#She spends ages trying to find clues as to who it could be

[afrogwhocantdraw]

Spiderman Au p2

Ashlyn!!

She has "the killies" as part of her suit and they help her grasp walls better when she's still getting used to her spider sticking-to-wall thing (she also has the equivalent of the killies on her gloves to help with combat).

Part of her suit is also her noise cancelling headphones because it can get overwhelming in fights (like in the fight with Barron) but she can adjust the affect if she's trying to track someone.

Also she like to travel with her hair outside of her suit because it's more comfortable but when she needs to remain as undercover as possible she tries to get her hair like she wears it to ballet (whenever she finds it difficult Tyler gets annoyed on her behalf and does it for her)

Taylor (as spider-woman, so they don't know it's her) while giving the group tips has often said Ashlyn will find movements easier cause of her flexibility (she's right).

Also she's saved Aiden from hitting the floor more times than she can count (often because he was trying to show off and it ended up backfiring)

im not sure who to do next, it'll probably be Ben or Tyler

[puckinghischier]

Tentastrophe

Nico Hischier x Fem!reader

summary: reader and nico are in a secret relationship while on a camping trip together

notes: hi lovies! i got this request from my dear 🏔️ anon so i had to get right on it!! this was so fun to write and even more fun to play out in my head while i was writing it 🤭. also i had no clue what to name it so i quite literally just made up a word 🫣. i hope you enjoy!! happy reading! 🫶🏼

request: We’re camping and my tent ripped, can I please share yours?

[5.1k]

You hated the outdoors. Truly, you despised being outside.

You hated bugs, you were scared of wild animals, you hated the heat, you hated dirt, grass made you itchy, and you really hate the lack of indoor plumbing.

Literally, how do people enjoy spending a week out in the middle of nowhere, no signal for miles, no air conditioning, and eating the same four types of canned food? Not to mention your dislike of sleeping bags.

Who wants to sleep on a flimsy piece of material on the hard ground for days at a time? It’s just simply not appealing.

You continue to list off the things in your head you hate about camping and the outdoors in general while watching yourself be driven farther and farther away from the city through the windshield of Jack’s SUV.

“Oh c’mon, Y/N, don’t look like someone just kicked a puppy in front of you,” you hear from the front seat, Jack looking at you through his rear-view mirror.

You roll your eyes at him.

“Jack, I’m being taken to a remote location against my will with no access to a bathroom or civilization for seven whole days. At least if someone kicked a puppy in front of me, it’d be over sooner.”

“Woah, so you’re advocating for puppy kickers now, are you?” A new voice rings out, this one belonging to Dawson, who occupies the seat against the window beside of you.

“She’s not advocating for it, Dawson, she’s just saying she’d prefer it to being stuck in the woods with you for a week straight,” Holtzy responds from your other side, having been sandwiched between the two in the backseat of Jack’s car for the hour and a half ride to your unfortunate destination.

Dawson reaches behind your head to smack Alex’s. Alex tries to retaliate, and suddenly you have two hockey players trying to fight each other on either side of your body.

“Hey! Cut it out before you hurt Y/N! Coach needs her to get good footage this weekend,” Luke yells at the two forwards.

“Wow, thanks for showing me where my worth lies, Luke,” you deadpan.

Luke flashes you a grin before turning back around in his seat. “You’re welcome.”

You stick your tongue out at him, knowing he’s just teasing you.

When you applied for a marketing internship at the Prudential Center a year ago, you had no idea that you would become so invested in this world. After the initial six month period of your internship was over, you were making plans to find work elsewhere when you were approached by the team’s GM and asked if you were interested in staying on full time as the new social media manager.

You immediately agreed, knowing you had found your passion with working in sports and wanted to stick with it for as long as you could. It didn’t hurt that you had become such good friends with a handful of the players close to your age, four of which were in the same car as you right now.

You and Jack were the closest, though. The two of you bonded over your shared love of country music, a rare find outside of your southern hometown. You had found other interests in common, too, but becoming each other’s country music concert buddy is to credit for much of your friendship.

You grew close to Luke simply because of your proximity to Jack, but found that he’s become a little brother to you. People always assumed there was more than friendship going on between you and Jack, but both of the Hughes boys had become the brothers you never had, no feelings beyond that ever surfacing.

As your job continued to cause you to spend time with the team, you found yourself growing closer to other players as well.

Nico was another player you found yourself talking to long after your work duties were done for the day. Whether it was chatting before practice, pulling him a little too frequently to do interviews or make videos, or grabbing a bite to eat after practice and games because neither one of you wanted to end your conversations, you found the Swiss captain occupying a large chunk of your time both at work and outside of work.

Which doesn’t make it all that surprising that he asked you to be his girlfriend three months ago.

After a huge win over the Islanders at home, the entire team had decided to go out to celebrate. You had caught a ride with Jack that morning, but when you were searching for him so you could leave, he was nowhere to be found, already gone to whatever bar everyone had agreed on.

Nico had stayed behind to do a few extra post-game interviews, so when you bumped into him outside of the locker rooms on your search for Jack, he offered you a ride. You had mentioned how hungry you were, telling him you should probably go home and grab something to eat and change before getting an uber to the bar, but Nico had pulled into the first late-night diner he saw after you mentioned your lack of eating dinner.

The two of you sat in the 50’s themed diner for hours, ignoring all the calls and texts asking where you were and why you didn’t come out to celebrate. You didn’t even realize how late it was until you received a text from Jack, asking that you call him when you got up so he knew you made it home safe, apologizing for forgetting you at the arena.

Nico walked you up to your apartment after driving you home that night, despite the fact it was after three in the morning and they had a mid-day practice the next day. You still don’t know if it was the high of winning or the late hour, but he decided to kiss you at your doorstep that night. Three days later, he asked you to be his girlfriend because he told you he couldn’t stand not being exclusive with you for a second longer.

No one knew, though. You kept on acting as if nothing had changed at work, and no one caught on otherwise. You decided it was fun to keep it to yourselves, enjoying being each other’s secret. You didn’t know the policy on dating your coworkers, either, so you didn’t want to risk anything by outing the relationship this early.

You felt bad lying and sneaking around Jack and Luke, especially, but you’ll tell them eventually. You enjoyed having no eyes on you, your relationship being simply between you and Nico right now. When you tell your friends and the rest of the team, it’ll be out there for good. Fans will find out, your boss will find out, and then your small bubble of Nico will burst.

That’s another reason you dread this weekend. Not only do you just hate camping and being outside for long periods of time, you’re going to be stuck being around Nico for a week straight with no chance to be his girlfriend instead of his coworker.

The trip is the team’s pre-season bonding activity, so you’re tagging along to capture material for future videos and pictures for the various social media pages and website. You had tried to send one of the other members of your media team, not thrilled at the idea of a camping retreat, but the head coach had requested you, specifically, because of your ability to convince the players to participate in various trends and videos.

You owe some of that to Nico, of course. After the two of you formed a friendship, he started telling his teammates they had to participate in whatever silly tasks you asked of them or he’d start reporting them to coach for making your job harder. Since his forceful request, you rarely had to fight to get any of the players to do the latest trending dance, or answer silly questions as they get on the ice before practice.

Unfortunately for you, this means the higher ups see your success and suddenly you’re volunteered to do things like this. And really, what kind of social media content can you create when you won’t even have cell service?

Tuning back into your surroundings, you notice you’re almost to the campground you’ll call home this week. You were so lost in your own head that you barely even noticed the four (grown) men in this car with you singing loudly to the F.U.N. song from none other than Spongebob Squarepants.

Jack and Luke were duetting the song, Jack taking the sponge’s part and Luke singing Plankton’s lines. Dawson and Alex were simply adding harmonies.

You were in for a long week.

———————————————————————————

“Who in their right mind would put a twenty-four year old teenage girl in charge of putting together her own tent?” you whine out as Curtis walks over to see you trying to read the directions for putting together the tent laid out in front of you.

“Honey, I think you’re a little too old to be calling yourself a teenage girl,” he chuckles as he kneels beside you, taking the instructions out of your hands.

“I’m just a girl, Lazar. I will always be a teenage girl at my core, no matter what age I am. Therefore, I’m a twenty-four year old teenage girl. And I’m extremely incapable of building a fucking tent,” you cry out, crossing your arms and huffing.

Curtis just shakes his head and laughs, grabbing the rods that go inside of the tent to give it structure, putting it together for you.

You sit back and watch, trying to help where you can, but ultimately being reverted back to the role of ‘holding the flashlight for dad’, but instead you’re ‘holding the mallet for Curtis’.

Halfway through putting your tent up, you see Nico start walking in your direction. You admire your boyfriend, his tan skin showing due to his green t-shirt being stuck in the pocket of his athletic shorts instead of on his torso. His black hat sits backwards on his head, hiding what you’re sure is sweaty hair. His favorite pair of sunglasses rest on his nose.

“Already making the guys do your dirty work, how dare you, Y/N,” Nico teases as he stops to stand in front of where you’re sitting on the ground.

“Listen, one perk of being a woman in sports is the fact that I’m always surrounded by men just waiting to save the damsel in distress,” you put your hand across your forehead to hide the sun from your eyes, squinting your eyes as you look up at him.

He rolls his eyes at you, flashing you a smile.

“Need any help, Curtis?” Nico calls out, but keeps his eyes on you.

“I think I’m nearly done, but if you want to start hammering the stakes in the ground that’d be great,” Curtis replies, not even looking up from the tent that had now taken shape.

“Sure thing. The mallet, please,” he reaches his hand out to you.

You hand Nico the mallet, looking up at him with an amused grin. “Get to it, time to do manly stuff and go pound on something .”

You start to stand and Nico shoots his other hand out for you to grab onto, helping you heave yourself off the ground.

Once you’re stood in front of Nico, he pulls your hand toward him so you’re standing dangerously close to him, your chests nearly touching. You look around, making sure no one sees the position the two of you are in right now.

Nico leans down, lips grazing your ear as he whispers “Unless you want me to drag you behind a tree and do extremely un-coworker type things to you with the entire team right here, I suggest you don’t talk about pounding anymore this weekend.”

A shiver makes it way down your spine as Nico steps back, walking over to where Curtis is now standing, turning to face the two of you.

You hope he assumes the redness on your face is because of the warm sun, and not because his captain just threatened to do R rated things to you behind a tree.

Ten minutes later, your tent is fully assembled and you’re blowing up your air mattress with a battery powered pump that’s seen better days.

Jack had laughed at your for bringing an air mattress, claiming it’s not really camping if you don’t sleep in a sleeping bag. You told him you refused to sleep on the ground with just a thin bag underneath you for the whole week. If you had to be here, you were going to make yourself as comfortable as you could.

You even brought a battery powered fan to sit in front of your bed incase you got hot at night, but you learned very quickly that even though it’s hot and humid during the day, the night is chilly and dark.

After everyone had settled in and the sun had set, Timo had managed to start a fire, placing hot dogs on a small grate he placed next to the fire while Jesper worked on opening cans of various types of vegetables to heat along side the sausages.

You laughed to yourself, knowing the team nutritionist would develop an eye twitch seeing what foods will be consumed by the players this week. The amount of sodium and carbs in the containers of food for the week were definitely not in line with the meal plan.

Finding a spot next to Jack, you go sit on one of the various logs around the fire, needing the heat to warm your chilled skin. Music played out of a speaker sitting on the picnic table behind the logs, one of your favorite country songs filling the space.

“Nice choice, it’s one of my favorites,” you nudge Jack’s shoulder as you sat down, assuming he had control of the music.

“Yeah it’s a good one, but don’t look at me. Cap’s the one with the aux right now,” he says, pointing to where Nico is standing by a tree, red solo cup in his hand.

You turn your head and make eye contact with him, his eyes having already found you. The raise of his cup and tilt of his head telling you he played this song specifically for you. Your face heats and you smile at the ground, trying to keep the grin from stretching too wide, not wanting to raise suspicion from the brunette to your right.

“Y’know, I wonder why Cap has any country music in his playlist at all, because last I checked, his phone was full of rap and Swiss music and he told me country was his least favorite genre,” Jack starts, leaning closer so you can hear him over the music and chatter. “But then I remembered, I see you and him talking an awful lot after practice, before practice, and everywhere in-between.” You feel like someone has dumped a bucket of ice water on your head, worried Jack’s figured the two of you out. “You’re not cheating on your music buddy, are you?” he asks, looking at you suspiciously.

Relief washes over you. He just thinks you’re sharing music with Nico. Not that you’re seeing Nico behind everyone’s back.

“I might have mentioned a few good artists to him. But don’t worry, concerts are still reserved for you,” you bump his shoulder again.

“Mhmmm. Must have taken a lot of convincing to make a rap loving Swiss man convert to Zach Bryan,” Jack hums, still looking at you suspiciously.

“Just a few links sent is all,” you tell him, noticing he’s just staring at you. “What?” you ask, leaning back a bit.

“Nothing,” Jack shakes his head, his eyes gleaming with an idea. “Just thinking…have you ever thought about going out with Cap?”

You choke on air. You try to recover with a cough, claiming you swallowed the wrong way. “What, what do you mean?”

“You know, like you and Cap. Going on a date. Dating. I think you two would be good together. You guys already seem friendly enough, and he’s a great guy. Plus, I can see the way you look at him, Y/N. You definitely have a crush on the guy,” Jack teases.

You start laughing. Jack is confused by your reaction, not thinking his suggestion was funny at all, but you can’t stop the laughs from escaping.

“Oh, Jack. You’re funny,” you tell him once you calm yourself down. “That’s nice, but nah. I don’t think Nico and I should go there. Too many things could go wrong, y’know? Plus, who even knows if I’m allowed to date any of you guys. Workplace romances are frowned upon in most jobs, you know.”

“Okay, it wasn’t that comical of a suggestion. I was being serious, I think you guys would be great together. To hell with the rules. I can tell when two people are into each other,” Jack says with a hint of annoyance, not appreciating your little laughing outburst.

A look of surprise makes its way onto your face at his comment that he thinks Nico is into you, too. Maybe the two of you weren’t doing such a good job at acting normal around the team. You succeed at suppressing the laughter this time, figuring a second outburst would really make Jack upset. “Oh, you think he’s into me, do you?”

Jack looks at you like you just asked him if the sky was blue.

“Are you kidding me? Y/N, he literally jumps at the chance to be in any of your tik tok videos and he threatened the whole team so they would quit, and I quote, ‘making your job harder and just fucking do what you ask’ or he’d report us to coach.”

You can’t help but giggle this time, of course knowing all of this, Nico having told you himself after he did it, but you can’t let Jack know that.

“I don’t know, Jack, that doesn’t exactly sound like something he’d do. What does he get out of it? More interruptions during practice? More attention on social media? Doesn’t sound like Nico if you ask me,” you tell him, trying to play dumb.

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe he gets to spend more time with you. He gets on your good side, helps make your job easier while making ours harder. Earns brownie points to butter you up so you say yes to a date one of these days,” Jack leans his head towards yours, looking up at you like he’s just proven his point.

You steal a glance over at Nico, his head cocked, silently asking what you and Jack are talking about. You shake your head with a smile, telling him its unimportant with the roll of your eyes.

“I don’t know, Jack. We’ll see, I guess,” you sing song, earning a sigh from the boy to your right.

“You’re hopeless, both of you. I need another beer,” he gets up, leaving you on the bench by yourself, chuckling at just how right your best friend is.

After all of the burnt hot dogs and lukewarm veggies were eaten, it was time to for everyone to retire to their tents.

All of the players had to double up on tents, you and the coach being the only two people with their own. The players that were sharing tents on this trip would be sharing hotel rooms all season, so the bonding began with them being able to exist in the same space for an extended period of time.

Your tent sat about 50 feet from Jack and Luke’s. Nico’s tent was in the row of tents in front of yours, three tents separating the two of you.

You quickly made your way to your own tent and started getting ready for bed. Not being able to wash your face or do you proper skincare routine, you settled for brushing your teeth with a warm bottle of water and applying lotion to your face before crawling into your make-shift bed for the week. You hadn’t packed nearly enough blankets, seeing as you assumed it would be warm inside your tent, but you were chilled to the bone. You kept your sweatshirt on, opting for a pair of sweatpants instead of the skimpy sleeping shorts you brought.

You settled into your bed, switching off the small lantern you had been provided.

You laid there for what felt like ages trying to fall asleep. Every little snap of a twig or rustle of leaves made you scared a bear was about to claw its way through your tent.

You thought you had imagined it at first, assuming the wind was blowing and causing your tent to slightly ruffle in the wind. But when it happened a second time, this time the sound of something fiddling with the zipper of your tent following the ruffling, you were starting to panic.

You sat up, pulling the blanket to your chin as you saw a hand push on the door of your tent, a quiet yelp making its way out of you.

“Shhh, it’s just me, let me in,” you hear the familiar, accented voice of your boyfriend ring out, huffing while walking over and unzipping your tent just enough for him to slip through.

You walk back over to your air mattress, turning on the small lantern, looking at Nico standing in the middle of your tent. He was wearing a tan sherpa fleece with plaid pajama bottoms. He had to hunch over slightly, his height being too tall for your small tent.

“What the hell are you doing in here? You scared the hell out of me, you know that?” you whisper yelled at him, careful to not raise your voice too high as to not wake any of his teammates.

“My tent ripped, can I please share yours?” Nico asks with a smirk on his face.

“Oh, yeah? If your tent ripped then where’s Jesper sleeping, huh?” you raise your eyebrow and cross your arms.

“I just left him to fend for himself. Didn’t exactly want to invite him to sleep in here with us. Never know what he might see,” he walks towards you, placing his arms around your waist and pulling you close to him.

He looks down at you, your position mirroring earlier when this exact tent was being assembled, but you had no fear of anyone seeing you now.

“Hi, Schatz.”

You giggle up at him, unraveling your arms and placing them on his shoulders. “Hi Neeks.”

“I’ve been waiting all day to do this,” he mumbles before bringing his face down to yours.

You lean up on your tip toes to meet his lips, sighing contently into the kiss.

Nico pulls you closer, no space left between your bodies as his sucks your bottom lip into his mouth. You tangle your fingers in his hair, pushing against him into the kiss.

His tongue swipes across your lips, asking for entrance, and who are you to deny his wish? His tongue slips into your mouth, effectively deepening the kiss.

Nico walks you backwards until you plop down onto your air mattress, bringing his knee to rest in-between your legs, his forearms on either side of your head to support his weight.

You tug on his hair slightly, earning a groan in response. He starts grinding his pelvis against your thigh, which was your sign to stop this before it got too out of hand.

You pull back, pushing him up off of you slightly. He looks down at you with blown pupils and swollen lips. “Alright, tiger, slow down. We’re not having sex with several tents full of your entire team a few feet away.”

Nico deflates and brings his forehead to rest against your shoulder. “You couldn’t have told me that before I got a stiffie?”

“Sorry, shouldn’t have let yourself get so worked up. Should’ve known I wasn’t going to go there with this many people around,” you laugh at his whiney tone.

He rolls off of you onto his back, slinging his arm over his eyes.

“What are you doing? Quit being so dramatic,” you roll your eyes, trying to grab his arm and remove it from his face.

“Stop, trying to think of sad puppies to make my boner go away,” he swats your hand off of his arm.

You bust out laughing for the second time tonight, but this time you throw a hand over your mouth to stop the noise. The conversation about puppies in the car on the way here earlier making its way to your mind, making you laugh even harder.

“Okay, I think I’m good now,” Nico finally says, sitting up.

“Good. Don’t even think about getting handsy, either. This,” you gesture between you and Nico, “is not happening tonight. Or any night this week, for that matter.”

“Got it. You don’t want any of my teammates to hear you scream my name while my tongue is ins-“ you slap a hand over Nico’s mouth, not letting him finish that sentence.

His eyes shine with amusement at you, seeing your own wide in surprise. “Can I trust you to take my hand off of your mouth?” you ask him.

Nico shakes his head, but not before he darts his tongue out and licks a stripe up the palm of your hand, causing it to fly off of his mouth.

“Okay, you’re disgusting,” you scold him, wiping you hand on the blanket you’re both sitting on top of.

Nico just laughs at you in response, finding your annoyed expression amusing.

“C’mon, let’s go to bed. I’m already sick of you and the week hasn’t even started yet,” you tell him, pulling the blanket back so you can settle under it.

Nico follows your lead and places himself under the blanket at well, pulling your body close to his.

You lay your head on one end of your pillow while Nico places his on the other end, not having brought his own from his tent. The two of you just lay there facing each other for awhile before you remember to reach over and turn off the lantern once again.

You’re appreciative of the new warmth Nico brings to your bed, finally feeling yourself get sleepy.

“Wait, how are you going to know when to wake up before everyone else and go back to your tent?” you ask him, knowing his phone was in his vehicle, none of the players allowed their devices with them. You and coach were the only ones with phone privileges this week, even though they didn’t even work out here.

“Don’t worry, I will. First time I wake up I’ll sneak out, don’t worry,” he assures you, kissing you on the forehead before pulling your body flush to his, resting his chin on the top of your head.

Neither one of you must have woken up at all during the night, though, because when you wake up the next morning to the screams of “I knew it! I knew they were into each other! I told you so!” from your best friend as he stood inside your tent at the end of your bed with not only Luke, but with half of the team standing outside the wide open door of your tent, you were confused until you felt the weight of a body against yours. You open your eyes to see Nico’s scrunched face, the noise waking him up as well.

You both roll over and open your eyes, noticing your audience.

“I called it! I knew there was something going on here! How long have you two been together?” Jack bombards the two of you with questions despite you having literally just woke up.

“Get the hell out of this tent before I get coach to make everyone run three miles today,” Nico grumbles, his voice gravely from the early hour.

“No way, we need an explanation,” Dawson speaks this time, his expression matching Jack’s pleased one.

“You’ll get your explanation, but for right now, get out. Let us actually wake up without fifty people in our fucking tent. Now go, get out,” Nico pulls you closer to him, hiding your face in his chest and slinging a leg over your own.

“But-“ Jack starts again, but Nico removes an arm from around you and points at the door, “OUT!” he says sternly, his captain voice making an appearance.

The group of men start grumbling, but ultimately leaving your tent, zipping your door back up so you and Nico could have a bit of privacy again.

“Nico, you didn’t wake up,” you say, your voice muffled because of how close he’s holding you to his body.

“Sorry, Schatz. Was sleeping too good, I guess. Always happens when I’m sleeping with you. You’re like my own personal melatonin.”

You chuckle at him, not really mad that everyone found out, just wishing they hadn’t found you asleep together on a tiny air mattress.

“At least the boys know now. Now I don’t have to keep sneaking around at practice. I can stare at your ass loud and proud now,” Nico says, detaching himself from you and rolling over onto his back, rubbing his eyes.

You reach over and hit him in the chest. “This doesn’t give you permission to say innapropriate things to me while we’re at work.”

He rolls his head to look over at you, “Wouldn’t dream of it,” he smiles innocently, causing your to roll your own eyes and sigh at him.

“Hey! You guys better not be having sex in there! I’m implementing a no bone zone when I’m within a hundred feet of you two! Get your asses out here and get to explaining!” you heard Jack shout once again, beating his fist on the side of the tent.

You bring your hands up to cover your face, embarrassment flooding your veins.

“Jack! Suit up, you’re coming with me on a little run,” you hear coach shout, earning a “Shit, Nico this is your fault!” from Jack.

You burst into a fit of giggles.

You can’t help but feel like a weight has been lifted off of your chest, not having to lie to some of your closest friends anymore. You also foresee your week of no time with Nico changing slightly, figuring Jesper will be down a roommate for the remainder of the week.

Nothing, though, not even sharing a tent with Nico, or sneaking off to find open areas to gaze at the stars at night, could make you like camping.

You almost change your mind the night Nico takes you to a clearing, laying a blanket on the soft grass to stare up at the sky before he gifts you a necklace with his initial on it, the engraving on the back echoing the small “I love you” he whispers in your ear as he clasps the jewelry onto your neck.

You almost thought you liked camping then, until you walked back to you tent to find Nico had left it unzipped and a possum had made a home in the corner, hissing at him as you screamed loud enough to wake the whole team.

Yeah, you hate camping.

[moosesarecute]

Part 2: The shadows sing

Part 1, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7

Azriel was going crazy. He was sure of it.

How can someone be obsessed with someone’s eyes?

He had only gotten a small glimpse, but he couldn’t think about anything else.

He even almost lost the annual snowball fight, because he was daydreaming about the mystery female’s eyes.

It had been in the middle of the last battle against Hybern, so over two years ago.

For the longest time, he didn’t even think about the female. He lived his normal life.

However, he started to dream. And in the dreams the eyes would look directly into his. They were so sparkly and bright. Azriel couldn’t forget them.

He had been seeking for the female. Not obsessively, of course, but if he had time. Or if he finished his tasks early. Or if he asked Rhys for a couple more days or hours so that he could spend longer time away.

He had been all over Prythian, all the courts, on the ground and in the sky. The female had disappeared from the earth.

The only thing he knew was the female’s eyes and that she looked like she controlled the naga out on the battlefield.

It was so graceful to watch. The naga was steered away from all the people that fought against Hybern and towards all Hybern soldiers. It was almost like it was tamed.

After seeking for almost a year, he realized he needed help. He had to find this female, but he has no clue where to look.

He decided that during the next boys night with Rhys and Cassian, he would ask about the naga on the battlefield.

“You remember the naga that was let loose during the last battle?” He asked. Rhys and Cassian nodded hesitantly, they didn’t often talk about the war. “Who do you think let it out?”

Rhys sat back in his chair and Cassian took a sip of his drink.

“I have no clue, I was busy dying,” Rhys said trying to make a joke.

Both Azriel and Cassian glared at him, none one in the Inner Circle had fully forgiven him for that.

“But I seriously don’t know,” Rhys continued. “I know of a group of hunters who resides in The Middle, but we have no way of knowing if it’s truly them.”

“The Middle?” Cassian asked. “People actually live there?”

“It would give sense if it was them,” Rhys said and ignored Cassian’s question. “They basically live in their territory, so if anyone can tame a naga it would be them.”

Azriel felt his brain go faster and faster. He had been through The Middle countless times, how hasn’t he heard about or seen such a group? They can’t be many people, if they were he would have seen them, right? Was this female a part of the group?

“Azriel?” Azriel flicked his head towards the sound of Rhys’ voice. “Any specific reason why you’re asking?”

Azriel thought about telling the truth, but he suddenly felt embarrassed. He was obsessed with a female he had only seen once and only for a couple of seconds.

“The naga has just been on my mind lately,” Azriel mumbled an answer.

Rhys and Cassian shrugged and continued their conversation.

Azriel only thought one thing: he needed to get to The Middle.

He had a busy week and had not been able to leave his missions to look for the mystery female.

Until today.

He flew and shadow walked until he was in the middle of Prythian.

After spending some time getting to know his surroundings, he started spying.

The first shelter he saw looked like it would fall down at any time. The construction was mainly out of wood and even through the snow it both looked and smelled rotten.

It didn’t take his shadows long to figure out that it lived two high fae in the shelter. A pair of twins, a male and a female. Probably originated from the Day court.

Azriel hid in a tree and waited for the twins to emerge.

His heart was beating so fast and he felt more restless than he had in ages.

What if he finally was going to see the female again?

“You idiot!” He heard a masculine voice yell from inside the shelter. “We are not going for a fucking bird, when we can take a naga!”

The door to the shelter was thrown open and out stumbled two fae. Both looked like they had seen better days. They had cuts and bruises various places on their bodies and both had black eyes.

Azriel immediately knew that this was not the female that haunted his dreams.

“I’m just saying that since Y/N got I few hits in, maybe we should do something easy today and take the naga’s tomorrow,” the female argued. “When we have healed a little.”

Y/N

Y/N

It was the most beautiful name Azriel had ever heard. It seemed so gentle and sweet. He decided there and then that he needed to find this Y/N.

“You’re a coward,” the male said.

Not even a second later the female landed a punch to his jaw. The male swore and fought back, kicking his twin in the stomach.

“Very stupid,” Azriel’s shadows muttered.

Azriel just nodded and took to the shy without a sound.

It took him five minutes to get to a different shelter. However, this one almost looked luxurious compared with the other shelter. It had both windows and a sturdy roof and the walls was painted in a dark brown color.

“Old male, lesser fae,” his shadows informed him. “Leader.”

That made sense, the leaders always had more money and resources than the rest. Even though it was unfair.

“Hurt,” his shadows then told him. They swirled chaotic around him. “We found, pretty eyes, hurt.”

The shadows started to pull him and Azriel realized he had no other choice than to follow.

He started to get excited, but also stressed. Was the female hurt? He could maybe help her! But what if it wasn’t her? And what if it was her? What would he say? Hi, I’ve been dreaming about your eyes every night for a year? He couldn’t do that.

Azriel landed in a tall tree. He looked down on a small shelter. It was not as bad as the first one, but not as good as the leader’s.

It had four walls and a roof. The roof had a few holes, one much bigger than the others. It had one small window and a door, but other than that, it wasn’t much.

“Pretty,” his shadows continued to tell him. “She’s like you, but pretty. Friends!”

Azriel didn’t understand what they meant. Like him? In what way.

“She’s hurt?” He asked his shadows.

“Hurt, ribs, leg, head,” his shadows replied. “Stubborn, arguing.”

“Arguing with who?”

“Friends!” The shadows said, almost sounding like they were smiling.

“Her friends?”

“Our friends!”

Azriel wanted to ask what they were talking about, but he didn’t need to.

Out of the cabin walked a female. She looked short, but strong. She wore leathers and a old clock. It looked like it would be freezing.

The female closed the door and when she turned around, Azriel finally saw the big beautiful eyes he had been longing for. He felt enchanted. Completely lost in the shiny and sparkling eyes.

However, Azriel’s eyes soon became just as big as the female’s. Because surrounding her was a bunch of shadows.

They soon disappeared, all to different directions, but Azriel was sure he saw them.

The female walked slowly with a soft limp to her left leg.

After a few meters she was again covered in shadows. Azriel now had no doubt in his mind: she was a shadowsinger like him.

Before he thought about it, he had already left the tree and landed on the ground. Starting to move towards the female.

Before he could reach her, she disappeared into the shadows.

“Friends left!” The shadows whined. “Pretty eyes left!”

Azriel couldn’t do anything else then just staring at the spot where the female had disappeared.

“Find her,” he said and soon all his shadows started to work.

It didn’t take long for his shadows to find the female. What worried Azriel was the fact that they came back acting in chaos.

“Danger, hurt, pretty, naga, danger, help,”

They were screaming at him as they covered him and dragged him along where they wanted him to go.

When the shadows left him, he was in a clearing, still in the middle of the forest.

He hid in the shadows behind a tree and saw the female, armed with knifes, move carefully towards a naga. The naga was drinking from a nearby river and was too busy to notice the female.

She moved gracefully and quiet. Not making a sound as she put one foot in front of the other, even though the ground was covered in snow.

Unlike previously, the female was alone, no shadows in sight.

Azriel started to doubt what he had seen earlier. Maybe the female wasn’t a shadowsinger at all. Maybe he only hoped she was. If she was a shadowsinger, she definitely would have used her shadows when trying to take down a naga, she would be stupid otherwise.

Azriel didn’t think she looked stupid, she looked like she knew what she was doing as she stopped about 15 meters away from the animal.

She started to take her aim when Azriel noticed movement to the left of the female.

To his horror there was another naga, creeping up to her, waiting for the perfect moment to attack.

Azriel remembered the twins he saw earlier talking about nagas. This female and the twins must be in the same business, he realized.

Azriel stood completely still as he saw the second naga getting closer and closer to the female. But she didn’t react to it, he didn’t even think she knew it was there.

But she had to know, right? If she was a shadowsinger she definitely would have known. Maybe he should help her, or maybe this was all a part of her plan? When did he suddenly become so indecisive?

The naga started to attack and Azriel moved on instinct.

He shadow walked directly behind the female and used truth teller to slice the naga over the neck. It fell to the ground, dead instantly.

“Mad.”

His shadows told him, sounding almost scared.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” He heard the most beautiful voice he had ever heard. “I had it, I had everything under control. It was mine.”

Azriel turned around and met the sparkling eyes he had dreamed about for such a long time. He was speechless.

“You just lost me money, money I need. You fucking prick.”

Azriel was too enchanted by her beautiful voice to answer.

“Are you deaf or something?”

Azriel shock his head.

“Mute?”

He shock his head once more.

The female only rolled her eyes. “I don’t have time for this.”

She turned around and walked towards a nearby tree and pulled her knife out of it. She must have tried to get the naga and then missed.

However, she had two knifes and the other one seems to be missing. Maybe she got one hit, but not good enough for the naga not to run to safety.

“She’s leaving.”

Azriel got out of his enchantment and stormed towards the female.

He took hold around her wrist.

“Wait,” he said.

The female turned around, ripped her wrist out of his hand and before he could even react, she slapped him across the face.

Azriel felt more confused than ever. He was usually always a few steps in front of his opponent. For some reason, this female kept on making him distracted.

“What’s your name?” He couldn’t hold back any longer. He needed to know.

The female just shock her head.

Buzz

Buzzzz

Buzzzzzzzzz

“Ouch!”

Azriel hit the insect that bit his neck.

He moved his hand and saw a small yellow bug.

He brushed it off on his leg and raised his gaze back to the female.

She looked like she had seen a ghost.

“Shit! Do you have the anecdote?” She asked him.

He almost laughed. He was a strong Illyrian warrior and she thought he needed an anecdote for a bug bite.

“I don’t need an anecdote for a small bug bite,” he told her.

But then he felt his hands get sweaty and his sight turned prickly. And not even seconds later, he hit the ground and lost consciousness.

[midnight-mourning]

DCA Promptober Day 11: Naptime

Y'all had your fun, now it's back to business. This goes from 0 to 100 real fast so please pay attention to the content warning, also adding a read more just in case.

Word count: 956

Content warning: mentions of blood, injury, child death, reader descresion is advised

🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃

It's naptime, and you're not asleep.

Oh, how you would be if you could. How you so desperately wish that you could. You stand no chance at reaching the light switch. No chance at saving the day. The only thing you can do is sit crowded in a hidden corner of the play structure with the few kids you could grab. Like a coward. Arms tightly around them to try and shield them as best you can from the danger lurking outside. 

You think, hope, pray, that some of them are actually asleep out there. That they didn't get woken up by the screams of the children who happened to wake up. The others though, god the others, you can't, you won't-these kids need you. Need you to be brave, need you to protect them. You don't think you can.

One of them makes a small whimper, you near silently shush her, pulling her more into your chest so if she sobs, it'll be muffled. She clings to you tightly, and you suppress a wince. The wound across your chest thankfully isn't deep, but it hurt, and you had no way to stop the bleeding currently. 

You had felt your entire world shut down at that moment. Witness everything come plummeting down so suddenly. Instead of not being able to look away from a car crash, you were experiencing the crash. And it hurt.

You blame yourself, even if someone else would argue it's not your fault. You didn't know. Hell, you don't think even Sun knew. Is he even okay? Is he gone too? Not until it happened. Not until you turned off the lights. 

"Alright," You turn, watching as Moon appears, "Everybody's down for the count, they're pretty exhausted from freeze tag so we should have an easy go of it. In the meantime, I found my copy of The Princess Bride, I say we find a good vantage point and get a couple chapters in. What do you say to that?"

No response. He just stares at you. 

This has been happening sometimes lately, you think it may just be a delay in the switch. You know he's been self-conscious about it, so you try to make light of it. 

You make a radio noise with your mouth, "Cht. Earth to Moon-man. This is mission control, requesting cuddles and story-time while on the job. Do you copy?"

Something clicks. 

"Ye-yes, yes, let's... do that," He shakes his head, seeming, groggy. 

You giggle quietly, "Are you sure you don't need a nap, sleepy head?"

It takes another second, you swear you see his optics flash another color before he shakes his head again, chuckling. 

"Not at all," He offers his hand to you, "Shall we?"

You grin to yourself, doing your best to contain your excitement. You've been waiting for ages to get into this book with him. Not to mention spending unrestricted one-on-one time.

You take it, feeling a rush once the two of you start flying through the air. 

From there, things are good. Great even. You and Moon are able to get through the prologue and first chapter or so. The problem arises when suddenly, the power goes out to the rest of the Plex. 

You look up, instinctively putting a hand on the arm Moon has around you, "What's going on?"

"I'm, not sure."

The sudden lack of noise rouses one of the kids, he sits up, rubbing at his eyes with a yawn. 

"Ah, shoot, Morgan's up. Here, help me down and I'll-" You're suddenly cold as Moon abruptly stands up, jumping down from the play structure without a word.

Confused, you follow after him, taking a nearby slide.

You walk over to where he towers over the boy-not his usual routine for these things that should have been your first clue-and get there in time to overhear;

"It's past your bedtime."

That's, not his usual voice. Well, it is. But there's something off about it.

Morgan notices too, he looks a bit frightened by the gravely sound. 

Moon's faceplate tilts to the side, "Naughty children must be punished."

It's then that you think to look down to his hand where, when did he get claws. Why would Moon ever need claws, that kind of upgrade is only for Monty or Freddy-

He's raising his hand, Morgan is cowering. You need to move.

Without thinking, you dash in between the two, arms out wide to shield the child behind you. 

Moon hesitates, stuttering, glitching, but his hands slices across your chest all the same. 

Morgan screams, you hiss at the pain. Moon suddenly disappears into the dark above the Daycare. And kids start to wake up.

Everything from there is a blur. You remembering panicking, trying to calm down crying kids. your chest being on fire, and then everything suddenly getting ten times worse.

You still don't know what's going on out there. Out in the rest of the Plex. You don't know why no one has come to check on you all, come to save you, nobody's going to save you, just done something. But you have no way of reaching out. No way of getting out of here either. For now, you have to survive. You have to. You have to try.

You become aware of someone looking at you before you actually see the light crawl across the floor before landing on you and the backs of the kids.

Your grip becomes firmer, face more determined, as the sound of bells gets closer and closer. You take a deep breath, and steel your gaze to look at him. 

Red eyes face yours on the other side of the plastic cage.

It's naptime. And you're not asleep.

🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃

Wow man, I was uh, yeah I don't know where this came from. Oof. Angst AND horror. My b guys. ANYWHO Three promptobers in a day, my writing brain is BACK baby (it has been gone for several weeks bc of sinusitis, but I'll talk about that more in the CS ch. 35 update) The other promptobers I've done are here if you haven't seen them already. The previous ones haven’t been as intense horror-wise as this so if you're looking for something a little chiller I would suggest giving them a try. Thanks for reading!

[pandorxxx]

Search & Rescue (Chapter 1)

Lo’ak x omatikayan fem reader (all aged up)

Warnings: Cursing, hints at depression, heavy drinking, mentions of sex, a lot of sexual tension, fluff.

Synopsis: Lo’ak has a bit of a reputation that he’s been trying so hard to break out of. He just needs the right girl to come and rescue him. Looks like he found her tonight.

For the best experience, listen to Ozone by Chase Atlantic

“Damn, this party is live tonight.” Lo’ak chuckled, taking a swig of his drink. He stood next to Neteyam and his mate, as they cuddled up next to each other by the drink table.

“Mhm.” Neteyam hummed, completely focused on his mate before bending down to give her a kiss, and she obliged ofcourse. Lo’ak snapped his head at them in complete disgust.

“Booo! Get a fucking room!” Lo’ak leaned over, shouting into Neteyams ear. Neteyam detached his lips from his mate, giving lo’ak a death stare.

“Go find some business. Better yet, go find a NICE girl. Moms sick of the whores you bring home.” Neteyam spat, turning his mate in his arms, bringing her back into his embrace.

“I’m not thinking about a mate right now, bro. I’m just…scoping the land.” He smirked, watching a group of girls walk past him.

“Hi, ladies.” He spoke in his melodic tone, eyeing them up and down with his predatory gaze. “Hey, lo’ak.” They all giggled, speaking in unison. He watched them walk away, burning wholes in their backsides, making sure he didn’t miss anything.

“And that’s exactly what you DONT want to bring home. Haven’t you fucked ALL of those girls?” Neteyam asked, swaying his mate back and forth.

“So? What’s your point?” Lo’ak asked, taking another sip of his drink, looking out into the crowd. “My point is, that’s toxic. Find ONE girl!” Neteyam chuckled, picking his drink up from behind him to take a sip.

“I think I’ve given myself too much of a reputation. She wouldn’t give me a chance even if I tried.” Lo’ak spoke but immediately regretted it. No one knew that he actually did have his eyes set on someone in particular.

“SHE? Oh my eywa! Who? Give me all the details!” Neteyam’s mate spoke excitedly, so happy that lo’ak had a clue of who he wanted to spend his life with.

“gIVe mE AlL tHe deTAilS!…absolutely not. You talk too much!” Lo’ak joked, chuckling as he unintentionally blew his cover, staring directly at you, dancing with your friends in the crowd. All of those girls, and he only saw you. It’s like everyone else disappeared. Everything about you made his heart pound. Especially tonight. You must’ve just taken your braids out right before arriving. Your hair was curly, flowing down your back just how he liked. You wore cloths woven with beautiful crystals, a little more revealing than usual.

You had a thigh band on that matched your outfit. And all lo’ak could think about was pulling it down your leg with his teeth. Ripping your cloths off to reveal your beautiful body. Nuzzling his head into your gorgeous hair, to rid the scent of any other girl left on him. He wanted to be saved, rescued from his continuous cycle. He just couldn’t seem to find the right girl who would take him seriously as a mate. But he knew that was his own fault, he built this reputation for himself, and it was hard to break it down.

“You’re so obvious IDIOT!” Neteyam’s mate laughed, snapping him out of his trance.

“Huh? W-What are you going on about now?” He scoffed, rolling his eyes, not being able to look away from you, not even for a second.

“Ohhh y/n, huh? Now that’s the definition of a nice girl. And she’s one of the best warriors in training. She’d be good for you.” Neteyam spoke, smiling before planting a kiss on his mates head.

“Yeah, but will I be good for her is the question. I-I don’t wanna fuck it up with her. I CAN’T fuck it up with her. Shes different bro. The “bring home to mom” type you were talking about earlier. She’s so fucking sweet too. Strong, intelligent, and drop dead gorgeous. Why the fuck would she choose me? I’m a trouble maker, an outcast. And shes…..perfect.” Lo’ak confessed before downing the rest of his drink, grabbing the bottle from behind him to fill his cup to the top.

“Lo’ak having…FEELINGS??? Oh my eywa!” Neteyam spoke sarcastically. “How about you just go talk to h-“ Neteyam started before stopping abruptly.

“I’m not going over there! Not until I’m full of alcohol to calm me the fuck d-“ lo’ak started, turning around to be met with you, looking up at him with those beautiful eyes.

“Hey, lo’ak.” You spoke with your sweet voice, smiling up at him. He was completely stunned, First time he was speechless when it came to girls. He looked down at you, completely tranced by your beauty.

“Hi…” he said emotionless, too focused on getting lost in your eyes. He wanted to drown in them, wanted you to trap him so he wouldn’t have to keep living his life recklessly.

Neteyam and his mate looked at eachother with a lighthearted smile before turning back to the beautiful scene infront of them. Lo’ak….falling in love.

“Well, since you’re in the way. Think you can pour me a drink?” You asked jokingly, nudging your head to the table behind him.

“Umm..i-I uhh-“ he stuttered, tail wagging aggressively behind him, giving away his true feelings without a single word. You giggled, hiding your face with your hand. He shook his head, snapping out of your hypnotic gaze.

“I-im sorry. Umm, sure! Sure, I can pour you a drink.” He spoke in a low tone, grabbing your hand bringing you closer to the table before he turned around to look at the drinks.

“Which one did you want, pretty girl?” He spoke with a small smile, glancing at you before looking back down at the options. Your stomach filled with butterflies at the nickname. Sure, he might’ve called other girls pretty, and you knew that. But it didn’t take away from the fact that he was talking to YOU in this moment.

“Uhhh, whatever is in your cup.” You said, taking the cup out of his hand. “Can I actually just…have yours?” You asked innocently, looking into his eyes. He watched you intently, eyebrow cocked with a light grin.

“You don’t even know what it is, y/n. Taste it first, see if you like it.” He chuckled, untwisting the bottle of the same drink, pouring himself another cup.

“I trust you…” you spoke with a smile, making lo’ak whip his head back to you. He watched you down the drink, small drips flowing out the corner of your mouth, trickling all the way down your chest. You slammed the cup down, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand.

“See? I trust you.” You giggled. And just like that, you had him in a trance for the 3rd time tonight. He eyed you up and down, bringing his cup to his mouth, taking a sip before setting it back on the table. He faced you, stepping dangerously close, but you didn’t move. Just stared up into his eyes.

“You’ve got alittle something right here. May I?” He asked, holding his thumb out to wipe your neck. You nodded, not even a word needed to be said. The tension between you two was undeniable. He wrapped his hand around your neck very gently, using his thumb to wipe the access alcohol off of you. You two stared into each others eyes the entire time. Hearts beating in sync as he stepped an inch closer. He detached his hand from your neck, licking his thumb clean.

“Much better.” He spoke in a melodic tone, rattling your eardrums just right. And there you were, falling for his charm just like every other girl. You snapped out of it, crossing your arms, looking up at him with an all-knowing glare.

“No.” Was all you said, shaking your head. “No?” He asked, tilting his head, eyes narrowed in confusion. “I won’t be another one of your one night stands. I refuse!” You raised your voice, pushing him in the chest with a single finger.

“It’s not like that, I swear.” He spoke softly, blinking back tears. His heart sank that you believed he just wanted one thing from you. He couldn’t blame you, but he wished you would just hear him out.

“Yes it is! What? Trying to seduce me or something? Like you do with all the others?” You asked angrily. “I’m not that kind of girl.” You spat, mean mugging him.

“I-I know you’re not that kind of girl, y/n. I wasn’t trying to seduce you or anything like that, I swear. I- I just…like you a lot. I can’t help myself around you. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” He rambled, trying his best to convince you that he didn’t mean anything by his actions.

“Suuuure! And I’m supposed to believe you, right? I know you, lo’ak. I know all of your little tricks. And IM NOT FALLING FOR THEM! Got it?” You snapped, gesturing angrily with your hands. He sighed, staring down at you in defeat.

“I get it, y/n.” He spoke in a defeated tone. Ears flat, as he shifted his head down to the ground, blinking back tears again before standing to face you. Your expression softened slightly, watching a single tear fall to the ground before he quickly wiped his eyes.

“Lo’ak?” You asked in shock, reaching up to grab the side of his cheek. He grabbed your wrist gently, placing your hand back to your side.

“No, you’re right. It’s my fault for giving you that impression. I don’t blame you.” He smiled weakly, his puffy eyes telling a different story.

“I-I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.” You said in a apologetic tone, caressing his strong arm. He shook his head, sniffling as if he was sick.

“It’s fine. I’ve gotta go.” He fake smiled, grabbing the entire bottle of alcohol before walking off. “Wait! LO’AK I-“ you shouted, watching him walk off through the crowd of people. You sighed, shutting your eyes tightly before opening them to see Neteyam and his mate in shock.

“What’s wrong with him? Didn’t know he had feelings to hurt.” You spoke in a defeated tone, watching lo’ak drown himself in alcohol from across the forest.

“He has feelings. He just doesn’t know how to express them verbally. Everything is very…physical with him. I don’t think he meant to make you uncomfortable.” Neteyam explained, watching his brother down an entire bottle of alcohol.

“Yeah, I’ve never seen him like this before, with any other girl. I think he really likes you, y/n. He just needs alittle guidance, that’s all.” Neteyam’s mate spoke, leaning her head back on his chest, shooting you a lighthearted smile.

Did he really like you? Even his brother and his mate said so. They wouldn’t steer you wrong. You would be lying if you said you didn’t like lo’ak too. It’s just the other girls that you had a problem with. There were so many too. You couldn’t compete with that, and you didn’t want to.

The party started to die down, and people started to leave. As the crowd left piece by piece, you saw lo’ak sitting in the corner, still gripping the empty alcohol bottle. His head was hung to the ground as he massaged his forehead, as if he had a headache, or deep in thought. You hesitated, but walked over to him.

“Hey.” You broke the silence, standing infront of him. His head shot up at you immediately, giving you his undivided attention.

“Hey.” He shot you a drunk smile, before throwing his head back down to the ground. You bit your lip in contemplation, trying to think of something else to say. Nothing came to mind. Instead, you held your hand out for him, waiting for him to grab it. He looked at your hand before his eye contact trailed up to your kind expression. “w-what’s this for?” He slurred, pointing to your hand in confusion. You sighed, rolling your eyes with a smile.

“You’re drunk, let me walk you home.” You spoke sweetly, wiggling your fingers to get him to grab your hand. He sighed, feeling so helpless in this moment. He was supposed to be walking YOU home, not the other way around. He didn’t deserve you. He grabbed your hand, standing up lazily.

“Thank you, y/n. Really.” He spoke in an exhausted tone. Wrapping his arm around your shoulder to maintain some kind of balance. Even though his vision was blurry.

“No problem, lo’ak. Let’s get out of here.” You chuckled, wrapping your arm around his waist, making your way to his hut.

The walk to his hut was mostly silent, minus the times you two stopped so he could throw up. And you were right there with him, holding his hair up, and patting his back. He’d apologize that you had to see him like that, and you’d just wipe his mouth with the napkins you brung specifically for this reason.

When you finally got to his hut, you weren’t surprised at the mess. You walked over the bottle cans, and empty alcohol bottles to lay him down on his cot.

“You ok?” You asked, pushing a strand of hair off of his sweaty forehead. Smiling down at him as he looked up at you through hooded eyes. “Mhm.” He hummed, smiling at you drunkenly as his eyes opened and closed lazily.

“Get some sleep, ok?” You spoke softly, caressing his cheek. You turned around, taking in the filthy room around you.

“You know, you should really clean up, lo’ak.” You said sternly, picking up all of the empty cans on his floor, throwing them in the trash bag by the door. Then you proceeded to fold his loincloths, placing them in the drawer nice and neatly. He rolled over just to watch you clean his hut. No girl had ever done that for him, not that they should. But it was nice of you to do. He just couldn’t bring himself to do it by himself, it overwhelmed him. And he rarely spent time in his hut because the mess made him feel worse about himself. So to watch you clean it for him, helped him in ways he couldn’t even explain if he had the time to.

“You didn’t have to do that.” He shook his head in disappointment at himself, feeling more defeated than he ever has.

“Don’t worry about it, I wanted to.” You smiled, closing his drawer before dusting your hands off. “Listen, I have to go, but I’ll be back in the morning to check on you.” You said, nodding your head as you made your way to his hut door. Every step felt like a knife to the heart, because he wanted nothing more than for you to stay with him.

“Y/n?” He muttered, but loud enough for you to hear. You stopped in your tracks, hoping that this would be the moment he asked you to stay, just so you could monitor him for the night. You turned back to him. “Yes?” You asked, voice full of hope. He hesitated, but it was now or never, and he chose now.

“Stay with me? I promise I won’t try anything. I’ll even sleep on the floor, and let you have the cot just….please. I don’t want to be alone tonight.” He spoke softly, barely above a whisper. You closed the hut door, walking over to his cot, bending down to become eye level with him.

“You’ve got something comfortable for me to wear?” You asked sarcastically with a lighthearted smile. He chuckled, sitting up on the edge of the bed before standing to his full height. He walked over to the drawer and picked out an oversized T-shirt, bringing it over to you.

“Let me guess. From the lab, huh?” You asked with a small chuckle, grabbing the shirt out of his hands. He smiled down at you.

“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded. “How many girls have worn THIS one?” You asked, stepping dangerously close to him. So close that your breasts laid against his stomach. Eyebrow cocked as you untied your loincloth, letting it drop to the ground. Yet and still, he kept his eyes glued on yours, not even attempting to look at your naked body.

“None. I’ve been saving it.” He said In his same melodic tone. You tilted your head as if he was bullshitting you. You untied your top, but it stayed in place between you and lo’aks embrace.

“Oh yeah? Saving it for what?” You asked in a sarcastic tone, backing up slightly to let your top fall. He licked his lips, still keeping his eyes locked on yours, like the gentlemen he was learning to be. “For my future mate. So go ahead and put it on already.” He whispered, holding your chin with his finger.

His future mate? You didn’t even know lo’ak wished to be mated the way he tossed girls around. Who knew it would be you that could possibly change him?

“I’m not fucking you, lo’ak.” You tilted your head, with a small smirk. His eyes narrowed, letting your chin go.

“I wasn’t planning on fucking you either.” He titled his head, a smirk creeping across his face. You were almost offended. What did he mean by that?

“Sooo, you don’t want to fuck me?” You asked confused. He chuckled, stepping alittle closer, If that was even possible.

“Never said that.” He responded. “Do you want me to fuck you?” He asked, with a devilish smirk. You almost gave in right there, but you had a feeling this was one of his games. And if you were being honest, you understood why so many girls fell for it.

“Yes- I MEAN…NO!….NO! NO! NO!” You shouted, pushing him away slightly. Pulling his shirt onto your body. He laughed, watching you scramble in-front of him.

“Suuure.” He said sarcastically, brushing past you to get back on his cot, getting comfortable. He patted the cot, signaling for you to come lay next to him. You walked over, climbing into the cot, facing him.

“To be completely clear, you didn’t want to fuck, right?” He asked, wrapping his arms around you. “LO’AK!” You shouted, your voice muffled by his broad chest. He laughed, caressing your back.

“I joke, I joke!” He chuckled, shutting his eyes. “Lo’ak?” You asked, wiggling in his embrace to get more comfortable. “Yes, y/n?” He smiled, holding you a little closer to him.

“What are we doing?” You asked hesitantly. He kissed the top of your head, drawing circles in your lower back.

“We’re sleeping. Get some rest. Let’s talk in the morning.” He responded, sighing before shutting his eyes once more. You smiled into his chest, planting a small kiss.

“Goodnight, lo’ak.” You whispered before drifting off to sleep. “Goodnight, y/n.” He spoke in a deep voice, before drifting off to sleep as well, faster than he’s ever had, finally finding that comfort he’d been searching for all along.

Taglist: @number1gal @loak-bae @tiredmamaissy @neytirishottie @viajaeger @terrorthewolf @lethargicluv @reyzzsostellar @m0nst3rfk3r @agelsully @jakescumdump @wekiamo @st-cass @cleardonutangelwagon @tsireqas @satanlovedays @afro-hispwriter @thecutieyahia @urfavgirlmakenna @fanboyluvr @iameatingmyhair @secretflowerobservation @violet-19999 @neteyamsprincess @xreadersstuff @sweetllamaparadise @lia-nath @sullymenrhot @dotheyevenknowmars @xdbluesky @slay-nt @domino-x3-blog @ladylovegood-69 @itssomeonereading @sweetirilly @skxawngmia

[hollowed-theory-hall]

Hi! Curious as to your headcanons on how Harry would realize he’s gay/come out? I like to imagine him not realizing it until he’s blundered his way into a relationship with a man, but surely he would be to clever for that 😆

Lol, I mean, yeah, Harry is clever, but not when it comes to relationships as he so adequately demonstrates throughout the books. That being said, I think it has more to do with his hectic situation rather than his intelligence. He just has other priorities — like, not dying. I saw someone suggest that by book 7, Harry is somewhat aware of his orientation with his: "not my type, but he'll do" comment to a polyjuiced Ron asking how he looks.

Like, I think Harry was aware he finds men attractive since 4th year, but he didn't really know what it means because he had other priorities. Like, he'd think he just finds guys attractive but it's normal, he has eyes, after all. But in general, I think the moment Harry is not in immediate life-threatening danger, he would figure it out. Just give him a moment to relax. It might take another failed relationship like Cho, but I really believe that he would get there on his own.

It probably wasn't anything big or grand either, just, kinda like a gradual understanding of: "huh, I guess I don't like girls" that eventually leads to "huh, I always thought guys are hot". (If we ignore the epilogue we can say he had this moment of epiphany while camping in the woods, I mean, there was a lot of silent time for introspection there, or maybe through a talk with Hermione/Ron)

If we go with canon-divergence for fic purposes when he's younger and is still wrapped up in, like, 3 plots to kill him a year, he might just blunder into a relationship with a guy and only realize it's a relationship later. But, Harry is smart enough to know that if he's holding hands and cuddling with someone that isn't a usual friendship for him. Especially if this is after his disaster date with Cho where he dreaded her wanting to hold his hand or kiss him again. Harry would notice if he was interested in that compared to with Cho, that he actually wants to spend time with this guy and likes looking at him and being close to him, but it might take him a while still. It's also very possible [male Harry ship of your choice] would be the one to basically tell Harry what they have is a relationship, but it really depends on the specific canon divergence. In general, it's less likely Harry would start this relationship as he is in a quest to be normal (which is part of why he decided he has a crush on Cho), she's a safe option — pretty, good at Quidditch, and appearing unattainable when he chose her. Point is, I don't see the Hogwarts-aged Harry pursuing a relationship with a guy without certain changes to get him there (the guy of your choice might though).

Alternative to this situation, it could be Ron or Hermione who bring it up to Harry, with Ron being the more likely of the two to bring it up. I think Ron has known since 5th year that Harry is gay, Hermione doesn't seem to really know, but by 7th year she probably figured it out (I mean, even in the muggle world this is the UK in 90s, it's not like being gay was overly accepted). So, they could also bring it up to him.

As for coming out, I feel like he would accidentally joke about it a bunch, like in that book 7 comment and most people would think it's just a joke, but I think Ron and Hermione would clue in early he actually means it. Ron at least would have already known and both I believe would be supportive of Harry. I think a bunch of others would be told as well, I think most Weasley kids won't have a problem with it at all (Ginny is likely to be disappointed, but I don't think she'd be mean about it to Harry). I think Molly and Arthur might struggle a little, due to ignorance rather than malice, but they would definitely be kind and try to be supportive. Arthur would probably mention some Weasley cousin who's gay as a way to connect to Harry because I'm sure there is one. Sirius would support everything Harry does and chooses (and he himself is likely, not straight) so, yeah.

Beyond that, coming out more publicly would heavily depend on the Wizarding World's approach to homosexuality. I personally believe they don't treat it great and it's kind of an unspoken thing — considering we don't see any gay relationships in the books, their focus on legacy and producing children, and the characters that are mentioned to be unmarried seem to live like confirmed bachelors (Dumbledore, Aunt Muriel, Alphard and Cassiopeia Black, etc.). Also, considering Harry's dislike of the Prophet and the attention he receives, I don't see him choosing to ever make it public knowledge since it's none of their business.

I imagine Witch Weekly keeps placing Harry in number 1 their Most Eligible Bachelors list years after he has already moved to live with a "close male friend" of his (choose who to your preference). And like, everyone knows, but no one would really acknowledge it. Whenever Harry is asked about "when he's gonna settle down" by some interviewer or random ministry personnel or some foreign ambassador he needs to be held back from throwing hands when younger. Later in life he probably gets used to it, besides, the older he gets, eventually the questions would stop, I imagine. It's also possible eventually attitudes in the Wizarding World would change, but that's something that takes time and depends on a lot of other factors.

[leggerefiore]

That pokévillan marriage hc was soooo sweet! 😩😩❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Then I laughed imagining them scrambling to find their s/o's ring size, especially if they don't wear jewelry at all. Can I request hcs of how the submas, larry and whoever you want finds out their s/o's ring size? I can only imagine the chaos and hilarity that insues as they try to be discreet 🤣

djajfjd that's me tbh. I can barely stand necklace and bracelets so they'd die trying to find my ring size

characters: Ingo, Emmet, Larry, Nanu

▲Ingo▼

● Somehow, it had completely slipped his mind that he needed to find your ring size out for the piece of jewellery he planned to spend well into four digits on, until after Elesa questioned him. Her deadpan expression made he realised his grievous error. The new situation left him in shambles. How did he get your ring size without you realising it? He wanted his plans to be a surprise. Many thoughts crossed his mind on just how to get there.

● Could he try to guess? He was not too overly familiar with it. Directly asking you was not something that he would dare do. He thinks maybe of getting you a ring as a random gift to see how close it would be to your size, but ends up backing out as he worries about the confusion it might bring. Then, he remembers something from his younger days. His more rural childhood provided an ease strategy for this information.

● Suddenly, he takes you out to a route with wild flowers and ties a flower ring around your finger. He slides it on and off to confirm that it was a proper comparison, and then takes it away under the illusion of wanting to preserve it. (He does, actually, but only after ascertaining the information he needs.) Now, he can only hope you do not get suspicious of anything.

▽Emmet△

○ It crossed his mind much too late. He was already nearly in the process of buying the ring when he was asked about the ring size. Emmet felt verrry dumb forgetting such an important detail and had to awkwardly explain that he did not know before backing out of the store. He stood in a daze for a few moments. This was going to be a surprise, but he did not have a clue what your ring size was. He texted Elesa about his situation. Her reply made him feel even dumber. An obvious solution to his problem.

○ Well, that was if you had any rings for him to compare. If you did not, he would simply perish. Possible other solutions ran through his head. Would it be so out of character for him to measure your finger? Probably, but he was considered odd by many people, so it could work. Though, you were more aware of the extent of his personality than other people. He feels deeply lost about how to about it.

○ If you have rings, he goes for Elesa's suggestion to get your ring size and leaves you none the wiser. But, if you do not have any, he must unfortunately bear the circumstance of measuring the circumference of your finger. You will probably catch on to why he is doing it, but please don't make it obvious you have. He will get sad. Verrry sad. Let him have this.

💼Larry🏢

🍙 It crosses his mind pretty early. He has been around his boss enough to know a bit about accessory sizing. Though, he will admit he is not sure how to get it. He ponders it quietly while stopped outside the office. His expression scares passers-by as he stands eerily still. Eventually, he does is around Rika, who lends an ear to his issue and sighs. She did not expect him to have a romantic side. Of course, if she does suggest just asking for your measurement, she feels certain he will.

🍙 Her advice to check for other rings remains in his head as he returns home. Obviously, just asking you had crossed his mind. There was no reason to make a show out of proposing, especially at his age, but he felt you would appreciate the surprise. Hassel had become involved at some point and proposed something with the use of flowers that he had heard about from a friend. Larry felt even more uncertain about how to approach it now.

🍙 At some point, he grabs your hand, catching you off-guard. His silent observation of your hand would be distressing if not for his odder ways of showing affection popping up. He considered a rough estimate in his head after he let your hand go. Hopefully, this would be accurate.

🐈‍⬛️Nanu❤️‍🩹

🌑 It felt a bit dumb for him to finally just be settling down, but you obviously had been subtly mentioning it to him. Deciding that he had nothing left to lose, he chose to visit Olivia. Of course, with her better knowledge about accessories, she stared at him for a moment when he did not know your ring size. It slipped his mind, despite it being completely obvious. Olivia began giving him some suggestions on how to get your ring size subtly. He nodded and stepped out of the store with a sigh.

🌑 He thought on it for a moment. Finding a ring that you had around his home might be hard, trying something cutesy like tying a flower around your finger was out of character for him. He certainly could not get away with just taking a measurement of your ring finger. Nanu shook his head as he watched a stray Meowth run through the streets of Konikoni. If he just asked you, he knew you would likely catch on, of course… But his mind went back to Olivia. Well, nothing wrong with twisting the truth a little to keep some mystique going on.

🌑 So, he called you. You answered. “Olivia wants your ring size,” Nanu half-lied, “She's making a piece of jewellery for you. I don't know it.” You gasped excitedly and quickly provided the required information. He thanked you and hung up. Walking back in the store, he told Olivia your ring size. You probably might be a little suspicious, but as long as you were not completely aware, the Kahuna supposed.

[louwhose]

I love Frieren and Himmel's relationship so much and I mean of course I do there's so much to love. An elf that thinks a human's life passes away in the blink of an eye and human that loves her? I'm already hooked. But add into that he doesn't say anything because he knows nothing will come of it with how she views things when he knows her and is content to just admire her for all she is as she is? The fact that she cares for him in spite of thinking his life is so short and getting to know him in the time they were together but regretting not coming to know him better after he died? I mean she's literally following their journey and remembering him along the way and the end destination is the chance to see him again, but I feel like she'll realize she truly know and loved him even if they never reach heaven.

And there's just. So many tiny details. I will try to recount a lot, but I'm sure I won't get all of them.

Frieren remembers so much about him. Regardless of where they go, it's usually a memory about him more than anyone else. She remembers his favorite flower, and takes the time to find it (though she doesn't consider time a least bit rare commodity). And she remembers it, which means that even though at one point she didn't try to learn about her companions, she afterwards made the point to remember their favorite things. And when she talked with Old Man Voll, who was regretting losing his memories of his late wife and asked if she could still remember her companions clearly, she refused to consider that she ever won't. She considers their memories that precious.

And then there's Himmel. Oh my goodness. Beyond just his initial attraction, the way he's always fascinated by her magic and her making enough of an impression on him at a young age that he sought her out years later for such an important quest is delightful. And did I mention that he just loves her magic? BECAUSE HE DOES!! And it helps her to love collecting her weird spells that much more, so good and supportive, Himmel.

And fear not I shan't neglect to mention the mirrored lotus ring because I am incapable of being normal about that scene. He had Frieren choose a ring (my respectful man there where can I get me a Himmel) and when he saw which one she chose he knew what it meant and chose to present it to her in a way that was sure to be memorable to her. Even though she didn't yet know the meaning of it, once she does, she can look back on the memory of him pledging his love eternally to her, an immortal, in spite of his mortality. He may be content to never say it, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't like her to know.

And now I am going to talk about a manga arc that ends on like. Chapter 118/119? So spoilers if you choose to proceed any further.

Frieren has spent so long now working towards seeing Himmel again and then she. GETS TO SEE HIM AGAIN!!! I am certain that if I scoured this arc I could find soooo many details for them (and I am tempted but instead I will focus on a few details that come to mind and analyzing one very specific thing about it.

Just. Himmel saying he likes who she's become, not having any clue that he was a major influence for her becoming that way. I just love that he appreciates her at every stage she's at it's just so uwu. and then when FRIEREN said he's a ray of light??? omg omg omg omg oomg I die they both just see the best in each other and I live for it.

And Then There's The Wedding. If you read this far on this and didn't expect me to gush over this part here is where I disillusion you. Himmel's feelings for Frieren have been pretty obvious up to this point, but seeing that he would in his ideal world want to marry her and spend his life with her is GRAHHHHHHHHHH there's no words to describe it. and like. Frieren is there too? how am I supposed to interpret that but as her own paradise? even if it's as a looser interpretation of she wanted to spend all of Himmel's life with him??? INSANEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeee

and then the fact that Himmel had his dreams presented before him, but he felt something was off, and didn't take advantage of it. Not even for a kiss. THIS RESPECTFUL MAN what is there not to like if anyone is good enough for Frieren it is without a doubt him. and the way they work together to get out of it???? oh man I love it

idk I just love their dynamic I think it's great and full of unfulfilled potential and I hope they get something some kind of closure if Frieren really does make it to see him again I just really love thinking about them thank you for coming to my presentation

[leynaeithnea]

I didnt get an ask for this BUT WE'RE BACK

my Wisdom saga reaction/analysis!!!!!

26. Legendary

TELEMACHUS MY BOYYYY

THE MELODY AT THE BEGINNING OF LEGENDARY IS SO COOL

the instruments aaah, lowkey obssessed

"its jus tme myself and i" perimedes would like u

"living in this world you left behind".........this song makes oyu think so much about what life has been in Ithica in those years since Odysseus had to leave, he was loved, he is *King*, AH

"dreaming of all these monster, that ill never to get to fight" better this way, u dont wanna end up like your daddy

"but boy i wish i could so i could bring the world some light" BABY BOY

"Cause I'm stuck with your stories, but no clue who you are And no idea if you're dead or just too far" his mother wouldve told him so many stories :aniTears:

"Somebody tell me, come and give me a sign if I fight those monsters, is it you I'll find?" PLS HE jusT WANTS TO FIND HIS DAD GIVE THIS MAN HIS FATHER

"If so, then give me sirens and a cyclops Give me giants and a hydra" hes just naming every monster he can think of of the myths he grew up with

"I know life and fate are scary but I wanna be legendary" U GO BOY; I LOVE YOU, also such a mood

"I'll fight the harpies and chimeras, the Minotaur, even Cerberus I know life and fate are scary but I wanna be l-l-l-l-legendary"....yea same like the two parts before, any monster he can think of, he gotta be one of us kids who read a lot

THEN The droppp in his voice, HE SOUNDS SO SCARED

"There are strangers in our halls" That must be TERRIFYING, just imagine that, dozens of men in your home just prying on your mother and youre too young to do anything rly

"Trying to win the heart of my mom, but she is standing tall" THAT VOCAL PERFORMANCE, W FOR PENELOPE; GIRLBOSS

"108 old faces of men who call me small" EW; 108 IS SO MANY BRO; SO MANY????? Also "old faces" ISJGSEIGJ "who call me small" boy, i feel so bad for you

"They keep taking space and it's not much longer we can stall" !!!! HES WORKING WITH HIS MOTHER TRYING TO HOLD THEM OFF; AH AAAAH, also fuck them, leave their home alone, god he must feel so unsafe in his own home :screams:

"'Cause they're getting impatient, dangerous too" oh no :( so scared lil boy

"And I would fight them if I was half as strong as you" HE LOOKS UP TO HIM SO MUCH AH

"Somebody help me, come and give me the strength Can I do whatever it takes to keep my mom safe?" HES ALSO A MOMMY BOY; AND HONESTLY GOOD FOR HIM; STAND BY HER SIDE; U GO BOY, 🥹

Chrous SLAPs

"Where is he? Where is the man who'll have you to wife? " bitch stay away (also cut song reference!)

"Where is he? Where is the man with whom you'll spend your life?" HE IS ON His WAY HOme SO STAY THE FUCK AWAYYYYYYYY ARGG ILL FIGHT U

"Cause it's been 20 years, 20 years" 20 FUCKING YEARS??? THATS AS OLD AS I AM (and telemachus for that measure, same age, yay!) BUT BRO IMAGINE WAITING FOR YOUR HUSBAND TO COME HOME FOR 20 YEARS; PENELOPE X ODY OTP; PENELOPE FIGHTING OFF 108 SUITORS FOR 20 YEARS AND ODY FIGHTING OF *GODS* Trying TO TRAP AND USE AND KEEP HIM, THEY DESERVE EACH OTHER

"And we still have no king" >:) >:) imagine an island without leader for 20 years oh boy h boy, the power vacuum, 108 people who want to take his place

"Give me a chance, a single opportunity and I'll overcome these obstacles and scrutiny and-" HE WANTS TO SO BADLY he juST DOESNT KNOW HOW AND WHEre TO START BC AH, also the music sounds like he just tries to sneak around his palace, to not get caught by the suitors, dodging and on guard, i can just imagine him ducking his head and looking at every corner for smth danger-

"Boy".......that slapped hard, FUCK YOU ANTINOUS (hi perimedes :) )

"When's your tramp of a mother gonna choose a new husband?" FUCK YOU STAY AWAY (the dELIVERY)

"OoooOOoh" we have a new choir! the crew is ded but we have the suitors now hah, ill take it, love me some choir responses

"Why don't you open her room so we can have fun with her?" THE AUDACITY? WHORE FUCKING BASTARD STAY THE FUCK AWAY

"Dont you dare, call my mother a tramp" U GO BOY; TELL HIM (be careful, dont get hurt) THE VOCAL DELIVERY OF THAT LINE IS SO gOOD

"OoooOOoh" chiorr

" I just did, Whatchu gonna do about it, champ?" FUCK OFF ANTINOUS, DONT BE SO SMUG FUCK U

"Somebody tell me, Come and give me a sign, If I fight this monster, Is it you I'll find?" u desrve your dad so much, he'll come home, promise...promise....hold on, be stronk, u got this boy, also "this monster" its none from your stories, no this is real, its worse its right infront of you AH

Sorry for the swearing :") AH I LOVE THIS SONG SO MUCH, ONE OF MY FAVS FOR SURE (...we'll come back after recency bias but i dont think itll change)

EDIT: DANGER MOTIF WHEN ANTINOUNS JOINS IN!!!!! (are there more? im new to this PLS TELL ME)

@lorethebookworm

[littledollll]

Can I please request a Larissa X new teacher reader.

R has a much younger brother (r is in their early 20s while the brother is 4ish) who they take care of because their parents aren't great so r took full custody over him. R always leaves him with the librarian looks after him (everyone assumes she's his aunt since he calls her aunty) while r is working but one day he isn't having any of it as he misses r so goes to find her and ends up interrupting an important staff meeting and calling r mum (cause of the age gap and parental role r takes he views them as his mum rather than a sibling) r ends up getting really embarrassed and apologies profusely for him while the other teachers and Larissa are incredibly confused as they had no clue he was even related to r.

That evening Larissa requests r to come see her telling them that their "son" is welcome to come along so he isn't left alone in their room. R thinks they are going to be reprimanded by Larissa for messing up the meeting but instead Larissa is very soft and simply wants to know why r didn't inform Larissa of their "son" because Larissa would have gladly made arrangements for him to which r explains the whole story to her while Larissa and r both are playing with the little bro and at the end r makes a joke that they need to find a partner as good with kids as to Larissa to help out their their little trouble maker to which said troublemaker blurts put how r has a mash crush on Larissa. R dies for embarrassment but before they can apologise Larissa smiles and asks them out for coffee saying she's always wanted kids but thought her nevermore students would be as close as she'd ever get.

Thank you!!!

Lovely interruption

Larissa Weems x Reader

A/n: THIS IS SO CUTE??? Thank you so much for your request

Warnings: none, just fluff fluff and more fluff.

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

It was routine by now, every day you dropped off your brother in the library with a lunchbox and a bag with a few essentials and some games, you’d thank your best friend (who was honestly family by now) profusely for keeping watch of him.

It was a staff only day. Which means meetings, markings, file organizing and all the other boring stuff, and he simply wasn’t having it. Usually, though his auntie had stuff to get done she still had time to spend time with and entertain him, not today.

He stumbled his way out of the library trying to remember your words. “I’ll be in the staff room if anything happens, don’t be afraid to interrupt I’ll handle it after.” Staff room. And that’s how he found himself wandering the halls looking at the signs above each door until he found it.

“Regarding the problem with the Jericho boys-“ Larissa was cut off by the door opening and your brother peaking in.

“Ma?” looking around for you and shyly walked your way once he found you, arms wrapping around your waist.

“Sweet boy what are you doing here? You’re supposed to be with your aunty in the library.” you spoke in a hushed tone, not needing to cause any more disruption in the meeting and he pouted shaking his head. “it’s dark in there n aunties busy.”

You looked up at Larissa apologetically and thoroughly embarrassed while she and the other staff just looked confused. “I am so sorry- I hate to ask but, could he stay here for the rest of the meeting? He won’t say a word, right bub?” He happily nodded already settling himself on your lap.

“That won’t be a problem, welcome to the staff little one.” Larissa said, with a smile that immediately made you sigh in relief and made your brother giggle and sit straight like he was really ready to pay attention.

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

The meeting went without a hitch, he kept to himself for the most part and stayed quiet unless Larissa or another member of the staff included him in the conversation. After the meeting ended you were held back for a second while your brother got smothered with cooes and attention by most of the staff which he was more than happy to receive.

Larissa approached you while you were watching over him and making conversation with another teacher. “Dear, I was hoping you could see me after dinner time in my office, there’s just some things I’d like to go over with you if that’s alright, your son is more than welcome as well, I wouldn’t want him locked up in your room the whole time.”

“He’s-“ you wanted to explain he wasn’t really your son but you cut yourself off. You’d clear that up later on the meeting, no point in holding her back now, plus you had to get both you and him something to eat. “Of course principal weems, I’ll see you then.”

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

After dinner you anxiously made your way to the principals office, with your brothers bag in hand like always, you knocked on the door and made your way in once you heard her welcome you in, his hand was holding yours as he looked around the office completely fascinated with all the decore and fancy aesthetics.

He immediately ran off to look at ravens decorating her desk. “Wow hey! slow down, I told you to behave.” He only gave you a once over and continued on looking around. “I’m sorry this is probably the coolest place know to man right now for him.” You apologized as you stopped his hand from touching anything.

Larissa gave you a reassuring smile and shook her head. “The little trouble maker can touch all he wants, anything is replaceable.” She nodded his way and he excitedly jumped around to look at more stuff.

You let out an exaggerated sigh and sat down. “Now why would you encourage him?” “Listen- I’m very aware he shouldn’t have interrupted and I’m really sorry, he despises feeling alone though the little attention hog, so I couldn’t with a sound mind, force him to go back-“

Larissa only chucked and moved from her desk to sit next to you on the arm chair. “I’m not here to scold you, dear, I wasn’t aware you had a son? Had I known there are changes I could’ve made to make being here more comfortable for you both, I was under the impression he was family of our librarian?”

“Oh! I get by so I don’t know if that’s necessary, always appreciate the thought of course. Honestly she kind of is at this point, we’ve been friends for a long time and she offered to look after him once I started here.” You gathered yourself for a second and realized you left out arguably the most important part.

As you were about to speak he ran between the two of you, holding Larissa’s decorative owl in hand. “Look!! How cool is this, did u buy it? Where? How!” He couldn’t decide if he wanted to show you the damn thing or ask Larissa every question possible.

“Okay first of all don’t drop that. Second of all yes it’s very cool, bub. Maybe put it back and Ms. Weems can answer your questions without the stress of it possibly breaking?” He hesitantly listened, putting the owl back and running back to Larissa. “So!?”

Your conversation got cut off for a moment as Larissa found herself stuck in an interview with your brother, he was finally satisfied after she answered his every question and he ran back, probably to find something else he can interview her about. “Your kid seems to take after your curiosity.” Right, that.

“Well- he’s not really my son, we come from a tough family so I’ve been his legal caretakers since I turned 18. But he’s just my little brother, he started calling me mama when he was younger and it kinda stuck, it’s never been an issue before so I haven’t thought to correct him though maybe I should.“

“Nonsense! you are his maternal figure, if it causes confusion to him then maybe then it’s an issue, but don’t worry about anyone else, he seems comfortable and happy with it and if you don’t mind, I see no reason why you should correct it.” You hummed in agreement, followed by a quiet “thank you.”

It got quiet after that, a comfortable silence between the two of you that was interrupted by him coming back with more questions, making Larissa chuckle and of course give in to his antics. “I really need to get myself a partner that can handle this kid.” You said giggling and Larissa seemed to agree. Your brother however had matchmaking plans tonight apparently.

“I thought you liked Principal Weems! Is okay I like her too.” He nodded and gave you a pat, clearly very proud of himself while you were too busy dying of embarrassment to notice the smile on Larissa’s face. “I am- so sorry- you’d think he could keep that quiet.” You said, which made him gasp. “That was a secret!?”

Larissa chuckled driving your attention back to her. “Oh so it’s true? Because I can clearly handle this cutie as you can see. How about nice outing to the weathervane, I could get us all hot chocolate.” You turned to her suddenly feeling very chocked up. “I’m- are you serious?”

“Very. You’ve caught my eye since the day you joined us here, darling. Besides, I’ve always wanted a troublemaker to busy up my life, thought the students were going to be the best I get.”

Looks like his matchmaking had worked, and you now had a date with the woman of your dreams. One who would accept and take care of him as well”, what more could you ask for?

“Very. You’ve caught my eye since the day you joined us here, darling. Besides, I’ve always wanted a troublemaker to busy up my life, thought the students were going to be the best I get.”

[cloveroctobers]

OCTOBER PROMPTS 🎃 — 13. Tara Carpenter

A/N: The way y’all voted on that poll was a true landslide lol I guess I didn’t realize how huge the tara stans are. So here goes something for my final fall prompt, hope this doesn’t flop like scream 7 will 🤭🤫🫠 but this is a short and simple ending so I do hope you enjoy this.

PROMPTS are from HERE & HERE + I’m using: going to a pumpkin patch + “you look cold, do you want a hug?” + “you think someone died here?”

WARNINGS: slight language I think? Dark humor. Age-difference: with Tara being twenty-one and oc/reader being twenty-five/six + Chad and Tara never became a thing in this timeline!

<- read my previous october anthology prompt here.

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Being at a pumpkin patch in mid-November when the skies were painted like pale ice in a frozen lake and the trees lost their copper leaves for good was questionable for Tara. The air no longer had its crispness to it but it started to feel more along the lines of a wild animal taking bites out of your face here in New York. However Tara couldn’t find herself complaining—well despite the fact that Sam turned this into a group outing—Tara couldn’t wait to see Johnnie.

Johnnie was Sam’s age, older than Tara, and easily became likable in Tara’s eyes although Sam often gave Johnnie a hard time even in the beginning. Of course they still had to be cautious but Tara always stood on the fact that she just wanted to live life after it’s been at risk of being taken away for good. She wouldn’t be as naive as last year but something about Johnnie had Tara’s insides turning into mush—in a good way though—not in a decaying guts kind of way.

The train ride was recommended by Johnnie to her family’s farm from the city and that became a whole debacle between the friends, until Tara waved her phone in the air saying that she already purchased a ticket while the rest could spend forever trying to figure out what they wanted to do. Mindy found this humorous how whenever Johnnie was mentioned, Tara made it her mission to be tuned into the conversation if she checked out.

Mindy was the first to pick up on the signs before Tara did and took great pride in Tara coming to her first out of the core four. Chad would argue against that saying he was actually the first since Tara did start to vent when they pulled a all nighter together. However he actually had no clue who Tara could be talking about and ended up eavesdropping when she chatted to Mindy one afternoon when he was supposed to be studying…basically pick a twin to believe at this point.

Tara couldn’t wipe the smile off her face on the train ride, fingers rapidly flying over her screen to the dimpled grin on her face when she spotted Johnnie helping out at the entrance of her family’s pumpkin patch.

“They’re with me, cousin.” Johnnie informs the family member with hair as white as snow, before grabbing up the walkie to contact someone else to head to the front and help out, now being off the clock with her friends here.

“Can we get more free perks for Christmas?” Chad asks as they briefly embrace and Johnnie rolls her eyes.

Johnnie folded her arms, “Why? So you can continue bringing your flings around and eat their tongues instead of enjoying the scenery?”

Chad frowned, “who are these flings that you speak of? I’m here enjoying the pumpkins with my favorite sister.”

As he goes to toss an arm over the curly haired girl’s shoulder, she shoves him away, “save it for the jury, Chad. I saw you eyeing that pretty girl with the shell earrings and racer jacket not too long ago.”

“I mean…she could be the one.” Chad couldn’t even bother to deny his wandering eyes.

Sam, Mindy, and Tara all share a groan while Danny snickers at Chad’s usual antics before being elbowed by Sam.

“Hey Tara,” Johnnie says, falling into step with the smaller girl; after informing everyone of the many activities the farm included.

Tara smiles up at her, “Hey Johnnie…remind me why we’re going pumpkin hunting so late into the season?”

“Well…I’m having a Friendsgiving next weekend at my spot and…that maybe partly true but I also wanted to hang out with you again before that.” Johnnie was honest with this, which made Tara slowly nod her head in appreciation.

Johnnie used to attend the same university as the three, received her degrees, started her business of creating designs on amputee’s prosthetics and moved to New Jersey two months ago to purchase her own home. So her having her shit together was definitely inspiring (and not to mention attractive) in Tara’s eyes and although she didn’t have everything figured out herself, one thing she was sure of: spending time with Johnnie felt right, scary yet comfortable and safe.

“Ohhh that’s right, I almost forgot about that.” Tara widens her eyes in realization, cursing to herself that she actually did forget about this but knew she could blame it on being swamped in school work, while Johnnie stumbles.

With a hand on her chest, she sighs playfully, “you wound me carpenter.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Tara replies with a longing stare as they approach the line in front of a few booths.

Johnnie leans towards Tara who doesn’t realize she’s holding her breath, “what’re you in the mood for?”

“…hmm?” Tara asks, quickly pulling her eyes back to the line when Johnnie tries to catch her eye.

Johnnie laughs, “the menu. Anything catch your interest?”

“Well,” Tara starts as the autumn chill washes over the attendees on the farm, making her hunch her mesh covered shoulders a bit and clasp her hands together, “what would you recommend?”

“Everything.”

Tara scoffs as Johnnie winks at her.

“Can you even see the menu up ahead?”

“I’m not blind.”

“Nah, just short.” Johnnie teases while Tara quickly tosses a middle finger at the older girl.

Johnnie laughs to herself, picking up on tara’s attire which failed to keep her warm on this breezy farm. So Johnnie takes the opportunity to stand behind Tara instead, who is now bouncing on her tippy toes to what may seem like she was attempting to see the menu but it was probably to keep her blood flowing better.

Tara’s almost ready to swing until her belly realizes the familiar rasp by her ear, “you look cold, do you want a hug?”

Before her mouth can fumble out an answer, tatted hands come into Tara’s view as Johnnie locks her arms across Tara’s shoulders. She doesn’t find herself going stiff but easily welcomes Johnnie’s touch. A small smile graces Tara’s lips as her eyes fall in love with the dainty details of ink that decorate Johnnie’s skin. The artwork tells a story of Johnnie’s big heart which some may view as a contrast to her androgynous exterior much like the striking scar through Tara’s palm. That same scar Johnnie lightly draws a fingertip over from time to time and does so right now as Tara buries her nose against the side of Johnnie’s tatted other thumb.

Tara can even smell the balance of scents on Johnnie’s warm skin, a light creamy but earthy scent that makes Tara envision curling underneath blankets and staring out at Misty mountains instead of crowded streets full of loud voices, and suspicious faces. A sense of serenity that Tara wasn’t sure she’d ever find until she met Johnnie.

“What ya smiling at?”

Tara pries her eyes open, knowing she had been caught but keeps her eyes on the line that she didn’t realize moved forward some. “Nothing. You just think you’re so smooth when you could have been said you wanted to hold my hand earlier.”

Johnnie quickly places a peck to Tara’s temple so fast that she thinks she imagines it, “I want to do more than just hold your hand,” Johnnie ends up whispering before unraveling herself from Tara, who has to fight to hold herself up right.

“S’orry.” She mutters to those behind her as Johnnie takes the lead, heading right up to the stand, falling into small chatter with the worker before introducing an awkward Tara.

Tara is wide eyed as Johnnie banters back and forth for a little before they both set eyes on Tara.

“What?” Tara raises a brow, finding that she’s zoned out again just gazing at Johnnie socialize.

“You strike me as a apple nacho’s kinda girl.” The male worker says while Johnnie pretends to think about it.

“I’d say a apple cider donut but you’re of course welcome to try whichever or anything else on the board.” Johnnie responds, “on me.”

Tara tilts her head to the side, “what’re you getting?”

“The apple nachos,” Johnnie states.

Tara nods, “then I’ll get the donut…as long as you share.”

“Sure, sure. Anything you want,” Johnnie beams before turning back to the man, “you heard the lady!”

“Yeah, yeah.” He fans Johnnie with a knowing look before shouting out to the cooks off to the side.

With a carton tray full of crisp apple pastries—nachos, a side of caramel, two forks, and a yellow bag full of mini apple cider donuts, the two continued traveling through the large field together.

“Where have these been my entire life?” Tara groans after savoring the dessert.

Johnnie laughs, “right up here on this farm, I take it you’re enjoying those nachos?”

“Enjoying? More like I’d love to marry them! Can’t you tell by the way I’m murdering these bitches?! Perfect crunch on the outside and crisp from the apple on the inside, all with a side of caramel sauce?! It’s so delicious to the point i can’t even apologize for the noises you’re hearing because it’s your fault and I hope we finish them before the rest try to get any.” Tara admits through her rant while Johnnie abruptly stops.

Tara lifts her head, ready to question what was going on but Johnnie steered them in a different direction, “then we better head the other way since they’re all up by the goats and llamas.”

“Good call,” Tara says peeking over her shoulder to see Sam all cuddled up with Danny.

Disgustingly so.

Johnnie’s family farm was nice to be at although the temperature was constantly dropping but there weren’t many people out this evening, which was fine by Tara. The further they circled around the farm the closer they got to one of the rides here. It was the Ali baba—the large swing on the boot of a bulldozer? The pair stood beside each other outside the gate, watching as a few faces disappeared higher into the now gravel colored sky from side to side.

“you think someone died here?” Tara asks around the donut she previously stuffed her freckled face with.

Johnnie glances at tara and rotates to her better ear, “huh?”

The air from the ride and the earth along with the carnival music made it a bit difficult but after tara finishes the donut she speaks a bit louder, repeating the question, “you think someone died here?”

A couple shoot Tara a nasty look as they exit from behind the fence and Johnnie smirks at them with a mocking wave, leaning against the metal gate. Tara let’s out a snort as she leans towards Johnnie.

“Where’s that coming from?” Johnnie sweeps Tara’s bangs to the side.

Tara shrugs, “apparently horror films are not just a one month thing with Mindy. We’re now on your favorite series: final destination.”

Johnnie dips her head in understanding, “Ah,” and almost feels flattered that Tara remembered, “well this farms been open for about fifteen years and that ride’s only been around for the past five maybe? As far I know…no deaths. Why? You wanna get on?”

“Hell yeah I do,” Tara nods with a grin, “and I don’t care that I may puke everything up. As long as you promise to hold my hand.”

Johnnie taps her chin before matching Tara’s smile after lightly pressing their foreheads together, “I think I can do that, babe.”

‘Babe?!’ Tara thinks to herself as Johnnie takes their trash to the nearest barrel before meeting Tara half way with her hand held out.

And Tara doesn’t hesitate as she slips her smaller hand into Johnnie’s tatted one. She gives Tara’s hand a squeeze, fingers interlocked which Tara gazes down at while Johnnie watches Tara. When tara flicks her brown doe eyes back to meet Johnnie’s, they smile sweetly once more, feeling like this could be the start of—nope not something new! but a romance worth taking a stab-wait that’s not right either! chance on.

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[artzzyb00-27]

{💙Secret Admirer💙}

Taken from your family and brought up in a place you loathed was something screwed up. Even more so when you're experimented on to explore your "potential" in their eyes. That's how it was for reader, taken from Earth with a portal and raised by the Krang in attempt to create a weapon for mass conquer and destruction was torture.

Even more so when she got to age limit of training and was sent to Earth after the attempted invasion to try again. Secretly lightly sabotaging her "families" efforts at opportunity. It became greater with the turtles appearing in her life. She found them interesting, being in the near vicinity made her feel like she wasn't abnormal due to having powers that her captors gave her.

Every time they showed up to decipher the Krang's plans, she'd leave clues blatantly out, but not so obvious for them to get suspicious. After some watching from afar, she could tell that the one baring katanas and wearing blue as his color palette was the one giving orders. Drawing interest towards him from reader.

A few instances and being at the same place at the same time without interacting turned into her rescuing his shell any chance she could. It became scary how easily he got distracted and got his ass kicked. So using the very thing that made her a villain in anyone else eyes, she started turning the tide in favor of the turtles.

At some point after continuing to aide the guys, they realized their success wasn't just luck anymore. Specifically Leo's luck. One time when fighting some Foot Soldiers, they managed to get the slip on Leo, literally, and had him falling of a building. Instead of landing hard and cracking his shell, he slowed down in the air and landed on his feet without injury. Another incident was an attempted ambush on the Foot Soldiers trying to steal supplies at the docks and they knocked Leo out getting him kidnapped.

When his brothers couldn't reach him in time, the truck with an unconscious Leo began to drive away before it was shot at the tire, causing it to flip and have Leo fly out. After returning to the lair the brothers had tried to look through nearby security cameras to find the source of the blast. No chance. Cameras were already altered as if the altercation never happened.

Which only confirmed their believes that someone was helping. How it occurred, they didn't know. Till this point they've never seen magic before, or other mutants with powers so at first they believed it to be technologically advanced assistance. Like anti-gravitational beam guns, or biotech from afar.

When Leo was almost killed by a Foot Soldier catching him off guard, stopping mid-air floating with a katana aimed for Leo's throat and sent flying the opposite direction, Raph reached his limit.

"We can't pretend like that didn't happen!"

"I know Raph, but what do you want to do? Call 'em up and say, 'Hey, thanks for saving me! Also who are you?'" Rolling his eyes and trying to walk away from the conversation. Of all people to not be complaining about the help, Leo was not expected to be the one to act like this. Typically he'd be confrontational right away if it was happening to any other of his brothers.

"Hypocrite." That made the leader freeze. With the other two siblings hold their breathes. "If it was Mikey, you'd be begging Don' to help you investigate whoever was causing this to happen. Why is it so easy for you to ignore your own safety." With a hard sigh, Leo turned around with his head up and eyes closed.

"Fine. Let's find out who this person is." After some discussing, they came up with a plan. Donnie had been developing holo-bots. Helpful for training, and in-combat fighting against enemies. Using an AI design page that he pirated(as if he was spending 30$) he was able to make the holo-bots look like foot soldiers.

After some further detail fining, they set up the "ambush" of Foot Soldiers on turtle leader. And like planned, mystery hero showed up. Or more accurately, mystery heroine. When one of the holo-bots "cut" Leo's leg and he made a convincing groan of pain, reader leapt down and activated her powers. Before blowing them up though, they dissipated back to their mini-portable computers and Leo's injury was revealed fake.

When she finally realized he was examining her with intensity, she thought he was judging her or planning on how to attack. So being reasonable, she turned to flea but ended up being surrounded by the others. At an attempt to try and keep running, Raph pinned her cloak to a metal pole with his Sai.

"Why do you always keep saving my brother? Why you so keen on keeping him safe? Who the hell even are you?" As Raph continued getting closer, reader began zoning out and have and anxiety attack. Until Mikey makes his brother back up and helps reader calm down.

"You okay there?" With a swift nod, Mikey smiled and she gave small one back.

'At least Mikey can get through to her. Better him than any of us three.' Leo thought internally.

"I'm really sorry for our brothers behavior. We don't have a lot of friends so he's really used to being abrasive like he is with us." Reader smiled and took the Sai of her cloak.

"It's alright, I understand. I'm the same way sometimes believe it or not." She said giving Raph his weapon back, receiving a quiet apology in return.

Still silent Leo continued observing her, trying to find any malice that could be hidden. But there wasn't. This girl was genuine with her actions.

"My name is Reader. I save Leo because one I know how much you need him, and two, I recognize a kind spirit when I see one. He's worthy of saving. As are all of you, but you're brother is quiet clumsy."

With embarrassment, Leo tries to ignore the smirks on his brother's faces and talk to the girl who had been saving his life.

"Thank you, I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't wanted to save me. I hope you continue to assist us in the future." With a slight nod she gave Donnie her contact information while continuing to explain.

"I came from Earth, but the Krang took me a long time ago. Experimented on me till I turned eighteen and was sent during the attempted invasion. I'm not helping them or the Foot though, I only pretend so they don't bother me. In turn I sabotage what I can and make sure I don't get caught." Admirable, cool, smart, powerful, kind-hearted. Smitten. Leo's smitten. Does he advance it? No, he'd make Raph leader first. But god, was she attractive on all his boxes.

"Hello? Are you there?" Reader asked concerned, oblivious to what was happening. Leo tried stumbling out an apology till Mikey's laughter interrupted him. Which gained him ten laps for later. "Alright, well I need to get going. Before the Foot Clan gets suspicious and all. Byyyyyyye!!"

Using her powers to fly-jump far away and continue racing through rooftops quickly, Leo just smiled at her using her purple essence to navigate her own way. Hearing a cough he turned to look at his brothers who were smirking in amusement.

"Gimme that contact Donnie. Donnie, Donnie! Give it to me!" He continued to yell chasing after his brother who was laughing(chortling) his ass off. Raph and Mikey followed after them laughing to.

After that, for a while she did keep in touch. Would hang out at night and brought pizza sometimes for them to eat but at one point she just disappeared. Obviously, it didn't make sense. Especially when trying to message her, the phone auto sent with a notice that the phone number was out of service. A couple months passed and the brother's assumed she was sent back to Dimension-X1416.(Get the reference?)

Leo was hit the hardest, especially with little to no fights during the time she was gone. The lair been more quiet and Leo couldn't handle it anymore, so he left the lair for a bit to clear his mind. Receiving looks from his family.

When on top of the Guggenheim Museum watching city lights from afar he sighed out.

"Something on your mind, turtle boy?" That voice. Turning his head in surprise, Reader stood their with an upgraded version of her old battle outfit. It was mixed with casual clothing like purple Jordans and fingerless gloves. Smiling hard Leo got up and raced over to her.

"Holy shit!" he yelled and swooped her into a hug and spun around a bit. With her laughing as well. Setting her down, he got a good look on her. She gained a few new scars but minor ones. One the went over her nose and another up her neck.

"What's with the look?"

"You were gone for months without telling us. What happened?" Shrugging she walked near the edge took a deep breathe. Leo went over to her just enough so people below wouldn't see him.

"Foot Clan moved to Japan to gain equipment for something. Since the fight was moving over, I had to leave. And I wanted to make sure they didn't grow suspicious of me being on the phone constantly, due to a certain cute mutant turtle with a blue bandana was texting me 'Good morning' messages." Getting embarrassed at her rant/scolding/flirty statement, Leo rubbed the back of his neck laughing softly.

"I mean why do you think I saved you? Yeah I wanted to help but, there's are multiple reasons why I mainly saved you compared to your brothers." Again getting more hot under his skin Leo smirked and looked up.

"Glad to know the magical sparks mutual huh?"

"Don't push it."

[seaseren]

Fuck it, little spur of the moment thing. Stopping here because I wanna check the dialogue in game b4 I write more- there's a couple other things I should check out too, while I'm there, but I'm lazy rn. I haven't written much in a while cut me some slack

It was sort of a spur of the moment thing.

Alisaie had been unfortunately idle these past few months. Since she and Alphinaud had been kicked out of Garlemald (or, if one was feeling generous, been begged to take a vacation) the both of them had been aimless. Alphinaud has checked out as many tomes as he could find on the topics of cultural change and recovery, but the fact of the matter was that he had read many of them already for some class or another. Theory was, in this case, not really giving them anything new to work with. They had been spending time with their parents, of course- Father had, in his own way, been overjoyed- but Alisaie felt awkward in the home she had grown up in. She was used to roughing it by now, used to being on the move, used to being treated like a colleague and not constantly surrounded by parents and staff who all still saw her as a child.

Alphinaud must have felt the same way, because about two months after they arrived back in Old Sharlayan he disappeared.

Alisaie hadn’t worried, at first- not that she worried afterwards!- when she went a day without seeing him. It was easy enough to assume he’d lost himself in the library and would either surface around suppertime or would have to be fetched. But supper came and went, and night fell around across the island, and it was only when Alisaie had been to the Noumenon and back and resorted to clambering through the secret passage that led to his office- which she found, to both her satisfaction and her annoyance, she was much too large to easily clamber through anymore- that she found the letter.

It read-

Dearest Sister, Parents, and Assorted Loved Ones

I have found myself invited to a most curious opportunity, and have resolved to fulfill this request to the best of my abilities. Worry not, I am in good hands, and much love to you all.

-well, it said quite a bit more than that, but she was good at summarizing. She, along with their parents, spent some time pouring over it, searching for any actual details. It was certainly Alphinaud’s handwriting- at age nine he had spent a laborious summer perfecting his script, determined to make sure his hand could never be mistaken for another's- and she was able to convince them both that Alphinaud could almost certainly take care of himself. Still, it rackled that he would just run off like that, with barely a clue as to what he was doing! And it rackled even more that he would simply leave her behind.

The next morning she ate a long breakfast with her parents, who were trying their best to disguise their anxiety, then headed over to the Annex. As much as she teased him, Alphinaud and Krile were close, and with Storm gone, if Alphinaud was to tell anyone what he was up to, it would most likely be her. It was midmorning by the time she arrived, but the air was already warm, the usual morning fog burning off to reveal a clear early summer's day. Sharlayan was not exactly hot, but after nearly a year in Garlemald even these mild temperatures felt like a warm blanket- Alisaie hoped for his own sake that Alphinaud’s mysterious business was not taking him to Thanalan or anywhere else with a real summer. 

The Lalafell at the front desk- Emmica? Olrika? Tsun…something?- waved to her as she entered. “Joining the meeting, Miss Leveilleur?” he asked politely, and Alisaie nodded, though she had known about no such thing. She convinced herself it had something to do with Alphinaud- though why he wouldn't tell her was beyond her still- and pushed open the doors to the main hall.

“-kind of mighty warrior just up and retires?!” 

Alisaie started, just a bit, at the voice that seemed to fill the space as soon as the heavy doors were open. She couldn’t recognize it, or even the accent, but they sounded incredulous.

“People are allowed to retire, you know,” came the clipped reply. That voice Alisaie definitely recognized, and she cast her mind about trying to conjure a face that went with it, before she gave up and just looked for the speaker. It was that Viera gleaner, the one who had helped them get info out of the Forum members in Labyrinthos, the one who was named…who probably had a name. Erenville, that was it, she remembered Storm mentioning it.

“Well sure, people are allowed, but Father would never!” said the first speaker again. Alisaie narrowed her eyes a bit. Even in diverse, cosmopolitan Sharlayan she had never really seen a girl Hrothgar, and this one was in a style of dress that certainly didn’t look Bozjan. She wasn’t that tall- at least, for a Hrothgar, she certainly towered over Alisaie- but she had a presence to her that has Alisaie wondering how she had managed to overlook her, even for a second. She paced the hall in front of Erenville, who was draped across a chair, one foot tapping pointedly, and Krile and Raha. It seemed Raha had been the one to break the bad news- his hands were still up in a conciliatory gesture. Krile seemed distracted, her gaze fixed at some desk along the wall, eyes narrowed in thought. There was no sign of Alphinaud. Things could never be easy.

Raha’s ear twitched, and he turned to face Alisaie as she fully stepped into the room. He smiled over to her, slightly rueful, as the Viera and Hrothgar continued their argument behind him (“Your father retiring is the whole reason we’re here.” “Well that’s different! He’s old!”)

“Alisaie! I didn’t know you would be joining us.”

“I didn’t know there would be anything to join,” she said. “I came to ask Krile if she had spoken with Alphinaud recently. He’s disappeared, and left naught but an ominous note behind.”

[multifan2022]

Golden Lies 5

PART 1 PART 2 PART 3 PART 4

 In the tribute center, at the stations all the mentors are shocked. Never before had they seen someone who wasn't teamed up with someone do what you had just done. Mags had tears in her eyes as she watched her kids go through their bags. She had missed the small part where they showed you dumping the bags out. She didn't know what you put in which bag, but she knew watching her tributes that you had stacked the bags in their favor. The only person who you may have grabbed more for would be your friend. 

She looked up at Finnick who had his eyebrows drawn together. He was confused, why had you done that? Why not just end them right there? Why give them a chance to survive? He had been paying attention during the bloodbath where Mags normally looked away. He watched you make the first kill of the game. Watched you slit  the kid from 7s throat like it was nothing. 

Did you do it to be cruel? Did you want them to feel like they had a chance only for them to fail? Or were you incapable of killing them because of their age. Did you like River, the young girl he had just sent into the arena? Was it just too hard for you to kill such a kind girl? He didn't think so, but he had no clue what was going on as he watched you walk away. 

Haymitch had been watching too. Normally by now with both his tributes dead he would be upstairs drinking and waiting for Chaff. But not this year, this year he would be sober... mostly. Watching this girl he felt so deeply connected with. He even requested permission from the gamer maker to watch from your screen. If he could gain control of your screen, he could send in parachutes. He hadn't heard back yet, but he was hopeful. 

That day was spent walking, exploring what you could of the forest and trying to find somewhere relatively defensible to sleep. The entire day you could tell Hardin had something he wanted to say. Maybe multiple things as the lines in his forehead kept getting deeper. But he focused, watching the woods for anything besides your footsteps. 

When you found somewhere to sleep he listened as you detailed the things you two needed and started to help you gather. It wasn't until after you had found a squirrel you recognize from the ‘safe foods’ chart in the gym that he spoke. You had been slowly picking at it, watching to make sure that Hardin gets enough before you. Considering you had eaten this morning at breakfast and he hadn't you wanted to make sure he ate something. 

The furrow in his brows was starting to annoy you as the sun settled, “Ok.. Spit it out. What's the problem?” You said looking at him with that ‘dont bullshit me’ look, letting him know that you were not going to play around. He sighed, and dropped the bones from his animal into his lap pulling at its rib cage trying to get a bone off cleanly. 

“Why did you help those kids.. Don't give me some bullshit answer about giving them their best chance and whatever. You killed someone at the cornucopia no? Did you go deep into the fight to get weapons for them? Is it because of that guy, their mentor? Just tell me the truth.” 

You scoffed and stood up now annoyed that he was questioning you. “First off, I absolutely did not do it for Finnick. I helped them because I would rather spend a little time giving them some supplies than watch her get slaughtered next to me. I don't know why but I just identified with her. Maybe it was her innocence or something, but I just couldn't kill her..” 

Watching him look at you incredulously with his head tilted made you want to smack him. “Then why did you go so far into the horn..” He said standing up now too. He stomped the small fire out as he looked around to make sure no one was coming. You laughed humorlessly as you dug into your pocket. Tossing the bag across the space at him you didn't speak until after he caught it. 

“I had a feeling I needed to get that..” 

When he opened it, the first thing he saw was a note. ‘To give you a fair, fighting chance.’ When he dug further into the bag his fingers pulled out a pill. His pills, he dumped them out carefully into his hand and counted five. Five days that he could fight, five days he could protect you. Five days to get you home. He swallowed hard, having heard stories from his father about things like this. Tributes getting special gifts or sponsorships, and the price that came attached to them. “How did you get this?” 

“Ah it seems like the game makers were generous and gave the boy from 9 enough pills to last a few days! That will make the people happy, there was a lot of outrage last night after his interview.” Caesar says, clapping the table a few times. 

But all Finnick and Haymitch can see are the white roses on the bag. They know its not from the game makers, but from Snow himself. They have the same question that Hardin did. What did you do or promise to do to get that medication? And what would it cost you if you got out of the games. 

“Not important. What's important is you shutting your mouth and not picking fights with me. We can not be at odds right now over things that don't matter. Those kids from 4.. Not a threat to us, even with what I gave them. But we are a threat to each other if we are fighting.” You stepped around the small embers now glowing on the ground speaking again when you could grab one of his wrists. 

“We have to be on our top game, Hardin. Otherwise we will get ourselves and each other killed. I don't want to hear about this again. No Finnick, no questions about the meds. Just keeping each other alive.” He nodded, leaning down and pressing his forehead to yours. “I'm sorry. I wont get worked up again.” 

You patted his cheek as you pulled back, “Get those put away and somewhere on your body like a jean pocket. That way if a bag gets left or a coat gets pulled off you won't lose them. We need to move, in case someone saw some smoke. Then we can figure out rotations and get some rest.” 

That night, you walked until you heard the Panem anthem. You watched as the tribute's faces flashed through the sky. Both from 12, both from 11, the girl from 10, and the boys from 6, 7, and 5 and the girl from 8. “Nine down.” Hardin said as he unrolled the sleeping bag. “13 more to go.” You said softly looking over at him “You take the first rest, I'll be fine.” 

~~~~~~~

The next day and a half were completely uneventful for the two of you. More walking, you had looted one body though and found a freshwater stream. The body of the girl from 5, it seemed she got a decent amount of stuff. Sunscreen, some rations, gloves and some fishing line. 

So with the bone hook that Hardin had painstakingly made the first night during his watch, the two of you fished. Caught something that you hated the taste of, and you were very vocal about it. That night you had seen that only the 5 girl and the boy from 10 had died. You both knew things were going to ramp up if things got to boring. 

On the third day, things started to warm up. Water was being drunk a little faster, the fresh green grass was starting to turn into an unwatered brown. Sweat was starting to form from just walking as the sun stayed up longer. Your shirts were peeled off by the time the sun was high, you in just your jeans and a sports bra. 

You wanted to follow the stream and see if you found a larger body of water, but with how hot it was becoming, Hardin thought it would be better to be in the shade. He also pointed out that other tributes would be looking for water harder now too. So into the woods you went, trekking for what felt like hours. With the game makers controlling how long the days and nights really were, it was hard to tell how long it had actually been. 

“Do you see those marks on her back?” Caesar said squinting harder at his little screen just like his co host. “Hardin keeps looking over at them like they bother him.” 

Everyone in the training center turned from their own monitors which only watched their tributes to the main screen. Finnick felt his face heat up as he realized you had stripped off the top two layers of your outfit. But it was replaced quickly with curiosity over what Caesar had pointed out. 

They could all see the thin white lines that ran in miss match patterns across your back. Finnick looked down at Mags who was looking sadly up at the screen as well. “Scars..” was all she said before looking away to watch her tributes again. Finnick kept watching and listening to the main screen, hoping to hear an explanation. 

Haymitch, who had gotten permission just this morning on what was actually the fifth day to act as your off screen mentor, was watching from the district 9 tablet. Up close he could see just how many scars there were. His skin crawled at the thoughts that ran through his head as he wondered. His questions would soon be answered though as he heard Hardin's voice. 

“Do you remember the day we met?”

You paused for only half a step as you heard your friend's words. You knew he had been staring at your back, you could practically feel it. And had it not been for the heat, you would've put your t-shirt back on. Instead of ignoring him though, you played along thinking maybe the story would buy him some love in the Capitol. 

“Of course.. My father had beat me within an inch of my life, with a steer whip. I still don't know how he got his drunk hands on it. I can remember him screaming at me, about me not being his child and blah blah. Momma was a whore or whatever.” You rolled your eyes as you searched out for other tributes or beasts. 

“You were barely conscious when I found you in that alley. I dropped you twice trying to carry you home.” Hardin said as he remembered “My mom thought you were dead when I brought you in.” You nodded and went to carry on but swore you heard something. You raised your hand closing it into a fist that caused him to stop too. 

Your head turned towards the sound as you raised your spear, ready for battle. From just a few feet away, a person that wasn't supposed to be in the arena stepped out. Someone who wasn't even alive, walked from behind a tree with a blank dead look. The body turned limply and stared at you and Hardin, none of you moving as your heart rate spiked. 

“Ah yes.. It says here on our maker's sheet that part of this forest recreates your worst fear. Clearly our little Goddesses worst fear is this man. Gotta say he doesn't look like he's in the best shape.” 

All the mentors were watching the screen, Haymitch's screen beeping alerting him to your high heart rate. He watched the screen in worry, speaking lowly, but due to the quietness of the game and the room most people heard him. “Come on Sweetheart.. You can do this.” 

Both you and Hardin took a step back as your eyes stayed locked on your father. His skin gray and falling off in places, holes where it looked like something had eaten him were scattered across his body as well. He tilted his head and smiled at you as your breathing picked up audibly. 

“You're dead.. He's dead.. This isn't real.. This isn't real.” You whispered to yourself as you raised your spear. It left your hand and flew literally through his chest, leaving a gaping hole that didn't bleed or heal. A decaying hand came up and touched the hole, before he charged you. 

The sickle found your hand as his body slammed into yours. You could hear Hardin screaming, fighting off what looked like you. He was struggling clearly confused as to why you were attacking him. He didn't want to hurt you, even as you said things like ‘I will never love you.’ and ‘You're just holding me back’. 

The duplicates words angered you. You had always been good at compartmentalizing, so that's what you did. You shoved away the thoughts of killing what kind of looked like your father, and focused on saving Hardin. You fought his hands off your throat, which you had just realized were cutting off your air. 

“I wish your mother had killed you. It's your fault she's dead. I hate you!” The zombie dad screamed and you just rolled your eyes. You had not missed this, the emotional or physical abuse from the man. “Yeah yeah.. I'm a horrible kid.. Blah blah.. Let's get this over with.” 

You sliced out with the sickle, catching his arm as he raised it defensively. You watched as he held his hand out to the open air, it was empty, you were confused. Just as you raised the sickle to cut his hand off, you watched a whip materialize. You felt your heart shoot up again, sweat from the heat and your own trauma pouring down your body. 

You hadn't realized you long you had paused until the tip of the whip caught your face. You felt the skin split open straight down to your cheek bone. The force knocked your head back and caused you to stumble. “Yes.. This is your worst fear isn't it.. Me being back to whip you again..” His words didn't even register over the pain of the next hit, this time across your open chest. A scream ripped from your lungs as more skin split, nerves becoming exposed to the air as crack after crack screamed through the air. “Your screams are louder now that you're not a child.” 

“That's just horrible.. To think that her father whipped her as a child, how traumatic this must be for her. Our poor little goddess.” 

For the first time since becoming a mentor, Finnick turned away from the screen. But he could still hear the crack and your screams, so his feet forced him to leave the room. He was glad that he did, because he felt like he was going to throw up. How had a girl he talked to maybe three times affected him this much. He didnt even flinch when kids were brutally murdered at the blood bath. 

Without thinking, he made his way to the bar ordering himself a shot that he downed far too quickly. He felt someone walk up next to him so he turned his head sizing up the man who stood there. He was wearing a suit, all gold with butterflies outlined in black. His tie looked like it had textured butterfly's and his beard was weird and wavy. Had he really had that made between last night and this morning? 

“I would like to know how to sponsor the tributes from 9. Who can I speak with?” His voice was cool and almost calculating. When he turned back to look at a group of other men, Finnick followed his gaze. They all looked excited, like they were all in on this together. “Abernathy has taken up residence at their monitor. I'll go get him for you.” 

If Finnick had only known the door he was opening.. He wouldve told them to fuck off. He wouldve screamed, begged and bedded whoever he needed too, to save you from the life he basically just signed you too. He wouldve told Haymitch to never speak to this man. But he didnt know, he didnt know.. f

Hardin's scream pulled you from your own nightmare. When you turned your head, you saw him pinned to a tree with both the duplicates hands around his neck. The pain that you were in suddenly didn't matter, that same autopilot came on. The snap connects again, this time to your neck. The warm blood running down is a contrast to the cold sweat beading there. It should've been scary to you how natural it felt to kill when it took over. You felt like a completely different person just stepped into your skin. 

Everyone watching watching from the real world got to see something most hand never witnessed. The moment someone starts to slip. They watch your eyes as you watch your friend, they see the muscle just under your left eye twitch. They feel more than see the first nerve crack. The first feather on the camels back of your sanity. They all watch their goddess, take her first step down to hell.

Your hand raised seconds before the crack, the whip wrapped around your palm. Bones crushed when your fingers closed over the leather. Now it was just who was faster and stronger. When the zombie dad ripped his arm back, you ripped yours too. Effectively, since he was falling apart the motion pulled his arm clean from his body. Both the whip and the arm vanished from view. 

You didn't feel anything as your legs stood, the stinging in your chest, arms and face didn't matter. All that mattered was getting to Hardin. You had dropped your sickle somewhere, and knew the throwing knives you had shoved into random pants pockets wouldn't be any help. You knew nothing about these mutts, not how to kill them or how to make them go away. 

But you knew their body parts came off, and clearly didn't grow back. So if you could remove the things head, then you could get rid of it right? It seemed logical to you, so you assessed the area. If you could jump high enough there was a branch you could reach, maybe pull the thing off the ground? It was your best shot at this moment. 

“What do you think she's going to do? Our sources say that she needs to decapitate the mutation. But she doesn't have a weapon, and her partner is busy fighting his mutt. Weird that his worst fear is his best friend hating him. This must be very hard for the both of them.” Caesar said leaning so close to his screen that he was almost out of frame. The district 9 tributes were undoubtedly his favorite in a long time. 

“I don't know Caesar. I'm impressed that they have lasted this long or that she has been so ruthless. I mean she only scored a five! Do you think it was all an act or did something just click when she got to the arena?” His co-host said while tapping a pen on the desk. 

Pushing with everything you had, you ran. It caught the mutt off guard so when he stumbled back a step you were perfectly placed to get one foot on his leg and jump. Your hands wrapped around a sturdy branch at the same time your legs locked around his neck. One ankle tucked under the other thigh in a death drip. 

It took every ounce of core body strength you had to lift him up. Your arms were aching already as his dirty nails dug into your legs. Your body was shaking from adrenaline, pain, and exhaustion but you knew if you stopped two more cannons would be going off. You weren't sure how long it was before you felt the skin of his neck start to rip. 

The feeling had you almost gagging, as you held him just an inch or two from the ground. When his hands fell from your legs, and you felt the weight of his body leave you looked down. His head rolled from between your thigh and calf, a thud alerting you to both hitting the ground. You didn't give yourself a second to breathe as your feet hit the grass. 

You ran towards Hardin who was still trying to fight a paler version of you off. He had tears running down his face as he whispered to himself  ‘This isn't real. She's not real.’ A glint of metal caught your eye causing you to bend over as you ran. A sickle now in your hand as you reach your best friend. 

“Oh my god. She's going to kill a look a like of herself. This is amazing.”

Nothing about the scenario was processed as both hands wrapped around the handle of the sickle. It cut through the mutts neck like a warm knife through butter. The hands that were clawing into Hardin's neck now gone, as there was another thud and then smoke. Both bodies now disappear into nothing. 

Hardin stared at you, covered in whip marks and bleeding. Both your heart rates through the roof as you struggle to breath. You knew this had fucked you both up a little mentally. He could see that look, the one everyone else saw. It terrified him, but you couldn't stop to talk about it, you needed to keep moving. “There was too much noise from this.. We need to move. Now.” You didnt turn to see if he was following you, just grabbed your bag and looked for your spear. But it too had disappeared, you figured the game makers took it from you.

~

~

~

@avis15 @liballer @avoxrising

[will-do-anything-for-a-dollar]

okay here I go 😈 @omgselinabeckendorf

so I don’t have it completely planned out bc I have fifteen years to write about and such

and I procrastinate (a lot)

but I’ll try my best to sum it up 👍

ok so his name is Keith bc my name is Keith and me is he maybe one day he’ll have a last name I’ll figure it out

It starts in the very beginning before Minecraft Diaries starts! He’s born in Phoenix Drop and is raised there. He’s a little bit younger than Garroth so they never meet at the guard academy. Keith mostly kept to himself anyways, only wanting to learn. After he’s finished with training, Keith goes back to Phoenix Drop and becomes Matilda’s personal guard as she has married the current lord while he was away. I like to think Matilda is around the same age as them, so they did grow up together. They become close friends during this. He considers her the sister he never had and him her brother. He considers Lord Malik a brother as well and they get along well.

Time passes and eventually Garroth shows up. They’re all rightfully confused as he doesn’t even give a last name. But he’s chill so they leave it. More time passes and Garroth gains the trust of the village, even if he is a bit secretive. Keith and him become close friends, as Garroth is appointed head guard and personal guard of Lord Malik himself. Soon enough, Keith realizes his feelings of friendship have turned into something more, even if he hadn’t seen the other man’s face. He tries to keep it secret, but much to his surprise Garroth returns the feelings. As they explore this new part of their relationship, Garroth trusts Keith enough to show him his face. (Keith has no idea who he actually is as he never had seen the Okhasis family’s faces) Keith only falls more in love. They start dating!

One day a mysterious group appears in the forest. They’re cloaked in red and black, seemingly glowing with dark magic. The village had never seen anything like it and were on high guard. The people were friendly enough at first and Malik met up with them in private. Afterwards, though, he began to act strangely, but wouldn’t say anything about their conversations. Keith was confused and worried, but he hoped that Malik would tell him and Garroth if it was serious. But then Matilda started to act strange as well, and she wouldn’t say a word. Now he was hurt as he thought she trusted him and Keith tried to understand.

Matilda told Keith she was pregnant and he was ecstatic. She had been a little distant since the group had showed up, but this brought them back together. He was going to be an uncle. When Matilda was close to giving birth, Keith and her were walking through the forest. They were spending some time alone together when they were ambushed by one of the strange people from the group that had been staying in the village. Keith did his best to defend his sister, but got knocked out.

When he awoke, Keith didn’t know where he was. He was injured and disoriented with all his weapons gone. The same person from before showed back up and revealed himself to be a ‘Shadow Knight’. Keith had no clue what that was. The Shadow Knight tortured him over the course of two weeks, leaving severe injuries and wounds. Keith bid his time and found a way to escape. He had to wait even longer while he healed and regained his strength. He had to wait almost another two weeks before he could return.

Upon his return, he found Matilda and Malik’s house burnt to the ground. He was in disbelief. Hoping they were okay and safe, he continued on to the village, but it seemed as if he was invisible to everyone. They barely spared him a passing glance. Confused and scared, he made his way to Garroth’s home, hoping his boyfriend could explain. Garroth did not recognize him. His soul was crushed as he struggled to piece together what happens when he was away. It had to be that group, as they were missing too.

Heartbroken, Keith decided to leave Phoenix Drop and travel to see if he could find Matilda and Malik as well as reverse what had happened to the village. To begin, he headed to Bright Port. One night, as the sun went down, Keith was heading back to the inn where he was staying when he got attacked. It was fast and unexpected and.. weird.. The attacker had bit his neck. Not long after the attack did he become sick. It was a slow and painful process, but he realized that the attacker was a werewolf and had transformed him. He knew of a wolf tribe close to Bright Port and sought them out for help. Fortunately, they welcomed him with open arms and taught him their ways. He stayed there for a while, learning all he could. He couldn’t leave when he wanted to as the Bright Port and Tribe started to have a strained relationship after Visher died and the lord went missing. Of course, the tribe knew where he was. He had jumped in the Nether portal to help Kiva, a wolf pup. When the nether portal was erected, Keith recognized the power from it as the same one from the Shadow Knights.

Tensions were even worse when a pure-blooded wolf pup Lowell went missing. The Bright Port guards had taken him and the tribe was unable to get him back. After a patrol, Bodolf came back with Lowell and a human woman in tow. Her name was Aphmau and she had rescued Lowell herself. With his new abilities, Keith found she had the familiar smell of home. He was curious about her, but before he could speak to her, she went onto the Nether to rescue Kiva and the lord of Bright Port. He was amazed at her bravery and courage. While she was away, two men and a woman came out of the portal with a shadow. They smelled like the Shadow Kmights that had come to Phoenix Drop. They attacked the tribe and set it ablaze, fire ravaging their homes. They tried to fight back, but they were too strong and escaped unscathed.

Keith wanted to speak with Aphmau, but she had to leave to find the lord still. He stayed behind and waited (im)patiently for her to return. When she came back to Bright Port, Keith traveled into the village to meet her again. He met her at the docks before she left and he struck up a convertsuin about why she came to Bright Port in the first place. She told him of a guard back home that had been hurt severely and needed to be healed. Garroth. Garroth had been hurt and was close to death. Keith asked to go with her. Aphmau was surprised, but accepted, happy to have company. After he said his quick goodbyes, Keith left with Aphmau back to Phoenix Drop. As Aphmau rushed to see Garroth with her potion, Keith stood dumbfounded. He followed her and watched from the doorway as her and Garroth spoke. He didn’t even look Keith’s way. He found out that Zenix, Garroth’s apprentice, had turned against them. Keith listened to them until he couldn’t anymore. He left, feeling hurt and distraught over what was happening. He explored around, finding out all the things that had changed while he was away.

this is like

all I have written for the beginning in order

but I’ll make little plot points for other stuff

* Keith stays in the village and tries to stick close to Garroth, wanting to protect him

* Garroth tries to befriend him and Keith is hesitant to let him get close in the condition he’s in

* No one knows he’s a werewolf except Aphmau and he asked her to not say anything

* when Garroth goes to the Irene Dimension it brings back his memories and he’s distraught over everything (I want to have the village remember too, but it’ll probably be after Aphmau gets the relic)

* Keith grows his hair out after Garroth goes missing bc it was the last thing he touched and he couldn’t bring himself to care

* there will be more of this hehe

* also I was going to have like a thing where Garroth falls in love with Aphmau and Keith is like 😦

[fireemblems24]

Scarlet Blaze Ch 15 (Final)

Last one, everyone! After this, I finally get to play Spiritfarer which I got on . . . Christmas 2022.

NARRATION

Last chapter. Finally. Killing so many people in this route is really awful. Especially since you just . . . don't in the other two.

I think the last chapter will take place at the monastery.

Oh, great, does this mean I have to protect Bernie's dad in this route? I hope Rhea kills him, like gets this badass cut scene where she cuts him down for perverting her faith by using it as a propaganda tool.

So TWSITD showed up and is attacking Rhea and the Empire.

They're mostly after the "beasts" (aka Nabateans? Or humans?)

I wish this meant that we teamed up with Rhea, but we know Edelgard would team up with TWSITD first.

Catherine and Rhea got a cool moment together though.

Yep, we have to protect Count Varley, gross.

MAP

No side battles! This final chapter will be super quick, which is nice.

I'm VERY curious what the Golden Deer students say after Claude's moment last chapter lamo.

And if any Lions mention Sylvain :((((

OMG, Ignatz is savage. He only cares about painting the battle. No mention of Claude.

Yuri wishes he could kill Varley instead of save him. Good for him. He really feels more suited for AG/AM/SS/VW than SB/CF/GW.

Well, at least Mercedes mentioned Sylvain. And Ingrid and Annette. Saying they died for what they believed in and admires them for it, since she could never.

Poor Ashe is having a crisis. Still had no idea wtf he's doing in the Empire's war camp. Honestly, this game made him so much more interesting.

Linhardt also has no fucking clue why he's here. I swear he does nothing but complain every map (in a funny way) and wish he was doing literally anything else.

Lorenz is more concerned about his future bc of Claude than worried about him. Man, guy really has no one loyal to him lol.

DOROTHEA & CASPAR C

I swear I did a much better job getting supports in GW and AG.

Caspar has a bunch of books, and Dorothea's horrified by the idea that he'll use them in training.

Caspar plans to read them. Dorothea teases him. Apparently Lin made similar comments.

Dorothea makes him promise not to hurt the books. A woman after my own heart.

Caspar's like, did you know my dad reads! Dorothea's like, yeah . . . how do you think he got his role if he didn't.

Dorothea tells a story about an unlearned commander who studied strategy in books and improved to become legendary.

The only stupid part of this is thinking you can read and understand complicated books in 5 days and become an expect in 5 days. For once, Caspar was the smart one being like, uh, I need more time.

MERCEDES & LYSITHEA B

This support is SB locked, but neither characters are Eagles. It may be the only support like that in the game. But, hey, new Mercie content, I'll take it!

Mercedes comes across Lysithea in the kitchen, trying and failing to cook.

The fruits she wanted to use are moldy though. Lysithea has an idea to use something else for the fruit - a sugar syrup.

Lysithea has dedicated her time to learning how to cook because of how good Mercedes' cooking was, so she credits Mercie for the sugar syrup, which she learned because of that.

Baking also helped Lysithea learn the importance of taking breaks.

Mercie calls her a wizened old grandma, lol.

They arrange a tea party.

SHEZ & LINHARDT A

It starts with Linhardt saying they haven't learned anything about Shez's powers. I wonder how funny this sounds if you get it after the special chapters.

Linhardt says it's find because the war is almost over, so there's less need and chance for the powers to go out of control.

Shez pretty consistently wants to continue working as a mercenary after the battle.

He also seems to have no desire to stay in Enbarr lol.

Linhardt wants Shez as a personal bodyguard. Honestly, not a bad choice.

Then Linhardt says something like "spending the rest of my life with some random bodyguard" and then makes an excuse to leave. so he wants to stick with Shez for life. It's kind of sweet.

EDELGARD & PETRA A

Their only support

Edelgard comes across Petra praying to Bigid gods. In Brigid they pray in nature rather than in churches in Fodlan.

Edelgard asks Petra why she's risking her life in the war because it's bad for Brigid.

So Brigid will only be freed if Petra remains alive.

To be fair, it's because she doesn't know the new leader. Still feels a bit icky for Petra.

Edelgard warns about "tricks" the enemy will use. She really has a beef with anyone using tactics.

Petra just says she's happy to fight and can't run while everyone else remains and fights.

Edelgard says she can't back out, which true, but she could've just not started one. But that's in the past I guess.

Overall, came across better than the Houses one where Petra didn't seem like an equal.

EDELGARD/LYSITHEA/HAPI PARALOGUE

My plan is to have Edelgard and Shez make the other two adjuncts and see if I can't beat the paralogue that way.

It's about TWSITD, which isn't surprising given that character list.

God, I've made SB Shez so fucking stupid. Never understanding anything. It's so funny.

So is this about Cornelia? They found one of her old hideouts.

I had Shez shrug about joining. Hapi got offended.

They're talking about Hubert. I wish he was here. He's my best unit.

I wish Cornelia showed up. She's so fun, but sadly she did not.

They didn't find anything. Hapi was mostly chill about it. Edelgard and Lysithea were more bothered.

Shez could show concern or change the subject. Obviously I made him change the subject since SB!Shez is not intelligent.

CASPAR/LINHARDT PARALOGUE

Like the last time, I just plan to adjunct Caspar and let Shez and Linhardt do all the work.

They're arguing if Caspar saw a ghost or not. Linhardt remains unconvinced.

Lamo, their dads showed up and Linhardt's dad called him a "fountain of positivity" when he brought up their could die any day.

Linhardt is also upset that he has to help.

We're hunting down Empire people who've turned against Edelgard.

I had Shez not want to go lol.

The main battle changed to defeating their dads. I don't think I'm supposed to take this paralogue seriously.

Linhardt had no fun.

Bergliez gave Caspar some gaunlets, and I could either be happy for him or jealous. I obviously picked jealous since it's fun to pick the dick answer lol.

FINAL BATTLE

Why is the S rank reward Edelgard's axe? This is the last battle, right? Is there some post game stuff? Because I'm so ready for this to be done (I don't think I'll do it).

Funny, Edelgard is the one defending the monastery this time, and Varley. Imagine your final battle being about protecting Varley. Ugh.

Only 40 points for the final battle?

Just killed Catherine :(

Cyril just showed up. Rhea's so concerned. Not looking forward to killing a child :((( He died too. This is by far the bloodiest route. I swear no one even dies in AG, and in GW it's only Sylvain's dad.

This can't be it, right? That was too easy. And Cyril as the final boss makes no sense. I'm betting it's a Thales and Rhea fight.

Rhea turned into a dragon. Badass. Glad she was the final boss poper and not Thales.

Spoke too soon. I think they're both here now.

Think I beat it. We're at a cut scene now. Thales is doing magic shit. Rhea attacked him and just ignored Edelgard and Shez like they weren't worth her notice lol.

Wait, that's it?

Rhea pushes Thales off a cliff? So RHEA's the hero??

There's no way they could've survived that - Edelgard. My girl, Rhea is a fucking dragon and Thales can warp. I have bad news from you. Also, Byleth survived a fall too so . . .

What happened to Dimitri? I don't think I killed Claude either?

Is that really it? The war just keeps going. The war just keeps on with no end in sight. Hahahaha. You mean I played how many hours for THAT? I'm going to laugh my ass off if all 3 routes end like this. What a cheap way to avoid killing any of the lords.

OMG. What a stupid ending.

Except for Rhea. She got the big hero moment lol.

I kept waiting for another battle. Esp since there's an S rank reward that's Edelgard's axe, so Idk what's going on.

OMG, this is going to take FOREVER. They're showing the MVP of every single side battle and not just the main ones. I'm only at ch 6.

There was a lot more variety in MVP than I thought. I thought it would be the Hubert show, but it's pretty varied.

Ok, so around ch 10 turns into the Hubert show. I like seeing battle data though, so I sat through it.

Ok, so you get a letter from the person you get a whistle from. Aww, I eventually won Hubert's trust, and he admits he and the army needs us. Glad I picked him.

Wait, no paired endings? That blows. I hope this isn't a new trend since Engage didn't do that either (I love paired endings)

Ok, so it looks like some stuff would carry over to another playthrough on this file. So, in the future, I'd replay AG over my GW or SB playthrough to at least get 2 on the same one. I can't see myself replaying SB or GW. It's not like the story would matter since I could just skip it, but the gameplay is pretty much the same, so why not play the route with my favorites and the most unit choices on top of that?

So you can carry over supports and even unit level. So I could play Dimitri as the absurd level he's at in level one if I saved over my AG file? Because that would be funny. Probably boring. But funny.

Still feels good. One down. Two to go.

xxxx