#The upper right one is supposed to be her clapping pose with her arms straight out

[asaka-lucy-dr-rc]

Practice drawing facial expressions ②

[①ユーマくん / Yuma]

[comic-book-jawns]

My Favorite Person

“It��s okay! I got it, I got it!”

Having seen Jamie jump back from a flower pot just as she’d opened the door to The Leafling, Dani ran in, clapping Jamie’s shoulder as Jamie backed toward the front counter, then continued on to where she’d been standing. A moment later she had the spider cupped between her hands.

“I’ll be right back, mkay?”

Jamie nodded, flush against the counter. After stepping back into the crisp October air to rehome it on a small tree across the street, Dani returned to find Jamie awkwardly shuffling with her hands in her pockets, staring at the floor.

“Thanks.” She cleared her throat. “Sorry.”

“Jamie.”

They’d been over this countless times — that there was no need for her to apologize to Dani, who, for one, did not have arachnophobia and, for two, was acting entirely of her volition.

“Sorry,” Jamie replied automatically, then groaned. “Fuck me.”

Jamie groaned even louder, rolling her eyes, then trudged over to the coat rack, dug her wallet out of her coat and stepped behind the counter.

Since they’d opened last February, Jamie had been trying to curb her cursing at work so as not to drive away customers.

Dani had suggested a swear jar as a joke, but Jamie had liked the idea. And it had proved to be somewhat effective, though she had had to switch from dollar bills to quarters fairly quickly in the interest of still having cash left at the end of each week.

Whatever was in the jar at the end of each week was supposed to be Dani’s to spend however she chose. But Dani, of course, had wanted to spend it on Jamie, so Jamie had instead suggested they hold onto it until the end of each quarter and then donate that amount to charity.

Dani had loved that idea. So that’s what they’d been doing, neither pointing out that while it was a more noble use of the money, it was still a form of positive reinforcement and very likely part of the reason Jamie had only managed to marginally cut back.

Dani laughed now as Jamie deposited her coin in the jar beside the register, returned her wallet to her coat pocket, then walked back over to her.

“Hi,” Dani said, still giggling.

“Oh, Jesus! Hi, Poppins.” Jamie shook her head as she leaned in to quickly kiss Dani’s cheek. She’d seen her a couple hours ago, but Dani had only just arrived at the shop after a dentist appointment. “How was... ”

Dani smirked as Jamie trailed off. She’d still been in her pajamas when Jamie had left their apartment, so Jamie hadn’t seen her Halloweeen costume yet.

And this was actually the first year they were doing costumes. Having been on the road last year they’d settled for candy and a movie marathon. It had been no less enjoyable, of course. But they had been looking forward to finally getting fully into the tradition now that they were settled in Vermont, especially Jamie who had explained that Halloween wasn’t really much of a thing in England.

Jamie, gripping Dani’s upper arms, looked her up and down now, though Dani’s costume was partially obscured by her coat.

“Wow.” Dani blushed as Jamie’s mouth hung open slightly. “Are you, uh... what’s-er-name?”

Dani raised an eyebrow, trying not to laugh.

“Ya know... ”

Jamie stepped back and did the pose.

“Oh, Rosie the Riveter?”

“That’s it.”

Jamie returned to her normal stance.

“Good guess - ”

“Oh.”

Jamie looked rather deflated. Dani stepped closer, taking her hand.

“No, it was! But this one’s blue.” Dani pointed to the bandana her hair was currently wrapped up in. Jamie cocked her head. “Hers is red.”

“Ah, guess I must’a slacked off in my American propaganda posters of World War II class.”

Dani laughed as she started walking over to the coat rack, still holding Jamie’s hand.

“That does sounds like you.”

“Oi!” Jamie shot back as she helped Dani out of her coat and put it on the rack for her.

“So... ”

Jamie was smiling as she turned around and then went slack-jawed and doe-eyed as it finally clicked.

She’d recognized that Dani was wearing her bandana and that Dani was wearing denim trousers that looked like they belonged to her overalls. But it hadn’t occurred to her that...

“You’re... ” Dani nodded encouragingly. “Me?”

Dani, who was wearing one of Jamie’s tank tops underneath the overalls, Jamie’s striped and multi-colored button down unbuttoned over top and Jamie’s gold chain around her neck, smiled widely and stepped closer, taking both of Jamie’s hands.

“I wanted to go as my favorite person.”

Jamie’s eyes immediately started watering, and she cleared her throat.

“Thanks a lot, Dani. Now I can never wear any of this again.”

Dani laughed.

“Why?”

Jamie scoffed as if it was obvious. She stepped back and gestured at Dani.

“’Cause ya look so much hotter in it!” Jamie pouted. “You’ve ruined ma whole look.”

“Not your whole look.” Dani nodded down to her feet, as she stepped forward and retook Jamie’s hands, and Jamie noticed Dani was wearing her own trainers, or sneakers, as she called them. “Your feet are too small, remember?”

Jamie’s feet were an adorable half-size smaller than Dani’s, which they’d discovered fairly early on when they’d started sharing clothes here and there. Jamie scoffed again as she looked back up, catching Dani’s smirk.

“Just when I thought ya couldn’t sink any lower.”

“Me?” Jamie raised an eyebrow at Dani’s tone and started to smirk herself. “You’re closer to the ground.”

Dani giggled as Jamie’s smirk shattered.

“’M not shorter!”

Dani laughed even harder. Jamie tried to keep a straight face but couldn’t quite manage it. She was impressed more than anything.

Even with the progress Dani had made in quipping — Jamie being a terrible influence, naturally — she normally couldn’t match Jamie this well. Dani was going method, apparently.

“Of course not.”

Before Jamie could get a retort in, Dani wrapped her arm around Jamie’s neck and put her in headlock, another result of Jamie being a bad influence on her.

Jamie had also opted for a fairly simple costume. As excited as she was to celebrate her first proper Halloween — they’d decorated the shop after hours on September 30, Dani taking the lead as the American and former teacher — Jamie had wanted to get the lay of the land before going all out. Plus, she was not keen to feel extra self-conscious interacting with customers.

So, she’d opted for an untucked white button down, black sunglasses that she’d hung on her shirt, white socks underneath tan shoes Dani had recently bought her and her usual boxer briefs underneath, much to Dani’s chagrin, pants. She’d already reassured Dani this morning that she would get fully in character once they got back home.

Jamie caught her glasses now as they were jostled free by Dani bending her down. Before Dani could knuckle her head — gently, of course — they looked up to find a customer walking in.

“Hello!” Dani said brightly, as Jamie choked back another laugh, her face flushing even more. Keeping her eyes on the customer, a woman a bit older than them who fortunately looked rather amused, Dani eased her grip, allowing Jamie to stand back up; took the glasses and put them on Jamie’s face; then put her hand on the small of Jamie’s back and gently nudged her out of the spotlight and back toward the plants. “How can we help you?”

[megalony]

She’s a good girl- Part 11

Here is the latest part in my murderer! Ben Hardy series which I hope you are all enjoying, there is more fluff than angst in this part for you all. Feedback is always appreciated.

Taglist: @lunaticspoem​ @butlegendsneverdie​ @langdonzvoid​ @jennyggggrrr​ @rogmeddows @radiob-l-a-hblah​ @rogertaylorsbitontheside @chlobo6​ @rogertaylors-lipgloss​ @sj-thefan​ @omgitsearly​ @luckytrashgooprebel​ @scarsout @deaky-with-a-c @killer-queen-ofrhye @bluutac​ @vousmemanqueez @jonesyaddiction @ambi-and-sunflowers @milanosaurus @httpfandxms @saint-hardy @7-seas-of-fat-bottomed-girls @mrsalwayswritex @rogerina-owns-me @peterquillzsblog @im-an-adult-ish @crazylittlethingg @allauraleigh

Series taglist: @onceuponadetectivedemigod​ @lelifesaver​​

Series masterlist

Summary: (Y/n) is a good girl from a church-going family and her brother, Joe, is trying to put Ben behind bars. But when (Y/n) starts to fall for the dangerous killer, things get complicated.

Enjoy.

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

"(Y/n) get away from him now!"

A surge of fear shot through (Y/n)'s body that both petrified her and paralysed her to the spot she stood on. Her eyes focused on her big brother who was stood on the other side of the road looking the way she felt. Joe's eyes were wide in their sockets like they were about to pop out, his nose crinkled up and his upper lip curled into a snarl when he looked at Ben and his jaw seemed to grate and click side to side.

If Joe had possession of a gun (Y/n) knew it would be in his hands by now and pointed at Ben.

Daring to move her head, (Y/n) looked around like she was looking for a quick escape or something to focus her attention on but all she saw was people of the church stopping and staring at them. Eyes were watching them from close up and afar, unsure what was happening especially since no one had seen Ben here before so their attention would undoubtedly be focused on him.

What was she supposed to do?

Joe hated Ben with every fibre of his being, he was setting up an investigation to put Ben behind bars for good and here was (Y/n) about to get married to him next week. There was no way that (Y/n) could hide Ben from her brother any longer because their parents had seen him now and they would tell Joe who he was if (Y/n) didn't.

"(Y/n) I'm being serious get the fuck away from him." Joe looked perplexed as he hurriedly crossed the road to reach Ben and his little sister.

He wanted (Y/n) as far away from Ben as possible but it was very clear to Joe that Ben was the secret boyfriend she had. But the way Joe was looking at (Y/n) made a weight settle in her stomach like the baby suddenly weighed over a ton and was dragging her down. Joe didn't know. He thought (Y/n) was oblivious to who Ben really was because he didn't know (Y/n) had seen Ben's file that fateful day at home. He was under the impression that (Y/n) was being led on by Ben and that she was all sweet and innocent and oblivious to who Ben really was.

When in reality (Y/n) knew who Ben was from the moment she clapped eyes on him and it made no difference to her. She was a religious church-going girl who was stepping out with a murderer, clearly there had to be something wrong with (Y/n) and her faith.

The moment Joe was within reach, he leaned over and grabbed (Y/n)'s wrist so he could tear her away from Ben who was desperate to either barrel his fist into Joe or pull (Y/n) back towards him. But Ben stayed put, he knew better than to start a fight with a police officer, whenever he was arrested he went willingly and gave them no more reason to arrest or charge him. He wasn't stupid.

(Y/n) felt herself beginning to shake when Joe pulled her behind him like she was his baby sister he was protecting from a fight in the playground. She dared to rest her hand on his shoulder but he didn't even spare her a glance, his eyes were solely focused on the murderer standing in front of him like a demon.

"Joe please... w-what are you doing?"

How was she supposed to play this? Would it be better if (Y/n) played the dumb oblivious act and pretended she didn't know anything about Ben's dodgy dealings? That would certainly make Joe and her family happy and feel relieved. But if she did that then her whole family was going to expect her to stay with them and keep away from Ben and Joe would be more determined to put Ben away, he would think Ben took advantage of (Y/n) or led her on. (Y/n) would be back trapped with her family, they would do everything in their power to stop her from marrying him and keeping the baby.

But if she told Joe she knew who Ben was and what he did, Joe was never going to forgive her for this. He was on one side of the law and Ben was on the other and this would place (Y/n) on the wrong side with Ben. Her family would disown her for good but it was Joe she couldn't bear to lose.

When Joe turned on his heels to face her, (Y/n) saw the fear, anger, aggression and the pain in his eyes. He didn't know what to do because he clearly thought that he would break her if he told her who Ben was. (Y/n) felt tears welling up in her eyes and her frame shuddered when Joe cradled her face in his hands and leaned down close to her like he was about to tell her a secret. (Y/n) brushed her thumbs over Joe's wrists to try and calm him down but both of them were shaking.

"You need to come home with me, you can't be anywhere near this guy (Y/n). It's him, it's the guy I'm trying to arrest. Come on I'll explain everything but you have to come with me now." He whispered everything very quietly as not to let Ben hear but he frowned when (Y/n) shook her head.

"Joe... h-he's the guy I told you about, the one I'm engaged to." (Y/n)'s lips curved up at the corner's but it was a sad smile that only made the tears fall faster from her eyes.

"(Y/n), sissy please come with me now. You can't be with this guy, he's a murderer, okay? This is the man who kills people and gets away with it and I won't let him do anything to you or the baby-"

"It's his baby, he won't hurt me."

Joe tipped his head back like he was trying to stop himself from shouting at her to get her to see this from his eyes before he let go of (Y/n)'s face and instead moved to hold her arm and her waist. He turned her in the direction of their parent's house but he couldn't pull (Y/n) properly when her feet scraped against the pavement because she didn't want to go back there. That was the home where she had been cast out and called a whore and was deemed a traitor to their religion. (Y/n) wasn't going back there without Ben.

"I'd rather you didn't drag her like that. She doesn't want to go with you, let her go."

Ben placed his hand very lightly on Joe's shoulder just so he could stop him from walking away and he let go quickly when Joe turned to face him, watching as Ben's hand motioned towards (Y/n) but his eyes focused on Joe. He was desperate to tell Joe to get off her and leave her alone but he knew how close (Y/n) was to Joe, her brother wasn't at risk of hurting her, that was her parents.

"And I'd rather you step the fuck away from my sister because she isn't going anywhere with you." Joe kept himself between (Y/n) and Ben like a barrier and (Y/n) was surprised how much confidence and authority her brother had. He was holding his head up like he was trying to be the same height and level with Ben and he was keeping his cool in front of someone he wanted to punch and slap in handcuffs.

"Why don't you ask her what she wants to do?"

Joe shook his head very slowly but at the same time, he cast a look over at (Y/n). His eyes pleaded with her just to stay behind him or say she was going with him rather than go anywhere with Ben. But even if she said she wanted to go with Ben, Joe wasn't going to allow it, he wasn't letting his little sister walk off with someone who posed a very dangerous risk to her.

"I'll go home with you if Ben comes too."

"No, (Y/n) I don't know what lies he's told you or what he's said but he isn't a good man he will hurt you and I can't let that happen don't you see? He can do whatever he likes but you need to come with me I won't say it again."

"What does that mean? I live with him Joe, I'm having his baby, you can't just tell him to leave and expect me never to see him again. I'll come home with you and talk it over if he comes too but I'm not going anywhere without him."

(Y/n) didn't know what Joe expected her to do. He couldn't seriously believe that if she left with him now she would never see Ben again. She loved Ben and she was living with him and this was his baby, (Y/n) couldn't cut him out of her life entirely and Joe had to see that. Even if (Y/n) was so stunned by Ben being a murderer and wanted nothing more to do with him, she was having his child and that would tie her to Ben forever. If Joe wanted to talk (Y/n) would talk but Ben had to be there too.

"He's dangerous-"

"He's never once hit me or hurt me or called me a whore or said one rude thing to me."

Not once had Ben ever scared (Y/n), he'd never tried to hit or attack or hurt her, he hadn't pushed her or got physical with her in all the months they'd been together. He never pushed her do have sex with him or do anything she didn't want to do. Ben had never called (Y/n) a whore or said anything remotely rude to her and they hardly ever argued at all. Ben was an angel to (Y/n) even if he was a demon around everyone else and she was safer with him than at home with their parents.

Pulling out of Joe's hold, (Y/n) looked over at Ben before she crossed the road and expected both men to follow after her. She tried to drown out the sound of Joe telling Ben he had no right to go after (Y/n) but Ben didn't listen, he simply followed after (Y/n) when she took out her keys and unlocked her old family home. She knew Cora and their parents wouldn't be far behind them but she didn't care. If Joe wanted to talk that was what they would do.

(Y/n) headed straight for the living room but once inside, she didn't make a move to sit down. She had sat down to argue last time and it led to her getting her hair pulled and her body thrown into the sofa by Paul. If she stood up and something happened she could cower behind Ben for protection or make a very quick exit out the door.

Her arms cocooned around her chest as tightly as she could over her curved stomach and her eyes focused on Ben when he walked into the room and headed straight over to her. She could see his eyes sweeping around the room, taking in the few pictures hanging on the walls and in frames on the mantle piece but his eyes always found a way back to (Y/n) stood beside him.

When Joe walked into the room it was clear he didn't know whether to sit or stand, whether to pace up and down the room or stand as still as a statue.

"Alright, (Y/n) I don't know what he's told you but whatever it is it's a lie. This man is a murderer, he kills people in cold blood, he threatens and blackmails, he betas people up when they don't listen, he's been done for profiteering and money laundering and whatever else. His list is miles long, you shouldn't be with a man like this."

Joe kept pointing his hand at Ben like he was a magician trying to conjure up some kind of spell or make Ben disappear or prove a point but it wasn't working and his act wasn't magical.

(Y/n) didn't know what she was supposed to say. She knew what Ben was capable of, she had read the file and had seen first hand what the list looked like and what it contained. She wasn't saying Joe was lying because she believed him and knew where he was coming from, but the problem was that Joe wasn't going to understand where (Y/n) was coming from with this. Saying she loved him was never going to be enough for Joe because Ben was a criminal that he wanted to put away for good. But if he tried to put Ben away (Y/n) would never forgive him and Ben would find a way to be free anyway.

"I don't care." (Y/n) couldn't help but shrug her shoulders and hold her hands out at her sides to further prove her point. There was nothing she could say except the truth and the truth was that (Y/n) didn't care.

She had ignored what Ben was capable of since the first moment she met him and part of (Y/n) didn't know why. Maybe it was because Ben was the first person to treat her like a proper adult. He talked to her and listened to her and treated her fairly and like a woman, like someone he cared for. Ben loved her and he gave her respect and did more for her than anyone else in her entire life had done for her. Being a murderer wasn't the side of Ben that (Y/n) ever saw and it was a side she could ignore because when he was around her, he was an angel and that was more than enough for (Y/n).

"Y- you don't care?" Joe smiled in a way that made (Y/n) unnerved and sure that he was going to start laughing at any moment. "You don't care that you're engaged to a murdering bastard? How... how can you not care when God says thou shalt not kill? You're really telling me you've lost your faith and you're willing to let this man be a father to your baby?"

"And I haven't killed anybody, I have no such sins and no quarrels with God. If Ben does... kill people, that's not my choice and he doesn't have faith so God can punish him how he likes. He isn't testing or ruining my faith because it's mine, not his, I can't control him. And he is the father, I won't stop him from seeing the baby."

(Y/n) didn't go against God, she hadn't killed anybody like he said not to do and so (Y/n) had no problems or arguments with the Lord. It was Ben who was killing people and she could never stop him or be blamed for that so it was therefore not to do with her or her faith. (Y/n) might not like what Ben did but it didn't involve her and therefore didn't go against her faith when it was his choice and Ben didn't have any faith himself.

"What have you said to her? The (Y/n) I know wouldn't be with a fucker like you, if you've threatened her-"

"If (Y/n) wants to leave me she has every right and will to do so. Unlike your parents, I give her a choice, she isn't obliged to live with me or forced to work for me or do anything I ask of her." Ben folded his arms over his chest but the smile on his lips was grating on Joe's last nerves.

"Work for you? You said you work at the journalism place in town?"

(Y/n)'s shoulders slumped as she looked away for a moment, biting her bottom lip as she tried to gain the courage she needed to talk without breaking down or riling her brother up anymore than she already had done.

"You're with the police, Cora's a shitty receptionist in a law firm... if I told mum and dad I worked in a boxing club you know what they would say and I knew you'd talk me out of it. I like my job, it's like a freedom compared to living here."

If (Y/n) told her parents where she really worked they would be disappointed and furious that she was't aiming higher with her life and her ambitions and they would have eventually talked her out of it or looked down on her until she quit. But (Y/n) was happy, she didn't want to be a high achieving police officer or try and climb the ladder at a law firm and she didn't want to be a journalist. (Y/n) didn't know what her dream job was yet but for now the job she had with Ben was more than enough for her and it suited her to do so many different things in the club like he allowed her to do.

"Can't you see he's making you depend on him? He's using and seducing you because you've never been with anyone before! You work for him, you live with him, you're having his child, you're totally dependant on him and that makes you vulnerable."

"Why would I want her to be dependant on me, she isn't a child." Ben had no reason to make (Y/n) dependent on him because he was only after her love, he wasn't after anything else from her and he didn't want her to rely on him for everything because that was abuse and he got nothing out of that.

"I'm not dependant on him Joe, I work for him but I've got my own wages now, I live with him but that means I can leave whenever I want because the house isn't legally mine. I've got a car, I'm not relying on him and he isn't using me."

(Y/n) didn't need to rely on Ben because she was becoming independent. When she lived at home she relied on her parents for money, for a roof over her head, for permission to go places and do things, she was controlled when she lived here. But with Ben he gave her a job and her wages were her own, Ben didn't look after her money for her he gave it to her to do what she liked with it. The house wasn't hers but (Y/n) liked that because no ties to the house meant that if they broke up (Y/n) could find somewhere else to live and she had no rights to the house so it wouldn't be something tying her down or tying her to Ben.

He'd given her a car that was in her name so he couldn't just take it back from her, it gave (Y/n) freedom to go places and do what she liked when she liked without relying on her parents or Joe or the bus timetable. Ben was helping (Y/n) gain her freedom, he wasn't taking it away from her.

"And what happens when he loses his temper with you? I've seen what he does to people (Y/n), you're not special just because your having his baby. I've seen it all, broken sternums, broken bones, shot in the knee, punctured lungs, splints on broken bones, he beats people to a pulp and that could be you. Why would you want to take that chance, what if he hurts the baby?"

The anger in Joe's voice seemed to evaporate and became replaced with pure pain.

(Y/n) had seen the reports too, she'd looked through Ben's file that was more like a book and it wasn't pretty. She'd read the post-postmortems and she'd seen the hospital records of what Ben had done to people, he beat them to within an inch of their lives and they were too afraid to go to court in case he came back to finish the job. Just the thought of what Ben did made (Y/n) shiver, she never asked whether the bruises and broken knuckles he came home with were because he'd been boxing or blackmailing people because the truth might scare her.

But Ben never hurt her.

"And what happens when your reverend loses his temper with her? Never once has (Y/n) come home with a bruise or emotional abuse from me but I've seen the bruises when he hits her or pushes her when she's pregnant and I didn't throw her out of her own church or call her a whore. What happens when he takes it one step further because I'd say she's in more danger here than with me."

"Don't you dare start with me-"

"Or, what? You keep saying I've killed people and I've done all this shit but if I did, where are your witnesses? Why haven't you arrested me yet?"

Everyone in the room knew what Ben had done and that he was guilty, he was simply pushing buttons because he could and he wanted to see what kind of reaction he was going to get if he did. The way he rose his brows and curved his lips into the smallest of smiles made Joe's hands clench at his sides and he was coming so close to throwing a punch and starting a fight.

"Joe... I'm happy, for once I'm the happiest I've ever been, I'm not leaving him because I love him. I'm sorry you don't like it."

(Y/n) wasn't doing this anymore, she wasn't arguing when there was no reason for it. She wasn't going to leave Ben and nothing that Joe or her parents would say was going to change her mind or change how (Y/n) felt towards him. She loved Ben and they were going to get married next week and have a baby, that was all there was to it and nothing was going to change that.

(Y/n) reached out for Ben's hand before she attempted to walk out of the room but just as she got to the door Joe moved in her path. He wasn't trying to barricade her in the room with him or grab her and prevent her from leaving because it was very clear he wasn't going to change her mind or make (Y/n) stay. But he didn't want to stop talking yet.

"What do I do if I get called to a scene and it's you he's broken? If you marry him I can't help you, you'll be on the wrong side of this."

"He won't hurt me."

"I hope so for your sake because when you walk out that door, I won't follow. You'll be at his mercy and he'll be at mine when I get the evidence I need to arrest him. I'm not stopping until he's behind bars."

"I pity you and the long wait you have ahead of you." (Y/n) turned her head away from Joe and bypassed around him to get out into the hallway. She knew Joe was cutting ties with her the moment she left the house, he wasn't going to be in contact with her or even look at her unless she called to say that Ben had hurt her or she would testify against him. But they all knew Joe would be waiting a very long time to get the kind of evidence he needed to put Ben away for a long time. That was a dream that was near impossible for Joe to have come true and they all knew it.

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

"What's the matter?"

When (Y/n) felt Ben's arm that was around her waist tighten and his hand begin to feather over her stomach, she kept her eyes closed and stayed deathly still curled up into his side, praying that he would believe she was still asleep. Truthfully she had been sleep about an hour ago since it was getting late but she couldn't seem to stay asleep. There were too many thoughts rattling around in her head that were waking her up and it was starting to make her feel panicked.

It had to be around eleven o'clock or later but they had a usual routine, Ben liked the tv on in the background because somehow it lulled him to sleep. (Y/n) didn't see how it made him sleep but it did and she could sleep with it on in the background when she managed to drone out the voices and the volume. But Ben sounded as awake as ever right now.

"Doll, I know you're not asleep. Come on, what's wrong?" Ben knew (Y/n) well enough by now to know when she was actually sleeping and when she was awake and right now he knew she was awake and he could see something was rattling through her mind.

He looked down at her, watching and patiently waiting until (Y/n) opened her eyes and lifted her head to look up at him, leaning her cheek on his chest. "I'm just thinking."

"About what?" Ben's voice was gentle and his hand feathering up and down her stomach made (Y/n) feel a bit more relaxed against him. Their eyes locked for a few moments as (Y/n) debated how to word what she was thinking because she knew Ben would get it out of her eventually so there was no point trying to lie or dodge the subject.

"My dad and Joe. I... sometimes I never thought I'd get away, sometimes I just thought it was okay, to let everyone dictate what I should do. But I always had this fairy tale idea, you know? I wanted my dad to perform my wedding and Joe to give me away a- and I always thought it would be in that church."

(Y/n) wasn't complaining, she really wasn't, but she couldn't help but dwell on everything. Growing up she assumed it was fine to be told what to do and where to go and when to do things, it was a normality that Ben showed her was not in fact okay. But she had this idea for years that when she got married it would be in her father's church and he would do the ceremony and Joe would walk her down the aisle. She would wear a white dress and everyone would be happy and she would marry someone her family approved of.

The reality was that she wasn't getting married in a church, her family wouldn't be there and no one would approve of who she was marrying. She hadn't even chosen a white dress because it didn't look or feel right.

"I'm sorry-"

"No, it's not... I don't want it to be in that church anyway, I don't even know if I want to go back there and I couldn't have my dad officiating things anyway after what he said. I'm happy about marrying you I want to and I want it to be our way... I just never thought being happy and being free would be at a price."

(Y/n) didn't fancy going to another sermon at that church where she knew everyone and knew how they would think and look at her and she didn't want to be around her family if they were going to be so hostile and disappointed in her. She wanted to marry Ben and this way she got to choose where and when to get married and what she would wear and her mother and sister wouldn't be there putting her down or commenting on how she looked. And no one was going to object or frown at who she was marrying.

She just didn't realise she would have to lose Joe and all of her family in order to be happy and to have what she wanted in life.

(Y/n) lifted her head up from Ben's chest and pushed herself up into a sitting position next to him when he sat up straighter against the headboard.

"Come here."

"Ben no-"

"Come on, come up here I wanna hold you." (Y/n) looked at Ben warily but sighed when he was already holding her arms and pulling her over to where he wanted her. It was rather normal now for (Y/n) to sit on his lap and she loved it when he wrapped his arms around her and reeled her in like he always did but her growing stomach was starting to make it a bit harder to sit like this.

But nevertheless (Y/n) crawled over until her knees were on either side of Ben's thighs and he could wrap his arms around her back with her arms hooking loosely around his neck. She watched his eyes rake over her and stop on her stomach that was a bit more hidden due to the fact that she was wearing one of his shirts to sleep in. But he could still see the curves of her stomach and he straightened up and leaned a bit closer until her tummy was pressing into his.

"I know you're close to Joe and it isn't the same, but you've gained a new family by losing them and this way your life is actually yours."

Ben knew it was never going to be the same but he hoped that (Y/n) didn't regret being with him because it was Ben who had caused her to lose her whole family and effectively her church. But by losing them she had gained so much freedom and the ability to live her life the way she wanted, not to mention Ben loved her and they were having their own little family now with the baby.

"Plus, there are other churches around here doll. Moving church doesn't mean you're testing your faith or losing it. You might feel better and more accepted somewhere else."

If (Y/n) felt that she couldn't go back to the church her father was at then there were many others around that she could consider. (Y/n) moving church wasn't like she was changing her religion or losing her faith, it might allow her to feel more accepted and start fresh and to meet people. It would help her faith too if she kept going to church rather than missing sermons which were part of her life and routine.

Ben thought for a moment that the tears leaving her eyes were ones of sadness or upset but his eyes widened before falling closed when (Y/n)'s fingers tangled in his hair and she leaned forward to kiss him deeply.

"I wouldn't change this for anything."

[alj4890]

What Happened to Our Friends? ~Fluffy Friday

(Liam, Drake, Amanda, Maxwell) *friendship x unrequited love*

A Choices: The Royal Romance Fan Fiction

A/N Before the events of The Other Friend and this particular storyline was suggested by one of my little guys.

*song that is lip synched Dream Come True some of the lyrics listed below.*

Tagging those who wanted extra fluff 😉@brightpinkpeppercorn @riseandshinelittleblossom-deact @zaffrenotes  @fullbeaumonty  @speedyoperarascalparty  @bobasheebaby  @tmarie82   @littleblossom-18 @cocomaxley  @ehkw1989  @hopefulmoonobject @leelee10898  @itsstillnotwhatyouthink   @littlecrookedheart @mrswalkerwritesagain @debramcg1106 @krsnlove @littleblossom357 @ritachacha @lodberg

"We have to go to a karaoke bar. We are literally in its birth place!" Maxwell argued while staring out at the bright lights of Tokyo. The city looked amazing against the dark night sky.

Drake and Liam turned hesitantly to the one who had the worst singing voice. Amanda knew what their look meant.

"Don't worry. I won't sing." She folded her arms and looked away from them.

"Then I'll go." Drake said. He let out a grunt when Amanda hit him with a pillow. He smiled as he threw his arm around her shoulders. "We still like you. You're the frog of our group. Nobody croaks a song like you."

Amanda couldn't stop her laugh from coming out. "Yeah, yeah. Keep talking and I start belting out show tunes."

In a sea of neon, they discovered a club that Maxwell declared was the one. When they walked into the lobby, they were surrounded by many in cosplay. Liam studied some and tried to figure out why it was so familiar. His eyes widened as it hit him.

"Amanda! Look it's --"

"Liam! It's a room filled with RWBY fans!"

Maxwell and Drake stared at them in confusion. "Guys...want to tell us what Ruby is?" Maxwell asked.

"First off, it isn't technically the word, 'ruby'. It is the four main characters initials forming their team name." Liam began to explain. "Even though the one character is actually named, Ruby."

"It's an American created anime. It is about--"

Drake held his hand up. "Hold on, let me check on something. Yep. I don't care."

Amanda and Liam looked around and saw a shop selling some RWBY costumes. They whispered excitedly and ran off.

"HEY!" Maxwell exclaimed. "What has gotten into them? Did I miss something when we walked in here?"

"You had to go out and pick this place." Drake said. His jaw dropped when he saw his once sane friends. Liam had on a black hoodie that suspiciously looked like it had a bunny's face on it but was covered by some type of armor over his upper chest. He also had some armor on his upper arms. Gloves and blue jeans completed the look...and was that a shield? He had a large sword and was swinging it alongside what was once Amanda.

She not only was wearing a costume that made him and Maxwell blush at seeing her in something more revealing than she normally wore, she had somehow turned her hair red and had it pulled up in a ponytail. Or else it was a wig. He couldn't tell from this distance. Her outfit looked like something straight out of Greek mythology.

Liam and Amanda stopped before them and posed with their weapons. Amanda had a sword that extended into a javelin in her hand that she held as if to throw while blocking with her shield . "What the---what are you?" Maxwell asked.

"I'm Jaune Arc." Liam announced. "She's Pyrrah Nikos."

"Hello again." She waved and mimicked Pyrrah's sweet voice and phrase perfectly. Liam's smile grew with pride as some nearby asked her to do it again while recording her. When she added the, "I'm sorry," Liam clutched his heart. "That line gets me every time." He said to Maxwell.

"You know what gets me? Is finding a twenty-four hour psychiatrist for you two." Drake dryly replied.

"How did you get your hair like that?" Maxwell stepped closer to her and stared at locks that were once dark brown, a color he had been very fond of.

"Spray on hair color." She faced Liam and handed Maxwell her weapons. "Speaking of hair, hold still..." She ran her fingers through Liam's until it was mussed completely.

"Thank you. I forgot to do that." He scrutinized her and straightened her sash, causing Drake and Maxwell to simply stare. This could not be happening. Where were their calm, retiring friends? Who were these people?

After Amanda and Liam were satisfied with how the other looked, they all walked in and were surrounded by multiples of particular characters. There was a table with pictures of scenes from RWBY and a sheet of paper. Amanda read it and immediately wrote her name down.

"What did you sign up for?" Liam asked.

"RWBY lip synch contest!" Liam groaned when he couldn't think of a song to lip sync dressed as Juane.

"Seriously! What has happened to you two?"

They shrugged at Drake. "You would understand if you watched it." Amanda answered patiently. Liam's pitying look at him and Maxwell freaked them out.

"How have we not known you two suffered with this affliction? Have you been having clandestine dates to watch this?" Maxwell's laugh died when they lowered their eyes.

"Wait, that's what you have been doing?! What did you use to trick us into not joining?" He asked.

Amanda chewed on her bottom lip while Liam rubbed the back of his neck. "You know that committee we asked if you wanted to be a part of that you both refused last year?"

"Are you talking about the one to make sure roadkill is removed in a specific--good lord we were stupid to believe that was an actual thing." Drake held his head at the revelation.

Maxwell's eyes widened. "You even made an acronym for it! You called it...RWBY!

"It was rather grim for a committee." Amanda winked at Liam, causing him to double over in laughter.

"What's so funny?" The two left in the dark demanded.

"You wouldn't understand it." Liam replied. Amanda took pity on them. "Grimm are the creatures that our characters, and many that you see here represented, fight."

"You have private jokes over this?" Maxwell thought something was very wrong with this. He wasn't sure what, but she shouldn't have private jokes with just Liam. That was supposed to be their thing.

They sat at a table and began to watch some Ruby's and Weiss' and a few Sun's try their hand getting the crowd into their performances. Many Yang's, two Blake's, and one Nora gave it their all.

Amanda sat with her leg shaking. She recalled why she never volunteered to do these things. She hated being the center of attention. Her costume had gone to her head and made her think she really was brave.

Noticing her jittery nervousness, Maxwell leaned forward and spoke in her ear, "Just pretend it is only us in the room."

Liam grinned at her. "Remember, your song is to me."

She nodded and stood when her name was called. She left her weapons and got on the stage. Her head was bowed in front of the microphone as she waited for her song to start. She couldn't help but think of the irony of lip synching this song in front of Maxwell.

"What do you mean her song is to you?" Drake asked.

"Her character is in love with mine. I, or rather my character doesn't know it and has a crush on someone else. That one," he pointed at a girl all in white. "Weiss is the one Juane likes, until season 3." His smile disappeared as he thought of that season. That ending still upset him.

"They kiss!" Maxwell had pulled up an image on his phone. He gritted his teeth as he looked up at Amanda. Why would they pick these two characters?

When the first piano notes were played, her head came up and she began. She started on one end of the room, acting coy with some of the other Juane's.

When she reached their table, she had relaxed and was really playing it up. She actually appeared sincere as she mouthed the rest of the lyrics. She smiled at Liam and moved around him. He in turn did the mannerisms of Juane causing cheers from the crowd.

I've been spending time wondering why,

Nothing that I do can catch your eye.

Just can't capture your attention.

Maybe I'm too tall or not your type,

But I'm not giving up, I'll get it right.

Being close to you is my intention.

I see more in you than the rest of them do

And I'm not gonna let you fall.

I'll swallow my pride, time after time,

Cause you're worth it all.

Whenever I think of you,

How I wish you only knew,

That you might be my dream come true.

But what do I have to do to make you notice me?

A girl dressed as Weiss at a nearby table began to flirt with Maxwell. Amanda narrowed her eyes and thought the timing couldn't be more perfect. She walked over to stand directly in front of the man she secretly loved with her whole heart.

Oh, know that.

You and I we would be alright,

We could dance on the roof, we could light the night.

Gotta make you see me in that way.

Why don't you,

Forget about the little chick in white?

She don't care about you and she's so uptight.

Let me put a smile on your face.

She tilted his face up and ran her gloved hand along his jaw and into his hair as she leaned down to look directly in his eyes. He swallowed nervously and placed his hand over hers.

How I wish that you knew that I'm crazy for you.

And I'm waiting by your side.

I'll get you alone,

Make you my own,

It will be divine.

She walked away, smiling at Maxwell's stunned expression. She returned to the stage and continued to work the crowd into a frenzy as they began to clap along with the last few stanzas. She ended the song by meeting Maxwell's eyes with a heartbroken face as she pleaded the sad words, "notice me?"

Once the contest ended, Amanda was announced as the winner. As she went to the stage to collect her prize, the guys all stood cheering. She was given a gift basket filled with RWBY collectibles and shirts. She promised the crowd to share it with her Juane, causing the cosplayers to laugh and applaud.

"I feel like we are stuck in some alternate dimension." Drake whispered to Maxwell.

Suddenly a loud song began making them both jump. Liam whooped. "They're playing Shine!" He jumped up and grabbed Amanda as her face lit with recognition of the song. They joined the other cosplayers and began to do some choreographed dance.

"They have a dance!" Mawell knew this was the final straw. Drake was pulling it up on his phone. "Yep, and apparently it was a pretty big deal between their characters. Why am I looking this up?! This has to be some type of contagion. We will probably lose our minds soon just like them."

Maxwell frowned and watched them dance in line. They came back, cheeks red and an arm around each other. "Can you believe this night?" Amanda yelled over the music.

"Nope. I haven't been able to believe any part of it." Drake teased. "Are we ever going to do what we originally planned?"

"I booked a room for the karaoke." Liam motioned for them to follow him.

Amanda fell into step with Maxwell and slipped her arm through his. She gave into an impulse and kissed his cheek. She leaned her head against his shoulder as they walked. "Thank you for encouraging me earlier."

His anger evaporated when he looked down at her. "Why did you and Liam choose these two out of all the characters?"

A soft smile appeared on her face. "These are who we share the most characteristics with. Juane is placed as leader of his team but doubts his ability to be the right one and struggles throughout the series. He wants to protect all he loves and is relentless in trying to make himself worthy of their faith in him. He never sees what he really is."

Maxwell nodded. "That is definitely Liam. What about yours?" His curiosity peaked as she started to blush.

"Pyrrah is one who offers encouragement to everyone. She doesn't mind being in the background yet is willing to step up when it is the right thing to do. She sees the best in those around her and tries to point it out to them."

Maxwell grinned. "That's you. Anything else you identify with?"

"Well...she did suffer with an unrequited love for Juane. I definitely know what that feels like." Amanda preceded him into the room while he paused outside. Did she mean she had been in love with someone or was in love with someone and it wasn't reciprocated? Who was it? Liam was dressed as Juane...but she lip synched some lines to directly to him. He wondered if he would ever figure it out.

[mpischasingstories]

Repentance

Fandom: Critical Role

Rating: T, for violence and minor swearing

Word Count: 3,415

Author’s Notes: The backstory (or start of it) for a Paladin I’ve created for Matt’s word of Tal’Dorei.  I lay no claim to Jorinn Village, or know if that’s how the Shadewatch works.  But all characters are mine.  Also, this was written for NaNoWriMo, so there may be some mistakes.

*~*~*

When a shadowy cloak whisked outside the window, Marta flinched.  The Shadewatch.  She held her breath as they stood there, the clinking of coins marking the seconds they stood there.  Finally, the clinking stopped, and Marta watched the cloaks float away.  Her chest collapsed in relief, and she continued making dinner.  The money she had earned had been enough.

She looked at her father, collapsed at the table, a pile of drool gathering around his cheek.  If only he could earn the money needed.  He could, if he wasn’t a half orc.  But he refused to work for the Shadewatch, and no one else would hire him because of his half-blood status.

Once the pot sat boiling on the hearth, Marta sat at the table herself, undressing and redressing her calloused knuckles.  As she did, she kept an eye on the corner of the room, where a sword sat, collecting dust. As usual, nothing happened.  Dust continued to swirl around it.  She still didn’t trust it.

The door slammed open. “Marta!  Marta!  I need your help!”

Marta smiled at the ten year old that opened the door.  Zephra, her younger sister.  “What do you need?”

“Keyser has my mouse!” she pouted.

Marta sighed.  She wasn’t in the mood for another fist fight. She had gone through five today just to earn the money for the shadewatch.  “And Keyser won’t give it back?”

“No.  He said that you have to beat him in a fight before he’ll give him back.  He doesn’t believe that you can beat him.”

Marta sighed, looking at the stew.  She looked back to her father, still asleep on the table.  He would be fine, and the stew had a couple of hours to cook.  She supposed it would be alright if she left for a moment.  “Let’s go,”

Zephra took her by the hand and led her through twisted allyways until they reached the ring, just outside Jorenn Village.  A ring made with black bricks from old ruins, this was where the kids came to fight. And standing in the center of the ring was the half elf bully, Keyser.

He gave a crooked smile, dangling a screeching mouse from its tail in front of him.  “Oh, look how nice big sister is, coming to save the day. Doubt she can do it though.  Brute strength cannot beat speed and dexterity.”

Marta could feel her upper lip curl up in disgust.  “Whoever said that my skill was in brute strength?  Or are you just pulling that from my bloodline?”

“Bloodline is everything. Why do you think we live here?” Keyser smirked.  “However, I’ve been hearing that you’ve been earning quite a bit of money fighting.  Enough so that you’re covering your drunk dad’s ass and can pay the shadewatch.”

He knew nothing of their situation.  Obviously. “And what does that have to do with you?”

“I simply don’t like that someone with orcish heritage is doing so well.  So, I’m going to put you in your place.”  As Keyser said that, one of his friends walked up to him with a cage, and Keyser dropped the mouse inside it.  “I’m going to make it so that you can’t fight for at least two weeks. Hopefully longer.  I’d love to see you get in trouble with the Shadewatch, especially…”

Marta stepped into the ring, immediately getting into a fighting stance.  “It won’t happen.  And I will fight you to prove it.”

Keyser’s smile grew deeper. “Oh, you want….”

“Yes,” she replied, keeping her face straight.  “That is completely irrelevant.”

He shrugged, walking forward.  “Well, if that’s the case then…”

Marta saw through his first attack.  Too easy. A couple of fake punches that led up to an uppercut.  She leaned back, and used the inertia pulling her back to kick him backwards.  He stumbled back a little, gritting his teeth. She walked up to him, staying in a defensive pose.  He threw a few more punches, which, for the most part, were easily deflected, as she continued walking forwards.

Finally, he got a hit on her cheek.  Her neck cracked as it whipped around, but she turned back, smiling.  She raised her fist above his head, and he instinctually raided both arms up to block her.

Leaving his chest open, Marta punched him in the sternum.

Gasping, eyes opening wide, he stumbled and tripped over the ashen brick, falling out of the circle.

“If I used all brute strength, I wouldn’t have been able to trick you over the edge like that.” Marta snarled, kicking his feet over the ring before stepping out herself.  A few of the younger kids, also having been bullied by Keyser, clapped, but were quickly silenced as Keyser’s group of friends glared at them.  “The mouse?” she asked the friend with the cage calmly.

“You don’t get it.  You didn’t win.” He said, shakily.

Marta sighed.  “Oh my hell.  Seriously?  I won. And you know that.”

“Nope.  Not getting it back.”

           She glared at him before going to throw a punch.  He whimpered, dropping the cage, and she reached out and grabbed it. “Next time, I will punch you.”

           She ignored the kids, all huddled and whispering together.  “Come on Zephra, let’s go.”

           Zephra took a hold of Marta’s hand, and the group of kids started following them back in the village.  One by one, they filtered into the streets of Jorin, until it was just Marta and Zephra in front of their humble door.  “Zephra, you need to hold on to Kiwi better.” Marta sighed, handing the cage to Zephra. “I can’t be saving her from the bullies all the time.  I need my strength for other things.”

           “I know, but I can’t fight Keyser.” She pouted.

           “But I bet you can outsmart him.” Marta replied.  “He may have elven blood in him, but that doesn’t mean that he’s smart.”

           Zephra giggled as she opened the door.  “Dad!  You’re awake!”

           Marta peered in.  Sure enough, he was awake, standing over the pot and stirring it.  “Ah, you’re back,” he said, smiling.

           Marta smiled back, and any anger in regards to him not being the provider melted away.  “Hi dad,”

           “I haven’t been out too long, have I?”

           “Only a couple of days.” Marta replied, walking in.  Zephra had already ran in and was clinging onto the massive man.

           “Marta just rescued Kiwi!” she exclaimed, holding the cage up for their father to see.

           “Rescued Kiwi?  What kind of trouble did Kiwi get into?”

           “Keyser took her.”

           Father’s lower lip curled. “That bastard can’t keep his nose in his own business, can he?”

           “Like father, like son.” Marta replied, taking over stirring.

           “Is there any meat in it?”

           Marta shook her head.  “I haven’t had time to do any hunting.  I’ve just been trying to earn money.”

           Her father sighed, wrapping his arm around her and kissing her forehead.  “I wish I could provide for this family the way you do.”

           Marta smiled.  “You help by gathering food.”

           He nodded.  “I got the hint.” He walked back to the table and picked up a crossbow sitting on a chair. “I’ll be back soon.  I’ll just bring home a couple of rabbits.”

           “Thanks dad,”

           He smiled as he walked to the front door.  “Of course.  Try to keep your brother here if he comes home.  It would be nice to have a family dinner for once.”

           Marta’s face fell and she nodded.  “Of course.”

           “I know you don’t approve of his choices, nor do I.  But we still need to let him know that we love him.”

           She gave a deep breath and nodded.  “Of course father.”

           “I’ll be back,” And with that, he was gone.

           She sighed, and over the next hour, she stirred the stew, making sure none of the precious food was burned against the pot.  Zephra played with Kiwi on the table, the mouse scampering from clasping hands.  Marta kept looking at the sword, but it continued to stay still.

           Two months ago Coiffer had brought it home.  Marta had wrapped her hand around it to move while cleaning, and, the sword… it talked to her.  Told her to kill the mayor.  Terrified, she had chased Zephra out of the home and the two of them had spent the afternoon out in the fields, not coming home until after dark.  Since then, she had left the sword alone.  Hoping that maybe, if she would ignore it, it would go away.

           But, of course, that was a childish thought.  The sword wouldn’t just disappear.  But she was terrified to get rid of it herself.

           After a moment, she tasted the stew.  Not bad. Needed some herbs.

           “I’ll be right back Zephra.  Can you stir the stew?”

           Zephra nodded her excitement and took the spoon from Marta.  Marta then went to the window that opened to a narrow allyway and slipped out.  Wood creaked under her large form as she slid out the window and onto a narrow platform. To her left, were stairs falling apart, and she traversed the familiar steps to reach the top of the floors, which led to a small rooftop garden.

           This garden was Marta’s hidden gem and brightest joy.  The back half of the roof was a flattened building, and she had spent most of her childhood building up her little garden of forest herbs. And now, with the Shadewatch taking so much of her hard earned money, her little hidden garden helped keep her family fed.

           And thank goodness it was hidden too, or else she would be taxed for the garden. And possibly punished for hiding it.

           But she always worried.  There was one member of the Shadewatch that knew about it.  And she wasn’t sure how long his loyalty would stay with her.

           She gathered what herbs she wanted and started heading down the stairs when she heard the door open.  She froze in place for a moment.  It was too soon for her father to be home.

           “Coiffer!” Zephra called out in glee.

           Marta let out a breath.  Just Coiffer. Hopefully.

           She continued to walk down the stairs and peeked in the window.  Coiffer looked and smiled at her.  “So, what’s for dinner?”

           “I don’t know.  Depends on if you’re my brother or a shadow of my brother.” She replied, stepping back into her home.  “So far, I’m guessing the shadow of my brother.”

           His smile fell.  “Now, really? Just because I’m still wearing my Shadewatch cloak?”

           “No, because you haven’t been the same since you left for the Shadewatch.  And obviously, they still don’t trust you.  I’m still paying homages to them.  And I’m the one paying for them.  Not you.”  She reached for a knife and started chopping up her herbs on the table.  “And why is that?  Why am I paying for the homages when you’re making at least 25 gold a day?”

           He looked down.  “I promise, I’m saving up for something good.  Something important.”

           Marta sighed, and continued to focus on her labor.  “No one knows of the garden, right?”

           “Of course not.  I would never tell anyone of that.”

           Marta chose to not vocalize her distrust in him.  “Why did you come home tonight early?  Usually you like to go out and drink with your new friends now.”

           “I… I was hoping to take my sword to them.”

           “Well, father was hoping that you would stay for dinner, so I suppose neither of you will get what you desire.”

           “Oh, come on Marta….”

           “Do you even realize what that sword is?” Marta spat.  She looked at Zephra.  “Zephra, up to the garden, now.”

           “But….”

           “Now,”

           Zephra huffed, but scooped up Kiwi and trudged up the stairs.

           Marta listened, waiting to hear Zephra’s steps disappear before she talked. “That sword, it talks.”

           Coiffer’s eyes shifted.  “Yeah, I know.”

           “Then why the hell do you want it?!” Marta hissed.  “I just picked it up to clean one day, and it told me to kill the mayor!  It wants me to kill someone!  The only other source of power that can somewhat keep your little perverted band in check!”

           “Marta, the Shadewatch isn’t perverted…”

           “Oh really?  Why then does the Shadewatch possibly need to go to Gatshadow?  What threat can possibly be down there that he Shadewatch needs to protect us from?  Why in the world do we need to pay the Shadewatch 50 gold a week?  Money half of the people in this town don’t even see in a month?  You can’t possibly tell me that you are now thinking that the Shadewatch isn’t the evil organization you think it is?”

           Coiffer shifted on his feet.  “It’s not what you think it is…. Can I please just have the sword?”

           “Is that all you care about now?  Is showing off your talking sword to your asshole friends?”        

           “Come on Marta….”

           “Don’t!” she screamed.  “Don’t even try Coiffer!”

           His lips snarled apart, and he pulled the mace from his belt under the midnight cloak of the Shadewatch.  “Give it to me!  Give it to me NOW!”

           Herbs and knife long forgotten, Marta acted on instinct.  She grabbed the sword.  “THEN YOU’LL HAVE TO FIGHT IT FROM ME!”

           Go ahead, kill him.  I feel it.  You have the strength to carry me.  Help me bring justice to Tal’Dorei.

           She flinched, which was her mistake.

           Stars flew and the ringing was loud.  She could feel the blood trickle down from her forhead, where Coiffer had hit her.

           She stared at him, eyes watering over.

           “What happened to you?” she whispered.

           He stood there, shaking himself.  “I don’t want to be this way with you,” he whispered back.  “But I don’t’ know what other way to be.”

           He raised his mace again, but this time she blocked it with the sword.  “Coiffer, please stop!”

           But he kept attacking, again and again.  “I tried!  Okay! I tried to help provide for the family! You always did it on your own! And I wanted to help!  But I wasn’t like you!  So I joined the Shadewatch so that I could be good!  So that I could help!  And you.  Won’t. TAKE IT!”

           Again and again, she parried his blows.  But this couldn’t stay this way.  She couldn’t fight him off forever.  She wasn’t an expert in swords, but she had to try.

           She tried thrusting forward.  Missed, and he hit her on the side.

           She went back to defending.  Again and again, she parried off blows, but each time it left her weaker than the attack before.

           She had to try one more time.

           She yelled, pulling her arm back and then thrusting the sword forward.

           It sank in.  But not in Coiffer.

           Coiffer had side stepped, and the sword sank into her fathers stomach.

           Marta immediately let go of the sword, gasping.  “Father!” she cried.

           His eyes widened, and he collapsed.  He didn’t move.

           Coiffer looked at Marta.  “What have you DONE?!” he screamed.

           “I didn’t mean to!  It’s your fault!  You picked a fight with me!” Marta screamed back.

           “You’ve given into your orcish blood, haven’t you?” he hissed.

           “There’s hardly enough to give into!  I was defending myself from you!”

           “This is going to finish.  Now.  I’m grabbing the Shadewatch.  I’m taking Zephra.  You cannot be fit to take care of her if you killed our father.”

           Marta did the only thing she could do.  She curled her fist up and knocked him in the head.  It was enough.  He hit the table and slumped into unconsciousness.

           Tenderly, she flipped him over, breath shaky.  Had she just killed another member of her family?

           His eyes were closed.  No, she had not.

           But she needed to leave.  And she couldn’t leave Zephra in Coiffer’s hands.  Zephra would never survive with the Shadewatch.

           Carefully, she went over to her father, and took his crossbow and quiver, equipping it on herself before she covered the fire that was cooking the stew. Once the embers were gone, she climbed out the window and closed the curtain.  Zephra didn’t need to see that.  

           “Zephra?” Marta whispered.

           Zephra’s face poked out above the stairs.  “Marta?  What’s happening?  Is father really dead?”

           So she had heard it all.  “It was an accident.  I was defending myself from Coiffer.”

           She hopped onto the stairs and quickly made her way down them.  “Is Coiffer okay?”

           Marta nodded, wiping away Zephra’s tears.  “He’s fine.  He’s just asleep for now.”

           “Let’s go.  I don’t want you getting in trouble with the Shadewatch.  Is there anywhere we can run away to?”

           Marta nodded.  “We’ll have to be careful, but we can go to Westruun.  That should be far enough away that the Shadewatch won’t look for me.”

           “It’s not fair.  You were trying to protect yourself, but because Coiffer is a member of the Shadewatch, you would have all the blame.  Even though he attacked you.  I saw that. I came back down because you were so loud.”

           “When did you head back up?”

           “When you first tried to attack back.”

           Marta nodded, then looked up at the sky.  Dusk was coming, it would be dark soon.  “Let’s go.  We can at least make it to some of the ruins a few miles out tonight.”

           The two carefully picked their way to the edge of Jorenn Village, Zephra first going by the market to buy some bread with the little bit of gold that Marta had left, and silently made their way through the forest.

           It was probably Midnight by the time they reached some old ruins and they felt safe enough to stop.  The full moon gleamed through bare trees, and Marta was able to put together a pile of leaves for Zephra to fall asleep in.  

           Now that Zephra was nestles in leaves in a corner of a barely-there building, Marta gathered her own pile of leaved a few feet away and lit a small fire. She was far from tired from the day’s events.  As she warmed her hands, she looked around her.  

           There, among the leaves she had gathered to keep her fire going, was a small glimmer of gold.

           Curious, she dug through them and found a little idol.  Gold flames covered the feet of a dark woman with wings, and a ruby was held between the wings.

           There was a little voice in the back of her head.  A voice not belonging to her, or to the sword that she left behind. It was a soft, kind voice.  The voice of a knowing woman.

           Find repentance and redemption through me.  I will help you.  I will be in Westruun.

           “What… what is your name?” Marta whispered.

           You will know me as Everlight.  Now sleep, I promise no one will find you.

           And as the night went on, Marta’s eyes grew heavy, and by the time her fire extinguished, she was asleep.