#and the fact that this was their reunion after they almost lost each other !!!!!

[canonicallysoulmates]

Maybe it's that I was listening to piano music while reading this, or the hold that Louis and Lestat have on me but I legit burst into tears and got emotional reading about them walking through their abandoned old flat in Rue Royal together. That was where they became a family, that is where they raised their daughter, it was their home, and the thought of them walking through it together now all abandoned and destroyed 😭

[drunk-person]

Uncontrollably (One shot)

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x cousin!reader

Summary: After long years without seeing each other, Aemond is reunited with his cousin who came from Dragon Stone for a festival in the kingdom. And after a warm reunion in the library Aemond decides, against his better judgment, to visit his cousin's room just as they did when they were younger before her father, Prince Daemon, took her to Dragon Stone. He just didn't count on the fact that things could get so out of his control.

WARNING: 18+ mdni! Smut, p in v, fingering, Oral Sex, loss of virginity, no description for reader.

Word cont: 3.900 k

Author's note: This One shot is a deleted scene from a chapter of a long fic I've been writing for a while. However, after writing it, I didn't think the scene was so consistent with the story's setting and I rewrote it differently, so I decided to share the deleted scene with you. I hope you like it, and again English is not my first language.

Aemond knew he shouldn't be there. Not after what had happened in the library, he knew he was playing with his luck, testing his own self-control. But he couldn't help it. Y/n was so close, he knew how to get to her, it wouldn't be long now before she would have to return to Dragon Stone again, and then he didn't know when he would see her again.

— To hell with it. — He sighed before pushing the wall and finding himself inside the wardrobe of Y/n's room. Aemond took a deep breath and knocked twice on the wardrobe door from the inside.

— Aem? — Came her sweet voice with expectation and a slight fear outside.

— Yes, it's me. — He replied nervously and then the light illuminated the dark wardrobe as Y/n opened the door smiling at him. Aemond tried, but couldn't help but look from top to bottom, she was only wearing a nightgown with a very thin fabric and a silk and lace cloak on top.

— Hey. — She said shyly as she closed the front part of the slip, better hiding her body from his eyes.

— Hello. — Aemond cleared his throat a little nervously — I thought we would read a little, just like the old days.

He lifted the book "Tales of Ancient Valyria" that he had in his hands, still inside her wardrobe, her favorite book, and Y/n's eyes lit up.

— Well, first you need to get out of the wardrobe. — Her playful voice made Aemond's body relax as he smiled and lowered his head to get out of the furniture without hitting the top. He then saw Y/n's eyes staring at him in awe.

— What it was? — He smiled, already out of the wardrobe and facing Y/n in the room.

— You got so tall. — She spoke simply.

— Did you just realize that now? — Aemond frowned, teasing her.

— Certainly not. — She laughed. — But it's strange to see you coming out of the wardrobe so big, when the last time you did that we were practically the same height.

Aemond smiled and guided her by the hand to the rug in front of the fireplace, feeling the skin on his hands tingle where his palm met hers. He sat on the floor and just like when they were younger, Y/n sat next to him, leaning her head on Aemond's shoulder gently, and the prince had to hold back a sigh.

He began to read aloud the Valyrian words from the book that he already knew by heart from so many times he had read it with her in mind. Aemond practically recited the stories, and barely wasted time looking at the pages, focusing too much on admiring the beauty of the princess lying on his shoulder.

— Se skori janderys geptot, zȳhon ābrazȳrys ozmijiō zirȳla tolvie tubis, se ziry jumban syt zȳhon amāzigon, gīda skori everyone ivestretan zȳhon ziry istan. — Aemond recited this part almost whispering, lost amid Y/n's beauty.

"And when Janderys was gone, her wife missed her every day. She waited patiently for her return, even when everyone told her it was impossible."

After that part, Y/n looked at Aemond and he didn't dare look in another direction, he just got lost in the beautiful eyes that he loved so much. Her sweet smell entering his nostrils intoxicated him and he felt his entire body shudder from one moment to the next with her proximity. The lack of control almost took over him once again, as had become common in the last few days, but this time he got up quickly, leaving the book lying on the carpet next to Y/n.

Aemond pulled away a little as he tried to regain his senses and contain the urge to kiss her again, just like he had done in the library. When they were children everything was so much simpler. Why now that he was a man couldn't he just sit on the rug and read a book with her without feeling like he was going to combust?

And just as thoughts were starting to flow again in Aemond's mind he felt the touch of Y/n's hand on his shoulder, the intoxicating smell once again overwhelming him.

— Aem? — She called him with that sweet voice that did things to his mind that he never thought possible. Aemond pressed firmly on the eye, keeping it firmly in place. — Are you okay?

— I am. — He turned back to Y/n, trying to maintain his composure, but as soon as he turned back, his gaze went straight to her red lips. Aemond quickly looked away, trying to look anywhere but at her lips. But then... his eyes fell onto the bedside table and the prince's eye pupil dilated instantly.

The tournament crown he had given her.

— You brought it with you.

— Of course, it's not every day that I'm crowned the queen of love and beauty by the greatest warrior in the kingdom.

His words awakened something within him that he hadn't yet realized. Such a feeling of possession and pride washing over him that Aemond could barely breathe, he didn't want to breathe, unless the air was the same as Y/n's.

The memory of the sounds she made against his neck in the library while she rubbed against his clothed thigh and that he tried not to think about tonight at all costs flooded his mind, the way she looked at him full of desire when he handed her that crown dominated him, the feeling of her skin against his during the dance that she had granted him hours before made him lose the control he swore to maintain.

And without being able to contain himself, Aemond pulled her firmly towards him by the hips and kissed her on the mouth hungrily. He wanted her so much it hurt. Y/n sighed and took her hands to his hair, tangling them in the silky strands as she pulled him even closer into the kiss.

He squeezed her hips between his fingers as he had been dreaming of doing for some time, and lightly squeezed her ass, pulling her closer and closer amidst the voracious kisses. Aemond kissed Y/n's neck while they both tried to catch their breath, he gave light bites and sucked in some spots while she sighed for him.

— Aemond.

She moaned his name sweetly and Aemond barely had control over himself when he raised his hands that were on her hips to the top of her back and holding tight to the collar of the fragile nightdress he tore it, making Y/n moan and rub herself against him as the pieces of fabric fell to the floor.

The Vision in front of him could easily have killed him. The naked body he had only seen in his wildest dreams was even more beautiful than he could have dreamed, it was perfect. Her breasts were as beautiful as he had imagined, the delicate curves of her waist and hips seemed designed by the gods themselves and between her beautiful thighs that she pressed firmly in search of relief, her intimacy that he was sure was already wet for him.

Aemond wanted to control himself, he would control himself. But he wanted to at least prove it first. And then he swore to himself that he would just taste her and pleasure her, just as he had the day before, and then he would leave. He would ask the gods for forgiveness for his indolence, and everything would be fine.

And with that thought he approached her again with his hungry gaze pulling her for another kiss while he brought his hands to her ass cheeks, squeezing firmly. Aemond guided Y/n to the bed and sat her down on the mattress with a mischievous smile on her face. She then looked up at him, looking confused with her lips swollen from kissing and the skin on her neck slightly red.

— Open your legs for me jorrāelagon. — He asked softly as he knelt in front of her, Y/n felt her whole body burn with shame, but obeyed, languidly opening her legs before Aemond's hungry eyes. My love

He said a filthy curse in Valyrian that made her blush even more if possible as he brought both hands to her smooth thighs, caressing and squeezing them. Aemond began caressing his left hand slowly while listening to Y/n's sighs and when he got to where he wanted he gently separated his lips from Y/n's intimacy and took two fingers to her sensitive pearl, caressing it.

Y/n sighed with pleasure at the new sensation of Aemond's fingers caressing her, and when he brought his fingers to her entrance and slowly placed them inside, making soft back and forth movements, she threw her head back while biting her lips.

Aemond enjoyed watching her reactions and smiled when he saw a slight frown of disappointment form when he moved her hand away, moving it back to his thigh. But before she could say anything, he firmly grabbed both of her thighs to keep them open. and dipped his head between her legs, licking her firmly from the entrance to the pearl.

Y/n moaned loudly at the sensation and gripped the sheets tightly between her fingers, and Aemond groaned as he finally felt her sweet taste on the tip of his tongue. He penetrated her tongue with his tongue and Y/n squirmed, begging for more.

— Aemond. — She said his name like a song, and he responded by giving her more and more pleasure, going deeper between her thighs with even more desire as he felt her squirm under his care. His mouth took every little part of her pussy for himself, while his nose hit her clit in a way that made her want to scream.

Y/n felt her entire body out of control, the feeling a thousand times stronger than the day before in the library. Spasms wracked her body and without control she fell back onto the sheets as she arched her back and moaned desperately. She took her hands to Aemond's hair, tangling her fingers between the strands and practically rubbing herself against his face without any shame.

— Aemond. — She practically screamed when she reached her peak, writhing against Aemond's mouth as he sucked her as if his life depended on it.

He felt her spongy walls contract more and more against his tongue and the delicious spasms brought with them Y/n's orgasm. Her taste numbed him, he wanted to feel that taste on his lips forever. The sound of her voice screaming his name at her peak almost drove him crazy, he wanted more.

Aemond moved up his lips, leaving kisses on her sensitive intimacy while he felt her shudder, and he went up her belly, kissing and sucking slowly, drawing sighs of pleasure from Y/n.

—It tastes so good. — He said as he continued to kiss more amidst the gasps of pleasure that Y/n emitted. — Sweet and perfect, like everything about you.

The kisses reached her breasts, and Aemond knew he should stop, that this was going too far and her virtue was at stake. But he told himself that if he could just touch those perfect breasts he would be satisfied. And then he took her left breast into his mouth and sucked it hard, driving her crazy as she had barely recovered from her recent orgasm. He squeezed her other breast with his hand, and gently pinched her nipple, giving her even more pleasure. Breasts so good, made for him to love, made for him to suck, with every sound made by Y/n, Aemond thought he was going to die

—So sensitive. So good for me.

Aemond rubbed his clothed body against her naked body looking for pleasure, his hardness pressing against her intimacy. He could feel her fluids moistening his pants and he moaned in pleasure at the sensation.

— Just for you Aemond. — She moaned sweetly at him. — Only yours.

A feeling of possessiveness came over him when he heard her say those words. From him. He wanted so badly to feel her bare skin against his bare skin, he needs to have that feeling at least once in his life. And he assured himself that he would go no further than that, that he would keep her maidenhood intact.

Aemond felt Y/n's hands pulling him by his clothes as she tried to kiss his neck just like he had done to her. And he ripped off his doublet and threw it haphazardly on the floor, then removing the lighter shirt he was wearing underneath and throwing it too, leaving his chest bare under Y/n's watchful gaze.

She pulled him back to her and kissed him passionately on the lips, and Aemond felt his skin burn and tingle as it came into contact with hers. Her warm breasts rubbing against his chest, Aemond took his hands to her back and pulled her further up onto the bed, where the two became even more entangled in kisses as they rubbed against each other in search of pleasure.

Y/n put her hand on the drawstring that held Aemond's pants in place and he held her hands, stopping her from pulling.

— Aemond. — She sighed his name with her eyes closed.

— I can't do that. — He spoke against her neck. — It would ruin you.

— I just want to feel you... feel your body against mine. — She sighed and scratched his back. — It's not fair that I'm naked and you're not.

Aemond took a deep breath and then inhaled. He couldn't do that, it would be going too far. The prince then got up from the bed with difficulty as he tried to move away from her delicious body.

— Aemond. — She begged there sprawled on the bed, naked, with her hair messy, her lips red from kissing and her silky legs parted as moisture ran down her thighs. He couldn't deny her. Just that more and he would go away to his own room, he was a gentleman. He wouldn't take Y/n's virtue without being married to her.

He untied his pants under her watchful gaze and then ripped them off, throwing them in the pile of clothes, leaving him completely naked, with just his eye patch. Aemond walked to the bed again and lay down on her body, now being able to feel the moisture that dripped from her directly onto his dick. By the Gods, how he would like to bury himself in her.

The two kissed eagerly and Y/n intertwined her legs against Aemond's slim waist in search of friction, making him moan against her lips as he rubbed himself against that hot moisture.

— Take it off. — She begged breathlessly between kisses, putting her hand to her eye patch.

— No. — Aemond denied, gently taking her hand away from the eye patch and stopping kissing her neck.

— Please Aemond. — She begged, looking at him while caressing his face. — I want to see you in full, I don't care about scars.

And Aemond knew that there was nothing in this world that she begged him naked under his body that he wouldn't do. If she asked him right now to ride Vhagar and burn an entire city, he would burn it without a second thought. And taking his hand to his face, he removed the eye patch, looking at her slightly nervous, fearing to see rejection in the eyes he loved so much.

Y/n admired him enchantedly. It was different from the last time she saw him, there was a shiny sapphire stone where Aemond's eye had once been and the wound was well healed. Y/n gently brought her hand towards his eye, stroking it softly the region.

— It hurts? — She asked in a soft voice.Aemond shook his head slightly as he turned and placed a kiss on Y/n's palm.

— Almost no more.

— Gevie. — She said with a look of pure adoration as she pulled him into another passionate kiss that made Aemond sigh.

Y/n kissed his way up his face until she reached his left eye where the sapphire was and she left a long and affectionate kiss, as if Aemond was the most important thing in her world.

— Vok issa jorrāelagon. — She said with her eyes full of pure adoration, making some tears well up in Aemond's eye, who, with a genuine smile, kissed her even more passionately than before. You are perfect my love.

— Ao issi vok, se olvie gevie mirre vēttan ondoso se jaes. — He spoke with his face glued to hers while rubbing their noses and lips against each other in an extremely intimate way. You are perfection, the most beautiful creature ever made by the gods.

Aemond's throbbing member rubbed against Y/n's wetness, leaving them both panting with desire amidst the intimate caresses. And she wanted him so badly in that moment, more than anything she had ever wanted in her life.

— Aem. — She whimpered. — I want you. I want you so badly.

— We can not do that. — He panted, pulling away slightly from her.

Y/n tangled her fingers in his silver hair, pulling him back into a voracious and messy kiss.

— Y/n... — Aemond sighed between the kiss, trying to pull away, but not having the strength to do so, he wanted so much, but knew he shouldn't.

— I was made to be yours. — She grunted, holding him by the hair and looking at him in a way that bordered on despair. — Only yours. Not from him.

Him. Aemond knew who she was talking about, and for a moment in that haze of lust he had forgotten about that bastard who wanted to steal what was his.

— Aemond, I'd rather die, I'd rather be ruined, I'd rather anything than let him lay his hands on me. I feel sick at the thought of him putting his hands on my body. I don't want him. I want you. With everything in me, I want you. She looked directly into his eyes as she spoke, still holding him by his silky silver hair.

— I am begging you Aemond Targaryen. — She sighed beneath him, her eyes shining with desire. — Ruin me.

Aemond can't resist any longer, not with her begging like that. And with a groan he looked into her eyes and began to penetrate her soft, warm intimacy with his hard bulge. And at that moment he came to the conclusion that he had never felt anything as good as that in his entire life.

Y/n dug her nails into Aemond's back as she felt him slowly enter her insides.

— Aemond. — She sighed amidst the pleasure and slight pain and he immediately stood still, looking at her with slightly frightened eyes.

— Did I hurt you?

— No. — Y/n grabbed his shoulders pulling him closer to her. —Don't stop, I'm fine.

Aemond continued pushing inside her slowly, fearing to hurt her in any way, and little by little he sheathed himself completely inside Y/n, who was squeezing his shoulders and scratching him lightly. Aemond lay still inside her, panting as he felt her hot walls pressing and pulling him closer and closer, and trying to contain himself he buried his head in the curve between Y/n's neck and shoulder.

— You can move. — She sighed.

—Are you sure? — Aemond asked, looking into her eyes again while trying to contain himself.

Y/n confirmed with her head, putting her hands through Aemond's already messy hair and pulling him into a wet, slow kiss that got messier as he started to move inside her.

Aemond pushed himself lightly inside her and felt her gasp into the kiss and pull his hair. He then started to move harder and faster and the feeling of y/n's intimacy contracting against him was killing him.

— So good. — He moaned to her amidst the kisses and thrusts that became increasingly stronger as he lost himself in Y/n's moans.

— More. — She begged amidst moans. — Please Aemond, more.

Aemond bit her neck hard and sucked it uncontrollably when he heard her cry out for him like that. He then fucked her hard and loudly while they both panted amid the kisses and love bites, the prince seemed obsessed with her neck and was sucking it in an almost animalistic way at that point.

— Mine. — He panted.

He then took his right hand to her breast and desperately bit and kissed it down her lap until he reached the other breast, putting it in his mouth and sucking it as if he were going to devour it. Y/n threw her head back in pleasure at feeling so many sensations at the same time, and when he removed his hand from her breast and placed it between her legs, caressing her furiously, Y/n felt like she had lost all control over her own body.

— Yours, only yours Aemond. Always only yours.

The pleasure that hit her was even stronger than before, the feeling of Aemond inside her made her want to cry with joy. His naked body against hers, his mouth kissing her everywhere and she came against his cock pressing and milking it while she moaned Aemond's name wildly, crossed both legs against his naked ass and scratched his back pulling him closer and closer.

Aemond, feeling her coming and pressing against him, could no longer resist and without thinking about anything, without looking at tomorrow or the possible consequences, he spilled his seed deep inside Y/n while moaning breathlessly looking at her contorted face of pleasure.

— I love you. — He declared in the midst of pleasure and he could see her eyes, lost in pleasure, filling with tears as she brought her hand to his face and caressed it.

— I love you too.

And completely exhausted after the climax, they both fell into unconsciousness, still naked and hugging each other with satisfied smiles on their faces that lasted until the next morning, when Aemond did not appear to do his morning chores and they were both awakened by the horrified scream of the queen at the enter his niece’s room. Followed by Aegon who, upon seeing the scene, gave a malicious smile towards Aemond.

— Well it looks like we're not going to have a wedding anymore, at least not one with little Jace, isn't that brother?

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Tag list: @anukulee

[occatorcreator]

Second Chances

Links - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

4 - Friendship Lost

It's always one step forward and two steps back for Purple. An unexpected reunion between the color gang and a long lost friend threatens to tear apart Purple with jealousy.

Time flies. Months rolled by since that argument and the gang kept true to their word.  They did their best to not start unsanctioned fights whenever they got upset or angry. At least, while in front of Purple.

But that was fine by Purple. Without the worry about a potential fuse blowing, Purple felt more at ease being around them. Visits to each other’s desktops became more frequent as a result. Purple found himself chilling on the Animator’s desktop more often than his own as the year went on, entertained by the creative ways the four played with Minecraft and other games.

It distracted him from the pain. A pain that was lessening in intensity every month, but Purple could still feel it. The thoughts nagged at him; how would Orchid and Navy feel about what he was doing? How long is this friendship going to last, really? 

“You know, we were originally created to fight each other for eternity,” Yellow confessed to Purple privately one day as they showed him around their website.

The mention of being created for the purpose of fighting made Purple’s stomach clench uneasily.

“This was where we were meant to be,” Yellow said, gesturing to the blank white walls, “to fight for the rest of our days until one of us won.” They dropped their hands to their sides. “We ended up declaring a truce two weeks in.”

“Why?” Purple asked. “What made you stop?”

“Look around,” Yellow said. “I like this place. I come here whenever I need space, but it wasn’t like that initially. Imagine you were created to hate four other people, and your creator put you in a box with them, and none of you could leave that box.”

Purple’s eyes widened slowly as he tried to imagine, yet he couldn’t. Suddenly, the sparse decor and white color felt oppressive. Yellow smiled sadly.

“You understand, even when you like it, fighting grows monotonous here,” Yellow said, “I still have these thoughts of attacking them when we’re just hanging out, doing nothing… sometimes I see in their eyes, they have the exact same instinct that I have. But, I think we’ve been getting better at handling them. Thanks.”

Why are you thanking me? Purple thought, I just pointed out the obvious without even knowing how you lived.

He still didn’t know them all that well, did he?

“How did you get out?” Purple asked softly.

To that, Yellow looked away, shoulders tense.

“A stick figure broke in, somehow,” Yellow said, letting out a bemused huff, “that Orange kid… they came looking for a fight for some reason, but didn’t even have a proper fighting stance. When we saw the wall was broken down, we were so happy to be free and almost ignored them! They were chill enough to show us around the computer” He sighed. “But then Alan deleted us.”

Purple nearly tripped over himself. “Alan deleted you?”

“We spawned right back here,” Yellow said, so casually as if the fact Alan deleting them didn’t warrant further explanation, “We couldn’t do much until he refreshed the page, and when he did, the desktop was a mess. Orange had fought Alan and ran off.”

“As they should!” Purple said, crossing his arms, “Why are you living with Alan after what he did to you?”

“I mean, well,” Yellow cleared their throat, “Alan really regretted what he did. I don’t think there’s a day that goes by that he doesn’t, probably why he treats us so kindly now. We came to forgive him after a while, but I get it if you feel differently after knowing that.”

Purple didn’t know what to say. Had Yellow said nothing, Purple would still be blissfully ignorant and see the Animator as yet another kindly human. The shock of it left him stunned.

“He asked us to find them, and helped us search. We went out into the city putting up flyers…” Yellow kicked the ground. “But we got nothing. We tried for months before we just gave up. It's been almost two years since we last heard of them.” Yellow whistled. “Hard to believe it’s been that long, huh?”

“Yeah,” Purple’s heart hammered. He nodded, feeling uneasy at the mention of the passage of time. “Can hardly believe it.”

The year wrapped up, and soon Purple’s birthday reared its ugly head again. They already celebrated the gang’s mutually shared birthday, so of course the others wanted to celebrate Purple’s in kind. Purple should have known better than to have told them his birthday was coming. He should have expected it when they invited him to their desktop that day without warning and surprised them with a large cake.

“Happy birthday!” 

Purple eyed the cake, staring at the numbered candles that read “18” on it.

That can’t be real, can it?

“Eighteen, eh?” Green walked up and playfully nudged Purple’s shoulder, oblivious to how still Purple was. “What’s it feel like to be a certified old person?”

It was meant to be a joke, so Green couldn’t know how much it hurt Purple to hear. 

Old. Somehow time slipped past him, and Purple was now officially an adult. And yet he didn’t feel like he was. It didn’t register that he was older now, aging. He would have been a senior by now, a couple months from graduating. He could picture it clearly: wearing the cap, the gown, his mother staring at him with pride…

But no. He was here, a high school dropout, spending his life in a game made for children instead of going to college or finding a job. His mother was gone, and she would never get the chance to see her son become an adult.

She died young, he realized, as he watched the cake with its light pink frosting drip. But she died old.

Would the same fate happen to him?

“Purple? Purple, what's the matter?”

Purple couldn’t hear Blue’s concerned voice over the sudden, gross sobbing that seized him. Purple hid his shame in his hands, trying to push the tears back, but the sobbing wouldn’t stop.

“Hey, was it the joke?”Green asked, shocked, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to…”

He trailed off, unsure as to what had set him off. None of them saw Purple reduce to such tears in the year knowing him. Purple wouldn’t have allowed it before.

“Please, no,” Purple tried to speak through the blubbering, “I’m not ready – I don’t want this. Please.”

Arms wrapped around him, and Purple felt himself being ushered off the desktop and sat down somewhere else. Purple gulped air down, wiping away the streaks as he heard the others trying to calm him down. He noticed that they brought him to their webpage, sitting around the card table. Yellow and Green were beside him while Red and Blue looked across anxiously.

When the sniffling died down did Yellow ask, “What was that all about?”

“Really, Yellow?” Blue frowned at Yellow.

“What? I have no idea what happened!” Yellow said. “I’m sorry Purple, but that was… kinda scary. Did we do something?”

“Is it something about your birthday?” Red asked.

Purple shut his eyes and willed himself to breathe slowly and evenly. Thankfully, they stopped asking their questions as he tried to calm down. 

I never did explain to them about my mother, Purple thought. Despite knowing each other for a year at this point, he found that there was never a good time to explain all of his mess. Of his loss, or why certain days he wanted no contact from them. It was daunting, frightening to even tell them of it.

But when he opened his eyes again he saw the faces of his concerned friends who only wanted to celebrate with him.

They told me their issues, he supposed.

“There’s something I didn’t tell you all…” Purple confessed quietly. “What happened before we met…”

=

“This is where you buried her?”

Purple could only shrug at Green’s question. “There was no body to bury.”

It was a week after his birthday. A week after he shared about his mother’s death, his father’s abandonment, and his reasons for hating his birthday. When Purple admitted that he had not visited her grave since her death, it was Blue’s recommendation for him to go. She emphasized that he didn’t have to or could go alone if he wanted, but he insisted they visit.

Purple forgot that seasons passed for the city, and it was winter. Here they all were, standing in the chill with little in the way of protection. The tombstones were covered in thick piles of snow. The Minecraft daisy they placed before her grave blended in with the ground. 

“It’s strange,” Purple said after a moment of silence, “some days I don’t feel much of anything, I hardly think of her. Other days it hits me like a train, and it hurts so much.”

Yellow let out a small hum in acknowledgement, but otherwise was silent. He, Blue, and Green stared at her grave in silence, while Red was looking around the cemetery, eyes darting from grave to grave.

“You alright, Red?” Purple asked.

“Huh? No, I’m fine,” she said in a rush, made awkward by Purple’s question. “It’s just…” she looked up at the sky, straining to think. “…a lot of graves here.”

“We are in a cemetery, Red,” Green said with bitter sarcasm.

“I know. It’s just… a lot of dead rest here,” Red said, quietly, “it’s been weighing on my mind, I guess.”

Guess she’s just uncomfortable and bored, Purple thought. He empathized with that feeling. He was dreading coming back to the cemetery the whole travel time, fearing that he’d repeat his gross sobbing again. But he didn’t; no tears were shed.

Despite how morose he felt standing before her grave, he felt also at ease with his friends by his side.

“So,” Purple announced, clapping his hands and startling them. “I don’t think you guys really got to see the sights around here. How about you follow me?”

=

Purple didn’t have any cash on hand, so he couldn’t treat them to lunch. But there was a park nearby with a track and field. He figured they would like physical activity even if it was cold.

“It's so lovely out here!” Blue said, taking in the pristine landscape.

“Look! A squirrel!” Red pointed up at the trees.

“I don’t see anything,” Yellow said, trying to peer up through the bare branches. “Are you sure a squirrel would be up during winter, Red?”

Purple and Green stood off to the side, Green chuckling. “I’m not surprised that Red and Blue adore the place.”

“I used to come here a lot when I was a little kid,” Purple said.

“As little as them?” Green asked, pointing out to the field. Children were running around, screaming, throwing snowballs, and making snowpeople. “Wow, they are very small…”

Right, you never really had a childhood like I did, Purple reminded himself. It made him realize that his mother and father were the same as Green; they also never had a childhood the way Purple and his high school peers did.

“You know, you should be grateful you skipped that stage,” Purple said, “I have so many embarrassing memories, let me tell you.”

He waited for Green to say something in response, but when none came, he turned to look. Green had come to a standstill, looking at a nearby park bench with eyes stretched wide in surprise. Purple turned back to try and look for what was happening but didn’t find anything out of the ordinary. There were kids running about, parents eating at a park bench, an orange teen playing swords with their younger brother…

Wait, Purple paused upon seeing the teen. The distinctive hollow head was something Purple only saw once, but couldn’t forget. They were talking with his old high school friends about him...

“Be grateful you never met him. He’d be horrible to you too.”

And Green was staring at them with the biggest grin on his face.

“Guys! Come quickly!” Green called Red, Blue, and Yellow over, waving, “It’s Orange!”

“Orange?” Blue exclaimed as they ran over. She rubbed her eyes like she couldn’t believe what she was seeing, “It is! They were here this whole time?”

“What are we waiting for?” Red said, taking off after them. “Come on!”

Green, Blue, and Yellow quickly raced after Red, leaving Purple in the dust.

“Ah! Wait!” Purple chased after them. A little too late, as the group already went skidding up to Orange. The golden child they were playing with, surprised by five random stick figures coming up to them, rushed to Orange's side, hiding partially behind their back.

And Orange shared the same look Green had earlier, shock turned to a disbelieving joy.

“Green? Red?” they said, “Blue and Yellow too? I thought you were-”

“Yes!” Green laughed. “We’re here! And we’re okay, see?”

“Oh my goodness!” Orange jumped up to hug Green, “I thought you were dead!”

“We got better!” Yellow said, joining in the hug. “I thought we would never see you again!” Red and Blue joined as well, creating a rainbow group hug.

You only knew them for a day and haven’t seen them in years! Purple balked at the sight of his friends hugging a stranger. He stood off to the side, staring and then looking at the child who looked just as bewildered and confused as he felt. 

This kid feels familiar too, but I can’t place where I saw him?

The child regarded Purple with similar recognition, his eyes squinting in judgment. Recovered from the shock, they charged into Orange’s friends, trying to shove and push them off of the hollow head.

“Get away from Second!” He shouted, smacking Red with his shoulder.

“Hmm?” Given that the child was half Red’s size and bulk, she broke from the group and looked down with curiosity. “Who’s this?”

The others broke the hug and turned their attention to Gold. Upon seeing muscular teens and his pitiful efforts to push them off, the kid shrank back a couple steps.

“Come on, Gold, don’t be rude!” Orange said, rubbing the kid’s shoulder, “Guys, this is my little brother, Gold.”

“Aww, a little brother?” Blue cooed.

“Hey! Same color as me!” Yellow said, holding his hand out for a high five.

Gold eyed their hand nervously. “I’m darker,” Gold corrected, crossing his arms.

“Only a bit,” Yellow said, holding his thumb and index finger an inch apart.

“How did you get a little brother? What have you been up to this whole time?” Green asked. “We tried looking for you…”

“You have?” Orange said, placing a hand on their cheek, “this whole time? I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.”

Green exchanged a concerned look with Yellow and Blue as though that was a strange statement. Only Red didn’t seem bothered.

“Oh, come off it,” Red waved her hand, “you couldn’t help it! We should just be glad to meet again despite it all!”

Orange beamed at Red. “Yeah! You have to tell me what you’ve been up to?” They said, their eyes turning to Purple, “Like, who’s this?”

The suddenness of being acknowledged caused Purple to flinch slightly. Their curious stare made Purple feel like he shouldn’t be there at all.

“This is our friend, Purple,” Green said, “We met him through Minecraft!”

There, it was - only for a second, but Purple could see the moment Orange registered the name. The smile dimmed, eyebrows lowered before returning to normal.

Were they wondering if I’m that Purple their other friends talked about? He thought, feeling his palms sweat. The horrible high school dropout?

If they did, they didn’t comment. Instead they turned back to Green to continue the conversation. “Minecraft?” 

“It’s a video game!” Green said, “Ah, man, we got so much to tell you.”

“Same here!” Orange said, “It’s time for lunch anyways, and I have money saved up.” They looked down at Gold. “How about you, feeling up for some hot chocolate and pastries?”

Gold looked up at Orange like it was a bad idea before nodding anyways. 

“Awesome! I’m starved!” Red said, pumping her arms up.

And I feel sick, Purple thought.

=

That fateful meeting changed everything. Now that the gang was reunited with their old friend, they were desperate to reconnect. Purple and Gold felt like accessories, watching as the five conversed with each other.

Only, Gold joined in to ask his curious questions more often, slowly warming up to the new stick figures. After the conversation was over and it was time for them to head home, Gold had taken a strong liking to them.

Purple couldn’t say the same. Orange spoke of school and their after-school curriculars. They were positively thriving: a Straight-A student, getting an A+ in an honors math class no less, becoming their soccer team’s team captain… Oh, and on top of being brilliant in sports and academics, they were a prolific artist. They even pulled out a stunning piece of art from their pocket to show them.

Oh, how Purple hated them. 

He thought he couldn’t hate anyone more than he hated his father, but no, that didn’t hold a candle to the burning disgust he had for this stupid and apparently perfect stick figure! Didn't help that the others loved them to bits. Even after heading back to the desktop, with promises to meet up again, they talked about Orange the whole way back. Purple tried to tune them out, but it was impossible, because he couldn’t stop thinking of them either.

No one can be that great, Purple thought, stomach churning.

“Hey, Purple?” Blue said, “You’ve been quiet for a long time. Are you feeling alright?”

Purple turned his head, his face turning to stone less he expressed how he really felt. Blue was quicker to detect something was wrong, but her concern made Purple rankle.

Oh, I’m sorry, am I bringing down the mood after meeting your better friend? He thought. 

“I think the hot chocolate didn’t sit well with me,” Purple said instead. 

“Need some milk then?” Red asked.

Purple shook his head. “I think I’ll retire for tonight.”

Yellow frowned and looked down at the desktop clock. “It’s only 6-”

“Good night! See you tomorrow!” Purple shouted before booking it out of there. He raced towards his room and closed his door with a slam loud enough to spook nearby villagers. But he couldn’t rest, even when night did fall. Nothing he did could settle the newfound distress in his chest.

It only got worse as the months rolled on and winter melted away into spring. The gang started making plans to visit Orange more often. They wanted to hang at the arcade, the parks, the mall, Orange’s soccer matches and art competitions. They wanted to play with their little brother, Gold. Purple was invited to tag along, but it felt like a formality, as Purple hardly felt included in their conversations when he joined.

Some days, they played Minecraft like normal, adventuring like usual. But there was always that shadow of Orange. So many mentions of “Orange would love this game!” or “Can’t wait to tell Orange!”

Purple struggled to find anything really wrong with Orange personality wise. And believe him, he scoured for any dirt. They were polite, if cautious. They were an attentive listener to the gang’s wild stories. They cared for Gold and their mysterious father figure, Mango Tango. It seemed like the small family were openly proud of Orange’s accomplishments, given the times Gold bragged about Orange.

The gang were unabashedly proud of Orange too, so happy when they met up.

He couldn’t help but wonder, had Orange not run away, would they even be friends with Purple? Was he just a pathetic replacement to tide them over until they found Orange again?

I hate this. Purple thought with resentment. Why am I not good enough for anyone?

At some point, Purple had enough and tried avoiding Orange whenever he could. He declined outings, blaming Alana or some villager for his “full” schedule. Eventually the others could tell he was full of baloney, but they did not try to challenge him on it.

Time played in reverse. At first, they tried to be consistent with their meetups, then they started missing those. Eventually they hung out occasionally every two weeks, then once every month. And the times they did meet up felt stilted, awkward. The games they played weren’t as fun as they were before.

It all came to a head on Gold’s birthday.

The gang wanted to get a present for Gold and invited Purple, out of formality. Much to their surprise, Purple took the invitation instead of declining. Purple wasn’t exactly sure why; he hated Orange and found Gold annoying. But he missed the gang.

How did it get to this point? Why can’t we go back to before you found Orange again?  He wanted to ask, but he kept those words deep in his heart.

Orange met up with them at the mall, greeting them with hugs. 

“Oh, Purple, you’re here too!” they said, standing awkwardly before Purple.

“Yep,” he grumbled, giving them a half-hearted wave.

Just like that, a stilted awkwardness hung over the group. They walked around, looking for a good store and discussing what gifts Gold would like. Usually, Orange lead at the front in these endeavors, but this time they hung in the back, walking beside Purple.

“Sooo, it’s been awhile since I last saw you,” Orange said after some point of silence, “How’ve you been?”

Stop pretending like you care, Purple scowled, only bothering to shrug in response. I’m not your friend.

“You know, I’ve been meaning to ask,” Orange continued, not discouraged by Purple’s coldness, “Do you know someone named Chestnut? Or Periwinkle?”

Purple squinted at Orange. “I might, I might not,” he said, “Why do you ask?”

“Because they might have mentioned you,” Orange said, “that you used to go to our school, but you stopped coming two years ago…”

“Oh, really? Did they tell you because they were worried about me?” Purple asked, “or did they just want to spread some juicy gossip about me?”

To that, Orange looked elsewhere.

“You could clear it up,” Orange said, “they didn’t say many kind things about you, but my friends–” they looked to Red and Yellow arguing with Green and Blue about some tangential thing, “– really like you. And they’re worried about you too. They’ve mentioned you’ve been kind of distant lately.”

“Oh! Oh, really? Because that’s news to me,” Purple snapped. It stung. If they were concerned, why did they not tell Purple? Why tell Orange instead?

No, Purple doubted they said anything. Orange had to be asking for an alternative reason.

 “So you’re trying to see if it’s my fault?” Purple growled, pointing a finger at them.

Orange waved their hands in a panic. “No! No! I’m not-”

“Then why bring it up?” Purple continued. “Right after mentioning my former friends? Oh no, your friends wouldn’t do anything wrong or have the wrong idea. It has to be Purple’s fault! He’s up to his old manipulative ways again! Well, I’m not the one who goes to Alan’s to see if they want to hang out, and finds they’ve bailed on me to go see you! If anything, it’s your fault!”

Orange’s eyes stretched and narrowed. “My fault? It’s not at all my fault they wanted to hang out with me,” Orange challenged. “Besides, they say that you decide to pass when meeting here. They’re allowed to have other friends, Purple!” 

“If they didn’t run into you, everything would be as usual,” Purple yelled, “We would be hanging out and going on adventures! Instead, we’re going shopping for your dumb brother.”

“Don’t you dare call Gold dumb.” Orange yelled back, and it was the first time Purple saw a murderous anger burn in their eyes. They jabbed a finger in his chest and it hurt. “You apologize right now- ”

“Or what? You’ll hit me?” Purple pushed their hands back, “That would make you look real bad, huh? You’d look like a temperamental jerk if you did. What have you been telling them about me? Have you been calling me an umbrella thief? Or an absolute flake? Have you been trying to turn them against me?”

“Shut up!” Orange was shaking with rage. They raised their fists. “What is wrong with you?”

“What’s wrong with you?” Purple repeated.

“Stop it!” Green came in between them before either could say or make another move. “Stop it, both of you!”

Red and Yellow had rushed to Orange’s side to pull them back while Blue grasped at Purple’s shoulders. Both stick figures pushed the offending hands off of them.

Green was looking between them in bewilderment. “What is going on?”

“Nothing,” Orange said, crossing their arms, “Purple’s being a real jackass.”

“Ha! I could say the same about you!” Purple laughed, “You were about to hit me!” 

“Purple,” Green warned, “this isn't like you. Why are you starting fights?”

“Why are you accusing me?” Purple yelled, “You’re taking their side!”

“We’re not,” Blue said, moving beside Green, “but Purple, you’ve been acting really different for a long time.”

“Becoming very bitter,” Yellow added. “You hardly want to hang with us.”

“I hardly want to hang out with you? Me?” Purple snapped. “Maybe I don’t want all my hangouts to be with a loser like them!” He pointed at Orange, and Red had to pull Orange back again. “You guys hang off them as if they can walk on water!”

They all had the gall to be stunned by Purple’s statement. Were they that oblivious to how Purple felt the entire time?

“Purple, we thought we’d never see them again,” Green said, “They thought we were dead for years! What’s wrong with wanting to spend time with them after all the time we lost?”

“I never said you couldn’t,” Purple growled, “but it’s funny how you knew me for longer, and you chose to hang out with them! Every time! Right after I showed you–” He stopped, recalling Orange was there and observing.

Like he’d ever share his past to them.

“Why didn’t you say anything to us?” Red asked.

“I thought it was obvious!”

“We’re not mind readers!” Green snapped, pointing a finger at Purple, “You always do that! You sulk and get mad at us without ever telling us jack! I thought we were over this?”

“Why didn’t you ask?” Purple asked. “You noticed I was being different, and you never thought to ask?”

“You… make it hard to ask…” Blue said, rubbing her arm.

“Right, of course, it's all my fault again!” Purple growled, turning away. As he did, he saw the crowd of shoppers around them, having paused to watch the argument unfold. Given their judging stares, no doubt they saw Purple as the one in the wrong again.

“Purple! We’re not accusing you! We just asked you to tell us,” Green said. He placed his hand on Purple’s arm. “We’re friends. You should feel comfortable telling us how you really feel!”

“Are we really?” Purple asked, yanking his arm back. He glared at all of them, hating how they stood beside Orange. “Are we really friends if you keep blowing me off for someone else?”

Green looked helplessly at him. “Purple…”

But he added nothing more, and Purple turned away.

“Guess that answers it,” Purple said, “I guess this is it, then. I’m leaving. Don’t you dare follow me!”

“Purple!”

Purple ran and didn’t dare look back. Despite what he said, part of him hoped that one of them would run after him, to stop him.

They didn’t.

[the-obnoxious-sibling]

How do you think it’s most possible way of shuggy getting together rn? How could cross guild react to that info? I think shanks would lost mihawks respect so fast

hm... the thing is, i think buggy is still pretty angry with shanks. and shanks… well, he's acting less passively than he used to, but that seems to be in service of a long established goal; idk if that change in behavior extends to interpersonal stuff. it's hard to picture either of them taking the necessary first step to even see each other again, let alone get together.

so let's have chance take that first step for them.

the easiest way to make it happen is through their common goal: the one piece. there are only so many different paths to take to get there, and at some point all of them will intersect. whether it's finding that burn-scarred man, or the second-to-last island, or on laugh tale itself, at some point the paths merge, and if the timing works out, they can reunite.

now, that reunion probably starts messy—especially if buggy’s been stewing over why shanks is going after the one piece now, when he refused all those years ago—but i think, regardless of the content of the conversation, seeing buggy again sparks an idea in shanks. after all this time apart, to run into each other twice in as many years, both times connected to their captain’s legacy? (his son, and then his treasure?) it almost feels fated. like captain roger is pushing them together…

and so, on something like a whim, shanks’ plans change, just a little. pursuing the one piece and buggy simultaneously could be tricky, if they weren’t all heading the same direction. but since they are, it’s trivial to arrange to run into him again, to have gifts on hand, compliments prepared, an afternoon to kill.

buggy takes a while to pick up on what’s happening. at first he thinks shanks is trying to distract him, to trick him into losing sight of his goal… then, as the old longing wells up inside him like high tide, as he realizes how much he wants it to be real, he thinks shanks knows, and he’s being mocked.

i don’t know what it is that makes him see shanks is being sincere. it would be very funny if mihawk or crocodile was the one to make him face facts, but i can’t quite figure out why or how it would happen that way.

suffice to say, he realizes, has a little freakout, and the next time shanks just so happens to be at the same port as buggy they have it out. there’s shouting, buggy’s body falls apart in a rage, more shouting, a very frustrated love confession, kissing, more shouting, more kissing. very messy, but ultimately a happy resolution.

and this is either a completely private conversation or happening in front of both of their crews and one of big news morgans’ reporter-photographers. i’m also 50-50 on whether they come out of the conversation as allies in the one piece hunt or more competitive about it than ever.

either way, mihawk and crocodile have been a reluctant, unwilling captive audience to buggy’s side of things, so the get-together does not take them by surprise. i think crocodile is pretty fed up with all of it—he doesn’t give a shit about the one piece or shanks, why is so much of his time being occupied by one or both of them—and mihawk is just… drinking more. he lost most of his respect for shanks a while ago, when he first connected the dots between the old friend shanks used to reminisce about when he got too drunk after a duel and buggy. this is just… new lows being discovered, lol.

[queeraroace]

coming out in ten christmases

The first Christmas 

I have an inkling of my gender

My boyfriend brings me home to his family

We drive an hour in the snow to buy Pokemon X and Y on Boxing day

I introduce him to my grandparents down the road

It’s the last time I will see them alive

In a quiet voice, in an even quieter house

I ask if he would date me, if I came out as a man

He says he wouldn’t

I don’t believe him

He keeps his word

Next year, 

my family knows

The aunt who tells me the next generation may get this “transgender stuff”

Buys me a shawl from the women’s section

My jock brother says it’ll make a nice housecoat

And wears it for our family photo.

It’s the last one I will be in

Next year, 

my friend takes me in

Her family gives me small gifts,

Hidden sad smiles at the table 

And never get my pronouns wrong

It is my first introduction to feeling like an alien

Posing as a lost cousin at a family reunion

Next year,

I try friendmas

I get everything I could think to ask for

And a few I couldn’t

The tradition doesn’t stick

Neither do the friends

It’s more of the same next year,

My mom asks me to come home for Christmas

Asking me to patch things up with my dad

I ask why that’s my job

She keeps me in the car after Chinese food,

Driving around our old neighborhood to look at the lights,

No matter how much I beg to go back to my apartment

I scream at her until I can’t speak anymore

We don’t speak for the rest of the year

Next year,

I fly halfway across the country 

to spend Christmas with my favorite aunt

She gets me everything my heart desires

Doesn’t ask why I spend all my mornings in bed

And gets me winter socks from the men’s section.

She hands me the phone on the 25th, 

asking if I want to speak to her brother,

My father

I will never get to spend Christmas with her again

Next year,

My best friend introduces me to her family

I get a vegetarian meal all to myself

I accidentally eat the wax

Coating the outside of their fancy cheese

We watch Jim Carrey’s Grinch,

Reciting the lines from memory,

And it almost feels like home

Next year,

My roommate and I are trapped inside

The pandemic has struck

And we don’t talk about the fact 

Neither of us would be seeing our families

Even if the whole world was well

Next year

Covid roars on

Either way,

I am not invited to family dinner

I shave my head on Christmas Day

Just to feel lighter

Last Christmas,

Both my grandparents have died

And I was not at their funerals

My cousin reaches out,

to bring me home for the holidays,

I say yes.

The invitation is revoked by her mother,

As I’m getting dressed to go to their second home.

This Christmas,

My best friend is staying in her apartment,

To keep her family alive

And I stay home, away from my family,

To keep myself alive

We will spend it together,

Keeping each other alive

It will always be like this

I feel as distant from the twinkling lights,

And season’s greetings

As I do from being proudly called a daughter

Christmas is an open wound

It cannot close,

Because Christmas is never over

[ahsokathegray]

Rain Over Me

Pairing: Rexsoka

Prompt: Rexsoka Monthly Dec. ‘23 - Unexpected Encounters

Summary: When it rains, it pours. At least, that’s how Rex had always heard it. But he soon finds even the most dreadful of rains give life back to that which lacks it.

Tags: angst, bittersweet, rainy confessions, lost without each other, established relationship, post bad batch

Word Count: 3,426

A/N: this was just an excuse to write sad, lonely Rex with a reunion in the rain and I’m only somewhat sorry (@rexsoka-monthly)

read on ao3! / masterlist

The wood on the dusty, old shack was darker now with the onslaught of rain. Its months dry boards drank in the water and was hydrated once more, appearing to be in its prime again if only until the rain cleared. In more ways than one, it had been a dreary summer and the rain was much needed.

Rex had grown fond of the little restaurant — if one could call it that.

It wasn’t kept up to standards, he was most certain. He’d only seen someone sweep the place once. It was a sad little place, but comforting in its own right. The only faces that were constant here were those of the owner or the employees. Rex never saw anyone else twice.

Maybe he saw a bit of himself in the old shack — weary, unkempt, a stranger to itself, lacking energy.

He wasn’t an old man, no, the cure had stopped all that. But he did feel like it, and he’d always look older than his true age. Seventeen years of life didn’t reflect what he felt in his joints, what he recalled in his mind, what was on his false chain code, and what he saw when he looked back at himself in the mirror.

Yeah. Like the shack in the rain, he felt he was falsely young in appearance. It felt wrong not to age so quickly anymore, even though it was the most normal part of human life.

Rex carded a few fingers through his short, blonde curls, wicked the rain off his coat, and ascended the creaky steps. He took a menu, even though he knew he’d order the same thing as always, and seated himself at his usual booth.

The owner, who was old, wordlessly brought him a steaming cup of caf.

“I see we are past the point of asking now,” Rex observed, a corner of his mouth turning up.

A raspy laugh filled the stale, humid air, “What can I say? You’re my favorite regular, Rex!”

The other corner of Rex’s mouth raised, “I’m your only regular, Mr. Kip.”

“And a damn good tipper too,” the Ithorian man smiled, winking before walking back into the kitchen.

Well, he had nothing else to spend his credits on.

Rex scanned the menu items as if he didn’t already have the selections memorized. Even the daily special was the same every single day. Nothing changed and he found he had no qualms about that. After years of unpredictability and pushing his body, mind, and heart to their limits of strain, he found peace in the monotony of routine.

After much deliberation, Rex settled on the Single Sun Breakfast to no surprise. He half expected his meal to be brought out without confirmation, but old Kip stopped back by to make sure anyway.

He could get used to it — the not talking. It was rare he did much of it anyway these days, what with living alone. And, truly, he did enjoy the company of the staff, but the more minimal the interactions the better. Getting attached to people was a flaw he would never risk again. Losing so many loved ones in such a small frame of time would prompt anyone to make such vows.

Rex very much hoped there was a version of himself out there that hadn’t sworn it off, that he was happy and surrounded by those he held dear.

His fork was turned around in his fingers as he tried to ignore the fact he’d finally acknowledged that he was unhappy. It had been that way for years now and it was difficult to revisit the last time the opposite had been true.

It had been warm on Mandalore, when rumors of the war ending sparked hope rather than memories of almost; when battle felt good and he felt invincible and life had been first punctuated by something like love and a woman like her.

Squeezing the cutlery, he set it back down and threaded his fingers together, glancing out the condensating window instead.

Rain came down violently onto the flora just outside the establishment, but pattered softly on the windowsill. Every now and then, a drop found its way inside, or perhaps it was the water droplets still clinging to his hair. Oh, if that illustrious Captain could see him now. That version of himself would disapprove immensely of so many things — but his hair would be at the top of the list.

He did not wish to remind himself of what came second and was thankful when he spotted his plate emerging from the kitchen. His breakfast was brought out with little fanfare and looked as if always did. This pleased him.

As he ate, he thought of what he needed to get done in the upcoming week. He needed to give the old Y-wing a fresh coat of paint; the Republic and medic insignias were becoming visible again, as well as a damning shade of blue. The hole in the roof of his tiny home needed to be patched still. He kicked himself for not doing it sooner and added purchasing a bucket to his growing list.

Something like a laugh escaped him around a bite of rolled omelette, thinking about his helmet being used to collect water from a roof leak. It was when his head lifted up to do this that he saw a pair on montrals facing away from him, seated at a booth closer to the door.

There was a tightening in his lungs and the gaping hole in his heart was reopened; discarded of anything he’d ever used to cover it with. Rex swallowed hard and placed his head in his hands, counting as he regulated his breathing.

This happened every time he thought he saw her.

And, without fail, it was never her.

He ought to have internalized that by now. It had just been so long since the last time he mistook someone else for her. Lone Togrutas were not a sight seen often; they didn’t tend to stray very far from Kiros or Shili.

Rex wished that wasn't the case.

Seeing them more often might’ve kicked this fool’s hope earlier — the one that bubbled up violently inside him whenever he caught a glimpse of three lekku rather than the usual two or, like today, a set of montrals.

They were femininely shaped and blue, just like he knew hers to be, which didn’t help matters.

Getting up from the table to visit the refresher solely to see if it was her was something he was not going to let himself do. He had to get over this. He couldn’t let it control the trajectory of his day each time it happened.

Exhaling and centering himself, Rex finished his meal with a difficulty that hadn’t been present before and told himself his appetite was still there even though that was far from the case. Memories of similar breakfasts in similar restaurants with her bullied their way to the forefront of his mind. Small bouquets of freshly plucked flowers, dirt still clinging to them, being given to her and then placed in a cup of water from wherever they’d been eating.

Rex couldn’t help himself.

Once his plate was clear, he looked across the six booths that separated them. But the woman’s montrals were nowhere to be seen. Rex waited a little longer to see if she was just leaning down looking over a menu or taking a bite of food, but the montrals did not reappear.

Panic swept through him, his veins turning into hot plasma underneath his skin.

He rose promptly from his booth, eyes glued to the one she’d been at. Only a half finished mug of tea sat on the table. She never did like caf. His heart rate shifted into high gear and he made a beeline for the register, already fishing around in his pocket for credits, his fingers shaking.

“Oh, there’ll be no need today,” Kip said with a particularly pleased smile.

The hand in Rex’s pocket stilled and his heart leapt into his throat. “What do you mean?” His voice rattled as he spoke.

“Why, the young lady who just left covered your meal. Said to thank you for your service,” The Ithorian pointed to the entrance as the door slid closed.

For the first time in a long time, the world around Rex melted away and began to slow. Everything became muffled. The credit chits he had in his hand were placed onto the counter despite what the owner had just told him and before he could even tell them to do so, his feet were carrying him to the exit.

“Rex, what do you want me to do with this?”

“I don’t care,” he answered without looking back. “Pay it forward.”

Thick sheets of rain now came from the sky, pouring down so heavily that the world around him had turned white. The clouds flickered and thunder sounded, accompanied by angry strikes of lightning. Any footprints that might’ve been left behind in the mud had been washed away as quickly as they were made.

Whoever she was… she was gone.

A hand was clapped to his shoulder but Rex didn’t look down.

Kip sounded confused yet sympathetic. “She’s not gettin’ away in that, if that’s what you’re thinking.” The old man paused. “If you’re after her, I reckon’ she’ll be back again tomorrow.”

The hand was removed and Kip walked away, but Rex stayed frozen in the doorway. If it was her, he was doubtful she’d be back for breakfast the following morning. She could get away even in the most hopeless conditions.

Rex clenched his teeth, pulled his raincoat tighter and set out anyway.

It was like he hadn’t been living on Dantooine for the past year and a half. He was directionless, as if all the memorized paths, landmarks, and shops had been washed away with the rain. There was no departing vehicle, no lights, and no indicator of where the woman had gone.

Defeated, Rex looked up into the sky with his eyes closed, letting the rain fall over his face and streak through his hair. His chest had knotted itself and his knees threatened to buckle under the torrential downpour.

But Rex stood firmly, shoved his hands into his pockets, and let the rain soak him to the bone as he walked towards the small town.

He spent the remainder of his morning stopping by every establishment there was until the shopkeepers started closing up due to weather. The folks he did manage to speak with hadn’t seen her and each tried to hand him an umbrella or invite him inside until the storm passed.

He declined.

Straggling passersby still caught in the rain gave him funny looks as they ran to get to cover. Rex was in no such hurry.

The overgrown road that led to his tiny home was taken in the shortest possible strides. He did not wish to return there, especially not to a datapad he knew would have no messages on it. He had half a mind to turn back to the restaurant if he didn’t think they’d already closed up like everyone else.

Rex stepped into his home and was greeted by the sound of dripping water. He sighed deeply, unmoving in the doorway until he could suppress the viscous tears that taunted him behind closed lids. Once they were managed, his boots and raincoat were discarded, the mess from the leak was mopped, and his helmet was removed from its place under the bed to sit and collect the intruding water.

He watched the rain fill his bucket until it went past the visor before he fell into the awaiting embrace of sleep that was always there to help temporarily subside the pain.

More than anything, Rex wished he could say that he hadn’t woken up early, that he hadn’t gotten up before the neighbor’s nunas began to stir. He wished he could say it wasn’t in his plans to go sit up at the restaurant and wait all day to see if the woman turned up.

Really, he should be using his time to buy paint for his ship as well as a proper bucket for the leak, but neither of those things seemed to matter much at the prospect of running into her.

It was pathetic. He knew that.

He could’ve just saved himself all this trouble if he’d gotten up and used something as an excuse to see her face. But no, Rex chose to be strong when it mattered the absolute least.

His thin blanket felt as though it weighed ten tons when he rose out of bed, dreading vehemently the idea of waiting around all day for nothing — dreading the pit in his stomach he knew all too well when it wasn’t her after all and just some stranger. Rex’s feet hit the worn wooden floor and he rubbed his bleary eyes, aiming first for the refresher and then for his helmet.

A considerable amount of rainwater had been collected in the makeshift-not-makeshift bucket and more was being added still. The rain had yet to cease but it had slowed a great deal. He picked it up carefully and walked it to the door, yawning as he did so. Soft sheets of rain greeted his bare feet as the door slid aside, coming down now in a gentle shower-like way as opposed to yesterday’s storm.

Rex decided that when the rain stopped, he’d call it. He’d tie his mood to it, give himself an allotted period of time to feel this incessant pain before forcing it down again.

He swung his helmet to the left and watched as the water landed on his long-dead flowers, before looking out at the state of the rest of his yard.

The helmet nearly fell from his hands.

A hooded figure was inspecting his ship, an orange hand running across a partially revealed red sigil and skirting across blue paint. Any fleeting thoughts of making a grab for his blasters vanished. Rex knew that hand better than either of his own.

She turned and lifted slightly the hood of her cloak to get a better look at him.

There she was. Then she was as if no time at all had passed. As if she’d been down the road all along.

Ahsoka was dressed in that gray cloak he knew well, with lekku he used to know but that were now nearing her waist. Her montrals were taller than they were last time. He wondered if they’d be eye to eye this time, and if looking her in the eyes would still feel the same as it always did, as he wanted it to — needed it to.

Even from this distance, he could see her bottom lip quiver.

“I had to be sure,” she called out over the rain.

Rex struggled to speak, suffering from having too many words in his mouth and yet not at all.

She glanced back at the Y-wing behind her and ran a hand over the chipped paint job, revealing a bit more of that 501st blue.

“I knew your face as soon as I walked into the restaurant yesterday, but I wasn’t certain that it was the one… that it was the one I had loved,” she continued.

He joined her in the rain now. It was cold on his bare shoulders and worse as it streaked down his torso, but he didn’t shiver, nor did he care he’d be tracking yet more water inside. Rex’s chest tightened and his mouth dried. “Loved? As in the past tense?” he called, water beading on his hair and lashes. Not all of it was from the rain.

Ahsoka shook her head, droplets running off her lekku.

The pause between them was occupied by the steady fall of rain.

“You know the worst thing about love?” he asked.

She nodded, looking briefly at her feet, “That you remember it.”

Rex’s tongue pressed into his cheek and he nodded with her, “I knew from the moment we parted the first time that I’d spend a lifetime missing you.” He waited a bit. “It’s proved true so far. Each time it gets worse.”

He couldn’t tell her tears from the rain, but knew that she was crying. Rex was always aware that it hadn’t ever hurt any less for her. “I never intended it to be that way,” she called.

“I know.”

She stepped closer, weighing her words. “Rex, the hardest thing I’ve ever done is walk away still madly in love with you. There’s not a minute that goes by that I don’t regret it — that I don’t sit and wonder about what you do each day.”

“Well currently, it’s wishing I’d gotten up as soon as I saw you sitting at that booth. I’d know your montrals anywhere. Convinced myself it wasn’t you.”

“And before that?”

“Wishing I never let you say goodbye.”

She swallowed hard. “I have a lot to make up for. I know that. And I know this doesn’t begin to cover it, but do you think I could start with breakfast?” she asked, holding up the takeaway box that was under her cloak. “Mr. Kip told me where I could find you, said you ran out after me.”

Rex couldn’t suppress his smile. “No. Breakfast was covered yesterday. I think you’ll have to get more creative than that today.”

Ahsoka laughed and bit her lip, her eyes overcome with emotion. Shaking his head, Rex dropped his helmet into the flowerbed and all but ran to her, holding her trembling frame to him with possibly too much strength. The box fell. Her arms wrapped under his and he found that she fit better than she ever used to. He removed her hood with desperation and his chin fell into place between her montrals, still having at least one head in height over her. Rex kissed repeatedly the space between her uppermost chevrons as the sobs took control of her body.

The rain slowed to a drizzle and, as he’d vowed earlier, his mood lifted with it. Morning rays peeked out at them from behind the trees, warming their skin.

Being with Ahsoka was like walking into the sun, like walking directly into sunlight after the longest winter.

She pulled away first, though by the look on her face, it seemed to be the last thing she wanted to do. Her eyes were glued to the mangled scar on his chest, momentarily ashamed of looking him in the face.

But Rex’s hand slid under her jaw and moved her to look up at him. “I can’t think of anything better than breakfast with you. We’ve suffered enough, Ahsoka. Come inside. Stay with me until we have no choice but to leave; and even then, stay with me until there are no more planets left to run to. Let’s have breakfast together for as long as this life allows us because life without you is no way to live.”

“I haven’t had breakfast in a year and a half,” she said, tears streaking her cheeks.

Rex wiped them away. “You’re not missing out. It doesn’t taste the same when we aren’t together.”

Ahsoka eyed the slightly crumpled box of food on the ground and Rex picked it up, popping it back into its correct shape and wicking the water from it.

Apologies tumbled from her lips, but Rex wouldn’t hear any of it. She’d fought and offered her aid to the Rebellion until she couldn’t any more; until she was sure they could manage without her and that Rex wouldn’t die if she came home. It was the type of thing he had long since accepted — back when it had been cold on that moon, when rumors of another war began, and battle no longer felt good and he no longer felt invincible unless he was with her. Only one thing stayed the same. Life had still been punctuated with something far greater than love and a woman named Ahsoka.

His eyes did all the asking as he leaned in close. Ahsoka gave the faintest of nods, allowing him to kiss away her apologies; first slowly and then with an energized passion only she could provoke.

And just as he hoped they would, Ahsoka’s fingers found his curls, and he carried her and their very cold breakfast inside, leaving his helmet to become the home for several long years of blossoming flowers.

[citrineghost]

While I'm on my ofmd critical soapbox today, the next thing I wanna bitch about is the fact they split up Olu and Jim.

I had a pretty strong impression that the reason they did this was because they're two of the bi-est people on-board and season 2 had an explosion of female characters. The vibes, to me, were, "Oh, well, they're good friends anyway so it doesn't matter if they stay together romantically." Which irritated the fuck out of me.

Every other romance in the show feels like the romance takes precedence over the actual friendship between the characters. That's fine. That's a lot of people's cup of tea. But, as a demisexual, it was really nice and refreshing to see a couple of characters be best friends before getting together. Their dynamic was really solid and relatable and interesting to me. They were playful and silly but still clearly madly in love with each other.

The second season fucking poached their romance.

The fact that it's never even addressed, really.

I support people who like the new relationships they're in in season 2. If you felt represented or saw yourself in those relationships, or just thought the chemistry was good, that's great. I'm glad you got something out of it.

To me, it felt really forced. It felt like they were only put into these relationships to make a romantic space for the female characters in the show.

There were a million other ways they could have improved on the amount of women in the cast without cutting out Olu and Jim's romantic relationship. Imagine the intensity of their reunion if neither of them had connected with anyone else. Imagine the heartache of seeing them reconnect after thinking the other was dead.

Instead, there's this kind of patched-up awkward conversation about them both liking other people now - not even an emotional conversation. They never mourn what they lost, they act as if it never happened almost. Like they were always only ever friends who just happened to fuck once or twice.

Do not even get me started on the "forced closure" vibes of Jim trying to help Olu get back with Yi Sao. Fuck.

[madwomansapologist]

hi, can you do headcanons about being klaus mikaelson's (romantic) soulmate or mate?

Being Klaus Mikaelson soulmate would include

Masterlist | Rules | Taglist | Library | More Klaus Mikaelson | AO3

synopsis: in a world where soulmates are more than just a wish, how unlucky was Klaus to have to live millennia before he found his?

warnings: vampire stuff, but that one is way more romantic than bloody

ps: thanks for your request! I didn't know if you meant a color!au or something like this, so I did it on my way. Feel free to ask for more!

• Two milennia lived and no sign of his soulmate. Two fucking milennia. During his life, Klaus saw sixty years old finding their soulmates at a asylum, politicians finding the love of their lifes in the competing political party, even teenagers falling in love at school, and two times he saw kids with less than five years finding the love of their lifes on a day care center. But he never did found his

• He did even think that it was Nature laughing at his successfull attempt to beat death. For a really long time he believed that his soulmate was dead and whatever chance he had to found them was turned to dust. But, fifty years later, Rebecca meet her soulmate. And it wasn’t just someone who was almost so old as then because someone that the Orginals turned into a vampire spread the gift: it was a person only twenty years old

• Klaus felt hope. He was now sure that Nature wasn’t so cruel. That one day he would finally find the person that will make his world burn. He dreamed about this day. But thousand years can make any hope just die. Maybe he did almost found you, but chose to look ar the opposite direction and lost his chance. Maybe you had died. Maybe Nature chose to be mean only to him. Maybe he, after all, didn’t have a soul to be completed

• That didn’t stopped him from living his life. He had a family, friends and plans. He felt hope, and anger, and frustration, and hapiness, and sandness, and pleasure. Klaus did failed to plan and planned to fail, but he also did win so many times and in so many ways. Klaus did not only survived, beating death, but he lived. And that life, that marvelous and machiavellican life, took him back to Mistic Falls

• And Klaus had plans, big plans, that worked in his favor. He did turned into a hybrid and, by the time we’re his mom organized a ball to celebrate the reunion of the family, he thought that Esther’s presence and his new status as a hybrid we’re what he was celebrating. Little did he knew that his life would change again, and in a way he couldn’t expect, that same night

• As mayor’s campaign coordenator, when he was invited to a party of the new rich family, going with him and his family was nothing but work. You we’re there to help him remember names, informations, and make sure that everything that happens around him was nothing but absolutely perfect. Thats the truth about election year: everything, even leisure, is work

• When mayor finally did something that didn’t need your presence (which was using the bathroom), you had a moment to breath in and breath out. You didn’t sit, he would came back quickly, but you took a glass of wine while talking to Sheriff Forbes. She is a great woman, talking to her was easy because she wasn’t looking for mistakes or gossip, she was just being nice and trying to have a great time

• But you weren’t the only person interested on talking to her, obviously the host would talk to her at some point of the night. You heard the mayor’s criticism that the new family talked to him while you weren’t by his side, which you respond that if he wanted you by his side then he shouldn’t make you talk to one of his campaing donor. So now, talking to Forbes, when a member of the new family approached, it was simply a fact: you two hadn't seen each other before

• His smooth voice was directed to Forbes, so you we're ready to just get out of this conversation and let then alone, but when you looked at his way and you both made eye contact, you with a kindly smile and him with a rough confidence on his eyes, the world tremble.

Klaus felt a blizzard burying him alive. His fingers froze. His eyes went still. Something inside him, something heavy and sharp, pierced through every layer of muscle and skin until it reached the surface. You combusted. Your chest felt like a forest on fire and your mind was intoxicated by the smoke. A hot emotion crept through your body, taking over every organ and limb, and lulled you into a calm never before felt.

Forbes was nothing but a acute voice, and even she stopped breathing, with the entire noom, when she notice. Your chest irradiated a heavy scarlet light, Klaus's glowed navy. Whatever space between you both was just a purple blur. Without sharing a word, the entire could see that you both lived to meet one another. Soulmates. So easy to understand, so easy to see, so easy to believed.

"Finally", that's what Klaus said, the first thing he could even think. He smiled, his entire body relaxing just because of your existence. "I had been waiting for you."

You could never really understand the weight of that sentence, but you felt the same. A life waiting for something you could never be sure if it would happen. A life longing to find the person who will not only be your love, but also a soul mate.

"I tend to arrive late", you whisper. You didn't have force to do anything else. "I have been dreaming about you my whole life."

Klaus took a step closer. "Do you need to be here?" You shaked your head, which makes Klaus to reach out to you. "Then came with me. I need to know you."

Without hesitation, you grabbed his hand and followed him through the night. Nothing, nothing, would have made you choose otherwise.

• Klaus waited a milennia and would wait another one if that means he would have you.

GENERAL TAGLIST: @suakemi @notanalienindisguiseblink

if you enjoyed, please reblog! i promise it makes a difference ♡

@ madwomansapologist.tumblr.

[samieree]

Peace, Wound, Scar. Again. || SW: The Acolyte

Qimir (The Stranger) x OC

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Chapter I ''Reunion''

The blades of two double-bladed lightsabers - blue and yellow - collided with each other every now and then with a characteristic sound. Apart from two warriors, the training room at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant was empty. It was almost noon, so the blinds were partially lowered to prevent the sun from disturbing the fighters.

Focus on your footwork, focus on your breathing, focus on the Force, focus on your grip on the hilt of the saber, focus on the correct posture, focus on-

"Do I not bother?" the door to the room opened and there was no loud sound, but the question asked was enough to throw Elyssa off her rhythm.

She didn't have time to parry the next blow and the yellow blade stopped near her throat. She felt its warmth, almost burning, but it wasn't close enough to hurt her. She breathed heavily as she slowly took a step back. The Temple Guard she sometimes trained with did the same. They weren't usually talkative and were busy guarding the temple and didn't agree to requests for training, but this was usually making exceptions for Lys.

"Looks like you're bothering?" she muttered in response, casting a brief glance at Yord.

"We need to talk." these words announced that she had to give up this training.

She nodded at the guard, who returned the gesture and walked away, leaving them alone. The door closed quietly behind him, and Elyssa then Force-pulled to her the water bottle that had been standing against the wall.

"Then speak." she shrugged, taking a few sips of water. Such a simple thing, and such a wonderful feeling after physical training.

"Master Indara was killed, probably by Osha."

She already knew that much, she had talked to him before he went to arrest the suspect. She had nothing in common with Master Indara, maybe they had once passed each other in a corridor. No wonder, after all, there are over ten thousand Jedi, it would be difficult to know them all. Especially since new ones are being trained all the time.

However, she knew Osha much better. The three of them - she, Yord and Osha - met when they were children, they were probably eight years old? If she remembered correctly. They went through youngling's training together.

The girls never had any problems getting along. They developed quite a deep bond and could be seen together almost every day. Their paths began to diverge when Osha became Sol's Padawan, and she was still without a Master.

They never completely separated until Osha left the Order. Only then did Lys feel a strange emptiness, which disappeared over time. She also had other friends, after all, the world didn't end with just the two of them.

On Osha's side, Lys almost replaced her sister, but it was a double-edged sword - she was a reminder of what she had lost and she could not accept it.

"You already told me that." she stopped drinking water just to urge him to get to the point. As a child, she tried to 'teach him' not to beat around the bush, but as you can see, his formal side, which always wanted to explain everything properly - even if someone already knew the details... - prevailed.

"Do you remember the mission I just came back from? The prison transport had... an accident. Master Vernestra allowed Master Sol to investigate the crash site, but on the condition that he take you with him." Lys choked on the water when she heard that.

Completely ignoring the fact that they put someone suspected of killing a Jedi, a Force user, on a prison ship just like that, what surprised her more was that Master Vernestra had told to take her there.

"What for?" she asked, closing the bottle.

"I don't know, maybe they thought you'd go crazy if you stayed in the Temple all the time?"

Such a funny joke that a smile didn't even appear on her face. The whole Yord, either formal or bad jokes. But she still hangs out with him... at least for now.

"Then they should let me take a Padawan." she replied dispassionately, leaning against the wall.

She would like to have an apprentice, but not for the sake of passing on her knowledge, but more to finally get away from Coruscant. She rarely flew on missions. If she had a Padawan, then there would definitely be some tasks for them to do. Right? She either wanders around the corridors and archives, helps with the younglings, or trains.

At least there was one good thing about it: She knew the Coruscant Jedi Temple like the back of her hand, all the corridors, entrances, halls, everything.

If it continues like this, I will finally read everything in the archives.

"Do you envy me?" he asked with a smirk that rarely appeared on his face due to how seriously he took being a Jedi, but sometimes around Lys he found himself dropping those mannerisms from his demeanor.

"Of being a formal stiff who is difficult to get along with?" she tapped her chin with her index finger a few times, as if she was thinking. "Not really."

"Tasi isn't complaining."

"Or she can't complain." she replied, this time with humor.

But now it was Yord who didn't like the joke and elbowed her in the side, only making her laugh. They would probably banter longer if it weren't for the fact that the door suddenly opened and Master Vernestra walked in.

"Still here?" she asked. Lys knew she was also wondering if she was still pestering the Temple Guards with requests for training.

"We were just leaving, Master." she replied quickly to avoid further conversation with her former mentor and left the room, followed closely by Yord.

Their relationship was... Complicated. During her training, Elyssa sometimes felt unwanted by her Master, but she couldn't say that she didn't care about her. She would never let anything happen to her.

Besides, being Vernestra Rwoh's Padawan was something of an honor for her, after all, she was a woman who had already made history in the Order, being knighted at the age of fifteen. In addition, she had a light whip, which only made Lys more excited when Vernestra decided to take her under her wing.

Over time, however, their relationship became a bit more tense... Lys preferred to act a hundred times more than to wait for something to happen. Especially when she had the irresistible impression that her Master was trying to keep her away from threats, even though she would have to face them someday. Maybe even alone. Lys' desire for independence seemed to be starting to divide them, and the young girl no longer admired the famous Jedi Master as much.

"Is Jecki also coming?" she asked her friend as they wandered through the halls of the Temple, every now and then passing some Jedi, known to them or not.

"Yes, Master Sol decided to take her with him."

"Great, so I won't have to deal with you alone."

"I'm sure Jecki thinks exactly the same." he sighed, looking down for a moment at his slightly wrinkled shirt. "I have to take care of this..."

* * *

Yes, he should take care of it since he's so official, but definitely not on the ship right before the mission.

She only went to her room for a moment to take the gloves because they were going to a planet where they would definitely come in handy. When she got to the ship, Sol and Jecki were already there, and so was Yord... Except he was ironing his clothes.

She looked him over and stood next to Jecki, Master Sol had already gone to the cockpit.

"Yord." Jecki caught his attention. "Put your clothes on."

"It'll crumple anyway, there's no point in ironing it." added Lys, immediately passing him with Jecki. "I'm glad Sol takes you with him."

"Me too, I finally got my first mission. After years spent here."

"You know I understand you perfectly, right?" they giggled briefly. The circumstances weren't pleasant, but the fact that they were leaving this city-planet brought smiles to their faces. As for the reason for this mission... "I don't believe Osha killed Master Indara. She left the Order herself, she has no reason to take revenge on anyone."

"But how do you explain that the witness identified her as the attacker?"

They stopped in the hall for a moment to finish this conversation before joining Sol.

"She once told me she had a twin sister." she thought for a moment, trying to remember her name. "Mae? Yes, Mae. They were identical, although... She said she died..."

"Appearances can be deceiving." she shrugged. She was the most objective of the four of them, having never met Osha herself. She planned to ask her Master about his former Padawan, but as you can see, she already got some answers.

She didn't show that she was surprised by the information about Osha's twin, because it wasn't in her file.

"She didn't do it, I'll trust my feelings on this one." something that no Jedi should actually say, after all, Knights are supposed to be guided by reason and facts, not guesses and hunches.

They are taught to control and suppress emotions - especially negative ones - so that they do not cloud their judgment. But at the same time, they should be compassionate, always take the side of the innocent, protect those who cannot defend themselves.

"They are even more likely to be wrong." depends.

"Come on, would you believe it if someone told you that I murdered someone?" Lys asked, crossing her arms.

"I believe in facts. If there was evidence, I would believe it."

"Apart from one witness, there is no evidence that Osha killed Indara."

Jecki raised an eyebrow slightly when she heard Lys respond, using her own words against her in a way.

"Fair." she just replied, smiling a little, before they went to the cockpit.

The trip passed in a rather neutral atmosphere. While they were waiting for the ship to come out of hyperspace, Jecki asked Sol about Osha, which is when Lys learned that nowhere in Osha's files did it mention that she had a twin sister. This surprised her and she wondered why someone had decided not to include it. It couldn't have been a simple oversight.

Carlac was a planet always covered with snow, so when they landed, Lys was glad she had brought her gloves. She put them on while walking down the ramp from the ship next to Yord. When she got off the ship, she stopped for a moment, which caught Yord's attention.

"Osha is here." she explained, seeing her friend's questioning face.

She couldn't explain how she knew it, she just... She felt it.

"The chances of surviving such a disaster are-"

"There's always a chance." Sol interrupted Yord. "I feel that she's somewhere here too."

First, they found the ship on which Osha was being transported along with other prisoners. In fact, the situation didn't look good, but it was clearly visible that someone was there. They couldn't have been ordinary scavengers, they wouldn't have come here so quickly.

They shouldn't have gone too far away into the field in their current outfits when the wind was starting to pick up and a blizzard was threatening, but Sol was motivated enough to find his former Padawan that he ignored the threat. Lys would have done the same, Jecki probably too, one Yord might have had some objections (he actually did, but was ignored). They ran after Sol, who had a precise feeling where Osha was.

They found her above the escarpment, she clearly wanted to escape from here, but she had nowhere to go.

"Stop! In the name of the Republic and the Jedi Order!" Yord shouted, which didn't help at all, because Osha started backing towards the edge of the bluff.

"Don't even try, there's no need." Lys knocked his hand away as he was already reaching for his lightsaber. "Osha?"

"Osha!" Sol stepped in front of them.

"I did not do it!" she screamed. She wasn't lying, she felt it. She couldn't lie. "I didn't kill Indara!"

"Step away from the edge." Sol said calmly, trying to close the distance between them.

"Sol... Please, you have to believe me."

"We believe you." Elyssa came forward now too.

Seeing her after all this time... They both changed. When they said goodbye to each other, they were on Coruscant, in the Temple. They didn't think that they would ever see each other again, that there would be any opportunity for it. Now they were both grown women, their lives were much more different than before, but there was still a bond between them.

She began to walk closer to her, slowly, with her hand outstretched.

Suddenly, Osha slipped and fell backwards.

Instinctively, Lys lunged forward, grabbing her by the forearm, but with little thought as to who would catch her. Luckily, Sol did so and yanked them back upright in one decisive movement.

"I believe you." she whispered once they were safely standing.

"Mae is alive." she said after a short moment of silence, during which she and Lys just stood and looked at each other. She said it more to Sol than anyone else.

"I believe you, you couldn't do it." he put his hand on her shoulder. "You have to come with us. Come on." He smiled warmly at her.

The wind was getting stronger and stronger, so they hurried to get back to the ship before they would freeze to death.

The fact that Mae was alive raised many questions: How did she survive? Why did she kill Indara? Does she plan to kill anyone else? And above all... Who trained her?

~

I know, we are all waiting for Qimir to show up (me too), but we had to go through setting up the background and all that 😫 I'll do my best to be active <3

-> general masterlist -> Star Wars masterlist

Tags: @linkpk88

[kira-dofc]

Chapter 4 You Worried?

"Y/n," Yunah began, her voice trembling slightly. "This is a lot to take in. I always wondered if I had any family out there, but I never expected this. I know for a fact that I don't know much of my past, but this is still confusing me."

"I know," you replied, your own voice heavy with emotion. "It's a lot to process, but please, I just wanted to see if you're okay. You're the only family I have after that incident."

Yunah raised an eyebrow in question, "Incident?"

You took a deep breath and began to recount the traumatic event. "Our parents died, and our house burnt down. I was still inside there, but luckily I got out. Unfortunately, I lost some of my memories. I can only recall the fire blazing around me and the times when we used to play ball together. You also got out, but you were lying on the floor when I last saw you."

Yunah glanced at Kuroo, who stood beside her with a dark expression. His eyes narrowed as he looked at you, clearly unimpressed. "Yunah," he said, his voice low and hard, "maybe we should take things slowly. Sure, you forgot your past, but that doesn't give you a reason to trust this guy right away. We hardly know him, and who knows what's lurking in that damned mind of his."

"That's enough, Kuroo," Yunah said, a small frown forming on her lips. "He's just trying to reconnect."

But Kuroo wasn't having it. He stepped forward, his posture aggressive. "You don't understand, Yunah. This isn't just some reunion. This guy shows up out of nowhere, claiming to be your brother, and you just believe him? What if he's lying? What if he's here to hurt you?"

You raised your hands defensively. "I understand your concern, Kuroo. But I swear, I just want to reconnect with my sister. I don't mean any harm."

"Don't mean any harm?" Kuroo spat. "You think just saying that makes everything okay? How do we know you're not some kind of threat? How do we know you're even telling the truth?"

"Kuroo, please," Yunah pleaded. "I need to figure this out on my own. You don't have to be so hostile."

"Hostile?" Kuroo's voice rose. "You don't know what hostile is. I care about you, Yunah. I'm not going to let some stranger waltz in and turn your life upside down."

"I get it," you said, trying to stay calm despite Kuroo's anger. "I understand why you're protective of Yunah. But I'm not a stranger. I'm her brother, and I just want to be a part of her life again."

Kuroo glared at you, his eyes filled with suspicion. "Fine. But one step out of line, and you know what's going to happen to you."

"I understand," you replied, meeting his gaze. "I just want to take things slowly and get to know Yunah again."

Kuroo snorted, clearly unconvinced. "We'll see about that. I'm watching you, and if I see even the slightest hint of trouble, you're out of here."

"I'm sorry about him," Yunah said, her tone apologetic as she looked at you. "He can be cranky at times, but he's a nice person underneath it all."

"'Nice' isn't in his vocabulary, I guess," you whispered to yourself, barely audible.

The tension in the air was palpable, and the silence that followed was heavy with unspoken words and emotions. You both stood there, awkwardly shifting from foot to foot, each lost in your thoughts. You couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and anxiety. Finding Yunah had been a monumental task, and now that she was here in front of you, it felt almost surreal. You were desperate to connect with her, to fill the void that had been left by the loss of your parents and the fragmentary nature of your memories.

Yunah, on the other hand, seemed overwhelmed by the sudden revelation of having a brother she never knew existed. The look in her eyes betrayed a deep-seated confusion and a yearning for clarity. She glanced at Kuroo again, seeking his silent approval and support. Kuroo, ever the protective figure, stood with his arms crossed, his gaze never leaving you. There was a fierceness in his eyes that spoke volumes about his determination to shield Yunah from any potential harm.

"I understand if you need some space," you said, breaking the silence. "It's a lot to take in all at once. I don't want to pressure you into anything. I just wanted you to know that I'm here for you, whenever you're ready."

"Thank you," Yunah replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I appreciate your patience. This is just... a lot."

"Take all the time you need," you reiterated. "There's no rush."

Yunah nodded, looking down at her feet as she processed everything. The room seemed to close in on you, the weight of the past pressing down heavily. You took a deep breath, trying to steady your nerves. This wasn't how you had imagined your reunion with Yunah, but you had to remind yourself that these things took time. Building a relationship, especially one based on a fractured past, was a delicate process.

Kuroo cleared his throat, drawing your attention. "Look, Y/n," he began, his tone slightly softer but still firm. "I get that you're trying to do the right thing here, but you need to understand that Yunah's been through a lot. She's got a life here, friends, people who care about her. You can't just waltz in and expect everything to fall into place."

"I understand," you replied, meeting his gaze. "I'm not here to disrupt her life. I just want to be a part of it, in whatever capacity she feels comfortable with."

Kuroo nodded, though his expression remained guarded. "Good. Just remember that we're watching out for her."

"I wouldn't expect anything less," you said, offering a small, tentative smile. "She deserves to be protected."

The conversation began to wind down, and you could feel the exhaustion setting in. It had been an emotionally draining encounter, but you were grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with Yunah. You just hoped that, in time, she would come to see you as the brother you wanted to be for her.

"We should get going," Yunah said finally, glancing at Kuroo for confirmation. "I need some time to think about all of this."

"Of course," you replied. "Take care, Yunah. And thank you for listening."

"Goodbye, Y/n," she said softly. "I'll be in touch."

You watched as Yunah and Kuroo walked away, their figures disappearing into the distance. The air felt heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself. This was just the beginning of a long journey, and you were determined to see it through, no matter how challenging it might be.

As you made your way back home, you couldn't help but replay the encounter in your mind. There was so much more you wanted to say, so many questions left unanswered. But for now, you had to be patient. Rebuilding a relationship, especially one fractured by time and trauma, required time and understanding. You were willing to give Yunah all the space she needed, even if it meant waiting in uncertainty.

When you finally reached your home, you sank into a chair, feeling the weight of the day's events. You were filled with a mixture of hope and apprehension. Finding Yunah had been a step in the right direction, but there was still a long road ahead. You were ready to take that journey, one step at a time, and hopefully, one day, you would find the family you had lost.

For now, all you could do was wait and hope that Yunah would find it in her heart to let you in. The future was uncertain, but you were determined to face it with courage and resilience. After all, family was worth fighting for, no matter how difficult the path might be.

-

You planned to see your sister on weekends, to get to know more of each other. You invited her to go to a restaurant near their place, and she luckily agreed.

-

You picked Yunah up from her house, then drove to a rather classy and glamorous restaurant. It was much fancier than the usual places you frequented, but sometimes that's what people with money did—waste it on small portions of extravagant food.

"This place looks expensive," Yunah mumbled as you both stepped inside, taking in the opulent decor and soft lighting.

"It's on me, don't worry about it," you replied with a reassuring smile.

"So, how's life with your new family?" Yunah questioned as you settled into your seats.

"It's fine, I guess. I don't really miss our family since I never got to spend much time with them, but I still do in a way. Part of me thinks that you're still special to me," you said, your voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and hope.

"Well, I'm glad you feel that way because it's the same for me. I love my adoptive family, but I want to get to know you again," she said, her eyes earnest. "Mind if I ask, how old are you?"

"I'm 18, turning 19 next month," you replied.

"What? I'm way older than you then. I'm 21!" she said with a tone of excitement.

"It was obvious, you look old," you remarked with a playful smirk.

Yunah's eyes widened in mock outrage, and she started screaming at you for the words you had spoken. "How dare you! I do not look old! Take that back!"

Before you could respond, a sudden female figure walked up to your table. "Hey Y/n, fancy seeing you here!" she exclaimed.

A surprising look came upon your face as you recognized Sana, a friend of yours, who seemed genuinely excited to see you.

"Not the time, Sana. Get lost," you said bluntly, trying to focus on your time with Yunah.

"No need to be feisty! Fine, I will. See you tomorrow, honey!" she teased with a playful wink before walking away.

"Your girlfriend?" Yunah asked with a smirk on her face.

"Ugh, no. I'd rather die," you replied, rolling your eyes.

Yunah laughed at your reaction, and the mood lightened considerably. As the evening progressed, the two of you continued to talk and laugh, sharing stories and memories. Despite the initial awkwardness, you found that you enjoyed her company and the opportunity to reconnect.

After finishing your meals, you both started to leave the restaurant. The conversation continued as you walked to the car, filled with the excitement and nervousness of rebuilding a sibling relationship.

-

As you and Yunah headed to your car, you were suddenly startled by a man standing in front of you, brandishing a knife. His eyes glinted maliciously as he sneered at you. "Hey, give me your money, and I might as well touch your girl while I'm at it," the man smirked, his voice dripping with menace.

Your heart pounded, but you didn't let fear show. "Yunah, move," you ordered, your voice steady and firm. "I'll handle this."

-

Yunah hesitated for a moment, her eyes wide with fear, but she obeyed, stepping back to give you space.

The man lunged at you with the knife, aiming for your midsection. You managed to sidestep just in time, his blade slicing through the air where you had been standing. You grabbed his wrist with one hand and twisted it sharply, forcing him to drop the weapon with a grunt of pain.

He retaliated quickly, swinging his other fist toward your face. You ducked, feeling the rush of air as his fist narrowly missed your head. You countered with a punch to his gut, making him double over in pain. The man was tough, though, and he quickly recovered, charging at you with renewed aggression.

You blocked his wild punches, your arms absorbing the impact. Each hit sent a jolt of pain through your body, but you stood your ground. With a surge of adrenaline, you delivered a swift kick to his knee, causing him to stumble. Taking advantage of his momentary imbalance, you landed a solid punch to his jaw, followed by another to his ribs.

The man let out a pained grunt, but he wasn't finished yet. He grabbed a handful of gravel from the ground and threw it in your face. You flinched, momentarily blinded, and he seized the opportunity to tackle you to the ground. You felt the sharp sting of the pavement against your back as he pinned you down, his fists raining down on you.

Gritting your teeth, you used all your strength to roll over, reversing your positions. Now on top, you delivered a barrage of punches to his face and torso, each one fueled by the need to protect Yunah and yourself. The man struggled beneath you, but your determination and anger gave you the upper hand.

After what felt like an eternity, the man finally stopped fighting. He lay on the ground, bruised and unconscious from the beating you had given him. You stood up, breathing heavily, and wiped the blood from your face with the back of your hand. Pain radiated from your wounds, but you didn't let it show.

"God, Y/n, you're bleeding!" Yunah exclaimed, rushing to your side. Her eyes were wide with worry as she looked at the stab wound on your side and the bruises forming on your face.

"It's just a scratch," you said with a grunt, trying to downplay the severity of your injuries. "Come on, I'll get you home."

"But what are we doing with the guy? Leave him here?" Yunah questioned, glancing nervously at the unconscious man.

"Yes, I called the police. They can handle the rest," you replied, trying to sound reassuring despite the pain coursing through your body.

You got into your car, wincing as you moved. Every movement sent sharp stabs of pain through your body, but you ignored it. Yunah climbed into the passenger seat, still looking worried.

The drive to Yunah's home was quiet, the tension from the fight lingering in the air. You focused on the road, trying to keep your mind off the pain and the blood slowly seeping through your clothes. Yunah kept glancing at you, her concern evident.

As you pulled up to her house, you turned to Yunah and managed a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine," you said, though the strain in your voice betrayed your words.

"Thank you, Y/n," Yunah said softly, her eyes glistening with unwashed tears. "I don't know what would have happened if you weren't here."

"Don't mention it," you replied, your voice gentle despite the pain. "I'm just glad you're safe."

-

"Do you need help?" Yunah exclaimed, her voice filled with worry as she looked at you.

"No, I'll just come inside for a moment," you groaned, feeling the sharp pain where you had been stabbed. She opened the door to her house, and as you stepped inside, you were met with the sight of a familiar tall figure, clearly very worried about Yunah.

Kuroo's eyes widened in shock at the sight of your state, but his concern was directed at Yunah. "What the hell happened? Yunah, are you okay? What did this bastard do?" he demanded, his voice tense with worry.

"Relax, Kuroo. He just fought some creep while we were going back to his car," Yunah replied, trying to calm him down. "It's Y/n you should be worried about right now. He's all bruised up, and he even got stabbed!"

Kuroo scoffed but softened slightly. "Come on, I'll go treat your wounds. I guess. Don't get any other ideas," he said bluntly, turning and walking towards a room. You followed him, your steps heavy with exhaustion and pain.

Once inside, you noticed the room looked like an office of some sort, with a desk, medical supplies, and various items neatly arranged. "Sit here," Kuroo instructed, pointing to a seat next to him.

You sat down with a groan, feeling the pain intensify as you moved. "Stay still," Kuroo said firmly as he began to assess your wounds. "How did you even get stabbed? Damn, that's deep. Do you want to go to a hospital? I think you need some professionals."

"I'll be fine," you said, a small smile forming on your face despite the pain. "You worried about me, Kuroo?"

Kuroo blushed at your words and looked away, clearly flustered. "What!? I— SHUT UP!" he snapped, throwing the cotton ball he was holding in irritation. He turned away, trying to hide his embarrassment.

You couldn't help but laugh at his reaction, but the movement caused another wave of pain to wash over you, making you groan again. "You’re pretty funny when you’re flustered, Kuroo," you managed to say through the pain.

"Who the hell told you to move? I'm not done," Kuroo yelled, his tone exasperated but tinged with concern. He continued to clean and bandage your wounds with surprising care, despite his brusque demeanor.

As he worked, you noticed Yunah hovering nearby, her eyes filled with concern. "Thank you, Kuroo," she said softly. "I really appreciate this."

Kuroo grumbled something under his breath but didn't respond directly. Instead, he focused on finishing the task at hand. "This should hold for now, but you need to take it easy," he said, finally stepping back. "And you should definitely see a doctor to make sure there's no serious damage."

"Thanks, Kuroo," you said sincerely, feeling a bit more at ease now that your wounds were tended to.

"Yeah, yeah," he muttered, clearly uncomfortable with the gratitude. "Just don’t go getting yourself stabbed again."

Yunah smiled at the exchange, feeling a sense of relief now that you were taken care of. "I'm glad you're okay, Y/n. You were really brave out there."

"It was nothing," you replied modestly. "I just did what I had to do."

Kuroo rolled his eyes but didn't say anything, his way of acknowledging your bravery without making a big deal out of it. "You should get some rest," he said instead. "Both of you."

"Agreed," Yunah said, looking at you with a mixture of gratitude and concern. "Come on, Y/n. I'll make sure you get home safely—wait, what if you stay here for the night?"

"It's okay, I don't want to be a burden to you guys, taking care of me and all of that," you mumbled, feeling guilty about imposing.

"No, really it's okay! I can contact your dad," Yunah said, while Kuroo shot her a glance, clearly against the idea. But her determination won out as she went ahead and made the call anyway.

"Good news! Your dad said yes, but he said you should go back by afternoon tomorrow," she announced with a tone of excitement.

"Sure, but where do I sleep?" you questioned, eager to find an answer and not wanting to make things difficult.

Kuroo then replied, "Where else? On the cou—"

"In Kuroo's room! You can share!" Yunah cut him off, her voice filled with cheerful authority. Kuroo's face turned a shade of red as he tried to protest, but her decision was final.

Of course, by all means, Kuroo was in shock, trying to cancel what his sister suggested. "Yunah, seriously—"

But in the end, you still ended up in his room. "I can sleep on the floor if that's what you want," you offered, trying to be considerate despite your condition.

"No, sleep in the bed. You're hurt," he said in a small voice, blushing slightly.

"Are you sur—?"

"Just get in before I change my mind!" he blushed while looking away, his voice carrying a mix of annoyance and concern. "I sleep on this side, and you on the other."

You nodded in response and carefully laid on the bed, trying to avoid aggravating your injuries. As the lights were turned off, you smiled to yourself, feeling a strange warmth from Kuroo's concern. Despite his rough exterior, he clearly cared.

You could hear Kuroo's breathing next to you, and the proximity was oddly comforting. "Thanks, Kuroo," you whispered into the darkness, unsure if he could hear you.

"Just shut up and sleep," he mumbled back, his voice softer than usual.

You closed your eyes, letting the exhaustion from the day's events wash over you. The pain was still there, but it was manageable now, especially with the knowledge that you were safe and being cared for.

The night passed peacefully, with you drifting in and out of sleep, comforted by the presence of your newfound family. You dreamed of the earlier fight, the adrenaline, and the fear, but now it was interspersed with the warmth of Yunah and Kuroo's concern. A/n: The brain juice is done I think have none anymore :(( I still will be posting and probably be posting updates so dw! Word count: 3300

[usmsgutterson]

so, it’s probably nothing, but it’s been on my mind sometime and I can’t let it go- hug prompts! The link for those is here, and again, you can send in as many combinations as you want!

nikolai lantsov with 13, 14, and 16??

Well Enough- N.L x gn! reader

this was a blast to write so thank you so much for sending this in! Sorry that your requests are coming out so late, I've just been staying for upwards of twelve hours before I go to sleep lately and twelve hours of awakeness does not bode well for my motivation whatsoever lol.

the prompts you requested: “you almost died” hugs, “you saved my life” hugs, and reunion hugs

fic type- angst with a fluffy ending

Warnings- mentions of bombs, mentions of war, stab wounds, bruises, smoke and soot inhalation, pain from pinkie toe to shoulder

You could barely keep your eyes pinned to one spot as you moved through the crowd. A part of you had the sense to be amazed at the fact that you still stood, the fact that you’d managed to survive several bombs from the Fjerdans in the city of Os Alta, an attack made as the war worsened and tensions rose. 

You were standing, even if putting too much weight on your right leg made it go numb for a split second before pain jolted from the tip of your pinkie toe all the way through to the top of your shoulder. 

You were standing, a knife clutched in your left hand, even if there was a wound on your shoulder and two more over your ribcage. 

You were standing, even if you had bruises on your face, smoke and soot in your lungs. 

You were standing. You’d made it out and you’d done so with a blade in your hand and a heart made of steel thumping away in your chest. 

You’d lost Nikolai in the thick of it, though. A couple of moves and the correct wielding of the knives you’d always carried on your person had saved Nikolais life as Fjerdan soldiers stormed through the city before the bombs went off, but you’d lost Nikolai in the seconds after he’d pressed a kiss to your lips and you’d exchanged I love yous. 

Nikolai could’ve been killed in the aftermath of the bombing, and as your eyes frantically searched the crowd, the idea that you could’ve lost the man you held so dearly was terrifying. 

You walked until your feet hurt, asking around and beginning to debate saying a prayer as you hoped to find Nikolai, Zoya, Genya, or the twins. You would’ve given anything, absolutely anything to see Tolya in the crowd, sticking out in the manner of a sore thumb because where Tolya was, Nikolai was never more then a foot or two away. 

You jumped, scream falling from your lips as you felt a hand grasp your shoulder. You turned around to see Tolyas face, relieved grin spreading to his lips and joy flooding his gaze. 

You found yourself relieved to see him, too. He’d been alive and as much as Nikolai mattered to you, Tolya had been one of your closest friends since the two of you were on Sturmhonds crew, playing cards and winning each others rum rations. He was alive and you hadn’t lost one of your best friends, and in the end, that was all that mattered in that particular moment. 

He took a step to the side and let you go, and your heart stopped for a moment before it set off at a racing pace with the sight of Nikolai Lantsov, the man whom you would’ve sacrificed yourself for a thousand times over, the love of your life, the man who you woke up next to every morning and the one next to whom you fell asleep every night.

He looked better than you did, a saber clutched in one hand, soot covering some of his brow and parts of the golden blond of his hair. He had no stab wounds but a couple of cuts on his face and some bruising on his jaw. 

He said nothing before he pulled you into a hug. You let him, hugging back just as tightly, if not just a bit tighter. You’d thought him dead, had spent the better part of four hours on your feet searching for him, asking if anyone had seen the king or even thought they’d caught a glimpse of golden blond hair or an ever so handsome smile. 

“You saved my life,” he whispered, the hold he had on you tightening just a bit. “I thought you’d died.” 

“You almost died,” you cut back. “If I hadn’t stepped in at the right time, even though you’re built like one, the Fjerdans would’ve killed you.” 

Nikolai laughed as you pulled away. “Ever the cynic, I see.”

“Ever the cynic who you fell in love with,” you said pointedly, grin coming to your face. “Ever the cynic who society expects you marry by the end of the year!” 

Nikolai laughed, looking to Tolya, who had been watching the two of you with a smile on his face, likely making a note that the two of you reminded him of one of his beloved sonnets. 

“Still working on the proposal,” he said. Tolya just gave a shake of his head, rolled his eyes. 

“Working on it?” Tolya asked. “I would’ve thought you figured it out by now. You’ve been trying to figure out when to propose since before Sankta Alinas martyrdom.” 

You shot Nikolai a look, and he only had time to respond to it with a devilish grin before you were hugging him again, grateful that you’d gotten to him in time to save his life, grateful that he’d not died when you’d lost each other in the bombings that occurred thereafter. 

He hugged you back just as tightly, grateful for all the same, and when you separated with your hands interlacing, Tolya only scoffed.

“A proposal isn’t necessary,” he said. “Just go through with the wedding. You act like an old married couple as it is, so you may as well skip that step.”

Nikolai grinned. “Alina did give you the Lantsov emerald."

"And she wanted you to propose using it," you said. "At least something small, she said."

“A lie can be fabricated about a proposal," Nikolai said, having known that neither of you much cared if there was a proposal or anything other than a discussion to indicate your engagement.

“I’ll come up with something and have a couple of our spies get the word out,” Tolya said. “I’m thinking sunset, by the lake, private affair with tears on Nikolais part.” 

Nikolai only brought your hand up, pressed a kiss to the back of it. “Works well enough, doesn’t it?”

You nodded. “Well enough indeed.” 

[allmoshnobrain]

𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫: 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

part 04 of 06 | masterpost

word count: 7,2k | ao3 link | fic's playlist

I felt full, something I hadn't experienced since he’d walked out on me all those years ago. In the end, it was him — only him — that I needed in my life, his presence washing away any lingering pain I may carry. In that moment, I realized I was utterly lost; like Eve after taking a bite of the apple, I knew I could never be the same again after falling for Dave Mustaine.

✦ on this chapter: NSFW!!!, dave mustaine x female!oc, oc is cliff's cousin, +18, language, slice of life, mxf sex, unprotected sex, oral sex, drug issues mentioned, recreational drug use, drinking

✦ a/n: Hey everyone, I'm back! Sorry for the longer wait this time, buuuut check it out — this part right here is the longest I've ever written for this fic, lol. It's all about Dave and Nore this time, but don't worry, James will be back in the next one. Hope you enjoy the read, and feel free to give me any feedback! ❤

✧ All along I believed I would find you / Time has brought your heart to me / I have loved you for a thousand years / I'll love you for a thousand more ✧

March 20, 1992

The weeks that followed were a crazy rollercoaster ride of emotions, swinging back and forth between moments of sheer joy and heart-wrenching pain.

The heartache was all because of James and his stubborn determination to shut me out. No matter how hard I tried to reach him, he just kept slipping through my fingers, ignoring my calls and voicemails like they were yesterday's news. I knew he always needed some space after our blowouts, but his radio silence only made me feel even more miserable. All I wanted was for him to understand how crucial it was for me to patch things up with Dave, but getting that across to James felt like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in the dark. And with each passing year, it seemed like he was building higher walls around himself, burying himself deeper in his anger and his grief, leaving me feeling utterly lost.

Amidst all the drama with James, there was a shining beacon of hope in my days: Dave. Since our reunion, he'd become a constant presence in my life once again. There were few grievances that could resist nearly a decade of longing; as we reconnected, the pain and uncertainty of our past faded into the background, replaced by a feeling of warmth and contentment. Losing Dave had left a gaping hole in my heart, but finding him again reminded me that I wasn't alone in my struggles. He, too, had gone through his own share of tough times while we were apart. Together, we found comfort in each other's company, and our bond just kept getting stronger with each passing day.

After that first kiss, I couldn't help but keep gravitating back into his arms. We fell into a routine of seeing each other practically every day, squeezing in time between my acting gigs and Dave's life as a musician. If Dave was already sweet when we were younger, now that he was rolling in money from his music career, my place turned into a constant shrine of his love. Every day, there'd be a new batch of flowers — chrysanthemums, roses, sunflowers, tulips, lavenders — each carefully chosen to brighten up my place. It was like living in a fragrant dream, like my heart had decided to blossom right there in his presence.

But his affection wasn't just about the gifts. Almost every night, I'd find myself welcoming him into my home or heading over to his apartment. We weren't big on going out, preferring to just chill together, maybe have dinner or simply chat, lounging on the couch with our fingers intertwined and my head nestled against his shoulder. Whatever was brewing between us felt so special, so fresh, that we kind of wanted to keep it all to ourselves. I mean, I knew once we started parading around in public, everyone would catch on to the fact that we were together, and honestly, I wasn't quite ready for that. Dave felt the same way. We both agreed to keep our little love bubble just between us for just a little while longer.

Of course, there was this undeniable desire bubbling between us. It lingered in the long, passionate kisses we shared, in how he always reached out to touch me whenever we were together, in the little sighs that escaped me when his lips trailed from mine to my neck, in the fire I saw burning with increasing intensity in his hazel eyes.

But, even as the fire inside me burned hotter and hotter, I couldn't shake this newfound shyness. I mean, as an actress pushing 30, I'd say I'd mostly outgrown my shy phase from back in the day. But whenever he was around, it was like that bashful girl came roaring back to life, leaving me blushing and hesitant every time his body pressed against mine.

Dave was patient, as he had always been; now that everything between us was crystal clear, he was practically glued to my side, wearing this grin that mirrored my own happiness. The more we hung out, the more it solidified in my mind: I still loved him. And the fact that he seemed to feel the same felt like a little miracle, a light of joy and certainty amidst all the chaos in my life.

That Friday night played out just like the ones before it: Dave rolled up to my place right on the dot at 8 p.m., holding a gorgeous bunch of violets and daisies. But this time, he came bearing even more goodies — a pizza box in one hand and a bottle of wine tucked under his arm, which had me scrambling to help before he dropped something and disaster struck.

"Hey," I greeted him with a smile, taking the pizza box from him. With his hand free, he slipped it around my waist, pulling me in close and planting a kiss on my lips that sent me giggling, my cheeks flushing with warmth.

"Hey," he whispered against my lips, his smile melting into mine. "I've got some movies rented for us. And I brought some joints too, they're out in the car."

"So, you've got our evening all planned out?" I teased, and he chuckled, his hazel eyes twinkling as he kissed my temple. "Well, don't just stand there, come on in."

I headed to the kitchen and set the pizza box down on the table. Dave trailed behind me, and I gave him a hand with the wine bottle before he handed over the bouquet.

"I brought you some different flowers this time," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. I took a whiff, smiling at the sweet scent of the bouquet. Dave reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “You like them?"

"I absolutely adored them, Dave. Thanks," I answered, letting out a surprised gasp as he pulled me in by the waist, cradling my chin gently in his hand before kissing me. His tongue pressed against my lips, coaxing them to part, and I couldn't help but surrender to his kiss with a contented sigh.

I shut my eyes, relishing the familiar scent of him and the warmth of his body pressed against mine. He set the bouquet down on the table without breaking our kiss, then drew me in close again, his hand resting gently on the small of my back. Dave's presence stirred something inside us both, a slow-burning fire that we couldn't ignore, an undeniable longing to be close to each other. And oh, how I craved him, with a passion that felt almost overwhelming, leaving me utterly breathless.

He trailed kisses down to my neck, mixing in little nips that sent shivers down my spine. I tangled my fingers in his hair, closing my eyes and melting into his embrace as I tilted my head back. He held me closer, his hands firm on my hips, and a low, breathy moan escaped my lips. He chuckled softly against my skin, planting a tender kiss on my lips before pulling away.

"I should probably grab the stuff from the car," he murmured, stepping back. I blinked, feeling a bit confused, my heart still racing, my skin tingling with warmth, trying to push aside the unexpected twinge of insecurity creeping in.

"Here," Dave returned, lugging a stack of movies. "I grabbed Star Wars 'cause you said you liked it. And the other one... Hey, you okay?" I blinked up at him, snapping out of my reverie, my brow furrowed as I stared at the flowers on the table. Dave came closer, brushing his fingers against my cheek. "Did I mess up the kiss or something?"

"Of course not," I reassured him with a soft smile.

"Then tell me," he whispered, his lips so close to mine, his breath tickling my cheek. "Hey. Let's not keep stuff bottled up, alright? I don't want us drifting apart again over this."

"It's just... Do you not wanna... y'know, fuck me?" I blurted out, feeling my cheeks flush as I saw Dave's eyes widen a bit in surprise. I glanced away, feeling embarrassed, and he let out a soft chuckle.

"Sweetheart, where'd you get that idea?" he asked, running his fingers through my hair before gently tilting my chin up, making me meet his gaze.

"We were kissing, and then you bailed. I just... thought..." I trailed off as Dave grinned, shaking his head.

"Do you really think I wouldn't want you?" he murmured, his voice low and husky, his fingers trailing down my neck to my collarbone, moving with a gentle touch. "Do you think I don't wake up every day feeling like I'm living a dream now that you're back? I want you. But this is all new territory for me too..." He paused, letting out a sigh as I cupped his face in my hands, running my fingers over his features, captivated by how his expression softened under my touch. "I've had some rough relationship experiences, you know?" he continued. "And I don't wanna risk messing things up with you, babe. I don't wanna rush into anything."

"Some relationships?" I queried, intrigued by the plural. It was kind of weird to think about it, but of course, over all those years, Dave must've been with other people. I blinked, feeling an unexpected pang of jealousy creeping into my chest.

"Getting a bit jealous, huh?" he teased, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. I huffed, rolling my eyes, and he chuckled. "I can tell you about them if you're curious... But can we eat first? I'm starving."

"Sure thing, let's chow down," I chuckled, snagging the flowers Dave had left on the table to put in a vase. "Just gotta give these babies a home first, right?"

After fixing up my new bouquet on the windowsill, I joined Dave at the table, and we both tucked into some pizza. Dave let out a satisfied sigh, closing his eyes as he savored the first bite.

"Someone's starving," I teased, shooting him a grin. He chuckled.

"Well, I've been stuck in the studio all day. Builds up an appetite, you know?"

"Well, spill the beans. Any other lucky ladies in your life?" I grinned, and he scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"You really dying to know that?"

"If you're up for sharing. Just curious," I shrugged. He smiled, letting out a soft sigh as he reclined in his chair.

"Alright, let's hear it. Where do I begin? So many lovers, I'm lost," he chuckled, a playful tone lacing his words, and I huffed, which earned a soft laugh from him. "Just teasing, babe. Alright, let's see, after we split… I had a thing for a couple months with that chick James used to hang out with from the record store, remember the blonde one?"

"Wait a sec," I interjected, eyebrows knit in confusion. "You're not talking about Pat, are you?"

"You remember her?" he asked, sounding surprised. I rolled my eyes, caught off guard.

"Of course I remember! That whole mess between us might've been avoided if she hadn't decided to feed you a load of crap," I remarked, giving him a puzzled look. "I had no clue you two were together at some point."

"Together is generous. It was more like just fucking. Ended when I found out she was messing around with my guitarist as well. So, naturally, I had to give him the boot... It was a whole thing," Dave explained, nonchalantly. He smirked a little at my incredulous face. "I mean, she was pissed at you and James, and I was too. Seemed like a good idea at the time, you know?"

"Oh, yeah, what a brilliant idea. Already regretting asking," I grumbled, and he chuckled, squeezing my hand, his fingers lacing with mine.

"You mad at me?" he grinned softly, though there was a glint of worry in his eyes.

"Course not. But if this is how your love life kicked off after we split, I don't even wanna picture the rest," I muttered, and he burst into laughter.

"Well, it got a bit better after that... I think. I mean, then I met Diana. We were together a few years. Actually thought I was gonna marry her," he confided, then smiled softly at my intrigued expression.

"And why didn't you?" I asked.

"She wasn't you," he said simply, and I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks. He chuckled, raking a hand through his hair. "And truth be told, we weren't the best match. I... I cheated on her. A lot. And she wasn't exactly faithful either. After we split, I dated around, but nothing ever got serious," he confessed, meeting my eyes with a faint smile. "Enough to quench your curiosity?"

"Guess so," I mumbled, staring at my hands. Dave's romantic history over the past few years sounded oddly similar to mine, a series of dead-end relationships and heartaches. I chewed on my lip, a rush of insecurity washing over me, but realizing why he wanted to take things slow between us; as happy as we were to find each other again, we both had our own baggage to unpack.

"And what about you?" he asked, pulling me back from my thoughts. I glanced up, meeting his inquisitive gaze. "You mentioned you and James split... When did that go down?"

I sighed, nibbling on my lip. Discussing my thing with James had become a touchy subject lately. Dealing with the growing distance between us wasn't easy, but I knew exactly where it all had begun.

"We didn't make it long after Cliff... passed," I admitted. Dave reached over to grab my hand again, giving it a comforting stroke. "It tore us apart, all of us. But it was tough 'cause... James has always been a big part of my life. We gave getting back together a shot a few times, but it never stuck," I said with a faint smile, shaking my head. "Didn't have any epic romances after that. Just some short flings and a bunch of casual stuff that left me feeling like love wasn't worth the hassle. And then..." I looked up, locking eyes with Dave, who was studying my face intently.

"And then?" he asked softly. I gave his hand a gentle squeeze, a small smile playing on my lips.

"Then you found me," I finished, and Dave's smile widened, his eyes softening with a warmth that melted my heart.

"I'm glad I did," he murmured, rising from the table and gently running his fingers through my hair before leaning in to plant a kiss on my forehead. I let out a soft chuckle, holding his face in my hands and giving him a light peck on the lips. Dave wrinkled his nose, a grin spreading across his face, clearly pleased. "Your kiss tastes like pizza," he teased, and I rolled my eyes in mock annoyance.

"Shut it, Mustaine," I shot back, and he chuckled before stepping away to gather the plates from the table and wash them. I got up to help him tidy the table. "Still up for that movie?”

"Sure. You wanna pick?" he said, passing me the stack of videotapes. I glanced over the movies Dave had brought: Star Wars, like he’d said, plus a couple of action flicks, and one I was pretty familiar with.

"Hey, remember when we caught this on my birthday once?" I grinned, holding up the cover of one of Indiana Jones’ movies. Dave smiled back, leaning against the kitchen counter.

"Course, I remember. How could I forget? Your folks gave you that badass motorcycle, right? And I got you a necklace as a gift."

"I still have it," I admitted, grinning. "Kept safe in my jewelry box."

"I didn't think you'd hold onto it," Dave replied, softly. I smiled, stepping closer to him, wrapping my arms around his waist, and planting a gentle kiss on his jawline.

"Did you think I'd toss away the only thing I had left from you?" I whispered, and he let out a soft sigh, his eyes locking onto mine with intensity as he cupped my face in his hand.

"We better dive into this movie before I change my mind about taking things slow," he said, a mischievous grin spreading across his lips, and I let out a gentle laugh.

The rest of the night sailed by smoothly; we cozied up to watch the movie, sipping on wine and enjoying a few of the joints Dave had brought along. As the movie neared its end and our stomachs started rumbling again, we seized the chance to polish off a bit more of the pizza.

As the credits started rolling, I felt my eyelids drooping, more relaxed and at ease than I had been in ages as I nestled into Dave's lap, my head resting on his shoulder while he held onto my waist tight.

"I gotta head out," he finally murmured, and I grumbled softly, burying my face in his chest.

"You don't have to," I replied, and he laughed tenderly. I pulled back, meeting his hazel eyes, mirroring the unease I felt: we both knew that staying apart was way harder now that we'd finally found each other again. "Can't you crash here?"

"Wish I could, but you know I got that flight tomorrow, right?" he asked gently, and I let out a sigh. Of course, I remembered; Dave was jetting off the next day for a string of shows that'd keep him busy for two weeks. It was a quick tour, but I was already feeling his absence. Dave seemed to sense the same because he lifted my chin, nudging it up a bit so I'd meet his eyes. "Why don't you come along? I'm sure we can sort something out."

"I can't. Got a shareholders' powwow at my folks' company this weekend... Plus, I'm gearing up to start filming that TV series. Gonna be one hell of a week," I sighed, then flashed a soft smile. "But it'll be alright. You'll ring me, yeah?"

"Of course, babe. Every day. I swear," he promised.

April 3rd, 1992

The next few days zipped by with all my stuff going on. Things stayed pretty much the same; James and I still weren't talking, and it was really getting to me. Dave stayed true to his word and called me; even though we didn't have much time to chat with everything going on, we managed to touch base at least a bit every day, which put a smile on my face as I tackled my busy schedule.

Despite my worries about James, Dave being around made me feel a bit better, a subtle kind of happiness that brightened up my days like the sun on a spring morning. Then, the weekend before Dave's return started creeping closer. I had just arrived home, completely wiped out after a long day of shooting before finally getting a few days off, when I heard my phone start ringing. I grinned, eager to chat with Dave and hear about his day, but it wasn't his voice on the other end that greeted me when I answered the call.

"Hello? Can I speak with Nore Burton, please?" came a hesitant voice through the line. I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Hey, it's me. Who's that?" I replied.

"Oh, hey. Marty here, Marty Friedman," the voice introduced itself, though it didn't ring any immediate bells. "I jam with Dave in Megadeth..."

"Oh. Is everything alright with him? Did something go down?" I asked, a hint of worry creeping into my tone. The past couple of weeks had seen Dave and I settle into a rhythm, one that hadn't been disturbed until this moment. It wasn't like him to miss a call, let alone have one of his bandmates reach out instead. I wasn't exactly fond of receiving bad news over the phone, but I attempted to soothe my nerves; perhaps it wasn't anything that serious. Maybe he was just tied up and didn't want to leave me hanging without updates.

"Uh, yeah, he’s doing okay,” Marty chimed in, eager to ease my mind. "But things have been kinda rough for him... He slipped up yesterday, and he's been mentioning you so much that our producer thought it might be cool to reach out, see if you'd be up for spending the weekend with him..."

"Wait a sec. What do you mean, he slipped up?" I interjected, feeling a bit puzzled.

"Oh, shit. He didn't clue you in, huh?" Marty's tone shifted, a touch of tension creeping in. "Well, he just got out of rehab not too long ago. And you know, the whole touring grind can be brutal. I guess he was really missing you, and it kinda got to him."

I blinked, caught off guard. Dave hadn't breathed a word about hitting rehab, let alone wrestling with any sort of substance issue. I flashed back to our last hangout, where we'd shared a drink and a smoke, nothing too wild. Maybe Marty was hinting at something more hardcore than just booze or weed, but I brushed it off; Dave needed me, plain and simple. I couldn't stand the thought of not being there for him.

"Marty," I said, firmly. "Where are you guys crashing this weekend?"

 

April 4th, 1992

I showed up early at the gig spot where Megadeth was set to rock out, a massive concert hall, a far cry from the dingy dives we used to hang at back in the day. I was feeling a bit worn out from the last-minute flight, but as the moment to see Dave drew nearer, my exhaustion morphed into an excitement that made it tough to focus on anything else.

I linked up with Marty at the venue entrance, about an hour before showtime. It was cool finally putting a face to the voice: Marty turned out to be shorter than I'd pictured, sporting a wild mane of curls cascading down his back and a warm grin.

"Hey there. You must be Nore," he greeted with a friendly grin, and I returned it as we shook hands. "How was the flight?"

"Hey, Marty," I smiled back. "It was smooth, thanks. So, where's Dave?"

"Oh, he's buzzing around, getting stuff sorted for the gig. He's clueless you're here," Marty chuckled, and I joined in softly. Keeping my arrival under wraps from Dave had been my little scheme. I didn't want him stressing about it, but I was also itching to see the look on his face when he found out. "Come on, let's go surprise him."

We navigated through the backstage area, which was pure pandemonium, just as I expected with less than an hour to showtime. Roadies hustled, instruments and equipment being shuffled around everywhere. In the midst of the chaos, I couldn't help but notice a gaggle of girls who clearly weren't part of the crew. They stood on the sidelines, watching the frenzy with giggles and hushed chatter. Groupies weren't anything new on the Metallica tours I used to attend, and I was used to their presence, but I couldn't help but furrow my brow when I caught them exchanging glances and whispers as soon as they spotted me, their excitement morphing into something more cautious.

"What's with all the hush-hush?" I inquired, more intrigued than worried, directing my question to Marty. He glanced around, momentarily puzzled, before catching onto the girls' gossip and bursting into a hearty laugh.

"Ah, they're a bit miffed 'cause Dave's been giving zero attention to any of the ladies on this tour. Now he's always talking about you; reckon some of them are feeling a tad put out."

"Oh," I murmured, feeling a flush creeping up my cheeks. I hadn't even considered the presence of other girls on Dave's tours, but Marty's tidbit had my stomach doing somersaults, a newfound sense of assurance spreading through me.

We finally reached a quieter backstage area, a secluded corridor lined with closed doors. Marty and I made our way to one of them; upon stepping inside, I found myself in one of the dressing rooms, complete with a stocked fridge and cozy sofas strewn about. A guy, clutching a pair of drumsticks and sporting a ponytail of dark, flowing locks, rose from his seat at the sight of us.

"Hey, Marty! Who's the hottie?" he greeted, flashing me a smile as soon as he caught sight of me. I felt my cheeks heat up, instinctively taking a step back, but Marty swiftly positioned himself between us.

"Pipe down, Nick. This is Dave's lady," Marty retorted, and Nick's eyebrows shot up, his demeanor instantly turning guarded. Marty let out a sigh, turning to me. "Nore, meet Nick, our drummer. He's always a bit like this, don't pay him no mind."

"Hey," Nick called out from a distance, and I returned his greeting with a slight smile. "Sorry 'bout the 'hot' comment. Please don't tell Dave, I don’t want him to kick me in the nuts," he added, looking genuinely worried, which almost made me laugh.

Before I could answer Nick, the dressing room door swung open, drawing our attention. I couldn't help but smile as Dave strolled in, deep in conversation with a familiar face: David Ellefson, whom I'd crossed paths with years ago in Los Angeles.

"I don’t give a shit if he thinks we're idiots, I just… Nore?" Dave's voice trailed off abruptly as he caught sight of me, his expression shifting to one of disbelief. I offered a nervous but hopeful smile, my heart thumping in my chest as our gazes locked. He made his way over to me in quick strides, seeming unsure how to react. "Holy crap, what are you doing here?”

"I came to see you," I murmured softly. Dave's expression lit up with delight, and without a moment's hesitation, he pulled me into a kiss, his hands cradling my face tenderly. A surprised gasp escaped me as he drew me closer, wrapping me in a tight embrace before eventually releasing me. Stepping back, I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks and my breath coming in uneven bursts. "Dave!" I exclaimed, my heart still racing as I glanced around, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. But Marty, David, and Nick all seemed to be suddenly engrossed in anything but our interaction. Dave chuckled.

"Sorry 'bout that. Couldn't help it," he murmured, gently running his fingers through my hair, and I couldn't help but smile back.

The show kicked off before I knew it; I found myself perched near the stage, snagging a spot where I could catch all the action without getting underfoot. Watching Dave do his thing was mesmerizing; sure, I knew one or two Megadeth songs, but I'd never mustered the guts to catch 'em live. Dave upstage had this magnetic energy all his own, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I was genuinely pumped to be at a gig.

After the show wrapped up, the whole team congregated backstage to toast to a job well done, while the guys took the chance to rinse off and swap out their sweaty gear. I thought about snagging a beer, though I didn't intend on throwing back too many; my main goal was to keep Dave's spirits up, not to get plastered myself. As I made my way toward one of the coolers stocked with drinks, I accidentally collided with someone. I jumped, nearly losing my footing, but the person caught me just in time.

"Whoops, my bad," the guy flashed me a grin, and I recognized him as one of the sound techs, a dude a few years younger than me with dark hair, a set of dimples and dark eyes that practically screamed interest when he spotted me. "Hey there, I don't think we've met. I'm Brad. You new around here?"

"Uh, well..." I started, but before I could get another word out, I felt a reassuring weight on my shoulder. Glancing up, I spotted Dave, who had slung an arm around me, drawing me into a protective hug.

"Hey babe," Dave greeted, though his focus seemed locked onto Brad, who appeared to shrink a bit under his gaze. "Everything cool over here? You need anything?"

"Uh, I... I was just grabbing a beer, Dave. It's all good," I responded, feeling a slight flush creeping into my cheeks.

"Hey, Brad. Grab my girlfriend a beer, would you?" Dave's voice took on a hint of authority as he addressed Brad, his eyes still fixed on the younger man's face, a small smile playing at his lips. My stomach fluttered with a whirlwind of emotions, my heart racing. Even though we'd been seeing each other for weeks, it was the first time Dave had called me that.

"Ah... Sure thing, boss," Brad stuttered, swiftly turning to fetch a couple of beers. He handed them over to me and Dave before making a quick exit. I glanced up at Dave, who watched Brad go with a furrowed brow and tight lips.

"You alright?" I inquired softly. Finally, he turned his attention to me, his expression softening as he offered a smile.

"Yeah, I'm good. How 'bout you? Enjoy the show?" he asked, and I nodded, returning his smile. "Let's grab a seat, I'm fucking beat."

The next few hours breezed by; I was content snuggling up on the couch beside Dave, his hand never straying far from my hip or finding its way to my thigh as he bantered and laughed with the crew and the band.

It had been ages since I'd hung out backstage at a gig; soon enough, the party vibe started ramping up. But I could sense Dave growing uneasy, his eyes darting around anxiously when one of his roadies rolled in with some blow to pass around. I decided I'd had my fill; with Dave's recent slip-up in mind, I wasn't about to stick around in an environment that would put him on edge.

"Dave," I murmured, squeezing his hand softly, the buzz from the beer warming my cheeks but not quite enough to cloud my senses. "I'm tired... Can we bail?"

"Sure thing, babe." He jumped up without hesitation, indicating he was more than ready to split. He gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. "Where to?"

"I just wanna head back to the hotel. Maybe take a hot shower and grab a bite. Sounds good?" I suggested.

"Sounds perfect to me," he grinned.

Dave didn't seem surprised when he realized we were both crashing at the same hotel. He walked me to my floor, our hands linked, fingers intertwined, until we reached my room. I swung the door open and let him in. Turning to face him, I paused for a beat. He was right there, so close, his hazel eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine — a longing I hadn't quite picked up on until we were alone.

"I'm so glad you're here," he whispered hoarsely, planting a gentle kiss on my lips before drawing back slightly. I gazed at him, emboldened by the alcohol coursing through me, my desire for him growing stronger by the second. With one hand, I slowly caressed his chest, drawing my mouth closer to his once more.

He let out a sigh as I kissed him, starting off slow but quickly heating up into a passionate kiss, our tongues dancing in perfect harmony as he drew me even closer. With a gentle push, he guided me backward into the room, the kiss unbroken. I vaguely registered the sound of the door closing behind us as his hands roamed my body with growing hunger.

"What happened to taking it slow?" I teased, and he let out a scoff, laughing.

"You want me to dial it back, Burton? 'Cause I can always head back to my room if that's what you're after," he joked, and I chuckled softly, pulling him in for another kiss.

"You talk too much, Mustaine," I murmured, a grin playing on my lips, and he laughed, taking off my shirt before diving back into our kiss.

I guided him down, settling him onto the bed before straddling his lap, my knees nestled around his hips. He let out a contented sigh as I peppered his neck with kisses, leisurely unbuttoning his shirt. A soft moan escaped my lips when his hand trailed up my thigh, slipping under my skirt and gripping my ass. With a gasp of surprise, I found myself lifted effortlessly, gently laid back onto the bed as he pressed his body against mine. My hands roamed down his muscular arms as I finished taking off his shirt.

A soft moan escaped me as he trailed kisses along the sensitive skin of my neck, working his way down to my collarbone. His hand found its way to my back, skillfully unclasping my bra. I tangled my fingers in his hair, trembling as he took one of my breasts into his mouth, his tongue circling my nipple deliberately while his other hand cupped my other breast. It was everything I'd been craving; every touch set my skin ablaze, as if my body just wanted him closer and closer, until there was nothing in the world but the two of us.

He kept on sucking at my breasts so tenderly that my whole body was tingling, sending shivers down my spine and making me ache for more. My arousal surged, the wetness between my legs throbbing with desire. Then, he went lower, lifting my skirt until it pooled around my waist, parting my legs gently. His breath felt hot against the damp fabric of my panties as he looked up at me, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

"You want me to fuck you that much?" he whispered, his voice low and gravelly. I let out a sigh, my body trembling as I felt his warm breath against my skin. "You're fucking drenched," he murmured, and I gasped in response, earning a soft chuckle from him.

He planted slow kisses along the inside of my thigh, giving it a light nip before slowly sucking on the tender skin, leaving behind a mark that I knew would linger after he was gone. I whimpered, my clit pulsing with anticipation, craving his touch, but he seemed determined to savor every moment. Pulling back, he pressed a gentle kiss to my skin before moving to another spot, and then another, teasing and nibbling while his thumbs traced soothing circles on my thighs.

"Dave..." I sighed, pleaded, tears welling up in my eyes as I felt my entire body tense with desire. It was overwhelming; his touch was driving me wild, slow and deliberate, and I couldn't help but feel like I was on the brink of ecstasy, completely consumed by the moment.

I felt full, something I hadn't experienced since he’d walked out on me all those years ago. In the end, it was him — only him — that I needed in my life, his presence washing away any lingering pain I may carry. In that moment, I realized I was utterly lost; like Eve after taking a bite of the apple, I knew I could never be the same again after falling for Dave Mustaine.

I whimpered with pleasure as I felt his warm breath against my core, a tear or two slipping down my cheeks as I arched my back. Dave grunted softly as he peeled off my panties, then stripped away my skirt, leaving me completely exposed. He parted my swollen lips, his tongue teasing my clit.

"Is this what you want?" he whispered, pressing gentle kisses against my sensitive flesh. I nodded eagerly, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I tangled my fingers in his hair. He chuckled softly. "Just had to mark you first... Let everyone know you're mine now."

The way he said it sent a jolt through my whole body, a sharp moan escaping my lips. I knew I was on the edge, his touch pushing me closer and closer to the brink. And when he finally started to eat me out, his tongue swirling in slow circles, I couldn't hold back any longer. My whole body tensed, my heart racing, as I curled my toes and pulled him closer, consumed by a hunger that made him groan.

He gripped my thigh firmly, his hand gently clasping mine, our fingers laced together as I shut my eyes. Tears welled up at the corners of my eyes, mingling with the pleasure coursing through me. With my eyes closed, it was just him and me — his warm breath, the leisurely flicks of his tongue, his soft kisses, the gentle pressure of his fingers against my skin. His other hand held mine, tracing slow caresses along my flesh and it felt so, so good, that I never wanted him to stop.

"D-Dave..." I murmured as the tension in my belly mounted, opening my eyes to meet his intense gaze, seemingly captivated by my reactions. "Dave, I'm gonna... Oh!" I gasped as he released my hand, slipping two fingers inside me and curling them just right, setting off a wave of intense contractions that mingled with my growing moans, each one louder than the last.

I was pretty sure anyone walking by in the hallway could hear me, but I couldn't bring myself to care. Not when my orgasm surged through me, his fingers working tirelessly inside me as I arched my back, lost in the ecstasy washing over me again, and again, and again.

When he finally eased off, I was completely spent, my body feeling like lead as I struggled to catch my breath. He chuckled softly, wiping his chin with one hand before settling back down on top of me, planting slow kisses on my cheek as he shed the rest of his clothes. I let out a soft moan as he slid inside me, still sensitive from my climax, and I felt my body clench around him as I adjusted to his size. He groaned softly, nuzzling into my neck.

"I love you," he whispered, and I moaned softly as he pressed his body against mine, fully inside me before slowly pulling back, his gaze locked with mine. "I love you," he murmured again, easing back into me with a slow, steady rhythm that elicited more moans from me, my nails digging into the flesh of his arms. "Say you love me too... I know you do."

"I-I love you too, Dave, oh..." I replied, my voice teary as he thrust deeper inside me. He grunted, one hand tangling in my hair while the other braced against the bed. Leaning in, his lips crashed against mine, his tongue sliding into my mouth, and I clung to him, wrapping my legs around his hips.

"I missed you for so, so long," he murmured against my mouth, a blend of anguish and pleasure evident in his voice. I brought one of my hands up to his face, gently stroking it as I pulled back slightly to look at him. "Can’t fucking live without you. Not if you aren’t with me."

"I'm here now," I said softly, and he nodded before kissing me again. I sighed, feeling the heat building in my body as he moved inside me, his movements growing more erratic with each thrust. "I'm here, Dave. I'm not going anywhere."

"No matter how far you go, I will always find my way back to you. Okay?" he murmured against my ear, and I nodded, letting out a soft moan. "Always," he groaned, his voice rough, as he held me tightly against him. "I promise. I promise..."

I let out a loud moan as my second orgasm washed over me, my body trembling in waves as I buried my face in his hair, clinging to him as if I never wanted to let go. He grunted, his movements growing rougher and more erratic before he also reached his climax, his warmth flooding into me before his body collapsed. Our sweat and tears of pleasure mingled together as he peppered my lips with a million little kisses. I chuckled softly, my heart racing, my body still ablaze as he pulled away from me, lying down next to me with a contented sigh.

We lay there for a bit, cuddled up as we caught our breath, Dave running his fingers softly through my hair. I nestled my head against his chest, listening to the quick rhythm of his heartbeat as he kept me tight.

"Dave?" I finally spoke up, feeling a bit unsure, my mind drifting back to why I had come to see him in the first place.

"Hmm?" he replied groggily. I shifted, sitting up a bit and leaning on my arm to look at him. His gaze seemed distant as he traced his thumb along my lower lip in a gentle touch.

"Why... Why didn't you tell me about rehab?" I questioned softly. Dave blinked, caught off guard, his expression shifting from surprise to a familiar pain.

"Is that why you're here? Who told you that?" he inquired, his voice rough and low. I nodded, uncertainly.

"Marty did. But it seems like it was your producer's bright idea... He claimed the tour was taking its toll on you. Said you had a slip-up."

"Did he now?" Dave's tone was laced with bitterness.

"Dave, I’m sure he meant well," I reassured him, running my fingers lightly over his chest. "And besides, Marty made me swear not to let you chew him out for telling me," I added, earning a chuckle from him, the tension easing a bit.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, cupping my face in his hand, his thumb tracing circles on my cheek. "It's been rough dealing with all this. I didn't want you to see me as a screw-up."

"I'd never see you that way," I reassured him softly.

"I just felt like crap after slipping up. I was making progress, but the road life, man, it's fucking draining. And missing you... It hit me harder than I thought," he admitted.

"Babe, it's all right. You're not a failure for this. What counts is that you're putting in the effort," I reassured him, and he let out a soft sigh.

"You make me want to be better," he murmured. "It's always been that way; I never quite got why you liked me, but I wanted to be better. For you," he said, holding my hand in his, pressing gentle kisses on my fingertips. "I love you. But you don't have to save me."

"I know. But I want to help," I said, and kissed him softly. "Please, just let me."

"You're already doing wonders," he smiled, and I returned the smile, nuzzling into his embrace as he held me close.

"I love you, Dave," I whispered, relishing his closeness, his fingers tenderly running through my hair. He mumbled in response, a satisfied sound.

"I love you too," he murmured back, his voice gravelly, before letting out a sigh. "Thanks... for letting me."

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[missin-you-already]

Resident Evil Fic Masterlist

I've been meaning to get around to this. Gonna start posting new fics on here for the hell of it, but also gonna put drafts + the Ao3 links since that's the main place I post at.

[Rain x Alice] – Pre-Extinction (2k) – With the Desert Heat – Since the start of the end, things have not been going Alice's way. It's not that she thinks anybody else who survived has it much better. Or that there isn't a part of her that thinks she deserves it.

[J.D. & Rain + Rain x Alice] – Post-Resident Evil (2k) – Turning, Turning – Is getting a peaceful night of shuteye seriously too much to ask for?

[Bad Rain x Bad Alice] – Pre-Retribution (<1k) – I've Leave With You (Someday Soon) – Rain often finds herself thinking about the world outside the walls of Umbrella Prime.

[J.D. & Rain] – Resident Evil (>1k) – Right Between the Eyes; Over the Shoulder – All she can hear is his agonizing screams, the pleading repetition of her name as his hand slipped out of hers.

[Rain x Alice] – Retribution (3k) – Where've You Been? – It seems a lot of time has passed since that nightmarish night in the Hive, which feels like only yesterday to Rain. What the hell is going on?

[Alice & Kaplan & Rain & Matt] – Afterlife (3k) – Unexpected Reunion – After one hundred and twenty-seven days with no signs of life, Alice finally came across something of interest.

[Rain x Alice] – Post-Resident Evil (<1k) – Glad You're Here – Sleep is never something that Alice looks forward to.

[Bad Rain x Alice] – Post-The Final Chapter (>5k) – You and Her (Me?) – Rain doesn't understand Alice. She doesn't understand any of this shit.

[Rain x Alice + J.D. & Rain] – Pre-Resident Evil (>2k) – Remember Us – Rain already knew Alice's name before the whole shitshow began. Alice knew hers. Both of them were quite familiar with each other, actually. Well. More than familiar. They were close. They had something. Not that anyone would know.

[Rain x Alice] – The Final Chapter (<1k) – Before I Go – It's been nearly a decade, and I still find myself thinking of you. Maybe in another life, fate was kinder to us. Maybe things didn't start and end here for both of us.

[Good Rain x Suburban Alice + Good Rain x Alice + Good Rain & Becky & Suburban Alice + Alice & Becky] – Retribution (>5k) – For You, Anything – Rain feared that her wife and daughter had died in the midst of all this chaos. Thankfully, that's not the case. They're perfectly fine ...In fact, it seems Alice has even had the time to change her hair and clothes, find three burly guys with weapons, and grab some guns...

[Rain x Alice] – Resident Evil (1k) – Still a Chance – There is still a chance. The Red Queen wouldn't say it. She "didn't deal in chance", after all. But that didn't mean there wasn't one. Kaplan fried her, they seem to have lost the monster that killed Alice's asshole ex-boyfriend, and now they just need to get to the train and get the antivirus in time. Whether or not the antivirus would work at this point is up to debate, but overall, chances aren't looking too bad. That's what Alice keeps saying. Rain wishes she could believe her.

[Rain x Alice] – Extinction (>1k) – At the End of the World, I'll Stick By Your Side – Alice has been on her own for years now. She felt it was a necessity. That doesn't mean she isn't a little sick of it, though. More than a little.

[Rain x Alice + Good Rain x Alice + Bad Rain x Alice] – Retribution (2k) – It's Like You Never Left Me – Alice is no stranger to danger. At this point, she comes close to dying on an almost daily basis. Some brushes are closer than others; occasionally, it's less of a "close brush" because she does die. She's used to it, though. That's not the hard part anymore. "Just when I think there's no more shit left to hit the fan... you always find your way back here." It's coming back. "It's not so bad. I get to see you again."

In Progress...

[Bad Rain x Alice + Good Rain x Alice] – Post-Retribution (<500) – Content in the Downpour – It feels like a dream. Pure bliss up in the clouds. Being in Rain's arms. Having Rain in her arms. She can almost ignore how they hate each other.

[Rain x Alice] – Retribution (4k+) – Day In and Day Out – It was long ago that Rain lost hope. Spending day in and day out being forced to work for the same scumbags that started the whole mess with the virus, having to constantly look at the faces of people you've lost in the form of clones, having zero control over your body but a clear view of what you're doing... It's hell.

[Gen + Rain x Alice + Past J.D. & Rain + Past Spence x Alice] – Resident Evil, Apocalypse, post-Apocalypse (48k+) – Burning Up – Something wasn't right. If Rain had finally turned, if she was dead, then why was she still aware? Why could she see herself trying to dig her teeth into Matt's neck, desperate to tear open the flesh?

Pending drafts...

This is partially for me to get poked about finishing shit, and partially for me to actually keep track of my fic ideas because my past attempts haven't worked :^)

[Claire x Alice] – Afterlife – When those crows pop out of the plane and scare Alice before Feral!Claire jumps her, instead of that happening, Alice finds Claire mutated into an avian monstrosity that tries to attack her.

[Jill x Rain] – Retribution – Bad Rain is just OG Rain controlled by a Scarab like Jill. They both break free of the Red Queen's control and escape Umbrella Prime together (in a gay way).

[Gen] – Apocalypse – Matt and Rain and Kaplan mutate into mysterious monsters that stalk Alice in RC.

[Claire x Alice x Rain] – Extinction – Rain already joined the convoy and started dating Claire before Alice shows up. She's still into Alice, though, and Claire quickly catches on, which eventually leads to her also catching feelings for Alice.

[Rain x Alice] – Resident Evil – Time travel bullshit. So like, at the end of Apocalypse where Alice straight up dies? She wakes back up during the first film when that tank explodes, knocking her and Matt to the floor. She remembers the destruction of RC, remembers everybody dying or turning and has a chance to try and change how things end.

[Rain x Alice] – Extinction – Rain's DNA ends up being what creates the Super Undead. When Alice goes down to find Isaacs, she finds Rain imprisoned in a glass cage in a semi-zombified state.

[Bad Rain x Alice] – Retribution (kinda) – Alice gets captured by Umbrella. Rain is in charge of transporting her and they end up bonding during the long journey, resulting in Rain refusing to hand Alice over like she's meant to.

[Party Dress Rain x Alice] – Retribution – "Party Dress Rain" is the third Rain clone that didn't end up in the final cut. When she runs up on Alice and Ada, she's not a zombie, she's still alive... but infected.

[Good Rain x Alice + Good Rain & Becky] – Post-Retribution – Alice's attempt to save Becky and Rain takes a little too long. They end up separated from the strike team and miss the choppers, leaving them to get out of Kamchatka on their own.

[Rain(?) & Alice & Becky] – Retribution – Y'know that room full of racks of clones? When the Uber Licker shows up again, one of the Rain clones unknowingly gets knocked down. Without any of the memory imprints or programming Umbrella would typically give a clone, the Rain just kinda starts following them around and Alice... doesn't know what to do.

[Gen] – Resident Evil – EXTRA bad ending where the case with the virus/antivirus falls through the doors with the burning licker, and none of them make it to the doors before they seal.

[Rain x Alice] – AU – They're all motorcycle street racers and Alice is the mysterious, talented new chick who starts getting Rain all worked up and extra competitive. That's it.

[troperrific]

/ekuoto chapter 64 spoilers/

TRASH BABIES REUNION LEEET’S GOOOO

Look at them. So cute in chibi form. Still so horribly awful.

I love that Leviathan is drinking from a straw from the wine glass. It’s really cute and befitting her childish personality!

Now, the first thought that I had upon seeing the image above was: “Where is Mammon?! Show us the dumb crow, sensei!!”

After reflecting a bit, I came up with 4 possibilities, two of which I’ve seen people talk about:

Satan did not invite Mammon to the reunion because he’s a dumbass. This is the general consensus among the Demon Lords, so no one bothered calling him. Thus, they’re leaving him out on purpose (bullying);

Mammon has already returned to the surface, due to Tachibana’s efforts. So, he’s not taking part in the reunion simply because he’s not in Gehenna anymore. Of course, considering that Satan actually does have a smartphone, they could include Mammon via facetime call or whatever. So, in this scenario, I can only imagine they’re also excluding him on purpose. Probably because Mammon would be terribly obnoxious about being “reborn” already;

He’s still in Gehenna resting because of Leviathan’s “spanking”, so he can’t quite attend the meeting;

Mammon is still in Gehenna and he’s choosing not to participate in the reunion. In this particular scenario, I’d like to imagine that he’s sulking in his room over Asmodeus’ “victory”, while Mammon himself lost. Since, you know, apparently all the Demon Lords know about Mr. Priest rubbing one out (poor boy pfffffft).

The fact that everyone knows makes me think that Asmodeus went all around Gehenna being coy but taking any opportunity to brag about her “victory”.

In all honesty, Asmodeus acting like this is greatly amusing to me. Not so much to Beelzebub, though.

I do wonder whether he’s just calling Asmodeus out for bragging over a teenaged boy jerking off (which, to be fair, really is cringy loser behavior, no matter how you see it) or if he’s criticizing her approach as a whole.

You know, her entire scheme of pretending to be Mr. Priest’s friend under ulterior motives, cornering him, pushing to the edge and getting him to “fall to Lust” according to her views on sex/sexuality.

Because if that’s the case, then… well, he’s being kinda of a hypocrite!

I know amoransia already pointed it out but he really just straight up called Asmodeus a prostitute (淫売) in the original dialogue!! I’m—! Goddamn, man, chill!!

Joking aside, I always appreciate getting more insight about the dynamics between the Demon Lords.

It’s pretty funny to me how the… “sister” or “parallel” (?) sins don’t really seem to get along with each other. Mammon (Greed) and Leviathan (Envy), the two embodiments of “looking into someone else’s bowl” didn’t seem to get along so well at the end of Part 1 either, so perhaps it’s not surprising to see Mr. and Ms. “I treat almost everyone around me as pieces of meat to cope with my crippling loneliness” butting heads.

Something about the similarities being repelling instead of uniting them, and the differences between them worsening the rift.

As for the others… Satan seems to have enough authority to easily shut them up if angered. Of course, both Asmodeus and Beelzebub are currently weakened, so perhaps that’s a factor as well.

The demons are often at their hottest when they’re being scary, don’t @ me

The way Satan refers to himself here does imply a certain hierarchy, even between the Demon Lords.

In all honesty, Satan gives off the vibe of someone who’s either always angry, and is just usually looking for a more… “appropriate” moment to reveal and use his temper (so he’ll be justified), or of a rather mercurial individual- anything can set him off, so you always have to be on the lookout, since you never know when that anger will be directed at you.

…Still! I guess I can kinda understand his anger here… every single “family reunion” must be like this… He’s probably sick of it after millennia of this shit!! Can’t everyone just get along… for five minutes!!

It’s funny, however, to think that Satan, Lord of Wrath, has to play peacemaker between the Demon Lords… I mean, I guess it works!

Other than that, I don’t think Satan particularly dislikes any of the Demon Lords, even if he can get annoyed at their bullshit…

That being said, Satan’s comment here comes off as a bit passive-aggressive to me. Not sure why.

Leviathan… honestly, other than Mammon, she seems to get on just fine with the other Demon Lords? She and Asmodeus are quite friendly towards each other- to the point that they have nicknames for each other, Leviathan will go get Asmodeus from the surface and she’ll be happy for Asmodeus’ good mood over her victory.

But I’m sure we’ll get more insight on these dynamics later on. Hopefully, more often, because they are hilarious.

And on the other hand, Baba Yaga.

Because Vir is canonically a silver-tongued liar and one of the youngest/newest witches, I’ll wait and see how accurate the story he’s telling is, or if there’s another side or more nuance to it to be shown in the future.

That being said, regardless of the veracity of the story, there are a few points I’d like to analyze.

There’s an interesting parallel being drawn here:

Baba Yaga being the strongest witch of all time due to all the contracts she made with various Demon Lords vs Mr. Priest being the strongest exorcist of all time because he’s favored by the Archangels/God

and

Baba Yaga being lauded as a revolutionary who’ll kill God and change the world by the witches vs Mr. Priest being praised by the Church as the hope of humanity who’ll defeat Satan and save the world

…It’s quite funny, really, but here:

Vir reminded me of Marco’s worship of Mr. Priest an awful lot.

I do wonder where this manga is going with the concept of… “heroic figures” in general, I suppose.

So far, we’ve had:

The duality of such figures. Mammon is a “hero” to Tachibana and his followers, Beelzebub is a “savior” to the witches who worship him, but they’re both considered monsters by the Church at large (and indeed, Mammon is shown to financially support hate groups, while Beelzebub threatens to devour the world every time he’s out). Meanwhile, Mr. Priest and other exorcists are heroes to many people, and Mr. Priest, in particular, is highly admired by many other exorcists, but the witches see them as monsters, as shown in the previous chapter and in chapter 20 (?), when Charlotte recollects spying on the boy;

The brutal deconstruction of relying on a “savior”. Much of the manga is dedicated to showing the horrific effects this sort of role would have on a person’s psyche and their relationships through Mr. Priest. Baba Yaga’s story, however brief, also brings this to mind.

The last point honestly makes me find the fact that Vir and the other witches are supposedly trying to resurrect Baba Yaga just so she can lead or save them as their “revolutionary” to be quite… cruel. If she really suffered so much trying to save so many innocent souls who were unjustly damned to Hell, then why on earth are you going to bring her back just so you can use her?

Of course, I don’t know where this whole plan came from (if that really is the end goal, that is). For all I know, Baba Yaga herself wants to be revived (is she actually dead?) and has been communicating with Vir/the other witches from Hell. Maybe it’s just the witches doing their own thing, maybe it’s Satan just manipulating everyone.

But I digress.

Perhaps the answer to the problems “one’s hero is another’s monster” and “it’s dangerous to rely on a single person/entity to solve your problems/save you” will be that “change and peace are achieved through empathy/helping each other/etc”.

But who knows.

Also, it’s super unimportant but I’m a bit sad that in the translation they went with “Lady Yaga”, when they could’ve gone with “Granny Yaga”. Sure, the former is more respectful, but the latter is so much cuter :((

On a very unrelated note:

Kitty!! Are you Satan’s pet or are you Baba Yaga/her familiar?

Did the cat drag this skull all the way from where it was in the previous chapter? Just for the aesthetic??

That’s one dedicated cat!

[creepyalienghost]

Inky Reunion

Requested by: @youllallriseintheink thank you!

——

He ran his inky finger down the pale yellow wall, then he dragged his finger to the left, then up. Conducting to another line he pulled back and stepped away get a full view of the drawing he had just finished. The inky drawing contains to men sitting at a table talking and having a beer. Two men…him and his old boss and lover, Joey Drew. Henry hadn’t seen him in decades. Ever since he woken up in this world…this cartoon dimension. The man he loved was the same man that trapped him in this hell.

He met Joey the first time at a bar one night. He had just moved to town after a couple years in college then realizing it wasn’t for him, when a well dressed taller man sat beside him and introduced himself to him. When Henry locked eyes with him a few seats down, he instantly got the butterflies in his stomach. Joey was handsome and charming. He noticed and bought Henry a drink. Before he knew it, they were chatting together about their goals, dreams and family. They came up on the conversation of art. Both finding out they’d enjoyed and respected the arts. Henry even showed him a few of his drawings while Joey shares his progress of his company. Before the night ended, Joey had offered him a job there. Henry having no other plans for a certain job here took the offer. He figured he’d see how it would go and he could get another if it didn’t go well. The following week they met at the studio.

Safe to say, he loved working there….because he was now stuck here. Tricked by the one he fell for.

He sighed and sat down on the floor, leaning back on the wall. He hasn’t seen Joey in decades. In fact he doesn’t even know if he still alive. He knows Joey doesn’t own the pocket dimension anymore. That old creepy guy, Wilson, does. Since then he and so many others has been locked up in the pit. Sammy Lawrence in the one to his right. Where was Joey?..?

He often wondered this for hours every day and imagining different scenarios of where he is and what he would do. Even though he despised Joey for doing this to them all, Henry still vary much loved him.

His thoughts were interrupted by the door bursting open in the hallway of the pit. Like the other creatures that were locked up here, Henry went to the window to see what was going on. His mind couldn’t comprehend what his eyes were saying. Wilson’s goons were dragging Joey Drew into the pit. He looked old, dirty and defeated. Clearly he had lost his control of the dimension.

The two goons dragged Joey passed his cell , down the hallway. Joey looked beat up and Joey couldn’t help but feel sorry for but especially as the two locked eyes with each other. Henry could see the look in his eye. The shock of seeing Henry and a bit of fear of what would happen to him. He knew everyone hated him after what he did to them.

Henry watched as they threw him in the cell next to him but didn’t say anything to him.

——-

It wasn’t Intel the 3rd day before he got the nerve to talk to Joey. He stepped up to the corner they shared. “Joey…..hey are you ok?”

It took a moment before he replied back. “Henry?….is that you?”

“Yes…yes it’s me, Joey” Henry replied as he sat down.

His It was silence between them for a good while that Henry almost gave up on it before he heard it. “I’m sorry, Henry…”

He couldn’t even believe what he was hearing. Joey was sorry…? He never was sorry before…? Was this a trick?… Henry sighed in relief and leaned on the wall In thought.

“I know Joey …” he whispered after another moment.

——

Henry couldn’t sleep that night. Not because of what Joey had said. But because of what he was doing. He sound like he was passing back and forth. After what felt like an hour Henry rolls his eyes and headed to the corner* Joey. What are you doing?” He hissed. “The walls are paper thin”

“Henry? Oh I’m sorry I didn’t mean to keep you up…” he said after a moment. “I’m just worried about Audrey” he mentioned. “She’s out there alone fighting Wilson. We need to help her…”

Henry was surprised by Joey and how he actually wanted to help her. But he was right. Could he be acting nice to get help out?…. Maybe, but at th this point why act? “You really wanna help her?….”

“I do….” Came Joey’s voice though the wall. “I know I done terrible things… and I regret it. I want to make things right….better for you all….for my daughter…”

Henry nodded. “Alright ….but how are we going to get out of here?”

Just then they he heard a knock on the window next to him. There he found bendy, smiling up at him and gives him a wave. “Bendy….of course. He’s the way out” Henry mumbled then knelt down. “Hey Bendy. Can you help us out?”

Bendy nodded and opened both of their doors. When Henry saw Joey he felt hopeful now. Joey smiled at him and waved him over. “Let’s go. We have to help her and I got a plan”. Then he and Joey went off.

[pascaloverx]

FELLINGS — EXO K.J

PREVIEW

Summary: You and Jongin live wanting what you two can't have. For example, he wants to win over your best friend and you want him.

Warnings: This fanfic will describe some hot romantic moments and use of inappropriate language. In the future there may be both smut and moderate use of violence. Readers are warned. This fanfic will feature some members of EXO as characters but they are not part of a Kpop group in this scenario.

CHAPTER ONE

The imperfect day definitely exists. Not that your routine days are good, but today is proving to be a challenge. Your best friend was late to tell you that there will be an engagement dinner tonight. She is engaged to her newest boyfriend, who, by the way, despite being handsome, is also controlling. While I was responsible for confirming who will appear. You then went to the office where you work as a secretary for one of the most renowned businessmen.

"You're late, you know?" Kai says as soon as you enter the office. He is wearing a suit that is somewhat clinging to his body. Not that you should notice your boss's body.

"It won't happen again, sir. But I must point out that you almost lying under my desk is unprofessional." You say almost laughing, very subtly. He looks at you with a knowing look as if he liked what you said.

"Blessed is the day I accepted you into the company. That way I wouldn't have met one of the best people in my life and fortunately because of you, I met Luna." Luna is your best friend. Kai is kind in thanking me for having met Luna, as they actually knew each other before I became his secretary. Luna is a friend I made at school where I was a scholarship student during my adolescence. Kai and she were neighbors before Kai's parents sent him on an exchange program to a foreign country, and they lost touch. Years later, at a company gathering, Kai and Luna reunited because of me.

"I don't know if you can thank me for that. I was just the reason for your reunion. Which brings me to remind you that Luna invited you to her engagement dinner. Yes, I've already checked your schedule, and you have the evening free. In fact, you have a meeting with the majority stakeholders in an hour and lunch with that international model who was being considered as our next spokesperson. And your tie… it's a bit crooked." You speak while looking closely at Kai, reaching for the iced Americano he drinks every morning in Kai's hands, fixing his tie and collar. You can never quite explain it, but your fingers always tremble a bit when you touch your boss.

"What would I do without you?" He asks, genuinely smiling, of course, trying to pretend that Luna's wedding isn't affecting him.

"Probably get your own coffee and check your own email. Should I have someone bring your fancy black suit, in case you decide to attend the dinner?" You say as you finish tying Kai's tie. He looks surprised that you already know he's going to decline the invitation but will likely reconsider later.

"Am I going to be judged if I don't go?" He asks, and you laugh. How could your opinion matter in a matter that doesn't concern you?

"Kim Jongin. You're a grown man, and Luna is a grown woman. You have a past that I can't even specify. How could I judge you for not wanting to see the woman you have feelings for getting engaged to someone else?" You speak in an authoritative tone while staring at Kai with the most judgmental facial expression you can muster. After all, shouldn't he be the one to swallow his feelings and witness the person he desires loving someone else, just as he can't see an old flame getting engaged to another?

"I love it when I stress you out enough for you to call me by my name instead of the nickname. Go ahead and have them bring the gray suit I wore to that dinner where I reunited with Luna. I'll be at the damn engagement dinner. I hope you'll be there too," Kai says seriously as he sips his coffee, and you step back a bit. Knowing him for so many years has given you a certain confidence in predicting his actions.

"I'm the maid of honor, of course, I'll be there. But I'm not sure about the time I'll arrive; my boss tends to be very relentless and bossy. You might get there before me." You say in a playful tone. He looks at his phone, replies to two messages, and then turns to you as he prepares to enter the meeting room.

"Send me the address of the dinner, and you can take the rest of the day off. I'll be looking forward to seeing how you handle being a maid of honor." He says seriously, watching your reaction. You shake your head in disbelief.

"I don't need the day off; I'm perfectly capable of handling both business matters and personal affairs. Thought you knew that already." You say, not wanting to spend the day overthinking the upcoming dinner. Kai smiles slyly, as if to say he knows you quite well.

"Y/N, you're my employee and friend. If I give you a day off, just say thank you. And if you want, I'll let you buy a new outfit with the corporate card as a bonus for the hard work you've been putting in. Now, I'm off to my meeting, and if you're not heading home, consider yourself fired. See you later." He says authoritatively, staring at you. You're left speechless, and he walks away while you accept the offer. Sensing that tonight promises several complications, you grab your things and head home.

Continues...