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[foreverdolly]

ೃ࿔ SAVAGE BONDS part I 『 feyd rautha x atreides!reader 』

summary: destined to one another since conception, your very life belongs to feyd rautha. as a token of good will you are sent to the strange planet of giedi prime a week before your wedding ceremony, only to learn that it is far more hostile than you imagined it would be. a failed assassination attempt has tempers flaring and sparks flying when it is decided to be safer to sleep alongside feyd. you hate to admit it, but he has played the part of a "protector" better than the guards who were tasked to watch over you. whilst you have been dreading this union all of your life, feyd has been anticipating it. meeting you as children had left him awe-struck. . . and a bit obsessed.

warnings: !SMUT HEAVY IN FUTURE PARTS!, feyd is super overprotective in this fic and kills multiple people in your honor, blood and gore, it's a dark romance folks, political marriage, forced proximity, temporary unrequited love, a lil dubious consent in some scenes, there's a lot of talk about breeding, enemies to lovers (in your mind, not his), there's a "who did this to you" scene, knife play, blood kink, breeding kink heavy, lots of scent marking/marking. (needs to be edited, so please excuse any temporary errors!)

word count: 5.3k

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The ancient walls of Castle Caladan were a fortress, the long winding halls a labyrinth to those unfamiliar with its layout. You had tried feigning sleep when you had been made aware of the surprise guest’s arrival, a one “reverend mother”- as your mother referred to her. The cool air from the hallway nipped at your exposed arm, which currently hung limply over the side of the bed. 

“She’s even smaller than your son, Jessica.” The voice sounded more like a wheeze- and it certainly didn’t belong to anyone you had ever met before. 

“As I’ve already said, the Atreides are slow to grow.” Your mother’s tone didn’t hold even a semblance of a bite to it, not like you expected. She was usually fiercely protective of you and your brother. 

Your finger twitched, causing the woman to stifle whatever disapproving comment she was about to make. Being caught eavesdropping like this certainly wasn’t ideal, but you found it impossible not to be curious. 

“She really is just like her brother,” More like he was more like you. You’d always been the rowdy one of the two. Paul must have been listening in as well, and you imagined that he was more insulted at the comments of his lack of height and muscle than you were. “The little rascals.” 

There was a beat of silence before the woman began to crone again. This time you opened your eyes just a sliver, staring into the dark abyss of your room so that you could make out the shapes of your mother and the stranger. 

“Rest now. Both you and your brother need to be prepared to meet my Gom Jabbar.” The reason couldn’t be pinpointed, but there was something about her tone that filled you with dread.

Your mother woke you up the next morning, bright and early. 

Not even the breathing exercises that your mother had taught you had been able to calm you down last night. The darkness had swallowed you whole, which resulted in a dreamless sleep that left you feeling just as unrested as you had felt the night before. Your mother noticed your hesitations, the skirts of her dress dragging against the stone floor as she moved in the direction of your closet. The dress that she picked out for you was one of your more official garments, the red hawk of the Atreides crest proudly sewn onto the right breast. 

“Did you sleep well?” She questioned as she laid the dress neatly onto the edge of the bed, urging you to stand once her hands were free. 

You blinked at her, nervously brushing your hands along the soft cotton of your nightdress. Your voice felt stuck in your throat, but you still managed to lie. 

“Yes, of course.” Your tone was flat, and for once she didn’t question you on the reasoning. She knew exactly what had you feeling so uncomfortable in your own home. 

Gom Jabbar. Gom Jabbar. Gom Jabbar. 

What exactly did the old woman want from your family? Lady Jessica was a Bene Gesserit, which could only mean that this woman was a higher up, sent to pay you and your brother a visit. You knew nothing about any “coming of age” rituals. 

Paul barged into the room, dressed in his finer clothes as well. He leaned against the wall of your room, lips pursed as if he was deep in thought. You tilted your head to the side, leveling him a worried glance. He simply shook his head, and you knew at once that he wasn’t trying to dismiss your worries. 

‘Not here. Later.’ His expression told you, and for once you obeyed. 

“The reverend mother is waiting on the both of you. Paul, get out of your sister’s room so she can get ready.” She commanded, her tone leaving no room for whining or disobedience. 

He groaned, pushing himself off of the wall so that he could head back out and into the hall. You shrugged out of your dress quickly at the hurried insistence of your mother, allowing her to do up the clasps of the dress for you. 

“Who is she?” You asked simply, brushing your hair to the side so that she could get a better grasp of the dress. 

“She was my teacher at the Bene Gesserit school and now she is the Emperor’s Truthsayer.” Your mother sighed out your name, turning you quickly so that you were facing her. “You need to do exactly as she says. There is no room to be prideful today, do you understand?” Her eyes were pleading, and you knew that she had your best interests in mind. 

You and your mother walked wordlessly out into the hall, catching up with your brother who was busy running his fingers along the uneven stone walls. You flashed a quick look at your mother before jogging to catch up with Paul, taking the hem of his sleeve into your hand. 

“What do you know?” You whispered, turning your head so that you could look at your mother. Much to your surprise she seemed to be in no hurry to separate the two of you. 

“I’ve had dreams about her before,” He whispered, and you had to pick up your pace to keep up with his strides. “And mother told me this morning that I have to tell her about my visions.” 

Your mouth went a bit dry at the realization that this woman truly was here just for you and your brother. What is the Gom Jabbar and what did it entail? There was no telling. 

“She’s in my morning room, you two.” She called out after you. 

Jessica caught up, leveling the both of you a disapproving motherly look that had the two of you slowing your strides to match hers. She seemed a bit hesitant, eyes flickering between you and your brother and the closed door. 

The “reverend mother” sat in one of the tapestried chairs, her arms perched on either side of the armrests as she watched the three of you come in. The view behind her was beautiful, the sprawling, green farmlands of the Atreides family holding on full display through the large windows behind her. You glanced at your brother, eyes widening when you realized that he was already looking at you. He bowed in her direction and you followed his lead. 

“They are a cautious bundle, aren’t they?” The witch-like woman croaked, looking between the two of you. 

“As they have been taught, your reverence.” 

In this room, here in front of this woman, Jessica was no longer the Duke’s concubine nor your mother. She was reduced to that of a pupil in the face of her teacher. You kept yourself from fidgeting, clasping your hands in front of you. You fought the urge to reach out and grab your brother’s hand, as the two of you so often did when faced with anxiety as children. Fear hadn’t regressed you to that of a blubbering child in years. 

Your mother also seemed to fear the woman before her. There was something in her tone that led you to believe that whatever she was here for, it surely wasn’t a pleasantry. Your brother was tense at your mother’s other side, jaw tense as he stared the reverend mother down. 

“Teaching is one thing, but there are some things that cannot simply be taught,” Paul’s eyebrows furrowed as she spoke, and as if she was dismissing a servant of the castle, she waved your mother off with a flick of her wrist. “You and your daughter leave us. It will be her turn soon.” 

For the first time that morning your mother hesitated, eyes softened as she looked upon her son.

“Your reverence, I-” She began, but was cut off before she could finish whatever it is she was going to say. Surely it was meant to be an objection. 

“Jessica, you know that this must be done.” Her voice held a tone of finality. There was no room for your mother to try and wiggle the both of you two out of this trap.

“Yes. . . of course.” Your mother straightened, turning towards both of you. 

“This test. . . It’s very important to me, you two.” She spoke in a hushed voice, eyes still fearful. 

“Test?” The two of you questioned at the same time, looking at one another in concern. You were confused, even more so than you were before. 

“Remember that you’re the duke’s son.” And with that your mother was grabbing your arm, pulling you in the direction of the door. 

“I suppose that it is my turn?” Your voice shook with anger as you practically tore the door off of its hinges, anxious to take your brother’s place. His cries and whimpers did not go unheard, even with the thick wood separating the two of you. 

Looking at him now, his right arm still shaking from the pain, was like being slapped across the face. 

“Right you are, girl. Jessica, please escort your son out of the room.” There was a silvery glint in her bright eyes- a challenge. She could sense it in you. 

Your mother didn’t interrupt this time, and without any words exchanged the door closed. Your brother was too shaken up by whatever had taken place in that room to fully comprehend that the same thing was going to happen to you. He tossed a terrified glance over his shoulder at you just before the heavy doors closed. The sound of it echoed around the room, pulsing in your chest as you tried to steady the adrenaline pumping through your veins. 

“Your future. . . do you know what is expected of you?” 

You eyed the black box that sat next to her as you began closing the distance between the two of you. The question she had asked. . . it was a touchy subject with you. Of course you knew. A day didn’t go by that you weren’t mortified by the prospect of your future. You only had three short years to live and enjoy before you would be forced to abandon your family to join hands with another one. 

“Of course I do. It is my duty to marry.” Your voice had a bite to it, your eyes unwavering as you stared her veiled face down. 

“It is your duty to marry a Harkonnen. It is an honor to be the only reason that these two great Houses are allies. Your heirs will be powerful beyond comprehension.” The way she spoke. . . she truly believed the shit she was spouting. 

It was impossible to consider marrying Feyd an honor. It was an ever-present looming threat. 

“Put your right hand in the box.” She commanded, nodding her head in it’s direction. 

It seemed harmless enough, nothing more than a metal box. You bent your head ever-so-slightly, trying to have a look inside. It appeared to be a pitch black, endless void. No beginning or end in sight. 

You did as you were told, biting the inside of your cheek to stop yourself from muttering anything too disrespectful under your breath. If Paul’s screams were anything to go off of then this was going to be painful. Still, you were shocked by how cold the box was. You wiggled your fingers a few times, feeling the metal encasing them. Slowly a tingling sensation began, almost as if they were falling asleep. 

“You’ve heard of animals chewing off a leg to escape a trap? There’s an animal kind of trick. A human would remain in the trap, endure the pain, feigning death that he might kill the trapper and remove a threat to his kind.” 

The tingling sensation somehow melded into. . . heat. No, not heat. Burning. It felt as though you had your hand held up to a bright flame. You flinched, but froze when you finally noticed that the reverend mother was holding something against your neck. Your eyes flickered the best that they could to her hand, not wanting to turn your head. 

“What I hold at your neck is the Gom Jabbar. The tip of the needle is dipped in poison. Remove your hand from the box and I will plunge it into your neck.” 

The palm of your free hand began to sweat, the gravity of the situation finally landing on your shoulders. You would be forced to endure the pain and there was nothing that anyone outside of the doors could do. No guards had come to protect your brother when it was his turn, and no matter how emotional your mother had gotten whilst hearing his screams she still hadn’t rushed in after him. You could truly die here in this room. 

“Why are you doing this?” You urged, wincing again as the burning continued to worsen. 

Now it felt as though you were almost touching a flame, fingers dancing dangerously close. It wasn’t just uncomfortable now but painful.  “To determine if you’re human. Now be silent.”

Meant for greatness, yet stifled before her prime. 

It was impossible for your clipped wings to take flight. The Bene Gesserit had instilled in you your purpose from a very young age, letting it be known that you were little more than cattle to be sold off to breed. The whole arrangement was dehumanizing, but this was the way of galactic high society. Every House had been developed by the close, watchful eye of the Bene Gesserit. Your mere existence was a result of a centuries long breeding program, so how could you ever expect for your own life to be any different? 

Every child, especially in their naive youth, dreams of greatness. There was a point in time where you had hoped to mean something. There were differences to be made, rules to be broken, wars to be raged- but you would never be at the helm of any of it. But Paul. . . Paul was different. 

“You know something that I don’t.” You weren’t asking Paul, rather telling him what you already knew. 

Where you were used to your brother pulling no punches, he had been overly cautious with his treatment of you during training today. For a second he just stared ahead blankly at the wall, and you wondered whether he would try to lie. The older you’ve gotten, the stranger other people’s treatment of you has become. Women were little more than something to be owned. It was a hard lesson to learn and was one you were still grappling with. 

Your femininity were the chains that bound you. And what of your ambition? It was currently acting as the flames licking at your boot heels. Soon you feared that it would fully engulf you; become your undoing. 

“Tell me.” Your lovely features crumpled, and as childish as it was you found yourself giving his arm a slap. 

He jumped at the sudden contact, eyes widening as he turned to face you after what felt like an eternity of prolonged silence between the two of you. The hard flooring felt cool beneath your legs as you stretched them out beneath you, and for a second you found it hard to keep yourself up in a sitting position. The world felt unsteady beneath you, both literally and figuratively. 

Paul didn’t have to say anything at all. You looked, you saw, you felt, you understood. Your shared connection had nothing to do with your genes, rather it had to do with your likeness. Two bodies, two minds, but one soul. Your twin’s features crumpled, mirroring that of your own as he pushed a few strands of dark hair away from his face. 

“So there is nothing I can do? My fate is sealed.” Your lips felt numb as you spoke. 

Your brother’s visions were more frequent than they had ever been before. “Horrors”, he’d described them.

“If there was something I could do. . .” He started, turning quickly to face you, tucking one leg beneath himself. “My hands are tied. Mother and father’s hands are as well.” 

Hiding you away or knowingly allowing you to escape your duties would be seen as an act of treason. You’d be putting your parents and their status in danger, and no matter how desperate you were to get out of any sort of marriage pact, it was far too late. Since the very moment you were conceived, this was what you were meant for. 

“When will the orders come down, you think?” You pulled your legs up to your chest, wrapping your arms around them tightly. 

You wished that you could stay like this forever, protected from the rest of the world. If only you hadn’t been born as twins at all. You wanted so badly to be like Paul. 

But the galaxy didn’t work like that. You were not fortunate enough to get what you wanted. 

“Soon.” 

You felt comforted by the hand that he placed on your shoulder, and even more so when he kept it there until you felt as though you were able to stand up. 

You were to marry into House Harkonnen. That was your purpose; to unite the feuding houses and birth powerful offspring. You had met Feyd once before, but only for a fleeting moment. It hadn’t been awkward- no, back then the two of you hadn’t cared enough to pay any mind to the looming threat that was your betrothal. You’d been too young back then to fully grasp the severity of the situation. 

You remembered being shocked by his size. He towered over Paul, appearing to be years older than he really was. His hair had been dark back then, thick and slightly curly. 

He had only just been taken under his uncle’s wing at the time. The environment of Giedi Prime had yet to fully sink into the young boy. The Harkonnen’s looks had always been startling to you, no matter how many times you’d been exposed to it. They were dark creatures, brooding, hairless with skin as pale as milk- not to mention violent. 

The desperate way that Paul had clung to you was not lost on you. You let him squeeze you as tightly as he needed, your arms locking around his back. This meeting would change everything. In a matter of moments your life as you knew it would be taking a drastic turn, and not for the better. 

You’d made that very same trek to the parlor room a million times. This was your ancestral home- had been in your family longer than you thought was conceivable, and yet this felt new to you. Wrong. The shadows from the windows were casting strange lights on the wall beside you, and your footsteps sounded muffled in your ears as your pounding heart nearly deafened you. Your father’s hand brushed against your palm a few times, his attempt at showing you physical comfort without causing any sort of scene. You knew that this was Feyd-Rautha’s right. 

You were Feyd-Rautha’s right. That simple fact alone was enough to send you reeling, that morning's breakfast churning in your stomach. 

“It will be fine.” Your mother’s fingers shaped the words at her side, a comforting and silent presence. 

Your parents had always protected you. They had taught you well in all aspects of life. She was right. You had to trust yourself just as much as you trusted them. This will be fine. You will survive. 

But god, you wanted to live. 

Your worst fear was being locked up like a caged animal, only taken out to be played with or paraded around. You didn’t want to be somebody's little wife; you were no homemaker or bed warmer. 

‘I am better than this.’ You thought to yourself, your hands balling into fists at your sides. 

As the double doors began creeping open, you felt the sudden urge to run the opposite direction, your parents be damned. The feud between House Atreides and House Harkonnen would surely become deadly if you were to turn your back on the promise now, and that was the only thing that steeled your feet. You stood, back straight and hands clasped tightly at your front. 

You looked to be a pillar of strength, but oh- you were so close to crumbling. Your father took a step past the threshold, eyes hard as he bowed his head respectfully in the Baron’s direction. There was still time to turn around. The door was right there, and you were sure that you could commandeer a ship. You’d piloted a few times before in your life, and while you weren’t the best, you were certain you could get yourself the hell off of Caladan. You shuffled your feet, eyes wide as you looked up and caught your mother’s gaze. Her lips were parted, and you could tell that she was trying to decipher your expression. 

“What are you doing?” Her hand moved quickly at her side, the flowy gauze-like material of her skirts hiding her frantic movements from the visitor’s view. 

Nothing. You were doing nothing. There were no options yet. If you fled then the insubordination would fall back on your parents. If you downright refused then the outcome would be the same. There was nothing you could do but keep your mouth shut and try not to show the Harkonnen even a semblance of vulnerability. 

Disdain rolled off of you in waves as you breezed into the parlor, eyes locked on the side of your father’s face as he conversed with the baron. Tensions were high, even now. No pleasantries were being exchanged, that you were sure of. The Harkonnen’s stark black attire was a startling contrast to their pale skin. There, in the middle of two other men, whom you were sure were present for reasons of protection, was Feyd. 

He looked the same as the rest of them. Hairless, blue eyes dripping with something that could only be described as malice. Gone was the curly haired child that you remembered. In his place stood someone unrecognizable to you. You wanted to question what the Baron had done to Feyd, but you already knew. Perfection was expected on Geidi Prime. 

He had shaped Feyd into the very likeness of perfection. The once dark haired boy was now a walking, talking machine; not even a dead leaf echo of the boy you met all those years ago. 

You tried to map out every single one of his microexpressions, searching desperately for any sign that he might disapprove of the predicament the both of you had found yourselves in. He tilted his head to the side, observing you with a horrifying level of concentration. The Baron began to speak, saying something that you didn’t care enough to listen to. You were too distracted by the terrifying man before you. 

“She will come back home to Geidi Prime with us. No objections, correct?” 

You were marrying him out of an obligation, this he was already privy to. He had seen the reluctance written plain across your face as you’d entered the room. You’d wanted to run. Away from him, away from your responsibilities- and he could not blame you for it. His understanding stopped there though, simply because this proposal wasn’t going against his own wishes. 

“The wedding isn’t taking place for another week.” The Duke didn’t seem to like the idea of his unwed daughter leaving his side. 

Feyd fought back a smile, having known that the Baron’s sudden request would have this effect on the Atreides family. He watched you squirm like a bug under a magnifying glass, your hand moving at your hip. For a second he thought that you might be tugging at the seam of your dress, writing it off as nothing but a nervous tick- but then he saw the way your mother’s eyes followed those movements. 

The two of you were communicating. 

“That may be so, however I think that it is only right that your daughter,” Baron Vladimir motioned in your direction. “Becomes better acquainted with Feyd. You don’t agree?” 

His uncle decided that it was best to test the boundaries of this alliance. He was pushing the Duke, seeing how far he could get. Leto’s lips twitched, his eyes flickering thoughtfully towards you. Feyd was finding it hard to pay attention to anyone else other than you in the room. He’d spent years imagining what you would look like as an adult- dreamt about it. He’d eagerly been awaiting this moment, counting the days that he could finally be reunited with you. 

It wasn’t just because he had been promised powerful heirs. It was the thought that someone was fated to marry him. Since before he was even conceived, you had always been promised to him. That idea had been put into his head since childhood. You were the constant topic in his mind, a person that was unavoidably meant to be in his life for the rest of his days. 

In a strange way he had loved you since he was but a child. 

Seeing you for that first time had been better than he had anticipated. You were a beautiful little girl, but now? The child that he had met all those years ago did not hold a candle to the grace and brilliance of the woman that stood before him. Nobody else could ever compare. You didn’t have to fall for him right now, he was content with that. Hell, you didn’t even have to tolerate him.  He would find pleasure in wearing you down. He was going to make you love him.

I must not fear. Fear is the mind killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. 

The adrenaline had run its way out of your system, leaving you cold and alone on a planet that was so incredibly alien to you, you weren’t sure how you’d ever be expected to adjust. Even the oxygen felt different in your lungs- the sweet, acrid smell of chemicals tinging the air around you. It was nothing like your home on Caladan. Your home was a stone castle, but this? This was a cold, black fortress. 

You weren’t sure if it was meant to keep people out. . . or in. 

You thought back to that fateful day with the reverend mother. 

“You’ve heard of animals chewing off a leg to escape a trap? There’s an animal kind of trick. A human would remain in the trap, endure the pain, feigning death that he might kill the trapper and remove a threat to his kind.” 

You couldn’t chew your leg off to be free of this. No, you had to lay in wait. Only then could you strike if the situation called for it. 

“Striking” could wait until tomorrow though. For now you wanted to rid yourself of the anxiety. Sleep was the only cure you could think of. 

“Is the room to your liking?” That husky voice of his was already grating on your nerves. 

Feyd had only attempted to speak to you a few times and already you were sick and tired of his presence. He was a constant reminder that you would never know what it was like to be free. Then again, was anybody in the galaxy truly free? Feyd sure seemed to be carefree in his current position. 

His tone felt off, like he was toying with you. 

“I would be far more pleased about my new living quarters if you were to leave.” You said simply, pulling the slate gray blanket up and over your chin. 

You weren’t sure if it was due to his ill-breeding, but he didn’t seem to care that you were in nothing but your night dress. He walked into the room in long-legged strikes, letting the door shut behind him. Never before had the two of you been alone together, not since you were children at least. If you were back in your family home you would feel safer during a moment like this. 

You were in his territory now, meaning he had full reign over everything. Your father and family name couldn’t protect you on Geidi Prime. 

“You’re in quite the rush to be rid of me,” He didn’t falter for even a second as he moved to sit down on the edge of the bed, leaning back against the plush mattress with a small sigh. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think that you didn’t like me.” He didn’t seem upset at the notion of you disliking him. In fact, there was a glint in his eyes. That same sort of silvery glint you’d seen in the reverend mother’s eyes all those years ago: a challenge. 

This was nothing but a challenge to him. You were a conquest, and you detested that. Your stomach soured, your face becoming pinched as you glared at him. This was all too much too fast. You were in the comfort of your own home not even four hours ago, and now you were expected to make small talk with the source of your life-long discontent.  

“And what of your concubines? Could you not pester them tonight and give me a moment's peace?” 

“I dismissed them from their duties, permanently, weeks ago.” He said simply, his fingers running along the cotton of the comforter. 

“What?” You’d never heard of such a thing. 

“Spending time with them would be a waste.” His blue eyes flickered up to meet your eyes. “Acquiring concubines had just been a show of status.” 

It took you a few moments to process what he was saying, the burning hatred you had felt just moments ago flickering out into a dull flame. 

“Why would spending time with them be a waste? Am I expected to spend that much time with you?” A horror, truly. You had hoped that you’d be able to get away with spending a night or two a week with him, if only to achieve the Bene Gesserit’s goal of siring an heir. 

“A waste of time. A waste of seed,” He looked at you pointedly, his lip pulling up into a smile that revealed more of his black teeth. “And both of those things are important to me.” 

Your stomach hollowed out as you were once again reminded of what was expected of you. You had a week to prepare mentally for your wedding night, which you weren’t sure was enough. 

“And what happened to the concubines? Are they still being housed here?” 

“Why? Are you jealous?” He was smiling even wider than he was before. 

A shiver ran through you as you noticed how predatory his body language was- you felt like prey under his haughty gaze. It was hard to believe that Feyd had been administered the Gom Jabbar test and passed. 

This man was no human. He was an animal, that you were certain. 

“Wickedly.” Your tone was flat and noncommittal. Even now, you never saw Feyd as a potential lover. 

The man that was your so-called “destiny” was also your jailer. 

“Well then you’ll be happy to know that they no longer live here. . . or anywhere, for that matter.” He sat up, rolling his shoulders back to stretch his broad muscles.

The blood drained from your face as you stared up at him from your spot on the bed. He must have felt the weight of your gaze and turned his head, his eyes alight with. . . pleasure. Violence was as ingrained in him as breathing was. It was his life. Standing before you was the prince of death- pale, striking and terrifying. 

Animal, indeed. 

I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. 

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A/N: this chapter was plot heavy, I know, however it was crucial to give you guys some background information so that I can better build tension. the beautiful dividers were created by @ kitsunecafe!

[samsalami66]

My Tears in the Dark

T-Rated | Hans Capon/Henry | Hurt/Comfort | Character Study

Summary: Hans is suffocating in the darkness left in the wake of the events at Trosky and there is really only one guy who can keep it at bay.

Hans' POV of Your Tears in the Moonlight

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Hans had not expected that he could ever be so scared of the dark. After all, it was a rather familiar acquaintance to them all, a daily companion. The quiet, at the end of the day. But where Hans had once relished the passing of dusk, the silence overcoming the bustle of life, forced to rest by the disappearance of the sun, the dark only invited fear into his heart tonight.

When he had been down in that damned cell, he had learned how it felt to be completely and utterly helpless. All he had had left between the dirt on the floor and the ringing of the bells had been hope; hope that Henry would find a way to save him from hanging and wouldn’t leave him rotting down there like so many others gladly would. But Henry had promised, in those last moments before they dragged him away, that he would make it right.

And make it right he had.

Heaven, where would Hans be without that reckless blacksmith’s son? Would he be hanging by the neck from a rope in the square, left for the darkness to consume his dead body whole under the watchful gaze of the stars, without someone to even mourn his death? Would he have been given the burial of a criminal, outside of sacred grounds, forever caught in purgatory?

Even if Henry had failed his task to protect him, Hans knew that he would have fought for his eternal peace. He would have mourned. It’s already more than anyone else would have done for the likes of him.

Nobody mourned lords.

People paid their respects as was expected from them, bowed their heads and said their prayers, before going back to their duties. The only thing that they cared about was whether the new fellah was better or worse than the last, if he made their lives easier or not. Other lords cared only about the additional work they would be burdened with. Even his own uncle would care more about losing him as a successor than as a person.

But Henry… he had looked back at Hans in that cell and promised a solution. He had spent hours sneaking through a highly guarded castle, risking a noose around his own neck, just to find and heal the one person that could testify for him.

Henry had given him everything; his loyalty, his devotion, his conscience. Only days before, Hans had said his life had gone to shit ever since Henry of Skalitz entered it. Never had he lied more boldly through his teeth.

Henry was his only friend. His most loyal protector.

And with Henry nearby, there was no fear. No darkness. He kept it at bay, with his steady resolve, his unwavering patience. When Henry had looked at him, back at the gallows while the noose was being wrapped around Hans’ neck, Hans had seen that resolve and patience shatter before his very eyes. That was what had scared him, more than anything. More than the rope, more than the people, more than the executioner himself.

If Henry lost it, the one man who never wavered, who never gave up hope, then the moment for fear had come. Hans didn’t know what he was supposed to do with the knowledge that the first time he had seen Henry break was when he had been about to die. Henry had faced death time and time again, met it head on with a sword and his chin held high, and yet this was what had done him in.

And then he had left.

To sleep, Hans knew, and he did not begrudge Henry the relief of sweet temporary oblivion. Except that right now, Hans himself could not find it for himself. The dark was all-encompassing, and the tears simply wouldn’t stop. His mind was a storm, image after image flashing before his eyes, drawing him further into its middle, and the dark did little to offer him comfort. It allowed for the images to creep out from inside the shadows, every corner of his room holding another horror for Hans’ mind to witness.

Between the memories of the rope around his neck, the noose tightening and the stump shaking in tandem with his legs, he felt the crushing helplessness from within his cell, as he waited and waited and waited for the end, whether that would be death or salvation. He didn’t understand why the feeling was still there, why his breath would only come in short and uneven bursts and his chest felt like it would cave in on itself if given the time.

How could the helplessness still be clawing at his soul as if he were stuck in that cell or standing on that stump at this very moment?

It was over, for Christ’s sake.

And yet sobs shook him, for hours on end. The moon wandered through the sky as if the beam of light that shone through the window of his room was reaching for him, reaching out its silver fingers to offer a measure of comfort. But it wasn’t enough. It wasn’t enough, and perhaps nothing would be ever again. There wasn’t enough air in his lungs to breathe, not enough room in his chest for his heart to beat, not enough fear in his mind to scream, not enough, not enough, not enough-

The door opened. Quietly. Softly.

Hans looked up with a racing heart anyway, because his heart had not stopped racing since the first toll of that fucking bell. But it was only Henry. His Henry. With bags under his eyes and tears on his cheeks and worry in his brow.

Hans wanted to sob anew, because the veil of fear was finally lifted from his shoulders, the crushing weight of helplessness suddenly left his chest. He wanted to stand and bury himself in his friend’s body, his scent, anything that would remind him that he wasn’t alone in the dark. But Henry was quicker. He was sitting on the bed before Hans could even decide that he wanted him close, held him to his chest before Hans knew himself that it was what he craved. How was it that Henry knew him so damn well? And why was it that Henry never hesitated to give Hans exactly what he needed?

“I’ve got you. You’re okay. I promise, I promise, you’re okay.”

Hans believed him. Henry had always had him, and had never gone back on one of his promises. He had promised to make it right, and now Hans was still here. Thanks to him. If Henry promised he would be alright, then he would be. As long as Henry was there, he would be okay.

It was harder to articulate that he wished for Henry to stay than Hans would have liked. But his friend waited. Patient, resolved, unwavering.

“Please- Please stay with me,” Hans had never had such trouble demanding something. He was a lord, he demanded everything from everyone at all times. But not from Henry. Not this. He was pleading, would go on his knees and downright beg, just to have his friend stay with him. “I- I can’t-”

He couldn’t be alone. Not right now, or the darkness might consume him whole.

“Shhhh,” A kiss, soft as a feather, placed absentmindedly in his hair. Hans felt a fresh wave of tears escape him. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m here. Sleep, my Lord.”

He would, now that Henry was there. Now, he was safe. Henry would stave off the dark and the fear and the helplessness, and Hans could rest, hoping for a better day tomorrow.

[hand-picked-star]

The 13th Anniversary Arshi Fiesta

Moodboard : Historical AU

Whispers of the Heart | Chapter 10

I am not very good at writing ffs. I even read ffs very selectively. But it was an attempt of me to participate in the 13th-anniversary arshi fiesta.

I might be wrong about certain aspects of that age and era, but it's a fantasy, so why not? I don't own Arnav and Khushi and the story is purely fictional and has no relation to any living or dead. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Chapter 10

Arnav found himself on the floor at the foot of his bed with his back pressed against the bedpost. The room was silent except for the rhythmic thud of the ball hitting the wall and the soft shuffle of it returning to his hand. For hours, he had been doing it. His arm muscles ached with fatigue, but he couldn't stop. The repetitive motion had a strangely intoxicating effect, a temporary escape from the chaos in his mind.

His thoughts were a whirlwind, racing through every possible scenarios of the future. His brain doing continuous permutations and combination and the outcomes swirling in a relentless loop. As a meticulous planner, He had always drawn comfort from the predictability of his well-laid plans. But now, His carefully constructed world had spiralled into a giant mess. He felt like he was drowning. Despite his best efforts, he was adrift in a sea of uncertainty, struggling to find his way back to solid ground.

" Arnav bhaiya, khirkiyan khol du, subha ho chuki hain."

Hariprakash's voice brought him back to reality. Hariprakash had been by his side for the last two years, taking care of him and the bungalow he rented. He glanced at himself and awareness sank in. His body was reeking. He hadn't bathed in what felt like decades. He had been sitting in the dark. Food and sleep had escaped him. The ship had already sailed, without him. That was two days ago. And there was no ship that could carry him hence.

After reading those lines, he had scooped her up in his arms, careful not to wake her. He had laid her down on the bed gently and sat beside her with his right hand on her hair. His thumb had kept tracing gentle circles on the side of her forehead. He couldn't tell how long he had sat there. He just did, watching her without any sense of propriety. When the house had begun to wake up, he couldn't stay there any longer. But he hadn't forgotten to leave his love on her forehead.

Those two lines had halted his departure, turning his legs into lead. He sat on those lines for the past two days, letting them take root within him and anchor him in place. Probably because he always knew but never dared to accept that they were true for him as well.

For so long, the waves of the ocean had been tumultuous, crashing against his shore, relentlessly battering and bruising his delicate shore. Now, the ocean longed for his waves to calm down, to meet his shore with gentle caresses.

She had always been his shore.

He remembered when she was a little girl, her hand clutching his tightly the first time they had taken the walk. He remembered the day she finally, finally accepted that her parents were gone forever, how he had carried her, heaving and sobbing, holding her close against him. He remembered happier days when she had babbled as she had tried to keep up with his pace. All the conversations they had about everything and anything. And how he could talk to her, even when she had been so young, easier than he could talk to anyone else. He had been her friend, protector, and confidant. He had been the most important person in her world. And, then He had let her believe she had lost that relationship, lost him, because he couldn't act on the love he had for her. He had always loved her. The definition might have changed with different stages of their life, but love had always been there, breathing, changing, evolving. And he would always love her the only way he knew how, with his whole heart, with every fibre of his being, with everything inside him.

Yet he had failed to be close to anything he had claimed to be for her—not a friend, not a protector and clearly not a lover. And he would be damned if he wouldn't go to the ends of the world to rectify the situation.

"What day is it, Hariprakash?"

" It's Monday, vaiya"

Monday. That's mean the court would open. He had to go to the court area to assess the situation. He had to get himself accustomed with the environment before he planned anything.

"Prepare breakfast for me."

Throughout the day, he was preoccupied with meetings and discussions with fellow barristers and various law firms, delving into job opportunities, ongoing cases, and important legal matters. As evening approached, the exhaustion from two consecutive sleepless nights caught up with him. He thought he was hallucinating when he saw her. More surprising was that he didn't know how he found himself outside her college. But, she was there, not just a figment of his imagination. She wasn't looking at him though. Her gaze seemed distant, fixed on nothing. There was shadow under her eyes where once star had gleamed. She was there like a whisper of her former self. But what truly terrified him was the absence of the bindi between her eyebrows. It was as if the very essence of her identity had been stripped away, leaving behind an unsettling void. That small dot, once a symbol of her vibrant spirit was now conspicuously missing. It was a haunting reminder, a silent scream of everything that had gone wrong.

And with that realization, another truth hit him. What people said was true; love can reduce anyone to anything. Never in his wildest dreams did Arnav think that a small, round object could bring him to his knees.

As night approached, he was back at the Rajput haveli, sitting on a familiar bench in the garden where the entire story had begun.

The summer when he was 12, he had been fascinated with the game that the Britishers had introduced. Cricket, they called it. He begged his father, before he went abroad, to buy him a cricket bat and ball, and his father complied. That afternoon, he was playing cricket with Aman and Akash bhai. When he came home, hungry, he searched for his mother and found her lifeless hanging in her room. He cursed himself for going out to play that afternoon.

But right after he found her, an intense shiver took over his body. Why? He didn't know. He just vaguely remembered Roma Chachi wrapping him in a blanket and rocking him back and forth. He wished he could shrink himself to that size again so that Roma Chachi could wrap him in a blanket and hold him tighter once again.

"I love her," he whispered, looking straight ahead. "I can't measure it, but I do love her more than I have ever loved anything else in my life. Do you think my love will be enough?"

In the midst of all the chaos in his life, Roma Chachi had always been the one person who understood him without needing a word. She allowed him to be himself. She had been a mother to him without the title since his mother had passed away. So when he opened up to her Monoroma instantly knew who he was talking about and chastised herself for her oversight. They were her children in every way that mattered, even though she hadn't given birth to them. How had she not seen it sooner? She felt like she had failed as their mother.

She caressed the top of his head. "Ghar, paisa, jaydad sab humari khushiyan ke liye hote hain. Hawaali nahi hai toh ban jayegi, khoa hua naam bhi waapas a jayega, lekin khushi chali gayi toh tum use waapas kaise laoge?"

They sat there in the dark for some time, Arnav drawing comfort and strength from her presence. His determination was solidified by her wise words. Eventually, the mother in her became worried. " tumne din bhar kuch khaya?"

Chuckling, Arnav stood up,''You should go inside. it's late. Chachu must be worried,'' he said as he started to leave but then turned suddenly. 'Please, don't tell Chachu anything. I want to talk to him myself."

But three days had passed without any words from Arnav. Monoroma was worried. What was the boy up to? She couldn't get a hold of Arnav, so she focused on Khushi. Her little 'titli' had wilted like a delicate flower deprived of water and sunlight. Sighing heavily, Monoroma approached her. Khushi was sitting at her desk, pretending to read. Without a word, Monoroma gently took Khushi's hand. The unexpected touch broke through Khushi's reverie, and she allowed herself to be led to the bed. Monoroma sat face to face with Khushi. She squeezed Khushi's hand gently, offering silent comfort and support.

"I want to talk to you about something"

Khushi's face was devoid of any emotions. ''Amma, I am ready. I'll marry whoever you ask me to.''

Khushi's expression shattered Monoroma's heart. She gently cupped her daughter's face and coaxed her to meet her gaze. When their eyes locked, Khushi's resolve crumbled. She collapsed into her Amma's lap and started crying silently. Monoroma moved to comfort her when a knock at the door interrupted them. Aman stood hesitantly in the doorway. Khushi quickly composed herself. Sitting up straight she wiped away her tears.

"Someone's here to meet you khushi"

A astonished khushi asked "Who?"

"Tum khud hi dekh lo."

Arnav stood in the garden with his hands casually tucked into his pockets. Khushi noticed with astonishment that he had dressed up. A charcoal grey coat draped over a crisp white shirt complemented by a striking blue tie that made his eyes stand out even more.

"You didn't leave"

Khushi whispered as she moved closer to him. She never thought she would see him again. These past five days, were a literal hell for Khushi. She tried so hard to hate him. But she ended up hating herself for understanding his reasoning. It would be so much easier if she could just outright hate him. Then moving on would be simpler. But against all reasoning, she just wanted him to fight for them. May be it was a little bit naive of her. But the heart wanted what the heart wanted. And her heart wanted him.

Tentative, so cautious, Arnav reached out, hooking one finger around one of hers and tugged her gently.

"I found a house in the city, just a short walk from St. Stephen's College," Arnav started nervously, gazing into her eyes. "Hariprakash,he is my caretaker. He and his wife, Gauri, they will manage the household. "

Arnav swallowed thickly and continued, "Umm..I had applied for jobs at a few law firms here in Delhi, and they have made some offers." His tone grew more confident. "I've also informed my mentor in London that I can no longer continue the apprenticeship." He finished as he gazed at her intensely, taking her hands in his. His thumbs drew circles on the back of her hand while she processed everything he said.

"Marry me, khushi"

Some promises were indeed incredible and dreams did come true, offering beautiful surprises when least expected. Still, Khushi couldn't help but double-check his words.

"What made you change your mind?" she murmured.

Arnav chuckled, looking down at their joined hands," You stopped wearing bindi."

"What?"

Shaking his head, Arnav tried again, "I would rather fight with my conscience than let my decision hurt you anymore." The corners of his eyes crinkled as the spark returned in Khushi's eyes, "And why live in a haveli that others have built when you can design your own?"

Khushi hadn't taken her eyes off him since he started talking. She kept searching, searching, and searching and slowly the corners of her lips lifted up. Without hesitation, she threw herself into his arms, shocking Arnav and also the other seven pairs of eyes that were watching them from different parts of the house. They averted their gaze and retreated inside, leaving Khushi and Arnav alone.

"Is that a 'yes'?" Arnav whispered in her ear as he engulfed her in his arms.

"Do I have to spell it out?" her voice muffled against the curve of his neck, her tears soaking his skin, seeping into his pores.

"No," he murmured, burying his nose in her hair. As her scent enveloped him, he felt the tension of the past few days dissolve from his body, bone by bone.

"Have you talked to Babuji? What did he say?"

"He said it's all up to you," his lips stretched into a grin as she tightened her hold even more. "We are being watched, by the way," he whispered, aware of their audience.

"What? Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Untangling herself from his embrace, she straightened up. She could already feel the warmth spreading across her cheeks.

"Would you have done that if I had told you?" He questioned her while cupping her face with both hands, gently wiping her tears away with his thumb.

"No," she was irritated yet a smile ghosted over her face.

"Then I'm glad I didn't tell you," he rumbled softly, words meant for her ears alone.

Khushi's cheeks flushed even more as she perceived the shifting dynamics between her and Arnav. With a happy yet accusing look, she dashed inside the house, leaving Arnav alone. Feeling the weight of someone's stare, Arnav looked up to find Mahindar Chachu watching him keenly. Awkwardness wash over him as he struggled to decide where to look under Chachu's penetrating scrutiny.

Mahindar was taken aback when Arnav asked to speak with him, accompanied by his two sons. Arnav seemed unusually nervous. He kept clenching and unclenching his fists. Finally, he cleared his throat and said, " I want to marry Khushi. " His words hung in the air which left Mahindar speechless.

Arnav kept talking, "I understand that my current status and situation may not be ideal for someone like her. But I am determined to work hard till I make myself worthy."

"You all have always believed in me, and I ask you to do so one last time. Let me have her as my wife. I promise I will do my best to keep her happy." He finished speaking, looking up at Mahindar with eyes that were eerily similar to those of his best friend's.

Mahindar didn't know what to say to him, so he left everything to depend on Khushi. From her reaction, it was clear she wanted it too. This left Mahindar even more baffled than before. It wasn't that he didn't like Arnav. He loved that boy and knew he had great potential. But allowing Arnav and Khushi to marry was a risk. It was a decision he had to make carefully. Otherwise what would he answer to her father in the afterlife?

His Khushi had always been full of life, aptly nicknamed 'Titli' by his wife for how she had brought colours into everyone's life with her presence. She had danced like a sunflower in the spring breeze and had spread joy and happiness wherever she had gone, true to her name. But a few years ago, her light had dimmed a little. His little sunflower had somehow withered. Mahindar suspected the pressures of growing up had taken their toll. Then, a few months ago, he was pleasantly surprised to see a glimmer of her former self return. It was around the time Dhruv entered her life. Mahinda thought it was because of him.

And, then, suddenly, all colours had faded from his little sunflower again a few days ago. He couldn't fathom the reason. But seeing the colours return instantly at Arnav's mere words, had soothed his worries to a great extent. Mahindar knew he had to take this risk for her happiness.

For the next few days, he kept a close eye on them and marvelled at the fact that his Khushi was back. All the colours had returned to her wings. He noticed something intriguing as well. He observed how incredibly attuned to each other they were. Khushi's eyes seemed to trace his every move and in return, his gaze always sought her out. Like a sunflower instinctively turning towards the sun and following it across the sky, her face would seek his presence and instantly light up whenever he was near. Mahindar sighed, he could now put his worries to rest.

His little sunflower had found her sun.

Finally.

<previous> | <next>

@featheredclover @arshifiesta @phuljari @jalebi-weds-bluetooth @chutkiandchotte @msbhagirathi @titaliya @arshiradio

[lagncx]

Tw: abuse by Cazador, Cazador, sad Astarion, sick Astarion, beatings, graphic detail.

Astarion looked at the cup of blood and then up at you. “Last meal before we get you out.” You frowned “Or we die trying.” Astarion had taken the cup and took a long sniff before finally drinking it.

The taste was thick like it was sitting for a while. You let out a groan “Please take your time.” You said sarcastically. He would’ve gone slowly just to anger you but he needed to get out, it was unbearable to be in here any longer.

Astarion had been through beatings almost every day, you’d come in and feed him and nurse his wounds. You looked at him “finished?” He nodded. You had grabbed him by the arm pulling him up and making him grunt from the force. You pushed against the wall sliding back and letting you both into the hall, you looked both ways before turning to him, giving him a cloak. “Stay close to me.”

Astarion put on the cloak staying as close as he could almost to the point where his nose was always against your back. He knew the layout of the place better than you, so he was ready to rip you to ribbons if you tried to fool him. So far things seemed right. “Just a bit more and we’ll get out-“ Suddenly the creak of a door was heard. “…what are you doing?” You froze immediately, biting your lip and keeping your head high as you turned to look at sweet Victoria. You smiled warmly

She looked at astarion then back at you “Where are you taking him?” She asked you pushed Astarion back “Where is your father Victoria? Where’s Leon?” Astarion looked between you both “Leon? Father? You're his girl?” He asked and Victoria scowled at him “Nobody is allowed to talk to you. So don’t try asking me questions like you belong.”

Astarion shook his head “Wow…Cazador has you all on hold well. He turned me, running away from his abuse against me?!” He let out a laugh “Why is that not surprising.” You sighed “Victoria go back to bed.” She stared at you “No. My father trusts you. I trust you, Cazador has chosen you as our protector, and now you're trying to take away my father's only opportunity for freedom?” She shook her head “No…no, I won’t let you.” She seemed like she was going to scream and in the corner of your eye, you saw Astarion pull a dagger from his waistband.

You blocked his view of her “Astarion, no.” You glared down at him and he glared up at you. “She’s going to cry wolf to an army of spawn! Do you want to risk that? It’ll be your head and not mine!” He was right, Cazador wouldn’t kill him. But he’d kill you. You looked over your shoulder then back at him “We just have to get out.” He shook his head “She’ll alert them and they’ll be on us in no time. Trust me…I don’t want to hurt her.” He looked down at the dagger. You sighed “I’ll do it.”

Victoria wasn’t a spawn she was still just a girl. You turned back to her “sorry” you had rushed up to her charging at her and sending her into the room onto the floor making her gasp trying to regain the air she lost you walked up to her holding her down and placed a hand over her mouth you started to whisper a chant hand giving a soft glow before she stopped struggling and her eyes closed pulling back you checked to see if she was okay, after seeing she was in a deep sleep you went back to the door Astarion standing next to the wall “Made a lot more sound than needed but…better alternative.”

You only grumbled your shoulder pushing him out of the way and walking towards the exit he was right behind you “Once we're out I take the lead we’re gonna find tav and the rest of them.” You stopped and shook your head “I can’t go to them, they'll crucify me in an instant.”

“No they won’t, I won’t let them. We’re together now. A team.” He said turning you around. You cringed at the thought of looking at the same guy that stabbed you in the back as a friend. “This is temporary, when I get my heart back…I don’t want to see you again.” You said turning back around and going to turn a corner before you bumped into Petras. “Shit!” He growled, dropping whatever he was holding. He let out a strangled laugh “You scared me..” Then, You saw the way he…froze his eyes wide and fearful as he looked back up at you shaking his head “no, come on…don’t tell me you're letting him go…” he whispered, pleading.

You gritted your teeth “Keep your mouth closed Petras. If you don’t tell him he won’t take it out on you, but all you do is squeal like a pig.” He shook his head “why are you letting this snake manipulate you??, again!?” You closed your eyes, almost like that same night your back stung the knife Astarion shoved into it, why? Was what you wanted to understand, when you could’ve vaporized Cazador in seconds, why did he stop you? You opened your eyes feeling that cold hand push up against your back. Turning to look at Astarion he seemed dizzy, weak. You fed him but over three days, he was suffering torture.

You’ll need to carry him soon, and there’s a long way ahead but you could make it to his camp by morning, he’ll just need to guide you. “Let’s just leave, forget Petras, he’s a coward.” Petras stayed silent and in the corner of your eye, you saw his lip tremble slightly. You secretly yearned for him to stand up for himself for once, he was such a pushover. You held a stern gaze with Petras before continuing down the hall his feet planted to the ground.

The fresh air outside was like a relief to know you weren't stuck in there with the threat of your heart roasted on a spit. You looked over at Astarion he was hunched against a wall holding his head “The hells is wrong with you?” you said and he only scrunched his eyes “Please, shut up..” he whispered, you scoffed “Excuse me? Shut up?” you said walking up to him and he only scowled “Yes, must I repeat everything are you paladins always so dense!”

you let your nose flair up, paladin…your family were paladins and monks you however…lost in time bloodline forever tainted with the missing daughter of the phoenix family were not a paladin…you wanted to be, you wanted to make your family proud. So, your emotions got the best of you and you snatched Astarion by his collar “Hey, little star you might wanna rethink your fucking attitude, or ill have you back chained up and break your legs myself.” You waited for a snarky remark but he only groaned “The…tadpole its, it feels like its feasting on my damn brain. Hells I need-..i need to get back to Tav” He pushed you away stumbling forward you could've sworn that when he shoved you you got hit with some kind of wave, what tadpole?

You wiped your hands on your clothes and looking up at him he was nearly falling to the floor. You scoffed “Dramatic, are we?” you pulled him back to you, and somehow even dead he was covered in sweat and his head was hot. He held onto you before casting some light that started to glide away, “Follow it. It'll take us to the camp” Then he was out, clear as day something was up, and it wasnt anything you could sense or smell. You sighed seems youll have to carry him there or you could leave him on the doorstep and let him get blamed for escaping, nope, too late to back out now.

You were following the light trail, how was it still going if he was in and out of it? . You huffed arms hooked under Astarions legs as he breathed on your ear, as long as he was alive and breathing, wouldn’t wanna walk to the camp with their dead friend. You looked at the light as it stopped, just around the way from the grove, they were on their way to the shadow cursed lands. “They move quickly.” Your nose twitched and you went to turn your head only to feel something Pierce right through your cheek. You dropped Astarion and you hunched over growling in pain.

“Grab him! I’ll give her what’s coming.” You rolled your eyes, Karlach…of course. You turned and stood up straight “Did you soot fhat?” You asked the feeling of the arrow laying on your tongue. She raised a brow “What?” She stepped forward putting up her arms

You broke the arrow in half with the force of your fangs spitting out the head and pulling out the remaining splint before throwing it to the ground “I said, did you shoot. That.” You repeated she staggered back slightly from your lack of response to being injured “Oh, careful. Don’t want you to fall on that bad leg.” You said raising your arms also “I don’t mind a fist fight.” But suddenly she was back on you.

—

Hits…you remember how it felt. The pain, the way you could feel your muscle being stretched and exposed bit by bit. You remembered how your cries turned to whimpers then groans then silence. But you’ll never forget the moment you broke.

Cazador had dismissed his little servant that had beat you for hours…felt like centuries to you. You had looked up at him, his smirk made your stomach drop. “Little bird…tell me, how are you feeling?” You were so tired your arms felt nonexistent as they were suspended up high you couldn’t move your legs they were like jello. You licked your chapped lips “Please…master. Release me from this, I’ll do whatever you want.” You pleaded you felt guilty about it.

You felt a sharp nail trace your temple then down to your chin “Hush now little bird, you will be released. But not now…I need you to be strong as stone, I need you to be a sword that will Not bend. I do not need you to break. I need you to keep your will, but you must submit to me, I am your master, your heart lies with me.” You let out a defeated sigh but stopped yourself. Crying won’t get you out of this, you bit your tongue. The sound of the beating came back but you couldn’t feel it, the only thing you could feel was anger towards the one who got you here.

Astarion.

—

Karlach was no soft hitter it was hard feeling her elbow land into your cheek but you bounced back, adrenaline pumping through you. You went to bite her, honestly you were blood thirsty. Before your teeth could sink into her the sound of something quick broke through the air and you heard Karlach let out a pained gasp and both of you confused turned to the sudden threat. But it wasn’t a threat when you saw the piercing, focused ruby red eyes “The hells was that Astarion!” Karlach yelled the area around you started to move like heat was radiating off of her, and it was.

You huffed “Looks like someone is back in good health all of a sudden.” You felt yourself being pushed back into the ground “Shut up!” Ah…the githyanki. You went to push yourself up but a foot pushed you back down. Heat had started to burn at your back, you felt yourself panicking the burn…the burn, her foot, the lashings, his red eyes, Cazadors eyes. You shook your head “Get off-..Get off of me!” You started breathing heavily. You saw a pair of feet rush over before pushing Karlach off the faint sound of arguing.

“You shoot at me?! I put my neck out for you Star and you shoot at me?!” Karlachs voice boomed

Astarion groaned trying to help you up “I did not! It grazed you! It was for both of you to stop!”

You stumbled to stand but when you did you felt yourself bound and unable to move “Karlach, maybe we should’ve thought before attacking her.” You looked at the girl with dark black hair, shadowheart

“Oh. Oh! So I’m the one who’s the bad guy?!” Karlach glared at you she was obviously a bit of a bomb

“There is no bad guy!” Astarion said trying to stay calm like he wasn’t just passing out a few minutes ago.

“Uhm yes! Yes there is and she’s right there!” You looked around and saw a man with long brown hair, gale. The wizard man you believed

Tav approached “Enough!” Even you felt compelled to stay quiet. “Stop fighting, Astarion, are you alright?” You looked at how Tav gently grabbed his hands and checked his arms, his face and he nodded “I’m fine Tav, the tadpole though it was acting up, I could barely stay awake it felt like I was going to pop.” Tav raised a brow “well I’m glad you're okay and your back safe. And quick too.” Astarion smiled and everyone asked their questions. Karlach, more calm, had approached “No tentacles?” She asked and he smiled “no tentacles.”

Tav sighed “so how you’d get here so quick?” Astarion turned to you, seeing you tied by magic as you avoided eye contact with him

“She brought me, carried me the whole way.”

Everyone blinked. “Knock her out, then we talk.” Tav said and you looked around “w-Wait a minute!” Suddenly you were out

——-

And just like that you were tied down to a tree. Fuck, again. You felt eyes on you as people passed. You struggled against your binds “Dammit!” You knew that taking sides with Astarion over Cazador would fuck you over. His friends didn’t trust you so now your tied spectacle of the damn camp.

You groaned, your head still ringing from karlachs boot, closing your eyes. You felt something cold press against your head. Cold meat you looked up at the snake tongue himself. Astarion. He looked down at you “Are you alright?” You only pulled away making him scoff “I’m trying to help you, I didn’t order them to attack you. But…this is the best option.” He said “Are you hungry?” He asked turning over to a silver cup filled with blood going to grab it you had kicked it before he could “Fuck You, I don’t want to eat your little catch, I want to lay down!” You felt the ropes burn against your skin

He let out a frustrated sigh laughing “I can’t help you if you keep denying any help!” He yelled before getting up and storming away, hands pushing through his head as he sat on his chair outside his tent, you watched tav walk over to him smiling and obviously talking about you. You put your head up looking at the stars peaking through the tree’s branches. Closing your eyes.

You had always have a heightened sense of awareness so the soft shaking of your binds made your eyes snap, turning your head you saw astarion cutting the ropes. “Whatre you doing?” You hissed “I don’t need your help.” Astarion tired of your shit pushed the dagger to your lip “we should’ve gagged you instead.” Slowly pulling away when you were silent “You’re filthy, so I’m letting you get cleaned.” You stayed quiet suddenly feeling the ropes fall and you sighed in relief. “Come on.” He said pulling you up and walking towards the river but further down from camp.

You could use a wash you started to undress but stopped. “You gonna watch me?” You asked, and he shrugged “I might want to wash up too, I am covered in blood and anguish from those three days.” You weren’t stupid, he was waiting to find something. But you continued, you turned your back towards him taking off your garments and feeling relief when your body was allowed to relax without tight clothing, you scratched your back feeling deep chunks of skin missing from all those lashings ago, and you heard a struggled sound, Astarion must’ve not expected this. You took off your trousers.

“Did he do that?” Astarion whispered he must’ve gotten closer. His whisper was loud. “Not Cazador…Godey though.” You said and he huffed

“So yes Cazador, when godey does it it’s just Cazadors way of keeping his hands clean so you can lean on him and deny that he had any part in it. Trust me I know.”

You sighed and went to step in. “Ah, wait.” You turned to Astarion and he didn’t seem to even care that you were exposed. He grabbed a band out of his pocket and started to tie your hair. “There.” You nodded and went in the water “Thanks.” You shrugged Astarion picked up your clothes “I’ll go wash these.” You nodded before sinking down under the water

Too late to turn back now.

[alfredojesta]

hc stuff ... or au rewrite stuff ?!

nathan's powers are temporary ghost magic. same things crystal could do but limited. he can phase through stuff. just disappear and reappear, and hes good at sensing spirits around him. he can also communicate with ghosts hence why hes a medium

i think when his powers activate, his eyes have a purple glow bc i Always liked that idea HAHA (and i associate crystal with the colour purple)

candy pop gave nathan his powers—indirectly. basically, crystal requested that candy pop fuse her soul with nathan's, so that she could finally rest, no longer be a roaming spirit. and nathan could learn how to fend for himself.

crystal died when they were both 11. she was always stuck as an 11 yr old following nathan around as he grew up, being a protector for him. nathan was dependent on her, and also couldn't get over the fact she was dead in the first place. having her as a spirit only deteriorated his health, as he kept believing she was still alive.

the fact nathan got to grow up and crystal lost her life so soon is tragic bc theyre IDENTICAL TWINS and nathan looks at himself in the mirror sometimes and he just sees crystal. or... what COULD have been crystal. if only she had the opportunity to grow up.

candy pop and nathan are bestfriends, but also, candy pop watched him grow up to be the person he is today. their bond is as familial as it is friendly. i imagine nathan has a difficult time, at first, coming to terms with candy pop helping him. nathan wants to be independent, not rely on the help of a stupid fairy. but he js can't deny the fact candy pop has gotten him through so much.

nathan's emotions sometimes get the better of him, and he regrets it later on. he thinks he can just take it out on candy pop sometimes since candy pop is sort of a doormat, and really just wants to be there for nathan.

ive been imagining the nathan and candy pop argument scene to go like this but im too lazy to write it at the moment, so here's a skeleton of it:

candy pop comes to his Really Shitty Abandoned Home and nathan's mad or smth and candy pop's like "hi ^_^ here's some food" But then nathan verbally attacks him asking him "why do you keep coming back???" "why do you treat me as if i'm weak???" "i don't need your fucking help jester" and then candy pop's like "wha! wait... calm down :o" and nathan laughs at him (he RARELY ever smiles or laughs)

hes like "yeah. okay. okay fine i'm calm then i'm calm" and then he punches candy pop and candy pop reacts by taking a step back and then nathan tries to choke him out, going on about how he wants candy pop to LEAVE and never fucking come back but candy pop kicks him off and pulls out his hammer

candy pops reaction is out of instinct . but as he looks out, nathans on the floor and hes just breaking down, yelling at candy pop and telling him to just fucking kill him already because theres no point to living anymore. But Candy Pop can't do it. so he just Lowers the hammer and tells nathan that there IS a point to living. he reminds nathan of his sister. he reminds nathan of how far he's come, and how things will get better, if only he puts in the effort. and then he's like "I will never come back here ever again." <- leaving on his own terms

he thanks nathan for being his friend... gives him some more words of encouragement... but when candy pop leaves and nathan is getting his shit tgthr hes constantly muttering to himself about how candy pop wasnt a friend and how he actually hated his dumbass fairy guts... (he's lying to himself) (he's coping)

afterwards, nathan grows up on his own. he's living in scotland at this point and he meets ciara :) they're together only for... three years? they train together, talk together, and they fall deeply in love hehe... that's until nathan has to relocate because he got a job as an assassin and couldn't stay in one place for too long. they're still keeping in contact with each other. long distance style relationship, although ciara is super bitter about it... so's nathan but at that moment it's for the better.

when candy pop and nathan reunite it's when nathan moved to london. nathan spots candy pop first, initiates an interaction. apologises. updates him on his life and just thanks candy pop. hes like "sorry i wouldnt have been alive without your help ;-; i missed you—" "YOU MISSED MEEEE?!?!?!" "WHAT" and then candy pop hugs him and all is forgiven because that's his child Right there. ALSO NATHAN TELLS HIM ABT CIARA HES LIKE "yeah theres this really hot girl who was talking about a blue jester tha killed her brother pretty sure thats u" "OH!"

(I FORGOT TO MENTION CANDY POP ACCIDENTALLY KILLED KIRAN IN MY AU LOL) (more on that in another post)

[angelispunk222]

hi this is my first fic like ever! have fun tell me if it sucks!!!!

joel miller/stripper!reader

“Angel lives a life she didn’t choose, She despised it actually. In a gritty world filled with danger and uncertainty, Y/N, a determined young woman working as a stripper to make ends meet, finds an unwavering protector in Joel Miller. Joel, a rugged man with a gentle heart, dedicates himself to ensuring Y/N’s safety, becoming her anchor amidst the chaos of her life.”

warning joel loves his gf!

𐙚 private dancer 𐙚

The dingy back room of the strip club was a stark contrast to the bright, garish lights and loud music that filled the main floor. Y/N sat in front of the small, cracked mirror, carefully wiping away her makeup. Her shift had just ended, and exhaustion weighed heavily on her shoulders.

Working at the “Pink Pony” club as one of the many dancers was something she had loved to do, the makeup, pink lights and the cowgirl persona was everything she thought she needed..until she met Joel.

One night she was dancing on stage, swaying her hips to the melody of “Super freak” maintaining eye contact with the crowd, but only having one interest on a head full of silver hair..



Joel Miller had been waiting outside, his broad frame leaning against the wall as he kept a watchful eye on the entrance. He’d been there every night, ensuring she got to and from work safely. He hated this place, hated seeing her in this environment, but he respected her choice and understood why she did it. She had dreams, aspirations, and this job was a means to an end.

When Y/N finally emerged, Joel straightened up, his gaze softening as it landed on her. “You ready to go, angel?” Stealing a peck on her lips full of love

Pecking back playfully she nodded, a tired smile playing on her lips. “Yeah, I’m ready.”

Joel walked beside her, his presence a comforting shield against the dangers of the night. As he wraps his arm around her tightly they made their way to his truck, and he opened the door for her, waiting until she was settled before closing it and climbing into the driver’s seat.

The drive was quiet, the hum of the engine and the occasional street noise the only sounds. Joel glanced over at her, his concern evident. “You alright, darling?” Joel puts his hand on her thigh.

She sighed, leaning her head against the window. “Just tired, Joel. It’s been a long night.”

He nodded, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. “You know you don’t have to do this. I can help you out.”

“I know,” she replied softly, “but I want to do this on my own terms. It’s just… temporary.”

Joel respected her determination, even if it pained him to see her in such a harsh world. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I promise,” she said, reaching over to squeeze his hand. “Thank you, Joel. For everything.”

He gave her a small smile, his heart aching with the need to protect her. “Always, angel. Always.”

When they arrived at her small apartment, Joel insisted on walking her to her door. He waited as she unlocked it, his eyes scanning the hallway for any signs of trouble. Once inside, she turned to him, her expression grateful yet weary.

“Can you stay for a bit?” she asked, her voice almost a whisper.

“Of course,” he replied without hesitation, closing the door behind him.

Y/N headed to the bathroom to wash off the remnants of her night. Joel took the opportunity to make a pot of coffee, his mind wandering to all the ways he wished he could shield her from the world. When she returned, she looked more like the Y/N he knew—fresh-faced and vulnerable.

They sat on the worn-out couch, sipping coffee in comfortable silence. Joel’s arm was draped protectively over the back of the couch, his presence a solid, reassuring weight.

“How was your night?” she asked, breaking the silence.

“Same old,” he replied with a shrug. “Had some work to do, but nothing I couldn’t handle.”

Y/N nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of admiration and concern. “You always seem to handle everything, Joel.”

He chuckled softly. “Not everything, darling. Just doin’ my best.”

She leaned her head on his shoulder, finding solace in his steadiness. “Your best is more than enough.”

As the night wore on, Joel helped her prepare for bed, ensuring she had everything she needed. He checked the locks on her doors and windows, his protective instincts kicking into high gear. “You need anything else?” he asked, standing in her bedroom doorway.

“No, I’m good,” she said, slipping under the covers. “Just… stay until I fall asleep?”

“Of course,” he said, pulling up a chair beside her bed.

She closed her eyes, the tension of the day melting away in his presence. Joel watched over her, his heart filled with a fierce determination to keep her safe. The world outside was harsh and unforgiving, but he would make sure she had a sanctuary, a place where she could find peace.

As she drifted off to sleep, Joel stayed vigilant, his gaze never leaving her. He knew he couldn’t protect her from everything, but as long as he was around, he would do everything in his power to shield her from harm. She was his light in a dark world, and he would guard that light with everything he had.

Y/N slept peacefully, the worries of her world fading into the background. And Joel, her steadfast guardian, kept watch, ready to face any threat that dared to come her way.

[crusty-chronicles]

The Moon and Sun (Big Sib Reader x Gon/Killua)

Ch 14: A Protector's Failure

Synopsis: You recall everything that's led you up to this point. The good and bad, while the boys try their best to cope with your temporary absence.

An: This is a skipable chapter because I know some people can't stand a backstory chapter. But it does give some insight on our insert's actions.

Key: 🌑☀️🌑☀️=pov change from Y/n to the boys. 🌘🌘🌘🌘=Transition between Y/n's memories/present

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

Rushed footsteps could be heard throughout the forest. The little pitter-patter reverberating off the trees. A child no more than five being the source of the sound. Pushing her body the fastest it could go.

Unawares of the unforeseen threat giving chase. Slowly closing in from above. All at once the being descended down on her, tackling the child down to the floor. The both of them tousling on the ground from the force.

"Got you Kari!" The being announced.

Another kid. This one a bit older with a prominent gap between their teeth.

"You're getting better, but still not fast enough," they continued before helping the other one up.

"You were cheating, Y/n! You used your nen!" The younger one whined out.

"Duh. You should've been using your nen too. You would've been able to sense me coming."

The older one playfully bumped the other's shoulder. Giggling at the way she turned her head and huffed.

"C'mon, we've been away long enough. Let's head back to the village before they start to get suspicious." Taking the smaller one's hand and starting to lead her away. But there was a small tug pulling them back.

"Do we have to go back right away? Can't we stay here a little longer?" It sounded hopeful from the small girl.

"You know how Fathe-," the older one shook their head. "You know how Reik gets. We can't keep him waiting."

But a feeling of dread lingered in the air. Something foreboding in it.

Almost like a warning.

🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️

You quickly jolted up. Breathing heavily as you came to. Catching your disheveled reflection in the puddle in front of you. (Having chosen a small cave to fall asleep in last night.)

That dream.

Why that one?

Why now?

You didn't want to see it. You didn't want to see her. You were already pushed past your limit, and now this? It was so frustrating you let out a scream. Your poor vocal cords straining once again, not yet fully healed.

God damnit.

Goddamn everything.

You forced yourself to calm down, remembering where you were. The NGL. You'd been here for about a week now. Only three more to go until you saw your boys again.

You didn't want to leave the boys behind, and part of you still wished you hadn't. That you had just stayed instead. But it really was for their own good.

You were no longer capable of keeping them safe. The altercation with the cat chimera ant had shown you that. You weren't good enough to protect them anymore. So it was decided you needed a safe place to train without distractions.

Without risking either one of them getting hurt.

And while that was your main reason for leaving so abruptly, it wasn't the only one. The blue hat tucked away in your pocket was another.

Kite.

You searched everywhere for him when you first got here. Tracking the faint trail of his aura all the way back to the place where you were attacked. Making sure to lower your heart rate in case that same ant detected you.

But all you found when you got there was blood. Caked and dried in splatters on the dirt. Too much for any living person to lose. You couldn't help but throw up at the sight.

Disgust and grief mixing together as you heaved up everything you had. There was no way he could've survived that. Even if he did manage to defeat that thing, he would've lost too much blood to just walk away.

And judging by the malicious aura barley in reach of your en, it was still out there.

You'd run away like a coward.

Like you always did.

And Kite paid the price for your selfishness.

You clutched his hat tightly as you recalled the sight. The little specs of blood on the brim were yours, but it may as well have been his from the way guilt seemed to consume you the longer you stared at it.

Another person you cared about dead because you wanted to protect your own life.

Maybe that was why you dreamt about her. A reminder that this wasn't the first time you'd run away so callously. Or maybe it was because of that stupid old man. Calling you by a name you'd long discarded, forcing you to remember the atrocities attached to it.

You didn't like remembering, but it was getting harder and harder to avoid doing so. You deserved to suffer, and maybe your mind decided torturing you with the past was the way to do it.

You shook your head to rid the thought. Now wasn't the time to feel sorry for yourself. You still had a long way to go before you were combat ready. Before you could stomach the sight of blood.

Although, you couldn't help but wonder how Gon and Killua were taking it.

You sincerely hoped they were doing fine without you.

🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️

The sound of glass shattering echoed throughout the small home, startling Gon awake. There was a splintering sound of something bigger hitting the floor. Followed by a few curses.

That definitely wasn't right.

He quickly got up and rushed towards the living room. Eyes widening as he identified the cause for all the commotion.

Killua.

And he looked very upset.

Raising up something else to break before Gon stopped him.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

The small assassin didn't answer, fearing that if he did, he would once again break down.

"Where's Y/n?" Gon tried again. Knowing that there was no way you wouldn't have gotten up to comfort Killua.

But despite his good intent, it seemed that wasn't the right thing to ask right now. Killua walked over to the table and sat down with his head in his hands. Letting out a shaky breath as he eyed the crumpled up note he found earlier.

The boy in green following his line of sight and picking up the note to read.

Dear my little moon and sun,

By the time you're reading this I'll have returned to the NGL. I truly am sorry to have left without saying a word, but I have my reasons. I need to work on my own skills and strength so that what happened with the cat chimera ant never happens again. It's something I need to do by myself, no matter how much it pains worries me to leave you two by yourselves. I know you two of you are dead set on proving yourselves through Netero's game, but I could care less for that old geezer's instructions. Nevertheless, I know you'll both succeed in taking those two other game pieces. That you'll both improve your skills drastically. I have complete faith in you, so when the month's over, I better see your faces cross the border! I'll be waiting until then.

Apologies, Y/n.

Oh.

He understood now.

Though he wasn't angry with you like Killua. Just disappointed that you'd once again chosen to do this by yourself. A hunch that you still didn't trust them. Seems his instincts had been right after all. He looked over towards his best friend, frowning at the defeated look he had.

"Why...Are we not enough for them to stay?" Killua's voice was quiet, a drastic change from his previous frustration.

Then his despair returned to anger. Hands clenching and body lightly shaking.

"Do they just hate us!?! Were we really that terrible that they decided to leave again!?! Damnit Y/n, why do you keep doing this!?!? Why do you keep running away!?!?" Frustrated tears now running down his face.

"Was yesterday just a cover up!?! All of it, just pretending like they weren't going to leave us!!!"

Because you'd been smiling so much yesterday.

Joking around, tucking them into bed, giving them a goodnight kiss. Was all of it just so they wouldn't have suspected anything?

'Your friends will leave you.'

No, not you. You were supposed to stay. You were supposed to be here right now. You were supposed to be his big sibling.

A hand on his shoulder stopped his frantic thoughts.

"They weren't faking. They probably didn't know how to tell us." Gon tried to explain. It was what he figured anyways.

Because you didn't have to comfort him last night. You didn't have to put him back to bed. And the way you hesitated when he caught you sneaking out.... Conflicted like you didn't really wanna leave.

How could any of that have been faked?

But Killua wasn't fully convinced yet.

"That's just the thing, they don't trust us enough to tell us anything! How do we know that this time they're telling the truth!?!"

It hurt.

Not being able to trust the one person that was supposed to keep him safe.

Did you really go back there to get stronger, or did you leave to find Kite?

Because clearly you seemed to prefer his company over theirs.

"Think about it," Gon started.

"Y/n said they're going back there to get stronger. Do you know what that means? It means they're gonna fight. And do you what that means?"

If you planned on fighting then...

"They're going to break their promise...to keep us safe." But was that really why?

Killua didn't know anymore.

"If they really did leave for good, then why would they leave a note? Y/n is waiting for us. They're counting on us to get stronger. I understand why you're upset, I wish they would've told us too. But if there's one thing Y/n isn't, it's someone who doesn't honor their word."

And for whatever reason, those words started to ease the doubts eating away at him.

"How are you so sure this time?"

"Killua, they almost died just to make sure we were okay first. How can you not be so sure?" It was stated as a matter of fact.

And now that he said it, Killua felt like an idiot.

Yesterday was just you trying to have one last good day before you left. You probably thought you wouldn't get another chance. That you might die in the NGL by yourself.

It was real.

And so was everything else before that.

"You're right.... But I still haven't forgiven them. They can't just keep leaving like this. It's-"

"Worrying. I know." Gon agreed.

"How do you think they're holding up?"

🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️

It was raining again.

Pouring down in endless buckets. And the first good rain of the year usually meant...

Today was officially your birthday.

You must've been 20 by now. Maybe 21. You don't really remember anymore. Not the official date anyways. But the one thing you did remember was that it always poured heavily, and you hated it.

You hated it for ruining your fun when you were a child, and you hated it now for stalling your training. Once again stuck in some small cave to avoid getting wet. Left with nothing but your thoughts to entertain you. How unfortunate that they kept drifting back to the one thing you didn't want to think about.

The Mizaki Clan.

Your 'family.'

You blamed Netero for bringing them up. You blamed yourself for continuously screwing up. You blamed the clan for putting you in this situation in the first place.

A part of you was grateful for what they gave you, at least during the early years. Another part of you respected them for the opportunities they've given so many. But the biggest part of you hated everything they stood for. The part of you that would never forgive them.

Fuck it.

You were tired of fighting the thoughts away.

Tired of repressing memories that would just come back twice as strong.

It didn't matter anymore. No one was here to see you break anyways. You could be weak if it was with yourself. Relying on your own comfort like you always had.

The Mizaki Clan, a clan of skilled hunters. The duties of each respective member being divided into three categories: Trapper, Tracker, and Trader.

Most were orphans who'd been found and taken in. Few had been outsiders married in. Even fewer were born into the clan. For all the shit they put you through, they were anything but discriminate when it came to accepting new members.

You were an orphan. The story goes, you were found in the backyard of an abandoned residence. The man who found you, Reik, was the current clan head. But at that time he'd barely taken over the reigns.

To you, Reik had been your father. And the truth was the same for others around your age. You'd believed he was a compassionate yet stern leader. Someone to be respected and loved at the same time.

Oh how wrong you were. A naive and foolish child.

Turns out the story of your upbringing had been a lie. You'd found out the truth because you witnessed it happen to someone else firsthand.

It was at the age of seven you found out. The age where everything started falling apart. When the illusion of blind devotion started to fade away.

You'd been assigned a mission with a few others. Reik had been among them. The targets had easily been disposed of. Of course they were, they were ordinary people who happened to cross the wrong person.

When your group went to leave, a wailing sound filled the air. It was only a matter of seconds before the source of the crying was found. Father had discovered a small child hidden away inside a closet.

Who, upon finding the baby, met your eyes and told you, "It's our job to make sure we finish off our targets. No matter what, for the good of the clan. But it's also our responsibility to handle loose ends.

Our client only specified a man and a woman. Therefore this child is our burden. A baby is pure. Born without the sin of their parents. Do you understand, little one? None of this is personal."

The phrase became one you hated. "It's nothing personal." It was very personal.

Looking back on it now, he didn't have to take that baby in. He didn't have to take any of them in, yet he did. It had you thinking that maybe, somewhere deep down, that man actually felt guilt and remorse for what he did.

Then again, he always justified his actions with them being for the good of the clan.

A small part of you couldn't let go of the man you'd perceived him to be. Didn't want to believe his actions had never been out of kindness, but necessity.

You wanted to hate him, and you should have.

But you were just sad if anything. Frustrated that he was up on a pedestal that couldn't be questioned. Because if it was, they'd end up like you.

Like Kari.

Your Kari. Your little sister that had been taken far too soon from this world. Eyes such a light brown they were almost golden. Hair a fluffy mess of curls.

It was your fault she was gone.

🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘

At the age of seven you were what most would call an absolute demon. Always getting into fights. Always biting people and using the gap between your teeth as leverage to sink them in deeper. Always showing off.

Today had been one of those days.

You'd just come back from retrieving a special object. Your goal was to turn it in to either Reik or a fellow trader. You'd decided on the later, strolling through the dirt roads of the village.

What was the name of the person you were supposed to see? Winnie? Winfred? Wonka? Eh, didn't matter anyways.

You were gonna make a pitstop first and pay a visit to your favorite old codger. Kari was sick after all. Perhaps some sweets would make her feel better. And he was the only one with a working oven.

Your thoughts were interrupted by a harsh shove to your shoulder. A few other kids shoving past you. Laughing as they raced away.

You turned your head towards where they came from, watching as an old man tried to give chase. However, he was out of breath after only a few steps.

"Old Mr. Beuru?" You mumbled.

"DAMN BRATS! YOU'RE LUCKY I AIN'T AS YOUNG AS I USED TO BE!"

Your mood immediately dampened. You gave a sigh before focusing your eyes in the distance. Three mischievous auras on your radar. You summoned your nen towards your legs and took off towards them.

It was only a matter of seconds before you caught up. You gave a jump to land in front of them and glared.

Three teenage boys. Who would've guessed?

The ringleader glared right back, popping what you assumed to be candy into his mouth.

"If it isn't one of Father's favorites. Whaddya want? We don't have time to chattering around with a diaper baby."

His two buddies snickered at his remark.

You took the first one as a compliment. Being one of Reik's favorites meant you had a good shot of becoming the clan head one day. That you were a prodigy.

The second one you wouldn't let slide. You'd already outranked these fools in both physical and nen combat. But sure, you were the baby.

"Hand over what you took." Your voice was ice and your aura was authoritative. But it did little to deter them.

"Tch, like we're gonna give you any. You know how hard it was to con that old man?"

That was all the information you needed. You were hot headed by nature. Someone who strikes first, asked questions later.

At least, that was how you used to be.

In the blink of an eye, you'd used your Caster's Net to hog tie the boy's lackies. Your anger being palpable as you tackled the third. Pushing his face in the dirt and using your nen to pin him.

"GET OFF ME!" He screeched.

"THEN GIVE BACK WHAT YOU STOLE!"

"IT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!" He then tried to throw you off. Using his own nen to find some leeway. But as you observed, you were indeed stronger than him.

"BULL! WE'RE MEMBERS OF THE SAME COMMUNITY! IT IS MY BUSINESS WHEN YOU DECIDE TO GO AND PICK ON ONE! NOW GIVE IT BACK!"

"HE HAD IT COMING, NOW GET THE HELL OFF!!!"

"GIVE IT OR I'LL-"

The threat died on your tongue as you were hoisted up. Your nen dissipating from the shock.

It was how you found yourself being interrogated by Father. The altercation causing quite the stir in the village. He questioned the three boys first.

"What was the reason this fight started? You know fighting within the clan is looked down upon. Even more so to be feuding with a member below your age group."

The trio wasted no time coming up with a lie.

"They just jumped us. We were minding our business when they came out of nowhere." The ringleader answered.

Unawares of the eyes focused in on his aura.

"You swear that's all that happened?" Father asked.

"Uh huh. If you ask me, they need to be kept in check."

If looks could kill, you would've ended his life ten times over.

"I see. Now, Y/n what do you recall happening?"

"I was just coming back from my mission and I saw the three of them running away. Mr. Beuru was chasing them so I assumed they did something. And I was right. They stole from him. They even admitted it."

If there was one thing you despised most, it was liars and thieves. Unbeknownst to you, in about a decade that would change to hunters.

Reik looked at you thoughtfully.

"So when they wouldn't hand over what they stole, you decided to get it by force?"

"Yup."

"Fath-Reik, they're lying!"

But he'd already found out the truth. Your aura had been convicting, untainted by deceit unlike the three boys before him.

"You boys should know by now that you can't get anything past me. Please return what you've taken. I promise your punishment will be more lax if you do."

The decision shocked the three boys. But even so, they wouldn't go down without a fight.

"It's no fair! You always side with them!"

"Y/n told the truth. You did not. Am I to side with a thief and a deceiver? You three will spend two days in isolation. Do I make myself clear?"

The trio's pockets were emptied out. Small bags of hard candy found in them. You watched as they were hauled off to the Room. Sticking out your tongue as they passed you by.

You figured isolation was an appropriate punishment. Two days without light, food, and water. Served them right.

You made your way back towards the main village, carrying the bags of sweets. Turns out the person they were stolen from was the one you had been on your way to see.

You knocked twice on the door before entering. The old man looked up at you surprised.

"Guess who just got three jerks in trouble?" You jazzed your hands, causing Beuru to let out a disappointed sigh.

"What was Reik's punishment?"

"Two days of isolation. They were really annoying too. Anyways, here." You held out the bags towards him.

At that, he smiled.

"Glad my day wasn't ruined after all. You know something, Y/n?"

You gave a hum.

"You might be the only kid I can stand. You've still got sticky fingers though. Now, you know what you hafta do if you want one of my deserts."

Because Old Mr. Beuru had to beg Reik for an oven. The only one in the entire village, just so he could bake to impress the old lady he liked. And she'd been the only one he baked for until you came along. His conditions had ranged from various trivia during the time he was growing up.

With that being said, you started humming up an old tune. Then danced in a way that was completely old-fashioned.

"I already had Shura play the Charleston several times, so I'd say I'm a pro now." You bragged, promptly falling flat on your butt afterwards.

The old man laughed, bagging you up something that looked chocolate. His expression turned serious as he handed it off to you.

"Speaking of Shura, don't tell her about what happened here. Okay?"

"Why not, she worries about you, you know?"

"That's exactly why. She's all grown up now. She doesn't need to worry about me when she's got her own life going on."

It was something you didn't understand at the time. Not wanting your child to worry about you. But you sure as hell understood it in the present.

"Now get back home. Isn't your sick sister waiting?" Beuru jested.

"Yeah, yeah. See you around, fossil," you threw over your shoulder as you left.

"Die in a hole, gremlin."

When you'd returned to your home, you had to dodge several of your peers to make it to your room. Most of them wondering what happened with you this time.

You never liked how quickly word would get out.

It didn't matter anyways. Their opinion on you didn't matter. The only one whose you really cared out was...

"Hey, Kari. How's the cold coming along?"

Said girl peaked her head out of a pile of blankets before ducking back down.

"I'm dying. This is the end for me. Remember the Alamo."

You walked over to her bed snickering. Harshly pulling the covers down as she shrieked.

"The Alamo, huh? You've been spending too much time with Deshin."

She pouted up at you. Fighting in a tug of war to cover herself again.

"You've been spending too much time with Deshin. I heard you got in a fight today."

"Yeah cuz' they made me mad. Don't you wanna know why?"

"No." She replied.

You pinched her cheek in retaliation, grinning at her noise of protest.

"Fine. Be that way. It's not like I went out of my way to bring you something special. Me? Never."

Kari quickly shot up at your words. Honey colored eyes beaming as you dropped the bag into her lap.

"You do love me!"

"No duh. You better share!"

Now Kari hadn't been a prodigy like you. In fact, she was the exact opposite. She was way behind the rest of her age group. Not even capable of reading the auras of those around her.

Tracker was off the list of what she would become.

She had a basic understanding of nen and was an enhancer from what you gathered. But she had trouble fighting. Severely lacking when it came to speed.

That scratched Trapper too.

You figured she would've been a trader. Then again, she wasn't very good with people. Most of the one's she interacted with treated her less than because of her weak nen.

She just didn't really fall into any role of the clan. And that made her a target for the older age groups. It's why you met in the first place.

If there was one good thing that clan taught you, it was that your family didn't have to be blood related.

You stood up for her, and ever since then, she'd been one of your own. Your little sister by choice. You'd done your best to coach her. Slowly helping her make improvements in her strength.

And while she was improving, it wasn't fast enough.

That night, the two of stayed up watching the stars. Intertwining hands and making signs while you ate whatever sweet Beuru had made.

It wasn't too long after that things started falling apart.

Your clan hadn't been made up of just any hunters. They were all Blacklist Hunters. Doing unsavory work in the shadows to keep the clan mostly isolated.

Children, like you and her, were trained from the age of three and up to perfect their nen. Prepared by the age of twelve to take the Hunter Exam in order to properly provide for the clan.

Always for the good of the clan.

But in the meantime, most kids with advanced nen would shadow the adults on their mission. You were one of three who had that privilege. The others being your 'best friend' and a girl a year older than you.

It was one of these missions you'd just been selected for. However, you had a condition if you were gonna help out.

Kari had to come with you.

It was more of you wanting her to get experience than it was because you wanted to spend time with her.

Nevertheless, she was allowed to come with you. Your task was to locate an undercover crime boss from his picture. Hers was to be there to catch him when he got scared out.

Finding the man was easy. Based on his stature and preferred traveling habits, you were able to find him in a week. Following the cruel and murky aura all the way to his hideout.

The easy part was done. The hard part would soon begin.

"If you see anything, act. Don't be scared, okay?" You ordered the small girl.

She nodded in return.

With that, you took off with the others in your group. You'd immediately been shot at as you entered. Dodging from side to side and trying to find some cover. Luckily, one of the people you were with had a reflecting ability. Nearly cutting the size of goons in half.

The rest worked on fishing out the leader. Two of the potential targets started running towards the exit. You were only fast enough to catch one. Cracking their skull on the pavement with a kick as the other escaped.

From Kari's perspective, she saw a man fleeing. And remembering your words, used a weak strand of nen to hold him down.

"Please stay still mister. It'll only be worse if you don't." Truthfully, she didn't want to kill anybody. She was counting on you to take care of it, like you always did.

The captive struggled against the bind before begging.

"Please! What is it you people want!?! Money??? I've got plenty! I can send thousands if you let me go! Little girl you don't want to be doing this!"

Kari closed her eyes and raised up her foot. Preparing to end his life. For you. She was gonna do this for you and nobody else. Only here because you stuck your neck out for her. She didn't want to tarnish your reputation.

Then the man said something. Something that completely stopped her in her tracks.

"I HAVE A FAMILY, PLEASE!!!"

She opened her eyes shocked. It was never really something she thought about before. These targets they'd been pursuing had still been people. People with lives and loved ones.

Was it really justified ending their lives?

Was a clan built on blood really something to be proud of?

Who were they to determine if someone should live or die?

It made her feel icky the more she thought about it. Someone paid for this man to die. Or rather, they paid for him to suffer. The rule: No witnesses, no survivors had been a Mizaki invention. He didn't have to die.

So then why were they doing it?

And with her newfound revelation, she released her nen from the man. He hardly spared a glance back at her as he ran. She barley felt your confused aura from behind her.

"Why did you hesitate?"

She jumped at the sound of your voice. Figuring you'd be angry she let him get away.

"It didn't feel right." She justified.

You could only scrunch your face in confusion.

"Why not? He was the guy we were looking for. If you didn't want to kill him, you should've just held him down for me or one of the others."

"It's not that...I didn't think it was right for him to die."

It was an odd thing for you to hear. Of course it was right. It was for the good of the clan. But Kari was younger than you. She wasn't used to this. It made sense that she wouldn't understand. You knew she would in time.

"Then I won't bring you in on any more 'people' missions. Okay? But right now we have to find that man before the others find out. Messing up means a punishment from father."

But it was too late. A thud sounded ahead of you. One of the others had already caught up to your target. And they didn't look too happy about it.

"YOU ALMOST LET HIM GET AWAY! I WANNA KNOW WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS!" An older woman lectured.

Before Kari could take the blame, you stepped forward.

"It was me. I miscalculated and he slipped away. I'm sorry."

You always did this. Always vouched, always protected, always accepted the responsibility. And Kari hated it.

It wasn't fair to you.

Yet she said nothing. A fear that if she spoke, she'd be banished from the clan or worse.

She looked on regretfully as you were seated in front of Reik for questioning. She could do nothing except hope you'd be back soon.

Meanwhile, you were sweating buckets. You didn't like lying to Father. He could see through anyone with his eyes.

"Back here in less than a month? It's not like you, little one. From what I gather, you let the target go. Is that correct?"

The air felt tense...But you wouldn't give your sister up that easily.

"Yes, Father. It was my fault we almost lost him."

You were kneeled down before him with your head bowed. Trying to make yourself appear smaller.

"Really? Someone with as much precision as you let the target get away? This hasn't happened to you before. Were you distracted? I'm aware that Kari was with you."

You tensed up, already knowing you'd been found out. But you were stubborn, no matter the odds.

"She was. But I was alone when he got away. She had nothing to do with it."

Your aura was heavy with deceit.

"Y/n, tell me the truth. Kari was the one who let him get away, wasn't she?"

"...No, it was me. It was my fault."

You flinched as you saw him raise a hand in your peripheral. You were surprised when it cupped your cheek, guiding you to meet his eye.

"You should know I'm very proud of you. Not many would stick up for those they cared about when facing punishment. You have a loyalty that runs deep. A quality that makes for a strong hunter."

But as quickly as the warmth came, it was taken. The hand cupping your cheek moved back and slapped you. Your head turning from the force.

"But you out of everyone knows you can't keep things from me. I accept nothing less than the truth. This isn't a matter of stolen goods, this concerns our clan as a whole. I'm disappointed that you would jeopardize that."

The left side of your face was numb. A dark handprint already forming on your skin.

"I'm truly sorry." You quickly placed your head on the floor and put a hand over your heart.

"I didn't mean anything by it. I swear I didn't. Please find it in your heart to forgive me."

"Of course I forgive you, just as I have forgiven those boys. But you still have to face your punishment. The one meant for Kari."

"Yes, Father."

"A week in isolation with the bare necessities. But before you go, I want you to think about something. You risk everything for that girl. You suffer for her. Lie for her. But what has she ever done for you besides get you in trouble? Your loyalty is everlasting and patient, but how much more will she put you through without anything in return? That is all. I hope the week will fly by for you."

You didn't know what to feel at the moment. You'd been praised for protecting Kari, then questioned on if it was the right thing to do.

You loved her, and she loved you.

Right?

She was always there for you when you got back. She always stayed up with you to watch the stars. Always engaged in silent conversations with you.

But then again, Kari never went on any missions you didn't. She never got tired like you and would stay up way past when you fell asleep. She only learned sign language because you found the book on it. She never really got you anything like you had through bartering.

You always covered up for her.

But you did it because you wanted to, not because she asked.

Everything you did for her, you never expected anything in return. Nothing except her support.

Was she supposed to be returning all these favors?

Were you going about this all wrong?

Father seemed to think so.

And maybe it did make you bitter that you were alone in the dark. Maybe you were upset that she didn't finish the target off simply because she didn't want to. Maybe you were upset that she kept blowing the chances you gave her.

Maybe you were tired of doing so much for so little in return.

But it wasn't as black and white as you were lead to believe. As soon as you'd been sentenced, Kari made her way to Reik.

"Is Y/n gonna be okay?" She asked.

"Y/n is facing a week of isolation in your place. They were very adamant on doing so. You should feel so fortunate to have someone who cares that much about you." It was said lightly.

But Kari couldn't help but feel like something malicious was hidden underneath.

"Why so harsh a punishment? It really wasn't all that bad."

She froze as she was met with small glare.

"It could've put our clan in danger. No witnesses, no survivors. If Y/n gets it in their head that it's okay to let our targets go, then they'll do it more frequently. They'll start to lag behind their age group. Right now they have a good chance of taking over the reigns when they're older.

I understand you two are close, but I fear your influence might make them soft. Make them weak. Perhaps it's for the best you two are less involved. It's for the well being of the clan that they don't fall behind. You understand that, right little one?"

And Kari's heart just about broke.

She had never viewed Reik as a father figure. He'd never been as kind to her as he was with you. And now that he verbalized he felt she was dragging you down, she could only dislike him more.

He didn't love you. He didn't love any of you. He just viewed you as a tool to get ahead.

🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️

To say Gon and Killua were shocked would be an understatement. They knew that Palm was 'weird', having met her only once. But this was just absurd.

Apparently her nen ability allowed her to find and contact Bisky, of all people. Saying she did a little research. Whatever that meant. They were too weirded out to ask.

But it might've been for the best. Bisky had helped them out before. She'd been the one to help refine their nen attacks. Surely she could make them strong enough to defeat Morel's students.

Her first reaction upon seeing the boys again was anger. Hitting the both of them over the head for even thinking about completing their training in just a week.

Her next response was confusion. Noticing a very familiar presence was missing. 

Yours.

"Hey boys, where's Y/n?" She questioned. 

She was sure you left with them. Maybe something happened. And judging by the sulking expressions they wore, something did. Both of them deflating at the mention of your name.

"They didn't die, did they?"

Gon's head quickly shot up. Shocked and in disbelief that Bisky thought you'd die so easily.

"No! Y/n would never! They're just gone for the time being." 

"So dead."

This time it was Killua who spoke up, not wanting any further confusion.

"They're back at the NGL with our other friend. Y/n's training and probably looking for him. We…We got ambushed back there. Which is why we need to get as strong as possible quickly."

Bisky nodded, getting a grasp on the situation. She knew you were a bit flaky from your reaction on Greed Island, but maybe that could work in her favor.

Give these boys a little more incentive to push themselves.

"That's even more of a reason you should take training seriously. What do you think is gonna happen when the month's over and you don't show up? They'll be disappointed is what."

"Is it really gonna take a month?" Gon asked.

"Kite's back there, too. The sooner we get both of them out, the better." He justified.

There was something determined in his eye.

But it took more than determination to win battles. Especially up against hunters that had plenty of experience. It was best to take things slow and use up all of the available time.

It'd help them out in the long run.

"A month for sure. Now let's get started! We're going all the way back to the basics!" Bisky announced, causing grumbles from both boys.

You were strong enough to hold out for a month, right?

🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️

It was a murky day when you were released. Humid and cloudy. You hated it. Your footsteps lagged towards your home. You didn't think you wanted to see her right now. You'd spent so much time thinking about what Reik said.

So much time wondering if it was all true.

You hesitantly opened the door to your shared room. The creaking of the door signaling your arrival.

You were surprised to be engulfed in a hug. Why were you surprised? A mess of curls tickling your nose. You hesitated to wrap your arms around her.

"I missed you big sib. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry you were in the Room for so long."

You just couldn't find it in yourself to be mad at her. No, she hadn't intentionally left you in the trenches. And you truly were a sucker for anything she did. A crumb of her affection and Father's words faded just like that.

"I missed you, too. Anything big happen while I was gone?" You already knew the answer.

"No. I've been completely bared from shadowing. That's about it...Oh! Shura said she'd play your favorite song when you got out. The one about fall."

She beamed up at you. You couldn't help but smile back.

"Really? How about we go see her right now? I'm sure she's still outside since it hasn't rained yet." A nice melody on the piano was just what you needed right now.

"And if she's not, can we just walk around instead?"

"Sure...But first I have to see Father. I need to get my next assignment before I get rusty."

You grabbed her hand and prepared to pull, but she didn't budge. You looked back at her in confusion.

"Something wrong, Kar?"

"That man isn't my father, and he's not yours either." Her tone was angry. Eyes glaring down at the floorboards.

It shocked you. She was never mad at anything. You didn't even register her words fully.

"What? Are-Are you okay? I know he's not really my dad, but-"

"You know what he really thinks of you? Of us? He thinks I'm a burden to you. He thinks of you as a tool for the clan. It's not right."

Her same words from that night.

But it only made your two loyalties clash. Your respect for Reik and your love for Kari.

"I don't know where all this is coming from, but please stop. You know you're not a burden to me. I love you. And I already know what I am. My purpose is to do what's best for the clan. To get stronger for my people."

She gaped at you for a moment. Then frustration radiated off of her.

"AND YOU'RE OKAY WITH THAT!?! YOU MEAN NOTHING TO HIM AS A PERSON, AND YOU DON'T CARE!?!"

You could feel your own frustration start to increase.

"I didn't say that. I said it's my duty to get stronger for my people. Father sees my potential as a way to do it. That doesn't mean he doesn't care about me!"

She gave a cruel laugh.

"You're in denial! He doesn't love you! Why can't you see that!?! You're so brainwashed you can't even see what he has you doing! He's making you kill people!!! Normal kids don't do that!!!!"

"Well we're not normal! We're Mizaki! The best of the best! Sometimes that means getting our hands dirty! It's how it is! Why can't you see that!?!?"

"BECAUSE IT'S NOT RIGHT! THESE PEOPLE HAVE FAMILIES! THEY HAVE OTHERS WHO CARE ABOUT THEM! WE AREN'T IN THE RIGHT TO SAY WHO LIVES OR DIES! THINK ABOUT IT! WE DON'T HAVE TO KILL ALL OF THEM! IT'S DEAD OR ALIVE, NOT DEAD! WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME WE SPARED SOMEONE WHO WASN'T A BABY!"

"WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY! IT'S NOTHING PERSONAL, SO WHY ARE YOU TREATING IT LIKE IT IS! GOD WHY CAN'T YOU BE LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE!!!"

Your eyes widened when you realized what you said. It was too late to take it back. You could tell by the tears now streaming by her face.

"Kar, you know I didn't-"

"I hate you."

Your blood ran cold. You didn't know how to handle this. She'd never said that to you before. And sure you had your fights, but never like this.

"You don't mean that." Your voice was pleading.

"I hate you. Just go away. Run away to Reik like you always do. You love him more than me anyways."

She pushed past you and out the door.

You could only stand in the center of the room. Mulling over everything that was said. Crying softly as you realized she meant every word.

She really did hate you, didn't she?

You should've kept your mouth shut. You just had to go and ruin everything.

🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘

You threw up for the fifth time today. Already two weeks in and you still couldn't do it. You still couldn't stand the feeling of blood. 

You managed to desensitize yourself some when it came to seeing it. The blue blood, at least. You didn't think you could handle red blood.

The feeling of it splattering against your skin or landing on your clothes was enough for you to panic. Collecting the rain and using it to rub your skin clean. To wash away the sticky liquid from your face.

Scrubbing away until your skin was raw. And even then, you still felt filthy.

Your ears picked up a whirring sound. Something was flying towards you. You had a good feeling you knew what it was.

You could feel the bloodlust before you saw the ant. It looked at you with a hungry expression. You were so damn tired of killing these things.

Trying to take out your frustrations on them, only to feel even worse after. It didn't help that you felt two more incredibly malicious auras awaken during the week.

Two more royal guards.

And you couldn't do a damn thing about it unless you wanted to die.

For now, you kept yourself busy with the weaker ones that approached you. Thinking you were easy prey.

"See that line," you said as you pointed to a straight line in the dirt.

"As long as you don't cross that, I'll let you live. I don't care what else you do." Your voice was tired, but healed.

It didn't sting anymore when you spoke.

"You think you can scare me? I'll eat your flesh from your bones!" 

The ant lunged towards you. With a snap of your finger, it's body was left hanging in front of you. Dead in a matter of seconds.

You released your nen and watched it fall. The blue spittle from its mouth landing on your shoe. Your stomach immediately churning in disgust.

Make that six times.

🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️

The days seemed to fly by with Bisky's rigorous training. Gon and Killua were already two weeks in. Two weeks of forcing themselves to keep ren as long as possible. Two weeks of fighting Knuckle immediately after.

Two weeks of worrying about you.

It was the middle of the afternoon and they were still struggling to maintain their Ren. Going on the second hour when small thuds sounded at the window.

It was raining, and heavily by the sound of it.

Both boys immediately lost all the fight in them. Giving up on maintaining their aura and looking dejectedly outside.

The rain.

You always smelled like fresh rain.

Something that had been odd, yet comforting.

It was like they just couldn't escape your presence. Unable to focus on training anymore now that they had been reminded of you. Missing you even more now that they couldn't avoid a scent so reminiscent of yours.

"Hey! What's the matter with you two!?! Training isn't over yet!" Bisky scolded.

But neither of them paid her any mind. Instead, watching as it continued pouring outside. Wondering how you were doing out there.

Did you have some shelter from the rain?

Were you warm?

Had you been able to find something to eat?

Things they were sure would have been laughable to you. 

"Can we take a break? Just until the rain stops." Gon asked, earning a confused look from Bisky.

"Why? You know we don't have time to be wasting. We only have two weeks left." 

She couldn't, for the life of her, understand why now of all times they would want to take a break .It wasn't like they were training outside in the rain. And even then, she'd still make them work.

"You wouldn't understand. Either way, we don't feel like training right now. Not while it's still raining. We won't be able to focus," Killua explained. 

It's not that he didn't trust Bisky, but the reason was just too embarrassing to tell her. Especially with Palm eyeing them from the kitchen.

"Fine. But don't expect any breaks for two days, got it?" 

The duo nodded, relieved they'd been allowed a small moment of peace.

Killua quickly went to crack open a window. Allowing the sound of rain to be more prominent throughout the small home.

Gon went into the room that had been yours. Eyeing the messy sheets with a bittersweet feeling. 

They'd spent about a week taking care of you here. Making sure you wouldn't die of blood loss. That you'd make a full recovery. And then you'd let in a hurry.

He grabbed the comforter you wrapped around the two of you that night. Dragging it out to the spot Killua had chosen.

The both of them sat down, tossing one side of the comforter over to the other. Basking in the warmth it brought along with your scent.

Almost like you were here, giving them a hug.

🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️

It was only five days after your fight that you'd been assigned to shadow another mission. You didn't get a chance to apologize. She'd avoided you too well for you to even make the effort.

But you thought hard about what she said.

You didn't have a problem if Reik didn't really care about you. At the end of the day, he was a mentor. Made to make you stronger. And if that was the extent of your relationship, then so be it.

You only cared about if Kari loved you, and the longer it took to make amends, the less likely it would be.

The thing you really took to heart was her accusations towards the way the clan was ran. She was right about them not having to always kill a target.

She was right about many of them having families. You'd heard so many pleas that you eventually became desensitized. Maybe you could prove a point. Maybe you did have a choice and the clan just went with the easiest one.

It was just your luck that Deshin was shadowing with you. A boy your age with a mixture of black and white hair. Thus the nickname you gave him: cookies'n cream.

He was your rival in a sense. Always competing and pushing to out do each other. It became a friendship built on mutual respect. You argued and teased each other, but that's what kept things interesting.

Your assignment today was to stop anyone inside the building from escaping. A mundane job but considering you took the blame for the last guy escaping, it was only fair.

You scanned inside the building with your eyes as the others went in. It was a decently sized house. You couldn't help but pity whoever was inside.

You'd never done that before.

You watched the relaxed auras inside become overrun with fear. The little blimps of life disappearing one by one. A few screams here and there.

Then you saw one approaching the exit. It was a woman who appeared injured. Blood trailing down her head as she ran.

You quickly intercepted her. Her frantic aura calmed a bit upon seeing you.

"Oh, sweetie. You have to get out of here now. There are bad people inside. We have to run while we can, c'mon!"

You hesitated as she extended a hand out to you.

There was so much sympathy radiating off of her. Motherly, was the feeling. A stranger that was warning you about your own people.

It was dumbfounding.

Father never had this much softness in his aura when he addressed you.

The screams from the building started to quiet down. The woman only further urged you to come with her. Was that guilt you were starting to feel.

A job was a job.

But maybe, things could go differently this time.

"I'm really sorry, ma'am. But there's a bounty on someone who lives here. We have to take in everyone by association no matter what. Please don't take this personally."

She looked at you like she hadn't heard right. Then her panic was full force once again.

She let out a yelp as you summoned your nen to restrain her.

"Please! Please don't do this! My son, he's inside! Please, if you have any humanity at least let him live!"

You couldn't handle her pleas anymore. Using your aura to knock her out. This....This all felt wrong.

You knew if her son was an infant, he'd be fine. Maybe, she would be fine too.

You startled as you felt someone from the group approach. Another older woman. She looked between you and your still breathing captive.

"Why is she still alive. You have your orders."

You glanced down at the lady. Remembering Kari's words.

Dead or alive. Not just dead.

"Why...Why can't we let them live? Why can't we just leave?"

Your superior looked at you like you just grew two heads. Her surprise was replaced by a scowl.

"Because Reik said so. You know better than anyone else we can't hesitate. We have to finish the job we were given."

She moved towards your captive, pressing her shoe against her face.

"No don't-!"

'SMASH!'

A harsh stomp combined with a booming crunch as blood poured from what once was that woman's head.

"You've become soft, Y/n."

But all you could focus on was the blood pooling under that woman. She didn't deserve this. You could have saved her. You could have let her go.

The crimson liquid eventually reached you. Grazing the boots you were wearing before you stepped back. A feeling of disgust and something scared guided your actions.

Your eyes never leaving the body. Then all at once you felt vile start to rise in your throat. You quickly turned away and started heaving over a bush.

Shaking with tears brimming at the corners of your eyes. An innocent person's blood on your shoe. Dirtied and tainted.

You were tainted.

The woman watching you only scoffed. You were acting like a toddler in the middle of a mission.

You felt a hand reach out for you and shrugged it off.

"Don't touch me!"

You backed away and were met with a very concerned gaze.

"Woah, gap-tooth. Are you okay?"

It might've been the only time Deshin showed actual concern for you. But that was because you've never acted like this before. You weren't fazed by the sight of blood. Or at least you hadn't been.

You were supposed to be one of the greats, just like him. But right now, you were weak.

"I-I need to go. Right now."

You made a move to leave, but were stopped by a firm grip on your wrist.

"Is this about the fight with Kari? She told me you two got upset with each other. Maybe you just need a break. You're probably just stressed."

This was not stress.

This was a horrific revelation.

"Please, not right now." You were about five seconds away from crying. And then your reputation would be ruined. If it wasn't already.

You'd already been disgraced in front of your peers.

"Then let me walk you back. You're not in your right mind to go by yourself." Deshin could be just as persistent as you.

And this time, you appreciated it.

You gave a nod before scampering away. Going as fast as you could through the trees. Deshin was hot on your trail. Helping you when you would mistep.

You made it back to your home by daybreak. This time, jumping up to your window instead of going through the inside.

You didn't want to deal with anyone else right now.

You fell into your room, collapsing on the floor. Finally in the comfort of solitude, you broke down. Skittering towards a wall and throwing off your boots.

They were tainted.

"Dirty. I'm dirty. I'm gross! I'm gross I'm gross!"

You were sobbing openly now as you hugged your knees to your chest.

"Dirty Dirty Dirty!"

You were unaware of your surroundings at the moment. Not noticing worried honey colored eyes watching your breakdown.

She may have been mad at you, but she'd never seen you cry before. She'd never seen you this broken before.

What did they do to you?

What did they say?

She took small steps towards you. Inching closer and closer until she could reach out and touch you.

You let out a scream feeling arms wrap around you.

"NO! DON'T TOUCH ME! DON'T!"

But the hug was tight. A head rested on top of yours despite the struggling.

"Shhh. It's okay. I'm here, Y/n. You're here with me." Kari tried to soothe.

You froze up at the sound of her voice. The feeling of her folding your fingers over and over again to sign out 'safe', helped calm you.

You sniffled as she continued to hold you.

"You were right. We don't have a choice. I tried. I really did, but they just killed her. Ari made me watch. I-I-I felt the blood under my shoe. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

She didn't like the way you cried harder. She didn't like how she was right. She hoped deep down that she was wrong. That maybe she was just jealous about the attention you gave Reik.

She wished that was the case.

If it were, then she wouldn't have to watch her big sibling break right in front of her.

"I'm sorry, for saying that I hated you. I didn't mean it. I didn't mean to get mad at you. Maybe if I hadn't, you'd be okay."

You shook your head against her.

"Not your fault."

Then your next words came as a shock to her.

"We have to get out of here. I don't want to be apart of this anymore. That lady, she wanted to help me, and I got her killed. I don't wanna do it anymore. I don't want to hurt people anymore."

You wanted to leave.

And so did she.

But it was practically unheard of to leave the clan unless it was for business. Could the two of you really do it?

"Hey, Y/n?"

You clutched her tighter in response.

"Promise me. You have to promise me you won't listen to them anymore. Not to any of the superiors and not to Reik. Okay?"

Her pinkie intertwined with yours.

"I promise." You whispered.

"Now can we do one more? A real promise this time."

She summoned her faint nen into her palm. You couldn't do anything but follow suit. Still in a daze from what happened.

"Let's promise that neither of us will ever fight or kill another human being again."

You nodded. Pulling back to look her in the eye. Taking a breath before starting the chant.

"On this day I do declare, it's on my nen that I swear."

A burning sensation tingled on your wrist. By the uncomfy look on Kari's face, she felt it as well.

You two would find a way out of here.

Without hurting anyone else.

🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️

Week three, and Gon was already on his way to fight Knuckle. Killua had stayed behind to have a talk with Bisky. 

Lucky, she was probably gonna give him some secret pointers.

Nevertheless, he approached the usual spot. A small huddle of dogs surrounded the Beast Hunter. You would have definitely liked Knuckle. You probably would have argued with him first, but you would've come around.

Just like with Kite.

He hoped the both of you were still okay. 

"You ready, kid?" Knuckle taunted as he stood up. The dogs around him whining at his lack of attention.

"You bet! Today for sure, I just know it!" Gon did in fact not know it. But he was hopeful he was getting better.

Then the thundering started.

And the rain once again followed suit.

It'd been doing that a lot lately. Maybe it was the universe playing a cruel trick. Whatever the reason for the murky weather, it didn't matter.

He lost all his fire anyway. Shoulders dropping and expression glum. 

"Geez, you look like somebody just died. Are you sure you're good to fight? Not that I care or anything, punk!" Knuckle tried and failed to hide his concern.

It didn't hurt to give him an honest answer.

"I'm sorry Mr. Knuckle, but it looks like our fight's canceled." 

"You scared of the rain or something?"

"No, nothing like that. It's just…the rain reminds me of my big sibling. You see, right now they're waiting in the NGL for me and Killua. They left to train, same as us. And neither of us can focus now when it rains. We just start thinking about them and if they're okay. If they've found our other friend there. 

We just miss them. I really miss them. So I hope you don't mind that I can't fight you now. I really don't mean you any disrespect." Gon looked at Knuckle expecting to see him angry.

Instead, he was sniffling and wiping his eyes. When he noticed Gon's staring, he gave a halfhearted glare.

"I'm not crying, so don't you go telling people I am! I just have something in my eye! Now go on home and get a good night's rest! I better not see you out here when it rains ever again! You'll *sniff* catch a cold!"

Gon held back a laugh as he walked away.

"Okay! I won't! Thank you Mr. Knuckle!"

🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️

You couldn't find any information on people who'd left the clan. Not even an old excerpt. Like the thought never occurred to anyone. As if it never happened.

Soooo, you resorted to just asking around. Your first attempt was old Mr. Beuru.

"Hey, dinosaur. I've got a question for you."

He swatted at you with an old dusty news paper.

"Yeah, well spit it out, demon. I open in ten minutes."

"What happens to people who leave the clan?"

He froze. All the color draining from his face. For a brief moment, you thought he was having a heart attack. You could feel uncertainty start to rise within his aura. You couldn't help but notice the worry there as well.

"Get out of my store." It sounded cold, but his being was regretful. Like he didn't want to be doing this.

"It's just a question. It's not like-"

"Get out and stay out. Don't ever come back here. I mean it, Y/n."

He'd never used your name before. Not unless he was serious.

It stung.

"Geez, fine. Not like an old man like you would know anyways." You left disheartened.

He wasn't joking. He didn't want you to come back.

And as he watched you leave, he sunk into himself.

"I really wish I could help ya, kid. But it's best if we both forget you asked that. I'm already at risk by not reporting that in, and who knows how many you've already asked. I have to look after my own.

May Reik have mercy on your soul."

The next few people you asked had similar reactions. All going deadly silent before turning you away. It must've been a taboo subject.

You decided there was one more person you'd question: Shura. One of the nicest people you've ever met. You knew she'd help for sure.

You followed the sound of light piano strokes. A feathery voice accompanying it.

"He’d take a very nice lady and talk her down small, till she fits in the palm of his hand.

Keeps his love on the shelf, only thinks about himself.

And that’s a cold-hearted man~"

You wasted no time shoving yourself to the front. Elbowing anyone who got in your way.

She stopped playing just in time to see you.

"Ms. Shura! I've got something to ask you! But in private tho because people keep acting weird!"

She laughed at your remark. Giving a playful roll of her eyes before addressing you.

"Only you, Y/n. Please make it quick. You know how restless everyone gets. You included." She got up and followed you a little ways away from the small crowd.

"Now, tell me what's on your mind."

"I already asked your dad if he knew, but he was just a grouch about it. And so are a lot of the people I've asked. I know you won't be though. Okay here goes.

What happens if someone leaves the clan?"

And like clockwork, she paled. Looking at you with panic.

"I can't-I'm not sure-" she stuttered for a response.

"Oh honey, just what have you gotten yourself into to. How many people have you asked?"

"Dunno. Like ten."

She took a shakey sigh. Grief radiating off of her.

"... Those who leave the clan are thought of as traitors. And because they hold our secrets, they have to be...."

There was so much sadness in her eyes. All of it directed towards you.

"They're dealt with the way we deal with targets. And talks about leaving are treated like treason. The punishment is the same.....I-oh, Y/n. You can't stop by here anymore."

You were once again being pushed away. And this time you wanted to know why.

"Why? Is there some penalty for talking to me now?"

"Sweety, I've already said too much. You have to go home right now. Please, it's for your own good."

That caught your attention. Were you putting her at risk by talking about it? What did she mean by for your own good? You didn't get the chance to ask as she quickly backed away.

Leaving you standing confused.

You reported it all back to Kari, who had just about as much luck as you. With no other conclusion other than the both of you would die if you were caught, it was time to devise a plan.

You waited two weeks. Learning the paths each individual would take during both the day and night. Who would come and go.

With the recent change and in weather, you decided a rainy night would be the best chance. Nobody would be out. And if they were, you'd be able to handle them.

"Hey, Y/n. When we get out, you promise we'll stay together?"

You gave a wide smile at her question.

"Forever and beyond. But we gotta have some basic goals, don't you think? Let's have a big house!"

"And a dog! I want a puppy." She added.

You nodded excitedly.

"Ooh! I've got a great one! Let's go to one of those amusement parks! I wanna ride the big circle! I heard you can see everything from the top."

"I think they call that one a Ferris wheel. But yeah! Anything else?"

"Not that I can think of. But I have a feeling we'll come up with more."

It was one of the last interactions you ever had with her. One last bit of peace before everything went wrong.

You waited for the thundering sound of rain. Cracking open your window when it was in full force. You jumped down, bracing your legs against the force.

'Now you.'

You made exaggerated signs so she'd be able to see.

Kari gave a brief nod and jumped. You caught her with ease. Setting her down and making sure to have a firm grip on her hand.

"We walk. They might suspect something if we run." You whispered before leading her forwards.

You two moved in silence. The rain masking any potential audible steps. So far so good. You were about halfway through the village.

You were really gonna do it.

You were really gonna leave.

You could feel your heart beating in your chest. Both out of nerves and excitement.

"It's about time. We were starting to wonder when you'd try to leave."

The both of you froze. Angry and disappointed auras surrounded the two of you.

You shouldn't have asked around.

You shouldn't have tried to get information.

You really should have took Beuru's reaction as a sign.

Maybe then you wouldn't be here so afraid. So terrified of dying.

But you had a responsibility. You had something to protect right now. As long as she got out safe, you'd accept whatever happened to you.

You could feel her fear. See her shaking.

"Well, what'll it be children? A swift death or will you run?" A man questioned.

You tensed up and prepared to make your move.

'Guard up.' You quickly signed.

You felt Kari engulf her body in her aura, then released your own. Pouring all your ill intentions to make it stronger.

The feeling of it caught the people in front of you off guard. Some falling down from the force.

You took that as your opportunity to run. Using all your nen into your legs and pushing them the fastest they would go.

You could sense others falling in pursuit. Barley dodging any projectiles sent your way. You prided yourself on your speed.

It was good to know that all your training had paid off. You'd urged Kari in front of you. Making sure she was ahead of everyone.

A bullet whizzed by your check.

Not good.

"Keep running! Look at me! Look at me!" You ordered. Her frantic eyes meeting yours.

"Don't stop! Not even for a second because if you do, we're dead! I'll be right behind you, Kari!"

With that you turned on the heel of your shoe. Coming face to face with a very familiar person.

"I knew something was up with you, but I never would of guessed this." Deshin sighed out.

"Maybe if you tell Father what happened, he'll spare you. Both of you. I don't want to fight you"

You took a step back from him.

Was this what you sounded like to Kari?

Oblivious to anything not under Reik's eye?

Taking his word as absolute.

"Then don't fight me. Just back off and let us go." 

He flashed you a hurt look before you lunged forward. You just couldn't risk it. Not when the two of you were this close.

Your first made contact with his stomach. The attack surprising him. Not ready to block it off with his nen. 

You raced after Kari as he crumpled to the floor.

"I'm sorry."

You practically leapt over the gate, following after the faint trail of Kari's aura. Your hopeful look replaced by sheer terror when you reached her.

Reik had his hand around her neck, dangling her off the floor. He met your terrified look with one of disappointment.

"Naughty children, dealing with the consequences of their actions. Look at you? Are you frightened?"

You started trembling at the intensity from his aura. So malicious and cruel. So cold and unforgiving. You wouldn't feel another one like it until 13 years later. 

Your eyes unable to look away from the sight. Kari watched with panic as you took a step backwards. Then three.

"Y/N!!! PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME HERE!!! DON'T LEAVE ME!!! YOU PROMISED!!!!" She struggled against the tight grip around her neck. Hopelessly kicking her legs in an attempt to get free.

Reik observed your cowardly actions with disapproval.

"Fine then, be a coward. Flee if you're so desperate to 'live.' Run if you're going to run. Use those eyes of yours to forever watch over your shoulder. But no matter how fast you are or how far you go, we will always be able to find you. Whether it be a whisper of your name or a spark of your aura, your fate is sealed."

A sickening 'snap' reverberated throughout the forest.

You didn't even get the chance to see her body hit the floor. Already fleeing as fast as you could. Pushing your legs the fastest they would go and then some.

You didn't stop for a whole day. Collapsing on the ground when you felt like you were far enough. You stayed on the floor unmoving.

Most likely you were going into shock.

You made no move to get up, even as you were shivering from the cold. Your clothes completely soaked through.

You laid there cold and now hungry.

But you didn't move, not an inch….

Because you deserved to suffer for her death.

You knew you were in the alleyway of some city, but that was all. You knew nothing aside from that. Your mind unable to process everything that just happened.

The first few days ended up with you reaching for Kari, only to find out she wasn't there.

It took you about a month to come to terms with your current situation. And when you did, you cried. You sobbed until your eyes and throat hurt. She was gone. She was gone and you couldn't even have a proper burial for her.

You were free, but at what costs?

🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘

The first year you tried to make an honest living. Asking around if anybody had food or water to spare.

You learned very quick the world wasn't too kind to street rats.

If you weren't ignored, you were yelled at for bothering them.

It got to the point where you were so hungry, you stole an old loaf of bread from a dumpster. The owner of the establishment catching you in the act.

He chased you down, along with some other men. And due to your malnourishment, you didn't have to strength to outrun them.

Instead, curling into a ball as you tripped. Clinging onto to only food you would have in days. 

Pain.

Excruciating pain.

Your first response when they started kicking you was to get up and fight back. But as you sat up and caught one of their legs, your wrist started burning.

Your promise to Kari.

You wouldn't have minded breaking it. You had no use for nen now that you'd been exiled from your clan.

But it was the only thing you had left of her.

So you endured it.

You let them beat you down until they got tired and left. Your bread smashed flat. 

You weren't even hungry anymore.

🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘

By your fifth year running from city to city, you gave up on trying to survive honestly. What was the point of being a good person anymore? You already had blood on your hands.

You used your speed to your advantage, stealing the money from wallets and purses in order to feed yourself. Using whatever was left over to buy yourself cheap clothes.

Occasionally you'd steal those too.

You weren't living anymore.

You were surviving.

You had nothing except your life and the promise attached to it.

🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘

About ten years in, you stole something that would become your golden goose. An old game cartridge with a ring. The name of it: Greed Island.

You remembered hearing about this. Some hunter dude made it. And from what you recalled, it was a very rare game. Going for billions at auction houses.

But you stopped caring about money years ago. No, what you were interested in was what the game did. 

It teleported people inside.

Away from the real world.

You'd finally be able to stop looking over your shoulders. You wouldn't have to worry about maintaining your zetsu.

So you went to one of those bidder places and promised you'd beat the game. Choosing whatever three cards they wanted if you were able to play.

The idiot, of course agreed.

And you'd spent two years there. Isolated because it was better that way. Card raiders showing up every now and then. But you showed them why it would be wise to stay away from you.

Terrifying them to the point they avoided your little territory. And you were content to live that way. Content to spend the rest of your days there.

Until the boys showed up.

And now you were here.

🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘🌘

You just couldn't do it. You couldn't kill these things without triggering your hemophobia. And if you couldn't work past that, then all the time spent here was a waste. You were useless if you couldn't even stand the feeling of a drop of blood on you.

You knew there would be much more when it came time to face the queen and her guards.

Damnit.

If only there was a way for you to fight from a sizeable distance. One that wouldn't risk anything touching you. One that wouldn't exactly count as you fighting.

A weapon was out of the question. Not unless you could use a bow and arrow. And even then, you had precise calculations, aim not so much.

You weren't exactly a manipulator and trying this late in the game would be futile. 

Maybe you could conjure something?

You were good at visualization. You were sure of that, even if you were a little rusty. So what then?

What would you conjure?

"Hey, Y/n! Guess what I found for us!" Kari shouted. You'd closed your ears from the noise, but were more than happy to go along.

"What'd you find?"

She lifted up the floorboard and revealed two small marionettes. A rusty clown puppet and a burnt ballerina.

"Get that out of the room right now. There's a 95% chance they're possessed." You lectured, not even bothering to touch them.

"They only look like that because I found them in a burt down farmhouse. It gives them personality. Please, can we keep them? We've never been allowed to have real toys. Please?"

And as always you were a sucker for her.

"Fine. Which one's mine and which one's yours?"

"You can have the ballerina: Shika. And I'll keep Henry."

"You give out the most horrendous names, I swear. But thank you for finding these for us."

Yeah.

Henry and Shika.

Puppets with strings.

They could be operated at a distance. And you had seen them plenty that conjuring would be a breeze. The only catch though…

Could you make them physical before time ran out?

You didn't get a chance to try it out before you were surrounded by ants. Probably a squadron if you had to guess.

"The line. Don't cross it." You warned once again.

But did they listen?

They never did.

You got up to one again use your Caster's Net. However, things just wouldn't go your way today. A fog rolled in. No, not a fog.

Smoke.

So thick you couldn't see through it. And neither could the ants judging by their confused sounds. You quickly focused your eyes to find their auras, not wanting to be ambushed.

Yet the second you did, a portal opened up under you. You fell to the ground of a small room along with the ants. 

The light in there was blinding. Like a hospital room. Then you heard a voice. A familiar voice you hadn't heard in years.

"Alright, let's see if any of you prove to be a good warm up."

That old geezer.

Of course the association sent him in.

Why wouldn't they?

You didn't have anytime to control your aura before it erupted. An anger so thick, it was suffocating. The ants near you collapsing on the ground as you made your way to the front.

Netero's eyes went wide when he realized that aura was coming from you.

"So you made it after all. I thought for sure you would have stayed with those boys."

"Cut the shit. Let me out of whatever this is and I'll have the pleasure of never seeing you again." You knew you were probably being too mean. But damnit, he sanctioned and allowed the things Reik did.

Were you not supposed to be upset with that?!?

"Still rude, I see."

Your aura only intensified at the remark. You took a deep breath before calming down. You were being an idiot. Overreacting after finally letting your memories resurface.

Holding a grudge against Netero but not against the man who killed your sister?

Pathetic.

You needed to ne smart about this. Not become overwhelmed by your grief and frustration.

"Just get me out of here. I don't have the time to be upset right now. I have to be training." 

At this, the old man quirked a brow.

"Training? These ants must be tougher than I thought."

"It's not the regular ants I'm worried about. It's that damn furry." You mumbled. You'd get that cat bitch back if it was one of the last things you did.

"Hey, old man? Let me ask you something. Why do you continue to associate with that man? You know what he's done. What he's still doing. Why are you still friends with him?" You wanted to know. To have bit of closure on that chapter of your life.

You figured if they hadn't come for you now, then you truly were free to live. That didn't mean you wouldn't be careful still.

"It is not my decision to associate with your-with Reik." He corrected before continuing.

"It's the Hunter's Association. I have no control over what they rule in favor of. But I suppose no one ever told you that. Not at your young age."

"I was seven. And now I don't care enough about hunters to ask around. I just wanted a straight answer, and now that I have it, get me out of here." You sounded drained.

By the dark circles under your eyes, you looked drained too.

"Very well then. I wish you luck out there."

"Suck an egg old geezer."

You remembered meeting the old man when you were younger. Reik introduced you as a prodigy, like he always did. Based on that, Netero challenged you to a game.

One he would have later challenged your two boys.

If you could take the ball from him, he would make you an honorary hunter. And back then that'd been your purpose. Your one goal.

So you played along. Almost swiping away the ball several times before giving up. You'd liked him back then. 

But your perspective of all hunters had been soured since then. You didn't want anything to do with them. 

And it would have stayed that way had you not met Gon and Killua. They'd shown you once again that hunters weren't all that bad.

That it was just some people who could be terrible. It didn't matter what they were. You'd changed a lot since you were a kid.

But now, you were starting to become the person you were.

The one who loved to be around their peers. 

The one who loved to joke around and laugh with their loved ones.

The one who loved living instead of being forced to survive.

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

Fun Fact #15: Y/n isn't a fan of sour foods. 'Why is it spicy' reaction

MASTERLIST

Tags: @fandomhoe101 @justxiao @bekataylorgriggs

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

An: Sorry it took so long! We should be getting the alternate chapter for decisions in a few days. Maybe two??? Also for chapter fifteen, I present you with a choice 😏

[echoedcrosshairs]

Those Who Fight Together - part 10

Summary: Undescribed Jedi female nicknamed Reaper in 3rd person makes up with the Batch and gets a little more then she asked for, men bonding through fighting and some saucey fun 🖤Smut with a Plot🖤

Warning: NSFW, Crude Language, PiV, creampies, emotional burst, implied breeding kink, momentarily soft Crosshair, over stimulated Hunter, blow jobs, battle wounds, violence, drinking, tattoos

Word Count: 8.2k

Part 9 Part 11

Master list

"Dangerous is our middle name," Hunter smiled joining your side.

"So is hers," Echo said flanking your other side once you got off the ship unto the surface.

You saw Echo's hand reach for yours but pull back, a wave of guilt hit you because you didn't take it the first time. You reached out and grabbed his hand and pull him closer to you, "Not making that mistake twice," you whispered. You found Cody and Obi standing at out stand of the entry waiting.

"I've always been interested in seeing the library," Obi said looking at the artwork on the door, the archaic depictions of wars and of the depiction balance, of Mortis, the father, the son and the daughter. He tried to keep his features neutral but he looked at his former padawan wondering if she knew but the look in her eye at him told him she did.

"Okay before we head it, there is one of my sisters I should warn you about, she's a little... unhinged."

"More then you?" Crosshair muttered.

"The pantoren with black eyes, Timera... her specialty is the study of the.. very darker side."

"Sounds like a lovely woman," Obi said his sarcasm slipping out trying to break his entrance of the artwork.

You squeezed Echo hand and let go temporary to stand infront of the door, you put your hands up letting your hands twist letting the force push open the door. The door roared open, their tops and bottoms dragging against the ceiling and floor. That's one way to know you have visitors coming. You repicked up Echos hand with a small squeeze while everyone else followed you down the twisting maze of corridors towards the grand atrium. Everyone took note of the couple dozen guards lining the walls in various positions. Why all of the new security? Upon entering you found your order and Master Indel were waiting. Everyone was standing around the edges of the room while the Master sat in her usual large throne like chair. Wrecker cut through placing the trunk before her stepping back.

"We meet last, I've seen so heard so many rumors about you, glad to know your not tarnishing the Tome's appearance" Timera sneered walking forward like a snake waiting to strike, "The dutiful protector" she said dragging her finger across the tattoo side of Hunters face, "The self sacrificing one," her fingers trailed to the band of Techs googles, "The loyal soldier" mild disgust read across her face as she looked at Echo, "The childish heart" patting Wrecker on shoulder, "and the regretful betrayer," she said matching Crosshairs icy expression and then she turned to Cody, "the honorable Brother," barely giving him the once over and then stopped to look at Obi, "the one who will lose everything," she laughed walking up to you grabbing your chin staring at you reading glimpses of the future "and who you are is still changing." Timera turned her attention to the trunk, waved her hand and the trunk opened and the saber came out, her black mist suspending it in the air. She walked over and grabbed it before handed it back to its rightful owner, "I believe this belongs to you Indel."

"Sister is there something pressing on your mind? Maybe something you'd seen that you wish to share with rest of us Timera?" You growled at her dropping Echos hand and taking a step forward defensively, "As you know you can not talk like that in-front of outsiders"

"It's just cute you brought your meaningless play things is all," she said rolling her eyes, "Enjoy what little time you have with them before darkness falls," she whispered patting your cheek and going back to her place against the wall.

"Collector " the elderly Tome spoke, you went over and knelt before her, "Do you want to introduce me to your associates?"

"Of course," you said standing up, "I present Clone Force 99, Hunter, Tech, Echo, Wrecker and Crosshair. This is Cody and Jedi Knight, Obi Wan Kenobi."

"Step forward."

They all awkwardly joined standing behind you. She looked at each them, giving them each an up and down but her eyes lingered on Obi before shooing them to step backward. Her expression was void but all seeing. 

"Where is your loyalty?" She asked, blinking.

"My duty has and will always be to the Tome."

"That wasn't what I meant, you spend two months with Count Dooku leaving carnage in your wake leaving countless dead, cities demolished, planets in chaos, overblown portioned genocide but a Jedi is dead. You've been touched by the dark side outside of the watchful training of the Tome," she paused waiting for the answer, "You are aware you are the soul survivor of balance and protecting the scales until it's time."

"I did what needed to be done to protect the galaxy from dangerous knowledge, I saved more lives than I took. I am not Jedi nor am I a Sith. I am the balance of knowledge," the reply automatic and true. She nodded at your reply.

Timera sneered stepping, "How about we give her a test? How are we to trust her" she said looking you up and down, "especially bringing her toys with her."

"What is the problem with them?" You hissed.

"They are soldiers of the republic, Jedi puppets in their war," she said stepping forward.

"Archivist, what are you suggesting?" The elderly tome asked.

"This," she smiled sending her ancient black mist suspending the squad in the air, "What are you going to do, Reaper?" She taunted, squeezing them, "Where is your loyalty."

"This is not necessary-" Obi said stepping forward.

"You can not interfere Jedi, nor can I," The elder lady said interlacing her fingers together, "history whether in the past or future should not be changed, this has and must always happen."

"Let them go," you hissed getting in her face.

"How about I kill the one you love the most, see if your still in balance then," she smiled tightening her grip on them.

You watched them beginning to struggle, "How about I kill the one you love the most?" you lifted your hand her brother was being pulled towards you on his knees strangling again the force he knew he could not stop. You ignited the yellow saber and pointed it at his heart, "I know how precious this is to you," you putting the saber an inch away, "Let them go, I won't ask again." Your eyes were embers beginning to ignite.

"That is not the-" Obi started but Cody stopped him, "You have to trust her."

"He is correct Master Jedi, this has and must always happen. She doesn't do this out of darkness but out of loyalty and duty to both you and I."

"You wouldn't drag an innocent into this, you care to much about protecting people," she hissed, her eye froze for a on her brother before her black depths return to her gaze, "Are their microscopic primitive lives worth more then one of ours?" Timera was studying you, how different you were from when you left.

"You really want to find out?" You suggested pressing closer to him, daring her to make a move hoping she would back down.

Her grip on them tightened taking your behavior as a bluff, "I'll pick them off one by one until you decide," you refused to look at any of them in fear of who she'd start with. She tighten them again waiting to see if you'd snap and look at the one you love most. You heard them verbally struggling, "but who first." It one motion you disconnected the ends of your saber, making two individual like the waring of good and evil in you. Fluidly you sliced and her brother slumped to the floor.  Using your non dominant hand you speared her to the wall with a solid toss, her grip on them releasing and they fell to the floor.

You stepped over his body and rushed over to them. Almost everyone was still conscious until you got to Wrecker, who was barely breathing. You tried to reach out to his force but there was barely a sliver. You dropped your saber and tugged your sabers from Dooku off of Tech's belt, igniting them the yellow and red for all to see pointing the red at her, "This just became personal." Timera pulled the saber out of her shoulder and tossed it on the floor, subsequently rolling towards the man who didn't sit up, "So it has. Your precious balance is ending, I'll kill you now remnant," she said pulling out her sabers the yellow flashed to the brightest shade of red, her true loyalty finally showing,

"Except I saw one thing you didn't in my future," you smiled sinisterly at her, "today is not the day I die," you said rushing her, "but this is the day I restore order. Don't think I haven't been aware of what you been playing at? I was always the smartest one."

"But I was always better with my blades."

The sabers clashed together in archs of sparks of fury, every collision hissing. Tears started falling when you saw Wrecker still hadn't gotten up.

"I see the rage and darkness in you," Timera called over the sound of her Saber grazing your mask off letting it fall to the ground, "It's the day a part of you dies."

"You need to take him and fall back to the ship," Obi said.

"We don't leave our own behind, take Commander Cody and go," Hunter replied.

"That is an order Sergeant." 

"One we are electing to disobey," Tech said managing to get to his feet, his throat on fire, "you might be A General but she is THE General," he said grabbing both of his blasters.

"Our," Crosshair corrected.

"Let's show her why 99 has never failed a mission," Hunter said flipping his knife.

"Sir, Yes, Sir," Crosshair said tossing his mirrors around the now cleared room except for them.

"There's no point in arguing with them," Cody said grabbing Kenobi's arm, "For your safety we have to move. Will you boys be alright?"

"We'll see you later at 79's, Cody," Echo smiled, "Save us a table."

"Will do. Let's go," Cody said dragging General Kenobi out of the room.

"So it is that future, hmm" Indel said looking at Obi, "Have the preparations been made?" She asked the guard.

"The rest have already tracked down and eliminated and Aslepios has been summoned to tend to their wounds when it is over."

"What do you mean this future?"

"You and your former padawan destroyed the balance of the force. Reaper must contain this threat to what balance is left," Indel said, "We need to get out Aslepios's way."

Obi looked up to see a person robes in orange and gold, the hood covering the face and sleeves covering the hands and assumed that was Aslepios and stepped out of their way.

Echo and Hunter stayed near Wrecker covering him. Crosshair lined up and fired several shots, moving out of the way of the resend. Tech rapidly fired and kept moving not allowing the shots to be reflected back at him. Each of them studying and looking for the opening to make for her.

"To those who fight together," Hunter said noticing it, watching her saber block over head leaving both of their sides opens.

"May they fight to become one," Crosshair smirked shooting near the opening to show it off.

"As they are stronger together," Echo smiled putting his blaster away.

"As one may they move together," Tech said dropping four blast in Timera's side.

"To victory and to glory," you finished watching in slow motion as Timera screamed as her saber  punctured your stomach but you took the red saber and rammed it through the opening and through her heart, "May balance find you in the afterlive, traitor," you gritted out, switching off the saber staring at the perfect whole through you.

You felt familiar hands on you, Aslepios's red Rodian's hands contrasted against the gold, "Him first, that's an order," You let out using her to gently guide both of you to Wrecker.

"As you wish, Master," she took her hands off and put them on Wreckers throat.

"I don't know if you are aware, but you have a... perforation," Tech said shakily staring it.

"Oh this?" You said laughing sticking your hand through it, "Not the first time," you watched Crosshair raise his riffle at her 'her face twitched'. You pried yourself up of Wrecker, Crosshair immediately grabbed you and carried you over. Taking out the yellow saber and you brought it across her face all the way through, "she can't twitch now," you mumbled before he guided you back to your place next to Wrecker, treating you like fractured glass. Trembling taking over.

"That hurt," Wrecker mumbled looking up at the  stranger leaning over him, "Reaper!," his eyes flashed to the hole.

"Master, laid down," Aslepios said pushing you down.

"I'll be fine boys, if any of you dare put me in a tank after this," you threaten before you felt one of Tech's darts in your neck.

"She'll be fine right?" Wrecker said horrified.

"Yes," Aslepios said sticking her hand into the hole, slowly rebuilding everything layer by layer.

"Fascinating," Tech said observing his hand had the lightest shake while pulling out the dart, "Why do you call her Master instead of Collector as I'm assuming, Master, Indel did?" he said noticing the puzzle piece that wasn't clicking with the rest and it distracted his mind.

"Indel is the binding and she is the pages."

"I- never mind. I do not have ample brainpower needed in this moment."

"She's the real Tome, idiot," Crosshair said taking a seat on the floor taking off his helmet to chew on a toothpick while they wait.

"You're different," Aslepios said looking at him, "Don't forget what home means Crosshair," she added smiling, which caused him to stare because no one had said his name.

Obi and Cody headed back the ship once the firing stopped, "Do you trust them?" Obi asked.

"Those are the finest men I have ever fought beside. They'll be fine."

"Do they disobey orders normally?" Obi chuckled when Cody nodded aggressively, "She finally found the squad she belongs with."

"Indeed she has, Sir."

"Trouble makers," Obi said giving the signal to take off.

"Another successful mission," Wrecker said scooping her up when the lady was done.

"I'm not sure I classify call this as a success mission," Tech said motioning to the prized possessions in this arms, "however I would not classify it as a failure either," he pondered the dilemma.

"Delivered the item, saved the galaxy and took out a major threat... I think qualifies as success," Echo said also staring at her.

"She wanted sleep after the mission," Crosshair snarked, "Didn't specify how."

Tech rolled his eyes but climbed onto the ship preparing for take off, climbing his seat he found a small book with the note 'Dutch Death' on it wondering who snuck it on board. He opened the book to find the slice mark on the first page, So her mess is catching up, I'll inform her later. He took the book and walked it over to her room where he found all of his brothers already at. She was asleep in Wreckers lap, snoring gently and he found Hunter and Echo leaning up against each other in Echos made shift bed and of course Crosshair was against the opposite silently watching. Tech smiled at the scene and fidgeted with his googles before putting the book on the chest.

"She's even cute when she's asleep" Wrecker loudly whispered.

"Most gorgeous women I've ever seen" Hunter admitted.

"And the scariest," Crosshair added.

Hunter elbows Echo, "Only woman I could ever want," he said flickering his eyes open.

"Only woman who could want you," Crosshair snickered playing with his toothpick.

Echo scowled at him but looked at Tech for his comment, "She is..." Tech started but the thought trailed off not finding the right words.

"Impressive," Crosshair said twirling the toothpick to the other side of his mouth, "Vocabulary."

"She is simply the most exhilarating.. intoxicating stupefying woman whom deserves to worshipped with adoration and devotion. She leaves also tends to leave me with an insatiable appetite..."

"Shut up," Hunter and Echo said together watching the rambling and how quick Tech adjusted his goggles and left.

Crosshair chuckled, "He hit the bantha on the head."

"A little more in-depth then it needed to be," Echo yawned closing his eyes again.

"Rest of us were thinking it," Wrecker said.

Everyone gawked for a second before dismissing it, "Luckiest men to exists."

"Yes, Wolffepack One?" Tech said opening the communication against his better judgement.

"Heard things got dicey... Everyone okay?" Tech caught the double meaning.

"Yes, there was no substantial injuries. The report should be available momentarily," Tech quickly finished typing everything that he was aware he could put in and added it tag for 'In need of review pending possible sensitive information' with a sign that information was missing, "Report sent."

Wolffe gleamed it over annoyed that it was missing information but didn't see any injuries listed, "Thank you. See you soon."

Tech cut out off the communication with a groan. He set the ship to go annoyed that was going to go ruin the moment, "Wolffe is apparently going attempt to rendezvous with us on Coruscant."

"Why don't we just park it somewhere else?" Wrecker asked.

"Because of the ship's signature, he'll know where we land regardless."

"Him and I have a score to settle," Crosshair said standing up tossing his toothpick in her mini garbage can, "He won't be a problem," he said putting his hand on his hip staring down at her.

"Is that what she would want?" Hunter asked.

Crosshair walked over and carefully opened the robe smirking as he trailed his fingers on the hickey but the smirk faltered, "Us first. I'll deal with it," Crosshair gridded out heading to out to make a private communication.

"That's ominous."

Hunter let out a sigh, "It is."

Tech raised an eyebrow, "and?"

"Crosshair diplomacy."

Tech scowled and put his hand in his head, "He's actually trying diplomacy," he heard Hunter say, "What?" Tech stormed off to hear what was going on.

"You're warm," you mumbled still half asleep, rolling over slightly in what felt like Wreckers big lap, "Mmm" you mumbled moving your hand his thigh before passing back out.

"Excuse you, what are you being diplomatic about without us?" Tech said pointy pissed sticking his finger at Crosshair.

"Calm down, goggles," Wolffe said.

"My name is Tech, T-e-c-h. Would you prefer if I call you scar face? I thought not. Crosshair?" He snapped.

He felt Echos hand pull him back, "Easy... Tech. You know he's just as territorial."

Crosshair flicked his toothpick into his googles, "Get your libidinous urges under control, it's not like I'm offering him usage of her uter-." 

"I get the picture," Wolffe said hot faced.

"That's yours and Hunter's job-" Crosshair said grabbing his goggle band and making it snap against his head, "Although if you keep acting like this she'll let Hunter-"

"We'll talk more about it when you boys all get here," Wolffe said face and ear burning. Wolffe shut off the com with more questions then answers and he didn't know if that annoyed him more about Clone Force 99.

Crosshair said shoving his finger into Tech's chest armor, "We don't get traditional shore leave like the regs, I offered him the traditional time IF she wants to spend it with him. She is ours. Simple."

"Fine. I will make the final jump to Coruscant."

"Did you really have to bring that subject up?" Echo asked.

"It shut both of them up," he smiled putting another tooth pick in his mouth and slugged off for his alone time in his bunk.

Can I catch a break? Echo thought to himself finding Hunter leaving the room following after Tech's angry foot steps. He popped his head into the room to find both of them asleep, Echo half fluffed his pillow and decided this was as good as any time to sleep.

Wolffe stood at the end of the ramp awkwardly for you to change and come out a meet him, you watched him blink several times at the red backless and side slit dress that you adorned for the occasion. Another successful mission and a looming threat terminated.

"Maker is a woman," Wolffe hooted extending his arm waiting for you to take it.

"I mean you're not wrong," you smiled taking it, "Where's-?" You asked not noticing the squad.

"Their already there with a surprise of their own, but I think I won this one," he said viciously undressing you with his eyes.

You playfully smacked his shoulder, holding a little tighter to his arm. All you found upon waking up was a note attached to a dress that one of them had hung up with 'We'll see you soon.' Wolffe kept eyeing you, not entirely sure if he trusted Tech's report.

You noticed his darting eyes over you, "Looking for something?"

"Tech's report said no injuries but I'm just checking."

"Oh I had a saber go through me but that's classified."

"What?!" He said angrily stopping and pulling you into his chest, "I think that is something I need to know."

"It's all healed," you said leaning up and kissing his cheek.

He let a low growl, "Fine it was right here," you said pointing to where the whole was, he leaned down and kissed it, "How hard was that?"

You rolled your eyes, "Something on your mind?"

"You're always on it," he smirked pulling us back into a walking pace.

"What has you in such a good mood?"

"The boys might be going through some excruciating pain right now to prove they love you," he cackled.

You sat on the same speeder as him, wrapping your arms around his waist even under the armor you didn't doubt his strength or durability. It was a calming sensation they were built to be durable but not heartless. You leaned your head on his armor, wondering what the boys were up to letting him near you. Wolffe's mind was busier and more clouded than normal. You didn't want to pry because you knew you were going to find out anyway. Walking into the 79's the mild sent of way to much alcohol had already returned, the music was louder then normal and several girls trying to pick up troopers. It was easily what you would have choose to be your second home. 

Wolffe nodded to the back room, "I'll get drinks, go see," he said kissing the side of your head, letting his eyes trail down you.

The jester got a couple small snickers along with a few disappointed looks from ladies eyeing him. Good luck, Ladies. You peaked through the small window and laughed, you quietly opened the door not trying to disrupting the 'men bonding time' going on that consisted of throwing punches. You saw your boys striped down to their blacks and the pack fully suited with the exceptions of there helmets, you bit your lip to keep from whistling at their muscular out lines and it looked like it was just starting.

"Vine?" Wolffe whispered offering the candy, "Before you say this is barbaric they suggested it."

"I was going to say this might be one of the hottest things I've ever seen," you whispered excitedly before chewing on the candy.

"You should have seen Crosshair and I then, shirtless," he emphasized.

"I would have paid to watch that," you purred, "after scolding both you."

"Want us to give you a... reenactment," he breathed suggestively.

Hunter heard two heart rates spike, he flickered his eyes to the two people leaning against the wall. He rolled his eyes, Tech's going to kill him. Hunter side stepped the Trooper with ease pulling his arm guiding his fist into another Trooper. He smiled hearing one heart rate spike further.

"As discussed, no touching for the next forty eight hours," Tech threatened catching them off guard, "I hope you are liking the entertainment-" he watched Hunter drop two more.

"Why?" You asked innocently.

"Biological reasons," Wolffe said staring at the ceiling wishing Hunter was knocking him out just so he didn't have to be apart of this conversation.

"I'm assuming that was a non negotiable?"

"You assume correctly, no one but Echo for obvious reasons. While there is a less then a point zero three chance, however it is a chance none the less so it's presumingly just a self satisfying precaution to ease my mind."

"Maybe you should go hop in the ring and get some of that testosterone out," you laughed.

"I have actually- Twice to see if six would actually be a sufficient challenge, perhaps I should have selectived more however I will again because you may be correct."

"You and me, goggles," Wolffe said poking at him knowing the button he was pushing, "for the next forty eight instead of credits."

Your hand reach out on Tech's face undoing the button, "Not fair," Wolffe grumbled.

"You are aware?" Tech asked recognizing he was aware of what you were doing.

"There probably isn't a thing I don't know?"

"Do you know every time she heals she on purposely fractures a specific spot in her leg?" He said adjusting his goggles.

"You what-"

"The more you know, Scarface," he smiled walking off to join his brothers.

"Excuse me," Wolffe said staring, "Do you realize you basically live in a Bacta tank?"

"It doesn't hurt."

"Bantha crap."

You wrapped your hands around him watching Hunter exchanging blows, "You've always said I'm built like a clone."

"When when we heal, we heal."

You watch Hunter walk off a blow to the jaw, "It's never impeded me in a fight or in the bedroom."

Wolffe let a small growl but conceded, happy woman happy life or this one will hand your thrusters in the middle of the night. He petted your hair being quiet so both of you watch the fighting. After receiving another good slug to the jaw Hunter finally dropped the last guy standing. He watched him walk over and chug a whole canteen of water in one go watching Wrecker step up.

"They don't stand a chance" you whispered committing the sight and muscle to memory, the flex in his thighs when he moved or how big is biceps looked when stretching and you were very aware of the intense physical reaction.

"What's his deal?" Wolffe said watching Hunter put his helmet on and sit in the corner.

"Tech on steroids."

"I don't want to know or hear a single detail," he admitted.

"I can promise I won't say anything, can't promise on there behalf."

"There isn't a thing I don't know," he groaned not wanting to remember any of it shaking his head, "If I ever here the words thoroughest report, I may stun myself."

You watch Wrecker grab a the trooper by the wrist and drop the other 5 spinning him, set him down and slugged him in the chest. That was hot. He crossed his arms putting them on full display and walked off the mat watching you stare at him. That's why she calls me Big Boy because I'm a Big Tank. Tech stepped up to the mat again waiting for them to pick themselves up, "Again?" they grumbled noticing him. They managed to get quiet a few hits in but he didn't go down, pain was a temporary sensation. You watched as one trooper tagged him in the mouth and his lip split, Wolffe grabbed you tighter and covered your mouth to keep you from going over there, "Quiet, Vencuy. He's taken an punch from me before he'll be fine." Wolffe waited until your breathing settled to remove the hand from your mouth, Crosshair glaring at him for it. Crosshair

understood why he did it, he just didn't like not being the one who was doing it. "See, Vencuy. He's strong," Wolffe pointed out as Tech rammed the one who split his lip in the cheek bone knocking him out of bounds and grabbed another by armor and knocked him into another, "I don't understand what you find attractive in a bunch of defects, but they are definitely one person armies," it was a back handed compliment.

"I'm a sucker for people who don't fit in pretty little boxes."

"Nor little packages," he added.

"Thank Jango for his massive co-," you abruptly saw two troopers nearly tackle Tech who was a little wobbly, Wolffe grabbed you again.

"She should pick Hunter," Crosshair snickered enjoying the show, "taken down by a reg. Pathetic."

Tech swung him self around the trooper and brought his foot down on his back pinning him flat, "You were saying?"

"Are they always like this?" Wolffe whispered.

"Usually worse."

"How do you deal with it?"

You stared up at him with that twinkle in your eye and he shut up, "I didn't need to know," he said moving you in front of him putting his hands on your hips, "cause I know how much I enjoy that look," he whispered gently rubbing you into him, "a little to much."

"If you two need a minute," Sinker laughed putting a towel around his neck, "took you both long enough to patch stuff up."

"You have sworn both of you would have snuck off an eloped, not like any of us would have tattled " Comet added pat drying his sweaty face off, "Confused the hell out of all of us when he said it was over."

Wolffe's smiled flattered because he knew they were right and that was another regret he needed to find peace with. He held you a little rougher, trying to show he was playful but the boys saw the look in his face that they accidentally hit a nerve. When you touched his face he also knew that you could feel it, "Don't," he whispered.

"Well still have one arm and old man wanna be," Sinker said mentioning to Echo and Crosshair waiting, "maybe for them it should be three on one for them."

"You need at least three more for Crosshair," you told him smugly.

Wolffe pulled away knowing exactly what he neeeded, "How about a show," he said taking off the armor and his shirt heading towards Crosshair who flicked away the toothpick, "I've been waiting," taking his off and heading towards the ring.

Can I be stuck between them? Please? You watched them stand in the middle exchanging punches to the face and chest, nothing fancy just standing and taking it.

"This is going to take a while," Echo said handing you another drink, "Enjoying it?"

"You have no idea."

"The Helmet gives me the idea," running his finger up the front of your thigh up to your hip.

"You two really...?" Comet gawked his finger pointed lowly.

"Need a demonstration?" You said to finish making him uncomfortable.

Sinker covered his eyes, "No, Sir."

"Actually-"

"Don't finish that sentence," Echo said already feel your hand go to his head, "I need to focus for the fight."

"Killjoy."

"You know you don't actually have too right?" Comet added, "It was optional."

"It would look weird if I didn't," Echo added his two credits, "Plus I know she'll like it."

"Maybe just one," you pleaded letting your fingers go his connection, "Since it's going to take them awhile."

"We'll give you too a minute," Sinker said grabbing Comet by the arm, "Awe I wanted to know."

Echo dragged you back to the wall, "Watching us really got you going," he said watching Crosshair take a direct to the face and barely flinching.

"I would be taking each of you right now if it wasn't for Tech's rule."

"Lucky me," he purred in your ear.

Crosshair face was starting to burn, "Fun?" he added taking his turn.

"A bonding experience," Wolffe joked rubbing his jaw, "She's enjoying it," he said noticing her hands dancing all over Echo while watching the fight, the quick raise and drop of her chest while breathing.

"Such a good girl," Crosshair praised pointy staring back at her while colliding with Wolffe's scared eyebrow.

"Do you boys get off watching each other or something," Wolffe said then noticing the serene look on Echo's face and quickly looking away, "That's a little public."

"I'll show you public."

"Forty eight remember," Wolffe reminded him.

Crosshair smirked, "There's loopholes."

"Forget I said anything."

"Reaper," Echo moaned sticking his face in your neck to try to quiet himself.

You gently swiped yourself across him, your own heart racing just as fast, "Echo."

"Stop watching," Sinker said smacking Comet's arm.

"It's hot," they heard Wrecker say randomly behind them also watching, "I wondered how it worked with out his cyber-"

"I get the picture" Sinker said shaking his head.

"Lucky man who can get it on anywhere," Comet said impressed.

"Yeah doesn't have to worry about cleaning up," Wrecker added not realizing it might have been to much information.

"Any reason you're holding back?" you teased.

"Everyone's watching," the words jumbled out, but he pressed himself more into you.

"Wishing they could be you," Echo huffed but knew you probably were right, he let his hand trail back down your side letting himself fully enjoy the static sensation of pleasure traveling down his connections.

Crosshair and Wolffe were both starting to get sluggish with there exchanges, black eyes starting to form and knuckles starting to crack. I could do this all day for the look on her face, Crosshair smiled. Why am I doing this again? Wolffe wondered. Crosshair looked over to her helping a panting Echo to the floor, scarlet flushing both of their faces. My little harlot, Crosshair flexed his fingers, "Giving in yet?"

"Nope," Wolffe said noticing the erotic scene, "Power throws only," he said adjusting his stance.

You noticed Wrecker walking over with water, handing it to Echo, "That answered a lot of people's questions," watching Echo's face get redder, "Mer," Wrecker said pulling you down on the floor on his lap, "Front row seat."

"Thank you, Wrecker," you cooed, accidently wiggling a little to get comfy.

"U-h," he huffed out.

"Sorry, it was... poking me."

"It's fine," his breath hitched, he put his hands behind his head to prove that he wasn't doing anything indecent, "Think their almost done?"

"Soon they're swinging like cadets," Echo said in one breath.

Tech sat against the wall Hunter putting Bacta on the wounds. Tech sighed realizing he was more like his brothers then he wanted to believe. Hunter was smiling while watching the room, the pack being exhausted and the fun his squad mates were having. It's a nice change of pace just to spar and drink. Hunter laughed watching Crosshair and Wolffe dropped to their knees still punching. We'll at least they don't do anything half assed to proved a point. Sinker and Comet came and sat next to them watching offering drinks. Hunter tipped his helmet back and chugged it before putting back on.

"The things you do for love, eh?" Sinker said watching.

"Crosshair has never exhibited this kind of behavior before at least not that I have ever observed, it is most fascinating. He is what most would call cold hearted."

"He's more focused on her more then actual fight," Comet said noticing where his eyes were.

"That is a byproduct of his conditioning, he has always been severe and unyielding. He was natural quiet severe in how he ended things and holds it against himself. This is his way of offering her his atonement knowing if she makes him yield due to injury therefore forfeiting thus making Wolffe the winner, he knows it will be held over his head and bruise his large ego," Tech rambled putting the pieces together blinking rapidly trying to process the information, "Fascinating," he said standing up examining the wounds on there faces.

"Going to in yet?" Wolffe asked slugging him in the nose with an audible crack.

"Augh," he let out, "Crosshair-" he heard her get up, "I'm fine" looking at her "Good one," he growled at Wolffe before doing the same thing not pulling the punch, "Let's just finish this."

"Couldn't have said it better."

"Hasn't this gone on long enough?" You said stepping up to the mat before you felt Tech hand on you, whispering what he said earlier and letting you make the decision, "Fine," you gritted out, your stomach twisting, "I need a tall tall drink," you said exiting the room to wait at the end of the bar.

"Getting out of hand?" The bartender said grabbing one of the bigger glasses.

"Yeah."

"Want me to break it up?" He asked in all seriousness sliding it to you.

"No, it's something they feel like they have to do," you said taking a drink.

You turned around to find Comet looking for you, motioning for you hurry up. Both of them were even more banged up and bruised then you left. Neither one of them were pulling their punches anymore and it was getting ugly. You pulled the drink away from your lips your stomach threatening to come up. Both of there eyes flickered to you before they stopped.

"I yield, Don't make me regret this," Wolffe said stepping off the mat then grabbing bacta and smearing it all over his face and jaw. He walked over and down half of what was left of the drink with a wince of pain motioning for you to go talk to him.

Crosshair picked the empty corner and sat down, "Leave me alone," he told his brothers when they walked over. A small section of his jaw felt fractured but he still put a toothpick his mouth leaning his head against the wall and shutting his eyes, "Leave me alone," he said to who ever was walking up.

You forcibly spread his legs and sat between them, "Excuse-," he said opening his eyes the anger softening.

"Cross-"

"I'm fine."

"Let me put the Bacta on," you said reaching for the tube but he stopped you, "Not yet." You scowled at him but looked at the bruising and obvious pain, "please."

"Please," he gridded out, his grip tightening before letting go his knuckles and hands on hurting.

"Crosshair," you said once he leaned his head against the wall, "you didn't need to go through that for me."

"Yes I did."

"Sith's Karking Hell, Crosshair," you said loudly getting his attention and everyone else's, "PLEASE."

He reluctant and sat up, "I-" he cut himself off because the words felt so wrong even though they were correct, "I know," you tried easing but it made him more upset, "Tech told me why you did this," you whispered.

"What does he know," he scoffed wincing when you coated his hands.

"He knows you better then anyone else,"

Crosshair leaned forward and rested his forehead on yours, "Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum" he whispered, the mandalorian rolling off his tongue perfectly.

"I love you too, Crosshair," he took the toothpick out of his mouth momentarily to kiss you briefly pulling back at the state of his mouth was in, "This is gonna hurt," you said pulling back with a smile and covering his face in Bacta, "I love you, Crosshair," you winces has you fixed his nose and put the bacta on it, "As hot as it was watching you fight please don't go that far again. Just try to talk to me... okay?"

"I— love you too. I'll spar any time you want if you'll look at me like that again."

"One of these days we can spar" You said distracting him while you slapped another coat on his jaw, "I promise you'll like it."

"I did not take you for a masochist," Tech said looking down examining Crosshair's face.

"I'm not."

"Your face says otherwise. Anyway as I was going to say Wolffe said Echo fight is... postponed so they're going to go drink. The tattooist is late," Tech said coughing and then adjusting his goggles, "Crosshair, I am... proud of you."

"Thank you."

"That's surely never happened before," Tech said blinking before recomposing himself, "We're going to head out to the bar, when his face is more acceptable to look at come join us," turning.

You put your face in Crosshair's chest, "Why didn't you stop when I walked over?" 

"You didn't order me too."

You leaned up kissing up and down his neck knowing his face was still to banged up. You sat there for a minute and smelled the sweat off of him and laughed slightly before kissing his throat again not caring. He gently put his arms around you cautious of his hands, amused with attention.  Crosshair saw the threat and understanding across Tech's face when he left and rolled his eyes at Wrecker's thumbs up, "Crosshair," his attention flicked back to you studying his face, "Yes?" playing with toothpick.

"Did Wolffe also break your dick?" you asked playfully finally noticing it shifting.

"He wishes," he said carefully pulling back his hands, "however," he growled, "I do have to obey Tech's stupid rule."

"What do you get out of it?" You murmured running your hand over the outline on his blacks.

"First after every fight," he attempted to smirk, "No interruptions. Next person who removes my mark without my permission, losing bedroom privileges for a week."

"What if I had too or I'm injured and get tanked?"

"If you have too is one thing but if you get tanked, I also get first after that."

"You took all of the fun ones didn't you?"

"I'm very demanding."

You pulled down the blacks, "Not as demanding as I am," you said biting the side of his throat and letting you hand gently stroke him til you felt the beads of precum form. The moment you put your mouth down on him a noise you never heard him make in the bedroom slip out and his cock twitched getting a little more firm. Crosshair stared down thanking the maker for your existence, "I've wanted this since the first time you walked out of the shower," he said carefully yet painfully running his thumb over your lips.

Your grip at this tip tighten and pushed down along with your mouth. Not caring about the pain he grabbed your hair and pushed you down a little, "I'm going to stand up, I want to watch," Crosshair could feel the pounding of this need his groin. He carefully stood up and watched your face lit up as he stared at your lips around him, "kark," he mumbled bringing the other hand to your face. It was hard for him not to cum right there looking at you, feeling how warm and deep in your mouth he was, how gently were you trying to be to keep him from accidentally hurting his hands and the look you had into your eyes. He felt some of himself seep out and he groaned but it turned into a moan when he felt your tongue push against the opening coaxing more out, "So beautiful," he whispered.

You turned up the heat knowing you needed to out and have some fun with your boys. You grabbed his hips and held him still much to his annoyance. You went to town on him trying to milk him with your mouth if it was your last meal. "Kriff," "Kair'ta," "Crinking Hell," and "Good girl." The last one broke you, every time he called you that you could feel your excitement pooling between your legs. You sucked him harder letting your tongue push against him dragging. One hand removed it's self, putting it at the base of his cock and pumped him with every bob. You could hear that it hurt him be he curled his fingers into your hair the sensation wilding him up, "Are you actually-  going to do it- until I- rghhhh." You drinking him down, was answer enough. You could visually see his thighs quivering and for once his cock actually started softening quickly, drained. You wiped the drool on around your mouth and smirked at him, but he wasn't there his eyes were semi glazed over still staring down. His finally looked at you, his breathing still incredibly ragged, "Bet no one has sucked you speechless before," you joked.

"Never actually," he breathed out, mildy feeling sick the sensation; his organs and balls trying to find their places again after how violently they shook realizing, "never actually- had a- woman-"

You put your face next to his ear so the heat would hit him, "I'll keep leting you finish in my mouth, if you keep tasting like that," you kissed the side of his face which was finely not a dark purple shade, almost back to his normal hue, before dancing away leaving him staring at your hips and the jiggle of your ass sway away. You tried to make a show of adjust your clothes... until you felt how soaked your underwear were, you quickly darted over the private bathroom and dried it and yourself up as much as possible before heading out. You giggled as Crosshair was still staring at you while putting on his armor sloppily.

"I thought he was gonna take all day," you looked up to see Wrecker leaning against the wall waiting, "I totally thought he was gonna lose," he admitted grabbing your hand, "the ink guy showed up so I figured I'd let you squish my hands again instead of the chair. Seems more comfortable."

You saw the rest of the boys standing around the chair waiting awkwardly, "Just so I heard you right, you want the invisible tattoo not invisible? You know that is going to hurt a lot... Right?"

"I do have a sedative-" Tech said pulling out an extra tranq.

"No Tech, you guys did that to prove to Wolffe and the boys. This is my turn, I should have done it right the first time. I want all of theirs and Wolffe's inked."

"That is going to a lot, more you should take his offer."

"Just do it."

Wrecker was on his knees watching you in admiration, "See not that-"

You're hands clamped down on his hands with a small crack, not broken but you definitely popped  something and holding your jaw tight enough you though your teeth were going to shatter.

"Hey hey hey" Wrecker tried to say in a soothing voice, "once it's done you could say it was an explosion," he smiled trying to make a joke to the disbelief look of his brothers, "You can squeeze harder."

"I'll break on my own hand" you gritted out feeling the fourth helmet color in.

Wrecker got close and put his face next to your shoulder, peaking over you too at the helmets which were color wise pretty close, "WOW. It's worth it," he said excited for you to see and mildly squishing your hands. He pull back a little still close, "Sorry if you wanted someone else to do this, I was here the first time so it just felt right.."

"It's perfect Wrecker, but if I ever get an invisible tattoo again... just push me off the ship before we land."

"I think not," Tech said shocked.

"I'll hold him out of the way," Hunter said looking at Tech jokingly.

"How about I watch how many poppers you deflected if you do?" Wolffe said moving in and looking over Wrecker, "I don't envy that," he said stepping backward.

"POPPER BALL?" It came out as a welp as the next one filled in.

"We haven't played that in forever," Comet laughed joining.

"What's popper ball?" Echo asked raising an eyebrow.

"You wack an Electro Magnetic Pulse Grenade with the launcher, duh," Wrecker said, "It's a lot of fun."

"Wolfffeeee, you me and Wrecker vs Sinker, Comet and Boost... Wait- OW- Where is he?" you asked.

"Picking out something," he chuckled.

Wolffe watched everyone's eyes fall on him besides Wrecker who was to busy watching her and the tattoo develop. He rolled his eyes, "Haven't you ever got a lady something?" looking at them, "Well technically you are not getting is Boost is," Tech replied, "It's something I got her a long ago that I on purposely had him lose somewhere." Wolffe saw the confused look on your face before you winced again the last helmet getting filled in. He shook his head trying to say this wasn't the time or place to talk about it, you gave him a brief nod returning your attention to Wrecker.

"If it is what I think it is" Crosshair hissed finally joining them, "We'll be stepping back into the other room."

"Did he hear-"  Comet started.

"Shut up-" Sinker said elbowing him.

"Boys, you all are pretty. shut up," you mildly snapped the pain attempting to fade out your vision as the pack symbol colored in their beautiful grey shade.

"Me too?!" Wrecker asked trying to take the edge of.

"Of course you too," you said feeling bad about the lack of time together but these moments were small and beautiful, "you're very handsome, Wrecker."

"It might be" Wolffe smiled.

[missywritesfor7]

🌙Moon’s Light | JJK🌙

Synopsis: Luna is a young paralegal trying to maintain her new found independence and enjoy life. Too bad her job sucks and her boss is the worst. As if that wasn’t bad enough, she encounters a vampire named Jungkook who changes her life in more ways than one.

Jungkook is a shield and protector of the vampire kingdom of Korealis. He’s trained his entire life to block out any and all distractions and focus solely on becoming the strongest. While investigating a potential threat to the kingdom, he encounters Luna who turns out to be more than he could have ever imagined. It becomes his job to protect her, but he can’t tell if what he’s feeling is his devotion to the job or perhaps something deeper.

Secrets are uncovered. Lives are on the line. Hearts are tested.

Pairing: Vampire!Jungkook x Fem!OC

Status: Ongoing

Warnings: Violence, character death, eventual smut, tragedy, some angst, strong language, MINORS DNI

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|| Ch. 45: Safe Zone ||

As soon as Jungkook returned to their now indefinite temporary home he immediately changed into his bunny form and ran straight under the bed. Trying to hold his emotions in the entire ride back had been excruciatingly difficult for him. Luna has no idea what happened, but seeing him instantly run and hide lets her know things probably could have gone better.

“Jungkookie?” She softly whispers peeking under the bed. “What happened?”

He shakes his head and curls himself into a tight ball. If he comes out of it he may completely lose his composure.

“Jungkookie,” she repeats. “Can you at least show me if you’re not going to talk about it?” She reaches her hand out hoping he accepts.

He thinks a moment still not wanting to come out of his safety ball, but ultimately decides showing her would at least allow him to stay as is. He crawls to her hand and she pulls him out and cradles him in her lap. While still curled in his ball he shows her everything.

Now that she sees what happened she can’t help but feel terrible for him. His entire life has been centered around being a shield and being the best one. He takes great pride in being shield and would never do anything to harm his image as such. Not because of ego or fame, but because the job is that important to him. He’s nothing if he’s not a shield and right now that daunting reality is staring him in the face. He hasn’t been fired but he may as well have been in his mind.

“Babe,” Luna whispers petting him gently. She can feel his small body trembling and it’s breaking her down. “It’s just until the investigation is complete,” she says trying to maintain some optimism.

He’s still shaking and having more and more trouble breathing. The overwhelming anxiety is rapidly progressing to full panic and his little bunny body can’t handle such high levels of stress.

He pulls himself out of his ball and transforms back. Without a word he wraps his arms tightly around Luna and buries his face in her neck. He begins heaving as his tears are no longer staying contained. All he can do is cry. His frustration, anger, sadness, disappointment, anxiety, depression, and sense of failure are all manifesting in the form of sobs that are coming out of him more than they ever have before.

Luna chokes back her own tears and tries to comfort him the best she can. She isn’t really sure how she can make him feel better right now. She can hardly make herself feel better. He’s inconsolable and she’s close to breaking herself.

Not close, she is breaking. Tears are streaming down her face and she’s clutching on to him just as tightly as he’s clutching her. She can’t stand seeing him like this. The Superman who tells her over and over again that nothing hurts him is on the floor hurting more than any pain he’s ever experienced.

“What do I do?” Jungkook cries into her neck. “What am I if I’m not a shield?” He pulls back from Luna and she can see the fire forming within his tears. “I never did anything! Why did that fucking asshole set me up? My WHOLE LIFE! He’s been setting me up and now I’m on fucking leave from my duties INDEFINITELY!” His breathing is becoming more and more unstable as he cycles through varying emotions. “I start to feel like I’ve accomplished something. My whole life I’ve trained, for what?! To be better than that mother fucker only for him to come in and ruin my life anyway!”

Luna tries to keep a hand on him. Not to restrain him, which would only make him fight more, but to make sure in the midst of his feelings he knows that she’s still there.

“All I wanted,” he huffs out of breath. “Was to serve my kingdom the best I can and be left alone. That’s it! He made me think he fucking changed! He took the one thing I ever asked his useless ass for and he just used it to try to manipulate me! What the fuck did I do to deserve this?” He whimpers knowing there’s no answer.

“I’m sorry, babe,” she says through the heartbreaking knot in her throat. “I know it’s hard.”

“I worked so fucking hard to be better.” He hangs his head. “In the end I became just as much of a failure as he is.”

“Jungkook-“ Luna chokes on a sob. Seeing him like this is hard enough, but hearing him talk down to himself like that is absolutely crushing. She knows that those are Minseok’s words, not Jungkook’s, and she hates to hear them come from him.

Luna’s tone went from concern to pain and it’s that small change that brings Jungkook out of his head and back to what’s in front of him. Only Luna being in any type of pain can do that and now he’s finally getting a good look at the tears racing down her cheeks. It’s like a switch flipped in him and he immediately moved to comfort her. His only concern right now is her.

He wipes her tears and holds her against his chest. He’s trying to bring himself back under control, but she can still feel his pounding chest and unevenness of his breaths. She looks up at him and tries to speak again.

“I hate when you say shit like that about yourself,” she cries. “You’re so much more than that and you know it.” She cradles his face and nearly collapses from the sight of his big sad eyes looking back at her. “I know you’re hurting, baby, but we don’t know what will happen. You did nothing wrong and in time the truth will come out.”

Jungkook nods with tears still raining down his chin. He can’t say anything else at this point. His voice is gone so nodding and pulling Luna as close as possible is all he can do.

Amidst the sadness and disappointment, is anger. So much anger. If he weren’t clear across the kingdom trying to find comfort with the only person that can bring him any, he would likely be on the hunt for his father. If he’s ever going to lose control to the point of causing trouble for himself then he’d rather do it with his father on the receiving end.

They move to the couch to continue comforting each other and thinking of what to do with themselves. Jungkook isn’t much in the mood to do anything other than sulk. Luna is simply trying her best because frankly she’s dying inside seeing him like this. Her attention is focused on him until she gets a few texts.

Yoongi messaged her to let her know that he heard what happened and she won’t need to worry about work. He volunteered to fill in for her for the remainder of her contract but she’ll still get paid for it.

“That’s good I guess,” Jungkook sighs without emotion.

“Maybe we should get something to eat,” Luna says hoping to boost his spirit somehow. At the very least get him out of his funk enough that he stops sulking for a few minutes.

But he doesn’t.

He sulks.

And sulks.

And sulks.

By the end of the week Luna feels he’s already aged a thousand years. The light in his dark red eyes have burned out and his bright bunny smile hasn’t livened up Luna’s life in far too long now. She wants her bouncing demon bunny Jungkookie back.

Nothing she says has been able to pull him out of his depression. Not even a fresh serving of his favorite pork belly with a cold beer. So instead she sits next to him in the bed scrolling her phone. What’s become her new routine here. But what she happens across is far from routine.

Between her own feelings of anxiety and Jungkook’s cycle of emotions that periodically threaten to send waves across the kingdom, she hasn’t had much time to check the message boards the past week. That means she hasn’t had a chance to see if there was any mention of what happened at the mall.

She scrolls back as far as she can to catch up on everything and of course there was talk about what happened at the mall. Not only that but a video posted of the ordeal. She had no idea someone was recording at the time and she knows Jungkook definitely has no idea. The response to the video are positive but maybe a bit too positive.

The praises towards Jungkook for the way he handled the lost Saakhan who suddenly appeared is one thing. However the growing push from the “King Jeon” crowd is concerning. Especially considering their current situation. Sure enough, the account they believe to be Minseok is all over the conversation. Praising the crowd for their chant and claiming Jungkook is one step closer to taking the King’s place.

As if that’s not bad enough, that account posted a few days later mentioning Jungkook’s punishment. There are no details, but they claim Jungkook hasn’t been seen since the mall incident and they believe it’s because he’s being punished. Anyone outside of the palace would have no way of knowing that.

On top of that, because of the nature and severity of the investigation they haven’t been allowed to speak directly to anyone in the royal family. That means all communication with Jin, Namjoon, and Taehyung have been cut for the time being. That also means no one should have even the slightest bit of information about what’s happening and that just further proves that this account is from Minseok, or at least someone on the inside.

Luna reads on trying to keep Jungkook from seeing what’s on her phone. The comments keep going and while there’s a mix of opinions, there’s still too many that aren’t making things any better for them.

Jungkook feels like he’s been suffocating all week and just waiting to die. It’s excruciating. Hoseok, Yoongi, and Jimin have tried checking in on him. He hasn’t answered any of them but they assured him that things will work out fine. They also have very little information as the investigation is being done with great secrecy, but they know Jungkook’s innocence and believe that it will all come out soon. Jungkook is having a hard time believing that, especially when he secretly notices the shit show of comments Luna is reading through on her phone. He caught a glimpse of a comment saying they can’t wait until he’s king, and that caused something to start burning inside of him.

He doesn’t say a word but continues secretly peeking over Luna’s shoulder to read more comments. He didn’t want to but once he saw the first one he was sucked in. It’s all a mess but one comment suddenly catches his eye.

How we can help Jungkook ascend

It goes on mentioning ways the citizens can help him fight for and ascend to the throne. At the end of this long winded comment the poster mentions four possible places Jungkook could be right now. Running with the rumor that he’s being punished, they claimed to know of four places that the King sends people to when they’re awaiting a major punishment.

It’s not that this person had a guess at where those locations are, it’s that this person was absolutely correct. The places they listed are all locations the King uses to send those in the middle of pending investigations. No one outside of the palace would ever know these locations, the only saving grace is that they clearly don’t know about the location where Jungkook and Luna actually are. That could be because they were originally sent here for safety while Luna’s portal was being shut down, not because they were being punished. Something clicks in Jungkook’s mind and he quickly snatches the phone from Luna.

“Wha-” She says startled. She hadn’t realized he was looking at her phone.

“Shhh,” he shushes her placing a finger to his lips.

He scrolls on checking the responses to the comment. Then he checks the other posts that account has made. That’s when it occurs to him that this is the same account that’s been spearheading this entire revolution. The account that he has no doubt is his father.

There’s a new sense of determination that’s overcome Jungkook. If his father is foolish enough to post information only royal personnel know, then he’s sure he’s bound to give more of himself away. Jungkook figures if he can get more information from this person he could forward everything to the King and save himself from this agonizing leave of absence.

“Do you ever post on here?” He asks not moving his eyes from the screen.

“Sometimes,” Luna shrugs trying to figure out what he’s about to get into.

“What if you messaged Minseok and got him to tell you more?” He asks.

It’s been a long week, but one thing Jungkook has accomplished in the time is no longer referring to his father as anything but ‘Minseok’ as if he were just a mere stranger. He didn’t have much respect for Minseok to begin with, but now any hint of respect for him is far gone.

“How am I supposed to do that?” Luna asks. “What do I say to him?”

“Anything. Say whatever you need to make him think you’re on his side. Then we can use that as more proof to send the King.”

“How are you going to give the information to the King though? You’re not allowed to speak to anyone in the family right now.”

Jungkook thinks a moment. He knows he could face even more trouble if he were to contact Jin so he’s definitely not going to do that. The same rule applies to Luna, so having her as a part of this doesn’t make much of a difference.

“I got it!” He says with a snap a minute later. “Hyung will do it for me!”

The hyung he’s counting on for this is Yoongi. Jungkook sends him a string of messages explaining what he’s thinking and asking Yoongi if he’d be willing to participate. Not just participate, but essentially do everything since Jungkook can’t really do anything from his (mostly mental) prison.

Yoongi gives Jungkook shit for not responding to any of his previous messages he sent during the week, but agrees to help. To Jungkook’s surprise, Yoongi already has an account on the message boards. He claims he rarely logs into it and he’s never posted, but would use it to keep an eye on any talk regarding his family’s many ventures. He gave Jungkook a bit more shit for asking this of him when he’s already working in Luna’s place while they’re gone. Then he promised to keep Jungkook posted, and as always he requires nothing in return for his help.

Jungkook breathes a small sigh of relief. He feels like there’s a chance that his suffering won’t have to last long if this works out. It’s not great relief, but it’s the most he’s felt all week.

Luna can also feel the relief. He’s a bit more relaxed as each day passes. Yoongi sends regular screenshots and updates to keep Jungkook from losing his mind. That’s in part due to Luna asking Yoongi to give updates since after two days Jungkook was on the roof mumbling to himself. She thought he was just clearing his mind but then she realized he was obsessing over every ‘what if’ scenario he could come up with. She told Yoongi about his spiral into insanity and Yoongi knew just how to help. Both of them are beyond grateful for Yoongi.

It’s dinner time and the staff working in the palace kitchen are preparing the royal family’s meal as usual. Tonight, the Kim family will have a guest joining them. The King invited Minseok over for dinner, which isn’t unusual. They’ve been best friends for centuries so of course the King has invited him for dinner many times. Tonight the King invited Minseok because he knows they haven’t had much time together since Minseok’s punishment was lifted. The King told Minseok he wanted him to know that it wasn’t personal and he didn’t want that to come between their friendship.

Minseok graciously accepted the King’s invitation and now sits at the dinner table next to him. This night it’s just the two of them and the Queen. Jin and his brother took a trip to another kingdom to see his (definitely not) girlfriend who he still continues to play online games with regularly. Since Jungkook is currently on leave, that meant his brother Junghyun had to accompany Jin. Because he’s Hojin V’s shield, Hojin decided to tag along too, much to Jin’s chagrin.

The King and Minseok have a friendly chat as they normally would. It’s as if there truly are no hard feelings between them. However, as the King expected, it was only a matter of time before Minseok brought up Jungkook and his whereabouts.

“I haven’t heard from him,” Minseok says. “I know the rules regarding the secure locations, but I at least would like to know if my son is ok.”

“I can assure you he’s fine, Luna too. It’s only until the operation into the Saakhan headquarters is complete and her portal is closed. But,” the King pauses and leans in. “You haven’t heard from him at all?”

“Nothing,” Minseok says. “I’ve sent him texts but I’ve gotten no responses.”

“Hm,” the King ponders. “I haven’t taken away their means of communication at all. Do you know if Sunyoung has heard from him?”

“Come on,” Minseok huffs. “You know I don’t speak to her. How would I know?”

“Just wondering,” the King shrugs. “Since you haven’t heard from him I thought you may have reached out to her. Still, I can assure you he’s fine.”

“How can you be sure? Have you spoken to him since you sent him away?” Minseok seems offended, especially if Jungkook had spoken to the King and not him at such a crucial time.

“Take it easy. I didn’t send him away as punishment. He and Luna are at a special location that I had set up just for them and this operation. They have everything they need and more. I made sure of it.”

“But have you spoken to him?” Minseok asks suspiciously.

“Not directly, but the guards on duty have been providing updates.”

“Guards on duty? Why does my son need guards?”

“Minseok, please,” the King says trying to calm him down. “You know all royal properties are always under guard watch. This one is no different.”

“Then where is it? Where are you keeping him?” Minseok demands.

“You speak as if I’m punishing him. I told you he’s not being punished. Unless there’s another reason why you’re so upset?”

“It’s just,” Minseok pauses. “I haven’t heard from him so I’m a little worried. Not knowing where he is doesn’t help.”

“I understand that but you know I can’t tell you where he is for safety reasons.”

“I’m his father!”

“You’re also the one who provoked his power and endangered the kingdom due to this grudge you have against his girlfriend, who is also with him at that location.” The King’s words are sharp enough to remind Minseok who’s in charge and that he should watch his tone when speaking.

“Ok,” Minseok says backing down. “I understand.”

“Good,” the King says. “His not responding to you is something you should address with him. Not me.”

“Right,” Minseok says through his teeth. “Can you at least send a message to him to give me a call.”

“Of course. I’ll have the guards let him know. Is everything ok though?” The King raises a brow. “I’m asking as a friend, not the King. I know you’re worried about him and his well-being, but you never get like this when it comes to him.”

“No,” Minseok lies. “It’s fine. I just thought I would have heard from him by now.”

“I get it.” The King switches to a lighter tone. “So you two have been getting along well lately?”

“Seems so,” Minseok says. “He’s always been rebellious, but he finally seems to be coming around and listening to me for once.”

“And Luna? I know he’s very protective of her.”

“We…” Minseok pauses and clinches his jaw. “Came to an understanding.”

“Really?” The King asks seeming surprised. “After all you did to try getting rid of her you two finally came to an understanding?”

“Something like that,” Minseok huffs. “She’s not my focus right now so as long as she doesn’t interfere with things it will be ok.”

“Interfere with things?”

“Training. Jungkook’s training.”

“I see,” the King says leaning back in his chair. “I hope it works out, especially since another Jeon-quake could really cause issue with the citizens.”

“Of course,” Minseok smirks. “None of us want that to happen again.”

Jungkook’s reason for not responding to any of Minseok’s messages needs no explanation. However, he doesn’t have much of an explanation for not having told his mom anything yet. Nothing about the mall, or Minseok’s attempt to push Jungkook to take over the throne. He knows she wouldn’t be too happy about him not letting her know what’s going on, but he does it all the time. He never wants to worry his mom so he figured he just won’t tell her anything at all. It usually works.

Until a few days later when Luna and Jungkook are in the lobby of their temporary residence. Each day at 8 am they must stay in the area where the workers first entered Luna’s portal for two hours. It’s the designated time for workers to come or go if they need to. Having a set time and location makes it easier for Luna and Jungkook to maintain their privacy so they won’t have to worry about someone appearing at random times.

Today Luna makes herself comfortable on the couch provided with a coffee in one hand and Jungkook attached to the other. She made the mistake of mentioning a dull pain in her stomach when she woke up and Jungkook has been extra attentive ever since. Given the current circumstances they’re in, he’s much more worried about any and everything she feels and he’s willing to fly through her portal himself and order everyone out if the operation causes her any bit of pain.

They fuss at one another a little with Luna telling him he doesn’t have to worry so much and Jungkook dramatically telling her to stop trying to deny his love. She tries fighting him, but as usual she eventually gives in and giggles along with him.

They’re all smiles until the front door of the building flies open. Jungkook looks up and immediately makes eye contact with Sunyoung who looks worried and confused.

“Mom?” Jungkook says jumping up and rushing over to her.

“Tokki are you ok?” She asks giving him a tight hug. “What’s going on?”

“What are you doing here?” He asks. “No one is supposed to know about this location.”

“The King sent me here.” She gives him a good look from head to toe to make sure he’s unharmed.

“The King?” He asks trying to calm the erratic pounding of his heart. “Why?”

“He said I needed to stay here for my safety, but didn’t say why.”

“Your safety?!”

[protectprotect21]

Protect Face Mask

KN95 Face Masks

KN95 Mask Design: 5-Partical Filters Layers Pro Tect KN95

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Inner Layer – A high-quality non-woven, melt-blown fabric that is soft, easy-to-breathe through, and thin.

5 Particle Layer– Includes a ultra-fine cotton filter layer that works effectively to block fine particles.

Fabric Layer – Non-woven fabric that is designed to process thorough filtering during inhaling.

[normeacottremovals]

10 Ways to Make Your New Home Move-In Ready for Removalists

Moving into a new home is an exciting chapter in life—a fresh start, a new environment, and endless possibilities for creating a space that truly feels like your own. However, the journey to settling in isn’t always smooth. Between packing, coordinating logistics, and ensuring everything arrives intact, moving day can quickly become overwhelming if you’re not adequately prepared. One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, aspects of a successful move is ensuring that your new home is move-in ready. This preparation goes beyond unpacking boxes; it’s about creating an organised, safe, and welcoming environment that allows you and your removalists  Central Coast to work efficiently and comfortably. From ensuring utilities are operational to clearing pathways and protecting surfaces, every step you take in advance can significantly ease the moving process. 1. Inspect and Deep Clean Your New Home

Before moving in, take the time to inspect every corner of your new home for repairs, maintenance issues, or cleaning needs. Look for signs of leaks, faulty wiring, or damaged flooring that might need immediate attention.

After the inspection, deep clean the space. Pay special attention to bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms—areas you’ll use right away. Scrub tiles, vacuum carpets, and sanitise surfaces like countertops and sinks. A professionally cleaned home not only looks welcoming but also reduces allergens and ensures a healthier environment. 2. Set Up Essential Utilities in Advance

Ensure all utilities—electricity, water, gas, and internet—are connected and operational before moving day. Confirm with your providers a few days prior to avoid any last-minute issues.

Having functional utilities is particularly helpful for removalists who might need good lighting to navigate the home or power for tools. Additionally, ensure climate control systems like air conditioning or heating are working so the environment is comfortable during the move. 3. Plan and Clearly Label Each Room

Assign a purpose to every room in your new home, even if it’s temporary. Label these spaces with large, visible signs, such as “Master Bedroom,” “Kitchen,” or “Living Room.”

Provide removalists with a corresponding colour-coded or labelled box system to match the room names. This small step can save you hours of reorganising after the move and allows removalists to work more efficiently. 4. Measure Doorways, Hallways, and Staircases

Large furniture and appliances can be challenging to move through tight spaces. Before moving day, measure your doorways, hallways, and staircases to ensure everything fits.

If necessary, consider disassembling bulky furniture or removing doors temporarily to create more room. Let your removalists know in advance about any size limitations or tricky angles so they can come prepared with the right tools and strategies. 5. Protect Floors, Walls, and Corners

Moving heavy furniture can sometimes lead to accidental scratches or scuffs on floors and walls. Take preventive measures by laying down protective materials like cardboard sheets, floor mats, or carpet protectors in high-traffic areas.

Similarly, use foam corner protectors or bubble wrap to safeguard sharp edges of walls or door frames. These precautions will help maintain the pristine condition of your new home and avoid unnecessary repair costs. 6. Ensure Easy Parking and Accessibility

One of the most overlooked aspects of moving day is parking. Ensure there is ample and convenient parking space for the removalist truck. If your neighbourhood requires parking permits, apply for one well in advance.

Check for any obstructions, like low-hanging tree branches or narrow driveways, that might make it difficult for large vehicles to park. Easy access to your home minimises delays and simplifies the unloading process. 7. Secure Pets and Children for Safety

Moving day can be chaotic, and pets or young children may inadvertently get in the way or be at risk of injury. Arrange for a secure and comfortable space for them away from the moving activity.

If possible, consider leaving them with a family member, friend, or professional pet sitter for the day. This ensures a safer environment for both removalists and your loved ones. 8. Clear Pathways Inside and Outside

Ensure that all pathways, driveways, and stairways leading to and inside your home are clutter-free. Remove debris, toys, or any obstacles that might pose a tripping hazard.

If you’re moving during winter, shovel snow or spread salt to prevent slipping. Well-lit and clear pathways make it easier and safer for removalists to carry heavy loads into your home. 9. Prepare a Moving Day Survival Kit

Keep a box or bag with essential supplies that you’ll need immediately upon arrival. Include items like:

Cleaning supplies for last-minute touch-ups.

A set of tools for quick furniture assembly or repairs.

Snacks and water bottles for yourself and the removalists.

Chargers for electronic devices.

This kit ensures you have everything you need on hand while you focus on unpacking and settling in. 10. Communicate Expectations with Your Removalists

Good communication is key to a smooth moving day. Provide your removalists with clear instructions, including any fragile or high-value items that require extra care.If there are any challenges at the new home, such as narrow stairs or limited parking, let them know ahead of time so they can prepare accordingly. Walk them through your new home upon arrival to highlight key areas and clarify your expectations.

Preparing your new home for move-in day not only reduces stress but also helps removalists work more efficiently. By following these ten steps, you’ll ensure that the moving process is smooth and your new house is ready to become a welcoming home.

[insightsandinspiration]

Top 10 Everyday Uses for Canvas Tarps in Your Home and Garden

Canvas tarps are a versatile and practical tool for any household. Durable, eco-friendly, and weather-resistant, these tarps are perfect for a variety of uses, from protecting your furniture to aiding in gardening projects. Below, we explore the top 10 everyday uses for canvas tarps that can transform your home and garden into a more functional and organized space.

1. Protecting Outdoor Furniture from the Elements

Canvas tarps are an excellent solution for shielding outdoor furniture from weather conditions like rain, sun, and snow. Their breathable fabric prevents moisture buildup, reducing the risk of mold and mildew. By covering patio furniture with canvas tarps, you can extend its lifespan and maintain its appearance year-round.

2. Enhancing Gardening Projects

Gardening enthusiasts can rely on canvas tarps for multiple tasks. Use them as ground covers to suppress weeds, or lay them out to protect plants from frost during colder months. Their heavy-duty material also makes them ideal for transporting soil, mulch, or garden debris, keeping your workspace clean and organized.

3. Creating Shaded Areas for Outdoor Activities

Whether hosting a backyard party or enjoying a quiet afternoon outdoors, canvas tarps can serve as shade canopies. By attaching them to poles or trees, you can create a comfortable, shaded area that blocks harmful UV rays while allowing airflow. This setup is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or relaxing by the pool.

4. Protecting Floors and Surfaces During Renovations

When undertaking home improvement projects, canvas tarps act as reliable floor and surface protectors. Their durable fabric prevents scratches, paint spills, and debris damage, making cleanup easy and preserving your home’s interior.

5. Serving as Temporary Shelters

Canvas tarps are a must-have for emergencies or outdoor adventures. Their sturdy construction allows them to be used as temporary shelters during camping trips or unexpected weather events. Rigging a tarp as a makeshift tent or rainfly ensures comfort and safety wherever you are.

6. Organizing Storage Spaces

Decluttering your garage, attic, or shed becomes easier with canvas tarps. Use them to cover stored items, protecting them from dust and moisture. Their heavy-duty fabric is ideal for safeguarding tools, bicycles, and seasonal decorations, keeping your belongings in pristine condition.

7. Aiding in Painting and Craft Projects

Canvas tarps are indispensable for painting and crafting activities. Spread one under your work area to catch spills, splatters, or debris, minimizing mess and protecting your floors. They can also be repurposed as reusable drop cloths, saving money and reducing waste over time.

8. Covering Vehicles and Equipment

From cars and motorcycles to lawnmowers and grills, canvas tarps provide excellent coverage for outdoor equipment. Their weather-resistant material shields items from sun, rain, and debris, reducing wear and tear. Custom-sized tarps ensure a snug fit, offering maximum protection for your valuable assets.

9. Supporting DIY Home Projects

DIY enthusiasts can benefit from the versatility of canvas tarps in countless ways. Use them as workbench covers to prevent scratches, as dust barriers during remodeling, or even as makeshift bags for collecting construction waste. Their adaptability and strength make them a go-to tool for creative projects.

10. Facilitating Outdoor Play Areas

For families, canvas tarps can enhance outdoor play areas. Lay them down as a clean, dry surface for kids to play on or use them to cover sandboxes and playground equipment. Their durability ensures safety and comfort, while their weather-resistant properties keep play areas usable year-round.

Conclusion

Canvas tarps are an essential addition to any home or garden, offering unmatched versatility and durability. From protecting furniture and equipment to facilitating creative projects and outdoor activities, their uses are practically limitless. By investing in high-quality canvas tarps, you can simplify tasks, protect your belongings, and enhance your outdoor spaces.

[hifiracksonline]

Comparing AV Racks: Which One's Right for You?

AV Rack Overview

An AV (Audio-Visual) rack is a crucial component in home theaters and professional audio-visual setups, providing a centralized location for housing and organizing equipment such as amplifiers, receivers, DVD players, and other devices. In this overview, we will explore the different types of AV racks, their uses, key features to consider, common configurations, space requirements, and popular brands.

Types of AV Racks

Fixed AV Racks: Designed for installations where the equipment is not frequently changed or updated.

Suitable for home theaters, conference rooms, and other fixed installations.

Typically made of steel or aluminum, with a fixed frame and shelves.

Portable AV Racks: Designed for applications where equipment needs to be frequently moved or reconfigured.

Suitable for live events, trade shows, and other temporary installations.

Typically made of lightweight materials, with wheels or handles for easy transportation.

Wall-Mount AV Racks: Designed for installations where floor space is limited or a sleek, low-profile design is desired.

Suitable for home theaters, conference rooms, and other applications where a compact design is required.

Typically made of steel or aluminum, with a wall-mount bracket and shelves.

Rotating AV Racks: Designed for applications where easy access to equipment is required.

Suitable for data centers, server rooms, and other applications where equipment needs to be frequently accessed.

Typically made of steel or aluminum, with a rotating frame and shelves.

Key Features to Consider

Size and Capacity: Ensure the rack has enough space to accommodate all equipment and allow for future upgrades.

Material and Build Quality: Look for durable materials, such as steel or aluminum, and a sturdy construction.

Cable Management: Consider a rack with built-in cable management features, such as cable ties and cable management panels.

Ventilation and Cooling: Ensure the rack has adequate ventilation and cooling to prevent equipment from overheating.

Security: Consider a rack with locking doors or panels to prevent unauthorized access.

Adjustability: Look for a rack with adjustable shelves and mounting options to accommodate different equipment sizes.

Common Configurations

Standard 19-inch Rack: The most common configuration, with a 19-inch-wide rack and adjustable shelves.

Slim 19-inch Rack: A narrower version of the standard 19-inch rack, suitable for applications where space is limited.

Half-Height Rack: A shorter version of the standard 19-inch rack, suitable for applications requiring a lower profile.

Space Requirements

Floor Space: Ensure the rack has enough floor space to accommodate the equipment, with room for future upgrades.

Height Clearance: Ensure the rack has enough height clearance to accommodate the equipment and allow for future upgrades.

Depth Clearance: Ensure the rack has enough depth clearance to accommodate the equipment and allow for future upgrades.

Additional Considerations

Power Distribution: Consider a rack with built-in power distribution, such as a power conditioner or surge protector.

Thermal Management: Ensure the rack has adequate thermal management, such as fans or ventilation panels, to prevent equipment overheating.

Acoustic Treatment: Consider a rack with acoustic treatment, such as sound-absorbing panels, to reduce noise and improve audio quality.

Customization: Look for a rack that can be customized to meet specific needs, such as custom shelves or mounting options.

By considering these factors and choosing the right audio-visual rack for your specific needs, you can ensure a well-organized, efficient, and reliable home theater or professional audio-visual setup.

[floorinsite]

Avoiding Floor Damage During Property Renovations

The UK is a nation filled with people keen to improve their properties, if research is anything to go by.

Data from Confused.com home insurance found that 32% of homeowners across the UK had planned to invest in major property renovation projects during 2024, for example.

According to the 2024 UK Houzz and Home Renovation Trends Study, those interested in subjecting their property to some renovation work don’t mind spending a little extra on the improvements either. The report claims that median renovation spend has risen by 13% between 2020 and 2023.

However, Confused.com home insurance’s home and lifestyle expert Matthew Harwood points out: “The risk of property damage or other issues spikes during major renovation or construction works. But the right precautions and coverage can prevent these.”

Flooring is one area of a property that can often get damaged when renovation work is being carried out. Fortunately, builder’s merchants Travis Perkins is on hand to advise how to avoid this being the case:

How a floor can get damaged during renovation work Before going into detail about the steps building professionals can take to keep a floor looking immaculate during renovation work, here’s a look at three common ways flooring can be damaged:

·      Scratches & scuffs Hardwood and laminate flooring are prone to receive scratches and scuffs when renovation work is being carried out in a property.

Not only is the flooring subjected to heavy foot traffic when construction projects are taking place, but large items and bulky materials can often be dragged from one area and dropped into another location.

·      Surface & structural damage We’ve already mentioned how heavy foot traffic can cause scratches and scuffs to appear on flooring but having numerous people walking through a property – especially in and out of a construction area where renovations are taking place – can also leave a mess.

 Dirt and debris which aren’t swiftly cleared away can cause surface damage to flooring. If this mess is left untreated on vinyl floors, it can also result in any adhesive weakening.

·      Water damage A lot of property renovations will see plumbing work being carried out at some stage. If any excess water that gets onto a floor isn’t cleared promptly, the result could be that the entire flooring has its look and structure altered.

Water damage to floors can include mould forming, discolouration of panels being identified and a warping effect taking place.

5 steps to avoid a floor getting damaged With thorough preparation and plenty of care when undertaking the actual renovation project, building professionals have various ways to keep flooring looking its best when work is being done

1.      Cover floors with protective materials Before starting any renovation work, tradespeople should put down temporary floor protectors in and around the areas that they will be working in and walking through.

Having these in place will help to reduce the risk of flooring getting scratched or scuffed, while providing a layer of protection against spillages. This protection is also convenient, as it can be lifted up and removed once a renovation is completed to make cleaning a very quick process.

There’s a wide variety of products available too. As well as heavy-duty temporary floor protection materials for flat surfaces, building professionals can use pre-creased stair tread guards to protect flooring when working across multiple floors of a property, and low-tack PVC tape to join protection materials which are being applied to sensitive surfaces (as the tape doesn’t leave a residue).

2.      Set out walking routes Well-defined walking routes should be planned out in a property ahead of a renovation project getting underway. They allow for a smooth construction process and also preserve the appearance of flooring where high foot traffic is guaranteed during work.

A walking route should be clear of all furniture and obstacles, as unobstructed pathways make it less likely for accidental damage to occur.

More of the temporary floor protectors mentioned in the last step should be applied too, as well as adhesive dirt trapper mats placed at entry points to walking routes to capture debris in one place.  

On a side note about debris, tradespeople should wear shoe covers when entering a property for renovation work to protect interior flooring from stubborn dirt.

3.      Lift materials instead of sliding or dragging them across a floor It can be tempting to drag or slide materials around when doing renovation work, especially when it’s a big project that involves many large and heavy pieces.

This should be avoided though, as it increases the risk of flooring getting marked or stained. Always lift materials and place them down carefully, even if it means bulkier items being carried by more than one person.

4.      Have proper ventilation in place during renovation work Adequate ventilation should be seen as vital during a renovation project.

A box fan in a window of a work area helps to capture dust and a pressure barrier works to block debris from moving around other parts of a property. Both means dirt will be less likely to settle onto flooring and potentially cause damage.

Keep a window open when renovation work involves the use of harsh chemicals and fumes too.

5.      Regularly clean around work areas As well as focusing on the renovation job itself, tradespeople should also establish a daily clean-up routine when planning out a project.

This routine should involve any spillages being addressed quickly so that moisture does not have the chance to get too deep into flooring, while work areas should be vacuumed or mopped regularly depending on the type of floor being worked on.

Finish each workday by removing larger pieces of debris that’s formed from the renovation work too, disposing them either in a skip or outside bin instead of letting them pile up inside a property.

Bonus tip: Leave the floor installation to the end, where applicable Will you be undertaking a renovation project that will involve installing new flooring?

If so, it’s wise to put down the new flooring towards the end of the job if possible. That way, the rest of the work can be done without worrying that scratches, paint or anything else will get onto pristine surfaces.

Adding the new floor will then be the perfect finishing touch.

https://www.travisperkins.co.uk/product/decorating-and-interiors/cleaning-and-preparation/carpet-and-floor-protection/c/1500543/

[firstseasonlisazemo]

Steaming Flower Tea

Summary: Keith accidentally saw something he should not have, and now he cannot control himself any more. He goes after what he wants, with the help of a certain concoction.

Rating: R - Content features heavy themes. Not suitable for most audiences. Consult warnings before proceeding.

Depictions of non-consensual sexual activities. Reader discretion is highly advised.

Words: 1300

Notes: Heheh pervert Keith is fun Keith.

Keith clutches the damn vial of poison that will make his darling sister dripping wet, ready to be filled by the only person available to her.

He hates the idea. It is not poison, and any unpleasant effects the substance can cause are merely temporary and can be rapidly eased with proper treatment. Nevertheless, it is crass and beneath him to violate Catarina in such way, and if anyone figures out what he did, they certainly will partake of the same opinion.

He hates that he needs to resort to such dirty tricks, but his cock has been continuously and very much painfully hard for days. If he does not get to bury it in at least her hot, ragged breath, he might have to resort to more violent methods to get the frustration out of his system for the lack of a better way to calm himself.

It would be only natural, maybe, to spiral out of control. Keith knows the Royal Prisons were emptier than ever due to one of the prince’s running through them like paper dolls, and that a Wind magic user donned in black has been rounding up petty criminals up and down the capital with appalling brutality. Beautifully dangerous plants surround the Hunt family estate these days, thunderous and rageful symphonies and snuff books on obsessive lovers seem to be all the rage at the finest salons and they have even figured out some offensive uses to the Light alignment at the department recently. Maybe that is just what standing by someone so frustratingly loveable does to one’s sanity and sense of human dignity. Maybe it is only a matter of time before he tramples over the common folk with his clay golems and this is only a respite before the imminent and the inevitable, but, in comparison, he feels he stands in an anthill of a moral high ground, and it helps to assuage his guilt.

All of it, all this heinous plot, over a simple mistake. An unfortunate coincidence. Anne happened to forget the soap for her lady’s bath once in her long career and excused herself to get it, leaving the door just open enough for one to sneak a look inside without being noticed. Just when Keith was passing by the hallway, headed between his bedroom and his father’s study, in a lonely and ill-travelled part of the house.

There is no hope for him. Cold baths have not done anything for him ever since he began imagining Catarina alongside him. Bathing seems to be one of his most wholesome fantasies these days. It has to be done, there is no other option.

What he intends to feed her is not actual poison, indeed, but he knows it will cloud the mind and heat up the body to the point of pain. To the point where his sister will be writhing on the floor, desperate and sobbing in need. He could never get her on her knees, begging him to fuck her, he could never get her to understand, without a little extra help, and the thought of her hazy eyes alone is nearly sending him over the edge. No amount of hitting his head against a wall will banish the thought of tears brimming her eyes as she asks him to help her, to make the burning go away. To be the protector he swore to be. Nor will violence make the idea of her becoming a sloppy mess, moaning and screaming his name and no-one else’s, any less orgasm-inducing.

Anne is out for the night, sent away to fetch a precious and expensive confectionary that caught her lady’s eye on a village just half a day’s away from the capital. Just far enough to make it an overnight trip. The maid assigned to her place was young and inexperienced, she was not yet made aware how unadvisable it is to be infatuated with her masters.

It was much too easy to tamper with the food and drink going in and out of the lady’s room, almost concernedly so. He would have to look into it soon, but, for now, it played to his advantage.

There is already a wet stain on his pants when Keith enters her room, but he holds back until Catarina has a sip of her late-night tea before pouncing. He would have preferred a more natural approach to getting her the pleasure she deserves. Still, the least he can do is wipe the excess aphrodisiac from her lips and lick it off before crashing his mouth to hers. 

It is not even just for his pleasure. His dearest sister, well-fucked and satiated, will probably help let off some much-needed steam for both of them. She can scratch, bite, and punch him as much as she wants, but nothing takes away the stress like a good mingling of bodies and a proper pounding. The young master shall not rest until enough orgasms leave her that she is barely alive in his arms, only to push her into another one for good measure.

There is nothing more erotic than her limb body, drool dripping from her mouth with the incoherent gargles, and the knowledge that he did that to her. That it was Keith that sent her to the afterlife and brought her back with just his efforts and his cock.

And, well, good old aphrodisiac.

Yes, he will make an addict of her, make her fixated on him as he is fixated on her, and he has enough drug and stamina to make this vision come through. After all of this is through, he will make it so that their parents find out, accidentally, of course, what they had been doing behind their backs. He will corner the duke into changing the nature of his adoption and scandalize the king into dissolving her engagement. He will make it so that she has no other option than himself.

She will be well taken care of. It will all be worth it when Catarina still remembers the feeling of his cock filling her days later, the man not touching her and keeping his visits short. When in the weak, lonely moments, his adoring gaze fills her mind, making her body throb with the desire to do it again. To have him on top of her, sweating, smiling sweetly, telling her how much he loves her and how perfect she is while he absolutely wrecks her body with his desire. The way his cock filled her completely, hitting all the good spots and making her cum continuously, fluids dripping from her as if she were loose, even though she was just filled to the brim, even though no man has even touched her before himself.

She will even get turned on from remembering the room smelling like two pigs in heat got it on for hours after hours filled with confessions and orgasms. It is all so shameful to admit, and her naïve maidenhood will despise the hold these memories have on her brain, but she will not be able to avoid touching herself as she imagines her own brother consuming her entirely once more, her hands never enough.

She raises the cup of tea, a smile and a greeting on her lips as she looks over to him by her door. The maid has already retired, leaving them alone. He will have to reward her, but that is for another night. It is time to bring forward his vision.

Catarina might suffer, she might be too ashamed to ask for his help, and that is regrettable, but Keith already has a second vial in his desk drawer waiting for her, just in case she does not have the courage to be honest with herself without his help.

*_*_*_*_*

My Next Life as a Villainess Masterlist