others would do you think are must reads? I'm sure you've addressed this already, so a link to a previous post would be great, thanks :)

Hey!

Glad you like!

Okay, so this is my recommendation, since we are not THAT far away from the next season anymore^^ (and I don't think I've listed it like that yet^^):

Read "The Devil's Minion" chapter in QotD. The rest of the book will likely be on at a slightly later stage. But that chapter is important, and can more or less stand alone, because there are only a few things which relate to the story of the book.

Read "The Vampire Armand" next. There was an IG story back then, which had "Andrei" on it, Armand's real name. So we will likely get flashbacks (even if they're short). And also the things that... pertain to Louis and Claudia are rather important, as the BTS photos have indicated. (Also Armand's story is truly quite interesting). And of course, there is a high chance we'll get to see Marius in s2, too, soooo...

THEN read Merrick. Claudia's diary and a HUGE character reveal as well as the likely cliffhanger of s2 is in there. (Unfortunately) It is narrated by David, and Anne really managed to make him... well. David. 😬 But there is a rather important Loustat moment as well, and from Anne's notes we know she originally planned that scene with Armand(!) so that might be changed "back" in the show!

The later trilogy (Prince Lestat on) you can read later. MTD isn't really important other than something like that might have happened (already), we'll see. I mean, Rolin has stated he takes from PL, buttttttt I think the hooks for that (there are some, imho) will be revealed at a later stage. (Also, Antoine(tte) is revealed to be alive in that, but that is also a standalone chapter, if you want to read it.)

So in preparation for s2 I would go for the above.

The rest of the books are not "necessary" at this point, though of course QotD will be important at some point. And then, maybe in combination with the threat of PL and PLatRoA, but you will have enough time to catch up in-between^^.

And I think the threat of Blood Communion might be threaded through, however the Loustat arc concludes there, so I think that is where they will end up, eventually, if we get our seasons. Since their dance is from the end scene of that book, I think they foreshadowed that with it.

Have fun reading!!

(And: Don't shoot me for making you read Merrick, I know a lot hate that book^^ But I think you will know why I said it's important when you get there^^)

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iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia · 2 years ago

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oh god you have foolishly provided me a chance to dump the contains of my soul and heart out in the open through throwing all my favorite songs to listen to and think of Muriel at you in this essay i WILL

ok first i know its on his official playlist already BUT i feel a need to emphasize just how much it is ABsoLUTEly HIS song most of any of them: drumroll please::: 👏Wolf👏 by 👏First Aid Kit👏 any muriel simp reading this right now i am pounding you with my brainwaves of intent to go listen to it Right Now and Read those Lyrics and just try to tell me its not literally about him god if could draw id be doing such a cool animatic about it but alas it dies with me anyway WAYWARD WINDS!!! A VOICE THAT SINGS!!!! OF A!! FORGOTTEN!!!! LAND!!!!!!! SEE IT FALL!!!! CHILD OF WAR!!!! OH LEND!!!! A MENDING HAND!!!!!!!!!!! i believe ive made myself clear kbgxkyhfhkvd

https://youtu.be/6PmuuiXgIZE

i dont know if links work on anon but i had to try gjzghfdtomfg our wedding song straight up this is in my language and also like. about a girl but the words are easy to switch around so it fits lol it basically just goes like "you just had to know (to do something? like in a you know how to work me way lmao linguistics hard), that i cant forget you at all/i forgot my mother and father/my sister and my brother but i cant goshdarn forget you" and i dont know i probably cant translate that so it hits right but god its absolutely perfect to me cause like I DIDNT! FORGET HIM!! MC REMEMBERS HIM AT LEAST A LITTLE BIT!!!! EVEN WITH THE CURSE I DONT KNOW LET ME HAVE THIS ITS TOO GD ROMANTIC I CANT BELIEVE HE GOT ME ACTING LIKE THIS AGHGF im sorry for yelling i got excited

NEXT a classic we gotta pepper some hozier on this thing so here goes Nothing Fucks With My Baby cause thats my ultimate serenade for him in my head especially the "if i was born/as a blackthorn tree/id wanna be held by you/felled by you/fuel the pyre of your enemies" part as it perfectly describes my sentiments towards my man: hes my bby i will kill for him👁️👁️

theres Always Forever by Cults, i dont have that much to rant about it i just always think of him when i play it lol theres hozier again It Will Come Back which is on his official playlist too but i play around with perspectives in this one cause i put myself in the "it" position, like. im chasing here bro👀 oh my god i have got to shut up this is entirely tmi

https://youtu.be/mLycEitwJCA

i made a whole post about this one its a whole thing lmao long story short muriel on a murderous revenge quest au MOVING ON

OH i remembered another folky one

https://youtu.be/NrgwIo8GWDI

its SUCH a banger and i love it and it goes like i saw a Wolf a Fox a Rabbit so i just imprinted on it with Muriel Asra and MC respectively cause i dont know i had a phase where i decided mcs spirit animal is a rabbit cause of that scrapped introduction chapter with the labyrinth thing i guess idk im scrambling here ngfsfugc anyway it slaps listen to it and imagine a bangin tavern party and maybe youll calm down /meme

ohh ok we're on a folksy roll thats probably because i just mostly associate old timey sounding songs with arcana in general lmao i mean its like middle ages over there right

https://youtu.be/t9PUlNQOZ8o

this ones in my language again i know annoying but i found a translated version look!!! AND theres a bunch of people correcting the mistakes in the comments too if you were wanting to get deeper into research hkdggjyecb and its white voice style so depending on your taste it might sound silly but yeah this ones got some fitting lines too tying up with Murmur and its so cute and so cheesy and hopeful and sappy and it cheers me up aw

oh my god i wonder if anyone gets this far reading this ever if youre seeing this its probably during a scroll roll slow just enough to make out the letters Hello godspeed you continue on your journey with my blessings cause im noT EVEN DONE YET HAHAHAHAHAA

Motha Motha! Problems! nuff said

https://youtu.be/artn9fErRp8

this ones gonna take explaining gjxgkhpgz but maybe not that much

https://youtu.be/_h9V94b4R2g

i just had a eureka moment one day and so another animatic concept to take to my grave was born lmao but mostly its just playing into Muriels & MCs "nO i cOULd hUrt YoU Go aWaY" + "ayo hold my flower ima kill them real quick" dynamic theyve got heehee like the whole "~Dangerous~ ooh that sounds good ya" bit and also yes im in your house no im not leaving jgdghkfhgd and like i just imagined the song fitting the vibe of the whole murder lucio quest road trip with MC all "yo we Getting this shit DONE dont fuck around w my crew" (The Crew: feral milf & bear with anxiety) AND LIKE i always get to the "party like we all gon die tonight" basedrop part with the whole visual montage of us finding khamgalai and then the graveyard fight and Absolutely Everything Going to Shit and the mood shifting to "well fuck maybe we do not in fact got this" but its good we kick lucio all the way to hell at the end we good💕

https://youtu.be/ZxWiG6UJr0w

MMMMMMM THIS ONEE AWW im literally just scrolling through my endless unsorted playlist to find these gdiyyfgfz this ones just cute it doesnt really relate to anything at all actually when i think about it but its nice so here

https://youtu.be/6FEDrU85FLE

.....nope i got nothing on this one just plop it right in here

oh my god. its over. weve done it. we're free

man i hope those links work. definitely not on mobile lol whatever

Hi! and oh, WOW, this was one of the most delightfully wild essays I've ever read for Muriel and I loved it. Especially describing the dynamic on the trip south as "feral milf & bear with anxiety" XD

I've found that links don't work in asks, even with the media option turned on, so I'll include them below. Thanks for your suggestions, anon, I'll put them on the tag! ^.^

youtube

#ask arcana brainrot #arcana brainrot playlist #the arcana #the arcana headcanons #the arcana hc #muriel the arcana #muriel of the kokhuri #the arcana game

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cloudninetonine · 1 year ago

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Hi!! Ok so this might seem a bit nonsensical so if it is I’m sorry but I was just going through a 2000s club music rabbit hole and I stumbled upon that one Japanese water commercial that Beyoncé did (here’s the link):

https://youtu.be/I2w2cyCdZZA?si=zFzbVZz8S-w62qej

Idk why I just thought it was so funny cuz imagine if Player gave the chain mobile phones for some inexplicable reason and then sent this link to Legend with a bullshit caption like “this MIGHT be Koholintcore” and then he spams them back with a crazy amount of death threats or sumn. I have a feeling he’d be super creative with them. like. think Tupac dissing Wendy Williams-type vulgarity. and then Player would just. like… not read them (they actually do and then they and Wind wheeze about it together and then they pretend they didn’t read them just to screw with him). and then reply with gamepigeon 8-ball or sumn. Poor Legend’s head would probably explode. Lmao 💗. Idk why I thought of this but it just seems so in character and frankly I need more Player AU memes in my life. They add TANG‼️

Anyhoo! Just wanted to let you know that I LOVE your fic and can’t wait for the next update (no rushing at all tho like be kind to urself bestie) if you couldn’t tell I adore your player and I’m a good sucker for enemies to lovers so ofc your player/legend dynamic is badaboom for me. I can really feel that even though things are *relatively* chill now after that last chapter, it really feels like things are starting to ramp up in intrigue, and we’re only on chapter 14(I’m assuming there’s gonna be shittons more cuz you said on a different post there would be at least 20 or sumn more chapters). So exciting! ✨✨✨

THIS IS THE MOST RANDOM THING EVWR AND YOU BETTER YOUR FUCKING ARSE ITS PLAYCORE

Instead of replying with the pool game straight away, idea that Player just goes "I ain't reading all that shit." Then sends it NFMWNZN AAAAA

Also thank you so much! It always brings me joy knowing people like reading! Things are definitely ramping up now and I'm so excited to start putting my own twists and such for future endeavours Player's gonna have to go through.

#cloud answers #Anon asks

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iviarellereads · 7 months ago

Text

The Great Hunt, Chapter 48 - First Claiming

(THIS PROJECT IS SPOILER FREE! No spoilers past the chapter you click on. Curious what I'm doing here? Read this post! For the link index and a primer on The Wheel of Time, read this one! Like what you see? Send me a Ko-Fi.)

(Dragon's fang icon) In which I was just wondering where you were.

PERSPECTIVE: Min is pushing through the panicked crowd in Falme, unable to find any of her friends. In the harbour she sees all the Seanchan ships fleeing as fast as the damane can force the winds to take them, and one tiny ship that can only be the Spray. She doesn't blame Domon for taking off, under the circumstances. One Seanchan vessel still in the harbour isn't burning, but that's solved quickly when Birgitte Silverbow and Artur Hawkwing ride across the water and attack it.

In front of a stone building, Min stops, uncertain. She knows somehow that this is where she needs to go.(1) She runs up the stairs and opens the door, and in a garden behind the house, she finds Rand, sprawled under an oak tree, his left hand gripping a sword with the end of the blade melted off.(2) She pries it out of his hand, though the heron on the hilt has branded itself in his palm.(3)

She examines him quickly, and finds a wound burned into his side, cauterized but ugly. But he's icy, deathly cold, despite clearly still being alive. She drags him into the house, complaining at his height and weight. She lights a fire in a hearth in a back room, and drags him into the bed next to it. Realizing he has no body heat to warm it himself, she climbs in next to him. She says quietly that she likes older men, educated men, she has no interest in farms, sheep, or shepherds. But then, he's not a shepherd anymore, is he?(4)

A sound in the hall heralds Egwene, who also felt Rand pulling her to him. Elayne too, but not Nynaeve.(5) She says Nyn and El are getting the horses, and asks if Min knows what Rand is. Min replies that she does, but whatever he might be, all she can do right now is keep him warm. Egg reiterates that a male channeler isn’t safe for anyone.

“Speak for yourself,” Min said. She pulled Rand’s face against her breast. “It’s like Elayne said. You tossed him aside for the White Tower. What should you care if I pick him up?” Egwene looked at her for what seemed a long time. Not at Rand, not at all, only at her. She felt her face growing hotter and wanted to look away, but she could not. “I will bring Nynaeve,” Egwene said finally, and walked out of the room with her back straight and her head high.

Min wants to cry with frustration, she doesn't want to hurt her friend. She looks at Rand again, saying it's not his fault, but he'll pay for it. And what if she told Egg that there's another woman yet to come, who she hasn't even met yet?(6) She doesn't know which of the three he'll choose, or if he'll try to juggle all three. She says it's not his fault, but it's not fair, naming him in full.

A woman in the door says his name is not Rand al'Thor, it's Lews Therin Telamon. The most beautiful woman Min's ever seen, pale skin and black hair and eyes, and a dress so white it would make snow look dirty. She says that he doesn't believe yet, but she knows that he knows, inside. She adds that Ishamael(7) thinks he guides events, but she’s the one in control. Min asks her who she is, and she names herself Lanfear.(8) She says that Lews Therin is hers, and Min should tend him until she comes for him. And then she disappears. Min is frightened.

PERSPECTIVE: Byar, galloping away, to tell Dain Bornhald that his father's dead, betrayed by Darkfriends like Perrin Aybara,(9) and then to tell Pedron Niall what he saw in the sky above Falme.

=====

(1) Rand's ta'veren-ness drawing in the help he needs. (2) Oh no, not his dad's sword! (3) "Twice and twice shall he be marked, twice to live and twice to die. Once the heron, to set his path. Twice the heron, to name him true." When Rand's identity is confirmed beyond any doubt, the second heron burned into his palm. Now he just needs to get himself some Dragon marks, whatever those are. (4) How hard do you think she tried to fight what she saw in those first visions around him? (5) Hmm. Why wouldn't Nynaeve feel the same pull? What do Egwene, Min, and Elayne have in common? Well, Egwene's his current-or-sort-of-ex girlfriend, Min has been fighting her feelings all book and possibly all the way since their first meeting, and Elayne's never made a secret of her crush. (6) And here, Min knows Rand will have three lovers, herself one, a second unnamed but known (I think we can guess whomst…) and a third they haven't met yet. Have we met anyone else who might qualify? (7) Dead, or not dead? She still seems to be talking about him in the present tense. (8) I do find it interesting that Lanfear tasks Min with taking care of Rand so easily. She doesn't see Min as any sort of threat to her claim, despite being in bed with him. Then again, why should she? She's more beautiful, more capable, a channeler, powerful enough to stand toe to toe with Rand… at least in her own mind, who knows how accurate that is. (9) MY MAN literally you didn't even SEE Perrin there, the only connection Perrin had to this as far as you're concerned is that Bornhald thought he might have seen him in that one village. Ohh this is gonna spiral hard into chaos, isn't it?

#wheel of time #wot #the wheel of time #twot #tgh #the great hunt #wot dragon fang icon #min farshaw #rand al'thor #egwene al'vere #lanfear #jaret byar

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venushasvixens · 2 years ago

Text

Ch. 5 Escape - Baneful Royal (Kylo Ren x Reader)

[A/N] so the last time I had posted for this fic, it was a hot minute ago. And when I say hot minute, I mean about close to a year. SO with that being said, here is the 5th chapter. This one was kinda hiding underneath a bunch of commission files so finding it now was very nice. If you would like to read more Kylo fics from me, I have a Masterlist link in my bio, as well as a A03 and wattpad under the same name. Thank y’all for reading <3

There was no time to feel guilt.

There was no time to feel anything.

You were ushered without a thought. Running on autopilot, the disturbing sounds of a city thrown into chaos were drowned out with your focus elsewhere. Cate’s arm was looped into yours, the cloaked figure of Kylo walked in front of you without assistance or care. The deed was done, and the next step was approaching soon.

Pushed into a carrier, it wasn't until you felt the deep rumble of the ship coming to life that you finally came back to the present. Seated and strapped in, you glanced around you to see Cate at her place behind you. On her side, two guards of Ren stood like stone, waiting patiently. For what, you didn't know.

Voices spit out necessary actions for takeoff, with a confirmation greeting. A captain’s seat sat in the middle, with Kylo planted firmly. With each acknowledgment of action, he nodded. A shake, and you were off into the air and into the atmosphere.

“What’s happening now?” You turned to Cate. “Where are we going?”

You knew of your certain protection, but nothing else after. Had you left when the Colonel told you to, maybe you wouldn't have been labeled a possible enemy to the planet. Gone off quietly, you might have still been on Naboo. You showed yourself rather idiotically. With a hand out in offer, any chance of going home was thrown out the window.

Cate looked straight ahead blankly, ignoring your asking gaze.

“I said where are we going?” You asked. Ignored, you watched as Cate’s pupils flashed quickly to her side, towards the knights. Turning back in your chair, you realized. You sabotaged her mission, and any other advice or word could further deepen a possible and serious “demotion”.

Watching as Naboo faded away in the side windows, you were startled with Kylo's sudden announcement. “On our arrival, we are to ignite engines for light speed on route to Coruscant immediately.”

“This wasn't part of the plan.” You said aloud, shocked. “I didn’t agree to this part.”

“Then what was, councilwoman?” Kylo called to the reluctant voice. “Had you listened, we wouldn’t be taking the actions that we are now.”

“I wonder with whose help.” You spat back. The newly deceased governor was right. There was an argument wherever you went.

“The option to go back and drop you off is always open. But, I hope you realize that actions will have consequences.” He stated, almost tauntingly. “It would be a shame to see your head on a spike.”

“A favor was given for the good of the people.”

“They won’t see it that way.” He sneered, leather glove squeaking. “The truth is soon to come out. Where are you going to go when that does happen?”

It was best to shut up.

With many to witness, the assassination of a government official was without a doubt a high profiled crime to commit. To accompany the ill news, the revelation of a colleague and former head of state with her hand in his murder would surely send embarrassment to the planet. More harm was caused than good.

Maybe it was the smartest idea to escape.

You shut your eyes tightly as you the grim thought of Abie and Sara finding out. You lied to them both. Hatred was a driving factor, but not murder. You prayed that they could one day forgive you. It was probably going to take a long time to do.

You saw the faint reflection of the Finalizer bounce off the glass panels, indicating your destination was close.

“The Supreme Leader’s secondary vessel requesting permission to dock, copy.”

“Permission granted.” A modulated voice rang out. “Prepare to unload.”

The last First Order ship you had visited was nothing compared to this. The vast high ceilings towered over all, with as many small ships docked neatly into the walls. Officials ran amok, hurrying to finish a job or to clear the way. The ship jostled as it landed, causing you to tussle in your seat.

“Wow.” You whispered.

“I believe it is time to disembark, councilwoman.” You heard Kylo say, taking off his seatbelt. You did the same, standing up as gracefully as you could.

You felt the faint brush of Kylo’s cloak graze your leg. Standing next to you, but not fixated on you. His presence felt overpowering, like he had done this many times before. The adrenaline was still rushing in you, garnering you to shake and quiver slightly.

As the hatch opened, you saw two single file lines on either side of stormtroopers. They stood with their blasters in hands, looking straight ahead in respect. As you inched forward, you caught eye of a special trooper. Tall and donned in shining silver, this stormtrooper was like no other. A black cape hung over one shoulder, with a red line trimmed on its hem. With no eyes to look into, you could only imagine what kind of a being they were. Their air was grand, big shoes that were filed with fear and respect.

“Welcome back, sir.” They said to Kylo. Their feminine tone was evident in their voice, clear and orderly. You had no thoughts, except one. If they are a she, then that is one big woman.

Still in awe, you almost missed the silver commander’s next question. “Have we acquired the subject?”

“Affirmative, Captain.” Kylo replied, walking next to her.

“Hold on, subject?!” You called out, still two steps behind them. You tried to rush to Kylo, desperate for answers. Before you could reach him, gloved hands pulled you by your forearms and held you back. You glanced at them both, visors staring down menacingly at you. With Cate’s footsteps echoing off the ramp, the image of her strode in front of your person. Still blank.

“You are to be escorted onto the ship until we hit lightspeed.” Was all she said before turning and joining Kylo.

Your head dropped. All of this felt fake. Nothing of it felt real at all. Not even an hour ago, you were home. With a skip in your step about the future and being free of the thorn in your side, only to be replaced with another. Slowly and painfully, it was going to be hard to dig this one out.

A First Order vessel. Shooting out of the sector and into the inner Rim. The death of a political official and your life as you know it. All within a short amount of time. The time to process it began as you were escorted out of the hangar and into the ship itself.

You felt like you were hit with a ton of bricks.

The hallways bustled with every employee of the Order, rushing to unknown locations. The memo of lightspeed must’ve been ordered quickly. All of their heads were down as you passed them, averting their eyes from walking cloaks of darkness on either of your side.

You clasped your hands in front, careful to take note from those around you. You glanced up at the Knights, whose boots clanked almost like the Supreme Leader’s. There was emptiness to their step, like strictly programmed droids who were on the way to the next task.

“Are you both allowed to talk to me?” You asked, looking up at one of them. They continued in silence. “I see. Maybe a vow of silence.”

You felt the need to press further. It looked like a risky attempt to talk to monsters carrying you to your death. Risky, or maybe sad.

“Those weapons look menacing. Serious damage to anyone that crosses you.”

Silence.

“Good, I didn’t want to talk to you bucketheads anyways.” You muttered, rather disappointed from the one sided talk.

You heard the same leather squeak from them like you did with Kylo earlier. You looked down at one gripping his weapon rather tightly. You swallowed, yet taking another que. At least it relieved some of the stress you were carrying, saying that. Sad that they were in your path of insult, but then again, you would swiftly be met with a blade in your throat.

The tight hallway grew to a broader area, full with more First Order personnel. Stormtroopers guarded every corner, standing at full attention. The knights beelined you to two sets of blast doors, with people bustling about. Most walked in and out, in pairs or with a holopad in hand. When coming into their sight, there was another hush among them. But this time, there were slivers of notice. Gawked at wasn’t new to you, but the setting was.

The blast doors opened, revealing the bridge of the ship. Various stations were hard at work operating the ins and outs of the ship’s defense and operation. So focused, there was no acknowledgment of your presence. There was a quick conclusion that if they were looking anywhere besides their screen, they would be shot on sight.

Ahead of you were the giant windows out looking at Naboo. It felt like a screen, seeing your home from miles above the surface. Growing bigger as you were walked further in, you couldn't help but tear up just a little.

These conflicting feelings of justifying your dark deed for the good of the planet and your own wounded morals clashed against one another, fighting for the dominance of your stand. You had sickened you, the need to fill your own selfish gain. Moment of passion destroyed your life as you had known it. Now it was time to pay the consequences, but stubborn as you were, it was going to be hard to accept it.

“You are to wait here. Our Master will join shortly.” One Knight croaked, voice startling you out of your moment of sentiment.

They backed up some, keeping their distance. The blast doors opened again, this time the flamed hair general jaunting towards you. You flipped around, taking in a deep sigh. Bound to be on an official First Order ship, you had to at least expect to see him sooner or later.

“Ah, councilwoman.” He shot you a grim, wide smile. “We meet again, under some unfortunate circumstances.”

“Unfortunate, indeed.” You replied, gripping your hands tightly. “Where’s the Supreme Leader?”

“Oh come now, at least give me a chat.” He feigned disappointment mockingly. “After all, this is my setting, my domain. I am more than welcoming.”

“I’ve been told, or rather talked over, that we are to be out of this sector any minute now.” You said. “The Supreme Leader cannot possibly be holding out on an escape.”

“I wouldn’t call it an escape, councilwoman. However, we may just have a chance at some resolution to the chaos that put us here in the first place?” Hux raised his brows.

You tried to read his face to see if it had some truth. You silently hoped that you weren't being pushed into another set up. Peace with Naboo was what you so desperately strived for. It would calm your worried mind. If it meant that you could never return to maintain harmony, you would take it. But not without heartbreak.

“Then let us try.” Hux finished, turning his back to you as he continued with his recent assessment for departure. How acutely they all listened, hanging on to every quip and jeer he threw out in his words. Still able to take orders under such stress, unlike you did. “Annoying as this inconvenience is.”

“I did what I did for a reason. You would too if you were pushed so far.” You snarled back. “Would you have done it too?”

Hux glared at you, his face changing so slightly. Eyes softened, almost to sympathize. Human as you both were, maybe it did cross his mind of holding himself out from the rest. He glanced up. The doors opened and Kylo glided in. The scowl came back and so was the top general of the First Order.

“I give commands and follow orders.” He said. “I see no reason for such emotion.”

“It's a proper system for a machine to work. There's a purpose for it.” Kylo followed up, his helmet still on. “But we are not droids.”

“And you encouraged it.” You said to him, staring into his dark visor. “I'm not the only one at fault here.”

“Who said it was not the right thing?” You heard Kylo said lowly in his helmet. Moving closer to you, his voice was soft enough to not be picked up by the vocoder. “Put trust in that decision, (Y/n).”

Biting down on your lip, losing your focus on him.

“Put trust in me.”

A beep sounded off loudly on the bridge. “This is the Security Force of Naboo requesting urgent communication with your vessel.”

Breathing in deeply, you felt as if your heart was going to burst out of your chest. Thumping loudly, rhythmically against your rib cage, you would rather your heart did some damage right now. Anything to avoid this, avoid your betrayal.

“Stay here. Leave communication to us.” Kylo said. “You will not move from your spot, unless I say otherwise.”

“I will not move from this spot unles you say otherwise.” Aghast at the loss of control of your body, your feet planted where they stayed. Frozen once more.

“Holograph transmission, sir. Permission to accept?” A controller asked from their position.

Permission granted.”

Kylo and Hux stood in front of the transmission circle, their fronts lighting up with the familiar blue light. You drew in your breath as you saw the Queen, standing solemnly with Abie at her side. The Queen conveyed a deep seriousness you knew deep inside her. Dormant, having been cast aside when the council had done it for her. It wasn’t the childlike display of fear that was present. No. It was the face of a proper monarch, ready to take on her new challenge for her people.

“Appearance is everything,” you told her. “They won’t just take your words into consideration.”

For a brief moment, the creeping anxiety of your situation disappeared. In its place, was pride. Just for a second. Abie, on the other hand. A different story. His anger seethed off of him, being well seen from almost everyone on the bridge.

“Your Majesty, to what we owe the pleasure of your company?” Hux said.

“There is none, General. I would like to be told of the reason for my urgent return to the palace, with my home in disarray and chaos. Our Governor slain and my councilwoman nowhere to be seen.” She proclaimed. “Even with our arms open to your presence in our desperate hour, we are repaid with nothing but hardship.”

“Although a controversial decision, your majesty, it was the right one.” Kylo began, taking over for Hux. After all, who wouldn’t want to hear the murderer tell his side of the story? “Let's face the clearer picture. Governor Sillin was a joke to Naboo. A laughing stock to the galaxy. So in fairness, the First Order did what was the preferable outcome.”

“Did this outcome happened to include the disappearance of Councilwoman (L/N)?” Queen Revisalla snapped back, her tone grew sharp. “Full control is what you strive for, then so be it. But I ask, no I demand that she be returned alive and unharmed.”

“I see.” Kylo replied, feigning a deep thought. “I’m afraid I cannot allow for the release of her into your hands.”

“And why?” Revisalla asked, the tension from her and Abie grew even more. “This is beyond ridiculous. To capture a government official and a former monarch is a serious crime.”

“That does not matter to us, as you can tell your majesty.” Hux cut in, clasping his hands behind his back. “We did ask for full allegiance in order for help from our forces. Young as you are, do try to take a smarter route and think of this as a small price for our assistance.”

How badly you wanted to break free of your place and take down Hux as well. You wouldn’t need a saber for this, only your bare hands.

“I understand your emotions, your majesty. “Kylo stepped forward. “There is a shared understanding when something dear is taken away from us. It becomes a driving force, our mindset. Sometimes for the better.”

You gazed at the queen. Her eyes glanced down, in deepful thought. It wounded deeply as you saw her face drift into each possibility and hard decision. Everything was spilling over. Whatever was to happen next was going to determine your place. Your life was on the line. And so were the million lives on the planet.

“I will not back down without a fight for this.” Revisalla spoke clearly. “We will bring her back, with your help or not. I will see to it that she is returned home alive.”

Your breath was knocked out of you. There was a vague idea on what kind of response that would be.

“So be it.” Kylo said.

“As you left us no choice your majesty, we must do what is necessary.” Hux proclaimed, turning to the rest of the bridge. “All personnel to their stations. Deploy the TIEs. Let's make sure the message is sent.”

“Yes, sir.” The voiced response was swift, echoing in your ears as the worst had to come. Still frozen to your spot, there was no way physically that you could try to stop this. But you were going to try. You heaved as you struggled to move. The fight response in you cried out to be released.

“Wait, no!” You screamed. Suddenly, as if to be let off a chain, you stumbled forward. Catching your step, you rushed to the hologram, panting. Revisalla took a sudden intake of breath, surprised. So did Abie. Shaking your head, you held up your hands. “You don’t want to do this. Please do not do this.”

“Halt the deployment of TIEs.” Hux commanded. Your adrenaline dropped in relief.

“Is your safety compromised, Lady (Y/n)?” The queen asked you. Abie’s appearance could’ve looked just like yours, relieved but shaken.

“No, I’m fine. I’m okay.” You breathed. “I beg your majesty to listen. One person to an entire people, it cannot happen.”

“Excellent point.” Hux mumbled.

You ignored his remark as you tried to find the right words. “I am not worth it. If this is where my path leads me, this is where I stay. I need you to understand that.”

Revisalla swallowed, her fingers slightly tugging on her long sleeve. Not only were you talking to her, but to your heartbroken friend as well. He looked down, so still you thought the hologram was frozen.

“I understand. Efforts in the future to retrieve your person will be permanently terminated.” Strong and loud, you felt the tug of loss. You were now officially a subject to the First Order.

You nodded.

“Before our communication is severed, there is something I need to ask of you.” Revisalla added. “There are words of your involvement in the death of the governor.”

You felt Kylo’s presence flair behind you. His air taunted you as the cold truth was about to be let loose in the open. This was a moment that he was waiting for, as if he was waiting for the downfall of your life.

“Is there truth to this?” She finally said.

You looked back at Kylo. As it pained you to say, this truly meant there was no way to return back to home. The tie would be forever severed. The planet would be safe. Abie and Sara would be safe. The queen will be safe. And maybe peace will find its way back to Naboo, with a brighter future for everyone. The one you so longed to see.

“Yes.” You replied firmly. “I killed Sillin.”

Abie’s shoulders fell in defeat. Revisalla nodded solemnly. The disappointment from both of them radiated strongly.“I-“

“There you have it, your majesty. Loud and clear.” You were cut off from Hux. “It is now time that we make our departure from the sector.”

“I bid you all farewell.” Revisalla’s tone was monotonous, professional. Just another goodbye to visiting “diplomats”. The hologram faded and you were left with the sight of Naboo once again.

#fanfiction #star wars #ben solo #kylo ren #kylo ren x reader #kylo ren x you #kylo ren headcanons #kylo ren trash #Ben swolo #ben solo deserves to live #adam driver #force awakens #rise of skywalker #the last jedi #kylo ren imagines #general hux

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kinglazrus · 2 years ago

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The Dying Star, Chapter One

Truce fic for @lexiepiper. It's 6:30 a.m. and I stayed up all night rewriting this chapter a dozen times because I wasn't satisfied, but here it is! Will be posted to Ao3 later when I am not sleep-deprived.

Links to be added | Next | AO3

Word count: 1875

Living in a place like Amity Park, you get used to echoes. Things like to linger here. The old movie posters that sometimes show up at the Multiplex. Children's laughter resounding from a rusted jungle gym. A whiff of smoke at an empty lot where a building burnt down five years ago.

Amity Park has always been haunted; it just wasn't always by ghosts.

No one knows why. Maybe the Fentons have a theory, but Valerie has never asked. She came close to it once after her mother passed. She spent days wandering Amity Park, going to all the places they spent time together, searching for remnants. She found plenty, yet none that belonged to her mother. But in her hours of seeking, she made a discovery.

There are voids. Places that swallow things up and, rather than a cascade of emotions, feel like nothing at all. Casper High is one of those places. Too much has happened here, Valerie thinks, for any one thing to linger. It's most apparent when you're alone and even the sound of your breathing is eaten up by the void, leaving you with silence.

Valerie knows this well. Just as she knows that she is not alone right now.

She walks at a firm pace, steady enough to keep a marching band in time, which makes it obvious when she misses a beat and the person following her does not. She pauses, holding her foot in the air a second longer than necessary, and a step echoes when it should have been quiet.

It takes considerable effort for her not to react. She keeps her attention forward, placing one foot in front of the other. An echo on its own is harmless, even one that's a real, tangible thing. As long as she doesn't provoke it, and it doesn't do anything to her, she's fine with it following her.

Focusing on the task at hand, she tells herself. If only she can remember what that is.

The lights are off, and the school is empty. She has the glow of the emergency exit signs, which stick down from the ceiling every twenty feet or so, to see by. The pools of light don't quite touch, leaving a stretch of shadow no more than a few paces long between them. As Valerie passes beneath the next sign, she glances up at it. The arrow at the bottom points straight ahead, but there is no exit in sight. Not only that, but she can't see any classroom doors, nor did she see any on her way here. On either side of her, the row of lockers continues unbroken. The same stretch of hallway repeating into eternity.

Something is deeply wrong. A part of Valerie knows this, but any time she tries to bring the thought to the front of her mind and acknowledge it, it slips away against her will, leaving her with a niggling sense of worry. She clenches her hands, needing some way to work through her tension without alerting her echo, and falters when she feels something against her palm.

Opening her hand, she finds a patch. She must have been holding it the whole time, but she didn't feel it until now. What hope discovering it might have brought is quickly dashed when she realizes the patch has no detail. A plain embroidered edge and empty middle. Some bits of thread stick out the back, along with a scrap of the fabric it was originally sewn to. When she rubs her thumb over it, she feels stray threads brushing against her finger despite not being able to see them.

Valerie looks down the hall again. It goes on and on, lockers and exit signs merging into a pinprick of red light in the distance.

She was searching for something. Is searching for something.

Only now, as she comes to that realization, does she notice the second set of footsteps hasn't stopped. They're coming from behind her, faster than she had been walking, and getting faster still. She doesn't have time to dawdle.

Valerie shoves the patch in her pocket and takes off running. The shadows stretch ahead of her. What should have been a few steps turns into miles as the red light pulls away. She passes lockers at a crawl while the approaching steps get louder and faster. The noise thunders in her ears until it's all she can hear. Closer and closer, louder and louder. They're almost upon her when she gives into temptation and whips around, looking back for the first time, but there's nothing to see.

Beneath the thunder, something whispers in her ear.

"Valerie!"

—

She wakes up to a warm hand on her forehead. She doesn't need to open her eyes to know it's her father running his hand over her hair. Valerie leans into the touch, humming with relief.

"Valerie?" Damon's hand pauses, but he starts again when she whines. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired." The temptation to go back to sleep is strong. Normally, a quick nap is all it takes for Valerie to feel re-energized. She has learned to live off stolen minutes between school and work and ghost hunting, but this time feels different. Not just because of the dream that's already fading from her mind, but because of the pounding in her head and the warmth throughout her body. If hadn't already been lying down, she would have slumped over.

As it is, she melts into her father's side. Even if she's already feverish, the comfort his presence brings outweighs any unwanted heat.

"Sweetie, you have to sit up," Damon says.

"Do I gotta?"

"Just for a couple minutes."

She grumbles as she complies, letting Damon sit her upright. The shift in elevation makes her head pound even more, and it only gets worse when she opens her eyes. She closes them again immediately.

"Hey, I need you to keep your eyes open," a new voice says.

Valerie doesn't want to, but her curiosity wins out, and she finds herself looking at a middle-aged woman in a white coat.

"Very good," the woman says. "Now look straight ahead."

A light flashes in Valerie eye, making her wince. The woman hums and does it again with the other eye, then does... other things. Valerie doesn't really know. She feels hands on her head, and hears the woman and her dad talking, but it floats over her. She is sinking down into an ocean of half-formed thoughts and doesn't mind drowning there.

"Valerie." Damon jostles her, yanking her back to the surface.

"Hm?"

"What's the last thing you remember?" the woman asks. A doctor, Valerie realizes. She's a doctor.

"Uh, Mr. Lancer let us go early..." Valerie tries to dig for more, but capturing a solid memory is like catching rain on her open hands. Each drop offers a brief sensation. The buzz of her ghost hunting suit. A flash of pristine white. The feel of a rough hand in hers. She knows she could get more if she cupped her hands and pressed them together, but her fingers are too numb to move.

"Is this the concussion?" Damon asks.

"Possibly. We'll get her scanned to make sure there's nothing wrong internally, but there could be other causes for her symptoms. The ghost we detained was particularly strong. It's known for causing trouble, and with the kinds of powers it has, we don't know what its ectoplasm could have done to her."

Funny. Valerie didn't know doctors could ghost hunt. Except the Fentons are doctors and they ghost hunt. They aren't the same kind of doctor, though, are they? She wonders if that matters.

"As soon as we're done with the preliminary samples, we'll know how to proceed. As it is, we have two options ahead of us."

"Which are?"

"If the samples come back negative, we transfer her to South Mercy, and with any luck she's back home by the weekend."

"And if it's positive?"

"In that case, we'd—" A buzz interrupts the doctor. "You'll find out right away."

"What do you—"

A door slams open. Valerie jumps, her eyes flying open, although she doesn't remember closing them in the first place. Four men in hazmat suits stride into the room. Damon leaps from Valerie's side, standing between her and the men.

"What's going on?" he demands.

"Sir, you have to come with use. We need to make sure you haven't been exposed." As the men stride forward, the doctor backs away. Two of the men grab Damon and pull him back.

"Daddy!" Valerie shouts. Her own voice pierces her brain like an icepick.

"Stay calm," one of the remaining men says. "Don't panic."

Valerie panics. She leaps off the cot she had been sitting on and charges toward her dad, or tries to. The room tilts around her and she careens into the fourth man. His arms close around her. Someone holds a mask to her face. Valerie tries to fight it off, but she can't. She gasps and sucks in a lungful of the gas. Her head grows fuzzy. Spots fill her vision. In no time at all, Valerie finds herself slipping back out of the waves, and this time her dad isn't there to pull her back up.

—

He waits until the little ghost hunter and her father are gone before pulling off his hood. He casts the hood aside. The rest of the hazmat suit follows, discarded onto the patient bed beside him. "I hate these things. They're so hard to breathe in."

"Well. That was theatrical," the doctor remarks. "You sure you didn't overdo it? She was really panicking."

"I doubt she'll remember. This was more for her father than anything."

"If you say so." The doctor looks him up and down, a smirk appearing on her lips. "Careful, you almost look rumpled."

He follows her gaze to his lapel, which had somehow folded over in the chaos. He tries to smooth it out, but a crease cuts across it, ruining the natural fold. It's tolerable, if a little annoying. He smooths out the rest of his suit, checking for any stains or smudges. White clothes are great when dealing with ectoplasm, which is a natural bleaching agent, but there are so many other things that can ruin it. It's unfortunate, especially for someone like him who always wants to look his best.

The doctor stands and stretches, popping her back. "I should be there when she wakes up."

"Agreed. I'll talk to Mr. Gray." They part outside the examination room, heading in opposite directions. The doctor will have plenty of time to examine the patient while she's unconscious. He's almost jealous. Sometimes, he wishes he stuck to the more scientific side of things rather than going for field work. Less people to deal with. More time in the lab.

Not that he doesn't enjoy his job.

He doesn't go far, knocking on the door to another examination room a little ways down the hall. Damon Gray looks up at his entrance, the perfect picture of a distraught father.

He sits down opposite the man and begins. "Mr. Gray, I'm Operative S. I'm afraid we need to talk about your daughter."

#christmas truce #christmas truce 2022 #a dying star #danny phantom #valerie gray #danny phantom fanfiction #phanfic #phic

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torreshalstead · 2 years ago

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Your eyes in my life - Chapter 13

Summary - The night of Kim’s final layover as a flight attendant ended with a one night stand with a stranger she met across a bar.

6 years later, that same stranger walked into the 21st District and was assigned as her new Rookie and her life was thrown upside down. She hadn’t seen Adam since that night in LA. But she saw his eyes every day. In the eyes of their daughter.

Chapters - 13/?

Chapter Summary - Adam knows about Annabelle so now it’s time for Kim and Adam to have the conversation that’s been 5 years coming.

Notes - Really excited we’ve got to this point! Unfortunately this is also when I tell you that I’ll be taking a break from posting this story until the first week in June, I go on vacation next week and won’t be back until then. I made this chapter a little longer to make up for it so hope you enjoy! AO3 Link

Kim didn’t even try to stop the tears from spilling, she just tightened her arms around her sleeping daughter and hoped that Trudy and Kev would take their time before returning with dinner.

This wasn’t the way it was supposed to happen.

She wasn’t sure how it was supposed to happen, but she knew for certain it shouldn’t have been like this. She had blindsided him, she hadn’t meant to but she had. He had found out perhaps the biggest news of his life out of the blue and yet… he had acted so graciously. She was sure if she had found out something equally as earth shattering, she wouldn’t have been able to hold it together like that, to smile and to say it was okay.

She knew it wasn’t okay, Kim was under no guise that it wasn’t okay for Adam to have found out like this. She should have told him the moment she saw him on that first day in the district, but it just didn’t seem right. To give him this giant piece of news on his first day in a new job. To potentially give him the shock of his life. Hell it had been a shock to her when she had found out so goodness knows how he would have been expected to handle that. It was a big enough shock for her to be assigned as his Training Officer, she knew that.

Maybe she should have told him when they first went out for drinks, but he had opened up about his dad and she had spoken about her experiences as a female cop, it just didn’t seem right. It was nice to just be Adam and Kim for a bit, not a TO and a Rookie, not someone keeping a secret from someone else, he was even flirting with her and she liked it. If she had dropped this on him then maybe he would have stopped flirting, maybe he would have run, maybe he would have yelled. But he had a right to do any of those things, and she had taken that away from him.

She ran her hand over her, their, sleeping daughter's hair. She had wanted to tell him, after the case with the two young girls. He had been so good with them and she could see it, him being a father to Annabelle, him looking after her like he had looked after Emma. But then Annabelle had gotten sick and she had had to run out. Then they were thrown straight into this case.

There had never been a good time. This was potentially the worst time; she was shot, confined to a hospital bed and he had had to figure it out himself. She had known as soon as he saw Annabelle he would know, those eyes told him everything he needed to.

She would explain it all, she thought, explain how she had wanted to tell him, why she didn’t, what had happened. He deserved to know all of it, and so did she, she looked down at Annabelle, she had a father who could be in her life. If he wanted to be. But did he even want to be?

He never asked for this, he never asked for any of this. What if he wanted nothing to do with them now? What if he wanted to run away, never see her or his daughter again? What if he blamed her? Blamed her for keeping his daughter from him for the past 5 years, could she blame him if he was angry? He might be furious at her. How would she explain to their daughter that the reason her father wanted nothing to do with her was because he hated her mother? Hated her for not giving him a choice in this.

But how he had looked at her, looked at Annabelle once he had realised. There was only love in his eyes, Kim could see that. His smile was warm, it was true. He wouldn’t walk away. She knew Adam Ruzek well enough to know that he wouldn’t walk away from them, either of them. He would be the best father he could possibly be, and Kim knew he would be a wonderful father to Annabelle, he would make up for every moment of lost time. And they would never lose a moment again.

Then another thought struck her, what if he wanted every moment? How would it work? Would they share custody? Would he want more than that? To make up for all the time he had missed, would he want to take Annabelle from her? Could he? Kim’s mind was spinning, every possibility a jumble in her brain.

She took a deep breath, one step at a time, she would take this one step at a time. First she had to talk to him about it, explain. And then she would talk to Annabelle. And then they would meet, meet for the first time as father and daughter. If they both wanted to that was. She wasn’t going to force Adam to be a part of Annabelle’s life, but she also wasn’t going to force it upon her daughter. She would explain as much as she could, in terms that a 5 year old could understand but she would also listen. If Annabelle didn’t want to meet Adam just yet, then it was up to her. Kim knew Adam would understand that, he was one of the most understanding guys she had ever met. He wouldn’t want to make Annabelle uncomfortable, she knew it would hurt, hurt Adam, hurt her, but if that’s what Annabelle wanted then that’s what they would do.

And then whatever comes next, comes next. She couldn’t predict that, it was all out of her control. But for now, she could sleep, at least that was in her control. She was tired, exhausted even. She would sleep and face it all in the morning.

She shuffled down the bed slightly, pulling Annabelle in tighter, getting them both comfortable and closed her eyes. She was asleep before Kevin and Trudy returned, not hearing them slide in quietly to the room and leave the food on her table. Trudy taking a seat in the chair and Kevin saying he would be at the end of the phone if she needed him.

She didn’t hear Adam arrive the next morning, pastries still warm in a paper bag, coffee in hand. Didn’t hear him pass one over to their sergeant and promise to get them both home safe. Didn’t hear Trudy thank him warmly, and say goodbye, leaving Adam alone with the two asleep in the bed.

But when she woke, she was greeted by a warm smile, a warm coffee and a warm Danish.

‘I didn’t know what you and Annabelle would like, so I just got a selection. I hope that’s okay,’ Adam said with a smile from his seat in the corner. Kim didn’t know what would happen next, but she could tell from his smile that it would be okay.

Annabelle stirred next to her and both adult’s eyes fell on her then met in the middle. They both knew the conversation would have to wait for a little longer, but as she looked into the eyes of the man who had brought them breakfast without them asking, she knew he didn’t mind. He would wait for however long it took. But she wouldn’t make him wait much longer. Once Annabelle’s sitter picked her up, it would be time.

——————————————————————————

It didn’t take long for them to be left alone in Kim’s apartment. As promised, Adam had driven both her and Annabelle home once Kim had been cleared by the doctors. She had introduced Adam to Annabelle as just Adam, someone she worked with. It was all she could do for now, all other explanations would need to wait but Annabelle had still grinned up at Adam and held out her hand for him to shake, introducing herself as Annabelle Marie Burgess. Kim had seen Adam’s eyes glaze over for just a second at the introduction. Kim guessed it was at the realisation that he had helped create the wonderful little girl, someone who was confident and polite. She hoped it was also pride she was seeing in his eyes, just a little.

Lia had picked up Annabelle just 8 minutes after they had returned home, just enough for the little girl to change her outfit, grab her backpack and be herded out the door, yelling love you to her mother as she did so.

Once the door shut, Kim felt the shift in the air. All the delaying, all the excuses, they were over with now.

‘Want a seat?’ She offered, gesturing to the couch that was pushed against the wall. Adam nodded without saying a word and took a seat, Kim joined him a second later, her movements still slow from aftermath of the shooting.

‘I’m sorry,’ she started, ‘sorry it’s taken me this long to tell you.’

She wasn’t sure what she expected his reaction to be, but all she saw was sadness in his eyes, and that was the last thing she thought she’d see reflected back at her. Anger, sure, shock, maybe, but sadness, it hadn’t been on her radar.

‘Just tell me one thing before you say anything else,’ he said, his voice a little more hoarse than it usually was. Kim imagined he had barely slept at all the night before. When Kim nodded he continued, ‘did you keep her from me because you thought I’d be like my dad? That I’d be a bad father?’

‘No!’ Kim said, slightly louder than was necessary given how close they were sitting but she needed him to know that that was never a thought in her mind. ‘Not at all Adam, I don’t think you’re anything like your father. I think you’ll be a wonderful father to her, I really do. I didn’t mean to keep her from you, I just…’ she paused. ‘I just didn’t know how or when to tell you.’

‘Okay,’ Adam said, his shoulder’s visibly relaxing. ‘I get it. Well I don’t,’ he chuckled slightly, ‘But I’m hoping I will do in a bit.’ Kim should have known that would be his biggest fear, the fear that she had made a conscious decision to not tell him because she thought he wouldn’t be up to the task, that he’d be like his father. But she could see nothing of the man he called his father in Adam, they couldn’t be more different.

‘And I’ll tell you everything, and anything I don’t, just ask, please Adam, just ask me anything.’ And with that, she started, she started from the very beginning.

And to Adam’s credit, he just let her talk. She hadn’t planned what to say so her story was a little jumbled, she was sure she was missing bits out but she tried to explain. She explained how she found out she was pregnant, thanks to Trudy Platt. How scared she was, and how she thought about trying to contact him but had no idea how to get in touch or even what his last name was. She explained how she had contacted the bar but it had closed down and no one had any records so after that she decided she would just do it alone. She would work hard to give Annabelle everything she would receive from two parents, just by herself.

She told him stories of when she said her first word - mama. When she took her first steps; just straight across the room when Kim had been on the phone to Kevin and she had screamed down the phone to him so loudly that he had driven straight over thinking she was in trouble. She told him how she had cried the first day she had gone to Kindergarten but how proud she had been when she came home and told her all about it, about the friends she had made, the teacher she had and everything she had learnt.

‘She’s a talker, that’s for sure,’ Kim said with a chuckle.

‘You’ve done an incredible job Kim, she’s wonderful,’ Adam said warmly, glancing over at her, tears ghosting in the corner of his eyes.

‘And then you showed up at the 21st and it was like the ground was disintegrating under my feet,’ Kim said, realising they had got on to the part of the story that Adam probably cared the most about. The reason it had taken her until today to let him know he had a daughter. ‘You were the last person I expected to see walking through those doors.’

‘You were the last person I expected to see when I did,’ Adam said with a small chuckle.

‘You threw me off my game, I really didn’t know how to act or be around you knowing that I had this secret that was so large,’ Kim admitted. ‘I wanted to tell you, I just didn’t know how you would react. Wanted to find the perfect time, which I obviously didn’t,’ she said bashfully.

‘Every time I thought about telling you, something else would come up or I couldn’t find the right words, and for that I truly am sorry Adam. For making you wait a moment longer to find out the truth, you didn’t deserve that,’ Kim dropped her head, the guilt of the situation starting to bubble up inside her.

‘I know now though,’ Adam said, his voice still void of any of the anger that Kim had expected. ‘And that’s what matters.’

Kim nodded slowly, ‘is there anything else you want to know?’

‘Does she know about me?’ He asked after a moment.

‘No,’ Kim shook her head, she swore she saw his heart break slightly at her words. ‘She knows that her father is a friend of mine that I don’t get to see very often. She’s never asked much about you yet, lots of her friends are from single parent homes so I think she’s just taken what I said and hasn’t thought more about it.’

‘Well I guess that’s the truth,’ Adam said slowly.

‘But I’ll tell her now, I don’t intend to keep her in the dark but Adam I have to say, if she doesn’t want to meet you in the context of being her dad then I’m not going to force her,’ Kim said, glancing up at him, unsure of how he would take this additional twist.

‘No, I don’t want to force her to do anything she doesn’t want to, she’s her own person,’ Adam said quickly, shaking his head, and Kim couldn’t help herself, she reached out to hold his hand. He flipped his over and laced their fingers together and she felt him squeeze gently.

‘But I’ll tell her tonight, and then if she wants to see you, you could come over for dinner tomorrow?’ Kim suggested.

‘That sounds perfect,’ Adam said with a smile. ‘I can bring over takeout?’

‘Then you’ll definitely be her favourite,’ Kim chuckled.

‘That was my plan all along,’ Adam said, laughing lightly with her.

‘Thank you,’ she said softly, staring down at their joined hands.

‘What for?’ He asked curiously.

‘For giving me her, she’s my whole world,’ Kim said quietly, feeling him squeeze her hand again.

‘I think she’s about to become mine too,’ Adam murmured, Kim felt her heart melt slightly at his words. The pair fell into a comfortable silence, sitting hand in hand on her couch.

That was the first difficult thing done, Kim thought, and it had gone better than she thought. But now she had to tell their daughter, and if she was being honest with herself, she had no idea how she was going to react. She would find out in a couple of hours, she only had that long to figure out how she would tell her. Tell her that her father was the man she had met that day, and that he wanted to see her, wanted to be a part of her life. It was a lot to tell a 5 year old, but she deserved to know. And Adam deserved to meet his daughter, and meet her as her father, not just Kim’s colleague.

‘Do you want to see some of her photo albums?’ Kim offered after a while. She never expected Adam’s face to light up like the fourth of July when he nodded, but she felt a warmth in her stomach when she got up to collect the albums, the reason for which she wasn’t quite sure she could put her finger on. But she didn’t mind, having him there, talking about their daughter, glancing through pictures, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

#burzek #Chicago pd #Adam ruzek #Kim burgess #burzek fanfiction #chicago pd fic #one Chicago #one chicago fic #burzek fanfic #chicago pd fanfic #one chicago fanfic #burzek fic #chicago pd fanfiction #one chicago fanfiction

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skeletalgalore · 2 years ago

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ABLAZE - Chapter Two: Fall Breeze

WIP: F!Reader is new to Hawkins High and is immediately drawn to the school's misfit. NO Y/N/OC USAGE!

part one | part two | part three

What's that? A playlist to go along with the fic? My, I do have a lot of time on my hands... Listen along here: link!

Originally posted on my Wattpad: link!

Chapter Two: Fall Breeze

You were stood at the end of your driveway waiting for Robin and her friend, Steve, to come pick you up. Robin had called you last night to make sure the number was right and to definitely make sure where to pick you up from.

"...so we make a left here after the gas station, and then drive straight for half a mile?" she asked.

"Yeah, for the third time, Robin," you laughed. "I'll be stood at the end of the drive waiting, saves you stressing about going too far,"

"What about if we're early and drive past when you're not there?"

You couldn't help but laugh again at her worries. "Look, you'll be fine. If I miss you guys and you're not here by 8:30, then I'll just walk. I walked home today, I should be a-okay walking to school if needs be,"

"Okay, okay, sorry," you heard Robin take a deep breath. "So what did you think of your first day? Any stresses? Any questions?"

You were hesitant to tell Robin about the Hellfire guy incident on your way home, so you thought that it may be best to try and talk about it face-to-face. "Nah, I'm all good. If I think of anything, I'll bring it up tomorrow."

You were wrapped up in a long, black, fleeced coat, and a red tartan scarf to help keep the fall breeze at bay. Rucksack sitting on the gravel next to your feet, Walkman on, feet tapping along to the beat of This Corrosion by The Sisters of Mercy - a new track added to the mixtape. You had put one of the earphones to the side to keep an ear out for Robin and Steve, worried that you might miss them and not the other way around. All of a sudden, you could hear a car coming from down the road. Squinting to see the vehicle approaching from the distance, it looked burgundy in colour and quite a nice model too. It eventually pulled up a couple of feet away from you, and as you seemed slightly hesitant to approach, you then saw Robin stick her head out of the passenger window.

"Hey! C'mon, let's gooo!" she waved and smiled. You ducked your head into your scarf hiding a smile at how silly she was, picked up your rucksack, and headed towards the car. Your assumption of it being a nice car was reaffirmed when you got closer and sat in the back. A BMW, snazzy. You pulled off your headphones and stopped your tape, tucking it all into the deep pocket of your coat. "Steve, this is our new friend," Robin introduced you. He turned around in the drivers seat and gave you a little head nod, hair bouncing a bit as he did so. "We're in, like, all the same classes together so we're gonna be best buddies, aren't we?" She smiled at you through the rear view mirror.

"Best buddies, huh? I've already been demoted, I see..." Steve teased. "I'm guessing you won't be needing a carpool to and from Hawkins High now. I get it. No need to let me down lightly, think I've got the hint--" Robin punched his arm. "--OW! Hey! C'mon, you know I was teasing,"

You laughed at their playful nature all along the journey to school. They seemed like really good friends, and couldn't help but smile at their inside jokes that you didn't even know. It was just nice to be around. The three of you arrived at the school parking lot shortly after, and you and Robin began to gather your things.

"Okay, kids, I'll be here ready and waiting to pick you up at 4pm sharp! Don't forget to eat all your packed lunch or I'm gonna be disappointed again," Steve seemed to be the joker but you really didn't mind at all. As you went to leave the car, he turned around in his seat to face you. "Hey, I know we've literally only just met but I hope you like it here. You've got a good friend in Robin, she'll look after you,"

"Thanks, Steve. I really appreciate it," you slightly blushed at him being so caring. The guy hardly knew you. You'd only been in the car for 10 minutes. You hopped out the back and adjusted all your belongings. You and Robin waved Steve off as he drove away to his day job at Family Video, and then decided to walk to your lockers inside the school. At least it would be warmer than outside. The Indiana fall breeze had a certain chill to it that was hard to shake off.

The hallway was just as busy as it was yesterday, people congregating by certain lockers, the cliques began forming yet again for their morning catch up. Thankfully, you'd been assigned a locker a couple of spaces down from Robin so you didn't have to worry about any unwanted interactions, especially from the Jocks. You side-eyed them teasing this young kid for no reason other than to make themselves laugh and to make the kid feel smaller than he already was. It made you feel uneasy and reminded you of being in the same shoes as that kid at your old high school, thankful that eyes weren't on you for once. Robin could see you tense.

"Are you alright?" she had stopped organising her books in her locker.

"Yeah, it's just seeing that kid being teased... Reminds me of my old school, that's all," you shuffled your feet a bit, focusing on grabbing your textbooks and throwing them into your bag.

"Is that why you moved?" you paused when she asked. "Oh shit, I'm sorry. If it's a touchy subject, it's fine. I'll leave it. Don't have to tell me until you're ready, Scout's Honour!" You could tell Robin was apologetic for touching a nerve, trying to make things better with some lighthearted humour.

"It's okay, you didn't know about it. Maybe I'll tell you another time, somewhere not so busy," you flashed her a small smile. She gave you a comforting one in return. The bell rang, so you closed your lockers up and headed towards your first class of the day.

The morning absolutely dragged its heels as the subjects being covered in the classes were something you'd already brushed upon in your old high school. You made some brief notes, but mainly doodled something to whip up into a proper art piece at home. You looked over towards Robin at one point and noticed she was curling her hair around her finger, idly staring at the back of a girl's head - presumably the girl she was staring at yesterday. Finally, the bell for lunch rang, everyone snapped out of their daze, and the class couldn't escape the room fast enough. Clearly they've been suffering as much as you.

Lunch was much of the same as yesterday, all that changed was the cafeteria food and apple juice instead of OJ. Robin was still staring the girl from band, who was the person she was staring at in class too.

"Poor girl's gonna have two holes in the side of her head if you keep staring," you leaned over to Robin's ear, speaking in hushed tones. She snapped out of it, blushing as she turned to face you. Even though it was obvious to you that Robin had a crush on her, you could tell she was embarrassed about being caught out. "Don't worry, I won't say anything. I know it's a difficult conversation to openly discuss," She looked at you, tilting her head to the side, narrowing her eyes briefly and then opening them a bit wider in realisation. She went to point at you as if to say 'you too?'. You turned your hand in a so-so motion but mouthed the word 'bi', and Robin nodded in response. 'Huh, I don't think I've ever openly come out to anyone before... That's a first,' you thought.

Shrugging it off, you both then dipped in and out of conversation with the people on your table. You drifted away subconsciously and began gazing around the cafeteria again, just like yesterday. The Goths reapplying their purple and black lipstick after tucking into the school's mac and cheese, the Math Nerds trying to hide in their corner using their textbooks as shields, and the Jocks using whatever they could get their hands on to try catapult towards the said Math Nerds. And yet again, your eyes fall upon the Hellfire Club table. All of them sat in their designated places, and the curly haired metalhead leader sat at the head of the table. Robin had said yesterday to you that they played Dungeons and Dragons, and you wouldn't be surprised if this was the same formation they sat in for their campaigns. The metalhead seemed to be telling the premise of the next session which he was planning, hands flailing in the air, standing on his chair at one point with one foot on the table. The others seem captivated, and honestly, so were you (even if you couldn't make out a single word he was saying). Snapping you out of your concentration, the bell cut things off and all the bodies scuttled out the cafeteria into the next classes. 'I wonder if I'll bump into him again,' you thought to yourself.

The last couple of hours dragged by just as slow as this morning, with you and Robin sharing a knowing look of 'kill me now'. The final buzz of the day rang, with kids ignoring the teacher's plea into making sure they do their homework as there will definitely be a pop quiz about what they've studied today. Their voice sounded just as tired as you all felt. You gave a nod to the teacher, acknowledging their speech. It's the least you could do.

"So obviously Steve is gonna be waiting for us outside, but he's gotta get back to his shift at Family Video. And I'm gonna be working with him too. You wanna come hang out at the shop? He'll be able to drop you off when we're done. If not, we can always drop you off at home first," Robin asked you. You hadn't really seen much of Hawkins since you moved here a couple of weeks ago. "I can give you some free popcorn..." she said in a sing-song voice, trying to tempt you. You laughed at her persuasion skills.

"Ha, okay, you had me at popcorn. Better be sweet 'n' salty, or I'm not coming," you said half-seriously. Sweet 'n' salty was your favourite, it better be a part of the deal.

"Deal," Robin fist bumped you as you walked out the front doors of Hawkins High. Steve honked his horn as you both approached the burgundy car. Robin sat in the front again, so you threw your rucksack in first on the backseat and sat in the original place you were in this morning.

"We dropping you off home?" Steve asked, as he turned around to see whilst reversing.

"Nah, I'm tagging along for the shift," you replied. "Besides, there's some free popcorn in it for me,"

Steve gave a stern look to Robin. "What have I said about giving away popcorn? We need to sell the snacks! You know Keith doesn't like me and will use this as an excuse to fire me,"

She shrugged at him. "Whatever, she can have my allocated share for the day," Robin gave you a wink and you inwardly laughed. Steve rolled his eyes and got the three of you on the road, Robin took off her coat and slipped on her Family Video vest over her blouse, and you sat and stared out the window. 'I could get used to this...'

Not too long after leaving the school, the three of you pulled up into the forecourt where Family Video was situated alongside a small arcade and a couple of other shops. It was busy in the parking lot, filled with kids of all ages, but they seemed to be hanging out closer to the arcade so it wasn't too much of a hassle getting into the shop. When you walked in, the sound of Raiders of the Lost Ark played faintly in the background. Keith swapped with Robin and Steve so the pair could start their shift together. His drawl voice was obviously ticking Steve off, so Robin buttered Keith up to ensure that all the tasks he had now delegated onto them would be done. As he walked out the door, you heard Steve mutter 'schmuck' under his breath and you stifled a laugh.

"Popcorn now, or popcorn later?" Robin shook the empty bag towards you.

"Now's good, thanks," you replied. She filled up the bag, nearly overflowing, and passed it to you. Your eyes bulged at the amount. "You sure this is just your share?"

"Mine and half of Steve's," she tried to whisper.

"Hey!" he yelled.

"Oops," you both laughed. "Take a stroll, pick a video of your fancy. We can watch anything we want--"

"Within reason," Steve chimed in.

"--within reason," she repeated after Steve. "That's only 'cause we got watching Alien first thing one Saturday morning and traumatised the young kids picking up Mary Poppins,"

"Yeah, someone nearly lost their job for someone else's explicit VHS choice, didn't they?" Steve gave a stern look at Robin, but she refused to turn around and face him.

"I'm never gonna live it down. But I still don't regret it," you both laughed as Steve leaned his hip against the counter.

You began walking up and down the aisles filled with different tapes. You weren't particularly sure what to pick. Disney? Another Indiana Jones? All you knew was that any thriller, horror, or B-Movie special was off the cards. You stopped in front of the 'New Releases' display and picked up one of the tapes. It had 5 kids posing on the cover all looking a little moody. "Five teenage students... Saturday detention together... Bared their souls... Yeah, that'll do," you read the synopsis a bit to yourself before taking it to the counter and handing it to Steve. He nodded in appreciation for your choice and waited for the Indiana Jones flick to finish.

It was fairly quiet in the shop to be honest, so you weren't really sure as to why Robin and Steve both had to work - easily could be manned by one of them at least - but you were glad they were both working so it got making to know them both and their friendship together a lot more fun. There were plenty of little digs at each other and inside jokes were explained a bit, and you got to find out a bit about the rest of their friendship group. They didn't go into much detail but had said something pretty serious happened so a couple of their friends, El and Will, had to move away to California, and you could see that it was still pretty fresh so it still hurt. But they explained some of the recent gossip within the group; Max and Lucas had just split up - and Max was suffering really bad with the death of her brother so she'd been pretty distant, Lucas was in the basketball team but was also playing D&D with Hellfire, Mike played D&D in Hellfire was seriously missing his girlfriend and best friend, and Dustin was really enjoying being in a new D&D group as he'd missed it a lot since shit happened with Will - which was one hell of a story, but not even the full tale according to Robin (she said they'd probably tell the tale another time in the future). They both said that they all occasionally pop by to rent a movie together and hang out, but they'd all sort of found their groups in high school so didn't really see each other much apart from maybe weekends.

After learning all this new stuff about the friendship group, you realised you hadn't called home to say where you were. You excused yourself for a moment and went outside to use a payphone. Outside the arcade, you saw who you thought were Dustin, Mike, and Lucas based off the descriptions Robin and Steve had told you. Dustin and Mike seemed a bit pissed off that Lucas was bailing, and they watched him hop into a Jock's car. They both then walked into Family Video so you were pretty sure you'd be getting a full introduction shortly. You slotted in a couple of coins into the payphone and dialled home. The air had even more of a chill than before, so you pulled your coat tighter.

"Hey, mom," you said quietly. "Yeah I'm sorry I didn't call, my friends Robin and Steve gave me a lift to the video store... Uh-huh, the ones who picked me up for school this morning... No, it's okay, they're dropping me home when they've finished their shift... Okay, yeah I won't be late. Love you," and you hung up the phone. Surprisingly, there was no berating down the phone for once. In your old town, if you were calling up saying you were going to be home late, you didn't hear the end of it and would be grounded for two weeks at the least. It felt suspicious, but you might as well enjoy the peace whilst you can. You walked back into the store and the two boys you'd spotted just a moment ago were chatting animatedly with Steve and Robin.

"I just can't believe he's ditching us to play some stupid basketball! He's a nerd at heart, he should be at Hellfire with us," Dustin frowned, crossing his arms in a huff against the counter top.

"Uh-huh, and I can't believe you're ditching hanging out with me to play D&D with 'The Freak'," Steve sulked at him. Dustin hit his arm. "OW! Hey, what is with everyone doing that to me today?"

"He's not a freak," Dustin said defiantly. "Anyway, you're just jealous that I've got other friends than you,"

"No I'm not," Steve crossed his arms in front of his chest. "You just don't make time for me any more,"

"You are jealous! Is it because there's another guy older than me taking me under his wing and you don't like it?"

It hit a nerve with Steve and you could tell, hell all of you could, but he tried to play it off nonchalantly. "Look, you can hang out with anyone you like, but I was here first okay so that makes me the best,"

Dustin rolled his eyes and laughed, pushing at Steve across the counter.

Mike didn't really say too much, he just seemed to be in his own world. But he turned to face you, and gave you a puzzled look. "Hey, erm, you're new here, right?"

"Yeah, I've been in Hawkins a couple of weeks. Only just joined the high school this week," you replied. You introduced yourself and the two boys introduced themselves back, explaining what grade they were in, and that they were going to Hellfire tonight for the much anticipated campaign session. Mike then looked at his watch.

"Oh shit, Dustin, we're gonna be late! I didn't think it was so late, Eddie is gonna be mad at us,"

"Shit, shit, shit, okay, erm Steve? Can I get some Milk Duds?" Dustin rushed.

"Are you gonna pay for them this time?" his arms were still crossed. Man, he was pissed.

Dustin exhaled in frustration through his nostrils. He threw a dollar bill on the counter. Steve threw the Milk Duds directly at Dustin, causing him to fumble trying to catch them. Dustin frowned at his friend, and nudged Mike as if to say they were ready to go.

"Heh, Milk Duds are for Eddie. Hopefully it'll appease him for being late," Mike shyly explained to you whilst taking the chocolate candy from Dustin, giving them a slight shake.

"Yep, but he's still gonna be pissed when he realises Lucas is gonna be late turning up too, if he turns up at all," Dustin replied. "C'mon, let's go before he goes all Behemoth on us," the pair waved goodbye and left sharpish.

Steve ended up leaving the counter to sort some of the tapes out as some kids had been in trying to mess up the displays and spilling popcorn all over the floor. You turn to face Robin as you seemed to have a quiet moment to yourselves.

"So, who's this Eddie guy that they were talking about? Is he the head of the Hellfire group they're in?" you queried.

"Yeah, they more or less joined the group within the first week of the semester. Dustin, Mike, and Lucas were all sat together on this table in the cafeteria, and obviously they stuck out like a sore thumb. Being the charismatic character he is, he saw their fresh new faces and could tell instantly they'd be up for some D&D. Quite lucky really, they played it with their friend, Will, before he had to move," Robin explained. You nodded, finally finding out the metalhead's name who you'd accidentally bumped into yesterday and who you couldn't stop staring at. Maybe now was a good time to bring it up?

"I used to play D&D too, y'know," you casually slipped into conversation.

"Aw nice, why didn't you say something? Looks like they could've used an extra player tonight if their conversation was anything to go by,"

"Well I don't really know them, and I don't have any characters ready--"

"I'm just joshing," she playfully nudged you. "I know you wouldn't have gone anyway. Maybe another time though, get a character prepared... Just in case," she winked. It was your turn to nudge her playfully this time and you both laughed.

"I, erm, I bumped into Eddie on my walk home yesterday actually," you said. You weirdly felt shy about it, but with Steve calling him 'The Freak' and hearing others in the background say it too, it was only natural to be a bit cautious about bringing him up.

"Oh yeah? What happened?"

"Well, nothing really. I was walking back and I got near the trailer park, then this big gust of wind just blew on by. Got a face full of my own hair, couldn't see shit, ended up bumping into the guy. I thought he was gonna give me a load of shit for walking into him, but turns out he's actually quite nice," you explained.

"Steve gives Dustin a hard time about Eddie, but I've heard nothing but good things about him really. Mind you, the good things are from Dustin so maybe he's biased. But Steve has a good reason for being so harsh," Robin went on to say. She leaned forward towards you on the counter, speaking lowly so that if anyone passed by they couldn't hear what she was about to tell you. "The lowdown: Eddie's parents aren't in the picture, don't know why, but he lives with his uncle at the trailer park. He gets a bad rep 'cause he gives off stereotypical 'bad guy' vibes. He listens to metal, he's retaking his final year again, doesn't dress like everyone else, smoking pot, and well, he's also known around school for selling drugs too,"

"Oh," it took you aback slightly. "I see. I'm guessing it's mainly the dealing part that Steve is bothered about,"

Robin nodded in reply. "Personally, never had a problem with the guy. He comes in sometimes, borrows a movie, drags the kids out when they're running late, and he's always pleasant with us. I guess Dustin is right with what he's saying though, maybe Steve is a bit jealous that there's another older guy with influence in his life,"

"Maybe Steve is worried they'll end up selling or doing drugs like him," you replied. "I mean, I've only just met the kids but from what you've both told me today, they seem to have pretty sharp heads on their shoulders. They'll know to steer clear of that. They just wanna play D&D. Anyway, there's nothing wrong with a spliff every so often,"

"Right? And Steve's no person to judge for that," Robin blurted out. You raised a brow at her and mimed smoking a joint and subtly pointing at Steve, who was still sweeping up the popcorn kernels. "Shit... Yeah, Steve used to be a bit of a 'bad boy' in Hawkins High. He was the good looking popular guy. Nancy, Mike's older sister, told me that when they were dating he was smoking it at a small house party he was hosting,"

"Huh, no shit," you laughed. "Not as innocent as he seems to play then," you were a little hesitant to say what you were thinking, but if you didn't say this now, then it would eat you up. "I think he might have flirted with me?"

Robin was mid-sip of her water and nearly spat it out. "Who, Steve?!"

"No! No, no, Eddie,"

"Oh... OH. Wait, there's no might about it. He either did or he didn't,"

"Well, when I bumped into him I was really apologetic 'cause I'm clumsy, then he mentioned he'd seen me looking at him during lunch, said I should maybe introduce myself if I was gonna keep staring, called me 'sweetheart', and then walked off home,"

Robin smiled at you, resting her head on her hands. "Oh, that's a definite," you blushed at her response, trying to hide the crimson under your scarf and hoping the red would merge well with your face. "Told you he was charismatic,"

'Huh, and good looking to boot-- Oh, for God's sake...' You could feel the warmth of your cheeks getting hotter. Your thoughts were definitely not helping. "I'm just gonna go outside, I think I need a bit of air," you pointed both your hands towards the door awkwardly. Robin laughed at how shy you'd become all of a sudden, and just waved her hand at you to go outside.

The air hit you like an ice cold brick wall. If your face wasn't red from the embarrassment before, at least you could blame that damn fall breeze. You took in a couple of deep breaths, straightened yourself out, and walked back into the store. Steve had finally put on The Breakfast Club tape you'd handed him a couple hours previous. He'd managed to slip on The Goonies before your choice.

"It's his favourite," Robin said. "We have to watch it at least once a week when we're working together, don't we Steve?"

"Shut up, Robin," he called back at her. "It's at least once a fortnight..."

The store has gotten incredibly quiet just before The Breakfast Club on, it was mid-week and getting towards 8pm. There was only a couple of drifters that came in for a browse and then leave.

'Does Barry Manilow know you raid his wardrobe?' Bender gave a dig at Vice Principle Vernon. The three of you chuckled.

"Hey, you know what? You look a bit like you've raided a bit of Bender and Allison's wardrobe today," Robin pipes up, looking at you. Long black coat like Allison, red tartan scarf like Bender's shirt... Damn, she's right. You could help but shrug and laugh.

"At least you won't forget about me," you shot finger guns at her, only to receive a groan at the joke from the pair. This made you laugh harder knowing that they enjoyed the joke but sure as hell won't admit it.

The movie came to an end and Robin was running around doing the last bits of tidying before they closed. Steve started rewinding the movie. The door sprang open which made all of you jump and shoot your heads up to see who'd walked it. Dustin and Mike were back with Lucas, so it looked like he eventually turned up to join the game. They were all laughing about what had happened as they were explaining it to Steve, who just seemed to nod his head along to their tales. You sat there at the counter overhearing their trials and tribulations when the door opened again, albeit not as harshly as before. You turned to see who had come in and there he was. Eddie strolled on in to come and grab the boys.

"C'mon, guys, time to go," he squeezed Dustin's shoulders. Steve tried to hide his grimace but it didn't really work, making Eddie smirk a little. "Harrington can hear your heroic tales another day," The boys wrapped up their conversation and said bye to you all, then headed to Eddie's van outside. He held the door open for them, and just as he was exiting the store himself, Eddie swung on the door as it was closing and gave you a cheeky little wink. "See ya, sweetheart."

'Jesus fucking Christ almighty...' your stomach was suddenly home to a thousand butterflies, flitting about the place. All you could muster up was a small wave goodbye, cheeks tinted pink. The door closed behind them all and all you could hear was Eddie's van rumbling into the distance. Robin came up behind you with the dustpan and brush, placing a hand on your shoulder.

"Wow. Definitely flirting," she patted your shoulder and went to put everything away. You looked over at Steve and he was the one to have a little smirk on his lips this time. You hid your face in your hands. 'Get me home!' you shouted in your head.

The three of you hopped into Steve's BMW and began the journey home. You could tell Steve was itching to say something about Eddie's comment as he kept glancing at you in the rear view mirror. You were nervous thinking about the fact of his name being brought up, but nothing had even happened to constitute any nerves. All Eddie did was be a little flirtatious with you after bumping into him, nothing to get all worked up about.

"So... Eddie," Steve finally piped up. You scooted in your seat a little at his name. Robin's head snapped around to look at Steve as if to ask if he was really serious about bringing it up. "What was all that about?"

"I-- I don't know," you tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. "All I did was bump into him on my walk home yesterday,"

"Yeah, and not keep your eyes off him all lunch yesterday and today," Robin teased.

"Hey!" you raised your voice. "You've got no room to talk," Robin tried hiding her face by looking out the passenger window, but she knew Steve was giving her a glare.

"I'm only teasing," Steve ended up breaking the tension. "Look, he's not exactly the best influence in regards to his, ahem, career, but I do know he can be a pretty nice guy,"

"I can't actually believe what I'm hearing," Robin had turned back around to face Steve. "You give Dustin all this shit about hanging around with 'The Freak' and you're singing his praises now? Maybe I'll ring Dustin when I get home--"

"Alright, alright, yeah I do give him a hard time about it, sure. But I do it 'cause it's funny to wind him up,"

"Pfft, yeah right. Definitely jealous that he's hanging out with another guy older than him,"

"Whatever, anyway!" Steve had pulled over just by your house now. He turned around to face you. "As much shit as I give Dustin about Eddie, he's right in what he tells me about the guy. He makes sure to drop them off home after D&D, keeps them out of trouble away from the Jocks, would easily take a punch for them too... He seems alright, you should actually speak to him." he turns to look at Robin, who begins to nod.

"I mean, yeah, I agree. There's no harm in saying hi, right? Not gonna lose something you never had in the first place," she gives you a soft smile.

All you can do is just sit there, stiff as a board. You felt like your parents had given you 'The Talk' and felt too embarrassed to move.

"...Okay, thanks for that. I'm just gonna slide on outta here, crawl up to my room and die. Bye, guys," you opened the back seat door to the car and stepped out into the dark. You began to walk up the drive home.

"Same time tomorrow?" Robin shouted through Steve's open window.

"Sure, see you in the morning." you shouted back. The pair drove away and all you could do was bury your face into your scarf again.

You unlock your door, kick off your boots, take off your scarf and coat, and throw yourself onto the sofa. Your mom calls through from the kitchen to see if it's you and tells you dinner is in the microwave ready to reheat. You shout back to her that you'll be there in a minute, sinking into the sofa a little.

'I've been here two fucking days and I've already been told to make a move on someone I don't even know,' your inner monologue spoke again. '...he is pretty cute though, so I guess that helps.'

#eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x f!reader #skeletalglore fics

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alfgifu · 2 months ago

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Fic analysis 15. Holding out for a hero

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/48820009

Word count: 3,811

Chapters: 1

First posted: 24th July 2023

Summary:

A scarlet mantle redder than the rose flares around tall shoulders; a sky blue tunic stands bold against the night sky; a wild thicket of hair, black and grey and gloriously free, streams out in all directions like a halo - this man has a harp in his hands, and a song on his lips - and a sword at his belt - and he strides over the threshold in a flurry of golden magic that ripples and flows like lava.

Cliopher does not know this person - he does not think he knows this person - he cannot see who this person is, and the pegs are screaming in his mind - he almost does not hear the words, but they resonate on every level so that even his pegboard sings them back to him: "WHERE IS HE?"

(In which the denizens of Sky Ocean should have known better than to kidnap Cliopher Mdang of Tahivoa, however clever and helpful he might be as an ornament to their demesnes.)

How and why this came about

In time honoured fashion, a conversation on discord led into sketching scenarios, which expanded into a livefic.

This was the first time I had liveficced an entire story and it happened entirely on impulse and over a time when I was supposed to be packing to take the kids on holiday. It was the epitome of ‘now I can have some fun’. The thrill of getting near-immediate emoji responses to individual paragraphs was amazing, as was the joy of writing something where the plot was simple and the story was about the ridiculous drama of the situation.

When I finished I was very short of time and knew my internet connectivity would be limited for the following week, so the tidy-up phase was minimal and the title was chosen at random.

I was both surprised and delighted when one of my favourite authors chose to pick up on the heavy hint I’d left in the chat about being open to anybody else taking it forward.

What worked and what didn’t

Writing fast and in short sections worked well with leaning into the drama of the whole situation. Keeping it in the present tense was new for me but it also worked with the urgency of the story.

Working quickly and staying close in Cliopher’s pov in this situation led to an even-higher-than-usual density of dashes and half-sentences. It works, sort of, but it’s certainly not how I would write this story if I had set it up in a gdoc. It’s also not how I would livefic now. These days if I’m liveficcing I mostly write until the comment box is full and then start the next at once.

What I learned from writing it

I’ve sometimes felt in the past that I needed to ration good bits of worldbuilding, or not let go of an idea or a story because I liked one element even when the other parts weren’t working. This story was all about throwing caution to the wind and throwing in the best or most extra thing I could think of and seeing what happened.

The phenomenon of holding back in case something is too good and you can’t do it again is foolish when you look at it straight on, but it’s easy not to look at it. One of the things I’ve learned over the whole adventure of writing fanfic is that there are always more ideas and more stories than I have time to write. Some of them will be better than others. Some of them I’ll execute better than others. Some of them more people will like reading than others. But the correct filter is for quality, not quantity: write the thing that compels you most in the moment and write it to the best of your ability, and try not to worry about what happens next.

#fic analysis #my fic #nine worlds #cliopher mdang #fitzroy angursell

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squeamishnerd · 1 year ago

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The Brights

Chapter 18: Learning, Part 1

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Link to master post with all chapters

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Ned: Hi, sorry for intruding at this hour, but I've had to study so much lately, I barely have time for anything else.

Travis: No problem, it's nice to see you.

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Travis: So, you're here because you wanted to talk?

Ned: Yes, I thought that maybe you could help me understand something...

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Ned: ... since you might know more about it due to having two same-sex partners.

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Travis: I don't think I like where this is going. But continue.

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Ned: A few months back I was talking with Beren, and somehow I trust him enough to bring up woohoo related things, but then I kinda assumed that men who are only interested in men woohoo in one specific way, and-

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Travis: Okay, wait, I'll be right back.

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Travis: Apparently I need to talk some sense into my brother, and due to the subject I'm quite sure that he wouldn't want you two to overhear, is it okay if-

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Summer: No worries, we can go for a walk.

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Liberty: It really feels like autumn is passing by faster this year. It's getting colder so quickly.

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Summer: Are you trying to say that you want to go back inside to get a hoodie, or that you want me to keep you warm?

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Liberty: The latter.

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Ned: I just have to ask… Since when do you wear your nails painted?

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Travis: Since Liberty started to paint them. Don't you think it makes me look like a rock star?

Ned: Not really, no.

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Travis: Okay, so let me get this straight… You told Beren, who's only interested in men, that you think there's only one way for two men to woohoo together?

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Ned: Well, I implied it. And I assumed it applied to him.

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Travis: You can't just assume things like that!

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Ned: I assumed because I don't know what else there is to do.

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Travis: Are you aware that sims have hands and mouths?

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Ned: That counts as woohoo?

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Travis: Of course it does! We had the exact same woohoo education, how do you not know this?

Ned: Too focused on the biology I guess.

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Travis: I can't believe that I have to explain this to my older brother… Look. Who you're attracted to doesn't decide what types of woohoo you like, and what types of woohoo you like doesn't say anything about who you're attracted to. And a lot of things "count" as woohoo.

⠀

Travis: You know, only because of your narrow ideas of woohoo I kinda hope that you'll find the most unusual partner that exists.

⠀

Ned: Like what? A bot?

⠀

Travis: Nah, think more unusual.

⠀

Ned: But… Who, or what, would that even be?

Travis: I don't know, but I hope you'll find them.

⠀

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Link to master post with all chapters

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lostlastsforever756 · 7 years ago

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The Rise of Stella Gibson: Part 1

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Author’s Note: The Stella Gibson backstory that no one asked for!!! The idea of the story was to show the events of Stella’s life that made her into the woman she is today, obviously starting with the death of her father. So, the story line goes from that point in time, up until she decides to be a police officer.

Rating: M (mentions of suicide, and death)

It’s an open casket wake, followed by a burial. Stella isn’t sure who made that decision, exactly, but as she gazes upon her dead father’s beautiful face, she can’t help thinking it was a mistake. Her mother managed to find some time in her schedule between work and her active social life to attend, standing regally in the corner as silent tears stream down her cheeks. Her father’s coworkers and her own family take turns giving their condolences, but not one of them says a word to stony-faced Stella, who only has eyes for her father. It’s just as well, though, because Stella probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a voice and a gunshot. Since she found out, the world seems to have faded into a dream.

Suicide. The doctor’s note on his desk confirming the brain tumor to be inoperable.

In his note, he only addressed Stella. He said he was sorry, but somehow his apology wasn’t enough. No matter how many time he could have written it, it didn’t change that he was leaving for good.

Stella and her mother take their place in the procession out of the church, behind the casket and just before the rest of the guests. Her mother holds her head up high, showing off her tears, her hands on Stella’s shoulders. Stella keeps her eyes in front of her, trained on the flowers placed so carefully on top of the casket.

“Stella for Star!”

He pops his head around the corner and gives her a small smile. She returns it, but barely.

“Hi, Daddy,” she says.

“Why so melancholy, Little Star?” he says, stepping into the doorway.

“What does melancholy mean?”

“It’s a posh word for ‘sad’.”

She makes a slightly dramatic sigh. “I’m sick, Daddy. I don’t feel good.”

“I’ve got just what you need,” he says, smiling.

He pulls his hands out from behind his back, and in them he holds a bouquet of flowers. He places them gently on her night stand, and moves a few stems about, almost as if he’s fluffing up the bouquet like a pillow.

“They are pretty, but, Daddy, how are flowers supposed to help me with this flu?” she asks, squinting a bit, and coughing.

“You know flowers make oxygen, right?”

Stella nods.

“Fresh air will make you feel better, Star, no better medicine than nature,” he says, and pats her head, “Plus, a little color in this room couldn’t hurt.”

The car door slams shut just as Stella pulls her feet in. She can feel her mother sitting next to her, fixing her make-up, apathy for the situation rolling off her mother and towards Stella in waves. Her first set of feelings come to her for the first time in days, a dull ache in her chest, manifesting into something she can’t quite put her finger on. She shakes slightly as the tears finally come to her, a sob escaping with them.

Her mother rolls her eyes. “Oh, please stop, Stella, it’s really not attractive when you do that.”

She continues to stare at her reflection in her compact mirror as Stella looks at her incredulously.

“My crying...is unattractive?”

She rolls her eyes again as she dabs at her lips. “You’re not the only one who is sad, Stella, he was my husband. Stop drawing attention to yourself.”

Stella bites her cheek and shakes her head, staring out the window. She digs her nails into the palms of her hands, biting back many spiteful comments germinating in her mind. How could this woman have the nerve to tell her she can’t cry because it’s unattractive, let alone call this man her husband as if she owns him? She’s the one who is never around, was never there to love him the way he deserved, running off to distant countries to do God knows who. The audacity in her small mind to think and genuinely believe that she is the only one who lost him, the only person who was ever in his life, the only one to be betrayed by his departure, sends Stella’s head spinning. He was her father, for fuck’s sake, and the only parent that ever cared. Stella had much more to lose than her flighty mother.

“How is crying in the back of a town car ‘drawing attention to myself’?”

“Drop the attitude, Stella, you just want everyone to feel sorry for you,” she spits, “like always.”

“Do you really think what you did back there in that funeral home was not ‘drawing attention to yourself’? You’re mad,” Stella shoots back.

“I’m the widow, I’m allowed to grieve. I loved him.”

The way she responds is with a heavy dose of arrogance, wrapped in a layer of righteousness. Stella’s stomach churns.

“No, actually, I loved him,” she retorts.

Her mother scoffs and rolls her eyes. “You don’t understand, stupid girl.”

“I loved him more than you ever did--”

“Oh, please--”

“And he deserved much more than to die associated--”

“Shut up--”

“--with fucking rubbish, like you.”

Stella feels the sting of her knuckles against her face before she even sees it coming. Blood rushes to the skin where she was stricken, and to her cheeks in embarrassment and anger.

“I told you to shut up, and you will listen to me,” she said, her teeth gritted.

Stella resists every urge to touch her face and to make sure she isn’t bleeding, trying not to show how affected she is by the sudden violence.

“You need to brush up on your manners because I will not have you speak to me in that tone ever again, do you understand me?”

Avoiding eye contact, Stella nods.

“If you ever speak to me like that again, I will not hesitate to ship you to the nearest orphanage, am I making myself clear?”

Stella nods again.

“Good.”

In the commotion, neither passenger realized that the car had come to a stop at it’s destination. Stella’s mother readjusts herself to look presentable, even though nothing had changed about her appearance in the last five minutes, and pushes open the door, stamping out onto the pavement before slamming the door shut. Once she’s gone, Stella lays her face in her hands, breathing deeply, checking for any possible bleeding. Her heart is racing and her eyes are burning with unshed tears, but she holds them in anyway, along with her breath. The door opens beside her just as she starts to go numb, the feeling in her fingers gone and her emotions back to neutral.

“Are you okay, miss?” the driver asks.

She looks up into his kind, grandfatherly face, etched with concern. Stella doesn’t miss out on the irony of a stranger caring more about her than her own mother. She gives him a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes, and she knows it.

“Yes, I’m alright, sir,” she says, stepping out of the car, “Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

Clearly, he heard every word to the conversation, and that fact satisfies Stella, somehow. At least now someone else knows what a monster her mother truly is, no matter how much she pretends not to be. A random stranger now knows the truth.

She makes her way up the hill toward the crowd of people, and finds her seat in the front. Despite her position front and center, no one looks at her, as if she is the one who is dead and gone.

She almost believes it’s true because, as her father is lowered into the ground, she doesn’t shed a single tear.

next section ---->

#stella gibson #the fall #the rise of stella gibson #my fanfiction #fanfiction #my fan fiction #fan fiction #I might go back and post links to go straight to next chapters #we will see #anyway #the back story no one asked for

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bangtan-madi · 2 years ago

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All Of Our Lifetimes — Chapter Nine: The Truth Untold

Pairing — Taehyung x Reader

Tags — boyfriend!Taehyung, husband!Taehyung reincarnation au, lovers to strangers and to lovers again, established relationship, implied soulmate au

Genre — fluff, angst, crime (ish)

Word Count — 2.6k

Summary — Does love ever truly end, or does it simply take another form in a new life? The cycle is like clockwork: your lives end and you’re reborn again. You’ve lived it over and over. Each cycle, one of you loses your memories and is tragically unaware until the other finds and awakens their lover. After all these eons, all these lifetimes, is it possible to find each other again—even when neither of you awakens with your memories?

Part — 9 / 15

Warnings — discussion of violence/murder

Note — Sorry for the delays on this chapter, and for the format that it's being posted in. Unfortunately, between the hurricane and a broken computer, I won't be able to post in the exact format I usually do with all the pictures and everything. I also won't be able to link anything, update my master list, or put a breaker in this chapter unfortunately. For now, this is how it's going to go up. I do plan on going back and editing in the banners and the headers and all of that as soon as my computer is fixed. Hopefully that will be in the next couple weeks, so if this chapter looks different later this year, that's why lol. Thank you all for being so patient and so kind on the previous chapters, but I am finally back to writing again! Enjoy!!

Previous — Next

"Where are you going?"

"To find that curator."

"[Y/n], hold up—I'm coming with you."

Your stomach does somersaults as Taehyung grabs your hand and pulls you in the direction of the elevator. His stride is just as determined as yours, and you feel immense comfort with his hand in yours. As small a gesture as it is, it feels warm and helps subside the anxiety within you.

Despite the lack of film in the last few months of their lives, for whatever reason, you know exactly how your past lives' story ends. You've seen it your entire life. It ends in a bloodbath.

But you had no idea that they were being threatened for months before their deaths. You didn't realize the ins and outs of reincarnation, as [Y/n] told it. If what she said was true, then Taehyung should have gotten his memories back when he turned twenty-one in this lifetime. If you think back to your dream, you remember she'd said something along those lines.

"Come find me. In the next one: meet me there."

From his spot next to you in the elevator, Taehyung looks down at you with concern. "Are you okay?"

"Are you?" You turn and lock with his gaze. "Those were our past lives, and not only were they murdered shortly after those clips, but I now know that they were being stalked way before then. All of this, everything lines up with my dream. And god, I don't want to be skeptical or logical... I believe all of it."

"I do, too."

"You do?"

Taehyung nods, and his dark curls fall over his forehead, barely brushing over his eyes. "What I'm wondering is why didn't I get my memories back at twenty-one?"

Shaking your head, you sputter, "Maybe it's because we were murdered at the same time? From the way they were talking, that's a first. The cycle was messed up. I don't know how or why." You pause, and the elevator dings up another floor. "Do you remember anything at all? Have any memories come back?"

Taehyung bites his lower lip and turns his gaze away. "Something's there. It's like a word on the tip of your tongue. You're familiar. All of this feels...right? I don't know how to describe it."

"You said you believe it."

"I do. That film wasn't faked. Those people were us. Everything they said feels right in my heart. I just...I don't have proof to back it up."

Your hand tightens around his, fingers lacing together as you state, "Well, I know who can give us some of that."

The elevator doors open, and you pull Taehyung along as you head straight for Ms. Jwa's office. You might not know exactly where it is, but the wing of offices is just down the hall from the service elevator. She can't be far.

The middle-aged woman looks up from her computer as both of you enter without knocking. She seems surprised at the sudden entrance, but her shock dissipates quickly.

"I have to say, that was faster than I thought."

"Who were Kim Taehyung and Kim [Y/n]?" you ask, getting straight to the point.

Ms. Jwa sighs and leans back in her office chair. She gestures for you to close the door, then motions to the chairs across from her. "Have a seat." A beat of silence follows the closing of the door, and you both take your seats. "I assume you watched the film?"

"We did," Taehyung nods. "Have you?"

The curator nods. "I did."

"Then you know about reincarnation. You knew Taehyung and I might come back."

Another affirmative shake of her head. "Which is why I kept everything that belonged to you both, as you requested I do in late 1994. I was surprised, but now I see why." Her gaze shifts back and forth between you and Taehyung. "You really are mirror images of them. It's astonishing."

"You were their friend?" you inquire.

Ms. Jwa's face shifts to a small smile, but behind the expression, there's deep sadness. "I was. If you want, I can start at the beginning." When neither of you speaks up, she continues. "Taehyung and I went to the same art school in Daegu. We're both from the city and wanted to make it big in Seoul. He was kind of like the big brother I never wanted."

She flashes a grin at Taehyung. "No offense. When we moved to Seoul, we got jobs here as junior curators. I was more on the art history side, whereas Taehyung was the true artist. He always said he wanted his works to be displayed here someday." Her eyes drop to her hands, clasped in her lap. "Which is why I felt it was only right to put his memorial here and display his favorite photographs."

She shakes her head, pulling herself out of memory. "Your past selves met and fell in love very quickly. I thought it was strange. Taehyung was a...unique person. Always was, and he didn't often click with people right away. But [Y/n]? I don't believe in soulmates, but those two were the exception."

"Before they died, they were being stalked," Taehyung intervenes. "By who?"

Ms. Jwa shrugs her shoulders. "We don't know. We assume it's the same person that killed them, but there's no way to know for sure. He was practiced. He knew what he was doing. The evidence was inconclusive, and the cameras were blacked out. I have no idea how he got in after-hours, what his motive was, or how he got away."

Your breath catches in your throat at her words. Something in the back of your mind told you that he might've escaped. Your dream shows him injured, bleeding profusely, but stumbling out of sight. You'd hoped that he'd wandered off somewhere and died, and he might have—away from the Museum—but your stomach sinks regardless.

"It wasn't just stalking. Taehyung and [Y/n] received death threats for months before they died. It started with Taehyung, around the time he met [Y/n], and then she started getting them as well. Always anonymous. Even the police were baffled."

"So what you're telling us is that even after all this time, there are no answers?"

Ms. Jwa clearly sees your dismay, but can offer no condolences or closure. "I wish I had more to tell you, but that's the extent of what I know. I kept everything in that vault downstairs hoping that one day one of you would show up again and be able to tell me what happened to you. I figured Taehyung would be the one to get his memories first, based on the video footage, but when he showed up as a pop star with clearly no memory of his past, I thought..." She trails off and takes a pause before continuing. "I thought it best not to push the issue. I wasn't sure if the cycle had broken, or if he was merely trying for a different life this time. Either way, I wanted him to be happy. He looked happy to me, at least from the outside."

Taehyung heaves a deep sigh, shaking his head profusely. "How many times did I come to visit this place, and you said nothing? You must have seen me before yesterday. Why didn't you tell me anything?"

You're right." The curator's eyes drift downward as she says, "Maybe I should have said something. Perhaps that would have sped up the process. I did what I thought was right at the time. Maybe that was to quell my own guilt." She lifts her head and offers an apologetic smile to us both. "Now I can see that that was wrong. For that I apologize. All I can do now is make up for the lost time and offer you answers that I have." She gestures with a flourish of her hand to the doorway. "All of the things downstairs or yours, feel free to take any of it. But as for who killed you, or why, or what happened to them, I'm afraid no one has those answers."

You ride from your seat, take a step forward, and move closer to the curator to lower your voice. "Then tell us why were we here that night. If we knew we were being followed, I know what I would have done and it's not coming back to the one place that I knew we wouldn't be safe."

"You're correct," she says. "That is the only other thing I can tell you. You were about to leave the country that night. Like I told you, Taehyung and I were very close. He didn't have many friends, but Emelia Popescu and I were the only people he considered as such. It was fate that we all worked in the same office. Because of that, he wanted to see us one last time before you left. Both of you came here to say your final goodbyes to Emelia and I."

"And we didn't say anything that made you ask questions?" Taehyung inquires.

Ms. Jwa scoffs lightly. "I asked all the questions in the world. You wouldn't tell me anything more than the matter was urgent and leaving was necessary, and that you would send word for where you were when the coast was clear. To be honest, everything about that night terrified me even before...before the accident."

The name she mentioned moments ago brings back memories of a corpse at the base of a stone figure, crimson expanding along the tiles of the floor. "Emelia was the other girl that was killed, right?" You have no idea what the girl actually looked like; those memories have yet to resurface.

Ms. Jwa nods once. "Yes, I had left to take an urgent call after I had said goodbye. Emelia had offered to walk you both out. That was when you were attacked." She shudders, and Taehyung instinctively reaches out and places a comforting hand on her shoulder. At his touch, she steadies and flashes a watery smile. "Emelia was killed first as a distraction and lure, and then the both of you were..." Her sentence trails off, but you all know how that story ends.

That can't be it. This cannot be all that there is. All the memories, all the dreams, the flood of confusion and emotion that has wrapped you in a vice-grip the last few months -- it's all been leading to the moment of truth. Your heart was racing this morning, the thought of finally knowing what happened in 1995 sending you into an elated but terrified tizzy.

You never thought that the answers would be so close, yet slip between you fingers like the water from the Museum fountain where you and your lover were brutally masacred.

But you've seen the evidence yourself, all of your belongings, and spoken to someone who knew you both well. Every piece of truth she has is in her mind and in her vault below your feet. If the answers aren't there, where could they be?

How can that be all that there is?

You step back, leaning against the nearest bookshelf for support, gripping one of the shelves so tightly you know your knuckles are white. "There has to be something you can tell us about who he was," you murmur. "Something, anything."

Taehyung's gaze meets yours, and you can see for the first time that his desperation mirrors your own. Even if it wasn't obvious to you when you first arrived in South Korea, Kim Taehyung has been searching for his own answers just as fiercly -- if not more so -- than you. Whatever cycle you both have been in for god knows how many centuries has not been broken, but it is damaged. While he should have been the one to remember at twenty-one, there is a part of him that longs for rememrance. Something deep inside has been pushing him towards the truth and constantly reminding him that parts of his life are awry. Even if everything from the outside seems perfect, you can tell from those eyes that he needs this just as much as you.

"Did no one see his face, or a glimpse of anything?" he rephrases. "And how did he let you live when the only other three people in the building were murdered?"

The curator walks over to the bookshelf nearest you, searches the columns for a moment, and retrieves an old file. This one is a bright red color, different than the others on the shelves and easy to locate. She opens it and hands us a composite sketch notebook for that has Seoul Police Department written on the face.

"There was one witness that saw him in a dark alleyway. Not much detail was captured, but she did remember a few distinct details that she told the police. This is the composite sketch that was created based on her details. I'm not sure how much help it will be, but it's yours if you want it."

Taehyung joins your side, arm brushing yours as he God's affirmatively towards the notebook. He doesn't say a word, but his expression tells you everything: "Go ahead. I'm here. This might be the only answer we get."

In a burst of untethered courage, you open the pages to reveal the single composite sketch on the first page. It's merely charcoal on white paper, but the expression of a man you've seen in your nightmares stares back at you with a haunted hatred all over his face. Memories from the past flood back to you, not just from your deathly dream but further than that.

Decades.

Centuries.

You've known this man's face for as long as your soul has been a soul. The last lifetime, the one before that, all the way back to the very first one. The death in your dream from 1995 is only the beginning; this is a face you've seen in your very first life, the one you only started to remember when you came to Seoul.

Your hands begin to tremble, and a lump swells up in your throat. Taehyung steadies your grip, concern covering his features. He says your name, but your ears are ringing and his voice is drowned out by the panic racing through your body. The book drops from your hands, your knees buckle, and your eyes roll back into your head.

Never in any nightmare did you ever think you would the face of your first parent again, let alone with a smoking gun in his grasp and your blood on his hands.

Taglist — @just-call-me-trash-can @jaiennn @happyhrsme @butaes, @peter-pan @twoteen-yup @dreamcatcherjiah @aelinashryv @luvth @cheoriemoawa @xyahrinx @say-something-nice-missy @btseverafter7 @kris10duh

(Taglist is always open! Comment below!)

#bts #bangtan #bangtan sonyeondan #taehyung #kim taehyung #bts fic #all of our lifetimes #taehyung fluff #taehyung fic #taehyung x reader #taehyung x yn #reincarnated au #reincarnation au #soulmate au #kim taehyung x reader #aool #husband!taehyung #boyfriend!taehyung

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iviarellereads · 6 days ago

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The Shadow Rising, Chapter 50 - Traps

(Crescent moon icon) In which I can finally let you in on some secrets you could absolutely figure out for yourself if you kept notes, too.

PERSPECTIVE: Rand observes the Aiel’s home culture and wishes he could trust Moiraine not to hand him over to the Tower on a leash as he makes his way to find a gift suitable for Aviendha, to thank her. He avoids the peddlers' wagons, in favour of talking to the Maidens. When he finds a bracelet he thinks will suit, the woman he's bartering with, Adelin, asks why he wants it. When he explains, she says she will take no price for it, and gives what must be a ritual response because it gets repeated with every Maiden present for no reason Rand can ascertain.

He finds Avi and gives her the bracelet, telling her what happened. She explains that they think he's trying to catch her interest romantically. He says he can set them straight, but she tells him no, that would dishonor her. It's not his fault, she says, and she apologizes if she ruined his meal. Now, he should go, she has carpets to beat the dust out of.(1)

Rand goes back to Lian and Amys's house, discusses how he knows Avi is a spy and they won't learn anything from him through her, and Melaine snaps that they want him to know their blood for his own so that he might save more than a remnant of a remnant of them. Amys intercedes, and Rand is shown to his room. He falls asleep seeing traps in everyone around him.

He dreams that he's back swimming in the Waterwood in 2Rs, with El and Min to either side of him, as if he has to choose. He can't love both of them. Why does love pop into his head? Avi appears on the bank and says he doesn't know who he loves. He offers to teach her to swim. On the opposite bank Lanfear laughs, naked, and asks why she should allow him to be unfaithful to her even in his dreams as Min and El and Avi disappear.

Rand struggles to get away from her, when a man's voice asks if this is how she amuses herself, and why she's risking their plan this way. She says he fears risk as much as Moghedien, the Spider herself.(2) He says if he must take risks, he wants a greater reward, then disappears. Lanfear disappears as well, and Rand wakes.

Aviendha is in the room with him, and after some soft discussion where she accidentally gives away that the Wise Ones are watching Rand's dreams, he senses something wrong. He calls his fire sword, and goes to find the wrongness: a Draghkar,(3) feeding on the gai'shain woman he met earlier. He kills the Draghkar, and Avi says the woman is dead.

Together, the two wake everyone, and the hold rushes to battle with remaining Darkspawn. Rand doesn't cover his face, saying they can't find him if they don't know where he is, and he finds some joke in it.(4)

PERSPECTIVE: Mat grumbles that Rand keeps dropping them both into trouble. He can't help but notice the battle tactics at play here, like Trollocs drawing people away from one end of the canyon so the Draghkar can attack Rand more freely.

He sees Rand coming up the canyon followed closely by Avi, stone-faced, and Moiraine, harassing Rand about trying to force prophecy. Rand asks what Moiraine wants, she wants him to confide in her. He asks that she promise not to hinder him if he tells her what he plans. She says she will not hinder his destiny, but she won't let him lay his head on a chopping block. That's not good enough for Rand.

Rhuarc says the Trollocs were a diversion, and no doubt they'll see Soulless next, or worse. He wants guards on Rand at all times. He adds that the Maidens have volunteered for the task, and will do better at it for being so eager, but they won’t be alone.

Mat asks if the Shaido could be any help, but Rhuarc says they left for Alcair Dal, possibly meaning to intercept Sevanna on her way to influence her against Rand. Rand says he must go now, then, he can't give Couladin a month to influence everyone else, even if it dishonours some of the chiefs.

After a moment, Rhuarc said, “Perhaps you are right. You bring change, Rand al’Thor. At sunrise, then. I will choose out ten Red Shields for my honor, and the Maidens will provide yours.” “I mean to be leaving when first light hits the sky, Rhuarc. With every hand that can carry a spear or draw a bow.” “Custom—” “There are no customs to cover me, Rhuarc.” You could have cracked rocks with Rand’s voice, or put a skim of ice on wine. “I have to make new customs.” [...] “Someone had best let the peddlers know,” Rand continued. “They won’t want to miss the fair, but if they don’t stop those fellows drinking they will be too drunk to handle reins. What of you, Mat? Are you coming?” He certainly did not intend to let the peddlers get away from him, not his way out of the Waste. “Oh, I am right behind you, Rand.” The worst of it was, it felt right saying that. Bloody ta’veren tugging at me! How had Perrin pulled free? Light, I wish I was with him right now. “I guess I am.”

=====

(1) Do you think she'll be picturing his face, or her until-recently-comrades, on those rugs? (2) There's the spider imagery with her. If I hadn't given her name when she showed up as herself, to tag her properly, I'd be pointing it out now. Also, this scene offers us some clues as to some identities. The blurry man is spending a lot of time with Lanfear, enough that he wonders where she's gone off to and finds her in Rand's dream. They're associating in the way of business partners. So, he's another Forsaken, and part of their plan is pulling Rand's strings. So, no more hiding that Keille and Jasin are Lanfear and… someone. There are only so many male Forsaken left, after all. Aginor, Balthamel, Be'lal, and Ishamael all appear to be dead. That leaves a whole list just as long (Rahvin, Demandred, Sammael, Asmodean) of possible names. What do we know about any of these? Well, Demandred has only been mentioned as one of the Forsaken in a glossary entry and a throwaway line in book 1. Sammael was last seen ruling in Illian and Moiraine seemed pretty confident of that. Rahvin's been mentioned three times so far this book, always right next to Sammael, if you want the best clue you're gonna get on what he might be up to. But, if you look back at chapter 9 really carefully, you might see Lanfear admit to who she's making plans with: she as good as begs Rand to kneel to the Dark One and let Asmodean teach him to channel with control, so that Rand and Lanfear can rule the world together, maybe even find a way to use the great sa'angreal (the statues with the crystal balls) to challenge the Dark One and the Creator himself. See, who needs to spoil you when you have the information, you just need to be able to remember it! (3) Hey, it's been a minute since we saw one of these! Well, two books, to be more accurate, I think. How did they find him, all the way out here? Well, there are two Forsaken next door, but why would Lanfear or Asmodean bring the evil creatures so close to themselves? (4) Here's where I admit, I'm not 100% on what the joke is either.

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