#and my disappointments with the servants kinda speak for themselves

[starrymothwings]

the fgo jp spoilers sure are, uh. something

[mybeautifuldelirium]

Of Peaches and Honey || Aegon ii x reader

Requested by: @cara-eva

A/N:finally got around to finish this one, hope u enjoy some soft pampering Aegon fluff 💚

Summary: it’s nearly impossible for anyone to get Aegon into a bathtub, anyone but his beloved aunt

Warnings: incest kinda, implied nudity, FLUFF, whiny Aegon

“Oh how I’ve missed our sweet talks, dear sister” Alicent beamed, taking Y/N’s hand in hers “Please, do visit more often, this castle feels empty without your presence”

“I shall try my best, your grace, I do myself indeed miss our family” the lady nodded with a smile “If you’d allow it, I would like to retreat to my bedchambers for the night”

-

Lady Y/N Hightower, the flower of Oldtown was renowned for her beauty, elegance and grace. Many were lined for the maiden’s hand yet, much to the displeasure of her father, the queen’s younger sister seemed to show no interest in any suitor.

-

Y/N walked down the long corridors that led to her chambers, quietly humming to herself, when she heard violent splashes of water followed by enraged shouts and grunts. Consumed by curiosity, the girl gingerly skipped to the slightly agape doors.

The room was an utter mess, puddles of soapy water leaked across the floor, pieces of clothing scattered across every corner and small glass vials shattered, leaking their precious oils. Her gaze traveled across the wrecked room until it fell on the very angered face of Aegon, her sweet nephew.

The prince was standing as bare as his nameday while several servants were desperately trying to get him into the large brass tub that stood in the middle of the chamber.

“Please, your grace, it shall only take a moment” a frightened maid begged him.

“NO! Remove your filthy hands off me, wench!”

Y/N rolled her eyes with a sigh as she finally decided to make her presence known.

“What’s going on here?” she pushed the doors, stepping in, all eyes falling on her “Aegon? What’s the meaning of this?”

“M-my lady, we’re so sorry for the disturbance” one of the maids stepped forward with an apologetic look “We were merely trying to help prince Aegon with his bath per usual”

“Is my nephew causing you trouble?” Y/N shot a warning look at the prince who scoffed in response

“N-no m-my lady, of course not, we-”

Y/N shook her head in disappointment “Out, all of you!” she ordered “I shall take care of this myself”

“B-but my lady, there’s no need, it’s our duty” the maid stepped forward

“You think me incapable of caring for my beloved nephew? Or perhaps you wish for him to awaken the whole castle?” she cocked a brow “I won’t repeat myself, OUT!”

Without another word of objection the maids swiftly saw themselves out of the chambers, heads bowed down. Aegon stared at his aunt, confusion spread across his beautiful features, it was as if he couldn’t grasp what had just happened.

Y/N slowly approached her nephew, seemingly unfazed by his current state of undress “Now my prince, let’s get you cleaned” she smiled gently, motioning towards the tub.

“N-no, I said NO” Aegon stepped back as anger and fear shadowed his face

“Now, is that a way to speak to your lady aunt?” Y/N lifted a brow “You can trust me” she gave him a reassuring smile and pulled him to sit on a small chair by the tub. “Now, tell me what’s wrong”

Aegon silently contemplated her words, he knew he could trust her, he always had, ever since a little boy, when he first laid eyes on his aunt, he had felt a deep sense of admiration towards her. He liked it when she would visit, he liked looking at her, her tight emerald green dresses that always sat just a little bit too low on her shoulders, her perfectly styled hair that always smelled of sweet peach and the glistening gold jewelry that graced her soft skin, it was hard not to stare at her in awe.

“These filthy wenches, I hate them” he sneered “I hate them, I hate everyone in this damned castle”

“Even me?” the lady lifted an eyebrow

Aegon shifted and quickly shook his head

“Good, I wouldn’t like it very much if my favorite nephew hated me” a sly smirk lingered on her lips.

“No need to pity me my lady” he scoffed, turning his head away “It’s no secret that my brother is the one favored by all…my mother included”

“I’m not “all” Aegon, neither I’m your mother” she scrunched her brows and gently pulled his face to look back at her “Am I not the one who would always tell you stories as a child, am I not the one who would always bring you gifts during each of my visits, the one who would sing you to sleep as a babe? Am I not, Aegon”

The prince sighed, looking into her eyes “Y-you are my lady…forgive my words”

Her features softened and she gave him a comforting smile “How about we go to my chambers, my prince, I’ll draw you a warm bath” she handed him his long green silk robe “I promise you shall enjoy my baths much more”

Aegon reluctantly draped himself with it and followed after her. The younger lady Hightower had always been his weakness, he would bring the realm to her feet if she asked; she was the only one who cared, the only one who listened.

-

Y/N’s chambers were humble in size at least in comparison to the ones of the royal prince, yet there was a certain aura in them, a certain warmth and comfort that made the young prince instantly feel at ease.

He stood by the doors, closely observing his aunt, as she was filling the big tub with warm water, taking in how nicely her thin silky dress hugged around her curves. The young lady wasn’t one for modesty, much to her sister’s disapproval, Y/N always preferred the scant styles of the Dornish attire.

“Sweet nephew, if you’re done staring, would you be so kind as to go in the tub so I can help you bathe?” she smirked, untying his robe. In any other scenario, with any other woman, Aegon would have smugly teased her for undressing him in such a lewd manner yet with her, with lady Y/N he could do nothing but silently stare in awe as her delicate hands slowly pushed down the robe from his shoulders. He then cautiously slid into the steaming bath, allowing his body to get accustomed to the heat.

“How is the water, my prince?” Y/N’s soft voice awaking him from his trance.

“Good…I guess” the prince mumbled, still not convinced of the whole ordeal.

“Okay then” Y/N sighed as she stood up, shuffling for something in a small drawer of her vanity “How about we try these instead?”

She was holding a small wooden chest, in which intricate vials of sweet scents were nicely placed.

“Go on, pick one, they all have special qualities”

Aegon blinked in surprise, he never knew he could choose the scent, he had gotten used to the maids soaking him in a heavy bitter vanilla essence, oh gods, how he despised that stench, but now, now he could actually pick for himself. The prince carefully examined each bottle, taking his time to inhale each intoxicating scent.

“This one” he lifted a small coral vial, a sweet peach scent with soft hints of honey, it smelled just like her, that sweet, sweet scent which would make him swoon each time she’d enter the room.

“Excellent choice, my prince” she smiled “My personal favorite, always helps me relax after an eventful day”

The young lady poured some of it into the warm water, gently lathering it with her hand.

-

“Ouch” Aegon winced as she began scrubbing his body “Stop doing that!”

Y/N swiftly withdrew her hand from his chest, the delicate pale skin, gleaming bright red from the harsh rag.

“Oh, forgive me, my prince” she caressed his cheek “I’ll be more careful, okay?”

He nodded, giving her permission to continue, this time using a soft cotton cloth to gently clean his sensitive skin. Aegon had finally begun to relax his muscles, allowing himself to indulge in her soft touch. She then moved her hands to gently wash his soft silver curls, taking extra care in preventing the soapy water from falling into his eyes. The prince’s lids grew heavy from the soothing technique she was using to massage his scalp, no one had ever put so much care into him, he wished he could stay like that forever, just the two of them.

“So pretty” she whispered as her hands then glided down his chiseled face “So perfect, the most handsome man I’ve seen”

“Y-you really think that?” Aegon’s eyes fluttered open in disbelief, no woman had ever said such words to him, well, except the flea bottom whores, but this, this was different, she had said them, she, on her own accord, Y/N, his Y/N.

The lady nodded with a smile, leaning in to place a small kiss on his cheek “Every word”

[bee-named-alex]

Ok so the promised thoughts about Interview with the Vampire s2e5 (keep in mind that i haven't read the books, i've only seen some posts by people who have) SPOILERS

This episode was... heavy I guess is the right word. Pretty dark. Some things real fucked up. But also like emotionally.

I'll start with the nice thing, which is the Daniel and Louis dynamic; I really enjoy their present selfs, finding out their memories together. I like that Daniel even seems to be disappointed when Louis say that they didn't do anything lmao. Yeah and them in past is super fun too, at least at the start; Louis being happy with, Daniel "I did what I had to" Molloy taking of his shirt the moment he gets an excuse to do so.

It's interesting tho, the way Louis talks about Lestat has changed. But yeah, time passes and changes perspective (or maybe they have met after this sometimes and that changed it, but in that case i would have to ask where is lestat now)

And I think talking about the 70s takes immense trust on both parts, but especially Daniel's. I mean uncovering what he knows is risky, even without Armand in there.

Speaking of, I like that we get to hear how he likes to hunt; they tell us ("he's gonna be begging for it in an hour" or something like that) and show us with Daniel, that Armand likes his victims to be so mentally broken by him that they basically offer themselves up to him (similar to what Santiago does on stage)

Now that I've opened up Armand's behaviour, I'll talk a little about their fight. Like I get it. I get them both, Armand more than I thought I would. But fucking christ. They are both saying the hard truths (which i doubt is common in their relationship) and so it's spicy.

Louis bringing up Armand's past is fucked. But also Armand being so jealous of Lestat, like he's been their whole relationship; i like to see that, this seed of hatred and resentfulness that keeps hurting them even in present day.

And then Louis runs out and that is something i did not see coming and i feel so bad for him, like omg. And the way Armand acts towards him then feels really cruel but in the light of their fight i guess he gets to be angry (but i still dont like it)

Armand listening to the tapes and promptly torturing Daniel for four fucking days. Crazy. I mean yea this is "Torture as foreplay, the show" but still? Mental.

I wholeheartedly agree with "Fuck your boyfriend"

I'm not actually tho sure if he's torturing him for the fun of it or out of jeaulosy or if he actually wants to find out "what makes him fascinating" but still, jesus (He really said, you could be on your knees in a second and you WILL, lol)

The Lestat-Armand scene broke my heart. This means that they both know that Lestat is alive because Louis didn't look at all surprised that he is, only shocked that Armand knew where he was. So id like to know if he actually found out (when? how??) or if he just assumed.

Now, what is Armand trying to do here? If it's to hurt Louis, he's successful but it hurts me to think that's it. If it's actually to make Louis happy, than he's doing it all wrong, like Louis tells him like a million times to stop. If it's to show that he's better, or like to give Louis a choice and hope he's the chosen one, I mean I guess? Still don't get it tho.

I really like that he refuses to say the "I love you", because, well, I'm not sure about the intentions, but to me it shows that he is scared that Louis would leave him if he knew. Which is not an unfounded fear really, not from the point of view of someone who's been listening to the tapes and hearing Lestat, Lestat, Lestat... over and over again. I think that the tapes kinda confirm Armand's fears that he isn't "enough" for Louis and could never be enough because he just isn't Claudia and he just isn't Lestat.

And the talk after that scene, "he is just my maker" yea no we both know you're lying. But then they explain why Armand's acting kinda like a servant to Louis (because to be tired of cleaning messes, you would have to have cleaned a lot of messes), because he's trying to undo something that happened in Paris? (Claudia is in danger, i fear)

Speaking of Lestat, where is he?? I mean he doesn't know where Louis is and Armand refuses to tell him, but I don't think that's just it. Like, I'm pretty sure if he could, Lestat would burn the whole word to find Louis. So it might be that he's been locked up somewhere? (i have seen people who know the books talk about some dungeon i think?? but idk)

Next thing I find quite fascinating (haha) is the very confusing Loumand power dynamic. It mostly comes from Armand and the way he seems to have two conflicting personalities that he switches between; one of them is the "cold, dark, manipulative, always in power, will torture you mentally", you know like he was acting with Daniel for most of the episode, and then there is the "devoted servant, looking to please and get love, yes maitre, of course maitre" or as Louis calls it, very 'tactly' I might add, "the bitch he was groomed to become", (it is obviously a horrible thing to say, i mean come on, louis.)

And I'm not sure what causes him to switch, if it just happens inside him or if the change is somehow (intentionally or even unintentionally) caused by Louis. It also kinda reminds me of the way Lestat has the mental stability of a rocking horse, but instead of it being "Everything is fine -> Rage", it's "I'm in power -> I will do literally anything you say".

Also idk how Louis feels about this. Because he will certainly use this side of Armand to get what he wants, but I'm not all that sure that he necessarily enjoys that power. Whatever it is, he saved Daniel thanks to it so yeah, good.

The ending, i am a little scared about, i will admit. Not sure how fast Armand can figure out what they know, and when he does, if they will know that he knows that they know. Dubai scenes are gonna be fun is what im saying.

Lastly, the trailer. Looks great again, more Loumand scenes that will hopefully be healthier than whatever this was. I am scared for Claudia as per Armand's "Have I atoned for my part of Paris?" i think the girl is done for. Also Santiago clearly play part in that, i've seen some people talk about a court?? and it looks like he's gonna do just that, probably court for Claudia and Louis (and possibly Armand?)

This didn't fit anywhere, but this episode somehow made me like Armand more? Not as a person, but as a character. I was always team Lestat and it might be because he was there first and i tend to be biased towards that, but maybe it's the fact that he was just more fun to watch. Like both his "normal" and his "fucked up". Armand was really cool too, but his "normal" i just didn't enjoy as much. But his "fucked up" was horrifying and also totally fascinating to watch so now i like him a little more than before (lestat still remains above him tho, idk what to tell you)

So anyways I hope you enjoyed my rant. I will happily read any responses also I might add to this if I remember something later.

[novannna]

Idk if this counts as a fic request? But If you're cool with it, maybe you can write a little thing about your OCs? I really liked hearing about Sloane and Jordan!!

ANON I LOVE YOUUUUU

ahhh i will forever talk ab them 🥺🥺 i love them so much tysm for listenign me scream incoherently ab them

i wasn't exactly sure what you wanted, so i wrote their first meeting (if you wanted something different, lemme know, i will happily write more of them ajhfsadf)

some background info that i may or may not have already said, idk, but im saying again: Jordan's name is technically Lydia Jordan, she changes it after she meets sloane, sloane works for a nameless organization where people hire thieves to steal for them, through the organization, and the organization in turn provides housing, and food, and safety, as well as guaranteed jobs.

this is all probably v confusing im so bad at explaining stuff, ask if you have questions!

also i kinda dont like this i was only partly coherent when i wrote this, but whatever :)

Sloane pulled at her dress, nose wrinkling as the fabric itched against her skin.

“Are you sure I have to wear shoes Elias?” She asked the man next to them.

He glared at her. “Yes. Sloane, this is for real now. You have to act proper. Stop fidgeting.”

Sloane sulked. “I am proper.”

Elias groaned. “Why did I have to be the one stuck with a fucking child?”

“I’m not a child!” Sloane protested. “I’ll knock you to your ass again, if you want me to prove it. And you’re only 10 years older than me, it’s not that much!”

“If you’re so grown up, then stop complaining.”

Sloane glared but didn’t say anything. They were sitting in a carriage, waiting to arrive at the Duke of Cantol’s manor. They had been hired to steal a case of jewels, hidden away somewhere within the grand building. The only way to steal them was to pose as nobles, and infiltrate the Duke’s solstice party themselves.

This was Sloane’s first real job. Before this, she had only done petty crime for the elders. Minor pickpocketing, and stealing for low paying clients.

This was their chance to prove themself, both as a thief worthy of jobs given out by the elders, and a chance to prove that she wasn’t merely a child.

The only problem was, Sloane had never interacted with nobles before. The other thieves had put her through rigorous training, everything from how to respond to questions, to which cutlery to use.

But it didn’t matter if this was all new to her. Sloane was prepared. These were high stakes, where they worked best. They wouldn’t fail.

Slowly, the carriage pulled to a halt.

“Remember, do not speak out of turn. You know your job?” Elias asked.

Sloane nodded. “Find out where the jewels are, then report back to you. I remember everything.”

Elias nodded, only partially sated. “And-”

“And don’t complain,” Sloane interrupted. “I know.”

“Good. Don’t forget who you are, and who they are. Don’t give them a reason to doubt you.”

Sloane nodded. Though her face was a perfect mask of emotions, her stomach was writhing. Their fingers were tapping out a pattern onto her leg, the familiar motion a relief.

Elias opened the door, and together they stepped out onto the lush lawn.

---

Lydia hated everything, she had decided. She hated her dress, which pinched her ribs and kept her from breathing in a deep breath. She hated her shoes, terrible contraptions that threatened to send her tumbling to the floor with each step. She hated all the formal dinners that her family had to attend.

It was ridiculous! Why couldn’t they just stay in Roidan? It’s where they lived, after all. There was no point in traveling across the country to attend a pointless dinner.

But, despite everything there was a glimmer of hope in Lydia. A week ago, she had heard whispers of priceless jewels within the Duke of Cantol’s manor, and an anonymous person who had wished to possess them. Lydia had heard that someone would steal them, and she was determined to stop them. Determined to show how skilled she was with both her blades and her wit. Determined to show that she wasn’t the helpless little girl everyone insisted on seeing.

Lydia was so much more. She just needed everyone else to see it as well.

“Lydia! Stop pouting, and hurry up!” Her mom bustled into the room, her gown an atrocious combination of velvet and tulle. It nearly swallowed Lydia up, as her mom grabbed her hand, and pulled her through the doorway.

“The Duke was kind enough to allow us to stay here, and you thank him by making us late?” Her mother sighed. “When will you grow up?”

Lydia bit back a retort, instead gripped the handle of a dagger buried within the folds of her dress. It had been her fathers, until she had stolen it years ago and taught herself how to use it.

Lydia kept her mouth shut, and her fingers strangling the hard hilt. Head raised high, Lydia followed her mother down the grand stairs, and into the dining room.

The room was large, with at least twenty people sitting around a large, deep mahogany table. Lydia vaguely wondered how much it had cost.

Looking around the table, she barely registered the faces. She knew everyone. Until her gaze settled on a mismatched pair, sitting closest to the door.

A man, with short red hair, and soft pink skin sat next to a girl, looking to be about Lydia’s age. The girl had dark skin and hair a black so deep, Lydia thought she was looking at a starless sky. She was not from here, that was for sure. Lydia felt herself be drawn to her, as if some form of magnetic attraction.

“Lydia,” her mother hissed. “Sit!” She nearly forced Lydia into the chair, right next to the duke himself.

Lydia tried not to grimace. She didn’t want to spend the evening wearing a forced smile and pretend to be the perfect lady. She looked up again, trying to spot a glimpse of the other girl. She sat perfectly still, her back almost like a ruler. Her face was perfectly poised, just the slightest hint of a smile, no sign of anger or uncomfortableness. She looked perfectly at ease.

Lydia had to stop herself from sighing. Disappointing. Another perfect noble, someone Lydia could never be. Never wanted to be.

And then, she spotted the crack in the other girl's impenetrable armor. Her fingers, tapping out an anxious rhythm against the elegant table cloth. That tiny sliver of personality, of imperfection made Lydia almost burst into a grin.

Under the layers of makeup, and finery, and jewels, she was still a child, just like Lydia. She was human. She was human, and she was real, and maybe, just maybe, Lydia could be real too.

But it was foolish to entertain such an unrealistic notion. So Lydia tamped her smile down, and turned to her food, ignoring the stare the other girl was burning into her head.

---

“Who will be most likely to know where the jewels are?” Elias asked Sloane under his breath.

Sloane glanced around the table. “The Duke, and a few of the servants.” Her eyes were fixed on the only other child at the table. A girl, around her age sat next to the Duke, her blonde hair twisted into a bun. A few strands had escaped, and were floating loose around her head. The girl was staring at her food, refusing to look around.

“Sloane!” Elias hissed.

Sloane stiffened with annoyance. “What?” they spat.

“I asked who you will need to talk to to discern the location of the jewels?”

“This isn’t a quiz. You don’t need to test me, I’ll get it done.”

“I do, actually,” Elias responded. “I’m not just here to steal, I’m here to supervise and see if you actually could handle a permanent position within the organization. The elders asked me to oversee, and if all went satisfactory, then you would get a chance. And if not… well failure isn’t tolerated.”

Sloane froze. She knew a lot had been riding on this for her, but she hadn’t known how much. She hadn’t known everything was.

“I’ll ask again. Who will you ask?”

“The girl,” Sloane said quickly. She nodded across the table pointedly.

“Her? She has no idea where they are!”

Sloane sighed. “Yes, but young ears are attuned to what others miss. And, I’m her age. Befriend her, get her to trust me, and I’ll find them.”

“You think that’ll work?” Elias scoffed.

“I’m willing to bet everything on it,” Sloane responded. She turned her fiery gaze to him. “Trust me, I can do this.”

Elias hesitated, before reluctantly nodding. “If you’re sure… But the servants would be a better choice.”

Sloane didn’t respond. They turned her gaze back to the girl, mind already racing to plot it all out.

---

Lydia walked her perfect little steps, completely in sync with her mom. She kept her head bowed low, and eyes downcast.

Perfect daughter, perfect lady.

God, she was tired of it all. Her hands had the imprint of a dagger on them, from clutching the blade so tight.

A hand reached out, touching her shoulder.

It was the girl, a slight smile on her face and a far off gleam in her eyes.

Her other companion stood right behind her, his suit tailored and pressed to perfection.

“My Lady, if I may,” he said smoothly, his voice like butter, “my young cousin hasn’t often gotten the opportunity to interact with ones of her own age. I was wondering, with your permission, if the two of them might be able to talk, if only for a bit?” His hands rested on the girls shoulders.

Lydia looked up at her mom, daring to hope.

“I suppose. My little girl is much the same. Why don’t we let the two of them run along to the library.” Her mom knelt down her face at Lydia’s level now. “Learn what you can about them, yes dear? What threat they may pose to your future crown. And don’t forget who you are.” She gripped Lydia’s shoulders tightly.

Lydia nodded. Always some scheme, and other motive. Just once, could her mother let her have something with no string attached?

“Good girl. Now run along, and don’t forget.” With a barely concealed shove, she sent Lydia tumbling down a side hallway, the other girl close behind.

Lydia led them to the library, not bothering to talk. Her throat was tight with something other than tears. She pushed open the ornate wooden doors, and practically collapsed inside.

The other girl looked around the room with a critical eye. Looking at everything, Lydia noted. Interesting.

“Where are you from?” Lydia blurted out. “I’ve never seen you before.”

The other girl turned to face her, amused. “You presume to know everyone in this world, then?” Her voice was more rough than Lydia expected, and strangely lilted, as if trying to hide something underneath.

Lydia blushed. “No. But I know most nobles. I’ve never met you before. So, where are you from?”

“Abrynth, as are you.”

“You don’t look it,” Lydia retorted bluntly.

The other girl laughed. “Straight forwards and honest. You're different.” Not a question, just a simple fact.

But it was so much more.

“And is that good?” Lydia couldn’t help but ask.

The other girl paused. “Well, I personally think that when everything’s the same, we lose sight of what we are as a whole.”

“And that is….?”

The other girl grinned, showing a flash of white teeth. “One people, no good and no bad. All unique and all the same. Something so beautiful and powerful.”

“So good then?”

“Definitely.” The other girl extended a hand out to Lydia. “I’m Sloane.”

Lydia paused, hesitant to reply. She didn’t want this girl to know the proper lady she was supposed to be. The one raised to one day court the prince, and hopefully become queen. The one whose very name meant royalty. Her mom’s voice echoed in her head, saying, “Lydia means noble one, beautiful one. You’ll live up to that one day. Focus, and one day you’ll be queen, at the King’s side.”

Lydia hated that version of herself. It wasn’t true. It wasn’t her.

But she was a Jordan. Sharp tongued and quick witted. Handy with a blade, but not so with words. She was her fathers daughter, the son he had wanted in every way but gender.

“Jordan,” Lydia replied, shaking Sloane’s hand firmly. Just a single word, but it changed everything. And it felt so right.

“I’m pleased to meet your acquaintance,” Sloane said, grinning.

“Likewise.”

---

Despite everything, Sloane couldn’t help but like Jordan. The noble was more aware than the others. She was smart, and bright, and honest.

But Sloane only felt a little guilty about using her. It wasn’t like she was hurting Jordan by doing this anyways. She was helping herself, and no one else. It wasn’t as if Jordan wanted for anything, after all. She was a noble. The world practically bowed at her feet.

“Is this your first time here?” Jordan asked, breaking the silence.

Sloane nodded. “My cousin doesn’t often travel. This is his first time bringing me anywhere.”

“Your parents don’t bring you?”

Sloane froze, unsure how to respond. What had they decided her backstory was? Fuck.

“They’re dead. I live with my cousin now, at least till I’m old enough to be on my own.”

“I’m so sorry,” Jordan said, actually seeming sincere.

Sloane smiled slightly. “Thank you. I try not to think about it too much.”

Jordan nodded. “Well, that’s understandable.”

Sloane nodded, with what they hoped was appreciation. In truth, it felt more like a grimace.

For a few hours, Sloane let them get lost in the world. She and Jordan talked about everything. Sloane was surprised by their similarities. It was only when Jordan’s shoulders finally relaxed, and her fists stopped clenching in her dress, that sloane knew the other girl fully trusted her.

“I was wondering,” she added, making her tone more shy, and apprehensive. “My uncle had mentioned the Duke was an avid collector of all things old. Have you seen any of them?”

Jordan’s face gleamed. “No, but I know where they are,” she said, smirking. “Do you want to see?”

Sloane hesitated. “Is that allowed?”

Jordan’s grin widened. “No.” She extended a hand, and Sloane hesitantly placed her own inside it.

She knew she had been right. Jordan had been the right person to use. She was leading Sloane towards the goal, not a doubt in her mind. Sloane would earn her place within the organization. The elders would see that she truly was a worthy thief. She’d show them.

Sloane followed Jordan as she led them out of the library, and through the halls. They were mostly quiet now, the guests retired to the parlor by now. It was just Sloane and Jordan, almost as if no one else had ever existed.

Jordan stopped in front of a door, and slowly pushed it inwards.

Sloane bit back a gasp as she saw the trove of treasures within. The room was a study, but it seemed more storage than anything. Priceless pieces were arranged on bookshelves and cases all over the room.

Old pieces of pottery, and intricate blades. Tapestries, and scrolls cracked with age.

But no jewels. Yet.

“Oh,” Sloane breathed, breathless from the beauty. And anger crackling within her ribs. These were all no doubt stolen from other nations and people. She couldn’t help but wonder how many of these things had come without the price of blood.

Jordan was similarly mesmerized, her eyes stuck on a pair of matching daggers.

“This is amazing,” Sloane said. “There’s so much.”

Jordan’s eyes brightened. “But would you like to see more?”

Sloane’s body tensed with anticipation. She was only supposed to locate the jewels, but if she could steal them now, then it would be less risky, wouldn’t it? No one would believe Jordan if she said the other girl at dinner had taken them. Barely anyone even noticed them. She doubted that they had all even realized she had been there.

“There’s more?” Sloane widened her eyes.

Jordan grinned, and stepped to a tapestry hanging on the walls. “I heard from a servant that the Duke had demanded nobody touch this tapestry. Claimed it was fragile. But-” she tugged it off the wall, sending the fabric tumbling to the floor. “I believe differently,” she said proudly, standing next to a newly revealed hole in the wall. A small wooden chest gleamed from within. Sloane felt her feet carry her closer, her deft fingers opening the box, and a smile lighting up her face as a collection of red, blue, and white stones gleamed up at her.

“Are these…?” Sloane asked, barely needing confirmation.

Jordan peared over her shoulder. “Ruby, diamond, and sapphire,” she whispered. “That’s gotta be worth…” she whistled. “At least 300,000 crowns.”

Sloane grinned. Confirmation enough. She snapped the lid shut, and turned to face Jordan sharply.

“Thank you, My Lady,” Sloane smirked, curtsying shallowly. “You’ve been quite helpful.” She grabbed the tiny chest, and shoved it into a pocket sewn into the inside of her skirt.

Jordan stared at her slack jawed with confusion. Then, realization dawned upon her. “It was you! You were the one who was going to steal tonight.”

Sloane stared at the girl, head cocked in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“I knew someone was attempting to steal tonight. But it should have been a man! An adult! You… You’re just a little girl.”

Sloane snorted. “Well, that little girl has places to be, and money to make. Get out of my way Jordan.”

“You used me,” Jordan spat. “I wanted a friend for the night, and you just wanted those jewels.”

Sloane rolled her eyes. “Don’t take it personally. If it makes you feel better, I didn’t completely lie about everything, I was pleased to make your acquaintance. You led me here, after all.” Sloane smirked. She was on top of the world. She was going to prove the world that she was good. She wasn’t just another useless pickpocket. That one day, she was going places. “Now get out of my way, and forget you ever met me. It’s easier for both of us that way.”

Jordan’s eyes narrowed. “I can’t let that happen.” She reached into the folds of her dress, and drew a long silver dagger.

“Put that back before you kill yourself,” Sloane scoffed.

“Try me.” Jordan was all hard edges now. Gone was the soft laughter, and gently smiles. She was completely serious.

Sloane was starting to think that Jordan was more than she had said she was. But it didn’t matter. No matter how good Jordan might be, Sloane would be better. She wasn’t ready to let herself be defeated by a noble. Not now, not ever.

Sloane darted forwards, quicker than lightning. She jabbed under Jordan’s stomach, knocking the wind out of the girl.

Jordan recovered quickly, and threw a punch towards Sloane’s face, grazing her cheek bone.

Sloane ducked under another blow, and kicked her legs out at Jordan’s face while flipping out of the noble’s hands.

Jordan knew what she was doing, Sloane would admit. In a fair fight, she may even stand a chance. But Sloane didn’t fight fair. She fought rough, and dirty. She survived, no matter what her actions were. That's where the two girls differed.

Sloane tackled Jordan, knocking them into a display case, the glass breaking under their weight.

“You aren’t getting away,” Jordan grunted.

Sloane laughed. “Keep telling yourself that,” she hissed. Sloane grinned, and leapt away from Jordan, right before the girl swung a punch towards her unprotected face.

Sloane backed away quickly, letting Jordan block the door.

“Nowhere to go,” Jordan taunted. “What’ll you do now.”

“My lady, it has been a pleasure,” Sloane said, bowing deeply. “But I’m afraid I’m needed elsewhere, and must call it a night.” In a single smooth motion, Sloane leapt out of the window, sending jagged shards of glass everywhere.

Jordan leapt forwards, too late to stop her.

Sloane had managed to catch a hold of the balcony on the next room over, and was quickly scaling down the wall, using ledges and decorative gargoyles as holds, Jordan’s silver dagger clenched between her teeth.

Sloane finally dropped to the ground, and waved up at Jordan standing far above. She slipped the stolen dagger into her waistline, and reached up into her skirt, pulling out the jewels.

The box was still shut tight, the contents rattling around inside.

“What the hell?” Elias screamed, running around the corner. “Locate them! You were supposed to locate them! We need to go, before the Duke realizes a child tried to steal his prize jewels.” He hooked his arm through Sloane’s and started dragging her away. “You aren’t ready to steal them. You ruined the job, for both of us.” He glared at Sloane. “You are taking blame for this. This is your failure.”

“Failure?” Sloane asked. “What do you mean? I got them!” She held out the box, rattling the jewels inside.”

Elias stopped dead in his tracks. “You got them? You actually succeeded?”

“Yes,” Sloane responded, her voice laced with annoyance. “I’m a good thief, a good fighter, a good liar. I’ve been trying to prove this to you all along. I did it. Will you recommend me to the elders now?”

Elias sniffed. “You are reckless, arrogant, loud. You are unable to follow simple instructions. But, you got it done.” He smiled slightly. “You impressed me, little thief. Well done.”

Sloane grinned. She cast her gaze back to the broken window one last time, where she could make out the shape of Jordan, still standing and staring at the two thieves.

Sloane bowed, as if she was on a stage, performing some great act. Then she hurried to catch up to Elias, and her future.

---

Lydia was furious with her mother, with Sloane, but mostly with herself. She had allowed Sloane to find the jewels, and couldn’t even stop her. Lydia was a failure.

But she wouldn’t be again.

Sloane may have bested Lydia once, but never again. She’d see the thief again, and Lydia would catch her, and prove to the world that she was more than just a lady, meant to sit and look pretty. She was strong, smart, and talented.

She’d catch the thief, and show them all who she was.

Not a beautiful noble lady, as her first name suggested.

No. Lydia had never felt right for a reason. It wasn’t who she was. She was Jordan, loyal to the country, and to herself.

She wasn’t anything but that.

Her name was Jordan, and she would catch Sloane, and make her hurt for giving Jordan a glimpse of a future she could never have. .

[originlist]

@caimkairos​ сказал(а) и сказала и сказал и забыла, что у меня есть субмит...:                                                           

"Why... why will you not listen to me?" They are on the floor, in this dream. A Douman that has not yet become an Alter Ego- the Douman that this Douman was born from. Clutching at the robes of one they look at like he is a saint, perhaps even a god, stared at with such envy, such jealousy, such devotion. They are crying. "Humans- they will not protect you. They will always see what is beneath the surface, in your blood. Why will you not listen to me, Abe no Seimei?! They cannot always love you! Not... not like one like you could." One who even supplicating in this moment has the claws of a monster, yet cannot even be called youkai nor oni. Something unable to be understood. Something not even half human.

"Please. They will destroy you. I know they will! I have seen you fighting in countless wars, never thanked! Against oni and demons from western realms-" A chuckle from the body Ritsu inhabits in this dream. (Because he knows, yet sees the good where Douman can only see evil.) It only enrages the one on the floor further. "Why will you of all people not believe me?! Do you think you are the only one who can divine the future?!" They stand and slam him into the wall, startling several servants who turned the corner. ("Finally, the demon attacks Abe no Seimei, eyes full of bloodlust and hatred-") There is faint sound, but this dream is not concerned with them, for they do not matter, cannot matter. "Abe no Seimei?! Why do you chose humanity over your fellows?! Over ME?!"

They are crying, something Douman never does. "Seimei... please... this Douman hates you. Envies you. Lo-" But whatever response was given is unable to be heard, snatched away by the hand that reaches around the living Douman's mouth, blinds their eyes. (It's convenient that Alter Ego is in their second ascension, to tell the two apart easier. Dripping with blood and ink like something truly unholy, like a divine being brought forth only for wrath.)

“Shh. Forget his response. It didn't stop it from getting worse, hm? Did he ever listen?" They purr, and this memory is from another time. They stand in a field, burnt, alone, the wreckage of a home in front of them. "You will never surpass him. He will never choose you, silly thing. Something ugly as you, unable to ever give in to your desires unless pushed?" The shadow, the Alter Ego, moves, cradling their living self's horrified face. "Let me in. Submit, Bei."

Only when the one they hold reaches out, does Alter Ego see the other visitor within this dream. A master wearing robes they do not belong in, the robes of an onmyouji, the robes of Abe no Seimei. The features blur, but the way the field around them is alive and lush and green instead says it all. They toss their origin point, the Douman who was real and lived and did not only hate, to the ground. (Alter Ego looks hurt, looks worried, like they could cry, but they don't shed tears.) "They will turn on you too, my lord. Do not forget that." Then, into flames, they vanish.

They can’t control their voice, even if they try there’s no words that come out. The body they’re in listens to this plea with what is at most ‘awkward discomfort that can’t wait to find an excuse to vanish’. Ritsu watches like a third party and is held down to only wanting to do something (never really been good with people crying, it’s too contagious, always makes them fret). The body they’re in won’t move, though, no matter how much they want to reach out for the Douman that isn’t the one they know. The body’s still, watching Douman who looks at them like they shouldn’t.

(They know this isn’t ‘their’ Douman even before the one that is appears. The Alter Ego wouldn’t show emotion like this and maybe couldn’t, openly.)

Ritsu gains some control when Alter Ego appears and recognizes them. It feels like something is released, and they get their face back. They’re able to breathe properly without sharing the same space with another form. A step is taken towards both Doumans, hand raising to them, before Alter Ego casts aside the living and turns to Ritsu with something pained.

And then they vanish. Ritsu is left in a field in a place and time they don’t know, with someone who wishes they were another.

Ritsu would prefer not to take Seimei’s role. It feels improper, disrespectful somehow, or at the very least unhelpful. Not much they can do about that, though, when they’re here in his robes. They glance at their hands -- they’re theirs again, the familiar scars and short nails, and they assume their face isn’t anyone else’s. They speak quietly, half to themselves, as they approach where Bei Douman is shoving themselves up, regarding Ritsu warily. “I keep ending up in your dreams as a role I’m not qualified to play, huh? Give me a script next time, so I don’t disappoint.” Ritsu laughs under their breath, and at least this is in their own voice now.

It does make them strangely sad, though they know it isn’t their fault that they keep being asked to be something else if they want to help. Well, that’s the usual case for things lately. Every Crypter and Lostbelt wants Ritsu to be someone else, too. Maybe that’s just life.

“I’m not Seimei, as I’m, uh, sure you noticed. Sorry about that. My name’s Ritsu.” As they speak, they sit near the Douman on the ground, offer them a hand if they want to sit up. “I’m that other guy’s... friend.“ Put it like that, sure. Close enough to not be overly worrying or entirely inaccurate. “I can’t speak for Seimei.” That’s part of the problem here, that they’re a replacement for something they aren’t going to equal.

“But I got in a war that might be endless, and my Dou-kun is worried, too. I feel bad about that, y’know? But I can’t stop what I’m doing. It’s about protecting a future for humanity. And humanity sucks sometimes. I know you’re gonna say something like ‘they’re cruel, they don’t deserve the Seimei I love’. Maybe they don’t, but it’s not always ‘bout what people deserve.” Ritsu looks down, trailing their fingers through the grass at their feet. Maybe it was a kindness that it was returned to this, instead of staying at the time when it burned. Maybe it was intentional.

There’s a field here, with grasses that are short enough to sit in, because someone made it like that. Someone had to weed and plant and cut it. Maybe to use for farming later, graze their animals so they could provide. Maybe someone just wanted a field because they liked it. Either way, there’s a human kindness to it. That’s an act of love, as well, the choice to help a family or town.

There is that humanity as much as there is the humanity who burned this place in a future or past that was shown only for a moment, but that Ritsu isn’t foolish enough to ignore.

A bug meanders over a blade of grass. Ritsu  taps the base of the blade and watches the bug take flight and disappear. “I know humanity can be cruel and harm each other, and can choose to hate things they don’t know. But it can also choose to be kind. I think that’s important. There’s a beauty in people choosing to be kind. When I meet someone while I’m traveling, they have the option to tell me I’m not welcome and the option to welcome and help me out. Usually, the latter happens. And that’s... it’s a mark of being loved, and humanity’s ability to love, that I think is worth protecting. I go to war and I fight so that there will be somebody who’s able to choose that, and someone else who will receive that kindness, and so the people I care about might get it in their future. Not just because I want to be appreciated or safe as an individual.”

Gerda never needed to let them in her home or give them food and her full faith. And back at the beginning, Drake never needed to drag them into her crew and make sure they were taken care of and given an example of how to challenge the impossible. Once when humanity was still around and Ritsu was younger, they met someone at a supermarket who took the time to teach them how to tell a ripe persimmon.

“If I get turned against, then I get turned against. I still wouldn’t regret protecting people. Plus, hm.” They turn to Bei with a smile. “It probably sounds kinda backhanded, but being worried about is a way to be loved, too, so when my Douman worries about me and wants to try and scare me off the battlefield, it’s still a thing that makes me feel cared about, and then I’m still determined to make a future that can welcome you guys with kindness, too. Maybe Seimei agrees with me, so he’ll go to war among people who won’t thank him, because he has people he cares about and who worry about him. To choose humanity in the hopes that humanity might be able to choose kindness and choose to welcome his friends.”

Is that too simplistic, or childish? Ritsu feels like the answer is probably, that it’s too naive to use ‘love’ so freely and their worldview will get them let down some day. But it’s also not proven wrong, really, and it’s enough to let them walk forward. “This is just a dream. But, still, if there’s a you that wakes up instead of vanishing here, I hope you don’t wake up feeling forgotten. Don’t worry, no matter what happens, you won’t be thrown away. There’s still a part of you left in the future, and I’ll never abandon that.”

For what that’s worth, anyways. It’s only a piece of the living Douman that remains, and in the hands of a stranger no less, but it’s still a piece with purpose and a place. They wave their hand against complaints that haven’t been voiced yet. “I know, I know, it’s a consolation prize. You want that from Seimei, and I’m not him and won’t ever be. But he has his reasons, I’m sure, and the humanity he chose can still welcome you, too, some day.”

[badwolfwrites-sometimes]

Drawn Together: Chapter 9

Slightly early with this, but who cares. Before you go on reading this one, I have a few people I’d like to thank for making this chapter possible. I’d like to thank @aph-germany and @poteredifata in the GerIta chat for sharing their Chibitalia x HRE headcanons. I can’t thank them enough. Enjoy.

'Their whole world changed after that. Otto stopped blushing as often as he used to and Alice wasn't as carefree as she used to be, opening up her shy side to Otto. It was unusual, but it was perfect. They just had to hide it really well.

Of course, they told Elizabeta the minute they saw her when they returned. She congratulated them and baked them a cake to celebrate. Alice also got to cry her eyes out about her parents' death on someone who knew what that was. She got better over time, thinking about her brother and how to sneak a few kisses with Otto while he was studying.

However hard they tried to hide it, other people noticed something was different about the two of them. Luckily, The Queen didn't for now, as Otto pestered her with endless deals on getting Romano to serve at their castle. Otto has been fighting that battle for a long while, almost as long as getting to go to Venice. He just hoped to save Alice's brother before it was too late.

Their one issue now was sharing a bed. Elizabeta made it very clear on multiple ocassions that she would not have them share a bed anymore. She was fighting a losing battle though, Otto would never let Alice go back to servants' chambers. It was something he would not allow even over his dead body. Alice stood neutral here. On one hand, she understood Elizabeta's worries. On the other, she just couldn't live without Otto's sweet goodnight kisses.

Speaking of kisses, they would steal them from each other whenever they could, whenever they were absolutely sure no one was looking. They would often kiss in Elizabeta's presence. She wouldn't tell anyone after all. No matter how much it annoyed her.'

Feliciano giggled. Something about Ludwig's writing gave away that he was never truly in love before. It was sweet but sad at the same time. Feliciano didn't know what he would do in a world without love. Any kind of love. He just assumed he would be horribly unhappy with everything. The irony.

"Maybe Lovi feels that way too?" He said to himself, not even realizing he said it out loud.

"I think I should apologise." He said, this time he meant to say it out loud, and got up from the bed. On the way down he spotted Romeo entering their yard. So he's home too now.

Feliciano found Lovino sitting at the table, his face covered by his arms as he clutched the phone in his hand. This was a sign to Feliciano that Lovino has been terribly hurt.

Feliciano sat by his side and Lovino offered him a small glance before returning to his wailing. Feliciano took a deep breath.

"Hey, Lovi." He said.

Lovino didn't move. "What?"

"I'm sorry about before. I shouldn't have snooped around your phone. I just want you to know that I support you, so... yeah..."

Lovino smiled, but Feliciano couldn't see it. "Thanks."

Romeo entered the house in that moment. Feliciano put his arm around Lovino's back and whispered in his ear, careful so that Romeo couldn't hear. "Tell Toni that if he ever hurts you, I will personally cremate him before his time."

Lovino laughed. Sincerely laughed. The wonderful sound reserved only for those closest to Lovino. Feliciano was taken aback for a moment, not expecting his brother to laugh at that.

"Thanks, Feli." Lovino said.

Romeo entered the kitchen in that moment. "What's all this family bonding without me?" He asked.

Feliciano laughed. "Nothing, Meo. I was telling Lovi about the story. They kissed by the way."

"Oh that's cute. I wish someone would smooch smooch me." Romeo laughed and grabbed some juice from the fridge.

"Me too." Feliciano added.

Lovino rolled his eyes, grabbing Feliciano by his back and pulling him closer. "Now, you two. We must act the good old fashioned Christian way. That means no smooching until you're married with children."

"You sound like Nonno!" Romeo squeeled.

"No, I don't." Lovino calmly said.

"Yeah, you do! Tell him Feli!"

"You did sound like Nonno just now!" Feliciano added.

"You guys need to check your hearing." Lovino remarked.

"Anyway, can I read you guys some parts from the story? It's kinda lonely to read upstairs alone." Feliciano asked.

"Okay." Romeo answered.

"I guess." Lovino added.

"Sweet! I'll go get the book."

While Feliciano was climbing up to his room to get the book, Lovino and Romeo made themselves comfortable on the sofa and a couch, leaving Feliciano with his trusty old bean bag. He returned soon after that.

"Okay so, for context, Otto's a prince, Alice is a maid from Venice and they are very in love. Elizabeta is their friend and the Queen is a bitch." Both boys snorted out at Feliciano's swearing. He only ever does that when he hates someone. "And they had their first kiss on the Rialto Bridge in last chapter. That's all you need to know for now."

"Okay. Get to the story." Lovino commented.

"Alright, here it goes." Feliciano said and read aloud.

'One such instance happened a few days ago, when Alice forced Otto to help her and Elizabeta out while baking cookies. The two had been fairily normal for a short while, until Otto got some flour on his nose.

"Aww! Look at him, Betty. He's so cute." Alice teased.

"Indeed he is. You got some flour on your nose, darling." Elizabeta added.

Otto blushed his signature red, but as he went to wipe it away from his nose, Alice reached and did it for him. Elizabeta rolled her eyes. Otto covered his face with his hands. With hands full of flour.

"Ugh!" Alice groaned. He might be her beautiful prince, but he's her idiot as well.

This time Elizabeta decided to wipe it away. With a rough rag, leaving Otto's face redder than before.

"That looks like it hurts." Alice commented, gently running her fingers up and down Otto's cheeks.

"It does. Please don't do that, love." He said, placing his hand on Alice's, removing it from his face.

Alice smiled. "Well, that means there's no other place for me to kiss other than your lips." Leaning in, she pecked Otto.

Smiling, he pulled her back in for a longer kiss. As cute as it was for her, Elizabeta was starting to get sick of all this romance, shooing them both away to their room. She grinned to herself once they left. All these leftover cookies for her.'

"I would do that too!" Romeo commented.

"Of course you would." Lovino answered back, a tone of sarcasm and amusement in his voice.

Feliciano rolled his eyes at his two brothers and continued.

'Other than baking and annoying Elizabeta, the two also engaged in activities involving sneaking out. Mostly at night.

Since Elizabeta prohibited any kind of cuddling at night by building a wall between them, they had to find other alternatives. This included their favorite activity: stargazing.

Back in the days when her grandfather was alive, Alice used to sneak out to find him sitting in their garden, looking up the stars with tears in his eyes.

"Your grandma is out there, Alice. She's waiting for all of us with her homemade cookies. The sky is her cookie tray. Look right there," he used to tell her as she got herself comfortable in his lap, pointing at the stars, "that's The Big Dipper, your grandma's favorite cookie. See how big it is, see how the stars make wonderful decorations on it. Soon, you'll bake like that too." He would say.

Alice looked back on those days with strange fondness and sadness. Everyone but her and Romano went to see grandma and eat her cookies. What a horrible lonely feeling it was.

"Alice? Are you alright?" Otto asked her one night when she got too quiet.

"I'm just thinking of my family. They are all up there eating grandma's cookies while Romano and I are still here on this world, suffering." She answered, wiping away a few tears that treathened to fall down her cheeks.

Otto brought her closer to himself, resting his arm around Alice's tiny back, kissing her neck and shoulder slowly. "I know it's hard, love, but you have got to keep your chin up. They left this world having so much hope for you and your brother. Now really isn't the time to disappoint them. I know you wish you could join them, but they would be sad knowing that you never got to see the world properly. Raise your chin far up so that they could see your smile. And so that I can kiss you properly."

Alice laughed, her little prince has become obsessed with her kisses, but who was she to deny him. She did as she was told, raising her chin up so that their lips could meet without obstacles. It was strange how every new kiss became sweeter and sweeter each time, almost like Otto had been stealing her caramels.

"Have you been stealing my caramels?" Alice asked, pulling back from the kiss.

Otto's entire face heated up, any attempts to cover it would just reveal to Alice that he had in fact been stealing them. Which was anything but good. So he just blinked his eyes and gave her a sheepish smile, hoping that she would forgive him.

Alice made an attempt to look mad, but failed. She laughed for a bit, pinching Otto's cheeks. "They make your kisses sweeter." Otto sighed in relief, she forgave him.

Looking back up, Alice smiled. "You know, there are so many constellations up there. Do you know any?" She asked.

"Just a few. I was never that much of a star lover." Otto answered.

"Well," Alice started, smirking, "that's about to change. See that one over there," she pointed to a big cluster of stars to their upper left, "that's Big Mouse."

Otto laughed. "I'm pretty sure Big Mouse doesn't exist."

Alice huffed out, visibly offended by his statement. "Of course it does! Are you calling me, the granddaughter of one of Venice's richest sailors, a liar?"

Otto had to cover his mouth to prevent any more giggles from escaping his mouth. "Alright, alright, you're right. Okay then, what's this one called?" He pointed to their upper right to a small group of stars.

"Oh that's Ginny." Alice said confidently.

Otto smiled, Lord, she was playing him, but she was too cute and confident in this. "How is that a constellation?" He asked.

"Because I said so." Alice said nonchalantly.

"Then," Otto smirked, "what's this cute one called?" And he pointed at her.

Alice blushed a light pink color, poking Otto's nose before answering: "I'm not a constellation, I'm your girlfriend." And she kissed him with the biggest smile on her face.'

"Aww, they are adorable, aren't the-" Feliciano stopped, looking around. Both of his brothers have fallen asleep while he was reading. Worse, Feliciano could not find it inside himself to wake them up.

Instead, he got a clever idea. He run up the stairs as quietly as he could, not even stumbling once on that one pesky stair from nightmares, and up to his room for the only thing no one can live without. The phone.

Feliciano grabbed it from its charging. He didn't use it much, not because he didn't want to, but because his battery would drain after a single use. He should really buy a new one. Feliciano opened Whatsapp and quickly looked for Antonio's number. His battery at 50%.

His mind went blank for a minute. He knew what he wanted to say, but he didn't know how to put it in words. Writing and erasing a few times, he settled for something fairily simple.

♡~Feli~♡: Heyy ♡~Feli~♡: Listen I know about you and Lovi ♡~Feli~♡: Please take good care of my brother ♡~Feli~♡: I dont want to find him beaten in the trash can

Feliciano shut his phone off, his battery dropping to 15%, and put it back to charging, ready to return to his reading.

He walked back to the living room, kissing Lovino's, then Romeo's, foreheads and returned to his wonderful love story between Alice and Otto.

'Their happiness continued on for two years. Otto had to deal with his mother's constant nagging on when he'll find a suitable wife to marry and bear him children. He persisted, claiming that he wasn't ready, although, in reality, he had many plans on how he'll ask Alice to marry him. 

Alice was at her happiest, she found her brother and they were living peacefully together. Romano was left in the dark about her developed relationship with Otto. It was better this way, she wouldn't want him to freak out.

Their relationship kept on going steady, much to Elizabeta's dismay, as the two would be kissing in every single corner of the castle, preventing her from doing her job as a maid. She was glad that they were happy, but they could always tone it down a little.

They found a new activity, which was perfect as it was a continuation of their previous one. Watching the sunrise was now their moment, cuddling close to each other in the garden and kissing the moment sun peaked out in the sky. It was beautiful. It was their own.

"What in the world?" They heard someone asking from across the garden, breaking their moment, both looking at the source of the voice. Otto's heart broke when he saw a shining crown on said person's head. This can't be happening. They could run. They could run as fast as they can as far away as they can. But they could not move a single muscle. Their bodies were like stones, sitting unmoving in the claws of time.

The person, now identified as The Queen herself, marched forward to them. Her fists clenched until her knuckles turned pure white, the wide steps she was taking in her walk drew Otto and Alice closer together. They braced for the impact.

The Queen grabbed Alice by her hair and yanked her away from Otto, making her fall into the rose bush. Otto reacted instantly, rising on his feet to fight off his mother and help Alice, but his actions only earned him a slap across his face. Alice cried out, irritating the Queen further who proceeded to step on the side of her torso with her heels. Luckily for Alice, the majority of the Queen's weight wasn't on the foot that was steping on her, otherwise, Alice would have died. She had to defend herself from her son after all.

"So this is what you have chosen? A filthy maid? I raised you to do better than this, you poor excuse of a human! This is how you repay me for birthing you!" She hit Alice with her shoe, driving the poor girl further into the thorny bushes. "This good for nothing, ugly maid!" The Queen hit Alice one more time before Otto managed to push her down, breaking free from the Queen's defensive hands.

He jumped at her, pulling her hair out and trying desparately to give Alice some time to run away. Alice wished she could have, but the Queen grabbed at her hair with no intention of ever letting go, not to mention that she could barely move in the thorns and from the pain on her side.

The Queen had no intention of fighting with her son either, calling for the nearby guards to take her mad son away. They did that in an instant, grabbing at Otto and pulling him away as he tried to break free and help his beloved. The tears were already welling up in his eyes, the pain of losing Alice breaking him into dust like pieces.

The Queen finally stood on her feet, taller than ever before. "Take him inside, I will deal with this pest here." She said, pointing to Alice who was crying harder than ever before. "Be quiet, you rat! You started this all! You are going to pay for it!" She yelled, dragging poor Alice away by her hair. She tried to break free, but it was all in vain. She could only scream for her beloved as they were both being taken away from each other.

The sun on the horizon no longer shone. Its shine had been taken away by the clouds. Dark days were upon these children. The hardest days of their lives.'

[gaygwenpool]

*slams fists on table* MYSTELEON

I knew you wouldnt disappoint! :D  tho you already know most of these lmaoo  lotsa credit to @herbofoo anyway, i dont remember which of these you came up with but Patchwork wouldnt be the same without your Good Good Content! (And of course thanks for all your patience as i cry about comics lmao)

I’ve lost all shame long since ive started shipping them so brace yourself for the self-indulgent cheese that is Chameleon/Mysterio in my Patchwork verse. (its reallly. really Melodramatic. i gave up all pretense.. also under the cut cuz its long..)

ask meme

Who cooks:

Mysterio! Although Chameleon is objectively The Superior Cook thanks to the long years of being a servant to picky russian nobility BUT exactly because of that, he really doesnt enjoy it, even less when cooking for others and not just himself. So it is usually Beck who prepares meals (that are not bad either, they are just simpler) but as often as they can, they eat out. That said, Cham is very well aware Quentin loves his cooking so sometimes, he makes them something. (Being sick isnt so bad when it means Chammy bringin you a big bowl of hot borscht :)

On the other hand, Cham has quite a sweet tooth which Q notices Fast and decides to learn how to bake. It took more effort and failed tries than it could have, mostly because he got cocky, how hard could this be and just. kept forgetting he put stuff in the oven.. But now he makes quite delicious cookies n cakes which make Dmitri almost tear up because tasty + Quentin baked something Specifically for him?? 

Who does the laundry and other chores:

Mysterio’s laundry is usually booby trapped so he has to clean it himself and he doesnt even let Cham near it. And he keeps forgetting gadgets in his civvies. Not to mention that again, for the same servant reason, Cham really doesnt enjoy house chores in general, so he usually just gets his own clothes cleaned somewhere else (especially since his fancy suits and even fancier gowns are the highest quality and delicate materials, he doesnt even Know how to clean them..) 

As for the rest of the chores, its pretty balanced, although Cham has more of an eye for things that needs to be cleaned up (and Beck already has cooking duties) so he does a tad more. 

How many children do they have + Any pets:

In my Patchwork universe there’s a whole Thing about Leon, the Chameleon of the Ultimate universe but I’ve tried to type up a short summary and failed, it’s a long story lmao ^^;; and anyway he isnt exactly their kid, he is just much younger than them and they ended up sorta mentoring him. 

However, they have Celavi, the escaped ex-spy beluga.(Yes, it started as a joke based on this post that accidentally grew more and more serious until @herbofoo and me were too attached to let it go) She counts pretty much as their adopted daughter that they both spoil to hell and back, I mean no surprise, she saved Cham’s life once and sometimes, she helps out with heists. (Mostly for the show, you should have SEEN the look on Spider’s face when a beluga splashed him. He is used to humanoid sharks, to Hydroman.. not like. real life beluga that LAUGHS at him) Beck’s voice: “Dont you dare to insult her, SHE IS PERFECT AND FLAWLESS and A GOODNESS INCARNATE!! -she is literally a deserted russian spy that was trained to gather everything that could be used to harm USA-yea, i have a soft spot for those ;)“

She was always surprisingly clever so she never really counted as a “pet” and at one point, she even bonds with a symbiote (together they are Vague, again long story ah ha). They dont talk but have quite some range of vocalisations so communication isnt a problem. 

Who’s more dominant: 

They both have pretty dominant strong personalities (ok chameleon’s a bit more complicated with that but like.) with big egos who dont like others questioning their superiority. (Of course not at the level of like Doc Ock etc, they are surprisingly flexible and good team players that can be willing to let someone else take the spotlight if they are Nice) But the whole point of their relationship is that neither of them is dominant over the other, they get enough of that literally everywhere else. It’s very reassuring to be so sure that they are on equal footing, cooperating, no hidden nooses around their neck. Especially in their line of work of course! 

(Also, for the other interpretation of this question: anythin remotely sexual happens Pretty Late in the story and both of them are somewhere on the ace spectrum so it doesnt happen that often but they are both verses tho Beck bottoms more)

Favorite nonsexual activity:

MOVIES!! Sprawled on the giant comfy couch, closer than technically needed, cuddling and watching old movies with great special effects and/or great actors! Listening to Beck excitedly rant through the most dramatic speech of the story as he explains how the next cliffhanger is done with hydraulics! Focusing so hard on the stars in his eyes and his excited tone and gestures and just the tone of his voice you forgot to listen to the words themselves! Watching Cham’s face flawlessly mimic the faces on the screen in a blink of an eye and secretly guessing which one will he pick next. Feeling his head slowly fall on your shoulder, eyes closed, his mask smooth but not tense, instead just.. peaceful. Slight ping of annoyance, after all, this is A Classic movie dammit, but it’s gone in a second because Mitya hasnt slept since thursday and you are just relieved he is finally getting his rest. Feeling his warmth under your hand on his shoulders and suddenly never ever wanting to get up again.. EHM. anyway

PLANING HEISTS TOGETHER!! and more or less successfully executing them but planning is actually even more fun aside from the Big Reveals and Entrances which are actually harder to coordinate than one would think! 

Lots of shobiz/job talk actually, they really enjoy what they do! Lots of people already mentioned that in their hc compilations but i agree, they love goin to see all kinds of movies and plays and performances as well as acting various scenes with one another!  

Their favorite place to be together:

NEW YORK CITY BABEYY. Sure they love to travel and see other countries (and cause mayhem there) but.. they love their mess of a city, it’s never the same without the webhead around as well as the bazillion of other heroes n villains bashin each other’s heads. 

Any traditions:

Oh so many pop culture references and inside jokes, oh my god. One time, they spent the entire heist (and its planning period) speaking strictly in famous movie lines and titles, Max and other sixers tried to join but didnt last too long :’D 

Beck also has a habit of taking pictures of people with Interesting faces or styles he sees and sends them to Cham. Also another fanon classic: together they have a running game, disguising themselves as moderately famous people and the other guessing who..

Their “song”:

‘This is me’ from the Greatest Showman, i just live for the two of them singin it in Cham’s car,off key but fully immersed and living it. 

What they do for each other on holidays:

Neither of them are religious but that doesnt stop Beck from going ALL OUT at any opportunity, Sin Six doesn’t do any heists around holidays because you Know he’d make them dress for the occasion or worse, write them themed lines…  They still meet for Christmas and Hanukkah and sometimes other holidays too because this is my AU and you can pry festivities-related shenanigans from my cold, cold hands. It’s always at Beck’s place tho because he can turn his hideout into the tackiest holiday-themed showcase but he aint roping them into it.  

On the other hand, Cham despises American commercialized holidays in general and Christmas time especially, since it’s not a big thing in Russia and  also once again, he has family issues for days. (Although relatively speaking, he is pretty over these, he is not gonna like mope around or anything) 

Anyway, what they do for each other is that they try to compromise, Dmitri doesnt sneer at stupid kitsch decorations every 5 minutes and Quentin ..chills a little. :’D To be fair, Beck makes everything fun and having Cham there makes Beck appreciate the details more instead of just goin into BETTER!BIGGER! frenzy.

Where did they go for their honeymoon:

After the fuckin Ages of pinning, when they finally end up together for realsies, they wanted somethin Big and Flashy! (Well Beck wanted and Cham kinda too but also with the option to merge with the crowd unnoticed and take some chill time) Anyway they went on a whole world wide tour! Starting with a luxury cruise, they took their time, lots of crime sprees to plan and execute, lots of local shows to see, lots of dumb heroes to fool, they’re gonna have it all! 

Where did they first meet:

Around the time when Cham and Hammerhead had their criminal empire running Fisk to the ground, Otto decided the Sin Six should team up with them for their ressources needed on one heist or something. They agreed but Cham insisted on actually going in the field, it’s been a while since he really stretched his face legs like this and the mafia life was starting to bore him. Doc made him team up with Mysterio much to the fishbowl’s dismay because why do they need another disguise artist?? He is the Master Of Illusions dammit, he can run circles around this guy, what the fuck Otto?? So at the start, he pouts and fumes under his helmet and in general he is his v unpleasant self but… He can’t help but notice that the new guy is a real professional, he even uses Traditional masks, he likes the same movies… And most importantly, he is actually interested in Mysti’s craft, asking questions and even LISTENING to his long winded answers… At one point he even wondered if that X thing was meant as a HOMMAGE to the Y movie, the Six never did that!! (Usually the rest of the sixers dont know the reference, heathens, and when they do, they mock him for it, that he’s copying ideas and mixin them ridiculously.  BUT THIS GUY GETS IT!!) So it doesn’t take long for them to hit it off, of course at this point without any real Trust behind it but it’s a start. 

(Though Beck does pay a visit to Otto like, buddy pal i know you’ve been planning on manipulating these crimelords to your end somehow and honestly, any other day i’d be down, i actually had a robot prepared for my own backstab but i was thinking they werent that bad and maybe we Could hold our end of the bargain this time and just. leave each other on good terms? Mabye? Obviously it’s purely out of respect for our teammate Kraven since him and Chameleon seem to have some history, nothing more, definitely nothing to do with how bright Cham’s eyes were when i was showing him the back of my stage… ) 

What do they fight over:

this whole post has been a mountain of cheese but im bringing more! Honestly, goin through my notes on Patchwork, their biggest arguments have always been about.. the other one not taking proper care of himself :’D Or them lashing out because they were scared and worried about the other and they cant stand being so vulnerable while the other pretends it’s not a big deal because they dont know how to handle genuine concern directed at them. 

Do they go on vacations, if so where:

GIVE!!! BECK!!!! HIS!!!! ISLAND!!!!!!They actually do have one, it’s where Celavi spends most of the time and they visit her often. But never for too long, neither of them can actually spend too long doing nothing.. 

[khellamendrawrites]

Want You By My Side

Blaytz finds Daibazaal to be so boring except for a particular servant that’s caught his eye. Now if only he could find him before the new deca-phoeb starts.

Pairing: Blaytz x Galra Servant 

It was all so unbelievably monotone. Purple and red decorated nearly every part of Daibazaal including the very planet itself. The whole place was so uniform and so militaristic. Sometimes Blaytz wanted to throw random color capsules everywhere just to see what would happen. Probably cause a riot or something knowing these people, they wouldn’t know how to handle that much fun. Sure Zarkon was nice but even he had a certain controlled mannerism to him as if he was afraid to let go or didn’t know how to. He seemed the most animated around Honerva. The Nalquodian only hoped she brought out a real personality in the guy. Alfor was so different that he didn’t know how his friend did it other than having the patience of a Weblum.

Looking across the room, he watched the servants as they moved about their various tasks. Eyes watched one in particular, the same one he remembered from his first visit to Daizabaal after becoming a Paladin.

Eyes met his own and Blaytz was about to wink at him before Alfor decided to lean forward, right in his line of sight, the biggest smile on his face. “What do you think Blaytz?” Glancing around the table, everyone was staring at him now, waiting for an answer to a question he hadn’t even heard. Eyes flitted to where the servant had been but there was nothing but empty space now.

“Uh yeah, I think it’s a great idea.” Shrugging, he caught that knowing look from Trigel that he ignored. The king had already turned back to Zarkon, crossing his arms with a look of satisfaction.

“You see? Everyone wants you to be there. You cannot miss the annual Capho Festival." He said firmly. "We shall welcome the new deca-phoeb together. As Paladins-in-arms and as friends. You cannot possibly say no.” Blaytz put an arm over his chair, slouching as he tuned the conversation out again.

When he caught movement out of his peripheral again he followed the arm up to see the same servant he had been watching a moment ago. Eyes meeting again, Blaytz smiled and tipped his head in a silent thanks. The blush was almost invisible against pale violet skin but he still caught it along with the smile before the servant walked away.

As soon as the meeting ended, they all separated with a promise to meet up in a couple of quintant for the Festival. It would be going on for an entire movement as per tradition. The new deca-phoeb would be starting at the end of the first quintant of it.

Blaytz lingered, telling himself it was only because Alfor was and he liked to watch his friend’s back. They all knew it wasn’t because of a lack of trust in the Galra. Alfor had done it for Blaytz when it had mattered the most. Blaytz had spent his life doing the same until it became something of a habit.

Leaning on the balcony he watched his friend visit with Honerva.  Zarkon walking ahead to give them time to themselves.

“Is everything alright?” Trigel joined him, watching Alfor gestured animatedly about something while Honerva laughed. “You seemed distracted during the meeting.”

“Hey you know me, I find those meetings boring more often than not. The atmosphere does that to me. It’s so dry here.” Shrugging, he turned around and leaned against the railing. “You know me, I love excitement this is-” He gestured with a hand. “So not it.”

“It is different from home, I must admit though I do find it fascinating. I believe there is one in particular that you also find fascinating.” She said, gesturing with her head again. Glancing back, he smiled without meaning to. The soft laugh signaled he had was caught and he gave her a sour look. “I overheard Alfor ask if it would be alright to have some of the servant class assist with preparation and service for the Capho festival. I may have mentioned to the Staff Captain that we want only the best and that there is a particular set of servants that have more than proven themselves.”

Trigel didn’t believe in the Galran’s hierarchy either but unlike him, she was better at playing the system. Looking back at the servant, he grinned. “Thanks Tri.”

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

Everything was a flurry of activity but Blaytz loved it. Altea was a planet he could spend all of his time on, it was so full of color and life. Throw everything underwater and it might have been almost exactly like Nalquod. Granted he had long since grown to enjoy the warmth of the sun against skin.

Dodging children he wrapped an arm around Coran without stopping, watching him check things off a list. “Yo Coran the gorgeous man don’t suppose the rest of the Pirate Polychoral are going to show up to the festival? I haven’t gotten to hear you guys in ages.” Twirling a mustache, Coran pretended to think it over as if he hadn’t known the answer phoebs ago.

“The gang is rather busy these days but.” He looked from side to side, leaning into Blaytz. “We might be able to get everyone together for a show or two.” He hinted. Patting the Altean heartily on the back blue paladin laughed.

“Well, I’ll make sure to keep an ear out then. Wouldn’t want to miss that for anything. To the new deca-phoeb friend!” Strolling down the street, he didn’t even hesitate to walk into the castle. Even more, people were working diligently to get everything ready. They would be getting guests within a few varga and everyone was excited.

The galra servants were the ones that stood out like sore thumbs and not just because of their looks. They seemed almost perplexed by the relaxed nature of everything. He didn’t see who he was really interested in but Trigel had assured him the man was here somewhere.

“Blaytz!” He turned just in time to be pulled into a crushing hug by the overly friendly Rygnirathian.

“ Gyrgan! Good to see you too. Kinda crushing my chest though, do you mind?” He said with a slight wheeze. Even if he didn’t quite need the air, the yellow paladin always seemed to forget his own strength. Thankfully he didn’t have as squishy of an anatomy like Alteans did.

Speaking of Alteans, he waved at Alfor as he joined them with the rest of their party. Opening his arms to give another hug, Zarkon was quick to extend a hand. Accepting the gesture without question, they clasped arms before he put a hand on Trigel’s shoulder as she bowed slightly to him. Alfor tried to do what Zarkon had but Gyrgan didn’t give him the chance to get out of the hug. At least this one didn’t sound too painful.

“Always a great pleasure to see you too Gyrgan. Truly your heart is as strong as your muscles.” Alfor said, not without the same slight wheeze Blaytz had. The Nalquodian noted with some amusement that Alfor was actually more so out of breath as he straightened clothing out once back on the ground.

“Getting old are we?” He teased as Alfor cleared his throat.

“Looking for someone before we arrived, dear friend?” Alfor asked casually as he fixed his sleeve. It turned into a smug grin at the look of shock on a blue face.

“Quiznack does everyone know?” He asked, rubbing his head.

“I don’t know. Are we waiting for someone else?” Gyrgan asked and Zarkon looked just as confused.

“I am afraid I too do not know. What are you talking about Alfor?” He asked as Blaytz desperately make gestures behind him to shut it. Alfor for his part laughed it off.

“It is nothing, I am merely teasing him and he knows it. Come let us leave these people to their work. I must show you some things I have been working on while I still can. Once the festival starts Melenor will never forgive me if I try to work during it.”

They only managed to escape because the queen came into the hanger and dragged Alfor away. They all knew that was their signal to disperse and enjoy what Altea had to offer.

If it was lively before it was even more so now with music and laughter both in and outside of the palace. As much as he wanted to stay in the palace, Blaytz had always been a paladin of the people. He wasn’t royalty like Alfor or Zarkon nor a  leader like Gyrgan was for his tribe. Even Trigel was a royal researcher. He was just a regular guy that had accidentally saved and befriended a then prince turned king. Out in the square and down the side streets with the kids and commoners, that was where he felt the most comfortable.

As the suns set lower in the sky, he knew he needed to find the person he wanted to see the most. Considering he hadn’t seen any of the Galran servants around they most likely had been stuck at the palace. That was probably a big improvement from what they had to deal with so that gave him some comfort.

The mood inside the palace was far more formal, filled with the higher-ups from various allied planets. At least Zarkon was dancing. From the look on his face, he wasn’t sure how he felt about the activity. Every time he looked at Honerva’s smiling face, his own would soften and he’d keep going. Maybe she was bringing out a personality in him after all.

Continuing he walked into the kitchen which confused the Galra staff who didn’t expect anyone but other servants or staff to be in there. Hys smacked his hand with a spoon when he reached for one of the desserts. “Oh no you don’t, you know the rules. Not until the new deca-phoeb starts are you getting one of those. Shoo before I smack you again.” She said as he rubbed his poor hand.

“Man I can’t believe at your age you still have reflexes like that. Woah!” Dodge the spoon, he made a break for it before she could make good on her promise. He hadn’t seen the person he wanted in there anyway. In fact, he couldn’t seem to find him anywhere. The more time that passed the more disappointed he was until he had to give up.

Slipping away from the party he found a balcony to sulk on. Looking down at the lights, he could hear the sounds of the celebration. It brought a slight smile to his face to see the people so happy and knowing he was helping to protect that.

“E-excuse me.”

The voice was so soft he almost missed it but it caught his attention all the same. Standing shyly was the one person he had wanted to see this entire time. “I apologize but Ms. Trigel asked me to bring these to you. I’m will leave it for you and your guest.”

“Guest?” Looking at the tray, he realized it had two glasses on it. Trigel was a smart one and he owed her so much. Taking the glasses, he set one down on the railing before gently catching the man’s arm. “Actually, I….what’s your name?” Surprised, the man hesitated on if he should answer and Blaytz was almost afraid he wouldn’t.

“Bakki. My name is Bakki.”

“Bakki.  I like it. Bakki I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind being my guest?” He asked, holding out the glass to the man. “Honestly I have been all over this place looking for you. I know this might seem weird and all but-”

“I would love to.”

“-but I’ve been wanting to ask you for a while and...what?” A hand gently took the glass from his hand as a tray was set aside.

“You were the first person to talk to me, to notice me. To continue to notice me.” He said, that blush back on violet cheeks. “I know I’m here because you asked for me to be and I’m grateful for that. It’s so nice here. Not at all like back home. There it’s so-”

“Dry?” Blatyz asked, feeling a warmth in his chest at the soft laugh that earned.

“Yes, dry.”

The sudden cheer of the people caught both of their attention as they looked over the balcony at the set up below. Alfor and Melenor had appeared, both of them smiling and waving to the adoring citizens.

“To those who come from beyond our planet, we thank you for joining us in bringing in a new deca-phoeb. It has not been without its troubles and its pains but it has also brought much to be happy and thankful for. We mourn those that could not be with us this night and take comfort in those we can. We will never forget them, but we will move forward as we always do and continue to bring peace and prosperity. Through unity and through friendship, we will achieve this goal. We are all very different and yet similar beings in a universe much bigger than ourselves. Beings trying to do our best. May this deca-phoeb be even better than the last and may we never lose sight of who we are!”

“He’s an impressive leader,” Bakki said with a small smile.

“He sure is. Looks like the new deca-phoeb will be here soon.” Blaytz said, noticing Gyrgan and Trigel below them, sitting beside one another. He knew she liked him but Gyrgan wasn’t ready for another relationship, not as he still mourned the one he had lost. “What do you hope to see in the coming one?”

“Honesty, I would like freedom for my people. Being here, it makes me want that even more. Emperor Zarkon is a good man but the classism is something that needs to be removed. My people deserve to be as happy as the Alteans and your own. I admit I don’t know anything about your people. Still, from watching you, seeing you among the citizens here, I have a feeling they are very happy people. Oh, the countdown is starting.”The both of them looked at the large clock counting down the ticks.

As it was about to hit the last number, Blaytz leaned in and pressed a kiss to Bakki’s cheek, catching the man off guard. The crowd cheers as Alfor did the same to Melenor though she wasn’t so quick to let him get away. “Run away with me then. Change doesn’t come overnight but it’s like he said, we achieve it through unity. Let me help you.”

Looking out at the crowd as the sky lit up with lights, Bakki didn't need to think about it for long before he nodded. “To the new deca-phoeb, whatever it may bring I’ll face it with you.”

[sassyandclassy94]

“Secrets, Lies, and Blessings” (A SwanFire FanFic) Chapter 7

  Chapter VII

~Eighteen months ago~

It had been roughly six months since Emma and Baelfire had met at Ava’s birthday celebration and ever since then they had been sneaking out to see each other as much was possible. They would meet in the forest at night and would talk and walk together.

They found one another to be good company; they could easily talk to each other and be themselves. When it was the two of them they were just “Emma” and “Baelfire” rather than “The Crown Princess” and “The Dark One’s Son” and they found it incredibly refreshing and were growing more and more attached to one another.

      On one particular night, Emma headed out as soon as she had finished her supper. She had convinced her parents that she was exhausted after a long day and wanted to go to bed early. They readily believed her and excused her, much to Emma’s relief. With that, she had rushed to her bedchamber and quickly changed into her commoner’s clothes. She briefly told her lady-in-waiting where she was going, gave her an estimate as to when she’d be back, and again made her swear never to tell anyone about this. Eleanor hesitantly looked the other way and Emma was gone.

      When she reached their usual meeting point she stopped and listened for a moment. It looked like he wasn’t there. “Bae?” she quietly called. She turned around when she heard a sound behind her.

      “I’m right here,” he said, a little out of breath. “I’m sorry I’m a little late. I kinda got held up for a minute.”

      “You’re fine,” Emma said with a smile. “You didn’t have to run. I could’ve waited five minutes.”

      Baelfire held out his arm to her and she eagerly looped her arm around his elbow. They began to walk. “I’m pretty sure it's considered improper to keep a young lady waiting.”

      Emma looked up at him and smiled. “Well, this young lady would’ve understood.” she replied as she gave his arm a light, affectionate squeeze.

      They walked further into the forest before they came to a fallen tree next to a pond. They sat down on it and were just silent for a few moments before Emma started to speak. She uttered a small sigh. “You have it lucky, do you know that?” she said, breaking the silence.

      Baelfire looked at her, puzzled. “How do you mean?”

      “Well, for starters, you’re not a royal. You can do whatever you feel like. You don’t have to study foreign languages or know the entire history of all the realms and the entire surrounding kingdoms. You don’t have to memorize the order of the Royal Guard, let alone remember ALL their names. And you never have to be under constant supervision.” she let out a sigh. “What I hate most of all are the social outings and duties and attending the stupid councils with my parents. I have to be constantly on for everybody. I’m always expected to act a certain way at all times. I can’t be myself in any way at all and I hate it.” she inhaled deeply and looked down at the ground before looking back at Baelfire. “I’m going to tell you something that I’ve NEVER told anyone else - ever. Not even my lady-in-waiting, Eleanor…” she swallowed before continuing. “I’m the crown princess, the heir to the throne. What if I became queen tomorrow? I’m afraid that I don’t have what it takes to be queen and that I’ll end up greatly disappointing my parents…I didn’t ask to be born into this...” she looked at Baelfire. He was looking at her thoughtfully, taking in what she had just told him. Emma didn’t really know where all that had come from. She just found him so easy to talk to. Then she wondered if she should’ve in fact kept quiet.

      “Well, for one thing,” Baelfire started. “You becoming queen is a LONG way off, so get that out of your head - even if - heaven forbid - something did happen tomorrow, you wouldn’t be queen until you’re 21 anyway, correct?  And unless you became a terrible ruthless tyrant that executes without question, there’s no way you could possibly disappoint the king and queen.” Emma giggled at the point he had made. “I know you think otherwise, but they love you,” he went on. “And you have the same gumption and leadership skills as the king himself and that -”

      “That may be so but I don’t have my mother’s kind spirit and soft spokenness.” she interrupted.

      Baelfire turned so that he was directly facing her. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders. “That is nonsense.” he firmly replied. “You were kind to me, weren’t you?”

      Emma was taken back a little by his touch. It felt rather … pleasant, actually. She quickly snapped herself back to reality. “Everyone’s kind to you,” she answered.

      “No. No, they’re not.” he said as he removed his hands from her shoulders.

      “What? But you’re the kindest person I know!! How could anyone not be kind to you?” She asked incredulously.

      Baelfire inhaled slowly and shook his head. “Not everyone is even half as kind as you, Emma. People may not know my face, but once I introduce myself, they immediately know who I am and try to get away as fast as they can. They want nothing to do with me if they can help it.” He was quiet for a moment before continuing. “It’s been like that for a long time. I’d try to join in with the other children and they’d run away. Now I try to start a conversation, or even try to help anyone, they push me away. I mean, I really can’t blame them. My papa has a reputation, he’s done terrible things to people, thinking that he’s protecting me. I understand that they’re only scared, but it just gets …”

      “Lonely …” Emma finished for him and he nodded. She suddenly felt a twinge of guilt for complaining about her life to him. Yes, she had her problems too of course, but at least she had a family that loved her and a lady-in-waiting whom she considered more of a close friend than a glorified servant. He didn’t have any of that.

      “Yeah, that too, but also frustrating.” he looked at Emma. “No one ever wants to take the time to get to know me. They think that just because I’m the Dark One’s son I’m automatically just as bad and as dangerous as he is. You’re actually the first person since then who didn’t run after I told you my name.”

      “Well, why would I have run? It's never right to judge a person by the actions of their parent.” Emma said angrily. “Anyone who would actually take ten seconds to talk to you would see right away what a kind and noble person you are and that you are NOTHING like him.” Anger flashed her eyes. “Don’t pay those idiots any mind. They’re ignorant is what they are and are too blind and stupid to notice that something great is right in front of them.” She squared her shoulders and noticed Baelfire was staring at her. He was greatly touched by her words and how she had delivered them. He was also surprised. No one had ever stood up for him like she had just done.

      Emma went on. “They don’t know what they’re missing,” she said shyly as she cautiously placed her hand on his leg.  

      “What?” he was slightly surprised by her sudden touch.

      “Talking with you. Just knowing you” she answered, still looking at him. “These people have no idea what they’re missing out on. I know I’ve only known you for six short months, but …” she trailed off. Baelfire continued to look at Emma, asking with his eyes for her to go on. “See, as the princess, I’ve met a lot of people, many of whom I wish I could UNmeet…” she giggled and then went on. “But you? You’re like no one else I’ve ever met. You’re sweet, you’re kind, caring, considerate, and from what I’ve gathered in this short time, you’re also selfless.” she said as she looked into his teardrop-shaped hazel eyes. She continued to look him in his eyes and noticed that Baelfire too was also looking in her eyes. She suddenly developed jitters in her stomach.  She nervously cleared her throat and looked away. “Anyway … I think what I’m trying to say is that …” she trailed off. How do you tell someone that you’re falling in love with them? And even if she did, what if he didn’t feel the same way? What if he only saw her as a friend and nothing more? Should she just tell him? Or wait? She inhaled deeply as she looked down at her lap. As she did so her hair behind her ear came untucked, causing it to fall in front of her face. She instinctively tucked it back behind her ear again.

      “Trying to say what?” Baelfire cocked his head as he encouraged her to go on. He kept looking at Emma. She looked absolutely stunning under the light of their lanterns.  He continued to look at her as he waited for her go on and finish her thought.

      “Well … I guess what I’m trying to say is that I …” she paused nervously before continuing. “I’m a pretty good judge of character. Always have been and I’ve kinda prided myself upon that … and … well … you … you seem very noble. More noble than any so-called prince I’ve ever met.” she looked back at Baelfire. She badly wanted to tell him how she felt. Bae was like no one she’d ever met before, she was sure of that. She felt a connection to him, she had felt that ever since their first meeting during Ava’s birthday celebration. He made her laugh, he understood her, he always listened to her, he treated her like a normal girl, and he was respectful. Very respectful. When she was around him, she didn’t feel like the Crown Princess of the Enchanted Forest. Instead, she felt like so much more. She felt like a complete person, her own person. Being around him made her feel happy. Genuinely happy instead of irritable and moody. Instead of feeling trapped, she felt free. With him she felt like she could take on the world if she needed to.

      Baelfire actually felt the same way. He felt different around Emma too. It was almost as if... his life finally made sense. Like he now had a purpose. Not that he didn’t feel his life had a purpose before, he always knew everything happens for a reason, but being with Emma made him actually believe in his heart what he already knew in his head. Being with her made him forget about how crappy his home life was. Around her he didn’t feel depressed anymore. He wondered if she was feeling the same way he was. He watched her as she studied the water in the pond in front of them. She looked so pretty. He suddenly developed an urge to kiss her, but something was holding him back. Was it because of who she was? Or was it because he was afraid she might not return the feelings. He didn’t want to ruin what they already had. Besides, what if she’s actually engaged to marry someone already? He thought to himself. Emma had never mentioned anything about a betrothal, but she WAS sixteen and of marriageable age, and being a Royal, it was all still a possibility. Many princesses were married off to other princes as to create or to keep an alliance between kingdoms. He didn’t really know too much about royals, but he at least knew that much. He wondered if he should just come out and ask her, but he didn’t want to offend her in any way. Just then Emma broke the silence:

      “On a happier, lighter note… have I ever told you about the time my mother tried to play matchmaker?” she asked with a giggle.

      Baelfire snapped back to reality. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

      Emma good-naturedly rolled her eyes and shook her head before repeating her question. “I said… have I ever told you about the time my mother tried her hand at playing matchmaker?’ she asked again.

      “No.” he answered. He couldn’t help but wonder where Emma was going with this.

      “Oh you have to hear this!” she exclaimed with an eye-roll and a giggle. “So, for my sixteenth birthday, my parents thought it a great idea to host a ball - which I never really want but I understand why they do it - anyway, they invited pretty much every neighboring and surrounding kingdom,” she rolled her eyes to emphasize the word ‘every’. She went on, “Well… there was this so-called prince - I don’t even remember what his name was - something posh sounding like William - anyway his name isn’t important. For some reason my mother thought it would be a good idea to introduce him to me. Somehow she thought he was ‘nice’, I don’t know why. I think she thought us to be a potential couple, but anyway,  I took one look at him, and I knew he was NOT the man for me! No no! Ugh!” she shivered as she said ‘Ugh’. “I shot him down in SUCH a hurry, let me tell you! My mother couldn’t believe it! She said I was rude. The boy didn’t care about me at all, he was only looking to be the son-in-law to the Charmings and to hopefully create a lasting alliance with his kingdom. NO. WAY! I saw right through him in half a heartbeat and so did my father! Luckily he explained it to her and she immediately understood, but then she gave me this long lecture on how I, being sixteen, should really start thinking about marriage,” she rolled her eyes. “She thinks I don’t care about such things, but I do. Just … not like she does - or, did, I guess.”

      “So … you’re not then?”

      Emma looked puzzledly at Bae. “Not what?” Was he just not listening? She quickly thought and mentally rolled her eyes. Men!

      Baelfire swallowed nervously before answering. “Not … engaged to be married?”

      “Goodness, NO!” she exclaimed wide-eyed. She started to laugh. “Whatever gave you the idea of THAT?”

      “I don’t know … I just thought that, your mother playing matchmaker, being sixteen and a Royal, that you -”

      “Oh, NO!! No. no, no! Nothing like that! I was just sharing that with you because, looking back, I thought it was funny! See, my mother is a hopeless romantic, always trying to help someone find their true love and not caring if she makes a fool out of herself and -” she turned her head to look back at Baelfire and noticed that he was staring at her. Her eyes scanned from side to side. “Is - is everything alright?” she asked. This was a little awkward. Why was he staring at her all of a sudden. How long had he been staring at her? “Bae…? Are you okay?” she asked slowly as she stared back at him. She looked at his eyes and saw how the light from their lanterns reflected like little candles burning in his pupils. He has the roundest eyes, she thought happily. She had never seen such perfectly round eyes like his before.

      “Yeah, I’m fine,” he answered. “You just look so …” he trailed off nervously.

      Emma’s heart began to beat a little faster. “So, what?” she prodded.

      “Uh,” he looked from side to side and cleared his throat nervously before answering. “So … pretty,” he quickly spit out. “You just look really pretty tonight.”

      Emma blushed and awkwardly looked down at her lap. “Stop that,” she said, embarrassed. Her heart continued to beat at a quickened pace. She tried to settle it down without Baelfire noticing.

      “Why?” he asked as he cautiously and gently placed his hand on hers.

      Emma’s heart jumped into her throat at his gentle touch. “Why? Because … because it’s …” she uttered an embarrassed giggle. “You do realize you’re talking to Princess Emma, right? And not Ava? Ava’s the pretty one, and I’m just -”

      “Stop,” he interrupted her. “Just - stop. I’m - I’m telling the truth. You - you look - I mean, you ARE really pretty and …” he took a deep breath.  The heck with it already! He was just going to come out and tell her how he felt. “Emma?”

      “Yes…?”

      “I’m gonna tell you something, and, well, if you don’t feel the same way then, just… just forget I said anything, okay?”

      “Okay…” she answered slowly. She studied Bae’s face. She noticed that he was starting to sweat and that he was acting extremely nervous. What’s going on with him? She asked herself.

      “I… well… you see… we’ve … been friends for what? Six months now? Well,” he swallowed and paused nervously. Just get it together, Baelfire. Be brave and tell her. He told himself. Why was it so hard to tell her how he felt? He trusted her so what was the big deal? He inhaled before going on. “Well … you … you’re really kind. And smart, and funny. You treat me as if I’m, well, anyone but the Dark One’s son. You don’t have to, but you do, and …” he trailed off and took his eyes off Emma, instead he looked at the ground.

      Emma cocked her head and inched closer to Bae. She raised her arm and placed her hand on the back of shoulder. He looked back at Emma and saw that she was smiling at him. Something about her smile gave him the courage to go on, or was it her friendly gentle gesture? He wasn’t sure but he went on: “I - what I’m trying to say is… I’m … I’m growing quite fond of you, Emma.” He quickly finished the last part of his sentence. He meant what he told her, he only hoped he sounded genuine. He was just so nervous.

      Hearing his last few words made Emma’s heart beat so fast she thought she might faint. So he DOES feel the same as me! She thought happily. She looked at him in his eyes. Oh those round, gorgeous, expressive eyes. Oh how she loved them.

      The way she was just staring at him made Bae nervous. Maybe she didn’t return his feelings? Great! He probably just ruined their friendship. He sighed. “You don’t feel the same way, do you? I’m so sorry! Just forget that I even -“

      “No!” Emma finally found her own courage. “No. What you said… I feel the same way. You are a special, and kind young man who does not deserve the hurt you’ve been through. You’re like no one I’ve ever met before and quite frankly, well… I’m growing incredibly fond of you too.” She continued to look at his eyes. Her eyes made their way down to his lips. She suddenly noticed how perfect his lips were. Not too thin and not too full. The way his bottom lip stuck out slightly more than his top lip. Why was she just noticing them now? They were the most perfect lips she had ever seen. They seemed rather … kissable and she suddenly badly wanted to kiss his kissable lips. She wished he’d kiss her so she could kiss him back. Suddenly she noticed Baelfire slowly leaning his head in toward her. Her heart caught in her throat. He’s gonna do it! She thought excitedly. This is it! Then she closed her eyes and felt his lips against hers. So sweet, so soft, and SO gentle, as if she might break if he kissed her too hard. The experience was absolute magic! She didn’t want this moment to end. She kissed him back and they pulled away. She opened her eyes again and drew in a deep breath as to keep from passing out. A lock of her hair came untucked from behind her ear again and Bae affectionately tucked it back for her. Emma shyly lowered her head and looked up at Baelfire. He was still looking at her, with admiration lighting up his hazel eyes. Emma continued to look at him too. It was weird. She suddenly felt her heart was going to burst. Not from fear, or a heart attack, but from something else. She’d never felt that sensation before and didn’t really know what it meant. Could it be love? Could a girl of only sixteen years feel love like this? Is this how her mother felt when she fell in love with her father? She just didn’t know. She smiled at Bae once more and opened her mouth to speak: “I … I love you.” She didn’t know where those words came from but she was pretty sure she meant them. Actually, it was almost as if her heart had spoken those words instead of her mouth.

      Bae stared at her wide-eyed. Did Emma really just tell him that she loved him? She did! And she MEANT it! Why was he hesitating? He loved her back. Just say it back! He saw Emma biting her bottom lip and pleading with her eyes for him to answer her. “I … love you too.” He finally answered. He breathed out. That wasn’t so bad. He didn’t know why he even hesitated. He felt kinda like a jerk for making her wait so long for his reply.

      With his reply Emma’s face lit up with the biggest smile ever. She suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck, squeezing if affectionately. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, returning her hug.

      Emma didn’t want this moment to end but she knew it would have to. She hesitantly pulled away. “I really should head back home now though,” she said sadly.

      “Yeah, me too,” Baelfire replied. “I’ll walk you home.” He stood up from the log and held out his hand to Emma, helping her up like the gentleman he was.

      “Thank you.” She smiled up at him and eagerly took his hand and stood up. She looped her arm through his elbow and they walked back to the edge of the forest outside the Charming castle.

      When they got close enough to the castle, they said their goodbyes and parted ways. As always, Baelfire watched to make sure that Emma made it safely through the castle gate before he headed back home. As Emma made her way back to her room she recalled what had happened that night. She couldn’t believe it! She just had her first kiss and she had shared it with Baelfire! It was SUCH a magical experience! She also kept wondering what that feeling in her heart was. Could it be what she thought it was? Could it be her heart telling her that he was the the one? She hoped it was. She wouldn’t mind giving her heart to Bae and spending the rest of her life with him. Why was she thinking like this? She never thought such sappy thoughts before. A year ago, she would’ve been content never to have a man in her life. But now? She kept thinking these thoughts as she walked quietly to her room. She opened the door to her bedchamber and to her surprise, there was Eleanor, sitting on her bed waiting for her.

      “What are you doing in my bedchamber? And sitting on my bed?” She asked her lady-in-waiting.

      “Just waiting for you to get home and making sure that you got home safely.” She said as she rose from the bed.

      “Actually, I’m glad you’re in my room. Guess what happened tonight??” She excitedly asked as she began to undress and get ready for bed.

      “Uhh… I don’t know! Tell me.”

      “Bae kissed me!!!” She exclaimed excitedly.

      “He WHAT???” Eleanor asked. Her brown eyes wide with disbelief as she helped Emma out of her clothes.

      “And I kissed him back!” Emma’s voice was muffled as she slipped her nightgown on over her smock. “Oh, Eleanor, it was the most beautiful and magical moment of my life!” She added dreamily as she let herself dramatically fall backward on her bed. She sighed happily.

      Eleanor wasn’t really sharing in Emma’s excitement. “Magical, huh?” She asked. “You do know what they say about magic, don’t you?” She put her hands on her hips.

      Emma sat up and looked at her. “That it’s magical?”

      “No!! That it always comes with a price.”

      “Pfft!” Emma laughed at her comment. “Yeah! Real, ACTUAL magic. Not a KISS! Kisses aren’t actual magic. There’s no price to pay, you silly foolish girl!”

      Eleanor rolled her eyes. “Just be careful, Emma,” she cautioned.

      “Be careful?” Emma repeated puzzledly. “Of a KISS???”

      “Yes. It may seem like no big deal now, but an innocent kiss can lead to not so innocent other things.”

      Emma still looked puzzled. She wasn’t getting it. “Like…?” She prodded.

      “Well…” Eleanor was starting to blush. “You know … stuff.” She used her eyebrows to emphasize the word ‘stuff’.

      Emma finally understood what she was getting at and looked horrified at the realization. “Oh my goodness, EW!!!” She exclaimed. “No!! Oh, NO!! It was just a kiss! Neither one of us is ready for THAT yet!”

      “You think that now, Emma, and I’m glad you do, but what happens if or when you two fall deeper in love? What then? You always need to remember and keep in mind that you two are NOT married. Therefore you have NO business getting intimate with each other. In fact, being that you two kissed, you should really tell your parents. Or at least the queen. You two can properly court and you won’t be tempted to do anything immoral.”

      Emma still looked horrified. “No.” She said defiantly. “I am NOT telling my parents about Bae. They’ll just tell me I can’t see him anymore and I don’t want that.”

      Eleanor looked at her annoyedly. Emma just didn’t understand. She sighed. So naive. She thought to herself. I hope Bae is who and what you think he is.

      Emma looked down at her lap and then back at her lady-in-waiting. “I - I promise we won’t do anything like that, okay?” She sounded hurt and Eleanor suddenly felt bad. Emma had just had a wonderful night and she pretty much ruined the whole experience for her. Emma sighed before going on. “You know? I think … I think that I love Baelfire.” She said slowly. “He makes me happy and he’s really kind. I - told him that I love him tonight.”

      “You did?”

      “Yeah,” she nodded her head. “And he said he loved me too. It took him a minute but I think he was just scared. He’s really shy, you know.”

      “Yeah, isolation will do that to you.” Eleanor pointed out. “You think he meant it?” She wondered if she maybe shouldn’t have asked that.

      “Oh yes.” Emma answered quickly. “I could tell he meant it. I can tell when people lie or tell the truth, remember? Plus, he … ya know, I could tell he was really nervous when he told me how he felt - right before we kissed, that is - and he still told me. He was really brave. I found it really, really admirable. And he kissed me SO gently, Eleanor! He kissed me as if he was afraid I was going to break. I mean, this was my first kiss so for all I know, all men could kiss like that, but I don’t know! He - he seemed to kiss me like Daddy kisses Mother. Sweet and gentle.” She sighed. “I know I’ve always said that my parents are gross but … but I lied all those years. I’ve always wanted a man who would treat me like Daddy treats Mother. And … and I think Bae would treat me like that.”

      Eleanor was quiet as she took in what the crown princess was telling her. Emma seemed excited about all this but she wasn’t so sure. She wanted to be, for Emma’s sake, but she just wasn’t sure about the whole “liking Baelfire” thing. Emma was sure and convinced that he was a good person who was as light as his father is dark, but was she right? Yes, Emma was always a good judge of character, but for the princess’ sake, she hoped that it was true and that her heart wasn’t blinding her judgement. She guessed that time would tell.

      “Well,” Emma’s voice brought Eleanor back to reality. “I’m suddenly exhausted. I’d love to sit here and talk to you about my magical experience all night but I need some sleep!” She yawned as she finished her sentence and Eleanor stood up from the bed.

      “You need anything before you go to sleep, Crown Princess?” She asked before heading out the door.

      Emma shook her head as she snuggled in under her blankets. “No. I’m good for the night, but thank you anyway.”

      “Okay then,” Eleanor replied. “I’ll see you in the morning when it’s time to help you dress.” She added as she stepped outside of Emma’s bedchamber and quietly closed the door behind her.

      Emma watched her exit her room before stretching to blow out her lantern. She nestled back into her bed under her covers and closed her eyes. As she tried to fall asleep she again recalled the events of tonight. She thought of Baelfire and what he might be thinking at this moment. Was he thinking the same thing she was? That he had possibly found his match? His possible soulmate? She smiled as she thought of Bae. There was just something about him that made her happy. As she laid in bed falling asleep, she couldn’t help but wonder what the future would hold for the two of them.

Next chapter

Thank you so much for reading!!! And can I just say that I LOVE BAE & EMMA SO STINKIN’ MUCH??? Agh! #CoupleGoals 

[nexttrickanvils]

(Please reblog I worked really hard on this)

WOOF! THIS TOOK A LOTTA WORK.

So for Day 8 of @haruokumuraweek2k18

Prompt: AU/Freeday/Bonus

Of course I had to indulge in @captmickey‘s and my Roleswap AU. But I didn’t just do a picture, I’ve also got a fic (which was beta’d by Mickey, thank you so much). Hope ya’ll enjoy and thank you for indulging me in celebrating my fave P5 character. :) Title: Foolish Empress

Characters: Fool!Haru, Lovers!Ryuji, Chariot!Ann, Kamoshida (regular and shadow)

Warnings: Canon-typical violence and pretty much Kamoshida in general. 

---------

Haru hoped that she was mistaken when she overheard people in the crowds talking about rain.

But no… it looked like her bad luck continued.

She quickly rushed to a nearby store with an awning and pulled out her phone. Shujin shouldn’t be too far off from here so if she ran... 

But as Haru opened her navigation app, that same strange black and red icon appeared once again. What was this? The third time it’s appeared? She really didn’t need her phone infected with a virus along with everything else.

“...I wonder if I should show my phone to Isshiki-san...”

Before Haru could attempt to delete the mysterious icon again, she spots someone rushing to the awning.

“Dammit! Stupid weatherman never gets it right!”

Now standing next to her is a young man with dark short messy hair wearing the Shujin uniform (though unlike hers, his jacket isn’t buttoned up.)

“I swear he...”

That was when the young man noticed Haru and he seemed to visibly deflate from his incoming rant. He looks her over and gives her the widest smile she’s ever seen.

“Hey what’s up? I don’t think I’ve seen ya before, first year?”

Haru shakes her head, “Third year, I’m a transfer student. I’m Haru Kurusu by the way.”

His eyes widen at that, “Oh! You’re the transfer everybody’s talking ‘bout? Heh, you’re uh… not what I expected. I was kinda thinkin’ that you were gonna be a Yanki girl or somethin’.”

“Huh? Why would you...”

But before Haru could finish her question, a rather fancy white sports car stops in front of them. The young man’s smile drops as he leans closer and whispers to her.

“Whatever you do, do not get in that car.”

The car window lowers and reveals an athletic looking older man in a tracksuit.

“Good morning! You two are gonna be late if you just stand there, let me give you a ride.”

“S-sure, thank you sir.” said the young man in a tone that Haru could only describe as… resigned

As the boy opens the passenger’s side door, the man gives him a teasing look.

“Come on Sakamoto, I thought you had better manners than that! Let the little lady have the front seat...”

“A-actually I can walk, I don’t mind the rain that much.” Haru responds

Haru swears she sees an annoyed expression on the man’s face but it’s gone in a flash.

“Alright, suit yourself. Looks like you get the front seat after all, Sakamoto. Lucky you!”

“Yeah… lucky me.”

He shoots Haru a sad smile as he enters the car. The window rises up and the older man drives off, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

The man didn’t seem too bad… so why did the boy (the man called him Sakamoto) warn her against going with him?

“Those two didn’t try anything did they?”

Haru turns to the new voice and sees a rather intimidating looking girl with short choppy blonde hair. She wore a black top paired with a red jacket decorated with several pins and a pair of red fingerless gloves. The only indication of what school she went to was the Shujin issued plaid skirt and the school’s emblem on her bag.

“W-who?”

“The two guys you were just with? Kamoshida and Sakamoto?”

“Kamoshida… he was the man in the car?”

“Yeah… he’s a perverted son of a bitch who acts like he’s king of a castle and Sakamoto follows him like a good little servant boy. You go to Shujin, you should know this.”

Haru looks at the intimidating girl with confusion, unsure of what to say first. Sakamoto seemed like the farthest thing from a “servant boy” if his warning and tone of voice was any indication.

It was then that the girl noticed Haru’s third year pin.

“Third year? So you’re a transfer student. Well word of advice, New Girl: I already told you why but you need to stay away from Kamoshida.”

With that the intimidating girl starts to walk away and Haru attempts to follow. Suddenly she’s hit with… something… something that leaves her feeling light-headed. Whatever it was, it hit the other girl too.

“Ugh… I do not need a headache today.”

The feeling vanished as quickly as it came and the two girls continued to walk into a small alley. Haru wasn’t sure why but something in the air felt… different. So distracted by her thoughts, she doesn’t notice when the blonde girl suddenly stops and she bumps into her.

“Hey!”

“I’m so sorry I...”

That was when Haru noticed why the other girl had stopped. Instead of the school, they found themselves in front of what looked like a large European castle.

“Did we… go the wrong way?”

“N-no way, I take this route all the time! Besides you don’t just… find a castle in Tokyo.”

They looked at the sign at the entrance.

“It says Shujin Academy...”

The blonde let out a frustrated noise and ran inside.

“Hey! Wait for me!” Haru shouted as she followed her in

If they had hoped for answers inside, they were disappointed. Haru thought she could see flashes of the school but they immediately shifted back to the castle.

“This is way too elaborate for a prank.”

The girl pulled out her cellphone and was greeted with a no service notification.

“Okay this is getting really weird.”

“Maybe we should just go back the way we...”

“HALT INTRUDERS!”

Haru and the blonde girl turned to the voice and saw a pair of fully armored knights with swords and shields.

“YOU ARE TRESPASSING UPON THE CASTLE OF OUR ESTEEMED KING!”

More guards arrived and attempted to surround the girls.

The blonde girl then pushed Haru away and shouted, “RUN! NOW!”

“But...!”

“I’ll catch up! Go!”

Haru backs away little by little before she turns and starts sprinting towards the exit. But her escape attempt is foiled by more guards. Before she could turn away, one of them knocks her out with their shield.

“LET ME GO!” 

“TAKE THEM AWAY. THE KING WILL KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THEM.”

Those are the last things Haru heard before she lost consciousness.

---------

“Hey! Hey wake up! Come on New Girl, wake up!”

Haru slowly opened her eyes and saw the blonde girl knelt next to her with a worried expression.

“Are you alright?”

“My… my head hurts but...”

As she sat up, Haru finally got a look at her surroundings.

“Where are we?”

“Some kind of dungeon I think… I just know that this isn’t a dream.”

Suddenly the girls hear distant screaming. They rush to the cell door and look to see if they can find the source.

“We’re not the only ones in here are we?” Haru asked, panic in her voice

“I… I don’t want to believe it but...”

They glance at each other.

“We should find a way out. I mean maybe there’s a secret passage or something…” said the blonde

Haru nodded, “My name is Haru Kurusu by the way.”

“...Ann Takamaki.”

Haru and Ann tried their best but couldn’t find anything to could help them escape. That was when they heard the sound of steel boots marching. They once again approach the cell door and are greeted by more guards (or maybe they were the same guards, Haru wasn’t entirely sure.)

“BE GLAD THAT YOUR PUNISHMENT HAS BEEN DECIDED UPON. YOUR CHARGE IS “UNLAWFUL ENTRY.” THUS YOU WILL BE SENTENCED TO DEATH.”

“What!?” Both girls shouted

“No one’s allowed to do what they please in my castle.”

A man walks past the guards and Haru recognizes him immediately, his eyes were a glowing yellow and the clothes are different (and a lot more… creepy) but this is definitely the same man she saw this morning. The same one that Sakamoto and Ann tried to warn her about.

“K-Kamoshida!?” asked Ann

Kamoshida(?) smirks as he turns to Ann.

“Well, well if it isn’t Takamaki. Almost didn’t recognize you under that slab of make-up. Finally realized your mistake and came crawling back to me? And you even brought a little friend with you as an apology.”

“Don’t you dare go near us you scumbag! I’m not afraid to fight back again!”

“Now is that any way to speak to your king? You’re in over your head here, Takamaki. Not only have you snuck into my castle but now you’re committing the grave crime of insulting me- the KING! The punishment is Death. OPEN THE CELL!”

As soon as the door opens Ann tries to grab Haru’s wrist and run out. Unfortunately the guards separate them and slam the two into opposite walls.

Kamoshida walked towards Ann as she struggled in the guards' hold.

“Now I consider myself a benevolent king. So I’m willing to give you another chance. Just say you’re sorry for what you did and accept my old offer. I’ll happily spare you and your friend.”

In response, Ann simply spat in Kamoshida’s face. He grimaced as he wiped away the spit. He then retaliates by slapping Ann in the face.

“Very well, MEN! PREPARE THE EXECUTION!”

“No! Stop this immediately! Leave her alone!” Haru shouted

Kamoshida turns and grins at Haru. She feels a shiver down her spine as she’s immediately reminded of the man she encountered in her hometown. The man who ruined her life.

“Don’t worry, you’ll get your turn. Hold her there, I’ll deal with her after this one’s execution.”

The two guards holding her throw Haru against the stone wall again, and tighten their grip.

Haru found herself on the verge of tears. Just like before… there was nothing she could do.

“This is truly an unjust game… your chances of winning are almost none.”

She lifts her head and sees a shining blue butterfly.

“But if my voice is reaching you, there may yet be a possibility open to you...”

The butterfly and voice fade away but the latter is quickly replaced with someone new.

Are you just going to stand there while she dies by cruel hands?

Haru tries to look around for the source of the voice. It… it almost sounded like her own but more mature… more confident.

Do you truly believe doing nothing will spare you? Because you were punished for fighting back? Does that mean your previous actions were a mistake, my dear fated princess?

More images of that fateful night flash through Haru’s mind. The woman crying for help, the man grabbing Haru’s wrist, his fall as she pulled away… the police taking her to their car…

...No… it wasn’t a mistake… Even with what happened after, Haru would do it all over again if she had the choice.

“No… they weren’t...”

She sees one of the guards holding Ann by her throat; readying its sword to plunge into her heart. Haru’s expression goes from one of fear and confusion to anger and determination.

“Yes! YES! I CAN FEEL YOUR RESOLVE!”

In an instant the world felt like it stopped and Haru could feel nothing but a burning pain in her head. She starts to thrash within the guards’ hold, whimpering and screaming in pain...

“We shall form a vow at once! I am thou, thou art I! Now tell me… who... or rather what shall you betray...?”

She lets out one last blood-curdling scream...

“Your sense of justice… or society’s expectations?”

...Before lifting her head and glaring at Kamoshida.

“That’s enough!”

Kamoshida turns around and sends his own glare on Haru.

“You desire to be killed that much…? Hmph, I was planning on sparing you for a little bit but fine!”

The one guard lets go of Ann and she drops to the floor; hurt and out of breath but still alive. Kamoshida gives a nod and the guard next to Haru hits her with its shield, knocking off the fashion glasses from her face. She continues to glare as the guards surround her.

One prepares to strike her down when a burst of wind knocks it and the others down.

Once it’s gone, Haru feels something on her face. It feels like… a domino mask… she’s not sure why but… it needs to come off.

She grips the mask and pulls it as hard as she can. She feels her skin peeling away with it but it doesn’t stop her from ripping it off with a pained scream.

Blood drips down her face… and for the first time in a long time… Haru feels powerful. She starts to laugh and a sinister smirk appears on her face as she feels fire envelop her like a closing flower.

The fire quickly pulls away and transforms into a new figure at her side. Her other self.

She raises her hand and the figure reveals several weapons hidden in her dress. She blasts away some of the guards. The others who survived are pushed back into the wall.

“I am the Bestower of the Beautiful Betrayal! I am known as Milady!”

It looks like Haru’s luck is finally turning around.

[scaplivingtogether]

SCaP-Living Together OVA: “Thank you for your Purchase”

Hello everyone, I was kinda stressed out so I kinda did a short story as some sort of vent, and an OVA for my story: SCaP ~Living Together~, it is a cute story inspired by the MMD video "ご注文の商品です" by NicoNicoDouga user: ラミー.

NicoNicoDouga: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm18636769

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACS7GDKIJPM

ENJOY!

Rated K 5+ for ...Ahhh what the heck there's no cursing or adult themes anywhere, it's a family-friendly story XD

-The Author, TomboyJessie13

In the Modified Black Box, there stood a Victorian-themed house in a Black and White environment, and in the box is inhabited by Allen Avadonia, the Gods' disciple, and former servant. And residing with him are the "Seven Deadly Sinners of the Seven Deadly Sins" or just known simply as "Demon Contractors" or "Sinners" for short. The Sinners were placed in the Box by Sickle and the other Gods as their Purgatory, in hopes of receiving their rights to enter the Heavenly Yard for repenting for their crimes humanely. However, it is somehow slow because the Sinners always seem to be at each other's necks at various occasions. But today is just a calming day where the sinners could just relax and not cause trouble for one another, except for Margarita of course.

What's the reason? Let's find out.

Margarita had obtained access to use of the God's "magical tool" called a laptop, which works like a typewriter but has a charger to keep the tool from dying, it has a bright screen with pictures, short films or long films, records of different music genres, games, and it has the ability to erase typos and explore various places and subjects without being there physically and without a book...as long as she doesn't look up the word "porn", saying it has a curse called a "virus" that could infect the tool and the sanity of the innocent user or child negatively. Margarita, of course, doesn't need to see such a thing nor delve deep into the tool for she felt like being at a different place like say Lioness for example physically would be more of an experience than just sitting around looking at pictures. Instead, she just uses it for personal research on potions and chemicals that a book couldn't tell. Occasionally, however, she would use it to seek entertainment or treasures.

Speaking of treasures, while she was relaxing in the living room with the tool sitting on her lap, she found a place that the god Behemo created called "Behemo-zon" that sales various items, from new to used, bootleg to real deals, she found a product that she felt would brighten one of the rooms in the house and amuse the Sinners: Cartoony-looking figurines of herself and her comrades called "Nendoroids". They appear to look like them only with small bodies with large heads and eyes, they also seem to come with little accessories that look like the Vessels of Sin, gift, brioche, revolver, etc. Despite wondering where they come from, Margarita pushed that thought aside and began remembering the shelves of the girl's and boy's bedroom and imagine them being on them, noting with amusement of what it would be like. Once her mind's made up, she decided to purchase them, though if she has to give money physically, the Sinners would have to fight tooth and nail just to keep Gallerian down. She buys them, giving her a notice that it would arrive in three days.

Three days later

Margarita was sitting by the porch outside of their house reading a book when she saw particles of light came down, the particles reveal themselves to be a man wearing a green delivery suit and cap, holding a clipboard, just in time.

"Are you a Margarita Blankenheim?" The man asked.

"Yes." She answered.

"We've delivered your order, just sign here and that would be 50 Evs in total." He hands her the clipboard.

"Oh goodie!" She signs it vigorously and gives him the money, luckily for her she saved the money from her previous trip to Capriccio Academy. "Thank you so much." She then sees a package on the porch, but to her surprise, it turned into two, then three, four, five, six, seven, eight large packages. Once the deliveryman had left, she was dumbfounded by the number of packages she was given, wasn't it supposed to be one, maybe two? "Uhhhhhhh..." She was speechless but decides to just take them inside and see what she can do with them. She took the first box inside but was kinda struggling a little.

"You need any help with those?" Nemesis asked, she was just walking past when she saw the packages.

"Yes, please, there's more outside."

"So that's were those particles of light are? packages?" Riliane asked, she and Banica had just entered the kitchen after picking vegetables from their backyard garden.

"Yeah, you wanna help?"

"Sure darling." Banica obliged. One by one the packages were taken to the living room by the four girls.

"So what's in these?" Nemesis asked.

"Well, they're supposed to be tiny figurines of ourselves called Nendoroids." Margarita answered as she was looking for a box cutter, that left Nemesis surprised.

"Nendoroids!?" Nemesis exclaimed, she was sort of a fan of Jakokunese culture do to being half-Jakokunese herself.

"What are you ladies doing?" Sateriasis asked, turning his head to the corner.

"Margarita got us little figurines of us." Banica answered.

"Figurine's you say?" Gallerian asked as he pushed through Sateriasis and Riliane to see the figurines. "Seems a bit much don't you think?"

"I agree, there's no way we can keep them all." Kayo said from the entrance. "I suppose we'll keep the ones in the first box and send the rest back, or give them to the children for charity."

"What's going on? What the...?" Allen asked, that's when he saw the boxes.

"Found it." Margarita held up the box cutter triumphantly, she began to cut the tape of the first box and once that's done, she opened it. She was stunned by what's in the box.

"What?" Riliane asked, she looked inside and she saw a large head with blond hair, both of them looked at each other, then they looked back at what's in the box. Margarita grabbed the object in the box and pulled it out, revealing a 100cm long Nendoroid of Allen Avadonia, much to her and Riliane"s surprise. Allen was shocked to see a figurine of himself that his jaw felt like it was on the ground, Sateriasis was surprised before laughing his head off at Allen's expression, Banica was covering her mouth in surprise, Kayo was swooning over how adorable it was, Gallerian's eyes had widened in astonishment, and Nemesis facepalmed at the mistake.

For the next few minutes, all the figurines had been taken out of their boxes one by one, each one being the same size as the figurine of Allen. Due to their large size, they sadly did not come with little accessories for each figurine, no extra faces, no extra limbs, no stands, and no tiny items like vessels and weapons. However, they do make up that flaw by having bendable limbs and brushable hair. Gallerian and Sateriasis took the boxes outside to be recycled while Margarita was setting up the figurines, she looked over at Allen.

"I knew who have an aesthetic for dolls but I didn't think you go this extra mile." Allen said, smiling.

"Noooooo." Margarita exclaimed, "I was trying to buy the small figurines for the Sinners because I thought they would brighten up the rooms a little."

"Small ones huh? Well, maybe I'll find the ones you're looking for with the Magic Tool." Allen reassured her.

"Really? Oh thank you!"

A few more minutes later, Allen used the laptop to look for the item Margarita was talking about. "Huh, there they are." He looked closely at the product on Behemo-Zon, "They don't seem to be any different than the big ones." Allen said to himself. "Oh well, let's see what happens." Allen then made his purchase. Meanwhile, Margarita was having a hard time finding a way to put away the big figurines she bought, she had just crammed a figurine of Banica into a shelf while Margarita was trying to put the Kayo figurine into a high part of the girl's bedroom cabinet but to no avail. She sighs in disappointment.

"Hello, Margarita." Kayo said politely as she entered the room.

"Hey Kayo, I just don't know what to do with these figurines, there's no place to put them." She said sadly.

"Well if it makes you feel any better, I would take the one that looks like me off your hands." Kayo said, brushing her hand on the Kayo figurine's head.

"You will?" Margarita exclaimed happily, Kayo nodded in response. "Go right ahead." She gave the figurine to her.

"Am I interrupting something?" Gallerian asked as he popped his head inside.

"No."

"Ok, I was just wondering if I can have that figurine that looks like me."

"And me." Nemesis butted in.

"Absolutely!" Margarita beamed with joy.

Three more days later

Allen was sitting Next to Sateriasis who was hanging with his little figurine friend while watching Gallerian and Nemesis tweaking their figurines with the tools she got from her Gang, Zeus, as a gift. While in the other room, Banica, Kayo, and Riliane took care of their figurines, brushing them and fixing their dresses while Margarita looked on happily. Just then she saw particles of light appearing outside the window, meaning the delivery people are here.

"Oh good, they've arrived on time." Allen said as he walks to the door, Margarita saw him from upstairs, and just as she was walking down, she saw Allen quickly walking back into the living room, he looked fuming. Confused, she looked at the entrance and saw that there were 8 more boxes just like the first time, Margarita gawked in surprise. Around that time Allen took out the laptop to look up the product again to see what went wrong.

"Allen, there are eight more boxes at the door!" Margarita said.

"I know, I was trying to buy the figurines you were talking about, I don't know what went wrong." Allen said to her, he then looked at the article closely and found one tiny detail that he and even Margarita forgot to check: The details on the size, preferably 100cm each. That causes Allen's jaw to drop again, this time in embarrassment. Afterward, the new figurines are placed in the living room neatly.

"Looks like someone made a little boo-boo, huh?" Banica asked.

"Yeah, heh heh." Allen admitted, laughing nervously.

"I saw you and your Father tweaking on those dolls earlier, what did you do?" Sateriasis asked.

"Oh yeah." Nemesis set her figurine up and took out a remote. "Watch this." She activated the figurine, it began making its first steps much to Sateriasis's astonishment and Kayo's delight, she was swooning even more over how cute it was.

"Allen didn't want me and Nemesis fighting anymore so this is a bit of a coping tactic." Gallerian explained.

"That you have my approval of." Allen said smiling.

"No hard feelings, huh Margy?" Riliane said to Margarita.

"Yep." She said, smiling.

The next day

While Allen was out to do business with the Gods in the Heavenly Yard and to find homes for the extra figurines he accidentally bought, Nemesis and Gallerian were having a small sumo-like duel with their little figurines, Nemesis was able to tip Gallerian's with her own, winning the game.

"OH YEAH!" Nemesis declared victory, much to Gallerian's annoyance. Meanwhile, Banica is sitting in the bedroom with Margarita as she used the laptop again to purchase the Nendoroids she wanted, and this time she is much wiser to check for sizes.

"Check this out." Margarita said to her Gluttonous friend. "It's the same set but with a different heading." She looked at the bottom for sizes, and much to her relief, it is 18cm instead of 100. "And it's they're at the perfect size too!" Back in the dining room, Sateriasis and Riliane were helping Kayo carrying bowls of Anmitsu, a dessert popular in Jakoku.

"Sateriasis, could you call the others when you put these down?" Kayo asked.

"Yes, Kayo." He replied, once he placed the dished down, he went into the kitchen to grab a triangle, he stuck his head out to see Gallerian and Nemesis outside. "Dessert time, everyone." He said, ringing the triangle.

Back upstairs

"Ok, Aaaaaand purchased!" Margarita said, pressing the purchase icon.

"Good work, Darling!" Banica said, giving her a thumbs up, she made her figurine have a thumbs up as well, making Margarita giggle.

"Hey, guys! Kayo made us some sweets! Get down before they melt!" Nemesis called them from downstairs.

"Yaaay sweets!" Banica said happily as she got up, soon they left the room. I what your thinking, you think it's all over and done with? Nope, because Margarita didn't check all the details of the product, one of those details is that you get a surprise with your purchase, what's the surprise? Guess she'll wait three days.

Another three days later

The Delivery man has arrived once again with the packages she wanted.

"Thank you so much!" Margarita thanked the delivery man, just then, much to her surprise, he gave her four more boxes, all stamped with a red mark meaning "special". A few minutes later, the first box Margarita wanted has been opened, which contained the right sized figurines in their own boxes with their own small parts and items. As for the other four? When she opened up the first one, it was a 100cm long figurine of Sickle in his Bat form, that's when she found out that the special is the same thing as the 100cm figurines she got, this time instead of them being of the Sinners, it's of the four Pillar Gods themselves.

"Oh nooooooooooo!" Margarita whined after taking out the Bat Sickle Figurine. The Sinners began laughing at the mistake she caused.

THE END

FYI, This is not a promotion for Amazon and Nendoroids, it's just a funny vent story inspired by an MMD video I like.

[archergwenwrites]

The Storyteller Part 8

Sokka’s voice was full of relief as he swept his sister into a hug. “You’re okay.”

Over his shoulder, Katara watched the officials drag Ozai away. After the lightning, magic had still flown fast and hard. Her heart still raced slightly from the fear of trying to protect two novices facing their powerful father.

She glanced at Zuko to see him watching her. She blinked slowly, a movement of thankfulness and trust. With a short nod from him, they both went back to staring after the fallen prince of the Winter Court as Zuko retreated deeper into the protective personal bubble of his uncle.

“Don’t let anyone touch you,” she had hissed when it was over, when Aang and the first set of nobles barged in. “Not until Prince Iroh arrives. Ozai has friends.”

There hadn’t been time to say more, not without risking a paranoid reputation. Still, Iroh wouldn’t mess with memories, and he wouldn’t let anyone who would near the only malleable witnesses.

“Katara!”

She would worry about trials and politics later. Now, now was the time to sink into her father’s hug and be a little girl again.

My father took everything from me.

That was Azula’s old game, finding his favorite toy, then book, then homework, and making it vanish. It shouldn’t be a surprise that his father turned out to be better than either of them expected.

Beneath his hand, Azula’s shoulder twitches slightly as she shifts, settles. Only one other noble has tried to get close, and Uncle promised to explain why he navigated them away from the stranger later, after discussion of a grand welcome party.

Zuko’s memories were swirling, trying to organize the mess left behind by a would-be angry god. He both remembered and didn’t remember Uncle, and apparently confidence in his own recollection was another thing to add on the list of things Ozai stole.

Azula relaxed as the icy gold eyes of their father are finally dragged from the room. She leaned a little into her brother.

Well, not everything. But close.

Wine glass held to her chest almost like a shield, Katara surveyed the dancefloor from her place at the side.

The guests of honor were dancing again, a simple but fast waltz. The siblings made a stunning pair, and clearly their few months of rushed lessons had paid off, for the few errors in step were minor and could easily be blamed on their height difference.

(Of course, Azula getting to attend a ball at such a young age was highly unusual, much like most things surrounding the pair to be honest. But it would be an even more serious social gaffe to celebrate only half of the returned Fae than it would be to have a child at a ball. Besides, Iroh seemed to have restricted Azula to dancing only with family or old, married Fae - despite a few young males’ attempts otherwise.)

All rumors said they were adjusting well, and that Zuko’s prediction was right: Azula was already running circles around the less talented politicians

Katara emptied her glass, handing it off to a servant with a thank you as the song wound to a close. She hesitated before reaching for another glass. The stories of what happened seemed to have scared some of the more timid Fae away and she had barely danced. She would not, however, let good hospitality go to waste.

Another’s hand intercepted hers before she reached the glass. Zuko smiled, eyes dancing with mischief and a silent invitation to dance as a slow waltz began to play.

Echoing his smile, she followed him out onto the floor.

He had barely lead them through a first pattern before he was speaking. “Well, this seems awfully familiar, doesn’t it?”

Katara tossed her head, a haughty, teasing expression in her eyes. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Be that as it may,” he replied, an eyebrow raised. “It is nice to dance with you, for real. You are a graceful partner, and I am perplexed that you don’t dance more often.”

“I’m impressed by your studies, but you can drop the act. No one else is listening.”

“Oh thank God. Though I am a little disappointed; I practiced what I was going to say for a good fifteen minutes. You would not believe the rules for conversation Prince Iroh made me memorize.”

She chuckled. “I would, actually.”

“Right! Queen, of course you know the game and are even better at it than I am.”

“Oh, are the masses of throne hungry heiresses getting to you?”

“There are so many! How can there be so many?”

“Imagine them trying to figure out how to throw themselves at your uncle.”

He drew back from her, proper dance hold be damned. “No. I refuse to think about that, even though I know realize it’s true.” He settled back into the correct form, perhaps holding her a bit closer than before. “You and your brother both have a talent for finding the exact right thing to say to offset me.”

“Ah, you’ve met Sokka.”

“How could I not? I am the guest of honor, after all.”

“Rightly so.”

She could get used to this, drawing smiles and blushes alike to his cheeks, and perhaps that flashy annoyance if she told enough puns. There was that familiar pang as she remembered the throne she held and the one he could claim. 

“I may as well ask,” she began, sweeping her feelings under a rug once more. “Do you have any questions I could answer?”

“Have you ever played with my memories?”

“What? No. I only would have, only could have, if your father hadn’t interfered. But I doubt taking your memories away would have stuck, now that it all has come out.” She pressed a sense of honesty through their connection and met a stone wall. “Good. Someone has trained you about that. Don’t let someone you don’t know touch you without that wall. Keep your secrets.”

“Being heir to a throne is terrifying.”

“So is holding one.”

The song ended, and the crowd burst into scattered applause while couples re-sorted themselves. Katara was swept up by her father after a slightly awkward parting from Zuko. She didn’t see him again - except out the corner of her eye - until she was absorbed in talking magical shop with Aang and Haru.

She felt the music change, and glanced over to see Zuko headed her way. She had already started turning to him, a hand extended easily picked up by his, by the time he closed the distance and asked her to dance.

“Another slow waltz?” she asked, tucked into his arms and following his lead. “I have seen you dance the faster movements, so I know you can dance well. Why not with me?”

“I’m not quite good enough to dance fast without thinking about it, and I’d much rather think about conversation with you.”

“Oh.”

Zuko smiled. “Can I ask another question?”

“Of course.”

“Why didn’t you try to stop me from breaking out of the dream? You very easily could have.”

Katara hoped she wasn’t blushing. “It wouldn’t have been right. I wasn’t supposed to be there anyway - I intended to shore up defenses from an attack and actually unlock your sister’s memories, with permission of course, for something she said made me wonder. Regardless, you pulled me in, so I had to play along. Entice you to stay without being obvious. Even if I had known, I would have broken the dream sooner trying to keep you focused on me.”

“For tricksters, you care about rules.”

She grinned playfully. “The best tricks are played when you fly directly in the face of the rules, after all. Look at you, a lost heir sweeping in at the last second, stopping what might have boiled into war and throwing out another claimant. Your father didn’t play by rules he should have, and he’s paid for that. I think your sister will have far too much fun making the rules work for her.”

Zuko smiled back, “and for her alone.”

His grip subtly tightened around her, and the two let the natural turn of the waltz pull them closer. Katara risked smiling up at him, but in that moment his eyes were locked ahead, deftly navigating them through the other couples.

“You know your floorcraft.”

“I don’t really think waltz should be a full-contact sport.”

“Oh?” Her eyebrow was raised flirtatiously to match her tone, and he flushed pink.

“It’s- it’s a human term for sports where people run into each other and sometimes they get hurt and it’s kinda violent but also fun - of course dance is a full contact sport in the sense that for some dances you need to be close-”

“Zuko, Zuko I’m sorry. I was teasing. Relax.”

The music faded away as they came to a stop, something between them pulled tight. She slipped out of his grip like water, though his fingers curled slightly as if he wished to make her stay. She pulled away all the same, retreating. The night was ending, and she’d dance the final song with her father, as she always did when Sokka managed to save his third dance for Suki, and then vanish away to the Labyrinth, alone. Zuko was still faintly pink, and there seemed to be words on his tongue that Katara didn’t want to hear. Now that the song was over, now that the spell was broken, she just wanted to be alone to put herself together.

A debutante swooped in to grab Zuko, and Sokka snagged his sister’s arm. “So why do you look like someone just killed Momo?”

“Someone killed Momo?”

“No! No, why would anyone kill Momo? You just look like all the wind got taken out of your sails, when not thirty seconds ago you were having the time of your life with that handsome new prince. As your older brother, I have to worry.”

“Shouldn’t you be beating him with a stick for having touched me?”

“It’s a fine line I walk between ‘you are too good for him to even look at you’ and ‘he ought to be banging down Dad’s door with a marriage proposal already the ungrateful slacker.’ Tell me what’s up.”

Katara glared at Sokka. “No one will let him bang on Dad’s door, not when he’s in line for a throne, and the Labyrinth will take her heir first.”

“You know how long we live for, right? You don’t have to be worried about this right now.”

“Yes, I do, Sokka, because I don’t have the luck of an ice cube in Hel of having someone look at me the way you and Suki look at each other.”

Sokka pulled her against a nearby wall. “If this is jealousy, Katara get over yourself because you won’t improve your luck this way. If this a moment of weakness, let me get you champagne. But, listen-” He broke off to smile. “You’re not always watching when others are looking at you.”

Questions leapt into her lips, but before she could voice any, he tucked her arm through his and pulled her towards the dance floor. “Come, this is the penultimate number, and we should spend it dancing.”

The waltz was too fast to talk much through, and Sokka kept deflecting her questions as if he had the affinity for water she did. Then the song ended, and he left her there to whisk Suki into the new pattern. Katara shoved her irritation down, slipping out of the way of Iroh leading his niece forward. Ready to just twist home and prepare a messy prank for her brother, Katara almost jumped out of her skin when a hand touched her arm.

Cautiously, it trailed down until it lightly held her hand. She turned, half-afraid of who she’d see.

Zuko bowed slightly when her eyes met his. “May I have this dance?”

“It’s the final song.”

“I know.”

“We’ve already danced twice.”

“Will you dance with me again?”

“You know what you are asking?”

“I have a healthy uncle and younger sister, and the issue of succession hasn’t been figured out, if that’s what you’re referring to.” His fingers curled around hers.

“Prince Zuko-”

Something twitched in his eyes, and he pulled her close to him. “Do you want to dance with me?”

Her other hand came to rest on his shoulder, and he swept them into the final dance. Her thumb fingered the gold trim on his shirt as they spun down the edge of the dance floor. She kept her gaze politely over his shoulder, just high enough to watch his back while avoiding the livid gazes of less tactful young Fae.

“I’ve learned I have to think very far ahead, now.”

She just tilted an eyebrow at him.

“And alliances are important.”

“As are heirs.”

“I’m not asking you to marry me. That’s not how mortals work. Just to get coffee, you know?”

“Coffee?”

“You know; we clearly have something - I pulled you into a dream after all. But that’s not what a relationship can be built on, and definitely not one ruling a kingdom. I just want to get to know you.”

“And to prove the point you basically proposed using court etiquette?”

“May have been a tad hasty, but yes, I guess so.”

“Well then, I shall gladly get coffee with you. But if your uncle or my dad makes us wed to silence rumors and scandal, it’s your fault.”

He huffed with laughter. “If they do, then we’ll have to really do something to merit rumor and scandal.”

“Besides turn up and claim the throne after a whole life away?”

With a smirk, he took them around a tight corner in the dance. “A shotgun wedding would allow me to turn that tongue from sarcasm to much more delightful purposes.” Before she could berate him, he added, “I cook rather well. Nothing is more enjoyable than a home-cooked meal.”

“You put on the court mask when you flirt, you know. You ought to take it all off for me some time.”

Light smiles teased their lips as they danced on, eyes meeting more often than not, stretched between two places and half-decided already to build themselves a third.

[bookwormguri]

Escape the Brothel- Background

So I’ve been told by a very reliable source that it might be a good idea to write down little recaps for the DnD group I DM for. She was very convincing ;3

So I was originally going to start the recap in this post, but I’m VERY long winded and it ended up becoming a background piece about what went into making this homebrew (avoiding as many spoilers as I can). Maybe I’ll actually get into the gameplay next time, WHO KNOWS.

Warning for rambling and mushiness and the writer having no sense of flow:

So for background, before this group, I had DM’d for approximately 3 ½ sessions with my other Curse of Strahd group. That group is pretty vanilla, but I was kind of craving something a bit darker. Even after months this need never left me. (I even jotted out some little point for an overall plot) Through some luck and fate I found some players that I adore and who were as ravenous as I was to explore dark themes through DnD~

So I started my first homebrew campaign. Since I was (and still am) nervous making my own campaign I knew from the start that I wanted the first game at least to be contained to a small area. That way it would make it simpler for myself and the characters to get used to the world without being overwhelmed. I was kinda obsessed with Escape Rooms at the time so I decided to go with that type of theme; escape. Thus sprouted the Deep Fantasia brothel and the Escape the Brothel arc. Sometimes I worry that after they escape the brothel there will be some disappointment that the rest of the world does not have the same depth of detail, but I’m sure we will all live.

And because I have no fucking chill, the ‘small’ brothel became a four-story map, with additional basement and sub-basement for possible human sacrifice purposes? Did I mention I created 69 unique NPCs to populate the brothel? (I swear that number was not on purpose) So far, I’ve only needed to come up with a handful of NPCs on the spot, and even fewer that needed names. (Bet you didn’t know Lady Artana is someone I just made up, did you?)

When I was creating the NPCs I decided quickly that even if they were going to be treated as throw-away side characters/canon fodder (how naive I was then) I wanted them all to have at least one personable quirk. Just something written down so that they didn’t seem completely flat should the PCs want to get to know them better. Soon those little quirks evolved into half of them having their own mini-side quests. Whoops. I wanted this campaign to be light on the monster encounters so in the end, I think I went 180 the other way. ;D

Now, let it be known I am absolutely shite at pinning down how long a session will last and how fast players will complete challenges. I naively (SO NAIVELY) thought that the PCs might escape the brothel in one, maybe three sessions max. I WAS SO WRONG! I had only ever played with one Player in this group and I was going off what I knew from their playstyle and my own previous knowledge playing and built out from that assumption, but my players surprised me. They actually wanted to fully explore and get to know this little world I created. They wanted to talk to ALL the NPCs, ferret out ALL the mysteries, and most surprising of all, they actually played by the ‘rules’ I set out. I have been told that I’ve never once created a PC that didn’t hate authority. I never would have thought twice about breaking the rules as long as I could sneak or talk or pound my way out of them.

But here, my players surprised me by playing within the rules they were given before the game and because of this the time it has taken them to explore and progress is slower, but it has also shown me there is a certain cunning and subtlety that comes with trying to build up to breaking the rules without shaking the status quo. It’s honestly fascinating to watch and learn from. Although, I do also vividly remember having a lengthy phone convo with a friend (PC in my CoS game) where I happy-cried, “My players are smarttttttt!! They’re too smart for meeeeee!!”

One thing that I wanted was for the characters to come together on their own. I know most people have probably played through that awkward first session where everyone ‘introduces’ their PC at a bar and that your background is that you are a merry band of mercenaries. That works well enough, but it’s never really given me the emotional investment I need to build up to a Party that I’d literally die for. So, in a way, I wanted the brothel to be an origin story for the PCs and their party. I wanted them to come together naturally (or as naturally as they could with my NPCs saying, “Yes, the three of you should be here at this time.”) The one downside to this is that in the beginning I had a bunch of one-on-one time with the PCs while the other two needed to spend time on the back burner. I felt really guilty about this, always worried the others were bored. I tried my best to switch between them as often as I could so they all felt included and that their goals were being given the same time and effort as the others.

I think I was very clumsy and awkward with it at first, but what can you do? Growing pains and all that, you know? And even with my perceived awkwardness I’m still blown away with how natural and perfect we all worked together in-game the first few sessions (considering half of us had never seen the other half’s faces XD) I’ve gotta thank my kickass players for that. They really went all-out in immersing themselves in the game, making my job a lot easier. They’re kinda impressive or something.

When I designed the brothel and the various ways to escape, like most DMs I didn’t want to railroad my players. I came up with some foolproof ways for them to leave, with certain plot beats that needed to be fulfilled for them to progress forward at all, but in the end, I think I came up with a skeleton and a few blood vessels of a setting and plot. I didn’t want to be so married to my idea that it would stifle the creativity and ingenuity of my players should they come up with something brilliant (and I’m pleased to say as far as I can tell it has not).

At its core, there are two things keeping the players from escaping, the Brands that threaten to make them go ‘poof’ if they exit certain areas and the various Defenses that the brothel uses to keep people in (and out). Once they solve those two issues things should (theoretically) be smooth sailing. It’s just up to the players to pick up the breadcrumbs I’ve left lying around of how to do both, unless the PCs come up with their own brilliant escape plan (I would be lying if I said I haven’t impulsively burnt down an inn or two in my day). I make it sound easy, but those two obstacles are actually fairly formidable in their own right.

Speaking of the PCs, when designing the brothel I also designed three factions/roles for the PCs to choose from in addition to their race and class: Whore, Guard or Servant. Going off rock-paper-scissor rules I built each role so that they could succeed where the other’s failed or be lacking where others had strength. All the same, I designed the overall escape so that even if every player chose servant they would still have a chance to escape (although choosing all servants would be doing it in Hard mode, I swear).

Homebrewing this was really a challenge. There was making the plot, the maps, picking out music (which I’ve STILL never been able to get work), knowing the rules, picking out monsters, making NPCs, making traps, having technical difficulties every other week. :D

But still, the nice thing about DnD that I always remind myself is that not everything has to been written down. I don’t NEED to come up with a counter to Every Possible Outcome. Bullshitting is my specialty after all~ (Also those years of improv classes help a bunch too~) And these players make playing just as enjoyable for me as it is for them (I hope).

Especially in the beginning (but also now) I needed constant validation that people were having fun and I was doing a good job. Because if the players aren’t having fun then I need to up my game as that’s my primary goal. One of the players suggested that we do a little thing at the end of every session where we go around and say our favorite thing, least favorite thing, and things we would change. This helps me SO MUCH as a DM that I can’t even express it correctly through words.

I look forward to every Saturday game session, counting down the days until my brilliant players can surprise me again in my own sandbox.

Next, I’ll TRY to actually retell some of the most important bits that have happened to them so far.

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