#You could've left him alone Disney you really didn't have to do that

[lpsgirl109]

Im actually never forgiving Descendants: The Royal Wedding for being all silly goofy happy cartoon and then out of fucking NOWHERE just dropping "I really miss Carlos guys" HEY DISNEY WHAT THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM

[mobius-m-mobius]

i watched loki and i gotta say, out of all three mcu series (tf&tws and wandavision), loki is the one that really feels disney 😂in a non-complimentary way. i do like it! it's just not what i thought it was, you know? but anyway i didn't come here to point out flaws. gotta say i kind of love owen wilson as a tva agent and i can see why ppl ship lokius... but also... they really tried to make them buddies didn't they? joke's on you disney, we do what we do best, we ship. and especially when you don't want us to ship we ship😂 (i can see the tenderness of it, he keeps calling loki a "broken boy" and wants to help him ahhh, give me all the comfort fics give them to me.)

who would've known all these series were actually all about the traumatised and problematic children of the mcu. bucky? super fucked up, our poor killing machine. wanda? alone and definitely needs therapy omg give that girl some help. loki? it's time to face all of your daddy issues and have an existential crisis. like really existential (all this timey wimey stuff is making me existential)

that's it, that's the mcu/disney series plan.

anyway i just thought about one specific exchange you and i had abt owen wilson a while ago and i thought i could come rant for a bit. bye now (just so you know, i mistakenly sent this to another blog bf i remembered it was you whom i've sent that owen wilson ask a while ago)

Yoooooo so psyched you watched but also totally here if you wanna talk flaws because I absolutely made it through the series for Owen only and can't pretend otherwise 😂😂

Agree about the show ultimately feeling super "Disney" in the end which is a bummer because the first two eps started with ridiculous potential, like the monotonous, slightly eerie vibes in the TVA were just unsettling enough to be fucking fantastic and had that whole retro aesthetic that I love love love then there's the power shift back and forth in the Lokius relationship, don't get me started 😔 Mobius holding all the cards when they first meet but folding asap (taking Loki to Pompeii where he could've easily been overpowered by magic and / or left there to die, giving the daggers back yeah that's right love's a dagger and the Mouse™ is never gonna take that away) because of how much he cares about and respects Loki, the *chef's kiss* of the buddy cop vibes.

Obviously I'm biased because Mobius owns me but imo it would be hard to argue against his absence in ep 3 feeling like hitting pause on what was already going so well and from that point on the series felt purely like a setup for building the multiverse instead of the atmosphere of the TVA and the base of the Lokius relationship because honestly I'd rather watch the two of them talk jetskis and not so subtly gaze at each other with heart eyes ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

(and no worries I adore that some other Owen Wilson simp on your dash is likely reading the same message in their own box atm lmao 💖)

[twilightofthe]

(oops a little late to the game) Unpopular opinion! Although I think that Padme's death in ROTS wasn't completely out of the realm of possibility (i.e. she absolutely could've given up the will to live, that's a thing that can kill humans!), I also think it was pretty sexist for LF to kill her off because her emotions were too strong/she didn't have the will to live without Anakin anymore.

(Ask game found here)

strongly agree | agree | neutral | disagree | strongly disagree

Thank you for this one! Ok so this is definitely a very complicated answer for me

Firstly, we gotta address the matter of the fact that Padmé, narratively, unfortunately needed to die in Revenge of the Sith. She needed to die because the sad truth was that she was dead, canonically, by the Original Trilogy, as both of her children confirm her as dead. This was a good 8 years before the Disney purchase. There were no other streaming service shows or lesser known comics coming out at this time that would show us what was going to happen in canon after this movie. If you wanted to give Padmé Amidala, one of the three main characters of this movie trilogy, a solid ending to her character and story, she needed to die in Revenge of the Sith.

So yeah, Padmé did HAVE to die here.

Now did Lucas do it well enough to give her character justice? No, in my own opinion I wouldn’t say so. He cut most of her written plot that was about her forming the Rebellion and standing up to Palpatine and actually finding herself on a different side than Anakin, all of that was cut out of the movie. I feel that was detrimental to her character, as what we have left is pretty much just her being the distressed mother to be that Anakin obsesses over. I feel her remaining plot that was left for her in the movie revolving near-entirely around a man is definitely on the sexist side, and her death also revolving completely around a man can be seen as a part of that larger issue.

But Padmé’s death on its own, without the rest of the movie in context? I don’t know if I would call it a particularly sexist death. Like, I really don’t think I could call her death a fridging like I would say other prequels-era Star Wars ladies’ deaths were— notably Shmi, Satine, etc. —because while yes, Padmé’s death did make the male main character sad and drive his motivations afterwards, she was not killed off just to make the male main character sad and drive his plot.

Padmé was killed off for story continuity as she had already been canonically dead before the original trilogy for at this point around 25 years, so she needed to die. Of course it was gonna upset Anakin/Vader because the dumbass decided to pull all his violent murderous bullshit that most male characters with fridged women pull while the woman in question was still alive.

So no, I wouldn’t say Padmé’s death is a fridging. You however mentioned specifically the whole “lost the will to live” part, which is something else, and I don’t know if I would call that sexist either.

Yeah it fuckin’ sucks that in a universe where any old Darth Spite can survive falling down a hole after getting chopped in half/blown up, where the universe personally pulls time travel fixits despite continuity to save you if the director the universe likes you too much to let you die, where the woman in question’s husband just got triple amputated and flambéed and is up and kicking like an hour after getting fixed, where Breha Organa and Fennec Shand can just get brand new roboguts to replace any of their internal organs getting destroyed— it SUCKS that in that universe, Miz Amidala unfortunately cannot escape the diagnosis of Terminal Sad.

But they never say that she can’t go on just because of her emotions over losing Anakin; in fact, her last words are a fervent belief that she hasn’t lost Anakin, that he can still come back, that she still loves him even after he tried to kill her and destroyed her life’s work. I think it’s a combination of all of the different kinds of heartbreak. Her husband helping commit a genocide, yes her entire life’s work she put all of herself into burning to the ground around her, Jedi who were likely her friends all being dead, ALL of that weighed on Padmé. ALL of that was likely a part of her just not having the strength to take any more of this bullshit. Yeah she had two new babies, yeah there was the Rebellion. New children aren’t all sunshine and roses, especially when you’re a newly single parent and your not-so-deadbeat father is trying to hunt you down and is also a murderous fascist. Being part of a rebellion against a corrupt authority??? Fucking SUCKS. Activism and standing up and doing the right thing and fighting to take down the authoritarian power structures is WORK and it’s HARD and it is EXHAUSTING. It’s not a shining crusade of light and hope. It’s gritty and dirty and time consuming and it kills people. Padmé’s been throwing her entire sense of self into serving others, fixing the government, since she was twelve years old. She’s been conditioned to it. It’s all she’s BEEN doing. She has never seen a therapist in her LIFE. She just went through a grueling labor after being strangled by the one she loved most.

The more and more I watch this movie and the more and more I’ve looked back at my own mental bullshit, I can’t help but watch her death now and be like “ok yeah, I get that. I get just not being able to fight anymore, even if it’s The Right Thing To Do to pull yourself back up no matter what.”

I personally actually do subscribe to the theory that Sidious drained Padmé’s life force and used it to save Anakin because I love how it’s a painfully ironic end to the unhealthy and tragic Anidala relationship, that it’s sad for both of them, just because that’s the exact kind of Star Wars bullshit that is fun and makes sense to me. But even if Padmé just genuinely died from not being able to go on, just, I can’t really see that alone as anti-feminist anymore

[caydesgirl-uldrensprincess]

Her || Crow x OC (Smut)

Fandom: Destiny 2

Pairing: Crow/Oc

Warnings: Sexual content, M/F sex, romance, some fluff, but mostly sex

Summary: Crow and Isabelle are in the mood and can't help but give in, save for the interruption from young Lukas.

A/N: I never write this sorts of stuff cause I'm terrible at it, but I thought I'd give it a go 😅

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

Crow looked at Isabelle as she laughed at something he had said. Her laugh was beautiful. He loved the way her sapphire eyes closed and crinkled, how her nose scrunched up, and how the smile spread across her face.

His heart skipped a beat. He could hear her laugh forever.

They were sitting on the couch in the living room of their shared apartment. They were just talking and drinking red wine while a random movie on Disney+ played on the TV above the electric fireplace. From the sound of it, it could've been Robin Hood. Crow wasn't really interested, he was interested in the Awoken woman in next him.

Isabelle stopped laughing with a heavy breath. She still smiled and looked at Crow. One of her legs were tossed carelessly over Crow's lap, whole the other was tucked underneath her.

"Damn, I can't believe Spider didn't bloody kill you pulling that stunt," She said, taking a sip of her wine before setting it on the coffee table.

"What can I say, it was the most effective way to get rid of the Hive," Crow replied, his hand resting on the leg Isabelle tossed over his lap.

"Maybe you should show me sometime," Isabelle suggested, leaning closer.

"You're starting to sound like a hunter," Crow's voice grew husky, "I like that."

"Only for research purposes."

Crow leaned in until their faces were pretty much touch. Isabelle was the one who closed the gap, kissing Crow slowly, but passionately.

He pulled Isabelle onto his lap as they started to make out on the couch. He dug his fingers into Isabelle's hips, bringing her in closer. She moaned aginst his lips.

Since coming to the tower, Crow and Isabelle had a lot more alone time to each other. Most of that alone time was spent tangled up in the sheets, but Crow did relearned a lot of things about his wife. Like how she likes her tea or how much of a clean freak she is. Crow also learned that he was the father a young six and a half year old, who goes by the name Lukas Aiden Sov.

Isabelle pulled away and started to trail kisses along his jawline. She nibbled Crow's earlobe gently, earning a groan of pleasure from him. Crow bit his bottom lip as his wife started to roll her hips against his already growing erection. It was like waves of pure ecstacy hitting him head on.

"The things you do to me, Hummingbird," Crow said.

"Oh, Crow, you do much worse to me just by looking in my general direction," Isabelle chuckled, unbottoning the Hunter's shirt and and sliding it off his shoulders, throwing the garment across the living room.

She trailed her hands down Crow's pecs and stomach, stopping at the waistband of the slacks he wore.

"A bit eager?" Crow chuckled, pressing a kiss just under Isabelle's ear.

"Shut up," the warlock purred, pressing another kiss to Crow's lips.

The hunter removed Isabelle's purple blouse by unbottoning it and sliding it off her shoulds. Crow pressed gentle kisses to the rise of Isabelle's breasts and the valley between them.

"Mummy, Daddy?" Came Lukas's voice from behind them.

Crow pulled his lips away from Isabelle's chest, pulling her tightly against his chest. He closed his eyes and sighed.

"Yes, Luke?" He asked.

"I had a bad dream," The boy said.

"Okay, go back to your room and I'll be there in a second," Crow replied.

The sound of small footsteps climbing up the staircase was heard. Isabelle chuckled, pressing a small kiss to the Hunter's cheek.

"Look at you taking the initiative to help Lukas get to sleep," She said getting up and picking her's and Crow's shirts off the ground.

"I'm is father aren't I?" Crow stated, slipping the white button up on then adjusting the erection in his pants.

"That you are, my dear husband," Isabelle smiled, "I'll be in our bedroom."

Crow followed Isabelle up the floating staircase. He watched as she went to the room on the far side of the hallway and disappeared. The hunter chuckled before entering his son's room.

Lukas was sitting in bed, clutching an Eliskni plush (who he named McStuffy). Crow sat on the edge of his bed and took the boy into his arms.

"So, you had a bad dream?" He asked

Lukas buried his head in his father's chest.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"It was really scary," The awoken boy said, "You and Mummy died, forever, and left me alone."

"Oh, Lukas," Crow held him close, running a soothing hand over Lukas's back, "Your mother and I will always be here, you don't have to worry."

Crow pointed to Lukas's chest, indicating his heart.

The young boy nodded, "Promise?"

The hunter smiled sadly, "That's something I can't promise, but I can promise that you will have us for a long as possible."

The awoken boy nodded again, snuggling into his father's chest once more.

Crow started to rock him back and softly sing a lullaby to him. It was from a Disney movie Lukas was watching earlier that evening before going to bed. The boy started snoring softly in Crow's arm. The hunter smiled and laid him down and tucked him in.

"Sweet dreams, little one," He said, placing a kiss on the sleeping boy's forehead.

Crow left Lukas's bedroom and went to the room he shared with Isabelle. He opened the door and went in, closing it behind him.

"Lukas is out like a li-" Crow frozen in the middle of his sentence as he found Isabelle laying seductively on the bed, wearing nothing but a lacy pink bra and matching panties

"Let's finish what we started, huh?" Isabelle asked, her sapphire eyes swimming with lust.

"I fucking love you," Crow smiled, taking his shirt off again and strutting over to his wife.

He crawled on top of her and pressed his lips to hers.  Isabelle hummed and returned the kiss, running her fingers through Crow's raven locks. 

"Still hard," She said, bucking her hips against Crow's erection.

"It's a miracle Lukas didn't ask any questions," He replied, trailing kisses down Isabelle's neck and chest.

Crow reached behind her and unclasped Isabelle's bra. He pulled the garment off and threw it behind him. Crow pressed his tongue to Isabelle's right breast and swirled his around the nub, hardening it to a point. The warlock moaned breathlessly, tugging Crow's hair.

He swapped breasts and did the same thing. Crow started grind his hip into Isabelle's clothed core.

"Crow, stop bloody teasing!" Isabelle exclaimed, her English accent coming out slightly pitched.

Crow moaned, "Be patient, my beloved wife."

Isabelle pulled him back up to her lips, slipping her tongue inside Crow's mouth. Her hands trailed down to his belt, unbuckling it and undoing his slacks. He got the message and pulled away from the kiss long enough to take the slacks off. Isabelle pulled Crow back to her, making sure he was on the bottom.

"Isabelle," He said, admiring her body from the new angle, "you look absolutely breathtaking."

The Warlock smiled before she leaned down and started to trail kisses along his jawline again then down to his navel. Crow watched as a mischievous look flashed in Isabelle's eyes. Before he knew it, his wife hooked her fingers under the hem if his boxers and pulled them down. His hard erection spang free, pre-cum leaking from the tip.

A purplish blush dusted Crow's cheeks as Isabelle pressed a kiss to his cock. A moan left his mouth as her thumb swiped the head. Her tongue found its way to the base of his shaft and licked a line up to the tip. Crow bucked his hips at the feeling, earning a giggle from Isabelle. He couldn't help, but look at her, she looked beautiful, even if she was giving him a blowjob. Isabelle took him in her mouth bobbing her head up and down, hollowing her cheeks .

Crow let out loud moan, as his head fell back onto the pillows and his eyes rolled up to the back of his skull. His hips bucked as Isabelle's tongue worked its magic. One of her hands slid up Crow's thigh, void energy pulsing through her fingertips and onto his skin. Crow caught his breath, feeling like he was on the edge.

"Isabelle, come here, I wanna finish inside you," He managed.

The Awoken female smiled and crawled on top of him. One of Crow's hands found Isabelle's waist. He smiled as her sapphire eyes met his amber ones.

"I know I said this earlier, but have to say this again," Crow said, using his other hand to cup her cheek, "I love you."

"I love you, too," Isabelle replied with a smile, leaning down to kiss Crow.

He returned the kiss as he flipped the both of them over, so that he was now on top. He pulled away from Isabelle's lips. The hand on Isabelle’s waist found its way to her panties and slowly slipped them off her. He readied himself at her entrance, pushing into her gently. Isabelle moaned as she kissed Crow again. When he was fully inside her, he started to thrust his hips. He kept a slow rhythm as he and Isabelle moaned softly- making love.

Solar and Void mixed perfectly. Sliding, pushing, and pulling never felt so good. Crow felt Isabelle's fingers dig into his back. Surely to leave marks in the morning. The sounds falling from Isabelle's mouth was like a sweet melody that harmonized with his own.

How was he this lucky to be married to a woman this beautiful both inside and out? Crow had no idea. A woman so caring, kind, loving, passionate, understanding, intelligent, and charismatic should not even exist, it was simply impossible. But here was living proof in his arms, coming undone by his touch and his touch alone.

Isabelle arched her back against Crow's chest as he sped up his thrusting. He pressed feather light kisses to Isabelle's neck and collar.

His love for her was something he couldn't describe. Trying to would cause catastrophic results. But he would simply do anything and everything he can for her and their son.

"Crow," Isabelle mewled, her head lolling back.

Her bubble gum pink hair clung to the sweat forming on her forehead. The purplish blush on her ears spread to her cheeks, neck and chest. Crow groaned as her walls tightened around his cock.

"Hummingbird," He muttered back in her ear.

"Fuck, I'm close, Crow," Isabelle moaned, wrapping her legs around his torso, quivering under his touch.

Crow sped up his thrusting. Isabelle's moans increased, curses slipped passed her lips. He felt her tighten around him one last time before her orgasm hit, cumming all over his cock. He finished a few minutes later, his seed spilling inside her.

They both panted heavily. Crow pressed gentle kisses to Isabelle's forehead before pulling out and collapsing on his side of the bed.

He heard Isabelle chuckle, "That was the best sex, we've ever had."

"You could say that again," The hunter said.

"Wanna join me for a late night shower?"

"You know I do."

The couple chuckled again before getting up and heading to the master bathroom.

[mytwistedhome]

“The Alchemist” ��️❓

A very old request that I’ve finally finished for @rainebowkitty​ !! 

It took me a while because it required a bit of research (of which I really enjoyed doing!)

This little drabble involves Riddle and... another Disney character (leaving the name out in this intro because you don’t really need to know who it is to be able to understand this story >u< ) 

Summary: During his alchemy class, Riddle Rosehearts gets paired with a strange, magic-less student that he's never noticed before. This student seems to know quite a lot about the subject, but his bizarre ideas tend to stray from the rules that Riddle is used to.

I think that the reason why this particular story took me so long to complete was because the subject of alchemy was quite intimidating to me •́  ‿ ,•̀ Even after weeks of having the basic plot written and taking many notes on the actual science of alchemy, I still always hesitated to complete this. Every day, I would try to write just a little bit, but I always ended up cowering away because all the different little parts of the science seemed overwhelming and, again, intimidating. I've never before procrastinated this much or run away from subjects of my own writing, so this was quite a new experience for me... I wish I could've gotten this done much faster, but I think this entire writing process helped me to face a fear I didn't even know I had--a fear of writing about science/scientific topics! It might be silly, but that's really the way I felt while writing this: afraid to delve too deep into the subject.

Still, I am very happy that this is finally done! I only hope that I served justice to this ancient science 💗 Kitty, I very much hope that you enjoyed your two favs together!!!

Okay!!! I'm gonna stop being annoying now

Riddle stood in the midday class with his back turned to his alchemy professor, easily slipping the buttons through the holes of his lab coat as Divus gave his greetings and instruction. His voice was clear and loud, reciting his usual classroom demands of always taking full precautions, ensuring safety, and arriving prepared. Always, it was these same rules, yet they were just a little bit different each day to suit whatever the current project may be.

But, on this day, Divus added to his instruction, "And, boys! Make sure you pair with a NEW partner today."

Riddle turned his head to stare at his professor and froze in place, absolutely dismayed. Crewel was asking them to switch partners? A brand new partner? All of a sudden?

How very strange that was, for wasn't it better to keep with the same partners? So that the two are familiar with each other and can work their best together? This switching of partners was truly, very odd, and it seemed just the thing that Professor Crewel would be against, for he was always the most sensible in keeping to rules and the traditional order of things. But, who was Riddle to argue or question the one in charge of the classroom?

He turned his head away once more and smoothed over the small wrinkles in his coat as the clean, clear goggles slipped over his eyes. It seemed the others in his class were just as confused as he, for they stumbled about awkwardly in search of a friendly-looking acquaintance of whom they were unfamiliar with. Riddle breathed out a huff and narrowed his eyes, a bit annoyed to have to deal with the uncertainty and the bother of finding a "brand new" partner. He turned around and looked, himself, for a person that seemed amiable and new, and to his luck, he was able to spot someone standing at one of the large, wide cauldrons of whom he was sure he hadn't ever worked with before.

He slowly approached where the other boy stood with his back to him. He was hurriedly flipping through the pages of several different books that were spread over the long desk just beside the pot of which they were to work. He had dark hair of an impressive volume and seemed rather intriguing in the way he went about his work. Riddle tilted his head slightly, watching with curiosity and interest as the boy worked quick to search what he was looking for, before he said in warm greeting, "Hello.. I don't believe I've worked with you before."

The boy went still upon hearing Riddle's voice, and he turned himself around to acquaint the unfamiliar classmate as he pushed the round goggles he wore over his head. "Hello!" he said with a nod, "I could work with you, if that's what we must do." There was clear enthusiasm in his voice before he turned his head once more to focus back on whatever he may have been searching for.

Riddle blinked several times in bewilderment. He had never even seen this student, let alone worked with him before. In alarm, he stared to get a better look at this stranger. His dark hair was accentuated by a teal stripe that ran down the center--a unique trait that Riddle had never noticed in a student before. He also had a soft, summer, sun-kissed shine to his complexion, which flattered and glowed upon his warm and freckled face, making him even more unrecognizable to Riddle.

Divus then gave further commands to the class, telling them that their goal was to make a particular potion. Riddle payed close attention to the details of the instruction, but all the while, he could not help but think in the back of his mind upon how strange his partner seemed to be. And, then, with the brief lecture over, he turned his attention again to that unknown student. "I'm sorry, but what is your name?" his voice was soft and polite with an ease in his eyes, "I don't believe I've payed much notice to you in this class before, and I'm sorry for that."

"Oh! Uh, I...." he dragged that last syllable out, much to Riddle's distaste, as he rummaged with the ingredients spread before the cauldron, "I only just began coming to this school. Not that long ago, really, so it makes sense if you didn't know. And--I'm Varian, by the way."

"You just began coming here?" Riddle said with alarm as his head tilted with even more interest than before, "A new student on the middle of the school year... And just like that? That isn't a typical thing here. How did it happen?"

Varian gritted his teeth and briefly glanced off to the side in attempt to avoid the question, "It's a... rea~lly long story. Don't worry about it."

Riddle looked at him with skepticism in his gaze. How odd it was to have a student transfer in the middle of the school year. As far as he knew, it was incredibly uncommon in NRC, for it meant that they would miss the welcome ceremony and so many other lessons and meetings that were essential in their learning.

But, again, who was he to argue with the way the school was run? Perhaps Crowley had a very special reason to allow this student entrance in the middle of the year.

Riddle took a small step to better observe what Varian was doing. All around on his side of the desk, there were sketches of obscure symbols that appeared unrelated to their project at hand, along with notebooks opened to pages of quotes that were beautiful poetically, yet seemingly unintelligent. How strange, how strange That one word kept repeating in Riddle's head, and he grew slightly skeptical of the student standing beside him.

Riddle pulled his head away and pressed his lips together as he began looking over the ingredients, chemicals, and metals that were laid out neatly upon the long desk, but his attention was seized once more by Varian who immediately grabbed two beakers of melted medals and mixed them carefully with one another.

"Just a touch of sulfur, and some more iron for the base...The iron brings forth the energy of Mars, so we'll have a fiery and quick result for this potion!" Varian was getting more and more excited as he explained the steps, and he seemed to talk more to himself than to Riddle. But, he soon took a breath in woeful thought as he continued with the mixture. "I really wish we had access to use gold in this lab. I guess it's understandable that we aren't allowed, but it isn't fair! Gold, after all, represents the sun, and the sun is connected to a princess I've been honored to become well-acquainted with--"

"Varian!" Riddle let out loudly, cutting him off after having had enough of his mindless chattering, "What are you even doing with all of those metals and chemicals?"

He reached out and took hold of the beaker that his partner held in his left hand, vigilant enough as to not disturb the dangerous mixtures, but harsh enough to cause a drop of the pinkish liquid to fizz onto the table.

"Woah be careful with that..!" Varian said frantically, trying to steady all the beakers that could cause a mess.

"What have you made?" Riddle's eyes were fixated in a glare, yet his voice wavered with fascination as he asked the question.

"Oh," Varian smiled with excitement and straightened his back, and he cleared his throat, preparing to deliver a recitation of all he created in a matter of minutes, "That's still just sulfur with an iron base, but the sulfur also works as a primer. You know... the 'spirit of life'. I also added a bit of mercury to better blend the high concentrations with the low ones, which also aids in connected the high and low energies. And, of course, I added a touch of salt as well, just as another primer."

"I see..." was all Riddle said in quiet response. He knew of the three primers and their functions in the mixtures--every student learned that at some point or another in the class. But, as for the other symbolic and rather spiritual things mentioned by Varian, he had never heard of them before, and he wasn't sure if he should believe them now.

Varian only continued, "It's unfair that we can't use gold or silver. I'd complain if I wasn't so new to this school." Getting excited again, he seemed to be talking mainly to himself once more, "Gold is the sun! And the sun is willpower, inner ability and inner strength! It's deeply connected to the heart and the heat of the body... It ignites passion and life! And it's connected to vision, too. But, silver probably has even more use than gold does. It's connected to the moon and creation... but in formulas, it helps the metals grow more quickly and aids in their blending."

The scowl on Riddle's face deepened, and his small nose wrinkled every slightly in skepticism and suspicion, yet that typically unsavory expression looked oddly beautiful over his fair face, and so Varian payed him no mind. Instead, he kept up on speaking, though this time it was less of a ramble. "We should probably go through the first couple steps together, shouldn't we?" he asked with a kind smile. "The first thing would be to go through the operation of calcination. You know, heating things to purify the metal and cancel out any toxins. But, I trust this lab, so it's fine to skip that step. Next would be dissolution, like... using water to dissolve bits of the metal into rust at the edges. It usually works as another purifier, as the water brings in life. But it really isn't that important, is it? Let's skip that one! Then, that brings us to the operation of separation. Specifically, separating the components of the dissolution... But if we don't do the dissolution, there really is no point. It's basically isolating the rust and the different elements of the metals by filtering them carefully and then discarding the bad materials. That always seems to tedious to me. I doubt there's anything very bad that could sabotage our results, anyway. I don't think it's necessary; it'll only eat up our time. We should skip that as well--"

"Varian!" Riddle's patience was reaching its brim. His anger ripped through his voice, causing Varian to flinch back and widen his eyes. "We shouldn't skip anything! There's an order for a reason!"

"Okay, okay," Varian said with a timid smile in attempt to ease his partner's nerves. "But trust me, we should just go ahead a proceed with the fourth operation. Conjunction. It's basically the re-combination of the components that should have been separated in the previous step. But, combining the metals is basically what I've been doing so far, so it's like we're ahead. All we need is potassium nitrate. I promise! It's like a short cut." Varian said, looking to Riddle with pleading eyes in hopes of convincing him.

"Alchemy is a discipline," Riddle said sternly, though his voice was now kept soft, "There are rules and a direction you must follow. Every step involves a precise measurement, and unless you adhere to the order set in place, you will never achieve a good result!"

"Well, yes, you're... kind of right."

Riddle stepped back, blinking in disbelief. Kind of right? Who did he think he was? An alchemy expert? Someone so profound that he could skip around on the steps? Riddle's anger was building up inside, heart racing, blood boiling. His face was heating up, just about to burst--

And, then, Varian quickly drew from the cauldron a small sample of the potion they were to create. It was small bit, but it was perfect. Made with such quick ease, and filling up half of the beaker. It was quite impressive to have achieved such a wonderful result in such little time, and noticing this, Riddle slowly calmed.

"Hey... Relax, okay? It's really not something to stress over," Varian reassured with a confident chuckle and a mocking role of his eyes that went undetected by Riddle.

Riddle pressed his lips together before softening his expression and letting out a sigh, easing himself of the tension and excitement, yet also ashamed now for having gotten so angry before. Maybe, perhaps, he could trust this kid to do what he seemed so passionate about.

yes... drew the pic because I wanted the two of them together but, obviously, there are none that exist, so I had to create my own with my very slim art skill. I was originally going to have it at the top, but I am NOT confident enough in my doodling to do that lmao

[punkscowardschampions]

Ali & Tommy

Ali: [Let us assume he has gone back to school now and this was a weekend affair] Ali: You forgot your 🕯 Ali: expect it in the post, minus the disappointed note from Ro I've taken out Ali: ✈️ trips not guilt trips, welcome Tommy: leave it in, LOVE to hear what she's gotta say about why I'M the one being a holy show Ali: You aren't respecting the sanctity of her offering, is very much the point and gist Ali: she put more letters to it, as standard Tommy: 'course she did Ali: It does mean a lot to her Ali: but yeah, nice to have my 📅 to myself again, can't lie Tommy: meant so much she fucked off soon as the 🎂 candles were out Ali: You know she isn't the party 'til dawn sort Ali: anyway, they'd be coming in for morning service 😅 Tommy: I know it's her party & she can 😭 if she wants to Ali: If I'd known that was the theme, could've made party bags with 🧅 & 🧻 Ali: well, at least you were in your element 🕺 and you kept Meena and Carly entertained Ali: the hostess not being overly concerned herself, like Tommy: this family's hostess with the mostest has & always will be me, honey Tommy: what else do they teach me at this school, like? Ali: I had no idea you were at finishing school, my apologies Ali: how's things with keeping a man then, Holly Housewife? Tommy: Why stop at strutting with 📚 on our heads when we could do it in 🩰 perfectly en pointe, carrying a sulky ballerina all the while? Basically a Latin motto Tommy: & yet I still can't keep a man, cheers for the reminder Ali: Maybe now you're of age they introduce the final string to your bow Ali: quadruple threat = 🎤🕺🎭🍆 Tommy: 😂🤞🙏 Tommy: stole your girl regardless, tell her to call me when she's slept off the festivities Ali: No doubt she will when she's between the next couple of parties 😜 Ali: your girl is here actually, helping Ro 'organise' her presents Ali: dunno where she parked her 🎃 Tommy: I'll join Fraze in the red corner 😍💋💔🤬🎯👿🥤🤡🥵🛑💘 Tommy: those dolls do go walk abouts if you don't keep a 👀 but obviously she was 🤞🙏 I was still there Ali: He might misconstrue that and come to fight for her honour Ali: 🤞🙏 she's in LDN too, naturally Ali: lots of them are haunted, but that last part of your sentence there is the MOST 😱 ever Ali: it's weird when you approach anything fuck boy like Tommy: miscommunication is his thing™ no hard feels or feelings full stop, 'course 💪🚫😭🚫😍 Tommy: what can I say? being back DOES things to me Tommy: it's all the positive masculine role models this family has Ali: Guess it beats a total lack of @Joseph Ali: though he sent her some book about musical theory so he still manages to be the favourite somehow 🤷 Ali: and hey, dad is the best Tommy: v catty & then cuddly of you, Kit Tommy: he doesn't respond to MY efforts at being a daddy's girl exactly the same way somehow 🤷 Ali: we're both living up to what's expected then 😼 Ali: could just be I'm better at it than you though Ali: if your ego will allow it Tommy: can't let our sister fly that flag alone, like Tommy: as for who's better at kissing the arse of authority figures, don't need to dignify that with an answer 'cause my school report will Tommy: you ain't never been a pleasure to have in class Ali: I might genuinely have to shoot myself if anyone ever said anything so asinine about me so you're right Ali: that would be such a waste of potential, not until I've lead a more scandal-filled existence Tommy: you could respect the hustle Tommy: it's getting me 🩰 perks Tommy: disciplined is the head that wears the 👑 hoe Ali: I know all about discipline, trust me Tommy: we've all read 50 shades, you can't take it as gospel Tommy: Ro could write a better bdsm bibe when she's done at church Tommy: bible* Ali: It's all fun and games 'til I walk in on her flagellating herself Ali: how are we explaining that to the shrinks Tommy: that she misunderstood a more sexy f word? Ali: we don't want to look like we're trying to lock her up for that Ali: way too retro, bro Tommy: She wants to be catholic Tommy: I didn't make the rules Ali: No, then da really would hate you Ali: she's got worse Tommy: Yeah Tommy: I know, no amount of drama from the golden couple could detract Ali: not that I haven't heard enough about that though Ali: guess there's too much to put in a passive-aggressive note Tommy: 🙄🥱😴 Tommy: She wasn't even THAT late & tbh I wouldn't have blamed her for doing a Joe no show Ali: I would've understood if she was upset when she wasn't coming Ali: I am when Joe doesn't, whatever Ali: but I think she was actually MORE upset that she did come in the end, and not just because she was messy, but because Ro thought she wouldn't Ali: I don't get it, they're complicated, always have been but ??? Tommy: she can't hold being a good sister over her, like you can't me being the most fabulous brother in existence 🏆 Tommy: the fuck ups are more fun to bring to a 🥊 Ali: I guess that's more likely than them being all 💕💞 Ali: but fucking hell, does it hurt to hope Tommy: it's hurting you 😿 Tommy: she'll be too hangry to hope Ali: I have no hope or agenda for your 🏆 or 👑 dear brother Ali: but seriously Ali: what does she want Tommy: like you said ???? Tommy: there's every chance I'm bringing too much McKenna magic to the motives & she don't wanna bear a grudge til the end of her days Ali: because it doesn't sound like her at all Ali: if you can't be honest in the DMs where can you, eh, to quote that romcom Ali: fucked if I know what to do about it right now though Ali: maybe I need to sleep off the festivities, or get something to eat Tommy: long as you're not so hysterical you run into the path of an oncoming car, to recall another faithful role of hers Ali: have you adapted that for the stage? Ali: get 5 of you to be the 🚗 Tommy: dibs 'cause I can't do the accent Tommy: not that loads of 'em posh kids can either Ali: they'll have spent enough time gentrifying the east end to have it down, offensively so but all adds to the hysterics Tommy: I'll pitch it then 💡 Tommy: go down better than her 🎤🎵 Ali: better than her when she got hit by the car, like Ali: give me credit or I'll turn up and make a SCENE Tommy: like I wouldn't be LIVING for that Tommy: if we are being honest in the DMS Ali: I'll work on my RICKKAAAAAAAAAAAY Ali: maybe can convince Ro to be Sharon Tommy: hang around your ma in law & you'll ace it in no time Ali: Ha Ali: she'd accept Peggy, not Pat Tommy: fair, Laoise's ma's the one more likely to express herself with big earrings & animal prints Tommy: but I don't know if Sam Mitchell is a favourable role for Carls, what did she ever even do? Ali: Are you trying to tell me it's NOT a look? 🤔 Ali: or that you rate Laoise's mum? Ali: The character, nothing, the OG actress lost her nose so we're all agreed that's a no Tommy: I'd rate seeing her da on the doorstep in nothing but a bow tie for how mortified she'd be when I uploaded it Tommy: Grant's also no, he knocked Martine on her arse way before that car Tommy: but if she's Phil, you're Sharon so that's a yeah from me, like Ali: Don't, her dad always gave me those vibes Ali: and you ain't actually on the street still to have to witness that 🤮 Ali: I don't know how she'll feel about going bald, I'll float it gently before getting out the clippers Tommy: Do Rock's while you're there, he looks feral Tommy: even that nonce wouldn't have him Ali: You know his ears would get chapped Ali: hair is essential or he'll fly away on the breeze Ali: and we'd all be devastated, obvs Tommy: don't start me thinking about that scene in Dumbo, cheers very much Tommy: 😭😭😭😭😭😭 Ali: Such a depressing film Ali: disney gives me bad vibes Tommy: the park is creepy & you won't catch me there Tommy: whether or not Walt was a Nazi it's still a nah from me Ali: Wee bit concerning that emotional manipulation and forced fun trumps facism/literal Nazis for you but we'll 🤐 Ali: ma is in enough of a mood and she'll only direct it at me so nah Tommy: well his racism is disputed depending whether you're in camp 😇 saint him 🙏 or camp cast him into the hellfire 👿 Tommy: the forced fun & emotional manipulation is just facts Ali: 👿 advocate Tommy: I'm gonna go to hell 🤞 he's an ally Ali: 😬 Ali: it's a punishment, not a holiday Tommy: it'll be a grand hol for my pores Tommy: love a sauna sesh Ali: that London smog is not it Ali: how black is your snot? Tommy: as Ro's soul 💀 Ali: Thomas Tommy: Alison Ali: 🛑 it Tommy: she'd 🖤 to hear it but FINE Ali: you're an enabler, it is known Ali: not the kind of encouragement I'm after tah Tommy: enabling you & your lady love to have a good time, yeah 🕺💃 Tommy: & I fully expected her to turn up with a pet raven is all I'm saying Ali: the best was made of it by all, despite it all Ali: even her, in her way Tommy: despite Kayne appearing 🤵🥀 & all in her case Ali: yeah Ali: ugh Ali: he's harmless enough, bless him Tommy: she'd beg to differ right now Tommy: you're gonna wanna hide the 🍄🍄💀 til she calms down Ali: You don't need to tell me Ali: I think he's just really oblivious Ali: like all lads Ali: it wasn't you know...assaulty Tommy: It's not his fault she's team true love's kiss & he AIN'T it Tommy: who could EVER measure up to the 💭💞 Ali: standards, cool Ali: unrealistic expectations, less so Ali: but I can't really advocate for reality at this point in the game Tommy: You don't need to tell me, sis Ali: you're team turn-a-stage-kiss-real, yeah Ali: it's more realistic than fairytales, anyway, look at strictly Tommy: I'm team when's my life been a shitty made for netflix flick never mind a 🐸🤴📖 Tommy: crushing realism ftw Ali: 💔 Ali: If you didn't have a tragic love-life to complain about, you'd be too insufferable 🤴💩 Tommy: comforting Tommy: I'd HATE to morph into Fraze of a few years back Ali: I'll let you know if you start getting freckles Tommy: I'd know if I woke up with those brows Tommy: nowhere to hide, like Ali: 👺 Tommy: 😂 Ali: What are you getting ma for her bday/have you got already (suckup) Tommy: I left it there if you wanna find & shake the 🎁 Ali: Wow, you really didn't wanna pay postage that bad huh Ali: I'll see if I can 🔮 Tommy: with what? I'm skint after buying hers & Ro's Tommy: & it'll be 🎅🎄🎁 before too long Ali: that's what people really mean when they say dance don't pay Ali: gifting an interpretive dance is nothing but pretentious and unwelcome Ali: I can bodge together however many crafts I need and save my dolla Tommy: been there, tried that one Tommy: so much for your so called genius Tommy: ain't even thought of earning any by busting out the 🎅🎄🎵 classics for a busking sesh, works with 🩰 too I'll have you know Ali: 'til you knock over an old lady and have to leg it, like Ali: and if you hadn't noticed, I've been a little busy making a replica Ro, tah Ali: my creative juices are juiced right now Tommy: I'll make it look like part of the show & have the punters eating out of my palm when I catch & twirl any 👵 before they touch ground Tommy: yeah well you've got time from now, fair game on all things yule from Nov 1st Ali: 👌👌 clearly the LDN ones are more receptive because they're vicious 'round here with their 👜s and I'm only trying to give them the tea they ordered Ali: if ANYONE should advocate for Christmas not dragging, like Tommy: it's Irish dancing or fuck all back there, 365 🌧 or ⛅ Tommy: little girls scam every bit of that trade Ali: ironic when it's catch these hands in every other aspect Ali: so you'll fit right in, eh Ali: feel traumatised yet? Tommy: I'll do my best, as ever Ali: 🤴 Ali: meanwhile ma will have to make do with whatever IOU present I can knock up Ali: maybe I'll babysit, that's never not gonna work Tommy: she was on about going out 🍽 wasn't she? Tommy: Carls will never not be down either Ali: get him to make her a cake Ali: sorted Ali: providing he washes his hands...a full hose down may be necessary actually Tommy: she's survived the 🧁 he brings back from school & we've all seen the state of him at day's end Ali: yeah, cheers for the immunity boost little 🦠 Ali: fair, I'm pretty sure we put some weird and wonderful things into our bakes at his age and no one died Ali: Laoise nearly but you know Tommy: close but no 🚬 Tommy: typical of that bitch Ali: sure a 🙏 was said to finish the job at mass Tommy: if you see her ma mascara running in an lbd, I demand to be the first to know Ali: I'll pap her in her time of distress, it's fine Ali: I can hide up trees for HOURS if needs must Tommy: I'm not above piggybacking on the 'tragedy' to get better grades or a hol Tommy: do your part, like Ali: she won't fall for 🍄 again Ali: her brother might if Ro puts 'em in her gob Tommy: 💞 Ali: more of a mood than without Ali: add a little danger Tommy: she'd appreciate the drama more than anything he could ever do Ali: 💔 Tommy: nah, we're not shipping that Tommy: not today Ali: You gotta make some bad decisions before you make the right ones Tommy: a bad decision was the colour of her 👗 Tommy: the last thing that girl needs is a boy right now Ali: Okay you can't come for anyone vis a vis colour, boy Ali: even if I still see it when I close my eyes after however many weeks sewing Ali: but you may have a point re. a boy Ali: just, some socialisation wouldn't hurt Ali: and as far as they go, he's harmless Tommy: 'Course I do, she can barely exist in front of us Tommy: if they went on a date, what's she gonna do, order a glass of water? Ali: like you haven't seen her fake eat a plate of food Ali: it's only noticeable to all us that she's not actually putting any in her mouth Tommy: 🔮✨ Tommy: if he's TRULY harmless he don't deserve to be harmed by her attitude Tommy: which anyone else not bound by family love & loyalty would call something loads harsher Ali: Don't Ali: I feel bad enough for Meena sometimes Tommy: @ Carly too & we all know it Ali: Yeah, Carly can handle it though, she's mostly unphased even if it is a total thing 🙄 Tommy: She's a 👸😇 I doubt Kayne is that pure of ❤️ or intentions tbh Tommy: & Meena can handle anything so Ali: he's deffo a virgin though Ali: which yes, makes for more desperation, but he can't be that forceful if he dunno what he wants, you know Ali: yeah but God knows why she wants to come 'round here and get more of it at times Tommy: No shit, Kit but everyone's seen a porno, it's not the 70s Tommy: dress for it all you like Tommy: maybe she wants to get out of her own 🏡 Ali: everyone also knows it's bullshit Ali: whatever else she's got that much about her Tommy: does he though? Tommy: all I'm saying Ali: either way, it isn't like she's going to have a miraculous change of heart Ali: we all saw how well it went Tommy: Yeah but what if it makes her heart set on finding someone else to play 🤴 Tommy: you'd know better than me what goes on in her head Ali: She's 15, I don't see how any of us can say or do anything to stop her if that's what she does want Tommy: 15 technically Tommy: 🤷 Ali: If we can't make her eat, you know Ali: what hope do we have for anything beyond that Tommy: 0 Tommy: & it's fucked Ali: Yep Ali: but it's not as if that bombshell has only just been dropped, I guess Ali: we'll carry on doing what we can Tommy: 🔮✨ Ali: ✌💚

[keyboard-smashed]

The Storm That's Brewing

Summary: they're... not in the alleyway anymore?? whoop

Warnings: kind of not really an argument?

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Chapter 8- Let's Go To The Beach

Slowly, he opened his eyes and saw sand. Sand. Sand. Sand. And water. The beach? How were they at the beach? And it was light... Morning? What was going on? And where was Roman? Had he hit him?

"You shoot lightning?" Roman exclaimed from behind him.

Virgil sat up and turned to Roman, who was still standing,

"You can teleport?" He retorted.

"Yeah!" Roman shouted.

"Yeah!" Virgil shouted back.

"Fine!" They shouted in unison.

Virgil looked around at the beach again. Luckily there was nobody around, "Anyway, where even are we? And what happened?"

Roman deflated, and sunk to he floor next to Virgil, "I don't know and I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know? You brought us here! And you covered my eyes so I don't know what happened back there!"

Roman looked around, "Okay I think I know where we are but you will not like my answer."

"How do you know I won't like it? Where are we?" Virgil demanded.

"I know you won't like it because you don't like anything, Incredible Sulk and," He ran a hand through his hair, "We're in Spain."

Virgil scrambled to his feet like he was stood in lava, "Spain? As in Spain Spain?"

"Yes."

"Like Europe's Spain?"

"Yes."

Spain. Virgil collapsed back onto the sand, "So you can teleport."

"Yes."

"So you can teleport us anywhere-- say, for example, our apartment-- and you choose Spain."

"Well I didn't really choose Spain," He said cautiously, "I just kind of panicked. But there are worse places we could be?"

Spain. Europe. Virgil had always wanted to go. Maybe a nice holiday in a few years. Not like this.

Virgil ran his hand through the sand, "Mhm."

"I should be able to return us home in the morning, once I have regained my energy."

Virgil squinted up at the sun, hanging low in the morning sky.

Roman clarified, "Our timezone's morning."

Virgil nodded slowly.

A cold breeze whipped across the beach. A harsh reminder that winter was coming.

"You're shivering," Roman yawned, "We should get inside."

Virgil lifted his hand to confirm that he was, in fact, shivering; although he wasn't sure if it was caused by the cold, shock or just anxiety, "Inside where?"

Cautiously, Roman stood, swaying slightly. He attempted to gather his bearings. In the distance he saw the spire of the town's chapel, meaning there should be a beach house only a minute or so away. His teleportation accuracy wasn't too bad. Not great but not too bad.

"There's a beach house like one minute away; we can stay there."

"Okay," Virgil said, making no attempt to stand.

Roman stood awkwardly for a few seconds. Cautiously, he offered Virgil a hand up.

Virgil accepted the offer without a thought and followed Roman as they began to walk down the beach.

Virgil stared at his feet throughout the short walk, dragging them slightly through the sand. Roman and he walked close, occasionally bumping into one another, but they walked in silence. Virgil didn't know whether the silence was comfortable or uncomfortable; he sure felt uncomfortable but when didn't he?

Roman broke the silence first, "It was much closer than I had expected. My navigational skills truly are sublime."

"Yeah so great that we're in Spain." Virgil mumbled.

Roman huffed, but didn't argue. Out of his pocket, he produced a key which he used to unlock the door to a large, wooden beach house with wide windows. Virgil couldn't see inside the house as the curtains were drawn, but he could tell just from the exterior that the place was expensive. Was it Roman's? Did he carry that key in his pocket all the time? Did they have WiFi? Stupid question, of course they had WiFi. Still, that didn't calm his nerves.

Roman pushed open the door and stumbled in, his usual grace replaced with obvious fatigue.

Roman gestured lazily around the house as he walked through, "Living room- TV is in Spanish. Kitchen- help yourself. Bathroom." Virgil barely had time to take it all in at the pace Roman was going. He gestured to the final two doors in a corridor they'd entered, "My room. Your room. WiFi password is 'Pinnochio'. Help yourself to whatever, seriously. Goodnight." Roman disappeared into his room.

Virgil heard as Roman immediately flopped onto his bed. He opened his own door and ventured into 'his' room. It was clearly a guest room- minimalistic and decorated with very simple blues and grays. Virgil carefully removed his shoes and lay on the bed. He reached into his pocket for his phone. It wasn't there.

Virgil jolted up into a sitting position, "Shit." He checked again. And again. The checked all his other pockets, twice. It definitely wasn't there. Of course it wasn't, he thought, there were so many opportunities he could've lost it. It could be halfway across the world, or buried in sand. Virgil knew his breathing was becoming erratic and looked around frantically for anything with a steady beat to count with. Aha! There was a clock on the wall.

Virgil closed his eyes and listened for the sounds of ticking. They were faint, but present. In for seven ticks. Hold for six ticks. Out for four ticks.

After many ticks, probably several minutes, Virgil's logical thinking came back well enough for him to think productively.

He had a few options: he could go to sleep, because that panick attack had really tired him out, and deal with everything later; he could go search for his phone in an unfamiliar country with no sure way to contact anyone if something went wrong, or risk getting locked out of the house, or he could go wake up Roman.

Virgil was leaning heavily towards the 'go to sleep' option until he thought of his brother. It had been a passing 'what would Patton want me to do?' thought, but it had spurred on a whole string of tangled, non-sensical thoughts. At first he'd been mad that he hadn't thought about messaging his brother straight away. If he'd not arrived at home without saying anything, Patton would be worried sick. That was the last thing Virgil wanted. The thoughts spiralled further from there. He imagined scenarios of Patton in the morning, stressed out of his mind, running frantically around town, getting injured, getting lost... He was wasting time. The clock told him he'd been there an hour. It had only felt like twenty (hell-ish) minutes. Did he blame his anxiety or ADHD for that time jump? Both liked to speed up time and making him feel like he'd missed time. Together they made hell of time management.

Either way, the longer he waited, the higher the chance Patton would worry. That thought prompted him to get off of the bed and leave his room. But where was he going?

Virgil stood in the hallway. Opposite him was Roman's room. He could knock, wake Roman up and borrow his phone. Of course, he'd be disturbing him. And he had been so tired after teleporting them across the globe- God, Virgil still hadn't let that fully sink in- and it felt wrong waking him up after that. Surely he'd be mad. But what was the alternative? Search the beach alone? If it was easy to spot, it surely would've been stolen by now, and if it was buried under the sand who know if Virgil could find it or if it even still worked. Which direction had they even come from?

What would Patton want him to do? What would Patton want him to do?

He closed his eyes and knocked quietly on Roman's door. No response.

He knocked again, louder. This time, Roman sleepily called out, "Yeah?" and then, when Virgil said nothing, added "Come in." Virgil obliged.

Roman's room had the same basic layout as Virgil's, but bore bright reds and accents of gold, rather than the muted colours. Light streamed through a window, showing carefully placed Disney and musical posters plastered the wall above Roman's bed, occasionally accompanied with polaroids, though they were scarce. Not many other personal items seemed to live in the room, other than a couple of books on a mainly empty bookshelf. Logan wouldn't approve.

Roman still lay, mostly asleep, on his back despite Virgil being in the room. Virgil briefly wondered whether he'd imagined Roman telling him to come in, until Roman rolled onto his side and asked, "What's up?"

Virgil shuffled closer towards the bed. "Uh, well, I lost my phone at some point and I, I should really text Patton so he doesn't get worried about me. Could I borrow your phone please?"

Roman remained silent for a few seconds. He may have fallen back asleep, or his mind may be taking a little longer than usual to process everything Virgil had sputtered out, but he eventually held his hand out and... The air grew cold. Virgil's phone appeared in Roman's hand.

Virgil took a step back. He was sure the phone had appeared out of nothing. "How did you-"

"I'll explain later." Roman promised. Very tired."

"Right. Sorry." Virgil said, shifting towards the door. "Goodnight."

Roman yawned, "Phone." and waved his hand around a bit. Virgil mentally slapped himself. His forgetfulness and idiocy was genuinely impressive.

He took the phone from Roman and whispered "Thank you."

Roman grasped his hand as he pulled away. His grip was gentle, but Virgil still flinched at the unexpected contact.

Roman propped himself up lazily with his spare arm and squinted up at Virgil. "Try get some sleep. You look dead. Wear my spare pajamas. Top drawer next to the door."

"It's fine I-"

"Just do it, Barry Grouch, you'll look adorable. And could you close the curtains please?"

Virgil didn't argue. He only just managed to splutter out a quiet "Sure." as he drew the heavy Res curtains shut. He awkwardly grabbed a gray shirt and some black pajama pants from Roman's drawer and finally left the room.

" 'Night." Roman quietly shouted to Virgil after he closed the door. Virgil leaned against the hallway wall and whispered "Goodnight." back. His cheeks burned and his head spun. What had just happened?

He traipsed thoughtlessly back into his room and messaged a quick excuse to Patton, explaining how they'd run into one of Virgil's work friends and crashed at his place, and that Patton didn't need to worry. The phone was low battery, but he didn't care enough to look around for a charger, so Virgil simply texted Patton again saying that he should text Roman if he needed to talk to one of them. Then he switched it off and placed it on the nightstand.

Feeling rather rattled and out of place, but predominantly tired, the small adult changed into his borrowed pajamas. He smelt a faint fragrance of Roman's spray, and those rose candles he always burned. The soft clothes hung off of his slim figure. They weren't actually too much bigger than Virgil's usual pajamas, but his were a size too big anyway. He liked loose fitting clothes more than anything else.

Virgil drew his own curtains shut and slipped under the covers of the bed. Unlike any other night that month, he fell quickly into dreamless sleep.

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Taglist- Imagine

Chapter 1:

Chapter 7:

Chapter 9:

[aurorasilverthorne]

Night Terrors Part #5

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Disclaimer: Elena of Avalor and all its characters belong to Disney.

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The day after Queen Shuriki married her chancellor, Rico and Gabe were assigned to to act as the leads of Isabel's personal guard detail. They'd been told to protect Isa at all times and to do whatever she demanded so long as her orders didn't go against Shuriki's own commands.

Isabel didn't have much to say about the matter. Or any say in it. The child was healing-albeit slowly, from what Shuriki had done the night she'd first returned to Avalor and took back the throne.

Isa herself seemed to have little or no memory of what'd happened. All she remembered was turning in for the evening and then hearing a strange tapping upon her balcony door. The girl had gotten up thinking the noise might be Luna or some other jaquin looking for a safe, dry place to wait out the upcoming storm, but it had been Shuriki. The rest was a blur.

Whatever the witch had done, it seemed that Isa was content to forget. Gabe quit asking after Isa had insisted she couldn't remember.

Shuriki insisted on caring for Isa while she recovered. This made Gabe uneasy. He'd lived in Avalor all his life. Not once had the witch cared for or about anyone or anything, except herself, of course. It was disconcerting.

He kept a close eye on the witch when she was around Isa. Not that he could've stopped her if she'd wanted to harm the princess. His sword was no match for a wand. He, Rico, and the rest of the royal guards watched her every move praying she'd let Isa be and not hurt the child.

One afternoon Gabe poked his head into Isa's room and what he saw shocked and nauseated him. The witch had curled up around the sleeping princess almost as if cuddling the young princess while they slept. Blood stained Isa's lips bright red. It looked as though Shuriki had bitten into her own wrist.

The wound, though closed, still seemed raw, as if it had just begun to heal. Had the witch really bit into her own wrist? Was she forcing Isa to drink her blood? Isa didn't have any injuries from what Gabe could see, so why would Shuriki, who'd never shown any sort of maternal instinct toward any living creature ever, suddenly become so protective of a child that wasn't even her own? And one sired by her eldest enemy no less? It made no sense.

Rico joined him in the doorway. They exchanged worried looks. What in the name of Maru was going on?

"Do you think the rumors are true?" Villalobos asked quietly after they returned to their posts at Isa's door.

"I don't know," Gabe admitted. "Shuriki's actions match some of the stories we've been told, but none I've heard mention a vampiresa being capable of maternal instinct or genuine romantic affection."

"She could be faking to make herself look better in the eyes of the people."

"Yeah, but why even bother pretending? Everyone in Avalor already knows how she really is."

Shuriki yanked the door open to scowl at them. "I can hear you." She folded her arms and continued to glare. "Has it ever occured to either of you that I might not actually be the cruel dictator your people make me out to be? Contrary to popular belief, I am a living, breathing person. I have feelings."

Gabe frowned. "You kill people."

"I have reasons for doing so," Shuriki replied, giving the nails of one hand a nonchalant once over.

Gabe's frown only deepened. "What are you?"

There it was. The one question that everyone was too afraid to ask.

Shuriki bristled. "I am Avalor's queen, and those who dare to stand against me will suffer fates far worse than death at my hands. You'd do well to remember that in the future, Lieutenant Nuñez."

She spat his rank as if the position itself was meant to be an insult, like the very word alone had left an unsavory taste in her mouth.

Rico stood frozen in place terrified Gabe would retaliate and end up getting them both killed. Much to his credit, Gabe was smarter than others realized. He hit one knee and bowed his head, apologized to the witch, and tried to reassure her that he'd never meant to offend her with his inquiry or question her authority. They both knew it was a lie, an act to placate the witch, and keep them away from the executioner's block. It worked.

Shuriki's demeanor shifted. She allowed Nuñez to flatter her for a moment or so before telling them to get back to their post.

Shuriki paused to ensure everything was indeed to her liking, then turned, and went back into Isabel's apartment closing both doors behind her.

Rico lowered his voice to a whisper. "What are we going to do?"

"There's nothing we really can do," Gabe replied. "At least for now. We protect Isa. That's our job. She's the rightful heir."

Rico nodded in agreement.

Esteban was in his office looking over the accounts when Shuriki seemingly appeared right out of nowhere beside his desk. He yelped, but his fear quickly turned to irritation, and he slammed his fist on his desk hard enough to rattle the contents on top and inside the drawers.

"Will you stop doing that?"

"I didn't mean to sneak up on you, Esteban. I'll make sure your guards inform you of my arrival next time."

"Please do. I'm too old for you to just pop up like that. I could have a heart attack then what?"

Shuriki reached over and ran her fingers through his hair. "We can't have that. I'd be a widow, Isabel will have lost her only remaining cousin, and Avalor would be without a chancellor. We can't allow that...now can we, husband?"

Esteban tried not to shiver or step away when she traced the curve of his jawline with her fingertip.

"Certainly not."

It had been over a month since their wedding, yet they still hadn't "sealed the deal" as Shuriki called it.

Esteban was torn. Part of him feared the consummation. The other still held a glimmer of desire for the woman he'd met so long ago.

I must be sick in the head to still love her despite all the things she's said and done, he thought. What is wrong with me?

"You need to eat," Shuriki said as if reading his mind.

Esteban tensed. No. Surely she couldn't do that. The power to read minds was an ability that even the greatest master sorcerers had failed to achieve. He didn't believe Shuriki was an exception to this rule. She had talent, but such a feat was still far beyond her capabilities.

Esteban fought the sudden urge to sigh in relief. Thank the spirit tree for small mercies. 

Esteban was so lost in his own thoughts he failed to see how close Shuriki was to him until he felt her lips on his pulse. He started to panic and retreat, but she dug her almond shaped nails so deep in his shoulders he swore they scraped bone.

"Don't..." she warned.

He stood stock still as the witch trailed kisses along his jaw and gently nuzzled his quickened pulse before burying her face in the crook of his neck. He heard a soft, contented sigh escape her lips and wondered why she was even showing him such affection.

After she'd become queen the first time, Shuriki had stopped showing any sort of love or affection. It had upset and hurt Esteban at first, but he'd grown used to her cold demeanor over the following four decades. Now here she was, being affectionate to him again-something he had once hoped and yearned for, and all Esteban could think about was how to distance himself from her.

Shuriki cupped his face and made him look her in the eye. "You will come to me, Esteban. If the love that you once had for me hasn't turned to loathing or resentment by now then it's still there. I want it. I want you. And I'll have you. One way or another."

She kissed him and left his office. After several failed tries, Esteban succeeded in swallowing the lump of emotion in his throat.

There was no doubt Shuriki would make good on her threats. She'd done so in the past multiple times. Esteban kept telling himself that he had no choice. He had to go through with the consummation.

The witch wouldn't have any reason to harm his cousin as long as he gave her what she wanted. His body for Isa's life. It was a fair trade, one he was willing to make.

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