#Tabitha Scuro

[ausaplenty]

Safe Haven

Reed Scuro. Tabitha Scuro. Felix the Satyr. Demigod AU

“Sweetheart, please come out.” His mother lifted the bed skirt slightly to peer beneath the bed, scanning the space until she saw the five-year-old boy laying flat on his stomach, chin resting on his folded arms. “I know you’re upset, honey, but –“

“I don’t want you to marry him!” Reed protested, curling away from his mother’s outstretched hand. “He doesn’t like me!”

“Reed! Where did you get that idea?” The blonde woman paused, concern evident in her gray eyes. “Did something happen?”

The child’s lower lip stuck out, quivering slightly. “I just know.”

His mother frowned but stopped trying to pull him out from his safe haven. Just in case, Reed scooted back as far as he could, twisting so his back was against the wall. “I don’t need a daddy, mama, please –“

“I know you don’t, Reed, but this … this isn’t about you. I – I need –“ She closed her eyes, staving off the tears that threatened to escape. “I need to tell you something, but I can only tell you if you promise to keep it our secret.”

Reed lifted his head out of curiosity, inching closer to his mother. “What is it?”

She held out her hand, all her fingers curled except for the littlest one. “Promise me, Reed.”

Hesitating for a moment, he extended his pinkie toward her, curling it around her finger.

“You’re going to have a baby brother … or sister,” she explained carefully as she met his eyes. “I’ve waited a long time for somebody like James, and I know you’ve only just met him recently, but I need to do this, before its too late.”

She squeezed his finger gently. “If he’s done anything unkind toward you, or if you don’t feel safe, you can tell me and we’ll leave right now. I promise.”

The child’s lip quivered slightly as he crawled out from under the bed, his mother sitting up to give him more space to clear the edge. He sat in her lap, resting his head against her chest as her arms enveloped him. “I’m fine, Mommy, I promise.”

She kissed the top of his head.

“I promise you, sweetheart, this is for the best. For all of us.”

~*~

Reed cowered under the bed, pressed as far back against the wall as he could manage as he stared at the narrow band of light between the floor and the bed skirt.

“Come out little one, it’s safe,” his mother’s voice called, the dulcet tone laced with comfort.

At the foot of the bed, he could see his mother’s unmoving lips and unblinking eyes staring at him. The floorboards creaked beneath the heavy cloven hooves, the wood splintering slightly from the pressure, as the monster stepped over his mother’s mangled corpse.

“It’s safe, darling, the monster is gone,” the creature soothed.

His body shook and he fought to still himself as he realized the bed was trembling above him, his frame slightly too large for the childish hiding spot. He silently begged for somebody to help, even if it was just James.

The 11-year-old’s hand flew to his mouth to muffle the frightened yelp as a whiplike tail lashed out, fracturing the bed in the middle. A small squeak escaped when the wooden frame above him pitched downward, trapping him, but it was lost in the midst of hooves crashing close to his head.

A badger-like head peered at him from above, its lipless mouth stretched into a boney grin.

“There you are, Reed,” his mother’s voice crooned.

Reed scrabbled to escape, his nails clawing at the floorboards while he tried to claw his way out of the wreckage. The monster reared again, its feet pawing the air for a second before it adjusted to descend close to the boy’s shoulders.

He needed to get out, he needed to flee, he needed to –

He screamed as the room disappeared around him, instantly becoming pitch black. He could still the monster, its mouth snapping horridly on nothingness.

The creature cackled with frustration. Its tail thrashed, destroying the remnants of the frame, and its hind legs kicked, crashing through the nightstand.

The boy stayed perfectly still, paralyzed and terrified at the darkness that seemed to protect him. Something inside his head whispered soothing promises of safety and secret but his ears heard nothing. He waited for what felt like hours as the monster prowled outside, tearing apart the room as it sought its quarry.

Its mouth twisted at the corners as it snarled, its black gaze darting around the room one last time before it stalked out of the room.

Eventually, the darkness surrendered him, shrinking away as he crawled out of the wreckage. He rushed to Mom’s side, pushing the debris of the furniture off her broken body. He swallowed a sob when his gaze landed on her. Her blonde hair was mottled with blood and brain where the creature’s hooves had struck her skull.

A wave of nausea twisted his stomach. He turned away, retching violently.

The sound masked the noise of hooves on the floorboard until a stunned gasp in front of him rattled him.

“You’re alive?!”

Reed scurried backward, looking up at the goat-man who’d invaded his home. His hand struck out, latching onto a splintered piece of wood and he launched it at the being.

“No, no – I’m here for your safety!” The intruder promised, shielding his head from the onslaught. “I saw the damage and I feared the worst.”

Reed’s hand stilled.

“Who are – what are you?” He demanded.

The creature straightened, running a hand along his curled horn.

“My name is Felix, a satyr. I was sent to bring you to a safe haven, before …” his voice trailed off as he winced, averting his eyes from the body. “I’ll explain on the way, but the fact that you’re still alive, well, it’s a miracle.”

The 11-year-old bit back a snarl at the disregard with which the satyr stepped over his mother’s body, his hand outstretched for Reed to take.

“Why should I?”

A small furrow appeared between Felix’s brows. “I suppose there’s no way to put this delicately in this situation, so forgive my bluntness, but you’re a demigod and whatever danger you were in before is going to pale in comparison to when a monster actually finds you.”

Reed’s mouth opened to retort but something nagged at the back of his mind, warning him away from telling the satyr that it had found him, that something had saved him.

He took a deep breath.

“What about my mom?” he questioned, anger lacing his words. “I can’t just –“

“Reed Scuro, whatever attacked your mother is sure to come back to finish its task – to kill you,” Felix snapped, his hands dropping to his sides as he stepped closer to the 11-year-old. “The Mist typically protects a mortal from our realm’s dangers, but for one to have gone so far as to kill a human without a demigod near … We should not be nearby when it returns. We can mourn your mother later, in the safety of Camp Halfblood.”

Reed clenched his jaw, glaring at the satyr.

Felix sighed, his face softening slightly. “Please, I may not have known her, but I’m sure your mother would have wanted you to be safe.”

[ausaplenty]

Not living

Kiara Scuro. Tabitha and Quinton Scuro. Reed Scuro. Canon verse

Prompt: A scene from your life as fanfiction. Not so much a scene from my life as a scene relevant to my life.

COVID hasn’t ended, so why should the writing challenge?

Kiara rested her feet on the rest pulled out of the examining table, pulling at her hood as if it would go lower over her face.

Socked feet strained, her toes barely brushing the ridged surface. The socks and leggings she’d been allowed to wear were tight around her left foot, bulky with bandages.

The Yale hoodie engulfed her frame, loose because of her lank body and its actual owner – The 6-foot-5 law student preparing to graduate and take the bar exam. Kiara inhaled, Reed’s sandalwood cologne still heavy on the freshly gifted garment.

“How are you still cold?” Reed teased, pinching her toes. The squeeze was muted by the heavy wool socks and the two blankets covering her feet.

“Meds,” she mumbled, burrowing further into her nest as she stared into the blurry flames dancing in the hearth. She hissed as the pain in her joints flared in response to the slight movement, burning hotter than the fire.  “Can’t get warm.”

Reed’s frown was barely perceptible in the dark room, only illuminated by the deceptively cheery blaze. The first thing her parents had ordered when they’d made the reservation at the Munich hotel was blackout curtains, the heavy material blocking the view demanded by the typical upperclass occupants of the suite.

He tugged hoodie over his head as he sat beside her. “Here,” he said, offering it to her. “I haven’t had time to break this in, and it’s big enough you can fit a couple shirts under it.”

Kiara grunted, not moving because she knew the cost.

The crease between his brow deepened. With a sigh, he draped it around her shoulders like a cloak. “I’ll turn up the thermostat.”

The teenager coughed, curling forward with the force. She could feel Tabitha’s hands on her shoulders, steadying her shuddering body as Quinton hovered worriedly.

“Dr. Fuchs should be here soon,” her father said, trying to offer a modicum of comfort.

Kiara doubted it would make a difference.

Six years, four months and approximately three weeks since the light had become unbearable. Before, it had been minor – a prickling sensation beneath her skin, like an itch that couldn’t be scratched, gnawing at her – until it had grown.

“Starshine, come on,” Tabitha admonished from the doorway. “You’re going to be late for school.”

The 11-year-old groaned, pulling her comforter over her head to preserve the warmth she was loathe to escape from. She frowned at the feeling of cold air on her left foot, the lone appendage uncovered.

“Kiara –“

An anguished scream rent the air as the burning pain erupted in the preteen’s foot. She twisted, caught in the prison of her own making as she tried to figure out what was causing the injury.

She felt her mother’s hands at the edge of the blanket, pulling it away as she sought answers. Kiara cried out as the comforter was yanked free, her pain growing as the burning spread up her legs, through her arms and started to creep at her face.

In her throes, she saw her mother, shocked face staring down at her as the light streamed behind her. Something inside her bones screamed at her, telling her to get away from it. “T-turn it off,” Kiara begged, frantically tearing at the blanket. In her astonishment, the comforter slipped easily from her mother’s grasp and Kiara whimpered as the white-hot pain subsided.

“What’s going on?” she heard her father question desperately.

“Turn off the light,” Tabitha ordered. Kiara cried from inside her cocoon. “Starshine, it’s off. It’s dark again, but we need to see –“

The door opened and Kiara could hear the familiar hospital cacophony pour into the room as Dr. Fuchs stepped inside. His hand immediately went to the light switch before he faltered, remembering his patient. With an apologetic smile, he closed the door.

“Verzeihung - Sorry,” the balding brunet said clumsily in his heavily accented English. His eyes landed on Kiara, still doubled over coughing before he hurried to retrieve a bottle of water from the small fridge. He offered it to her as the hacking subsided and Tabitha helped her daughter sit up. “My apologies for your vait, I vas looking over ze results – haf zings been better since ve last spoke?”

Kiara sipped the water slowly, trying to catch her breath from the coughing. With a swallow, she opened her mouth to speak.

“She’s been feverish most days, and she can’t seem warm,” Tabitha supplied, giving her shoulder a comforting squeeze. “She’s having a hard time keeping food down and she is kind of lethargic as well -

“And it hurts,” Kiara interjected.

“Some days, she doesn’t leave her bed,” her mother finished.

“Vell, some side effects are to be expected as your body adjusts to ze medication,” Dr. Fuchs explained.

Kiara knew about side effects. She knew more about clinical trials and pharmaceutical cocktails than some of the interns she met at the hospital.

“Ve vill up ze dose and see if zere are any changes,” the doctor said, opening the file.

Nausea washed over her and she lurched forward, barely holding back the bile until Quinton pressed a trash can into her arms. She heaved, emptying the meager contents of her stomach into the bin. She closed her eyes, her throat sore, and leaned against her father.

She could feel their gazes on her, worried and puzzled.

Dr. Fuchs spoke first, clearing his throat. “Your lab results show elevated levels of –“

“Is it working?” Kiara interrupted tiredly before the barrage of medical jargon could begin, all telling her the thing she already knew.

“As I vas saying, your CSR is –“

“I don’t care,” the patient snapped weakly. “You want to increase my dosage. Tell me it’s working.”

“Kiara!” Her mother chided, frowning at the blonde’s rudeness. “Dr. Fuchs, I’m sorry. Like I said, she’s been –“

“I’ve been holding my breath because it hurts to fucking breath,” Kiara growled, lifting her head to glare at the adults in the room. “Every move I make is excruciating and it’s not because of whatever fucked up disease I have.”

“Triptamiaphan has had extraordinary success vith patients diagnosed with solar urticaria,” Dr. Fuchs said stubbornly.

Steely gray eyes – hard, tired eyes – met his brown gaze.

“Do I have solar urticaria?” she ground out.

The German sighed. “It is ze closest condition to your symptoms.”

“But you can’t find any evidence that I have it?”

The silence was confirmation.

She sighed, her fingers digging into the waxy paper. “I’m done.”

Her father and the doctor protested, their voices clashing as they tried to make their points. Kiara stared past them at her reflection in the sterile, sterling silver cabinets. She didn’t feel like she was looking at herself. Her skin, while always fair, was ashy and pallid. Her face was thin and she had bruising bags under her cloudy eyes.

“Dr. Fuchs, may we speak alone please?” Tabitha asked, her voice carrying over the men’s.

“Of course,” the physician responded after a moment. He set her file on the desk, gesturing at them. “If you vant me to explain those results, ask ze nurses to contact me.”

Quinton waited until the door closed behind Fuchs. “Starshine, there are other doctors. Other options to consider.”

“We’ll find answers,” her mother assured her, rubbing her back comfortingly. “I promise, we’ll keep trying.”

“I don’t want them,” Kiara informed them.

“What about that new doctor in London?” her father supplied, raking his hand through his graying brown hair. “You could spend some more time with Charlie. Or Reed said there’s promising news at Johns Hopkins.”

“Dad, stop,” the 17-year-old demanded. “I know it’s hard. I know you think this is me being reckless and I’m just upset. But it’s nothing new.”

Six years, four months and approximately three weeks, she’d been trying find an explanation as to what was wrong with her. Three clinical trials, five misdiagnoses and god knows how many fucking pills later, she didn’t have an answer. She just knew that she wasn’t living.

“I’m tired,” she offered. “What I know is that even I’m not on all the meds, I feel fine. As long as I’m covered and cautious, whatever I have isn’t an issue.”

The blonde reached out for them, a wan smile on her lips. “At least give me a chance.”

[ausaplenty]

Check mate

Lilian Moros. Kiara Scuro. Queen AU

Queen Lilian held her head high as she entered the Great Hall. Quinten, Tabitha and Reed were seated on the dias, their moves stiff as they rose to greet her. The vivacious Lady Kiara was absent, and Lilian could tell from their thoughts that they didn’t know about Kiara’s encounter.

It appeared as if the shadow walker had kept her family in the dark about her proposition.

“Lord Scuro, will your daughter be joining us tonight?” the royal asked as she was seated.

“No, your highness, she is still unwell. We hope she will feel better before your departure, so she will have the honor of meeting you.” Lord Quinten was very unlike his children, milder and even tempered. Queen Lilian had yet to witness it, but she suspected their fire came from Lady Tabitha’s attitude.

“We hope so as well, since we’ve decided to continue our grand tour tomorrow morning,” Lilian cut into her game hen as she watched Quinten relax. Reed remained tense, too used to her presence at court to be so easily swayed.

He knew if she was granting them some rope, there was a chance they could be hung from it.

“We’ll miss your majesty’s glorious companionship, of course, but we understand that we can’t be selfish with your company,” Tabitha said with a bite that confirmed Queen Lilian’s feeling. “I only hope that Kiara will be able to meet your highness without fear of spreading whatever sickness she has picked up.”

“We were wondering about that, Lady Scuro. What kind of malady ails her? She seemed perfectly well when we met her last night.” The silence that fell among the hall was deafening, so much so that Reed’s mental string of curses rang vibrantly through her head.

There was a small stirring outside the hall and Queen Lilian smirked in triumph as the blonde strode through the door, glaring at the royal.

“Ah, Lady Kiara, so glad you were able to join us.” The monarch’s satisfaction was palpable. “Have you considered our offer?”

[ausaplenty]

Dream a little dream of me

Thomas Kelley. Tabitha Prytcher. James Prytcher. Dream of Me AU

“Tabby?”

A grin spread across Tabitha’s face when she heard Thomas’s voice. 

“I’m in the kitchen,” she called out as she kept stirring the pasta sauce. “James is coming over to watch Star Wars later and I figured it was as good a night as any to use that leftover hamburger for spaghetti and meat sauce.”

She heard him pause at the door, shuffling his feet. “I can’t stay up too late.”

“SPSRA sending you out again?” she asked with a small sigh of disappointment. “I know I shouldn’t complain, but you just got back two nights ago.”

Tabitha hated when he left, how empty their apartment felt, how she didn’t know how he was. He was happy, she told herself that was all that counted, but still -

“I’ll be back as soon as possible,” he promised as she set the wooden spoon down and turned to face him. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close against him.

“Visit me?” she pleaded lightly, resting her head against his chest.

“You two are disgusting. My best friend and my kid sister - so gross,” James interrupted mockingly. “Get a room already.”

“You’re in my apartment,” Tabitha retorted, holding tight as her fiancé started to pull away. “Not yet. Not if I’ve got to give you up.”

James grimaced and slouched off to the living room, tugging his hood lower over his head to shield his gaze rather than his skin.

“Just hold me tight and tell me you’ll miss me,” she sang, tilting her head back to meet Thomas’s warm brown gaze. “While I’m alone and as blue as can be …”

“Dream a little dream of me,” they ended the verse in unison, swaying slightly to music only in their heads.

The blonde sighed slightly as she pulled away, distractedly stirring the sauce. Thomas’s arms stayed at her waist and he rested his chin on her shoulder, quietly humming their song.

They stayed close together as Tabitha finished cooking, the redhead only an arms’ reach away as if to soak up her love while he could.

“When are they going to stop beating around the bush and promote you?” James asked as they sat around the dinner table. “Maybe then you two will quit living and sin and get hitched.”

“Maybe once we get more people in the field,” Thomas answered pointedly. “Especially somebody who could travel long distances in mere seconds.”

“And risk being some pencil pusher? Come on man, do I look like the government type?” He rolled his eyes so hard Tabitha’s parents would tell him that such a yawn would wake the local cemetery.

“You look like a vampire,” she retorted, gesturing with his foot. “And it’s an organization dedicated to superpowered individuals – If anybody can understand your limitations, it’s them.”

“Yeah, because I expect the government to give me the time of day,” he snorted. “I’m of no use to them. Besides, I’ve got things I want to do before I try to turn in to some corporate square.”

[ausaplenty]

Ain’t no chicken

Kiara Scuro. Alexa Myers. Tabitha Scuro. Captain America AU.

Inktober Day 5 - Chicken

Alexa winced as she pressed the cold compress against Kiara’s eye, swollen shut and a myriad of purples and yellows. The nurse barely paid them mind as she tended to Pete Morris’ split lip and scratches.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” the 13-year-old admonished, her head pounding.

She wanted to stay home today, to curl up in her bed and try to shut out the pain. But Kiara had sounded so hopeful that the brunette felt guilty for leaving her alone at school.

If she’d known the blonde was going to get in trouble, she would have convinced the younger girl to fake an ailment so they could both stay home.

“He deserved it,” Kiara declared venomously as she used her unbruised eye to glare at Pete.

“Tabitha is going to have a fit,” Alexa warned. “Once she’s done fussin’ over you and finds out that you bloodied a 10-year-old.”

“He insulted you!”

The brunette flinched as the nine-year-old recalled the taunt, fury bubbling inside her all over again.

“My dad says if your pop was smart, he’d dump the guttersnipe back where he found her.”

“If I had a nickel for time I got insulted, I could survive the depression without a second thought,” Alexa retorted.

“Maybe now he’ll think twice before he adds to your coffers,” Kiara defended, wincing as the brunette applied pressure to the compress.

“He’s twice your size, Kiara – if you go around fighting every bully in Brooklyn, you’re gonna get a thrashing.”

The blonde’s chin jutted out stubbornly and Alexa knew that look.

Four years ago, she’d found her best friend because of that look.

“I’m not a chicken,” the nine-year-old announced firmly. “I’ll fight them all.”

Pete’s father blustered into the infirmary with a face redder than his son’s hair. “Where is he? Where’s the punk that hurt my boy.”

Alexa felt a spike of pride as the nurse pointed at Kiara – the scrawny pipsqueak who barely weighed 65 pounds sopping wet – and the man’s jaw dropped in disbelief.

“Her?!” he exclaimed incredulously, glancing over his shoulder to see Pete nodding sullenly. “You let yourself get beat up by a runt too stupid to know her place?”

“And what place is that, Mister Morris?” Tabitha asked coldly as she stalked to Kiara’s side.

The telepath removed the compress so Mrs. Scuro could see the damage herself.

“She attacked my boy!” Mr. Morris defended.

“Why?”

“He called Lexie a guttersnipe and said we should dump her in the streets where we found her,” Kiara blurted out accusingly. “So I punched him in the mouth.”

Tabitha looked at Alexa, who nodded subtly.

“Peter, is this true?” Mrs. Scuro asked.

“Of course it isn’t tr –“ Mr. Morris snapped, one hand tight around Pete’s arm in a bruising grip.

“My daughter doesn’t lie, sir,” Tabitha interrupted, turning an icy glare on him. “She’s not denying that she started the fight and we’ll accept the repercussions of her behavior, but I don’t believe in punishing one child when two are clearly at fault.”

Mr. Morris clenched his jaw.

“I’ll ask again. Peter, did you insult my daughter?” the blonde woman pressed.

The boy shook his head. “I didn’t say anything ‘bout her, I was just sayin’ that Alexa belongs on –“

“Alexa is my daughter, Peter, in every way that counts,” Tabitha informed him pointedly. “And I doubt the headmaster would approve of your son slandering an innocent girl. So we will go to him and tell him both sides of the story. Do I make myself clear, Mister Morris?”

The redhead hung his head. “Yes ma’am.”

Alexa helped Kiara off the nurse’s table, her arm wrapped tightly around the blonde’s waist as they followed Peter and his father out of the infirmary.

“You’re a little punk,” Alexa murmured as they lingered at the back of the procession.

The blonde looked smug. “But I’m not a chicken.”

[ausaplenty]

A mother’s love

Kiara Scuro. Tabitha Scuro. Brief thing because I’ve been writing LiLi’s mother all day and needed a break.

“M-mom?” Kiara asked drowsily. Her eyes felt heavy, and there was no light peeking through her lashes as she struggled to see. Her heart raced slightly, terrified of being alone in the dark. “Mom?”

“I’m here, starshine, I’m here,” Tabitha assured her soothingly, grabbing her hand.

She pulled back as a pained hiss escaped Kiara’s lips, loosening her grasp.

“Stay still, starshine, you’re in a lot of pain,” her mother urged softly. “But it’s okay, I’m right here.”

“W-wha-what happened?” the 11-year-old asked, her voice shaking. She could just make out her mother sitting by the bed.

“We’re still trying to figure that out - the school nurse called us to tell us you were going to the hospital. She says you were on your way inside from recess when you started screaming and sobbing. And you had all these burns on your arms and face,” the older woman gently adjusted the blankets around Kiara. “Do you remember what happened?”

“Nothin’ weird,” the pre-teen mumbled, closing her eyes. Gingerly, she reached up to touch her bandaged face. “I just remember taking off my hoodie and then being in pain. An-and my hands were turning red and blistering.”

“Were you feeling strange when you went to school? Did you feel sick or anything?” Tabitha pressed.

“The lights felt weird,” Kiara mumbled, looking down at her bandaged hands. “I felt a lot better when it was dark. My skin tingled whenever I wasn’t in the shade. Mom?”

“What?”

“Wha-what’s wrong with -” the child’s voice cracked as she struggled not to cry.

“Oh starshine,” Tabitha murmured, gently sliding onto the bed beside her daughter. Kiara leaned against her, shaking as she sobbed. “We’ll figure it out, I promise. Everything will be alright.”

[ausaplenty]

...Run

Kiara Scuro. Tabitha Scuro. Pokemon AU.

Or the drabble “where I realized I was a Pokemon Nerd and other people might not understand all these references. Crap. It’s 4 a.m. and I’m tired so it’ll have to do.”

Kiara froze when she heard Officer Jenny’s voice, her hands buried in Bianca’s copper fur. “Shit,” she mumbled.

“Honey, Officer Jenny wants to ask you a few questions about something that happened last night,” Tabitha announced as she led the police woman into Kiara’s room. “I told her you were here all night, so you couldn’t know anything about it.”

“No, Mrs. Scuro, Kiara was definitely involved – A woman brought three trainers into the police station and reported that they were trying to steal Kiara’s Pokemon.” Jenny replied as she retrieved her notepad. “She didn’t exactly stick around.”

Kiara could feel her mother glaring at her. “The trainer with the Rapidash? I thought she would be more help – she seemed to know more about what was going on than I did.”

“Did you get a name? Anything that we could use to track her down to testify?” Jenny pressed as she scribbled something down. “Right now, the perpetrators are claiming that they were passing through the woods when a Gengar attacked them. They say they were only defending themselves.”

“No way! I was watching them while I was riding Zephyr,” the blonde protested, folding her arms over her chest. “What about how their uniform? Surely they’re part of a gang or something.”

“It’s just an oversized R. Unless you heard them say they were part of Team Rocket or something, I can’t do anything about it.”

“No, I was too busy worrying about my pokemon,” Kiara snapped. Bianca licked her hand comfortingly. “So you’re telling me those guys are just gonna get away? What happens if they go for somebody else’s pokemon?”

“If they got caught, with this incident on their records, it’s more likely that charges will be pressed against them. At the moment, there’s nothing I can do,” Jenny admitted, regret tinting her words as she collected her gear. “I’m sorry, Kiara.”

The blonde could her hear mother’s quiet words of gratitude as she walked Officer Jenny out and she braced herself for the barrage of questions that would follow once Jenny was gone.

“Mom, before you start – Yes, I was out last night, but I was just in the forest! It’s not like I was facing a flock of Spearow or something!” Kiara defended, cuddling Bianca closer to her body as she stood.

Tabitha, despite the fact that she was 4 inches shorter than her daughter, was as hard as a stone. “So I must have imagined Officer Jenny telling me that you were attacked.”

“No, that happened, but you heard her – They were brought in. All of us are safe. I took Bianca to the Pokemon Center right away.”

“But you had to have help from a stranger. Imagine what would have happened if she hadn’t been there? Kiara, it’s too -“

“Mom, I am almost 18-years-old! Most trainers start when they’re 10 and they travel all over the Kanto region by the time they’re my age,” She set Bianca down, letting the Vulpix wind between her legs. “I am fully capable of taking care of myself and my Pokemon. Why won’t you and Dad just let me go?!”

“Because it’s far too dangerous, and you’re still underage, so you’ll abide by our rules,” Tabitha retorted.

Kiara glared for a second before she scooped up Bianca and disappeared into the shadows, ignoring her mother’s shouts.

She emerged in the woods outside of Professor Oak’s lab, smiling as the cacophony of Pokemon cries reached her ears. She set Bianca down and let the Vulpix run ahead to play with the other Pokemon.

“Well, hello there, Bianca! I suppose if you’re here, then Kiara isn’t far behind?” The old man exclaimed as Kiara slipped through the door.

“Right here, Professor,” she called, heading over to her desk. When her parents had forbade her from becoming a trainer, she’d started working with Professor, helping him research and study the Pokemon whose data was transferred via Pokedex. “Anything new?”

“One of our trainers sent in data on a Snorlax he caught. For now, it’s just data but he intends to transfer the Pokemon to us as soon as he can,” Oak informed her as he cast his gaze to his lab space. “We may need to utilize another room to contain it.”

“I’ve heard they’re so big, they can block entire roads,” Kiara commented.

“They can indeed! I have a Pokeflute that I’ve been waiting to use just for this occasion – supposedly, it’s one of the only way to awaken a Snorlax,” the professor said, rummaging around his desk. He retrieved the instrument and held it up triumphantly. “I’m a little rusty though.”

“Actually, professor, I didn’t just come to help with your research,” the blonde confessed as she sat down at her desk. “I had some people try to steal Bianca last night, and my savior mentioned that they might be trying to take her to evolve into a Ninetails. Why would that be special?”

“I can only think of two reasons – one is because they’ve allegedly got mind control powers. But Ninetails are fickle and there’s no way a stolen one would obey commands.”

Possibly sensing they were talking about her, Bianca ran over and leaped onto her shoulder to curl around her neck.

“The other option is because of a Ninetail’s tail – Each one is rumored to have a different mythical element contained in it. If somebody were to try to harness the energy, they could find a power the world has never known,” Thomas explained. “Honestly, Kiara, you’d learn so much more if your parents would let you explore the region.”

“I’ve got two months before I turn 18 and then they won’t have any say in the matter,” Kiara sighed, scratching the Vulpix’s ear.

“It’ll definitely be an adventure,” the professor told her as he turned away to work on a project.

The blonde set Bianca down on the desk, stroking her luxurious fur. “Bianca, I think it’s time that we set off on our own adventure,” she murmured, making plans for what she’d need to run away.

If her parents weren’t willing to concede that was could take care of herself, then she’d have to show them herself.

[ausaplenty]

Slight advantage

Kiara Scuro. Lilian Moros. Vigilante LiLi AU

Kiara made a face as she met her mother’s gaze from across the room. She didn’t know when her mother had dragged her captain into her web of socialization, but that was the only explanation for why she was here, in a modified cocktail dress, instead of on her beat.

There were two types of dirty cops in this city: Those she could arrest and those who were conscripted by the forceful Tabitha Scuro. That latter’s sting hurt only slightly less.

Before Reed, the Scuros were known for their old money and their cultural contributions. She’d added to that reputation with her paintings and sculptures. When Reed had graduated law school and become assistant district attorney, their reputation had split – No longer were they bringing sophistication, but they were cleaning up the city. When she’d stunned everybody and gone to the police academy, the dichotomy was complete. The old Scuros flung money at people to fix the problems, the younger ones actively changed it.

The Annual Police Ball was their mother’s way of reminding the city that they were a united family.

And if she could casually direct a few bachelors to her daughter, that was a bonus, wasn’t it?

“You know, if your mother really wanted to raise money, she might get further by hosting a date auction,” a familiar voice advised. A shiver ran down Kiara’s spine as the lyrical words reached her ears. “I’d pay for a night of pleasure with you.”

“You’d get me pretty cheap. Not many want a woman whose most shapely outfit is her police uniform.” Kiara commented as she turned to face the busty brunette. She flushed slightly as her eyes landed on the brunette’s cleavage, lifted and generously displayed with a formfitting sapphire gown.

“I like the shape of you.” The woman replied, appreciatively scanning the way Kiara’s dress skimmed her hips.

The blonde rolled her eyes. “So you have an advantage over me. You know that I’m a Scuro, a cop, and a regular barfly. I just know that you’re an alcoholic.”

“Alcoholic is a strong word. I prefer to say that I’m inclined to imbibe.” She held up her nearly empty champagne glass to demonstrate. “And I’m Lilian Moros.”

“And is there a reason you decided to make an appearance at the Police Charity Ball?” Briefly, Kiara wondered if her mother had paid off the bartender to deny her anything stronger than champagne.

“I’m a big fan of the things they can do with their cuffs,” Lilian smirked. “In fact, maybe you could demonstrate …”

“Sorry, I left them at home.”

Lilian stepped closer, inhaling in a way that drew Kiara’s eyes to her breast again. “Some other time, then.”

“I’m still very straight.”

If the dream she had this morning was an indication, she might be lying through her teeth.

“I always thought it was best not to knock it before you try it, otherwise you never know what you’re missing out on.” The brunette encouraged, turning away. “You should look me up if you ever change your mind, Kiara.”

The blonde watched Lilian, blushing as she realized her gaze was drawn to the way the brunette’s ass swayed in the high heels.

[ausaplenty]

Traditions

Kiara Scuro. Alexa Myers. Tabitha and Quinton Scuro. Hogwarts AU.

Kiara’s gaze darted around the packed corridors of Kings Cross Station, trying to catch sight of the buxom brunette.

“Is she meeting you here?” Tabitha asked with a fond smile as she strode beside Quinton and the trolley. Hermes hooted indignantly as a wheel jarred and her dad shoved the trolley to get it moving again.

“She said she might have to work today,” the fifth year said, slightly crestfallen as she resigned herself to the possibility that Alexa wouldn’t be here to see her off. “She’ll write me, or something, later.”

“I’m sorry, starshine.” Her mom looped an arm around her waist, pulling her rapidly growing daughter to her side. “I know Hogwarts won’t feel the same without Alexa, but you’ll adjust and find new friends.”

She didn’t want new friends. They weren’t Lexie.

Io hooted, ruffling her feathers and preening until Kiara tickled her neck.

“We’ll be back at Hogwarts soon, sweetheart,” the teen crooned. “And then you can stretch your wings all you like.”

Quinton checked his watch. “Better hurry if you want to get your traditional spot at the back of the train.”

The knot in Kiara’s stomach tightened. Lexie was usually one of the first students at platform 9 ¾, eager to escape her family, and she saved their seat.

She followed her dad through the pillar, inhaling the familiar scent of steam and coal as the excited chatter filled her ears. Mom was right behind her as the family weaved their way to the last passenger car.

Kiara smiled as Tabitha enveloped her in a hug, a smile which only grew when Quinton wrapped his arms around them both. “Can’t … breathe …” she wheezed playfully.

“You’d better study hard, starshine,” Tabitha warned. “If I see one T on your O.W.Ls, I’m sending you to Aunt Murial’s for a month.”

The teen winced.

“Be good,” Quinton advised fondly as he stepped back.

The fifth-year grinned as she slipped through the families and climbed onto the train. The returning students moved to let through the corridors, honoring the tradition they’d established ever since Kiara’s second year.

Maybe she’d let some first year sit with her, try to make a friend before the rumors at Hogwarts got to them like they did everyone else. She slid open the compartment door.

“Already thinking of corrupting some innocent kid?” Lexie asked with a smirk.

Kiara beamed as she hugged her best friend. “I thought I’d have to wait weeks until I got to see you again!”

“There’s some things I won’t let change,” the older girl promised as she returned the hug. “Besides, it’d be cruel to inflict you on some unknowing child.”

[ausaplenty]

21st birthday

So I didn’t get as far along as I wanted, but this leaves room for dramatic sequel!!

Reed Scuro, Lilian Moros. Adopted AU

Lilian smiled as she pried open the velvet jewelry case, getting a surge of excitement from Kiara as she revealed the sapphire teardrop earrings and necklace. “I love them, Kiara, thank you.”

Reed rolled his eyes as the blonde practically bounced in her seat, prompting the older two to share an indulgent smile.

“C’mon, LiLi, you should put them on - they’d look great with your outfit.” The shadow walker pleaded. “Let me help!”

Tabitha, Quinten and Reed watched as the youngest one moved to stand behind Lilian and lifted the gold chain to the tanned column of the telepath’s throat. The stone settled on her chest, a small weight next to her heart.

“I knew I had to buy them when I saw them in the window at Tiffany’s - They match your eyes,” Kiara explained while she closed the clasp.

“They really do,” Tabitha complimented as her husband nodded. Reed’s gift was waiting beside him, but he waited until his parents handed her an envelope - their customary gift every year since she’d joined their crazy family.

Because that’s what it was - crazy. They let their emotions and loyalty overwhelm everything, adding her to their lump of insanity.

The lawyer caught her eye and smiled as she thanked Tabitha and Quinten and he pushed the box to her. “I know this isn’t anything new to you, but it is your 21st birthday and I’m going to at least give you something traditional to mark the occasion.”

“What kind of nerd says ‘mark the occasion?’” Kiara said, her words light and teasing.

“The one who didn’t waste their college years studying liberal arts.” Reed shot back.

“You say that like I’ve got no future in the art world, big brother,” The blonde retorted, leaning forward with a confident grin. “According to my professor, the critics are going to fawn over me one they’ve discovered the struggle that ripped the young prodigy away from their grasp.”

“I’m betting he’s trying to get into your pants.” Lilian informed her as she unwrapped the present. Her favorite brand of tequila stared back at her. “Also, you say that you disapprove of my drinking, but you’ve obviously pay attention to my favorite alcohol.”

“Also, I think that should wait for a while to crack that open because I think we should spend the night traditionally - bar hopping. We can even stop and buy you one of those rhinestone covered crowns so you can milk the free drinks out of everybody.”

Kiara snorted “Please, I’ve been out drinking with Lilian, she doesn’t needed any help getting free drinks.”

There was a twinge of jealousy that slightly thrilled the empath “Nevertheless, I am never one to say no to a trip to the bar. Just the two of us.”

Reed smiled as his little sister pouted, upset to be robbed of time away from Lilian.

~*~

Reed slammed the glass down on the bar top, a shudder racking his tall, lanky body as Lilian laughed. His head buzzed, as his vision wavered - Their numerous drinks finally catching up with him. Last call was creeping closer and he couldn’t count the number of times she’d dragged him to the dance floor.

The telepath smiled lazily, leaning against him. “There’s a guy down there who is drunk enough to think he can beat you up to impress me,” she giggled at the thought.

“Wan’ me to fight him?” Reed asked, slurring slightly. “Cause I can.”

“Your mom would be so mad.”

The patron was stumbling closer. “Hey. You!”

“He’s talking to you.” Lilian commented with a crooked smile.

“Yeah, you. Pretty boy.”

The moniker sent the telepath into a fit of laughter as she separated herself from Reed. “He’s definitely talking to you.”

“Wha’do you want, sir?” Reed asked, bringing himself up to his full height. His muscles weren’t rippling or impressive, but they were defined enough to know that they were there.

“I wan’ your girl.” He practically fell against the lawyer.

“That’s nice, sir, but I don’t think she wants you.”

“Let her decide that, pretty boy.”

He tried to straighten and flex his flabby muscles to impress the telepath, but he wavered and collapsed to the floor, prompting Lilian to fall against the bar laughing.

Out of the ten empty shot glasses that lined the counter before them, six of them were ones she’d downed herself.

Reed frowned as his brain worked. Five of them had been his “You stole one of my shots!” He accused, slightly offended.

“You were preoccupied with him and I was … I was thirsy!” Lilian defended, speaking around a hiccough. “And it’s my birthday!”

Reed rolled his eyes as the guy picked himself up from the ground.

“Lissen, sir, my frien … she’s not interested. And I’m not intrested in continuing this conversation. So you can either leave us alone, or I call the cops an’ tell them that you won’t leave us alone.” He ignored the fact that his vision was blurring as he glared at his rival. “I’ve got better things to do tonight.”

The drunk stared at him for a second, squinting, before stumbling off.

Reed exhaled as he turned back to LiLi, who had reduced herself to only occasionally giggling. “You owe me a drink.”

“Tell you what, ‘m tired and I wanna go home. So let’s go back to your apartment and I’ll buy you one of those.” Lilian promised, sliding off the bar stool. “Let’s get a cab.”

Reed shook his head in mock disapproval as they teetered out to the curb. He waved down a taxi and then waited for the brunette to slide in before he joined her and gave the driver his address.

“I thought that guy was gonna fight me though,” the lawyer said. “I was gonna get a bruise or something and I’d have to go to court tomorrow with one of those, and you know, being a lawyer isn’t all about arguing - you gotta look good too. Like, I could win all my cases if I had an all female jury.”

“I thin’ you’re overselling yourself - jus’ because you got a few women that aren’t your family throwing themselves at your feet, doesn’t mean you’re Gods gift to them.” Lilian informed him, slumping against his shoulder.

“That hurts, Lils, right in ma’ heart,” he pouted mockingly, smiling as he felt the telepath quaking with laughter. “I dunno if I can recover.”

“That guy in the bar was right about one thing,” she told him, straightening so she could look at him critically. “You are pretty.”

[ausaplenty]

Familiar but not

Markus Browne. Criminal Kiara AU.

Markus should be sleeping. Instead, he was slouched on the couch, lazily flipping through the channels in search of something boring enough to numb his brain and tire him out.

With a sigh, he landed on one of those public access shows about coming events and some wealthy socialite’s charity of choice.

“In it’s fifth year, an invitation to the Scuro Foundation’s annual gala is highly coveted among the who’s who of New York City. The foundation donates a portion of its proceeds from this event to young artist programs and community arts centers,” the narrator explained as the camera panned around the ballroom. The rich, navy tablecloths complimented the honey-gold place settings and bouquet of yellow tulips and calla lilies. “This year’s theme is Van Gogh and it holds a special significance to co-founder Tabitha Scuro.”

“My daughter loved Van Gogh when she was young,” a matronly woman with flaxen-colored hair said as she smiled fondly. “She used to beg us to go to the Met, so desperate to see Starry Night as if it wouldn’t be there much longer. It’s been seven years and I keep going, expecting to see her gazing up at it.”

Markus frowned as he watched, noting the disconnect between her words and her expressions. It felt stiff and disconcerting. As if she didn’t believe the words she was saying.

“12-year-old Kiara Scuro disappeared seven years ago and, despite her family’s pleas, no one has ever stepped forward with information about her whereabouts,” the newscaster monologued as picture appeared on screen. “Her missing person case remains active with the NYPD. In the meantime, the Scuros have supported programs like the Seifert Community Center’s Young Artist workshop and scholarship fund.”

The little girl sat stiffly beside her mother, her back ramrod straight. Two men stood behind them, practically giants with how they loomed. He knew Reed Scuro, rising star at the DA’s office, and Quinton Scuro, philanthropist and his bosses’ occasional golf partner. Reed and his sister had inherited their father’s steel grey eyes.

The lawyer sat a little straighter, his mind racing to make the connection.

“Fuck,” he muttered, dragging his hand over his face.

[ausaplenty]

Homecoming

Kiara Scuro. Hunger Games AU.

Kiara was silent on the train leaving the Capitol, deadened gaze watching the distract pass by in a blur.

She stood between the Peacekeepers, silent, as the whole of District 12 welcomed their first victor. She was supposed to speak to the people, to tell them of the honor it was to be a victor and how grateful she was to the Capitol for their generosity.

“Kiara?” the mayor prodded, with a blindingly fake smile, after a minute of awkward silence. “Do you have any thing you want to say?”

The blonde stared out over the sea of faces, tired and hungry, and she couldn’t think of how the Capitol was going to spin this. Because there was no pride. No celebration. Only faces that looked as empty as she felt inside.

“I’m sorry,” she croaked, finding Cole’s family in the crowd. They huddled in the back, his mother with her face pressed against her husband’s chest. They shouldn’t be here, should be allowed to grieve in peace, but the Capitol wanted their spectacle. She glanced down at her family, staring up at her from the front row, and her voice cracked. “I just want to go home.”

There was a brief flash of sympathy in the mayor’s face before the fake smile was back and straining. “We understand.”

The Peacekeepers reached for her, to escort her off the stage, but she jerked away from their grasp. “Keep your hands off of me,” she hissed, too quiet for the cameras to catch.

The Head Peacekeeper’s jaw clenched, his face blank, but he let her walk off the platform by herself. Her feet carried to her family. Tabitha pulled her close as her father and Reed put themselves between her and the guards.

Her mother pressed their foreheads together, the move limiting the camera’s view of their words. “I have you, Starshine,” she promised, her voice shaking. “I was so afraid.”

“I missed you,” Kiara whimpered, tears escaping her eyes.

“I know,” Tabitha soothed. “But I have you now.”

She didn’t promise safety. They weren’t that naïve.

~*~

Kiara felt the cameras on her as she stood at the head of Victor’s Row, looking down at the 20 houses lining the street. Hers was at the end, practically gleaming with the restoration the Capitol had done to prepare it for her.

Her mother said a team had been at her old house, prior to her arrival, ferrying her things to this new home – a symbol of the Capitol’s generosity. The thought of anybody from President Elliot’s team touching her things made her hairs stand on end.

Slowly, she walked to her mansion, her head held high as she passed the dying gardens that had been halfheartedly maintained over the years and now had been haphazardly styled so it didn’t look like the truth. Nobody expected District 12 to win, so why bother wasting energy on its Victor’s Row?

The cinematographers fanned out around her as she arrived at the door, trying to capture the look on her face while she stared at the ornate gold doorknocker, a lion with a gaping maw. She knew they were hoping for wonder and awe, but she could work up no emotion.

“Leave,” Kiara ordered, her hand on the doorknob. She focused on keeping it from trembling.

“But your reaction –“ the director whined.

With a harsh exhale, Kiara opened the door, stepped inside and slammed it shut before they could follow.

She half expected the place to be filled with white roses, a deceptive gift from President Elliot and a reminder of her new role to play. Instead, it was empty.

Her footsteps echoed in the marble entryway of her new home, her stomach twisting the further she ventured inside.

It didn’t match the grotesque grandeur of the Capitol, but she could see hints of it in the ornate details of the house – the gold lions head knocker on the front door. The tiny gilded vines on the bannisters.  The angelic faces carved into the plaster pillars.

The only people who lived in luxury like this in District 12 were corrupt and murderers, getting rich at the cost of other people’s lives.

Kiara swallowed, forcing the lump down her throat.

She deserved this house.

Choking back a sob, she sank to the ground and pressed her forehead against her knees. Her gasping breaths filled the hollow house as the darkness stretched toward her.

[ausaplenty]

A lot on my shoulders

Kiara Scuro. Reed Scuro. Mob Boss AU. Crime AU. follow up to this drabble:

“What are you doing?” Reed hissed as Kiara opened her apartment door.

The blonde looked into his eyes – one of the few things that bonded them as Scuros – and felt a tinge of something she rarely felt. Regret.

She lived to disappoint her parents. She didn’t care if she disappointed Lilian. But she had never let Reed down, no matter what she had done.

“I’m getting ready to go to work,” Kiara replied, almost wincing at her sarcasm.

“With Lilian Moros?” He retorted, shoving a newspaper at her as he moved pass her.

She unfolded it to see photos of her and Lilian at the club last night – Exiting the car together, dancing together and, most prominently, Kiara pressing her boss against the wall, hungrily kissing her. Their impromptu liaison was emblazoned across the society page, just as the mob boss had said it would be.

“Working for Lilian is hardly the worse thing I’ve done, Reed, it’s actually tamer than some of my illicit histories,” the blonde defended. “She’s a respected philanthropist – Not like the vandals I usually sleep with.”

“Who is also running the second most powerful crime syndicate in the city,” he snapped, raking a hand through his hair.

“She’s never been implicated in anything,” Kiara informed him, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Not implicated doesn’t mean innocent, Kiara, the DA’s office has a file that’s just waiting for the right informant.” Her older brother scowled as he paced in front of the sofa. “The vandalism and minor assault charges are miniscule compared to what she’s involved in.”

“Tabitha and Quinton have dozens of offshore bank accounts and definite tax fraud,” the younger sibling scoffed. “And you’re worried about me being an accomplice?”

“Because this isn’t something that is just going to get swept under the rug.”

“I’m not asking you to do that for me, Reed, I wouldn’t risk your reputation like that,” Kiara informed him stiffly. “You’re the good Scuro, the one who does his best to uphold the law instead of skirting it. If something happens, I’m going to have my day in court and I expect you to be on the other side of it.”

He stared at her and then enveloped her into a hug with a sigh. “You’re putting a lot on my shoulders, starshine.”

“I wouldn’t do if it I didn’t have a plan, Reed, just trust me enough to know that you won’t be caught in the cross fire.”

[ausaplenty]

Can’t fight every bigot in Brooklyn

Kiara Scuro. Alexa Myers. Captain America AU.

Alexa took one look at the bruise forming around Kiara's eyes and briefly thought of some of the men she gambled with.  

Then Kiara cracked a small, proud smile with her bloody lip and Lexie realized what happened.

"How the hell am I supposed to keep you out of trouble when you keep looking for it?" Lexie grumbled, pulling her inside the apartment.

"They were picking on Miriam," Kiara said, naming one of the waitresses at their favorite diner. The one that always piled whipped cream onto Kiara's milkshakes and added an extra cherry. "What was I supposed to do?"

The blonde was determined to be somebody's protector, and the men of New York made it easy for her. Especially when she wore baggy shirts, slacks and a newsboy cap that hid the fact she was a 19-year-old woman and not a 14-year-old boy.

"I would say you could tell the manager, but we all know he's a piece of shit," the brunette said, gingerly touching the swelling around Kiara's eye. "That doesn't mean you should go fighting every Tom, Dick and Harry when I'm not around."

"Well, you won't let me fight them when you are around," Kiara retorted.

There were times when Alexa thought Kiara had survived this long on spite and spunk alone.

"You're a punk. People take one look at that smug little face and want to pound it," Alexa chastised. "Quit giving them a reason too."

She pushed Kiara down on to a kitchen chair before she went to retrieve the salves and bandages that she kept just for the teen. Tabitha and Quinton had all the blonde's 'prescribed' medications, but Alexa kept the stuff for the bruises and blood that always seemed to find Kiara.

Alexa was going to have to cancel her plans for tonight. Getting into a fight meant that Kiara was spending the night, to avoid seeing her parents. Which meant she needed company or else she was going to try convincing Lexie to take her to the card game.

Which was not going to happen.

She could hear Kiara trying not to think about the pain, as though not thinking about it would diminish the chance of the empath finding out how bad it was. But Lexie was willing to bet the blonde was hiding bruises under her shirt. The teen refused to stay down, let alone cower.

"Miriam gave me some pie," Kiara called out as Alexa closed the medicine cabinet.

"She probably felt guilty for getting you beat up," the brunette remarked, emerging from the bedroom. She shut off the lights, forcing the room into darkness so she could tend to all of Kiara's wounds. "How she hasn't realized you got beat up because you're a little punk is beyond me."

She gestured to the younger woman to remove her shirt, watching the way the blonde winced as she moved. The bruises stood out against Kiara's alabaster skin.

"You should see the other guy," the blonde quipped with a weak smile. "You would have been proud of me, Lexi."

"You can't stop every bigot in Brooklyn from spouting off," Alexa reminded her, checking the wounds. "There's not enough hours in the day."

"I can at least make them think twice," Kiara retorted. She grimaced as the brunette prodded the bruise.

"Then please, do it when I'm around," Lexie grumbled. "I at least know when to duck."

[ausaplenty]

If it wasn’t for her, I’d choose you

Alexa Myers. Kiara Scuro. Reed Scuro. Captain America AU.

Leave - Captain America AU

Reed pulled Kiara into a bear hug, squeezing her tight as she buried her face against his chest.

"We're not at war, kid," he soothed. "I'm not going overseas or anything – just down to Texas for training."

"Texas might as well be across the ocean," the 18-year-old muttered petulantly. "It's too far away. And it's too hot."

"Just because one of us doesn't like sunlight, doesn't mean it won't be good to actually get a tan," Reed teased, setting her down.  

The young woman barely reached his chest and was so thin that it'd probably only take a week of a workout regimen before he could snap her in half like a twig.

Alexa hung back, watching the family as Tabitha busied herself with straightening his insignia. Quinton immediately made him disheveled by pulling him into a one-armed hug.

"If you need anything, son, just write us. Your mother and I have a few months before we go to London, but even after we've gone abroad, you should be able to send a graph," the patriarch informed him, obviously proud.

Reed frowned "Are you sure you have to go at all? It's not getting any better over there."

"You're worrying too much – London's as safe as you can get, next to New York," Quinton scoffed. "You'll probably be in more danger, with all the snakes down there in Texas."

"Just promise me you'll stay home if it gets too bad?" His son requested. "No matter what happens."

~*~  

Alexa closed the door to Kiara's room gently, avoiding the squeaky floorboards outside the bedroom. She met Reed's gaze before she crept down the stairs to join him.

Wordlessly, he handed her a glass of whiskey.

"How is she?" He asked tiredly.

Kiara was her usual stubborn self, working against what every instinct told her to do.  

"She's trying to prove we don't have to take care of her," Alexa told him, pulling him into the study. Away from Kiara. "That she can be just as strong as we are."

"What gave her the impression that she wasn't?" Reed growled as he sat down and pulled his tie loose.

The telepath sat next to him. "It hasn't been easy here in New York, Reed. Even if we aren't in the war yet, emotions are high – People think the U.S. should keep their nose out of it and keep this war in Europe, especially after the Great War."

"And Kiara isn't one of those people."

"Never," Alexa said with a small, tired smile. "She doesn't want America go to war – partially because of you – but she can't sit by silently at the thought of people being killed and imprisoned because of one man's genocidal idealogy."

Reed laughed "So when somebody says otherwise …"

"Kiara has to set them straight," the brunette told him, shaking her head. "Or at least get them on the ropes until I step in."

"So she's been getting in fights," the soldier groaned, taking a sip of his drink.

"You caught her in a good week," Alexa explained. "Normally, she's got a lot more bruises."

"I've got to go back," Reed sighed, pushing his hair back from his face. "The training is done and I got my orders. I'm to be stationed in Hawaii, at Pearl Harbor."

"At least it's got nice weather," the telepath said dryly, downing some of her whiskey.

"I'm going to request a discharge," he informed her, his eyes covered. "I'm the head of my house and they can't deny that I'm needed here."

"How likely do you think it is that you'll get it? If we're as close as we think we are to the second War to End all Worlds, then nobody is getting out unless they are disabled."  

"It can't hurt to at least try it," the soldier commented, stretching out and deciding that the best clothes could stand for some proper care, instead of his haste to fill his luggage. "How are you? I know this isn't easy, but we couldn't do it without you. But if you need to get away."

"Reed, I'm okay," she promised, before taking a long pull of her whiskey. "I'm okay."

"Once more and I'll believe you," he told her lightly.

She smiled "I'm okay, Reed, truly."

"You're amazing," the man said, letting his head fall against the back of the sofa. He sounded exhausted. "If Kiara ever gets to be too much, though – Neither of us would blame you if you said you needed time and space to clear your head. Kiara knows how to do everything."

"Reed?" She questioned quietly after she downed the rest of her glass. "We didn't get to talk after you shipped out, but I wanted to apologize for -"

"You don't have to," he interrupted. "I know how you look at Kiara. It's a stronger version of when we were kids and Kiara dragged you into our lives. You chose her then, as well."

"If it wasn't for her," Alexa promised. "But I need you back here, to keep her from doing stupid things without us."

[ausaplenty]

If loving you is a sin, then I’ll be damned

Lilian Moros. Kiara Scuro. Cameron Myers. Allison Myers. Isabelle Myers. Dysfunctional family dynamics and homophobia at a bridal shower.

“Are we inviting Allison and Cameron?” Kiara asked as she looked up from her scribblings to gaze at Lilian.

The woman stared at her wine glass, swirling the liquid inside. “If I say no, how long are you going to rant about the importance of family?”

“Forever,” the blonde informed her, climbing over the sofa so she rest her hand on Lilian’s knee. “People change, LiLi - and your siblings have already shown that they want to know you. Maybe your parents have too.”

“Or maybe they’re still homophobic religious conservatives who think I’m going to hell for even looking at a woman lustfully, let alone defiling the sanctity of marriage with my whore,” LiLi supplied nonchalantly, meeting Kiara’s gaze. “Not every family is as open as yours, Kiara, and neither I or my parents want what you’ve got.”

“Just...think about it, please,” the shadow walker pleaded. “I don’t want this wedding to get overrun by my family and the numerous relatives that I had no idea even existed until my mother handed me a list.”

“If you’ve got Markus on the list, he’s the only one I need,” the telepath said, taking a long sip of her pinot noir.

“As if I had to invite him - Markus found out we were engaged and made himself your Man-of-Honor. I’m fairly certain that he’s already booked the stripper for your bachelorette party,” Kiara chortled. “And the only reason I’m not jealous is because I know Markus and he definitely chose somebody who matched his preference.”

“My only preference is blonde, so it’s not exactly hard to meet,” LiLi replied. Her fiance leaned against her, giving her a peck on the cheek.

“I’m glad I check off the important things,” the blonde murmured. “We’re not going to end up inviting half the people my mother wants. I’m getting what I want. But I want you to be happy.”

“Having my parents there will only make me miserable,” the telepath assured her.

“Then what about just Allison and Cameron? They’d be thrilled to see you again and even if you just invited them to the bridal shower, so it wouldn’t be as blasphemous to your parents as a lesbian wedding.”

“No, it’d be a prelude to a gay wedding. It’d be the same reaction, either way,” LiLi retorted, taking another drink.

“We can counter almost every reason your parents would have against it except for the religious ones. I would be more than willing to pick them up and they could stay with us or my parents -” she watched as the telepath drank more. “Are you turning my arguments into a drinking game?”

“It’d be more effective if I had tequila,” the brunette drawled. “Though I am one glass away from taking off my shirt.”

“What if I promise to leave you alone for 24 hours? Will you at least consider it?” Kiara asked. “After that, I’ll go along with whatever you decide.”

“Define ‘leave alone.’”

“I won’t mention it. But I’m not barring thoughts because that’s unfair - I will try to keep it out of mind, though,” the blonde reasoned. She smiled suggestively, biting her lower lip. “If I found some way to distract myself…”

“It’s all about sex with you, isn’t it?” Lilian complained playfully as Kiara’s hand crept up her thigh.

“I think about other things,” the shadow walker defended, leaning forward so that her lips were against LiLi’s neck.

“Like your paintings. And me naked. And me covered in your paint,” the brunette raised an eyebrow. “And that was just in the last two minutes.”

Kiara bit playfully, leaving a mark on the tanned column of Lilian’s throat. “Anything to keep my mind occupied.”

~*~

“Lexie!” Cameron called, waving frantically as he wove his way through the crowd at JFK international airport. Allison was right behind him, peering excitedly through the crowd.

Lilian’s hand stilled as a judgmental thought punctured the hundreds, announcing her mother’s arrival.

“It’s good to see you two again,” the telepath said warmly, allowing them to envelop her in a hug. “You didn’t mention that mother was coming. And you definitely didn’t tell her what the party was for.”

Allison looked away guiltily “If I told her, there was no way she’d let us come. I tried to convince her to let Cam and I come by ourselves, but she was determined.”

“Hello mother,” Lilian greeted coldly, oddly pleased with the way Isabelle Myers cringed at being reminded of their relationship.

“It’s good to see you again, Alexa,” the woman replied, her polite tone forced. “You’ve changed quite a bit.”

“Not in one aspect,” the telepath’s words were bitter. “No need to lie.”

Cameron awkwardly grabbed their mother’s luggage, forcing a smile. “Come on, I can’t wait to see where you live!”

“We’re not going to my apartment,” Lilian told him. “Mrs. Scuro is hosting the shower, so we’ll be heading outside the city and you guys will have a few hours to rest before the party starts.”

Her younger siblings chattered excited as they moved, the telepath trying to tune out her mother’s cavillous thoughts.

Lilian smirked slightly when her mother moved past her Rolls Royce Wraith. Both Cameron and Allison gawked at the sleek, silver car while she popped the trunk.

“I call shotgun!” Cam declared, scrambling to load his suitcase and claim the front seat before his sister could protest.

“Mom needs to get in the back first, the front seats fold down,” Lilian informed him as she helped put the bags in the trunk. “Allison, you can sit behind me.”

“This is such a cool car, Lexie,” the middle child gushed, climbing in.

“It’s like something James Bond would drive,” her brother said in awe as he helped their mother into the car, peeking at the dashboard.

“It’s a bit showy, isn’t it?” Isabelle commented critically. “It’s almost begging to get stolen.”

“Well, mother, I paid a lot of money for this car,” Lilian drawled, meeting her mother’s eyes in the rear view mirror. “Enough that if it does get stolen, the company will bend over backward to make up for its failure to sufficiently install anti-theft measures.”

“Woooow.” Cameron ran his hands over the leather armrest. “I could live in this car.”

“I wouldn’t recommend it,” the telepath said as she backed out. “It’s not as bad as some of the ones I’ve slept in, but it’s not as spacious as a four-door and doesn’t have nearly enough trunk space to hold a lot of necessities.”

Her family didn’t know how to respond to the casual reminder that Lilian had left home.

“How was Europe, Allison?” Lilian asked.

“Oh my god, it was amazing, Lexie. It’s so … cosmopolitan there. I met so many interesting people,” the 19-year-old chattered. “There was this a group of people who were trying to backpack down to Bangladesh and busking along the way. One of the guys even managed to make banjo music sound good.”

“Then he must be brilliant, because every time I hear a banjo, I cringe,” Cameron joked.

“I just can’t believe that you gave her money to go traipsing around foreign countries for a year instead of encouraging her to pursue an education,” Isabelle criticized, looking out the window at the freeway.

“Well, it’s not like I let her run off to Vegas on her own the second she turned 18,” Lilian retorted, turning off onto the exit toward the Scuro estate.

“We didn’t let you run off - you just disappeared the moment our backs were turned,” her mother defended sharply.

“And you made such an impressive effort to find me,” the telepath drawled.

As the buzzing thoughts of the city faded, the telepath began to thank god that Tabitha had opted to host it at the family estate - The Scuros had a wine cellar that dwarfed her collection. And she’d have no problem finding the stronger spirits.

The tension and awkwardness was palpable in the car as her younger siblings struggled to understand stark contrast between how Alexa’s usual behavior around them and the animosity that radiated between her and their mother. It made them think of the first time they’d ventured to New York to find her, and the hostile welcome they’d received then.

“We’ve met Kiara before, haven’t we?” Cam asked, turning to look at her.

“Allison met her again this summer, on her way back from Europe, but yeah, you met her three years ago - she’s the one who was covered from head to toe,” Lilian supplied.

“At least somebody has a little modesty,” Isabelle commented.

Lilian’s lips twitched in amusement, ignoring the dig as she turned into the long driveway to the Scuros homestead. She could hear her family’s subtle gasps as the house came into view.

Kiara had evidently been watching for them, because she emerged from the home the second LiLi put the car in park.

The brunette halted her before Kiara could greet her. “My mother decided to tag along,” the telepath warned as Allison and Cameron climbed out.

“Fuck,” the blonde muttered, watching Mrs. Myers straighten. “Babe, I swear I had no idea.”

“I know,” LiLi assured her. “But you might want to let Tabitha know. At least one of us should be forewarned.”

“Aw, see, you do care about my family,” Kiara teased lightly. She bent her head slightly to kiss her fiance’s cheek. “There’s a bottle of patron in our room. I was planning on suggesting body shots later, but this outweighs my need for sexy time.”

“That’s probably the best wedding gift you can give me,” the telepath replied. She inhaled, preparing herself for the onslaught of judgement. “Mother, this is Kiara Scuro - my fiance.”

Isabelle Myers stared at her in shock.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Myers,” Kiara said, offering out her hand with a strained smile.

“You … whore,” the woman hissed, glaring at her oldest daughter. “You invited me and your siblings to witness your blasphemy?”

“Well, that’s laying it on a little thick,” the blonde retorted, her arm snaking around Lilian’s waist. The empath could feel her rage rising.

“No, I invited Cameron and Allison because the woman I’m spending my life with wants to know my family - the only ones that I care about are them.” The brunette said calmly. “You invited yourself because you’re trying to save your precious little children from their ‘heathen sister.’”

“I came because I was concerned about their safety,” Isabelle replied. “Because I’m a good mother.”

“And how often do you need to tell yourself that so you can believe it’s true?” Lilian snapped. “I bet it was so easy when I left. You could pretend that you had the perfect life because your biggest mistake wasn’t there to remind you of your sins.”

“How dare you insinuate that I -”

“Stop it!” Cameron demanded, glaring at his mother. “Mom, you invited yourself along - Don’t blame Lexie for doing something Allison and I have been trying to get her to do for years.”

“This is a sin,” Isabelle hissed.

“Oh, and treating your daughter so badly that she wants to leave the second she’s able is just ‘Christian kindness?’” Kiara snarled. “For fucks sake, I used to think LiLi was being her usual secretive self when she never wanted to talk about her parents. But meeting you, I honestly can’t blame her.”

The matriarch glared at the blonde, who possessively pulled Lilian close. “Cameron, Allison, we’re leaving.”

Allison brushed the hair away from her face, looking uncomfortable as she shifted from one foot to another.

“No,” Cameron crossed his arms. “I’m staying and I’m helping my sister celebrate her happiness.”

Isabelle pursed her lips, obviously displeased at the notion.

“Nobody is forcing you to stay,” Lilian informed her coldly. “I for one would be thrilled if you left, but that would put Allison and Cameron in a difficult position. So I’m giving you two options. You can leave and I will pay for a hotel in the city - to help repay you for all those expensive bills that my ‘illness’ caused. Or, if you prefer not to accept my ‘filthy’ money, I can have a driver take you to a hotel and you can reschedule your flight and get as far away from me as you possibly can.”

“I trust you can recommend a decent hotel?” Isabelle questioned, refusing to meet Lilian’s gaze.

“Of course we can, Mrs. Myers. It’s the least we can do for all your troubles.” The telepath’s smile was sharp and unapologetic.

“Mom, I’m - I’m going to stay here and make sure Cameron behaves,” Allison said hesitantly. “Just text me where we’re staying and I’ll be back before midnight.”

“Fine,” Isabelle bit out, pulling her luggage out of the trunk of Lilian’s car.

“Why don’t you guys come and meet my family? We’ve got some food and snacks, since we weren’t sure when you’d last eaten.” Kiara suggested, gesturing toward the house. She grasped her fiance’s hand, squeezing it gently.

“If you think I don’t intend to get plastered by the time this night is over, then you don’t know me,” Lilian hissed.

“I am buying you a second bottle of patron, just for dealing with her during the car ride,” the blonde promised vehemently.