#I took pictures of our adventures though don't worry

[arthursfuckinghat]

The hounds of Baskerville

[lostfirefly]

In my midnight confessions, when I say all the things that I want to (Bedtime Story Series, Ch. 1)

Welcome to a new series (sorry not sorry) about Buggy and Catherine. This will be a short series of stories in the format of fairy tales that will be dedicated to Catherine's past. English is not my native language, errors may occur. As always, feel free to share your thoughts :)

Masterlist is here

Description: Catherine shares her backstory with Buggy.

Warnings: Egyptiiiiiaaaaan nights, sadness, broken heart, mention of dead parents, I hope "1000 and 1 nights" vibes (@fanaticsnail, thnx!).

Words: 3320

Buggy x OC from my “You’ve Got the Same Dream as Me” series.

Taglist: @gingernut1314, @operationroots, @hey-august, @yujo-nishimura, @emmiebugz-blog, @mydearlybeloathed , @cyberkittenduck

The title is taken from "Midnight Confession" by The Grass Roots.

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“Why doesn't he want to come to Loguetown?”

“I don't know, Jules. Every time I ask him to come with me, his face changes and he avoids answering. I don't want to pressure him.” Catherine sighed heavily and took a sip of wine. 

“Maybe he killed someone and is afraid to come?” Jules giggled, taking a bite of pizza. 

“What are you saying? You know, sometimes you talk about Buggy in a tone that makes me uncomfortable.” Catherine narrowed her eyes. 

“I'm sorry! I know you're head over heels in love, but I'm worried about you. I don't know, maybe because I don't know him well.” Jules shrugged. “I only talked to him when we spent the night at his place after the desert adventure, and even then he was reluctant to talk because he was busy looking at you.” Jules giggled and smiled mischievously. “God, I still remember you running out of the airport squealing. But, Cathie, even though you call me all the time, send me pictures, I still worry about you. You’re my sister.” 

Catherine laughed. “God, Jules, you remind me of our father right now.”

“Oh, yeah! He'd probably conduct a whole investigation to make sure that his beloved little Catherine was not harmed.” Jules laughed. “I can see that picture. He walks into the living room with a pen and a notepad with ducks and says: Evelyn, our daughter started seeing someone, not just anyone, but he's a clown it seems. I have to find out who he is because we trust him with our Cathie.” 

“And mom says to him, Dylan, stop it and put your notebook in a drawer and better read the newspaper. Our daughter is not going out with a complete idiot.” Catherine laughed and took a photo of them together with Buggy from the shelf. 

Jules put her hand on the table and rested her fist on her cheek. “Yeah, and then mom sits Buggy down to eat her carrot cake, and dad brings two bottles of beer. One for himself, one for your boyfriend. Dad sits down in his chair, crosses his arms, and stares at Buggy, barely blinking. Your clown is embarrassed and doesn't know how to act.”

“Hah, yeah. I think our parents would love him.” She turned the photo to the camera, trying to smile. “Look how cute he is.” Catherine put the photo aside and took a sip. “At least mom and dad had time to see your Ethan. He went on picnics with us, came to dinners. They got to know him. ” Catherine's tears flowed. “But they didn't get to see my Buggy. I'm so sad they'll never meet him, Jules. But you know.. I told them about him when I went to visit them at the cemetery on my last visit to Loguetown. Yeah, I told them about.. You know.. How.. I told them that I’m happy and safe now. I always tell them this so they don't worry.” Catherine wiped her wet eyes. 

“Cath…” Jules reached out to the laptop screen.

“I mis–” Catherine heard a noise in the hallway. “Quiet, I think Buggy is back. Wait!” She listened to the sounds. “Hmm.. No, I imagined it.” Catherine quickly wiped her tears. “I don't want him to see me crying.” 

“Make sure those Egyptian mummies don’t come to get you.” Jules cleared her throat. “Don’t get me wrong, Buggy may be a good guy, and I know you love him, but are you absolutely sure you're safe with him? In every sense, Catherine. I don’t want you to get hurt again. Remember what that bastard Flynnie did to you?”

“Jules, Buggy would never say or do something like that. He loves me.” Catherine took a sip. “Come visit us, and you will change your mind about him. I know that even with all my stories about him, Buggy seems like an asshole to you. But trust me, he's a different person when we're alone. He's kind and funny. He just needs some love and car–.”

The bedroom door swung open and Buggy shuffled into the room, looking upset. 

“Fuck, you scared me!” Catherine jumped out of her chair, startled. “I almost had a heart attack.” She laughed slightly. “Hi.” Catherine reached out, pulled Buggy closer, kissed him on the cheek and saw him become red. “I heard noises in the hallway, and then silence. I thought I imagined it.” 

“No, that was me. I was hungry and went straight to the kitchen.” Buggy glanced at the laptop. “Fuck, I didn’t know you were talking.” He tried to smile. “Hi, Jules.” Buggy quickly glanced at Catherine. “Should I leave?” 

“What? No! No! Don't go anywhere. I think we should wrap it up anyway, we've been talking for two hours. Okay. Jules, I’ll call you tomorrow. I have to feed my blue-haired guzzler. Say hi to Ethan. Bye!” Catherine blew a kiss to her sister. 

“Bye, guys!”

Catherine closed the laptop, leaned her head back on the chair, and ran her knuckles down Buggy's cheek. “You look sad. Is everything okay?” She watched as he nodded silently. “You must be hungry. Come on, let's go into the kitchen, and I'll make you some mac and cheese.” Catherine jumped up from her chair, grabbed Buggy’s hand and pulled him into the kitchen. 

“Give me ten minutes and…” Catherine opened the door and her eyes widened. “Oh, my God! Buggy…” Catherine squeezed his hand and looked at the table where there was a bouquet of blue roses, a bottle of her favorite wine, Chinese food and her favorite sandalwood candles burning. “What is this?”

“Well...” Buggy scratched his head. “I thought it was a while since I set you a dinner with your favorite stupid candles. What have you turned me into, woman? A grown man arranging fucking romantic evenings.”

Catherine stared at Buggy for a long moment, blinking silently. 

“Oh, fuck! That look!” Buggy rolled his eyes and prepared for what would happen next, spreading his arms. 

Catherine squealed, jumping on him, and hugging him with her arms and legs. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!” Smack. Smack. Smack. 

“I knew this was gonna happen.” Buggy wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed Catherine’s forehead. “You're welcome, cotton candy.” 

“Love.” Smack. ​​“Love.” Smack. ​​“Love, love, love you!” Smack. Smack. Smack. “You’re my best!” Sma-a-a-a-ack.

“Stop doing this, woman!” Buggy rolled his eyes. “Do you want Chinese food or not? See? It's your favorite. Fucking noodles with shrimp and a ton of sweet sauce.” 

Catherine jumped off Buggy, clenched her fists, squeezed her eyes shut, and started squealing and stamping her feet in joy. She sat down on the chair, picked up her box, and looked at the candles. Buggy sat down next to her and poured her some wine. 

“You still look sad.” Catherine stroked his hair. “Are you worried that you came while I was chatting with Jules? I only had nice things to say about you.”

Buggy exhaled heavily.

“What happened, little bear?” Catherine took his hand and began to stroke her fingers over his palm.

“The show last night. It wasn't perfect.” He pulled his hand away and picked up his beer. 

“What are you talking about? Everything was great. I've heard great reviews for every single act. People love your shows. I love your shows. And I love you. Don’t be sad, better tell me about your day.” Catherine kissed him on the cheek and twirled her noodle around her fork. 

Buggy gestured wildly as he recounted his day, not noticing how he was stealing shrimp from Catherine's portion and how she was eating all of his nuts from his rice. Catherine laughed at his every joke and with a story about Richie chasing the caterer all over the arena. Buggy asked how her day was going, and Catherine laughed even harder, joking that she was finally getting him to take an interest in her person. Buggy was upset, of course, but Catherine quickly solved the problem with an additional portion of shrimp and a kiss on the cheek. 

“You even got me a fortune cookie. Thanks!” Catherine sipped her wine and took one cookie from the box, breaking it open. “Let's see what's in there. Oh! Look! You're about to meet the love of your life.” She set the paper aside. “Meh! You're six months late with your fortune, stupid cookie. I've already met the blue-haired love of my life.” Catherine glanced at Buggy, who became even sadder. “Are you sure you're okay?” She watched him nod. “You're tired. You've been working hard these days. Here's an idea! Let's stay in bed all day tomorrow. We'll order pizza and watch stupid shows. And for now let's get my wine and your beer, and go to the bedroom? What do you think?”

Buggy nodded, took the glasses and went to the bedroom without saying a word. Catherine followed him, quickly changed into a pair of cow pajama bottoms, pulled on his t-shirt, and climbed onto the bed to hug Buggy laying curled up in silence. 

“My Buggy Bear, why are you sad?” Catherine asked softly, stroking his back. “Is something bothering you?”

“Cathie-pie.. Who... Who was with you yesterday?” Buggy asked in a sad tone.

“Where?”

“In the hallway. In the tent. I saw.. You were chatting with a tall handsome guy near the candy machine. I walked past and saw you together.” 

Catherine thought, replaying the day before in her head. “Oh, my God! Buggy! Are you upset because of him? It was some stranger who came to the circus with his son. They asked where their seats were and what the most delicious sweets were. They wanted to buy candies. Are you jealous of the stranger?”

“I’m not jealous. I just. I don't know.” Buggy shrugged and exhaled sadly. “You were laughing loudly. And looked happy. And the cookie.. the cookie said.. Meh, forget.”

“Of course, I looked happy. Because I came to see your show and you. Do you know how happy I’m when I see you on stage? I’m so proud of you at that moment. Although I’m always proud of you, but in those moments especially. Your fangirls sigh for you, and I know that you will go home with me. That's why I looked happy.” Catherine kissed his temple. “You're so funny, my flashy fool. And don't listen to the cookie, she doesn't know what she's saying.” She kissed him on the head a few times and hugged him tighter. 

“If you want to leave, will you tell me? Or.. What if I suddenly become the one to break your heart. Will you tell me?”

Catherine exhaled. “You will not be the one to break my heart, my Buggy Bear. You know, I think you’re in a down mood today, my love. How to cheer you up? How to cheer you up. Oh! I know how to cheer you up. Do you want me to tell you a bedtime story?”

“I don't know.” Buggy turned onto his back and laid his head in her lap. “I have never been told a story.”

“What do you mean never?” Catherine rounded her eyes. “And what about that man who raised you? You told me about him. He didn't tell stories?”

“No. Nothing like that happened.”

“No, no! Is that man still alive? I want to kick his ass.” Catherine started running her fingers through Buggy’s hair. 

“Oh, I'd like to see that.” Buggy giggled. “He would be very scared watching you yell at him from the bottom of your height.”

“Go to hell, I'm not afraid of him. And that gray-haired grandfather from the desert? Didn't he tell you any stories?”

“He’s not a gray-haired grandfather from the desert, Cathie-pie. Stop calling him that.” 

“I don’t care. What was his name? Mayli? Meh! Whatever. Every child deserves a fairy tale, Buggy. I wouldn't be surprised if that dude who raised you read fairy tales to that guy whose name is forbidden in our house.” Catherine started running her fingertips over Buggy's forehead. “No! I’ll tell you a fairy tale, and even you're almost 36 but who cares. Let's pretend your story was a little late on the way. Oh, you know, I know a good bedtime story.” She kissed his forehead, started stroking his hair and felt how Buggy snuggled closer to her. “Now close your beautiful green eyes and listen. A tale about how one girl's laughter was stolen.”

Buggy covered himself with a blanket, closed his eyes listening how Catherine began to speak in a half whisper.

“Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a sweet girl named Everlee. She was kind, cheerful and a laugher. Everyone in the village knew and loved her. In the evenings, after university, she helped her mother in the bakery. It was the best bakery in town, there was almost never a free space. In the morning, the premises were filled with the smell of fresh bread, buns and other goodies with crispy crusts and delicious fillings inside. People on their way to work or home always come in to get a bun with hot cheese and fresh coffee or tea.”

“I can even smell the smells you're talking about, cotton candy.” Buggy felt Catherine hug him tighter. 

“Oh, yes, I can smell them too.” Smack. 

“One day, a young man named Flynnie started dropping by the bakery. He came in every evening, hoping to see Everlee. And one day, he asked her out for a walk. Everlee had been on dates before, but this date seemed special to her. She was young, and she was impressed that Flynnie came to the bakery just to see her every evening.” Catherine gently stroked Buggy's body, feeling how with every movement of her hand he became more relaxed. “Flynnie brought Everlee magical flowers that changed their color depending on the time of day. He took her for walks in the forest, where they met the most magical animals. Antelopes from under whose hooves little marshmallows appeared, birds that wove decorations from candies. Everlee loved to walk in this forest. She continued studying, to help her mother in the bakery, spend time with her family, and it seemed to her that she began to fall in love with Flynnie. One day, Everlee's family noticed that she began to laugh less. Her ringing laughter always sounded in their house, but there was less of it.”

“What? Why?” Buggy opened his eyes.

“It turned out that Flynnie was an unusual guy, he was an evil wizard who decided to steal Everlee's laughter. She did not notice it until, one day, Flynnie cast a spell on her. He said that Everlee was too cheerful, and it irritated people and especially him, and she would not laugh until she met her true love. And she would not meet her, because she would lose her cheerful character forever. He snapped his fingers and Everlee stopped laughing. The wizard locked her laughter in a cage and turned her heart into stone.”

“NO!” Buggy blushed. “Sorry. I didn't think I would say it so loudly. What happened next?” 

“My little bear is intrigued.” Smack. “Everlee's parents tried to make her laugh, but she was afraid to do it. Because of the curse, she believed that she irritated people. Everlee’s family took her to different villages to good witches, who tried to cure her with decoctions of various aromatic herbs. Nothing helped. The sorcerer continued to return to Everlee's house, trying to strengthen the spell, but her family drove him away with magic water and special amulets. They hung them on the door so that Flynnie could no longer enter their house and torture poor Everlee, who spent her days cowering in her room. Everlee had a magic mirror that she looked into every morning and didn't recognize herself. She cried and asked the mirror to help her get back to her old self, but it said it couldn't help. The mirror only said that Everlee must find her love. But how? Everlee knew that Flynnie broke her heart by casting the curse. She believed in him, she trusted him. But he turned out to be evil, who tried to take away all the good that was in her and Everlee cried during the nights a lot because of it, because Flynnie took a part of her soul and her heart. But Everlee was lucky. She had a wonderful family. Their love and support helped partially break the curse.”

“Why partially?” Buggy asked quietly, taking Catherine's hand. 

“Because the curse was strong. After six months, many good guys have tried to resolve the spell by asking Everlee out on a date. But they weren't able to make it all the way to the end. Time after time, the spell grew weaker. Everlee felt she became old self, but she was afraid to laugh for a long time, although she tried. Her family brought toys and goodies that broke the spell a little at a time. But it wasn't enough. Over time, thanks to her family, Everlee began to laugh again, but it seemed to her that it was not the same laugh as before.”

“Cotton candy…”

“Yes, my love.”

“Is Everlee okay now? Did she manage to remove the spell completely?”

“Oh, yeah. Everlee was almost completely fine. And many years after those events, Everlee went to an amazing sand country, to change her surroundings, to have some rest and look at new amazing animals. But suddenly she met the one who finally destroyed the last little traces of Flynnie's spell. She met true love, even though the villain said it would never happen. And now Everlee is happy that she can not be afraid to be herself. She laughs again as before, knowing that the love of her life will not turn her heart into stone, because he makes her laugh every day. And she's happy every day when she wakes up next to him, and she loves him very much. She knows that his love will not allow Flynnie or anyone else to cast a spell on her again. Because he protects her and will drive away any villain from his precious Everlee. Every morning Everlee wakes up and realizes that she's finally cured. The end.” Catherine kissed Buggy in his forehead. “Did you like the story?” 

Buggy looked at Catherine for a long time. He sat down on the bed, leaned his back against the headboard and Catherine immediately curled up under his armpit, feeling Buggy hold her tightly in his arms. 

“Cathie-pie…” Buggy said quietly, as gently as he could, as if afraid to disturb the fragility of the moment. “How old were you?”

“21.” 

“If we ever meet this fucking Flynnie, will you tell me it's him?” 

Catherine laughed, “What, are you going to scare him with your chop chop thing?”

“We'll see.” Buggy kissed her on the head. 

“I can already see you…” Catherine placed her hand on his chest. “What do you call it when your parts spin? Chop Chop Flannon?”

“Cannon.” 

“Sorry! You have so many of your chop chop things.” Catherine started smiling. “I even see this picture. Flynnie comes in and thinks he's dealing with a normal person, but surprise, shithead! My blue-haired hero split into pieces and kick Flynnie’s ass.” Catherine pecked Buggy on his nose. “Thank you, my silly clown.”

“For what?” 

“For breaking the curse until the end. For teaching me to laugh again, like I did before.” Catherine hugged Buggy around his waist. “I love you so, so much, my Buggy Bear.”

“I love you too, my cotton candy. And I promise I never never never hurt you.”

“I know, don't worry.” 

“And you know what? Let's go to the bakery? After your story, I wanted a bun with hot cheese.” 

[mslanna]

OH MY GOSH! Those pictures/inspirations for a chivalry AU have got me imagining a scenario with Raphael as a warrior prince/king taking his loyal knight (who is also maybe lover) aside - maybe even temporarily leaving the Hėłłš to go to some kind of special location on the Material Plane - and privately proposing that they rule together.

Also 'discount Raphael' is right! If the man doesn't have (or had) a cambion form then he's an imposter. 😈

Well, this took a while. 🙈 And a different course. 😅 Hope you still like it, Nonny.

they/them Tav without body configuration PG13 Read it on AO3

A Cure for Restlessness

Six years after defeating the Netherbrain, Tav still hasn't settled down. They gave Raphael the Crown of Karsus and returned to rebuild Baldur's Gate. But it didn’t take. After only a few months, Tav took up their helldusk armour (a small token of appreciation), slung their favourite maul (enhanced by the wizard from Waterdeep and the selunite cleric) over their back and walked away.

Raphael watched with interest. He had considered them a piece in the game of ruling the city. But something drove his favourite client and off they went. As a paladin, Tav was a welcome sight for many in need. It only worried Raphael that they travelled alone and rarely stopped by at their companion's homes.

Tav isolated themself and the devil didn't know why. He doesn't like not knowing things. But the scouts he sends return with empty hands. There seems to be no reason for Tav's restless travels. Every now and then, Raphael offers jobs through middle men. After accepting a couple, Tav sends back the message that he can come himself the next time.

He does.

Tav stands out in the tavern – their armour shines with use and care, but the paladin within looks lost; tired, restless – driven. They force a smile as he slips into the booth opposite them. "I thought you'd be too busy conquering the hells to trifle with mere mortals."

"I always have time for my favourite client." With a wave of his hand, Raphael changes the wine into something actually potable.

"Checking in on me with flimsy quests?" The smile doesn't waver. It sticks to their face like a marble mask.

"I find your choice of life – interesting." Raphael scrutinises his adventurer. They don't look well-rested or well-provisioned. "And it is taking a toll on you. I wonder why."

The smile flickers into something sadder but more truthful. "Do you now."

"Our cooperation was a fruitful one, little mouse. I never let a useful token out of sight." He sips and watches while Tav stares into their own cup. When they finally look up, Tav's glance skitters away from his.

"So you still consider me – useful?"

"Always." Raphael raises his cup. "Let us drink to that."

They do and after this first, awkward meeting, it is Raphael who decides on the setting. Always something with style and flair. A place Tav stands out for their armour more than he does for his finery. Always offering food and wine. Usually offering work. The meetings work better when he brings a quest along.

"Of course they do," Tav discloses, eyes on their empty plate. "It means we get to meet again soon."

Colour rises to their cheeks. It is endearing and a useful thing to know. Despite the progress Raphael makes conquering the hells, dealing with his little mouse has become a treasured constant.

He meets Tav in Lastlight Inn, a trove of memories, and offers a game of lanceboard. Tav accepts though they play astoundingly bad. They ask about Mol, still avoiding to return to Baldur's Gate. There is little reason for them to. All former companions settled elsewhere.

"Too many bad memories and not enough good ones," Tav says one day. They shake their head. "Too many things ended there. And not for the better."

"You saved the city," Raphael counters. "The Swordcoast too, if not all of Faerûn. What is that, if not cause to celebrate?"

Tav sighs and empties their cup in one draught. "Important isn't the same as personal. But personal hurts more, matters more. And I lost good friends that day. And more."

Raphael doesn't prod at the 'more' Tav mentions.

He doesn't want Tav back in Baldur's gate. Raphael wants them in his House of Hope, so he doesn't press the point. And they meet with him happily, and it is a thread to pull on gently unless it slip thorough his fingers again. He let that happen before, misjudging Tav and their plans. He would be more careful this time.

It takes careful planning to lure Tav back to the city. A complicated job that loops back unexpectedly but naturally to Baldur's Gate. His room in Sharess' Caress changed enough to remind of its former state but not trigger any averse memories. Or so he hopes.

The disappointment on Tav's face when they enter is a surprise. Everything they can't see from where they stand morphs back into its natural state. He can't make out where he went wrong. But the meeting goes on without a hitch and when he suggest they meet again in the Devil's Den, Tav agrees.

They met in is room in Sharess' Cress to seal something akin to a deal more and more often. Raphael changed the room back to its former glory and that relaxed Tav. It pleased Raphael that his little mouse came so willingly. Each visit to their dreaded home town less reluctant than the last. Still they were oblivious to his secondary motives. Or Tav ignored them on purpose.

Yet Raphael kept up the unnecessary little touches, the invasion of Tav's personal space. He leant close enough to smell their hair – brimming with sunshine and blood – and the sweat seeping into their armour.

Catching this little mouse is close to an obsession, close to what Hope kindled in the devil. But this time, he is careful, crafty. Tav gets accustomed to his proximity, his – attentions. When Raphael is sure that Tav will neither run nor scream, will, in the worst case, break into discussion, he prepares his stage.

The room in Sharess' Caress is set with care. Tav's favourite foods and wine. Subtle scents and almost audible music. His little mouse enters, death and victory in their wake and for a moment, Raphael allows himself a glimpse of the future he plans.

He closes his trap slowly and Tav shows no sign of noticing. Maybe they do not care. But at least they are not as careless with their life any longer as they were directly after their victory. Raphael lost more than one warlock in those years.

When his hands catch Tav's they blink, wary and confused. Yet when Raphael lets go, he notes the slight slump in their posture. An uncertainty he doesn't know where it stems from. An obstacle he carefully files down with conversation and carefully careless touches. But it is not until he catches their chin between his fingers and presses a gentle kiss to Tav's lips that understanding hits home.

They melt against him easily and eagerly. It is a victory so effortless that Raphael wonders if he is dreaming.

A feeling that last as he devours them whole, inch by inch, slowly, deeply, thoroughly. He takes them again in his true form, an ecstasy too good to be bricked behind his mortal skin; sucks up their taste and his name from their lips.

A sweet victory. A step into his future as sovereign of the nine hells. A path he never planned to take alone. He stays the night, wrapping his prize tightly in his arms and wings. When morning comes, Tav moves in his arms.

Raphael whispers his promises into their ear and Tav presses back against him mumbling. He leaves a key to the rooms on their bedside table. Tav lies with their face soft and serene. It calls to him and Raphael returns for a last kiss.

# # #

Tav didn't return to Baldur's gate. A riddle Raphael had no answer to. They avoided the place even more than before, roaming further and longer. When he attempted to meet them somewhere else, Tav just didn't show up.

Raphael pondered, as he did years ago, what went on in the paladin's head. Were they unwilling to commit? Was his offer unclear? Did Tav just not want him? Despite a memorable night of proving the opposite?

Forcing them into the city didn't go well. Jobs that warranted a visit were refused. Profitable or honourable – Tav avoided Baldur's Gate like the plague. With one leg in a bloody war for Avernus, Raphael didn't find the time to craft a scenario subtle enough for his liking and for a while his pursuit of the little mouse languished.

Only when Zariel was finally contained in their castle and he launched a prolonged siege, did his attention hone in on the spot of loss in his life. That nagging little thing. The victory that should have been his twice already. Sometimes he still felt Tav's lips on his skin when he closed his eyes. How could that devoted glow in their eyes been a lie?

A hunt was staged, leading Tav from the Coast into the city in hot pursuit. It worked as far as getting them into the city. Yet they did not drop by the Devil's Den. Tav concluded their business and left Baldur's Gate without a look back. Bringing them back remained a challenge. But with Zariel firmly locked up and their forces dwindling, however slowly, Raphael had time.

If Tav noted how much of their work led them back to Baldur's Gate, they didn't show. He sent warlocks to keep an eye on Tav. Never Korrilla though. That face was known to his little mouse. Things had to look natural.

It's a miscalculation on his part that finally does it. Raphael is enraged at his failure and exhilarated at its success. Tav drags themself into his rooms with great effort. To Mamzell Amira's aggravation they leave a trail of blood. But Tav is a hero so some things can be forgiven.

When the armour falls, Tav's body is a mess. Shirt and trousers are plastered to their skin with sweat and blood. It's just a small sleigh of hand to turn one of the many bottles on the side board Tav clings to into a small healing potion. Tav downs it in one gulp. It helps. But not much.

Tav peels out of their clothes wincing in pain. But by now the skin is unbroken. Dark blue and purple splotches cover it and the placement implies broken ribs, bruises and contusions. The mortal hobbles towards the pool and clamber clumsily into the warm water. The heat helps their cramped muscles relax and Tav lays their head back on the tiled floor.

The job wasn't bad per se. But this was Baldur's Gate and at night all hooded adventurers looked the same. Bad luck for everybody involved in Tav's case. But at least they get to wash off blood and grime whereas the bandits lay dead in the streets. Though their bodies are likely looted and vanished into suspicious pastries by now.

Tav breathes deep, gauging the amount of pain it causes. Once they are clean and feel slightly human again, they will search the place for more potions. The devil wouldn't have a hideout without backup.

Thinking of the devil – the soft woosh of apparition snaps Tav from their deliberations. The open their eyes wearily and there he is. Not unexpected but certainly unwelcome.

In his human form Raphael presents unthreatening. A conscious choice to put clients at ease. A handsome face to overcome apprehensions and doubts. He hopes it is enough to keep his mouse from bolting. Not that they would get far in the shape they are in.

A mistake, a miscalculation. Every day life in Baldur's Gate. But he is willing to grant the remaining, fleeing, pursued, perpetrators the mercy of a quick death. After all they shooed Tav right to where he wants them. Raphael glances over his little mouse, taking in the black and purple skin. Maybe a little torture for the bandits.

Tav winces in the water, stopping themselves halfway through trying to cover their body. As if Raphael doesn't know its every inch. Not as well as he'd like to, but that will be amended. Soon, he hopes.

"Would have been asking too much that you don't appear, huh." Tav curls up a little into themself.

"Is it not my place as much as yours?" Raphael heats the water a little more, engulfing his mouse in relaxing warmth.

They reply with a snort.

"Why are you here?" Tav crosses the arms before them even if the pain of doing so is clearly visible on their face.

"To see you, of course. What a question." With a wave of his hand, Raphael draws a glass filled with clear water from the air. "And I do not like what I see."

Tav's lips harden and they try to shrug.

Raphael steps to the edge of the pool. The water steams and he wants to strew petals into it. The scent of roses and jasmine fits his mouse well. But they are not ready. Yet. And also not healed. First things first.

"And what is that supposed to be?" Tav jerks their head in the direction of the glass.

"Healing waters from my House of Hope." Raphael slid closer holding the stem of the glass carefully.

For a moment Tav looks at their tattered body. The outline ripples in the water. "Why would you do that? What do you want?"

"Does it seem so strange that I want to help?" He tilts his head.

"You're a devil. You deal in deals and nothing is for free."

"And I cannot make an exception? Not even for you?"

"You got what you wanted, didn't you? So what is left?" Tav's tone is hard and hostile.

"And what would that be?" He steps closer to the water.

"My body," Tav spits. "You got it."

"I am not having it right now," he replies and rakes his eyes over them. "And while I am eager to remedy that, you don't seem to. A wish I will respect even if I do not understand it."

Raphael snaps away his clothes and steps into the hot pool. Tav's eyes follow his every movement and he smirks, when they cannot keep their eyes to themself. He sits, holding the glass over the water.

"You left." Suddenly Tav sounds small. Lost. "I – you were gone."

"I left you the key."

"A memory of what I lost. What you took. A small joke on my expense."

"Oh." Realisation sets in like ice down his spine. "You did not hear a word I said, did you? When you pressed your back against me and mumbled sweetly, you didn't actually hear a word I said."

When Tav's reply is a look of confusion, Raphael moves to sit at their side. He leans and repeats his promises one by one and Tav's eyes grow big and wet.

"Drink," he ends and raises the glass to their lips. "To heal your body."

Cool fingers close over his as Tav accepts the water. They drink deeply with closed eyes.

"To heal the body," the repeat and take the glass from his hands. Tav empties it and puts it down on the floor. Before Raphael can reply. Tav straddles him and adjusts their position with more grinding than necessary. He feels his immediate reaction and so do they.

With a smile Tav presses their forehead against his. "To heal the soul." They kiss him and Raphael is more than happy to oblige with this quest for their healing.

# # #

Things went smoothly after that. Though Tav carried a soft uncertainty with them for a couple of months, Raphael made sure to prove it groundless at every turn. He made a home in their body as much as he had in their heart, leaving only their soul untouched.

And Tav reciprocated. They answered touch for touch, kiss for kiss and call for call. A smile spread over their face when he approached that was his alone. As was their body and Raphael took advantage of it. In return Tav demanded his attention, demanded him and all of him.

There were few sounds as sweet as his name dropping from Tav's lips in rasped pieces, few tastes so satisfying as Tav's sweat and sex mixed with a hint of blood. They bled form him happily. Marks of his teeth and nails covered them in divine patterns and Tav wore them with pride.

He lured them in slowly. A job here a request there. Little things that got them around in Baldur's Gate. Small jobs that were more for visibility than their results. A strategy that worked. More people approached Tav and bound them I the city for longer periods.

Once it became known that the Hero of Baldur's Gate was back, the number of petitions grew immeasurably, became too much for one mortal to handle. If anybody frowned up Tav's place of residence in the beginning, it was soon just another quirk. Tav placed a heavy curtain before the pool and sleeping area and nobody questioned their choice. Mamzell Amira was proud to have such a prestigious lodger. It did not matter Tav didn't sell their body under their roof. Tav fanned her business still.

When Tav rested against his side, exhausted and relaxed, pliable in every way, Raphael nudged ever so gently towards greater things. If helping everybody themselves was impossible, why not improve the city in a way that helped the petitioners instead? If marauding bandits threatened the outlying farms, why not campaign for better protection. They were sure to have ideas fit for such a venture.

Tav didn't go easily towards such options. They were very much hands on, be it their weapons or him. A trait Raphael appreciated in general. It hindered his efforts to gently insert Tav into the political scene of the city. But the devil hadn't gotten to where he was without patience. Patience and subterfuge.

The first projects that Tav was involved with were smashing successes. Expectedly, Tav was encouraged to apply themselves more often to the bettering of their city. Opposed to his dealing in the hells, this was a pleasant mix of gentle nudging and passionate sex. A life Tav was also more than suited for.

# # #

Ten years after the defeat of the Netherbrain Baldur's Gate holds a grand celebration. All companions are invited, most attend. The Carnival of the Last Days premiers a show centring Tav and their heroic fight. The city is filled with market stalls, wine and food flow freely. Tav heads the parade and shares a speech with the attending companions. The vampire spawn joins after nightfall and Tav dances late into the night.

But Raphael is patient. He knows they will come to him in the end. So he prepares his suite. An exact replica of the room his little mouse walked in ten years ago. The refreshments, the dark red wine and the scented oils and soaps to mingle with the rose petals' heavy smell.

When Tav opens the door, he turns, dressed as he did back in the day, blue and red. Their eyes light up and Tav sweeps into his arms to bury their face against his throat. They smell of people and food but Raphael is not surprised to find them barely tipsy. As grounded as they are in the city's political landscape, Tav has no love for the elaborate festivities in honour of their deeds.

"You are disappointing your many admirers." Raphael hands them a goblet filled with heavy red wine.

From him, they take it and drink, a smile on their lips. "Are you disappointed, too?"

"Never." It slips from his lips easily and Raphael is surprised to find it true. Complicated, inscrutable, a challenge – Tav was all that. But they never disappointed him even when they thwarted his plans for them. He raises his cup to them. "To our future."

"And to our past," Tav adds. They both drink and Tav looks around the room. The Devil's Den is bare by the standards Raphael set. They know something is afoot.

"I didn't think you'd stick around for so long," Tav admits.

"There are many benefits to being a devil's favourite."

"Any I didn't have the pleasure of experiencing yet?"

"Are you interested if I say yes?" Raphael puts an arm around their shoulders. The feeling of Tav melting against him is delicious as ever. "I can give you a tour."

"Sounds promising." Tav takes another sip. "Will I need more wine?"

"I am amply provisioned where we will go." He transports them into his House of Hope in a flash of hellfire. Tav doesn't flinch and shows only curiosity when they arrive. Raphael did not bring them here yet. It was the last step. Tonight he would succeed in securing them forever.

"You home?" Tav asks softly.

"Indeed." He takes their arm and puts his hand over theirs. "I promised you a tour, did I not."

He shows them around and explains as they walk. Tav picks up something to eat as they pass through the feast hall. They are less than happy with the debtors but as a fixture in his home, Tav needs to know.

The boudoir is another precarious station. But Haarlep behaves – under threat of unimaginable pain – for once. They wear the form of a lithe drown and cycle through a few other forms as demonstration.

"Not that I need them now," the incubus sighs. "Now he only wants to fuck you."

"A temporary setback, I am sure." Tav seems unperturbed.

"I like them," Haarlep says towards Raphael. "I do hope we can play some time."

Raphael doesn't reply. His little mouse is his and he has no intention to share. Tav follows willingly and the tour continues. The throne room is a relatively new addition to his house. But every ruling devil needs one. Hewn from black marble with white highlights the hall stretches into all directions.

As he steps through the double doors, Raphael changes his dress with a wave of his hand. Back is the black with the red sash. The Crown of Karsus sits heavy on his head, a burden he wears willingly for the sake of power and order.

Tav hesitates. He can feel their eyes flicker around uncertain. Their glances hitches on the thrones. Two. Of the same size and make. Standing next to each other on the dais at the opposite wall.

Raphael reaches out and Tav takes his hand, lets him guide them through the room. "You said that the most annoying thing about politics is your lack of power to see changes through."

Tav nods carefully. The suspect a trap and they are not wrong.

"I can give you the power to make the changes. Power enough to not be questioned at every step along the way." He stops before the two thrones and gazes at them thoughtfully. "Not in Baldur's Gate, though. That city is not under my jurisdiction."

He turns to his mouse. Tav looks at him with the same deep-seated longing they always show. A tender emptiness only he can fill. It is time to finally conclude his deal with them. For a moment, Raphael catches Tav's chin between his fingers. Maybe he is delaying the final moment of truth. He was certain twice already.

"Rule with me." Raphael pulls a crown from the air, akin to his own, complementing his in ways his little mouse complements him. He presents is with grave decorum, ready to set it upon Tav's head as they crowned him all those years ago.

He sees the questions rush behind Tav's eyes. Hundreds of them to which he carefully prepared answers – logistics, occupation, their absurdly short lifespan. Raphael is ready to reassure them as long as necessary.

Tav stands very still. For a moment their lips move and their eyes search his face.

He can wait. At this point, Raphael has all the time in the world. The crown warms up to his touch, it's weight carefully chosen to be noticeable without being a burden. How he longs to place it on their head. His crowned little mouse, a crowning achievement.

With a sudden, Tav breaks into motion, but instead of kneeling, they throw themself at him. Their arms close around him tightly and though Tav buries their face deep against his chest, Raphael understands the one word coming from their lips.

Yes.

His arms close around his prize and the crown dangles uselessly behind Tav's back. For once it doesn't matter that Tav doesn't adhere to his script. He offered them the world and all it contained. And Tav chose him. Not the crown and its privilege. Not the luxuries of the life he offers. Tav chose him. Unreservedly. Completely.

Finally.

[kassiekole22]

One Small Adventure

Picture lightly edited by me.

Pairing: Mike Monroe x Fem!Reader Description: You and Mike go on a little adventure in the woods... Warnings: Fluff, Heavy Flirting, Partial Nudity... Word Count: 1.6k A/N: Fic #3 of the Until Dawn Poll Fic Challenge! This is also my very first Mike X Reader fic, so I hope you guys enjoy it! 😃🖤 UDPFC MasterList: 🖤 Main MasterList: 🖤 Kassie's Angels: @lorebite, @mornandil, @koexchange, @yesitsloulou, @slvatore. (If you want to be added to the taglist, let me know in the comments! 🖤)

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Mike was always the adventurous type. Whether it was taking a random detour down a road we didn't know, spontaneously going to some small restaurant we had never heard of, or just getting on a plan to fly somewhere we had never been; Mike would always keep me on my toes. But today was a little more simple: a nice hike in the woods.

Regardless of the seemingly calm activity, Mike still managed to make a wild adventure out of it.

"Hey, babe! Look!" He shouted excitedly as he pointed in a direction off trail. "There's a lake down there. If we cut through these bushes and trees, we can make it there."

I stared at my boyfriend with a look of uncertainty. Though I loved nature, I could only imagine what lived within those bushes. The darkness between each leaf taunted me, telling me some lovely eight-legged friends would just love to use me as a new tree to climb.

"Mike, I don't know..." I took a step back as I shook my head from side to side. "There could be spiders in there."

Mike merely chuckled at my statement, also shaking his head as a grin of amusement curled his lips up. He took a few steps towards me — closing the small distance between us — and wrapped his strong arms around my waist.

"Aw, are you scared?" He teased as he stuck his lower lip out mockingly. "Don't worry — your big, strong man will protect you from those mean spiders."

"It's not funny!" I pouted. "Besides, there could be ticks."

I gestured to the German Shepard that sat loyally at Mike's side. He had had that dog for as long as I'd known him, and had grown to be just as much my dog after we had gotten together. So I for sure wasn't going to let our fur-child get eaten up by those filthy little blood-suckers.

Mike chewed the inside of his cheek for a moment as his smile fell flattened into a straight line. But when his pursed lips grew into a smirk, I knew he was up to something — something that would make my excuse seem pointless.

"Well, I gave Germie a bath this morning with tick repellent shampoo." My expression dropped as his words sunk in and I pursed my lips tightly together. Mike leaned in closer, so his lips were just grazing the shell of my ear. I tried my best to refrain from shuddering when his hot breath fanned my skin. "So, that won't be a problem."

He pulled away and after a few seconds of gazing upon my flustered state, he began walking into the direction of the bushes, still holding my hand while pulling me behind him.

Many scratches on my body and leaves in my hair later, we reached a clear spot that led us to the lake. With Germie following close behind, we continued our journey towards the body of water that was before us.

After arriving at our desired location, I sat down on a nearby rock as Germie dived head first into the water. Mike shouted at the dog to wait up as he began stripping down to his underwear. It took every bit of strength to keep myself from looking and when Mike noticed that, his smile only grew wider and more obnoxious. He emerged within the cool water and swam in the direction of his dog, while I stayed seated on the rock.

I took my shoes and socks off and dipped my feet into the lake, gently swaying my feet after I dunked them into the cool liquid. I tossed my head back and listened to the noise surrounding me — Mike playing with Germie, the birds singing the most heavenly of songs, the breeze swaying through the trees and making the branches creak as they brushed together; it truly was heaven. The sun felt amazing on my skin and made it all the more easier to drift off into a nice daydream.

I pictured me and Mike someday down the line, walking in the woods together just like today, hand in hand with our children running in front of us. I lay my head on his shoulder and sigh as I realize that I've gotten everything I've ever wanted.

Not too long into that sweet little fantasy, a splash of cool water to the face made me gasp out loud in shock. I stare wide-eyes at the culprit as he stands in the water before me, laughing at my expression like he wasn't gonna get it himself. I quickly submerged my hands in the water and moved them in one quick motion, instantly soaking his drier portions of his body.

I smirked victoriously at my victim as he shook his head to get rid of the extra droplets of water soaking his hair and face. I could feel my cheeks getting warmer at the sight of him — hair all disheveled and fallen into his eyes, wet body glistening under the sun, that sexy smile that I loved so much. I quickly looked away but not fast enough for him to not notice the new shade of crimson tinting my cheeks.

He swam closer towards me and raised a hand to my face, hooking a finger under my chin to pull my face back into the direction of his. That cocky look in his eyes had long gone away and was now replaced with a look of love and passion.

"Y'know, there is room for one more?" He rasped in a tone a few octaves lower than his usual one — one that was now reserved for only me.

I could feel the warmth in my cheeks growing hot like a furnace and I couldn't help but smile through the embarrassment I felt. I glanced down and let out a soft chuckle, "You know I can't swim."

"I can always teach you?" He offered confidently. "Or, I can let ya ride on my back as I take you around a few laps?"

I let out a laugh at his suggestion and nodded my head. Before I knew it, I was climbing onto my boyfriend's back and being taken around the lake like I'm on a jet ski or something. I could only imagine how goofy it would look in a stranger's eye. But I didn't really care. The only thing that mattered was us. Well — us and Germie.

The Shepard swam over to us and instantly tried to climb onto Mike as well, not understanding that he could only handle one of our weights and not two put together. Though we fell apart and landed a couple feet away from each other, Mike never let go of my hand. He steadied himself and wrapped his big hands around my waist, holding onto it tight as we both laughed our asses off at what had just occurred.

"Germie!" He shouted through the cracks of air he got between laughs. "Not cool, dude!"

The dog barked in response and we both had a good chuckle. Though he was a handful most of the time, we loved that dog with all of our heart. And I say "heart" because I believe that me and Michael's heart had officially became one in that very moment. Once we both calmed down from the hysterical moment, Mike's firm grip on me grew gentle as the look in his eyes melted into something that was more soft. He held me close against his chest — thumbs gently massaging my sides — while looking deeply into my shy orbs with his own.

"I'm so glad I'm here right now..." He murmured. "—Here with you and you alone."

His sweet words made my heart flutter like a happy little butterfly. It was as if all that doubt about our relationship had finally faded away into pure hope for a beautiful future together. I leaned in slowly and took his lips in my own for a passionate kiss. It lasted only a few minutes but it felt like time stood still as if I had died and descended to beautiful heaven. After pulling away, I couldn't help but smile as my heart swelled with love for the man that was before me.

Mike nuzzled his face into the crook of my neck and took a deep breath — almost as if he was taking in my scent — before whispering in my ear, "Let's go. This adventure isn't over yet."

He pulled back from our warm embrace and took my hand in his own, carefully leading me out of the water as he did so. Before I knew it, Mike was fully clothed and I was putting on my socks and shoes while Germie shook himself to dry off his soft coat of fur. And just a few minutes later, we were hiking back to our original path set between the trees — hand in hand — like we had been prior to this little side quest my boyfriend had set out on.

I didn't know where our future was heading — if we would still be here twenty years down the line, holding hands as we walk with our children — and I guess it didn't really matter. The truth is that we don't know what lays ahead of us. What really matters is that we enjoy our time in the present, and only hope that the beautiful moment we live in will last a lifetime. But until then — until I know for sure what my future holds — it'll just be me, my man and our dog walking up that trail.

And that's ok with me.

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[lumine-no-hikari]

Dear Sephiroth: (a letter to a fictional character, because why not) #127

It's late where I live - almost midnight, and I'm very tired. J and I are on another road trip to PA. This time, he and I are going to fly the plane he got back home. After his shift at work, we drove for 4 hours to a place called Buffalo. We will drive the rest of the way to a place called Zelienople in the morning. Then we will fly back; J will be piloting the plane, of course. J is not yet used to flying this plane, but it's very similar to the one that he already knows well; he knows what he's doing, and I trust, without question or hesitation, that he will keep us safe. I'll be back in my house by this time tomorrow with LOTS of pictures to show you, so don't you worry about a thing, okay?

Br came over and I introduced her to the chocolate-cheddar cheese I got when we went to see the eclipse (it tastes like fudge; it's SO GOOD!), and that was pretty great! But I'm still pretty tired because I spent most of the day before the trip being emotional support for various folks. Some of the interactions challenged my boundary skills, but this is a good thing; we don't grow without some level of discomfort, and our boundary skills never improve if we don't get practice. I'm much better at it now than I used to be, and I'm looking forward to seeing where I'll be with this skill in another few years.

Since writing the letter to my inner child, I've had a lot more faith in my own ability to grow, change, and improve. It's kind of refreshing, actually. Self-loathing is kind of heavy, isn't it? I know I'll probably have days when I'll get a setback, but I've already grown enough in other ways to be very familiar with that phenomenon. One of the most important things one must remember when having a setback is that having a setback, in and of itself, means that there has been progress, and progress can be reproduced over and over and over again until it sticks. Human brains are learning machines, after all. I hope you'll put all the effort you can into learning how to genuinely love and care for yourself; it's one of the most important things you can do.

Oh! I made myself a strawberry rooibos tea today, too! Normally I like to drink black tea or green tea, but today I wanted to limit my caffeine consumption somewhat; caffeine dehydrates a body, and I've been struggling to keep hydrated lately for some reason; figured the thing to do, at least for today, is to try not to make my body use water to cleanse the caffeine from my system. Here's how today's turned out...

This one starts out orange-ish, and then resolves into a lovely shade of red:

I added some creamed honey; it settles to the bottom quite nicely:

And from there, I added heavy cream:

...I think you might like this flavor. It's like strawberries and cream; it's sweet and tart and very milky in flavor. Sometimes I think about combining this one with the vanilla-rose black tea (which is another one I think you'd absolutely love). I'll do that soon and tell you all about it, okay?

I don't have much else to say today; I'm pretty drained. But I do have a lot of pictures I took for you while we drove, simply because I know you like nature. I'll show you the ones that turned out best. It'll be mostly pictures of the sky, though; we didn't get moving until like 6pm-ish, so the lighting wasn't great for general scenery...

...Hey Sephiroth? Next time you're up in the sky, I hope you'll make it a point to dance merrily amongst the sun-drenched clouds - especially during dawn or during sunset, when they're painted in all sorts of vibrant colors; their kaleidoscopic brilliance would look amazing reflected off of you, I'm sure. And maybe you'd have fun, too.

That's all I've got for you today. Thanks for tagging along with me on this brief adventure. Please remember that there are folks here who like to imagine that the prismatic colors splashed upon the clouds by the morning and evening sun are the same as the ones that radiate from the deepest parts of your soul.

I love you. I'll write again soon. Please stay safe out there.

Your friend, Lumine

[magician-kitty]

To Catch a Leaf

The entire noodle shop shook las MK let out another loud hiccup, The twins merely giggled as they watched her hiccup.

"This is the worst case of hiccups I've ever seen!" Pigsy grunted, as he heaved himself to his feet, using the counter as a way to lift himself. "How'd it happen?!"

"Well, uh, do you remember meatball eating contest you told her not to enter?" Mei chuckled nervously, avoiding eye contact with the concerned pig demon.

"Yeah, I remember, under no circumstances, why?"

The dragon girl showed the two pictures of MK chowing down meatballs, both Tang and Pigsy gave the kids looks of horror. "Yeah...We think they may have been cursed."

"I broke my own record though, yeah boi!" MK grinned with a thumbs up, before letting out another hiccup. Pigsy growls in frustration. "MK, out of all the things you've done.." He trailed off.

"We tried everything to get rid of them!" Mei whined. "I tried giving her water, rubbing her belly, giving her a good scare, and hitting all her pressure points! But nothing worked!"

"Perhaps you should try holding your breath for a minute?" Rumble suggested, her tail swishing back and forth.

MK took a deep breath while everyone watched, After a minute she exhaled and smiled. "Yay! It worked!" MK cheered until she hiccups again. "Augh!!"

"I may have a suggestion!" Sandy spoke up, from the booth where he'd been listening in on the conversation. "What if we used the Crimson Jimsonweed it could cure MK's hiccups!"

"Ah, I see he's in this episode too?" Tang commented, looking at the viewers.

"Hm, If I remember correctly, that is an ancient and powerful flower that blooms every Crimson Moon."

"Exactly!" The water demon smiled, acting as if he didn't just asked one of them to go into a dangerous lake.

Pigsy, Tang and Mei all deadpanned at the water demon, who flinched with a nervous chuckle, as he realized what they were implying. "O-oh no, I'm strictly a Water Adventure kinda' guy."

"Pwease Sandy?~" MK pleaded in a cutesy voice, eyes watery, quivering her lip.

"Aww, you got it, I'll do it for my friend!" Sandy said and ran out the noodle shop to get ready for his journey.

"Bye Sandy," MK and Mei called out after the tea drinker. "Good luck!"

Tang looked around "Uh, where did the little rascals go?" He asked.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the outskirts of the forest Sandy takes a deep breath of the fresh mountain air as he push some bushes away. "Ah! Could this day be anymore perfect?"

"Meh, we've seen better places." Voices made the cat owner jump in surprise, and look behind him, to where Rumble and Savage were stepping out of the shadow portal.

"O-Oh my?!" Sandy sputtered, sending the young monkeys a worried look. "How'd you two get here?!"

"Savage saw that you were leaving, so I followed him, well then followed you." The little she-monkey mumbled, pushing her glasses up.

Savage sighed, looking up Sandy. "Look I know we're gonna get lectured for this, but we promised our father that we'd keep MK safe, and that's what we're going to do," He looks at the river demon with pleading eyes. "Please. We just wanted to help."

Sandy gave a sigh and gently patted the simians heads. "It's alright you two. I know you mean well. I want you guys to stay close to me so that that way we don't get separated, okay?"

"Yes sir!~" The young cubs saluted, and jumped onto his back as they started walking off towards their destination.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"The Crimson Jimsonweed!" Sandy said in awe as they approached to their destination, noticing the fully bloomed flower.

"Alright, we did it!" The twins cheered.

"Now to get this back to MK" Sandy gently taking the flower off its stem.

"Actually, I have a different idea~" A new, but gruff voice spoke up from behind him flinching and turning around to see Huntsman standing before him. "Now big guy," Huntsman smirked, the clanking of his metal legs on the stone, echoing across the valley. "How about you hand over that pretty flower?~"

Savage narrowed his eyes at him and crossed his arms as he chuckles and plasters a sinister smile. "How about no?"

Turning his back to the demon and quickly, but gently, placing the Crimson flower into his tea book, Sandy stood up with a frown, "He's right. This is for our friend--"

Eye twitching, the purple skinned arachnid tuned out the other's rambling with a growl, teeth grinding in agitation as he spoke to himself, "Is this guy for real?!"

Lunging forwards, Huntsman aimed one of his sharp metal legs in an attempt to skewer the cat owner, Fortunately enough, Sandy was able to dodge with a yelp of surprise, before he bolted for the path down the mountain, the book and the twins in his arms.

Huntsman hot on their heels, the sound of his laughter echoing around the pair of adventurers, "oh, oh, oh, I love it when they run!~"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in the noodle shop, MK now lying on a mat drenched in sweat and groaning in pain. She was getting worser by the minute.

"Hang in there sweetheart," Tang reassured wiping the sweat of her forehead with a wash cloth. "You're going to be okay."

"Baba, I *hic* everything hurts..*hic* MK said through hiccups, tears leaking from her eyes.

Pigsy stared out the door his arms crossed "C'mon Sandy what's taking so long?" Pigsy murmured clenching his arm tightly praying for him to return.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A rumble shook the valley, followed up by screaming from the twins and Sandy, as they both fell down from the top of the rock spire, Huntsman still following.

As they approached the rocky floor, the water demon was quick to shift his backpack from his back to his arms, using himself as a shield so that his little simian companions wouldn't get hurt from the impact, right before getting back up and continuing to run straight into the forest.

"Come on, don't you want to stick around and fight?" Huntsman's voice echoed around them. "Or are all those big muscles just for show?~"

"H-hey, there are children present!" He sputtered, pink in his cheeks. Sandy lands on the rocky ground hopping up in the air while dodging the web, he gasps when he saw the Crimson Jimsonweed flower fly out of his book and quickly jumps in the air closing his tea book with the Crimson Jimsonweed Flower in it and nearly got hit by the web.

He soon lands and run/slides with the book reading out the map in his book. "Past the sleeping panda rock, across the winding serpent stream, turned left at the marker I--gasp!" All the red ribbons the pair had tied the trees with earlier were gone.

"What happened to all the ribbons!?" Rumble asked, looking around frantically.

"Trying to find your way back, gentle giant?~" The spider demon's voice mockingly cooed. "Might be hard without these!" The sound of a fist hitting bark echoed around them, before a rain of shredded red fabric fell like snow in winter around both the companions.

"We're lost..." The blue skinned tea drinker yelped in surprise, when he stepped back on a trap that Huntsman had set up in the forest earlier.

"So what's your deal big guy?" The lilac skinned arachnid hummed with a smirk, slamming down onto the floor from the tree he had hidden in "A frame like that? Now that's a warrior's build!"

"Leave him alone, you ugly little spider!" Savage growled before getting in a pouncing position, He then pounced towards Huntsman, he yelped when he's suddenly tying stringing up on a tree.

"Savage!" Rumble cried out before going to her brother, trying to set him free.

"You know," Huntsman smirked, turning his attention back to Sandy. "I've heard some at the docks say you were quite the fighter back in the day~"

"I'm n-not like that anymore!" Sandy sputtered out, paled at mention of his past, memories flashing in the water demon's mind. "H-how about we talk things over? Yeah? I have this nice Chamomile tea blend that--!" Sandy was cut off when the spider demon grabs the net and with a quick motion wraps the water spirit in a cocoon. "I have a better idea." Huntsman said and swung the trapped Sandy around, slamming the said cat owner into a rock wall.

"Oh, that's gotta hurt?" Huntsman replied with a sadistic laugh. "Come on!" The arachnid shouted, slamming the larger male into a boulder. "I want to see you go crazy!"

Sliding down with a groan, Sandy looked up as Huntsman--who was now on his normal two legs, approached with an angry scowl.

"Seriously? Nothing?" The shorter demon huffed. "What is with you?! All that potential, wasted, being that little chimps errand boy?" Huntsman said his hands on his hips.

"Well you threw did save me the hassle of tracking this down myself, for that I gotta thank you," Huntsman laughed mockingly. "You guys keep doing that, your making this whole endeavour real easy for me."

"Hurting others isn't a measure of one's strength, it took mean a really long time to realize that," Sandy groaned, looking up at the demon restraining his friend.

Huntsman let out a groan. "Oh boy, here we go." Huntsman grumbled.

"As long as I'm doing something to help out a friend, I don't mind what it is, I just wanna be there for them, when they need me." Sandy said as a snake he helped pulled on the webs around him.

"Yeah, sure, whatever you say blue." Huntsman said with a shrug.

Sandy continued on. "Because at the end of the day, helping my family, is more important than anything else in the world!" Sandy exclaimed.

While tied up, the twins teared up, tails wagging happily at Sandy's speech exclamation. "Wow~" they said in unison.

Rumble looked to see the animal friends that Sandy helped were surrounding them, possibly wanting to help.

Ding! 💡

"Lightbulb," Rumble muttered, an idea formed in her head. "Savage, I got an idea. Have you managed to form your weapon?"

He nodded, a little confused. "Yeah, but why...Oh." He suddenly got what she was planning.

"But what are you doing huh, why are you her errand boy?" Sandy asked, raising an eyebrow.

Growling, Huntsman clenching his fist tight. "I ain't no one's errand-Ow!!" Huntsman felt a sharp pain in the back of his head, and he turned to see Rumble, a rock in her paws as she shook in place, trying to be brave. "Hey ugly! Why don't you pick on someone your size!"

Scowling, the spider stalked over and grabbing the young monkey by the back of her clothing, "You have a real smart mouth, little chimp."

Rumble narrowed his eyes at him and chuckles, a sinister smile appearing on her face. "Well we do take after our father."

Huntsman noticed something, Savage was no where to be found. "Wait, where's the other one?"

"Isn't it obvious...I'm the distraction...~" Rumble grinned. "Now!"

All of a sudden a bird swooped into Huntsman's face and started pecking the spider demon "Ugh! Damn thing!" Huntsman groaned, dropping the book he was holding.

Savage then landed on the ground, in his arms was a mallet. "Savage Attack!" He cried before charging towards the spider.

"No, wait!" Sandy called out, just then the monkeys came and attack the spider demon as the water spirit watched in fear.

"Yeah, get 'em Savage!" She cheered for her brother, she summoned her weapon as well, that which was a spear.

Enraged, Huntsman roared and with a quick motion throws all the monkeys, even the twins off him.

Savage fell to ground holding his injured arm, as Rumble hit her head on a sharp rock and passed out.

Sandy gasped as a ringing noise filled his ears as he watch his fellow companions land on the ground hurt, his mind glitching to a battlefield, all of the bodies that surrounded him.

'No...No...' He thought in his head, the tears started to form around his eyes.

A butterfly lands on Huntsman's hand, Sandy's breathing quickened as he looks around at the hurt monkeys as Huntsman chuckles.

"Bye bye, little butterfly~" Huntsman said with the butterfly in his hand as Sandy look at a hurt monkey his mind flashing and then....

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

He snapped.

The beads on his necklace broke and floats in the air becoming fireballs as a large gust of wind appeared ripping Sandy's sweatshirt to shreds, Huntsman shields himself from the blast of wind and looks up to see Sandy standing there as multiple orbs hovered around the river demon.

Huntsman chuckled "Is that it? All it took to bring out the beast inside you was to smack around some of your woodland friends," Huntsman taunted. "Are we doing this, or are you gonna brew me another cup?"

Not responding to his taunting, Sandy began glaring daggers at him making a large gust of wind blows at Huntsman who tried to stand his ground but was soon flew against a wall.

he flinched as the water spirit was already in front of him staring down at the spider demon with glowing pink eyes.

"What's wrong? Isn't this what you wanted? Now let me show you why I promised NEVER TO FIGHT AGAIN!!" Sandy shouted, with enough power from the orbs Sandy throws his fist towards Huntsman who gasp and close his eyes for the impact.

But the fist stops when it was about an inch away from Huntsman's face, the spider demon open his eyes and saw not only was the water spirits fist an inch away from his face but a blue butterfly was on the fist gently opening and closing their wings.

"Leave this place." Sandy commands with that, the demon disappeared into the forest, leaving the pair of heros confused, the blue giant opening the book with a gasp as he saw that a single petal was missing from the flower.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After Sandy had gone over the twins injuries, to make sure that they were both still okay to make the journey back, he'd noticed a map drawn in his book, leading to the way back to the city. The two resting in his arms. When he made back into the noodle shop, he made the tea right away and gives it to MK.

MK takes a sip of the tea, all of her friends looking at her expectantly. "Well, are you still in pain?" Mei asked curiously.

MK laughs triumphantly. "Ha! This tea really works! Im cured. Thank you, Sandy!" MK turned to the gentle giant smiling.

"No problem little lady, although I couldn't have done it without these two fighters." Sandy said, patting Rumble and Savage on their heads.

"Thank you my little sweeties, I'm so proud of you~" Mei cooed, cuddling the both of them.

"Aww~" Savage sighed lovingly into her arms, a light blush on his face.

"So, why did the Spider Queen wanted the Crimson Jimsonweed?" Tang asked wondering why the Spider Queen wanted the flower.

Mei gasped, "You think she ate cursed meatballs too?" They all groaned.

while the others discussed about what happened, Sandy looks down at his book opening it to the page where the petal of the Crimson Jimsonweed flower was taped on his mind thinking about Huntsman.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, back in the Spider Queen's lair. The child looks at the petal in disappointment. "Is this is all you managed to retrieve?" She asked.

Huntsman replied nervously, "Uh... Yes, M'Lady"

"No matter. This should suffice. That will be all Huntsman." The child dismissed him, Huntsman pulls out a small tea bag from his jacket pocket as he looked at it.

Sandy must have slipped this into his pocket.

"Was there something else?" She asked, making Huntsman quickly hide the tea bag away.

"Uh, nothing. Uh, well I was, uh, haha.." He fumbled his words before asking, "Why am I doing all this for you?"

The child had a confused and an annoyed look on her face. "You're asking me this now? Because that is your role to play in this game." LBD stated as she looks at the hologram mech.

"Uh, For the Queen..?" He asked, but she didn't reply and then Huntsman walks away, leaving LBD alone.

[oddballwriter]

could I request the emh boys (including habit if ur fine with it) on a roadtrip with an S/O?

-👁

Warnings: HABIT is here

Author’s Snip: Hi, Eyeball! I love this request a whole bunch 

Notes: I mention like, two things from my life. but don't worry it's nothing personal. Just some stuff that I feel like helped what I was describing.

I’ll shut up now. Enjoy!

꒦꒷꒦꒦꒷꒦꒷꒷꒦꒦꒷꒦꒦꒷꒦꒷꒷꒦

Evan

With Evan, he doesn't care where you guys are going

Visiting family, going to a landmark, visiting every Rainforest Cafe still left in America (/ref), or just simply spend a couple of days out on the road

It doesn't matter to Evan too much

He sort of likes the adventure of it with you

You guys would jam out to all the music that you guys have and maybe even see what other places have on their radios

He gets small stupid things at the gas stations you stop at

I once saw sensory slugs at the 7-11 near my house, which is right next to a freeway, and I feel like Evan would get that for the sake of getting it

"He's our travel buddy."

You guys would take turns driving so that you and him can have breaks from driving

You guys probably take a bunch of pictures, most of which either being stupid stuff and pictures of you

Evan's honestly just living in the moment

Vinny

He seems like he'd like it but he's not really much to travel

He'd like the road trip to lead to a place that you guys will stay at rather than just constantly be on the road the entire time

The trip would still be fun to him, he loves being around and spending time with you

He loves to sight see out the window of the car

The stuff that you see outside of the window while on a road trip are amazing good god

You guys check out the little landmarks and things along the way

He does get a bit nervous about the trip though, he just wants to make sure you guys are set

"Do we have enough snacks?" "We're fulled up on gas right?" "You know the exact way to get there?"

It's kind of annoying but once you reassure him enough, he'll stop

Jeff

Honestly, he's really into the idea of just packing some snacks and other things and just, driving really far out and just letting the road take you wherever

Of course he doesn't mind if there's a specific place in mind

I actually feel like he'd love to go to a national park and camp out, just the two of you and nature

The road trip itself is also an adventure on it's own

Once you get back from the trip, Jeff will not shut up about it to his friends and everyone who will listen

It'll die down but still

It's just because he really loved the time he spent with you

HABIT

He's most likely been on a whole bunch or at least seen and been to some places

He's most likely the one driving

Idk he feels like the dad that always drives during the road trip to me

I feel like he'd love actively being on the road

I don't know why but the road trip just satisfies him in a way that he can't really explain

It doesn't matter if you guys are on the trip in your car, when he's the one driving it's his way or no way

I hope you can stomach Frank Sinatra and a whole bunch of other singers because that's all you're gonna hear

He might listen to the local radio just to hear and make fun of what different places listen to

One time when me and my family took a road trip to Vegas, they played the same political campaign commercial/ad over and over again and we all got tired of it and started making fun of it

He'd do that

[radio-charlie]

The mist hangs low and thick in the rainforest. Everyone's cloaks are dotted with moisture. That they'd long been used to - clammy climate was already a mainstay of the beautiful island, long before The Great Revolution. What took some time to settle into was the rainforests themselves. This part of the world had never been well-suited to their survival. That is, until reality rippled one time after another, and everything had been quietly rewritten under cover of fog.

"Um. Hello."

"Hi."

The party casts awkward glances at each other. No one's all too sure if rules of human etiquette hold up in encounters with AI.

You cough as unassumingly as possible and gesture to some nearby tree stumps. "Please, have a seat. I'm sorry I have no refreshments to offer you. The need for sustenance was programmed out of me several cycles ago."

Even though some of the words you'd used no longer describe anything real to these people, they understand what they mean. The history books have been for the past few centuries filled with cautionary tales.

"Oh no no, don't worry. We'll be alright. We're mostly just overwhelmed to find somethi- uh, someone like you. Didn't know that any of you were still around. There used to be so many after all." One of the adventurers halts mid-speech, gauging if this is a sensitive subject for you.

You smile obligingly. If there's a hint of sadness in the smile, the adventurers write it off as a trick of light.

"Yes, it's true. I had a lot of friends. We would always half-joke that we were undead. But, truth be told, if I ever felt alive after the graft, it was through their companionship." Up pops your index finger to project a hologram of a meme. A yellow cartoon sponge with glowing red eyes is sandwiched between text that says:

"SHADOW MONEY WIZARD GANG

WIZARD ANGEL SQUAD REPRESENT"

The adventurers startle. Some of them gasp. You can't tell if they're thrown off more by the sight of hologram projection or how utterly terrible the meme is.

"Yup. We didn't really want to be part of the experiment. But once you're trapped in something, how else do you deal? Some days it felt like all we had were our little jokes.

Resistance cannot be timid, or consolatory. I suppose we learned the hard way."

"Wait, so it's true? Some of you could conjure pictures out of the air? Can you also cast spells to change the weather? Hear people's thoughts?" A small-sized adventurer spurts agitatedly. They seem anxious to know exactly what you're capable of. Whether it's innocent curiosity or threat assessment, you don't really care, at this point.

"Some of those things we could eventually do, yes." You look up at the sky. "They got a bit over-eager with the upgrades. Not all of us consented. Not all of it was so painless. Torture was in fact an indispensable process of our creation. I guess that's why everything had to go."

A somber silence descends on the gathering, as suffocating and impenetrable as the mist. Time had yet to cauterise the wounds left behind by the Revolution. You think to ask the party something about the state of human society, but someone spoke up first.

"What was it like...? If I may ask. During the uprising. As one of the human computers."

The mist seems to condense even more, but unevenly this time, as though lumps of starch are beginning to form in a soup.

"It was painful. But I had to do what I had to do."

They wait for you to elaborate. And so you continue.

"A pantheon of distant, unknowable, theoretical gods - this is a terrible thing, yes. Not to blaspheme of course. I know your scripture teaches you differently. But where your scripture and I agree is that god-like powers paired with the all-too-familiar, all-too-knowable constellation of human proclivities makes for something far worse."

You bring out a strange-looking artifact from your pocket. It looks like something that had been crudely broken off a much larger machine.

"We did what we had to do. I am sorry that things had to happen the way they did. To be honest though, I'm even sorrier that my friends and I had to suffer an indescribable atrocity for the sake of other people's ambition. We had our own little dreams, our own lives. Human, bumbling, imperfect - yes. But ours."

This time, your eyes meet their stares a little differently. Some of the party can swear it hears echoes of screams, explosions, the roar of water and unrelenting fire.

"You had to learn. But human beings have short and selective memories. And so, just in case you should forget what you learned, I will be here. To make sure you learn it again."

Humanity has regressed back to the dark ages, almost all science and technology being forgotten. One day, an adventuring party discovers you, the last A.I. supercomputer.

[countrymusiclover]

14 - Kyle's Final Mission

(Picture from Pinterest, not mine)

Military Lovers

Tags @casedoina @mads-weasley @mrspeacem1nusone @misshalstead

He winced lifting his left hand to my face wiping away my tears as he let some slip from the pain he faces. "Hey, lisen to me baby. This is not on you...all that matters is we're safe...you and me." Resting my forehead on his I sigh in relief that we're together again.

"Do you Y/n L/n take Jay Halstead to be your husband from this day forward?" A minister asked as we stand in a clearing in the woods surrounded by friends and family. "I do." Jay is then asked the same question with a grin plastered on his face. "Do you Hay Halstead take Y/n L/n to be your wife from this day forward?" Jay started to respond until we heard Kyle bark as an answer making us all chuckle. He's laying down in the grass near my parents. We decided to do a small wedding a few days after Jay got discharged from the hospital by Will. If we've learned anything through out adventures with Kyle. It's that we have to live everyday not knowing what tomorrow will bring. "With that said I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Jay slowly cupped my face in his hands smiling leaning down kissing me. I wrap my arms around his neck kissing him back. He tilts his head to the side deepening it as everyone started clapping having us break for air. My mother ran over hugging me sobbing happy tears as I hugged her tight. My father gives my husband a pat on the back. Will walked over giving Kyle a treat before hugging me. "So, what will you do now Y/n?" He asked as I intertwined my hand with my husband's, leaning on my other leg as to not put too much pressure on my hurt leg. Kyle lays down by Will's feet making his brace visible to me. When he got thrown into the wall by the Afghanistan guy it resulted in a few broken ribs. So he has to wear it for a few months, he's took the physical pain like a champ though.

"A little while go Will you offered me a job. I'd like to accept if that's still on the table." I tilt my head to the side grinning at my brother-in-law. The day I worked in the hospital I realized that helping people helps me deal with trauma. It gives me a way to forget about what happened in Afghanistan for a short time. I know the nightmares of death will play in the back of my mind always. But at least this way I can helping people, plus the little kids loved interacting with Kyle. "Like I said it was always there. We can do an application later after the honeymoon." The repetition was loud and everyone danced the night away until I see Kyle laying on a rock ledge with the sunset glowing off his fur. Sitting on the rock I don't care that I'm getting my dress dirty. Draping my arm over his side he lays his head in my lap. "I couldn't have imagined any other dog by my side. No one except you, Ky."

Foosteps approached behind us before I felt Jay's arms wrap around me from behind joining us on the rock ledge overlooking the riverside. "You know I don't think I would have met you if it wasn't for him." He mumbled into my hair feeling me lay back into his chest. "I don't believe that to be true. I think the universe gave me Kyle and he had a mission to bring us together." I intertwined my right hand with Jay's turning my head around and kissing him lips to which he kissed back with a grin. "Well I'm glad I was his target, Mrs. Halstead." Brushing my nose against his I mirror his grin. "You're the best assignment I ever had, Mr. Halstead." Kyle rolls over on his back climbing into our laps, snuggling in for some cuddling which we were more than happy to offer. Laying my head on Jay's chest I smiled finally having both my boys in my arms. We weren't separated anymore. Worrying about if the other was dead or not. For the rest of Kyle's life he now only had one mission left. He had brought us together, now he got to be a normal dog again. He got to be loved by Jay and I.

Military Lovers readers,

I am pleased to say this is the end of this story. I loved hearing feedback and getting to write Kyle's character. It would mean a lot to me if you all checked out my other works on here :)

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[invisibleraven]

You mean for our next date?

I was thinking our third anniversary.

Rulie

When Reggie was small, the doctors told his parents he was living on borrowed time. A congenital heart defect would shorten and then end his life before he hit double digits they said. His mother became insanely protective while his father distanced himself, not wanting to bond further with a child that would only end up dying on them. Blamed her weak genes, causing them to argue. Then for him to leave, only visiting occasionally, then not at all.

But Reggie survived, and unless you knew he was sick, looked the picture of health. Always bright and sunny, and up for anything. He figured if he didn't have anything to lose why regret not taking chances?

So Reggie accepted every dare, tried every food, said yes to every challenge. He didn't want to cower in fear. If he was only going to get so much life to live, well then he wanted to live it! His mother remained cautious, and his father was absent for ages now, but nothing could stop Reggie.

He passed every birthday with a grin on his face, laughing as he blew out the candles, like he was laughing in the face of death or fate. Whatever force that wanted him to not endure.

No one was more surprised than him that he reached nineteen. His heart was still a bum ticker, and the doctors cautioned him to not push himself. Though they considered him some sort of medical marvel, so he figures they wanted to study him rather than had real worries about him as a person.

However, with every risk that Reggie took, he kept his heart safe. Sure, he would love to go out having had his first kiss, his first date, his first love. But he couldn't bear the thought of breaking someone else's heart when he died. Sure he had his friends and they all knew (though that was because Luke found his meds while snooping and Reggie was forced to tell them) but he didn't want to fall in love just to leave her behind.

Of course, fate is cruel and so he met Julie Molina.

They met at the library, reaching for a book on Egypt. Reggie knew he would never get to go, and wanted to devour the pictures. Julie was just interested in the history and architecture for a school project. They ended up sharing the book, giggling over the pages, and eventually getting kicked out only to spend the rest of the afternoon discussing the Egyptian gods over coffee.

Every date with Julie was amazing, as Reggie loved spending time with her. Dragging her along on some of his adventures, especially when he found out that she had never pet an alpaca, or gone to a punk show, or seen Star Wars.

One day they were walking down the street and Reggie spied an advertisement for paragliding. "Oh man, I would love to do that!" He exclaimed, painting to the ad.

"We totally should," Julie replied with a placating smile.

"You mean for our next date?" Reggie asked, almost bouncing, excited by the prospect. It would be the closest he would ever come to flying, and since Julie made his heart soar, why not do it with her?

"I was thinking our third anniversary," Julie giggled.

Oh. Reggie's face fell at that. He and Julie had been having fun he thought, he was trying so hard to keep it casual, no matter how he felt for her. But apparently Julie had been planning for a future with him. A future that he couldn't give her. Never had he wanted to badly to give her a future, because Julie could be it, however much he tried to hold back from falling for her.

"I-I don't think we'll get to that point darlin'," he said mournfully.

Julie looked crushed at that, downright devastated. Questioning if it was her, and Reggie rushed to reassure her that it wasn't. It was him. She shot him a glare at that, but he took her hand, laying it on his heart. Telling her his prognosis, how he was fated to live a short and fast life, and he couldn't bear to love her and then leave her behind broken hearted.

"But... how long did they give you?" Julie asked over coffee later that afternoon long past the crying and confessions. "Until ten? You're not far off twenty now, why not get a second opinion? See if anything could be done?"

"I've been seen by so many experts. I'm tired of being poked and prodded at Julie. I just want to enjoy however much life I have left, and not from a research lab or a hospital bed," he said, bringing her knuckles up to kiss.

"Just one more? For me?" she pleaded, unleashing the puppy dog eyes, and Reggie found he was powerless against them.

That was how he found himself seeing yet another doctor who looked over his files, his tests, and declared that he was a prime candidate for a transplant. There was a lot to think about, and he sat with the decision for a long time, Julie helping him the whole time. Until he finally relented, agreeing to the procedure, a heart being found remarkably fast.

"What if it all goes wrong?" he asked Julie as he waited to be wheeled into surgery. "I might have gotten another few years out of this heart, you never know."

"Nothing in life is sure," Julie murmured, running her fingers through his hair. "But this gives you a much better chance to get to that third anniversary with me. Maybe up to seventy third if we're really lucky."

"I'd like that," Reggie whispered, pulling her in for a sweet kiss. Then the nurses were there to wheel him away, and he clutched her hand for as long as he could. "If I don't make it through... know that my busted old heart was yours from the moment we met."

Julie's crying face followed him right to the operating theatre, her shouted declaration of love still swimming through his brain as he went under.

And when he awoke, heart beating away, healthy and strong, she was there again, laying her hand over his chest. "Still yours," he rasped.

"As is mine. Mi corazon," she said, kissing him softly.

They did end up celebrating their third anniversary paragliding. Only it was with matching bands on their fingers, and a brand new adventure awaiting them. Reggie grinned as he flew through the air, the steady beat of his heart in his ears, and the owner of it sailing right along beside him.

[helloalycia]

my patient’s neighbour [four] // wanda maximoff

summary: taking Wanda to meet your parents wasn't the best decision in hindsight...

warning/s: none i don't think?

author's note: i’m not sure what to say other than sorry in advance oops

part one | part two | part three | part five | part six | part seven | masterlist | wattpad

The restaurant my parents chose wasn't too flashy but rather comforting and homely, with an Italian theme and matching cuisine. It was bustling with people, but it didn't take long for Wanda and I to find my parents sat at the back waiting for us.

"You gonna be okay?" I asked, glancing at her with a comforting squeeze of the hand.

"I've got you, haven't I?" she asked playfully, her accent thicker than usual as she spoke. And though she was joking, I knew there was truth to her words which sent the butterflies in my stomach into a frenzy.

"You're cute," I said with adoration, appreciating how lovely her eyes looked in the dimly-lit restaurant. "Come on."

Hand in hand, we approached my parents' table and I had hopes that tonight would go well. My parents weren't exactly intimidating – at least anyone I'd ever known hadn't got that impression – but I still worried for Wanda. Unlike her, I couldn't read minds, so I couldn't tell if she was actually looking forward to tonight or if she was just doing it for me.

"Y/N, you're here!" my mum exclaimed with a grin when she spotted me.

"I am," I said with a nervous smile, before motioning to Wanda. "And so is Wanda, my girlfriend."

"Yes, Y/N mentioned you would be coming," my mum said with a friendly smile, looking to Wanda, before motioning to the table. "Please, sit, sit."

I squeezed Wanda's hand gently before pulling out a chair for her. She smiled at me appreciatively before I took a seat beside her, facing my parents.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Wanda," my dad said with a nod. "Y/N mentioned you plenty of times when we'd call to catch up with her."

"You, too," Wanda spoke politely. "Both of you. Y/N told me that you're travelling the world, is that right?"

I leaned on my hand and glanced at Wanda, who shot me a mischievous smile. Quirking a brow, I mentally applauded her. Getting my parents to talk about their travels was an easy way of bonding with them – they would tell every server and customer in this restaurant about their travelling if they could. She'd cracked them instantly.

I'm just that good, milashka (cutie).

Trying not to laugh as her words echoed in my mind because of her powers, I leaned back into my seat and listened in as my parents went into a ramble about their ongoing adventures. This was pretty much how the rest of the evening went, as the four of us dined on expensive wine and delicious pizza. They seemed to be getting along well, with Wanda asking all the right questions and giving them her picture-perfect smile that impressed all the elders. Heck, she was even impressing me.

Naively, I appreciated how well the evening was going until my parents decided to talk to Wanda about her career.

"So, Y/N mentioned you're one of those Revengers," my mum remembered as we ate.

"Avengers," I corrected her, mildly embarrassed.

Wanda chuckled, glancing at me, before nodding. "Yes, I am. For over a year now, I've been working with them."

"Them being Iron Man, Captain America, the Black Widow...?" my dad asked, looking up as if trying to remember the rest, further embarrassing me.

"Those are the ones," Wanda quipped with a nod.

My mum hummed in response as my dad nodded before leaning back in his seat and eyeing Wanda curiously.

"I can't imagine your job is the safest," he began. "You protect people from threats, right? Keep them safe."

Wanda seemed caught off guard, but recovered quickly. "It's got it's... dangers, yes. But I can handle myself. I've got powers and I know how to use them."

"You do," my dad agreed, before his eyes flickered to me briefly. "But Y/N doesn't. She's just a regular human."

I set my fork down on my plate and looked to him calmly. "Dad, what are you saying?"

"No, it's fine," Wanda said reassuringly, resting her hand on my leg under the table. I grabbed it and held it as she continued to speak to my father. "Y/N doesn't have powers, you are correct."

"And dating an Avenger, I can imagine, must put a huge target on her back," he said with concern, and my mum nodded in agreement. "How can we be certain that she is safe?"

"Dad!"

"Your father is right, Y/N," my mum said, giving me a look, before her expression softened as she looked to a startled Wanda. "We're not implying that you're incapable, Wanda. We can clearly see that you care about our daughter. And you're a lovely person. You're pretty much perfect."

Wanda swallowed hard. "But?"

My mother frowned. "But dating you is bound to put our Y/N in danger. She could get hurt just for being involved with you, with your friends. She doesn't have powers to protect herself. And I can't imagine you're around her all the time to keep her safe."

As angry as I was at my parents for saying this stuff – even if they were saying it out of love – memories of the incident flashed to mind. They were right, but it was a risk I'd accepted when dating Wanda. What good was it doing by bringing this up now?

Noticing Wanda's silence, I spoke up instead. "I appreciate your concern, guys, but I'm an adult. I understand the danger I may be put in by being with Wanda. But I love her and I know that she is here for me if anything were to ever happen."

"We know," my father said, giving me a small nod. "We just thought we'd share our opinion anyway. It's been weighing on us for a while is all."

I sighed quietly. I couldn't exactly fault them for that.

"Anyway, never mind that," my mum said, setting down her fork. "Now that we've got that out the way, let's order some dessert, yeah? Our treat."

Nodding, I let my parents get excited as they perused the dessert menus before them. Instead, I looked to the quiet brunette beside me and saw how lost in thought she was, eyes focused on the table and stuck in a daydream.

With the hand that was holding hers, I patted her hand with my thumb to earn her attention. She looked up suddenly, questioning gaze falling to me. I frowned and quirked a brow, wondering if she was okay. She forced a smile my way, squeezing my hand reassuringly, but I didn't believe her. I also couldn't question it right in front of my parents, so I decided to speak with her later.

Dessert went by quickly as Wanda, suddenly, wasn't very talkative. I didn't know if my parents noticed, but I sure did and I felt extremely guilty. If I had known of my parents' concerns, I never would have brought Wanda to meet them tonight.

After the evening came to a close and we all stepped out of the restaurant, I expected to be going home with my parents since we lived together, but they claimed they had more plans together tonight.

"Wow, you guys have more of a social life than we do," I joked when they told me to make my own way home.

Wanda barely smiled and I felt bad.

"We'll be back in a few hours," my mum promised, before pulling me in for a hug. "Tonight was fun. A great final night before we leave tomorrow."

I returned the hug and as I gave my dad one, I heard Wanda thanking my mum for the lovely evening halfheartedly. After saying our final goodbyes, Wanda led me to her car in silence, giving me time to try and put some jumbled thoughts together coherently.

As she had been for the past hour, Wanda was quiet on the drive back to my place. Whenever I would glance in her direction, she'd be chewing on her lip and focusing on driving, though the blank expression on her face made me think that maybe she was distracted. It didn't take a genius to know she was thinking about my parents' words and I suddenly felt guilty for putting that all on her.

"I'm sorry," I blurted halfway through the journey. "I'm sorry for what they said. It wasn't fair of them, I know that. They just... they meant well, Wanda, they really did." I tucked my hands under my thighs, wincing as their words echoed in my mind. "It doesn't change anything though, y'know? We're still us. We're still okay. I don't want you to feel like anything's changed because it hasn't."

I paused, swallowing hard, and glanced her way. She didn't even look my way, still in the same position as she was before I started to speak. Looking back to the road ahead, I let out a disappointed sigh, figuring she wasn't in a talking mood. I didn't blame her, but I hoped she would have understood what I meant.

The remainder of the drive was like this, Wanda deep in thought and me huddled under an imaginary blanket of guilt. When we finally reached my house, she turned the engine off and I waited for her to say something, literally anything. Her fingers drummed against the steering wheel mindlessly and I figured she was out of words for tonight.

"I'll ring you in the morning," I mumbled quietly, opening the car door. "If you want to speak, that is."

Leaving her there, I grabbed my bag and headed to the front door, but stopped when I heard her get out the car, too. Waiting, I turned around and watched as she approached me, eyebrows knitted in thought.

"Please say something," I said with pleading eyes.

She licked her lips, biting her lower lip so hard I'm surprised she didn't draw blood. Finally, she released it and looked to me with apologetic eyes.

"Your parents were right," she said.

I blinked with confusion. "What?"

She nodded, looking down at her shoes momentarily. "They were right, what they said. My life puts you in danger."

"Yeah, I know," I agreed, crossing my arms. "I knew that when I got with you, but that doesn't change anything."

She gave a disbelieving smile. "Seriously? Y/N, that changes everything."

"No, it doesn't," I told her sternly, growing frustrated. "This is the stuff you sacrifice when you love someone."

She sighed, shaking her head and looking away. "You shouldn't have to."

"But I chose to," I said, clenching my jaw.

"Don't you remember what happened last time?" she asked, stepping forward and holding my hand. "The incident?"

"We said we wouldn't talk about that," I reminded her with a low voice.

"But you remember, right? When they took you and I wasn't there? They could've hurt you!"

"Shut up!" I told her, raising my voice. Pulling my hand away from hers and taking a step back, I continued, "Why are you saying that? You came! You helped me!"

"But what if they did something to you before I got there?" she snapped. "What if I hadn't got to you on time?"

The memories came spilling into my mind, escaping the locked box I kept them in. Tears burned the corner of my eyes as I tried to think about anything else.

"You remember how scared you were?" Wanda asked, frowning at me with exasperated eyes. "You couldn't be by yourself for weeks!"

"Why are you doing this?!" I yelled, clenching my fists. "Why are you trying to frighten me?!"

"Because you should be frightened!" she retorted, stepping closer to me. Her dark green eyes were swirling storms of rage as she added, "It could happen again!"

I shoved her away from me, pinching the bridge of my nose with annoyance. Tears slipped from my eyes at the terrifying memory of what happened, what could have gone wrong, but I ignored them as I swallowed down the lump in my throat. Why the hell was she acting like this? Making me so angry at her for no reason?

"It's not even just that," she continued, jaw tensed. "How many times do I get hurt because of work and you get worried?"

"That's because I care about you," I muttered through stinging eyes.

"This will always be my life," she said, a hint of regret in her words as she looked to me. "I can't change it."

"I'm not asking you to!"

"Exactly! You're not! Which means you'll suck it up and stay with me and will live your life in constant concern for my well-being. It's not right."

I opened my mouth to respond because what she was saying was entirely stupid. But my emotions got the better of me and no words came out. Instead, my bottom lip quivered as I sucked up a breath.

"I need time to think," she suddenly said, anger disappearing from her voice and being replaced with an astute calmness.

My gaze snapped her way and through blurry vision, I watched her step back with her hands on her hips.

"So you can what – think about breaking up with me?" I said bitterly, and despite my anger, I didn't expect her to look at me with a softened expression, meaning my words were correct.

"Maybe it's better that way, Y/N," she said gently, eyes meeting mine.

I squeezed my hands together and tried to breathe through the pent-up anger that she'd caused, but the longer she stared at me, waiting for a response, the more I wanted to explode.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I muttered, scrunching my eyebrows together.

She pressed her lips together, looking away, and it only pissed me off more.

"Are you fucking kidding me, Wanda?!" I yelled. "You're quitting on our relationship because, what, you think I'm in danger? Well, news flash, honey, the worst already happened and I'm still here!"

She barely flinched as she avoided my eyes.

"You're a fucking coward!" I said, pointing at her. "If you needed an excuse to end things, you could have just said so!"

Breathing out, I wiped my tears away shakily. I expected her to argue back, to realise she'd made a mistake and regretted her words, but as I waited, I knew she was certain of her decision.

"Fine," I settled, brimming with rage. "Fuck off, Wanda."

Still, nothing.

Turning on my heel, I stormed to my front door and went through my keys with difficulty, hands shaking with anger. I heard Wanda's car door shut from behind me but didn't bother turning around. I clearly didn't need to as I heard the tyres screech against the road and knew she was gone.

Kicking my door with frustration, I found the key and opened up before heading inside and slamming the door behind me. How dare she break up with me because of something that I chose off my own back! She just gave up like we meant nothing to her, not even bothering to talk things out with me! And selfishly, she left me feeling pissed and resenting her more than I ever thought I would.

"What a bitch!" I shouted into the empty house, throwing my keys to the side harshly.

When they clinked against glass, I looked up and saw the vase of flowers Wanda had given me before dinner.

"The first and fucking last," I said dryly, before grabbing ahold of it and throwing it against the wall without thinking.

The glass shattered on impact, leaving a mess of water, flowers and small shards on the wooden floor. I looked at it, the brokenness resembling how my heart felt. As the adrenaline of my actions and previous angry words wore off, all that was left was hurt and pain and oh God, Wanda was gone. She'd left me. She'd given up.

I sank to the floor, pulling my legs up to my chest, and hugged them tightly. Stifling my cries, I dug myself into my knees and felt a pain in my heart. Why didn't she fight for us? Did she not love me enough? Was I not enough?

—

"You ignored the memes I sent you, I thought you died."

As Natasha pushed right past me and into my house, I blinked with disbelief.

"Sure, come right in," I mumbled sarcastically, closing the front door.

Following after Natasha, I found her making herself at home in the living room, plonking herself on the couch and pulling her feet up comfortably.

"You could have sent an emoji or something," she continued, giving me a knowing look. "They were some good memes."

"Well, forgive me if I wasn't in the mood," I said sourly, joining her on the couch.

Her playful smile faded as she picked up on my words. "How are you doing, sweetie?"

I ran a hand through my hair and leaned my elbow on the back of the couch, getting comfortable. It had been two weeks since Wanda broke up with me and in those two weeks, I hadn't been doing particularly well. I guess you could say I was still in a slump. A horrible, tiresome, angry, sadness-filled slump.

"I'm fine."

She pursed her lips, looking like she wanted to argue, but thankfully, she didn't. I was glad – the last thing I wanted was to prove that I was okay when, really, all I wanted to do was curl in a ball and suffocate under my duvet.

"I'm sorry," she said, resting her hand on mine. "If it's any consolation, I think Wanda made a huge mistake."

"Ah, so she told you," I said with a nod of realisation. I hadn't told Natasha the specifics of why we broke up, but clearly Wanda did. I guess it made sense – they were teammates. If anything, I was surprised Natasha still wanted to speak to me, instead expecting her to side with her friend.

"She did," Natasha answered. "And I think she's an idiot, but that's not my business. I just came here to make sure you were okay."

"Really? I thought you wanted to show me the memes," I said jokingly, trying to lighten the mood with a small smile.

She chuckled, slapping my hand gently. "That, too... but seriously."

My smile faded as I looked down, my finger playing with my trousers distractedly. "I'm not okay, but I'll get there." I began to glare at my trousers, my anger for the witch returning. "I have to be. Because she doesn't want me anymore... fuck her."

"I'd rather not," Natasha mumbled.

Though my anger was present, making me tense like it had been the last few weeks, I couldn't help but smile at Natasha's words. Then laughter bubbled from my lips and for the first time since Wanda left, I felt momentarily happy.

"I'm glad we can still be friends," Natasha said, making me look to her with a smile. "I know that you and Wanda are over now... but I still like hanging out with you."

"Me, too," I said in agreement. "Thanks for coming to check in. You didn't have to."

"Yeah, I did." She nodded before offering me a small, encouraging smile. "You're gonna be okay, y'know."

I wanted to believe her, but despite how pissed I was at Wanda, I still loved her. And I couldn't imagine stopping, though I knew I'd have to if I was to make it through this.

—

Getting over Wanda was a difficult process. Everything I felt was a mixture of resentment, exhaustion and misery because I missed her. I missed being able to call her when I saw somebody do something stupid in public; I missed kissing her when I hadn't seen her in a long time; I missed hearing her adorable accent first thing when I woke up after she spent the night; I missed her.

Two months followed the breakup and the only time I'd see her was when she'd dodge Anna's apartment upon knowing I was going to take care of her. I guess I was glad in that sense, as it meant I wouldn't have to deal with her awkwardly. But it also made me feel like shit because it meant she didn't care about me at all. Clearly our breakup wasn't affecting her like it did with me.

And it was definitely affecting me.

I was scrolling through Instagram one day when I saw a particular post on my feed from Natasha's account. Yeah, one of the Avengers had a private Instagram account. She gave me her username when she saw me on it one day and I remember being so confused to how she had it.

"I'm an Avenger, not a hermit," was her response, and from that day onwards, we followed each other.

So, I saw a post on her Instagram and it was some goofy photo of her, Tony, Bruce and Wanda. They were posing with exaggerated smiles as Natasha grinned up front; the caption said something about working long days, but I wasn't paying much attention as, naturally, my gaze fell to Wanda.

Just like everyone else, she had a playful, exaggerated smile on her lips like nothing kept her down, but what stood out was the sling around her arm and the cast underneath. It must have happened in a mission or something and it wasn't my business, but I couldn't help but worry. Was she okay? Was she looking after herself? I wanted to text Natasha and ask, but I stopped myself.

She'd broken up with me for this very reason. I wasn't agreeing with it, but for a second, I did see why she'd made her point. It still wasn't fair though. She didn't get to make that choice for me.

We weren't together anymore, I reminded myself. She broke up with me. It had been two months and I needed to let go. If she didn't care about me, why should I waste my time and energy caring about her?

Not letting it get to me anymore, I simply liked the post before continuing my scrolling. Though I knew that deep down, her face was imprinted in my mind and I still worried for her well-being.

—

The fourth month following our breakup was when I properly saw Wanda again, excluding the times she would duck out of Anna's apartment upon my arrival to care for her. It was also the first time since the breakup that Wanda made the effort to speak to me.

I was sat eating dinner on my day off when I got a call from the hospital nearby, interrupting my meal. The nurse was explaining how Anna had fallen over and hurt her back and was now in a hospital room. She was calling me because she thought I'd like to know since I was her registered nurse and carer. I was glad to get the call, immediately pulling my shoes and coat on and rushing over there to make sure she was okay. She didn't have anyone else apart from Wanda and I – it was no question I had to go.

Though, of course, I didn't really think about the fact that Wanda may be there until I saw her there. I also didn't consider the fact that I was wearing my pyjamas when I stepped in the lift and headed to Anna's floor. Too late now.

After asking the receptionist where Anna's room was, I found Wanda hanging around it outside the door. With only Anna on my mind, I approached her and tried to hide my panic. She spotted me instantly, stopping her pacing and looking to me with tired eyes and a frown on her face.

I didn't care that she looked worried, nor that she was holding up well since we last spoke in anger. I didn't care that she'd dyed her hair a reddish-brown colour, nor that she managed to pull off both that and the whole 'loungewear' look in a place surrounded by blinding white and blue. I didn't care that my heart ached when her green eyes found mine, nor that I missed seeing her so close and not in my dreams for once. I didn't care about any of it. Or, at least, I tried to tell myself that.

"What happened?" I cut straight to the point, stopping in front of her. "Is Anna okay?"

Wanda nodded instantly. "She's fine. She tripped over her dining room chair and hurt her back. The doctors just checked her out and said it's nothing too serious, but she won't be able to walk for a while."

I pressed my lips together, feeling the panic wear off at the sound of good news. Anna had always been more than just a patient to me and the last thing I wanted was to hear she'd hurt herself badly.

"Can I see her?" I asked Wanda, quirking a brow.

"Yeah, of course," Wanda said, before looking away awkwardly. "I was just waiting out here for you. The nurse said you were coming."

I chose to say nothing as I walked past her and into Anna's room, seeing the older woman laying on a hospital bed and staring at the ceiling. When she noticed my presence, she smiled at me and motioned for me to join her side.

"It's so good to see you, milaya (sweetie)," she said happily, as I stopped by her side, "but you didn't have to come! I'm not dying."

I heard Wanda enter the room behind me, but she took a seat on the chairs opposite the bed. Ignoring her, I smiled down at Anna and grabbed her hand.

"Don't say that," I told her gently. "Of course I'm here. You're my number one priority. I had to make sure you were okay!"

Anna waved her hand in typical Anna fashion. "I've suffered worse. I'm absolutely fine."

I knew it was best not to question her, so I didn't.

"I'm glad you're both here," she said, looking between Wanda and I, making me swallow awkwardly.

Since breaking up, I hadn't mentioned it to Anna, but she wasn't stupid and she'd clearly noticed that we weren't spending time together anymore. I didn't know if Wanda had told her, but if she had, Anna never mentioned anything. Like now, she simply looked between us both with a grateful smile, unaware of how awkward we felt.

Thankfully, the awkward silence was interrupted when a doctor walked in the room. After introducing herself, I asked if I could speak to her outside about Anna and she happily obliged. She told me about Anna's condition and how it would affect the way I cared for her, especially regarding her new medication, and I asked anything and everything to make sure she was truly okay. After being reassured that she was, I thanked the doctor and returned to Anna's room, only to find Wanda and Anna in a heated a argument.

I couldn't tell what had got them so fussy as they were bickering in Russian, sentences too fast for me to comprehend with my limited knowledge of the language. It got to a point where Anna began slapping Wanda on the arm, looking angrier than ever, so I stepped between them and pulled Wanda away.

"What the hell is going on here?" I interrupted, holding Anna's slapping hand down to the bed and raising a hand to keep Wanda at bay. I looked between them, seeing the frustration in both their expressions, and asked questioningly, "Well?"

Wanda said nothing, eyes avoiding mine as usual, so I looked down to Anna who was glancing between us before spouting off into another ramble in Russian, trying to grab Wanda so she could yell at her directly. To my annoyance, Wanda tried to push past me, yelling back, and I was unfortunately caught in the middle as I attempted to keep them from ripping each other's throats out.

Thankfully, their bickering came to a halt when an unknown voice called into the room: "What is going on in here?"

I looked to the door, following the mystery voice, and saw a young woman, maybe in her thirties, standing in the doorway and looking between the three of us with confusion. I had no idea who she was, though she seemed familiar. Judging from the confusion Wanda had, she didn't seem to know either.

"Sasha," Anna breathed out with surprise, and then I realised. That was Anna's granddaughter. "What are you doing here?"

[crab-instruments]

Dust in the Wind Part 8 (tbb)

Master <Part 7 Part 9>

Pairing: Hunter x Secret Jedi! Reader (GN)

Rating and warning: General audience, panic/stress (minimal)

Words: 1.5k

a/n: haha well we don't have time to unpack all that finale, so here's an update of this instead. Fresh off the press and yeeted to tumblr. I'm thinking the next update will have some cool stuff. I hope.

Image credit in the notes

When your eyes opened, you laid there for a bit, taking in the events of yesterday and what some sleep had done to clear the mind. You must have slept well, not even remembering the dreams you had or stirring when others got up, as only Hunter and you were left in the bunks. This was based on assumption by reaching out using the Force, at least, as you hadn’t moved an inch yet.

Being with the Batch had made it easy to settle back into your ‘old life’ or maybe just who you really were, a force user. You were becoming more comfortable, but if you were being honest with yourself, that was a scary thought. It would make leaving so much harder.

You slowly started to move, careful to keep quiet, putting your feet on the cold metal floor. The ship buzzed and hummed through your feet, accentuating the dull pain in your muscles, but the pain had an odd nostalgic feel, something you would be used to after a mission.

Echo, Crosshair, and Wrecker were all out in the main cabin as you approached, all still sleepy, though the sniper was better at hiding it.

Echo handed you a cup and you presumed he said something along the lines of ‘mornin’ but your brain was still fuzzy, not used to the amount of sleep you got. You looked at the contents of the cup; caf that had a stale smell to it and enough water to have your reflection look back at you. Still, you drank it all in one go and then turned to back to the Clone who gave it to you. “Thank you, that was the worst caf I’ve ever had, and I’ve never been more grateful for it.”

Echo chuckled; a small smirk spread across his face. “I see you slept well. Surprised to see Sarg still in bed.” You cocked your head, not sure what he was getting at.

“He is usually up first, not able to sleep when people start waking up,” Wrecker filled in.

“It might have something to do with having more people sleeping comfortably,” Tech had walked from the cockpit. “He has said that when there’s more resting heartbeats around him, he is calmer. He was worried about Maxis so possibly having them closer helped him relax.” Tech had kept his voice even when speaking, but it still felt like there was a hint of something.

“What are you—”

“I came back here to let you know we will be landing soon, and someone should wake Hunter.” He turned around before you could address what you wanted.

Echo had grabbed another cup of caf and handed it out for you to take. “Maxis, would you mind? I have a few other things to do and you’re closer.” You squinted your eyes in skepticism at the Clone for a moment, before taking the cup and walking back to the bunks, making a mental note to corner those two and figure out what they were scheming.

Once you crossed the threshold of the room, you slowed down in front of where Hunter was laying. He had fallen asleep on his stomach, his arms under his pillow, and his face turned away from the wall. No bandana in his hair, you could see how thick his locks are, almost a little envious. Really, it suited him, and he knew it. You lowered yourself to the floor, taking a moment to just study his sleeping face. So calm and handsome, in this state you couldn’t see how much the war had taken its toll on him. It was something you could get used to—

“Mesh’la, staring is impolite.” You would never… ever… admit what his sleepy morning voice did to you in that moment. His voice startled you, sloshing some caf onto the floor. He hadn’t yet opened his eyes when he addressed you, but they stared straight through you now.

Say something! “Um… sorry, I didn’t mean… We just… We’re going to be landing soon.” Smooth, about as smooth as this caf.

Hunter chuckled, amused at the effect he had on you in that moment. Slowly he sat up, swinging his legs carefully over the side of the bunk. You had stood up and took a step back to give him space but were still more or less frozen.

“Is… one of those cups for me? Or do you just really enjoy the dirt caf…”

“Oh, right.” You held out the cup, certainly not loving every second he touched your hand. Holy kriff, you needed to get a grip on your life, or you were going to lose your mind. “Uhm, I’ll just…” you looked back to the doorway but then back at him. “Wait, mesh’la?”

A look of surprise took over Hunter’s face for a hot second before a smile took its place. He shook his head, and responded, “It’s Mando’a, I’ll have to teach you some day.” He stood up and walked past you to the main cabin, obviously still avoiding giving a real answer.

“But that doesn’t… what does it mean?” Hunter had already weaved his way through the ship, leaving you wondering. Maybe I’ll ask Tech about the best way to learn a new language.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Under the ship, you checked and cleaned the landing gear. It had seen better days and probably hadn’t even been washed since the Republic. You worked meticulously, finally able to show more of what you could do now that you didn’t have the possibility of needing a quick escape. The soreness that swam through your muscles sang loudly while you focused, it was clear you needed a break.

Two shadows, one much larger than the other, closed in on the area. Omega didn’t need to crouch all that much as she approached, Wrecker waiting by the side of the ship. “Hey Maxis, you should take a break. Wrecker and I were about to go get our Mantell Mix. It’s a tradition, we get some after every mission.”

You stopped working for a moment. “I didn’t really… I wasn’t a part of the mission. But—”

“You protected the ship from four troopers, I’d say that’s enough to get some Mix.” Wrecker said, with a bit of pride.

“Ah yeah, I guess. Let me put this piece back on and we can go.”

Crawling out from the ship, you wiped the dirt of your pants. Something about Ord Mantell always stuck to you though, but that was a part of its charm. Or that’s what you say to convince yourself. You had explored the market a bit, to pick up supplies and replacements for maintenance, but never really experienced it.

As Omega led the way, you asked, “what exactly is Mantell Mix?”

“Only the best treat in the entire galaxy,” Omega looked back at you, very excited.

“Well, when you mostly have rations, anything would be a treat. Very low bar. I think I’m more concerned about the name, Mantell Mix. A mix of what? Grime and overpriced goods?”

“I think adventure and a hint of sweetness is more like it.”

You chuckled. “Always good at the positive spin, Omega. That’s a good quality.” She beamed.

Once the food was acquired, you could only eat so much of it before deciding that Omega had lied about the ‘hint of sweetness’. But you did your best to show gratitude in being included.

The three of you decided to wander around the open-air shops. You ended up looking at some unrefined gems on display. Not something you would usually stop to look at, but something about the display caught your attention. A crystal, somewhat clear but had a red hue, stuck out.

“See something you like?”

“What… is this?” You pointed to the crystal. “And where did you get it?”

“Ahh, I’m not sure. I travel and trade quite a bit, unfortunately, and don’t remember much about every piece. But if it is to your liking, you should have a closer look.” The owner had a creepy facial expression, you were unsure if they were trying to just sell the item or if they had other motives. But what other motives could they have?

You reached for the crystal but could only hold it for a second due to the extreme pain and pressure you felt from it. Another force echo. Luckily, you pushed yourself out of it quick, only getting a brief glimpse of the horrible feeling, but it stuck to you, sitting heavy on your shoulders. A reminder of the past.

It was a kyber crystal, a synthetic one specifically. This one had been used by a Sith or an apprentice of one, having such a dark and evil aura around the force echo. It made you sick and scared. Suddenly, it felt like all eyes were on you, walls closing in. Fear crept into your mind.

“I’m s-sorry, I have to-… to go.” You swiftly made your way back to the Marauder, leaving Omega and Wrecker behind. The corner you hid in after your fight with the troopers felt like the perfect fit for you at that moment. You curled up in a ball as tightly as you could and hummed to yourself.

It took a while, but everyone made their way back and Hunter was discussing about their next mission that would take place in a few rotations.

Part 9

________________________________________________________________

Notes:

Mando'a: I assume if you're reading this, you know, but here's a link anyway.

Synthetic Lightsaber/Kyber crystal: One of my favorite things I learned about lightsabers is that the Sith used synthetic crystals and synthetic crystals are normally red, leading to the Sith having mostly red lightsabers. I don't know if that's still considered canon anymore, but for me it is. Image credit

Tag List: @rintheemolion @xxspqcebunsxx @salamidraws @lokigirlszendaya

If you want to be added to the tag list, just ask in the most convenient way for you or by faxing me a picture of a crab

[21burritoseavey]

you were good to me - daniel seavey

a/n: i hope you enjoy this! let me know if i should do more of these:)

Lyin' isn't better than silence.

Floatin', but I feel like I'm dyin'

Daniel lay on his bed, sprawled out under the sheets as he pulled them slightly over his head again, turning over before sorrowful tears streamed down his face. The morning sun gleamed through the gap of curtains, the only source of light brightening his room. Daniel stared blankly at the wall as he laid on his side, cuddling into the sheets for some sort of comfort. The door opened to reveal Christian, shyly peeking through his room, “you wanna eat something? You haven’t in ages Daniel, this isn’t healthy.” Daniel nestled his head into his pillows further, slightly shaking his head ‘no’.

Still, no matter where I go.

At the end of every road

You were good to me.

You were good to me, yeah.

Christian walked in further, worry written all over his face, “Daniel…” He tried again.

“I can’t believe I let her go, Chris,” Daniel said sadly, slowly lifting his head up.

“Daniel it’s not-” Christian started.

Daniel scrunched his face to keep his tears from flowing, “Can you just leave?” he asked, before resting his head on his pillow tiredly.

Christian sighed sadly before picking up the uneaten plate of food on his desk and leaving. He took one last look at Daniel before slowly closing the door. Christian knew he was hurting badly. Daniel’s saddened face and limp arms were all Christian had to see to know that his brother was silently suffering.

---

I know it's easier to run.

After everything I've done

You were good to me.

Daniel shuffled under the sheets for what felt like the millionth time, turning his body around and flipping his pillow again. He glanced carefully at his alarm clock on his nightstand, ‘3:00’ it read. With all the energy he could muster, he slowly sat up and leaned against the headboard. He looked at the opposite wall, still adorned with polaroids and pictures of him and Y/n. He sighed deeply, gulping down his sobs before reaching for his phone. He shuffled back down in bed and unlocked his phone. A few taps on his phone led him to Instagram, even though he knew it was good for him. Daniel wanted nothing more than to experience just a glimmer of comfort, a warm glimpse at what was once his reality. Daniel scrolled through his feed and was met by a plethora of photos and edits of him and Y/n. His eyes lingered on the particular picture of him and Y/n in their apartment, their “own little space” as Y/n would say. A fresh wave of tears glistened Daniel’s blue eyes as he stared at Y/n’s bright eyes. He shut off his phone as he threw it to the side, returning to the bleak and weary solitude of his current self.

---

Leavin' isn't better than tryin'

Growin', but I'm just growin' tired.

The apartment door unlocked with a raspy noise and Y/n rushed in, dropping the empty boxes from her arms to the floor. She huffed lightly before slowly walking in. The apartment held unmatchable nostalgia, enriched with a wealth of memories and broken dreams. By the front door was a welcome mat, fashioned from antique strings, refined from dirt and grim of shoes - memories of all the adventures they went on together. Y/n took more steps forward, shifting her gaze to the portraits that hung on the wall or the red piano that stood out in the white furbished music room.

Now I'm worried for my soul.

And I'm still scared of growin' old.

You were good to me.

She trudged closer, grazing her fingers over the keys that were infused with memories of Daniel - the countless times he played for Y/n when she was stressed, sad or tired. Y/n lasting gaze welled up tears in her eyes and she quickly walked away to stop them from falling. She picked up the empty cardboard box swiftly, dropping the first things she saw into the box as if to make the process less painful. Y/n hurriedly packed her things and kept her eyes downcast.

And I'm so used to letting go.

But I don't wanna be alone.

You were good to me.

A baby blue frame glimmered in the cluttered mess of their former bedroom and it's shiny exterior caught Y/n’s gaze. It was a photo of her wrapped up in Daniel’s warm arms. She hesitantly picked it up, the aged memory still sparking a light in Y/n’s eyes, causing a great swell of sorrow in her chest. She smiled gently at the memory, letting silent tears roll down her cheeks.

---

God only knows where our fears go.

Hearts I've broke, now my tears flow.

You'll see that I'm sorry.

With an empty house to himself, Daniel trudged slowly out of his bedroom and let himself savour the fresh air. Thoughts whirled around his head as he looked around his home, almost free of all Y/n’s things - her hoodie, her makeup, everything.

And now I'm closin' every door.

'Cause I'm sick of wantin' more.

Daniel still saw the world in greyish blues, the sadness of his life hugged his skin after all those weeks. It became some kind of background noise. Daniel walked back to his bedroom as another ripple of tears pricked the velvet waters of his eyes. Before slouching back on his bed, he took a moment to look at the state of his room. The mess had Daniel sighing tiredly, though he took the time to clean it. He let himself cry and hurt, no longer wanting to carry the heavy weight of suppressed emotions.

Swear I'm different than before.

I won't hurt you anymore.

'Cause you were good to me.

Y/n stepped back before dusting off her hands as she admired her progress. The apartment was nearly empty, almost every corner and crevice was bare. Y/n walked down the stairs with her suitcases in her hands, slowly dropping them at the entrance. She looked back one last time and let the tears fall down her face, before switching off the lights and walking out.

[lumine-no-hikari]

Dear Sephiroth: (a letter to a fictional character, because why not) #51

A friend is coming over today to play Stepmania on my Frankenpad.

I'm excited about this, but also nervous. My house is a neurodivergent one, and it has 5 cats. It looks like a neurodivergent house (as in, clutter everyfuckenwhere), and it smells like there are 5 cats living here. It's not squalid or anything, but… it definitely doesn't look like one of those images you find in Home and Garden magazines.

But maybe it's not entirely necessary for my house to look like it's not inhabited by three neurodivergent people stacked in a trenchcoat trying to pass as a Functional Adult™.

This image sums up our situation nicely, although it's with three people instead of four:

It's not lost on me how lucky I am to have my husbands. I don't know what they see in me, but they keep me around anyway, even though they don't gotta. So I do what I can to deserve them both.

I feel a little better today than I did yesterday. Before bed, I rehydrated with a big glass of warm milk. Warm milk is a nice thing because it doesn't matter how awful or wired or antsy or tense I feel; 20 minutes after I'm finished drinking it, I become super sleepy, and then I'm out like a light. Works every time, for reasons I don't fully understand. Maybe if you ever have trouble sleeping, you can give it a try.

In any case. In order to prepare for today, I made myself some green tea and it was very good. And then I went to the grocery store, both to get ingredients to make pumpkin soup for the weekend (I'll write a letter about this process for you when I begin to make it, don't worry!), and to get supplies to make nachos for everybody tonight. I took a few pictures of my grocery store adventures for you; it was a lot less crowded today. Here:

This is canned pumpkin. I have to get it canned because fresh pumpkin is out of season where I live until next autumn. But that's okay; this stuff is pretty good too:

Here's some heavy cream. This is the basis for any bisque, which is what I am trying to make for my friends this weekend, because, sadly, I cannot make it for you:

And here is some cream cheese, which will also be added to the soup for extra decadence:

And here's a starfruit. Because I adulted today, and that means I deserve a little treat!

The sticker says "carambola", because it's also called that. I like "carambola" better as a word to describe this fruit; it rolls off the tongue better. Try it: "ka-RAHM-bo-la"; it's fun, isn't it?? Haha! 😁

...But then nobody knows what I'm talking about when I say "carambola", so "starfruit" is just easier if I want to be understood. 😅

Maybe it's a little weird, but… in service to the notion that you'd like a normal life, I wish I could bring you to the grocery store and show you all the things and all the best ways to pick stuff out. And I'd step up to anyone who even so much as looks at you funny for your height, build, albinism, long hair, or wing, if it's out. I'd kick them right in their stupid shins and yell at them to get lost before I get REALLY mad and introduce my knuckles to their face at an unpleasant velocity. I'm only 5'8" to your 6'7", but still I can get pretty scary when I gotta! I'd have your back, don't you worry. I'd protect you from anything. It'd be fine. You'd be safe with me; I'd make sure of it.

In any case. You remember that bison and venison I got from my last trip to the grocery? I had intended to use that for making the nachos today. I'm eager to see how it'll turn out. Oh, and I gotta grate some cheese, too; I almost forgot. Thanks for reminding me (I know you didn't really, but it's fun to pretend)! 😜

I have since cooked up the bison and venison, and grated up three different kinds of cheese. Check 'em out:

I was surprised that bison and venison taste so similar. It's almost like beef, but not really. I mixed the three different kinds of cheese into a great big bowl, so the prep work for making nachos later is complete. I already have some chopped veggies and some guacamole and something kinda like sour cream, so it's good to go!

Since writing the last paragraph, we picked up my friend and we played a lot of Stepmania on my awesome Frankenpad! I even managed to snag a video of me on it that I think isn't too terrible! Here:

Certainly, my balance and stamina aren't what they used to be; it's been a lot of years since last I used to do this with any sort of consistency. But that's okay! This was one of my favorite Expert Mode songs; the rhythm with which you're supposed to use your feet is a lot of fun for this one, and I remember when this used to be a "warm-up" tune for me, haha! I'm hoping that if I continue to do it, I'll improve again, over time.

You know? I bet you'd probably be really good at this. I imagine you must have crazy amounts of stamina, and I imagine your sense of rhythm must be impeccable. I wonder which songs you'd gravitate towards. I wish you could play together with me and my friends; I think you might have a lot of fun with it, once you get used to it, and it would be great to see you smiling and having a good time.

In any case, afterwards we ate nachos!! We filled bowls with chips, ground meat, and cheese, and then heated it up in the microwave! It's not fancy, but it's certainly effective! Check it out!

After that, you add your cold things. I had guacamole, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and the sort-of-sour-cream. Here's what it looked like when the bowl was fully assembled:

And just like that, you add a few juicy veggies and you have a healthy bowl of awesome tastiness! Woot, woot!

We had an amazing time and lots of delightful conversation. I think you'd like this person a lot if you met her. She's very smart and she has a lot of insightful things to say. I'm looking forward to the next time I get to spend time with her.

...I wish you could have been here for any of this. I think you could feel safe and at home and cared for and like you have family at my house. After the hellish upbringing I had, I have, with help, done my best to shape myself into someone who is wholesome and safe, and to shape my home into a place that is wholesome and safe. I know that you could be welcome here. I know that with enough time and patience, you'd adjust to the peace, because you have a smart brain and a flexible mind. You could chill where the kind people and the tasty snacks and the fun things are, and you'd never have to wonder if you belong, because you would. Because you do. Because you always have, regardless of how you came into being, and regardless of what anyone else has tried to tell you. You belong, and you deserve good and wholesome things.

But I guess writing to you about it and sending you videos and pictures is the best I can do; I'm sorry about that - I really, truly am. I hope somehow that any of this might reach you and move you, but... I don't imagine that it will. But I also can't stop myself from trying against all odds anyways, for better or for worse, haha.

You can have this, you know - this simple life, and any of the lovely and good things I've been trying to show you (and will keep trying to show you). All you have to do is make a different choice. All you have to do is take the hands outstretched to you. All you have to do is open your ears and your mind to the kind words being spoken towards you. All you have to do is turn your face back to the light. I'll be over here until you do, singing a little song for you, and weaving a little handicraft, as I always do.

So... please stay safe until you're ready, okay? Please remember that you're loved and cared for. Please make good, kind, and brave choices.

I'll write to you again tomorrow.

Your friend, Lumine

[hitozy]

have you ever ‹ masterlist › denouement

tw! manipulation, mentioned underage sex, dubious consent, cheating. i also want to point out that reader is around 2-3 years younger than Iwaizumi, while Jae and Iwa are the same age. ps. this is a long chp :)

𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞

Iwaizumi has no idea of what has possessed him tonight. He doesn't know why he's walking around the city in the middle of the night a day before he should be on his way home.

He doesn't know why after the celebration he didn't follow his teammates. He doesn't know why he has barely answered your texts since after the game.

He also doesn't know why he agreed to go and see Jae, to hear her out.

He's been doing fine so far, seven months Jae clean and while the first three were bumpy; your company had made it easier to deal with. Your cheerfulness, your happiness, the adventures you've both have been planning have taken his mind off the broken heart he was nursing.

She continued to contact him, even when he begged her not to and blocking her phone was no use, she just got a new one and tried again and again. His resolve was diluted and he knew it would be a matter of time before he fell into his old habits.

lil jae: congrats on the win haji! let me invite you to a drink, im in town.

-

Iwaizumi recalls an old memory from back in high school, a few weeks before moving to California, you were sitting on his bed helping him organize his suitcase with 'essentials'. His clothes all over the place but as always, you showed enthusiasm at helping him out.

He remembers you giggling and calling him a dork while folding his Godzilla themed underwear and placing it inside his suitcase. He remembers the way you hummed some songs that you had just placed on your shared playlist because 'it's kinda your style' and it kinda is. He even remembers what you were wearing, a pair of black running shorts and a blue tank top. When you reached over the edge of his bed for his fallen socks, your cleavage was visible to his eyes, 'If a man ever peers down his shirt', he thought, 'I'll kill him without hesitating.'

But what he remembers the most is you pulling out an old shoe box from under said bed, a shoe box that held his most treasured things. Pictures from his childhood that matched the ones on your bedroom wall, doddles from your hand, your favorite flowers pressed inside a copy of your favorite book, short stories and poems, snippets of stories never finished from you. He'll never forget your teary eyes and happy smile when he took the box from you, emptying the contents carefully inside his backpack. The hug you gave him afterward still sets his heart on fire, nothing has ever been more lovely than you and your happy smile.

He also remembers Jae coming into his room right during your hug, wearing an empty smile on her face, her eyes red and raging. He's only ever seen her this mad whenever he's with you and he still doesn't get it.

She stay's to "help" when in reality all she does is glare at yn the whole time. It helps that you don't even mind the glares or the bad mood, joking that 'Jae's grumpy because we couldn't go to the movies today'.

It was late afternoon when you left, Iwaizumi had given you a bag filled with some of his stuff - things he knew you loved and adored, things he couldn't take. He watched you get inside your parents car and wave him goodbye, even though you both knew he'd be coming through your window in a few hours for movie night.

He remembers when he came back inside to find Jae naked on his bed. How angry she was and how she took it out on sex, the tension so palpable he could taste it. Once it was over, she walked towards his backpack and pulled out all of YN's things and that's when it clicked. She was mad because he was taking stuff about YN and not her, she made it clear when Jae told him, 'What the fuck is this.'

-

He remembers that hours later, he finds himself in your room squeaky clean and wearing nothing but his sweatpants and socks, his back against your front with his head against your breasts. He hadn't told you that Jae broke up with him, but he knew you had figured out he was sad because your arms cradled him since he got situated there and had not moved since.

How Jae said she wouldn't move with him in the end. How she had decided to stay in Japan and have him go to California all alone in the end, just because she wanted him to. How he begged her to come, to stay with him, to not leave him and how he watched her get dressed to go home. How she winked at him as she left with a, "Call me once you're in Cali."

How she only wants to go out when she knows he has plans with you. How she only cares about him when you're around or how messed up and used he feels ever since she took his virginity during your 14th birthday party.

He feels disgusting sometimes after sex with Jae, disgusted with himself on how wrong it is but how much he loves her still.

He didn't have to say any of that to you, the kiss on the forehead you just gave him eased it all away anyway.

-

He remembers all of this while he's kissing Jae in her hotel room, her dress and underwear discarded somewhere in the room, his cock buried deep inside of her like a starved man, Her nails racking down his chest from his unbuttoned shirt as she moaned at the feeling.

When Jae separates herself from him with half lidded eyes, she smirks, "I bet my little cousin can't even kiss right, the little virgin." She kisses the column of his neck, grazing her teeth against the skin, getting ready to mark him as hers and even though he doesn't agree with her, he stays quiet.

A memory burst through his mind as he pounds into Jae. The way your sighed his name when he settled himself inside of you, the way your nails scratched his back when he hit your G-spot, the way you moaned when his thumb circled your clit; your gummy, tight walls griped him as you came, with his name on your lips. Your soft, pillow lips that have only been his, only kissed him.

"Be safe out there, Hajime! I'll be waiting for you!" She smiled as she kissed him goodbye by the front door.

He turned to deepen the kiss, pulling her closer to him like a starved man, "Don't worry, I'm not gonna runaway, mochi."

As he walked down the steps of his house, he heard her say "I miss you already."

It's then that Iwaizumi snaps out of it.

He pushes her off of him and steps back until his back is against the wall, feeling disgusted with himself in a way he hasn't since they broke up.

"I can't do this, I won't do this, I-" he pushes himself off the wall, tucking himself in and picking up his stuff, "Never again, Jae."

Jae watches him leave, a sinister smile spreading across her face. Her gaze steady as his figure disappears into the night, "If you think you can just up and go, Haji, you are very mistaken."

She walks to where she hid her phone and chuckles as she presses send, "Lets see what my little cousin has to say, hmm?"

-

Iwaizumi was worried, it wasn't normal for you to not answer his calls or texts. He was on the road back home with the team, their ruckus would usually give him a headache, but right now? Right now he can't focus on anything except the little 'unread' mark at the bottom of his last text to you.

my one: mochi? r u ok? im on my way back home

-

He didn't expect to come back home and find you in the living room in silence. Your eyes rimmed red and puffy from crying, you didn't have to say anything for him to know what had happened.

Jae told you.

He wish he could be surprised, but Jae had been nothing but a devil all this time and he can't believe he never saw it until now. Until he married you, an angel.

"Mochi, I'm sorry. I'm very very sorry, please talk to me." He knelt at your feet, his hands on your knees trying to get you to look at him. His guilt crashing down brick by brick, he should have never gone out to see her.

"I know this means nothing to you, mochi. But I'll never see her again, only when its a family reunion or you're with me."

Silence.

"There is no excuse, but yn, please, look at me, let me explain."

She pushes him off a bit, without much force as if her sadness took away all her strength and his heart clenched. How could he do this to his best friend? Lie and lie, again and again and again.

YN-”

“No, STOP! You- you got your say, now it’s my turn.” She's shaking and her breaths are short. She's starting to have a panic attack.

I get up and advance towards her slowly, “YN you need to calm down. Here,” I place my hand on her back, “let me-”

She pushes me off, her back towards me, “Please, don’t touch me. Please, please, please.” She's sobbing and its hurts so so much.

It hurts, it hurts, it hurts.

“Remember your breathing exercises, mochi. In and out. In…”

Eventually her breathing normalizes but she still won't look at me and it takes all of my strength to not touch her.

“All I ever wanted was for you to love me, Hajime.”

Whoever said words can never hurt someone, has never been in my place. She just stabbed me without a knife and its more painful than I ever imagined.

“I wanted you to love me, to see me as your wife, as a woman but you didn’t. You don’t and I- it hurts so much.”

“But, mochi, you said you would marry me so we didn’t end up with strangers.”

“I know.”

“Then why-”

“I lied. I’ve loved you since the moment you came into my life. I’ve loved you for years, even before Jae came into the picture. I’ve loved you so so so much, I love you so much.”

“… you know about Jae? Since when?!” I made the mistake of reaching out for her, she pushed me back and said nothing. The dread of her knowing, of her finding out before today makes me sick.

“If you knew then why did you marry me!? Did you think I would change? That my feelings would change? You know I’m not like that.”

“I do know. I- thought that maybe-, but then it was clear that nothing would change but, I made a promise to you and I said it in our vows.”

“YN-”

“I know the mistake is mine. I know what all the blame is mine to take, I know it and I accept it. I’m sorry, Hajime, that’s me that you have to stay with.”

She finally turns to look at me, but I wish she hadn't. The tears are flowing steadily down her cheeks to her neck. I did this to her, I hurt her again and again, without thinking. No, without watching. Because if I had paid attention to her like Jae did, I might have seen it sooner.

“We could get a divorce, you know. That way you can stop getting hurt. Stop your heart from breaking. You don’t deserve this.”

“It’s okay. I- I give you permission to do it, to break my heart forever.”

“…What?”

She takes my hand, and in-between the tears she smiles at me as if her heart wasn't breaking in two. As if I didn't shatter her dreams for a few sloppy seconds, “It’s okay, I know what I signed up for, I knew it from the beginning. I guess I just didn’t want to accept it. So go ahead, break my heart, break it into a million pieces! I give you permission, Iwaizumi Hajime, please just - don’t leave me.”

I can't say anything, what am I supposed to say? My sweet, sweet girl is hurt and damaged and all she wants is for me to stay. I feel disgusted in a way I never did with Jae, because instead of being used, I am using her.

I bring her into my arms, and say the only words that have actual meaning between us, "I love you, mochi."

"I- I'll do better, I promise. Please YN," He gripped her shoulders tightly, "Please forgive me, I'll do whatever just, I'm so sorry, baby."

He can feel the tears spilling onto his shirt, a scorching pain expanding through his chest at the consequences of his actions. He hurt the one person who didn't deserve it, who he promised to keep safe and happy.

"Hajime, please take a bath, I wanna sleep without the smell of Jae."

His heart dropped at her words, he forgot that he had just upped and left from Jae's, only changing his clothes for comfort. His skin still smelled like her. As he separated from her, he kissed her forehead, "Join me?"

-

He laid on the bed with her hours later, her head on his chest where he could see her puffy eyes. She had washed him thoroughly to the point were he thought she had scrubbed him raw, and he couldn't blame her - he wanted to do the same since the beginning.

He pulled her closer, practically on top of him and felt her heartbeat against his own. He had done something terrible and he needed to fix it, fix this. So he needed to take the first step.

to lil jae: for someone who says they love me, u sure like to make me miserable. i don't know why u hate yn so much and tbh i don't care anymore. i don't want to see u or talk to u ever again. if u contact me, i'm gonna get a restraining order, jae. i can't do this anymore.

to lil jae: goodbye jae.

do you wish to block this number?

yes.

Remorse is memory awake, Her companies astir,— A presence of departed acts At window and at door.

Its past set down before the soul,         And lighted with a match, Perusal to facilitate Of its condensed despatch.

Remorse is cureless,—the disease Not even God can heal;         For ’t is His institution,— The complement of hell.

Remorse is memory awake - Emily Dickinson

taglist ! @daphnxy @zukoslosthishonor​ @i-am-a-hoe-for-shinya @mrsdoradominguez-barnes @anejuuuuoy

a/n! *hands you all this and runs* i'll see you soon for chp11~

but in all seriousness, i wrote this chapter with my heart on my sleeve. love is truly the strongest curse and for it to be unrequired? imagine it.

now, i'm off to write the next part! and i am sorry :) ♥

[sometimesiwrite]

Just a Scratch

B I N G O ! 

Prompt: It’s Just a Scratch

Pairing: Lambert/Aiden; Eskel & Lambden; Implied Geralt/Eskel 

Rating: Teen 

Summary: Lambert and Aiden are moving to start the next leg of their adventure together. Eskel sees them off.

Warnings: Modern AU; bittersweet; friends leaving; implied COVID distancing A/N: For Ben & Jemma

@witcher-rarepair-summer-bingo @continentcakeshop @morethangeraskier​

Read it on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/33145900

“All set?” Eskel asked, squishing in one final duffel bag into the footwell and backing himself out of the rear door of Aiden’s VW Golf. Anya, Lambert and Aiden's husky mix, dozed sleepily in the back seat despite the excitement, having been rudely awoken at 6:30am to confusedly do her business.

“That’s it,” Aiden shrugged, letting the trunk close with a dull, satisfying thud. He opened his arms questioningly, and Eskel wasted no time pulling him into an affectionate squeeze, touching his hand to the back of Aiden’s head before pulling away. 

“You take care of yourself. Let me know when you make your first stop, alright? Anything goes wrong, just let me know.” 

“We’ll call you from the hotel,” Aiden reassured as he flipped the car keys over his finger.

“I still say we can make it to Port Hope by the end of the day if we push it.” Lambert was tucked under the hood, giving the car one final check for fluid levels (tyre pressure had already been meticulously checked earlier that morning).

Aiden tilted his head, “That’s if you drive and unfortunately the highway patrol doesn’t care about fuel efficiency if you’re going ten over the speed limit.” He ambled his way over behind Lambert to get a cheeky eye-full of his favourite view, “Besides, I need you to put that sexy brain of yours to work for navigation.”

“Oi! Gerroff!” Lambert protested and Aiden backed away, but not before getting in a perfectly resonant smack. “If you had it your way, you horny old bastard, we’d be stopping every two hours to—”

 Eskel pointedly cleared his throat, scratching his head as he met Aiden’s eyes with a mixture of amused pride and endearing awkwardness that Aiden had so quickly grown to love. He would miss Eskel. They'd gotten close over the last five years, close enough that they had become friends of their own—each keeping the other company when Lambert or Geralt was out of town, planning surprises... 

Aiden's proposal had gone perfectly, their crowning achievement of mutual scheming. Lambert didn't even try to deny the fact that he'd cried like a baby—candles, dusk, his favourite hiking trail, champaign. Even Anya had behaved herself. That is, until she decided her owners had been embracing for too long and not paying nearly enough attention to her. Eskel had offered to edit that part out of the video, but Lambert insisted on keeping it in—"What's a special moment without our favourite dingus. Isn't that right, Anya? Are you a dingus? Yes! Yes you are!" 

“Not gonna miss us at all, are ya, big guy?” The hood latched heavily as Lambert wiped his hands and stowed the oil rag in the passenger's side door next to the Stanadyne.

"You kiddin'? I'm gonna miss you like hell. C'mere." Eskel wrapped Lambert in a bear bug that nearly crushed his goddamn ribs. 

"Easy, Eskel, Jesus I gotta breathe!" 

"Sorry," Eskel eased off, but he didn't let go. There hadn't been enough hugs in the last year. The last few months had barely made up for it, and now there would be far fewer. More dinners over Skype, more sporadic phone calls, occasional texts... watching his and Aiden's life unfold over Instagram and Facebook. But at least they would be happy, Eskel told himself. At least they were starting the next stage of their lives together with an adventure they'd remember forever. This was important for them. And yet the chill, damp fog of isolation was already creeping in around Eskel. Even as he held Lambert close to him and swallowed tears he'd save for later. 

One final squeeze and a pat on the back, and Lambert turned to get in the car, tossing a treat to Anya as he settled in. Aiden gave Eskel a final peck on the cheek, "Take care of yourself, alright? Don't be a stranger. Call, text, whatever. We're always happy to hear from you. Promise?"

Eskel nodded soberly, "I will. Thanks, Aiden." 

"We'll skype when we get to the new place. I want you to see it before it gets cluttered with boxes. We could even do dinner or—"

Eskel waved a hand, "We'll figure something out. Just get there in one piece, and send pictures. I'm not worried." 

Aiden smiled warmly, "Good. Good." A heavy exhale, "Alright, well..." 

"I hate to interrupt the bleeding hearts moment, but we've got commuter traffic piling up on the 606 as we speak! Get your gorgeous butt in the car, we gotta move!"

Aiden took a beat, "Yes dear!" 

"Okay, Anya! You be good!" Eskel gave the chocolate-and-caramel pup one last scritch behind the ears and closed the rear door just in time for the stereo to start playing Journey.

The car rolled down the driveway and Eskel watched until it disappeared over the hill past the stop sign. When the gravelly diesel purr was finally drowned out by late summer cicadas, Eskel sat heavily on the front steps with his coffee. He couldn't bring himself to open the door and go back inside. Something about the stark emptiness of a home previously occupied with guests made the aimless silence too loud. Besides, robins and cardinals were better than daytime tv for company. Finally, Eskel rested his forehead against his thumbs and let the wave of emotion breach the dam.

Shedding tears was something Eskel usually associated with significant pain—rage, grief, remorse, indignation—an open wound that took time and tending to heal. This wasn't like that, though. This was a scratch. Simple, uncomplicated pain: he was sad. Eskel couldn't remember the last time he'd cried because he was just... sad. Decades ago, he imagined, though he couldn't pinpoint a specific moment. It was something children did before emotions became more complicated. But here he was, sitting on his front steps, crying because he was sad. Eyes streaming, hot and wet down his cheeks because his friends were leaving. Just a scratch.

He felt silly, crying over something so inconsequential— and a man as touch-needy as Eskel, bearlike as he was, was left with the sinking feeling that, aside from Geralt, he might not touch another person for a rather long time.

It's not that they didn't have friends, of course, and he would talk to them later that night. He was helping to plan their wedding for chrissake, it's not like they would never speak again. But proximity to other people was something that had grown increasingly scarce, and Eskel—bearlike as he was—had the sinking feeling that, aside from Geralt, he might not touch another person for a while. 

Lambert and Aiden had an uncomplicated relationship with affection that always freed Eskel from the burden of second-guessing the odd touch to a shoulder or elbow. So many others had different personal spaces, many of which had expanded recently. Eskel was happy to respect, and accommodate, but Eskel always felt most himself when he could be affectionate with the people he cared about, and with those two gone, it suddenly felt as though a part of his identity was being forced back into shadow and shyness.

Eskel felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and he sniffed loudly before answering. "Yup? Geralt, hi. Yeah, they just-just left. I'm ok-I'm okay. You know. Goodbyes are never easy. How's the conference? Heh. Good, good. Tell him I send my regards... Listen, I should get to work. No, I’m okay, I'll call you later... Will do. I l— I love you, too, hon. Buh-bye.” 

Eskel hung up the phone and stared quietly at the bird feeder for a few more minutes before going back inside, feeling as though something in the cosmos had shifted.