#and then the above mentioned guy swooped in and moved the thing I tripped one out of the way

[clovesnz]

the only food i can imagine being able to stomach is waffles but there are no waffles :((

do you guys like vaccine side effect whump cause I’m getting my shots and I’m scareddd

[storytellerofuntoldlegends]

and the void looked back to say i love you (Part Four)

A/N: oh look it’s another chapter of phil visiting kristin in the void! but what’s this? it’s wilbur soot with a steel chair! enjoy the local eldritch horror adopting a ghost boy within seconds of meeting him (see you in the reblogs!! i love seeing people’s reactions to fics!)

Warnings: death mentions, some kind of eldritch horror moments that are strangely wholesome (spooky lady near instantly gets attached to ghost boy and ghost boy is a little unnerved by that at first), mild anxiety, mild embarrassment 

Masterpost

-

Time still passed as slow and syrupy as the void itself. Phil had built a home in a giant tree with branches that were scarred and burnt from a lightning strike, but Kristin hadn’t moved in quite yet. She wanted to live in the Overworld, to see all the things that Phil had described to her- but was a little reluctant to leave her domain. She wasn’t even completely certain that she could leave the void, and if so not for forever. Phil, of course, took all of this with unrelenting optimism and the assurance that it would all work out. On one visit, he said that he was willing to dig a tunnel down to the void from his house if it meant that Kristin would be able to be somewhat close to him. But in the meantime, he was willing to wait until Kristin was comfortable and confident enough to make a trip to the Overworld, and was more than content to continue visiting her in the void.

Kristin was interrupted by her reminiscing by an echoey scream from above. She immediately drew herself up from the void with wide eyes, and for a brief, panicked moment, she thought the scream belonged to Phil. But the owner of the scream sounded younger, almost like a child’s voice. A translucent teenager suddenly tumbled through the ceiling, screaming all the while until he landed in Kristin’s outstretched hands with a muffled thump.

“Oh! Are you alright?” Kristin asked, frowning in concern at the strange ghostly kid in her hands. A ratty blue cloak was thrown over the kid’s near skeletal form, his bright yellow sweater contrasting from his gray skin. An actual skeletal tail was curled around the teen’s wrist, like he was trying to comfort himself. The kid looked up through a mop of brown hair, pitch-black eyes flashing with green as he met her own equally dark ones.

“What the fuck?!” the kid cried, starting to shuffle backwards in her hands.

“Well that’s not an answer,” Kristin said with a laugh. The kid’s face went paler than it already was at the sound of her laugh.

“I-I’m fine. Who- Who are you, exactly?” the kid managed to stammer out.

“I’m Kristin, Queen of the Void. What’s your name?” she asked cheerfully.

“Wilbur Soot. Uh… king of accidentally phasing through bedrock, apparently,” he said, scowling up at the ceiling. Kristin laughed again, relieved to see Wilbur crack a smile in response instead of seeming nervous like before.

“I’ve never met anyone who could phase through bedrock,” Kristin commented. Wilbur’s tail uncurled from his wrist and lashed behind him excitedly.

“It’s cause I’m a ghost! Well, phantom, technically. I’m supposedly related to those screechy guys who don’t like it if you don’t sleep, but I don’t really see the resemblance,” Wilbur explained with a shrug. Kristin blinked in confusion, about to ask for clarification on the “screechy guys,” but a voice called from above before she was able to speak.

“Wil? Are you down there?” Phil called out.

“Yes! Did you know there’s a giant lady underneath your house?” Wilbur shouted back.

“Well I sure hope so, I’m his wife,” Kristin replied before Phil had a chance to answer.

“You’re his what?! Phil, you married the Queen of the Void?!” Wilbur demanded, glaring angrily at the ceiling, seemingly upset that Phil hadn’t told him about Kristin. The only answer Wilbur got was a cackle of laughter from Phil, and admittedly Kristin was a little confused. She definitely was starting to like this kid, but what puzzled her was that Phil also seemed fond of Wilbur. Where had this kid come from? And how did Phil end up getting close to him?

“Phil, how do you know Wilbur?” Kristin asked. A sigh that mostly consisted of fond laughter was heard from above.

“I’ll explain in a bit. I haven’t quite finished this tunnel yet, I’ll have to come down the long way around,” Phil said, before Kristin heard a muffled flutter of feathers, presumably meaning that Phil had flown off. Kristin looked back to Wilbur, who was still glaring angrily up at the ceiling. He brought his knees up to his chest, folding his arms over the top of them. He rested his chin on top of his arms, and his tail curled around his legs. He seemed to be pouting now, and Kristin couldn’t help but huff out a laugh of amusement.

“Can’t believe my mum is the Queen of the Void and Phil didn’t tell me,” Wilbur muttered. Kristin blinked in surprise. She didn’t recall having a son, nor did she remember Phil saying he had a son. However, Wilbur seemed to think otherwise… could he be Phil’s son? Wilbur had said something about being a ghost, maybe Wilbur was from Phil’s previous home in the islands above the void. But from what Phil had told Kristin, he had been a child when he was forced to leave his home. So how could Wilbur be Phil’s son? Besides, Wilbur didn’t seem to have wings like Phil’s. And Phil certainly didn’t have a bony tail.

“I’m sorry, did you just say ‘mum?’” Kristin asked, wondering if she had misheard. Wilbur’s head popped up, eyes flashing green in alarm as his tail curled tighter around himself sheepishly.

“I uh… nevermind!” Wilbur squeaked, cheeks turning a peculiar shade of blue that Kristin realized must be his way of blushing.

“I’m back and ready to explain!” a voice cried out. Kristin looked over to see Phil swooping down to perch on her hand next to Wilbur. A few of Phil’s crows were with him, one of them landing on top of Wilbur’s head and cawing in greeting. Wilbur smiled up at the crow perched in his hair, tail slowly unwinding from around himself.

“So… I see you’ve made a friend!” Kristin said brightly. Wilbur looked sheepish again, and Phil chuckled fondly.

“I met him a little while ago. I had meant to introduce you to him once I finished the tunnel, but Wil got ahead of me. Both the tunnel, and him, were supposed to be a surprise,” Phil said, sitting next to Wilbur and playfully nudging him. Wilbur only turned a deeper shade of blue, burying his face in his arms and dislodging the crow from his hair. The crow squawked in disapproval, but gently flew back to land next to Wilbur, nudging at his leg affectionately.

“Oh, don’t embarrass him more than I already have,” Kristin admonished with a smile. Wilbur hesitantly peaked up at Kristin, while Phil tilted his head to one side in confusion.

“How have you managed that?” Phil asked.

“He referred to me as ‘mum,’ and I asked him why,” Kristin explained. To her surprise, Phil looked just as embarrassed as Wilbur.

“Ah. Well, you see- I told Wilbur that my crows call me Dadza, and he seemed to take a liking to that nickname and started calling me ‘dad’ too, and I just sort of let it happen? And I might have mentioned being married, and referred to you as ‘Mumza,’ but I realize we haven’t been married that long, but Wil’s a good kid and-”

“Phil?” Kristin interrupted with a soft smile. Phil’s mouth snapped shut and a flush came over his face.

“Yes?” he asked with a timid smile.

“I think Wilbur’s a good kid too,” she replied, looking to Wilbur with a smile. Wilbur still looked rather flustered, but he smiled brightly at Kristin. That is, until he turned to glare at Phil.

“You didn’t mention that Mumza was the void, Phil,” he said, tone starting off as accusatory but Kristin could hear the smile creeping onto his face. Phil outright cackled, stretching out his wing to wrap around Wilbur and tug him closer to ruffle his hair. Wilbur giggled, swatting away Phil’s hand but not moving an inch from being nestled at his side. Kristin’s heart fluttered fondly at the sight of them in her hands. They were an odd family- the Queen of the Void, her elytrian husband, their phantom son, and a murder of crows- but Kristin knew even then that she wouldn’t trade them for the world.

-

MCYT Taglist (lmk if you want to be added!): @franticfandomfanatic

[ill-skillsgard]

His Mistress - Series Finale

Warning: 18+ smut, mentions of cheating, coarse language, mature themes.

Author’s Note: I am terrible at ending stories because I never want them to end. The ending I initially wrote wasn’t good enough, so I started again until I felt it was right. I’ll keep it brief, but I want to thank all the readers who fueled this crazy fire and inspired me to flesh out a dark love story that I’m proud to say I wrote. I’ll miss Mr. Deaver and all the smutty, angsty, drama of his life with his mistress. Thanks for tolerating the never-ending POV shifts and filling my inbox with love and support for the story and for me. You guys are the BEST. I’m forever grateful!

I hope you enjoy the 9K series finale. It’s been a slice!

Henry X Mistress Masterpost [x]

Henry's company held an office party to bid farewell the building that had brought them growth and success over the last few years. Once again expanding, the company added a brand new customer-relations department, a slew of employees fresh out of university and interns to fill in the gaps. The celebration took place on the evening of their last workday and boasted live entertainment and enough luxurious fare for each employee and their loved ones. They rented a bouncy castle and ball pit for the kids and set up an open bar next to two seminar tables' worth of catering.

It wasn't only a farewell party for the company, but the first time Henry showed off his girlfriend in front of his colleagues and employees. Word of Henry's divorce had already made its rounds, his colleagues begging for gory details after the documents were signed and filed. Rumours fluttered in and out of ears and mouths, but never while Henry was in the room—Henry had cheated on his wife with a coworker, Henry screwed the cleaning lady and his wife caught him in the act, Henry picked up a venereal disease, and poor Mary. The speculation rose tensions, but like all rumours, faded into irrelevancy once news of the company move surfaced. People forgot all about Henry's ugly divorce for the next round of gossip. Word of his mistress died down. 

Although the tension had mostly evaporated, she felt eyes crawling on her when she showed up on Henry's arm. Of course, everyone recognized her—she was the secretary for a time, the only line to get an opening with Mr. Deaver. She had spent months parked next to his office, taking his appointments, booking his days, answering his phone. They remembered, and they leaned into the nearest ear to whisper, "I knew it all along."

If Henry noticed the curiosity, he chose to ignore it, but she couldn't. She felt every woman in the place wringing her silently, scrutinizing her moves, her hand in Henry's. People who knew Mary tended to side with the older woman, and the nattering reinstated in hushed exchanges. She was alone at the party save for Henry, but he could only guard her for so long before his colleagues whisked him into conversations littered with business jargon that lost her attention.

Still, she clung to his hand, and once in a while, Henry would break from stock discussions to turn in for a kiss. He surrounded her ears with his fingers, tilting her face up so he need not crouch just to show some affection. When he buried her mouth with his, she savoured the taste of wine, the power in becoming the first lady, the stares from Henry's subordinates.

Henry pulled back an inch, staring drunkenly, though he'd only had one glass of pinot noir, and nipped her bottom lip. "Having a good time, sweetheart?"

"Sure. I love catching all the cattiest office workers glaring."

Henry smirked as though he too tasted a dollop of satisfaction from the envy. "You know what I say to that?"

"What?"

"Fuck them," Henry whispered.

She feigned a gasp, swatted his shoulder, and he pulled her even closer. "Gosh, you look beautiful. I want to undress you later and do all the things they're thinking about me doing to you."

"My, my, Henry. You better take it easy on the vino."

"I'm not tipsy. I'm excited."

She checked his pockets for bulges, hoping Henry's intentions weren't to propose in front of all these near-strangers. The lines of his suit were smooth, and when she hugged him, she only felt his cellphone, wallet and keys, no ring box. She sighed with relief and sweltered under another one of his long kisses. He moaned against her, stroked her neck and back until she interrupted him to say, "Jesus, Henry. What's with the PDA?"

"I'm sorry. I just don't care anymore. Let 'em look."

"Easy, tiger. You're the star of the show. People want to talk to you without lipstick all over your face."

"Mm, I'd fuck you right now if I could," said Henry.

She squeezed his shoulders, holding him off for a moment before he swooped in for another peck. "Okay, okay, I'm done. For now."

"Don't make me spank you when we get home," she warned, mouth curved in jest.

"I'll behave," he assured.

With children running about, the catering service making rounds in the nearly empty office space, more employees and their significant others piling in by the minute, it was easy to get lost in the bustle. Henry's colleagues whisked him away into a conversation she had no business understanding, leaving her stranded, drink in hand, smoothing out the wrinkles in her blouse to distract herself from her friendless reality. None of Henry's employees came to talk to her. She stood alone, a flag on a pole reminding everyone that Henry had upgraded in every way. Some people went by, nodding respectfully, while others bypassed her like a piece of furniture.

Just when she felt the pressure behind her eyes saying she was tired, Frank stepped out of the elevator with his wife and two boys. The children bolted for the bounce house, leaving their bickering parents in their dust. Frank travelled through the crowd rolling his eyes and sneering at his wife, who looked upset about something, but retracted her frown as soon as a colleague's wife greeted her. The loud businessman honed in on Henry, and she watched her helpless boyfriend go limp when the man slung his meaty arm around his shoulders, thumping his back with a ham hock fist.

She mused over Henry's embarrassment as Frank launched into a story designed specifically to draw attention to him in the worst way. Frank's baritone floated above the music, and soon, others gathered to listen to the man tell the story of how Henry got too wasted on sake on a business trip to Japan because he didn't want to seem rude to the host and didn't know how to decline.

"This fuckin' guy—pardon my French—is rolling on the floor in his hotel room, has ten minutes to get dressed and downstairs for the conference, but can't even hold his head up straight. How many did you have, Henry, seven? Eight?"

Henry blanched, shaking his head. "Eight, yeah, I think that's about right."

"You've never seen a guy so drunk in your life! He did the conference, slurring the entire time, stumbling over his shoes, but the folks loved it! Didn't they, Deaver? You really got their attention when you started hiccoughing between every word."

"Different times. We were younger. We were boys."

"Ah, yeah. Young and dumb. Now, look at you! Much older now and just as dumb, eh?"

The gaggle surrounding Henry burst into laughter and carried on as Frank surrendered his grip. She tried to picture Henry staggering, too drunk to string together a sentence, but couldn't imagine him as anything less than poised. The image reminded her of the conversation she had with Mary in the parking garage. Before the divorce had been finalized, Mary told her Henry had done questionable things abroad with his colleagues. Frank's story, although comical and meant as a harmless jab, filled her with suspicion.

Henry had denied the accusation that he cheated before that night he invited her up to his hotel room. With desperation on his face, he vowed on his love for her that he was never unfaithful, barring their affair. She believed him, with reluctance, and stowed it away in her mind with the rest of Mary's dubious claims. Now that stories of shenanigans and unprofessional conduct were in circulation, she tried not to let her suspicions gain traction.

The night played on, and as more of the families left to put their hyper children to bed, the heads of business brought out the top-shelf Scotch and sat around picking at sandwich trays and hors d'oeuvres. Frank caught Henry's assistant-turned-girlfriend in his cross-hairs and approached her with a drink in hand. Red-faced and loud as ever, Frank asked her why she wasn't enjoying herself.

She cleared her throat and offered her best smile. "I am having fun. I just don't have a rich enough history with the company to offer any entertaining stories."

"Oh, come now. You were Henry's assistant for months! You don't have anything to share about banging the boss?"

Frank's announcement only fell on her ears, but it was enough to make her blush and want to escape. He apologized and sidled up to her, clinking his whiskey tumbler with her wine glass.

"Gotta get you a refill, Whaddaya say, toots?"

"I'm fine for now," she said. "I offered to drive home."

"That's right. You two live together now in that little condo."

She blinked, unsure of how anyone might think of the condo as little, then realized she was standing among wealthy men whose homes spanned acres, who owned Summer cottages bigger than the average townhouse.

"I gotta say, Deaver's got that colour back in his face since he started on with you, doll. What do I gotta do to get me a woman like that? He's a whole new man. Is that all it takes is a nice, young honey to roll back the decades? I bet the old bastard gets it up just fine. Just fine."

"Thank you, Frank. I'll try to sift through that to find a compliment," she scoffed and sipped her wine.

"Aw, I mean it with love, darlin', you know that. Ol' Franky just talks, right? I don't mean any harm. Maybe I come from a place of envy, who knows? Not every day a dry old fella gets his hands on something pretty as you. I can see you're good for him. He sure smiles a helluva lot more! Christ, can't chisel the grin off that face. Loopy as a damn circus clown since you came around."

"Really?" She tittered.

"I'm serious. Shit, when Henry was with Mary, you couldn't pay the guy to crack a joke. Now, he's nothing like the shlub I met all those years ago."

She ran her finger along the glass rim as Frank droned on, her eyes on Henry across the room. He had been having a good time, his cheeks aglow with cheeriness. She'd never seen Henry interact with his coworkers for more than a quick trip in and out of the conference room to deliver him a printout or progress report. Tonight, Henry hadn't complained about people talking his ear off. Even after Frank's unflattering account of one of his rare blunders, he hadn't whined or wished they could sneak out unseen. Henry was at ease.

"He's planning on proposing to me soon," she said.

Frank cocked his head and rose his glass. "Here's to hoping he makes the right decision, and quick, before you realize you can do better!"

She clinked glasses with Frank once more, and while he drained his whiskey, she set her glass down on a table nearby.

"I was wondering what his coworkers might say about him remarrying."

"Anything to get him away from that soul-sucking ice queen of an ex-wife."

"Frank? Can I ask you something and get a sincere answer?"

Frank read her serious tone, shifted his brows and angled in, unaware of his alcohol-laden breath fanning over her face. "Anything, love. Franky tells no lies. That's what they say. With me, it's pure honesty."

"I heard a rumour about Henry in Thailand. Somebody said he cheated on Mary. Do you know anything about this? I'd like to know what I'm getting myself into, being young and all. I don't want to end up wasting my best years with a man who might cheat on me down the road."

Frank scoffed, slapped his leg and howled. She waited for him to wipe an invisible tear from his eye, hoping nobody asked what was so funny.

"Oh, doll. You can't believe all the rumours you hear in this place. Thailand... Shit, that was so long ago. I can hardly remember what happened. It's true, we did some partying, but when in Rome, right?"

She grimaced as Frank went on, "Ol' Deaver never left his hotel room on that trip. Me 'n a couple of our work buddies cruised around, got ourselves into a little trouble, but not Henry. He spent the whole week hunched over his laptop, putting last minute touches on some PowerPoint crap—never was good with computers, myself. And don't get me wrong, there were offers made during dinners—generous offers. You know the type. They like to show their hospitality. But Henry was the professional. We call him Dad since he's always keeping us in line. Even us old guys, eh? No, no... Company is rock solid 'cause of him. We told Deaver a million times to drop the ball 'n chain, but the kid stuck it out, he really did."

"Am I stupid to marry him?"

"Doll, I think if you want someone to treat you right, it's my man, Henry Deaver. The Kid can't contain himself. And who could? He's a lucky man, really fortunate to have a dish like you."

"Oh, stop," she gestured at the opposite corner of the cleared out office space where the wives gathered. "You know, if I marry Henry, I'll have to join the wives' club and stand over there with Phyllis and Dorothy."

Frank beamed at her. She decided not to loathe the man for his praise, both for her and Henry. He was a bumbling idiot at times and unfiltered, but she had seen much worse. Before the corporate job with all the nice clothes and gadgets she used to pine for while browsing fashion websites, she worked her food service job. With every type of asshole and gentleman coming through the hotel bar, Frank was the loudmouth who'd changed her mind on Henry Deaver.

"You're a different kind, ain'tcha? I bet Deaver has his hands full with you."

Warm, wine-drunk confidence slid off her tongue, "Oh, I keep him busy."

"I'll kill him if he doesn't marry you, kid."

"I'm sure you will."

"That's Frank's Guarantee."

She tipped glasses with him once more and excused herself to use the washroom. The night was drawing to a close, and she enjoyed the quiet of the bathroom and its 3 stalls. Many times she had retreated to the washroom to text Henry while he was in his office. She couldn't risk getting caught exchanging dirty messages with the boss, so when she wanted to make him blush, she snuck off to the lady's room. Many nude photoshoots happened in the safety of the last stall on the right, and all of them fed to Henry's phone at inopportune times—mostly during meetings or video calls with clients across the world. Now, she laid her head against the cool metal and thought of marrying Henry. 

Back then, falling in love with him was forbidden, tingly, like a shot of alcohol at an inappropriate hour that she hoped nobody could smell on her breath. Now, it was pure. There were no more walls, no need to hide in the stall to talk to him. Henry was hers, and everyone knew it.

Henry waited for her by a stack of chairs. Behind him, the catering company was clearing away serving trays, stacking cups and folding tablecloths. The band had long since packed up, and anyone with children had taken them downstairs to the shuttles the company had arranged to drive them home.

"Hey," she greeted him.

"Hey, indeed. How're you doing? I thought I saw you getting along with Frank." Henry chuckled. "What was up with that? I thought you hated him."

"I don't hate him. Maybe I wasn't keen on him hitting on me back at the hotel, but I think he's smartened up. As uncouth as he may be... He has your back and cares about the company."

"He's the drunk uncle of the business."

"You'll have to teach him some manners, though. One day, you'll have a female big-wig to schmooze, and she might not take kindly to pet names."

Henry's eyes bugged as he nodded. "Frank doesn't get to talk to the women in the industry, and don't worry, I'll whip him into shape."

"Hm, is that why they call you the company dad?" She asked, tracing one finger down Henry's lapel. "You just keep everyone in line, don't you? Lay down the law. Tell all those silly men how to act."

Henry shivered as her hand travelled lower, coasted over the front of his pants while nobody was looking. He puffed his chest, a crafty look taking over his visage. He snatched her wandering hand and stepped closer, eclipsing her as he slouched over to whisper in her ear.

"Yeah, I'm the Daddy around here."

"Is Daddy ready to head home soon?" 

"Let's say our goodbyes, then we'll get out of here. Come on." 

Henry gave her directions that took them in the opposite direction of home. When she questioned him, he patted her thigh, assuring there was a surprise waiting at the end of the line. She tried to pry it from him while they cruised the highway in the dark. The radio played low while Henry tried changing the subject. 

"Where am I going?" She asked. 

Henry pointed ahead. "Get off at the next exit." 

The roads narrowed, and the street lamps spread farther apart outside of the city. She slowed the car, flipped on the high beams and guided Henry's BMW over gravel hills. There were houses along the quiet strip of country line, but they were hidden behind spruce and maple trees.

"Henry, we're so far from home. I'm tired. Please tell me what we're doing." 

He pointed at a driveway tucked behind a line of birch and a dented metal mailbox standing crookedly on the side of the road. "Down there. It's close now, don't worry." 

They curved through a loose gathering of evergreens and pulled up to a sprawling ranch house with a double garage and topiaries along the sides. The place was dark, but a motion light illuminated the paved driveway as she pulled up and parked. Henry pulled a set of keys from his pocket and exited the vehicle. He waited for her to catch up, breath turning to vapour in the crisp night air.

"Care to explain what we're doing at some random house?" She asked.

Henry took her hand and guided her toward the front door. In the dark, she sailed by the realtor's sign and stepped onto the first stone slab leading to the front door. She watched Henry fiddle with a key, shove it into the lock and turn the handle. The door opened with a whoosh, the scent of fresh paint and lacquered wood spilling out of the massive wooden door. Henry hit a switch, and fractals of light exploded from a chandelier on high in the foyer.

"Check this out. It's so open in the center, you could drive a truck through to the backyard. And the kitchen! Oh, you gotta see the kitchen. It's lovely," Henry said as he grabbed her hand and led her through the house. "All stainless steel and marble. The island is bigger than our bed! And come this way, down here."

They journeyed down an echoing hall, footsteps casting off the hardwood floors and glass light fixtures. Henry threw open a door and ushered her inside a furnished bedroom. A sleigh bed domineered the far end of the room, all dark wood, plush duvet and pillows.

"I know you're not keen on beige, which is fine. We'll paint it. But, look at this bed! And this window overlooks the backyard—Well, I wouldn't say 'yard.' It's more of a...field. Look, look, look!"

"Henry, what is this?" She asked, peering out the window at the blackness beyond the dim orange halo of the bedroom light.

When she turned back around, Henry placed his hands on her hips, excitement simmering. He smiled, wry and lustful, and bent down to kiss her.

"Isn't it obvious? This is our house."

"What are you saying?" She gasped. "You bought this place?" 

"Mhm. I've had my eye on it for a long time."

"And just how long exactly were you planning on keeping this a secret?"

"Only until I bought it."

"Henry!"

He jingled the keys in his pocket. "Well, you can't just walk into a place that's not yours."

Suddenly, she realized Henry had put this in motion weeks before, masked it under the search for a new office building. Realtors had rung Henry's phone off the hook, and she had answered them all, oblivious to his underlying motive. When it clicked, she dropped her jaw and swatted him playfully.

"I can't believe you. Right under my nose!"

"It was good timing."

"But...why? What's wrong with the condo?"

Henry guided her to the room's centre beneath the carnival glass light fixture that had to go, along with the drab paint job. "Nothing is wrong with the condo. It's just not ours. There are too many memories preventing me from letting go of the past. I want to let it all go, but I can't when I look around and remember where I was just a year and a half ago. It served me well as a place to escape, but now, I don't need to hide. I want new memories. I want to walk outside with my coffee and see you in the backyard, doing whatever you want—gardening, reading, lounging. I want to pull up after a long day at work, see this place, and know that you're inside, all of our things, our memories, our smells."

"And what if I hate it?" She asked, stifling a giggle.

"Then I'll sell it, and we'll find a new place."

"I don't hate it, Henry, but...This was such a risk."

"It paid off. I knew you'd like it. It's the perfect combination of vintage and modern. The structure is old and strong, but the renovations give it that modern class. It's like that chalet we stayed at in Sweden. Remember?"

"Of course, I remember. We didn't leave bed for two days."

Henry smiled fondly at the memory and stroked her hair back, smiling with her in his arms. She laid her cheek on his chest and breathed in a contented sigh.

"There are two offices, one for me and one for you. Two other bedrooms. One for guests and one for a kid."

She looked up at him, and all the playfulness fled from his eyes. He kissed her to avoid the inevitable questions. When will we see a doctor? What is the plan if we can't conceive? They didn't need answers, only trust that whatever battles stretched on, they would meet them hand-in-hand.

"I can't wait," she whispered. "I love you. And I love this house."

"There's one more thing," Henry cleared his throat and stepped away from her. "It's kind of important."

"What is it?"

"I'm old, babe."

"Henry, you're not that old."

"I'm an old man. I'm head of a multi-national company, y'know. I wear suits and talk to people who hemorrhage money day in and day out. I like to style myself as a professional."

She cocked her head, wondering where Henry was going with his monologue.

"It's awkward when people ask me about you, and I have to refer to you as my girlfriend. Guys like me aren't supposed to have girlfriends. It just sounds creepy. Plus, you're so much more to me than that. You're not my girlfriend; you're the love of my life. My soulmate. My queen. I want you to be my partner."

"Henry—"

He cut her off and fetched something from the table next to the bed. When he rejoined her in the middle of the room, he bent at the knee and presented her with the ring box she had already seen, yet she fluttered as though it was the first time.

"Baby... I could have flown you to a tropical island or put this in a glass of champagne. I could have done this in front of everyone at the party tonight, but all of that seemed silly. Don't get me wrong, I still want to take you to every corner of the world and give you all the nicest things, but I wanted to propose to you in our house, just you and me. So... Will you quit being my girlfriend and become my wife instead?"

Henry separated her ring finger from the rest and slid the band down to the knuckle as she blotted her sobs with the other hand, nodding and fighting joyful tears.

"You think you're so clever, don't you?" She asked as he rose to his feet and clamped her in a bone-cracking hug.

"I know I'm clever! You thought I would propose to you in front of all those people? No way."

"You hate being the center of attention."

"That's right. And although I want to shout it from the rooftops, I thought you'd prefer me asking you to marry me someplace quiet."

She gazed at the stone glittering on her finger, and a fresh wash of tears wet her cheeks. "I'm marrying you... You're going to be my husband."

"If you don't mind, I'd like to skip fiance altogether and get right to the wife thing."

"You're my husband."

"You're my wife!"

"We're getting married!"

"That's right," Henry beamed. "And we move in next month."

Breathless, she ripped her eyes off the ring and looked up at the man who gave it to her. She threw her arms around his neck, pressed her face into the column of his throat and breathed in the scent of old hotels, of pastry and coffee and drying ink on newspaper. She had a vision of him seated at a table across the room, smiling in her direction, tapping his silver pen on the spine of his planner. Two eyes, one green and one brown, drinking her in like fine wine, full of secrets and passion, indulgence and guilt. Her good Christian boy who was anything but pure or chaste.

"I'll worship you until I die, you know that, right?"

"Henry, I can't. You're making me cry. There's probably mascara all over my face!"

"I don't care," he pressed the words to her temple, swaying in languid step. "You'll never be rid of me. Think about that."

"I believe you, Henry."

His eyes flooded and no amount of squeezing suffocated the tears. The streams met the cuff of his suit jacket. He questioned why he still wore the suit and slipped out of it as her hand tugged his tie. Leash in hand, she pulled his face to her level and touched the tears coasting his cheeks, brushed her thumb over the scar two inches from the lips she kissed.

"Are you sure you want to marry me?"

"Shut up."

"I'm serious."

"And I'm telling you to shut up, Henry. Don't ask those kinds of questions."

"I just can't believe you're mine."

"That's right. So stop wondering if I'll change my mind. I've had many opportunities to reconsider. I stuck it out through times I should have walked out, and now we're standing in this gigantic house, and there's a ring on my finger... And you still think I'll back out?"

"I hope not. You're everything I've wanted my whole life. I have it all. Now I can spend the rest of it happy."

"I love you," she whispered against his bottom lip.

Henry crouched, circled her hips with his arms and carried her to the bed, murmuring, "I love you, too, baby. So much."

"Are we gonna fuck right here?"

"Right here, right now," said Henry, perching her on the bed so he could work open the buttons of his dress shirt. She lifted her legs, slipped off her heels, then wrestled her blouse off. The struggle to undress ended with their tops off, Henry standing with his knees pressed into the plush mattress, between her legs. He ran his hands up and down her thighs, nylon sighing between skin as he stroked.

"I didn't think I'd make it out of the office without fucking you. Gosh, you looked so good in that outfit. All those guys were looking at you... Especially when you dropped your phone and bent over to pick it up. That fabric stretching over your ass. You should've seen 'em staring."

"You think they're jealous of you?" She asked as Henry bunched her skirt around her hips, revealing satin and lace panties pasted to her crotch with arousal. His palm traversed her thigh, paused at the edge of the panties. He sent out two fingers to stroke the stitching along her groin, satin running like water across the tips. Henry wanted to take his time, but she was restless. He subdued her with a kiss.

"Don't get ahead of yourself. I'm in control tonight, and I want to feel and lick and taste every inch of your body before I even get my pants off, understand?"

She returned his sly look and rolled onto her stomach, parting her legs so he could admire the shiny material ruched between her cheeks.

"To answer your question... Yes. Of course, they're jealous."

"Oh, yeah? How do you know?"

Henry snickered, like a bully cornering his prey. "Those old bastards can't keep their mouths shut. Even when you were my employee, they'd hound me for details... Ask if you were single, if I was tapping you, if I'd thought about it. I'm not one to boast, but they all knew. Henry Deaver doesn't kiss and tell, but then you'd come in and smile at me like just an hour before I was balls-deep in your pussy... Like my cum was still dripping down your thigh. They knew. We weren't as covert as we thought."

"It's that naughty little smile of yours that gives it away. You flashed me that same smile a few times at the hotel, and I just thought maybe you didn't realize how seductive you looked. But you know, don't you? You know what you do to me. How hard you can make me with just one look."

Henry lifted her leg over his shoulder and kissed her ankle as he squeezed the sole of her foot, admiring the coloured polish on her toenails peeking out of the semi-opaque stockings.

"I do enjoy getting you worked up, sir."

"Let's not tonight. I'm supposed to make love to you, not treat you like my office pet. I'm marrying you, for fuck's sake."

"Then make love to your future wife. That doesn't mean I can't be your slut anymore."

"Oh, my God," Henry growled.

"Look at what I'm wearing for you. I know how much you love the way my pussy looks wearing this fabric. Thigh-high stockings aren't practical, but I figured you might fuck me in your office one last time, and I wanted to torment you."

"Not so predictable now, huh?"

She simpered and ran her toe in a line down his chest and didn't stop until she grazed his belt buckle. "Yeah, and you've been thinking about filling me up all night."

Henry grasped her ankles and pulled her to the edge of the bed to meet his groin. He gathered her up in his arms, pressing his entire weight on her frame as he kissed her desperately. When her legs grew weak, he clamped them around his hips and undulated. Hardness strained against her crotch, pulsing from the heat between her legs.

"You're right. I've been aching to fuck you. How long has it been? Gosh, this week has been so busy, I've hardly had any time alone with you. And you've been occupied with your new job. It's been a while since I've come."

She made a coo of sympathy. "Aw, my poor baby. You're probably so sensitive."

"I want you to do something for me," Henry muttered, adjusting his crotch, then giving up and undoing his belt and pants altogether. "I'd love it if you sucked my cock."

"Oh, Mr. Deaver asking for a blowjob? A rare sound to my ears."

He shook his head, grabbed her hand and pulled her off the bed to kneel on the floor. With feet spread wide, his fingers tangled in her hair, Henry waited for her to make the first move. His view of her from on high was angelic. In the prismatic light, her eyes twinkled, and he thought of whiskey in a glass, poured by a dangerous woman he'd grown to admire. She always wore a smile, but for the right person, that smile turned luscious and dim. Her eyes would relax on him, soothe him, delight if he made small conversation instead of only demands.

Henry did not demand, but as her smiling lips tightened around the midway-point of his cock and sank, he couldn't help aiding the way to her throat with one firm thrust. "Oh... Oh, Jesus fucking Christ," he droned.

"You can use my mouth, sir."

"Just suck that dick like a good girl. Do your magic on me, baby."

With free reign, she slathered his shaft with her tongue, side-to-side, up and down. She met his eyes and smiled, the tip nestled between her puckered lips. Her grasp on the base sent waves of hot blood pumping through the veins, filling him out entirely.

"I can't wait to feel this big cock pumping my pussy full of cum."

"Oh, I know, baby. We'll get there. For now, I need your mouth. All over me, please. Balls too. Come on... Eat that cock, you hungry little slut."

She chased Henry up on the bed where she could kneel between his legs in comfort. Henry enjoyed the position, too—back against a mound of pillows, his long legs spread to the lower corners of the bed, her crumpled form nestled between his thighs while her lips and tongue worked in a circuit on his length. He leaned his head back, arms thrown over the pillows. In this position, Henry bucked his hips a few times to touch his tip to her tonsils. Each time she brought up a wave of saliva that coated him and made it easier for her to slide down.

"What about that ass, big boy?" She asked after popping up from a harsh series of head-bobbing. "I know how much you love it when I play with that pretty hole of yours."

Henry sucked air in through his teeth, chin dimpling and lashes fluttering. "Mmph, not tonight. I want that pussy. Yeah, I wanna taste you."

They flipped positions. Henry pulled her onto her back away and snatched one of the pillows to wedge under her tailbone. With both hands, he hooked the back of her knees and spread her thighs wide, elevating her pelvis until his breath stroked the front of her panties. Henry nipped the fabric, pulled it into a tent and let it snap back against her lips. He nuzzled it, faint stubble scratching the delicate fabric. She let out a gentle sigh, a whimper of lust. Henry kissed the satin once, twice harder, then a third time like he'd met her mouth in a fevered touch.

She watched his long fingers sneak the fabric away, how he made shapes with his mouth like he wanted to say something but lost his voice. Henry bit his lip, kissed where he knew her clit was hiding, then prodded her folds with a long lick. He repeated the motion on the right side, along her labia, and again on he left side.

For a while, he would only meet the crest of her entrance with light kisses and whispered promises.

"Do you like it when I tease your pussy? Giving you just enough to make you wet, but not as much as you need?"

"Henry, please," she begged.

"Please, what?"

"Please give me more!"

"More of this?" Henry asked, ghosting his breath over her clit.

"No more teasing."

"You sure?"

She clutched some of his hair and pouted. He chuckled, laid his cheek on her thigh and brought his hand up between her legs. "What if I'm not done teasing? What if I want to torment you a little longer?"

He spread open her lips, applying pressure on both sides. She could almost grind against his fingers if he didn't have her at his mercy, arched over a pillow, thighs splayed wide and vulnerable. Henry tapped her clit with three fingers, stippling with gooseflesh from the wet noises the pads made on her vulva. "Oh, I love that sound," he sang. "You're so wet for me."

"Please, sir. I need your mouth."

"Is that right? Well, you've been so good and helpful. I'm sure I can give you what you want... but you have to promise me something."

"Yes, yes, I will. Anything."

"Promise you'll tell me before you come?"

"Uh-huh. I promise."

"Okay, I trust you. Don't get too close. I have other plans for your pussy."

She groaned out loud, relieved when he finally licked her clit. His tongue was a warm blanket, weighted and placed perfectly on top. He undulated the muscle, coaxing out the sensitive parts for adoration. That's how she described his attention in her mind. When Henry ate her out, it was like he'd infiltrated her head and knew the precise amount of pressure, the proper motions, when to flicker his tongue and when to envelope her clit between his lips. He kissed, sucked, lapped and moaned like a symphony, only opening his eyes once in a while to catch her staring in awe between her legs.

"Mm, baby," Henry moaned against her slit. "I can feel you getting close already. Don't go over the edge."

"I'm sorry, you just look so good eating my pussy."

Henry pulled off her, smirking, letting her glimpse his full lips shining in their glory. She couldn't stop herself from lunging for him. The taste of her own fluid on his mouth set off a carnal urge to feel his cock too. She told him to fuck her hard, to spank her ass and make her squeal like a knifed animal. She wanted that deepness, the full stretch as his thighs bounced her up and down. They laid on their sides, and Henry entered her from behind, arm hooking her leg up so he could gaze over at her exposed breasts, her glistening clit forgotten for a moment too long. In his clutches, she was helpless, and Henry used his advantage to squeeze and rub her until more of her liquid soaked between their groins.

"Can you come like this?" Henry puffed next to her ear. "If I rub your clit like that and keep fucking you, can you come?"

"Yes," she peeped. "Yes, keep going."

"Yeah? Gonna come like a good girl all over this dick?"

Again, she nodded, biting down on her lip in concentration.

"'Cause I'm gonna shoot so much fucking cum inside you, but only after you get all tight around me."

She begged him not to stop, to never stop being hers. Henry rushed his movements until she bucked once, legs fighting to fold inward.

"Is that it? That spot right there?" Henry asked. "Keep rubbing you just like this?"

He didn't need an answer; it was written all over her flushed face, denting her lip where her teeth bore down. Henry exerted every inch of stamina he had in his body until her muscles seized hard enough to snap. Mewling as she came, Henry didn't stop pestering her clit with his fingertips or pull out after he emptied as deep inside as he could fit. He gathered her up in his arms, locking fingers and lips, breathing each other's air. Pieces of his hair clung to his sweat-dampened forehead while he pulsed and shivered.

"I need you to get your panties on right away. We can't leave a mess behind."

"Are you serious?"

Henry nodded his head, unperturbed by the alarm in her tone. "Well, it's not our stuff. It's staging furniture. I just convinced the realtor to let me surprise you tonight. She probably didn't think I'd be fucking you in any of the bedrooms."

"Henry! I'm not sure where you slung my underwear."

He pushed into her one last time and grunted. "Aw, honey, mm. That's where my cum belongs."

"You're such a bad man," she giggled.

"I know I'm dirty."

"Come on, husband. Help me find my clothes. We should get back before we both fall asleep and someone finds us like this."

They gathered themselves, sighing and stretching the tension from their muscles as they dressed and took one more look around the property. She saw the house in a warm light now, as a place they could fill with memories, starting in the master bedroom where Henry proposed. He held her hand as they drove to the condo and flung themselves into bed, drained from the night's givings but wrapped in each other's arms.

 The next morning, she woke to the smell of pancakes cooking on a griddle. Henry was up, two coffees deep, and buzzing from cupboard to cabinet, humming under his breath. He lit up when he caught her motion in the corner of his eye and went in for a long hug.

"Good morning, wife."

"Morning, husband," she replied, cheeks and chest prickling.

"Pancake buffet?" Henry gestured at the kitchen island.

"It's not even Christmas!"

Henry scoffed. "Who needs a special occasion to have a pancake buffet?

"I suppose I can't complain," she said.

She sat at the island, studying the foreign object around her ring finger every once in a while. When she made a fist or spread her hand, the rock sparkled and delighted her eyes. Henry caught her staring at the ring and smiling as he launched into the day's trajectory, his plan falling on deafened ears.

"Hello?" Henry waved the spatula. "Are you home?"

She sat up straight and folded her hands. "Yes. Sorry. I was distracted."

"I was saying I have to go into the office today, but only for an hour or two. Are you okay with hanging around here by yourself while I take the car? Can you believe the Beamer is still in the shop? They say take the damn thing into the dealership, we'll fix it up for free, but we'll keep it for half the week."

"Oh, well, I was supposed to pick up groceries, but I can wait."

Henry's eyebrows popped up. "Oh, no. No, no, honey. That's all right. I'll find another way there."

"Why don't I drive you to the office? Unless...You're not actually going to the office?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Henry asked.

"I don't know...You could be exacting another one of your famous covert plans and covering it up by saying you're going to the office. How do I know?'

Henry tipped his head back and laughed as he tended the food sizzling on the stovetop. "Oh, sweetheart. No. I promise, no more tricks for a while."

"Sure," she said with a sly edge on her tongue.

"You can drop me off and take the car. It's nothing secretive, I swear."

Henry piled the last pancakes onto a plate, turned off the griddle and wiped the counter clear of flour and coconut flakes. They put together an extravagant array of dressed-up breakfast food, dousing their plates in maple syrup, chocolate chips and heart-shaped strawberries as they talked and sipped coffee. Henry sat across the island holding his hand out for her to touch every once in a while. He didn't need her to hold his hand, though, subconsciously, he always reached out for her in case she wanted to feel his skin.

The morning melted seamlessly into early afternoon, and the couple ventured from the condo after a quick round of energizing couch sex. Henry thumbed the ring on her finger as they walked onto the main floor from the elevator.

"Mr. Deaver and Madame, good morning!" Johnny, the concierge, greeted them.

Henry held up their conjoined hands. "It's Mr. and Mrs. Deaver from now on, Johnny."

The tall man behind the desk made a small gasp and bowed. "Apologies, Mr. and Mrs... Might I say congratulations to the happy couple?"

"You're the first to hear, officially," Henry said.

Johnny touched his enormous hand to his chest. "What an honour, sir. This position never loses its magic."

Henry twisted his mouth. "I have some other news, Johnny. My wife and I will be moving soon. We won't be seeing you every morning."

"Ah, that's all right, Mr. Deaver. Moving up and up, I hope?"

"Yes. It's a ranch house in the country. No neighbours."

"Beautiful. Well, I wish you both the very best and look forward to helping you out until moving day comes."

"Thanks, Johnny," she said with a smile.

Johnny rose his finger as they meant to leave. "One more thing. A package arrived for you, Mr. Deaver."

The concierge ducked under the desk with a set of keys and opened the security box dedicated to the Deaver property. He pulled out a bulging manila envelope and turned it over with a dutiful grin. When her eyes glanced at the writing on the front, a knot formed in her throat. Henry's name adorned the front in practiced, sweeping hand. Henry. Not Henry Deaver or Mr. Deaver. Just his name written in black ink with flourishes on the capital H and a hand-drawn filigree beneath. She watched his shoulders stiffen as he nodded to Johnny.

"Thank you, Johnny. We'll see you later."

She followed Henry to the parking garage, staring at the envelope in his hands. Henry looked ahead, his bright demeanour trampled upon by the object he carried. When they got into the vehicle, they looked at each other, then down at the package.

"What is that?" She asked.

"I think it's from Mary. That's her handwriting."

She swallowed the knot in her throat, but it had doubled in size and refused to budge. "What now? She's not supposed to bother us anymore."

"I know," Henry breathed. "I can't... You open it."

She tore into the envelope and pulled out a letter accompanied by a DVD in a flat jewel case and photocopies of ruled paper scrawled with notes. Henry nodded at the letter, signalling her to read it aloud.

"Dear Henry... I know there's little chance of getting a private audience with you now that we're legally separated, and the company is in the process of moving. You probably have your hands full and do not wish to hear from me either way. I understand your need to stay away, hence the letter and no phone call. What needs to be said cannot be summed up in a brief call, so I will try to keep this to a few pages.

I wanted to start off by apologizing. It's too late for apologies, and you must think I'm off my rocker to have even considered coming to you with this. Still, I'm not looking for acceptance, sympathy or anything but the need to fill you in on the blank spaces that must have driven you crazy over the last couple of years. The way I scorned you was wrong. A wife should respect her husband in all forms, and answer to him when he calls. I ignored you and purposely drove a wedge between us in order to distance myself from you and our collective failure.

By now, I'm sure your new girlfriend told you what I told her. It should come as no surprise that when I say "failure," I mean our inability to have a child.

When I received the news, and you were nowhere to be found, I felt the clutches of the Devil himself reaching for me. God does not make mistakes, which is how I know we were being punished for our sins, and since the results indicated you were the weaker factor, I can only assume the punishment was meant for you, and by extension, me. I know you have berated me in the past for my strong beliefs, but I cannot compromise my relationship with God for anyone's comfort. I know in my heart, his word is law, and if we couldn't produce a child, lying together would be straying down the path of temptation.

There were things you wanted me to do that I could not, in good conscience, provide for you—sex acts no married couple should have an interest in performing. If I'd have known of your devious tastes early on in our relationship, perhaps I wouldn't have married you. You resisted His word and acted on selfish impulse, spoke of wicked things with your colleagues, and Lord knows what other things I didn't catch wind of. I had to escape your sin yet remain your wife through the bad and the worse, as I pledged before God until death.

I do not judge you, as you are no longer my husband, and I know God will assess your choices in his divine eye. I don't have to worry about the unclean thoughts that live inside of you—they have no power over me; they aren't a reflection of my heavenly worth. If anything, I hope you are happy and have all the freedom one who strays from God can expect to have in this world. I pray for your soul each night and hope you do not meet the eternal fires.

I should have told you, but I was stricken with unbearable grief. I hated you. I fell out of love. I can't describe how, but I felt if I touched you, knowing what I knew then, God would punish me. Please understand everything I did, I did in the name of the Lord and with concern for my immortal soul. Call me selfish. I was and am, to this day, a selfish woman. But you were good to me, up until a certain point.

I cannot forgive your infidelity and can only pray you to seek repentance for your sin, though I will admit I did not care to make it right at the time. My silence was meant as punishment, but only God can dole penance, and in shutting you out, I acted in his name when I shouldn't have. I will spend the rest of my days begging His forgiveness and praying for you, Henry.

This package includes the evidence I've compiled of your cheating. You should know now I no longer seek vengeance. I simply want to scrub my life of all traces of you, and figured you might want to gaze upon your transgressions. Or throw them out. It's up to you now. Sincerely, Mary."

Henry was quiet for several minutes as he digested the contents of the letter. She found a pamphlet for the Evangelist Church of God among the pages and scowled.

"Wow, religion really makes people say some crazy stuff," she muttered, hoping to get a sound out of her fiance. Henry pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. He motioned for the letter and gave it a half-hearted scan before crumpling it in his fist.

"Fuck that woman. Fuck that life."

"Sounds like a story."

He puffed, scoffed, burned a hole into the letter written in Mary's graceful hand.

"But you don't have to tell me."

"She's right," Henry said. "I was different back then."

"I know you were."

"How come you've never asked?"

His question nipped the skin on the back of her arms. "The same reason I don't ask other people about their religion. That's their business. You were raised a certain way, but you changed. I know you were put in a cage, Henry. You made a mistake, but it's not the eternal damnation Mary says. Your marriage was practically over. Unless... You cheated before us?"

Henry whipped a look at her, gaping and wordless. She shrugged as a platitude and coughed over a laugh. "Well? How can I not suspect? Mary says you cheated, Frank says you didn't, but I don't trust either of them as far as I can throw them, Henry!"

"Look, I know!" Henry barked, and she pressed her back to the door. "You've gotta believe me, sweetheart. I'm trying to prove to you every day that I'm not this monster she wants me to be!"

"What's on these discs? They don't have labels. Am I going to watch this and find out something you don't want me to?"

His jaw set like he was about to explode. Air escaped his nostrils, and he glared forth at the wet cement wall beyond the hood of her car. Above, the building's pressure crushed out all sound, and Henry became aware of his breath, the tension in his windpipe.

"No. I don't know. I have no idea what's on those DVDs. If she got her private investigator to film me, it's probably just you and I making out in the car. What would be incriminating about that?"

"Did you lie to me that night in Paris?"

A dissonant, heavy silence fell over the man in the driver's seat. His skin turned sallow, and her eyes eclipsed to see the sickly guilt on his face.

"That night, you told me you left her. You said you asked for the divorce, and she just gave up. Was that a lie? Did you say that just to get me to go?"

Condemned by another bout of silence, Henry hid the colour of his ears behind hunched shoulders. "Baby, I was in love. I am in love with you. It's only ever been you! I needed you with me so bad. She knew we were done. She knew it. Divorce was not a foreign word."

"Just tell me straight. Did you put it in stone that night? When you flew me ten hours to Paris to be with you?"

"No. I didn't. I went home, said goodbye to her, she gave me the cold shoulder, I cursed, and she got angry with me. I told her I was finished, and then I left. Maybe I didn't flat out say I want a divorce, but it was implied."

"I'm curious to see what's on these discs," she said.

"Sweetheart, I will watch them with you, totally confident there's no evidence of me with any other woman."

"Good," she nodded. "Because you're mine. Maybe I'm the bad one for not caring. If you're bad, I'm worse. I don't give a fuck about you cheating on her, and this is the first time I've ever admitted it out loud. You're mine, Henry. You belong to me. She knew what she had and uses faith as an excuse for hiding a horrible secret from you!"

"Good Lord, I don't want to cry about this again," said Henry.

"Fuck it, Henry, just like you said. Fuck her and fuck the life you had. Your ass is mine now," she stuck her ring finger in the air. "Like, forever."

Henry pouted and melted into her lap. She quickly ran her hands through his hair as he moaned against her knee. "But what about our family?"

"We'll figure it out, babe. I promise. Until then, just keep shooting loads inside of me, and we'll see what happens."

He burst with laughter and lifted his rosy face to kiss her. "That's such a you thing to say in a time of crisis."

"I told you last night and back at the hotel... I'm with you. I'll back you in everything you do and make sure not a day goes by you wish you were somewhere else."

"I have absolutely no doubt of that, sweetheart. Goddamn it, I love you... Wifey," he giggled.

"But how hot would it be to have sex while watching DVDs of us hooking up in the Beamer and touching on patios and shit?"

"So hot. I've been thinking about it, and I've concluded it is very fucking hot."

"All right, hubby. Let's put this shit behind us forever and get busy getting married and having babies. We have places to go!"

"Yeah," Henry grabbed her hand and nodded. "Let's get the fuck out of here."

[palettepainter]

Powerloader - Family reunion

Higari and Ecto go down to visit Higari’s family in the country, things don’t go according to plan

Warnings: Swearing, verbal arguing, lil sad angst at the end

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Aren’t you going to knock?” Higari stiffened, Ectoplasm’s voice pulling him back to reality, turquoise eyes blinking under his mat of ginger hair. His knuckles faltered over the door “...You know-“ Higari’s hand went to his pocket and he shrugged “We could always just go out ‘n’ bout town” he suggested, rocking on his heels slightly. Above him, Ectoplasm rose a brow “I know a good bar that my brother told me he worked at for a few years. Does good beer, and there’s a nice old fashion juxebox there too” he looked off to the side, kicking at a pebble on the porch “Think you’d like it..” Ectoplasm hummed “..Nervous?” He asked, tilting his head downward in an attempt to make eye-contact. “No.” Powerloader answered, perhaps sounding a bit too sure “...Not exactly” He said looking sheepish Powerloader sighed, pulling a hand back through his curtain of orange hair, eyes peering up to the house doorway with a crease in his brows “You sounded happy this morning when we where walking to the train station” Ectoplasm watched as Powerloader turned, pacing in a circle, taking leisurely steps, grunting back in reply “What changed your mind?” “This..this ain’t exactly the best a homes Ecto” Powerloader said, observing the large front yard and dirt drive through that surrounded the front of the house. “My family aren’t the same as your parents ya know” he could remember how kind and welcoming Ectoplasm’s folks had been after he got over his initial fear, he could name at least one person who wouldn’t be as welcoming.. “If that’s the case, why did you offer to bring me along?” Ectoplasm asked, head titled “I mean- yeah! I want you to meet them but..” Higari chewed his gum, hands on his hips before he sighed “I just dunno if everyone will be as nice as your parents where” Ectoplasm let that information sink in, with the narrow of his eyes Higari could tell he was thinking something over. When Ectoplasm was finished, he turned back to Higari “Are you worried they may not approve of our relationship?” Higari tensed “...It..crossed my mind” he admitted, sounding ashamed “And if that scenario becomes reality, would you break up with me?” “NO!” Higari whirled round so quickly that his entire fringe swooped off his face before falling back down again “N-NO! God no! Of course not!” “And you know I wouldn’t leave you” Ectoplasm replied, still calm “..So if worst comes to worst, we’ll still be together, no matter what - right?” He smiled, holding out his hand and tilting his head back towards the door. Higari looked between Ectoplasm’s face, the doorway, and then his hand. He let out a sigh “Okay..” he nodded “Alright..Let’s go, I guess” Ectoplasm gave him another smile, as Higari finally knocked on the door. No answer “...Huh” he knocked again, this time a bit louder “Odd, usually Taiho is home at this hour” Higari let go of Ectoplasm’s hand in favour of stepping onto the front lawn to try and peer up into the windows on the first floor “Maybe they’ve gone out?” Ectoplasm suggested, walking up to Higari who hummed “..Nah” he said with a shake of his head “Even if Taiho ain’t around, Chikara or Suru are usually here tinkerin’ around in-“ A giant explosion from the side of the house made both jump, going into high alert on instinct from years of work in the hero field. Black smoke as dark as ink pooled out into a giant cloud from round the back of the house, followed by yelling “...the garage!” Higari said before he took of running, Ectoplasm following swiftly behind as Higari led him round the back of the home and into what looked like another smaller dirt yard. There was a big garage, where the smoke was spilling out from, and odd piles of junk, scrap metal or engine parts littered here or there, as well as a small open shack with a work bench covered in other piles of metal sitting inside. “God fucking dammit!” A red head came rushing out from the smoke, a second figure with a head of ginger hair similar to Higari’s following close behind. “Shit!” The red head turned back to the garage doors and groaned, head flopping back with her hands on her hips “Uuuu...Welp” they shrugged “Could be worse..least there was no fire this time” “I take it engineering is a common hobby?” Ectoplasm whispered to Higari. “Welcome to the family” He replied, now a bit more at ease at seeing no one hurt after such a big explosion. “This the welcomin’ party I get?” Higari joked, making his way over while Ectoplasm stood back. At the sound of his voice the redhead threw her head over her shoulder, seeming to do a double take, before she grinned ear to ear “Higari?!” She yelled “No way!” Before Higari had time to say anything more the red head had moved the distance between them to eagerly embrace him in a hug “You asshole” she punched his shoulder, though years of work and digging through rubble hardly left it sour “Come and visit more often ya dick!” “Ha, nice to see you two Chikara” Higari stepped back to take a good look at her “...You cut your hair” he said, noticing how her hair was now much shorter, and two how she had it pinned up with a bandana. “Hm, you changed a lot” “Wish I could say the same for you shorty~” It was like a glass breaking noise went off in Higari’s head, as his brows narrowed, and he turned away “I take it back, you haven’t changed at all” Ectoplasm was guilty of letting a few eensie snickers out, which where apparently enough for Higari to look up and gesture him over “I actually have somebody for you to meet” the women who’s name was apparently Chikara hummed just as he came up to Higari’s side “Ectoplasm, this snotface is my sister, Chikara” Chikara rolled her eyes “The other one is Suru” Ectoplasm glanced over Chikara’s shoulder where the orange haired girl was busy trying to disburse the smoke by waving a towel, she offered a small wave, before turning back to work. “Chi, this is Ecto” Chikara’s eyes widened and she looked down to Higari, and then directly at him “Heh, the Ectoplasm? In the flesh~” She chuckled, dropping her hip with her hands in her pockets “Never thought I’d see the day, my rugged dirt rollin’ big brother would bring back a pretty boy like you” “My pretty boy” Higari corrected with a clear of his throat, making Ectoplasm blush a faint pink. “I ain’t trying to steal your boyfriend” Chikara confirmed with a sarcastic surrender motion, though the teasing grin on her face made Higari put an arm around his hips, for extra measure. Ectoplasm rolled his eyes and then offered a hand to shake “Hello, it’s nice to finally meet you!” He gave her hand a friendly shake, still smiling despite Higari’s hand still on his hip “Thank you for letting me come down to visit, I’ve been looking forward to the trip for a while” “Hm, polite and cute?” Chikara hummed, hand on her chin “You’re a real ideal husband package huh?~” before Chikara or Ectoplasm could say anymore Higari swatted his hand at her “Watch it” he warned, only half threatening as Chikara cackled, taking three steps back “Aight aight, I’ll stop!” She said, hands returning to her pockets “Jokes aside, pleasure to finally meet the ‘Ecto’ Higari keeps mentioning in his letters” “He spoke of me?” Ectoplasm asked Chikara made a ‘Pft’ noise “Only in every letter he sends” she said, glancing down to her older brother, hoping maybe a little too much that it’d draw a funny reaction from him. However Higari simply shrugged “I see no problem, you’re just jealous you don’t have a boyfriend yet” “You wound me~”  Chikara mocked, pressing a hand to her heart “Hm, yeah..so anyway, where the others at? Ma, Taiho, Hono?” “Ma ‘n’ Taiho are on a shopping run, Hono’s at work, prolly won’t be back till later on.” Chikara rubbed her neck, looking off at nothing while Higari had this blank look on his face that Ectoplasm couldn’t explain “..Lemme guess, he ran off to get an early work shift to avoid seein’ me?” Ectoplasm blinked, and then looked up to Chikara who appeared fidgety “Uh-“ Higari sighed, shaking his head and waving his hand “Nevermind..so when are Ma and Taiho gettin’ back?” “Anytime now I reckon, car engines busted” she jabbed a thumb over to the garage where most of the smoke had now cleared “Suru ‘n’ I’ve been tinkerin’ at it all day, stubborn thing just don’t wanna work. Ma took an early start to the shop out in town with the car engine out of action and Taiho went along to help with the bags” Higari hummed, missing how Ectoplasm was now looking at him “Ah, that would explain the smoke I guess” From there things went smoothly, it had been maybe around thirty minutes before Higari’s mother and one of his younger brothers came home, but in that time he, Higari and his two sisters had spent most of the time chatting about this or that. While Ectoplasm created three clones to help, Higari was currently inspecting the tuff of hair that his baby brother was growing from his chin “When the fuck did you get a beard?” Taiho, who Ectoplasm had learnt just from a small conversation seemed like a friendly guy, chuckled “Well I am an adult” “Keep growin’ that thing out and soon you it’ll be growing flowers” Taiho dramatically batted his hair with the back of his hand “Jealous?~” he asked Higari mocked laughing “Har Har, yeah yeah I get it, you and Chikara both got the glossy hair from dad” “You also got his memory I’d say” Higari turned to his mother, who had handed of the last of the shopping to a clone before turning back to Higari. Even if she was only taller by a few feet Higari still felt himself panic a little when she walked over with her famous resting scowl face “An’ just when where you gonna make some time to come see your family Hm? You sure ain’t been down a lot to visit from that big old shiny city” “Ah- Ma I said I was sorry!” Higari said while waving his hands, which made his mother give an unimpressed hum “What bout your letters?” She asked, Higari not sure if she was squinting or glaring “Ah-Well-“ he stumbled over his words, and Taiho was quick to show he wasn’t going to help him, the traitor. “Ya know, workin’ at a big school and doing hero stuff got me busy! I can’t help it if something pops up at work” His mother hummed again, as if silently judging him based on his answer, before her expression turned soft, and she ruffled up his already messy hair “..Thought I told you to start combing this” Higari chuckled, gently brushing her hand away “Uhm, you have no idea how hard it is to make space for things like brushing my hair!” He said in a joking manner, making his mother raise an amused brow before chuckling. “An’ who’s this tall fella you brought along with you?” She asked, leaning to one side to peer at Ectoplasm with a studying look, all humour gone as suspicion took its place. Ectoplasm felt a brief moment of panic before Higari stepped in to explain “Ma, this is Ectoplasm, my boyfriend” His mother gave him a sideways glance, hummed, and then looked back to Ectoplasm. She narrowed her eyes more, and Ectoplasm felt oddly small under her stare. Humming again she walked closer, circled him once, and then gave him a quick look up and down. Ectoplasm, feeling as though he should say something cleared his throat “Uhm, hello there Mrs Maijima, it’s nice to finally meet Higari’s family” once again he held out a hand, to which Higari’s mother blinked at, and rose a brow “..Uh- I hope you don’t mind me coming to visit, Higari wanted to introduce me to you, and I can’t lie I was excited at the idea of meeting you. He always has such interesting childhood stories to tell!” His mother hummed again, slowly...before a smug smile came to her lips and she slowly turned to Higari, brow cocked “...And how long where you planning to keep this nice young man away from visitin’ us?”  Ectoplasm felt a chill of relief cool his body, shoulders that had been tense finally dropping as he let out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding in. “Nice to meet you too, Higari sure does talk plenty of you in the letters he manages to send. Said your some big hero back there in your city” Ectoplasm nodded “Though I also work as a maths teacher at UA high school.” Higari’s mother hummed again “Hm, maybe you could teach my son a thing or two” she joked, prompting an embarrassed groan from Higari. “I’m not that bad Ma!” “Oh hush!” His mother turned to him, brow cocked “You takin’ some advice from your boyfriend here might help ya out in the long run - might even help tame that wild mess of hair you got” she fondly roughly his hair playfully, and she let out a chuckle the likes of which only Higari could do to a T Higari swatted her hand away, and then grumbled something under his breath, arms crossed “I’ll be seein’ you all inside shortly” Higari nodded, the god damn snickering from Taiho and Chikara wasn’t making things any easier for him. Ectoplasm waited until Chikara and Taiho walked off towards the house before turning to Higari “Personally, I like your hair” he said “Gives you character~” Ectoplasm didn’t miss the shy smile Higari gave before he scurried after him to the house “So, hows life up in the concrete jungle?” Chikara asked, taking another bite out of a chicken leg while Higari re-entered the room with a can of beer “Usual, loud ‘n busy” he answered, cracking open his can and lazily chugging three gulps. “It can be pretty stressful working at such an elite school” Ectoplasm added “I’ll say!” Higari replied, leaning back up in his chair “You remember the student Hatsume I told you guys about in a letter once? I swear that kids trying to meet some kinda property damage quota!” Taiho and Chikara snickered, obviously not taking him seriously “Oh you think I’m joking, don’t you?” “Well..you could be kinda dramatic” “Could?” Taiho said while looking to Chikara, smirking that stupid amused smile of his. Higari’s reply was to kick him under the table, resulting in Taiho jumping, and him smirking in victory with a ‘heh’ - “Alright alright” Mrs Maijima ended the fight before it could start “Save it for later you two, we got a guest” she gestured towards Ectoplasm “Mind your manners” “It’s alright” Ectoplasm tried to reassure “I understand they’re joking” Mrs Maijima smiled tiredly “You really are a sweetheart.” Ectoplasm felt his smile widen at the compliment, especially one coming from Higari’s mother “Yeah” Chikara agreed, nodding “...Why can’t you be more like him Higari?” She smirked, shooting Higari a quick smug look to which Higari met with a playful glare “Shove off” The group had been so caught up in their own conversations that no one had heard the door open or close from down the hall. It wasn’t until Suru turned to offer a ‘Welcome back’ to the new guest did Higari peer up- “Hey ma” Hono said, lugging off his jacket and hanging it on the coat rack by the kitchen “You’re later then usual Hono” his mother asked “..Aint any reason in particular?” Hono stood up, and turned to the table - Higari and him made eye contact. Hono scowled, and then looked away “Nah, just took a longer shift this week” he replied nonchalantly, trudging into the kitchen towards the fridge. The table had fallen oddly quite, everyone passing nervous worried looks, while Higari seemed frozen in his chair. Ectoplasm glanced to the newcomer, and then looked to Higari, as if asking for an explanation- “Ahem.” Taiho cleared his throat, and then leaned back on his chair “Uh-Higari came down to visit!” He called into the kitchen “Isnt that nice?” He asked The atmosphere was tense, Ectoplasm could sense it, yet for some reason he he felt like he should be quite.. From the kitchen there was a hum “Hm, yeah, nice he’s makin’ time for us” Hono returned to the kitchen, and Taiho let out a quite breath- “Nice to know he cares after leavin’ us to pick up the pieces for the last twenty years” he took a long, unhurried slurp of his beer, and then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand “Real considerate of you Higari” Higari sighed “Nice to see you too Hono..” Everyone at the table glanced off in different directions, expressions all the same “Hono.” Mrs Maijima’s voice was stern, eyes narrowed as she pointed to him “We talked ‘bout this”. Hono, unnerved at his mothers warning, rolled his eyes, before taking up the empty seat next to her - coincidentally enough, the chair opposite Ectoplasm. Ectoplasm did his best to try and relax, but the air around the dinner was now more tense then before, and even he was struggling to pretend it wasn’t, and he wasn’t even half sure of what was going on. “Who’s the guest?” Hono asked, pointing his fork towards him, making Ectoplasm lean back in his chair. Hono eyed him up suspiciously, a crease in his brows. Ectoplasm felt oddly small under his gaze, the rest of Higari’s siblings watching carefully. Ectoplasm put down his cutlery and offered a hand “I’m Ectoplasm, I believe your name is Hono?” his attempt to break the silence was met with Hono eyeing his hand, and then narrowing his eyes. “And they’re also the love of my life” Higari scowled cruelly, a look that even to Ectoplasm was a rare sight. With a smile that looked just a bit too forced Higari leaned one hand over, and pointed the end of Hono’s fork away “And while he’s here, you’re going to treat him with nothin’ but respect. Got it?” “....Oh” Hono looked to have realized something, before he turned his look towards Ecto. “So you’re the Ecto guy he kept mentioning in his letters huh?” He asked, his eyes lingering on Ectoplasm longer for what felt appropriate. Ectoplasm opened his mouth to speak, but almost ended up snapping it shut when Hono unexpectedly stabbed his fork into a piece of chicken on the serving plate, and then bit into it, eyes still locked onto him. Ectoplasm, not wanting to be rude despite being under his studying glare, nodded “Yes, though Ecto is just a nickname” Hono hummed “..Hero right?” “And teacher. I teach at UA along with Higari” Hono hummed again “UA Huh..” he pondered aloud “..Thought it was just a buncha fat cats and snobs up there, what’s some dumb snaggle-tooth doin’ in a place like that huh?” Mrs Maijima shot Hono a vicious look, slamming her fork to the table, and Ectoplasm blinked, more caught off guard then offended. Higari however twitched “Yer opinion on the matter is irrelevant. So why don’t you do us all a favour, and keep that trap shut?” “Tch. Or what?” Hono challenged, turning his attention to Higari who growled “You ain’t been home in years, you expect us to welcome you back in with some...” Hono regraded Ectoplasm with a look one might give garbage, Ectoplasm felt his brow crease “...Toothpick lookin’ city slicker hanging off your arm” he jabbed a thumb lazily to Ectoplasm, who blinked again, looking between Hono and then Higari - the air was quickly turning from heated to dangerous as Higari slammed his hands on the table and growled louder. “You had better be real careful about what you say next Hono” “Uh, guys, maybe we should just-“ Taiho tried to interject “Oh go lock lips with a rattle snack for all I care! You may have a say in that high ‘n fancy school but you’re at the bottom of the higharchy here! That goes double for your main squeeze” “Hono shut up-“ Chikara said through her teeth, attempting to shove Higari back into his chair. “Oh yeah cuz you’re the one runnin’ this house aren’t you Hono? I didn’t see you here making dinner for everyone, longer shift is what you said right?” Higari boredly picked up his can “That what you call sulking off now?” Hono bristled, Higari seeming to hit a sensitive spot as Hono’s hands slammed down on the table “Like YOU would fuckin’ know!” Hono suddenly stood up from his chair, his taller form making him tower over Higari, who was not shaken at his display of dominance. “Hono stop it!” Suru whispered sharply, glancing between her brothers- “Oh enlighten me little bro, what makes you so grown up huh? I bet picking fights with guests makes you feel like a real adult huh?” “Yeah, cuz you’re just a saint aren’t cha? Runnin’ off with yer tail tucked between your legs and hitched it off to the city” Ectoplasm narrowed his eyes, looking rapidly between the two in the face of imminent disaster “Bet your boyfriend here makes a real good placement for a kitchen wife huh?” Ectoplasm gapped, blinking more rapidly. “Dude!” Taiho stood up and attempted to push Hono back into his chair. “You leave him with messes to clean?? Let him pick up the pieces while you go flaunterin’ off with your do-hickeys and jim-jams in your cozy little workshop?” Higari seemed to stiffen, capped finger nails gripping his can a bit too tight, leaving behind light dents in the metal. Hono caught on, saw the change in his older brothers body language - he exploited it “Or is that just a special thing you leave for your family huh?” Hono leaned closer, mocking him. Higari’s eyes bore into him, other hand clenching into a fist - but he’d sworn off ever getting physically violent in the house. Higari tried hard not to loose his nerve, but his mind was already flooding back to his time at UA, flooding back too easily. The memories where as clear as day, and he hated it. A country boy like him suddenly up in the big city, surrounded by kids in what might as well have been a maze for him - a shy vulnerable little Higari drew unwanted attention, mean attention. A weird kid like him, all the mean kids seemed to love him. Really loved pushing him around in the hallway between classes, that always seemed to be their favorites. ..Yes, Ectoplasm had always been the one to help pick up his messes. Help pick him up when he was feeling down, help patch him up when he couldn’t even control his own student in the lab, help get his homework done because he forgot, help do his tie up because his fat fingers made it impossible. Yeah, Ectoplasm was always the one helping him out... Ectoplasm’s hand gripped Higari’s shoulder, comforting. Higari blinked, his touch grounding him back to the dinner table, bringing his mind out from the past. “Higari has always been considerate of my needs a-“ “I’m sorry mister hero-“ Hono fixed Extoplasm with a harsh look, and leaned in close to glower at him “I don’t think our family matters concern you” At seeing the shift of Hono’s anger now being focused onto a new target Taiho once again stood up and tried to force Hono back “Thats enough! Just sit do-“ “Bet pa’s just applaudin’ his lil’ Higari in his grave for how much he’s done for this family” Here did Taiho, Chikara and Suru all gasp, their mothers eyes widening as Higari was practically shaking, as if restraining himself “You watch your fucking mouth-“ “BOYS!” Everybody froze, all eyes snapping to Mrs Maijima. At the sight of the women’s chilling glare, all the Maijima children straightened up. Even Ectoplasm felt obliged to follow suit despite her anger not being directed at him “What in gods name on this earth is the matter with you two?!” She yelled, her voice like thunder “I don’t mind if you boys gotta settle things out your one way, but for Christ sake- pull yourselves together when we have a guest!” She threw a hand to gesture to Ectoplasm, who Hono scowled to again “But Ma-“ “ENOUGH Hono.” She bellowed “Can you two really not get along for one lousy dinner?” She glared hard at the two of them, both had their heads hung, scowling off at nothing. Hono snorted, shoved his chair back, and marched off to the backdoor, slamming it shut on his way out as Mrs Maijima pinched the bridge of her nose with a sigh. Ectoplasm looked around, feeling awkward “..I’m very sorry if I w-“ Mrs Maijima raised a slow hand and shook her head “Stop. You ain’t gotta apologise for nothin’” despite that she didn’t lift her head or open her eyes. “..Should I, Uh, go and talk with him?” Suru suggested, breaking the silence as she looked to the backdoor “No, leave him..” Mrs Maijima pulled her head back with another sigh, looking deflated “Might as well be trying to have a conversation with a rock when he’s like this..” she muttered to herself, a hand rubbing her eye “..Me ‘n Chi will clean the table” Taiho said, already standing to stack the plates. “..I need a moment” Higari said suddenly, pushing his chair out and making a beeline to the back door also, closing the door with a softer bang then Hono. Ectoplasm stood from his chair and went to follow “Don’t” Mrs Maijima said lightly, peering over to Ectoplasm who stopped to look back at her “..I know it might be confusing, but it’s best if we leave those two alone..” she sank back into her chair, the twins exchanged concerned glances “For now..” “...Why don’t you go upstairs and have an early night?” Taiho suggested, handing the plates over to Suru who hurried them off to the kitchen “We can clean things up for ya” their mother only nodded, her authoritative presence entirely gone as she slowly dragged herself towards the stairway. Ectoplasm looked back over to the back door, looking torn between darting after Higari or staying like she had asked. In the end he stayed, though he wasn’t happy with the choice, he only did it in favour of respect for Higari’s mother - besides, he could agree if he went now it might do more harm then good. Higari despite being so small had a very fierce temper. After all had been put away in the kitchen and the table cleaned - and after many apologies from the rest of Higari’s siblings - Higari still hadn’t come back inside, it was getting slightly dark, Ectoplasm couldn’t help but worry. After asking for directions he walked to the back of the kitchen to a doorway, opened it, and walked out into the garage on the other side. Walking down the metal stairway he walked round one side of the parked car, and opened the passenger door “Room for a passenger?” He tried to joke, an attempt at lighting the mood. Higari didn’t move his head from his resting arms above the car wheel, and didn’t object when Ectoplasm clambered in anyway. “...Did the others tell you I was here?” He asked quietly. “No” Ectoplasm replied, making himself comfy “I figured it out. You always did your deepest thinking in the design studio - a garage seemed like the next best option.” Higari hummed into his sleeve, but still didn’t look up “..Do you want to talk about it?” “No.” Higari replied clearly, brows creasing a little, his mention of earlier obviously not pleasing him. Ectoplasm peered down at his feet and rubbed at his neck “If you’d prefer it if I le-“ “No” Higari reached his hand out, grabbed Ectoplasm’s, and then brought the hand to his face, leaning his cheek it in while his thumb gently brushed across the back of his hand. Ectoplasm was frozen for a moment, before he shuffled round as best he could in the passengers seat to Higari “I’m..Ecto I-..I-I’m so sorry, I didn’t think-“ “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for” Ectoplasm was quick to say, knowing how Higari had a bad habit of getting upset with himself when things went wrong. “You didn’t do anything wrong” “But I DID!” Higari said, his eyes having a shine to them “I-.Ecto this was supposed to be a nice dinner for you and-and I made you sit through all that fighting! Maybe if I hadn’t been so thick headed it wouldn’t have even escalated the way it did” Ectoplasm frowned, studying him “I don’t blame you for arguing back, anyone would in your shoes..and I appreciate you trying to defend me” Higari didn’t look convinced, and with a sigh sunk down into his chair, hands pulling down his face before he leaned his head into them. Ectoplasm reached out a tentative hand and rested it on Higari’s back. “Is there anything I can do to help?” He asked, trying to pry Higari to peer out from his hands. Higari slowly lowered his hands, and then rubbed at his face with a grumble “...I think..it’s best we just head home” “Now?” Ectoplasm blinked “But..we planned to stay for a few hours after dinner” “I don’t think that’d be the best..” Higari said quietly, a silent prayer that Ectoplasm would understand his reasons. A long silence fell over the two, before Ectoplasm gave his shoulder a squeeze “If that’s what you want to do” he said with a gentle tone. Higari smiled over to him, reaching up to hold his hand before the two got out of the car and ventured back into the home. “You’re leaving already?” Taiho said with a blink, half way pulling a carton of milk from the fridge “Yeah Taiho..” Higari replied, not seeming able to make eye contact as he scuffed at the ground “Me ‘n Ecto are gonna head out, catch a taxi to the train station” the twins peered to each other awkwardly, not sure how to respond “Oh..Uh” Chikara got down from the kitchen stool “You want me to see you to town?” She asked “Nah, don’t worry. We’ll be fine, tell Ma I’ll be sure to write more when I get back home alright?” Higari had already turned on his feet and began walking to the door, the twins responding with the own forms of agreement to his request “See ya round Ectoplasm” Taiho said, a sad quality to his smile “Safe travels” Chikara added. Ectoplasm nodded, picking up his coat from the hanger “Despite what occurred, it was nice to meet you two” Taiho tried to smile “Yeah, you too..” he said, shaking the milk to Ecto. As Ectoplasm did the first few buttons on his coat Chikara spoke up before he could leave “Keep..” she hesitated, looking away and tapping her knuckle on the countertop “...Keep an eye on Higari for us. You take care of him” “...I will” Ectoplasm said with a nod, both twins smiling back gratefully Joining Higari out in the hallway he stopped in the doorway just as Hono came walking up into the house. He and Higari held eye contact, the air still. Higari licked his lips “Uh..” he sighed “Hono-“ With a grunt the taller brother shoved past him, rudely knocking Higari with his leg as he shoved past him to the stairs “Hono wait!” Suru followed after him, sparing Higari a very quick apologetic look before hurrying up the stairs. Higari was painfully quite for the whole trip back to UA. By the time they’d gotten back it was late, and cold, the two not hanging around as they marched on till they reached Heights Alliance. The other teachers where fairly surprised to see them back earlier then they had said, but Higari paid their greetings no mind. Even when they where in the privacy of their shared apartment Higari was still quite, kicking off his boots and tossing off his coat before he crawled his way into bed “...I’m going to make myself a hot drink” Ectoplasm called, awaiting a reply “...........Mhm....” “...Do you want anything?” When no reply came, Ectoplasm dismissed his evening drink and walked into the bedroom. Higari was curled up in his normal clothes on his side of the bed, half lidded eyes glossy and staring off into nothing. The mattress dipped behind him as Ectoplasm sat down “Higari, please talk to me..” he gently placed his hand on his shoulder Higari curled up before relaxing, though he still didn’t turn to him “..If you’re worried tonight has changed my view on you it hasn’t” he confirmed first up, nothing would ever change the way he looked at Higari. They’d been together way back since the early days in his hero career, it’d take a lot more then a family dinner catastrophe to change that. Higari turned his head slightly, but then let it fall back in its place. “Higari, I don’t like it when you’re quite” Ectoplasm’s voice lowered, obvious sadness seeping into his tone, it made Higari sink down more into the bed “.....Please?...” “....Ecto?” Higari spoke calmly, eyes still staring off at the wall “If it’s okay with you, I think I..would like to, uh, c-cry for a bit..” his tone wavered, body trembling as tears had began leaking down his cheeks “I feel like I messed things up and..a-and..” his voice trailed off into a whimper, one hand reached up to wipe at his nose “Oh Higari..” Ectoplasm laid down next to him and rolled him towards him, enveloping Higari in his arms as he sobbed into his shoulder

[rebel-pogue]

Campfires and Blue Eyes

JJ Maybank x Reader

request: yes. @ampanonyg : Write what going camping with JJ would be like

warnings: swearing, innuendos, kissing, fluff galoreeee

summary: You and JJ finally go on your first camping trip together, but something seems amiss...

a/n: I hope you guys enjoy this! My very first JJ and OBX imagine!! It ended up longer than I had originally planned but the more JJ the better, right? Requests are open if you would like more, I also have some ideas as well!!

(Y/n)- your name

(Y/n/n)- your nickname

(Y/h/t)- your hair texture

wc: 1,437

gif by @rudypankows​

Your eyes scanned the contents of your trunk, trying to figure out why you had such a bad feeling. As your focus was taken from everything else, arms wrapping around your abdomen startled you, and you let out a loud gasp. 

“Fuck, JJ! Don’t scare me like that!” You laughed, lightly smacking the blonde’s muscular arms that still held you firmly. 

JJ smirked, resting his chin on your shoulder, the contact causing soft tingles to shoot through your body, “Y/N, how much longer do I have to wait before we can just go? I haven’t been camping in years, man! Don’t get me all excited to just waste the night away eye-banging your car.”

His crude way with words used to bother you, but the more time you spent with the blue-eyed hottie, the more you came to love his easy-going personality. 

“I just feel like we’re forgetting something, and I cannot for the life of me figure out what it is...” You rested your hands on top of JJ’s, leaning your head against his own. You tried to stay focused on anything, but the more you touched JJ, the more you couldn’t stop thinking about him, and nothing more. 

Unfortunately, JJ released and separated you two, causing a slight feeling of disappointment within, “Ehhh, we’ll be fine! We’ve both been camping; we know what we’re doing!” He grinned at you and your worries escaped you quickly. 

You reached your hand up to touch JJ’s cheek, pulling his face towards yours. Your lips met quickly, seeming to move in harmony. It was obviously not your first time kissing him, but every time had a new type of electricity with it, making it seem brand new.

JJ hummed against your lips, causing the butterflies in your stomach to flutter, “Now, now...” he whispered, leaning his forehead against your own as the two of you caught your breaths, “we have to save something for later tonight.”

You shoved him off of you, your cheeks a bright crimson, “Keep it in your pants, Maybank. We still have a good drive ahead of us.” You hurried to your car, not wanting to amuse JJ anymore with your embarrassment. You knew he loved to make you blush.

~~~

“Gah! How much longer do we have?!” JJ complained from the passenger seat of your car. You couldn’t help but chuckle at how child-like he could be at times. You were quite grateful for him, you knew he was struggling to stay awake with you the entire drive, and just wanted to arrive at the destination. 

“You know, the more you ask, the slower I will go.” You gave him a side glance, smirking at his wide eyes. You weren’t going to mention you were merely 10 minutes from the campsite, you enjoyed watching him squirm as much as he did. 

JJ’s hands slapped his face quickly, attempting to keep himself as alert as he could, “Alrighty then, let’s play another game!” 

Holding back a groan, you ran a hand through your (y/h/t) hair, throwing it to the other side of your head. If you could remember correctly, you had played about four different car games since you started your little impromptu road trip. Again, you were very thankful and knew part of his ideas were just to make sure you stayed awake during the drive since he knew there was no convincing you to take turns. 

“Listen trouble,” he drawled, placing his hand softly on your bare thigh. It was like he was making claim with the nickname he loved to call you after all of your adventures together, as well as holding you to him physically. It never bothered you to be touched by JJ; however, the warmth that spread throughout you when you guys did make contact could be unbearable, especially when trapped driving, and not able to do anything about your longings to be held more. “If you could just get us to the campsite already, we wouldn’t have to play these lame games.” 

If there was one thing JJ was better at than making you go crazy, was understanding you and what you thought way too well. He could always tell when you were uncomfortable, tired, angry, happy... being turned on was one he NEVER missed. 

You shot him a warm smile, but turned your eyes back to the road as he gave your thigh a slight squeeze, “Hold yourself together, (y/n)...” you whispered under your breath.

“What was that, babe?” JJ leaned closer to you, already fully knowing what you had said, and enjoying toying with you now. This was forever his favorite game. 

“I said, we made it!” You were successful in distracting him, his head shot forward and took in the sprawl of trees that surrounded them, and the large ‘Onondaga Campsite’ sign that lead you to a dirt road. 

After checking in with the workers, you quickly made your way to your little campsite, that you made sure was separated more from the others, it was off in a little corner, surrounded almost entirely by large trees whereas the other sites were mostly open. 

You pulled into the designated parking spot and grinned. You hadn’t been camping in years as well, but just being here brought back so many great memories, you were already dreading having to return. 

You and JJ simultaneously through your seatbelts off and clambered out of the car. Once your feet hit ground, the reality of the long drive hit your limbs quickly. Stretching your legs out to relieve some stiffness your eyes drifted to JJ. He had a wide smile on, his dimples shining on his face. He was stretching his arms above his head, lifting his navy-blue cut-off shirt to expose a part of his abdomen. You couldn’t tear your eyes away from the small glance at his toned muscles underneath, even as JJ’s eyes found you as well. 

“Ma’am, while I do enjoy being oogled at by you, we have a lot of setting up to do before we can get to the clothes removal part of the night.” He smirked, tilting his head slightly to the side as your cheeks inflamed quickly. 

You recovered as fast as you could, letting out a small chuckle, “’Ogled’, is what you’re trying to say. And I don’t think the river will be warm enough for us to go swimming tonight, baby.” You held in a chuckle as he narrowed his eyes at your sly words. You both knew how to get under each other’s skin, and boy was it rewarding. 

You spent the next hour setting up your camp site, fighting the tent to set it up, realizing too late you forgot to put a tarp down first, losing it watching JJ entangle himself in the tent while you spread the tarp underneath it. Finally, once everything was together, the sun began to set. 

You lit the campfire and a couple of the citronella candles you had brought before it got too late. JJ lounged lazily in one of the folding chairs you had brought, and you settled right on top of his laugh, finally being able to be held by him and not have to worry about anything else. 

“Y’know,” JJ began, twirling his fingers in the ends of your hair, “As much as I love watching the sunsets, this is real nice too...” He finished what he was saying with a whisper, and began planting soft kisses along your neck. 

Instinctively leaning into the kisses, you nodded your head, closing your eyes and taking in all of the senses that were exploding within you. That’s when it hit you. 

“Oh my god!” You sat up quickly, eyes wide with regret. 

JJ furrowed his brows in confusion, watching you carefully, “What’s wrong?”

You turned to him, a slight blush creeping its way to your cheeks, “JJ, we didn’t bring the sleeping bags!” 

To your surprise, JJ shrugged, not caring about the missing items in the slightest.

“I’m fine with that, just means we will definitely have to keep each other warm with body heat.” 

Before you could react, JJ swooped you up into his arms, planting kisses on your neck, and jaw, and finally your lips. You held on tightly, your hands finding their way to the curls that rested at the back of his head. 

JJ carried you swiftly to the tent, not bothering about anything else in the world other than you in that moment. Your focus was fully on the gorgeous blonde hovering over you, who didn’t allow either of you to sleep very well that night. 

[hasquetzorkukudoneanythingwrong]

Hunted

The relationships between the Aztec and Mayan pantheons in mesoamerica can be.... complicated... mostly the two groups will not interact much. But sometimes there's conflict between the two groups, nothing major just skirmishes or disagreements. If one were to make a comparison, it's similar to the relationship between the Aesir and Vanir of Norse myth. That is, until you look below. In the underworld, only the rule of Mictlantecuhtli means anything. This horrid dread king rules over all of Xibalba, and no other mesoamerican dead deity can question his rule. But a prophecy that spoke of his death at the hands of a new death god has him.... nervous. As such, he's desperate to prevent the prophecy.

Mictlan: I cannot let Miquitzlicoatl take my place at the throne..... I must have her killed... but with her mother there.... that is much easier said then done....

The lord of the dead looked on at the world above, for some kind of opportunity. On the earth above, it seemed something was happening.

Quetz: Mija.... are you sure about this? I'm not sure it's a good idea....

Mari: mamá! I'll be fine! The river's not that far away! You'll be able to hear me yell if anything happens!

Quetz: I'd rather not risk anything happening in the first place....

Mari: mamá.... I'm not a baby.... you can't protect me forever.... some day I'll have to deal with this.... it's part of growing up

Quetz: other children don't have to worry about gods trying to kill them out of paranoia!

Mari: ur... you may have a point.... but regardless, I'll still have to deal with this eventually.... sheltering me won't help....

Quetz: aye.... you have a point I guess.... but as your mother.... I still cannot help but worry

Mari: that's fine.... but please don't stop me. I just want to go find some flowers is all....

Quetz: fine.... just.... try to make it fast.... por favor?

Mari: I'll try....

After that, Maria left the house, and headed towards a river not too far away, but out of sight of the house. Meanwhile in the underworld, the king of the dead saw this as a perfect opportunity.

Mictlan: hehehehehehe! Yes! If things go well..... I will not have to worry about her any longer.... Camazotz! I am in need of your assistance!

The lord of the dead called upon a truly terrifying god. Camazotz was another underworld god, specifically the mayan god of bats. Tho he seemed less like a proper god but more like a monster! He spoke in a creeping voice, that would drive shivers down your back

Camazotz: what do you need of me, my lord?

Mictlan: I need you to hunt down that serpent, Miquitzlicoatl! She is alone in the jungle currently, so this is the perfect opportunity!

Camazotz: of course my lord! It shall be done!

Mictlan: excellent! Do not let me down!

The bat god then left, to complete his task. Meanwhile, Mari was at the river she mentioned to Quetzalcoatl looking for a relatively rare flower that bloomed in the area.

Mari: hmmmm.... could've sworn it was around here.... did an animal eat it? That'd be annoying if true.

As she looked, noises could be heard throughout the jungle.

Mari, surprised: huh?! What was that?

She looked around for a time.... then after some time without anything.... she continued on

Mari: huh.... guess it was nothing....

But then.... a horrid screech could be heard

*SCREACH!!!!!*

Mari: what the fuck!?!

Then the giant Bat monster swooped out of the canopy! To attempt to hunt her down!

Camazotz: THERE YOU ARE!!!

Mari: oh fuck!

Immediately Mari started to run from the monstrous being, passing through the trees to avoid the ravenous beast!

Camazotz, flying after her: now, why are running?! I just want to talk!

Mari: calliete! I know damn well that's a lie, you stupid fuck!

Mari continued to on running from her pursuer, narrowly avoiding the various obstacles on the jungle floor, only to trip on a large rock and fall.

Mari: aw fuck!

Then the monstrous beast slammed onto her, ready to finish her.

Mari, in pain: FUCK!

Camazotz: hahahaha.... now you're finished little goddess.... and don't worry I'll try to make it pa-

*Growl!*

Camazotz: ....huh?!

From the nearby trees a deep growl could be heard, then a huge dog like creature came out of the trees.

Xolotl, in a deep growl: Stay! Away! From my! Niece!

Camazotz: stay out of this, Xolotl! You know Mictlantecuhtli's word is l-

But before the bat could finish, Xolotl pounced onto Camazotz attacking the other underworld god and saving Mari from death.

Xolotl, as she attacks Camazotz: Run Mari! I'll handle him!

Mari, getting up: don't have to tell me twice!

Mari then ran back towards her home, so she can stay safe from any more attacks from the bat god. She opened the door and entered the house, running into the arms of her family.

Quetz: mija! What happened?!

Mari: *panting* giant *huff* bat *huff* tried to kill me *huff* Tia saved me *huff*

Rex: fucking hell.... you're not hurt are you?

Mari: just a scratch....

Ed: is tia ok?

Mari: I'm not sure.... *huff* she told me to run.... *huff*

Ed then looked out the window, to see Xolotl in her human form coming towards the house, somewhat harmed from the previous fight.

Ed: tia's here!

He opens the door, to let her in.

Xolotl: hey guys! How's Mari doing?

Mari: I'm fine but... are you good?

Mari: me? I'm more then alright! You should've seen the other guy! I'm just happy you're safe!

Mari: si... gracias tia....

Xolotl: de nada....

Meanwhile, back in the underworld. Mictecacihuatl was not happy.

Mictlan: damn that Xolotl! Traitorous puta! This may have been my one opportunity to be free of this accursed prophecy.... and now it is lost! And where has Camazotz gone?!

But then, as he is speaking, a new soul enters his domain..... the soul of a god.

Mictlan: oh... she really did that? She killed Camazotz.... with enough resources I may be able to bring him back.... but to go so far? She's really intent on protecting those foolish children then.... *sigh* this may be the end for me....

Back at home, Mari was still dealing with what had happened.....

Rex: mija...? Are you ok?

Mari: ....I'm fine papá.... just.... shaken.... I really hate that guy....

Rex: that's fair.... it's always him that's sent after you.... thank goodness your tia was close to save you.

Mari: si.... papá? Is it a good idea to stay here....?

Rex: what do you mean?

Mari: .... I think I'd rather not live here anymore.... we're within the other gods' reach and.... this keeps happening....

Rex: do you want to move?

Mari: si.... if that's possible....

Rex: I can talk with tu mamá... see what she thinks....

Mari: gracias....

A/N: there's one of the bat incidents.... thankfully Xolotl has no loyalty towards the underworld and will protect her family. RIP Camazotz.

Tags

@haskamadoneanythingwrong @havetheavengersdoneanythingwrong @hasereshdoneanythingwrong @hasspartacusdoneanythingwrong @hasmataharidoneanythingwrong @hasjalterdoneanythingwrong @hasbbdoneanythingwrong

[notyourdayrdream]

Summer’s Almost Over (So Come Spend it with Me)

Day Five, Side A: Austere

read it here on AO3

A/N: brief mention of Kurt being kissed without consent in season two of Glee

(also! for this two shot: Kurt and Blaine met at Dalton, but never dated.)

“What if we went to Coney Island Saturday?” Brittany exclaimed at their weekly potluck, completely out of the blue. Nobody had even mentioned the theme park. Though, to be fair, nobody begins half of the conversations Brittany throws them in.

For some reason, everyone agreed, even Rachel. She said taking a break from the hustle of Broadway was exactly what she needed to be ready to continue her role as Fanny on Monday.

Outvoted, Kurt reluctantly sat between Blaine and Sam on the subway ride to Coney Island, legs shaking the entire time. It wasn’t that he hated carnivals. It was the opposite, actually. When he was younger, his mom and dad took him to the Ohio state carnival. It’s one of the last memories he can fully remember of her, her long blonde hair braided back as she threw a plastic ball at a stack of milk cans. Anything for her kid, especially one who desperately wanted an oversized dragon plushie.

No, he’s nervous because he has a date at eight.

Kurt met Oliver at a coffeehouse near the Vogue office, he was the barista who served him his drink. Oliver’s number was scribbled on the receipt. It was all very cute, and his friends agreed when he told them the story.

They texted back and forth a week before Oliver asked him out. Kurt happily agreed, hoping for a calm day before getting dressed and heading out to a fancy dinner. Now though, he won’t even have enough time to shower the smell of hotdogs off his body and be on time.

So Kurt’s scrolling through Oliver’s Instagram (not at all like a creep,) when Artie pats his shoulder. “There they are,” he points ahead as the rest of his friends stumble to them, chatting animatedly about the rollercoaster they just went on.

“You know, when you said ‘let’s go on a ride,’ I didn’t think you meant the one with a huge drop,” Rachel says, gripping Santana’s arm so hard it might fall off. Her hair is wind whipped and messy.

“C’mon Rach, you could’ve sat with Kurt and Artie if you wanted,” Mercedes says from behind her, arms wrapped around Sam’s waist.

“Did you guys have fun?” Kurt asks from the bench, carefully closing the app so he doesn’t accidentally like an old photo. “Rachel looks like she just died.” This is why he didn’t go on the ride.

Blaine sits beside him on the bench, his eyes gleaming with a sort of childlike wonder. He’s a total adrenaline junkie. “It was amazing, she’s overreacting,” he whispers not-too-discreetly. Kurt giggles.

“Let’s split up,” Santana suggests. “I wanna go on another coaster, and the park closes at six. We can grab dinner after?”

“Unless you’re Sam and Brittany, who already ate,” Artie chides. His camera rests on his lap, storage filled with videos and photos of their trip.

“Hey! Cotton candy is not one of the five food groups!” Brittany sticks out a blue tongue at him, Sam does the same. Their respective partners laugh.

“I have to leave soon,” Kurt reminds the group, checking his phone another time. Five thirty-two.

“Wait, never mind guys,” Santana alerts, appearing to be suddenly anxious. “Kurt has to get his brains fucked out at eight, so we can’t have dinner.” Both Blaine and Kurt wince.

“Too far, San.” Mercedes cringes as her and Sam make their way down the boardwalk steps and to the beach. The others shake their heads in similar disgust before going their separate ways. Rachel pushes Artie to the outdoor arcade with plans to win a bagged goldfish. Brittany pulls her girlfriend by a sticky hand to the older wooden coaster.

“So…” Blaine knocks his shoulder as they walk down the boardwalk. The gel has completely left his hair throughout the course of the day, curls hanging just above his eyebrows. “Whatcha wanna do?” Kurt spies him eyeing the Wonder Wheel beside him.

He shakes his head, not waiting for the question. “No.”

“Please?” Blaine pleaded. “You haven’t been on anything this whole time.” He sidesteps a tiny toddler crying over a fallen ice cream cone.

“I didn’t want Artie to feel alone!” Kurt defends himself. Which was true, most of the coasters weren’t accessible for him, so they spent the time bonding over the grossness of carnival food and looking at footage from the day.

“We’ll Artie isn’t here now,” Blaine replies, voice dropping an octave. “So come on the ferris wheel with me.” He bats his eyelashes for extra effect. Kurt’s stomach swoops.

Blaine has a way of doing that to him. In their near five year friendship, he’s made Kurt’s stomach tie up in knots more times than he can count. He won’t deny he used to have a crush on him in high school; he was preppy and chivalrous and oh so cute in his bow ties and blazers.

Kurt pinches the bridge of his nose. “Fine,” he sighs. Blaine cheers next to him, mumbling ‘thankyouthankyouthankyou’ in the same deep voice that makes the blood rush to Kurt’s face.

Okay, maybe the crush wasn’t entirely dead. But it’s completely normal to have crushes on your friends. Friendly crushes.

Since the park is soon to close, the lines weren’t too long anymore. Kurt and Blaine move up first in line after only five minutes.

The ride operator turns to them. Her hair is bordering on orange. “You guys want an outside or inside car?” Her voice has no expression, and she looks two more button presses from quitting her job.

“Outside.” Kurt and Blaine say at the same time, followed by a quiet laugh.

She eyes them. “Alright.” She presses another button, and the outer ring of ferris wheel carts rotate downwards until an empty one comes to the bottom. “Enjoy the ride.”

Blaine and Kurt slide into the seat, sitting on opposite sides of the enclosure. The ride jerks forward and up, until they’re halfway around the ride. “Are you okay? Your face is really pale.” Blaine asks, eyebrows knitting together in concern.

“Mm-hmm,” Kurt squeaks, closing his eyes to avoid looking down. Even though the car is supposed to be stationary, it rocks just a little as it moves up and down to complete its first circle.

Blaine thinks for a moment before saying quietly, “You’re afraid of heights?” He jumps a little in his seat, and the car rocks with it. Kurt’s stomach drops.

“I am!” he snaps, opening his eyes. “Stop moving so much.” The city is lit up around them, the sound of cheers from the rollercoaster whizzing by below him.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Blaine stills himself. “I wouldn’t have made you go on if you had told me, Kurt!” He looks so worried that Kurt feels bad for even mentioning his fear. It’s completely irrational anyway, he doesn't even have a reason to be so scared. It’s just the fact he believes no human needs to be up one hundred fifty feet high.

“It’s okay, I’m okay,” he tries to console Blaine (and himself). “It’ll be over in what, three more minutes?” He can last three more minutes. Hell, he’s lasted an hour listening to Rachel and Santana argue.

And then the ride stops. At the very top.

It takes a minute for the two of them to realize this isn’t supposed to happen. “Why’d it stop.” Kurt says. His body feels like it might melt onto the floor. “Oh my god, no.”

“We’re stuck.” Blaine groans, which, thanks Captain Obvious! Those two words are confirmation that this is actually the absolute worst day ever. “I’ll call someone.”

Rachel’s ringtone beats him to it.

Kurt can’t hear much of the conversation, but from the looks Blaine throws his way, he knows it isn’t good. He cracks his knuckles as a way to distract himself from the slight sway of the cart. Passerbys the size of ants point and look up at the malfunctioned ride.

Blaine clicks the end call button. “Okay, good news first, ” he begins, pocketing his phone. “Rachel and Artie talked to the operators, and they’re working on fixing the ride.”

“Bad news?” Kurt presses. Blaine likes to do that thing where he gives good news then bad news, but the latter is always so bad the good news pales in comparison. He’s done that ever since they met. It’s silly, but it’s Blaine, so Kurt loves it.

“Bad news is that it might take thirty minutes, maybe forty-five.” Blaine cringes from the other side of the cart, waiting for Kurt’s outburst.

“No.” Kurt snatches his phone out of his pocket. “No, no, no, this can’t be happening!” He feels tears prick at the back of his eyes. He’s gonna be late. “I’m gonna miss my date!” He groans, and yeah it may be a little over dramatic, but he hasn’t been on a date with someone in months. He was really excited.

Expecting sympathy from Blaine, he glanced over at him. He’s glaring right back at him. “What?”

“Is that really what you’re worried about right now?” Blaine says abruptly. “God forbid you miss your date.” He rolls his eyes with more venom Kurt’s seen in him ever. It freaks him out and angers him at the same time.

“Okay, what’s your problem?” He retorts, eyes narrowing. Blaine shrinks back a little at the stare, but doesn’t stop glowering.

“You’ve been going on about this stupid guy the whole day, complaining about how you have to go home, I’m so sick of it!” Blaine continues. His voice grows louder by the end.

“He’s not stupid, okay?” Kurt doesn’t know why he feels like he has to defend Oliver, but he does anyway. “And you’re the main one who wanted me to go out with him!” This whole situation is confusing him.

Blaine huffs indignantly and crosses his arms. “Maybe I don’t want you to anymore!”

“Why not?” Kurt presses. He’s never seen his best friend act like this. He almost seems jealous.

“Because I like you!” Blaine cries, eyes wet. “Jesus, couldn’t you tell?” His face is red now, flushed up to his neck.

Kurt flinches. “Please stop yelling.”

“I’m sorry.” Blaine immediately backs down, curling into himself. “I like you, Kurt. I’m sorry if that freaks you out, but I do.”

The sun is starting to set now, casting what feels like the entire world in an orange haze. The ocean to the right of them glimmers, couples walked in tandem along the shore. To the left, the skyline of Brooklyn appears austere and somber from so high up.

“How long?” Kurt says finally, eyes settling on the horizon and the rolling waves.

“How long what?”

“How long have you liked me?” He doesn’t know if he wants the answer.

There’s a pause until Blaine eventually murmurs, “Five years.”

Kurt’s heart drops. “Blaine.” Why didn’t he say anything? Oh god, this is horrible.

“I just, I didn’t wanna ruin our friendship by admitting anything,” Blaine explains, rubbing the nape of his neck. “It’s a lame excuse. But—yeah.” And he resides back into silence.

It is a lame excuse, Kurt thinks. Of course it wouldn’t have ruined anything. He had a crush on his stepbrother, for Christ’s sake. “So why did you want me to go out with Oliver so bad?”

“I thought, maybe, if you started dating someone I could get over you,” he laughs to himself. “That obviously didn’t work.”

Kurt just stares at him for a moment until he makes up his mind. “I’m coming over there.”

Blaine jerks out of his thoughts. “N-no, don’t come any closer,” he stammers. “You’ll mess up the balance of the car.” He looks terrified. Kurt can’t decide if it’s sad or adorable.

He rolls his eyes. “I won’t mess up the balance of anything.” Kurt stands slowly, holding his arms out to his sides. He takes the three steps to Blaine’s side of the car quickly to get it over with, shaking the seats. When he falls into the seat, Blaine steadies him by the waist. The touch shocks both of them, and he snatches his arm back.

They sit shoulder to shoulder, neither of them daring to move. It’s what feels like hours before Kurt takes a deep breath and gathers his thoughts. “Do you remember when we first met? And I was having trouble with Karofsky? You texted me a single word. Courage.” He turns to the side. Blaine looks absolutely disheveled, sweating and curls getting frizzier by the minute. Weirdly, he looks gorgeous.

Blaine snorts. “Yeah, that word got you sexually assaulted.”

“No,” Kurt shakes his head, choosing to ignore the way his heart stops from the words. “That word saved me. You saved me, Blaine.” He would’ve never stood up for himself without that text. It got him through McKinley and Dalton and NYADA to this day.

“I’m always going to care about you. And I’m sorry I don’t… like you the way you like me. But I used to,” Kurt admits, now nervous like must’ve been. That secret was supposed to go to the grave. “And maybe I can again.”

Blaine meets his gaze, an emotion Kurt can’t quite place swirling around his eyes. “Okay.” He smiles, and though it is wavering, it’s also hopeful.

There’s a jolt, and the wheel starts turning again. It’s dark now, the sun fully disappeared below the horizon. The sky is a mix of purple and black and blue, a bruise painted among the stars. Kurt hears cheers from the other cars as they reach the ground below. “Okay.”

[blouisparadise]

We recently received a request for enemies and lovers recs. We already have an enemies to lovers fic rec list here, but after looking at that list, we realized we had much more to add to it and therefore decided to make a part two.

Happy reading!

1) I Couldn’t Get Away From You | Mature | 5185 words

Suddenly in the heat of the moment, Harry’s eyes turned darker as he pushed Louis’ back more and more towards the wall. “Fine.” He plants his lips on Louis’ and begins to roughly kiss him, soon enough turning it into a make-out session.

“Fuck you, Styles,” Louis moans and grips onto Harry’s shoulders, hands trailing up to the taller’s hair and gripping that as well.

“We’ll see about that.”

2) There's More Than One Place To Call Home | Explicit | 8416 words

Harry never asked for much from his neighbors - he didn't care about barking animals during the day or loud talking during the night.

The only thing he needed was silence when he was writing. And that was the only thing his new neighbor wouldn't give him.

Deciding to confront the loud guy who lived next door, Harry found himself ringing his doorbell one night. And that decision just may be the best thing that's ever happened to Harry.

3) Make A Run, Cause Some Rebellion | Explicit | 8824 words

As a general rule, kitten hybrids are small and disinterested in what other people want them to do, slightly evil and at least a little manipulative. Louis prides himself on being all of those things to varying degrees, but especially on being uninterested in what other people tell him to do. He’s still human goddammit, despite his pointy ears and penchant for curling up in the sun and taking naps.

He’s going about his daily business, knocking things over where he sees fit and leaving a trail of mess in his wake. As exasperated as it makes Liam he’s used to it by now, having shared a flat with Louis for almost three years now, and if Louis whines enough he’ll even clean up after him. It’s a great life, really.

With the exception of Liam’s stupid, broad shouldered, entirely too big mate, the one who always comes over to watch sports with him. Louis hates that guy. His hair is always greasy and he brings weird hipster beer with him when he comes that tastes like shit. And he won’t even let Louis have any of it, either. The only reason Louis even knows what it tastes like is because one time he stole a bottle from the fridge and fled to his room before Harry could catch him.

4) Something To Prove | Explicit | 9425 words

Louis is the first and only omega to work at Red Valley Medical Center. Despite being more than qualified, he still faces prejudice for his career choice everyday. From patients refusing his treatment to condescending alpha doctors intervening with his work, practicing medicine in Boston is more challenging than Louis had ever thought it would be.

5) Where Do We Go Now | Explicit | 10617 words

Louis goes off to college ready to start a fresh life away from the oppressive alphas of his pack.  The odds aren't in his favour when his new dorm mate turns out to be an alpha.  Louis hates alphas.

6) Enjoy The Ride | Not Rated | 11103 words

The one where Louis, an omega more than tired of being treated as lesser than alphas, is forced on a road trip by his beta besties only to meet Harry who might just be the alpha he never knew he wanted.

7) I Didn’t Fall For You (You Fucking Tripped Me) | Explicit | 20681 words

These days Louis tends to steer clear of dating alphas. He’s dated too many knotheads in his time, and he’s ready to just focus on school and his friends and his pet monitor lizard, of course.

Too bad the alpha next door won’t take a hint and stop using the worst pick up lines of all time on him. He’s really got to stop laughing with him--and talking to him and walking to class with him and letting him bring him coffee and tea and gifts for his lizard and watching Netflix together and...

8) Written In The Stars (That’s You And Me) | Explicit | 22632 words

Louis pushes himself up on one elbow and stretches enough to just barely trace his fingertips over Harry’s jawline. Harry’s eyes drop to track his movements as he does it again. “D’you feel that?” he whispers.

To him, it feels like all of the universe’s magic lives just beneath his skin when he touches Harry with intent. It feels like something special. Louis watches Harry’s lips part and wants to touch that too. He almost does, but then Harry shakes his head. “Feel what?”

6) Middle Ground | Explicit | 23516 words

Note: This fic has been locked and can only be read by AO3 users.

Harry moves to a new town for work where he meets the enigma that is Louis Tomlinson.

10) When It’s Late At Night | Mature | 25597 words

The Late Late prompt that we all need to get through this excruciatingly hard time.

11) Supposed To Be | Explicit | 26100 words

The Geek Charming AU where Harry's a film geek, Louis' a popular jock, and they both need each other to get what they want.

12) Magical Soup | Explicit | 28850 words

Slytherin prefect Louis Tomlinson's seventh year at Hogwarts takes an immediate turn for the worse when he's made to be potions partners with Harry Styles, Hufflepuff's resident heartthrob and class clown.  Louis has always considered Styles to be a terrible show-off who coasts by on his charm and good looks, but the more they work together, the more he questions that idea.  As term goes on, will Louis be able to admit to himself that he might actually like Harry Styles after all... and maybe, just maybe, as more than a friend?

13) Building Me Up (But Buttercup, You Lied) | Explicit | 31007 words

Harry’s mouth felt dry just saying those words. What he had with Louis was so much more than a simple ‘fuck buddies’ situation. It was slow kisses in the morning between soft sheets and shy smiles, it was holding hands in the afternoon while walking and eating ice cream. It was breakfast for dinner, laughing and licking honey from each other’s lips as they shared goals and even some secrets, it was happiness, it was glow.

To Harry, what he had with Louis meant everything. Until Louis decided it meant nothing.

14) You’ve Set On Me | Explicit | 31100 words

Louis' in an obscure band. Harry's an international popstar. Their paths aren't meant to cross, not like this, but when Louis' band signs on as Harry's opening act, both Harry and Louis are forced to confront the open wounds of their shared past.

15) Nicotine | Explicit | 32245 words | Sequel

"We're two different types of people, Liam. He likes sex and drugs, I like theater and tea. Trust me, we'd never date." Except they would, they do, and neither of them plans on letting go anytime soon.

16) Let Me Feel Your Heartbeat | Explicit | 34572 words

Harry is 98% sure Louis hates him. So he feels like his bewilderment is justified when the omega offers to help him through his rut.

17) Close To Nowhere | Explicit | 34589 words

Louis and Harry are psychics who kind of hate each other. They go to Tennessee to investigate a haunting.

18) Make This Feel Like Home | Explicit | 42032 words

The house on West 28th Street in London is twice the size of Louis', more expensive than the price of all of his house and car payments combined, and is falling apart at the seams.

19) Strangers in Love | Explicit | 42207 words

Louis wakes up to find himself in a marriage with the last man he thought he'd ever end up with.

10) Why Can’t It Be Like That | Explicit | 63567 words

A fashion AU with a royal twist, where Louis doesn't need a stylist, Harry's thrilled to have a real life Barbie doll, and they're both very wrong about each other.

21) I Want You So Much (But I Hate Your Guts) | Mature | 83648 words

AU in which Louis gets accepted to play for the Manchester University Alpha-Beta Football Team. The only problem: Louis is actually an Omega. He is determined to make it big in the football world, though, and he can't do that bound to an Omega team. With the help of a faked doctor's certificate and some pretty strong suppressants he is ready to fight for his dream.

That Harry Styles (Alpha, second year and youngest football captain of the A-B team in ages) doesn't seem to like him complicates matters, though.

22) For Reasons Wretched and Divine | Explicit | 94655 words

Note: This fic is locked and can only be read by AO3 users.

Ten years ago, Harry Styles was just a nerdy kid with one friend and a debilitating crush on the captain of his school’s football team. He thought the stars were smiling down on him the day he and Louis Tomlinson were paired for their end-of-term Literature project. But because Harry’s life is decidedly not a fairytale, the budding friendship quickly leads to the least happy ending of all time.

Now, Harry Styles is a household name. Barely twenty-seven with two Grammy nominations to his name, the singer-songwriter is poised to take the music industry by storm with his highly anticipated third album. So, what happens when the best producer in the business is also the only person Harry’s vowed never to speak to again?

23) You Drive Me Crazy (But It Feels Alright) | Explicit | 102306 words

Note: This fic has mentions of BH.

“Harry is not short for Harold,” he corrects, his voice as thick as molasses. He lowers his eyes to Louis’ sequined lapels, rubbing one between two fingers. “Is this small or extra small? It looks lovely.”

Louis breaks away from his grip with a petulant huff and pushes him back with two fingers.

“You’re mocking me. Again.”

Harry smiles and it's a real honest swoop of his lips this time. Louis’ stomach swoops with them.

24) Tainted Saints And Velvet Vices | Mature | 126056 words

A self-fulfilling Hogwarts AU in which Louis is new to seventh year and Harry is the resident devil-may-care Slytherin set to make his entire experience a living misery. Due to less than favourable circumstances they're forced to forge an unwilling, tentative relationship for their own survival. Repressed emotions, decidedly unromantic ballroom dancing, Triwizard Tournament tasks, creative jinxes and twilight flying above the Forbidden Forest ensue.

Check out our other fic rec lists by category here and by title here.

[thatsamericano]

She Tastes Like Apple Juice and Peach

Pairing: Nyo America/Nyo Romano. Mention of Nyo Romano/male OC, mention of nyo Ukraine/nyo Canada. Human AU. 

Rating/Warnings: Teen. Compulsory heterosexuality and internalized lesbophobia from the POV character. Mix of fluff and angst, with an ambiguously sad ending. (The pining is mutual, but they’re not ready to talk about it yet.)

Word Count: 2337

Summary: Amelia kisses Chiara when she’s just 14 as “practice” for her future boyfriend. Amelia doesn’t even know if she wants a boyfriend, but she also doesn’t know how to tell her best friend the truth.

A/N: Title from “She” by Dodie. I use “Yuri” as the name for nyo Ukraine, which I got from this post by @feynavaley. This fic will be up on AO3 soon.

Amelia was glad to catch up with Chiara, and glad that she actually got to hug her and speak to her in person. She couldn’t begrudge Kiki for spending time with her family in Italy, and it wasn’t like Amelia had been completely alone with nothing to do this summer. But she had missed her best friend, and it was nice to spend the night together eating junk food, watching TV, and enjoying each other’s company.

Amelia liked hearing about Chiara’s cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, but the one thing she could have done without hearing about was this boy Chiara had met. He lived in the house next door to her grandparents, and he was named Salvatore. Chiara’s eyes sparkled when she talked about how cute and nice Salvatore was, and her cheeks flushed a shade similar to the color of her ruffled rose pajama top. Amy smiled, but she felt a little queasy when she heard the name the special emphasis Chiara put on his name. Maybe she had eaten too much popcorn, or maybe it was the fact she’d never really felt like that about a boy. Gilbert and Magnus were her friends, but they were in the grade above her and treated her like a little sister. Tolys and Kiku were also fun to hang out with, but she never got butterflies around them, and definitely not like the overwhelming sensations Madeleine seemed to experience around her friend Yuri. Many times, Maddie blushed bright red as she shyly confided in her twin about something sweet Yuri had said or done. Amelia had never felt the urge to gush like that about anyone (except Chiara, which didn’t really count, since they were best friends and both girls).

Maybe it was like her dad had said, and Amelia was just a “late bloomer.” Or maybe she was weird for not getting crushes on people. She always felt strange whenever girls her age started talking about the guys they liked, because she never had anything to say. She felt strange now, because she couldn’t understand why Chiara was so impressed by stuff like Salvatore being a good soccer player. Amelia was good at lots of sports, including soccer. Even if he could beat her at soccer, she could probably kick his ass at baseball.

The bottom dropped out of her stomach when Chiara started talking about a date she and Salvatore had gone on. It wasn’t much, just a trip to the movies and a walk around town, but it was more romance than Amelia had ever experienced. That was why she had to hide her jealousy behind a fake smile.

Chiara giggled as she got near the end of her story. “And then when he was dropping me off at the house, Totò, he uhh… he kissed me.”

“He kissed you?” Amelia repeated. She was surprised, and her chest felt weirdly tight. Probably indigestion from all that popcorn.

Chiara nodded and tucked a strand of wavy hair behind her ear. “He did. It was my first kiss ever.”

Amelia nibbled on her bottom lip and looked away. She hadn’t been kissed yet, and she was sad that her best friend had experienced something so life-changing without her. “Was it nice? Did it feel good?”

“It was okay, I guess?” When she glanced over, Chiara was frowning at the memory. “Honestly, it would’ve been a lot better if he hadn’t pulled away after two seconds and sneezed in my face.”

Amelia laughed. “He sneezed in your face?! Who the hell does that?”

Chiara tossed a pillow at her. “Shut up, idiota! It wasn’t his fault! He was allergic to my perfume!”

Amelia took several more seconds to calm down. “Still, that sounds horrible, Kiki. I’m sorry.”

“It was kinda gross,” Chiara admitted with a shrug. “The second kiss was better. I was wearing a different perfume then.”

So, Chiara had kissed this boy multiple times. Amelia hadn’t kissed anyone ever.

“So is he your boyfriend now, or…” Part of Amelia really didn’t want to hear the answer, but she felt obligated to ask.

Chiara sighed. “He lives in Palermo, so that wouldn’t really work. It was a summer fling, and it wasn’t meant to last. We had fun, but we’re both okay with it being over now.”

Amelia nodded, even though it didn’t make much sense to her. She didn’t think it was possible for Salvatore to get over someone as beautiful and amazing as Chiara. No boy would ever be able to.

“Well, while you were breaking boys’ hearts in Sicily, my summer was much more boring by comparison. Just the normal stuff you’re used to.”

Chiara chuckled and nudged her side. “So no torrid summer romances for you?”

“Nah. I guess guys don’t see me that way.” Amelia knew that was supposed to bother her. It bothered her mom, who had repeatedly told Amy that boys would never notice her if she kept acting like such a tomboy. But Amelia wasn’t even sure if she wanted boys to notice her. She wasn’t sure how she would react if they did.

Chiara rolled her eyes. “Boys are stupid. I wouldn’t waste too much time worrying about what they think.”

Amelia frowned and stared down at the toenails Chiara had painted for her earlier. “Easy for you to say. You’re super pretty, like a 14-year-old version of that famous Italian movie star whose name I can’t remember right now. And I’m just… well, me.” She was chubbier than a lot of girls her age, had metal braces on her teeth, and had to wear glasses if she wanted to see worth a damn. Amelia didn’t think she was ugly, but she didn’t think she was particularly pretty either, and that made her feel bad for reasons she didn’t entirely understand. Why did it matter how she looked when she wasn’t even sure if she wanted boys to notice her as an attractive young woman?

Unless she wanted girls to notice her as an attractive young woman. But that couldn’t be true, right? Amelia was straight. She had to be. There simply wasn’t any other option.

“Cara, you shouldn’t talk about yourself that way.” Chiara reached out and covered Amelia’s hand, which made Amelia turn to look at her in surprise. “You’re gorgeous. Anyone who can’t appreciate what’s right in front of them isn’t worth your time.”

Her voice was soft, and her hazel eyes were full of conviction. Amelia’s heart raced inside her chest, but she didn’t think she was having a heart attack or suffering from some kind of illness. It felt too wonderful and bewildering to be unhealthy. Was this how Maddie felt with Yuri?

Amelia grinned. “You think I’m gorgeous? Really?”

Chiara’s face turned red as she huffed and pulled her hand away. “I’m not blind, okay?! There’s no need to be so smug about it!” She wrapped her arms around her knees, clearly embarrassed, and Amelia wanted to hug her. Or something.

She opted for the hug. “I’m not smug. I’m just… really flattered. You’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen, so you saying that I’m gorgeous is kind of a huge deal.”

“G… grazie.” Chiara sounded shy and flustered, which was adorable. God, the guy who got to be her boyfriend someday would be so lucky.

Amelia frowned. Ugh, there was that feeling again. That heavy, sinking feeling in her gut. She didn’t want to think about Kiki with a boyfriend. She didn’t want to imagine her best friend kissing a boy, touching him, talking about him with the same gleam in her eye she’d had when she spoke of the boy she kissed on vacation. Or maybe a brighter gleam because her boyfriend would mean more to her than a short summer romance.

Amelia let her arms fall away from Chiara and gave her the brightest smile she could. “It’s probably for the best. I don’t think I’m ready for the whole boyfriend thing anyway.” She wasn’t sure if she’d ever be ready for that. “Especially the kissing part. I wouldn’t know what to do if some guy tried to kiss me.” She’d probably freeze or run away.

“Well as long as you don’t sneeze in the guy’s face afterwards, you’ll be doing better than Salvatore.”

Amelia laughed. “True.”

Chiara looked nervous all of a sudden. She started playing with her hair. “I could show you, if you want.”

“Show me?”

“How to kiss people.”

“Oh. I mean, yeah? If that’s not too weird for you.” Amelia wondered if it should be weird for her. The idea of kissing Chiara didn’t feel weird at all.

Chiara smirked at her, nervousness apparently gone. “If it was too weird for me, I wouldn’t have offered, would I?”

“No, I guess not.” Amelia tilted her head towards her best friend and squinted in confusion. “Should I?”

“Just hold still.” Chiara cupped her face, leaned in, and connected their lips. Her stomach swooped like she was on a rollercoaster, and Amelia was too stunned to move or even close her eyes.

Chiara pulled away. “You’re tense. Just try to relax. Close your eyes and pretend I’m someone you want to kiss.”

Not a problem. Amelia nodded and closed her eyes, waiting for Chiara to kiss her again. This time she was prepared, and when she felt that swoop in her stomach, she sighed and parted her lips against Chiara’s mouth. Her mouth felt tingly and kind of staticky, but in a good way? She liked it. She liked kissing Chiara.

Chiara moved her lips hesitantly, and Amelia tried to copy her movements. Chiara’s tongue flicked over her lower lip, and Amelia let out a startled whimper. Chiara ripped her mouth away suddenly.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to! I got caught up in the moment and took it too far. Dio, I never got close to kissing Salvatore like that…”

Amelia caught her flailing hands in her own. “It’s fine. I didn’t mind.”

“You didn’t mind. You didn’t mind that I almost French kissed you? Are you fucking insane?!”

Maybe she was. She had been disappointed that Chiara stopped, but Amelia couldn’t say that, could she?

“We were practicing,” Amelia claimed, ignoring how her gut churned with guilt. “It doesn’t count.” Amelia hated lying to her best friend, but she didn’t know what else to do.

Chiara’s eyes looked troubled. “No, I guess it doesn’t count. But if you start to feel uncomfortable, just tell me to stop.”

Amelia nodded. “Okay.” She didn’t think she’d want to stop Chiara, so the promise was unnecessary.

Chiara slowly began to lean in, and Amelia closed her eyes.

The kiss was warm, gentle, and sweet. The tingly feeling in Amelia’s lips returned instantly, along with the roller-coaster swooping in her stomach. Chiara’s tongue shyly entered her mouth, and Amelia could taste the apple juice she had earlier along with her peach-flavored lip gloss. Amelia idly wondered if she should have brushed her teeth first or maybe put on some kind of lip balm.

Chiara pulled away a few seconds later, flushed and panting for air. “That… that was…”

“You taste like apples and peaches,” Amelia told her, too stupefied to say anything else.

Chiara giggled. “You taste like popcorn and soda. I kinda liked it, though.”

“Do you think I need more practice?” Amelia asked. She tried to make sure her voice didn’t sound too hopeful.

“Probably not. There’s nothing wrong with the way you kiss. You just have to remember not to freeze up at the beginning, and you’ll do just fine.”

It was the best answer Amelia could have realistically expected, but she still felt keenly disappointed. There was an ache inside of her that hadn’t existed before.

Chiara snuggled into her side and turned her gaze towards the television, so it wasn’t all bad. Amelia put an arm loosely around her and pretended to watch the TV too. If she breathed in, she could smell the remnants of popcorn and candy, along with a hint of lemongrass and oranges. It was coming from Chiara, and it might have been the perfume Salvatore was allergic to. She chuckled softly at the thought.

Chiara yawned. “What’s so funny?”

“Guess we know I’m not allergic to your perfume. I didn’t sneeze on your face.”

Chiara snorted. “No. No, you didn’t.”

Amelia felt the urge to confess the truth, but she pursed her lips and kept silent for the next several minutes. Only when she felt Chiara’s body growing heavier and her breathing getting softer did she dare turn her head to look at her best friend.

Kiki’s chestnut hair was tousled up against her shoulder. Her eyes were closed, and her eyebrows were slightly arched. Her nose descended in a straight line, and her lips, full and reddened from just kissing Amelia, were parted slightly. She was by far the most beautiful thing Amelia had ever seen, and that ache inside her grew. She felt the butterflies everywhere, not just her stomach.

“I don’t think I want a boyfriend,” Amelia whispered, so quietly Chiara probably wouldn’t have been able to hear it even if she were awake. “I think I just want you, and I think maybe I always have. I know you don’t feel the same way, and that’s okay, as long as I still get to be your friend.”

Chiara frowned in her sleep. “Amore,” she mumbled, but didn’t say anything else. Amelia had no idea who she was talking to. Probably not Salvatore, since that was just a summer romance she had claimed to be over now. Perhaps, a silly part of her mind whispered, she meant Amelia. Perhaps their practice meant something to her too, and she didn’t want a boyfriend either.

Amelia let herself bask in that delusion until the program she was only half-watching was over. Then she turned off the TV, closed her eyes, leaned into her best friend she loved more than she was supposed to, and fell asleep.

[owlswing]

SO I’M A TERRIBLE PERSON...

Hahaha! Guess who dropped off the face of the earth AGAIN? This guy! Well, anyways: Here is my contribution to the 2020 ROTBTD gift exchange! I swore I wouldn’t get on tumblr again until it was finished, but then life went insane.

@siodymph I am so sorry that it’s taken so long, and that this is so short, but I really hope you like it! Your very, VERY late Secret Santa!

Seashells

Rapunzel bit her bottom lip, squinting at her latest painting. It wasn't that she hated it or anything, but it just seemed off. No matter how hard she tried there was just that little nagging thought in the back of her mind slowly driving her insane the longer she looked at it.

"What do you think?" She asked without looking at the others who were standing there with her, staring at the painting with tilted heads.

"Rapunzel... It's white." Jack said.

"But it's not the Right white!" Rapunzel threw her arms up in the air, turning away from the painting so she could pace across her room. "I promised Eugene's dad that I would make the perfect flag for the Moon Kingdom in honor of their reconstruction and the treaty with Corona, but it won't be perfect if I can't even use the right colors!"

"What's the difference? It's white!" Merida questioned, looking between Rapunzel and the painted canvas.

"No! This is cotton white! I need pearl white! The flowers just don't look right without it!" Rapunzel huffed, looking through all of her paints and art supplies to see if by some miracle she still had some hidden somewhere. "Moon Flowers are the designated symbol of the Moon Kingdom, and if this flag is going to fly above their castle for the next few centuries, the least I can do is make it the right shade of white! But of course I don't have anymore and I've already been to three different shops in the city; No one has it!"

"Well, you know how to make all your paints, don't you? Why don't we just get the ingredients and you can make it yourself." Hiccup suggested, and Rapunzel sighed.

"It's not that simple! This paint is made from special seashells found on a specific beach three days away from here. Gothel only ever got them for me once! Okay, well, twice! But the second time is when I asked her to go get them so I could leave the tower and I never actually got the shells so I never got to make the paint! Not to mention to boil it down and make the paint would take at least a full day . Already that's a whole week and we have to leave for the Moon Kingdom in five days!" Rapunzel stressed, part of her brain told her that if she kept biting her lip like that she was going to split it.

"That's an easy fix! With Toothless it should only take a day to get there. We'll spend the night and be back with plenty of time for you to make the paints." Hiccup said, looked over at Toothless who looked up from where he was napping at the foot of Rapunzel's bed upon hearing his name.

"Sweet! Flying Trip!" Jack pumped his fist into the air.

"It has been a while since we went adventuring." Merida grinned.

"I don't know," Rapunzel hesitated. "Normally when we try to do something like this, something happens and then we end up in some kind of trouble. Remember last time? When Hiccup had a cold?"

"It was not my fault!" Merida snapped to attention, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Never again." Jack muttered, shivering.

"I don't remember much from that one, but even if it does take a little longer than it's supposed to, Toothless and I can fly you to the Moon Kingdom to make up for time. Just tell your dad it's super important, I'm sure he'll understand." Hiccup shrugged.

"Or, don't tell him anything and if he comes looking, we stall for as long as we need." Jack offered, leaning against his staff with a playful smirk.

They all looked at each other for a few minutes, considering their options...

~*~*~

"WHOOHOO!" Rapunzel shouted, her hands up in the air as Toothless and Hiccup angled along an air-current, gliding across the sky in a smooth swoop.

Jack popped up next to them, floating along on his staff with his arms behind his head as her reclined backwards. Merida rode on the back of Toothless's saddle, reading the map as best she could while it flapped in the wind.

"We're almost there now!" Merida announced, glancing down below at landmarks and pathways. "There's a town just a few miles from the beach coming up. If we're lucky, they might already have the paint made there."

"We should take a rest. Toothless isn't used to carrying so many people, and it's usually better to go in on foot then to land a dragon in the middle of town." Hiccup reminded them with a wry smile, peering over the Night Fury's shoulder to look for a good landing place.

"Oh, so we're not going to strike fear into the hearts of innocent villagers today. Good to know." Jack chuckled, flipping around and grabbing his staff in one hand to look down at the earth.

"We've never tried to scare people, Jack!" Rapunzel argued.

"Speak for yourself!" He quipped and Hiccup snorted, trying to hold in a laugh. Toothless didn't bother hiding his dragon-chuckle.

"Anyways," Merida cut in, sticking her tongue out at Jack, who was rolling his eyes at her. "There's a forest down there. Plenty of space for Toothless while we go into town!"

"Sounds like a plan. Let's go, bud!" Hiccup grinned patting Toothless's shoulder.

The two moved in sync as they tilted to one side and began their descent towards the earth. Air rushed up around them, and Rapunzel's heart fluttered in her chest at the exhilaration from it all.

Within the hour, Toothless was settled by a nice rock formation that offered him a decent enough hiding place and a small clearing to stretch his limbs while the Four made their way towards the town. The town had a port, so there was more activity than in most with ships sailing in and out, goods coming and going, people traveling. Though it was small and less visited than the larger ports like Corona itself, the town was still thriving and teeming with excitement.

The crossroads before the town had a tall picket with road signs nailed into it. One way led into the town, another path led to the beach, and a third path led out to the pasture land where sheep and cattle with grazing. Right below the picket was a fairly new-looking sign in red paint: Unauthorized Collecting of Seashells is strictly Prohibited! Violators will be Arrested!

"Now what's that about?" Merida demanded, her fists on her hips.

"Looks like we need to come back tonight with Hiccup in a wig." Jack said.

"I am not going to be the distraction! You like being the center of attention so much, you go and do it!" Hiccup grumbled.

"Okay, fine! How about plan B?" Jack asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Plan B only works if we get caught! The whole point of this is to not get caught!" Hiccup exclaimed.

"We are not breaking the law!" Rapunzel told them. "I'm sure it's just regulation to keep people from over-harvesting the seashells. Let's go into town and see if we can find a vendor who knows more."

"Okay, but remember we can always just tell Bunny that some guy in town said the Easter Bunny's a total wuss, and that'll be plenty of distraction!" Jack grinned.

"This is why the Yeti's don't let you go anywhere in the Pole unsupervised." Merida told him as they walked towards the town.

The fast-paced bustle of the town was even more intense when one was right in the middle of it, but Rapunzel had gotten used to crowded environments from living in Corona and exploring the city, and also with her traveling with her friends. Haggling though, was a skill that she just couldn't seem to get the hang of, so when they reached the market and began looking at the different vendors and shops, Rapunzel and Jack took a step back and followed after Merida and Hiccup.

Merida had the attitude of a pauper and, much to her mother's chagrin, had spent a good portion of her childhood haggling with townspeople and sailors whether on her own or alongside her father. Hiccup, by comparison, was simply a Viking. Trading and Haggling was one of many occupational necessities and also something he was especially trained in as future Chief.

Ambling up to the different booths and extracting goods for reasonable prices, or even just information with little trouble, was something the pair had down pat. So it wasn't surprising when fifteen minutes after entering the market district, Merida returned to the group with information on where to find the Seashell vendor.

"Guy was pretty tight-lipped about it, and he said the old hag's a bit crazy, but I told him we've dealt with worse. Anyways, he said she'll be down the road, 'round the corner from the tavern." Merida explained.

"Great! Let's go see her, then!" Jack jumped up from the fountain ledge he and Rapunzel had been seated on, pulling Rapunzel to her feet beside him.

Again the Four were off to their next destination, finding themselves walking deeper into the town. The closer they got to the large storehouses by the docks, the more dreary things became. No one was about on the street, and those who were looked on with watchful, skittish eyes. Rats ran about underfoot and the seagulls perched on lamp posts looked slightly deranged.

"Are we sure this is the place?" Hiccup asked, his eyes moving over to the tavern as a man stumbled out and barfed into the gutter.

"That's what the shop handler said, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he'd lied. He was a bit seedy looking." Merida shrugged.

"Merida! I'm sure he was a very nice man! We haven't even seen the inside yet! I'm sure as soon as we cross through that door, we'll see the Seashell vendor!" Rapunzel smiled confidently, turning towards the door and tapping out a cheery tune with her fist.

The door swung open very slowly with a low creak and they all tilted their heads to see inside the crack the door caused. It was dark inside.

"Well, that's creepy." Hiccup muttered.

"Come on, guys! It's not that bad..." Rapunzel tried, tiptoing closer as she gently poked the door open with her index finger. The door gave a louder creak as it swung open further, and Rapunzel's voice wavered a bit at the sight of more dark shadows. She gave a nervous chuckle. "Okay... Well, I'm sure it'll look better from the inside."

"I'd rather not get jumped in a dark room in the back of an alley today, thank you." Hiccup said, holding his hands up in a defensive gesture.

"I might have to agree with Hicc on this one." Jack glanced between Rapunzel and Merida, looking rather hesitant.

"Oh, honestly!" Merida huffed, stomping passed them and up to the door. "Here, I've got a flare in my bag."

"Why do you have a flare?" Jack wanted to know.

"In case I have to see inside creepy dark rooms, or get lost in the woods, or want to have a party with explosives." Merida said with a smile. "But also my brothers bought some off of a foreign trader last week. I promised not to tell mom as long as they gave me a couple."

"I love your brothers!" Jack grinned.

Merida pulled out the flare and struck it against the stone wall of the building. A bright flame sparked to life and Merida held it up as she and Rapunzel stepped further into the room together. The boys quickly followed in behind, and the Four shuffled forward quietly and slowly. The flare threw strange, flickering shadows across the room, and the four friends pressed closer together as they stared at all of the figures of fanged and clawed creatures.

"Are these... Bears?!" Merida exclaimed.

"What are they made of?" Hiccup asked, squinting at the closest figurine.

There were sculptures, cutouts, carved plank art, toys, moving trinkets, clocks, plant holders, and so much more. Everything had Bears. Small bears, big bears, slim bears, big round bears. There were so many bears made out of little white...

"These are shells." Jack said.

"And this whole thing seems very famil- AHH!" Merida screamed jumping back and slamming into the other three. They all stumbled, and Rapunzel fell against a shelf, rattling everything on it, but the tall sculpture on the very top tipped over and fell to the floor, shattering with a loud clattering of a hundred different shells.

"What is going on in here?!" A new voice shouted. There were two claps, and suddenly the blinds were thrown on the curtains and several candles were lit, filling the whole room into light.

The Four looked up from where they were piled on the ground, finding themselves in the middle of a shop filled to the brim with bear-themed shell-crafts. At the very center of it all, stood a woman that had Merida's jaw dropping open.

"You!" Merida shouted, throwing a finger towards the old woman standing before her.

"Oh! Hello there, dearie! So good to see you again! I hear that spell worked out pretty well for you, hmmm?" The old Bear Witch beamed at her, with her wide eyes that blinked slightly out of sync, the same ragged-looking crow looming on her shoulder.

"YOU?!" All four of the young adventurers shouted, recognizing the old witch almost immediately from their first major calamity of a quest in Scotland.

"What are You doing here?!" Merida demanded, stomping to her feet with her arms stuck straight by her sides and her hands clenched into fists.

"Oh, oh, oh! Well, Dearie, after you bought all of my carvings, I had to set up shop elsewhere! Getting wood out in these parts isn't so easy, though. But they've got plenty of these nifty little shells laying around!" She cackled, gesturing to all her art pieces. "Course I had a bit of trouble getting around those pesky bandits who decided they owned the beach! A few cakes seemed to do the trick just fine!"

She snapped her fingers and several larger pieces flew to the sides, revealing a cage with two bears inside wearing scrappy-looking vests and hats. One of them had a gold tooth. Merida stared at them before looking back at her friends, but they seemed as speechless as her.

"Well, anyways, what can I do you for? A paper weight? A planter box? Oh! How about this lovely little wall piece I finished just the other day!" She beamed, holding up a rather tacky sea-shell image of two bears reaching for one another.

"Oh, hehehe, we, um," Rapunzel coughed a little to clear her throat and then twirled her fingers around each other as she continued. "We just came here to collect some loose shells to make some paint. We thought maybe we would have to speak with the beach owners, but I guess that's not too much of an issue now."

"Oh, not at all dearie! There's a pile in the back! Help yourself! I need to get this cage ready! I've got a circus leader coming to pick these boys up in just a few hours!" The old witch grinned and then let out a shrieking cackle.

She turned and hobbled towards the back of the shop as Merida took a large, decisive step backwards to rejoin her friends.

"Should we do something?" She whispered to them.

"I really don't want to get turned into bears." Hiccup replied.

"But it can't be right to just leave those guys as bears... Is it?" Merida nodded at the two bears that... well, they didn't look unhappy with their forms. One was napping, and the other was licking himself.

"I mean, they're bandits. Let's be honest. If we'd gotten here first, we would've argued over how it's not right for them to claim ownership of the beach, they would've disagreed, then we would've fought them, eventually win and turn them over to the police. They'd spent the better part of the rest of their lives in jail. At least like this they can spend their time in the circus. That sounds pretty fun, right?" Jack offered, his tone wavering back and forth as he tried to make it sound less terrible.

"Jack, that's terrible!" Rapunzel said.

"What? I'm just saying; she gets to enjoy her creepy witch powers, they don't go to jail, we don't get tied up in something that will lead to Another lecture from your parents and North and Eugene. This seems like a win-win situation all around." Jack tried to be reasonable.

"He does have a point! I mean, we generally do good things, but that doesn't mean our moral codes have to be perfect." Hiccup remarked, and Jack nudged Hiccup's arm with a grin.

"That's not funny!" Rapunzel retorted.

"It's a little funny. But you two have definitely spent way too much time with Snotlout and the twins." Merida amended. Rapunzel snorted and turned towards the witch, much to her friends' horror.

"Um, excuse me? Miss... Miss Witch-Carver?" Rapunzel said as politely as possible.

"Yes, dearie? Find something you like?" The witch turned, grinning enthusiastically at the thought a possible sale.

"Ahem, not exactly... I was just wondering; those two aren't going to be like that Forever... Are they?" Rapunzel cringed at the way her voice squeaked even in her own ears, and the witch raised one large eyebrow at her before cackling and waving her off.

"Oh, no! Of course not! This spell is only temporary! The circus leader owes me a pretty penny for a marvelous piece I gave to him two weeks ago. He promised to send the payment, but never did. I'm going to change these two back into blundering buffoons right before show time! That'll show that slimy circus man!" The witch grinned, and Rapunzel's arms hung at her sides. She had no idea how to respond to the old woman.

"So, what I'm hearing is, you already caught the bad guys trying to own the beach and we can go collect our own shells without the risk of becoming bears or being subject to strange witchy-revenge later down the line." Jack stated, looking back at Hiccup and Merida, who both nodded frantically.

"Aren't you a bit worried about what all of them will do after you cause such a big fiasco?" Rapunzel wondered.

"I'm a witch, dearie, not one of them is going to come around here again if they know what's good for them!" She said, whacking the cage bars with a broom to emphasize her point.

Rapunzel opened her mouth to continue, but Merida grabbed her arm and started pulling her out of the small shop as the bears growled and roared while the Witch shouted back at them angrily. Jack held the door open, and Hiccup gave a small wave.

"We'll just be going now. Thanks for all your help." He forced out a grin, but there was a grimace in his tone, and then the four quickly filed out of the shop onto the front porch, letting the door slam shut behind them.

They stood side by side there for a few moments, processing, until Jack finally broke the silence.

"Pretend that never happened?" He suggested.

"Agreed." The others immediately nodded and they hurried back up the street they had come from.

Collecting the shells from the beach and returning to a napping Toothless was a quick and easy affair. They arrived back at the castle with plenty of time for Rapunzel to make her paint and finish the flag for the Moon Kingdom, and she even convinced Eugene to talk his father into extending her invitation to include Jack, Merida, Hiccup, and Toothless. Though, that was only under the agreement that they remain with the group at all times and agree to have Cass and Varian watching them the whole time.

Rapunzel knew it was a bit of a stretch to promise that nothing happen, so she simply agreed that they wouldn't try to cause, or go looking for, any kind of trouble. Jack, Merida, and Hiccup had all agreed with varying degrees of less-than-enthusiastic, but were happy to be attending.

Later that week, when the festivities were coming to an end and Rapunzel had finally found a quiet moment alone with Eugene, he asked about what they'd gotten up to while he was away helping his father.

"I mean, knowing the four of you, I probably shouldn't be asking, but also I'm concerned because I wasn't there and Cass and Varian haven't taken a single one of my warnings seriously because they haven't Seen the sort of stuff you four get into!" Eugene was rambling a bit, and Rapunzel chuckled nervously as she rubbed her arm.

"Well... No one got arrested this time." Rapunzel offered.

"What kind of a response is that?!" Eugene blurted out, fear washing over his face.

"I mean, we may have come across a gang war between a witch and some bandits who tried taking over a small beach town and a circus leader, but we all agreed to walk away before things got weirder!" Rapunzel explained. "I think it was mostly because Hiccup and Jack didn't want to get turned into bears, and you know Merida's had her fair share of bear stories."

"Most people don't have Bear Stories." Eugene informed her with a rather dry look.

"I like to think that we're special." Rapunzel smiled, and Eugene sighed rubbing a hand down his face.

"You most definitely are." Eugene chuckled, smiling back at her. "And I'm going to go with my first instinct of 'I don't want to know'."

"That's probably for the best," Rapunzel said. "It wasn't the most eventful trip we've had anyways."

"Oh, yeah, sounds like it." Eugene agreed easily, and Rapunzel made a face at him for the sarcasm. They both laughed, but were cut off by a loud crashing noise from another room.

"IT WASN'T ME!" Jack's shout came after a few seconds of silence and Eugene sighed heavily, trudging off to find the others with Rapunzel close on his heels.

[sunshine-shitposts]

ALRIGHT. First selfship piece is going UP. I got some big inspiration from @amethystsoda and @dongiovannaswife so like... love you guys 💖💖 no stinky vampire man... yet. Hoping to get the next part up within the next week.

Dust in the Wind—Part 1

It had been a while since Jotaro had been to the Dallas Speedwagon Foundation Headquarters, and it had since moved locations to outside downtown… somewhere.

It was a damn pain if you asked him.

Dallas was a mess to move around in; you were better off on foot, since there were so many one-way streets. His grandfather had explained, the first time that he had brought his grandson to the Foundation in Dallas, that it was probably because car size in America outgrew the more narrow streets that Dallas began with. Jotaro himself didn't really understand it until he saw for himself: Texans loved big cars. There was an astonishing amount of pick up trucks here, compared to other places he'd been.

He wasn't very familiar with Texas, he had to admit. He'd visited Galveston and Corpus Christi more often for marine work, though he had to admit to himself that they weren't his favorite places in terms of the ocean; this side of the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico tended to have a lot of sediment in its water. When he stayed at a house in a place called Crystal Beach for a while, he remembered how searching for hermit crabs with a colleague was rather annoying due to the brown murkiness of the water.

The houses on stilts were quite novel, though.

...That was enough reminiscing.

Jotaro huffed, figuring he could just go to the old location to ask for assistance—it was still being used by the Foundation despite it not being the main building anymore—when a bright voice floated through the air.

"Hey, mom. Y'got everything?"

"Yes, but it's a lot, you know, they turned in projects… can you open the trunk?"

"'Course, no problem. Gimme a sec…"

Jotaro looked up from his map, seeing a young woman helping her mother begin to load several large rolled up cardboard tubes into the back seat of a small blue hatchback.

The woman was dressed comfortably, a boon in the blossoming Texas heat, with a black wide-brimmed hat and minty-colored sunglasses and a lazy smile on her face. She couldn't have been more than an inch over five feet, and her wavy purple hair fluttered in the wind. What didn't look conducive to staying cool were the dark, full-length leggings under her jean shorts or the knee-length, full sleeve knit cardigan, but he knew what it felt like to have a comfort jacket. Her mother, several inches taller than her, was well (albeit colorfully) dressed with a lanyard and ID swinging around her neck, and a mobile folding cart filled with books, folders, and cardboard tubes. The mother's hair, a light silvery-blonde that fell around her shoulders, made Jotaro wonder if they were actually related, but he admitted to himself that stranger things do happen, and hair dye did exist.

Jotaro hummed to himself and looked back at the map as a gust of wind between the tall buildings sent papers scattering, the mother crying out in dismay.

"Sunnie–!!"

"Don't worry mom, I got it."

Jotaro watched the paper of his map flutter suddenly and unexpectedly, swooping in the opposite direction that it had been previously. It was such a sudden change that Jotaro looked back up from the map, only to see all the papers floating through the air to finally gather into the young woman's outstretched hand.

"I'll never ever understand how you can do that," the mother said, her voice equal parts thankfulness and bafflement, "And I don't think I ever will."

"You keep saying that, y'know," her daughter laughed, easily hefting the heavy folding cart into the trunk of her car.

"I know!! But it's true, it's like magic! But real!!"

Jotaro focused his gaze on the young woman.

Stand users are drawn to each other.

When the two women were nearly finished loading all of the mother's things into the car, he approached them, trying to relax his intense demeanor as much as possible. The woman's mother reminded him a lot of his own, and he didn't want to frighten her.

"Excuse me," he asked, fishing around in a pocket inside his coat to pull out his notebook. The two women turned to look at him, the mother's eyebrows raising as she made an 'oooh' noise. Her daughter's expression, however, was completely unreadable behind her large sunglasses, but Jotaro felt her gaze. Her carefree attitude had suddenly disappeared, and he knew that she was likely sizing him up. He wondered if she, too, felt the same weird restlessness in her own chest. "I was wondering if you could tell me how to get here," he continued. Her mother leaned in to see the address written on the notebook's page, then lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.

"Sunnie! He's asking about the Speedwagon Foundation!"

Immediately, the daughter seemed to relax, looking at the page as well. "Oh, no shit?" After another second, her eyebrows rose above her sunglasses. "Oh! No shit!!"

"You know of it?" Jotaro asked, putting the notebook back into the chest pocket.

"Know of it? I'm heading there, after I drop mom back off at the house," the younger woman laughed, extending her arm for a handshake. "I'm Sunnie Green, recently employed by the Foundation. Good to meet you, Mr…?"

"Jotaro Kujo," he replied, accepting the shake and subsequently drowning her small hand in his own. Her shake was strong and firm and confident in a pleasantly unexpected way.

The second he said his name, though, a wry grin broke out on her face.

"No fuckin' way," Sunnie said, surprised, "I have heard some stories. Good to meet you in the flesh. Foundation's been expecting you."

Jotaro grunted. He knew that after his 'trip' to Egypt all those years ago, people at the Foundation liked to gossip about him, and he had hoped that those tales and rumors had died down, but it seemed that they'd persisted. He wondered if they'd only gotten more wild with time. "Well. That aside, if you could point me in the right direction, it would be much appreciated."

"Well, uh, it's not quite in Dallas anymore? It's a bit away from here, so uh…" Sunnie trailed off, her face scrunching up in thought.

"Sunnie," her mom stage-whispered, "Sunnie, you should drive him there."

"Huh-whaa?" Sunnie looked at her mom, eyes wide, then nodded like a lightbulb went off over her head, crossing her arms and grinning, "Yeah!! Yeah, that just makes sense. That makes so much sense!!"

"That won't be necessary–" Jotaro began, but Sunnie shot him a confident grin.

"Don't be silly! This is the perfect solution. It's late in the day, getting a taxi or rideshare there will cost you money you don't need to spend, I mean come on. I'm right here, dude. I gotcha." The smaller woman laughed and put the final bag of papers in the trunk of her car, shutting the door. "I'm not taking no for an answer. And mom?" she looked at her mom expectantly, who smiled widely.

"I'll sit in the back!" She beamed before looking back up at Jotaro, "That way you don't have to sit with all the projects."

Without giving him the chance to offer otherwise, Mrs. Green made her way to the back seat, opening the door and getting in. Jotaro breathed a quiet sigh, gathering himself before he walked to the front passenger's door and opened it. He did not miss Sunnie's triumphant smirk before he ducked inside. To his surprise, it was actually roomy inside the small car. At least, roomy enough to be comfortable for him. There was some music softly playing over the speakers and a water bottle in one of the cupholders, and dangling off of the rearview mirror were some small pom poms and repurposed cell phone charms, several of them Pokémon. In a little storage area under the main console, he saw a lanyard with an ID decorated with the Speedwagon Foundation logo on it.

Sunnie got in the car as well, buckling up and shifting out of park, turning smoothly into the street when it was safe. 

"I'm excited for you to go to the new Foundation Headquarters, Mr. Kujo," Mrs. Green chirped, hands patting her bright red jeans excitedly, "Some of my former students helped decorate the interior! I'm very proud of their work."

"Mom's an interior design professor," Sunnie laughed, "Used to get hired for private homes and hospitals and stuff. There was that one home on White Rock with the spiral staircase? Fucking dope."

"I still talk to them," her mom said airily, "Sometimes I stop by for cookies."

Jotaro didn't quite know how to respond. The two women were very open and friendly and it was making him feel… strange. Was it just a Texan thing in general? Joseph had once mentioned 'Southern Hospitality'. Then again, who could say? The old man liked to talk for the sake of talking sometimes.

He caught a minute glance from Sunnie, who then leaned her head back, a lazy grin on her face.

"So mom, what're all those projects in the back?" She asked, "No balsa wood models this time? That was a nightmare to transport."

"But those were group projects and they were light weight! These plans are deceptively heavy and there are so many–"

As Carol rambled on about the projects sitting around her, Jotaro found himself happy that Sunnie seemingly sensed his discomfort and acted on his behalf to divert her mother's attention. He zoned out, his mind stuck on the impending meeting—one that he had never imagined he would have to have, and one that was admittedly making him feel a little sick in his stomach.

The red brick house they arrived at was in a quiet little subdivision about 40 minutes in traffic away from Downtown Dallas, lined with large trees and with a nice pond. The houses were all two stories, most driveways accessible from the street, and the summer warmth and ample sunshine had the lawns dotted with flowers of many colors. Sunnie parked the car in front of the pebbled sidewalk to the house, and the large dark blue front door opened. A salt-and-pepper haired man with a moustache walked out, wearing an old shirt and jeans and carrying a duffle bag. Sunnie and Mrs. Green got out of the car, and Jotaro decided to get out as well.

The man, presumably Mr. Green, seemed surprised. "I doubt one of your students turned him in," he laughed nonetheless. Mrs. Green giggled.

"No, no! He's with the Foundation!" Mrs. Green explained, and her husband rolled his eyes.

"I was kidding, Carol," he said, voice deadpan. Sunnie snickered.

"We found him looking for the new campus downtown, so I offered to take him there. Speaking of, we gotta get this stuff outta the Spaceship so we can head out," Sunnie turned to Jotaro, "This won't take too long–"

"I'll help," he told her, "Least I can do."

Sunnie paused, pursed her lips, and nodded.

With four sets of hands, unloading took no time at all, but Jotaro once again noted that Sunnie seemed stronger than her smaller size let on. At the end of it, her dad handed her the duffle bag, which she tossed in the back seat.

"See you in a few days," she said, hugging her parents, "Don't get too wild without me around."

"Darn. We'll have to cancel that crazy party," her dad grinned, and she smacked him on the arm.

Jotaro got back into the car with Sunnie, and she drove them out of the subdivision.

"…Do you live with your parents?" Jotaro asked, a sudden burst of curiosity getting the better of him. Sunnie looked at him out of the corner of her eye for a brief second, then turned her gaze back to the road as she flipped on her turn signal.

"I left my husband recently," she said, smoothly turning onto the service road, and Jotaro suddenly felt incredibly awkward, "Got out of the apartment as fast as I could. Grabbed a few things, said goodbye to the dog, and fucking split. It was really sudden, and since I don't have that much money to my name and my husband currently is in control of my finances, living with my parents is easier. I'm actually in my childhood room right now, when I stay at the house." She laughed dryly, merging onto the turnpike.

"Mm," Jotaro simply responded, and Sunnie laughed.

"It's not weird, dude, come on. Chill," she said, passing a particularly large eighteen wheeler and switching two lanes to the left, "I mean, it's kinda weird. But it's fine. I don't mind. I've heard a lot about you from some of the other employees already, I think it's fair that you know about me, if just a little." She looked at him briefly, eyes twinkling. "You're kind of a hot topic at the Foundation, you know."

Jotaro shifted in his seat and looked out his window.

"Which brings me to an important point," she continued, "I know why you're here."

Immediately, he looked back at her, eyes narrowing. That was supposed to be need-to-know information.

"I'm a Liaison for the Speedwagon Foundation. That's my official title, but I have a very specific job, and he is why you're here."

"You mean you–"

"Yes, and I'm aware of your history with him. Well, with the one from here." Her finger tapped the steering wheel pointedly. "I know you don't like him, that you have reason to not like him, and I know you won't like this one. But I'm imploring you not to start shit with him when you see him, okay? I've told him not to start shit with you so, you know, if you would be so kind."

Jotaro audibly gritted his teeth. This was just his fucking luck, running into that bastard's babysitter. "What makes you think he'd listen to you?" He growled.

"I don't know? He's been cool with me so far." She snorted. "I mean, he's an absolute piece of work, but it's been alright. No worse than teaching a class full of preschoolers can get on a bad day, but I did have to… establish that I can take care of myself against him."

"And how did you do that?"

"I stole his air," she said simply, "Made it impossible for him to breathe."

"Have you ever done that before? To someone else."

Her mouth fidgeted, eyes unreadable. They passed under the tollway in silence, broken by soft, ghastly wind chimes as a shimmering turquoise hand with a swirling wing shape on the wrist partially manifested on her shoulder, squeezing lightly before vanishing.

"You'll have to buy me a few drinks before I talk about that." Her voice was short, clipped. "I'm sure you have similar unlockable content you don't talk about otherwise."

It was a weird way to put it, but she was right. He did.

So he dropped the subject, looking back out the window.

"By the way, Catherine—Mrs. Gupta, rather—is here today, too," she said, tone easily switching from icy and guarded to light and airy, "She's the Regional COO, though I'm sure you know that. I'm told that she's the one who contacted you, after all."

Jotaro did not feel like answering. He didn't know what to say.

Sunnie merely glanced at him again, grinned to herself, and kept driving.

After Sunnie showed her credentials and pulled through the gated entrance of the new Dallas Speedwagon Foundation HQ, Jotaro let his eyebrows raise in surprise.

The previous location, having been built when Robert E. O. Speedwagon himself had struck black gold in Texas, was (while large) old, and it showed in its architecture and the relative closeness of the buildings. This, however, was a sprawling, modern campus with green spaces and fountains galore.

"We've got seven buildings here, but we'll be heading to the main one. Explore later if you'd like," Sunnie explained easily, searching for a parking spot. "I may be a… honestly kind of critical Subject Liaison, but I still don't have a dedicated parking space. That's fine, however," She lifted her finger and grinned, the sound of windchimes clinking in the air as her Stand fully manifested: lithe, vaguely robotic, feminine, and lined with light turquoise and shimmery silver. The face was mostly featureless and smooth like a plain mask, save for two large and sleek wing-like shapes on the sides, and two calculating but blank amber eyes. "We'll have her take care of this for us."

The Stand wiggled its fingers excitedly, then zoomed out of the roof of the car, unimpeded by the physical barrier. Jotaro watched, blank faced, then asked what could have been considered a very personal question.

"What's it's range?"

"Dust in the Wind's most powerful up to about six to nine feet from me, but she can and will travel quite far." That's… two to three meters, Jotaro translated in his head. "The further she gets, the less effective she is, but she's curious. She likes looking for things."

Jotaro huffed out the barest hint of a chuckle, remembering his time in jail before his trip to Egypt—how Star Platinum had brought him toys, beer, and reading materials in an attempt to placate him.

"I thought up this little tactic in college, since parking was shit there. It was cut-throat, honestly, so Windy helped scope out all the good spots." The Stand swooped down in front of the car and began nodding and pointing, motioning for them to follow. "Oh fuck yeah, it's a good one," Sunnie said happily before following as her Stand danced through the air in front of them, gracefully carving through the air. "She's playful. That's how I, uh, originally met… you know."

Jotaro looked at her, slightly confused. "Your Stand found him?"

She nodded, rounding a row of cars. "You know that weird feeling we got when we saw each other? How Stand users just kind of… know when other Stand users are around? I felt that when I first came here. She immediately jumped out and disappeared to find the source and found, well, him. Then he demanded to see the user, and bam," She shrugged, keeping one hand on the steering wheel, "We met."

Jotaro found himself grimacing at the mention of that man demanding anything and getting it. That piece of shit didn't deserve fuck all, in his opinion.

"Ah! There," Sunnie mumbled, pulling into a spot a row away from the front sidewalk. "She was right, it is good."

As she turned off the car and they both stepped out, Windy flew back to her user, nuzzling her face and disappearing. Sunnie grabbed her backpack and duffle bag from the backseat and they headed down the large sidewalk, lined with magnolias and sparkling water features.

"The old Speedwagon Foundation buildings are actually currently used for housing… supernatural objects. Like Stands tethered to items, fragments of pillars… there's this weird broken sword there that apparently possesses people, but when it does it just begs to be fixed," Sunnie rambled, shoving a hand in her long cardigan's pocket. Jotaro had to catch a breath, recalling that fight where Polnareff had indeed been possessed. That thing was here now? "This facility does a lot of R&D, field agent training, the like. Dallas has a lot of big companies around so they have some good deals, like with TI and stuff."

"You know a lot for someone who hasn't even been here for four months," Jotaro mumbled, glaring at the small woman. She glanced at him with a lazy smirk, the frog bell on her decorated backpack jingling softly as she walked next to him.

"I actually used to be in politics. Handled VAN data in my last campaign, but my strong suit was research. Following the money, making connections, y'know, all that mess," she said, tone light, "I know my way around things. Donor lists, requesting things under the FOIA, the like. I wanted to get a good picture of the Foundation before I thought about working here. And the rumors about their involvement in… supernatural matters interested me."

They walked through the large sliding glass doors into a cooled, busy lobby, shiny and sleek and new. Reflective surfaces, swooping centerpieces, statement greenery… it was impressive. What Jotaro did not appreciate was the eyes he felt on him the second he had walked in and the whispers that he knew were dancing around.

"Oh, Miss Green?" a receptionist pipped up upon seeing her, "And Dr. Kujo, oh!" The young man quickly patted down his curly chestnut hair, "I wasn't expecting you to–a-arrive together, huh. Well, Mrs. Gupta is waiting for you."

"Thanks, Mikel," Sunnie smiled, waltzing past the desk and towards a central elevator. Jotaro nodded his head slightly to the nervous young man as he continued to follow the smaller woman, stepping into the elevator. Sunnie leaned down (she didn't have to go too far) for a retina and thumb print scan, and the doors closed, the elevator smoothly starting up. They rode in silence, until the doors opened to a series of sterile white hallways.

"We're well underground, so you know," Sunnie mentioned as they began walking again. "It's easier to keep him down here with no threat of sunlight. The trick is that these lights outside his suite have a bit of UV in them. Sort of like how they keep the Pillar Man in D.C.," she informed him as they took a left, walking towards a large white double door. "Remember," she said pointedly, "No fights."

She leaned in for another eye and hand scan, and they passed through a short hall and through another sliding double door.

The first thing Jotaro saw in this more lavishly designed room was a tall, lithe, dark skinned woman with close-shaven hair wearing a golden pencil skirt and a deep forest green satin blouse, and stilettos that easily brought her close to his own height. Her expensive-looking gold jewelry and hoop earrings seemed to glitter as she turned her head towards the door, and her glossy dark red lips split into a dazzling grin.

"Sunnie! I see you've brought our guest," she said in a low voice like honey, lightly accented and melodic.

"Yep! I'm surprised he fit in my car," the smaller woman chirped as she walked into the room, "You didn't mention how tall he is."

The woman held out a well manicured hand, which Jotaro shook. "My name is Catherine Gupta. I became the regional COO of the Dallas branch of the Speedwagon Foundation a few months ago. It's good to meet you, Dr. Kujo."

"Call me Jotaro," he said, glowering at the door beyond them, "I'm assuming that's where he is?"

Mrs. Gupta nodded. "These newer facilities have several suites, some aboveground, some underground, for various purposes, if needed," she said, "When he came to us, it just made sense to stick him down here, where he is both protected and contained."

"Throwing him in a blender would be preferable," Jotaro grumbled, and Mrs. Gupta laughed lightly.

"Yes, yes, I'm aware of the Joestars' history with him," she said, shaking her head a bit, "The Foundation has extensive files on what happened in Britain all those years ago, as well as what you and your group went through. I've reviewed all of these multiple times to understand the situation fully."

"Well if that's the case, why the hell was I only recently informed of… this??" He gestured to the door beyond them, far past trying to hide the venomous rumble in his voice.

She pursed her full lips, "I wanted to tell you sooner, and believe me, I did everything in my power to convince my then-higher ups to let you know, but they were determined to keep it a secret from you and any other members of the Joestar bloodline. I felt that keeping it from you, however, was a moral failing. So I simply took the power I needed to make this happen."

He had to admit, he was impressed. She had said it so matter-of-factly that one might mistake it for an easy task, but he was aware that it almost definitely wasn't. The roiling rage he felt building inside his chest simply from being in proximity to that piece of shit subsided somewhat. "You have my thanks, then," he said quietly, "Does the Don know?"

Having been quiet up until that point, Sunnie shifted and the little frog shaped bell charm jingled, her head cocking to the side curiously. Jotaro took this to mean that she was unaware of his family tree.

"I'm still working on clearing that. I'm sure you're aware that there are a few more hoops to jump through when it comes to navigating our relationship with Passione," Mrs. Gupta chuckled. Hearing the name of the infamous Italian mafia, Sunnie's eyes blew wide and she covered her mouth slightly to whisper, 'yooooooo, what the shit, my dude', before Mrs. Gupta shot her a knowing smirk. "You would have found out soon enough, Sunnie. Just keep it secret for now, especially from him," she looked in the door's direction, and the shorter woman nodded enthusiastically.

"You got it, boss," she said, grinning widely, "Is… is the Don of Passione is a Joestar?"

"Indeed he is," Mrs. Gupta nodded, and Sunnie nearly flailed, whisper-shouting 'yo what the SHIT' again, causing the taller woman to laugh, "Though, I'll let you in on that later."

"Dope," Sunnie giggled, before noticing a tupperware box on one of the tables. "Oh～? And this is?"

"Murgh makhani from Janpreet. He made extra," Mrs. Gupta said warmly, before shooting Jotaro a glance. "My husband," she explained as an afterthought.

"FUCK yeah, tell him I say thanks," Sunnie giggled.

"Will do."

Jotaro had mostly tuned the two women out, however; he was staring at the door, glowering. Mrs. Gupta and Sunnie shared a glance.

"Welllll, I know you don't like him, but here we go. Time to face the music, I guess?" Sunnie said as she turned, her long cardigan following behind her as she nodded her head towards the door. 

Mrs. Gupta raised an eyebrow at Jotaro, gesturing for him to go before her. He took a breath and turned to the door, steeling his soul and narrowing his eyes.

It was time to face Dio.

ゴゴゴゴゴ...

(Part 2)

[wedreamedlove]

Hello, I hope you're doing okay ❤️ I would like to ask what you believe the MLQC boy's love languages are. Thank you ☺️

i’m doing good, thank you! i hope you and yours are staying safe with the pandemic around the world right now ;w;!

i touched on this in my “the 4 men and their chinese archetypes” post but i’ll see if i can go in more detail here. first, just so everyone’s on the same page, the 5 love languages are:

words of affirmation: expressing affection through spoken affection, praise or appreciation.

acts of service: actions, rather than words, are used to show and receive love.

receiving gifts: gifting is symbolic of love and affection.

quality time: expressing affection with undivided, undistracted attention.

physical touch: it can range from having sex to holding hands. with this love language, the speaker feels affection through physical touch.

people can have a dominant one or be spread out among many of them. the last time i did one of these tests i had 8/10 points in acts of service, quality time, and physical touch LOL.

ZHOU QILUO

words of affirmation is definitely a biggie. he’s always hyping MC up and calls her his superhero just like how he’s her superhero. he seems to get reassurance from words too because a lot of times when he reveals his weaknesses it’s through a call or asking questions.

ex. [Apricot Forest Date] or [Old Friend Date] about whether people like him for him or his persona.

receiving gifts is another huge one because he’s always bringing back souvenirs from his trips! i still remember that cute call from [Spring Sonata SSR Secret Password Call] where he shoved a teddy into MC’s suitcase, haha.

those two are probably the two main big ones but physical touch isn’t that far behind. it’s just unfortunate that his job keeps him away for long periods of time so that’s why i don’t think it’s as important as the other two. he’s certainly a physical person but hmm just to a normal extent?

again, because of his job, i think acts of service and quality time go further down. these acts and times are perhaps more precious because of how rare they are with his schedule but that’s also why it’s not his love communication.

if he had a SO whose love language were these two, i think a lot of effort would have to go into the relationship to make sure both parties were being fulfilled. his idol job is just so consuming.

BAI QI

he’s an interesting guy because, when push comes to shove, he can deliver monologues of loving words, [Spring Festival Date] anyone!? But his true nature is to be quiet. he’s just content to sit or stand there and watch with heart eyes.

very much an acts of service and physical touch lover. if you think about it acts of service was everything he was doing in high school! beating punks up who threatened MC, carrying her to the infirmary when she collapsed in PE, and dropping his jacket on her when it was raining.

i can’t stress how much he’s all about touch though. in fact, that might be above everything else. he really is like a big doggo who will nuzzle MC at the smallest opportunity (y'all i’m never gonna get over his shaving ASMR and how drunk in love he sounds when his face is caressed).

anyway, he pats MC’s head, holds her around the waist (happens often because of his flying), and iirc they hold hands often. i bet half of the reason he invites MC out on motorcyle rides is so he can have her holding onto him LOL. also, again, [Spring Festival Date] anyone!? he just reached out to grab her hand and kissed the back of it!!

quality time is also pretty big imo. even though he does have a job that takes him away for long periods of time like Kiro he’s willing to forgo sleep to be with MC for even a second longer, ex. [Endless Abyss SSR Beside You Call] where he goes to her place right after work.

all this being said i think that, while words of affirmation isn’t his main one, it’s still present. he’s a bit shy in general about the enormous breadth of his love towards his SO but he’s not shy about expressing his emotions, if that makes sense? so words still feature in his love language!

despite him gifting the gingko bracelet though i don’t think receiving gifts is high at all in his love language. the bracelet is very meaningful between the two of them but it was a one-time thing.

XU MO

another words of affirmation man! the literati gene is super strong in him and his family, haha, and he’s always praising the MC and reassuring her or building up her confidence. a guy who can flirt through poetry is definitely a shoo-in for expressing love through words. not to mention he’s just a wordsmith in general.

i’d say another high one is touch which may be surprising? or maybe not since he comes off as being the most sexually aggressive amongst the men. but yeah he’s always reaching out and stroking MC’s head and he seems to really like hands too and entwining the fingers! his ASMRs have a ton of skinship, like a lot lot (my brain is flashing back to the pottery one and how he explicitly tells you to stop moving or else he can’t guarantee that nothing will happen).

i don’t really see any of the others featuring as high. they’re present but he doesn’t seem to put much emphasis on them, you know? in fact, i think MC gifts him more things than he does her LOL. quality time… both of them are busy and spend time with each other whenever they can, but again there doesn’t seem to be a particular weight associated with these.

LI ZEYAN

quality time oh god SO MUCH QUALITY TIME. li zeyan just letting you breathe the same air as him means he loves you— i’m kidding. but, no, seriously him accompanying MC on all sorts of fanciful things shows just how important he places her. efficient capricorns got no time for anything they don’t care about.

another high one is probably acts of service. the motto with this man is that he rarely says anything nice and doesn’t initiate touch that much, until he’s sure you’re into him, so instead he’ll just do things in the background.

when MC was researching about a show he had his assistant send her all the materials, [Gentle Confrontation SSR Animal Like You]. then when she was staying at that leaky hotel he switched her to a better one and had his assistant pick her up, [Marauder SSR Change Hotel Call].

i don’t think this is super high but receiving gifts is a thing with him. he seems to enjoy gift giving and receiving (even if he scoffs at it half the time). much like kiro, he brings back souvenirs from his trips. and i wonder if making and giving the pudding counts as a gift rather than an act of service.

anyway, i should have given this disclaimer in xu mo’s section too, but just because these two men don’t have high values in the rest of the love language doesn’t mean they don’t like them. it just means it’s not a priority but the average levels for a healthy relationship still apply!

LING XIAO

hmm maybe too early to talk about him? haha, but he did get an ASMR track and he’s been introduced a bit so let’s see… i think he’s a touch and words of affirmation man except his words of affirmation comes off more as ribbing. he’s not shy about manhandling the MC so that’s why i think touch is somewhat important to him.

not as high as the rest but i think quality time is something too. he’s like a wild animal LOL and just the fact that he’s spending any time with you means something. otherwise, you would have been ignored or he wouldn’t even be near you.

he’s also a bit like li zeyan in that he does things in the background or makes you feel like you’re abandoned before he swoops in and helps you (he just wanted to see you panicking first). i don’t know if that counts as an expression of his affection though, since it was mostly done for his own enjoyment LOL. like he definitely reluctantly helps out because he’s bratty like that but hmm…

[sheerfreesia007]

Fallin’ All In You (Pt. 26)

Title: Fallin’ All In You (Pt. 26)

Pairing: Agent Whiskey x Reader

Author: @sheerfreesia007​​

Words: 1,983

Warnings: Smut, Fluff

Tags: @synystersilenceinblacknwhite​, @two-unbeatable-beaters​, @randomness501​, @sevvysaurus​

Author Notes: This was just a cute idea that I came up with. As someone who sometimes talks in her sleep I’ve had some weird ass conversations with my husband and family before. I hope you guys enjoy! I also wanted to try my hand at smut again. Any feedback is much appreciated!

Gif Credit: Google Search

           The rain pattered softly against the windows creating a soft twinkling sound on the glass. A storm had rolled into the city not long after you had fallen asleep and Jack stayed up silently reading one of the books that you had left here from your last trip. He sat up against the headboard with his legs splayed out in front of him and you lay snuggled up against his right hip with your face pressed deeply into your pillow.

           Jack smiled softly down at you as he watched you shift in your sleep. Your face was relaxed and looked peaceful in sleep. He felt proud that he was able to provide that peace for you he knew that you were still having problems with Ginger. And he only knew that because Tequila had told him that Ginger was still taking shots at you. You wouldn’t tell me that she was still bothering you; he figured it was a pride thing that you could handle it yourself. Or it wasn’t really bothering you any longer enough to mention it to him. Maybe it was a mixture of the two but Jack worried about you all the way in Kentucky without him there. He worried if you were taking care of yourself and taking time for yourself to destress from work and the work environment. He knew it was much easier said than done, especially in this career, but he still worried.

           Just then you shifted again against his hip and he darted his eyes to you and saw the satisfied smile gracing your lips while you still slept on and he was immediately reminded of the smile you had given him only a few hours ago. Jack felt his body heat with a hungering fire at the reminder of what the two of you had done just a few hours.

           Your body glistened in the soft light as a thin layer of sweat coated you. Your hips surged forward and downward on his cock and Jack groaned loudly as his hands rushed to your hips gripping them tightly. Your hands fell to cover his before he watched them slowly travel up from your hips over your stomach to your breasts where they grabbed and pulled at your flesh there making him moan underneath you. They continued on their path up your chest until they circled around your neck and pulled your hair away from the sweaty skin of your neck. You were a sight of amorous carnal pleasure and Jack’s eyes took you in at leisure.

           It was as if your body was only here to please him and please him you did. You had asked him if you could try something new when you had started getting ready for bed and Jack didn’t have the heart to say no to you and besides he was curious to what you wanted to try with him. It had started with the two of you racing to divest yourselves of your clothes as quickly as possible. Once you had stripped down to your underwear Jack couldn’t control himself and he had quickly caught you in his grasp swooping in to pull you into a deep longing kiss that stole your breath.

           But you had pulled away when the kiss was starting to consume the two of you. Jack had been confused at first but when you had shoved him onto the bed and straddled his lap he instantly understood and groaned in need. This was something he would enjoy and eagerly participate in.

           You had easily taken control of him and the pace that the two of you went. It wasn’t slow and leisurely but it also wasn’t fast and expeditious it was somewhere in the middle and it made Jack gasp with passion. He watched as you rose above him and let your hands blaze a fire trail up his chest to only drag your nails back down making him groan and gasp in lust. His desire was surmounting to highs that he didn’t know he could reach with just a touch from you. You leaned over him and pressed a hot wet kiss to his lips and Jack let his hands trail over your back until he reached the clasp on your bra expertly undoing it. His hands quickly threw the bra to the floor and wrapped his hands around your breasts making you let out a high pitched moan into his mouth.

           Jack felt you grind your hips slowly against his and he sucked in a breath. You sat back up pressing your hands into his chest and Jack let his eyes drink you in. Your breasts hung there in front of him with your nipples erect in erotic pleasure and they made his mouth water. You shifted your hips a little bit and suddenly Jack’s hard cock was pressed up against your clothed core and you threw your head back with a deep long moan. Jack had to clench his hands around your hips in warning as you experimentally ground your core against his cock again moaning in a seductive manner.

           “I wanna feel that on my pussy.” You moaned down to him and Jack was instantly entranced by you. You moved quickly away from him to drag his boxer briefs down his legs and you stood at the side of the bed shimmying out of your panties. Jack laughed with mirth as he watched you trip on your panties in your haste to get back into bed with him. “Shut up.” You grumbled affably as you managed to get the panties off and crawled back into bed. You smirked at him and Jack felt his cock twitch at the look in your eye. Your eyes stared into his and the desire and lust that reflected in them made his whole body stiffen. You crawled over his body languidly and Jack lifted his hands to trace your sides slowly letting his fingertips feel your silky skin. His fingers caught at your waist and then fell down to your hips once more as you straddled him.

           You lifted slightly and let your wet core drag over his cock and the two of you moaned loudly together. Jack gripped your hips in a tighter grip and he had to stop himself from thrusting upwards. He wanted to give you all the control; you had wanted to try this so he was going to do everything in his power to give it to you. “Oh shit, yes.” You whispered out as you bit your bottom lip and began to grind faster against his cock.

           “Darlin’ fuck!” Jack gritted out as he ground his teeth together to try and control himself.

           “Yeah cowboy? You like that?” you asked in a seductive whisper and Jack gasped looking up at you with so much lust coursing through him. “Yeah you like that.” You smugly responded to your own question. “I know what you’ll like even better.” Jack looked up at you in confusion as to what you meant and then groaned arcing his back as you lifted and slid the tip of his cock inside you, slowly sliding down until you were seated flush against his hips.

           “Fuck darlin’ yes.” Jack gasped out and he tightly held your hips flush against his. “Don’t move. Not yet.” He pleaded with you and thankfully you listened. Jack just let himself feel your core encasing him and he breathed out slowly loosening his grip on you cautiously. “Please.” Jack gasped out as he felt your walls clench around him. You began to slowly lift and then shift back downward and Jack threw his head back into the pillows groaning. “Fuck yes.”

           “Mmhmm, oh yes.” You responded as you began to bounce on Jack’s cock slowly liking the pace you had started. Your hands were pressed on his chest and you were shifting and grinding your hips down onto Jack with ease. That was how he had gotten to where he was now. Lying underneath you at your mercy as your hips ground up and down onto him as your hands traveled all along your body giving yourself that much more pleasure.

           “Fuck darlin’ I’m-I’m gonna cum.” He gasped out as he watched you. You mewled down at him as one hand came down to plant on his lower stomach and your hips ground down harshly onto his. Jack moaned and arched his back as he held your hip in his hands holding you tightly against him as his orgasm overtook him. One of his hands flew down to your clit and began rubbing it vigorously and suddenly you gasped out loudly with a deep gravelly moan following as your body surged forward and fell against his. Jack caught you easily as your orgasm consumed your body and you twitched against him.

           It took a couple of minutes for both of your breaths to even out and Jack had tucked you up on his chest with his arms wrapped around your lower back loosely. “That was amazing.” He intoned softly to you as he pressed light kisses against your forehead.

           “Mmmhmm. It was.” You agreed lazily and Jack smiled at how warm your limp body felt against his.

           “You can do that any time you want darlin’.” He declared and you laughed happily.

           “You approve?” you teased sleepily as you shifted against his chest to look up at him.

           “Oh I more than approve.” He teased back and watched as delighted blush color your cheeks while a warm satisfied smile graced your lips.

           That had been a few hours ago and you had almost instantly fallen dead asleep afterwards much to Jack’s amusement. Just then you shifted away from him onto your back and he heard you huff softly in your sleep.

           “Comm10, the threat has been captured.” Came your soft voice. Jack’s eyes darted over to you and he felt an excited smile begin to spread over his lips. Oh this was going to be fun.

           “What threat Curaçao?” he questioned over to you quickly putting his book aside and laying down next to you. His eyes easily traced over your relaxed features as you slept before they pulled into a furrowed brow and grimace on your lips.

           “Kingpin.” You responded and Jack chuckled softly. Tequila had told him that the two of you would often watch the tv show Daredevil on Netflix while not a missions and that lately you two had finished the second season, so he figured you were dreaming about Daredevil.

           “Confirmed Curaçao.” He said easily as his smile widened on his face watching your eyes twitch under your eyelids.

           “Comm10, we need a cleaning crew. There’s a lot of…” you said softly and then trailed off.

           “Repeat Curaçao.” He grinned softly as your eyebrows twitched in your sleep and your nose scrunched up slightly.

           “Comm10, we need a cleaning crew.” You said firmly and Jack waited patiently before you continued. “There’s a lot of honey everywhere.” And that was when Jack lost it and began laughing loudly. He gripped his stomach as he laughed feeling tears beginning to pool at the corners of his eyes and then trail down his face.

           “Why is there honey Curaçao?” he asked after he was able to get a hold of himself and calm down.

           “We tracked Kingpin to a honey distributing warehouse. Tequila’s gonna need a cleaning crew just for him.” You responded like it wasn’t the most absurd thing to ever come out of your mouth. Jack laughed delightedly and pulled you closer to him snuggling you close to his body as he pressed kisses to your face.

           “Confirmed Curaçao. Get some rest.” He advised and felt your body fall limp against his and your breathing even out as you fell further into your dreams. He couldn’t wait to ask you about the honey warehouse dream tomorrow.

[elstreem]

LoZ FS: Tower of Dreams

6k words, one shot fanfiction with Akira Himekawa’s Four Swords manga characters. Red wakes up in a mysterious room and finds the disembodied voices of his other selves guiding him...

Red wasn't sure what woke him up - the distorted whispering in the air, the cold, hard, ground, or a sudden stab of fear that lanced his heart, making his eyes blink open and a broken sob spilling out of his mouth. Probably all of those combined, he thought as he pulled his limbs close to himself and shivered. Ohh, it was just like his nightmares of being alone -

"Red!"

The voice was loud and familiar, and in a moment Red was scrambling up to shout, "I'm here!" and looking for a green tunic, but -

But there was no one around in the weird space he found himself in. Red whirled around in confusion - he could have sworn Green had just called him from nearby, his voice was so close. He peered at the strange fog swirling around him, wondering if Green was maybe obscured by the green-tinged miasma -

"Red, are you okay!?"

"Where are you? Red?"

"Blue? Vio? I'm here!" Red called, looking around for the other parts of his self. Strange, Red could usually sense where they are if they were in close proximity, which should be the case if he could hear them so clearly…was this really a strange dream, after all?

"Red, watch out!"

Red instinctively ducked, following Green's warning as a Keese swooped from the murk. Red felt his heart hammering, felt the breeze stirred by the Keese's wings, heard the piercing shriek - there was no way his dream could be this detailed. Which could only mean he was indeed, awake and in danger.

"It's coming back! Defend yourself," Vio called out, and Red quickly reached for his wand and sword - but found neither of his trusty items at his back.

The Keese shrieked and dove down, its fangs scraping Red's cheek and leaving a scratch.

"Stop it, you stupid bat!" Blue's voice growled as Red stumbled away.

"Red! Find a rock or something, you gotta keep that thing away from you!" Blue advised.

"On it!" Red said, deciding to ask questions later and trust in his companions. Keeping his arms above his head for protection, Red dodged this way and that, followed by three voices of encouragement.

As always, whenever the four were in perfect accord, all differences were cast aside and their words and thoughts moved as if in sync. As it was, barely had Green said, "Left!" when Red already swerved, avoiding a pit in the ground. In this way, Red navigated the treacherous terrain, never seeing for himself what dangers lay in his path but always being forewarned by the other three.

"Red, there's something on the ground over there - a stick or something, you can probably use it to bat the Keese away," Blue directed, and without breaking stride, Red reached for the stick, whirled around, and smacked the oncoming Keese. The bat monster shrieked and hurtled away. Red sighed in relief, and noticed that the thing he was holding was actually a bone. "Ew!" Red groaned before letting his impromptu weapon go, hurriedly wiping his hands on his tunic afterwards for good measure.

"Oh, that was a little gross. But hey, it worked," Green said.

"Yeah. Thanks guys!" Red said, directing his words to the air. Speaking of which…Red frowned and peered around, even though he knew it was a futile effort.

"Where are you though? Can you see me? I can't see you…" Red said uncertainly.

"Yeah, I can see you and what's around you…"

"Same here."

"Yup."

"But I can't see you…" Red said, frowning in thought. A terrible thought then came to him, and he asked, "Y…you aren't ghosts, are you?"

"Of course not!…wait, I guess?" Blue said, starting with an indignant shout but ending the statement with a very uncertain question.

"Come to think of it, I'm not sure where we - our bodies are."

"Yeah, it's…I can see Red just fine, but I don't know where we are. But, Red, you can't see much where you are right now, right?"

"Right! There's this creepy mist around me…I can barely see my hand a distance my face," Red said, sticking his arm out for emphasis and shaking his hand a bit. True enough, he could barely make out of the outline of his hand even though it was just an arm's distance away.

"Okay…so until we figure out what happened, we have to be Red's eyes," Vio said.

"Why do we always have to be separated like this…" Red sighed despondently.

"Cheer up, we're still here!"

And so, Red started on his strange journey.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Since you dropped that bone earlier -"

"Hey, I'm not gonna hold it any longer than I have to!"

"I'm not saying you should go back for it, but you have to have something to protect yourself with…"

"I see a light over there to Red's…left, yes, left. It's a few paces away."

"Be careful, it might be a trap."

Red followed the directions, and found that he could see a faint ball of light in the gloom. He eagerly quickened his steps and came to a wall bearing a torch. The torch was perhaps the first cheerful sight Red had seen in the place, with its bright red flames. "Well, it's no magical rod, but it's better than a bone!" Red chirped, taking the torch off its bracket on the wall. The torch seemed just as happy to see Red, as it gave a little shower of sparks as soon as the hero was holding it securely in his hand.

"Phew, now I can breathe a little easier…I don't like seeing you without a sword, especially after what happened last time!"

"Okay, Blue, I know," Red said. With a fond smile, Red placed a hand on the wall, and found an idea coming to him.

"If I keep my hand on the wall…"

"Maybe you'll have a better chance of getting around!"

"It's a good start."

Red nodded - though he couldn't see any of his companions, he felt their presence so strongly it didn't matter if he couldn't see them. He walked on, fingers brushing against the rough stone wall. Fortunately the monsters seemed to be staying away, giving the four space to continue talking.

"What was the last thing you guys remember? Did you just wake like this?" Red asked, waving to the air with his torch.

"Something like that…I remember we fell asleep…and then when I woke up, I was just hovering over you," Blue answered.

"Yup, same here…wait! I think I remembered dreaming about something…a tower?" 

"You too? I wasn't sure, but I thought I remembered seeing a tower in the mist…"

Red gasped as the memory came back to him. "I remembered seeing a tower too!"

"How about you Blue?"

"Yeah, now that you mentioned it…and I think I went inside the tower, but I can remember anything past that."

"Maybe…we are inside that tower. Maybe this is a dream world?"

"It feels too real to me…" Red complained. Even with the warm flames of the torch he felt chilled, though whether it was because of the cold or the creepy atmosphere he wasn't sure.

"I see…a set of stairs ahead. Just go on!"

Gradually the wall curved off to the side, and like Green mentioned, there was a set of spiral stairs leading down. "If we're inside the tower, Red must be on the top floor," Vio noted.

"Ok, I guess I'll be going down," Red said. But before he could go down a step Blue shouted, "No, jump back!"

Startled by Blue's urgency, Red tripped and fell as he took a step back, but it was just enough to give him space to avoid a Skulltula that whizzed down. The giant spider blocked the stairway, waving its legs tauntingly in front of Red.

Red quickly scooted back, as the Skulltula was much too close for comfort.

 "Are you okay, Red?" Blue asked.

"Yeah, it didn't get me…but oww…I fell on my backside…" Red winced. In a moment he was standing up, used to far rougher scrapes (it was a hazard of being a Link). 

"Now what? I like this torch but I don't think it's as good as a sword…" Red said.

"Give it a good whack anyway," Blue suggested. 

"Uh…maybe there's something else in this room -"

"Stupid spider!" Red shouted, jabbing the Skulltula before Vio could finish his words.

The Skulltula hissed, legs writhing, before shooting back up again.

"Or yeah, maybe we can just whack the spider," Vio muttered.

"Yaay!" 

"Hey, whatever works, right?" Green said.

While the three voices reported that the stairs were free of any further spiders, monsters or otherwise, Red held his trusty torch higher up, hoping that the flames would deter any other monsters who would want to take a bite of a Hylian in a red tunic. Would his red tunic make him tastier to monsters? Red didn't want to know, and he let out a sigh of relief when he reached the next floor. Like the one he started out in, miasma obscured his vision.

"Still foggy in here," Red reported.

"Alright, go in carefully!"

"There's something here…oh, but my vision is darkening…weird…"

"Vio?" 

Keeping his ears open for the sounds of beating wings or the quiet clicking of spider legs, Red proceeded carefully. It had become worryingly quiet, and after a while Red couldn't stand the silence and whispered "Guys?"

A minute passed until he heard Green's reassuring voice. "What is it Red?"

"Oh, I was just worried, I wasn't hearing anything! It's freaking me out," Red said.

 "Something…ahead…"

"Vio?" 

"I'm here. I was saying, I see…something violet in this room."

"Huh? I wasn't hearing any of you say anything," Red said in confusion.

"Oh? That's strange…"

"Well, where is the thing you saw Vio?"

"Red's left…few paces away…oh, but it feels like my eyes are closing…"

Red opened his mouth, then shut it, not wanting to voice his fear that their voices will fade away entirely. Instead, he went off walking.

"This way Vio?" Red asked.

"……"

"Vio?"

"He said, a little more to your left," Blue relayed the message.

"Weird, Vio's voice keeps getting softer. Are you okay?" Green asked, voicing Red's concern.

"I'm fi…ne…"

Red practically dashed ahead and almost tripped over a treasure chest on the floor. Quickly, he opened the chest, fumbling a little as his one hand was still clutching the torch. 

"Oh! A violet key. Strange, it's shaped like the Four Sword," Red said upon seeing the contents.

He then got the key and put it in his pocket, then stood up as he heard something - something familiar. It was the sound of high-pitched jabbering.

Red whirled around and found several Chu Chus making their way towards him. 

"They're around you in a circle!" Blue said.

"Quick, formation!…oh drat, we're not there…Red!" Green called.

Red, desperately hoping that the torch trick was going to work a second time, took a swing at the closest Chu Chu. The lit end of the torch passed through the Chu Chu's gloop-like body…and the fire was snuffed out. Red pulled the torch back, but it was too late - all he had now was a stick with a burnt end coated in jelly. 

Red backed away, only to find another Chu Chu close by, and he realized too late that the monsters had closed the circle. 

"Red!" Both Blue and Green cried out.

Not knowing what else to do, Red put his hand back into his pocket and clutched the key.

"Oh, Vio…please, help me!" Red said.

"Spin attack! Now!" 

Red wasn't quite sure how it happened - but somehow, it felt like Vio was standing at his side and guiding his hand. He drew the key from his pocket, and holding it securely, spun around. A purple glow emanated from the key and took the shape of the Four Sword, the light slashing through the Chu Chus cleanly. The flash of light caused Red to shut his eyes, and in that brief moment he saw a round room with five doors. 

"I'm sorry Red…it feels like something is pulling me away…but I'm waiting here!" Vio said, his voice fading.

Red opened his eyes and found little puddles of colored goop around him, the key once more back to being a small, nondescript key. But Red knew it would lead him to Vio.

"Whew, that was too close! Are you okay, Red?" Green asked.

"Yup! Vio helped me," Red said, showing the key before pocketing it once more.

"Oh, that's good to know. But…where is Vio? Even I can't hear him…"

"There's room in this tower with five doors! Vio is there, and I bet you two, too. I think he's okay," Red said in a rush. He wasn't sure where the feeling came from, but just knowing for sure that all four of them really were in the same place gave Red courage.

"Oh!"

"What is it Green?"

"I sense something in the next floor. It feels like there is a green light, somehow. I'm not sure how to explain it."

"Red, are you sure this is the right way?" Blue asked, still worried about Vio's absence.

Red touched the key in his pocket and nodded.

"Well, let's continue then. Don't keep us waiting," Blue said.

"I can see the stairs to your right, Red…oh, but it's strange, I suddenly feel sleepy…"

"Ok I'm on it Green!"

"Hey, watch your step on the stairs!"

Red clattered down the stairs, trying to hold onto that confident feeling of knowing his companions were in the area and trying not to feel worried about the loss of Vio's voice. So eager was his pace that it took Blue practically yelling to get his attention.

"Red! Slow DOWN!"

Red skidded to a halt, fortunately making it onto the next floor without tripping.

"Huh? What it is Blue?" Red asked, realizing he had to gasp for breath from his sprint.

"Geez, I'm all up for rushing in, but be careful! What if you had slipped on those stairs?" Blue growled, and Red knew he would have gotten a scolding slap if Blue had been there at that moment.

"Sorry…I guess I just don't want to let you guys down!" Red said.

"You're…doing just great…be careful…" Green said, trying to be reassuring, but his voice was starting to waver in and out of Red's hearing.

"Anyway, why are you still holding that torch, Red?"  Blue asked.

"Oh? Oh yeah! It just makes me feel safer, I guess" Red said, waving the torch around. 

"Well, you should relight it so it's at least useful, right?" Blue pointed out.

"Oh, yeah," Red said, looking around. Noticing that a glob of Chu Chu jelly was still stuck to the end, Red tried to shake it off, but when the sticky wad didn't budge, he scraped the end of the torch against the floor. It did the trick - and in the strange way dungeon torches worked, the torch relit itself with a fwump! Red was a little startled, but he laughed on seeing the flames once more. "Hey, it worked!" Red cheered, waving the torch around, making the light dance and his shadow flicker.

"Hopefully you won't run into any more Chu Chus," Blue mused.

"Treasure chest…straight…"

"Oh, right! Sorry, Green," Red said, quickly getting back on track. 

"No monsters, but they might spring out when you open the chest, so be careful!" Blue warned.

Red nearly tripped over the chest, but stopped himself in time to kneel in front of it. He opened it one-handed once more, and found a green key, also shaped like the Four Sword.

"Okay, you can rest easy now, Green," Red said. 

He quickly pocketed the key and whirled around, expecting to see yet another ring of monsters. However, none materialized.

"Green? Are you gone too?" Blue asked in trepidation. 

Both Blue and Red waited for a response, but it seemed like Green had also gone silent.

"Ugh, I really don't like this," Blue muttered.

"So Blue, can you see the next way?" Red asked.

"Hmm, no…but the stairs are to your right. There's a pit in the way, so step carefully."

Red inched forward, and sure enough a broken patch of floor was in the way. 

"Don't worry, Blue, we can do this!" Red said, sensing Blue's quiet worry.

"Yeah…" Blue said. 

"Oh, Blue, are you fading too? Can you see your key?" Red asked.

"Red…w…tch OUT!"

Just then the green key flared with light, and Red saw that cracks were snaking out from the edge of the pit, rapidly taking over the floor. Red took steps back, but it was too late - the floor was already starting to crumble beneath his boots. With a gasp, Red found himself falling into the darkness. But the darkness didn't stay, as the light from the key glowed brighter, until it had formed a sphere of light around Red. As what happened with Vio, it seemed like the lost Green was holding Red's hand and guiding his fall.

"I'm sorry I could only stay this long…hold on! I'll do what I can…" 

While Green's light was guiding him, Red saw the vision of the round room again, only now he saw that a flight of stairs was leading down to it and he knew for sure then that the round room was at the bottom of the tower.

The light faded, and with it the vision, and Red found his feet settling back onto the ground

"Red!"

"I'm okay, Blue!" Red called out. "Thanks to Green," Red added, and took a look into his pocket - sure enough, the green key was there, though it had spent all its light. The two keys in Red's pocket poked into his side in an uncomfortable sensation, but it was a sure sign that they were there. 

"Red…sorry…but I'm also…" 

"It's okay, Blue. I'm nearly there," Red said.

"Okay. Go…left."

Red went ahead, the torch's flame crackling in the chill air but still working, as though it fed off Red's determination to see the quest through.

In a short while, Red saw the chest, and he quickly opened it up, to find a blue key.

"I got you, Blue!" Red said. He stood up and said, "Can you still hear me?"

The air was still, and Red could only hear his own words. "It's up to me, then," Red said, clutching the blue key to himself.

Red quickly brought his hand around to pocket the key - but not quickly enough. Something whizzed in the air, and something sharp flicked into Red's hand, causing the lad to cry out - in pain and anguish. The key was gone! 

Red whirled around, ignoring the blood drops coming out of his cut. He saw something dark and slender disappear into the murk, and barely a beat later, a rush of cold air blew past Red. He raised his arms to shelter his face from the stinging wind. He could still see however, and he saw that the ominous fog had cleared - and hovering before him was a winged serpentine creature with glowing yellow eyes. The tip of the serpent's tail ended in a sharp point, still flecked with Red's blood - but more importantly, still curled around a glimmer of blue.

"Give that back!" Red said desperately. The snake showed its fangs and hissed mockingly, before giving another beat of its wings and lifting itself into the air. It whirled around the room, emitting the same fog which had covered it from sight, before diving into a set of stairs at one end of the room.

"No! No no no!" Red shouted, dropping the torch and reaching out with his wounded hand, but flinching as the wound began to sting with pain. Red clutched his hand and dropped to his knees, feeling some tears come on.

"Oh, Blue…I'm so sorry…" Red gasped. He disconsolately looked at his shaking hands, which were now smeared with blood. The shock of the moment got to Red, and he blankly stared at his hands as darkness wavered at the edges of his vision.

But it wasn't simply shock that was making the darkness move in Red's vision. The torch cast behind him still burned with a small flame, its glow stopped by Red's figure, resulting in a shadow stretching out before Red. And the shadow was not having any of this injustice done to his other selves. 

"Snap out of it!"

Having another familiar voice jolted Red, and he wildly looked around. "Huh? Who…?" Red asked.

"You can't let this get to you. Come on, go!" the vaguely familiar voice said. So similar to the voices of the other Links, but different…which could only mean it was…

"Shadow!?" Red asked.

"What more do I need to tell you? That my key is with that snakey thing? And if anyone is going to help you whack that monster, that Blue guy is you best bet, so get to that key already!"

"R-right! Sorry," Red said. Seeing as his cut was still bleeding, Red tore a bit off the hem of his tunic and wrapped the strip of fabric around his hand. As Red wasn't looking directly at him, Shadow allowed himself a quick wince of discomfort at seeing Red's wound. Red quickly reached back to grab the torch, before standing up. This time, Shadow stretched out and pointed the way. "No more of the left right nonsense. Just follow my lead, and don't mess up, got it?"

"You're sure being nice today, Shadow," Red said with a shaky smile, making Shadow huff in mock exasperation.

With Shadow leading the way, Red navigated to the stairs and walked down as fast as he could, though his progress was slowed down by the pain in his hand. 

"That doesn't look too good," Shadow noted the trail of crimson drops.

"It's ok, all I have to do…is to whack that snakey guy…or something…" Red said.

"Whack…a flying snake. With a torch?" Shadow asked in a skeptical tone.

"Well, do you have any suggestions?"

"I don't know, you could have picked up something a little more useful!…too late for that, he's in the room just a few steps ahead."

Shadow hesitated, and said," Hey, be careful, okay? I can see him in this fog, so I'll try my best to warn you, but you've seen how fast this guy is."

"Ugh…" Red groaned as his wound seemed to smart with renewed pain.

A sound like a shriek and a hiss greeted Red as soon as he set foot within the room, and in a moment Shadow said, "He's coming, move!" 

Red jumped ahead, narrowly missing the serpent slamming its head at the floor where he had just been standing.

Red turned around, and found himself face to face with the serpent. The monster's red pupils glimmered with malevolent light, and Red backed up a step.

The serpent raised itself and took to the air again, the fog covering its form. The eyes glowed in the fog for a moment before the snake darted away, and Red lost sight of it.

"Why didn't you poke it in the eye at that moment!?" Shadow said.

"Ah, right!" Red said.

"Too late for that now, - tail coming in!' Shadow shouted.

Red raised his arms in front of his face instinctively at the feeling of something rushing at his body. The next thing Red knew something sharp ripped into his side, leaving yet another gash that stained his tunic a deeper color. Red gasped and flinched away, but the tail struck again, this time hitting his chest. Fortunately the sharp point did not strike Red this time, but the blow drove him onto his back. Red gasped as he fell, his hand losing its grip on the torch. The serpent then leaned its head over him, letting out a mocking hiss as a laugh. Caught up in a feeling of complete victory, the serpent failed to notice that its tail, rested tauntingly on Red's chest, also allowed the key to be within Red's grasp. But Red remembered, and more than that the feeling that Blue was near overrode his fear. Red's hands clapped over the tail, his fingers prying at the key.

"Give…back…Blue!" Red growled, and beneath his fingers the key shone in response.

"I'm here!" 

The light took the form of Blue springing out at the serpent's neck, causing the monster to be flung back. The blue key slipped from the coil of its tail, straight into Red's hands.

"Took you long enough," Shadow muttered as Red sat up. Both Shadow and Red almost felt bad for the serpent in facing a very angry Blue. The monster thrashed around in pain as Blue's arms squeezed its neck. Red went over to pick up the torch, and as Blue pulled the serpent close, he was in perfect position to jab the lit end of the torch straight in the monster's fanged mouth when the head was flung close. Blue jumped off as the serpent reared, flames spilling from its mouth. 

"Well, I guess it's time for my party trick…Red, pick up our pal's tail here, would you? You'll need it," Shadow said conversationally as the snake, flailing in agony, threw itself down and stopped there. 

"Not the tail, it's hurt Red enough times already!" Blue said worriedly. 

"Ah!" Red said, noticing that the tail's sharp point reminded him of a sword. The hero dashed forward and carefully caught hold of the tail, before pulling it with all his might. The end part of the tail ripped away in his hands, revealing it to be a key similar to the others, but colored black.

"Leave this one to me," Shadow said. He gathered himself up from where he was, and in answer, the key in Red's hand gave off dark-colored smoke. Shadow rose out of the floor, his substance rippling until he took shape, and the smoke rising off the key flew into Shadow's hand, forming a blade. Shadow leapt off and dove down, the point plunging into the side of the snake's skull and piercing both of its eyes.

"Oh, gross," Red winced at the gruesome sight.

 "He deserved it," Shadow said, flowing back to Red's side. The snake turned its ruined head back towards the boy in a ripped and bloodied tunic, a figure made of blue light and a figure made darkness. It let out one last hissing scream, before slumping to the ground and going still. As if an enchantment had broken, the fog lifted. Both Blue and Shadow turned to Red, who was standing strong despite being battered and bruised.

"Well, I guess it's time for me to go," Red said, pocketing the two new keys. 

"I'll see you in a bit," Blue said with a smile, and his form dissipated.

Red turned to Shadow, who was staying quite solid. This Link raised an eyebrow at Red, before saying, "What?"

"Oh…aren't you fading away?" Red asked.

"I'm a shadow. I'm quite at home in weird realms, and this magical dream is no different," Shadow said as if this was common knowledge.

"Oh! Wait…but then you still need me to unlock your door, right?" Red said.

Shadow winced in annoyance. "Well, yeah, I got caught up in this tower nonsense, but I'm not falling for the sleep spell going around," he growled. Despite his impressive words he found himself stumbling a moment later.

"Darn it."

"It's just one set of stairs! That's how long you'll have to wait for me," Red said reassuringly. 

"Ughh…" Shadow groaned, before allowing his form to slip away.

Red walked carefully down the last set of stairs, trying to go as fast as he can with the cut at his side hurting with every step. Finally, he reached a door made of red-colored planks. He pushed through this and found himself in the round room, facing four other doors with familiar colors: violet, green, blue and black.

Red went on over to Vio's door, which was closest to his. He put the violet key into the lock and eagerly pushed the door open, a smile growing on his face as he expected to see Vio awaiting him with open arms. However, what he saw made Red worried - Vio was indeed inside, but he was lying on the floor, unmoving. 

"Vio?" Red called, before coming close. Vio did not respond, and Red shook his companion and called his name again. Vio did not stir.

"Vio, please, wake up!" Red said, starting to panic now. But there was no response whatsoever.

"Ohh, what now? Should I wake the others?…wait here!" Red gabbled before dashing off. 

He barged into Green's room, but found Green in the same comatose state. Hoping that maybe the spell would be broken once all doors opened, Red practically dashed into Blue's room, shouted his name just to make sure, but Blue did not wake up.

One last door then - Red got up and went outside Blue's door, only to find Green and Vio walking out of their rooms.

"Oh, thank goodness, you're awake!" Red cried out. 

"You're too late."

The cold statement made Red freeze in place.

"Useless, pathetic fool. You only had one job and you failed," Green sneered.

"You couldn't have gotten this far without OUR help. You did nothing," and Red whirled around to find Blue smirking at him.

"N…no…" Red whispered.

"Oh, are you going to cry now?" Vio taunted. 

Red looked desperately at their faces, but found only mocking smiles and hateful glares.

"I don't know what's going on but…this isn't you…this isn't like any of you!" Red said.

"Look, Red…we all think you're a burden."

"Weak."

"Dependent."

"Soft-hearted young fool."

"And we don't need to lie about that now, do we?" the three said in unison.

"Stop it! Whoever it is making you do this…stop it!" Red cried out. Each and every word cut him in a way more hurtful than his wounds, as they were his own doubts now spoken.

"Oh? I don't need to make your friends do anything. I'm pulling the words right out of their hearts. After all, it is in dreams that we say what we are too embarrassed to speak of," the voices said, growing more sinister with the edge of a hiss.

"You!" Red gasped, recognizing the sibilant sound of the snake monster.

"Let go of my friends!" Red shouted. 

"Ah, but is that all you'll be doing? Shouting? I can do more with your friends than to simply speak with their voice," the monster said.

At this, all three of the other Links lurched away, pulled by the twisted magic of the Tower Serpent.

"Should I wring this one's neck by his own hands?" the voice mused, and to Red's horror Blue's hands rose to grasp his own neck. 

"STOP!" Red screamed, running after Blue.

"Oh, but these other two - perhaps they should gouge the eyes out of the other, seeing as that other brat has destroyed my own," the Serpent said, making Green and Vio face each other, hands rising towards each other's faces.

The serpent's words made Red remember that Shadow's door was yet unopened - and so, he ran as fast as he could, hands reaching out for the black door.

"Not so fast now!"

Something - someone - tugged Red back and he found himself being restrained by Blue.

"Perhaps this is the best way to torment you - to be killed by the hands of your own companions," the Serpent laughed, and Red saw that Green and Vio were coming close. What they would do to him he had no idea, but going by the Serpent's threats it wouldn't be good.

Red closed his eyes and thought about how every one had helped save his life from every danger, and if they ever woke up and found out they had hurt him…it would break them more than any physical torture the sadistic snake had offered.

"Please…stop it…let them…GO!" Red shouted.

Light flared off Red, pushing back the other Links. Burning with a fierce desire to save his friends, Red willed the Four Sword to return to his hand - and form it did, in a blaze of red light. More importantly, Red saw the chains of the serpent's magic tangled around the Links, and with a yell he cut through all of them, severing the serpent's power. The last vestiges of the magical creature stared in shock at Red, unbelieving that this boy was just as strong as his companions. And Red, seeing the Serpent's ghostly form hanging above their heads, lifted his blade and jumped, cutting the monster's head off. With a final scream the creature was vanquished. Red knew this because the other three fell to the floor and uttered various groans of pain - but in their own voices.

"Guys!" Red said joyfully, and the three looked up to see Red still ablaze with his light.

"Red?…Red!"

The four came together in a joyous heap, reunited at last. Unfortunately, the moment did not last long as the tower began to shake, and stones from above began to rain down.

"The tower…it's collapsing!" Green gasped.

"Now that that monster is gone, this tower has lost its purpose. We have to go!" Vio said.

"But…but Shadow!" Red cried, lunging for the black door. 

"Come on!" Blue said, and holding hands, the four ran to Shadow's door. Red held out the key, and with a final lunge he pushed the key into the lock and twisted it. The door flew open, and from within the room, Shadow reached out a hand. But before they could enter, the arch of stones above the door wobbled alarmingly, threatening to collapse into a pile of rubble. 

Blue and Green both pulled Vio and Red back as the doorway crumbled. They all gasped in dismay, but the situation didn't leave time for crying - more piles of rubble were falling around them.

"Let's go!" Blue shouted, and reluctantly the four sprinted towards an opening where the wall had caved in. They jumped out of the crumbling tower and fell down, down…into darkness…

~~~~~~~

"Aghh!" 

"Red? What is it?"

Red sat bolt-upright, convinced that he was still falling. However, the sight that greeted him was anything but a scary and dangerous dungeon - he was on his own bed, the sun was streaming through a window, and Blue was standing at the door holding two cups of hot chocolate.

"Ah! Blue…the Tower, our dream, I…" Red said, looking reflexively at his hand - but neither of them bore a bleeding gash. Red carefully patted his sides - no wounds there, as well.

"Our dream?" Blue asked.

"Shadow! We left Shadow behind!" Red said, standing up in a panic, causing his pillow and blankets to go flying. 

"Shadow? What about him -"

"Ohhh it's all my fault! I was too slow and…and he must still be trapped in that horrible snake's dungeon! I'm USELESS!" Red said, bursting into hysterical tears.

"Red! What is wrong!? Blue yelled, spooked by Red's behavior.

Red was crying too hard to be able to process anything else, the snake's choice words coming back to circle his head like a demented tune. Some time later, Red was able to pull himself out of it enough to realize that Blue was standing over him, with Green beside him and Vio on the other side. Green's arm was slung around his shoulders, and Vio was patting his back. 

"Red…it's okay…"

"We're here."

"Really, Red, you've been crying nonstop…what's wrong?"

Red blearily looked around, exhausted by the surge of emotions.

"I…you don't remember the dream?" Red sniffled.

"What dream?"

"Th-the Tower…but it felt so real…" Red said.

"Well, I don't know anything about a tower, but I want to get out of this dungeon of a room. What's with the doom and gloom?"

Red straightened up as he saw Shadow come in.

"Sh-shadow…"

"Yeah?"

"YOU'RE OKAY!"

The next thing Shadow knew, he was bowled over by a red cannonball who was now spewing tears all over his chest.

"Get off me you dumb -!"

"I'm so sorry!" 

"You will be if you don't get off me right now!" Shadow bellowed, pushing Red off.

"Ha ha…I'm so glad everyone is alright!" Red said, fairly laughing in relief.

"Crazy," Shadow muttered as he dusted himself off.

"Well, I think we need to hear all about this dream. Let's have breakfast, okay?" Green said.

"Okay!" Red said with a smile. He let himself be led to the table by Green and Blue, reveling in the fact that everyone was alright. Maybe…it had all been a long, convoluted nightmare, everything really was alright.

In the chatter, Shadow watched Red carefully sit down and take a sip of the hot chocolate (which had grown cold from waiting). It will be a long story at the breakfast table today, Shadow thought. He slid over the best pancakes over to Red's plate as a silent thank-you, and listened as Red began, "Well, it began when I thought I woke up…"

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

Heya, thanks for reading! Anyway, this story was inspired by a dream I had where I was watching Red navigate a misty room, and there was a part where there was a round room with doors colored like the FS Links - so here’s the result! Big thanks to everyone who encouraged me to write this and gave wonderful feedback - I hope the format works better now. 

This is the most writing I’ve done since I graduated from a Creative Writing course in May of 2019. I actually wrote this around September of 2019, I think? Anyway, I’m really burnt out from writing and I still feel so emotionally constipated whenever I think about uploading any written stuff, which is why I hardly ever upload anything written...so I’m a liar when I said I’m a writer lol. Anyway, this is just what this piece means to me so I hope it’s ok. 

[obwjam]

hear me out- Bucky having made friends with a borrower, and that borrower being tortured by HYDRA in order to bring back the winter solider

i have heard you. and i shall answer you. i actually LIVE for the “tiny comes from a place of torture and is rescued by a big friend” trope. like, absolutely obsessed. the dynamic is A++++++

(tw: mentions of blood, torture, guns)

taglist: @nightmarejasmine @burrpoetry @thepoolofthedead @the-original-space-cowboy @gttrash @smolkuriboh27 @bittykimmy @misfitsgalaxygt @a-black-pegasus @smol-jar-of-pickles @sanderssidestrash27 @snack-at-midnight@haveyouheardofborrowers @pomelo-chan @sammigruber @gttrash@tiefling-trickery @bittykimmy​ @random-sanders-dragon

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Bucky blamed himself.

There was no one else to blame. If he had never talked to you, you would have gone your whole life without getting into trouble. You would have kept borrowing peacefully, blissfully unaware that he knew your every move. He had been watching you for so long and you had no idea. At the time, it seemed like a good idea to finally meet the tiny that lived in his walls.

When he first saw you, he had no words. He had never seen something like you before. He watched in the shadows as you carried grapes in your arms like a giant beach ball. He was hardly upset; it was a treat just watching you do what you do.

He watched you for weeks. He found that you came out at the exact same time every night, because at that point, he was usually asleep. He never left food out on the counter per se, but he made sure to be a little extra clumsy while cooking from time to time. 

He was enthralled. He couldn’t stop. At some point, he figured, it bordered on creepy to watch you without knowing anything about you. It was hard pinning you down the first time he met you -- literally, he tried to pin you down -- but eventually, he found out the best way to talk to you was no grabbing and no looming.

You two were surprisingly similar. You were both pretty quiet and reserved, both had tough pasts. You both knew what it was like to lose friends and family. You knew what it was like to feel like you didn’t belong. 

Now, it all felt like a trap. Hydra had been hunting Bucky for months. They knew he now had the protection of the Avengers, so swooping in to attack him was no longer an option. Somehow, they needed to lure him back to their base.

And you were the perfect bait.

During a failed attack, Hydra had at least managed to bug the place to keep tabs on Bucky’s habits. They were pleasantly surprised to discover that he had a tiny companion that he seemed to be very fond of.

“P-please, s-stop-stop... “ you begged, but you knew it was worthless. You were going on your fifth--no, sixth?-- hour of torture. The first few hours, you just sat in a cage in a dark room. Complete and total isolation. The growing anxiety of when, who and what was coming for you next drove you into a panic so frantic that you spent a half hour trying to rip away at the cage’s wiry bars. 

Finally, when someone did show up, their presence was enough to make you cry. They opened the cage and lifted you up by your shirt, dangling you higher and higher in the air once they saw how furiously you kicked your legs. They moved their fingers from your shirt to your torso, spinning you around in the air as they observed you.

“What a sad little creature…”  they whispered, squeezing you incrementally harder and smirking as your face contorted from the pain. Your eyes felt like they were about to pop out of your head as the air flew out of your lungs like a vacuum sucking up air. 

You were dumped onto tables, prodded with tools, flicked by fingers, gazed down upon by dozens of eyes and held in place by pieces of tape. Oh, the tape was the worst. All you could do was look straight into the eyes of your captors. They would rip off the tape and replace it with new strips for fun, just to watch the tears leak from your eyes. 

You knew exactly why they were doing this, too; Bucky had told you just about everything. There was a part of you that was begging him to come and save you -- you had never felt this kind of pain before. But that was Hydra’s intention. You had to be stronger than this. Your best friend’s life was at stake.

Bucky’s hair was whipping so fast he thought it might fall out. He hadn’t eased his grip on his handlebars since he got on his motorcycle. How could he let this happen? Why didn’t he just let you come with him on his grocery store trip? To think that your safety was his concern…

He kept repeating your name under his breath. To say it out loud, it was his only way of convincing himself you were still alive.

You cringed underneath the magnifying glass being held over you. The heat from the lamp above you and the way it filtered through the glass made you feel like you were sitting next to the sun. You could feel your clothes soaking with sweat.

There was a loud bang somewhere off in the distance. Men were screaming, guns were firing and boots were thumping.

He was here.

Bucky hadn’t felt this kind of fervor in a long time. He was barely thinking as he knocked out agent after agent. He didn’t even feel like he could be touched right now. He wouldn’t allow himself to be. He knew it was a trap, but his only goal was to rescue you.

“Where ARE THEY?!” he screamed as he fired bullets into the chest of another agent.

The doctors who were handing you looked up. They almost couldn’t believe the anger in Bucky’s voice. They knew you were important to him, but they may have underestimated just how important.

“BUCKY!!!” you screamed, knowing full well you’d be punished for it. “BUCKY! IN HERE! BUCKYYYYYYYYYYY!”

You suddenly felt the force of a giant hand over you. One of the doctors slammed his entire palm over you, intentionally pressing it against your body. You tried to scream, but couldn’t open your mouth. You were lucky to get some breaths in.

Bucky heard something small. It sounded like his name. He thought it could be even more of a trap -- that whatever voice he was about to follow wasn’t actually yours. But in this dark, damp facility, it was all he had to follow.

“You little rat,” the doctor hissed at his hand.

“Take your hand off them. If they die then he’ll go mad,” the other doctor insisted. 

“If he hears them, he’ll come in here,” the first doctor said, sounding nervous. “And we don’t want him to--”

He didn’t get a chance to finish. The door burst open and Bucky ran through, gun pointed. The two doctors cocked their guns in response, finally giving you some air. Bucky immediately saw you.

“What have you done to them,” he growled. He could see the glint of blood dripping from your head. 

“Nothing permanent,” the doctor snarled, chucking his gun aside to lunge at Bucky. Bucky blocked every punch and dodged every kick, holding his own in this two-on-one fight in the small room. He put his gun back in his pocket so he wouldn’t accidentally fire it at you. 

As the giant men fought, you squirmed in the tape. The more you wiggled, the more you could feel the stickiness wearing off. Even though the tape dragged and pulled at your skin like a dog pulls on a rope toy, you managed to get one of your legs free.

“Longing,” one of the doctors yelled in Russian. Bucky’s eyes widened.

“No,” he whispered, taking a swing at the doctor. He missed.

“Rusted,” the other doctor yelled next.

“NO!” Bucky took another wild swing.

“FURNACE!”

“STOP IT!” Bucky swiped, missing the head of the doctor narrowly. His force propelled him forward and he smacked into the desk where you were pinned down. You looked up in horror as the bookshelf on the desk started to shake. Luckily, nothing fell.

“(Y/N!)” Bucky gasped before the doctors spoke again.

“Bucky, what’s going on, what are they saying, what’s--”

“DAYBREAK!”

Bucky clutched his head, his breath picking up. He looked down at you, bleeding, sweating, crying and shaking. He hadn’t seen someone so roughed up in a long, long time.

“I’m sorry buddy, this shouldn’t have happened,” he breathed. “I should have just-- I should have protected you.”

“Stop,” you said, hiccuping between breaths. “Stop, stop. Don’t blame yourself. I’m glad you found me.”

Bucky smiled -- the closest thing he’s come to a smile in a long time, anyway -- as he turned his attention back to the doctors.

“Seventeen,” one of them said. Bucky’s hand was shaking as he reached for the gun in his pocket.

“Bucky, whatever it is, don’t listen to it,” you pleaded. “Please… please, I need you!”

Bucky shut his eyes, repeating your name in his head over and over. He felt the cool surface of the gun’s handle scrape his fingertips.

“Benign.”

A flash of pain went through his skull. He gripped the gun.

“Nine.”

“Homecoming.”

“One.”

“Freight c--”

Boom.

The first bullet flew right through the chest of the first doctor. Blood began slowly leaking from the circle wound as the doctor clutched his chest and staggered backwards. The other doctor was taken aback, giving Bucky enough time to put a bullet through his chest before he could utter the last word.

In an instant, the two doctors were slumped on the floor, lifeless. Bucky dropped his gun and ran over to you.

“Please, hold still,” he said, raising his shaking fingers to the edge of the tape. You closed your eyes and gritted your teeth as he peeled it back.

“OwowowowowOW!” you said impulsively. 

“Sorry, little guy,” Bucky muttered, moving over to the next strip. He felt guilty for hurting you.

“This--ah!--isn’t your fault,” you said, reading the guilt all over his face. Your jaw was quivering at the sight of his giant trembling fingertips inches from your face.

“Stop saying that,” Bucky said snidely. “Just let me get this off of you.”

You wondered why it hurt less getting the tape off your leg, until you tried to stand up. You had lost all feeling.

“Woah!” Bucky stuck his hand out, extending his pointer finger. “How badly are you hurt?”

“Well, I guess I can’t feel my left leg,” you said, pushing on his finger and using it to stand up. “That’s new.”

“Aw man,” he said, starting to twist his hands underneath you. “Can I…?”

You nodded, letting him take the pressure off you as he lifted you slowly into the air. You fell back into his palm and leaned back on his curved fingers. Staring up at his billboard-sized face freaked you out for a moment, if only because you were still reeling from what just happened.

“I’m sorry you had to see that,” Bucky mumbled as he stepped over the bodies of the doctors. He looked back down at them one last time, just to make sure.

“It’s… it’s okay,” you said, staring down at the bodies with him. You had never seen a dead body before and you hoped you’d never have to again. “Y-you had no choice.”

“I should have never dragged you into this mess.”

“Bucky…” you sighed. “You, someone with a sick metal arm and literal superpowers, wanted to be friends with me. You thought I was cool. I still can’t believe that. And now you’re… you’re my best friend. I didn’t care that these goons took me. I only cared that you might get hurt trying to find me. Or that I’d never see you again.”

Bucky didn’t realize he was smiling, probably because he forgot what it felt like to do that. What you didn’t know was that Bucky thought you were much stronger than him, in all the ways it counted.

“I won’t let anything like this happen to you again, (Y/n),” Bucky said quietly.

You smiled. “Just let me come to the grocery store with you next time.”

Bucky laughed the smallest of laughs. 

“Only for you.”

[razorblade180]

Lasting Embers pt14: Training Day pt2

[Atlas SDC headquarter CEO office]

*A man in his early thirties wearing a business suit in the Schnee family colors sits at his desk writing. His hair swooped back and cleanly shaven. Pretty in shape, like a bulkier Neptune*

Secretary:*creaking open door* Whitley, your special guest has arrived.

Whitley:Thank you Julia; please send her in.

*a women with black leather pants and dark combat boots walks in. Zipped up black jacket jacket and wearing aviators; gold trim on the seams of her clothes. Not to mention a ridiculously long auburn ponytail*

Whitley:Hey Illia, how’s the weather treating you?

Illia:Cold as usual *removes glasses* I see you’re on a first name basis with your secretary now; about time.

Whitley:*smirks and stops writing* You haven’t changed since your last visit. You’re a bit late; stop by lunch areas to flirt with my cook again? She’s been talking about you.

Illia:*sits on his desk* Can you blame her? Anyways, I’m here on the usual business mostly. *lifts his chin and examines his face* you eating well? Any death threats or loss of sleep? Death by stress or malnutrition isn’t something I can protect you from.

Whitley:*chuckles* I’m fine, I’m fine *moving her hand* What about you?

Illia:Eh, the usual. Killing the bad guys and taking life a day at a time; all before anyone knows they’re in trouble. *puts a file on his desk* oh, there’s an assassination attempt on your life being planned by the way.

Whitley:Of course, another person mad I banned Faunus labor or is it more sister related? *opens folder to see faces of men in grey hoods and red veins near their eyes and hands* You think cult members would look more inconspicuous....

Illia:They’re currently in a warehouse a little ways up north of here. A splinter group that has their own way of trying to please “Salem the great and powerful” They obviously know about Weiss so....

Whitley:They’re going after her loved ones yada yada yada. She’s getting such an ear full when she comes back.

Illia:You think she’s okay?

Whitley:If you can survive our house then you can survive anything. So, how are you going to deal with these lot.

Illia:Don’t have to myself; I’ve been put in charge of training a newbie. This is no real threat so she went on ahead to despose of the problem. Shouldn’t take her too long.

*knock knock knock*

Whitley:That was fa-

Illia:*draws her weapon* too fast.... stay back.

[Warehouse]

*pretty vacant except for crates and blueprints everywhere. A table in the middle with four cloaked figures around it*

Thug 1: Are you sure this is gonna work? Like I get he’s not a huntsmen or anything but I heard this guy has taken down other people before us.

Thug 2:Idiot *flicking him* unlike the others we have an actual plan. We’ll strike right in the middle of traffic go rain bullets down from the building above.

Thug 3:Yee the boss left us in charge of this operation while he and two more go off and secure something else. Uhhh I forgot what kind of a play he was making.

Thug 4:*young women’s voice* Honestly why did I get stuck with you three? He said he was making a power play; rumor has it the branch of the cult is essentially history. That’s why he’s gone to hunt down the winter maiden. With access to the relic and the SDC fortune then he’s top dog. Rumor has it that the maiden might be somewhere hiding in Menagerie.

“Well isn’t that interesting news? Thanks for the info.”

*everyone reading their rifles*

Thug 1:Who said that!?

“Guns? Aren’t you for members of the Children of Salem; shouldn’t you be having grimm serve you with those gross veins of yours? Or did your boss not trust you enough to lend you some”

Thug 4:Show yourself!!! If you think hiding in the shadows can-

*a chain flies out and wraps the gun. Pulling it to the side and shooting the first thug right through the chest*

Thug 2:Shit!!!! *freaking out* what the hell is going on!?

“The shadows are sort of my thing. I could show you my face sense I’m not allowed to leave survivors but.....I need practice.

Thug 3: Stop toying with us you crazy bitc-ugh! *blood dripping down the mouth*

*a chain out of the shadows with a metal tip finds its way into Thug 3*

“Cat got your tongue; or heart?” *reels his body into the darkness*

Thug 2: *dropping his gun* Okay we give up! We’ll tell you everything we know; I swear!

......

“When did your boss leave for Menagerie?”

Thug 4:Yesterday, by airship! I think a cargo one?

“Hmm I think I can catch up to that. Thanks for information.”

Thug 2:Are...are we good?

*chain wraps around both of them tying them up. A figure of a woman in her early twenties and wearing a similar outfit to Illia. However the seams are white to match her white tiger ears and dawns a black mask reminiscent of the white fang.*

“No, you’re far from good.”

*picks up the rifle*

•

Illia:*opens up the door quickly and jumps back to defend Whitley* State your name and- Weiss?

Weiss:*slightly taller and dressed more like her sister. Hair style like her mother yet somehow looking just like her normal self* Well that was one way to be welcomed home. I guess I should expect nothing less from-

Whitley:*runs up and hugs her* Hey dork, you look like mom.

Weiss:Ugh, you’re one to talk *hugs him tightly* I half expected you to be rocking a bushy mustache.

Whitley:When hell freezes over.

Weiss:Ooo do I have a story for you later. *chuckles*

Illia:If you’re here then does that mean... *scroll rings* Uhhh hello?

Blake:Hey stranger, you miss me?

Illia:.......*tearing up* Blake?

Blake:Who else? I know it’s been awhile but I’d at least thought you’d have my number saved. Just letting you know that I’m home; I’m finally home.

Illia:You’re already back in Menagerie!?

Blake:*sitting on top a palm tree looking into her house window* Yep, no one knows yet besides Adam’s family. *watching a certain monkey Faunus hard at work running her organization* that’s about to change though.

Illia:I didn’t realize he knew you were back. I came out to Atlas for nothing!?

Blake:No, he wasn’t home. His daughter said he was already going on another trip; he’s probably going through the same shock you are. Anyways just also calling to tell you that there’s probably gonna be a celebration when everyone realizes I’m back. As of now your job is to come home and relax with your old friend my sinister shadow.

Illia:*chuckles* As you wish High Leader Belladonna; save me some food. *hanging up* well better go get my recruit and- *scroll rings* speak of the devil. *answering* so how was your first solo op Sienna?

Sienna:*taking off her mask as she watches a warehouse burn. Her maple tan skin feeling the cold air as her short black hair catches the wind* I wish it was someone place warmer; had to heat myself up. Everything here is done but we sort of have to head to Menagerie right now.

Illia:Why do I have a feeling it’s for a different reason I want to go back?

Sienna:I’ll tell you on the ride there but uhh let’s keep this one extra off the books please? It involves my mom.... *wiping blood of her mask and chain* not that I’m too worried; her and Jael are tough. Just wish dad was there for sure.

[Jaune’s Yard]

Yujin:You’re mine! *swings her blade, barely missing Adam’s head* crap!

*abandons her sword to keep up the pressure with high speed jabs and kicks. Not giving him any room to breath*

Adam:*bobbing all her attacks as he tries to back up* interesting choice when fighting a superior opponent. Keeping the flow of a fight yours to maintain at the cost of your weapon. *catches a punch and knees in the gut*

Yujin:*cough* You know me, always coming up with ideas! *goes for rib shot but he dodges back*

Adam:Well points for- *aura discharges from her punch and knocks him back*

Yujin:Ha! *runs up and kicks off of him to send him either further back* (that should be enough distance....)

*picks up her sword and makes it glow an intense white. Flames emerge from hit*

Yujin:Here goes nothing..... *unleashes 3 slashes our pure white flames* sunslice....

Adam:*Smiling* Not bad...*moon slices through all three*

Yujin:Tsk *slices the oncoming attack* still not enough to out do yours huh? Okay...*switches to gauntlets*

Ruby:She’s pretty good with that sword; it’s almost her size yet she can swing it one handed. Almost reminds me of Qrow....

Jaune:Probably because everyone chimed in and told her about his moves. He might be gone but a bit of his flare isn’t.

Ruby:......*smiles* Good, that’s really good to know.

Yang:*soaking in the fight that’s in front of her. Seeing her daughter counter blade strikes with punches; displaying moves all too noticeable to her as her dad’s handy work*

Jaune:Enjoying the show?

*Yujin’s fist catching fire. Another aura filled punch scattering the flames as the embers dance around her. Not messing a step when avoiding Adam’s relentless bullets and cross slashes*

Yang:I wish....I wish I could’ve helped create this. *somber smile* look at our kid go; she’s in her element right now.

*Adam jumping over a sweep kicking and blocking an assault of jabs. Sparks flying off his sword*

Yang:And I didn’t help with any of it.... I feel a little bad.

Jaune:Are you kidding? Yang, you might not have been here but plenty recordings of your training days are. She won’t admit it but I know she’s watched every single one to be even remotely as good as you.

Yang:*shocked* Really?

Jaune:*Nodding* Yujin did everything she could to deny hand to hand combat; to be separated from you. No matter how hard she tried though she knew if she was gonna be huntress that eventually she’d have to come to terms with you have a legacy with rich insight. To be a little more like herself she’d swallowed her pride, and started acting a little more like you.

Ruby:Makes sense; she looked very angry fighting you hand to hand but also a little thrill. If I had to guess I’d say it was probably because she finally got to see where she stood.

Yujin: *Jumping back for distance, trying to catch her breath* Come on Adam, *huff* my mom tire you out. (shouldn’t be long now) no holding back *raises her gaurd*

Adam:*sword glowing* Says the one breathing deep. You’ve grown a lot Yujin; I’m proud. However, I think this might be your limit.

Yujin:Well let’s find out!! *bumps her first together and charges at him.*

Adam:This won’t kill you but it’s not gonna tickle *dashes towards him swinging his sword down at her*

Yujin:*smirks*

*a giant thumb erupts from the clash. Dirt and dust flying into the air as everything fall quiet*

Ruby:Huh....well would you look at that? Guess she has learned from you.

Yang:*jaw dropped in awe* You...you told her the story didn’t you?

Jaune:Maybe once or twice....*smiling*

Adam:*completely caught off gaurd, a familiar chill runs through him* .......heh this takes me back.

Yujin:*gripping his blade tightly before the impact. Her eyes shining bright lilac* Gotcha...