#and zeus is oh so tired. he deserves to let go

[nectaric]

@miramilocamimira asked: Hi! How are you? So this is really just cause I need thoughts on the subject, you don't have to answer it if you don't want- but What would it take for Zeus to leave? As in he abdicated or whatever and just disappeared. How would the others react? And then this is not just to question but actually just curious: Each of the big six’s favorite nice/nephew?

rubs my greedy little hands together, i'm glad you asked! i actually have a lot of thoughts about this, and was actually exploring this a little on this blog because of a series of roleplay threads i did with a friend, in which zeus "dies" and spends a while in tartarus.

i think zeus is quite a bit closer to that precipice than some people might believe. he clings to his throne pretty tightly, and would verbally tell anyone that he has no intentions of letting it go. the throne is a safety net for zeus, a thing that, despite all the trouble it has caused him, is also the one thing keeping him and his family safe. he doesn't want to release it because he fears what will happen to them, and himself, if he does.

but zeus is tired. he's ruled for a long time, and worked hard. he's suffered relentlessly as the king, and the years and experiences have bogged him down. stepping down would be the best thing for him, and a small part of him knows that. in order to step down, though, he would have to admit this to himself and he would have to accept that he can be safe without it. that he deserves a break, that whoever fills his shoes will do just as good of a job. in my roleplay world, zeus dying and another war breaking out were the catalyst for his desire to abdicate upon his return from tartarus - the experience too haunting and exhausting for him to continue.

so i think zeus is almost ready to do it. with a few reassurances that his family and kingdom will be safe after he leaves, i think zeus would be far more inclined to do so. while i don't think him leaving would necessarily mean he'd be uninvolved with olympus, it would be in a much smaller, more honorary role than anything else. tbh, i feel like the olympians would embrace the council system a little more, favouring a real democracy than a faux one. i could see hera choosing to continue to rule for a little while, but ultimately, her and zeus were such a team as rulers that if he left, she would follow shortly thereafter. there is a potential for another king or queen - apollo or athena, perhaps, but ultimately i think, if this occurred in modern day, the system would shift significantly.

as for reactions... i think there would be mixed opinions. some might be shocked, others relieved, others annoyed that it took this long, others happy for him. i think some like hestia or hades would be pleased for zeus, because they are among the ones who understand the burden best / have seen what being king has done to him. athena would be surprised, a little nervous of what this means for her, but ultimately pleased. i think, generally speaking, its the kind of decision that would shock olympus at first, until everyone actually had a chance to speak to zeus directly - and they would see that the signs have always been there and that this was always the path zeus was going to walk eventually. it would be a chance for them to truly know and bond with zeus, too, without the burden of leadership. it would be a great thing for everyone, even if it was a bit of a difficult transition.

as for your final question!!

generally speaking this is kind of how i imagine it.

hestia: she doesn't pick favourites... but if she did, i think she's quite fond of athena, ares, and persephone, and has grown close to makaria and melinoe as well.

hades: hermes, easily. he works closely with him, and has grown quite fond of the guy.

hera: zagreus or rhode. they're both far too sweet for their own good, and she tends to get motherly.

poseidon: he and apollo have some shared trauma so maybe him, orrr dionysus.

demeter: any of hades' children, which feels a little like cheating since those are also her grandbabies, but she can't be stopped.

zeus: i think, of all his nieces and nephews, zeus likely sees triton the most, so maybe him by default lol. i think he and makaria would get along very well, if they interacted more.

[wingardiumiku]

dancing in the moonlight | pjo snippet

percy jackson × sabrina garcia (daughter of hecate!oc)

summary : it has been a long journey, a tiring battle. acquaintances were made, friends were lost and and sabrina somehow has gray hair now. boy did she need this party and also a little closure.

Masterlist

The music was blaring, the light shining magnificently off the golden tidbits in the building. Sabrina wouldn't lie, after three consecutive summers filled with quests, then jumping back to being a normal teenager, endless hours spent rushing through homework (and cursing her godly lineage because a brain hardwired for ancient greek certainly didn’t help), she deserved a little unwinding.

The room was filled with godlings and she got the chance to meet some of her half siblings, the immortal ones. The meeting with Zeus and the Olympians was nerve-wracking to say the least. And no, it didn't help one bit that her mama was staring her down like a hawk, all the while Sabrina couldn't move, didn't dare to, and only fidgeted with her dirt-covered attire, one hand linked with Percy's.

Speaking of Percy. . .

She was sure if she came up with a thousand words to describe him, they would still fall short. Sabrina had crossed paths with him during her first year at Yancy Academy. Of course, she was fresh meat around the block, yet to be fitted into some stereotypical bunch. That was when Chiron had contacted her, notifying her about Grover shifting to her school to keep tabs on a demigod.

Then, in the blink of an eye, he was defeating a Minotaur, being claimed by Poseidon and confirmed to be the only child of Big Three, getting accused of stealing Zeus' lighting bolt, going on a quest to acquire it and miraculously surviving. Oh, did she mention the part where she was dragged along for a free ride?

Spending three years together tended to do things to people. Through Medusa's garden, through the Sea of Monsters and through holding the literal sky on their back, they had stuck together. And demigod or not, she was but a teenager with plenty of moodswings and wilding hormones. Just her luck, crushing on the guy with the most baggage.

And if falling for the greek counterpart of Harry Potter wasn't enough, Percy also gave new meaning to the word 'oblivious'. But he was adorable so she supposed she could let that little detail pass.

If she could find him, that is.

Making her way through the chattering crowd, Sabrina made a beeline for the daughter of Athena in the far corner of the room who was talking animatedly with few who reciprocated her interest in the hall's architecture.

Sabrina tapped the girl's shoulder, covering her ears to shield them from a song Apollo had composed and given bgm to all in the matter of two minutes. "Where's Percy!"

Annabeth scrunched her brows, red in the face from talking too fast. "I saw him with his dad like an hour ago! Look outside!"

At the mention of the Sea god, Sabrina pursed her lips. Talking to her mother was more than enough, especially with the interrogation she had to endure: 'Are you sure you are alright?' 'Have you taken some nectar and ambrosia? Here, this potions works wonders on sprains', 'I need to have a nice chat with Atlas', 'What is your relationship with Poseidon's kid?', 'Aren't you a bit too young to indulge in such relationships?'

Yeah, one encounter with an immortal was more than enough.

Sabrina tiptoed towards the exit of the palace, trying her best to avoid any and every conversation.

"Percy?" Her voice had dropped to barely a whisper as she peeked into the dark hallway, a startling contrast to the lively celebration inside.

Even deserted and bathed in shadows, the gold managed to shine through, just like every other part of Mt. Olympus. She wondered how much she would earn if she nicked a tiny peice from the ceiling and sold it back home.

Worn out high tops clacking against the shimmering marble floor, her eyes followed the moon as she peered into what was possibly the most well kept garden she had ever seen.

Finding a familiar figure at the end of the path, Sabrina managed a small smile. Percy was standing by a clear pond, staring blankly at the koi fish playing tag.

She slipped outside, sneaking up behind him as her arms circled his shoulder. "Boo!"

"What the Hades!" His hands came to rest on the underside of her thighs, steadying them from toppling into the water. A chuckle was ripped from him, "Don't do that. You'll end up sending someone to the afterlife in a second."

Sabrina hummed quietly, relishing in the chirping of crickets mixed with steady ripples drawn on the surface of the pond, their faces reflected in it as though it was a massive mirror.

With a dry gulp, Percy started, "I was thinking—"

"Don't hurt yourself."

"As I was saying, before I was very rudely interrupted", he glared.

If it was up to her, Sabrina could spend an entire lifetime staring at his green, green eyes.

"What if Luke isn't really the bad guy?"

His words snapped her out of her stupor and she scowled hard. "What makes you say that?"

His thumbs twiddling, Percy clutched the hem of his shirt, a clear sign of hesitancy. "I don't know. It's just. . ."

A pregnant silence reigned over the two. "I didn't ask for any of this to happen."

Sabrina jumped down from her perch on his back, tugging at his hand to make him sit beside her on the concrete that encircled the small body of water.

"Dont you think it's a little unfair how the gods get to sit here and enjoy a feast, sleep around and whatever while their children have to fight their battles for them?"

Percy's eyes looked anywhere else but her as he took in a shaky breath. "Being a demigod, the one supposed to save Olympus. . .I don't think I'm cut out for it. It's not me, it can’t be me."

It was quiet for a long time as she observed the subtle shade of red around the waterline of his eyes.

She could fathom what he meant, to some extent. They didn't get a say while being thrusted into a life with danger in every step of the way. Some let it get to their head and some didn't live to see a year past the acknowledgement of their status.

"You're right", she muttered finally, playing with his fingers. "It's not fair; never been and never will be. But what Luke is doing, that's just blowing it humongously out of proportion."

"But it's okay for people to die in vain when our parents can easily fight this war on their own? Why did Bianca have to die? What will Nico say when we get back to camp without his sister, huh? She was his only family left!" Percy snapped before his voice broke. "I gave him my word."

Sabrina flinched but her gaze softened as he sulked beside her, reaching out to pat his back. "It isn't okay. But what can we do? At the end of the day, we're just kids."

Percy rolled his eyes. "And that makes it so much better."

She let out a laugh. "Nope. It just goes to show that we can't do everything on our own."

Sabrina continued, unfurling her legs from where she sat crisscross, dipping them in the pond. "Percy, its true that we can't bring Bianca back but we can give Nico a family. Or a spot in whatever royally messed up dysfunctional group we are."

Percy glanced at her, finding her crystal blue eyes directed to the fish who came by to say hello. They didn't appreciate her making their home a pedicure spot but he thought better than to tell her that, lest she threatened to turn him into a stingray again.

Under the undisturbed rays of the moon, her crimson tresses seemed to glow. Come to think of it, she always had that certain aura around her—one that was willing to listen without judging hastily, always sharing her honest opinion but in a way that made insults sound like compliments.

People said it was easy to talk to her. He couldn't understand how. All he felt was his heart performing somersaults whenever she was near.

Heat rushed to his face as he remembered the day he had accidentally spoken out loud, questioning if she was an angel. Grover had nudged him with his elbow, the satyr wriggling his brows while Annabeth gave him one of her infamous smirks.

Faced with Sabrina's teasing smile, Percy had vehemently claimed that it was a joke. But as he sat wondering the same thing now, the butterflies that lived in his stomach went feral.

Sabrina blinked when Percy stood up suddenly, a hand outstretched towards her. She took it gingerly, without a question.

"What's on your mind?" She said when he laced their fingers together.

Relieving a breath he didn't know he was holding, Percy shut his eyes momentarily. Opening them again, he found himself staring at endless pools of ultramarine. Oh, right. It was her fault that he searched for that exact shade of blue in everything.

"Westover Hall", he managed meekly, "We were interrupted. I think I owe you a dance."

A smile curled on her lips. Giggles fell from her mouth at his attempt of managing them into a slowdancing stance. "Alright, merman. Just don't get cold feet, okay?"

One of the melodies playing inside, muffled but still decipherable, floated in the air.

 I found a love, for me

Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead

Her hands came up to his waist, his breath hitching when she stepped closer to him. In his too bold of an attempt, he had disregard the fact that he had two left feet.

Noticing his dilemma, Sabrina chuckled. "Relax. Nobody's watching. I won't judge, I promise."

Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet

Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

Their first meeting, a simple exchange of pleasantries in the dean's office was stuck on replay in his head.

Her coming to check up on him when he had cooped himself in his cabin—too spacious and vacant a place—after the eventful Capture the Flag, something she wasn't obligated to do, her blasting Matt Sloan on his butt after obliterating a Laistrygonian, willingly taking half of the weight of the sky onto herself to spare him the agony, those were memories he wanted to cherish forever.

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love

Not knowing what it was

Despite her calm facade, the previously minuscule nagging voice inside her head had morphed into hollering cheers.

It was a sight for sore eyes—two teens fumbling in the dark, neither having a clue what the correct steps were supposed to be but they danced still, to a faded serenade.

And it was fine. As long as they were accompanied by each other's presence, the random comments made that kept them laughing through the whole thing, it didn't matter if they were flawed.

To fall in love with the other's imperfections was a lesson they were glad to have learned.

I will not give you up this time

But darling, just kiss me slow

She wasn't sure how it happened. In the spur of the moment, she had lifted her head from the crook on his neck, yanking him down by the front of his shirt.

The moment she pressed her lips to his, she knew epiphany. Growing up reading cheesy romance novels to pass time, cheating the sequence to skip to the 'first kiss' scenes, always envisioning what it'd feel, Sabrina could now surely say, it was euphoric.

No, there weren't fireworks magically exploding in the sky but the warmth that spread through her was immeasurable. Like downing a whole mug of hot cocoa on a cold December night.

Her heart was working overtime, senses clouded with the scent of ocean waves and a hint of peppermint, to the point he was all she could think about.

Your heart is all I own

And in your eyes, you're holding mine

It was short, a fleeting moment of bliss that left remnants of it behind as it went. His ears were burning and his legs felt like jelly. Percy thought Sabrina was blushing too.

"I—"

"Wow. . ." Whatever she was going to say was cut off by his awestruck exclamation.

Percy felt goosebumps shoot up his spine. He was sure he was shortcircuiting right then and there. With his heart hammering inside his chest, he flashed a lopsided grin.

"Can I- Can I hug you, please?"

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark

With you between my arms

Two demigods who didn't know any better, at a place that was more than likely out of bounds, content with just being in each other's embrace. These little things, Sabrina was starting to understand, were the reason they fought so hard for.

Sure, tackling troubles that no normal kid should, fighting monsters from myths and facing loss everyday wasn't a choice they made for themselves. But it was either they could keep complaining or make the most of the time they had together.

Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favourite song

"Annabeth! What are you doing outside with a camera? They're serving—"

"Shh!"

". . .Is that. . .Seaweed Brain and Scarlet Witch?"

"Yeah. Took them long enough. I thought I would die without seeing Percina happen."

When you said you looked a mess

I whispered underneath my breath

But you heard it

Darling, you look perfect tonight

[bbyannabeth]

hello hello, i just posted this fic right now.

below the cut is an alternate ending to the fic because i hate writing angst and i needed some serotonin. but please read the fic before reading the alt. ending<3

-

Getting to the Underworld was a lot easier when she had a child of Hades as her friend. Nico shadow traveled with her to his father’s palace, leaving them right outside the doors. “Thank you,” she said, staring up at the doors.

“No problem. You sure you want me to leave, though?” he asked. Annabeth nodded.

“I’ll be fine,” she said. She had Mrs. O’Leary’s whistle in her pocket. Technically that was Percy’s possession, but the hellhound had always loved her too so she hoped it would still work.

“Okay,” Nico said quietly, somewhat awkward. “See you later, then.”

“Bye,” she replied, and then she was alone. Taking one heavy breath, Annabeth pushed through the doors of the palace.  “Lord Hades!” she yelled, walking in.

He materialized in front of her. “What a nice surprise,” he said, his voice flat. “I love screaming children bursting into my home.”

“My apologies, my Lord. You know why I’m here, though.”

“I do,” Hades said. “But I can’t help you.”

He started to walk away but Annabeth followed. “Yes, you can!” she protested. “Percy saved the Gods, he saved you. He’s the only reason Camp Halfblood accepts Nico. He deserves a better life than what he got.”

“He… he made his choices,” he said, though he didn’t sound confident. It reminded her of what her mother said. Annabeth thought that was bullshit. He made his choices based on the circumstances. He would’ve never willingly chosen this life to begin with, none of them would.

“Do it to spite Zeus, then,” she tried. “This eternal feud with your brothers – this would piss them off pretty good!”

Hades stopped, like he was considering it. The silence grew longer and Annabeth was almost worried she’d crossed some line. But then he turned.

“Okay.”

She blinked. “Okay?” she asked.

Hades nodded. “You make good points. He saved us and he’s befriended Nico, I do appreciate those things,” he said. He grinned, a sight that sent shivers up her spine. His smile had an unintentional (or at least she hoped it was unintentional) evil to it that she didn’t like. “And it would be very satisfying to anger my brothers.”

Annabeth was stunned. This has been her entire goal but she was shocked it had actually worked. After what happened on Olympus, she had expected to walk out of there empty-handed.

“Th-thank you, Lord Hades,” she stuttered. “I can’t thank you enough. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

He nodded once before flicking his wrist. In a cloud of dark smoke, Percy appeared in the room with them. He was translucent but other than that, he looked just as he had before. Hades held up a hand to stop her from rushing forward. “You’ll walk right through him,” he said with a dark chuckle.

Percy stared at her, disoriented. Hades flicked his wrist again and Percy jolted, his body becoming solid again. Annabeth looked at Hades, who then rolled his eyes. “Go ahead.”

Annabeth launched forward, tackling Percy in a hug. He was still confused but his arms tightened around her. “Oh my Gods,” she mumbled. “I got you. You’re safe.”

“Annabeth?” he whispered, starting to regain his senses. She stepped back to cup his face.

“Yeah, Perce. It’s me. You’re safe.”

“I don’t,” he trailed off, blinking at Hades. “You brought me back?”

“Your girlfriend was very insistent,” he replied with a shrug. Annabeth almost laughed. Percy blinked again.

“Thank you, Lord Hades,” he stuttered. “Thank you so much.”

The God nodded. “If you die again, you’re on your own,” he said with a smile. Another twisted-looking one that made Annabeth shiver.

She hugged Percy close again and they heard Hades sigh. “Okay, you guys are gross,” he said. It almost sounded like he was… teasing them? Annabeth laughed quietly, her cheeks flushing as she stepped back.

“Thank you again, my Lord,” she said. “We’re indebted to you.”

“Considering it a favor,” he replied. “Now get out of here.”

His wrists flicked and Annabeth was suddenly enveloped in darkness. Her eyes fluttered open, and she and Percy were standing at the New York entrance to the Underworld. With a delirious laugh, she tackled him in another hug. One that sent them sprawling into the grass. “Oh my fucking Gods,” she said, pulling him as close as she could.

“Annabeth,” he murmured, digging his face into her neck. She pulled back enough to cup his face.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I’m so, so sorry.”

“You don’t have to be sorry,” he replied, staring up at her in awe. “You got me out, Beth.”

“I know,” she said. Her emotions started to creep back up her throat and suddenly she was crying again. “But still. You- you died. That-“

“Wasn’t your fault,” he said, cutting her off. “It’s okay. I’m okay.”

Annabeth pressed her forehead to his. “I couldn’t do this life without you. I didn’t want to.”

“I know,” he whispered. “I’m right here.”

Annabeth sniffled and nodded before standing up, pulling him with her. “We should go see your mom,” she said. Percy’s eyes widened and something in him broke.

“Yeah,” he agreed. They walked there and she told him everything that had happened the past week or so. Getting out of Tartarus, defeating Gaia, visiting Sally, and then storming Olympus. He listened silently, their hands locked between them. Part of her was afraid to let go, as though this were some dream and he’d vanish if she released him.

They were stepping into the elevator, going up to the fourth floor, when Percy let out a quiet breath. “Why am I nervous?” he whispered. “It’s my mom.”

“You haven’t seen her in months, Perce,” Annabeth replied gently. “It’ll be okay.”

“Did you visit her much while I was… gone?” he asked. Annabeth nodded.

“At least once a week before our quest,” she said, a small smile gracing her features. She and Sally had gotten extremely close over the course of Percy’s disappearance. “I even slept in your bed a few nights because I had accidentally ended up staying later than I meant.”

He laughed quietly and dropped her hand to wrap his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a hug. “Thank you,” he whispered. “You probably helped her so much.”

“She helped me,” Annabeth replied. In those months, seeing Sally had kept Annabeth from slipping away entirely. Sally made sure she stayed fed and well. If it hadn’t been for her, Annabeth would’ve withered away.

“I love you.”

Annabeth smiled and as the doors opened, she quickly tilted her head up to kiss him softly. “I love you, too.”

She took his hand again and they walked through the halls. Stopping in front of the door, Annabeth looked up at him. He lifted his hand, paused for just a brief second, and then knocked on the door. Annabeth held his other hand tight as they waited.

The door opened and then Sally Jackson was in front of them. Her hair was in a loose bun and her eyes were red. She stared at Percy, who was crying again. Honestly, Annabeth felt a bit like crying herself. “Mom,” he whispered, his voice cracking.

In an instant, their arms were wrapped around each other. It was a little funny now that Percy was taller, but that didn’t stop Annabeth from tearing up.

“My baby,” Sally murmured. “I love you so much, oh Gods.”

Annabeth saw Percy’s shoulders shake with silent sobs. Sally’s eyes opened just for a second, but she caught sight of Annabeth and regained enough sense to pull away. “Come inside, let’s get out of the hall.”

They were ushered inside and Percy was being wrapped up in another tight hug. Annabeth excused herself quietly, trailing down to the bathroom to wipe her tears away. She was so overwhelmed with emotion and she wanted to give them a moment alone.

When she returned, they had seemingly just broken apart. Sally turned that warm, loving gaze on Annabeth now and swept her up a hug. “I’m so glad you’re safe,” she said, and Annabeth melted. And then, much quieter, Sally whispered, “Thank you.”

Annabeth nodded and hugged her tighter. She caught Percy’s eye over Sally’s shoulder and he smiled at her. His mother had always loved Annabeth, but it must’ve been interesting to see how much closer they had gotten over the last year. Sally pulled away and looked at both of them.

“Well,” she said, huffing out a disbelieving laugh as she wiped her tears. “We should order some pizza and talk. Paul will be home in about an hour.”

They sat in the living room, Annabeth tucked into Percy’s side and she told Sally about what happened on Olympus and in the Underworld. She looked impressed at Annabeth’s determination. “Well,” Sally said with a gentle laugh. “At least I know I can count on you to take care of him.”

Annabeth wanted to cry. She had always been the one who was supposed to take care of Percy, and yet she had let him die. Instead of crying, because Gods, was she tired of it, she lifted her eyes to Percy. He was already looking back at her.

“Yeah, someone has to,” she said softly. Percy kissed her head.

“I’m glad it’s you, then,” he whispered.

Just then, the door opened and Percy tensed. “Honey?” Paul called out and Sally smiled.

“In the living room.”

“Did you end up…” he trailed off when he entered the room and his eyes landed on Percy. His bag, filled with school papers and his laptop, fell to the ground. “P-Percy?”

In a flash, Percy was off the couch and pulled into another hug. He and Paul had always been decently close, with maybe a hint of natural awkwardness settled between them. After being gone for so long, though, any residual tension had disappeared and they both seemed perfectly comfortable in a hug.

When Paul finally pulled back, he looked at Percy, then Annabeth, then Sally. “I don’t… understand.”

Sally laughed gently. Her mood had improved greatly since they had gotten to the apartment, for obvious reasons. “Come sit,” she said.

Halfway through retelling the story, the pizza got there and Sally brought it into the living room for all of them to dig into. Afterward, Paul nodded slowly. “This was definitely an interesting family to marry into.”

Annabeth laughed quietly and leaned further into Percy. She only had the stomach capacity for a single slice of pizza right now, despite not eating nearly enough the past few months. In a moment of bravery, she tilted her head up to brush her lips against his ear. “Good thing I’m already used to how crazy this family can be.”

His eyes snapped to hers and she smiled slowly. She remembered what he’d said about New Rome, how demigods could grow up, get married and start families. She wanted that with him and she wanted to be sure he knew that. Judging by the way he kissed her, in full view of his parents, she was fairly confident that he knew.

They stayed there on the couches for a while, catching up. Conversation rarely ceased and Annabeth smiled more in those couple hours than she had in the last six months. It was only about 8:30 when Percy had yawned for the millionth time. “Tired?” she asked gently.

He nodded, leaning against. She looked at Sally. “This one is about to pass out on me,” Annabeth said, nudging Percy who hummed. “We’re gonna head to bed.”

“Okay,” Sally said before getting up with them and wrapping Percy in another hug. Annabeth heard her whisper, “I’m glad you’re home,” to Percy.

“Me too,” he replied before pulling back. Sally didn’t hesitate to hug Annabeth again.

“I love you guys,” she said when she released Annabeth.

“Love you,” Annabeth said softly, smiling. Percy echoed the same sentiment, taking her hand and leading her down the hall.

Once they were safely in his room, he quietly locked the door and turned to her. “You know, if this demigod stuff doesn���t work out for me, I could be an actor.”

Annabeth raised her eyebrows. “Why’s that?”

His hands slipped under her hoodie, finding her waist and he pulled her closer. “I’m not tired,” he murmured, brushing his lips against hers. “I just missed you.”

“While I was right next to you?”

“Mhm,” he hummed. “I missed kissing you. Thought I’d have to wait a long time to be able to do that again. And now I’m back, and we’ve barely gotten to do any kissing.”

Annabeth couldn’t help the way her lips twitched upwards. “You would’ve waited that long to kiss me again?” she asked softly.

“I’d wait a million lifetimes if it meant I got to kiss you again,” he replied, his voice devoid of teasing. Finally, he was done with talking and he leaned down to press his lips to hers. Annabeth’s arms snaked up around his neck and she pulled him closer. Walking her backward towards the bed, he muttered against her lips, “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too,” she replied.

Annabeth hadn’t realized how much she’d missed the simple act of kissing him until now. All she wanted to do was get wrapped up in his touch, which wasn’t wise with his parents being down the hall.

For once, however, she decided as she pulled him into the bed with her, wisdom could wait.

[talas-starlight]

Lover - Percy Jackson x Fem!reader

SUMMARY: You’ve crushed on Percy for years, him on the other hand? It’s more of a recent development. That doesn’t mean he likes you any less.

(Older Percy & reader - they're like 21) ALSO idk perfectly what happens in trials of apollo so let’s just ✨ignore that ✨ & this isn’t sexual despite what the title may suggest

WORD COUNT: 2.7k

A/N: hi friends this is for @fromthewatertribe​ ‘s 1k follower event!! Im sure most of you have but if not definitely check out their work!! Its soooo good I promises and ugh their Leo fic?! *chefs kiss* anyway idk if this is any good oop I tried

PROMPTS USED: 9 & 11. (they’re bolded)

WARNINGS: swearing, mentions of ptsd & anxiety, kissing stuff lol ish eh idk, mentions of percabeth breakup?? Does that count?

MASTERLIST: here!

An obnoxiously red and orange light filters into the motel room, even with the old and tattered curtains closed, the motels’ sign conquers its way through the fabric. Sighing you flop yourself on the faded, probably twenty-year-old bed. Nose scrunching as some dust raises into the air, consequently letting out a sneeze.

“Bless you.”

“Did you just bless yourself?”

You winced at the reminder someone else was in the room, exhausted after the two-day travel to a motel room in the middle of whoop. “Yeah…”

“You really are something, aren’t you?” At the calm amusement evident in his tone, your heart rate began to slow down. He didn’t think you were crazy.

You let out a breathy laugh. Wow, I wonder how those stains got on the ceiling? Lava monster perhaps? Are those even a thing? Probably.

“Yeah… well, someone has to Jackson.” You glance towards him, he’s sitting at the small, poor excuse of a dining table. Heart rate picking up again as he gives you a small smile, already having his eyes on you this entire time.

“If I don’t, who will?” you continue.

“Touché. In that case, I’ll do the blessing from now on; you deserve a break.” Shooting you a wink. Instantly feeling flustered at his action, you fight the urge to cover your face with your hands.

Oh, Percy, if only you knew you’ve already been blessing me for the past six years.

“Even say…. If we’re in a battle?” you muse.

He gets up from the table and walks towards you. Once he reaches your side of the queen bed, he kneels, grabbing the hand closest to him, while putting his other on top of his heart. “Oh, y/n l/n, even with my dying breath.”

With that, you burst into a fit of laughter. This boy and his sarcasm.

You play along. “Hmmm what a great tale that will be. The one and only, Perseus Jackson, spending his final breath on sweet old y/n l/n. How dare you burden me with such a legacy to live up to! They’ll think I’m your lover, you know. Demigods all around the world will come searching for me, just to gawk at the beauty that stole your heart.”

At this point, Percy has fallen from his kneeling position, completely lying on the ground, overcome with laughter.

“This isn’t funny, Percy! How am I supposed to live with the guilt of knowing I don’t live up to their expectations?! I’m hardly a warrior either, oh the disappointment.”

Gasping for breath, he manages to find his words, “Don’t stress it y/n, you’re plenty beautiful. I just know they’ll all be stunned by your beauty. Don’t sell yourself short… trust me, once they see you, they’ll be envious that my lover was so enraptured by me that you’ll never be able to love again.”

Now it was your turn to laugh. Would that be so bad?

Gasping for breath, eventually, both of your laughs die down, leaving you both breathing heavily. “C’mon Percy, let’s get some sleep. Its going to be a long week of scouting for demigods if we’re tired.”

As Percy nods, silently getting up to go to the bathroom to change, but he can’t help but think to himself that he wouldn’t mind if he was stuck in the middle of nowhere with you. No matter how long.

It had been three days since you and Percy arrived in the town you continuously fail to remember the name of. It wasn’t the only thing you were failing at doing either, because it seemed that for some unknown reason, the school that was supposed to arrive here for their camping trip still hadn’t shown up.

“We should send an Iris message to camp. It doesn’t look like they’re showing up any time soon, and by the looks of things, we’re going to need to have them send someone for more supplies.”

Percy sighed, looking out the window. Was this the opportunity he was looking for? Maybe… he knew he’d be a stupid fool to pass it up. Swept up in his new thoughts, he never replied. “Percy?”

Without even looking at you, he nodded, turning to go to the bathroom, “Yeah sure, I’ll go into the bathroom and make the call.”

Humming in acknowledgement as he left the room, you couldn’t help but stare at the spot he was previously standing in from your position on the edge of the bed. He doesn’t look too good.

For such a great hero, you wondered if this quest was doing him any good. After the first day of scouting the campsite, it was obvious he was already antsy to get home. It seemed no matter how light you tried to keep the atmosphere; it was like something was weighing on his mind. Mostly when you were both in the motel room together, you supposed it was because he barely went on quests nowadays. Understandably so, after all, who could blame him for wanting a break and spend time with his family? This made you feel immensely guilty since you could never give him words of truly understanding what he’s gone through. You’d arrived at camp a few days before him, yet over the years you were never sent onto a major quest. It upset you greatly at first, but you grew to appreciate your time at camp.

Before your mind could delve further into its guilt and self-pity, Percy re-entered the room, sitting next to you with a huff. “It’s all good. They’re going to send Leo with some extra supplies, and he’ll help us for the rest of this quest.”

Accidentally getting swept up in how pretty his eyes were, you tensed up, realising he was staring at you expectantly. Quickly nodding and clearing your throat you looked down to your lap, “ahh, okay that sounds good. I guess we’ll have time to sightsee or something…”

Sightsee? Really y/n? There’s nothing in this stupid town!

An awkward silence filled the room. Due to your previous thoughts, you were unsure how to proceed. This was the first time you were alone with him and had nothing else better to do.

Percy on the other hand, found that the obvious swooning look in your eyes was his green light. “Uhhh actually y/n?”

Oh, please don’t ask me why I basically just drooled all over you for NO FUCKING REASON. Snapping your head back up to look at him, you desperately tried to ignore the pounding in your chest that managed to find its way into your ears, “yeah?”

“There’s something I want to ask you.”

Holy shit he knows, doesn’t he? He knows I’ve liked him this entire time, and he’s going to reject me even though I never even said anything!

“I uhm… look I know we’re kind of on a small quest and all but technically we ARE waiting for Leo and the school to arrive before we continue… and you know we kind of have like at least a day or two until then so I was just wondering…”

“Yeah, Percy? You can just say it, you know; I really don’t mind.” I do mind, but please get this over with before I cry. With your heart rate increasing at an alarming rate and face heating up so much, you wanted Zeus to blast you right then and there.

Percy felt like he was about to puke, he’d never felt this nervous before. Yeah, he had his moments growing up with Annabeth, after all, she was his first girlfriend, but this was different. He wanted this to be different. Sure, he never regretted their relationship, and yes, he knew he’d always remember everything they went through- what he went through but… he wanted a clean slate. He desperately just wanted nothing more than to know that there was at least one person in his life that wasn’t constantly fighting for their lives—someone who didn’t have to live with as much trauma as him.

“W- would you maybe... Gods, do you want to have dinner tomorrow night? Maybe at the diner further into the town?”

HOLY FUCK.

He was interested and honestly, you were over the moon. Breathing out the breath you were holding in, you fail to hide the smile on your face, “yeah, I’d like that.”

His face instantly broke out into a wide smile matching yours. “Wait really?”

Unable to hold back a small giggle, you nodded, “yeah, Percy.”

Staring at yourself in the mirror, you admire the blue dress you found in a charity shop this morning while Percy was sleeping. I can’t believe this is happening.

If you had old even more awkward 15-year-old y/n that you were about to go on a date with the boy you admired from your table during meals (when he was there), you would’ve laughed. Mainly because at that point, he didn’t even know you existed, only having your first conversation during the battle of Manhattan when you were helping Will.

Okay… lets do this.

Walking out of the bathroom, Percy is already sitting on the bed in his usual t-shirt, jeans and converse waiting for you.

“Woah… You look uh-” Never finishing his statement, worry bubbled in your chest.

“Oh, uhm… I- I can change if you’d like?

Jumping up from his place on the bed, his head shook quickly. “NO! N-no don’t do that.”

“Ah uhm… okay? Sorry, it’s just I saw it in a store earlier and uhm… it looked nice, and I just thought that maybe it’d be cool to maybe put in a bit more effort? I mean… not that you don’t look good or anything! I love what you wear, you always look nice! but I don’t know… I don’t get to look nice much and… I just wanted it to be kinda special since we don’t get to… well our lives don’t really grant us these opportunities very often. Or at least for me anyway…”

“Hey, no, it’s okay! I totally get it… you look beautiful.” After hearing your small confession and thought to prepare for your date, his heart felt like it was melting. How could someone be so thoughtful when all he was doing was taking you to a rundown diner who probably only served mediocre burgers?

A small wave of guilt washed through him. Feeling like he would never be able to truly sweep you off your feet or give you that sweet, tooth-rotting love and affection, every day, just like you deserved. After everything, he knew he could try his best but even then, he’d never be able to hide the anxiety or PTSD he had acquired over the years.

You looked up to him with a smirk. “Glad to hear it, lover.”

Cheeks heating up at your comment, he laughed trying to play it off as cool as possible. Taking a step closer to you and flattening his shirt as if it would wipe away its wrinkles, he held out his arm. “Shall we, lover?”

Matching his level of fake sophistication, you linked your arm with his, “with pleasure.”

And with that, you both walked out of the motel, with hopeful spirits. To any onlooker, you both looked like normal young adults.  

“Where the fuck are you?!” Percy’s voice boomed from his end of the phone, supposedly made without any monster risks.  

You winced, slowly and cautiously walking your way out of the forest. The once clean dress was now covered in dirt and had few tears. It went perfectly with your dishevelled, twig and leaf infested hair.

“Space doesn’t really exist, so I’m nowhere. Life is built on social constructs and, since there’s no way to know if we’re really alive or if it’s just an illusion, I can’t be anywhere.”

“Y/n.”

Okay, he was concerned, and you couldn’t blame him. After all, how did you expect him to react after getting separated from you as you were chased into the woods by an Empousai after dinner?

Romance at its finest.  

“Yeah, sorry, I got caught up, but I’ll be there soon.”

Ending the call, you couldn’t help but feel guilty as you replayed the events that just occurred in your head. The date was amazing. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but it was still sweet. Which led you both to go on one of those cliché night walks. That was nice too, until two Empousai came out of the forest and decided to attack you both.

Percy being…. Well Percy, he swiftly got out riptide and didn’t hesitate to defend the two of you. You, on the other hand, were completely caught off guard only just noticing as one of them turned their focus on you while Percy was distracted.

And what did you do like the perfectly trained demigod you were?

You ran like a headless chicken into the forest.

After a few minutes of running, they tackled you into the ground. Trying and failing failed to shove them off, you suddenly remembered the dagger you strapped to your thigh under your dress and stabbed them.

Clearly not your proudest moments.

Finally making it back to the room, you unlocked the door and let out a huff of relief. “Well… that date didn’t go as expected.”

Percy, took in your current state staring at you with wide eyes… but he didn’t say anything. Is he angry at me? Fuck now he’s going to call off whatever this is, all because I’m an incompetent idiot! I knew I should have tried harder in the sparring activities at camp.

Feeling highly intimidated under his intense stare, you began to play with the hem of your dress, voice going quiet. “Look I uh- I know it probably wasn’t the date you were hoping for but I uhm-“

Before you could even finish your poor excuses, your words are soon lost entirely. Percy stalked towards you with a determined look on his face. Reaching you, he firmly placed his hands on either side of your face, smashing his lips onto yours.

You let out a small, muffled squeak of surprise as your eyebrows shot up into Olympus. Yet unlike your fighting skills, this was something you managed to adapt to at a faster pace.

Eyes fluttering closed, you fisted his shirt, pulling him closer.

Please don’t let this be a dream.

Because Gods forbid if this your one chance, you weren’t letting this moment end that easily.  

Moving your lips against his, the urgency he came onto you with slowly began to dissipate, feeling his soft, but slightly chapped lips move against yours. Deepening the kiss, you let go of his shirt, gliding your hands up his tense torso and along his strong arms, eventually placing your hands on his wrists that were on either side of your face. Applying a small amount of pressure to the inside of his wrists with your thumbs, his mind began to drift into a calming haze as you softly stroked them. It was almost as if you were able to brush away the worry that bubbled in him when he got back to the room, only to find you weren’t there. Yet here you were… safe.

It was intoxicating and calming having him so close to you, his entire being overcoming your senses to a point where you fought the urge to let out a small whimper when he pulled away.

Resting his forehead against yours, chest rising and falling heavily flushed against you; he continued to hold you in his warm embrace. “I wouldn’t have had it any other way.” He whispers, breath fanning against your face.

Because as much as Percy was afraid he’d let you down, he knew no matter what you were worth every single risk.

“…but I’m going to have to teach you a few things when we get back to camp. We can’t have my lover running away in battle all the time, how will I know if you sneeze?”

Letting out a snort, you playfully hit his chest. “Anything for you, lover.”

A soft smile graces his face as he looks at you adoringly as the word takes on a whole new meaning… because you were right. He’d do anything.

A/N: whelp! i hope you all liked it :)) its not perfect but oh well? 

also i dont have a percy jackson taglist but i gotta tag the holy grail of fic writers for this fandon eep @cabinofimagines​   🙈 🙈

Divider credit: @biskit-rising​

[bird-likes-to-fandom]

uhh percy gets wings- (i dont know sbdvs first prompt that came to mind)

I rewrote how he got the powers like nine times, but the overall gist is, Percy gets his wings bc he asked Apollo to give him something that would piss off Zeus.

Apollo’s logic, which he is confident in since he is a god of logic, is that if he blesses the wings then Percy can fly into Zeus’ domain without Zeus striking him down. And if both Apollo and Thalia Grace support Percy, then Artemis supports Percy, which means now Percy has more gods on his side in case of an emergency.

Everyone’s reactions to Percy’s new wings are... hilarious.

First, we’ll start off with our favorite children of Zeus. For a whole day after she finds out, the only thing that comes out of Thalia’s mouth is “what the fuck, what the fuck, what the fuck,” She cannot fathom Percy having wings, let alone potentially getting himself killed by her father again. (how dare he? she cant piss off her father right now as Artemis’ lieutenant with actual duties, and he gets to gallivant in the sky and flip Zeus off all the time??)

Jason’s is more of a quiet fear and sort of... resignation? He’s just very tired, but also oh my gods Percy he’s going to kill you, my dad is goin - Yeah. Jason is just trying to hold it together and keep Percy on solid ground. Sometimes, though, they go flying together. (they both think each other’s ways of flight are cooler than their own, but they’ll never admit that)

Annabeth’s is just kind of like, well, what else could happen? Percy’s not dead yet, so Apollo’s blessing seems to be working. And he likes his wings. After a few nights of complaining about how hard sleeping is, Apollo just makes them something Percy’s able to summon. The wings themselves are made out of sunlight, so this is pretty possible. But sometimes Percy grabs Annabeth and the fly over NYC and New Rome at nighttime so it’s cool for the most part. She thinks her boyfriend deserves a break and something lighthearted, and this is exactly that for some reason, so she just sort of accepts it. She’s happy for him, even if it doesn’t make that much sense. And hey, she’s all for pissing off Zeus, who should have done more to be an actual good king.

Sally, oh dear god, Sally... She prays to Poseidon angrily for a few days. She’s confused and kind of scared for her baby boy, and it’s... a lot to take in. She just hopes those wings aren’t hurting him, and she hates the prospect of Zeus or some other sky god coming out to kill him.

Estelle is ecstatic. She cannot get over how cool her older brother is. She loves him to death already, but wings? He can fly? That is so cool!! And sometimes he scoops her up and does flips in the air, or he’ll throw her up into the sky and then dive down to catch her. It’s all in good fun, and he never actually endangers her, so calm your heart rates down. Nobody at school believes Estelle about her brother, but that’s fine. She’ll keep telling the stories because she knows they’re true.

Percy really likes his wings, he loves doing flips in the air more than anything. Being in the air is freeing with the wings, almost like being in water. It’s freeing because in the sky, protected by Apollo, nobody can knock him down, not even his father or Zeus.

He also likes bonding over flying with wings with Blackjack. Now he can be his own pegasus if he wants. Blackjack says that Percy can still always call on him if he needs anything. 

[dehydratedpercy]

So, when I hear about the Prophecy of the Seven, I thought about Luke being the one "foe" that they would see on the Door of Death. I love Bob, and Damasen, but now I think that there was a Big Wasted oportunity.

Because while in Tartarus Percy starts to really understand Luke's view. And imagine him there?!

First. "Why" it's the question. It was his punishment? Please, Zeus wanted to send his family that wanted to form a democratic Olympus and he didn't because the one that helped him made him promise that he wouldn't.

Bringing Kronos? Free Pass to Tartarus. And Percy and Annabeth how would react? And Luke, would he want to help them o Gaia or Tartarus make him work for them?

But maybe not? He was actually in the Fields of Punishment, and as a Son of Hermes, the God That Can Do A Lot Of Stuff, like travel between other god's domains, he may manage to escape the Furies. And his dad the Messenger Divine Dude he may have heard some way that Annabeth and Percy were on Tartarus and he... jump to join. Three is better than Two, right?

So either the motive, we have Luke. In Tartarus. Along with Annabeth and Percy. Who are so done with their fate.

And how would that be? Luke as "Oh, the gods didn't respect their words? I'm so surprised" or "Mood. Let me help you save the world this time". Luke as "Goofy Ex Villain". And either he sacrifices himself, or manage to escape along them. Or try to betray them? A sort of Marvel's Loki? Who knows?

Who knows?!

I'm gonna just go ahead and assume you're talking about in canon, and not in PoR bc PoR Luke doesn't get a redemption arch.

But I've heard mention of this idea before and I really like it! Damen and Bob were okay, but they were very much disposable characters that were created just to serve a purpose, so it'd be interesting to see an alternate option.

I like the idea of Luke escaping the fields of punishment bc he's a willy son of Hermes-- maybe also, it's easier to escape if you literally escape to tartarus? So like, maybe his punishment included him walking near an entrance to tartarus or something (maybe he had the leaky bucket punishment) and he always looked at it and then one day he heard a rumor that Annabeth and Percy were down there and he was like oh worm??

So Luke jumps down to tartarus, bucket and all. He's still very much dead, but dead in a "fields of punishment" kind of way. This means he can't sleep, he can't eat, but he always can't exhaust himself (he's supposed to walk, carrying this heavy bucket, for all eternity, which means he'd be constantly tired but could never run out of steam). Let's say, more specifically, his punishment involves walking a long distance, past a pit of tartarus, dumping his bucket in the river Styx (or another river), which burns his hands and makes them raw, and then he has to walk back to where he came from and dump the water out, but by that point most of it had leaked out anyways. There's no way to keep the bucket from leaking, and his hands heal naturally, so every time he dumps his bucket in the river there is fresh pain from his hands burning again and again.

Which sucks. BUT. When he escapes into tartarus, he retains those traits, which means that he can't tire, he doesn't need food or sleep, and he heals automatically (though slowly). This would be a big advantage in tartarus.

I imagine him jumping down and saving Annabeth and Percy from a baddie at the exact right moment. They're fucked, they're injured and weaponless, the fight is not going well, and then the monster is about to make its kill shot when BAM! It's hit over the head with an enchanted celestial bronze-infuzed leaky bucket, and it dissolves into dust. And there's Luke.

Who's to say how Percy and Annabeth would react. I'm gonna go ahead and guess "poorly", because damn, they almost died and now here's fucking /Luke/. Maybe, they were told that Luke went to Elysium because he was a hero in the end, but the gods had actually lied, always intending to send him to the fields of punishment for betraying and trying to overthrow them (regardless of how he was manipulated into that choice, regardless of how he changed his mind and defeated Kronos in the end). So now Percy is feeling /really/ fucking betrayed, because shit man, the gods really are just liars and cheats and torturers.

I feel like this would naturally settle into a very of HoO that ends with the gods being overthrown as well. Which, imma be honest, its not my favorite version-- who would run the place? Will demigods die out? Will the current demigods absorb the old gods powers and rule like they did, eventually becoming more and more corrupt? I don't know. BUT, I feel like in this version of the story, Luke helps Annabeth and Percy through tartarus and his mere existence feeds into Percy's already-present anger at the gods and subsequent rejection of them. Luke dies at the doors of death, idk how, but somehow he is the sacrifice, and there's no coming back this time. His soul will be scattered in the wind, not going to the Underworld again, and in some ways its a tragedy because he deserved Elysium, and in some ways its good because he was never meant to stay in one place for all eternity, and now the willy son of Hermes is free for good.

So Luke's gone. Annabeth and Percy go up to the mortal world again. Grover is there (in this version, he'd be there instead of coach hedge), and he knows something is very very wrong, but Percy won't talk to him about it. Eventually Annabeth does, though, so Grover understands why Percy does what he does next.

Gaea rises in Greece, and Percy and the others fight her, and make it seem like they're just killing her. But, at the same time, they manage to connect all of the Olympian life forces to her, so when she goes down, they go down with her. The gods only realize too late. They are killed, and their power is transferred, making the 7 questers the New Olympians.

[otomehoes]

Like A Sunflower — Theodorus Van Gogh

genre: SoulMate!AU

characters: Theo x reader

warnings: slight agnst, fluff, and theo being soft I think

word count: 1.2k

A/N: I’m a huge fan of SoulMate!AU’s soo I hope you like it and if there’s something wrong don’t. and because is an AU! I used the surnames of the brothers without them being knowing. tell me if there are any grammar errors !!

run. run faster and faster. keep going. you can do it. It’s almost there. just a little bit. grab his hand. Quick! Quick! Quic–

A loud gasp came out of your mouth at the same time you stood sitting on your bed. Looking at your hand with hesitation you sighed in relief when you saw the red string in your pinky finger. ‘Another nightmare’ you thought, it didn’t matter when, but you always saw him in your dreams, everytime you seemed to be more and more closer, and when you were about to grab his hand, everything vanished as if it was air.

Lying another time at your bed, you closed your eyes, hoping this time to reach his hand.

— ☽ —

“Theo did you order the bucket of sunflowers that I told you about yesterday?” Vincent’s voice echoed in his office.

“Yes, in a few minutes I’ll go to grab them” his voice sounded tired, but his eyes were with the same fire as every day. Concerned about his little brother vincent frowned “did you have any sleep yesterday?” his voice was serious, but his eyes were soft, unmatching the aura he was giving.

“I did, but I keep having that dream almost everyday, it’s driving me nuts” the young van gogh sighed, meeting his brother’s gaze.

“that’s a good sign, probably that means that everytime she is more and more closer” Vincent smiled at theo “you never know, probably you even meet her today!” his blue eyes sparked with happiness. theo smiled at his brother.

but who would be able to stay with someone like him? how can someone so impure have a soulmate? how?

— ☽ —

“(y/n) today mr. van gogh will come for his sunflowers, so prepare them before he arrives, got it?” your aunt's green eyes scanned you, a frown appearing on her face “did you have that dream another time?”

sighing you nodded at her “I was so close to touch him, it’s so frustrating” she smiled at you, relieved.

“that means that he is close” she said while placing some blue roses on display “oh dear (y/n) you have to know that fate is really capricious, so much that they can even put you two together so closer but then put you apart from him another time” a smile appeared on her lips “but eventually you’ll be together, just follow your heart, because knowing you if you use your brain probably you’ll end up believing that your bonsai is your soulmate” and then she chuckled “so do what I’m telling and move your butt and start preparing the van gogh’s order!”

startled you went to the back of the shop to prepare the client order. sunflowers. it wasn’t usual for someone to request this type of flower, people liked them but they never bought them. Wrapping them with a yellow lace you went to the front shop another time, saving carefully the beautiful flowers. the little bell rang, announcing the arrival of a new client.

a pair of blue and intense eyes looked through the shop, until they met yours. an electric wave traveled through your body ending in your hands. so beautiful.

“w-welcome to (s/n) flower shop! H-how c-can I help you?” his eyes were fixed on you, so intense that they could dig a hole in your face. a light blush appeared on his face.

“I’m Theodorus Van Gogh, I just came here for the sunflowers order” your eyes went wide, breaking the now uncomfortable moment, you took the beautiful flowers who were behind you.

“there you have, will you pay with cash or card?” you meet his eyes again.

“card please” something on his voice made you smile. once you finish preparing the machine you lend it to him. your hand meets his while trying to lend him the little machine, another wave of electricity travels through your body, ending at your hand. ‘this is odd’.

placing the card on the counter he takes the flowers with his hands, carefully, like if it was something that he feared to break. and another time he looked at you, but now the intensity of his eyes was replaced with a soft gaze, making you unconsciously smile at him.

“have a good day” he said while going towards the door. a wide smile appeared on your face.

“have a good day too!” you said. when you saw his figure disappear a wave of different kinds of feelings hit you. looking throughout the glass you saw a grey cape enveloping the sky. it’s going to rain, and I didn’t bring my umbrella. taking a seat to take a long breath you saw something on the top of the counter. a card.

“is that yours?” taking the card from the counter your aunt starts to investigate. her big green eyes widening when she sees the name of the person.

“(y/n) run right now! this card is from mr. van gogh!!” while the young girl stormed out of the shop a smile appeared on the aunt’s lips. it’s time.

— ☽ —

looking at the sunflowers he can’t stop thinking about her (e/c) eyes. that smile. the shiver he felt traveling through his spine.

it can’t be. she is not her. it can’t be.

but her smile. that silky and beautiful (h/c). and that intense pair of (e/c) make him think that probably he knew her from somewhere. but from where?

— ☽ —

run. he can’t be that far. run. run and run.

something catches your attention, a red and thin string. it can’t be. ‘Don’t get distracted, you’ve to find mr. theodorus’ a bucket of sunflowers catches your attention, and then you saw him. his blue eyes focusing on his front.

‘this is too crowded. I can’t reach him. run a little more, take his hand. just a little bit more. you’re almost there’

“mr. theodorus!” you catch his hand. he sees you. and the both of you noticed it. looking at each other’s hands you saw it. that red string. the one you tried to avoid.

you look at him. he looks at you. a few drops of rain fall near you. you see people running. but you stood there. freeze. you can’t talk. neither him. you can tell he is surprised too.

“you’re really her” he murmurs not too loud but enough for you to hear it.

“you’re the guy from my dream” you said. something wet starts to go down your cheeks. no, no, no, no, I can’t cry now.

he smiles at you, his hand wiping off your tears. slowly he places his other hand on the other side of your face letting the flowers fall in the process. and he hugs you. there’s something warm. something familiar but at the same time something that you have ever felt before. love. softness. caring.

it was something so pure that you taught that you didn’t deserve it. he was precious. like a sunflower who follows the sun searching for its love.

and then he speaks. his soft eyes and his soft smile. your heart beating so fast that you can die just right there. “there’s a cafe near here. come with me. or you’ll catch a cold”

“the same goes for you” you say smiling at him. his hand intertwined with yours.

— ☽ —

my soulmate. the one who I’ve waited my whole life for. what zeus tried to break apart destiny reunited them. two lost souls sparking. strong as the sun but delicate as a flower. once they’re reunited the red string won’t ever be broken.

[seanbeansimp59]

Foreigner’s God

Pairing: Zeus x reader Type: S M U T. This is smut. 100% complete smut. Hold on to your butts. Summary: You meet a strange man on top of the Empire State Building who claims to be a god. Warnings: THERE IS SEX GUYS. I’M SERIOUS. Word Count: 3.5k

Notes: Okay, so this is my first time completing and publishing a smut fic, so I’m sorry if it’s a bit too something. I wrote this for @yerevasunclair just to get some Zeus thirst out of my system. I hope you enjoy!

Storm clouds rumbled high above the climbing towers of New York City, blotting out the stars. The air was electric, the night full of promise, and the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building seemed as good a place as any to watch the storm play out. Shoes thudding against the metal floor, I made my way to the edge of the platform, leaning on the railing to gaze across the sea of flickering lights as the din of honking cars floating up high into the sky. Just another night in New York City, I thought to myself.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

The voice jerked me from my reverie, and I turned to see a man in a suit standing off to my left, watching the mayhem below us. I hadn’t even heard him come up on me.

“Chaotic, more like,” I replied, looking back to the city.

“Yes, but beautiful. Sometimes even the most disordered things can be simply magnificent.” His voice sounded like honey, deep and soothing, and I found myself to be quite intrigued.

“True enough,” I conceded with a smile. “Beautiful chaos—that’s New York for you.”

“You’re not from here, are you?” He turned his gaze to me, and I felt my knees weaken. His eyes bored into me with such intensity that my stomach turned a somersault. God I could get lost in his eyes, if only he’d let me.

“How do you know?”

A ghost of a smile flickered across his face. “Call it intuition.”

“Intuition it is, then,” I chuckled. “You must tell me, who are you, oh wise and intuitive one?” It was more than a little teasing and I wondered how he would react.

This time, his lips split into a full grin and he took a step towards me. “Forgive me for failing to introduce myself. I am Zeus, king of the gods, lord of the lightning and storms above.” He took my hand in his big one and brought it delicately to his lips, sending shivers through my body. “At your service.”

“Zeus?” I was no stranger to Greek mythology, but I was loathe to believe them. They were fairytales, bedtime stories, light reading material even, but certainly not truth. Maybe his parents were odd and named him after a god, but that didn’t explain the rest of his introduction. King of the gods, lord of the lightning and storms above, he’d said. Why would someone introduce himself like that? I was skeptical, to say the least.

My hand still brushed against his mouth when he spoke. “Yes, I am Zeus. And you are?”

Gathering myself, I responded. “Y/n. I’m y/n, although I’m afraid I don’t have the grandiose title that you do. Where’d you come up with that anyway? Your parents Greek mythology nerds or something?”

To my surprise, he looked a bit offended. “My parents are Kronos and Rhea, makers of the Earth.”

I scanned his face, looking for the slight twitch of a smile or a twinkle in his eye to indicate he was joking, but to my shock, he was dead serious.

“So, you’re actually Zeus. Like, old guy with white hair, fathered Hercules, carries a lightning bolt Zeus.” I looked him over with a raise of my eyebrow. “No offense, but you don’t look like you’re several thousand years old.”

“You don’t believe me.”

I couldn’t help but laugh a bit. “I mean you no offense, sir, but it’s a bit difficult to believe. Greek myths are, well, myths. They’re just some old Greek guys trying to come up with an explanation for how the world got here. I mean really, birthed from your father’s head? That’s not even remotely how anatomy works.” I smiled and withdrew my hand. “It’s a cool name and all, just forgive me if I’m not a believer.”

He cocked his head slightly and quirked his eyebrow. “Could I make you believe?”

That caught me off guard. I wasn’t certain what kind of drugs this guy was on, but he seemed deadset on convincing me, so I figured what the hell, I’d give him a shot. Didn’t hurt anything, right? Besides, his presence was positively intoxicating. For some reason, I felt like I couldn’t leave, even if I wanted to go.

“I mean, you can try?”

He perked up a bit and took my hand again, leading me to a different corner of the platform. His eyes seemed to spark with excitement, and he winked at me. “Watch this.”

I shrugged my shoulders and crossed my arms. If you’d told me that at exactly 11:14 pm this evening, I’d be standing on the Empire State Building with some Greek god wannabe as he tried to prove his godship, I would have laughed at you. However, at exactly 11:14 pm on this night, I was standing on the Empire State Building watching a guy named Zeus try to prove he could control the storm. Life is absolutely insane, I thought to myself with a chuckle. At least it was interesting.

He let go of my hand and turned to face the storm clouds, extending his hands to the skies. Inhaling deeply, he closed his eyes and roared a single word into the blackness. “Hupakoé!”

Instantly, a loud clap of thunder shook the building, ringing in my ears and rumbling in my bones. I barely heard him shout again as another thunderclap shattered the air around me and a streak of lightning split the sky like a knife. “Entole, ouranós zóopoieó!” The clouds opened and rain began to pour forth, pelting the platform and leaving me soaked. Wind began to whistle through the metal grates, causing them to rattle and clatter in a terrifying racket. In the middle of the mayhem stood Zeus, head tilted back to the skies, rain washing over him, body seeming to pulse as lightning danced around him. He was alive and reveling in the power of this moment, and I was completely in awe, any and all doubts gone from my mind. This was Zeus, king of the gods, lord of the lightning and storms above, and I trembled before him.

“Pauó.”

The storm ceased its fury just as quickly as it had begun. The thunder growled lightly, and the lightning faded, the rain calming to a drizzle and the wind to a whisper. Wordlessly, he turned to me, his eyes slowly coming to meet mine as a smug smile crept over his face. A few steps brought him to stand before me, his hand cupping my face as he brushed the pad of his thumb over my rain-wet lips. “Do you believe me now?”

I couldn’t find the words to speak, so I simply nodded. His honeyed voice made me weak in the knees and his intense gaze made heat pool in my belly. I was putty in his hands, and he was fully aware.

“Who am I?” His voice was rough and husky, threatening to undo me.

I wet my lips and spoke, hearing my voice trembling. “You are Zeus, king of the gods, lord of the lightning and the storms above.”

“And as a god, am I not deserving of worship?”

My heartbeat sped up and my body began to throb at the meaning behind his words. “Only the most devout, my king.”

“Whose duty is it to worship, my dear?” His hand slid to my hair, tangling a bit among the dripping strands.

“It is the duty of the believer.”

Slowly, he leaned forward until his lips just barely brushed my own, his forehead pressing to mine as he closed his eyes.

“Then kneel.”

And so, I did.

His hand helped guide me to my knees, powerful fingers weaving into my hair as I knelt before him. With his other hand, he began to unfasten the buckle of his belt and I helped him undo its bindings. The pants of his suit were already tight around his bulge and I nuzzled my cheek against his hardness. Deftly, my fingers undid the button and the zipper, smiling when I heard the low growl bloom in his chest and felt it echo in my throbbing sex. He was magnificent, gazing at me with a look of fond adoration. He was a god I would gladly worship.

I hooked my thumbs under the waistband of his pants and pulled, bringing them below his bulge in a single movement. My heartbeat thrummed in my ears and pulsed in my veins as I ran a cupped hand over him through the light fabric before pulling his undergarments down alongside his pants.

“Like what you see, love?” His voice was a deep, breathy rumble against my ears and the hand in my hair pulled my head up to look into his eyes.

My eyes were wide as I met his gaze. “Like what I see?” I licked my lips and looked back at his erection. “I am in awe, my king.”

“Then show me, darling. Show your king how much you adore him.”

Soundlessly, I wet my lips, flicking my tongue out to taste the tip of his cock. It was velvet and salty, and the musk of his arousal flooded my senses. My eyes flitted up to his, and I began to pepper the head with little kisses and kitten licks, bringing soft noises of approval and pleasure from his lips. Pulling back, I spit into my palm, wrapping my fingers around his shaft and pumping him as I took the head of his cock into my mouth. His hand tightened again, clenching roughly as he whispered my name like a song. Quickly growing tired of my tenderness, his hips rutted forward into my mouth, but I pulled my head off, pressing a gentle kiss to his thigh.

“My king, should my worship not be slow and reverent?” I kissed his shaft, feather-light. “You are deserving of only the sweetest praise, yes?”

He growled lowly and nodded, loosening his grip on my head. “Slowly then, darling. Worship your king.”

Those words sent shivers all the way to my groin. Turning my attention back to him, I continued to work my hand on his shaft, twisting lightly as I moved. My tongue trailed up the underside of his length, laving a wide, wet path up his girth. His cock twitched as I came to rest on the tip, cupping it with my tongue, sliding back and forth ever so slowly before taking the length of him into my mouth. He replied in tandem, his hands flexing in my hair, murmuring little words of praise to me. “Y/n,” he crooned, tilting his head back in ecstasy as I bobbed my head, hollowing my cheeks around him and dragging my lips up and down his shaft.

With a little pop, I pulled him from my mouth, grinning up at him before diving down again, taking him hungrily into my throat and gagging slightly as I pushed him deeper. He gave a little cry of surprise and pleasure, a moan of “yes, that’s good” as I moved my head on him before pulling back, a thick strand of saliva hanging between my lips and his cock. Licking my lips, my gaze wandered up to meet his, half-lidded with unbearable lust.

“Up,” he commanded.

I rose so quickly I nearly fell, and no sooner had I stood than his hand was around my waist and his mouth was crashing against my own. Our hands were roaming frantically, over his back, up my shirt, into his hair, grabbing my breast. His teeth nipped at my lip and I whined, opening my mouth slightly to feel his tongue caressing my own. I never wanted to stop kissing him, tasting his lips, getting drunk on his mouth, but eventually he pulled back, leaving both of us panting for breath. Without hesitation, his mouth began to move down my neck, licking and kissing and nipping and sucking, and I felt him smiling at the noises that left my reddened lips.

“Zeus,” I breathed as he sucked a bruise against my skin. The name was a prayer on my lips, filthy and broken, but a prayer, nonetheless. For one night, I’d gladly be a pagan of old, down on my knees to worship this foreigner’s god, crying his name to the skies he controlled and singing his praise as he took my offering. And Hera be damned, she could have my soul if she wanted. Feeling those hands gripping my ass and his mouth biting sharply at my collarbones was enough to make me accept any punishment she would give. Zeus was mine for the moment, and it was my sacred duty to worship him with everything I was. He demanded a sacrifice, and I was all-too willing to fall upon his altar and offer my body to slake his need.

Powerful hands were sliding to the front of my body, dragging my pants down around my knees and practically tearing my panties to rest alongside them. A sharp breath caught in my throat as his fingers found my clit and then his mouth found mine again, fingers starting a lilting melody between my thighs. God, he was incredible, I thought hazily as he sucked on the tip of my tongue. He felt divine, his fingertips dancing over me for what felt like forever, but then he was pulling back, and his fingers were against my lips and I heard his voice commanding, “Suck.”

I obeyed, sucking them into my mouth and slicking them with my saliva, tongue sliding around them and licking them deviously as he watched me with piercing eyes. Once he was satisfied with their wetness, he pulled them from my lips and slid them between my legs, parting my soaking folds with ease.

“A little wet, are you love?” he questioned, rubbing the pad of his finger against my entrance.

“Soaked.”

Zeus chuckled wordlessly and quickly pressed two fingers into me, curling them slightly and smiling as my body arched. He built a steady rhythm, his free hand moving to work my clit again as he pumped his fingers into my heat. A third finger joined the first two, pressing against my walls, and I moaned aloud. I was a mess in his arms, shaking and whimpering as I clung to him for dear life, fingernails digging into his shoulders.

“Zeus please!” I cried as he pressed his fingers deeper, curling and finding a sweet spot that made my legs buckle.

“Please what, little one?” His voice was hot against my ear, tickling it and leaving me squirming.

“I need you.”

He clicked his tongue lightly and his hands slowed. “You need me?”

My reply was more of a choked sob than anything coherent.

“I suppose you are ready now.” Deliberately, he pulled his fingers from me, and my stomach twisted with need as he brought his hand to his mouth and sucked my juices from his fingers. “You certainly taste ripe enough for a harvest.”

“Please,” I repeated, head too hazy to say anything else.

Laughing, he kissed my mouth lightly. “Very well then,” he growled, moving behind me and pressing the head of his cock against my dripping heat. “I am a merciful god-” his hands clutched my waist, “-and seeing as you’ve prayed so sweetly, I am happy to answer your pleas.”

With one fluid movement, he filled me. There was no place where I ended and he began, spreading me open and claiming my soul. My hands clenched and I cried his name, body electrified as he held inside of me. Slowly, he began to pump a steady rhythm into me, his hips rocking back and forth, and I was losing myself in the feeling of his cock inside me and his hands kneading my breasts and his mouth planting sloppy, wet kisses along my neck up to my ear. I’d never considered myself to be religious, but if this were the worship the gods demanded, I would gladly be a priestess.

Without warning, his hands gripped my hips and he turned me so that I was facing him, my leg slung around his waist. One hand slid to grasp the back of my neck, and he began to move again, rolling his hips into my heat, his eyes never leaving mine. His other hand eased between my legs, finding my swollen clit easily and beginning to rub it in time with his thrusts as my leg pulled him deeper each time. Electricity surged through my body, my eyes screwing shut as he wrenched cry after cry from my throat.

I never wanted to stop falling apart in the arms of this god. Every slam of his hips brought me closer, each rub of his thumb against my aching bud sending shocks of pleasure through my trembling body. Blindly, I grabbed his face and kissed him, feeling myself falling farther and faster, my hands digging into his hair, my cries muffled by his mouth. A rough snap of his hips and a fevered rub of his thumb against my clit and my head flew back as everything exploded inside of me, white-hot and searing as I screamed his name to the sky.

His thrusts became more erratic as my climax pulsed around him, his hands gripping my body tightly. A few more stuttered pumps and he was coming, hot seed rushing into me as he let out a wordless roar, a thunderclap matching him as he finished.

We stayed there for a moment, struggling to catch our respective breaths as his hands roamed over my skin, tracing little circles on my body. His eyes were half-closed, mouth barely grazing my neck, cock still twitching inside of me. Finally, with a heave he pulled himself from me, cupping my face with his hand and brushing the pad of his thumb, still sticky with my cum, across my cheek. “We should do this again sometime.”

“I think your wife will kill me,” I retorted, though I couldn’t ignore the thrill that raced through my body at his touch.

He chuckled and shook his head, drawing back. “She doesn’t find out unless I want her to. Trust me, you’ll be safe.”

If the myths were true, then there were plenty of women who had been killed or turned into something unnatural that begged to differ, but I let it go for the moment. “Well, like you said Mr. Intuition, I’m not from around here. I’m leaving this weekend.”

“Distance isn’t a problem. I’m the king of the gods, darling, I can find you.”

“Not creepy at all, Your Highness,” I chuckled. “Just, do consider the fact that I wouldn’t like to live the rest of my life as a cow, or a bear, or a weasel, or anything other than a human.”

He laughed aloud, leaving my stomach in knots. “Don’t worry, she won’t touch you. That’s my job.” And he winked—of course he winked.

“If you insist, my king.” I returned his gesture, pulling my pants back up and adjusting my hair. “I’m bound by nature to worship, so I haven’t really got a choice, have I?”

“Not really, but I’d prefer it be your choice. Submission is so much sweeter.” Quickly, he gathered himself, drawing his pants up again and straightening his shirt. “I’ve got to get going, love, but it’s been great. Keep your eyes open, I’ll see you around.” And without another word, the god of the skies turned from me and strode broadly across the platform, vanishing into the elevator.

I shook my head in disbelief. Did any of that really happen? A quick glance at my reflection in the window told me that he had indeed been there. Bruises and bite marks littered my skin, my hair was a mess, and my makeup was running from the rain and the sweat. Yes, it had all been real; every gasp, every thrust, every kiss, every scream was all completely real. I guess I would get to live with that now.

On shaky legs, I made my way to the elevator and pressed the button, waiting as it clanked its way down to me. I felt electrified and positively glorious, despite the lingering dread of Hera’s wrath. Right now, it didn’t matter. I felt alive in more ways than I knew possible. Zeus had claimed me for his own, even just for a matter of minutes, and the memory of his piercing gaze kept me locked in the high.

The elevator arrived and I stepped inside, seeing a man in a wheelchair sitting there already. Far from embarrassed, I dipped my head in greeting, standing across from him as the old machinery descended noisily down the shaft. When we finally reached the ground floor, I nearly danced out of the doors, sashaying across the lobby with a wide grin on my face. However, my reverie was interrupted by a sudden, blood-chilling thought, and I turned to face the elevator as recognition swept through me.

Zeus had taken the elevator up from the 102nd floor.

[jinnyu]

Number 51 with Bede and a male/enby reader? :O! I rarely find anyone who's willing to write for non female coded readers so im really glad I found your blog!

Used artwork credit here

A/N: i got the name of the prompt wrong but we dont speak of that— ANYWHO, im glad i could get the chance to write this for you then, anon! Yeah i rarely came across blogs that are gender neutral about their imagines too :/ hopefully you'll enjoy this though!

(7,915 Word Count!)

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Bede wasn't quite the type to show his concern over others, even when he got close to you and developed feelings for you. He's not used to express his emotions other than being cocky and looking down upon others. But this time, it was different.

You promised him that you'll help him out for the day at his gym, considering its the time where numerous of challengers comes barging in the stadium, asking for the badge that'll get them to the next gym leader. Bede didn't mind them, he never did. It was just that some of them were starting to get to his nerves; challengers bringing their toxitricity to the stadium and using sound based moves, blaring right in his ears— oh for Arceus's sake, let the battle end already, the poor boy's ears are becoming somewhat sensitive if they kept doing that repeatedly.

That being said, he waited and waited for you to come, but eventually, you never did. He pondered over what happened to that awfully irritating (yet lovable) rival of his as he walked out of his gym, telling his assistants to close it for the day and inform the challengers to screw off. He got better things to do than to listen to those damned pokemon singing and spatting poison out of their mouth, hurting his little fairy friends.

"Oh whats with you today" The white haired boy murmured under his breath, looking at his rotom phone and deciding to call you. Sure he has thought of the many possibilities of you being busy due to your new Champion of Galar title, but never even once you bailed him like this— or so he thought.

A heavy string of huffing was heard on the other side of the phone, which makes Bede rise his eyebrow and question about what in Galar are you doing at the moment. His mouth stayed shut while waiting for you to ramble out your explanation, well, an explanation he deserves to know.

Why you ask? Because beneath that smug exterior of his, he's deeply concerned when it comes to you. Tell him a fake information that you've been defeated by some random kid and he'll immediately abandon his gym, looking all pissed and irritated as he stomp his way out of the place. Oh what he wouldn't do just to see your smile.

Though, would he admit that? No, even in the name of Arceus, he wont.

Then, finally you answered with voice indicating that you're slightly tired, "Oh, uh, B-Bede!!" You exclaimed, trying to sound as alright as you could. He could hear you dusting your clothes as you speak, Cinderace in the background chirping with other pokemon playing around the area. Oh boy, you have a lot of explaining to do.

The white haired boy tapped his foot against the ground , waiting for you to finish your sentence. He also asked his Galarian Rapidash to track your scent down, and lead him to you, in the most quickest way possible. You're probably having trouble with your pokemon again, or getting surrounded by your fans, one of the two.

Still, its most likely you're experiencing the first scenario, looking at how you're more active in the wild area rather than in cities. "Enough said, im going where you are right now," Bede said in a stern tone, making your eyes widen a tad bit. You didn't even get the chance to explain to him! You only greeted him and yet he's going to visit where you are right now? Holy Suicune, you're a mess.

"Stay there, dont move"

A sigh slipped past your lips as Bede hung up. Better get going and make yourself somewhat decent then. You were chasing a Galarian Zapdos, one of the legendary bird trio and it didn't go well. The lightning avian clearly lived up to its name by having a lightning speed under it's wings, which made you tumble down your bike a few times while trying to get close to the said legendary pokemon.

It's worth it though, now Zapdos is right infront of you with a soothe bell tied loosely around it's neck, lowering it's head down waiting for you to give it affection. Its cute really, and you wondered if Bede will like this newly captured pokemon of yours. On the other hand, he might not like the scratches you got from falling off your bike, and tripping over baby pokemons— no worries, no pokemon were harmed during this process of capturing Zapdos.

Of course it hurts when you tried to patch your wounds up, some of it were caused by the legendary electric bird itself as you were trying your best not to harm the said pokemon in the process of capturing it. Zapdos did express concern over you when it saw you slightly in a pinch trying to capture it though, and it tried to make you feel better by occassional nuzzling against you, sparking electricity in your hair.

Its never a dull moment in the wild area, Really.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Half an hour passed and your said knight in shining armo— i mean Bede- Bede finally arrived with his Galarian Rapidash.

His eyes widened the moment he saw you visibly being a mess, not minding about the legendary pokemon thats taking a seat beside you as an act of cheering you up. He looks irritated, annoyed and slightly pissed when he saw you not taking care of yourself properly— you never did, you're careless, the wounds will heal anyways and your pokemon will help it heal, thats why you didn't mind it much.

The fairy type gym leader immediately makes his way to you as his Rapidash follows close behind him, incase he needed assistance.

"You...What happened?"

Bede lifted your left arm up as you faced him while he was examining your wounds. You stayed quiet until he looks up at you again, Violet eyes locking with yours for a brief moment.

You didn't answer his question and you simply gestured at the legendary bird pokemon beside you, no other explanation can be better that that anyways, and you're not in the mood to waste your energy by talking too much.

Bede blinked a few times as he finally recognized that you have captured a Galarian Zapdos, the Galarian Zapdos that's said to rule over thunderstorms and making a nest between the electrifying clouds right before a storm starts. Basically the Zeus of Galar, if you will. He was quite amused to say the least, though he didn't expect less from the Champion, but risking your life just to capture a legendary? Yup, thats his rival alright, you and and that reckless stubborn head of yours, not to mention you're often oblivious to Bede's acts of care and affection, resulting in the white haired boy blushing intensely.

A sigh slipped past Bede's lips as he rubbed a potion over your wound, followed by a hiss of pain from your side. You wanted to yank your hand off his hold, "Bede, its alright, i can take care of myself" you muttered as you watched the male infront of you carefully spreading the healing liquid over your wounds, trying his best not to hurt you by doing so.

His Violet eyes looked up at you, then looked back down on your wound, not caring about your complaints.

"Let me take care of you," He said as he was preventing the subtle blush from slowly dusting his milky white cheeks; his fingers that were gently massaging that one specific area on your arm stopped before he checked for your other arm- which, you obliged and gave him your other arm to inspect without any hesitation.

What surprised you the most is that he muttered out those six specific words. The words that you thought would never leave past his lips whatsoever, and yet here you are sitting on a giant rock with him treating your wounds from before as he insisted on taking care of you.

Why does he care so much?

"Bede i said—" before you could continue his sentence, his grip on your arm suddenly tightened by a bit, afraid of you yanking your arm off.

"I want to take care of you." the tone he was using was so sweet, so kind and sincere as if its not Bede who said that; it was slightly shaky too, probably caused by him gradually becoming even more flustered by his honest feelings. This only made you smile warmly, seeing how well Bede is taking care of you— you just remembered that you two are supposed to be in the Fairy Type gym by now, helping the said gym leader with handling the oncoming bundles of challengers.

You, being the oblivious Champion that you are, laughed softly and nudged your cheek against his in an affectionately way while saying a light-hearted thank you along the way. You let the boy take care of you and your wounds as Zapdos stayed quiet by your side, observing the two of you and your actions. You're completely calm and amazed by Bede's knowledge when it comes to potions and healing stuff. Maybe you should learn a few things from him after this then.

Bede on the other hand was a complete mess. Oh how the tables have turned. Your little action of nuzzling against his cheek made him turn beet red; various shades of red covering his cheeks and spreading towards his ears. He avoided any eye contact with you, he knew better than to say anything and embarrass himself even more on the spot, so he stayed quiet, and let you do your silly little affectionate actions. He enjoyed it anyways— not that he'd admit it.

"D-dont do that so sudden next time."

He managed to croak out, voice slightly different from before caused by the amount of blood rushing to his face and ears, not to mention his heart thumping loudly in his chest. Arceus- this feeling is so sickeningly lovely, he hated it, and yet he also loved it. You replied with a soft 'Mhm' before he continues to treat your wounds.

Oh its never a dull moment with you.

[seduceme-lovestruck-thearcana]

A Talk Under the Stars

@megatraven and @catlovingwitch and @aallotarenunelma (just in case you'd like to read my writing, sorry if not).

This is an Alex x MC fic!! I saw a post of Meg's talking about Alex and how fate is confusing for them since they're a demigod. I saw that and was like, "hmmm...angst idea....". And I'm finally writing it!! I hope you both enjoy it :). MC is 7 in this fic and Alex is 12. I wanted it to maybe be teenagers for both but decided against it. The age mention isn't necessarily important but MC is described as young and I wanted to make it clear how old she is.

I wanted fluff and anxiety and being a teen causes anxiety (for Alex), so here we go!

.

.

Today was a day that Alex couldn't wait for. On certain days, their mother would let MC come over and see them. They were usually busy with the other divine beings on Olympus or following their mother, but today was a day they could see MC.

Sure, it sounds weird to be so excited to see one person, but they truly were happy. MC was young and adored everything about Olympus and them, so seeing her was always a treat. She would always ask questions, point at everything shiny, want to touch everything, and just be with them. They loved it.

However, that happiness was dimmed with another emotion. It was one they couldn't describe, one they still didn't know how to handle. They tried to push it away today, but they couldn't. Every time they looked at any person or even object relating to Olympus and it's history, it made their mind focus back on their issue.

They were a demigod surrounded by Gods. Surrounded by some God's who looked down upon humans and treated demigods different. Their mother treated them like she treated all of her children. She was fair with them and made sure that they knew they were amazing, strong, and deserved to be here, but sometimes they thought differently. Sometimes they thought that they didn't deserve to be on Olympus, or thought that maybe their mother was trying to lie to them. They didn't know why they thought like this, but they did. And they hated it.

But they put on a smile and tried to push those feelings away as they saw MC running towards them. They were in their estate and MC and her mother finally arrived. They were ready to spend their day together.

.

MC and Alex were now laying in the grass, looking up at the night sky. They were laying on their backs next to each other and holding hands. They spent the whole day together, and with their mothers, and were relaxing before they had to say goodbye. They were in Aphrodite's backyard and talking while looking at the beautiful sky. Alex was telling funny stories and MC was sharing her own. But when it went silent, MC could see the sadness on their face.

"Alex," MC said in a soft voice. Her voice that was usually loud with excitement was now dimmed with worry.

They looked over at her and hummed in response.

"Something's wrong. You look...upset."

They sighed and smiled at her fondly. "Oh. I'm alright. Just a little tired." They tried to push the topic away, but that didn't work with her. It never seemed to. She always somehow knew something was wrong.

"No, you're not. You were just excited, but now your smile is gone and you just...don't look happy." She struggled to explain what she saw, but she knew they understood. They knew they weren't hiding anything well.

They looked back up at the sky and thought things through. They always tried to put their thoughts and doubts into actual words when talking with others, but they never worked. They never came out right and they never felt better. Well, never felt truly better. But, they wanted to try again. Maybe MC could understand them.

"I'm just thinking about how I'm different."

"How you're different?" She asked slowly with confusion.

"Yeah. I'm not a full blooded God. I'm only half."

"I know that. But why are you thinking about it?" She asked curiously, not knowing that it was a very difficult question to answer.

They went silent again as they thought their words through. "It's because it makes me different." They knew that didn't make sense, but that was the way they could express it.

MC let out a hum and thought as well. She looked back up at the stars, hoping they would give her an answer, but she had to think of her own. "There's nothing wrong with being different, Alex," is what she decided on. And it was what she really thought.

They laughed softly and shook their head. "But it's not a good different. It's a different that people look down upon. A difference that makes me feel left out."

MC gasped softly and squeezed their hand tightly. "Alex! Who's making you feel left out? Can I yell at them?" Her voice was high with slight anger and she felt truly upset about that. About the idea of them feeling left out and hurt.

They laughed and looked back over at her to see her already looking at them. She had a pout on her face and looked angry while also looking worried. It made her look cute and they gave her a sweet smile.

"No. I don't think punching someone could solve this issue. It's been going on for too long. Even before my time."

"Well, what is it? Maybe I can help." She smiled at them and it put them at slight ease.

"Demigods are treated differently. Most of the time, they are seen as below everyone else. It's not necessarily that we aren't accepted, it's just that...we're not good enough. It's why Zeus keeps putting Hercules through many trails."

"Ugh," MC said at the mention of Zeus. "I'm tired of hearing about Zeus. He makes me tired, and I don't even see him!"

Alex laughed and it brought their spirits up a bit. "Well, yeah. He makes everyone tired sometimes. Thankfully, I don't deal with him much."

"But what else is bothering you? There's got to be something else!" She was curious about everything, and now she wanted to know more about Alex. She knew many things, but she didn't seem to know much about what's really going on.

They looked back up at the stars, once again. Looking at them made it easier for them to talk. "Do you want to know a secret?"

MC gasped with excitement and nodded vigorously.

"You're a human, and one thing about being human is that you get to choose your own fate. You're not bound by anything. You have free will and can decide anything you want."

MC's eyes widened and she looked happy. "That's really cool to know." Then she remember why they were telling her this. "Why does it make you sad?"

"The God's have fate. They are bound by it. I don't know if they can change it, but they are bound. But I'm half. What does that mean for me? Am I bound to something that I can never change? Am I doomed?" Their questions kept coming out of them and their fear began to come back. Fate wasn't the only thing bothering them, but that one topic truly did bug them.

"Maybe it's in the middle."

Their eyebrows furrowed with confusion and they looked back over at her. She was looking at the stars as well with a small smile. "What do you mean?"

"Maybe you do have a fate. Maybe you are bound. But...maybe it's a loose string. Like on a sweater. A loose string is there and you can either leave it alone or cut it off. Maybe you are bound by a string and can either let it take its course, or cut it off and make your own fate." She looked over at them when she was done and laughed when she saw the look on their face. They looked confused, but also like they had a revelation.

Like they finally realized something.

And then they looked down at their intertwined hands and felt worry. Worry for them, but also for her. "But what if I ruin it?" They whispered this and felt scared. They were scared something bad could happen if they dared to tempt fate at all.

"You could never ruin it. As long as you have faith and hope, you can do anything!" Her voice was excited and they knew she believed in them. But they still couldn't believe in themselves.

"But-".

"Alex. Let me ask you some questions."

They nodded and let her take the lead this time. Maybe her being excited would take their mind off of things.

However, she wouldn't let this topic go. She wouldn't let things end without them feeling comfortable.

She lifted her hand above her and she made them do the same. "Look at our hands together. Tell me what's different."

They did as told and looked at their hands. "Yours is smaller than mine."

She nodded and hummed. "Exactly. But is there any other difference you see?"

"No."

"Now, imagine your moms hand. Is there any difference?"

"No."

"Exactly! Now how about our hearts?" She grabbed their hand and placed it against her chest and she placed hers against theirs. After a few moments, they both felt the others heart beat. They were both calm and almost had the same rhythm. "Is there any difference here?"

They shook their head with a smile as they looked at her.

She moved their hands to be intertwined again and resting in-between them. "Exactly! And other than our physical appearances, we have more things in common. We have hearts, we have faces, we have the same body functions, we have voices, we can move, and almost everything is the same! So how could we really be different from each other?"

They thought about what she meant. They were practically the same. The only thing different was the blood in their veins. They had Aphrodite's blood in their veins. They were her child, had a sliver of her powers, and were divine. But...when they thought about it, they weren't that different from humans. Even Aphrodite wasn't different. Neither were the others.

"Everyone here may have powers, but if you take that away, what do you have left? You have someone like me."

"Are you comparing yourself to a God?" They smirked at her and she nodded with excitement.

"Yes! You may see a difference, but I do not. Maybe I'm too young to see it, but I don't see one. If humans can live the same way as the Gods, then we're not truly different. And so you're not different from a God." She said this with authority and as if she was right, and Alex loved it. She was young, yet believed what she thought was right.

They both looked back up at the stars and everything MC said made their heart feel better. They knew she didn't understand everything, but maybe she understood more things than they did. She experienced life above and on the surface. She witnessed how divine and mortals lived, and she didn't see a difference. Her eyes saw a person equally in both places.

But Alex was taught to see differences. They were told there was a difference, that there was a huge difference. But being with MC right now made them think that maybe there isn't one. Maybe their strength is the only difference. Maybe everyone is different while also being truly the same. That thought made them feel better, and they were more grateful that they had someone like MC by their side. And they intended to keep her there, no matter what fate or differences there were between them.

And that other feeling inside of them was growing. It was always around and it grew bigger each time they saw MC, and they wonder what it is. They think they'll know what it is once they get older, or that's what they hope.

And they sure did, but not in the way they wanted.

.

.

Their back felt uncomfortable as they sat in the infirmary chair. They were staring at MC as she laid in the bed. She hit her head very hard from Deukalions attack, and their heart felt heavy. Everything felt hard and it hurt to breathe for a few moments. She was alive and that was the biggest relief, but the fact that something worse could've happened kept plaquing their mind.

They think this is their fault, that all of this happened because of their own desires, and they remember what MC told them under the stars all those years ago.

"You compared yourself to a God, MC. But...you're not a God," they whispered out. Their hand was clutching the golden heart they always wore and it was just a reminder of their differences. "You can't take a God's strength away, so there will always be a difference between us."

They both grew up and that conversation kept appearing in their mind these days. She wanted to be right, but she wasn't. There is a difference between Gods and mortals. There always would be. Especially, their fates. MC had free will, and Alex still doesn't know what they have. But they do know what full blooded God's have. They have a fate, and any human that is roped into it it is already set up for doom.

They felt their eyes water at that thought. At the mere thought that they could've just ruined her life because of their blood, because of their connection to Olympus. It hurt, and they were lost. They didn't know what to do, they didn't know how to protect her, they didn't know what to do.

But they did know something, or they believe they knew it. They believed that they knew the ending of this. They read many greek tales and they even experienced one along MC. They knew what happens to humans roped into a divine fate, and they wouldn't let her end up being another victim.

Not now. Not ever.

So, even if it hurt them, they hoped they could change her fate for her. Even if it meant destroying their own fate that they dreamed of.

.

.

SOOO!!! THIS!! Wasn't as good as I kind of wanted it. I wanted MC to make Alex realize that there isn't a different between mortal and divine. Or at least make it seem that kid MC believed it and maybe make Alex believe it. But ended it with Alex realizing no. There is a difference. And by the ending of destroying their own fate, I meant that they destroyed the idea of being with her by ending things.

Like they could either be with her and end up a tragedy in the end, or save her by destroying their dream of being with her. Destroying their own fate that they wanted to build. I love sad Alex and I hope this was good and made some kind of sense :')).

AND!! When I said that they experienced their own tale, I meant that they both experienced MC's mother's death and how she was involved romantically with Aphrodite and how she ended up dead. She was roped into a divines fate and ended up as a tragedy :'). So I hope y'all enjoyed this! There is some proofreading, but if something is wrong then my bad!

[klynn-stormz]

The Snow Falls Quickly

Merry Christmas @cocohook38, I'm your secret santa this year for @cssecretsanta2020! I hope that you have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful weekend! Here is your gift, I really hope you enjoy it!

Summary:  Killian’s nightmares since returning from the underworld have been getting worse. When they end up with him sleepwalking into a snow storm Emma decides enough is enough. She’s on a mission to make sure her pirate knows what he means to her. Though first she has to find him.

AO3

Killian was confused, main street was completely empty. It was evening out, the sun had set not long ago, but still even Granny’s diner stood dark and silent. He kept walking, waiting for someone to call over to him. He hadn’t been back from the underworld that long, they finally had a moments peace, and he hadn’t had much rest. Plagued with nightmares of his time as a Dark One and of the underworld, he had trouble sleeping. Even more troublesome was when he had found out he had been sleepwalking. Emma found him in the kitchen mumbling and seemingly fighting something. He couldn’t sleep much after that, making sure to work himself into exhaustion to sleep a dreamless sleep for a couple hours at a time. The town appeared to be abandoned now, but it must be his imagination, his tired brain playing tricks on him.

While he longed to go and find where everyone was, he didn’t know how he’d be received. He had been a Dark One, the thing he had hated and hunted for centuries. The things he had done, how easily he had given in, weighed heavy on his heart. Now Emma was left to deal with him, to try to move him forward. She had suggested seeing Archie to try and work through his thoughts, but he couldn’t bring himself to go, perhaps he didn’t deserve to be saved. When Zeus had brought him back, he had been elated, he could finally be with Emma. However, the reaction everyone had to his return had been… less than receptive. He understood he’d been sent back at a delicate time, Robin’s death was not easy on anyone, but the only one who seemed happy he was back was Emma. Perhaps they hadn’t actually forgiven him for any of his misdeeds. Perhaps he deserved that.

“Of course, you do.” An eerie voice whispered through the night. “You think you deserve anything?”

Killian spun towards the voice, sword in hand, only to be met with an empty street and flickering lamp post. Hearing voices was never a good sign, it was time to go home. He started for his and Emma’s home at a quick stride, his eyes focused on his surroundings.

“Do you really think you can run from us?” A new voice now, higher in pitch, giggled.

He quickened his pace.

“Aw, he thinks he can go back home. Home? You think they want you there? You think anyone wants you there? It’s not your home, it’s theirs and you’re intruding.”

The last voice had him sprinting down the street, if he could just get to the house, everything would be alright. He was almost there, the lights on in the windows, Emma waiting up for him again. And then everything disappeared. He was standing in an emptiness, no up, no down, no here or there. All alone. His sword still in hand and ready to strike he rotated around, looking for whatever monster seemed to think he was prey.

“You won’t find us.” Once of the voices sang out.

“Show yourself coward.” Killian spat out, his heart pounding.

“Why should we, when you already know who we are… dearie?” The last voice had ice running through Killian’s veins. It couldn’t be, it wouldn’t be, he wouldn’t let it.

“Did you think you could get rid of us that easily? Did you think we wouldn’t find you?” The voices came together, whispering their bloodstained words around him.

The dark ones, those voices that had haunted his waking days. His body shook involuntarily, he took a breath and gripped the sword hilt tighter, they wouldn’t beat him.

“This is a dream.” His voice didn’t waver, though inside he screamed. “You’re not real, and you’re not here. I just need to wake up.”

“Oh, do you now?” The voices laughed, “Go on then, wake up.”

Try as he might, he couldn’t wake up. A cold dread washed across him. It couldn’t be real, how was it possible that it was back. The voices wrapped around him like a cloak, he felt like he was suffocating.

“Did you think it was that easy? Did you honestly think you were rid of us?”

“Leave me alone.” Killian gritted his teeth.

“Maybe it was a trick, maybe it was a dream.” The voices volume dropped to a whisper, echoing in the void. “You made yourself believe you had died a hero, that you were brought back because you deserve to be. Would you like to see what you’ve actually done?”

The scene changed to Storybrooke, but not how he’d last seen it. Buildings destroyed, roads cracked, trees felled. With utter horror Killian turned in a slow circle. The smell of smoke and death permeated the air. He stared at the fallen bodies around him and broke. He fell to his knees as his heart shattered into a million pieces. What had he done, what had he become?

“You did this. You think you’re good? You think you’ve changed? This is what you’ve become.” The voices swirled in the smokey air. His hand came up to clutch his head, covering his ears. He couldn’t reconcile the reality, he couldn’t believe he had done it, and yet it appeared he had. He had nothing now. The first tears began to fall.

As abruptly as the scene had change from the void to here, it shifted again. His arms were painfully yanked away from his head, he heard and felt a snap as they protested the movement. His head shot up and took in his new world. The underworld. Relief pushed through the pain, this had to be a dream then, he hadn’t hurt anyone. His relief was cut of by another punch of paid as a fist connected with his face. He winced as blood tracked down his face. Looking up he met Hades grinning face.

“Didn’t think you’d be rid of me that easy, did you?” Another blow landed on his cheek, was that crack the sound of his jaw breaking? “I wasn’t finished having fun with you!”

The torture lasted for what seemed like hours. Killian’s body began to numb with the pain. His vision faltered and blood dripped steadily down his face. He had long since stopped screaming in agony, his throat raw from it. When Hades finally left him, he sagged down in his chains and quietly begged it to be a dream. It would be the worst one he’d had, but if this was real. If him being brought back to life by Zeus, being able to be with Emma again, had been a trick… well he didn’t know if he could handle that knowledge. From his slumped position he spotted a wire, one that had been broken off from the cage he was in.

His body protested as he reached to pick it up. With a quick glance around to make sure he was alone, he set to picking the lock. It took precious minutes, the wire slipping from his lips multiple times as he shook with the effort, but finally his hand was free to pick the lock that chained his brace to the ground. When he was free, he stood up and nearly blacked out. Steadying himself against the cage walls, he breathed deep until he was sure he’d stand firm. The cage was easy to pick, he was out within a minute and running down a hallway he wasn’t quite sure where it led too.

The tunnel darkened and narrowed, soon he was just running through the emptiness again. A light appeared at the end and he knew if he could just make it to the end, everything would be alright. As he ran, he began hearing voices, from whispers to shouts.

“Nothing but a Pirate.”

“How can I trust you now.”

“You thought you could ever be a hero? Be anything?”

The voices only grew louder, shouting every insecurity, ever insult he’d heard. And they hit their mark. Were they right? He’d thought so, time and time again he’d tried to be better, yet he always seemed to fail. Killian could see the light fading; he would never make it. In despair he crumbled to the ground. He would never make it back to Emma, maybe he never had.

~~~

Emma woke to a quiet home in the middle of the night. For a moment she let herself lie there, soaking in a feeling of… well not peace, but close. Things hadn’t been easy since the Underworld trip, but with Killian back at her side she could rest a little easier. She turned to face him in bed and frowned when she found his side cold and empty. Where was Killian? Sitting up she looked towards the bathroom but found no light on there. His hook was still on the nightstand with his brace. Any peaceful feeling she’d had melted away into panic. In a rush she jumped from the bed and, in sleep shorts and a t-shirt, ran down the stairs. He was no where to be found. She focused on breathing as her heart pounded in her ears. He’d been having nightmares ever since he’d gotten back, even sleepwalking a few times, but never had he left the house, and he’d never left the house without his brace.

Grabbing her coat and hat from the rack and boots from the shelf, she raced to figure out how to find him. A tracking spell! She hadn’t used her magic much since being the Dark One, it made her feel weak and sick, but this was for Killian. Focusing as much as possible she whispered a spell on the jacket he wore, hoping to all the Gods in the universe she would find him okay. The coat lifted into the air and began to move. She followed it, closing the front door of their home with a wave of her hand, her eyes never leaving the coat.

It was a cold and snowy night. The moon was somewhere behind a blanket of white snow clouds. Luckily the brightness of the clouds made it easier to watch her step as she followed the coat at a run. Snow was falling heavily, the flakes big enough you could see their shapes without trying. There was already at least 2 inches on the ground and it was piling up quickly. The coat made a sharp turn into the woods, if she wasn’t terrified before, she certainly was now. How far had he gotten? And why hadn’t she woken up when he left? She new without a doubt he did not leave of his own volition. Whether sleep walking in a nightmare or dragged away by Stroybrooke’s newest villain of the week, she knew he was in trouble.

It took another 15 minutes of searching, though it felt like hours to Emma, she had forgotten her gloves and long since felt the numbness spreading through her fingers and legs. The coat hung to her knees and gave her a little bit of warmth, but with the cold settling in and her panic to find Killian rising, her magic wasn’t working well. Even if she did find him, she had no idea if she’d be able to transport them back to the house. The coat began to slow and she picked up her pace to walk next to her, her eyes searching for a figure standing out between the bright snow and the shadows of the trees in the night.

She nearly tripped over him. While the snow aided some in the light, it wasn’t enough for her to find him without help. She stopped and for a moment she thought her heart might have too. He was nearly covered in snow. Face down and crumbled as if he had been thrown, he lay in only his black sleep shirt and pajama pants she had insisted he buy a week ago. Was he breathing? Was he still alive? She couldn’t bare to lose him again, not after everything they’d gone through.

“Killian?” Her voice shook as she knelt down in the snow. “Killian, please wake up.”

Frantically now she began to brush the snow off his face. His black hair gleamed against the snow, his face was pale and his lips nearly blue. She needed to get him inside and get him warm now. How could she? She looked around at the empty woods, begging for a miracle. Her head snapped up again as she recognized a part of the woods. They were near a cabin, a cabin! She didn’t know if it had any electricity, or food or anything, but it was worth a shot. She took the coat from where it still hovered above Killian’s body, and laid it over him. She quieted her mind and focused on her emotions, knowing that was the only chance she had at getting enough magic to help them.

The thought of losing Killian seemed to work and the coat wrapped tighter around him, slipping beneath and nearly pulling him from the snow. With a quick kiss to his forehead, she stood up and grabbed the jacket, beginning to pull in the direction of the cabin. She could be wrong, it might not be there, but she wouldn’t let herself think on that long. This was her only chance. Glancing down at his face, she pulled at the coat faster. After nearly 10 minutes of dragging him through the thick snow, she saw the cabin. It was still a ways off, set in a small clearing. She could feel the first aches of relief, and exhaustion. Emma gritted her teeth and continued to drag her limp pirate towards safety.

It seemed that right at the threshold her magic gave out. The coat loosing it’s sparkly and flattening on the stairs. Emma opened the door and turned to pull Killian the rest of the way in. Once he was in and she could close the door, she looked around. It was a small, nearly barren cabin, the dark wood of the trees outside had been used to build it. The windows had long since been frosted over. In the corner was a larger fireplace, with wood stacked neatly by it. A small couch sat across from the fire, old and worn, fabric tearing along the seams. Emma walked over to the fireplace and begged the fire to start quickly. It only took a few minutes before the flames were high and heating the room.

Emma quickly dragged Killian to lay next to the fire, her exhaustion was beginning to deepen and she didn’t know how much longer she would be able to stay awake. Once he was settled, she set about looking around the cabin for blankets. She found a small kitchen, barley room for the stove and pantry, but the pantry was stocked with canned food. Glancing out the small window to see the wind and snow picking up again, she was grateful they had food for however long they needed to stay here, bottled water was found underneath the sink, more relief. In a small bedroom just off the front room she found a pile of blankets. She grabbed all that she could carry and made her way back out. Kneeling next to him Emma began to undress him, knowing that if she didn’t get him out of the soaked clothes, her work might be for nothing. She chuckled to herself at what he might say if he was aware she was undressing him. She was sure she’d hear it when he woke up.

Undressed and bundled up in at least three blankets, Killian remained unconscious, she would have to hope he woke up soon. Glancing down at herself she realized she was still only in her t-shirt and sleep shorts, and she was freaking cold. She peeled off her useless coat and hat, the icy wetness seeming to burn her skin. Hanging them to dry on the couch with Killian’s clothes, she took the rest of the blankets, burrowed under the ones wrapping Killian, and laid them over the two of them. Body head was good right? She thought she’d read that somewhere, then had a brief flashback to when he pulled her out of the ice wall. He’d hung onto her so tight, lifting her off the ground and carrying her to the car. She remembered how good it felt to be in his arms, though she would never admit that out loud. He had barely left her side that night while she recovered. Emma looked up at him, brushing his hair back and kissed his jaw. He loved her, she loved him, it was time to put a stop to his fears and nightmares. She cuddled into him, and finally slipped into sleep.

~~~

Killian wakes up scalding hot, sweating and confused. He doesn’t open his eyes right away, still worried he’s back in that horrible nightmare, at least what he hopes was a nightmare. He takes stock of his body first, aches in his left shoulder and down his arm are the most prominent. It brought him temporarily back to the underworld portion of that dreamscape, his arms had been chained down roughly, he wouldn’t be surprised if it had yanked his shoulder out of place. That wasn’t a good sign for it being just a nightmare. Something was laying across his chest, it felt like an arm, and he realized that something was currently resting on his aching shoulder as well. He finally took a chance to open his eyes and pray he was home. He wasn’t.

Wood ceilings greeted him when he looks up, definitely not home, then where? He looked to the side and found himself next to a stone fireplace with a small fire burning, close to burning out it seemed. He looked to his other side and found Emma was curled on her side against him. A restless look on her face as she slept. Lines on her forehead creased slightly, her mouth turned down unhappily. He looked at her beautiful face, and was grateful that he was with her. Whether this was a dream or not, it was the best thing he’d been through in the past few hours. He had the urge to brush the blonde hair away from her forehead and caress her cheek. As he moved to do just that he realized two very important things. One, he was most assuredly not wearing a stitch of clothing underneath all those blankets. Two, Emma Swan’s very naked body was currently tangled with his.

The realization had him jolting slightly and beginning to look around for clothes, though he couldn’t turn his head much, nor peak over the mountain of blankets very well. He was debating on whether to move or not when Emma groaned and began to stretch. As she did so a leg came cross his body to adjust her position, her shoulders moved forward to dull the aches in her back. She mover her hand from where it was under her head onto his chest. Killian was pretty sure now he’d died and gone to heaven, there couldn’t be a better explanation for this brilliant, beautiful woman next to him.

“Killian?” Emma murmured groggily, her head tilting up to look at him with heavy lidded eyes.

“Aye love, I’m here.” He answered back. Faster than he had time to follows she was up and practically straddling him, leaning over him with the blankets over her shoulder and a worried look in her eyes. And she was most definitely not wearing clothes. Killian might like to flirt with her uncontrollably, but he was still a gentleman, his eyes stayed firmly fixed on her face. He wasn’t sure what caused the look of concern on her face but he wanted to wipe it off with a kiss and much more pleasurable activities. “Emma, what’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” There was an edge to her tone now. Killian had a feeling that he was about to get a dressing down, well more so than he already was. “What’s wrong?! Killian you almost DIED.”

He blinked he hadn’t been expecting that. When had he almost died? If everything that he’d just been through had been a dream, then the last time he had died would have been before the underworld, and he didn’t think that’s what she meant. Perhaps she was talking about the murderous expression that would come over Regina’s face every time she saw him out and about, he was sure she’d nearly incinerated him multiple times. He realized she was ranting now and focused on her words.

“—I knew they were getting bad but this bad. What if I hadn’t found you? What if I hadn’t woken up. Oh hell, I can’t handle it Killian, I just can’t.” Her voice broke on the last word and tears filled her eyes. He was even more concerned now.

“You can’t handle what, love?” His hand finally came up and cupped her face, he knew he’d missed something during his musings but he would focus more now.

“You DYING.” The shout rang through the tiny space he had deduced they were in. “Weren’t you listening? Killian you almost died. I woke up in the middle of the night to find you gone, not in bed, not in the house! You were just gone. And your nightmares have been getting worse but this, this is bad. I had to do the tracking spell and I used your jacket, and I didn’t even grab pants, just a coat and hat. The jacket lead me to the woods where I found you freezing to death and nearly covered in snow. You’re lucky I remembered this cabin out here in the middle of nowhere or we both would have frozen to death.”

As the words sank in, Killian grew concerned; allowing his eyes to roam over her body, not in lust but in worry, making sure she wasn’t injured. She didn’t seem to be, he didn’t see any signs of frostbite or burns from the cold. He let himself feel a little relief before his eyes met hers again. She still had tears in them, she wouldn’t allow them to fall, his Emma wouldn’t show that kind of weakness when she was angry, even to him. It was best to tell her what happened and talk then to let her continue to stare at him as if she expected him to keel over that moment.

“I had a dream, it started out in Storybrooke and I was so sure it was real—” He told her all of it. Every moment of agony, every word spoken and heard. He knew she needed to hear it all, so she could understand. When he was finished, they simply stared at each other. As Emma processed it all he finally got a good look around the cabin, it was small with a worn sofa, a window showing a multitude of snow-covered branches.

“It can’t go on like this Killian, this is getting bad. I don’t think I could take loosing you again.” Emma said quietly, staring at him intently. He looked away.

“I’m well aware love, but I’m working through it and it’s like I’ve always told you, I’m a—” She cut him off.

“A survivor. Yeah, I know you say that.” She paused. “But you didn’t, you didn’t survive while we were the Dark Ones, you didn’t survive until Zeus himself brought you back. So how am I supposed to believe that now? Because it sure as hell looks like your body is trying to kill you.”

“Maybe it’s time we talk about everything then.” Killian responded. He adjusted himself slightly, still very aware that he and Emma were nude and in extremely close contact. “And this might be better done with some clothes on.”

“Normally you’re trying to get me out of them, you want me to get dressed?” Emma raise her eyebrows at him in a poor attempt to imitate him. She moved to get off of him, brushing against his chest as she did so. He suppressed a groan and squeezed his eyes shut in an attempt to control himself. He heard her walk to the couch then felt fabric on his face. She had thrown his clothes at him. Once they were both dressed in what little clothing they had, dry thanks to the fire. Emma added more wood to the fire and moved to the door. When she opened it, she wasn’t surprised to find at least three feet of snow at the threshold. They would be stuck here for a while. She could attempt to use her magic, but her emotions were still all over the place and she didn’t want them to risk sending them somewhere else.

“Looks like we’re stuck here a while.” She called to him. “My magic is a little on edge right now and there’s no way we could make the trek home on foot with all this snow.”

Emma shut the door and turned to find Killian on one end of the little couch. She moved to the other end and wrapped a blanket around herself, a way to keep herself warm and a protection from the oncoming talk.

“What do you want to talk about.” She asked. He let out a mirthless chuckle.

“What shouldn’t we talk about? I feel that we’ve never truly discussed anything, we haven’t had the time. Where should we start? You as the Dark One? Me as the Dark One? Me dying? You only being able to say you love me when we’re in danger? Neverland? The year I spent without you? Going back to Storybrooke and having to fight the witch? Getting my heart taken by Rump—” This could go on forever, she thought.

“Okay, so a lot to talk about. Where should we start?” He looked at her quietly.

“Have you ever regretted me loving you?” He asked and she was stunned. Of all the questions she thought he would have asked if she did love him, not if she regretting him loving her. To Killian it was an easy question though, and one he feared the question too. He had been infatuated with her from the beginning, intrigued by her strength and resilience, charmed by her wit and sarcasm. He didn’t suppose it was in the cards for him to fall for someone, but Emma moved all of that when she held the knife to his throat and told him he was lying.

He had wondered through the few years, whether she had wished he would simply disappear, as many others in the town certainly wished. This answer was perhaps the most important one, and the one he feared most, but he needed to know.

“Killian, I could never regret you loving me.” Her voice was soft, yet her eyes held a fierceness that demanded he listen. He was. “Next to Henry, you are the only one that never gave up on me, never stopped fighting for me. I didn’t think I’d ever find a love like you, someone who would always put me first, maybe too much for their own good. Someone who would make me feel safe and loved and not alone. You did that, you made me feel that. I will never regret you and I will never regret us.”

He swallowed back a lump in his throat, determined to get through this talk. There was a possibility that it would change everything, but maybe it was for the better.

“I wasn’t a good man, Emma. I haven’t been that naval lieutenant I told you about in a long time. I don’t even know if he’s still in me. I feel that every time I’ve tried to be that man, I’ve fallen short. I don’t believe I’ll ever be worthy of you, or your love, but I do love you. I know that you aren’t ready to say it back, but I know you have feelings for me. We wouldn’t be living together otherwise.” At that she smiled warmly at him. “I just want to feel like enough for you.”

“This is the same problem you had when you asked Gold for your hand back. You didn’t think you were enough for me with what you were so you tired to change yourself. I don’t want you to change, that might sound a little selfish, but I believe you’re already a good man and you are enough for me. Missing a hand doesn’t make you less of a person, and it doesn’t make you less to me. You are what I want, no one else. I love you, Killian” His eyes widened as he heard those words fall from her lips, he was speechless. The three words he had wished to hear from her when they weren’t about to be torn away from each other.

Once again, they got lost in each other’s eyes, saying everything they needed too. Emma knew he’d been struggling since his return from the underworld. While everyone was mourning Robin, Killian had been brought back. She wouldn’t be surprised if he felt out of place now. It seemed quite a few people had wished that Robin had been the one brought back and not him. Regina was obviously at the top of that list, but Emma was done feeling guilty for nothing. She had spent enough time running away from anything that resembled love for fear that it would slip through her fingers. It was time to stop being afraid.

So, they talked, they talked about everything they could. The hours passed quickly as they shared happy memories and sorrowful moments. They talked of their insecurities and their worries. Their fears that they had never been able to tell anyone before. It felt like for the first time they were as honest and upfront about everything, and found out just how alike they were. It was refreshing to have someone who understood them so well. And by the end of it, both knew this was it for them.

The hardest part for both was talking about their times at the Dark One, and then the Underworld. Neither were keen on facing the fact that they had hurt people and made the wrong decisions.

“We, especially I, messed up Swan.” Killian’s eyes were full of sorrow.

“But all we can do now is move forward and be better.” Emma paused and replayed her words. “My mother must be really getting to me if she’s got me spilling out those words.”

Killian laughed and snuggled closer to her, over the hours they talked they had gravitated closer together. They were tangled together not unlike they had been under the blankets. Emma smiled and laid her head on his shoulder. She didn’t know if this would stop his nightmares, she might have to convince him to go to Archie for that to fully stop, but she had a feeling she wouldn’t be following her sleepwalking pirate out into a snow storm again anytime soon.

“I think I’m ready to go home.” She said to him. He raised an eyebrow questioningly.

“It’s a nice cabin, and I’m sure it wouldn’t be bad if we stayed here for a bit longer,” She hesitated. “But the fires out and neither of us have eaten. We could make something for dinner and just relax. I’d like to make good memories in that house.” Killian grinned at her.

“I can think of quiet a few ways to do that, love.” She laughed, and kissed his cheek. Then she closed her eyes and concentrated. With a disgruntled ‘Oof” they landed on their bed. The house was warm and cozy, though the sheets were cool from nearly a day’s disuse. Emma grumbled about needing a heating blanket while she went to check her phone. Killian was certain Henry would help him find where to order one of those, anything to keep his Swan warm and happy.

“Oh shit.” She muttered as she stared at her phone. Killian was by her side in an instant.

“Something wrong in town?” He questioned.

“No, just my dad wondering why I haven’t answered any of his messages today. It’s my day off anyway! Why is he even.” She trailed off as she read the last of his messages, then sighed and dialed his number. David answered the phone on the first ring.”

“Emma? Where have you been?! I’ve been trying to call you all day. Are you—” Emma cut him off quickly.

“I’m fine dad, I’ve been with Killian all day. It’s my day off, and there is no need for you to come down and defend my honor.” Killian grinned, his hand moving up to play with her hair while his other arm brushed against her waist. “No, you cannot kill him! He just got back and you would lose your drinking buddy.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” David protested, sounding slightly indignant.

“Why Dave, after all the time we spent at the Rabbit Hole together? Did I mean nothing to you?” Killian spoke, his smile widening as she egged her father on. Emma did her best to look unamused but her mouth twitching gave it away. Killian placed a kiss on her neck and she shivered, a new heat forming inside her.

“Killian if you touch my daughter.” David threatened. “I’ll come take off your other hand. I don’t care if there’s three feet of snow out here, I’ll do it.” Emma laughed.

“Dad it’s a little late for that.” There was a choking noise from the other line and Emma had to hold in another laugh. “So, if you don’t mind, I’m going to enjoy my day off. And tomorrow since it looks like we’re snowed in.”

“I’m sure we’ll find something to do to pass the time.” Killian added right before Emma hung up on a still speechless David.

“He’s going to kill you.” Emma laughed.

“He can try. He likes me to much, just won’t admit it yet.”

“Well, if he shows up on our doorstep in an hour demanding you duel him, you’re on your own.” Emma turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Darling, a whole hour? I believe that’s more than enough time to grant my final wish in this life.” He used the arm wrapped around her waist to haul her up into a deep passionate kiss. As they made their way to their bed, both couldn’t help but feel that everything was finally perfect.

[luca-moreno]

(before asteria)

He doesn’t know why his feet take him where they do, but somehow he ends up in the bowels of the ship, hovering in the hallway outside the brig and eying Zeus and Ajax warily.

“Are you back for seconds, kid?” Zeus growls it, but there’s no heat. If anything, he almost sounds a little concerned. Luca looks past him, past Ajax and into the cell.

“Did you hurt him?”

Ajax and Zeus exchange a glance. “Not yet.”

Luca steps inside and the movement makes the man in the cell snap to attention. 

“Fuck all of you,” Yamamotto snarls it from behind the barrier. He huddles in the corner of the cell with dried blood streaked down his chin and hatred in his eyes. Luca wonders if he shouldn’t be cleaned up by now and says as much to Zeus.

The big man shrugs. “Doc tried. He refused. So fuck him.”

“Oh,” Luca says it deflated. “Um. So, can I talk to him?’

There’s a moment of charged silence. Ajax and Zeus swap another silent glance that says too much for Luca to guess at. None of it probably good though.

“Does the commander know you’re here?” Zeus eventually rumbles. “The captain?”

“No,” Luca says it stubbornly. He still hasn’t taken his eyes off Yamamotto but now they shift to the golden pair studying him so intently. “Do they know you’re here? Both of you? Are you gonna rough him up?”

Another silent exchange between the two men tells Luca everything. He flexes his fingers restlessly and glances down at the bandage covering his wrist. It still hurts but Kate promised him he would be good to pilot the shuttle to Asteria before too long. “I just need a few minutes to talk to him.”

“Not leaving you in here with him,” Ajax says. He uncurls himself from the wall and moves to stand directly in front of Luca. He’s not as big as Zeus but his aura fills the room so much its stifling. Luca swallow hard but he doesn’t budge.

“I still wanna talk to him.”

“Go back to Hurricane, kid,” Zeus shakes his head. His tone is almost… gentle. Which is weird. “Leave it alone.”

Luca sets his jaw. “No. Because he was wrong. And I want him to know that.”

Ajax snickers. “Oh, he knows. He knows that now. Good kick, by the way.”

There’s no flush of pride of that. Luca eyes the two phoenix and the closed path to Yamamoto ahead of him and decides he’s not going to let them stop him. What are they going to do? Aside from physically pick him up and carry him back to his room (which, granted, they might so Luca will just have to take his chances), they won’t hurt him. He knows this in his bones.

So he pushes past both of them and comes to a stop in front of the buzzing barrier. On the other side, Yamamotto glares at him, nothing but fury in his eyes.

“I’m sorry about your friend,” Luca says after a moment, when the silence stretches too long. He can sense Ajax and Zeus at his back and ignores them. “For whatever that’s worth.”

“Nothing,” Yamamotto spits. “It’s worth fucking nothing. That was my only family I had left and now-”

Yamamotto bites it off. His chest heaves, like he’s trying to hold back all his grief and fury and resentment from falling to the floor at his feet. Luca thinks about his brother, not by blood, but in everything else. He hasn’t heard from Kiosho in over two years. He hopes he’s safe, alive somewhere, worries every night that he’s not. He can’t even fathom the pain if he was confirmed dead. He doesn’t want to imagine it but Yamamotto was living it.

“Hinata was my friend,” Luca starts but he doesn’t get far before Yamamotto snarls and lunges at the barrier.

“Fuck. Off.”

Luca flinches but doesnt step back. He takes a second to rally himself and stubbornly sets his jaw. He hunches down, taking a seat on the floor where he sits crossed legged and props his chin up in his hand as he stares at the other man through the flowy barrier.

“No, I think I’m going to stay here for a bit. Maybe you need a friend.”

Yamamotto’s growl is savage as he stalks around the small cell. He ignores Luca and addresses the phoenix behind him. “Get this fucking prick away from me!”

Luca doesn’t bother to look back at the men behind him but he hears the tremor of what might be humor in Ajax’s voice, despite his tone oozing with boredom. “Nah, I don’t think we will.”

“Fucking…” Yamamotto hisses more curse words through his teeth, and enough insults flung Luca’s way to make him almost wince. But Luca forces a swallow, forces his heart to slow it’s rapid thumping with quiet, steady breaths. Eva would be proud of him, he thinks. Hopes.

He keeps his voice measured but it’s hard. “You’re not the first person to say those things to me, you know,” Luca continues. “The whole op was a mess. I lost almost everyone on my team. That was really hard-“

“I don’t want to hear your fucking boohoo story. I don’t want anything from you, except to see you floating in space without a suit on!”

Luca’s eyes narrow. “Your dick seemed to want something else when you shoved me against the wall.”

There’s a small, choked sound from behind him that Luca ignores. Yamamotto’s face goes bright red and his jaw works soundlessly and his eyes bulge.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” Luca continues quietly. “The punches might have been enough but... That crossed the line. They’re gonna throw the book at you for it”

“Yeah,” Yamamotto sneers it. “You’d like that wouldn’t you, asshole.”

Luca runs his gaze over the other man. He’s a mess, still bloody, still snotty, still angry and hurting. Ben was right though. Luca didn’t deserve it. He was just the target of all Yamamotto’s sadness.

Luca sighs, suddenly tired.

“He was my friend,” Luca says again as he climbs to his feet and turns to leave. He’s little worn out from all the emotion. “But he didn’t die because of me.”

Luca glances up at Zeus as he passes. There’s a guarded look to his face as he shakes his head and says in a low voice, “You’re something else, kid.”

Luca glances behind him, through the barrier to where Yamamotto huddles against the wall on the furthest side of the cell.  

“Ben said… Ben said I was easier for him to attack than a whole war.” Luca shrugs. “I think he was right.”

“Sounds like something scoots would say,” Ajax’s lips stretch, almost into a smile.

“He’s smart, huh,” Luca nods. He’s glad he’s made a friend in Ben. Ajax raises a golden brow. There’s another silent look between him and Zeus Luca doesn’t even bother trying to decipher. His phoenix connected hive mind theory seems to be gathering strength though.

“He’s a lot of things.”

“Anyway, I think I’m gonna go find him and say thanks.” Luca casts a sly glance at Zeus. “I know where you keep the pudding cups.”

[perseusjackson-jasongrace]

His Blood Runs Gold I

Percy is a God: Part I

Masterlist for the next part and more of my stuff

Y’all already know what this is!!!!!!!! But if you don’t then click this to find out. And i hope you enjoy Percy as a god cause i definitely do ;) *shivers*

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

We were warm and shivering,

and young and ancient,

and alive.

-We Were Liars, E. Lockhart

Time is non-existent anymore. Percy should be twenty this year but now that he has ichor flowing through his veins, he can be 102 or 5. He has done things Homer would write epic poems about. If he were around at the dawn of time Ovid would have happily dedicated the Metamorphoses to him. But today Percy Jackson has been a god for three years and he has never felt more mortal in his life.

“Percy my boy, what are you doing here?”

“Hello Father, Camp Half-Blood is throwing a campfire in my honour and I thought it’d be rude not to show my face.”

“Very noble of you son. I remember back in my day the Greeks–“

Percy zoned out, tired of hearing how people bowed down to all these stuffy Olympians. The camp threw a celebration every year on the day he got immortalized and in return he reinforced the borders and blessed every demigod before they leave at the end of summer. He doesn’t know if he’s doing a good job, he doesn’t even know if what he does is making a difference, but he doesn’t know how else to give back to the camp and the people that saved his life again and again; who loved him and fought next to him and oh gods followed him into battle.

He’s never had the chance to talk to Chiron, who’s always busy with this demi-god and that satyr, and this nymph. He barely gets the chance to talk to all his old friends– between the new campers wanting to hear his stories and the general chaos of end of summer camp-life. He thanked the powers that be–what a jarring thought that he was one of those powers now– that he managed to find days in-between to see Annabeth and Grover.

He smiled to himself as he remembered the last time he saw Annabeth. She had been moving into her own apartment to start her third year at the University of New Rome. To his unsurprised delight she had chosen archaeology as her major but somehow slipped Latin and Ancient Histories into her schedule. He had helped carry bags and bags filled with books up to her room and they spent the day setting her up and making sure everything was in its place before she started the year.

Their relationship had progressed so softly, so slowly, Percy sometimes felt like he had imagined the year they had as a romantic couple. After he became a god they managed to go on a few dates, some interrupted by hothead immortals and revengeful monsters, and some blissfully alone. But once Annabeth started university and Percy was called again and again to help with this problem and that, it became a hassle to set up dates and figure out when to meet. They didn’t grow apart, so much as grow between. And although he missed the softness of Annabeth, he had gained a friend who knew him more deeply than any being alive– he was eternally grateful for that, and he couldn’t hate what they lost out on.

“Son, are you listening?” Poseidon pulled him from his thoughts.

“Yes father, it really was a great time for you. I have to go now, but Iris message if you need me.” And without waiting for a reply Percy strode out of Olympus and into the streets below.

He considered snagging a car but decided against it, since you couldn’t very well drive into Camp Half-Blood. Instead he walked into the ocean and let the current take him all the way to Long-Island, till he could smell the strawberries on the ocean wind and hear the echoes of camp games and reedpipes.

He stepped onto the beach, loving the soft sinking impressions he made in the sand. After his blood turned gold he realized he could walk on the sand and make no footprints whatsoever. The idea scared him so much he sunk under water and cried for three hours. How could he leave nothing behind? How could he have no imprint? It was Tyson, riding on his rainbow hippocampi who found him and showed him how to balance his weight; showed him how to step into the sand and not on it. When his footprints reappeared once more, he hugged his brother so hard if Tyson weren’t a cyclops his ribs might have cracked.

So Percy walked up the beach and through the strawberry fields, taking the time to breathe in the forest air, the fruit breezes, and ah the smell of chaos.

“JACKSON!” Connor Stoll yelled.

And with that single announcement Percy was home.

The day was spent in good spirits: racing with various campers up the wall and avoiding every deadly thing it spat at you– even if he couldn’t really die; then eating in the dining hall and getting to travel between tables without getting glares from various houses or Chiron; laughing as all the food turned blue just for him.

When it was time Percy walked with some of his friends; Clarisse who grew to be a steady, if raging fire, by his side, and Connor Stoll who is now the oldest of the Hermes kids since Travis left for college, and of course Will who above everyone reserves the right to make sure his friends were protected.

In a moment of vulnerability, he broke down on Percy’s immortal shoulder and wept. I don’t want to bury anymore of my friends Percy. I don’t want to be tending to them as they die in my infirmary. I can’t do it anymore. For him, Percy double, sometimes in moments of obsessiveness, triple checked his border defenses.

Now the little group walks around the perimeter of the camp and talks softly and contentedly as Percy knocks against the shimmering force, leaking power into the hollow spots.

“How is everyone at camp?” He asked.

“Fine, nothing has changed much. Ever since the Giant War it feels as if everything has calmed down to a lull. I’m wary it’s the eye before the storm but gods-dammit we deserve a break.” Connor answered.

Percy hid the rage of that truth but let the ache of those words settle in his bones. He simply nodded at Connor and turned to Clarisse.

“Are there any new campers who need to be protected?”

“Only a few, a lot have moved to New Rome over the last years.” There was a bitter edge to her words, caused by the sting of loss.

“You cannot blame them for wanting a life that is not concentrated to three months of safety.”

“I know,” Her nostrils flared, she kicked the rock in front of her. “I know. It just sucks that there’s so few of us now.”

“Maybe we can see about hosting annual games at each camp over the summer?” He suggested, careful to not step where the cracks spidered underneath him– even if the labyrinth had collapsed there was still the chance something tunneled beneath.

“I think that’s a great idea.” Will piped up, “Maybe then I can convince Nico to stay for more than one week.” He rolled his eyes, but the glimmer of happiness in them gave away his annoyed pretense.

“I will talk to the Praetors over there and let you know.”

“Thank you, Percy.”

They turned to face him.

He stared at them for a moment, studying their faces. Even now, all these years later it was jarring to see the signs of growth in their make-ups. He couldn’t say aging, they were barely hitting their twenties, gods Will was still a teenager, albeit not for much longer; but it was weird to watch as they grew up, watch as time changed their features, changed them.

Clarisse, who used to be a spitfire of rage and fierce protectiveness was now, more a well-kept hearth. She was still full of flame, but it was contained, and her fierce was warm instead of scorching.

And Connor, who had been attached to his brother at the hip, was all grown up. Travis was three years into a degree and Connor, although a prospective honours student, had forfeited college until he could figure out what he wanted to do. He was the sole head of the Hermes cabin, but somehow, he kept up the mischief as if the two were still together. The shenanigans are some of Percy’s favourites to hear around the campfire.

And Will, who is dating Nico di Angelo. The two were often running between the camps, though Nico more than the child of Apollo. It was Will, Percy thought, who brought the camp together, more than anyone. And Will, who in the process had lost the most. For him, Percy would continue to be here every year, would continue to help if they called when they were in trouble. Because he too was tired of seeing his friends die. Tired of seeing his friends mourn.

“It’s almost time for me to go but I wanted to say,” He fought to choke back the rising wave of emotions, “I wanted to say thank you. For keeping my home safe. And thank you for being my friends.”

Their hug lasted many moments, ribbons of friendship passing between them. And when Percy walked back into the sea, he was glad no-one could tell the difference between tears and ocean.

Friends, the word echoed in his head. So few and far between since he became a God. It was not that people feared him, they just became… wary. They fell into that space in-between, where one wrong move could plunge them into fear. When he first turned divine, he counted on his fingers how many friends he had, and if he didn’t have enough digits, he deemed it a good day. Now he can count with aching clarity all the people who loved him, and still have fingers to spare.

Annabeth asked him once if he regretted taking up Zeus’ offer, if he regretted turning his red blood gold.

He hadn’t answered her till three weeks later, over a three am phone call.

I don’t regret it, he had said, because I know I can help this way. I know I can protect my family and friends better this way. And when the phone had gone dark, he had whispered into the void of his room– an alcove of coral far, far, far underwater– I don’t regret it, but I’m so lonely. The tears at that admission did not stop flowing for many hours.

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

Tags (If you want to be added to the tag list just let me know, all my channels of communication are open):

@thepersonyourparentswishyouwere

@lesbian-peanuts

How are you feeling?? Cause i got 6K words for this fic and i don’t see myself stopping any time soon. Give me your thoughts young ones!!!!

[extremelyblackandwhite]

the unseen one - 11

Pairing: Hades!Bucky Barnes x Reader

Warnings: fluff

A/N: eros and psyche is one of my favourite myths so i had to include it somewhere bc they’re so cute, they’re adorable, give them a trophy. enjoy xx

Next Chapter >>

(gif not mine, credit to the creator)

Days passed, hours fly whenever you’re confined to your own existence. James had been filled to the brim with work after Hecate decided to sulk and ignore his requests to do her actual job. He knew he could and should reprimand her, he was the King of the Underworld after all but he also knew Hecate to personally enjoy revenge and he could see her going straight to Zeus to tell him about Y/N. He knew what happened when Zeus set his eyes on a mortal, specially a pretty woman mortal and he was not about to see Y/N being harassed by Zeus and then attacked by Hera. He decided it was best if he just let her do her thing, at least until things died down. 

He was sleepless, tired of walking souls into their trials, their final resting place yet all he could think was about Valentines’ Day’s night with Y/N. He could still see her sunny, beautiful smile that sparked joy even in the angriest of Gods once he said he’d spend it with her. 

      - You have a visitor. - Hecate slammed his door open to warn him of someone coming in, not even caring about knocking or asking if it was alright for her to slam the door open. James rolled his eyes, sighting as he got up from his chair to see another god come into his office, none other than the god of love. Had Aphrodite sent Psyche on another beauty chase? He didn’t know, what he knew was that Eros only came down when something was needed. 

Eros was older than James, he had probably been around for longer than his own existence but he always looked like a perpetual young adult with his curled blonde locks and white clothing. In all honesty, Eros normally was one of the only gods who could get under his skin, having previously tried to steer him into the direction of a young woman back when his soul belonged to the mortal lands. 

     - You can go now, Hecate. - he gestured for the goddess to close the door, leaving him alone with Eros. - I thought death and love did not go hand in hand. 

     - Psyche said I owe you a favour because you defended her from Aphrodite. Trust me, I would not be here if it wasn’t for my wife. - Aphrodite hated Psyche with a passion. Not only had she been more worshipped than Aphrodite back when she was mortal but she had dared to marry her favourite son. Ever since, Aphrodite would constantly send Psyche into Persephone’s Groves to try and collect some flowers which would anger both Hecate and Demeter. James had taken upon himself to take Psyche under his wing and protect her from the goddess of beauty, not only because she was just a scared mortal who had turned into a goddess because of her lover but also because he thought that if he became friends with the woman Aphrodite hated, maybe she would leave him alone. - So you have a favour from me. 

     - What could I possibly want from you? You can tell Psyche that she doesn’t owe me any favours. - James wasn’t one to sell his services, much less punish someone for being helped. He definitely did not want to be in debt to one of Aphrodite’s sons, specially when Aphrodite was one to cash in all debts and was one of the smartest woman he’d ever met. 

      - Are you sure? It’s Valentines’ Day in a few weeks, you surely could deal with going up to the mortal realm like every other deity in the pantheon. - by every other deity he meant Zeus and Apollo as James had never heard of any other gods being particularly found of getting a mortal the easy way. 

      - Can’t leave the underworld during daylight. 

      - I can distract Apollo long enough for a day outside without anyone even noticing. - he suggested. - C’mon, it’s for my wife and she will not have you protect her from my mother for free. 

      - Can you really do that? - James raised an eyebrow at his proposal. He sure would love to spend a day away from the underworld, a day with her, specially Valentines. 

     - Considering how badly Apollo’s relationships go and how he is attracted to every single pretty mortal, it shouldn’t be too hard. Deal?

     - Zeus cannot know. - James was sure that if Zeus even dreamed that he was seeing a mortal and wildly ignoring his request of finding a goddess to become Queen of the Underworld, he would either try and do what he did with every single mortal woman or forcefully marry him to the first goddess who was willing. James did not know Persephone, but he’d be damned if someone sat on her precious throne without deserving it. 

     - Hiding stuff from Zeus is a hobby. - Eros replied, turning on his back, happy that his wife would be pleased. James on the other hand looked at the sunflower still sat on his desk, the faint memory of Y/N’s touch rushing through his mind. It didn’t matter that Hecate was mad at him and ready to riot, he could now spend a full day with her. 

Suddenly time flew by slower and slower each day but as promised, Eros had distracted Apollo from his duties around midday which allowed James to ascend into the mortal realm, the pale winter sun hitting his skin for the first time since forever. He relished in the small things that he hadn’t seen in ages, from the sound of people talking and laughing in the sun, the faint screaming of the children having fun mixed with the wind. The sounds of Brooklyn were still the same after all these years.

He knew Y/N worked close by in a kindergarten so it didn’t take him long enough to find it and find her. She was outside with most of the children, sat on a table far too small for her as she helped the toddlers make cards using various types of flowers and glittery materials. He knew it was probably weird to stare at her for so long but he couldn’t help but do so, watching her show her laugh what sounded like the music of muses, the light of the sun itself. It took about an hour for her to start to organise everything again as the kids went inside for lunch, an opportunity he took to approach her. 

      - Made any postcards for me, sweetness? - he asked softly, not to scare her. Y/N raised from the table, eyes darting from the mess she was cleaning the figure standing behind her. A smile formed on her laps as she wrapped her arms around his neck, her scent immediately invading his senses.

      - I thought we were meeting up tonight. - she loosened her hug so she could look at him. - What are you doing here? Did you get fired? Oh please tell you didn’t get fired.

     - Day off. I thought I could surprise you and maybe take you for lunch. - he pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. 

     - I would love some lunch, I just need to finish cleaning this up. - she pointed at the, what he believed to had been a pure white table, now completely covered with dried up glue, pen marks and glitter. 

     - I’ll help you out. - James grabbed one of the rags she was using to help her bring the table back to its white colour. It didn’t take too long and he quickly found himself helping her fold the table and bring it inside. - Where do you wanna go?

     - You know what? I want an egg sandwich, bodega style. 

     - That’s a breakfast food. 

     - Breakfast food is the best food. 

tag list: @philogrobizedvee​  @keithseabrook27 @inlovewith319

[creepy-carrion]

Hotline | Tim Wright x Reader

“Can I have ‘I called you at 2am because I need you’ with my guy Tim Wright please ahaha....? Also you’re like my fav hc writer/whatever writer 🥺”

BRO HHHH OH MY GOSH TYSM,, that means so much i,, ;;;;;;; here is the good food hope u enjoy <3 when will I write Tim in an established relationship? Who kno

cw: alcohol mentions

x

You didn’t exactly refer to yourself as a light sleeper, but the thunderstorm raging outside was loud enough to wake you up with a bang. The flashes of lightning illuminated your room once every few seconds, as the rain clattered loudly against your window. Even if you could tune out the noises of the wind and rain, the roaring thunder and flashing lights were a lot more difficult to ignore.

Sighing, you swung your legs over the edge of your bed, rubbing your eyes. You had not been sleeping well to begin with, your mind being the one to keep you up. You really did not need the elements to work against you as well.

This wasn’t going to work. Maybe with a bit of luck the storm would pass in a bit, or maybe you’d eventually pass out downstairs. You sleepily shoved your feet into your pair of fluffy slippers, popping your back before heading downstairs. Maybe some warm milk would help. And hell, you could add a shot of Bailey’s. You deserved a treat.

As you made your way through the living room to get to the kitchen, you noticed the screen of your phone flash. That’s odd, you had missed calls? You couldn’t recall having any before heading to bed. Probably some scammer trying his luck at a late hour... at least you hoped so.

You were wrong. Thirteen missed calls from a number you recognized as Tim’s. Shit. Didn’t he mentioned being mixed up in some shit lately? You didn’t put it past him to call you over the police, the bloody idiot. With shaking hands, you pressed the numbers on your phone and pressed call.

Tim picked up almost immediately. You couldn’t help but let out a shivery sigh. He wasn’t dead, at least, thank fuck. “Christ, Tim, I- how is- are you alright?” you stumbled over your words, desperate to find out what the hell was going on. “I...  uhm... yeah, I’m fine.”

If the blatant hesitance wasn’t enough to make you doubt that, his tone of voice sure as hell was. He barely spoke above what could be considered a whisper, his voice sounded scratchy, and he sounded so, so tired.

“Tim, I...” You interrupted your sentence with a sigh as you started pacing through your living room. “Why are you so desperate to call me? It’s-” You pulled the phone away from your ear to check the time. “It’s 2.18 in the morning. Hell, it’s night. Did you do something? Whatever it is, I can help, but-”

“(Y/N)! Nothing is going on. I’m fine, okay?” Tim raised his voice at you, interrupting your rambling. You paused, standing still as you waited for him to continue. “I just- I don’t know... I don’t know, okay?”

There it was again. That tiredness in his voice, the scratchiness... He probably meant he was doing alright physically, because he sounded like utter shit. “When was the last time you slept..?” You broke the small silence with your question, moving to sit down on the couch.

“I thi-” He paused, his sentence interrupted by an aggressive coughing fit. “I think three days ago...” You swallowed, deciding not to respond. Something probably did happen. But it was probably best if Tim just got to talk for now. “Things just- The nightmares are back, and some stuff went down with Jay, and I... God...”

You could hear his voice crack, then a brief silence. “I called you because I... I need someone right now. I need you. I need- I needed to hear your voice.”

You bit your bottom lip, before straightening your back. Clearly you needed to be there for him right now. “It’s okay, Tim. I’m here. Are you back in the area already or are you still, well- wherever you are?”

“Yeah... I’m not around... Can we just stay on the phone?”

“That’s okay.”

You were both quiet for a moment, Tim’s shaky breathing aside.

“Uhm.. So... Is it storming where you are at as well? It’s fucking crazy out here. The rain is just pouring out of the heavens, it’s surprisingly loud against the windows, too...”

Tim muttered to himself, something to do with hearing static, before replying. “No, it’s clear... Not good weather but, you know...” He scraped his throat. You could hear him shuffling around in his room. “I didn’t wake you up... right..?”

You couldn’t help but snort. “After thirteen tries? No, Zeus and his massive shitshow woke me up. You did, however, interrupt my booze hour. I was literally on my way to the damn kitchen.”

He huffed, but you could practically feel the stupid grin he was wearing on his face right now. “I thought you’re supposed to drink at 5 PM, not 2 in the morning...”

“You know better than that, c’mon. It’s always 5 PM somewhere.”

“Right, sorry. Haven’t been drinking much lately anyways.”

“Well, we can fix that once you’re back.”

He chuckled, causing you to grin as well. “Yeah, I uh, I hope I’ll be able to come over soon.” He quieted down, licking his lips. “I just really- I kinda wanna see you again, you know?”

Your grin turned into a warmer smile as you hugged your legs to your chest. “I miss you too.”

Tim swallowed thickly, and you could faintly hear the sound of him fumbling with some paper. “Yeah, I... yeah. So uh... didn’t you say you were going to check out that expo a while back? How was that?”

And so you stayed up for hours, you going off on little tangents about the day you had while he just asked questions and listened, the comfort of hearing your voice drowning out everything else. The operator didn’t matter. Alex didn’t matter. You were all that mattered. You were all he needed.

After two and a half hour of rambling, you paused, listening for his response. “Tim? You there?” The only response you got was the calm breathing from the other end of the line, the previous shakiness nowhere to be found. You smiled to yourself, wishing you were there to witness it.

“Goodnight, you idiot... love you.”

[shamelesslypoetic]

be still my foolish heart (don’t ruin this on me)

Summary: After the events of “Flirting With Social Anxiety” Roman and Virgil retire to Roman’s room, confess their feelings and have a well-deserved nap.

Wordcount: 2.7k

Pairings: romantic prinxiety

Warnings: Spoilers for the latest episode, kissing, cavity-inducing diabetes on the spot sweet fluff.

Ao3 link

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

Roman was happy. Roman was so so happy he buzzed with it. Every fiber of his being sang with joy, his heart slamming against his rib cage in the best way, overflowing like an erupting volcano or milk left too long on a stovetop or a boy whose earliest dream had come true.

As Roman followed the one who helped him achieve said dream (and the most momentous victory to date) into his room, pride gleamed high and unbidden within him, intensifying tenfold the second they stepped over Roman’s threshold. 

Roman wondered if the rest of the mindscape could feel it too, the delicious rush in his veins, the exhilaration, the pure unadulterated euphoria. 

With how wide Virgil’s smile stretched, Roman thought it must be possible. 

They stood face to face, Roman in the doorway and Virgil leaning against the wooden end of the bed, both grinning at each other as their chests rose and fell with the depth of their breathing. Virgil’s was laboured and a little shallow, but continuous and steady. He was shaking and rightfully so after the sensational stunt he’d pulled that day. 

When the memory flashed into Roman’s mind, Virgil pushing Thomas in the truest display of courage Roman had yet to see, he wanted to hug Virgil so much his arms ached with it. He hadn’t wrapped him in a long embrace at the mall solely because he thought it would look weird but by Zeus, what was stopping him now? 

He took a step into the room as if to reach for Virgil but then stopped short as his eyes met Virgil’s radiant pair. Those eyes, glowing above two end-of-rainbow violet whirls, shone bright as the purest brown gemstone. Amber. Dark topaz. Jesper. Or perhaps a subdivision of carnelian? Roman would have to scour Logan’s collection of precious rocks for an exact shade later.  

For now he was content with gazing into them, their blinding light, the sugar-melt gum-drop fairy-floss sweetness of hope reflected in his companion. 

And well, if he was a little overwhelmed, a little overcome by such a vision, no one could blame him for wrapping his arms around himself instead of Virgil could they?

Virgil, ever the worrywart, peered anxiously over at Roman’s hunched form. 

“Is everything alright, Roman?”

Roman threw his head back and laughed -- airy and loud. It startled Virgil a little and Roman shook his head, wiping a tear from under his eye. 

“God yes. More than that, Virgil, it’s perfect,” he confirmed brightly. “You’re perfect.”

Virgil’s face colored with a pretty blush. Carnations, sweet strawberries, cherry blossoms. 

“Ro--”

“I really wanna hug you,” Roman interrupted, clasping his hands together. “Can I hug you please?” 

Virgil stared at him. He let a croaked questioning noise. “Ohuh?”

Oh. 

“Only if you want me to of course!” Roman blurted, mouth moving a million miles an hour; it was a miracle the words didn’t come out as gibberish. “I don’t want you to feel pressured I’m not desperate or anything, definitely not as desperate as I was at the mall haha, thank you again by the way--”

“Roman!” cried Virgil, snapping Roman’s jaw shut with the sheer force of his matter-of-fact stare. “Yes. Yes you may hug me.”

Roman froze. Then, in a flash of white and red and gold, surged forward, his arms pinwheeling ridiculously before he managed to get a grip on Virgil and crush him to his chest.  

“What?” Virgil wheezed as snarkily as he could through the chorded muscles trying to anaconda-squeeze him to death. “No comment about Logan’s grammar stickler tendencies rubbing off on me?”

“Not today, storm cloud,” said Roman, choked and fragile as he loosened his grip. 

Virgil patted Roman’s back, sarcastically sweet. “There there, Princey, it’s gonna be okay.

Roman shuddered as a sob-laugh wracked his frame. 

Virgil stiffened. “Are you crying?” He wrenched back, his hands skittering through the air. His long spider-leg fingers raced to wipe Roman’s tears. “Wait, shit, did I do something wrong?”

The tender touch was a bit much for our mushy-hearted prince, so it took him a moment to respond. 

“No no!” Roman grabbed Virgil’s hands gently, lowering them down before he let go. “I...I’m just. I’m just really happy, Virgil. Thomas is finally…he...my goodness are we actually ready for this?” 

Virgil didn’t answer. Roman’s heart rate spiked, his breath hitching with a worry so acute even the natural radiation of confidence his room emanated couldn’t stifle it. 

“Fuck, what if we aren’t? What if it goes wrong? He’s such a cool guy and Thomas finally has one thing to be happy about and if I ruin this too--”

“Roman stop!” cut in Virgil. “Breathe.”

“Yeah,” Roman rasped out, heaving. “Yeah, okay. Four, seven, eight right? 

Virgil smiled softly. “There you go.”  

It took a few tries before Roman’s inhales and exhales stabilized enough to use the countdown and somewhere in the interim Virgil had splayed his fingers across Roman’s chest to guide him through it.  

“Just relax.”

Roman snorted, too preoccupied to be embarrassed about the ingelancy of the sound. “You’re one to talk.”

“Shush,” Virgil tutted. “Panic attacks are no fun. I would know.”

To that, Roman couldn’t really say anything. Even though he wanted to, even though he wanted to offer up consolation or comfort, he knew Virgil hated pity so he stayed quiet. 

“Roman…” began Virgil. He glanced down at where his hands rested on Roman’s chest, blinking as if bewildered, as if they hadn’t moved of his accord. He stepped away, shuffled his feet and stuffed his hands into his pockets. His eyeshadow blackened back into dark gray and he wouldn’t meet Roman’s eyes. “What was that about you ruining this?”

Roman, slightly concerned by Virgil’s sudden withdrawal but trying not to show it, grumbled petulantly. “We weren’t supposed to angst today.”

Virgil’s eyes darted up to Roman’s and he smirked that one sourdough-crooked smirk Roman loved as much as it had infuriated him in the early days. “Excuse you, there’s never a bad time for angst! Angst makes for the best romantic tragedies.”

“Touché,” clucked Roman, almost disapproving of himself for agreeing. But when you literally worshipped Shakespeare you had to have a taste for tragedy, not that Roman would ever admit it. “I really don’t want this to end up a tragedy though.”

“Same,” said Virgil but he still had that probing poker face on, as well as the colorless eyeshadow.   

“Can we...check in for the Prince Roman woe program tomorrow?” Roman wagered. 

Virgil crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “We are gonna talk.”

“Yes I promise, but later. I...I just wanna bask in this for a moment.” 

Virgil deflated, arms dropping to his sides (ha) once more as he sighed. 

“And I’d argue you’re a bit too tired for serious-talk time anyway,” Roman added for good measure. It was true, Virgil’s slumped shoulders and drooping eyelids showed for his exhaustion. He’d really spent himself that day, panicking again and again. The dog had been the straw that broke the camel’s back and Roman, hopelessly fond and maybe a little lovesick, was torn between being proud and chastising his hardworking friend.  

Friend? Why did that not sound entirely right?

Maybe it was because of the way Roman’s heart fluttered or the way he was breathing in flowers and confidence and pride or the kinetic energy that freely flowed between them, Roman high on adrenaline, Virgil tired and yet so frenzied in a duality that honestly made him look stunning. Or...maybe it was the way Virgil was looking at him, head tilted and eyes shining, like Roman had handed him the moon on a silver platter.  

“Never too tired for you, Princey,” Virgil cooed mockingly. But he meant it. 

Roman rolled his eyes, ignoring him. “Lets go lay down okay?”

Virgil nodded. His expression subsided into something timid and gentle. “Okay.”

And that’s when it dawned on Roman. They were alone. Him and Virgil, Virgil and him. Alone in Roman’s room. 

Aphrodite have mercy on his poor soul. 

Originally they stumbled in to prolong the blissful feelings, Roman with the ulterior motive of ignoring the ever-crumbling reality awaiting him just outside, the one he’d been forced to confront in front of a public bathroom. 

But Virgil needed rest or he would run rampant for the rest of the day, expending himself even more. So perhaps Roman’s offer had been a little forward so what? Sue him for not wanting Virgil to faint.  

Still, with Virgil on the bed, his bed, Roman hesitated. 

Virgil made grabby hands in a request for cuddles and Roman thought he must be really far gone, exhaustion hooked too deep in his skin to keep up his tough-love emo character. Not that Virgil was disingenuous but Roman understood asking for affection “under normal circumstances” wasn’t easy for him, nevermind that Roman wanted to hold him forever reasons be damned. 

And there. There Virgil was, unfurled and willing and confident. 

Roman’s room had apparently worked its magic faster then usual, which wasn’t incomprehensible given the amount of energy electrifying Roman one vertebrae at a time, rolling down his spine in pleasant shivery waves. 

Roman had stood still for a moment too long and Virgil pouted. Roman, frantic to coax his face back into elated warmth, finally accepted Virgil into his arms, who wiggled to find the right position. The right position ended up being his face pillowed on Roman’s bicep with his legs draped across the top of Roman’s thighs, the sheets pooling with the scent of buttercream and freshly picked roses beneath them. 

A few minutes of comfortable silence passed, intercepted only by gentle breaths that had now settled down and Virgil’s absent drumming on Roman’s knee. 

Virgil broke first. “Roman?”

Roman typically would have responded with a “yes?” coupled by a nickname but he just hummed a pleased little sound as he pulled back to look Virgil in the eye, to indicate that he was listening.

Virgil said nothing and Roman waited patiently, expectant, when Virgil propped himself up and mashed their lips together. 

If not for the effects of his room, Roman would think he was dreaming. 

Their foreheads knocked and Virgil’s hands scrabble-squeaked on the bed like a tumbling mountain climber searching for purchase until Roman saved him from his predicament. He guided Virgil’s arms around his own waist and dipped forward over him, tilting his head into the kiss and savoring the licorice-plum medley playing on his tongue.  

The feelings that fire-crackered through him were liquid-fast, weaving up his veins, carving ornate shapes into his bones, dressing him in starlight that burst from the cove of his mouth and showered him in brilliant gold and silver sparks. 

Virgil felt like honey and hazel bloom, the cling of lipstick and chocolate and morning dew. Pink salt. Pearl ink. The orange blazes and reds pops and strokes of lilac that comprised sunsets. The softest velvet and sweetest birdsong. Treasure Roman cradled in his hands, hair that tickled his cheek like butterfly wings and shy fingertips that smoothed up his chest and caressed the hollows beside his neck. Lips, dry and cracked and bitten and slightly tangy but so very soft. Roman had never felt more alive, not even as Nico had led Thomas to his table. 

When Virgil finally pulled back, so close he murmured the words right against Roman’s mouth, Roman’s eyes remained shut. He was a little dazed, and despite that the kiss hadn’t been particularly heavy, utterly breathless. 

“Sorry,” said Virgil, breaking the spell. 

When Roman opened his eyes Virgil’s eyeshadow had glimmered back into purple and he grinned so wide Virgil’s breath hitched. Roman could see his adam’s apple rippling the long expanse of his neckline. He wanted to kiss him there, maybe leave a teeny tiny mark, but refrained, mentally waving away his room’s influence. 

“You have absolutely nothing to apologize for. I’ve wanted this for ages.”

Virgil’s eyes widened, the purple underneath shimmering faintly. “Then why didn’t you--?” He shook his head, cutting himself off. “S-Still, I rushed in, I--”

Roman ducked and kissed the words out of Virgil’s mouth. The second time around it felt like a blazing forest fire. Or a cozy hearth’s flame. Or perhaps somewhere in between. 

“It’s okay,” Roman breathed out when they parted for oxygen. “I loved every second.”

Virgil’s shoulders fell from their tense line and he sighed shakily. Once, twice, then he smiled up at Roman. Small and precious as the first bud of spring. “I’m glad,” he murmured with a nonsensical gesture. “We um, took a huge chance today, ya know? I...I figured what’s one more.”

Roman grinned, caught Virgil’s frantically fluttering hand mid-air, and pressed his lips to the back of it. He held Virgil’s palm to his face, tilting his head to the side to kiss it as well. 

“Valid,” he generously allowed.

Virgil blushed, hiding in the crook of Roman’s neck as he tugged his hand back and curled it into his own chest. 

Sudden and too-bright in the calm joy of the room, Roman laughed. “God, Virgil, I love you.”

Virgil looked up at Roman, awed. His eyeshadow glittered. “You...you do?”

Roman stopped, slipping into a porcelain-perfect statue. Slowly, his hand rose as if to clamp over his mouth or slap himself. He lowered it back down. Roman then looked away, sheepish but smiling like a rising sun. “Yes, I do,” he whispered, afraid anything too loud would ruin the moment. “But I think that’s a conversation for after you wake up.”

“Fair,” conceded Virgil reluctantly. “I’m holding you to it though. I won’t forget, Roman. About either talks.” A threat and a promise. Exactly what Virgil was, exactly how Roman liked him. 

Maybe it was a tad underhanded, but Roman kissed Virgil’s forehead and flashed him another grin. “Kay.”

Virgil’s mouth fell open. He closed his eyes and sighed, brows upturned in fond exasperation. 

Roman cooed and pressed more featherlight kisses to each of Virgil’s cheeks. The tip of his nose. He stopped an inch above his lips. Virgil opened his eyes but instead of his perfunctory blank face, his eyes shone open and guileless. Limpid and hopeful. 

Before speaking Virgil closed the distance between them, pecking Roman to seal the deal. “And even if I do you’ll remind me right?” 

Roman’s face softened into resigned adoration. “Of course,” he promised, kissing each of Virgil’s eyelids. “Now sleep, my beautiful blackbird.”

Virgil’s face scrunched in mild annoyance but he didn’t call Roman on using enchanted fairy-dust to will him into sleep or the throwback. Instead, he looped his hands through Roman’s arm pits, clinging to his shoulders like a baby koala. 

Virgil yawned, rubbing his face on Roman’s undershirt that peeked from his collar. “Mmh, only if you do.”

“As you wish, my featherbrained fellow.”

Virgil gave him an unimpressed look. “Stop,” he deadpanned. 

Roman grinned obnoxiously, bumping their noses. “Never, my captivating corvid.”

Virgil groaned, tucking his face into Roman’s chest. “I hate you.”

Funny how the words sounded like an “I love you”, even though he hadn’t said it back the first time. 

“I love you too,” replied Roman, dropping one last kiss to the crown of Virgil’s head. 

He must have taken a moment to get the words out through the lump in his throat, because Virgil’s eyelids had slipped shut and his breath had settled into a rhythmic pattern. Washing onto Roman’s lips was peppermint, Virgil’s breath smelled like peppermint. 

Roman knew Virgil couldn’t hear but he said it again anyway. 

“Thank you, Virgil.”

Virgil, fast asleep, nuzzled into the rumble of Roman’s voice. 

With a snap of his fingers Roman cloaked the room in darkness and the fairy strings across the canopy of his bed glowed to life. Licorice and plum still tingled on his lips and even in sleep Virgil’s eyeshadow glowed with tiny divots of amethyst under the fairy light. Roman drifted off, content for the first time in months. 

Outside the mindscape, Thomas felt like he could do anything. Absolutely anything. 

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

A/N: Please reblog, this took two hours formatting on phone cause Tumblr kept eating the post and I don’t have a laptop (yet). Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed! Don’t forget to drink your loving Roman juice. See you soon ❤

Tag list (ask to be added/removed): @drown-in-lava-choke-on-rubies @birch-pictures @ace-corvid @seouqi @ymmm-someone @coconut-cluster (obligatory prinxiety tag)