#aqua needs the people precious to him to open his eyes to all the ways he has been a light for them

[skania]

Hey! I recently read good part of your posts and I love them as a big AquKane fan :D they're amazing!

Do you think that even with Aqua being so deep into revenge, there is still a chance Akane could save him and even be the endgame? If so, how do you think she would be able to save him? If not, what do you think would take for Aqua to realize everything, that he doesn't have to live for revenge anymore? Curious to hear your thoughts about this!

Sorry if it doesn't make sense and sorry for so many questions xD I love hearing opinions about stuff about my otp so yeah!

Thank you anon!! :D

Do you think that even with Aqua being so deep into revenge, there is still a chance Akane could save him and even be the endgame?

Absolutely! I get the feeling that we'll know whether Aqua and Akane are going to be endgame pretty soon after they start interacting again. If Aka shows that there's unfinished business between them and that the people around them see it, I'd say that it's pretty safe to assume we're heading down the AquaKane endgame road.

One thing is for sure though, Aqua has to be saved. The manga can't end any other way. Since Akane's desire to save him transcends romance, I'm confident she will play an instrumental role in making it possible regardless of who ends up with who.

If so, how do you think she would be able to save him? If not, what do you think would take for Aqua to realize everything, that he doesn't have to live for revenge anymore?

I think it depends on whether Akane right now is just aiming to stop Aqua's plan, or if she's also going to try and get rid of the roof of the issue; aka, all the complexes Aqua carries with him.

In any case, I think that for Aqua to to truly accept that he doesn't have to live for revenge anymore, he needs to accept that he isn't to blame for anything and that his life does matter.

For this to happen, I feel like Aka needs to free him from the guilt he carries after the death of his first mother. I think this could be accomplished by letting Aqua come to a point where he can accept Ai's motherly love for him. After all, Ai is someone who risked her career to deliver her babies because she desperately wanted a family, and she's also someone who died feeling fulfilled because of how much she loved her children. If Aqua is capable of accepting that he is worthy of Ai's love for him, then that may help him realize that Goro's mother likely died loving him and wanting the best for him. Knowing Aka, chances are that she literally died telling baby!Goro "I love you".

However, for Aqua to be able to accept Ai's motherly love for him, he needs to deal with the the guilt he feels surrounding her death. He needs to accept that there's nothing he could've done for her, and that in fact he already did all he could: he gave her someone to love. I feel like this roadblock could be lifted by Ruby. Goro felt powerless around Sarina, like he could do nothing for her, when in fact he was one of the two lights that kept her going. The same thing can be said about Ai, Aqua felt powerless, like he could do nothing for her, when he was in fact one of the two lights that let Ai experience true love. So in this way, Ruby is in the best place to tell him just how meaningful his existence is.

Once Aqua's guilt is alleviated, he should have an easier time embracing his own worth and striving to be happy. I feel like it's only then that Aqua will be truly saved.

But of course, stopping Aqua's self-destructive plan is already a very good start 😂

[yuseirra]

***Onk spoilers***

Vague spoilers alert but I have no idea what actually happens myself yet either. I have little idea of what happens in the last chapter but uh. I'm just getting the idea that nothing really happened. Why am I unamused...

I mean... The clues have been already there in the songs. AND within their OWN story. They should use it. I'm actually worried. Oh but there is no way huh? But why were those things there then??? What was this story trying to accomplish and say through its writings?

I'm really going to believe in my theory in an earnest sense, this story DOES NOT WORK unless that's how it is. There must be a reason why the anime team announced a third season because it WILL NOT SELL if nothing gets resolved. Who'd.. Watch and buy knowing the ending is like this? Anime prodctions are COSTLY and it takes a lot of effort. Aren't they the studio which animated gekkan shoujo nozaki kun and it STILL didn't get another season(I never watched it but I heard it was really good-) then this piece must have a point, right? Some insight to give out?

I can still manage to draw things if things are a status quo because it's NOT the worst scenario for me(aka: if it's still AMBIGUOUS that Kamiki's the one that's harmed Ai if that's still going to be how it is BECAUSE, I DON'T THINK HE'S THE ONE WHO TRIED TO HURT HER! I'M GOING TO BELIEVE HIM HAVING SAID WHAT HE SAID ABOUT AI!! THAT HE NEVER WANTED TO HURT ANYONE BUT JUST WANTED TO SEND A BOUQUET!) but they SHOULDN'T KEEP IT THAT WAY TILL THE VERY END. or do they? Is Kamiki sooo evil? What the heck??

This piece doesn't deserve an underwhelming finale. I genuinely wanted it to be good, so that's why I feel so baffled and startled.. And really sad over it,

I'm going to believe in what I think it is. How isn't THAT it? I think that's really what's been going on;

Like...it hasn't been refuted once hasn't it? How CAN Hikaru do all these stuff? That guy is the black star god. It does all add up. Where do these stars come from, what are they doing in people's eyes. Why was his company's name EYES. He be goin around collecting pieces of his girlfriend THAT'S WHAT, they gave two songs to this guy. Do something about it omygod. I see it actually being a pretty decent story, if it is but they still'd need to bring Aqua back.

I'm just going to...believe in this. Then I can understand and figure out just what this piece was supposed to make out. But if they really just.. Define the dad as the serial killer and blame him for every single bad thing that's happened in this piece as the mastermind(even if it's so, he's NOT WRITTEN WELL TO BE LIKE THAT) then this piece doesn't deserve to have a place to talk about the nature of the industry!!

Oh 154 was my favorite chapter!! I wish it had some kind of meaning to it. I really liked it. Because it had me open my eyes and realize that they can't build a character like Kamiki and make him into a flat-out monster. I was ready to take him as one if they were going to before that but the more I thought of it, I understood it's so rude. It's hazardous to the message. I recognized of it that point or so I thought, so I had an idea that this piece was going to be turn out to be really clever and pretty meaningful.

I can draw a better ending, I'll do it before I move on if I have my love left upon reading the final chapter because this piece had its charms. If.. I'm too lost or lose my passion then.. That's such a shame. It's not something I can control. I never want my love to dissipate myself so let's see how it goes.

Also, Kana does not deserve any of what's been happening to her after the helfway mark of the story, I feel so bad about how they used her character because I find her really precious. As much as the other girls of this series. Since Aqua and her feelings were mutual, it'd have been great if they could be happy with each other.

I really care for Kamiki...ugh.. At this point, can I say I've ACTUALLY been writing him more carefully than the authors themselves(but the songs were so good???? Weren't THOSE intentional? Written with intent~~???) I just...I'm going to give him justice as a character. I refuse to have him take all the blame and I'm really not convinced(unless the last chapter somehow does it for me) BUT AQUA COULD'VE JUST DUNKED THE DAD AND WENT TO JAIL. Just stay a few years there and reunite with everyone right?? The reason why I think he COULDN'T have done that's because Kamiki's something that cannot be constricted with human laws. It really seems like it. How else would this guy "ruin Ruby's future". He really doesn't do ANYTHING. Just him standing there could bring havoc because he's a broken god, I swear that has to be it and why Aqua had felt the need to give his life because!! They say Aqua wanted to live right!!I SAY THIS OVER AND OVER BUT HIS DAD HE TRYIN TO KILL TOLD HIM TO LIVE TOO but he had to go through with it because the man's too broken and became a walking disaster!

Aqua had a "mission" assigned from the gods!! He kept talking about it you know?? So gods ARE involved. They have to explain what that is about-

Okay.

I'm.. Really sure what I made out earlier should be... Right. If they do end up making things vague?? Then this might as well really be it. It holds everything together but why do I have to do the work without the piece telling me about it?

If all things remain pretty much status quo in the last ep, I'm sure I'm..just right. Or this piece is beyond saving, I don't mean it in a sarcastic way at all. I just won't understand what it is.

[magma-queen]

I got into a crazy writing mood after writing that fix yesterday, so here’s some Hardenshipping fluff that no one asked for! 🤣 Enjoy! This was inspired by the brilliant @ticklepinions

“Maaaaaaaax..” Archie groaned, collapsing on their bed, head first. “Maaaaax…”

“Oh, for the love of God, Archie..” Maxie sat up, whacking him on his back with his book. “I am RIGHT HERE. What is it that you need?”

“Ubbles.” He said, muffled from laying against the mattress and covers.

“Uh, one more time?”

Archie twisted himself around and laid on his back, reaching his hand out to his husband.

“Cuddles. Now.”

Maxie smirked at him. “Well, why didn’t you just say so, then?” He scooted himself over to his side of the bed. “Come here, you big softy.”

Excitedly, he hopped over next to him and practically melted, enjoying his husband’s attention and loving touch. He laid his head in his lap.

“What the hell has gotten into you tonight? I’m used to you being all cuddly, but not THIS cuddly.” He blushed. “N-not that I’m complaining. Is there something wrong, Archie?”

“Nah..” he replied. “M’ just stressed out, that’s all.. I just needed some quality cuddle time with me hubby.”

Maxie chuckled. “I see.” He pet his head affectionately, then stroked his chin like a Skitty.

“M-Maxie!” Archie squeaked. “Ack- No! Bwahaha! Stop it!”

He raised an eyebrow. “But why? You look like you’re having so much fun~” He teased, keeping up the tickly touches at his husband’s neck and chin.

“Gahahahaha-!” He scrunched his neck up, pushing Maxie’s hands away. “Quit it!”

*chuckle* “At least I get a smile from you.”

Blushing, Archie sat back up, got into the covers, and wrapped his arms around Maxie’s waist, returning the cuddles.

“Mmm… Yer so damn warm…”

“I’ve literally spent most of my life near volcanoes, Archie. But you love it, anyway.”

Archie guffaws. “I sure as shit do..” He held him closer to his chest. “Hey, Max..?”

“Yes, Archie?” He questioned, looking up at him with curiosity.

His grip on him was gentle, but tighter.

“I know this is gonna sound really random… but I gotta tell ye… yer just like a stress ball.”

While he was telling him this, Maxie was grabbing a cup of water. (Yes. Water lmao) and he almost spit it out.

“*cough* A-A what??”

“A stress ball.” Archie repeated.

He just tilted his head in more confusion. “Archie, love of my life, I don’t understand. How am I like a stress ball? *snicker* I don’t stress myself out THAT much.”

“Well… it’s because ye calm me down every time I’m stressed.”

“Oh. I see. How sweet of you to say.”

Archie then smirked. “But….”

???

Maxie knew what the look on his face meant. “What are you-“

“Heh.. the only difference between ye and a real stress ball…” He grasped both of his sides.

“AAAEEEE!!!”

“Is that ye squeak when I squeeze ye!” He cackled, continuing to squeeze his sides.

“N-Nohohohohohoho! Dohohohohon’t!!” He fell back giggling, trying to squirm out of Archie’s arms. Ahahahaharchihihihihie!!!” He squawked, flailing back and forth.

“Haha! I gotcha!” He teased, pinning him down and squeezing his hips next. “Yer beautiful laugh is what puts me at ease, babe.”

“AHAHAHAHAHAHA!! AHAHARCHIHIHIHIE!! ST-STAHAHAHAHA-!” He wrapped his arms around his stomach, cackling.

“Mm? What was that, babe?” He teased, nuzzling his beard into his neck while squeezing his sides once more. “Didn’t hear ye. What did ye want?”

“STAHAHAHAP!! ST- *SNOOOOOOOORT*

Archie immediately halted, devious fingers pulling away from Maxie. His mouth was open wide, in shock and amusement. Maxie on the other hand was HORRIFIED and slapped his hand against his mouth.

“What… was that..?”

Maxie’s face turned beet red, and he covered his face with his hands. “N-Nohohothing!! J-Just stop!! You’re embarrassing me!”

He smirked even more. “Didn’t sound like nothin’.. I think I wanna hear that again.” He said as he dove his fingers up his husband’s armpits.

“ACK- GAAAAAAAH!!!! NOOOOHOHO ARCHIE GOD DAHAHAHAHAHAMN IHIHIHIHIHIT!!! AAAAAH!! NOHOHOHO!! *SNORT* ST-STAHAHAHAHOP!!!”

“Oh my god.” Archie was almost in tears, his husband was so fucking cute. He gave his hips another squeeze.

“F-FUHUHUHUHAHAHACK!!! *SNORT* AAAAAHAHAHAHA!!!! *snort snort* STOP!! PLEHEHEHEHEASE!!!” He begged, arching his back and trying to wriggle his skinnier body away. No such luck. (Suffer, nerd)

“Hehe.. what’s the matter, Max? Ticklish?” Archie chuckled, easing his tickles a bit so he could answer him. “There’s no way that the leader of Team Magma could be this ticklish.”

“Lehehehehet mehehehe go, Archihihie…” He gasped, clenching his hands at his wrists, thinking that it will stop Archie from tickling him further.

News flash, it won’t. (Lmao)

“Or ehehelse…”

He smirked at Maxie and kissed his forehead. “Or else what, Max? You can’t stop the tickle monster, never can, never will.” He growled, tightening his grip on him, near ready to pounce again. “Damn, ye look so precious like this… I love ye so much..”

This embarrassed the Magma leader to no end. He thanked God that no one could see him so vulnerable, well… except Archie. He struggled, but it was no use. Archie was too strong and he was too weak.

“Me little stress ball~” The Aqua purred, nuzzling his beard into his neck once more, and giving his sides one more gentle squeeze, making Maxie squirm even more.

“No- St-Stohohohohop!” He giggled, trying to turn his head away from his rough, fuzzy beard. “A-Archie-! Hehehehehehe-!”

“Aww, c’mon… Don’t be like that… Ye know ye love my rough beard~ *nuzzle*

The man could only choke out giggles from his mouth, and at this point, he’s completely given up on trying to escape. He was too exhausted. Archie added kisses, which definitely did NOT help it tickle less.

“Hahahahaha- hehehehe A-ARCHIE! No!! Th-Thahahahahat tickles-!”

After a good while, he finally stopped, letting Maxie breathe.

“Ye alright, hun?” Archie finally asked, after nuzzling and kissing him to death. “M’ sorry… yer laugh is such a wonderful sound to me ears… *kiss* Forgive me?”

“Perhaps…” Maxie sighed. “If only I can do one thing.” There was playfulness in his tone.

Archie looked at him and raised an eyebrow. “What’s that, Max?”

“THIS!”

And with that, Maxie practically tackled the bigger man onto the bed and shoved his hands into his armpits.

“GAH-!! F-FUCKAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!” Archie’s boisterous laughter filled the entire room. “MAHAHAHAHAHAX!!! *WHEEZE* WAHAHAHAHAIT!!!”

“Oh, I’m done waiting, dear.” He smirked. “You deserve this more than you think you do.”

Tears had already sprang in Archie’s eyes, clamping his arms down only trapped Maxie’s hands, making his demise much worse.

“ST-STAAHAAAAHAHAAHAAHAP!! MAX PLEHEHEHEHEASE!! I’M BEHEHEHEGGIN YEHEHEHEHEHE!!!”

“Mm.. I don’t think so.” He smiled, lowering his hands to Archie’s sides and tickling faster. “Now that you had mentioned it, your laugh is just as wonderful~ why would I stop now when I can make you sing such a sweet melody?”

Flustered, Archie covered his blushing face, laughing harder.

“HAHAHA- GAHAHAHAHAHA!! *WHEEZE* STAHAHAHAP TEHEHEHEASING MEHEHEHE! HAHA- THAHAHAT’S NOT FAHAHAIR!!”

*smirk*

“Who said anything about teasing? I’m only speaking the truth, my love.”

Their fight continued, and neither of them noticed Shelly walk into their bedroom, yawning.

“You two are being so loud in here, I swear to god… Courts and I can’t sleep.. Tab and Matt neither.” She groaned, but she immediately found it amusing to see her best friend and leader getting his shit wrecked by Maxie of all people. “You, uh.. you okay there, Arch?” She’s never seen him laughing so hard.

“SHEHEHEHELLY FOR THE LOHOHOVE OF GOHOHOHOD HEHEHELP!!!”

“Help?” She grinned. “Okay, then.. I’ll help.”

She walked over to them and whispered something into Maxie’s ear. This made him chuckle evilly and grab both of Archie’s ankles.

“NO! DON’T YOU DA- GAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”

Maxie clawed his fingers at his husband’s feet. And Shelly was watching back, laughing.

“You said to help! And I did!”

“I MEHEHEHEHEANT HEHEHEHELP ME!!!!! NOHOHOHOT HIHIHIHIHIM-! GAH- MAHAXIE!! STAHAHAP!!!”

Maxie just smiled and kept up the attack. He began mocking him. “What’s the matter, Archie? Ticklish?”

“GAHAHAHA- FUHUHUCK YOU- AAAAAH!!!” He screamed when Maxie attacked his knees.

“There’s no way the leader of Team Aqua could be this ticklish.” He continued to mock.

“OKAHAHAHAY OKAHAHAHAY!! I’M SAHAHAHARRY!!! JUHUHUST STOP!!!”

Maxie decided that Archie had had enough. He released him and let him fall back on the bed, gasping for air.

Shelly walked out the door. “Now Goodnight, goofballs! Don’t make me come back in here, or you’re BOTH going to get it! The rest of us need beauty sleep! Especially me!” Then she closed the door.

Maxie leaned his head down and kissed his husband’s cheek.

“Are you alright, Archie?”

“Yeheheheheah…” He laughed, letting Maxie lay down next to him. “M’ okahahay..”

“Is it alright if we fall asleep like this?”

“Heh, whatever you want, babe..” Archie held him close. “Max?”

He looks at him. “Yes?”

“I love ye.”

“I love you too.”

[alice-angel12x]

Leech Twins X Gem! Reader

It was another slow and cold winter in the Coral sea, as the icebergs slowly blocked out the sunlight from the surface. Yet lately many Icebergs have been falling apart lately, they would suddenly collapse and reveal the sun's rays from above.  Azul and the twins would wonder why that's been happening lately. Out of the many years, they lived there this was not a normal occurrence during the winter season.

"I don't mind it, finally we get some sunlight down here in the winter," (child)Floyd sighed.

"It fine I guess, but I don't like the banging noises it makes when they start falling apart. Plus it makes it dangerous to swim near the surface when that happens,"(child) Azul groaned.

Suddenly the iceberg above started to screech and whine as two large icebergs scrapped against each other. The three covered their ears as the sound became unbearable when suddenly that was a loud bang above the surface. Large chunks of ice fell into the water as it revealed an opening to the surface, letting in the sunlight from above.

"Ahh, warm sunlight,"(Child) Floyd smiled.

"What is that?" (Child)Jade asked as he pointed to a sinking figure.

"Probably just some unfortunate human, but I don't think humans are supposed to sink that fast. Jade, Floyd catch them," (Child)Azul said simply.

Jade and Floyd shrugged and same to catch the figure, which was surprisingly heavier than they expected. The twins managed to softly land the figure on the soft sand, and when they stepped to examine the figure they gasped at the sight. The figure had a lovely face, but what was off was the large cracks that ran down her face, and her hair didn't look like anything they've seen. It gave off a beautiful shimmer of Aquamarine.

"Nee, Jade this person is so shiny,"(Child) Floyd smiled as he hugged the figure, " But not so squishy, they're solid as a rock,"

"Careful, you might shatter them,"(child) Jade said with a smile.

"Jade, Floyd what is it?" (Child)Azul asked as he swam as quickly as he could.

He looked over the figure and gasped at the large cracks on her face. Thankfully Azul was able to fix it with coral sap, making the figure look good as new. Suddenly it began to stir as its eyes slowly fluttered open. Revealing beautiful ocean blue eyes she stared blankly at the three faces.

"W-who are you?" The girl asked nervesly, " Where am I?"

The poor girl had lost her memory, and couldn't recall who or what she is or even where she even came from. So Azul simply gave the girl a name, Y/n, but Floyd would nickname Y/n as Aqua or Aquamarine at times. 

Y/n was a freak of nature to the twins, she wasn't soft and completely made out of precious stones, from her hair down to her feet. She didn't require food to keep her going, or even air for that matter. She just required sunlight or light from glowing jellyfish.

"Nee, Aqua-chan try this, it's Takoyaki. It's delicious,"(Child) Floyd smiled as he shoved food in Y/n's face.

"O-oh, no thank you, Floyd," Y/n smiled as she feeds it back to Floyd. He happily chomped down with a smile.

"You never eat, are you sure are okay?" (Child) Jade asked.

"As long as I have light, I should be fine," Y/n smiled as she patted Jade's head.

Floyd and Jade smiled as they hugged her arms. Y/n was nothing Like Floyd or Jade had seen before, so they like to drag her around everywhere they went. As they glided through the water Y/n quickly followed behind as she ran across the sandy ocean floor. 

"I don't see why I'm needed to go to school with you," Y/n said as the twins pulled on her arms.

"Cause school is so boring, We want you to be by outside," Floyd said as he pulled at Y/n.

"Plus it will be interesting to see how our classmates react," Jade laughed.

The powder that covered Y/n's arms, legs, and face soon washed off revealing her gem surface underneath, but as time went on Floyde and Jade grew. Once small children that were half of Y/n size grew to be taller or longer than her. The twins and Azul grew to be handsome young men, but Y/n seemed to be forever frozen in time and remained the same. 

-----------

As Time went on as the twins and Azul started to prepare for the expected arrival of the black carriage. Y/n's mind began to wonder, as she began to wander near the town edge of the Coral Sea, but the Twins don't let her wander too far from them.

"Nene, Aqua-chan what are you doing all the way out here?" Floyd asked as he hugged her from behind.

"Yes, home is the other way. You wander off again," Jade smiled.

"Oh, I'm sorry, but shouldn't you two be making your way back to shore soon?" Y/n asked the twin.

"Huh? You're not going to see us off?" Jade asked with a pained expression.

"You want me to come to see you off?" Y/n asked.

"Of course, you have to be there," Floyd said as he nuzzled Y/n's neck.

Jade picked Y/n up bridle style as they swam to a nearby shore, where Azul was waiting for them. Y/n staring up at the blue sky with wide eyes, this was the first time she saw the sky and sun in 9 years. She slowly wiggled out of Jade's grasps and took her first steps on land in what felt like forever. The microscopic organisms inside her gem body started to make more energy than it has before, she had never felt more awake in so long.

"Nee, Aqua-chan slow down," Floyd whined as Y/n turned to see Floyd and jade slowly crawling up the beach.

As they tried to stand on their new legs, Y/n chuckled and quickly tried to help the two stand. Yet the three once merpeople simply clung to the gem girl for support. So for the first few days, was full of Y/n helping them walk on their own, and watching them fall over many times, but they soon got the hang of things. 

-----------

The time arrived when the carriage arrived, and Y/n though this was where they would part ways. Nope, Jade and Floyd managed to drag her into the carriage with them and bring her to the school, claiming she was the twins Familiar. Surprisingly the headmaster was okay with this, seeing that there was a couple of other students who had similar "Familiars". As the twins and Azul sat with the other students Y/n looked around the room to see other people like her. Near the Scarabia dorm students stood a girl with diamond hair, by a red-headed Heartslabyul student stood a girl with ruby hair, a Pomefiore man had a girl with Ametrine hair standing next to him, a girl with obsidian hair was holding a tablet that the Ignihyde dorm leader spoke through. Savanaclaw had a girl with long hair made of bort. Heck, the Headmaster seemed to have an assistant with Rutile hair.

Y/n simply stared in awe at the many varieties of gem people in the room. When the ceremony finished everyone funneled out of the room, as Y/n walked she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see it was the diamond girl from the other dorm. The two chatted away when they had to part ways into the dorm. The Octavinelle Dorm reminded Y/n a lot of the Coral Sea, and the sense of sleepiness came over her at the sudden lack of bright sunlight.

"Nee, Aqua-chan who was that other girl you were talking to?" Floyd asked as he hugged Y/n from behind.

"That was Dia, and she told me that rutile plans to put us to work and we will be helping around the school," Y/n explained.

"So you won't be staying by our side then?" Jade frowned slightly.

"Awww, that sucks, I was hoping to have Aqua-chan by our side the entire time," Floyd whined as he rested his chin on her shoulder.

_______

So while Azul and the twins studied in the classrooms, Rutile leads the gems outside to help around the school. From wiping down the windows to mowing the grass in the fields. One day during P.E while the 2nd and 1st-year students ran laps the Gem girls were on the side slicing grass with some obsidian blad and while Vargus had to step out of a few minutes. As the students rested, Y/n noticed something odd in the sky.

"Riddle, what is that?" Ruby asked.

"I don't know, Ruby," Riddle said as the rest of the students stopped to look as well.

As everyone watched in awe as the sounds of instruments could be heard. The black cover vanished revealing something odd.

"It's so pretty," Obsidian awed.

"I don't know, something is off about it," Idia whispered.

"What even is that?" Vil wondered.

Y/n stared up in wonder when memories flashed in her mind as fear started t wash over her. The figures in the sky drew their bows and readied their spears and tossed them down on the gem humans below. A spear sliced through Ruby's neck like butter, time slowed as everyone watched Ruby's head and body fall to the ground. Everyone screamed in panic as more arrows and spears rained from the sky.

"We don't have our pens!" Leona growled.

"Everyone back to the school !" Jamil shouted as everyone tried to run.

But when they tried to run spears and arrows cut them off. Y/n turned back to see Riddle trying to carry Ruby's body with him.

"Riddle!" Trey gasped as he hurried Riddle and let ruby's pieces behind.

Y/n looked down at her blade and back up at the attackers in the sky, suddenly her body acted on its own as she ran towards the cloud.

"Y/N!" Jade and Foyd gasped.

"What is she doing?!" Azul gasped.

As Arrows and spears rain down she deflected them with a swing of her sword and tossed some of them back at the enemy. suddenly weird golden lines that ended with hooks and gem spheres. They quickly extended down and wrapped around a fellow gem Ametrine, and quickly dragged her closer to the cloud.

"Ametrine!" Vil cried out.

Ametrine dug her heels into the ground to stop herself, the moment she struggled and pulled. The pins in the gem spheres were pulled out and exploded. When the smoke cleared, Ametrine was blown to pieces. Everyone watched in horror as a few figures from the cloud climbed down to collect the shattered gem pieces. Dia quickly acted and sliced through the enemy. Bort and Y/n jumped up to the vessel and began to slice away at the enemy, who poof away once defeated. 

Y/n ran to the tall enter figure and sliced it in half with ease, but more grenade hooks shot out from the bottom half of the figure. Before they could wrap around Bort, Y/n quickly pushed them out of the way and grabbed at the rope. She hopped down from the vessel and pulled at the rope above the pinned hooks. Dia quickly helped Y/n pull as they ripped the center figure off the vessel, causing the who thing to poof out of the air, but not before a pin was pulled causing the grenades to explode.

"Aqua-Chan!" Floyd called out.

Vargus and Rutile ran out to see the shaken students and shattered and Damaged gem figures.

-----------

"Y/n, Y/n please open your eyes," Said a familiar voice.

"Aqua-chan," Said another voice.

Y/n's eye's opened slowly as her vision slowly came to her. Staring down at her were a pair of 2 mismatched eyes staring down at her.

"Floyd...Jade?" Y/n groaned as she slowly sat up.

But was tackled back down in a bear hug from the twins.

"Your back!" Floyd smiled.

"What happened to.. outside?" Y/n asked.

"Rutile came and put you and everyone back together, while Vargus took the human students back to the school. You were asleep for a week. You managed to defeat the strange enemy from the sky," Jade explained.

"What were you thinking, running towards danger like that. That was stupid Aqua-chan," Floyd pouted.

"As long as I can be put back together, I cannot die-,"

"They wanted to take you away from us," Jade said as he pulled Y/n close to him.

"They were going to steal you from us. Your our treasure, no one else's," Floyd said as the twins sandwiched the girl in a hug.

[seriouslyhooked]

Lighthouse (CS AU)

Short oneshot where Emma is the Princess and Killian is her longtime love. He’s serving his last deployment in the royal navy and she is eagerly awaiting his arrival. Available on AO3 Here and FF Here.

A/N: This is a fluffy drabble that was prompted FOREVER ago by a lovely reader. They wanted the song “Lighthouse’ by Collabro and the story to include a Lieutenant Duckling Reunion fic. It has been so long since I’ve gotten to write something like that, and I have really missed it, so here is my attempt at some cuteness for you all. Thanks for reading, and thanks so much to the awesome reader who suggested this!

Please let him be safe. Please let him come home. Please let him return to me.

The silent prayers were ones that Princess Emma had begged for more times than she could count. Over the past year, while Killian was out at sea, serving in the royal navy, Emma had been beside herself with worry. It was bad enough to be separated from the man she loved, but to know that he could be in danger all this time pained her heart in shades of sadness she’d never be able to vocalize.

If she had her way in this scenario, Emma would be down at the docks, watching the horizon for any sign of his ship in port. No, forget that idea, she’d be on the ship with him, facing whatever harrowing adventures the high seas might call for without a drop of fear. When she was with Killian, nothing could touch her. The magic they shared was a barrier against anything bad, a fortifying force that protected them both, and Emma felt steadier and at peace. But alas, her destiny was written already, and it held no space for seafaring voyages or long treks on the open ocean.

As the one-day heir of the realm, Emma was expected to put on a brave face and attend to her duties. The people looked to her and her family for leadership and guidance. They all played a part in the health of this kingdom, and her birthright was to inherit all of this someday. At some point in the not too distant future, when her mother and father were ready to step aside, it would be Emma who took the throne, but all the grandeur and the power meant nothing to her, not without Killian to share it with.

Every spare moment she thought of him, and imagined what it would be like someday, when this was all behind them. This was his last deployment under the careful watch of his elder brother Liam, and prior to his going, he’d already received her parent’s blessing to marry her, though not before asking Emma for her hand herself. She’d accepted in a heartbeat, failing to let him even finish the romantic question when she understood his intent. She was desperate to be his in every way, and remembering the smile he’d bestowed on her and the kisses that they shared when she’d agreed, it was obvious that Killian felt the same.

Almost a whole year had passed since that miraculous night, and not long after he was sent away, sailing for the edge of the known world to see what lay beyond. It terrified her to think of what danger may lurk in what was unknown, but Killian reassured her that it would all be fine. He and Liam knew what must be done. They understood the sea and their mission, and Killian swore to find his way back to her just as he had so many times before…

“I just wish that you didn’t have to go,” she’d said, unable to hide her tears in the early morning hours before his ship set sail. They’d run off together to the guest house in the garden, a special spot of theirs since they met when they were younger. For years it had been their hideaway. Killian called it their sanctuary, and Emma always thought that was an apt description.

“Believe me, love, if there were any way around this, I would see the course. You know I’d give anything to be here making you mine as soon as may be. But my brother needs me, and your father has been clear. We need these alliances for the good of the kingdom, and the safety of the people, you most importantly.”

“I know,” Emma agreed, understanding more than most how precious their alliances were with the kingdoms of all realms. This voyage, though long and arduous, would protect them for years to come, and was the last request of Killian’s brother Liam before Killian exited the navy. “You just…”

“I just what, love?” he asked, cupping the side of her cheek and watching her with those beautiful blue eyes of his that always made her dizzy. They were so focused in on her, as if the universe began and ended with what she was about to say. In a world where she was important but never felt truly seen, she’d grown addicted to such attentions. Killian truly knew her and still loved her, and she was more herself with him than with anyone she’d ever met. She leaned into his touch and closed her eyes, breathing in the scent of him and savoring the warmth and electricity that came when he was close.

“You just made me love you so much, that letting you go feels like losing part of myself.”

The murmured curse he let loose before devouring her lips made Emma shiver with delight, but she was hardly cold. His touch was like a fire, sizzling through her and marking her as his, just as much as she was marking him as hers. She didn’t know how long they stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, but it felt mere seconds later when they pulled apart. The brightness of the room and the daylight that was breaking signaled much more time had passed than seconds, but it wasn’t enough. No amount of time together ever would be.

“There’s nothing in this world or any other capable of keeping me from you, Emma. My love for you is constant. Not just for this life, but every one from here to always. Have faith in me, my love, because I promise I will be home to you as soon as I am able.”

Though the words were whispered so long ago, Emma still felt them wash against her skin as the sun began to sink over the tree line. Out here, in the back woods of the palace, she was totally alone, but if she couldn’t be with Killian, that solitude was all she could accept. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to fantasize that he was here. Autumn’s chill was back once more. The year was up, and so too should his mission be. In a perfect world she’d hear the gentle crunch of footsteps and catch the subtle scent of ocean waves. The footsteps would approach with precision and determination until the moment just before he reached her where heat flared through her system. She fended off tears at how good her imagination was becoming, and then she felt him, the undeniable press of his body on hers that was so much more vivid than any daydream ever could be. Her eyes popped open and her heart took flight.

“Emma,” he said, nuzzling into her neck as he held her tight and the sound that came from her chest was one of desperation and relief. “Gods how I’ve missed you, love.”

“You came back,” she said, spinning in his hold and seeing that this was truly real. Killian was here and alive. He was somehow even more gorgeous than when he’d left, and he was looking at her with even more affection and love than he’d had before. Tall dark and handsome did no justice to all he was. He was perfection, and he was all hers.

“With a light like yours to return to, there was no other option, love. Trust and believe in that.”

He whispered the words of affirmation as her hand came over his chest. She felt the racing of his heart, and she knew, without his admitting it all that things had been the same for her him as they had for her. She may have been here, and he may have physically been worlds away, but her heart could not reside in a space without him. Now they were together again, and she was whole, happy, and unwilling to ever let him go.

Pulling him in by the collar of his navy coat, Emma almost wept when their lips met after so long a separation. His taste was just the same, his arms, holding her close, the warmest and most soothing home she’d ever known. She was safe here and hopeful, finally believing that the worst was behind them. From here on out things would be different. She and Killian would be together, and there’d never be cause for such sad partings ever again.

“I thought for certain that the love we shared before was as big as it could be…” he murmured, running his hands through her flowing hair and smiling at her, as if he was trying to convince himself that this wasn’t all a beautiful dream they’d both soon wake up from. “How wrong I was in such a thought. This love grows deeper every day. It can’t be quantified. It just…”

“It just is,” Emma echoed, and he agreed, kissing her again and grounding her in a happiness that had been missing for twelve long months. Only when they were breathless, did they break apart, but even then his forehead rested against hers, his arms surrounding her, giving them space to breathe each other in and surrender to their feelings.

“I’ve brought you something, Emma,” he finally said, and she could see the pride in his eyes at the mention of this gift. “It’s something I hope you’ll find worthy of a woman like you.”

Emma knew she’d cherish any parcel from her sailor, but the preemptive affirmations died on her lips as he pulled out a small velvet pouch. Inside the compartment was a ring with a band of white gold, and a green blue gem unlike any she’d ever seen. In the royal vaults there were many treasures belonging to her family, but none that looked like this. It was a sapphire, but colored in such a vibrant aqua hue it didn’t look like any stone she’d seen before. Yet it wasn’t the first time she’d seen this iridescent shade. In fact, it was one that always seemed to find the two of them some way or another.

“Killian, it’s gorgeous,” she said in awe, amazed at how much it looked like the lightest flecks of color in his piercing blue gaze. She knew that in her own green eyes there were flecks of this tone too, a shared sample of their souls, indistinguishable and utterly spectacular. “But you didn’t need to bring me anything. All I need is you, you know that.”

“I do, love. Believe me, a man doesn’t forget such miracles when he’s as blessed as I am. But you are to be my wife, and after searching for some time, I finally found the ring I know was meant for you.”

With gentle ease, he took her hand in his and placed the ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit, and matched the modest white gold of the band he’d given her in promise before he left. Emma knew he’d had the choice of any ring in the castle for his proposal, but he was determined to find something special just for her. She didn’t need anything more than the wedding that would come, but when he shared the origin of this particular gem, she felt its significance.

“I found this treasure at a time of great pain. I missed you so dearly, that even the sea could offer no distraction. Twelve weeks into a twelve-month journey and I was homesick, as I’ve never been before. I walked along the beach in port and found this in a tide pool, underneath a rising moon. Liam gave most of the crew some leave for the first time in ages, but there was nothing that I wanted when I knew you were waiting for me here.

“My brother insisted I get off the boat, despite my attempt at protest, and so I wandered for a while, thinking only of you. Of your beauty and your brilliance and the future you deserve, the one I will do anything to give you. The waves in that water are notoriously unruly and sporadic. They rage along the coast and filter into tide pools unlike our shores here, but the locals claim that the sea bring treasures and tricks alike from far off places. Needless to say I didn’t care about these stories. All I cared about was you. I was thinking that maybe I should come home, even though the mission was not over, and then I found this, glistening in the water just below.”

Emma looked down at the stone and their hands intertwined. She imagined each point of his memory, feeling it so surely, it was like she had been there too. It helped in easing the pain of separation, and she settled in the fact that soon their being parted would be just a distant remembrance, never to be repeated.

“The first time I held you in my arms for a dance, you were dressed in a gown of this shade. I’ll never forget that night as long as I live.”

“Neither will I,” Emma agreed, recalling her public debut. She was a girl of sixteen and Killian was the brother of one of her father’s most trusted Captains, a whole year older than her but already in her eyes so much more mature. Now, so much time had passed, but when he smiled at her the same boyish charm was ever present, and she fell under his spell, stepping into his arms as she would to share a dance. Out there, in the setting sun he held her close, guiding her though there was no music, and she tried not to cry the joyful tears that threatened to spill as he twirled her, eliciting a laugh and making her feel lighter than air.

“Finding this felt like a sign, that even we were parted, we would always be together. I carried it every moment since, knowing someday it would end up here, with you.”

“And now it’s here, and so are you,” she whispered, stealing another kiss from him and halting their dance. He was the sweetest man alive, of that she had no doubt, but suddenly that sweetness was not what she needed. What she needed was love, the love that only they shared, made real in a stolen, private moment.

Reading her mind and her wants with precision, Killian pivoted from dancing to sweeping her up into his arms. She laughed aloud at the motion but didn’t pull back far. Instead she clung to him as he strolled through the back way. A few minutes later, when they arrived back at the garden house she was in no way surprised. She hadn’t been out here since his leaving, but it was just as she remembered, and immediately her sense of inner peace solidified. This was everything she’d wanted and more.

The kiss he pressed on her once they were shut away inside was filled with heat and desire, and soon kisses devolved into so much more, a merging of two people who had missed each other fiercely and we were intent on tying themselves together once again. It was perfect, hard-fought reunion, and Emma would cherish the memory always. But perhaps no part was as special as the glow that came between them when she was wrapped up in his arms hours later, safe and happy as the dawn of a new morning began to break. The world was not bright enough to have created such vibrancy, that was all thanks to them and their true love. As a product of two soul mates, Emma had inherited a bit of magic herself, but that magic was always the strongest in the arms of her Killian.

“Gods above, Emma, you are my light, my truth, my home,” he murmured, his words placed between the lightest kisses that sent thrills of pleasure dancing across her skin. “I’ll love you forever, I give you my word.”

“Good,” she replied, silently affirming that she felt the same with a gentle kiss before finally giving in to the tiredness of her body. And luckily for both of them, the sweet dreams that came of their reunion were nothing compared to the joy of their life together. For they had found something better than wishes – a love so real it would live forever, and a bond so sure it would always lead them home.

………………

Where ever I am Where ever I go Whatever happens, this year I know That you'll be with me to the end When the cold sets in Like you told me all those years ago You hold my hand Where ever I lay And you guide me through come what may Bring the silence through the noise I still hear your voice I remember what I heard you say I'll be your lighthouse Shining bright from dusk till dawn I'll sing a song aloud So you'll hear a voice you know You'll find that somehow Where ever you are, where ever I am Is home Whenever I feel I'm all by myself And every word is a cry for help I just think of you and then I'm safe again I feel you close though you're somewhere else I'll be your lighthouse Shining bright from dusk till dawn I'll sing a song aloud So you'll hear a voice you know You'll find that somehow Where ever you are, where ever I am Is home Do you remember What we used to say? I'll be your lighthouse Shining bright from dusk till dawn I'll sing a song aloud So you'll hear a voice you know You'll find that somehow Where ever you are, where ever I am Is home I'll be your lighthouse Shining bright from dusk till dawn I'll sing a song aloud So you'll hear a voice you know You'll find that somehow Where ever you are, where ever I am Is home Where ever you are, where ever I am Is home

Post-Note: Wow, so first and foremost, if the person who requested this even still reads my fics (because it has literally been something like 4 years since they asked for this), I hope that you enjoyed the chapter. I am so sorry for making you wait so long, but I am also so grateful for your lovely prompt. What happiness this fic created for me as I wrote it. I hope you all get to share in that too as you read the story. I’m also shocked at how close I am getting to 200 chapters of the mixtape. I can’t tell if it is something that I should put on hold, or make a volume two perhaps, but in the meantime, thanks so much to all of you for reading, for commenting, and sending me amazing songs to include. It has meant the world to have your support, and I hope you’ll continue to join me on this slow but steady journey in cute CS oneshots!

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9,Part 10,Part 11, Part 12,Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, Part 16, Part 17, Part 18, Part 19, Part 20, Part 21, Part 22, Part 23, Part 24,Part 25, Part 26, Part 27, Part 28, Part 29, Part 30, Part 31,Part 32, Part 33, Part 34, Part 35, Part 36, Part 37, Part 38,Part 39,Part 40, Part 41, Part 42, Part 43, Part 44, Part 45,Part 46,Part 47, Part 48, Part 49, Part 50, Part 51, Part 52, Part 53,Part 54,Part 55, Part 56, Part 57, Part 58, Part 59, Part 60,Part 61,Part 62, Part 63, Part 64, Part 65, Part 66, Part 67, Part 68,Part 69,Part 70, Part 71, Part 72, Part 73, Part 74, Part 75,Part 76,Part 77, Part 78, Part 79, Part 80, Part 81, Part 82, Part 83,Part 84,Part 85, Part 86, Part 87, Part 88, Part 89, Part 90,Part 91,Part 92, Part 93, Part 94, Part 95, Part 96, Part 97, Part 98,Part 99,Part 100, Part 101, Part 102, Part 103,Part 104, Part 105,Part 106, Part 107,Part 108, Part 109, Part 110,Part 111, Part 112,Part 113, Part 114, Part 115,Part 116, Part 117, Part 118,Part 119,Part 120, Part 121, Part 122, Part 123,Part 124, Part 125,Part 126, Part 127, Part 128,Part 129,Part 130, Part 131,Part 132,Part 133, Part 134, Part 135, Part 136, Part 137, Part 138,Part 139,Part 140, Part 141, Part 142, Part 143, Part 144, Part 145,Part 146, Part 147, Part 148,Part 149, Part 150, Part 151,Part 152, Part 153, Part 154, Part 155, Part 156, Part 157, Part 158,Part 159, Part 160, Part 161, Part 162, Part 163, Part 164,Part 165, Part 166, Part 167, Part 168, Part 169, Part 170,Part 171,Part 172, Part 173, Part 174, Part 175, Part 176,Part 177, Part 178, Part 179 , Part 180, Part 181, Part 182, Part 183, Part 184, Part 185, Part 186, Part 187, Part 188, Part 189, Part 190, Part 191, Part 192, Part 193

[mimiplaysgames]

save it for the morning after, pt. 2

Pairing: Terra/Aqua Rating: E (Explicit) Word Count: 7,384

Summary: Terra learns to trust his body to another.

Read on AO3

A/N: HAPPY TERRAQUA DAY!!! I posted what would’ve been a one-shot last year... then came the messages asking me to expand on that. Considering what kind of writer I am, I don’t know if y’all understood what you asked for: I pick on Terra savagely - it’s dangerous to be my favorite. This piece goes to @lyssala who requested a piece that featured Character C interrupting Characters A and B during moments when they wanted to be alone, when I wanted to celebrate 100 followers on Twitter! I had to split this chapter in two cuz it got too long, so CONGRATS. You get two gifts. <33

~*~*~*~*~

Waking up is a nightmare.

Terra doesn’t remember his dream when he opens his eyes - only the sensation that he’s about to stare into a cloaked face, grinning with sharp canines and bright yellow eyes. His jaws clench badly enough that his teeth grind. His lips feel like they have been sewn shut. He can’t move anything, not his head cemented against the pillow, not his sagging arms or legs, as though the strings he’s used to move them have been cut. 

Not again. 

He takes in oxygen with short, desperate inhales through his nostrils. His fingers claw into the bed sheets as he tries to take back control.

As pleasant as this bright sunny morning, something presses on his chest, crushing his breath.

Yet, the only thing greeting him is an off-white ceiling.

Falling asleep is usually just as bad. It’s not the act of dreaming that puts him in danger - it’s the transition between consciousness and not that he fights every morning and every night. It’s the feeling of slipping out of fear that he’ll never speak again. If he didn’t have to rely on sleep to stay alive, he would just never close his eyes again. 

She shifts next to him, murmuring before quieting.

Terra thanks himself for not moaning or yelling this time. The last thing he needs is to disturb her with his fits.

Aqua rolls over, readjusting her body before nestling into her pillow. She looks so serene like this, bedsheets wrapped tightly around her hips and her breasts exposed, creamy and still.

It’s bright for an early morning - the snow outside reflects the sunlight, painting the entire room in a brilliant glow that illuminates the entire room, including just how pink her nipples really are.

She’s like a mermaid. Precious and rare, something he doesn’t deserve, and he’s the stupidest, luckiest bastard in this world, who has done absolutely nothing to have her in bed with him.

He’s more unworthy than that - he’s in her bed.

Terra lets go of the sheet finger by finger, his breath eventually losing its deathgrip over his throat and settling still, letting his muscles relax and giving his shoulders back some control. Rolling over to his side to watch her, he leans on an elbow. The butterflies in his stomach flurry worse than ever, more excitable than even last night.

Last night… Wow. He can’t believe it all happened. Lying together undressed, touching her, sharing kisses that he dreamt of for years, feeling her on his skin, being inside her, how they exchanged breaths to keep going… now she’s sleeping soundly like she’s in the safest place in the world.

She’s told him before that she has the worst trouble sleeping, but last night, she fell under quite quickly in his arms, taking a spot in the crook of his neck. He’s glad he could help her in any way.

The Realm of Darkness has done an impressive job in preserving her. While Aqua doesn’t smile like she used to, her face is still everything he remembers. Face untouched by marks or lines. Lips pillowy and hair the same color. For her, sleep is peace, very much like the way she used to look when she napped on top of her open books in the library, halfway through an anxious night studying.

She’s been given a second chance at life - they all have, let’s be honest. A rare grace that most will never see. People grow old, they separate from their loved ones, they die. Here two of them rest in a soft bed, keeping their youth, grasping at something like childhood dreams and excitement about their future - but the truth is they’ll never have it again. He’s sorry about that.

And Aqua, she does have scars even if they don’t live on her face. There are scruffs crisscrossing down her arms, two on her collarbone - mostly unnoticeable to anyone who doesn’t know their history. There is one, faded and white on her bicep, that he inflicted on her one nasty afternoon when he wanted to prove that his brand new Keyblade was stronger than hers.

He paid for that afternoon with a severe lecture and a fifty-page essay.

Then there are others - nastier, some braided, others like craters. One on her ribcage right under her breast that curls and splays. There’s a slash across her entire back, and he’s scared of asking where it came from.

Really scared.

Of course, he has to account for all the scars he can’t see: the ones that make her flinch at night, like Ven walking in on her unannounced, taking her by surprise.

She pays for her second chance at life in plenty of ways.

Despite it all, she’s beautiful. She has always been. And when she’s gray and cranky, she still will be.

Her nose wrinkles and she sniffs - some of her hair strands have fallen in front of her face, tickling her.

When he takes the opportunity to brush her hair - gently, gently - off of her face, Terra lingers in the feeling of silk strands as he collects them behind her ear. He’s always wanted to do this. 

Aqua hums, her arms stretching outward. Her chest arches with breath. He jerks his hand away, hoping against hope that he didn’t ruin it.

“Sorry,” he whispers, almost shushing her back to slumber.

Wiggling her eyelids open, the first thing she notices is him. Aqua smirks and immediately covers her mouth with her hand to giggle. 

So seeing him struck memories of last night for her, too.

“Good morning,” he says, trying to sound cocky but his voice is rougher than he wants. 

She brings the bed sheet up to her nose. Her cheeks are as red as a tomato. This isn’t really her usual self, Aqua has always had too much dignity for giggling. But he likes this sudden melting of her defenses - a flustered Aqua is a cute Aqua. 

“Good morning,” she says, almost like she’s about to ask what he’s doing there. Despite covering herself, her smile reaches her eyes, and every time she glances at him, she beams even more.

“Looks like you’ve slept well,” he says with a distinct flavor, like he’s witnessing a scandal.

She narrows her eyes. “What are you insinuating?”

“Nothing.” He clears his throat. “You’re…” Naked. I’m naked. “The proof is under the sheets.”

Aqua composes herself, lowering the sheet to her collarbone, and confidently calms her nerves, her eyes whittling away all that childlike excitement from earlier.

But he knows she knows what he’s talking about, though there’s not a hint of shame in her eyes either. She rolls over to meet him face to face.

“I did sleep well,” she says softly, inching closer, looking up at him.

Her intense blue eyes glimmer, especially in sunlight. Drinking in the sight before her, they find solace somewhere on Terra, even though he doesn’t have the capability to give it to her. 

Terra’s heart thumps and it’s the loudest thing in the room. His fingers strum the surface of the bed, so close to her face. He could tap her nose and make her laugh. Cup her cheek and let her sigh. Stroke her jaw and finally embrace her.

These are all just fantasies, but he indulges in them. Aqua’s quicker to act. She lifts her head up, closing the gap and taking his lips onto hers.

While the ones they had last night were hungry, maybe even desperate, this one is patient, feeling him slowly, taking him in different angles, exploring the sorts of ways she can invite his tongue to do more. 

She gathers her arms around his neck, pulling him as she falls back. When she skates her hands over his shoulders - his biceps and back up to his pecs - his skin electrifies, shooting goose flesh down his spine. 

Aqua lets one hand go to fuss with the sheets wrapped around her chest, letting nothing stand between his bare skin and her creamy softness. 

The contact shocks him and he has to breathe deeper, taking it in like he’s drowning. It helps him feel her all the more.

More. Everything in his twitching groin needs more.

Gripping her waist in a moment of panic - the kind where he’d never feel her again if they let go - Aqua responds by pushing with her weight, rolling him onto his back, pulling them together with her hands on his jaw, her messy kisses pulling hard on his lips (they still need to practice). 

Terra in the meantime glides his fingers up and down her back. Her scar is as long as the list of consequences that could all be traced back to his mistakes. Longer than that - as long as a trail that would lead out the bedroom.

The one under her breast splays like a mess of bare branches in the dead of winter, and he holds his palm there firmly, like he’s trying to keep them from ripping more.

How does he tell her with anything but words that he didn’t quite understand the extent of pain, of how far it could go, until he was possessed? 

Is there such a thing as a hug comforting enough or a held hand loving enough to measure that? 

His hands go to her hips, and squeeze what plumpness she has. He lets her make the decision to rock against his pelvis. Only then does he apply the pressure, make her pant against him.

Terra becomes more impatient, and he kneads her with both hands, starting with her ass before climbing up, taking notice of how her nipples harden under his palms.

The kiss breaks with her smile. 

“What?” 

Aqua is already red from the flush, but now she’s worse for wear and she’s trying to hide it. “Your hands are so big.”

“They are?” He doesn’t know what she’s talking about. Her breasts fit his palms just fine, supple and round. Letting one go, he tests the size by comparing it to her face; it covers everything, from his wrist on her chin to the fingers digging into her hairline, his palm taking up the entire space across her cheeks that he can only see dashes of her eyebrows. “They are.”

She chuckles into his hand, giving it a quick peck before caressing it. Her breath composes itself, and her smile is content. Her gaze is full of light, welcoming him in, and it makes him feel protected. Safe enough to surrender. Maybe even forgiven. She’s about to come back down, and they can continue. He can let her shine on him, let himself go and forget all about this horrible morning-

A knock on the door. “Aqua?”

Aqua sits straight up. Immediately clamps down on Terra’s mouth with her hand. 

Everything suddenly… slams to a stop, and Terra’s erection writhes, begging. 

Worst timing, Ven. 

“Y-yes?” Aqua calls.

Terra stares at her with bulging eyes. Please don’t leave me like this.

She smirks.

“Terra’s not in his room,” Ven says through the door. “And I’m hungry.”

“Okay-”

Terra bucks up against her, gnawing at her toned thigh. It makes her gasp and wrestle with a smile.

“I’ll be right out, Ven,” she says, trying so hard not to choke on a laugh. She gives Terra a sympathetic smile, and quickly, silently pecks his lips before peeling off of him and pulling him out of bed.

His sternum grows stones and they all sink to his stomach. 

Pushing him into her bathroom, she scrambles to pick up all of his items of clothing: his pants, shirt, briefs… is that everything? Yes. She throws them in a heap against his body before quietly turning the knob and closing it.

Her bathroom is chillier than the bedroom, and Terra rests his back against her closed door, grimacing.

Rustling behind him - she hurries to get dressed, calling out a You can come in, Ven, before turning her attention to her bed sheets. 

“Sorry,” she says as footsteps approach her.

Terra keeps his breath steady and inaudible - but it’s so hard. Really. He’s still ready to go, the throbbing in his groin becoming agonizing. It tingles like an interrupted sneeze - worse than that, like a desperate itch with an uncomfortable squeeze - and he pushes and stretches his shaft to make it uncomfortable, just so it would calm down. 

It doesn’t calm down. Why.

“I overslept,” Aqua continues.

Without a pause, Ven says, “So you must have really slept well, that’s great news!”

Terra swallows a groan.

Aqua rustles some more. He imagines she’s nodding, trying to find the right words. “It does feel good.”

“Do you know where Terra is?” the twerp says.

Terra will tell him where Terra is. Terra flips the shower on, only the cold knob. His erection needs it.

There’s an uncomfortable pause from the other side of the door, and Aqua has stopped making her bed.

“Is that him using your shower?” Ven asks.

“His isn’t working.” She sounds so confident.

There’s another pause - something about it, maybe the way Aqua finishes her words so trepidly, that makes the silence seem longer even though it isn’t.

“It smells weird in here,” Ven says, slowly.

“Terra is filthy,” Aqua says, like it’s the most obvious answer. “Ven, when I finish getting ready, I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”

Terra is sure she’s probably throwing daggers with her eyes through the door and he grins at the thought. Most of his pranks are usually thought-out and have some figment of imagination, but this has to be his new favorite. 

Cold water stabs at his skin - it’s terrible enough to make him forget every mood he’s experienced since waking up. He picks up her lavender bar of soap. It smells so different than on her skin, and it invigorates all of his senses. He never thought he’d get the chance to. But here he is, in her shower, covered by a turquoise curtain and seeing how neatly her toiletries line up. 

Ven must have left by now, because Aqua knocks on the door, telling him where she’ll be… after breakfast they’ll all be outside to shovel snow from the lower windows and pathways… have a snow fight, that will be fun… and maybe she’ll see him later? There’s hope in her voice, shyness even. 

~*~*~*~*~

Outside, he can’t help but stare at the way the sun gleams off of the snow. He has to shield his eyes from the way it blinds him, and yet it makes him grin from ear to ear. 

Consider how much better it is than a decade of nothingness.

They were absolutely buried last night, but they all survived.

Snow blocks the front and back entrances of the castle, tall enough to reach Terra’s hips. The trees all sag from the weight, and the fields have hills on them now that don’t exist in the spring. 

What a chore though - his friends don’t understand what it takes out of him anymore, now that he’s back in a body he’s lost touch with for years (to the point that he used to forget he ever had one). Shoveling is a skill that demands all the power in his biceps and triceps, his shoulders, his rhomboids, all the way down to the lower back, straining to the point that it feels like a heavy ball is chained into his skin, pulling down. 

At the same time, he sweats profusely underneath all those layers, like he’s trapped in an oven, baking for two hours past the point of well-burnt. It makes him want to strip naked and run down the woods. 

If Aqua and Ven are enjoying the cold in their faces from the exposure, or finding comfort in the heat of their snug clothes… they’re lucky because they can’t compare. They don’t feel as strongly as he does.

Terra hunches over the terrace, staring at the snow gathered along the stone railing. 

He’s on fire.

Freeing his fingers from his gloves and throwing his knit hat off, Terra plants his bare hands into the snow. It stings. Then it burns in a different way, quick to sear. 

“Doesn’t that hurt, Terra?” he hears Ven ask, skipping over to him.

Terra groans. It’s too much - too much cold, too much heat, yes, even from this morning, lingering and gnawing and asking for release… But he can’t think about that or Aqua right now, it will make it worse. It’s all Ven’s fault.

“It’s actually nice,” he mutters, grabbing fistfuls, nearly wanting to plant his face into it. 

“I guess…” Ven means well. He doesn’t understand what it feels like to be a maniac (his words, not Terra’s). “Making a snowman?”

Terra continues to collect the snow into a ball - it’s massive now, definitely fit for a base.

He grins, and the sight of it strikes nervousness into his best friend.

“What are you-”

Whump.

Ven pummels backward, slammed in the face by a mound of snow. It was so large and heavy that Terra had to carry it in both hands, and it buries Ven when he lands.

Spitting snow out of his mouth, Ven’s nose is now red from the cold. “That’s not fair, we aren’t supposed to have a snowball fight yet!”

Not fair was the interruption this morning.

“Better now than never,” Terra says, lightly stomping the ground with his foot. The earth beneath layers of frozen water hears his call. It vibrates, radiating upward, and a wave of snow bursts outward and covers Ven from head to toe.

“You’re crazy!”

Ven crawls out of his frigid entrapment, and Terra prepares another massive heap. Something about this is very gratifying. He should pick on Ven more often. 

“Heads up!” Ven yells.

A tiny snowball that Ven grabbed in a second - inconsequential, honestly, in comparison to the boulder Terra has now - strikes Terra on the neck.

It’s just the thing to take the beast down.

Snow runs down his inner coat, like a million needles pricking all those sore muscles that got a beating earlier from shoveling. They tense up until they’re hard as bone. It’s cold. Shit.

Terra falls on his knees, beating his shoulder to warm it up as much as possible, but it only gives the snow momentum to scuffle into his pants.

“Aaaaaaaaand,” Ven boasts, “he’s down.”

Terra staggers, the snow burning his hip and trickling down his thigh. He manages to stay on his feet, his skin getting numb. Then he lunges forward.

Ven shrieks and laughs, taking off, running as fast as he can from big, bad Terra. He’s much faster than either of them, yet they sometimes forget. 

Terra underestimates Ven all the time, who is now disappearing into a thicket, but he doesn’t care. Running pumps blood into the right head. The wind brushes through his hair and it chills him all the more, overwhelming with the smell of fresh air, the sting of the light reverberating off of the whiteness, the unresolved frustration, the bead of sweat which has frozen itself on his forehead.

But more than the fact that Terra feels too much is that he’s tired. Sprinting can only get him so far (or so near, compared to how fit he used to be before the fall). He’s quick to lose stamina, and his foot sinks deep into a pot of loose snow. He trips, landing face first. 

It’s cold and it burns, but Terra is relieved from all other sensations just the same.

~*~*~*~*~

Now he can’t shake off the shivers.

Aqua sets a hearth ablaze in the fireplace, a haven within the library on the first floor, close to the doorway which would eventually lead to the dining room. Everything about the bottom floor is situated like a home fit for a family. It’s expansive, where all the hallways interconnect so no one can get lost. It’s where all the pleasant memories live. 

This isn’t the place where they had their first kiss, though. Nothing on the first floor can hide. 

Terra rests on the lounge chair, a massive thing that swallows anyone smaller than him in a dark forest green. It looks black now that the sun has dipped behind the mountains so early today.

It’s a deep enough color to hide all the torture that three rambunctious children have whipped on the poor thing. Terra has a faint memory of where the stains might be, but he can’t find any.

The fire isn’t enough. Terra has an ocean blue blanket to boot, wrapped around his shoulders. Aqua’s. She’s always been the neatest of the three, so he can’t imagine this would have any evidence of foul play.

The door behind him creaks and he hears soft, bare footsteps approaching him. Unlike her, sound doesn’t really make him nervous. 

But having her near him does. Always has, and maybe always will. 

“Doing better?” She puts a warm hand on his forehead for the fifth time that evening to check for a fever. She was the one to find him slumped and groggy in the snow outside. Of course. “You’re still cold,” she mumbles.

At her touch, his heart beats obnoxiously for his attention, like a shrill child being purposefully ignored. Look, look, she’s touching us!

He groans. 

“No, you’re not okay?”

“I am,” he says. “I just hate how I’m feeling.” 

Aqua grins, taking a seat on his armrest, bringing one bare leg to her chest. She’s wearing shorts, and Terra takes a quick glance over. A baggy sweater covers most of her body, and his heart is now thrashing, knowing exactly what it looks like underneath. 

But it’s her eyes that hold him still.

“You’ll get used to it,” she reassures him, nodding into her knee.

That’s usually her answer, and she’s right: the day he came back, the minty taste of mouthwash burned a hole through his jaw, and he had yelled from the pounding in his ears. You’ll get used to it. 

Now, it just gives him a tense headache. See? 

It’s her confidence that he finds so comforting - like she knows all these hyper-feelings will sort themselves out if he gives it another day (or week, or month). After all, she has said before, he’s been out of commission for so long.

Terra wonders if she’s ever said that to herself, night after night in the Realm of Darkness. It’s okay to be alone right now, I’ll get used to it. 

Aqua does such a fantastic job holding it together, even late in the night, when he almost expects her break. She never does. How does she do that?

Love is such a strong word to use, but it’s the truth. 

Terra knew it as a child. Aqua had begged him to play a tea party with her, under very specific conditions: she was the lady knight and he was the princess. She made him wear an apron and a paper tiara to play the part. As much as he begrudged the idea, the moment she told him he was holding the teacup wrong, he knew - he was going to marry her. 

Adults would say that children wouldn’t know any better, but child-Terra knew his heart, and he knew it would never change.

He loves her now, as vibrant as the forest becomes the moment the rain hits. One day, he’ll get used to the feeling and won’t feel the need to cry at the thought.

He thinks about telling her what his last thoughts were, right at the moment he lost it all: her cerulean eyes. How there is the faintest sliver of amethyst in them if they reflect off the sun at just the right angle if he was close enough to see, like a secret jewel nestled in the shallow water of a beach...

“You’re right, I will,” he mutters.

“No more knocking yourself out in the wild?” She chuckles. “Please don’t worry me like that again.”

“I won’t, I’m sorry.”

She hums. “It’s nothing to be sorry about.”

There’s a lot to be sorry for. 

Terra’s eyes fall for just a second. He can’t kick the habit of struggling with his own existence sometimes, but she finds reason after reason inside that insane mind of hers to smile when she looks at him. She forgives him way too many times, and it makes that small girl who barked at him for sipping his tea too loudly at a dainty party seem so distant.

Aqua brushes the tips of her fingers on his knuckles, leaning forward. “I’m…” Stopping herself, she searches the carpet for something to say, anxiety creeping into her face. Try as she might to say more, she can’t bring herself to. She’s chipping. 

Terra turns his palm over to take her hand in his. She’s the one to thread their fingers together.

He doesn’t know why everything knots in his throat either, too apprehensive to come out. Love is a strong word to say after years apart. He’ll let her say it first, lest he scares her more.

If she ever does. Though he’s not scared of it himself. 

The sound of footsteps approach from the hallway, and Aqua releases him before straightening herself out.

Terra’s heart sinks at the silence that crashed between them, uninvited. It drowns when it gets to his stomach, but it will breathe eventually. 

“Chicken soup for the big loser,” Ven announces, rolling a cart with a boiling pot behind him. There’s a stack with three bowls, and spoons. 

Terra and Aqua don’t say anything back, readjusting their posture and pretending that nothing has occurred this moment, this day, or last night. Terra brings his fingers - the ones she held - to his lips. They’ve made contact for so little that he can’t smell her scent on them, but her warmth lingers.

Ven’s about to tease some more when he glances at each of them. “Am I… interrupting something?”

“Not at all, Ven,” Aqua says sweetly, composed. She approaches his work, all the pieces that have crumbled away coming back to her. “It smells delicious.”

Ven tosses a pout at Terra, who’s uncharacteristically quiet in the vicinity of savory food, but Terra gives back a reassuring smile. It’s dimmer than he wants it to be, and Ven’s smart enough to notice it, but he says nothing. 

The rest of the evening passes with pleasant conversations, as it goes:

They have never found a good enough reason to talk about anything else. Why bring the darkness back inside when they make a habit of lighting all the lamps at night?

In every case when one of them is ready to talk, they lock up. Swallow. Cough. Next question.

Pleasantness has its tremendous advantages, as it reminds them the worth of being alive: the warmth of drinking this wonderful soup together, the joy of sharing a joke, the thrill of panicking over the thought that Ven could catch Terra and Aqua in the middle of a compromising position. 

They belong together, the three of them. Wayfinders were specifically made for that pact, and that’s something Terra would never trade anything for... he just wants something more from Aqua, and that shouldn’t break the delicate balance between the three. It shouldn’t, and maybe he’s still naive to think that way.

When the evening sweeps into night, Terra falls into a slightly different dance with Aqua. Lingering looks across the hall, right over Ven’s head, followed by nervous chuckles, with the grand finale of never whispering about what they would do before bed (if they’re going to bed together at all).

And when Ven finally retires to sleep, it’s just the two of them, with nothing left except to improvise. 

Nothing in their timid conversations gives Terra the right opening to bring the subject up. 

He’s ready to expect it’s just him and his hand tonight when Aqua holds his wrist to keep him from returning to his room alone. 

“Do you want to…” Aqua hushes. She brings her hand up to brush her hair out of her face but it stops right before contact, like she’s lost the way. “Um…”

“Sleep with you?” Terra blurts out.

A shocked grin stretches across her face.

He stammers, running a hand through his hair.

There’s nothing wrong with sleeping with her - in fact, the night they came home, they all slept in the same bed, just so they didn’t have to be separated.

Terra’s being dumb - of course sleeping has a different connotation now, even between best friends. Why is it so awkward to bring it up in conversation? It was so much easier this morning when they woke up naked and could do what was natural from there.

Leaning on her door frame, bringing himself closer to her body, Terra braves what’s really on his mind. 

“I- I’ve been thinking about it all day… I want to kiss you again.”

Aqua considers him for a moment. She stands on her toes and brings her mouth to his for a small peck, for a second, for a third, longer one. 

She eyes Ven’s closed bedroom door nervously - it’d be a hell of an explanation if he catches them now. 

So Terra steps into her bedroom, barely illuminated by a single desk lamp that’s living its final days, and she closes it behind him. 

Whipping around, Aqua throws her arms around Terra’s neck, aching for a fourth kiss and so many more that neither of them can keep count. Terra squeezes her waist to his body, bending over to meld her to him while she digs into his hair.

Somehow, holding her this closely isn’t close enough. 

When Terra massages the small of her back, it rustles her sweater so that his fingers make contact with her skin. 

Aqua takes this as her cue, tugging at his shirt. She breaks contact (for an excruciating second) to pull it over his head and he responds in kind by undressing her sweater and tossing it. 

With her bare, soft, springy breasts against his chest, he tastes her lips, her tongue… They have to pant for breath in between but they can’t take the hint to pause. And yet - 

They still aren’t close enough.

Terra picks her up by her thighs, wrapping her legs around his hips to carry her. She buries her face in his shoulder to muffle a laugh, and she yelps when they fall together, bouncing on her bed.

With her head against her mattress, he can now kiss her deeper. His pajamas are so thin he can feel her pelvis in every way when he thrusts and he’s dying to take them off but he doesn’t want to part from her mouth either.

They’re running fast, desperate to finish what they couldn’t from this morning, and he doesn’t know what he should do next - if he should be focusing on some area on her body, or if she’d like him to do something and he’s not understanding what she needs. 

So Terra slows down, savoring her bottom lip, bringing the whirlwind to a breeze, letting them both breathe easier. 

He grazes her jawline and she trembles when he gets to her ear, lingering at a spot he discovers really makes her shiver. She squirms like she finds his lack of speed unbearable, grinding her hips up onto his. He groans. 

She still makes a point to whisper. “On your back.”

So bossy. Terra stops to snort. “Those are fighting words.”

“I want to make you feel good.”

“You first,” he says, his voice rough.

“I mean it.” 

Aqua’s hands push against his shoulders, massaging every curve in his pecs, and her legs wrap around his as she makes the first attempt to roll him over.

“Terra.” Her breaths deepen when he stays in place.

“I insist.” 

He isn’t going to let her make him the focus of all her attention just yet - and they both know she’s always lost at wrestling with him. 

She tries her game anyway, lifting herself to reunite his lips with hers while they sit up.

Both options are tempting. Terra can surrender to her, melt under her touch so she can have her way, and let her think she’s won. That’s a nice fantasy… but he doesn’t like losing either.

He laughs into her smile, grabbing her wrists and bringing them over her head. He holds them together in between the thick fingers of one giant hand, and brings her weight down with his. He’s won, easily.

Then he takes his other hand to brush his fingers across one nipple, from top to bottom, while his lips find a good spot on her neck that makes her whimper. She rocks her hips with his, coaxing him into a slow, intoxicating rhythm. Her shorts are also thin, and she’s wet through the fabric. It sets him on fire, sparking from his pelvis and burning up to his chest. It’s so hard to resist her. 

“What are you doing,” he murmurs, and he feels her giggle from underneath her pulse. 

“Playing a strategy.” She gasps and tenses from his nibbling. “I think I’m winning.”

Traveling down her collarbone, Terra finds himself at her breasts, taking his first taste for the night while rolling circles on the other, eliciting a moan from her - one she keeps stifled, so she’s not too loud.

“Not yet,” he says.

“Give it time,” she says, bringing one leg to hook around Terra’s hips.

Terra growls into her skin. She’s making it difficult.

She’s winning.

“Dammit, Aqua,” he whispers into her chest before standing up, taking her shorts and panties with him before fumbling with his pants. 

Pleased with herself, Aqua rises to meet him, a hand snaking down his abdomen, playing with the tuft of hair before going lower. 

He’s weak when she strokes him, when she grabs him, when she rubs the entire length, twisting her hold. She’s a quick study, and the gooseflesh crawling all over his back slips him into a stupor. He tumbles over the bed. His pants bind him by the knees still, but they’re forgotten. 

Straddling him, Aqua settles. Slowly, too - she’s adjusting herself to him before taking him fully, and if he didn’t know any better, it feels like the sweetest, sickest comeback for teasing her so bad.

A shiver strikes through his spine when he gets warm and she gets tight. He has to bite his lip to keep himself from moaning out loud. 

Meanwhile, Aqua experiments with her movement, her angles, her speed, whether she should rock her hips back and forth. She looks good on top of him, naked and bouncing and enjoying herself, running her palms across his carved abs, feeling the ripples where his skin dips. Something about the way she leans her head back sends Terra on a high. 

His hands feel everything. He measures how her waist curves inward before following the trail out to her hips. The muscles on her thighs buck with every thrust she makes.

It doesn’t matter how she looks: with or without clothes, in bright light or in poor light, even with shadows chiseling her amazing form, none of it does her any justice. 

She’s beautiful. He’s lucky. 

The more she moves, the more he comes closer to that brink, and he’s too drunk to find the words to tell her. The best he can do is moan her name, and when she gently shushes him, it turns him on even more.

But then his heart beats too hard. It stings as sharp as a cut.

The monster with the sharp canines smiles. Snaps its jaws.

The brink will make him fall over (and never get back up again). He’ll die. No. He’ll lose control. Go to sleep. Lose her forever, all over again. 

Terra grips her hips and lifts her off of him. “No no no no,” he says, lurching up, leaning over the edge of the bed. “I can’t, I can’t.”

“Terra?”

He shudders from the heat rising to the top of his head. His hands tremble violently, and he rubs the pads of his fingers against his palms to make sure he can still feel. Gritting his teeth together, Terra takes all he has to stop himself from yelling - no need for Ven to spring out of bed and burst in here to save the day - and the effort withers Terra to exhaustion. 

Aqua holds the back of his hand - very gently, brushing her fingers first to test if he’d have a strong reaction. He realizes that he never responded to her. 

“Did I do something wrong?”

“No.” Terra holds her face, stroking the worries off of her cheek with his thumb. “You were,” he swallows. Even in such dim light, her eyes keep their rich brightness. “You’re perfect.”

She doesn’t look like she believes him. A dark thought trickles in his mind, and suddenly he can’t look at her anymore - she must be so disappointed with his awful performance.

“I’m just a basket case, I’m so sorry-”

“Don’t say that.” She gifts him the most generous smile, one he doesn’t understand. But that’s Aqua, never asking for something in return. 

She hugs him warmly, giving his shoulders a steady hold as if to keep him up. 

Despite how big of a man Terra is, now he is fragile, wilting into her strength. He wants to be more like her, to keep himself together. Silent tears stroll down his cheeks until they land on her bare shoulders and continue on their way.

With his palm, Terra rubs their existence off of her skin. 

A much-needed chill comes down his spine - she’s cooling him off with her magic, letting the Blizzard gently wisp off of her fingers. 

“Can you talk about it?” Letting him go, Aqua throws her feet over the edge of the bed to join him, side by side. 

Terra cannot. He stares at his knees, throwing glances at her to create words out of thin air. 

Aqua threads her hand under his arm to interlace their fingers together, resting them on his thigh. Her hand is so small in comparison, but in Terra’s opinion, it’s a perfect fit. 

“I think I have an idea of what happened,” she says when she’s waited long enough. “Even when we spar, you don’t let yourself go all the way.”

Feeling like he’s finally seen, Terra unravels. “What if I lose it and go crazy? What if I hurt you?”

She eyes him for a moment. At first she’s full of concern, but she’s the type that when she faces anything that intimidates her, she’ll find a reason to stay brave. “Then I retaliate. I’m good at that.”

It sounds like such a simple and logical answer that Terra can’t help but feel silly for never considering that she’s stronger than he is. 

Yet there’s plenty to worry about - she deserves a better lover that wouldn’t have fits in the worst of times, or threaten to kill her in the best.

“I know,” she continues when he says nothing. “It’s weird to have good things.”

Terra huffs. Drawing his voice low, he says, “Aren’t we supposed to tell ourselves that we deserve them?” She shifts uncomfortably against his arm, and he chuckles cynically. “Maybe we can hope.”

“No,” she drawls, rubbing circles on his knuckles with her thumb. “Hoping is dangerous.”

The scar on his chest is rough under the touch of his palm. Those have been the truest words he’s heard in years, and they worry him. If they continue to try again, he’ll continue to dissatisfy her, with no guarantee he could give her what she wants. 

“It feels like,” he says, “willingly jumping off a mountain.”

Aqua leans her head on his shoulder, watching the stillness of her carpet with him. It’s as dark as the deep sea. 

“It does. We’re supposed to stay optimistic, and the letdown destroys us until it numbs. And then there’s nothing left.”

“And then there’s nothing left,” Terra whispers back.

“Wishing is a little safer.” He feels her smile into his bicep. 

“That’s more like willingly drowning yourself.”

“Taking one swallow isn’t too bad by comparison,” she says, squeezing his hand harder. Her cheek trembles, and her eyes dart back and forth across the room. She’s chipping again. “Can I make one wish?”

“Of course.”

It takes quite a moment before she speaks again, and all he hears is her ragged breathing. It almost sounds like she’s about to cry, but she doesn’t. She’s a miracle.

“I wish for a good night’s sleep. I wish you’d stay in bed with me. I wish for more time with you, and… I wish you’d come back tomorrow night. Or maybe I could go to your room. Either way, I don’t want us to stop.”

Since he’s been expecting her to wish him away, Terra chokes on a sob. He wants the same, and he wants to say it, and he wants to kiss her again but he’s shocked. If he slips one word, he’ll fall apart and she’ll have to carry him all over again.  

He squeezes her hand back, and all the tears wanting to pour out of his eyes find their place in the strength of his grip, and they stay dry. 

As though she understands what he’s not saying, she smiles. “It’s a journey, just like everything else, right? I think there’s every reason to step off that cliff, and I want to be there with you when we do.”

Terra sits with her words, comfortable in the quiet. It’s not like they had a teacher to coax them in the right direction about the art of tumbling in bed. In the privacy of his mind, he can pretend the reason she’s willing to be patient is because she loves him, too. 

“I needed to hear that,” he says, his pajamas slipping off of his ankles. He’s completely exposed but his skin is just the outer shell. The fact his soul has been heard is the most naked he’s ever been. “I’m impressed.” 

Aqua holds her breath. “You’re impressed? What’s that supposed to mean?” 

He stifles his snickering but it only makes it harder not to laugh. 

“Nevermind, don’t answer that,” she says, giving him a playful shove. “I know I put my foot in my mouth, sometimes.” 

“Sometimes.” 

“Which means I’m sensible other times.” She holds up a finger to make a point.

Terra lifts the hand he’s holding and kisses the back of it. She’s still so much like the girl who glared at him when he slurped his tea. “Whatever you say, I’ll play along.”

She shoves him harder and finds herself in his clutches, under threat of unbearable tickling. She locks her laughter up so hard that it slips out in squeaks. Without her magic, she’s completely futile against his ferociously giant hands. She admits defeat when they fall on their backs. 

Now they rest, and she’s finally close enough, their bodies locking warmth in between.

They whisper good night through soft, innocent kisses. Aqua finds refuge on his shoulder while her arms go limp on his thick waist, one leg tucked in between his, burrowing her body into his. Every time she drifts in and out and remembers that he’s with her, she inches closer.

How she wants to be near him this much blows his mind. He tells himself he’ll get used to it. 

Her breathing slows as he rubs circles on her back, and soon enough, she’s asleep, like she knows nothing except a world without nightmares or shadows. 

It’s been a long time since he’s thought about when they first started sparring - how they paused before striking, how they confused a cue for another and hit each other when they weren’t supposed to, how they bickered and teased when the course of the game adjusted to their skill level. They didn’t know what they were doing then.

Last night, she gave him the benefit of the doubt, too, telling him all they need is practice. 

Now’s the perfect time than ever - Terra whispers into her hair until he finds it easier to say, knowing she won’t hear him until he’s ready to face her.

I love you. I love you. I love you.

~*~*~*~*~

A/N: I SWEAR this will end happily. I swear it. To be continued.

[artificialqueens]

Whiskey Girls, Chapter 1 (Branjie) - Mac

AN: Hi hi! So this is a little thing I’ve been working on for a bit! Thanks to Meggie for betaing and being a gem of a human. Hope you enjoy!

Summary: Brooke plays lead guitar in an all-female rock band. Vanessa owns the local bar in the tiny town of Walls, Mississippi. It’s the late 60s and it’s hotter than hell.

The oppressive heat and small town backdrop act as the perfect set for their chance encounter.

The summer of ‘68 brought record high temperatures to the Mississippi Delta, Desoto County ranking among the top ten hottest places in the US that year. Temperatures reached upwards of 110 degrees for two straight weeks.

But if you asked any local, they would tell you the same: it’s not the heat that gets you, it’s the humidity.

…

Rolling up into the little town of Walls, Brooke smiled instinctively, the small town ambiance reminding her of her own upbringing in a little community on the outskirts of Ontario. Though to be fair, Walls had that southern American flair that not many other places could boast. In that, it was ridiculously hot and housed a maximum population of 3,000.

This was made evident by the lack of buildings, or maybe Brooke had just gotten used to the bustling city streets of Los Angeles. Even after only a few month’s residence in the city, she had already become accustomed to the fast-paced nature of life there.

It was oddly refreshing when their tour bus pulled up to the only motel in town, the age stains on the outside of the establishment calming in their simplicity. The garish aqua of the doors clashed with the faded rust-red window trimmings, making the whole layout horrendously outdated.

But Victoria Motel stood proudly in its place, not looking a day over ancient.

Brooke liked it that way.

She and her fellow bandmates piled out of the bus, bags thrown over their shoulders, as they headed toward the small office just off the collection of rooms.

Nina went in and got their room keys, as was customary after they sent Yvie in a few stops ago and got the cops called on them. They were even deeper in the south now and attracted enough attention as an all-female rock band as it was, they didn’t need any more trouble.

As the group stumbled down the long corridor, dragging their feet in their exhaustion, Brooke chanced a look around, noting vending and ice machines just past the farthest room. She felt sweat on the back of her neck begin to slide down her spine, slipping down each vertebra with every step she took. As more sweat began to prick at her hairline, Brooke was faced with a hard truth, the heat was inescapable.

They had barely unlocked the door to room 138 when Yvie launched herself onto the only bed in the rundown room.

“Dibs,” she mumbled against the off-white comforter.

Nina just rolled her eyes and looked to Brooke who shrugged. They both turned in time to see Scarlet get a running start from the door and launch herself on top of Yvie, the younger of the two shrieked at the sudden weight on top of her.

Nina and Brooke just backed away slowly, content to let the pair fight it out.

They walked a few steps over to the adjacent room, pushing open the door with a bit of extra force as it stuck to the frame initially.

They surveyed their home for the next few weeks.

The walls were a drab sort of yellow that was patchy in some places, exposing the much rougher green pigment beneath it. The comforter on the bed looked worn in the middle.

But Brooke set her things down anyway, her precious guitar in the far corner of the room next to the bathroom. Nina smiled when she wasn’t looking.

The older woman stretched out on the uncomfortable-looking bed as Brooke turned around.

“You hungry?”

Nina shook her head.

“You about to pass out?”

Nina nodded, letting her eyes drift shut.

Brooke smiled softly to herself before turning to look at the still-open door to their room. “Well, I’m gonna go look around the town a bit.”

Nina pried one knowing eye open. “I knew you would.”

Brooke wiped at the back of her neck sheepishly.

“Go on.” Nina nodded toward the door.

Brooke gave her oldest friend an appreciative smile before shutting the door behind her quietly.

Brooke breathed in the hot Mississippi air, and a part of her felt like it never left her lungs. She walked down a few dirt roads before coming upon a paved street that led to what she presumed to be the heart of the town.

There was a collection of storefronts: a hair shop, a grocery store, and a municipal building all shared one edifice. Across the street was a drugstore and hardware shop. Each local business named after presumable residents of Walls.

Brooke continued walking down the sidewalk, noting the smattering of flyers on a bookstore front.

She came to the end of the street to find a bustling diner and the town’s local bar, Vanjie’s.

It was a bit run down, looked a bit like a barn, felt every bit what Brooke had expected from the small town.

The cheery music and boisterous conversations that could be heard just outside the establishment filled Brooke with surprising calm. The windows were wide open. They had to be with the Mississippi heat being what it was. But they also allowed the combination of music and conversation to flow freely out to her, drawing Brooke closer.

The well-worn wooden steps creaked as Brooke ascended them. The crisp summer night air brushed against her cheeks, and she smiled instinctively as warm light spilled out of the building and across her form.

She pushed open the door, noting the chime of the bell above her head.

The bar was crowded, but not overly so. Locals were gathered in groups around tables or waiting in line for pool. Brooke eyed an unused dartboard in the far corner next to the bar.

But what really caught Brooke’s attention was the pretty girl tending said bar.

She had her head thrown back in a raucous laugh that beat and echoed against the dark wood walls. Brooke found herself helplessly pulled closer to the gorgeous woman, whose chocolate brown eyes and wavy dark hair framed her face almost angelically.

Brooke pulled up a stool, the rough wood scratching against the floor.

The woman didn’t notice her at first, enthralled by an older man’s outrageous facial expressions coupled with his wide sweeping gestures.

Brooke watched for a while, as the pretty brunette gave laugh after laugh to the poor soul.

She only noticed Brooke’s presence when the man she had been paying so much attention to nodded in her direction. The bartender thanked him with a gentle hand that lingered a bit too long, before making her way over to Brooke’s side of the bar, sidling up and leaning across the counter.

“Haven’t seen you ‘round before,” the woman drawled, her accent thick, but not strong enough to overpower her words.

Brooke looked up from where she had been fiddling with the corner of a napkin, and god the bartender was even more beautiful up close.

“No, you wouldn’t have,” she mused.

“Just passin’ through?”

Brooke smiled to herself. “My band is on tour. We’re making a stop here for a few weeks.”

“Oh, you in a band?” The woman raised an eyebrow. “That supposed to impress me?” she teased.

Brooke chuckled and looked down to fiddle with the napkin again. “No, but I play guitar.”

“And why’s that impressive?”

Brooke glanced back up with a devilish smirk. “It means I know how to use my fingers.”

Usually, when Brooke came on strong to women they did one of two things, they either melted on the spot or rejected her without another word.

But this woman, this gorgeously fascinating woman, just whistled high and shook her head knowingly. “You sound like trouble.”

“You seem the type to like trouble,” Brooke shot back.

The pretty bartender hummed noncommittally, but the corner of her mouth quirked up, which Brooke counted as a win.

She smiled and eased back in her seat, mind suddenly swimming with possibilities.

It wasn’t often that she came across other people like her. The world was changing, albeit at a glacial pace, but it was changing. Still, setting foot on southern soil always made unease pool in Brooke’s stomach. The constant worry, and even fear at times was crippling.

But for some reason this girl seemed to ease that nagging. She made Brooke feel brave.

“What can I get you to drink, Miss Famous Guitar Player?”

“An old fashioned.”

The woman smiled to herself before nodding and turning away.

Brooke watched her walk, openly admiring the view.

She knew she was being ballsy. More reckless than she probably should be seeing as they were in rural Mississippi. But she couldn’t seem to help herself, the charm practically rolling off her tongue of its own free will.

And who was she to deny herself?

When the pretty girl flirted back.

Brooke let her eyes stay fixed on the bartender as she made her way over to the unoccupied dartboard in the corner, beginning to fire shot after shot against the board.

The woman came over to place Brooke’s drink down on the table behind her, and much to Brooke’s surprise, she sat down at said table and propped her feet up on the stool across from her, eyes never leaving the dartboard.

Brooke soon learned her name was Vanessa and she owned the place. Brooke thought she was awfully young to be a business owner, but Vanessa didn’t elaborate. She got up every now and then to top off drinks and keep everything running smoothly, but she always came back to watch Brooke throw dart after dart against the board.

She didn’t say much, only made discontented noises under her breath when Brooke messed up a throw.

After one particularly lousy shot, Vanessa stood up with a huff, her irritation reaching a boiling point. The stool scraping against the floor set Brooke’s nerves alight, but she stood her ground, watching from over her shoulder as Vanessa took three confident steps forward so she was practically flush against Brooke’s back. The younger woman’s hands moved almost in slow motion up toward Brooke’s shoulders.

Her eyes flicked upward in that suspended moment in time, question clear in the dark brown orbs.

‘Is this okay?’

Brooke nodded dumbly, surprising herself with how much she suddenly craved skin to skin contact.

Vanessa smiled, and time moved normally once again as her shorter arm ran the length of Brooke’s outstretched hand, wrapping loosely around Brooke’s that held the dart.

“You gotta line yo’ hand up with the center.” Her breath tickled the base of Brooke’s neck, sending pleasant shivers down to her toes.

Brooke did her best to focus, her mind feeling hazy as Vanessa’s warm exhales beat against her already overheated skin.

“Keep lookin’ at the center,” she instructed. “Don’t look away.”

Brooke focused, lining up her shot with Vanessa’s steady hand as a guide. She breathed in and out slowly, steadying her suddenly racing heartbeat.

Vanessa led her hand slightly back toward their faces.

“One. Two. Three.”

Brooke turned her head just the slightest bit at the last second and the dart went flying, landing with a resounding thud just off center of the bullseye.

“You looked away!” The bartender exclaimed, eyes wide, one hand planted firmly on a hip.

“I couldn’t help it!” Brooke threw her hands up dramatically. “You’re too pretty. It’s distracting.”

Vanessa chuckled and shook her head disbelievingly, “I dunno where you come from, but down here you ain’t talk to another girl like that.”

“Well, where I come from you don’t blush like that unless you’re interested.”

Vanessa bit the inside of her cheek to hide a smile.

Brooke made no attempt to hide hers.

The two women stared at each other for a beat, letting the past few minutes wash over them, getting lost in it.

“I gotta get back to work,” Vanessa finally said, cutting into silence.

Brooke nodded, making no attempt to stop her.

Vanessa lingered a moment, seemingly torn about what to say. She shook her head and made to get back to the bar, but stopped a second later.

She turned back to Brooke. “You’ll come back tomorrow, yeah?”

“Was that a question or a request?”

Vanessa rolled her eyes. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

Brooke chuckled and nodded her head. Yes. She would come back tomorrow

…

As Vanessa locked up the bar for the night, she found her mind kept drifting back to the beautiful blonde stranger. Her long legs and bright blue eyes and her incessant flirting that Vanessa really should have put a stop to sooner.

She still wasn’t entirely sure why she didn’t. If anyone else had been half as brazen as the woman, Vanessa would have kicked them to the curb without a second thought.

But for some reason, the playful smile at Vanessa’s lips wouldn’t abate.

No matter how much she wanted it to.

[thefinalkey16]

The Fall

Before you even face the thirteen, every last one of you will be torn heart from body.

Sora had grown used to these sorts of threats that the Organization seemed to give over the years. None of them had ever managed to follow through with it  before Sora and friends put a stop to their plans.

Sora had held onto that fact, had had such confidence that, just as they had every time before, they’d blow away the darkness-consumed Terra and swiftly defeat Xehanort and the rest of the Real Organization XIII.

But that confidence began to chip away slowly as each of their guardians fell, as each of his friends fell.

First it was Ventus. He had all been powerless to stop Terra from dealing such a blow.

Then it was Axel. Again, he’d been too slow to stop Terra. How could anyone be so fast?

Then Donald tried to stop him, and even he fell, exhausted and spent with the spell he used to protect them all.

That had been the breaking point, where Sora’s once unshakable confidence and optimism started to come undone, a small tug at the thread that had bound him together.

None of it had felt real to him. His friends were so strong that they couldn’t have so easily been defeated... Could they?

But soon, even Aqua grew hopeless. And then the darkness snatched her from them.

Donald, Goofy, and the King were next, as were Axel and Ventus. Each of them scooped away by the darkness before Sora could even think.

And then the darkness seized Kairi, along with the last of his hope and strength.

He had helplessly watched it all happen. He’d helplessly let this happen. What kind of hero was he if he couldn’t even protect his friends? Whenever he’d been in trouble, he had always leaned on them for support, and they’d never let him down. But when it was his turn to protect them, he failed.

He was worthless. Useless. Weak. A lost cause.

They should have never trusted him to be one of the seven guardians of light. Master Yen Sid should have given the title to someone else, someone who would have actually been able to stand against Terra. Someone who could actually save them all, instead of the broken mess of a failure that he’d become.

It was no wonder the keyblade hadn’t chosen him originally. It was no wonder he had failed his Mark of Mastery exam. He wasn’t deserving of the Keyblade Master title. He didn’t even deserve the keyblade.

All he had left now was Riku, and even he was taken by the darkness.

It was over, they had lost.

And it was all his fault.

‘And so, as foretold, darkness prevailed, and light expired.’

      _____________________________________________________________

His eyes opened wide, and he gasped as he sat up in a cold sweat. His heart beat in his chest like a hammer, and he looked around to find that he was in bed, back at the makeshift tent he’d set up to camp out at the Islands on the night of the final battle. He crawled over his sleeping bag and poked his head outside the tent, seeing the tents of Kairi and Riku still there.

“So that...was just a dream?” he said aloud, disbelief filling him.

It had felt so real. The helplessness, the despair, all of it.

That was merely prophecy, Sora. That’s what’s to be expected tomorrow, should you still choose to fight as a guardian of the light, came Xehanort’s voice inside his head. His voice was calm and matter-of-fact, mixed with a hint of amusement.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he demanded, his stomach twisting in knots with the fear that Xehanort’s words might be true.

As you are now, your precious lights will fall, one by one until you’re the only one left. You’re too weak for this battle, Sora. You’re going to be the downfall of your friends, and they’re going to hate you for it. You already know it’s a lost cause, so what’s the use in fighting anymore?

He used to be able to answer that question. He used to be able say he fought for his friends, that he fought to save everyone, that he fought to prove he could be a hero. But now? What was the point of fighting against the darkness? If that truly was what was to come, what was the point in having all of his hopes shattered? What was the point in reliving how worthless he was to all of them? He didn’t have the unbreakable optimism that they’d always looked to him for. He didn’t have the strength that he’d once had. He was a washed up hero who didn’t know when to call it quits.

He was feeling colder by the second, and he could feel the darkness building inside of him, crashing against him like waves in the ocean, slowly growing larger and larger until it was ready to consume him. The light in his sapphire eyes dimmed, tears brimming along the edges.

You’re worthless alone, aren’t you? All the major battles you’ve fought, you’ve only been able to win because you had other people to help you. The only way for you to be of use now would be to join me. The darkness would give you strength unlike any you’ve ever known, and you finally would no long have to rely on those friends of yours. You’d finally have purpose again, the voice purred into his mind.

The words stung to hear, and the worst part was that Sora himself couldn’t deny any of it. He couldn’t deny what a burden he was to everyone. Riku, Donald, and Goofy were always coming to his aid to help him in battle. Axel had even sacrificed himself to save Sora multiple times. Roxas had sacrificed himself for Sora. Kairi had saved him too, from reviving him back from being a heartless, to bringing him and Riku back home from the Realm of Darkness. His friends had always been the ones to save him, and what good was he to them?

“But if I joined you, I’d have to fight them, wouldn’t I?” he asked softly, turning his gaze lifelessly toward the tents of Kairi and Riku.

Let the darkness handle that part, Sora. Once you give into it, it won’t be a worry of yours anymore. Think of it as a chance to prove you’re stronger than they think you are.

He didn’t want to leave them, his friends. But maybe this was his chance to protect them, in his own way...this would force them to find another guardian of light, someone who could be of more use, someone stronger, wiser, better. Someone they actually needed, instead of someone they kept around out of pity.

“Fine...I’ll do it. I’ll...I’ll be your vessel.”

--------

I don’t remember writing this fic, but I thought it would be fun to share! 

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #395: After Coco (Kingdom Hearts)

9:22am in the Morning.......

Lea: (Got up From the Couch and Starts Yawning) Morning, my peeps....

Xion: (Giggles Softly) Good morning, sleepyhead.

Roxas: (Snickering) How was your sleep?

Isa: (Holding his Mug of Coffee in his hands) You know....after everything that happened last night.

Lea: Honestly, I slept like a new born- (Noticed Everyone in the room looking at him with a Smirk on their faces) Uh...why are you guys looking at me like that?

Isa: No reason.

Roxas: Just Cause.

Xion: Yeah. It's not like we saw you being emotionally precious last night~

Lea: "Emotionally-".....................('Sigh Heavily') You're talking about me crying last night, are you?

Roxas: Now you're catching on.

Isa: Had no idea you were so Emotional, Lea. (Sips on his Coffee)

Lea: ('Scoffs') So I cried over a Pixar movie, big deal! Everyone cries while watching these movies!

Xion: True. But you kind of took it to the extreme.

Lea: To the extreme? Xion, all I did was tell you guys how much I love all of you. It really wasn't nothing to it.

Roxas: (Smirk Grew Bigger) Okay. But are you sure that we're the ONLY ones you cried to last night?

Xion: Hmmmmmmmm?~

Lea: ..........What are kids talking about?

*Flashback*

*Cellphone Rang*

Kairi: (Picks up her Phone) Hello?-

Lea: (From the Other Line) KAIIIIIIRIIIIIIIIII!!!

Kairi: Axel?! H-Hey, what's wrong? W-Why are you crying?

Lea: Kairi, you're the best, adorable little sister I ever have in my life! And I'm so happy be the big brother who LOVES YOU VERY MUCH!!!

*Call End*

Kairi: (Place her Hand on her Chest while her Heart Begins to Melt from Lea's Sudden Call) Axel.........

..........................................................

Lea: You're amazing kid, Sora!! And you deserve the world for EVERYTHING you done for us!!! THE WORLD!!

*Call End*

Sora: (Smiles Brightly while Blushes Appears on his face Bashfully)

..................................................

Lea: You're a smart kid, Riku!! You're worthy of being the Keyblade Master! Hell, you're practically a better Master than Mickey and Yen Sid COMBINED!!

.................................................

Lea: You're an honest to good kid, Ven! I really wish me and Isa get to hangout with you more when we were both DUMB KIDS!!!!

................................................

Lea: Aqua, Terra, you guys are the best teachers any of us can EVER asked for!! You're even the best Blueberry Mom and Muffin Dad any of us ever known!! I'm so glad we became BEST ADULT FRIENDS!!!

................................................

Lea: You're the most precious, most sweetest Cinnamon Roll I ever have the pleasure of meeting, Namine!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR NEVER GIVING UP ON MEEEEEEEE!

*Call End*

Namine: (Place Both of her hands on her mouth in Shock while Tears Falling Down her Eyes)

..................................................

Lea: Vantias.......(Took A Deep Breath) I don't care what you.....or anyone else says........but to me, your family, and to all of your group of friends........... YOU'RE A VERY GOOD BOI!!!

*Call Ended*

Vantias: ........................The fuck?

*Flashback Ended*

Xion: And after that, you instantly went to sleep like a baby.

Lea: (Unconvinced) Okay. I know I cried to you guys about how I feel, but there's no way my emotions was that bad enough to call up the whole squad.

Roxas: You sure about that?

Lea: Yes. I am sure, Roxas. ('Scoffs') I mean.... That's sounds completely ridiculous on paper, am I right?

*Doorbell Rang*

Isa: You might wanna get that.

Lea: ('Sigh') Fiiiiine.....(Walks Towards the Door) I swear, I don't know what to do with you people most of the- (Eyes Widened once he Opens the Door) time......

Everyone of the Seasalt Family's friends stares at Lea with Sincerely, Smiles on their faces. Some with tears on their eyes (Sora, Kairi, Namine). (Except for Vantias, who turns away from Lea while Blushing)

Lea: Uhhhhhhh.....Good morning-

Kairi: Oh, Axel!! (Gives Lea a Big Hug) Thank you for being the Big Brother I never had. I love you so so much! (Gives Lea a Kiss on the Cheek)

Sora: (Hugs Lea next) Your a Sweetheart, Axel! I'm sooooooo glad we became friends!

Riku: (Happily Pat Lea on the Shoulder) You're a good person, Lea. Don't ever change, okay?

Ventus: (Patted Lea on the Back with a Smile on his Face) I'm always free to hangout anytime you want, Lea.

Aqua: (Gently Grab Both of Lea's Hands with a Sincere Smile on her face) Thank you for being our students, Lea. As well as our Cherished Friend.

Terra: (Smiles Softly) Yeah, man. We're really glad we met you.

Namine: (Hugs Lea with Tears in her Eyes) Y-You're too kind, Lea.....('Sniff') Thank you so much for being my friend! (Burst out Crying into Lea's Embrace)

Lea: (Surprisedly but Gently Hugs Namine Back) Kiddo.....

Vantias: Hey!

Lea: (Turns to Vantias) Yeah?

Vantias: .........................Thank you.

Lea: (Couldn't Believe What is Happening Right Now) Jesus.........I really did poured out all of my emotions to you guys, haven't I?

Xion: (Happily Nodded)

Roxas: (Smirks A bit more Sincerely) And you thought we were lying to your face this entire time.

Aqua: There's no need to be embarrassed, Lea. Your words, while completely out of nowhere, made us all really happy yesterday and even now.

Sora: And we just want you to know that each and everyone of us here loves you with all of our hearts too!

Lea: (Eyes Widened) ...........Damn you guys.......(Tears Coming Out of his eyes) You're about to making me cry all over again.......

Sora: (Immediately Hugs Lea Again) Oh Lea.

Kairi: (Joins in on the Hug) Don't cry. It's okay.

Roxas: (Joins in) We're all here for you, man.

Xion: (Joins as Well) And we're not going anywhere. I promise.

At this point, Lea was already Engulfed by the love and care his family and friends are giving him......When suddenly.....

*Ahem*

Everyone: (Turns to see Isa with a Small Smile on his Face)

Isa: While I would love to see this emotional presentation last longer, would you all like to join us for breakfast today since you're here?

Everyone: (All Agreed while Saying 'Yes' to Isa)

Namine: Yes, please!

Isa: ('Sigh') (Great......Now there's ten mouths to feed this morning.....Still, as long as they're all here.....I guess it wouldn't hurt to make everyone breakfast.....just this once.)

Inspired by @khtext

@26shann

@keyenuta

@albion-93

@cyber-wildcat

@chompycroc

@ma-lemons

[misskikuwrites]

Recognitions and Realisations

Bede/Gloria (Dressedinpinkshipping)

Post-game spoilers

-

Gloria's heart froze at the power spot detector readings. There was a surge at Ballonlea. A spike at the Fairy Gym. Where Bede was.

"Bede…!" Gloria gasped, causing Hop and Piers to glance back at her. Without thinking, without explaining herself, Gloria called out her Corviknight and leapt onto it's back.

"Hold on - Gloria?!" Hop cried as Gloria took to the sky in a flash, a blur of dark wings shooting skyward.

She didn't care about the rules. About taking a sky taxi, about the laws she was breaking by clinging desperately to the back of her own pokemon as she flew over Galar. There was a rampaging dynamaxed pokemon at Ballonlea's Gym. Bede's Gym.

There was no time to waste.

-

Bede huffed, heading into the lobby of his Gym from the stadium and shaking his head. Since when was it the duty of a gym leader to defeat stray dynamaxed pokemon in their own stadium? The whole debacle had been a waste of his precious time and effort. Hadn't even been a challenge. A few precise hits of Iron Head from his Mawile had the giant Hatterene reverting into its normal form in no time.

And now he had a trashed stadium to deal with.

Bede tsked, preparing himself to head back in there to begin the tedious cleanup process when the automatic doors to the Gym opened. He stifled a huff in his throat, ready to explain that the Gym was closed, when a familiar voice called his name. A voice that made his heart skip.

"Bede!"

He caught a flash of pink. A blur of motion before a body slammed into his, arms wrapping tight around his neck. A rush of heat surged through his body. Coursed right to his face as Gloria hugged him close. Tight. Her body pulled flush against him.

"Wh-Wh-What are you doing?!" Bede yelped in horrified indignation, his arms flailing at his sides in the open air. Stuck between pushing her away and pulling her closer. Surrendering to her hug.

No, he was not- he was not thinking of hugging her back.

"G-Get off me!" Bede squawked. He pushed her shoulders away and she peeled off him, stepping back with giddy relief on her face.

Gloria gave an embarrassed laugh. "Sorry! It's just… you're okay! You're not hurt!" She cased him up and down quickly with her eyes. "When I saw the power spot readings, I got so worried I came over here without thinking."

Bede scoffed, folding his arms and forcing the remaining tingle of heat off his cheeks. "You think I, the elite Fairy-type Gym Leader, would have any kind of trouble?" The concern lingering in her eyes had his chest warm strangely. "Please… please don't tell me you came here to help?"

Did she really think him that weak?

Her cheeks coloured and a weight dropped in Bede's stomach. She really thought that…

"First of all, you're a bit late to be of any use," Bede continued, "and second, I didn't need any help."

"Right. Of course." Gloria nodded, breathing a nervous laugh. "You'd have no trouble with a dynamaxed pokemon."

Realising how stupid she must have looked, rushing over here in a flustered panic, made her flush.

"It's just… with those two weirdos and them stealing all the wishing stars, I-I didn't know if they were going to dynamax more pokemon this time or…" She was rambling.

"Hold on. Who stole the wishing stars?"

Gloria stiffened. She shouldn't have mentioned that. Bede's gaze hardened. A riot of emotions swirled behind his eyes, dampening the light she had only recently come to notice.

"Um…" she shot her eyes away. Bede stepped closer.

"Explain yourself. Now." He stepped into her personal space, giving her no option but to look at him. Her cheeks coloured a rosy pink, her eyes flickering across his face, his smooth porcelain features as if taking it all in at once. It made that strange feeling flutter in his stomach again.

Why was she looking at him like that?

"Stop gawking at me and explain yourself. Who stole the wishing stars?" He wouldn't step back. Wouldn't give in, wouldn't back away and let her win. He wasn't going to give up that easily, even with the fluttering in his belly spreading to his lungs.

"They… um… these two guys stole them from Sonia. They used her assistant. Their names are… uh, Sordward and Shielbert, I think."

Bede's glare became incredulous.

"I'm serious!" Gloria huffed. "They've been forcing wishing stars on pokemon and making them dynamax against their will. We've been following the power spot readings in order to track them."

Bede scowled at the wall behind Gloria. "And they took the wishing stars? All of them?"

"Yeah…" Gloria nodded slowly. She stepped back and pulled out her Rotom phone, bringing up the power spot locations again. "I guess if everything's been handled here then I should-"

"Oh, no you don't. You're not getting away that easily. I challenge you to a battle!"

Gloria balked at him. "What? Now?"

Determination hardened in Bede's eyes. "That's right! My whole life has been determined by other people for so long, even Oleana tricked and manipulated me… From now on, only I decide how I want to live!"

Gloria swallowed, heart fluttering. He always spoke like that, so dramatic and eloquent and forceful. His stunning violet eyes levelled on hers.

"And I think what I should do now is have a battle with you, Gloria! Your only option is to accept!"

The fire in his eyes sparked a competitive blaze inside her. "You're on!" She drew out a Pokeball, expanded it in her hand. A smile cocked her lips.

Bede smiled in return. "My Pokemon and I have risen from the ashes… I'll grant you a brief glimpse at how amazing we've become!"

Pokeballs flew as the two sent out their first Pokemon. Bede's Mawile against Gloria's Cinderace. She grinned at the obvious type advantage she had.

"My days as a Gym Leader have made me stronger than you," Bede said. Despite facing down her Fire type, the confidence in his eyes didn't waver. "You just might be the strongest Champion in Galarian history… so I'll carve my name into Galar's history too - by defeating you!"

Gloria grinned. "I'm not going down that easily! Cinderace - use Pyro Ball!"

"Dodge it!"

Mawile couldn't scramble fast enough out of the path of the blazing Pyro Ball. One scorching hit and Mawile fainted. Bede tsked but didn't flinch, sending out his Gardevoir.

"Again, Pyro Ball!"

Bede's Gardevoir spun out of the way, graceful as a dancer as the fireball streaked past.

"Future sight!"

The Gardevoir prepared a psychic attack, leaving her open for another shot of a Pyro Ball. It struck head on, Gardevoir fainting with a cry.

Bede stiffened and drew out his Rapidash without a word. His Rapidash was faster than her Cinderace, striking with a flurry of Psycho Cuts. Gloria's Cinderace took them head on, bracing with his arms before the Future Sight attack hit.

"Cinderace!"

The fire rabbit collapsed to his knees and fainted. Gloria recalled Cinderace and grit her teeth. Bede had gotten stronger but she wasn't done yet.

"Go, Corviknight!"

Bede scowled at the second type advantage she had over him. Her damned Corviknight and it's steel wing.

But he had his Rapidash and her speed. He used the Corviknight's lack of accuracy with it's attacks to his advantage, his Rapidash galloping circles around the steel bird.

"Oh, come on!" Gloria cried as the third Steel Wing missed. "Fine then - use Brave Bird!"

"Dodge it!"

Corviknight came in hard and fast, finally slamming into its target and knocking the Rapidash out cold.

"Yes!" Gloria pumped her fists and Bede stole his eyes away from that cute habit of hers and sent out his Hatterene. Now wasn't the time to get distracted.

Not that she was distracting in any way, shape, or form.

At all.

Gloria grinned at Bede's final pokemon. His Hatterene was powerful, yes, but it was also slower than her Corviknight. This battle was as good as over.

"Steel wing!"

The corner of Bede's mouth pulled up and Gloria realised too late he had planned on that. On her confidence.

Her overconfidence.

"Mystical fire!"

"No!"

Gloria's Corviknight flew head on into the blaze of fire that roared out from Bede's Hatterene. The fire was blinding, an explosion of light filling the lobby until it faded, revealing Gloria's Corviknight fainted on the floor.

The smirk on Bede's face made Gloria flush in embarrassment. She recalled her fainted pokemon and looked through her remaining team. With that Fire move both her Froslass and Tsareena were at a disadvantage. And her Haxorus was out of the question.

Gloria snatched her Gyarados' Pokeball and sent it out. She'd have to do with this.

Bede still had that smirk on his face. That smug grin he always wore during battle. Nowadays though, it accompanied a sparkle in his eyes.

Had he changed up his Hatterene's moveset just to counter her pokemon? Gloria threw that thought away. All steel types were weak to fire - any Fairy-type trainer would have a way to counter them. Especially Bede.

"Gyarados - use Hydropump!" It was time to hit hard.

The blast of water buffeted the Hatterene but it stood strong. For a moment, Gloria almost thought she saw a smirk on the Hatterene's face that matched Bede's.

"Use Psychic!"

Enough special attack moves, then, Gloria thought as her Gyarados braced through the Psychic. "Aqua Tail!"

With a crash of Gyarados' heavy tail, Bede's Hatterene shuddered and fainted.

The battle was over.

Gloria breathed a sigh of relief before pumping her fists in celebration. "Yes! We did it!" She praised her Gyarados before recalling him into his Pokeball.

Bede huffed as he recalled his Hatterene and muttered, "there must be some mistake… I mean, I'm the one who's the Gym Leader!"

Gloria grin softened as she approached Bede, finding the words to say in her mouth to thank him for the battle. Before she could say anything, though, Bede stuck out his hand.

"Thanks for the battle," he said quietly, taking Gloria's hand in a quick handshake before turning away. "I guess… I can now accept you as Champion."

If it wasn't Bede who was speaking, Gloria would've thought she'd heard a slight tremble in his voice.

"It's painful to admit, but I've come to understand a few of my weaknesses." Bede turned back to her, that determined glimmer in his eyes shining bright again. "But I'll keep getting stronger. I'll reach the pinnacle of what Fairy types can do."

Gloria smiled. "I look forward to it!"

Bede tore his eyes away from her smile, mouth opening to speak when the Gym doors opened again and Hop and Piers strode in.

"What are you doing here?" Bede scowled. "You're much too late to be of any use."

"We're not here for you," Hop countered, powering over to Gloria. "Gloria! What were you thinking, taking off on your Corviknight like that? What if something had happened or you'd been caught?"

Gloria flushed darkly as she felt Bede's eyes fall on her.

"You flew on your own Corviknight?" Bede asked, voice incredulous. "What on earth caused you to do something so foolishly reckless? Do you have no concept of self preservation?"

"Hey! It's your fault she flew here like that!"

Bede turned his scowl onto Hop again. "You're blaming me for the Champion's recklessness? Last I checked she was her own person."

"H-Hop!" Gloria squeaked.

"You're so ungrateful! She did that because she was worried about your pompous mug, though I can't see why when you're always trying to prove you're better than everyone else!"

"All right, that's enough kids," Piers said in a bored tone, stepping between Hop and Bede.

"I'm not a kid," Hop argued.

Bede, however, turned his gaze to Gloria. That strange fluttering in his belly returned, warming at the dusting of pink on her cheeks.

"You… you did something so damnably foolish because of me?"

His heart thumped an unsettled beat.

"I-I was worried about you," Gloria muttered. "Who knows if those two weirdos were going to show up here and cause more chaos…"

"Bit late for that," Hop said. "There's three more Gyms with surging power spot readings, remember?"

Gloria sighed pensively and took out her Rotom phone. She tried not to stiffen as Bede leant over her shoulder to see as well. "They're at Stow-on-Side, Circhester and Hammerlocke. Just how many pokemon are they going to dynamax?"

"We don't have time to waste! Let's go find those two weirdos and take back the shield!" Hop cried, whirling on his feet to leave.

Gloria went to follow when Bede caught her wrist. "Hold on."

Gloria stilled, meeting Bede's gaze as Hop and Piers left the Gym to call them a sky taxi. Bede's hand was warm around her wrist.

"What is it?"

He stood close. There was something in his eyes she couldn't place. He released her wrist as quickly as he had taken it, holding out a league card to her.

"Here," he said stiffly, shoving the card at her. "Since you're the Champion and all… if anything ever happens, I suppose you could call on me."

Gloria took the card and flipped it over in her hand. "This is…"

Bede's rare league card. Him wearing his Fairy Gym uniform, eyes sparkling as they did when he battled. It was signed neatly in the corner with his name.

Gloria glanced up to meet Bede's eyes and he stole his away.

"They printed too many of them," Bede said hurriedly. He wasn't looking at her, a faint dusting of rose on his cheeks. "May as well give you one."

Gloria's heart warmed. "Thanks, Bede." She slipped her bag off her shoulder and dug around for a moment before producing a card of her own. "You can have mine, then!"

Bede took it from her, not even glancing at the card, and nodded silently.

"I've got to go but I guess I'll see you around if I ever need anything!" Gloria gave him a brisk wave and trotted away.

Bede curtly waved the moment she was already gone and let out a breathless sigh. He turned the card she'd given him over in his fingers and his breath caught.

It was Gloria's rare league card of course, but that wasn't what stunned him. She was wearing her Champion's gear, the photo framed on her face as she wore that determined smile of hers, brown hair curled lusciously down her shoulders. Her signature adjourned the bottom half of the card, a tiny heart drawn beside it.

Bede snatched the card away and shoved it deep into his pocket. It was just a spare. Unlike the card he had given her, this had to be one she had lying around in her bag. The heart meant nothing.

Nothing at all.

And yet the card felt like it burned his skin through his pockets.

He wasn't going to be able to forget it for a long time.

[sasuhinasno1fan]

Cats and crystals- Lukadrien June Day 27

Fueled by tiredness and the desire to post something for the ending days of @lukadrien-june since come Monday my summer job officially starts and I plan on washing my hair tomorrow which is an all day affair so we’ll see if something get’s posted tomorrow. I got inspired by @write-it-motherfuckers prompts, the first chunk of this actually taken from one of their prompts with changes for Adrien’s gender and such. The other was the possible werecat one who gives them precious stones. It was almost the cat who gives it’s new owner it’s past owners necklace but I couldn’t come up with much. A lot of supernatural cats, wish I had more time. Anyway, please enjoy Cats

Ever since he was little, Adrien always had a strange affinity for cats. No matter where he was, they seem to drawn to him. It isn’t uncommon for strays or other people’s pets to approach him when he was out and about. He’d even watched the big cats at the zoo’s react similarly, bounding over to the glass and rubbing against it insistently. Don’t even get him started when he had a photoshoot with lions – his father didn’t want to but the photographer insisted it went with the theme and had signed so many agreements that the designer would sue him to high hell if anything happened to Adrien. They treated Adrien like he was a cub, messing up his hair and growling at anyone they thought was bothering him until he would pet them mimicking their noises.

It didn’t surprise anyone that when he finally moved out of his father’s eyes, he ended up with quite a few cats living with him. He had been unable to send them on their way, when they were so in need of some love. He grew up with scatter giving of love from someone who was supposed to take care of him, he didn’t want the same for them if he could do something about it. That’s what brought him here, buying a massive amount of cat food at 3am on a Sunday.

As he turned from the now almost empty shelf, ready to go in search of the last few items, he ran straight into a broad chest. Looking up, he stammered a flustered apology, heart pounding with fright. For a moment, he swore their eyes flashed, pupils pulled into slits, but the second you blinked, they were back to normal, or as normal as teal green to aqua blue eyes could be. Ok, maybe he shouldn’t be so judgemental. Marinette’s eyes seemed to be different shades of blue based on her mood and the sunlight reflecting off of them. but he could have sworn the person’s eyes went from blue to green, almost the green some of his kitties’ eyes were, and back again.

The person in front of him, a guy, had dark hair, streaked with so much blue it almost looked like the black had been added in, not the other way around. The small exposed holes of his gauges were mostly hidden by his hair and the hood of his oversized sweatshirt. He wasn’t saying anything, more so staring at the necklace around Adrien’s neck.

There was one particular cat that Adrien took care of but didn’t live with him. The cats didn’t mind the cat, but they never stayed. Only stuck around long enough to beg for pets, steal human food from his plate and give Adrien precious stones and crystals. He was not kidding, he had a ruby, emerald and onyx hidden in his apartment, the crystals taking up residence on the counters and ledges of his home. The one around his neck was a chrysoprase, already held in a next of firm cord, dangling from a piece of soft cord that didn’t irritate his neck. He’d been so moved by the gift; he rarely took it off.

“Um?”

That seemed to break whatever spell was on the guy as he looked up and at Adrien. “It’s pretty, the necklace.”

“Thanks. Um, I’ll see you around.”

Adrien quickly left the aisle, trying to calm his still heavily beating heart. It wasn’t until he was in the taxi heading back home, he realised something. That particular teal green he swore he saw, was the same colour as the eyes in his gift giving feline visitor.

                                               ___________________

Loud chorus of meows followed him as he refilled the many water fountains for the cats. Most of them followed him to the bathroom and wouldn’t stop bothering him to turn the sink on so this was his solution. He was sure they were also hungry. They always were. A knock echoed and Adrien let out a groan. He was sure it was one of his neighbours coming to tell him off for the loud meowing. He quickly opened the door, stopping at the sight of the guy from the pet store. The one with the eyes.

This time he wasn’t mindless staring at him. He looked embarrassed.

“Hi, um, do you think you could help me? I locked myself out of my apartment. I live across the hall.”

So, this was the elusive neighbour he had. He met all his other neighbours, who all wanted to meet the former model but not this one.

“Do you need me to call the landlord?”

“Could you? I only planned to be out for five minutes, so I left my phone.”

“Sure. Um, why don’t you come in?”

His first sign something was up was the fact that the cats didn’t all scatter to their favourite hiding places when a new person came in. instead, they all gathered at his feet. He took no time leaning down and petting as many as possible.

“Weird, they love you. Usually they all run away.”

“Guess I’m lucky. I’m Luka by the way. Adrien, right? Sorry about startling you at the store.”

“Oh, that’s ok. Um, I’ll go call the landlord.”

His next clue something was up was when Luka quickly found the snacks. His cats were smart, with enough effort, they’d be able to get treats all the time. Adrien had them hidden in a tin in his pantry, yet Luka knew exactly where to look.

“Landlord said he’d be right up. How did you find those?”

“Oh, they kept pawing at the door. Is it ok?”

“Sure, that’s fine.”

His next clue was when one of the cats, Mikki, went missing when it was time for Adrien to cut her nails. Luka eyed the clipper distrustfully and seemed to inch his way to where his keyboard was leaning against the wall. It wasn’t until the landlord arrived and Luka had to go, he found Mikki hiding behind his keyboard. Either he had a stalker or Luka was more intuitive to cats than he was.

Later that night, his usual visitor came by, a new gem in their mouth. A blue tigers eye. The blue and black of the gem reminded him of Luka.

“I swear his eyes were the same as yours, just for a moment. Impossible I know, but still.” The cat just seemed to have a Cheshire like smile on their face.

What really and truly tipped him off was when he had a dinner with his father. It was part of their deal for Adrien moving out, dinner with him every Friday. He hated it. He’d spend the day cuddling any cat that came by, hoping something would happen so he wouldn’t have to go. He’d actually spent the day cuddling his usual visitor, loudly complaining how he didn’t want to go to dinner with his father and how none of his friends were free that night but he even though he told them not to cancel their plans to help him, he just wanted someone there to distract him. The cat disappeared, leaving a kunzite crystal and minutes later, Luka knocked on the door.

“Hi?”

“Hey, um, I was passing by your door and I happened to hear you complaining about dinner with your dad and I wanted to offer some help, as a thanks for helping me?”

Thing was, Adrien had been doing most of his complaining in his room. He didn’t know if it was his overactive imagination that cause him to think that, but the only thing he could think of was, was his usual visitor and Luka connect? Was Luka a werecat?

Common sense should have told him to say no, slam the door closed and never interact with him again. But Adrien didn’t usually lead with common sense. It was what got him all the cats in his apartment.

“Sure. We’re having salmon tonight according to Nathalie. That ok?”

“Sounds perfect to me.”

[c-atm]

Bittersweet meeting 10

“Now that hit the spot, Yeah?”

With a satisfied stretch, Lapis walked out of Fish Stew Pizza, with Steven following behind her.

“Fish stew always do.”

“Guess you would know, huh?” She gave him a smirk from over her shoulder.

“Ey,” he shrugs, “it’s why I got pull here.”

“Oh I forgot, you’re the ‘biggest dog’ in the parlor, right?” She turned around fully walking backward with a grin.

“Damn right,” he chuckled, shaking his hand as he pressed his thumb and middle finger together. His voice taking on a mock version of Vito Corleone “You just had a solo supper with the capo of crust, the don of the sauce, the pizza kingpin of the tri-state. Show the proper patronage and respect.”

“Excuse me, capo.” She took a knee and took his hand in hers,  “Allow me to kiss the ring in reverence.“  Playing along giving him an air kiss on his ring finger, getting a satisfied grunt.

"You're a good egg, Lazuli. I will remember to show you favor, when the time comes."

"Gracias Capo."

A second pass before, The two teens broke character and dissolved into snickers. Steven pulled the bluenette up to her feet close to him, giving her a grin; unaware of her heated and shy smile. He attempted to take his hand back only to find Lapis's grip slightly strengthened, keeping it in hers as she stood beside him.

"Hmm, what’s this about?" Steven arched his left brow with a curious smirk.

"You said you'll show me favor, I'm cashing in." She said in low as she took hold of his arm.

Steven chuckled, hiding his slight discomfort. "Naw, I won't penalize you for this lappy. Besides it's supposed to be a 'date' right? It's no problem." He put his hands in his pocket as they began to walk, unaware of Lapis's slight frown at the teasing tone of the word date .

"So, I still got a favor then."

"That's the long and short of it." Steven jest not minding the slight leaning upon his arm.

"Then can you be totally honest with me, until you drop me off?"

Steven looked down at the blue haired swimmer in inquisition. "Yeah, sure laps. Not that I haven't been."

"You ducked and dodged a bit." She retorted. "Hey, you know Budwick park is on the way. Let's stop there for a bit."

"Trying to get me alone, scandalous."

"Well. If it does turn to a scandal, it'll be worth it." Lapis looked at him with a slight adoring smile, before turning the western corner and making a left into the park's shadowy entrance.

Despite it being November, there was still some greenery to be held from the pine trees arching over the path of gravel beneath their feet. A bit of flora was still present as well along with some dead park lights. It wasn't long before they got to Lapis's destination.

A starless moonlight pond surrounded by  dim circular street lights that sat on poles of emerald colored marble and an azure ceramic fence serving as a barrier. Its four layer ivory tower spilled water into the water body below from each floor. The flashing glows of fireflies gave the area a tone of private serenity, and aura of romanticism.

"Come on, there's a free bench."  

Steven allowed himself to be pulled by the freckled girl to a green bench a few feet away. She sat down first in a slouch before stretching a bit with a grunt.

“ugh..Are you gonna join me, or are you gonna let me freeze by myself?” She patted the spot next to her, looking at him with slight anticipation.

“Freeze? It’s not that cold of a night.” He sat down with a smirk leaning back. “Then again, i’m not wearing…” he looked down and his eyes widened in shock.

“Ah! You noticed.” She taunted with a smile at his face, as she wiggled her toes.

“How the hell didn’t I realize you changed shoes!?” He yelped as he at the aqua boot flats on her feet instead of the sandals he saw her in earlier

“Cause you don’t pay attention when something else is on your mind.” She knocked his shoulder lightly, before sitting back. “Willing to bet another favor you don't even realize I'm shorter than I was in my sandals.”

Steven looked her up and down before rubbing his eyes in embarrassment. “Oh fuck, you are.” He groaned in defeat.

“Hah. Another favor!” Lapis chuckled as she sat back on the bench with a smug look.

“How the hell didn’t I notice? You’re literally three inches more compact.”He rubbed his temple in annoyance.

“Three inches more compact…” she spoke the words testing them and grimaced a bit. “You have a strange way of saying shorter, Universe.”

“Oh quiet, I’ll have you know, people think my terms are charming.” he retorted his nose  up in the air.

“Your family don’t count.” Lapis countered.

“Tsch! I see you taking pop shots.”Steven nodded as he clicked his tongue, his right hand on his left wrist as both forearms rested on his lap “Girls think it’s cute..

“Girls, huh? I guess I gotta set them straight. Obliviously, they need help.” Lapis giggled as she relaxed into her seat. She lowered her eyelids, glancing at Steven from behind them. Feeling her heart skip as his relaxed slouched form. She looked at his calm collected face as he stared forward to the pond, a pleased smirk on his face.  

‘ He really is so cool.’ she thought as she observed him rotate his shoulders before glancing towards her with from his right peripheral

“This was a fun night.” He admitted as he sat back. “ Thanks Laps.”

“It’s no problem.” her voice got a little lower as she continued. “ I’ve been wanting to do this with you for awhile.”

“What hangout? He breathed out a snort. “ We always hang together.”

“First, you haven't been hangin’ with any of us out of school for a few weeks,” She raised her hand to stop his explanation, “second, we always hangout within a group.”  She placed her hand down. “Sure, we have small one on ones when the group’s around, but we haven’t hung solo in a while, buddy.”

Steven rubbed his chin in thought. “I think you’re right.”  he scratched his head “Sorry Lappie, Oh man… When was the last time we had a time like this?”

“Think it was a few months ago, when you had that art project in Mr. Sam class.”

“Yeah!” Steven pointed at the swimmer with a look of realization on his face. “ I remember that. I had to come up with an original piece…” He shook his head, a tired smile on his face “that was a long night."

"So much wasted canvas and watercolor paint. The art room was a mess." She shook her head with a laugh. "Still can't believe you were considering body art to submit."

Steven scoffed. "Would have been an easy A, if I had a willing model."

She laughed at the accusatory tone. "Only professional or at least A+ students get to paint on this." She signaled to herself.

"Hmph,He teased, turning up his nose in a playful pout. " I did get an A+"

"That's true." Lapis tapped her index finger on her cheek while holding her head to the side. "Guess you made criteria make me splash art."

"The others would have agreed to it, criteria free.."  

"I'm sure they would have." She poked his cheek in jest. "It would give them time alone with you."

"Is my time really that precious?" He joked

"You're the only boy in a group of girls, so it's a status thing."

"Wow, that doesn't sound harem-like at all." Steven laughed as she rolled her eyes.

"Pbbt! Don't flatter yourself. " She smirked before leaning back on the bench…"But honestly, I could be projecting a bit."

Steven took notice at how sincere and steady her tone was. "Hmm?" He could feel that weight on his heart again. That uncomfortable, time bomb.

"About spending time alone with you." Lapis grace an embarrassed smile. "I do find it...Nice, not to share you for the time being." She turned away "To have your attention squarely on me and not on her." She spoke in a low, slightly bitter voice. It kind of surprised her.

"Lapis?"

"Ah..Don't mind me." Lapis reassured, his concerned voice throwing her for a loop. She breathed out and folded her hands together on her lap as the two fell into silence.

"We could do this again, right?"

Steven looked at her, quizzically  for a moment " Why would you ask that?" He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. " The answer's obviously yes, Laps."

Lapis looked at him with a slightly flushed face. "You're not just saying that. You mean it, right?"

"Well now, I'm a bit insulted."Steven arched a joking brow. "I meant it when I said it was a fun night. Not to mention I have to be honest with you til' you get home. Don's favor and all."

She smiled hopefully at him and his words. "Right…So this can definitely happen again. These solo hangouts."

"Yeah?" Steven snickered as he watched her excitement. "You're definitely jazzed about the idea.. It's not like it was impossible before this."

"Yes..it was. At least it looked that way to me."

'Oh..no.' Steven thought as she looked at him, her blue eyes determined, her lips in a line as her thumbs twirled around each other. All giving him the feeling of something he would regret.

"What'd you mean, Lappie? I was always  open to hangout...Last couple of weeks notwithstanding." He said in a strained voice.

"Sure you were...With Connie."

Steven stiffened on reflex at the accusatory pitch. "Hey now..What do N-

"Remember your favor."

Steven was silenced at her statement.

"Remember, complete honesty." She reminded him.

'Looks like we're getting to the heart of the matter.' Steven thought as he gave her a light-hearted smirk. "So, you're gonna grill me, Lappie. That's why you got me all alone."

"Partially." She gave him a scared grin " Truthfully, I just wanted more of your time and attention to myself...Like I said it's a nice feeling not having to share it." Her voice took on a slightly darker tone. "I bet Connie feels the same way."

"I thought Connie was a banned subject for the night."

"Never said that, not that it mattered." she sighed. "She's been in your head all night. Probably sitting pretty on your brain as we speak, right?"

Steven rubbed his nape and looked away. "Not...All night...I was focus on our hang-"

"Date."

Steven looked towards Lapis, who glared slightly at him.

"Date..This is a date."

Steven gulped at the finality of her voice." Granted..a platonic one."

"Does it have to be?"

The amount of hope in that one sentence  crushed his heart. He felt bile run through him as he looked at one of his dearest friends.  'Oh Lapis..I'm sorry ..'

"it's..selfish of me to ask you that," she looked down at her hands. "but in a way..So was this whole night."

"Lapis.."

"Please." Lapis interrupted. "Let me get this out." She smiled gently when he nodded. " So remember when I said there was a third reason why I never approached you? Well I thought you were already with Connie then. Or at least you had feelings for her. So I let those feelings go, once we got to high school." She rubbed the back of her head. "I mean, it was just a matter of time til' you two started dating, right? The way you carried on and such. It seemed like it was the best thing to do," she sighed.."or at least I tried to, but It's hard when your crush is one of your best friends and someone you look up to as well, you know."

Steven nodded, his mind going back to his past crush on Stevonnie.

"So. I just chose to watch from afar, wait into the inevitable like everyone else..and then let these feelings go."  She chuckled. "Little did I know I would fall even more the longer, I waited. The more I watched you and her."

"Why'd you never say anything before, Lapis?"

"Why..I?..." She released a broken chuckle. "How could I?..When the more I watched and fell for you..I witnessed you falling for her." She chuckled darkly " And why wouldn't you? Hard working, friendly, super smart, beautiful, modest...She's the jackpot, and it looked like it was mutual attraction."  Lapis sighed " How was I supposed to compete with that?"

"You're a jackpot yourself, Lapis'' He answered with a smile before sighing, "Besides you turned out to be wrong." He answered a bit bitterly. "She's got a boyfriend."

Lapis glanced at him with a smirk growing on her features. "True enough..It's part of the reason why I asked you out tonight." Lapis' face gained a bit of heat as she looked at him."Seeing how you downtrodden you looked at the party.. Wanted to make you smile, but also I saw it as a chance to show you how much I love you." She paused looking at his blushing face. A bit worried at his answer.

"..Steven..Answer me honestly, have you ever thought of me as a possible partner?"

"I …Honestly." He breathed in. "Yes. I have." His voice was steeled by truth. " You're smart, creative, humorously snarky, loyal, fun, and crazily attractive. I feel I can easily talk to you about anything. "

"You can Steven!"  She held his hands as her face glowed in excitement. " Talk or do anything, at all."

His heart broke completely at the hidden desperation in her tone. "Lapis. I love you. There's no denying that."  He looked down, unable to look her in those blue eyes. The feel on her trembling hands were more than enough.

"Why are you saying it like that? Please don't say it like that."

Her broken voice killed him. "I'm sorry Lapp-

"No...No nicknames or pet-names," She sniffed, "Not when you're rejecting me. "

"Sorry Lapis...You're right." He looked up   at her. "Lapis.. I love you..but it's not romantic"

"Is it because I'm not as good as her?". The desperation was at the forefront this time, accompanied by tears. "Not as good as Connie?"

"Damn it Lapis, you're better than that." He growled "You got so much to offer, don't lower yourself like that."

"It's true though, isn't it."  Lapis countered

"No! Lapis it has nothing to do with Connie.. She's not all that great, anyway Steven offered. "She drools and at times, snore when she sleeps..Which she needs to be put on schedule for that. She cheats at fighting games. She's one of the worst people to have to wake up-"

"Don't patronize me, Steven...Everyone can see how you feel about her." Lapis spit out. "Even now, you're bragging about her.

"She..she's my best friend Lapis..I see her as my best friend"

"Just best friends…" She ball her hands into fist. " You're lying...You promised not to lie until we part."

"I..It's the truth. " He snarled. "She's just my best friend. No matter what. No matter how I feel."

"And how do you feel?"

Steven glared.." Truthfully, betrayed.  Like it should've been me with her tonight but I missed my chance.. "

"That's not the feeling one has for just a best friend."

"Doesn't matter at the moment."

"Then why not give me a chance." She moved to sit on his lap facing him. Placing his hands on her waist before her arms around his shoulders.Her blue eyes meeting his browns, her hopeful gaze meeting his hurt and longing one.

"Lapis...I."

"It hurts." She whispered, “To be in love with someone that you deem so amazing and yet you can't have...Especially when you know they care for you so much but in a different way." She kissed his right cheek gently. "I know, I've gone through it, but you don't have to…"  She kissed the left just as gently. "Even if it's just a little while. Even if to ease off the heartbreak. Give me the chance to love you, like you love her."

He could've moved her off him easily, lifted her up without fail, but he didn't. He was aching for affection, the thought of Connie at her party, Lapis's revelations and  Steven's own bubbling feelings for the former had him in a spell of neediness.

He closed his eyes and parted his lips. He felt her cold palms on his cheeks, and felt her breath on his lips as she got closer..It was heart pounding…He could feel Lapis getting closer and he tightened in preparation.

'Just a bit of ease from this heartbreak..it's not like anyone would know.. Not like I'm hurting someone.' He thought..

Before the image of Connie in his jacket, dancing on the street listening to music on the player he got for her through the biscuit and  strawberry earbuds. The vision turned around and gave him the smile he been missing for the last weeks

'Steven..’

It was a reflex, like being burned by a heated stove..The way he moved from Lapis’s lips.

“R-really?”

Steven bit his lip in shame before looking at her. The face of dejection and pain on her beautiful features...The tears that began to run freely staining her face..He hated it. Hated that he put her through this. “I love you laps...I love you so much… “

“No,you don’t.. “ She sobbed and shook her head.. “You love her..not me..” .

He held her close, protectively “ I do..I love you both..You’re both irreplaceable to me.”

“But she has your heart, right? Why….She hurt you..”  She trembled as she latched on to his clothes desperate for any of his affection.

“She..She didn’t.” It was a hard truth for him. Connie having a partner that wasn’t him. It was a hard weight. “She didn’t hurt me..I did that, my heartbreak was caused by me and not realizing what I want, until it’s too late.”

“I can be her for you.” She muffled into his tear stained clothes.”

“Lapis.” He gave her a gentle kiss on her head,a familiar one. “I would never want that. I love you as you.”

“But you want to be with her. You chose her over me.”

It hurt him to hear the urgency in her voice. He held her closer. As a few of his own tears fell. “I”m sorry, Lapis, I can’t give you what you want.”

“Please..as my second favor..” she pleaded into his chest balling her fist into his sweater  “Please choose me and not her!”. Even for a moment. Even as a lie….Please.“

“I love you Lapis, always will...But I don’t love you in the same way I love Connie.”

She broke down again as her breathing became haggard, her sobs slightly choking as she began shivering in his arms, her head completely down, her tears raining into his lap.

“I hate you. I hate Connie..I hate me.. I hate this. ..I hate us.”  

Steven could only hold the heartbroken bluenette as she cried. Repeating how much she hated the three of them and this situation, begging for her forgiveness.

[iamoncewas]

The Master of Masters

The Re:Mind trailer convinced me that there IS an alternate scenario after Riku's sacrifice that went differently than the one we saw. Props to Sleeping Realm for calling that one right on the friggin dot, btw. Bravo. (Update: Nomura said the scenes from the trailer are in fact part of the main story)

I believe it'll end with Riku's true death, and that ties in with my Master of Masters theory.

The Master watches Master Xehanort with the Gazing Eye at the tip of No Name. Of all the keyblades that hold Gazing Eyes, Vanitas's Void Gear is the only one that contains two located in the shaft.

If one eye sees, the Master would still need the other eye to see what it was seeing. Even though he implies that it's literally his eye when he gives No Name to Luxu, it's not really, it's just one of the eyes from his keyblade.

Also on that topic, there is a shot of Sora in the KH3 intro I find super duper weird.

The pupil in Soras left eye is a slit for a moment, like the Gazing Eye. It's just an illusion as a result of reflected light in his eye, but you can bet its intentional.

The Master's study is also full of gears, which seems like it might be too obvious but hey, there it is.

The Unversed symbol is similar to that of the Dream Eaters, and I think ties into my belief that Riku made Sora's heart. He saw it, and it then "became real", so therefore Vanitas's heart contains Sora's darkness and Riku's darkness also. Which is why it's divided in three. The Master created the Chirithy. Sora and Riku created Spirits in DDD. Riku became a Dream Eater himself through his sheer desire to protect Sora.

Interesting side note: Unversed - not experienced, skilled in, or knowledgeable about.

The only Keyblade Sora has ever been able to wield that holds a Gazing Eye is End of Pain. Both he and Riku can wield it in DDD.

You can bet your butthole End of Pain represents Vanitas. All he wants, his sole driving purpose, is to end his existence of pain. This keyblade is a clue to Vanitas's redemption, and it lies with Sora and Riku. But Sora has to accept Vanitas for what he is. Darkness. It's shown in the Keyblade Graveyard that Sora doesnt understand this yet, since he tries to convince Vanitas to stand with the light. And while Ventus accepts Vanitas's choice, Sora does not. This is something Riku understands though, he figured it out in DDD before he fought Ansem (the personification of Riku's heart's darkness, just as Vanitas is the personification of Sora's): "I know the way. Consume the darkness, return it to light." This is the purpose Sora was born for, to take the darkness within himself, and accept it into his compassionate heart. This is how he will stop darkness from consuming the worlds, and is really the only way, for darkness will always exist in the hearts of people. Riku is now immune to darkness from accepting Ansem's darkness as a part of his heart, and it's his destiny to be Sora's guardian. This is the origin of his instinctive desire to protect Sora, that has been with him since he was a child, his desire "to protect what matters." He made Sora after all. And if Kairi's precious heart of pure light is safe within Sora's heart in the ending like I think it is, Riku is protecting her also. How strange it would just work out that way.

It's not like Vanitas died here. His replica body was destroyed, yes. But his heart, I assume, went back to the darkness. And if Sora was dragged down to the darkest abyss, like YMX warned him, and that's where he is in the secret ending, Vanitas will be there, right beside him.

In Kairi's grandmothers story, its stated that one day, a door to the innermost darkness will open, and the true light will return. Mickey tells Sora in his first dive to the heart that he is the one that will open the door. As he gets closer to Riku, he gets closer to Vanitas, but this is how it must be, its Sora's destiny to reunite with him. This is what the last passage of Destati is referring to.

Eh? What? You do not want it!?

Still it belongs to you

What you have lost

Will become one!

The story also states the the return of the true light will connect all the worlds once again.

When Ansem the Wise talks to Riku about the many hearts connected to Sora's in DDD, he says:

"They can be saved." But only if Sora follows his heart.

I think Anti Black Coat was a Nightmare of Vanitas before his face changed, and could even have been the Master himself, pushing Riku to become stronger. The Armored Ventus Nightmare was Ventus's keyblade armor possessed not just by any darkness, but by Vanitas.

So after Riku's true death, Sora's grief and rage allow darkness to enter his heart, and he and Vanitas become one. Sora becomes the being he was meant to be, his heart finally complete, having regained its darkness that had entered Vanitas before Sora was born. The light in his heart however, dies with Riku, since it was his light. This is the origin of Rage Form, and the meaning behind the segment of the final battle when Xehanort steals Sora's light, forcing him into Rage Form, and he must attack him to regain it.

Uniting with Sora does not end Vanitas's pain, because he can feel Sora's immense pain from losing Riku. His heart is still pure darkness. Sora-Vanitas realizes he screwed up royally, and hatches a crazy elaborate plan to fix it. He travels back in time to the Age of Fairy Tales. He's able to do so because a past version of himself exists there: Ventus. He then sets his plan in motion and vanishes, I think, to the Realm of Darkness, for a century (or however long the timeframe is between Union X and when Xehanort was given No Name). When the Master told his apprentices he would "vanish" from the world, it's the same thing that happened to Sora at the end of KH3. He just vanished.

I assume this is where the Coda becomes relevant, jumping through the timeline through dreams and darkness, sleep and death, like how the Coda tells one to skip ahead to the ending of a piece of music, and can be very complex. The time travel rules of KH state that once you arrive in the past, you have to wait for time to pass naturally, so this shouldn't be possible. Time doesn't seem to work the same way in dreams however, and it definitely doesn't work the same way in the Realm of Darkness. Scala Ad Caelum is also most likely a huge part of this, since Xehanort said it was the nexus of all worlds, a place where all of his selves through time could be one. It's name translates to Stairway to Heaven, and Sora's name means not only 'sky', but also 'heaven'. Differing from Ventus, which means 'wind'.

"There is one sky, one destiny."

"They say all the worlds are connected by one great big sky."

He writes the Book of Prophecies based on what he already experienced in his past, but tells Luxu it was because he succeeded in his role. He does this to give Luxu confidence in himself for a seemingly impossible task, and apparently it worked. Luxu passing the No Name to Xehanort was still vital however, because it allows the Master to see what he wasnt previously aware of. He can now see Xehanort's moves, and make counter moves. Like a game of chess. "The game's not over until it's over."

Also, when he wrote the final passage, when he said that the light would expire, he was literally talking about Riku. "All for one and one for all."

By the time the Epilogue happens, when Luxu is talking with the Foretellers, he definitely knows that Sora is their Master as a teenager. And he's seen the results of Sora and Riku's bond for himself. They changed the future through their love for each other, which should be impossible. You cannot change events that have already happened. But they did. He's figured out his Master's mysterious intentions. When they are revived after Riku's sacrifice Xigbar even says "Gotta make sure you're not blundering your way toward a second failure." He's not talking about the failure we had just witnessed. It's disguised as a taunt, but it's really a playful jab directed at Sora, his silly, beloved Master.

So it's hilarious that Sora tells Xigbar he's not worthy to wield a keyblade, when Sora himself was the one who bequeathed him.

This is what Xigbar was talking about in Olympus in 2.9. "Accept the power you're given. Find the hearts joined to yours.""At the end you'll finally realize what destiny has in store for you. In fact, your reward might be right around the corner" he's referring to Vanitas, who holds the missing piece of Sora's heart, and Riku (his reward), and their destiny to protect the worlds, side by side. Together, not even death stops them anymore now that Sora has "awakened" to the truth. Their hearts are fundamentally connected and they are the KH equivalent of "Soul Mates". This is the origin of and meaning behind the combined keyblade (I believe the CK's name is Dearly Beloved, since I think this entire series has been about Sora and Riku from the get go, and dearly beloved really just means "very important person", just how Riku referred to Sora in 2.9 in the original dialogue.)

The Master's favourite phrase, "May your heart be your guiding key", comes from Sora hearing Yen Sid say it, and he adopted it as his motto, his Ninja Way lol.

When Ventus finally sees Sora's face and realizes he's Vanitas's twin, he says "I get it. You were my second chance." Ventus also gave Sora a second chance, a chance to fix his mistake by allowing him to go back in time that far in the first place. And Sora will end up being Vanitas's second chance as well.

The traitor mentioned in the Lost Page is the Master himself. Xemnas tells Sora in DDD "As your flesh bears the sigil, so your name shall be known as that... of a recusant." He oddly says Soras FLESH bears the sigil, even though it's merely emblazoned on his shirt. Gula deduced in Back Cover that whomever strays from their role must be the traitor. Sora is the traitor. He strayed from his role, because he failed to protect Riku like Aqua told him to. "You make sure to stay with him, and keep him safe. That's your job Sora."

He let the light die.

Originally, Sora lost Riku. After Kairi is "killed", Sora asks "Why her!? WHY!?" Because it HAD to be her. It's the only way Riku, and therefore everyone else, including Kairi, could live.

This is the meaning of the name Re:Mind. Sora remembering how important Riku is to him, and to everyone else through Sora's many connections. (Update: Nomura said in the interview the meanings are reminder, reconfirmation, and heart’s regeneration)

The Black Box contains the Master's heart, Sora's completed heart, but its light has been killed. In one of the Secret Reports, Ienzo writes that the hearts within Sora's are each contained within their own "boxes", and this is mentioned intentionally.

He intends to give the Black Box to Riku, so his light can heal his heart. He's been waiting for countless years to save Riku's life, and literally give him his heart. This is the end of pain.

So romantic I'm gonna die.

You are the key that connects -- everything --

[langdvnshepherd]

Can you do a fic about what happened when Duncan and y/n’s first child was born?

Word Count: 1k

A/N: I’ve got two headcanon posts and a few blurbs/drabbles about Duncan as a dad, but here’s a cute little glimpse into the first few days of Duncan being a parent! Credit to the gif owner.

You had only been home from the hospital for three days, yet it felt like a century. In the 72 hours you’d spent so far back at home, you’d probably only slept for about four, as newborns are in constant need of attention. Duncan had been right by your side throughout everything and even now, but he could only do so much to take the burden off of your shoulders. Everyone knows that newborns need their mothers the most.

Duncan had banished you from your baby duties, forcing you to take some time for yourself. Whether it was a nap, a meal, a bath, he wanted you to care for yourself. He saw it in the way your eyes looked down at your daughter with newfound love but rested atop deep, dark circles. You were exhausted, and she wasn’t even one week old. 

You opted for a shower first, seeing as you’d been too preoccupied with dirty diapers and navigating the nightmare that was breastfeeding to even consider washing your hair in the last few days. The warm water melted into your skin, erasing any remnants of baby barf that had seeped through your t-shirt and onto your skin. 

With your hair now thoroughly rinsed and your body now wafting a subtle lavender scent wherever you walked, you made your way to bed. You’d assumed that you’d fall unconscious the second your head hit the soft, feathery down of your pillow, but you were wrong.

All that flashed through your mind as you tossed and turned about the mattress was what Duncan and your daughter were up to downstairs. Surely not much, but you couldn’t help but feel like you were missing out on precious time with the one you’ve both been waiting to meet for nine long months. You could hear Duncan’s deep, soothing voice carried through the bedroom door, babbling away to your newborn, saying only God knows what. So, mustering up the energy to crawl out of bed and down the stairs, you made your way to the living room.

Duncan lounged on the plush, ash grey couch with your daughter nestled closely to his bare chest. He looked perfect, like fatherhood came naturally to him. He had swaddled her tightly in a thin, muslin blanket, one that Duncan himself had picked out to match the colors of her nursery. The tops of her fingers peeked over the top of the material just slightly, and Duncan took advantage of that by slipping his index finger into the palm of her hand so that her own tiny fingers would reflexively shut around his. She was sleeping peacefully, her chubby, flushed cheeks smushed against Duncan’s peck.

As you approached the two people you loved most in the world, it became clearer what Duncan was saying. He was rambling incessantly to your daughter about his family, sternly stating that she needed to stay away from his uncle because he’s a “conceited asshole,” and, “Your mom won’t agree with me, but your grandma Annette’s pretty terrible too.” Duncan looked pretty worn out as well. His hair that he took great pride in upkeeping was looking rather limp, and the bags under his eyes were comparable to your own. He had that same look on his face that you knew you always did: exhausted, but desperate to soak up every moment you had with your precious girl.

“Hey, mama,” Duncan spoke up, breaking you from your daze of staring at the two of them looking so relaxed on the sofa.

He’d called you that a number of times in the last few days, but it still brought heat to your cheeks each time he used called you by your new nickname.

You grinned back at him from where you were leaning against the door frame. “There any room for me over there?”

“Always,” Duncan answered, straightening his posture so that you could wiggle your way into the space between him and the arm of the couch.

He kept his hands wrapped securely around your daughter, making sure she was unstirred by the commotion. You morphed your body into the opening of the couch, finding yourself tucked under Duncan’s shoulder and pressed against his middle. Duncan removed one of his arms from the baby’s back to hold you tight against him, relishing how comforting it was to have both of the loves of his life in his grasp.

“How was your shower?”

“Good. It’s nice to not smell like puke for once.”

Duncan chuckled, pressing a kiss to the damp hair that covered your temple.

“You didn’t want to lie down for a bit? Get some rest?”

You shrugged your shoulders. “Couldn’t sleep.”

“Oh yeah?” he asked, “Bet I can fix that.”

Duncan pulled you even closer to him, forcing you to succumb to the warmth that radiated off of his chest. No wonder your baby was sleeping so soundly. The man was practically a space heater.

The three of you sat there for a while. Not moving, not talking. Just breathing. Being. You both knew it’d be a long while before the house was this quiet again, but it wasn’t that you minded. Duncan had been begging you for a baby, and when you finally settled down with your career and your hectic life slowed down, you were more than happy to oblige. Just the thought of Duncan coddling a chubby baby with the same aqua blue eyes and golden blonde curls as his made you swoon. Little did you know, the reality was far better than you’d ever imagined.

“She looks just like you, Dunc.”

It was you that broke the silence this time as the tips of your fingers went to stroke your newborn’s back absentmindedly.

“Poor thing,” Duncan joked, giving her a gentle pat on the bum.

You began to feel sleepy now. Your vision drifted in and out, being soothed by circles Duncan was rubbing against your shoulder with his thumb. The tiny grunts and coos that left your daughter’s chest only added to the somniferous atmosphere that had you teetering on the edge of consciousness.

“We did a good job, though. Didn’t we?” Duncan continued, briefly pulling you from your drowsy state.

“We certainly did,” you muffled into his chest, taking one last glance at the bundle of life in Duncan’s arm that you created together before finally drifting off. 

[kamimuse]

Seeking answers

Hisao had been in the trade capital for three days now, hunting for answers. Thankfully he hadn’t been alone in his search. Neugdae, who had disappeared months ago had returned just before the priest had left Eorzea for the east. He’d been against bringing the younger man along on his trip, but the young assassin wouldn’t be denied, and had decided to stow away on the ship regardless of the hingan’s protests. When Neugdae was revealed to have followed him all the way to the foreign trade country, the priest eventually gave in and allowed the miqo’te to assist in his search. He had help and he wasn’t going to refuse it this time.

His efforts in Thavnair had not entirely proven fruitless, but the options he’d found to break this blood bond with the others were less than ideal. There had to be something else, something more ceremonial, maybe a bind breaking ritual. His last night in the Shroud before leaving had left the man unable to breathe. He hated this. This had been why he stayed away from people. This had been why he shut himself away from the world. It had been almost two decades since he had felt this much pain and fear. He couldn’t concentrate on his work, and he certainly didn’t want to risk the lives of others when he still had so much left to do. The hearing gift the Raen had was only a small part of the problem, but it certainly added to a growing pile of concerns. Thankfully it made for the best excuse to see this new task done. He couldn’t have others distracted or worrying about him.

Scouring shops, libraries and temples for alternative answers to what he’d found had been in vain. Even his last-ditch effort to look for answers in Alchemy had given him nothing to work with. His former master, from whom he’d learned of blood magics, was gone. He’d seen to that personally. He didn’t dare seek out the guild of underground witches, not after what he had done. A short trip to his master’s former home had been unwise, but it was the only place he had left to search that may have answers. Walls along the outside of the burned down estate had given way to secret passages that lead to the underground study that had been left abandoned for years. Some flooding and mildew had claimed the floors of this hidden study, but most of the magical materials and tomes were still intact within. Among the many books the priest picked out to take home with him, it had been a short time of searching before the two had even found what Hisao had been looking for. If not for Neugdae he might have overlooked his master’s most precious Grimoire. It was only after that they had returned to the Inn to compile what they had found, Hisao spent hours pouring his focus over every tome until he’d opened the Grimoire only to find one of the two answers to his query.

There was no doubt someone had noticed his presence in the city when he and Neugdae had been scouring for answers. Not that anyone could do anything about it- he was already boarding a ship with his apprentice and headed for Kugane. He knew someone there who might be able to help at least, someone who specialized in magic involving bonds. He was at least grateful he had sent word to her before he left on his trip, on the off-chance it would come to this- and it had.

The trip to Kugane had not taken as long as the trip to Thavnair from Eorzea. Most of it had been spent sleeping. It had been some time since he’d been back to Hingashi for personal reasons as he usually only came passing through on business related affairs. While this was business related, he still felt it was a very personal affair. He had been in the city for all but maybe an hour, getting off the boat and making his way to the Hostelry for a bite to eat with Neugdae, then sending the younger man on some errands to fetch him some items off a shopping list he would need for the exorcism he would perform back in Eorzea when he eventually did return home. After he’d sent his apprentice off, he finally made his way to the Rakuza district.

Conveniently nestled near the end of the market and around the corner from Kugane’s courtesan district, a shop of interest caught the Raen’s eye.  A hole in the wall magical services shop. Dark double doors, one front window full of plants and what looked like statues of different eastern Deities- all of which looked either like goddesses or feminine depictions of different Kami and spirits. The signage outside of the shop advertised love potions, love spells, infatuation charms, glamour magic, and natural aphrodisiacs.

The priest stood outside the shop with a grim expression, and likely stood there for a minute or two before finally finding the mental strength he would need to deal with what resided inside the snake oil shop.

Stepping inside the small doorway, the priest found everything as he expected it would be. Shelves lined the walls with a variety of different home remedies, alchemical goods, ritual components and edible items such as supplements and the like- anything you could imagine a shop like this would have was readily available to the public for those who wished to enhance their vitality in the affairs of love making. Hell, there was even fertility tools for those wishing to start a new family. It was exactly the kind of business practices the priest refused to offer. The man would not have been here had he not been desperate.

Moving his way to the front counter, Hisao noticed no one was around even though the sign out front said it was open. Curiously the older man looked back to the entrance and saw the enchanted bell above the door had not been tripped. Walking back over to inspect the bell’s enchantment, he frowned when he realized it had been deactivated. Just as he was starting to suspect foul play, the sound of light thumping could be heard from the back room behind the counter. Thump. Thump. Thump. Heavy breathing between two parties and then a soft gasp.

The Raen’s eyes slipped shut as his irritation began to build upon realization of what he was hearing. Of course. He did not expect anything less. Striding back over to the front counter the Raen slammed his hand down on the service bell next to a little basket of “infatuation bath soaps”, to which he genuinely sneered at. The sound of brief hingan cursing was passed from a feminine voice, and soon there was shuffling of clothing and as though someone was hastily getting dressed. A moment later a young hingan man stepped out from behind the back room, passing through beaded curtains. He was hastily tying his Yukata closed and pulling his pants up and fastening a belt, his face bright from embarrassment and likely afterglow. He didn’t bother making eye contact with the priest standing at the counter, likely out of shame- Nope. He quickly made a quick escape through the front door as soon he could, but did not leave until after a young and pretty hingan Raen woman stepped out from behind the curtains, her own yukata tied loosely around the waist, slipping off to one side to bare a lovely pale shoulder. “I’ll see you next week.” The woman said with a playful wink, earning herself a bashful smile from the young man before he disappeared out the doors with a bounce to his step.

Hisao’s brows narrowed at the young woman as he inhaled a deep breath. Kami help him. He cleared his throat to get the woman’s attention, her pale sea foam green eyes eventually shifting over to the dark-haired au ra, a slender hand reaching up to comb through her own dyed purple and aqua colored hair. The woman flashed Hisao a wicked smile finally as she wiggled her painted nails at him, striding confidently around behind the counter as she leaned across it, pushing up on her tip toes to make herself a little taller as her tail playfully swayed behind her.

“Welcome home brother.” She teased. “It’s rare I see you coming into my shop. Are you here for a divination reading on your future love life? Maybe an infatuation incantation or a love potion by chance?”

“Yui, a pleasure as always.” He said flatly, turning and moving to the front of the shop and flipping the open sign to ‘closed’ and then promptly locked the door behind him, earning a slight annoyed scowl from the younger Raen.

She’d recognized this behavior and it meant he had to talk about something serious. He rarely came home for anything other than business, so that’s likely what it was related to. Deciding she would need to be buzzed for this, the woman reached under the counter to produce a pipe and some of her own personal moko stash and began working away at stuffing the pipe as she spoke towards her older brother.

“Pleasure? Yes, that’s what I specialize in, but I doubt that’s what you came here for. You must be working on some odd case to have come all the way here. I doubt this is family related- unless Setsuna sent for you.”

“What’s wrong with Setsuna?” He asked, casually striding over as they regarded one of their many siblings.

“Mm. She’s getting married next spring. She’s been in the market for a priest, and thought you should have the honor, but Yoko was against it.”

“Typical.” Hisao muttered quietly. “Unfortunately, I don’t do weddings- even for family.”

The priest crossed his arms over his chest, his gold eyes peering around the shop in thought, pondering how long had it been since he’d been here? Likely since it first opened some time ago, and the younger woman had owned the shop for many years now.

The small femme raen lit the end of her long-stemmed pipe and took a long drag from it. It was a pretty piece- ornamental dark hardwood, all hand carved with what looked like Kirin running across swirling clouds. Tapping her long purple nails across the end of the pipe in thought, she drew it away from her lips and exhaled a slow rolling stream of smoke from her dark purple painted lips. Her makeup was excessive but complementary to her waist length hair and pale gaze.

“Yes, I told her that.” Yui said, eyeing the older au ra a little scrutinizing now.

She could sense something was wrong with him. His aether felt… unnatural. Different somehow. She couldn’t put her finger on it. It was then she noticed the sleepless rings under his eyes and the fatigue that wore him down physically, despite the enhanced braces she knew he wore. Finally, she spit it out.

“Something happened. What did you do?” she asked quietly, her voice low but accusatory all the same.

Hisao’s turned his gaze back to the woman finally and gave her a quiet look.

Then he explained.

   Yui was quiet for several moments in near disbelief after her brother had regaled her with the details that had unfolded for him for the past week or so. She had always known and understood Hisao had practiced the more taboo in terms of his work, so the young woman wasn’t surprised by the priest’s sudden predicament. Setting her pipe down and beginning to pack it away, she started to chuckle.

“What did you think would happen?” She cast him a sly and arrogant look, her tone condescending as if she were scolding a child.

This earned her a frown from the older man as he inhaled a breath, trying to will himself not to be criticized by a lesser mage. He’d already been harassed by Belia about his magics. One woman belittling him was more than enough. Even then, she was probably right. He should have planned for these sorts of consequences- to be fair, he had expected something different. Just not this. Still he remained quiet and trained a focused eye on her as she continued to laugh in his face.

“There was no time, and no other options. I did what I had to.”

“You could have let them just die and be done with it. Wipe your hands clean of- “

“I didn’t ask for your opinion.”

The woman leveled a flat stare at their brother then gestured to the door. Amusement gone from her features as she snapped right back at him.

“If you didn’t come here for my opinion, then why are you here, Hisao?”

That seemed to shut him up. He was seething below the surface, but he did come here for her help after all. She was the only one of his sisters who still talked to him, and it was likely because they were both black sheep in a family of mages. Deviating from the family tradition of walking the path that was chosen for them, rather than what they had wanted. Hisao was still attempting to break from his path as a healer, but when it was your strongest gift, habits die hard. Inhaling another deep breath to settle his nerves, his gaze softened as he peered down at her in a pleading manner.

“I told you in my letter why I went to Thavnair. As you can expect, I could only find two methods for breaking a blood bond.” Hisao explained, his expression falling a little.

“I thought severing the aetheric connection would be enough, but it isn’t. I can either kill those I am bonded to, or I can have my memories of those bonded erased.” Clearly the priest didn’t like either of these options. They were drastic. All those late-night conversations and gentle bonding. Both he had grown incredibly close two.

“There has to be another way.” Hisao’s hope was hinging on his younger sister that she might know other options available to aid in the bond breaking.

The woman looked skeptically at the older man.

“Have you considered just- you know. Living with it? Maybe develop some real relationships? The Kami know you need something positive in your life. It’s not healthy spending your days alone in your garden.”

“I’m not going to subject myself to emotions that are not my own. Much less put anyone else through the same.” Hisao frowned at her. If he wanted to live with it, he wouldn’t have come to see her!

Seeing her older brother’s huffy expression, she rolled her eyes as she brainstormed for a moment. After a moment, she frowned, her long lashes fluttered as she turned to peer up at him with concern. She didn’t like what she was about to offer, but at least it didn’t suck half as bad as the other options he’d found in Thavnair.

“There is a few options. Though only one certain one I can think of off the top of my head that has a guaranteed success rate.” She said simply, drumming her nails on the countertop as she straightened up, pulling the shoulder of her Yukata up and over the bare skin, making herself a little more decent.

“I have a ritual I’ve performed for people who are heart broken. I’m sure it will work in a similar fashion to sever ties of empathy. It’s not irreversible, but it’s very difficult to undo once you’ve completed the ritual. It doesn’t cut the blood-bond to the other person, but it helps.”

Hisao waited with bated breath. Well? What was it? Could she even help? It certainly had to be better than a memory erasure or death. Two absolute extremes. A silence hung between them for several minutes and Hisao finally shrugged at her, upturning a hand as if silently asking her to continue. What was the hesitation?

Finally, she caved and sighed with a more worried look on her features than before.

“Hisao, this method completely cuts out all emotion from your being. This means you would feel nothing going forward. No joy, no anger, no humor, no love- nothing. You won’t feel pain, but you won’t feel relief either.” She explained slowly, her tone lowering as though she were trying to explain the consequences of the spell she was speaking of.

At first Hisao seemed very interested, his eyes widening some as he thought about what she was offering. Something that would remove all distraction from his life, something to let him -focus-. He was already a great mage as it was, but this would give him an advantage to become perhaps one of the most powerful. True it would strip away what made him a person, so it wasn’t ideal in that aspect, but it was better than some of the other alternatives. As he was about to say something, she cut him off, frowning as she recognized the look of contemplation in his gaze.

“Sure, you’ll function like anyone else, and through the bond you will recognize when someone else is experiencing emotions, but you won’t feel them. You won’t know how to process them- you won’t be able to. You’ll never feel fear, and you’ll never feel comfort. Think about this Hisao.” She warned.

The more she explained the more conflict he felt. If he went through with this, the bond wouldn’t be broken, but it would mean he would not endanger or subject himself to distraction for the others. It would stop any conflict in the future, and it would put the priest’s mind at ease. Yet to not feel the joy and love for the earth he so cherished. It was a cruel hand that fate had dealt him. As things stood, he could not continue on the same path. In only a few short days he had been undone. He would need to find another alternative soon if this wasn’t the answer either.

It was then that he closed his eyes, and he could see the empty darkness in his mind’s eye. Floating endlessly with nothing but silence and darkness that stretched on forever. Perhaps it had been a premonition not of just death of the physical body but the unavoidable silencing of his heart. Did he sacrifice his memories or his emotions? He smiled, perhaps a bit bitterly as he lowered his gaze. Dark magics always came with a price after all.

“…You can perform these rituals?”

“I can.”

“Come with me to Eorzea then.”

There was a silence that hung in the air after his request for her to join him back home and she had to consider his offer carefully. Yui didn’t want to be responsible for damaging her very own flesh and blood, but she didn’t want the older Raen to do something reckless either. Finally, she sighed at him and pushed herself away from the counter as she turned to head into the back room, casting a cool glance over her shoulder to the priest who was still reeling in thought.

“I’ll pack my things then.”

[phoenix-downer]

Affection

For SoKai Week Day 1 - Quote Day

Waking up next to Sora was like waking up next to a ball of sunshine and warmth.

Seriously, he was really, really warm in the morning, her very own personal heater. She almost didn’t need the blanket currently tangled around her legs and his.

He was still fast asleep, his chest steadily rising and falling and his face half-buried in his pillow. His spikes poked up every which way, and she played with his hair for a few moments as he snoozed on. A quick glance at the clock on their bedside table told her it wasn’t so early she couldn’t get up and get breakfast started. Pancakes would be good if they still had enough eggs.

As she sat up to do just that, his hand shot out and latched onto hers. She turned and raised her eyebrow as he looked up at her with puppy dog eyes, bright and blue and not at all sleepy.

“You weren’t actually asleep, were you?” she teased as she gripped his hand more tightly, the gentle weight from the ring on her finger a reminder that this, this was real. This was their life now.  

He shook his head, a grin spreading across his face. “Nope. Just enjoying some time with my wife.”

“I take it the mission went well?” she said as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind his ear. “You were so quiet last night I didn’t even hear you come in.”

“You were already asleep. I didn’t wanna wake you.”

She smiled softly. “I told you, didn’t I? Spending time with you is worth losing sleep over.” She bent down and kissed his forehead. “Rest a little longer. I’ll go make breakfast.”

“Stay, please.”

She looked into his eyes, and the look in them sent a pang through her. Ever since he’d come back to life all those years ago, he’d been… different. Haunted by both his ghosts and hers.

“Just a little longer,” he pleaded, his voice softer, lower than usual, and her mind went back to that day all those years ago. That day he’d made it clear he needed more affection, no, needed her affection.

How could she ever forget?

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Sora had changed. His smile was bigger than ever. His laughter was louder than ever. He was alive in a way that he hadn’t been before, his eyes sparkling with energy and affection, perhaps because his brush with death had taught him how precious life was.

Kairi figured she was the same. Her second chance at life had also opened her eyes to how important her friends were. How important her family was. How important he was.

So she hovered. Hovered at the edges as he spent time with their friends. Said hello to everyone who’d thought he’d been lost for good. His welcome home party on the Play Island had people from over two dozen worlds, which had Donald squawking in vain about the world order.

It was easy to feel a little lost. A little excluded. He had so many friends, so many people who had missed him, who were glad to have him back. He was like the glue that held them all together, and it would be selfish to try to keep him all to herself. So she chatted away with Xion and Naminé as the three of them piled their plates high with watermelon and sea-salt ice cream and barbecue. Made small talk with Roxas and Axel as the three of them tossed a frisbee back and forth. Swapped stories with Aqua and Ven over s’mores. Listened to Goofy and Terra recount their latest adventures. Caught up with Hayner, Pence, and Olette with Riku.

It wasn’t till everyone was sprawled out on their sleeping bags beneath the stars that she noticed Sora was missing. His own welcome home party, and he’d managed to give them all the slip. To be fair, most of his guests were now conked out from all the food they’d eaten and running around they’d done, so it wasn’t like he’d really ditched them.

Putting her jacket back on and grabbing a spare blanket, she wove her way among their sleeping friends towards the little waterfall and pool by the entrance to the Secret Place. She had a feeling she knew where he’d snuck off to.

A few moments later, her suspicions were confirmed as she emerged in the little cavern. Sora was kneeling by the paopu drawing, his hand resting over the chalky picture of her.

“Thought I might find you in here,” she said as she draped the blanket over his shoulders.

He rested his hand over hers, and the warmth from his contact spread up her arm and made the damp, chilly cavern more comfortable.

“I wanted to make sure it was still here,” he said, tenderly stroking the drawing with his thumb. “That I hadn’t just… imagined it.” He looked at her, his blue eyes unfathomable. “My memories, Kairi…”

“I know.”

He withdrew his hand from the drawing and glanced at his palm for a moment before balling his fist. “They were taken from me. Payment so I could pay the game.”

“But they’re back now, right?”

He nodded. “Yeah. That was a big relief. When we were separated, I woke up in this strange city. Didn’t know where I was. Hardly even knew who I was. And my heart… my heart was aching. It felt like someone had ripped something important out of it.” His eyes met hers. “Now I know why. You were gone. Taken from me, just like everything else.”

A lump built in her throat as she found his hand and held it. “But not anymore. From now on, we can be together, just like we promised.”

“Like we promised,” he echoed. “Kairi, about the paopu fruit—”

“I haven’t forgotten,” she said. “What I said back then hasn’t changed, either.” She took a deep breath. “Neither have my feelings.”

“Mine have,” he said, and she tilted her head. What did he mean?

“Fighting my way back to you, even when I didn’t know why I was fighting, my heart still knew,” he clarified. “I took you for granted before. It wasn’t until… until I lost you that I realized—”

He trailed off, unable to continue. A sick feeling settled over her stomach at the expression on his face. Her death was still bringing him pain, just like his death still brought her pain.

“It’s okay,” she said as she laced their fingers together, not sure who she was trying to convince.

He shook his head, his spikes going this way and that. “No. It’s not okay, and I’m gonna spend the rest of my life making up for it.”

She hesitated for a moment, carefully weighing her words. “Sora, you’re back. You’re alive. That’s all I care about. Everything else is in the past, okay?”

His eyes found hers. “Yeah.”

Giving his hand one last squeeze, she brushed her skirt off and stood. “Well, I’m gonna try to get some sleep, but—”

He latched onto her hand, and one look at his face was enough to make her stop. Especially when he was the one who twined their fingers together this time.

“Don’t leave,” he said, more plea than command.

“Sora?”

He squeezed his eyes shut, his face contorting in pain. “I can’t— I don’t wanna be alone anymore.”

She knelt next to him again and wrapped her arms around him. “Oh, Sora.”

He hugged her back, the first time since their reunion. His arms were strong and secure, and it felt right to hold him like this, to be held like this. He was solid and real when so many of her nightmares had been about him slipping right through her fingers. And yet she wondered, who was comforting whom here? All of those moments she’d spent missing him, and yet he was the one begging her to stay.

His words from before came back to her. “I feel strong with you,” he’d said, and it hit her. As warm and affectionate as he was, as much as he supported his friends, he needed just as much affection. Needed just as much support. Needed a shoulder to lean on when he had his moments of weakness too.

Hero or not, he was still himself. He was still human.

“You’re safe with me, remember?” she murmured, giving him permission to be weak. Giving him permission to tell her when he needed this. Needed her.

His grip tightened, and she knew she’d said the right thing.

“Kairi, thank you.”

No more words were needed after that.

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Looking into Sora’s eyes again now, she knew what he was really asking, what he really needed right now. Breakfast could wait. This was more important.

“Turn over,” she said softly. His face brightened, then he rolled over so she could scootch up close to him. As much as he liked holding her, he liked being held just as much, evidenced by his deep sigh of contentment as she wrapped her arms around him.

“Jetpack now in position,” she murmured as she planted a kiss on his shoulder. “On standby for snuggling duty.”

The soft laughter that shook his whole chest was the best sound, the best feeling. “You always know just what to do. Thanks, Kairi.”

“Hey, you’re not the only one craving a good cuddle. I missed waking up next to my snuggle buddy. This is just as much for me as it is for you.”

“Good. I like it when you’re selfish.”

“Don’t tempt me,” she teased. “I can be even more selfish…”

“I hope that’s a promise.”

“Oh, it is. Trust me.”

He turned over and kissed her, a big grin on his face, and that was all it took to make everything else fade away. Because this, right here, right now, was all they really needed.

Whatever the future might hold, they could face it, so long as it was together.

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The quote I chose is from the KH2 opening and is sung backwards: “I need more affection than you know.” I thought it suited Sora well, so I decided to see where it took me, and this story was the result. Hope you enjoyed!