#all very warm clothes are heavy clothes so thats not my fault

[kawaiianimeredhead]

I'm sorry father, if you were worried about the weight of my suitcase maybe you should have asked grandpa to wait til it was warmer to pass away so all my clothes would be lighter

[sadachmesarthim]

C-cowboy starker? What if cowboy starker, I mean? I think... cattle driver Tony maybe, and ranch hand Peter,,, always wanted to write about this but I’m shy 🙈

mid-writing edit: i’ve spent half an hour on this and my computer is literally lagging with how fast i’m typing. i really hope this makes sense because holy shit, i love cowboy starker. anon, i need you in my inbox every single fucking time you have an idea about starker. idk if it’s in passing, idk if it’s super fleeting and doesn’t make sense. anon, you are my muse

ohhhhh my god anon i ,, love this idea so much i’ve actually thought about this a bit ngl you don’t even know how much i like western aus

okay so hear me out:

i’m thinking brokeback type shit, right?? but just a tad different like be honest who doesn’t like the whole bbm trope yfm and twink jake gyllenhaal is my baby okay okay okay sorry babe i’m still crossfaded as fuck and i could talk about that movie for days anyway back on topic

- no okay but think of it - tony, he’s recently divorced and morgan, his baby girl, his one and only daughter, she’s 19 now and seeing this absolute gentleman of a roughneck. his house is empty, he isn’t paying child support anymore, he doesn’t have this bitchy redhead on his ass 24/7 about getting a job in the city

- because tony hates the city, hates that his father dragged them away from the mountains and prairies he remembers from his childhood. hates what the city gave him - black eyes and mean names and disappointed parents

- so tony high tailed it the fuck out of dodge the second he turned 18. abandoned school, abandoned his family, took his beat up ford out to montana and disappeared. married this nice girl, virginia pepper, worked construction to support her while she went to school. had a pretty baby girl a year or two later. moved both of his girls out to a ranch he bought with their tiny savings, got a couple’a cows and a horse and made friends with a neighbor with a bull

- but eventually, pep had bigger dreams. they were both young when they got married, didn’t look past the immediate sexual compatibility to see that their futures were well and truly not going to go well together

- so she left the ranch, took morgan with, and made her way to the city. became some big lawyer or doctor or businesswoman or something, tony didn’t know. didn’t really care because the child support invoices still came every single month like clockwork. 

- so instead of focusing on his distant daughter and his ex wife that wouldn’t listen to him and his family that just... didn’t understand, he threw himself into the wildlife around him

- became closer with those neighbors that had a bull. eventually came to an agreement and let him free with his girls

- built a very solid herd of highlanders in a handful of years, slowly attracting the attention of more and more owners wanting to trade, to buy, to sell 

- and maybe one year, he realizes, he’s in a bit too far over his head with this. he has 100 of these four legged fuckers, he has 50 acres to take care of by himself, he has horses to feed and shoe and groom. he has fields to plant and water and harvest if he wants to feed any of the animals mentioned above

- so he reaches out to his neighbors, puts feelers out and sees if anyone knows a farmhand who’d want to help him out, maybe live on the property full time for a bit. and when he gets a call back his heart breaks a bit, because oh my god he wasn’t prepared for this

- a kid, can’t have been more than morgan’s age, has responded to him, and he’s good with his hands mr. stark, and he knows his way around animals mr. stark, been takin’ care of ‘em for his whole life now mr. stark 

- and this kid is ,, he sounds so innocent and sweet there’s no way tony’s gonna say yes before he actually meets him 

- so tony gives the kid his address, tells him to come out and give things a once over before he makes his mind up

- so peter does. he comes out, introduces himself, looks around the property with tony. and tonys heart hurts, because this kid, this kid that’s standing right in front of him, is almost skin and bones and looks like he’s about to crumble into dust and blow away in his hands

- he brings peter into the house, brings him coffee, offers him food. even after peter politely declines he brings over some bread to share, maybe a slice of pie?? maybe tony can cook and bake. he has a sweet tooth after all, and he’s been on his own for the better part of two decades. 

- and he really gets to know peter. they sit, they talk, until the sun dips down and the open mountain chill takes over them

- and peter tells him that he’s been on his own for a couple of years, that his parents died when he was young and that his aunt and uncle took him in on their ranch. that he grew up around animals, working, helping out

- but when they died the property was repossessed by the bank and peter’d all but ran with ben’s keys and the clothes on his back. he’s been on the road ever since, going from missouri to texas to wyoming to montana, all in search of work, never staying in one place longer than a few months. 

- he doesn’t tell tony that he’s secretly so, so tired of life on the road. doesn’t say how elated he was when he heard someone was looking for a fairly long-term live in farm hand. because that’s something he knew, something he was good at. 

- he also doesn’t tell tony that his heart skipped several beats in a row the second peter laid eyes on him, and that he really wants to work for the gorgeous man in front of him

- it’s finally dark, his coffee cup is long empty and abandoned and peter’s just spilled nearly every single deep dark secret he’s ever had. tony’s closing the windows, and peter makes for the door. he’s taken up enough of this beautiful kind man’s time, he should leave before he stays even further past his welcome

- but tony’s stopping him, blocking him from the door, lightly grabbing his wrist and turning peter to face him fully

- and he’s asking begging pleading  telling peter he should stay, that the spare room upstairs is warm and not going to be used anytime soon. that he still needs a farmhand and, as he sees it, peter’s already here

- secretly, tony can’t stand to see him leave

- he couldn’t handle letting his man this... kid, really, leave. not when tony could provide for him. not when he could feed him until his edges soften and his cheeks round out and his tummy gets squishy. not when he could work him into a sweat outside, watch that paperwhite skin turn a rich tan under the summer sun

- not even when he realizes the sudden care for the orphan in front of him is slowly becoming less familial, less platonic, and more... instinctual. base. greedy. 

- because who better to make sure this kid is looked after than tony? tony, who has work-worn hands and time-softened eyes and cooking skills any bachelor would die for

- it’s honestly not even that shocking to him when peter says yes

- not when he takes his hand off the doorknob and immediately turns, immediately breathes out a “yes, yes of course mr. stark, thank you so much mr. stark, i’ll do whatever you need me to, you’re incredible mr. stark”

- and it all immediately goes to tony’s dick head because fuck, that was not the intended reaction but it was absolutely welcome, what the fuck

- so tony takes him upstairs, gets peter settled in the guest bedroom right across from his own

- and when he goes to bed that night he absolutely does not touch himself while thinking about the barely 20something thats maybe 10 feet away. doesn’t think about what peter said earlier, with tony’s hand wrapped around his wrist

- absolutely doesn’t cum with peter’s name on his lips, biting down on his knuckles so peter doesn’t hear

- and peter absolutely doesn’t cum with three fingers in his ass, tears streaming down his face, listening to the creaking mattress springs and heavy breathing from across the hall. of course he doesn’t

- and of course they don’t get along well. of course not. of course they don’t work together like they’re telepathically connected, not even needing to speak to know what the other is thinking. it’s like peter can read his mind, knowing exactly what needs done when

- but it’s not just tony. peter can tell before anyone else when the farrier needs to be called. when one of the girls is pregnant, even before she starts showing. knows when one of the cattle dogs has a hurt paw without even seeing him. can tell when it’s going to rain, so he knows whether or not it’ll be a good day to cut the alfalfa fields

- it’s a little freaky to be honest but tony doesn’t hate it. it’s really useful with everything on the farm, and it’s... it’s nice. having someone that can so effortlessly understand him. 

- it’s also like peters... totally unaware of it. like he doesn’t even know he knows things he shouldnt know. which blows tony’s mind even more. 

- it kinda turns him on, and he finds himself with his hand around his cock wondering if peter knows he’s getting off thinking about him. like, more than once. maybe even more than once a week. definitely more than once a week. 

- and maybe peters kind of catching on, a little. that maybe his feelings toward his employer/landlord/new friend are shared

- it also doesn’t help that he gets uncontrollably aroused every time tony goes to bed. like. every... single... time...

- peter always knew he was.. attentive. but he didn’t know it would manifest as literally feeling tony’s arousal through the fucking walls

- and it doesn’t help that peter’s filling out. he’s getting darker as the months get warmer, he’s getting significantly more meat on his bones now that he’s eating more and working more

- and it really doesn’t help that tony is getting eyefuls of the half naked ranch hand almost 24/7. it’s really not his fault that peter works better without a shirt on

- and maybe it comes to a head one day. maybe they’re picking up alfalfa bales from one of the fields and they stop to take a break and tony just ,, can’t handle sweaty, tan, barely-a-twink-anymore peter.

- and peter can feel it, with his ,, unique senses, that tony’s watching him. like, a lot. like, way more than normal even 

- so he decides to play it up a bit. he takes his shirt off, he throws his gloves in the bed of the truck and balls the tee in his hands, wiping his face off with it and sighing deeply

- and he knows tony saw that because he could fucking hear tony’s breathing change and he smirks a little bit, because that’s enough confirmation for him to know for sure

- so he looks up, and he meets tony’s eyes, and they’re wild and feral and tony looks like one of the wolves that tried to take out one of their cows last winter - hungry and ready to devour what was in front of him

- and peter just looks at him, a little incredulous, and finally speaks up: ‘you gonna get over here ‘n kiss me, or what?’ - and tony fucking breaks

- he turns the truck off and slams the door when he gets out, grabbing peter by the neck and fucking dragging him against tony’s clothed body

- “do you know what you’ve been doing this whole time?” 

- of course peter does, tony, you fucking moron. he knows and he’s been trying to get you to rip him to shreds, dumbass. you’re just oblivious

- but tony still can’t help but see the tiny young man that walked up on his doorstep those years ago, can’t help but want to protect him and keep him safe and warm and fed 

- so of course tony wanted to go slow, and wanted to be gentle with peter

- but pete was having fucking none of that, because oh my god tony i’m not 19 anymore please just fuck me already and been wanting you for way too long and please tony just--  and he grabs tony’s hand and makes him squeeze even harder

- and it’s hot, and it’s messy, and it’s not even really sex, just them rutting and grabbing and jerking each other off up against the door of tony’s truck, belt buckles undone and jeans just barely tugged down

- and tony’s basking in it, watching peter’s eyes screw shut and his pretty plush lips open and the little ‘aah, nngh fuck, tony’s that push their way from his throat

- and he knows, the second they’re done here, they’re abandoning their work for the day and he’s taking peter back to the house and he’s going to show him what this is like for real, what it means to be touched with intention and love and emotion behind it - not just a quick handjob standing in the hay field

- and he does. he worships peter’s body when they get back to the house

- he kisses every single part of him, nips at the tiny bit of excess fat on his stomach and thighs and hips, relishing in the fact that peter is his, his to take care of, his to keep safe and healthy and happy

- and eventually, the guest room opens up again. peter’s stuff slowly moves into tony’s room. he stops getting paid, but that’s okay

- because why would you get paid to work on your own farm? 

[baby-n-boo]

Not Alone- kid!wilbur, older kid!techno, very little kid!tommy, even smaller kid!tubbo, dad!za.

The sun rose bright and warm on the small cottage in the forest, shining familiarly through the thin curtains to wake the thirteen-year-old splayed across his bed, legs tangled in the blue, sheep printed sheets that were a little too small for the bed itself. He groaned, and rolled over, almost falling off the bed as he moved, it being far too early to be awake, especially on a lazy day such as this one. It wasn’t like he had anything to do, no school, no sparring practice, not even any chores. A perfect day to stay in bed until the sun went away again.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t afforded that luxury, as his door was thrown open, slamming against the wall as it swung, and the cool dawn breeze washed over his exposed skin, ruffling his hair gently. “Wake up, wake up, wake up!” an excitable voice squeaked, before a weight threw itself at the bed, making it bounce wildly. Coughing, with a breathless “oof”, he couldn’t help but open his eyes now, to see the almost-vibrating form of his younger brother, a grin splitting his face almost in half. “oh, hey Will.” he muttered, wearily, and reaching for his glasses. “What’s, uh...what's up?” Fighting back a yawn, sure he wouldn’t be getting any more sleep now the kid had invaded.

Wilbur bounced again, his hands flapping excitedly, as he grinned. “It’s my birfday! Happy birfday to me, happy birfday to me!” he squeaked, starting to sing as he slid back off the bed and started spinning in circles while singing. “Techy! Sing with me!” he gasped, holding his hands out towards his brother eagerly, making it hard for the teen to refuse, as he smiled weakly. “I’m getting up, don’t worry.�� Techno assured, as he slithered reluctantly out of bed, pulling on the first shirt to reach his hands- one of Phil’s donated pieces- and took Wilbur’s quivering hand. “Yeah, uh...” he started, not really singing, though the nine-year-old didn’t seem to mind. “Ha-Happy Birthday, I guess?” he sounded tentative, like he hadnt quite done it right.

“Yay! Thank You!” Will’s grin only got bigger, showing the gap where his front tooth used to be, as he dragged Techno towards the bedroom door. “Cummon, Techy! Everyone else ‘s already up! Dad sent me to come get youuuuu.” He couldn’t stop talking, excitement flowing through his very veins, at the very premise of a birthday. Techno didn’t quite understand what was so important about it, or what significance it held, especially if it meant waking up so ridiculously early on a summer morning. Still, he muffled his groan as the sunlight streaming through the front windows hit his eyes, trying his hardest to smile encouragingly whenever the kid looked back to him. Even as his head pounded and his broken glasses dug into the bridge of his nose.

Seeing the rest of the group sat about the coffee table, which had been piled high with presents, Techno couldn’t help but wrap his free arm about his chest, as it ached. Tommy was bouncing almost as much as WIlbur, holding a small, sloppily wrapped bundle tight in his lap, like it was precious, whilst Tubbo, the youngest of the boys, was sat, wedged right up against the edge of the couch, nervously gripping Phil’s sleeve as he saw the eldest be dragged in. Phil, himself, had taken a comfortable seat right in the centre of the couch, a sheepish smile on his face as he saw Techno’s bewildered face. “Hey Will? I don’t think he wants to be pulled everywhere?” Phil drew the boy's attention, chuckling slightly as Wilbur rushed an apology, stumbling over the words, and threw himself into the dining chair that had been hastily decorated with some balloons, to signify a birthday boy’s throne.

Trying to clear up the misunderstanding, Techno held up a hand, ignoring how the too-big sleeve flopped over his fingers, and muttered his own apology. “No, really, it’s my fault, I...i wasn’t going fast enough. It’s fine.” The words fell on deaf ears, however, as Phil smiled apologetically for Will’s behaviour, beckoning the eldest of the four over to sit with him. Instead, he elected to sink down, crosslegged onto the floor, leaning awkwardly against an armchair, and hugged his knees to his chest to hide the way it was aching. It wasn’t like it was a new position, he liked to sit on the floor, and Phil had stopped questioning it now, sure he would sit on chairs when he wanted to, but, especially today, he could enjoy the fact the spotlight was as far away from on him as it could possibly be.

Subtly combing his fingers through his bed head, he watched through strands of unruly, candyfloss hair as Will descended like a vulture onto the pile of gifts with Phil’s blessing, surfacing with the biggest one. He looked to the fatherly figure for approval, and, after he received a nod, dug all ten of his fingers into the thin wrapping at the same time, yanking to open it in only the way a nine-year-old really could. Shreds of paper went everywhere, Tubbo giggling as a piece landed squarely on his nose, Will’s eyes racing hungrily over the bundle of brown and black that fell out. “It’s a coat like mine, I thought you might want to have one.” Phil explained, as Will unfolded it to reveal a rather less tattered trench-coat than the one Phil was speaking of, the one hung beside the door. Squealing, he held it tight to his chest, almost tripping as he ran over to Phil, and threw himself at him. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm gunna wear it everyday, and ill be so cool!” He promised, ignoring how Phil was laughing openly at how big it was. His hands barely even came to the elbows, the tails dragging on the floor behind him as he excitedly ran to his little brother to show him. “Look, Look, Look, Tommy! I’m so cool!” he yelled, as Tommy almost bounced right out of his seat.

“Uh-huhs! You look awesum, Wilby!” the blond grinned, his hair falling over his eyes as he nodded enthusiastically. Wilbur seemed to glow at the praise, his mind racing a million miles an hour as Tubbo nodded to back up Tommy’s point, the sun seeming to shine specifically on him in that moment. “We’re gunna have such cool adventures! Oh, Dad, Dad, Dad, can I go play? I'll be really good, promise!” Will begged, pointing to the window, through which he could see a few animals milling around, the salmon in the river playing lazily in the sun spots. Phil looked amused, shaking his head a little, as Techno stifled a snort. “Maybe later, lil siren. For now, look! You’ve still got more presents! Tommy, how about you give Will yours next?” He carefully redirected the point, relieved as Tommy gasped, and whirled round to grab the brown paper wrapped bundle from where it had fallen to the cushion during their bouncing.

Pushing the sleeves up, and suddenly looking a whole lot more mature as he did so, Wilbur accepted the gift, graciously thanking his little brother, even as the paper almost fell apart in his hands. He tried his hardest to be gentle with it, especially as Tommy watched on, sure that it was precious. And, as he finally unwrapped it from the tissue paper, and it fell into his hand, he couldn’t help but gasp. A small, hand-engraved locket had fallen into his hand, the chain thin and delicate, as it rippled between his fingers, dangling down. Cautiously opening it, Will smiled wide, faced with a picture of his dad, hand on each of his son’s shoulders, Tubbo sat in front of them, all wearing genuine smiles. That was sweet enough, to have his family staring back at him, but the other side held a picture of a pink haired pre-teen, wearing strangely formal clothes, but recognisable all the same. “Techy! Techy look!” Will smiled, rushing over to thrust it in the half-piglin's face, so he could see. The addition of his own picture in the clearly family-heirloom made Techno’s heart flutter a little, especially as he could tell it had been Phil’s experienced hand that had put it together. He replied with a sof smile, and a quiet “huh, ‘tis me, yeah. Thats pretty cool, Will.”, trying his hardest to catch Phil’s eye to send a grateful look his way, though the old man seemed to be purposefully looking away, a slight blush the onbly sign it had affected him at all.

Gently slipping the chain over his head, Will let the heavy piece rest halfway down his chest, as he headed back to the presents, not seeing how Techno’s eyes had glossed over a little at the gesture. Lost in his thoughts, he didn’t even notice as the pile slowly dwindled, more and more activities or toys or clothes spilling out of the bright paper, almost drowning the kid, at least not until a ball of paper caught the side of his head, making him zone back in. Quickly scrubbing at the tears that had, rather embrassingly, slid down his cheeks whilst he hadnt noticed, Techno turned his head towards the perpetrator of the assault, scowling slightly when he saw it had been a laughing Phil.

“That hurt.” he complained bluntly, rubbing at his pointed ear, where it had caught him, adjusting the course strands of hair he had tucked behind said ear, instead of tying it up. “Sorry, son. It’s just, we’ve been calling you for a couple minutes now.” he apologised, rubbing his neck awkwardly, especially as Techno’s eyes widened at the endearment. Before he could question it, however, Phil spoke up again. Or at least, tried to. “I was gunna-” he started, before Wilbur jumped in, having changed from his pyjamas to a loose, hempen shirt and some jeans, with, of course, his precious jacket.

“We’re gunna go play! You wanna come with us?” he enthused, pulling his boots onto the wrong feet in his excitement, and making Phil have to stoop from where he was helping Tommy with his buttons, to swap them over. “Let’s play revolution!” he continued, Tubbo following mutely but happily behind the two boys as they ran to the door, his oversized, hand-me-down green shirt flopping around as he moved. “It’s no fun with just one, two of us! Tubbo doesn’t count when we play, he’s too small.” he protested, as Techno went to shake his head, really not feeling up to playing pretend with the boys that day. He had too much to think about. Phil wasn’t having any of it, though, picking up his sunhat from the hook and calling across the room. “Come on, Tech, We’ll all go, I have to head into town to get something anyway, you can come me if you arent going to play with them.” He left no room to wriggle out, making Techno heave a sigh, and nod, slipping away to his room to change. He could hear the excited screams as Phil opened the door to let all three of the littler kids out, and the following yell to “be nice to Tubbo!” as Tommy obviously left him behind to run into the cooler woods.

It didn’t take long to slip into a light, ruffled front shirt and some black dress pants, Techno feeling more comfortable in the antique style clothes, though he couldn’t help sinking down onto his unmade bed, as his stomach ached harder. It might have been hunger, since he hadnt eaten anything since the previous night, but, hearing the faint whoops of Will as he started up one of his too-complex games, Techno knew it wasn’t anything as physical as that. No, it was much deeper.

Quietly wrapping one arm about his stomach again as he headed out, having shoved on some boots, and thrown his too-long hair into some semblance of out-his-face, he tried to paste on a sort of smile for his adoptive carer, sure he’d never hear the end of it if he showed how much he wanted to frown. He did gain a small eyebrow furrow, but, luckily, Phil had the sense not to push, instead pulling out a wide brimmed straw hat for the easily-burnt half-piglin, and passed it over. “Here, we have to go get the cake for later, I had it made specially by that baker in town.” He was reading off a scribbled grocery list, clutched in one hand as he grabbed a basket with the other, not even looking away from the writing to catch the rest of the stuff trying to tumble out of the cupboard, and shove it back in. Techno nodded quietly, knowing the one he meant, and planning how best to Not-Be-There, since it was probably the busiest store of the waterfront on a normal day, never mind today, when everyone would be seeking pies and pastries for their summer parties. He notoriously wasn’t good with crowds, though he didn’t dare tell Phil this, in case it was a nuisance, instead opting to take a peek at the list, and offer to get something else at the same time.

The sudden burst of helpfullness didn’t escape notice, but, given how much he had to get, Phil didn’t much mind, setting the teen on the job of collecting fruits, and stashed the list away in his pocket, to plot the rest of when they got there. He wasn’t sure how long his boys would be out, but he really didn’t want to keep them waiting too long if they got bored before he got back. Having pre-prepared a tray of snacks and water bottles earlier in the day, he quickly propped the door open with a foot, popping it on the low, end table just outside, for precisely that purpose, before waving a hesitant Techno through with a smile. “Out we come, then.” He joked, pulling out the key to lock the cottage door behind them both, his shoes thudding familiarly on the worn stone step, reminding Techno he wasn’t gunna be going on his own, as he shuffled awkwardly between feet.

He wasn’t used to going out without his cape about his shoulders to help hide him from the world, but even now, he could feel the sun beating down on his shoulders and back, warming him almost to discomfort, even without the thick layer of velvet. He cleared his throat, easily falling into step just behind Phil as they passed the squeaky, broken gate, and straight into the field across the road, taking the wooded path shortcut, much to the relief of the teen, not sure he could have made it all the way up the main road and back today. The rustling of the wheat, and foraging of smaller animals was all that breached the comfortable silence that settled over the two of them as they walked, having established that neither was good at small talk months ago, back when days still came and went in darkness.

They had their own minds for company, for the most part, Phil seeming to hear songs on the wind to hum along to tunelessly whenever he felt like it, and really, Techno wouldn’t have it any other way, especially as it gave him something else to focus on, other than the weird feeling he was struggling to put a name to. He may have squealed slightly as a cow wandered across their path, spooking him a little, and causing Phil to chuckle, squeezing his shoulder a little with his callused hand, but, if he had longed for the warm touch to linger a little longer, well that was between him and the trees.

Before long, the trees thinned out, bit-by-bit, interrupted by houses where they would fit, until, by some strange occurrence, they found themselves stood in the town square, like they had been there all along. Still not used to how sudden it felt, Techno spun gently to get his bearings back, before pulling on the basket. “I’ll...i’ll go to the market, if you want to go get the cake before it gets too busy?” he offered, flinching at the merchants hawking their wares at the top of their lungs only a little ways away. Phil nodded, seeing an opportunity to join the three-person queue, hurrying off with barely another word than “Meet back here”, leaving Techno stood, clutching the basket to his chest, in the middle of the path.

Luckily, most people knew Phil, and so, by extension, Techno, in this small village, shaking their heads good-naturedly as he wandered the stalls, looking for the carrots. Trying to ease the furrowed brow he always seemed to wear, they called out jokes, or offered discounts, but he mostly kept his head down, shoving the number of vegetables he needed into the basket, and holding out the money to the appropriate local merchant. Really, he needed to buy Will a gift, since he had flat-out forgotten what the day was, and he really didn’t want to give Phil a reason to put him back out on the street where he had found him.

Finding he barely had enough coins left in the small pouch Phil had handed him for a hunk of cheese, Techno sighed, dejected, sure he was going to have to pick a flower and pretend it was important, and turned to leave. His last hope was a new stall, tucked right in the corner, boasting rare and wonderful treasures he was sure would be cheap tat. Sidling up to the stall, he tried not to be intimidated by the trader keeping their head shrouded in the shadow of their green cloak, and instead, muttered “Do...Do you have anything for a handful of bronze?” like it was something to be ashamed of. The merchant gasped, pulling back the blanket that had covered their wares previously, to show a distinct lack of prices. “Anything here may be purchased for your budget.” He spoke smoothly, as if luring Techo into making a mistake.

For the most part, he had been right, it was cheap tat, painted bright colors to attract fools. But leaning up against the side of the rickety shelf, stood a gleaming wooden instrument, as if begging to be bought, as if it wanted to be played. He couldn’t help but smile, knowing it was perfect for Wilbur, no questions asked. Pointing to it, he nodded. “I want that.” he spoke bluntly, leaving no room for error, watching as the strange merchant picked up in a gloved hand, and inspected it. “Ah, yes, a wonderful choice. I am sure it will be in good hands. That will be five bronze then.” He held out the spare hand, for Techno to upend the coin purse into, watching as five scuffed, browning circles fell out. Snapping the hand shut before he could take the coins back, the strange merchant lifted the instrument over the desk to Techno, knocking back his hood in the process. “Very good.” He spoke, not seeming to notice as Techno backed away, eyes transfixed on the smiling mask he wore over his own face.

Slinging the carrying strap of the instrument over his shoulder, Techno took off running, the basket of carrots banging against his leg as he moved, only daring to look back when he got to the familiar vegetable stalls he had grown up with. The merchant was gone, only a dusty corner left where he had once been, as if it had all been imagined. Rubbing his eyes, behind the broken rims of his glasses, Techno panted, sinking down onto the bench he had been told to meet Phil back at, and tried to calm himself by rubbing his fingers up and down the thick material of the strap. It didn’t make any sense, but, shaking it off as the old man walked up with a carefully balanced patisserie box, he stood and smiled, holding up the basket. “Got ‘em.” he spoke quietly, feeling slightly better at Phil’s affirming smile of praise.

“We should hurry back, Tommy’s attention span isnt too long.” Phil chuckled, speaking fondly about his middle son, shuffling the box to a more sustainable position. “Then, cake! Which I'm sure everyone is excited for!” Techno nodded softly, watching as the baker’s daughter, Niki, ran across the square, chasing pigeons and laughing. She was only a few years younger than Will, but somehow she looked so much smaller, more innocent. He only hoped the best for her. Hoped she would grow up loved and cared for.

Pulling his attention back to the present, he saw Phil had already strated walking, hurrying to catch up with him, and walk in time. The journey was so much quicker on the way back, the path clear of wandering cows, Techno even finding some suspicious looking mushrooms he might have been able to make a soup out of, just growing at the foot of a tree. He didn’t dare pick them, knowing how many people walked their dogs through the wood, but he did make a mental note to research them in one of Phil’s many books when he got some free time.

Soon enough, they were heading back through the wheat, greeted by three tired looking kids, as they lazed about in varying levels of sleepiness on the front lawn. Laughing as Wilbur instantly perked up at the cake box, Phil ushered his boys aside, handing the heavy and cool box to Techno whilst he unlocked the door, trusting him with the responsibility. He didn’t take it back as everyone rushed in, either, letting Techno go last so he could get the box onto the dining table with minimal little kid help. It was a nice feeling, especially as Phil got everyone cleaned up and seated, giving the eldest the honor of opening the box, to reveal a white frosting covered cake, “Happy Birthday, Wilbur” piped on the top with yellow, cursive icing. Practically bouncing off the walls, Wilbur begged his dad to let him have some now, to which Phil reluctantly relented, moving to get plates and a knife to cut the cake with, with the warning they were only allowed a small slice, so they would still eat their lunch. Tommy didn’t seem particularly pleased with the news, protesting “but daaaaaad” loudly, giving Will the perfect opportunity to start talking Techno’s ear off.

“Birfdays are the bestest! I want it to be a birfday everyday! You get cake, and presents, and....and....cake!” he smiled wide, humming happily to himself as Techno offered a tight smile, the feeling only getting worse. “When is your birfday, Techy?” Will asked curiously, as Phil came back with a stack of chipped mismatched plates, and a small utensil to cut the cake with. “Yeah, actually, Tech, when /is/ your birthday? I havent seen you celebrate...” Phil chimed in, seemingly confused when Techno slumped, shaking his head a little.

“I...i,uh, don’t have one?” Techno whispered, flinching as Tommy yelled “What!” at full volume. “Everyone has birfday.” Wilbur seemed confused, especially as Techno shook his head. “Not me. I don’t know when mine is. My family never told me.” He continued, eyes flicking to Phil, who was frozen in panic-stricken thought. Wilbur nodded quietly for a moment, then leaning over a dozing Tubbo towards the cake, and smeared his finger in the icing, rubbing out his name from it, leaning back grinning with his icing coated finger in his mouth. “There. It can be today.” he spoke as if it was that easy, Techno gaping at how kind the gesture had been, his mind not caught up enough to protest, not even as Will pulled the locket from around his neck, and put it round his brother’s. “Happy birfday, Techy, from your family.”

[spyoikawa]

I feel rusty. I should really work on writing more often- also im a rain person so i personally see this prompt as a positive thing

Flufftober Day 24 - Caught in the Rain

Character - Tetsuro Kuroo

Warnings - none! Please let me know if you find something triggering!

Your classroom felt damp, almost humid as the school day reached its final hours.

And lo and behold, when you finally find a window, its pouring.

After gathering your things, you paused at your schools exit. The rain fell dangerously close in front of you, close enough a gentle spray kissed your skin. Sticking your hand out, you felt the cold water hit and bounce on your skin. Retracting your arm, it lightly shivered despite not being cold. And with the lightest shake, any remaining water drops flew off your skin.

"Enjoying yourself? You know you're gonna get a cold"

Your heart rate sped at the sound of his voice. You slowly turned around, greeted by the lightly amused face of your crush.

"It felt nice" you retorted

He rolled his eyes, "It won't feel nice when youre walking home without an umbrella"

Reaching back, you realized he was right. The usual spot for your umbrella was empty. Shoot.

Lightly shaking his head, he opened his own umbrella.

"Cmon", he gestured to his right, "your home is on the way to mine"

You heated up, you were sure your face was flushed red by now. You dove next to him, in a place where he (hopefully) couldn't see you.

The walk was quiet, shoulders awkwardly bumping as you both tried to fit under the umbrella.

You slipped on a sweatshirt as the wind picked up and it got colder.

"Do you want my jacket?" He started to peel the zipper down

"Nonono, im good dont worry, i just needed a wind breaker" you spaced yourself away, your hair dipping in the rain.

Zipping his jacket back up, he put the umbrella over you again, "If you say so-"

You both shrieked as the wind ripped the umbrella out from his hands. Through many curses you both started to bolt making a run for your house.

Until you noticed... you weren't really getting wet... and it was kinda warm

Without slowing your pace you looked up to see a very drenched kuroo holding his jacket over your head.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" You screamed, shoving his jacket back towards him

He wrestled it back over you, "oh yanno i thought i could use a little rain right now- KEEPING YOU DRY CLEARLY"

Finally you reached the cover if your porch, and without having to focus on running, you shoved the jacket back onto him.

"You were lecturing me about getting a cold earlier, and yet here you are drenched" you said, pinching the bridge of your nose

"Its my fault we lost the umbrella, so might as well keep you dry"

"Thats not how it works-" you paused momentarily when you saw him shivering a bit. All his clothes were now wet, cold, and heavy after sacrificing his jacket.

Your expression softened as you sighed.

"Its too cold to be outside right now. Would you like to come inside and warm up before you go home?"

He smirked and gestured to the door.

"It would be my pleasure"

Little did you know your umbrella was safely stashed away in the classroom, right where he hid it. Listen, he needed SOME excuse to start walking you home

[stardancerluv]

At War

Part 4b

Summary: Roman, takes care of what’s his.

Warning: none

“Zsasz, get us the fuck out of here.” When he climbed back into the Rolls, he saw you shaking and trembling. He exhaled. “Come over here.” Pulling off his mask, he reached over and out it on the passenger seat beside Zsasz who was already tearing through the streets.

He ruffled his hair, looking over he saw you still being consumed by your fear. He was used to seeing people at the other end of his wrath acting like this. He hated seeing you feel like this. He slid over to you.

“Baby.” He whispered. “Come here.” Wrapping an arm around you he pulled you close. He had felt you flinch but then you relaxed. In a breath, you wrapped your arms around him and buried his face into his good side. He ran his fingers through your hair.

Being with you made him face things he disliked, he mused. He was certain you had blood on your face and now that was on his suit. Also this need for comfort, he wasn’t used to giving it. He couldn’t explain it but when you wrapped your arms around him, he actually liked it. Annoyance did not claw at him. If anything, he really wished he could bring you even more comfort.

He’d love to promise you that he will get the head of Gillis but right now he knew best to be quiet. As he held you knowing he killed St. Clair filled him with happiness. She was responsible for the argument the two of you had this morning. The fucking pretty boy got her, he smirked.

The heavy metal door came down behind them as Victor pulled into the underground parking garage.

“Y/N, we’re home.” He tucked some hair behind your ear. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

You looked up at him. “Cleaned up?”

He pressed his lips together and nodded. “Yeah.”

Worry crossed your face.

“I’ll take care of it.” He said to you. Zsasz, he noticed had opened the door. “Let’s get out of this dank parking garage. Yes?”

You nodded and followed him out of the Rolls. He looked at Zsas, “You know where it goes. Make sure that door is locked and then come up and meet me in my office.”

“Want me to give you sometime?” Zsasz, scratched the back of his head.

He exhaled. “Right now is not the time for games.” He gave Zsasz, a hard look. “Once up in the penthouse make sure the elevator only travels to your floor and mine. I do not want to be worried about it.”

“Sure thing boss.”

******

Silently, he took your hand and interlaced your fingers with his gloved one. Looking at it, he rather enjoyed its kind of odd balance. It was the two of you.

He brought you the bedroom, he stopped short of the bathroom. “Wait right here.” He hesitated at you closet but then he turned to his, you barely reacted to him taking his knife back.

Once in his closet, he shed his jacket. He would have to have another one made. He had been rather fond of the maroon color. Pulling off his gloves, he let them fall onto his jacket. A smile tugged on his lips as he looked at all the knives he had, he out the one you took and placed it where it belonged

Opening the drawer below it, he grabbed one of his t-shirts and a pair of his pajama pants. He knew what you had just got through had been a lot. He didn’t want shock or panic setting it.

With his shirt and pants slung on his shoulder, he led you into the bathroom. “Sit here.” He suggested once guiding you to bench he had in there. He placed his shirt and pants beside you.

You looked up at him. “Is it that bad?”

He put a finger under your chin and drew your face up. He shook his head. “No. But my girl should have to deal with this.”

You gave a soft smile. “Thank you.”

He smiled. “What kind of guy would I be?”

You nodded.

He went over and grabbed a wash cloth, he wet and soaped it up. “As much as I love you looking up at me,” He smirked. “Close your eyes, so I can take care of this.”

Looking, at your face seeing the blood splattered there. Incensed his anger. You were only part of this world because of him. How dare they.

He was just grateful, you had that idea. If he had just gotten the news you being killed. There would be even more blood on the streets tonight.

He would have Zsasz, find out what he could about Vanessa. Thankfully, he had set up the transfer but boy executed it because he waited making sure the plan would work. He had not expected this. The other girls would be upset. Everyone, seemed to like her. David on the other hand, had been a decent driver but he had no connections with the others and no family to speak of. GothamPD could handle him.

More reason, for him to dislike Gillis and her gang. Making more unnecessary trouble. He gritted his teeth

Gently holding your chin as brushed and rubbed the blood away. “Stay this way, now I have to rinse the soap away.”

He threw away the wash cloth. Grabbing a new one he soaked it with warm water he twisted it and grabbed a dry one and you would be set.

When he back, he noticed that tears had run down your cheeks. He sighed, “It’s not your fault. You had an amazing idea. It saved you. And I will make Gillis and her gang pay.”

Your eyes were watery. “Ok. Good.”

He held up the wash cloth. “Hold the dry one for me, baby.”

You took it and he made sure all the soap was gone. He went over it a few times. After drying you off, the wash clothes were on the floor. He’d never use them again. He helped you to your feet.

Easily he helped you out of your clothes. “Ooh.” He made a sound as sweet as he could while letting his finger trace the band of your panties. “These are very nice.” But then he helped you into his pajama pants followed by his t-shirt. “There’s my girl.” He pulled you close and brushed aside the fresh tear.

“Baby, I have to gather my men and protect us here. Now you can lay on the sofa in my office while I talk with Zsasz or you can stay in here.”

You swallowed. “I’ll stay here.”

“Alright, thats my girl.” He smiled. “I am very proud of you tonight.”

“You are?”

“Yes. You had a solid plan and it worked. And those people will pay for what they did.”

You looked down. He drew your face up. “Maybe I will let you scream at them when I capture them.”

You smiled then that made him feel better. He was relieved, he didn’t want you getting depressed. In this world people died, he was just glad you were not one of them.

“There’s the smile that pulled me in.” He smiled. “Ok, I’ll come get you if the need arises. Maybe get some rest. It has been a rough night.”

You nodded.

*****

Roman, was right your plan worked and thankfully it wasn’t you. Perhaps, when things calmed down the two of you could do something for Vanessa’s family, if it was needed. You picked up the discarded wash clothes, your clothes and brought them to the chute that dropped them into the incinerator. You saw where he dropped his suit-jacket and gloves. It was best to let him decide what he wanted to do.

Going the room where you kept your stuff, you gathered Vanessa’s and also put them down the chute. Pushing the button, you let the incinerator do its job.

As you walked back to the bedroom you watched as Roman hunched over maps sipped at some whisky. He undid the first few buttons of his shirt. Seeing him do what he did his best made you feel good, it made you feel safe.

Going back to the bedroom, it was too much work to pull the blankets aside so you laid on top of them. You barely laid down and sleep claimed you.

*****

“Alright, let’s see.” He took a sip of his whiskey. “I want some downstairs in the club and I want the rest spread out in the neighboring buildings.”

“We can do that.” Victor sent out the messages. “Who do we want down stairs?”

“The ones who are directly on my payroll. The other ones,” He pressed his lips together. “Those who uphold and pledge their loyalty can stat staked out in the other buildings. Give them an incentive. A bonus if they stay there ams stay good look outs and support if she comes.”

“Alright good. They should all like that.”

Roman, looked at him. “They better. And of we catch any of them helping her, we take their fucking head.”

*****

Later, much later after he had finally spoken to various groups. He finally decided to sleep. He was ready.

Feeling like he was shedding clothes from a lifetime ago he felt worlds better. It felt good to feel the silk of his pajamas.

He tiredly smiled when he saw that you and cleaned things up. The entire maroon suit went down the chute along with the gloves. Pushing the button, for the second time that night the incinerator roared to life.

Seeing, that you laid on top pf the blankets he would too. He saw anguish splashed across your face. He exhaled, he was tired to his bones with the situation Gillis threw his life into. But carrying for you felt easy, it was like taking care of himself. He went and laid close.

“Daddy’s here.” He breathed close to your ear and pressed a kiss on your cheek.

Draping an arm over your side, he gave himself up to the sleep that had been pulling hard on him.

@darling-i-read-it @spn-obsessed-dean @vintagemichelle91 @xxxeatyourh3artoutxxx @ewanfuckingmcgregor @zodiyack @angel98624 @frenchgirlinlondon @nebulastarr @emyliabernstein @thepeachreads @itsknife2meetu @omghappilyuniquebouquetlove @nomnomnomnamja @poe-kadot26 @top-rumbelle-fan @babydoll97 @hazel-nuss @vcat55 @feelthemadnessinside @rosionis @queenofgotham800 @brookisbi @peachthatdrinkslemonade @johallzy @foreverhockeytrash @frostypenguinoz @starwarsslytherin @proffesionalclown @chogisss @dance-like-russia-isnt-watching @shantellorraine @xxinvisiblexx @pooshnulooshnu @speedypartyducksuitcase @blondekel77 @corey-clown @drarrylov3r @i-cant-hear-you16 @deadlymistress24 @yesqueenofthelight

[theravencawsatmidnight]

Under His Wing pt 2

Sunmary. Hawks takes in a teenage runaway

Hawks got you to his home around 11:15 at night and all he wanted to do was sleep, next time.. listen to the damn sidekick.. He unlocked the door and you rushed in past him heading straight to the restroom slamming the door. He rolled his heavy eyes closing the door and slumping to his kitchen taking out a big bowl and some ingredients.

The shower.Was.Amazing. After running around every night getting dirty and covered in blood it felt so good to just sit in the shower and watch it wash away. You laid your head against the shower wall inhaling deep. Never thought you would be taken in by a Pro Hero. Not to mention Bird Man of all Pros. You exhaled slowly and stood up to wash up , christ it felt good to wash your hair.

After you got out all you could smell was ramen, instantly you rushed out down the hall to see the bowl of chicken ramen with little candies next to it and Hawks waving. You sat down at the table looking at the food then him a few times.

“Its just ramen, and tomorrow im going to show you how to use your quirk, “ he yawned rubbing his head. “do you know how to call your feathers back?” He asked pointing to your back , you looked over your shoulder to see you were missing some.

“No.” You said between bites.

Hawks went to the nearest window and turned to look at you. “Think of them coming back and something you enjoy, ill show you more tomorrow.” Hawks made his way to the hall pointing to a door as he passed. “Guest room”

“Okay grandpa.” You snickered as you watched this Pro Hero try not to fall asleep with every step.

“Haha, good night little crow” He closed the door behind him finally going to bed.

“Pfft..” you looked down at the ramen, it was nearly gone . Think of something you.. enjoy huh? What do you enjoy ? Ramen, for one, you ate the last bits of it and got up dumping the bowl in the sink. A bed.. was one. You thought on it as you made your way down the hall stopping at Hawks door. Someone who .. cared? Was that something?

All your feathers flew through the window returning to you and you scoffed at them shaking your head, that cant be it, its the bed and ramen. Yup.

Once you got into the bed you crashed instantly , it was soft and warm. And better than the dirty floor you were used to.

••

In the morning Hawks woke up around 8 feeling so much better and well rested, his wings stretched along with him shaking from the middle all the way to the tips. “Mmmm……. what to do today.” He got up opening his door walking out going to the restroom to shower.

You woke up maybe 8:30 with a grumpy look on your face, you were sleepy and groggy. Slowly you pushed yourself up to poke around in the closet for clothes finding some tacky shirts and sweatpants, you grabbed them going to the restroom opening the door, your wings were shaking but you ignored it and opened the curtain to see Hawks.

“....”

“.....”

“AAAAH!!!!!” You covered your eyes and all your feathers fell out

“I FORGOT YOU WERE HERE!!!! “ Hawks said covering himself

“DAMMIT AAAUGHHH” you cried

“GET OUT GET OUT!!!!!”

“AAAUGHH!!!!” You stumbled over your feathers slamming the door behind you running to the couch panting. “FUCK!!!!!” You fell to your side whining and kicking your feet.

Hawks leaned into the wall rubbing his face. “Fucking hell, thats right, im housing a runaway.. i should have Tokoyami look up her description some time today…”

After Hawks had gotten washed up and sprinted to his room to get dressed he went back to the restroom to gather up your feathers and go to you to see you curled up on the couch arms folded and pouting.

“I might have.. forgot you were-“

“OBVIOUSLY!!!!” You sat up crossing your arms again. “Some Pro you are .”

Hawks let that one go and held his hands out. “These are yours, let me show you how to make a sword”

“A..sword?” You got up taking them back, they flew behind you except for one.

“Yes, you can do more than just fly” he brought a feather to his front and it instantly got sleek and sharp in his grasp.

“Holy fuck” you watched closely , eyes wide.

“So what i do is .. i usually focus my emotions on the feather, i put my strength into it , my will to win, to help”

“So..” you looked down at the feather in your palm thinking, you didn't want to help anyone ,just yourself. You wanted to survive- “OW!!” You dropped the feather sword and Hawks grabbed your wrist looking at the blood rushing out..

“Dont panic, it happens to me sometimes.”

“Fix it..”

He looked up at you to see your face wet and your hair sticking to your cheeks. “I don't like blood old man..”

“Okay okay.” He brought you to the kitchen grabbing the first aid from the cabinet, giving you a cloth for the time being.

It hurt, and the cloth stung, you could feel the blood pooling under it squishing around trying to escape. Your wrist was shaking and Hawks was rushing to get everything out if the kit, he dumped it over and took the bloody cloth away putting it in the sink and pulled you over to it turning on the water.

“Oowe!!!”

“I know it hurt.”

“IT FUCKIN DOES”

He looked at you and your wings shook, his eyes were very serious and not tired. “Calm down . So i can fix this properly.”

“..ok..” you took in a deep breath.

Hawks washed your palm up and dried it once the bleeding stopped, he wrapped it up three times tying it in a bow. “There.” He said letting go of your hand.“That was my fault, I should have warned you. Im sorry y/n”

“Whatever.. what else can i do..” you asked looming at the bow and making grabbing motions with your hand even though it hurt.

“Well…” he pointed to the mess he made and a few feathers cleaned it up, he then pointed to the cabinet and the feathers brought the kit to it closing the cabinet. “That”

You were wide eyed and all Hawks did was chuckle.

•

Hawks spent some time showing you how to use your quirk for something other than stealing , it turns out it was really useful in other ways. The feather sword was still on the floor and Hawks didn't try to make you pick it up again, when you were ready to pick it up you could. You learned a few things about Hawks too, the Hero Commission , his training. It was rare to find a quirk like his. He had asked you about your parents but you refused to talk about them or your childhood. He dropped the subject right there and told you how relieved he was that you agreed to come with him. “I feel like a babysitter who has no idea what to do but im happy your here, jail is no place for you”

You rolled your eyes going over to the window pointing at the curtain, your feather moved it and you jumped slightly, amazed.

“Ah good job, you catch on fast.” He said walking over to you. “Do i have to give you a curfew?” He teased down at you.

“Oh barf.” You opened the window stepping onto it and Hawks reached over grabbing your wrist.

“Come home whenever, just please stay out of trouble.”

Your heart did a back flip. “.. home?”

“Huh?” He tilted his head.

“Nothing old man!” You shook him off jumping out the window flying off, wiping your eyes.

Hawks sighed heavily as he we t to the couch to relax, the weight on his mind and body being taken over by the relaxation in his muscles. He pulled his phone out dialing his friend.

“Tokoyamii…”

“Are you calling to tell me you regret staying out.”

“Well actually….”

One long explanation later

“.. really? And she went with you?”

“Yep, can you run a background check, and make sure no one tries to arrest her..”

“Fine.”

“Thank you Yami.”

“... shes a actual runaway?”

“Said so herself.”

“Interesting..” he hung up and Hawks leaned back into the couch rubbing his face. Meanwhile you were sitting on a roof looking at the bow on your bandage.

••

@redflannel

[arthurflecksgirl]

Hiiii it's me again😂❤️ Can I have a ff where Artie Is at Arkham and it's his last day in. and x Reader comes to pick him up from the hospital🥺 and they go home together, and as always if you want to add some cuddles or She helps Artie to take a warm bath🥺 It would be nice

Oh my dear friend, thank you so much for the request. It was a very emotional ride and very intimate to write. I hope with all my heart that you will like it. Love you so much!

💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

The moment the door opened you felt your heart crumble. That heavy, white door with the tiney window. He must have stared at this window for so many nights.

The bed was empty. For a second you feared that he broke out of the hospital. If that was the case they would find him and lock him up again. Way longer than last time. The thought of being seperated from him for another few weeks or months seemed unbearable. Looking back at the last weeks without him made you wonder how you managed to stay sane yourself. The empty bed, the stillness of his  empty apartment...it felt like the walls were closing in on you. Night for night was spent on his couch, alone, trying to remember his skin on yours, pressing his pillow close to your face to smell the remains of his sweat and shampoo that got caught up in the soft fabric.

He was missing from you like a part of your very own body. And now you`re gonna get your missing part back. Taking it home with you. Filling his apartment with love again.

Your eyes searched for him. That room. Standig between these four walls made you feel snowblind. All the white. Even Arthur was dressed in white.  The only contrast was his dark hair .

Arthur was sitting in the corner of the room. Crumbled up on the floor, like a piece of paper. Like a love letter that wasn`t well written enough to send it, so the writer just formed it into a ball and threw it across the room.

But you wanted to read it. Every sentence. Every letter. You wanted to take that page and uncrumble it. Make it readable again, to realize how beautifully written it actually was. Poetry. The purest form there ever was.

Arthur was the poem who remained unnoticed. Unseen by so many. Even by the ones who wrote him.

The doctor kept looking at you, talked about last night and how Arthur kept whimpering your name. But all you could do was focusing on that one curls that fell to Arthurs forehead. His head was hanging heavy on his shoulders. He looked downwards.

"Artie, darling? I`m here. " you got up to him to knee on the ground.

Arthur finally lifted his head. The circles under his eyes darkened  since you saw him two days ago. He looked exhausted as you gently stroke his hair. A tired smile crossed his sad eyed face. His curls felt greasy like he didnt washed it for at least a week.

"You look tired, darling"

Arthur tried to get up but he seemed so much weaker than he was when he got here.

"Im so tired, Y/N. I`m so very tired." He sat down on the floor again "You`re really here aren`t you?"

"I am.  Its your last day. I will take you home with me now".

Arhur started to cry "Can you please hug me. I need to feel that this is real. I want to hug you but....I can`t"

It was now that you realized that he was still in his handcuffs.

You wrapped your arms around him so tight you felt his ribcage poking you. Silent tears fell from his eyes onto your shoulders.  "I missed you so much, Arthur. I was so incompleate without your breath on my neck at night. "

He nodded, unable to answer. He just cried.

"Cry, sweetheart.its okay let it all out. It`s over now. You can go home with me. No more lonely night in this cold room. We`re gonna go home now and I`m gonna make you a nice, hot bath before we disappear under the sheets.

The doctor looked at you with disguise "A hot bath sounds like a plan. Mr Fleck refused to take a shower for 9 days straight. "

You didnt liked the tone in her voice.

"Why is he still wearing his handcuffs anyway?" you asked.

"Because you can never know with him." The doctor replied, giving him a dirty look.

You wanted to tell her how damn rude she was but you kept silent to not risk anything.

"And he refused to eat,too. We actually thought he wated to starve himself to death in here. Which is illegal."

The anger inside of you grew with every word she said, but you concentrated on Arthur and supported him to get up. "C`mon, darling. We`re gonna leave this place now."

Arthur once again fell into your arms, desperately trying to touch you with his cuffed hands. You held his fingers  inside your fist "You`ll feel better soon, I promise."

The doctor took a step closer and got the keys to unlock the handcuffs. "Goodbye, Mr. Fleck. " her voice sounded cold and heartless. You noticed her taking a step back as Arthur looked up to starte into her eyes. Almost like she was afraid of him. How could anyone be afraid of him?

Arthur didnt answer. The second his hands were free he hugged you with his whole body. So tight it felt like you shared the same jumpsuit. He held your face between his hands. They were as gentle as always. The most gently hands in the world. He seemed different. But still the same. His fingertips stroke your face, your cheekbones and nose, your chin. "I missed touching you, Y/N. Oh, I need to touch you so bad. "  The intensivity of his eyes never left, even when he looked as tired as  he did now. He was so touch starved. Just as you.

"Not in here, Mr Fleck. You know the rules." The doctors voice really got on your nerves. Did she had any idea how hard it was not being able to share your love ? Did she even knew how it felt to be in love? To be forced to leave your other half behind? At a mental hospital?

You both ignored her, touching each others faces "I missed the taste of you" he breathed upon your mouth, right before your lips met. Arthur kissed you with all that was within him. His mouth was dry from all the medication. His lips cracked.  But his kiss was full of love and admiration for you. Full of longing and pain.

Your fingers ran through his messy hair. It was getting even longer than usual. Almost reaching his shoulders.

"Please!" The doctor started to sound angry. "This is not allowed! You`ve got enough time in your hands when you`re out of this building".

Your lips parted again.

"Thats right Dr. Finn. Goodbye." you grabbed Arthurs hand and lead him out of the room.

Before you left Arkham Arthur was lead into the changing room, where he got rid of his white clothing. He looked so much more like himself when he got back. His brown cardigan made him look softer than ever before. He touched the soft, worn out fabric of it, convincing himself that this was all real. Grounding.

It felt good to leave this bulding which became his second home after so many years of being in and out. A home that felt more like a prison since there was someone waiting for him outside these walls.

The whole way home  on the tram Arthur rested his head on your shoulder, closing his eyes. He needed sleep.

"I havent slept for days" he whispered while you sqeezed his hand. "I couldnt close an eye without you by my side. Even the sleeping pills couldnt help."

"We`re gonna make you rest as soon as we get home, Artie."

Artur almost drifted off into sleep on the ride home. Leaning on your shoulder was enough to make him feel save enough to get sleepy.

When you arrived home you took off his sweater and pants "You`re freezing, baby."

"I know."

"Do you still want to take a bath before going to bed?"

"Yeah...please! I feel kinda... dirty".

You kissed his forehead and handed him a bathrobe "Put this on while the water is still running. It will keep you warm. I will make you some soup, okay? You gotta eat something,too."

Arthur nodded "Okay. But...I`m afaraid my stomach cant hold it. They gave me some new meds and it was getting worse again. "He looked ahamed as you walked into the kitchen to boil some water. "Dont worry, Artie. We`ll go slowly. But we have to try. I wont let you go to bed with an empty stomach today. It must have been days since you had eaten something. "

Arthur followed you into the kitchen. He needed to be near you every second. He looked so lost in his bathrobe. So helpless.

"Alright, the soup will be  done when you finished bathing. " you smiled. Arthur mirrored your smile and followed you  back into the bathroom. He stil walked like he had his handcuffs on, which was a sad thing to wittness.

Arthur froze when you helped him out of his bathrobe and into the bathtub. He was even skinnier than usual. His body looked like he was close to a break down. His shoulderbone seemed like it was about to burst through his fragile skin. He`s got some small bruises on his wrists and his tummy was sucked in.

The warm water felt like an embrace as he let himself sink into it. He immediately closed his eyes and awaited your touch.

"I`m so gald to be home" he mumbled as you started to shampoo his sweaty hair. Washing his beautiful curls always felt very intimate to you. You had a thing for his hair. Every strain of it was holy to you. Every curl a poem.

You noticed a small wound on his forehead as you tried not to let the shampoo run into his eyes. "You`re hurt"

"I know. It was my fault. I did it to myself. I`m sorry if I disappoint you"

"Artie, you could never disappoint me. Do you hear me?"

He nodded.

"I love you more than anything, Arthur"

"My whole life I never loved anything else" he replied.

You stopped washing his hair for a second to lean in to kiss him. The warm water dripped down his forehead. You tasted his shampoo upon your lips.

He was home with you.

Life was sweet.

You took the sponge and washed away the pain and loneliness. Every bad memory, every sleepless night at Arkham. You washed it all way. Watching the pain dissappear in his eyes.

Arthurs musicles started to relax under your  tender touch. Even his tense tummy.

He was thankful for all the attention, the love. A smile crossed his face after he got out of the bathtub. You hugged him while he was still naked.

"You feel better now, sweetheart?"

" A lot, Y/N. Thank you. I`m trying to eat some soup now. Just for you!"

"Thats great, Artie. lets do it" you handed him oneof his sweaters. "Um....can I have....would you let me wear one of yours? " he asked with his little voice.

"Of course, Arthur. Oh god, sure. Wait I will get you one!"

A minute later you came back with your fave sweater. Arthur slipped into it like it was his.

"Thank you so much. Its so comortig to wear your clothes".

"Anytime, baby" you got the bowl of soup.

Arthur sat down on the couch. He didnt even asked for a cigarette.

You noticed his eyes watering.

"Whats wrong, Artie?"

"I`m afraid I might throw up. I`ll be so embarassing."

You took the spoon and put it to his lips "There is no reason to be ashamed. The important thing is to try. If you have to throw up its okay. "

"I threw up at Arkham and they yelled at me"

"I´m not gonna yell at you."

"I know....I know that." he whispered.

Arthur swallowed after you fed him the first spoon.

"Is that okay?"

"Yeah."

"Another?"

"Yeah"

You fed him three spoons of soup until he was close to spit it out again.

"Its okay, baby. Take your time. We`ve got all the time in the world to make you eat."

"Thank you so much, Y/N. I dont know what I would do without you."

Arthur waited five minutes until he was ready for another four spoons.

"I´m proud of you, Arthur. Really. You`re doing great.

"Thank you Y/N. For helping me with that. I think thats all I can eat for today. But maybe....tomorrow. Or later when I wake up. Maybe you can leave the bowl of soup next to my bed"

"Sure, darling." You kissed the corner of his mouth and placed the bowl on the table.

"Try to get some sleep now. I`ll be right here with you".

Arthur layed down on the couch as you joined him.

His huge blanket covered both of your bodies.

"Finally" he muttered, pulling you close to his heart, burying his face in the crook of your neck, kissing it gently as he breathed you in.

The familiar smell of his own sheets helped him relax.

"Y/N?"

"Yes Arthur?"

"Would you....like...sing me to sleep or something?"

"Of course,my love"

Arthur closed his tired eyes as your voice quietly echoed through apartment 8J.

"The moon is a silver dollar shining up in the sky

There is a dream we can buy.

Sweetheart you and I

The moon is a silver dollar

Made for lovers to share

And with you in my arms

I`m a millionaire

Our care in troubles

Will all be small change

Someday they all change

Into a dream come true

The moon is a silver dollar

What a glorious sight

Lets invest at him love

Tonight"

---

@impulsiveclown @ben-solos-writing-avenger @jokerownsmysoul @missjoker96 @arthurskitten @lynnesm @nonnymousse @gwynplaine89 @damnrightobsessedwithim @sgtsavoytruffle  @duhliriouss @sadjesterautumn @therealjokerking10 @flowerglitterwoman @thirstforfleck @spookyhome @iartsometimes  @you-cant-cry-in-here @bustafatclownnut @jokerismyhubbie @jokerflecker  @check-out-this-joker @darknessisafriend  @nicoleverse @mdme-rosary @arthurhappyclown    @neon-umbrella-for-stella   @cherrymoon75 @call-me-harley-quinn  @arthurjokersgirl

@aarthurfleckk @mylovelycrazyworld @clownalog @ajokerfangirl  @the-one-who-is-chaos

[thequeenb]

Lost Love (part 4)

Pairings: KamilahxMC

Kamilah entered Adrian's office and right away it was obvious how tired she was. Vampires shouldn't feel exhausted but she was, and everyone could tell.

Adrian knew right away that Kamilah wasn't her usual self. She was always careful of her appearance, her posture. Now her eyes were tired, her body language begged for mercy and her suit was wrinkled.

"Hello Kamilah you look--"

"Save it Raines, i have a headache already" she said massaging her temples

The minute she opened her mouth the smell of Whiskey filled the room, Adrian's eyes filled with pity

"Nicole was able to find an address of a small apartment near Central park"

As soon as she heard these words her eyes shined bright, like a lightning of hope hit her. She squared up her shoulders fixing her suit

"What are we waiting for?"

___

They soon arrived at a small apartment complex. Kamilah stared at the building closing her eyes

"Kami? What are you doing out here its cold" Amy said wrapping her hands around herself

Kamilah looked at her eyes ignoring the rest of the world, the rain falling making her clothes soaking wet

"I- i couldn't sleep because i was thinking and i just couldn't--"

"Kami please come in its freezing cold" Amy plead with her eyes, something Kamilah couldn't resist

She lead her up to her apartment. It was small and cozy, a huge difference between her penthouse. But she didn't care, it was warm and welcoming with a nice atmosphere

"So will you tell me what happened? I am going to bring you some towels and--"

She hesitated at first but she grabbed Amy's arm pulling her against her. She was soon pinned against the wall gasping

"I..i think i have feelings for you" Kamilah breathed out

Amy smiled trying to control her heartbeat but it was impossible given the fact that she waited for this moment since they first met

"Are you alright?" Adrian asked placing a hand on the back

She nodded unable to speak, afraid that the emotions will get the best of her and she will be vulnerable once again.

They both stood outside of the door looking uneasy. Kamilah was about to ring the bell but she stopped her hand mid air

"If you aren't ready we can--" Adrian started talking but before he could finish she rang the doorbell fast, no longer able to regret.

Her panic grew inside of her realising that she didn't thought of their next step. Amy will open the door and then what? Maybe she was crazy and she was just imagining things but all the worries disappeared as the door cracked open.

A purple hair woman answered it eyeing them confused

"Heyy..how can i help you?" she said watching the two strangers Infront of her.

Kamilah cleared her throat trying to find the right words. Were they in the wrong apartment? Was this even a good idea?

"We..we want to ask you a few questions if thats ok"

The woman suddenly felt uneasy. Amy had been gone for some time now and she was scared that this was about her. Stepping aside she gestured at them to come in

They sat uncomfortably on the couch across from her, the silence in the room felt heavy until Adrian started the conversation.

"Lets start with the introductions, i am Adrian Raines and this is my friend Kamilah Sayeed"

"I am..Lily" she said, her eyes growing wide "if this is for that one time i tried to hack the-"

"Thats not why we are here" Kamilah said massaging her temples

"Wait, you guys arent from the FBI?" Lily gasped exaggeratedly

"No thats..we aren't even-" Adrian started but Kamilah lost her patience

"Listen my time is valuable so dont waste it"

"Wow calm down grandma.."

"Boom i won.. again!!" Lily yelled excited doing a victory dance

"This is unfair you know you are a vamprire i am not" Amy said crossing her arms

"You know for two people in the middle of a chaos you are loud enough" Kamilah said leaning against a ruined wall

"Come join us! Some of the video games are crushed but we managed to get some working" Amy's eyes softened at the sight of the woman that made her heart skip a beat, and tonight.. tonight it may be their last night.

"Oh come on grandma i can teach you" Lily said instantly regretting "i mean- yes join us um please?"

Amy's sweet laughter echoed through the destroyed mall, but even if this ugly reality exists Kamilah felt hopeful knowing that Amy will be there with her.

Gasping she covered her mouth with her hand. Kamilah was now inches away from her face, her eyes red with anger. Adrian was holding her back repeating her name

"I..i know you.." she breathed out confused "how do i know you?"

Kamilah sat back as the realisation hit her "You are.. Amy's best friend". Adrian seemed to be on the same page looking at Lily who ran to the kitchen

"I..i am but she is not here" she now looked uncomfortable and hurt remembering how cruelly she left her behind

"I don't know where she had been ever since but..she left this if it helps"

She handed the note to Kamilah who started reading it, her eyes growing wet

"The people that i love dont remember me" she repeated hating herself for not remembering her, but it wasnt her fault and still something seemed off.

"Where she could be?" Adrian was lost in thought as all of them

"Her parents live in America?"

"Yes, which makes it harder if she left the US" Lily sighed heavily, the situation finally sinking in

"Its weird right? That i dont know you but i kind of do?" It was so confusing for all of them and they were determinated to find the only person who knows the truth.

"We called her but she hang up almost immediately" Kamilah said looking embarrassed about her naive behaviour, she was always so strategic that being implosive was way out of her league.

"Maybe i can? I haven't called her because i couldn't..i couldn't bear if she wouldn't answer"

Adrian stood up looking apologetic "i have to go back to work but, dont hesitate to call me"

He said his goodbyes and disappear, leaving the two of them alone. An uncomfortable silence kept them distant but then Lily sat next to her clearly looking lost

"You know..i dont remember everything but, Amy talked a lot about you"

Her train of thoughts stopped as she dared to look at the woman next to her. Hearing Amy's name always made her forget everything

"You two loved eachother didn't you? And somehow we became friends"

Kamilah shrugged "There is something irritating about you"

A sly smile drew on her lips "oh please i am awesome" they shared a short laugh, one that didn't last to long before the conversation turned to Amy again.

"Do you.." Kamilah started but she paused thinking carefully about her next words "Do you mind telling me how she behaved before she was gone?"

Lily walked back to the kitchen bringing two glasses and a cheap wine "We will need this" she said pouring it into her glass.

___

Amy raised her hand and a taxi stopped Infront of her. She got in telling the driver where to take her. Tired she leaned her head against the window watching the sky, tonight the stars weren't shinning everything was pinch black

She couldn't sleep well and everytime her eyes managed to close the painful memories came back at once crushing her heart into pieces again.

She sighed, maybe this wasn't a wise choice but now it was to late to regret it. Finally the taxi came to a stop and she felt uneasy here goes nothing she encouraged herself and when she exited the car the weight of her decision made her heart beat faster, her mind going with 1000 per second.

___

"She was troubled, and none of us knew anything" Kamilah said as a single tear escaped her eye. She was quick to wipe it off, she always hate when she show vulnerability but Lily wasn't judgemental at all. The bottle of wine was now almost empty like Kamilah's heart.

"It was my fault, i could sense something was off but i just thought she was having a bad day" Lily groaned as her face collapsed to her hands.

Kamilah hesitated but she patted her back sympathetically understanding the pressure and the stress she must be feeling. But both of them jumped at the sound of the door bell ringing.

They looked eachother not knowing who it might be. It was very late at night so this was an alarm for Kamilah. They both stood up whispering

"I go get the door if thats ok" Lily nodded watching Kamilah opening carefully the door.

Everything stopped. The time, her breath, her heart. Her mouth opened without her realising and her eyes were wide in shock

Amy blinked a couple of times saying to herself that this is one of her mind tricks, she isn't real she had forgotten her. But the more she blinked the more real it felt.

"Amy.." she whispered, her voice charged with emotion

"Kamilah.." was all she managed to say before feeling her legs weak. She fell but Kamilah was quick to catch her in her arms.

Tag list: @trouble-with-the-curve @mrskamilxh @gavryllo @onyxgaytrash @la-guera-69 @thepotatobleh @sayeedbound @wildsayeed @ilovetaylorswiftforever7 @amorettemcsky @nydeiri @scarlet-letter-a0114 @blackphenix9527 @littlemissgreen97

[silentglassbreak]

I seen your post and decided to send a prompt you don't have to do it but maybe have Steve swimming in the lake by himself because he can't stand the sight of his own pool because he knows thats where Barb died, and Billy steals his clothes while he's in the water.

I am so excited to get my first prompt! I hope I don’t disappoint! 🖤

Until Tomorrow, We’ve Got Tonight

November is an ugly month. Steve decided this only a second ago, while he stared up at the moon. October is over, all of the Halloween decorations are put away, it’s too far from Christmas. There absolutely no good parties. Everyone is with their families. Everyone with the exception of Steve Harrington.

The day before Thanksgiving, and he was out at the quarry, waist deep in ice cold water, possibly freezing to death, and no one knew or bothered to care. He pushed that thought to the back of his mind, realizing that it didn’t matter. If his parents didn’t care, why the fuck should he? Why should Nancy care? Or Jonathan Byers? Or Chief Hopper?

To his face, everyone is loving and caring, apologetic even. When he’s not there? Although he doesn’t know what is actually being said about him, he knows words like ‘pathetic’ and ‘dumped’ and ‘pussy’ must be thrown around.

His face has healed since that night, where he got his face beaten in, only to swell out and give him splitting migraines for at least a week after. Where he helped a band full of children close an interdimensional gate and fought dogs from another world. Where he had his heart broken straight in two. His face and his body no longer bore bruises or dried blood, but it was so far from healed.

The frigid water softly lapped at his bare hips, stopping just over the rim of his boxers. The smallest of breezes kicked up, brushing past his chest, making his nipples hard as stone.

Of course, he didn’t have to be here, slowly becoming a solid block of human ice. He had a perfectly useful, heated pool in his backyard. And sure, he had thought about it plenty when he first started this, a few short weeks ago. However, the image of his pool had become skewed and dark when he watched the steam lifting off the surface, the lights so inviting.

The Harrington pool was the last place Barb had been seen alive, and that was his fault. He didn’t walk her to the door, didn’t watch her drive away and insure she was safe. He was too busy with Nancy, and being the King of Hawkins, Indiana. That fact would haunt him forever, and there was nothing he could do.

So there he stood, lips blue and skin tight, where he deserved.

His palms clutching the back of his neck, his hair falling over his knuckles, he tried to keep his breathing steady, letting his eyes fall closed, attempting to prolong his body starting the process of shock for as long as he could. He did this more often than he’d admit, relishing in the numbing sensation creeping down his lower limbs. The forest was silent, as peaceful as he could’ve hoped for, until…

The sound of tires crunching gravel and dirt was almost completely drowned by the sound of an engine snarling toward the shore. Breath hitching in his chest, Steve felt the sure aggravation begin heating up his frozen chest.

Billy fucking Hargrove.

One moment of piece. One goddamn moment of silence was all he had asked for tonight. Something to help the feeling of insignificance melt away for a moment, even if it meant replacing it with ice. But, no. Steve Harrington was just not that fortunate.

“The fuck’re you doing out there, Harrington?” Billy called, now standing outside of his Camaro, lingering between it and Steve’s BMW. “You do realize it’s like forty-three degrees out here?” His voice echoed off the walls of the quarry, as if it had any right to be so fucking loud. Steve turned his head back toward the moon, deducing he was likely safe from Billy, who he doubted was brave enough to come out into water so cold.

“Yeah, I realize.” Steve did his best to make his voice just as loud, but fell just short of. The quiet surrounded him once more for only a second. Until…

“Death from freezing is an ugly way to go, pretty boy.” Steve turned his whole body this time, sighing audibly, wanting Billy to understand just how annoyed he was.

“You’d just love that, wouldn’t you Hargrove?” Billy smirked, his fingers playing with his cigarette.

He held his arms up and out, a signal of a near surrender. “It was nothing personal, Harrington.” His arms dropped to his sides. “You just caught me on an off day.” Steve snorted, but lifted his head back to the bright white moon, knowing his moment of relaxation and almost-death has ended. Accepting defeat.

“Get out and share a smoke with me, c’mon.” Billy turned and leaned his back against the door of Steve’s car, looking down at his own smoke in his hand. Something in Steve’s gut twisted wickedly, not for one moment wanting to give Billy what he wanted.

“Why don’t you come out here and make me?” Billy’s head snapped toward Steve, who was holding his arms out now, in front of him, inviting. His head cocked to the side, raising an eyebrow at the boy dick-deep in ice cold water.

“You lose your fucking mind?” Yes, Steve thought, probably. Because something about startling Billy, his grin falling and eyes widened in almost-horror, sent a hot electric shot through him, same as it always had. Steve usually ignored it, though. In the hallway at school, on the basketball court, in the goddamn showers, but here, hypothermia threatening and literally nothing to lose, Steve let it warm him all the way down. Enough to purge some confidence.

“You bein’ a pussy?” Billy turned his entire body to him then, feet stepping just a few steps forward, arms crossed over his chest. His head whipped around every few seconds, waiting for the inevitable punchline. And then it came, in the form of Steve’s clothes folded neatly on the hood of his car. His face split into a devious, sugar-sweet smile. The realization hit Steve a moment too late, and he forced his legs to move. Heavy as literal blocks of ice, muscles screaming once the blood began trying to move through his veins, he rushed toward the shore, but not before Billy plucked the pile up off of hood and took off backwards, away from the cars. Steve stopped, knowing he couldn’t leave the water now, or he would go into complete shock if he didn’t get his clothes on in at least thirty seconds. He silently worked through his mind how chasing Billy would make his heart pump harder, possibly warming up his legs. It was a gamble, but by the way Billy was waiving his clothes around like fucking batons meant he didn’t have a choice.

Steadying himself, breath visible in the night air, he launched himself toward the shore, out of the water, stumbling, until he felt that same air freeze the hair on his legs. He pushed himself toward Billy, whose smile had become glaringly wicked.

“Who wants his clothes?!” Billy’s sing-song voice made Steve angry, but his running slowed, chest feeling extremely heavy and overworked.

Approximately five feet before he reached the other boy, Steve felt his lungs threatening to burst, or collapse, he wasn’t sure which. His body didn’t feel cold anymore, it felt completely numb, like a limb falling asleep, but before the pins and needles come. His vision began to blur and his arm swiped lazily in front of him, missing Billy by a long shot. Until...

The last thing Steve saw was Billy’s hand reaching for him, eyes wide again, his voice echoing between Steve’s ears.

“Harrington!”

*

When his eyelids fluttered open, there was pitch blackness all around him. It made him startle, his spine jutting him bolt upright, defensive. It only took his eyes a few seconds to adjust to the room, his room.

When did he get home? How did he get home? He remembered collapsing. Had he dreamt it all? He must have sat there for a solid minute before the sound filled the room.

“Morning princess.” Steve’s head jerked toward the voice, knowing exactly who it was.

“Billy?” The lamp on his desk flicked on, illuminating part of the room. His face was glowing in the soft, warm light. It was a new look for Billy Hargrove, but one Steve knew for sure he liked very much.

“Sleep well?” Steve’s face was screwed up into a kind of groggy, confused smile.

“Did you bring me home?” Billy chuckled, a soft, silly sound.

“Nope,” Steve raised his eyebrow until Billy lit a cigarette, blowing smoke at his face. “your chariot came for you at midnight. Took you away right in front of my eyes.” Steve snorted, shaking his head, erupting the headache that had been hiding behind his eyes.

A hand came up to clutch at his left eye socket. “Fuck me.” He hissed, pain rippling through him. He could hear Billy laugh harder, standing up and moving through the bedroom toward his discarded jacket on the edge of Steve’s bed. His fingers worked through the pockets, pulling a few white pills from the inside and handing them to Steve.

Before he could ask, Billy spoke, “Aspirin. Always keep some on hand.” He reached out and took the pills gingerly, dry swallowing them. “So, what was that about, Harrington?” Steve didn’t answer, willing the pain to leave his skull faster, and not succeeding. He knew what Billy meant, but he wasn’t up for explaining away his crazy today.

“You realize you could have literally died, right?” Steve huffed, feeling bratty and tired.

“Yeah, I realize.” Echoing his words from earlier. Billy was leaning down on Steve’s bed now, eyes searching Steve’s face for a better answer, narrowed with suspicion. After a beat, Billy seemed to give up on prying. Probably didn’t care enough anyway; Steve perused the idea for a few moments until he noticed Billy kicking his boots off, pulling his body up next to Steve on the pillows.

The move completely knocked Steve off guard. The way Billy pulled his shirt over his head, slipped under the comforter, and raised an arm to pull at Steve’s shoulder. Still as stone, he glared down at Billy, lost in a sea of what the fuck?

“C’mon Harrington, your skin is still too cold. You need to get warm if you want to keep your toes.” Steve couldn’t move. How did Billy know what his skin felt like? Or was he still blue-ish gray, like he always was after a trip to the quarry? “I’m not going to bite you, pretty boy. Just lay down.”

It was a reflex, a survival tactic, a pure will and need for warmth, is what Steve told himself as he sunk down onto the bed, hands pressed against Billy’s chest, shuddering at the heat they found there. His nose pressed to Billy’s collarbone, out of instinct, of course, making the blonde flinch for a split second. He felt his muscles relax, his bones uncurl. He would think about how strange this was in the morning.

“Let’s not mention this again?” Billy’s voice was rough, but not angry. Tired. Steve hummed in agreement before letting his lips part slightly, breath unintentionally brushing the skin under Billy’s jaw.

He couldn’t be imagining the sudden tension, electricity, between their bodies and in all the gaps that were now painfully obvious. Billy felt it, because he felt his muscles go taut, locking Steve into a hard grip. He didn’t know how to move or breathe with Billy this close, in such a soft way. He was already warm, but he wasn’t going to pull away.

Steve ran over scenarios in his mind on how he could nonchalantly tilt his head back, let his lips brush Billy’s chin, his cheeks, maybe even his lips. He thought he would have to make the move, until…

Billy’s head turned, pulling Steve away from his neck for the briefest of moments, before crashing his lips onto Steve’s. Harrington froze, back in icy water, but hotter than ever. He felt his face flush and his eyes fell closed involuntarily. Billy was all smoke and mint, lips slightly rough from cold air. Steve absolutely melted, moving his lips against Billy’s, hungry, angry, tired, freezing, burning, but for once, not lonely.

The kiss went on for way too long, sucking the air from both of their lungs, leaving them panting like wild dogs when they finally pulled apart. Billy pulled himself away, jumping up off the bed and several paces backward, away from Steve. His eyes were focused on the floor, hands knitting in his hair.

“I,” He stumbled over his words and his breathing. “fuck, I’m sorry. I don’t know why-“ He paced back and forth. “I didn’t mean-“ His hands fell to his face. “I’m not queer! I fucking swear, man!” He wouldn’t look at Steve, who was now watching, amusement filling his grin, loving how flustered Billy was. Steve did that, Steve and his kiss did that. It was so beautiful to watch.

“I just don’t-“ He grunted in aggravation. “You’re just different Harrington, always been different, and I don’t know why, but you really fucking are, and I didn’t want you to fucking freeze to death so I brought you home, and I was going to leave but I didn’t want you to wake up alone, and I’m sorry. I can leave if you want.” Billy was facing Steve, but not looking at him. His words had come out so fast, Steve wasn’t entirely sure he even caught them all.

His smile was genuine, savoring how incredibly embarrassed Billy was, and tucking it away to remember forever. Keg King taken down more than a peg. His flush was beautiful, his concern was adorable.

Steve stood up off the bed to approach Billy, who was chewing his bottom lip and letting his eyes dart between his own feet and Steve’s.

“Hey,” He ducked his eyes to catch the blue ones. “Billy?” It took a finger on his chin before he would raise his stare to match Steve’s, whose grin was a mile-wide. “So, I’m different, huh?”

Billy’s lips cracked, just slightly, in a smirk, shoulders dropping mildly with ease. His voice came out as an almost whisper.

“Fuck off, Harrington.”

[shhh-no-ones-home]

water wars bucky barnes x reader

+++++++++

i havent read this since i wrote it so if it sucks im sorry ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

prompts:

10. If you use up all the hot water again i swear to god! You're on the couch for a month

2. How long have you been standing there

51. I'm your husband it's my job

tag list: @cynic-spirit

+++++++++

I woke up in a slight daze before rolling over and realizing two things. 1) bucky was no longer in bed with me, which meant he's either left already or he's downstairs making breakfast still and 2) the time on the clock stated it was almost 9 am. I sat up abruptly with wide eyes and threw the blankets off of myself. It was already 9 am?! That meant i had t minus 5 minutes to shower and get dressed and get to work. I was supposed to be at the compound at 9:30 and as often as tony asked me to move in with the rest of the crew i just could find myself to do it. Which wasn't that big of a deal because buck liked the seclusion of having our own house as well as the freedom to have whatever pets we wanted, like the spunky golden retriever we adopted shortly after we started seeing each other and the laid back overly lazy pitbull we adopted less than a year ago. I struggled to find clothes to wear as lili kept nudging me for pats, i gave in though because i couldn't take the sad face she was giving me. I stared up at my hanging clothes while sitting on the floor with her and soon she was laid with her head on my knee and i was stuck with no outfit to wear.

I looked down at her for a second before hearing loud footsteps running up the stairs and immediately wanting to stand up for my faces sake. Suddenly our golden, reign, came in, followed by a laughing bucky, and began attacking me with kisses stirring up lili in the process. It in turn left me to my own devices huddled on the ground to avoid the excited puppy paws prancing around me. Bucky just stood and laughed at the situation before helping me up and kissing me lightly through his smile.

"Youre late."

I smacked his chest lightly and stepped to the side to get away from the ruckus.

"You are too."

He grabbed my waist and brought me to him and kissed me again.

"We could just call in today?"

I gave him a look.

"You know exactly why we cant do that. Besides if we play hookie another day im sure tony will have a fit."

I laughed at his stern expression before watching it turn to amusement.

"Eh, let him, i think i deserve a few off days with my girl."

"You know what you could do?"

I grabbed a random shirt off the hanger and a matching pair of pants.

"What?"

"You can call someone at the compound and tell them we are going to be a little late"

"And what excuse are we using this time?"

We smiled at each other as i backed my way to the bathroom door.

"Dogs were being hard to handle?"

I shrugged and walked back further before going to close the door.

"Im sure youll think of something."

***

I turned the water on the hottest setting i could and waited for it to warm up. As i waited i turned on some music and checked the temperature. I waited and waited but it never once got hot. I quickly shut it off and wrapped my robe around myself, opening the bathroom door, and stomping down the stairs. When i got down there buck was sitting at the breakfast bar feeding the dogs pieces of pancake. I stood in the doorway with my hands on my hips. None of them noticed me though until i cleared my throat. I pointed at bucky with a stern expression on my face.

"You could have told me before i went in the bathroom that i would be showering in the waters of the arctic. If you use up all the hot water again i swear to god! You're on the couch for a month!"

He looked at me sheepishly but quickly looked back at the whining wonder twins begging for more pancake. He got up, then, and walked to me with open arms.

"I did think i used that much, honest."

He tried to give me a hug but i kept him an arms length away.

"No no, its a dry shampoo day now because of you."

I gave him a smirk and turned to go back upstairs and get dressed, reign following closely behind me because he was no longer being fed.

***

The next day i woke up around 8. It was good to know i was up early enough to shower and be to work on time. I grabbed my clothes, assuming bucky was gone already, or downstairs letting the dogs out, and quickly went to the bathroom to shower. When i turned the water on again i did the same as yesterday, turning it to the hottest setting and waiting for it to warm up; but it never did. I stomped down the stairs again and was met with the dogs at the back door whining to be let in. i gladly opened the door and watched them run to the laundry room down the hall under the stairs. I was met with bucky leaning against the dryer, hair still wet, reading the back of the dog food back that he'd presumably just emptied into the big plastic container. I raised an eyebrow at him and stood with my hands on my hips again. When he looked up at me he noticed the stance and tried to offer me a small smile.

"Have any guesses on why im angry and still in my robe?"

He bent down to pet the dogs as they ate only looking up at me with quick glances.

"I.... dont.... Know...?"

"I was serious yesterday, ya know."

"Bout what?"

I dropped my shoulders in defeat.

"You get to sleep on the couch my friend. You gotta stop stealing all the hot water before i get up in the morning, now im gonna have to back to showering at night."

"Oh come on, you cant banish me to the couch tonight!"

"Watch me."

I turned to leave and heard him call after me as i walked back upstairs.

"Come on babe, its not like its entirely my fault!"

I saw him drop his arms to his sides, looking up the stairs at me as i walked back into our room.

***

I tossed and turned quite a few times, looking at the clock every time i did. And soon it was midnight and i still couldn't fall asleep. I sat up slowly and noticed only lili had made it upstairs to sleep in the corner of the room where she normally resided. I yawned and rubbed my eyes before rolling out of bed and making my way to the stairs. I wanted to find bucky but i didnt know what i would do when i reached him, its not like i was gonna wake him up. He normally had a hard time falling asleep as it was and i would just feel guilty waking him up over something so stupid. I hit the bottom of the stairs and decided to sit there for a second, cuddling up to reign who gladly found me shortly after i sat down on the last stair. I whispered to him for a short minute.

"I never really realized how lonely it gets in bed without him ya know."

He just stared at me and panted, almost smiling through the thick darkness. I smiled back and scratched behind his ears.

"Dont know what im gonna do with myself if hes already asleep reign. Guess ill just have to sit alone in bed till its time to get up. Then ill be groggy all day cause i didnt get to cuddle up to bucky bear."

I sighed heavily and watched reign make the short walk to the laundry room for a drink. I sighed heavily and pushed myself off the stair and tiptoed through the kitchen. When i found myself in the doorway of the living room i couldn't find it in myself to go further, i just watched for a second before closing my eyes and rubbing my hands over my face. When i opened my eyes again i could see bucky standing by the couch, stretching his arms. When he dropped them he brought his metal arm to scratch the back of his head. Suddenly reign ran beside me, panting, dripping water down the side of my leg as he did. I made an audible gasp, followed by a soft

"ew, reign, thats nasty."

I looked up and immediately slapped my hand over my mouth, bucky now looking at me through the darkness. I let out a nervous laugh before bucky reached over and turned on the lamp beside the couch. He gave me a soft smile.

"How long have you been standing there?"

I shrugged.

"Not long, couldnt sleep."

I crossed my arms tightly over my chest and looked at the ground.

"Guess i haven't spent enough time away from you. I still feel uncomfortable when your not in bed with me."

I looked up to see him smiling, and holding his arms out to me. I gladly obliged, walking over and giving him a big hug.

"You know i think thats why we work so well together. I mean i wouldn't have asked you to marry me if i didnt think so."

I looked up at him and smiled, fidgeting with my engagement ring behind his back as we held each other.

"And im so glad you did, you make me angry from time to time, like using all the hot water, but i dont know what i would do without you."

He let out a small laugh and let go of me, pulling me down onto the couch with him. We sat in silence for a couple minutes just examining each other. Pretty soon both the dogs were cuddled up beside us. I let out a long sigh and laughed a little to myself.

"What?"

I shook my head.

"How come your such a pain all the time?"

He smiled back at me.

"Im your husband, its my job."

I poked him a little.

"Not yet you arent."

we both just laughed a little.

"Soon, very very soon."

He kissed the top of my head and cuddled close to me. Not before long and he turned the light out, noticing the heaviness of my eyes. Soon we were both asleep against each other, cuddled up on the couch with the rest of our little family.

[the-everlasting-dream]

The Revelation, TRR AU - Part 16

Summary: Elizabeth, Liam and Drake come face to face for the first time in months at Olivia’s ball. 

A/N: Welp I’m trying to finish this gd series so here’s another chapter. Hope you like it. 

Word Count: 4000 approx

Warnings: Language,

Drake shifted uncomfortably in the limo as it sped down the highway. They’d been in the car for two hours and were due to be stuck inside for yet another hour on the trip to Lythikos for the Ice Festival. As much as he’d tried to resist, Olivia had insisted his presence was mandatory. He sighed internally not knowing when that she-devil would stop ordering them around and leave him in peace. He glanced up to where Elizabeth’s eyes were already on him already from across the car and he gave her a cheeky wink to which she fought to hide her grin, breaking their eye contact, a slight blush forming on her tanned skin.

Their first date was a few days ago and while it didn’t exactly go as he’d hoped, Drake couldn’t complain. He was just beginning to realise that romancing Elizabeth after her brain injury was much different to romancing her before. He was learning that she still needed a lot of time and space to process things and infringing that only ended up with a bad reaction. Despite every urge in him to just grab her and kiss the life out of her, Drake knew he should be patient and let her come to her own conclusions in her own time. 

 It was difficult, testing the length and breadth of his patience to take it slow when all he wanted was to gather up the woman he loved and kiss her until he could kiss no more. As frustrating as that was, he knew it would be worth the wait, she always was. He only hoped that they'd get to spend sometime together amid the winter festivities and hopefully talk about what had happened. 

 Guilt still sat in the pit of his stomach when he thought about the whole Kiara fiasco that was still weighing it's constant presence on the back of his mind and he knew he should tell her soon... but things were finally going well for him and Elizabeth for once. If he told her now, he risked everything they’d rebuilt and it would drive her further from her and maybe this time, she wouldn’t come back. After all there were only so many times he could be lucky right? I’ll tell her after this weekend, he resolved, settling back into his seat. If everything goes well.

-

The thought occurred to him again when they were all gathered for the opening of the Lythikos ice festival. He found himself standing in the courtyard, surrounded by his friends and the people of the duchy as they watched the fire lighting race. 

 ‘You okay?’ Drake asked, looking over at Elizabeth who stood beside him, wrapped in a thick coat, clutching her mug. 

She nodded but he could hear her teeth chattering so he slipped off the shearling lined leather jacket he was wearing and draped it over her shoulders. She looked up at him in confusion. ‘What about you? Aren’t you cold?’ 

He shrugged, glancing over to see that her mug was empty. ‘I’ll be fine. I’m going to see about getting you a refill.’ 

 Elizabeth nodded again, pulling his jacket closer around her and when she looked visibly warmer, he set off on towards the drinks stand. Along the way, distracted by the winner of the fire lighting race begin announced, Drake didn’t realise as he ran into someone, almost knocking them over. 

 ‘Pardon m-Oh!' 

Drake found himself staring into the eyes of Kiara herself, the sight of her immediately inducing the feelings of guilt and shame all over again. The two of them stared at each other awkwardly for a moment, not knowing what to say because what could they say? They’d avoided each other for the last few months and although Kiara didn’t have anything to do with Elizabeth’s accident, he could tell she was still beating herself up for it. It had occurred to him that he should find her and tell her that none of this was her fault, that it was him and only him that was responsible for the mess they were all in but the selfish part of him, the real dark, ugly side wanted someone to blame, wanted someone to yell at so that he wouldn’t have to face the core truth that he’d fucked up. An apology was forming on his lips when Kiara beat him to it. 

 'I heard Elizabeth is back..' She finally spoke up, voice unreadable, eyes flitting around like she didn’t know where to rest them.. 

Drake blinked. 'Yeah... yeah she is.' 

‘C’est bien, that's good I suppose.' 

'Mhmm.' 

Another silence stretched out between them completely separate from the festivities that unfolded around them. He couldn't bring himself to look at her, her face was a constant reminder of all he was hiding. 

 'Have you told her?' 

There was no need to define what she meant. And yet his tongue failed to move, feeling like lead in his mouth, heavy with the weight of an answer he didn’t want to voice out loud. 

 ‘Drake, does she know?’ Kiara’s voice pierced through his brain almost painfully, notes of desperation, she needed this almost as much as he did. He dragged his eyes up to her anxious ones, her gaze revealing the answer before his mouth ever could. 

 ‘No.' 

 ‘Know what?’

Shock rippled through his body and the hair on the back of his neck stood upright as Drake turned to see Elizabeth approaching. The pool of guilt bubbling in belly had grown until it was brimming in the back of his throat, constructing his airways slowly but sure and he fought hard to swallow under Elizabeth's gaze. How much of that had she heard? 

 ‘Know who I am,’ Kiara replied like the diplomat she was her expression sweetening so quickly he could barely keep up. ‘Do you remember?’ 

Elizabeth’s forehead creased for a moment in thought and the apprehension that was twisting in his gut only grew until- ‘You were one of the suitors for Prince Liam — King Liam’s hand. Kiara?’ 

Her small smile spread to Kiara’s face. ‘Thats right.’ 

 ‘Were we… were we close?’ 

Even Kiara’s diplomacy training couldn’t hide the tiny shift in her facade where if he had not been paying attention, Drake would have missed the guilty look. 

‘Not really…. Enjoy the rest of the festival.’ Kiara raised the glass of ale Drake hadn't realized she'd been holding and set off, blurring into the crowd almost immediately. 

 His breath caught in his throat as Elizabeth watched her leave, gaze lingering long after the other woman disappeared into the crowd.   

‘Richmond?’ he burst out finally, unable to stand her silence and she turned to face him. 

 ‘That was strange,’ she pondered before nodding to the mug in his hands. ‘Am I still getting that refill?' 

‘Yeah,’ he choked out, swallowing thickly, glad to have a distraction from the apprehension that twisted through him. Maybe if he ignored it hard enough, it would go away.. 

-

Drake had no such luck as hours later he was still wrestling with the guilt that was gnawing at his stomach while waiting for the girls to finish getting ready and they could make their entrance to Olivia’s ball together. The black tie he was wearing seemed to suffocate him and he anxiously tugged at it, vaguely aware of Maxwell’s excited chattering in the background, thoughts elsewhere. In his mind he pictured the cold look Kiara had shot him when they’d met eyes after the festival, her meaning clear. 

 Tell her or I will. 

He would tell her but just not now… Elizabeth was just warming up to him, to the idea of them and if he wanted to have any chance of repairing their relationship the last thing he should do was bring up the thing that drove them apart in the first place.  

The question was: Could he trust Kiara to keep it a secret until he found the right moment?

 Drake didn’t get a chance to ruminate on it further before Hana’s excited chirp rang out. 

 ‘We’re here! Sorry!’ 

About time… The words were almost off his tongue as he turned around but they never made it out loud when his eyes fell on Elizabeth. 

Clad in a long sleeved ballgown, the navy fabric complimented her dark complexion perfectly as she made her way down the staircase, arm in arm with Hana. Silvery beads entwined across the bodice and sleeves so that when she moved the entire outfit shimmered. Dark hair twisted into an elegant undo, her makeup was applied just so to let her eyes sparkle leaving him starstruck for a long moment at the sight of her, unable to find the words to describe the vision he saw before him.   

‘Little blossom you look phenomenal,’ Maxwell announced, taking the words right out of his mouth. ‘Hana you are a fashion fairy godmother!' 

'Thanks! Plus it has pockets!’ Hana piped up, proudly gesturing to the dress but Drake couldn’t keep his eyes off Elizabeth. 

As she approached him, he caught a sliver of skin where the presumably conservative dress parted in the middle to reveal the barest hint of her legs. Realising he was stating, she reached up to tuck a loose lock of hair behind her ear, glancing shyly up at him from behind dark lashes. He swallowed hard, trying to string a sentence together. 

‘You look… just… wow.’   

Cheeks dusted with a light blush, her nervous expression giving way to a shy smile, mouth opening as if to say more but Hana interrupted.

 ‘I think we’d better get going, Olivia will have our heads if we’re later.’ 

Maxwell seemed to jump to attention, immediately offering Hana his arm. ‘Oh jeez yeah, I’m very attached to my head!' 

 Drake did the same, bending his arm at the elbow. ‘Shall we?’ 

 Elizabeth paused for a moment just long enough for him to start doubting himself before her slim hand slid into the crook of his elbow, drawing close to him as they began to walk. He had to bite back a gasp at the weight of her hand against his arm, keenly aware that all that separated them now was a few layers of clothing. He could feel her tension burning through their contact, with every step she seemed to wind tighter into herself, jaw set as the grip she had on him grew steadily tighter as they approached the ballroom. 

 ‘Lord Maxwell Beaumont and Sir Drake Walker. Ladies Hana Lee and Elizabeth Richmond.’ 

As soon as the herald pronounced her name, all eyes in the ballroom were turned on them and as their small group made their way through the aisles, Drake could hear hushed whispers rising from the crowd around them, no doubt surprised at his and Elizabeth’s presence together. HIs chest tightened at the unwanted attention only to be disrupted by her nails digging painfully into his arm. The distance to the front was mercifully short but there was no denying it, the entire court now knew that Elizabeth Richmond was back in Cordonia. Olivia awaited them at the front of the room, ready to greet them as the hostess and nearby rising from his chair was… Liam. 

 At Elizabeth’s slight intake of breath, Drake felt tension curl tighter inside him as he laid eyes on his childhood best friend and kept his eyes intensely trained on her to gauge her reaction to seeing the King of Cordonia. 

 ‘Lady Elizabeth,’ Liam was saying, dipping into a bow. ‘It is wonderful to have you back with us.’ 

‘It’s uh… good to be back,’ she replied nervously, the same stray lock of hair falling into her eyes as she curtsied. Drake couldn’t say for certain but he saw a jolt of familiarity run through her body as the king pressed his lips to her hand politely. Drake felt Liam’s blue eyes settle on him and the tension between them cracked like a whip in the air. 

 ‘Drake.’

‘Liam.’ 

‘Its nice to see you again.’ 

‘Uh huh.’ 

Drake knew he should have made an effort to act cordial — they were in public after all — but couldn’t find it in himself to put on a front even for a moment as his feelings spun into a tempest. This was the first time the three of them had been in the same room since… He shoved the mental image down as they took their seats and dinner was served. While conversation around him remained amiable, anxiety wound him into a tight knot. 

On one hand, there now was a deep rooted resentment. He could not forget the lengths he’d gone through since the early stages of the social season to control his feelings for Elizabeth, to force himself to banish them knowing that he could never betray Liam like that but when the tables were turned, he seemed to have no qualms denying him the same courtesy. 

 Years of friendship weighed on his conscience too, he knew Liam, probably better than anyone else, in that there was not a malicious bone in his body. Ever since they’d announced their engagement in the safe house months ago, Liam had done a pretty good job of hiding his feelings for Elizabeth but some part of Drake always wondered whether they were still lingering under the surface. He wouldn’t try to steal her from him now would he? If he hadn’t been so distracted, he would have noticed Elizabeth curling further into herself from where she was seated in between Hana and Maxwell, obviously uncomfortable from all the attention she was receiving from members of the court.  

By the time Liam was sweeping Olivia onto the floor for the first waltz, Drake managed to picking up her subtle signals. Wanting to put her more at ease, he stood up and offered her a hand, his mind going back to the memory of how relaxed she’d been on their date. 

 ‘May I have this dance?’

Her gaze dipped from his face to his hand and back up again, and for the tiniest of seconds he swore she was going to refuse but she gave him a tentative smile, placing her hand in his. Drake was highly aware of the whispers that stirred up as they made their way to the dance floor, quickly arranging them into the starting position of the first song. 

 ‘Oh!’ Drake gasped as distracted by the extra attention, she'd immediately stepped on his foot. 

‘Sorry,’ she murmured and he dismissed it with a nod, drawing her closer into his arms. 

Tonight felt like it could have been a do over, he realised as they began to trace the steps to the Cordonian Waltz. Months ago in this very same ballroom, he’d lied to her face that he couldn’t teach her the waltz in fear that if he ever got that close to her, he might never want to let go.  He twirled her once, the motion jerking as she faltered in her steps, eyes engaged elsewhere, watching as Liam lead Olivia into an elegant dip. Drake barely composed himself and attempted to lead them into the dance again but realising too late that they were jumping in on the wrong beat resulted in Elizabeth's foot digging into his again. 

 ‘Drake I-' 

’No we’ve got this,’ he insisted not sure if he was talking to himself or to her, fighting to keep his voice away from the edge of desperation. He resettled his hand on her waist pulling her closer, feeling the stares and twitters around them of nobles highly entertained by both of their presences, taunting him almost to fault, to fall, to mess this, the smallest of things up again like he had the first time.   From out of the corner of his eye, he could see Liam twirling Olivia in a series of complex circles, much too advanced for his skill level and his third attempt to execute a similar move only ended with them barrelling into another couple who had taken the floor with them, earning him an angry scowl from the count. 

 ‘You okay?’ He murmured to Elizabeth who was strung taut with anxiety, as he lead her to a quieter section of the dance floor away from the band and the crowd. 

 ‘Uh huh.’

 ‘Hey, look at me,’ he soothed as her uneasy gaze flicked from the crowd up to his. ‘Its okay. Just focus on this.’ Quietly counting out the steps, he lead her through the basic box step and when he felt the tension release from her figure, gradually increased the complexity. 

 ’That’s it,’ he encouraged as she turned in the perfect twirl this time, bringing her back to his chest as they swayed slowly from side to side. 

He could smell the familiar peach scented shampoo she always used, feeling the warmth of her body pressed so closely to his and tilting his head, he allowed the tip of his nose to graze her cheek gently. Elizabeth inhaled deeply at his touch, eyes drifting up to gaze at him through her long dark lashes. They were barely moving now aside from a gentle swaying, lips inching closer and closer as if magnetised until they were a hair’s breadth away. It was at that very moment that the band struck up a lively tune, drawing up a quiet cheer from the crowd, effectively shattering whatever mood had built up. 

 ‘I can get you a drink if you’d like?’ Drake offered as they separated regretfully and she nodded. 

 ‘Water please.’ 

Feeling his hands shaking a little, he took a little detour to the bathroom first.

‘C’mon Walker,’ he growled to his reflection. ‘Pull yourself together.’ 

Being here with her, in Olivia’s ballroom brought back memories of months ago. It felt like a lifetime had passed since Elizabeth had pretended to faint so the waiter would bring them some bisque and he’d found himself leaping (almost literally) to her aid. The thought of her in his arms grinning up at him as she made a quip about keeping him on his toes made him feel warm inside. They’d almost kissed. 

Again. 

 To have her so close to him, again, Drake knew he had to be patient but the anticipation was killing him. He wanted so badly to go back to the way they used to be, for her to be his again, to be able to draw her into his arms and never let go. Baby steps. When she’s ready it will happen, he repeated, glancing at himself in the mirror once before heading for the bar. 

 ‘Water and a whiskey on the rocks.’ 

 As the bartender got to work pouring the drinks, a murmur of surprise from the crowd made Drake turn around. He followed their gazes to where Liam was escorting someone else to the dance floor. 

 Elizabeth… 

 Drake’s stomach dropped as he watched his best friend take  his ex-fiance in his arms for the starting position of an English waltz As they moved fluidly, much more fluidly than he had, across the floor, he felt his inhibitions creep back in. She looked so calm in Liam’s arms, almost as if she was meant to be there. Maybe she was… Maybe she was never mine to begin with and all this was just a twisted game fate was playing with him, to dangle the thing he wanted most of all just within his grasp only to pull it away at the last possible second.   

He picked up his whiskey and drained it, leaving her water untouched as he stalked out of the ballroom. He paused in the door way, unable to help a backward glance towards the dancing figures and headed back to his room.

-

Drake wasn’t sure how much time had passed before someone knocked at his door. He rolled his eyes, knowing if he ignored it, they would soon give up and leave. Like everyone else he knew. But the knocking persisted despite his efforts and finally he sprang out of the chair he was sitting in to pull open the door. 

 ‘What?!’ 

‘We need to talk,’ Liam told him from the other side of the threshold. 

 A bitter taste filled his mouth. 'I don’t think theres much to say. Aren’t you meant to be at the ball? Y’know dancing with my ex-fiance?’ 

‘Grow up Drake. This,’ the king motioned between the two of them, ‘has to end. I want my best friend back.’ 

Even though deep down he agreed, he couldn’t fight the resentment that welled up. ‘What kind of person kisses their best friend’s fiancee?’ 

The other man blinked for a moment before the memory from months ago kicked in. ‘Drake.. ahh it was complicated. Back then, she was confused, I was confused..’ 

‘So knowing she had lost her memory, you took that as your chance to swoop in!’ 

‘That’s was not my intention and you know it,’ Liam growled back, anger piquing in his tone. ‘She kissed me remember? And I would never go behind your back, you know that!’ 

 ‘Really? Did she kiss you again when you went to New York? Or does that not count as going behind my back?' 

Liam ran a hand over his face. 'Yeah I went New York. I went to see her hoping she would change her mind and come back if I asked her. And guess what Drake? She didn’t. She didn’t want to come back for me.’ 

‘You sure about that?' Drake scoffed in reply but the king barrelled on.   

‘No you’re going to shut up and listen to me Walker. She came back for you. Dude, she doesn’t remember your relationship and I’m still not who she came back for. She came back when she heard you were injured defending her honour. She wants you, she just doesn’t know it yet, and if you screw things up with her...I’ll never forgive you.' 

They were standing toe to toe now, glaring in each other’s face and Drake noticed the look in Liam’s eyes, he was telling the truth. Nothing more happened and that was the truth. There was also a hurt there. A little bit of bitterness too. He’d recognised the same one in Olivia’s eyes when she’d glared at Elizabeth with Liam in the early stages of the social season. You have everything I wanted, you better not waste it. 

Liam swallowed with some difficulty, voice weaker now. 'You got the girl man so why are you here sulking instead of holding onto her and reminding her that she belongs with you?’ 

 'Guys! Maxwell’s voice interrupted whatever answer Drake would have produced as he came jogging up the hallway. ‘Have you seen Elizabeth?’

‘What?’ 

‘I thought she was with you.’ Liam replied, eyes narrowing. 

‘She said she wasn’t feeling well and she was going for some air and told me not to follow her. A-and now I can’t find her.’ 

‘And you listened?!’ Drake gaped at the younger Beaumont. 

 ‘Well yeah, you know how persuasive she can be.’ 

Drake was already down the hallway before Maxwell could finish his sentence, Liam on his heels. ‘Which way did she go?’ 

'Out the door nearest the ballroom.’ He took the stairs two at a time, barely able to keep himself from tripping as his eyes raked the halls, in search of her glittering navy dress. 

‘She was headed that way,’ Maxwell called out, pointing at an open door that lead out to the white covered estate. 

Drake’s stomach urched as a low rumble of thunder could be heard overhead as the amount of falling snowflakes began to increase. 

 ‘A storm’s brewing tonight, if she gets lost out there…’ Liam shared a look with his friends. 

 Drake didn’t need to think twice, ignoring his best friend’s warnings, he brushed past them into the cold night. 

-

Tags: Idk who reads anymore lol

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[angelnumber27]

17, 24, 27

17- what’s your favorite vegetable?i love a lot of veggies if they are made the right way but for a snack raw baby carrots are my go to24- what’s the weirdest injury you’ve ever gotten? hmm.. this is a hard one. I can’t really pick but i think one thats up there is on thanksgiving night a couple of years ago i was on the front porch of my parents house coming home from hanging out with a friend and it was like 3 am and i rang the doorbell and then the next thing i remember is opening my eyes and my body was heavy and i was on the ground and my head was pounding and i woke up to my mom yelling at me going “julia what the hell are you doing” and I had no idea what was going on i still to this day have no idea why I passed out like that. I was sober and felt stable and I had only ever passed out like that a couple of times that I was under the influence of something so it really confused me. Anyways yeah i woke up and i was really lost because my mom seemed mad and i was trying to explain to her that it wasn’t my fault and that I didn’t know what had just happened and it took me a few minutes to like fully figure out what was going on and after i was finally able to stand up and regain full awareness i put my hand to the back of my head and just remember feeling this warm blood and what felt like some terrifyingly deep gashes in the back of my head. When I fell I had fell backwards and hit my head on the corner of one of the brick steps leading up to the porch. I had to get 9 staples in the back of my head and to this day I can feel a sort of fucking valley feeling thing on my head lol

27- What item of clothing could you not live without? My Doc Martens and Huaraches, a good pair of nike socks with no holes and a pair of aloe socks for the winter. and for just going outside real quick or something my nike slides. A good pair of high-waisted jeans and shorts, some graphic sweatshirts, my jean jacket, beanie in the winter, comfy shirts to sleep in, at least one item in prison orange, my long sleeve dry fits and cotton crops and my several pairs of funky pants. I have some weird flowy cover up sort of things (i dont know what to call them) that are from my mom I am in love with too. a good amount of black shirts and pants. all black is always good. and i always like having at least one good bralette (that actually fits) or sports bra, and a couple pairs of good quality yoga pants, and always at least one of my boyfriend’s shirts or pairs of sweatpants to make me feel safe and AT LEAST one item with a dragon/ dragons on it. important.

i could technically live without all of this stuff im not a very materialistic person but I like having things I need and being comfortable.. I had a bunch of really nice clothes years ago and after lots of bad friends and rehabs and drunk nights all of my clothes pretty much had gotten stolen or lost or ruined but like 90% were just stolen from me and finally just now I am getting my clothes back to where I actually have a wardrobe sort of.. thanks to my boyfriend I have gotten a bunch of stuff I am in love with recently. It feels so good finally getting my clothes back up. for a long time i wore like the same fucking shirt for days and the same 2 pairs of pants for like a year lmao

[weirdness-on-the-roof]

critical role episode 48 campaign 2 notes and funny lines post break edit:this has detailed notes on all the stuff that happened later in the episode including physical descriptions near the end. enjoy ya nerds

don’t steal the books from a high powered mage; don’t kill the dude; beau turning into cad; look at beau planning for the future

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is marisha flirting with matt via matt playing yasha and beau flirting with yasha?

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‘tea the international language’ but no earl grey

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wensworth the goblin

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coming from Cad ‘im a fine tea maker’ is kinda a threat tbh

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elf that isn’t white/European??? yay! also really old elves are cool

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beau and cad tag teaming a political chat with a mage this can’t end poorly

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Nott: :beau ruins every situation shes in and is very abrasive

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send the freaking cat!!! why not?? caleb my dude

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god i miss allura and gilmore currently

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fucking fuck don’t lie to the mage beau plz stop this is painful ‘you’re not wrong’ sure blame the ancient sea god

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‘on the verge of returning’ yea no duh you let him out 2/3 of the way so fjord could get a spell

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‘we found a thing’ so smooth and eloquent beau ‘it was presented to us as the happy fun time ball’

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‘butter fingers with magical items’

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beau getting a geography lesson from a very old powerful elven mage

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‘magical geometric orb that has the ability to bend time and space and fate’ which is kept in a hot pink magic bag that happened to ‘fall into [their] lap’

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‘if youre down im down is what im saying... i have a few slots open in my loyalty bank if you’re willing to pay rent’ says the 20 some human who punches things to the centuries old wizard ‘

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liam stress eating

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cad’s hope in the group is heartwarming

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tower metaphors and a conversation!!!

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caleb reading shitty romance novel and nott eating a fish outside a mage’s tower in the morning sunlight in a major city

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caleb takes the rear

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first name drop and a while

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holy shit 200 years of magic using

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cad explaining materialistic nature of the rest of the party to elf dude is hilarious

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teleportation circles?????? in return for access to the sphere!! oh shit thats good

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or candy

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crap. no one has insight checked this dude and they gave him the happy fun ball and made a deal kinda.

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‘how do we prove our loyalty?’ ‘by not fucking me over’ sounds like a good plan

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is this guy just caleb’s patron now on the low idk this is how my head works and he said learn

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“you have a geometric shape that makes babies?” “yea they talked about that”

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fjord just kills the dude

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‘i got banishment on hold just in case’ *cackling laughter*

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i agree with elf dude, him not knowing anything about the dodecha is more concerning than him knowing about it

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ALL THE CITIES FROM CR1 MENTIONED FOR THE FIRST TIME!!! I STILL MISS ALLURA AND GILMORE

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good to know the pink bag protects from divination on this plane but just this one

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jester and the traveler figurine

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cad included the Traveler in the ‘chaotic forces’ i still think the traveler is some kinda arch fey evil things idk its real late here and this is incoherent

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‘well, thats been my morning tea‘ 

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caleb getting additional tour

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good aesthetic for the room tbh

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letting weird people in for morning tea is entertainment is a mood and something i strive to be able to do without getting murdered one day

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so yasha and caleb both have gotten the ‘stay with friends’ chat from a powerful being which is nice. but also the ‘use who you need to’ going to caleb is vaguely concerning

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personalized biscuits [bourbon, cinnamon, lobster, fish and three unknowns]

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‘caleb, what happened in there?’

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cad not believing caleb’s bullshit and opening doors for caleb warms my heart

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‘if this isn’t the death of us, and if not hes a good ally. somethings gonna be the death of us so [yolo]’

-------

‘you can’t bullshit everyone in this world’

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cad talking about beau telling the truth: ‘you’re not very good at it but you tried

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jester looking out for nott and her home town

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caleb and beau being cute while also giving each other shit is the most sibling like thing

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omg going back to allfield that was so long ago for fucks sake BRYCE my person thank god

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jester had a boy band phase its cannon and i think the girls had a sleepover in jester’s old room. also marion never leaves the hotel. THE RUBY NECKLACE MY HEART AND THE HONEY AWWWWW

‘the army of men and women and inbetween that will do as i want them to’ god i adore her being protective of jester

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also the fact matt makes such a good mom why is he like this

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travel time!!!! ‘roll for initiative’-tal

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how does matt keep these notes so organized and remember all the npc names

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the ranger/beast master in Laura is coming out with nugget

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caleb is a devout cat person and jester is the definition of a dog person

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nott refining oil on a magical moving cart, while jester reads a romance novel and trains a dog,

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Dyren- Beau’s roommate at colbot souls; ‘taught beau lots of really cool things’ got sent to a warfront. shaved head, dark clothes, buff b/c ‘been workin out’, ‘do you love her?’ they had ‘good times’, then literal booty call, and dropping locations, Dyren was in Bladegarden. ‘fierce eyebrows, pointed nose’

                    OH MY GOD THEY WERE ROOMMATES

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Vandren info drop to Fjord ‘he was making amends’

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Dyren responded and was hurt in Bladegarden but is safe. Beau looked immediately worried and happy about jester’s imput [’sounded way into you’]

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empire kids chat and caleb admitting insecurities about powerful people and being scared about the consequences of his actions and the group’s actions. caleb is scared about being forced to leave for safety and being ‘flayed alive’. my thoughts are he would leave if he became a threat to the others by being there or vise versa. trent would extort that b/c hes a dick

“caleb, unfortunately, you don’t get to choose who cares for you” you’re fucking correct Beau

“the problem with friends is that you have to care for them”

walks away “wow cool caleb! see- jester thinks you’re cool because shes your fucking friend!”

me too Tal “everything i like about those two characters in one conversation”

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5 years since Caleb left Trent and crew ie had a nervous breakdown

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gustav left town after being freed and trostenwald now has a WV accent that is too familiar

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100 extra soldiers in allfield. bryce is still up and kicking and wonderful. stuff ‘got this far east [quickly]’. the attacks came from underground apparently so fuck. the fields were burned, building destroyed a bit then they [Xhorhasians] left

“good thing is they’ve already been attacked so lightning doesn’t strike twice” oof thanks bryce

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beau just dead ass asking for illegal writing statements

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fjord having a thank u jesus bryce moment

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jester giving cad a pretty present is ‘so exciting’ and precious

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Cad not knowing cookbooks were a thing!!! and not being utterly literate enough to understand it

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wtf happened to liam’s voice in the ‘main export is oysters’ thing

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FELDERWEN!!!!!

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a dozen squads of 50 ppl each patrolling felderwen area so rippppp

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Nott knows where the halfing’s house is.... interesting... and is heavily drinking

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BLUE FLASH

elven woman in fine clothes of green and black ----lady vest durogna the arch mage of antiquity serboros assembly

a male figure in deep blue robes, older pale elf, fine clothes, the flash came from him----- martinette luden’th de____ arch mage of domestic protection

CALEB KNOWS THEM BOTH FROM THE ACADEMY AHHHHHH

he just lays flat and hides in the cart internally: ‘nopenopenopenope’

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several burned buildings, a warehouse, an inn, apothecary and several houses

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ohhhh shit the halfling was the owner of the apothecary and nott was looking for the shit she had been sending back this whole adventure....... im sad now that was confirmed

havent found a body of yeza

luke is yeza’s son at old edith’s house

            halflings only produce halflings according to something i read at some point but forget where sooooooooo

shattered vials and materials and house stuff

CHILDREN'S TOYS

locked basement which nott knows of?? Nott is anxious and impatient when the door doesn’t open. jester fails, yasha rages and at a 19 and doesn’t break the door. ‘it wasn’t [trapped]’ but dispel magic worked to open it.

a 15′x15′ room, tossed ‘not like you remember’ to nott, a 2x3 iron chest. a single chair in the center of the room. definitely a struggle with heavy impacts and blade scratched on wall

             nott was the torturer from the goblin tribe

chair was placed in the spot after the struggle

this was where he [yeza] kept chemicals according to nott

poisoned iron locked box (dull black glass)  inside a retractable silver tripod to hold something atop it, 3 empty vials 1 full one with a liquid/gas fog like dull colored thing, a pile of destroyed notes [two pieces of still legible paper which have props]

            dunamous field, causes ppl slow to be slower or faster, ‘captured crin operatives’ dunaments and dunamacy, origon gliffs, exist outside established schools of magic, theory in deeply rooted in arcana taken for granted, rooted in _____ town, 12-16 months to refine, word has found me that trent’s kiddos have knacks for this things, dreams are thrilling

well shittttt

            crin on battle fields, ‘breaking fields of fate, fuck the raven queen

SHIIIIIT

a piece of dunemous

dodecha goes in tripod according to beau

chair facing chest

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cricks did this apparently

a little under 100 crowns guard killed, 4 civilians burned

soldiers just ‘slowed down’ 

left via tunnels and collapsed them behind them

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nott dont be a bitch and don’t get mad at caleb and call them ‘his people’

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cad picks up caleb and ‘youre not at fault here, youre the solution here. don’t let her anger... its not about you’

my HEART

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the chest is too big for the haver sack but fits in lorenzo’s bag of holding

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people have entered and exited since the attack and left the chair and stuff

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lots ‘o chairs

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nott needs to see ledith and uke (?) and not flip the fuck out

‘humble hobble’

nott looked like halfling plump face, braids, tan skin

edith- human older, grey hair, beady eyes, ever present smile like face

          LUKE IS HER SON!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CANNON

         *edit- rewatching this and seeing ever one’s faces “wheres my son?!” particularly laura/liam/travis just hurt. liam just looked up after a second and travis did his face he does and laura just stiffened and eyes and hand to face. caleb/liam who knows just hugs himself the rest of the convo. marisha is note taking and fuck the video off now

about 5 yrs old, blue eyes, tan/light brown skin, halfling

gave him the doll of the king

IM GONNA CRY NOW BYE

‘HES PROABLY DEAD NOW TOO LIKE I THOUGHT YOU WER’

yenza locks him away when ‘the mean lady comes by’

mean lady has pointy ears and comes often, luke was kept in room, luke was pushed out of the house and told to go somewhere safe so he ran to edith’s house and ‘everything was on fire’

‘im not strong enough to come back yet but know that [im stll thinking of you and i send things] and i hope dad sends them to you.“ fuck my heart

“in my heart i think he is” “well don’t die”

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the elves are gong to the ruins of yenza’s house

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marisha looked so betrayed

tal ‘i was waiting for the riegel shoe to drop’

WOW

HEY CALEB- WOOOW

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we’ll pick up hiiiere

fuck you sam and matt and everything abou this my heart is just FUCKKK

ummm so enjoy the frantic poorly taken notes <3

[the-circus-princess]

/hello guess what two idiots did a rp and turned it into a fic thats right me and @circusprince now suffer with us. its basically a fic where phillip got his ass kicked and anne is too pure also art is by @circusprince​ bc holy fuck the most talented person !!!!! find it on ao3 here!! 

The snowflakes fell heavy and thick from the night sky as Phillip Carlyle excited the building and stepped onto the streets of New York City. It had been a cold November, but this was the first snow the city had seen so far. Phillip did not linger on the street for long, he quickly set his pace towards his apartment. He draped his red scarf around his neck and shoulders as he hurried down the street.

After today’s last show, and mostly against his own will, Phillip had gone into town to attend business. Circus business, no doubt. He had been walking for nearly ten minutes when he reached an alleyway that he knew would make a good shortcut. The top and the brim of his tophat was covered in white already, and Phillip decided a shortcut would do no harm. He longed to get home and crawl under warm bed covers with the woman he loved.

“Hey! Mr. Ringmaster!” a voice sounded from a dark corner. Phillip slowed down and turned around to see three men step out behind him. He turned his gaze forward again and saw two more men blocking his path. Phillip straightened up and looked at the man who had spoken earlier.

“Can I help you, sir?” he asked with a friendly tone. The man took a step forward.

“Where’s your pack of freaks tonight?” he said and sneered. His ginger hair and beard had snowflakes in it and he was missing a few teeth.

“Excuse me?” Phillip asked, narrowing his eyes. He wasn’t surprised by the question, sad as it was, he had gotten used to it by now. If the man had been alone, Phillip would definitely taken a swing at him for what he said, but at the moment he was very much outnumbered.

“Ya heard me,” the man spoke again, taking yet another step forward. He was taller than Phillip and he was carrying what was probably a lead pipe. Phillip swallowed as he eyed the man, but not for a second losing his proud posture.

“You’re not Barnum, but I know who you are. You’re with that colored girl, ain’t you? I’ve seen you two together. Makes me sick” the man spat. Phillip’s blue eyes darkened.    

“Ain’t right to mix races. That girl belongs in the dirt with the rest of her kind, slaving-“ he would have continued, but was interrupted by Phillip Carlyle’s fist, as it came racing through the air and hit him straight in the jaw.

 -

 With a promise of meeting Phillip back in the apartment, Anne had headed back to her dressing room, to take off her costume. There was no point drawing unwanted attention, parading around as a member of the circus through the streets. It was a step by step process getting out of her gear, and by the time the wig, costume, and about half a pound of glitter had been wiped off she was certain that Phillip would have finished his circus business. And hopefully would be waiting at the apartment with both blankets and something warm to drink. She made sure that everything was ready and in order for tomorrow’s show before she headed out, pulling her dark blue coat tight around herself against the chill.  

 She barely made it out of the tent before something caught her attention. Even if the snow was falling thick she could still see light coming from the managers tent, which puzzled her. Maybe it was Barnum who came by to check on the sales? Or maybe Lettie in need of something. Regardless she could offer her help, or at least say hello before going. She was sure Phillip wouldn’t miss her for five more minutes, just so she could check up. With quick steps through the snow as the snow tangled into her dark hair she made quick way to the tent.

                 “Oh my god, Phillip! What happened to you?!” She cried out in shock to see her beloved ringmaster standing in the tent. His face had fresh bruises and even fresher cuts. His white shirt had specks of blood scattered around, his knuckles were bloodied and she couldn’t tell if it was his or someone else’s blood. He held himself in an awkward position as if it pained him to breathe.

                 “Anne? Why are you here? I thought you were at home in the apartment?” Phillip said, giving her a puzzled look. By the looks of it, he hadn’t expected to see her here any more than she had expected to see him. He attempted a nervous smile, as if he was caught doing something he wasn’t supposed to, only to wince at the cut in his lip. Anne winced herself, in sympathy.

                 “I was about to head back home just now. But I saw the lights were on, and I thought I would drop by before I left. Now please tell me what happened!” she explained. Anne closed the short distance between them and studied his injuries closer. The worry in her frown grew as she seemed to discover new bruises on her dear ringmaster’s face.

                 “I, uhm, ran into some trouble,” he tried to excuse himself, but only earned a worried frown form Anne. The more she looked at him the worse the injuries seemed. She was no nurse, but she was growing sure that he needed proper tending.

                 “Some trouble, huh? Seems like you got into an unfair fight. Were you attacked?” She tried her best not to sound too upset, but it was hard when seeing Phillip hurt. Guilt had started to settle in her gut like a sickness. Anne knew very well how quick Phillip was to defend both her and the circus, and she suspected that this was another fight to be added to that list. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time she’d found Phillip after a fight, and she knew well that it wouldn’t be the last either.

 Anne carefully reached for Phillips hand, not sure if it was to comfort him or if she was seeking comfort of her own. Phillip let out an almost defaed sigh, clearly unable to lie to her.

                 “I decided to take a shortcut through an alleyway when walking back to our apartment. Some thugs wanted to have a chat,” Phillip explained. Anne could feel her heart sink just a little at what was to come, but a comforting hand caressed her cheek and, bruised knuckles or not, she leaned slightly into the touch, though her eyes still traced over Phillip’s injuries.

                 “It’s my own fault, Anne. I threw the first punch. But I just couldn’t let them talk about you or the circus the way he did! I got so mad, I saw red and well… Next thing I knew we were all fighting,” Phillip spoke quietly now as he withdrew his hand from her cheek, leaving her skin cold. As her suspicions for the reason of the fight were confirmed, the guilt surged in her gut like a wave washing over her. She knew none of this would have happened if he never had joined the circus, or felt the need to defend her.

 But before her guilt could swallow her completely, Phillip stroked his thumb over her hand holding his, bringing Anne out of her spiral of thought and lightening the weight in her chest.

                 “Anne, I’m sorry if I made you worry. It’s nothing. It is, just some bruises and scratches, and I don’t care. What they said…” he trailed off not wanting to finish the sentence. Neither did he have to as it earned him a sigh from Anne.

                 “It’s more than just bruises and scratches, Phillip. What if one of them had pulled a knife on you! Or worse!” She tried her best not to sound too upset. What was done was done and there was no point in crying over spilled milk. And judging by Phillip’s reaction it didn’t make the situation any better. He almost looked like a kicked puppy at this point, so ridden with guilt that he’d made his girlfriend worry, even if he knew she was right.

                 “Alright… are you gonna sit willingly or do I have to tackle you?” Anne stepped back from the man and turned to the chair that stood by the desk. She spun it around to face Phillip as she looked at him with almost a challenging look, because they both knew that she would attempt to wrestle him into the chair. Without much choice Phillip sat down and Anne got her coat off.

                 “You know, you should pick fights with people your own size. Or at least not attempt to take on half of New York,” she teased him slightly, before spinning the chair to face the desk so she could sit on it while facing him.

                 “Anne Wheeler are you saying I’m short? I’ll have you know I’m perfectly capable of taking down any man, despite his size!” Phillip humored her with the best grin he could manage past a split and aching lip. Even beaten up and miserable he managed to hold on to his humor and make her smile.

                 “Well, mr. Carlyle, I am not doubting your skills to fight a man. Trust me, I’ve seen you try  take on O’Clarny, and even he was slightly intimidated by you,” Anne offered him a kind smile, after all they both knew that Phillip could perfectly land a good punch if needed. She then pulled out a clean handkerchief from the pocket of her coat and got hold of a cup of what she assumed was an unfinished glass of water Phillip had been drinking form earlier. She dabbed the cloth in it before bringing it to a cut on Phillips cheekbone.

                 “What I am saying, however-“ she continued “is that next time, you should maybe just stick to one guy. And again, not attempt to fight a gang. I still enjoy coming home to someone. Especially you,” she gave a quick glance over to Phillips eyes before turning her attention back to the cut, a smile still lingering. It was warming and a feeling of security to call the apartment their home, though it had much more to do with Phillip than the apartment itself.

                 “I’ll always be there for you when you come home, Anne-“ he started with a serious, but loving, tone voice which made Anne stop the cleaning and look at him. “I will always come home to you, no matter what happens,” the sincere look on his face made it easy to believe him and Anne didn’t know if she should laugh or cry with joy. There was no kinder man than the one sat in front of her and the happiness swelled in her chest.

                 “I’ll take your word on it. So don’t you dare go breaking any promises, Carlyle,” the smile form Phillip grew along with Anne’s smile. She leaned down the few inches between them and barely pressed her lips against Phillip’s wounded ones in what might have been the softest and most careful kiss in the history. The joy she felt only grew bigger when pulling back and seeing the admiration and love for her in Phillips eyes.

                 “I love you. So very, very much,” he said, even if it was not needed when it written all over his face.

                 “Well, you’re in luck. Because I do love you too, Phillip Carlyle.”

[constel-langst-ions]

Double Trouble

Guys I seriously have no knowledge on 99.9 percent of the topics I write. It’d be very appreciated if you all told me. Thanks!

—

Lance sat on his bed, staring at his legs. Pale beige with a white patella, back of knee, toes, even the heel and ball of his foot. Or prosthetic foot. Thin, black lines indicated where the pieces were wired together. Despite not looking all that advanced, they were. He could walk normally. Even his nerves had been connected. They took up most of his legs, he noted, since he only had a few inches of what was left od his thighs still there. Part of it went up and hugged his waist, so he could easily slip it under clothing. So, thats how his team never knew about them. Not even Hunk. He only changed when Hunk was asleep or he’d change in the bathroom.

He’d do anything to make sure they didn’t know- he didnt want a pity party-, even if it meant hiding. But not everything can be kept a secret, can it?

—

It was 2:37am, according to the castle time. Lance was still completely wide awake. He decided it was a good time to work out a bit, as he knew everyone was asleep; he’d even checked their rooms. Lance absolutely could not afford them finding out.

He made his way to the training room, shirtless, a towel around his neck. He had asked Coran earlier how to modify it as a makeshift gym, and the older Altean had gladly taught him.

Now Lance stood in front of a control panel, tapping pictures that faintly resmebled equipment he had used on Earth to build his upper body strength. He added a few things, including a pullup bar, weights that ranged between 5 and 50 pounds, a heavy bag,n inja walking poles, and a rope hanging from the ceiling. He used all of these to help become stronger over the years, thankful for his family’s ability to grant him the much needed equipment.

He sat down below the pullup bar first, unfasteneinf his legs and setting them to the side. He was wearing female training shorts, not wanting to get longer ones, since he dislikes tying the cloth. These were much better, and they fit snuggly. Fittingly, they were black with the blue paladin volton symbol on the sides. He placed his hands on the sides, and with a grunt, started climbing up. Admittedly, it took longer, as it had been a while since he did it last. Finally, he reached the pull bar and wrapped his fingers around it. Suddenly realizing his music, he hung by one hand and reached for his phone, which was attached to his arm with a black armband. He hit play, and out the music blasted through the wireless headphones.

He started doing chin-ups, muttering out loud each one. “One, two, three, four, five..” He huffed out, urginf himself to push as far as he possibly could. Finally, when he felt his fingers become sore, he placed his hands back on the sides and started making his way down. After a moment, he sat on the ground, and wiped the sweat from his face with the back of his hand. He took a few sips of water, which he thankfully left by his legs, before started to awkwardly crawl to the next training piece, the ninja walking poles. To be fair, they were mainly used for walking, not working on his acrobats skills but hey, whatever it took to not be a burden.

He stopped at the shortest one and pulled himself onto it. He flipped his body up so his hands were around the flat surface, on his palms. He had his arms straightened, his head up so he could see straight ahead. Slowly, he lowered himself, then pushed himself back up. He repeated the movement, gradually getting faster. He moved to the next one, copying the excersise from before. However, it was more wobbly. He had his upper body partially bent, so if he had legs- the thought caused him to chortle- they’d be close to his head. He wished he had them, though, because he was flexible. It would’ve been fun.

But, oh well, it wasn’t his fault that he had been born without them. Defect caused in the womb, his family was told.

It also wasn’t his fault that he didn’t notice the team in the training room doorway.

—

The team had woken up, all of then feeling something empty within their bones. Specifically, Pidge had been awake at the time, but that wasn’t important. They had all exited their rooms, save for Lance, who they noticed was absent from the little party in the hallway. Yawning, and all in their pajamas, they all made their way down the hallway, stopping in front of the training room. They could hear thumps from inside, as well as grunts from who theyre sure was Lance. The lights were bright, and as the door slid open, their jaws dropped.

Lance, with no legs. Lance, in female training shorts. Lance, with his prosthetics on the wall. Lance, balancing on primal walking poles, balancing on one hand.

Lance, to Keith’s embarrassment, looked hot.

—

Lance slowly leaned back, tightening his grip on the top part of the pole so he wouldn’t put too much weight to the side and fall. Gradually, he lowered himself until he could sit on the primal pole, a tall one.

He rested his stub on the other one to keep his balance. Still having the towel around his neck, he wiped his sweat from his forehead. He rubbed his eyes, becoming sleepy.

He heard a noise to his right, and all but screamed.

Before Lance knew it, he was lying flat on his back on the training room floor, the metal nice against his warm skin. The pole he had been on was still teetering from when he had fallen.

He blinked, looking up. His teams faces were over him worried.

“Oh..”

Lance muttered a curse, grappling to sit up. The team gave him space, but still, they stared. Lance didnt like it one bit, no sir. Actually, he despised it. He waa cloose to having a fit of panic, he was so anxious. But he calmed himself. His team wouldnt hurt him, he knew that. So, ever so calmly, he crawled to his prosthetics and slipped then on, slightly raising his shorts to fit them properly. The team only watched, dumbfounded, as he stood, and gave a few text kicks.

Lance looked at then, and shot a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “So, I know you have questions, but please refrain. Yes, I have prosthetics. No, I wasn’t an amputee. I was born without legs, a defect. And yes, my prosthetics and expensive and one of the kind. So Pidge, that means you can’t tinker with them. ‘K?” He rested a hand on his hip, out of breath from his short speech.

They all nodded, the shock still visible on their faces. Only Coran wasn’t phased, his following words making everyone giggle.

“Wait, I was supposed to believe you had legs? My, it waa obvious with your first trip into the pod!” The Altean announced.

They laughed. It was funny, actually.

It lightened the mood, too.

Maybe, just maybe, Lance would open up to them more.

No more secrets.

[nightblogofficialbook]

Chapter Two

Also available on the Tapas.io Website, search for Night in the Novels tab! 

Consciousness spun back into existence; my body was hot, almost on fire, and heavy. Pain was pulsing and throbbing from my shoulder. My stomach was churning. Something in me felt taut, like my body had turned elastic and something was pulling it from one direction. I let out a groan.

Whispers filled my ears as hearing returned now, too, and the rustling sounds of people shifted around. With another groan and I pushed my heavy eyelids open, expecting to see a hospital room and doctors and nurses trying to figure out what happened to me.

Instead I was greeted by six pairs of glowing, bright red, worried eyes.

“Hey there,” one of the owners spoke softly, their voice very smooth. Everyone crowded around me with curiosity. “You’re awake, can you remember where you came from?”

My throat was stuck, my heart rate rising. Who are these people, where am I, what...? These questions ran through my mind but were unable to leave my mouth. An intense sense of danger radiated around the room, which was dim and currently only lit by the moonlight pouring through a single window and the soft red glow of these people’s eyes. Something about them was strange, alien even, like curious animals meeting a creature they’ve never seen before. They were very pretty, and their voice hushed and pleasant. That wasn’t enough to calm my thoughts.

I must have died. Maybe these were demons, trying to put me at ease with their smooth voices and attractive faces.

They began to murmur amongst themselves as I reacted. “You’re scaring her.” “She’s definitely not from the castle.” “Think she will be okay?” “She’ll have to be okay.” “What’s going to happen to the young Lord?” “What’s going to happen to us?”

“Alright, out out!”

From the back of the room the door opened, and a squat older lady with normal green eyes and bright red curly hair began to shoo everyone from the bed I lay in like creatures being herded away. To my huge surprise they responded sheepishly, as if caught red-handed somewhere they weren’t supposed to be.

“Jeez, let the poor girl breathe you silly things,” the lady continued to berate as they walked out the only door in the room. “She’s had a huge shock, we don’t need you exacerbating her condition.” After the door shut behind them she turned gently towards me. “How are you sweetheart? How do you feel?”

“My body’s on fire,” I croaked, my voice surprising me by how raspy it was.

She handed me a glass of water from a bedside table and placed a hand to my forehead. “Yes, you’re quite warm, your body must not have been ready for the sudden changes.”

I stiffened. Ch-changes?

She checked my pulse, her hands warm and clammy. “Heart rate is normal, well done. Let’s check on that bite now.

“Hold on, bite?!” Suddenly my memory came gushing back as she unwrapped a bandage from my neck and shoulder. The woods, the dark, the chill, the creature, the pain, the castle-

The castle.

I’m inside the castle.

I winced as she gently touched a red inflamed crescent mark that throbbed right between my shoulder and my neck, just behind my collarbone. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as a strange sensation rose across my skin and made me light-headed. I started to shake.

“What…what happened to...what happened to me? What’s going to-- what’s going on?”

She shook her head. “It’s...hard to say, dear. We’ve never had a situation like this before. The bite is healing nicely, but...there are other things that need to be decided before we can give any definitive answer, I’m afraid.”

She placed a gauze patch over the bite and applied medical tape to hold it on. I bit my lip in worry, feeling that strange pulling sensation grow tighter, like I was being stretched to the limit. What’s going to happen to me? Is this just a nightmare? Or am I...am I going to die? My mom’s face filled my mind. I don’t know how long I was out. Hours? Days? It was still night out. She must be worried sick. My bag was missing. I thought about how high up we must be, whether the window could be opened, whether I could tie tight enough knots to the bedsheets to escape, whether I would even be able to get out of here. I didn’t know what was going on. What bit me?

“Well, aren’t you alert and attentive,” spoke a new voice laced with sarcasm.

I jumped, seeing a tall, well built man probably in his early twenties standing in the doorframe, his eyes a darker red than the others that were in here before. He had short brown hair and a square, firm chin. The lady from before was gone, I don’t remember when she had left.

“There she is,” he smirked. “Good morning princess, did you have a nice rest?”

I swallowed, feeling my throat tighten in fear again. This man was different from the ones before. He felt very dangerous.

“We need to decide what to do with you asap, so I’m here to escort you to a little meeting of sorts,” he explained boredly. “A pain really, I don’t see what’s to discuss but,” he shrugged. “My orders are clear. So, you should get on up and follow me, alright?” He then smirked mischievously again, adding, “Unless of course, you need some help getting out of bed?”

My hackles raised and I jumped from the bed immediately, ignoring the protest from my spinning head and instinctively ready to fight a useless battle.

He chuckled in amusement. “Thatta girl. Now come on.” He walked out the door, leaving it open.

I stood for a moment, deliberating. This could be an opportunity, an opening. If I comply now I may be able to watch for an escape route, or at the very least get my bearings.

Tentatively I stepped through the frame into a dimly lit hallway. A dark red carpet ran down the center of the hall in either direction, framed by the kind of fancy carpet style you’d find in only a rich person’s home (of which I could only think of a Kazak carpet due to the similarity and the fact that is was my mom’s favorite design). That man stood just outside the door, waiting for me. He gestured to follow and I did.

“Oh, and don’t even think about trying to slip away. Just so you know, I’m veeery fast and enjoy a good chase.”

I swallowed, believing him. My shoulder throbbed, and I remembered that creature that bit me as I put a hand to the bandage. These people didn’t seem...normal. Maybe not even...human. What if...what if whatever he is, whatever they are...what if thats what bit me… My first thoughts were two things that they could be, and only one that I would think would have red eyes. I started trembling again, worried. If...if it’s true then… the one that bit me was so fast…but there’s no way, right?

Before I knew it he had stopped in front of a set of very large oak doors. That strange elastic pull I had been feeling was now pulsing too, almost dragging my body towards this door. I felt very distressed, very scared. The man waited at the door, almost as if he were thinking to himself, and then turned to me.

“Alright princess, you’re up,” he said, opening the giant door with ease and gestured for me to walk through.

I swallowed, dread filling my insides and a tightness in my stomach making me feel sick. I complied and walked across the threshold, into the room where my fate would be decided.

There were many murmurs that suddenly stopped as I walked in. The room was huge, and filled with many of those pretty people with red eyes, which were now turned towards me in hushed worry. Everyone was in beautiful formal attire. Nerves fill me to the brim and I stumbled, feeling like my legs would give out at any moment. I tried to ignore the eyes and the ideas of what they are, and focus on what was in front of me instead. Across the reflective caramel-marble floor stood a very small group of people; about five men and six women with formal, almost military attire, and two people that looked to be about my age, a boy and a girl.

The girl looked very distressed; she didn’t have red eyes, but instead her eyes were bright blue and tearful. Brownish blonde hair was swept back in a loose bun with white flowers woven in, and she wore a gorgeous white-gold gown and gold strap heels. She looked to be on the verge of hysterics. The boy-

That strange knot yanked at the center of my being as everything faded away except for my attention on this guy. His hair was a soft, bronze color with low-swept bangs that hung slightly over his face. He was dressed in similar militaristic clothes as the adults but with something more...important about him. His eyes were still turned towards the girl, bright red and upset as well, guilt and sadness weighing heavy in his gaze. The strange pulling sensation was moving my body on it’s own; with every step tilting my world, my very being, towards this guy. I wanted to comfort him, tell him it’ll be okay. I didn’t want him to be upset or unhappy. I suddenly cared so much about him as if he were an extension of myself.

As if sensing me, his eyes turned towards me, slowly, as though the world had all but come to a stop. A pit dropped in my stomach as I saw his expression transform, and tears filled my eyes as all I wanted now was to disappear. His eyes became cold as they fell upon me, narrowing in a red glare of hatred. A vicious voice filled my head.

This is all your fault.

My legs shook and I fell to my knees as a sensation fell over me that I had felt once before but never so bad. Tears rolled down my cheeks and my chest filled with a hurt that spread to my entire being. Pain filled every place of emotion I had. This was my fault. The boy’s expression changed for just a split second to regret and worry as he made a motion towards me, and caught himself in anger and frustration. The girl’s eyes widen and welled with tears of disbelief.

“It’s true,” I heard her croak. A soft “dammit” was uttered from the boy as he covered his face, and the rest of the room came back.

Then suddenly the spell was broken; I don’t know why I felt so upset. I knew nothing about him, had never even seen him before. Anger tried to fight the feeling back; it was like I just had my heart broken. Why is this my fault? Why should I be feeling guilty? I’d didn’t want to be here. I didn’t want to be anywhere but home. I just wanted to go home. I pressed my lips together, trying to stop the tears while wiping them away. How is this my fault?

One of the adults sighed as the boy comforted the now sobbing girl. “I’m afraid it’s been confirmed now,” he said gravely, gesturing for me to come closer. “The connection appears to be fully established; this girl has become our Lord Zain’s Bride.”

“Hold on what?” Reality snapped back in place as all other emotions of anguish or danger was shoved forcefully to the back at the sound of that word. I was barely aware of the man from before helping me back to my feet. All eyes had turned back towards me in surprise from my retort. “What on earth is-I never agreed to be any-what’s going on?”

I was amazed at my own sudden fearlessness. My body once again moved towards them on its own, but this time I was in control of the faculties of my mind. As I joined the group in front of me, feeling strange being so close to such strange people, the one who had gestured to me asked a careful question.

“Miss Morris, are you aware of where we are?”

We’re in that legendary castle; I was fairly confident of that now. But something else had my hackles raised.

“How do you know my name?” I demanded, taking a surprised step back.

“We know a lot of things you don’t,” spat the boy under his breath in the same voice I had heard in my head. A pang hit my chest from the anger in his voice, and he flinched subtly. I tried to push the feeling aside.

“Could someone please tell me what the heck is going on?” I questioned in frustration. I was beginning to feel the burst of courage waver as the indignity began to subside. My body was starting to tremble again. It felt like I already knew the answer.

“Miss,” the gentle man began carefully, “are you aware of...what we are?”

My head reeled back to the thoughts I had on the walk here. His question appeared to confirm that they were not human. Which means...which means they…

“I think the princess figured it out,” said the one who escorted me, looking at me from the side with an amused, toothy grin. My vision zeroed in on his mouth. His canines were extended well beyond what would be considered normal.

My head snapped forward and at everyone around me, my heart rate rising. Everyone with red eyes, who were now murmuring in wonder and worry amongst themselves, I saw. Flashes of fangs.

Red eyes. Fangs.

My hand went to my shoulder as I stumbled back.

I was bit.

I inhaled sharply and then couldn’t breathe.

A strange expression seemed to over take the boy as the world began to spin downwards. I heard him shout, “She’s fainting!” as I fell backwards into darkness.

~~~~~~~

My mind groggily came to as morning approached. Someone was gently patting my arm.

“Helen, Helen, you need to wake up.”

I groaned and rolled over. The room was still dark. I really didn’t want to get up today, not after a dream like that. It felt so real, so stressful. The restless sleep made my body feel so heavy... “Five more minutes mom…” I slurred sleepily, wanting to fall back asleep and replace the memory of the dream with something else.

“C’mon, Helen,” urged the voice again. My mind became more awake as I realized it wasn’t my mom’s. “You need to be awake, it’s not good for you to stay out of it right now.”

I opened my eyes and suddenly felt like I was hit by a truck. The pain on my shoulder was throbbing still, and my head was pounding. The room was dark, lit just by a small candle sitting by the bedside. The face of a young adult girl with bright hazel-green eyes cleared my vision, her dark brown hair and pink-tipped bangs pulled back in a ponytail to reveal a friendly and concerned expression. The rest of the room faded into view, revealing a different room than the one I had woken up in before, and five girls that looked to be about my age.

My stomach lurched and the girl who was waking me up held up a trash can for me as I turned over and vomited into it.

“Easy, easy,” she said, rubbing my back as I hurled again. After a third time the nausea started to pass and I felt even more drained. She wiped my face off with a damp cold cloth and handed me a cup of water. “Drink slowly, little sips.”

I did, my stomach feeling almost hollow. “What happened…?” I groaned drunkenly, my memory of the events extremely foggy. “Am I...am I dead? I feel like I died.”

“No, thankfully you’re not dead,” she said with slight amusement. “You’ve, um, had quite the ordeal though.”

I laid back again into the very soft pillows and bed. “Just tell me one thing at least. Are vampires real?”

She hesitated for just a moment, thinking of how to answer. At last she sighed, and I already knew the answer before she even spoke.

“Yes, Helen,” she confirmed softly. “Vampires are real.”

I breathed in deep, letting that sink in. My heart didn’t seem to have the energy to race, but my mind was able to process something. Either that fact is true, or I am still in an ongoing nightmare. Whatever the case, there’s nothing I could do about it right now. I let my breath out.

“Okay,” I murmured, mostly to myself. This may as well happen. The girls as seemed to relax at the calmness in my voice. “Okay.”

“How do you feel?” asked the girl right behind the one with pink hair, her hair short and almost black and her skin a soft brown. Next to her was an almost identical twin except for her hair, which was longer. Their eyes were amber in the candlelight.

“Terrible,” I answered, deciding to roll with what’s happening. “But the world has stopped spinning at least.”

“That’s a good sign,” said pink bangs in the front. “You’ll start feeling a lot better soon as you get some food and drink in you. My name is Rose, by the way,” she introduced, then gesturing to each girl in the room. “This is Suzanne and Alice,” the twins nodded, “Claire, and Wendy.” The last two, a strawberry-red curly haired freckled girl with bright green eyes and pale skin, and a short, shy, bouncy black hair and steel gray eyed girl.

“Helen,” I responded. “Though, it looks like you already knew that.”

“We’ve been updated mostly about what’s happened,” Rose said, helping me to sit up. “How much do you remember?”

“Well, apparently I’ve been kidnapped by vampires,” I said sardonically, rubbing my shoulder as the bite prickled under the gauze bandage. “And...now I’m married? What’s the deal with that?”

They tried to stifle a laugh; I smiled a little, glad they took my dark humor well.

“Not quite, at least not in the way you think it would be,” Rose briefly explained with an amused and patient smile. “We’ll try to catch you up on everything, but first we should get you something to eat. You feel okay to walk?”

I did a mental check of all my faculties. The heaviness was slowly lifting and the dizzy was all but gone. My shoulder still throbbed a little, and that strange rubbery stretching feeling was still there and still pulling at me, but I was otherwise feeling better.

“Yeah, I think so,” I said, and let them help me to my feet and out of the cushy bed. They led me out of the dimly lit room to a lighter room, and through another door into a hallway. It was a much smaller hallway than the one I remembered walking through before, not so wide, but decorated in very much the same fashion. Gentle light flitted through as the closed walls turned to open windows, revealing a pink and orange sunrise. My guess right now would be that it was just after 6am.

“How long have I been out?”

“Since the last time you passed out? Not long.” Suzanne walked beside me. “You were only out for a few minutes, and then slept for about an hour and a half.”

“What about...since I arrived?” I put lightly.

“It’ll have been less than a day I think,” Rose answered. “I think they found you outside the castle around 8:30-9 o’clock, they said you were in and out of it for a good while after that.”

Concern overtook me. “I...I don’t remember any of that.” Other thoughts filled my head as my hand subconsciously went to my shoulder again. “So—so I was bit, right? Am I…?”

“Don’t worry, you won’t turn,” Rose assured me. “Not unless you want to, but that would require a different ritual than what had happened, in addition to your consent.” I let out a breath of relief.

“So how does that work then?” I asked, relaxing just a little more. “I’ve always thought the common consensus is that once you’re bit you’re done for.”

We made a turn and walked into what looked like a kitchen restaurant as Claire replied this time. “That’s probably because people tend to disappear from your side of things whenever a vampire decides to feed, or their behavior might change. And when a vampire takes on a Bride their partner usually begins to have a preference to accommodate the vampire.”

Rose went and talked to what looked to be the chef of the kitchen, ordering food I assumed hopefully, while we sat at a stainless steel counter and Claire continued.

“But since vampires haven’t publicly done that in centuries, people’s assumptions only became more skewed and the myths more off mark,” she said.

“Okay, so, a lot of questions now,” I gestured in a slow-down motion.

“Food first,” Rose said, coming back to join the group as she and the chef she spoke to brought plates of breakfast. She handed me a glass of orange juice. “Drink a little of this first before you eat.”

I immediately became aware of how hungry I was and obliged, feeling better after a few sips of OJ, and even more after digging into warm eggs and sausage and toast. Everything tasted beyond delicious, and I was so thankful I wasn’t going to turn into a vampire. I would miss the taste of food too much. ‘Course, that was assuming anything mythology has said was correct. Which, it seems, might not be much.

“So,” I said after a few minutes of eating. “So, in step by step order of events if you can, what happened to me? And what’s going to happen to me now?”

They looked to Claire, who seemed pretty happy at the chance to explain. “So, starting with what happened before you were bit, last night was supposed to the union ceremony between the Lord of the castle and his chosen Bride, capital ‘B’. A vampire Bride is someone who a vampire has chosen would be their most compatible mate, and has committed to only feeding from that person. Historically this was a phenomenon that would occur when a vampire reached a certain stage in life and found a single source to feed from. It’s like this magical bond forms between them, and ties them into place and make the vampire only able to feed from one person. By only being able to feed from one source, the vampire’s life would be dictated by the well-being of their human. Sometimes they don’t make it to that stage, and sometimes…” she struggled to find kinder words. “...accidents happen.”

“But once it happens, it can’t be undone,” she continued after I swallowed nervously. “Here at the castle, soon as a new Lord is ready to take charge, a Bride is chosen for them and the ceremony is performed when the time is right and they reach that stage.”

I nodded again, and felt a chill of dread as I realized what this was leading up to. “So...so then…?”

They nodded.

“Normally it takes a few feedings to develop the bond. With the royal bloodline it works a little differently, but only in the sense that they can predict exactly when the final connection is ready to be made. That was supposed to happen with Lady Victoria, but when Lord Zain bit you...for some reason it was invoked instantly.”

“So,” I began, letting everything sink. “So, when this Zain guy bit me, I somehow became his host?” They nodded. “And there’s no way to undo it. Which means…” My stomach sank.

“Yeah,” Rose confirmed sadly. “I’m afraid you won’t be allowed to leave anymore.”

I slumped back, feeling dejected.

After a moment I asked, “So, you guys are human though, right? Does that mean you guys are food? Or also Brides or whatever?”

“Sorta,” Suzanne answered this time. “I mean, if you want to put it simply then yeah, sure, we’re basically food. But I mean, everything is taken care of for us, we’re still allowed to live regular normal lives and pursue interests and so on, we just have to donate blood regularly, take care of our bodies, and be supervised anytime we leave the castle.” Her sister nodded with her.

I perked up at the last detail. “You’re allowed to leave?”

“With supervision,” Rose clarified. “As we get older we’ll be allowed to travel to other boarding houses similar to this place and still experience the world, and with permission sometimes we can sign up to travel with the embassy on conference visits. We’re not allowed to leave the community since we were all born and raised with them and we know too much, but they do their best to try and make up for it.”

“That...” I started carefully, “that honestly sounds a bit like a cult.”

“I know, right?” Claire agreed with a smile. “That’s what I thought too as I got to know this place.”

“Oh right!” Rose said. “I forgot you came from outside the castle too.”

“What happened?” I asked casually. “Did you get Bride-ified too?” She laughed.

“Nah, I was rescued when the embassy was on a trip. I think I was, like, six? My parents had passed when I was really little so I was handed off to my aunt and uncle. They were assholes. Apparently a vampire saw me getting verbally abused by them in public, enough to warrant investigation, and ‘supposedly’ looked into the circumstances.” She make air quotes with her fingers. “Honesty I bet they had already decided to whisk me away regardless. Then hop skip and jump I was out my bedroom window and away from that mess.”

“Dang,” I exhaled, ironically shuddering at the thought of getting kidnapped by a vampire.

“Don’t get me wrong though, I’m really glad they did,” she continued. “I was in a really bad place. It’s a bit messed up the way it happened, yeah, and doesn’t exactly make for a good argument knowing a vampire cult can just go around kidnapping people, but it doesn’t happen that often and certainly not without good reason.”

At this point I became aware that we had long since finished eating and were making our way back. Other than the slight tugging-sensation that still occurred, which every now and then  would flare up a bit and then die down, I felt strangely comfortable now. We passed by the glass windows again, the sun a bit higher in the sky now and warmth falling in with the rays through the trees. A lush garden courtyard fenced by what looked like more open-view glass hallways and one open set of pillars and archways spread across the entire view. Dew coated the grass and flowers, and benches sat under trees. There was a small patterned hedge maze to our current left. It looked like a nice place to spend an afternoon reading or just relaxing.

A brief thought passed through my head. Maybe this won’t be so bad.

“How come this place was never discovered?” I asked curiously. “I mean, outside we knew a castle might be here but by the sounds of things there’s a pretty big civilization going on.”

“Well, it started when vampires started realizing that just feeding from any old human from any old place was dangerous,” Claire said. “You know, with the hunters and people not really liking that their family members were being attacked and taken away. So they started a coven of vampires AND humans, made an agreement to keep the humans alive and take care of them, and then boom, safe and stable food supply.”

“They keep it secret by keeping in contact with other creatures,” Suzanne added. “Witches helped by putting spells around vampire locations to make sure no one just accidentally wandered in, and so on.”

“Except for a few exceptions,” I muttered darkly, earning questioning looks from them. We rounded the corner and took a different turn than from where we originally had come from. The pulling suddenly grew stronger, distracting me from the fact that they had asked me something in response, and I debated on whether I should ask if this strange sensation was normal.

Before I could decide though Rose suddenly stopped with a surprised ‘Oh!’ My attention refocused forward and my breath caught in a very mixed emotion as all other questions fell away.

“Good morning Lord Zain,” Rose greeted respectfully, and the others shyly murmured greetings as well.

“Hello girls,” he greeted back. His voice was relaxed and somewhat friendly, yet slightly under duress, far different from the venom I had heard in it before. He wasn’t looking at me, despite the fact that I was frozen in place and couldn’t look away from him. His eyes were still very red. “You mind if I speak with Miss Morris for a bit?”

“Not at all,” Rose said, much to my internal protest and fear. “We’re were just about to show her our common’s area, but we can wait.”

“It’ll just take a moment, I’ll bring her there afterwards.”

I shot Rose a pleading look. She gave me a pat and whispered reassuringly, “Don’t worry, he’s actually really nice. You’ll be okay.”

I swallowed. I had a really hard time believing that.

Within moments it was just me and this guy in the hallway. Awkward nerves began building up inside me and I could feel my stomach trying to tighten. It looked like he was just as uncomfortable, but now he had let his facade fall away and looked irritated.

“Follow me,” he ordered flatly. Without hesitation I followed, a single mantra chanting through my head fearfully. Don’t upset the vampire. Don’t upset the vampire. Don’t upset the vampire…

He led the way a short distance in the opposite direction the girls had gone and stopped in front of a door. After taking a moment, as if making sure no one followed, he opened the door and stepped inside. I walked in after him wordlessly.

It was a small-ish supply closet, with racks of cleaning supplies and toiletries and such. He flicked on the light and stood facing the opposite wall as the door closed behind me. In the back of my mind I made sure I was ready to throw it back open at a moments notice.  I don’t know how much good that would do, but it gave me at least a false sense of encouragement.

He seemed to take a breath for a moment, and then turn to face me, a very firm, very impatient expression set in his eyes and mouth.

“What have you told them?” he demanded quietly.

“Nothing,” I replied instinctively, my heart rate shooting up and feeling very, very threatened. When his eyes flashed I quickly corrected myself. “I mean, I don’t know what you me-”

“I’m referring to what happened last night. Did you mention anything about us being outside the castle?”

“N-no, I’m mean, I don’t think I...I don’t think it was ever established or anything…”

His eyes searched mine, as if trying to decide if I was lying. The entire time I was very aware of the fact that the pulling sensation was almost magnetic now. He seemed satisfied and let out a slow breath.

“Good,” he said. “It needs to stay that way. You are not to mention, to ANYONE, that I was outside the castle walls, for any reason, understood?”

“Why-?” I began to ask but was cut short as his expression turned severe.

“Understood?” he re-emphasized in a low growl.

“Okay, okay! I won’t tell!” I assured, taking an instinctive step back towards the door.

“And you can’t tell anyone about this conversation either.”

My cheek twitched with a subtly growing irritation. This guy was starting to give me the impression of a spoiled brat rather than a scary monster.

“Okay,” I said slowly, my internal mantra from moments ago fading away. “Then what am I supposed to say?”

He gave me a condescending look. “You don’t say anything, I thought that was established?”

“Okay sure, but what if they ask what this was all about?” I gestured to the utility closet and our conversation in general.

“You tell them this happen,” he said, and grabbed my arm to yank me towards him.

“Wha-!” My indignant cry was cut short as my arms were suddenly pinned to my sides and a sharp pain pierced my neck. I thrashed for only a second before he let me go, wiping his mouth.

“That should be all the information they need,” he said cooly. “Understood?”

“You BIT me!” I exclaimed, my head reeling as I slapped my hand over the fresh wound. Jeez, was that really necessary?! I felt the hot blood seep through my fingers and saw the red run down my arm as the world started to tilt.

“Oh come on,” he jeered. “It wasn’t that bad, I barely took anything!”

“I don’t like seeing blood, you jerkface!” I yelled at him, angry, and then covered my mouth with my other hand as my stomach lurched. Unable to grab hold of support, my ballance toppled over.

He caught me before I hit the ground, his expression unsure and off guard. I was about to lose my breakfast. It had been so delicious though...

“Um, sorry,” I heard him murmur.

Whatever asshole, I thought to myself bitterly as I tried to mentally force my stomach to settle and not throw up and ignore the blood running down my arm.

He stiffened, a look of full offense on his face. “Did you just call me an asshole?”

I looked at him, confused and nauseated. “Uh, no? I didn’t say anything.”

His hands were still holding me up by my shoulders, and his eyes narrowed. “No, you definitely just called me an asshole.”

“Oh what, now you can read minds?” I joked sarcastically.

“Uh, yeah, that’s unfortunately how this stupid thing works,” he growled.

My eyes widened as I realized he wasn’t being sarcastic back.

“Wait, you’re serious?”

He gave me a flat expression. “I don’t appreciate being thought of as sarcastic, either.”

I pushed him away and leaned back against the metal shelving in the closet. “Great. JUST great…” I took a breath and pressed my lips tight. “Are we done here then?”

His expression didn’t change except for his eyes, which held a hint of confusion. “Yeah, we’re done.”

He reluctantly supported me the whole way from the closet and down the hall in the direction the girls had gone. It had only been a few minutes I’m sure, but that felt like an eternity. I never wanted to see this guy again, but I won’t be having a choice in the matter, it seems.

“The feeling is mutual,” I heard him mutter under his breath.

“Stay out of my head,” I grumbled back.

A few moments later we arrived. He leaned me against the door, and before I even knocked he was already gone from sight. Fine then.

They were already ready to catch me soon as the door opened, towels and bandages in hand. I toppled into their arms, my body still feeling shaky and weak, like I was about to faint again. I’m really surprised I hadn’t fainted again. Maybe I was already starting to get use to this.

“Easy Helen,” the long-haired twin, Alice I think, said as she and her sister Suzanne helped carry me inside to a chair. Rose had already pressed a compress to my neck after taking my hand away, and Claire started wiping up the blood.

“Jeez, what happened?” Claire asked. “You look like he nearly drained you.”

I was really glad they already knew, I didn’t want to have to deal with words.

“I get queasy,” I said briefly, and each one of their eyes flashed with understanding. Suzanne and Wendy went over to a nearby kitchenette and brought some tea and crackers. Alice was pulling ointment out of a first aid kit that looked like antibiotic, and Rose let up on the compress.

“Thankfully you’re not bleeding a lot,” Alice said gently. “But this is probably going to sting a lot and itch a lot.”

I braced myself and clenched my teeth; she wasn’t kidding. Whatever that ointment was, it wasn’t any antibiotic I’ve ever used. It burned like salt, and then a strange prickling sensation coated it until it was just an aching, itchy throb. Claire got a new towel and finished cleaning off my neck.

“What is that stuff?” I asked, eyeing the tube apprehensively.

“It’s kinda like a vampire-venom-ointment thing,” Claire said.

“It’s a healing ointment,” Alice rolled her eyes. “They figured out how to bottle healing aspects of vampire saliva and made it safe for humans to use.”

“It’s super useful for severe cuts and accidents,” Suzanne said, lifting my hand with an unsalted cracker in it to my mouth.

I took a nibble. “So vampire spit?”

“I mean, sure, yeah,” Alice said, making a somewhat exasperated face.

I took a slightly bigger bite. “...cool.” And gross.

Wendy handed me some peppermint tea and almost instantly my stomach started quelling. I freakin’ love mint, it’s so nice. I took a slow sip, feeling the warmth enter my system and my body beginning to relax as Rose applied a small bandage to the side of my neck where the fang marks had turned into throbbing welts.

“So, um,” Claire began kind of nervously. “What was it...like?”

I choked in surprise. “What was what like?”

“You know,” Suzanne and the rest were now also awkwardly curious. “Getting bit.”

I raised my eyebrow in confusion. “I thought you guys said you were food.”

“We donate blood,” Rose explained. “They don’t allow them to actually bite us, since there’s a lot of risk involved. They could lose control, we might turn into Brides and cause a supply limit, or into vampires ourselves, too many things could go wrong. So none of us have ever actually been bit.”

“Oh.” Oh. I placed a hand to my neck, thinking about the extra ramifications of feeding a vampire. Oh… How...how close was I to actually dying in that moment…?

“U-um, you don’t actually have to answer or anything if you don’t want to…” Claire’s voice snapped me back to the present. “We’re just...curious is all.”

“No, it’s okay,” I assured, pushing those thoughts to the back of my mind for a moment. “It was...well, like getting bit? Like someone biting you? It kind of happened so fast I didn’t really know how to process it. It hurt a lot, and I got dizzy, but that's just because I’m not to fond of the sight of blood…”

“How did you feel about it?” Alice asked. Wendy perked up in interest.

“How did I…?” I flushed with frustration about the encounter. “I was mad! I was scared, I didn’t know what he was going to do to me, he just...grabbed me and bit me! No warning whatsoever, and I-” I stopped, see their amused faces. “What?”

“You seem to be taking this pretty well, all things considered,” Rose said simply.

“Yeah,” Claire agreed. “You’ve had like, NO time to adjust to anything yet, and you already seem used to the idea of vampires existing and so on.”

With jolt I realized they might be right. I might have thought this was still a dream, but I had already given in to this reality and was simply complaining about it now. They were all so calm and casual about it all...I think it had already started rubbing off on me.

I sighed. “Well, I mean, what choice do I have here?” I replied darkly. “I’m here now and I can’t leave, so I guess it all just may as well happen.” I looked at their calm but concerned faces in turn, each one filled with a light opposite to what I felt inside. This was just normal life for them, like they just got to meet a transfer student.

“This is crazy,” I said, shaking my head in exhaustion. “So...so just so I have everything straight, I’ve become someone who is now the sole food source to the ruler of this castle, and now I can’t go home because of it, so now I have to live here and be food so that said ruler doesn’t die.”

“Sounds about right, yeah,” Claire said. “It’s not so bad once you get settled in. It’s not like you’ll be imprisoned in a holding cell or anything. You’ll be able to stay with us in the dorms if you want and we can help you get through everything, and you’ll have full access to the castle and courtyards. And, as you’ve seen, the food is delicious.

I nodded. “The food is pretty good,” I admitted humorously. They laughed a little.

After making sure I ate a little bit more they proceeded to show me around the common room area, and then up a spiral staircase to the dorm rooms, where each one of us had their own room. Their names were written on and decorated in what I guessed to be each one’s handwriting and style preference. I flushed when I saw mine though; presented on a temporary plaque in a fancy cursive font read Lady Helen Morris.

“Well,” Suzanne tried to offer comfort, “you are pretty much royalty now.”

“Greeaaaat,” I said groggily. Another notch to add to the stick, another anxiety to worry about. I really didn’t want to deal with that thought right now.

Rose saw how tired I look. “You know, we can always finish up the tour later if you want to take a nap and rest up.”

“That would be amazing,” I replied gratefully. I felt like I could sleep for a month straight at this point.

“Okay. We’ll be just downstairs if you need anything. There’s a bathroom in your room if you feel like getting cleaned up, and some spare clothes already in the dresser. We weren’t sure what your size would be so there’s kind of a grab bag of stuff.”

“Thanks,” I murmured, my eyes growing pretty heavy now. She chuckled and wished me a good rest. I closed the door and gently slapped my cheeks, and then proceeded to try and not think about anything. I focused instead on making my way to the shower, stripping out of my old, dirty and now slightly blood-stained clothes and let the warm water clear my head. It had been a VERY long day.

After the shower I settled on a pair of fleece cat pajamas that fit fairly comfortably. I managed to make it past drying my hair and sitting down on the bed before my mind started spinning full throttle.

Nothing was sane anymore. Reality was broken. Vampires exist and I’ve been kidnapped. I’ve been bitten twice, passed out almost three times, probably almost DIED...everything slid over me like a heavily soaked carpet. I pulled my knees to my chest, trying to keep my breath easy as my heart rate climbed. I feel like I’m going crazy, there’s no way this could all be real, right?

But it was. I knew it in the back of my mind. Dreams aren’t ever this vivid, this endless, this painful. Closing my eyes and wishing it away wasn’t going to change anything.

My heart lurched. Mom...mom would be freaking out so much by now. She would have called off work, called the police, the schools, the businesses, everyone. A pure state of panic. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I fell to my side on the bed, sobbing quietly.

I never wanted this. I never wanted to worry her. I just wanted to get a job, to help her out and make things easier for her. She tries so hard to protect me and take care of me, and now I’m missing. And I can’t ever tell her that it’s going to be okay, that I’m going to be okay.

I can’t ever see her again.

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