#and the last two shots show her alone in the tunnel dreaming of her family (squirrel bramble fire sand leaf and lion and jay)

[sallytwo]

... The poem may be an elegy for childhood losses.

(On Dream Song 29, Thomas Travisano)

[thekillingjoke-haha]

Just You And Me

Summary: Sam and Dean are on there second hunt to find John. They need help from the one person who hates Wendigos the most Y/n Winchester

Prequel to What's Worse Then Wednesday?

Ten years ago John had his first encounter with a wendigo a family went hiking with a full group of fifteen and no one has came down from the mountain in almost a month. Having asked a more experienced hunter John wrote down things he needed to remember as he went up the mountain a bag with Molotov ,lighters,and flare-up. It took almost a week to find the small mine shaft his brown eyes widened at the seen. Male and female limps were torn of and only some still had enough meat and clothing to be identifiable. Some bodies were on hook that resembled mountain climbing gear. None of them moved except for one. Stepping closer a six year old girl was hanging from her binder wrist her eyes look into his scared before gazing over down a tunnel a thick trail of blood went down it as tears spilled down her face. "Mommy and Daddy are gone. I next." Her voice cracked and a unhuman beastly type growl echoed. "I'm gonna get you out of here, darling." That's how John Winchester met his adoptive daughter Y/n.

Its been seven years since then and the little family the Winchester's made for themselves was falling apart. It broke John's heart that he pushed away his youngest son when he wanted a way out of this life, but when his adoptive daughter wanted to hunt more big league he almost blew a fuse. Y/n was young really fucking young to be hunting on her own,but it could have been worse she could have cut off contact with John and Dean. Now two years later John's missing and the siblings need each other.

The h/c teenager hissed as she cleaned the deep cuts on her shoulder looking into the bathroom mirror. A fucking blood suckered clawed at her shoulder taking advantage of the other two she beheaded. The burner phone on the back of the toilet rings as she grabbed it putting it between her ear and none injured shoulder. "Kinda busy Dean-o." She mumbled slipping the antibacterial cream in the cuts making the surface pink. "Dad went on a hunt and hasn't been back yet. I got a call last night and it sounds Ike somethings under it." He said the sound of baby let be know he's in the car. "Send it over to me and I'll have it back to you by the hour. You leaving New Orleans?" She ask starting to Butterfly stitch closing up the cuts. "Yeah left about two hours ago heading to California." Pausing and shacking her head. "No no no no no! You're not involving Sammy! He got out the life let him stay away and safe." Y/n finished up wrapping her shoulder as she walked out the bathroom to put on a shirt. "I need to,n/n. I won't keep him long we are just gonna check out the place dad was last at. The question is are you coming." Licking her lips she sighed. "I can't I'm in New York right now just took care of a nest in Brooklyn. I won't make it cross country for a couple of weeks." Dean let out a heavy breath. "I know,but I also know you're avoiding Sammy." Maybe the youngest wasn't the only one heart broken after one of her protectors,her best friend left in a huff and hasn't answered a single call.

The silence was drawn out as Dean's phone buzzed against his ear. "There your voice-mail put it through a gold wave. Sounds like a vengeful spirt bring rock salt for the shotgun." Dean chuckled. "Thanks baby sis...wait did you put me on mute to ignore me!?You bit—" That's when the line went dead. The h/c girl giggled as she layed on the stiff musty motel mattress. Her eyes closed,but her mind ran ramped.

The woods they were dark and seemed to loom over her. It was so quite no sound came from anywhere not even the wind dared blow. Crying filled the the air it was that of a child. It grew closer till it disappeared all together the claw marks on the trees marked the familiar place the blood soaked leaves crunched behind her causing the teen to go stiff. She knew what was behind her it was the same thing in every dream for ten convective years even if she knew her body wouldn't allow her to act she was that same scared little girl paralyzed as the horror show continued. The creature yelled,but it echoed in all directions. "HELP US!" Dean and Sam's voices shocked her awake her body pinned in fear as she looked at the Wendigo on top of her. It successfully restricting movement if her whole upper body. Blinking hard it was gone and air filled her lungs like rushing water. It meant nothing...nothing at all.

It's been almost a two weeks since Dean's call. He often text since Sam tried to high jack his phone last time he tried calling. Sam and Y/n didn't exactly end on the best of notes. "Come with me." Sammy looked at a younger Y/n who shook her head. "No. I can't leave dad and Dean. Not like this." The dust has settled after the heated argument between father and son and the rules were clear the moment he walked out those doors he stayed gone. "Don't call him that." His mood seemed to shift back to angry,but something else was there. "Call him what? Dad?" The young girl was confused now. "He's not your dad." It wasn't a secret that Sam harbored negative feeling against his sister they were never anything serious,but he still somewhat loved her just not like a sister. "You're not apart of this family you can get away,but no you're going to stay here and become their weakness!" He points at John and Dean who were just behind her. "I'm not a weakness! I got their back like they've got mine. That's what's family's for!!!" She shouted her eyes welling with tears not letting them fall,but they slip out at his next words. "Your family is dead! Did you save them then?! Maybe if you did we wouldn't be stuck with you!!!" The room was still no one dared breathed Dean stared wide eyed at his baby brother as John grew tense grasping the neck of his beer bottle in a vise grip while same looked like a deer in headlights. A sniffle brought the three men's attention to the girl. Tears streamed down her face before she used a open palm to whip her face dry. "Just go. Cause that's what you do best you runaway from your problems and wait til Dad or Dean can fix it." The thirteen year old snapped at him as she pushed on him as he just stumbled back. "You're nothing,but a coward and a pathetic one at that. I don't want to loss the little family I got for myself you're so willing to walk away from them it shows how different we are...nothing,but two strangers." He stood in the doorways as the h/c teen grabbed his packed duffle bag and threw it into his torso making him fall to the ground.. "So just FUCKING LEAVE!!!" With that she slammed the door shut. What Sam couldn't see as he drove away from the dingy motel was the mess he left behind. A father struggling to keep his kids safe,a brother torn between hunting and normalice,and lastly a adoptive sister that can't help,but be different. Sam Winchester left his family in a worse state then imaginable.

Sitting in bed I looked at my phone hoping it rang or buzzed with a incoming message that said they were fine. Y/n jumped as the screen lit up the name Batman lighting the screen. "About fucking time you jackass!" Her words were harsh,but the relief filled her voice. "Yeah we just got out of Stanford campus heading to .... now." Dean said the sound of cars and wind slightly muffled his voice. "H-how's Sam after...after you know?" One thing that Winchester’s hated was emotions and even if they weren't blood she grew up the same. Nature and nurture going toe to toe. "I don't know. You can always ask him yourself you know." The h/c teen laughed as she ran her hand down her face. "Dean-o he's the same shaggy haired asshole that said I wasn't family. I'll give him a chat when we're cheek to cheek in hell." And another thing Winchester’s sure knew how to hold on to a fucking grudge. "God you sound like Bobby said if he ever saw dad again he'd be looking down his shotgun barrel." They both chuckled as the faint sound of a ding of a convince store rang out. "Well tell Samantha same goes for him." She picked her nails as she decided to get up. "What are you morons hunting anyways did dads ex-marine crap give you a clue?" The crunch a gravel on the line grew louder. "It just had coordinates,my name,and a note saying safe place with your name." Dean opened the car door and got inside as Sam approached him. "I don't know Dean I don't have a safe place in the middle of nowhere so keep me updated,Batsy." Sam looked over at Dean who switched hands to the furthest from his brother. "Copy that talk later,Robin." That's when the keep away match started.

"Dude what the hell I want to talk to Y/n." Sam huffed as his brother closed the flip phone dropping it on the floorboards next to his feet. "Your chances of talking to her are zero to none,man. Sammy she'll talk to you when she's ready." Dean sighs as he starts the car. The youngest huffed he will admit he was a shitty brother that night and everyday following he didn't like it,but he ignored her calls for a months till they just stopped.At first he was still heated,heated, he felt guilty,then he was too busy. Sam tried calling,but it disconnected immediately meaning she blocked him. He thought he'd see her when Dean broke in but finding out she's been taking her own hunts scared him shitless. And from what Dean told him she started after the first month she trained harder taking own bigger hunts with Dad before doing normal ones alone. Sam realized by leaving he took away her only need for normalice,her want to have something other then hunting. He took her slice of the apple pie for himself.

The brothers were in the fucking woods in jeans and flannels walking with a makeshift search party for a missing kid. They were in a abandoned campsite after they lost their supplies. The signal was shot and Dean's phone was useless in most areas. He sent a text as it waited for any signal to send. "' Going in the woods with unknown creature. You know the coordinates I'll call if we need you'" That was a bit of a lie. He knew what it was before nightfall,but he didn't want her to have a panic attack he wouldn't be there to help her. The guide Roy? shot blindly in the woods after something rustled and growled like no animal. The boys ran after him as he got snatched up into the treeline which made them quickly escape back to the camp. As Haley and her brother Ben slept Dean had first watch they weren't prepared and this was the last creature he wanted his sister to hunt. Not after last time.

Dean was on a hunt with Dad and Y/n while Sammy stayed at uncle Bobby's for exam week or some shit. John never told them what they were hunting they had to discover it themselves. The hunt that was suppose to last three days,but took almost a week the tried tracking it yet nothing came up,but more missing persons. The trio decided they'd go back into the national park when it was daylight again,but they didn't need to wait that long. That night they slept Y/n sharing the bed with Dean as dad slept in the bed to the right of them it was probably the quietest night they've every had so the fact that something breezed in under their noses scares them most. Dean rolled out of the bed to the bathroom closing the door after he turned on the light it illuminated the pale skinned beast in the corner. It creeper closely to the only adult in the room gazing at his body before turning to the smaller figure in the bed breathing evenly. It crept onto the bed leaning over her body the old motel mattress creaked as it settled onto her. The weight of the creature was crushing causing her breath to come out in a hissing wheeze as her e/c eyes opened before they filled with shock. Going to scream the crushing weight on her chest pushed all the air out along with breaking a few ribs. Her hand wiggled out from under him as she wiggled her arm to hit the lamp off the table it broke onto the ground and John shot up with his gun and Dean busted out of the bathroom both froze before jumping into action the young boy running to get a lighter while John shot at it just to get it away from Y/n. The boney supernatural creature screeched getting up allowing the girl to try and roll out of the bed it struck her back blood soaked her clothing as she fell coughing roughly knowing the fall made one of the ribs stab into her lungs. The males in the room were able to set the monster ablaze quickly getting out of the room John holding his daughter. Y/n was in shock like many victims they've seen that monster was her nightmare and it casual gazed at her having the ability to kill her at any moment. After going to the hospital she stayed at Bobby's for almost a month to recover physically and mentally. Wendigos are her yellow eyes.

The next day as the followed the tracks of the Wendigo a sigh left Dean's lips as he tried to call her it rung for awhile before dial tone at least it went through,but she must have been busy. About to hand up the girl took off running after the beast made itself know Dean ran to keep up with her Sam yelling for him to wait as he stayed with her brother. She managed to trip as he went to pick her up he was hit over the head as she screamed for help as he started fading in and out and the voice-mail ended with Cries of help.

Y/n sat in her car waiting for a update text form Dean she started driving close to where he was,but didn't involve herself yet she almost got a room at the motel when her phone buzzed with a text. It was a update to come if he ever called to head over and help with a thankful sigh she back tracked from the motel and went to the dinner as she left her 0gonw on the table to order food it vibrated with a incoming call. One missed call and a voice-mail. As she grabbed her bagged lunch she grabbed the stuff off the table going back to her car as she got in the driver's seat she opened her phone to see a missed call and a voice-mail. Dean never sends voice-mails so Y/n opened it and she almost broke her foot as she hit the pedal to get to the woods. "Dean wait up~*crackle of leaves and grunts*~Come on we gotta ge—~*Female Screams followed by a thud*~ DEAN!!! *Inhuman roar before cut off*" Y/n almost had a panic attack in the car,but the adrenaline made her move faster that was sent five minutes ago. Taking a deep breath she began calling any hunter supernatural or not that knew the area well enough. "Hello?" "Hey this is the ARIA. I'm F/n F/L/N you have been hunting in the area for forty years are there any identifying landmarks within those woods? So incase of emergency?" The old man happily spoke about clearings,cabins on the edge,river,and a abounded mineshaft and where they were. She quickly thanked the man before hanging up she pulled out a satellite gps as she got looked over were she needed to go. Grabbing a backpack she loaded it with everything she needed as she took off into the wood watch as she got closer and closer with each click.

Sam's eyes fluttered open as he grabbed his bearings. Dean was next to him which mean he got captured not long after Dean and got taken. Haley,Ben,and Tommy were to the right of him they were stuck as he tried to move or at least hit Dean and wake him up. His brothers eyes sluggishly opened as he looked around before turning back to Sam in shock. The heavy foot steps creeped closer as the half clothes supernatural being looked down at them even though they were hanging on meat hooks. It moved down the line of people about to grab Tommy when a soft cry echoed in the cave. It turned around and listened closely. The brothers strained their ears to hear what it was. The Wendigo sprinted off to investigate when something else came into the Winchester’s view. Y/n stood infront of her brothers mud,sticks,and leaves on her body to mask her sent. Walking forward with a knife she cut Dean down before doing the same for Sam. The oldest went to cut down the siblings as Sam stopped his sister. "Y/n how did you get here? You shouldn't be here the monster is a—" She cut him off with a anxious smile in her face. "A Wendigo I know,but you guys needed a hero so I'm here." Dean came over to them as he stood next to his taller brother. "Sammy's right though,N/n. You got to get out of here after what happened last time. This thing is different from the last one it won't sit still for us to shoot it." He had a point, but he knew that was years ago he was still scared he couldn't protect her. "I got this I can defend myself. Get these people out of her I can distract the man eater." Handing them both a flare guns She turned towards the opposite tunnel the beast went into. "That leads straight to a river follow the flow and after it stops you're only two miles from Baby." About the protest they hear a growl. Y/n quickly sprinted further into the cave making enough noise to cover them escaping.

"OH OH HERS SHE COMES WATCH OIT BOYS SHE'LL CHEW YOU UP! OH OH HERE SHE COMES SHES A MAN EATER!!!" She sung running lighting flares leaving a trail as she ventured deeper. Y/n pulled the rubber top igniting another about to drop it when a snarl came form behind her. "Well hello beastie." She didn't turn around evening her breathing before spinning. The red light illuminated the monster in a devilish glow she wasn't a scared little girl anymore she was a Winchester and Winchester’s chase after their demons. "Just you and me now." A roar sounded throughout the damp cave. The boys turn to look back they both wanted to run back,but both of them would have pit her in more danger they were injured and a extra body to look after would put her at risk. They saw the orange hue of flames and the sound of glass breaking. Standing anxiously waiting for her to come out they were thrown back by the force of a explosion pressurized by the small space. The rock of the cave entrance was about to crumble when a head of h/c hair running out with a limp as it collapsed dust clouded the scene before them they could tell if she even got out until it settled. The youngest Winchester stumbled forward as she smiled at her brothers blood coming from her head and her split lip. "That was awesome. I did a Indian John's." Dean ran as fast as he could capturing her in a bone crushing hug. "Do some shit like that again I'll kill you then myself." She giggled as she hugged him back. "Sorry can't hear you. Explosion ya know deafening me." Y/n joked as her brother pulled away from the hug. Sam walked over slowly almost testing the waters. "Hey Y/n." He said shaky as he looked down at her. She's grown alot since last time he saw her she had more scarred and hard exterior. "Heya Sam." Her e/c orbs looked up at him they were uneasy as she smiled at him before hugging her as well. "I missed you,Jackass." Her voice was muffled by his shirt as he returned the hug. Their relationship will never be the same they both had Dean as a buffer between them,but for right now in this moment it was just the two of them Just you and me against the world.

[karruunkasaara]

The Maiden's Dream

Days of time bled together... The steady sound of ocean waves beat against wooden planks, and shore. A crisp sea breeze of the night, and salty flavor of the air.

An overbearing nausea... Had it been from the abandonment, that left Karruun crying on shore? Or the kinetosis of traveling for days by boat? Stars stretched out like a blanket far above. An aurora like fog, and sky, fall into view. Moonlight reflecting the whispy strands of mist that surrounded these high cliffs, and much colder winds...

A pounding, and painful reverberation struck Karruun's heart. The realization of what had happened in Ravenport on that shore...

"When did that happen again?"

She asked herself in a confusion, as flashing images of her lover leaving creeped into her head. Creating an open wound of the heart... Reminiscent words echoed in her mind... But they too bled together as a concoction of voices...

"You're selfish... this isn't about you... Coward... A lost cause... Basically already dead... Fool... What if I don't know what I want?"

The voices kept repeating in her mind, vision beginning to blur in tears, as she slows to a dock, just at the forefront of that Aurora. Her thoughts flew into a flurry, thinking deeply about every moment with Rei. Yes there were bad moments, but strangely, she could actually think of every wonderful moment they shared. And it outweighed the worst. That feeling bore deep into her, and soon she found herself reliving other moments of her life.

She wiped tears from her eyes, as the thoughts darkened... Smoke, and dim surroundings. An Eredar, mauve in color, showed the cracks of Fel fire in her skin. She wielded a spear, and shield. Before the Eredar stood Karruun, decked in her heaviest set of armor.

"This isn't you Kasaara! Let it go! There is still -time-!"

Karruun had yelled out, pleading with her corrupted sister. But Kasaara could not see her Karruun in that moment, could not see anything but an enemy in front of her. The Eredar lashed out, and the battle lasted but a few moments, as a Spear pierced into Kasaara deeply.

Karruun would remember catching Kasaara, holding her in her arms as the life faded from her eyes slowly.

"Don't... lose your way... sister..." Kasaara's hand reaches and cups Karruun's face. "Don't... h-hide you....your emotion... like father..." The final breath slip from her lips, and her hand falls.

A war in Nagrand would come to mind, the fall of the Spear Maidens there. The demons, and orcs who ended her father's life, putting his head to spear... The absolute unending rage she had felt when -she- was the one to hunt every one of those down who brought a near end to her family.

Karruun squinted out the last bit of tears from the memories. So, busying her mind would be the answer for now. She anchors and ties the small ship, setting supplies to shore. Her gaze would follow the stairs that climb all the way to the top of the cliffs. Swallowing back the lump of her emotions, she began her work. After a few hours, all of the supplies would make their way to the top, and into The Maiden's Grove.

The whisps of fog, and magical aurora alike, drifted calmly in the small forest. The ambiance of separation from society, from people. Just to be alone with her thoughts, her emotions, and nature itself. A shaky breath, and a shake of her head, she continued her busy work. Unpacking rations, bedroll, waterskin, and incense. She would complete her work hours before the dawn could approach. The aroma of starflower, and incense filled the thicket.

Finally stopping to rest upon a rug, and pillows beneath the roots of the eldest tree in her charge. Planted just beneath this tree were old testaments of her life on Draenor. A series of plant life that held meaning to her, kept to grow like that of Bonsai's. A willow of Shadowmoon, the blue mushrooms of Zangar, and the starflowers of Nagrand. As she sat staring at the Shadowmoon willow tree, her mind began to ponder the events of the last two weeks, until her eyes closed. Incense wafting into her nose.

A dull thrum would grew audibly, her chest expanded and released in harmony. Arms weakining, resting to her lap. Head slumping forwards into-

~Thoom~

The steady vibration sounded.

~Throom~

The sound became clearer.

~"Groooow..."~

A voice?

~"Grove Maiden."~

The words suddenly breathing into ear, or perhaps her mind. Deep, eerie, as if connected to her very being. She inhaled sharply, deeply in a fright.

~"Caaaalm Child..."~

Silence, then suddenly...

Pink clouds, a setting sun, a lush green land below... Focus to a mouse... Hunger, and excitement, as the dive began towards its prey. The wind, passing through feathered wings, and the owls screech.

A shift...

~"Live throoooough us..."~

Night, darkness in the deep jungle... unassuming rabbit... The deep rumble of a low growl. The speed, as muscles flex, claws protrude. Another meal aquired, the taste of blood... slinking stealthily into the night...

~"Let themmmm live through yoooou."~

One by one, living and breathing as the animals of the wild. The spirits Karruun had found the most affinity with in her years would come to her. The owl, the cheetah, the bear, the clefthoof, and the pit viper. All living through her... And she... living through them.

A cold wind seemed to shape the shift, as the voice seemed to say something, but it became lost, and garbled.

~"See... Feelings... Those you... focus too long."~

A shakier breath, and the shift came once more. Personal thoughts, playing into dream... She saw Chandrei, knelt upon the ground, tears streaming down her face. She couldn't see where, or why, and even as Rei spoke, no words were audible. Just an overwhelming feeling to mend a family lost... and deeper pain than even Karu could truly understand. Karruun reached out, as if to try and hold her...

"My love... I am here."

But much like touching an undisturbed pond, the image just as quickly rippled away. The feeling returning to her yet again, abandonment, unable to help, and the spiral began again...

Lymantria's voice echoed "Selfish". The thief who almost shot Karruun in the back of her head, before he let her live, because she was basically already dead, and a waste of time. Pain gripped her, and a darkness began to take hold.

As another shift took place. Soon red webs like a tunnel filled her mind. At the far end, her sister Kasaara, before she was ever corrupted... Turned and smiled to Karruun, her soft sweet voice sending a chill down the Dreamer's spine.

"You alright there? You seem down, have you lost your way again Sis? You've only ever done what you thought was right, and -you- were the one who always told me to follow your heart. " Kasaara's head tilted to the side, as a more sombered smile encroached her lips. "So... where is your heart Karruun?"

The images of the webs spin away, and Kasaara suddenly explodes into a dazzle of... fel green shards. Karruun's heart thumps, a squeezing feeling, darkness beginning to envelope her.

An anger unlike anything before began to take to her-

~Settle child, focus...~

That deep voice echoes out once more, fully heard... As if a hand had grasped her from falling deeply into a void. Another sharp breath, and Karruun opened her eyes. The very spirits of the wild she had called to, perched, or stood staring deeply into her. The voice spoke again to her, and all of the spirits around her seemed to speak in unison.

"You experience the Dream Grove Maiden, when next it comes to you, let it ebb and flow through you, take heart, Karruun. The best is yet to come..."

The images fade, the voice fades, and soon darkness becomes light-

Karruun sat up from under that tree, just as the first rays of dawn began to warm her skin. She squints, and looks around herself... no spirits, no Chandrei, no sister... Just her... and The Grove. A gentle wind would blow, leaves rustling down around her.

She stood and walked to the edge of the cliffs, looking out over the sea. A dream... The dream? She felt weary, and drained... Days of time bled together... The steady sound of ocean waves beat against wooden planks, and shore. A crisp sea breeze of the night, and salty flavor of the air...

[hecohansen31]

Sharing Is Caring:

Boxer! Ivar The Boneless+Reader+Boxer! Roman Godfrey.

(A/N): Hello there, lovelies!

Still not in the best headset, but since I don’t like leaving my projects to die, in my Word, here it is a little thing I manage to “finish” for @walkxthexmoon, who introduced me to this OT3, plus those two, plus boxing and my ovaries are on the ground begging for mercy... don’t mind me...

I am rather sorry I wasn’t able to write smut, I swear I honestly tried, but also... I just haven’t felt up to smut till this morning and I think that this fit better without it, so that your imagination can do a better job than my writing (and if you have any request, REQUESTS ARE STILL OPEN... I am just very slow at catching up and write fanfic in the middle...).

So that was all and I hope you’ll enjoy this.

WARNINGS: Mention of Sex, Threesome, Jealousy, Poly-Relationship, Jealousy and Envy, Mentions of Substance Abuse and Blood.

Ivar couldn’t help but have a problem with her.

With “her” being his best friend’s girlfriend.

He couldn’t help but have this kind of awkwardness around her.

At first, he had thought it was because he was used to it being only him and Roman, the golden bachelors of boxing, with them always supporting each other through their ups and down.

It was an understatement that he had been less than thrilled to meet the ‘special lady’ Roman had been lusting after since a month.

But she had been truly angelical, and never ever had tried to break apart them, giving to them their own time and their own thoughts, never interfering with their nights-out and being gentle and calm towards him.

On his part he had been quite grumpy with her, mostly due to that uneasiness that he felt whenever she was around.

Mostly in some kind of undressed state.

Such as the one time he had come to wake up Roman early for practice, just to be welcomed by her on the threshold, wearing Roman’s sweatshirt, a bit too big for her and slightly short…

… enough that as she had raised to kiss Roman’s cheeks as a “goodbye” he had caught the elastic of her lacey panties, a cerulean blue that he had dreamed after his workout, coming onto his hand, in the shower.

He hadn’t wanted to admit it, but he got it bad for his best friend’s girlfriend.

But there was no way that she would be even slightly interested into him, not to talk about the fact that Ivar was Roman’s dearest friend and he shouldn’t have even thought about her like that.

That time after he had gotten himself off, he had just felt dirty and hadn’t been able to look either her or Roman in the face for a week.

He had tried avoiding her, but Roman had asked worried, if maybe… he just didn’t like you:

“I mean… she is perfect man, but if you…”.

“No no, Roman, you look great together” he had tried to stop the question, but sometimes Roman would just irk him badly and he would need a cold shower, since the exhibitionist that Roman had always been didn’t save him any details about his fiery nights with her.

One night, he had dreamed about him doing those things with her.

But it had all stopped when he had realized that, in the dream, his legs were working.

And he had been horrified by it enough that he had spent the first sleepless night of many.

He respected Roman with all his heart.

He had been one of the first to believe in Ivar, even with his legs, getting him not only to start his own try-outs, but also continuously supporting him through the entire journey to fame, no matter the fact that he had himself quite some problems, mostly with substance abuse.

That is another reason why she was perfect for him: Ivar hadn’t seen him shoving anything up his nose, since they had started going out and he appreciated her for that.

“Sometimes I wonder whether I am just another pretty thing on his arm” she had mumbled once, after Roman had won the umpteenth match, they had been watching from the stands, just for a flock of girls in scant-clad costumes running up to him, with thrilling screams and promises.

Ivar had seen her truly scared as if she didn’t understand that Roman was the one lucky being with an angel like her.

He would have cherished her enough that she wouldn’t have ever wondered whether she was the only one or not.

But he had just muttered that Roman would never cheat: yeah, he might have a wandering eye, but he would never disrespect her like that.

“Uhm” she had mumbled, not convinced, before coming close to him, closer than he felt comfortable with, since he could totally smell the pretty perfume she had worn, although it would be soon covered by smelly fried food and sweat, something flowery but discreet, with a deeper accent to it “… sometimes I am jealous of you… you know him so well… and sometimes… I can never guess what is going on in that pretty head”.

Ivar had just blushed and shrugged off, before he had moved to the locker rooms to talk with Roman.

“Shit… I am pretty lucky to have her, am I not?” had asked, there, Roman, meanwhile he unlaced his bandages from his hands, confronting with Ivar his technique, since he was the only one, he truly trusted.

“Yeah, you better not forget it” he had mumbled, almost not even thinking about his words, which had taken Roman quite by surprise, and he had immediately shot him a confused look, with his sharp eyes.

“What do you mean?” he had shot back, stretching his fingers and his legs, quickly before slumping up, meanwhile Ivar settled himself onto his crutches, almost wanting to escape this conversation, although he knew it was impossible.

“She doesn’t feel very cherished… with you fawning over those girls, instead of coming to her, once the match is over” he had replied, knowing that he could have simply said nothing, and he would have seen his friend maybe lost his pretty girl.

Then he might have had a chance.

But he knew better than to try out this, since he knew perfectly that it would have destroyed Roman.

He couldn’t do it to his best friend. Just for a girl.

“You mean I need to do the entire “Adriana” thing” had joked Roman, before strutting off the locker room, waiting for him to catch up “I’ll keep it in mind, my dear friend”.

And he had.

For the entire house party, on Halloween he had followed Ivar’s suggestion, remaining attached to his girlfriend, even for the silliest of things: Rocky and Adriana indeed, with her looking like a true angel, even in that awkward and last minute costume, meanwhile Roman comfortably stayed shirtless, joking about both Rocky and him being great boxers.

It was low key awkward for him to be standing between them, but things soon got even stranger, when she leaned onto him, moving softly closer to him to whisper something stupid in his ear, which he didn’t quite grasp, suddenly concerned with the nearness of her hand to the bulge in his pants, spurred by her action.

“… Ivar are you listening to me?” she asked, when she saw his unfocused gaze, and he simply shook his head.

“Sorry the music is just too loud” he justified, before moving away, with the suggestion that he could get them some drinks, which was welcomed by Roman, with full thumbs up, but he used the occasion to get away from them just to breath properly.

Accidental touches like that weren’t something he was unused, but other people avoided him like he had the plague, thinking that whatever he had on his legs might spread to them.

So, he couldn’t help but be a bit shaken by the way she had moved onto him, giving him a good show of her cleavage, although he was sure it was totally accidental.

He truly didn’t understand how could such a girl would go for him, when she could have had someone like Roman.

His friend was one of the best boxers of the year, training and getting his life back from the tunnel of serious drugs he had started his career with; he had been the one sponsoring Ivar’s training, since nobody in his family wanted to support what they had called “his decision to kill himself”, alongside the fact that coaches wouldn’t even try anything with him.

He was too broken for anyone.

Except Roman.

So, he honestly needed to cool himself down, before he stood up to face them, again.

When he came back, she was alone and he made himself a mental note to tell Roman that he shouldn’t leave such precious girls all alone, mostly with him as a big bad wolf, wanting desperately to taster her.

She seemed totally ok, comfortable with him, meanwhile she explained that Roman was on a smoke break.

“Can I ask you something silly, Ivar?” he was low key busy trying to understand whether it would have been considered rude for him to join Roman, leaving her there, or if he could stand next to her, without popping a boner.

There was no chance he could when she smiled like that and blushed so divinely.

“Go ahead” he tried not to seem too affected by it all, meanwhile he played around with his costume, a simple “this is my Halloween costume” sweatshirt, since he honestly couldn’t be bothered by these commercial things.

(He low key had thought about going to the party, in his Viking costume, but he hadn’t wanted for anybody to ask him who the hell he was, alongside somebody spilling his beer onto it).

“Do you not like me?” her shyness could be heard in the softness of his voice, meanwhile she played around with her hair.

He was honestly taken aback by this, but he could seen where this was coming from, although he was sure that Roman had probably just told her that he was simply grumpy.

She took his silence as a confirmation of her thoughts, but this didn’t stop her from moving closer to him, nudging her shoulder against his.

“… you just never seem happy to be around me, and I thought that at first it was simply missing your best-friend, but nothing seems to work”.

How could he tell her that honestly was attracted by her, but had this grumpy persona to keep himself from ruining his friendship with his best-friend?

“It’s nothing personal…” he started, trying to avoid facing her, but she somehow found a way to face him and make him face her: she was pretty headstrong, and Ivar could see why Roman liked her so much.

And why he, himself, did too.

“Then, please tell me, because I don’t want to put some dent in your relationship”.

‘Then please just go around with a bag of paper on your head’ he would have gladly mumbled, but he just couldn’t and before he could do anything, she was damnably close to him and he felt her perfume all over him: she had changed it, to something darker, much more dense, although it was still extremely feminine.

It had remained tangled in her hair and he could see the power of it shifting as she played with them, to keep her mind off, and waiting for an answer.

But he was too focused on her lips: she had worn some kind of red lipstick, which had been roughly smeared by Roman’s kisses and the few drinks she had taken, letting Roman finish them for her, in a disheveled detail that drove Ivar wild.

And crazy enough that with no knowledge of the entire thing he pushed himself to finally kiss those smeared lips, pushing himself onto her with such a strength that he felt her tighten under his hold, before she gently relaxed, somehow her lips becoming warm as if they were accepting his, as they gently delved to return the kiss.

And in that moment Ivar realized that he had fucked up.

For Odin’s sake he was kissing his best friend’s girlfriend!

He pushed himself away, meanwhile she gently looked at him, surprised as if she hadn’t expected it.

Which was probably the reality of the things, since Ivar had kept up this entire “I don’t like you” persona with her.

“So, this is what happens when I go out for a smoke break?” Roman’s voice caught him by surprise, and he felt her tremble against him, since they were close enough, and he pushed himself even closer as if to shield her from Roman.

He wouldn’t be certainly violent towards her, but he wanted to avoid his drunken state making him do something that he might regret.

And in the end, it was all Ivar’s fault.

But as he turned around, he found that his friend wasn’t in the slightest annoyed but instead was smirking, hiding it barely behind a glass of whiskey, he had probably picked up from his smoke break.

“Honestly I was hoping this might happen, sooner…” he mumbled, as he set himself down on the little sofa in front of them, setting his glass down”… it was kind of annoying to see you dance around each other… so painfully awkward”.

“You knew about my crush?” asked Ivar, suddenly realizing that it was true: Roman had known about it all “You knew about my fucking crush and let me fucking continue on this road, you fucked up son of a bitch”.

In the meanwhile, she raised up, looking at both the guys, before throwing a pillow in Roman’s face, who quickly caught it.

“You lead us onto this” realization shook also her face.

“Oh c’mon, you couldn’t expect me not to do anything, after you confessed me that you thought that Ivar was fucking hot in that match in Chicago”.

Her face turned flushed red and Ivar’s mind went back to that match: he had gone down a few times, eventually coming on top of the entire match, with his nose broken and his lips swollen, and he was barely able to stand enough to be called the winner.

He remembered that since it was summer she had worn a pretty sundress, with sunflowers on it, and it somehow had highlighted the type of innocent beauty she owned, and to think that she had lusted for him almost as much he had lusted for her…

… well it was a strong aphrodisiac.

Meanwhile they were both bashing in embarrassment, Roman finished his glass of whiskey, settling it down with enough force that the noise startled them both.

“Now that you know, don’t you want to act out on those fantasies?” he almost seemed the snake that had tempted Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, his own tongue coming up from between his lips, licking them.

“What would you gain from it?” asked Ivar at the same time she mumbled.

“Are you trying to prostitute me to your best friend?”.

Roman shook his head laughing, before he sent a look at Ivar.

“I know that little Ivar here is a bit shy on these things, alongside the fact that he is quite the loyal dog so he is too scared to even go and try anything with you, but I can see that he fucking wants it, and I know that he won’t control enough for longer…” and then his face grew softer, facing her and holding an hand out for her “… I don’t mind sharing, if you don’t, too”.

The choice was in her hands, and Ivar felt like it was already going to be a “no”.

Yeah, she might have returned the kiss, but he was pretty sure that she would be too ashamed to event try anything with him.

She wouldn’t be the first and she wouldn’t be the last to think that

“… you won’t get pissed at me, will you?” she asked, shyly.

Roman shook his head slowly, although Ivar was thinking that he was simply lying.

Roman was pretty territorial with his things and his people, but…

… no sign of annoyance was found in his pretty eyes.

And she gently turned toward Ivar, offering her hands to help him up, which he automatically took, steadying himself, meanwhile he raised from the sofa, and Roman quickly exited from his pockets his car keys.

He was definitely in for a thrill.

When they all arrived at Roman’s apartment, Ivar couldn’t help but feel extremely nervous mostly because he felt like Roman might realize that this was just a HUUUGEE mistake and she might do the same.

But as soon as they were behind closed door, she returned the soft kiss he had laid onto her lips, at the party, with definitely much more passion than what he had expected, gently pushing him against the door, meanwhile Roman chuckled, throwing the keys of his house aside, as he slipped out of his shoes.

Ivar didn’t know what had gotten over you and before he even knew it, her hand had gone back to his thigh, and this time he was definitely unable to avoid popping a boner.

He was extremely thankful that she didn’t move further, although he felt himself almost moaning at the loss of her body against his, immediately cold and her fragrance mixed with her arousal, definitely less strong than when she was all over him.

She swayed her lips to move towards Roman, who looked like he quite enjoyed the show (almost as much as Ivar, who got to see all of her ass), leaning down to kiss her slowly, showring Ivar the entire anatomy of the kiss, as he pushed his tongue gently in hers, after he had bitten her upper lip, soothing the small hurt with a delicate kiss on it.

It was definitely quite arousing and Ivar couldn’t help but be slightly ashamed of his inexperience, immediately comparing his clumsy kiss to their, but he tried to avoid looking further, meanwhile Roman gently pushed her down in an half dip, getting her to giggle for him.

“Don’t be silly, Roman” she mumbled, before turning to Ivar, a bright smile on her face, almost making him blush even a more reddish color, with purple hues “… not in front of a guest”.

“Sweetheart” he gently took all her attention, bringing his hips onto her forehead, facing him as if he was expecting him to do anything and then turned her around, making her giggle “… don’t be a meanie, in front of the guest, or what will he think of us?”.

“That we are heathens” she muttered and then turned towards Ivar, sending him a deep look, before she pushed her lips out, sending a kiss in the air for him to catch “… but I don’t think that he minds it”.

He didn’t and gently pushed himself closer onto his crutches, grinding lightly against her till her mouth opened in a soft “O”, meanwhile Roman hid a smirk in her neck, before he donned it with pretty marks.

He could share but he still needed to mark his territory.

“… I don’t think that you could ever be an heathen, sweetheart” he whispered in your ear, softly, before biting down on your earlobe, making her yelp and push herself closer to Roman, who hugged her tenderly, but his expression held nothing of the sweetness he showed.

“This is just because you haven’t slept with her…” Roman’s smirk was seriously a Cheshire cat’s smile “… yet”.

“Well than shouldn’t you be doing something about it?” she taunted him, smirking softly, before she ran away from the two men, gaining a head start from them both and sprinting towards the bedroom.

Roman and Ivar just shared a look, before they moved to follow her.

Almost bumping into each other in their rush to reach her.

That would be a fun night.

[carebooks]

alright i watched the whole third season of House of Anubis

I first have to say how much I enjoyed the leads: Eddie and KT. They have such a good chemistry and they’re honestly hilarious together. As I mentioned before, I did ship them together when I was younger and first watched the show but with watching it again, I would keep them as friends. Best friends. (especially since KT is hella gay I don’t care what anyone says) They totally give me Cloak and Dagger vibes, especially in terms of partnership. At the start of the show, they were alone, they had no one to confide in, no one to be with, Eddie was torn about letting Sibuna know about Nina, still not over Patricia. KT just lost her grandfather and came to England on a quest with some key and vague warnings, she was hella confused but still did so out of loyalty to her grandfather (this baby is too precious and good for this world, i swear). And next thing you know, fate and Osirian visions bring them together. They form a partnership, they snoop around the Gatehouse, they form a bond. And I love it so much. What I love especially, is that at the end, when the sinners are everywhere and even the Sibuna members are taken as sinners, it’s down to Eddie and KT, just like the beginning. Sure, they get help from Willow and Harriet, but they lose Willow pretty quickly, and right at the end, Harriet sacrifices herself so they can get the other key and lock away the evil for good. And together, Eddie and KT join the keys and lock the evil as one. They started together, and they ended it together, and I think that was really poetic. I know that the Osirian and the Chosen One are meant to be the pair and the Ying & Yang, but in this particular case, Eddie and KT were a bond formed by friendship and hardship rather than destinies planned or written in the stars by the gods, yes fate brought them together, but only because they knew they could only accomplish their tasks with each other. I especially loved when they took down Ammut, and Robert tried a last ditch attempt to get KT to feel guilty over doing this, telling her that he would die if Ammut was locked away. It brings in KT’s loyalty to her family, even when it’s bad, but then Eddie yells during the commotion, “Don’t trust him, trust me!” And I think it really brings a full circle what a great partnership and bond they have.

Other than that, it’s really just random stuff I liked

i liked that Willow could sense bad vibes that Robert had whenever he was around Anubis House, as well as sensing the bad vibes that sinner!Victor and sinner!Patricia gave off. I kinda wished they could’ve looked more into that. Like she was naturally sensitive to these things or something.

Her relationship with Alfie was a nice touch, seeing him with someone who liked the same things that he did was real cute. Especially seeing them happy.

Victor and Sweet playing that card game gave me life.

Joy’s new attitude and look were certainly appreciated

While I preferred the Jerome that developed in S2 and won Mara over (especially over the course of the first season and second, i mean talk about a slow burn done right) and rather he didn’t cheat on her and Willow, the Joy+Jerome ship wasn’t terrible. I much prefer the developed S2 Jerome, I’ve said this twice now, but again, it wasn’t terrible. (but real talk? KT and Joy should’ve happened)

Amber being the one to bring Sibuna and the pair Eddie & KT together because *Amber Millington voice* “Hello people! Isn’t it obvious? Work together.”

Like that girl knew what was up. Well, she did invent Sibuna, not surprised.

Alfie was perfection this season, leave him be. Also, highlights of him:

“Crypts are for dead people!” “I’m afraid of everything.” “Guys, go! Get out of here! Sibuna! SIBUNNAAA!!”

I already talked plenty of Eddie and KT being the best, so yeah. But imma do it again anyway.

I have a theory that Eddie focused his primary Osirian instinct of being protective over the Chosen One to being protective over KT. Like he reffocused his powers to someone else for the time being. Nina wasn’t there, and when KT showed up in his vision it was almost like the house was telling him “You need to help her now. Keep her safe.” And I really like that.

It was especially shone a lot through out the season, and the last episodes too. 

When sinner!Patricia and sinner!Fabian had KT and wanted to exchange an artifact that Eddie had discovered, she told him to run and get away, like they did when Alfie told them to leave him behind. And he says, “That was Alfie, this is you.”

And when Eddie, KT, Willow and Harriet went to get the sun key from Caroline, and she managed to take KT and Willow and turn them into sinners, Eddie says, “Not KT,” very worriedly. Later on he’s hard on himself, “I can’t believe they got to KT.”

It was interesting that half the season was awakening the man in the tank and the other half was releasing evil into the world. Like a different feel for half the season, not many shows do that.

I kinda despise the fact that the things I didn’t like are probably going to be longer.

Let’s go paragraph first so, how about that plot? First off, the whole thing is very weird for Sibuna. The first two seasons were about riddles and thinking things through. They were real mysteries. In this, it was more direct, they had an obvious problem, they had to stop the bad guys from waking up a bad guy, and then literal evil converted their own friends against each other. It sounds super interesting for a Vampire Diaries or Teen Wolf or even My Babysitter’s A Vampire plot line (or just one episode) since those shows were more active based. This season barely had any hidden things or riddles, and half of it had Sibuna paranoid and working against each other which I’m sure no one really loved. Not to mention that the action mainly happened at the Gatehouse rather than the actual Anubis House, the center for two of the last mysteries. Now I know, I know, the new season couldn’t just be a copy, and having a third mystery with hidden compartments over the house would certainly be a lot for Robert and Louisa. But I mean, didn’t Het Huis Anubis have four seasons? They couldn’t just do their version of that? I’m guessing that they did something different (I really hope so, because if not, this is embarrassing)

things i did not like at all about this season

the fact that they twisted Mara’s character up in their new ‘messed up girl obsessed with a boy’ like Joy in S2. just- why?

the fact that they undid a bunch of Jerome’s development.

or how about the fact that all Jerome got to do this season was be part of a love triangle cheat fest and then a love drama with Joy. In S1 he shoved himself into Sibuna and Rufus and it was bad for him, but he was involved. And S2, he was just amazing, they managed to connect his family and his family troubles with something that Sibuna would’ve needed for the Mask of Anubis: the Frobisher Gem. It all came together perfectly.

we didn’t get anything of Mr. Sweet telling Eddie about his Osirian thing or their family history.

The way they treated KT when they thought she was evil. It was so messed up, honestly, that poor baby. (though I did appreciate that the other residents noticed, like at breakfast when she sat down and no one looked at her, and he said, “Good morning, KT.” and he just noticed something was wrong. And then Joy and Mara noticed. I just really feel like that was the moment where Jerome and Joy coulda been more involved with Sibuna again- wait what am I saying)

No, when they and Patricia and Alfie were at the Gatehouse and they tried to warn them about the ceremony is when JOY AND JEROME SHOULDA GOTTEN INVOLVED IN SIBUNA AGAIN. Or like, at least be more aware, I mean come on?? Joy, you’re better than this. And Jerome, you’ve seen enough weird stuff to know when it’s Sibuna-related and usually that means deadly-related so you’re whole having two girlfriends thing can wait for a while.

Caroline Denby sucked. (And Caroline Forbes from TVD is a fan favorite of mine and not to mention that MY NAME IS CAROLINE so imagine that).

the fact that we got rid of the real Victor was kinda just wrong for me. I mean, Victor has always been a pain in the ass with the kids, and he’s usually wanted what they were after as well but he’d never resort to murder or anything like that, so when he got turned into a sinner and lost his friggin soul (yes, they said that, this is true) we truly lost Victor and I didn’t like that at all.

Season 1 was all about a mystery but also partly conspiracy, there was a moment between all five of Sibuna where they got proof and realistic statements after Joy lied to them (at the insistence of her dad) they were starting to think that the mystery wasn’t real and almost backed out of the search. Remember? Nina said, “You guys aren’t giving up on me, right?” Anyway, that was that. It was all about finding more information about what really happened and what’s really going on. About finding answers.

Season 2 was darker, it was a race against time because unlike the mystery of the first season, this one was more about saving themselves. Nina’s life and her friends and Gran would’ve died, it’s a great motivator to go through the tunnels. And there were moments where we see just how serious this is, there’s one shot where Nina is in a dream sequence in the house and all her friends are running away from her, terrified. And even when Victor sees her, he backs away in fear and hides himself in his office and then in the mirror it’s revealed Nina’s dressed and appears as Senkhara. And then when Senkhara freezes Vera, Victor knows it’s time to back away, he’s scared, he’s worried, so we see him do what he has to do to get Vera back. And when he’s playing the game? With Sibuna as his game pieces on the huge board? When Alfie disappeared, he backed out, he knew when to stop and almost considered calling Mr. Sweet to do something about it.

Meanwhile, Season 3 was all dark evil stuff, run for your life or your literal soul will be taken. It’s the end of the world if they awaken this sleeping dude, we need heroes to stop the bad team. Oh no, he’s awake, now he’s going to unleash hell and evil and it’s the end of the world, only now everyone’s converted to the evil and it’s real bad, we need heroes desperately. 

This season might’ve been more dark or good vs. evil type of thing but it just didn’t feel right for HOA. The show has always been subtle, it’s quiet and the kids solve the mystery and they do everything very hushed and private, this season sort of felt like WHOAH PIE IN YOUR FACE GUESS WHAT IM A SIBUNA what with turning the whole school into sinners, I just didn’t like the whole school being this active. but that’s me personally. 

Robert Frobisher-Smythe being the one in the tank is ridiculous considering wE SAW HIS FRIGGIN GHOST AT THE END OF S1. And honestly, bringing him in and saying that he’s going to bring forth a darkness to make people evil and bring the apocalypse is just a really bland plot. It’s no mystery, it’s legit good guys vs. a villain. It’s a ‘save the world’ plot, yeah like we’ve never seen that before.

We love the mystery, where was it? oh right, nowhere.

When the four descendants of Robert’s expedition party were revealed: Patricia, Joy, Alfie and Jerome, there could have so much content.

The four of them speaking in unison while they sleep should’ve been used more.

Remember the childhood lullabies they were supposed to use to find a random artifact? Those lullabies were riddles and other than that cylinder that KT opened using her synesthesia, it was the only thing that made it feel like good old days of House of Anubis.

again, making Robert the man in the tank and then evil was just stupid. im not gonna approach the fact that he took the punishment meant for his expedition party and that’s why he’s cursed, and now he’s evil? oh gods

again, seeing the three OG Sibuna gang members evil and not on Sibuna kept killing me.

that ending bugged me

like oh no! everyone’s gone insane, we gotta shut this thing down before it devours more souls. TWO HOURS LATER and now it’s time to enjoy fireworks and Fabian and Mara and flirting and its so unnecessary, whyy??

Leave Mara with Jerome (in which he didnt cheat) and Willow is happy with Alfie and KT and Joy are out there being gay as hell. Those are the ships that shoulda happened.

Honestly, when I think back at S2 and Amber and Nina are there, it just brings back such good vibes. S2 really is the best season, but I stand by my love for Eddie and KT. Friendship goals AF. Like I said before, the third season was in your face, it was loud and it was telling everyone ‘end of the world’ and when you think about it, it’s perfect for the characters they introduced. S1 and S2 fit so well for Nina, because she’s like that, she’s quiet yet badass and is about riddles and mysteries. Meanwhile, Eddie is loud and wants to get this over with, LET’S BREAK INTO OUR TEACHER’S HOUSE BECAUSE I HAVE A HUNCH. YOU WANNA SEE THE SLEEPING MAN’S FACE, FABIAN? LET’S REMOVE THE GLASS. LET’S STEAL THE TANK WITH THE SLEEPING MAN IN BROAD DAYLIGHT.  LET ME JUST BARGE INTO VICTOR’S OFFICE TO TAKE YOUR KEY BACK, KT. LET’S DO WHATEVER IMPORTANT TASK OR MISSION WE NEED HAVE TONIGHT. LET ME BANG AGAINST PIPES AND BRICKS REALLY LOUDLY. And let me tell you, it just makes me laugh how into it he gets, like “why not?” it’s just so funny for some reason. Anyway, I think they decided to make this season fit what they wanted Eddie to be and that’s what they did. I loved Eddie’s performance, I loved him so much, I loved KT more. But I just didn’t love this season.

[verai-marcel]

Better Than a Dream (RDR2 Fanfic, Arthur x Fem!Reader, 18+)

Summary: It's 1895. You've been with the Van der Linde gang for 12 years, about the same time as John. Arthur has been your most trusted friend all this time, and you've watched him pursue other women while suppressing your own feelings, complicated by his alpha scent and your omega heats. Will you ever confess to Arthur that your love is true and comes from the heart? 

Author’s Notes: A gift for my dear @jezzeee, you gave me so much backstory and answered all my questions, thanks for your cooperation!

Tags: A/B/O dynamics with my own twist, high honor Arthur, fast forward slow burn, pre-rdr2, smut, rough sex, biting, marking, doggy style (heh)

Word Count: 4164

AO3 Link is over here, darlin’.

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

You didn't dream often. When you did, it was always of the past. 

Tonight, the dream started the same. Your pa, lying on the ground, blood everywhere. You, fleeing town after running home and grabbing what you could, knowing that your pa's killers wouldn't show you any mercy. 

Months of working as a hired gun, another body, another dollar. Too many close calls to count. You should've been dead. 

Then you ran into Hosea, who saw your skills, and offered you a home. 

Dutch van der Linde was a charismatic man, leading a small gang in the pursuit of freedom and riches. At first it was just Hosea, Dutch, Arthur, and John, another new kid. Soon after, Susan & Tilly joined. People came, left, died, or were killed, but the core group became your new family. 

You were a frustrated and scared fifteen year old trying to survive in a brutal world. After getting to know everyone, you relaxed, and began to trust.

But when you presented as an omega two years after joining the gang, you panicked; would everyone treat you differently? Would you be kicked out for being a liability, a weakness? 

You need not have worried. The moment you went into your first heat, and for every time afterwards, Susan became a tigress, whisking you away to a cabin or safe house somewhere and taking care of you until it was over, making sure no alpha would dare to come near you. She comforted you, told you that no one would drive you away, that you were family.  

When she and you returned to camp after three days, everyone still treated you the same; that was the true sign of a good family. Sure, they kept an eye on you to make sure you were never alone when your heat approached, but for the most part, they trusted you to take care of yourself. You had proven yourself time and time again to be capable, resourceful, and resilient. 

Over the years, the core group became the most important people in your life; you’d do anything for the gang.

But it was Arthur who earned your trust the most. Capable, calm, and reliable, he was your first choice if you needed a partner on a job. 

He was twenty when you first met him. At first he kept you at arm's length, treating you like the obnoxious kid sister he never wanted while he ran off courting Mary. As that relationship fell apart, he found himself coming to talk to you about his thoughts, his troubles. You always listened and gave him perspective without judgement, and he grew to appreciate your straightforward analysis. 

You noticed he always fled when your heats came, as if he couldn’t stand the sight of you when you were weak and needy. As the years passed and you grew older, you downplayed any injury, any emotional weakness, trying to be stronger, strong enough to be accepted by Arthur. As your trust in him became love, you realized that he’d never love you back, not the way you wanted him to. He loved you, sure, but it was clearly as family.

You watched as Mary broke his heart. You watched as he met Eliza, had Isaac, and had his heart torn out when he lost them both. 

Nowadays, there was a wall around him; he still cared, but he didn’t show it as much as he used to. Behind a sardonic smile and biting remarks, Arthur was growing bitter, even though he was still playful at times, if you could cheer him up enough.

Usually the last thing you saw in your dreams was Arthur walking away from you, and as you ran to chase him, you'd wake up, your blankets tangled around your legs. 

But not this time. This time, when you called out his name, he turned to you. His smile lit up his face, and he held his arms out to you, saying your name softly, like a lover's caress. You leapt into his arms… 

And promptly rolled off your bed. 

You sat up, shook the cobwebs out of your mind, and slowly got up. 

"You alright in there?" Arthur's muffled voice floated through the door. 

"I'm fine."

"Can I come in?" 

"Sure."

Arthur opened the adjoining door between your rooms at the hotel, only to immediately turn his back on you. 

"Jesus, warn me if yer just in your sleepin' clothes."

You shrugged. "You've seen me in this growing up, what difference does it make now?" 

Arthur waved his hand dismissively at you. "Yer all…" He gestured wildly. "Jus’ put yerself back together, then we'll talk."

He scurried back through the connecting door and shut it softly. 

You were a bit stunned at his hasty exit. Back at camp, he didn't give two shits what you had on, he'd wake you up by tossing your satchel at you so you'd get ready faster. 

Finally you glanced down at your cap sleeve nightgown and noticed one of your sleeves had slipped off your shoulder and down your arm, and the gown had hiked up to your thighs, revealing more of your skin than normal. Sighing, you worked on getting up and throwing on your shirt and work pants. You tried to ignore the heat blooming in your cheeks. How much did Arthur see? Did he peek at the swell of your cleavage while it was exposed? Did his gaze linger on your bare legs? 

God, you wanted him to lust after you. Then the pining you felt wouldn't be so one sided. And it wasn't just a physical attraction; that had come later, after you had grown to trust Arthur unconditionally. He had helped you out so many times without saying a word, and you always repaid the favor. You didn't take him for granted, like a lot of other folk in the gang, and you always made sure he knew how much you appreciated him. 

Which is why, for this simple train job, you opted to take Arthur. John offered to come with as back-up, but you knew it was because he wanted a piece of the take.

When you were finally dressed and ready to go, you knocked on the adjoining door.

“C’mon in.”

You let yourself into his room, where he was sitting on the bed, putting his journal away into his satchel.

“You ready?”

“Sure,” you answered, “but I could use some coffee.”

Arthur observed you for a moment. “Same dream?”

You nodded, giving yourself a moment to compose yourself before spitting out a lie. “Yeah, same dream.” You didn’t want to tell him that the ending was different than before.

He raised an eyebrow at you. But after a moment, he let it go. Getting up, he held the door open as you exited the hotel room, leading you outside and back to your horses.

“We’ll make some coffee when we get to the overlook,” Arthur said over his shoulder as he pulled himself up onto his horse.

“Alright,” you said, getting onto your horse and following him out of town.

***

The two of you rode half the day to the top of a cliff that overlooked the tunnel where the train would come from tonight.

“Wondered when the two of you would show up,” came a scratchy voice behind a large boulder.

“Shut up Marston. We’re here, ain’t we?” you shot back.

John laughed. “Full of spit and vinegar, as always. Why’d you hafta bring the old man? We coulda done this on our own.”

You glanced at Arthur before responding. “You know we need him. Hafta make up for your dumb ass.”

Arthur laughed as he walked to John and clapped his shoulder. “You heard the lady. Her job, her rules.”

***

Waiting until nightfall, the three of you made some coffee and shared stories, talking about the old days, when it was only the five of you.

When you heard the train whistle in the far off distance, you got up and stretched.

“Well boys, it’s time we earned our keep.”

The three of you got up on your horses, both of the men turning serious as they followed you to the ambush point. The plan was simple: hop onto the train from a low hanging rock outcropping, rob as many people as possible, and hop off. 

As you reached the ambush location, you scouted out a good spot to wait. Taking a deep breath, you got off your horse and crouched to watch the train approach. Jobs like this were always risky, but the rewards were worth it. 

And with Arthur at your back, you felt like you could take on the world.

***

“This is a robbery! Put yer valuables in the bag, and no one gets hurt.”

A slight shiver went down your spine as Arthur yelled and growled his way through the passenger car. The way he stalked around, using his size to his advantage, did something to your insides like nothing else.

You were almost at the end of the passenger car, when you heard gunshots and voices outside.

“We’re comin’ for you!”

“Time to leave,” you barked as you took the last necklace from a rich lady and stuffed it into your bag. There was no arguing as the three of you booked it to the exit. Looking outside, you whistled for your horse as you took in the three flat bed cars that you’d need to run through to get to the last train car. Taking a deep breath, you started to run towards the end of the train.

Gunshots rang out near your head as you ran across the flat bed cars, splinters from the crates flying everywhere. Quickly rolling down and hiding behind a pile of bags, you looked over to Arthur and John as you pulled out your cattleman.

They had also hunkered down behind piles of cargo and pulled out their guns. Arthur gripped his rifle as he looked at you.

“We hafta move!” Arthur yelled to you over the gunshots.

“I know, I know!” 

Peering over the cargo, you waited for a lull in the gunfire and dashed for the end car. You knew Arthur & John had followed you from the sounds of them running behind you. As the three of you dodged and weaved from cover to cover, you looked back and saw Arthur’s hat get shot off his head.

Without thinking, you turned around. Ignoring Arthur’s shouts of your name, you dove out to grab the hat, rolling through the gun fire to duck behind the nearest crate.

Putting his hat on your head, you took a deep breath. After firing a few cover shots, you quickly weaved back towards the boys, who were firing furiously at the lawmen who were riding next to the train.

You barreled past them, through the last car. Opening the door, you saw your faithful horse, galloping with John & Arthur’s horses. 

As Arthur came up behind you, you silently plopped his hat back on his head. 

"You coulda-"

"You can thank me later," you said, interrupting Arthur as you took a leap off the end of the train, landing near your horse. The men followed suit, the three of you quickly mounting up and galloping away from the tracks towards the forest. 

The sounds of other horses coming up behind you made you feel tired more than scared.

"Split up, meet y'all back at camp," you commanded as you made a hard right turn deeper into the forest. 

***

You were pretty sure you had lost the men who had followed you. Hiding in a thicket near an abandoned campsite, you and your horse were resting for a bit before taking the long way back to camp. After about half an hour, it finally seemed safe, and you slowly rode out of the thicket and cantered north towards more open ground. 

A rope suddenly came out of nowhere and yanked you off your horse. 

"Gaaaah!" you yelped as your butt hit the ground. Instinctively you rolled to your feet, only to be tackled back to the ground by a heavy body. 

"Finally caught you, little bitch," the man panted as he got up and turned you over to tie you up. You felt him lean into your neck and breathe in deep. 

"An omega… Interesting."

You froze. Betas usually couldn't smell you. Which meant… 

The man turned you over into your back and stared down at you, his eyes glowing red. 

"You'd get a much better price at a brothel than at the sheriff's." He grinned, his eyes gleaming with lust. "Maybe I'll try you first, make you keen with my cock deep inside-" 

The man didn't finish his sentence as he dropped dead, a knife embedded in his neck. 

Arthur came out of the shadows, looking furious. 

"What the hell were you doin', lettin' someone catch you?" 

You felt a rush of relief. 

Relief that he came back. 

For you.

Looking at all the blood on Arthur's shirt, your eyes followed a path to the gash on his left arm. You met his eyes, a questioning look on your face. 

"I'm alright," he answered. 

You sighed. "I thought I told you to go back to camp," you said, trying to sound annoyed. 

"Like I ever listen to you," he grumbled, walking closer to you. Almost in slow motion, he reached up and stroked your cheek, his eyes scanning you for any injuries. Then his eyes came back up to yours and for a moment, you hoped for something more. 

Then the moment passed, and his arm came down once more. 

"Best be goin', before more hunters come fer you," he muttered, turning back to get his horse without waiting to see if you'd follow. 

He knew you would. 

You got back on your horse as he got back on his, the two of you riding back to camp in silence.

**'

Arriving in camp well after Marston, he heckled both of you until you pulled out the bag of valuables and counted the small fortune inside. Dutch and Hosea, proud of your efforts, broke out a case of whiskey and gathered the gang to celebrate your victory. 

After a few drinks and singing with everyone, you noticed that Arthur still hadn't dressed his wound. Taking him by the elbow, you pointed at his tent. 

"Let's get that cut taken care of," you ordered as you dragged him up and led him to his tent. 

***

“You’re a damn idiot.”

“Then you’re a fool for following this damn idiot.”

“Never said I wasn’t!”

Arthur childishly stuck his tongue out at you, and you pinched near the graze on his arm.

“Ow, now why would you do that to an injured man?”

“Because you’re clearly not injured enough if you have energy to stick your tongue out at me,” you shot back.

Arthur looked at you, and you looked at him. After a moment, the two of you burst out laughing. The feeling of irritation was gone; now only a sense of camaraderie and trust remained, as it always did at the end of a job.

But tonight there was still a tension between you two, as you slowly finished wrapping the bandage around Arthur’s arm. His skin was hot, his scent strong. You wanted to curl up into his arms and just let him hold you forever.

You resisted taking a deep breath; taking in his scent like that would only make things worse. You had to get out of the tent. 

“Hey.”

You looked up and focused your eyes on Arthur.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his eyes searching yours, worry written on his face.

“I-I’m fine.”

“Yer lyin’.”

“I'm not,” you protested ineffectively. After a look of skepticism from Arthur, you sighed. “How can you tell?”

“By how your eyes dart to the left when yer thinkin’.” He reached up and stroked your lower lip with his thumb. “By how your lips twitch to the right while yer talkin’.” Then Arthur leaned in closer to you, his face unbearably close to yours. “And by how your eyelashes flutter when you finish lyin’ to me.”

You couldn’t stand it any longer. You surged forward and kissed him. He was stock still, his body stiff as a board as you pulled away from him. Looking at his shocked face, you instantly regretted being so bold. In a moment of emotional overload, had you ruined your friendship?

“I’m sorry, I’ll go-” You stammered as you got up to exit the tent.

Arthur’s hand shot out lighting quick. Grabbing your wrist and pulling you back to him, he sat you back down. Leaning in close, he looked at you, his gaze searching you for something. 

“Sweetheart,” Arthur breathed. “Every feelin’ behind that kiss. You mean it?”

“Yeah, I do. Every damn feeling.” 

He suddenly tugged you into his arms and kissed you like his life depended on it. The dam had burst; the longing and yearning that had consumed you both for years was finally being fulfilled. With each kiss, your hearts grew closer and closer, culminating into this one moment, where you and he could become one, forever more, never to part. 

“Arthur, I never… I never thought you’d feel the same for me.”

“I think I have for a long time, just… didn’t want to admit it. I thought you’d think it’d be weird, havin’ me love you like this.”

“We’ve wasted so much time…”

“Let’s make it up, here and now.” He kissed you again, picking you up and laying you on his cot. “We won’t ever be apart, darlin’.”

He kissed you, slowly savoring your sweet surrender as his hands clasped you close to him. Feeling his warmth, his heartbeat, his lips as they trailed down your neck, you felt your body reacting, changing. 

"Arthur," you purred, feeling your slick start to drip from you. 

Eyes flashing red, Arthur cupped your cheek with his big hand, his thumb caressing your temple. "Yer eyes, they're the most beautiful gold," he murmured. 

"I need you," you whispered desperately. 

"You have me." He started to take off your clothes, eagerly kissing the revealed skin as you reached for his buttons, helping him to remove whatever you could get your hands on. For each piece of your clothing that came away, you pulled off a piece of his. 

You were in just your chemise and drawers, and he in his short drawers, when you felt yourself heating up. Your heart pounded, your vision blurred slightly around the edges. 

Arthur sniffed the air, paused for a moment, then his pupils nearly dilated as a deep rumble came from him. He grabbed your drawers and nearly tore them off before grabbing your knees and spreading you open to his hungry look. He looked at you, his eyes glowing an alpha's deep red. 

"Darlin'," he rumbled, "is all that fer me?" 

You nodded. 

He dipped his head down and lapped languidly at your core, sending ribbons of pleasure through your system. His hands reached under your chemise, grabbing at your breasts and squeezing, palming, massaging you. Teasing your nipples with his fingers, he kissed his way up your stomach. 

"Let's get this offa you," he said as he helped you sit up and pulled your chemise over your head. Sitting naked before him, his gaze roamed over your body. 

"Fer the first time, I truly see you," he said, leaning in and kissing you gently, a reverent touch on your lips. He moved to your cheek, then down your neck, where he took in a deep breath, drowning himself in your pheromones. 

Stepping back for a moment, he let his own drawers drop to the ground. Your eyes widened as you saw all of him for a split second before he climbed on top of you, covering you as you lay on his cot, surrounded by his scent. 

Arthur returned to your neck, nipping lightly as he ground his body against yours. His attentions grew heated as he began to suck on your skin near your collarbone, hard enough to leave a mark. 

Your gasps were followed by his quiet laughter. 

"Just a li'l somethin' to remember me by."

You wrapped your arms around him as he grinded against your core with his hard shaft. He kept kissing you, giving you love bites, and burying his face in the crook of your neck as he worked his member between your folds, lubing himself up in your slick. 

After a little while, he sat up. Your eyes followed his hand as he reached down to grasp his cock, a look of need on his face. Slowly, he guided himself into you, meeting your eyes as he started to enter, your body accepting his so willingly. Sliding inside, he held his breath as he felt you gripping him, a warm, soft feeling that he never wanted to end. 

You took shallow breaths, trying to relax your body to take in his girth. He was thick, filling you up and making you feel so damn good. You wrapped your legs around his and reached out to squeeze his butt. Under your hands, his muscles flexed as he pushed the rest of the way inside of you, his pelvis flush with yours. 

"Better than I dreamed," he said, looking at you with a torrent of passion in his eyes. "Like we were made to be together."

Arthur slowly pulled out and pressed his forehead to yours. 

"I'm gonna take you now, alright?" 

"Yes, please Arthur!" 

"That's my girl," he rumbled before he slammed back into you, making you choke back a cry. His thrusts were strong, deep, making sure you were completely filled with each shove of his hips. 

"Mine," he growled as he increased his speed, rutting into you so hard that the cot creaked. He no longer cared if everyone could hear; he wanted to make it known that you were his, and if anyone even thought about touching you, they'd suffer for it. 

You mewled his name, your heat in full bloom, driving you to sheer ecstasy as you lost your sense of self, drowning in Arthur's possession of your body. Scratching his back as he started to give you love marks all over your chest, you moaned at the feel of his lips and teeth on your skin. The sweet balance of pain and pleasure pushed you into a trance, where all you could focus on was where your bodies met, the possessive crush of him against you.

Arthur growled into your neck, a reverberation you could feel through you as his hips began to grind into yours, putting a glorious pressure on your clit. Arching your back, you wantonly rocked your hips in time with his thrusts. Your breath came out in short puffs, your heart beat a million miles a second, and you could feel the heat rushing through your entire being. 

"That's it darlin'," he murmured. "Give me everythin'." 

He covered your mouth with his just as you let out a cry of ecstasy, your eyes squeezing shut as your climax swept through you like a thunderstorm, the beat of your blood in your ears, lightning bolts of pleasure coursing through your veins. 

And all the while, Arthur had not stopped taking you, pistoning in and out as you writhed under him.

As you became limp, he pulled out of you and rolled you over onto your belly. Lifting up your hips, he entered you from behind, filling you up from a different angle. You let out a low moan, biting his pillow to muffle your volume. Arthur reached down to play with your center, rebuilding your desire, one stroke at a time. 

Leaning over you, he kissed the back of your neck. As he made soft hums of approval at your moans and whimpers, he sped up his thrusts. Just as you were reaching yet another peak, you felt his teeth scrape the back of your neck. 

"May I..?"

"Yes, do it," you pleaded. 

Arthur wasted no time sinking his teeth into your neck as he plowed his cock deep into you, his movements erratic. He made low sounds of satisfaction as he spent himself inside of you, the knot at the base of his shaft growing to lock him to you. 

"No place I'd rather be," he mumbled against your hair as he rolled the two of you onto your sides and held you close. “Been dreamin’ of this.”

“For how long?”

“Longer than I care to admit.”

You laughed. “Too long, then.”

He caressed your cheek and smiled wryly. "Didn't realize how much I needed you." 

You smiled back. "At least you figured it out."

Arthur let out a soft chuckle. “Better late than never.”

Nodding, you held his hand and brought it up to your lips. Kissing his fingertips tenderly, you held back your tears of joy. 

“Yes, better late than never.”

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

End Notes: Tried my hand at A/B/O dynamics, and while it’s a little tame compared to what’s out there, I felt that I needed just enough to accentuate the main story. Hope you all enjoyed it!

[demigodsanswer]

Once Upon a Pointe - Chapter 7

Story Summery:

“Annabeth, you’re with Percy,’ Chiron said. Annabeth. She looked like the figurine in a little girl’s music box had come to life to dance in City Ballet. Percy felt like every opportunity to dance with her was a privilege. Just don’t forget the choreography, Percy thought as he got into the right starting spot for the wedding pas de deux. Don’t forget the choreography, and don’t drop her.”

Percy is soloist with the ballet company, and he is offered one chance to dance with Annabeth, one of their star principals. If he nails the choreography, he might just earn a chance to dance with her. And, if he’s really lucky, he might get a date out of it as well.

Chapter Title: The Sleeping Beauty 

Read on AO3

Start from the beginning

See the end of the chapter for links to the dances mentioned. 

Percy’s heart was pounding when he woke up. He was sure he had an anxiety nightmare, but the details of it were already fading. They were all usually the same – he would leave his apartment too late, the subway would get stuck underground, something – everything – would keep him from getting to the theater on time. In the dreams, he never got to the theater at all before waking up; he always ended up stuck in a tunnel or in a car accident woefully distant from Lincoln Center.

This morning was no different.

He rolled out of bed, turned off his alarm, and dragged himself into the kitchen. His stomach felt too restless for food, but he knew he needed it.

His mom had circled todays date on their wall calendar, and written TSB in bright pink marker. His family’s tickets were under a fridge magnet, waiting for them to leave for the theater in about twelve hours. Percy would leave hours ahead of them, though, heading to the theater by himself for the last warm up and rehearsal they would have.

As he waited for his coffee to brew, he heard his mom walk into the kitchen. She offered to make him breakfast, an offer that Percy graciously accepted.

Before she started to cook, she pulled Percy into a hug. “You’re going to be amazing,” she told him.

“What if I’m not?”

“You’ve already done it once,” she said, “so you can do it again.”

~*~*~

Two hours later, Percy’s stomach had settled, mixing nervousness with excitement as the 1 train pulled into his stop.

Annabeth smiled at him when he walked into the studio, and excitement overtook nervousness for just a moment.

~*~*~

On his lunch break, Percy stopped at a flower shop and picked up a dozen pink roses.

“Someone special?” The florist asked.

“Yeah,” he said, smiling into the bouquet. “She is.”

~*~*~

Percy was dressed in his warmups, ready to head to the stage for the barre before the show. The nerves had returned in full force, but they were helping him. He jumped up and down in his dressing room, trying to get his legs warm before heading downstairs. He checked his phone.

He had half a dozen messages from his mom, Grover, Beckendorf and Silena, all wishing him good luck.

3:55, his phone read. Five minutes to barre. He grabbed the flowers and headed to Annabeth’s dressing room.

~*~*~

She smiled wide when she opened the door, and then she noticed the flowers. Her eyes lit up, but her eyebrows furrowed. “What are these for?”

“They’re for you,” he said, holding them out to her. “A congratulations, a thank you, and a good luck.”

She took them, smiling wide. “A thank you? For what?” She walked further into her dressing room and walked over to a table that already had a bouquet of flowers – these ones were multicolored and already in a vase.

Percy shrugged. “For being patient with me, and for being such a good friend, and stuff,” he said, wandering into her dressing room.

She peeled back the plastic and tissue paper holding the flowers together and stuck them in the vase with the other flowers. It was a cramped arrangement, but it made Percy happy.

“Who else sent you flowers?” He asked.

“My family,” she said.

“Are the coming tonight?”

“My dad is. My step-mom and brothers can’t make it, though.”

“Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be, I won’t miss them,” she fluffed up the arrangement a bit, moving more of Percy’s roses to the front. “They’re beautiful,” she said, still turned away from him. She turned back and walked towards him, her arms open.

Percy, praying to every possible god that he didn’t misunderstand the gesture, pulled her in close for a hug. “Thank you,” she whispered into his chest. He was getting use to hugging her. He hoped that these hugs didn’t go away after the show ended.

With her pressed so close to him, he could feel her heart being fast. He wondered if she could feel his matching the tempo.

“You’re going to do great,” he said, rubbing her back.

She pulled away slightly, just enough to look him in the eyes, but close enough still to keep her arms around him. “We’re going to do great,” she said, smiling. It sounded like a promise.

~*~*~

Percy stepped out of his dressing room as the overture began. He had nearly an hour before he was needed on stage, but he wanted to see Piper and Annabeth perform in the prologue and act one. There wasn’t a better seat in the house than the one he got – right in the wings, only ten feet away; the easiest place to support your friends.

When he got to the side of the stage, he saw Annabeth practicing her balances – one hand was on a barre, one leg was back in attitude, and she would lift her arm off the barre and into fifth position every few seconds. She was hardly shaking. She was strong.

When she finally dropped down, satisfied with her backstage performance, Percy walked over.

“You’re steady as a rock,” he said.

She forced herself to smile at him through the nerves that were painted on her face. He knew they would melt away once she stepped into the spotlight and heard the music, but he wished he could take them away from her now.

“I just hope I do it right.”

“You’ve already done it once,” he said, “you can do it again.”

She took both of his hands in hers. “Thank you.” Her smile looked less forced this time.

~*~*~

Percy gave Annabeth some space as she prepared to take the stage for the adagio. From his place about ten feet downstage of her, he watched her take a few deep breaths, roll her neck from side to side, and shake out her hands, as if the nerves would fly out of her fingertips.

Finally, the music to her entrance stated.

Percy didn’t envy her entrance at all. “It’s like I’m being shot out of a cannon,” she had complained to him once.

But she looked effervescent, truly like a sixteen-year-old ready to celebrate her birthday. She hit every mark, every beat, not that he expected anything else.

When the music for the adagio started a few minutes later, she looked perfectly calm in her element.

Percy had always been told that if you ever had a perfect performance, you should retire the next day, because it would never happen again. That had always been a tongue-in-cheek saying – of course you’ll never have a perfect performance, it meant, no one will, they don’t happen.

But as Annabeth stepped onto pointe for the final set of balances without hesitation or the slightest shake, Percy realized that she could mess up everything in acts two and three and it wouldn’t matter. She had nailed the adagio.

Annabeth stood tall and steady, taking each prince’s hand in her own time, balancing in between them as if her toes were glued to the floor and her body was suspended from the ceiling. She held her balance for so long in between the men, Percy realized, that she had forced the orchestra to wait for her. The conductor looked on, waiting for her to drop her hand into her next partner’s, rather than cuing her take the next step.

Percy smiled, anxious to hug her and congratulated her.

Finally, Annabeth rolled down off point, for the final few steps of the adagio, smiling wide at her own achievement.

Act one finished without any disasters – Annabeth pricked her finger and collapsed and was carried off stage and Piper closed the act.

When Jason stood Annabeth back up off stage, Percy rushed to her, not waiting for her to catch her breath or for the curtain to drop. Her face and chest were sweaty, and she was breathing hard, but her smile was wide and triumphant.

He pulled her into a tight hug, mumbling “you were fantastic” into her bun. She laughed and bounced up and down like she was a child again. Percy wanted to kiss her, but she pulled away, still smiling.

“I have to get changed,” she said pulling away from him to head towards her dressing room.

Percy did a quick pirouette in the wings, letting his arms swing around him without care, the way he would when he was a child.

For the first time all day – for the first time since rehearsal began - he felt ready for his debut.

~*~*~

Percy entrance was much quieter than Annabeth’s, but it wasn’t long before he was alone on a dark stage, taking his solo. This was his introduction to the audience, and he needed to captivate them right away. He didn’t have a fairy dress or pointe shoes, he just had a simple prince costume, the stage to himself, and about two minutes of slow, graceful movements.

“Who is the prince?” One of the ballet masters, Mr. D, had asked Percy in an early rehearsal. “What is he like?”

“The prince is a bit of a lost soul,” Percy responded. “There’s a longing for something else, whether that is love or some other excitement, he just wants something more than the material life he has been born into. He finds that something else with Aurora.”

When everyone else leaves the stage, the prince takes his solo, and it is the chance for the audience to see that longing, that desire.

Percy had not ever had much of a material life, but he understood that deep longing for love and something more than what he had.

He didn’t fear taking up space on the stage – it had been left empty for him. Soon, the lilac fairy would fill it, dream Aurora would enter, and the Prince would find the meaning and purpose in his life. But in this lonely moment, Percy could only rely on himself. He thought about Annabeth, standing so tall on two toes, forcing the orchestra to wait for her to be done, and borrowed some of her confidence, and mixed it with his own desires and longings.

He felt his body begin to sweat as he moved it through the choreography, but it didn’t bother him at all. He relished the feeling of working his body to its limits – turning faster, stretching farther, lifting his partners higher. The choreography wasn’t in his mind; it was in his body, in his heart. He didn’t stand on the stage and think “arabesque into pirouette,” he just thought about the prince, and his journey, and the storytelling. His body did the steps without him thinking about them, but he, the sum of all of his parts, told the story. His body sweat under the stage lights, and his lungs burned from the movement, but he didn’t stop, he didn’t rest, he didn’t falter.

He stretched his leg back farther, he turned faster, and then –

He stopped with the music, trying not to breath too heavily as the scene continued.

When he heard the audience applaud for him at the end of his variation, the memory of what he had done was already fading, as memories of his own performances often did, but when he looked stage left to where Piper would enter, he saw Chiron smiling at him, and he knew he had done well.

~*~*~

As act two came to an end, Percy stepped up onto the bed Annabeth was “sleeping” on, ready to wake her up with one perfect kiss.

Percy mustered up his courage, and, in a voice loud enough that she could hear, but subtle enough that no one would see his lips move, he whispered: “You’re my dream girl,” into her head.

He felt her smile against his lips at the joke. When she sat up, he could tell she was straining to either not laugh or not yell at him. He didn’t mind either way.

~*~*~

As Annabeth held herself up in the final fish dive of the wedding scene, Percy thought we should both retire tomorrow.

~*~*~

Their first show had nearly been perfect. There were small errors Chiron had noticed, and they rehearsed those few steps a few days later. The critics, however, had not noticed such small things, praising bother of their performances (as well as Pipers.)

When the review had come out, Chiron emailed it to the entire company, the email subject simply “!!!!!!!!!!” and the body a simple “good work. See you all tomorrow” and the link to the article.

Annabeth called him crying with joy at the review. Percy shed a few tears himself when she said, “Chiron would be an idiot not to promote you first thing tomorrow.”

~*~*~

Percy didn’t have his hopes up that he would be promoted on the spot, but the good review did boost his confidence throughout the rest of the shows.

The second show went well. There were fewer nerves, but, likewise, less excitement. The third show had a few more issues than either of them would have liked. There was nothing the audience would have noticed, but there were a few improvised steps to avoid a stumble.

Their fourth show, though, they were determined to get perfect.

~*~*~

Percy knocked on Annabeth’s dressing room door about half an hour before the show started. She wasn’t in her costume yet, but her hair and makeup were done.

“I just wanted to wish you luck in private,” he said.

She stood up and walked towards him, pulling him into the room and closing the door behind him. She too his hands in hers again and held them between their bodies.

“It’s our last show,” she said.

“Yeah.”

“I’ve really enjoyed dancing with you. I hope we get to keep doing it.”

Percy, in a moment of fleeting confidence, pulled her hands up to his mouth and gently kissed her knuckles. “I promise we will.”

Annabeth reached a hand up to his face and stroked his cheek. He would have given up any chance at a principal promotion if he could just know what she was thinking in that moment. He didn’t dare ask her.

She pulled her hand away after a minute.

“I’ll see you out there,” she promised, stepping away from him.

“See you out there,” he said, walking out of the dressing room.

~*~*~

When Percy kissed her at the end of act two, he felt Annabeth’s lips rise up to meet his in a way that they never had before. His heart raced as she lifted her torso off the bed to meet him. The stage lights got brighter, the forest set was pulled away to reveal the palace, and Annabeth seemed to glow in the newfound golden light.

~*~*~

As they finished the wedding pas de deux for the final time, Percy suddenly felt overwhelmed with emotions. He wanted a fifth, six, seventh show. But he raised her back onto point out of the fish dive, smiled at her and then the audience.

~*~*~

At curtain call, he earned a standing ovation. He had gotten on the previous nights, but the final one brought tears to his eyes. Beckendorf would be healed by the summer season and would likely take back his roles from Percy. Even if Percy earned a promotion, he was probably going to continue to do most of his partnering with Piper, as they had for the past three years or so.

But still, he tried not to dwell on the fact that the performances had ended. Instead, he forced himself to remember his successes. And Annabeth’s successes. They hadn’t just pulled it off, they had proven people wrong. When he remembered that, he broke out into a wide grin, and stepped to the side to allow Annabeth to come out for her final bow. He clapped and cheered for her along with the audience. He noticed that she was crying, and he hoped it was because she was happy.

When the curtain fell, people shuffled off the stage quickly, desperate to get out of their costumes and make up and to get water. There would be time for hugs and congratulations once they were all comfortable.

Percy noticed, though, that Annabeth wasn’t moving. She was looking around at the stage as the crew began moving set pieces off.

“Annabeth?” Percy said, walking up to her.

She looked at him, smiling at him. He thought for a moment that she was going to hug him again, but she did something more unexpected.

She kissed him.

~*~*~

Dances mentioned: Sleeping Beauty Ballet (full): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6eA4PjWhws&t=6920s The Rose Adagio & Aurora's entrance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4aLIeg2Mik The Adagio balances: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8evZeAAFNY The Prince's Solo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38MThq60EYc&list=FLwBqFKdPjW4-_tL5TEZps4A&index=2 The Wedding Pas De Deux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsjk4e2yz2E

[1a-imagines]

Amnesia

Overview: A villain with an amnesia inducing quirk attacked you, and when you wake up in hospital you've forgotten everything. Including your boyfriend.

Type: scenarios

Characters: Midoriya, Bakugou, Todoroki.

A/n: This might be just a part 1. Assuming people want a part 2 but you'll have to let me know if you do want a part 2 to this.

Midoriya:

"Ah, so you're his precious little lover?"

"Huh?!" You gasped at the sound of a creepy voice echoing from behind you. You turned around as quick as you could, not wanting to let whoever it was get the upper hand. You thought you had been alone, so the voice had really scared you. You were faced with a tall man who was mostly in black, staring right back at you. A long black trench coat hanging off his frame and black baggy pants underneath. You couldn't see his face because it was covered with a black mask but you could see his eyes poking through the holes. They were an unatral light blue, almost white, colour. They really stood out against all the black he was wearing. You noticed he was holding what looked to be some sort of needle in his right hand. Of course, it wasn't hard to assume he was a villain but why was he talking about your boyfriend? You stepped back cautiously. Looking for a ways to escape. You were in an underground tunnel, that led under a busy road, on your way home from school when he appeared out of no where. Seriously, it looked he had materialised out of the purple dust that was currently swirling around his feet. You two were the only ones around, which only made you more alert. All you could hear was the sounds of cars passing above you. Your best bet was to get out of the tunnel as quick as possible, he probably wouldn't follow or attack you if you were around other people. They would call a pro hero in no time.

"Well, isn't he a lucky boy, you are a looker aren't you?" The man chuckled lowly. You knew you may have to fight this villain if you couldn't escape in time, as much as you didn't want to you weren't going to let him inject you with whatever the hell was in that needle. You didn't know what he wanted but it was clear he had something against Midoriya.

You narrowed your eyes at him and took a fighting stance to let him know you were prepared to fight if he tried anything. "What's with that face, doll? I'm not going to kill you. Oh no, no, no! That would be too easy. Don't you think? I want to cause that brat the most pain possible, I want to drag it out for as long as I can! If I killed you, it would all be over too soon. I wouldn't be able to revel in his depression." He continued on before melting into the purple cloud beneath his feet. You put your guard up, knowing he was going to strike. You had no idea what his quirk could be, but it seemed to be like Mirios quirk. When the villain popped back up he was a lot closer to you. Thanks to training and quick reflexes you kicked him in his chest and in the process pushed yourself as far away from him as you could. You slid back on your feet, making sure to steady yourself in the process. You were further away but your kick had done nothing to him! He hadn't been affect by it at all! You had no idea what was going on. In fact he only let out a deep chuckle at your attempts to fight.

"Oh my dear, it won't be that easy."

"What do you want with Midoriya!?" The villain let out a low growl and turned his head. You figured it would be a good time to run but before you could a cloud of purple dust came out of no where and surrounded you. You felt like you were being suffocated as it entered your lungs, In no time your body felt too weak to even stand and you collapsed onto the ground. What was this stuff? It felt like it was stopping you from breathing. Your heart began to pound in your chest as tears pricked at the corners of your eyes. Was this how you were going to die?

"He took my love away, so I'll take his. Just relax and let your mind slip away." You were now facing down on the cold concrete, Trying to boost yourself back up but your body felt so heavy, like you were made of led. What was this purple stuff? You coughed violently as you inhaled more of it. You wanted to cover your mouth but it was too late. Your body was paralysed, you couldn't move. All you could do was lay there as your eyes began to droop close.

"Sweet dreams, doll~" was the last thing you heard before you felt a prick in your arm and you fell in a deep slumber.

~*~

"(Y/n) (Y/l/n). What room are they in?!" Midoriya asked frantically as he ran up to the receptionist with Iida and uraraka running up behind him. As soon as he had gotten the phone call from the hospital saying you had been found unconscious in an underground tunnel he ran out of the school so fast his friends didn't even have time to process the fact he was running away from them. He ran faster than he ever had before. He didn't have any other information about your status, all he knew was you were unconscious. For all he knew you were in a critical condition! The lady at the reception stood up from her chair. "Please relax sir. They're doing fine. After the doctors took some tests they found no injuries on them."

"Oh that's so good to hear!" Uraraka sighed in relief for her friend. The nurse pursed her lips and looked down. "Yes, but there's something else." She went around the desk and began to guide the three students down the hall to your room. Leaving the other receptionist in charge.

"What is it!? What's wrong!?" Midoriya asked, still filled with adrenaline from his sprint over here. The nurse sighed and stopped outside your door. "They had this purple powder all over thier uniform when they were found and after some tests it was found that they were hit with a quirk. One that induces-" she paused and shook her head. Not liking this part to her job. "They might have some brain damage."

The three friends gasped in horror. Thier hearts clenching with worry in thier chests "We're not sure just yet if they do but the powder they were hit with contained traces of sedatives. We think they were put to sleep and injected with something, we found there was a fresh needle prick in thier arm. The doctors took some blood samples and are still running the tests.

We're going to keep them here until we find out more information about thier current condition. Please, be wary when you go inside, they might not be fully responsive. They seemed confused and a little slow ever since they woke up. Even when thier parents arrived it took awhile for them to remember their faces."

She bowed to the three students and left them alone. They looked amongst themselves in worry. What had happened to their friend? Why would someone attack such a sweet and caring student? Did (y/n) get in some kind of trouble and not tell anyone? It was typical of them to keep things to themselves so other wouldn't worry so much.

Midoriya was the first to walk inside. The other two following close behind. You were currently on your bed flicking through your phone absentmidely. Being in hospital was boring. Even if you had only been awake for about an hour now. You looked up when you heard the door open and smiled when you saw your friends at the door. "Hey guys!"

Midoriya grinned and walked over. He took your hand into his only to be met with a confused look from you. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine... Mostly confused. Ever since I woke up I feel like I'm missing something." You looked at your hands and then back up at him. You raised an eyebrow which did not go unnoticed by Iida and Uraraka. They suddenly felt uneasy about your reaction and walked over. "(Y/n)? What happened?" Iida questioned you.

"I'm not sure. I was just walking back from school and next thing I knew I woke up here! Speaking of which! Why didn't you two walk back with me. You always do!" You huffed and they shot each other a confused look. "We were training with Midoriya. You know that... don't you? You said you had to leave because you were going out with your family." Iida asked cautiously.

You looked at them, blinking a few times which only made them more scared for your answer. "Midoriya? Who's Midoriya?" It was as if time had completely slowed down to a stop. He felt his breath catch in his throat as his heart pounded in his chest. You... didn't remember him? That couldn't be true.. out of everyone in your life you couldn't just forget about him! Why did you remember the others but not him! It broke his heart in two. His hand started to shake against yours and you looked up at him. His mood had completely changed, he looked like he was about to cry. Had you said something wrong?

"(Y/n)! You-" Uraraka couldn't finish her sentence. She had to cover her mouth with her hand to stop herself from letting you hear the fear and sadness in her voice. She didn't want to add more stress onto you. You had been through enough but she couldn't help but stare at Midoriya with sympathy. It was clear to everyone in the room he was hurting, a lot. He tried not to show it by looking down in hopes his hair would cover his face from you all but he was shaking and a few tears dripped from his cheeks.

Midoriya slowly let go of your hand. He tried to stop himself from crying but it was overpowering him. You had completely forgotten about him. The way you looked at him with empty and distant eyes, was crushing him. It was as if all the love you once felt for him was now gone. "I-i-i'm going to get a drink." He burst out if the room before you could stop him. He knew the last thing you needed was to see him crying. That would only make you more stressed.

He sat in the chairs outside your room and sobbed into his hands. He couldn't believe it. It tore him appart. You were the person he loved most, the one he spent most of his time with. The one who made him smile more than he ever had in his life. And now you looked at him with nothing but confusion on your face. Everything you had been through was now gone. He hadn't only lost his lover but his best friend too.

He heard the door to your room open and close but he didn't look up. Iida sat down beside him, unsure of what to say so he opted for just sitting there with him for awhile. He figured it would be best to let Midoriya be the first to speak. It must've been ten whole minutes later when Midoriya finally did speak up. "They asked me to walk home with them and I didn't."

"You can't blame yourself! You were training and (y/n) is very encouraging of that. They wouldn't want you to blame yourself for this." His friend reassured him. While Midoriya appreaciated it, he felt too sad and defeated to listen to him.

"When you left the room they said they felt bad. They think they made you cry. Even if they don't remember you, you shouldn't be out here. I'll talk with the doctors. It may only be temporary amnesia for all we know. You should go and speak with them. Maybe you can help spark some memories." He knew Iida was right. There was no use in being out here and sulking. Maybe being around you could help you remember him quicker. Midoriya waited until his eyes dried and his cheeks were no longer red before walking back inside. You were showing Uraraka something on your phone and when you looked up you smiled at him. The same bright smile that he's come to love so dearly. "I'm so sorry Midoriya! Uraraka explained everything to me. I didn't really believe her at first but well-" you held up your phone showing your lockscreen. It was a picture of you two, you both looked like the two happiest people in the world. "Guess it explains this." You blushed and turned your head away in hopes he wouldn't see your red cheeks. He did see, and it made him half smile at the sight. He would've smiled fully but his heart was Still aching. He Remebered that picture on your lockscreen. The day you both went to the amusement park. You were meant to go with a bunch of your friends from class, but they all ditched you two (On purpose) and it ended up being the first date of many.

He walked over and sat down beside your bed. "I'm sorry I ran out like that. It wasn't your fault. I just didn't know how to react."

"I'll leave you two alone for a bit." Uraraka said sweetly before walking out. You looked down and admired the pictures of you and him on your phone. "So- you're my boyfriend huh?"

He froze up at the question but shyly nodded in response. "How did that happen? I didn't believe Uraraka at first because- well, One, I don't remember you, and two... You're really cute." You teased him which caused him to blush harder. "Th-thanks." He didn't know What to say. He couldn't hold you or kiss you. He couldn't even compliment you back because you didn't remember him, he didn't want to wierd you out, yet at the same time all he wanted was to bury his face into your hair and cry.

"Look- I know I don't remember anything but, I still want to get to know you again. I want to remember you. I looked so happy in these photos of us. Can we at least still be friends?"

Oh you had no idea how much those words hurt him. Everything he went through to confess his love to you. Every memory he had of you two. Your first kiss. Your confessions. Even when you took on the league of villains together. You had been through so much to get to this point. To be in such a loving and supportive relationship. You're everything to him. Your relationship was everything he ever dreamed of and more. Now he had to take a step back. Hearing you ask to just be friends hurt him more than any villain ever could. More than broken bones or bloody wounds.

He forced a smile and softly nodded along. He didn't trust his words, he had to take a moment before replying. He reached over to squeeze your hand, but he wished he didnt because it hurt him even more when you didn't squeeze back like you normally would.

"I'll be with you, even if I have to leave all of our memories behind to make new ones."

Bakugou:

"There you are dumbass!"

You let out a squeak as Bakugou barged into the hospital room, having kicked it open with his foot. His friends trailing behind him, trying to calm him down. He had been yelling and pushing everyone out of his way on the way here. They had to apologise to a lot of terrified strangers for him. But he didn't care, all he cared about was you. He needed to know you were alright! He was going to kill the person who did this to you. The guy who knocked you out and left you in an alleyway. That bastard would be lucky to see another day with Bakugou around.

"Dude this is a hospital! Be quiet!" Kaminari whisper-yelled at him but of course Bakugou didn't listen. He really couldn't care less about anyone other than you right now. He stomped over to your bed side to glare at you. "Did you know how fucking worried I was! You were found in an alleyway knocked out!? How stupid are you! Don't go in alleyways alone! God I can't leave you for one second without you getting into trouble! You're a fucking moron!" He continued to yell at you and call you insulting names. You stared up at him with scared eyes, utterly confused as to why this random guy was screaming at you. Not the mention the rage in his eyes made you want to run as far away as you could get from this guy. Kirishima noticed your reaction and placed a hand onto Bakugou's shoulder. "Relax man. You're scaring her."

"Scaring her? She's not scared of me yelling at her."

"I'm not suprised. You do it so often." Mina muttered. "Shut up raccoon eyes!" He yelled at her before turning back to you and finally noticing the fear on your face. He felt his heart stop for a split second seeing how terrified you were of him right now. It was so out of character. Out of everyone he yells at you were the one who it seemed to bother the least. You never took it to heart because you knew he loved you either way. He just sucked at expressing it. Usually you'd either roll your eyes, letting it pass by or you'd laugh it off. Finding his overreactions funny. Sometimes you'd argue back! Telling him he was an ass and to shut up. Though everyone knew you two never meant it. Your arguements were more comical than serious. In fact to this day you two had never seriously argued about anything!

"Who the hell are you people! Why are you yelling at me! You must have the wrong person!" You defended yourself. If you had the strength to get up, you would've ran to get a doctor by now. You wanted them out as soon as possible. They were scaring you to no end, and you had only woken up about 10 minutes ago. You had no energy yo deal with this.

The group fell into a tense silence as they stared at you in horror. "The hell are you talking about dumbass!? Don't play games! You already scared the shit out of me enough today."

"I'm not playing games! I really don't know who you are! Now get out before I get the doctors!" You glared at the ash blond. This guy was so rude. He had called you dumbass at least three times now and you had only just met him! What was going on!?

"(Y/n)... don't you remember us?" Sero asked. They walked closer to you but you only shook your head and raised a hand to tell them to stop getting closer. "I can't remember anything ever since I woke up. I'm sorry... Should I know you?"

"W-well yeah! We're you're friends! How can you forget us!" Kaminari pouted, he couldn't believe you'd just forget them that easily! You were really close to all of them so it crushed them to hear you telling them that you had no idea who they were. "She has amnesia." Kirishima muttered as he looked over the clipboard that was at the end of your bed.

"Amnesia?! You mean the villain who attacked her gave her amnesia too!? Why!? She wasn't even hurt was she? Why would they just knock her out, give her amnesia and leave her there?" Sero questioned. You looked around at the group of teens. You didn't know who they were but they looked really sad after finding out you didn't know who they were. You felt bad for upsetting them. The atmosphere was tense and it made your whole body stiffen, You really did feel bad seeing their expressions, especially for the angry guy. He had been so silent ever since you told him the truth. You could see his shoulders shaking as his hands clenched up into tight balls. His hair was covering his eyes, so you couldn't read his expression properly but his teeth were clenched tightly, almost grinding together. He looked as if he was about to blow up the hospital. You couldn't tell if he was angry or just sad. Either way, he looked like he wasn't holding it together very well.

"What's the last thing you remember?" Mina asked from beside you. You shook your head to tell her you couldn't remember anything. "Nothing everything's just empty. I'm sorry to ask this but... Who are you?"

That was the last straw. Bakugou kicked open the door and stormed out. He couldn't handle hearing you talk like you didn't remember a Damn thing. You looked round at the group who was staring at the door frame. They weren't sure what to say but the only thing they knew they should do was introduce themselves to you again, going after Bakugou when he was like this was just asking for trouble. He needed to cool off first.

They went around and told you who they were to you as well as their names. They tried to spark some memories in you by talking about things you did last week or even last month. Or how you met each other. Or about class 1A. Though nothing worked. You just didn't remember anything. However, You did begin to trust them more when they were able to tell you things about yourself. Like your favourite colour and your favourite food as well as what hobbies you had. They even showed you a few pictures of you and them together. So there was no reason not to trust them. Clearly you had known them at some point. They were really nice too, asking if you needed food or drinks. They were willing to look after you even if you couldn't remember them.

"That angry guy is also a hero in training?" You asked unsurely, it was hard to believe when he was so terrifying and angry all the time. You did feel bad though, it had been a few hours and he still hasn't come back. Kirishima left awhile ago to go find him and the other three were trying to entertain you until they got back.

"Yeah! And you two are actually dat-" Sero elbowed Kaminari in the stomach to stop him from talking further. It wasn't really their place to tell you that stuff. You should hear it from Bakugou, assuming he would tell you anyway. You raised an eyebrow in confusion at their behaviour but decided to let it go. You were too tired to question them. You just wanted to fall back asleep at this point, but at the same time you had so many questions left to ask them. You wanted to know more about your friends and life in the top hero training school.

"Hey hey! Guess who's back and all calmed down!" Kirishima came back in with an angry Bakugou walking behind him. He wasn't yelling at least but he was still scowling just as much as when he left. You glared at the blond, shuffling back until you hit the wall. He didn't seem stable and it made you uncomfortable to be around him. "Can we just talk for a moment? Without you looking like you're going to cry." He asked you softly. There was no bark in his tone like before. His eyes looked stone cold, There was just no emotion in them. Not even the angry spark from before. The rest of them left you two alone to talk. You wanted to know what he had to say but you also wish the others stayed here with you.

"If you don't remember me, fine. Whatever. But I just can't handle you looking at me like I'm a monster.." He muttered softly. You gripped onto the sheets of your bed tightly. "Then maybe try not acting like one then." He flinched at your words. His eyes couldn't meet yours, for once he didn't have the courage. He shoved his hands deep into his pockets before grumbling to himself. "I can't fucking believe this, and just when I was getting the hang of this boyfriend shit."

"Boyfriend?" You repeated in shock. You stared at him and when he met your eyes he glared at you again. His heart was breaking and he didn't know how to deal with it. The sadness he felt kept coming out in angry ways, which only made you more wary of him. He wanted to say how sad he was. How it hurt more than anything that you didn't remember him, that you were scared of him. It was like the person he loved was just gone. You weren't excited to see him. You weren't smiling your stupidly gorgeous smile or gently punching his arm when he said something mean. You weren't saying something dumb and teasing him with that annoying smirk you had. Everything he loved about you was gone. Everything he found irritating he missed more than anything. He would give anything to hear you laughing at your own dumb jokes. Hell! He even wished you were making fun of him! Trying to get a reaction out of him like you always did. Anything would be better than this!

"This is all your fucking fault. This never would've happened if you weren't so damn weak. You're so selfish!" He growled despite not meaning the words. He didn't mean it, he just didn't know how to deal with this heart ache. He loved you so much, you can't forget him. You can't hate him, you just cant, he can't handle you of all people hating him. When you two first met, sure you didn't get along so great but you've been through so much shit together! He wouldn't trade a thing, not even all the bickering to two did. In fact, he loved it. He loved how quick you'd backfire his insults. He loved that mischevious fire you had in you. He loved you more than anything he had ever loved before. He treasured you to no end.

You glared back at him with all the hatred you could muster. You felt nothing but hatred for this guy in front of you. "I can't imagine I'd ever date someone as awful as you." You had no idea how your words were impacting him. It felt like he was repeatedly taking a knife to his heart. He hadn't felt so much pain before. The stinging feeling in his chest was building and making it hard for him to breath.. "If we were dating beforehand, then I'm sorry to say but it probably won't go back to that."

He began to shake, he was trying so hard to hold back his tears. He could feel himself breaking down more with every second. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Out of everyone you should know he didn't mean it. He really didn't mean it. He was just scared. "No... No. You, can't mean that... please, say you're joking. Right?" He sounded so broken. So defeated. He could barley speak above a whisper. He couldn't lose you. He couldn't lose the love of his life.

"I'm sorry... but I mean it. I can't love someone like you."

Todoroki:

"Oh I get it!" You smiled up at the man who claimed to be your boyfriend. You couldn't remember a thing since you had woken up but luckily this really good looking guy had explained everything to you. He had been so paitient with you. You were feeling better having him around, he seemed like a really nice guy. You must've gotten lucky.

"We should get you out of here soon. The doctors said you should be fine to leave and I don't want to be in this place any longer." You nodded in agreement. The hospital was starting to make you feel nauseous. You wanted fresh air. "I think my parents need to sign me out though. They won't let you take me out because were not related- Uh- sorry. I forgot your name again."

"Kanaye" the ravenette smiled and ruffled your hair. You made face but nodded along. He was so affectionate and you weren't use to it. Well, not that you could remember anyway. He walked out of the room and you sighed. It was scary not knowing anything not knowing who to trust. The only ones you remembered were your parents and they had yet to arrive. They were taking a really long time. You reached over for your phone, kanaye hadn't really let you near it since you woke up. Saying you needed rest first. When you turned it on you had 78 messages and 39 missed calls. You gawked at the amount notifications you had before opening some of them up.

Midoriya.

- we haven't heard from you since yesterday. Is everything ok (y/n)?

-I really hope you're ok. Todoroki is really worried for you.

-(y/n)? We don't know what's going on but we're all looking for you.

- We all care about you so much. We're relly worried. If something happened you can always talk to us.

Momo

- (y/n) is everything ok? You missed classes today.

-The class is getting very worried for you. It's been almost two days.

- Now we can't find Todoroki either. Please tell me you're both ok.

You had many more too from a lot of other people. Mostly they were from this guy you had in your contacts. Shoto. There was a heart next to his name too which was confusing. He had been messaging you like crazy. He was clearly worried. You didn't know who he was but he was in your phone and clearly very important to you. It looked like you two messaged a lot. Your heart skipped a beat when you saw the two of you exchanging "I love you's". You froze up. You could feel your cheeks getting hotter. Who was this guy? What about Kanaye? It seemed like you were dating this 'shoto' guy but that didn't make sense... You decided to put your friends at ease and sent the same message to everyone in your contacts.

- Hi? I'm not sure what's going on but I want you to know, I'm fine. I can't remember anything but I'm assuming by the fact you're in my phone that means we knew each other? I'm in the hospital, I got attacked by a villain and I have amnesia. These contacts in my phone are all I have. I'm sorry for any worry I caused.

As soon as you sent that it didn't even take more than a minute for responces to flood your phone. You aren't sure how you knew so many caring and Lovely people. They mostly seemed to be classmates but they were all worried for you and they wouldn't let up until you gave them the name of the hospital. When you gave them the adress you put your phone down as kanaye walked back into the room.

He smiled at you and you smiled back. Until he noticed your phone had moved closer to you. He glared at it and shook his head. "Don't go on your phone..." He told you sternly before pocketing it. You furrowed your eyebrows in confusion. "Why not? It's my phone."

He sighed and sat down. Taking your hand in his. "There are some bad people from your past in there. They may pretend to be friendly but they only want your power. Now come on. We're going home."

"But my parents-"

"They came but they left after signing you out. They have jobs you know." You glared at him for the attitude. You knew they had jobs but their child was in hospital you knew they wouldnt just leave you without at least checking on you. "Kanaye, what's going on?" You questioned.

He was packing your bag for you and when he was done he grabbed your wrist and pulled you up, he was being rough and it startled you. Alarms began going off in your head. "You told them where you were didn't you!? And now they're on their way. I need to keep you safe." He muttered and grabbed your hand. He began pulling you out of the hospital despite your protesting. It was late and there wasn't many people around. When you got outside and into the parking lot you yanked your hand out of his.

"Why are you so frantic all of a sudden! I may have known you beforehand but I have amnesia! I don't feel comfortable leaving alone with a stranger!" You stepped away from him.

"Neither do I." You heard a voice from behind you growl. It was so cold it almost made your shiver. You turned to see a man with half red, half white hair sending a deathly glare at kanaye.

"Who are you?" You asked. "That's not important right now. What's important is we get you away from this guy." Kanaye smirked and crossed his arms. "Who she going to believe, a stranger. Or me, her boyfriend." The man behind you furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, there was obvious hurt on his face. "What?" Kanaye placed a hand around your waist and pulled you closer to him. You couldn't stop staring at the guy in front of you two. For some reason looking at him made your heart race you wanted to run to him, to hug him and feel safe again. "Who are you?" You asked again but a lot quieter. You were more asking yourself. He looked so familiar. You wanted to trust him more than you did kanaye but Kanaye was your boyfriend right? This was really stressing you out. You knew you couldn't rely on your brain right now. All you could trust was your heart and your heart was pulling you towards the man in front of you. "I don't appreciate you lying to my partner. Let them go. Who are you and what do you want?"

Kanaye began laughing maniacally. His hold on you tightened and it alarmed you to no end. "Aw~ and I was doing such a good job too!!" He now had a girls voice! He began to turn into a goo-like mess that consumed his whole body and when it disappeared again kanaye was no longer there. He was replaced with a girl with blond hair pulled into buns. She was wearing a school uniform. "Oh well! Luckily I still have some of this!" She was distracted with trying to pull of a small bag from her pocket. You turned to the guy and he motioned for you to come over to him. "Please... trust me (y/n)." He whispered softly to you. It made you feel safe and you couldnt help but step forward. Something about the way he said your name snapped something inside of you. Memories of you and your boyfriend came flooding back. You gasped and ran forward. "Shoto!" You finally remembered him but before you could reach him Toga ran in front of you. "Here cutie (y/n)! Go to sleep!"

She blew purple power into your face. The same one that knocked you out the first time. You felt your eyelids close as you lost consciousness and you fell backwards into someone's arms. "The league of villains..." Todoroki watched as one of kurogiris portals opened up and a bunch of them came out. Dabi was now carrying your body through the portal. "They're so cute! We're going to be best friends!" Toga squealed and jumped over into kurogiris portal. "You think I'll let you get away that easily."

"No, that's why we saved just enough powder for you too." Dabi replied in a raspy voice. In a flash toga ran over to him and tried to throw some into his face but he dodged just in time. He couldn't let them take you! He wouldn't! He began to fight them but he knew he couldn't use his quirk. At least not to it's full extent. This was a hospital and civilians were around. It didn't help when more of them began to walk through the portals. Shielding Dabi as he carried your unconscious form away. There were too many villains and civilians in one place for him to win. When he saw the portal closing he turned away. Unable to watch As he had to keep fighting the remaining villains.

'Im sorry (y/n). I promise I'll get you back.'

~*~

That was one week ago and he still hasn't found you. He wasn't sleeping or eating properly, he had been made sick with worry. Who knows what the league was doing to you. He had already told all your friends about the situation as well as the teachers and pro hero's. They were all looking for you. It was wasn't until the next Saturday that Todoroki received a call from Midoriya saying they had found you walking through an alleyway. He didn't waste another second running to your location. Though he couldn't prepare himself for the sight he saw. You were tied up with pro heros surrounding you. You looked scared but at the same time you were struggling against their grips. "What's happened!" He asked and Midoriya was the first to answer. "They... they don't remember anything Todoroki. They keep saying they dont' know who we are. They think they're a villain... We don't know what they did to them but it doesn't look good"

He cautiously walked over to were you were struggling on the ground. You looked up at him with a hate filled glare. "(Y/n) what did they do to you." He whispered softly you tried to make a move to shove him away but you couldn't get anywhere with the restraints on you. "How do you know my name! Who are you people!? Get away from me!" He stared at you in disbelief. He had finally found you again and yet he was back to square one, but the most important thing was you weren't with those villains any more. "It might be best we lock them up for awhile. They've been acting up ever since we found them." One of the hero's suggested. "No." Todoroki interjected as he stood up. "I'll take them back to their house and keep an eye on them. They've got amnesia again. It was like this before the league took them but it didn't last long. They remembered me, something must've triggered their memory. I'm sure that can happen again. Just leave them in my care." He argued with the heros. They agreed to leave you with him. They all knew you weren't a villain, even now you weren't exactly dangerous. You hadn't made a move to hurt any of them even with your quirk. You didn't even really put up a fight. You weren't capable of hurting innocent people, no matter if you had amnesia or not. You were scared and you didn't know What was going on, it made you defensive. You stared up at the man, who had essentially saved you from jail, in shock. They undid your restraints once you calmed down and he reached out a hand for you to take. You took it and he pulled you up. "Who are you?" It was a question todoroki was dreading to answer but he did, knowing he couldn't just ignore the fact you had forgotten all about him. No matter how much it hurt him, he couldn't be selfish. Though when he answered he never would've expected you to glare at him with such undeniable hatred.

"It's... You... You're the- the one Who killed my parents!" Everyone froze in shock at your words. You parents were very much alive! They were helping the hero's look for you this whole time. When you lunged for Todoroki a few of the pro hero's had to restraint you again. "They've been brainwashed..." Midoriya muttered sadly. Feeling his heart shatter more at the sight of you breaking down. Todoroki could only nod in agreement. You struggled against the hero's as your two friends could only watch. It hurt more than anything to see you like this. Why you? Why did the league want you? Why did they do this? They didn't even harm you. It seemed to be more directed toward hurting Todoroki and the people around you. It didn't make sense.

"Look kid! You're parents aren't dead! Relax!" One hero tried to reason with you but you just yelled back that you couldn't trust them. Out of everyone in the world you're the last person Todoroki wanted to look at him with hatred. It was soul crushing. Despite the overwhelming feelings he felt he pushed them down, knowing he had to focus on you right now. He had to help you rather than feeling sorry for himself. He couldn't stand to see you like this. He was going to take care of you, to help you regain your memories again. He would undo all the brainwashing the league had done no matter what it took.

"Look, you either go with Todoroki or you get put in jail, your choice." They reasoned with you and that seemed to make you calm down. You stopped struggling and looked up at him. "Fine..." You muttered and they did eventually let you go. You walked up to Todoroki and when you met his eyes he knew what you were about to say wouldn't be nice. Yet nothing could've ever prepared him for just how much pain your words caused him.

"Just because I'm going with you doesn't mean I trust you." You narrowed your eyes at him.

"I hate you."

[wallyaxiom]

well you lit this fire, years ago.

T A G G I N G : n/a

T I M E F R A M E : april 25, 2020

L O C A T I O N :  elias, ellie frederickson park to be exact

N O T E S : i’ve had wally feels for a few days now 

More than I imagined More than I was asking for Anything can happen In a city of open doors

If you were to tell Wally at twenty-five years old this is what his life would be he would have never believed you. Although, not everything had been the sunshine and rainbows he had imagined himself to have. For someone who lived in darkness the majority of his teenage years, wally believed he had found the light at the end of the tunnel. The happily ever after he envisioned. He was genuinely happy for a while. Then it all came crashing down and Wally was left to pick his broken pieces up yet again. The only thing was he wasn’t the only one. His son was also still healing. 

He was young. Only two years old but still the absence of a parent is still heavy. Wall did his best each and every day to make sure Josh knew how loved he was. It, not the life he ever wanted to give his son but it’s the life he got. Still, there was a chance to turn this all around. Wally had hoped that brighter days were on the horizon.  

one of those brighter horizons came in the form of the solar flare Jim Hawkins. They were dating by any means but Wally had developed feelings for the other. He enjoyed his presence and being around him. Wally swore off dating after his divorce since he never wanted to get josh’s hopes up but with Jim...it felt different and that alone scared him. He was cautious still but felt happier than he had in a while thanks to the man.

happiness. it’s something that wally had always wanted in his life. for a long time, he was unhappy with how his life played out. whether it was his body image, his parents, the bnl gang, and every little thing in between. it took a while for wally to finally found true happiness from within but lately, he felt he had found it. he was finally starting to live his dream. for years he felt like he had been caged. forced to play a role he never wanted. or tied to duties that were unfairly balanced. now he was like a bird, free from the restrictions that held him back. he could do and be whoever he wanted to be. his side job at mama ode’s cafe helped put some money on the table as wally went out for auditions. the life of an aspiring actor was a long winding road that often ended in disappointment. he had been grinding for three years. He landed small gigs here and there. A few background characters and commercials. it was nothing remarkable but it gave him credits on his resume. as he was nearing twenty-sex in a few months wally feared that his chances were fleeting. the dream could only last so long and wally had the passion but at the same time, he had a kid to think about. he couldn’t still be chasing crazy dreams when it wasn’t just his life anymore. it was their life. and as a single parent, his world revolved around Josh. of course, he wouldn’t have had it any other way. 

today he had the day off from work. mama ode who owned the cafe was an eccentric lady but she understood the importance of family. She sympathized with wally’s situation and even took him under her wing. His work schedule was flexible for his son’s sake. For that, he was grateful. Elias had been more forgiving that Los Angeles had ever been. The latter still holds the key to his dreams so he couldn’t criticize too much. Walking hand in hand with his son. Wally sat on a bench as Josh stood before him. He fixed the five-year old’s clothing, smoothing out any creases and fixing the tuff of brown locks that laid upon his head. it might sound selfish and even a little harsh but wally was glad his son resembled him more so than his ex-husband. Though traces still could be found of him in small details of the young boys' face most of them had disappeared just like the man himself. Now he was all Wally and if that wasn’t symbolism wally didn’t know what was. 

“I’m going to stay right here and watch you, sweetheart. if you need anything don’t hesitate to ask okay?” Wally replied with a gentle smile.

“Okay, mom.” josh squeaked in his little voice. It was a new development, mom was. Wally never spoke to Josh like he was a child per se. He knew that his son was far more intelligent than people gave him credit for. actually, most children were. Wally never wanted to talk down to his son and use phrases like ‘i’ll tell you when you’re older’. no, instead wally educated. they taught tolerance, acceptance, and kindness. if josh ever had a question wally would do his best to help his son understand a situation. He was still a parent of course. They also made sure josh still stayed a kid and didn’t grow up to fast. He just helped his son become a little wiser each day. The topic of wally’s gender identity was bound to happen. It was sooner than later as he expected but Wally simply told josh he could call him whatever he wanted. If he wanted to stick with papa he would be happy. if he said anything else wally would be happy. It seemed as though Josh was trying different things until something stuck. one day it was papa or some variation of the word mom. it switched back and forth but it never bothered them. wally was happy to have such a beautiful soul for a child. It was still a concept Wally was teaching Josh but to learn it now meant he’d be more open and accepting in the future. At least Wally believed so.

After a kiss to the cheek and another quick run-through of his fingers through josh’s hair, Wally let his son out into the world. They sat there watching with absolute fondness in their eyes as Wally watched Josh play with the other kids. As he had gotten older josh had come out of his shell more. The boy was still terribly shy but he was a little more social than he was even a year ago. it was progress that Wally was immensely proud of but to be fair every day Josh made Wally proud even in the littlest of things. The pair had been there for about twenty minutes when Wally received a phone call. it was from an unknown caller ID but something in wally’s but told him he needed to take this call. “Hello?”

“Hello, is this Wally Axiom?” the voice asked.

“it is,” Wally replied, trying to make sure all uncertainty stayed out of his voice.

“Good afternoon Wally. I’m Jeff Cartwright, the director for Hairspray at the Fantasia theatre in Los Angeles. I wanted to let you that we are extending you an offer to play one of the nicest kids in town-”

Wally could have dropped his phone right then and there. Everything felt like it was happening in slow motion. Like this was some surreal dream. the Fantasia Theatre was the Wintergarden theatre or any of the theatres on broadway were to New york. it was a big deal to be part of a show there. Sure it was the same caliber as broadway but it was a big stepping stone in his career. 

“Thank you so much for this opportunity. I happily accept the offer.” Wally said, doing their best to remain calm and not scream to the heavens that his chance had come.

“Great, rehearsals start next Friday. Can’t wait to have to part of the team!”

The smile on wally’s face was unbreakable. After hanging up he looked at his phone for a moment still reeling from the conversation that just took place. His chance had finally come. This was what he had been working towards for three years. All his hard work had finally paid off. This was his shot. His chance to propel his dreams into reality. It was an ensemble role sure and most people would call him crazy to get so worked up over something so small but wally didn’t see it as anything small whatsoever. This was something magical. It was an opportunity of a lifetime that could turn into something more. Clutching his phone to his chest, wally’s eyelids softly closed as a shaky, yet happy breathe left his body. A huge weight lifted off him at that moment as he smiled to himself.

so this is what it feels like when dreams come true. 

[jaqaryafics]

Surprise - Jaqarya One Shot

Summary: Upon her arrival in Braavos, Jaqen shows Arya his favourite places

Notes: Requested by: @redismycolourposts : Jaqen shows Arya his favorite places in Braavos, please

I finally finished this! Canon means nothing to me once again. I wrote this from Jaqen's pov, please let me know what you think!

Every day since he's been back in Braavos, Jaqen carefully looked at all the ships in the port and who was leaving them. He's been expecting Arya for years.

Every day he wondered what she's doing. How many people has she killed already? She was capable of incredible things. He was both fascinated and intimidated by her. And gods how much he admired her for it. She wasn't scared of anything.

Every day his admiration grew stronger. He already killed for her, but he would do it again. He would kill all the Kings and Queens in the world if she said she wanted it. And he would let her kill him if that's what she wanted.

It's been years. Did she forget about him? Well of course, she didn't need him. He knew that from the beginning. He knew she didn't need to find him again, but gave her the coin hoping she would want to. There was something special about that girl. He hoped she would still want to see him.

Sometimes he became worried, what if she's somewhere, hurt and alone, with no one to help her? That was the hardest thought to bear. He constantly had to tell himself, she's brave and strong and perfectly capable of defending herself.

Jaqen went to sleep every night, thinking about Arya. Faceless men weren't supposed to have dreams, but she was always in his. So every morning, he went to the port again, hoping to see her.

The Faceless Men weren't happy with his state of being. He wasn't supposed to form personal attachments.

Jaqen decided that if Arya doesn't show up within a fortnight, he's leaving the order and going to look for her.

The days have passed. On his way out of the House of Black and White, he bumped into a faceless man.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Westeros." Jaqen answered impatiently.

"You can't. Your duties are here-"

"A man has no duties here." He looked angrily at the faceless man.

"If you go out of those doors now," The faceless man said, "you'll never get back in. They will be closed for you forever."

"A man can live with that." Jaqen said and confidently walked out.

He walked towards the port and counted coins in his hand. It should be enough to get him a place on a boat to We-

His thoughts got interrupted as two playing children ran into him. They didn't even stop, or apologize. Just rammed into him, which made him drop some coins and ran right away. Jaqen knelt down to pick the coins up, but noticed two were missing. It couldn't be the children, they didn't even stop. Besides, they were both around four.

The sun in his eyes made it difficult, but he saw a figure in front of him examining two coins in their hands. Jaqen silently walked up to the thief. He needed those coins so being gentle wasn't an option. He swiftly put them in headlock. The element of surprise made the thief drop the coins.

"Let me go!" The thief screamed at the top of her lungs. Her voice sounded oddly familiar. She didn't give him enough time to place her voice, since she promptly swinged her sharp elbow in the direction of his stomach. Thanks to Jaqen's fast reflexes, the blow landed on his palm.

He proceeded to grab her arm and quickly twisting it behind her back, to prevent any further movement.

"Get lost." He pushed her away and picked up the coins she had stolen from him.

"Jaqen?!" Hearing the thief say his name made him immediately place her voice. He scolded himself internally for not recognizing it right away. He looked at her and couldn't believe his eyes for a moment. Arya rubbed her shoulder, it looked like what he did was a little painful.

"Gods, are you okay?!" He immediately blurted out and put his hand on her painful shoulder.

"A man didn't know it was you. I'm so sorry..." He stroked her arm. She didn't seem very alarmed with her injury though, since she started giggling.

"This is not really how I imagined it." Arya giggled.

Jaqen wanted to ask if she's okay again, but she was faster.

"It's nothing. But you have to teach me how to do that."

He smiled.

"This city is full of things a girl can learn."

"So will you show me all the secret tunnels and shortcuts? And places where assassins go piss?"

"Braavos is an interesting city. Perhaps a man should show a girl the most beautiful places first."

"How about that?" Arya pointed to an area in the lagoon. There were buildings over there, although most of it was submerged in water, just the domes and top floors of high buildings remained above the surface, visible to anyone.

"A girl wants to see The Drowned Town? I'm afraid it's not as interesting as you think it is. Some people still live in there. In the parts above the surface, of course." Jaqen smiled and slightly nodded.

"What are you going to show me then?" Arya asked.

"We're headed that way." He ducked a little, to minimize the height difference between them. He pointed his finger of the left hand at the stone aquaduct that made its way across the whole city. His right hand found a way to her back. When he realized he can't just have his hand on her back, he gently nudged her forward, towards the aquaduct.

Arya understood the gesture and started walking.

"What were you even doing here?" She looked at him.

Jaqen looked down, slightly embarrassed. He wasn't going to admit that he was thinking about her every day until it became unbearable and he decided to go look for her, but then she appeared out of nowhere and stole from him....

"Work." He said.

Arya raised an eyebrow at him.

"What brought a girl to Braavos?" He changed the topic.

Arya sighed and told him everything that happened since they parted in Harrenhal. How The Hound found her, how they arrived to Riverrun only to see the bloody results of the Red Wedding, how Brienne of Tarth showed up, fought The Hound and won.

It made Jaqen's blood boil, what they've done to her family. She really had nobody now. Except for him. And he wasn't going to leave her this time.

"Listen, lovely girl." He stopped and put his hands on her shoulders. He looked into her face and saw her dark eyes looking at him. It was clear that she had teared up. He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and stroked her cheek.

"You will speak their names and a man will do the rest. I swear it, there will be no one left to hurt you." He said and pulled her towards him, enveloping her in a tight hug. She seemed surprised at first, but then she wrapped her arms around his waist and smiled softly.

When was the last time someone had hugged her? Jaqen thought.

The hug lasted a long time. He suspected that Arya fell asleep in his arms, but then she pulled away slightly and looked up at him.

"Show me the beautiful places first." She smiled.

He returned the smile and they started walking again.

They soon came close to a large temple, made all out of snow white marble, with an enormous silvered dome and milk glass windows that showed the phases of the moon. Jaqen described how enchanting it looks when the moonlight hits one of the windows. Compared to this temple, The Moonsingers' temple, all the other buildings in Braavos, except maybe the Sealord's palace, looked dull.

Arya wanted to take a look inside, but Jaqen stopped her. He wasn't sure how the Moonsingers would react to an unannounced visit, so he just told her to keep walking.

Soon they passed The House of Black and White, which is where Arya asked the most questions.

"I was told I'd find you there, what is it?"

"This is where Faceless Men reside."

"So it's your home?"

"Not anymore."

"What do you mean?"

Jaqen avoided answering her question. He described The Order of Faceless Men in detail, but didn't tell her when, how and why he left.

"How mysterious." Arya smirked, mocking how secretive he was.

"A girl is being rude." He told her.

She just shrugged.

Wow, she hasn't changed at all. Jaqen thought.

From there, they already saw the aquaduct up close, along with the public fountain it brought drinking water into from the mainland. Arya walked up to it and cupped her hands to form a bowl. She took some water into her hands and drank.

"It's good." She smiled. "This aquaduct, is it guarded?"

Jaqen shook his head in response. He saw her intentions in the mischievous look in her eyes, but he couldn't say no.

Arya started climbing, carefully stepping on the large stones the aquaduct was constructed of. Jaqen followed. He had to tell himself to look down where he was stepping, instead of up at Arya's butt. He also couldn't help but wonder whether she'd do the same if it was the other way around.

They reached the arch below where the water flowed. It was long and wide enough just for the two of them to sit next to each other and admire the view.

"It really is beautiful." Arya commented on the view of the whole city in front of them. They could see the Titan too, towering over the lagoon with his broken sword raised above his head.

"Why do you want to leave?" She turned to him.

His response was just a surprised look on his face.

"You were obviously about to get on a ship and leave."

"A faceless man's duties are often far away, as you already know."

"But you said you left the order, what is it that you're not telling me. Why did you even leave The House of Black and White?"

Jaqen sighed. There was no escaping it, he had to tell her.

"It's you." He said, "You're the reason. When you took so long to come, a man wanted to go find you. You never leave my thoughts, lovely girl."

Arya smiled softly and reached out for his hand. He could've sworn he saw her blush.

He leaned closer to her.

"You're very beautiful." He said quietly, almost whispering. "And so very brave." He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. It was just like the hug. She was surprised at first, but once she realized what was going on, she gave in to the sensation and became an active participant.

Jaqen H'ghar didn't expect to spend his day making out with Arya Stark on an aquaduct. But it was a very pleasant surprise.

[cassnottiel]

Two Years to Forgiveness (hopescott)

Scott had taken his plea deal and signed the Sokovia Accords in order to go home. He’d made a mistake, and he owned up to it.

He had made so many mistakes.

Hope and Hank were on the run. Maggie and Jim were furious with him. The disappointment in Cassies eyes alone was enough to make him regret everything he’d ever done.

The house wasn’t all bad. He lived with Luis and they started a business together. Luis seemed to be the one constant in Scott’s life. They could always count on each other.

Slowly, Scott got back on his feet.

X-Con turned into a real business with real profit. Enough profit to hire Dave and Kurt; enough to make child support.

It had taken months, but phone calls with Maggie and Jim turned into family meetings to discuss a custody schedule. The first Saturday when Cassie had stayed over was one of the best days of Scott’s life.

He’d even made friends with the FBI agents that were assigned to watch him while he was under house arrest.

Scott used the burner phone once. He used it to call Hank and Hope and he apologized. He filled the entire voicemail with apologies and promises of doing better in the future; even if they never wanted anything to do with him again, he would still do better for them. He also told them about the Ant-Man suit.

The Ant-Man suit that haunted him from its hiding stop. He wasn’t worthy of keeping it. He told Hank and Hope that, and that they could come by whenever they felt like to take it and he wouldn’t get mad or call anyone.

The suit was gone a week later. It disappeared in the night.

Scott knew they were watching him. They had to be. He just needed to find a way to communicate with them.

He left a sticky note above his windowsill on the outside of the house. It had a simple question written on it: how are you?

It took a few weeks, but he got a response. In Hanks messy scrawl, a single word was written back. Fine.

It was small, but it was a start.

By the time the first nine months passed, everything was going great. X-Con was thriving, Scott’s days with Cassie extended from weekends to one week a month, Maggie and Jim had forgiven him and were now some of his best friends, and the notes were getting more frequent.

It had been just shy of one year when Scott got up in the middle of the night to get something to eat and stopped to look out the window. A woman was standing on the street, staring back at him. Her hair was longer and she was wearing what resembled an Ant-Man suit, but it was Hope.

She nodded once, and then the helmet sprung up around her head and she vanished in an instant. Scott almost jumped out the window to chase after her. The bowl of Fruit Loops sat forgotten on the table until morning.

None of them mentioned anything about the late night visit in the notes.

Two days later, Scott let three ants crawl up his arm. He was silent and just offered a sugar cube. Cassie, fresh out of school for the summer, giggled and asked if it was Hope.

“I don’t know.” Was Scott’s wistful answer.

One sunny summer day in July, Scott woke to a joyous shout of laughter from Cassie. She rushed into his room to show her a stuffed bear and a card.

We’re sorry we can’t give it to you in person. Have a wonderful birthday. The card read. It was signed HVD and HP. The bag had been waiting outside Cassies bedroom on the floor.

That night, when Cassie went back to her mother’s house, Scott left a sticky in the usual place. Two words, a simple thank you.

When he closed the window and turned around, Hope was standing in the dark hallway. Scott almost cried out. With joy or fright, he didn’t know.

“Hope?” His voice was tentative and quiet, disbelief evident.

Her hair had grown out in waves, she didn’t have her makeup on, her suit was grey and a dark golden color, and her eyes were the same furious brown they were a year ago. She had gotten even more beautiful since the last time they had seen each other.

“Did she like it?” Hope asked. “We don’t know what she likes, so we got her something generic. We can get her something different if she doesn’t–”

“She loves it.” Scott’s voice was full of so many emotions he couldn’t begin to list them all. “It’s perfect.”

Hope nodded. “I’m glad.”

“How are you and Hank?” Scott’s voice cracked.

“We’re fine.” Hope said shortly.

“I’m sorry.” They were both speaking so quietly. “I made so many mistakes. And I want to make it up to you and Hank, and–”

She slapped him. Not hard, but it was sharp and sudden.

“Sorry.” Hope said and drew her hand back.

“I deserve it.” Scott whispered, rubbing his cheek.

“That’s why I did it.”

And they both laughed. It was a short moment, but it was something.

“You aren’t forgiven yet.”

Scott nodded and watched the woman he loves shrink down and vanished. He didn’t deserve their forgiveness. Not yet.

The next visit was just after the fourteen month mark. Scott was watching an old movie in the late hours of the night, and the sound of someone growing from ant-sized to normal-sized came from his kitchen.

They didn’t speak to each other. She stood on the opposite side of the room and they sat in the relative silence together for some minutes. Scott didn’t turn, but offered his bowl of popcorn. Hope smiled mournfully and took some.

“Why didn’t you tell us?”

Scott turned the volume down. They still weren’t looking at each other.

“I don’t know.” It was the truth. “Cap said the world was in danger. But if it was, he would have called the actual avengers. Not me.”

“Cap?”

They finally made eye contact. Hope was smiling, and that made Scott smile.

“Would you have come if I called you?”

“Well never know.” Hope turned back to the movie. “But I do know one thing.”

“What?” Now that he was looking at her, Scott couldn’t look away.

“If I’d have come, you wouldn’t have gotten caught.” She grabbed another handful of popcorn. They both laughed quietly. They both knew it was true.

She left at the next commercial.

Six weeks later, Scott went downstairs to see Hope on his couch. She had grabbed a few bottles of beer from his fridge and set them out on the coffee table. None of them had been opened.

“Hope?” Scott asked. It was dark outside and the lights were dimmed, but he could still tell that Hope looked like shit.

“We’re working on something.” Hope grabbed one of the bottles and opened it. Scott was immediately concerned and he sat down on the opposite side of the couch.

“My dad and I are building a Quantum Tunnel.” Hope took a swig of beer. “We’re going to try and bring my mom back.”

Scott listened. He didn’t interrupt. He asked few questions. He waited until Hope was done before he inched toward her. The stress of being on the run was getting to her, and she fell into the hug easily. They drank together in the quiet.

She said goodbye after four beers. She flew away after six.

The next visit was a month later. It was a Sunday and Scott and Cassie were playing hide-and-seek. Scott had shoved himself awkwardly into Luis’ closet and be could hear his daughter getting closer.

“Nice spot.”

Scott almost jumped out of his skin. His head jerked to the side and there she was, Hope was smiling fondly down at him.

“H-Hope, I-I-I don’t- what?” Scott stuttered out as he tried to stand up.

“Is it okay if I’m here?” Hope asked. “Right now?”

Scott nodded and shoved Luis’ clothes back into his closet.

“Is it okay if Cassie sees me?”

Scott was about to say yes, yes, anything is okay as long as it’s you, when the door opened. Cassie stood in the doorway, staring in disbelief.

“Hey, peanut.” Scott said. “I guess I lost.”

“Hope!” Cassie ran and jumped into her arms with a fierce hug. “Agent Woo says you broke the law and ran away!”

Hope shot Scott a questioning look and Scott nodded.

“I did.” She knelt down so she could be eye level with Cassie. “Can you keep a secret?” Cassie nodded enthusiastically. “I’m not supposed to be here, so you can’t tell anyone. Can you do that?”

Cassie was beaming as she nodded again. “Is my daddy a superhero again?” Hope laughed.

She stayed for dinner.

“Scott, you have to be careful.” Maggie said one Sunday night two weeks later. Jim was helping Cassie put her things in the car. “If they, or you, get caught, you could go back to prison.”

Scott wasn’t surprised she knew. Jim probably knew, too.

“I know.”

“Make sure you don’t get caught.” Maggie pulled him into a hug.

The visits were got less frequent the closer the end of his sentence got.

“We’re almost done with the tunnel.” Hope explained. She handed him a burner phone. “We might not be able to send and receive notes as often. Call if you need to.”

She gave him a brief kiss before shrinking down.

Three months later, with a little less than a week left under house arrest, Scott got a dream. He called Hank and Hope immediately afterward.

The next day, they were both in his living room.

“Janet must have put a message in your head when you entangled with her.” Hank said in amazement. They were all so close to achieving their goals; all so hopeful.

“We need to get a component for the tunnel, so it doesn’t overload the system again.” Hope paced the room. “We’ll come get you before we power the tunnel up again so we can get the message.”

“Are you sure it’s safe to take me out of here?” Scott asked. He was so close, he couldn’t mess anything up now.

“We’ll have you home before lunch.”

The next day, a new Ant-Man suit was laid out on the kitchen table.

“The lab got stolen.” Hank explained. He was on the verge of breaking down. Scott’s freedom was nothing on comparison to getting Janet back. “We contacted one of my old colleagues and tracked it, but we don’t know what we’re going up against.”

“We need your help.” Hope said.

Scott didn’t even need time to think. Freedom be damned, Janet was coming home.

[harrystylesgoldencreature]

Just a Flicker of Hope-Chapter 4-New Year, New Beginnings

She looked around the crowed bar and sighed. She had always hated working on holidays, but the money was well worth it. Her boss had always been good to her when it came to holiday pay, and she definitely could not pass it up. Besides, it was not like she had any plans for the New Years anyway. The customers were loud and rowdy, as they celebrated the last day of the year. Fortunately, she wasn't scheduled to close that night. She would get off just in time to watch the ball drop in Time Square. It had always been her favorite thing to do, at the end of the year. She had not missed it, since she moved there 6 years earlier. Felicity was lost in thought, as she refilled her customers drinks. It had been a very busy day, and she had not had time to take a break. Nor had she had time to think. This seemed to be for the best since all she could do now a days was think about Harry. Lately, she couldn't take her mind off of him. He was in her every waking thought, and it drove her crazy. Not to mention, she had even started to dream of him at night. Harry had been coming into her bar, everyday for the past week and a half now. Being she had to work on Christmas, they spent the holiday together. He had yet to tell his family what happened between him and Courtney so he faked an illness, to get out of his annual family dinner. However, he had not wanted to spend the day alone so he came into the bar. It had become routine for them to chat and flirt with one another. She thought the flirting was harmless at first, considering he was still getting over a heartbreak. She had refused to allow herself to feel anything towards him other than friendship. Although she did like him as more than a friend, she refused to be his rebound from Courtney. The girl had already stolen Mark from her, she didn't want her to be the reason that Harry wanted anything to do with her as well. She would never be able to live with herself. Oddly, Harry had yet to make an appearance today. She kept waiting for him to come strutting into the bar and say something cheeky to her. She had become fond of his many pet names and flirting banter. She secretly loved it, though she would never admit it to herself. Looking at the clock for the hundredth time, she sighed in relief. It was finally ten o'clock when meant it was time for her to leave. She loved her job, and her customers, but she did get tired of the place at times. Filling up her last customer's glass, she headed back behind the counter. She started to grab her things and clock out. “Oh don't go!” Jenna whined. “Come on! Stay here with me. Since I can't go out and party, you shouldn't be allowed to either.” “Hey now! You always go out partying and leave me behind. Pay back is a bitch!” She teased. Jenna stuck her tongue out, in a childlike manner. “Well since you're going out anyways, at least find you a man. For the love of God have a goodnight for once! Go crazy!” “Yeah right,” Felicity said rolling her eyes. “God you're so dull!” She whined, only partly joking. “Well some of us can't get any guy we want like you!” “Oh whatever! I see how that Harry guy looks at you! I also see the way the two of you flirt! Why not take a shot on him? He looks like he would be great in bed.” “I told you, Harry just got out of a relationship.” “And? Rebound sex is amazing.” “That's the thing! I don't want to just be some rebound. I don't see a point in that! I would just end up having feelings for him, and he wouldn't want anything more from me.” “You don't know unless you try.” She said stubbornly. “I really don't want to talk about this now! I need to be going. See you tomorrow?” “I'll be here! Have fun!” She called out. Walking towards the exit of the bar, Felicity waved to a few of her regular customers that she knew quite well. The cool breeze hit her, as soon as she stepped outside. She stood with her face looking towards the sky for a moment. The cool night air felt good on her hot cheeks. She tried to keep her mind clear, and free from thoughts of Harry, as she made her way home. The walk only took her about five minutes. She hurried inside and set about getting ready to go to Time Square. She decided she would dress up a bit. Taking a shower, she blow dried and curled her hair. She carefully applied her make-up, making sure not to over do it. She wanted to look good, but didn't want her make-up to looked caked. She had always hated it when girls wore too much. It seemed to make them look desperate and needy. She deliberated for about ten minutes on the right outfit. In the end, she opted for a red sweater dress. It was velvety and sparkled every time she moved in the light. She threw on some black stockings, to keep from getting cold. Knowing it was probably gonna to be a major mistake, she also threw on some killer heels. She knew that she would regret that decision, when she had to walk back home. Wrapping a scarf around her neck, she grabbed her clutch and threw her things in it. Looking herself over in the mirror, she was highly surprised. She looked beautiful, even to her eyes. Without another thought, she turned off the lights and headed out the door. Time Square was just a few blocks from her house. She had never minded walking to places, she actually enjoyed it for the most part. Every since she sold her car in order to help her brother out in a crisis, that was the only way she had to get around. The streets were crowded with people cheering loudly. There seemed to be highly intoxicated people everywhere she turned. She smiled slightly at the ground. She had always enjoyed watching other people when they were happy and having a great time. Time Square was in full swing, when she finally made it. She had always loved arriving early, in order to watch the performances. Halsey was currently on stage. She was a big fan of hers. Felicity had loved her voice and truly admired her songs. Surprisingly, she was able to make her way to the front of the stage. She merged into the crowd and started to sing along. Dancing, she let lose and just enjoyed the moment. To her disappointment, however, she had gotten there right at the end of the performance. A man came center stage and started to introduce the next performer. “How are we doing tonight New York City? Is everyone enjoying the show?” He paused briefly, as he wanted for the crowd to calm down. “Our next performer has always been a favorite of mine. He has come a very long way since he first got started out. He has just finished up on his first world tour as a solo artist, and I think I speak for everyone when I say his album was AMAZING! Please join me in welcoming the amazing and extremely talented Harry Styles!!” Felicity gasped, as Harry made his way to the stage. He looked extremely handsome in a simple black suit. She couldn’t believe her eyes. “Of course!” She said out loud. Her voice was drowned out by the screams of the crowd as Harry started his song.

“She worked her way through a cheap pack of cigarettes

Hard liquor mixed with a bit of intellect

And all the boys, they were saying they were into it

Such a pretty face on a pretty neck

She's driving me crazy

But I'm into it, But I'm into it

I'm kinda into it

It's getting crazy

I think I'm losin' it, I think I'm losin' it

Oh I think she said, “I'm havin' your baby”

It's none of your business

I'm havin' your baby, It's none of your business 

(No, it's none of your, it's none of your)

Just havin' your baby, It's none of your business

I'm havin' your baby, It's none of your, It's none of your

It's New York, baby, always jacked up

Holland Tunnel for the nose, it's always backed up

When she's alone, she goes home to a cactus

In a black dress, she's such an actress

Driving me crazy

But I'm into it, But I'm into it

I'm kinda into it

It's getting crazy

I think I'm losin' it, I think I'm losin' it

Oh, I think she said, “I'm havin' your baby”

It's none of your business

I'm havin' your baby, It's none of your business 

(No, it's none of your, it's none of your)

I'm havin' your baby, It's none of your business

I'm havin' your baby , It's none of your, It's none of your

She sits beside me like  a silhouette

Hard candy drippin' on me till my feet are wet

And now she's all over me, it's like I paid for it

It's like I paid for it

I'm gonna pay for this

It's none of your, It's none of your

I'm havin' your baby (It's none of your)

Havin' your baby, It's none of your business

Havin' your baby, It's none of your business

It's none of your

Hey!”

She had known every word to the song. Of course she had always been a fan of Harry’s, ever since his One Direction days. How has she not realized who he was earlier than now? When he came into the bar, he always dressed casually. He wore hats that would partly hide his face and oddly seemed different. He was still the same man, however. She had never felt more like an idiot, in that moment. She was embarrassed, for her utter stupidity. She had just about decided the leave the stage entirely, when he caught her eye. He seemed both surprised to see her and happy at the same time. He gave her a wink, and she smiled and waved in return. His performance soon came to an end, and he exited the stage without another glance in her direction. Deciding she needed a drink after her newest revelation, she started to head out of the crowd. She was pleasantly surprised, when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Expecting Harry, she turned around immediately. She was slightly disappointed when it wasn’t Harry who stood in front of her but another man. “Are you Felicity?” He asked right away. “I am.” She said in confusion. “Hi! My name is Jeff, I’m Harry’s manager.” He said lowering his voice he took a step towards her so as not to be overheard. “It’s nice to meet you,” she said shaking his out stretched hand. “He wanted me to see if you would care to join him? He would have come himself but there are quite a few fans here.” He explained. She nodded her head in understanding. “I see.” “Would you like to join us?” He asked again. Not entirely sure what to say, she just shook her head. She seemed to be at a loss for words, in a daze. “Splendid!” He cheered. “Follow me.” He took her around the massive crowd and headed towards the back of the stage. Showing the guards his badge, he was granted passage immediately. “She’s with me,” he said casually. The two security guards simply nodded their heads. They looked utterly bored and uninterested in her entirely. She continued to follow Jeff behind the stage. They passed by numerous dressing rooms and she had to force herself not to fan girl when she saw Halsey from afar. Finally, they reached their destination. Knocking slightly, Jeff poked his head in the door. “Hey mate, I have her here. Need anything else?” “I’m good, thanks Jeff!” She could hear Harry call back. “Anytime.” Jeff gave Felicity a wink, as he held the door open for her to enter. “Thank you,” she told him softly. Without another word, he shut the door and left the pair alone. Harry was sitting on a rather plush blue sofa and had on a bright smile. “Well if it isn’t Harry Styles! What an absolute honor,” she teased placing her hand over her chest. He laughed. “I didn’t know if you were a fan or not,” he said. “I also wasn’t expecting to see you here.” He admitted “Well in all honesty I didn’t put two and two together until a few minutes ago. I feel like an idiot for not realizing it sooner.” He seemed to be lost in thought for a moment. “But yes.. I’ve always been a fan, which is why I feel utterly stupid for not recognizing you.” He smiled at her shyly. “I’m kind of glad you didn’t.” He said honestly. He patted the spot beside him, motioning for her to join him. Slowly, she made her way to the couch and sat down beside him. “Why do you say that?” She asked curious. “Well every since I’ve been in the spotlight, it’s been hard to tell what someone’s true intentions are when they’re with me. You make me feel like a normal person, and that’s been oddly nice.” “Wait! So you’re telling me you’re not a normal person? What are you? An alien?” She teased. He laughed once more. “You know what I mean!” “I know,” she sighed. “I would’ve have treated you any differently, even if I had known who you were when we first met.” He stared into her sparkling green eyes, as he took in her words. He had already known that she wasn’t the type to be with someone just because of their fame and fortune. He had known that from the way she had taken care of him on that very first night. “I wish more people were like you,” he whispered not exactly meaning for her to hear his words. She looked away, to hide her blush. “You’re quite cute when you blush.” He teased. “Oh whatever!” She said playfully pushing his shoulder. “You are!” “How much have you had to drink tonight?” “Ummm... a bit.. but that’s not the point! I might not be 100% sober, but I still know beauty when I see it. And you, my lady, are utterly beautiful!” Rolling her eyes, she simply shook her head. “If you don’t believe me, go ask Jeff! I saw the way he was eyeing you!” “Jealous are we?” She teased. “No,” he said stubbornly. He stuck out his bottom lip, causing her to laugh. Hearing her musical laugh, he had a hard time keeping up his charade. This seemed to entertain her even more, as she watching him struggle not to smile. “You’re something else,” he told her shaking his head. “So I’ve been told.” They heard the crowd shouting loudly outside. Glancing at the clock, Harry jumped from his seat. “Come on!” He shouted, grabbing her by the hand. “We’re going to miss it!” Trying to keep up with his long legs, she followed after him as he led them outside. They seemed to make it just in time. The crowd started the countdown, screaming loudly. “10...9...8...7...6...” Suddenly, Felicity’s heart started to pound in her chest. Harry caught her by the wrist and turned her towards him. He was staring deeply into her eyes, as the countdown continued. “5...4...3...2...1...HAPPY NEW YEARS!!” The crowd cheered. The crowd seemed to fade out entirely, as Harry unexpectedly leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss had been everything she had imagined it would be. His warm lips were soft yet firm against hers. She seemed to melt into him, as he deepened the kiss. It was a very magical moment, as fireworks erupted throughout the sky. She had never once been kissed like this, in all of her life. They were both breathless, when he reluctantly pulled away. Resting his forehead to hers, he smiled at her shyly. “Happy New Years.” His velvet voice whispered.

[mittensmorgul]

I’ve seen multiple posts about how 13.21 referenced both Stand By Me as well as LotR (I mentioned it here but I know there were other posts that explained it in much more detail in case anyone doesn’t recognize all the references). And I’ve thrown around a couple of comments on how the episode directly referenced a LOT of the first half of s8 of The Walking Dead but I haven’t seen anyone write anything more detailed.

I intended to wait to see how the rest of the season turned out before writing anything more detailed, because this episode was written long before the second half of s8 of TWD was finished airing and I have no idea if Bobo knew spoilers in advance or if he was only using this as a sort of one-off parallel within this episode alone, but thematically there have been a number of other TWD references this season, from all the zombie comments in 13.06 to the Zombie Mom Witch in 13.12.

Anyway, below a cut in case anyone doesn’t want s8 TWD and current Fear The Walking Dead spoilers.

I mentioned in another post that I was essentially convinced by the end of Sam’s opening dream sequence that something terrible was gonna happen to Sam by the end of the episode... because TWD has been using a similar opening scene for a while now. Both on TWD and also on Fear TWD.

Essentially the “dreamer” is dead in every case (the notable unresolved “dreamer” whose fate we aren’t entirely sure of is Madison in Fear, but she’s now also been featured in Nick’s dream in the episode he died in so...)

But I want to focus on Carl’s dream sequences from the first half of s8. Because there were a number of them through the first eight episodes, and it wasn’t entirely clear that they were dreams at first. They seemed to show flashes of a “happy future” where his family was all safe and healthy, living a normal sort of “apple pie” life in their home in Alexandria. His little sister was older, his father had gone a bit greyer and walked with a cane, Michonne was still with Rick and happily being mom to Carl and an older Judith. Basically imagine a Walking Dead version of Sam’s dream, where they’re all around the table safe and happy and just living.

We didn’t really get a full understanding that these were specifically CARL’S dreams until the episode he was bitten (which aired December 10, 2017, so likely while Berens was working on this draft).

Clearly Sam’s “bite” went down a lot different than Carl’s did. But the part of the AU where Sam was attacked bore a lot of resemblance to the area where Carl and Siddiq had been walking together:

Path through the woods with hungry monsters waiting to eat them. But let me back up for a moment and explain why he was even out there.

Kindness.

He lived in a barricaded little town called Alexandria, who have allies in other groups such as The Kingdom (heh), Hilltop, and a broken relationship with a group of women living hidden in a community called Oceanside. All of these groups have been struggling under the oppressive rule of the Saviors (ie that group led by John Winchester Negan and his barbed-wire baseball bat called Lucille that Dean had in 12.15). At the beginning of s8, Carl’s father Rick had essentially been in what Mr. Mittens politely refers to as “kill mode.” They’d been betrayed and suffered heavily from the Saviors, who rule their territory with an iron fist and a steady campaign of terror and intimidation against any group they see as a potential resource.

(they’re basically awful, okay?)

But Carl is an odd duck. He’d spent quite a bit of time talking to Negan (not entirely by choice, because Negan is generally awful, but also had a weird soft spot for Carl, despite having threatened to force Rick to chop of Carl’s arm the first time they all met... it’s a disturbing show, sorry). Rick has never been able to forgive Negan for what he did (not just the psychological torture and threatening Carl, but also killing Abraham and Glen in cold blood just to intimidate and hurt the rest of them, and Maggie will never forgive him for killing Glen-- i.e. the father of her unborn child).

Which brings us to the people TFW+Gabe met in the woods-- a dark-haired woman called Maggie and a dude carrying a baseball bat. Interesting pair, no? Because in TWD if Maggie ever came face to face with Negan she’d claw his face off with her bare hands.

Okay now back to why Carl was in the woods. Back when Rick had been in Kill Mode, they ran across a man in the woods named Siddiq who Carl had wanted to help, but Rick shot at him to scare him away. Rick wasn’t in a mood to trust anyone, and especially not lone strangers in the woods. Carl apologized and began sneaking food out of Alexandria and befriending Siddiq. This went on for 8 episodes... bringing him supplies in secret and learning about the man. Which is what he’d been doing when they were ambushed by walkers.

Meanwhile back at home, one of the Saviors had turned traitor and was secretly helping Rick and his people escape an ambush (heck there’s so much of revenge and deceit involved in explaining Dwight’s motives here... but basically half the season is about revenge, and the fact that getting revenge is just... not worth it... sound familiar?)

So Carl had been out there in the middle of all this danger and (essentially) warfare to do a good deed for someone. And in the fighting, he’d accidentally been bitten by one of the walkers. (Sound familiar?)

The differences between Sam and Carl’s deaths:

Walker bites don’t kill instantly. It can take days to succumb to the infection unless the bite itself proves fatal, and Carl was bitten on his side (think about where Cas got stabbed by the Lance of Michael).

Carl killed the things that “killed him”

Sam’s bite was to a critical artery. If Carl had been bitten on the neck he would’ve been dead in a minute, but they wanted him to live long enough to get home and prepare for his own death. Sam didn’t get that luxury.

Carl didn’t have a handy archangel to resurrect him. Even if it was awful.

He did get to write letters to the people he cared about-- and to Negan-- and say goodbye to his loved ones in person. Sam didn’t. But Sam came back from the dead to address that in person.

Carl met back up with his family in the sewers (tunnels) under Alexandria after escaping the Saviors’ attack

The thing is, Carl had been the Negotiator. He’d been a sort of diplomat between everyone else and Negan, trying to convince everyone to work together rather than keep seeking revenge and trying to kill each other. Just like he’d been nurturing his friendship with Siddiq, and preparing to bring him back to Alexandria despite Rick not wanting him there.

Meanwhile we’ve been seeing hints about the revenge Sam is eager to take out on Lucifer. We saw Dean’s concern about Sam’s motives for helping Gabriel get his revenge against Loki and his children in 13.20, and Dean wanting to take the horrific burden of vengeance and the utter lack of fulfillment it actually provides off Sam’s shoulders.

It’s interesting that the Negan-coded dude (but not entirely, because his baseball bat didn’t have barbed wire wrapped around it) ended up biting it (pffft) in that tunnel and is never mentioned again. Maggie attempts to offer sympathy to Dean for the loss of his friend, but she gets nothing back from him.

Anyway, Carl left some letters behind (which he writes during episode 9, which didn’t air until February 25, 2018, so two weeks before they began filming 13.21 and likely after the script was finalized) and the contents he shared with Rick and with Negan can be read at those links in their entirety. But here’s a few key points:

You have to find peace with Negan. Find a way forward somehow. We don't have to forget what happened, but you can make it so that it won't happen again, that nobody has to live this way, that every life is worth something.

Start everything over. Show everyone that they can be safe again without killing. They can feel safe again. That it can go back to being birthdays, and school, and jobs, and even Friday night pizza somehow, and walks with a dad and a three-year-old holding hands. Make that come back, dad. And go on those walks with Judith. She'll remember them.

I love you.

Carl

and to Negan:

I hope my dad offers you peace. I hope you take it. I hope everything can change. It did for me.

Start over. You still can.

And at this point I’m singing “It’s never too late to start all over again” in my head.

And while all that was happening in TWD, the Saviors were launching firebombs into their town, as we assume there’s gonna be some more AU Angel “fireballs” hitting in 13.22.

The interesting thing about TWD’s season finale (which aired April 15, or four days before 13.23 wrapped filming), is that Rick finally both lucked out (via a timely bit of backstabbing by Eugene, who’d been considered a traitor when he went to work for Negan and had cost multiple people their lives as a result, but he’d rigged all the saviors’ guns to backfire and kill THEM instead of the people the guns were aimed at) AND took Carl’s message to heart.

He had the perfect chance to kill Negan and get his revenge at last, but he bargained for peace instead, in the face of a HUGE swarm of walkers that could threaten them all if they didn’t work together instead of constantly enacting petty revenge wars against each other.

(but Maggie? She still wants revenge, along with a few quiet others... but that’s for next season. For now, there’s an uneasy truce)

I have no idea what this means for anything else going on in SPN, or what lengths Sam, Dean, Cas, Gabriel, Lucifer, Mary, Jack... and everyone else... will be willing to go to to get “revenge” or to stop AU Michael, but I thought this was an interesting parallel between Sam and Carl in this episode.

[myraelvira]

Baby Jessica

Baby Jessica

Growing up in the 90's and early 2000's, I remember at the beginning of every school year teachers would show us a video talking about a little girl that fell down the well and had been miraculously rescued. As an adult, I've thought about this case from time to time but didn't really know much about it. I just mainly remembered the moral of the story, to watch your kids and not leave them around things that could hurt them.

The person in this case is Jessica McClure Morales, born on March 26th, 1986, in Midland, Texas. She was born to Chip and Reba (Cissy) McClure, who are described as having been just 18 year old kids that were just starting out. According to one source, the couple got married when Cissy was only 16, and Chip 17.

The first 18 months of her life went by normally, until October 14th, 1987. Jessica was at her aunt Jamie Moore's house, which was also a daycare center. She was playing with four other children in the backyard while under the supervision of her mother Cissy. At some point, there was a phone call which Cissy went to answer and left the children unattended. Minutes later, the children were screaming and Cissy rushed outside to find her daughter gone. Not long after, she discovered that her daughter fell into the 8 inch diameter well, being trapped deep in the shaft. One source states that the dry well had been dug years earlier, and was covered with a flower pot.

There is very little information as to how Jessica fell down the well, even to this day. Many articles on the story merely state that she fell down the well, and focus more on the rescue efforts that took place.

According to her mother Cissy, there was a heavy rock that allegedly covered the well "to prevent just such an accident". She stated that, "I didn't know what to do. I just ran in and called the police. They were there within three minutes, but it felt like a lifetime.". Her father Chip stated that it was "a nightmare that got worse and worse.".

Baby Jessica was trapped in the well for the next 58 hours. The shaft was 22 feet below ground and 8 inches wide. Jessica was deep in the ground, beneath layers of rock cited to be harder than granite. The way that she fell ended up leaving her right leg sticking up higher than her arm.

The entire country was captivated by the situation as it was broadcast on news stations all over the US. The situation was covered live on CNN, which was the nations first 24 hour news network at the time. She was dubbed "everybody's baby" and plenty of donations were sent in to her family. The donations totaled hundreds of thousands of dollars, which were set aside in a trust fund for her to inherit at the age of 25.

The rescue team had to use a large rat hole rig, which is a machine that is normally used to plant telephone poles in the ground. The rescue team drilled a 30 inch wide, 29 foot deep hole parallel to the well. The process of saving her was extremely difficult, as they did not want to risk permanently injuring her or breaking her spine.

Initially it was thought that Jessica could be saved within a day, but the narrow well made things extremely complicated. When this became known, the federal government flew a mining expert to lead the mass amount of people to save her.

While passing the time, Jessica moaned, cried, and even sang songs. The rescuers would listen to her, even being able to tell her moods. When a jackhammer would start up, she would use a "huffy little voice", sounding angry. Though she cried for 80% of the time, rescuers would sometimes ask her to sing. One person stated that they would never forget her singing "Winnie the Pooh".

On October 16th, 1987, Jessica was safely lifted out of the well. She would undergo 15 surgeries in the coming years to treat all of the complications. To this day, she has rheumatoid arthritis (having been diagnosed right before the 10th grade), a scar on her forehead, and a missing toe on her right foot that had been stuck above her arms. While in the well, the position she fell in caused her to catch gangrene, and doctors initially thought that they would have had to amputate her right foot. One doctor believed that he could save her foot, and skin was grafted from her hip to her foot. Unfortunately, her pinky toe had to be amputated.

Scott Shaw, a young photographer at the time, won a a Pulitzer Prize for his shot of the moment of the rescue.

Without food or water for over 2 days, she was estimated to have been 10-15% dehydrated. Medical personnel decided not to provide her with food and water, fearing that it could do more harm than good in case she had any internal injuries. She could survive for three to four days without water, and a hose was lowered to provide fresh air. A duct would deliver warm air so she wouldn't suffer from hypothermia. She went from 21 pounds to 17.5.

She received a phone call from President Ronald Reagan, and met Vice President George Bush and his wife Barbara Bush, when they visited her in the hospital. The Bush's were former Midland residents themselves.

In 1989, a made for tv movie was created about the incident, featuring many of the real participants participants of the actual rescue and coverage as extras.

There was a parade held for the rescuers, and the lead crew found themselves on the Oprah Winfrey show.

Jessica did not initially know that she was the child who caught the media's attention in 1987. When she got older, she enjoyed watching the show 'Rescue 911', to which there was an episode of Baby Jessica. Jessica had been moved to tears about the story, and had asked her stepmother what the girl's name was. She was told that it was in fact her, who was Baby Jessica.

She states that she remembers very little, if anything at all of the situation. One source quotes her as having remembered when they got her out. Cissy has stated that Jessica only remembers what she had been told. The situation was never brought up at home when she was growing up, as her mother feared that it would essentially overcome Jessica's life, and she'd be forever surviving the incident. There do not seem to be any photographs of the house that the event happened in, and the dry well has since had a metal plate welded over it.

Jessica's life has since been ordinary. She graduated from high school in 2004, and got married in 2006. She has had 2 children, and now teaches in the same school district that she went to school at. On March 26th, 2011, she gained access to her trust fund which was reportedly to have been 1 million dollars at some point. Unfortunately, with the stock market crash in 2008, her trust fund went to around 300,000 dollars. One source states that it was worth 800,000 dollars. Despite this, she was still able to buy a house, and plans on saving the rest for her children.

According to one source, Jessica's husband Daniel had been convicted in 2002 of impersonating a federal marshal to steal money from drug dealers. After the incident, Jessica's parents divorced in 1990, citing irreconcilable differences.Cissy remarried and took on the last name Porter. There hasn't been any interaction between her and the media for decades. Jessica's father remarried and had more children after her. He created a facebook page that sometimes updates about anniversaries of the story. He relocated to the Tyler, Texas area and made a living selling aircrafts. Allegedly, one source states that the residents of the Midland area were surprised that her parents' marriage lasted so long. It also states that Cissy studied cosmetology part time at the Aladdin Beauty College, and Chip started his own tractor rental business, which had been a life long dream.

When the couple divorced, there was public backlash as it was revealed that her parents had spent 80,000 dollars of Jessica's trust fund money. Sources state the majority of the money was to start Chip's tractor service company, and the parents bought a house and two cars. Sources allude that Jessica's parents could not deal with the fame, the money, and general media attention that the scenario brought. One source states that there was a rumor that Cissy refused to wait in line at a Denny's, and announced "I'm Jessica's Mother". The couple was rumored to have bought a Mercedes and a Rolls Royce with the trust fund money donated, though in reality they bought a Thunderbird. Cissy is reported to have had nightmares after the incident. Sources state that she would still hear the drills, her daughter's cries, and would wake up in a cold sweat.

The man who famously brought Jessica out of the well, Robert O'Donnell, met with an untimely demise. Despite being prone to claustrophobia, he agreed to extricate Jessica, his physique was tall and wiry, which was very helpful. Initially, another man offered to go into the tunnel, because he had been born without a collarbone.

Robert was able to grab Jessica by her pant leg and inch her back to safety. He is quoted as saying, "I've saved other people's lives before, but there will be nothing like this again.". Initially, when Robert pulled on her leg, she cried and tried to retract her leg, saying "No!".

The experience of being so down low in the drilled tunnel the rescuers created was compared to lying in a grave. Soon after saving Jessica, he was one of the people that were asked to appear on Oprah; he was also asked to judge the GI Joe American Heroes contest. Many sources state that he became intoxicated with fame, and even asked People magazine to help him write his autobiography. O'Donnell started to get migraines, and started popping pills. His wife kicked him out, and he lost his job when he started passing out at work from the heavy doses of pills. O'Donnell moved in with his mother, and would read his scrapbook alone. There was the inscription 'MY HERO' on it written by his mother in law, and allegedly seeing this would make him angry, and he'd throw the book across the room. O'Donnell is quoted as having said, "This is what ruined my life. I never want to see it again.". When Oklahoma City had been bombed in 1995, he wanted to go help, but didn't have the money for bus fare. Robert's mother noticed a shotgun missing from her ranch in Stanton, Texas. Police found him slumped in his new Ford pickup.

Robert O'Donnell shot himself a few days later on April 27th. He was 37 years old. Robert Edward O'Donnell is buried in Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland, Texas.

Robert had been a paramedic with the Midland fire department, and had just so happened to be off duty when Jessica fell down the well. His friends stated that Robert never truly recovered from the fame he got as one of the rescuers. Police Sgt. Andy Glasscock stated, "Robert never came out of it. We saved a little girl, but we've all lost a friend. Once the adrenaline subsides, you go into a major depression.".

Sources state that O'Donnell suffered from PTSD after the scenario.

---

One of the rescuers from the event, Andy Glasscock, plead guilty to two counts of sexual assault in 2005. He received a 20 year sentence, that was to run concurrently with a 2004 sentence of 15 years in federal prison, to where he was charged with storing explosives and child pornography. Glasscock was one of the EMS workers to rescue Jessica, and was a police officer in Midland. He had been with the police department from 1981 to 2004, of which he was fired on the state charges.

He had been arrested on Christmas Eve of 2003 at his house in Midland. The 50 year old woman in the assault case stated that he "possibly used a narcotic to cause her submission to a sexual assault.". Glasscock stated that he used Zolpidem (Ambien) to sedate the woman before having sex with her.

FBI special agent Bill Vanderland stated that they noticed the explosives when serving a warrant on the sexual assault charges. This prompted an investigation from the FBI, to where they found the child pornography.

Glasscock admitted in federal court to using a hidden camera to film a 12 year old girl undressing, entering, and exiting a shower at his residence. He also admitted to receiving hundreds of images of child pornography and bestiality over his computer from October 2001-December 2003.

As for the explosives, he admitted to improperly storing more than 400 pounds of high explosives, 1700 blasting caps, a detonator cord, an artillery shell, 2 pipe bombs, and 4 homemade hand grenades. He was credited with 445 days of time served.

Initially, Glasscock admitted to having gone out with the 51 year old woman, but denied raping her. There was a hospital examination though, which showed abrasion and bruises in critical areas of the victim. Glasscock is quoted as having said, "I'm a guy who likes sex, but I don't have to go out and force sex on anybody. I would never do that.".

He admitted to having viewed all types of pornography, but he said he was only interested in having sex with adult women. He asked, "Would I have sex with a little kid?". Glasscock is then quoted as saying, "Have I ever looked at child porn on the computer? Yeah, I have. It's there, and tons of it. I look at that as they're the only thing that's innocent on the whole thing.". (BRO I AM NOT SAYING THAT IN THE VIDEO)

He initially took the woman he raped on a date to restaurant in Odessa, and then to see the Christmas lights in Midland. After leaving the restaurant, he stopped and uncorked a wine bottle while standing at the back door on the passenger side of the vehicle. The victim stated, "He took a while to do this, so I turned around and asked if he needed help. He acted kind of strange and said no, then gave me a plastic cup of wine. He had a camera, which I thought was odd.".

Once they returned to Odessa, she started to black out, and didn't even remember going to her house. She only remembered being in her house and being very relaxed. Glasscock fondled, undressed, and then ultimately assaulted the victim. She kept noticing him with the camera, and repeatedly pushed him away, telling him to stop and leave. Glasscock kept telling her that he would leave in a few minutes.

There were reports that Glasscock raped other women, though no other victims came forth.

His FBI prison release was scheduled for June 23rd, 2017, he had been serving his sentence in Cumberland, Maryland.

On July 10th, 2016, Andy Glasscock passed away. His funeral was on July 15th, of that year in Midland. He was 64 years old. He is buried at Glenrest Cemetery, in Big Lake, Texas.

Had he still been alive, he would have potentially gotten out of prison around 2021 or 2022.

Andy's daughter remembered him as a "wonderful cop and never used his badge to do something he shouldn't have. He always wanted to help instead of busting down on everybody.".

Sgt. Mike McLain remembered Andy stating, "There's not a guy in the world who ever loved his kids more than Andy.".

Glasscock's ex wife asked that he be dealt with sternly, for using his daughter as a lure to bring her (daughter’s friend) home. In court, he stated, "I got off into sexual addiction like alcohol and drugs. I never meant to hurt anybody. I would never hurt a child. In my heart and soul, there is still good left in me. I have no excuse for what I did. I'm deeply sorry. I never meant to hurt anybody. I'm not a sexual monster. I don't know why I did what I did.".

Defense attorney Jeff Robnett said that Glasscock didn't think his experience with the Baby Jessica scenario caused any sort of PTSD that would have lead to his problems.

Glasscock is quoted as saying, "I look at it like the old cartoons back in the 60's where they showed God on one shoulder, and the devil on the other, and both of them arguing back and forth through your head. Satan won out, but he's not going to win anymore. God is with me.".

---

A plaque has been erected on the Midland center, in memory of the event.

[SOURCES]

wikipedia

https://www.biography.com/personality/baby-jessica

https://web.archive.org/web/20110326215656/

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-national/20110325/US.Baby.Jessica/ https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/texas/article/Baby-Jessica-10993071.php

https://www.kcbd.com/story/6643201/twenty-years-later-where-is-jessica-mcclure-now/

http://www.caver.net/j/Baby%20Jessica%27s%20Parents%20Declare%20Their%20Marriage%20Past%20Rescue%20%20People_com.htm

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-10-11-mn-348-story.html https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18824803/robert-edward-o%27donnell https://www.newsweek.com/baby-jessica-grows-174130 https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/18-month-old-girl-saved-1987-article-1.2386153

https://archive.ph/20120904051652/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19165433/ http://www.caver.net/j/jrescue.html

https://www.oaoa.com/news/baby-jessica-rescuer-gets-20-year-sentence/article_02d9f677-bee8-5bc4-ad59-3fbf53b208be.html

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/mrt/obituary.aspx?n=andy-glasscock&pid=180664589&fhid=23293

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/166821280/w-a-glasscock https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Officer-s-life-fell-apart-after-baby-Jessica-s-1951788.php

https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/Former-Midland-cop-gets-15-years-for-child-sexual-8864920.php

[zargar-fangirl]

Other side

Relationships: Haggar/Zarkon (Voltron); Haggar & Lotor (Voltron); Characters: Zarkon (Voltron); Haggar (Voltron); Lotor (Voltron); Coran (Voltron) Additional Tags: Memory Loss; Cuddly behavior; Cuddling & Snuggling; Mother-Son Relationship; After the war with Zarkon ended; drugged behavior; Moral Dilemmas; Moral Ambiguity

Read it on AO3.

Coran was walking along the corridors of the Castle of Lions. Today, it has been three decaphoebs and two quintants since the war ended. Since the terrifying day when Zarkon had reconnected with the Black Lion and was about to finish off the remaining paladins near the planet Nazcxella. Since Haggar attempted to help him from the planet's surface and gathered on herself an amount of quintessence so big that it detonated spontaneously and created a wormhole between realities. Since paladins watched in horror how she got sucked into the black crater, her mouth open in one last silent cry of pain. Since the moment when Zarkon swooped the Lion into the crater without hesitation in a futile attempt to save his wife one last time. Since the crater collapsed, sealing off the two greatest villains the universe has ever known, together with the greatest weapon that ever existed, never to be seen again. Since the last time Voltron could be formed.

The galra showed amazingly little resistance after the disappearance of their leader. Only few of them actually fought back, the majority preferred to give up. It did seem like the empire was, after all, relying on just one single man, and without his iron grip, it crumbled to pieces. Not that the universe suddenly turned into a magical paradise - collapse of the empire meant collapse of trade routes and infrastructure and brought famine for some planets and overproduction for the others. All the suppressed conflicts burst out tenfold, both between galra and the locals, and between each separate planet. Now, galra had to be saved from those they previously oppressed. Weirdly enough, the ones under attack were mostly families and civilians, while previous military men mostly setteled on planets without any major problems. Sometimes, Coran asked himself if vileness was truly lying in each and every heart. And yet, it was still much better then before. The paladins piloting the remaining lions did their best to help those in need, and the Blades proved themselves excellent comrades not just in combat. Prince Lotor was now trying to organize what has been left of the galra empire into a somewhat democratic entity, but he still kept close relationships with Voltron team. And Coran was walking along the corridors of the Castle each evening, just like before, just to make sure everyone was feeling okay. Under the door of Lotor's room, Coran saw light. This was weird, the galran prince wasn't supposed to be there. Coran knocked and opened the door. The prince was curled on his bed, his fingers gripping his hair. He looked up at Coran with mad, glassy eyes. "Lotor, what's wrong?" Coran asked in astonischment, but the prince just uttered a moan and kept looking through him, as if not noticing him. "Lotor?" Coran asked again, coming closer and sitting down on the bed. The prince jumped like a scared animal. "Go away!" he exclaimed. "You can't help me!" "Lotor..." Coran started, but the prince suddenly interrupted him, grabbing his shoulder. "Or maybe you can! Maybe you are exactly the right person!" he exclaimed feverishly. "You knew them before... before everything, right?" For some reason, Coran didn't need to ask who the prince was talking about. He swallowed down the heavy feeling that this conversation wouldn't end well. "Yes, Lotor," he answered slowly. "I did know them. Did something remind you of them? You can tell me. I sometimes..." Lotor was not in the mood to listen, though. He uttered a maniacal laughter. "Why tell?" he exclaimed. "Come, I'll show you." The next doboshes, Coran was being pulled and urged to hurry. Lotor pushed him into a space suit and put his own on, then hurried towards the head Sincline ship. It was only after they took off that Coran received an explanation. "I studied the place where she opened the wormhole," Lotor murmured feverishly into the communicator as he swooped away from the castle ship in a manner that resembled his father's too closely for Coran not to notice. "There are traces of disturbance, minimal yet still recordable. I followed them, Coran. I found where she went... where they went." Coran gasped. Can it be? "I wanted to save her. From him... She would be different without him, for sure... She remebered, she did, I just know that..." Lotor's speech turned into inoherent mumbling. Dear boy, Coran thought, suddenly suppressing an urge to facepalm. Dear, loving boy. No, she wouldn't be different if she were alone. She was never different. You can't save her from herself... "But I can't save her!" Lotor yelled suddenly, making Coran jump. "There is nothing to save!" Before shocked Coran could answer, Lotor turned the hyperdrive on and after several ticks they reappeared near the ruins of what was earlier the most fortified planet in the this sector. Now, the terrible force of the detonated wormhole reduced Nazcxella to cosmic ash and a cloud of asteroids. "We're here!" Lotor announced, and Coran saw the blue film of purified quintessence cover the ship. "Wait!" he exclaimed. "We can't go through realities without having warned someone!" Lotor couldn't be stopped any more, though. The white light light of the interreality space blinded Coran as the ship traversed the barrier, and then it was gone all of the sudden. The ship was now orbiting an unknown green planet. This is Naxzcella in the other reality, Coran understood. Lotor in his seat exhaled and it seemed to Coran that he heard a sob, but the prince's hand was as firm as always when he landed the ship and ejected them in a miniature travel pod. The planet looked weird on the surface, but Coran couldn't quite figure what was wrong. It looked like a usual uninhabited jungle world - huge trees closed around narrow paths Lotor lead the pod to, thick vines almost formed a net, covering the sky and turning the path into a tunnel. It wasn't until Coran exited the pod and felt sticky wet heat envelope him that he noticed what was wrong. This world was way too colourful and peaceful. Coran bent down to touch the grass and found it unrealistically soft and springy, like a matress. There were no angry bugs that every jungle has, no predators were visible in the tall grass, only weird-looking frogs hopped around on the wet ground that slurped with each step. Colourful creatures glided from one tree to another, uttering screeching sounds and presenting their bright feathers, only rivaled in beauty by thick flowers hanging from every branch. What a strangely pretty world, Coran thought, and his hand was already halfway up to the lock of his helmet, when Lotor's voice roared in his communicator. "Don't!" Lotor yelled, having turned just in time, "Leave your helmet and gloves on! This place is extremely dangerous!" "Why?" Coran asked, but obeyed nevertheles. Lotor shot an angry glance at him and headed straight into the bushes without any explanation. What is wrong with him, Coran thought absently, still not over the beauty and peaceful richness of the surrounding flora. Coran followed Lotor into the bushes, pushing away the incredibly soft, thick, juicy leaves as he progressed. In the bushes, they started crawling, slower as they got forward. Finally, Lotor spoke again over the communicator. "Here," he said. "Come forward, but be very careful. Try to make less noise!" I am an old man, Coran wanted to say, but he crawled forward in silence. When he reached Lotor, he lay down on his stomach, parted the bushes in front of him and went speechless with shock. In front of him, bare meters away, on a small meadow on a hill, Zarkon was sleeping, one leg tucked under him and the other one stretched out, the huge two-toed foot bare. He was hugging Haggar, their limbs intertwined and his face buried in her neck. Haggar was sleeping, too, her cheek pressed to Zarkon's head ridges, her arm wrapped around his neck. The Black Lion stood over them, mute and motionless, its eyes switched off, one window shield broken; vines have already covered its legs almost completely. Its huge body served as a roof, protecting Zarkon and Haggar from sun and rain. Zarkon's armor was gone, he was now naked apart from knee-long pants, and Haggar got rid of her numerous cloaks, too, remaining in what looked like a sleeveless underdress. They lay on a pile of leaves, what has been Zarkon's cloak was now serving as their bedsheet. Butterflies kept landing on the lion's claws and flocking away again like colourful flying petals, but people were sleeping tightly, wrapped around each other and oblivious to anything around them. The whole scene was so crazy, so impossible that Coran had to shake his head to make sure he was not hallucinating. He turned towards Lotor to ask for explanations, but his careless movement broke a dry branch under his elbow with a crack. Zarkon opened his eyes immediately and sat down, his eyes still dozed, but he looked around himself warily. Both Lotor and Coran froze. Haggar moaned, turned to the side and stretched her arm to touch Zarkon. "What's wrong, honey?" she mumbled. "Are you too hot?" "No," Zarkon answered, "I think I heard something." As untypical as it was for him, the wariness already disappeared from his stance. He looked down at Haggar fondly. "Oh Zarkon, you always hear something and then it turns out to be an animal. Come here!" Haggar pulled Zakon back down and he obeyed readily. Now they lay facing each other, ther foreheads touching. "Good morning, my love," he murmured, rubbing the tips of their noses. "How did you sleep?" "Nice," she smiled back and cupped his cheek. "I had a weird dream, though. About our thingy." Both of them looked up at the lion's belly above them. "Our thingy..." Zarkon said slowly. "What did you see, honey?" "Oh, it was a scary one. You and the thingy were one and the same, don't ask me how that's possible. He, I mean you as him, could fly and run like an animal and shot light from its mouth. I was there, too, but only watching you from aside. You were fighting some purple cloud, you and others like you." "This is really a weird dream, " Zarkon agreed. "Others like me... I think I would have known if there were others like me... Though the thingy does look like an animal, strange how I never noticed that before." "It was scary, too," Haggar's voice suddenly sounded whimsical. Zarkon immediately hugged her tighter. "Don't be, my love," he whispered into her ear. "I won't let anything happen to you." Haggar sighed and hugged him back. "How did you sleep, darling?" she asked. "I always sleep well." Zarkon answered, smiling. "You do everything well, including sleeping," Haggar laughed, and Zarkon grunted and rolled his eyes before they shared a seemingly endless lazy kiss. "I love you so much," Zarkon exhaled after they finally broke it. "You beautiful, stunning being, my Honerva!" Haggar... no, Honerva, grabbed him, pressing herself closer, and kissed him passionately again. "My heart," she whispered between kisses, "my love, my precious..." They shifted on their primitive bed, and Coran had to avert his eyes. The whole scene was so unnervingly impossible, so private and tender that Coran felt uneasy. Never ever had he seen Zarkon or Honerva that affectionate. Not even before... before everything. Let alone they way they were after he emerged from his cryosleep... Coran turned towards Lotor and was shocked for the second time. The prince was watching his parents closely, without taking his eyes off them, but his face was so desperate and sad that Coran's heart contracted. "You can look," the prince said bitterly. "I have been watching them for two days, they never have sex. It's like the affection is there, but the libido is gone." "Lotor, what is happening? Are those... our Zarkon and Honerva? How does he remeber her name, you told us he forgot everything about his private life before the rift accident? How could they forget what the Lion is?" "I don't know," Lotor moaned. "I have no idea anymore. This is definitely our lion, see the scratch from the last battle? But maybe these aren't our people? Maybe going through the rift altered them? They seem to remember their relationship, but they forgot everything else, and they have gotten very passive... All the time I've been watching them... all they do is eat, sleep and...(Lotor frowned) fondle like this... I think there is some kind of drug in the air or water that is affecting their mood, that's why I don't want you to take off the helmet. But it doesn't matter, Coran, why can't you understand it! I came here to take her back, but even here he found her before me!  Now I could fight and kill him, I could murder him right now if I wanted to, but it is too late, she would try to protect him! She is back in his claws, he has her soul again, that's the problem!" Coran looked back on the meadow, where Honerva was now sitting on top of Zarkon, trying to tickle him. Claws? What is in this boy's head? Suddenly, Zarkon stopped resisting the tickle and pressed his ear to Honerva's stomach. "You are hungry," he said with a worried expression. Honerva smiled in a way Coran has never seen her smile before, freely and happily, like a child. "A bit," she answered. "But it can wait if you aren't yet." "Of course it can't wait!" Zarkon exclaimed, straightening himself. "What would you like, my darling? Berries?" Honerva let him go and fell back onto the bed, spreading her arms like a sea star. "Nah," she exhaled, "I'm rather in the mood for fish. What do you think?" "Fish sounds nice," Zarkon agreed. "Which fish?" "A big one, like you," Honerva giggled, and Zarkon answered her laughter, looking down at her. Seeing them laugh together was disturbing. Appearence-wise, they didn't change one bit, the scar was still disfiguring Zarkon's face, the galra's lips sunken, Honerva's hair white and hands wrinkled. And yet they didn't seem to notice what they were, their behaviour resembled that of careless young lovers or even children, playing outside in summer. "We really should move to the lake," Honerva said. "This way we won't have to walk there all the time." Zarkon giggled and grabbed her by the waist playfully. "You don't walk there anyway, you ride," he mused, pulling her up. "What do you care?" Honerva laughed, too, and tried to kick him, but he managed to dodge. "I am thinking about you, you ungrateful man! " she exclaimed. "But you are right, the soil there is too moist anyway, sleeping will be unpleasant." What is happepning here, Coran asked himself again, there is no way these are Zarkon and Honerva he knew... "Big harpoon for a big fish from a big lake," Zarkon said, standing up and starting to scrabble through what seemed to be a self-made weapon rack, filled with primitive spears and axes. "For the big man," Honerva laughed, pulling a bag from the side of the bed and checking its contents. Zarkon gave her a way too fond glance. Finally, Zarkon pulled out a huge harpoon, allmost half of his height, with a knife attached to it's tip. The knife was galran, it must have been part of Zarkon's armor. "I wonder where's my backpack," Zarkon said a little too loudly into the air, kneeling in front of the bed. Haggar giggled again and jumped onto his back with grace of a predator cat, wrapping her skinny brown legs around his waist. "Oh, there it is," Zarkon laughed, standing up and turning his head to look her in the eyes. "Are you comfortable, darling?" "Yes, my blessing," Honerva answered enthusiastically, brushig her fingers over his neck. "Let us go!" They exchanged one more too long smooch and Coran saw them disappear in the bushes. "Lotor, there is no way these are our Zarkon and Honerva," he said to Lotor. The prince uttered a shriek. "Of course they are!" he exploded. "This is our lion, and over there is my father's armor, I went through their things already, these are all their belongings, I recognized them!" "Honerva I knew would have never behaved like this. Not even under drugs. She... she never was the most affectionate woman, and she always needed to do something, study, read, occupy her mind somehow. Honerva I knew would have never lay around like that, on a primitive bed, and cuddle with Zarkon all day. And Zarkon I know wouldn't ever keep his guard so much down or be so aimless, for that matter. He always had a goal to achieve!" "Well, no, these are not entirely my parents as I knew them in our reality, but they were also not the same people you knew before you were frozen in the cryopod, right?" Coran exhaled. "Yes and no. People I saw after being reawakened and people I remebered from before weren't that different after all. Their basic drive has stayed the same, their way of treating the world didn't change. Here, I can hardly recognize them! Lotor, I need to watch them more." Lotor sighed and waved to Coran to follow him, as he stood up and headed in the same direction where Zarkon had just disappeared. "Whatever this drug is, it affects every inhabitant of this planet, and it has something to do with quintessence," Lotor told him on the way. "If I understand correctly, it takes away the aggression, this is why everything looks so strange here. The evolution had stopped on its most primitive stages because no one wants to fight for survival. They don't have mammals, only invertebrate, insects, fish and some smal reptilians, though I am no biologist to tell them apart properly. Everyone is a vegetarian here, and they are all really lazy and passive. You grab a frog, and it hardly even wiggles! Seems like absence of aggression also took some existential drive away from them.... Only the plants seem to be unaffected, they do fight for survival, my guess would be because they have no proper nervous system and are therefore immune to the drug." The lake was surrounded by even thicker bushes, so by the time they lay down on their stomaches again, Coran was already sweaty and panting. The big lake turned out to be more like a big puddle - huge, yes, going to the horizon, but also flat and shallow, its water black and still. Zarkon has already taken the fishing position. He was lying on a branch of a dead tree that grew near the lake, harpoon in his hand, watching the water surface attentively. In the meantime, Honerva was gathering wood to make fire. She slid between trees like a tiny ghost, making almost no noises. After she had enough, she lit the fire using stones and dry grass from the sack she brought and lay on her back, casting her arms aside and started staring blankly into the sky. Her dress got lifted from her movements, baring half of her skinny thighs, but she didn't seem to care. She moved her arms absently over the soft grass, letting it slide between her fingers. Her forearms were covered with a net of small and big scars, and there was another one on her left leg that looked really bad, as if a grenade exloded near her and tore half of her calf off. For some time, there was no movement at all, Zarkon frozen on the tree, Honerva spread out on the grass. Then, suddenly, Zarkon threw the harpoon and immediately pulled the rope. Something huge was writhing in the lake, sending circles on the surface. Honerva jumped up and uttered a screeching motivational cry. Zarkon pulled whatever he caught out onto the land and cut through its spine with one trained movement, then they took it towards the fireplace. It was a weird-looking creature, like a fish, but with too big and strong flippers that almost resembled legs and a broad toothless mouth.  Zarkon started cutting the flesh off, piece by piece, giving it to Honerva and letting her arrange it in the coals of the half-extinguished fire. The worked in silence for some time, until Honerva spoke again. "You cut its head off so skillfully," she said. "You must have done it before. Before we came here, I mean." Zarkon shrugged. "Maybe," he said. "I don't know. I know I was killing a lot, but I don't remeber why." "Maybe you were a fisherman?" Honerva giggled. "No, I don't think it was fish..." Zarkon said slowly, stopping his work. "Honerva, whoever it was, I think they fought back." "Fought back?" Honerva seemed genuinely surprised. "Why?" "Because they didn't want to die." "Hmm, I never thought about it from that perspective," Honerva said, looking puzzled. "They must want to livem that's true... Why don't fishes fight, then?" "I don't know, but each time I catch one, its lack of resistance makes me uneasy," Zarkon said, frowning. Honerva moved and leaned onto him, hugging him by the waist. "Don't be, sweetheart," she said. "Maybe fishes don't even understand that they are dying. They don't have a mind, you know?" Honerva's touch made Zarkon smile immediately. "Must be that, honey. You are the smart one, after all." Honerva huffed. "Oh yeah, trust me, dear." They started kissing again, so Coran looked to the side, his thoughts in a disarray. "See, they don't remember anything clearly, but their memories are definitely there, and they manifest in these ideas and dreams," Lotor's voice sounded in Coran's ears once again. "I think they forgot everything but their relationship the same way they forgot their love when they were poisoned with quintessence for the first time. We know that there is a way to make them remember, but should I do that? Once their personalities are back, no reality barrier will stop them from returning and trying to regain their empire. Given that they are free from that drug, of course." Coran watched Zarkon and Honerva eat the baked fish, feeding each other, exchanging occasional kisses and giggling, and tried to picture them the way they were before. Yes, they will be back, he thought, and in return for this humiliation, they will plunge our universe into another war. Quiznak knows how it will end. "I couldn't care less for him, but I can't just leave her here like that!" Lotor whispered. "I can't live knowing that she is rotting on this forsaken planet in this vegetative state, immortal yet weak-minded, only interested in smooches and naps! She is so much more than that! She could help me rebuid the galra state!" Coran didn't to know if he should say it or just keep silent. He didn't find Zarkon or Honerva weak-minded, just blissfully ignorant and careless. Moreover, the truth will no doubt hurt the boy greatly, didn't he suffer enough? "Coran, you are a wise man," Lotor whispered, "Tell me what to do to make her forget him! Without his influence, I could..." his voice broke. No Coran had no choice but to speak up. "Lotor, my dear boy...  What your parents did... this wasn't Zarkon's influence. In fact, there are few people in the universe less influenceable than your mother. Zarkon could never make Honerva do anything against her will. Everything she did was out of deep conviction that this was the right thing. Moreover, nothing Haggar did wasn't something Honerva wouldn't have done if put in the same situation. You know, Alfor respected her greatly for her mighty intellect, but they never became close friends exactly because they had such different morale..." Lotor shut his eyes. "She changed the direction of her research for Zarkon," he whispered. "I retrieved her archives. She started as a partcle physicist, he made her engineer his weapons, then study biological effects of quintessence to keep himself immortal!" "And he also rebuilt a whole planet's economy to accomodate her huge research expences, and gave her a carte-blanche for any kind of inhumane experiments. Lotor, they clicked together like two pieces of a puzzle from the very first day for a reason. Everything they ever did was mutually beneficial! Honerva was a particle physicist on Altea only because she had to choose a specialization. Her interests were always broader than her research field, and Zarkon gave her an opportunity to pursue all of them instead of having to concentrate on one thing to justify research funding. If she had never met him, she probably wouldn't have reached so much in life, but her personality would have stayed basically the same." Lotor has sunk his head so deep that Coran stopped seeing his face. "I hate you, Coran," he whispered. "You just killed my hope." Coran didn't know what to answer, so they both silently watched Zarkon and Honerva finish their meal, extinguish the fire completely and accomodate themselves for a new nap. "Hug me, my love?" Zarkon murmured into Honerva's ear, and she wrapped herself tightly around his torso and gave him a couple of kisses on the cheek. "You smell of fish," she said, laughing. "You too," he answered. "We'll take a bath afterwards." "My heart, what were we talking about before food?" Honerva asked, looking slightly concerned. "I don't remember anymore," Zarkon answered sleepily, his head already reasted on her shoulder. "Why? Was it something important?" "I don't know..." Honerva sighed. "I had a mental glimpse back then, some weird piece of thought, and I forgot it." "Maybe you'll remember after the nap," Zarkon murmured. Honerva sighed again and pressed her cheek to his head. "Maybe," she whispered before relaxing and closing her eyes as his arm wrapped around her, tugging her closer in.

"What should I do, Coran?" Lotor asked desperately. "I don't know, Lotor." Coran answered slowly. "I truly don't."

[thespnboys]

Word to the wise, don’t fall asleep watching Supernatural otherwise this might happen to you. Ha ha

I had this most horrific, apocalyptic dream where zombies ran around at night who wanted to kill me, my brother and my father.

We are trapped in the darkest of houses without weapons and without food. It was a broken down colonial type of house. It was the strong kind of house where the only thing that would ever remain is the foundation if it were destroyed in some manner or another.

It’s all about the roots you see. If a root is good then it can mature and be good. If the foundation is good then it will last forever. So the house in a sense no matter the darkness of it, was still good. It was still good enough to offer cover and shelter from the monsters outside.

I didn’t have time to pay attention to the art work on the walls or the fact there were leaky pipes dripping water everywhere. I didn’t notice the holes in the walls or it’s flooring.

It was a lonely, discarded old place where around every turn you would be lucky enough not to die of asbestos or lead poisoning. Where around every other corner, if you didn’t watch your step you could fall to the basement. No, I didn’t pay attention because I was running for my life. I was doing the only thing a human could do at time like that. I was trying to stay alive in the most simplest ways I could.

See fear will make you do things you otherwise wouldn’t do if you wasn’t afraid of something. If I was not as terrified of these undead creatures, I would have popped a cap in their asses and drove away in a sweet car as if I was Dean Winchester himself.

But I was afraid. I wasn’t afraid of dying, I was afraid of becoming something so dark and hungry.

It seemed after several hours being cooped up in a room that I would describe as Jodie Fosters ‘Panic Room’ I was ready to leave. I was hungry after all but I wasn’t alone. 

I hadn’t been alone the entire time because I had my little brother there and my father like I said in the beginning. They were against leaving the room, a place they described as being untouchable by them, meaning the zombies.

But no, I had to poke the bear more or less and I left them, alone. It all felt like something out of Resident Evil or perhaps the Walking Dead. But I assure you, I haven’t played Resident Evil in years and I didn’t watch the movies either. I’ve only ever watched two episodes from the series The Walking Dead and that was three years or more ago. So that said, I don’t know where the zombies came from or why they were infesting my dreams and making me fear them.

Moving on. In the dream, I ventured out of that safe place to find food and water. Like it or not we needed both otherwise we wouldn’t survive. 

So you see, I had to leave them just so I could help them.

As I found my way through creaky rooms with the sounds of wailing and longing beckoning my ears from the outside. I came across a door that was left ajar. As I stepped closer, my hands began to tremble as involuntary jolts raced over my body, forcing me to tremble from within.  

I reached out slowly, knowing full well what could be on the other side.

I looked around, scanning the broken objects on the floor that I could use as a weapon should I need one. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find anything to help. But, I knew how important that door is and I knew it had to be shut and locked from the inside to keep what’s outside from getting in.

I had no idea what awaited me when I tugged on the door handle. Just as I did a hand reached out and made contact with mine. In that first moment I felt as if my soul momentarily left my body and I was frozen there in that space still tugging toward the door to keep whoever it was or is from getting inside.  

When I was able to fully control myself, despite the soreness of my throat from the constant screaming, I locked the door.

I felt a sense of consciousness come over me. It was as if a part of me was telling the other half of myself that I was dreaming and that I should wake up. But the stubborn part of me denied my existence and continued on. 

What happened? Why was I dreaming about Zombies when the episode of Supernatural itself had nothing to do with Zombies? It was strange but in the dream it carried me on to a more frightening experience.

It felt real, as if I was really there and my mission was to find food and water no matter what hideous creature laid around the next corner. So I moved slowly and as quietly as I could. I didn’t want to attract unnecessary attention because I refused to let myself become someone’s late night snack.

Like I said, I wasn’t afraid of dying. I was afraid of becoming like those mindless zombies scavenging for food on the nearest meet stick I could find.  

So many thoughts crossed my mind of my brother and my father who in the beginning told me not to go out. But I didn’t listen because I had to follow my path no matter where it led me. No matter what happens or the consequences I had to do what I felt was the right thing even if it meant, it could be the end of me.

For a moment I thought I was Dean Winchester. The brave older sibling that despite the bravado of being strong, that I was actually a sensitive, vulnerable person.

But, reality has a funny way of showing itself when you least expect it. The real Dean and Sam Winchester, the two boys who beat death and all the odds that go with leading a bloody hunters life showed up in my dream with guns blazing.

They were destructive when they broke in through the window. The glass shattering around them and under them. They took two shots each and I stood there frozen with my hands up.

Why were they shooting at me? And why was I unaffected by fear? It was my body's way trying to tell my brain that they meant me no harm so I should have faith in them because they knew what they were doing.

A heavy thud dropped to my ankles and the gun fire stopped. It was a dead zombie laying at my feet with her face full of holes making her unrecognizable.

This was someone’s child, someone’s sister or mother but now she was dead and I didn’t even know her name.

Sam and Dean did what they did best. They fought monsters and they saved people. They saved my brother and father but wasn’t able to save me.

The truth being, I was wrong about the foundation being strong, and a part of the top floor collapsed. When it did, it separated me from the boys. But it also it sent down a few dozen zombies from the attic. They surrounded me and I knew... This was it. This was the end. My life was over.

I could hear Sam and Dean trying to get back inside. How did they end up outside? I didn’t know but I could hear them.

I could see the glare cross the blade of an ax that Dean held in his hands as Sam tried to push passed all the extra wood. Dean never once neared Sams hands with the ax and it only amazed me how good they were as a team.

This was my dream, I pulled them in and they saved my family and they were desperately trying to save me. They didn’t know me but it didn’t matter because I was still a life worth saving. 

They do what they do so that people like me don’t have to fear what I feared. So in a sense, they made the world a better place and even did so in my dream.

However, despite how they tried to get inside... They too are surrounded from the outside by zombies so they had to take up weapons and kill them to prevent them from killing someone else. I think I accepted their choice by the looks in their eyes. If my death meant saving others then I was okay with it even if they truly were not.

I was ready, to become worm food and be what I didn’t want to become. But I had faith because I knew Sam and Dean were out there kicking asses and not bothering to take names. They too would find a way inside and finish me before I could hurt someone else. And for that I was grateful.

Before the first bite, an enormous bright and blinding light appeared in the room. The force of it’s light was like a superhuman force sending the zombies far away from me. I turned my head down and covered the side of my face with my arm.

I didn’t know what was happening now or know why but the feel of that light felt like a sense of peace I’ve never known.

It felt like when you’re kid and how the world seemed bigger than it actually is. When you’re home alone babysitting your little brother and despite what you’ve been told, you watch a horror movie anyway. Only later be traumatized by it. But when the parents come home, a sense of relief and safety falls over your entire being and you’re no longer lost or afraid.

That’s how I felt with this light. It was the most wonderful light. It was the kind of light you would see at the end of a dark and terrible tunnel leading you out of a bad place and into a good one

When the light faded, Castiel appeared there before me in the dark.

My eyes were barely able to focus. It felt as if someone held me down, taking my picture with old flash bulbs over and over. Or when you’ve got razor blade migraines. Either way I was partially blinded.

I know he helped me, that was obvious but what I wasn’t sure of was if he was there at the call of the Winchesters or if he was there to offer me comfort and protection. Either way I was thankful because I trusted him and I felt safe with him.

But the dream shifted, as if I am being lulled off to another part of my dream space but then I felt these strong, gripping hands tugging and turning at me. Pushing and leading me back to that broken down house with the zombies outside.

What was he teaching me? That an angel will go out of his way to save you once but then drop you back off in the middle of hell all over again? Was there a lesson to that?

It was strange, the hours it took waiting in this room alone with an angel who might have easily passed as an alien from another planet. He seemed rigid as if his only duty was to stand guard and keep me safe.

Once more my dream shifted as I was still trapped to the same type of panic room with this man but something was different. The house was different. The smell of blood and war around us outside was different.

He was different. He wasn’t an angel anymore but there was something more. It felt like I’ve known Castiel for years, as if he too knew me on a level that no one else did.  it’s strange but... I do recall kissing him and then he in turn kissed me.

His big beautiful lips forced my heart to rush and rage against my rib cage as my head hung back. We made out. Lots of times and lots of different ways then it turns out it wasn’t Castiel at all. It was Misha Collins and his sock puppet.

Ha ha! I awoke after that which led me to share this horrific nightmare with the world.

This dream told me many things.

1. I’m secretly scared of being attacked by Zombies and becoming one of them.

2. I like run down colonial houses with good foundations because of the history in them.

3.  I’m parallel to Dean when it comes to family.

4. I believe in angels. I believe in Castiel and I know how good he is, even when he’s playing at being bad, cold or rigid..

5. I want to play with Misha’s sock puppet. In a general PG kind of way. Get your head out of the gutter. ha ha come on.

6. I secretly want to kiss Misha’s big lips!  

Wow. That sounds bad but it’s innocent so laugh at my insane bad dreams and have an awesome day. Ha ha lol)