#and she proceeded to glare at me w her face in my personal space and prevented anyone in the group frm saying anything till i 'apologized'

[nohkalikai]

if one of the first things i learn abt a person irl is that they're either a swiftie or an army, my opinion of them cannot be saved

[bnha-and-more-imagines]

bakubae, todoroki, dabi, and Tamaki’s S/O pushing them away and when they confront her she says it’s because she’s scared they’ll leave her because all the men she’s cared about has left her. I’m a sucker for angst that turns to fluff 😣❤️ (also sorry my English isn’t very good)

A/N: Here you go anon! Sorry this took ages! I wasn’t sure if you wanted headcanons or shorts, so I did shorts. Also I apologize to everyone in advance, I’m still not used to writing Tamaki’s character. Hope it’s still somewhat enjoyable!

Warnings: Swearing

Katsuki Bakugou:

He began to notice a shift in their relationship. Her smiles started to seem more forced, she wouldn’t initiate physical contact as much, and whenever they’d talk she’d give him short, curt replies. At first, he decided to give her space. If she wanted to bring it up to him, she would do it. But as time went on, she grew more and more distant. Now she could barely look him in the eye. It was starting to get to him. So one night, he goes straight to her dorm room when he’s positive she’s alone. As he expected, she freezes up when she sees him. 

He scowls at her before pushing his way into her room. “Mind telling me what the hell’s been going on?” 

She lowers her gaze, “...I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He glares as his frown deepens, “Cut the bullshit. We both know something’s wrong and I want you to tell me what it is.”

She still doesn’t look at him and stays quiet.

Bakugou sighs, his face softening, “Look, I’m not… I’m not good at this. I don’t know how to make this better. So if you can think of anything I can do to make you feel better, just tell me”

It catches him off guard when her shoulders start shaking and tears start streaming down her cheeks. He doesn’t hesitate to bring her into his arms as she cries.

“S-sorry, Katsuki-kun. It’s all just me.” She stuttered out. “I-I’m just scared that you’ll leave me.”

He said nothing, stunned, waiting for her to continue.

“Everyone I’ve cared about has left me. And you’re so amazing when I’m not that I can’t help but worry that you’ll realize that and leave me.” 

There was a pause for a moment before Bakugou spoke up, “That’s the biggest load of shit I’ve ever heard.”

“W-what?” (Y/N) sniffed.

“I’m not gonna leave you. You’ve got way more reasons to leave me.” Bakugou said, “Those assholes who left you don’t know what they missed out on.”

“...You think so?” She smiled a bit.

“Yeah, biggest mistake of their lives.” He smirked before turning serious again. “I promise I won’t leave. So don’t stress yourself about it.”

He pressed his mouth on the top of her head.

“You’re right, Katsuki-kun. I’m sorry I’ve been pushing you away. I promise to come to you if it happens again.” 

“Hmph, you better.” He muttered.

Shoutou Todoroki:

Todoroki was a genius in a lot of subjects. Relationships, however, was not one of them. Which is why he wasn’t sure how to best approach this situation. (Y/N) had been distant and cold towards him for a few days now, and it only seemed to keep getting worse. He’d been thinking and scratching his head to see if he’d done something wrong.

Did he forget her birthday? An anniversary? Did he say something wrong?

Or maybe… Did she want to break up with him? 

He frowned at that thought. 

He’d ask the only person he could think of for help.

“Um, well I’d just confront her directly about it. Communicating with each other is the best way to solve things. Tell her how you feel.”  

Midoriya’s advice rang in his head.

Todoroki knew he was right. So he sent a text to (Y/N) asking if they could meet up.

‘Sure’

They set up a meeting place and Todoroki made his way there. The cool night air refreshing him as he walked on. Finally, he saw (Y/N) under the streetlight of the park they’d sometimes go to, facing away from him. He took a moment to appreciate her before he made his presence known. It’d been a while since he had actually taken the time to really look at her.

He considered himself lucky.

Finally, he walked up to her. 

“(Y/N),” He called her.

She turned to look at him, “Hey Shouto-kun”

She didn’t smile at him like she normally would, and that worried him even more.

“Why did you want to meet up?” She asked him

Todoroki paused. He hadn’t really prepared on what he’d say to her. He’d never been good with words. Midoriya had told him to tell her how he felt, right? So that’s what he’d do.

“You know I’m not good with words or expressing myself, but you always managed to understand what I’m trying to convey. I’ve always appreciated that. You’ve become distant lately, I apologize if I’ve done something that hurt you without realizing it.

“I don’t want the relationship to end because of something I’ve done by accident.” He finished

(Y/N) had a hand over her mouth as she stared at him in shock, “Shouto-kun, you… you thought that I was going to break up with you?” 

He looked at her in confusion, “Is that not what you were thinking?”

He was further confused when (Y/N) began to laugh and cry at the same time. 

She shook her head, “No, that’s not what I’ve been thinking. I thought you were leaving me.”

He froze for a second, “Why would I do that?”

“I’ve been left by everyone I dated before. I thought maybe you were going to leave me, too.” She said as the tears kept streaming down her face.

Todoroki frowned, “I can assure you I have no intentions of leaving.” He reached out to hold her hand. 

“I’m sorry if I gave you that impression.”

(Y/N) shook her head again,  “No, you didn’t. I was just being stupid. I’m sorry I made you worry. I won’t do it again.”

She wiped her tears away and smiled softly at him, Todoroki allowed himself to smile back.

“Come on, I’ll walk you home.”

Dabi:

It shouldn’t have fazed him when (Y/N) started ignoring his calls and avoiding him altogether. In fact, it should’ve been a good thing. He shouldn’t have let her get close to him, to begin with. 

It had been a predetermined relationship in his eyes. They’d be together until she realized that the whole world hated him, then she’d leave him and move on to someone better. That’s how he’d always seen it going. 

He hated the idea of her being with someone else. The thought of her kissing someone who wasn’t him made him want to burn the whole damn city down. But if that’s what she wanted and asked of him, then he’d have to let her go. 

The problem was that Dabi was selfish when it came to her. 

And she hadn’t asked him to let her go yet. He needed to hear it from her before he resigned himself into protecting her from a distance. 

He let himself in through the balcony of her apartment as he did every time, mildly surprised that it was unlocked considering the circumstances. The lights were all off in her apartment. She was probably still at her job, but he knew she’d be home soon. He sat down on the couch and waited.

It was about 20 minutes when he heard the door open and the lights turn on, momentarily blinding him. She still hadn’t noticed him.

“Hey.”

A startled yelp escaped her lips as she turned to his direction, panicked. Her surprise soon turned into anger as she saw who it was.

“Dabi! Were you trying to give me a heart attack?!” She seethed. He would’ve found her anger funny any other time.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” He cut straight to the point.

(Y/N) looked away from him, “I’ve been busy.”

He let out a sarcastic chuckle, “Right. Why don’t you tell me what’s really going on.”

“Like I said, I’ve been busy.”

Dabi’s patience was wearing thin. He marched up to her and stared down at her.

“Don’t lie to me. If you want to end things now, then say so. Don’t keep avoiding me and dancing around it.” He glared at her.

She finally met his eyes again, “Oh, please. I’m the one dancing around the subject? You’re the one who wants to leave.”

“What?” He narrowed his eyes, “Is that really what you think?”

“Isn’t it true? You never even wanted this. You never wanted me. And now you’re going to leave, like everyone else.” She finished, tears welled up in her eyes.

Dabi’s shocked face turned into one of anger. “You think that I would be here if I didn’t want this? I do. You really have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into.” He gritted, “So stop whatever thoughts are going through that pretty little head of yours, cause I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.” 

He proceeded to tilt her chin and kiss her roughly, all the while cursing at himself for his selfishness.

Tamaki Amajiki:

He was scared.

More scared than usual, that is.

His girlfriend had been avoiding him lately. It felt like days since they last had talked. He thought that maybe his paranoia was getting the best of him, but even his closest friends had noticed.

“Hey did you and (Y/N)-chan have a fight?” Nejire had asked him one day.

“No. I-I don’t think so anyway?” He mumbled.

“Then why isn’t she with you? Don’t you two always hang out together? It’s so weird seeing you apart.” 

Tamaki just kept sinking into the couch. Mirio seemed to notice his friend’s worries.

“Don’t worry, Tamaki! I’m sure everything will turn out alright! If you’re worried about it, try talking to her directly.”

Tamaki broke into a cold sweat as his thoughts ran wild, “B-but what if she doesn’t want to see me? Maybe she hates me and wants to break up with me.”

“Come on, Tamaki, that doesn’t sound like (Y/N) at all. Why don’t you try talking to her about it?”

He knew he should talk to her, but his fears got the best of him, “I just...don’t know if I can.” He mumbled.

“Well, if talking doesn’t help why not write it down?” Nejire piped in.

“Hey! That’s not a bad idea! Think you can do that, Tamaki?” Mirio asked.

Tamaki thought for a moment, “I can try…” 

Which led him to his current situation. Tamaki’s pencil hovered over the blank piece of paper as he thought of what to write. He’d never been good at expressing himself, he knew that. He hadn’t even had the courage to confess to her, it’d been Mirio and Nejire who had set them up on a date. Surprisingly, she didn’t mind his shy and nervous nature. They were in a comfortable relationship. When Tamaki was with her, he felt at ease. At least, that’s how he’d seen it.

Was his behavior the reason she was growing distant? Did she hate him now? Had his lack of affection finally gotten to her?

He shook his head. 

If she wanted to leave him, he wanted her to at least know how he truly felt before her decision was finalized.

Tamaki set the pencil down and left his room.

A knocking at (Y/N)’s roused her from sleep. Groggily, she sat up and wondered who would be bothering her at, she squinted at the clock on her nightstand, 12:07 A.M. Before she could let her thoughts wander for long, she heard more knocking.

“Comin’,” She mumbled, though she doubted whoever it was could hear her.

She cracked the door open and the panic she felt when she saw who it was fully woke her up.

“Tamaki, what are you doing here?”

His eyes met hers for a second before darting to the ground.

“I wanted to talk to you.”

Fear gripped (Y/N)’s heart, “Oh. Did you want to come in?”

Tamaki shook his head, “If I delay it, I might lose my nerves.”

He took a deep breath in an effort to calm the maelstrom of anxiety that he was feeling.

“I think that you’re really amazing,” He spoke, “I’ve always admired how strong and kind-hearted you are. You have the courage that I lack. And so… when you finally noticed me, I couldn’t help but shy away like I always do. I couldn’t convey my feelings to you properly, and now I feel that I’m losing you because of that. I really don’t want you to end things without hearing how I felt. S-so, um, yeah.” He finished lamely as the courage that he had mustered up began to fade. He looked anywhere but at her; until he heard a sniffle come from her.

Panicked he looked up at her and saw the tears running down her face. A thousand apologies were about to leave his mouth, and (Y/N), who seemed to know what he was going to do, shook her head. “You don’t have to apologize, Tamaki. I’m the one who’s at fault. I’ve been thinking negative things and just let them get to me. I felt like you were too good for me and were going to realize that soon. I’m so sorry I made you think it was your fault.”

Tamaki stood there, shocked “I think...I think  that I’d have to be pretty stupid to leave someone like you.” He stated with a soft blush.

This made (Y/N) finally giggle, and it made him realize that he’d missed this. He’d missed her. His nerves began to settle. 

“Thank you, Tamaki.” She said.

[k7l4d4]

Midnight Striga: Fairy Tail/Owl House Cross Fic Episode 3 Part 2

Hello all, once again I arrive to bring you the next part to Midnight Striga, Episode 3! Everybody Clap Your Hands!!

“Willow, I heard.” Luz chuckled. “Speaking of names, mine’s Luz.” With that said, she held out her hand, open for a shake.

Willow blinked, before, with a beaming grin, reciprocated the handshake. It wasn’t often that people were this openly friendly to her! “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Luz! I-” Willow’s voice cut off as she focused on a detail she had missed prior; Luz’s ears, her very noticeably round-tipped ears. “So circly…” She murmured in fascination, only for her hand to be lightly swatted away by Luz. “Oh! I’m sorry, but, it’s just, you, you’re a human!”

Luz grave a slightly irked grin. “Yup. Been one all my life.”

Willow rang her hands, flustered. “Oh my Titan, I can’t believe I lost control around a human. Are you sure you’re not hurt?” She asked again.

Luz was a little ticked at the implication that she was fragile, but kept it in, smiling at the girl’s concern. “Like I said, I’m fine.” She spread her arms, showing off the lack of damage to her limbs and body. “Might have a few aches and pains in the morning, but other than that, I’m good.”

“A-are you sure?” Willow pressed. “I mean, I know humans are more frail than Witches-” Willow’s voice cut out, suddenly intimidated by the sharp glare on Luz’s face.

“Humans. Are not fragile.” Luz bites out. Breathing in deep, Luz lets out a sigh, calming herself. Forcing a smirk on her face, she asks Willow, “Besides, if we were, could I do this?”

Willow gasped as Luz proceeded to do the “this” in question; summoning a chair made of light, and plopping herself down in it, a cocky smirk on her face. “But. Magic! How? And you!! What is-” At that point, Willow’s legs gave out, causing her to slowly topple over.

“Whoa there, don’t go falling on me now!” Luz yelped, quickly moving to steady the other girl. As she managed to keep her Willow on her feet, Luz let out a relieved sigh. “And, there we go!”

“Thanks.” Willow gasped out, steadying herself. “Now, where was I? Oh yeah!” Willow snapped her fingers in realization, pointing at Luz dramatically. “YOU JUST USED MAGIC!!!”

Luz gave Willow a flat look in response. “Yes. I did. Is that a problem?” Luz asked as calmly as she could. Don’t get her wrong, Luz liked this girl, but she was still a bit salty about the incident from four days prior with the deliveries.

“Oh, nonononono!!” Willow frantically denied. “At least, not with me. It’s just really, really shocking.” Luz gave a shrug at that, not contesting the point. Willow sighed. “I’m sorry if that sounded rude, it’s just, all my life I’ve been told that Humans can’t use magic, that it was a gift for us Witches and Demons. I didn’t mean to offend you.” Willow finished, offering a shallow bow in apology.

Luz snorted at the display. “Pfft. Don’t worry about it!” She flippantly stated, a cheeky grin on her face. “I’ve gotten used to the whole “humans don’t have magic” speech already. It’ll probably grate on my nerves when it comes up, but it doesn’t bother me. Honestly, what concerns me more was that little display with Little Miss Perfect.” Willow snorted at the not-inaccurate description for Amity, a little surprised at someone being so dismissive of the girl.

Clearing her throat, Willow broached the topic on her mind. “I’m not going to ask how you can perform magic, and I must say that your spell looks amazing, but why were you hiding in the bushes?”

Lus flushed. “I was actually looking for… something I lost earlier this week. I overheard you talking to yourself, and saw the whole exchange between you and Miss Minty.” Again, Willow held in a chuckle at the flippant nickname. Luz’s face grew serious. “But, I gotta say, as someone who specializes in Construct-based Magic… your Abomination?” She phrased it as a question, continuing at Willow’s answering nod. “It literally made me cry to see.”

Willow grew downcast, sorrowfully mumbling. “It’s not like I haven’t heard that before.” Willow shyly twisted her foot against the ground.

Luz clapped her hand on the Witch girl’s shoulder, snapping her out of her funk. “Hey, don’t talk like that.” She held Willow’s face in her hands, much to the other girl’s bewilderment. “That Abomination is for a presentation or something, right?” At Willow’s cautious nod, Luz grinned, continuing. “Then I can help you! In exchange for a peek inside your school, that is.”

Willow was dubious. “I don’t know, do you even know how to make an Abomination?” She doubted it, but it was better to ask than to assume.

Luz grinned challengingly. “Do you have a textbook detailing this?” She gestured to the Abomination goop. With a slow nod, Willow brought out the textbook in question, one she routinely poured over every night, desperate to understand what she was doing wrong. As Luz flipped through the book, she marveled at the detailed notes covering each page; clearly, this girl was no slacker, so how was she doing so poorly? Unless… as Luz took a closer look into the Pot, she gained an idea as to what the problem was. She piped up. “Hey Willow, do you think you could summon this for me?”

“Uh, sure?” With a nervous flick of her wrist, Willow called up her Abomination, internally cringing at the admittedly poor result. She was slightly puzzled, however, by Luz crouching down to get a better look, and grew a little worried at her chuckling.

Snickering to herself, Luz decided to voice her thoughts on the situation. “Willow, would you say that you like plants?” She was sure that it was an understatement, but it was best to make sure.

Blinking, Willow nearly shouted in response. “ARE YOU KIDDING!? I LOVE PLANTS!!” The gleeful cheer ripped through the clearing, leaving no doubts to her opinion on the subject. “If I had any real say, I’d much prefer learning Plant Magic than… Abominations.” She continued at a much more sedate volume, spitting the last word with a surprising amount of venom.

Luz cocked an eyebrow, amused. “Well, considering that thing with the vines,” Willow flushed in embarrassment at the memory. “I think I know what your problem is.”

Willow paused, uncomprehending. Then, she rushed deep into Luz’s personal space, an almost manic gleam in her eyes. “Really!? Do you mean it?!?” She demanded, roughly shaking the human.

“Y-Ye-e-e-ss, now-w s-sst-op sh-shaking-g m-meme!!” Luz garbled.

As Willow sheepishly released her, Luz straightened out her clothes, voicing her theory. “My best guess is that you have too high an affinity with plants and plant magic. That’s why you struggle so much with making these things,” She kicked the Abomination Pot, “despite having so much knowledge on the topic.”

Willow’s eyes blinked rapidly, confused. “Affinity?”

“Do Witches not really work with those?” Luz asked. At Willow’s still confused nod, Luz pondered the information. “Huh, that explains a bit. Well, to simplify, a Magic User’s affinity, whether Witch, Human, or Demon, is the representation of the magic closest to their soul. Every mage has an affinity, heck, the strongest mages often have several, but everyone’s got at least one.”

“Okay,” Willow replied slowly. “But what does that have to do with me and my Abominations?”

“Everything.” Luz bluntly stated. As Willow flinched in response, she continued. “I’ve seen magic react to its wielder’s emotions, heck, it’s usually a good way of checking a fresh mage’s magical affinity, if they're strong enough to handle it, but I’ve NEVER seen a reaction as powerful as that one.” Willow blinked, not quite processing what Luz was implying. “Girl, you have to have some of the singularly greatest potential for Plant and Plant-based Magic I have ever seen in my life, and the power to back it up.”

“B-But I’m the bottom of my class,” Willow stammered. “I-I was a late bloomer!”

“If anyone told you anything like that, they didn’t know what they were talking about.” Luz calmly stated. “If you got labeled a ‘late bloomer’ or anything like that, it only reinforces my theory.”

“How so?” Willow softly asked, still trying to process it all.

“Easy.” Luz shrugged. “Your affinity for Plant Magic is TOO powerful. Your magic naturally seeks to become Plant Magic and spells, so if you attempt anything else, it backfires. You’ve got incredible power, and can do insane things with Plants, but the trade off is that you can ONLY do things with plants, at least alone.”

Willow’s legs wobbled, and she fell to the ground. She was so confused. All this time, she was never a Half-a-Witch? She wasn’t a late bloomer, just too good at one thing? “Then, what am I supposed to do? I’m in the Abominations Track, I’m not supposed to use Plant Magic!” She was mostly trying to convince herself at this point. “My parents said I’d have better prospects in Abominations!”

“If they said that, then I’m sorry to say that they have no clue what your prospects are really like.” Luz coldly replied. It was harsh, but it needed to be said. “It doesn’t matter if the field itself has great prospects or opportunities, if you can’t even do the bare minimum successfully, you’ll never be able to benefit from them. Keeping you in Abominations is just going to cripple you in the long run.”

Willow cried, tears softly running down her face. “Then, then, what’s the point?” She cupped her face in her hands. “If I can’t even benefit from a Track I hate, then what can I even do?”

“Hey, hey!” Luz lightly chided. “No talking like that! You may not have a future in Abominations,” She ignored Willow’s bitter agreement, “But we can at least get you a grade good enough to tide you over until we find a solution.”

Willow looked up at Luz’s daring grin. “How?” She asked challengingly.

“Treat it like a plant.” She said.

Willow blinked. “Huh?”

“If you can’t get it right as an Abomination,” Luz began, “Then try it again, but this time, imagine forming your Abomination the way you would have a plant grow.”

“Would that even work?” Willow was skeptical. It was admittedly a smart reaction, as what Luz was suggesting came very close to mixing magic from what she could tell, but she couldn’t deny it was enticing.

Luz gave her a reassuring grin. “Of course it will. Here, I’ll even help guide you through it.”

“O-okay.” With a shuddering breath, Willow slowly began forming her Abomination, Luz calmly walking her through each step.

As Luz oversaw Willow’s work, she briefly wondered what Eda and King were getting up to.

A massive crowd of Witches, Demons, and guards alike all cheered at the sight before them; a ring of fire in an open clearing, Eda the Owl Lady riding on the shoulders of a Bipedal hulk of light, a sword raised over head, her demon companion riding his own hulking mount, a spear clutched in his adorable fist. With matching bloodthirsty cries, the two goaded their servants to charge, weapons bared, while the crowd roared in delight behind them.

Luz shrugged, reasoning to herself that they couldn’t have gotten up to anything too crazy. As she saw Willow’s finished product, she couldn’t fight the genuinely impressed grin. Now, she was ready.

Amity Blight was annoyed. That was nothing unusual, not truly; the life she lived was a passionless one, save those few moments of genuine enjoyment she gained reading to the kids at the library, or when she could escape into her books. Even her scholastic achievements only brought some measure of satisfaction, and it was truly minor in the end. What currently was igniting her frustration, however, was the Witchling she was being forced to deal with.

“For the last time, Skara,” Amity growled. “I don’t care if Boscha is being aggressive. She’s ALWAYS aggressive!”

“But it’s different this time!” Skara, one of the Witches she was forced to endure on a daily basis, insisted. “Ever since she lost that fight, she’s been super different!” She glanced over to see Boscha, roughly pinning a Demon student against the wall, an ugly smile spread across her face.

Amity blinked, confused. “Boscha lost a fight?” That was certainly unusual. The arrogant Witch, though it wasn’t often unwarranted, was exceptionally aggressive in terms of combat-based magic, and thrived on competition. “How?”

“Well, we were walking through Bonesburough, when Boscha spotted the absolutely cutest demon!” Skara started, gushing slightly at the mention of the demon. Amity fought the urge to roll her eyes; Boscha’s weakness for cuteness, a stark contrast to her tough girl image, was an open secret, not that anyone was foolish enough to try and use it against her. Skara continued talking, “But before we could get in any cuddles or pics for Penstagram, the little guy’s minder took him back! And, she totally gave Boscha the brushoff!” 

Oof. Amity would freely admit to herself, that took an incredible amount of nerve; even those who didn’t know or know of Boscha found her presence intimidating. For someone to completely ignore the girl would take an impressive amount of nerve, and would’ve infuriated the feral jock to no end. “I’m assuming Boscha took exception to that?” Of course she did, but, for the sake of her sanity, it wouldn’t do to undercut the frustrating girl before her.

Skara nodded, oddly grave; Amity took notice of it for later. “Yeah. It was BRUTAL. This girl not only caught one of Boscha’s punches like it was nothing, but she blocked one of her best fireballs with a Light Spell of all things!” And at that, any interest Amity had in the conversation vanished.

With a scoff, Amity turned on her heel. “If you’re going to make up something new for the rumor mill, the least you could do is make it believable.” With a huff, Amity started walking to her class. She had better things to do than indulge the biggest gossip in school looking to stir up trouble.

“What!?” Skara yelped. “But Amity, I’m being serious!”

Amity stopped, turning to give Skara a Look. “Uh huh, right.” As if she’d buy that.

Skara huffed, a hint of red coloring her cheeks. “It’s true! Boscha got into a fight, she lost, and now she’s being super weird! How hard is that to believe!?” She flapped her arms in emphasis, desperate to gain some focus on what she was saying.

Amity crossed her arms, chin turned up in faux-thought. “Well, nothing you said was implausible…”

Skara started to cheer, only for it to die in her throat as Amity continued.

“But the fact that you claimed Boscha was beaten by a Light Spell, the absolutely most basic of magic spells Witches are taught, makes me think you are just trying to stir up drama. Like you always do.” With a disinterested sniff, Amity continued on her way.

“B-but Amity!” Skara cried.

Whirling on the other girl, her temper almost breaking, Amity growled. “No. Buts.”

Skara was instantly cowed, any words being swallowed as her face flooded with heat. “Y-yes, Amity.”

With a small smirk at the end to this latest annoyance, Amity walked to class, heedless of Skara’s efforts to pry Boscha away from the rapidly bluing Demon she was gripping around the throat, only for Boscha to freeze, releasing the Demon, as she slowly turned towards the center of the school, her eyes glowing a bloody red. The sooner Amity’s day was over, the better.

[afandomroom]

Separated

Note- Angst, also here's the prequel of this story

“WHERE IS SHE!?!” 

Daemon strained against his vengestone restraints, a harsh glare fixed on the ninja as he roared at them. There had been an attack on the village he and Safa were living in. It was a small, rural area, didn’t draw much attention, good for laying low. Of course, Safa thought it was because Daemon liked the “fresh country air”. With that small lie, they had actually managed to build a good life there. Without his reputation, Daemon had a decent, legal job. He could send Safa to school with the money he made, and his little sister had friends. They were happy, they were safe But then some mob had gotten gutsy, deciding they needed more territory.   Daemon hadn’t wasted anytime running home from his job, not bothering to explain to what was happening to Safa has he scooped her up and started running for the outskirts. All he had said was that she needed to stay quiet, and keep her head down. He could tell she was scared. He just wanted to get out of the village, so they could be safe again. Then he had spotted a couple, backed to a wall by a group of cackling gangsters. He tried to stay focused, to only care about Safa and himself.   But there was something about the fear in couple’s voices, that forced him to stop. Thinking quickly, Daemon had found a corner to tuck Safa away in, instructing the small girl to stay there and remain quiet, promising her that he would return. The ninja hadn’t seen him tear the goons away from the whimpering couple. They hadn’t seen him fight the goons off, defending the lovers. The only thing they had seen was a terrified couple, running out of the alley while screaming…and a roughed up Bizarro following soon after.   He didn’t want to fight the ninja; he had tried his best to dodge attacks, to convince them to focus on the gang members, the immediate threat. He barely had time to hope his little sister would stay hidden, when Kai landed a flaming hit. Adrenaline and rage flared, as the Bizarro landed his first punch. The ninja could’ve died, he realized, if it weren’t for a familiar, whimpering voice just beyond the fight. The sight of a wide eyed Safa had frozen Daemon, as he realized she’d seen him slip into his old ways. He could hardly breathe, as he stared at her shocked confused and even terrified expression. The prick in his neck barely registered, as Zane stuck a needle in. His focus was entirely on his young companion. He could barely hear her shouting his name, running to him as he slipped into unconsciousness. He watched through blurred eyes, as Kai scooped up the small girl, holding her back as she struggled and cried out for Daemon. Then everything had gone dark. Now here Daemon was, arms bound tightly behind him, captors glaring at him with suspicion as he struggled and seethed. He didn’t know where Safa was, they wouldn’t tell him where she was. He hated not knowing if she was ok, if she was being looked after. Kai leaned against a wall, arms crossed. He didn’t appear at all phased by the Bizarro’s rage. “Look man, we don’t know how that kid knows you. We don’t know why you gave her a fake name, or why someone like you was anywhere near her. But we do know this- “The fire ninja stepped forward, placing his hands on the table that separated him from the Bizarro, leaning in close, “You’re not going near her, ever again.” For a minute, Daemon didn’t move, didn’t say anything. He just locked eyes with the brunette as his words processed. Alright, at least he knew Safa was safe. He then proceeded to slam his head into Kai’s forehead, sending the red ninja stumbling backwards. Kai   gripped his head with a groan, swearing. Daemon’s scowl deepened through the ache in his own head. “Daemon is my name, ya idiot. Jus’ cause I look like your friend, don’t mean we share a na-“His head snapped to the side, as Nya punched him. Daemon wasn’t the only one in the room who didn’t want their family messed with. It’d been a while since a punch had hurt Daemon, courtesy of the vengestone. “DON’T TOUCH HIM!” Nya squirmed in Jay’s grip, as he held her back from throwing more punches at the bound Bizarro. “Nya��please calm down…” Jay mumbled, holding his girlfriend around her waist. Kai pushed Zane away after letting the nindroid check for a concussion, stepping back towards Daemon, though he seemed to be more cautious of the space between them this time. “If you honestly think we’re letting someone with a record of beating up people for kicks near that little girl, you’re dumber than we think, pal” Daemon almost spat out another retort, when it hit him. He fell slack in his chair, giving up on his struggle, staring at Kai without a trace of anger left. The ninja could only watch in cautious confusion at his sudden mood change.

Why had it taken him so long to understand? They thought they were protecting Safa, just like he tried to. They thought he was going to…hurt her. They thought he was a threat to her safety.  It made sense, like Kai had said; he had a history of beating people for entertainment. His mind drifted back to how scared Safa had been, seeing him rage against the ninja in that village. He thought back to when they first met, how scared she’d been of the large Bizarro.  He thought about how scared she would be if she had seen him head but Kai. He thought about the lies he had told her. Maybe they were right; maybe he was a danger to her. Daemon lowered his head, releasing a shaky sigh as everything set in. When he finally spoke again, he found that his strong voice had turned shaky.   “I...I would never...hurt Safa.” He looked at them, confusion doubling in their expressions, “I...I just want her safe…please…please jus’ let me see her…” He swallowed; confused at the statement that next left his mouth. “Then you can take me t’ Kryptarium. You’re right…I cause too much pain; I’ve caused too much pain. I-I’ll go willingly…Jus’ let me see her…let me say good bye…” He could feel an unusual fear bubbling up in his chest, as the ninja looked at each other, and left. They had no reason to agree to his demand, and every reason to drag him off to Kryptarium without giving a second glance. He was never going to see Safa again; his last memory of her would be her eyes staring in fear and her voice screaming his name. His little sister was going to be dragged off to some orphanage, pushed into some over filled home that couldn’t care less, without knowing what happened to her big brother. She’d think he’d abandoned her, left to save himself. But he would never do that. He would rather die than let her be alone, to feel abandoned again. He wished his hands weren’t bound, so he could wipe away the building tears. His throat felt tight. Why was this so terrifying, so heart breaking? It had nearly been an hour, when he heard the door open. He didn’t look up, assuming it was a ninja here to drag him off. He didn’t speak when the footsteps stopped beside him. His heart swelled with hope when he felt a small hand gently shake his shoulder. A sad smile appeared when he heard a soft, scared voice call his name. “D-Daemon?” He looked over at Safa, wishing he could hug her, and tell her it would be ok. The best he could do was lean over, letting the small girl wrap her arms around his neck. “H-hey kid…they treating you ok?” He couldn’t help the cracks in his voice. “Y-yeah” he could hear the sniffling, god he hated the circumstances. “The Earth Ninja was watching over me…he’s a lot like you Daemon” Daemon gave a light chuckle at this, “Not that surprised, we definitely got more than one thing in common” “Why...” Safa pulled away from Daemon, reaching out to his cuffs, “W-why did they do this? Y-you’re not a bad person…y-you haven’t done anything wrong!” He sighed, leaning back to look Safa in the eyes. He hoped she never learned what he really was, what he had done, what he had been designed to do. “Listen...kids...I…” His throat was getting tighter, as he bit back tears. This was hard, painful. “I…have...to go-“ “W-what?! No, why...I don’t want you to go, why do you have to go?!” The pain in her face was breaking his heart. He swallowed again, shaking his head. “I-I can’t explain kid…this...this is jus’ where we gotta split, I…it’s not my choice...but t’s gotta happen. But...th’ ninja will take care of ya, ‘t’s their job….” Safa hugged Daemon once more, tearing pouring as she buried her face into him. “I don’t want the stupid ninja, I want you! Y-you’re family…don’t leave me like my other family did, please!” Hot tears fell onto Safa’s dress, as her words finally broke what remained of Daemon’s dam. His voice got quiet and shaky, as he rested his head on Safa’s. The closest he could get to returning her hug. “The last thing I want to do is leave you kid. This….this is hurting me so much-“ “Then stay!” “I-I can’t kid…I…I can’t…I-I’m sorry” Before Safa could continue protesting, the door opened again, two people walking in. The siblings looked up, seeing Cole and Zane there, with Jay in the hall. Daemon frowned, but gave a nod of understanding, looking down at Safa. What remained of his heart shattered at how betrayed, lost, and broken she looked. Why was life so cruel to innocent people like her? “Listen, Safa...I need you to promise something, ok?” She didn’t respond, looking away. Daemon exhaled, closing his eyes. He couldn’t continue seeing her like this. “Keep smiling, ok? Stay brave…things will be ok, I promise, they will be…” Safa didn’t look back at him until Jay picked her up, starting to walk her out of the room. She fought against the brunette’s hold, reaching out for her brother, crying out. “Daemon! NO, DAEMON!!” Daemon forced himself to give a comforting smile, tears still pouring out. “Bye Kid” He focused his gaze on the remaining two ninja. “Let’s get this over with.”

[crimson-mage-02]

Voltron Legendary Defender Written in the Stars  A Thousand Lifetimes

Summary: Voltron and Honerva come together at the source of all realities in the ultimate battle between good and evil for the survival of the universe. 

Note: Here it is, the very last chapter of Season 8! Hope you had enjoyed all three stories i have made along with making my own character Kaela. Hope you all enjoyed her character. Enjoy reading!  Hope you enjoyed the journey!

@spacelion-loveshermulletson, here it is! The very, very last chapter! Hope you enjoyed the journey! 

The battle against Honerva continues in alternate reality of Altea with many Alteans down below watching the fight. Honerva shoot a blast at the Castle where Zarkon was shielding his Lotor away from the attack and Voltron depleted the attack and saved them from the blast with their sword.

Honerva knocked down Voltron the ground proceeding to attack them. “We have to take the fight as far away from here as—” Keith started as he saw Honerva coming their way and lunged her sword at them but they all moved out of the way, getting away from the Alteans, not wanting to harm them or getting anyone hurt.

They clashed blades together and fought on with Honerva tripping them using the tail and tried to stab through Voltron using her drill. She pounded them into the ground. Allura gritted her teeth as she let out angered battle cry and blasted Honerva off them.

“Now let’s finish this!” Allura growled, preparing to fight back. “This is for Kaela!”

“Incoming!” Lance shouted seeing one of the wings are coming their way and stabbed them from the back. And two came and stabbed in the lower abdomen, falling down on the ground.

Then all of the flaps of the wings were creating a portal up in the sky along taking away the quintessence from Voltron. “We can’t let this happen. She can’t get away.” Shiro said. They all pulled out the flaps of the wings out of them and went after Honerva through the portal.

“Is everyone okay? Allura?” Keith asked. They all responded much to his relief and haven’t heard from Allura.

“I’m here, Keith.” Keith sighed in relief, glad to hear that she was alright.

“Does anyone has eyes on Honerva?” Shiro asked, looking around for her. They all saw strands in front of them and glowed brightly.

“What is this place?” Lance asked.

“I-I’m not sure.” Allura said. They all gasped hearing Honerva from behind them.

“This is the beginning.” Honerva said as she charged at them. “And the end.” She shot one of the strands making all of the paladins seeing the people that lived in another reality.

“Can—Can you all feel that?” Allura asked, looking up ahead where the strands were. “These strands are...”

“The only remaining realities left in existence.” Lance said.

“This place is the source of time, of space, of…” Pidge started as she looked at the strands.

“Everything.” Hunk finished as he held onto the controls tightly.

“I will end this once and for all!” Honerva snarled as she shot down all of the reality strands. Removing them from all of existence. Voltron flew in and then felt the wave of the explosion seeing all of the innocent lives in another reality.

“She’s destroying all realities!” Allura grunted.

Honerva kept on destroying all of the strands until there is nothing left. And there was only one more strands left. “She’s destroyed everything. There’s only one reality left.” Keith said.

“No. Please.” Allura gasped seeing Honerva was going after the last strand.

They all clashed blades with Honerva to prevent her from destroying the last strand. Destroying the remaining reality. Honerva thrusted Voltron forwards towards the last remaining strand.

“If Honerva destroys this final strand all of existence will end with it!” Allura exclaimed. Then Voltron had created extra booster with enough fire power to push Honerva away from the last remaining strand. Then the light appeared and shone brightly coming from Voltron and Honerva’s mech.

(~)

Honerva was teleported in a void with light orbs floating around her. She gasped softly as she saw Kaela standing in front of her with her hair down and was in a white dress. She had this unreadable expression as she walked towards her.

“Where are we?” Honerva demanded.

“The connected consciousness of all existence.” Allura said to Honerva until she saw Kaela in the void and the paladins gasped, seeing Kaela standing in front of them.

“You think you’re safe here? Soon, all will cease to exist.” Honerva said.

“You have to stop this.” Kaela pleaded. “You have to stop all of this destruction.”

“All these worlds, all these realities, they deserve to live.” Hunk said.

“Those realities are flawed and weak, living out the same pathetic cycle of war and pain.” Honerva said.

Allura walked up to her. “There is beauty in their flaws. I lost my father, my mother, my planet, to this war, but I’ve gained a new family and a stronger than any I could have imagined.”

“Humans began very flawed. There were wars, hate. But each with mistake, they learned and grow.” Pidge said.

“Now we reach out to other worlds to pass on those same lessons and spread them across the universe like your people once did.” Shiro added.

“And with every new world touched, the message grows.” Hunk said.

“Every world, every reality. We wouldn’t exist without the others.” Keith said.

“Our differences are what makes us stronger.” Lance added.

“You think your words mean anything to me? I’ve lived multiple lifetimes, and all of them filled with pain and loss. If I cannot experience the simple joys of life, why should anyone else?” Honerva asked, glaring at the Paladins and Kaela.

Allura put both of her hands on her temple and Honerva gasped seeing all of her past memories with King Alfor and her adventures before she was corrupted. “There was a time when you loved more than just your family, a time when your fascination with how vast the universe is gave way to your desire to help others and uplift others.”

Honerva got her Altean markings reverted back to normal as she turned see the memories of Lotor. “You tried to help him. He was happy. He deserved better. You deserved better as well, Kaela. Better than I could give. I am so sorry that I had killed you in cold blood.”

“Honerva, you were as desperate as Zarkon when he tried to save you. And you were desperate to find your son. You loved them. You still have love for your family. And what I did was out of love to save my brother and you did the same when you were trying to find your family.” Kaela said.

“Lotor may be misguided, but, ultimately, he wanted to preserve life. Honour your son. Help me change this.” Allura said.

Honerva felt tears rolling down her cheeks. “I’m sorry, but the damage is done. There’s nothing left to save.”

“I can change the Quintessence within your vessel. Your son helped me learn how to transform it from a destructive force into a life-giving force. But I cannot do it alone.” Allura said, offering her hand to her.

“But that would require-…”

“I know the risks.” Allura said as she offered her hand, but Kaela’s held hers. Much to Allura’s confusion. She looked over at the young mage princess as she gave her an unreadable expression on her face.

Kaela stood quiet for a moment in silence. She helped Honerva up to her feet and turned to her and the paladins. “I know you knew the risks. But you don’t deserve this, Allura. And…I am the only one who can also do this.” Kaela said.

“W-What are you talking about Kaela?” Allura asked as she stuttered and trembled. Feeling her body going numb all over and clasped her hands together.

“I have broken one of the laws by using dark magic and that my runes are disappearing because of it.” Kaela confessed as she held on to her arm and shown her runes were disappearing.

The paladins gasped with Keith knowing why her runes were disappearing. “But you did that to save us.” Lance said in disbelief after hearing that she had used Dark Magic to save the universe and them. Along with the fact that her runes were disappearing, and she didn’t tell them. Or either of them.

“I had to pay the price, Lance. I…I have to deal with the consequences on my own.” Kaela said. “This is why I never told you what had happened during that last battle on Earth. I wasn’t ready to tell you then. But it is happening right now.”

“You knew? And that was the reason why?” Keith asked sadly as he narrowed his eyes, feeling hurt that she didn’t tell him about her runes were disappearing aside from her telling that she had absorbed Dark Magic. For the very second time.

“Yes. I knew.” Kaela nodded and then looked at everyone who had crestfallen looks. “All I want for you all is to live your lives to the fullest and never throw it away.” Kaela said.

“No, there has be another way.” Allura pleaded desperately as Honerva walked towards her and stood beside Kaela.

“You have a life to live with your family and friends. And with one man you love. I shall use the remaining Quintessence I have left to save all realities. My mission…Our mission ends here, right here and right now.” Honerva said.  

“And I have my last remaining mana to restore all of existence.” Kaela said to the paladins. “I have to take it. It is my purpose. Your paths go on. Mine ends here.”

“There will be no Voltron without you.” Hunk said as tears started to form in the corners of his eyes. He will miss Kaela so much, but he knew that the sacrifice must be made.

“Voltron will always be needed, Hunk. The rest of the work is up to the people and you all. They’ll have you to guide them and bring them together.” Kaela said with a sad smile as they shared their last hug.

Kaela turned to the weeping Green Paladin. “Goodbye, Pidge.”

“I’m gonna miss you, Kaela.” Pidge sniffled as the two girls hugged tightly. They both recalled back to their memories whenever they were helping each other in the Castle of Lions. And how Pidge was the first person to accept her aside from Shiro when they all first met.

“I’m going to miss you too, Katie. Please stay curious and fearless.” Kaela said. “Here, I want you to have this.”

Pidge looked at the green pendant with two purple crystals in her hand. “You sure?” Pidge asked as she was about to take it from her.

Kaela nodded and put the pendant around her neck. “You look beautiful, Katie.” Pidge’s tears wouldn’t stop flowing down as she hugged her again. Kaela broke the hug as she wiped her tears before going to Shiro.

“Most of them won’t know the sacrifice you made so they could live. You won’t be able to see what they had done to honour you.” Shiro said.

“I will always be watching over you, Shiro. I will always be there to guide you. I wish you full happiness and a peaceful life that you deserved and needed.” Kaela said as she hugged him. “Thank you for giving me another chance to meet my brother.”

“You never have to thank me for anything, kiddo.” Shiro said as tears formed in the corner his eyes.

Kaela smiled and moved in front of Lance and looked away for a moment until they looked at each other. “It has been a quite an adventure.” Lance said, looking away from her not wanting to let her see his tears. But it was too late. They were already rolling down his cheeks.

“It has.” Kaela said as her voice cracked and wiped his tears away. “Stay safe and fulfil your dreams, Lance.”

Lance felt a lump in his throat. “And thank you for everything you had taught me. It has been a greatest pleasure to fly with you, partner.”

“At first, I thought you were a nuisance, but you proved me wrong otherwise. You proved yourself that you are more capable to do great things as a Paladin of Voltron. I am proud of you, Lance. It has been an honour to being your partner and sister.” Kaela said as they both hugged tightly. “Take care of Katie, or otherwise, I’ll hunt you down.”

Lance let out a teary chuckle and they broke the hug with Lance kissing her on the cheek. Kaela let go of him as he comforted Pidge, he wrapped his arms around her. Pidge hugged her boyfriend tightly with her arms around him. They comforted each other in a tight embrace.

Kaela saw Allura was in Keith’s arms and they were comforting one another. She noticed how close they were and realized that they are now together. She came towards Allura as she hugged her tightly. “Please, please, don’t go.” Allura wept as she already knew she had died to save them, but she doesn’t want her to go just yet.

“Allura, I have to. And you know what has happened. For the sake of the universe, Allura. I’m doing this for all of you. You deserve to live. And to rule Altea and continue your father’s legacy.” Kaela said as she held her hands. Allura gasped as she saw Kaela taking off the crown. The crown she had given her after her capture. After they declared their friendship that lasted. Kaela was willingly to give back to her.

“I won’t be needing this anymore.” Kaela said as she put the crown on her forehead. Allura’s tears flowed down and Allura smiled. They pulled away from the hug as Kaela used her powers for the last time and got the dark entity out of her with Honerva destroying it. Allura gasped softly and saw that she was free from the dark entity at long last.

“Thank you. I am so proud of what you have done for us. I will truly miss you. Thank you for being my friend, Kaela.” Allura said with tears rolling down.

“And thank you, Allura for everything. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for giving a second chance.” Kaela smiled and held her hands. “You have my blessings.” Allura smiled brightly knowing what she had meant. She had given her blessings for being with Keith. The two girls smiled at each other and hugged each other again before Kaela went over to her brother.

Kaela held his hands tightly as Keith rubbed the back of her hands and he saw her arms were no longer covered by her mage runes. “This was it, wasn’t it? Your nightmares?”

“Yes, it was.” Kaela replied with tears rolling down her cheeks.

“W-Why you didn’t say anything, Ella?” Keith asked as his voice started to crack.

“I still die either way and this is all we have. I know that the lions have enough quintessence in them. The universe will always need Voltron and you.” Kaela said, caressing his cheek, seeing that there were tears forming.

Keith put his forehead against hers. “But you have so much to see. So much for you to explore.”

“I know.” Kaela said as tears flowed down. “But I already have you and mom along with a wonderful family. I had everything I ever needed. You made that happen when you first found me.”

“Kaela, when you accepted me, it helped me to accept myself. I am proud to see what you have become. I am proud of what you had done. You helped us to save the universe. And you saved countless lives with us.” Keith said with a sad smile.

“You have helped me to believe in myself in using my powers and I want to thank you for all the moments we had shared together. And no matter what happens, I’ll always be with you forever.” Kaela said as she put her hands on his shoulders. Both of them closed their eyes with their foreheads pressed against each other.

Then appeared purple and red aura, twirled and danced around them. All of her mana were all transferred into Keith. Kaela pulled away as she cupped his left cheek and brushed her thumb against it. Appearing a new marking on his cheek, while wiping his tears away.

Keith opened his eyes with tears were flowing down his cheeks. He looked at his sister one last time and kissed her on the forehead gently. Once they pulled away, Keith saw a purple diamond appearing on her forehead. He chuckled and he wiped her tears with a smile. It was the symbol that symbolises that Kaela is now a true Master Mage and the Great Ikri. Kaela and Keith shared their last hug one last time until a warm light and the spirits appeared.

The paladins of the Old, King Alfor, Zarkon and Lotor appeared with Serene who offered her hand to her. Kaela and Honerva walked towards them with the paladins watching and all of Kaela’s runes were disappearing one by one. Honerva was reunited with her son and husband at last. Both son and husband were now reunited with Honerva and had warm smiles.

Kaela had tears falling down while remembering her memories with the Paladins. She looked back at them seeing Hunk was being comforted by Shiro, Lance and Pidge were in each other’s arms, smiling at her with tears flowing down their cheeks. Keith and Allura were in each other’s arms, looking at her with bittersweet smiles. Kaela smiled gratefully seeing Allura was wearing her crown. With final look, she closed her eyes with a single tear rolling down and joined into the light with Serene.

(~)

Then the shape of the phoenix appeared and screeching with the wings were stretching out to all strands of realities that were saved and the phoenix light and essence died out. The spirits were flowing around the Atlas and the lions and they were back into their normal form floating in open space as purple essence danced around the lion and the Atlas. “Is this?... Are we?” Keith asked as he opened his eyes.

“Yeah. This is our reality.” Pidge said while wiping her tears away. Allura cried and mourned in her lion as she felt coldness on her forehead and realised that Kaela had given her crown to her. She cried as she held it close to her heart.

“She did it. She saved us all.” Lance said as he looked down at the group photo they took with Kaela in the Castle of Lions. She was smiling and had her arms around Pidge and Allura with Keith, Hunk, Shiro and himself in the background smiling and Coran was looking at all of them fondly with a tablet in his hands.

“I don’t remember that planet being there before.” Hunk said as he wiped a tear.

The paladins all looked out of their lions with Allura gasping softly with more tears rolling down her cheeks. “It’s Altea.” Allura said. She silently thanked her friend for reviving her beloved home planet.

Keith looked down sadly and felt something in his hand and opened it. He gritted his teeth and held the shining object in his hands. It was the bracelet he bought for her when she stayed with them after he saved her. He realised that Kaela added red crystals to the bracelet. He looked out to the spirits and he could feel her essence. She’ll be there to protect us. Forever and ever

In the hangars, James held the locket in his hands as he saw the spirits were shining brightly above them and disappeared. He looked down at the locket in his hands and saw another photo where they had taken in Clear Day, he noticed that she wore the hair pin he had won for her. He saw that Kaela had written something. “I’ll always search for you in a thousand lifetimes.”

One Year Later

“With the return of Planet Daibazaal, the Galra Empire is at a crossroads. For so long, the people of this extraordinary civilization have been manipulated by a dictatorship, that placed a misguided sense of self-preservation above all else. It was a tragic, unfortunate series of events, that led us down this dark, never-ending pain of power and greed. But now…. We, the citizens of the Galra Empire have an opportunity.” Keith said and looked up at a shining star above them.

“To make right all of the injustices set into motion by our forefathers. Because of the sacrifice made by my sister, Mage Princess Kaela, we have been given a second chance, to come together in rebuilding the Galra Empire by joining the galactic Coalition and ushering in a new era of peace.” Keith concluded with the Galra cheering and chanting his sister’s name.

Keith turned to look at his mother who was looking up at an evening star in the sky. He comforted his mother with a smile and a side hug. “I hope she is here with us.” Keith said.

“I am sure she is always watching over us.” Krolia said. “Always.”

(~)

In the Atlas, the chancellors were arguing over the table as Shiro tried to calm them down until Hunk came by at the table with two trays in hand. “Chancellors. Please, sit. Dinner is served.” Hunk said.

He placed the plates on the table to eat the meals. “The filet of bandrillo, spiced with seasoning from the plains of planet Mabo, alongside pilaf of long-grained forlongian brill from the vast fields of Antidoll.” Hunk smiled. “And it’s accompanied by a cider made from the petals of Altean juniberry flowers and Plumberry flowers that Mage Princess Kaela once loved. Bon Appetit.”

Shiro and the Chancellors took a bite of the dish and smiled brightly as they tasted something so delicious. “It wouldn’t be possible without cooperation of all three planets of Xritoo system. Much like my cooking crew, comprised of aliens from all across the cosmos working together to bring you this delicious meal.” Hunk said as he gestured to his crew.

“Mage Princess Kaela, the very person on this day, once said, “We all must not give up hope.” Hunk said proudly. “If the people of your planets work together, so much more can be achieved.”

“Let’s honour her by following in her footsteps and walk in the path towards peace and hope.” Shiro smiled.

(~)

James was walking around Plaht City, wandering around the city as he saw some couples walking in hand and hand. He looked away immediately, almost thinking of his days with Kaela. His best friend and the person he had loved since childhood.

Then a blue petal blew by and looked up, seeing the tree that Kaela had healed and grew. He walked towards it and looked up. He smiled as the blue flowers reminded him of her. He looked at the trunk and saw a flower crown in front of a memorial with writing on it. Everyone had heard what Kaela had done for them and for the universe.

James saw a little girl putting a flower on the crown and ran back to her parents. He walked towards the tree and put a hand on the trunk. He smiled a bit, feeling some of Kaela’s essence from the tree. He turned to the side and imagined her standing by her side, with a smile. With a warm and care-free smile. Her eyes would sparkle every time.

James then fished into his pocket and got Kaela’s locket. With the engraving, “I’ll always search for you in a thousand lifetimes.” He smiled and then decided to wear it, to keep her closer to his heart and he did promise he would try and find her in a thousand lifetimes.

(~)

Lance wiped his sweat on his sleeve, putting the tools down and looked at his girlfriend. “Hey, Katie. Are we almost done? You know we can’t be late.”

“All done.” Pidge smiled as she took out a drive and walked towards her boyfriend and brother.

“So, peanut, have you been thinking of any names?” Lance asked, smiling at her and kissed her on the cheek.

“Yeah, I was thinking of Chip.” Pidge grinned. Matt and Lance looked at each other with smiles on their faces.

“You and your puns.” Matt chuckled in amusement.

“And this is why I love your sister so much.” Lance said, looking at his girlfriend lovingly. Pidge smiled at him brightly and gently nudged him on the arm. Lance kissed her on the forehead and was about to kiss her fully on the lips, but Matt cleared his throat. Last time they kissed he walked into them by accident. Seeing them in uncompromising positions as he referred.

“Katie, your father’s got the teludav all warmed up for you. Better get going. You two don’t wanna be late.” Colleen said, calling out to her daughter and Lance.

“Don’t worry, Pidge, I’ll have chip all ready to go by the time you get back.” Matt promised.

“Just don’t initialize until we return. I want to witness Chip’s first moments of consciousness.” Pidge grinned as she given her brother the flash drive and Lance grabbed her hand to get ready.

Lance and Pidge were in their armours and lions getting ready to visit their friends. “Have a good time, you two. But not too much fun.” Sam said to the two paladins.

“We will, Dad.” Pidge smiled.

“Don’t worry, Mr Holt. Katie’s in good hands here.” Lance said with a charming smile.

“Come on, sharpshooter! We’re going to be late!” Pidge chuckled as they went through the wormhole.

(~)

“Construction is on course, your highness.” Merla confirmed to the new Queen of Altea.

Allura smiled brightly as she watched the construction of the new Castle of Lions in front of her. “Most excellent. How are the preparations for tonight’s birthday celebration coming along? It has to be perfect. This will be the first Altea’s victorious celebration and most memorable birthday.” Allura said as she looked over the preparations.

“It is going along very well, Allura. And the rest of the paladins should be coming very soon.” Merla replied. “And I wish I would’ve met her. She seemed to be a very brave Mage Princess.”

“She is one of the most bravest, stubborn and courageous Mage I have ever met. If she were here, she would’ve taught the Altean children about healing.” Allura said, remembering how she watched Kaela attentively as she healed the paladins with her magic. Allura wore Kaela’s crown with pride and love as she also wore a purple and white dress in the honour of her.

“She sounds like a wonderful person.” Merla smiled.

“She is too.” Allura replied with a warm smile. “A most wonderful and courageous woman I have ever met next to my dearest friend Pidge.”

“Oh, and Allura, we can get access to the location, we can begin set up.” Merla said.

“Perfect. As soon as Coran is finished with something.” Allura said looking at where Coran stood.

“…and had Mage Princess Kaela not seen that there was still good left in Honerva, we most likely would not be sitting here today. She grew to understand that there is good in anyone also seeing the bad.” Coran said to the children. “She would always find a way to save people and bring out joy, hopes and dreams. She could see that in every person.”

“Even her adoptive father, Emperor Zarkon?” asked one of the children.

“Perhaps.” Coran replied with a small smile as he looked at the statue in front of him.

“Do the paladins miss her? And do you?”

“Yes, I do believe that the paladins misses her greatly as well as I. She had taught us to never lose hope. And that her spirit will always be guiding us. Also teaching us on how to move on forward to the future.” Coran replied with a smile.

The children all smiled as they were about to ask more questions. “All right, everybody. I think Coran has someplace to be in a few doboshes. And you all have class to get to.” Said an Altean teacher.

The children groaned with Coran laughing in amusement until he heard three wormholes opening and saw the Black, Red, Green and Yellow lion coming out in front of Kaela’s statue and landed near the New Castle of Lions. Allura smiled and greeted her friends as Pidge hugged her. Lance and Hunk greeted her warmly along with Shiro. She met with the eyes of the man she loves, and she cupped Keith’s face and kissed him passionately on the lips. “Hello, Keith.” Allura said as she pressed her forehead on his. “You have everything we need for the birthday celebration?”

“I have. Mom made me bring other things.” Keith said, showing her a bouquet of blue flowers. “Also, her favourite cake from Earth. It’s a cheesecake. Well, a blueberry cheesecake.”

“Hey, I brought something for her, as well!” Lance exclaimed happily as he pulled out loaded boxes of flowers. “I didn’t even know what was her favourite flowers so I uh, sort of ordered different tons of flowers.”

“Oh, I think she’ll love the flowers, Lance. But Plumberry flowers are her favourite.” Allura smiled, gesturing to the bouquet that Keith had brought.

“What? She never told me that.” Lance said as he scratched his head.

“Yeah, remember how you saw her writing something in her journal and she got mad at you for trying to read it?” Pidge smirked at her boyfriend.

“Yeah, I remember that. She punched you so good that she gave you a black eye.” Hunk chuckled. “Classic Kaela.”

“And that’s why she never shared anything with you or tell you anything about her until you two are friends.” Keith smirked. Lance groaned in annoyance much to everyone’s amusement.

Coran came and smiled at them. “Great, everyone is here. Shall we get started?”

(~)

Everyone laughed out loud as they all sat on a blanket in the juniberry field. Pidge was sitting on Lance’s lap while Allura was leaning on Keith and Shiro was sitting next to Keith. Hunk was munching on some food with a smile. They were watching a vlog that captured Kaela’s most memorable memories. They all saw Kaela pinching Lance’s ear in the kitchen. She was helping Hunk cooking with Pidge in the background fixing something.

And the video changed to where Kaela and Keith were training, and Kaela had Keith pinned down. She had him in a headlock with a brightest smile they all ever had seen. The slide were showing the sibling moments. Keith putting Kaela into bed, Keith reading her a book and Kaela helping him on cooking with Hunk. And another slide shows Kaela with a grin as she pointed at the direction where Keith and Allura were in the hallway gazing into each other’s eyes. Both Keith and Allura chuckled at that memory.

The other slide shows Shiro and Kaela were looking at the stars together in the Atlas. Them dancing in the ballroom while Kaela was in a light blue and purple dress with her hair in a braid. Keith and Shiro lecturing her all night in her study and had a pile of books all over the table.

Allura giggled when she saw Coran fixing the corset for Kaela when she was fitting in a dress for a diplomatic meeting. She could not breath properly during the whole meeting. Later that day, she ripped the corset into pieces with Coran crying over the loss of the dress. Kaela was never going to wear any corset. Ever. She despised corsets ever since then. And in the background, Allura was comforting Coran with a sheepish smile.

It also show where Allura and Kaela were looking at the stars with Pidge at the beach on a planet. The girls all had their arms around them with Pidge in the middle. Then the slide changed to Keith was carrying Kaela in his arms with bright smiles on their faces. Everyone gushed at that memory, but Keith’s expression can be noticed and that he misses his sister every day.

Then the video changed it to where Kaela was speaking. “Lance, no. I don’t wanna do this. Besides we both know you’ll end up being pinned down by my brother.”

“I’ll be fine. I can take it. Come on! It’s fun! Every kid does this to their older siblings.” Lance whispered as he passed the marker to her.

“But this is Keith, we are dealing with here. You know how much he gets mad after that.” Kaela hissed as she looked at Keith who was sleeping in the lounge. Lance beckons Kaela with a grin to take the marker.

Kaela raised an eyebrow and opened the lid. She started to draw on Keith’s face. After a few moments, Keith woke up to seeing Kaela was covering half of her face with her book. “Ella? Are you okay? You look red.” Keith said.

“Uh-huh, I am fine.” Kaela nodded, trying so hard not to laugh out loud.

“Then why are you acting like there is something in my face?” Keith asked as he rubbed his face until he felt ink on his fingers. He looked back and forth at Kaela and the ink on his hands. He heard Lance’s laughing.

Keith growled. “You are so dead!” He chased Lance around the Castle with the rest of the paladins watching in confusion and Kaela laughing in amusement.

Keith glared at Lance who smiled sheepishly. “Okay, I was teaching her the stuff she missed out as a kid. She needed that.”

“Yeah, anything besides that.” Keith said.

“But Keith, at least she was having fun with us.” Allura said as she calms him down.

“Yeah, it is nice to see her smiling again.” Hunk said.

“And she inspired us all. She even convinced my dad to do the impossible with the garrison tech to infuse it with Galran and Altean tech. I mean, seriously, though, Earth has come a long way. It’s a hub for all alien activity now that my dad’s stabilized his teludav technology.” Pidge said with a smile. She was handing him another piece of a birthday cake for Lance.

“That’ll make travel on the Atlas much easier. We’ll be able to reach more sectors with the improved mobility. Not to mention the supplies we’ll save with the shorter journey.” Shiro smiled as he set down the plate.

“Yeah, yeah! We’ll have so much room for the cooking ingredients. People are just so much easier to reason with when they’re full.” Hunk said. “Man, this diplomacy thing isn’t nearly as easy as you and Kaela made it look.”

“I am sure you are doing a fantastic job, Hunk.” Allura said with a proud smile.

“Then you and my sister made everything look easy.” Keith teased Allura as she punched him on the arm playfully. Keith smirked and kissed her on the cheek, making her blush.

“She said she wanted to learn a few things about politics.” Allura smiled playfully at Keith. “She had done a fantastic job. But her strongest point is as a Mage Healer.”

“Speaking of which, how are things in Daibazaal?” Shiro asked.

“We’re calling for an election to select the Galran representative for the Galactic Coalition. So that’s step in the right direction.” Keith replied with a smile.

“Let me guess. They asked you to be their leader and you said no?” Lance asked raising his eyebrow while he had his arm around Pidge.

“Yeah, pretty much.” Keith replied with a smile.

“Classic Keith.” Lance smirked and everyone laughed in amusement.

“I am so proud of your decision, Keith. Kaela and I knew you would always be the key to the Galra’s future.” Allura said as they intertwined their hands together.

Coran smiled at the paladins and the new Queen of Altea. He smiled proudly and thought how they came a long way when they first met and when they first met Kaela. “Just around this table I see so many lives touched by her actions. For some of us she was a healer, a counsellor, a confidante and a sister. But to those of us around this table, she will always be family.” Coran said as he grabbed a glass and raised it high. “To Kaela!”

“To Kaela.” Everyone said as they all looked back at the statue of Kaela from behind them that had photos and flowers in front of her. They also had the statues of the Paladins of the Old along with Mage Princess Serene standing in behind Kaela.

Keith smiled as he hugged Allura as she wrapped her arm around his waist, smiling at the statue. “Happy Birthday, Ella.”

(~)

Everyone went to sleep for the day until Keith woke up and saw a white feather coming into his room from his window and then saw the spirits had appeared. Allura woke up beside him also felt her presence and heard the lions roaring.

The paladins and Allura all went outside to see the spirits appearing before them with the Lions all drifting above them. They all saw different kinds of colours in the sparkling night sky with the spirits lighting up the dark as they all white orbs coming down and two spirits appeared as King Alfor and Queen Melenor. Allura’s tears rolled down her cheeks as she ran to them and wrapped her arms around them tightly. Shiro gasped when he felt a hand on his shoulder from behind him and saw Adam. He was smiling at him fondly. Shiro had tears forming overjoyed to see him.

Keith, Lance, Pidge and Hunk all smiled seeing that Allura and Shiro were reunited with their loved ones. They heard a white phoenix squawking above them and landed in front of them and appeared Kaela in spirit form and wore a white dress. Keith’s breath hitched seeing his sister after a year and saw another spirit appearing and saw their father was standing beside her. Kaela walked towards him smiling as she caressed his cheeks and wiped his tears.

Keith smiled and they hugged in a tighter embrace and she looked back at their father who walked towards Keith. Keith gasped softly as he felt Kaela holding his hand tightly until their father went up to his children. There were no words need to be spoken and he simply nodded, he was proud of what he had done as a Paladin of Voltron and for everything he had done for the universe. The three hugged each other with everyone watched with tears flowing down.

Allura looked at her parents as they began to fade. Her mother and father both embraced their daughter one last time. Shiro looked at Adam who was smiling at him sadly and started to walk away from him. Shiro looked at Keith who had his arm around his sister and father. Their father smiled at Keith one last time before he started to walk away and joined the other spirits in the night sky. The paladins all looked at their lions one last time as they reminisce on their memories as Paladins of Voltron and their memories they had shared with Kaela. The joyous memories they all had treasured.

Kaela and Keith pressed their foreheads together with Keith shedding one tear and let go of her as he watched she running towards the lions. She transformed into a white phoenix and flew with them with the spirits shone bright in the night sky with the paladins smiling and with tears flowing down.

After a year, everything had changed for the better with The Holts family established the next generation of Legendary Defenders. Hunk created a culinary empire, bringing the universe together, one meal at the time. Lance took Kaela’s wishes to heart and followed his dreams as he became a teacher in the Garrison and teach the young generation of becoming great pilots with his girlfriend, Pidge, by his side, Krolia and Kolivan became the Galra representatives to the Galactic Coalition. Keith helped transition The Blade of Marmora to a humanitarian relief organization with the help of his girlfriend. Queen Allura of Altea, who encouraged the Alteans to become peacekeepers and brave diplomats in the universe while respecting Kaela’s wishes as she continued her father’s legacy and ruled Altea. Shiro found happiness with Curtis and finally left the battle behind.

Somewhere in deep space, all five lions followed the white phoenix and led them far away from Altea to a planet with pillars around it, serving as a gate way and the spirits glowed brightly, responding to the white phoenix and the Lions.

(~)

“My lord, we just got word.” Said one of the soldiers, he had his jet black tied up back neatly as he bowed down in respect. “It seems that the Great Ikri has fallen.”

The soldier watched his lord and master swung his spear across the room and then slashed a tapestry that was on the wall, cutting it in half with Mage Princess Serene and her family image on the tapestry. “Is that so?”

“Yes, my lord.” Replied the lieutenant.

The Lord chuckled evilly as he looked at the cut tapestry of Mage Princess Serene. “Hmm, looks like the story and the legend is not ending, after all, Mother. Gaius, begin preparation and summon the Elders. It is time to bring back what is rightfully ours.”

“Yes, of course my lord, Prince Adelram. At once.” Gaius complied as he went and do as he was told to.

“Soon, Mother, I will take everything you have. And then I shall rule Zelza and it will all be mine Looks like the story is not over just yet.” Prince Adelram chuckled evilly as he overlooked his soldiers building and creating weapons of their own in an abandoned mansion.

[yurtletheturtlehenderson]

S.T. REWRITE - S2:E3; Chapter  Three, The Pollywog - [Pt. 1]

A Will Byers x Reader Series

Dustin adopts a strange new pet, and Eleven grows increasingly impatient. A well-meaning Bob urges Will to stand up to his fears while Y/n’s powers grow stronger, bringing to light many questions about her past.

A/N: Long chapter ahead. Idk it’s been a while since I’ve written so it might seem longer to me. The reason I’ve been gone, if you haven’t heard already is I’ve been depressed, but I assure you, it’s nothing life threatening, just something I’m working through and I appreciate you guys waiting for me. I’m not over it yet, no one really gets over it magically, but just being able to sit down and find the inspiration to write again is a huge step and I’m just as excited as you are that this is happening. Anyways I’ll let you get to reading!

||3rd Person POV||

With timid steps, Dustin crept into his living room, hoping not to draw any attention to himself or the creature he just captured. He closed the front door quietly and began making his way towards his bedroom. His heart leapt up to his throat when he heard the sound of his mother.

“Dusty!”

He froze in place and plastered on a smile, turning to his mother who came up anxiously to greet him home.

“Dusty, what happened? What was that?”

Dustin’s mouth ran dry. How could she possibly know already? She couldn’t, could she? Dustin tried his best to brush it off.

“W-hat? What, what was what?”

Mrs. Henderson frowned, tilting her head and gesturing down the hall.

“Your poor sister. She came in crying, and she won’t answer me. Won’t even say a word, now what happened tonight Dusty?”

“Oh, that, yeah, um, she uh…” he looked down at the homemade ghost box he had in his hands and felt anxiety creeping up. “Well you know, boy drama I guess,”

Dustin immediately felt a pang of guilt for that remark but he was beginning to panic. He could feel the creature begin to shift around in the box and he knew his mom would keep asking questions if he didn’t cut straight to the chase.

“Well, what happened? Is there another girl?” She asked sadly.

“What?” Dustin asked dumbfounded. “No! Well, I mean, technically yes, but she has nothing to do with-”

“Did he reject her?”

“No! Mom!”

Dustin began shifting on his feet, getting increasingly more uncomfortable, and it was impossible to tell if it was from the conversation or the fact he was hiding a secret, unidentified species in the prop of his Halloween costume.

“Dusty? Are you okay? You’re acting weird.”

“I’m not acting weird!”

Without warning, the ghost box in his hand shook, making several audible thuds. Mrs. Henderson jumped back, letting out a small yelp in fear.

“Woah!” Dustin burst out into a fit of uncontrollable and nervous laughter as he looked from the trap to his mother.

Mews, who had been standing at Mrs. Henderson’s feet, hissed harshly at the box.

“Awesome, right? Yeah… I-I rigged the trap with, uh, a motor to make it look like I caught a ghost. Just like the movie.”

Mrs. Henderson let out a forced and nervous laugh. “Oh, Dusty.”

“Yeah,” He laughed forcibly, the trap begins to shake violently. “Funny. Look at that. Look at that.”

Dustin seized the opportunity, and quickly left for his bedroom. Quietly, he tiptoed past his sisters room. He figured he could tell her when he told the others, given she clearly needed the space.

Closing his bedroom door and locking it behind him, he brought the trap close to his face.

“I told you to keep quiet.” He hissed. “All you had to do was stay still for one minute. One minute.”

He temporarily rested the trap on his bed, as he grabbed his turtle out from his tank and set him on the ground. “Sorry, Yertle. Temporary eviction, buddy.”

He picked up the trap and opened it, dropping the small chittering creature into Yertle’s tank. Dustin leaned down to get a better look, and marveled at it as it began moving about the tank, and immediately crawled under the log and into the shade.

“What are you, little guy? What were you doing in my trash?”

The small creature, slowly and cautiously stuck it’s head out from under the protection of the shaded log, almost as if it was listing to Dustin.

Dustin’s smile grew. “You hungry?”

Dumping the nights earnings of candy onto his bed, he didn’t have to rifle through the pile long before spotting a Three Musketeers bar. He grabbed it and quickly unwrapped it.

Returning to the tank, he broke off two or three pieces of his favorite candy and proceeded to drop the bits of nougat into the tank. He watched, as he took his own bite from the candy bar, as the critter attempted to leave the log, only to retreat.

“Too hot?”

He reached for the heat lamp and turned it off. He looked to the critter,who looked visibly more relaxed.

“Sorry about that, little guy.”

He eagerly crawled out from under the log and began nibbling on the small chunks of nougat, seeming very satisfied. Dustin smiled at this.

“You like nougat, too, huh?”

It looked to Dustin and gently hissed in response.

“You’re pretty cute, you know that? I’m glad I found you.”

Realizing he needed a name for the creature, he looked to the candy bar in his hands in thought.

‘The Three Musketeers. And their trusted ally, D'Artagnan.’ He thought.

He smiled knowingly.

“D'Artagnan. I’m gonna call you D'Artagnan.”

+++

A few hours, and several pieces of candy bars later, Dustin had fallen asleep on his bed while reading ‘Reptiles and Amphibians’ in an attempt to out any information on d'Artagnan. Unbeknownst to the sleeping boy, only a few feet away from him, d'Artagnan had began to grow.

+++

[FLASHBACK]

HAWKINS NOV. 1983

Hopper shivered against the harsh winter air. He kept telling himself he wasn’t crazy for doing this. Leaving stashes of food and a few Eggos in a lockbox out in the woods on the off chance this girl was still alive.

But that police report of a dingy looking girl in the woods who “made that damn squirrel fly” could not have been a coincidence. And he remembered her taking a liking to Eggos and well, he didn’t want her to starve. Or have to cook any more squirrels by the sound of it… So he thought it was worth a try.

Eleven watched the man carefully. She recognized him from that night. He was the same man that saved her and her friends from the bad men. And here he was leaving her food. Right in front of her. But he was walking away. Her breathing increased and she knew she had to make a decision.

Take a chance on him and let herself be known, or continue to try and scrape by out in the woods. The more she thought about it the less it seemed like a choice. Before she knew it, her feet had carried her to the man. He had stopped just before he reached his truck when he heard her.

They both seemed equally shocked she was there, and they said nothing. He slowly took off his hat, showing her he wasn’t a threat.

[END OF FLASHBACK]

“Rise and shine,” Hopper called from the doorway.

El’s eyes fluttered open and the memory of the night before came rushing back to her. Huffing, she turned on her side, her back facing Hopper.

“So that’s it, huh? You’re still not talking?”

El only glared at the wall in silent protest.

Hopper feigned a sigh. “All right. I guess I’m just gonna have to, uh… enjoy this triple-decker Eggo extravaganza on my own.”

El’s eyes became as wide as saucers, and without turning her head she looked in the direction of the doorway, knowing she had already lost.

The pair sat at the table, Hopper happily digging into the stack of Eggos and whipped cream, making noises of approval.

“Mmm-mmm! Good, right?” He asked, wiping a bit of whipped cream off his face as he tried to pry a conversation out of El. “Know the great thing about it? It’s only 8,000 calories.”

El only stared at him. A mixture of not understanding, and not amused. Hoppers lips pressed into a firm line, realizing he had forgotten who he was talking to for a moment. As he cut another slice of the triple-decker Eggo extravaganza, he glanced around the room and spotted the TV cord leading all the way into El’s room.

“You visited him again last night?”

Her eyes trailed from the cord to Hopper’s gaze, and finally down at her lap, knowing she had been caught.

“He says he needs me.”

“Want me to go check on him”

Not meeting his eye, El sadly shook her head.

“I know you miss him, all right? But it’s too dangerous. You’re the last thing he needs right now. You’re gonna see him. Soon. And not just in that head of yours. You’re gonna see him in real life. Y/N too. I feel like I’m making progress with these people.”

Blinking, she leaned forward. “Friends don’t lie.”

“What?” He asked, taken by surprise.

“You say ‘soon’ on day 21. You say 'soon’ on day 205. You now say 'soon’ on day 326?” She demands, voice rising.

“What is this?” Hopper asks, quickly growing agitated. “You’re counting down the days now like you’re some kind of prisoner?”

“When is 'soon’?”

“'Soon’ is when… it’s not dangerous anymore.”

“When?” She presses.

Hopper, who is visibly uncomfortable, and is fiddling with his pockets, continuing to avoid eye contact. “I don’t know.”

“On day 500?”

“I don’t know.”

“On day 600?”

“I don’t know.” His own voice rising.

“On 700? On day 800?”

“No!”

“I need to see him! Tell me!”

“I said I–”

Before Hopper can finish, El throws his plate of Eggos on his lap with a single flick of her head.

“Oh! Shit! Shit!” He yells, standing up in surprise.

El stands up and glares at Hopper, fire in her eyes. “Friends. Don’t. Lie!”

She marches into her room, throwing her arm behind her, and the door slams itself shut.

+++

That very same morning, on the first of November, the Byers household was in a scramble as they moved about the house, getting ready for the day.

“Jesus. Have you seen them?” Joyce asked.

Joyce had misplaced her keys, and she had been digging through the couch cushions while her sons searched the other rooms.

“We’re looking, Mom.” Jonathan reasoned, discarding the coat he had previously checked the pockets of.

Will walked by him, resting his mother’s purse on the kitchen table, and began rifling through it.

“Yeah, we’re… we’re looking,”

“A-ha!” Cried a voice from down the hall. “Found 'em!” Chuckled Bob, triumphantly waving the keys.

Joyce sighed in great relief.

“Hiding under some jeans, sneaky little buggers.”

“Thank you. Thank you. You’re a life saver.” Joyce pulled Bob close and gave him a quick kiss.

She pulled away, and began gathering her things from the kitchen table, and turned to Jonathan.

“Can you take Will to school today? I cannot be late again.”

Jonathan quickly lowered his voice while his mother was still in close proximity.

“He’s staying over now?”

She ignored his question, not wanting to discuss it while Bob was present, and lowered her voice to match his. “Can you just take Will, please?”

“I can take him,” Bob shrugged.

“Will you make sure he gets in okay?” She asked timidly.

“Yeah, of course.” He grinned. “What do you say, big guy? Wanna go for a ride in the Bobmobile?”

Will was taken aback and looked to his mother for confirmation, she only smiled at him.

He wasn’t expecting Bob to offer to do that. It was a nice thing to do. And Will guessed it wouldn’t it hurt.

After all, what the worst that could happen?

…Right?

||Reader’s POV||

“I don’t know mom, he just… he’s been acting different. They all have” I sighed into my cereal bowl as I ate.

Well, to be fair, I was mostly just frowning at it.

“What do you mean, honey?” Mom asked, hands curled around her mug as she sat opposite from me.

I let out a frustrated sigh and looked around, it became to talk, a lump in my throat was forming.

“I just-” I sighed, composing myself, and selected my words carefully knowing I had to be cautious with what I told her. “All I want is for Will to be okay. And I’ll do anything to respect that. But lately, I can’t help but feel like I could really help him, and now that things are getting bad again, Mike is getting crazy grumpy and focusing all of his attention on Will and totally cutting me out, and Will is letting him.”

I took a deep breath, wiping a tear away, and began to fiddle with my cereal bowl. My fingers absentmindedly fiddling with the rim of the bowl, and I could feel my mother’s eyes on me.

“And, I know I must be coming off as totally selfish, and I feel bad but… I just want to help, and Mike isn’t exactly a saint here. I know he’s got… other things on his mind, stuff he’s upset about, but he’s taking it out on me and guarding Will and I’m just trying to help. I’ll totally back off if Will needs me to, but Mike hasn’t let Will get a word in edgewise. And others all are all too worked up over the new girl, I get it though, she’s cool, but still,”

I let out a long exhale, feeling ten pounds lighter, but no better about Will or Mike.

“I don’t hate Mike,” I said. “I think it’s good that if he’s focused on anything it’s Will, I just… I just wish…”

“He’d be your friend again, too?” My mom finished.

I bit my lip, blinking back tears, and I nod.

“Yeah, I do. I miss how everything used to be. Everyone got along, and all had the same interests. And Will wasn’t having all these episodes…”

“I’m sorry honey. I know, it’s such a hard time at your age, but you just have to hang on to the good moments. Everything will work itself out, I promise. What happened, with Will, anyway?” She asked, sipping her coffee.

“Well, I only left him for a moment, to chase after Mike, of course I thought he was right behind me but…” I trailed off, thinking of those horrid boys, and my jaw clenched. I stuttered as my brain searched for a foul name I call them in front of my mother. “Some… pricks practically jumped him. Scared him into an episode.”

I could feel my anger building up. Just at the mere memory of the boys, it all came flooding back and I was feeling all the emotions from last night coming swarming back to me.

“Y/N,” She lightly scolded.

“Well, they were! I could have called them a lot worse, too. This must have been his worst episode, I’ve never seen him this freaked out! He-”

I glanced down when I sensed movement in the bottom of my eye line and I saw my cereal… bubbling? Boiling. It was beginning to boil.

I jump up from where I was sitting, ripping my hands away from the ceramic bowl, startling my mother in the process.

“Y/N! What has gotten into you?”

'I wish I knew’

“Uhh, I’m running late. I just realized. Thanks for the talk, love you, bye,” I said, already backing away and making my way down the hall.

I was only half lying, I was cutting it short on time. But I couldn’t let my mom see whatever the hell I just did to my cereal.

I turned down the hall, leaping over Mews with ease, who seemed unfazed by it.

Just as I reached my door, I nearly collided with Dustin. I came to a halt, and he jumped back, being extra careful to keep his backpack zipped up and out of sight.

He was hiding something. But then again so was I, and judging by the look in his eye he knew it too.

We didn’t have to say anything, we both gave each other a look, knowing we would talk to each other about it later, and bid each other farewell.

“AV club? Lunch?” He asked, growing startled and adjusting his backpack once more.

I narrow my eyes and nod.

“Okay, well, see you at school then…” I say slowly.

He nods, just as suspicious, and we both parted ways.

I slip into my bedroom and get dressed for the day. As I did, my mind kept playing what had just happened in the kitchen, over and over again in my head.

And by the time I was out the door, it had wandered to the handful of times I had… used my powers.

'That is still so weird to think about’

I recalled the first time when I blasted those agents who almost grabbed me. I felt my stomach drop, and I remembered why I hardly ever think about it. I can’t, and don’t ever want to imagine what would have happened if they had gotten to me.

And then shortly after, when… when he had El. And me. The first time my brother and the others saw me use my powers. Both times were unintentional. It just happens. I wish I could learn how to control it.

But there were other strange things too, like how I could heal. Really quickly. For a while there I thought I could do stuff with plants but… that turned out to be a dead end. I didn’t mind though. It was quite a relief actually, I can barely handle the fact I have powers, something as wild as control plants. It must have had something to do with my healing abilities?

'Who the hell knows’

I felt crazier and crazier the more I thought about all of this.

But what happened this morning… It reminded me of what happened at the assembly for Will. I had gotten quite upset at Troy. Understandably. And I could have sworn I left a mark on the bleachers.

Heat seemed to be a common theme, and it began to make my head spin.

I had to take some sudden deep breaths to prevent my anxiety from creeping up again.

How had everything changed so much, so quickly?

||3rd Person POV||

The car ride to school was mostly silent. The only sounds were the occasional turn signals and soft music playing from the radio.

Bob decided to ease the tension and broke the silence with simple conversation.

“So was that you I heard milling around last night, or was that a ghost?” He chuckled, indicating he wasn’t mad, just genuinely curious.

“Yeah, me probably,” Will said quietly.

“Another nightmare?” He asked gently.

“Um…no” Will answered, avoiding his gaze and looking out the window at the passing landscape.

Bob nodded.

He needed another approach. He really wanted at least one of his girlfriends kids to like him. He liked them, he knew they were good kids, just needed time to get to know them, that’s all.

Bob sensed that there was more than Will was letting on, and he just wanted to help. So he did in the only way he knew how.

“Did I ever tell you about Mr. Baldo?”

“Mr. Baldo?” Will asked slowly, confused at the name.

Bob scoffed in agreement. “Yeah. I was a little younger than you. I was standing in line for the Ferris Wheel at the Roane County fair,”

As Bob told the story, Will became invested almost immediately, and shifted in his seat to face him.

“Mmm-hmm” he nodded.

“And suddenly, I feel this fat white glove tap me on the shoulder. I spin around and there he is. Mr. Baldo.” Bob plastered on a fake smile, and began imitating the clown, his voice grating. “'Hey, kiddo, would you like a balloon?’”

Having come from Bob, Will didn’t find the imitation so scary and responded with a chuckle.

Bob chuckled with him. “Go ahead, laugh. It’s funny. It wasn’t funny back then, I’ll tell you that.” His smile faltered. “I couldn’t get him out of my head. Every night. He would come to me in my dreams. And every night when he came to me… I ran.”

He sighed, recalling the memory.

“It got so bad that I made my mom stay in the room with me until I could fall asleep every night.”

Will felt a giant pit form in his stomach. He almost felt like he could get sick to his stomach. He knew what Bob was talking about, all too well. But the awful part was, he didn’t know if it was just a dream or not.

“Really?” Will mumbled, growing frightened.

“Really. It went on like that for months. And then one day, the nightmares suddenly stopped.”

Will finally tore his away from the road, and gazed hopefully at Bob.

“Wanna know how?”

“How?” His voice was barely above a whisper.

“Well, I fell asleep, and just like always,” he blinked several times, seeming unnerved by the memory. “Mr. Baldo came to me. Only this time, I didn’t run. This time, I stood my ground”

Will listened, and couldn’t help but think of the monster that had been plaguing him the last few nights.

“I just looked at Mr. Baldo, in his stupid face, and I said, 'Go away. Go away!’ And just like that, he was gone. Never saw him again. Easy-peasy, right?”

The gears were turning in Will’s brain. Hope in his eyes.

“Easy-peasy.” Will agreed, nodding.

Bob Newby smiled, thrilled that he had gotten through to Will, believing with all his heart he had truly just helped the boy, knowing nothing of the horrific repercussions to come.

+++

Tag List: @dickkwad @aimee-lucass @iblesstherainsdown-in-africa @miscellaneoustoasts

DM if you want to be added!

[chysgoda]

Custody Arrangements

Word Count: 3325

Rating: G

Spoilers: 5.0, Warring Triad

This one kinda... gotta way from me. 

So here, have Unukalhai discovering that being part of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn means he has little sisters and Art’imis discussing the custody exchange with my favorite Moonman, Elidibus. 

“And if I checked with your tutors would they say you have no lessons?” Unukalhai heard Krille as he came down stairs from the living quarters above the main floor of the Rising Stones. He blinked when he saw Krile staring down a pair of girls next to the bar.  The girls were a lavender haired Miqo'te and a brunette Elezan. They seemed to be a few years younger than he was.  (He used to be? He apparently was?)

“I swear Krile! You can even ask Grandpa!” The Miqo'te girl waved her hands emphatically.

“Do your mothers know you’re here?” Krile set her fists on her hips. Unukalhai got the feeling that the interrogation was the result of past experiences.

This time the Elezan girl nodded emphatically, “Yes!”

“Did you ask for permission and have eye contact when you received an answer?”

“Yes! Mama Art said she’d catch up with us in a few hours!” The Miqo’te’s tail lashed behind her  

Krile smiled and the two girls nearly slumped with relief that the interrogation was over. Unukalhai blinked behind his mask when the girls both surged forward to hug the lalafelan woman who laughed. He approached cautiously as the two girls babbled about lessons, friends, and the teacup tragedies and adventures of eleven-year-old girls. Krile nodded and smiled, teasing occasionally. Unukalhai debated retreating and coming back for breakfast later. Such personal and easy conversation held in the open where anyone could listen in made him both nervous and jealous. He froze when mismatched blue and green eyes snapped up to look at him.

“You’re the new kid!” The Miqo'te girl exclaimed. She bounced around Krile, much to the woman’s amusement, and stopped directly in front of him. “I’m Bel.”

Unukalhai stepped back, Bel hadn’t actually invaded his space, but her intensity made it feel like she had. “I’m the new kid?”

The Elezan came to stand next to her friend. “Yes, and I’m Bianca.”

He looked at Krile for help but she just looked amused. He looked back to the two girls who were watching him expectantly. “I-I’m Unukalhai”

The unfettered smiles he got in return for his name were blinding. The girls looked at each other and seemed to have a complex conversation without words ever passing lips. Before he could start to make sense of the expressions and ear twitches they looked back to him.

“You should come with us,” Bel stated her tail swung behind her in smooth quick arcs as she bounced on her toes.

Unukalhai glanced between bright smiles and brighter eyes. Again he glanced to Krile though he wasn’t sure if he was looking for an escape or guidance. The scholar’s smile was softer and she nodded encouragement. He looked back at the girls impatiently waiting for his agreement. “Alright?”

The following burst of activity nearly made him jump out of his robe. Bianca picked up a basket that had been hiding behind her legs and Bel grabbed a blanket with a sturdy weave. They each hooked an arm around one of his elbows and turned to leave the rising stones.

Krile let them get halfway before calling out. “What are the rules?”

“Don’t get kidnapped,” Bel responded in a sing-song voice. Unukalhai looked down at her sharply and then back to Krile’s neutral expression.

“Stay within sight of the guards.” Bianca picked up the next one. That made sense, the grounds close to the settlement were mostly safe within easy distance of the guards.

“Be back two fingers before dusk.” Unukalhai nodded at Bel’s statement, which was sensible as well.

“Don’t pick a fight if we can’t see a way to end it quickly.” Unukalhai blinked, was that actually part of the rules?

“If someone in a strange mask and robes shows up call by link shell and try to get back here.” Unukalhai felt like he would get whiplash looking back and forth. They had a rule for dealing with Ascians?

Krile noded decisively and smiled pleased by the recitation. “Have fun and be safe.”  

*~ ~* *~ ~* *~ ~* *~ ~*

Elidibus veiled his presence as he watched his charge and two girls spread a blanket on the ground not far from the gate to Revanet’s Toll. Unukalhai looked dazed watching the two younger set up their meal with as much movement as possible and then proceeded to talk non stop through lunch. They were expressive and excitable he was not surprised that Unukalhai did not know what to do with them. Elidibus’s lips twitched as he remembered a similar little girl… he paused and considered the girls. There was something familiar pulling at his senses like a scent recalling the memory of a favorite meal. The elezan girl he discounted. The Miqo’te however. He glanced between Unukalhai and the lavender haired girl wishing he had Emet-Selch’s gift for seeing the hue of a soul. The thirteenth shard’s Warrior of Light he knew to be one of the scattered shards of his daughter. This child, she felt the same, had the shape of his independent daughter and he could see a hint of her smile in the face that was still round with baby fat… he took a few steps closer carefully veiling his presence so that he could hear and watch more clearly.

“Mama said you had the Echo too?” Bel asked. She was fidgeting with the end of her tail as she lay on her back.

Unukalhai nodded in response and then blinked. The boy focused his attention and aether on the two girls and leaned back. “You do as well, and the blessing of light?”

Elidibus grit his teeth, the mention of Hydaelyn’s blessing brought painful memories of his last conversation with his daughter, the last fight about the sacrifices demanded by Zodiark. He watched as the girls did not respond with the same enthusiasm that they seemed to give to everything else. They looked at each other and being infinitely older and more experienced Elidibus could catch the conversation Unukalhai missed. Arched eyebrows, twitching ears, and quick glances combined with tight shoulders and tense backs to tell a story of whether or not to give their trust. A bit of tension ran out of their posture when they nodded at each other and turned back to the older boy.

“They try not to scare us, but my mamas aren’t happy that we found our crystals. Mama Art didn’t find her first one until she was twenty-seven.” Bel said. She spoke softly enough that the Emissary had to strain to hear her. “They started telling us more about a lot of things. when I asked why Mama Meli said it was so we could make more informed choices than they could.”

Interesting, the steadfast champions of the Mother Crystal were not so enamored of Hydaelyn any more. If her grip was loosening there might be a chance that the shards of his daughter could be broken free of the light’s influence. He would need to delve further into the story of how the Champions had lost and regained the blessing of light. He focused his attention back on the youths. On the picnic blanket, Bianca nodded and stretched out again. “My Mama told them that for now, it was just something to deal with and train. Like the dragon blood a lot of Isgardian’s have. Getting hung up on it just makes it harder for everyone.”  

Unukalhai was plainly unused to schooling his expression and his face showed all of his reactions from surprise to curiosity to bewilderment. The young teen reached forward to grab one of the sweets so he could avoid speaking. The girls didn’t seem to mind though.  Bel stretched out as well using Bianca’s stomach as a pillow. Bianca pointed out the beginnings of an iridescent purple shimmer excitedly.

His senses twitched and he turned to see Art’imis Chysgoda nod amiably to the guards as she walked out of the gates. Helpfully, one of the guards pointed to where the girls had set up their picnic. She walked to the blanket with sure strides. She wasn’t in her armor but she was still armed with a broad sword on one hip and a long hunting dagger on the other. She reached the blanket and smiled down at the three. “Time to clean up and head back to the Rising Stones.”

“But Mom! There’s a Gloaming starting!” Bel waved excitedly at the sky as she sat up.

“Yes, and the last time I let the pair of you stay out to watch you were both aether sick for two days,” the paladin folded her arms over her chest and looked pointedly at the basket. Unukalhai took the hint and started piling the remains of their meal into the basket. Bel set her jaw stubbornly. “But-”

“But nothing.” Art’imis leaned down to glare at the two girls. “And if you leave Unukalhai to do all the work neither of you will be going to Bent Branch next week.”

Bel and Bianca were suddenly very intent on cleaning up their picnic. The teen saved his mask before Bianca could toss it into the basket with everything else. He stood and stepped back from the blanket before it could be pulled out from underneath him. He stepped over to stand by Art’imis as she watched the girls get in each other’s way as they tried to fold the blanket.

“I find it’s best to just relax and let them burn through their excess energy.” She draped an arm around Unukalhai’s shoulders and gave him a brief hug. “They’ve been chomping at the bit to come and see you since they found out there was someone roughly their age with the echo. We didn’t give them your whole story, that’s yours to tell, but talk to Bel sometime. You'll find a sympathetic ear.”

Elidibus watched as his charge stared at the warrior of light for a long moment before he put his mask back on and nodded. The Emissary drew in a breath and released it, delaying this conversation would not be beneficial. With an absent wave of his hand he released the veil he was holding around himself. Art’imis and Unukalhai both snapped their heads in his direction immediately, the two girls looked around with uncertainty until they found him. They quickly retreated to Art’imis and looking up at the AuRa woman for direction and comfort. Art’imis dropped her arm from around Unukalhai’s shoulders so that she could rest her hand on her hip near to her hunting knife. “Unukalhai, take the girls back to the Rising Stones and let Krile know who I’m speaking with. If I’m not back in half a bell tell her to come and check on me.”

The teenage boy glanced between the Ascian and the Paladin conflict plain in his shoulders and neck. Eliidibus gave him a brief nod and tilted his head in the direction of the AuRa woman. Unukalhai let out a relieved breath and stepped back. Art’imis shot a look at both the girls who were quick to each take a hand and pull the older boy with them. The Raen woman half turned so she could keep an eye on the Ascian while she watched the three youths walk back to the gate. Once they were safely within the walls Art’imis turned back and walked past Elidibus to a place beyond the sight and hearing of the guards.

Elidibus followed and watched the warrior of light’s posture and manner. She did not bother much with hiding that she had to consciously keep her hands away from the hilts of the blades on her hips. He held his tongue as she stopped and turned to him. Art’imis Chysgoda was easy to read. She did not trust him. She did not want to be here having this conversation. She could swallow that for the sake of a youth with nowhere else to turn. She would have no qualms about doing her best to cut him down if she determined he was a threat to those in her care. Watching her, the Emissary reminded himself that knowing what a lioness was thinking did not make her leap any less dangerous. He let the silence stretch for another few moments before deciding to extend the offer of truce. “Unukalhai looks well.”

Art’imis blew out a breath, “He started eating properly after the nonsense with the warring triad was over.”

They stared at each other again trying to stretch their shard vocabulary beyond barbs about esoteric knowledge and manners.

“Unukalhai speaks fondly of you, so I am inclined to believe that you were not an abusive caretaker.” Art’imis rubbed a thumb along the scales on the bridge of her nose.

“Even we have limits Warrior.” Elidibus’s words came clipped and sharp.

“You may have limits Emissary. I would not extend that assumption to your brothers and sisters.” The paladin returned evenly.  “Given how utterly horrible he is about hiding his own machinations I’m also willing to believe that you are not trying to drop a fox into the hen house. So Emissary, why give him over to our custody? You plainly care for the boy, so why trust him to the enemies who threaten your precious balance?”

Behind his mask he forced himself to be calm. How to explain that he had no other options but this fragment of a woman who had once stood as the voice and shepherd of Amaurot’s citizens. How to explain that though he feared she and hers would twist the boy’s thoughts away from rational logic, he knew they would fold the boy into their family and ensure that he had the support and love needed to thrive. Could he explain that though they labored for the greater good there was the blood of too many children on his hands to be trusted with another. Ignorant as the Paladin was of her own history he could not say that he knew the soul of his shattered daughter and to see the fragment next to the greater part of her soul reaffirmed this path he and the rest of the convocation doggedly walked. That, despite Hydaelyn’s meddling, he may one day see his child whole and able to grow into what had been denied her. That this one thing he would secret away from his god’s hunger.

The warrior of light waited for his answer, not patient but willing to hold her tongue until he answered. He watched her carefully, “If Hydaelyn asked it of you, would you sacrifice those children to her?”

Art’imis bristled with indignant rage and hissed her answer. “I would do no such thing! She’s no right to demand such a price.”

Elidibus cocked his head to the side to consider the small woman. “I am not in a position to rear a child, and who else is there that could even comprehend what the boy has been through. It is you and yours or nothing.”

Art’imis drummed the fingers of her left hand on her hip. She took a breath and let the Why drop. “Is there anything I need to know about his physical condition.”

“The body in which I placed his soul was injured when I found it and the original occupant had returned to the lifestream before the flesh gave out. I repaired the damage to the neck and head but there may be unforeseen complications.” They both relaxed marginally having turned the conversation to practicalities. He watched as mismatched gold and silver eyes stared past him for a moment seeming to be examining an internal checklist

“Do you know if he is prone to infections, or if there are things that will give him a rash or make him sick?”

“Not that I am aware of,” Elidibus paused in thought. “Concentrations of water aether are wont to take over his attention and senses.”

“How old is he?”

“Approximately fourteen.”

“Have you spoken to him about sex?”

The blunt question nearly made the Emissary reel, only eons of experience kept what was visible of his expression placid. “It has hardly been relevant.”

“Hardly relevant to a fourteen-year-old boy?” Art’imis arched an eyebrow.

Elidibus chose to ignore the amusement sparking in the paladin’s eyes. “I trust you will see to his continued education?”

“Krile and Y’Stola have his studies well in hand. I’ll take care of any martial training he may desire to pursue beyond basic self-defense.”

Again they lapsed into silence watching each other with the weary bewilderment that comes with trying to remember all the questions that would plague them later. Art’imis broke eye contact first to look across the lake to the wreck of the Argreius and the husk of Midgardsormer’s body. She closed her eyes. “I can not guarantee you he will be completely safe. I wish it were otherwise and I could ensure harm would never come to any of them but…”

“If you tried I would take all three of them from you for sheer incompetence.” He stated impatiently.  

The response startled a brief laugh out of Art’imis. She looked back and her expression shifted into something more guarded. “Will you want to see him again?”

“I...” for the first time in many years he could not find words. Yes, he wanted to see the boy again, to see the shattered bits of his daughter between the two bodies for that was as close as he would come to seeing her whole for many years yet. “Would you allow it?”

“There’s not much I could do to prevent you from seeing him. Would you respect it if I said no?” the AuRa folded her arms over her chest as she pressed her lips into a thin line.

They stood on opposite sides of a war long gone cold and bitter, this uneasy truce only existed for the sake of youths too young to be asked to fight. He knew that if she allowed him any access to visit Unukalhai she would not risk having her foster daughter near an enemy. But then again it would be better to know just the single shard than be denied altogether. “I would not interfere with you.”

Art’imis snorted, “A pretty way to sidestep the question. Then know that I do not trust you. I do not trust your fellows. You have entrusted Unukalhai to me and I will take him in as my own and what is mine I keep. There will be no take-backs here.”

“And if he chooses to come to me?”

“I would try to convince him otherwise, I would mourn for his decision and hope for his return, but I will not try to control him.”  

Again the silence spread out between them and this time Elidibus looked away first. “Until he reaches the age of majority in this land I will contact you first if I have need to speak with Unukalhai.”

Art’imis’s eyes narrowed, she had spotted the loophole but also knew she would get no further concessions from Elidibus. She nodded sharply. “The rest we can work out ourselves.”

“Then I will take my leave Warrior of Light.” Elidibus gave the paladin an abbreviated bow and with an effort of will opened a portal.

She spoke again when he turned away. “For what it’s worth, I admire that you were able to make this choice, to put Unukalhai before your cause.”

Elidibus looked over his shoulder at the woman who did not remember being a friend and confidant. “Perhaps one day we will be able to find a balance so that such things are not necessary.” His words were almost too soft for Art’imis to hear. Before she could respond he stepped through the portal and closed it behind him. For several long moments, he stared at the gray dust that covered the moon before looking up to the blue and green star.

[longneckreach]

Interlude: Plague Rat

Aspis lifted his head to peer out through the arena exit of his cell.

The guards shouting and swearing wasn’t exactly new, but they normally didn’t have this much trouble moving a single box—he blinked. He remembered that cage; the black Fae, from the fight two weeks ago. He’d stopped thinking about her. Just like the rest of them, every other day she was hauled out of her cage to stretch her wings and get a chance to practice sparring.

Unlike the rest of them she was always left in twelve-point tiedowns, kept chained to her cage.

Most of the time, she didn’t struggle; today she had laid down quietly and let them carry her out, and proceeded through a series of practice patterns without any incident. And then, of course, she’d thrown a dull training knife into a guard’s eye and taken off, managing to rip one of her wing piercings through the membrane.

It hadn’t been enough, of course. The worst thing was that they just let her struggle, wearing herself out in the heat until the gong rang to send her group of fighters back to their holes.

And of course she hadn’t gone willingly. She’d clawed a Mirror guard’s face to the bone before being forced back into her cage, and even after the remaining tiedowns had been fastened, she was still thrashing and managing to draw blood from the talons of the dragons carrying her.

Aspis would have grinned if it wasn’t so depressing. She drew crowds because the spectacle of a killer fae who had to be restrained this heavily was novel; but her fights weren’t...cinematic. And she kept stabbing the guards. One of these days they were going to kill her.

“You know what? Fine!” one of the guards exclaimed, dropping her side of the cage. The other swore as he was left with the full weight, and hastily dropped it as well. “Stay out here!”

The Fae hissed at their backs as they dumped her in the center of the arena, directly under the burning sun. With her wings forcibly spread, she couldn’t even raise one to shield herself.

The butt of a spear banging against the ceiling grate made Aspis jump.

“Get moving, Meatshield,” the guard called down. “Your turn.”

The bars started to lift. Thinking quickly, Aspis bent down and picked up his half-full water bucket between his teeth. This was the Wasteland; the water tasted foul but it was better than nothing. None of the guards tried to challenge him over it—they didn’t really care what the gladiators did, as long as it didn’t require their captors to do any additional work.

Blood-red eyes snapped up to meet his as he edged up to the bound Fae.

“My, um,” he said. “My name is Aspis.”

“I don’t care,” she replied, frills tight against her neck, a common Fae trick to avoid giving away any emotional information. She didn’t make any move like she was planning to hurt him, but with this one, that didn’t mean much.

Cautiously, he placed the bucket of water within her reach. She never broke eye contact as she stretched her neck out as far as the chains would allow, snagging the edge with her fangs and tipping it just enough to guzzle the contents down. When she finally twitched the empty bucket aside, her frills hadn’t moved; but her glare had subsided just a bit.

“Show me your throat,” she ordered.

“W-what?”

She closed her eyes, tucking as much of her neck as she could manage underneath her wings.

“If you face me in the arena,” she said, flatly even for a Fae. “Show me your throat. I’ll make it painless.”

“I...can’t do that. They have my sister.”

She didn’t respond.

=

He hadn’t expected to interact with the black Fae again. But the guards, who’d apparently gotten sick of the death of a thousand cuts, were quick to take advantage of having a dragon on hand who was stupid enough to approach their champion on purpose.

Swamp trash and plague rats, they said, poking him toward her cage with sticks. Match made in the heavens. Go on then, Meatshield, if you two are such good friends now.

Exhausted and overheated, dehydrated despite a Bogsneak’s portion of water earlier in the day, the “plague rat” had met his questioning look, rolled her eyes, and managed a short nod.

She hadn’t slit his throat when he picked her up, so that was something.

It was so convenient that it became a regular practice. At first the guards would let him out of his cell ahead of the rest of his training cohort, to carry her cage back. Sometimes she’d subside in exasperation when she saw who it was, but most of the time Aspis just got his share of slashed paws and bites to the face.

“Nothing personal,” she said once as his bleeding nose dripped onto her wings. 

“No,” he’d said, and meant it. “I get it.”

Eventually, one of the older cohort was killed in the arena, and for convenience’s sake the guards moved Aspis into that slot.

So he’d gotten to spend even more time with his new friend. Eventually, apparently taking the constant injuries as proof of a lifelong friendship or, more likely, because they thought it was funny, the guards took to shutting the door behind Aspis when he delivered her to her cell.

“You’ve been reassigned, Meatshield,” one of them called down when he yelled to be let out while the Fae snapped mulishly at his tail. “Raiding party brought in some fresh bodies. Your little plague rat doesn’t take up much space. You’ll be fine. Now shut up before I give you something to scream about.”

Apparently, they were roommates now.

“Stop it,” he snapped. “I’m not your enemy.”

She snorted, but she also stopped trying to bite him. “That mindset will get you killed. Tomorrow they could pit you against me. Every dragon here is your enemy.”

“They’re not my enemies,” he muttered, curling up a safe distance away from her. “They’re all just trying to survive. The dragons who put us here are our enemies.”

She was quiet for a while. “Philosophical. They’ll still kill you, though.”

“Not if I kill them first. These raiders can make me kill for them, but they can’t make me hate their other victims.”

“Sometimes their victims are bitchy little plague rats who scar your pretty paws.”

He didn’t actually disagree with that assessment, but still. “Well, I don’t hate you. I want to bite you back sometimes, though. And don’t call yourself that, you’re not a plague rat. What’s your name? I’m Aspis.”

“You told me that already.”

Before he had time to think about how stupid it was, he flicked her in the face with his tail. She was either amused by it, or too shocked to rip his tailtip off. “It’s called making conversation.”

As well as she could, the Fae turned her back on him. She was silent for long enough that Aspis assumed the conversation was over. With a sigh, he lay down and closed his eyes.

“Doesn’t matter,” she said finally. “We’re not people here. I don’t want to be. I’m going to get out, and maybe then I’ll have a name again.”

Aspis hummed quietly. “The only thing they can’t take from me is that I’m still myself.”

“Better to let that part rest and do what you have to. You can wake it up again when you escape.”

“I’m never going to get out,” he said. It...surprised him, how easy it was to say. “So maybe that’s why. There won’t be an after. And I can’t say I did what I had to in order to survive, because I know I won’t. And anyway, we don’t have to. We could refuse. We could die instead of letting them turn us into monsters. I have to keep reminding myself that I’m choosing this.”

“I thought they had your sister.”

“They do. That’s why I’m choosing to kill other dragons, because they said if I keep winning in the arena they’ll let her go someday. But it’s a choice. I’m choosing her life above all of these other people who are no different from me. I have to remember that.”

“What then?”

“What?”

A rattle of chains as the Fae twitched. “If they let her go. You can escape then. There’s still an after.”

“No.” There it was again. There was...almost a sense of peace. Certainty. “After that, I’m not killing for them ever again. They can’t make me place my life above someone else’s. Al’s life is different. Once she’s safe, they can’t control me anymore. I’m still Aspis. They can’t make me forget that.”

A vague hum. “You’ll go mad that way.”

“Well, it’ll still be me.” Aspis rested his head on the grimy floor and closed his eyes. “I hope you get out, plague rat.”

“Keep your hope. I don’t need it.”

Aspis rolled his eyes but didn’t respond. He just leaned into the wall and tried to fall asleep.

Just as he was dozing off, a monotone whisper in the darkness.

“Kpinga.”

[solangelover]

Considerations and Steps

A/N: Do I express my feelings through Nico? Almost always. Am I Nico di Angelo? Yet to be seen.

Read on AO3 or FF.Net or Wattpad

“I think I made a bad decision.”

“Nico, you’re being unreasonable.”

“Hazel, this is literally me being the most reasonable being, ever.”

Nico was currently pacing the Hades cabin as Hazel sat cross-legged on her bed. He had just realized he had feelings for Will and was freaking out, just a little.

“Nico, literally nothing has even happened yet. You haven’t done anything except nervously pace for the past hour.” Hazel rolled her eyes at her brother, feeling her patience wear thin.

“Yeah, but like, I like him.” He stopped and turned towards his sister, eyes wide. “I like Will. Will Solace!” Nico threw his hands up in the air and resumed his pacing.

“Yes,” Hazel drew out, “We established that. An hour ago.”

“Sooo, what I’m saying is that I made the decision to like him. I somehow thought that was okay. And now that I’ve admitted it, and told someone,” he vaguely gestured in her direction, “I can’t take it back. That, right there, is the bad decision. What I should have done was keep it out of my mind and proceeded about life like normal, because now I can’t.” Nico’s hands were now bunched up in his hair, and Hazel was worried he was on the verge of ripping it all out.

“Nico,” she said sternly, causing Nico to look at her as she meaningfully patted the empty space beside her. “Sit down and listen before you either go bald or full white.”

Nico stalked over and plopped down beside his sister, all slumped and pitiful-like. Hazel had to stifle a laugh and re-channel her legionnaire-command voice. “Have you ever considered that this is a good thing? Or that maybe you’re overreacting?” Nico frowned up at her through his bangs, but before he could respond, she forged ahead. “You like Will. Okay, that is duly noted. Next step is to ask him out? Or tell him somehow? Because you’re currently freaking out about the fact that you like him, which will really never change until you do something about it.”

Nico was glaring a hole into the floorboards of their cabin. Well, at least the rambling stopped, Hazel thought to herself.

“But—” Nevermind. “I think you’re forgetting the in-between consideration of if Will likes me back. Or even the step before that of whether or not Will even likes guys. But before that—” Hazel groaned loudly, throwing her head back, but Nico was determined to say his piece. “I think it just makes more sense for me to not do anything. I think we can just let this realization blow over and just, forget about it.” He shrugged, trying to emphasize how unimportant this was. “It’ll be fine, nothing will change, and—”

“And,” Hazel continued for him, “you can let this eat you alive every time you see Will, which is very often, mind you, until you go insane.” She raised an unconvinced eyebrow at him. “Tell me why, exactly, this is a ‘bad decision’?”

Nico squinted his eyes at her. “First off, I can control myself, Hazel. Second, it’s a bad decision for many reasons.” He stood up and began pacing again, to which Hazel promptly fell back on the bed with an even louder groan than before. “One,” he ticked off on his fingers, “Will might not like guys, so that would just be utterly embarrassing for me.” Nico cringed at the thought of seeing Will look disgustingly at him. He knows Will would be better than that, but still. He couldn’t imagine living through the humiliation of liking a hot, straight guy twice in his lifetime. “Two, if Will does like guys, he might not like me since I’m a weird, dark, creepy son of Hades, which is the literal opposite of him. He’s all sunshine and happiness and healing and wonderful and…” Nico realized he would’ve kept going if he didn’t literally snap his mouth shut. He glanced over at Hazel, who had rolled over and propped her head up on her hand, looking up at Nico with a smirk. His face heated up.

“Can I just say—”

“No,” Nico stopped Hazel before she could interrupt. “Let me finish my list, then you can say whatever.”

Hazel looked at him incredulously. “How long is this list??”

Nico ignored her question and continued. “Third, even if Will did like me, I’m sure I can’t be what he needs. I have no idea what to do in a relationship, I hate physical touch, I can barely—no, I can’t hold a conversation, and I don’t know what else because I haven’t been in a relationship, but I’m sure I can’t do it.” Nico frowned in thought. Maybe he wanted to hold Will’s hand, but in front of others? No way. But if Will wanted that, who was Nico to stand in the way? Will should get to express his feelings how he wants, and he should get all the perks of being in a relationship. Nico couldn’t promise him anything close to that.

Nico shook his head. “Fourth, even if we did date, I am 100% sure I’d ruin it.” At this, Hazel sat up, a protest on her lips, but Nico quickly kept going. “I would, it’s not like it would be his fault. If anyone would mess up, it would be me. I’m not meant for happiness like that. I have so much schist in my life, there is no way I am tainting William ‘Literal Sunshine’ Solace. He deserves to be happy and I can’t be selfish and take that away. I’ll say something wrong and it’ll hurt him, I’ll run off randomly and worry him, I’ll do something and Will will get the negative effects.” Nico had stopped pacing at this point, staring dejectedly down at his feet. He knew all of this in his head, but saying it out loud, Nico knew he couldn’t let his crush grow to anything more than that. He couldn’t, wouldn’t bring Will down with him. He was basically a bad luck charm – looking back on his life, that wasn’t hard to believe, especially in the love department. Death and destruction followed him. He would hurt Will. “I just know it,” Nico whispered.

Suddenly, strong arms wrapped themselves around his torso and brown curls filled his vision. “Oh, Nico,” Hazel whispered into his chest. She looked up at him, her expression concerned but understanding. And then, “You’re so dumb.”

Nico was taken aback. “W-What?” he stammered.

Hazel sighed, pulling him to sit back on the bed. She brought her legs up and fully faced him, holding on to both of his hands. “Nico di Angelo, you are an amazing person, and don’t you forget it.” Nico’s eyebrows creased in confusion and opened his mouth to speak, but Hazel put a finger to his lips. “Na-ah! My turn now,” she smirked, then sobered up once more and continued. “You are a hero. You fought in two wars. You saved countless lives. You rescued me,” she smiled fondly at him. “You went through so much to help Percy and defeat Gaea. You, dear brother, single-handedly transported the Athena Parthenos and two passengers across the Atlantic. You almost died saving the world, several times probably. You,” she poked him in the chest for emphasis, “are so incredible and awe-inspiring. You just need to see it. Don’t you dare think that you are anything less.”

Nico was at a loss for words. He expected a few things from this conversation, but not this. He didn’t know how to handle being praised so highly. It didn’t make sense to him.

Luckily, he was spared from responding as Hazel moved forward. “Now, I wasn’t going to tell you this because I thought you should find out on your own, but I now see how hopeless you are.” Nico squawked indignantly as Hazel rolled her eyes. “You are. Anyways,” she flicked her hair back and looked Nico directly in the eyes. “Will is definitely into guys, and he’s definitely into you.”

Hazel waited for that to sink in. She would have to wait for an eternity, because that was not processing at all in Nico’s brain. Will is into guys? Will is gay? But he could’ve sworn he heard something about an ex-girlfriend. Can he like both? Is that a thing? Wait, wait, back on track… wait, Will is into Nico? That’s not possible… wait, “How do you even know that?” Nico voiced. Hazel doesn’t go to this camp, there’s no way she could pick up on that in the few times she and Will have interacted.

“Nico, I know all things.” Nico gave her a deadpan look, and Hazel gave it up immediately. “Okay, okay, so Piper has told me things. But also,” she held up a finger defensively. “I can tell by the stories you tell me about you and Will.” She smiled, remembering how every Iris message they had involved the healer somehow. “You guys hang out all the time! So, obviously, he doesn’t not like you. So, you can cross that one off your list.” She motioned sweepingly, as if throwing out the list completely. Nico frowned, not appreciating his list being dismissed so easily. “Will totally likes you, Nico, or he wouldn’t nag you about your health,” now she was the one ticking things off on her fingers, “insist on you sitting at the Apollo table, ask you to help in the infirmary, sit by you at the campfire, stay up late talking outside your cabin until the harpies begin to swarm—”

“Okay, okay, enough. I get it,” Nico cut her off before he could become more embarrassed. In this context, it did sound like Will paid more attention to Nico than a normal friend would. But— “Will is a nice guy, though,” Nico protested. Why am I protesting when I want this to happen? Oh right, because— “That doesn’t change the fact that I don’t know what I’m doing and I’ll mess up somehow, and then my friendship with Will will be gone too, and I can’t…” Can’t live without him, Nico realized, and that scared him even more than the crush.

Hazel put a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. “No one knows what they’re doing in relationships, Nico. It’s something you figure out together. That’s the beauty of it,” she threaded her fingers together with Nico’s, “you get someone to walk alongside you, to figure out life together. It’s not always easy, and it’s rarely ever simple, but it’s real as long as you’re real. And honest. And the most honest thing you can do right now is tell Will how you feel.” Nico took a breath, ready to object, that no that still seems… scary, but Hazel already knew what he was going to say. “It’s scary, terrifying really, but it’s the most real thing you can do. I can’t make you any real promises,” though Hazel very much wanted to, “but I am confident that you won’t regret it. You can’t have this weigh down on you forever.”

Nico deflated, all fight leaving his body. He couldn’t say much to that. The thought of getting it out in the open sounded… freeing, but also paralyzing. But his sister seemed really sure on the Will liking him part, and he trusted her, wanted her to be right.

He still felt like running away, like burying his feelings would make them go away, but he knew better than that. And, as paranoid as he was, this felt different from Percy. He was an infatuation from the start. But Nico had been friends with Will for months now, he didn’t have any grand illusions about him. They knew each other, and somehow, their relationship didn’t seem as impossible as Nico had thought pre-rant.

For the first time, Nico actually felt hopeful.

He turned and hugged his sister tightly. “Thank you,” he said softly into her hair. He felt her smile against his shoulder and squeeze just a little tighter.

She glanced up at him suddenly, a teasing smirk on her lips. “William ‘Literal Sunshine’ Solace, huh?”

Nico pushed her away and rolled his eyes, feeling the blush in his cheeks betray him. “Shut up.”

[underroleau]

underrole chapter 5

https://underroleau.tumblr.com/post/185251201953/the-true-masterpostAlphys gained the attention of everyone, and fidgeted shy on place – We have to wait for another person before we start.. so please take a seat meanwhile.. -

No words were spoken in the wait, just awkward glares exchanged randomly, and immediately broke off. Suddenly, however, a knock on the door made everyone jump in their skin. Alphys went to open, and figure of Asgore occupied the whole space of the entrance.

- I came as soon as I heard… -

- You! - Toriel snared, irritated.

- Calm down, Toriel.. I’m not here to fight. - the king said meekly, as he walked in, greeting the other two with a nod of the head.

- Calm down? After what you have done!!? - Toriel got up, clenching her fists and facing towards him.

- I’m only here to talk. - said the King, an unpleasent note in his voice.

Undyne jumped in, seeing that the situation was excalating quickly.

- Ok, stop your… whatever you two are doing right now, and calm down. Alphys has to tell us something. -

Toriel lifted her chin, giving the cold shoulder to Asgore as she took her seat. Undyne stared for a moment, whispering then to Asgore, who was looking on the floor.

- Wow, that’s your ex? -

As everyone got situated, Alphys cleared her throat, beginning as the attention was all on her once more.

- Yesterday… something… or someone… attacked me and Wave… -

- Someone? - Toriel immediately glanced over to Asgore, who felt himself sink a little in his armor.

- It wasn’t me! - He replied

- Which face do I have to step on?? - Undyne shouted

- Everyone, please stay calm..!! …That creature.. whatever it was… showed me something.. or, more than something… -

- Something what? - Undyne questioned – You saw the future? Like in anime??? -

- N-No Undyne… it was the past.. or the present… maybe yes, the f-future… I still don’t know with certainty… but let me try to explain what I saw. - Alphys took in a deep breath, before continuing, and took a seat herself, as Sans was drinking from a bottle of ketchup – The thing that yesterday attacked Wave, was trying to eat him before I intervened… I tried to help him, but I got eaten myself… I..

- You were… what? - Undyne stammered - Go on. - Sans said, focusing on what she was saying with a pensive look on his face.

- After that, I was in a room. -

- A room? - Toriel repeated, concerned

- Yes.. you won’t believe this, but bear with me… I woke up in this room, with a human, and a flower. - Alphys stood silent for a second, then squeezed her hands on her knees, and proceeded – They talked about a reset... After that, many things happened, but it was like I wasn’t there, and I could not do anything to interact with the world around me. Everything shifted so quickly, from a place to another, a school, monsters and humans were together, I’m almost sure we were on the surface, and then there was this stage, with you Toriel, and the human with the flower standing with something under a cloth, and experiment. And I think I heard the human calling you mom… -

Toriel was brought back, and tried to reply, but Asgore cut her short. - No.. not now. -

- ...after that, the experiment started malfunctioning, and started sucking everything inside itself… The human tried to help the monsters to safety.. I changed perspective, being the human, and then, he and Papyrus were sucked in… and I was brought back. -

Everyone stood silent after Alphys stopped talking, a little shocked.

- Well… the solution to this is easy – Undyne started, grinning – We have to find out who attacked the human… or ask Wave about it! -

- We can just talk to that thing.. - suggested Toriel

- That thing attacked Alphys! I won’t talk to it! - snapped Undyne

Toriel stood up – Violence isn’t an option! -

- Please!! Let me.. let me finish!!.. - Alphys shook in her seat, fighting not to stammer the whole time.

- Sorry.. - Undyne echoed

- So, what I was trying to say is… the human came from another place, but he’s well now. -

Asgore slowly stood up, frowning, and spoke slowly. - I know this isn’t the right time or place, and it’s surely a lot to ask... but can’t we use his soul? -

Toriel immedeately stood up, and stared angrily back at him.

- Again with this! How dare you!! This is the reason I am at the ruins!! To stay away from you! Why would you do that! Why this child! Didn’t you kill enough children??? Couldn’t you just have taken one soul, then gone on the surface and look for more without having to kill them?? Didn’t you make poor and innocent beings suffer enough?? -

- Tori, I.. -

- DO NOT!! - Toriel breathed shakily, trying to regain her composure – I am going to check Wave. - As she left, Undyne was just speechless, as Alphys spoke to Asgore answering him.

- No we can’t use it. It’s not human, nor monster, and it will be useless to break the barrier either way. -

Sans stood up, putting the empty bottle of ketchup on the table.

- Well, for all I care, Wave isn’t so bad and for now he hasn’t hurt anybody… - He started, then as if remembering, he looked up – Before I forget, he said that if you see something really bad, you must run. -

- ...something bad? Like what?? - Alphys looked at Sans, but he was already gone.

Asgore took a deep sigh, and started walking towards the door.

- For the time being, it’s better if I return to the castle… and hope to see Toriel there, sooner or later. -

He gave a sad glare to the ring on his left hand, and walked out.

Undyne realized only then that she was alone with Alphys, and clumsily got up.

- W-Well… I have to go and prepare some things… tomorrow make the human come to me!!! -

With that said, she was gone as well. With a heavy sigh, Alphys went to the elevator, going downstairs. But, as soon as the door opened, she heard growling, and Toriel’s agitated voice. Couldn’t she have a five minute break? When she arrived, she could see Endogeny being threatened by Toriels fire, as the beast growled unhappily.

- Toriel, wait!!! He is not bad! Endogeny, she is just checking on Wave, ok..? -

The creature nodded, jumping up and down, and Toriel relaxed a little, looking around concerned.

- I don’t think you ever told me, but.. what is this place…? -

- W-Well… it’s… uh… the old lab! Before I moved upstairs!!! And the dog is just a puppy that keeps me company! Nothing to see here!! - giggled flustered Alphys, inventing something on the spot. - How is Wave? -

The old lady walked over to the bed, checking up on him, before replying.

- Well, he seems to be better, the fever has gone down. But I suggest for him to rest a bit more. - Slowly, she started walking towards the elevator, adding – All tho he does need some fresh air.. I’ll come to check on him tomorrow. Please keep an eye on him… and be safe… -

- Y-Yes!! Good night!! -

Toriel waved in response, before leaving, and Alphys sighed relieved.

- I’m exhausted… I think I’ll sleep here tonight.. yeah… -

(…)

The next morning, Alphys was woken by Wave’s sudden screaming.

- ALPHYS, ALPHYYYYS ALPHYS! -

- Wh-WHAT??? - The poor scientist tumbled flat on the floor after tripping, tangled in the blanket of the bed. When she looked up, she could see Wave riding Endogeny on his back, waving at her happily.

- I have a new friend!! -

- G-Geez… could you stop yelling like that out of nowhere??? - she cried, standing up, as Endogeny hopped back and forth. - Uhm… Undyne wanted you to go over to her house… you should better get going… -

- Ok! We’re going!! -

- Nonono!! Endogeny STAYS, you go!! -

- But he wants to go outside with me! Can we? -

- O-Oh… mh… if he goes outside, he’ll be punished, and no more sweets!!!? -

The beast let out a small cry, before retreating messily in the next room, and Wave jumped off him.

- I’ll be back then.. see you later friend!! -

- Wave, wait, take this cup…!! -

But, as usual the kid was gone, sprinting for Undyne’s house.

- ...I hate it so much when he does that!!! -

(…)

Undyne was nervously pacing the floor, checking the time.

- Where is he… he is late… I should pick him up… ARGHHH.. -

-  I AM HERE!! - Wave yelled, jumping from a window and landing on Undyne.

- UGH, GET OFF ME!! - Undyne kicked Wave away, groaning – Asgore told me to keep an eye on you, but I’m not your mother! -

- Are you going to show me the spear again??? -

- ...did you hear what I said? -

Wave just stared back, with big glowy estatic eyes. Undyne stared at him with a weirded out expression.

- You’re strange, but kinda remind me of a person… well, anyway. Today I’ll be teaching you how to judge if you’re in danger. - she started, pointing to a mannequin placed in the middle of the kitchen – You see that dummy? Attack him with your magic! -

- YESSS!!!!! What’s my magic?? - He cheered enthusiastically

Undyne facepalmed.

- Focus, and… I dunno… shake your hand. Your magic should be something natural, I can’t explain it. -

Wave stood for a moment, then lifted a fist, moving a finger and pointing to the dummy.

- BANG. -

Nothing happened.

Undyne sighed, recalling her short patience.

- ...THROW A ROCK, PUNCH HIM, DO SOMETHING. -

- Oooohh.. - Wave nodded, grabbing a pebble – Like this?!! - he threw it with all his might against the dummy.

- Yes! Like that!! -

The pebble bounced on the dummy making it wobble, and it started bouncing everywhere in the room

- !!! -

Undyne didn’t see the shot coming right for her head, and to boot it, she didn’t feel anything at all when it hit her.

- Wait, what..? - She replied, surprised, - Nothing…? Ok.. I.. GIVE UP! - A spear was summoned – A good fight solves everything!! - She yelled, attacking Wave.

The kid just started dodging, left, right, up n down, touching the spear way too amused.

- WOW!!! So shiny!!! -

- UGHHHH!! STOP DODGING AND DEFEND YOURSELF ALREADY! -

- Yes!! - Suddenly Wave created a tri-colored spear.

- Finally!!! -

Undyne’s enthusiasm cut short however, as soon as the spear melted to the floor in liquid flames. She froze, staring at the puddle between them.

- Is this a joke? -

Wave scratched his head, annoyed. - Mhh, I wanted a spear. -

Undyne charged on him again.

- Don’t think! Fight back!! Push me back!! -

- That’s easy!! -

Finally, Wave was able to create something with his magic, shooting a blue mass against Undyne.

- So you can do something!! - The fish woman prepared herself and tried to pierce the mass, but right after touching it, she was shot against the wall, bouncing and not feeling any pain from the impact.

- HUH?? Ok, that was weak, but it’s a beginning! - She said, standing on her feet, and throwing her spear against Wave, easily dodged. - YOU NEED MORE?? - All around thirty spears filled the area, and Wave fangirled hardly containing himself.

- SPARKY!! WOW!!! -

- Do not compliment the enemy!! - Undyne warned, and the spears were shot against him at once – DEFEND YOURSELF!! -

- As you ask! - He replied, and a red mass expanded from Wave, countering the spears and making them vanish in thin air.

- Uh-oh.. - Undyne crossed her arms in front of her, shielding herself from the blow that pushed her right through the wall, that crumbled with a loud crash. thanks again tot he amazing @nephdetermined  uwu  and  @blobtheartist for the draw !!!! MASTERPOST

[lilyswrittenworks]

Opposites Attract| Guzma Love Story

VI| Destruction in Human form

           It was him.

Her eyes and her mouth were frozen wide open in an expression of stunned surprise, and although she was staring straight at the tousled white-haired man. She didn't notice her Brionne nudging the back of her head. 

How come she hadn't noticed this sooner? The man who helped her is apart of Team Skull!

The man approached Kukui, now standing in front of him and was currently invading his personal space. He had a wide smile on his face.

Everyone in the crowd murmured something to each other and Bethany couldn't help but listen to them saying someone's name. Guzma... So that was his name.

“The boss has graced us with his presence!” Grunt A said.

“The hated boss who beats you down, and beats you down, and never lets up… Yeah. Big bad Guzma is here!” There was only silence as Kukui and Guzma had a staring contest.

Guzma folded his arms on his chest. “Greetings, cowering public!”

“We have an exciting bout for you tonight! In the opposing corner, the Pokémon professor Kukui! And in this corner, the boss of Team Skull and the hardest guy around, Guzma!” he bellowed and returned to his regular posture, slouching slightly forward with both hands on his hips.

“Here we are, Kukui…” he began. “Fellow rejects who never could become captain.” wait, what? Rejects?

“We've got all these moldy old traditions in Alola- the kahunas, the captains…” Guzma trails off. “It's about time we cut out all that silly garbage and make something new for ourselves. Trust me, I get that.” She couldn't believe what she was hearing from him! He's being absolutely selfish!

“Don't get me wrong, though, Kukui. We've got no need for a Pokémon League.” he firmly stated. “After all, everyone already knows who the strongest Trainer is on these islands!”

“Speak for yourself, Guzma,” Kukui said bluntly. “It's not like I couldn't become a captain. I chose not to. I had other dreams, see?” Kukui turns around, closing his eyes and took a few steps forward then stops.

“I wanted to figure out which moves would be strong enough to beat old Hala… and I finally found what I was looking for.” He concludes before continuing. “The strongest moves you can use are the ones a Trainer and their Pokémon choose together... in the heat of the moment when it really counts,” he confesses a grin forming his lips.

He turns around to face Guzma again. “That's when I knew I had to make a Pokémon League, yeah, to give everybody a chance to be pushed to the limit with their team and find that perfect move!”

“Let's see it, Guzma! Show me your moves and prove you aren't just all talk!” Kukui folded his arms on his chest. “If you really can, that is…”

Kukui's last sentence made the crowd murmur. Everyone reacted, exclaiming with an ‘ohhh’ as it echoed through the air. Kukui turned around, noticing Bethany's presence.

“Right, cousin? Don't you agree?”

Bethany shook her head and stared at Kukui in confusion. She wasn't even paying attention to what he was saying. “What?” a small sweatdrop appeared on the side of her cheek.

Guzma scoffs, not even looking at her. “So you're one of those kids on his island challenge? You don't look like you're from around here!”

Kukui proceeds to introduce her. “This here's Bethany. She just moved to Alola recently. Discovery! New experiences! Adventure! She loves every minute of it!” He turned around towards Guzma. “Bethany and her Brionne can unleash some really powerful moves. So if you think you're the strongest Trainer on these islands, Guzma, why don't you battle her?”

Bethany stared at Kukui in shock. Doesn't she have a say in this? “K-kukui are you losing your mind?! I just came here and now you want me to battle him??!” she argued, looking mortified by these turns of events.

“Tch! This move fanatic is getting me all riled up!”

Guzma locked eyes with the girl who stared right back him. His whole demeanor faltered. His eyes were wide open in an expression of shock and disbelief. It was the same girl he helped back in Akala Island. He never even imagined seeing her again, yet, here she was, standing before him. Guzma looked fixedly at her, not with anger, but with interest. His eyes drifted off to her left shoulder, noticing a black smudge on her pale complexion. He couldn't tell what it is but whatever it was, it did not sit well with him.

Bethany must've noticed where he was staring as she quickly covered her shoulder with her right hand. She averted her eyes elsewhere, not daring to look up at him.

Guzma's eyes landed on her Z-ring which was located on her left wrist. Her Z-ring was above her sweater. Now, why on earth would she have it there? Either way, this made him frown significantly.

“You've got a Z-Power ring, huh, kid?” What..?! Kid? Bethany raised her gaze towards Guzma.

“Why even bother with the island challenge? What's the point of it?” Guzma questioned her as he now waited for her answer.

She didn't know what to say. Does it make her stronger? Or… will it do something else? She pulled the collar of her sweater over her left shoulder, and then shyly responded. “I-I… um. That's what I'd like to find out along the way.”

He snickered which made her glare directly at him. “Ha! You don't even know why you're doing it. Watch closely, Kukui. Someday I'm gonna destroy you. But first, I'll destroy everything you care about!”

Guzma folded his arms on his chest, a huge grin forming on his lips. “Wanna see what destruction looks like? Here it is in human form- it's your boy Guzma!” he bellowed proudly, taking out an Ultra Ball from his pocket, threw it, revealing a six feet tall arthropod.

She blinked, surprised to see a new Pokémon species right in front of her. Something came out of her bag and was now floating in front of her. It was her Rotom Dex. Rotom scanned the new Pokémon and proceeded to tell her its description. A water/bug type, huh? It doesn't even look like one at first glance, well, looks can be very misleading.

Bethany closed her eyes momentarily then opened them again. A look of seriousness and determination were written on her face. Yet, she's in a tight spot in this battle; all of her Pokémon have a type disadvantage except for one of them. She held out a Poké ball as her hand now hovered near her left cheek.

“I'm counting on you… Mudsdale.” She murmured to the Poké Ball.

She drew back her right arm, and then, swung it, throwing the Poké ball out on the field. It revealed her fully evolved Mudsdale as it let out a cry. This was a risky move but it was worth the shot.

The Battle began, Guzma made his first move as Golisopod used First Impression. She came prepared for this as her Mudsdale quickly used Protect, completely avoiding its powerful attack, plus, her Pokémon had a Quick Claw dangling around its neck. This allowed her Mudsdale to use Rock Slide, taking his Pokémons health to the yellow zone. What she did not expect was his Pokémon to retreat back into its ball and Guzma sent out a Masquerain.

She blinked, completely stunned-surprised. “W-what just…?” Rotom flew down to her ear, telling her about Golisopod's ability, Emergency Exit.

Guzma smirked and took this opportunity to strike. Masquerain used Icy Wind on her Mudsdale which was a direct hit. She gasped, calling out her Pokémons name worriedly. Mudsdale was barely keeping itself upright before finally collapsing on the ground.

Bethany ran up to Mudsdale and knelt down next to it. Her poor Mudsdale was coated with icy particles and it didn't seem like it would melt anytime soon. She held onto its head and places it on her lap, gently caressing its muzzle, Mudsdale whined.

“Don't strain yourself, okay?” she smiled down at Mudsdale. “You did well.” Mudsdale retreated back to its Poké Ball.

She stood up, staring directly at Guzma and without a word she pulls out another Poké Ball, sending out her shiny Wimpod. Not a moment had passed - - when suddenly, Wimpod had thrown itself at her face. Bethany literally had to pry the silverfish from her face, holding it in front of her as it squealed cheerfully.

“W-Wimpod! Now's not the time to be cuddling. We have bigger things to deal with at the moment.” she placed Wimpod on the ground where it was facing the Masquerain.

“You think you're up for this, little guy?” Wimpod nodded.

“You think your Wimpod will beat my Masquerain? Ha! He'll lose in seconds!” his words didn't faze her whatsoever.

“Please. Never underestimate your opponent, Guzma.” she retorts, his grin quickly vanishing.

She commanded her Wimpod to sprint off, and then use Double Team to throw Masquerain off. Bethany used her Wimpods speed to her advantage as she now waited for the right moment to attack. She commands Wimpod to use Scald, and it was a direct hit! Masquerain got a burn from the attack, its health depleting at the yellow zone.

Guzma, in his frustration, told his Pokémon to use Icy Wind, although the attack missed completely and watches as Wimpod used Surf, causing his Masquerain to faint.

He sent out his Golisopod once again, and the arthropod growled lowly. Wimpod flinched at the much larger Pokémon, but it refused to be intimidated by it.

“Show 'em what you got! Razor Shell!!” Guzma shouted his command and Golisopod was ready to strike.

“Dodge it!”

Wimpod did what it was told, but Golisopod was determined to hit the silverfish no matter what. It repeatedly used the same move over and over, until it successfully managed to hit Wimpod, sending it hurling high up in the air. Then hit the ground, hard.

“Wimpod!!” Bethany called out her Pokémon and so did her Brionne.

The cloud of dust faded away, revealing a bruised Wimpod as it struggled to get up. Guzma boasted loudly and the sounds of concerned whispers can be heard spreading throughout the crowd.

“Wimpod, are you all right?” the little guy turned to look at her, nodding in response, and was now standing.

Wimpod simply refused to stand down and was ready to go all on out to its opponent. Bethany couldn't help but smile confidently at her Pokémon and then outstretches her hand.

“Let's do this, little guy!”

Wimpod let out a battle cry before zooming across the field.

“Double Team!”

Guzma didn't seem to be impressed by this trick, commanding his Golisopod to use Sucker Punch. But Bethany had a trick up her sleeves, ordering Wimpod to use Sand Attack. This left Golisopod blind from the sand in its eyes. Guzma was caught off guard by her sneaky tactics. Now it was time to end this.

“Finish it off with Surf!” she pumped her fist forward, beaming with enthusiasm.

Golisopod was engulfed by the mass of water similar to being dragged into a whirlpool. When the water disappeared, Golisopod was still standing… that was until it collapsed.

Bethany was so overjoyed by her victory that she ran towards where her Wimpod was. She swooped the exhausted Pokémon up in her arms and cradled it close.

“I'm so proud of you!” Wimpod chirrs softly and Brionne patted Wimpods head.

Guzma put away his Ultra ball containing his Golisopod in his pockets. “I see. Good work… I guess.” he mumbled to himself.

That was when his anger got the best of him and shouted at himself. “Guzma!!! What is wrong with you?! Now's the time for your vaunted team to let loose and destroy everything!” He, roughly, ruffled his hair and pulling out some hair in the process.

He glared at her. “It was Bethany, right? I'll remember you...as someone I'll be happy to beat down anytime!” he said, as he walked past her.

For a moment their eyes met and she could've sworn she saw a strange look in his eyes before he averted his gaze forward. What was that look he just gave her? Her pupils shrunk a little and her eyes never stopped staring at him.

It looked like Guzma was exchanging words with Hau… wait. When did he get here? Well, that's Hau being… Hau. Guzma then left along with the two grunts behind him.

The crowd began to congratulate her victory against Guzma even Kukui was in on it, but their praises went unnoticed by her ears. Bethany hadn't taken her eyes off of the entrance of Malie Garden where the Team Skull boss had left. An idea came to her head and she instantly bolted out of Malie Garden.

She ran all the way to Route 11 and just her luck, she caught a glimpse of them. “W-wait!”

The two Grunts and Guzma abruptly stopped. Bethany too halted but stumbled, bumping into Guzma's back. The Grunts were shocked and didn't dare to come near her, not after her battle against their boss. She panicked, stepping away from him and apologized profusely.

Guzma looked over his shoulder. “What do you want, kid?”

Bethany had some trouble saying what she wanted to and it all came out stuttery. “Um… Well, I—I... um.” she mentally cursed at her shyness and takes a deep breath. “I… wanted you to have these.”

She pulled out from her bag five Max Revives to him, glancing over at him shyly. “I found them on my way to Mount Hokulani and… um, your Pokémon is in pretty rough shape. I thought it would be nice to give these to you.” Bethany stared at Guzma expectantly.

Guzma pivoted, now facing her completely with a look of disbelief. He was at a loss for words.

She tilted her head in confusion. “Guzma?”

He blinked a couple of times, snapping himself out of his trance. “Oh…” was all he could say before taking the Max Revives from her.

All he did was gawk down at the Max Revives, and then raised his gaze to her and simply asks. “Why?”

She smiled, which confused him more. “Why not? You and your Pokémon put up a good fight. Honestly, for a second there I was sure to have lost!” she rubbed the back of her neck while laughing softly.

“Besides, this is a kind gesture of me saying a good job and as compensation from our last encounter,” Bethany added then both her Pokémon peered from either side of her shoulders.

Brionne looked fixedly at him as if giving him a fair warning not to do anything bad to its Trainer. While her shiny Wimpod, which was still riddled with cuts and bruises, cooed at him.

Bethany was so distracted by him before she realizes something, smacking her hand on to her forehead. “Oh! I-I have to go. Hau and Kukui are probably wondering where I ran off to.” she turned around but not before looking over her shoulder at him.

“Use those Max Revives well! See ya!” she waved before making a dash towards Malie city.

“Yo, what was that all about?!” Grunt A asked while doing his weird and cringy gestures.

“Don't know, homie, but we ain't gonna listen to a girl, right boss?” Grunt B asks, but when he didn't get an answer straight away he turned to Guzma with a skeptical look. “Boss?”

He hadn't moved from his spot and kept staring down at the medicine in his hand. A grin graced his lips, with his eyes closed. Guzma chuckles to himself then mumble under his breath. “Compensation, huh?”

(2,634 Words)

[hazohazahazbro]

While in Barcelona / Tom drabble

Pairing: Reader x Tom

Featuring: Tom Holland and special guest Tessa Holland

Warning: nudity (visual)

Request -  Can you do 68 and 70 with Tom? I feel like it could be really funny and cute.

68 -  “YOU”RE WEARING MY UNDERWEAR?!”

70 -  “Oh. I guess I should put pants on then.”

The elevator dinged as it arrived to your floor, you headed down the hall swinging your room key thoughtlessly around your fingers as you went. It was early when you woke up so you headed to the hotel’s gym for a morning pick-me-up. Your boyfriend, who had been up till well past 2 AM, was fast asleep when you left. As you unlocked the door to your room, it was quiet as you stepped in. Guessing that your boyfriend was still fast asleep, you headed to the shower as quietly as you could. 

You quickly stripped out of your sweat-soaked clothes and got into the shower, washing your hair and body from the grime of the gym. It took you only roughly 15 minutes to wash away the smell of sweat from your hair and body, and you wrapped a towel around your body and walked out of the bathroom, the warmth of the hotel suite following you everywhere. you assumed Tom, your boyfriend, had left the heat on all night. You knew how cold he got in the morning after drinking, he’d be shivering for hours. 

Gripping the towel so it wouldn’t fall, you went into the kitchen and started the coffee. Your body needed caffeine more than it needed water, obviously. Your feet left water prints as you walked around the heated, hard wood floors. It soothed your aching feet, since you wore your old runners to the gym. You didn’t even guess there would be a chance you’d make it to the gym during the week you were in Barcelona. It was still surprising to you that you were actually in Barcelona. It was beautiful here, and you loved it so much. It was even greater that yo got to spend it with your favorite person.

Walking into the bedroom, Tom lay with his face in the pillows, only his waist and down covered by a large white duvet.  You could see his toned shoulders as you passed the bed, heading to the walk-in closet where your suitcase was located. He snorted softly, making you smile to yourself at how adorable he was. His hair was a mess of curls and you just wanted to run your fingers through it. 

You changed into a pair of leggings and comfy sweatshirt, something you wore in the mornings, sipping coffee and watching your favorite morning talk show. When you walked back out into the bedroom, Tom had woken up and was sitting on the edge of the bed, facing the window that overlooked houses that cascaded to a beautiful water front beach. He turned to look at you as you walked over to him. 

“Morning sleepy head,” you teased, reaching an arm out to run your fingers through his hair. He smiled up at you, grabbing your hand softly and kissing the top of it. You returned the smile and sat beside him on the comfy bed.

“What’s the plan today?” Tom asked, leaning his body into you. His bare torso was hot against you - even through your sweatshirt.

“Well, I was thinking we could do a little wine tasting in Montserrat.” Tom said, staring up at you with his heart-melting brown eyes. You gaped at him in awe.

“What?” You jumped, nearly falling to your face as Tom laughed. You loved wine, and wine tasting was even better because you could drink it all day and no one could get mad. Tom helped you steady yourself as he held onto your hips as you stood in front of home.

“I thought it might be fun.” He smiled, you made a sound of a squeal, leaning over and planting a kiss on Tom’s lips. He returned the kiss with more enthusiasm and gripped you tighter, pulling you down on top of him on the bed. You giggled against his lips, holding his face against yours by running your fingers through his hair. You could feel his own smile against your lips as the two of you proceeded to make out.

You pulled away from him with a warm smile on your face, Tom stared up at you in awe as you crawled off him the best you could. You pushed yourself off his chest and your cold hands could feel the heat radiating off him, warming your own skin in the process. 

“I’ve got coffee on,” you started. “What do you want for breakfast?” Tom rose from the bed after you, a sly smirk creeping onto his face.

“You.” He stated, making you laugh. The large duvet was no longer covering his body as you took him all in. From his toned shoulders to his defined legs. You bit your bottom lip as Tom stared at you in a devilishly handsome kind of way. 

“Eggs, hash browns, and bacon?” You asked, laughing as Tom nodded, smiling. He turned around the bed and headed to his own suitcase, you admired his cute butt as he went. 

You left the bedroom and went into the kitchen. The hotel you were staying in was quite lavish. The suite Tom had booked for the two of you was quite extreme. It was like its own house all-together. It had a large master bedroom, the bed was most likely a King size, with an open living space that opened to a private patio that overlooked the view. The kitchen was large as well. The marble counter tops provided you with lots of space for everything you liked to cook, and it had an island. The kitchen connected to the living space and it made the whole place open. 

As Tom got dressed, you started to make the breakfast - also pouring yourself and Tom a cup of coffee. 

“I booked the wine tasting at two.” Tom said from behind you as you walked into the kitchen. You faced him with his cup of coffee and handed it over as he came to stand beside you. You noticed that he hadn’t actually changed and was only in bottoms. His abdomen coming down in a v-shape to the line of his joggers. 

“So we have lots of time to do nothing this morning?” You asked playfully, leaning against the counter as he winked at you. 

“We could go enjoy the jet tub?” Tom asked, placing his mug on the counter as he slid an arm around your waist. You body warmed at his touch as he did so. 

“That would be fun,” you answered, placing your own mug on the counter beside you. Tom smiled and wrapped his other arm around your body, pulling away from the counter and into the center of the kitchen. The both of you danced to your imaginary music. You two stopped as you heard the sound of paws against the hard wood floors, the both of you turning to see Tessa strut from the living room and over to you two. Tom broke away from you with a big grin.

“Hey girl.” He cooed, squatting down to be level with his dog. your eyes wandered from Tessa to Tom’s bare backside, and further down to see his joggers had slipped a little and you could see his underwear. You stared in confusion as you took in the color and shape of the waist band.

“Tom, where did-” you stopped when it clicked. “YOU”RE WEARING MY UNDERWEAR?!” Tom turned abruptly around to face you, his eyes wide in surprise or embarrassment - or both - you couldn’t tell.

“W-what?” He asked hesitantly, standing to his feet slowly. You raised a hand to your mouth trying to stop yourself from bursting into laughter. Tom raised his eyebrows in surprise as he looked down his joggers as what he was wearing underneath. As soon as you registered the fact that he was wearing your purple boxers that read “Princess” on the butt, his cheeks went from pink to deep red.

“Oh NO!” He yelped, struggling quickly to pull of his joggers and out of your boxers. You couldn’t sustain yourself as you burst into laughter. Watching tom fret around, he did a twirl trying to pull of his pants and you got a glimpse of the “Princess” on his ass - only making you laugh harder. Tessa barked at Tom as he made all sorts of noises trying to get out the clothes.

With the last struggle, Tom finally had the boxers off, and you were trying to catch your breath. He was huffing from the effort and Tessa had rolled onto the floor and was watching Tom with bemusement. 

“Breakfast and a show?” You teased, leaning back against the counter once more as Tom stood in front of you for the second time butt naked, in one morning. 

“Ha-ha - aren’t you so funny.” Tom mocked, staring down at the Princess boxers in disgust. 

“Why did you even think they were yours?” You asked, still trying to contain the laughter that wanted to escape. Tom ran a hand through his tangled, curly hair and let out a sigh. 

“Well, I thought I packed my purple boxers, and for the record, I did not see the Princess on the ass.” He declared, staring at you with amusement but annoyance. The face made your laugh escape and you nearly fell over.

“Hmm.” You mumbled, stifling the laughter once more. Tom stood and stared sassily at you, one hand on his hip. You couldn’t help yourself as you gave him a once-over. Enjoying all the naked-Tom you were this morning.  

Reluctantly, you turned back to the stove top where your bacon was sizzling the entire time. It was nearly burnt as you pulled it off the hot stove top. 

“Okay, Princess, breakfast is ready.” You teased, facing your boyfriend again. He glared at you, but had his own smile creeping onto his features.

“Great. This morning’s events are making me hungry.” He said, about to walk over to the stove where you stood.

“Uh, Tom.” You cleared your throat, “you’re still naked.” 

Tom stopped halfway to you and looked down at his toned, nude body. He made a sort of laugh but it came out like a snort.

“Oh. I guess I should put pants on then.” He said awkwardly. his nudity didn’t bother you - but in the kitchen, while eating food, that was a different story.

“I mean, after breakfast - if you don’t feel like wearing clothes...” You trailed off, throwing a wink his way as he started to make his way back to the bedroom. His laughter followed as he threw a thumbs up behind him. Tessa watched him walk away with annoyance, as you knew she was looking for some one to rub her belly. But, you watched him strut away in adoration - you really did enjoy his cute butt.

aaaaanndd that’s a wrap!

jk i still have zillions to write

xx

Prompt List I: (x)

Prompt List II: (x)

MASTERLIST: (x)

Tag List:

@tomsbeb @marvel-fanfiction @tomsleftbrow @captainaudreystark @castellandiangelo @1022bridgetp @artberries

[grownups-are-the-real-monsters]

Cheerleading

“Ahhh, that was a good one, ya see that?” Bev pointed as another cheerleader was flung into the air, spinning and kicking her legs out. She let out a puff of smoke and sighed. She crossed her legs and put all her weight on her right hand. “Am I talking to myself here or…?” She kicked Stan, who was laying across the bleacher in front of hers. 

He shot up and chuckled, looking over to the group of cheerleaders practicing on the football field. “They drop Richie yet?” Stan asked. Beverly rolled her eyes and raised her hand to wave at Richie who was about to be lifted into the air by the other cheerleaders. 

“I thought he said he was going to be the one doing the throwing?” Mike asked from Bev’s left. She turned with her cigarette hanging from the corner of her mouth. 

“H-h-he told me he w-was gonna try and g-g-guilt them into letting him be the ‘throwee’ not the thrower.” Bill sunk down to the middle of two benches, lifting his legs to lay across Stan’s legs. The five of them fell back into their silence and occasionally clapping for the cool tricks. 

“Where’s Eddie? One can’t miss their boyfriend being thrown into the air.” Ben asked, playing with the end of Beverly’s sock that was hanging out of her shoe. 

Beverly shrugged, glancing around to look for the small boy. She gave up, leaning back on her hand again. They heard the small countdown from the field below and the small group of girls lifted Richie off the ground. Mike whistled and the group waved obnoxiously. Bev touched her hand to her chest as she waved. 

“I’m a proud mother.” She dropped her hand and everyone aw’d. 

Richie was keeping his balance and waving his arms at the Losers. 

They were all waving back until they heard hurried steps and Eddie appeared from the stairs, running his hand across the railing as he walked over. He was currently being swallowed by Richie’s jean jacket. The back was covered in different band logo’s. “Hey, sorry I was at band practice. What’d Richie want us to come here for-?” 

Mike pointed his finger and Eddie turned around, making eye contact with Richie Tozier being lifted into the air by the cheer leading team. He gaped his mouth and was silent for a few seconds. “What the fuck?” He turned back to his friends, still griping onto the railing. “Does he have any idea how dangerous that is?” 

Beverly smiled kindly at Eddie and handed her cigarette to Ben before getting up and climbing down the bleachers. She put her hand on the small of Eddie’s back and chuckled. “C’mon buddy. let’s go visit our boy, huh?” She started walking Eddie down the stairs and they walked to the field just as Richie was back on the ground. He hopped over to them with the biggest grin on his face. 

“Did ya guys see me? That shit was awesome!” Richie bounced on his feet and Eddie bit into his cheek. Beverly slapped her arm around his shoulder and gave Richie a high five. Richie proceeded to wait for Eddie to say something but the boy was rather silent. 

"C’mon, Eds. Did ya see that? Soon I’m gonna be like flexible and shit.” Richie looked back at the girls, one of which was stretching her leg nearly over her head. He turned back, wagging his finger. “That could come in handy when I meet your mom tonight-”

“Shut up, Richie.” Eddie rolled his eyes and shrugged Bev’s arm off of him. “You’re gonna get yourself killed.” He narrowed his eyes at the taller boy who pushed his glasses up his nose. 

“Relax Eds. This isn’t that dangerous.” He shrugged and Eddie didn’t seem to believe him. Bev took one look at their tension filled stares and awkwardly chuckled. 

“Well, Uh..I’m gonna wait for this to be over…” She gestured in the air between the boys “Over there.” She pointed back at the bleachers before taking off and running for the hills. 

Richie shook his head with a small smile and turned back to Eddie. “C’mon, is this over now?” 

Eddie rolled his eyes again. “No. They’re throwing you in the god damn air, Rich.” 

“Yeah and people regularly slam and tackle into Mike in football and throw speeding balls at you and Stan in Baseball. How is this any different?” Richie scowled. Eddie opened and closed his mouth a few times, a little flustered. 

“Look, it’s just-Well, tell me that isn’t scary? There’s gotta be a moment where you’re just not sure if you’re gonna return back to earth?” Eddie tried not to sound like a five year old with a fear of heights but he couldn’t help it. Richie raised his eyebrow, amused. 

“Space is filled with orbiting cheerleaders.” Richie gave him an amused face and Eddie frowned. 

“I’m trying to be serious, Rich. Don’t make me laugh.” He bit into his lip to keep from smiling but he couldn’t exactly help it. Richie threw his arm around Eddie’ shoulders and started walking him over to the team. 

“Don’t be ridiculous, babe. I’m not gonna get hurt, ok? And you’ll get to watch me cheer. I hear it’s a breath taking sight.” Richie cuddled closer to him and Eddie begrudgingly let him. 

“You’ve been doing it for what like a day?” Eddie pinched him, a sign that he seemed to be cheering up. Richie leaned down and kissed the top of his head. 

“I’ll cheer for you during baseball season.” Richie smiled and Eddie rolled his eyes for the millionth time. 

“Cheerleaders don’t cheer at baseball games,Rich.” He picked at his fingernails. Richie gasped and pulled Eddie in tighter. 

“I’ll be your personal cheerleader then.” Richie nodded and Eddie separated himself to go back to sitting on the bleachers. 

“Do not grant me that nightmare. I need less of you not more.”Eddie crossed his arms and Richie laughed, tugging his arms out of their crossed position. 

“That’s not what your mom said last night.” Richie oohh’d and put his hand up for a high five but Eddie just glared at him. So Richie picked up his hand and slapped them together for him, Eddie staring with his eyebrow raised the entire time. They started walking back down the field. 

“You gonna wear one of those little skirts too?” Eddie teased, tilting his head as they got closer to his teammates. Richie giggled and grabbed his hand, swinging it between them as they walked. 

“You’d like that.” Richie smirked and Eddie kicked him in the shins. 

“Ow! my hot new cheerleader legs.” Richie hopped on one foot and cradled his shin. Eddie giggled. 

“Show me your best moves, ok?” Eddie slapped his cheek softly and ran back over to the bleachers. Richie shook his leg and laughed as he went back over to his team. 

Eddie thundered back up the stairs and flung himself next to Stan, leaning back on Beverly’s legs. “Feeling better squirt?” Beverly poked his shoulder and he slapped her hand away. 

“A little.” He shrugged as Stan narrowed his eyes. 

“I came to see Richie fall.” He grumbled and Eddie pinched him. “Ow! I’m sorry.” He chuckled as Richie was being taught how to actually stay in position and not fall out of it. The girls decided he was ready to go again and went into position. 

This time when Richie was in the air, he was able to hold it for much longer. He waved happily at Eddie, who looked a little queasy but waved back with a smile. 

[nomaji]

Never-mind Bout’ The Others

Character Pairing: Neville Longbottom x Slytherin Reader

Requested

Plot Summary: Set in OoTP (Fifth year), the reader and Neville had been secretly dating. Using the excuse of tutoring each other, the two managed not to get caught. Sometime due an incident involving Neville, the reader and Umbridge,their relationship is revealed...

Disclaimer: All things JK. Rowling had created are not mine, the gif belongs to its respective owners.

Also, my very first imagine, yay! Sorry if it wasn’t what you’re expecting, but ‘A’ for effort heheh..I’m also working on two other requests, with more “what’s inside xx common room” things, along with some original short stories, and a Hogwarts short story coming up, but definitely feel free to request more Hogwarts related things you want me to write about!

Hope you enjoy~

It was nice to have Neville by your side, despite your differences.

To begin, he was a Gryffindor, and you, however, was sorted into Slytherin. History had played out to ensure your house’s intense rivalry get passed down through generations. How did the two of you ever got together was beyond anyone’s comprehension. You had your fair share of talents and intelligence, one of them being coming in close second between your housemate, Draco Malfoy, in potions. Neville, however, being not as competent in Potions as you, excelled much further in Herbology, the one subject you swear you’d rather consume sleeping draught than going towards that greenhouse every week. In short, you’re not blessed with the magical green thumb within your year.

So here you are, absentmindedly flipping through your Herbology textbook, occasionally eyeing the weird, tentacle-like plant in the greenish clay pot. Not far left, Professor Sprout’s lecture droned on about the sticky properties of Tailtomortencia, the plant wiggling sloppily next to you, producing a purplish sap that rolled slowly down its sides. You choked back the nausea as the all familiar bell rung through the school, signaling the end of the last class of the day.

You dashed through the stone door right after the common room entrance slid open, paying no mind to the greenish ripples reflected on the ceiling by the waters of the lake, and headed straight for the dorms. Daphne Greengrass, your best friend, tossed you a curious look as you plopped onto the bed, your face buried into your pillow.

“Don’t try to suffocate yourself y/n,” she drawled in amusement, “I don’t want your corpse become the future embodiment of the Slytherin Girls Dorm.”

“mrrffff...”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t speak gibberish.” 

You lazily lift your head from the comfort of your pillow, and proceeded to glare mockingly towards the blond witch, who met your unamused look with a small smirk.

“As if I want to die in here, Daphne. But I do know that if you keep smirking like that, your face is going to stay that way, and it’ll take more than magic to change it back.”

Rolling her eyes, Daphne stood up and headed towards the exit. “Whatever, I’m going to get dinner, hope you have fun tutoring Longbottom again, judging by his potions skills, you’re gonna need it.”

“...right.” 

“ I don’t get it, it wasn’t supposed to be that hard!” You groaned possibly for the eighth time after struggling to extract the sap from the Tailtomortencia. 

It was nine after, you and your boyfriend have been ‘tutoring’ for the past four hours, but still with no avail. You scrunched your nose as you watched Neville took one part of the plant, curled it up gently, and squeezed it while catching the familiar, purplish sap in a medium sized vial. He glanced at you, and motions you to follow suit. 

“..what?”

“If you don’t at least show me that you can do this, we might be stuck here all night, and I know you’re not a morning person.” Neville chuckled causally, earning a playful glare from you. 

With a dramatic sigh, you pulled the pot containing the plant towards you, and with slight disgust, you followed his instructions. After some effort, you watched as the sap slowly dripping down into the remaining space inside the vial. With bright smile plastered on your face, you hugged your boyfriend with excitement, ignoring his surprised oomph. Neville quickly wrapped his arms around your lower back and pulled you closer to him, nearly lifting you off the ground before pulling away.

“We better get back, it’s way past curfew, and even if Professor Snape and McGonagall not murdering us for returning so late, Umbridge will certainly not react the same.” He said, concern dawning his features. 

Nodding in agreement, you gave his hand a light squeeze and pulled your boyfriend towards the exit.

The walk felt long, and unsurprisingly quiet. Both of you scanned left and right for any sign of Prefects, Filch, or worse, the she-devil herself. The dimly lit hallway left you alert, listening for any sound around you other than the not-so-subtle snores from the portraits. Nothing, that is, except the light footsteps against the stone floor. 

Then, a faint meow was heard.

The two of you jumped, suddenly remembered a familiar caretaker that owns a feline.

“Mrs. Norris.” You cursed under your breath.

Neville, however, frantically began to pull you along as he picked up the pace, panic replaced his usual features. Soon, the two of you streaked towards the direction of the Entrance Hall, zig-zagging from one corridor to the other in attempt to lose the blasted cat. In the distance, you spotted the familiar hallway that would be your saving grace of the night. 

C’mon, you breathed, almost there...

“Hem hem, and where do you think the two of you are heading?”

Umbridge.

Neville stuttered to a stop, resulting you to bump into his back. Your hands are still linked, though bit more loose than before. This was it, you brought your head to meet the high inquisitor’s in an innocent fashion, while taking a short, but reassuring glance to Neville, who was still slight pale with shock.

“Mr. Longbottom, as the high inquisitor of Hogwarts, I expect student to follow my rules.” She said in faux sweetness. “ I noticed, one, you have been holding...is it Ms. l/n ‘s hand, and two, both of you are out and about way past curfew hours. According to Educational Decree number twenty six, no boy and girl shall be eight inches within each other, and let me remind you that holding hands is being less than eight inches within each other.”

“W-we were out tutoring Professor,” Neville answered respectfully. “ We lost track of time, I hope it is forgiven.”

“And you were tutoring because?”

“Actually, professor, he was tutoring me.” you interjected.

Umbridge finally turned towards you, her small, beady eyes stared at you curiously for a moment before a faux smile plastered on her round face.

“You can let go of Mr. Longbottom’s hand now, Ms l/n, no types of affection can go unnoticed by me; “ she said,“ Now, what are you....being tutored for?”

“Herbology, professor.”

Umbridge proceeded to hesitate, as if lost in thought, before responding once more. “I see. Judging by me previous observations, you don’t seemed to pay too much attention during that class. Perhaps that’s why you needed Mr. Longbottom’s assistance?”

“No professor, it was because I was confuse on the matter of extracting the sap from Tailomortencia, that’s why I asked for Neville’s help.”

“Peculiar...Slytherin and a Gryffindor ending up together....Well, in that case, both of your head of the house - Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall, is it? - will be notified of this incident. Like all mistakes, this will have consequences, including a week of detention with me, and a month’s suspension of all extracurricular activities, in addition to the twenty points will be respectively taken from each of your houses.”

Your heart plummeted to the pit of your stomach. Three punishments, just for breaking two rules?! Just when you’d think this lady was bad enough, her punishments seemed to get even worse. Beside you, Neville paled significantly, and seemed to be sweating in panic. Fuming, you turned to a smirking Madame Toad in protest.

“Professor, in my defense, your punishment is severe for two students who had only broken two rules. Neville’s got nothing to do with this, I asked him to tutor me, so it should me, not him get detention.”

Umbridge stood before you, silent, emotionless. Her eyes seemed to be calculating, for she kept eyeing you both. For seconds it was just like this: Umbridge glancing back and forth between the two of you while you glanced defiantly back. After what felt like eternity, she smiled sardonically.

“..Reasonable excuse, I’ll be sure to keep this in mind when I report to your head of the house tomorrow morning, but this consequence will make an example of the school to not ever challenge ministry’s Educational Decrees. Now run along, the two of you will start the punishment on Monday.”

The rest was a blur. The two of you managed to trudge your way back to the Entrance Hall, stopping at the bottom of the staircase. Neville had stayed silent the whole time, with occasional glances met by yours. You stood next to him at the foot of the staircase, unsure what to do next.

“...Are you alright, Neville?” you asked tentatively.

“Relieved, I guess....y/n, what if they find out?” he replied softly, a sad smile spread across his face. “What if everything changes tomorrow?”

You gently turned the teen to face you, and rested your hand on his shoulder. 

“Neville, you are possibly the kindest person I’ve ever met. We’ve been through loads together, and now you’re telling me you’re afraid of tomorrow? Never mind ‘bout the others, Neville, you have me and that’s all it matters. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.”

You felt two strong arms wrap around you, pulling you close. Smiling, you snaked your arms around his back. It was all you needed, after the chaos that had just happened. 

“ I love you, y/n.” He murmured next to your ear, letting out a sigh of relief. “I’m sorry for today to end this way.”

“Never be sorry, Neville, I love you too.”

Short Bonus:

“Really? Longbottom. You’re dating Longbottom.” Daphne whispered to you as the two of you sat in the Three Broomsticks at Hogsmeade.

Words had gotten out about your detention since Professor Snape gave you a pointed look during breakfast (after his glare to Neville and the rest of the Gryffindor table - the usual), and it wasn’t long before Daphne cornered you inside the pub, insisting that you tell her the truth.

“Yes, really. I’ve been dating Neville since last year. Being one of the smartest girls in our year, I thought you’d figure it out by now.” 

Daphne jabbed you playfully, nearly knocking over the butter beer you were about to drink. “Not cool. But why, out of everyone, you choose Longbottom? Not to mention the fact that he’s a Gryffindor?”

You rolled your eyes before setting down your drink. “Well first, he’s not a snob like a certain Draco Malfoy (or constantly talks about Potter for that matter), or disinterested like Nott and Zabini, and let’s face it, I’m nowhere compatible with Crabbe or Goyle.”

Daphne snorted.

“Plus, when you actually get to know him well enough, he is intelligent, caring, and great to hang out with.”

“Whatever, at least now you’re not unhappily single like Parkinson, no offense to her that is.”

The two of you snickered as you paid for your drink and exited through the door.

“By the way, have you seen the gorgeous golden chocolate frogs that just arrived at Honeydukes? It’s amazing!”

[torptororo]

Smutty Klance Fanfic

           Cuffs

 “I need all the Paladins to the main deck for a new training exercise!” Allura’s voice blared over the speakers, waking everyone up. Keith launched himself out of bed, hoping it would be some kind of fighting task. Hunk rolled out of his bed and tied his headband around his head. Shiro was already up, doing pushups in his room. Pidge groaned at the early hour, but began to follow the others down the hallway. Lance remained in bed, his headphones blocking out Allura’s voice.

           “Okay, so today… wait, where’s Lance?” Allura began, until she noticed a missing Paladin. “It’s fine I can explain the exercise to you four and then one of you can explain it to him!” She beamed. Not a second later she whipped out a handful of things that looked like bracelets. “These, if you don’t recognize them already, are handcuffs! These are what that woman used to leave Lance tied up to that tree awhile ago.” Keith smirked. “I’m glad you seem excited Keith!” Allura said, noticing his grin.

           “Oh, uh, yeah sure Allura,” he responded, looking away.

           “Okay, so here’s the exercise! Everyone will group into pairings of their choice and then they will be connected for the next few days, and that will be for everything. We have to be completely comfortable with everyone!” She smiled, looking a bit too excited for this training exercise.

           “But Allura, there are only five Paladins, yourself included, so is Shiro being left out?” Pidge chimed in.

           “Oh no no! Shiro will participate like all of us!” Allura reassured Pidge.

           “I will be the only one not participating,” Coran called from across the room, “My duties around the castle are mine alone, and I shall keep it as such!”

           “Okay! So pair up!” Allura said, Shiro immediately stepping to her side. He grinned at her and she felt her face grow a little warm. Pidge threw her elbow into Hunk, indicating her choice of partner. That left Keith by himself.

           “Oh guys no, come on, don’t make me pair off with Lance,” Keith said, almost sounding desperate. The last thing he wanted was to be handcuffed to Lance for however long Allura decided to torture him for.

           “Sorry Keith, training is training,” Shiro said, throwing him his set of cuffs. He then proceeded to cuff his wrist to Allura’s.

           “Now remember, these cuffs have a bit of slack, allowing about five feet of distance,” Allura said, pulling her wrist away from Shiro’s to show a glowing beam. “Now here you two are,” she said, tossing the other cuffs to Pidge and Hunk.

           “This exercise will be a breeze,” Pidge said, “Hunk you don’t mind staying up a little later than normal to help me with my research do you?”

           “Nope,” Hunk replied, “As long as you won’t mind being in the kitchen so I can make dinner.” Pidge nodded.

           “Alright Keith, you bring your cuffs to Lance and begin the exercise.” Allura instructed. Keith looked down at the cuffs in his hands and nodded, slowly turning and walking towards Lance’s room. He walked down the hallway slowly, trying to enjoy his last few moments of peace before being connected to Lance for a few days. He arrived in front of Lance’s room and huffed, clicking the door to open. There he saw Lance sleeping, his headphones still covering both of his ears. His mouth was parted open, ‘He looks so… kissable,’ Keith thought, before shaking his head, ‘what the hell? Gross.’ He walked across the room quietly, stopping still when Lance began to talk.

           “K-Keith, wait..” Lance mumbled. Keith squinted his eyes at Lance and whispered back.

           “Wait for what? Your dumbass didn’t get out of bed.” He took another step forward.

           “Nnghh…” Lance moaned. Keith stopped completely his face turning bright red at the sound. ‘What the fuck is he doing?!’ Keith thought, moving forwards again. He reached out and touched Lance’s arm.

           “Lance, wake up.” Keith said, shaking him a little.

           “K-keith… so… nghh…” Lance responded, before jolting up, his headphones falling off. “Keith?! What the hell man?!” Keith glared down at him, crossing his arms over his chest. Keith dangled the cuffs in front of Lance’s face.

           “W-whoa there Keith, I didn’t know you were into that kinda stuff man,” Lance said, his voice almost sounding a bit nervous. Keith felt the blood rush to his face.

           “It’s for a training exercise and we were assigned as partners for it,” he said, turning his face away from Lance. He clipped his cuff onto his wrist then went to grab Lance’s wrist.

           “Whoa, whoa, right now?!” Lance said, adjusting his blanket to fall over his midsection. “Can’t I go the bathroom first?”

           “Fine make is fast, Allura will be pissed if she sees that we aren’t connected yet though.” Keith sighed. “Meet me in my room when you’re done.” He said, exiting Lance’s room. Lance sighed, lifting up the blankets.

           “I hope he didn’t notice…” he sighed, getting up and rushing to the bathroom. After fully situating himself he left the bathroom and went to Keith’s room. He clicked the door open. “Alright. I’m as ready for this as I ever will be,” Lance said, extending his arm forward to Keith. Keith got up from his desk and cuffed the remaining cuff onto Lance’s wrist. The two looked at each other and huffed. “So how long do we have to do this?”

           “For however long Allura makes us,” Keith responded as he began to walk out of the room.

           “Whoa, slow down there,” Lance said, being tugged after him. “Where are you going? Because I need to take a shower!”

           “You haven’t showered yet?! I thought that’s what was taking you so long in the bathroom!” Keith huffed, stopping to turn to Lance.

           “Uh, no, have you showered today?” Lance said, trying to avoid the bathroom topic.

           “No, I shower at night, which is something you’ll have to get used to.” Keith stated, beginning to walk forwards again, until he was unable to. “Hey what the—,” he started, looking behind him he saw Lance sitting on the floor, with his arm held up. “Lance what the hell are you doing?”

           “I’m protesting,” he responded. Keith rolled his eyes, ‘These next few days are going to kill me,’ he thought.

           “Fine, we can go shower.” He said, sighing.

           “So, quick question, this thing doesn’t seem to give us enough space to use to showers…” Lance said, pulling his wrist to show the lack of space it gave the two of them. Keith’s face began to turn red as he realized what Lance was getting at. ‘I can’t shower with Lance! What if I said something stupid or complement his body or—what the hell am I thinking?!’ Keith shook his head.

           “The point of the exercise is to be fully comfortable around your partner.” He said, trying to remain calm.

           “I wish I had been partnered with Allura, I bet she has a bangin’ bod,” Lance said, grinning to himself. Keith rolled his eyes. ‘I’ll have nothing to worry about if he keeps talking.’ He thought. The two began to walk down the hallway together to the bathrooms. They got into the bathroom and then the two began to realize another problem with the use of the showers.

           “Uh, Keith, the way these cuffs are on us… will we be able to fully undress on our own?” Lance said, looking at the cuffs then back at himself. ‘Fuck he’s right, we will at least need to help each other with our shirts,’ Keith thought.

           “I should only need help with my shirt,” he responded, not making eye contact with Lance.

           “Right, I mean same, I should be fine to do everything else on my own then too…” Lance began to trail. ‘He didn’t want help with any else… did he?’ Keith thought, looking over at Lance from the corner of his eye.

           “Here, help me,” Keith said, using one hand to begin to lift off his shirt. Lance looked over at him and nodded, reaching out to grab his shirt. Keith swallowed nervously, feeling Lance’s fingertips touching his side. He raised his arms up and Lance pulled his shirt up and off of him. The beam allowed the shirt to pass through it.

           “Oh look at that! The clothing safely going through the beam! Sweet, I guess we can do our shirts on our own after all!” Lance said, tugging his own shirt off. Keith watched, biting his lip a little.

           “Uh, you okay man?” Lance asked, noticing the onlooker.

           “Oh yeah, sorry, just zoned out,” Keith said, leaning down to pull his boots off. The two got down to their boxers and looked at each other.

           “Sh-should we just keep these on?” Lance asked, looking away from Keith, rubbing the back of his head nervously.

           “No, the exercise is to be completely comfortable with the other person, it will be fine, we’re both guys anyways.” Keith responded, “This must be more uncomfortable for the others, both of them being of the opposite sex and all…” he trailed off. ‘Yeah maybe if I wasn’t so fucking gay this wouldn’t be so damn uncomfortable,’ he thought to himself, looking away from Lance.

           “If you say so dude, but I guess I should let you know this before you make the choice… I’m actually bisexual. If that makes you uncomfortable I completely understand and--,” Lance began before Keith tugged his boxers down. “And… okay I guess it doesn’t make you uncomfortable then!” He finished.

           “We will stand back to back and take turns facing the water. Got it?” Keith said, feeling Lance’s movements to take his own boxers off.

           “Uh yeah, that works for me,” Lance said. Keith walked forwarding, forcing Lance to walk backwards. Keith stopped in front of the shower without warning, causing Lance to bump into him. Keith’s face turned bright red at the feeling of Lance’s naked body touching his own.

           “Lance watch it!” He snapped, turning the shower on.

           “S-sorry, I didn’t know you had stopped walking,” Lance responded. The two were able to shower without any problems… almost. On one of the rotations Lance lost his footing, slamming into Keith, plummeting them both onto the shower floor. Lance landed on his ass with legs wrapped around Keith, who had landed ontop of Lance. Keith had managed to land on his hands and knees, but his face was against Lance’s chest.

           “Ow…” Lance said, “Oh my god, I-I…” he started, looking at Keith, who was slowly pulling his face away from Lance’s chest. “I’m so s-sorry Keith I slipped and I--,” he started, before Keith’s face was only a few inches away from his own.

           “Lance…” he started, his eyes piercing into Lance’s.

           “Uh… what is it?” Lance said, turning his head to the side and unwrapping his legs from Keith’s torso.

           “I-I hate you.” Keith said, pulling his face away and beginning to stand up. He grabbed Lance my the arm and helped him up as well. ‘What the fuck was that you idiot?! You had the chance to kiss him… to maybe of even done more and all you say is I hate you?!’ He thought to himself, standing up fully now, turning the shower off. The two dried themselves off in silence, then dressed and left the bathroom. The two walked down the hallway, using all the slack they could from the cuffs. Lance eyed Keith without turning his head, finding himself eyeing him up and down. ‘Keith really does have a nice body…’ Lance thought before stopping himself, ‘What the hell dude, Keith is your rival you can’t be checking him out!’ Keith suddenly stopped and faced Lance.

           “Lance, I think we should act like what happened never did happen. Agreed?” He asked, looking sternly over at Lance.

           “Oh uh, yeah totally Keith!” Lance said, rubbing the back of his head nervously with his hand. ‘Though I can’t stop thinking about it…’ Lance thought to himself.

           “Let’s go get something to eat then,” Keith said, starting off towards the kitchen, pulling Lance behind him. The two entered the kitchen where they found Hunk already cooking and Pidge perched on the counter right next to him.

           “Oh hey guys,” Pidge said, “how’s your training going?” She asked, trying to hold back giggles. Keith huffed and Lance just grinned.

           “It’s been a breeze, nothing easier than being cuffed to my good buddy Keith,” Lance responded, throwing his arm over Keith’s shoulder. Keith glared over at Lance, pushing his arm away. “So what’s cookin’ good lookin’?” Lance asked, going on his tip toes to try and peer over Hunk’s shoulder.

           “Trying some new stuff with the green goop, trying to add some form of flavor to it,” Hunk responded, continuing to prepare the meal. “Should be done in about a half hour, if you guys wanna come back then,” he said.

           “Sure, thanks Hunk,” Keith said, beginning to walk out of the kitchen.

           “Whoa, wait up there!” Lance shouted, being dragged out of the kitchen. “Keith slow down, you seem more pissed off then usual man, what’s up with you?” Keith didn’t stop walking until reaching his room, dragging Lance into the room with him. He sat down on his bed and covered his face with his hands.

           “Lance. I’m not pissed off, I’m just… frustrated.” Keith said, shifting uncomfortably. Lance sat down next to him.

           “Isn’t being frustrated like the same thing as being pissed?” He asked, tilting his head. Keith huffed and looked at Lance dead in the eyes.

           “No Lance, I’m FRUSTRATED.” He said, pressing his legs together, his face bright red. Lance’s eyes widened and blood rushed to his face.

           “Whoa Keith, but I thought you were straight or…” Lance started.

           “I’m not.” Keith interrupted. Lance looked down at his lap.

           “Are you bisexual then?” He asked, growing a little curious.

           “Just gay.” Keith replied, looking away from Lance. Lance put a hand on Keith’s shoulder.

           “Hey man, I’m glad you told me, means you trust me right?” He asked, smiling a little.

           “Lance I more than trust you… I’m attracted to you.” Keith mumbled, still facing away from Lance. Lance’s eyes widened again.

           “Is this a joke, Keith?” Lance asked, “You’re always so angry around me…”

           “Its not a joke Lance,” Keith responded sharply. He finally turned to face Lance, his face beet red. “Please don’t make a joke about my feelings either.” He said. Lance stared at Keith’s face blankly, unsure of what to do. ‘Should… I kiss him? Do I tell him I feel the same way?’ Lance thought, unconsciously leaning closer to Keith’s face. ‘His lips looks so kissable and…’

           “Mmmf!?” Lance heard the sound muffled against Keith’s mouth as Keith had closed the gap that Lance had already begun to close. Keith’s eyes were shut firmly, whereas Lance’s were wide open in shock. After a few seconds Keith pulled away, his eyes refusing to meet Lance’s. Lance sat for a moment, breathless, before grabbing the back of Keith’s head pulling him in for another kiss. Lance ran his fingers delicately through Keith’s hair, smiling into the kiss. When the two finally pulled away from each other, Lance smiled at Keith’s blushing face.

           “Lance…” Keith started.

           “Keith, the feelings are mutual, they have been for awhile now.” Lance said, brushing his thumb under Keith’s chin. Keith’s breath hitched at hearing this, looking directly into Lance’s eyes.

           “You’re… sure?” He asked, bringing his hand up to hold Lance’s.

           “Yes. Especially after that… slip up in the shower…” Lance said, a smirk on his face.

           “That and the dreams?” Keith asked, smiling a bit himself, remembering Lance sleep talking that morning.

           “Dreams? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Lance said nervously, looking away.

           “Oh no?” Keith asked, pushing Lance down against the bed, crawling over on top of him. “Should I refresh your memory myself then?” He smirked. Lance’s face lit up bright red. Suddenly a knock on the door caused both of them to freeze.

           “Hey guys, lunch is ready!” Hunk called through the door. Keith pulled himself off of Lance and off of the bed, then extended his had to Lance.

           “Let’s go,” he said. Lance looked at him and sighed, taking his hand. “Don’t worry… I’ll take care of you later,” Keith whispered into his ear. Lance swallowed hard and nodded, ‘holy shit...’ he thought, following Keith out of the room and to the kitchen. The two walked into the kitchen and were greeted by the two other pairs.

           “Hello you two! How has your training been?” Allura asked, handing them their plates.

           “Its been going well, not as insufferable as I thought,” Keith said, smirking at Lance.

           “Uh! Yeah, I knew it wouldn’t be bad being cuffed to my good buddy Mullet!” Lance said, laughing nervously. The two sat down across the table from the others. The six ate quickly, barely saying a word to anyone.

           “Hunk… this is really good,” Pidge said in between bites. Hunk just smiled. Everyone finished and got up from the table.

           “Shiro and I will do the dishes! You four can go back to doing your daily things,” Allura said, collecting everyone’s plates and silverware. Hunk and Pidge left the kitchen and headed towards Pidge’s room.

           “You two going to be okay?” Shiro, noticing a weird tension between Keith and Lance.

           “Yeah we’ll be great!” Lance said, as Keith began to leave. “Well guess I’m off!” Lance shouted, hurrying to catch up to Keith before he started to get dragged. “Where are we going Keith?” Lance asked, hoping the answer would be to one of their rooms.

           “We have to get some form of training in today.” Keith responded sternly. Lance’s face dropped. Keith suddenly stopped, shoving Lance into a storage closet. “This will be the perfect place.” He said, closing and locking the door behind them. The two were surrounded by complete darkness.

           “Uh… Keith I can’t see anything… what’s going on? Keith…? Keith?!?!” Lance began, stopping then he felt Keith pressed his body against his, pinning him against a wall.

           “A training exercise Lance, if we’re supposed to get completely comfortable with each other we should be able to find each other in dark places, don’t you agree?” Keith whispered into Lance’s ear. Lance bit his lip and nodded against Keith’s shoulder. “Heh… that’s what I thought.” Keith said, biting Lance’s ear a little. A soft moan escaped Lance’s mouth. Keith’s hands found Lance’s hips and he began to trail his fingertips up and down Lance’s side. Lance began to press his hips against Keith’s, growing impatient. “Hm? What’s wrong Lance?” Keith said, pressing back.

           “Y-you’re such a tease Keith,” Lance said. Keith grinned, sliding his hands to push Lance’s shirt up and off of him. Once off, Keith trailed his fingers around Lance’s nipples. Lance winced at the feeling, “W-whoa… careful… p-please…” Lance moaned. Keith pulled his hands away to remove his own shirt, tossing it somewhere into the dark. He leaned forward, pressing his chest against Lance’s and leaned his neck down, his face on Lance’s neck. He pressed his lips onto Lance’s skin, starting to suck gently. Lance moaned again, not sure where to put his hands because of the cuffs. So far his arm had just been following where Keith’s had been pulling it. He suddenly felt his arm being tugged down a little. Keith’s body was no longer pressing up against his. He felt Keith’s fingers pulling down his pants and could feel himself getting harder. He felt both his pants and boxers fall to his ankles. Keith wrapped his fingers around Lance’s dick, slowly stroking it. “K-Keith… play nice now…” Lance muttered, biting his lip. He felt Keith’s tongue at his tip, “Mmm… Keith… such a tease…” he moaned. Without warning Keith went from licking Lance’s tip to taking all of Lance’s cock into his mouth. Lance threw his head back, biting his lip, trying not to make too much noise. Keith began to get into a rhythm of back and forth, Lance moving his hips slightly. “I-I’m getting close Keith…” Lance said, his breath hitching. Keith quickly pulled away and stood up, kissing Lance roughly. He pulled away from the kiss and pushed Lance down onto his knees.

           “Your turn pretty boy,” Keith said, taking his own pants off.

           “Aw, you think I’m pretty—?” Lance started to say but was cut of by Keith forcing his erection into Lance’s mouth. Keith placed Lance’s hands onto his hips, allowing Lance to remain balanced. He thrust into Lance’s mouth, causing Lance to gag. Keith pulled away, letting Lance breathe, “Keith… holy fuck… I-I want you to fuck me…” Lance mumbled, trying to catch his breath.

           “What was that Lance? I couldn’t quite hear you,” Keith smirked, pressed his dick against Lance’s face, getting his precum on Lance’s cheek. He proceeded to roughly pull Lance off his knees back to standing, kissing him hard against the mouth. Lance moaned into the kiss and felt as Keith picked him up, Lance wrapping his legs around Keith’s torso. Keith positioned his tip against Lance’s entrance. Lance bit his lip and put his head against Keith’s shoulder. “You ready?” Keith whispered, pressing himself into Lance.

           “Y-yes… do it Keith…” Lance moaned. Keith pushed himself into Lance, ‘Holy shit he’s so tight…’ Keith thought, moaning a bit himself. He began to thrust in a rhythm, Lance holding on tighter, pressing his erection against Keith’s stomach.

           “Heh… someone seems to be enjoying themselves,” Keith said, grinning. “How long has it been since you’ve wanted me, hm?” He asked, picking up the pace.

           “Shut… shup up and fuck me harder,” Lance moaned, biting Keith’s shoulder to quiet himself down. Keith snickered and began to thrust faster, growing close to his climax. “Keith… I’m so close… you keep hitting my spot… so much pressure, its so g-good,” Lance said, his voice muffled against Keith’s shoulder. Keith came into Lance, causing Lance to moan loudly against Keith, as he came onto Keith’s stomach. Keith lowered Lance down, pulling out. “Holy shit Keith…” Lance said, trying to catch his breath.

           “Was it good?” Keith asked, kissing Lance’s neck.

           “It was amazing…” Lance responded, “So… same time tomorrow?” He laughed.

           “Heh, sure, why not.” Keith said, trying to find his clothes in the dark. “I didn’t think this through, he said, finding a shirt and throwing it at Lance, pulling on the other one he found. Once the two were dressed Keith slowly slid the door open, making sure no one was there. The two exited the closet quickly then started down the hall.

           “Hey guys!” They heard Hunk call from behind them, they both froze. They turned to face Pidge and Hunk.

           “Oh hey, what’s up you two?” Lance asked, grinning.      

           “We were going to ask you if you wanted to try some cookies Hunk made… but I am far more interested in why you’re wearing each other’s shirts,” Pidge said, fixing her glasses. The two looked at each other. ‘Shit,’ Lance thought.

           “As apart of the training, if we’re supposed to be completely comfortable with each other we figured sharing clothes should be no big deal,” Keith responded confidently.

           “Hm… I see, well, when you two are ready, Hunk and I will be in the kitchen,” she responded, a hint of a grin on her face. She and Hunk began to walk away.

           “You believe Keith?” Hunk asked her, looking down to see a huge grin on her face.

           “Hell no Hunk, they totally fucked.”

[diagk]

Harel Deliss.

Solas co-owns “Harel Deliss”, a posh restaurant in the heart of town, where the elite class decides to spend their money depending on their whims. The stakes are high. Its rival is a well-known “De Fer’s Bouquet” run by a money-driven French born business woman. Ellana, our protagonist, gets unfairly dismissed from “De Fer” and finds herself, due to some unforeseen circumstances, in the need of money, and thus goes to competition to earn her due. Life is full of surprises, as they say.

Lesson Eleven: Be careful with your words. Read it on AO3.

I knocked and opened the door to Mr. Harel’s office. He was sitting behind his desk, head buried in the papers scattered all over the place. No sign of Dorian yet, although I suspected he would arrive shortly. He was not a morning person. As Solas saw me he rose and smiled timidly.

“Ellana… good morning.”

I closed the door and proceeded further into the room stopping at the desk. His curious gaze was following my every move. Embolden by his undivided attention I cleared my throat and gathered courage to say my part.

“I guess we need to talk,” I admitted meeting his gaze. He nodded then moved to sit on the edge of the desk. Right where I was standing.

“Go on.”

“I apologise for... leaving so soon after we were rescued from that elevator. I think I needed some air... to clear my mind. I was-“ I bit my lip and looked at the papers on the desk to avoid his penetrating gaze, “overwhelmed by what happened and needed some time to process it all.”

He nodded and asked: “Ellana, do you think I’m pressuring you?”

“What? No! Nothing like that. Everything that happened was consensual.”

“I know that,” he agreed, “what I mean is-,“ he smacked his lips and sighed. “I understand why you want to keep things professional. We have a relationship that is beyond work-related and sometimes it may seem that-I would not want you to think that I’m trying to take advantage of you.” His brows furrowed and worry crept into this gaze.

“I don’t think that way, Mr. Harel. Solas. It’s a bit complicated but-yeah, let’s just leave it at that. It’s complicated.”

“Complicated,” he savoured the word on his tongue. “It’s certainly the right word for this,” he motioned between us.

“Anyway… I wanted to ask you about Mr. Tethras,” I needed to stick to my plan.

“What about him?”

“Is he… safe to work for?” I hoped it did not sound as bad as I thought.

Solas leant back and crossed his arms on his chest. “Why do you ask?”

“Because my brother is working for him and I don’t’ know…” I wavered my hand around. “Maybe I’m being over cautions but something Mahannon said just –doesn’t seem right.”

A long silence filled the room as we were observing each other. He was thoughtful as if considering something before replying.

“I agree that Mr. Tethras is a talented businessman and investor. How he runs his own business is not my business. Do you understand?”

“So you have your suspicions?” I pushed a little harder.

“I think he will keep your brother out of trouble, Ellana. I would not worry about that. However, what or whom your brother involves himself with while working for Mr. Tethras should be between the two of them. And I assume that your brother is old enough to look after himself, right? Isn’t it a high time for him?”

Strange, his voice took on an icy tone when talking about my sibling.

“Ellana, I think you’ve done enough for your brother. From what you told me about your past, am I wrong?”

I sighed. He was right, I should stop worrying about Mahannon and let him live his life the way he see fit.

“Fine,” I agreed, “I trust you and Mr. Tethras. And if there was something going on I’m sure my brother would have told me by now.”

A few heart beats of silence filled the room again.

“Ellana,” he rose from the desk to stand before me with his hands behind his back. “What’s happened?”

“What do you mean?” I asked suddenly breathless.

“Why do you continue pushing me away?”

“I-“ I sighed as words left me.

He kept looking at me as if trying to find the answer on my face. “I promised to give you time and space as I understood you needed them. I thought we were making progress, small, but some. And after Friday I thought that-it would change everything for us. That you decided to-“ he clenched his jaw and licked his lips clearly frustrated. “I want to understand what I’m doing wrong. Am I pushing too hard or on the contrary, I’m not fast enough.”

“Ah, no. It’s not you-“

“Please, vhenan,” he snorted. “Don’t try this ‘it’s not you it’s me’ excuse. We are too mature for that. I would like the truth if you will.”

I took a long breath and decided to go with it, namely, telling him the truth.

“I don’t want to ruin the reputation of ‘Harel Deliss’. And if this,” I motioned between us, “ever got out you could be in serious trouble. And I would probably have to leave.”

He licked his lips and swallowed hard. Oh, so he considered this. Oh.

“I’m aware of that,” he admitted calmly.

Oh.

“However, I suspect there’s more to it than just your benevolent nature of preserving the good name of this establishment.”

I sighed. Here we go.

“I may have been informed that… certain photos and recordings got into the hands of… some people who would seek your harm. In a professional way, I mean.“ I bit my cheek silently pleading him with my eyes to stay calm. Which worked. Hmm. He was too calm.

“Photos and recordings,” he repeated quietly. “Of what or whom?”

Closing my eyes for a short while helped me to find the strength to divulge the rest of the secret.

“Us. Together. I saw the one of us from the hall, when you were embracing me. And I heard the recording of us from… the cellar. I suspect there are photos of that too.”

Solas closed his eyes and sighed. Just as he suspected. He managed to maintain his temper because of Ellana and her worried gaze. Anyone, who tried to hurt her will regret it. He decided it was imperative to consult their law advisor again.

“Right. What we need on top of that is the footage from the bank elevator now,” he remarked sarcastically, shaking his head.

“What?” I gulped. “Oh my, there were cameras! Oh my god! How stupid of me! Oh no!” His arms circled me instantly and I was hushed by his calm voice and humming of my name. He held me tight, assuring that they would not release any of the footage from the cameras. And that he was only joking. And that he was sorry for scaring me.

It felt good to be close to him and also to tell him the truth. When I calmed down he pulled away slightly to look into my eyes. “I will not let anyone to hurt you, vhenan. Remember that.”

“Thank you. I’m better now. It’s good that you know,” I admitted sheepishly. His thumb chased a lonely tear away of my cheek.

“I have known about this for a while,” he admitted.

“W-what?”

He sighed. “I wanted you to trust me. To tell me in your own time. And I’ve already taken certain… steps when it comes to the solution.”

“What steps?” I searched his face frantically for an answer.

“I’ve met with,” he sighed pausing in his speech, “Madame De Fer.” Seeing my jaw going rigid he continued. “It’s alright, my heart. I believe it still has to do with the recipes, am I right?”

I nodded unable to reply. His fingers kept brushing my jaw.

“Good. I have a meeting with Morrigan at the end of this week. I would very much like that you attend as well. She may be able to help.”

“You told her about this?” I could not believe that he was arranging things behind my back. But on the other hand he had some of it under control unlike me who was scared to tell him the truth in the first place.

“She’s of a peculiar character but she’s a brilliant lawyer. One who can rival the De Fer’s. One of the reasons we have been working with her for years now. You can trust her, love.”

“Alright, I will. I feel so embarrassed now,” I tried to hide my face in his chest.

He chuckled. “Don’t be. I understand your reservations. After all… I’m not an easy person to be around.”

“Or with,” I muttered.

“Hilarious.” His voice betrayed relief and humour.

Just when I was about to reply the door opened and Dorian came in. He rolled his eyes seeing us so close.

“Oh, for really? Keep your hands off her, Solas! It’s enough that you do not stop talking about her.”

I looked at Solas with a raised eyebrow. “You talk about me?”

He chuckled. “Sometimes.”

Dorian sat comfortably behind the desk and stated under his breath. “More often than sometimes. I’d say every single hour.”

I looked at Solas, who lowered his gaze and blushed slightly. Oh well. That’s new.

I left them to their own devices although Solas’ gaze was following me to the door.

*

“Could I have a moment, Miss Lavellan. Before I leave.” Not a request but rather an order.  

“No,” I whispered to him frantically. “We are working on new recipes. With Lacy. She’s stubborn… and determined to get this right. And I need to fill an order for the ingredients.” I moved back to Harding’s side.

Mr. Harel walked around and exchanged a quick word with Patrick and Tom. Something about tomorrow’s menu. I was determined to not eavesdrop as I handed the chocolate flakes over to Lacy.

Suddenly, Mr. Harel appeared right next to me.

“I really would like a word with you. In private.” His voice was strained.

“Later.”

“Now, please.”

“No, I want to make this done.”

“Ellana, I would really like to see you for a moment.”

When I didn’t reply he asked coyly. “Shall I kiss you in front of everyone?”

I raised an eyebrow. “You wouldn’t dare,” I hissed. Totally aware that Lacy heard him as she stopped in her movements.

“Wouldn’t I?” He smirked.

The battle of glaring at each other was won by him. “Fine. Your office?” He nodded and I followed him.

The moment the door was closed I was against the wall and his lips on me. He was hungry and determined to kiss me properly. I moaned when he nipped on my lip.

“Don’t ever do that again,” he groaned into my ear. “I am at my wits end when it comes to you.” His hands travelled down to land on my hips and he grinded against me.

“Solas, this is crazy,” I moaned again. “We should not be doing this here.”

He hummed against my neck. “You’re right. Let’s go to my place.”

“W-what?! I’m at work if you haven’t noticed.”

“Just tell your boss you’re indisposed. He’ll understand.” His leg found its way between mine.

“Solas, you are my boss.”

“And I understand that you may be indisposed. You can go home. Preferably mine.” He chuckled licking along my neck. I keened and my breath hitched.

He leant back and looked at me. “Wouldn’t you rather we were in a warm bed enjoying this for the whole evening?”

“I can’t.”

“You can’t?” He asked mockingly. “Your body is telling me otherwise.”

“Damn it, Solas. I am indisposed today, so… I will not go to your place,” I hoped that he would get the hint.

“That you are. Now, as your boss I will make sure that you end up in a bed.” Another kiss on my lips. This time it was playful and chaste. “Is that better?”

“Solas, I’m- it’s that time of the month,” I huffed when he started nibbling my ear.

He stopped and met my gaze. “I see.” He kissed me on the forehead before releasing a long breath. “Are you in pain?”

I smiled. He could be so quick to change moods. “A bit. I took some painkillers earlier and they seem to help.”

He regarded me quietly for a moment as if considering his options.

“What if I ran you a bath and took care of you?”

“Why such a change?”

“You don’t think I’d like to take care of you? Hmm?” When I did not answer he continued. “You think I care only about sex?”

I sighed but was unable to come out with a decent reply.

He huffed. “It’s more than that Ellana. And I hope you know it. At least that’s what I thought we established this morning. Seems that we did not.” He let go of me clearly frustrated.

“Is that what-“ he started saying when Dorian opened the door and popped his head in.

“Good, you’re still here. We need to resolve… ahh, Ellana! I didn’t see you there in the corner.” His eyes moved between the two of us and understanding dawned on him. “Seems that I have interrupted again. Still, I would prefer your assistance, Solas.”

“I’ll be with you in a moment,” Solas was not pleased with the interruption. His stoic demeanour was gone and he was chewing on his cheek while regarding me closely. “We have not finished this discussion, Ellana. I hope-,” he sighed heavily and ran his hand over his face.”Fenedhis,” he hissed.

This was the first time I heard him swear.

“I’m unsure of what I’m doing wrong.” He looked at me, gaze full of longing and despair. Two steps and he was in front of me pulling my face up to kiss me passionately for a moment. “Fine, have it your way. I’ll call you later tonight.”

With that he left me to calm down before returning to the kitchen.

*

Morrigan. That was her name. She was currently sitting next to me asking particulars about my work at De Fer’s. Solas was sitting behind the desk, his hands playing absently with a pen, Dorian was gracefully sipping from a tumbler and walking around the room. It was late in the afternoon and I was getting more and more tired. I was up since five o’clock this morning. Yet, I gave my promise to Solas to be here, so here I was.

The woman was taking the notes and making small comments along. She was of a peculiar character, that was certain, and yet she emanated the air of strength and authority.

“I think I can work with that,” she decided after a hundred and one questions. She rose from her seat and packed her things. “I will contact you, Mr. Harel, as soon as I have something solid. Probably next week. Miss Lavellan,” she turned to me, “please send me those emails as soon as you can. Preferably tonight.”

At that point I would have agreed to anything. I was tired and even a warm cup of tea in my hands could not improve my mood. I was still sitting there, hands around the cup, inhaling the lovely smell of honey and lemon, as Solas moved from behind the desk to sit next to me.

“Vhenan, are you alright?” His eyes bore into mine.

“I’m exhausted, that’s all. I think I’ll take Lacy on the offer of swapping nights and just go home.”  I admitted reluctantly. Looking around I discovered that we were alone. Dorian must have walked Morrigan out.

“You look a bit pale,” Solas stated while his hand caressed my forehead. Then he put a strand of hair behind my ear. “Shall I take you home?”

I shook my head. “I’m fine. I brought my car today.”

He nodded. “Very well. I will call you tonight to check on you.”

“You’ve been doing that a lot lately,” I snorted into my cup.

He looked at my drink scrunching his face. I knew he did not like tea. “Because I care about you, Ellana.”

“I know.” I still felt guilty after our talk the other day. And we did not have time to discuss it again. Or let him have a say. I muddled over that for a while sipping my tea.

“So, I’ll see you on Sunday?” I tried to make a conversation. If only to prevent myself from falling asleep right there.

“It’s my day off. I have something planned.” He sighed and clicked his tongue. “Maybe I could change it yet.”

I snorted again. How very ladylike.

“You’ll survive a day or two without seeing me.” I joked and got up.

“I doubt that.” He admitted.

I chuckled and gathered my things. “Well, I’ll talk to you later, Solas. If I do not answer that means I’m asleep. Don’t panic.” I pointed my finger at him. That brought a smile to his face.

“Very well, vhenan. Sleep well.”

*

A standstill, that’s what is was.

“You’re not going to tell me?” I asked again.

Solas was sitting behind his desk looking at me patiently. And without a word.

After asking him about his reasons to dismiss Silva he got quiet. ”I do not wish to comment on that. Just leave it be, Ellana.”

“What was the reason? Why can you trust me and just tell me?”

He opened his mouth to say something but changed his mind. Reclining further into the chair he pursued his lips and kept observing me with a heated gaze.

“Don’t ask questions I cannot give you answers to.”

“W-what? Are you’re kidding me? You just don’t want to admit that it had something to do with… the photos,” I ended up lamely.

He smacked his lips and took a long inhale. “I will not comment on that subject. Please return to your duties, Miss Lavellan.”

Solas levelled me with his eyes.

Oh, so that’s how it’s going to be. Well then, I thought dryly.

“You always think you know what’s best for me, right? Always so pompous and so correct,” I snarled with bitterness in my voice. “Well, I have a news for you, Mr. Harel. I can take care of myself.”

“I highly doubt that,” he remarked with a straight face.

That bastard! I almost lost my control. The stapler was the closest object on his desk and for a second I considered throwing it at him.

“So… you still think me being incapable of taking care of myself, I see.”

“Ellana, it’s not-“

“That’s fine,” I interrupted him. “At least I know that your opinion of me as a person has not changed since the day we met…”

“Ellana…” Did I just heard him growling? “Don’t push me.”

“Because what? You’re going to decide what’s going to happen next? Isn’t it what you always do?”  I remarked sarcastically.

He stood up and slowly moved around the desk to stand a foot away.

“Be careful what you say, Miss Lavellan. I have little patience for childish behaviour. And that’s how you’re acting now.”

I observed his flaring nostrils and clenched jaw. Did I go too far?

“So now… I’m a child?” I raised my head defiantly.

His eyes followed the contour of my face and then landed on my lips. He licked his own before meeting my gaze. “I didn’t give you what you wanted so you started acting like one.”

“I just asked you a simple question and you dodged the answer!”

He shook his head. “Don’t raise your voice, Miss Lavellan. We are not at a bazaar. I would advise you to take a small break before returning to your duties.”

He turned around and walked back to his seat. Our eyes met. “We will not discuss it again.”

I turned around and left without a word.