#We have never truly heard his side of any of this ffs

[pleaseinsertwittyurl]

There are always 2 sides.

The discourse around Louis and Lestat being a victim and abuser and nothing more drives me insane.

Something i don't think enough people remember is that the very same reason the fight began in 1×05 (lestat grabbing claudia by the throat when she tries to "take louis away") we see Louis himself do to her in 1×07 when she tries to get Louis to burn Lestat.

They BOTH would harm her rather than live in a world without the other. They are both guilty of abusing her and each other.

There is an implication that a good deal of time passed between Louis and Lestat meeting and the church. Louis expresses that he shares himself with Lestat in a way he only had with Paul. I would assume that goes both ways, to a degree. We know Louis knows at least enough about Nicki to discourage Claudia poking that wound. He also clearly knows that the threat of leaving is his most powerful weapon against Lestat.

Mental abuse is abuse. And Louis abused Lestat mentally for years. Shaming him, ridiculing him, shutting him out, manipulating him into making Claudia (a traumatic moment for him, whether Louis understands the depths of it or not) by promising to give him what he's being denying him, promising to never put him through what he fears the most.

Louis admits to purposely making Lestat suffer. He admits he was warned that Claudia would suffer and he wanted her anyway because he needed to feel redeemed. He is not innocent. He is not a trapped, weak victim. He made choices to hurt both Lestat and Claudia time and time again.

Does this justify Lestat's actions in 1×05? Obviously not. But we now know Louis was not willing to stop the fight. He taunted Lestat the same way he taunted the Alderman. He was unleashing years of frustrations just as Lestat was. His priority was not to protect Claudia, it was to hurt Lestat, consequences be damned.

I hate the drop scene as much as the next person and Lestat has admitted he will never earn forgiveness for what he did. But if you view Louis as some squeaky clean victim who was manipulated, trapped, and abused by Lestat you are missing so much of what this show is conveying.

We will always tend to paint ourselves as the hero of our own story. It is hard to accept your faults or that you hurt people you love. It is much easier to shift that blame on to someone else, to frame them as the villian. But life is not usually that black and white. Claudia had harsh words for them both in her diary, even before they got to Europe, for a reason. They both made hurtful mistakes with her, both treated her like a pawn in their relationship instead of a person, both harmed her, took away her choice, never prioritized her.

That is the great tragedy. That she never had a choice and was not allowed to be her own person. And in the end, they both are responsible for her misery and her death. That's what makes the reunion scene so important. They have been grieving her and carrying that guilt alone, all the while longing for the comfort of the other for 70+ years. Louis has found clarity in his memories, he has accepted his role in their suffering, he has seen Lestat's perspective more fully. Lestat is broken, totally consumed with that guilt and grief. Both know that although they cannot change what they've done, they can forgive the other, even if they can't forgive themselves. They can love each other despite everything they've done to one another because they cannot stop loving each other. But now they can try to rebuild that love from the rubble.

[clementinechatsshit]

money, power, glory - coriolanus snow x plinth!oc

description: rhea plinth wanted one thing more than anything in this world. power. this is her story of descending into the hunger for power. the addiction to it. and if she can love through this hunger.

tw: 18+ standard hunger games shizzle, strong language, spice, toxic relationships, power hungry bitches, rhea is just as twisted as snow

a/n: hi peeps, this is my first attempt at writing anything ff related, but coryo has been in my brain since i read tbosas. i didnt want to write him ooc but rather embrace the fact that he is bat shit crazy and create a character that also embraces and encourages that side of him. i dont think ive read any ffs that have a reader/oc that is also as fucked up as snow. pls be nice

What is the purpose of the Hunger Games? 

I used to think that they were to bring justice to Panem. To punish the districts for the uprising. We’d always been taught that, and I believed it. Yet, now I see things a little differently. I see things for how they truly are. I was eighteen when I learnt the truth about the Hunger Games. How they are played, and how they are really won.

‘Rhea?’ a voice echoes from behind me. I snap my head around to see my brother leant against the frame of my bedroom door.

‘Sejanus, what have I said about knocking’, he flinches at my response, my tone harsher than intended. 

He lowers his gaze to the blazer in his grip, cowering from the hardened stare I deliver his way. ‘I’m sorry’ weak, ‘we’re going to be late’. 

I turn to fully face him, lifting my face to a content smile. My heels clack on the marble flooring as I cross the room, I pause for a second in front of him, waiting. Sejanus holds his elbow out for me to link my hand through, my gloved hand brushes the soft thread of his shirt as an avox approaches and hands me my purse. 

‘Bye, mother!’, ‘See ya, Ma’ we shout as we leave the penthouse. Sejanus never stopped calling our mother ‘ma’, juvenile if you ask me. Sometimes I think he wants to be back in the districts.

The red silk of my dress grazes the bottoms of my calves as we make our way to the car, another avox our driver. I see avox’s as the perfect company, they know their place in this society, even if they did have to learn it the hard way. They know that they have no power, they have accepted that there are consequences to their actions. They don’t talk back either. 

‘The Academy’ a demand, not a request. 

‘Please.’ Sejanus adds

The Academy. Only the elites have the privilege of attending, and only the greats go on to study at the University. We may not be Capitol born, but we belong there more than anybody else. For ten years, I have been proving my place amongst my fellow students, before I even set foot in the Capitol, I knew I am simply better than them all.

I entered first. Shoulders back, chin up. Make them stare. The first thing I know about power. If you can’t command a room, you have none. I felt the eyes on me as I strode in, then I heard the whispers. I had power, you see, I have their attention when I give them none. I glance around the room attempting to find someone worth a morsel of my time, when I hear his voice.

‘Rhea Plinth’, that is a voice I would never tire of hearing.

‘Coriolanus Snow’ I acknowledge him, giving him a once over. The pinstripes of his dress shirt, dated, yet he made it look like an arising trend in the Capitol. A rose tucked into the formal vest. He was handsome indeed, a shame about the mismatched tesserae buttons. I placed my hand into his outstretched palm, watching him raise it to his lips as he leant down and pressed a gentle kiss to the back of it in greeting. 

‘Rhea, can you just get it over and done with, Snow won the Plinth Prize, didn’t he?’ the bratty whine of Arachne Crane interrupted.

‘I can’t confirm anything’, power, ‘however, I can say things will get interesting this year.’ my voice almost sultry as I spoke directly to Coriolanus, not even bothering to turn to Arachne. 

‘Now, Coriolanus, walk with me?’ a huff sounds from beside us as we turn to leave the hall. 

‘Won’t people suspect something?’ I feel his breath on my neck as he hunches down to be level with my ear.

‘They’ll just assume I’m telling you about the prize’, I remain facing ahead, the doors to the adjoining hallway open. A rare smile hooks at the corners of my mouth as we round the corner, a pillar shielding us from the curious eyes of anyone passing. 

‘Ah yes, Miss Plinth doing her duty as the liaison for the prestigious Plinth family.’ His mocking tone forces my eyes to roll, as we slowly step backwards. I may be the representative of the Plinth family for all intents and purposes, but with Coriolanus, I don’t have to be. See, I know who he really is, I know that his family has no money, I’ve seen the apartment they live in. Deep down, I know that all he sees in me is District, but I am the one thing that stands between him and the power he craves. That’s why we have this arrangement. I secure his future in the Capitol, and he makes sure that no one will ever see me as district again. 

I’m drawn from my thoughts as my skin hits the cold wall behind me, a hand snaking its way around my waist. A hooked finger nudges my chin, lifting my gaze to meet the piercing blue eyes looking down at me. The intensity of his stare is almost intimidating. His grip changes as he strokes a fallen piece of hair behind my ear. 

‘You look pretty like this,’ he murmurs, leaning in. His lips graze mine and I feel him inhale. Like he’s breathing in my surrender. I crash my lips against his, our noses bumping against each other, but neither of us minding. His lips are rough against mine, more aggressive. You look pretty like this. I look pretty when you think you have control over me.

I reach my hands around his neck, tangling my fingers into the blond curls. I tug once, he groans, I tug again. Who’s in control now, Coryo. He squeezes my waist and I sigh into the kiss. Our whole exchange is a power play. His tongue slips into my mouth as he reaches his hand lower, and lower. Maybe I could give in this once.

The echo of someone clearing their throat shatters the tension between us. Coriolanus takes a few instinctive steps back as I swing my head around to look at who dared interrupt us. 

Dean Casca Highbottom.

‘Mr Snow, Miss Plinth. I assume you are heading into the hall to hear the announcement?’ He looked disgusted, disappointed. 

‘Yes, of course, Dean Highbottom.’ Coriolanus responded instantly, leaving me standing with the Dean, marching back into the grand hall, his hands reaching up to fix his hair

‘They can’t make the announcement without me, Casca. You know that,’ I give him a knowing look before following Coriolanus’ lead. I look back over my shoulder to see the Dean opening a vial and consuming the contents. 

I found Coriolanus standing with my brother and another girl from our class, Dovecote, Clemensia I believe. I give her a slight nod as a hello, not wanting to waste my breath on her. ‘Hello Sejanus, Coriolanus.’ glancing up at the boys, flashing a quick smirk at them.

‘Rhea, where were you?’ Sejanus queries, his brows furrowed, ‘you’re meant to be naming the winner.’ 

‘Brother mine, you worry too much. Besides, there's been a slight change in plan.’ This is power. Knowledge. Money. 

‘Can everyone take their seats,’ the instructions come from one of the teachers at the Academy.

I leave the group and make my way up to the podium, passing Dean Highbottom on the way. The room silences as I ascend the stairs. As I glance down to the crowd, I catch Coriolanus’ eye, he looks hopeful. He needs this prize. To anyone else, it’s about the title. To him, this is everything. 

‘My father, Strabo Plinth, has been gracious enough, over the years, to provide incentive to those at the Academy in the form of the Plinth Prize. An award bestowed upon the student who excels in every aspect of their education. An honour for any student who wins it.’ my voice strong, conductive, they are hanging on my every word. Power. I see Arachne glare over at the blond boy, they all think they know. They all think he has won. ‘This year, we want to make things harder, create more of a challenge. This year, myself and my mentor, Dr. Ghaul, want you. The top twenty-four. The elite. To become mentors yourselves.’ slight muttering begins to spread around the room. ‘This reaping day, you will be assigned tributes, you will guide them, make spectacles of them, and one of you. You will create a victor.’ 

The voices become louder, anger begins to bubble. Arachne is already complaining, Sejanus looks horrified. But Coriolanus, he is furious. And me, a large grin spreads its way across my face.

Now this. This is power.

[roll-da-credits]

A Day In The Festival - Reiner x Reader

Word count: 1k

What better way to spend time with your lovely boyfriend than a date at a festival? Though things don't go quite as planned.

A/n: This was ALL because of that one anon who made me think NON-STOP about Reiner. Like, I don't like this man AHAHAHAHAH I REALLY DON'T. But ffs, he deserves so much more than what life can offer ngl (FYI the reader is Eldian living in Paradis). I hope you guys enjoy this and requests are open so please send in your requests!!! Thank you!!!

🖤❤️🖤

With a festival coming very soon, you couldn’t wait to spend it with Reiner. He had been gone in Paradis for way too long, and even though he came back somewhat different than what he was before. You truly didn’t mind it.

Reiner was still Reiner. He must’ve seen terrible things back in Paradis, whether it being the swarms of Titans there, the death of Marcel, or even facing the fact that he killed that many people. Even if they were considered Devils, you realized all those years of lying, killing, and spying really took a toll on his mental health.

So, what better way to relax, than a festival. Smiles and cheers everywhere, food as far as the eye can see, not to mention the unique sights. It was a beautiful event. Unsurprisingly, people around you were also excited, this included the new warrior candidates, and Reiner actually. Hence you had decided on a small date walking around the festival and seeing what it has to offer.

“Uhm, this is for you.” Reiner awkwardly held out a small bouquet of beautiful flowers when he met you, “You look amazing.” Here he was the man you fell in love with. Already flustered, just because of you dressing up.

You laughed before taking the flower from him, “Thank you, and you look the same always.” He looked at you with a stunned expression, “Handsome as always.” Reiner chuckled at your remark, feeling his nervousness slipping away from your lighthearted comments.

The morning went on rather peacefully, you bought some breakfast from some booths and ate them happily with Reiner. You were about to walk around even more and maybe even find him a gift, but the two of you ran into four kids you recognized pretty well. Zofia, Gabi, Udo, and Falco.

They were in awe at the festival sight before them, “I wonder what they’re up to.” You spoke before pulling Reiner up towards them.

A small twinge of guilt hit your chest when they opened their bags, only to see them empty without money. As if sensing both yours and Reiner’s presence there, the four of them looked up to both of you with the best puppy eyes they could manage. Begging the two of you silently to buy them food and some goods.

You looked to the side to your lover and saw his usual stoic expression cracking, he was weak towards these four kids after all. You laughed out loud, before wrapping the four kids in a hug, “Pick whatever food you guys want. Reiner and I'll pay.”

With that, the four kids cheered and dragged the two of you towards different kiosks. On your way to the first kiosk, the two of you ran into Porco.

“Oy, what are you kids doing???” Porco questioned them with an amused look. It wasn’t every day seeing a warrior and a soldier getting dragged around by four kids.

Gabi beamed at the question, “Reiner and Y/n are paying for our food!!!” Reiner visibly groaned beside you, knowing exactly what Porco’s reaction will be.

“Waaaa???? Oy Reiner! Pay for me too yeah?” Porco smirked rather devilishly towards your lover. Once again, laughter spills out your lips like sweet honey, “Give him a break, I’ll pay for you Pock.”

“OY DON’T CALL ME THAT!”

In the first kiosk the, now 5 people, bought some bread. All of which paid by you and Reiner, though you did buy one for yourself to share with him too.

After they were finished, Gabi and Falco quickly dragged the two of you back to a different kiosk. Porco, Zofia, and Udo following suit not too far behind. Yet on the way, once again you’re met with a familiar face, Pieck.

“Good morning Pock, what are you doing following a couple on a date and these kids?” Gabi snapped her head towards the two of you in feigned disgust, “You guys were on a date?!”

Reiner shrugged, “We were.” He said a little flatly. “Reiner and Y/n are paying for everyone’s food.” Porco spoke towards Pieck, “Well then, mind if I join in?”

Reiner agreed knowing for a fact, that even if he refused, you’d either insist that it was okay or Pieck would follow along. At the next kiosk the kids bought a sandwich (ik it’s not a sandwich but calling it a sub would be weird, so bear with me), Porco and Pieck didn’t want any. Much to the relief of Reiner.

But in the next kiosk, all six of them wanted to buy pizza. And again, both you and Reiner were the ones who paid for it. You saw him sulk even more now, most likely less due to the fact of him having to spend a lot of money, but losing time he wanted to spend with you.

“Hey don’t look so down, look at how happy they are.” You nudged his sides after he finished paying, motioning to the now laughing kids. “I don’t remember even being THAT happy when I was a warrior candidate.” You spoke to him.

The both of you met as warrior candidates, though he was lucky enough to actually become a warrior, whilst you settled with a soldier position. “Well yeah, festivals don’t come very often.”

Reiner wasn’t even looking at the kids you were so intently watching at this point. He was staring at you. Observing the little details in your face, the way you lightly scrunched your eyebrows when Udo tripped, or when the sides of your lips twitched upwards ever so slightly whenever you saw them laugh.

When you got tired of him not responding to anything you were saying, you looked in his direction. Only to lock eyes with him almost immediately. “Why are you looking at me? You dork!”

You smirked towards him, wrapping your arms around his waist in a small hug. “You’re too incredible.” Reiner’s straightforwardness quickly made you flustered and looked away. But one of his hands reached towards your chin to make you face him again.

He leaned in closer, and so did you. When your lips did touch a few groans of displeasure suddenly resonated. The two of you pulled away and looked towards the source.

Zofia, Udo, Gabi, and Falco were watching the two of you and made fake gagging noises to show their displeasure. “The both of you are gross,” Gabi remarked before taking Reiner’s hand in hers and pulling him towards another kiosk.

You laughed once more when Zofia took your hand as well, and dragged you, albeit softer than Gabi, towards where they were going. Even from in front of you, Reiner heard your small laughter and chuckles. He cherishes them, around him right now were the sole reasons for his happiness. An incredible lover who always wishes for the very best for him, and a few humorous children who never fail to create trouble.

He wished he could pause this moment in time and forever live in it.

[wefoundloveunderthelight]

Love or Duty by GleefullyCaptainSwan - Chapter 7/8

Read on AO3: | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7

Or on FF

Stacy's Tortured Crew: @teamhook @kmomof4 @stahlop @lfh1226-linda @ilovemesomekillianjones @itsfabianadocarmo @mariakov81 @qualitycoffeethings @zaharadessert @jrob64 @jonesfandomfanatic @natascha-ronin @tiganasummertree @xarandomdreamx @therooksshiningknight @batana54 @superchocovian @onceratheart18 @ultraluckycatnd @snowbellewells @karlyfr13s @the-darkdragonfly @xsajx @deckerstarblanche

Chapter 7: The Gift of Nobility

Emma stared wistfully at the horizon from her place on the balcony. The last week had been a whirlwind affair, they had made the trek from Misthaven to Jonesboro immediately after Prince Liam’s arrival. Regina’s forces were advancing closer to both Kingdom’s, the destruction she was leaving in her wake was causing the villagers to panic. Both King David and King Brennan realized that they needed to act fast if they were going to unite their people against the cause.

Emma looked down at her dress, the white fabric flowing onto the floor as she spun around. It should be the happiest day of her life, her wedding day. The tears slid down her cheek as she thought about giving herself to Prince Liam, knowing that she would forever belong to Killian. The pair had been separated once they arrived at the castle in Jonesboro, and Emma was cautious not to be caught alone with the younger brother of her betrothed.

“I found it.” Her mother entered the room with her tiara in her hand. “This will look perfect with your…” She paused, taking in her reddened cheeks and swollen eyes. “Emma, are you quite alright?”

The tears fell quicker down her face as she tried to take a deep breath. “I’m fine. I just…” She sucked in her breath. “I always thought I would be doing this with the man I loved and now…” Sobs escaped her throat as she threw herself down on her bed.

She felt the bed shift behind her, and her mother’s fingers slipped into her hair. “My dear sweet Emma don’t cry. I’m sure you will learn to love Liam, maybe not today, but one day.”

“But he’s out there, the man I love, waiting for me, he’s real.” She said through her tears, knowing how hard it was going to be today to walk out there and marry the brother of the man she loved. “I can feel my heart breaking knowing I can’t be with him.”

“Emma, maybe Liam is that man.”

“The man I love is not Liam Jones.” She said angrily. “My heart belongs only to the man I love.”

“Then you should follow your heart.” Her mother sighed, causing Emma to sit up and stare into her eyes with hope. “Instead of following this thought of yours that Liam could not possibly be the one you love, perhaps you can follow your heart and it will lead you right to him after all.”

Emma groaned and threw herself back onto her bed. If she followed her heart she would walk straight into Killian’s arms! “You do not listen.”

“Oh Emma, you are being childish, it’s time to grow up and become a woman.”

“I am a woman.” She stated angrily. She wanted to shout at her that she was a woman in more ways than her mother realized but she knew it was pointless. She needed to follow her duty, her responsibility and appease her family. She stood from her bed and walked over to the window. “Can we just get this over with?” She said dryly, her mother moving behind her to place the tiara on her head.

“One day, you will look back on this day as the day when your entire world changed. The day you blossomed into a beautiful woman, a wife, and the future Queen of Jonesboro.”

Emma rolled her eyes as she faced away from her mother. “Of course, you are most wise.” She said sweetly. “Thank you mother.” She turned and wrapped her arms around her mother. “I’m sure you need to prepare; I will be alright on my own.”

“Are you sure?”

“I promise.” She smiled, and her mother hesitantly walked away, leaving her alone in her room. One day, she would look back on this as the day hope died and light faded to black. She heard the door open behind her and she exhaled. “I told you I was fine, mother.”

“You look stunning.”

She spun around quickly at the sound of his voice. “Killian, what are you doing here?” She rushed toward him, her hands burying themselves in his hair as she pulled him toward her, their lips crashing together in a heated kiss. When they broke apart, he was staring at her with blue eyes that looked through to her soul, as if he were memorizing every part of her.

“I had to see you one last time before…” He shook his head. “I’ve been trying to be right with this all evening. This duty you must uphold, but Emma you can’t go through with it…”

“Killian, please don’t do this.” She pleaded through tears-stained eyes.

“I cannot bear to witness you joined with my brother, not when you are all I long for. Marry me, Emma, marry me and we can run away together, and I will always, always be by your side.”

“I want nothing more than to marry you.” Her voice shook. “If we were any other people, if this were any other time, I would never leave your side, but we aren’t other people, I can’t turn my back on everyone who needs me. I have to go through with this.”

He stepped away from her, narrowing his eyes. “Then you do not love me.” It was like a dagger to her heart.

“I love you more than anything.” She whispered. “I’m doing this because I love you. Marrying Liam will allow us to defeat Regina, it protects you as much as it does them.”

“Don’t…” He said loudly. “Don’t use that as an excuse. If you loved me, you would stand up for us, as your mother did when she refused to marry my father.” Emma felt as if she had been slapped. “The Emma I know, the one who stabbed through the heart of a bandit to save my life, that Emma is brave. That Emma would choose love, she would choose to find another way to save our kingdoms without sacrificing her soul.”

“That’s not fair. How dare you put this all on me!” She said angrily. “Everything I have done is because I do not have a choice.”

“You always have a choice, love. And apparently, you’ve made yours.” He bowed to her. “I’ll take my leave and my place beside my brother, my future King. All hail Queen Emma.” His eyes did not meet hers as he turned and exited her room.

Emma stared at the wooden door standing between her and the man she loved, the tears falling freely from her eyes. How did he not understand that she had to go through with this? She wiped her face, a new determination overtaking her as she squared her shoulders, straightening her dress and taking a deep breath.

The door opened once more, and her father stepped into the room. “Oh Emma, you look beautiful.”

She smiled at her father, ignoring the pain in her heart. “Thanks, daddy.”

He stepped toward her, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “I’ve been looking forward to this honor for so long.” He said reverently. “I know this wasn’t what you wanted…perhaps you’ve settled on the idea?”

“Liam is a good man.” She said softly. “There are worse men I could have been matched with.”

“Can you be happy?”

“I’ll learn to be.” She said with a sad smile.

“It’s time.” A man entered the room announcing the start of the ceremony. Emma took her father’s arm and walked down the large hall toward the ballroom. With each step she got closer and closer to her eventual fate, Killian’s words continued to echo in her ear.

If you loved me, you would stand up for us, as your mother did when she refused to marry my father.

When they turned the corner, her mother was standing waiting for them. Emma paused her steps once they approached her. Her heart was beating out of her chest. She stared at her parents, the way they smiled at each other.

“Mom, why didn’t you marry King Brennan?”

Her mother stared at her in confusion, “What?”

“Your duty was to marry King Brennan and yet you chose daddy. Why?”

“Emma, now is not the time for this, we can reminisce after the wedding.”

“Mom, please.”

Her mother sighed, taking her father’s hand. “I loved your father from the moment I laid eyes on him. I was already promised to Brennan when we met, but I knew that I would never be able to survive a day without your father. I tried to deny my feelings, but he never stopped fighting for me, he never gave up.” She said with a smile.

“I need to speak to Liam.” Emma announced.

“Emma, the wedding has already started, you can’t just stop the ceremony to speak to…”

~*~

Killian paced the room as his brother readied himself for the wedding. After speaking to Emma, his last plea to try and convince her to leave with him failing, he realized that the only thing left for him to do was to support the union and then join the fight against Regina, getting as far away from the castle and Emma as possible.

He watched his brother standing at the window, he was the perfect picture of royalty, he had the build, the height, the posture, Liam was everything that Killian was not. He knew that his brother would be a good King one day, and Killian would follow him anywhere. Being loyal to his brother was never the issue, but was it really fair that Liam could embody perfection, wear the crown, and possess the only thing that Killian had ever truly loved? He could never hate his brother but in this moment he had thought about tossing him off the balcony, but only for a moment.

“You are deep in thought.” His brother’s voice brought him away from his thoughts.

“Aye, it’s a big day brother.”

“Come now little brother, one day you will become a man and take a wife of your own.” He teased. “A woman who will interest you for more than a single dalliance.” His hearty laugh made Killian’s jaw tense in anger.

“As I have told you before, your younger brother is capable of enjoying a woman’s company outside the bedchamber.”

“Come now, Killian, don’t take offense. I am merely teasing.”

Killian exhaled loudly. “What makes you think I have not already found a woman I wished to take for my bride?”

His brother’s brow rose as a smirk grew on his face. “Have you now, do tell? Who is the lucky lass? Is it Matilda from the Boars’ Nest, or perhaps Bertha over by the Rusty Anchor? Come now brother, do not keep me in suspense.”

Killian crossed the room angrily. “You jest as if you know anything about love. You do not marry for love; you marry because of your duty. You are not about to take a wife, you are merely enlisting a hostage to take as a trophy to sit by your side.”

His brother laughed again, “What’s gotten into you? You are behaving as if you do not understand the situation we find ourselves in.”

“And you are behaving as if the situation has no other alternatives except to thrust a ruse upon our people.”

“This decision is not my choice; it has been willed by better men than me. You would be wise not to question them.”

Killian scoffed. “How bloody horrible for you that your duty leads you to Emma’s bedchamber.”

“What on earth is this about, brother?”

The door to the room swung open and a man entered with a bow. “I’m terribly sorry to interrupt, but Princess Emma has sent for you.”

Killian’s heart pounded in his chest as he stared hopefully at the man, only to have it shatter the moment he watched his brother step forward. “But the wedding is about to begin.”

“Understood, she only stated that she needed to speak to you before the ceremony began.”

“I shall return in a moment.” Liam said with a nod. “We can continue this conversation then.”

Killian turned away from his brother, wondering what had caused Emma to summon him right before the ceremony had begun. Perhaps she had changed her mind and was calling this sham off. He didn’t dare dream of it, yet as he leaned against the stone wall, his eyes pinched closed, his only thoughts were of Emma and a possible future.

~*~

Emma paced the stone steps of the spiral staircase in front of her, she had no idea what she was going to say to Liam, she just needed to speak to him.

“Emma, is something wrong?”

“Liam, I’m so sorry, I needed to see you before…” She closed her eyes. “Before you and I.” She groaned. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”

He stepped toward her and took her hands in his. “Relax, Emma. Remember, we are in this together.”

Emma looked up into his eyes, so like his brother. “I’m in love with another man.” The words slipped out of her mouth before she could stop them, a tear forming at the corners of her eye. “I know what everyone wants me to do, but my heart is breaking.”

He exhaled softly, his chin dropping as his eyes stared at the ground. “I am truly sorry, lass. I was not aware you had a previous suitor.”

She laughed lightly. “Fate is cruel.”

“Emma, I know this isn’t easy. It is hard to reconcile the cold responsibility we both bear, especially when you crave the warmth of another. I’m afraid I must confess, I too am in love with another, yet the law of the land forbids our relationship.”

Her mouth dropped. “You have a mistress?”

“I have been in love since I was a young boy, yet she is not of noble blood and thus, it is forbidden for us to be together. Please understand it was not my intention to deceive you and once we are wed, I will not take my mistress into our bed.”

“You’d give up this woman, your heart, to save your people?”

“It is my sworn duty, and yours.”

Emma bowed her head in resignation. He was right. They were born to protect their people, to honor their lands, their King, and their duty. “You are right. I am sorry for speaking out of turn.” She said softly. She felt his hand on her cheek, brushing away her tears.

“I promise you, whatever we are to become, let us at least be friends.”

“I think I can do that.” She said with a sad smile.

~*~

Killian stood at the front of the large hall, anxiously awaiting word from his brother. Secretly hoping that they would burst into the room and declare that the wedding had been cancelled.

He looked around at the people sitting happily in their seats, smiles all around at the happy occasion. He wanted to scream at the top of his lungs that the entire affair was for show, a fake excuse to gain their loyalty.

His eyes met Elsa’s and they exchanged a knowing glance, one that told her he was there for her, that he knew her heart was breaking. He only wished he could share with her how much he understood her pain. That his heart was torn apart knowing this his brother was about to destroy his only chance for happiness.

The door opened behind him, and his brother stepped from the room, an apologetic smile on his face as he took his spot next to him.

Call it off, announce that the event is over… he pleaded silently with a clinched jaw.

Harps began to play, a tune for some that was melodic and joyous, but to him the melancholy notes tore his heart asunder. He stood rooted to the ground as the woman he loved entered the hall, the pale see-through material covering her face, concealing the look of sadness behind her eyes that he had seen earlier when they had spoken in her room.

Her eyes did not leave his as she made her way toward his brother, the slow and steady pace that tortured him with each step. When she finally reached them, each breath he took was labored and full of grief as he tried to hide the emotion threatening to overtake him. She glanced sadly in his direction as she was handed off to his brother, taking her place in front of the priest.

“Blessings and merry meet. Gentle lords and ladies, we are here today to join the fair Princess Emma and the Noble Prince Liam together.” He paused and turned toward Emma. “Princess, art thou here this day in pledged troth of thy own free will and choice?”

He watched as she swallowed, staring at the man in front of her. “Yes, Father.” She said as her tiny voice cracked.

“In as much as this Noble Prince and Fair Princess have pledged their troth to be married this day, we call upon Heaven to bless this union. Therefore, if anyone can show just cause, why they may not be joined together, by God's Law, or the Laws of the Realm; let them now speak, or else hereafter keep silent for all time.”

Suddenly the door was flung open as a handful of armed men stormed the room, at the center of the men a menacing woman stepped forward into the crowd.

“Imagine my surprise when I found out there was going to be a wedding between the heirs of Misthaven and Jonesboro and no one invited me.” Regina swirled her hands around her as she stalked toward the couple.

Killian reached for his sword at his side, gripping it in his hand.

“Regina, you are not welcome here.” His father barked as he met her in the middle of the room.

“Brennan, has it really been so long since we last saw each other, I can hardly believe how much Liam has grown.” She winked in Liam’s direction. “And David, your daughter is simply gorgeous.” She walked closer to Emma, grabbing a lock of her hair in her hand and tugging.

“Get away from her.” David growled from his wife’s side.

“Where are my manners?” The woman shrilled, “I came to bring a gift for the happy couple.”

“Try giving us your absence.” His brother responded calmly; his arm wrapped protectively around Emma’s back. Killian turned his attention to the woman in front of him.

“You aren’t welcome here.” He said, stepping toward her.

“Oh, my Brennan, is this scrumptious little treat, the baby? My, my, how much you have grown.” She mewed as she ran her hand against his chest. “Aren’t you just a delicious little morsel.” She squeezed his chin with her finger and Killian jerked away from her.

“Leave Regina.” His mother shouted as she stood from her bench. “Now.” She added, a fire burning in her eyes which brought Regina’s full attention toward her.

“Oh Alice, you must be so proud of your son, plugging his nose in order to drown out the stench of Nolan blood.”

Turning toward Emma’s mother the woman pounced. “Mary, Mary, Mary, the sins of the mother.” She taunted. “Your indiscretion saved you from the fate of becoming a Jones, but you doomed your daughter to that dreaded fate herself.”

“We aren’t afraid of you, Regina.” Emma screamed causing the woman to spin around, advancing on the blonde as Killian held his breath.

“You dare open your mouth to me, Princess?” She seethed, her eyes glaring into Emma’s as Killian took a silent step toward the woman, his hand clinching around the hilt of his sword.

“You said you brought a gift.” King Nolan interrupted, stepping closer to his daughter.

The woman flung her arms theatrically into the air. “Ah yes, how could I forget my present to the happy couple.” She gestured toward her men who scattered around the room, weapons at the ready as they surrounded and separated the King and Queen of both families. Strong arms were suddenly on him, grasping him from behind as he struggled to break free.

Regina stood in front of his father, a grin across her face as she reached out and caressed his cheek.

Turning around she glared at Liam. “I bring you the gift of nobility.” She said with a smirk, “For on this day, you will be King.”

The rest happened in slow motion as he realized the woman’s intent, with a swift jab of his elbow, he scrambled out of the guard’s grasp, rushing toward his mother before the sword plunged into her from behind. Her face crumpled, the blood spreading across her chest before her eyes met his, the light leaving them as she hit the floor.

“No.” He screamed, struggling to get to her in time, feeling his chest constrict with both sadness and an untamed anger as he watched Regina turn and cut down his father where he stood. He fell to his knees, crawling the last few feet until he reached his mother’s side, his parents lifeless bodies lay side by side on the rock floor. They were gone, slain by a Queen most evil.

He took one last look at his mother, brushing his hand lightly against her face before turning a murderous glance toward the object of his anger. “You’ll pay for this.” He growled, climbing to his feet, his weapon held firmly in front of him, biting back tears of anger as he set his sight on his prey.

[sugamontana93]

Tony Montana (18+) BTS FF Chapter 1

You can also find this story on wattpad @SugaMontana93 

https://www.wattpad.com/user/SugaMontana93

"Highly Elusive and Dangerous Chinese Mafia Boss, Yong Go Sil, was found murdered four days ago in ShangHai. It is rumored that he had ties to Seoul via family, but nothing has been confirmed. He has been wanted by the Chinese Government, along with South Korean and American agencies due to the wreckless drug sales, senseless acts of violence and murders spanning from continent to continent over the last twenty years. Police believe that another crime family, also known as Blood Kings, were responsible for the mafia leaders' demise. If you have any tips leading to The Yong Mafia and The Notorious South Korean mafia 'The Blood Kings', please call our hotline at XXX-XXX-XXXX. This is Park Reina with Seoul Now News."

Yoongi smirked as he turned off the news and settled down on the leather couch in Hybe's conference room. The other members smirked at each other before their manager, Bang Si-Hyuk, entered with a stern face. Their manager, no matter how wholesome and sweet he was in the public, knew exactly who and what BTS were behind the scenes. He was the one who passed it on to them. Yoongi's knowledge of Daegu sealed their fate the day they signed the contract with Big Hit. At the beginning, not a single one of the seven knew what was happening until Bang approached them with more opportunities that life as simple idols wouldn't be able to give them. Namjoon may be the leader of BTS, but it was Yoongi that dealt with the rest.

"I see you went through with it," Bang said as he sat down at the head of the table. "Mind telling me how you managed to find him in such a short amount of time?"

"I did it," Taehyung smirked as he looked at his manager. "Yoongi gave myself and my soldiers access to some of the things you left behind. The asshole was slick, I give you that. If it wasn't for Jungkook's keen eye, I would have never gotten Hyunsoo to tail him for as long as I had. Seokjin-Hyung pulled the trigger himself."

"And you managed to go to China to do that," Bang lifted his brow. "I don't see how that's possible."

"We didn't go to China. He was here. In Seoul," Seokjin added. "We don't know why he was here, but he knew he had been made. It was actually quite easy to get rid of him."

"How'd you get his body to Shanghai?"

"Jungkook's soldiers. Most of them are based in China to keep an eye out for other mafia that may come as a threat to us."

"For him to not fight is strange to me," Bang murmured. "Yoongi, are you going to look into this?"

"Already on it, sir," The mafia leader smiled back. "I should have some results by the end of the week."

"Even though I'm not the boss anymore, please keep me informed. I want to keep the authorities away as much as I can."

"Of course, sir."

"Now," Bang said while clapping his hands, "let's move on to more calm matters. Yoongi, your stylist Jaenie has put in her notice to leave the company. She and her husband have just found out that they're expecting twins and she'll need to be on bed rest due to her pre-existing health conditions."

"Aw, babies," Jungkook cooed, making the others laugh. "Good for her. I heard her telling Yoongi-hyung that they were trying."

"I'm happy for her," Yoongi grinned. The stereotype that surrounded Mafia leaders wasn't how Yoongi was. How you saw him on stage and on candid footage, that was him. Truly him. He wasn't mean or heartless to people that worked with him, his elders, his family or anything of the sort. The only time people knew how dark he was, was when the mafia side kicked in. He had his own persona. He was the infamous 'Tony Montana of South Korea' afterall. He only made people fear him when they needed it. That's why no one was brave enough to cross The Blood Kings.

"Which brings us to our next point," Bang said while pulling out a file. "Your replacement stylist will be starting tomorrow."

"But I thought Jaenie Noona would be here for two more weeks?"

"I told her to take these extra two weeks early. I'm paying her quadruple her usual salary and a hefty bonus to help with any things she needs for the babies. I also started them a trust fund because Jaenie has been one hell of a good employee."

"She dealt with Yoongi's hormonal early teenage years. You should have just given her the presidential medal of honor," Seokjin snickered. Yoongi shot him a go to hell look and then sighed.

"Yeah, you're probably right," he chuckled. "So, who is she?"

Bang opened the file and pulled out her resume.

Name: Grei Romano

Age: 29

Birthdate: January 1st, 1992

Born: Sicily, Italy

Parent's: Luca and Soleil Romano

Graduated Seoul School of Arts 2010, Licensed Cosmetologist and Esthetician 2011, Bachelor's Degree in Communications 2015.

IQ: 148

Current Residence: Seoul, South Korea

Languages: English, Cantonese, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Spanish and French.

Marital Status: Single

Children: 0

Bank: Seoul National Bank

Bank Account Balance: 1,425,504.00₩

"Damn. Are we hiring a stylist or recruiting someone into the mafia," Namjoon whistled as he looked down at all of the information. "She's smart."

"And broke," Taehyung said while crossing his arms. "She has two licenses and a huge degree. Why so little money?"

"She lives in Hannam, so it's all got to be going to normal bills. Relax, Taehyung. I checked her out and did a thorough background check. You know how I am about hiring people that know who you are as BTS." Bang pulled out her photograph and slid it across the table. "This is who will be coming tomorrow. I've given strict instructions to the staff if anyone else comes and does not match this picture, we'll be calling the police. I can't have you all exposed to crazy fans coming in here again or have anyone snooping in BK business."

Yoongi stared at her photograph and his mouth watered. She was exquisite, breathtaking. Nothing could come close to describing how beautiful she was. Her eyes were what drawed him in. They were beautiful...but somehow familiar.

"Hyung, pick your jaw up." Jimin bursted out laughing and snatched the picture from Yoongi's clutches. "She's hot."

"Coming from you, I know not to worry about you getting yourself in trouble with her," Bang said as he looked over his glasses. "Namjoon, Hoseok and Yoongi possibly. But not you."

"How do you know I won't try anything with her, Bang-ssi?"

Si-hyuk crossed his arms and lifted his brow. "I've known you for eleven years, Jimin. I also know that you and Hoseok are dating." Jimin and Hoseok are still in their chairs and look at the other members with wide eyes. "I also know that Namjoon and Jin and Taehyung and Jungkook are dating. You boys trying to hide everything from me has been a sight. Now stop pretending." Bang motioned from them to speak while six of the members looked like their manager had just shot their dog. "Look, I don't care what you all do. Jimin, Taehyung and Jungkook, I know you're gay. I'm your second father. I know these things. Just like I know that Hoseok is bisexual, Jin and Namjoon have never thought about dating the same sex until they met each other and Yoongi's pansexual. You all know this about each other. I'm sure you've all had your private talks. It's my job to know these things, boys. I don't care. You're all happy right?"

They all nodded in response.

"Great."

Yoongi's phone began to ring, jerking everyone out of the awkward atmosphere. "Fuck," Yoongi growled as he answered his phone. "What is it, Han?" Yoongi's hand gripped the table as Han related valuable information to him. His knuckles were white, face as cold as stone as he listened to Han break down everything that has happened over the last hour. He slammed his phone down and closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. When they opened, Yoongi was gone.

The Mafia Boss was standing still as stone in his place, eyeing the members and his manager as he tried to steady his breathing.

"What is it, son," Bang said while standing up.

Yoongi chuckled and adjusted the rings on his finger.

"Seems like Yong Go Sil has someone taking over his mafia."

"Who?" The rest all stood waiting for further instruction.

"His daughter."

[nobodysuspectsthebutterfly]

Hello! If you don't mind me asking, are you planning on watching House of the Dragon? I'm personally unsure about it. I was cautiously optimistic about it since D&D are not involved, but the recent casting news have been ugh disappointing imo. What do you think?

Hey anon! Sorry to say I kind of mind you asking because my inbox is still closed (to everyone except my secret Santas, which is why the ask page is accessible at all), but then I realized it’s possible if you’re on the mobile app only, you haven’t seen said note in my askbox, or my FAQ, or anything of the sort. And with older metas of mine being reblogged recently, it’s possible you may be confused. (I hope you’re on mobile only and not just ignoring my requests.) So I wanted to inform you of that... but also, y’know, I kind of wanted to make a post about the HotD cast anyway? And this ask is as good a prompt as any... so, you’re lucky, but please don’t push your luck. ;)

So, straight up: I currently have no plans to watch House of the Dragon. HBO is not getting any of my goddamn money, I don’t trust like that. And hunting down illegal livestreaming sites is a pain in the ass and I regret ever doing it for GoT, as well as regretting getting drunk every weekend enough to dampen my senses to ever tolerate that show. Yeah it’s different showrunners and writers, I know. It’s still (mostly) the same executives at HBO and even if the pervert producer is gone (or is he?), you know they still just want to sell sex and violence and dragons to an audience that thinks fantasy is for geeks.

Also, considering that Fire & Blood’s story of Dance of the Dragons has very little actual narrative or dialogue, and the historical record is deliberately untrustworthy, that gives them pretty much full rein to do whatever they like with the story and characterization and words without even being slightly obliged to GRRM at all. Furthermore, since the story is wholly political with virtually none of the magical side of ASOIAF (excepting dragons), and honestly does not have much in the way of themes or depth that main ASOIAF or even D&E has, I think it will be very hard for an adaptation to show even those brief sparks of quality that used to make me wistful GoT couldn’t be that good all the time and eventually just made me frustrated and depressed. Note I do like the history and characters of the Dance despite myself, despite its many many many textual issues, but I don’t need to see an adaptation, I have a very visual imagination. I don’t watch a lot of television to begin with, I don’t see why I should start again with this.

However, I’m not going to avoid spoilers or discussion, and I’ll probably follow the show the tumblr way, through gifsets and video clips and people bitching on their blogs etc. If, somehow, by some miracle of good screenwriting and acting, the show manages to transcend its source material, I’m sure I will be informed. And then, if and only if then, I may try watching. (Without, of course, giving HBO any of my goddamn money.) We shall see.

(Though I certainly don’t know why anyone in Targ standom would ever watch a Dance adaptation considering almost every Targaryen and everyone else in the story is terrible except Helaena and the kids, and considering how the story ends, unless y’all are gluttons for punishment? (I do not comprehend hatewatching, sorry.) It’ll probably be fun at first to see the adventures of those “precious silver douchebags” (to borrow a friend’s tag), but eventually rocks fall, everyone dies, including the girlboss you know you’ll hope the story will be changed enough that she succeeds. Just letting you know now, she won’t.)

That said. I’ve been following the casting news and I think the hate/fear/wild screaming is entirely overblown. Yeah, I know, but wait, just listen. On Friday I officially welcomed @naomimakesart to the “favorite character is now played by an actor who looks nothing like most fanart and is mostly known for wildly different roles” club. I still remember that day in September 2009 when my brother texted me “yarp”... and that right there is the thing. Yeah. Rory McCann looks very little like most pre-GoT Sandor fanart... but many fans grew to love him anyway. (There are some who never did, of course. And yeah the character went off the rails by the end, but truly, who didn’t. Having seen his audition, having spoken to him and heard him wistfully talk about book scenes he loved, I’m convinced if Rory had only been given Sandor’s actual scenes and such, he would’ve killed it. Sigh. Deep, deep sigh.)

And Rory isn’t the only one. Neither of the actors for Jaime and Cersei were considered “beautiful” enough at first. I recall very clearly people bitching about Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (about his nose particularly?) because they had wanted Tarzan-era Travis Fimmel to be Jaime. (Seeing people bitch because current-Fimmel isn’t playing Daemon made me laugh out loud for both BEYONCE?! meme -type “why would you ever cast him omg he doesn’t fit my headcanon Daemon at all”, and amazing amounts of fandom flashbacks.) Lena Headey was “too square-jawed”, “too mean-looking” (since at the beginning you should never be able to guess she’s evil), “too dark-complected”, “too mannish”, not at all attractive enough. (Tricia Helfer was the most common “but I wanted” for Cersei, btw.) And of course “they don’t remotely look like twins, ugh!” Note, there’s receipts for all of this, none of it is made up. (Unfortunately.) Those two actors are just the ones whose casting wank I recall most clearly, particularly because oh how the turn tables.

Also. You know, there’s a post with Matt Smith and Mark Simonetti’s TWOIAF Daemon going around with shrieks of horror... and I’m finding it maddening in a “am I crazy? am I  the crazy one???” way, because Matt looks like the painting. Their features are not that dissimilar.

Same deepset eyes. Same cheekbones of doom. Same thin lips. Same protruding chin. Same high forehead. Same invsible eyebrows ffs. Matt has a squarer jaw, and a longer more rectangular face, and a wider nose, but considering that Daemon’s features are not described in the text, and this is the only official ASOIAF artwork that shows Daemon’s face straight on, I can for sure see why he was probably shortlisted to begin with. And that’s not even getting into to his role in The Crown, which I’ve heard is very well played with politics and palace intrigue... and if you doubt Smith can play seductive/roguish and/or evil (depending on how you LARP as a Westeros historian), or look good with long hair... well. I do not want to watch the movie, but this trailer is disturbingly enlightening.

And as for Rhaenyra... y’all know this show is starting at the beginning of the story, right? When she’s a teenager? Not a voluptuous MILF? Yeah, Emma D’Arcy doesn’t look like a Magali Villeneueve painting (though who does, good lord), but you know who she does look remarkably like? Harry Lloyd.

Same jawline. Same nose. Same thin lips. Same sharp cheekbones. Notably, same kind of sharp cheekbones and deep-set eyes as Matt Smith. HBO evidently has a concept of a “Targaryen look” that’s a little bit quirkier than supermodel-Greek statue-gods on earth, yeah, fine. But it’s consistent, and they look like family, and that-- that is good casting.

And yeah, in a few months to a year or so, you’ll see them in costume and wigs and makeup, you’ll see them in motion and speaking lines, and go Oh. That’s different. Never mind. And while people will make fanart of the show depictions of the characters and those will probalby get popular, they’ll also keep doing fanart of their pre-show headcanons, and those too will be popular. (God knows when I draw or visualize book!Sandor, Rory does not come to mind, lol.) Either way, there’s no reason to panic. We’ll live.

(Though will we live well? Got to wait on the writing and showrunning for that, alas.)

[seriouslyhooked]

Can’t Say No (At Christmas)

CS one-shot set in the future. Hope is three and Emma and Killian are still very much in the throws of a happily ever after, but Killian wants to do something special for Emma for Christmas. With the help of their family and the town, he manages to fulfill a Christmas wish for his wife in exactly the kind of over-the-top fluffy and sweet way you’d expect from me. Includes holiday surprises, Christmas cheer, and a healthy dash of true love. Rated T. Available on FF Here and AO3 Here.

A/N: Hey all! I really did not know if I was going to be able to get this drabble done, but I am so happy to say that I did and to share it with you all tonight. I know that this Christmas is going to be so different for so many of us, and that it has been a hard year of uncertainty and stress. My gift to our little fandom is this story, focused on Emma and Killian a few years after we got to see them in the show. It’s inspired by the spirit of Christmas, the cheesiness that only Hallmark movies can provide, and the song ‘No Problem’ by Dylan Schneider. I love the idea that Killian cannot deny Emma anything, and that at Christmas he has to make Emma’s wishes come true. I hate to spoil any more of this, but I will just say thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy!

“I don’t know how the hell you pulled this off, mate, but I got to hand it to you, this is really something special.”

The words David uttered from the bottom of the ladder were high praise, despite the dig at Killian’s favorite endearment. Tonight though, Killian would let the jab slide. He simply didn’t have the time or energy to pretend to argue with Emma’s father. Instead he hustled down the rungs and back to solid ground beside his friend. He took stock of the room once more, running his hand through his hair and tracing each corner of the barn with his gaze. There was very little about the place that was recognizable. It had been sufficiently transformed, from an old, dusty tomb of farm equipment, to a space fit for the evening ahead.

“It pays to be a good guy in the end,” Killian joked. Playing up the early days of their knowing each other when Killian was anything but a hero. “Turns out I’ve helped quite a lot of people these past few years. They were eager to return the favor.”

“That’s true enough, but I think the fact that you did this all for Emma plays a big part too.”

There was no doubt about that, and the mere reminder of his wife brought a smile to his lips. She was going to be surprised by this, and there was nothing that he loved more than surprising his Swan. Killian could hardly wait for the look of excitement that would spread across her face, and the light that would appear in her jade colored eyes. Her cheeks would flush from realization, and her hands would move unbiddenly, as if she couldn’t quite contain the excitement or suspense. Emma was always the most beautiful of women, and a miracle to be sure, but when treated to a gift that was truly worthy of her, she was transcendent, his own personal star and tempting taste of heaven.

“Any word from Snow?” Killian asked, checking his watch and seeing they had made good time, despite the hecticness of the day. He had enough time to catch a shower and prepare himself, but he needed to be sure that Emma and Hope were sufficiently occupied in the meantime.

“Better – she sent a video while you were hanging the last of the garland.”

David offered his phone and Killian laughed at the sight. Snow and Emma had taken Neal and Hope out of town to a nearby ski resort that was hosting all sorts of winter activities for kids. In the video Emma, Hope, and Neal were all making snow angels, until Neal gave the signal and he and Hope pivoted to throwing snowballs at Emma. The only problem was Hope was far too little and bundled up in snow gear to be effective. She was having the time of her life though, and at the end of the video, Emma scooped their daughter up and nuzzled her close, bestowing a kiss on her curly brown hair, which had escaped its winter cap. Hope was a dazzling blend of him and Emma, but her goodness and ability to inspire love was totally her mother’s doing.

“Perfect. You good here for the time being?” David nodded, pivoting from his assistant role to commander in chief with the quickness of one-time prince. Content that his tasks were in good hands, Killian headed out, eager to put the next parts of his plan in place.

Things moved quickly from there. He showered and readied himself for the kind of night his Emma had imagined, ignoring the strangeness of his reflection as he did. He would never feel quite right in these damn tuxedos, but Emma’s wish was specific and it included the blasted suit. It also included a number of gifts for Emma and for Hope, which he pulled from the one place in the house Emma never ventured to – the garage. From the back of the storage space there, he grabbed a number of boxes that he’d stuffed away last week, and brought them all inside. After checking the contents were free from any water or dirt, he was convinced things were as they should be, and he left the gifts underneath the Christmas tree.

The only thing left to craft was the note for Emma that would set her surprise in motion. He hadn’t dared to write it out before, wanting to save it for this moment. It felt right to speak from the heart and to put in words exactly how he felt tonight. Still, it took time to get the letter exactly right, and he must admit he grew a bit sentimental when crafting it. A time or two he fell into recent and more distant memories of their lives together, feeling the warmth in his soul that could only ever come from the truest love. Luckily, he had enough of his wits about him and time was on his side. Soon he heard the sound of a car pulling up the drive just as he closed the envelope with Emma’s name and placed it on the tree, and with the stealth accrued in his past life, he slipped out the back door just before his girls came in.

“Mama, look! Santa came early,” he heard Hope say as he quietly rounded the side of the house. For a moment he was truly tempted to steal a look and watch this scene play out, but he reminded himself that there was still more to be done, and instead headed down the street to where a not so patiently waiting Snow was parked.

“Killian, thank God! I thought you’d never get here!” she exclaimed as he opened the door, but before he could reply, young Neal let his own thoughts be known.

“Mom, it’s been like sixty seconds. Literally. Look, I timed it on the stopwatch Henry gave me. 63 seconds.

“No, has it only been a minute? I’m so excited I can’t tell. It feels like forever. I was waiting for this all day. It was so hard not to spill the beans.”

“But you didn’t, right?” Killian checked, pivoting to Neal for the truth. When the boy gave him a thumbs up, he let out a breath. “Good. But it all might be for not if we don’t get a move on.”

“Oh, right. We’ve got to go. We’ve got a Christmas miracle to deliver.” Neal groaned at the words and Killian remained quiet prompting Snow to ask the question, “Sorry, too cheesy?”

“For tonight? No, strangely it’s just right.”

And with that, they pulled away from the curb, headed back towards the barn and the long-awaited surprise.

……………….

“Mama, look! Santa came! Santa came!”

At first Emma didn’t understand the words from her daughter. She was just trying to get her bearings after peeling the snow clothes off of Hope and discarding her own jacket on the hook by the door. Her boots were barely off and her scarf was still wound around her neck. She couldn’t imagine how Hope still had so much energy, but then she remembered – three year olds were like comic book characters, with a super power of endless energy.

“Christmas Eve is tomorrow, honey,” Emma said, righting her clothes and letting go of a big breath, before walking towards the living room. “Two more sleeps until Santa.”

“But look, Mama, pwesents!”

Emma followed her daughters pointing finger across the way, and low and behold there were gifts under the tree that had not been there this morning. Her curiosity was peaked, but when she saw the white envelope secured in the branches of their evergreen tree, she had an inkling of what was happening.

“Killian,” she murmured walking forward, and running her fingertips across the delicate paper.

“Daddy?” Hope asked excitedly, and Emma nodded as she opened the envelope, only to fight off tears of love when she read the letter.

My Dearest Emma,

There are no gifts that I could ever give you that compare to all you’ve given me. I know and accept that, but this time of year is different. It’s a season predicated on love, light, and yes, even a bit of magic. So I had to try, for your sake and for mine.

Christmas is about showing the people you love what they mean to you. It’s about giving love and feeling love, and knowing that even in the dark of a winter night, there is hope and light ahead. It’s about reminding loved ones that you care, that you’re rooting for them, and that their dreams are your dreams too. You taught me that, you and Hope and Henry, and I swear to you that all I could ever want is to make you happy, and to grant the wishes you carry in your heart.

“Ooo, pwetty,” Hope said, dragging Emma’s eyes down to where her daughter had already begun opening the parcels below. Inside the white garment box was a gorgeous crimson colored dress, breathtaking in its elegant design. The satin and the beading were exquisite, and the color was to die for, and like something from a dream. Hope offered the box to her, knowing even at age three that it wasn’t the right size for her. “For you, Mama.”

“Thank you, princess,” Emma said, taking the box in hand, wanting to look at it in full, but knowing the letter was still more important.

You are everything to me, Emma. Everything and so much more. You and our children hold my whole universe in your hands. Tonight, I hope to take your hand in mine, and remind you that in life, all you really need is the perfect partner.

“He didn’t,” Emma whispered, looking down from the letter which had been signed with love by her pirate. Then she looked at the other presents Hope was opening. A beautiful pair of heels, a white fur muff, and a necklace that sparkled, along with all the same things for Hope that were more their daughter’s style and perfect for her size. The last gift was another envelope, with a card. On the top in cursive script it read ‘Selected Suitors for Emma Jones’ and the only name was Killian’s. “Oh my god, he did. It’s a dance. He planned a Christmas dance for me.”

“Dance?” Hope asked and Emma crouched down to help her daughter really open her own garment box, where a beautiful princess-style dress was waiting for her. As soon as she saw it Hope let out a sound of pure delight, clapping her hands together at a hastened clip. At that moment, the front door opened, and Emma looked, expecting to see Killian but instead seeing her son, dressed up in a tuxedo and looking downright dashing. It would have been a shock either way, but this year, when she’d been bracing herself for her son being away for the holiday, it felt like an even greater gift.

“Henry?” she asked, as Hope bolted for her brother. Instinctively, Henry scooped her up, accepting all her hugs and kisses before turning his eyes back to Emma.

“Surprise! Well, part of it anyway. But we’ve got to get a move on, or we’ll be late.”

“Where are we going?” Hope asked. Henry responded by whispering in her ear, low enough that Emma couldn’t hear. Whatever he said made Hope gasp. “Really? We’re going there?”

“Sure are. But we have to get ready. Don’t worry, Mom, I’ve got Hope. You do what you need to do.”

Emma was spurred into motion, grabbing the gifts marked for her and heading upstairs. In thirty minutes, she and Hope were both ready for whatever awaited them, and though Emma had her suspicions, she was in no way prepared when they arrived at the old McDonald farm. Pulling around back to the barn, there were dozens of people milling around. Everyone in town was here tonight, dressed up and partaking in merriment, but when they left the car and walked inside, Emma was truly stunned.

“It’s beautiful,” she said aloud, taking in the gorgeous decorations. The space was totally transformed, a perfect blend of rustic refinement. The colors were vivid and vibrant, the air was warm and filled with the scent of cinnamon and honey, and the joy here was palpable. There was a buzzing electricity that crackled in the air. This was what all those Christmas movies strove to recreate but could never quite capture, and Emma took it all in knowing that her husband had made this just for her.

Scanning the room for him, Emma was first greeted with the sight of her Mom and Dad and brother. They came forward immediately, hugging her and Hope and Henry and extending their thoughts.

“Oh, honey, you look spectacular!” her mother exclaimed with tears in her eyes, holding her hands and looking at her red dress. It was a truly wonderous design, that hugged every one of Emma’s curves just right while still feeling of the season. It was classic and timeless and more than a little sexy, but it was appropriate for the night, when everyone was dressed to the nines.

“So do you guys,” Emma said honestly, taking in her mom’s sapphire ball gown, and her Dad and brother’s tuxes.

“I’m a princess, Grandpa,” Hope said happily and Emma’s father immediately agreed as the band began to play a slower melody.

“There’s no denying that. Care to dance with me, Princess Hope?” He asked, bowing to her daughter. Hope giggled but took Emma’s hand instinctively, looking at her for permission and clarity.

“What about you, Mama?”

“Don’t worry, sprout,” Henry said nodding across the room and using his favorite nickname for his sister. “Dad’s got her taken care of.”

Emma’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Killian, as if this was a first date and not years into their marriage. She couldn’t help the butterflies swarming within her, and then, like magic the crowd of people parted, and there, across the room was her man. It should have come as no surprise how handsome he would look. Emma was well versed in how roguishly hot her pirate could be, but in a tux it was a whole other story. Maybe it was the rarity of seeing him like this, or maybe Killian was just one of those men who was born to wear a tux, but either way she was struck by him. Everything seemed to stop around her, and all she could sense was the man who completely owned her heart.

A few moments later they were together again. Emma hadn’t even realize she’d been walking towards him, and him to her, but when he took her hand she felt her blood hum in anticipation. She was caught in his eyes, sensing the mixture of love and desire that was so intoxicating, and waiting for him to speak, because words in this moment truly failed her.

“You look stunning, Swan,” he said to her, the gravel of his tone washing over her and sending a shiver down her spine in that delicious kind of way. “The fantasies I’d conjured in my mind’s eye could never do you justice.”

“So you were fantasizing about this, huh?” she asked, her voice thready as she turned, purposefully taunting him with a view of all her best angles. This time he let out a low growl that spiked her desire to tease him. God damn, there were people around! How could she be this hot and bothered? Oh right, she was married to a sinfully attractive and impossibly romantic man. This was par for the course.

“Aye, love, and I promise those musings will prove more than satisfactory when we get home.” His voice dipped low and she swallowed hard, trying to tamp down her own building need. Then something shifted in his eyes, and she knew before he said a word that something immensely thoughtful was about to be shared. “I hope it’s everything that you wanted, love. Those blasted ‘Hallmark towns’ have a lot more built-in Christmas cheer than Storybrooke, but all it took was a hint that this was what you wanted, and everyone came together.”

It dawned on her that the wish he was referring to was one that she’d made a few weekends ago when they were laying in bed watching TV. She usually skipped the Hallmark Christmas extravaganza, but this year she was feeling sentimental. Maybe it was the fact that Hope was finally hitting an age where she was starting to understand the season, or more likely it was the pregnancy hormones from their little one on the way. She was only twelve weeks along, and wasn’t even showing yet, but her self-coined pregnancy induced crazy brain was in full swing, and had been from the start. The only thing getting her through most days was Killian, and then he went and did something like this… it was too much for her, she couldn’t take it.

“I love you,” she confessed, blurting it out like it was some big secret instead of established fact. “Like a lot. A lot a lot.”

“A lot a lot,” Killian parroted with a grin, pulling her with him out to the dance floor before taking her in his arms. She melded into his muscled physique, trying not to swoon as the melody carried them away.

“You know I’m not as good at the whole poetic declarations thing as you are.”

“Few can be, love,” he joked. She raised her brow at him in quiet consternation, and he only laughed before turning her into a low dip on the dance floor and reminding her that he was in total control of himself out here. “But where words might fail you, action is your strong suit. You show me every day how much you love me, Emma. And every day I thank my lucky stars to have that love.”

He made a fair point. Emma was, after all, a woman of action, and so she decided to take some now. Though they were dancing, she stalled their moment to pull him in for a kiss, giving them both a taste of what was to come when the night drew to a close. The sparks between them ignited instantly, and without looking, Emma knew some of her magic was radiating from within. When they pulled apart she was almost dizzy from the delight, but Killian was even more effected. He had that boyish grin of his in full display, and that tiny hint of bashfulness that came when he’d done something really well. Only when she heard the oohing and aahing of the people around them did she realize their magic had created stars along the ceiling of the barn, making it appear that they were all dancing under an inky black sky bursting with constellations.

From a distance, Emma heard her daughter ask if it was ‘magic time’ now, but before she and Killian needed to step in, Regina told her ‘Not tonight, kid,’ and Henry whisked her off for her another dance. This gave Emma and Killian time, time to enjoy the fruits of all he’d done, and to revel in this moment for as long as they could.

“Merry Christmas, Killian. You’ve made it so perfect, I never want it to end.”

“What is it they say in those movies, love? Oh right – every day is Christmas when we’re together.”

And even though it was horribly corny, and she should have rolled her eyes at such a lame joke, Emma found that she couldn’t. She was simply too happy and grateful to feign otherwise. Instead she savored every moment of their Christmas dance, and the night they shared thereafter, knowing this would be one of the best days she’d ever had, and that somehow, some way, her pirate would find other means of making the future just as bright.

……………………

Girl I got a no problem Yeah, it's a bad habit, the way I gotta have it With or without you around All ya gotta do is call me, and tell me that you're lonely You're always stringing me out Yeah, they say the first step to quitting it Is admitting it, so here it is Girl, I think I got a no problem On my hands, 'cause I can't say no to you Once you start you know I can't stop it Even if I wanted to Yeah, I get tongue tied every time I try To do what I oughta do Girl, I got a no problem Yeah, 'cause I can't say no to you Girl, I should know better, yeah, I should know never To let you in just to leave If it's just two letters, then why can't I ever Find a way to piece 'em together Let's say the first step to quitting it Is admitting it, I'm admitting it, here it is Girl, I think I got a no problem On my hands, 'cause I can't say no to you Once you start you know I can't stop it Even if I wanted to Yeah, I get tongue tied every time I try To do what I oughta do Girl, I got a no problem Yeah, 'cause I can't say no to you Those smokey blue eyes staring back at me Yeah, you already know if you're asking me What the answer's always gonna be It's gonna be, yeah Girl, I think I got a no problem On my hands, 'cause I can't say no to you Once you start you know I can't stop it Even if I wanted to Yeah, I get tongue tied every time I try To do what I oughta do Girl, I got a no problem Yeah, 'cause I can't say no to you Those smokey blue eyes staring back at me Can't say no to you Yeah, you already know if you're asking me Girl, I got a no problem That the answer's always gonna be 'Cause I can't say no to you Girl, I got a no problem 'Cause I can't say no to you

Post-Note: So, what did you think? Hopefully you enjoyed this little dose of holiday cuteness and none of this is offensive in any way or to any story line. Most of you know I never watched the last season of the show, so I don’t know what they say happened to Henry and everybody. I only knew Emma and Killian did eventually have a baby girl named Hope. Anyway, I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and healthy holiday season. I am grateful for you all, from the ride or die readers who comment on every post, to the people passing by who just wanted a little bit of Christmas cheer. You are such a force for good in my world, whoever you are, and I thank you for your light and kindness in these trying time. I wish you all the best this Christmas and in the New Year, and more than anything I wish you love! Sending my best vibes your way now and always, xE.

The Captain Swan Mixtape oneshot series:

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9,Part 10,Part 11, Part 12,Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, Part 16, Part 17, Part 18, Part 19, Part 20, Part 21, Part 22, Part 23, Part 24,Part 25, Part 26, Part 27, Part 28, Part 29, Part 30, Part 31,Part 32, Part 33, Part 34, Part 35, Part 36, Part 37, Part 38,Part 39,Part 40, Part 41, Part 42, Part 43, Part 44, Part 45,Part 46,Part 47, Part 48, Part 49, Part 50, Part 51, Part 52, Part 53,Part 54,Part 55, Part 56, Part 57, Part 58, Part 59, Part 60,Part 61,Part 62, Part 63, Part 64, Part 65, Part 66, Part 67, Part 68,Part 69,Part 70, Part 71, Part 72, Part 73, Part 74, Part 75,Part 76,Part 77, Part 78, Part 79, Part 80, Part 81, Part 82, Part 83,Part 84,Part 85, Part 86, Part 87, Part 88, Part 89, Part 90,Part 91,Part 92, Part 93, Part 94, Part 95, Part 96, Part 97, Part 98,Part 99,Part 100, Part 101, Part 102, Part 103,Part 104, Part 105,Part 106, Part 107,Part 108, Part 109, Part 110,Part 111, Part 112,Part 113, Part 114, Part 115,Part 116, Part 117, Part 118,Part 119,Part 120, Part 121, Part 122, Part 123,Part 124, Part 125,Part 126, Part 127, Part 128,Part 129,Part 130, Part 131,Part 132,Part 133, Part 134, Part 135, Part 136, Part 137, Part 138,Part 139,Part 140, Part 141, Part 142, Part 143, Part 144, Part 145,Part 146, Part 147, Part 148,Part 149, Part 150, Part 151,Part 152, Part 153, Part 154, Part 155, Part 156, Part 157, Part 158,Part 159, Part 160, Part 161, Part 162, Part 163, Part 164,Part 165, Part 166, Part 167, Part 168, Part 169, Part 170,Part 171,Part 172, Part 173, Part 174, Part 175, Part 176,Part 177, Part 178, Part 179 , Part 180, Part 181, Part 182, Part 183, Part 184, Part 185, Part 186, Part 187, Part 188, Part 189, Part 190, Part 191, Part 192, Part 193, Part 194, Part 195

[btsslowburnfic]

Chthonic Love Ch. 16

Series Summary: A Greek Mythology AU featuring Yoongi/Suga as Hades and reader as Persephone. Olympian ruler Namjoon has delivered you, Persephone, as a gift for his brother, lord of Death, Yoongi

Previous Chapter here

Sidenote: Someone at BH reading this FF?  This is literally Lord Yoongi.  Just imagine some black sand. 

You thought you would have difficulty finding people given how unpopulated the castle usually felt. However, the tremors had roused most of the servants who were milling about nervously in the hallways and in the Great Hall.

As you entered the Hall, Lethe came running over. “Lady Persephone. Thank goodness. I went to your room right after the Earthquake and you weren’t there. We can’t find Penthos or Lord Yoongi either.”

“It’s alright,” You reassured her, giving her hands a gentle squeeze. You looked around and saw the same concerns etched on the faces of the other servants. “Help me gather everyone  in here and I’ll explain what I can.” You pressed your lips together into a firm line and went out in the hallway to gather people. Once you returned to the Hall you walked over to the front of the room and stepped up onto the small dais. You waited a few minutes for people to file into the room and to collect your thoughts. Once it seemed like people were ready to listen, you began.

“Thank you everyone for gathering here. I understand you are concerned about the Earthquake. Earlier this evening there was a small cave-in in the tunnels beneath the palace. Lord Yoongi and Penthos are investigating. At this time, there is no reason to worry. If these tremors happen again, please remain calm. We have evacuated the tunnels for the time being and several of the creatures who lived there are seeking refuge in the older part of the castle. They are subterranean and require dirt. I need help carrying sand from the desert into the abandoned throne room. Once it is there, I can transform it. Thank you.” You stepped down and walked over to Lethe. “Was that ok?”

She laughed, “I don’t think anyone has ever addressed the staff of this castle ever. You did great. Let me show you where we keep the buckets and barrels.” 

The two of you led the way to get containers for the sand. Before long, there was an assembly line throughout the castle from the desert to the abandoned throne room as you and several servants began to spill black sand onto the ground.

“Watch out little babies,” You cood to the spiderlings who had come over to see what all the noise was about. “It’s not dirt yet, but I’m sure we can do something with it. The repetitive task went on for hours. Your bandaged hands ached and your back was beginning to hurt as well. Finally, when most of the floor was covered in three inches of dirt, you told the staff to go rest for the remainder of the day.

You had removed as much clothing as was appropriate as you took a seat on the stairs. You heard Lethe sit down next to you.

“I am so sweaty.” You said.  She laughed and handed you a glass of water. “Thanks.”

“You did a great job earlier, rallying the troops. Took me back to my Athenien days.” She said, dusting sand off her hands and onto her apron.

“Yeah, thanks. I just hope this works and that Lord Yoongi is ok.” You started to remove the bandages from your hands. You picked up a jar you had saved and stood up. “I’ll be right back.”

“What can I do to help?” Lethe asked.

“I’ll probably need a stiff cup of tea when I’m done. And a bath. I stink.” You wrinkled your nose.

“I’ll get the tea started and come back. Be careful. Don’t push yourself, your hands are still wounded.”

“Too late.” You sighed looking at the lacerations. “Thank you.” You were truly grateful for Lethe.

You walked down the steps and into the tunnels. You knew that Yoongi had told you to stay out, but you needed a sample of the soil so you could try to replicate its composition. Without Yoongi’s powers to illuminate the steps, it was slow going as you felt your way through the darkness. You hoped he was alright. 

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

Yoongi stood with his hands on his hips, assessing the rock pile that had collapsed. While he had remained calm earlier, his mind was now racing. You could have died. What would he have done? He knew he cared for you but he hadn’t realized how much until the moment he threw his body on top of yours, terrified you would be crushed by the dirt collapse. What would he do if you were gone? But weren’t you going to leave anyway. No. He didn’t want to think about it.  He wasn’t going to let that happen, he resolved.

He heard footsteps approaching and recognized the footfalls as Penthos’. Centuries together could do that to people. He turned slowly.

“My Lord.” He bowed slightly, “What happened down here?”

“There is something out there. On the other side of the mountain.” Yoongi gestured towards the wall Penthos had resealed just yesterday. “Lady Persephone says it’s something big. But we don’t know what it’s purpose is.”

Arachne and the other adult spiders continued to dig through the rubble. The path to the golems had been cut off. Yoongi was trying not to worry about it, but he was beginning to feel extremely vulnerable. He turned around to face Penthos.

 “How on earth would she know that?” Penthos scoffed.

Yoongi narrowed his eyes, “Because she can read life forces and she detected something behind that wall. You seem to forget that Lady Persephone is an Earth Goddess.”

Penthos noticed the gash on Yoongi’s head, “My Lord, you’re bleeding.”

Yoongi waved his hand, annoyed. “It’s nothing. It will heal soon anyways. I need your ideas. The path to the golems is cut off. There’s a mysterious something on the other side of this rock and I can’t leave to investigate it or else corpses will pile up on the beach.” He let his irritation with the situation show. 

“My lord, we could always appeal for another God to travel there. Jungkook travels through the sky all day, every day. Ask him to gaze upon that part of the underworld.”

“No.” Yoongi almost snarled.  “I will not be indebted to any of those Gods.” Yoongi quickly dismissed the idea. He hated ingratiating himself to anybody. 

Penthos sighed. “I could travel there my Lord if you wished it. I do not like leaving the castle unguarded, especially with how things have been lately.” 

That last sentence was a mistake. Yoongi didn’t miss a thing when people spoke. Being a God who chose his own words so carefully, he appreciated and noticed the nuances with which people spoke.  “Lately.” Yoongi paused for effect. “Lately? Now what is that supposed to mean exactly?” 

Penthos grew slightly rigid. “I would be happy to travel to the other side of the Mountain my lord, if it pleases you.” He looked down.

Yoongi clicked his tongue and wrestled with himself about if he wanted to push the issue or not. “Yes. You will travel and investigate.”

“Yes my Lord. Thank you.” He seemed to know he had avoided a severe tongue lashing.

“But you should know,” Yoongi’s voice grew dark, “don’t return unless you are willing to pledge yourself to Lady Persephone as Queen.”

Penthos eyes snapped up, “Lord Yoongi you barely know..”

“I wasn’t asking you.” Yoongi closed the distance between them. He grabbed Penthos’ face, holding his chin in his hand and squeezing his cheeks between his thumb and forefinger. . “Do you understand?” He applied minor pressure.

Penthos nodded his head, “Yss Yss.” 

Yoongi held on for a few more seconds and then pushed back, causing Penthos to stagger. “Good. Seal the tunnels again. You will leave tomorrow.” Yoongi gave him one last look before heading back to the main antechamber. His jaw was clenched still in irritation. Penthos was lucky he had so many years of service under his belt, Yoongi thought, or else he would be in charge of guarding Tartarus. He felt himself growing angry once again as he rounded the corner to the main room.

His gaze and thoughts immediately softened when he saw you, crouched down on the ground, gathering dirt into a jar. Your hair was haphazardly cascading out of a loose bun, you were covered in sand, and you looked sweaty. He had never seen you look so beautiful. 

He felt his anger towards Penthos ease momentarily  as he thought back to a few minutes ago. He didn’t just say what he did to threaten Penthos; he would make you his Queen if you would have him. He cleared his throat, "I thought I told you to stay out of here." 

You turned suddenly, surprise you let out a small cry at first. "Oh it's you. I was so worried." You stood up, holding out your jar of dirt . "Sorry. I know you said to stay away but I've been busy and I need a dirt sample so I can finally finish and take a bath." 

Yoongi sighed, there was really no telling you what to do. He walked over and took the jar of dirt. "Fascinating. Tell me more."

You smiled, "it's more of a showing thing. But you'll see soon enough. Are you done down here?”

“Yes. For now. Let’s go.” He illuminated the sconces lining the stairs. The two of you made your way back to the old throne room.  Yoongi abruptly stopped at the top and turned to look at you. "Is there any sand left in the desert?" he asked, his eyes bugging out slightly. 

You cackled, removing the jar from his hands You pushed past him, "Don't worry, your precious desert is safe. Be careful not to step on the babies." 

Yoongi looked down and noticed a bunch of the spiderlings had come to see what the commotion was about. 

You dumped the jar of dirt into the middle of the room and took a deep breath. You placed your hands on top of it and began to concentrate. You felt the durst react to your touch as you focused. Be dirt be dirt be dirt.

"Hey. Your hands are still injure,d stop it." Yoongi said, his voice filled with concern. 

You looked up at him defiantly and pressed your hands down further into the soil and sand. 

"Dammit Y/N.”  He cursed and walked over to you. For a moment you thought he was going to yank your hands off the dirt, but instead he placed them gently on top of yours. You felt your powers become amplified as the dirt began to root into the sand. Sand turned to dirt. Slowly, the transmutation worked. Once every grain had been converted you stopped pressing your hands down. You felt so weak between carrying sand and using your magic. You started to sway.. 

"Come here," Yoongi sat down next to you. You let yourself fall against him. 

"Sorry. I just want them to feel safe." you whispered. 

Yoongi moved some of your hair out of your face. "I know. You're a good person.You felt him press a kiss into your hair and all you could think was how much you needed a bath. 

Lethe walked in. It was quite the sight. The lord of the castle sitting in a pile of dirt with a filthy lady half-collapsed on him. Oh dear. 

"My lord are you ok? Is she OK?" she asked from the stairs. 

Yoongi normally would feel embarrassed being seen so casually, but at this moment, you were his most pressing concern. He stood up and then crouched down to pick you up. 

"Yoongi, that's not necessary," you quietly protested against his chest. 

"By the time you walk to your room I'll be late for my reaping." He teased. 

“Lady Persephone needs to rest.” He walked over to the stairs.

“And a bath.” You said.

“And a bath. And her hands redressed.” Yoongi added as Lethe carried the tea back towards your room with Yoongi following her. 

You tried to keep your breathing calm as you were pressed against Yoongi’s firm chest. You could hear his heartbeat racing. IT had been quite the day. Your mind traveled back to the kissing from earlier. You had been so busy you hadn’t thought of it since then but now...your face grew red. The three of you arrived at your room.

Lethe sat down the tea and excused herself to draw your bath. Yoongi sat you down on your bed. Your face was still red, you were sure of it.

“Are you ok?” Yoongi asked, pressing the back of his hand to your forehead.

“I’m just tired. It’s been a long day. Did you find anything in the tunnels?”

“No. Penthos is leaving tomorrow to investigate.”

“Is that safe? For him to go alone”

“Are you worried about him? I thought you two didn’t like each other?” Yoongi raised an eyebrow

You shrugged your shoulders, “I don’t like him, but I assume since he’s been your Steward he must have some redeeming qualities.”

Yoongi pushed some stray hairs behind your ear. “You really are too kind.” You saw a brief look of sadness cross his face. Before you could ask, it was  gone.

“I have a reaping to attend to.” He stood up. “I’ll see you later.Make sure you rest up.”

“Ok, thank you.”You responded quietly. 

Yoongi exited your room feeling his heart beating in his ears. You were too kind for the underworld. For him. You deserved to be on Earth where it was warm, and happy, and full of good things. But you had kissed him earlier. That had definitely happened. So maybe you wanted to stay. He should have asked you about it, he chastised himself, but you were so tired. He resolved to talk to you about it the next time he saw you. NEXT CHAPTER

[out-of-this-town]

The trouble of owning a dragon

Fairy Tail, Nalu, friendship, romance & fluff

Lucy ends up becoming the owner of a small, troublesome dragon. However, owning a dragon is not a simple matter -especially when the dragon turns out to be not a dragon.

Chapter 3 (ao3) (ff)

Lucy felt her hand shaking as she held the key in her grip, ready to summon Virgo. Before leaving yesterday, the spirit had assured her mage that she wouldn’t mind being the first to test out meeting Natsu. Still, Lucy was beyond nervous about how this would go.

She had fed Natsu a big breakfast and spend a good while petting him while blabbering about how amazing her spirits were, hoping that that would get him in a good enough mood to not pick any fights.

Lucy had wanted to summon Loki first, but on second thought, so far Natsu hadn’t reacted well to any man that got too close, so it might be best to start with a female spirit.

Quick glance told her that Natsu was still sitting by her feet. She knew he was getting bored with waiting on her to call a spirit, but damn she was nervous. What if Natsu didn’t get along with her spirits? No way was Lucy even capable of imagining giving up her keys for the dragons comfort. The spirits were her family, the magic learned from her mother.

But giving up Natsu didn’t seem right either. She hadn’t had him for longer than a few days, but he seemed already attached to her and handing him over to someone else just didn’t sit right with her. And given his size, setting him free into the nature seemed like a death sentence. Poor thing was far too tiny to look after himself.

Leaving him behind any time she left for a job would be the only option left. She was sure he wouldn’t be happy about it, and her apartment would pay the price for that.

“Remember to behave. It’s very important to me that you get along with my spirits,” she reminded Natsu for the thousandth time that morning. He looked up at her and Lucy swore he rolled his eyes.

Swallowing down her nerves, Lucy focused on her key. She had been very anxious about taking them out in front of Natsu. She knew that dragons were drawn to anything that was shiny, and her keys fit that description. It would be a nightmare if he decided to get possessive of her keys. Though so far, he hadn’t seemed too interested in them.

Once more, Lucy looked around to make sure there was nothing and no one that could get hurt if this went wrong. She had decided that an isolated spot on the beach was the best place for this -there was nothing that could catch on fire.

Before she could chicken out, the mage took a deep breath and summoned Virgo. 

As soon as the spirit appeared, Natsu was on his feet, the spikes along his back standing up, wings spread wide open and a low growl vibrating his body. He looked like an angry kitten, and Lucy felt bad for finding it to be amusing. The little darling was doing his best to be intimidating. Wasn’t his fault that he was far too small and adorable to strike fear into anyone’s heart.

“Good morning, Princess,” Virgo greeted her, completely ignoring the dragon.

“Hi. Thank you for doing this.” Lucy smiled at her, before kneeling on the ground and carefully setting her hand on Natsu’s back, hoping it would either calm him or stop an attack.

Virgo followed her example and sat down on the sand, avoiding making eye contact with the angry dragon in case he would take it as a challenge. “Of course, I’m always happy to help. Just tell me what you would like me to do.”

Lucy nodded at her friend in acknowledgment, before focusing on Natsu again. “Natsu, I told you that the my spirits are friends and not threats, so don’t be mean to them.” She rubbed her fingers gently against his side, trying to get him to shift his attention to her. 

After a minute of Virgo sitting in silence and not moving an inch, he seemed to relax enough to stop growling. When he glanced at her from the corner of his eye, Lucy gave him a soft smile. “This is Virgo. I know her entrance might have startled you, but that’s just how it is with Celestial Spirits. I promise she isn’t going to hurt either of us. In fact, Virgo has saved me plenty of times during my missions.”

That last part was what seemed to get Natsu to relax some, his wings and spikes lowering a little. Lucy scratched his head as a reward, before gently nudging him towards Virgo, who was holding out her hand for the dragon.

Natsu was slow to approach. He watched the spirit with distrust as he drew closer, looking for any reason to get defensive. Lucy encouraged him softly and drowned him with praise when he sniffed and poked at Virgo’s palm. He didn’t stay near the spirit for long, clearly wary of the otherworldly presence. Once he had enough of the new person, he rushed back to Lucy. Climbing into her lap, he sat down but kept his sharp eyes on the stranger. Lucy spent some more time chatting with Virgo while also petting Natsu, thinking that it would be good for him to see her interacting with the spirits. Maybe that way he’d realize there was no danger. And it worked. After a while he was far more focused on rubbing himself against Lucy’s hand than he was on watching Virgo.

Once the gate was closed and they were alone again, she spend a good while complimenting and scratching the dragon. He was happy to bask in the attention.

“Okay, now, Natsu,” at her serious tone, he looked up at her with curiosity. “Next up I’m going to call on Aries. I haven’t met her before, but I would like to start working with her, so we can’t spook her.” She was pleased to see that he looked very focused and was obviously listening to her. “She’s had it rough with her past mage, and from what I’ve heard, she is very timid and shy.”

Lucy lifted Natsu up to her shoulder and he was quick to take his favorite place around her neck as she stood up. “It would mean the world to me if you would help me with her.”

She tried hiding her anxiousness about meeting a new spirit by focusing on brushing the sand from her hands and clothes. She was startled to feel a warm snout nuzzling against her cheek. When he had her attention, Natsu clicked at her, and Lucy was sure that he had picked up on her panic and was trying to calm her. Moved by the gesture, the celestial mage gave him a quick scratch as a thanks before grabbing the key of the Ram.

After the golden glow of the gate had faded, in front of her was standing her new spirit. Aries was shifting on her feet nervously and biting her nails, doing her best to avoid eye contact. Lucy wasn’t surprised by the shyness, Loki had warned her, but her heart still broke knowing why the spirit was so wary of a new mage.

“Hi! I’m Lucy and you must be Aries,” she kept her tone as light and breezy as she could, wanting to appear friendly. “You have no idea how excited I am to meet you, Loki has told me so much about you.”

Aries stilled and glanced at her quickly before averting her eyes again. “I hope I’m not a disappointment.”

The spirit sounded so scared and ready to cry, that Lucy truly wished that Aries’ former mage was still around so that she could deal out some punishment for terrorizing this spirit so badly. She couldn’t stand the thought of a celestial mage abusing their spirits. No one should be forced to live under shuts conditions.

“Oh not at all, you seem great!” Lucy hoped she wasn’t coming on too strong, but the light blush on the spirit’s cheeks seemed like a good sign. “Actually, I was hoping to make a contract with you. No pressure though, if you don’t want to, I totally understand. I can either keep your key safe or pass it on to another wizard if you’d prefer.”

To be honest, the thought of handing out the key after spending so much time and effort -and acquiring a damn dragon- to get it was not a pleasant one, but no way was she going to keep the spirit hostage if she didn’t agree to a contract. That would go against everything Lucy believed a good celestial mage to be.

Aries’ head shot up, panic in her eyes as she shook her head feverishly. “N-no, please don’t give my key away. I’ll make a contract with you!”

Lucy frowned at the frightened voice. “I’m not giving the key away if you don’t want me to.” She tried reassuring. “But I’m not making a contract either unless it’s what you want. My spirits work with me only if they want to.”

Blinking away tears, Aries shuffled in her spot but didn’t respond.

“If you want to take more time to consider it, I’m okay with it. You can have all the time you want to decide and come up with conditions for a contract, I won’t pressure you for one now.”

After a long moment of silence, in which even Natsu seemed to hold still, Aries looked up at her with determination.

“I want to make a contract with you.”

Feeling her heart skip with happiness, Lucy forced herself to take a breath and ask again if the spirit was sure.

Aries nodded, pink curls pouncing. “Yes. The others have only said nice things about you, and I know you helped Loki. I...I want you to be my mage.”

Lucy couldn’t hide her smile. “Okay then, let’s make a contract!”

She was very meticulous with establishing the things and conditions with which Aries was comfortable working with. Luckily Natsu seemed to be able to hold himself from acting out while she was distracted. Growing bored of hanging from her neck after the first ten minutes, he spend his time climbing along her body, probably making some horrible holes in her clothes, and rolling around in the sand. Though he never wandered far from her and he kept giving Aries suspicious glances.

Only once the contract was completed and Aries seemed happy, did Lucy call Natsu over for an introduction. The little dragon rushed over with a puff of sand and clicked with excitement when the mage scooped him into her hands and held him towards Aries. The spirit was a little hesitant, her hand trembling when she held it out for Natsu.

Lucy was very relieved when all he did was sniff a little before nudging the fingers with his snout. It only took a few careful pets on his head for the ram spirit to melt and start cooing over how adorable Natsu was.

“Isn’t he?” Lucy couldn’t hide the silly grin that took over her face when she thought about the dragons antics. At her words, his head snapped towards her. By the spark in his eyes, Lucy assumed that he was pleased to hear her praise. 

The dragon seemed to have had enough of the petting after that, because he scampered his way back to her shoulder where he spend a good while rubbing against Lucy’s cheek while she was saying her goodbyes to Aries.

Once the gate was closed, she couldn’t contain her delighted scream as she grabbed the startled dragon into a tight hug.

“She agreed to work with me! And you did so well!” She couldn’t resist pressing a sound kiss on his small head. “I’m so proud of you.”

Natsu didn’t seem to mind the somewhat rough show of affection judging by the way he pressed into her face and clicked cheerfully. Lucy took a moment to enjoy the feeling of success before getting serious again. She needed to prepare Natsu for meeting Loki, after all.

It was crucial that the two of them got along. Loki was the one she called on most often, and since the spirit could come through the gate on his own, there were bound to be some surprise visits.

“Okay, Natsu, the next spirit is going to be a little more difficult for you, but I’m sure you can handle it.” She lifted the dragon to be at eye level with her. He tilted his head with curiosity. “Loki is a dear friend and the leader of the zodiacs, so as far as my spirits go, he is the strongest. But just to warn you...he is quite...flirty.”

At that, Natsu narrowed his eyes and growled, and Lucy continued to be surprised at how intelligent he was. To understand words as well as he did, seemed unbelievable. And yet, here he was, glaring at her keys and hissing at them, as if to warn away the offending spirit. How on Earthland did he comprehend so well what she was saying?

Sure Happy could hold a conversation perfectly well, but he wasn’t a regular cat. And as far as Lucy knew, dragons weren’t supposed to be this smart. She couldn’t wait to get to the research part in order to figure this out.

Lucy forced herself out of her own thoughts so that she could poke Natsu’s snout to gain his attention.

“None of that,” she said firmly once his dark eyes were on here. “Loki is not your enemy and I will not have the two of you fighting.”

Once the worst of the growling had calmed, Lucy wrapped the dragon into an one armed hug, grabbed the lion key and summoned its spirit before she could talk herself out of it. 

She already knew that this meeting wouldn’t go as smoothly as the previous ones, but there really was no avoiding it. She knew she’d have to go on another job soon since paying for Aries’ key had taken a massive chunk out of her savings, and going on a job meant using her spirits. And using her spirits meant that half the time she was summoning Loki since he was the best at adapting to a variety of situations and the least likely to ditch her in the middle of a battle.

At first it seemed like this might actually work. Natsu was tense and his claws were digging into her arm, but he wasn’t trying to wriggle to freedom or spitting fire. Even Loki seemed to behave himself, greeting her politely and keeping his distance.

But the whole thing went to hell when Lucy adjusted her hold on Natsu so that he was pressed more firmly against her. At that point, Loki couldn’t resist making a comment about wanting to switch places with the dragon. Truly, she should have seen that one coming.

After hearing that, Natsu wasted no time freeing himself from her hold and flying towards the lion spirit with astounding speed.

Luckily the spirit knew better than to start fighting back. He dodged the dragon’s claws with skill, while Lucy tried her best to talk Natsu into calming down. I didn’t work though, and eventually she saw it best to just close the gate and try again later.

To say she was disappointed would be an understatement. With the way the first two encounters with the spirits had gone, she had really started to hope that this too, would go well. But now, as she looked on while Natsu flew in circles and spat fire, searching for the enemy that had disappeared into thin air, she realized how dumb that hope had been.

No matter how intelligent he seemed, Natsu was still just a dragon with a dragon’s instincts and behavior. There might never be a day that he got along with all of her spirits. At least not while he saw those spirits as a threat to himself and the things he considered as his, and she knew Loki and Taurus would be especially challenging.

It took a good while before Natsu was calm enough that she dared to take him back to the guild, where she hoped to meet with Levy. If anyone could help her figure out how to deal with owning a dragon, it would most definitely be the solid script mage. No one had better problem solving skills than Levy.

Lucy was very nervous while walking through the guildhall. This time around there were lots of people around and it was putting Natsu on edge. She was gripping him so tightly in her arms, that it was a small miracle he didn’t pass out from the lack of oxygen.

She had nearly made it to the library doors when she heard her name being called by a familiar voice, instantly making dread gather to the pit of her stomach.

“Uh... Now’s not the best time, Gray,” she warned over her shoulder, not wanting to turn in case actually seeing the ice mage would make this worse for Natsu. As it were, he was already struggling for freedom after hearing Gray’s voice, clearly wanting to pick up the the battle from where it was left off.

“Yeah, just wanted to make sure you’re okay. Mira filled us in on the whole situation and I kinda got worried. From what I’ve heard, owning a dragon can get really dangerous.”

Lucy glanced at him with narrowed eyes. “I’m fine. Though Natsu could’ve been seriously hurt from the way you smacked him.”

At least he had the decency to look ashamed. “Sorry about that. I just kinda freaked and reacted after seeing that thing hissing and aiming for my face.”

Lucy regarded him for a moment before nodding in acceptance of his apology. She wasn’t one to hold grudges and she understood reacting before thinking when under an attack. Still, she didn’t think Natsu was going to let this one go just yet. 

“I forgive you, but it’s going to take a while before Natsu is friendly with you.” That was putting it too lightly. The little dragon was frantically trying to get away from Lucy’s hold in order to exact his revenge. She could feel his body starting to heat up in preparation to spitting fire. Little bastard was going to burn down the guild if this kept up.

“Not like I want hang out with your lizard either,” Gray scoffed.

“That’s too bad, since he’ll be around from now on.” Lucy was determined to keep the dragon. Her heart couldn’t take the idea of throwing him out on the steer to fend for himself. No matter how much trouble he would cause, Lucy would figure this out. 

And for that, she needed Levy and her books ASAP.

Gray opened his mouth to say something, but the sound of Juvia calling for him across the hall had the wizard scrambling for a place to hide, leaving Lucy the chance to slip into the library before anyone else could delay her.

She made sure that the library doors were firmly closed so that Natsu couldn’t slip out to cause havoc, before making her way between the shelves until she found her best friend sitting at their favorite table.

“Lucy!” As soon as Levy saw her, she jumped up to give her friend the normal greeting hug, only to flinch back when she noticed the small creature, still in Lucy’s arm, glaring up at her. “Wow, I half expected that Mira was joking when she said you got yourself a dragon, but I see it really is true.”

“To be honest, I’m still half hoping that this isn’t real.” Lucy shook her head with a soft smile to her friend before instructing Levy to hold out her hand for Natsu to sniff.

He seemed to be very suspicious of the new person. Taking his sweet time with the smelling process and squinting up at the blue haired mage. When he was done with that, he just huffed out a puff of smoke, wrinkled his nose and turned his face away from her.

Levy pouted a little at the obvious rejection. “He doesn’t like me. And I really wanted to pet a dragon too!”

Lucy gave a sympathetic smile, hoping to cheer her up. “Maybe he’ll come around with time. He doesn’t dislike you nearly as much as Gray.”

That seemed to appease the short woman enough to get her back on track. Levy indicated for Lucy to take a seat at the table that was piled high with books, all seeming to be about dragons. Natsu seemed very interested about crawling over the piles once he was given the freedom to do so, making both women worry about the damage his claws could cause.

“So, have you found anything that might help?” Lucy asked while keeping watch on the dragon from the corner of her eye.

Levy beamed and nodded with excitement. “Oh yeah! There’s plenty in these books. I don’t know why I haven’t thought to researched dragons before, they are so fascinating.”

“Don’t let Gajeel hear you say that, he might get jealous,” Lucy chuckled and watched as blush started to crawl on the other woman’s face. She didn’t understand why those two didn’t just get together already. It was obvious that they were head over heels for each other but refused to acknowledge their feelings. It was truly frustrating to watch. “And speaking of, what did he do to piss you off yesterday?”

Instantly, Lucy could see her friend’s temper rising. The embarrassed blush from earlier turning to one of anger. “Ugh, can you believe that jerk? He said I shouldn’t go on missions with Jet and Troy because I’ll get myself killed! It’s like he thinks that I can’t take care of myself!”

“Did you consider that maybe he doesn’t wan’t you going on missions with those two because he wants you to go with him?” Lucy had to bite down on her lip to stop herself from smiling. “Maybe he wants the chance to play the hero for you on jobs.”

After watching Levy sputter for an answer for a minute, Lucy let her out of her misery and asked what she had found so far. Levy seemed very grateful at the chance to avoid talking about the dragon slayer.

“Okay, so, from the color and his body shape alone, it’s clear that he’s a fire dragon. So you might want to check your fire alarm and get some more fire extinguishers. Maybe keep aquarius’ key close, I’m sure she’d be happy to help you but out the inevitable fires.” Lucy was not too pleased about Levy’s amusement at the notion. “Mira also said that you were worried about how small Natsu is despite being supposedly an adult.” At Lucy’s nod, she went on. “And while he is the size of a baby dragon, looking at him now, he has all the signs of having reached maturity.”

Lucy frowned at that. “How is that possible? He’s so small that I find it hard to believe he’s already an adult.”

“And I completely understand the confusion. It’s highly unusual for a dragon not to grow past this point. But if you look at the spikes along his back, the length of his claws, as well as how deep red his scales are, it’s obvious that he’s done growing. Dragons that are still considered fledglings, haven’t developed the spine barbs, their claws are short and soft, and the color of the scales is closer to pastel. Believe it or not, Natsu is an adult.”

“Then why is he so tiny? Don’t tell me he’s sick!” The celestial mage felt the worry starting to gnaw at her. Natsu seemed to pick up on the distress in her voice, since he immediately clambered over to her. He stood up on his hind legs and leaned his front paws on her chest so that he could inspect her face, before turning accusing eyes towards Levy who he assumed had caused her upset. Lucy set her hand on his back, hoping to stop an incident before it happened.

“If you haven’t noticed him showing any symptoms of sickness, I don’t think so.” The blue haired mage pulled a book closer to herself, as if to use it as a barrier against the dragon. “A dragon’s growth is wholly depended on the environment. They grow as long as they have space to fly and stretch their wings, as well as practice hunting and eat their fill. They also need to feel safe and secure, meaning staying with a fully grown dragon that protects them while they are still developing.”

Lucy looked down at the small dragon, feeling her heart ache. “So what you’re saying is that Natsu was probably separated from his parents when he was young, kept in a too small space, starved and living in fear.”

She would not cry at the thought. She would not.

But when Levy gave a sad nod, Lucy felt the tears gathering in her eyes and she couldn’t resist crushing the dragon with a fierce hug.

After Lucy took a minute to cuddle Natsu and gather herself, Levy tried telling her more about dragons and their behavior, but she found it difficult to focus. Her thoughts were too busy running around what could be a very dark past of her new companion. So what if he tried to murder Gray? The poor thing had probably been stolen from his mother while he was still a baby.

Was the one who stole Natsu the same wizard who had sold him to that shopkeeper? And did that person go around stealing baby dragons to sell? If so, Lucy would be all too happy to track down that bastard and show them just how angry that kind of business made her.

“Hey, Lu,” Lucy glanced up when she heard Levy’s voice, mortified to notice that she had spent a good while in her own thoughts. Levy had been nice enough to waste her morning helping her and she didn’t even have the decency to listen. 

“I’m so sorry! What were you saying?”

“Just that you don’t seem focused enough to do this now, and since I’m pretty sure that Natsu is about to chew that book, it’s totally fine if you want to go home for the day.” 

The blonde glanced over to where the dragon had wandered off to while she was lost in thought, and was horrified to realize that yes, Natsu was sniffing and licking a leather bound book in a manner that told her he was getting ready to sink his teeth into it. With a startling speed, the celestial mage grabbed him back into her arms and smiled apologetically at her friend. “I’m sorry. You’ve gone to all this trouble to help and I’m not even paying attention. But I’m fine and listening now, as well as keeping a better track of Natsu.”

Levy shook her head and smiled kindly. “No it’s fine, Lucy. I know you well enough to know that you are going to worry about what happened to Natsu for a good while. So how about you take some of the notes I made and few of the books I found very helpful, go home, cuddle and spoil your dragon in order to feel better, and I’ll drop by your place in a few days so we can go over everything.”

Lucy agreed to Levy’s suggestion far too easily. She hated to admit that she was relieved at the chance to ditch her friend, but Levy did know her too well; all she wanted to do was fuss over Natsu in hopes of filling some hole that was probably left by whatever trauma he had experienced. 

Without thinking, she let go of Natsu and went around the table so that she could give her friend a hug, but as soon as Levy’s arms went around her, an angry dragon screech could be heard. The women jumped away from the sound and looked over to where the culprit was crouching like he was getting ready to pounce, wings opened wide and spikes standing up from his back. The faintest glow of fire could be seen coming from his open mouth.

Levy was far quicker to catch on to what was happening, instantly stepping away from Lucy and dropping her arm from where it was still around her friends shoulder.

“It’s okay, see?” Levy held up her hands and took a few more steps back. “I’m not hurting her or trying to steal her away.”

Lucy looked between the two, uncertain on what she should do. She was upset at the idea that Natsu wouldn’t let her near her friends and wanted to tell him off for it, but at the same time she wanted to reassure him that everything was fine. 

Though it wasn’t. 

Lucy was a very affectionate person and, after the way her childhood had gone, the idea of never again being able to hug or be close to her friends chilled her to her bones.

“Lucy, I think you should take him home now and see if that would get him to calm down.” 

Nodding at Levy’s words, Lucy stepped closer to the table where Natsu was still situated. Holding out her hand, she let him climb on to her shoulder where he remained tense and watching the other woman.

Lucy was feeling truly anxious as she picked up Levy’s notebook and the two books that the script mage suggested. They were both very aware of the way Natsu’s eyes remained glued to Levy as they said their goodbyes from a distance, before Lucy slipped out of the library.

Thinking it best not to risk a trip through the guildhall, she used the backdoor exit that led to the alleyway where the guild’s trash was taken. It wasn’t the most pleasant way to leave the guild, but it was far better than another brawl started by her dragon.

Lucy tried do convince herself that the tears stinging her eyes were the result of the stinking garbage around her, and not from the fear and sudden sense of loneliness she was feeling.

[joa-quin-phoe-nix-fan]

I AM ALIVE Charlie Sisters FF/imagine

I AM ALIVE

You had begun to worry. Charlie had been gone for 6 months, with only 7 letters even giving you any proof that he was still alive. You sat near your window, in the open prairie, worrying away like you did every day, thinking about how he could be dead, he could be lost, he could be kidnapped by one of his targets, he might not see his baby be born. You rubbed your belly sadly, the time was drawing close, and you really wanted your baby to see its daddy. More than anything you wanted Charlie to see his baby. You couldn’t imagine life without Charlie, who would take you hunting every Sunday that he was home? Who would make you the best baked beans in the entire west coast? Who would make funny, rhyming names for things like a Mean-Bean or a Dorsie-Horsie? Who would help you with the baby? Who would love you like Charlie did? You sat there silently, wracking your mind of reasons why he hadn’t written in 2 months. All of them more worrying than the last, when you heard a knock at the door.

You jumped up as fast as you could in your condition, rushing to the door, hoping and praying to see Charlie’s smug face looking back at you, holding the money he earned from the Commodore, ready to sweep you off your feet, covering your face with kisses. Sadly, it wasn’t him. It was Rex, a colleague of Charlie’s that you knew to avoid most of the time, Charlie said he was a sleaze who took married women away from their husbands while they were away. Normally, when he came over, you could almost smell the desire coming from him, but this time he looked genuinely concerned, his eyebrows furrowed close together. “Hey there, um...Missus Y/N. Hav-have ya heard from Charlie recently?” you moved closer to the doorframe, hoping it was one of his womanizing schemes “Uh...no Rex, I haven’t.” You started to panic, “Why do ya ask? Did somethin’ happen to Charlie? Oh Lord please tell me this is just another plot of yers!” Rex waved his hands in front of him, defensively, “Woah, woah YN, please don’t get ya bloomers in a bunch! The commodore has just been askin’ ‘cus he ain’t heard from him in a while...and the last thing we recieved from him was this...” he handed you a leaf, and your heart jumped you knew that even if he ran out of paper, he was known to send leaves with letters written on them. You turned it over and gasped. On the other side of the leaf was written, in now dried blood; ‘I AM ALIVE” Rex sighed and held your shoulder gently, “and I promise ya darlin’ this ain’t no plot...we’re all worried about him, and by association, you.” Your stomach dropped. This was the worst situation you could’ve imagined for Charlie, him MIA in the dangerous wilderness, after some bloodthirsty criminal, with the last message from him being vague and written in blood. You breathed in sharply to hold in the tears, “I-I ain’t heard nothin’ from him, Rex...I’m sorry.” Rex sighed sadly and shook his head, “I’m the one who should be sayin’ that to you, Missus...I’m real sorry...” he bowed slightly, tipped his hat, and left. Looking sadder than a dog left out in the rain.

You closed the door, putting your back against it when it had shut. Tears filling up your eyes as you held you hand up to your mouth in shock and slid down slowly to the floor, the weight of that news hitting you like a ton of bricks. It was one thing for him to not update you on what was happening, but he never forgot to message the Commodore. Where was he? Maybe he was too far to send letters...yeah maybe that was it. He couldn’t be dead. He couldn’t be.

You woke up much later, still by the door, your eyes still stinging from crying yourself to sleep. It was dark out already. You grabbed the nearby stairwell railing to pull yourself up. You knew that the cows sure as hell were not gonna be pleased with how late you were but it’d be better if you milked them tonight, rather than have a cow-riot tomorrow morning. After you heaved yourself up again, you grabbed your gun, your bucket and a lantern, you walked outside, ready to vent to the cows about your day. It was a rather silly habit, but a habit that was strangely therapeutic and one that despite you being rather upset, seemed to calm the cows down...maybe they just liked hearing you talk.

As you walked to the cows, you saw what you assumed was a figure riding a couple acres away. You took no notice, thinking it was a lonesome hunter going back home after a long hunt. It was only after the first three cows that you realized that the sound of hooves hitting the dusty ground had gotten much closer. ‘It’s someone looking for Charlie!’ you thought as you jumped behind a bunch of hay bales, cocking your gun before they got close enough to hear you do it. You had no idea how much time had passed by the time you heard the hooves stop by the stables, the rider jump down, and hitch up his horse. ‘Why would a killer or a robber do that?’ you wondered to yourself, with your finger drifting off of the trigger as an impossible thought passed through your head, ‘is that Charlie?’

You heard him walk slowly and tiredly up on the porch, shuffling his feet as if removing them from the porch would mean that he would instantly tumble over. If this was Charlie, you had never seen him this tired and sad before. Then you suddenly heard the man drop to his knees, at this point you thought it wouldn’t hurt to just peek at the man, you looked up, seeing a man with significantly longer hair and a smaller build than Charlie, kissing your porch! At this point you knew for a fact that it wasn’t your husband so you jumped up, grabbing your gun and aimed it at the man as you quickly walked towards him. “You best be getting off ma porch! My husband’s a bounty hunter and if he were here, he’d kill you quicker than I gaddamned will!” You knew it was a bad idea to tell this stranger that you were home alone but because he looked so small and sickly, you knew you could hold your own in a fight against him. The man crawled back, his hands in front of his head, shaking like a leaf in a tornado. “please...listen to me. I ain’t who ya think i am...” he whispered, hoarsely. Even with the hoarseness, you knew that voice as if it was your own. You dropped the gun, running close to him and cupping your hands around his angular face, “Charlie? Oh my god, is that really you, honey?” Charlie nodded weakly, tears now running down his face like a waterfall. “yeah, it’s me darlin’...”

After a long moment of hugging each other and crying, you brought Charlie into the house, sure that he was cold and hungry. As he sat in his armchair, you truly saw the difference, the crease where the top of his head usually ended was miles above the small, unshaven man sitting in the chair. He looed like a tiny scared puppy in a doghouse built for a doberman. It would almost be hilarious if the situation wasn’t so serious. After giving him some bread, butter and chicken, that he scarfed down, almost choking as he did it, you started talking with him.

“W-where have ya been? I was worried sick...” you asked, hugging yourself and barely being able to even look at him in this situation, suddenly you remembered, reached into your pocket and pulled out the leaf letter and handed it to him, sitting down next to the chair, “and what...what is this?” he held the leaf weakly and sighed, defeated “I...was robbed...” he sighed, his voice only slightly less hoarse now, “My horse, my gun, my money, my paper and pens, my food, everything.” He stared off to space as he told his tale. “I barely begged hard enough to keep my clothes and the tiny shreds of my dignity that I had left. So I had to walk or crawl my way home. I ate wild animals and random leaves and berries I found. I got myself poisoned that way twice. I never took you out of my mind. When a man on a horse came past me and offered his help in exchange for my shoes, I didn’t ask for his horse, I simply asked him to send a letter to Oregon for me. That was the leaf. After he left me I realized my mistake and i kicked myself right there, but much further on I saw a horse lying on the ground, it honest to god looked dead. But it weren’t. I fed it half of the food I had scavenged and somehow it survived the last month of the journey. That’s the horse that’s outside, could ya maybe feed him? I named him Savior. He really helped me when I was at my worst.” This story was terribly sad, it rocked you to your core that he had gone through this all this time while you were at home, moping about how lonely you were. “I’m so sorry...if I had known I-” Charlie shushed you gently, stroking your hair, “You had no way of knowin’...I’m just glad you’re safe and alive, and that the baby hasn’t been born yet.” You giggled. Despite how sad the situation was, you were incredibly grateful that he was home and you loved how he could easily make a morbid situation even slightly humorous.

He stood up slowly, pulling you up at the same time. Once you were both standing fully (which took a while) he held you close to his chest. Despite him being much skinnier, he still stood quite a bit taller than you, he held your head up to his heart, it sounded much stronger and healthier than you expected. “It’s so loud...” you whispered to him, he chuckled lightly “It’s singing to you, ‘cause it knows you’re here...”

sorry if the ending is kind of short XD I still have no idea how to end stories correctly lol

[aquariuscurly94]

Being a Roommate with a Half-Demon

Chapter One

Summary: All she wanted was a new beginning at her dream city of Tokyo. She didn't think that she'll meet a hot headed hanyo (apparently those exist) & be his roommate. She also didn't think that both of their pasts would collide and haunt them both in ways they even they couldn't imagine. SLOWBURN! AU!

Disclaimer: I own nothing from Inuyasha just the plot Warning: this story will contain mentions of domestic violence throughout the story please don’t read if you are not comfortable with it.

Roommate Wanted

Single male looking for a roommate, rent is $800 a month. Must be okay with me working nights and returning early mornings. Must know how to clean and cook for yourself. Also, you must be okay with me being a half-breed.

Kagome Higurashi leaned back on the chair that she was sitting on, her finger pressing lightly on the mouse pad on her laptop, chewing her lower lip thoughtfully as she reread the Craigslist ad that she had stumbled upon earlier.

The ad was quite interesting to her because she’s been looking for a place of her own for quite sometime now ever since she had moved to her dream city of Tokyo. However, it would’ve been harder on her if she lived by herself so she decided to scroll through this website Craigslist in hopes that someone would post an ad about wanting a roommate. Sure enough, she found an ad within minutes of her search.

“What did he mean by half-breed?” She wondered out loud, wondering why he would put that on his ad. She doesn’t understand what could it mean. She never heard of that term before.

She shrugged her shoulder as she continued to scroll down the roommate ad, trying to find some sort of phone number but instead all she could find was an email that was attached to the bottom of the ad.

Kagome sighed heavily underneath her breath, turning around to look over her shoulder at her medium size hotel room, thinking long and hard about what she should do. She stared at her half unmade bed, her belongings that she managed to get were laying on the foot of the bed. It has only been a couple of months since she started staying at this hotel. Meaning it’s been a couple of months since she had escaped.

Escaped.

The young raven haired woman still feels like she was on edge, wondering each and everyday if he’ll somehow come back and find, forcing her to come back to him, or worse.

Her whole body started to shiver violently at the thought, trying to remind herself over and over that he’s in jail and won’t be able to see the light of day again after what he had put her through. All that mattered now is that she’s safe, she’s alive, she’s in the city of her dreams and was finally starting over for the better.

Kagome closed her mahogany eyes as she took several long deep breath through her nose to calm herself down at the thought of starting over. “Your safe,” she whispered quietly, wrapping her arms tightly around herself. “He’s not here. He’s in jail. You. Are. Safe Kagome.”

She sighed in relief when her shivers had finally settled down and glanced at the ad once more, debating if she should respond to it and send this Inuyasha guy a email.

She knew from the email that was attached to the ad the person’s name was Inuyasha. However, there was no mention of a last name.

Kagome noticed a date that Inuyasha had wanted the person to move in by, smiling when she saw that it’s near the time range for when she starts her new job as a full time medical records specialist at Tokyo University Hospital. She laughed at the fate and about the opportunity that’s sitting in front of her like Kami knew that they were looking out for her.

Her small fingers drummed lightly on the mouse pad, trying to do the math inside her head. The email specifically stated that the person that’s interested should have the first month’s rent. Kagome should have plenty of money that she had stashed away in her savings account. Just enough for the first month’s rent and she’ll be starting her new job soon after!

Again, she strongly believes that Kami’s looking after her.

“Alright,” Kagome muttered, clicking the reply button at the top of the email before she changes her mind. “Let’s do it!” She smiled warmly at the screen, pursing her lip while she typed out a response, hoping that he would respond soon and quick after she had pressed the send button above the screen.

It was the sound of a loud bleeping noise that was coming from a phone that sat laying face down on a small black night stand that awoke a sleeping silver haired hanyo from his sleep.

One of his ears that sit on top of his head flickered at the sound, making one of his golden eyes open up slightly when the annoying sound made that bleeping noise again, telling him that there’s a email that needs to be open.

“Could’ve swore I put that damn thing on fucking silent.” He muttered groggily, reaching over with a clawed hand to grab his phone, wondering who had sent him a email.

He moaned when he had checked the time on the screen and muttered out a few curses underneath his breath when he saw that the time had read 5:30PM, not even close enough for him to be up which would be around eight before his club that open opens at 9:00PM.

He used an elbow to prop himself up on his bed, lifting an eyebrow with interest when the email had caught his eye.

It seems like it was a response to his roommate ad that he had posted from about a week ago from that website Craigslist, a website that his long time friend Miroku had talked to him about one day. You could literally post any type of ad you want. No questions asked.

“Huh, someone’s actually interested?”

He used a clawed finger to click on the email so he could fully read the message, cocking his head to the side which made his long mane of silver hair cascade down over his shoulder.

Hi Inuyasha!

My name is Kagome, and I’m sending out this email in regards to your roommate ad that I saw on Craigslist! I am highly interested in being your roommate! And I can definitely give you the first month’s rent right away! Please respond as soon as you can!!

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at the email, slightly taken aback that someone’s actually interested in being his roommate after he had read it several times to make sure that he was reading it correctly.

He growled lowly, thinking that it has to be some sort of trick. There’s no way that someone would be willing to live with someone that was a disgusting half breed like him. He made it specifically clear that whoever responds to the ad had to be okay with him being a hanyo and couldn’t believe that someone actually responded.

Again, it had to be a trick.

Inuyasha hummed when he looked back at the email, wondering if this *Kagome* person was a human woman or a demon, frowning when he couldn’t find any description of her in the message. Should he even respond to her?

Inuyasha placed his phone back down on the night stand and stood up from his bed, yawning loudly as he stretched out his arms above his head, making his muscles pop from the tension from sleep. He grabbed a random shirt that was laying randomly on the floor to slip over his head and made his way over towards the kitchen.

“Might as well make some dinner.” He said quietly, turning on the stove and went underneath a cabinet to grab a small pot so that way he could make a quick bowl of ramen noodles.

After his ramen was done cooking, he made his way back to his room and sat down on his bed, using a pair of chopsticks to scoop up his delicious noodles that he loves so much into his mouth.

It took him about eight bites before he finally place the empty bowl on his nightstand, burping after the last noodle went down his throat, sighing when he side glanced at his phone that’s next to the bowl.

It has been a full week since he had made that ad about wanting to find a roommate. Truth to be told, he honestly didn’t think that someone would actually respond to it or even be interested. He was actually going to delete it once he had woken up. However, it could really help him out, especially since the recent events that had happened this past month.

Inuyasha snarled angrily when he thought back of a heated argument that had transpired between him and his elder half brother Sesshomaru. He still couldn’t believe that he had cut him off completely! All because he didn’t want to join him and the stupid corporate lifestyle by working at their dad’s company as Sesshomaru’s right hand man.

Inuyasha had never saw himself working at Taisho’s Inc. He had always dream of having something of his own without his last name being attached to it. Thank Kami he had managed to open up a club using what he had left in savings, thanking Kami again that it’s actually doing quite well despite being a new night scene.

Even so, a roommate could really help him keep his lights on and indoors.

“Damn it,” he huffed out, reaching over to grab his phone and clicked on the email to send out a quick response before turning off his phone completely so he could shower and get dress for the evening, getting mentally prepared for work in hopes for another packed night.

“Thank Kami its fucking Friday.” He said out loud while he was washing off the suds of soap from his body. “Hopefully she’ll actually show up.”

Kagome,

If you are truly interested in being my roommate, I need to meet you before we can make final arrangements. Meet me at Club Tessaiga at 11:00PM. Don’t be late.

~Inuyasha

A/N: Here is chapter one of my story!! I’m mainly going to post it on my A03 and FF account! My user name on both of those are CurlyBookWriter94 :) please let me know you guys think of it :)

[karmathecat]

Firewhiskey is Not the Best Mixer | Part 5

The next installment of my next gen/marauder time travel fic! 

FF | AO3

After the quickest lunch of their lives, the group made their way up to the seventh floor. Lily was doing all she could to not break out into a full run up the moving staircases, which were thankfully in position for where they needed to go as if the castle knew the importance of their journey. 

“If the room is on the seventh floor, we’ll have to be careful it’s out of bounds because of construction after the fifth years blew a hole in the wall fighting and burst a pipe. Apparently magical sewer systems can’t be fixed with a repairing charm. If we get caught up there we’ll be in deep shit, so be quick about getting into the room.” Lily thought it was amusing that her grandmother wasn’t necessarily against breaking the rules, but against getting caught. A trait that she definitely saw in herself.

“I just can’t believe that we never knew about this, we’ve explored this castle, how many times? And we never came across a room that could give us anything we wanted?” Sirius seemed almost insulted that the castle had never revealed such a secret to the Marauders. Lily couldn’t help but think that it was a good thing that these boys didn’t have access to a room that could supply them with countless inconveniences for the rest of the school. She knew that her brother would have used his knowledge of this room on countless occasions to make her life miserable whilst they were both at school if it had been available to him.

“Maybe you just never needed something enough.” Al shrugged his shoulders as they stopped at the stretch of wall that Lily knew the room was. She had heard the stories about the DA so many times, demanding her dad tell her about all the times that he had taught the rebellious group. 

I need a room with a time turner that allows me to travel years forward in time. 

I need a room with a time turner that allows me to travel years forward in time. 

I need a room with a time turner that allows me to travel years forward in time. 

Whilst Lily was pacing, James took out the Marauder’s Map. He knew that not adding this room’s discovery to the map would bother his completionist side, he knew it was here now so it needed to be added. He found the seventh floor on the map, saw the group standing around and was about to mark the section that Lily was pacing in front of to add the room later, when he froze. He felt the heat start in his toes and rise limb to limb until he knew for a fact that his face and ears were so red heat could be felt without touching his skin. 

“James?” 

He ignored the other, staring intently at the map, watching the name pace back and forth as he knew the girl, Lily’s granddaughter, was doing to access the room. Then the name stopped, and James looked up to see the younger girl looking at him in confusion, behind her a door had appeared in the space where a blank wall once was moments before. He could also feel the eyes of his three best mates, the girl he loved, and his grandsons on him, probably questioning his weird reaction. 

“Lily Potter.” 

Lily’s eyes widened as she drew in a sharp breath. The map. How could she forget the map? 

“It says here your name is Lily Luna Potter.” It wasn't a question, they both knew that the map never lied and that was her name, she couldn’t deny it. 

Before James could question her, or Lily could open her mouth, a noise was heard at the end of the corridor. 

“Filch! Quick everyone in.” Remus rushed forward, opened the door that Lily’s pacing had conjured. The momentary surprise evaporated and as one the group charged into the room just as Filch rounded the corner. The door slammed shut behind them and the caretaker was none-the-wiser. 

Once the shock of running into the room wore off, all of the Marauders turned to look at Lily. 

“You’re a Potter then?” It was surprisingly Peter who addressed Lily, as he was someone who had skirted around the three time travellers as if he didn’t quite know what to make of them. 

Lily blew out a breath, and knowing what she needed, two sofas that looked identical to those in the Gryffindor common room appeared in front of them. Lily took her grandmother and the Marauders to the sofas to sit. Lily noticed her two brothers did not join them, but knew that this conversation was more pressing than looking for them. 

“It said it on the map Pete, you know the map doesn’t lie it’s linked to your magical signature.” 

“Let me see then.” James went into his robe pocket to pull out the map, but felt nothing. He started patting his other pockets and looking around him, but to no avail. 

“I must have dropped it! If Filch saw it outside in the corridor he’ll definitely have confiscated it!” James swore and looked at his friends apologetically, distraught at having lost such a precious item through carelessness. 

“If it makes you feel better,” Lily spoke up, “you losing the map to Filch is how my dad ended up with the map in the first place. So, if you think about it, you losing it now was actually the best thing that you could have done.” The four boys seemed to consider this, exchanged a heavy look between them and nodded in silent communication. Lily was certain that this was what people meant when they said that the three Potter children could communicate without words and it was very disconcerting to watch. However, when growing up the children of the most famous man in their society with every eye on them at all times, they had to be able to say the things they were truly feeling without it getting printed in that evening’s paper. Each of the Potter children had learnt the hard way who they could trust and what they could say when. The constant secret keeping and trouble making that these boys got into was another example of high stakes communication, so she understood better than most the importance of the exchange that had occurred in front of her eyes. Without having spoken out loud, it was clear that James was chastised but Lily’s words were considered and he was forgiven, the entire exchange had taken no longer than 30 seconds. 

Lily watched as her grandmother eyed the boys, she could tell that the Head GIrl understood that a communication was occurring, but not what was being said. It must be exhausting to be around such a tight knit group but not being privy to the information and exchanges that passed between them. Lily Evans was staring at James without any embarrassment, she knew the conversation that was about to occur and she was determined to get her opinion across if it was the death of her. 

James nodded and then directed the conversation back to Lily, “So you are a Potter? Lily Potter.” 

Lily looked towards the Head Girl before nodding. “Yes, James and Al are my older brothers.” 

“So what does that mean?” Sirius looked Lily up and down and for the first time since yesterday eyed her with slight distrust. 

“Well, it means that my parents' surnames are Potter.” 

“Don’t be cute, we’ve come this far now you might as well tell us.” Sirius shook his head and a ghost of a smile appeared as Lily blew out another breath and knew she’d been caught. What was the harm anyway, one half of her grandparents already knew it wasn’t like she was changing the course of history, she was just being honest. 

“Okay, well, James and I are named after my dad’s parents: James Potter and Lily Potter nee Evans.” 

Lily let her words settle over the group. The redhead sat beside her was running her hands up and down her thighs in anxiety staring intently at James whose eyes were fixed solely on his granddaughter. 

“We all owe you five galleons.” Remus’ words were unexpected, but seemed to break the tension that Lily’s words had left. Sirius let out a loud laugh and clapped James hard on the shoulder who seemed to still be in a state of shock. Lily hid her giggle behind her hand and glanced over at Lily who was still intensely staring at James who was still let to look at her. If Lily was honest with herself it looked like James was in a state of shock. 

Lily cocked her head to the side at the other Marauders, and as four they stood to allow the two Heads to talk about Lily’s revelation. 

“Let’s go and find my brothers yeah?” The boys nodded and Lily looked around at the room for the first time. It was one long room with shelves on each side. On both shelves there were various devices which Lily presumed were variations of the time turner based on her request to the room. Beneath each device there was a plaque describing the device's name and a brief summary of how to use it. Lily walked over with the three Marauders to her brothers who were both standing at a section of shelf and were in deep discussion. 

“Hey Lil, finally revealed our familial bond?” James laughed as Lily hit him on the arm. 

“Noticed that you two were conveniently absent for that conversation!” 

“We thought that you had it handled, and why put myself in an awkward conversation when I don’t have to!” Al laughed as Lily’s glare was directed towards him next. 

Remus laughed at the siblings’ antics, and now that he knew he couldn’t believe that he hadn’t realised their relationship purely based on their interactions, the playful banter and closeness that he had only seen in the Marauders who were described as brothers and not friends. But, Remus mused, it was easy to realise these things when you knew the information vital to understanding. 

“Anyway, what have you found?” Al explained that whilst they were chatting they’d started looking at each of the time devices and were able to quickly dismiss the first few devices based on the fact they were theoretical prototypes and had never been used before. James explained that they weren’t to be trusted as something that worked in theory very rarely worked in practice without a bit of trial and error and they shouldn’t risk more errors with time travel. Lily couldn’t help but agree with their assessments, it was a rare treat to see both of her brothers in work mode as James never brought work home and Al was in another house.

“We’ve narrowed it down to this one here. The name on the plaque, she’s an Unspeakable that I studied for my exam. She created a lot of time manipulation devices and her success rate was very high. So if I was going to place my bets on any device that has been presented by the room it would be this one.” Al picked up the device that he was referring to. It looked like a standard time turner that she had seen in her textbooks but with my dials. It was a beautiful rose gold colour which she knew differed from the traditional gold. 

James explained that there were three dials on the turner, days, months and years. Lily had to admit that it seemed simple in comparison to all of the intimidating devices that surrounded the simple one that her brothers had selected. 

“There’s one more thing,” all of their attention was directed towards Al again, “we can’t take the devices out of the room. We’ll have to use the device here.” This made sense to Lily, the room created all of the devices so they only existed in the room so logically could only be used in the room. 

“Okay then, shall we report back what’s going on and talk about how to go forward?”

X-X-X

Lily watched her granddaughter walk away with the Marauders and looked towards James. He was staring down into his lap, and didn’t look up when Lily slid into the seat next to him. 

“James?” 

He still didn’t look up and Lily felt a clenching in her chest, she thought that the knowledge that she and James were meant to be together was set in stone but now looking at him not acknowledging her she wasn’t so certain anymore. 

“I’m sorry.” 

James had spoken to softly that Lily wasn’t certain that she’d heard him. Why was he apologising to her?

“I’m sorry you were blindsided like that, I didn’t mean to put you in that position, I was just taken aback by seeing her name. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, I’m so sorry Lily. If you need space and stuff I understand, I obviously love talking and being with you but finding out about Lily, well that must have been a shock for you right now, and I know you don’t feel that way about me, so yeah, I’d understand if you need some space.” 

James hadn’t looked at Lily the whole time he spoke, but delivered his speech to his lap where his hands twisting around themselves.

“James, I knew about Lily,” James’ head shot up to look at her for the first time, “she told me last night.” 

James frowned at her and stared intently, “you knew?” 

“I knew.” 

“And you’ve still been around me all morning and acting normal?” 

Lily sighed, she knew that this was the time to put all her cards on the table, but now the time was here she felt the anxiety settle deep in her stomach. 

“James, I wanted to know if our lives were intertwined through our grandchildren because our children happened to get together, or whether it was you and me. I wanted to know from my granddaughter whether I was wasting my time falling in love with you and if I’d missed my chance with you. Because I am, falling in love with you I mean.” 

“What?” James had never been so shocked in his life, he had no idea. He thought that the time that they had spent together this year had been amazing, they had been getting closer but he hadn’t let himself hope for something more, he went to bed every night telling himself that friendship was enough. 

“I’ve been falling in love with you since last year, I thought you might have gotten over me and I’d missed my chance, but hearing that from Lily well I let myself believe that maybe I still had a chance, but if that isn’t the case and you don’t want to be anything more than friends then-” Lily was abruptly cut off my James’ mouth on hers. The kiss was urgent but soft and exactly what Lily imagines kissing James would be like. 

James pulled back and looked Lily in the eye for the first time, “I never want you to say something as ridiculous as me not wanting you, ever again. Do you know how long I’ve wanted this, how long I've hoped this could happen.” 

This kiss was slow and steady, and melted Lily from the inside out and she felt at home. 

“Go out with me Evans?” 

“Always.” 

Lily looked over her shoulder when they heard the others approaching. Lily was smiling at the new couple with joy. 

“Come on you two, we have a lot to discuss. Let’s go back to the common room.”

[queencarolinemikaelson]

Rootless Tree II

Hello lovers, here is a short second part to a drabble I wrote for a fandom event I think in April! Hope you like! You can read part one on AO3, FF, or here! 

/

Fifteen Years Later

Klaus was in a bar. It wasn’t a particularly uncommon occurrence for him, but he usually wasn’t completely alone, as he was that day.

He finished work, some meaningless hours before, and joined a couple of colleagues for an after work drink.

When they left for their homes, he stayed; waiting at his home was more of the same melancholy loneliness that had been nipping at his insides for a few months now.

He wasn’t there to drown his sorrows, by any means; he wasn’t particularly sorrowful for anything. Nor had he been having a rough trot of it. But the fact of the matter was he was staring down the barrel of thirty-five, and he wasn’t all together too sure what he had to show for it.

He had a family and group of friends who loved him – he was lucky. A well-paying, rewarding job – better than many around him. A house – check. With a mortgage – double check.

He had nearly all of the things a thirty-five-year-old should have, he supposed.

But Klaus was not a naïve man. He knew for all his bluster over the years about singlehood, he did want someone to share his life with.

His baby sister was to be married in a few months, and then it would be just him and his 21-year-old brother who were unmarried. Even Kol was tied by the ring finger to someone, and he barely stood still long enough to brush his teeth.

And it was fine, of course it was fine, but on that day, in that moment, Klaus knew he wanted something more.

Something real.

As he called for another drink, a smattering of applause broke his concentration on his own plight.

About an hour before, a folk singer and her guitar had become the soundtrack to Klaus’ musings. She really did have a beautiful voice, and the few lyrics he tuned in to hear were quite meaningful. Though he couldn’t see her, closeted away in a dark booth as he was.

She began speaking softly to the audience after the clapping was silent again.

“This will be my last song…” she said, a little nervously. “It was written by a truly incredible songwriter, and I strive daily to craft stories, and weave emotions the way he does.”

Klaus took a sip, and decided to tune in fully for the final song.

“I’ve been really feeling this lately,” she continued. “A lot has been happening in my life, and this song… really grounds me. Maybe because I heard it for the first time when I was still very young. Maybe because it has the kind of energy I want to convey. Maybe just because it expresses how I’m feeling. Anyway… here it is.”

The woman began to pluck her guitar strings in an effortless rhythm, and familiar notes washed into Klaus’ ears, and he could hardly believe it.

What I want from you, is empty your head

He grabbed his beer and left his booth.

But they say, be true, don’t stain your bed

He settled on a stool by the bar, and had a clear line of vision to the source of the voice.

And we do what we need to be free

And it leans on me, like a rootless tree

Klaus watched saw the light crease in the woman’s forehead as she sang through the words, and he could tell she deeply connected with what she was singing.

What I want from us, is empty our minds

He watched her fingers pick furiously, though noted how her eyes remained firmly closed the whole time. He wondered just how many times she played that song, to be so comfortable with it that she didn’t need to ever look at what she was doing.

But we fake, we fuss and fracture the times

Her voice was truly remarkable, Klaus thought, and he wished he paid more attention to her earlier in her set. 

We go blind when we needed to see

And this leans on me like a rootless

She shook her head from side to side as she played, causing her bob-length blonde hair dance around her face in such and enchanting way.

Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you, and all we’ve been through

The harsh words falling from her lips didn’t seem as wrong as he thought they might, for once again, he was struck with the emotion she was weaving into the song.

I said leave it, leave it, leave it, it’s nothing to you

He gazed on her face, still transfixed by the small crease in her brow that he noticed earlier. It signalled to him that she felt the song in the same way he did.

And if you hate me, hate me, hate me, hate me so good

It was almost liberating to know someone understood it. Someone knew what he felt so many times.

That you just let me out, let me out, let me out it’s hell what you’re around

Klaus listened in a trance for the remainder of the song, and couldn’t help but stand to applaud her when she finished.

“Thanks for coming, have a good night now,” she said, almost abashed into the microphone, before leaving the stage.

Klaus sat back down, feeling strangely empty.

He had gone to the bar that day to feel connected to something, and he found that connection. For it to be so fleeting, and for it to be now over…

He turned his back on the now empty stool where she once sat, opting instead of stare into his beer despondently.

He wasn’t sure how long he had been sitting that way when he heard a soft voice order a glass of wine next to him. The voice was familiar enough for Klaus to glace up.

It was her.

He gave her a smile, one which she returned almost slyly.

He was a little taken aback, she had seemed far too demure to slyly smile at him.

“Well, fancy seeing you here,” she said, and Klaus was suddenly awash with dread. Was he supposed to know her?

“I don’t know love, I’d say the same about you,” he said, cockily, hoping if he blustered through confidently enough he could give himself time to place her face. It was familiar, now he saw her up close he could see that, but didn’t know why.

She let out a tinkling laugh in response to his comment.

“You have no idea who I am, do you?” she giggled, her whole face alight.

“Is it that obviously,” he replied, grinning sheepishly.

“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, I think the last time we spoke I was like eleven, you played me Rootless Tree in your 1970-something Corvette!”

“Caroline?” he asked.

She nodded kindly, and took her place on the stool next to him.

“Has it honestly been fifteen years since I spoke to you?” Klaus said, bemused.

“Pretty much,” she replied.

“Time really does have a way of getting away from us all, doesn’t it?”

He tried to say it without the wistfulness he felt, but didn’t quite manage it.

“It sure does,” she replied, and Klaus was comforted to hear she too sounded wistful.

They both sat in silence for a few minutes, taking sips from their drinks, lost in their own thoughts.

“What have you been doing with yourself these past fifteen years, Mr Mikaelson?” she asked, pulling his mind away from more sombre things.

From there, the two of them began chatting away, as though they were old friends. Which really was at odds with what they really were – which was barely more than a much older brother who met his much younger sister’s friend once over a decade ago.

He shared everything from why he chose to go to law school in London, to his favourite breakfast cereal, all the way to the existential dread he had been dealing with over the past few months. She in turn told him about her career, her music, her fears of the future and everything in between.

Klaus had forgotten that, yes, it could just be instantly easy with someone. That someone could actually fully capture his attention.

He wasn’t sure what he would do when she inevitably had to go. No matter how much it felt like there was no world beyond them, the hours had marched on. How could he go back to a world where he wouldn’t see her.

“So will I see you at Bekah’s wedding?” he asked, hopefully.

Maybe she would be there, and they would dance. He could hold her, whisper into her ear, and everything would feel alright, just like it did now.

But, Caroline stiffened, her contentment dissipating, causing his heart to sink.

“I’ve been invited,” she said, simply.

Klaus turned his body so he could study her face. It was truly beautiful, but had well-covered sadness suddenly pinching at the corners of the mouth.

“Will you attend?” he probed.

She looked down into the depths her wine glass, taking a moment to answer.

“Bekah and I aren’t really as close anymore,” she said, carefully, still maintaining eye-contact with her wine glass. “I haven’t spoken to her much in the last few years.”

“Oh, really,” Klaus said. “I wasn’t aware.”

He supposed he had lived away from his family for a very long time, and of course people changed. But it stung somewhat that things couldn’t be easy, just this once.

“The two of you always seemed so close, and she and Stefan still talk about your college days often… I just assumed.”

Klaus caught an infinitesimal flinch on Caroline’s face as he mentioned Stefan, and suddenly wondered whether it was less of a losing touch between two friends, and more of a rift.

“Oh you know, life happens,” she replied, vaguely. “I feel as though I’m a bit of an obligation-invite. So I guess we’ll see how I feel on the date of RSVP.”

Caroline let out a tinkling laugh, and downed the rest of her wine, making a move to stand up.

“I better get going anyway,” she said, and it was Klaus’ turn to flinch, as he wished he never mentioned Rebekah, and that their moments together could continue. “Early morning.”

“Same here, love,” he replied, disappointment niggling at his insides.

She placed her hand on his arm and gave it a little squeeze.

“It was really nice to see you, Klaus,” she said earnestly. “You gave me such an important gift back then. My music can be linked so strongly back to that car ride with you. And I think my life would look a whole lot different without it. Bye for now.”

He smiled at her, the kind of genuine smile he didn’t know whether he still had.

Their eyes locked, and for the most fleeting of moments, Klaus’ heart filled and his mind flashed through the life he could have with Caroline if things had been different, if she wasn’t his little sister’s friend, if he didn’t feel like his best years were gone, if they could be in the same place at the same time. 

“I hope to see you around, Caroline.” 

/

This is the song Caroline is singing. Listen, and love Damien Rice.

[maladaptive-ninja-returns]

It’s The Avengers (02x11)

Loki x Reader Avengers The Office AU (Slowwwwww Burn)

Season 2 Episode 11: Oh God! They were Fake Dating!

Warnings: oh shit! I wrote fluff! Aaaah! Also, I’d suggest you guys listen to the two soundtracks added in here so that it’s better to imagine what our precious goofballs are truly up to.

Word Count: I didn’t realise when my medications were over. And now I’m not feeling that good. I was supposed to make an appointment for this weekend to meet the new doc but I am so exhausted mentally that it looks like such a huge effort to travel to and from another city for four hours in a single day and talk to someone from freaking scratch. *falls in the floor face down*

MASTERLIST in bio, darlings. Tags are open (check bio)

Scott's voiceover: I don't feel like they're going anywhere.

The camera showed you sitting in the lounge, your hair a hot mess, your reading glasses nearly falling from the bridge of your nose. Pietro, with quite possibly the biggest sandwich he could make along with a tall glass of iced tea, passed you, sniffing the air of the lounge before scrunching his nose.

"Mh, haven't showered for two days, huh? Let me guess. Your finals are from tomorrow."

You didn't even acknowledge what he just said, too engrossed in the pile of notes and books kept in front of you.

"How could this bitch of a scientist ever think this could work?!" He heard you exasperate before wishing you luck and walking to his room.

The camera shifted from the lounge to the library where Loki sat engrossed in a book only he knew the theme of. Mainly because it was a hardback with nothing but the blackness of the fabric covering it.

I know! I know! This is finals week and I could not possibly let Y/N have any distractions but that doesn't mean Loki can't be distracted?

The camera shifted from a very engrossed Loki- who didn't so much as flip when Clint walked by, calling him all sorts of names, or when Stark quite literally peeped into the library, telling Rhodey to let Loki just sit there and maybe bring him some snacks and let world rest in peace till that book lasts- to a very curious Peter by the library door.

Scott: *concerned* But looking at the way Y/N looks like right now, the only way she's going to distract Loki is with the exam stench coming from her. *very concerned*

Scott sat by the kitchenette and watched as Tony brought you a cup of coffee to keep by your side.

"I can't drink coffee," you mumble, scratching your head with your pencil, "it does something to my heartbeat."

And without any word, Tony took away the coffee to the kitchenette, dumped it in the sink and made a jug full of iced tea with lemon and mint and placed the jug and glass at your table, pouring one for you.

"Thank you," you muttered, scratching your face this time.

"You better study hard or I'll cut your phone time," he announced.

Tony stood there, shifting his weight on his legs before walking out of the room. Your eyes followed him, your smile growing bigger with every passing second at the sweetest little gesture before gulping down the glass of iced tea and feeling drained power return to you while Scott followed Tony, all the while saying, “You know I could’ve had that coffee.”

 The Next Day

Scott: Okay, so I may have done a little something today. And by something I mean I took advantage of Y/N's sullen mood because she doesn't know how her first exam went.

The scene shifted to you sitting in the library this time, a soft playlist on as you sifted through your notes while sitting in your PJs at three in the afternoon.

Oh yeah! I told her library would be so much better to work in. No distractions. *chuckles*

Scott, proud of himself, walked out into the lounge to have all the pride drained from his face as he saw something he wasn't supposed to. "What are you doing here? You were supposed to be in the library!"

The camera swerved from his shocked face to look at Loki lounging in Tony's favourite seat, deeply engrossed in his book.

The God looked up from the pages, only to furrow his brows at Scott. "First the spiderling drags me out of the library saying it's better in the lounge and now you come out of nowhere to push me back in there. What is going on?"

Scott: Dammit! We should have synchronised! *flails his hands in defeat*

Peter: I know! *groans*

Scott: *turns to Peter* don't you have exams, mister?

Peter: *shrugs and droops* I finished all my revision when Aunt May grounded me for hanging out with Mr Brock.

Scott: Who?

Peter: *tired sigh* Venom.

Scott: Oh! OH! Ohh, kid. No.

Peter: I know *nods*

*silence*

Scott: Will she allow you to meet him under adult supervision?

Peter: *stares blankly at the camera before turning to Scott*

Both Scott and Peter give a knowing smirk to the camera before doing a fistbump.

 The Night Before the Last Exam

A soft wail like a note rising from a broken guitar rose from the library, forcing Loki and Peter to stop on their way to the roof to fly Peter's final science project.

Exchanging confusion building on their faces, they entered the space- with the camera following them right at their toes- to find out you slouching into your knees in a corner surrounded by scattered notes and books.

"Y/N?" Feather-like lightness left Loki's lung as he called out your name, "are you okay?"

You raised your head to show the audience the mess that was your face smeared with tears and snot along with the hair sticking in the waters of despair- only the strands that managed to not go wild over your head. "Umm-nna~ff~aal 'marro-"

Loki's brows furrowed at alien language you spoke.

"She said 'I'm gonna fail tomorrow'," Peter tried to help with the translation.

Peter: Of course, I know. I'm an expert in tear-translation. Thanks to all the A-holes who broke Aunt May's heart. *squints in anger at the camera* Especially you, Charles. *camera pans in* You are on my black-list. *forces out a low husky threatening voice* It is so black it can compete with vantablack. Oh, yes! That is exactly what I'm gonna do to you if I ever see you get out of Apartment 24, 75th block, Myrtle road.

"I've been trying to learn the observations and conclusions and their downsides but nothing is going inside my head," you sobbed, your eyes closing up and the tears running down thicker and faster than all the waterfalls you visited in your life.

Loki looked at you before shifting his gaze between Peter and his winged bot in his hands. Coming back to you, he gave you his hand. "Come with us," his words more of a command and less of a wish, "we're going to fly Peter's invention."

You looked at him with third-degree confusion crinkled between your brows, about to burst out but not doing so for the God's hand was still out for you. Waiting.

Peter took one- not so discreet- step towards you, breaking the silent conversation of whatever sort of understanding was going on between the two of you to hand you a tissue.

Wiping your tears, and clearing all nose blockage, you dunked the used tissue into the nearest waste bin before taking Loki's hand. Those long and slender fingers wrapped over the back of your palm, helping you up quite effortlessly- not to mention, gracefully.

The camera recorded the two of you walking out, going to the rooftop and testing out Peter's work. Just as time passed, both men could see the difference in you. By the end of the evening, you were laughing your heart out when Peter tried to explain Loki what was the urban meaning of the sentence 'Word'.

Loki was seen smiling as he watched you cackle without care.

Loki: Y/N has no idea how horrendous she looks when she laughs. *chuckles* her mouth open wide, her tongue on the edge of coming out to catch heaven-knows what while she tries to hold her stomach as if it's going to dash somewhere. *chuckles again* And to think that silly woman was worried about some unworthy test that's not even going to matter in the future. *shakes head and rolls his eyes*

Peter was enjoying watching the two, happy and content, playing with his science project when suddenly he felt his brows crinkle right when Loki and you are standing less than a foot together.

"No, dummy, that wire is the reason it is grounded," he heard you tell Loki, who looked at you with shock in his eyes.

"This dummy created a grounding spell when he was twelve. You better start to learn a thing or two about the God you live with, woman."

You looked up at your 'God' with a tilt. "Damn, son. No wonder you're so single with the ice you spit."

"Learn some better metaphors too," Loki quipped without even taking a breath, feeling a slight nudge in his torso as you punched him.

The crinkled brows turned into narrowed eyes looking at the camera.

Peter: Why have we even been trying so hard? *infuriating whisper*

 Next Day

"I did it! I *bleep* did it!" You stormed into the conference hall with the biggest grin slapped on your face, watching the grim faces of the Avengers turn to you and transform into the warmest smiles. Even some hoots and applause.

"That's my girl," Natasha declared, pulling a chair next to her for you to sit down, the smile never leaving her face till you planted your ass in the cosy leather.

"Oh, wait," you suddenly felt your body sit too straight for your comfort, "am I interrupting something?"

"You mean apart from your biological father going on and on about how incompetent everyone in this room is?" Loki added from where he sat, which was the far corner with a witch-hat that had dunce written over it. This did not seem to bother him for he looked two comfortable with his feet resting on another chair as he read a book- this time with a red hardcover. "No, not really."

"Dum-e," Stark's voice announced, making the robot squeak and stroll towards Loki before gassing him with an extinguisher.

You tried your best not to let the laugh escape your mouth.

"We are having a meeting regarding this latent threat. So, if you don't mind please walk out of the door where you came from," Tony ordered you, swinging his fingers towards the door before turning to look at the screen.

"Wait a minute," Scott nearly jumped off his seat, "that's it! Y/N can help us with the mission!"

A whole bunch of 'excuse me', 'wait what', 'you gotta be shitting me,' and 'do you want me to kill you's rose up around the table, definitely taking you by surprise.

"How could I possibly help in a mission?" you stressed the last part so Scott would know what he was talking about.

You: I can barely lie to myself about how much ice cream I’m gonna have in a day and Scott expects me to lie to professional liars and criminals? *raises his arms in disbelief* What?

"No, seriously, just hear me out," Scott stood and begged out loud, trying to calm everyone. "The target knows us all. He has seen our faces and one whiff of us near him and he'll disappear from here before we get a chance to retrieve the shiny thing."

"The pulsator," Steve helped Scott.

"Yes, that thing. Thanks, Cap. So Y/N can be our eyes and ears at the restaurant that we know he is definitely going to visit tonight with his wife, thanks to his crush on the bartender that works there. All she has to do is go there, enjoy and observe while Peter and I take care of the extraction."

"Why can't you two be the eyes and the extraction?" Pietro asked the most obvious question.

"What we if he sees this and develops a crush on me?" Scott pointed out at his bod while Peter pointed at him with a 'true fact' expression.

"Y/N is not going and that's the end of the discussion," Tony declared. Or at least tried to.

"I agree with Scott on this one," Natasha broke the low buzz, nearly giving Tony a stroke. "But," she raised a finger while sitting up straight, stopping whatever dad-rage was about to come out from his mouth, "I'd rather ask Y/N if she'd be open to the idea of doing it."

That's it. All pair of eyes were on you now. Especially Tony's trying to wear you down.

Y/N: And I thought studying basic psychology was mental murder.

"Oh, I'm in," you simply shrugged, taking away twenty years from Tony's life. "Just give me a test run before you send me out in the field."

"You're grounded," Tony announced, making you furrow your brows at him with a layer of pure judgment.

"Oh come on, Tony," Steve smirked, "she's your daughter after all."

"She is not going in there. Not alone at least."

"Loki can go with her," Scott added without skipping a beat, getting the God's attention. "They can uhh...they can play it like they're on a date!"

Clint: *twists his jaw* *narrows eyes* Is this another one of those bets or is Scott just trying to get on my nerves?

Tony: *gazes right into the camera* Right now I am searching ten thousand ways to slowly murder an ant. *taps the phone without looking at it* *phone chimes* *still stares at the camera* Oh look! It says suffocate them in their sleep.

"I'm extremely interested in knowing why Loki and why not Pietro or Wanda?" Tony was genuinely curious, never seeing the coherent groans and shaking heads that filled the room. Even you stretched the corner of your lips and gestured him to cut the topic.

"Pietro had a crush on a Y/N. Y/N didn't like him. I knew all of that the entire time." Wanda practically picked up the baggage and threw it smack into Tony's face."

Tony: *shocked eyes looking at a distant void* Suddenly I feel Pepper saw what I could never see. And to think *pause* all this time I was worried about frat houses.

Pepper: Oh! Don't put this on this me! *raises her hands in question with crinkled brows* I was worried about her staying with people sharing three brain cells that are solely made for fighting. And those brain cells belong to Natasha, Wanda and Steve. *nods* Probably.

He gave Pietro a 'the audacity of this bitch' look. "You know what, I'll go with Y/N," he finally concluded. According to him.

"Tony, stop being such a whiner," Natasha broke the wave of authority Tony clearly was riding on, justly, "Y/N is an adult who can act her age during the mission and that's all we want her to do. We will obviously be standing by in case anything goes wrong. Loki will be going with her because thanks to you and Fury no one has any shred of evidence of his existence now. No one would even look at them twice while you have a tendency to be a magnet in the crowd."

Loki: She's wrong. *scoffs* *nods his head in his defence* clearly she doesn't know how many heads have turned to look at me twice when I twisted them off their shoulders. *smiles contently*

*camera pans out to show Natasha sitting with him, looking at the God with a judgy brow*

Natasha: Only you could interpret that phrase in such a way. *pauses before breaking into a sly smile* I respect that.

Everyone could feel how hard Tony was trying to refrain from breaking his own jaw by the veins showing all over his face and neck. "I'll be keeping an eye on them."

"No," Steve and Natasha blurted in unison. "You are staying out of this one before you start making it personal," the black widow, announced.

"I'll be fine, Mr Stark!" you stressed, "Loki'll be with me all the time."

Tony: *nearly breaking the glass with his voice* “flailing his hands wildly* THAT'S EXACTLY THE *BLEEP* SHIT THAT I'M WORRIED ABOUT!!!

"That's if he's okay with it," you interrupted yourself, turning to Loki- forcing others to look at him too- to find out his thoughts.

Loki: *counting on his fingers one by one* Going on a covert mission, getting out of this godforsaken place, getting the chance to finally at least punch someone in the face, *faces with camera with innocent wonderment* all the while getting to piss off Stark and Barton because I will be with the former's daughter? *slowly wrecks up the evilest grin* Well, isn't that a ball!

Tony: *his hand on his heart* Friday! Check my vitals! *turns back to camera* I can feel him scheming right this second. *turns his gaze away to the door* there is no way I'm leaving my daughter alone with him.

*camera pans out to a very calm and very pregnant Pepper reading something*

Pepper: *clicks tongue, still engrossed in her Tycoon magazine* Sweetie he's alone with your daughter practically every time you aren't in the room.

Tony: *eyes go white while he turns seven shades whiter before looking at his wife* What, are you trying to kill me?

Pepper: *still doesn't look up* oh, get over yourself.

 Mission Night

"Everyone check your comms," Natasha's voice crackled in Steve's ears, who was dressed rather casually for himself in a black leather jacket over a white shirt and blue jeans. Wanda, on the other hand, was all black, laid back in her seat inside the surveillance van.

Wanda: *smiling* Ooooh! Someone's dressed to hold hands!! *giggles*

"Is the Raven and kitten ready?" Steve asked in the comms.

The click of the door turned the camera to show Natasha stepping in. "They're ready," she announced before checking Steve out. "Oh!" she whistled, "looks like someone is buying a lady some Virgin Mojito tonight."

Steve crinkled his brows before realising what was going on.

"Really?" he flatly spewed at Nat.

"And then maybe ask her if he could get her a cab since she didn't have a car," Wanda added matter-of-factly.

"Oh, yes," Nat continued, sitting down on the empty chair, "and then leaving her at the front of her house and telling her to lock all the doors and windows because ‘this ain’t the good neighbourhood ma’am’, giving her a salute and walking away."

Giggles burst out through Wanda while Steve twisted his jaw and rolled his eyes at his ladies.

"Shut up," he simply cut, looking at nothing in particular in the screen in front of him.

"Okay, but why am I the kitten? Kitten?! Really?" your voice broke through the comms, making the captain smile eventually.

"'Cause you are cute but dangerous," Nat spoke with a motherly intent. "Now go get those bad guys for us." And just like that, she switched her warm tone to a freezing one, "Loki."

"Icy," Loki's voice commented monotonously before clearing his throat, "Are you sure you want me to go in, Captain?"

He almost brought the worry lines over Steve's forehead. "I might kill a few men, women and allies with just my looks."

A crssh and crash followed by barely audible curse echoed through the comms.

"Did he crash into a bin?" Steve whispered to Nat, who shook her head. “Must be our extraction guys. Wait, is Tony listening into this?”

"Scott, Peter. What's your twenty?" Steve posed the question.

"Yeah, sorry," Scott answered, "I think that was me. We're in position. Playing the best servers at the minimum wage we're being paid."

"He's here," Steve announced it more for himself, "all right. Positions, everybody. Y/N, Loki...go."

.

*The cameras planted inside the restaurant captured everything in HD because Tony wouldn't want anything less than a 4k resolution for watching bad guys being taken down by his team*

The subtle light bouncing off the bricked walls inside the restaurant gave it a quaint touch, something way too sophisticated and warm for what they were about to witness.

The speakers playing soft jazz crackled without a warning to softly go 'la la la' before breaking into the heavy beats accompanied by the two figures entering the space.

And suddenly, everything went slow.

*When I popped off then your girl gave me just a little bit of lockjaw

Baby so cold, he from the north, he from the Canada

Bankroll so low I got nothing else that I can withdraw

Ran out the door*

Loki entered the space in his most casual yet somehow scintillating apparel of a black henley hugging him, showing away the muscles no one thought he had.

The cameras caught Wanda and Natasha's brows going up as they leaned in- quite in sync- towards the screens to see the perfect cuts on his biceps that were teasing every looker. Steve really had to look at them twice to believe they were looking at Loki in a new light. Now that henley would have been enough, but the black jeans perfectly curving his toned ass really added to the mix, making both the red-heads turn to eye each other and give a knowing smile, all the while Steve pressed his lips, sighed and let his head drop.

*I shine my wrist it go like shashasha, shashasha

I got your bitch singing like lalala, lalala*

You walked by Loki's side, the camera panned in on you to show your thigh-high sundress painted in yellow flowers drowning in red, your legs exposed to lights, soaking them in, your arm locked in Loki's while the other one let your hair fly free.

Eyes flew towards the two of you- well, mostly Loki- as glasses tipped, spoons clattered, women forgot to breathe, men bonked themselves into walls and the allies drowned in that dapper energy the God just threw off like breathing out carbon dioxide.

*I shine my wrist it go like shashasha, shashasha

I got your bitch singing like lalala, lalala

How I stride like that?*

The music suddenly died, the cameras panning in on Peter standing by the audio controls in one corner while Scott stood next to him with the plug in his hand. "He deserves better than that. They deserve better than that," Scott stressed in a whisper to Peter, who was still stunned by the intro song cut short, "not that this wasn't...kewl."

 Peter raised his brows at Scott. "Kewl? Really? Kewl? That's how you think the youngsters talk?"

The manager walked by glaring at the two dressed as servers. Scott giving him a 'hey how ya doin' smile.

Scott shushed him to see what Loki and you were doing.

The God was clearly basking in the attention he was getting. You, on the other hand, seemed...

You: Of course, I love attention. Who doesn't? *smiles before licking her lips and feeling that smile disappear* Who doesn't love it when people keep staring at you to question if you have something on your face? *smiles again, but this time it's forced* But then it turns out it's just your face!

"Wow," you muttered as you sat down by Loki's side, the camera panning over to your target right behind you- a man in a blue suit, clean-cut beard and soft blonde hair going back- showing the close proximity in which you were sitting, "people are really not buying we could be together."

Loki settled beside you, looking at you in some deep thought before asking, "Would you like to sell it?" You shrugged. "Sure. I always wanted to be an actor," you whispered, leaning in close and touching his chin with your finger, making Loki smirk devilishly. The camera did not miss the woman and man sitting at two separate tables looking at the two of you with such intensity- and quite possibly, jealousy. While the man practically stabbed the table with his fork, the woman cracked the glass of champagne in her hand.

Loki- it seemed- could see everything going around him without even seeing. "Well, Miss Girlfriend," he sang softly, leaning closer to you, his cold breath tickling the hairs on your face, "you seem to be getting a lot of negative attention just by breathing right next to me."

"Hmm," you tilted your head and hummed, taking a swig of water without increasing the distance, "I can surely feel their stare on my back, boyfriend. They are willing to kill me just to get a whiff of you."

"Well, why don't we give them more reason to spell murder on their hands?" he spoke softly before extending his arm behind you, wrapping you in his side.

"Comfy?" he asked. You nodded, trying to suppress a smile. "Smooth raven," you muttered.

A thwack was heard followed by Loki cursing under his breath as he retrieved his arm from behind you for both of you to watch the back of his hand go through a light bruise before quickly disappearing.

"Oh, I am sorry, mister," an old man with a grey beard, fine lines and judgy eyes, dressed in a funky beach shirt and jeans. "I thought you were trying to strangle this beautiful dame."

"No, he wasn't?" you shook your head in confusion at the old man.

Old man: *looking directly at the camera* *in his authoritative old man voice* that's what all men want you to think. *camera starts panning in* don't zoom on my face *stops and slowly pans out*

"Okay, kitten," Natasha's voice crackled through the comms, "the ant and the spider are approaching the target."

You turned towards the man in question, observing him for a good second before turning to the woman sitting with him. "That is one stunning piece of jewellery you have there."

The woman turned to watch your gaze right at her sapphire bracelet. "Why, thank you! My husband bought it from me," she cooed, looking at their target.

"Too bad my darling isn't amused by stones," Loki chimed in, shifting his hand over yours before grazing it softly and letting your fingers intertwine, "otherwise I would have gotten her something...out of this world. Something worth...infinity and beyond."

You: *evidently not being able to breathe* *licks her lips* *tries to talk normally but all that comes out is a whisper* damn! He's a pro!

 Scott: Is it just me or does Loki look effortlessly hot tonight? *turns to watch Loki planted casually in his seat, leaning towards your ear to say something that makes you smile so wide that you have to bite down on your lips* *camera pans out to show Scott glowing* So hot! *creases brows* Of course, full homo! Even Hope knows that.

"Your wife is a very lucky woman," the man finally spoke, taking you by surprise.

"Son of a beee-" a staggering shout came from behind your table. Both you and Loki- along with your target and his company- turned to see the same old man making quite the ruckus, pausing only when he realised all eyes were on him and pointing to the stage.

The piano and trumpet introduced a beat and in came a man in full leather on the stage with his back to the audience, the microphone on ready.

I went down to the river and lost my mind

I said Lord won't you save me just one last time

Thought I told ya'

I was looking for a sign

"Wait, I know that voice," you uttered loud enough for only Loki to hear.

"Son of a-" Nat's voice crackled over the comms before the lights shone about the slick face of Clint Barton swinging and singing on the stage all the while glaring at Loki with a death stare, almost hissing the song through his teeth.

Had it once wonder if I would get it twice

Peace of mind only comes in the afterlife

Thought I told ya'

I was looking for a sign

"Oh," Loki rolled his eyes, "you have got to be joking. Romanoff!"

"Ignore him," Steve ordered, "eyes on the prize. Y/N."

You got up just when Peter the server was 'passing by', to collide with him and have your dress ruined by whatever liquid he was carrying.

Like any villainous gentleman, Mr Target got up and offered his handkerchief to you, asking you if you were okay. Mrs Target, just as quickly she'd gotten jealous, felt sparks when Loki took her hand in assurance.

"It's all right," Loki reassured her, "I'll take care of her."

The woman was growing ten shades of red as she watched Loki give her his signature smile, making her melt right there.

What neither part of the target couple caught was Scott taking advantage of the dim light, you and Loki to swap the man's phone and wallet, hiding it no-one-knows where.

.

The Red Velvet Van

"I got it! I got it!" Scott barged into the van wheezing.

Nat took the phone from him, already cloning it. "You look like you ran a marathon."

"Yeah," Scott huffed, standing straight finally, "my manager's gonna fire me any second so...woah! Do you have a date tonight, Cap? Gonna hang out at a diner? Grab some shakes and do the twist?"

Wanda did a really loud ‘ha-haaa’ while Nat just gave Steve an 'I told you so' look.

"Here, take it back and keep an eye on Clint," Natasha ordered Scott, getting a salute in return before the van's door closed behind him.

.

Inside the Restaurant

The old man too had joined the little mayhem caused on Mr Target's table, accidentally smacking his hand when he tried to grab your arm and ask you if you were okay.

"Hey grandpa," Mr Target nearly shouted in the old man's face, "are you blind?"

The old man looked at him with subjective eyes before muttering, "Not yet, no. I can still see your wife trying to flirt with her friend."

You and Target turned to watch Mrs Target laughing out loud while grabbing Loki's arm every chance she got.

"Babe," you raised your voice just enough for Loki to hear you over Clint's aggressively teasing music, "I'll go to the washroom to clean this out."

The camera caught Scott coming back, smoothly keeping the phone on the table before grabbing the old man. "Let me help you back to your seat, sir," he stressed, nearly running into Loki's back, pushing him into you.

Loki grabbed you by the waist in order to not fall over you- neither of you noticed the shriek that left Clint and the bewildered 'what? WHAT?!' that left the old man- wrapping his other arm around your upper back.

"You want me to come with you?" he asked rather seriously.

"No, I'm good," you assured him with a nod and a smile, all the while the camera capturing the hesitant jealousy steaming up inside Mrs Target as she watched the two of you get so intimate.

Loki let his hand drop from your back to take your hand in his, never losing his eye contact with you. Bringing your hand closer to his lips, he planted a light kiss on the back of your hand. "Come back fast," he requested ever so softly, leaving you without words for a few seconds before you remembered how to blink.

Neither of you noticed Clint's 'son-of-b****' off the mic as he jumped off the stage, walking towards the two of you before being carried away but a young brunette boy soothing him with a 'there, there. Shhh, let's go outside and shoot some arrows, okay? Yes, the spider is clearly stronger than the hawk tonight."

.

The Lounge

"We got the location of that Pandora's box Pulsator. Friday is checking out the geography of the location where it's stacked. Vision said he'll pick it up on his way back from another mission."

"Wait," Sam interrupted Natasha, stopping in his swivel chair with a dramatic pause, "when did Vision go on a mission?"

Peter arched his brow before leaning towards Scott. "Can you say that fast? When did Vision go on a mission?"

And so began the whispering battle of saying the phrase as fast as possible.

"Last night," Wanda joined the conversation, "he wanted to get some special paprika," she ended with a knowing smile, clearly meant for the boys to stop talking and start smiling.

"Dayum," Sam stressed with his little high pitched voice, "that AI is finally getting the hang of it, isn't he?"

"Speaking of getting the hang of it," you spoke from the couch, sprawled on it lazily while Loki sat on the floor, curiously looking at Peter trying to teach him, Steve and Bucky how to play Cards Against Humanity, "somebody looked like they were ready to take their first date to second base."

Steve looked up to watch every set of eyes looking at him with a devilish smile.

"Sure, if by second base you mean eating greasy burgers at a hilltop and talking about how expensive the nearest city is," Clint added as he entered the lounge.

"Says the man who kept being a cockblocker the entire night," Steve did not even miss a beat, leaving everyone to gasp and shriek senseless.

Sam: *Bucky and Peter sitting next to him* I don't know whether to hoot for that comment Clint throw or shriek at Steve throwing a f*****g perfect comeback.

Bucky: *guffaws* I'm just surprised he knows what cockblock means!

Peter: I know!!!! *laughs*

Sam: *looks at Peter in confusion and laughs at him*

Bucky: *pauses mid-laugh* *tilts his head to look at some invisible void, his face still plastered with that paused laugh*

Sam: *looking at Bucky* you don't know it either, do ya?

Bucky: *without missing a beat* Nope.

"What?" Clint nonchalantly poured himself some whiskey, "I was a distraction. Or should I say...main attraction," he grinned at the eyes rolling at him.

"Hey, great job tonight, Y/N," Natasha scruffled your hair, gathering affirmed 'yeah's through the lounge.

"Thanks, guys. It wasn't much though. All I had to do was...be there."

"Cool," Nat smiled at you before morphing her face into a serious one, "now tell me honestly. Did he do anything inappropriate with you? 'Cause I'll drive to his place and break his bones right now if he did."

"Wow, no, thank you so much, Nat. I really appreciate it. But no, he didn't do anything. Loki was there with the whole time. He was a good distraction for our bi target."

Scott: *suggestively sings* Distraction? Or should I say 'Main Attraction'! *arches his brows repetitively while smiling hella wide*

"All right, now you off you go," Nat patted you on your back, forcing you to get up and walk towards the dorms, "go get some sleep and remove all the tiredness from your exam week."

You went off to the dorms while the rest of the gang sat down on the floor to play Cards Against Humanity.

"Javier," Nat pointed at the boy behind the camera, "come with me for a sec."

Both of them got inside the elevator, rode to the first underground level and got out to walk into the direction where the overhead dim lights led them.

"Sir, you have company," the duo heard from across the glass wall where Tony sat amidst an ocean of holograms of information.

Nat clicked the door open to let the camera see Tony swipe away everything with a wave of his hand.

"Hey, you're not allowed here," Tony said, not looking at Nat or camera. "This is my holy ground. So, off you go."

"Oh, don’t mind me. I’m just gathering evidence. Next time wear a better disguise," Nat dropped the bomb on Tony, who sat there puckering his lips at the air for what could be said was a considerably long while for Tony Stark.

"I was gonna go for something Sherlock-y but Pepper says I get very method and it destroys the mood," he finally spoke.

"She's old enough to take care of herself, Tony. Not to mention she had me looking out for her all the time," Nat had her arms crossed across her chest now.

"Why is Javier here?" he looked behind the camera.

"Like I said, gathering evidence to blackmail you in the future. She is just starting to get to know you, Tony. Do you really want to sabotage the father-daughter relationship even before it begins?"

Silence falls over the wide space that is broken only by Dum-e's whirring as he looks between Nat and Tony before turning towards the camera.

"I just want to protect her, Nat," Tony sighed, dropping his hands on his lap. "I just want to protect her from all the bad in this world. And you know why."

"I know," she replied softly before sitting down next to him, "but that doesn't mean you won't let her experience anything out of your comfort zone. And Loki is not bad. You know this better. You travelled to space and met some really weird creatures."

"That's true actually."

"Give him a chance too. He's done nothing yet that would tell us otherwise. And if he ever would, I have stacked up on that alien juice in my poison dart for a reason."

"Sometimes I truly wonder why do you hang out with Rogers. He doesn't deserve a friend like you."

Natasha chuckled and got up.

"Yeah, yeah. Steve tells me the same about you," she commented as she walked away, signalling Javier to follow her.

"Find that old man a date, Nat."

"Go back to your wife, Tony. You need to sleep."

"Right."

.

"For the last time, Peter, the Leaning Tower of Pisa isn’t an example of erectile dysfunction," Scott stressed as him, Peter and Loki walked back to the dorms with their respective cups of hot tea.

"Is this another one of your meme things?" Loki asked.

Before Peter could answer, your door opened and you came out devoid of makeup, your hair tied up- still messy- dressed in your overused shirt and shorts.

"Oh, yes!" you whispered in content, taking Loki's mug from his hand to blow on it before taking a careful swig.

"Hey," Loki ordered, "that's mine!"

"But what's yours is mine, fake boyfriend," you sang ever so innocently, never catching the fistbump that happened behind Scott and Peter's back.

Loki looked at you with furrowed brows before arching his good brow at you. "Oh, if that's the case then you're mine, fake girlfriend."

You looked at him for a moment before going 'cool'. "I've got two assignments, one mini project for the break and three appointments to make. Do them by the end of the day tomorrow since I am all yours, fake darling," you suggested, taking another swig.

Loki opened his mouth to speak something to shut you up and get your cup back while simultaneously you got on your toes, turned to his one side and planted a light kiss on his cheek.

"Good night fake babe," you signed off softly, giving him back his cup and walking back into your room, leaving Scott and Peter more notably befuddled that Loki.

Scott: *water at the edge in his eyes* *whispers* this is it. Peter, this is it.

Peter: *nods at Scott and turns to the camera* *whimpers* why is this so much better than a Disney movie?

Scott: *sniffles* Because it ain't canon. It's real life baby!

[wefoundloveunderthelight]

Void of Extinction by GleefullyCaptainSwan Chapter 9/9

Read on AO3: | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9

Or on FF

Stacy's Tortured Crew: @teamhook @kmomof4 @stahlop @lfh1226-linda @ilovemesomekillianjones @itsfabianadocarmo @mariakov81 @qualitycoffeethings @zaharadessert @jrob64 @jonesfandomfanatic @natascha-ronin @tiganasummertree @xarandomdreamx @therooksshiningknight @batana54 @superchocovian @onceratheart18 @ultraluckycatnd @snowbellewells @karlyfr13s @the-darkdragonfly @xsajx @deckerstarblanche @jonesfandomfanatic @winterbaby89

Notes:

I can't believe this is the end of another story! I truly hope you enjoyed this odd little world I put them in. It was a joy to write something different and share it with all of you. I want to thank my husband for supporting me in all of this weirdness I write about and helping me with the creativity process.

Chapter 9: Merlin

Killian felt like shards of ice had punctured his chest the moment he breached the water, desperately reaching into the depths for anything he could touch. The water was dark, his eyes could barely see in front of him as he swam through the current.

Ahead of him a flash of white tumbled before him, he reached out, his fingers clutching for anything he could grab onto. He yanked the material closer to him only to find the blanket empty. He released it, diving deeper until he saw him sinking below him.

He desperately reached out, grabbing the boy, and pressing him to his chest, he waved his other arm to propel him back to the surface. As soon as he breached the water, he looked down at the infant’s ashen face, his eyes closed, his body unmoving.

He climbed onto the metal landing, the child in his arms. “You just won’t fucking give up, will you?” He looked up to see Neal standing a few feet away, a dagger digging into the side of his captor.

Emma.

He looked down at the boy in his arms, his son. Henry. He wasn’t breathing, lying almost peacefully at his side.

“Don’t move.”

Killian ignored the order, instead lying the boy on his back on the ground, rubbing his palm against the boy’s chest.

“I said don’t move.”

“Sod off.” Killian yelled.

“I’ll kill her.” He growled and he heard Emma squeal in pain, causing his hands to freeze as he looked up to see the blood on the dagger, a cut against Emma’s neck.

“You hurt her, and I swear to you Neal, I will kill you.” He said angrily.

“Save Henry.” Emma shrilled as Neal yanked her against him. She didn’t need to ask him twice, he continued his work on the boy, desperate to hear his cry again.

Killian breathed into the boy, sending all of his care and devotion for the child into his lungs.

Breathe, please breathe.

He could hear Emma’s sobs across the room, further away than they had been previously, his eyes were watching the tiny boy laying lifeless in front of him. He pressed his mouth against him once more, breathing as his heart pounded. “Please, Henry…”

A soft sputter caused his eyes to open as he looked down at the boy, his eyes suddenly open. Killian tilted the boy to his side allowing the water to flow from his mouth as the boy started to cry weakly. “Come now lad, get it all out.” The child squirmed uncomfortably in his wet clothing and Killian cradled the boy against his chest, looking up to reassure Emma only to find her gone.

Ruby came rushing into the room with David hot on her heels, covered in a dark ooze. “I don’t ever want to see what one of those things looks like from the inside ever again.” He complained. When they saw Killian they both ran forward.

“What happened? Are you ok? Is Henry….” Ruby asked without waiting for any response as she looked around. “Where’s Emma?”

Killian pressed his lips to the boy’s forehead and handed him to the woman. “Look after him. I need to go after Emma, Neal has her.” Ruby took the boy and David followed him as they both rushed toward the pier on the other side of the large opening.

“What happened to you, Mate?” He asked as David got closer and the stench of whatever remained on him reached his nose.

“Regina.” He said disgusted. “Or whatever the hell that thing was that looked like her.”

“Up there.” Killian pointed, as two figures moved in the fog. “That has to be them.”

“Be careful.” David warned as they rushed forward.

They approached the end of the dock just as he heard Emma’s angry voice. “If anything happened to my son, I swear to God Neal…” She screeched in pain.

“I said stop fucking talking, dammit why do you always have to talk.” Neal growled. Killian leapt onto the boat, landing with a dull thud. “Is that you lover boy?” He heard Neal taunt from the front of the vessel.

Killian stilled his movement, crouching behind the open door to the bridge.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are.” Neal sang.

Killian waited in his spot as the man’s footsteps approached. “How’s that bastard kid doing?” He sneered just as Killian rushed forward from his spot, colliding with Neal’s body as they crashed to the deck.

Rolling on the ground, he grabbed the man by the collar, smashing his head toward the wooden planks. Neal kicked his feet, catching Killian off guard as he was pushed toward the wall. Killian grasped for the man’s arm that held the blade, lunging forward and sinking his teeth into the skin at his wrist causing the man to release his hold on the blade and dropping it to the ground with a thud.

The man’s eyes widened, the fear of losing the upper hand overtaking him as Killian’s fist landed punch after punch against the man’s face. “Stay down.” His voice growled in a tone that he didn’t recognize as his own. The man beneath him had tried to take away everything he loved, Emma, Henry, who he was. He had tried to destroy everything simply for power.

“You’ll never win.” The man taunted. “My father will destroy you all.”

Killian stilled, grabbing him by the collar and yanking him toward him. “We’ve already won.” He smirked. “You’re over. You’re nothing.”

Killian pulled the man to his feet, yanking him toward the front of the boat to find Emma. She was tied to the mast, tears pouring from her face. “Killian.” She cried, hope seeping through her desperation.

“Isn’t this heartwarming…” Neal started beside him.

“Would you bloody shut up.” He hissed and Neal smiled.

“You really think you can just move on now? This town is doomed. The plague will spread and destroy you all.”

Killian turned and punched the man square in the jaw, sending him spiraling backward against the wooden planks. Killian turned back to Emma, untying her hands, and pulling her into his arms. “Henry?” She pleaded.

“He’s with Ruby, he’s alright.” She sighed and closed her eyes, tears still falling against her cheek.

“I thought I had lost you both.”

“Haven’t I already told you love, I’m a survivor. It appears the lad gets that from me.” She laughed against his chest, leaning heavily against him. “Come now, let’s get back to our boy.” She leaned back and looked at him, a smile on her lips.

“Our boy. I like that.”

“Aye, me too.”

She started to walk away before her eyes got wide. “Killian…”

Before he could turn he felt pain in his shoulder, turning to see the end of a dagger and Neal’s face in view. He shieled Emma, taking the brunt of Neal’s body as the man crashed into him, slamming them against the wooden mast. Killian kicked with his feet to bring him crashing to the ground as he reached behind him, yanking the blade from his skin with a haunting howl.

He brandished the weapon in front of him as Neal stood once more, dancing from one foot to the other. Suddenly there was a crash as Emma sent a crate smashing against Neal’s body and he turned with a murderous glare at the woman on the other side of the boat. Killian watched in horror as he advanced on the woman he loved, a fist catching her across the face and Killian rushed forward, the blade in his hand.

Neal was on top of Emma, his hand pulled back to strike another blow when Killian plunged the dagger into the man’s back causing him to arch into him, a scream leaving his lips. Killian pulled him backwards, away from Emma and onto the decking. His eyes were open, staring at the fog lit moon, but there was nothing beneath his pupils. Blood was dripping from the sides of his open mouth. Neal was dead.

“No! My son!” A shot rang out causing Emma and Killian to freeze in place, the ricochet of the bullet sparking just at their feet. Shadows exiting the fog approached as Mr. Gold drug a limping David beside him. “You killed my son, you stupid bastard.”

“I’m sorry…” David began as he got closer, but Killian brushed off his guilt, it was not his fault that these men were here.

“You will all pay for this. This town is doomed, all of its people will beg me to save them.” He raised his gun toward Emma and Killian stepped in front of her, his arms pulling her back behind him as he closed his eyes and waited for death to come.

A shot rang out and he clenched his fist against the fabric of Emma’s jacket, but when the pain didn’t come his eyes sprang open. Mr. Gold lay at his feet, red spreading across his back.

“You must be Emma Swan.” The man approached the boat, a gun smoldering in his grasp.

Emma stepped out from beside him, cautiously glancing in his direction. “Who are you?”

“Why dear child, I’m Merlin, I believe you summoned me, did you not?”

~*~

Emma paced the room as she waited. “It’s been hours.” She complained as Ruby looked on nervously. “Shouldn’t we have heard something by now.”

“It takes time.” Killian reassured from his seat in the corner. “We don’t even know if it’s going to work yet.”

Emma groaned in frustration and David stood to place his hand on her shoulder. “Whatever happens, she’s very proud of how you fought for this.” Emma smiled at him, an offer of reassurance that she appreciated his words, but so much was riding on this experiment.

It had only been 12 hours since Merlin arrived outside the walls of Storybrooke, saving them from Mr. Gold and bringing their group back inside to the laboratory held within the bowels of their underground headquarters. If Henry’s blood could be used to cure J2, his people would be able to use it to save Mary Margaret and Will.

If.

The word stuck in the roof of her mouth as she ran over the events in her head. They had no idea if the fact that Emma and Killian had both survived the plague, meant anything for their son’s chances at having what they needed to cure it from their world. It could be a game changer, but it was a dangerous vision.

Henry had given The Resistance something they had been seeking since they began.

Hope.

And Emma dreaded what would happen if that tiny piece of sunshine turned out to be nothing. Just a light that burned out before it could destroy the darkness.

The doors opened behind her, and Merlin stepped into the room.

“The boy is remarkable, truly a bundle of joy.”

“Did it work?”

He laughed. “It’s too early to tell. His blood does show signs of reducing the cells in the J2 variant, we won’t know more until tests can be done back in Camelot, but…” He turned toward David. “Your wife was insistent that we test it on her. As was the stubborn man that accompanies her in that room.”

Emma laughed at the mention of Will, her indeed stubborn friend.

“When will we know something?” David asked.

“In a few hours, we will retest, determine if there has been any change in their situation. You should all get some sleep; we will wake you in the morning.”

“What about Henry?” Killian asked anxiously.

“Ah the boy, yes, he was quite tired, you are free to retrieve him from our nurse.”

Emma grasped Killian’s hand and drug him past the group into the wing behind him, searching for their son. Her heart sped up as they reached his room, stopping in front before it swung open, and the nurse met them at the door. “He will probably sleep most of the night.” She offered before wrapping him in a blanket and passing him to Emma.

Her smile grew when she gazed at the sleeping boy’s face, peaceful and unaware of the events he had just experienced. They returned to their room and Emma carried him to her bed, lying him down as she snuggled in beside him, not wanting to keep him from her sight for a moment. She felt the bed move as Killian flanked the child from the other side, his hand brushing the boy’s cheek.

She looked up and met his eye, a soft smile residing on his lips. “Survivor.” He whispered and Emma felt the tears release from her eyes.

“I’m never letting either of you go, ever again.” She cried.

“Aye love, you won’t need to.” He clasped her hand in his and rest it atop the small boy’s body.

“My boys.” She said softly, watching as Killian kissed their child’s forehead and then rest his against the pillow.

~*~

Killian chased Emma through the halls, cradling his son in his arms as he rushed after her. “God’s woman, he’s not going anywhere.” He joked, but she simply continued her pace until she reached the door.

She pushed through the door, entering the room with nervous anticipation.

“Will!” She said with a smile, seeing the man sitting up in his bed, a bandage around his waist but a smile on his face.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost, Emmie. Have you been sleeping alright?” He teased.

“You know damn well I haven’t.” She chuckled, wrapping her arms around his neck as she attacked him on the bed. Killian felt as if he were intruding on the moment, his eyes focusing on his son instead, the soft smile of the child staring up at him.

“I’m fine, woman. You can stop inspecting me.” Will complained and Killian couldn’t hold in his laughter. “Can’t you keep her occupied?” He snorted. “I expected the two of you to be still locked in a bedroom as you…Ow.” He winced as Emma pinched his bicep.

“’Fraid there was no keeping her from you, Mate.” He winked stepping closer to run his hand against Emma’s back.

“There he is.” He said with a smile as Henry was brought closer to him. “My hero.” He reached out and Killian lay his son in the man’s arms, stepping back to watch them. “Always knew you’d be special.” Will cooed to the giggling child.

“How are you feeling?” Emma asked.

“Like I could run a marathon.” He paused. “I’m not, because that sound bloody awful, but if I wanted to, I think I could.”

“Merlin’s team is working fast to prepare all the supplies. The Resistance teams are heading out into the foglands to deliver as many crates as they can.”

“How’s it feel to be the bonafide savior of Storybrooke?”

Emma laughed. “Stop. I didn’t do anything.”

“Emmie, you risked everything for this whole town, to get the truth out. That makes you a savior to a lot of people.”

Emma chuckled nervously. “You helped too.”

“Yeah, I did, didn’t I?” Will grinned widely. “And this one.” He gestured toward him. “Well, I guess he had somethin’ to do with it.”

“Thanks, Mate.” He said sarcastically.

“I mean besides making a baby that saved mankind.” He said with a shrug.

“William.” Emma slapped teasingly at her friend.

“How’s Mum?” The man asked of the woman who had taken them all in.

“She’s already up and about, working with Merlin to organize the destruction of the wall.” Killian responded, thinking of the way that the woman had refused to rest, immediately started planning and working to gather her troops to ensure that everyone was accounted for and ready to help.

“Yeah and all while you’ve been sleeping in this bed.” Emma smirked.

“Cheeky git.” Will swore.

After the wall came down, the town nervously reunited with loved ones who had been exiled beyond the wall, mourned those who never returned, and celebrated a cure to the disease that had caused so much destruction in its wake.

Remnants of the Hive, lost boys who followed Gold beyond his demise were slowly being brought in by the Storybrooke PD, Killian and David fought tirelessly to ensure the safety of the town and its people. Merlin remained long enough to ensure that they could rebuild on their own, returning to Camelot once the new Mayor had been elected.

“Have you seen Henry’s blue shirt?” Emma asked from the other side of the apartment. “I can’t find it.”

“Aye, it’s on the bed.”

She walked into the room with a flustered look on her face. “How did I miss it; I was just in here.”

He grabbed her by the hand and pulled her into his lap. “Perhaps it’s time to take a break.”

She laughed. “You just want to make out with me.”

He bit his lip and his brow raised. “You’re not wrong, love.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead, and she squirmed on his lap.

“I have to dress Henry.”

“Is the lad even awake yet?”

“Of course not, you know he sleeps like you. I need to wake him so that we can get ready to leave, otherwise we are definitely going to be late.”

“Mmm.” He grinned, brushing her hair from her neck. “While I do enjoy it when we’re late, I generally prefer the act of making you come on any occasion.” She blushed red.

“Killian.” She slapped playfully at his chest as he gripped her hips with his fingers, pulling her against him.

“Yes love?” He questioned with a smirk. “There are many ways I enjoy hearing my name fall from your lips, perhaps a tour of some of my favorites is in order.”

Her teeth nipped at his lips, a soft moan escaping her lips as she ground against his hips.

“Minx.” He teased, flipping them over on the bed as she giggled in excitement.

“Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Jones, it’s 9:30 am, pollution level 15%, you have an event at 10:30 am today.”

“Not now.” He groaned, lifting Emma’s shirt to expose the skin as her waist. “I have my own event to tend to right now.”

“We’re going to be late.”

He lifted his head, locking eyes with her. “Mrs. Jones, your body is like an expensive watch. He pushed the material at her waist further up her body, exposing her bare breast. He slid his hand against her flesh, pinching at her pert nipple. “A few twists here,” He pinched, and she moaned appreciatively. “A tweak there.” Her head fell back against the bed. “I know this body better than anything in the world, I’ll have you singing with time to spare.”

“Then why are you wasting so much of it.” She smirked.

Killian lowered his head, his hand roaming his wife’s body, worshiping between her legs until she screamed out his name, the satisfying smirk remaining on his face as he plunged himself inside of her, causing his name to fall from her lips over and over again in a way that he would never tire of.

“I told you we would be late.” She complained over an hour later as they arrived at the station.

“I’m not the one who insisted that we shower.” He grinned.

“Did we actually shower?” She teased.

“I seem to recall there was water. And a very enticing sexy vixen who was worshiping at my feet.”

“Stop that, we’re in public.” She blushed. “And he’s listening to everything you say.”

Killian stared at his son in his arms, the boy giggling and gurgling as he grasped Killian’s chin with his tiny fingers. “Aye, your mother is a marvel lad, very talented indeed, one day you’ll understand.” Killian said in a soft voice, almost singing at the young boy as the child grinned.

“Oh Lord, you’re impossible.” Emma said, rolling her eyes before she was wrapped up in strong arms as Will met her at the door.

“You’re late.”

“Blame him.” Emma thumbed toward him. “He needed a cold shower.”

“Cold and bracing.” He winked.

“I don’t believe either of you. Now get in here, it’s about to start.”

Killian followed them into the hall, nodding to David who was standing near his wife. The man smiled appreciatively as his wife was sworn in as the new mayor of Storybrooke. A large photo of Regina Mills hanging on the wall behind them.

“Our town has faced much darkness in the last few years, a time where hope was far from our sight. But we never gave up, we climbed back to the light, and now together, we face a strong and prosperous future. Regina Mills gave up her life in protection of this town, for her people, and today I am proud to continue that fight. Storybrooke stands today because of family, triumph, and love and I intend to ensure that it always will.”

The town erupted in cheers and Killian proudly stood by Emma’s side, his son in his arms, and hope in his heart.

[thebluemartini]

Far From the Shallow - Chapter 11 [Nessian Fic]

TITLE: Far From the Shallow SYNOPSIS: Post-ACOFAS. As part of a deal with Feyre, Nesta has agreed to live with Cassian in the Illyrian Mountains. However, shortly after her arrival, she receives the startling news that she’s pregnant from one of her one-night stands. While she tries to quickly get a grip on her life, Cassian’s determined to make her see that she’s not facing this alone.

FIC LENGTH: Multi-chapter (Total Chapter Estimate: 14)

PREVIOUS CHAPTERS: Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5 / Chapter 6 / Chapter 7 / Chapter 8 / Chapter 9 / Chapter 10

TAGGING: @bohemiandreams27 @queenofillea1 @trash-for-nessian @nestaarcheronwillkillme @my-fan-side @strangeenemy @maastrash @cageddovepoetry @bybooksanddreams @lilbat90 @ritamordio19 @mastercommandercaptain @feysand-dot-acotar @archeron-queen @welcometothespeaknowworldtour @empress-ofbloodshed @there-is-warmth-in-winter @mybbyfeyre @saltydreamcollector @justlikethecheshirecat @mis-lil-red @supebowlere @monstrousloves-explodinggalaxies @everything-that-i-love @sezkins79 @hashtolanashoba @lord-douglas-the-third @rhysandsdarlingfeyre @hikari274 @acotar-and-tog-for-life @ellenoftroy @ink-nibs @highlordofthenightcourttrash @sesquipedalian-aficionado

*This chapter is also posted on AO3 and FF.

A/N: I present to you...THE LONGEST CHAPTER YET.

Enjoy! :)

________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER 11: April

“Another package has arrived for you,” Feyre said upon entering Nesta’s room.

As she sat on her bed, Nesta didn’t even lift up her eyes up from the book she was reading about childbirth and raising a baby. It was unsettling to learn that giving birth would be an even more painful experience than a fae menstruation, but Nesta read on.

“And as usual, I don’t want it,” she remarked sternly before turning a page.

Feyre sighed. “But this one - ”

“I don’t care, Feyre,” she said. “Throw it away.”

Over the past few weeks - ever since Cassian had left Velaris and returned to Illyria - he had been sending her different packages. They’d come in various shapes and sizes, but Nesta never dared to open any of them to find out what they were. At first, the packages had been delivered sparingly, but now it felt like there was at least one package every other day. Feyre would always retrieve the package and inform Nesta about it, and each time Nesta instructed her to throw it away.

She didn’t care what that bastard had to say or what he wanted to give her. Silly gifts couldn’t make up for that fact that he kept the mating bond a secret and couldn’t prove to her that their feelings for each other were real.

On the day he left to go back to Illyria, he was winnowed there by Rhys. He had made no attempt to say goodbye to her. In fact, Nesta didn’t even know he had left until after the fact. He did, apparently, leave her a note before going, but she never deigned to open it.

She had to detach herself from him, which meant no contact with him. No reading his letters. No acceptance of his packages. She had to get over him.

Yet..despite all this, she still thought of him everyday. It had been over three weeks since she last saw him, and yet her mind always drifted to him.

Whether it was eating pancakes for breakfast or even simply feeling her baby kick, she couldn’t help but be reminded of the time she had spent with Cassian in the Illyrian Mountains.

But each time such memories surfaced, she would curse herself for thinking of him and focus on preparing herself for the baby’s arrival, which included reading childbirth books and preparing the room for the baby. Feyre’s spacious estate had plenty of rooms available, so her and her sisters had begun decorating the room across the hall from Nesta’s over the past few weeks.

But there was still more clothes, toys, and other materials to buy.

Including a crib.

Feyre had turned to leave her room, but Nesta called out to her. “Do you want to go shopping for the baby today?”

Feyre gave her a soft smile. “I’d love to,” she said quietly. 

________________________________________________________________

That afternoon, Nesta, Feyre, and Elain had set out to go shopping in Velaris, with Feyre winnowing them to the center of Velaris’ shopping area. Once they arrived, Feyre led the way, considering Nesta wasn’t aware where stores for baby items were located.

However, when they were walking along the sidewalk of the strips of stores in Velaris, Nesta realized exactly where they were heading as they passed storefronts that were familiar to her.

It was the baby store she had gone to with Cassian a few months ago.

Nesta couldn’t help but groan over the fact that once again everything was reminding her of Cassian. And she knew once she stepped in that store, she would be overcome with the memories of that day.

“What is it?” Feyre asked as they all stopped in front of the store. Evidently, she had heard Nesta’s groan.

“Is there another store we can go to?” Nesta wondered, choosing not to delve into the reasons why. She’d never revealed to her sisters what had gone on between her and Cassian, and she didn’t know if Cassian had said anything about it at all.

“This is the only store in the city that solely has baby items,” Feyre explained. “It’ll have the widest selection. Other stores might not have everything you need.”

Nesta fought back the urge to groan again. Of course Cassian had taken her to the only baby store in Velaris.

But she could do this. She was stronger than this. She could go in there with and not spend a single moment thinking about him.

“Fine,” Nesta stated as she boldly yanked open the store’s door and led her sisters inside the store.

And of course she failed to meet her goal immediately upon stepping inside because the first item her eyes found was the outfit that Cassian held in his hands as he asked her if there was a chance the child could have wings.

Nesta huffed as she rushed past the rack where the outfit hung and went strolling down another aisle. Elain and Feyre followed after her.

Over the course of the next hour, Nesta rather grumpily picked out clothing, bedding, and blankets with her sisters, who thankfully seemed to ignore her unpleasant mood.

Or maybe to them, it was just her usual demeanor.

But she was happy to be shopping for her baby. Thinking about her little one had always brought a smile to her face.

It’s just that Cassian was this dark cloud that lingered over her and her plans for her baby, after having visualized for so long that he would be there for her and the baby.

When she and her sisters left their current aisle with filled baskets, Nesta came upon the crib section.

She strode toward the various cribs on display. She inspected some of them, determining if it was the proper color and shape. She rubbed her hands along their railings to see if it was smooth enough and would attempt to shake the cribs to figure out if they were sturdy enough.

Cassian had finished making the crib before everything turned upside down. It had been painted a spring shade of green as Nesta had wished to give her child a colorful room. It was well-constructed and felt smooth against her fingertips.

These cribs weren’t nearly as good as that one.

Cassian’s crib was perfect.

Was it all the bond’s doing? The way she admired him and his thoughtfulness? The reason she couldn’t seem to get him out of her brain?

But the way she felt when he told her he made the crib after they had gone shopping that day in January…she had felt tremendously touched. That was real, wasn’t it? If he was telling the truth when he said the bond didn’t snap until the baby first kicked, then perhaps...everything up to that point had been real?

She detested him when she first moved to Illyria, and he still made her food and bought her books then. By the time the baby first kicked, she had already been falling for him. So had it all been real?

“Nesta, is everything okay?” Elain asked from behind her.

Alarmed by the sudden interruption to her thoughts, Nesta realized she had been gripping a crib railing so tightly that her knuckles were turning white.

“Elain,” Nesta began softly. “How do you feel about Lucien?”

Elain seemed taken aback by the question. “Well, he seems...nice.”

“But...how do you feel toward him?”

Elain tilted her head to the side as she thought about her question. “I don’t particularly feel anything toward him. I don’t truly know him. When he starts trying to come around often, I feel rather annoyed with him actually.”

“So...you don’t love him?”

She chuckled and shook her head. “Not at all.”

Feyre came over to them. “You should ask her how she feels about Azriel,” Feyre piped in with a smile on her face.

Elain instantly blushed.

Nesta took Feyre’s advice. “How do you feel about Azriel?” she asked seriously.

“He’s...very sweet,” Elain answered hesitantly as her face reddened even more. She couldn’t fight the grin that spread across her face. “I...miss him when he’s not around.”

“Even though...he’s not your mate?”

Elain nodded as Feyre gave Nesta a warm smile.

It was too knowing of a smile, Nesta felt. She eyed her sister suspiciously, wondering if she knew of the mating bond between her and Cassian.

“Whatever you feel for Cassian, Nesta...it’s not because of the bond,” Feyre whispered.

So Feyre did know. And based on the fact that Elain didn’t seem shocked at all, she knew too. Now they assumed she felt something other than disdain toward Cassian.

“So, he told you about the bond?” she asked sternly as she crossed her arms against her chest.

“He told Rhys,” Feyre answered. “Rhys told me.”

Nesta took a deep breath. “And your bond...how do you know that you truly fell in love each other?”

“Because I despised him for a while after the bond snapped, and my love for him wasn’t instantaneous. It grew over time as I got to know him.” 

“Hmm.” Nesta looked down at the ground. 

“You don’t need to buy a crib, by the way,” she added. 

Nesta popped her head back up to look at her. “Why not?”

“Because Cassian already made you one, and Rhys was able to winnow it here this morning.”

Nesta sighed as grabbed hold of the crib’s railing once more, trying not to let herself become overwhelmed with emotion.

Could his love for her truly be real? 

Despite hearing her sisters’ experiences with the bond, she still found it unbelievable that someone like Cassian could love someone like her. 

________________________________________________________________

It had been weeks since he’d last seen Nesta, and yet it had felt like an eternity.

Sure, his days had been loaded with constant visits to the Illyrian camps, issuing punishments and ensuring they were followed, and training with the Illyrians which made the days seem to go by quickly.

But each night, he’d return to his home. He hated what his home in the Illyrian Mountains had become.

Over the past several months, it had been his sanctuary. A place where, despite feeling like an outsider among the various camps that surrounded it, he found belonging and comfort and discovered he wasn’t alone.

It had been the site of where he had fallen in love with Nesta and where he was given the dream of being a part of a family with her.

Now it was just an empty cabin that only served as a reminder of his loneliness and his crushed hopes. He dreaded returning to it each day.

But it didn’t remind him of Nesta. No, nothing was needed to even remind him of her because she never left his thoughts.

Over the past several weeks, he hoped and prayed to whatever gods were listening that she would answer his letters that he sent along with his gifts for her.

So far, no reply had come. But he was still determined. So nearly every night, he would take a seat at his desk - which had been situated in his bedroom ever since he cleaned out his study to be turned into the baby’s room - and pull out a piece of parchment and write to her.

When he’d left Velaris, he only left her a note to explain that he had gone to punish the camp that hurt her and her baby.

He figured she would want some space, and so he had left to give her a chance to clear her head and hopefully come to her senses. But he couldn’t give her too much space. He learned that after having left her alone for too long after the war. He still had to let her know how much he loved her and that he was there for her.

And so, a week after he had first left Velaris, he returned to the city for one day. He spent the entire day shopping for different items for Nesta’s baby and arranged it so the shops would stagger the delivery of each item to Rhys and Feyre’s estate.

With the letters, he would be able to send through magical parchment.

But this current letter would be different. This one would come with a special item. Because there was a promise he had broken and another promise that he would deliberately break by writing this letter.

But he felt it was necessary in this case in an effort to prove he loved her.

When he had finished writing the letter, he had sent over a quick note to Rhys, asking him if he could come help him with something when he had a chance.

He didn’t expect that moment to be right now, but the sooner the better.

“What do you need my help with?” Rhys asked as he stepped inside Cassian’s bedroom.

Cassian picked up one of his bright red siphons that had been resting on his desk and held it out to Rhys. “I need you to unlink this siphon from me,” he announced.

Rhys’ eyes widened. “Why would you want me to do a thing like that? To unlink it would put you through a great deal of pain, plus you’d lose some of your power. Once it’s disconnected from you, I won’t be able to link this siphon back.”

“I am well aware of that,” Cassian calmly stated. “But I need you to do this for me. I need to give it to Nesta.”

Rhys looked flabbergasted and shook his head in disbelief. “You spent years acquiring your siphons! Why would Nesta need one?”

“It’s a long story,” he said. “But I broke a promise and now I need to make it up to her by giving her one of my siphons.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I don’t need you to understand. I just need you to unlink it.”

Rhys shook his head. “Is she really worth all this?”

“Yes,” Cassian instantly replied, standing up at his desk with palms flat against the top of it. “She is worth everything to me, and if there is anything I can do to try to win her back, I will do it.”

Rhys sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. “If this is what you really want…”

“It is.”

“Maybe you should take a day to think about it?”

“I already have, and I need to do this now.”

Rhys sighed again as he grabbed the siphon from Cassian’s hands. “You’re sure?”

“Yes.”

Rhys hesitantly encased the siphon within his hands. “You’ll feel like your whole body is on fire. Are you ready?”

Cassian went over and stood at the end of his bed. He tightly grabbed onto the bedposts as he prepared for the pain.

“I’m ready,” he said.

Rhys took a deep breath before letting his power surround the crimson item.

Cassian’s skin immediately felt like it was burning. Like hot coals were being pressed against his entire body. He fought back from screaming out, only releasing grunts and moans of pain instead as the siphon was detached from the power within him.

But he welcomed the pain. If doing so could help Nesta or bring Nesta back to him, it was worth it. 

________________________________________________________________

Nesta had been settling into a couch in Feyre and Rhys’ library that evening, cradling a book within her hands when she felt a sudden ache throughout her body.

Was it the way she had nestled in the couch? Pregnancy cramps?

But this dull pain flowed all throughout her body…

The bond.

Was Cassian hurt?

Her heart started racing in fear at the possibility. She sat up in her seat as she closed her book and put it to the side. Reading to her baby would just have to wait a moment.

Putting her arms around her stomach, she couldn’t help but recall the moment where she had discovered Cassian bleeding in the kitchen a few months ago. It was after a fight they had had, and of course she had been lured into speaking to him again because he was wounded.

No matter how much they fought or bickered, whenever she was faced with the possibility of losing him, she’d always been drawn back in. The same thing happened when they were on the battlefield together.

Did it make her weak? The fact that she would so easily go to him whenever she feared losing him?

Now her mind raced over where he could be, what he could be doing, whether he was alright or not.

As she hugged her stomach tighter, her baby started kicking.

What could she even do at this point? She didn’t know where he was or what his condition was. If they didn’t even have this ridiculous bond, she would’ve been blissfully unaware.

But now she knew something was wrong.

With a frustrated sigh, she stood up and exited the room.

Making her way to a room down the hall, she found Feyre busily painting a scenic landscape on a canvas.

“I feel...pain,” Nesta announced.

Feyre halted her brushstroke and turned her head abruptly back at her sister. “Is it the baby?”

“No. Through the bond,” Nesta whispered seriously.

Feyre’s eyes widened a bit. “Rhys just went to visit him, and I haven’t felt anything. Let me ask him.”

As Feyre closed her eyes, Nesta knew her sister was going to use her own mind to communicate across the bond to her mate.

This mate business still seemed so foreign and strange to her.

Minutes ticked by as Nesta waited. It felt like it was taking a ridiculous amount of time to find out the answer to a simple question.

Nesta’s heartbeat seemed to increase its speed.

“Cassian’s fine,” Feyre suddenly stated, and a wave of relief came over Nesta. “Rhys is with him. Cassian’s pain is nothing to worry about.”

“Who said I was worried?” she asked defensively.

“Your face,” Feyre answered gently with a knowing smile. Nesta scowled as her. “If you’d like me to winnow you to him and see for yourself, I’d be happy to.”

“That isn’t necessary,” Nesta was quick to say.

But naturally, she still wondered what could have possibly been causing him this pain.

But she shouldn’t, she insisted to herself as she wandered out of the room. She shouldn’t care anymore. Despite what her sisters had told her about the bond, she still couldn’t fully believe that the bond didn’t play a role in how they felt about each other.

Plus, there was still the fact that he kept that information from her, choosing to only reveal it after she had figured it out.

She’d been deceived before by those she cared about.

By her father. By Tomas.

Her father hid the fact that he’d inherited his father’s and his grandfather’s debts. And when he lost all of their family’s wealth, it wasn’t until the creditors came to ransack their house that he finally revealed the truth.

With Tomas, she’d been led to believe that he honestly loved her. It wasn’t until she openly critiqued his pitiful proposal that he revealed his true feelings...that he only wanted to use her body and would even dare to attempt to take it without her consent.

Did Cassian understand how he had disrespected her by not telling her? Didn’t she have a right to know she was his mate as soon as he found out?

She sighed as she settled back down into the couch in the library. She couldn’t be stressing herself out by these things. Not when she only had one month left to go of the pregnancy. Picking up the book she had left on the cushion, she started reading aloud in the hopes that the baby would hear her voice and grow accustomed to it.

The aches in her body still lingered as she read.

What the hell could possibly be happening to him?

But she read on for a little while, forcing herself to focus on the storyline and envisioning the other types of books she could read to her child when he or she was born.

A child who she still had to figure out possible names for.

As she read, she would pause to consider the characters’ names, trying to see how well it rolled off the tongue or what she would envision the child to look like if they had such a name. However, none of the names really stuck out to her.

For over an hour, she continued reading as the aches subsided. Eventually, she began dozing off before falling asleep on the couch.

Some time later, she was startled awake by the sound of something being dropped on the small table in front of the couch. Her eyes shot open to find Rhysand standing in front of her and immediately narrowed. Her and Rhysand still had trouble getting along.

“I’ve brought a gift from Cassian,” he said emotionlessly.

Nesta shifted her gaze to the item that had been dropped on the table. It appeared to be a small wooden box that had different designs carved in it.

“I don’t…” she hesitantly began to say.

“I demand you open this,” he interrupted angrily. “It was a sacrifice for him to give you this, and I will not let it go to waste. You must open it.”

Normally, she would be infuriated that Rhysand was demanding her to do something, but this time, curiosity got the best of her. “What kind of sacrifice?”

“A physically painful one,” he answered.

Nesta kept staring at the box, debating if she should listen to Rhysand. Perhaps that sacrifice was the pain she felt through the bond.

“He misses you terribly, you know,” Rhysand continued, his voice more gentler now. “He hasn’t been the same since he left Velaris last month. He’s miserable without you.”

Nesta didn’t say anything to him, unsure of what to say. She kept her eyes on the box as a thought floated through her mind.

I miss him too.

“I think it’s pretty clear that I don’t exactly...like you,” Rhysand stated.

“The feeling is mutual,” she replied as her eyes flicked up back to his face, wondering what he was about to say.

“And despite the fact that I feel that way, I wish you would talk to him,” he pleaded. “For what it’s worth, the bond doesn’t determine how you feel about your mate. If I truly didn’t think you’d make him happy, I would’ve been thrilled that you were avoiding him. But after spending much of the last month with him...you should at least talk to him again and know that you weren’t forced to have whatever feelings you have for him.”

She didn’t show it, but Nesta was stunned that Rhysand would say such a thing. The two of them never hid their disdain for the other. Yet here he was, encouraging her to be with the man he considered to be his brother.

Left speechless, her hands seemed to move of their own accord and reached for the wooden box. As she held it, she ran her hand over the wood, feeling the texture of the different engravings. On the top of the box was the letter “D” in the middle of a sun design carved into it.

Slowly, she lifted open the lid and found a folded-up piece of parchment with her name scrawled on it resting on top of something wrapped in gray cloth.

Once Rhysand noticed she opened the box, he silently left the room.

She placed the box back down on the table, then with a slightly trembling hand, she picked up the parchment and unfolded it to read it.

Dear Nesta,

I owe you two items that I consider important to me. One for a promise I’ve broken. The other for a promise I’m about to break.

It feels like a lifetime ago when you were human and I first promised to protect you. I’ve failed so much in keeping this promise, but I failed again last month and nearly lost both you and the baby. I still feel haunted by this. If only I could’ve found a way out of the Blood Rite or had eased tensions with the Illyrians...I know you said it wasn’t my fault, but I still blame myself.

So as we had agreed several months ago that I would need to give you something I value if I broke a promise, I’m giving you this box, which belonged to my mother. It’s one of the very few things I have of hers. I want you to have it, and I probably would have given it to you even if I hadn’t broken a promise. I know you’ll be a fierce and loving mother as she was.

I once tried to give you something similar to hers before, during that Winter Solstice when I followed you and tried to give you a present that you refused to accept. It was a ruby that belonged to her that I had made into a necklace. The very same jewel that had been on the hilt of my Illyrian blade that you used to distract the king of Hybern away from me. After the war, it seemed that sword had gone missing but after months of searching for it, I found it with the intention of giving you this jewel to remind you of your loving heart, your courage, your strength, and your devotion. Of the impact you’ve made. You were and are a warrior who can accomplish anything, even getting past the horrors of that war. (Unfortunately, I was stupid and threw that gift into the Sidra.)

By speaking of that day, I realize I am breaking another promise to you. But Nesta, you nearly died with me on the battlefield in the fight against Hybern, and I need you to know what that meant to me. You didn’t leave me after I told you to go, and then you shielded me against him, knowing you’d likely die. For the first time in my 538 years of life, I felt worthy. Here was someone who seemed to despise me, but grown to care for me enough that they would want to go with me into death. After centuries of feeling like a worthless bastard, you proved to me that wasn’t true. Of course I knew my friends cared for me, but I never truly believed I was worthy of love and happiness until that moment. You made me see that I wasn’t alone. You didn’t leave my side, and I am forever grateful.

That day occurred long before the bond snapped into place. And all our encounters from when you were living in the Mortal Lands and when you first lived in Velaris...those feelings between us were all real. And of course, everything between us while in Illyria was real... just as it’s real between us now.

For breaking that second promise, I’m giving you one of my siphons as you had requested months ago. It didn’t occur to me before, but maybe the siphon can help amplify your powers? Amren can show you how to use it and maybe she could help you figure out how to use your powers before the baby comes.

To update you on the matters from my other letters, there is still tension with the Illyrians. Nothing new to report.

I love you, Nesta.

-Cassian

Nesta couldn’t stop the tears that welled in her eyes as she put the letter down on the couch. Leaning forward, she lifted what she knew must be the siphon wrapped in cloth. Pulling back the cloth, she indeed found the gleaming crimson siphon. Cradling it in her hands, she stared at the stone that was nearly as big as her palm.

If she remembered correctly, the jewel she rejected looked pretty similar to the siphon, having been the same color and shape, just a bit smaller.

Gods, he threw something of his mother’s into the Sidra. What kind of a monster was she to drive him to do such a thing? Was his love for her even healthy?

She had no idea when she forced him to make that silly vow all those months ago that it would be a physical sacrifice to give her this siphon. She wanted it to be something important, but she didn’t think it’d require physical pain to give it to her. How awful was she to cause him to do such things?

Covering her hands around it, she held it against her large belly. She prayed she wouldn’t be a horrible mother.

And the first step to ensuring that would be to try to figure out her powers before the baby was born.

Once again, Cassian knew what she needed to do before she realized it herself. She sighed.

Doing so required visiting Amren. Amren had been visiting the Summer Court when Nesta first returned to Velaris. But she’d come back the other week.

They hadn’t spoken since she was told she was being sent to the Illyrian Mountains, which felt like decades ago.

My, how much has changed since then…

Nesta carefully wrapped the siphon back in the cloth and placed it back in the box. She picked up the letter and read through it once more.

He just had to remind her of that damned day where she refused to let him die alone. That she cared enough to try to save him, then tried to cover him with her own body.

Maybe it was true. Maybe what they felt for each other was real and had nothing to do with the bond. But...he still kept it from her.

And what he felt for her was no good for him if it drove him to throw away precious possessions or to torture himself. It was for the best that she stay out of his life. 

Folding up the letter, she put it back in the box. 

________________________________________________________________

The following week, Nesta snuck away one afternoon from the estate to visit Amren at her apartment without her sisters’ knowledge.

She didn’t want to deal with their questions that she surely would’ve been interrogated with if she told them she needed to visit Amren. They already knew about the siphon since Rhysand knew. But they didn’t know why Cassian had given her one of his siphons or what she would be able to even do with it. Nesta was thankful he at least didn’t share that information with them.

If they all knew, they would all be pestering her to figure out her powers. But there were simply some things she wanted to be in control of. It already overwhelmed her not knowing how to handle them. She didn’t need anymore pressure or influence.

Or maybe she really enjoyed the fact that there was still a secret that only her and Cassian shared, she regrettably realized. But after moving to Illyria, their relationship had essentially been built on secrets. Not telling her sisters or the Inner Circle about her pregnancy, not speaking of the first instance her new power appeared, not revealing how much their relationship had changed over the last few months at first…

There was something that seemed to make their relationship all the more precious by being united with a secret that they only knew about.

But why did she even care about this? They weren’t together anymore.

And Amren was about to learn of the secret of her powers anyway.

Her feet were so tired. While Nesta enjoyed going for walks, they’d gotten harder to do over the last month and a half. Her feet would easily tire, and she would quickly feel worn out. Going to Amren’s was quite a trek, but she had to do it for the baby and find out what this was.

After she knocked on the door, a minute passed before Amren slowly opened the door. Her eyes swept over Nesta’s body.

“So, you really did get yourself knocked up,” she remarked. “And you probably don’t even know who the father is.”

Nesta’s eyes narrowed. She chose to neither confirm nor deny Amren’s words, instead pushing on with the intention of getting to the point of her visit. “May I come in?” she asked.

Amren simply shrugged before turning around to walk away, leaving the door open. “Do what you want, girl.”

Nesta followed after her, closing the door behind her. Amren walked swiftly to her living room area where a puzzle and a glass of wine sat on the table before her. She sat down and stared intently at the puzzle pieces laying out.

“I need your help,” Nesta stated stiffly as she joined Amren at the table.

“Oh, now you need my help?” Amren wondered irritably before taking a swig of her glass of wine.

For a while, Amren was the only member of the Inner Circle she would willingly talk to and visit after the war. Amren had never questioned her behavior for many months, but the one night that she did led to an explosive row between them. Nesta ended up never talking to her again until the day she was ordered to go to the Illyrian Mountains.

“Yes.”

“I’m not interested in babysitting,” she remarked as she put some puzzle pieces together.

“I’m not asking you to be a babysitter,” she replied. “I need your help in figuring out my new powers.”

Amren tilted her head toward Nesta in curiosity but said nothing.

“You may have heard about me and Cassian’s visit to the Dunclare camp for Winter Solstice?”

“Possibly,” she said as she took another sip of wine. This time, as Amren did so, Nesta realized her own focus lingered on the alcoholic beverage for longer than a glance.

After all her heartache with Cassian lately, that slight desire to escape lingered.

But thankfully, the baby kept that desire at bay.

“During the attack,” Nesta continued, suddenly feeling stronger in her silent rejection of the alcohol as she felt the baby kick within her. “I could hear the Illyrians’ heartbeats slow down as my hands started to feel like they were burning with power when I grabbed their arms. They started to choke and passed out. I couldn’t control it. I didn’t even know how I was wielding it.”

Amren said nothing, so Nesta continued. “Then last month, when I was attacked in Cassian’s cabin, the same thing happened...except the Illyrian died when we fell down the stairs.”

“What were these Illyrians doing exactly at the moment you grabbed their hands?” Amren asked.

“At Dunclare, the one man was about to stick a dagger in Cassian’s chest. The other nearly went to stab me. The one at Cassian’s cabin had been getting ready to push me down the stairs.”

“Hmm,” was all Amren had to say to that.

“I want to know how this power works and how to control it,” she said. “Will you help me?”

“Hmm,” Amren once again said.

“I also have this to help with trying to get my powers to work,” she revealed as she slid her hand into her bag and pulled out the siphon wrapped in gray cloth. Peeling back the cloth, she laid the siphon on the table in the midst of the puzzle pieces in front of Amren.

Amren’s eyes seemed to slightly widen at the sight of the siphon. “The bat gave you one of his siphons?”

Nesta nodded.

“That’s...surprising,” she remarked as she leaned closer to peer at the siphon.

“Why?”

Amren readjusted herself to sit cross legged in her chair. “Because only specific stones can be turned into siphons, and Cassian and Azriel went on searches for years to find them. It took them centuries to find all seven. Then their power has to be linked to it. But this one isn’t glowing which means, he must have unlinked it,” Amren finished slowly, as if she fell deeply into her thoughts.

As Amren spoke, Nesta could feel the guilt sink for asking for such a thing. “Is unlinking it...bad?”

“It means he would’ve been in severe pain for many hours and gave up ever having that siphon again. Once it’s unlinked, it can’t be relinked to his power,” she explained.

“What?” Nesta couldn’t help but let the shock show in her voice. Usually, she was so guarded and careful with her emotions, but even far away, Cassian had a way of showing another side of her.

Why would he do such a thing?

“You heard me, girl,” Amren replied.

“Does it have to be linked to me in order to use it?”

“No,” she noted. “Only if you want the siphon to be used by you and no one else.”

Nesta picked up the siphon in her bare hand and began rubbing it with her thumb as she studied it. How could he have given her such a thing? Why did he listen to her?

But she had to remember the task at hand. She was here to ask Amren to help figure out her powers. Not dwell on Cassian’s seemingly never ending list of things he’s done for her.

“So will you help me?”

“I’ll think about it,” she stated as she resumed her search for specific puzzle pieces.

Taking that as her cue to leave, Nesta rewrapped the stone and placed it back in her bag.

“I’ll show myself out,” she said as stood up and made her way out of the apartment.

On her walk home, all she could think about was the siphon.

The more she walked, the more infuriated she felt over such a gift. She wished he would just stop sacrificing so much for her. Because she did not deserve it.

What had she ever done for him that made him want to do such things for her?

He was too loyal, too self-sacrificing, too...loving.

But she couldn’t dwell on this. She couldn’t bear to think of him anymore. All it did was make her upset.

And made her miss him.

Instead, she chose to think about what remaining items she needed for the baby. Was there anything else? She could buy more books to read to her baby. She could always use more books. How many toys would be sufficient? Did she underestimate the amount of blankets she’d need? She would have to take another look around the baby’s room when she got back to Feyre and Rhys’ estate.

Which meant she’d see the crib that Cassian had made.

She sighed as she tried to walk faster, but it was hard to do when feeling like an elephant. Her feet were already starting to hurt.

If only Cassian were here, he could fly her back...

Nesta sighed. It had been over a month since she last saw him, and she was still failing at keeping him out of her mind. 

With a few tears slowly falling down her cheeks, Nesta made her way back to the estate. 

________________________________________________________________

Once she arrived back at Rhys and Feyre’s home, she went upstairs to put her bag in her room then headed to the baby’s room in order to see if there was anything more she needed to buy.

Luckily, no one in the house noticed her arrival. And perhaps they never even discovered she was absent to begin with.

When she stepped in the room, her eyebrow rose in curiosity as she spotted objects she’d never seen in the room before. Did her sisters do more shopping without her?

The first item she noticed was a mobile hung above the crib, with wooden carvings of snowflakes dangling from it.

Nesta strode up to it, grabbing one of the snowflakes to inspect it closely. She had no idea where it came from.

Letting go of it to let it swing through the air, she moved on to the next new object she saw: a baby carriage.

The interior of the carriage was overflowing with a plethora of items, including stuffed toys, blankets, cloth diapers, and bottles. Nesta eyed it curiously, wondering where it all came from. These items weren’t the ones she had picked out, and she hadn’t bought a carriage.

Turning around, she gasped when she saw a rocking chair in the corner of the room. Sitting on the seat was a stack of paper.

When Nesta wandered over to the chair, she picked up the bundled stack and discovered they were all letters with her name of them.

Written in Cassian’s scrawl.

The letters she had spent so long ignoring.

But maybe...maybe she could just read one...

Taking a seat in the rocking chair, she removed the first letter from the top of the stack. Opening it up, she only found a brief message:

I wanted to kiss you that day at the fair. I should’ve done it.

I love you.

-Cassian

Memories of that day in January flooded back to her as she recalled how he had looked at her and made her feel that day...

Before she knew what she was doing, she broke open the seal of the next letter.

Nesta,

When I saw this mobile, I thought of you.

When you told me you were pregnant, we were out in the snow.

When you saved my life at Dunclare, you walked with me through the snow, determined that we get to safety.

It was on our sleigh ride through the snow when you started opening up yourself to me.

It was while we were out in the snow when you kissed me and I first told you I loved you. And it was the first moment where I felt like the three of us were a family.

I love you both.

-Cassian

Tears filled her eyes as she was reminded of when he kissed her stomach before the Blood Rite. She’d had visions of being a family with moments like that.

If the mobile was one of the packages he sent...did that mean he sent everything else too? Did Feyre and Elain open the packages and put the items in the room? Did they leave the letters here?

She put the letter down on what would be the changing table beside her before grabbing the next letter.

Nesta,

As I said in my last letter, I went to visit Camp Erwood with Rhys and

Nesta abruptly stopped reading the note. Last letter? Which one was the last letter? When she looked up at the date of the message, she realized that it was only two days after the day he left.

Which probably meant the last letter he was referring to was the one he slid under her door right before he left for Illyria.

Getting up from the chair and taking the stack of letters with her, she made her way across the hall to her bedroom.

Going to the side table next to her bed, she opened the drawer and found his letter.

Hesitantly, she picked it up and sat down on the edge of her bed, placing the stack of the other letters on the bed.

Nesta,

I know this is all confusing for you, but I know, without a doubt, that I am truly and honestly in love with you.

I didn’t want to tell you about the bond at first in case it scared you away. I didn’t want the idea of it to influence or sway you in any way. I didn’t want you to misunderstand it and think that you lost control in the choice of a partner. You haven’t.

And I didn’t want you to have false expectations of what a mating bond does for a couple. Rhys and Feyre are an exception. Nearly all the fae in all the other bonds I’ve seen were poorly matched. They didn’t love each other.

I didn’t want the idea of Rhys and Feyre’s bond to scare you away either, with their strong and all-consuming love. I didn’t want you to be overwhelmed by that possibility and run away from it.

So I waited. I wanted to be sure you at least cared for me, maybe even told me you loved me. I wanted to make sure you were ready to hear it. Maybe it was the wrong thing to do, but I hope you can understand. I am so sorry.

I’m going back to Illyria now to deal with camp Erwood for what did to you and the baby. Rhys says they claim the Illyrian acted alone, but I don’t believe that. I don’t intend to show them any mercy.

It kills me to be without you, but I know you need some time...but I also know that I am going to make sure you know that you are not alone this time. I never want to lose you again. I’ll give you space to think things through for yourself, and hopefully you’ll realize that our feelings are true. And once you do, I’ll be ready and waiting for you and the baby.

I love you, sweetheart. I want to raise a family with you. All you have to do is let me know that you’re ready.

-Cassian

As she read his words, Nesta’s heart raced. She supposed the baby sensed her feelings, considering how it began kicking when she finished reading the letter. Rubbing circles on her stomach with one hand, she put the letter to the side and picked up the other letter she had started to read earlier.

Nesta,

As I said in my last letter, I went to visit Camp Erwood with Rhys and we are still here. We’ve been interrogating them, and they finally cracked, admitting that some of them were part of the plan to kill you and the baby.

Because they thought the child was mine, they feared the child would be my heir that would take over as General Commander (if the baby is male) since the camp leaders are usually determined by family bloodlines. They were worried about this since they were confident they would kill me during the Blood Rite.

But they didn’t, and that’s because of you sweetheart. It was the thought of being with you and raising the baby with you that made me want to survive.

They wanted to make your death look like you had fallen down the stairs by accident. The attacker hoped to get away, but thank the gods for your powers.

We’re in the process of determining if the camp leader was involved, and if he was, there will be a trial among all the camps to determine his punishment and his replacement.

For now, training will be made more rigorous for those involved, including having their wings pinned back for a while. They will also have at least one of their siphons removed from them if they have one. They’ve also suffered severe burns from my power. I was unable to control my temper…

There is also reason to suspect other camps may have been involved too. We’ll be checking in with each of them over the next few weeks. I’ll send you updates.

I love you.

-Cassian

Rhys had never mentioned the details of what occurred during his visits with the camps when he returned from his trips to Illyria. But then again, her and Rhys typically tried to avoid each other. But Feyre likely knew what was happening, and never said anything...

Eagerly, Nesta started ripping open all the other letters, putting them in the order they were sent before she started reading them.

In the numerous letters, Cassian described his tense visits with all the camps over the next few weeks as he and Rhys made sure they were all well aware of the punishments the Erwood camp suffered for betraying him. He reminded them of his victory in the Blood Rite and the promise they made to not start a war over his rule over the camps. He also started a rigorous schedule of regularly visiting each of the camps and training with them, slowly trying to convince them to implement reforms.

He’d also discovered that another camp was involved in poisoning Emerie because she had come over to the cabin the day of the attack, which led to her deep sleep that night. It explained why she didn’t immediately hear her fall.

Interspersed throughout the updates, there were some messages where he told her how much he missed her, wondered how her health was and how the baby was, expressed things that made him think of her and the baby, explained some of the gifts he sent, and how he hoped she would write back to him.

Nearly every letter, he told her he loved her.

But there was one letter that really struck her that had been sent within the past week:

Nesta,

Last night I had a dream about you, me, and the baby. The baby was already born and a few months old. It was a boy. I had come home to the cabin one day to find you reading a book aloud to him while sitting in a rocking chair. I kissed you both, just as he was falling asleep. Together, we laid him in his crib, but he started getting fussy. I picked him up and rocked him in my arms a little bit, but then that seemed to make him cry a little bit more. You laughed at me, blaming me for making him cry harder. Then I had the wild suggestion of flying with you and the baby around the camp to make him fall asleep. You were appalled at first, wondering how the baby would possibly fall asleep while flying, but I convinced you to give it a try.

You tightly wrapped your arms around him and I held on to you as we soared through the evening sky. And when we landed, he was in a deep sleep. We took him to bed and gave him goodnight kisses. I teased you, gloating that I was right, while you insisted with a smile that he fell asleep because he was wrapped so tightly in your arms. But I told you it was because of both of us that he fell asleep.

It was heartbreaking to wake up and realize the dream wasn’t real. That you weren’t beside me.

This dream...this is the life I want with you, Nesta. I want to see you bond with your child. I want to be with you and say goodnight to the baby. I want us to figure out how to best raise the child together. Do you want this too?

I miss and love you both.

-Cassian

P.S. I think this is proof that the baby will be a boy.

His dream brought her tears simply because it was what she had wanted too. It was what she used to daydream about. The description of his dream easily came alive in her mind, feeling so vivid, so close to being real. It was something she had been so accustomed to envisioning.

But now… now she felt she was mourning the fact that that dream was out of her reach.

Because she - a female who has difficulty showing kindness, acts coldly, fires back angrily at others, and shuts others out - did not deserve a male like him. One who treated her as the center of his life, made her needs his priorities, was tremendously loyal, and was willing to raise a child that wasn’t his as his own.

She rubbed her stomach again as she looked down at it. “I still think you’re a girl,” she whispered with a sad smile.

Gathering each of the letters to fold them and stack them, she got up and brought them to her dresser, where the wooden box that belonged to Cassian’s mother sat. Lifting open the lid, she placed the letters inside. Then she reached for her bag that was sitting beside the box and pulled out the wrapped siphon and added it to the box.

When she closed the lid, she stared at the patterns of the sun design and traced the letter “D” with her finger.

After staring at it for a minute, she left the room and headed straight for the study, where she was certain she would find Rhys and Feyre.

When she got there, that theory proved to be partially correct, as she found Rhys there. When she stepped inside, Rhys glanced up from his desk and gave her a curious look.

With Rhys, she never felt it was necessary to dance around a subject. She was always straight to the point with him. “Why didn’t you tell me what was going on in Illyria?” she asked.

“Because Cassian told you about it in his letters,” Rhys explained as he continued his task of whatever he was writing at his desk. “He was constantly writing to you whenever he wasn’t moodily going about his day.”

“But Feyre knew I wasn’t reading his letters, and since you two seem to share one mind...” she trailed off, knowing he would understand what she was saying.

“Well if you weren’t going to even bother reading any of his numerous letters, I didn’t think you deserved to know,” he sternly answered.

Nesta couldn’t fight back to that comment. After all Cassian had done for her, the least she could’ve done was read his letters. At least she finally read them and finally knew what had happened.

Now for her other matter of business…

“The box you gave to me that was from him...” she began. “He said it used to belong to his mother. It has a ‘D’ engraved in it. Do you know what it stands for?”

“His mother’s name,” Rhys answered before pausing his writing to look up at her. “Dahlia.”

Dahlia.

“Thank you,” Nesta said before turning away to leave the room. But Rhys called out to her.

“Are you finally going to talk to him? Or at least write to him?”

“I don’t think that’s any of your business,” she replied. The truth was she wasn’t sure what to do next with her mixed up feelings and emotions.

“Well I hope you will. If you do, here’s a piece of that parchment where he’ll instantly receive the note on his desk,” Rhys said as he handed her a large sheet.

Nesta nodded as she accepted it, then left the room as she tried to figure out what she should do.

________________________________________________________________

It wasn’t long before Nesta heard from Amren again, and Nesta wasn’t surprised. Despite their previous falling out, she knew Amren would be intrigued by a challenge that needed to be solved.

So for the next few days, Nesta went to Amren’s, where Amren demanded to know every single detail about all the instances of when her power showed itself and what she had already tried in an attempt to get her powers to show. They poured over the vast number of books Amren had in her collection about various fae powers, searching for anything that was remotely similar.

At one point in the midst of their reading in her living room, Amren looked up from her book at her as she sat on the floor. “Was there ever a moment after the war and before the first instance when you discovered your powers that you were attacked in any way?”

Nesta, sitting on the couch, thought for a moment about the insanity of her life after the war that only consisted of males and alcohol. She shook her head. “No.”

“Hmm.”

Nesta shot her head up from her book. “What?”

“Perhaps your beheading of the king of Hybern has something to do with it.”

“How could that have something to do with it?”

“You murdered a powerful High Fae, girl,” she remarked as if it was obvious. “That doesn’t happen everyday. Who knows what that can cause.”

“But you’re sure it’s not the baby?”

“If you didn’t feel anything in your stomach when it happened, then I highly doubt it.”

“But the king of Hybern…” she trailed off.

“Maybe some element of his power went to you.”

“Even though Elain was the one who stabbed him?”

“You’re the one who finished him off.”

Nesta still hated thinking of that day. The visuals of his severed head within her hands as the blood dripped onto her dress and shoes still haunted her. Nesta’s body began to tremble. She refused to think anymore of it. She closed her eyes and attempted to block her brain from thinking anymore of that day.

“You nearly died with Cassian that day, didn’t you?”

Nesta’s eyes shot open. How was she supposed to avoid thinking of that day with Amren prodding her about it?

“Yes,” she stiffly answered.

“Tell me everything that happened when you and Cassian went to attempt to kill the king,” Amren demanded.

Nesta shuddered. “I...I can’t,” she whispered as she turned her face away.

“Don’t let that bastard win in death, girl,” Amren challenged her. “You have power over this. You have found happiness with the child within you. He did not scar you forever.”

“But he killed my father in front of me, and then I...I murdered him,” Nesta stated with tears falling down her cheeks. With the pregnancy, it had become difficult to hide her emotions from anyone.

“You did what you had to do to protect all of Prythian and the Mortal Lands,” Amren yelled back. “Don’t forget that.”

“I…,” she helplessly said, but didn’t know what else she could say.

“Didn’t you tell me you wanted to figure out your powers so you could protect your child?” Amren asked in a calmer tone, standing up as she stared at Nesta and crossed her arms across her chest.

“Yes,” Nesta sniffed as she wiped away her tears with the back of her hand.

“Then keep protecting, girl,” Amren harshly commanded.

Nesta took a deep breath, and the memories of the dead birds she had seen during the first month of living with Cassian came to mind. At that time, she’d been terrified of reliving the day she killed the king. Doing so had taken so much from her. Her life became listless and empty.

But now...the pregnancy and her time she spent with Cassian brought her strength. It brought her life again. It brought her the hope of a beautiful life she never thought she could have as a fae.

So Nesta told her everything about that day as she rubbed her stomach. Tears still fell as she visualized that day’s events, and her heart still ached as she recalled her father’s death and Cassian’s near-death. She supposed it would never been easy to think about that day, but at least she made progress in being able to talk about it now.

“Hmm,” Amren said when she finished.

“Stop doing that and just tell me what you’re thinking,” she demanded.

“Considering you were protecting Cassian, Elain and yourself that day...perhaps it’s no surprise that your powers seem to only show when you’re trying to protect someone you care about,” she noted.

She supposed it was a valid possibility. So far her powers had only surfaced when trying to protect her baby and Cassian.

But she didn’t particularly like the glint of amusement she saw in Amren’s eyes when she said, “We’ll have to test my theory.”  ________________________________________________________________

When Nesta returned to the estate, she had just walked through the door when Elain suddenly appeared and startled her.

“Nesta! Where have you been?” she exclaimed, sporting a wide grin and looking as if she could hardly contain her excitement. “I’ve been looking all over for you!”

 Nesta’s eyes narrowed in confusion.

“I was...just out walking,” Nesta awkwardly replied.

“This late in the pregnancy?” Elain wondered, a bit perplexed, but she didn’t seem to dwell on it because she quickly continued. “You won’t believe it! I’ve had a vision of the baby!”

Nesta’s eyes widened. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “You...what?”

“I’ve had a vision of the baby. I’ve seen what she looks like!” Elain exclaimed before letting out a gasp and covering her mouth. “Oops.”

She.

The baby’s going to be a girl. Her senses were correct.

Tears started welling up in here eyes. She was going to have a little girl.

“Are you...are you sure?”

Elain nodded eagerly. “I saw you cuddling with her!”

Nesta felt as if she could hardly breathe. After nearly losing her baby and still worrying if the birth would go well, this news was a complete relief to her.

Nesta looked down at her stomach. “My baby girl,” she whispered as she rubbed her hands on her belly.

Elain walked up to Nesta’s side to place her hand along Nesta’s back and her other hand on Nesta’s stomach. The two of them felt the baby kick.

Elain leaned her head on Nesta’s shoulder. “Would you like to know if...anyone else was also in the vision?” she asked.

Nesta’s bright smile faltered a bit at Elain’s question. “I… I don’t think so,” she whispered.

She wasn’t sure which idea would’ve been worse: that Cassian was in the vision or that he wasn’t. Elain could’ve been referring to anyone when she asked that question. But she didn’t want to know what her fate would be. She wanted to make her own choices and not be influenced by a vision of the future.

She was having a girl though...a girl! As she closed her eyes, her mind immediately raced through the future possible moments she could have with her daughter, such as tying ribbons in her hair, reading books to her, wandering through the park with her, taking her to fairs…

She blinked her eyes open at the last thought because she couldn’t help but picture her walking to the fair with her young daughter sitting upon the shoulders...of Cassian.

Nesta sighed. She still had no idea what to do about Cassian, but she felt a desire to share this news with him.

Maybe she could...at least write to him.

________________________________________________________________

Cassian grumpily scrubbed the plate he had just eaten his dinner off of with soap and rinsed it in water before grabbing a towel to dry it.

It was only one plate he needed to wash. Not two, as he had been accustomed to doing from October to February. In the first few weeks since he’d left Nesta in Velaris, the chore left him feeling glum. But now...now that a month and a half had passed, he was left feeling infuriated.

Once he dried the plate, he placed it on the counter a bit too roughly, causing part of it to chip.

He hadn’t heard from Nesta at all. Last he heard from Rhys, she hadn’t even opened any of his letters or his gifts. He knew he needed to give her her space, but he had assumed she would’ve seen reason by now and would have understood that his love for her and whatever she felt for him wasn’t because of the stupid bond. He thought she would have reached out by this point. Did he misunderstand what she felt for him?

No, he couldn’t have. Not with the way she came after him when he left for the Blood Rite. Not with the way she kissed him. Not the way she fell into his embrace when he returned from the Rite.

She admitted she tried to detach herself from him when it was established he would go through with the Rite. Was she trying to detach herself from him now?

He had fallen in love with a ridiculously stubborn woman. He chastised himself for assuming Nesta would have talked to him by now when this same woman refused to talk to him for ten days after taking her shopping near Feyre’s art studio. How could he forget that she knew how to hold a grudge?

Was it time for him to attempt to talk to her in person, or would that further anger her?

He grabbed his cup from the kitchen table to take a sip of water, then slammed it back down, causing it to crack. He couldn’t take this anymore. They both had said they didn’t want to waste anymore time...yet, here they were, wasting time that could’ve been spent together. He could’ve been helping her decorate the baby’s room, could’ve been cooking her foods to satisfy her wild cravings, could’ve been soothing any concerns she had about the baby being born, could’ve been kissing her senselessly and letting her know how loved she was.

He picked up the cup again to take the last sip, then brought it over to the sink to start scrubbing it. And as he did so, a piece of parchment suddenly appeared out of thin air on the counter. A perplexed look crossed his face as he dropped the cup and shook his hands to let the water fly off before picking up the piece of paper.

It felt as if his heart stopped when he realized it was Nesta’s handwriting. After all the letters she’d helped him write when she lived with him, he’d recognize her handwriting anywhere.

I was right.

Those three words was all the message said, leaving him extremely confused. What was she referring to? He didn’t remember writing her any kind of note that would elicit such a response. What kind of tone was she using when she wrote this? Was it filled with anger and arrogance, or was it more of a jest?

It couldn’t have been about the mating bond, could it? Because she certainly was not right about that.

Desperately, he searched for a pen around the kitchen, not wanting to lose this moment to talk to Nesta. Once he found one, he penned his reply and let it disappear, not giving himself a moment to second guess his words.

And what exactly are you right about, sweetheart?

Cassian leaned his hands against the counter, anxiously awaiting her reply. It was only a minute before the paper returned.

The baby is a girl.

Cassian’s eyes widened. How did she know? She couldn’t have possibly had the baby yet, could she? The baby was due in May. Surely, he would have felt something through the bond that she was in labor.

How do you know?

Cassian’s heart started pumping fast until the paper appeared again.

Elain had a vision.

Cassian sighed with relief. She hadn’t had the baby yet. He didn’t miss the birth. But...now they knew for sure the baby would be born. He smiled as he picked up the pen again.

That’s great news. I can’t wait for little Cassandra’s arrival.

The next reply came faster than all the others.

I am not naming her Cassandra.

Cassian smirked.

I don’t see how there could be a better name than that.

I have better ideas.

Care to share?

No.

Cassian tapped his pen against the counter, wondering what he should say next.

But the suspense may kill me.

Don’t be so overdramatic.

Ok, go ahead and keep your secrets, sweetheart. I look forward to the baby’s birth and learning her name then.

Many minutes passed by, leaving Cassian feeling very worried that that was the end of their conversation. Was it his implication that he’d be at the baby’s birth that ended the conversation? 

But she didn’t say anything about him needing to stay away, so perhaps that was a good sign?

Either way, he finally heard from her and it didn’t sound like she was angry with him either.

Progress was being made.

That night, he went to sleep feeling happier than he had in weeks. ________________________________________________________________

A/N: Nesta is SO FREAKIN' STUBBORN, YOU GUYS. She just can't let go of her fears, can she? But I think Cassian is oh so slowly getting her to crack ;) (Also, I hope their conversation over parchment at the end there wasn't confusing to figure out who was speaking!)

I don't really recall if the books say there's any kind of significance with getting a siphon or how you get one...so I decided to make up my own ideas for that. :)

Also a heads up: so I've been updating every other weekend, but I'll be out of town 2 weeks from now, so I am toying with the idea of updating next weekend instead, but I'm not sure yet...so no promises, but it's definitely a possibility! (Plus, everyone's probably dying for Cassian and Nesta to be in the same room again, right? Leaving you guys with this chapter of them broken up for 3 weeks would just seem cruel...and OMG THE BABY IS COMING NEXT CHAPTER, YOU GUYS!)

Thank you so much for all the love!

----> CHAPTER 12