#Love the way I drew Nik my god

[nekrosmos]

Wanting to spend some time with your man VS immediately falling asleep against his shoulder because you just came back from an op, a John Price story ✌️

Lineart version under the "keep reading" as a little bonus because it slaps

[practically-an-x-man]

Are there any in jokes or references in any of your fics people seem to be missing that you wish they'd notice and ask you about?

Thank you so much for the ask!!

Talk Shop Tuesday

Oh, SO many! There are so many references in my fics, I can't help myself! It's just how my brain fits things together, and I think it's fun. There's no way I could remember all of them off the top of my head (especially not at midnight, lol), but here's a few that are notable to me.

During the chapter of WWFA? where the tablet shows Ahk a vision of himself with his family, and later a vision of Katherine as a young teen, there are a few references. One is along the lines of "the dead do not sleep", and it's meant as a reference to a scene in Warm Bodies in which the main character (a zombie) sleeps and imagines his love interest and her friends all musing about him. Then, in the scene with Katherine, one of her bullies goes "Polka-Dots saves the day. What a joke." in response to seeing a comic book she drew herself - this is a double-reference to my beloved Suicide Squad, with the Polka-Dots line being a tie to Polka Dot Man and the "what a joke" being the final line in a fight scene between Rick and Peacemaker. That reference doesn't really have much weight for the story itself, it's just a fun little superhero reference since Katherine is also a comics nerd.

In one of the first chapters of Catch and Release, it's revealed that the Star Wars movies don't exist in Ophelia's universe - because Harrison Ford acted in Raiders of the Lost Ark with Alfred Molina, who plays Doc Ock, which causes a bit of a paradox. It's more a joke, since the MCU crosses their wires with Star Wars and other franchises anyway, but I thought it was funny

There are several MacGyver references in Smoke and Mirrors, particularly once Madison is given a multitool as a birthday gift - Lucas Till played both the reboot MacGyver and Havok, the main love interest in the fic

There are a lot of references to American Gods in Desert Song, since it's Quinn's favorite book, but one of the subtler ones is the line "had met the ground like an ex-convict meets his wife after a long stint in prison - gracelessly and with passion". This is a reference to how the book starts, with the main character Shadow eager to see his wife after being released from his prison sentence.

In Heartstrings, Kyle and Jasper are discussing middle names, and Jasper realizes they never chose a new middle name after they came out as trans. Kyle suggests "Django" as a joke - which is, in the X-Men comics, Quicksilver's middle name (though I can never figure out if it's legit or if he's joking) and Evan Peters plays both characters

In Sunshine, one of my Jasper/Kyle sidepieces, there's some description about how Kyle feels after he's been brought back to life - namely, how he feels like he still smells vaguely like death, and how he feels like he's not as warm as he should be. The first part is pulled vaguely from Pet Sematary, where the animals and people that come back are described to have this lingering smell of grave dirt. The second part is another Warm Bodies reference- what can I say? They're my favorite books, and the pinnacle of undead romance.

Obviously all of The Facts Were These (one of my Nik/Abner pieces) is based on Pushing Daisies and is aware of it, but one of the subtle details is that Abner's attempts to woo Nikoletta are lines from the show. For example, his first line is "Care to dance?" which is meant to be an echo of a scene where Ned and Chuck slowdance while wearing beekeeper suits (I want to say it's season 1 episode 2?)

Also in my Nikoletta pieces, there's a long-running Goonies reference: in the first piece I wrote for her, it's described that "they'd find her swinging from a water pipe before they put a power dampener on her", which is effectively the prison scene in Goonies. Then, in Pit of Vipers, Adrian makes a similar reference about that scene when referring to Abner - not only a callback to that first Nikoletta pieces, but a callback to Adrian Chase in the Peacemaker show, where he describes a bunch of inmates as "Sloth-from-Goonies-looking motherfuckers" just before a big fight scene.

And honestly, I'm putting a whole separate section for all the X-Men references in my 6 Underground fics, because... there's a lot

In Nom De Guerrre, AJ questions why One picked "Worthington" as his (canon) code name in one of the scenes, and he responds "Uncanny X-Men #134" - not Angel's first appearance by any means, but it sounded more interesting than just "X-Men #1"

In Desert Song, Quinn's quipping with One and he responds "I swear to God I'll sew your mouth shut" - that's a reference to the X-Men Origins version of Deadpool, who has his mouth sewn shut. Wolverine even says "Looks like somebody finally found a way to shut you up" in the movie

Also in Desert Song, during Quinn's origin flashback where she meets Billy for the first time, he sits down in the alley with her and she "looks at him like he'd just grown a pair of wings". Why a pair of wings instead of the more traditional "like he'd grown a second head"? Well, Ben Hardy played both Billy and Angel. I reference that a lot, but so do the writers of the actual movie, so we're even.

Since One's actual name is never revealed in the actual movie, I have a bit of fun with it in my fics. In Nom De Guerre, his real name is Logan - Wolverine reference, of course. And in Desert Song, it's Nathan Christopher - referencing Cable, AKA Nathan Christopher Summers. In both fics, the other characters are aware of those being comic characters and poke a little fun at him for it.

This one's in reverse, but in my X-Men fic A Love Once New (which features Angel, of course), there's a reference about how Rae lives on the fourth floor of her apartment complex and only "a parkour genius or- well, Warren" (since he has wings) could get to her balcony from the back side. Did parkour exist as a concept in the 80s? Not a clue. But the reference was worth a little anachronism.

And... yeah, there's so many more than just these. If I combed through all of my writing, I'd have hundreds of little hidden references to books, movies, comics, you name it. I love planting in those little references and details even if nobody ends up noticing them. Maybe somewhere out there I've got a reader who's a nerd in the same way I am, and smiles when they notice those little details. I can hope lol.

[tvdiaries-imagines]

Old Flame: Pt. 17

Warnings: Cursing, tobacco use

Word Count: 4694 (the longest chapter so far!)

OLD FLAME MASTERLIST: CLICK HERE

-

“WHERE IS SHE?!” 

Klaus roared throughout the courtyard, furious that you are nowhere to be found after you successfully snapped his neck. The moon was out the last time he’s seen you but waking up, the moon had disappeared and now it’s daylight. He usually wouldn’t have woken up this late from a simple snapped neck, but you took a page out of his book and stuck a vile of vervain in his system after successfully finding his vervain collection.

Hayley and Jackson were across the way on the second floor, having a quiet chat beside the railing. “Who?” Hayley asked, puzzled.

“Y/N!” Klaus shouted, fuming as he’s glancing around the vicinity.

Kol stepped out of one of the rooms on the second floor after hearing a frantic original. Hayley and Jackson stepped inside the nearest room, figuring Kol could handle Klaus. “I thought she was with you, Nik?” Kol brought up.

“Apparently, she said she was fine last night.” Klaus raced towards his brother who sauntered inside the bedroom he’s occupying during his stay. “Then she snapped my bloody neck and disappeared with the stake.” He retrieved his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed your number. After a couple rings, he nearly cursed after being sent to voicemail. It wasn’t a surprise to him since almost every time you’re in a dire situation, your phone is never answered. But, Klaus figured he’d try. 

“What happened to her when I left to speak to Esther?” Klaus asked, jaw clenched. 

“If I tell you, give me your word that you won’t be cross with me.” Kol eyed him anxiously. 

“What did you do?” Klaus muttered in an alarming tone.

“All I did for Y/N was a favor. I had no control of how she’d react.”

“Spit it out, brother. What is it?”

“She was worried about her friend, Kai Parker.” Kol answered. “Figured Esther was behind it, so she requested I find out. Turns out, mother sent him to a prison world and there’s no fixing it.”

“And that’s the reason for her lunacy?” The hybrid’s nostrils flared in aggravation.

“It is.” 

“Good riddance. I don’t know what Y/N sees in that imbecile.” Irritation pricked at him.

To add even more stress, an angry Finn Mikaelson immediately walked in, magically breaking one of the vases on the table. “Where is she?”

“Finn, please, join us.” Klaus said with blatant mockery. 

“Don’t make me ask again.” Finn sneered. 

“I assume you’re referring to our mother. Fear not, she’s tucked away somewhere perfectly safe.” Klaus added. “You’ll never find her.”

“You think you’ve won. Let’s see how long that arrogance lasts, brother.” Finn glared at his brothers before turning around and marching away with heavy steps.

Klaus tried reaching you again but was sent to voicemail. That alone ticked him off and he was close to throwing his cell phone at the brick wall. 

“I’m going to find Y/N. You’re coming with me, Kol.” Klaus made his way out of the bedroom in lengthy steps.

“Oh, splendid.” Kol responded back, trailing behind his brother.

Reaching the courtyard, there were a handful of Hayley’s wolf allies and Marcel’s group of vamps gathered together. Klaus is aware that it’s Hayley and Marcel’s attempt for them to make a truce for the bigger picture.

“Klaus, stop!” Hayley blurted, Klaus and Kol stopped in their tracks.

“Finn spelled all of the exits. We can’t leave.” Marcel added.

Klaus put a palm up at eye view, slowly reaching out until his skin sizzled against the spelled blockade, letting out a faint groan from the affliction. He threw his healing hand down to his side and shifted his view to his youngest brother, expression hardened. “Fantastic.” Klaus muttered sarcastically.

(Meanwhile…)

After disappearing into the night, you booked a suite at the Ritz-Carlton. You’re aware that Klaus has plenty of connections, so you assured that you didn’t put a card on file in case he traces it. Instead, you compelled the staff to allow you to stay for free. You even took extra precautions and showed them a photo of Klaus so that if he ever steps foot into the Ritz-Carlton, they’ll notify you right away.

Having your humanity off so far has been dandy because you had no care in the world. If you were your normal self, there’s no doubt that you would be following Klaus around like a lost puppy during one of his missions and the thought made you sick to your stomach right now.

You woke up this afternoon to your suite nearly trashed from the little party you decided to throw last night because you gathered a handful of good looking people from bourbon street and plenty of liquor to keep you inebriated throughout the night. A man and a woman stayed overnight, thanks to your compulsion. You knew you’d be famished this afternoon and fresh blood ultimately did the trick for you. 

After an incredible shower and devouring your sinful snacks, you compelled your victims to bandage up their wrists and be on their way. Housekeeping began tidying up your suite after you made your way out.

Though your craving for blood is fulfilled, you desired a hot bowl of gumbo, so you threw on your sunglasses and trekked through the quarter, crossing your fingers that your pesky beau isn’t looking high and low for you in the area. Your heels clicked along the cement, wearing your best black dress sitting pretty just above your knees.

Gumbo Shop was what you decided on and the friendly host sat you down at a table inside, farthest away from the windows. She did as expected by leaving a menu with you and handing you off to a server.

Within the hour, all of your cravings are satisfied so you left a generous tip for your server and went on your merry way. You weren’t sure what you planned to do next, so you allowed the city to decide for you. A street performer captured your attention so you stopped to observe. 

Out of the blue, you spot Finn Mikaelson nearly walking past you in a rush. “Hi Finn. Why are you always so glum?” You teased, brow raised. He put a halt to his steps, hands behind his back. He wore a dark suit, the jacket fully unbuttoned.

“No use in going home anytime soon, dear Y/N.” He implied arrogantly. “Nobody can get in or out, thanks to my spell.”

“I wasn’t planning on it, but alright.” In the blink of an eye, Finn strolled away. “Change of plans I guess.” You smirked.

(Later…)

Entering through the gates of the compound, you discovered over a dozen people in the courtyard. It seemed like they were not enjoying themselves whatsoever. There were a few familiar faces as well, including Marcel, Josh and Hayley. You wondered if Klaus or Kol managed to get trapped here as well since they weren’t in the space from what you can see. Your presence seemed to catch everyone’s attention though.

“Don’t you all look cozy.” Your haughty tone was obvious. 

“Y/N wait!” Marcel alerted. “Don’t take another step. Finn put up a boundary spell.”

“Thanks for the heads up Marcel. But I already knew that. I bumped into Finn earlier.” 

“But you came anyway?” Marcel raised a brow in suspicion. 

You shrugged your shoulders in response, leaning against the wall close enough to the invisible barrier. Once everyone else besides Marcel realized that you were no help in freeing them, they were no longer interested in your presence and went back to sulking.

“Ah I see.” He came to a realization. “You’re here to gloat. Why?”

“There you are.” Klaus appeared from the shadows. His edge of irritation returned and drew a scowl over his face.

“Here I am.” You were feeling exceptionally smug. While examining your fingernails, you planned to get a manicure after this foolish conversation.

“Where the bloody hell have you been?”

You showed uninterest without any eye contact as you pulled a cigarette and lighter from your purse. You placed the toxic stick in between your lips, lighting the end of it and taking a puff effortlessly as if you’ve always been a smoker. Klaus glared at your repulsive act.

“I’ve been around.” You responded after exhaling, finally making eye contact with the hybrid.

“Care to explain why you felt it was necessary to render me unconscious for hours on end and then scurry off to god knows where.” With a brisk elevator look, he motioned a nagging hand at you. Klaus was displeased with your outfit choice without him there to claw the eyes out of every man that looks at you with hungry eyes.

He almost asked you about the whereabouts of the white oak stake, but he remembered that there are ears around that he doesn’t trust. 

“The thought of having to explain to you bores me.” You fake yawned. “So I don’t think I will.” 

“Something’s different about her, Nik.” Kol added, his mouth set in a hard line.

“I’m aware. Her humanity must be off.” Klaus made his way closer towards you, stopping as close to the barrier as he could. You stepped over to be face to face with him, sniggering.

“There ya go.” You snorted in amusement, the toxic stick weighing at your sides, carelessly flicking off the ash on the grounds of the compound. “You really aren’t the dumbest Mikaelson, Nik.” Klaus ignored your unnecessary comment, his firing eyes following the cigarette going from your mouth to your sides.

Kol began sauntering over to his brother, standing side by side. “Oh sister. Your humanity, eh?” He shook his head in disappointment, arms folded across his chest. “I thought you were bigger than this.”

You dropped the half finished cigarette on the concrete by your feet, crushing the butt with the ball of your stiletto. “My favorite Mikaelson brother is disappointed in me.” Your hand flew to your chest, fake pouting. “I’m crushed. I really am.” 

“Stop this nonsense immediately, Y/N.” Klaus said, a scowl strewn across his face. 

“Or what?”

“Do not test me.”

“Well last time I checked, you’re trapped in there while I’m free out here. So joke’s on you, my love.” You teased. 

A sinister chuckle left Klaus’s mouth. “You shut off your humanity for whom? A useless dullard.” You stared at the ceiling, placing your hands at your hips. “Out of all the choices Esther has made in life, I’d say that sending Sir Malachai Parker back to the prison world was the best one.” He grinned, hoping to have hit a nerve to get your humanity back. “It pleases me knowing that he will be stuck there for all eternity. All alone.” He chose his words carefully and perfectly. 

Suddenly, your hands fell and your blank eyes set onto Klaus’s, unmoving. By your reaction, there was a glimmer of a chance that it worked. You grasped both of the Mikaelsons’ undivided attention. 

“Nice try.” You cocked your head to your side, your once unreadable expression is now evidently complacent and it boiled Klaus’s blood. His hands clenched at his sides as he’s trying to hide his defeat from you. Kol just simply sighed at their defeat, aware that it was a longshot anyways. “I’m bored. Bye boys.” Without a care in the world, you turned on your heel and departed the compound.

Once you were out of sight, Kol turned to face his brother who was still looking at the spot you were once standing at, unable to mutter any words. “Nik?” Kol murmured, careful not to overwhelm him.

After a beat, Klaus continued to ignore his brother and vacated the spot where he stood. He made his way towards a vacant section of the compound. Kol followed behind him. 

Before Klaus could touch the handle of one of the doors on the first floor, Kol attempted to acquire his attention for the second time. “Brother?” Klaus puts a halt to his long strides, taking a deep breath.

In the blink of an eye, he vamp speeds to Kol, barely leaving any space in between the two as his murderous eyes bore into Kol’s. “Don’t.” Klaus warned through clenched teeth. That dangerous tone itself informed Kol to leave him alone in the meantime. And just like that, Klaus swung the door open and violently slammed it behind him, causing a few of the other vampires and wolves to flinch. 

Your mani and pedi finished in an hour. You began scouring the quarter for inspiration on what other shenanigans to get into again. After walking in and out of a few gift shops along the way and stopping to tip some of the street performers, you finally stumbled upon bourbon street.

Normally you’d throw your money at the bartenders in one of the many jazz clubs, however, house music blared through one of the other clubs and it instantaneously called your name. Males and females in their 20s occupied this loud space, yet, you didn’t mind one bit because they’re of your age compared to your 1000 year old lover with anger issues.

Dancing and mingling with these fine people made your current cold heart wish that Camille was here to join you. But you wouldn’t dare risk having her call Klaus or Kol and informing them of your whereabouts. Who knows, you might end up snapping her neck dead for doing so and you didn’t care to waste your energy. Marcel and Josh could be trusted not to tell a soul, however, they’re trapped in the compound.

You released your sharp teeth from a poor soul’s neck on the dance floor undiscovered. The warmth of her blood brought you satisfaction. “Go wipe that up in the restroom.” You compelled her and she walked off like a zombie.

(Meanwhile…)

The longer time passed with the magical barrier being up, the more Marcel and his vamps’s hunger grew for blood. It wasn’t looking good for Kol and the werewolves. They were practically walking blood bags.

To make matters worse, Klaus’s patience started running out. He needed to get to you before you caused any havoc or came to any harm. This is the first time you’ve ever turned your humanity off so he has no idea what to expect. The feeling made him sick to his stomach. Not to mention, the white oak stake can be anywhere but he trusts you’re smart enough to have it hidden somewhere good.

The entirety of the barrier will not diminish until nightfall and they couldn’t wait that long. But to their luck, it’s a miracle that Davina fancied Kol. She received a phone call from him, needing her assistance for a spell to lift the barrier and she put whatever she was doing on hold to come to his aid. 

They were almost certain that the spell would work. However, being that Finn is channeling something extremely powerful, they were only to be given 60 seconds for the barrier to be down. The plan was to have the wolves, Kol and Klaus exit the vicinity. 

Davina and Kol now stood face to face with the invisible barrier in between, palms as close to touching as it would allow them. Small, lighted candles lined up in front of the witches and a circle of salt surrounded them as they continued muttering their spell to one another.

Due to the spell taking its course, all of the vampires needed to resort to cowering in the shadows until after Kol and Davina’s spell die out. Klaus and the wolves were allowed to wait beside the barrier. 

A gust of wind abruptly flew through Kol and Davina, causing the candles to blow out and some of the salt to scatter. They exchanged smiles and were relieved to have the chance to touch palms. 

“Okay, Jack. Now!” Hayley announced.

“Come on, let’s go.” Jackson didn’t hesitate to rush his pack out of there, guiding them towards the exit along with Hayley.

“Remember, 60 seconds!” Kol reminded them. He was eager for the werewolves to egress and then he followed suit. 

But before Kol could take another step, Klaus dashed to him, holding him by the shoulder. “Slight change of plans, brother.” In a trice, he threw Kol in the air until he landed about 50 feet away, grunting in pain. “I no longer have to treat you like anything but the treacherous liar you truly are.” The hybrid spat. Davina’s neck snapped to him, bewildered. 

“What the bloody hell?” Kol gradually sat up, feeling just as confused as Davina.

“Where is she?” Klaus questioned, vampires eyeing his brother hungrily while they still waited in the shadows.

“Please, they’ll kill him!” Davina pleaded.  

“Well, he should’ve thought about that before he betrayed our sister.”

“What will Y/N think?!” She added.

 “Not to worry about my beloved’s opinions of Kol’s predicament. Let’s just say, she’s not herself today.” Klaus replied to Davina before returning his attention to the mischievous Mikaelson, who now rose to his feet. “Rebekah never made it to her new body, did she? Seeing as how you casted the spell, and well, you’re you. I’d hardly call it an uncrackable case.”

“Rebekah’s fine, Nik. It was a prank.” Kol quicked marched towards his older brother. “Nothing more than what you lot have done to me.” He pointed a nagging finger. “But I guess it’s different when it’s one-” The magical blockade was up and running again and its wrath burned Kol’s pale hand, causing him to reel backwards and hiss in pain.

“Barrier’s back up.” Klaus flickered his eyes at the ravenous vampires coming out of the shadows. “And those vampires look oh so hungry.” 

Kol grew anxious as the vampires made their way to him like a predator ready to take down its prey. Davina’s eyes began to well up in tears, yearning to come to Kol’s aid.

“I was willing to welcome you back into my home, but you had to return to your selfish petty jealousies.” Klaus said. “Well, let’s see how they help you survive when you’re stuck in there!” He stormed off towards the exit without the thought of a glance. He felt no remorse whatsoever for his little brother.

(Meanwhile…)

The sun began to set and it was no secret that you look damned good in the tight dress and towering heels. A handful of men even offered to pay for your drinks and you obviously obliged although you could’ve easily compelled them to. This made your job much easier. 

Since you were pretty buzzed and in an amazing mood, you allowed one of the pathetic men to dance with you, only being allowed to touch your arms or your waist. 

Due to the substantial amount of liquor in his system, his confidence was at an all time high and he attempted to lean in for a kiss. You snorted at his juvenile gesture and turned the other cheek. “N-Nice try. Fun’s over.” 

“Oh come on.” He insisted. As you were about to free yourself of his hold, he tightened his grip on your waist and it caught you off guard. Little does he know that you aren’t human, so you prepared yourself to use your vampire strength to free yourself. You smirked, allowing him this minor moment before you stripped it away from him. 

The drunkard fool leaned forward once again to press his lips onto yours while his hands stroked your waist. You rolled your eyes, snickering as you seized his wrists. “I said-” In a flash, he was thrown across the dancefloor but it wasn’t because of you. Some of the clubbers' attention were focused on what just happened and others acted like nothing happened. Before he could think to stand to his feet, one of the sizable bouncers roughly brought him to his feet to begin dragging him out. 

Everything happened so fast and you focused your view to the only person standing beside you to your left. Klaus Mikaelson. “Oh fuck you, Nik.” You grimaced at your inessential savior, your heels rapidly clicking off of the dance floor towards the exit. As much as you wished to vamp speed away, you were smart enough not to do it in the public eye. Humanity off or not.

Instead of hiding off in an alley, you stayed put by the entrance of the club where passersby can clearly see you, leaning against one of the brick walls. You searched through your small purse until you found a cigarette and lighter, but as you were about to light it, rough fingers pulled it out of your mouth. 

Klaus didn’t mutter a word, but you can tell by the expression on his face and his body language that he was seething inwardly. You were revelling in the moment. “I’m a vampire. I can’t get lung cancer, idiot.”  You scoffed at him. As much as you want to try to light another cigarette, you know that Klaus is just going to toss it. 

“We’re going.” He grabbed a hold of your bare upper arm, signaling to follow him or suffer the consequences. You shook his grip off, unphased by it. 

“You’re hilarious.” You said, keeping your feet planted to the ground. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“I’m serious, love. This isn’t a game. Let’s go.” Klaus remarked, towering over you. 

You peered up at him through your lashes, shooting daggers. “Did you forget? I don’t fucking care. Now leave me alone.” You shot him a glare and attempted to walk past him, but he stepped to the side as a wall.

“You out of all people know what I am capable of.” Klaus started. “And yet, you are determined to incur my wrath.” 

“Your wrath?” You snorted. “Okay then, show me. Right here, right now. In front of all of these people.” Klaus took a peep over your head, unmoving. You hummed in amusement. “I thought so.” 

You wasted no time and began trekking down bourbon street’s sidewalk, unsure of where you are headed as long as it’s away from Klaus. You freed your cell phone from your purse and began endlessly scrolling through social media, ensuring not to bump into anyone coming your way.

To your misfortune, Klaus materialized beside you, walking on the outside of the sidewalk.  “Oh, you’re still here.” You said dryly, eyes never leaving the screen. 

“In what world is this heretic worth your humanity?” He asked, disgusted. His eyes flickered from straight ahead to you. 

“My world, apparently.” 

“You know, you have people that could have helped you. There’s Stefan, Damon, Kol.” One by one, Klaus counted up to three fingers in the air before going back to relaxing his hand at his side. “Even Rebekah, if it weren’t for Kol’s foolish prank.” 

“Good to know, Nik.”

He gazed at you, swallowing before speaking. “You also had me.” 

“I can see that since you keep following me.” You finally peeled your eyes from your phone, throwing it back in your purse, raising your chin up at Klaus. He briskly narrowed his eyes, not allowing your cold response to get to him.

“Oh come now, sweetheart. Let’s not make this difficult for the both of us.”

“You’re making it difficult for yourself.” You waved an airy hand. “Now shoo, you’re killing the vibe.” 

“Alright then, Y/N. I’ve been far more patient with you.” Klaus creeped up behind you and swiftly cracked your spine so that you were comatose. Then, he scooped you into his arms so that he held you bridal style. 

To his luck, his swift, yet flawless gesture didn’t get a second look from anyone in the crowd. It seemed as if you were absurdly tipsy and he prevented you from falling to your knees. He felt a pang of relief and his tense shoulders relaxed knowing he can safely bring you home.

(Later…)

Finn’s barrier spell throughout the Mikaelson compound is now nonexistent. It is dead silent and the only two souls occupying this vast structure are you and the original hybrid for now. Your limp, unconscious body is tied to a wooden chair including your wrists and your ankles. 

Klaus has been pacing for the past few minutes, conjuring up different plans to mentally bring back the woman he loves, instead of this facade of a nightmare that is taking over. And hell, if it weren’t for your humanity switch, he would revel in tearing that dress off of you and making love to you until the sunrise. 

The sudden sound of your groaning put a halt to his steps. He watched as your head steadily moved up and you cracked your neck. Your eyes caught a glimpse of your surroundings which appears to be one of the many rooms in this godforsaken building. You raised a brow at your lover who is standing merely a few feet away just ahead of you. “This doesn’t look like the Ritz-Carlton.” You said in your head. 

“It would be impolite if I didn’t ask how your catnap was.” Klaus commented, wearing a shit eating grin.

“It was fantastic.” You returned his cocky expression with a flashing smile of your own.

“Now that I have you where you can’t simply walk off, let’s get to business then, shall we?” Klaus took amble strides towards you and kneeled until he was at eye level with you. “This will only take a second.” He noted, voice low enough for only the two of you to hear. 

As soon as his irises stared into yours, you turned your chin to the right, but Klaus was quick to seize your jaw with his strong fingers, shifting your view back to him. You knew exactly what his intentions were at that very moment. 

He’s going to compel you. 

The location of the white oak stake is still unknown to him and since he is closer to getting you back to your normal self, he’ll finally get the stake back. 

“Get on with it already. I don’t have all day.” You implied. Klaus kept his frustration in check from your moronic remark and went on with what he intended to do.

Your eyes focused on his, observing his pupils fascinatingly growing and shrinking. "You will put an end to this madness and turn it back on.” He released his grasp on your face. 

You blinked twice and your lips parted, chest rising and falling. “Nik.” You paused. “I-” Klaus began freeing one wrist from the bindings.

“What is it?” He asked, concerned.

As soon as one wrist was free, you sneered at him and before he could blink, you tore off the arm of the chair, flipped it over so that the sharp bit pointed out and stabbed Klaus in the neck with it. “Ah!” He called out, face contorting from the unexpected laceration.

Obviously, you could have simply kept playing it off as if your humanity was back so that Klaus frees you of all of the restraints. But, you wanted to poke fun at him instead. Inflicting pain onto Klaus was significantly more gratifying right now.

“You really thought you had me there, didn’t you?” You let out a burst of laughter. Klaus cried out in pain while pulling the stick of wood out of his neck and tossing it to the floor, taking heavy breaths as the gash healed. “Nice try, Nik. But I’ve been drinking vervain as of late. Thanks to Stefan and Damon for the tip.”

Instead of inflicting the pain back to you or snapping your neck to shut you up, Klaus stormed out of the room to overlook the courtyard from the railing. As much as he wanted to rip the railing off from his frustration, he shockingly kept his cool and an idea came to mind. He obtained his cell phone from his pant pocket and dialed a familiar number.

After many rings, his call was answered. 

“Klaus?” The voice on the other line said.

“Hello, old friend.” Klaus grinned, oddly comforted to hear their voice. “I’m in need of a favor.” 

-

A/N: Hope you guys appreciated the longer chapter!! I know the last one had a lot of Y/N x Kol moments, so I gave you guys more of Y/N x Klaus moments in this one. I have to say, it was quite fun writing with Y/N’s humanity off. And it was especially fun writing Klaus’s responses to it lol...Oh and I’m sure you guys can guess who Klaus’s ‘old friend’ is :)

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[auroracalisto]

maybe next time

summary: a submission for @hellotvshowtrash​’s april challenge with the prompts: “i wanted to be better than this,” and, “maybe next time.”

pairing: klaus x reader

word count: 795 words

warnings: break up.  also it’s not really sad??  to me???  but it’s definitely not happy so like.  yeah.

a/n: not me posting this on the LAST day of april oh my god also PLEASE i love writing rebekah as the helpful and comforting sister adlkfjaslfj that trope will never not be good to me 

“Everyone leaves me in the end,” Klaus scoffed, looking away from you as he filled his empty glass.  “For you to threaten the same gives me no sense of insecurity.  Leave, if you’d like.”

You clenched your jaw.  You wanted to.  Klaus was treating you as if you were nothing compared to him.  Sure, you were human, but that did not mean you were less than him.  And the love you had for the original vampire was more than you had ever felt for anyone.  

Despite the love you had for him, however, he continued to act like this.  Snide comments about anything and everything would plague your days.  Klaus would say things similar to what he just said to get on your nerves.  A part of you wondered if he really wanted you to leave.  

“Klaus,” you began, only to be cut off by the man.

“You have wanted to leave for months, have you not?  You are always talking to Rebekah about how I treat you so unfairly.  I wouldn’t blame you for leaving if that’s what you want to do.”

You furrowed your eyebrows.  “What are you talking about?”

“Did you not go to my sister complaining about our relationship?”

“Well, I—I mean, I did.  But never to hurt you.  I was just upset over something you had said.  But that doesn’t mean I wanted to leave you.  Klaus, I want… I want to leave you now, but I didn’t want to then.  I was hoping Rebekah would be able to ease my mind.  I guess not, if she just went and told you everything.”

“Oh, my dear,” Klaus sighed.  “She didn’t tell me anything.”

Your eyes narrowed.  “You eavesdropped?”

“Do you forget that I’m a vampire, love?”

“No.  No, I don’t forget that,” you said, frustration immediately clouding your better judgement.  “Klaus, you never let me forget it.  You always tell me that I’m not as good as you because I’m human.  That because you’re a vampire, you’re the best thing to ever happen to me and you’re the only good thing.  And the—the whole comparing me to every person you’ve ever been in a relationship with!  Klaus, I’m me.  [Your name].  I’m not—I’m not fucking Katherine, or Hayley!  I’m not whoever the fuck you also talk about because half the time, I don’t even listen because it hurts to think that I’m not good enough for you.”

Klaus looked away from you, downing his drink.  “Who ever said you weren’t good enough for me?”

“You did,” you said, taking in a deep breath.  “You might not have ever said it outloud, Klaus, but the way you’ve treated me in the time we’ve been together says more than you ever have.”

He scoffed softly.  

“I’m leaving, Klaus.  I’m sorry that it doesn’t cause you any sense of insecurity.  I wish it did.  I wish me leaving meant something to you because then I would know that you actually loved me and you weren’t just wasting time on me.”

Klaus said nothing.  

With that, you picked up your coat and looked at him one last time.  

“If it’s any consolation, Klaus, I did think I was falling in love with you.  Thank… thank you for making my decision to leave so much easier.”

Klaus didn’t move until he heard the front door shut.  He stood up and refilled his whiskey once more, downing it completely before he stared down at the empty glass.  

He drew his arm back, quickly swinging the glass towards the empty fireplace.  The glass shattered on impact, shards littering the hardwood floors beneath it.  

“Brother?” Rebekah spoke up from the doorway.  

He quickly looked over, frowning.

“You let them go…?”

“I listened to what [Your name] had to say.  And then I let them go.”

Rebekah frowned.  “I do think they loved you, Klaus.”

He trudged back to the couch and sat down, leaning against the soft cushions.  He closed his eyes and rested his head against the back of the couch.  “You know,” he began, “I thought I might love them, too.  Perhaps I’m just better off alone, without anyone.”

Rebekah frowned and came over, sitting down beside her brother.  “That’s not true.  [Your name] just wasn’t the one.  Neither of you molded perfectly with each other.  It happens, and that’s okay.”

Klaus opened his eyes back up to cast a glare towards his sister.

“You couldn’t communicate well, Nik.  And that comment about everyone leaving you.  Not everyone does.  There will come a day when someone comes around and stays, surprising you, Nik.”

“Bekah, I just…  I wanted to be better than this.”

Rebekah smiled softly at her brother’s admission.  

“Maybe next time.”

Klaus sighed softly, turning to completely face the blonde.  “Yes.  Maybe next time.”

[dreamdropxoxo]

Lock-down Story, Part III

Part I, Part II

"How about you start your own home workout stream?" When Laurent had asked this question the day before, Damen had really asked himself why he hadn't thought about it sooner. He had all the equipment, was a trained chiropractor and fitness instructor and had enough time to just do it.

He sat down and started drafting his first set of training with alternatively easier method for people who were not as sporty, muscled or simply motivated as he was. It occupied him for half a day and that was much better than to just stare at the windows and asking himself if he should clean them once again.

When he went outside to install the camera, he saw, to his surprise, his boyfriend kneeling in the dirt in their backyard.

"Sweetheart, what are you doing there?"

"Gardening, Damianos, don't ask stupid questions." Laurent didn't even look up while he was weeding their former flowerbed which was overgrown und messy.

"And why are you doing that?"

Laurent sighed, as if he didn't have the patience to explain every miniscule detail to Damen, but contrary to what one could think, Damen knew his boyfriend had all the patience in the world for him. "Because it looks horrible and I have nothing better to do. I can't stand for our backyard to look like a battlefield."

Damen nodded, it made perfect sense. Laurent was a perfectionist and his nature didn't allow him to let this state of disorder go on like that. "Am I disturbing you, if I start my workout recording now?"

"No, as long as I am not in your video I am perfectly fine." Laurent finally looked up and then his eyebrow climbed up his forehead. "Are you sure you want to wear that while you start with whatever you intend to do?"

"A live stream, Laurent. Don't talk as if you are 100 years old and slept through the last decades of technological progress. And what is wrong with it? I always wear that while training."

"You always wear that? Not only here?" The corner of Laurent's mouth twitched. Damen was honestly confused. "Yes?"

"No wonder they offered you a discount on your gym subscription. Well, then good luck. I will be over here, keeping myself away from your video camera." Laurent turned back around and continued with his task. Damen still couldn't understand what was wrong with his outfit. He wore long pants, for God's sake.

Although he was confused, he started with his training, while he trained he explained the easier execution of the routine and what advantages the different exercises had. He realized while drafting the training plan that he could include quite a bit of his chiropractor knowledge. It was fun and very satisfying.

After two hours of grueling training, he stopped the stream and posted the video on YouTube too. Nik promised to watch it and give feedback as soon as he finished with work. Then he went to shower and finally helped Laurent with his gardening. Which meant that he could help him move the bigger stones and pots full of dirt and weed.

Laurent was a mess, his face full of smutches, his hair messy with the occasional twig and leaf stuck in it, his clothes dirty, and yet, he looked very satisfied after all the work. Damen drew him closer and kissed him. He was sweaty again and decided to join Laurent for another shower.

This continued for some days more and suddenly Damen's account on YouTube exploded, his live stream had thousands of followers and Damen didn't know what had happened. He did what every responsible boyfriend would do in that situation; he ran to Laurent, a bit hysterical and demanded an explanation.

Laurent, calm as one can be took his laptop from him and made a quick google search. Then he said, dead-pan, "well, it looks as if I am dating the next internet sensation. Some important guy found your videos and shared them, people love you and now you have a lot of followers."

Damen gaped. "What?"

"Yes, congratulation, Damen. I bet half of the followers just stare at your arms while you do all those push-ups." Laurent laughed when he gave him his laptop back. Damen sat down, absolutely shocked and did a quick google search. It was true, the singer of a very famous band, Lazar Lafeu had mentioned in a telephone interview that he killed his new found free time with Damen's training video. He had said, "If we can't go on our tour I can at least look at all these nice Akielon muscles. And even better, the guy has a fully functional brain, very sexy."

Damen seriously didn't know what to do with his new found internet fame. He decided to ignore it and just continued with his videos like before. The only difference was, that after every video he took ten minutes to answer questions of his followers. What startled him the most was that people started to notice everything about him.

They complimented the color of his façade, which was a very very pale mint, picked by Laurent. They asked where he had purchased his yoga mat. They discussed the circumference of his bicep. He even understood why Laurent had been so amused by the choice his outfit. It was because his loose fitting tank top gaped open whenever he didn't stand and provided a deep look to his chest and stomach.

His follower called it the sweetest tease ever, they begged him to keep wearing them and Damen, who never had a problem with being ogled did exactly that. The question if he would do a training without a shirt however, was firmly answered in the negative.

Laurent had finished weeding their whole backyard and even started planning new flowers. Their local gardener had started to deliver the plants directly to one's doorstep and Laurent took full advantage.

Damen had been overjoyed to realize that Laurent truly enjoyed his new hobby. He could kneel in the dirt for hours and didn't care even one bit how messy the work could be sometimes. Right now he planted rose bushes while Damen was in the last two minutes of his live stream.

"Fuck! Damn it." Laurent's voice was muffled but still very clearly audible. Damen's head shot up, "Sweetheart?"

"I'm alright. Just ignore me." Laurent smiled pained and hurried inside. Damen didn't even look at the stream when he shut it down and ran behind his boyfriend. Laurent had his hand under the water in their kitchen. The stream tinted red. Damen felt the nausea grow, not because of the blood in general, but because it was LAURENT's blood.

"What happened?"

Laurent sighed. "My hand slipped."

"Show me." Damen took his hand carefully in his own. There was a very long gash in the palm of Laurent's left hand. It looked horrible and would need stiches. He was once again glad that as chiropractor he had studied together with the physicians for four years. He could do the stiches at home.

"Stay here. I will go get my medical kit."

The next day, Laurent lounged on his bench in the shade because he had decided to take a break from gardening for a day when Damen started his stream. He apologized for the abrupt ending of the stream but his followers were so over the moon that Damen had a boyfriend that they didn't care at all.

It was no surprise that the whole ten minutes after the training were filled with questions about his relationship and Laurent in general. He informed them that the mysterious boyfriend preferred to stay mysterious but that he was fine and only needed four stiches.

The fans were somewhat disappointed that they didn't get to know Laurent but accepted the decision with grace. However, they didn't give up completely. Over the course of the next day Damen was asked random questions concerning Laurent. They varied from, "Is he younger, older or the same age as you", over "Is he beautiful?", to "What is his job?". Damen answered them with permission from Laurent with, "younger", "yes", "He's a lawyer".

Then a day came when Damen didn't install the camera the same way as always because he did a later training and the sun would otherwise be too bright. He had told Laurent about it the day before and even on the same morning but Laurent was not very attentive to details that didn't concern him directly. Thus it came that he walked right through Damen's stream. It was not so bad because only his lower half was recorded, but it caused an uproar.

Damen could understand it, because Laurent's ass looked damn hot, even in the video and everybody was curious before. His fans asked about Laurent even more often and the blond man finally seemed to give in, at least in typical Laurent fashion. He answered some of the questions about himself from the off.

It was hilarious, because Laurent had a wicked kind of humor. When one guy asked if he could see him just once, Laurent answered, "Sorry, I think I am too much to handle for you, so no. There were people who actually crashed their car because of my face."

The fans asked Damen if it was true and he had to confirm it. He told them that he almost fell down a staircase when he saw Laurent for the first time. And in his humble opinion Laurent only grew more beautiful with the years.

[turtletotem]

Breaking the Curse

The last of my Star Bright reward fics, for @covertius-fic! The prompt was--well, telling the whole prompt would give away the entire plot, but it’s a Captive Prince modern AU that involves Damen always falling in love with the worst person at Nikandros’s party. This year, he meets Laurent.

(Also on AO3!)

...

Damen was beginning to wonder if Nik's New Year's Eve party was cursed.

Nikandros had thrown a grand blowout party every New Year's Eve since they graduated law school and got real jobs—Nik at a prestigious corporate firm because he had the talent and intellect to go far, Damen at the state prosecutor's office because he had the desire to fight for justice and the financial ability to focus on his ethics more than his slender paycheck. Even though he and Nikandros still lived in the same city, they moved in different circles and worked very different schedules; it wasn't all that easy for Damen to see his best friend. For that reason, and the fact that the party itself was incredible, with fireworks and performing acrobats and an open bar, Damen did not want to miss it. But he was starting to think he ought to.

Because every year Nikandros threw a New Year's Eve party, and every year Damen fell in love with the worst—or at least worst for him—person there.

The first year had been Erasmus, a shy sweet submissive paralegal whom Damen doted on for ten months… until he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, leaving Damen devastated and on the rebound just in time for the next New Year's Eve party.

That year he'd met the hot and glamorous Kashel, someone else's plus-one who had dumped her boyfriend and torn Damen's clothes off in a closet before midnight—but that went nowhere in a hurry. It turned out that all he and Kashel had in common was sex, which was spectacular but not what Damen wanted in the long term. They parted ways, amicably enough, by April.

Most recently, after a long (for him) dry spell, he'd met Jokaste at the third year's party—a partner from one of Nik's firm's rivals, who hadn't actually been invited. She had proceeded to turn Damen's entire brain inside out for months, before eloping with his brother the day before Thanksgiving. That had made for an awkward family dinner.

"My party is cursed?" Nikandros repeated when Damen told him his theory, pacing his apartment with his phone in one hand and the party invitation in the other. "That's what you're taking away from this? Not, say, an indication that you jump into relationships way too freaking fast?"

"Wow, way to blame the victim," Damen said.

"I'm right and you know it. You always think someone is your soulmate based on warm pants-feelings and a ten-minute conversation in which you don't hate them. And the only time you meet new people is at my parties."

"None of that is true!"

"I think you should definitely come, Damen. You'll meet a new soulmate, or at least a new Kashel—that didn't turn out too badly. Some awesome rebound sex is just what you need."

"No. I don't want a rebound. I don't even want a date. I want to stop getting my heart broken over and over. The woman I wanted to marry blew up my world and my family less than a month ago. I want to rest."

"Well, stay home then, dude," Nikandros said gently. "I'm not gonna get my feelings hurt about it, I promise."

"No. You know what? No!" Damen dropped the invitation to smack one fist into the other. "I'm gonna come, and see my best friend, and have a great time, and not pair off with anybody, and break the stupid curse! It'll be my New Year's resolution—go to your party and fall in love with absolutely no one!"

Nik laughed. "I don't think that's exactly how New Year's resolutions work, but okay, sure! I'll see you tomorrow night."

"Damn straight you will!"

***

A minor emergency at work had Damen late arriving to Nik's party. He stepped out of the elevator into what was a tastefully luxurious apartment on a normal day, and had now been transformed by twinkling lights, multicolored fountains (rented, he assumed) and circulating waitstaff into a revel of high glamour. Jazzy music filled the space between conversations, and people in tuxes and slinky black gowns gathered in knots around the piano, the refreshment table, the bar, and the floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the sparkling city.

"Damen!" Nikandros called, waving over the heads of the crowd. "You did make it! Get a drink, I'll be right over!"

Damen waved back, and happily accepted the glass of wine a passing server offered him. He took a swallow, looked up—and caught sight of the most beautiful human being he'd ever seen in his life.

Blond hair, arctic blue eyes, the fine high-cheeked features of an elven prince. His expression was haughty and displeased, but that did nothing to decrease his appeal; it was all too easy to imagine him coolly evaluating the strength of the knots holding Damen to the bed. He took a broody sip from his glass, tipping it up and revealing a pale, elegant neck. Damen felt his mouth fall open.

Cursed, he thought, his stomach going into freefall. This party is definitely cursed. And it was too late to do anything about it. If he turned around and went home right this second, this guy would still be the only thing he thought about the rest of the night.

And then the server who'd given Damen his wine, a dark-haired young man who looked barely out of high school, walked past the arctic beauty. And the arctic beauty tossed his empty glass at him. Surprised and with a tray balanced in his hand, the server couldn't possibly have caught it; instinctively he tried, and in so doing, dropped his entire tray with a shocking crash and shatter of glass.

The arctic beauty looked the devastated server dead in the eye, laughed, and walked away.

As he went, he lifted a vape pen to his lips, and began filling the surrounding air with a cloud of peppermint-scented vapor.

Damen's heart leaped with delight. Yes. This was perfect. The man's behavior was exactly as appalling as his appearance was inviting; Damen had just found the one person at this party who would thoroughly distract him from hooking up with anyone else, while also making it impossible for Damen to fall in love with him. It was the perfect solution.

Other party attendees had already stepped forward to help the server with the mess of his dropped tray; Damen stepped around them and made his way through the crowd toward the jerk, following the cloud of eye-stinging peppermint and the mutters of complaint against it.

By the time he caught up with the jerk, Nikandros had cornered him against one of the windows and was telling him off.

"—and put that thing away right now," Nik said, jabbing a finger at the vape pen. "Don't you have the sense God gave a kindergartener? Any one of them could tell you that's an outside toy."

The beautiful jerk rolled his eyes, taking a deep drag that was equal parts obnoxious and picturesquely sexy, and put away the vape. "Yes, sir," he drawled, in a voice lower than his appearance might indicate, and mocking almost to the point of flirtation. What little of Damen's blood had not headed south started packing for the trip.

"Hey," Damen said, which was all he could think of to say.

"Damen, hey," Nik said, in a tone of abstracted relief. "Um, this is Laurent de Vere, a new junior attorney," he skewered Laurent with a dark glance, "at my firm. Laurent, this is my best friend, Damen. Be nice to him."

"Charmed," Laurent said, and extended his hand.

Instead of shaking it, Damen gave a flourishing bow and pressed a kiss to Laurent's knuckles.

Laurent looked intrigued, his eyebrows climbing. Nikandros looked horrified.

"Nik," somebody called, "there's something wrong with this fountain, it's making a mess…"

Nikandros groaned, made apologetic noises at Damen, and hurried off.

"So what's Nikandros like to work with?" Damen asked.

"You know how some species of water-creature survive being frozen all winter by lowering their brain function to almost undetectable levels?" Laurent said. "Imagine one of those working in law."

Damen choked on a shocked laugh.

"Laurent, I thought that was you!" A middle-aged woman paused on her way past them. "Goodness, I didn't realize you'd been invited!"

"And I didn't realize frosted tips were back, Madeline," Laurent said sweetly. "Oh—oh, you're just going gray. How mortifying. My mistake."

Madeline drew in an outraged breath.

"Er, let's just get another drink, Madeline," said the man at her elbow, whom Damen recognized as a longtime business acquaintance of Nik's.

"Yes, I'm sure another drink is just what you need, sir," Laurent said, which, considering the drunken hijinks the man had committed at last year's party, made Damen bite his lip to keep from cackling. The man turned red, and he and Madeline both slunk away.

"Aren't you just the social butterfly," Damen said.

"Oh yes, my goal in life," Laurent said, "winning the approval of the rich and shallow. I'm just as rich and shallow as any of them, and they know it. I have nothing to prove."

"Let me get you a drink," Damen said.

"Tempting as it is to spend this evening in a haze of alcohol, getting drunk in front of my boss—who is here somewhere—would be even less helpful to my career than skipping this party," Laurent said. "Oh, look, there's Allen Mortimer, whose embezzlement trial recently ended in a hung jury, I simply must say hello…"

Damen followed Laurent around the party, listening in fascination to his seemingly endless supply of cruel and cutting witticisms, both behind the subjects' backs and to their faces. No foible was forgiven, no flaw went unobserved. How Laurent even knew some of these things was a mystery to Damen. Nor did Damen himself escape unscathed; Laurent once introduced him as "Nik's idiot friend, who is hoping to get into my pants," and another time as "my hired escort; the muscles were extra." This last was given, fortunately, to people Damen already knew, who found it uproariously funny.

Every remark—except for the escort one—was both clever and true, and most were hilarious. Laurent was obviously brilliant, and also a remarkably hateful little snot.

"You must be a terror in the courtroom," Damen said.

"I'm sure you are, as well," Laurent replied. "Such moon-faced slow-witted obstinacy is very hard to combat. Like trying to swordfight a glacier." He looked up from the wineglass he'd bullied a server into filling with apple cider. "I'm not going to sleep with you. Why do you keep following me around?"

Before Damen could formulate an answer, a ruckus at the nearest window drew his attention. Several people were gathered at the glass, pointing and exclaiming at something on the other side. Snow suddenly spattered against the glass. A snowball?

He and Laurent reached the window at the same time, pushing their way to the front until they could see what was happening.

A gray tabby cat was tangled in the Christmas lights on the fire escape, thrashing in panic. Some boys, barely visible on the ground below, were hopping around excitedly and throwing snowballs at the cat.

Laurent hissed under his breath, a startling and furious sound, and bodily shoved two people aside to yank the window open. It didn't want to move at first; Damen pulled at the other side, and up it came. Laurent scrambled through onto the fire escape.

"Get away from here or I will make you regret it," he shouted down at the boys, his voice clear and crisp and incensed.

"Up yours," one of the boys shouted back.

Laurent scraped snow off the railing of the fire escape, packed a ball, and pegged that boy in the face hard enough to knock him on his butt���all in less than a second.

Damen was cautiously approaching the cat, making soft shushing noises. It stopped thrashing and stared at him, ears pinned and teeth bared, making the weirdest, scariest bubbling growl he had ever heard.

Below, the boys were laughing at their downed friend, sounds that changed tenor as they noticed Laurent packing another snowball. Their voices and footsteps trailed away as they chose the better part of valor—still laughing, but leaving.

"The lights are around his hips and back leg," Damen said as Laurent turned his attention to the cat. "He's gonna bite me sure as the world if I try to touch him. Maybe if you distract him…"

Laurent made a thoughtful noise, and took off his tuxedo jacket. It was already cold as, well, as a late-December night, fire escape open to the wind and snow, and neither of them were wearing coats, but Laurent showed no sign of discomfort. A minute ago, Damen would have said it was because he was carved of ice himself. Harder to think that now.

"Wrap this around her front half," Laurent said, tossing the jacket to Damen, "and I'll disentangle the back half. Don't let her get away; she's pulled that back leg out of joint. Needs a vet."

Damen looked at the cat's wide-blown freaked-out eyes and glittering claws. "I'll… try," he said. "One, two, three!"

He leaped forward and tackled the cat, throwing the jacket over her head. She screamed pitiably, and her claws went right through the jacket into his arms, but he'd resigned himself to that much. At least the jacket did keep her from biting him.

Laurent had the harder job, trying to hold down her injured leg while she kicked for all she was worth. He swore a blue streak, and came out of it with a score of scratches of his own, but finally the cat was free of the Christmas lights. Laurent shoved the rest of her up into the jacket; Damen did his best to wrap her up.

"Where's the nearest emergency vet?" Laurent called—to someone behind them, Damen realized, and turned his head to see Nikandros staring through the open window. "Or her owner—do you know her owner?"

Nik shook his head. "She's a stray, me and the neighbors have been taking turns feeding her."

"Right. Well, we need to get her in out of the cold, and get her to the vet." Laurent's voice brooked no argument. "Clear us a path to a warm, quiet room, find an emergency vet, and call a cab."

 Damen ended up taking a bit more damage to the skin of his arms, wrestling the cat into a cat-carrier Nik borrowed from the neighbor. They'd taken over the bathroom, he and Laurent and the cat, and Laurent used the antiseptic he found in its cabinets to clean Damen's scratches, silent and expressionless as the cat screamed bloody murder inside the carrier.

"Yowch!" Damen couldn't keep himself from flinching from the sting.

"Baby," Laurent muttered, cleaning his own scratches without a flicker of discomfort. "Her leg hurts a lot worse than your arms."

"I'm sure," Damen muttered, watching the cat clawing at the door to the carrier. "Poor thing, she's so scared."

"She'll be fine," Laurent said shortly, but flinched when the cat gave a particularly heartrending yowl—the only sign that anything he'd experienced all night had bothered him.

There's a lot more to you than I thought. Damen found himself watching Laurent—indirectly, in the mirror—as he crouched in front of the carrier making spspspsp noises, and couldn't make himself look away even when Laurent caught him at it and glared.

 Damen wasn't actually sure how he ended up accompanying Laurent and the cat into the cab. It didn't take two people, surely, to drop a cat at the vet, especially when the vet was expecting them and already knew the situation. But into the cab he went, and into the vet's office he went, and before he knew it he and Laurent were sitting in plastic chairs together, waiting for the cat's initial prognosis. They could hear her howling all the way down the hall.

"I'm really more of a dog person," Laurent said suddenly, after a long silence. "Not that I actually own one. But I get along better with dogs. Cats are… We're too much alike, me and cats."

One corner of Damen's mouth tipped up. "I can believe that."

"You're more like a dog," Laurent said, and then looked away, as if embarrassed by his own words.

"Sloppy and dumb?" Damen said brightly.

"No, that's not what I—I mean, yes, obviously that, but—" Laurent's ears were turning red.

Damen couldn't stop smiling. "I might be more insulted if you hadn't just finished saying how much you like dogs."

"What is this, Jupiter Ascending? I do not like dogs, and I do not like you!"

"But you like Jupiter Ascending," Damen said. "Enough to have parts of the dialogue memorized."

"Well, you recognized it, so—"

"So we have more in common than I thought." Damen continued smiling, and enjoyed watching Laurent flail for a response.

"You have a low opinion of high society," Damen said after a moment. "You've spent enough time in it to have dirt on everybody, so you know whereof you speak. You hate them all, but you have to move among them to do your job, so you cope by channeling Dorothy Parker. I get that much."

"Oh, you've got my number, have you?" Laurent said nastily.

"Not yet," Damen said. "Because what I don't get is how the man that climbed out on a fire escape without a coat and rescued a cat—and gave up his New Year's Eve to bring it here—is the same man that was willfully cruel to the waitstaff for kicks."

Laurent appeared struck by this. "I suppose that looked bad, out of context."

"What possible context could make it look good?"

"Nothing could make it look good," Laurent admitted. "I wanted to hurt and humiliate Aimeric, and I succeeded. Very petty of me. No moral high ground there. But it might help to mention that the last time I saw him, Aimeric wasn't working as a waiter. He was the personal assistant to a very powerful man, and a witness in a child abuse case against that man, a witness I thought we could trust to turn the tide of the case. Instead he lied on the stand, ensuring that man got off scot free." Laurent closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "He's probably a victim himself, frankly. I ought to try to have compassion. But I had to send a little boy back to a nightmare he thought he'd escaped, because of that piece of shit. So yes, I was delighted to see him reduced to serving drinks, and delighted to have a chance to make his life a little more difficult."

"A child abuse case?" Damen said, somewhat inanely, since that was the first of the many surprises Laurent had just hit him with.

"Yes, I'm part of the firm's family law department."

That wasn't what Damen had expected of Laurent at all. But a lot of this conversation was tending that way.

"Mr. de Vere," said a vet tech, coming into the otherwise-empty waiting room. "We've successfully gotten your cat's dislocated leg back into place, which was her only major injury, I'm happy to say. She's under sedation right now and we'll need to keep her under observation for tonight. Once you get her home you'll need to keep her confined and sedentary—as much as you can, I mean—for a few weeks so she can rest and heal without re-injuring herself."

"She's not my," Laurent began, then heaved a deep sigh and rubbed his eyes. "Right. Okay."

"She can stay at my place," Damen said, the words bypassing any common-sense filter he might have possessed. "I have a guest room."

Laurent stared at him. "You don't even know if she's litterbox trained."

Damen shrugged, not about to back down now that he'd made the offer. "It'll be fine."

"I'm sure can work out the details when you come pick her up tomorrow," the tech said. "For tonight, you can rest easy, knowing she's okay and in good hands."

 They turned toward the closest tube station outside the vet clinic, their breaths puffing dragon-like in the cold air.

"I could commit war crimes for a cigarette right now," Laurent muttered, huddling into his coat.

"Cigarette?" Damen said. "I thought you were a vaper."

Laurent sighed. "The vaping is supposed to help me quit. My New Year's resolution last year was to quit smoking, see. So I've spent the last three days desperately pretending I can still pull it off before the end of the year." He gave Damen a sideways look. "I'm probably even bitchier than usual, tonight, due to that." It had the air of an apology.

Damen smiled wryly. "Broken resolutions. I know how that goes. This year I've managed to break my New Year's resolution before the new year even started."

They were walking past a bar; inside, people with goofy year-numbered glasses and hats were cheering and clustering around the TV screens, which showed footage of Times Square and the traditional descending ball. They both stopped to watch.

"I don't think that's how resolutions even work," Laurent said. "What was the resolution?"

"Five! Four! Three!"

"I'll tell you later."

"Two! One!"

"Tell me now," Laurent said, and Damen kissed him.

Laurent's lips were cold at first, but warmed quickly under his, Laurent's gloved hands fumbling with Damen's coat to pull him closer. He kissed Damen back in an artless, innocent, almost clumsy way that was as unexpected as it was charming, and he kept his eyes closed for a second after Damen finally—reluctantly—pulled back.

"Happy New Year," Damen said, leaning their foreheads together.

Laurent tried to speak, cleared his throat, tried again. "Happy New Year. What were you about to tell me?"

"That Nik's New Year's Eve party is cursed. I'm really glad I decided to come."

"You," Laurent said, "do not make any sense. I like that about you." He pulled Damen in for another kiss, and Damen was happy to oblige.

[vampirrediaries]

Enemies Of The State : Dark!Klaroline {14}

summary:

This fiction follows the events of just how Klaus Mikaelson and Caroline Forbes lost everything that tied them to their humanity, leading them into something neither of them can come back from.

——————

{10 years ago}

“Kai Parker?”

Katherine examined the device with narrowed eyes, trying to tamper with various clockwork style pieces. Caroline huffed deeply, leaning against the wardrobe.

Obviously, she had no idea who this ‘Kai Parker’ person was. It sounded familiar, sure, but she stubbornly waited for Katherine to explain herself.

“Damn it,” She mumbled under her breaths. “Guess we’ll be needing that blood after all.”

“Hello?” Caroline called out impatiently. “Mind explaining who the hell that Kai is?”

“C’mon,” Katherine only responded in a huff, walking out of the Gemini Coven house with the device placed firmly in her hand. “I’ll tell you in the car.”

—————

“You found her?”

Elena frantically sat beside Bonnie, trying to examine the alter that she’d formed. The map that was laid out led to an unknown location, the Bennett witch’s blood making it’s way across the piece of paper.

“Yeah,” Bonnie breathed out. “That’s where she is.”

Klaus immediately drew his attention towards the group, his hearing picking up the words they were waiting for. They found her. They found his Caroline. He immediately made his way towards them.

“Right,” Rebekah examined the map with a far more pleasant expression. “Good work, witch. Where does it say the little bloodsucker is?”

Bonnie looked over the marked map once again, trying to decipher the location it’d shown when Klaus snatched the paper away in a quick flash.

“I don’t trust your locational skills, love.” He gave quick side glare towards her. “Feel free to take any of this personally.”

“You don’t have to be such an ass all the time, Nik” Rebekah hissed, walking towards him angrily. “I mean-”

“Oh for god’s sake,” Damon interjected with an annoyed tone. “Can you tell us where Caroline is already?”

Klaus knew exactly where she was as he looked over the map in horror. This couldn’t be possible. He refused to believe what the paper had shown him, but where the blood had led was as clear as day.

“It’s not possible,” He growled under his breath. “It can’t be.”

Rebekah’s frustration with her brother was visible as she flashed towards him, scowling.

“You have the bloody nerve to show up to my town unannounced, and you think you have the right-”

Klaus’ frustration came out of out of him in an instant, shoving the paper roughly towards his sister as she startled back. She looked at him incredulously.

“Go ahead!” He growled with pure hostility in his tone. “Go ahead and see where she is! Try telling me she’s not better off being killed by Elijah!”

The group remained still with the new information given to them, only shock and confusion being evident in their expressions.

Elijah wanted to kill Caroline.

Nobody dared to ask Klaus about it. Why on earth would Elijah Mikaelson want with Caroline of all the people, let alone her death?

They all knew better to remain quiet while he was in this state. Rebekah didn’t really hear about her older brother’s death wish upon Caroline, she already knew that. There were more pressing matters that required her attention as she stiffly looked upon the map, and her stoic expression too became horrified.

“Witch!” Rebekah screamed, flashing towards Bonnie in an instant. “There is something wrong with the spell, you daft girl. You did it wrong!”

The Original sister shoved the paper in front of Bonnie, desperately pointing out the dreaded location it’d shown. “See? She cannot be there! It’s a mistake-”

“No,” The witch went ashen when she figured it out. “She’s there.”

Rebekah went wide-eyed, an unidentifiable emotion on her face. Klaus only stood behind her, pacing back and forth with anger.

“Bon,” Stefan spoke up quietly, approaching her in small steps. “Where is Caroline?”

“G-Gemini Coven,” She only answered with a shaky breath.

—————

“Who the hell is Kai Parker?”

Katherine lazily drove, an arm hanging out of the car window. She looked at Caroline mischievously.

“Kai Parker,” She hummed. “That’s an interesting story.”

Caroline raised her eyebrows, sucking on a blood bag as she waited for Katherine to answer her deeply rooted question.

“The Gemini Coven are a powerful group of witches,” The doppelgänger finally started explaining, much to Caroline’s anticipation. “Kai Parker was a member of said coven, a twin to his sister. He still would’ve been, if he wasn’t a siphoner.”

“Siphoner?”

“Witches who suck out all the magical goodness from stuff that has it, but don’t have magic of their own. A parasite if you will.”

Caroline furrowed her brows, urging Katherine to continue.

“Kai’s family saw him as this outcast because of he didnt have magic of his own, then causing him to turn into a sociopath because they pretended he didn’t exist-”

“Wait,” Caroline held up a hand. “He’s a sociopath?”

“As i was saying before you rudely interrupted me,” Katherine glared “Yes, Kai is a sociopath. He also happens to be trapped in a prison world by his family because he killed his siblings.”

“What the hell, Katherine?”

“That device over there,” She pointed at the backseat, where the object lay protected in a box “Is what is knows as an ascendent. It’s the key.”

“Key for what, exactly?”

“The key to breaking Kai Parker out of that prison world for good.”

“Not that i care,” Caroline pointed out. “But why would you want to break a psycho out of a magical prison?”

The doppelgänger had her infamous smirk on display as she sucked on a blood bag. Caroline looked at her with raised eyebrows, wanting to know exactly what she had up her sleeve.

“He’s my ticket to freedom,” Katherine had a hazy look in her eyes as she looked at Caroline. “He’s our ticket to freedom Carebear.”

——————

masterlist

[tanjamikaelson]

LOVE FOR ETERNITY - PART 76

MASTERLIST

PART 76: | FANGLORIOUS |

It was the last day of December, which meant that the New Year party was tonight. Right now it was around afternoon, Kol woke up quickly realizing that Natali was no longer lying next to him. He bling his eyes several times, then slowly rose into a sitting position, he looked around the room but there was no sign of her. Then he heard the water running in the bathroom so he had a sneaky plan. He got up from the bed and opened the bathroom door quietly, so Natali wouldn’t hear him. He opened the glass door of the shower slowly and saw that Natali was facing towards the water and he was looking at her back. She didn't notice anything until Kol didn't put his hands on her waist and dropped a kiss on her shoulder. She can feel his arousal pressing into her and presses her butt against it.

 - Kol leans in and whispers into her ear, "Good morning, darling."

Natali moans when his left-hand travels along her belly and starts caressing her clit. With his other hand, he moves her wet hair from her neck and bites deliciously.

Kol lets a finger slip inside and she drops her head onto his shoulder giving him better access to her neck. Right after she reaches her peak, she turns around in his arms.

  - "Good morning." Natali says and kisses his shoulder, then goes down to his chest and back up to his neck until finally, she reaches her destination and hungry kisses his mouth. 

Kol.moans while tasting her lips for the first time this morning. But before he could do anything more he had planned, Natali opens the door and walks out of the shower. 

When she reaches the bathroom door she turns around to look at him. She lets her eyes travel from.his head to his toes, licks her lips and winks playfully at him.

  - "You're such a tease." Kol says before running after her.

Next thing she knows they were both in the bed, Kol pinned her down with his body. He grabbed both of her hands above her head almost making her still and unable to move. Giving her a cheeky smile he started leaving small kisses down her jaw and down her neck. After a few moments, he released her arms and continued to move down the bed and between her legs. He applied his tongue to her clit, swirling it around several times before dipping his tongue lower and moving inside her entrance. He did this a few times and had her tugging at his hair for more. 

Her back arched as she came, the orgasm racking through her uncontrollable waves. Her legs tightened around his shoulders. 

Kol stopped licking and started sucking, he knew that she wanted a strong merciless pleasure when she let out a scream and drew out into a sobbing breath. She kept his head prisoner form maybe half a minute and then her thighs relaxed and he could finally move.

Now it was his turn, he moved up between her legs. She saw him position himself with his hand and then he began his entry. Natali tried to trust up, take all of him, but she couldn't do it, not yet. He wouldn't let her. He kept easing himself in until he was all in. He began a slow rhythm, in and out, all the way in and almost all the way out.

Kol leaned forward to get a deeper angle and he wanted to kiss her. He picked up his pace as he kissed her. She pulled him to her, holding him tight and breathing hard. Natali had her legs locked around his back now and he increased his thrusts, harder and faster. She heard him breathing faster as he thrusts into her now as hard and as fast as he could and she felt the fire explode. 

Kol heard her orgasmic scream, only this time it was closer to a loud moan and that was his signal. He pushed once, twice and then let it go. He held her as he pushed deep inside her, grunting with the effort. Kol put his head down on her shoulder turning to kiss her neck and then fell on top of her. 

They were both breathing hard. Kol rolled his upper body off of her and looked towards her before kissing her gently on the lips. When they pulled away Natali smiles at him and then they hear her phone buzzing on the nightstand next to the bed.

  - Natali took her phone and saw that she had 5 missed calls from Rebekah, "Oh fuck, I forgot that I was supposed to talk with Rebekah."

  - Kol smiles knowing he is the reason she forgot her plans, "It wouldn't be the first time she is waiting."

  - "Yeah, waiting because you distract me." Natali tells him.

  - "Like this." Kol says and starts to kiss her neck slowly.

  - "Stop." Natali says and pushes him off of her.

  - Kol smirks, "I know you like it."

  - "I didn't say that I don't like it, I just need to get ready and do something I had to do 2 hours ago." Natali tells him and gets out of the bed, "You can wait a couple of hours, I suppose."

  - "Mmm, I'm not sure I could." Kol replies, "Maybe Rebekah can wait a couple more hours." 

  - "You know we're in different time zones, I can't talk with her when she is at the party or we are." Natali reminded him.

  - Kol groans in frustration and reluctantly says, "Okay, fine. Go and talk to her."

  - "Don't be mad." Natali says trough laugh before she goes to the bathroom to talk a quick shower.

 ⚜ ✡ ⚜ ✡ ⚜ ✡

Natali created a magical FaceTime so she can talk to Rebekah who’s in Saint Tropez. 

  - “Oh, there you are.” Rebekah remarks as Natali appeared in front of her.

  - “I’m so sorry, Kol distracted me.” Natali tells her.

  - “That’s what I thought.” Rebekah says, “Tell me what am I missing?”

  - Natali sighs, “Nothing good.” she continues, “There is a peace of white oak on the loose. Cami had it, but then a witch who was apparently working for Klaus’ ex-girlfriend came and took it. So who knows where it is now.”

 - “Should I come and help you find it.” Rebekah suggested.

 - “No. Stay where you are.” Natali tells her, “You know Klaus and Elijah would be pissed if you come back here.”

 - “But Aurora won’t kill me if she doesn’t want to die.” Rebekah says.

 - “I know, but we don’t know who will get their hands on the white oak. It’s safer for you in Saint Tropez.” Natali told her.

  - “I miss you guys.” Rebekah said.

  - “We miss you too.” Natali replied.

  - “You should take a break and come here as soon as possible.” Rebekah said.

  - “Yeah, I need a year-long break from everything that happened this year.” Natali tells her.

  - “We’re getting ready for a big New Year party, I don’t know how much time I have left to talk so tell me what else is happening?” Rebekah asked.

  - “Well, I’m also trying to find my sister, but ever since we locked up Tristan she is nowhere to be found.” Natali says, “I thought she will take over the Strix now, but apparently not.”

  - “She is shady, I’m telling you.” Natali could hear Kol say from the doorway, “There’s no way she left all of that behind, changed her number, didn’t thank you for doing what she wanted you to do.”

  - “Uh, Kol is here and he doesn’t like when I talk about Renee.” Natali says to Rebekah.

  - “Astral projects him too.” Rebekah tells her and Natali did exactly that, “Why do you hate Renee?” Rebekah asked him.

  - “I just don’t think Natali should trust her.” Kol said.

  - “I never said I trust her. I’m suspicious too, but I think she deserves a chance to explain herself.” Natali told him.

  - “I agree, she needs to earn your trust again.” Rebekah says.

  - “Exactly.” Natali agrees.

  - “Well then, she should’ve called you after we got rid of Tristan, as she wanted.” Kol said.

  - “Maybe she needed a break, we all need a break.” Natali says.

  - “If she calls you tell me, but right now I should get going.” Rebekah tells them, “See you soon.” 

They say goodbye before Natali’s magic stops and the two of them vanish back to a room where she was doing the spell.

⚜ ✡ ⚜ ✡ ⚜ ✡

Natali, Kol and their friends knew how to throw a party, that much was clear to the eternity of New Orleans, so a lot of people came to celebrate New Year at Fangtasia. The only thing is that most of them weren’t aware of vampires and they didn’t know that a lot of people never came back after their night out at famous Fangtasia.

Natali walked towards the people who came to Fangtasia in a black skin-tight dress and stilettos, looking like she just stepped off a runaway. Kol was walking next to her, dressed in a dark suit, matching with her.

They walked to the biggest booth in the club, where all their friends were.

  - “Oh my God, I don’t think there’s a word to describe how you look tonight.” Sofya said as she saw Natali. She was stunned by her.

  - “I’m flattered, thank you.” Natali replied, “You also look amazing.”

  - "Rebekah isn't coming, huh?" Eric asked.

  - "No, Eric. She isn't." Natali tells him, "You should've gone to Saint Tropez."

  - "Please do, before Marcel decides he wants her back." Kol says, "And she will be stupid and let him come back and then he will leave her again." 

  - "She isn't stupid, Marcel is stupid." Eric told him.

  - "Obviously he is." Kol says, "I'll never understand what she sees in him."

  - "Okay, can we not talk about Marcel?" Natali asked, then turned to Eric, "If you want to win Rebekah you'll need to show her that you want her to be more than your one nightstand. She once told me that she wants someone who can't live without her, who would rip cities apart if someone hurts her. And you can be that person, but only if you want to." she says, "Oh and if you hurt her better don't show your face in front of us."

  - Eric laughs at the last thing she said, "Thanks for the pep talk."

  - "I mean I didn't want to scare you, I'm just warning you." Natali told him before taking her glass of whiskey and drinking it.

  - Eric nodded, "Of course."

  - "But she also wants to scare you." Sofya remarks.

  - "Someone needs to protect Bekah." Kol says, "I think it's fair to say that it's best for you if you have to deal with me then with Nik."

  - "Oh yeah. Klaus killed every guy she wanted to be with." Natali says, "Except Marcel."

  - "You know guys this really isn't the best way to convince me to try something." Eric told them.

  - "Don't worry Eric." Natali tells him, "We're rooting for you."

Then Megan approached their table with two humans, who were compelled and ready to feed on them.

  - "So is it really a party if we don't share our food?"

  - "No, it's not." Sofya says and stands up so that a human guy can be in the middle of her and Natali. 

Kol sat next to Natali and a human girl sat in the middle of him and Eric. While Megan joined Sofya and Natali in sharing a meal. Natali bites one side of his neck and Sofya bit the other side, while Megan took his wrist and drank from it. It didn't take long for the three of them to drain even the last drop of his blood. When they finished Natali turned towards Kol, who also just drained another human with Eric. Kol and Natali looked at each other's bloody lips and he leaned forward and kissed her hungrily. His lips crushed against hers, moving against hers violently, but that somehow made the kiss better.

Natali wrapped her arms around his neck and he wrapped his around her waist.

  - "Get a room." Megan remarks jokingly.

After that, the two of them pulled away from each other and smiled.

  - "He was tasty." Kol says about the human they killed.

  - "I know how to pick them." Megan tells him.

 - "Girls, let's go and have more fun." Natali says and stands up, "But without the guys."

 - "Ouch." Eric says, "And what are we going to do?"

 - "You can watch." Megan tells him as she takes Natali's hand and pulled her to the dance floor.

The hot dance music started to play and all three of them started moving sensuously. Natali’s eyes land on Sofya and she saw that a guy was dancing behind her, intentionally touching her exposed skin. Not even the slightest aware that he is going to his own demise. It didn’t take long until Natali saw that his eyes went blank under compulsion and that Sofya’s face was buried in his neck. For anyone else, it would look like she was giving his a hickey, but Natali could smell the sweet scent of his blood.

A few moments later she decided to join her. She moved in behind him. He was still safely alive, but Natali decided it wouldn’t be that way much longer. 

  - “Is he tasty? His blood smells very sweet. I could almost taste it from across the floor.” Natali says.

  - Sofya looks up with dark red lips, “See for yourself.” she then bent over and brushed her wet lips over Natali’s. They quickly pulled away before anyone noticed and Natali licked her lips as she tasted his blood. 

  - “You don’t mind Natali taking some as well, do you?” Sofya says to the guy and since she was still under the compulsion he shook his head and offered the other side of his neck to Natali. 

Licking her lips, Natali let her fangs grow. She sank them inside his neck and the hot blood hit her tongue. They felt his shudder as Sofya did the same on the other side of his neck. He whimpered delightfully and Natali knew that his last minutes would be pleasurable for all of them.

When the guy was weak, already in the throes of the approaching death, both of them held him upright, sucking the last drops of blood out of his veins. With a small sigh, he collapsed dead between them. Sofya had a little bit of his blood on her lips so Natali whipped it off and sucked it off of her thumb.

Then Natali went back to their booth to drink more alcohol. Kol was sitting there and feeding on a dark-skinned girl, who was sitting on his lap. 

  - Natali took her glass of whiskey and drank it in one gulp. Just as she turned her back to Kol he said, “Are you girls having fun without me?”

  - “As a matter of fact, we are.” Natali tells him as she turns to face him, “And I see you’re having fun too.”

  - Kol smirks at her, “I don’t believe you.”

  - Natali smiles back at him, “You don’t have to.” she says and sits next to him. Then she took the girl's hand and bit her wrist.

  - “That’s enough. Leave something for me.” Kol tells her playfully.

  - Natali pulls away, “There’s plenty more of them.”

  - “But I like this one.” Kol tells her with his well-known smile. Natali smiles and stands up, “Where are you going?” he asks.

  - “Back to my girlfriends.” Natali replies, “They like to share.”

Then she went back to Sofya who was close by and started dancing with her.

When it was close to midnight they all came back to the booth and waitresses brought them the most expensive champagne. Kol took the bottle and popped it open, then started pouring champagne into everyone’s glasses. As midnight struck they all toasted to the New Year together. When they finished drinking Kol kissed Natali and she returned the kiss with equal force. She was wrapped up in his arms as he continued to kiss her.

Later, girls were dancing again on the dance floor it was never enough for them. Kol and Eric were still sitting in a booth and watching them dance. 

⚜ ✡ ⚜ ✡ ⚜ ✡

MASTERLIST

Tags: @mikaelsonsmagic   @p3nny4urth0ught5   @cute-freak27   @ias-born  @superhalsteads  @characterobsessed   @hinata7346   @luiza-4-ever  @huntress1428  @infiniteoblivion21

[fromthadiningtable]

Get A Room Part 5

Warnings: language, angst

You wanted to cower away and not deal with this, none of it was your fault. You didn’t ask for Vince to kiss you and though you had flirted previously before, he wasn’t the one that you wanted. The look on Tommy’s face showed that he thought otherwise. Never in a million years did you want to hurt him, but now you had and the damage was done.

“You fucking kissed him?” Tommy spat out his words with venom. He was clearly pissed off and the feeling in your stomach that you felt from the sudden rejection was painful.

“I didn’t kiss him I swear, he kissed me. He just did it and I...” you tried to finish your sentence but Tommy held his hand up.

“All this time, it was supposed to be you and me.” He said this a little more calmly but with hurt. You wanted to burst into tears at how much you could see the hurt in his eyes.

“Tommy I never meant for this to happen, it wasn’t my fault.” Your voice began to break at this point. Your best friend was in pain and you couldn’t do a thing to repair it. You wanted to split Vince’s lip for kissing you, but had a feeling Tommy would probably do that for you anyways. The feelings he had for you were strong and you felt the same way, neither of you spoke this out loud but it was felt. The two of you were like magnets for each other and now, it was ruined. Would things ever be the same, you thought. The two of you sat in silence while he took in what you said. Part of him knew Vince could be sleazy and it wasn’t your fault but at the same time, it happened and it couldn’t be erased.

Tommy sniffed and wiped the back of his hand on his nose. It seemed as if he was trying to decide what to do, like act in rage or be calm about the entire thing.

“I’m gonna kick his fucking ass.” He said, and this was the most serene he had sounded. It scared you how emotionless he had become after this but you did admit to yourself that you wanted Vince’s ass kicked a little. What he did wasn’t right, flirting or not and whether he knew about you and Tommy or not.

“Do you know how obvious that’s going to seem if you do?” You said, remembering that he wanted to keep the whole relationship or whatever it was, a secret.

“Shit....fuck.” He murmured to himself as he kept pacing around the bathroom. Suddenly, his fist collided with the paper towel dispenser. It didn’t break but this sudden act in anger still frightenend you. Tommy could be hot headed but most of the time, he was the fun loving and happy Tommy. You’d only seen him like this one other time when he went through a bad breakup.

You leaned against the sink with your arms crossed, not knowing what to say or do. You had already spoken your peace and there was nothing else to do. Tommy was still pacing, deciding what to do.

“Look I’ll just...I’ll just go home.” You said, still holding back stinging tears. You were determined not to cry in front of him. Tommy surprised you and just nodded slowly to himself. You wanted him to beg you to stay and work this out but that wasn’t Tommy when he was angry. You shuffled around for a moment and then headed out of the door quickly because you could feel the tears coming in a matter of seconds. The club was still full of people and you pushed past what seemed like a hundred of them to get outside of this place. Outside in the parking lot, Vince was hanging around with the girl from before. He had his back leaned against the wall, talking about something you couldn’t hear from this distance. The anger grew in your belly just looking at him, he ruined all of this.

“Vince!” You called out. He thought you were being friendly so he waltzed over with swagger and stood beside you, slightly nudging your arm. You couldn’t help yourself, your arm cocked back and connected with his nose in an instant. You stumbled back, not knowing what you had just done. It had happened in a matter of seconds. Vince wiped some blood from his nose onto his thumb and looked at it. He also seemed to be in shock from what just happened.

“Don’t ever kiss me again.” You stated and immediately fled the scene. On the drive home, your adrenaline was still pumping at what you had just done. You couldn’t even believe you had just punched Vince Neil in the face. It was a thrill and a rush but you did have a tiny bit of guilt. How would you be able to face them again? With Tommy being absolutely furious at you and now punching Vince in the face, you didn’t exactly have a very good case against you. All of you were supposed to meet up for practice the next day and you were absolutely sure you shouldn’t go. Nothing good would come of it.

//

The next day, you stayed home and decided to give yourself a day off. A day off from everything like work, band practice, Tommy, and anything having to do with the band. You were so stressed by the entire situation it felt like all you could do was just lay in bed, order take out, and feel sorry for yourself. You missed him and the way he smelled and his cheesy grin. You missed the other boys too. Mick with the best one liners, Vince when he wasn’t being an asshole, and of course Nikki who was always willing to listen to you.

Later that night your phone rang and you prayed it was Tommy. The voice on the other end left you disappointed.

“Hey, Y/N. It’s Nikki.” You were semi relieved to hear from him but it wasn’t the boy who you missed the most.

“Oh hey, what’s up?” You answered, trying to play dumb.

“So, Vince’s nose is nice and swollen.” Nikki laughed on the other end of the line.

“Oh yeah, about that...” you trailed off, not sure if you should tell him what happened. There’s no way he would take it as hard as Tommy did.

“I know that he kissed you, and that was fucked up. And I know Tommy is super upset. He didn’t show up at all today.” With this information, Nikki was basically stabbing you in the gut. You thought he would at least feel like showing up to practice and doing what he loved. You felt absolutely awful about how everything went down now.

“I shouldn’t have done it. I wish neither thing had happened.” You admitted to him.

“It is what it is, but listen, I’m having a get together at my house tomorrow. I know you probably don’t wanna come but I promise it’ll take your mind off of things.”

“But what about” and then he cut you off.

“Neither of them will be there. I need a break too.” He also admitted something and then laughed.

“Well...alright.” You decided it might be best to do something rather than stay home all day like you had today.

“I’ll see you then, okay?” And then with that, Nikki hung up.

You were relieved that neither Tommy or Vince would be present. You just hoped he would come around, you missed him more than ever.

//

Secretly, you hoped that Tommy would show up. But as the night drew on, you realized that probably wasn’t going to happen. You wanted him to walk in the door and act like nothing happened. You missed that night in the bathroom when he made the first move on you, in that moment everything felt absolutely perfect. Now everything just felt wrecked.

You spent most of the night in a corner, talking to whomever was willing to engage in some small talk. Nikki was really the only person you knew there, after all it was at his house. Mick was hiding out as per usual and you wished he was at least next to you so you didn’t look like a total friendless leper. Nikki was making rounds around the apartment, making sure everyone was getting nice and fucked up and having a great time. You bummed a cigarette off of some guy who told you that your hair was nice. You were pretty sure he was high but at the least he was kind enough to lend you a cigarette. You went out onto the infamous balcony where you and Tommy had spent so many nights together talking and getting excited about the future. Now you were alone and the air felt colder like this somehow. Nikki came out to check on you a few times as you sat outside and contemplated your current situation. After awhile, you figured it might just be best if you went home for the night. It was late and nothing more exciting was going to happen as far as you were concerned.

“Hey Nik, I’m going to head out. I have an early day tomorrow.” You really didn’t, but you didn’t want him to be disappointed you were leaving.

“Aw okay, hey, be safe. And don’t worry about T okay? He’ll come around like I always say.”

You nodded at his words and went outside to head home. The whole drive all you could think about was how Tommy was probably at home sulking in his bedroom and thinking of the hurt you caused him. While the whole thing wasn’t entirely your fault, you felt as if you had some blame. You definitely didn’t regret clocking Vince in the nose, that was coming to him, but Tommy you could never hurt in any shape or form. You two may have bickered a lot but hurtful interactions were never the norm.

When you got home, you noticed a figure sitting on your front stoop. This was unusual, you lived alone and usually were always aware of visitors. You grew nervous and looked around the car for a weapon. The only thing you could manage was the keys in your hand. You slipped them inside your knuckle just in case your fist needed to be used again. You were always wary of being attacked when you were on your own at night but you knew a few tricks. As you walked up to the door, you called out a hello to see if the person would answer. Instead they just stood and stretched and you began to get more nervous as no reply was heard.

“Excuse me? Hello?” You asked, inching closer up to your front door.

“It’s Tommy.” He came out of the shadows and you saw the shaggy haired boy. Your heart immediately began to beat a rapid pace and you were almost excited after being completely terrified a moment ago.

“Oh my god, hey.” You were almost embarrassed at how scared you must’ve looked. And then you were embarrassed at seeming so eager to see him. Either way, you knew you looked stupid in front of him right now. You never felt aware of this until now, that you could be so embarrassed and shy in front of him.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” He looked down at the ground, tracing a small patch of concrete with his foot.

“It’s okay...are you alright?” You asked, after finally calming yourself down internally.

“Uh yeah, I’m good. I just wanted to say I’m sorry.” He said, still not making eye contact with you.

“For what?” Yet again, you played the dumb card.

“For being so upset at you, when it wasn’t your fault. But I need to know something.” After saying this, he moved closer to you, barely inches in between the two of you. Your heart rate quickened again at being so close to him after awhile.

“What’s that?” You asked, nervous of what his answer would be.

“Do you actually want to do this?” He asked, finally looking up at you hopefully.

“Yes.” You’d never been more sure of anything in your life. Tommy closed the gap between the two of you and placed a gentle kiss on your lips. After stepping back, he moved forward once more to kiss you again. This time he opened your mouth his tongue and began exploring your mouth. You did the same actions and continued kissing like that for awhile.

“Cool.” He stepped back again and laughed a little to himself. You knew everything was going to be okay now. He was back to the old Tommy and finally realized that you weren’t the one to blame completely.

“Do you maybe want to come inside?” You asked him, feeling more attracted to him more than ever right now. The way the street light hit his jawline and the way his hair was laying perfectly on his head absolutely drove you insane.

“Yeah, of course.” He said, taking your hand and walking up to the front door.

(Hope you guys like it, thank you for the endless support you guys have for me!!!! I love you bunches!!!)

Tags: @getthefckouttahere @stevenandsam @dylanobandposts21 @anon-1112 @switchthewitch @sighsophiia @mainly-me @bandzrus @divaanya @evrsncnewyork @yoinks-i-dont-feel-so-good @catsoo-12 @whydoilooklikekurtcobain @supernaturalvikingwhore @vintageratdoctor @thatbandchick39 @chasityquinn @swoopygorl @shamelessobsessions @itsametaphorbriansblog @juliarose21 @whiskey-a-go-go @anxious-diabetic @ziggysstardustz @thanks2pete @captainloki1 @tommyfuckinlee @itssajeelalatheef @littlesunnymoon @imamazzellhoe @killer-queen-ofrhye @slowandangry @momothepeachgirl @itsharleyalb @ecstaticqueenbri @wheresmyvodkabitch @madsthegroupie @itsmotleyfuckingcrue @caos18blog @pandem--onium @annabeth-14 @langdonsdemon @rxsesinjune @machinegunkiki @sisterchristixn @luv4fandoms @yesloverboy @solohqrry @she-likes-dead-flowers @leterscam @kennisababe @twistnet @kat-976 @jongkey-1221 @scarecrowmax @letslyn @2dead2function @sweetshutter @myheartdesirepure @marvelismylifffe @iluvmesomemarvelndc

[doro-writes]

A continuation of the beach scene for valentines day and oc kiss week.

When I came back out of the water Dr. Sato was waiting for me on the beach. She had wrapped herself in at least three blankets, but she was shivering nevertheless. The sun hadn’t fully risen yet and it was freezing, which meant winter crept closer.

“Morning.” I grabbed my towels.

“Morning.” Her eyes followed me, while I wrapped one towel around my dreadlocks and another one around my body. “Don’t you go swimming with your brother normally?”, she asked.

“Yeah, but he couldn’t be bothered to get up. He was up until four trying to figure out the puzzle with Samir.” I shrugged. She looked not only tired but exhausted - something I wasn’t used to see. “What are you doing here, anyway?”

 Dr. Sato turned her head and stared out onto dark ocean. “I was thinking about what you said last night. About this excavation.” She paused and looked back at me. “About how it forced us to take part in this war.”

“That’s what you do at six in the morning?” It was still dark and way to early for that sort of discussion.

“I think you’re right”, she interrupted me. “They are using us. But I don’t really care.”

She pointed next to herself and waited, until I had sat down on the blanket. The look in her eyes was so sad, I didn't dare asking what she meant.

“My country gave me nothing but blood and tears”, she then said with a surprisingly hateful undertone. “I don’t care if the hayan military is using me, as long as they don’t make me go back.”

“You’re afraid”, I realized. 

The doctor was quiet and kept to herself, but I had always thought her thoughts were just occupied with the excavation and the difficulties we were having. She was working on this project with such determination and passion, I didn’t even think there could be another reason for the military to employ her, than her love for her job.

“Of course I am”, she answered. “Why aren’t you?”

“When Nik and I came to Haya, we immigrated, got our passports and everything. We are Hayans now, whether they like it or not. They can’t get rid of us anymore.” I wrapped the towel tighter around me. “But it was different back then. It was before Seran took Vinroux. We weren’t refugees.”

I didn't want to imagine, what she went through while getting to Haya and later in the reception camps. Seran had taken her country practically overnight and many people had to leave everything behind. The surrounding countries tried their best to take in the refugees, but the war had niggled on them all.

“I was hoping to find my brother when I got here”, she said quietly. “I thought maybe he had built a life for himself and could take my mother and me in. But I haven’t found him yet and I doubt I will. He’s probably dead.”

At least the odds weren’t good. Missing people during wartimes were most likely to be dead.

“But your mother’s still alive, right?”, I asked.

Dr. Sato nodded. “She works as a teacher. We managed to built our own life.”

Now I understood why she was afraid. The government could decide any minute, that they needed to go home. Her country wasn’t an official warzone anymore, even though it was still under seran rule.

“I don’t need you to feel sorry”, she continued. “Enough people are. I just need you to understand, that I will continue doing as I am told on this project. I can’t risk being deported.”

“I understand.”

“Good.”

“I’m sorry for last night.”

“It’s okay.” She managed to smile a little. “You didn't know.”

I didn't answer. No, I hadn’t known her story, but was that an excuse to be rude? I was used to be safe in Haya and didn't think about anyone else.

“It’s okay”, she repeated and moved up closer to me. She opened the coat of blankets and offered me a spot under it. “You’re shivering.”

“Thanks.” We wrapped the blankets around us both.

Silence fell. The only sounds were the waves of the ocean quietly being washed up on the beach. It was somehow peaceful.

Her hand touched mine under the covers. Neither of us moved. I turned my head to the side to meet her gaze.

“Has anyone ever told you, you’re really pretty?”, she asked so quietly, I barely understood.

“No.” I blinked in surprise. “Not besides Nik.”

“Hm.” She took my hand and I let her.

This felt so surreal. What was even happening? Was she really holding my hand or was I dreaming this?

“You are”, she said.

“Thanks”, I blurred out. Gods, why did I say thanks?

The next second, she was kissing me and I was kissing her and the ocean waves gently washed ashore and somewhere a single seagull was screeching. Her lips tasted of blueberries and the salt of the ocean, even though I was the one who had been swimming in it.

“I should have done that a month ago”, she whispered, as she drew back.

“Yes”, I answered. “But so should I.”

Tagging:  @wilde-writing @cirianne @purpleshadows1989 | tell me if you want to be added or removed from this list.

[preface2adreamplay]

Under Your Spell (Part 21) - Let Me Twist It A Little Deeper

Summary: A Jared Padalecki/OFC /Oscar Isaac fiction.

Stef is not having the best weekend at the con.

Chapter warnings: Flirting, swearing, infidelity. masturbation, angst. 

Chapter WC: 3,554

Everything was packed and ready to go. Stef lay in bed, unable to switch off the noise of the day.

‘Come on, Stef, go asleep,’ she told herself. Pushing off the covers and pulling them back on again. Tossing and turning didn’t cover how much she had moved around. 

Finally, she gave up. Grabbing her phone from her bedside table. 4am. 

Claire was staying with Richard. Jared was with his family and who knows where Oscar was. 

She scrolled through insta for a while, seeing all the photos fans had shared from the previous day. A headache was forming behind her eyes, it was gonna be one of the bad ones, she knew. 

‘Fucking sleep!’ Stef cursed. Only one thing left to try. Reaching down under the sheets, Stef rolled her fingers around her clit, the first thought that came to her mind was Jared on stage, smiling and joking. The next thought was him shirtless, the last time he was in her bedroom, jeans hanging low on his hips, arm muscles bulging while he fished around on the floor for his clothes. 

Breathing out a soft groan, Stef continued, fingers finding her opening hot and wet. She slid inside, one finger. Jared breathing on her neck, sucking soft kisses against her jaw, his voice in her ear, ‘c’mon Stef, give it to me.’ 

It was a phrase he liked to use when he was in a playful mood, she would relinquish control of her pleasure to him. When he took control of her, his hands, his mouth, his voice would be everywhere, all over her. His mouth humming against her in the most delicious way. And she would ride waves of pleasure. 

Stef felt her walls contracting around her finger, her body trembling and finally stilled as she drifted into a disturbed and dream filled sleep.

Oscar had taken her by the hand, dragging her through the crowds, ‘look at them!’ he kept yelling over his shoulder. ‘Let go of me, I can’t go with you.’ Stef tried to twist her arm from his grip. They stopped at the stage where the Q&A had been. Jared sat with his wife in his lap, giggling with her between kisses. Instant fiery hot jealousy raged through her. ‘Look at them!’ Oscar said again. His dark eyes on the couple that were wrapped up in each other. Stef drew her gaze away, unable to look at them any longer. Oscar didn’t flinch when Stef waved her hand in front of his face, he was in a daze, his mouth open in a soft smile. ‘Help me get away.’ Stef shouted. Jared started, seeing Stef below him. ‘No wait, come back.’ He begged. 

Stef was running, the carpet beneath her bare feet was turning into steps too high for her to climb, she couldn’t run hard enough to get away. An arm caught her as she tumbled. 

Stef couldn’t hold back her tears, burying her face in the chest of the man holding her up. 

Stef woke suddenly, throwing the blankets away. Running her hands down her face, she glanced at herself in the mirror across the room. She was perspiring, hair was clinging to her neck. ‘What the actual fuck?’ 

Stef didn’t dream much, but that one made her feel sick to her stomach.

Wiping the bathroom mirror clean after a hotter than hell shower, Stef looked at her face, wanting the woman looking back at her to settle her nerves, tell her she wasn’t being an idiot, it went with the territory. 

Why are you really fucking surprised, was all she said. 

Stef sat on the side of the bath tub and cried. 

Claire had done her best to make up for not being around. When she finally got around to coming back to the hotel room they were sharing, Stef was dressed and fresh faced.

‘Did you sleep?’ Claire rummaged through her bag looking for clean clothes.

‘Not much. I bet it’s pointless to ask if you got sleep last night.’ Stef winked seeing Claire trying to hide a coy smile.

‘I have to shower but then we are definitely having breakfast. There is a thing on later that I wanna check out but I’ll be back before lunch and then we can head back to the airport, k?’ 

Claire was being overly nice, her voice raising a little higher with every sentence.

‘Richard wouldn’t happen to be doing the thing you’re interested in, is he?’ Stef finished applying a second layer of mascara. 

‘Maybe,’ Claire elongated the word, disappearing into the bathroom.

Stef’s phone beeped. Picking it up she saw a message from Jared.

Jared: Good morning sweet thang. x

Stef put the phone back down and checked herself in the mirror. Heaving a sigh, she gathered herself, put on a smile and bent to put on her Nike’s. There would be more walking today, it called for comfortable footwear. Her jeans were loose around her waist, she hadn’t realised she had lost some weight. Not too much to be noticeable she thought. 

Claire was singing in the shower. Stef chuckled, hearing it was one of her older songs, Claire loved the band Stef was taking a break from.

Shit, she thought, remembering one of the members had called her a couple of days previous to ask when she was available to meet up.

Every year or so they would meet, see what was going on with each other and decide if they would do new music or not. 

Hitting the call button, her old friend answered straight away.

‘Hey, Stef! How are you?’

‘Sorry I kinda forgot to call you back, Nik, I’m in Toronto right now.’

‘Yeah, I was talking to Oscar yesterday he told me he ran into you over there. Having fun?’

‘The most fun,’ she lied. 

‘We are meeting Friday night at that bar you hate.’ Nik blew smoke down the phone. Stef knew the sounds of him inhaling and exhaling like his life depended on that one cigarette.

‘I’ll be there.’

‘Great!’ He did sound excited. Stef smiled, excited to catch up with them.

‘Gotta go, I’ll get the details from you during the week.’

‘For sure. Later, Stef.’

‘Was that Jared?’ Claire peeked out from behind the bathroom door, steam billowing behind her. Strands of dark red hair plastered against her face.

‘Nah. Nik. Band meeting.’

‘Oh,’ Claire seemed a little disappointed. ‘Will you see Jared before we leave?’ Her voice kept on the side of casual/hopeful instead of the misery Stef felt creeping into her bones.  

‘I’d like to think so, but, with his family showing up I don’t know if he can get away.’

Stef didn’t have to hear Claire tutting from the bathroom to know how she felt about it. 

Stef looked at her phone as it pinged again. 

Jared had sent a very close up selfie. Laughing, she replied.

Stef: Good morning, Jared. How are you today?

Jared: Tired. Glad this con is almost over. Photo ops at 12, you gonna be around?

Stef: Yep, can swing by before we leave. 

Jared replied with a few celebratory emojis. 

‘Claire, come on, I’m hungry.’

‘Go down without me, I’ll be right behind you.’ Claire was brushing her teeth furiously.

Ok, Stef shrugged.

Filling her plate with as much food as possible, Stef was trying to figure out how to use the coffee machine when someone brushed past her, nudging her elbow, sending a piece of toast sliding off into the mug she had managed to fill with a watery mix of milk and coffee.

‘Sorry,’ a soft voice came. Stef turned to say it was cool when she met the woman’s eyes. 

‘It-it’s fine,’ Stef stammered, her eyes glued to the beautiful brown eyes staring up at her. It was Jared’s wife.

Fuck, Stef thought. 

‘You’re uhm, you’re…’ Gen tried to find a way to say her name without owning that this was the woman her husband was fucking. 

‘Yeah,’ was all Stef managed to say. 

‘Well, you’ve made him a happier man. When he comes home to us.’ Gen said graciously, putting a hand on the shoulder of a boy standing next to her, gaping up at Stef.

He had Jered’s eyes and my god, he had Jared’s hair. Stef swallowed hard, what could she say to that?

’Nice to meet you, anyway.’ 

Gen gave Stef a smile and taking her son by the hand, led him away. Stef closed her eyes, her mouth dry like a fucking desert. Suddenly, the coffee didn’t seem so important. But, there was a queue building up behind her.

‘Go ahead, I can’t seem to work it,’ Stef moved away from the person waiting patiently next to her. Rubbing her nose with her hand, she cleared her throat, not sure where to look or what to do. Fearful of moving her eyes across the room in case she were to see Jared’s family again or worse, Jared himself. She couldn’t face him now. 

Claire arrived, hair swinging, bosom bouncing, a huge grin on her face. ‘Hey did you get me coffee?’ 

Her smile turned to a horrified look, ‘you ok?’ Rubbing Stef’s shoulder. ‘You gonna puke?’

‘Maybe,’ Stef replied, ‘Can we grab a seat?’

Finding a small table hidden behind a huge, ugly plant, Stef told Claire what had just happened.

‘So she thanked you for sleeping with her husband? She’s a better woman than I would be.’

‘Claire!’ Stef pinched the bridge of her nose, the toast on her plate now finding its way to Claire’s mouth.

‘What?’ the redhead replied, ‘She could have ignored you, or punched you, or made a scene, but she didn’t. Sounds like she was just as shocked to bump into you.’

Stef nodded, her brow furrowed. ‘My life is not normal. This is getting awkward.’

‘This is probably the only time you will ever meet her or even see her, just chill.’

Stef blew out a breath, rubbing her sweaty hands against her jeans. 

‘I’m gonna get you a coffee and a chocolate croissant, then we can go see Richard. He will make you laugh and forget your troubles.’

Stef groaned.

‘Now that was my attitude when I first came to the con, you changed my mind. C’mon.’

‘Is it bad that I want a Margarita for breakfast?’

‘Yes, it is, this situation is not that bad.’

***

Claire hadn’t let Stef hide away in the room, which was a good thing. The convention was so big, the chances of her running into Gen again were slim, but Stef kept looking over her shoulder anyway. She regretted agreeing to see Jared at the photo op’s, but bit the bullet - well, asking Richard to scope out the room first and waiting for him to come back and confirm it was mostly Padalecki-free. 

Stef had never seen this section of a convention before, people lining up to take silly/well thought out pictures with Jared and Jensen. 

Jensen smiled and nodded when he saw Stef waiting off to the side. He leaned in to say something to Jared, who turned his head so quickly in her direction, his hair flipped into Jensen’s face, hitting his friend in the eye. The people close enough to see roared with laughter. Jared was falling over himself apologising to Jensen, clapping him on the back with his huge hand, winking over at Stef. 

‘I see why you like him,’ the familiar voice next to her made her smile. ’Tall, handsome, funny. I’d hit it.’

‘Oscar,’ Stef scolded softly. He was alone, standing with his hands in his pockets.

‘Where’s your date?’

Oscar made a dismissive sound, ’She bounced, I’m really good at making people feel unwanted, apparently. It’s a talent, it would seem.’

‘She left?’ Stef shook her head, laughing. 

‘Yes, she did. She said I wasn’t emotionally available.’ Leaning in so that only Stef would hear. ‘I’m kinda glad, she was jealous about everything.’

‘You’re not into chicks that are fawning over you?’ Stef bit her lower lip.

‘Nah, maybe I just didn’t like her.’

‘You heading home today?’ 

‘Yeah, you?’

‘You don’t sound excited.’ Stef was watching a couple set up their photo, within seconds their experience was over. A fleeting moment that would stay with them forever. 

Jared made eye contact with her and pulled one side of his mouth into a grin, looking over Oscar quickly and greeting the next in line. 

‘Want me to get out of your hair?’ Oscar murmured. 

‘No,’ Stef hooked her arm into his, changing the direction so she was walking away from Jared’s line of sight.

‘We haven’t had time to hang much at all.’

‘You want to hang with me?’ 

‘Yeah.’ Stef squeezed his arm. Oscar’s chest puffed out a little. 

‘What’ll we do then.’

‘I saw a stall with some stuff that had your Star Wars guy, Darius specifically requested something with your face on it.’

Pushing his tongue between his teeth, Oscar threw his head back to laugh. 

‘Why the fuck not, let’s buy my own merchandise.’

***

Jared: Where did you go? Photo ops just done.

Stef: Just grabbing a drink, you want one?

Jared: I’ll meet you in the bar, I’ll be about 5 minutes.

‘Is that him?’ Oscar eyed her over his drink, taking a long gulp and sighing. 

‘Yes, he’ll be down here in a few minutes.’ Stef put a hand on his arm. He had rolled up his shirt sleeves. One fist resting on his hip and he cocked an eyebrow, glancing around the room, he looked too hot. Stef had to check herself.

‘Why are you looking at me like that?’ He said, not looking at her, his eyes resting on a pair of blondes sitting at the opposite end of the bar.

‘Like what? I don’t want you to go if that’s what you mean.’ Stef pouted.

‘No, you’re looking at me like I’m lunch.’

Stef opened her mouth to laugh, involuntarily spitting her drink across his lap.

‘Oh shit, I’m so sorry.’

Oscar brushed the droplets away, laughing too much to form a coherent sentence. ‘I didn’t think it would have that effect.’

Wiping her chin with a napkin, she eyed him curiously.’ What kind of reaction did you think you would get?’

‘I dunno, I thought it might make you argue with me.’

‘You want an argument?’ 

’Nah, I just wanted to wind you up a little before your dude gets here.’

‘My dude, as you say, is already here.’ Stef raised her eyebrows in greeting as Jared made his way toward them. Oscar turned his head, not bothering to adjust how he was sitting, legs splayed open, knees on the outside of Stef’s, keeping her sitting in place at the bar. 

‘Hey,’ Jared said softly, tucking hair behind his ear. 

‘Hi,’ Stef grinned up at him. He was nervous, shifty. 

‘I guess I should formally introduce you both.’

They did that thing that men do when they don’t think women notice, they were eyeing each other, sizing each other up. Shaking hands and making pleasantries. Neither spoke, waiting for Stef to break the ice.

‘We will be leaving after lunch.’

‘Isn’t lunch, like, right now.’ Jared checked his watch.

‘Shit it is. Where the hell is Claire??’ Stef reached into her bag and checked her phone. No messages. Typical.

‘I cannot trust that woman around Richard, my god!’ Stef huffed, pressing the call button and listening to the tone on the other end, knowing Claire wouldn’t be picking up.

‘She could be back in the room.’

Oscar was half grinning, a knowing look on his face. ‘Better go check, you don’t wanna miss your flight again.’

‘Again?’ Jared was looking incredibly awkward now. 

‘Oh, Claire has made Effie miss a couple of flights over the years. She almost missed a video shoot her band was doing in Italy.’ 

‘Oh don’t remind me, that woman causes me stress I could do without.’ Giving up on the idea of Claire picking up her damn phone.

‘I gotta head back up to the room anyway, we will be leaving soon too.’ 

Jared put a hand gently on Stef’s elbow, hoping to get her up off her seat and away from Oscar. 

‘Yeah I’ll walk with you,’ turning to Oscar, placing a beer mat on top of her glass. ‘Mind my spot for a few minutes?’ 

Oscar nodded, turning his attention back to the blondes at the bar.

‘Nice to meet you, man.’ Jared offered Oscar his hand, the shorter man taking it, ‘You too, finally.’ Oscar winked at Stef as she walked away.

Stepping into the elevator, they were finally alone. Jared grabbed her waist, drawing her to him. ‘Damn, I’ve wanted to kiss you all fucking day.’ His teeth were nipping at her lips, teasing. Stef stood on her tip toes, trying to reach his mouth. ‘Kiss me then.’

Jared groaned when their lips met. It wasn’t long enough. The doors were opening on her floor. He took her hand in his, leading her down the hall. Stef was looking down at her small hand wrapped in his. ‘That ok?’ He squeezed her fingers.

‘Yeah, just surprising.’ 

Jared shrugged, stepping behind her as she slid the key card into the hotel room door. They were greeted with two naked bodies writhing on the bed. 

‘Oh god!’ Stef covered her face, unable to tear her eyes away from Richard’s naked ass bouncing as he pummelled into Claire.

Pulling the door closed with a bang, she covered her face, eyes wide. ‘How can I un see that?’ She gasped, laughing so much she thought she would puke.

Jared was on his knees, unable to speak. 

It took a few minutes for them to calm down, Richard’s frantic cries of ‘are you guys still out there?’ made the situation worse. Neither Stef nor Jared could answer him.

Jared had managed to drop his gum onto the carpet, causing him to laugh even more.

‘Don’t put that back in your mouth.’ 

‘That’s what she said.’

‘Oh Jared, please stop, I’m in pain from laughing.’

A large hand was on her back, her face was suddenly crushed into his chest. He was gasping for air like he had run a race. 

‘Well that’s put a good ending to a rough weekend.’ Jared was wiping tears from his eyes.

Stef remembered running into Gen earlier in the day, her stomach twisting with guilt. Or maybe it was jealousy. Or a sickening mixture of both.

Swallowing, she looked up at Jared.

‘What’s up, babe?’ 

‘Nothing.’ She lied, kissing him gently on the mouth.

‘You sure?’

‘Yeah, I’ll just miss you is all.’

‘You have good company downstairs, Oscar is keeping your seat for you at the bar.���

‘Jared…’ Stef wanted to explain what had happened earlier, but he cut her off with another kiss.

‘I’ll call you tomorrow, I’ll be back home. After the kids go to bed. Sound good?’

’Sounds good.’ Stef agreed, unable to hide the disappointment in her eyes at how this weekend had panned out. 

Richard opened the door, having dressed himself in a hurry. ‘Come on, man.’ he said to Jared, pushing past them, his cheeks flushed, hair tossed from Claire’s fingers. 

‘Gotta go.’ Jared kissed her quick and left, following Richard down the hall. 

Stef stuck her head in the door, ‘you decent?’

‘Doesn’t matter, you saw everything just now.’ Claire wasn’t half as bashful as Richard. 

‘Oscar is waiting for me at the bar. Meet us down there?’

‘Let me just fix my sex hair and I’ll be down.’

When Stef made it back down to the bar, she saw Oscar talking to a woman. She was hitting his arm and laughing. It was fake. Everything about her was. You can spot when someone wants someone because of their fame, and this was one of those vacuous women.

Stef put her arm between them to get her drink. ‘Oh hey, you’re back.’ Oscar looked happy at her reappearance. 

She was one of the blondes he had been ogling. His face said ‘please help.’ And while Stef would usually have left him to it, she decided on this occasion to do a good deed. 

’I’m Stef,’ she said, sticking her hand out for the stranger, who took it, gingerly.

‘Sorry, are you with him?’ She asked, pointing a talon at Oscar’s chest.

‘Yeah,’ Stef said simply.

The blonde looked her up and down, taking in the old Nike’s, loose jeans and band t-shirt. 

‘Call me,’ she mouthed to Oscar, swaying back toward her friend. 

‘Do not call her.’ Stef warned, sliding back onto the barstool, her legs fitting snuggly between Oscar’s again.

‘Just filling the time til you came back,’ Oscar sighed, leaning his torso toward her.

‘You look flushed, what’s up.’

‘I just caught Claire and Richard fucking.’ Stef looked at him, wide eyed and excited. 

Oscar put a hand over his mouth, his nose scrunched up as he laughed. ‘No fucking way.’

Stef finished off her beer in one gulp. ‘Buy me another one and I’ll describe Richard’s ass to you.’

‘Oh fuck, please don’t. But, I’ll definitely buy you another drink.’ Oscar winked, turning to grab the barman’s attention.

Butterflies. He had given her butterflies with that look.

Fuck, she thought

[sunshineandfangs]

Viaggio/Cuore Malato Sequel Teaser pt.3

Luiza did indeed yell at me lol. And I am easily swayed into writing more stuff when people are so enthusiastic. Also I felt kinda bad for my cliffhangers.

Viaggio | Cuore Malato | Sequel pt1 | pt2

Warning: minor violence, FEELINGS, some fluff at last

---

Caroline watched with wary eyes as Ni-Klau-Niklau-he paced back and forth in front of her, a wild and frenzied air about him. After he bit her so brutally (again) she wasn’t expecting to survive, no more resurrections left. Game over. The aching part of her, the part left bleeding from his betrayal twice over, felt almost relieved.

And yet she wasn’t dead. He had stared at her as if he was seeing a ghost, literally shoved his blood down her throat to cure his venom, but had laid her with utter gentleness on a bed. Mood flipping again, he had torn out the carotid of a human he had snatched, spraying blood across her face and the room.

She had surprised herself with her control, somehow knowing she could resist if she really wanted to, but that same stupid, aching piece of her wanted answers. So she had lapped up the blood dripping down her lips, drank deeply from the poor convulsing man on the floor, needing the strength.

And now she watched him pace. His erratic behavior actually gave her a measure of confidence, though she cursed herself when her instinct was still to reach for his hand.

He froze as she touched him, burning a hole in the wall he was still facing, seeming afraid to look at her.

Her lips parted, her tongue clumsy as she stumbled over how to address him. “Nik,” she uttered at last, her heart foolishly settling on hope, “please, help me understand what’s happening.” She spoke as she did centuries ago, pointedly using the old Tuscan dialect.

---

Her hand was so warm in his, newly transitioned or not. And for all that he craved answers, he was running like a coward when it came to finally getting them.

He whipped around, wide-eyed as she spoke to him in a dialect he hadn’t heard in centuries. Her voice sounding as sweet as it ever did. And his mind raced as he registered her flawless accent, recalled that a few moments ago she had yelled at him in flawless English.

His fear and pride was a solid pit inside him, one he swallowed to speak to her, voice hoarse. 

“896 years, 4 months, and 18 days ago I killed The Five,” he carefully moved closer to her and reached to touch her cheek, feeling relieved when she let him and didn’t flinch away. “Realized I killed you as well under the Hunter’s Curse. For 52 years, 4 months, and 9 days you came to me, haunting me with well-deserved vitriol.” His fingers trembled slightly as he traced the line of her jaw, the shape exactly as he remembered, the same lines he had drawn over and over. “I thought you would return to me at first, my blood in your system, but you never did. ...How are you here, Caroline?”

---

One didn’t remember the death dates of insignificant people. Nor did men like Nik or Klaus express such genuine vulnerability as a ploy. She slowly lifted her hand to press against his, skin to skin to skin.

“I was born here, in this time,” she added, clutching his fingers as he made to pull away, eyes pleading. “October 10th, 1992 in Mystic Falls General. The things I told you, they were true, just re-framed to fit a time I suddenly found myself in. You can find all my records here if you search for them, I didn’t lie to you if I could help.” She squeezed his hand, absorbing the stunned expression on his face, waiting for it to turn to anger or disbelief. “And nothing I did was a plan or scheme or plot. It wasn’t my intention to fall through time, fall in love with you. And it was absolutely not my intention to leave you, Nik.” She offered a wobbly smile. “Trust me, if it were my choice I would have stayed to yell at you for biting me like that.”

---

Her claims were insanity and yet he wanted them to be true with a desperate fervor. And oh, how she sounded like his Caroline. Not just her voice but her words. That daring audacity and blunt honesty. The easy way she could speak of love. 

Everything about her pulled at his recollection. Her scent: citrus and vanilla, with hints of honey. The way her golden curls framed her face. The blue glint of her eyes. His fingers twitched. The way her skin felt against his.

“How can this be?” He rasped, needing her to prove it.

---

Caroline’s newly dead heart found the ability to pound away like a hummingbird, rapid and powerful. She could feel each beat thudding in her chest, an incredible awe filling her that they might both be telling the truth.

Her hope made her brave.

She interlaced their fingers, sliding their joined hands from her jaw to her temple.

“I don’t know how, but I am the Caroline you remember. I swear. Let me show you?”

She lowered her mental barriers, waiting to feel his presence. Trusting that this version, 896 years older but still carrying her memory, would not hurt her.

---

Klaus sucked in an unnecessary breath, feeling the gentle pressure of her mind. The warmth, the love, the affection. The way it seemed to wrap around him as he carefully prodded at the access she was granting to him.

He fell forward into the memory she offered up, eyelids fluttering as he too recalled the moment.

---

Caroline fiddled with her hair as she bit her lip, feeling a bit incredulous about what she was about to ask, to offer. Well aware how much it went against everything she had been taught.

“What is it like to feed?” She blurted out before she could lose her nerve, fidgeting more when Nik stared at her in surprise.

“Like the most potent rush you can imagine. Why? Are you offering?” He meant it as a tease, and was visibly taken aback when she said yes.

She blushed under his wide-eyed gaze and looked away, finding it easier to speak to the nice tapestry in the corner.

“It-it just seems like it could be very intimate. And well, I trust you not to hurt me and I just thought that maybe I could try giving you some of my blood. You know, just to see what it’s like. I mean you don’t have to of course! Oh, god what if I taste bad or so-”

Her rambling was halted as a finger pressed against her lips, the rest of his hand gently cupping her chin and encouraging her to look at him. She reluctantly turned her head, feeling flustered as she met his gaze.

Relief and warmth washed through her as she took in his soft expression, his hand seeming to caress her cheek of its own accord.

“I am honored, Caroline,” he said quietly, but no less powerfully, “by your trust in me. And if you wish me to, then I would happily accept your offer.”

She smiled, feeling her heart rate spike in anticipation. “Okay, then. Um how should we do this?”

His hand fell from her cheek to wrap around her waist, both his arms embracing her as he stepped backward. She followed willingly, listening to the almost purr his voice had fallen into.

“This will be more comfortable for you if we sit.” As he spoke, Nik settled back into one of his plusher chairs, motioning for her to turn. She did, letting him guide her to sit in his lap, resting her back to his chest. One arm banded across her stomach to keep her from falling, while the other gently combed back the hair from the right side of her throat.

She tilted her head to make it easier, relaxing in his arms. The hand on her stomach twitched as his voice rumbled against her back. “Oh, Caroline, the things you do to me...”

His lips were soft, nearly tickling the sensitive skin of her neck as he pressed kisses up and down the line of it. The pace slow and sensual before eventually they settled on one spot, nipping and sucking with still blunt teeth.

Caroline panted slightly, unable to help the stirring of arousal as she leaned into him. At some point her eyes had fluttered shut, and she didn’t bother to open them again, focusing instead on the feel of him surrounding her, his scent, the way her neck tingled from his touch.

The point of his fangs descended tracing a short line before halting, sliding with almost no resistance through her skin. It didn’t really hurt, feeling more like a firm pressure. 

And then he was pulling back slightly, unplugging the small punctures as he drew her blood. Her breath hitched, unable to describe the sensation, but god did she like it. The two moaned in tandem, Nik delighting in the taste of her, the spice of her arousal the high of her trust, she reveling in the feel of him, the intimacy.

He drank slow, luxurious mouthfuls, tongue swiping out to catch the drops he missed. An eternity and an instant passed before he pulled away, his own blood sealing the wound until it looked like a faint bruise.

“Thank you, Caroline,” he murmured against her, lips brushing where he had just bitten her.

---

Their eyes opened simultaneously, Klaus’ chest giving an odd twinge at the old trust shimmering in her eyes.

“That’s how I want to remember you drinking from me, Nik. Please, don’t smother such a lovely memory again.”

“Caroline,” was all he could manage, her name laden with a million different emotions, none of which he could express.

It really was her. And he was self aware enough to know he didn’t deserve her, that in a day or so he would investigate every bit of her story, needing to know the how’s and the why’s.

But for now he just wanted her. So he took her. Cradled her in his arms as he blurred to his bedroom, curling around her on his sheets as he buried his nose in her hair.

---

List of current and upcoming sequels here.

[joanna-lannister]

Meta: Will the Lannisters end like the Targaryens?

WARNING: possible mentions of spoilers/leaks

@fcrncody Thank you Ana, my partner in crime, for being my beta reader! 💖

First of all, this theory is purely for the show, not the books (even if I'm gonna use some quotes from it). I do believe the fate of some characters will be different, I could be wrong tho.

"History is a wheel, for the nature of man is fundamentally unchanging. What has happened before will perforce happen again." I'm quoting G.R.R.M here but as a big History nerd, I always say that History repeat itself and I think that what's going to happen with the Lannisters : their downfall will be a parallel to the Targaryens one at the end of Robert's rebellion. I have this theory in mind for almost 2 years now and since I keep thinking about it, I needed somewhere to write it down.

During the rebellion, we had 4 Targaryens still alive : Aerys, Rhaella, Rhaegar and Viserys (plus Dany and Jon on the way). I'm not sure if I should count Maester Aemon since he took the black and I don't count Elia and Rheagar's children since he disinherited them. Now for the Lannisters, we have Cersei, Jaime and Tyrion still alive, plus baby!Lannister on the way. I think their deaths or possible survival will be a mix of how these last Targaryens died or survived.

First, the Lannisters have always been connected with the Targaryens one way or another:

Tywin wanted Cersei to marry Rhaegar and she wanted it to

Tyrion and his obsession with the dragons

Jaime killed Aerys

Tywin used to be friend with Aerys and his Hand

Cersei and Tyrion both used wildfire

Joanna was harassed by Aerys

And I could go on...

But one of the biggest connection we can make between the two houses is the incest. The perpetual incestuous marriage between the Targaryens slowly brought their house to the extinction and Cersei and Jaime's relationship caused the war of the five Kings and thus, their own downfall. They have been compared to the Targaryens more than once, by themselves or by other characters.

The Targaryens wed brothers and sisters for 300 years to keep bloodlines pure. Jaime and I are more than brother and sister. We shared a womb. We came into this world together. We belong together. - Cersei, S01E07 You Win or You Die

Tyrion: Sins? The Targaryens... Cersei: Wed brother and sister for hundreds of years, I know. That's what Jaime and I would say to each other in our moments of doubt. It's what I told Ned Stark when he was stupid enough to confront me. Half the Targaryens went mad, didn't they? What's the saying? Every time a Targaryen is born, the Gods flip a coin. Tyrion: You've beaten the odds. Tommen and Myrcella are good, decent children, both of them. - S02E07 A Man Without Honor

You think I disapprove? Why? Because people disapprove of that sort of thing where you are from? They disapproved of Oberyn and me where you are from. Here no one blinked an eye. 100 years ago, no one would have blinked an eye at you if you'd been named Targaryen. - Ellaria, S05E09 The Dance of Dragons

We could marry him to Myrcella, once we've sent Sansa Stark back to her mother. That would show the realm that the Lannisters are above their laws, like gods and Targaryens. - Jaime, ASOS

"I am sick of being careful. The Targaryens wed brother to sister, why shouldn't we do the same? Marry me, Cersei. Stand up before the realm and say it's me you want. We'll have our own wedding feast, and make another son in place of Joffrey." She drew back. "That's not funny." - Jaime, ASOS

Then, we have Tywin and his ambition. He wants to outshine the Targaryens and build a dynasty that could last 1000 years.

The future of our family will be determined in these next few months. We could establish a dynasty that will last a thousand years. Or we could collapse into nothing, as the Targaryens did. - Tywin, S01E07 You Win or You Die

Cersei wants to emulate her father.

I understand we're in a war for survival. I understand whoever loses dies. I understand whoever wins could launch a dynasty that lasts a thousand years. - Cersei, S07E01 Dragonstone

The parallel is clear here, I have even made a gifset. The funny thing in that conversation between Tywin and Jaime is the fact that Tywin points out they could collapse into nothing when it's already happening, because of his own children. And again, he compares himself to the Targaryens. Foreshadowing?

Before talking about each characters, I want to say that if this theory is correct, I don't think Jaime and Cersei will die together. This show is full of plot twists, irony, parallels and yet, anti-parallels and the characters don't get what they want, this is not a Disney fairytale. And dying together is something they both want, they expressed it numerous times, in the show and in the books, maybe too much?

Bronn: How do you want to go? Jaime: In the arms of the woman I love. - S05E04 The Sons of The Harpy

We've always been together. We'll always be together. We're the only two people in the world. - Cersei, S06E06 Blood of My Blood

I cannot die while Cersei lives, he told himself. We will die together as we were born together. - Jaime, ASOS

We will leave this world together, as we once came into it. - Cersei, AFFC

If he were dead, I would know it. We came into this world together, Uncle. He would not go without me. - Cersei, ADWD

It's so obvious, as viewers (and also readers sometimes), we expect it to happen. The cast keep telling us how unpredictable the end is, I honestly take everything they say with a grain of salt but I think I'll make an exception for this time. Also, the writers omitted the Valonqar part in Cersei's prophecy. On purpose? So we are going to be surprised if Jaime is indeed the Valonqar? I find it weird when it's already obvious like I said and when they dropped clues back in S7.

Cersei:You murdered your own brother. Euron:You should try it. Feels wonderful. - S07E01, Dragonstone

Olenna: She'll be the end of you. Jaime: Possibly. - S07E03, The Queen's Justice

But I could be wrong and the writers will choose the easy path... However, while it's tragic for Jaime and Cersei to die together, killed by each others, I think it would be even more painful for their characters to die apart. Like us, they expect to die together. They are twins, they spent their whole life together and they think it will always be that way, Cersei only feels complete with him... and ripping Jaime away from her? Yeah, sadly poetic.

And now for the characters...

JAIME: ↳ Rhaegar / Aerys

I start with Jaime first since I think he's going to die first.

Source: (x), (x)

In the first still (from the 8x02?), he's wearing a Northern regular armor, similar to the one Robb used to wear. In the EW promo, the armor is almost the same but more more redish, more Lannister, and looks a little like bit the one Podrick used to wear back in the previous seasons.

I presume the costume change will happen after the battle in 7x03. My guess is that battle will not be the last. Wrapping the White Walkers storyline in 1 episode? No, impossible. The war will happen in two times: first that battle, Winterfell is destroyed and the White Walkers are still a threat, Jaime comes back to King's Landing (with the Starks?) [if I remember Nik was spotted on the King's Landing set, could be for this or something else] and then another battle and Jaime dies during this one by the hand of Night King.

Why the Night King? Simple. One of the most important moment in Jaime's life was when he killed the Mad King, a man obsessed with fire. He was mocked all his life for breaking his vows, nicknamed Kingslayer, when he took the right decision.

And then when the king turned to flee, I drove my sword into his back. "Burn them all," he kept saying. "Burn them all." I don't think he expected to die. He ... he meant to... burn with the rest of us and rise again, reborn as a dragon to turn his enemies to ash. - Jaime, S03E05 Kissed by Fire

Most people in the fandom think he will kill either the Night King or the Mad Queen, I bet on the other way. I admit I also thought about Dany becoming the Night Queen and killing him, a nice parallel since he killed her father but I don't see her branding a sword even if she becomes the Night Queen so I stand with the idea of the Night King, a creature made a ice. Honestly, a Kingslayer murdered by a king? What an irony... And, A Lannister always pays his debts.

That was for the Aerys part, now for the Rhaegar part. They are both warriors and if Jaime dies in a battle, it will already be a parallel with Rhaegar dying at the the Trident. Nik also said that Jaime's obsessive love for Cersei "follows him until his very last scene of the show". At first, I was; okay my theory is wrong but then I remembered that quote about Rhaegar:

Rubies flew like drops of blood from the chest of a dying prince, and he sank to his knees in the water and with his last breath murmured a woman's name. - Daenerys, ACOK

We don't know for sure who was the woman Rhaegar mentioned but Jaime murmuring Cersei's name would completely fulfill the parallel with him. And again, a bit ironic here since Cersei wanted to marry Rhaegar.

CERSEI: ↳ Rhaella / Aerys

Now, Cersei, the next who's going to die, in my opinion. I think she will behave somehow like Aerys at the beginning of the season but her death will be a total parallel to Rhaella, and by extent, Joanna and possibly Lyanna.

Source: (x), (x)

Like Jaime, with the costume change, Cersei is wearing the Lannisters colors again. Someone on tumblr (I don't remember who, I'm sorry) said that her grief is over and it could mean she will subvert the villain trope or something along the line. I do agree with the grief part, that's why I don't think she will lose baby!Lannister. Why would she wear her house colors if she had lost her child?

Source: (x), (x), (x), (x), (x), (x)

Notice she has the Lannister sigil back too, as a necklace. It was a link with Myrcella and after Tommen's death, she never wore it again. Only as embroidery on her gowns. The pendant is strategically placed on her "bump", it fits her character; she's (was) a mother, she's pregnant and that child is the future of her house. Also, some people said we can see a baby bump. I personally disagree, I believe it's only the dress.

I know part of the fandom will scream at me that she's not pregnant or she will have a miscarriage because of the prophecy. First of all, I do believe she's pregnant (or at least she thinks she is) and of course, a miscarriage is still a possibility. Second of all, prophecies are tricky, ask Melisandre. The prophecy was already debunked back in S1 when Cersei told Catelyn about the black haired boy she had with Robert.

I lost my first boy, a little black-haired beauty. He was a fighter too... Tried to beat the fever that took him. - Cersei, S01E02 The Kingsroad

Yet, Maggy still mentioned 3 children:

Maggy: The king will have 20 children and you will have three. Cersei: That doesn't make sense. Maggy: Gold will be their crowns. Gold their shrouds. - S05E01 The Wars to Come

Since she was also pregnant with Robert's child in the books, we know pregnancy doesn't count for that prophecy to work. Now, in the show, she gave birth to that boy. He was sick, or got sick, but was alive. My conclusion is that the birth doesn't count either. The only fact that matter is if she raises the child. So Cersei could carry her pregnancy to term and give birth to an healthly, surviving child if she dies in in childbirth or soon after. Which brings the Rhaella parallel.

And again, I know most Cersei stans (and JxC shippers) hate that idea. I confess I wasn't pleased at first but now, the more I thought about it the more it feels like a full circle. Motherhood has always been an important theme in Cersei's journey.

First, her mother: Cersei was a little girl when Joanna died in the most gendered way. She was traumatized by her death and she grew up resenting her little brother for this.

Second, her love for her children: one of the main reason that drives her to do some... things. She repeated countless times how much she loves/loved them and tried to protect them and yet, they all die. Cersei "sacrificing" her life for her last child and giving him a chance to survive is not so far stretched.

Now, how it's going to happen... Maisie said :

After reading the scripts I went back and watched season 1 again, because so much of it refers back to that season. There are so many scenes that will look similar. And also I watched just to remind myself of the arc I've taken already. I wanted Arya to go full circle and try for some kind of normalcy like when she was younger.

I'm not sure if Maisie is only talking about Arya here, however we already know we are going to have a parallel with Jon and Daenerys arriving at Winterfell like Cersei and Robert back in the season 1. Then, if the leaks are proven to be true (Euron forcing Cersei to have sex with him and her saying she "enjoyed" it as much as she did with Robert), we can assume their relationship will be similar to the one she had with her previous husband. I think Cersei will lie and pretend that baby!Lannister is Euron's child just like she did with Robert and Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen.

Jaime: Who will you say is the father? Cersei: You. - S07E05 Eastwatch

Remember that? I'm pretty sure it was a red herring for Cersei playing Euron in the season 8. Now, we all know what happened to Robert before he had the chance to learn the truth so I bet on Cersei killing Euron in the middle of the season, maybe during the 8x04? Or maybe Jaime. Could be another parallel with:

Ned: Has he done this before? Cersei: Jaime would have killed him. - S01E07 You Win or You Die

After Euron's death (or shortly before), I predict the Starks (moslty Jon) coming to King's Landing to seek refuge or an alliance because Winterfell is destroyed and they have no other choice. Lena and Kit were spotted on set (and I think Sophie too). It could be a decoy but let's say it's a real scene. Jon looked like he bent the knee to Cersei, I believe we will have a replay of the famous scene with Ned in S01E07.

You must be gone by then ... you and your children. I will not have their blood on my hands. Go as far away as you can, with as many men as you can. Because wherever you go, Robert's wrath will follow you. - Ned, S01E07 You Win or You Die

I think Jon will propose the same deal to Cersei : giving mercy to her and her child (and maybe Jaime and Tyrion) if she leaves King's Landing/Westeros after the end of the war if she accepts to help them (bet we'll see Qyburn's scorpion again). I see her somehow accepting it unlike the first time and maybe that person who said she will subvert the villain trope was right, after all we have that quote:

You love your children. It's your one redeeming quality. That and your cheekbones. - Tyrion, S02E01 The North Remembers

Once the war is won, and Jaime probably dead, the Starks break their promise and want to judge the Lannisters for their crimes, which would be a little parallel with Aerys, when he opened the gates of King's Landing and let Tywin take the city. And like Rhaella, she will escape to her ancestral home, maybe with Tyrion and the help of Qyburn.

You'll be queen. For a time. Then comes another, younger, more beautiful, to cast you down and take all you hold dear. - Maggy, S05E01 The Wars to Come

It would fit the prophecy. She has nothing left, no power, no crown, her brother/lover is dead... She loses the throne and survives the game. Again, a bit ironic since she's one of the biggest player since the beginning and the one who instaured the famous:

When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground. - S01E07 You Win or You Die

And then, she dies tragically giving birth... Yeah, full circle.

TYRION: ↳ Viserys / Maester Aemon?

Tyrion... Oh Tyrion... He's the one I'm on the fence, for every theory that I have, honestly. He escaped deaths numerous times but all good things come to an end. I feel we don't have enough clues about his future death or his possible survival. Of course we have that famous quote:

In my own bed, with a belly full of wine and a maiden's mouth around my cock, at the age of eighty," he replied. - Tyrion, AGOT

Or that one:

One day, after our queen has taken the Seven Kingdoms... I'd like to have my own vineyard. Make my own wine. The Imp's Delight. Only my close friends could drink it. - Tyrion, S06E08 No One

I don't think that's gonna happen but if my theory is right, I assume he will take Viserys place, mixed maybe with Maester Aemon, but like I said, I'm not sure if I should count him as a Targaryen. We still have moment that tho:

Jaime: Tell me you're not thinking of taking the black. Tyrion: And go celibate ? The whores would go begging from Dorne to Casterly Rock. I just want to stand on top of the Wall and piss off the edge of the world. - S01E02 The Kingsroad

If the White Walkers are defeated, I see no reason to build another Wall and no reason to have another Night's Watch, I think it's more like a metaphor for Tyrion being casted away from Westeros and going in exil, and raising his nephew/niece.

Source: (x), (x)

Unlike his siblings, Tyrion's new costume is more subtle. He doesn't seem to wear the Lannister colors and yet... In the first still we got for the S8, he is wearing the usual outfit he has since he joined Dany Team: same shape, same colors... and in the EW promo, his clothes doesn't look really different at first because they are still black and he still has the Hand of the Queen's pin but they are! The shape of the jacket is similar to the one he used to wear in the first seasons, the clips are back and golden and the sleeves have hints of gold.

Source: (x), (x)

The patterns aren't the same tho but we can guess the connection with his family will be back once he comes back to King's Landing after the destruction of Winterfell.

Like I said for Cersei, once the war is over, I believe the Starks will want to judge him for his family's crime. Not sure if he's going to escape with his sister, it would fufill Viserys parallel but I think he will be captured/imprisoned for some time like he was during the S1. Then, he either escapes or the Starks send him in exil with baby!Lannister.

Now, why would he raise baby!Lannister? I think the clues are in the S7 finale. When Tyrion learned Cersei was pregnant during that emotional scene, they made a secret pact. No one know what is it about, neither the viewers or the characters (including Jaime). The only thing we can speculate is that this pact will ensure the safety of the child. And maybe the throne.

You say you can't have children, but there are other ways of choosing a successor. The Night's Watch has one method. The ironborn, for all their many flaws, have another. - Tyrion, S07E06 Beyond The Wall

Our child will rule Westeros. - Cersei, S07E07 The Dragon and the Wolf

During the S7, Tyrion was concerned by the possible lack of heir after Dany's death, now he has a potential one. The fandom think Cersei betrayed the pact by not sending her troups in the North and that Tyrion is too naive for believing her but... is it true? Yeah, Cersei said to Jaime she didn't trust their brother and she was lying the whole time but nowhere she informed him about the pact and the fact she broke her promise... Why? I always wondered if Tyrion wasn't the one behind the idea to not send the soldiers North. And from the leaks, it looks like he's trying to buy some time. And honestly, look at his costume in that episode:

Source: (x), (x)

Like for EW promo and the previous seasons, the jacket have the Lannister shape and the pattern, while slightly different, looks similar to Tywin's jacket. Everyone always screamed how Cersei's gowns was inspired by Tywin but here...

That pact is gonna bite him in the ass, but maybe not the way we can imagine. I mentioned above a possible parallel between Cersei and Lyanna and it wasn't only about the "dying in childbirth" trope; it was about Cersei asking Tyrion to take care of her child, like Lyanna did with Ned. Unlike Lyanna and Ned, Cersei and Tyrion have a complicated relionship; they hate each others but yet, I think deep down they somehow "love" each others. And Cersei knows her brother loves(d) her children (except Joffrey but that's another story).

I loved them. You know I did. You know it in your heart if there's anything left of it. - Tyrion, S07E07 The Dragon and the Wolf

I don't want to destroy our family. I never have. - Tyrion, S07E07 The Dragon and the Wolf

Cersei: I only care what it cost us. It cost us our future. Cersei: If there's no future, then why are we here? Why did you allow me to come? - S07E07 The Dragon and the Wolf

She knows her child will be safe with him. Add the fact: Cersei asking the man; she blamed her whole life for the death of her mother and dying the same way, to take care of her child and Tyrion, who was considered like the black sheep of his family, raising the future of his house: again full circle.

BABY!LANNISTER : ↳ Daenerys / Jon?

I'll be quick here. While I do think in the books that child will never exist, if this theory is correct, in the show, I believe he will survives and take either Daenerys or Jon role, but mostly Dany. If Tyrion dies, then I assume the Starks will raise him and he will not know who are his real parents like Jon but seriously, a blond baby? LOL. If Tyrion survives, then Dany.

We already have a little parallel with Dany and her conception during the 7x03, even if the circumstance are a little bit different. And if Cersei dies like Rhaella, it would be a complete replay of Dany's birth.

Then, Tyrion raises him like Viserys, but in better way, you know. I don't remember if D&D spoke about a flashforward for the end of the show but I could see that happening: the Starks living happily and the last scene is baby!Lannister being introduced and saying he wants to avenge his family/take what should be is. What goes around, comes around... for the Lannisters, for the show.

TIMELINE :

I have made a little timeline of how I think these events are going to happen but some of them can switch, I guess?

Great battle in 7x03, Winterfell is destroyed

Jaime comes back to King's Landing

Euron dies

The Starks seek refuge/an alliance with Tyrion

End of the war - Jaime dies

The Starks betray the alliance

Cersei escapes to Casterly Rock and die giving birth

Tyrion takes care of baby!Lannister

I'm not sure if my post makes sense, it feels more clear in my mind to be honest and I feel like I forgot a bunch of stuff but I really wanted to post it before the premiere. Now, I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who have that theory in mind and if you have read all of this, first thank you and second, you probably think I'm crazy so I'm gonna hide under a rock...

[honestgrins]

Common Language || Klaroween

When Caroline is tortured by her father, she takes unlikely comfort in a hidden cave - the cave where Klaus finally manages to bring Henrik's ghost back to the living. (For Klaroween Bingo: 10th Century Ghost in the 21st Century)

Her mom lasted a whole six hours before she was called back to work, leaving a tear-streaked Caroline home alone. A few blood bags and a cold, cold shower had helped her to heal and clean herself from the dirty cell; it was the memories haunting her that prevented her from sleeping away the immediate brunt of the trauma she'd suffered at the hands of her father.

Even when she closed her eyes, sunlight burned around the edges of her vision and crackled along her skin. She clenched her hands every so often to make sure her ring sat where it belonged. And to think the Sheriff pointing a gun loaded with wooden bullets would be the worst thing a parent could do - how naive she had been. Caroline sniffled into her pillow, hating her broken heart for wishing she could be better for him.

Sitting up, she wiped her face with the edge of her palm. Her dad didn't want her? Her mom chose work over her? Fine, it wasn't anything she hadn't handled before. So she threw on an old hoodie over her pajamas and slipped into a pair of tennis shoes, heading out to a place she hadn't visited in a long while.

Caroline was ten when her parents told her they were getting divorced, that Bill was moving away to be with someone he loved - away from her. It happened over the summer when Bonnie was away at camp and Elena on vacation with her family. She wasn't sure she'd ever felt so alone, aside from the terrifying day she had to survive her transition without knowing anything. Unable to stay at the house while her dad packed and unwilling to sit at the station with her mom, she went for a walk in the woods instead and disappeared for a whole day, not that anyone was around to notice.

Following that same path years later, she realized just how quiet the area was. Far from the town proper, even her enhanced vampire senses could barely pick up the midday noise of Mystic Falls. She squinted, looking for the patch of wildflowers that first drew her toward the cave. Bright reds and greens had caught her eye, but it was the small cave entrance that intrigued her. Though it required more wriggling to get through than it did for a ten-year-old, Caroline managed to shove her way into the darkness, grateful she carried a phone to serve as a flashlight.

God, she must have been a brave kid. To be fair, it was before she knew monsters were real and oddly focused on her little town.

As a monster herself, Caroline still braced herself for any threats that might come from the passageway within. Her fangs dropped, eyesight sharpening for anything that moved. Even being on edge felt better than wallowing in her misery. She was a predator, damn it; pretending not to be one for her dad so hadn't worked for her anyway.

Creeping forward, she found the hollowed out chamber she was looking for. The air was surprisingly warm compared to the rest of the cave, which was partly the reason little Caroline had liked the spot so much. Comfort was in short supply, so she took it wherever she could that sad, lonely day. Much like then, she settled herself on the ground and wrapped her arms around her knees. Sighing, she pressed her forehead the soft flannel covering her legs. "Maybe I'll just stay here for a while," she muttered, voice pathetic as it echoed off the stone walls.

"You can, you know."

Caroline startled at the sudden appearance of a young boy sitting next to her, speaking some language she didn't even recognize. "I-" As scared and confused as she felt, however, her fangs refused to drop. It was almost like her monster didn't register the kid as food. "Who are you?"

"My name is Henrik. No one has ever seen me before. Why can you?"

Pressing her hands to her face, Caroline shook her head as a helpless laugh escaped from her throat. "This isn't happening. People don't just pop up out of nowhere." She looked at him again, disappointed that he didn't vanish like a figment of her imagination. "Seriously, who are you?"

He looked at her oddly. "Henrik," he said, drawing out the word.

"Henrik." Eyes wide, Caroline was very close to losing it. "You're in a cave. Kids shouldn't be in caves."

Blinking, Henrik seemed concerned by her expression without understanding her words. As though to comfort her, he covered her hand with his. "You are troubled. Are there wolves tonight? My brother promised to show me, but that was long ago. "

Caroline swallowed another frantic burst of laughter. Before she could even begin to summon a plan to help the boy, though, leaves rustled from somewhere down the passageway. On instinct, she flashed to her feet with full vampire features and pushed Henrik behind her. "Who's there?"

"I could ask you the same thing, love." The British accent was a confusing surprise, as was the incredibly attractive face behind it when some guy strolled around the corner like he owned the place. His smirk cut cute dimples into his cheeks, but his face went suddenly slack as he caught sight of Henrik. "Brother."

"Nik!" Henrik roughly pushed past Caroline to launch himself at the stranger, who swooped him up into his arms.

"You're safe, Henrik," he muttered in the same language, as best as she could guess. "For ages, I've worked to bring you back. And now you're here. You're here!"

"But how?"

"Magic. It took a whole coven, but I raced here once I got the call. I should have known it'd be here."

Overwhelmed by the weirdness of the situation and her emotions on tenterhooks already, Caroline had no hope of restraining a freakout. "Excuse me?! What the hell is going on?!"

The guy snarled at the interruption, only looking mildly apologetic when Henrik flinched away from his tight hold. "I didn't mean to scare you," he promised. Looking up at Caroline, he managed at least a polite nod. "Leave now, little vampire. This is a family matter."

"I'm not leaving him alone with you," Caroline snapped, wary of the double set of fangs that slid into place, his eyes turned burnt gold. At least it helped to calm her panic that he knew of her supernatural status. Still, she crossed her arms to keep her posture absolutely straight. "I was down here minding my own business when Henrik showed up, and you don't seem like a particularly nice guy if you're letting him wander around caves on his own."

Licking his lips, he carefully set Henrik down to step toward her. Despite his lean stature and scant inches he had on her, Caroline had to force down the intimidation she was surprised to note. "You're the Forbes girl." Alarm vibrated down her spine, especially when his smirk turned into a pleasant smile. "A pity you escaped my sacrifice if you feel so bold as to challenge me directly."

"Sacrif-" Caroline gasped as fear choked her throat. "Klaus."

His smile widened when she crushed herself back to the wall. "This cave is all that remains of my original home," he explained. "I don't take well to intruders."

Anger seared her blood, the sudden burst enough to puff her chest and pushing him out of her space. "Aren't you like a billion years old? Maybe it's time to sign the deed over to the historical society, this is a free country now."

Klaus stared at her, his eyes stormy even in a stone face. She was sure he'd lunge for her, just to finish the job her father couldn't - but Henrik tugged at the back of his shirt, tears streaming down his face. "Nik, no!"

Frozen at the sound of his brother's tears, Klaus seemed to struggle with himself for a long moment. "Go," he murmured, an edge of warning in his tone. "Tell no one. I'll be gone before you can rally your little friends, and I still have Stefan in my possession. Surely, you don't wish him any undue harm."

"He's not yours to own!" Her eyes flew wide, taking even herself by surprise with the sudden exclamation. She needed to backtrack, but she couldn't do it. Elena was still struggling, Damon grew more erratic with every day his brother was gone. Worse, she hated the selfish part of her that wanted her friend back, the one who had any number of wise, comforting words to ease the pain of losing her dad's good faith. "Sometimes, we have to let people live their lives," Caroline finally said, the truth of it weighing down her heart.

A flash of something crossed Klaus's expression, an interest that set Caroline off-kilter. "More than a pretty face, aren't you, love?"

Biting her lip and counting to five, she forced herself to take a deep breath. "The name is Caroline," she answered with a too cheery smile, hoping to hide the worst of her nerves. "Henrik, you okay?" She gave a thumbs up, not sure if it'd actually help with the language barrier.

"Caroline wants to know if you're well," Klaus translated as he watched her stubborn reaction.

Henrik frowned in confusion, trying to mimic her gesture. When he managed it, they both smiled. "Caroline," he said with a nod. "I'm well. I found my brother."

Though she didn't understand his words, Caroline could tell he wasn't worried about the big, bad wolf at all. "Okay," she said with a nod of her own. Sparing only a quick glance for Klaus, then, she flashed away. She stopped at the edge of the woods, listening for any sign they had followed her - not quite relieved when they left her alone.

What the hell had just happened?

Read and review: FFnet and AO3

[gimmetheheadcanons]

the cost of an embrace - Day 7 (Gothic Klonnie 2k18)

A/N: And so Klonnieween has come to an end! This is Day 7 and the final instalment of a story that began way back on Day 1. Please make sure to read Days 1 through to 6 before reading this (or be prepared to be super confused...but nonetheless entertained I hope.) 

Thanks for sticking around! But don’t abandon me yet and fill my inbox with asks please ;-)

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Day 7: Voluptate: A yearning which is both physical and spiritual, a lust of the body and the soul.

Bonnie flung herself at his body and let him touch her right down to her soul.

She was his little witch once again, cloaked in magic and nothing more.

A blanket of fog lifted in time for soft rays of light to finally surround her exposed skin and so she pulled him close enough to be engulfed by this strange warmth too.

Heat radiated from her in waves and washed over him.

The boy she once knew would’ve cried at the power held in such a simple embrace, but it was a man she drew into her arms and the only wetness that should move him was that which she held between her legs.  

With a small nod, Bonnie let him in.

Left breathless by the act of being reborn, she stole a moment to enjoy the new and mourn the old.

What Bonnie saw now was a man, naked and wild and still every bit hers; but the things that haunted her could not so easily be forgotten.  

Their kisses had an expiration date.

Not yet.

He licked at her neck, nuzzled at her breasts and she shut her eyes and her mind to everything but the feel of his mouth.

“I made it.” She told him, her voice clear and controlled, her body anything but that.

She felt his laugh against the skin on her belly now.

“Oh you did.”

The hairs on his chin tickled down there until she was forced to laugh with him.

He was on a journey and not to be disturbed; lips eager to travel the highs and lows of a land previously uncharted.

A place he worked so hard to get to.

Bonnie let him explore for a while and made a log of his discoveries, learned all she could about desire.

But when she began to miss the waves of his hair, the sea in his eyes and the sand on his face she gently signalled; Come home and rest.

Her lover - homeless all his life - had no complaints and let himself be swiftly navigated back up her body and towards her face by adoring fingers. 

He kissed her upon his arrival and kissed her again before taking his rightful place beside her.

She missed the weight of his body instantly but settled for the clasp of his hand around hers instead.

He’d been gone for so long and sadly the sound of him breathing next to her couldn’t turn back time.  

Lying on their backs they watched the sky for some time.

“This is it.” said Bonnie, only just realizing where they were and how time did not matter.

Their world was a pocket of light, free of form and fullness.    

“I carved it out for us.”

That he did, Bonnie thought, through sheer will.

By believing in a magic that never was he managed to tap into something ancient; made nature his servant and transcended to become one without boundaries.

His newfound power should’ve frightened her and his disregard for the natural order of things did.

“Grams knew of this place.”

“She did. We led her here.”

She shifted uncomfortably, not appreciating the implication of her role in this. The idea that Grams, bold and strong-willed as she was, could allow herself to be used in such a way bothered Bonnie.  

No, Bonnie would bend to his will, he to hers and Mother Nature to theirs - but Sheila Bennett belonged to no one.  

It was something else that brought them together. The same thing that wouldn’t allow her to let go of his hand despite the anger she felt bubbling under the surface.

Eventually, Bonnie gave into it and spoke her mind.

“I died and you waited for me Nik.”

“No, no, that isn’t right.” she said correcting herself.  “You didn't wait. I didn’t get a chance to actually leave did I?”

He turned to face her and she did the same.

Their eyes narrowed out of a sense of mutual frustration at the ugly turn their reunion would take now the lust between them had lessened a little.    

“I had to make sure you would stay too.”

His reply was uncharacteristically calm. Bonnie knew it was because he got what he wanted and that infuriated her more.

“But I didn't stay, you stopped me. Dragged me back down.”

He swatted away the accusing finger she used to poke him with but then filled the gap between them with more of himself anyway.

“You feared I'd try and follow you.” He said, finally accepting this conversation was one Bonnie needed to have.

“But you didn't.”

“I didn't know how to.” He spat back.  “You never taught me. All those times you kept me alive, all those times I forgot how to die.”

“This anger, it’s what’s weighing you down Nik.”

“No, being without you did!”

“You don’t get to blame this on me.” Bonnie hissed, she was furious he had placed his hands on her naked hips and pushed her up against him.

Did he think the feel of his body could silence her?

It could.

“You were angry long before they did what they did to me.”  She continued, turning her need to be close to him also into a weapon. She put her arms around him and pulled his head down to touch hers.

There was nowhere left to hide for either of them.  

“So what did you then Klaus? While you waited for me, what did you do?”

Bonnie tightened her hold around his neck, then watched a look of irritation wash over his face now that her closeness didn’t bring him pleasure but punishing judgment instead.

“You made this place.”

“But what else.”

She thought he’d try and turn his head away, retreat or attempt to unfix her grip yet he remained where he was and looked upon her with great fury and disappointment.

“Don’t insult me like this!” He warned her. “I loved you.” 

Bonnie found his unearned self-righteousness repulsive, but dear God how she loved him too.  

Sad, she let her lips longingly drift a little closer his.

“You asked me for names.” Bonnie whispered unable to bring herself to connect for a kiss.

“Well, I have them now, do you want to hear the names Klaus?”

“No.”

She watched him inhale deeply, shut his eyes and prepare himself anyway.

“There are so many of them, so I’m sorry if I don’t get them all.”

Bonnie cleared her throat and began.

“The Gilbert family. Christmas 1871. John, Isobel and their daughter Elena. Uncle Grayson, Aunt Miranda and cousin Jeremy.”

“The papers blamed John, Klaus. They called him a monster.”

His face remained expressionless, his lids still closed whilst Bonnie powered through despite the flood of emotion burning at hers.

“In 1920 Carol Lockwood breaks open her skull in the bathtub after her son Tyler eats a bullet from his father’s shotgun right in front of her.”

“Tyler somehow survived, but unable to explain what possessed him to do such a thing his mind never quite recovered.”

“I guess he too wasted his life trying to find you huh.”

For a second, Bonnie thought she saw him wince, his lids twitch a little - but she was left to continue uninterrupted.   

“Alaric Saltzman and Jenna Sommers. It’s 1945 and he made it home from Midway and Manilla. Just as he promised he would. He bought this real fixer-upper and his mother’s ring. Jenna knew was planning to propose. The war was finally over and they were going to be a family.”

“Do you think they loved each other as much as we do Nik?”

Again, almost but not enough to disrupt the cold mask he wore throughout the telling of these terrible tales.   

“Flashforward to 1952 and the Suttons. Smoke inhalation took them in their sleep, funny thing is that the fire should’ve turned this place to ash too.”

“You wouldn’t have let that happen. No, you needed your feeding grounds.”

“All because you loved me right?”

River of hot tears streamed down her face, the wetness from her nose reaching his. None of it melting that icy silence.

Bonnie, however, felt the hands on her hips tremble with rage and his fingers dig into her skin enough to bruise her pelvis.  

She didn’t flinch. Not even a bit.

“Who else did I forget but you didn’t Klaus?”

“Petrova? Muller?”

Bonnie’s voice grew stronger with each name.  “O’Connell, Voronova, Rosza and Cruz and Cortez!”

“You’ve made your point. Enough.”

But Bonnie had a final name left, one she’d been afraid to ask.

“Sheila Bennett?”

His eyes flashed open.

“Klaus, I said Sheila Bennett!”

He froze for too long and it was enough of an answer to cause her to let out an agonizing wail.

Overcome by soul-crushing despair, she pushed her sorrowful head deep into his shoulders and let him, the cause of such misery and much more, comfort her.  

“I did it for us.” He whispered into her ear, not an ounce of regret in his voice and she turned her fists against him, trying to inflict as much damage as she could without breaking the embrace.

“God. Why Nik.” Bonnie screamed, her sobs loud, ugly and filled with shame for not ending the hug.

“God why.” She cried, asking herself the question as much as she was him.

She knew the answer and it hurt to hear anyway.

“For this moment.”

“And what if I tell you I don’t want you anymore?” She asked as she wrapped her arms around him a little tighter. “Not after all that pain and death.”

“What was it all for then?”

He answered with the same questionless certainty as before.  

“For this moment love.”

There was a weakness inside her, always had been, and she heard it now more clearly than ever. Pulsating loudly and aching for him; Bonnie Bennett shut her eyes and let it guide her to his cruel mouth.

Her stomach churned, made sick by the taste of blood on his lips and by how much more she yearned for him still.

[starscreamloki]

Sticky Sweets

Challenge and prompt: This is a little fic for the halloween challenge of @loki-the-fox. You can read the original post here, and the prompt is: “I hate Halloween.” I brought Loki x Venom for this one.

Summary: Loki is out on the street, trick or treating with his boyfriend, when he is send to the creepy house by his lover to spook for candy. Scary mansions on Halloween... What could possibly go wrong?

Warnings: A little blood and gore, Dark!Loki

Words: 2720

A/N: I had written this fanfic a while ago and wanted to wait for the movie of Venom to come out to put it out there so I could fix some last minute inconsistencies. Turns out that I had written one big inconsistency but if I would take it out, I would lose a great portion of the fic and I did not want that. I’m not going to spoil what it is for those who haven’t seen the movie yet. Also, there aren’t any spoilers for the movie in this fic so it’s safe to read. Lastly I also think (and hope) that I’m the first one to write a Venki fic and therefore I’m going with the word Venki (Venom + Loki) as a matter of name combining. But correct me if I’m wrong on that one...

Read on AO3

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“I hate halloween,” Loki pouted with a sour face.

“Oh, come on, you’re doing fine,” Nik quipped happily and gave the God a friendly nudge with his shoulder.

“Really? That was the fifth one this evening who said my ‘costume’ wasn’t accurate,” Loki answered bitter. “And this isn’t even a costume!” he said through gritted teeth.

“I know honey,” Nik answered him and put himself on his toes so he could peck a kiss on Loki’s cheek. “You and I know that and that is enough for me,” he snickered as Loki only gave him an exasperated look but a little smile tugged at the corner of the God’s lips at the kiss that still tingled pleasantly on his skin.

Loki hadn’t intended to fall in love with this man, a mortal on top of that, but alas, here he was and he wouldn’t want to have it any other way.

“Now you go trick and treat at that mansion over there and I’ll go over to that house.”

“Why do I have to go to that mansion and not you?” Loki asked with a sigh.

“Because I don’t do creepy looking houses that smell of doom,” Nik said cheerfully. “Now go get them and I see you in a bit,” and he slapped Loki playfully on his behind before he bounded off to the other side of the street.

Loki shook his head and sighed. This halloween celebration was still foreign to him but he couldn’t deny the little pangs of joy it brought the God every time someone gave him candy - the need for endorsement he had lacked most of his life filling a weird kind of emptiness in his heart.

Loki pushed open the gate in front of the house, the creaking sound piercing his ears and he gritted his teeth after which he started to walk the path to the mainson.

He had been promised that after they had went from door to door they would go to a party, and at this moment it sounded a lot better to Loki than wading through this unkempt jungle of a garden which he had to pass before reaching the front door.

Loki wanted to knock on the door but as soon as he lifted his hand in the air it slightly swung open to a small crack and Loki raised his eyebrow.

When the door didn’t open further Loki placed his hand on the wood and pushed it open so he could see inside.

Nobody was there and a mischievous grin spread across his face as he entered the mainson.

The interior was old and was in the same state as the garden; not maintained in the slightest through what must have been ages for the cobwebs and dust were everywhere he looked. The God wrinkled his nose in disgust and tentivaly walked through the hall trying to decide whether he should take the staircase that led up to the higher levels, or find the stairs that led to the basement.

Loki shrugged - it didn’t matter - and he started to explore the house.

With every step the floorboards creaked under his weight and the rooms on the upper levels of the residence were devoid of life except for the bugs that scurried away in a corner as soon as Loki drew near. Most of the place was riddled with dust, the furniture worn from the many uses through the ages, and bleached from the amount of sunlight they had seen.

The cabinets and drawers were mostly empty except for the ones in the living room where some crystal glasses were still put on display and some books adorned the shelves. Loki picked up a book, his interest for the letters on paper piqued as always, but the tome crumbled under his touch, the papers lazily drifting to the floor to an unseen breeze of air.

“I hate halloween,” he murmured to himself as if he could shove the blame from the book falling apart on the mortal festivity.

The Trickster moved on through the house and found the staircase to the basement. It was dark outside and even darker in this part of the residence and Loki used his Seidr to create a little ball of light which hovered in the air with him to illuminate his path.

When he pushed the door open Loki was greeted by weird plastic strips hanging from ceiling to floor obscuring his view to what lay beyond, and he pushed past them, taking in the scene that lay before him.

If the house upstairs had looked like it belonged in the middle-ages, then this part of the house looked like it came straight out of the future, not to mention that this was the last Loki expected to be in this maison.

Behind the plastic curtains was a lab of some sorts. Glass separated the lab from the entry to the basement, some weird panels right next to a glass door but most striking of all was that time hadn’t worn it down and the place looked a lot cleaner and better maintained than the rest of the house even though the dust had also settled in on this part of the house.

Loki licked his lips and walked into the lab, the glass door falling shut behind him with a bang and Loki winched. He actually had nearly jumped out of his boots at the unexpected sound but years of training had taught him to cover up that emotion but he could still feel the shot of adrenaline coursing through his veins.

He kept his breathing steady as he moved through the lab, taking in his surroundings and unaware of the dangerous Symbiote that watched his every move.

Venom had escaped his containment the moment the door had closed and he was now clung to a dark corner where the ceiling and walls met, out of reach of the weird light that hovered around the greasy haired man.

Glass cabinets were placed along the walls holding various of glass pots and test-tubes with liquids, their labels and the meaning a mystery to Loki.

In the middle of the room stood a single chair, the kind where they usually strapped someone into to keep one in control. The many brown blood stains gracing the white leather indicating that someone had been experimenting here on another being, the leather straps that were placed around the armrests torn from something that had forced his way off the chair with inhuman strength. Loki couldn’t suppress a shudder at the morbid sight and his to vivid imagination played several horrific scenarios.

The Trickster still remembered the horrors one had put him through, bringing memories of long past to the front of his mind and frightening him a little, but the ever underlying evil streak that harbored itself within the God writhed with pleasure in his being - as long as he wasn’t at the end of tortures he could somewhat appreciate it.

Next to the chair stood a trolley with some shining tools placed on them, the thin layer of dust betraying it hadn’t been used in quite some time.

Venom crawled along the ceiling to have a better look at the man on the floor. The symbiote hadn’t eaten in days after he had killed his previous host, and this human looked like a fine appetizer. Venom’s mouth watered at the thought and drool slipped from it’s maw, falling to the floor behind the chair with a soft sluggish sound that sounded way to loud in the eerie and silent laboratorium.

Loki quickly spun on his heel to see where the sound had come from but he didn’t see anything that indicated someone was there. Still he felt the goosebumps run along his spine, his gut telling him something was amiss and that sixth sense was never wrong. He peered around the lab again but there was nobody in the room yet he couldn’t shake the feeling he was being watched.

Loki used his Seidr to expand the magical green light that hovered with him, making it go higher and illuminating the room some more.

In the corner of the lab he spotted a device that looked like a computer. He wasn’t very familiar with the things but Nik had shown him around the device and Loki had learned quickly.

He punched a couple of keys on the keyboard and the machine flared to live. It was a little bit odd the computer worked for the fact that the mainson didn’t have any electricity as far as Loki had tried, but then again doors opened and fell shut at random so he didn’t question his fortune.

As the screen flared to life a recording of the room started to play, showing a man strapped into the same chair as was behind him and some weird black slug taking hold of the victim. Loki wasn’t sure if it killed the man on the video or did something else but going by the contorted face of the man it looked as if he was in great pains.

Loki grabbed the mouse and clicked on different icons on the computer, opening and closing videos and notes and taking in all the information.

By now Venom had slithered along the ceiling and had came to a rest there where the ceiling and wall adjourned right above the computer. The Symbiote had figured it had waited long enough, this human wasn’t interesting at all and Venom decided to pounce.

The moment Loki spotted the movement he stepped back and called forth his Seidr, creating multiple illusions of himself while he skitted away and took up residence on the other side of the room.

Venom felt a pang of delight as it noticed the many meals that were suddenly in front of it and shifted into a form that somewhat resembled a humanoid. Well, the creature looked more of an enormous black contorted Frost Giant with more teeth sharper than Loki’s daggers and splitting its black face in a macabre grin, not to mention the long and slimy tongue that snaked out between those teeth.

But what struck Loki the most were those white eyes without pupils that were far too large to resemble any form of humanoid and the muscles that rippled underneath its black skin showed that the creature probably had immense strength.

Loki wasn’t sure if he’d rather fight this monstrous being or a Bilgesnipe but as soon as Venom attacked the illusions with vigor, falling through each of them and feeding the creature’s frustration and hunger, Loki was sure he’d rather fought the latter.

“WHERE ARE YOU, TASTY HUMAN?” The Symbiote purred with a raspy voice as it slashed through another one of Loki’s illusions with black claws.

When Loki spoke he made all the illusions speak with him. “If I show you where I am you have to promise me not to eat me,” Loki chuckled, trying to cover up the terror he felt.

“TASTY HUMAN,” Venom purred and its tongue slowly flicked out of its mouth to lick one of the illusions, making it disappear on contact.

Loki shuddered at the sight; he wasn’t one to be freaked out quickly but this just looked unnatural to him. Yet the information he had gotten from the computer might prove useful and Loki decided to up his game.

He whisked his copies away and quickly casted an illusion throughout the entire lab, making it look as if they were out on the streets, the place teaming with life as dressed up people celebrated halloween.

Venom whipped its head around, its seemingly lifeless eyes taking in its surroundings and narrowing into something that Loki could only interpret as glee. With renewed enthusiasm the Symbiote lounged itself into the illusion, trying to eat an unfortunate bypasser only to slam into the wall of the lab that lay behind the trick.

“Now you see,” Loki said without showing himself, an invisibility spell cloaking him, “you can choose to eat me or you can help me to get us both out of here and you can have as many ‘tasty humans’ as you want,” Loki bargained.

If you can’t defeat them than win them over with whatever you can offer.

Venom made a raspy purring sound from deep within its chest that showed the creatures dismay at having hit a wall. It swayed its head left and right trying to determine where the spoken words had come from but it didn’t see Loki.

The Symbiote pondered the Trickster’s words for a couple of moments before shifting into a black goo, gliding over the floor and trying to seek out the God. But Loki was quick to his feet and avoided the creature by silently darting through the room, dodging the Symbiote’s search.

Venom eventually stopped his in vain search and turned to his humanoid form once more. “SNACK. YOU CAN’T HIDE FOREVER,” it hissed.

“Honey,” a voice suddenly echoed through the mansion. “Are you still in here?”

Loki’s eyes widened as he recognized the voice of his mortal lover and Venom whipped its head at him. A wicked grin spread across its maw and under his skin he formed spikes which he then flung across the room.

Loki had to drop all of his illusions to counter the misles the creature threw at him but he couldn’t avoid all of them and some lodged itself painfully in his skin.

In the brief moment Loki was distraught Venom pounced, shifting into his gooey form and wrapping itself around the God.

When the Symbiote tasted the first blood and flesh of Loki it was pleasantly surprised to find this creature wasn’t a mere Human but something far more powerful, and it decided to alter its plan, instead of eating it making him its new host.

As Loki was wrapped in the alien parasite he felt the creature latch on to his skin and being, and the more the Trickster got covered. With a silent scream on the his lips Loki fell to the floor as he felt the parasite fuse with his being, shifting rapidly between his Aesir form and Venoms humanoid form.

When Venom was completely fused with the God it gave Loki his body back and the God breathed hard as he tried to recover from the intrusion. Slowly he pushed himself into a sitting position, placing a hand on his pounding head and he sighed.

“I’m not sure if I’d rather had you’d eaten me,” Loki murmured while hauling himself to his feet.

He could feel Venom stirr within him and his emerald green eyes shifted to black marbled with white veins as the Symbiote spoke to him in his mind. “NOW, LET US PAY THAT BOYFRIEND OF YOURS A VISIT.”

Loki moved to the door of the lab and coaxed by the Symbiote he used his Frost Giant abilities to freeze the glass and shatter it. Tentative he moved up the stairs and through the house until he was in front of Nik - Loki’s eyes carrying a black haze.

“Loki? Are you okay?” he asked and carefully stepped toward his lover.

Loki felt the pangs of hunger and without warning the alien parasite took over Loki’s body, shifting it into its black-skinned humanoid form.

Niks eyes widened at the sight and he screamed. “Loki! This is not funny!” he screeched. “I know you can shapeshift into anything but this is just macabre!”

Venom let out a low rumbling purr from its chest that sounded like a mocking laugh. “SNACK,” it hissed before it opened its maw and attacked him.

Loki could only watch on in horror through the white eyes of Venom as he tore the other man asunder limb by limb, blood spraying the walls and floor, and eating him. The screams of terror the man had howled went through marrow and bone and would forever be etched in Loki’s mind.

Venom felt the Trickster’s turmoil and searched within the God, pulling on his darkest desires until Loki didn’t feel melachonical anymore - until he didn’t feel anything anymore except glee at the gore that lay at his feet.

“MORE” Venom purred and gave Loki his body back.

“I hate Halloween,” Loki said reluctantly with eyes blacker than night.

The End

----

I thrive on coffee

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