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handcrafted-by-fluids · 4 years ago

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A Glimmer of Hope (Draco x Slytherin reader)

Summary: This is the second and the last part of a sixth year fanfiction. Your friend Draco has recently got distant. You've taken it upon yourself to find out what he's up to. Is it just because he's your friend.

Link for 1st part: https://handcrafted-by-fluids.tumblr.com/post/620292667778236416/a-glimmer-of-hope-draco-x-slytherin-reader

Warnings: Angst

Requested by: @malfoy7

Edited by: @eternallyconfusedsoul

Also dedicated to: @the--queen-of-hell

Y/N- Your name

Y/L/N- Your last name

Part 2

The winter was almost knocking the sunlight off the clock courtyard. Hogwarts had never been a particularly safe place to be in, but this year was going especially substandard, both for you and for the school. Last month a Gryffindor student had been cursed by a jinxed necklace. Draco was still avoiding you, and now he had started missing classes too. You were trying your best to stalk him, but most of the times he ended up in the boys bathroom or the Room of Requirement which you still couldn't access.

Christmas would be there in no time, and the word got around that Draco would stay at Hogwarts for this Christmas, something he never does. You decided to use this as your opportunity to find the truth out. Going back for a vacation wasn't more important than your friend.

On the first day of your holidays, you decided to wait in the common room for Draco to arrive from his regular venture. It was almost midnight when he sneaked in slowly, as it was well past the curfew hours.

"Filch missed you again?", you asked, keeping your DADA book aside.

He almost dropped his wand in shock. It was dark, and clearly, he hadn't noticed you.

When he didn't reply, you got up and stood in front of him. "Do you want me to turn you in?"

"You wouldn't", Draco replied, but it missed the familiar smirk.

"You don't know that, do you?", you replied. "But if you tell me where you were, I won't inform anybody."

"You think I'm answerable to you?", he replied, suddenly raising his voice. You noticed a glittery trail on his face. Was he crying? It was hard to tell in the dark. "I have support from people you wouldn't guess. Also, I asked you to stay away from me".

His voice broke towards the end of the sentence, which pained you terribly. He was crying.

But you had never seen him cry. Never. He had definitely wailed purposefully when he was attacked by the Hippogriff, but those silent tears told something else about the person you knew so well.

He was suffering.

"Draco. You can tell me. Whatever it is. I won't tell anybody. I trust you", you said softly. "It's okay."

"That's the problem Y/N. You shouldn't. You shouldn't trust me", he said, almost inaudibly. "You'll hate me."

"I- I won't", you said, carefully choosing your next words. "We've been friends for five years, haven't we? I never hated you."

"We can't be friends anymore. I have chosen my legacy. This is to keep you safe", said Draco. "Please."

He finally looked at your eyes. You gazed at his beautiful gray eyes which matched perfectly with his pale gray tinged skin and felt a sudden desire to hold his face in your hands and wipe his tears off. After what felt like an eternity, he tore his eyes away.

"I'm sorry Y/N", he ran off to his dormitory once again. You were too speechless to stop him. Were you falling for him?

.....

It was tough to accept what you actually felt for Draco, as now he was as distant as ever. By the time the students returned from the break, you had given up all hope of ever seeing him again.

The first blow came in the form of a widely circulating rumour. Draco had been fatally injured in a duel with Harry Potter. Before you even gave it a thought, you found yourself running out of your Charms class (to Flitwick's immense agitation). In no time, you're requesting Madam Pomfrey to let you in.

Being a Slytherin had it's own advantages. For example, you had some tricks up your sleeve to convince Madam Pomfrey.

"But he's asleep. He's been given a high dosage of sleeping draught. Wouldn't be another six hours before he wakes up", she said, clearly annoyed.

"It's okay, I'm just going to wait here, I won't disturb him".

You spent the rest of the day sitting by his bed and looking at him. Though you're highly tempted to brush off his hair, Madam Pomfrey was good at keeping an eye. You just hoped no other teachers noted your absence in class.

You had lost the track of time when you noticed Draco stirring. Madam Pomfrey rushed to his side and helped him wake up.

"Has the pain reduced?", she asked, as Draco started to regain his consciousness. But he was far past answering her, because he was starting at you tenderly.

"Y/N?", he asked, completely ignoring Madam Pomfrey.

"Oh, very well", said Madam Pomfrey, "looks like your pain is gone. I will give you two some time to catch up while I go for my meeting with Professor Snape", she said and left you alone with Draco.

"How are you feeling now?", you asked tentatively.

"Better", he said.

You placed your hands on his left hand and brought it close to you, but he pulled away quickly.

You noticed a small part of a black ink on his forearm, which looked suspiciously like a tattoo.

"Were you waiting here for all that time?", he asked, to which you nodded. "You know you didn't need to."

"I was worried", you said.

He looked at you unblinkingly, and once again, you felt as if someone had stunned you. All the time you had spent away from him had made you realize how much you loved his company. You had loved every bit of his intoxicating personality- his smirk, his snide remarks, his eyes, and the way he ran his fingers through his golden hair.

He sighed, but didn't break the eye contact. "You deserve the truth Y/N".

"No, Draco. I'm sorry for pushing you all this time, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to", you said. You realized that all your curiosity was driven by your eagerness to be his friend. Now as long as you could just look at his eyes and talk to him, you wanted nothing more.

"It's okay Y/N. I want to tell you."

You nodded and helped him to sit up. "I have been given a task Y/N. By- by the Dark Lord. It is my only chance to save myself and my family".

You shuddered. You had always been afraid to lose all your friends in the wizarding war. You knew it was inevitable, but never really thought about it. Especially how your friendship with Draco would be affected. You knew which side you were in. You were not the bravest, but your parents were killed by the Dark Lord, despite the fact that they worked for him. If you had a chance, you'd definitely fight against him. But if you had a chance to bring back your parents by working for him...

Your thoughts were interrupted when you realized Draco hadn't finished yet.

"I- "

"You don't need to say anything", he said. "I have done horrible things while trying to accomplish it. I almost killed Katie Bell."

So that was him. What task could be so dangerous that he almost killed a student? Afterall, he was just sixteen.

"The truth, Y/N, is that I'm a Death Eater now", he said, and rolled up his left sleeve to reveal a tattoo that you knew so well. He sighed again. "I know you'll hate me after this. But you weren't going to leave me alone, were you? I wanted to keep you away from my messed up life, but I was also afraid that you might hate me. I didn't want to lose you, but you deserved the tru-"

You grabbed his hand and leaned in to kiss him before you could change your mind. For a moment, the world paused. The only thing your senses could pick up was the subtle scent of his musk cologne and the slightly bitter taste of his lips, probably from the medicines.

Before your realized what you were doing, you felt his hands on your cheeks, drawing you in his embrace. He was kissing you back.

After what felt like an eternity, you parted, though his hands were still on your cheeks.

"I love you", you whispered.

"Why?", he mumbled, more to himself than to you.

"You are the strongest person I know. You are doing what you must, but you are not a bad person. I know", you replied. "You don't need to tell me what task you have. I know what the Dark Lord is capable of. We all have our terrors Draco."

He removed his hands from your cheeks, held your hands and brought them close to his lips, and gave them a soft tentative peck.

"I don't know what is to come Y/N", he said. "I might not be able to finish the task, I might not be able to survive. And if I do manage to finish it, I'll never be able to look back, I'll have to commit to him. But for what it's worth, you, Y/N, are my only glimmer of hope, and you'll always be", he said, and kissed you again.

You didn't know how long the peace would last, how long you would have the opportunity to kiss him, how long you could hold on to him, but you knew how much you loved him, and how you always would.

As if reading your mind, he replied.

"I love you Y/N, and I always will."

Note: I tried my best to write it without affecting canon, so it's a bit of an abrupt ending. If you want me to continue this and change the main plot of HBP, do tell me.

#draco malfoy #draco lucius malfoy #draco malfoy x you #draco malfoy x y/n #draco malfoy x reader #draco malfoy imagine #draco × you #draco x reader #draco x slytherin!reader #draco malfoy x slytherin reader #draco × y/n #draco malfoy imagines #draco x slytherin reader #draco malfoy x slytherin!reader #harry potter fanfiction #fanfiction

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bom-bombon · 5 years ago

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Texas?

Yeehaw

Name: Sebastian Inglesias

While Texas does have a second last name because he’s Hispanic, he decided to drop it. I know many Hispanic who have either both of their parents’ names and of only their fathers’ last name with the former being more common. Those with one last name has less complications with paperwork, applications, etc., than with those with two last names. Considering all this, I think that Texas would drop the second last name to make his life more easier.

Age: 27-29

Gender: Cis male

Ethnicity/Race: Hispanic (Mestizo)

Siblings: Coahuila (perhaps Chihuahua and Nuevo Leon too but it’s still a wip)

Height: 5′11 (180.34 cm)

He’s sad that he’s not 6′0. He may be taller than some of his fellow Mexican brethren, but he gets reminded that he’s not the tallest in the Union, or at the very least, he’s not 6′0. This annoys him to no end.

Relations:

-Arizona: They’re buddies. They both share a love for guns, have similar conservative ideologies, and they love a/c. No matter how much New Mexico tries to discourage Arizona from talking to him, Arizona just doesn’t care. He thinks that Texas is cool (which fuels his already big ego)

-Arkansas: They get along. That’s it. I suppose that sometimes he does call her Ar-kansas and she don’t talk to him for a whole day after that, but they’re cool nonetheless.

-California: They don’t like each other. He finds her annoying and thinks she’s an idiot. When she was first introduced to the states, he thought that they could be together and be some sort of duo. But they thought different things and it upset him. To him, it almost felt like betrayal because he thought he knew her and she supported and admired him. So why doesn’t she support him now? Today, they just bicker and often start arguments. Both of their egos will never let it go and make up.

-Coahuila: It’s complicated. Coahuila was enraged when Texas broke away from her and even more so when the US helped. While I’m not sure their relationship was during this time period, I do know that they didn’t talked for a while. Texas believed he was doing the right thing in following his own dreams. Though that is debatable at best. Nowadays, they get along well and Coahuila sometimes invite him to parties. Sometimes…

-Louisiana: They chill with each other. Louisiana, although criticizes him on some occasions, think he’s a nice guy. He has helped her in the past and she no doubts never forgot about it, so she helps him whenever she can. They’re also dumbasses together so that’s fun too.

-Minnesota: They’re together! Minnie is like 6’2 so she calls Texas cute for being tiny and he loves and hates it!! They are both tough as nails. For example, Minnie surprised him by beating him on a mechanical bull, Virginia complained about how strong Minnesota was during the Civil War, and Montana always remarks about how Minnie was the only other state who can keep up with her in the World Wars. And Texas is Texas. They are both incredibly sweet in relationships. Minnesota is known for being nice and it’s tru. Texas in relationships is sort of like the Latin Lover, excluding the constant need for uhh bedroom stuff. They are both gentle to each other out of respect and always get each other meaningful gifts. Not to mention the daily reminders of “you’re beautiful” or “you’re my sunshine”, they’re too pURE. They both like similar hobbies such as watching and playing football, taking care of animals, and roasting the hell out of people. Texas helps Minnie into confronting problems and people

Minnie: Idk how to tell them

Texas: It’s easy, I’ll show you how

Texas: Hey New York!

New York: I’m not listening…

Texas: New York!

New York: *looks up*

Texas: I like your shirt but I don’t like you!

She teaches him about considering other’s feelings. Sometimes Texas is too caught up about himself to realize how he’s affecting others around him and she knows this. She reminds him that people that not everyone will understand him emotionally and might take offense. Slowly, Texas thinks more often. Minnesota and Texas also love having adventures together. They would go and snowboard (though Texas has fell off a mountain one time). No matter what they’re doing, they always seem to compliment each other and have fun together.

-Montana: They’re cowboy buddies. I would imagine them talk to each other about animals, particularly horses and cows. Since Montana is also a tough person, she and Texas loves to have small competitions with lifting or who has the most power. He sees her as a buddy and likes to talk to her, which is good because Montana herself has trouble fitting in when all people know about her is just cows and nothingness.

-New Mexico: New Mexico hates him. From what I can remember, Texas tried to claim parts of New Mexico three separate times. The last attempt was the Civil War, and with the attempt to take Santa Fe, New Mexico won’t let it go. Texas doesn’t really care about him nor seem to remember that he even exist. He mostly focuses his rivalry with Oklahoma. Plus, he think New Mexico is a bad driver.

-Oklahoma: They’re rivals. The extent of this rivalry, I’m not too sure and admittedly haven’t delved into much. What I can say is that he always honk his horn at her because she’s a terrible driver. At some point she called him Baja Oklahoma and he cried

-Tennessee: They’re friends. Tennessee is gay for him. So when the Texas Revolution was starting and the US helped out, a good chunk of the people were from Tennessee. So Tennessee helped Texas out wherever he can and that was his first friend from the US. They love to go hunting and talk about guns and stuff. Tennessee really admired him and is glad that he’s consider to be close friends with the big boi of the South. They also play music together and have nice country vibes.

-Wyoming: They’re Yeehaw buddies. They also had a relationship is perhaps early 1900s but I’m not too sure yet.

Things I don’t know how to title but it exists:

-Texas has tattoos of all his state symbols on his arms and back

-They played a “special” game of Truth or Dare. In the end, Texas threw up and vowed to never go to Vegas or hang out with Nevada for 9 months.

-Texas gave some of his friends in the Midwest and South (who aren’t Hispanic mind you) the “spicy” Mexican candies and almost all of them are more cautious about Mexican candies. Plot twist: they’re not spicy at all; they’re just weak

-Yee in the streets, haw in the sheets

-He’s bisexual

Some things about her (development? idk):

Texas has this arrogance that kinda makes it unbearable to work with at times (his closest friends can attest to this). But to be fair, this arrogance would be provoked by someone either messing with his lovely state or someone who’s just curious. Besides that, he is actually pretty charismatic, confident, and charming that attracts people despite his (non intentional) brash behavior. (It’s a joke that he purposefully made Tennessee gay). He’s also intelligent as he’s musically talented, exceeds surprisingly well in mathematics and sciences, and fluent in a couple languages such as English, German, and Vietnamese. He worked hard to be where he is and he can be closed minded in some parts but that’s because he likes to stay relatively the same. He doesn’t like a lot of change; you can say he’s afraid of it and what it might bring because he doesn’t want to lose who he truly is deep down inside. (It’s kinda funny because with this new influx of Californians, he’s stressed and upset at her more than ever).

Some quotes,, things?:

New York: I’m hot shit and that’s the only thing I’ll take away.

Texas: Didn’t you hear her? I’m also hot shit. And that’s the power of the Texan charm ;) Checkmate, liberals.

New York: Yeah well why don’t you shut up.

Texas: You shut up

–

Northern Mariana Islands: *gives everyone a glass shot of tequila*

Everyone: *downs the shot and put their shot glass on the middle of the table*

Delaware: More please!

Ohio: No more please…

Arkansas: What the fuck was that??

Utah: Ugh, that so strong what the heck-

Texas: Can we do this every night?

–

Priest: You may now read the vows you have prepared.

Texas: I think I misunderstood the assignment.

Minnesota: Just read what you wrote, dear.

Texas: Ok *deep breath* A E I O U

–

Texas, drunk: SI YA SABEN COMO ME PONGO PA QUE ME INVITAN???

–

South Dakota: But it’s couples like you that give hope to the rest of us. Minnesota, you deserve the best, and you found it.

Texas, don’t you dare hurt her.

Everyone: *laughs*

Texas: I won’t.

Michigan: Don’t laugh. She means it.

Texas: Okay, I-I won’t

.Nebraska: Seriously, don’t hurt her.

Texas: Okay, I’m not planning on hurting her.

Indiana: You better not be

Texas: I’m not!

Ohio: Hey, Texas, you best be watching yourself

Texas: Why would any of you think I would hurt Minnesota? Y’all my friends too.

Illinois: Nah

–

1945

Tejas, a los otros estados: Me das una úlcera cada vez que me despierto y tengo que venir ‘pa trabajar para ti, para ti!

–

Texas, grabbing a toy police car: Coahuila! Can you buy me this?

Coahuila: No.

Texas: You never buy me anything!

Coahuila: You’re over 300 years old!

–

Texas: Yee in the streets, haw in the sh-

Oklahoma: No.

–

Texas, drunk: You’re so pretty,, are you seeing anyone?

Minnesota: Yeah, I’m married

Texas, crying: To.. to who?

Minnesota: You, you smol idiot *kisses his forehead*

#aph texas #hws texas #my trash son #he's fun #im so tired hhh #bombon's ocs

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calligraphist-artemisia · 4 years ago

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Harry Potter and the Best Summer (3 | Explanation)

Summary: AU - canon divergence. Harry had barely been back at the Dursley’s for two weeks, when an unexpected visitor arrived at the door. He quickly finds himself spirited away back to the wizarding world and learns some secrets that have long been kept from him.

A sequel to Of Family and Unexpected Friendship. Also posted on AO3 under the username Kishirokitsune.

- - - - - - -

3 | Explanation

Amelia Bones was having what she would call an average day.

She arrived to work in a punctual manner and settled in for a long morning of paperwork and listening to the older Aurors complain about the current roster of new recruits. Lunchtime meant a stroll to the Ministry cafeteria for food, which was as bland as ever, and the chance to catch up with Arthur Weasley, who she recently assisted on a case involving a muggle and a doll whose song caused anyone who stopped to listen to become so enraptured with it that they would forget to do anything else. After that delightful conversation, she went through a round of her favorite game: avoiding Minister Fudge and his latest round of incompetence.

She was nearly two hours late returning to her desk, but to her surprise, she found only a few new files on her desk waiting to be reviewed.

They could wait, however, as she noticed the special stone bin that connected directly to Gringotts was no longer empty. There were very few reasons why the goblins would feel the need to contact her. Typically it had to do with magic so foul and revolting that no amount of gold would convince them to store it within their halls, but as Amelia took the scroll with no small amount of weariness, she couldn't help but feel it was something different.

There were two wax seals holding it shut. One in navy blue, which bore the crest of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black and the other in dark burgundy, which bore the crest of the Noble House of Potter.

Suddenly, Amelia wished she kept a bottle of firewhiskey on hand for stressful times. Just a quick shot of that to brace her nerves and she'd be golden. But she hadn't wanted to become the sort of Department Head who needed alcohol in order to do the harder parts of her job and she wasn't about to start.

So instead she sat and took a moment to gather her wits before carefully breaking each seal. Amelia placed a parchment stone on either end to hold it in place and then began to read, her eyebrows rising high as she realized she had been sent a copy of the Potters' Will. It was only when she reached the end that she realized why.

Peter Pettigrew.

Rage billowed up inside of her as she realized they had held an innocent man in the worst kind of prison the Magical World had to offer. She hadn't been Department Head at the time, just a simple Auror working her way up through the ranks, but she remembered the trials that occurred at the end of the war. She remembered questioning why Sirius Black hadn't received a trial.

At the height of the War, it had been decided that any caught red-handed working for He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named could be sentenced to stay the rest of their days in Azkaban without trial. What was the point, when they were so clearly guilty? Two days after the Potters' death, that wartime condition had been lifted and trials resumed regardless of whether the guilty party was seen performing heinous acts or not.

Amelia closed her eyes.

Black was innocent in the matter of the Potters' deaths. But what about the explosion that killed twelve muggles? Was it from a spell cast from his wand or had he once again been blamed for Pettigrew's actions?

There was only one way to find out.

Amelia locked away the parchment so only she would be able to get to it and then stood and strode out of her office.

Sirius Black would not spend another day in Azkaban if she had anything to say about it.

- - - - - - -

Harry's patience was swiftly dwindling the longer he had to wait to get answers to his numerous questions. He sullenly stared at his cup of tea, letting the warmth seep into his hands, but made no move to drink any of it. Next to him on the couch, Aquarius was slowly sipping at hers.

The three of them were all seated in the Lapis Parlor, waiting for Remy and Leona to return from Diagon Alley so they could have a family discussion about what they learned during their trip to Gringotts. Harry knew it was rude but he wished they could start talking without them and at least clear up a few of his questions however, Andromeda was adamant that they wait.

By the time Harry's tea began to go cold, he could make out the sound of voices in another room of the manor. He sat up straight, watching the doorway until Leona and Remy appeared.

“Sorry it took us so long. We ran into the Malfoy's at Madame Malkins,” Leona apologized as she practically skipped over to the couch and sat down next to her sister. “Draco sends his regards, Harry. Apparently, he has also tried to write you this summer and hasn't gotten a response. He thought you were being rude, but I set him straight.”

Harry frowned. “Why would Malfoy want to write me? We're not friends.”

“Short answer: wizarding politics,” Leona said with a shrug. “Long answer: your personal history makes you a valuable ally and Draco has decided he'd rather not have you as an enemy. You'll learn more about all of that later,” she quickly wrapped up after a warning look from Andromeda.

Remy was a little slower to take her seat. “Did something happen at Gringotts? You came home earlier than we planned.”

“Certain... unknown truths came to light during the reading of the Will,” Andromeda said cautiously. “Remy, you should sit before you hear this. It's about the Secret Keeper.”

Remy went still, sucking in a deep breath, her amber eyes flickering to Harry with no small amount of fear reflected within them. Harry offered her a small smile, which only seemed to confuse her more.

“Sit,” Andromeda said, a little more firmly. She waited for Remy to listen and then began to speak again. “Harry, before we address this matter, there are a few things you need to understand about the way things were ten years ago. People lived in great fear. Fear for themselves, for their family, and for their friends. It was a time of paranoia. We were never fully sure who could truly be trusted. I knew your parents only by name and deed, but when they went into hiding I was so sure there was only one person who they would trust to serve as their Secret Keeper.”

“Sorry, but um, what's a secret keeper?” Harry asked.

He expected the answer to come from Andromeda but instead, it was Remy who answered.

“There's a highly complex bit of magic known as the Fidelius Charm. It's often used to keep family homes safe from outsiders. The way it works is that one person is chosen to carry the secret of its location and only they can reveal it, whether by directly telling others or through their death,” she said.

Harry frowned in thought. “So... the reason my parents died... it was because, um,” he paused a moment to remember the name spoken in the Will, wanting to be sure he had it right. “Peter Pettigrew told Vold- sorry, You-Know-Who where they lived?”

Remy looked utterly gobsmacked by the question and it took Harry a moment to realize why.

No one else knew it was Peter Pettigrew. They all thought it had been someone else who betrayed his parents. Someone else had been punished for crimes they didn't commit.

A rush of fury swept through him and Harry had to struggle to keep from exploding. An innocent man was jailed because the world believed he betrayed his family and the one who actually did it still walked free! How could something like that happen in the magical world? Didn't they have better ways of finding out the truth? Had anyone bothered to look into it once the war ended?

No, they decided that they had the right man and patted themselves on the back for a job well done and went about their lives.

“What does Uncle Peter have to do with it?” Leona asked bluntly.

“There was a rat,” Remy spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. Her gaze was fixed on Leona, who frowned as she looked back at her mother. “I kept telling myself you must have overheard us talking... We knew there was someone leaking information, but we never knew who it was. It was all you said during that first week after... everything. You were so insistent, telling everyone who listened that there was a rat, but I was too distraught to listen.”

“I did?”

Remy offered a weak smile. “You were so young then – barely four years old – so it's no wonder you don't remember. I wouldn't want you to either. I just... I wish I had listened. Or fought harder against what everyone was saying.”

“No one was willing to listen. Not to any of us,” Andromeda said gently, reaching over to rest her hand over Remy's, which was gripping the arm of her chair tightly enough that the fabric looked as though it was about to rip. Andromeda took a deep breath and turned to Harry. “When the news of what happened to your family became common knowledge, everyone blamed my cousin for their deaths. He was their best friend. It was unthinkable that they would trust anyone else to keep them – and you – safe and hidden. Remy and I both tried to speak up in his defense, however...”

“No one would listen to the wife of a suspected Death Eater,” Remy said bitterly. “Especially not one who – well, especially not me.”

Andromeda gave her a look that Harry didn't understand and he decided he didn't want to. He had enough to deal with after the revelation of who betrayed his family, on top of his list of inheritances that he still didn't fully understand. To top it all off, it sounded an awful lot like the person who took the blame was none other than Sirius Black, his godfather and Leona's father, who he'd assumed died in the war by the way she always talked about him.

(He supposed he couldn't fault her for that. Not completely, at least. He never would have listened to her if she told him the truth from the beginning.)

“Dad's innocent?” Leona's voice broke a little. “But then... We have to do something!”

“I already have,” Andromeda stated calmly.

Aquarius nodded and spoke up for the first time since her sister and mother entered the room. “Andy sent a copy of the Will to Amelia Bones.”

Remy appeared to relax at the news and even Leona no longer looked as though she were seconds from jumping to her feet and doing something drastic.

“I expect we'll be hearing from her within the next few hours, hopefully with good news. It is likely that he will still have to go through a trial to determine what happened that night when he cornered Pettigrew.”

Harry listened as Andromeda told him about the events of that night. How they were told that Pettigrew tracked down Sirius and loudly accused him of betraying James and Lily, just before the entire street exploded and killed twelve muggles, as well as Pettigrew. How the biggest part of Pettigrew they found was a finger – odd, considering the bodies of the muggles were well intact.

All they could do was wait.

In the meantime, there was a great deal more to discuss. Harry quickly learned that the role of a Magical Guardian was to ensure he grew up in a stable household and was properly cared for, which also entailed teaching him everything he needed to know about the magical world.

Remy expressed her surprise that she was named as his guardian; years ago, when she first learned that Dumbledore had chosen where Harry would grow up, she assumed like everyone else that James and Lily had named him as the Magical Guardian. To learn otherwise was... disconcerting. She'd believed in the man and trusted him for nearly her whole life and then he took Harry away before anyone could think the question who he was meant to go to. She trusted him and he gave Harry to muggles who treated him as though he were less than the dirt on the bottom of their shoes.

Her hands trembled as she kept her rage from spilling over.

Harry knew what that was like. Keeping his emotions bottled up inside was something he was good at thanks to his time with the Dursley's.

The Dursley's! Harry realized with a start that he would never be forced to return to Privet Drive again. Not when Remy was the one who was meant to look after him. Surely, she wouldn't...

She wouldn't send him back, would she?

“Harry's staying with us,” Leona said.

“If Harry wants to stay, then he's more than welcome,” Remy corrected her daughter. “Harry, before you make any big decisions, I think you should take more time to get settled in. I swear on my magic that I will never force you to return to your aunt and uncle, but it sounds like there are other options if you don't want to stay here.” She paused to give him time to agree, though all Harry really wanted to do was beg to stay in Oakstone with people who actually cared about him.

And then something else occurred to him.

For the first time ever, he was being given a choice. He had the freedom to say where he wanted to live.

It was more than he'd ever dared to hope for.

- - - - - - -

They didn't end up discussing his inheritance after that. With the startling news of Sirius' innocence, the five of them decided to take a break to wind down and let it all sink in. The adults remained in the parlor room to keep talking, while Leona and Aquarius led Harry around the manor on a tour.

If Harry weren't so familiar with the winding halls, trick doors, and moving staircases of Hogwarts, he would have called Oakstone Manor the most confusing building he'd ever been in. Who needed three parlor rooms or a grand ballroom anyway? It was all so much to take in, but Leona and Aquarius acted as though it were all perfectly normal.

Leona suddenly snapped her fingers. “We should show you the owlery! Hedwig has probably already found her way there and you should really send a letter to Hermione and Ron and let them know you're alright. I don't know why I didn't think of that sooner! I should write Gred and Forge as well.”

Harry assumed she was talking about the Weasley twins. “What if my letter doesn't go through? You said you've all been trying to write me, but I haven't gotten a single letter.”

Aquarius was quick to come up with a solution. “Leo and I can send the letters instead. If there's something specifically blocking you from sending or receiving them, it shouldn't affect us. Especially not with the house wards.”

“Brilliant!” Leona praised her sister.

Harry was led down another hall and up a spiral staircase which led to the top of one of the towers. There they stepped through the threshold into a round room that looked more like an office than an owlery. There was a wooden desk beneath one window and bins full of parchment and other types of paper. A special groove at the top of the desk held a collection of inkwells in a variety of colors and a pot to one side contained quills.

Directly across from the entryway was a second arch that was covered by a sheer blue curtain. Through it, Harry could make out the shape of at least one perch designed for an owl and he figured that was the actual owlery.

“What do we do if my mail is still blocked?” Harry asked.

“First we'd check the manor wards to make sure there are no holes or weaknesses in our defenses. If that isn't the problem, then Andy will probably have to go to the ministry and use her influence as the Black Regent to figure out what's happening,” Leona told him. She stepped up to the desk and swiped a piece of parchment and a flamboyant peacock-feather quill, which she dipped into an orange inkwell. “So, I'm just going to let Fred and George know that you're here and safe and that they don't need to steal their dad's car to go rescue you from those awful muggles. I guess I should mention the block on your mail too. Anything else I should add?”

Harry's heart skipped a beat. “They were going to come get me?”

“Of course.”

Leona neatly wrote her greeting across the top of the page and Harry caught a glimpse of the words: “My dearest Gred and Forge, Purveyors of Mischief and Masters of the Noble Art of Marauding.”

“Did you want me to write a note to your other friend, Harry?” Aquarius asked, distracting him from watching Leona's elegant script flow across the page.

“That would be great,” Harry said. “Her name's Hermione. Hermione Granger.”

Aquarius nodded as she selected a much more simple raven-feather quill and dipped it into a pot of deep violet ink. She slowly began to write, basing much of her letter on what Harry told her. “To Miss Hermione Granger, My name is Aquarius Black and I'm writing to you for Harry...”

Once the letters were written, the three stepped into the owlry and called down two of the Black family owls. One was a long-eared owl named Butternut, who was given the letter for Hermione, and the other a barred owl named Idun, who stared at Harry unblinkingly until the letter for the Weasley's was attached to her leg and she was able to take flight.

As Leona mentioned, Hedwig was in the owlry as well and had staked out her own perch away from the others. She hooted reproachfully when she watched the other two owls take flight and Harry was quick to reassure her.

“You had a long flight, girl. Get some rest and I'll have some letters for you to deliver later,” he said.

Hedwig ruffled her feathers, clearly still displeased, and remained where she was to sulk for a while longer. Harry left her alone and followed Leona and Aquarius back into the house and down the spiraling stairs.

“You'll be in the east wing with all of us. I think Andy gave you the blue room, which is right down the hall from Aquarius,” Leona told him. “If you want a different color, you should probably ask Tonks about it when they get home. They're the best at color-changing charms.”

“They?” Harry asked, hoping one of the girls would understand without him needing to elaborate.

“Tonks is nonbinary. They don't identify as exclusively male or female, so instead of saying he or she, we use they and them,” Leona said. Taking pity on him, she added: “I have a book called Queer History of the Magical World that you can borrow. It should help with any more questions you have. And I'm sure Tonks would be happy to talk to you, if you'd prefer that.”

While he wasn't sure how much reading he really wanted to do, Harry accepted the offer so he could research enough to satiate his curiosity.

The east wing was a long, airy hall with tall windows that overlooked the back courtyard. Gauzy white curtains draped on each side of the windows, held up by a rod that Harry was almost certain was magically fixed to the wall.

They passed by one room which had a plaque over the door bearing Aquarius' name. She confirmed that it was her room without him needing to ask and they continued on their way down the hall.

“And that brings us to your room! Oh, it looks like Cici already added your name above the door. That was sweet of her,” Leona said, directing his attention to the plaque above the door. The name Harrison was inscribed into the silver metal.

Spurred on by the sisters, Harry opened up the door and stepped into his new room. He could immediately see why it was called the Blue Room and while it wasn't overwhelming in color, Harry thought he might have to ask Tonks about changing it up a little. The floor was the same hardwood as the hall, but nearly everything else – the walls, curtains, bedding, and rugs – were all some shade of blue. The second thing he noticed was how big it was.

It was easily three times the size of his room at the Dursley's and also included a bathroom and what appeared to be a walk-in closet. It was almost as sparsely furnished, however, only featuring a bed, side table, and a desk in front of one of the windows. His trunk had been placed at the foot of the bed and on top was a magazine he didn't recognize.

Harry picked it up for a better look and raised an eyebrow when he read the cover. It wasn't a magazine at all, but some kind of catalog for furniture. Several pages were bookmarked.

“Cici and the other house-elves are really excited about you coming to stay with us,” Aquarius said from where she stood in the doorway.

Harry looked over at her. “I don't understand why. It's really nice of all of you to let me stay here, but I don't need anything else. This is great. Really.”

“It's because if you do want to live here with us, you deserve to make your room the way you want it. Leo and I both decorated our rooms,” Aquarius said. “Do you... do you want to relax here for a bit? I know Leona said something about a full tour, but I don't think you've had the chance to sit down for long since you got here. And after everything with your Inheritance test...”

“Actually, can we talk about that?” Harry asked, hoping to get some of his questions answered. He assumed most of it would have to wait until they were sitting with the adults again but he hoped Leona or Aquarius could tell him about a few things.

Like the Royal Houses. Or how he was Heir of four different Houses.

He quickly voiced his questions before Aquarius could turn him down and she appeared to think it over before sighing and agreeing to answer a few.

“We really should wait, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to tell you a few things,” Aquarius allowed. She still hesitated in the doorway, visibly uncomfortable about stepping inside the room.

Harry wondered about that for longer than he probably should have and then realized she was waiting for an invitation. “You can come in.”

At once, Aquarius beamed at him and then walked inside. Harry gestured towards the bed and they both sat down on the edge, glad for the chance to relax after their journey up and then down the tower stairs.

She began to tell him about the Royal Houses and how they were founded during the time of King Arthur himself. Harry found that he didn't want to interrupt as she backed up to say that during the time of Uther – Arthur's father – magic was strictly forbidden in the kingdom and was punishable by death. It didn't matter if it was being used to heal or to harm, all use of magic was treated the same. It was a time of great fear for any who were born into magic.

It wasn't until several years after the death of Uther that King Arthur was able to begin reversing some of the laws. He had to work slowly and carefully, as the people had lived for many many years being fearful of all kinds of magic. And of course, he wasn't doing it all alone.

Seven trusted Knights of the Round Table stood fast by his side, keeping the laws as fairly as they could and offering advice when they were asked for it. There was also the great wizard Merlin, who acted as council to the young king, as well as Arthur's half-sister, the Lady Morgana le Fay, who was a powerful sorceress.

Together, they paved the way for a magical society that could exist alongside the mundane world. All went well for a time, but as with many things that go misunderstood, the people without magic could not escape the fear they felt and struck out against those who had it, ending the peaceful co-existing. From that moment on, it was clear that the magical world needed to be hidden.

Because of their role in helping create a safe haven for those with magic, Arthur and his most trusted members of court were all given titles in the new world. It was agreed that while Arthur and the Knights were not magic, there was the potential for someone in their line to one day be born into magic, and so they deserved a place in the magical world.

Naturally, King Arthur gave his the name House Pendragon. The Knights had more of a challenge and spend several days arguing over the best name before settling on House Caer Lleon. Merlin simply gave his the name House Emrys and Morgana the name House le Fay.

Harry listened to it all with rapt fascination. He knew there were stories about King Arthur and his court, but he always likened them to be little more than fairytales. “Does that mean I'm related to Merlin?”

Aquarius shrugged. “It was so long ago that you could be, but sometimes Magic finds a way to revive old bloodlines by choosing a new Heir. I think that's what happened with you. Your magic must be similar enough to Merlin's that you were selected to carry on the line of Emrys.” She glanced at the doorway, where Leona was casually leaning against the wall and listening to them talk.

“Did you know that there are rumors about the Black's being descended from Morgana?” Leona asked conversationally. “No one can say for sure if it's true or not, of course. There hasn't been a Head of House le Fay in a few hundred years and the last one lived such a secretive life that no one knows which House she was born into. I have that book for you, by the way.”

Harry hopped up from his bed so he could cross the room and accept the book. He decided to keep it on top of his trunk so that he would remember to look at it later, and then he, Leona, and Aquarius continued their tour through the manor, ending back at the parlor room where Remy and Andromeda were still talking.

Remy smiled warmly at the three kids as they entered the room. “How was your tour, Harry?”

“Pretty great,” Harry responded. “Thank you for the nice room.”

Andromeda and Remy exchanged looks that made Harry's stomach flip-flop.

“We are glad that you like it. We want you to feel comfortable here and even if you choose to live elsewhere, that will remain your room,” Andromeda said. “Now, perhaps we should take the time to go over your Inheritance test in better detail. I think it best to arrange your first appointment with one of your account managers before the end of today.”

“Sure,” Harry said as he sat down on the couch. He was flanked by Aquarius and Leona in a silent show of support. “Er, account managers?”

“Each of your Houses will have a goblin who is assigned to manage your vaults and any other assets. It would be good to meet with them so that you have a more in-depth look at what you own,” Andromeda explained.

With Harry's permission, the copy of his test was passed over to Remy to read. She teared up a little at the reminder that she was legally his Magical Guardian but quickly recovered as she moved on. “Core block,” she repeated, giving Andromeda a wide-eyed look. “We'll need to reverse that soon.”

Andromeda nodded in agreement. “I have already arranged a visit to St. Mungo's.”

“Sorry, but what's a core block?” Harry asked.

“It's fairly common in pureblood families whose children display accidental magic from a very young age. It's done for their protection and is then removed when they turn five and are able to control it a little better,” Andromeda replied. “The fact that you're able to properly and reliably cast spells with that block in place is truly remarkable, Harry.”

Remy read on, only stopping once more to ask Harry if he'd ever spoken to a snake before.

“Oh, yeah! Just before I started at Hogwarts, we went to the zoo and there was this boa constrictor who talked to me. Is that, er, odd?” Harry desperately hoped it wasn't. He stood out enough at Hogwarts and didn't need to add anything else to his oddness.

“Parseltongue, which is the ability to speak to snakes, is a very rare ability. Salazar Slytherin is the most infamous speaker of the language in Magical Britain, though it's a well-respected talent in other countries, particularly India.”

So it was odd.

Harry would have to be sure not to speak to snakes in front of anyone.

“The biggest decision you have right now is simply: which House would you like to review first?” Andromeda asked.

“Potter,” Harry responded immediately.

Andromeda nodded. “Then we will arrange it. Perhaps for next week?”

With the adults promising to handle the situation and also taking the time to explain the way things were likely to work, Harry found himself finally able to relax. No one was judging him for the results of his test. Even Leona withheld her usual teasing.

He was going to enjoy living at Oakstone Manor and nothing would change his mind about that.

#Harry Potter #Harry Potter fanfiction #Harry Potter AU #HP and the Traditions of the Magical World #Wizarding Inheritance

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oveliagirlhaditright · 4 years ago

Text

Red Oni and Blue Oni

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24226009

Right after Kairi rescues Sora, the two of them end up in France where Lightning and her friends live (a world connected to Verum Rex). And Kairi and Sora learn that they need her help in the upcoming Keyblade War. Meanwhile, Sora and Kairi become closer than ever before... but Sora becomes more and more unstable when it comes to the black box that they were able to steal from the Master of Masters and still have on hand. SoKai. Oneshot.

Author’s Note: The FFXIII stuff in here is post-Lightning Returns and Hope has gone back to being an adult again.

"Uhh, Miss Lightning? Why are you cooking me such a gorgeous meal?" "Because you need a pick me up after everything you’ve been through, it sounds... And I need an excuse to cook for someone who isn't Hope,” this Lightning Farron told Kairi as she smiled at her slightly. Kairi and Sora had ended up in this world after Kairi had finally found Sora… it seemed slightly tied to Verum Rex, but not fully—which was curious—but Kairi couldn’t help feeling that if they were going to defeat Yozora’s ultimate enemy, the Master of Masters, it was only fitting that they try to get help to do so in a world that touched Yozora’s. And that was what Kairi and Sora were trying to do right now… get aid from Lightning, her husband Hope, and perhaps Lightning’s sister that she had spoken of? Since before Kairi had started this new adventure, Master Yen Sid had given Kairi a device that would light up when she was close to someone who was destined to enlist with them in the upcoming war against the Foretellers… and the moment Kairi had seen Lightning, the heart-shaped locket had gone as far as to let a burst of light out of itself. And ever since then, Kairi had been trying to befriend Lightning. Sora, meanwhile, was outside waiting for this “Hope” to come home, so he could talk to him. “I can understand why you would get tired of cooking for one person… or two people, in my case. A few years back, I was the only one out of my small group of friends who could cook at all and Sora and Riku were always begging me for stuff. And while it was sweet, and I was happy to oblige, a part of me also wished they would pick up a cookbook, to be honest.” Lightning laughed at Kairi’s words, as she handed her a granola bar to tide herself over with until dinner came. Kairi opened it and laid the red wrapper down against the blue tablecloth, unable to think about Red and Blue Onis, as she did so. She wondered if she was, perhaps, the Red Oni to Lightning’s Blue one right now… "But at the same time,” Lightning told Kairi now, as she finished with her spaghetti sauce and came and sat across from Kairi, “even if you get tired of cooking for those loved ones, you still have to show them that you love them somehow… or they might fall to chaos." "Are you talking about your sister?" Kairi asked, as she craned her head to the side and tried to imagine what this girl who shared half of Lightning’s DNA would be like. Perhaps she would be the real other Oni... "Actually, forget that question. You must be talking about Mister Hope—he was the one we were discussing last, I mean—but I know Serah's the most important person to-" "It's okay, Kairi,” Lightning winked, whilst eating a protein bar herself. “I was talking about Hope, but it could apply to Serah, too." That sounded about right to Kairi. She knew that Miss Lightning was in love with this Hope... but she was also aware that Lightning's little sister, Serah, was the most important person in the world to her, since she had almost become her surrogate mother after their parents had died. And it made Kairi think of herself a bit, because while she loved Sora with all her heart... the other relationships in her life—such as her ones with Riku, Naminé, and Selphie—were just as important to her as that one was. "But, yes... Serah could have easily fallen, if she had been too weak and allowed herself to be seduced by a dream world she’d told me about... or if she had walked the road of the Seeress in the twisted way that a part of Yeul did, and decided to call the Chaos her home." "Right..." If Kairi was being honest with herself, she thought that she had to worry about similar things when it came to Sora now… for she feared what might happen now if he continued chasing the unobtainable dream that was her. She knew their last separation had really hurt him… and he wrongfully blamed himself not just for “letting her die”, but for having broken her heart in the worst way possible… But it hadn’t been his fault. None of it had. "But enough of this dreary talk. Do you want to go see some of France? I think it might make you feel better about what’s to come.” “I- I do. But if you don’t mind, I think I might go look myself. I need just a second of fresh air.” And before Lightning could answer her, Kairi went outside onto Lightning’s front porch (Sora was on the front one), and found herself wondering if she’d always be connected to great darkness since she herself had so much light. If she had to bear that, she’d bear it proudly. But Kairi didn’t want to think about that right now. Rather, she wanted to take in these modern streets, sprawling flowers on the edges of sidewalks, and fountains before her. Kairi was at one such fountain now… and as she took a deep breath, she tried to deal with the knowledge that Sora could potentially turn evil now (when she had first found him, he’d squeezed her as he’d told her that he’d somehow sensed some terrible… wishes that people had had for her, Riku, and the others… and how intent he was, had scared Kairi in that moment) and dropped one of her coins into the water, making her own wish. Lightning had also hinted to Kairi before, that Hope—or was it someone who had possessed him?—had become evil in a pragmatic kind of way… so did that mean that Sora would be okay in the end, like that ray of sunshine, or- It was just as Kairi was starting to fall into despair again, despite herself, that she felt a hand on her shoulder. And she would have known that touch anywhere… it was Sora. Years of reaching for Sora’s hand—and often being denied it—had ingrained the feeling of it into her heart… and she cherished that. She really did. And so, she laid a hand over his now. “Kairi?” Sora asked her now, as he gently turned her around to face him and looked at her with the sweetest eyes. “Are you alright? Miss Lightning said that you might be… upset about something. But here: why don’t you come in and eat supper with us and deal with it with us? You must be cold.” There was a part of Kairi that wanted to gently remind Sora that she knew how to use a fire spell now, if she really needed it… but she didn’t. No, she was too touched by his kindness and concern more than anything else. And maybe that meant he’d never turn away from her again… even if he thought he had to do so to protect her. Kairi walked towards Sora now—so that her head was leaning against his chest, and she then grabbed his arms to wrap around her waist… and it felt nice. It had been too long since they’d been able to be in each other’s arms like this. They’d barely even touched when they’d reunited, because they’d known right around that they needed to get Lightning into their party… so this really was the dream that both of them had longed for for years. Overhead, the last of the light from the sun had given out to bathe the area in darkness. But that was okay. Sparkling lights were coming on around them, making the situation even more romantic than it had been. Kairi blushed. “Sounds good, Sora,” Kairi relented, pulling away from him and only just resisting to kiss those sweet lips as they gazed at each other. “…Let’s go to our temporary home for right now.” And was Kairi imagining it, or could she almost feel his smile as he slowly but surely brought his face away from hers? “Only if my real home goes with me.” And it was a cheesy line—it was. Kairi knew it, Riku would have known it, and Kairi imagined that all of the worlds probably did—but she couldn’t help feeling touched by it, all the same… and to almost turn into a pile of goo. Hand-in-hand, the two made it back to Lightning’s home… and while the spaghetti was cold when Kairi and Sora eventually got to it… it was still the most delicious and romantic meal they’d ever had. … That night, Kairi had a hard time trying to sleep… for as awful and disrespectful as it would have been, she kept finding herself wanting to go over to Sora’s room and to sleep with him… since they’d finally shared a few, chaste kisses after dinner… and one that hadn’t been as much. And all of the newness of this, was making her heart sore and beg for more. But Kairi was also concerned about doing this… and not just for the obvious reasons. It was just that… earlier, she had been afraid what could happen to Sora—and the world—if he let his darkness out again, like he temporarily had when she’d found him. And didn’t most people associate… sex with darkness? So, could it be dangerous if they went forward with that kind of thing? …Just what was she thinking?! Kairi demanded of herself, as she made herself lay back on her mattress and ran a hand over her forehead. She was a Princess of Heart… she wasn’t going to go barge into Sora’s room… and do things with him while they were guests in a stranger’s house, was she? Kairi was about to tell herself “no”—that of course she wasn’t going to—and just demand that her body knock her out, so she could get a good night’s sleep and talk to Lightning, Hope, and Serah (when she got here) tomorrow, but she was much too keyed up to do that. So instead, Kairi found herself walking over to Sora’s room like a thief in the knight. When Kairi slithered into there, she told herself that she was just going to cuddle with Sora and keep everything as innocent as they usually were… especially since Sora was just reading a book right now—and clearly wasn’t interested—but Kairi didn’t trust herself anymore… so she fell onto his bed, stomach-first, and groaned. What was wrong with her? And why was she disappointed that he still wasn’t looking at her? “You okay, Kairi?” Sora asked as he refused to give her even a glance, but rather turned the page. Kairi huffed at that and sent Sora a glare. And, yes. She may have even had the gall to steal the novel away from him… to which he instantly cried out, “Hey!” But Kairi wasn’t having it. “You’re reading, Sora?” Kairi demanded, not able to keep some of the hurt out of her voice. What? Wasn’t she attractive to him, or- But he instantly made her cool down via his selflessness, as always, as he tried to explain his thoughts to her. “I just feel… I didn’t study enough on my last adventures, Kairi. Maybe if I had, I could have found a more peaceful solution to some things... And I have to say, this book’s idea of having a resistance set up at a base that can only be reached through a certain secret passage, is genius.” Oh. What was Sora thinking, then? That they could try and hide away the black box of the Master of Master’s that they’d acquired? Or was he implying that they should try and hide from their problems now and ignore them, because they’d done enough? As Kairi laid down with Sora now—so that her back was to his chest and her head under his chin—she found herself following his train of thought, perhaps. “Sora… do you ever wonder what the point of all of this is? That we’re going to hide this box, maybe—because what else can we do with it—but eventually someone’s going to find it again, after the Master of Masters has fallen away, and we’ll be back to square one?” Sora flinched at this… and Kairi could hardly blame him; she laid her head on his stomach and began massaging it, to try and make her feel better about her question. “If they do… then we’ll stop them, or someone else will pick up the torch. Which isn’t the ideal answer, I know, but…” “It’s all we can do, and somehow that’s the only answer… I know. I know,” Kairi finished what he’d surely been about to say, but he surprised her as he lifted her face to look at his. “Except… that it isn’t, Kairi. There never is one answer—least of all for us—I was so sure back then, that I had to finish my duties before I let myself do what I wanted, in giving you the time of day. But I-” “Sora?” Kairi started, as she tried to pull away from him… but he wouldn’t let her. Not in a demanding or possessive way at all, but as if he knew she’d misunderstood him and didn’t want her to bolt before he could explain himself. “Are you feeling guilty for… for ‘taking me for granted’ before, because I told you-“ “No, Kairi. I’m not… I just- I just want to love you. Is that alright? Let me love you.” And she did. … The next morning, Kairi heard that Sora and Hope were having some conversation about boomerangs. Apparently, Sora was sad he’d never learned how to transform his Keyblade into one—or been able to use a Keychain to somewhat make his Keyblade resemble one—and was trying to figure out if he could do so now. Hope was only too happy to help, it seemed. And all three girls present laughed—being unable to find the conversation anything but adorable and amusing. “How’ve you been, Serah? The husband treating you well? He’d better be,” Lightning said, as she reached across the kitchen table the ladies were sitting at and took her sister’s hands in her own. Serah smiled at Lightning and squeezed her hands… and it made Kairi miss Naminé and Xion. “We’re doing great, Claire. I promise… Snow still feels bad about how he was in Yusnaan, but we’re working through it. Right now, he’s being in absolute angel in being a substitute teacher for me so that I can visit you. Work wouldn’t have let me go, otherwise.” And it seemed to Kairi, that if Lightning had ever thought she had reason to approve of this “Snow” before, it was nothing compared to how much she did now. “Next time you see him, be sure to give him my thanks,” Lightning whispered. “Or maybe I’ll pick a phone up and tell him myself.” “You probably should call Snow, Claire, so that you can both stop pretending that you’re not the closest of in-laws… but I’ll be sure to tell him, too… “And I’m sorry, Miss Kairi and Mister Sora. I’m afraid I haven’t properly introduced myself! I’m Serah,” the younger Farron sister muttered as she shook first Kairi’s hand and then Sora’s. “Nice to meet you!” “Nice to meet you,” Kairi and Sora chirped at the same time. And it made Kairi want to give Sora an Eskimo Kiss for it, for proving more and more why they were perfect together. But she surprisingly held herself back. Later, Kairi, Serah, and even Lightning found themselves working together to make a scrapbook… And Kairi would have liked to say it was because she was trying to bond with Light and Serah—so they’d help them out in this Keyblade War, or whatever it would be—but honestly? She just needed some rest and relaxation, and to find her old self some, since she’d nearly killed herself in trying to bring Sora back… but not that she’d ever change it. Sora and Hope had moved onto more serious topics, however, and Kairi could make most of it out—even though she wasn’t trying to spy—as she cut out a picture of a father and his little son to put onto a photo of a flying ship. “Are you doing better… from how calculated you became when that Bhunivelze possessed you? Or do you still slip into that kind of mindset at all?” “Heh,” Kairi heard Hope say, as he finished carving a Keychain for Sora (why Lightning had let wood working tools into her house, Kairi wasn’t sure, but since Lightning seemed more a fighter than a chef… maybe she moreso didn’t understand why people wasted their times with fancy dinners in the kitchen). “You’re worried that you’re going to become heartless. That you’re going to turn into a monster, because you want to destroy this box of yours, that has people’s wishes for revenge in it: the only wishes that kept them going at some point.” “Sora…” Kairi started—giving up on the guise that she hadn’t been paying attention to him, because this was certainly news to her—but Sora was already acting like everything was fine. He completely ignored that Kairi had said his name, which hurt after the previous night, and walked over to Lightning to talk to her. “Miss Lightning? That pasta you made with olive oil was amazing… do you mind if I have the recipe?” Lightning grinned the slightest bit—as she began leading Sora to the cabinets above the kitchen sink, where this recipe apparently was. “…Thank you. Hope, my loser of a husband, doesn’t like tomato sauce… so I have to do something. But while I became quite the chef on my last journey… it was actually Serah who gave me the idea to use olive oil.” Everyone was laughing together now. Hope was ribbing Lightning for calling him her “loser husband”, and she only teased him back harder… Sora and Serah were bonding over their love for olive oil. And even Kairi had jumped in, to kind-heartedly tell Hope to not take any of Lightning’s joking seriously, because she always liked to poke fun at Sora… but even during all of this mirth, Kairi couldn’t help the foreboding that had settled within her stomach… and a single tear sled down her face. … That night, Kairi found Sora trying to destroy the black box… just like she knew he would. For some poetic reason, he had chosen to do so in the gorgeous plaza they had been in together the night before… As Kairi had tried to rest that night, she’d felt Sora’s strain in her own heart (and had, perhaps, even heard the loud clank, clank, clank that could be heard from him striking the metal with his Keyblade again and again, Kairi thought wryly) and had found her way to him. And as Kairi walked to him now, Sora had already given up and was running into her arms as he sobbed. Kairi whispered sweet nothings into his ear as she ran a hand through his hair, and stared angrily at the cobblestone before her—daring anyone or anything to try and hurt him even more right now; if they attempted it, she would destroy them. “Kairi… of course I couldn’t leave well enough alone. Of course I couldn’t. I thought that if I could solve the mystery of the box now, I could save us some hurt down the road. And I’m sorry for that. I’m so sorry!” …Somehow, Kairi didn’t think Sora was sorry for keeping things from her or being self-sacrificing, but was just sorry that he hadn’t succeeded and she’d found him like this. It made Kairi worry her lip, but she tried not to let him see… because she really still had no idea what was happening, after all. “Sora,” Kairi hummed his name, when she thought he had calmed down enough that he wouldn’t get upset—or lie again—if she questioned him. “You didn’t tell me that the box housed people’s desire for revenge. And… as dark as that idea is, does anyone have any right to destroy it, then? As in… poor taste as these ‘wishes’ were, they were the only thing that kept those doomed souls going. If we don’t know for sure if the box will hurt us with those curses… I think it’s riskier to try and do something to it and unlock its vengeance thatway.” “You’re… right, Kairi,” Sora told her as he kissed her neck now. But he didn’t do so in a way as to seduce her, as he had eventually done last night (and Kairi shivered in remembering how good that all had been), but as a way to say he loved her… and perhaps something else that Kairi couldn’t figure out. “I’m just trying to take too much on by myself, as I always do… but I’ll- I’ll stop. I think- I think we got Light and her friends to help us when the time comes. So why don’t we go home and see Riku now?” “Okay!” Kairi agreed, finally making good on her desire to stand on her tiptoes to kiss Sora’s nose, because if Sora was talking about Riku he must have been back to his old self. “Sounds good to me! You know how I miss Riku.” And the two of them headed back to Destiny Islands… but Kairi should have known something was wrong with Sora then, since he was acting like Destiny Islands was home… when he’d long ago said that it was wherever she was. … It was some months later—when Kairi, Sora, Riku, Donald, and Goofy were in a new world together… a cave, where some demigods and a god were there?—that Sora’s desire to get rid of the box came back again. Riku had just taken a fatal wound to the chest… and while Kairi and Donald in particular kept trying to heal him with their magic—while Goofy defended them—nothing seemed to be working. It was then that Kairi saw Sora get this far away in his eyes, as he summoned the box back… while all the demigods around them yelled at Sora not to do what he was about to do, and even the goddess said that. And Kairi was right there with them. “Sora,” Kairi said, as she moved from sitting by Riku to kneeling beside him—because she needed to be somewhat elevated, so Sora could see her but she also needed to still seal Riku’s wound with her touch. “What are you planning to do? Open the box… and kill the spirit of someone who maybe wished for the suffering of Riku’s family, if such a person exists? You have no proof that that will save Riku. And I think Donald and I are getting close to making some progress here. Just let us-” But Sora did not listen to Kairi… and he looked to her, much like a terrified lost lamb in an unforgiving world, as he demanded, ”Anyone who has reason to harm Riku, show yourself now!” And a little girl with her hair in ringlet curls made an appearance… and she was so beautiful, that she reminded Kairi of what a child between her and Sora could be like. But things were twisted right now, so who knew if she and Sora would ever bear children together, but this little girl wasn’t twisted to Kairi. Rather, she was just a sick little girl who’d made a mistake. And as Kairi—and the brunet in the orange shirt holding a sword—tried to get over to the spirit of the child, Kairi could tell that she was about to pay for that mistake. “I did,” the spirit explained, with her head bowed. “This boy’s ancestor robbed my family and slit their throats… and tried to do the same with me. And as I laid there dying, as his ancestor escaped the scene, I wished that his family would suffer similarly to how mine had.” But instead of asking the girl to take the wish back—because even if they had tried to explain to her that Riku was innocent, she probably wouldn’t have—Sora just stabbed her in the chest… and she disappeared as light enveloped her from her heart… and then to her head and toes. And as she did, Riku—who had been unconscious—woke up gasping, but that wasn’t enough for Sora. Seeming to be possessed by a need to right all of the sins that were in the box now, he summoned another spirit to him… this one of a teenaged boy, who Kairi didn’t want to hear the story of! She didn’t! Because as horrible as they were… there was innocence in them, too, and Sora wanted to destroy that and him, all the same! “Dude,” said another one of these “camper” demigods, “that’s not cool. All of Team Leo Valdez is going to be against you, I’ll tell you what. As will the power of Hephaestus!” And the boy “Leo” summoned fire to his hands. But Sora seemed to be done debating… because he sent Kairi a sad smile, before opening a Corridor of Light and disappearing through it with the box in his hands: neither Kairi or anyone else, could reach him in time. Perhaps because they’d stupidly expected Sora to leave through a Corridor of Darkness, because of his dark actions, and were therefore dazzled by the light? And as the Corridor closed, Kairi saw Sora ending that boy’s spirit as well… before summoning another one, as he sobbed as she did. She wouldn’t see him again until the Master of Master’s plan finally came to fruition. And even amidst all the death around her (Kairi suddenly sensed that Leo wasn’t going to live… and that was why they were here to find a “Physician’s Cure”, to try and stop it), Kairi thought she felt something inside of her kick… but that couldn’t be. Could it? … They were… at the Keyblade Graveyard again—and Kairi tried not to let that knowledge traumatize her toomuch, as she fought the Master’s Foretellers, the Master himself, and even Sora some (though Kairi knew now that Sora wasn’t evil. He was just being pragmatic, perhaps, but she hated that, too… and she wondered how he couldn’t)—and Lightning, Serah, and Hope had come to join the Guardians just as they had promised. Right now, both Sora and the Master of Masters were trying to appeal to the group’s sense of a greater good (the Foretellers were either still knocked out from the last beating they took, or waiting somewhere deeper in the labyrinth to trap them)… and Kairi thought she was going to throw up. “We- we have to kill Ephemer!” Sora was urging them now—as he held onto Ephemer’s shoulders tightly, so that this boy who had long since lost his Keyblade couldn’t move—“and I hate this, Kairi, Riku… Donald, Goofy. You know I do! It’s me, after all! And… Ephemer saved us a- all last time… but did you know that there were no death threats in the black box… until Ephemer betrayed the light by desiring bad things for the Master of Masters? And that was the first seed of darkness that led to the creation of the Heartless. I swear, we won’t hurt another living human being after this, but he-” Right as Sora said those atrocious things, a slight rain began falling on this destined place—something that took many of the Guardians of Light aback and made them gasp, since they thought that such a thing was impossible here… but not Ephemer, Kairi noticed; he just seemed to look out into the rain longingly, as if waiting for someone who would never come. “Spare me, Sora!” Riku snarled, as he stepped into a defensive stance in front of the Master and Sora, but didn’t summon his Keyblade yet. “You’re not evil! And you really don’t want to do this! I don’t think you willdo this, because not only would it make you a hypocrite for chewing me out on our first quest, but it’s clear you’re trying to spare us from making this choice because your ‘hands are already dirty’... That’s not the train of thought of someone who could actually go through with this.” “Yeah,” Hope agreed, pulling out some sort of technological weapon he’d recently invented, since he was now ashamed to use his boomerang since Sora—who was using a boomerang Keyblade transformation—had been corrupted. “I don’t think I even went this far as Bhunivelze. And I was possessed then, and so with an excuse, and you aren’t.” “And I don’t think you’re going to hurt this Ephemer,” Serah piped up, as she was perhaps the bravest one of them all—in choosing to walk towards Sora and the Master of Masters. The Master of Masters seemed like he was about to raise hands against her—which had Kairi starting to run towards her, even while the baby in her protested and made her want to get sick—but Serah stopped him by pointing her sword that doubled as a bow-and-arrow at the Master of Master’s forehead. “Because even if you think Ephemer is guilty and needs to die, or whatever, he looks so much like your friend Hope… so I don’t think you could hurt him for thatreason.” “You’re drowning now, Sora,” Lightning offered the strongest bit of wisdom through all of this—wisdom that they would all soon realize was from her having experienced something like this herself. “Drowning in yourself… and you think you deserve to, for your own sins, and that you can’t and shouldn’t be saved… but that just means you’re reaching out now more than ever.” And Kairi certainly thought that he must have been… and a certain strategy occurred to her then, to try and pull him out of this hole, the way Kairi had heard that Lightning had been rescued by Hope and then vice versa. She was a Princess of Heart, wasn’t she? And therefore, good at purifying things, right? Why didn’t she try doing that for Sora? …And maybe Ephemer first, if it was true that something really did need to be changed about him for the day to be saved? Before anyone could object or react, Kairi threw herself into Ephemer’s arms and kissed his cheek… and as she did, she understood why he’d turned against the Master of Masters, as he whispered that truth in her ears: it had been because he thought he’d set them all up for failure. And if Kairi didn’t think that that was the answer right there and the Master of Masters was the true culprit, even while he played the philanthropist. But still sensing anguish within Ephemer for what he had done, anyway, Kairi focused all of her power into healing the poor boy’s heart… and as she did, she thought she saw him opening his eyes for the first time and breaking free of Sora’s hold. “Kairi?” Ephemer asked. And he did so in an almost reverent way that gave Kairi pause… Meanwhile, she pushed him back towards the other Guardians for safety, as she rocketed towards Sora’s chest once again. This time, the Master of Masters was summoning No Name towards her, but like Serah had kept him in check just a moment ago… Lightning did the same now, as she pulled her gunblade out, sprang into action, and slashed at the Master’s throat. Kairi touched Sora just as a single tear fell from his eye onto her. And through their connected hearts, she could see all that he’d recently gone through… and how he hated what he’d done—what he’d become—but had genuinely thought it needed to be done to save the world. And maybe- maybe he’d been right. At least for the box stuff and Ephemer at least needing to be redeemed, but he hadn’t been about the rest of it. But despite everything, Kairi didn’t think he needed to be this destroyed, either. What mattered, was that he hadn’t gone through with real evil in the end. “It’s okay, you know,” Kairi whispered into Sora’s ear as he fell to his knees and all of their friends began running towards them… with the Foretellers hot on their heels now, “if you don’t think you can see the forest for the trees anymore. Sometimes, I think I’m blinded by the light… But Sora, there’s someone who’s going to enter the world now who’s going to be the best parts of both of us. And if that isn’t proof that things can always get better and we’ll win the day… I don’t know what is.” And as this news lighted up Sora’s face and heart—and he tried to stammer heartfelt responses to Kairi, but no words came out and so he just settled on stroking her face—he was able to get to his feet and shield his friends in a barrier the moment they reached him… but he also charged it with electricity, so that the Master of Masters and Foretellers were temporarily blasted off world when they touched it (all of the Guardians, and their three new friends, would chase them down and properly end this later)… And the barrier? It was made of pure light. “You see? Everything’s going to be alright,” Kairi told Sora as she kissed his forehead and he likewise went to try and kiss her stomach. And this time, Kairi thought he believed her.

#my writing #shanna writes #my work #mine #sokai

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trulovell · 6 years ago

Text

An evening together || Trusa

Who: Tru and Rosaline

Where: Home

When: Tuesday 18th December 2018

Notes: Tru and Rosaline have both had a busy day and attempt to get their relationship back on a better path with mixed results. Pretty long

Rosaline had anticipated today’s rehearsal being long and hard but just how long and hard it had been had still taken her by surprise. Entering their home she heard Tru moving in the kitchen and after kicking off her shoes and dumping her bag she went to join her Domme. “M’home Miss,” she murmured wearily, her voice scratchy from overuse. The submissive moved in close, curling her arms around Tru’s waist and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. “Was your day as draining as mine?” As she looked down she spotted some of her green makeup remained on her hands and arms and she chuckled softly as she released Tru and made her way over to the sink. “Will you still love me when this show has turned me permanently green?” She asked with an overly dramatic sigh and a playful smirk.

Tru was exhausted by the days events. There was no other word for it. She wasn’t cut out for meetings with pompous idiots who thought their suit put them well above her. Thanks to Bella the University property had been secured and the work on that had now begun and Tru’s visit there was the small highlight of the day. However much of the day had been spent dealing with insurance issues on the actual brothel and it brought home to her how much she would have hated office work and why she was putting so much effort into getting new premises ready to go as quickly as possible.

She was lost in her thoughts as she stirred the pot, not even really paying attention to her own actions but turned with a smile at Rosaline’s greeting. “Hello Starling,” she sighed, accepting the soft kiss. “It was exhausting,” she agreed, a small laugh as Rosaline went to wash the green paint off again. “Am I going to have to get a doctor’s letter to carry with you to prove you don’t have some sort of contagious disease causing the green hue?” she chuckled. “Dinner will be in about fifteen minutes so you have time for a quick shower if that will be more effective.”

If there was one thing which was always guaranteed to make Rosaline swoon it was hearing her nickname come from Tru’s lips. She gave the Domme an appreciative squeeze before moving to the sink. “That’s probably a good idea,” she replied, feigning seriousness in her tone but her smirk revealed she was joking. “You’ll also have to have some kind of speech ready for every time you’re asked why I’m not locked in a confined room.” The makeup on her arms was being stubborn so she gave up and returned to Tru.

“I think I’ll need more than fifteen minutes to shift this. At least you’ll never lose me in the dark as I’ll glow like some weird lemming,” she continued to tease as she wrapped her arms around her Domme again, craving the contact. “I could do a great She-Hulk cosplay though…” she went quiet and rested her head on Tru’s chest, pulling herself in closer. “You only suggested a shower to keep me away from the food,” she murmured, unable to resist further teasing. “Tell me about your day? You need to go first so I know where the level is so I can make mine seem worse.” She giggled and turned her big dark eyes up to the Domme’s beautiful face, genuinely interested in Tru’s day despite her playful comment.

Tru rolled her eyes at the joke though her lips twitched. “If I wanted to keep you away from food I’m sure there are easier ways,” she laughed as she looked round and caught sight of the big, doe eyes looking at her. “Well I met with the contracting team for the university building and talked through plans. I like having the different coloured rooms, it really helps create the moods so they are happy to do that and that meeting was alright. They reckon they are on course to open mid January so I now need to decide whether I want some sort of big launch or something quieter. Then I had to meet with the insurance company and the loss adjuster and …..let’s just say there are good reasons I became a whore. These people are not human. The way they spoke to me was just so insulting, it was as if they were so above me. I deal in figures everyday and I may not have a degree in accountancy but I certainly understand the concept of the bottom line!” She let out a breath as she felt herself get riled again. “I’m thinking of getting Nox to come along to the next meeting and see if they are patronizing to him.” She pushed her hair back from her face as her shoulders dropped a little. “Alright Starling your turn.”

“Like tying me to the sofa just to be sure I don’t interfere,” Rosaline continued her teasing and had so nearly said bed instead of sofa but she hadn’t quite built back up to that stage. At least she was being affectionate and giving physical contact again unlike the awkward first few days when she first moved back in. The submissive’s nose turned up at the mention of contractors but her playful smirk soon returned as an idea struck her, but she didn’t interrupt and kept listening as Tru continued. “If you need ideas for room colour schemes I’m sure I can come up with a Star Wars one Miss,” she cooed playfully but then sighed. “I’m sorry you have to deal with them Miss,” she said softly, her hands running up and down Tru’s back. “You can remember how they treated you though and return the favour if they ever require your services.” A nod of agreement followed the idea of Nox going with her next time. “That… would make me feel better about it too Miss,” she added, thinking the supportive presence would be good for the Domme even though she knew Tru was perfectly capable of handling everything herself that didn’t necessarily mean she should.

“Urgh, where do I start?” She breathed with a sigh, pulling Tru even closer. “We’re so, so close Miss, and people are still messing about. I get it in the first few months but we have to be serious now, there were a number of… chats, let’s call them, in the producers office today. Riccardo was an ass again and ate cherries, drank a cherry drink and sprayed some cherry smelling thing all over him right before our kissing scene… I was actually sick, which messed up the makeup which put us behind schedule. They knew it wasn’t my fault though. I’m just grateful he’s the backup so I should only get 3 or 4 performances with him in total. Oh, and y’know that song and step sequence I’ve been practicing over and over and driving you mad with? I nailed it… But Alexandra kept fluffing her last lines right near the end so we had to keep redoing it. I think the pressure is getting to her and being newly single isn’t helping. If I send her your way do you think you could squeeze her in with one of your men who like non-sexual scenes?”

Tru could tell how tired Rosaline was when she pulled her even closer. She let out a grunt of annoyance as she heard about Riccardo purposely setting up Rosaline and especially to hear that he made her sick. Her lips moved into a smile as she heard that the submissive had got the routine right, she had performed it for the domme so many times that she felt she could almost perform it herself. Chuckling at the end of the story Tru nodded, “I can certainly do that but it would have to come from Alexandra and not you. I’m not in the business of setting up friends for scenes, it has to come from them.” Whether Rosaline was serious or not Tru wasn’t sure but she was very serious about her work and business. “Right my sweetheart let’s get you fed and then into a warm bath or shower and see if we can restore you to a more normal colour for a few hours.”

“Oh I know Miss,” Rosaline replied, he big eyes still gazing adoringly up at Tru, “she mentioned it first… well actually she said she was desperate to get laid but when we talked during a break we agreed to minimise the risk of rebound it should be non-sexual at first. She didn’t want to burden you with bookings because she saw what happened in the news. So I said I’d have a word and here I am. I’ll tell her to call you.” The idea of eating something and getting properly clean was definitely appealing but Rosaline was in a playful mood and tightened her grip on the Domme even more. “Does that mean I have to let go?” She mumbled, pouting up at the beautiful Domme but her face split into her mischievous smirk and she backed away a little, hand dramatically rising to her chest. “Then it’s true… you are ashamed of me looking like this,” she whined, projecting her voice as best she could despite its scratchines. The hand on her chest rose to her forehead. “Oh woe is me, whatever shall I do now!?” The submissive cracked then and burst into a fit of giggles, clearly her fatigue was making her more bratty than usual.

Tru gave a loud chuckle as Rosaline confirmed that she knew how these things worked and she had already made it clear the other submissive would need to make her appointment direct with Tru. “We need all the bookings we can get, I have wages to pay,” she said with a smile. It wasn’t the financial situation was dire and she didn’t want Rosaline to think it was but she also couldn’t waste the money she had. She held up her hands in surrender as Rosaline started her theatrics. “Far be it from me to say that,” she agreed with a smirk. The tone in the submissive’s voice gave hints of her brattiness and Tru looked right into her eyes, her stomach flipping. The blonde wanted nothing more than to tell her to bend over, pull down her panties and give her ass a good spanking justified by the tone but in reality she sensed it was necessary for them both. However she was still hesitant to offer any real dominance beyond simple commands and so she just kissed the brunette’s cheek. “Sit down Rosaline, we both need to eat,” she said simply instead.

Rosaline smiled when Tru laughed, it was such a wonderful sound and one she had definitely missed with everything that had been goin on, it was made all the better for knowing she had been the cause of it. “Maybe I’ll send the whole company your way Miss,” she replied with a smirk, “relieve some of the frustration that is clearly there.” The moment Tru’s stunning blue eyes locked onto her own Rosaline felt herself getting instantly lost in them, drawn to do absolutely anything the Domme commanded and she could feel her heart rate increase, her stomach tie itself in knots from the idea of what could happen. She felt her knees going weak, ready to take the weight of her as she submitted to the woman she loved but then the moment was gone and she was being kissed on the cheek. Rosaline knew what she wanted, she just didn’t know how to ask for it - or more specifically she knew how to ask, she just wasn’t sure she could. “Yes Miss,” she replied just as simply as the order had been given and shuffled over to the table to take her seat.

Tru could feel the palatable heat between the two of them. The spark was still there but there was a definite hesitation too. One that couldn’t be quickly fixed she knew, or rather she didn’t know having never been in the position before. She had heard people at the brothel talk, submissives who didn’t know if they could forgive their Dominants, Dominants crying in the bar over a wandering submissive. It didn’t happen all that often but there were occasions and Tru could offer up all the tea and sympathy they needed but more often than not what they needed was a good scene to sort themselves out. The thought hung heavy in her mind as she began to serve up dinner. In some strange way the fire had been a blessing in that it gave her a good distraction - but then again if the fire hadn’t happened neither would anything that followed.

With a long breath out she closed her eyes and centred herself before taking the two plates over to the table. “Tell me more about Riccardo,” Tru said after she had eaten a bite. “Do I need to deal with him because I’m not going to allow some jumped up idiot to make you sick when you are working so hard.”

Rosaline’s internal battle continued as she took her seat. Her heart was telling her to strip, kneel and bow, to beg to be used but her head fought the instinct and placed the immovable image of some guy’s hands all over her Domme. Deep down she knew she had forgiven Tru, she just didn’t know how to move on. “Other than he’s an ass?” The actress relief with a heavy sigh, smiling at the offer to have him sorted out. “He’s new at the agency, thinks he’s the next big thing with an ego so overinflated he probably floats if he jumps.” She tucked into her food for a moment, humming happily at the taste. It wasn’t like her to bitch about her costars, but Riccardo had done nothing of merit in her eyes.

“I’m pretty sure our first rehearsal was the first kiss he’s had, he’s terrible at it even without the cherry. But of course has all these huge elaborate stories about how many girls he had back in Rome.” She sighed heavily and turned her big doe eyes on Tru. “Of course he’s a Dom… which makes me second class to him and… well, I can’t say it do anything. And honestly, people are nervous he’ll pull a cherry stunt during an actual show so any ideas to deal with him are gratefully received Miss.”

Tru’s blood boiled as she heard about the way this jumped up little boy was acting. How dare he treat her submissive with such disrespect and as her eyes settled on the new collar the brunette was wearing her lips began to curl. “He may be a Dominant Starling but that certainly does not make you second class and if that is how he views it then believe me, he’s not a good Dominant. However I think I may need to visit you at rehearsal very soon. Perhaps we need to show him exactly how fierce your Dominant can be - if that is what he is confused about. Or we can give him a clear idea of how Dominance and submission work if he really considers you less than him because you chose to be a submissive.” She took a bite of her food as she considered what she could do and was actually quite looking forward to meeting this Riccardo and his ego.

Rosaline thought she would hate the feeling of ‘needing’ to be rescued but hearing Tru’s supportive words, how she would come to her defence and see Riccardo for herself reminded the submissive why she had fallen for the Domme in the first place. “I’d really like that Miss, thank you.” She offered a big smile. Being one of the few claimed submissive’s in the company meant Tru basically had an all access pass and the thought of Riccardo being taught a much needed lesson made her smile even brighter. “Is all of the above an option Miss? Just to make sure we cover all bases.” Her hand reached out to hold her Domme’s for a moment and her big dark doe eyes gazed into her blue ones. “I know how busy you are Miss, and I don’t want to add to that but if you have the time a visit would be wonderful.”

Tru held the submissive’s gaze for a moment, speechless as she gazed deep into her eyes. “I’m sure we could work on all of the above,” she said with a small smile as she broke the moment. Her stomach twisted with nerves in a way which was quite unfamiliar to the domme these days, she always felt she was past that. “I’ll check my schedule the next few days and see when I could call in.” She returned to her food though her mind was elsewhere. There was so much hesitation between them both and she didn’t know how to move beyond it, frightened that she might push too far. She didn’t blame Rosaline for wanting to take things easy and build up the trust between them again, she rather felt that way herself but from a different point of view, however with the brothel still out of action she was managing more paperwork than doing any kind of scene at work and without Rosaline available in the same way she was already starting to suffer. Glancing up she took in the girl’s beautiful features and wanted nothing more than to see her tied up and begging. Tru looked back down at her plate and lost herself in thoughts that veered between denying her good girl over and over for an evening and forced orgasms until the brunette was begging her to stop - both fully enjoyable activities in Tru’s mind.

Rosaline felt another surge in her heart rate as she held Tru’s gaze, once again feeling that spark between them and for a moment she leaned closer, ready to slide off her hair onto her knees but the connection was broken before she could act. Following Tru’s lead she returned to her food but kept glancing up at the beautiful blonde, stealing looks like a smitten schoolgirl in class. With their food finished Rosaline was struck by what she could only describe as first date nerves even though they had been together over a year now. Thinking back she wondered how they would have gotten over the awkwardness in their early days and the submissive’s playfulness came surging forward. “Am i your desert Miss?” She cooed flirtatiously, a mischievous glint in her eye which was matched by her smirk. She could feel herself trembling with nerves but this one didn’t let it stop her, she wanted this so much, she wanted Tru to have her. Rosaline slid from her chair and dropped to her knees beside Tru, she had done some kneeling recently of course but this time her hands went behind her back and her head bowed - the pose Tru loved and had taught her. Their pose. “Please can I be your good girl?”

Tru was surprised as Rosaline dropped to her knees beside her though she was secretly very happy. She needed the submissive to be sure though. Once they passed this point she wasn’t willing to drop back to the hesitant and restrictive behaviour again. Putting a finger under Rosaline’s chin Tru tipped her head up so she was looking at the domme. “I want you to be sure Starling. You are mine, that’s not changing. But this, what you are asking…..I can’t go back and forth. If we do this then I am forgiven and we move forward.” Neither of them were likely to forget the actions in a long time but she wasn’t willing to have it thrown back at her repeatedly either.

Rosaline felt her stomach lurch with nerves again as Tru’s finger was placed under her chin and directed her gaze up. “I miss you so much Miss,” she blurted out the moment their eyes met. “I forgive you. I can’t bare to go on like this, I’ve wanted it for a while I just wasn’t sure you did and I didn’t know what to say or do.” The submissive took a breath and let it out slowly, never breaking the eye contact with her Domme, letting herself get lost in those pretty blue eyes she loved so much. “I just…” Just what? Even she wasn’t sure, she was sure of this, sure this was what she wanted and what it meant, she definitely wanted them to move forward instead of looking backward, wanted to be Tru’s good girl again with everything she loved about that status. “I just… might have some different needs for a while, until we get back to how we were…” Her brows were furrowed, she was thinking aloud to be totally honest with Tru, just like the Domme had been with her. “I might not… I won’t know until it happens. I’m sorry Miss, I’m not making any sense am I?”

Tru held her breath while Rosaline spoke. There was an element of relief that she did want to submit but she wasn’t ready for everything and while it was understandable the domme also found it a concern. The idea that things would be different until they got back to where they were was difficult to anticipate because it was all about when Rosaline felt ready. “It makes sense sweetheart but it is going to take some navigating,” she said honestly. “I need you to take a few minutes and think about your current limits. Anything that you know you will not be willing to do you need to say, make it a hard limit just now. We will review your limits on a weekly basis right now.” Tru stood up, “I’m going to clean up dinner, you are going to go into the living room and kneel. Clear your mind and think. When I come through you will tell me honestly what those limits are.”

Rosaline sighed with relief when her nonsensical ramble was given some form of validation, even she wasn’t sure it deserved it so it made her appreciate Tru’s tolerance of it even more. She nodded in agreement with every sentence Tru said, all of it making perfect sense to her and when instructed she thanked the Domme for the meal and went to kneel in the living, holding her obedient pose perfectly as she waited. It was while there, alone, listening to the sounds of Tru in another room that Rosaline realised her problem may not be submitting at all, but rather a deeper, more ingrained fear which had reared its ugly head due to what had happened. The submissive remained as still as a statue in her perfect pose until Tru came through to join her instructed her to move. When she was given permission to speak Rosaline tried her hardest to remain concise, knowing how important this was. “All my old limits still stand Miss and my safeword is unchanged. I… I’ve realised I’m struggling with… being alone, or more like left… abandoned. It’s why I’ve been more clingy and wanting little gestures from you. I need that little extra confirmation.”

She took a breath, ordered her thoughts and continued. “So please, no solitary based punishments. I know quiet time and wall time are good for me sometimes but if you could stay in the room just so I know you’re there I think that would be enough. Also, senses. For the same reason I think I would panic if all my senses were taken away and I couldn’t tell you were still there, so something like if I can’t see or hear I’ll need a touch, just something to reassure me, if I can still see or hear you I think I’ll be fine. I’m sorry if I sound needy Miss, I hope those are ok?”

Tru’s heart broke a little more hearing the lingering anxiety she had caused. It wasn’t at all what she had expected to hear Rosaline say but in many ways it was more of a wake up than and reminder of her responsibilities than many other things would have been. “Of course it’s ok sweetheart. Your limits are what you need to avoid to feel safe and secure….I’m…” She was going to say she was sorry she had left Rosaline feeling as if she would leave her again but she suspected that may cause the submissive to backtrack or try to change her limits again before she felt ready and she really didn’t want that. So she rephrased her words, “I’m glad you are able to identify what you need.”

They both needed a scene and a thorough one at that. Something to get them back on a better footing again not to mention the fact she hadn’t seen Rosaline naked in far too long. Standing up Tru gazed down, “You use your safe word if at any time you do not feel comfortable. Even if it is something we have done a hundred times, if it doesn’t feel right this time then you safe word. Understood?” Getting the confirmation she gave a nod, “Crawl to the playroom, go right into the middle and strip. I want you standing with your hands behind your back and your feet apart. I’ll be right behind you.”

Rosaline smiled when Tru validated what she had said and alleviated all the concerns that she was being overly needy or cautious. Deep down she knew Tru wouldn’t leave her like she had before, it had been a one off mistake and she had paid the price and learned her lesson during the events that had followed. But that knowledge was buried very deep down and needed coaxing back out, which they would do together. That she was definitely sure of. “Thank you Miss,” she replied, her smile growing a little.

With a coy little smirk the submissive lowered herself onto her hands and knees and began to crawl as instructed. As she glanced behind her to see Tru following she teased by wiggling her ass a little. The teasing felt good and knowing what was coming caused her heart to race with excitement - or was it nerves? Rosaline assumed it was excitement and continued on, making quick work of stripping out of her dress and underwear, though as always, putting on a bit of a show for her Domme who she was grateful to see had stayed with her the entire time. She stood exactly as instructed, feet apart and hands clasped behind her back. Her coy smile returned as her head rose and she saw Tru looking hungrily at her but she also felt her entire body trembling, doubt started to creep into her mind. Maybe it wasn’t excitement. She wanted this, that was definitely true but suddenly she wasn’t sure if she could.

Tru’s eyes roamed the submissive’s body. She desperately wanted to touch her, hear her moan and beg straight away but at the same time she was well aware that they both needed this to be slow and steady. She walked around the beauty’s naked body, itching to touch but holding back for the moment. “Legs wider,” she ordered, “Shoulders back a bit more.” The sight as she came back round to the front was a stunning one and she took a good few moments to shamelessly look over Rosaline’s body. “You look stunning Starling,” she purred, ignoring for the moment the bruises on her shins from rehearsals.

When she could resist no longer she stepped forward, one hand running down from her shoulder to her wrist before the hand came up to cup her breast as she leaned forward to kiss the pink lips which called to her. Her hand settled under the perfect, full breast as her thumb lifted to rub over the raised nipple as she began to tease ever so gently.

Rosaline instantly complied with Tru’s orders, feeling herself falling into the headspace she knew and loved so much, the place which only Tru was able to take her to now. “Thank you Miss,” she sighed happily when Tru complimented her. With the way she was being looked at Rosaline knew Tru would see every missed piece of makeup and every bump she’d received from mis-steps during rehearsals. Had it been a normal scene she would probably have made a cheeky joke about the stage bruising her more than Tru did but this was not a normal scene.

The submissive felt herself melting into the gliding touch down her arm, a low shuddering breath escaping from her. Oh how she had missed this. A soft, whimper like moan left the submissive’s lips as Tru’s hand cupped her sensitive breast and she was completely consumed by the kiss, losing all sense of what else was going on as she returned the kiss feverishly. But then the kiss was broken and the doubt returned, as did the trembling. The caress across her nipple should have felt amazing, it did feel amazing but something wasn’t right. Rosaline’s violently shaking hand rose and curled weakly around Tru’s wrist to guide her hand away. Tru’s beautiful blue eyes met her own which she knew were full of confusion and also welling with tears.

“Pinecone,” she whispered, employing her safeword for the first time ever with Tru and she felt her stomach lurch at having to do so, she had never had to before, why was now any different. What was wrong with her? “I’m sorry Miss,” she croaked, tears falling down her cheeks, “it doesn’t feel right… I don’t know why…” She was frozen for a moment, gripping Tru’s wrist like her life depended on it. Would she leave her after this? Consumed with fear she dived forwards, wrapping her arms around her Domme with a vice like grip. “I’m sorry Miss, I’m sorry,” she sobbed into Tru’s shoulder. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me… am I broken? Please don’t be mad, I’m so sorry.”

Tru’s heart sank as she heard the safe word but what worried her more was Rosaline’s reaction to using it. Her arms tightened around the younger woman and she softly hushed her. “I’m not mad sweetheart. Don’t ever think that.” Kissing the top of the brunette’s head Tru closed her eyes, knowing the submissive couldn’t see her reaction. “Let’s get you dressed Starling and then we are going to talk.” Her deliberate use of Rosaline’s nickname was designed to reassure her further that the domme was not upset though she couldn’t deny she was disappointed. It was understandable but they both needed to recover in their own way and own pace.

She kept an arm around Rosaline’s shoulders as she steered her through to the bedroom. “Pyjamas on,” she ordered firmly as she sat down on the bed and showing the brunette that she wouldn’t leave her alone. Once Rosaline was dressed Tru slid back up the bed so her back was against the headboard and patted the pillow next to her, “Come and sit next to me sweetheart.” Once the submissive was settled she took a breath, “Thank you for using your safeword. That is what I need to be sure you will do. It doesn’t mean you are broken darling and I will never be mad at you for it. Your safeword is just that, it stops everything.” Pausing for a moment she turned her head so she was looking clearly at Rosaline, “When you are ready I would like you to tell me what made you safeword.”

Rosaline let Tru’s words wash over her and soothe her reeling mind, her panic starting to subside instantly and she suddenly felt stupid for thinking Tru would abandon her. The nickname also worked wonders and unable to speak Rosaline nodded obediently and let herself be guided by Tru’s arm around her shoulder. As the submissive pulled on her pajamas she kept glancing at the Domme on the bed, her vulnerable state needing that extra confirmation that she was still there. She settled on the pillow and after just a moment she shuffled closer, wanting to press herself up against Tru as much as possible.

“I felt… strange,” she started, believing it to sound feeble but also the best description she had. “I don’t know why I thought you would be mad… I know you won’t ever be because of me using my safeword. I panicked. I’m sorry.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, holding it for several seconds and she let her mind drift back to the exact moment her feelings had begun to change. “I wanted to do it Miss, I really wanted it. I still do. The thought of it is exciting… it’s just the doing. I didn’t feel unsafe, I didn’t feel scared. I was… anxious? It just didn’t feel right... I’m sorry, I don’t know why. I really wish I knew. I’m so sorry.”

Tru listened carefully. Part of her wanted to reach out and wrap her arm around her beauty and pull her close but until she knew what the issue had been she wouldn’t actually touch her. Rosaline’s explanation didn’t really help. There was nothing obvious stopping the scene so Tru just had to assume that they were still not back to where they had been. She couldn’t blame Rosaline for it in any way of course, her anxieties were Tru’s making and not the submissives but there was no way of changing what had happened.

“It’s alright my darling. We will wait until you are ready for that kind of contact again,” if ever ran through her mind. “For now it’s been a long day and we would both benefit from an early night.” The kneeling and domestic orders would have to be enough for them both now and she tucked away the hope that perhaps Rosaline would feel ready for a spanking soon, they both needed more but every little would help until that time.

Rosaline knew her explanation probably didn’t help but there were no words to describe how she had felt and what had caused her to safeword. She assumed it was just a product of their new circumstances but having never been in this position before she didn’t know that for sure. “Thank you Miss, I know we’ll work it out… together,” she murmured and lifted Tru’s arm, draping it over her shoulders. Not just wanting but needing that contact from her Domme. She needed to make sure Tru knew she could touch her, it was just sexual activities which she seemed to be struggling with.

The submissive didn’t even try to stifle the big yawn which came to her, the long day and rollercoaster of emotions catching up to her and making her feel completely exhausted. “Please hold me til I fall asleep?” She mumbled though her eyes were already drooping even as she spoke. She felt Tru shift her position, moving them both so they were laying down and with the protective embrace of Tru’s arms around her it wasn’t long before Rosaline drifted off to sleep.

#ftf:rosaline #rosaline #an evening together #chatzy #chatzy:rosaline #chatzy:an evening together

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la-sopa · 2 years ago

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I have another sill au idea, this one is short. Basically, when Granta Omega attacks the senate building it goes ka-boom. While the jedi were inside they find out its going to go ka boom, but how anakin abandons ferus earlier, ferus is left to protect the chancellor, and they end up getting cornered by Omega. So ferus pretty much sacrifices himself so the chancellor can escape. Then ka-boom. And siri is :( and I don't blame her. And even with everything that's happened she still holds on this this thin hope that he's alive because even though she watched the building go down. She never felt him die in the force. And obi wan, bant, and all her friends are like home boy is gone, rip, were here for you. But, more drama, yay. Gtanta actually lives and takes ferus with him. Makes Zan Arbor do this poison memory wipe thing. But Zan Arbor is like how about I just block his memories instead so that way he still remembers how to fight and shit so some one can take Carr of the jedi while u capture anakin and whatever. And he's like ight cool. So it's like a winter solder type thing I guess. So a year later, obi wan, anakin , siri are in prosuit of Granta and right when there about to get him they get attacked by ferus, who ultimately kicks there asses, mostly only because siri dosen't wanna hurt him and the whole time is trying to convince him to come home, and he's like bestie idk who tf you are. Like the battle was close but with the help if zan arbor and Omega yeah. But finally after and year if run in and stuff they get captured. Now whatever poison and shit they did to ferus is starting to where off because he stops taking whatever the told him to. And when his keep watch by the cell. Now, siri has come to terms that he dosent rember anything and isn't coming home but makes one final act, and tries her hardest to convince him to come home. And he just ask her why? Why didn't she come back, why didn't she try to find him. Oh but she did, and even through the irony she realizes that he remembers, finally. And after some heart warming shit, he let's them go and helps them escape. Siri trys to make him go with them but instead he decides to do inside work for them and spy on zan arbor and granta. Now shit ends up hitting the fan and once he's found out they though him in some cell. Then granta ends up capturing anakin. So Ferus and Anakin put aside there differences and break out. While there leaving though they sneak a trader onto Granta. Once back at the jedi temple. They get a squad together, and against councils orders, go and track down granta. Ry-gal, Tru veld, Sorra Atlanta, darra thel-tanis, obi wan ,anakin , siri tachi, and ferus olin. Track down granta and capture him. When they bring him back to the temple they force all of the information out of him about dooku, the sith lord. Once finding out about the sith lord the jedi plan an evacuation and attack on the chancellor. And while everyone deals with all of this bullshit and re enforcement, anakin goes straight after sidious. And he trys to convince anakim to join him, and anakins like f off and call append both sides of the force a d kicks sidous's ass. And then yay everyone celebrates the new found peace. And Ferus ends up leaving the order, feels to out of place and ends up moving to bellassa, finding and married to Roan Lands. And keeps in close contact with his older sister siri. And with no war waging across the galaxy obviously siri finally can catch a break( everyone else to but I feel for my girl). Maybe some siriwan 👀 I don't know, maybe. And anakin and padme still meet and have there kids. And everything just works out fine in the end and they all live happily ever after. The end.

#au? maybe?#ferus olin #star wars #jedi quest #jude watson #anakin skywalker #siri tachi #roan lands #obi wan kenobi #winter solder au ish #Yuh #I wrote this all when I should of been asleep with important things to do tomorrow but that's fine

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tishinada · 7 years ago

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I’ve already mentioned the virtual Shadowrun campaign that my oldest daughter has run periodically for about 7 years. The current team of runners are two orcs and two elves, with a dwarf who spends most of his time in our HQ’s garage blowing things up (i.e. a friend who is only off work occasionally when we play.) My elf character is actually the original “Tishina” by the way. Our team is known as Heels On Wheels, and we have a resident sasquatch and a mist lynx cub. Long stories.

Currently, a gang war just broke out, and we were caught in the middle and had to pick sides, much to Tish’s dismay. But this gang war kicked off with someone taking out the city communications. And the faction we’re now allied with asked us to help them take advantage of the situation to piggyback their own encrypted comms onto the city’s (plus tapping into their power to increase range, etc.) It’s the kind of job our team is known for, mostly because of my character’s background, a trained corporate infiltrator and security/electronics whiz.

Our mage and I produce city utility uniforms for all of us and he puts an illusion on our vehicle and we drive out to a tower in an area that’s mostly free of fighting at least. Five armed guards inside the fence, but no ID scanners or anything that might expose us. And we know they can’t have had any communications since this started.

Now, my daughter requires us to RP our interactions. We drive up to the gate, and when the guard walks up to the driver’s side of the truck, my character leans forward and just starts chattering. “Oh my God, can you believe what’s going on? It’s a warzone across half the city, and they sent me out in this! I mean, this was supposed to be my day OFF, and they sent a truck around to drag me out to come over here and see if I can get this tower communicating with the closest one. Damned if I’ll stay home where they can find me on my day off again! And stupid, cause there’s no way this is as simple as a hardware problem! At least I’m getting time-and-a-half, but they’d better give me hazard pay too!” And I keep going, not letting either our driver or the guard get more than a couple of words in.

And the guard just laughs and waves us on through, slapping our driver on the shoulder, who’s got the look of someone who’s been listening to this all the way across the city. At this point, I can hear everyone else stifling laughs over the mikes. (I’ve taught them all that the first trick of infiltration is to act like you belong there, and the second is to make sure they don’t want to pay attention to you.)

Tish is the non-combatant on the team. Her only real weapon skill is a handgun (for her tranq gun.) But I’m good at hiding, running, and climbing. Which is good, because I have to climb a 60′ ladder, and then discovered I needed to freeclimb with a harness another 20′ or so up to make sure the transmitter I’m installing isn’t likely to be noticed for a long time. And I’ve kept up the chatter the whole time, so all five of the guards are completely ignoring us by now, so much so that we’re wandering in and out of the office trailer.

About the time I come back down to the 1st platform to deck into their system and finish the job, our mist lynx cub, Rummy, who’s been napping in the truck wakes up bored and decides to take a stroll. Mind you, people are terrified of mist lynxes who are deadly, get huge, and can phase through walls. They aren’t supposed to be tameable, but our ex spec forces orc boy scout adopted Rummy without knowing what he was.

The two on the ground spot Rummy just as he’s phasing through the wall into the office trailer. By the time his orc trainer can catch up to him (the other orc is on the platform with me as she’s the other climber in the group, and a sniper) he’s just dumping the carafe of coffee on the floor, among other bits of mayhem (at least he hadn’t had time to eat the guards’ lunches.) He gives Rummy his treat, then gives him the command to go back to the truck, which thankfully he does.

At this point, the mage goes into the trailer to clean up the evidence of Rummy’s bored stroll, while I’m coming back down the ladder, still chattering. The guards thankfully haven’t noticed ANY of this, including the 40 pound cub taking a stroll and phasing through walls. The orc signals me that the mage is in the trailer, and I grumble my way inside (help him clean up) and then lead him back out griping about why I bothered bringing him along, some apprentice he is when he’s goofing off indoors while I’ve been working my ass off.

We get in the truck, and head back to the gate, where I chatter cheerfully at the guard about of course it wasn’t the hardware, and well, at least I’d get time and a half, right? Now, you’d think they’d be thrilled to see the back of me, right? Yeah. The guard comes up to my window, winks at me, and slips a piece of paper in my hand while patting me on the shoulder.

As we drove off, yes, he gave me his name and number and “call me next day off you get!”

#gaming #shadow run

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sass-and-stilettos · 8 years ago

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“Small Town Politics - The Human Lie Detector”

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@red-leather-yellow-bug

A Romantic Snow Queen companion story…

(season 2, no Cora in Storybrooke but they left her behind in the Enchanted Forest, around 2.10ish a few weeks back from the EF)

There was something wrong in her parents marriage and it was pretty evident not soon after they’d returned and the two of them tried to pick up where the curse left off. Mary Margaret was distant from David, and David seemed frustrated and didn’t understand why. She’d also started supervising Regina in the mayor’s office and the mayor seemed to not hate this idea. Snow and Regina had lunch once a week in Granny’s where everyone listening in heard very dense lessons from Regina to the Princess about how the town worked.

They’d had a couple of fights that seemed to be about something that happened back before the curse and one day Mary Margaret told him that she wanted a divorce.

He’d grabbed her arm and Emma had separated them. He moved into the B&B and Snow stayed with Emma and Henry in the loft. But Emma couldn’t shake that David had been right about something. Her mother was lying. She’d been wearing a lot of long sleeve turtle necks and not been affectionate with David. And one evening Emma and Henry came home to find a red rose in a vase on the table and the dishes from diner for two in the sink. Including a wine glass.

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Emma paused in the kitchen and slowly let her bag down to the floor, eyeing the dishes in the sink and the solitary wine glass marked with deep red lipstick. She frowned and felt her nerves tense. “Hey, kid,” she said to Henry, pulling him in to ruffle his hair. “You got that science project done yet? Tell ya what. If you can finish it tonight… I’ll take you to see that monster movie Regina doesn’t want you to see.” She winked at him and laughed as he practically ran up the stairs to his bedroom. Her humor was short-lived, though. She crossed her arms and headed to the back room.

“Mom, you got a second?”

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Mary Margaret was sitting under a reading lamp with a book in hand, a cheesy romance, when Emma and Henry came in. She smiled and some pang of her thought she should suggest to Emma that might not be the most appropriate incentive but she decided the last thing she should do was advocate for Regina’s monster movie rules.

“Sure,” She closed her book and put it to the side.

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Tilting her head sideways, Emma read the novel’s title on the spine. She quirked an eyebrow and pursed her lips. “’My Last Chance at Romance’. Really, Mom?” Emma rolled her eyes and leaned against the door frame. “Wouldn’t think you were interested in romance at a time like this.”

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Snow hadn’t been very forthcoming about the divorce other than that they were different people now than when the book was written. “A little fantasy and distraction.”

Emma was new to calling her mom and she liked it. “Besides I think we’ve established that I’ve got terrible luck with romance.”

She watched Emma, “You want to talk I take it? I’m sorry the fairy tale doesn’t quite live up to Henry’s book.” She kept hearing Regina’s advise about talking to the best friend.

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“I’ve never been obsessed with the fairy tale. It’s reality that interests me… even if the reality is flooded with fiction.” There was an edge to her voice, though it remained even. “I want to talk about what’s going on. About what’s really going on.”

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“Alright.”

Mary Margaret said sitting forward. “I know this must be very hard for you and I want to help.”

She could feel Emma’s anger and she wondered if maybe she and Regina hadn’t been as careful as they thought.

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“I’m fine.” She clearly wasn’t. But Emma was hardly in the mood to be coddled. She wanted answers, not sympathies. “I only just got parents, and now they’re divorcing before I really had the chance to get attached. It’s not ideal, but I think I’ll live somehow.”

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Mary Margaret raised an eyebrow but decided not to challenge the ‘fine’.

“We’re not going away. Your father and I both love you very much. It’s just that…. fighting a war took a certain toll and after we started to settle into life here with our memories…”

She shrugged. “There are just things between your father and I that we can’t really reconcile. I was hoping because you grew up in this world you would understand.”

The town hadn’t been exactly understanding and David was very angry. There was a row of little bruises on her arm from a fight where David grabbed her arm as she was walking away.

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“I understand well enough.” Emma’s face softened. Though she had been her friend first, and her mother second, Mary Margaret still had an uncanny knack for maternal guilt-tripping. “Sometimes things just don’t work out. I get that. But… what I don’t get is how you can be so calm about it. David is in a constant state between wreck and rage. But you look almost… happy.”

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“David is the one who thinks what is between us isn’t a big deal.” She sighed, “I… am the one who feels like I don’t have to continue something that feels wrong. Your father and I also come from a world where true love lasts forever and where he got his dreams of being a prince and having a perfect family.”

She played with the edge of her blanket. “I feel like no one wants to hear me when I say that your father’s dreams in the end weren’t mine. It doesn’t mean I didn’t love him… don’t love him.”

She looked at Emma, “I married a heroic brave prince. I was … whatever I was… But now I’m a school teacher who is also a princess and he’s a sheriff who is also a shepherd who passed himself off as a prince…”

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There was more to her reply than she was letting on, Emma knew. She didn’t want to share something and was being very careful not to come too close to mentioning it. Emma, however, was growing tired playing games.

“What exactly is between you two, that David thinks isn’t such a big deal? What changed?” Emma was studying her face. “Surely, it wasn’t just the job exchange.”

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She sighed. “We did something… terrible during the war with Regina. And he would like to make up for it by pretending it didn’t happen and continue on being the hero he was.”

She rubbed the bridge of her nose. “I think what we did was so bad we’re not heroes and redemption doesn’t come from telling yourself you were never wrong.”

She looked at Emma, “Please don’t ask me the details.”

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The frown on Emma’s face doubled. “I don’t think I want to know the details…” This was a story she was hardly prepared for, whatever it was. “I regret asking.”

Her posture stiffened, arms pulling tighter across her chest. She had to toss her hair back and roll her eyes before she could continue. “Look… I’m just gonna cut to the chase. I know something’s going on. Besides… whatever unknown villainy you committed in the past.” Emma breathed through her teeth. “Like… the dishes in the sink. Dinner for two? And lipstick on the wine glass? You don’t wear lipstick for just anyone…” She bit her lip, clearly uncomfortable. “Mary Mar– Mom. I just… I can’t help the feeling that I’m being… lied to, somehow. And I don’t like it. You should trust me better than that by now.”

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She inhaled. “You are right.” She looked up at the ceiling and then scratch the back of her neck. “There is something else going on. I just don’t quite know how to tell you. And I’m afraid you’ll think less of me when I do.”

She closed her eyes. “That’s not my lipstick on the glass.”

She shifted and was trying to hold on to those last few moments of her daughter’s respect.

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“I won’t think any less of you if you’ll just trust me with the tru– wait what?” Emma’s eyebrows had furrowed so low together it looked almost painful. With her mouth gaping a bit, she felt rather like a confused neanderthal. “Oh… so… ok… I’m sorry, I thought that maybe you had… special company over for dinner… I mean, what with the rose on the table.” She swallowed, looking embarrassed, and shuffled her feet some. “What was it, actually? Girls night with Ruby? Seeking some friendly advice… from someone who… wouldn’t judge you?” Emma’s eyes were on the carpet. She felt awful for assuming so much.

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“Oh I’m pretty sure you’ll think less of me.” Snow shook her head, “I’m pretty sure the entire town would. It was … special company.”

She inhaled, “I was having dinner with Regina.”

She brushed a bit of hair behind her ear. “I’m not sure dating is the right description but it’s Regina. She put the rose on the table and I just didn’t want to throw it away after she left. I wasn’t sure you’d notice.”

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Her deep frown returned. “I don’t get it. Is she… already trying to set you up with someone?” Emma’s eyes were darting, trying to connect the mental dots. “I mean, I think it’s… a little early to move on… but I can’t be the judge of that, and neither can the town. What’s the big deal? They should be at least… happy that you two are working together… and not starting wars. Right?”

Emma was incredibly perceptive, in most cases, but not all.

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“Working together is a word for it.”

Mary Margaret said as she stood up and moved into the kitchen to wash the dishes that had given it away. “She’s not match making Emma.”

This was even more painful with the denial. “I didn’t leave your father for Regina but …”

She waved her hand vaguely at the end of the sentence. “Regina and I have always had rather intense feelings about one another and there is a fine line between love and hate.”

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Emma turned to watch but stayed leaning against the door frame as her mother went to the sink. Which was a good thing, because it helped break her fall considerably as she blacked out.

She came to almost immediately, surprised to find herself sprawled out on her rump. Emma gazed up at her mother, eyes wide as she pulled out from her sudden haze.

“Whaaaaat?” Her voice was hoarse, hardly louder than a whisper. She looked up terrified to the floor above, worried that Henry might have heard her fall. Satisfied that he hadn’t, Emma scrambled to her feet. “Are… are you kidding me?” she gasped. “You’ve got to be joking.”

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When she fell Mary Margaret came running and immediately checked her head to make sure she hadn’t hurt herself.

“That … was not exactly the reaction I expected.” She said hurriedly. “Are you alright?”

Mary Margaret was doing the mom thing and counting fingers and not looking at Emma’s face when she said it. “Not joking. It’s good to know I can still give you childhood trauma still. Do you need a drink?”

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“This isn’t funny!” Emma hissed, rubbing at her sore backside. “This is… this is… weird.” She stared at her for a moment, eyes searching for anything resembling a lie or at the very least an elaborate prank. Seeing nothing, she sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. “I’ll take that drink. No. I’ll make it.” She moved into the kitchen. Emma needed something to do with her hands, and knew that her mom wouldn’t pour her the amount of liquid strength she sought in this moment.

She grabbed a tumbler and the vodka and nearly crushed the ice in her hand when she took it from the freezer.

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“It’s not funny.”

Mary Margaret folded her arms and was a little upset that Emma seemed to think that her sex life might ever be a joke. “You live in a town populated by people from a magical land and my romantic life is … weird?”

Emma had always treated her sex life like a joke.

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“No, c’mon… you know what I meant!” Emma ran the tap, adding a splash of water to her drink. She stared down at the glass still in the sink, and at the deep crimson lip stain on the rim. Her stomach clenched. The lip mark was very clearly Regina’s. Emma couldn’t help the images that flitted through her mind.

She cracked her neck and took a hard gulp of her drink. Her exhale cooled her hot nerves, even as the vodka burned down her throat. “It’s not about you… I mean, it is, but you’re human. You have… needs.” Emma shivered uncomfortably. “And, I’m sorry, but it’s a little weird trying to reconcile this with you suddenly being my mother and all… just… of ALL people? Regina? Really?” She looked at her again, finally. Her eyes were full of emotion, running a wide range from embarrassment to sympathy, most notably fear. And, least perceptively, something else… that not even Emma couldn’t articulate.

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“I’m not sure what you mean by anything right now Emma. You are reacting… how I thought you would.”

She said it quietly. “Regina isn’t an unattractive woman Emma. And … she’s trying to be better. Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting to see the woman I knew back again? To see her fight her demons?”

She leaned against the counter. “I know this is a shock. Talk to me.”

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Emma swirled the ice in her glass and took a deep breath. “This is just… a lot to take in at once. I mean… everything keeps changing. First you’re my roommate and friend, and now your my mother, and you’re supposed to be older than me but you’re not. And… Regina, she’s….” Emma took another sip of her drink. “She’s the mayor, and Henry’s adoptive mother, but then she’s Evil Queen… and you’re supposed to be Snow White, and…”

Emma’s back slid down the counter as she crouched to the floor. “Ugh… this is just weird and confusing, ok? Give me a minute. I hardly know who either of you are to me right now…” She ran her fingers into her hair again, massaging her head. “I’m not mad… I don’t think. I’m just…” She gave a heavy sigh. “I have no idea what I am.”

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“I know.” She sat down at the table. “We’re all having a rough time adjusting to the end of the curse and it’s a lot for you to take in.”

She fiddled with her hands, “I’m Mary Margaret, but I’m also Snow White. But … I’m not the girl from the Disney movie nor is Henry’s book a complete story. And you’re my daughter but you are also … I hope… still my friend.”

She looked over at Emma, “Regina is the Mayor and she is the Evil Queen and she did… horrible… unspeakable things. But those things aren’t her entire story. When I met Regina she was the bravest woman I’d ever met. Maybe with you the two bravest women I’ve ever known. She saved my life. I lived in a world where everyone knew who I was and everyone wanted to please me and the horse I was riding on went wild… and I was going to die. And Regina risked her life to save me. She had no idea who I was.”

She ran her finger over the counter top. “Before the darkness and the evil she was … someone you would have liked.”

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Emma just sat and absorbed, both words and alcohol. This was one of the most surreal moments she had ever experienced in her life, and that was saying something. It took her a long time but, after a while, she started nodding as a look of resolution mingled with resignation fell over her face. “Ok.” She lifted her shoulders. “I mean… what else can I say? Besides, Ok?” She huffed a sigh. “If it’s what makes you happy, then… ok.” She looked up at her mother, the would-be Disney princess, and her friend. “I don’t really get it and… to be perfectly honest, I’m a little…” Emma blushed and waved a hand at the unspoken comment. “Forget it. Mary Mar- Mom… uh… thank you for telling me. I promise I won’t tell anyone. I… uh… I wish you the best. I guess… And…Yeah. Yes. The best.”

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“You aren’t okay with it.” She said quietly. “Regina has already told Henry. She… doesn’t want us to go public until she’s sure he’s okay with it.”

Seeing the look on Emma’s face she could guess what Emma was thinking.

“When you go over to Regina’s house tonight to confront her please… try to remember what I just told you?”

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“I mean, I’m not ok with it at this moment! Jeeze, give me a chance, will ya?” That small bit of fear in her eyes seemed to grow. “Henry knows? Really? Before me? I…” She had to shut her mouth and force down another sip of drink before she continued. “I get it, she’s his mom. But… you’re mine. And Regina is… Whatever. Whatever. It’s ok. It’s fine! Just give me some time. It’s not like I’m gonna dash over there and fight for your honor or…” From the look on Emma’s face, she appeared to have half a mind to do just that.Though, the other half, had no clue what to do. If anything, at all. Emma couldn’t understand why she had such sudden and apparent hurt feelings.

“Does… does Henry like this? Does he get it?”

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“Henry knows because Regina is desperate to not lie to him and wants to get out of the doghouse.” She raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know. You’d have to ask Regina. She’s still … scared but I don’t think it went like a disaster. I was going to tell you … but I was afraid you’d react badly.”

Like this.

“Regina is what?”

Actually she was reasonably sure both Regina and she had expected Emma to do just that.

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“Nothing. Forget it. I’m just… ranting.” She pushed herself up from the floor and drained her glass. “I’m just gonna go… for a walk.” She reached for her coat. “Watch Henry, will you? Make sure he does his homework or Regina will…” Emma breathed. “Just make sure he does it.”

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“I’ll threaten to tell his teacher if he doesn’t.”

She tried a joke but watched Emma walk out the door. She debated calling Regina but thought better of it. Regina could take care of herself and she didn’t want Emma to feel like they were ganging up on her.

(( @red-leather-yellow-bug meet @sass-and-stilettos you’ll love her))

#small town politics #side story #emma #snow #vault post

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