#anyway can someone please slap me with a fish so i can stop being insecure about my writing and just fucking do it

[hecksupremechips]

Fucked up how happy I get whenever I make content of Shinjiro Aragaki being actually loved and getting to heal and learning to love the little things in life and getting to express himself. What’s up with that

[findingtheperfectcharacter]

Call me Pride

I'm eager and maybe just a little dumb because I was REALLY eager to write the 'whys ' of Roman's fall and... Yeah...  I tweaked a lot. Anyway this is loosely based on this prompt https://vaugleysassygrunt.tumblr.com/post/186357032949/whoa-okay-hear-me-out-here-open-prompt-but and was started before the recent episodes so Deceit's still nameless and the reasoning has nothing to do with All That.

Warnings for Unsympathetic Roman, Sympathetic Logan, Patton, Deceit and Remus, Toxic Roceit, Pride slaps someone, and sexual and violent humor (though nothing explicit happens.)

Roman knew this was coming. He had once again failed to create a video and it was time to get another lecture from Logic about scheduling and due dates. Ugh, for once he didn't want to respond when he was summoned. But he knew if he didn't rise up he'd be forced to come out unless he locked himself in his room and he certainly wasn't going to duck out over a matter like this. With a huff, he rose up.

Logic was starring at him, he always felt judged when he looked at him like that. Brown eyes narrowed through his rounded frames. "Roman, Thomas claimed that he was unable to create this weeks video due to quote 'lack of creative fervor'." He made air quotes with his hands when he said that, "And considering this is your department I believe it is of utmost importance to hear from you what is going on."

Roman shook his head, "Feeling as Princely as ever." He posed as if to prove it.

Logan looked at him for a few seconds and hummed curiously. Roman felt naked as he was starring at him, like the Logical side was reading his mind and noticing every unsavory flaw. He could barely hide his relief when he turned back to Thomas.

"Perhaps the others could help shine a metaphorical light on this situation."

Thomas nodded and moved his hand up, "Anxiety, Morality." He called summoning the two. Virgil looked even more anxious than usual, his eye shadow slightly smeared and his leg bouncing where he stood. Roman felt a twang of guilt in his chest.

"Virgil, Patton, can either of you explain why Thomas has not been creatively productive lately." Logan asked.

Patton cocked his head, "Not a clue Scooby Doo."

"I am not a fictional dog that helps a gang of people solve problems. I am a representation of Thomas's Logic you should know this by now."

"Yeah but the rhyme sure was neat!"

Virgil raised an eyebrow, "Haven't we done this before? Like, two times? It's probably going to be repetitive to the audience if we make yet another episode dealing with Logan and Roman having problems creating videos. They might think you're complaining to make them feel bad for you. Or worse, they might get bored and leave."

Patton struggled to keep his cheerful smile, "Aw come on now kiddo, sometimes lessons just take a bit to stick. The audience will understand that."

Logan frowned, "Returning to the topic at hand, if it isn't an excess of Anxiety, or moralizing your work that's causing this problem." He knit his brows and his lips pursed, "Is it me again?" He turned to Roman, " Roman, please tell me if I am once again putting too much pressure on you to create. I said I would work on being less, " he cleared his throat, "Overbearing but I'm not used to it yet."

He looked Roman in the eyes, "If I have failed in that recently, I would rather be told then to live in ignorance of my mistakes, as hard as that may be."

Roman hesitated, he knew the truth. This had nothing to do with Logan, or Virgil, or Patton. He'd lied about feeling like his Princely Self, he telt like his creations this last moth had been lackluster at best. Not even half as good as they needed to be to be taken to the front of Thomas's conscious. 

But he couldn't tell the others that, they would think he was insecure and if there was one thing Roman wasn't, it was insecure.

Instead he said, "I admit, the schedule has stopped me from being the best Prince that I can be. "He looked at the ground, mostly due to his own guilt over lying, he didn't want to see Logan's face. He didn't want to see how Virgil's eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"I see... Next time I promise I will ask for your input when building our scheduled to stop you from feeling so overwhelmed. "

Roman forced a small smile, "Thanks teach." He cleared his throat, " And with that I've got some things to create! "He sunk out returning to his room. He sighed and slumped on his bed, closing his eyes, giving a groan like a door with unoiled hinges. He felt like taking an hour long nap.

He heard a slow cap above him. "Oh bravo, Roman." A familiar voice drawled. He reached for his sword, staring face to face with the snake himself. His confident smirk didn't leave his face despite the sword at his nose. "I honestly couldn't have done it better myself."

Roman glared at him, "You better have a good reason for being in my room snakes -and-liars."

Deceit chuckled, "Oh but surely you've noticed Roman," he circled around him, Roman's sword texture changed to foam as his confidence wavered. "I bet it took you ages to find an outfit of yours that white."

Roman barely held back a growl. He was right of course, even as he stood here his golden epaulets were turning a sterling silver like the others.

"I’m sure Patton will never find out about your little secret. He's so unobservant." Deceit said, looking at his fingernails despite the fact that he was wearing gloves. "No one's ever tried to hide their nature from him after all." He smiles with a glint in his eye that made Roman's heart pound. "Which means we'll never see each other again Roman. "He blew a kiss and sunk out back to his side of the mindscape.

----

Remus kept glancing at the end of the hallway. He'd been checking since last Thursday when Deceit told him about how Roman was changing,but he couldn't help it! It'd been years since his brother had been on the same side as him. His stomach was doing flip flops like a fish out of water five seconds from the butcher chopping him into pieces. He wondered if he'd be willing to play with him. He could barely hide his cackle when he thought of the havoc they'd wreak together!

In the void a new door was starting to form, Remus squealed with delight and ran to Deceit's door, "DECEIT! DECEIT!" He squealed as he banged on the bright yellow door, "He's coming, he's coming!"

Deceit opened the door, his sleeping cap slightly askew , his eyes tired, "Remus how many times do I have to tell you I have no interest in the details of the porn you watch?"

Remus shakes his head, "No no, not that, though you should SEE what I was watching earlier, oh the things a man can do with whips." he moaned and squirmed but quickly shook his head, no Remus, focus. " But that's not what I meant! There's a new door in the hall! "

Deceit suddenly seems far more awake as he walked out into the hallway standing next to Remus. The pair watched as the symbol of a bright red throne with a silver tiara above it etched itself into the door. Remus was slightly confused by why his symbol would change, but hey, if his brother hadn't changed a little bit he wouldn't be down here! 

The door glowed and finally opened revealing him in all his glory, the midnight colored prince outfit with silver twinges along his neck and wrists, the bright red cape that flowee across his back, the silver tiara glimmering with jewels that looked just as much a part of him as his hands or toes. 

Remus couldn't help himself and tackled his brother to the ground, "ROMAN! Is that blood on your cape? It's the same color, can I lick it?"

 Roman grunted and sat himself up, "Hello Remus, nice to see you here. Ruining my clothing with your filth." Deceit offered his hand to Roman to help him up and he took it. 

 "As if any amount of filth could affect your radiance your Highness." Deceit purred.

Roman puffed his hair, "Oh I know, but I hate getting dirty." 

Remus huffed a bit, it seemed like his brother was still himself in some ways. But he wouldn't give up hope that quickly. "ROMAN RO RO RO, since you're a darkside now, we have to play together in the imagination together again, ohhh we could give Thomas the NASTIEST thoughts, you haven't seen Mr. Poo yet! Oh you'll love him, he just has the cutest little fangs-"

Roman frowned, "I don't think I like that."

Remus blinked, " Mr. Poo? "

Roman shook his head, "No no, that's..." He rolled his eyes, "Fine I guess. That name you called me. "

"Roman? But that's your name."

Roman shook his head, "But I don't feel like Roman. Until I find a name that feels more suitable, you may call my by my role." He straightened himself up, a glittering smile on his face, " Pride. "

Deceit held Pride's hand in his own and kissed him gently, "Charmed."

Pride looked back at him, flashing that dazzling smile, "The feeling's mutual."

Remus looked from one side to the other, "Are you two going to fuck or can I take him to the Imagination."

Deceit’s face burned a bright red but Pride seemed relatively unbothered, “Feel free to lead the way.” 

Remus’s face broke into his usual wide smile and he grabbed Pride’s hand sinking them into his room. The lights in the room flashed, quickly switching colors randomly. There was something leaking against the wall, it was either slime or blood it was nearly impossible to tell with the constant NOISE of the place. From the loud screams at random intervals, to the shepherds tones that rose endlessly in the background. Pride walked around carefully but still managed to step on one of Remus’s 5 living hands that slept on the floor. He shrieked as it bit his shoes with unnaturally sharp teeth. Remus flicked it off of him and it quickly flew off. 

“Ah, finally!” He said, as he found a small doorknob on the ground. He opened it up and the room was filled with the pale yellow light of the imagination. He grabbed Roman by the shoulders, “Okay, as soon as you get there, don’t panic. Just summon wings or some other method to fly.” His grin widened, eyes sparkling, “Think you can handle it?”

Pride looked confused at first than puffed out his chest when Remus asked his question, “Of course I can.” 

Remus gave a delighted squeal, grabbed his hand and the pair of them jumped into the hole. The sky was a dark and stormy grey, it looked like there was going to be another knife storm. Remus closed his eyes and felt dark, leathery wings errupt from his back. He frowned, debating on the color, did he want to keep them black or change to green, or maybe he could have it flash the worst version of every color! Shit-stain brown, puke green, mustard yellow oh what delight! 

At first he assumed the screaming came from one of his screaming trees, they played the most haunting melodies when it rained, but when he looked down he instead saw a flash of red light hurling towards the ground. He gasped and divebombed to catch him, his repeated thought of, "Don 't imagine long, dark piercing spikes under us ready to break into our stomachs, impaling us both," of course summoned long , dark piercing spikes below them. 

Pride's screams only grew louder as he flaid about trying to grab onto something, anything that would stop him from hitting the harsh unforgiving ground. He could almost feel the rocks touching his stomach and pushong through-

Lucky for him though, Remus swooped down, catching him before he hit the rocks. He sat him down on the sandy ground, his eyes watered, though whether that was due go concern or the speed he'd been flying at was anyone's guess.

"Are you okay?" He asked, his voice was more gentle than he'd usually seem capable of. 

Pride sneered, "I'm fine, thanks for the rocks, bet it made you feel even more like a hero when you saved me huh? " 

Remus stepped back, genuinely confused, "That made as much sense as Woody fucking Palpatine."

Pride harrumphed, and took a step foreward, "You know exactly what I mean, you've always wanted to outshine me and now you've given yourself the chance to play the hero in here and pretend to save me. But guess what," he pressed a finger against Remus's chest. "I don't need anyone to help me or save me much less a disgusting little turd like you. I'm not pathetic little Roman anymore, I am strength, I am perfection, I am Prince Pride! "

Remus stared at him for a bit.

"The dust on your butt is shaped like a dick."

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

Pride and Remus weren't talking anymore. Remus chewed on a can whistfully sitting in his room, "Just like old times. " Except during, 'old times ' Deceit wasn 't spending so much time simping to his brother. It was enough to make him puke hearing him compliment him, watching them ballroom dance in the kitch together the snake-side's head gently fit onto Pride's chest. Despite his distaste at their sentimentallity, he couldn't help but feel a little happy for them. 

Until he wasn't that is. It was breakfast time.

"It was merely a suggestion -"Deceit backed away, but Pride pursued

"You think I'm WRONG? ! "Fire raged in the side's eye, "You think we'd be better off if Thomas ruins his LIFE-"

"It's one friendship Pride, and it's been far from healthy for Thomas to be involved in it."

The sound of a hand against skin echoed through the kitchen. There was a silence that lasted decades. Then the sound of a chair scrapping across the floor. Remus stood up and walked up to Pride who was looking down smugly at Deceit. Remus turned him around and grabbed him by the collar, "You can insult me, you can mock me, do whatever you want. But you will not. Touch. Him."

Pride huffed, "He shouldn't have argued with me! He's really the one who -" 

Remus summoned a dirty sock and shoved it into his mouth, than threw him to the side. He walked up to Deceit, "Do I have permission? " 

Deceit looked up with blurry, tear stained eyes and gave a nod. And just like that he was in the Light Side KItchen.

"ALRIGHT, HOW MANY BITCHES DO I HAVE TO KILL TO FIND OUT WHICH OF YOU BWSTARDS FUCKED UP MY BROTHER?!" Remus was as always a master of subtlty and persuation. Patton jumped about 10 feet just hearing his voice. Virgil bristled and hissed at him

Logan sighed, he supposed his pancakes would have to wait,"Good morning Remus."

Remus shook his head, "No pleasantries, Romwn fell and now he's a real pain in the ass, like a full sized plane up my ass, and I KNOW sides don't just go dark and change personalities for no reason so-" he poin ted at Patton, "What did you do to him?! "

Patton shook his head, "I-I didn 't- well okay I made him sink to the dark sides but-"

Logan adjusted his glasses, "He was starting to show unpleasant tendencies far before that. Patton decided that he'd be safer away from us after a disscussion in which he said," he took out a notecard, "You never let me live, you're all terrible critical beasts who I should have slain with my sword ages ago! If it weren't for you, Thomas would be perfect, I would be perfect, I'm sicm of being around you." he returned his notecard to his pocket.

Remus stared, "So it has nothing to do with you, than why? "

Virgil poured a glass of coffee black as his soul, "I don't know, none of us knows. Can't believe I'm saying this but I kind of miss the ego-driven Prince. "

Logan looked over his notes, "I have some theories but emotional reactions aren't really my area of expertise."

Remus rubbed his mustache as he thought it over, than his eyes turned bright and manic, "Do any of you have a battering ram?"

They all stare at him blankly, Patton's the first one to say anything, "Why?"

"To break into old Princy's room of course!"

[xhellnhighheelsx]

List the angsty times she’s extra! Do it! Do it! Also, would you take meta prompts? I guess that’s just questions...but your metas are my fave, and I would read them all day everyday. P.S. still any plans to provide receipts for the Doctor’s and River’s irrevocable love? (Yes, that was my ask too ;)

Okay so here’s my emo companion to this post. 

I only picked a handful of moments cuz I wanted to get this to you quick so you don’t think I’m ignoring you lol and I will gladly accept all the meta prompts. Always. 

Let’s start at River’s beginning for this one, shall we?   

Kid Melody calls Nixon for night terrors. He ends up being entirely useless, but that’s government for you. I mean, technically the suit defaulted to the highest authority, so not exactly her fault, but lbr, River would. This gets glossed over a lot, and maybe that’s because it’s so sad.I don’t even have to dig for the angst here. Orphan girl, terrified, alone, cared for by a man whose sanity is unraveling before her very eyes. She watched him graffiti walls and his own skin, warning himself to get out, to get away. How much guilt does that put on a little girl? Unwanted. No friends. Nothing but isolation and a dusty room with paint chipping off the walls. Owned rather than loved. Swaddled by a suit meant only for murder. Other kids want a puppy, but little Melody begs the President of the United States, please, don’t let it eat me. She learns early on that going big is the only way to not be overlooked. 

Now I’m just wondering if the Silence fixed that little issue? If little Melody can call for help, did River? When she was trapped in that suit at the bottom of the lake, did she try to call the Tardis to warn the Doctor? Did he not answer his phone AGAIN? Did she leave a voicemail begging him not to come? Does 12 or 13 find it but can’t do a damn thing about it cuz these faces have to be a secret? Sorry, I spiraled.

Anyway, after she escaped, kid Melody also found an audience to regenerate in front of. She scared the daylights out of some poor homeless man because she was sick and, for once in her life, she didn’t want to die be alone. Think on that.

I won’t get into it too much cuz we’re all well aware, but friendly reminder that home girl actually broke time just to prove a point. She did it for love, yes, but she also did it for herself. She was done being a puppet. This is River saying the decisions she makes will happen on her terms and the universe learns it the hard way. While we’re at it, River has another go at changing time by that lake side by physically shooting at herself. And you know she tries because she is blinking back tears as she says, “of course not.” If the shooting is just for show, why does she say that? This scene is the cause of a lot of diverging headcanons because it either means, River doesn’t remember the events that took place in the aborted timeline and is still trying to change time and create another paradox. Or she does remember and she’s just that self loathing. Or secret option C, she’s faking it for the Ponds, which is it’s own brand of ansty extraness. Basically, pick your poison. They’re all bitter and hard to swallow. 

There’s a lot of controversy around The Big Bang and what River remembers and what not, but let’s consider this for a second: assuming she does genuinely think the universe will close with the Doctor on the other side, she’s agreeing to let her whole life be rewritten. Mind, this is the same woman that later DIES to protect her life and memories with the Doctor. Amy, Rory, and 11 don’t realize it at the time, but when River lets the Doctor climb into the Pandorica and fly it into the heart of the TARDIS, she’s taking the risk of never existing herself. She says, he hardly knows her and now he never will, but what she means is River Song will disappear and Melody Williams will take her place. She is literally self sacrificing at every opportunity. 

Another casual reminder: Remember that time she broke her wrist and tried to hide it because heaven forbid she be mortal for five seconds? And then slapped her husband because he has the audacity to love her? Yup, extra. The entire episode of THORS. If you want a crash course on how to make a scene, this is the ep for you. She makes her entrance by wearing a bright red Mrs. Claus cloak and threatens to remove peoples vital organs. Iconic. And then she follows it up with an overdramatic display of how her “love” will rise again. Meanwhile her medusa hair is just tingling with excitement over how close she is to murdering this sucker of a king. 

Anyway, back to the angst. Her speech is the obvious choice here and we’ve all cried over it a thousand times. She could have ranted about anything to kill time before the meteor strike. She could have laughed about how you can’t trust that slippery fellow, Jim, the fish. She could have listed the inaccuracies of the Byzantium movie, gone on for ten minutes of how it really went down and oh by the way, I’m one of only three survivors and I hunt weeping angels for fun. Forget the Doctor, I’m far more dangerous than he is. She could have bragged about her significant history of escaping. That would have made the most sense, considering that’s literally what she’s about to do. hahaha here’s my master plan and you can’t do a damn thing to stop it. Toodaloo suckers. Enjoy being deep fried.  

But she doesn’t. She talks about the Doctor, as if convincing a room full of strangers he doesn’t love her will save him from danger. Maybe she even convinces herself because she feels responsible for her parents. Maybe she steals diamonds and acts like a thief because she is one. Maybe she feels like she stole something from the Doctor and she tells herself he doesn’t give a damn because he’s better off without her. Moral of the story, he’s always her first thought in a crisis. How can I protect him, how can I save him? Even when he’s not around to see it. She’s so damaged affected by their love affair that it’s second nature for River to scream into the void that the people she loves most don’t give a damn about her. It doesn’t matter (that they’re her parents). You don’t expect a sunset to admire you back. is it a defense mechanism because everyone she loves leaves her? Probably. But only someone who’s extra shouts about their insecurities to a room full of criminals. 

And on a slightly less obvious note, when River and 12 first land on Starship Super Villains R Us, was it really necessary for her to blatantly incriminate herself? She tells what she thinks is some random guy about how this ship is full of despicable people, planet burners and murders and criminals. And then she gives him an icy stare and says, do try the fish. A neon sign of I come here often. In no way was it necessary to inform this guy that she has no qualms with murder. But she does because if she wants to believe her own lie, that she’s heartless and cold, she has to convince others first.    

And last but not least, she straight up haunted her husband’s ass. Ex👏tra👏. Now whether you believe the haunting was full time or just in TNOTD, you can’t deny that the look on her face when she says he left her like a book on a shelf. She didn’t have to follow Eleven and Clara through the tomb explaining things to Clara, but she does. She doesn’t have to flirt with the Doctor and give him the come hither eyes even though she thinks he can’t see/hear her. But she does. Cuz she’s extra.

[mymelodyheart]

Forget Me Not Chapter 17 ~Inn Keeping~

Rummaging through the filing cabinet, not looking for anything in particular but to keep her hands busy, Claire waited anxiously for Willie to make an appearance. She had summoned him into her office as soon as she arrived at work, thinking it would be a bright idea to discuss what transpired between him and Geillis the night before. The longer she waited, the more she thought of backing out from her meddling plan.  Stay out of it, Beauchamp! Not your circus! Geillis is a big girl, she can handle this.

But Claire didn't want to stay out of it, not after what Geillis had confessed to her.  ...he said your name Claire, and twice into my ears as he held me! Jesus, he wasn't making love to me. He was making love to ye. 

Although the revelation unsettled her, she banished the thought, not only because thinking about it made her uneasy, but also she was more concerned about her friend. It was unlike Geillis to fret over a fling unless of course, her heart was at stake and Claire definitely, didn't want to be the cause of anyone's heartache.

For all of Geillis' boldness, flamboyant behaviour, and flirtatiousness, Claire knew it was merely a front to hide underlying insecurity, and she wanted to set that record straight. And Claire also knew Willie wasn't a player, despite not lacking in admiration among the female population. And if there's anything to read into his recent unintended orgasmic outburst with Geillis, Claire hoped it would be quickly resolved as a mistake. 

Willie interrupted her thoughts when he opened the door and came in. "Is this important? I'm sort of swamped at the moment, " he said impatiently, lifting his starched, white hat and raking the dark hair underneath with a restless hand.

"Please shut the door and take a seat. I won't take up much of your time." Trying her utmost best to school her features, she averted her eyes by sifting through papers from a manila folder she had retrieved from the filing cabinet.  Oh Christ, here we go.

Willie closed the door but remained standing. "What is it, Claire?" he asked softly as if sensing her discomfort.

"It's about Geillis." Swallowing hard, she shook her head, as if to clear the cobwebs. "She looked devastated this morning, a-and she told me what happened between the two of you."

If Willie was surprised by her statement, none of it registered on his face. He picked up a picture frame from her desk in ungainly movement, a smile playing on his lips. It held an old photo of her and the Fraser siblings when they were kids. "I ought to be telling ye, it's none of yer business," he said finally. "But ye ken that already. Did she tell ye why she was upset?"

"No," she fibbed, hoping he couldn't see through her lie. "I ...um ... I don't want to see her hurt, Willie. I know you're both consenting adults and all, but I want you to know, she not that kind of girl. Often she acts a bit tarty, but it's just an act. And she really likes you. Just don't give her any false hope, ok?"

He hesitated for a moment before answering her. "Aye, dinna fash. I'll talk to Geillis later." Glancing at his wristwatch, he paused before continuing. "Is that all ye wish to talk about?"

"Yes, I guess so," she replied, giving him a tense nod. Wanting to reassure him, she pressed on, but everything seemed to move in disjointed starts and stops around her. "I know it isn't your intention to hurt her. Whatever happened between the two of you doesn't change the fact that you're a great guy. I hope you know that. It's important to me that you know I don't think any less of you."

Pensively looking at her, he gave her a half-smile, his tone and expression revealing nothing. "Thanks, Claire. You always try to see the best in other people," he said. She had expected him to be annoyed, but he didn't seem to be fazed by their discussion. He shifted on his feet, preparing to leave.

"And umm...before you go..."

"Aye?" He turned to look at her, one hand already on the knob of the door.

This time, Claire didn't avoid his gaze. "I know I've said this before, but I'll repeat it anyway. I want you to be happy, Willie. If it isn't with Geillis, I know there's someone out there for you, and whoever she is, she will be one lucky girl to have you. Don't lose hope. Ever," she said, with a touch of a smile.

"Aaah, but hope can ruin ye if ye're not careful," he said jokingly, turning to face her once more.

"Why would you say such a thing?" She knew she should have stopped with the questions, but curiosity made her push on.  Leave it now, Beauchamp!

Willie looked down at the floor as if by doing so, he would be able to find the words he was searching for. "There's this girl that I love. I caught myself thinking about her and hoped that one day she would think about the possibility of me in her life, but I quickly dismissed the sentiment." Firming his jaw, he shoved his big hands in his pants pocket. "It was that kind of thinking that landed me in this situation, to begin with. But dinna fash about me because I'm a little glad it wasn't me she wanted." His eyes softened, revealing a hint of sadness that was gone before she could blink. "She wanted someone who truly deserved her, and I'm happy that she's happy. That's all that matters."

Oh, Willie!  Her heart twisted painfully for him, and she knew she should stop talking but the need to give him comfort outweighed everything else. "She's a lucky girl even if she doesn't realise it. And you're a better man for still loving her even if it means letting go of what you hold close to your heart," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Clearing his throat, his eyes narrowed as if a thought came up. "It's certainly quite surprising, considering ye're in an interfering mood, that ye haven't asked me the name of the girl I'm talking about. Aren't ye curious, Claire?" he asked in a low voice.

She looked away, suddenly leafing through papers from the manila folder she held.  No please, don't say anything. I don't want to know.  "Oh, um well, I was going to ask, but since I've taken enough of your time, and I'm a bit behind work, I'll save it for another day," she stammered. In her periphery, she noticed he started to make a move towards her. 

"Claire, look at me."

She couldn't look at him because the realisation would show on her face. It was better if Willie didn't confirm her inkling and it remained unsaid. Edging her way behind her desk, putting a barrier between them, she reached out for the phone. "I need to make a phone call, Willie. So if you'll excuse me." She started to dial some random number.

"Sassenach, I have these...." It was Jamie coming in unannounced with a tray of dessert. "Oh... I wanted ye to taste these, but I can come again later," he said, glancing from her to Willie and then back to her again.

She let out a sigh of relief. "Jamie! I was...I was..."

Willie turned and slapped his brother on the back. "...just about to make a phone call," he finished the sentence off for her. "I was leaving anyway." At the doorway, he stopped and looked at her for the final time. "By the way, Claire... the girl's name is Mary," Willie said winking at her before walking away.

Her mouth opened, closed and opened again like a fish out of water, unsure what to make of Willie's last words.

"Ye alright, Sassenach?" Jamie asked, placing the dessert on her desk, his brows pulling together in concern.

Claire shook visibly, directing her attention to Jamie. "We were just talking about Geillis and some girl called Mary. Nothing of importance." It wasn't a lie. Eyeing the dessert, she smiled. "So what do we have here? Tasting test?" 

As she took a bite off the treacle tart Jamie placed in front of her, somehow, she couldn't help but speculate if Mary, whoever she was, was the girl Willie was indeed talking about. For now, she was satisfied with that answer even if deep down, she knew it was a lie.

..........

The Grand Re-opening of the Fraser Manor Inn went without a hitch, at least where the kitchen and food service was a concern. Jamie would have prefered a night in with Claire after a long day at work, but his parents had insisted after the last of the dessert was served, and the kitchen was cleared up, that him, Willie and Murtagh joined the guests. He knew Claire still had a long night to go, overseeing the service staff, so he conceded to join the party, at least until Claire was done with work.

"Ye're the future of this hotel, so it's best the guests see yer faces once in a while," Brian had said to both his sons. "Yer tuxedoes are in Claire's office, and there is a key to a vacant room on her desk that ye can use to shower. I don't want ye smelling of roasts when ye mingle later."

But there were other pressing matters. Ned Gowan. Ned had assured them that Annalise should be of no threat as the only thing they had uncovered so far, criminally speaking, were forgeries of various administrative documents. It should have been enough to get her arrested, but the lawyer informed them to have patience until he has gathered enough evidence against the French girl as there could be other things they might discover. The idea of Annalise still in Lallybroch didn't sit well in guts, but Jenny and Ian will be at the Manor watching over her and very soon, Rupert and Angus from the kitchen, would be joining them.

Earlier, Willie had been told that a private detective working for Ned, found Annalise's guardians living in South of France. Ned's agent was on his way to gather more information about them and hopefully, get an interview concerning their adopted daughter.

Putting his tuxedo jacket on, Jamie wished Claire was there to fix his bowtie, never being the type of person to wear suits. Ellen had always emphasised on how handsome her sons looked when dressed formally, but he found the clothing constricting like it was created to snuff the air out of him. Nevertheless, not wanting to disappoint his mother, Jamie had agreed to wear the formal attire. He knew Claire had changed from her hotel uniform too when he saw a flurry of red rushing to the service area as he left the kitchen to change.

Taking a deep breath, Jamie breezed down the stairs and into the newly renovated ballroom usually reserved for wedding venues. Beaming with pride at the transformation of the hotel's interior, he went through the entrance, smiling at the girl working the door in headset who greeted him with love hearts in her eyes. As soon as Jamie walked in, he was immediately swallowed by humming conversation, dimmed lights and elegant music being played by a ten-piece band. Taller than most and able to see over the top of the milling guests, he spotted Claire quickly.

His breath hitched when he saw her. Claire was stood near the dancefloor, talking to the provost's wife over a champagne flute. She had to be the only person in the room wearing red, and it made her stand out among the sea of black and darker hues of cocktail dresses. Her dress was long and loose, and her front was covered entirely making it look very modest until she turned. From behind, there was a thin silvery strap that went down the middle of her almost naked back connecting to material just above her arse, displaying two dimples. The silver stilettos accentuated her height and slimness, making her look elegant and provocative at the same time.

A passing waiter offered him a tumbler of whisky which he drained in one shot. He felt like snatching one of the white tablecloths and wrapping her in it as he made his way to her.

"Jamie?"

He turned toward the source of the voice and saw Geneva Dunsany, the girl who pursued him during his high school days. She was standing next to him, a hand on his arm. Although he went out with her a couple of times while on holiday from working in France, nothing ever came out of their date.

"Oh, hi, Gen. Ye look great. Nice dress." While he was talking to Geneva, his eyes kept drifting over to Claire, who was now sharing a joke with Frank Randall. He saw Frank twirled her around on the dancefloor to get a better look at her dress.

"Thank you, I bought it for this occasion." Geneva launched herself at him, taking him by surprise, and Jamie had no choice but to hug her back. "Will you dance with me later, Jamie?"

He shot a glance towards Claire, who was watching him with a raised eyebrow. "Sorry, Gen, I'm Claire's date, and I promised her all my dances. And speaking of Claire, I best get to her."

"Right, well, she looks quite busy with Frank over there. If you change your mind, I'll be over at the bar." She winked at him, running her fingertips over the lapel of his jacket. "You know I applied for a job in your hotel as a restaurant manager, but I haven't heard anything. It would be great to work together with you."

Jesus, help me.  "You ought to talk to Claire. She is in charge of hiring for restaurant positions."

"I will do that, and I'll mention you told me to speak to her," she said, sounding pleased with herself. "I know how Claire's job can be quite taxing, so if she's tired and decides to go home, we can grab a drink later in the pub."

"No, I'm sorry. Ye don't understand. I'm with Claire. I really have to go." He gave Geneva's hand a gentle squeeze before removing it from his chest. "It was great seeing ye."

Without waiting for a response, he skirted past a group of elegantly dressed guests, making his way towards Claire. As Jamie got closer, he realised she was still talking to Frank.  For fuck sake!  Jealousy, an emotion that was fast becoming familiar, scraped in his gut like a giant nettle.

"Sassenach!" Jamie swooped in to kiss Claire on the lips, taking her by surprise. She jumped a little but recovered quickly with a smile. With a hand possessively placed behind her back, he greeted his old friend, extending his free one for a handshake. "Frank, long time no see. How are ye, mate?" 

"Jamie! All good, all good. I was keeping your lass company, and I'm just about to go and get a drink. Can I get something for you?" Frank smiled warmly, holding out both his hands to clasp his.

Jamie shook his head, trying his hardest not to act like a jealous fool. "How about ye, Sassenach? Another glass of champagne?"

Claire smiled. "No, I've had enough. Ma and Da have gone home, so I still need to stay for another hour or two. I don't want to fall asleep while on my shift. Willie has gone to the house for a nap, and he will come back later to take over."

"Right, I'll leave you two alone to attend to your guests. Nice seeing you again Claire and fabulous job with the grand opening." Without waiting for them to reply, he turned with a wave of a hand.

"What did you do Jamie? Shook his hand with a death grip?"

Jamie flinched as he tore his gaze from Frank's withdrawing figure. "What? I didn't do anything!" he asserted defensively, turning to face her.

"Hey, I was only teasing you. Why are you so tense?" Claire asked, looking surprised.

His throat worked as he glanced away. "Sorry, Sassenach. I was trying my best not to act like a jealous eedjit. I thought ye might be angry for interrupting yer conversation with Frank. And that dress... that dress, ye look half-naked in it."

Quelling the urge to smile, she poked him on the rib. "Well, Jamie, if it makes you feel any better, I was jealous too when you allowed Geneva to paw all over you," she murmured, moving closer to him.

His stomach muscles bunched when she placed her arms around his neck. "I didn't..." Jamie's voice trailed away as he looked down at her amused face, and realised she was making fun of him. Before he knew what was happening, Claire stood on tiptoes and gave him a long-drawn-out kiss on the lips.

"Let's go to my office," Claire mumbled against his mouth, pressing herself closer.

Jamie pulled back with a whispered curse but didn't let go of her. "Christ, Sassenach, ye just gave everyone a free show. If we leave this room now, they'll know what I'm about to do with ye." He glanced over her head, scanning the crowd. "Besides, I don't have a condom on me. I dinna expect to do it with ye during office hours," he said, looking a tad annoyed.

"But I've been on the pill for the last two weeks..."

His eyes lit up, and then his body froze when he came to a realisation. "Ye sent me to the pub the other night to get condoms," Jamie growled in her ears as he started to pull her away from the dance floor.

"I didn't think the pills would work immediately, but I've been taking it long enough now." When she realised their guests were looking at them, she tugged the sleeve of his jacket. "Wait! What about what other people will think?"

"Dinna fash lass. If they start talking, I'll make an honest woman out of ye," he grated under his breath, as he almost dragged her out of the ballroom.

..........

After helping Jamie back into his tuxedo jacket and straightening his bow tie, he left her in the office to see to their leftover guests who were now gathered at the bar. Looking at the time, it would be another half hour before Willie came and took over her shift. Slipping her tired feet into her stilettos, she groaned at the prospect of going back to the ballroom in such unpractical shoes. She was about to stand up when the door swung open.

"Sassenach, Ian just called. He said Annalise has gone missing along with da's car. She took with her a gun from one of his world war 2 collection in his study," Jamie announced, as he ripped the bowtie off his neck. "I've called the police, and I'm still trying to get hold of Willie, but he's not answering. Can ye please keep calling him." 

Claire failed to hide her horror as her hands began to shake.  Did Jamie just mention gun?  "Oh my God, oh my God. Have you called ma and da?" she asked while making a phone call to Willie. "Oh, sweet, Jesus, please let everyone be safe," she muttered under her breath.

Sensing her panic, Jamie leaned down over to her and grabbed the back of her neck. "Ma, da and Jenny are alright. There are police in Lallybroch as well as outside the hotel. I'm going over to yer house and see if Willie is there. Now, I need ye to listen to me, Sassenach. Ye are to stay here and lock the door. Under no circumstances are ye to open it unless you hear my voice. I dinna care if they say they're the queen of fucking Britain, ye will remain silent and stay put. Ye understand me?"

Claire could only nod her head as she kicked off her shoes. After following Jamie to the door and locking it, she took a deep breath and focused on the task at hand. She called Willie's number, praying he would answer.  Damn it, Willie, answer the phone!

..........

A few hours ago

Willie was about to leave the hotel and take an hour nap at Claire's house when he heard a sound behind him. He came to a dead stop. Although he had never been confronted with one, Willie knew it was the sound of a gun cocking. With his hands in the air, he turned around slowly until he came face to face with Annalise. 

"Annalise? What is the meaning of this?" He kept his eyes on the weapon, held by shaky hands. "Ye're not well. Put down the gun, and we'll talk about this, alright sweetheart?"

Annalise narrowed her eyes and took a step forward. "I was expecting Jamie, but you'll do." She licked her lips nervously as she glanced at the door Willie had exited from. "You just had to be a meddling son of a bitch,  non?  We could have had what we both wanted if you didn't stick your nose in my business. Me with Jamie and you with that English whore."

Willie whistled under his breath. "Ye're wrong. I couldn't be with someone who didn't love me in return. And ye shouldn't either. Ye deserve more, Annalise. Jamie has been in love with Claire all his life, and it's not something ye can undo with a gun. If he stayed with ye, ye would have been unhappy."

"Shut the fuck up!" she snarled, half-crazed eyes glinting at him. Then her voice softened. "You know, under different circumstances, I might have liked you." She pointed the gun at Willie's midsection. "But then again, probably not. Put your phone and any sharp objects you have on you, on the ground and slide them slowly to me."

"This is really turning out to be a fucking pain in the arse, Annalise. Put the gun down, please and we'll talk about this. I'll even forget this incident ever happened. It will be our little secret." As confident as he sounded, Willie knew he was at a disadvantage. At this time of night, most of the staffs were still busy at work, and none of them will be out for another few hours, especially with the opening party in full swing. There were cameras all over the parking lot, but no one in the hotel was monitoring them. The footage was only accessed if an incident took place. His only chance was to stall and hope she would get distracted long enough for him to surprise her and grab the gun off her.

Annalise laughed without humour. "You've got balls, I'll give you that. It's not a surprise, really...I can't imagine a Fraser being a pushover." She restlessly shifted on her feet and eyed the back door of the hotel once more. "You must hate me like hell. Come to think of it... if Jamie had stayed in France, you might have had your chance with her. You do look like Jamie, you know. That's what you have going for you."

"I must admit I had my doubts about you right from the beginning, but despite that, I was conflicted about bringing you to the police if my theory had been right. Not any longer, though." 

"You won't get a chance."

Willie's jaw tightened painfully. "What the fuck do you want?"

"I'll have what I want soon enough." Annalise raised the gun a little higher. "For now I need to tie some loose ends, namely you." She jerked her chin towards his father's Range Rover, which he hadn't noticed was there before.  Christ, ma and da! Where are they?  "You're coming with me."

An incredulous laugh escaped him. "No fucking way. Keep dreaming."

"I had a feeling you'd say that. That is why I stopped by at Claire's house to pay her a visit before coming here. Oh, and she put up quite a fight the feisty little bitch." Her smile widened maliciously. "If you come with me, I'd let her off with a slap on her wrist. You, on the other hand, don't get one for being a meddling dickhead that you are."

No, no, no!  Willie's blood turned to ice as his heart lodged in his throat, and he tried frantically not to let his fear show. He had his doubts though whether to believe Annalise since he knew Claire learned Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art, during one of her many overseas travels. And when they were younger, he and Jamie had taught Jenny and Claire how to fight. But he couldn't take a chance knowing so very little of the crazed French girl.

Swallowing his mounting fear, Willie simply raised an eyebrow in response, even though he wanted to wrap his hands around the young girl's throat.  I have to get to Claire!

Annalise moved impatiently, wiping one sweaty hand on her jean-clad thigh. "I knew I was racing the clock this week when I realised I was dealing with you and your investigative skills. You really are in the wrong profession,  mon amie . Frankly, you ought to give up your day job." She scoffed contemptuously. "In case you want to know, it was me who called the police on Claire about the crowdfunding. And yes it was me who sent those messages on her private messages. I thought she would crumble under strain. But Jamie failed to tell me that you'd both throw yourselves in front of a train to protect her. Oh, how very romantic! I knew Jamie was protective of Claire, and I thought by faking my illness and pregnancy, he might be drawn back to me again. But you! You ruined all my plans. You had to go as far as hiring a lawyer and private investigator."

Blood drained out of his face. "How did you know about the lawyer?"

"Ah, yes! Ned Gowan, right? That's the lawyer's name you hired, is that right? You got careless and left your laptop on, the other day, and really, I expected more from you, Willie. That was a huge schoolboy error, but then again, I'm not complaining."

Fuck!  He thought of Claire tied up somewhere, and there was no way he could grab his phone and call anyone to check on her. Knowing he couldn't go solely on the word of the volatile French girl, Willie shook his head. "You don't have her. It's a bluff. I know she can take care of herself, and you wouldn't have had the strength to coerce her to do anything against her will."

"You willing to bet on that?"

No!  He knew right then and there he couldn't gamble on the hope Annalise was bluffing. If he went with Annalise now, she might allow Claire to go free. Willie wouldn't walk away alive, but at least Claire would have a chance. If he refused to leave, there was a possibility, Annalise might take him out here and now. If he went willingly, allowing Annalise to tie up loose ends, at least he might be able to exchange himself to save Claire. There was no choice.

"I swear to God if ye hurt her..."

"Relax, she's just a little bruised up."

Helplessness raged through Willie, the need to get to Claire almost bringing him to his knees. Reluctantly, he took out his phone from his pocket and kicked it across the ground. "Take me to her."

..........

Claire frowned at her phone. Still no news from anyone. She was just about to make another call to Willie when her mobile rang, and Jamie simultaneously knocked on the door.

"Open the door, Sassenach!"

Letting a stressed Jamie in, she answered her phone, signalling him with her finger to be quiet. It wasn't Willie's number on the screen, but a blocked number appeared instead. "Hello?"

"Claire, sweet, sweet Claire!  Comment tu vas, ma chère?"  It was Annalise.

Grabbing on to her desk, she nearly collapsed if Jamie hadn't been there to catch her. A worried look started to spread across his face as she stumbled to a seat. "Annalise, where are you?" she almost choked, trying her best to sound calm and collected.

"Shouldn't the question be, where is Willie? Or haven't you figured anything out yet?"

"I don't believe you know where Willie is," she whispered, her mind screaming in denial while a part of her could hear a note of truth in the French girl's voice. Knowing she had a gun, Claire could hardly breathe through the debilitating dread.

"Would you like to talk to him?"

Claire collapsed in her seat as the weight of the confirmation that she had Willie, sunk in. "Yes, please," she just about managed.

Jamie signalled Claire to hand the phone over, but she shook her head.

Listening intently into her phone, she heard movements in the background, and muffled words being exchanged before Willie's voice came through. "Claire, stay where ye are and don't listen to her. Call the police and don't come looking for me," Willie shouted in a rush.

"Oh, my God, Willie, come where?" she wailed as her heart threatened to give. "Where are you?"

She heard a door slam before Annalise spoke again. "I would advise you not to listen to that dickhead if you want to see him alive."

"Please, please, Annalise. I beg of you, don't hurt him. Tell me what you want." Blinking away her tears, Claire held Jamie's hand as she tried to focus.

"I'm going to text you an address. I want you to bring Jamie here in exchange for Willie. You have an hour to make the right choice, and if you alert the police, Willie will be dead before they come and take me. Tick-tock,  ma chère!  We'll be waiting. "  Then the line went dead.

Her entire body had gone numb as the phone slipped off her hand, falling onto the floor.

"Sassenach, she wants me, aye?" Jamie whispered, his face like carved granite. For the first time in her life, she saw the colour of his eyes turn icy blue, anger emanating out of him in waves.

She could only nod as he gathered her into his arms, so gentle even in his rage. When the sound of the text message came through, she winced like she had been stabbed in the heart. Memorizing the address in her mind, she got up from her seat. "I'll go change into something more comfortable," she muttered under her breath.

Jamie nodded as he helped her onto her feet.

Ye're the smart one Beauchamp! Think! Think!   Making her way to the locker room, to retrieve her sweatshirt and jeans, she racked her mind for alternatives, but it seemed her brain had been numbed too.  Willie and Jamie can't die! If anyone is going to meet their Maker, it will be me.

Claire shoved her feet into a pair of old sneakers and sprinted back to her office. "Listen, Jamie..." An empty room greeted her. "Jamie?"  What the fuck?

Her gaze shot to the desk where her mobile phone had been. It was gone, and its place was a note written by Jamie.

I love you with all my heart, Claire. Always remember that. I promise to put things right again. -J

[urdemonfaunus]

Dedicated to @blake-belladonna-defence-force, for never gettin tired of my requests and always givin me Bumbleby fluff/angst when i most need it. As a fellow writer, i am obliged to return the favor without you asking me. I mean, respect, right??

So anyways.. Uh.. Please enjoy readin :>

Almost (Sweet Music) [Hozier; Bumbleby]

The golden-haired brawler leaned by the bar's counter, her lilac eyes seemed to be caught in some kind of trance. She stared at an enamouring sight not too far a distance. Her partner actually socialized much more now -- talking and laughing giddily with Atlas's huntsmen and huntresses that shared the same interests as her. And, some moments afterwards, the raven-haired beauty even took the opportunity to dance with the members of Team JNR and FNKI.

Yang never felt one end of her lips move upwards, a small smile etched on her mouth as she looked down at the moderately swished beer in her mug. What she did feel, though, was the presence of her younger sister. Lilac eyes that were previously trained in glanced towards the person beside her.

Ruby sported rather a huge grin as she greeted her older sister. "Hey, Yang!"

Faint smile changed into a sly smirk, her yellow-painted prosthesis ruffling the red-dyed hair of Ruby. "Hello to you too, sis." Laughing at her whines and grumbling, Yang settled her lower back once more on the polished counter. "How's your night going so far? Really looking forward with you making a move at Weiss."

The silver-eyed girl blushed furiously as she rubbed the back of her neck. It only made Yang giggle more. "I'm… uh, not…. She's too, um…"

As her voice failed her, her older sister just beamed at her, taking a sip of her beverage. "It's so funny seeing you all flustered up, Rubes." She sighed dramatically and engulfed the shorter girl into a bone-crushing hug. "My baby sister's all grown up and havin' crushes!"

"Yang -- OW -- put me down! Can't -- breathe!" Ruby managed to squeak out, randomly slapping Yang's arms and pushing her head. The blonde laughed once more before acknowledging her sister's pleas. And as soon as she got withdrawn, Ruby inhaled a lot of oxygen deeply to reclaim the lost air in her lungs. "You seriously need to stop doing that, sis. My ribs are already fine as they are, thank you very much."

"See? Ice Queen's really rubbin' off of ya. You can't convince me otherwise." Yang chuckled. Her heart fluttered inside her chest, knowing Ruby can finally focus on something rather than having her mind always scattered all over the place.

Ruby dejectedly sighed. There was no way she can turn this tide back. Arguing with the golden-haired brawler will get her nowhere. Honestly, it's like joking with a bear.

So instead of going against it, the silver-eyed huntress decided to go with the flow of the current.

"Well, what about you, sis? Let's take the spotlight off me and talk about you," Ruby said, a glimpse of slyness hinted in her voice. "Your eyes always seem to be always glued on… say… a certain Cat Faunus?"

The smile on Yang's face was wiped out and was immediately replaced by a dark tint painted on her cheeks. She felt herself sweat slightly from the heat overtaking her body. Her mouth bobbed opened and closed like that of a fish, yet not a single word was spoken. She tried to think of a great retort, but found nothing.

"I-uh… this is so unfair, Ruby! You can't turn on me like that!" Yang finally stuttered and exclaimed. Whilst Ruby just laughed heartily in return.

After that, Ruby continued. "If you really like her that much, might as well do something 'bout it, sis. Don't 'friendzone' yourself, thinking she doesn't deserve someone like you. And when you're flustered -- which is all the damn time -- go through with it. Don't let it stop you."

Yang stood there in shock and awe. Hearing those words coming out of someone younger than her -- especially her sister -- left her with an incredulous expression on her face and her prosthesis theatrically set on top of her heart.

She gasped, exaggeration displayed. "When did you get all so poetic, lil' sis? It scares me, if I'm being honest."

Ruby smirked. "Great then! 'Cause heads up, she's already flagging you down." She gestured towards Blake. Lilac eyes settled on golden ones, watching the faunus wave her hand and smile at her.

Yang swore she heard Ruby tell her something else, but she was ensnared in a trance that made her vision blue everything else but her. Her jaw slackened; her hand holding the empty mug became wimpy and shook. But it wasn't because of the bad, terrible shaking that was left by Adam. It was because of a good, nerve-wracking anxiety this beautiful raven-haired girl gave her unbeknownst to her knowledge.

Once Yang took a deep breath and finally calmed herself down, she placed the mug down on the counter, leaving the bill with it. She sighed hopelessly.

If only you knew what you did to me, Blake -- wHOA!

Her daydreaming was cut off in a rather -- might I say, curt way -- by a random, middle-aged brunet. She tried to reason with him, but was intervened once more. "Go in there, girl! The song's gon' start any minute now." He stated with so much glee, proved by the wide grin on his mouth.

"I -- what?!" was all that Yang could say before finding herself trapped in the middle of the music pub, surrounded by smiling and excited people. Her eyes searched for Blake, and they found her purposefully sauntered near the front row of mixed folks, brandishing a Machavellian grin of her own.

The golden-haired brawler barely managed to register what was happening when the resonating sound of semi-acoustic guitar being strung in a jazzy-folky way, its music just loud enough for everyone to hear. Yang circled the area and saw two figures with visible smirks on their faces. Ruby and Weiss were just beside the long-haired brunet singer plucking his way through the guitar slung over his shoulder, their arms crossed and watching the two love-drunken idiots intently.

Clapping and snapping of fingers soon followed, the familiar song finally having a name. Both of them looked into each other's eyes, already knowing what one meant. They joined in the clapping, feet unconsciously gaining speed steadily. Inches apart, Blake mouthed words at Yang.

Just like we practiced?

Yang smiled and nodded.

Just like we practiced.

I came in from the outside, burned out from a joyride

She likes to roll here in my ashes anyway

Played by the bedside, is "Stella by Starlight"

That was my heart, the drums that start off "Night and Day"

Only two words were able to describe their movements. Graceful and fascinating. At first, the idiots were insecure and not sure about their actions (especially Yang). But after some of the lyrics were sung, both hummed along the tune and began to ease up their tense selves. By the next words, Yang gave up and sang along excellently. Fast movement shifted to a slower one.

Same kind of music haunts her bedroom

I'm almost me again, she's almost you

Blake's golden eyes widened at Yang's voice. She never heard the blonde sing before, so this really was a pleasant surprise. She thought it was sweet -- almost like honey. The raven-haired girl could not contain herself any longer and sang along with her.

I wouldn't know where to start,

Sweet music playing in the dark

Be still, my foolish heart

Don't ruin this on me

Pulling each other's body, foreheads touching and noses brushing, lithe body against well-built, athletic. They repeated several motions, only altering some parts of it to make them look new. Perfect, they both thought. Just perfect.

I wouldn't know where,

I wouldn't know where

I wouldn't know where, I wouldn't know where

I wouldn't

I wouldn't know where

I wouldn't know where

I wouldn't know where, I wouldn't know where

I wouldn't know

The song skipped to their supposedly "solo part". As kinsfolk around them carried on clapping, Yang did the first part. Growing up in Patch, she learned this amazing way of dancing known as Ceili dance. Tapping the heel, ball, and midsole of her boots on the ground quickly, made a thumping rhythm that accompanied the song's beat very well. People gasped and "wowed" as she did all that with her hands behind her back. Even the repressed nerd was amazed by this, garnering a triumphant smirk on Yang's face.

Second part, and Blake happened. With her gifted flexibility and dexterity, her movements were like that of a snow or leaf letting itself be cradled away by the wind. She looked so light on her feet, it was hypnotising. Years of yoga and contemporary dancing showed its resulting fruits.

Watching her made Yang practically melt right then and there. Her knees felt weak and were starting to buckle from the view she was being gifted by the Gods. She felt as if she'd just fallen in love over this elusive faunus all over again.

The Very Thought Of You and Am I Blue?

"A Love Supreme" seems far removed

"I Get Along Without You Very Well, " some other nights

The radio news reader chimes

Reporting "Russian Lullabies"

She'll turn to me awake and ask, Is everything "Alright"

Yang, being the stronger of the two, lifted Blake to the air, earning a yelp and a giggle from her, and so does the people surrounding them. The Cat faunus suppressed her laughs using her hand, meeting lilac eyes as she looked down on her partner. Yang gazed at her lovingly, and she realized something. So… this is what it feels like to be… in love? She asked herself, the grin on her lips fading into a faint smile as she was lost in thought. It feels like… you're on top of the world.

At the realization, her smile returned. Now, it was doubled in size.

I wouldn't know where to start

"Sweet Music" playing "In The Dark"

Be still "My Foolish Heart, "

Don't ruin this on me…

Chorus was sung over and over again. Final actions were made and done. Yang and Blake both exhausted themselves, for by the last word they were both panting and breathing heavily. They were so close -- Blake's hand resting on her partner's shoulder while the other was held by another warm hand. Yang's prosthesis securely held her in position just on top of her hip. Staring longingly into each other's eyes, the blonde asked for permission. The raven-haired girl just chuckled and sighed.

"Well?" She prompted gently, and Yang was more than happy to oblige.

Leaning in, the taller woman captured the shorter's lips. Soft and innocent, they warmed into each other's touch a few seconds later. Humans and Fauna alike whooped and cheered for the two huntresses. Others were encouraged to do the same thing, while the others just smiled at the scene in front of them.

=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=

The kiss did not become heated in any way, and after several hours of enjoying the rest of their night off, the bunch of huntresses left filled with joy and love. After all, two new pairs of lovers found a way to exhibit to the world that gender and race do not matter. What really matters?

Love.

[aekure]

So many cute gifts and reminders I’ve received to day,  I’ve saved every single message I’ve gotten! I don’t wish for them to vanish so I’ll post all the lovely messages under the cut so I can keep them and remember them forever. Thank you all for your love. 

FROM: JUNIPER FILES: NONE

June! Happy happy birthday! Is this the first birthday of yours I get to celebrate with you? It’s special for so many reasons; you are a grown woman now, but to me you will always be our precious maknae that we take care of. I know you are capable of handling anything, even when you doubt yourself, and in those times I will always be here to give you an encouraging word and a hug. I have never had a sibling but to me you are my sister, my family. You are such an important person in my life and you have changed me for the better. Your beautiful, genuine spirit inspires the best in people and you are a true treasure. You take care of all of your friends and all of Mellow - our maknae is so wise and kindhearted! I hope your day is full of beauty and love, and that we can celebrate many more together. I love you! - Juniper

FROM: GYURI FILES: NONE

Hey June lagoon with the booty bum! Today you made the big 20! With the past months living with you (closely making a year) I’m so honored to watch you grow into the woman you are. You are always filled with energy and ready to tackle anything that comes your way. And you do promptly with grace. I hope this day is filled with happiness, love, and unicorns! Please forever stay our sweet maknae and never lose sight of the shinnying light.

FROM: SOPHIE FILES: NONE

Hello June ! Mellow’s small and not so young maknae~ Crazy how time flies, no? Another year past and you’ve grown into a beautiful, strong and kind woman and as your leader, friend and wife I couldn’t be more proud of you. You went through a lot the past year but you seem to have mastered everything and used all the obstacles life threw you to grow. I love you and have a great day, birthday girl. Or should I say birthday woman now?

FROM: JAXON FILES: NONE

Pecks your cheek as I get your gifts ready to slap down -- sorry, I wasn't here yesterday and I came off a little stand off ish, I hope yesterday was enjoyable and I will make sure today is enjoyable for you as well -- I love you so much, june/jume, you are definitely one of the few people I can say this honestly too and I will never get tired of saying it either. we have come a long way -- but I won't spoil anything more by talking now and instead wish you a (semi) belated happy birthday and hope that my no1 girl "wife" and best friend will enjoy the most important day of the year aka the day you were born and the day everyone was blessed to finally have an angel in their lives <3

FROM: YORI FILES: NONE

Hey June, I loved you ! Happy birthday. You’re so precious and I love that you’re very open to everyone and every thing. It’s been fun working with you and also watching you grow as a musician for all this time. I honestly can’t believe you’re a year older and still look like a toddler but I can’t wait to share more years with you <3 Love you, – Yori Oppa

FROM: HENRY FILES: NONE

I remember you were one of the many people to make my birthday the greatest one I can remember, so of course I’d like to make sure your birthday is gonna be just as great — if not better! Even though you don’t talk to me as often as I would like, I enjoy the times we get to talk to each other and you’ve made me laugh (and smile) lots of times during these past months of our friendship. How long has it been, anyway? I can’t remember — but that doesn’t matter, because relationships aren’t measured in time, anyway. Right? Please enjoy your day and smile lots today, I’m sure it won’t be too hard considering you have lots of people around you who love you sincerely. Me included! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! — Henry

FROM: AREUM FILES: NONE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GORGEOUS!! I’m thankful for being able to be with you on this special day. You’re just a breath of fresh air with your bright personality and lovely way of being. I wish all the best for you, I hope you reach your dreams and that you live every day with a smile on your face. You’re on the most loveable and dedicated people I know and you should never have a bad day in your life. I’m proud to say I’m your friend and fellow colleague and it’s a pleasure to talk to you every day. Never stop smiling and never change June, you’re amazing!!

FROM: MAOREI FILES: NONE

Junnie! Happy Birthday to you! I really hope that you’ll have a good year, and good life for sure, but you get my words, hopefully. Let your career as idol shine for the longest time and trust me, with your personality, how kind and trustworthy you are, everything will be fine in your life! We all love you. Your tiny Mao ♥

FROM: RILEY FILES: HERE

HAPPY BDAY LOVE.

FROM: JINKYU FILES: NONE

June, I won't be here til your actual birthday time due to schedules. This may be rushed, but before I leave I just wanna greet you a Happy Birthday! You know how much I love you. You're like a family now. A little sister that I never had before. Hopefully this year you can achieve any of your goals. I hope you'll stay healthy, and showered with love by people surrounding you. Never ever change and still continue putting smiles on everyone's faces. I love you so much June and I'm thankful that I met someone like you. here's to more birthdays to come! Happy birthday June~~ :D

Hi June, it’s your meme and forever nsfw friend, COST CO! I wanted to wish you a happy birthday, and hope that you’re having a blast, as well as spending time with your loved ones. June, you know how much you mean to me as a label mate, a sister figure and more importantly someone I could call a real friend. I love you and I only want the best for you. I’m so sorry that sometimes I’m too messy, too noisy or if I ever disappointed you. I swear, I’m working my way up there to be a better friend to you. For this new chapter of your life, I wish that you can find the happiness that you wanted. I wish that you can find someone that’ll make you feel happy, loved, important, and special. Because a girl like you deserves every good thing in this world. I also wish that you’ll have a good career ahead of you. More projects, but also more resting time because I also dont want you to get stressed out, drained from working. Fighting June! For me, every day is special when I’m with you, but nothing is more special to me than the day you came to my life and I’ve been happy ever since. Happy birthday June! I love you so much. I love you to the moon and back, to the whole universe. Cosmic love and kisses.

FROM: MINWOO FILES: NONE

Dearest Junebug, Today is your birthday and as much i would love to be say “it’s a beautiful day, the sun is shining” i can’t because Juni made me write this 300 years earlier so i don’t know how the weather will be on the 19th. Beside that, regardless of how the weather will be outside i hope you have the happiest day of your life! And if you don’t, IT’S OKAY! We have the days after to make it up for it. No matter what happens, i’d really love for you to keep that cute smile on your face, always and forever; so i can see your dimples. Always smile, inside and out and be happy because you’ve got so many people by your side who love you with their whole heart. But this isn’t about them, it’s about you! Since february 11th when i met you, you’ve done nothing but made me happy. (except when you stole my damn chips i want them back thanks. jk jk )..  you’re such a cheerful person who spreads happiness and good mood all around her, you make other people’s lives better with just a simple smile and i’d really like you to see that. You’re so precious, don’t ever think you’re not good enough or worthless because that’s a big ass lie. I honestly don’t know where i’d be without you because truth to be told, i’m hooked like that damn fish you hooked in Laws of the Jungle. Nonetheless, you’re a beautiful woman (i can say woman now you’re 20 ok let me live), so cute and sweet, sexy, funny, smart, just perfect. I know you have insecurities, but who doesn’t? You’re still so young so take your time to discover yourself and see what you like and what you don’t, and your true self. I hope you know what you mean to me, and if you don’t well here it is: THE WHOLE WORLD. I don’t ever want to lose you, i want to see you daily and hold your hand daily because i can’t breathe when i’m not around you and i can’t stop thinking of you. I love everything about you, from your legs to your head, to your dimples and small imperfections you expose when your face is free of makeup, to the spot on your thigh and to the crevices in your palm, they all make you perfect and so lovable. I don’t know if you’re aware of this but every time i come see you after a long day, your face lits up and your smile is so big and happy, it makes me extremely happy. Sometimes i feel like my heart could burst out of my chest but i can’t just say it because i’m shy. Or how your eyes sparkle after i kiss you or hold your hand or how you have the cutest giggle ever when i call you “cute” or just how your cheeks become this bright pink when i compliment you. You’re adorable and beautiful, beyond comprehension. I wish you could see yourself in my eyes to see how much i love you. I’m in love with you, 101% and nobody could ever make me feel the things you make me feel. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY Junebug, I love you with my everything! - Minwoo.

FROM: MINJUN FILES: HERE

Let me tell you a story of a girl I used to know, she was clumsy, whiny and used to cry a lot, especially when she felt lonely and needed someone to see her. She used to be quite naive too and always wanted to believe the best in people, no matter how much people told her not to, she still insisted on giving everyone a fair chance, I'll tell you where it got her later. She was pretty too and she seemed to always be surrounded by people's love and attention, although she couldn't always see it herself. Of course, with love there comes hate too, people were jealous of her and started to talk behind her back, saying all sorts of things, twisting the truth and making her out to be a bad person. Thankfully, she had a few people who saw past that and actually stick around until today and can see what an incredible woman she has become. She's nineteen years today and she has already managed to make a name of herself, making her group do well on charts and is much more grown up than most of her age. But that's not really what's so impressive about this person. While being popular and famous, she's still managed to stay humble, to care for her closest friends and family so damn much that she's often in pain when she sees anyone she loves in pain. She cares a whole lot and she does her outmost best to try and make other people around her happy, because in  sense, their happiness equals her happiness, and what more pure form of love is there really? June, I'm sure you know I'm talking about you now, and I want you to know how proud I am of you, to have come this far and to still be working hard, day in and day out for your dreams, for your group and for your friends, family and me. It scares me sometimes to think about how mature you've become, but then in some rare moments I still see the ten year old June, who just needs a hug and June, please know that I will always be here to give you that and a lot more. You will always be my baby sister and I will forever feel as if I need to protect you, but you're an adult now, and I can tell by the way you manage so well with your work and relationships and god, Im just really happy everything turned out so well. When any troubles appear or when you're having a hard time, I'm here, but I'll also be here to spend the good times with you and that's why I'm writing this to you today. Because after all, today is the most special day of the year because it's the day when I was given the most wonderful gift that is you. You're the best thing our parents ever gave me. I love you so much June. Happy birthday. Ah, to move away from the cheesiness for a moment, I had a talk with Minwoo before to make sure you guys are safe, were you to want any kind of funny business tonight, I'm sorry but you know I'm your brother and at least give me this thing to feel as if I'm protecting you. As for your birthday gift, I know you said you don't want anything for your birthday, but considering you're happily in a relationship now and have been struggling a lot to spend time together, I bought you guys a gift certificate for a weekend at Jeju Sauna (which is a great spa, I've visited once myself it's great really). The plane tickets are of course, also on me, so when you both have picked out some dates, let me know the details and I will book everything for you. Please take time to spend together and relax, I'm pretty sure you need it.

Your favorite time of the year is finally here, wah. Honestly it scares me how fast time passes, I still remember when you were seven and I remember in detail how we celebrated it too, nothing fancy but I remember that you were really happy that day and from that moment onward I just wanted to make you smile like that everyday. I’m not going to write something long, I will give you something more personal later, but June I really want you to know that I could never even wish for a better sister than you. Everything about you is perfect to me and I’m so blessed to have been given a precious baby sister as you. And remember, to me you will always be my baby sis, no matter how many birthdays pass us by. I love you June, happy birthday.