#and she came back all huffy like UGH the door to the other room is closed with a patient

[kaijusmart]

God the nurse that drew my blood today was such a fucking asshole. I asked her to use an alcohol pad before doing it cause its not standard in the uk for some terrifying reason and she acted like it was the worst inconvenience of her life. And then she like went to find my vein and huffed and was like well NOW i cant touch it again to find it what am i supposed to do. Like girl you are a fucking adult rub your fingers with the pad or WEAR A PAIR OF FUCKING GLOVES MAYBE. And then she stabbed me really hard im pretty sure on purpose. Like jesus christ sorry i dont want sepsis from one bacteria getting in my bloodstream cause youre too much of a baby to get a fucking alcohol pad

[hamsterboos]

Don't Say No

I'm super excited about today's prompt because it's something that I think is really fun and I got inspiration for this from a pjo fic I read months ago and I can't remember the title so, uh, woops. Either way, I hope you guys like it!

Word Count: 2068 Read on AO3 Rowaelin Month Master list

Day 3 of Rowaelin Month Prompt: Secret Relationship

~~~~~

Nox was tired. Everything at work had become mundane, and there was nothing interesting ever happening anymore. People came into work, tired and complaining about how it was the start of yet another week, and they would chatter about their weekend and any plans for after work. All Nox desperately wanted was to not be mind-numbingly bored as he read through yet another manuscript.

Thankfully, this Monday turned out to be slightly different than all the other Mondays. Nox knew something was up when the low toned chatter turned high pitched and excited as people wandered about the floor where Ashryver Publishing was located, pointing to the open door that led to their boss’ office. The layout of the floor was fairly open to allow people to easily converse with one another and move about the area while the higher ranking members of the company had closed offices, but Aelin tended to leave her door open to allow people to come in and speak with her.

Nox was fairly friendly with Aelin, and it was because of her that he’d gotten the job as a publisher reader when he couldn’t find a job, so he was understandably confused when there was nothing different about her when she walked out of her office. Her blonde hair was out as it normally was, and her makeup was done perfectly as usual. Nox’s eyes scanned over her as he tried to figure out what people were so huffy about this particular Monday until his eyes landed on the folder she was holding in her left hand.

“Holy shit, you’re engaged?!” he blurted out, seeing that diamond glinting off her left hand’s ring finger. Aelin looked down at her hand as though she were seeing it for the first time before rolling her eyes at him.

“Yes, Nox,” she responded with a small smile that was almost teasing. “I am.”

“I didn’t even know you were dating anyone,” he answered, leaning his elbows against his desk.

“Well, it wasn’t exactly something to publicize at work. I was dating someone, and now my boyfriend is my fiancee,” Aelin answered. Her eyes glanced about the room before she sighed. “Alright, everyone has two minutes to ask me questions.”

It was like a pack of hyenas had been given their first meal in days with the way the questions were thrown at Aelin, but she answered each one quickly and with her usual dose of sarcasm that made Nox smile.

“Have we met him?”

“Maybe, maybe not, and that is a serious answer. I don’t know if you’ve ever run into him on the sidewalk or in a restaurant or bar.”

“Is he good looking?”

“Yes, I have standards.”

The two minutes seemed to fly by with the way people barely got any information about her fiance, and Aelin looked way too pleased with herself that Nox couldn’t help himself. When she had dismissed everyone after giving people work, he made his way over to her office.

“So,” he started, leaning against the doorframe, “the big bad CEO of a publishing company has gotten herself someone who can deal with her.”

“If you’re trying to fish for information, you’re going to have to try much harder,” Aelin responded, a mischievous glint in her eyes that he’d seen way too many times.

“It’s okay,” he answered instead, “I won’t pry. I’m just happy for you, Aelin.” That brought out a genuine smile on her face before a ping on her desktop drew her attention from him for a brief moment.

“Ah, it’s actually good you’re here! We have a temporary hire coming in for the next month, or so, while we try to find someone else who can help you read incoming manuscripts. Let me just go get him.”

Nox chose that moment to sit down in one of the two chairs in front of her desk while Aelin stood up to grab her ID off her desk and walked out of the office. Nox waited for a few minutes, taking in the decorations of her office, including the small mementos she had scattered everywhere. The office had only been hers for two years, but it seemed as though she’d been living in that office for years with the way she had personalized it.

The company wasn’t an insanely big publishing house, but they had quite a few popular authors with best-selling books under their belt, and it was the intimacy of the employees within the company that drew aspiring authors and people passionate about books to it. Part of it had to do with the fact that it was a family business, Aelin’s mother owning it before she did, but part of it had to do with how much Aelin loved what she did. The photo of her parents, cousin, and sister-in-law alongside a photo taken at one of the staff dinners two years back was enough proof of how much she loved her work family as much as she loved her blood family.

The sound of Aelin’s heels and the sudden lack of chatter indicated to Nox that she was back with the new hire, who must be definitely impressive enough that his entry topped Aelin’s engagement news.

“Okay, Nox, I’m pretty sure I don’t have to introduce you two, but Nox Owen, meet Rowan Whitethorn, our new temporary hire.” Nox turned around to find himself looking at a man that he worked with for nearly a year before he left the company two years ago. Rowan was a tall man with platinum silver hair and a handsome face, even from Nox's perspective. The tattoos swirling down his arm definitely also helped with his popularity amongst women.

When Nox made eye contact with Rowan, the man smiled, and Nox nodded back in greeting.

“Isn’t that technically rehiring someone?” Nox asked, looking at Aelin and raising an eyebrow.

“That’s what I said when she offered me the position last week,” Rowan responded, sitting down in the seat next to Nox while Aelin took her seat across from them.

“It’s temporary!” she protested. Nox sent her a look that he knew she’d be able to read perfectly for that doesn’t matter, and with the way she groaned, he was sure that Rowan might’ve sent her the same look.

“Ugh, both of you get out of my face. Rowan knows what he’s doing so I doubt you need to do anything, Nox, but just give him a new manuscript that came in,” she grumbled, waving them off and going back to her computer.

Nox stifled a laugh as he got up.

“Hey, is it just me or did she get a lot hotter over the last two years?” Rowan asked quietly, and Nox had to stop himself from tripping and falling on his face.

“Man, she’s engaged. Like very recently too,” Nox responded just as quietly.

“Oh,” he answered, his eyes falling to the ground before snapping back up to Nox’s face, “well, if it’s recent then I don’t really mind.”

“Dude! That’s not okay!”

“Harmless flirting never hurt anyone,” Rowan protested as they sat down in their seats. Ever since the last publisher’s reader quit, that seat had been empty, and luckily enough for Rowan, that was his seat when he still worked at Ashryver Publishing.

“It will hurt if you break up her engagement.”

“If it breaks her engagement because I’m flirting with her, then she was never meant to be with that guy.”

“Oh my god,” Nox responded, turning back to his work.

“Hey, don’t worry,” Rowan spoke, and Nox reluctantly set his gaze upon the man, “It’s really not that big of a deal.”

Nox disagreed, but he did his part, so Nox simply shrugged before getting back to work. Hopefully with enough refusal from Aelin’s side, Rowan would get a hint and quit it.

*****

Rowan did not get a hint and quit.

In fact, as the week passed and so did the following week, he only grew bolder in the smiles he would send Aelin, in the side comments, the inside jokes (since when did they even have those?), and Nox was getting frustrated.

“Dude,” he hissed as he pulled Rowan aside before they stepped into the restaurant that they were going to have a staff dinner at, “seriously, quit it. I don’t want you breaking Aelin’s relationship just because you find her pretty.”

“She’s more than just pretty, Nox,” Rowan responded, more serious than Nox had expected him to be.

“Yeah, well, then you know that she’s a loyal person. Don’t make her break that.” With the way Rowan had nodded, Nox figured that he had finally, finally gotten through to Rowan.

Unfortunately, throughout the entire dinner, Aelin and Rowan were sitting next to each other laughing, leaning into each other. He couldn’t believe that Aelin was actually falling for Rowan’s bullshit. It wasn’t even like he was flirting outwardly, either. It was the small things that he was noticing while watching the two discreetly. Rowan would give her a napkin when she needed it, pass her something before she even asked, simply knowing that she wanted it when her eyes had drifted over to it. It was insane how attentive the man was, and it wasn’t fair that the subtle flirting was actually working.

Nox couldn’t even say anything in front of everyone, lest he risk bringing...whatever that was out into the public where he was pretty sure Aelin didn’t want it to be. He was contemplating whether or not he should talk to Aelin about the whole situation with Rowan, and he was doing just that as he leaned against his car, waiting for her to step out of the restaurant. He’d left along with the others so as to not make things suspicious, but he did notice that Rowan hadn’t left the restaurant either.

Nox was just about ready to leave when he heard Rowan’s voice ringing through the parking lot. “Look, maybe we could just tell them.”

“No, it’s way too risky. The whole reason why we stopped going out in public together was so that we could get all the other stuff settled first,” Aelin responded. Nox was definitely intruding on a private conversation, but also, he was incredibly curious about what was happening.

“They’re all about to lose their minds with the way they’re trying to figure out what’s going on between us.”

“That’s because they’re not blind, Rowan,” she laughed as their voices got closer. “I don’t really know what I would say to them, anyway,” she finished just as they were in his line of sight — holding hands.

Nox’s brain stopped working right then because, holy shit, his boss was cheating on her fiancee with her employee.

“Nox? What are you still doing here?” Aelin asked, catching sight of him.

“I, uh, wanted to talk to you...but apparently you...don’t care about your engagement.”

“What?” she asked, clearly confused. Her eyes drifted to Rowan who simply shrugged with a teasing smile.

“You’re cheating on your fiance with Rowan!”

A snort escaped Rowan, and that was the moment where Nox could see understanding shine in her eyes. She turned to Rowan before elbowing him in the ribs, and then turned to look at Nox. “This idiot is my fiance.”

Nox blinked once, twice, trying to comprehend the words that had come out of her mouth. “This man? Your boyfriend?”

“Fiancee,” Rowan corrected.

“Shut up, man. You had me thinking she was going to cheat on you! With you!”

“Not going to lie, it was really funny, though. You were freaking out for the last two weeks.”

“That’s just cruel, dude.”

*****

Despite being incredibly salty about the entire situation, Nox did have to admit that it was hilarious seeing his co-workers’ reactions to the wedding invitations that clearly started that Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, their dear boss, was marrying Ashryver Publishing’s ex-employee (now known as the new literature professor at University of Doranelle) Rowan Whitethorn.

Never had he seen more outrage at the fact that the two had hidden their relationship from the entire company for so long, and honestly, Nox was surprised they had managed to hide the relationship with the way the two couldn’t go longer than five minutes without some form of physical contact.

It was sickeningly cute, and he couldn’t help but think that Mondays weren’t so mundane, after all.

[theworldsoul]

Okay so basically... lets talk.

I should've seen this coming. I should've known that after such a long period of happiness, something would give.

I went to pick up my glasses from the dinner table today, because that's where I left them. When I put them on... they wouldnt stay on. I checked and they were missing the two plastic parts that hold the glasses up and still on my nose.

I check the table for them, and I dont find them. Then I ask, like hey, did any of yall touch my glasses? Both the plastic things are missing. My dad IMMEDIATELY assumes that I took them off ON PURPOSE. For some reason. And I tell him no, i didnt touch them, all I remember is picking them up from the table and seeing the plastic bits missing.

Then I spend like an hour telling them no, I didnt break my own glasses, I FOUND them that way. And my dad is like mocking me, going "u always say 'I didnt do it!!!' Like you never do anything huh? I guess you're just perfect." And I'm like... BUT I ACTUALY DIDNT DO IT!!!!???!? and hes like "you never take responsibility for anything, blah blah, you're so fucking stupid, you act like a four year old, stop fucking crying, how dare you ask us if we know what happened, why are you trying to blame us, you obviously did it on purpose and now you're acting all surprised.." and I'm just sitting there. Taking it. Thinking to myself... wow. They automatically assumed the worst in me. And THIS SORT OF THING HAPPENS OFTEN!!! I get blamed for shit I didnt do all the fuckign time.

So I'm just. Crying. Because theres a certain amount of verbal abuse i can take and it's not very much. I'm being interrogated. And its distressing, because I cant PROVE that I didnt do it on.purpose, because i GENUINELY DONT REMEBER WHAT HAPPENED!!! so they just get to assume that i broke my own glasses.

Why would my dad jump to that conclusion so quickly? Simple answer: he literally hates me. He holds back, I know, but hes done this before and he'll do it again, hes shown and said what he REALLY THINKS and he'll say it again and do it again and again and again because his mask is slipping. I dont know what I did to make him hate me but he does. That's just how it is. I can't change that. Man, my parents behave like children.

Anwyays so I'm just very upset, in distress, crying really hard, trying not to say too much so I dont make them angrier but also always telling the truth, which is that I DIDN'T DO IT AND I DONT REMEBER ANYTHING HAPPENEING TO THE GLASSES!!

He asks me, who did it then? I say I dont know but it wasnt me. He said who then, if not you. I said I dont know. He didnt believe me!!!

I hate when I tell the truth and people dont believe it. Like... this is the truth. I have nothing more to offer you. Take what little I give, cos it's my fucking blood.

Anyways in the meantime my mom is checking, looking for the plastic bits. She finds them in my coat pocket.

I am proven innocent. At what cost? Well, now I'm shaking, curled up into a ball, crying, and in actual pain. My brain cant handle so much pain so it transfers it to physical pain. So there I am. A fucking kid. Who's been punished for somehting he didn't do. And theres the proof.

My dad fixed the glasses. Left me there on the couch, still trembling. Gave them to me in a case. Said I gotta be careful. I said thank you. Because, even if I'm upset, I gotta make sure other people dont get upset. He said sorry, but he said it in this huffy way that made it sound reluctant. Then he was like, I said sorry so stop crying.

He wanted a kiss on the cheek and I was gonna give him one because I dont want to seem like a dickhead, he DID apologize... and if you dont accept my dads apologies and move on and pretend that the word "sorry" fixes everything, he gets even more angry and i REALLY dont want to deal with him guilt ripping me over it. So I lean in for a little kiss and... I cant. I cant do it. My face crinkles up all ugly and I start crying hysterically every time I get close. I try a few times but I'm overwhelmed with a feeling of like... oh god. I felt so hurt. Like a scared little rabbit. Oh shit, I was fucking scared. I couldnt do it. It made me feel disgusted.

I said, later I'll do it.

I dont know why he thinks he can hurt me so bad and make me cry, then give some shitty apology and expect me to change my mood entirely and go back to being all happy. That's not how it works. If you hurt someone, they stay hurt. Your shitty little word, "sorry", doesnt make me feel any better and doesnt fix any of the damage.... but I have to pretend like it does because if I dont you get mad, and you say I'm mean for not accepting the apology,,,

Later on, he did come for a kiss again. I was in my room, pretending to be busy so he would ignore me but he didnt. This time, I didnt kiss him but I allowed him to kiss me. I just... I couldnt kiss him. I was holding back tears, and i knew if i tried to kiss him i would start crying all over again and make him upset or angry. So I just sorta... let him kiss me on my forehead. Then I went to the bathroom fast as I could, acting like I had to brush my teeth.

I locked the door, sank to my knees, and cried. Hard.

I just wish that I had a dad who loved me, or who knew how to love me... or who I knew loved me, a dad who knew what he was doing, so I didnt have to debate if he loved me or not in my head.

God. I feel so small. Like I literally feel like a little kid right now. Fucking hell. Looks like tonight I'll be indulging in my delusions, playing pretend.

It's sad that my parents fuck me up, but its sadder that afterwards I dont have anyone to comfort me and help heal me.... only myself and whoever I bring to life in my imagination.

Sometimes when I get overly upset, when I'm pushed to the edge like this, I begin to feel... a lot younger? Like shockingly younger. I'm not even the same dude anymore, I'm a fucking five year old all of a sudden. Which makes the situation even more scary and painful.

Just imagine like, a hurt scared little kid with no one to help him. He's tryna pick himself off the ground and hes telling himself "shhhhh... it'll be okay" that's me. That's literally me and it makes me feel so fucking BAD but its true.

I've been breaking down. Earlier in the day I had trouble on a quiz because I didn't know the definition of a word in a poem and I couldnt answer the question (does character A like character B?) And when I asked they said they couldnt tell me which was bullshit but whatever. Uhm so I got upset. Like, scarily upset. I gave up, wrote that i didnt want to do the question on the paper, guessed at half the answers, crumpled it up and threw it to the ground. Then I just... spaced out for the rest of class because I was STILL upset and fuck them.

At one point I left to go cry in the bathroom, but when i went in there, all the stalls were taken and there was a huge group of guys in there, like maybe ten people in there total, so I ran back out and was like fuck now what. Now I wait. I waited and nobody came out. I double checked and they were sitll there and I ran out again. I dashed to another bathroom down the hall hoping it was empty. I was blasting metal in my ears to try and drown out the FEELINGS, I hate feeling things. Got into a stall, slammed the door, started CRYING, sobbing, talking to myself, all of this with metal music blaring out of my headphones. I composed myself. When I went out of the stall I checked my eyeliner and it was... well, you could TELL I cried. I didnt bother with it tho, i just ran out of there.

Ugh and when I got back I kept doing the stim that usually evolves into literally hitting myself, so that was. Bad. At least this time I refrained from beating the shit outta my own left arm.

God.. I hope everyone who hurts me, everyone who ever fucking hurt me, feels GUILTY as all hell. I hope whatever being made me FEEL all these emotions so hard so strong so fast, ROTS. because nobody deserves to feel so intensely upset that they resort to the worst ways of coping. No one.

I'm just glad I didnt relapse. That's a positive.

[sydmarch]

15

what’s the weirdest thing that’s happened to you? 

ok SO i’ve definitely told this story before on here it’s a long one so i’ll do my best to trim it down

like 5ish years ago i was walking to the train afetr doing some shopping and this guy around my age stops me to say something about my outfit idr. it’s mid summer so very hot & this dude is wearing teal eye makeup, platform sneakers. no shirt, and shorts made out of a hospital gown. we start talking abt fashion & stuff and he asks if i’ve ever been to this trendy thrift store that’s nearby & i say i haven’t so hes like wanna go shop? sicne i was lowkey goign through a crisis in my life at the time being a recent graduate w no job & no idea what i was doing w my lfie i was like fuck it so we went

in the thrift store we both picked out some stuff & while i was trying thigns on he was like lemme see so he came into the dressing room (i was like ok sure bcus he was extremely gay) but the employees were like hey you can’t do that. also you’re not wearing a shirt so you need to leave & i was like ugh just borrow mine (since i was wearing a shirt i had tried on) so he puts it on & they kick him out anyway so im like COOL and had to buy a shirt in my bra so they could ring it up and the cashier was this absolutely beautiful girl so i was like ok. great.

anyway i go outside & find him and im like gmme my shirt back you can wear this dress i bought so he puts it on & we wander around a bit more then randomly pick up these two other girls we meet on the street who need to go to the garment district to buy some stuff so we all get in a cab and go.

once we get there we go into this wig store and are like looking around but when they won’t sell this dude (idk why i havent said his name eyt its matteo) a wig for a discount he FLIPS OUT like throwing thigns around so we all leave. shortly after that the two girls manage to dip & im thinking yeah i should try and dip too this dude’s unhinged... but there wasn’t really an opportunity to leave bcus it was just us & i didnt want him to turn on me

so he suggests let’s go to (other thrift store that’s like 5 blocks from where we were at that point) and im thinking perfect i’ll get him to go in a fitting room then run for my life. on the ay there he’s like saying crazy shit to random people, steals someones cigarette that they were smoking, steals water bottles, etc. at one point he goes to cross the street when we didn’t have the right of way nd this taxi starts honking at him so he tosses his purse to me and JUMPS ONTO THE HOOD of the taxi and is like you wanna go so bad bitch go and the cab driver takes off. with him on the hood.

since im holding his purse im like fuck i guess i have to follow this cab and give it back??? so im chasing this taxi like oh my god. and these andom teens are like yo omg is that your friend he’s awesome! im like what’s happening. he gets down off the taxi and is all huffy and im like oh my gooood ok just get to the store.....

but on our way he starts talking to some lady outside an office building and follows her inside i’m just standing near the revolving doors watching as he tried to egt in the elevator w her and shes like i need to go teach a class you cant come wtf... and hes tugging on her umbrella and she’s yelling “stop this was a gift from my dead mother” and security escorts him out and looking back i couldve ran then but i was too invested. what could possibly be next.

we start walking towards the thrift store & when walking apst this outdoor seating area he steals a glass off someones table so a waiter comes over & like throws him onto the ground and they fight a bit and matteo is like i want the police. im like you absolutely do not youre going to get arrested. of course there’s a cop just like hanging around on a nearby corner so he goes over to him and is telling him abt the waiter and the cop is like ill call a patrol car over go wit by the restaurant.

the restaurant is right by the office building umbrella lady was in so of course as we’re walking back in tatdirection she’s elaving the building and sees us and runs over to matteo freaking out, the waiter omes over and starts yelling too, and then i swear to god a car pulls up and its the CAB HE JUMPED ON and the driver gets out and starts yelling at him. finally the cops show up and everyone’s yelling and matteo is going on this rant like you’re all evil!!! and they cuff him and the cab driver’s like how can you be friends w someone like that im like im not he’s like i saw you with 4him im like we just met!!! im in over my head!!!

the cops were asking me a few questions like did you see him take anything im like no. heyre like you can tell us you won’t get in trouble im like FOR REAL NO lmao like he could’ve been on something but i didnt see him do anything. anyway can i get my dress back. theyre like didnt you say you mt him today im like yeah. theyre like why is he wearing your dress im like i loaned it to him at the thrift store can i get it back. they took my number down but never called me about the dress it was only $5 but still

[dossypet]

Third times the charm

@tellmeyourdeepestdesire Here’s my Valentine’s day fic!

Happy Valentine’s day y’all!

Lucifer was in trouble. Well the question was when wasn’t he? But this kind of trouble Lucifer cared about. You see, the detective was mad at him. And not the kind of mad where he could flash his charming smile and she would roll her eyes at him. No Lucifer was in the dog house, on a very important day too! You see it was Valentine’s day. It all started when Lucifer “saved” Chloe’s life, multiple times in one day! Not that she was thanking him. It had all started because some insignificant murderer had threatened the detective’s life and while normally they would chalk it up as a dull threat the man still had an accomplice out there. Thus Lucifer had been on high alert all day.

The first attack came at the public park they were walking through reviewing what they knew. Lucifer saw it out of the corner of his eye, something flying straight towards his detective. Thinking quickly like the true hero he was, Lucifer simply shoved the detective out of the flying objects path, right into a mud puddle. 

It wasn’t his fault, he hadn't put that mud puddle there! And maybe that thing they was going to hit the detective was only a baseball hit over their way by accident by a couple of children, but he still saved her from being hit! Thus, clearly he was a hero. The detective somehow could not see that he clearly should be thanked and praised and instead angrily snapped about having to go home and change. 

The second time Lucifer clearly and heroically saved the detective was an hour or so later. They had met up at a coffee shop, Lucifer’s treat of course, when once again Lucifer saw a man get up and hurry toward them. These murderers were so basic nowadays. With quick pull, Chloe was out of harm’s way. And the hot coffee of the business man trying to leave was spilled all over Lucifer instead of Chloe. UGH. Clearly this man did not understand how much suits like this costs! Lucifer turned to where the detective should have been only to find an embarrassed server and a soup soaked Detective. Her lips were in a thin line when she told him he needed to stop throwing her into different liquids, and that it had stopped being funny before the first time. With that she left his coffee soaked self floundering for words as she left to change, again.

Okay so maybe the first two times weren’t really Lucifer being a hero, but the effort was clearly there! Why the Detective was being huffy about it was beyond Lucifer. 

The third time happened later that evening, Chloe was in her third outfit for the day and had warned him she wasn’t interested in changing again while he agreed that it was never part of his plan. The third time Lucifer didn’t see it out of his eye. In fact Chloe saw it before him. They were grabbing dinner to toss some ideas around about their missing muderer when a man came out of the bathroom with trembling hands. He kept looking at them before looking away. He sat at a table right across the room from them. Chloe tipped Lucifer in with a nod of her head and a few mumbled words. 

Lucifer and Chloe both made eye contact with the man who was breathing just a little too hard and sweating just a little too much. And once again Lucifer found himself shoving the detective to the side. He staggered backwards and felt something warm in his hand. People were screaming and the detective was yelling. Lucifer looked down at his hand. Soup. He had fallen backwards there was soup coating his arm up to his elbow. His lip twitch with a snicker. He had ordered the soup as a joke for getting the detective coated in it. Now he was the one coated in soup. The soup was hot. Burning hot in fact. But, that wasn’t quite right, was it. Lucifer’s hand was no longer in the soup so why was it still burning? He looked up to see Chloe handing off the man to a fellow police officer, she was looking at him in concern. “Oh no.” He thought, “I must have pushed her into something again, there’s red liquid splattering her sleeve.”

His hand was still burning. Or wait, it wasn’t his hand was it? For Chloe looked horrified and pointed to his arm. Glancing down Lucifer made a little “ah” noise. It wasn’t the soup that was hot, it was the bullet graze that being next to the Detective had made him susceptible to. Shaking his head Lucifer gave Chloe a quick, nervous smile. “Just a graze detective nothing to worry about! Except for our ruined Dinner.” He mumbled looking at the table gritting his teeth as a wave of pain hit him. 

Two more hours later and multiple fights with the EMT’s about sending Lucifer to the hospital, the case was wrapped up. Chloe and Lucifer had split up, the latter mumbling about she must need to change again. 

Chloe had changed into her fourth outfit of the day and just sat down on the couch. Valentine’s day had stopped being special after she and Dan had divorced. Thus even though a part of her, that she would deny, was sad nothing was happening for Valentine’s day, the other part of her just ignored it. She was shaken out of her thoughts when her phone buzzed with a text. Her eyebrows raised at the cryptic message from her civilian partner and with a sigh headed to the door. It had read, “Case not closed, meet at El Matador State Beach ASAP.”  

Chloe arrived feeling nervous. There was nothing about a beach in the case and she couldn’t think of any missing links that they hadn’t covered in the case. Not sure what to expect, Chloe made her way over the sand and onto the beach, the site that was before her made her mouth drop open. 

There draped in the light of the full moon, surrounded by candles on the sand, sat Lucifer with what looked like a romantic picnic. Chloe searched for words. “Lucifer, What is all this?” 

Lucifer turned to her with a grin, “Well for one we never got to finish any of my apology meals. For a second one,” Here he looked slightly embarrassed, “It’s my first Valentines day on Earth and Miss Lopez informed me while you were busy changing out of soup that you’re supposed to do something… er… romantic on this day with someone you like. Plus we’ve gotten to do nothing romantic all day because of this stupid case, thus! Here we are.” His eyes darted between hers searching for approval. It was times like this that Chloe loved how sweet Lucifer could be.

“It’s amazing Lucifer! Thank you.” She smiled at him. “Happy Valentine’s day.” 

Giving her a true, winning smile, Lucifer grinned back, “Happy Valentine’s day Detective.”

[cordoniantrash]

Once Upon Another Time

AU: In another time where the brothers Beaumont did not reach Cassandra in time, the waitress turned lady went back to New York to rebuild her old life. After finding an unexpected souvenir, she set off and joined her long lost family. Four years later, a newly divorced King of Cordonia arrives in New York in hopes of reuniting with his beloved. Instead of Cassandra, all he found was a postcard with the word Edgewater written on the back.

Hi! New series alert! So, this concept might be a little too over done, seeing as there are so many fics about this, but what the hell, I’m adding my own two cents in. This is an AU with a bit of cross-over (TRR and D&D) elements mixed in, plus my own headcanons on TRR MC’s family. Constructive criticism is very much welcome. Grammatical mistakes are my own.

Thanks to @thequeennefertipi​ for betaing!

Disclaimer: I don’t own the characters, Pixleberry has that privilege, title for both the series and the chapter titles, plus the epigraphs are from Sara Bareilles’ discography  

Pairing: Liam x MC 

Warning: swearing

Words: 2755

Prologue: Manhattan

You can have Manhattan 

‘Cause I can’t have you

 Cordonia International Airport, four years ago.

The room was too bright. All harsh fluorescent lights and bare white walls. Its image brings to mind a hospital rather than an airport. A woman was sitting on a chair waiting for a flight to New York. A few feet away, men wearing black suits were casually leaning against a pillar. To a casual observer, nothing was amiss, not that they’d look around. Most of the people in that waiting area sat transfixed, either looking at some of the large TVs stationed around the area or else looking at their phones. It felt as though the whole room was standing still. It was, after all, the night that their crown prince was made the king.

For Cassandra Angeles, however, the world was spinning. It was barely an hour ago that she was escorted (with too much force) out of the Royal Palace and was ordered to go back to New York.

I left my flower on the bathroom counter, she thought, I should have taken it with me. Her gaze fell to the floor, eyes not seeing what was in front of her. Thoughts of what happened to the flower she’d worn in her hair tumbled through her head; did they throw my flower out? Did he? He’s probably too busy right now. 

She remembered his shy smile, the way he carefully placed the flower in her hair, his sure hands helping her brush stray grass from her skirts, the way their cheeks had hurt from smiling too much. Those three words.

Cassandra breathed out a sigh. In the cool air-conditioned room, she felt numb.

A final thought lopped into the jumbled mess in her mind:

Did he really believe those photos? 

An announcement blared from the speakers.

Cassie looked up as the PA announced her flight number. She could feel the stare of the two bodyguards standing a few feet away. With a sigh, she rose and took hold of her belongings. She took a deep breath, gripped her suitcase handle, and walked towards the boarding gate.

A moment later, the brothers Beaumont rushed to the waiting room only to be greeted by an empty seat and two burly bodyguards.

Back at the royal palace, the newly crowned King received a phone call. An hour later he set in motion a series of events he hoped would clear Cassandra’s name. 

x

New York felt like a dream to Cassie. Surreal and hazy ‘round the edges. Not quite there. The city had always been home to her; now it felt unsteady. Home was somewhere else now. There had been moments when she felt that she was dreaming; that she would wake up and find herself back in her bed in Cordonia, Maxwell knocking on the door ready to drag her along to another social function.

After months and weeks spent in luxury, being back in her old life felt strange. It didn’t quite fit. Bills she had ignored for months resurfaced. Huffy landlords had to be placated. The carefully ordered world she made for herself collapsing and leaving ruins in its wake.

Amid all this chaos, Daniel became a welcome refuge. Her old friend had offered her a place to stay and a shoulder to cry on. After seeing her red-rimmed eyes and her hastily packed bags, he had mercifully kept from asking questions. 

In the weeks that followed her return, Cassandra would wait every day for Liam and the others to contact her. A week passed.

Then a month.

Nothing.

Cassandra had entertained the thought of contacting them herself, but every time she tried, her last sight of the ballroom would always flash in her mind’s eye. Her heart would clench and fingers would hesitate before she’d put the thought away. In the back of her mind, a persistent whisper asked where is he now?

The start of the second month was when anger began to surface. Had they just discarded her? Was this all that she was now? A scandal to be buried and forgotten? Her stomach would roll and she’d feel sick at the thought. Was Drake right all along?

The third month came and with it, was desperation and countless what-ifs. As Cassie tried to establish order once more, placing one foot in front of the other, they would dog her very steps and whisper doubts into her mind. Cassandra had taken to visiting her grandmother’s grave when it got too much. Burying herself in the past just to escape a different set of memories.

It was after one of those visits when she received a phone call. Her heart jumped and her fingers shook. Could this be it? Her heart sank when she saw the caller id. It was from Daniel.

“Hey, Danny.”

“Cassie! You busy?”

“Was about to head back, actually. Why?”

“Well…” Daniel paused, “a package came for you. Looks fancy.”

Her heart jump-started again. Cassandra stood still at the gate of the cemetery. She swallowed. “D -- did you see an address?”

“Hmm? Oh yeah. That’s the thing. It’s from the UK.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “The what now?”

She can almost see him roll his eyes. “The UK Cassie. Focus! Anyway, I’m very curious and I got a shift in an hour, so don’t open it until I get back!”

Cassandra rolled her eyes. “It’s my package dummy. I open it anytime I damn well please.”

“Ugh. You’re so British when you say that. But you’ll tell me what’s in it yeah?”

“Yeah yeah. Got to go. Bye!”

x

The package was just a package. Cassie had expected some grand old box with how Daniel said it was fancy. The contents were rather typical. Two tins of cookies, or biscuits as her gran would insist back then, all of them Gran Cece’s favourites, a well-knitted scarf, a nice woollen hat, an old postcard of some grand English manor and a letter.

The last one was strange.

The stationery was high end. Plain but elegant with clean blue lines and woven writing paper. A subtle scent wafted from it. Lavender. It was familiar, Cassandra mused, recalling instances in her childhood, (back when her parents were still there) when she saw similar papers clutched in her grandmother’s hands. She had been fascinated by the pretty blue of the envelopes and had asked her Gran about them. Gran smiled, small and sad, and said they came from her sister. That had been the end of it.

It was only when she grew older, after the screams and the twisted metal and the smoke and the knock that changed everything, that she realized they weren’t alone after all. Somewhere across the pond was family, and somewhere further east was her father’s whole past. On days when she got particularly lonely, she would daydream. Cassie had then decided that she would go and see the world. Meet her family wherever they are, her Gran Cece at her side. Then Gran got sick, Cassie got swamped in college and work and those dreams fell to the wayside, only to be revived by a pair of warm brown eyes and a trip to a small Mediterranean country. 

After munching on some cookies, Cassie opened the letter. Who sends letters these days? She thought bemused. God, even the writing paper’s fancy.

My dearest Cassandra,

I know you might not remember me, and you might find it strange that I am only just contacting you after all these years. I’m terribly sorry about that. Your grandmother might have mentioned me from time to time, but if she hasn’t, then let me introduce myself to you now. My name is Clara Sinclaire-Harper and I’m your grandmother’s sister. 

I’m sure you have questions. I’ll be more than happy to answer them although if you also want nothing to do with me and your grandmother’s past then I understand. The reason I’m writing to you now is to extend an invitation to you. I’ve heard of the unfortunate happenings a few months ago in Cordonia. My dear girl, I’m not here to bring you criticism or anything of that sort. What I’m offering you is an escape from that unfortunate incident. Should you wish it, you are more than welcome to Edgewater, our family’s estate here in England. 

You are my blood and our family has been separated long enough. I understand if you are reluctant to trust a letter sent to you by some stranger. If you want to talk or to simply ask questions, attached to this letter is my personal contact information. I’ll be eagerly awaiting your reply.

Sincerely,

Aunt Clara

x

Cassie was still sat on the couch, cookie crumbs on her lap when Daniel came back from his shift.

“Please tell me you haven’t been stuck in that position for hours.”

 Cassandra stirred. “Hhmm?”

“Earth to Cassie!” Daniel said over the sound of cupboards opening. “It’s my turn to cook tonight. What’re you in the mood for?”

“Oh. Uh. You pick Danny. I think I’m gonna lie down for a bit.” Cassie said preparing to get up.

“Nuh-uh sister. Sit the fuck down.” He makes his way to the couch. “What’s wrong?”

Cassie handed him the letter and looked out the window. She watched from the corner of her eye as Daniel’s mouth dropped in shock.

“Holy shit.”

“Tell me ‘bout it.”

“Did you know anything about this?”

“Kinda? I mean, I sorta knew we had family across the pond. And I think she helped with the funeral expenses back then, plus you’ve met Gran so…” she shrugged, “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised?”

“But where has she been all these years?”

“In England you dummy,” Cassie said while rolling her eyes.

“Pft. You know what I mean.”

“I don’t know. Should I ask her that? It’s not too rude is it?”

“She’s practically inviting you to ask! Plus she owes you some kind of explanation. Grandma Cece died two years ago, where was she then?” he paused. “Are you gonna call her?”

Cassie sighed. “I mean, I gotta right? After dinner though. I need food to face this.”

x

It took two rings before she answered.

“You’ve reached the private line of Her Lady Harper, Countess of Edgewater. May I take a message?”

“Oh, um,” Cassie paused her lady? Countess? What the actual fuck? Silently she scrambled for the etiquette lessons that Bertrand dictated. After taking a deep breath she continued. “This is Cassandra Angeles. The erm, Countess is expecting me.” The last part sounded like a question. Cassie cringed.

“Oh, of course! Please hold for a moment.”

“Uh, yeah. Sure.”

 Cassandra fidgeted. A beat of silence then a voice.

“Hello?” The accent was smooth, polished, aristocratic and heart-achingly familiar. For a moment she remembered warm arms and chamomile tea, a tinkling laugh and a smile just for her. Then she was back in her shared apartment in busy New York talking to an aunt that she’s never met.

“Cassandra? Are you there?”

“Oh yes. Sorry ‘bout that. Um, I’m here yeah.”

“I see,” Cassie can hear a hint of amusement in the otherwise pleasant tone. “I’m so glad you decided to call. Did you like the package I sent you?”

“Oh, it’s the least I could do. I, uh really liked those. And the scarf! Was really nice.” Cassandra wanted to bang her head on the wall. Why am I so bad at small talk? Why are we doing small talk? 

As if sensing her thoughts Clara (Aunt Clara? Lady Clara? Her Ladyship? What the fuck am I supposed to call her?) said, “I assume you’re calling not just to thank me for the package?”

“Erm no. I just – that is, I’m, uh, wondering if you’re really my aunt?” Why did you start with that? 

Cassie heard her laugh through the phone, the sound so eerily familiar, “Oh that. Well, I’m technically your mother’s aunt. Grandaunt would be a more appropriate title, wouldn’t it? But it’s such a mouthful not to mention it makes me sound like some old withered crone! You can just call me Aunt Clara. Or even auntie! I’ve never been called auntie,” she paused, “unless you don’t want to of course.”

Cassandra cleared her throat. “I’d, um, I’d like that very much. Calling you auntie I mean.”

“Oh, that’s such a relief to hear! Now dear, unto other questions, yes?”

x

“So how was it?” Daniel asked, nearly buried under his pile of pillows. Cassandra plopped down and snatched the nearest pillow she could reach.

“Apparently there was some drama when Gran got pregnant with my mom. My great-granddad threw her out of the family and married her sister to their family friend so she couldn’t go after Gran. Then, get this, the guy that Auntie got married to? He just kicked the bucket, that’s why she’s suddenly contacting me right now. Crazy, huh?”

“What even is your family Cassie?” 

Cassandra let out a laugh and said, “Tell me about it.”

“So does that mean you guys are actually crazy rich?”

“Heh. Here’s the thing. My Aunt Clara? She’s actually… kinda is titled?”

“What?” Daniel had bolted out his cocoon, scattering pillows across the small room. 

“She’s a countess in England?” 

“You’ve got blue blood, is that what you’re saying?”

“I mean, ish? Dad’s a nurse and the rest of his siblings’ in the Philippines if that’s what you’re asking.”

“No, what I’m saying is that you’ve got a lady for an aunt! Does that make you her heir?”

“What? No. I’ve got cousins. They’re gonna be her heirs.”

“So, what now? Are gonna be one happy family?”

“She, uh, kinda invited me to stay with her. At the family estate. God, that sounds so weird.”

“Are you gonna accept?”

“I – I’m not sure.”

x

Shanghai, China 

Meanwhile, amid all the glitz and glamour of an engagement tour, the fragile bond between a father and his son is torn apart by a conspiracy.

x

New York, the next day

Cassandra stood in front of a mirror, head bent, both of her hands flat on the bathroom counter. Her gaze pinned on two pink lines. 

What do I do? Do I tell him? How? It’s gonna be a scandal! Oh, he’s gonna hate me. If he hasn’t already. 

I need to get away.

I need – 

She raised her head and met her eyes at the mirror. Cassie fished her phone from her purse. 

“Hey, Auntie. It’s Cassie. About that offer…”

x

The JFK, two days later

Cassandra Angeles looked up as the PA announced her flight number. She finished typing her text to Daniel, took a deep breath and took hold of her belongings and walked towards the gates.

On the other side of the landing strip, a royal jet had just landed. 

x

UN Headquarters, night time

King Liam of Cordonia stepped out into the balcony. The ceremonies have been finished and obligations dealt with. He was finally alone. He looked at the New York skyline. On the surface, the city looked the same as it was months ago when he first arrived in New York; Wide-eyed but resigned to his fate. Liam, however, had changed from the man he was then. The Liam that returned was even more at a loss than his past self. 

I always thought I’d return here with you. 

The thought of seeing her again, however angry she might be, was the only thing that kept him together all throughout the tour. Let her be angry with me if that’s what it takes. Just let me see her again.

His (their) friends have long since gone to Los Angeles in search of Tariq. For Liam, it seemed like this was the first time in this whole tour that the group had seemed united. He felt a faint flicker of hope. Maybe now that they’re here, they might find her. After all, he thought, it wouldn’t be too suspicious to run into her here. 

Madeline had been suspicious but there was nothing she could do, yet a small voice in his mind added. After all, there had been no sign of Cassie, no contact, not that he’d blame her; Their friends had no inkling of where she’d gone, even though Drake had asked around her old bar and Bastien and his team yielded little results. This confession would mean little if she’s not there. 

“Where had you gone?” he whispered. No one answered him. 

#

I know its a bit wordy but if you guys wanna be tagged let me know.

[callme-sarge]

Drawn to you

SMUT 18+ only

A/n: First Loki fic I’m super proud of it and I really hope you guys enjoy it!

Pairing: Loki x Reader

Word count: 4404 it is way longer than I meant for it to be I’m sorry

Feedback and reblogs are loved and welcomed

You were sat at your desk when your best friend Jane called you, desperate for a break from the typing up reports you quickly answered. “Hey what’s up, I haven’t heard from you in a while?” You leaned into your chair stretching your back.

“Not much I’m actually stuck on this new theory.” She went on to explain how she was trying to understand how Asgardian “technology” worked in correlation to human technology but it was slow going because things were a bit weird between her and Thor.

“So, you wanna use me to get information from your ex is that what I’m hearing?” You joked.

“Ugh no that’s not-.”

“Oh no that’s exactly it.” You laughed spinning in your chair. “Of course, I’ll talk to him just send me what you’ve got and any major questions you need answered and I’ll take care of it. You owe me food for this y’know?”

“Oh my god thank you, you’re a lifesaver and next time I’m in New York anywhere you wanna go.” You talked for a few more minutes before she had to go and then you called Thor who had thankfully finally gotten a phone and learned how to use it, wanting to get out of your office he agreed to meet you on the third-floor balcony of the compound that looked over the manicured lawn. You printed off all the work Jane had sent you and laid it along with a notebook into your bag before heading out. You stopped at a vending machine before you walked out the doors to the balcony when you remembered you had forgotten your lunch that day also grabbing a pack of pop tarts as a small thank you to Thor.

Once you got settled in you began reading over Janes work while nibbling on the snacks you bought, you were almost halfway through the small stack when a strong hand came down on your shoulder.

“Y/n! It’s been to long.” You whirled around grinning up at him his hair was much shorter than the last time you saw him, and he had an eyepatch covering his right eye. You jumped up from your chair and he swooped you off the ground in a crushing hug, this was one of the things you loved about Thor he gave the best hugs. Thankfully you were in jeans this time the last time you saw him you had been in a short flowy dress and when he lifted you off the ground there might have been an accidental mooning.

“I love your hair short it’s a good look, but what happened to your eye?” You questioned when he finally settled you on the ground. He took the seat in front of you and you slid him the pop tarts as he launched into his story of the last few years with Sakkar, his crazy sister nearly destroying Asgard.

“That’s insane I’m so sorry Thor.” He wiped crumbs from his beard.

“Why? I only lost one eye I do have a spare,” He grinned. “My people are safe and happy and those rebuilding what was destroyed are all trying to outdo each other, it’s become quite the competition. There is nothing to be sorry about.” You couldn’t believe even after everything that happened he was still this upbeat.

“Now about Janes work, I’m afraid I won’t be as helpful as you were expecting I never spent as much time studying the magic of my world as I should have but I have someone who is willing to help.”

“Oh, okay who-” Thor stood looking at someone behind you.

“Ah Loki I was beginning to wonder if you were lost brother.” You froze in your chair. You had never actually met the god of mischief, but you had heard plenty of stories and none of them were particularly good. You took a deep breath, you did trust Thor so unless his brother proved otherwise you would trust Loki as well. You stood up smoothing out the thin green blouse you wore before turning, your hand outstretched in greeting and nearly froze again.

Thor’s brother was hot. Not that Thor wasn’t also attractive but where he was solid muscle Loki was lean and tall with long black hair and when he took your hand in his with a small mischief filled smile you knew you were done for.

“Pleasure to meet you my name is Loki.”

“I know- I mean uh hi my names Y/n.” Typical not even two seconds in and you were already embarrassing yourself. Thor took one look at your flushed cheeks and after giving a rather obvious side eye announced he had some things to discuss with Bruce.

“Liar.” You mumbled under your breath.

“What was that?” He leaned closer, causing his hair fall over his shoulder and you longed to push it back.

You shook your head. “Nothing, sorry. Uhm.” You gestured to the chair across from yours before sitting. ‘You will not fall all over yourself just because he is pretty, get it together Y/n!’ You grabbed the papers you had already read and began putting them in order.

“I was almost finished with Janes paper.” You handed him the papers as he settled into the chair. “I figured you could read this before I start with all the questions, so you’ll have an understanding of what she’s doing.”

“Alright.” He brushed his hair away leaning back, placing his ankle over his knee and laying the papers there to read. He rested his chin on his hand and with his finger running over his bottom lip you couldn’t help but stare. Suddenly his eyes were on you a startling and unwavering blue.

Your eyes widened, and you could feel your face getting warmer. You hurriedly buried your nose back in the paper you had left off on, missing the growing smile on Loki’s face as he turned away.

You both sat in a comfortable silence as you read, when you had finished a page you would slide it across the table and his fingers would brush along your hand each time as he picked it up and you would have to restart whatever sentence you had been on. Loki was a much faster reader than you so when you finished your last page he was ready for it. You leaned down to your bag pulling out your notebook and rummaged around for a pen. You huffed flipping your hair back as you pulled your bag into your lap praying you had a pen somewhere, not wanting to go back to your office.

“Looking for something darling.” He straightened the papers all back in order as he watched you finding the huffy expression on your face adorable.

“I can’t find a pen. I coulda swore I had one in here.” You dropped your bag looking up at him.

“Here.” Gold light shimmered around his hand as a black pen appeared between his fingers. Your mouth dropped open slightly.

“How did you do that?” You took the pen looking it over in awe.

“Well that’s what you’re trying to find out now isn’t it?” He smiled.

That’s how you two spent the rest of the afternoon, for every question Loki answered you had two more. He was also more than happy to show off his magic for you he loved the look on your face when he did, the way your eyes went wide with amazement and your face lit up. He never wanted that look to leave your face. Well. His eyes drifted to chest were your breasts were slightly on display in the lower cut top you wore, and he couldn’t help but think of other expressions he wouldn’t mind seeing on your face.

“Oh shit, I hadn’t realized how late it was getting.” You glanced at your phone, it was nearly six thirty. “I need to be getting back home.” You started grabbing all the loose papers stuffing everything in your bag. “I’m so sorry I kept you here all day.”

“Don’t be I quite enjoy talking with you.”  He handed you your notebook when you looked back up at him. The soft evening breeze had wisps of your hair fluttering about your face and his fingers itched to brush them away. He couldn’t believe he had become so enraptured by you so quickly, but here he was unable to look away from your beautiful y/e/c eyes. He didn’t want you to leave not yet.

“Would you like to have dinner with me?” You moved the loose hair tickling your cheeks behind your ear.

“What, like tonight?”

“Unless you are otherwise engaged yes, I don’t believe you’ve eaten anything other than.” He looked at the table you had sat at, at the wrappers slowly being pushed around by the wind. “A snickers bar and a bag of Doritos.” He turned his amused expression back to you as you played with your bags strap thinking about the two-day old Chinese food taking a rather lonely residence in your fridge. Your stomach grumbled low and you pulled your bag up higher on your shoulder.

“What did you have in mind.” You smiled. 

You had only been in the avenger’s area once before when you had been deep in conversation with Bruce and had just followed him up to their kitchen area for some lunch. The kitchen looked straight out of a magazine everything was practically gleaming, you sat at the island hooking your bag over the back of the stool before admiring the beautiful marble top that could pay your rent for three months. Tony certainly could afford a nice set-up, you looked to your right at the large glass dining table and the living room behind that, the whole place felt so open and welcoming you couldn’t help but think that everyone up here really was a family.

You turned back at the clinking of pans. “So, god of mischief what is that you’re making me exactly?” He looked over his shoulder at you, his smirk making your grin widen.

“Steak and potatoes the way we had them on Asgard.” His voice muffled by the freezer door. Your stomach growled again at the thought of a real meal, you were so busy most days you just snacked or got something quick, but now your mouth was watering in anticipation. You slid of the stool walking up behind him as he reached up into a cabinet for spices, the black button down he wore stretching over his toned back making your eyes wander slowly downwards.

‘His ass does look rather spectacular in those dress pants...’ You thought. Your whole body started feeling much warmer as your thoughts began to stray, the spice bottles made a clicking sound when they met the counter quickly bringing you back to reality. ‘Oh my god get it together, you are just working with him on a paper he’s just being polite.’ You mentally scolded yourself before tapping his shoulder. He turned smiling down at you not at all helping that to warm feeling in your body.

“Mind if I help?” His smile widened, and he moved over making room for you.

“Of course not little one.” Your footsteps faltered slightly his words going straight to your core, his voice sounded much deeper. You brushed it off as he gave you instructions and the two of you began working around each other.

You talked as you cooked slowly getting to know each other, you weren’t sure if it was because he was just easy to talk to or if was because he was the silver-tongued god but he practically had you telling your life story by the time you had set the finished food on plates.

“Sorry I rambled the whole time.” You laughed sliding into the seat he pulled out for you.

“Don’t apologize anyone with internet can know enough about me. I wanted to know you.” He whispered the last part in your ear sending a wave of chills down your neck. He sat in the chair to your right before pouring two glasses of wine elegant fingers settling a glass next your plate.

“Thank you, Loki you really didn’t have to do all this, for me.” You took a sip of the wine humming at the sweet taste.

“No but I wanted to. I like you and good company is hard to find here since...” He trailed off looking down at his plate. You knew he meant the New York thing, but you had read the reports you had been around for it working as an intern at Tony’s labs and after talking to Loki all day you knew there was something off about it.

“Well I think everyone deserves a second chance, things aren’t always what they seem the first time around.” You had started cutting into your steak and missed the look Loki gave you.

The longer he was around you the more he realized he genuinely liked you he wasn’t fond of anyone really but the way you just accepted him, it made his breath catch in his throat. He could tell you had put thought into whether you should trust him or not and he wouldn’t ruin that for anything.

You let out a near pornographic moan at the first bite that made him shift in his seat. “Lohi vis is amading.” You mumbled around another mouthful causing him to laugh.

“Careful love you’ll choke.” You took a few moments longer than usual trying not to laugh as well.

“Don’t laugh it’s your fault you make amazing food. Can you cook for me all the time?” You joked.

“Anytime just ask.”

“Don’t I’ll just abuse the power.” You smirked before digging back in.

You both ate in silence after that and once you had cleaned all the dishes it was rather apparent that neither of you wanted to go so Loki grabbed another bottle of wine and you settled onto the plush couch next to him sliding your black flats off to tuck your legs under you.

“What’s that?” You looked to see what he was talking about, he was staring curiously at your ankle. You tugged the cuff of your pant leg up revealing the bottom half of your tattoo the black geometric design at the bottom was what he saw you couldn’t pull your pant up any higher, so he could only see half of the sunflower that covered most of your calf.

“It’s probably my favorite it was the third one I got.” He reached over, his cold fingers tracing the design.

“How many do you have?” You tipped your head up in thought.

“Uhm eight I think it’s hard to remember some connect to others so.” You took another sip of wine. “Eight tattoos and ten piercings in my regular street clothes I look like a regular punk New Yorker but in my work clothes everyone thinks I’m the sweet girl next door.” You chuckled flipping your hair back as you pulled your pant leg down, when you looked back up Loki was staring at your ears.

“What is it?”

“You said ten piercings, but you’ve only got seven.”

“That you can see.” His eyes shot to yours and your pulse quickened.

“So where are the other three?” His voice was once again much deeper than before, and the blue of his eyes was slowly disappearing. You hadn’t had enough to drink to blame what you said on the wine you just went for it.

“Well, why don’t you find out for yourself.” You bit your lip not taking your eyes off his and suddenly he was on you. His lips against yours his body pushing yours back onto the armrest behind you when his hand came up to cup your cheek you shivered at the contact his hands were much colder than a normal person, but it felt delicious on your heated skin.

He pulled back enough to nip at your bottom lip and when you let out a small gasp he used the opportunity to slip his tongue in pressing against yours and the kissing became more heated. He had pushed you back far enough you could move your legs from where they had been trapped beneath you and wrap them around his waist pulling him tight against you, whimpering at the feel of his hard cock pressing against your aching center.

He pulled away suddenly with a growl, you sat up when he stood next to the couch both of you breathing hard. He held his hand out to you. “Come.” You practically jumped off the couch grabbing your shoes before taking his hand as he led you out of the living room down a hall.

“Where are we going?” You sounded out of breath.

“My room. You work here if anyone were to walk in I don’t want you getting in trouble.” That was actually really smart, but you had been so caught up in him Captain America could have walked right in and you’re not sure if you would have cared enough to stop. You stopped at the end of the hall as Loki pushed his door open letting you in first. It was a large room but didn’t have much in it just a large bed next to the window that took up most of the wall, two bookshelves took up the opposite wall with a comfortable looking chair next to them.

“I’m never here often enough to need more than this.” He explained you turned back to him. He had undone the first few buttons of his shirt and you bit your lip at the sight. He moved closer his hand reaching up cupping your chin as his thumb tugged your lip free. “That’s for me to do.” He whispered using his hold on your chin to guide your head up, so he could once again capture your lips. It started slow just lazy kisses but when he tugged your bottom lip harshly you moaned pressing tighter against him and things heated up again rather quickly.

He started walking you backwards until you butt hit the edge of his bed and you pushed him away. He looked at you quizzically but when you slowly pulled your blouse up over your head he understood and hurriedly undid the rest of the buttons before throwing his shirt behind him. You dropped your shirt and laid back on the soft mattress letting your legs hang over the side. Loki ran his cool hands down your thighs before hooking them behind your knees pulling them open farther so he could stand in between. His hand slowly traveled up your thigh, stomach but stopped just below your bra upon seeing the small red dermal between your breasts.

“That’s one.” Your breathy voice full of need. His eyes flicked to yours as his hand continued its path up to wrap around your neck and your eyes slid shut as you giggled at the pressure. His cock twitched in his pants at the sight.

“You like this little one, you like being taken control of?” You nodded, he tightened his grip.

“I didn’t hear you.” You moaned out a yes when his grip on our throat lessened and his lips came crashing down to yours, all tongue and teeth. His hands slid down quickly undoing your jeans, shoving them down along with your now ruined panties. You gasped at the sudden cold on your wet heat as Loki pulls back breathing hard as he takes you in.

“Take it off.” He nods at your covered chest as he slowly undoes his belt. You scramble up the bed hurriedly undoing the lacy bra and tossing it away. His belt lands with a clink on the floor and you look up to see him palming his generous length through his pants, you can’t help but wonder how it would feel to have that inside you fucking you senseless.

“I see I’ve found the other two.” He growls out crawling up the bed. You cover your breasts hiding the new piercings from his view.

“You know I’m feeling a little left out, here I am naked in your bed and you’ve still got clothes on.” You arched a brow at his narrowed eyes, he paused not taking his eyes off yours, then there was the golden shimmer of his magic around his legs.

You didn’t have the chance to see much as he grabbed your ankle and quickly pulled you under him, your hands flew to his firm chest at the unexpected move. He pressed his hips firmly into yours and you whined when you felt his thick length pressing against your drenched cunt, you tried to rock your hips desperate for more friction, but you couldn’t move. You looked down to see a thin rope of green mist over your waist.

“Loki stop teasing.” You dragged your nails down his chest and he groaned at the feeling before grabbing both your hands in one of his, pining them above your head.

“You’re not the one giving orders tonight little one.” He punctuated his words by roughly grinding against your cunt. “Understood.” You nodded still desperately trying to move your hips against his. “I said do you understand.” He leaned down capturing your pierced nipple in his mouth sucking harshly you shook beneath him the piercing making you overly sensitive.

“Fuck, yes, yes sir please just fuck me!” He pulled off you with a pop, his eyes impossibly darker.

“Keep your hands up I’d hate to have to restrain them.” He released your wrists trailing his hands down to toy with your nipples.

“Liar.” You felt him smirk against your skin as he moved down your body leaving a trail of cold kisses that left your skin hotter than before. When he reached your spread legs, he wasted no time in lifting your legs over his shoulders and licking a stripe from your opening to your aching clit. “Shiiit.” You fisted the sheets above you trying to hold yourself back from dropping your hands to pull at his hair.

He ate you out like it was his job, his tongue switching from running tight circles over your clit to spearing your entrance reaching deeper than you had thought possible, his hands held tight to your bucking hips and you were turned into a blubbering mess beneath him. You looked down to see him gazing hungrily up at you his hair falling out of place, the coil in your stomach grew tighter and you were suddenly pushed over the edge when a green mist swirled around your breasts pulling at your taught nipples. You came screaming his name as he lapped at your juices drinking in everything you had to offer. You whimpered as you became too sensitive and he finally pulled away lowering your quivering legs to the mattress. He lay down next to you running his hands soothingly up your back.

“Are you alright darling?”  He pressed a kiss to your shoulder and you turned your head to look at him.

“I don’t think I’ve ever cum that hard before.” He ran that sinful tongue across his lip, reaching to cup your face in his hand.

“Don’t speak to soon I’m not quite done with you yet.” He pulled you closer pressing a sweet kiss to your lips that you melted into, tasting yourself on him. You shifted and felt his leaking cock press against your ass, his hand left your face trailing down your leg to pull it high over his holding it in place. He pushed slowly into you with a groan, you pulled away from his lips your mouth dropping open at the feeling of his cock fully seated in you. He stilled giving you time to adjust, sucking marks onto your neck and shoulder when you finally pushed against him.

“Move, please Loki I want you.” His hand tightened around your thigh as his other hand reached up to hold your throat as he set a brutal pace. You opened your mouth in a silent scream, his thrusts had him hitting that sweet spot deep inside you over and over you held tight to his arm as he put pressure around your neck slowly cutting off oxygen.

“You feel so good y/n, you’re doing so good for me little one.” You tried your best to move your hips with his, but you couldn’t keep up the only thing keeping you in place was his grip on your thigh. The only sounds were the obscene slapping of skin on skin and your begging.

“Loki please I’m so close, please, please.” You probably sounded pathetic, but you didn’t care all you could think about was the delicious burn of his cock stretching you open. His hand slipped down between your legs to furiously rub at your clit the cold feeling jolted you. He released his grip on your throat and you your vision went white as you fell over the edge reaching behind you tangling your hand in Loki’s long hair, a few more strokes had him releasing into you with a roar.

You went limp in his arms breathing hard your heart threatening to beat out of your chest, he slowly pulled out of you hissing at the feeling. You rolled over pressing your face to his chest.

“Silver tongued god has taken on a whole new meaning to me now.” He chuckled wrapping his arms tightly around you as you felt something soft settling over you, you turned your head to see the dark bed sheet covering you. “I am seriously loving magic.” He smiled pressing quick kisses to your lips, you melted into him. “What was that for?”

He shook his head, “I like kissing you.” You smiled tracing your fingers over his chest.

“Well I like you.” You pressed your lips to his sweeping your tongue out seeking entrance which he quickly granted, pulling you to lay half on top of him before pulling away.

“Go to sleep little one I’ve got plans for you in the morning.” You gave a sleepy smile as you settled against him, you hadn’t realized how tired you actually were. Your breaths evened out as Loki stared down at you, he wasn’t sure why he felt so drawn to you he just knew he didn’t want to let you go.

[undertalethingems]

Special Fic Chapter: Aftermath

In lieu of a readily available comic update, I’ve got a brand-new chapter of the story to share! 1.6k words long, it fits between Chapters 3 and 4 of the comic--taking place on the morning just after Sans summons his full special attack.

It’s clear Sans isn’t too pleased to have his attack running around, but until now, we haven’t really seen how he feels about it. He keeps that kind of thing to himself. Or at least he’d like to.

As Sans tried rolling out of bed as he always did, his body felt light and heavy at the same time--an odd sensation to be sure. He groaned, remembering last night's nightmare. Oof, this was why he never got into drawn-out fights if he could help it. He always felt it the next day.

He was working on getting his legs to hold him up when soft scraping reminded him he had company. A half-formed thought and the attack's heavy skull was under his arm, and he curled his digits into the long nasal split that ran up its snout to steady himself. He managed a soft chuckle.

"i'd ask ya to carry me out, but i don't think you'd make it through the door."

The beast chuffed, and he couldn't be sure if it genuinely found things funny or was just echoing his own amusement back at him. Something to ponder over breakfast, provided he made it that far. He really did not feel up to moving today. But with any luck....

"Sans? Are you awake?" Papyrus' voice rang out from just outside his door.

Ah, right on time. "yeah bro. i'm, uh--havin' a little trouble."

"I take that to mean you need my help. Unsurprising! Not to worry, the Great Papyrus is willing and able to assist!"

The door creaked open under Papyrus's hand, and Sans used his attack to lift him and close the distance. He could do a little bit to help his brother out. As Papyrus picked him up, he let go of his attack's skull, and it rumbled a bit.

Papyrus eyed it. "Your attack is only slightly less intimidating in the light, brother."

"...you really think it's intimidating, huh?" Sans asked quietly, and Papyrus scoffed.

"Absodutely! It's completely out of character for you! Big, spiky, unfriendly--I suppose you have the matching creepy permanent grin thing going on, but mine also has my smile so that's to be expected. But you can't scare away nightmares with more nightmares! Ugh!"

Sans sighed. "you're probably right bro, heh. didn't stop me from trying, i guess."

"The fact you tried at all is... admirable," Papyrus admitted. "But I really hope from now on your nightmares leave you alone."

"same, bro, same. i like my sleep uninterrupted."

"Don't I know it, ugh. Anyway! Now that you have been obtained, what do you want to do?"

"honestly...? sleep more," Sans replied cheekily, and his brother groaned.

"No! You just got up!!!"

The beast chuffed behind them--maybe it really did find things funny.

"nah, you're right. if i sleep, then i can't do my other favorite thing."

Papyrus sighed dramatically. "I suppose not. What do you want for breakfast, anyway?"

They decided on omelets, and Papyrus deposited Sans at the table before getting started. Sans almost found himself drifting off--even though he'd been joking about it earlier, he really could go for more shuteye. Hopefully in light of his rough night, Papyrus would let him nap more than usual today. Considering his magic felt flimsy and distant, he probably needed the rest.

The clatter of a plate in front of him snapped him out of a daze, and he pretended not to notice the concern that flickered over Papyrus' face for an instant as he passed by to take his own seat. The omelet looked amazing, and he was grateful to Toriel for taking over cooking lessons. The expression on her face when she'd learned how he'd been doing it had been priceless, but so had Papyrus' when she'd suggested she teach him a thing or two. Sans dug his fork in, and the first bite alone said more than enough about how well lessons had been going.

After breakfast, Sans felt far more capable of moving under his own power, though that just meant taking a shortcut back up to his room. His attack perked up as his sudden appearance, and he laughed.

"what, so my brother making a racket downstairs bugs you, but a little space-time folding is nothing huh? of course... maybe you can feel when i'm about to do it, so it's not much of a surprise to ya. anyway... unless you're basically an exact copy of me, you'd probably rather be outside."

The world blinked, and they both stood out on the lawn. The blaster glanced around, then stretched out to its full length--what was surely over fifty feet by Sans' estimation--and crooned a pleased-sounding low warble. Its voice was almost immediately answered by a call from Papyrus' attack, which came loping around the house to investigate them.

"hey pal," Sans greeted it, and watched as the two sniffed at each other again before nuzzling with their snouts. Aw. He couldn't imagine why they wouldn't, but it was good the attacks got along. The two of them probably couldn't have handled any other situation.

His attack looked up at the sun and seemed to study its position before flopping down in the grass, and he had to laugh again as his brother's attack made huffy noises and tried to nudge it back up, clearly wanting to play. But his blaster grumbled back and made a show of getting comfortable, and Sans marveled at the familiarity. He shook his head, amused, and wondered just how much this raw show of magic was just a weird dragon version of him. He continued to watch them for a while, lost in thought.

When it came down to it, he wasn't sure how he felt about all this. On the one hand... it was pretty amazing. Maybe the most amazing thing he'd ever done with his magic. And hey, his blasters did look pretty cool, the same way a rapid chemical reaction or controlled explosion did. All that power under his expert control was thrilling.

But at the same time, it was power he'd only ever used--or planned to use--in very specific, extremely dire circumstances. And now it had a mind of its own. He already felt like its mere existence revealed too much of what he tried to keep personal. He heaved a sigh, and tried calling it back.

But either he was too tired, or these attacks really did have something more to them. His attack raised an eyelid to study him before going back to basking. Well, Papyrus would have been heartbroken if he'd dispelled it anyway. He'd just have to put his discomfort aside and see how it all played out. Undyne and the kid would probably love it too. And hey, it might even come in handy to have around somehow. He couldn’t know.

"alright you guys, i'm headed back in. don't get into any trouble you can't get back out of, ok?"

With a click, he returned to his room, and shuffled out into the rest of the house to see Papyrus had busied himself organizing the contents of his 'food museum'. It had changed quite a bit now that he had new 'works' to display, but there was still at least one container of spaghetti from the Underground in there. Despite his rummaging, he heard Sans' footsteps in time to glance up and beam.

"Ah! Brother! There you are! I have a plan for today and you have to listen, only partly because you are in it!"

"only partly?" Sans repeated teasingly.

"The other part is because I am in it! And! The plan is! That you are going to rest, and I am going to do some tidying up until Frisk returns later this early afternoon. Such a plan may seem simple, but that simply means it's utterly foolproof! Nyeh heh heh heh heh! Heh!"

"whoa whoa wait. i don't have ears so i'm not sure i heard you right. you're saying... you're actually letting me nap?"

"Yes! At least until Frisk returns!" Papyrus replied staunchly. "I wish you would spend more of your life awake, but even I can concede that you may need some further rest after the night you had. So! Your orders, brother, are to catch some extra Z's so that you may be somewhat re-energized for the return of our dear human friend. Understand?"

"loud and clear bro," Sans replied, giving him a thumbs-up. "i better get on it right away. it sounds pretty serious."

"It is! So go do that lying down thing you like so much and I will wake you when Frisk is here!"

"don't have to tell me twice. see ya later bro."

"See you later indeed!"

Sans retreated to his room, bed, and under the covers without further ado. As he waited for sleep to come--which, knowing him, it would shortly--he felt out his magic levels again. Still not even close to where he liked to keep it. He'd probably be worn out for the next few days, really.

Well, he wasn't exactly planning on doing anything that would require him to try recovering it quickly. He could take it easy on this.

Probably.

They were flying blind, now. He was trying to hope that was a good thing, but it was hard to picture the future. Last he'd checked, it was still...

Hm. It'd been a while since he'd checked, and these things were always in flux. He didn't expect anything to have changed, but maybe...

Eh.

His thoughts were getting too scattered to keep thinking about this. Maybe he'd have a chance to look into it later today once he'd gotten some rest. Man. Papyrus had made the right call. He was going to make the most of it, and let sleep carry him away.

He wasn’t going to worry about unforeseen consequences just yet.

[siconetribal]

This Means War!

Fandom: YGO:DM AU

Paring: Marik Ishtar/Robin DeSand (FOC) and Ryo Bakura/Seihara Cross (FOC)

Warning: Fluff, Humor, Mild Cursing

They were everywhere. Though they were few, it felt like they swarmed the place and it irked Robin to the bone. The unwanted guests that now filled the apartment had somehow made themselves comfortable in the humble abode of her’s and Seihara. Gritting her teeth in frustration, she glared at the pests as she grabbed her cell phone and stomped out of the room. There was only one person she could rely on right now.

[Ugh! WTF!] She punched the letters on to the touch screen, opting for some cathartic release from typing over swiping the letters on to the digital screen. Flopping down on her bed, she awaited the chime of a received message as she rubbed her temples. There had to be something she was missing. But what?! She groaned, wishing Seihara was here instead of at work. She jumped at the chime from her phone, tapping the screen to life to see Marik’s name.

[What’s up?]

[Unwanted pests in my apartment, that’s what!] She texted back quickly, pouting as she added an array of unamused and disgruntled emoji to make her point.

[Unwanted pests? What? Do you need me to come over? Who are they?] He sent back, frowning at the text that came from his girlfriend. He glanced out the window from his apartment room. It was still sunny out, the warmth of spring coming and going like some continuous April Fool’s prank from Mother Nature. Then again, it should be Summer by now more so than Spring.

[Can you magically make them disappear?] He blinked at the text that came back.

[You’re gonna have to be a little clearer...you ok?] He sat up with a soft grunt, his brows knitting together with concern. He was more than ready to make his way over there, but he was not entirely sure what he was going to be walking in to. Is she safe? Will they freak if I come in?

[There are so many fruit flies in the bathroom than before like wtf is happening!]

I’m sorry, what? Marik reread the message several times, rubbing his eyes to make sure he had read it properly when another text came soon after.

[I’m annoyed about these flies. There has to be a way to permanently end their existence.]

Nope, she’s seriously talking about fruit flies. My girlfriend is a weird one alright. He chuckled to himself, shaking his head as his shoulders relaxed at the relief from lack of serious situation. [You’re seriously against these flies huh?] He snickered at the image of her huddled in a cushion fort set up in the living room with a pot on her head, peeking over the edge with paper towel tube binoculars.

[I hear fly paper is really good. I’m getting the apple things too with the medication to go in it. Also yes...I’m homicidal against fruit flies.]

[You’re going to drug the bugs?] Yup, definitely huddled in a fort with a pot on her head and the lid in hand as a shield. He snorted as he tried not to laugh too much at the texts. Before he could even respond, he noted the typing notification at the bottom of the screen. Oh, what more? He waited patiently, grinning at the story that was unfolding.

[Yeah, so? Ugh I guess I go to the store tomorrow]

[You’re the one with homicidal tendencies...don’t go complaining about the store.]

[I mean I have no issue with the store, only that I have to go]

[Yeah, but don’t be all huffy when you’re the homicidal fly maniac haha]

[Ugh, I will murder them all somehow! Mark my words!] He could see the serious expression on her face now as he read the text. She was certainly not mincing words with this ‘grave’ matter and who was he to not entertain it? It was more than enough entertaining on its own right now.

[I set out the apple cider vinegar. Tomorrow I go buy supplies for this war. Wish me luck.]

[Best of luck]

[OR you could come here and bring supplies with you?]

[What, calling in reinforcements already? Can’t handle the little suckers yourself?]

[I hate house flies. I hate all insects like spiders, you know this.]

[Spiders are arachnids, not insects.]

[Doesn’t make me hate them any less….]

[You’re a weirdo.]

[I’m your weirdo.] He sighed at this text, shaking his head, tugging on the socks that were nearby before he got off of his bed and grabbed his leather jacket, wallet, keys, and phone. [So, are you coming?]

[Yeah, yeah.]

[YAY! Love you!] He smiled softly at the simple words and the kiss emoji she sent with it.

[Yeah, yeah weirdo. I love you too. I’ll see you in a bit, don’t go destroying your place before I get there.]

[No promises...but I’ll do my best!] She attached a picture of herself saluting him with such a ridiculous expression he let out a loud laugh as soon as he saw it.

“I swear, you call me the dork? What are you?” He hummed to himself. [House flies or not, you’re not allowed to hurt what’s mine. No battles outside of the apple cider vinegar naval assault.] He sent back, pocketing his phone as he made his way to his destination.

Robin stared down at her phone, rereading the last few text between them, smiling giddily at the little bit of affection. It was so simple, but it made her feel so warm inside. Falling over onto her bed, she kissed her phone screen after exiting the chat screen to see his photo that was her wallpaper. She never thought she was one to ever find this happiness ever, yet here she was and each day he only proved more and more that he was not about to vanish anywhere. Biting her lip she tried to stop the smile that was permanently glued to her face, grateful she had the place to herself. The lack of usual company meant she was free to be as she pleased tease-free.

Oh wait, he’s gonna be here! Crap, I can’t see him like this! She jumped out of bed and glanced at her baggy comfortable attire. He had seen her in such before and it was no deterrent than. She knew it would not be even now, but they had been so busy with work that they had not seen each other one-on-one in a long time. But there are fruit flies in the bathroom...ugh, but I can’t look like this after so long! Dammit, no fair! Alright Robin, just quickly shower and run right to your room. You got this! I got this! She pumped herself up a bit, jogging in place lightly as she tried to keep her nerves loose. “Ok, just run in for a quick shower and zip back here!” She coached herself aloud before sprinting to the bathroom as she shouted on the top of her longs. “The things I do for love!”

Seihara leaned back against the wall of books behind her, scrolling through an app on her phone to see the latest art pertaining to her favorite games and delving into the fantasy realms painted by others in their stories. Her job was nothing glamorous, a simple employee at a small family owned book shop. It was a rare novelty to find one surviving against the digital era which drew her in immediately when she first walked by. From there she grew to a frequent customer and now an employee. It was another slow evening, the few customers littered throughout the small building. All of them were frequent customers, but she kept her eyes on them still. Just as she was about to pocket her phone once more she caught the flash of yellow on the black screen.

A message? Bibi? A picture? She cocked a brow at this, quickly unlocking her phone to find the picture of fly paper and a package of two ‘apples’ that were fruit fly traps. The caption below: [This Means War!] Uhh...she’s really pissed with the fruit flies huh? She snickered to herself.

[I’m pretty sure you made that clear yesterday haha]

[Wish me luck! Also, isn’t he the best?!] Robin was quick to respond with a small clip of Marik waving to the phone.

Ah, so he bought it for her. That lazy ass didn’t even go out and buy it herself! [May the odds be ever in your favor Katniss haha]

[My shot glass of acv has killed a few already]

[Vinegar molotov cocktail, fancy]

[Hehehehehe] She sent a small emoji showing determination. [I will win dammit! I refuse to lose!] Seihara rolled her eyes at the last message, sending a gif showing her support for her friend before pocketing her phone properly as the bell to the door rang. “Welcome to Secret Nook, please let me know if you need any assistance.” She greeted, turning to look at the customer only to see her coffee shop date standing there at the door.

“What a small world.” Ryo flashed her a charming grin.

“I normally argue that, but I’m going to have to agree this time around.” She laughed off, grinning a little herself.

[phenyxsnest]

Taste Test

When Dipper and Lucy Ann argue about which animal's blood tastes the best. (Henry: What the fuCK)

Henry comes home once to the kitchen table covered in hundreds of small labeled vials and two blood smeared faces out of most people’s nightmares

On AO3 // On FF.net

Lucy Ann wasn't used to spending most of her time in one place. 

Oh, sure, she would sometimes settle down for awhile, but before the Transcendence, a small child living on her own got attention sooner or later, and it was better to keep on the move than try and deal with well-intentioned people.

Oh, she'd played along a few times, but as health care improved it was harder and harder to fake her own death and therefore skip town before someone noticed she wasn't getting any older, or try and blame her lack of growth on...well, just about anything.

Those were a mixed bag of memories Lucy Ann didn't care to open very often.

Right now, with the burgeoning Dinner Crew, Lucy Ann figured she had spent more time in one city than she had in a good century, and found herself with itchy feet.

But at the same time, she didn't want to be too far away from Hank and the others, who didn't understand just what sort of hornet's nest they'd poked just yet.

A trip down to Gravity Falls to visit Hank's family seemed like a good solution. Still within contact, but a different enough location to still that itch.

Which was how she came to be sitting on the Library steps, looking out into the forest with Hank's uncle, the demon.

He was still a bit of a shock, but she was getting used to it. It certainly explained a lot about Hank and his sisters, that was for sure.

Right now, Dipper was regaling her with the story of a batch of vampires he and his sister had gone up against, back when they were still getting into the whole Mystery-Twins-cult-busting business.

He'd been a little hesitant at the beginning to tell the story, as it was about vampires, but Lucy Ann poked and prodded him into telling it.

She'd known that group, and she wanted to hear how they got their asses kicked by a couple of teenagers. Sure as hell had earned it.

“...and so they said fine, they'd play, but if they won, they got to eat Mabel, and they'd get to drink my blood, and...is that even possible?” Dipper asked, turning to Lucy Ann.

She raised an eyebrow at him, an expression it had taken her time to master but was proving a worthwhile use of her time, as it irritated him. “Eating a human? Well obviously,” she answered.

Huffy demon was hilarious, though she didn't let it show. “No,” he half whined. “A vampire drinking demon blood. I know my blood's golden now, and other demons have other colors, and I'm pretty sure some of them were acidic if the way it reacted when it hit things was any indication, so could a vampire even drink demon blood?”

Lucy Ann thought for a moment, forgoing the teasing for the more interesting question. Finally she shrugged. “No idea,” she said bluntly. “I don't think I remember ever hearing of someone actually doing it, and it'd probably depend on the demon. Could you imagine drinking that acid blood you saw?”

Dipper, the demon, blushed and looked away. “Oh,” Lucy Ann said.

There was an awkward silence for a moment before she spoke again. “So? How'd it taste?”

“Lucy Ann!” Dipper said, half in mock shock, half real. Then he grew thoughtful, looking off into the distance, suddenly forked tongue licking his lips. “Like when you eat something that's too hot, when you aren't patient enough to let it cool off first. Tangy. Not sure what would happen if someone other than another demon had tried it, though.”

Lucy Ann made a small hum, looking out into the woods. “...wonder what species tastes best,” she said musingly.

“You can drink things other than human blood?” Dipper asked.

She smirked at him. “You mean you don't know?”

Dipper stiffened and Lucy Ann laughed. “Eh, I'm just messing with you. Yeah, I can drink other kinds of blood. Other stuff, too, if I get blood in it. Human blood just tastes better, and we get more out of it. Guess my vote's for human blood tasting best. Though I don't know, never did get to try demon...”

She flashed fangs at him, and Dipper laughed. “Well, I've never tried vampire blood,” he said. “I don't think demon blood is safe for you to try. Well, mine might be, since I was human first, but...”

“You can try mine if I can try yours,” Lucy Ann half teased, half offered. “Besides, I'm over five thousand years old, I think I can handle a little over-powered blood. Besides, what, you think you taste best or something?”

“What blood does taste best?” Dipper asked musingly, distracted from Lucy Ann's prodding.

“I already said, human,” Lucy Ann said testily, and Dipper grinned.

“No, really, are you sure? I mean, it's not like we've tasted all the blood that's out there.”

Lucy Ann smirked. “Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?”

Henry pulled into the back lot of the Library and parked the truck. Work today had been long but productive, and he just wanted to get dinner started so he could go sit down for a bit.

He crossed the living room, heading towards the kitchen and waving to Stan.

“Might wanna think twice before you head in there,” Stan grunted. Henry paused, one hand on the kitchen door, and Stan waved a hand. “Kid and that vamp friend of Hank's went in there a few hours ago, haven't come out since.”

Henry took a deep breath and pushed open the door, Stan's “Don't say I didn't warn ya!” ringing behind him.

He stepped into the kitchen and froze. Two faces turned to look at him, two faces smeared with blood bearing bloody fangs as they grinned at him. The table was covered in labeled vials and papers, but for all the blood the vampire and demon were covered in, Henry was grateful to note that they'd kept the table fairly clean, save for the occasional random drops.

“Hi, Henry!” Dipper chirped, and Henry had to fight the urge to either facepalm or feel ill, despite his long history with the demon.

“What are you two doing?” he asked instead, hoping against all the previous times something similar had happened that this time there was a good reason for this.

Lucy Ann went to wipe her face on her sleeve and sputtered as Henry tossed a napkin at her just in time. She rolled her eyes and wiped at her face, sitting back in her chair.

“I haven't been that sloppy in ages,” she commented. “Got in a bit of an argument over what tastes best,” she added to Henry, gesturing at the vials and papers. “I don't think we've got any clue yet really, but it was worth it. Oh, and you still owe me blood,” she added, pointing at Dipper.

“Only when we finish the rest, and we've still got three to try,” Dipper argued back. “Quit being so impatient.”

“Um...are you sure demon blood is safe?” Henry asked the tiny vampire, knowing she was older than he could ever be but unable to stop the worried words as if she were the age she appeared.

Lucy Ann waved, as if brushing aside his concerns. “Eh, the dork already worried about that. Just going to get a taste, see how that works out, maybe try more later if it doesn't affect me. If it wasn't this dork, probably wouldn't be safe, but eh, I'm willing to try it. Might be good in a drink. Okay, next vial, what've we got?”

“Unicorn,” Dipper announced, handing over the multicolored vial before downing his own. “Ugh. Tastes like...sugar and horseradish.”

Lucy Ann tipped back the vial and drank, making a face while Henry stood frozen in the doorway, wanting to leave but also morbidly fascinated. “Uck. Yeah. Wow, that's nasty. And saccharine.”

“Right. I...just...try and finish up soon, okay? I have to make dinner yet.” He glanced around the kitchen and changed his mind. “Actually, you know what? I'm going to call for pizza. No, you can't put blood on your pizza, Dipper. You've apparently had enough for one day already. Clean up when you're done, all right?”

Two voices chorused “Yes, Henry,” rolling their eyes as they reached for the last vials.

Henry closed the door to the kitchen and leaned against it, rubbing his face and groaning. Stan took another drink and said, “Warned ya.”

(Lucy Ann did get her taste of demon blood, and acted a bit like the children on Smile Dip, though somewhat milder, a power boost she hadn't been prepared for, and it was agreed – demon blood was for emergencies, times when she needed a power boost, or to be cut with something else. Anything else was too dangerous – and annoying.)

A/N: I got to Henry in the kitchen and started hearing the Gothic Charm School Mistress (@gothiccharmschool) in my head. “Napkins, dear child, Napkins!”

[neganandblake]

I think I liked you better when you didn’t have a knife in your hand, Peaches... Chapter 34 - Not my room

When Blake finds herself sold out to the Saviours by her abusive fiancé, she realises that she's certainly not on her own anymore and finds an unlikely friend in Negan. And Negan does NOT like men who beat their girlfriends, one tiny bit…

Chapter 34- Not my room

Blake laughed, as she heard a door creak open, and a second later felt herself being tossed unceremoniously down onto a soft bed.

She gave a drunken purr, stretching out, and looking around giving a frown.

"Hey, this is not my room," uttered the caramel-blonde woman, propping herself up onto her elbows and peering up at the four poster bed she was led across.

It had cool grey cotton sheets and four plump looking pillows, and Blake, from here, got the weirdest sense of déjà vu. As if she had definitely been here before.

"No, it's mine," came Negan's low matter-of-fact tone, as he stalked past her and headed over to the small wooden panelled kitchenette in the corner of the room.

Blake gave another confused, slightly unfocused frown, as she gazed around the large area.

It was indeed Negan's room. The large window on the far side showing nothing but a hazy purple sky outside.

Blake kicked off her sneakers and let out a small huff as she watched the tall dark-haired man who had carried her in, with glazed green eyes.

Negan was smirking to himself, as he placed Lucille down onto a kitchen counter casually, and pulled a bottle of water and a large glass tumbler from the side.

He was as tall as ever, with his usual leather-jacket slung over his slumped shoulders and a knife at his belt.

Blake knew, of course, that she should be scared of him. Everyone else seemed to be, so why didn't she?

But there was something about him that made her feel strangely at ease.

So, so safe when he was near her.

He poured half the bottle of water into the glass, before picking it up and strolling back over towards her.

Blake pursed her lips, that huffy frown still lingering between her brows, as she stared up into his sultry chocolate eyes.

"If you think that just because I'm drunk I'm gonna sleep with you-" she began with a pout.

But Negan cut across her with a sudden chuckle, running a free hand down his bearded face and placing the glass down onto the nightstand to her right.

"Give me a break, Sweetheart," he groaned. "I might be a fuckin' asshole, I ain't a monster. I'm too fuckin' old to be takin advantage of a drunk girl, when I've got five wives sitting all pretty, all nice and compliant downstairs…"

The Saviour knew for a fact how much this would rile Blake up, and he was, of course, right.

She instantly narrowed her eyes at him, giving a dark huff.

"I don't get you," she said pointing a swaying finger up at him. "You act like this horrible villain to everyone else, and yet here you are, David's gone, and you're still try to look out for me? What makes me so special, huh?"

But Negan gave a small sigh, moving around the bed.

"Like I said, Doll-face," he muttered shaking his head and looking down at his feet as he spoke. "Soft-spot."

Blake's own face softened slightly as she pondered the words, titling her head to the side, letting her long caramel hair drift over her shoulder, as she looked over at him.

"You're wives are beautiful, y'know…" she said in quiet voice, after a moment or two.

And at this, Negan looked back at her grinning.

"Oh, I know'."

But Blake turned onto her side, coming to rest her head against her elbow, her hand in her hair, as she stared up through dark eyelashes at the tall man, standing beside the bed.

"But most people only have one wife," she said in a blunt voice, letting out a small frown.

But Negan gave another groaning sigh, suddenly coming to lie down on the bed beside Blake, stretching his long body out and placing both hands behind his head.

The bottom of his white t-shirt rode up slightly, revealing a trail of dark hair leading down his lower abdomen and disappearing into his pants.

Blake gave a slow gulp, as Negan stared up at the underside of the four poster bed, his smile now gone and his face unreadable.

"I did only have one wife," he said in a low, drawl. "A long fuckin' time ago, Peaches."

And Blake, as tipsy as she was, knew then, that the mood of the conversation has changed slightly. The tenseness of Negan's voice a key factor in this.

This was a different side of the tall Saviour, that Blake had never been privy to before.

She gave a small gulp, staring over at him, as he lazed there beside her.

"What was her name?" she asked, sobering herself slightly as she spoke.

But Negan merely cocked an eye in her direction, throwing her a small sigh, as he turned his body in to face her, on the large bed, propping his own head up on his elbow.

His dark brown eyes suddenly met with hers.

"I'll tell you another day, Sweetheart," he said giving a knowing sort of smile and revealing his line of perfect white teeth. "When you're a bit more fuckin' sober."

Blake let out a stroppy sort-of puff of air, but smiled back at him, that frown still clinging on between her brows.

She could have protested, but was now fully aware of just how wasted she was, as Negan before her, moved in and out of focus.

They were close now, their bodies turned in towards the others…here on Negan's bed.

That alone, being a huge hint at the intimacy he was prepared to share with her right now.

A hushed silence filled the room, which only caused to flood Blake's body, with a warmth that made her heart pound ever-so slightly faster than before.

"So, I've been meanin' to ask you," said Negan after a second or two, as Blake pulled on her bottom lip with her teeth, her chest heaving. "Like you made me promise I would…"

She gave a nod, her green eyes staring at his mouth as he spoke….unable to look away.

This was the wine doing this, right? Nothing else?

There was a pause in which Blake held her breath slightly, as she batted her eyes tipsily.

"So….one more time….you wan' me to take you back home? To Rick the Prick?" Negan finally finished.

But this only caused Blake to let out a long huff of air.

That was it?!

But what else had she really been expecting?

A proposition?

A romantic speech?

Blake finally realised that she was far too drunk for all this…

She lowered her chin, pouting, and waved a hand dismissively in Negan's direction.

"Ugh, I don't know," she said shaking her head in irritation. "Ask me tomorrow when I'm more sober."

She blinked her eyes closed and flopped down onto her back moodily, as the dark-haired Saviour surveyed her, giving a brief chuckle.

"You mean after you get over tomorrow's hangover, or before, Sweet-cheeks?" said Negan, reaching over and making to grab for Blake's thigh teasingly.

But she quickly slapped his hand away.

"Nuh-uh. You can keep your hands to yourself tonight," she said warningly, turning her head towards him on the mattress and shooting him a look.

Though at this, Negan gazed back at her goadingly for an excruciatingly long moment.

"You sure about that Peaches?" he asked her. "Because there is a lot of really nice fuckin' things I could be doing for you tonight with these hands…"

Blake bit her lip and blinked at him, feeling her breath catch in her throat.

All it would take right now was for Negan to roll on top of her and pounce, and she would be all his…all night….

But he didn't…

In fact, the bearded Saviour just lay there with a teasing look plastered across his long, tanned face, knowing full well what he was doing.

Blake gave a scowl suddenly grasping up a pillow from behind her and tossing it unceremoniously at Negan's cocky face.

"Screw you," she huffed, as he caught the pillow before it could hit him, and gave a whining laugh in return.

"Oh, you fuckin' want me, Doll-face," said the dark-haired man, suddenly pushing himself from the bed with a sigh and getting to his feet. He pointed a finger at her briefly. "You can try and deny it all you want. But I know you…..an' I can see exactly what you're imaginin' us doin' together….imaginin' every little dirty fuckin' thing I could do to you…"

Blake looked up at him, parting her lips slightly, and feeling a creamy wetness pooling inside her panties at his gruff and husky words.

Oh god…

But Negan just grinned, not even waiting for an answer from her, as he strolled back across the room, turning away from her and picking up Lucille.

Blake gave a frown, watching him, as he snatched up the barbed-wire covered weapon, and to her surprise, made for the door.

"Wait…" she said suddenly in an incredulous voice, propping herself up onto her elbows once again. "Where are you going?"

But Negan just stopped, one hand on the door handle, throwing her an arrogant grin over his shoulder.

"Well, shit, Doll-face," he said raising an eyebrow. "I mean it's only eight fuckin' thirty. Some of us aren't totally wasted and out for the count quite fuckin' yet. So I'm just off to play a lil' poker with Simon an' the guys in the rec room downstairs….maybe smoke a couple' cigars. That alright with you?"

She gaped.

He was leaving?

Now?

Blake, even as drunk as she was, could hear the utter teasing in his voice, dripping now with sarcasm.

And at this, she gave an instant scowl, huffing and folding her arms across her chest.

"Yes," she snapped, pursing her lips and looking down at her feet sulkily.

Knowing just how much he was trying to goad her into a reaction right now.

But Negan just smiled that oh-so cocky smile of his.

"Good," he replied, tugging open the door. "Oh, an' Peaches?"

Blake immediately looked his way, just as he knew she would….her eyes big and round and lightly expectant.

"Don' wait up," he finished, arching his back and letting out a wide grin….

…..as a second pillow was instantly thrown in his direction…

….missing him by inches, and hitting the now door instead, as it shut with a gentle snap.

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[fishy12233]

Chronicles of Sturgia

Chapter 1 Finale: “The Earthen Establishment”

When someone thinks of a factory, they would usually think of stuff like pollution, metal, or oil. However, Twilea Inc has none of those things. It started out as an experiment to see if industrial facilities could be eco-friendly. When it was built, it was a technological marvel. However, the project was abandoned, leaving the factory to rot. However, because of Gabriella Reyes actions, it has remained alive. So when the six kids from Citrione City entered the establishment, they were in awe at the room that lay before them.

The first room wasn’t as much of a room as it was a full village. It was full of small houses used to store supplies or house workers. There were also many booths for trading goods. There were even openings in the walls for loading various trade vehicles with supplies, including the train. Many machines and water wheels were in motion due to the water coming from up above. It seemed like there was a large water source at the top of the tree. Sadly, many of the machines were aged and overgrown from being abandoned for so long. However, it looked like some villagers had begun to come in to get things in working order once again. The kids walked around, eager to explore the village. Some of the supply houses had chests with useful items like weapons and food inside. The houses were located on different levels of the room, which were connected by wooden walkways and small cable cars made of organic materials. The kids had to remove some of the overgrowth in order to use some of the machines. Thankfully, some of the villagers were there to help them.

While they were walking around, the kids ran into Smefanye, who wanted to help with restorations. Maybe she wanted to help because Twilea Inc grew lots of fruit. Nonetheless, Smef was really invested into restoring this factory to what it once was.

“It would take a lot of money and time to fully restore this establishment,” said Smefanye. “But if I could get in touch with a big company, maybe we could get their support.”

The door to the upper floor was locked, but there wasn’t anywhere that a key could fit in. There were keys inside some of the houses, but they were useless without a lock to unlock.

As the kids worked their way down the village, they saw small creatures running around. They were small and didn’t really have arms, but they looked like they were carrying stuff around on their heads.

“Are they carrying supplies to help the villagers?” asked Chris.

:”They’re SO CUTE!” excaimed Lisa and Susan. They tried to hug them, but Annie stopped them.

:”If they’re working on stuff, you really shouldn’t be bothering them,” said Annie.

The other girls were sad, but they agreed with Annie. Meanwhile, Mr. Sauer was annoyed.

“Look what happened now!” he said. “The villagers had already been sneakin’ in, but ever since I let you guys in, they’ve been waltzin’ in nonstop!”

What Mr. Sauer said was true. There were already a couple of villagers when the kids entered, but after exploring for a while, the village was bustling with people. Even though Mr. Sauer was angry at the villagers, he couldn’t do anything to stop them, since none of them listened to him. As the kids worked their way downstairs, they entered the mining area, which branched out into large tunnel systems.

“Careful,” said one of the miners. “These mines haven’t been worked on in years, so they’re really unstable. We’ll need to work on making them safe.”

As the kids carefully explored the mines, they ran into two strange moles. One of them wore glasses and was super obnoxious, while the other was really edgy and had a weird looking pompadour. They were driving a weird digging machine. It seemed like they were living there for a long time. They were pretty upset that there were other people coming in and bothering them.

“I don’t want to have to move back into Eagle Mountain with that weird aunt,” said the nerdy mole.

“We’ll just have to attack the invaders,” said the edgy mole. “I’m Gruffy, and my bro there is Huffy. But that doesn’t matter, because we’re gonna make you leave and never want to come back.”

And so the kids were launched into an unexpected battle. Huffy operated the digging machine while Gruffy just attacked them with a large pickaxe. Huffy approached the kids in his machine, the large drill intimidating them. Gruffy hit the kids while they were distracted. The kids thought they had no choice but to run. The battle seemed unbeatable, but Peter was able to counter Huffy by quickly running around and dismantling his machine. Huffy was crushed, and Gruffy rushed over to help fix his machine. While he was distracted, the kids stole his pickaxe and cornered the two moles.

“We just can’t win, can we?” said Huffy.

“Ugh, fine.” said Gruffy. “You can pass, but you better not bother us again.”

The kids, tired but relieved, continued down past the mines. Soon, they entered a new floor. It was an overgrown garden. There were stone walls with intricate patterns on them. The floor was crawling with insects and monsters. Most of the kids were scared and grossed out, but Annie and Maddie were fascinated. Even Chris was fascinated by the strange, giant plants that grew in the room. They tried to avoid them nonetheless.

“It looks like this place was used to experiment with growing and cross-breeding different plants,” said Chris.

As they came to the deepest part of the garden, they found a large colony of monsters guarding a large chest. The kids were scared, especially Lisa, who was squealing and clinging to Annie the whole time. But they built up their courage and began attacking them. The monsters were gross, but they were able to take the chest and run. The monsters chased them, but the kids managed to make it to a lower floor. They quickly blocked the door behind them and walked into the room. The opened the chest, revealing a strange mechanical owl. Peter took the remote and found that he could control it.

“This is so cool!” he exclaimed, as he made it do tricks around the room. As they looked around the room. They realized that there was a water slide that was coming from the top of the tree into a pool in the middle of the room. As they looked into the pool, they saw that it wasn’t very deep. But there were small holes in the bottom that let the water drain. There was a strange gem switch on the ceiling. Peter used the owl to hit it, activating a mechanism that stopped the water flowing into the pool.

“Oops,” said Peter.

“Wait,” said Chris. “Do you hear that ticking? Maybe the switch only activates for a short time.”

After a minute or two, the kids decided not to wait and headed downstairs. When they reached the next floor, they were astonished by what they saw. The walls were glass, letting them see what was in the lagoon. The lagoon was deeper than they thought it was. The kids shuddered when they thought about their fall into the lagoon when they first arrived. As they entered into the next room, they realized that they could also see into the ocean as well. When they looked around, they realized that they were in a restaurant of sorts. Dan and Arin were in there, complaining about how the kitchen stopped working. Suddenly, the kitchen started working again. It looked like Chris was right about the switch deactivating after a few minutes. The kids decided to order some mac and cheese, which was pretty much the only thing on the menu. After a nice meal with a great view, they decided to use the switch to climb back up the tree instead of going through the scary garden. They tried to go all the way to the top, but when they reached the top, they realized that the switch caused a door to block the water that was coming from inside the tree. The kids decided to do down and enter the main room through the large opening used for trade vehicles. As they began walking around the village again, Peter noticed that there was another gem switch above the door that led upstairs. He used the owl to activate the switch, granting them access upstairs. The upper floor was more mechanical than the rest of the facility. The machines had intricate designs, making them look more organic than a typical factory. The kids started activating machines, allowing them to learn that the machines were mainly used to turn produce into different products that someone would find in a typical grocery store. There were other machines that worked with crystals, turning them into jewelry. If Twilea Inc were to be fully restored, crystals and jewelry would become a major export of Sunset Grove. A worker robot noticed them, labeling them as intruders. The robot looked like an upside-down vase with a lightbulb on their head and magnets for hands. They had wheels they would use for moving around. The kids didn’t want to fight again, but the robot wouldn’t leave them alone. They attacked the kids with its lightning-charged hands, but the lightbulb on their head was a huge weak spot. Peter smashed it with his baseball bat, putting the robot into a daze. It wandered away, leaving them alone.

After wandering around for a while, the kids walked into another part of the floor, finding a robot repair shop. There were different robots in there, but the first one the kids saw was the one they fought being repaired by a worker. The worker wore spiral glasses and had a mushroom cap. He seemed busy, and the kids didn’t want to get in trouble for breaking a robot, so they left him alone. The room was a big mess, probably from Robyn running around crazily in search for the Canary Cornucopia. There were many brochures on the tables and electronic screens on the walls. They were old, but seemed to be working fine. The screens displayed Twilea Incorporated’s logo and showed off some of the factory’s features from before it was abandoned. There were windows that gave the kids a nice view of the town and the ocean. The strangest sight was a strange tube with an old robot floating inside. Weirded out, the kids decided to continue to the next floor which had been opened once they had activated some of the machines.

As they entered the penultimate floor, they saw beautiful room with golden walls that had intricate patterns on them. There was a large pool of water that filled the bottom of the room that had many lily pads growing there. There was water flowing out of the three pyramids in the middle of the room. There was a pair of glowing cherries at the top of each pyramid. The kids wondered if that was where all of the water was coming from. It was a bizarre thought. Suddenly, Robyn Avia swooped in, stealing the cherries.

“Aha! These MUST be the things that keep me from using my fire magic,” said Robyn. “I wandered around so much in desperate search. I didn’t even notice these little beauties. But there’s no time to talk, because I must go! AHAHAHAHAHA!!!”

Robyn ran up the stairs to the final floor. The kids were confused as to why she ran upstairs instead of downstairs. But there was no time to question her actions, so they chased after her. As they ran upstairs, they came up to the final door. It was similar to the one in Eagle Mountain, but the design was different. The designs depicted each of the floors and even included the moles and some of the creatures in the design. After mentally preparing themselves, they opened the door. It opened slowly, a brilliant light pouring through as the kids stood in anticipation.

The kids entered the second sanctuary. It was a beautiful greenhouse filled with giant fruit and giant flowers. Sun poured down from the glass ceiling, blanketing the greenhouse in light. There was a pedestal in the middle of the room. There was a sunflower on the pedestal, the Canary Cornucopia. However, Robyn was staring at the sunflower in awe. She took the item in her hands.

“What IS this thing??” Robyn yelled. “I WANT it. It’s MINE now!!”

The kids trembled in fear of her, but were ready to fight.

“What do YOU want??” Robyn screamed. “THIS is MINE!! If you want it, COME AND GET IT!!!”

And so the battle began. Robyn mainly attacked with her phoenix, which gracefully flew over and tried to burn the kids. She also tried to hit them with her own fire powers, but she was weakened by the sunflower. The kids tried to hurt her. Maddie even threw water on her, causing her to scream loudly, hurting the kids’ ears. Robyn tried to heal herself by eating the fruit in the room. She also threw small bombs at the kids. After a tiring battle and a lot of water being thrown on Robyn, she collapsed on the floor from exhaustion.

“Don’t you DARE think you’ve won!!” screamed a soaked Robyn. “The queen WILL hear about this!!!”

And so, Robyn flew away on her phoenix through an opening in the ceiling. The kids took the Canary Cornucopia, returned the cherries to their rightful spot, and exited Twilea Incorporated.

By the time the kids returned to town, it was already sunset. The kids understood why the place was called Sunset Grove. Sunset was always beautiful in this town. The orange glow created a calming, beautiful atmosphere all over the forest. Gabby and Liana came out to congratulate them.

As soon as the kids left the establishment, they saw something strange in the sky. It looked like some sort of beast flying through the sky. It screamed as it collided with Robyn on her phoenix. The beast crashed into the forest past the ice wall.

“What was that?” asked Susan.

“I have no idea,” said Gabby.

Liana urged the kids to quickly place the flower on its rightful pedestal. As they did, they entered the strange realm they entered when the returned the Diamond Step to its pedestal. However, it wasn’t Caroline Porter who appeared before them. It was the strange monkey they saw on the beach.

“I guess I couldn’t hide it for long,” said the monkey. “I am one of the eight wizards you have heard about. My name is Nadia Tokemi.”

Nadia explained that she overheard what the kids told Gabby about their encounter with Caroline. She was relieved when she heard that her friend was safe. However, she has no idea what happened to the other wizards. After the Royal Parade seven years ago, she never saw any of her friends.

“I fear that they may be in great danger, if they are even alive,” said Nadia. “It’s not just that though. You see this object I’m holding? If you look down on the stained glass, you’ll see that I’m holding a clock. This object is part of the clock.”

Nadia explained that this clock was a family heirloom of great importance and that if broken, could end up in the wrong hands and cause great destruction. She’s been searching everywhere for the other parts, but she’s been trapped here ever since the disaster on the island off in the distance.

She also explained the significance of the Canary Cornucopia. Seven years ago, after the Royal Parade, Nadia fled to Sunset Grove in search of a safe place. She helped Gabby to bring Sunset Grove to life. The Canary Cornucopia was the first plant to grow in Sunset Grove.

“That island is where you’ll be going next,” said Nadia. “You need to find an item called the Piscatorical Gyroscope. There’s a school on the island called Porvurious Academy. You see, that’s the school my friends and I attended many years ago.” Nadia paused for a moment. She looked down, sighing. “Please, you must find whoever caused the disaster at that school and stop them.”

After that, she said goodbye, apologising for giving them so much responsibility and promising to help them as they look for the sanctuary item, find the remaining pieces for her clock, and put a stop to the disaster befalling Porvurious Academy. It seemed like the journey ahead would become much more difficult than ever before.

Meanwhile, in the dark palace that overlooked the kingdom of Sturgia, the queen, Mareen Tarlington, was laughing to herself.

“They think that they can stop me?” she said. “They’re foolish. Gabriella Reyes is alive?” Mareen hesitated. “So be it! We’ll see who comes out victorious in the end…”

[itsjulesharper]

So we have left Marchal with a knife in his chest… and of course, he pulls it out (noooo!) and yells for the guards. They take him to Claudine and she gets him on the table … business as usual, then. Will he live? “You are a very lucky man…. either your heart is not where it’s supposed to be, or you do not have one.” Marchal replies: “Let us hope it’s the former.” He tries to get up, she stops him, then he gasps to his guards to “find her”.

Stupid woman Madeleine is now running through the dark trees, and it is a very nice visual, with the two guards on horseback bearing down, Then they push her over into the ground and her time is most definitely up.

Next scene with a Bontemps/Louis walk-and-talk. Marchal is expected to make a full recovery and Louis is absolutely livid as he enters the dungeons/jail, delivers a stinging slap to Madeleine who is sat on a chair and looking dishevelled. “Do you really think-” Louis thunders out, “-that you could live in my palace and kill my minister and his wife without suffering the consequences?” (interesting Louis says ‘my palace’ and ‘my minister’ – his is king and everything is his. Is a nice touch). Madeleine is only concerned for her son: she does not want him punished. But Louis is angry: “Every day for the rest of his life, you son shall suffer the shame of knowing that his mother betrayed her king. Her country. And her family. ” Madeleine softly weeps as he goes on: “and as for you, you will be decapitated. In front of the entire court.” As he turns and strides out, Madeleine calls out ominously: “you are walking blindly towards an enemy you do not know. ” Louis pauses, slowly returns, and Madeleine is now looking a little possessed. “You have opened the door to him. And now he will destroy you.” Louis wants to know who it is, and Madeleine spit out: “have you any idea of the hell you have created here? Hundreds of nobles driven from their homes, forced to live in squalor, told how to behave, what to wear, what to eat!” She is wide-eyed and screeching now and Louis is all “give me a name” and they play the ‘come closer and I will tell you’ game, and when Louis is finally close enough, Madeleine hisses “Satan.”

CUE GLORIOUS INTRO MUSIC BY M83 – Outtro

Creeper Cassel

We are in church, for Sophie and Cassel’s wedding… an empty church except for two females. Poor, poor Sophie. Cassel kisses her on the cheek and she wants to make the best of it, putting on a brave face but we know what is to come. UGH.

The Chevalier enters Philippe’s rooms, rather tentatively and looking a bit worse for wear, as if he has actually been crying. Philippe gets dressed in front of a glorious mirror that I love and want and I squeed a bit as I noticed the porcelain in the background that could possibly have been this actual urn from the Orléans collection but enough of that because there is a scene happening and I HAVE ISSUES.

Philippe: She left at dawn. The Chevalier: (breezily) Oh dear. A disappointing wedding night. Philippe: Uneventful. The Chevalier: Good. (turns and surveys the table, takes a biscuit) I was worried you may have reached the early hours and decided some consummation was in order. Philippe: Look at the table (the chevalier does so, picks up a piece of paper) That is your clothes bill for the last month. The Chevalier: Yes, and…? Philippe: Fifteen pairs of new breeches. The Chevalier: (a bit huffy) How many times do I have to tell you, they are not clothes, they are costumes? They allow me to express my every mood and whim. Philippe: They also cost a fortune. The Chevalier: (curtly) Since when does that concern you? You’re one of the richest men in France and it’s never bothered you before. Philippe: (pauses) You are the apple of my eye but stop taking me for granted. MASSIVE KICKED PUPPY LOOK FROM THE CHEVALIER, SEEEEEE???

#Issue 1 and *historical note: Historical Chevalier was, in actual fact, in charge of Philippe’s household. Which meant he was the one doing the books. Philippe was the spendthrift, showering money on his mignons, buying clothes and jewels and dressing up in ‘costumes that expressed his every mood and whim’. I find it interesting* why the writers have completely role-reversed these two, with Philippe dark and brooding and concerned with money, and the Chevalier the light and fashion-conscious one, wanting his fancy clothing. Historically, he owned quite a bit, and gave a lot of it to his relatives – lands, abbeys, etc – and covered his niece’s dowry when she married. And the growth in these characters from Series 1 is a bit jarring, where we saw the Chevalier’s control over Philippe in Eps 1 – 3. Everything changed when Philippe returned from war.

*By ‘interesting’, I could mean annoying, frustrating, confusing and/or just plain wtf.

So now we see Liselotte walking with Sophie and it is lovely to see these two becoming friends. Sophie is so sweet and Liselotte so honest. They are good for each other. Liselotte says “in two words – total humiliation,” and we know she is talking about the non-smexytimes between her and Philippe during their bedding ceremony. “He showed no interest in me whatsoever. He said he found me unappealing to the eye, and he preferred men!” Sophie: “how awful for you. What will you do?” Liselotte replies: “A lot of horse riding.” Also…. “and I shall speak with him. I came here to bear children, not listen to my husband snoring like a schnauzer.” Sophie wishes she had her dilemma… “I hope my husband shows no interest in me. Whatsoever.”  They sail past Montespan’s little gossipy gathering, and Montespan cannot help but make a snide comment about her Highness’s frown and that she “passed a night of frustration rather than passion.” Tittering all around, as Scarron hurries over to tell Montespan to return to her rooms, that her daughter is unwell. The doctor has been summoned but Montespan still looks unimpressed: “what use will I be?” Scarron is taken aback – it is the king’s child. Montespan assures her that her ability to bear children is not what Louis loves about her, let alone look after them. Scarron pulls back and gives her a kind of ‘wat? but she is your child!’ kind of look, but Montespan just appears cool and haughty.

*historical note: We now fully see the face behind the mask that is Montespan. Her dislike of children, her single-mindedness focus on Louis, her subtle crushing of all in her way. The writers have been doing a great job of rounding out her character… but sadly, I feel they have ignored others. Scarron, for example. One of the things that drew Louis to her was her obvious respect and enjoyment of children. They bonded over that, and Scarron was allowed access to the king on the matters of his kids at all times. But we are not seeing at all how this bond is growing, how she is caring for the children and discussing them (because by now, there are ‘children’ – Montespan had two by the year 1670).  The timeline for all this is quite a bit screwed up for me, but obvs written to suit the fictional narrative.

Marchal is in the dungeons/prison and unlocks Gaston’s cell, telling him he’s free to go. Gaston limps after him, clearly not in a “I will sue! How dare you wrongfully imprison me!” mood. Yes, they found the murderer and the doors are flung open and two guards bring in Madeleine. “Mother!” Gaston gets out and for a second I was prepared for him to add “no, this is not right!” but then he says, “What have you done?” and I know he has totally got his mother’s measure. “I did it all for you, my love,” is her wide-eyed reply, but Gaston is disgusted. “You have destroyed our family. You have destroyed our reputation. You have DESTROYED ME!” And there we have it. Gaston, such a predictably self-centred creature. His mother wails as she is dragged away to a cell.

Louis is walking with Bomtemps into Montespan’s rooms. The child was showing signs of fever during the night and Claudine believes it is the pox. The baby cannot be removed from the palace as she is too weak, so Claudine will prepare a treatment for the pustules and something to lower the fever. All the windows must be closed. The palace must be fumigated. Versailles is build on swamp land and Claudine says “there is evidence that ailments such as this are transmitted through the ears and mouth.”

*historical note: nowadays we have vaccines for mostly everything. But in 17th century France, disease claimed an obscene number of lives, which is why everyone shagged like rabbits to pop out as many kids as possible. Fever, cuts, infection could develop into something more serious, for which there was no cure – syphilis, smallpox, tuberculosis, gastrointestinal problems, polio. The common cold could kill someone without immunity. Smallpox sadly wiped out much of Louis XIV’s children and grandchildren.

Montespan sweeps forward and claims that Louis is placing too much faith in “this doctor.” FFS, Claudine is standing RIGHT THERE. Louis, to his credit, comes back with, “this doctor saved my life and will save the life of our daughter.” He walks off with Bontemps and commands the palace be fumigated. It will become stifling and Louis commands Bontemps to tell Philippe he must go hunt with him.

Cue a montage of palace fumigating – fires being lit and smoke wafted through the rooms by scarf-covered servants. Smokey stairwells and nobles coughing their way through them and in salons.

You can’t sit with us.

Then we see Gaston all smartened up and limping into a salon, where Cassel cannot resist snarking: “My dear fellow, you seem lost. Is it the smoke?” Gaston, a shadow of his former self, says, “No. I’m- not lost.” Cassel goes in for the thrust: “Then if not lost, then not welcome. The door is behind you. And if you see your mother, do thank her for the gift.” As Gaston turns and shuffles off as dignified as possible, Cassel adds to his group: “Another reason to fumigate the palace,” and Gaston is f-u-r-i-o-u-s as everyone chortles and it is so VERY high school that it gives me horrible flashbacks. Gaston passes Thomas coming in and Cassel spots him, goes over to ask what he meant by his earlier comment re: his past. Thomas indicates he knows about Cassel’s plot against the king (in S1) and has enough evidence to send Cassel to the gallows. Some veiled threats follow, then Cassel finally asks what he wants, to which Thomas replies: “information…. the sort of information that only a minister to the king has access to.” He wants to know Louis’ plan of attack when he goes to war with Holland. What will Thomas do with this info? “Use it in my book, what else?” is the sarcastic reply. Uh-huh. Sure. Yeah.

He KISSED HER HAND!

Thomas then walks into the salon, kisses Sophie’s hand and everyone is all “OMGGG! Did he actually do that?” as he walks off. Cassel is furious but cannot think of what to do. Hilarious.

Bontemps goes to get Philippe, who is unimpressed with all the smoke. Her majesty’s daughter is sick. “And this is going to make her better?” Philippe asks. (I really enjoy every time Philippe opens his mouth – every word seems to be delivered with maximum dryness/sarcasm/haughtiness). Thomas lurks behind, Liselotte from the doorway. Philippe declines the hunting invite – he has an appointment with a poet. Liselotte steps into the hall – perhaps she might accompany his majesty? Whatever, Philippe is unconcerned, walking off with Thomas and stroking the man’s back in a friendly gesture. 😒

Sure enough, the next scene shows Louis and Liselotte descending stairs as she says things like “was his majesty aware that it is the female wild boar who rules the group?” and “the mating season lasts only a month and a half” (I guess it’s not mansplaining, as Louis is unaware of these things and he is actually enjoying it). #ThisIsNotMansplaining As they pass by, the nobles gasp and murmur “she has the king’s favour!” Louis oh-so-delicately segues into “talking of mating season….” and we know where this is going. But then Marchal appears, wanting to know how Louis wishes to proceed with interrogating a noblewoman. “Treat her how you would any other murderer,” is Louis’ short reply. Marchal looks stoic but I am not entirely convinced he doesn’t feel some faint distaste.

Now we are on the hunt and Liselotte looks glorious on her white horse and fetching habit, and I also WANT Louis’ gorgeous blue coat. She spots a boar, Louis says it would be “a trifle dangerous.” Pfffft Liselotte ain’t having none of that shit, and she is off. Louis swiftly follows. I love this interaction. *historical note:  Louis and Liselotte both had a love for the outdoors, riding and hunting and regularly shared that. Louis liked her candidness, which was free of the wiles and manipulations of court life.

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Back in the dungeon, with a beaten Madeleine strung up by a chain in the roof, sitting on a chair, and Marchal picks up a mallet, demanding to know where she acquired the poison. She shouts over the top of him that she wants to see her son. They both know she is condemned to die no matter what she says, and Marchal calmly says she has nothing to lose by telling him – her reply is equally calm. She has nothing to gain. If he lets her see her son, she will tell him what he wants to know.

I don’t care if you are trained and educated – I shag the king, therefore I know more than you.

And so to Montespan’s rooms, with Claudine and Scarron tending to the baby. Montespan only cares that if the baby lives, she will be blemished for life, earning her a bit of a look from both women. Of course, that means she will be put in a convent, and Claudine says, “you would deny your child a place at court because her skin is not perfect?” Well…. yes. Do they not know Montespan at all by now? “You do not know how the court works,” Montespan replies, as if explaining to an idiot. Oh, but Claudine does know: “beauty opens every door in the palace. Even the kings’.” Montespan walks over to her, gets in her face and asks slowly, “how would you know?” then goes to the window. The camera lingers on her face and she is quite emotional…. from the baby’s condition? From what Claudine has said? From the constant worry that the king’s head will be turned by another younger, prettier face? I think the latter two.

And now we have a scene where Philippe is teaching Thomas to dance and the Chevalier is creeping on them at the door, looking as sad and as worried as if he’d caught them in bed together. Then he steps in with a “oh” and Philippe says “I was just telling Thomas if he wants to dazzle the women at court, then he must learn how to dance.” And yeah, Thomas knows exactly what he is doing, being a spy and an agitator and all. “Well,” says the Chevalier. “I see I am surplus to your requirements.” and strolls through the antechamber.

Philippe: Where are you going? The Chevalier: (as he leaves) Elsewhere. Philippe: (sighs) Thomas: (innocently) did I upset your friend? Philippe: He’s just a little jealous. Thomas: Of me? Philippe: Of anyone that breathes.

So now the Chevalier stride into the salons and over to a gaming table, taking it out the only way he knows how. Five thousand on a card game. Oh, bother. He lost. Ten thousand now. Oh, dear. Lost again. “Please note that down. Ten thousand francs debited to the account of the duc d’Orléans.” The Chevalier smiles. “There is no greater pleasure than losing someone else’s money.”

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Let’s gamble….

with someone else’s money

Back with Liselotte and Louis, where Liselotte regales him with a hunting anecdote, to which Louis laughs and admits that she is “a breath of fresh air.” (OMG Louis you had sooo better not be flirting with her, I swear to God….) She smiles and replies, “Sire, my friends call me Liselotte.” But the nice moment is interrupted by the hounds, who have found something in a ditch and noooooooo we can tell by the ominous music that is it terrible. Louis rolls him over and JACQUES and I wanna hug Louis right now.

*weeps* I understand why they killed Jacques off: to slowly chip at Louis’ small circle of people he trusts. Rohan turned out to be a traitor. Henriette was poisoned. Now Jacques, to whom he went for honest, non-ass-kissing advice. To say that Louis is horrified, shocked, devastated is an understatement. And a huge turning point in his storyline. He is going to spiral downwards.

We are now back in Louis’ rooms, and he is on a chair looking melancholy, commanding a sole musician to play a moody cello piece again. Then we see Versailles and the changing of the guards, then Philippe face down in bed as the music still plays. Colbert wakes him, concerned. It’s the Chevalier de Lorraine. Is he hurt? Colbert: “Not exactly.” They walk into a deserted salon, where the Chevalier sleeps the sleep of a drunken man, face on a table. He has lost 400,000 francs and placed all of it on Philippe’s account. Philippe smiles tightly: Colbert does the same.

And now…. (deep breath, as I must get through this scene first)

Philippe’s doors fly open and the Chevalier stumbles through and slides across the floor, Philippe in a rage. Philippe: MY FUCKING MONEY! HOW DARE YOU! (points accusing finger) The Chevalier: (struggles up from the floor, says flippantly) Luck was against me. Philippe: It certainly is now. (slaps him) The Chevalier: (reels) You hit me. Philippe: Yes. And? The Chevalier: (headbutts Philippe) Philippe: (steps back, expression enraged as he clutches his cheek) The Chevalier: (suddenly gasps, realising what he’s just done, puts out his hands) I- I…. Philippe: (grabs the Chevalier by the throat and they slam into a wall) Four hundred thousand francs in two days! (wrestles him to the floor, hands still around his neck) That’s almost a third of my annual income! The Chevalier: (gasping and struggling) You’re hurting me! Philippe: Good! The Chevalier: (struggling still, chokes out) You’re killing me… Philippe: Even better!

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The Chevalier then puts up a hand to Philippe’s face to break his hold, more wrestling and gasping as Philippe gets him in a choke hold from behind, then the Chevalier bites Philippe’s arm and is free and hair and limbs are flying as the Chevalier grabs a candelabra and wields it, yelling “DON’T COME ANY CLOSER!”  They are both in a stalemate and panting, Philippe holding his bitten arm, the Chevalier brandishing the candelabra. Then Philippe stalks off and the Chevalier lowers his weapon, calls out a drunken, “HA! That’s right!” Then the unsheathing of a sword is heard and his expression drops as Philippe stalks back in with his rapier and holds it to the Chevalier’s face. Mucho panicking from the Chevalier…. and that is when the doors open and Liselotte sweeps in with a commanding, “STOP!” Philippe: This…. little shit gambled away half my fortune! The Chevalier: (distraught and practically crying, knocks away the sword with the candelabra) Is he good in bed, that little slut of yours? Did he get down on all fours like a sheep?? Philippe: YES! AND I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! The Chevalier: (rage face) LIAR! Liselotte: (calmly with hands on hips) will you two shut up? I’ve seen turkeys with more sense.

They both look at her, then each other, then with a massive LINE FACE Philippe lowers his sword. The Chevalier can’t resist a dig: “and just when I was winning,” thrusts the candelabra at Liselotte then storms out.

#Issue 2 – OMFGGGGGG. Okay, where do I start? First, what I liked. Just like in Series 1, we see the Chevalier start off so good in the first few eps, only to have him take a massive dive. I do not know if this is deliberate. I would be surprised if it wasn’t. But the downside to that is having your character appear wildly dramatic and not true to himself. He returned triumphant and adoring in Ep2. He and Philippe were a loving couple. The Chevalier seemed to have the upper hand emotionally, because Philippe admitted he missed him. But now, with drama being… well, dramatic, Philippe pays attention to another and the Chevalier goes into meltdown. And trust me, it will get worse.

Now to the historical comparison, which I simply cannot ignore even though I have said over and over I KNOW the show is not an historical account, it is a fictional dramatisation. And with this, it really is very much a soap opera. The scorned jealous lover, the screaming matches, the brandishing of weapons, the knock-down fight and slapping and biting…. All very theatrical. And not at all what the real Chevalier de Lorraine was about. He manipulated, he controlled. He played mind games and got what he wanted by being superior than everyone else. He was also a god-damn war hero, known for his bravery in battle. He was respected by his men. He had dignity and command and a ruthless air that scared the shit out of people who crossed him. And while I ADORE Evan and love watching him dominate and command every scene, I know this is not about him. It is about the writing. The writing that is turning the two men I love most in history into some kind of Kardashian drama in breeches. The real Chevalier would have extracted his revenge in some other calculating way, that would have had Philippe being the contrite one, making the first move and practically begging him to return.

*sigh* Okay. Moving on.

Louis is burying Jacques in solemn prayer, the coffin is lowered at a spot in the gardens and Louis peers into the grave, his expression blank, even though we know he is a little broken. Bontemps steps forward to stop him from falling in, and I am taken aback by his quietly offended, “get your hands off me.”

Bontemps and Marchal are now walking through the palace, discussing the suspects to Jacques’ death. Marchal is getting his Colombo-slash-Quincy on and is beginning to suspect Madeleine de Foix is not the only murderer. Apparently the palace death records have been showing a pattern – so far, over 40 have been premature or connected to a promotion or inheritance. Bontemps is stunned.

Now we are back in Louis’ chambers and he is being prepared for a shave. Lovely visuals here, with all the tools laid out and the blade being sharpened, close ups of Bontemps, then Louis, then Louis’ face being lathered up. In between this scene are cutscenes of another, with the nobles in confessional with Father Pascal, admitting to adultery, murder by poisoning….. and the blade gets closer to Louis’ throat, the barber’s hand shakes… Then Louis commands him to stop, throws everyone out. He is mucho stressed.

We are now with Father Pascal and the Queen, the latter of whom has become quite annoying and not at all like her historical self.. or indeed, like a queen. Sure, her historical counterpart was pious and no doubt secretly outraged at all the sinning going on around her, especially when her husband didn’t include her in that. But secret plotting to force everyone to be holier? Ugh. Sounds a lot like what goes on these days from certain countries. Father Pascal appears quite delighted the nobles are confessing all to him, and I am still not sure if he is a good guy or just one of those priests getting his jollies by living vicariously through all the confessing sinners. The queen is sceptical: “the palace will not be cleansed so easily. Confession is one thing – discovering the path of purity another.” The king is the key – if he choses to ‘remain in sin’ then most of the court will remain with him.

Pascale and Bossuet do a walk-and-talk in the gardens, with Pascal saying Louis must be told that the women are confessing to murder. Yet Bossuet says he fears Louis will not listen. WTF? Of course he will and I think Bossuet is full of shit. I don’t think Louis’s stubbornness will make him deaf to this information. Right, so Bossuet says he will speak to Louis… but Pascal doesn’t think that will work. Bossuet replies – a little unsure – “I will threaten him.” OKAY THEN. That’s totally gonna work. But hey, Pascal looks a bit evangelical and creepy and pleased so there is that.

Now they are in a golden room with Louis and Bontemps and there is a weird exchange that isn’t at all about the holy men telling Louis who has confessed to poisoning or murder, but more about how much of a sinner Louis is.

Louis: If they come to confession then at least they are pricked by conscience. Bossuet: Without the truth in the soul, it is mere hypocrisy. Louis: No. Hypocrisy is part of our being, we cannot tamper with nature. My people look to the church for spiritual guidance and well being. They look to me for security and happiness. I cannot make them good people. That is your job. Pascal: (butts in) Then his majesty will be refused communion at Easter. It is the king’s duty not to merely appear devout before his people but to BE devout.

Oh, dear. Louis slowly stands with restrained tension and Bossuet looks a bit nervous, his expression all ‘shit is about the hit the fan, noooo’ which increases as Louis turns to him and says softly: “you would carry through with such a threat?” Bossuet, put on the spot, looks at Pascal then vaguely nods and says “I would, sire.” Louis is cold and calm and that is dangerous: “You would question MY faith?” And then Pascal goes there, says his child is sick because of his union, unsanctified by God, and is surrounded by sickness. The palace may gleam on the outside but on the inside it is contaminated…… Louis walks to Bontemps, places a hand on his valet’s shoulder. “Remind me, who is this man?” Bontemps replies “father Pascal, confessor to her Majesty the queen.” And Louis walks slowly to Pascal, says, “and I wish…. NEVER TO SEE HIM AGAIN!” until he is shouting in the priest’s face and Pascal and Bossuet both bow and quickly exit. Go Louis. Getting his king on.

Now we are with the powder and herb dude (whom the credits tell me is called Big Fella), his attractive mignon partner and the Chevalier de Lorraine who is…. wait for it…. proposing to be a drug dealer for them, supplying the court with the powders and potions that are now banned. LOLWAT.

“I know every noble at court,” he says. “They have deep pockets and desires without limits. It is simply a question of getting the produce into the palace without being noticed.” He sniffs, like junkies snorting drugs are want to do, and tells the suppliers that he can get the drugs in via a delivery of silk, so the nobles purchase the material and also “something extra.” And he will take a 30% cut…. and as much produce as he requires.

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This place is disgusting, let me make it quick….

Iz gonna be your dealer, lulz

Let us recap. The Chevalier’s character to date has been a controlling, abusive, vain, elegant, haughty, unfaithful, jealous, contrite, seductive, manipulative, whiny, weak, traitorous and petty drunk. Who is now going to be drug dealing.

Just so I have that right.

#Issue 3. The Chevalier de Lorraine as a drug dealer. Get me out of here.

Oh, look. Thank Christ Louis is now talking war stuff. Something light and non-stressful to wrap my brain around. The English fleet will be in sight of the Dutch shores within a month (a-ha! Finally, a mention of time so I can orient myself!) and he wants his army on that border within two weeks. Louvois talks, telling Louis his commander Turenne has split the army and is ready to strike Holland’s allies. Condé (his other commander) will cross the Rhine within a week. And Liselotte’s father has reaffirmed his support of Louis. Cassel speaks up, and I don’t know whether it is just to shit-stir or out of genuine concern because he asks how loyal Palatine is. Louis reminds him the man’s daughter is married to Philippe. Cassel claps back with ‘well, you’re married to Spain and yeah, you’re at war with THEM, aren’t you?’ Louis’ ‘UGH, FFS you’re right but… UGH’ face is classic.

Now we are outside, on horses with Louis, Cassel and Louvois and they are checking out Philippe training with his soldiers, showing off charging and other war-related manoeuvres, plus a new invention called the bayonet. Philippe trots over on his horse, looking rather happy, and Louis, ugh, Louis can’t even muster a smile. “I thought you’d be pleased to see me,” says Philippe. To which Louis says, definitely-un-pleased, “I am.” *SIGH* Seriously, no wonder Philippe is always stomping about in a mood. Louis cannot even be happy that his brother is training HIS troops for HIS war and HIS glory. All he can say is ‘yeah, enough of war talk, what’s the sitch with impregnating your wife?’ Philippe, to his credit, doesn’t miss a beat: “My cannon succeeded in…. breeching the enemy’s defence. If that’s what you’re asking. Now, then, back to my point about strategy…” But Louis has what he came for, gives his brother a look, turns his horse and gallops off. Philippe just rolls his eyes and returns to his soldiers. Interesting that when he is out of earshot, Louis tells Louvois to order four times the amount of platoons with bayonets. Then Bontemps is seen galloping towards them (on a horse, otherwise that would be hilarious…. maybe they should do that. *pictures a galloping Bontemps* :D ) and Louis must come at once.

Louis is storming through Montespan’s rooms. They have to be patient and Louis enters the sick room, despite Montespan’s horror and fear of going into unclean air. Scarron and Claudine are attending the baby, with the fever greater now. Montespan says she should be bled, but Claudine says it will only weaken her. Good girl. It would shit me no end to have some rich noble mansplain my own job, one I’d spent years researching and working on. But Montespan won’t have it. She says her family doctor can be there before nightfall. Ugh. Montespan really hates anyone opposing her, doesn’t she? Louis takes Claudine aside and says firmly, “You cannot let this child die,” then leaves. Poor Claudine. How can you promise something like that? As he strides through a corridor, all angry and frustrated, the queen appears, sticks a finger in his face and hisses, “If you banish Father Pascal from court, you banish me. He stays at court or I return to Spain.” Then she sweeps off and Louis is left shocked, seething and clenching a fist, rage in every muscle as he angrily thumps the wall.

Okay, #Issue 4. The queen is being given way too much importance with everything. She has taken on the role of ‘pious savour of the court’ and this is so not what she was, historically speaking. She did not get involved in politics or demanded everyone become more God-fearing. Never would she have spoken like that to the king of France. I have a sneaking suspicion that this is done so Scarron can be put into a more favourable light. We all know from history that the queen dies, and that Scarron was the God-fearing pious one who eventually encourages Louis to put away his party boy ways.

Now we are back with William of Orange and he is having his portrait painted and talking of war. They will not lose, Amsterdam will not fall. De Witt (the dude who leads the government of Holland, not a king but a stadtholder, as the country is a republic) will be the one to fall and William will not stop the people from getting rid of the man who has been like a father to him. But his advisor says their intel from France indicates Louis has an army and is marching to war. Then De Witt walks in and is not impressed with William’s nonchalant response about war and a possible coup etc. He has William’s number, gets in his face and reminds the younger man that Holland is not a monarchy, and “you are not Louis. Do not try to be like him.” Ouch. Burn.

We’re back in a salon, where Louis is having his portrait painted, surrounded by nobles. Thomas reads some of his writings and suggests they include this enemy of which Louis has spoken. Louis educates him (and the audience) on the politics of Holland, then asks why he asks so many questions. Thomas briefly misses a beat: “man is defined by his foes, is he not, Sire?” Then we see him lurking through the dark corridors and handing over another message to a runner. But a soldier is passing by and he has to think quickly and hide before he is spotted.

Back in jail with Marchal, who brings Gaston to see his mother. She does not look well (as would no one, given her predicament). She grasps Gaston’s hand, saying she thinks about him as child, that it gets her through, and he appears to go to his knees to her. “he is a cruel man,” she hisses, indicating Marchal. “Your father died fighting in his service. And now he’s made of me a criminal and of you, an outcast.” Then Marchal stirs, paying more attention to their conversation as she frantically whispers to Gaston and touches his face, “you have to find her… she will help you… she is in the square.” Marchal opens the gate, says “That is enough,” and Madeleine pets Gaston again and he is dragged from the cell, giving her a final look and a solemn “farewell, Mother,” before he leaves. Then… eww, a bit gross as she removes a cloth-covered vial from an orifice and drinks it.

If I was your girlfriend, I’d never let you go….

We are back in the palace. The baby has died and Scarron is on her knees before the crib, praying. Montespan is at the window, looking gloomy. “I’m sorry,” Claudine says. Louis: “You promised.” No, she didn’t.  You can see all the thoughts running through Louis’ head, what the implications of the child’s death means, what he is feeling. Then he glances back to Claudine and says calmly, “you no longer work in the service of the king. I shall ensure you receive a royal stipend.” And Claudine…. she looks so sad and kind of pityingly, like she knows he has to blame someone and it must be her, but she is not God and as skilled as she is, she does not possess special powers to save this life. Her gaze drops and she quietly replies, “his majesty is generous,” packs up her kit , makes an awkward bow then leaves. Montespan tries to show sympathy, saying he did the right thing. Louis replies: “Did I? How do you know? Did our daughter die through the fault of the doctor? Through its own weakness? Or was it simply God’s will?” And for a second I think Montespan is gonna say something to ease his pain. Instead she says softly, “what does it matter, Sire? I will soon make you another one.” And he gives her such a ‘wtf woman?” look, then glances down to Scarron, who is still on her knees and praying and they exchange a look. Scarron’s face is kind of…. almost as if she is worshipful. Like she’s singing a typical angsty teenage song in her head that goes along the lines of “she is no good for you. If you were mine…..” It is a little odd, considering they have not had any screen time together that would indicate any kind of mutual interest or growing feelings. Liselotte and Louis have shared more conversation and smiles than Louis and Scarron. Louis silently walks out.

Now to the queen’s bedchamber where she reads in bed. Louis walks in and sits, and the queen is sorry for his loss. “Do you believe in divine punishment?” Louis asks. Yes, says the queen. But she also believes in divine forgiveness. He thanks her, and then she bids him a goodnight, saying his mistress will be waiting for him. “No,” he says calmly. “It is you I need tonight.” So… feeling guilt and the need to be closer to God = queen smexytimes.

*historical note. Despite Louis and his copious amount of sinning, he was a model of piety leading up to Easter, and chose not to visit his mistress/es during that time.

Ugh. You are all sinners.

We see a lovely night shot of Versailles and the Apollo fountain then Louis walks into a salon with the queen, everyone bows and is solemn, and Louis launches into one of those monologues he enjoys so much. “When you look at yourselves, what do you see? Beauty? Wit? Refinement? Intelligence? You are the cream of the French aristocracy and the envy of every court in Europe. Yet when I look at you, I see corruption. Darkness. Temptation. Greed. Murder.” He walks the room, delivering this speech, and we see the camera go to the queen and Pascal, to Philippe, Liselotte and the Chevalier. Louis turns and speaks more, as a figure covered in a black veil enters the salon. “There are two paths open to you. The path of punishment. Or the path of redemption. Redemption through light-” he smiles at the queen and walks towards her, takes her hand. “Through good. Through puri-” he pauses, spots the widow figure, and the veil slides back and we see Montespan in her theatrical glory, wearing a crucifix and looking outwardly repentant with tears in her eyes. Louis is stunned, and the queen angrily rips her hand from his and storms off (*historical note: NO. The real Marie-Thérèse would never have done this. If she could suffer her duty in silent dignity, when Louis forced her to share a carriage with his two mistresses, when everyone pointed and said ‘there go the three queens of France!’ then she could most certainly live through THIS.)

We are with Marchal and entering Claudine’s home, where she is drunk and asleep by the fire. He takes the bottle from her hands and picks her up. “Am I under arrest.” she mumbles. “I am putting you to bed,” is his reply and I haz the heart eyes for this sweet moment for them when she sighs softly, eyes still closed, and murmurs, “how can those hands, which have killed so many times, be so gentle?” He says nothing, just tucks her in and I got a little melty because FINALLY Marchal is getting to have a woman who matches him in intellect and strength and integrity. (Oh, don’t you dare get happy. ~ Future Self)

Now we are in Sophie’s bedchamber, she in a nightgown and looking so nervous and Cassel calls “are you ready?” AND NO I AM NOT because Sophie is so sweet and the writers are going all Game of Thrones, making the characters we love suffer the most awful things. Needless to say, Cassel slithers in, fully dressed, and creepily says “I could eat you up,” then ties her hands and there is a struggle and of course, he thinks it’s awesome and arousing and she knees him in the groin, he slaps her, throws her on the bed and rapes her. This is horrid but unsurprising because, you know, 17th century France. The next moment, we see Sophie’s feet, bloody and filthy, shuffling into Liselotte’s rooms and her nightdress is torn and she is bleeding and looking so lost and tiny and crying and so am I. She deserves SO MUCH BETTER THAN THIS. First her horrible mother, then the builder dumped her, then Montespan introduced her to this creep, THEN this shit. Not to mention she is getting closer to Thomas which can only end in tragedy…. UGGGGH. Liselotte embraces her, comforts her but dammit I NEED A HUG TOO.

Next scene. Louis alone in a salon with the horse portrait, brooding in an armchair by the fire. Philippe enters. Philippe: Do you know what day it is today? (glances at an uninterested Louis) ’tis the anniversary of the day you took over as king. Do you remember what you said to me that night? Louis: (looking ‘meh’) Remind me. Philippe: You said, the secret is not just to be king. It is to be SEEN to be king. And that, my dear brother, is what you have forgotten. (walks slowly behind the chair as Louis appears to think) You have taken off your clothes and shown us your frailty. (places his hands on Louis’ shoulders) I suggest you put them back on. Louis: (long pause as he stands, carefully weighing the words) Thank you.

A brilliant scene, short and straight to the point, showing us a wealth of hidden depth in the brothers’ relationship. It tells us Philippe indeed has Louis’ back (was Philippe standing behind Louis’ chair a reference to Season 1’s “do you have my back?”) and is not afraid of speaking his mind, to give Louis a metaphorical kick in the breeches.

Next day, and Father Pascal slowly enters Montespan’s rooms to offer his condolences, pausing at the dead baby’s crib. He is startled by Montespan at the window and she goes off on a bit of a rant: “You think you can destroy the bond between the king and me, but we are stronger than any of your sermons.” He gently replies that she is a sinner, driven by the desires of the flesh, but Montespan is all ‘yeah, and so is everyone else and btw I see the way you go all heart eyes for the queen.’ Nup, the queen only shares his faith but Montespan will not be hearing that shit: “Your devotion is just a mask. Behind it, you are just like any other man.” And then she strides over and grabs his crotch, getting in his face and adding, “I wonder how the queen would react if I told her you placed a hand on me.” Pascal is keeping quite a straight face when Montespan says the queen is stupid and the king would believe her. “For now,” Pascal says quietly. “You continue to seduce him with your wit and wiles but the day will come when he sees you for who you really are. An empty husk of vanity and manipulation.” Montespan is quite a bit irritated with that assessment (the truth hurts, eh?) and storms off.

We follow Gaston into the village and into Agathe’s house. He hesitantly takes her hand when she offers it, and she says he came here for her help, to avenge his mother’s death. He says his mother’s not dead, tries to pull away, but she holds him fast and we see a shot of Madeleine dead and bleeding in her cell. Agathe: (forcefully) Yes. She is. (Gaston is silent, shocked, possibly a little creeped out) You want my help taking revenge on the man that killed her and ruined your life. (whispers) You want to destroy Versailles? (does no one see it was HIS MOTHER who ruined his life by poisoning Reynard??? Ugh. Idiots always blame someone else for their mistakes) Gaston: That’s not possible. Agathe: Everything is possible if you want it enough. Gaston: Why would you help me? Agathe: Because I want the same thing. Gaston: What do I have to do? Agathe: First of all convince the king to let you return to court. You will stop at nothing – bribery, corruption, murder, extortion. The king floods the palace with light. You will engulf it in darkness. Do you agree?

Gaston looks creepily happy and Agathe leans in for a slow brief kiss, then whispers,”Now. You belong to me.”

The scene fades. End of episode. Merci for reading!

Versailles Series 2 – Episode 4 – the one where Claudine gets canned So we have left Marchal with a knife in his chest... and of course, he pulls it out (noooo!) and yells for the guards.

[edierone]

The Things She Carries, Part 1

I’m not OK, she thought madly, I’m not going to be OK, but I know what I want, right now. Please let me have it.

By the time dinner is over — a little sick from all that sweet tea, not to mention the admittedly amazing peach cobbler, which Deputy Weller insisted she get — Scully is no closer to solving anything. She is, however, fed completely up with Mulder. She knows he bailed on purpose, and she has a decent idea why; Weller does resemble a young Robert Redford and has a near-obscene amount of charm, which never fails to make Mulder little-boy-in-a-sandbox jealous, as baseless and ridiculous as that is. 

But A) Weller’s not her type, and even if he were, what business is it of Mulder’s, and B) she’s pretty sure he’s gay. Well-closeted, of course — no small-town Texas cop who wants to keep his job is going to be out, after all — but she’d gotten a definite vibe, which was part of why she felt so comfortable with him.

Which of course brings her back to Mulder’s adolescent bullshit. He had interpreted that comfort as interest, and their easy rapport as flirting. Three days so far of his huffiness, his snide remarks, his rudeness (to herself, and to Weller and the rest of the PD), and finally this — not showing up for dinner at the Big House with Weller, Sheriff King, and MaryNell Burden, the retiring DA who’d first contacted them about the bizarre circumstances surrounding the disappearances of a dozen defendants released on bail in this county in the last two years.

Scully thanks MaryNell for the ride back to the B&B — the town’s only place to stay, besides an ancient, murdery-looking motel out on the highway — and notes that their rental Ford is still out front; at least he hasn’t lit out for Oklahoma in search of jackalopes or something. Their rooms are next to each other, the only two in an outbuilding that used to be the ranch foreman’s cabin. It’s a few feet off the ground (1890’s air conditioning, Mrs. Carroll had explained), with five steps up to a small porch bordered by a wooden railing. There’s an old sweatshirt draped over the rail at the bottom of the stairs — it’s Mulder’s, she’s pretty sure, although why it’s out here, she has no idea. There’s no light in his room, the place is quiet except for the sound of crickets in the grasslands beyond the B&B’s property.

She drags herself up the stairs and into her room, stripping off her suit, hose and shoes the second the door closes behind her — ugh, how can it still be this hot at 9:00 p.m.? Off goes the underwire bra, too — she’s sweated it into uselessness. She pulls on a stretchy cotton bra, the one that’s just barely more supportive than going without, and the one tank top and pair of pajama shorts she brought; she really hadn’t counted on staying this long and was getting to the bottom of the suitcase. She washes off her clammy, sticky-feeling makeup, brushes her teeth, considers and rejects a shower on grounds that she’ll just have to take another in the morning to wash off her night sweat so why waste water.

Restless and annoyed, she decides the warm air outside will at least be better than the stuffiness in her room. She goes to stand at the edge of the porch, looking out into the nothingness beyond. Millions of years ago, this was all underwater, and still looks like the gently undulating bottom of the sea. There are tiny dancing lights down near the barely-trickling creek, 50 yards off; any other time, she’d be charmed by the sight of what Weller called “lightnin’ bugs,” but right now the fireflies’ glow just reminds her that she’s irritated enough to want a cigarette.

“Where the hell are you?” she mutters into the humid darkness, wondering again how they got into this apparently permanent interpersonal stalemate. But she doesn’t question herself too deeply, because stuffed tightly down — under layers that shift most inconveniently at times to reveal a corner of the thing — she knows, and she thinks he does too.

It’s because of that night, the night before she stopped treatment for her cancer. Her memory of it is relentlessly, mercilessly vivid. 

She’d been at Mulder’s place, allegedly just hanging out (which was really his way of playing watchful nurse, a fact neither of them acknowledged), playing Scrabble with National Lampoon’s Vacation on in the background. He didn’t know about the appointment she had the next day: Good news, they’d tell you over the phone; bad news, they sat you down and told you in person; the worst news, the meeting would include a counselor and hospice pamphlets.

She was useless at the board game, unable to concentrate, shaky and strange. He’d stopped asking her if she was OK after she’d snapped that she was “fucking FINE,” but he was clearly puzzled, and worried. The only thing that grounded her was keeping her eyes on him. She followed the angle of his arm reaching for tiles, watched his lips as he smiled at a particularly clever play he’d made, adored the kindness in his eyes as he gently mocked her for playing an “A” and an “E” on either side of a “T” to form “ATE”.

Gradually she began to be aware that looking wasn’t going to be enough; she wanted to touch him. Wanted him to touch her. This wasn’t a new sensation, but that night, it was blotting out reason, and fear, and prudence, and insecurity, and every other thing that had ever stood in the way of her reaching for him. He, of course, seemed unaware as always — if he had desires like hers, which she doubted, he had no problem controlling them; she was his partner and friend, and she knew he loved her in a platonic, almost brotherly way, but that was where it ended.

She spoke less and less, every nerve aware of him, her breath coming shallow and rapid, the effort of seeming normal costing her more by the second.

The movie finally ended, and at her request, he went to the kitchen to get her a glass of ice water; perched on the edge of his couch, she folded herself in half, putting her head on her knees, doing yoga breathing, trying to stop the tears pricking at the backs of her eyelids. Get up, go home, this is ridiculous, don’t be such a baby, he doesn’t want you like this, especially not now, she berated herself silently.

He came back, saying “Took me a second to find two clean glasses, but —” and then, catching sight of her, sprang to her in sudden alarm. He knelt before her, panicky. 

“Scully? God — are you OK?” She nodded, but he was unappeased. He gripped her shoulders as if to keep her from falling. “What happened? Did you get a nosebleed? Do you need to lie down?”

She shook her head no, then sat up to face him, her throat constricted with a rush of emotion. I’m not OK, she thought madly, I’m not going to be OK, but I know what I want, right now. Please let me have it.

Some kind of realization dawned in his eyes, and his touch changed, relaxed, became gentler. One hand lifted to her cheek, the other glided to her back; he couldn’t read her mind, but he recognized need, a different thing than pain or simple distress. And in the next instant, she knew that need was being mirrored back to her; she felt a heat rise between them, the same heat she’d ruthlessly tamped down inside herself innumerable times before.

It was strange; she used to feel substantial enough — sometimes too substantial, earthbound and perplexingly unable to catch the zephyrs that bore him so easily along. But since her diagnosis, she’d felt less and less so, and that night, it was as if she were made of paper and blown glass, as if a single spark, a single mislaid touch would disintegrate her — as if she were already almost gone.

Mulder, though — he was warm blood, solid bone, yielding flesh — his vitality, instead of being impossibly separate, seemed suddenly contagious. Something dormant inside her came awake all at once.

She leaned forward, slid her arms around his waist, kissed him — shivered as he inhaled against her — closed her eyes and whispered, breath just barely forming sound: “Please.”

------------------------------------ Author’s note: I’ve been writing this for MONTHS. It was a small idea that got completely away from me. There are at least four more parts, all the rest of which are smutty smutfests plus some angst here and there. Posting part one basically to force myself to finish the rest. 

[allstarsstorymode867]

ALL-STARS -STORY MODE- CHAPTER 18 Part 1

I had tried to post it but it was beyond 1,000 words long but I will post more later.

Part 2

-Chapter 18-

-Back to Ultimis Takeo-

He had no idea how long he was out or even cared to know but the way he woke up wasn’t on his own terms, he felt mentally weak as his head stirred into focus, and placed his hand on his head. All he could think about is what happened.

“What happened…” He muttered under his breath mostly in his native tongue, then he heard a voice saying “Look! He’s waking up!”

[Digitally drawn by Meaghan “Icefir” Halter, done after speedpaint for YouTube.]

The officer perked up to the voice and then looked around with his vision becoming much clearer now, a group of people, survivors, are all looking at him now, a blonde woman was sitting next to him, a man who was wielding a bat with barbed wire on it and he looked at Takeo with a wary look in his eyes.

He looked from where his head was lying and his coat had been folded neatly to act as a pillow for someone needing to rest when no bed was available. One or a few of the survivors are muttering under their breath as one boy, a 12 year old one, walks over to the man who woke up and upon getting closer, Takeo can see that the boy is wearing his hat.

Bless the young one’s heart, as he thought as the boy removes the hat and gives it to him, saying “I think this belongs to you, mister?” and waits for his reaction. Ultimis Takeo reached out for his hat, managed to weakly grab it, and then places it back on his hat, fitting neatly like a grove as he said “ありがとう、小さな男の子”

The boy looked confused but shrugged and then walked off, of course they couldn't speak his language as he believed and he unfolded his coat and then put it on him again and then tried to get up but fell down on his rear again.

A middle-aged Caucasian man with a cowboy hat, a white shirt, jeans and brown shoes walked over and then kneeled to U!Takeo’s moment of weakness and said “Damn, you looked worse than that Jessie girl said you might.”

The samurai found himself paying attention to this man, almost annoyed by this interaction of the man before him, “Jessie had to check for any injuries on you but only slight bruises here and there but she had noticed a needle mark on the side of your neck like someone had injected something into you. It had us all worried that you might be one of them” he finished as U!Takeo was just startled when he mentioned a needle mark on his neck, he used his hand to feel it and sure enough, it was still there…

U!Takeo was positioned upright but his head was down as the vines holding didn’t mind much as the green flower blossomed with a needle-like thorn within, revealing to Mercer in full view and then the flower quickly injected the thorn into the side of his neck.

Whatever green liquid that vine is putting into him has begun to heal him, the substance is glowing as it is visible through his blood stream and the veins in his neck and face.

Ultimis Takeo wasn’t moving at first but then, with a gasp, he was relieved from the danger of dying.

A memory flashed in his head, it must’ve happened when he encountered that… That demon. He shared his gaze to the rest of the room; The survivors are holding a very few weapons in their hands, a mother of two children ushered her children behind her like they just encountered a streaker, a man with a katana sword was shaking nervously- That was his sword that he’s holding. Takeo tried getting up again but failed as the man before him laughed and shook his head.

“Hey calm down there, Captain Obvious, none of us are here to hurt you but if you do turn into a zombie then we might consider that option.” he said with reassurance in his voice. He then tipped his hat and then offered both his hands to Takeo to which he accepted it hastily.

“Alright now, one push at a time.” He instructed as he pulled the warrior back onto his shaking legs, Takeo moaned in pain as he uttered “How long was I out?”

“Long enough.” The cowboy-hat-wearing man said as he placed his hand on his shoulder to which U!Takeo had to swat it off, the man laughed as he backed up a little, “Somebody’s grouchy today, here, are ya?”

Silence.

“And you got nothing to say either?”

Quiet and nothing from him, the one who helped him up earlier then said “Well said, the sword that came with you must be yours?” as he walked over to the shaking young man and took it from him gently yet forcefully and then walked over back to him.

“Sorry about that, he just wanted to look at it.” He apologized as he handed his katana back and Takeo accepted it back in his position and inspected it; yep, it is his alright.

“The name’s Christopher, Samurai warrior.” The man introduced himself, Masaki looked at him and then, in english, replied “I am Takeo Masaki.”

“By the devil, he speaks.” Christopher chuckled softly, “What brings you to good ol’ Willamette?”

Takeo looked at him, surprised. “Or what used to be good ol’ Willamette when the zombies came?”

“So it wasn’t a dream afterall.” Takeo thought as he looked at the overall friendly southern man with soft little interest, “I had arrived last night.” was the warrior’s best answer.

“I see and I’m ‘fraid it was bad timing too, I guess you are lucky enough to be here already.” Christopher stated as he smiled at the man before him, one person peeped up to the statement with “Actually, he was here with 13 people with him, one of them is the Detective Tapp guy and that Amanda girl. Do you think that is suspicious?”

“Easy there, let’s not make an accessions on somebody, Frank West had risked his a$$ to save his.”

Frank West?

He had no idea a man had saved him, but from Alex Mercer? The undead? That… False Clone? He honestly never knew how he had been here and never wanted to be in this room in the first place.

“Where is this ‘Frank West ',’ Christopher?” he questioned his thought, who turned to look at him now with a strange look on his face. “He was in the security office right now, Takeo, all I’ve known is he is talking with Jessie and Brad about the situation right now. I suggest that you-”

Takeo had walked to the door, opened it and then walked out of the door, “-should wait.” The cowboy-wearing man finished and others watched him go.

As Takeo came out of the yellow door, he had noticed the room was different from the last time he was in the store; it had side rooms with blue, red, and green doors as he heard other voices from inside the rooms; other survivors of the outbreak without a doubt.

He looked to his right was a flight of stairs that was stationed between Blue and Red rooms and to his left was a brown door with a barely see-through glass that read “Security” on it and he was hearing two familiar and one unfamiliar voices from behind it before he could reach for the doorknob.

In the Security Room, when the other finished, there was a quiet moment between the three and then Jessie answered “Hm… So that’s what Dr. Barnaby said, huh?”

“The old coot’s not dumb. He wants us to call for help first.” Brad replied with his arms crossed, huffy about what happened; he had tried to convince him to accept his offer to protect him after Frank had tipped off of where he was but Dr. Barnaby refused and demanded a route out of town safely first. He then asked “You got a line out, or what?”

Jessie scoots the chair close to the laptop and then begins to type, hooked her hair back over her ear afterwards and waited… There was only a beeping noise coming from the portable PC with the phone duct-taped to it.

“Ugh!” Jessie grunted, “The signals being blocked… I can’t even contact HQ on the emergency line.” as she turned to face Brad and Frank West who was leaning against the green lockers with his arms crossed.

Brad had his hands on his hips as he pondered what the next plan of action will be, “So,” he began, “if we want to get our hands on Dr. Barnaby, we’re gonna have to secure a way out of here ourselves.”

Jessie nodded as she readjusts her glasses, “Alright.” Brad resumes with authority, “We’ve gotta deal with the situation we’ve been handed.” as he turned his back but still looking at Jessie, “The boneheads back at HQ might be working on something, too…” before turning to walk to the door, going back out to the mall.

“There’s a helicopter comin’.”

That got the two agents the attention when Frank West peeped up, Ultimis Takeo was now paying close attention to the offer that this photojournalist had given out, he had to listen to this conversion closely now.

[Digitally drawn by Meaghan “Icefir” Halter.]

“Three days from now… At noon. It’s my ride.” Frank West spoke more willingly, his head lifted a bit to look at Brad, waiting for an answer.

“Is your ride reliable?”

“Absolutely.” Frank West galdy replied to Brad, “That’s how I plan on gettin’ out of here.”

So, what Tak heard so far was that Frank’s ‘ride’ will come to the rescue in three days' time and will arrive at noon. It sounds like a good plan to him for this dedication but there’s no way he’s leaving this town by himself so he continued to listen, waiting for more.

“Alright, then.” Brad agreed as he puts his hands together in a slow clap, “I’ll see to it that the DHS picks up the charter fee. Can we take Dr. Barnaby as well?” he asked as he and Jessie looked at Frank.

“Suuure…” Frank reluctantly agreed but then said “As long as you tell me what’s going on.”

“Ok.” Brad said with annoyance, “I’ll tell you what you want to know…” before turning to Frank West, pointing a finger at him, “Later.”

Three days of waiting for the helicopter to arrive is what Brad is going to plan right now, best to get started now while they still can. “We have more pressing business right now.” he said as Jessie nodded as she and Frank looked at him, waiting for the pep-talk from the man who is like a leader of the whole group of survivors now.

“If we have to wait here for 3 days,” he strategized, “we’ll need supplies. Uhh… Water, blankets, and the like.” before turning to walk to the door, heading out but not before stopping and saying “We’ll get Dr. Barnaby here tomorrow morning. I want you to keep an eye on the monitors.” he pointed at Jessie, and then the door opened and he walked out.

Takeo waited until he knew for sure that Brad had left the room, he raised his fist to the door and hastened knocked on the door, alerting others inside. “Who is it?” Jessie asked from the other side of the door and the warrior slightly opened the door, making himself known to them.

“It ras me.” Takeo announced himself to them as he entered the room, “You woke up finally.” Frank sighed as he looked at him, “You’re alright?”

“I am, thank you.” Takeo said as he entered the room with them, “I can assume that you are Frank West these survivors had talked about, I presume?”

“As a matter of fact, I am.” he confirmed, extending his hand out for him to shake, “I’m a photojournalist.”

“I am Takeo Masaki,” Ultimis Takeo introduced, not going to take his hand, “I am thankful that you saved my life, Mr. West.”

Frank lowered his hand as he can see that, once again, someone doesn’t accept the handshake and felt a little annoyed, then he said “You were at the Entrance Plaza earlier with the group of,” before looking over to Jessie and then to Takeo again “-Of people you’re with, I guess there are more that escaped. Must’ve been dumb luck.”

“There is no such thing as dumb luck, Mr. West.” Takeo explained, “We had to do what it takes to survive.” as he took a step closer to him.

“Whatever it takes huh?” he said, folded his arms once more but then unfolded again as curiosity stank into him again, “Where did you guys hide while zombies infested the mall, if I go get them and-”

“You will not go alone.”

“Excuse me?” Frank was taken aback by what he said, “I said you will not go alone, I will lead you to my group of allies.”

“Takeo, hold on, you are sure, Frank West had found you in Wonderland Plaza, passed out like the light.” Jessie explained, that caught his attention as he turned to look at her with confusion, “I ras passed out?”

“Yeah, you were like that when we found you.”

“I see,” Takeo said as he now remembered what happened but he can’t explain it, as far as he could understand; he had gone through time travel, fighting the dead left and right, now interdimensional travel as they had traveled through time into a modern area where what he could say will be dismissed as nonsense by the two Americans in the room with him.

“I had fought a man named “Alex Mercer” and he had gain the upper hand as I ras my lowest and-” “Knocked you out.” Frank finished with Takeo’s lie, lying wasn’t his best strong suit in his code of being a warrior but he had to, “It is true.��� he answered before turning to the door that leads to the vent room but was stopped by the second when Frank asked “Do you even know where you’re going?”

The captain was silent for a moment before saying “I do. If you are free to join me going back into the mall.” he then opened the door, and it closed.

Frank looked at Jessie and then went out the door as well, he saw Takeo going to the door and tried to open it but it stuck. He tried again but it didn’t budge.

“Otis had wielded the door shut.” The photojournalist explained, Ultimis Takeo now looks at Frank as he said “Brad had said it himself, as long as there are zombies in the mall; we can’t go out that door.”

Tak was silent again, looking at Frank who was uncomfortable by now and finally, he said “How do we get back into the mall?”

“Through the air ducts, the same way were me and Brad brought you here.” he answered as he walked over to the vent and the door to it, the warrior followed suit and placed his ear to the metal frame that can address the outside and listens for anything: nothing, he tried the other ear; nothing, nothing but silence.

“They can’t use those, they were too dumb to-” he was interrupted by Takeo opened the metal door and then peeked inside, still checking the vents before entering them but he stuck his head out to see Frank West.

“Are you coming?” he asked before going back into the vents before Frank West could even answer, he sighed and said “This is getting too strange.” before he too enters the air ducts.